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Deadly Flowers Pt. 1
By AmethystDilo
We were careless at first when assigned for the containment of the Dilophosaurus. I personally regarded them as regular creatures, once the awe came to pass. The bright colors on their bodies made them seem rather harmless. Besides, they were only juveniles.
We were each given a full face mask which looked ridiculous. It wasn't until my friend, Jonathan Pierce, decided to overlook this precaution, that I realized the animal's true horror.
"Jessie, come see this." He called to me from by a tree, "Look at this fucker. It's like he's retarded."
I immediately was curious to what he was talking about. Since our arrival on Isla Sorna, otherwise known as Site B, we haven't seen many dinosaurs. Most of the interesting species were either packed and shipped to Isla Nublar or in conainment. We were the last team sent.
I knelt next to John and peered over the ledge. What I came to see was a Dilophosaurus that seemed to be in a trance.
"Look, I snap my fingers and not a flinch." John snapped his fingers and, as said, not a flinch by the dinosaur.
"Maybe it isn't scared." I saw the animal's eyes shift focus and then return to John, "Hey man, let's leave it alone and use the snares. He's creeping me out."
As soon as I began to raise to my feet, the dino twitched it's head.
John was losing interest already and was also beginning to stand up, "Stupid bastards. Don't know why we weren't set up for the Rex hunt. You know?"
At that, the Dilophosaur made a loud hissing sound. We both turned to see the commotion. It reared it's head back and took a deep breath. In a flash it pushed out a colorful frill and opened it's sharp jaws. Hissing louder than before.
"Jesus! I think I pissed it off." John said as he stood frozen.
The Dilophosaur stood with it's head cocked, looking to attack. Before I even moved, it's head shot forward, a stream of black saliva left it's open jaws and hit my goggles.
"Uhhh, Sick fucker!" I yelled. The liquid smeared as I tried to wipe it off. It's head pulled back and shot out again with no hesitation. I closed my eyes in an act of fear. What truly brought fear where the cold screams of John beside me.
"Ahhh! Ahhhhh! Get this shit off!" he screamed. I was terrified seeing my friend roll around in the ground screaming in pain, covering his face. I removed my goggles without a thought. I couldn't see well with them on. I rushed over to his cries and pulled his hands away. I could see the black liquid like that which had hit me seconds ago.
"Help!" I screamed. Fearing to turn towards the animal and suffer the same consequence.
A hot liquid hit my neck, followed by what felt like a jagged rock. I was knocked off John and fell face first into the moist soil. Quickly I rolled over to the see the huge animal standing over John. Holding his head down with it's claw. His shrieking began to twist my stomach as the creature reared it's head back once more and lounged towards his neck. His final sounds ended in the gurgling of his own blood.
I tried to stand as quickly as possible, fearing his fate. With what looked liked John's windpipe in it's bloody jaws, the monster turned towards me. I knew I was done for.
A loud thunder drowned the sound of the animal's chewing and suddenly the entire creature flew backwards over the ledge.
I turned to the source of the dinosaur’s demise to see Robert Muldoon standing with his shotgun to his shoulder.
"Poor fellow. Second to be taken by the these spitting bastards today." He squatted next to the body of what became of John. Inspecting the gape in his neck, "I think you better come with me. We've had another incident."
I stood up and walked towards him. Muldoon looked at the ledge, confident he made his mark, "It seems someone else didn't follow procedure." He looked back down to John's corpse.
I stood silent, still feeling the fear rushing down and up inside. Muldoon brought his attention to me.
"Better lose that fear. We are in no need for that now. Might want to hurry back to camp, your not going to last with that on your neck." Muldoon pointed at the black ooze staining my shirt collar. I removed my mask for a better look. I didn't even feel it as it seeped down my shirt.
"It's a powerful venom. Blinded your friend. It might of entered your bloodstream through that scrape. If not treated you'll be dead in an hour."
I didn't feel different but decided to take his advice. He offered to help me walk back to camp, saying that if I rushed I'll die quicker. Camp was only a 5 minute walk away so I accepted his offer.
Once at camp, Muldoon had me sit on the passenger side of the jeep as he prepared the anti-venom. I began wrapping a rag around my arm to slow the blood flow.
