The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 5

"Have them all line up and prep them for their first session. We're going to start their basic training and strategical classes. I'll be down there in three weeks to assess their progress." Doctor Seraph told Solaris.

"Yes Doctor. Alright children! Form a line and follow me!" He bellowed.

"They are children, Major. They need a bit of a more, calming, approach."

"Of course, Doctor. How could I forget? Get in line children, your training begins now."

      Devon and Rose clung to each other as they were ushered out of the room. The other children were as confused and terrified as they. Two soldiers followed behind the small flock of kids while Solaris lead them to their destination.

"U-Um, sir? Where are we going?" A blonde child with green eyes asked.

"As Doctor Seraph said, you will be starting your training. Today you will begin your strategic based classes. Tomorrow will be your first physical training session. Be sure to pay attention next time."

"Y-Yes sir."

"Hmph, at least one of you knows how to behave."

The children were shown where they would be sleeping. Barracks for five were set up in two different rooms. They were given a brief tour of the facility, walking past a massive hangar with airships, tanks, ground vehicles, and armored mech suits around fifteen feet tall. Engineers worked tirelessly to keep their equipment in working order as soldiers moved back and forth, carrying armaments and other supplies to the many different areas.

A room around the size of a small lake was just below the hangar, acting as their new training grounds and firing range. Solaris pointed out that the room could be changed to match any environment that they would encounter in the future.

"Sir? What are we going to be here?" Rose asked.

"You? You shall be a part of team of five. Each of you will become warriors in the name of Orion Industries." He said.

"What's Orion Industries?" Devon asked.

"It's where you are right now. No more questions, from any of you. Your training begins tomorrow. For now, you shall be sent to the mess hall for dinner and then it's off to bed. You're gonna need your rest."

Solaris motioned for his soldiers to escort them to the mess hall as he walked away. The doors slid apart, letting the noise of the hall to fill the children's ears. It was almost deafening to them as the echo seemed to be coming from every direction.

"This room is specially designed to make sure no noise exits the room. You'll get used to it. Now get in line. They'll give you whatever they're serving today." One of the soldiers said.

"Can we choose what we want?" The blonde haired kid asked.

"No, what you get is what you get. Now get going."

They quickly grabbed some trays that were provided, walked down the line, getting food served to them from the chefs along the way. The group quickly found a table and huddled around it, eating their food in silence till the blonde cut in.

"My name's Jackson. What're all of yours?" He asked.

"I'm Lucas, this here is Alyssa and Eune. We all used to go to the same school before we were brought here." A kid with dark brown hair and blue eyes said.

"My name is Devon, and this is Rose, my sister."

"My name is Jason." A kid with black hair and green eyes said.

"My name is Blake, and this is Terra." A burgundy haired child said, gesturing to the girl next to her.

"And my name is Nora!" A ginger haired girl exclaimed.

"So, I'm guessing something happened to all of you since you were brought here?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah." Rose muttered.

"Well, what d-do you all think of that Solaris guy? He's kinda mean." Terra asked.

"I think he's just doing his job. My brother is in the military back in Zenith. He's deployed but, I think it's a similar job to Solaris." Lukas said.

"I think he's grumpy. He doesn't seem to like us very much." Blake huffed.

"Hehe, you're probably right." Jackson said.

"So, does anyone know what this place is?" Lukas asked.

"This is Orion Industries kid, your new home." A scruffy voice said behind him, making him jump in his seat.

The man was dressed similarly to Solaris, with the exception of his rank being that of Sergeant. His brown hair was cut short and his blue eyes looked down upon the group with a mischievous glint in them.

"The name's Hydros. I'm one of the platoon leaders here. I've been assigned as your, hmmm, caretaker I guess."

"I thought there were others who would also take care of us, it's weird to be assigned someone." Lukas said.

"Hmm, I guess so. Hmm, well whatever. So, have you all finished? I'm here to bring you to your barracks."

"I am, I don't know about them." Devon said.

"We're all good sir." Rose said.

Hydros brought them to their barracks, pointing out which side was for the boys and girls. The room was divided by a line going down its center with six bunks on either side. Devon hugged his sister before laying down.

Hydros flipped off the lights and left, leaving the children to their own devices. Many of them gripped their covers until their knuckles turned white. Some cried themselves to sleep. The only light was through the small windows that dotted the walls closest to Rose.