The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 1

Six years later

Location: Serenity, Atrium

     Devon and his sister ran down the stairs of their little home, racing over to the dining table, impatiently waiting for breakfast to be served. Their mother chuckled at their behavior, placing a plate before each of them.

"Kids, you need to calm down. It's Monday, I thought kids hated Mondays." Their mother said.

"Yeah! We do! But, today's the day of the Zeta test!" Rose exclaimed.

"And daddy comes home today as well!" Devon said in between bites.

"My my, you two have had quite the birthday week, I wonder what else you'll be able to accomplish in just a few short days."

"Well, we get to see daddy after his long mission! It's gonna be so much fun!" Rose squeals.

"Then I'll be sure to cook us all a nice meal. Now then, run along now. You don't want to be late to school now do you?"

"No! C'mon sis!" Devon says, grabbing his backpack.

"Hey wait for me Devon!"

     The two ran out the front door of their small house out into the fresh morning air. The had just risen, warming them with gentle rays like a mother's hug. The two children ran past their neighbors, waving hello as they passed.

     Their school was only a few blocks away and it wasn't very big. Only able to hold about two hundred kids from pre-K to twelfth grade. Students of all ages dominated the building, with the exception of their instructors and staff.

The twins raced into their classroom, tossing their backpacks under their desks right as their teacher entered the room. Her burgundy hair was tied back into a long ponytail that ended right above her waist. She adjusted the glasses resting over her green eyes and turned to face the class. She straightened out her blouse, cleared her throat, signaling that class was about to begin.

"Welcome back to class everyone, I hope you all enjoyed your weekend, but now is the time to discuss how your Zeta tests will proceed for today. At nine fifteen your tests shall begin and you will go until eleven thirty and then break for lunch. Afterwards you shall continue your tests until three thirty. Does everyone understand?"

"Yes ma'am." The class echoed back to her.

"Very good, now then, please take out your data pads and log in."

     The following hours were filled with frustration, confusion, guessing, and some cheating from the children. Devon and Rose were amongst the first few to finish early as they seemed to blaze through the questions, answering them with confidence.

     Their teacher agreed to let them go home early, letting the two kids bolt out of the room, nearly tripping over each other. They were stopped by a pair of rough, calloused hands protected by iron vambraces.

"You two shouldn't run in the halls y'know. Y'might get hurt." A man with graying black hair said. His gray eyes looking at the twins sincerely.

"Dad!" The two yelled, tackling the man to the ground.

"Oh Hahaha! You can't be doing that to me kids. I'm getting too old for that kind of roughhousing! Haha!"

"How was your mission!? Did you get the bad guys!? Did you fight any Chimeras?!" The two bombarded him with questions, not even giving him the chance to breath.

"Woah woah, slow down you two. I can't keep up. How about we go home and surprise your mother. She doesn't know I'm back yet."

"Okay! Let's go!" They said, dragging their father by his hands.

"Hehe, you both are just bustling with energy. I'm sure you'll make use of that when you get older."

As the trio made their way home, the sun had begun to set, letting the night wash over the town like a wave. The stars peeking out and shining as the light from the sun disappeared from the world as a chill inducing roar echoed from beyond the walls surrounding their home.