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Vision, Creation: Jurassic Park, Prologue-Ch. 3
By JPExciter
Prologue: When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth
It was a time of no man. Where a different type of beast covered the land. This was the time of the dinosaur.
It was silent; a group of Microceratops slowly munched on some ferns. There were four adults, one male, three females and three babies. The sun was setting; an orange haze filled the air. That’s when the attack came. Three bloodthirsty, smart, and merciless killers leapt out of the brush. These were Velociraptors and the microceratops never had a chance. The first raptor, the Alpha female kicked a female microceratops into a rock. A bloody stain was left. The female never got up again. The other two velociraptors, male, corned the male microceratops. The screams of dinosaurs echoed in the night of the ancient Chinese lands.
In the ancient land of Argentina, the “bull-dog face” dinosaur, Carnotaurus, leans over and takes another bite from a dead juvenile Andesaurus, a four-legged plant eater. When the Carnotaurus lifts its head we see content of a job well-done, strips of flesh hang from its mouth.
Up in Alberta, Canada, a heard of duckbill dinosaurs including Parasaurolophus, Lambeosaurus, and Corythosaurus, were nesting near a large open sea. Babies were waiting hungrily in the nest, juveniles scurrying about, and Adults standing guard or feeding the young.
In another part of ancient China a herd of Shantungosaurs crosses an open plain, the grounding shaking with each step of the giant duckbills; the sun is setting behind them.
In ancient “jolly old England” a Baryonyx carefully stares at the water; not moving for an hour, it is indifferent to time. When, it strikes lighting quick. A fish on its claw it holds it high in the air, the sun glistening off the fish before it shoves it whole in its mouth and marches off.
Whack! Two Pachycephalosaurus’s fell backwards, but were still standing. These dinosaurs the “thick-headed lizards” were ramming heads for a chance to get a female and to become leader. One was the old leader defending his pride, scars shown on its body old age was plaguing it. The other was a young male full of energy and it seemed it was winning. Other Pachycephalosaurus and Stygimoloch watched the battle at a safe distance.
A group of agitated Triceratops’s that were feeding in an open grassy area suddenly formed a circle enclosing a few babies inside. Their bony frills protected them from anything that came near. In the trees beyond them entering the plain was the king himself, Tyrannosaurus rex. There was a family of them, two juveniles, two males, and the lead female. She entered the plain first, but roared in frustration, she couldn’t get the triceratops. She turned to leave when a super bright light entered the sky.
After millions of years the dinosaurs reign ended and led to the evolution of many other creatures including man.
Chapter 1: Proposal
“The future is coming up and we need to make it great.” John Hammond stated. “ I have an idea that I have told you before and I will state it again…”
Donald Gennaro yawned. He heard this all before. It was three in the afternoon in a stuffy boardroom with the blinds closed and he had listened to Hammond say the same thing to Japanese investors, German investors, you name it, Hammond wanted money. It was the fifth week of going to every country that was rich and putting his statement out. When John hired him and Cazandra Ross, he didn’t think he’d be doing this and that it was working.
Donald Gennaro and Cazandra Ross, both lawyers represented an old man with a crazy idea. Bring back extinct animals from the past. It seemed impossible, but after listening to Hammond, it might work.
Right now Hammond was finishing up his speech for the Japanese. “I hope my idea has shed some light to the future and I can expect some contributions from you and your companies.” He picked up some papers and shook some hands and left with Gennaro, Cazandra was waiting outside the door.
“How did it go?” questioned Cazandra. An Unlikely trio walked down the corridor of a giant Japanese building in the middle of Tokyo. On the left was Donald Gennaro; a forty-five year old balding man with a firm looking face and a khaki suit, on the right was Cazandra Ross; a twenty-seven year old just out of college with short brown hair and a questioning look on her face, and finally in the middle was John Hammond; a Seventy year old short man with a bamboo cane and a grin on his face. They entered the elevator and Cazandra spoke up again, “So how did it go?”
“Relax, relax. Everything went well. Stop worrying.” Hammond stated calmly. He put his hand on Cazandra’s shoulder, “ Even Donald here thinks it went well.”
Truthfully it was the best showing so far, thought Gennaro. The Japanese were more patient then most people so Hammond might get money from them.
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One year later after raising almost nine hundred million dollars, Hammond was ready to begin using the money from the Japanese.
