The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 48

"Ya think...we could...take a break for a second?" Alyssa gasped as she clawed at her chest.

"Are you good?" Devon asked?

"I...I don't know. My chest feels so...so, gah! It fuckin' hurts is what! I can't describe the pain right now." She slid to the floor and continued to hold her chest as she writhed in pain.

"Devon..." Eune kneeled beside her, holding her shoulder.

"She can't stay! We got a job to do!" Lucas cocked his rifle and turned to the pair. "Get up! You can't rest back at Orion."

"No...I can't...ack!" Alyssa choked.

"Alyssa?" Eune quickly took off her helmet and held her face in his hands. He checked her over but couldn't see anything.

"He's right." Rose said. "We need to complete the mission. You bowing out now will jeopardize it."

"Are you serious, Rose?!" Eune questioned. "She can barely move!"

"Devon," Lucas said. "Give the order, and let's get a move on. This place isn't gonna end itself."

"Her core is unstable." Devon's bond whispered. "Letting that fool tear himself from her is resulting in this backlash. She must rest."

'How can you tell?'

"The core in you humans is nestled in front of your heart. The way she was speaking earlier, about not wishing to do that again, leads me to believe that this is a result of their actions. You must let her rest or she'll only be in more pain."

"Eune," Devon grabbed his attention. "Stay with her and secure our exit. We'll need a way out of here after they're all dead. See if you can find a hangar or something and wait for us."

"Devon?" Rose asked.

"It'd be better if she rested for now. We don't know what's exactly happening to her and I don't want to put her in further harm's way." He explained. "We three can handle this on our own."

"Are you kidding me?!" Lucas scoffed. "You're too soft, Devon. Order her to get on her feet so we can get a move on!"

"No!" Devon turned to him. "If we let her continue, it could have negative consequences in the future. She could die for all we know! Besides, having them secure a ride out of here is necessary. It'll be easier one we finish our assignment."

"Give. Her. The order!" Lucas got right in Devon's face.

"No. My word is final." He growled. "Eune, take Alyssa and go. We can handle this."

"Y-yeah. You got it. Let's go, Alyssa." Eune said as he gently helped her up and they left.

"Doctor Seraph is going to hear about this." Lucas snarled.

"Yeah? And why would he care? I bet he'd be more interested in why she ended up in that state. Hell, he'll probably examine her when we get back. And having Eune secure a ride isn't outside the realm of our mission. Why are you so hung up on this? Tell me Lucas." Devon replied calmly.

Lucas could only growl as he pushed past him. He didn't even glance at Rose as he left the room, leaving the siblings alone. Devon turned to his sister.

"The hell is his problem?" He asked her.

"What?"

"You heard me. Why is he acting like that?"

"He's probably stressed over the mission. I'm sure he'll be better once we leave." She hesitated.

"Yeah? It doesn't sound like stress to me." Devon scoffed as he left the room.