Muldoon tapped my vein and began delivering the dose, "You should be still for half an hour. I'd say longer but we've a hunt to follow."
"A hunt?" I asked.
"Yes. I wasn't present but someone failed to secure the cage for the dilophosaur.
They managed to force the gate open and escaped." He placed a bandage where the dose was administered and began reloading his weapons, "Spotted a poor devil eaten alive just beyond the tree line over there. Didn‘t stand a chance."
"I thought the Raptors were the worry." I said, feeling a tension in my neck.
"True, but Dilo’s are vicious also. Though not smart like the Velociraptor, they do hunt in packs rather well. As you saw, they can strike from a distance" He put on his hat and sat on the driver's side of the jeep, "I managed to tag one of the animals. Unless it is eaten, I think we stand a good chance tracking her down. In the meanwhile get some sleep. I'll wake you when the time is right.”
I awoke not long after. I think it was 40 minutes. I noticed a group of men a few feet from the jeep. All armed.
I stepped out of the jeep and walked towards the group.
"Ah, the boy Muldoon saved. How are you feeling?" said a tall, dark man with a Jamaican accent.
"Alright I guess. Where's Muldoon?"
“Not to worry. He's scouting out for anymore survivors. A group happened to run into a remaining couple of Rexes. We're all that's left so far." said a bearded man, gesturing to the other 5 men in the group. Most were clearly older than me, in their 30's to 40's. I, being only 20, was considered a child amongst them.
"Sure hope there's more of us." said the Jamaican man, "By the way, my name is Alex."
"Jessie." I said.
"I'm Angel." said the bearded man. Angel was lightly built man who had a slight Latin accent. He fingered the trigger to his pistol as he spoke. You could see in his eyes he was witness to carnage.
The other men were having their own conversations and failed to notice my presence. One man had a bandage, scarlet by blood, tied around his forearm. He was pointing to the trees behind me and was still in a panic. The man he was talking to was a pale man holding a tranquilizer rifle. He was short and slender but seemed confident. Next to the couple were two other men. One was a tanned, slightly built man with the same standard tranquilizer rifle hanging over his shoulder, and the other was a slim man with a cowboy hat. The man with the cowboy hat caught my eye. He seemed fairly feminine from my distance.
I decided to approach the group and introduce myself. As I neared the pair, I realized that it wasn’t a man at all. It was a fairly young brunette woman toying with her rifle.
“Son of a bitch dragged him away. There were two of ‘em. Pack hunters. Very intelligent from anything I ever encountered.” The tanned man was talking to the woman while biting a cigarette. It was clear he was craving a smoke, but it was forbidden on expeditions. He turned to me, “You the kid who was by the creek?”
“Yes.” I replied.
He had a rough voice, “Muldoon told us ‘bout it. We all learned a lesson on this one. My name is Edward. This young lady is Monica.” He tilted his head towards her.
“Jessie. What happened to that man?” I asked pointing at the man with bandage.
“Edgar was with me when we were ambushed. There were four of us. Two were gutted and Edgar got a clean cut from the bastards. We barely made it alive.”
“Didn’t you have guns?” I asked.
Monica answered, “We all did. Standard tranquilizers. But none of us knew what to expect from these monsters. They escaped their cage while we were tracking down more. We were ambushed group by group.” Monica had a slight southern accent. It wasn’t until she turned towards me when I noticed the blood stained patch on her neck. I decided to not ask.
“They were too quick. I’ve been on hunts before but these, well, these move different.” added Edward, “They blend with the trees.”
As we spoke a jeep pulled up by the group. Everyone went silent and turned as Muldoon stepped out of the vehicle. We all were anxious for the news of survivors but by the look on his face I was already let down.
“It’s worse than I expected.” He removed his hat and continued his announcement, “Not all Velociraptors were captured. I can’t explain why. All of the specimens which were released were retrieved by my last party, yet I found one mauled by the river. As for survivors” He paused, “No trace.”
There was a moment of groaning by the group. It was obvious their hopes were let down. The complaining was silenced once again by Muldoon’s voice.
“Nublar isn‘t responding. It may be due to our position within the island or faulty equipment. Either one, there’s a Communications Complex North East. About two miles North from here there’s the Maintenance Road. It should lead directly towards the Complex. It does intersect Velociraptor and Tyrannosaur territories. Use caution.” His eyes covered the group. Inspecting every face. “Monica, Jessie, and Angel, I want you to come with me to track the Dilophosaur. The rest of you call for help. Understood?”