It was two-thirty in the afternoon in July of 1984. The fans were blowing but in the Firm of Gennaro and Ross, it was still hot. Gennaro was writing in his office, the sweat dripping off his forehead when he heard a knock at the door. His secretary came in. “Mr. Gennaro, John Hammond is here to see you.”
Donald looked up. He was shorter then he remembered, but he still had that big grin on his face like a child.
“ How are you doing Donald? I have great news for you,” said Hammond as he shook Gennaro’s hand.
“I’m doing fine, but what news for you have for me?” Gennaro asked.
Well first we need Cazandra here.” Hammond stated. Gennaro’s secretary ran out to get Cazandra Ross. She returned with her.
“So what’s going on Mr. Hammond?” questioned Cazandra.
“Fist our company Ingen has just gotten up and running and secondly I’ve got some contacts with some people for some digs and amber mines.” Hammond said happily.
“Who do you have connections with and why didn’t you tell us?” questioned Gennaro angrily.
“Don’t get so mad. I have contacts with Juanito Rostagno at the Mano De Dios amber mine in the Dominican Republic and Alan Grant at a dino dig site in the Badlands in Montana. We need to send funding to get all samples for scientific research.” Hammond said. He went over to a water jug and got a drink. “Don’t worry everything is going to be fine. We have the money, I know whom to hire, and I have some islands in mind. Believe me everything is going as plan, after a few checks are cleared and some details are worked out we can start construction.”
He shook hands with Gennaro and left the office.
Chapter 2: Development
In the following months, everything fell into place. Hammond leased Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna. Hammond already abandoned Jurassic Park San Diego and went completely island base.
John Hammond plus Gennaro and Ross had already hired their construction staff, the Palo Alto staff, and now all they needed was the chief Isla Sorna staff. Isla Nublar had not yet begun construction.
Gennaro, Hammond, and Cazandra walked into an office on the end of a building for a San Francisco wildlife company. When they entered, a tough looking man, wearing a cowboy style hat, was sitting at a desk, writing on some paper, when he looked up. “Yes, and you are?” said the man a semi-strong British accent. His name was Robert Muldoon a forty-three year-old, that was raised in Kenya. He was working in San Francisco for a year on plans for a new game preserve.
“I’m Donald Gennaro representing Mr. John Hammond and this is my colleague Cazandra Ross,” said Gennaro, he stuck his hand out. Muldoon reluctantly shook hands and stood up.
“Oh, hi, I remember. So what did you want did to see me about Mr. Uh….Hammond.” asked Muldoon. He shook hands with Hammond and Cazandra.
“Well Mr. Muldoon, we have a job opening for you at our little preserve in an island in the pacific.” Said Hammond, “You’ll be very well paid.”
“But I have a very good job here and I am very well paid already.” Muldoon said as he walked around to his desk and picked up some papers.
“Oh, but you will very well paid,” insisted Gennaro. He pulled out a piece of papers and showed the figures.
“Interesting, very interesting. If you want me so bad, what are you going to put on your “little island?” questioned Muldoon.
“Trust me Mr. Muldoon, it is not of this age.” Said Hammond.
“I guess you got me. When do I start?” asked Muldoon.
“Here is some documents and legal papers,” Cazandra pulled a few papers out of her briefcase, “ We will need you on the twenty-third. We will send you a driver or something like that. Bring a suitcase with plenty of clothes and other necessities.
“Ok,” Muldoon said.
“Thank you Mr. Muldoon for accepting our offer and believe me you will love what we have on our island.
Muldoon shook hands with everybody and watched them leave. He sat back at his desk and thought, “Strange people.”
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A Chimpanzee threw its crap through the cage, landing right next to Donald Gennaro.
“Shit!” Gennaro said as he jumped out of the way from the monkey crap.
“Exactly,” grinned Cazandra Ross, she laughed at Gennaro. Hammond grinned as well.
“Back to business, where is this man you requested, John?” asked Gennaro still you looking flushed.
“Mr. Gerry Harding is his name best in the field. He should be at the end of the birdcages.” He pointed to a sign to direct them.
They were at the San Diego Zoo, looking for an expert in avian care. Gerry Harding saw Hammond & Co. coming and headed toward them, a twenty-two year-old female grad-student followed behind with long red hair.
