The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 53

Devon walked off the airship's ramp and surveyed his surroundings. The southern coast of Zenith was a vast jungle. While there were paths that cut through it, most of it was uncharted. The outpost was situated just down the road of the coastal village.

He saw the villagers going about their daily routines, talking and helping each other. He didn't spot a single soldier patrolling the area. He quickly made his way down the road, making his way to the outpost.

The outpost had three layers of thick, stone walls to protect it. A small checkpoint was situated at the first wall and a guard was dozing off. Devon observed every detail he could find. Guards on the main building in sniper positions, soldiers patrolling the inner walls and courtyard, and only a few automatic turrets on the corners of the walls. There was a small checkpoint with a guard inside. It looked more like something one would see at a parking garage.

"Youngling?"

He didn't respond as he got right outside the guard's station. He smashed his hand through the glass and yanked the man from his chair. Before the man could utter a single sound, Devon slammed him on the ground and shoved his wrist blade into his chest. He choked out blood before he went still. Devon yanked his blade free and entered the outpost.

"Youngling."

He ignored her and rushed another guard, silencing him quickly. He rolled out of the way as one of the turrets scanned the area. A guard turned the corner and spotted him. Devon quickly slit his throat and moved on.

"Answer me, Youngling!"

A strange feeling washed over Devon. He felt compelled not to answer her. While his bond with her had been getting stronger, something told him to press on. Like a primal instinct to hunt took over. A surge of power flowed through his veins, his core, and that was more than enough to egg him on.

Before he realized it, he was already inside the building, his rifle in hand and he had already put down several guards. An alarm had been sounded and he felt the air vibrate around him, warning him, pinpointing every single enemy left inside the outpost. It was like he could feel when they breathed, when the exhaled. Any little disturbance in the air, he knew an enemy was near.

"YOUNGLING!"

And as quickly as he had arrived, it was over. The outpost was cleared out of any hostiles and its defenses were shut down. He slung his rifle over his shoulder and left the outpost. As soon as he stepped outside the final gate, a searing pain stabbed in his chest.

He fell to one knee and clutched at his chest, trying to claw at the pain. He fell to the ground and rolled on his side trying to desperately stop the pain coursing through him. Something ripped out of his back and then....he felt a soothing calm fill him.

He opened his eyes and saw a semi translucent, draconic wing wrapped around him. It felt so familiar.

"I have you, it is alright youngling. You are fine."

"What...? What happened?"

"I....am not sure. We must leave, quickly."

He slowly pushed himself to his feet and the wing vanished into the wind. He made his way back to his airship and quickly took off for Orion Industries.

"Youngling, you must learn what they have done to you. Something is blocking our connection, you must find out exactly what it is."

"I thought you were making progress unblocking it?" He grimaced.

"I was, however, what they performed on you before we left seems to have strengthened the blockage. Please, do what you can to find out the cause."

"I can try, no promises."

When he landed at Orion, Doctor Seraph was waiting for him with his hands behind his back and an expectant expression.

"Were you successful?" He asked.

"Yes sir," Devon clutched his chest. "The outpost is secured."

"Excellent!" The Doctor handed him a data pad. "Your next assignment. Get a move on!"

Doctor Seraph turned to leave hangar as Devon looked at the data pad in his hand. He started reading through it, a simple Chimera nest extermination.

"Sir? You mean, right now?" Devon called after him.

"Yes, now get moving Zealot. Time is precious!" Doctor Seraph waved behind him.

That same feeling as before overtook Devon again and he immediately jumped back in his airship. He took off and Orion was once again a small speck behind him.