The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 51

"The extent of the damage to Eune's mind was substantial." Doctor Seraph explained. "While it is going to affect him for a while, we will be able to repair most of the damage. Regardless, there will be lasting effects that we will have to discover along the way."

"How long will he be in recovery?" Devon asked.

"Mm, not too long. Probably a month, given our technological prowess. I've also called for a healer who has dealt with telepathy damage, so he should be fine." He mused.

"Good. What about Alyssa?" Devon pressed.

"Alyssa, well, we still need to figure out what's wrong with her." Doctor Seraph turned to the window looking in on Alyssa, who was hooked up to every machine one could think of.

"You said her bond....ripped, itself out of her? Correct?" Doctor Seraph asked curiously.

"Yeah, well, it seemed that way. It was hard to tell with how deep we were. But I certainly remember her violently spasm when it did." Devon crossed his arms. "I didn't think a human body could convulse like that and continue to move."

"Hmmm, I see. Thank you, Zealot. Go and gather the other Zealots and meet me in my Office. I have an announcement to make to all of you." Doctor Seraph said.

"Yes sir." Devon quietly walked away from the medical wing.

...

Doctor Seraph watched quietly as both Devon and Jackson's teams filed into his office, sans Alyssa and Eune. He sighed as he addressed them.

"Zealots, yesterday there was an incident with Devon's assignment. So I called you all here to discuss what will be happening going forward." He waved Solaris in from one of the few side rooms.

Solaris strode into the room holding a large file and a data pad. He handed both to Seraph and stood off to the side. Doctor Seraph sighed as opened the file.

"I have decided to change the team compositions." He began. "With two Zealots in the medical wing, one team is no longer at full strength. So, from today going forward, there will be one team, and the others will be sent on solo operations."

"Jackson, Lucas, Rose, Terra and Nora, you will be part of the new team. Devon, Blake, Jason, and, eventually, Alyssa and Eune, will all be sent on solo operations."

"Who will lead the new team, sir?" Lucas asked.

"You'll lead the team. Congratulations, Lucas. You've just been promoted." Doctor Seraph said.

"Thank you sir!" Lucas grinned.

"Now then, you will have a new barracks to coincide with your new situation. Dismissed."

Devon stayed behind as everyone left the room. Lucas gave him a smug grin as he walked past and the door closed behind him.

"Yes, Devon? Is there something I can help you with?" Doctor Seraph asked.

"Did I do something to lose my position as team leader? Did Jackson?" He asked.

"Hmm...no, nothing in particular made me demote you, same with Jackson." He set a file on his desk and turned to Devon.

"I do everything for a reason. Appointing Lucas as team leader is for my hypothesis, testing, and results. It has nothing to do with your failed mission. Jackson as well. While I was disappointed, it did not affect my choice here. Was there...anything else?"

"No sir..."

"Dismissed."

Devon left quietly as he returned to his barracks. Hydros was talking to Blake and Jason outside. Devon joined them with a question. The pair nodded at him.