“Why hello Dr. Harding, these are my two lawyers Mr. Gennaro and Ms. Ross and who is that behind you?” Hammond asked as they all shook hands.
“That’s my niece, Sarah, say hello,” Dr. Harding said.
“Hello,” Sarah said quickly as she shook hands with Cazandra and Hammond, “Well, sorry for the brief meeting, but I have to finish a report for my class,” With that she ran off toward the predators cage area.
“On to business now, I guess. What brings you here Mr. Hammond?” asked Dr. Harding. He led Hammond & Co. into a small office. It was clean for someone who worked at a zoo. Gerry Harding, about fifty-three, is a specialists on avian care. He went everywhere to consult on zoos, from Japan to India. Now he was talking to a short old man and his two lawyers.
“I have heard of your famous work and knowledge of birds and I need you for my private wildlife park,” Hammond offered.
Gennaro spoke up, “You will be well paid of course.”
“This is what you came to ask me about!” Dr. Harding exclaimed angrily, “I have no interest in that….Unless.”
“Unless what?” Hammond asked warily.
“What kinds of birds are you planning to put in your wildlife park?”
“The kind that hasn’t been seen for over 65 million years,” Hammond said.
Dr. Harding was amazed, “Ok. I’ll take your word for it. Just because I’m tired of what I’m doing right now.” He said, “What do I have to do and where am I going?”
“Here are some legal papers and documents for you and we will pick you up on the twenty-third,” Gennaro handed Dr. Harding some papers.
“Thank you for this opportunity,” He shook hands with Gennaro, Ross, and Hammond and let them out, “What have I gotten myself into,” He shook his head.
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Donald Gennaro, John Hammond, and Cazandra Ross walked up to a rickety old house in a small southwestern town. Gennaro knocked on the door. A thirty-year old man with black hair and a black goatee opened the door.
The man named Thomas Cooper looked at the group. He squinted to let his eyes adjust, “Hello, who you?” He said bluntly.
“Hello. I’m Mr. Gennaro and I’m representing,” Gennaro was interrupted by Hammond.
“Anyways, my lawyers are Mr. Gennaro and Ms. Ross, and I’m John Hammond. I gave you a call a few weeks ago,” A smiling Hammond stuck out his hand.
Cooper shook hands with Gennaro rough, Hammond normal, and was extra delicate with Cazandra, “Ah yes, and please come in. It’s a bit messy though,” He commented as he let them in.
Cazandra went in expecting clothes all over the floor, but Cooper’s house was spotless. To her it seemed even to have a gleam to it.
Cooper led them into a small office room, the computer glowing. He sat down in a chair behind his desk and gave everybody else a seat. He spoke up, “Now Mr. Hammond why did you contact me?
“Well Mr. Cooper, I have heard of your skills as the best security card around here and I have a job offer for you on my private island in the pacific,” Hammond said gleefully.
“No.” Cooper said.
“But why Mr. Cooper?” asked Hammond.
“Like I have told many people before you, the answer is no. I am happy with my “small town” security job and no money could get me to come,” Insisted Cooper, “Now I’d like to ask you to leave.”
“Ok, but if you change your mind call this number,” Gennaro said as he handed Cooper a little card.
“Don’t waste your time. Call me back in thirteen years. Then maybe,” Cooper said cynically. With that Hammond & Co. left.
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A roller coaster zoomed by; kids screaming and people yelling. John Hammond, Donald Gennaro, and Cazandra Ross walked past rides and food stands to get a construction zone at the other end of the theme park.
Ray Arnold at forty spent the last ten years working for Amusement park companies to help engineer the new more complicated roller coaster rides. Now he was monitoring the building of a new ride for legal reasons. Now he spotted an old short man with another olding looking man, and a young girl approaching him. He stopped what he was doing and walked up to them. “Hello my I help you?” asked Arnold.
“Hello I’m Donald Gennaro representing Mr. Hammond and this is my colleague Ms. Cazandra Ross,” Gennaro used the same introduction line and stuck out his hand.
“Hello, I’m Ray Arnold chief engineer of this park and what bring you three here?” Arnold shook hands with Hammond & Co.
“We know of your engineering skills and we’d like you to consider a job at my private island in the pacific. Your talent will be well used and you will be well paid,” said Hammond. He let Cazandra pull out a piece of paper that said the amount of money that he will be paid.