There were indistinct replies scattered amongst the cries. I, myself, was silent. I felt as if chosen to die. Seeing what was done to John sent a never ending fear through me. Now I was to jump into the pit.
Muldoon approached me and spoke low, “I want you to take the tranquilizer rifles to the jeep. You fully witnessed what these creatures can do. Most these people were in a panic and still don’t comprehend their danger. I’ll try to explain precautions along the way.”
He pat me on the shoulder, being a man taller than I, he reminded me of a big brother. He then turned around and headed towards the jeep, “All right people, we have game to track.”
I’ve always admired Muldoon’s experience and wisdom. He was fully aware of the dangers and was always on his toes.
“Mr. Muldoon, I checked my compass. Why are we heading South East. Weren’t the dilophosaur territories North?” asked Angel.
“The dilophosaur don’t hold territory like the other dinosaurs. They follow their hunt. I spotted a herd of Corythosaurs heading South East. Our best bet is to follow the herd.”
“What about the one you tagged?” I was curious, “Why don’t we follow that one?”
“I tracked her moving South while you were out. When I reached her location all I found was her corpse. No chance on trusting her now.” Muldoon never took his eyes of the road as the jeep headed down the Maintenance Road. “We are in Rex territory at the moment. Keep watch. There’s a pair still around.”
Once hearing this I looked around in full alert. My eyes combed the tree line for the slightest change. I tried to look around the steel cage we were carrying behind us on a trailer. Judging from the size of the Dilophosaur that attacked us, I estimated only two would fit. The one that attacked was about 12 feet long. Muldoon was specific that we were hunting juveniles.
“The road ends at the dock 4 miles down the road. I’m going to take a dirt road about a mile from here. Be warned that we are approaching Prestosuchus area. They are fiercely aggressive. About 15 feet long with a strong bite. They’re solitary creatures so I doubt we’ll have trouble.”
“I thought all we had to worry about was the Dilo‘s.” said Monica sarcastically.
“There’s a lot on this island. There’s a rumor of secret projects on this island.” commented Angel.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“The Rex hasn’t been living up to expectations. I heard InGen is searching for a more fierce predator.” Angel explained.
“Those are only rumors. Remember the so called ‘Brachiosaur Conspiracy’? When was that proven?” added Muldoon with a snicker, “Silence! We have to be quiet now. Can’t risk attracting Prestosuchus.”
Muldoon turned onto the dirt road. We drove for what seemed a mile, weapons drawn. There was a distant crunching in the trees. Besides that and the birds, it was silent.
Muldoon brought the jeep to a halt. He remained in his seat, listening to the wind. Searching for something, I couldn’t figure what exactly.
Suddenly there was a low pitched trumpeting. Sounded as if it came from the West. That received Muldoon’s attention. He stepped out of the jeep and grabbed his rifle. I followed, hoping to see something.
“Corythosaurs. If I’m correct they’re 5 miles West. Damned bastards turned direction. Something got to them. Better not be too late.” He looked around the area, eyes scanning every movement in the foliage. I noticed his eyes widened but wasn’t quite sure why. I turned towards Monica and saw the same expression on her face as she stared towards the same location.
“I’ll be damned, Prestosuchus. Everyone stand still. She might overlook us.” After that Muldoon went silent.
Everyone watched as the low shadow moved slowly forward, towards the road. My heart was pumping hard. I had no idea what a Prestosuchus was or how deadly it is. I heard something snap behind me. I didn’t even move. No one did. We all stared as the creature seemed to turn toward us. Suddenly there was a low snarl and hard thumping coming from behind us. Without warning the jeep was impacted from behind and rocked violently to it’s side, causing Monica to fall off. The Prestosuchus in front of us roared and charged at us. Running on all fours like an alligator.
Monica screamed. But she wasn’t looking ahead like I was, she was looking at what had charged the jeep. I turned as another Prestosuchus ran around the vehicle.
“On the jeep! Now!” yelled Muldoon. We all rushed onto the jeep. I jumped onto the hood along with Muldoon. Angel was in the back, rifle to shoulder.
