The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 38

Jackson stared at the man they took prisoner with a blank look of annoyance. The man couldn't do much as he was unconscious but Arcturus walked up to him and kicked his shin.

"Get a hold of yourself kid." He said. "Seraph will be fine."

"And how would you know?" Jackson sharply asked.

"Cause I've worked with and for the egg head for longer than you've been alive." Arcturus said with an edge in his voice. "I know how the doc can get."

"Your way of trying to comfort me isn't helping much." Jackson sighed.

"Who the hell said I was comforting ya?" Arcturus took a swig from his flask. "I'm just telling ya what will not happen."

"And what might that be?"

"You're a 'valuable asset', he'll give you a pass."

"Uh huh, sure." Jackson crossed his arms.

"I honestly didn't think you'd live when you fought the Warlock of all Warlocks, kid." Arcturus laughed. "Oh man, he's one tough son of a bitch."

"You knew?" Jackson quickly asked.

"Course I knew. Seraph knew, I knew, Solaris knew. We ain't expecting you to take down such a powerful Warlock in a single night. Ya did the right thing."

"Then why doesn't it feel like it did?"

"Well, you and Devon have been taking on some pretty easy jobs. Between Chimera nests and terrorists, facing an enemy like this is like trying to fight a Leviathan with a spork."

"Will Devon and his team be given a mission like this?"

"Yeah, probably after we get back and you lot get a few days rest. They'll be sent after someone else with similar skills and experience." Arcturus shrugged.

"That doesn't help. We should warn them then."

"Out of the question kid." He took another swig of his flask. The airship shook him slightly as they neared Orion. "Doc's orders. You can understand, can't ya?"

"Fine." Jackson growled.

"Atta boy. Prepare for landing kids! Welcome home."