Ray Arnold’s jaw dropped, “Shit! What kind of person would pay that much for an engineer,” He thought. “Something is fishy.” He asked another question, “What do you have on your island and what am I going to be designing?”
“Its confidential now, you know all the legal stuff, but I can tell you that it has to do with animals that are not of this age.” Said Hammond; looking confident that he had “a hook, line, and sinker.”
“Probably an animal electronic park with scary creatures and rides; stuff like that.” Thought Arnold. I guess it would be worth it…for now, “I’ll take it, but no funny stuff going on.” Arnold demanded.
“No funny stuff at all.” Cazandra commented. She pulled the same legal documents that they had given everybody else.
Ray Arnold studied the papers for a few seconds, “Ok, when do I start?”
“We will pick you up on the twenty-third. So have some stuff packed.” Cazandra instructed.
“Ok. See you then. Now if you don’t mind I need to get back to work. So you all need to leave.” With that Arnold waved Hammond & Co away.
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Hammond and Cazandra went inside a little tour guide office and saw a young man sitting at desk typing on a computer. It was Ed Regis. At twenty-three years old he had established him self as the best in the business his self-created ads made even pour people try to take a vacation. Now Hammond and Cazandra approached him.
He looked up, “Yes, can I help you?”
“ You consider yourself the best, right,” asked Cazandra.
“Not to brag, but yes. What’s it to you. I mean why?” answered Ed.
“Mr. Hammond and me, Cazandra Ross, have a little proposition for you, that can even help your career even better,” proposed Cazandra.
“What is that and how much will I be paid?” asked Ed.
Cazandra slapped her briefcase on the table. Inside was a piece of paper. Ed picked it up. It read the amount he would be getting. His jaw dropped just like Ray Arnold. “Why?” was all Ed could manage, “ That’s a shit load of money!”
“Because if we want to get Mr. Hammond’s project underway we need the best and you’re the best in your field,” then she said seductively, “Pleeeeeassse!”
“Oh …k, when do I go to do what I’m going to do?” asked Ed, still blushing.
“We will pick you up on the twenty-third. If you have any questions, call me,” said Cazandra as she gave Ed a small business card, “See you then.” She gave Ed Regis a quick kiss and left with Hammond.
“That went well,” Hammond commented.
“We got him,” said Cazandra looking at Hammond proudly, “Now all we need is one more person and then things will get under way.”
“Let me handle the last one Cazandra,” said Hammond.
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Hammond entered Norman Atherton’s lab at Stanford he looked around. It was empty except for one person in the corner staring into a microscope. “Hello Henry,” said Hammond.
Henry Wu looked up, “Why hello Mr. Hammond, what brings you here.” He shook hands with Hammond. Henry was a twenty-eight year-old grad-student from Stanford.
“What are you planning to do after your done here in a month?” asked Hammond.
“Well I plan to go to a University…I guess,” shrugged Henry.
“My god, that’s awful, especially if you want to make any good mark on this world,” Hammond alleged, “You should come with me to make good on your talent.”
“Oh… where is that?” Henry questioned. He moved closer to Hammond; he put away the microscope slide.
“I have leased two islands in the pacific, that will do the extraordinary and impossible, but the scientists that I have right now cannot complete it. Only with your skill can it be done,” Hammond smiled as he stared at Henry, “You will also be well paid and your discoveries are publicized when you are done. So how about it?”
“This is an offer I can’t refuse,” thought Henry, “Yes I will help you Mr. Hammond. When will I start?”
“You will be picked up on the twenty-third, by someone, I let you know who. Plus I have to give you some documents,” Hammond pulled out a folder, “Just some legal stuff my lawyers want you to read and sign. Personally I could care less, but they insist.”
“Thanks Mr. Hammond for this opportunity and I will see you then.” Henry shook hands with Hammond.
Hammond left the lab with a little skip in his step. His dream was coming true.
After that week of getting that those Isla Sorna main staff, Hammond was ready to begin construction. Cazandra commented to him, “Five out six not bad.”
Chapter 3: Dinosauria=”Terrible Lizard”
1985, was the biggest year for construction. Isla Sorna was finished and Isla Nublar would begin next year. Now the workers stayed on the island waiting when the bioengineers and biochemists would finally create the dinosaurs.