“Let’s go!” yelled Angel, desperate to leave.
“We can’t! They’ll attack us!” answered Muldoon as he watched the first Prestosuchus charge the other. They collided with jaws wide open. Snapping down on whatever they could. At the first charge nothing was bitten. Then the first Prestosuchus snapped at the other cutting the left brow as the teeth barely missed. Without hesitation, the fist Prestosuchus thrust her head hard against the other, pushing her onto jeep, causing it to rock hard. Now the second animal overturned, the first Prestosuchus bit down on her neck. The dying animal moaned sadly as it squirmed and kicked for air, as life was being kept from her. With a quick release and harder the bite, a crack ended the Prestosuchus’ struggle. The victor finally let go.
“It’s a battle for territory. If I start the engine she’ll think we’re challenging her.” whispered Muldoon.
“Why don’t we shoot her?” asked Angel.
“Hammond doesn’t want unnecessary endangerment of the animals. If we stand still she’ll probably leave.” said Muldoon.
“Fuck Hammond! I’m not risking my life on this prick!” said Angel as he stood up and took aim.
With a fierce roar, the Prestosuchus butted the front of the jeep causing Angel to lose balance. The Prestosuchus ran around to the side of the jeep and hit it again. Angel took a random shot at the animal, the tranquilizer dart hitting the end of her tail. Angel cursed and tried to reload, but as he did the Prestosuchus hit the jeep again causing him to fall over. Immediately Monica and I drew our rifles, but the Prestosuchus caught up to Angel too quickly. It’s jaws opened wide and fitted around Angel’s kicking left leg. With the sound like a branch snapping, Angel screamed in agony, feeling his leg being ripped apart. Monica was quick to fire and hit the Prestosuchus clean in the neck with a dart. I failed to make my mark and shot her in the ribs. Finally the Prestosuchus collapsed under the extreme sedation.
I ran to Angel as he screamed, begging for mercy. His leg still remained in the Prestosuchus’ firm jaws, torn from his body at the knee. A pool of blood formed around his stump, his cries scratching my heart.
“Ayudame! Dios mio! Robert…Ahhh!” he screamed. Monica asked for a cloth and Muldoon pulled a shirt from the back of the jeep, along with a first aid kit. She asked for a belt and Muldoon handed her a rope. Monica treated his bleeding stump as I held his head in comfort. Seeing his begging eyes brought something to my stomach. Monica finally told me to raise him up into the jeep. He had the rope tied around the leg to cut circulation and a bandage around the stump. The bandage was wrapped with the shirt to soak the seeping blood and protect against rope chaffing.
“We should head for the dock.” Monica said.
“There’s nothing there. His best bet would the Aviary Control Center. It’s a safer route than heading to the Communications Complex. Last thing we want is to mess with a Rex.” Muldoon said, heading towards the driver’s seat. Monica and I sat in the back to watch over Angel.
“What’s the quickest route there?” asked Monica as Muldoon started the jeep. He set the shift stick to reverse and backed around the certainly dead Prestosuchus. Then he set the jeep into first gear and began to speed down the road.
“Half a mile down here there’s a fork. A dirt road leads us 7 miles towards the paved Maintenance Road. It should lead us towards the Aviary from there.” As Muldoon spoke, we came upon the fork. He turned West and headed down the bumpy road.
The road was narrow, giving inches between the jungle and the jeep on either side. It made me anxious not knowing what laid beyond those trees. Every stump resembled a dinosaur. Every tree in the distance was a Rex. I was on the end. My rifle was my Rosary. I took a long look at my savior. That was when I noticed what lay beside Angel. His beloved .45 magnum handgun. It wasn’t a tranquilizer but actual ammunition. I tried not to get too excited. I didn’t want to pick it up and shoot at moving trees.
“Blast!” muttered Muldoon as he came to a halt, “A damned tree blocking the road. Too large to move.” He stepped out of the jeep, “Jungle’s too thick to drive around. The Aviary’s a mile or so up the road. Gather your things, we’re walking from here. I’ll help carry Angel.”
9/6/2005 11:46:21 PM
(Updated: 9/7/2005 8:58:19 PM)
(Updated: 9/7/2005 9:00:16 PM)
(Updated: 9/9/2005 6:24:06 AM)
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