It happened in mid –August of 1985. Dr. Henry Wu and fellow scientists Dr. Lizzie McKay and Dr. Curtis Morrison finally broke the problem that was straining them for over a year. Now with over a thousand mosquitoes, they were ready to begin. The first dinosaur that came out was a baby Shantungosaurus, a duck-billed dinosaur, and then a baby Mamenchisaurus, a long-necked sauropod.
In the following months many were born, but many died as well. Some were stillborn, others died of complications and others died cause of bad handling (Somebody dropped one).
Hammond was pleased, but he only went to the island once a month. Muldoon got under way with game warding, with the help of his assistant Nick Nordby, Dr. Gerry Harding and Dr. Samantha Lynn, were the first people in the world to take care of dinosaurs and already developed several treatments for new complications, and Ray Arnold helped with the computers since he was finished with any building plans.
Now every thing was going smoothly and it was time to send lawyer, Cazandra Ross, to the island for a peek. Chief Animal Behaviorists, Dr. Frederick Taylor, greeted her at the helicopter-landing site.
“Hello. How are you doing today Ms. Ross?” welcomed Dr. Taylor. He was a man of dark complexion, strong build, and thick Spanish accent.
“I’m doing fine, thank you. Where are we heading from here?” asked Cazandra.
“We are heading north of the worker village to the holding site where we keep all of are dinos. It should take about twenty minutes,” answered Dr. Taylor. Cazandra and he both entered a red Jeep.
It was a bumpy road through the jungle, until they emerged into a field. Where Cazandra spotted a herd of giant long-necked dinos surrounded by a few giant duck-billed dinos, and little ostrich like dinos as well. There were also many other kinds of dinos grazing about on the field. She turned to ask a question for Dr. Taylor, “I thought all the dinosaurs were supposed to be locked in pens?”
“All of the dangerous ones, plus some other ones for further study. The ones in the field include, Mamenchisaurus, Shantungosaurus, Gallimimus, Parasaurolophus, and Hypsilophodon. In addition we have also have set free Brachiosaurus, Corythosaurus, and Triceratops.” Said Dr. Taylor as he pointed some out, “All those all plant eaters though, except for the galli’s, but they’re not dangerous.”
They finally arrived at the holding site. The main building looked like a giant bunker with a tall tower attached to it, with a viewing level on top. Surrounding it was high electrical fences, with guards on the four corners. In side the electrical fences were about a nine, large-sized cages. Around the main compound were smaller sheds and garages, making the site look like an industrial city in the jungle. They entered through a giant tunnel near the front, some equipment and boxes scattered all over in it.
Dr. Taylor and Cazandra Ross got out of the jeep and entered the building; Dr. Gerry Harding and Dr. Samantha Lynn welcomed them at the door.
“Welcome to the dinosaur holding site, we will be having a tour in a few minutes, but for now you can look at our smallest dinosaurs, Compsognathus,” Dr. Harding said. He shook hands with Cazandra Ross and Dr. Taylor. He pointed in the direction of the pen.
The inside of the holding site was large. The ceiling was about ten feet above Cazandra’s head. In the center was a large pen and on the sides of the building were doors leading to the outside pens, a small office in a corner, and a large stairway leading to lower level cages. She walked up to the Compsognathus cage and looked inside. There were about fifteen of them; small green dinosaurs with the shape and size of chickens. A few were eating something another few were jumping in a little pond and some were sleeping. She read the sign in front of the cage commenting, “How interesting,” snickering, “You little dinos should do more.” She shook the cage. Some of the Compy’s jumped up and started squeaking madly.
“Don’t do that!” shouted Dr. Taylor as he ran over to Cazandra, “I mean please don’t disturb the animals.”
Dr. Harding and Dr. Lynn reemerged from the office in the corner.
Dr. Lynn spoke up as the walked over to Cazandra and Dr. Taylor, “Time for the tour!” she exclaimed excitedly. At twenty-seven, she had long black hair and dark skin, and was an award winning, best in class kid, all her life. Now she was taking care of a group of animals that haven’t been seen in sixty-five million years.
Yes, lets start the tour,” said Dr. Harding. He led them through the left door.
Cazandra came forward into the sunlight, which bathed her in a criss-cross pattern from the cage. This cage was large and filled with sand and mud on the ground. There was a large mound and you can hear squeaks and a few baby dinosaurs appeared and a shadow loomed over them; it was an adult.
“This species Maisaura “Good-Mother lizard” is a hadrosauride, that was discovered by John Horner, was known to take care of its young and live in colonies, but the dinosaurs that we created can’t breed; they are all female, those younglings that you see aren’t the adults offspring they just treat them that way,” Dr. Harding explained. He let Cazandra and the others look at this majestic creature feed it’s young. Then signaled the group to move on. They went through a heavy door into the next viewing area.
Cazandra looked at the cage and saw……… nothing. She looked down and there it was a young fierce looking dinosaur, the color brick red, with a bony knob on its nose.
“This is Ceratosaurus, a carnivore, a juvenile right now, but can grow up to twenty-five feet long,” said Dr. Harding; giving details he continued, “As you can see it has a bony nose horn, but probably only for display, though since all the dinos are female this one’s horn won’t grow big.” It stared at the group for a few seconds and promptly pooped all over they cage floor.
“Lets move on. Shall we?” asked Dr. Taylor. He pushed Cazandra and Dr. Lynn to the next door.
Opening up the door. Cazandra saw an instantly recognizable dinosaur, a Stegosaurus. Well there were three of them, one adult and two juveniles.
Dr. Lynn detailed this dino, “Stegosaurus the “Roof Lizard” was the first of its kind has two rows of alternating plates that we now know they had blood vessel in them to help with heating or cooling the body.” The juveniles were playing; swinging their spiked tails at each other. She continued, “Stegosaurus’s tail spikes were used as defense and they could pierce through a tree trunk easily.”
Cazandra and the scientists took a few more minutes staring at the creatures before moving on.
The next room contained another predator. Dr. Lynn started her commentary, “ Suchomimus the “Crocodile Dinosaur” it has a long snout as you can see. It also has a small sail on its back used for cooling or heating itself up. It is now doing this,” she paused for the group to look. A light orange and green color it was standing in the sunlight heating up because it just woke up from nap. It made a small roar, bellowing from its chest. She continued, “This one is only a month old so its not that big, but they can grow to about thirty-six feet in length.”
The Suchomimus walked up to the edge of the bars and sniffed Cazandra, she reached over to touch its nose, when it bellowed again and went into the opposite side of the cage.
“Ok that was, interesting,” shrugged Cazandra. They moved on, on tour.
The next caged housed a small group of dinosaurs known as Psittaacosaurus a small primitive dinosaur related to Triceratops. Dr. Hading introduced them to the group.
Nothing interesting happened so they moved on. Next was Saurornithoides a small carnivore like Velociraptors. There were about six of them. Then they moved on to a dinosaur that was being studied at the moment, Dilophosaurus.
Dr. Tyler Kampe at thirty-seven, studied animals all his life and now he was studying animals that were extinct, until now. At the moment he was viewing a small carnivore called Dilophosaurus. It had two small crests on its head and had long forearms. He was writing notes when the heavy door on the left opened. Dr. Gerry Harding and Dr. Samantha Lynn came in followed by another women.
“Hey Tyler, how is it going?” asked Dr. Lynn excitedly, “Oh sorry for being so rude. Cazandra Ross this is Dr. Tyler Kampe, Dr. Kampe, Ms. Ross.”
“Hello nice to meet you,” greeted Dr. Kampe. He shook hands with Cazandra.
“ So what are you doing?” asked Cazandra.
“ I’m studying this small carnivore right now, its called Dilophosaurus, but I want to go in for a closer look,” He motioned towards two guards. They opened the cage and Tyler entered.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” asked Cazandra.
“It’ll be ok, its just a juvenile, completely harmless,” answered Tyler. He crept up to the Dilo. It hooted and jumped back. It was about four feet tall and a light green color. He called to it, “Don’t worry I’m not going to hurt you.”
At that moment the Dilo let out a cry and its skin around its neck poofed up into a fan. It was bright red and yellow. It was making a rattling noise.
“Interesting,” Dr. Kampe said as he set his pen down to right notes. That’s when he heard a splatter. On his hands and notes was a black sticky material and it started to burn, “What the hell is that!” Shouted Dr. Kampe. He stared again at the Dilo and he was hit by something in the face. It burned and he screamed as he hit the ground.
Cazandra watched as the Dilo spit at Dr. Kampe. Dr. Harding was yelling and the two guards ran into the cage. Dr. Lynn was yelling into the walkie-talkie. Then the Dilo hit one of the guards and he went down. Dr. Harding grabbed the guard and the other guard grabbed Dr. Kampe. They go out and closed the cage. Dr. Kampe and the guard were shuddering.
“God, this is awful,” said Cazandra, she shook her head.
Dr. Harding carried Dr. Kampe away and the guard carried the other guard away. Dr. Lynn turned to Cazandra and Dr. Taylor and said, “Well, shall we continue the tour?”
They moved to the next cage. Inside was three dinosaurs covered in Armor and spikes, stood on all fours, and were dark brown in color.
Dr. Lynn started her commenting, but not as cheerfully as before, “Ankylosaurus, the “Armored Dinosaur” is covered in back plates as you can see, and as you can see it has a thick tail club for defense.” The Ankylo’s did nothing interesting except chew on their food.
“I think we should move on,” suggested Cazandra.
“Yes, lets move on,” complied Dr. Taylor.
“Wait, we can’t visit the next cage,” said Dr. Lynn as she pulled Cazandra back.
“Why not?” asked Cazandra a little irritated.
“ Because we show that one last for tour reasons,” answered Dr. Lynn, “But will still have a few more dinosaurs to see underground. So lets move on.”
Dr. Lynn led Cazandra and Dr. Taylor back into the compound and down a long flat stairwell, like for small vehicles.
The group entered into a well-lit basement room. Cazandra saw two cages filled with few plants and sandy bottom. Dr. Lynn turned her to the cage behind her. She saw a small bipedal dinosaur in the cage. It was gray and a slate blue and it had a hump on it’s back.
“This is Metriacanthosaurus, a medium size carnivore of the late Jurassic. Not much is known though; not many specimens were found and this one is only a juvenile,” Dr. Lynn stated. The Metriac stared at the visitors for a few seconds before going about its business and completely ignoring them. She turned around and directed Cazandra and Dr. Taylor to the other cage.
Inside were two dinosaurs with bony skulls and large horns on the top of their heads. They were dark purple and green and were bathing in a small pond in the cage. Dr. Lynn proceeded to comment, “Stygimoloch, late Cretaceous, you can see its bony head was used to ram for territory, but these are females so their skulls aren’t that thick, but surprisingly their head spikes are larger than males.” The two dinosaurs splashed each other and made grunting noses as they got out of the pool. They were communicating to each other and shaking off the water then both started eating some of the ferns in the cage. Dr Lynn went on, “They are full size each at eight and a half feet long and five feet tall.” They looked at the dinosaurs before going deeper into the basement.
The next level was similar to the last one; semi-high roof, light well, but was damp and warm with two cages per level and machinery in one corner.
Cazandra walked up to a cage that was empty except for a small man-made river and some ferns. She noticed a door about twelve feet tall wondering what dino is in this one. Then a bipedal dinosaur emerged. It had a long neck and a long face with two huge sickle shaped claws on its hands. She saw it lunge at the water with frighteningly fast speed and flash it’s claws in the river. It came up with nothing and made a loud growl. Then it stooped around till it fell on the ground and started drinking water.
“As you can see, Baryonyx eats fish with those two long fish hooks on its hands, but since this one is juvenile it hasn’t developed fully fish catching skills and is only eight feet tall and seventeen feet long,” said Dr. Lynn, “It was discovered in England and lived during the early Cretaceous.”
Dr. Lynn pointed it out to Cazandra, but she already saw; commenting, “That’s a cool looking dino; it resembles a crocodile.”
“Yah! We had three, but one gorged another ones eyes out and that one broke the others legs,” remarked Dr. Taylor, “Lets move on.”
The trio went across the room to a long cage where Cazandra saw a small dinosaur sleeping. It was gray, blue, and purple, and had a dome skull like Stygimoloch, except no tall spikes.
“This is Pachycephalosaurus, a herbivore, the base species of Stygimoloch and other dome-skulled dinosaurs,” Dr. Lynn continued, “This one is a juvenile as well, so its only about ten feet long.”
Cazandra watched it sleep before turning to Dr. Taylor asking, “How many more to go?”
“I think two more dinosaurs. Am I right Samantha?” asked Dr. Taylor.
“Yes, that’s correct,” answered Dr. Lynn as she motioned to Dr. Taylor and Cazandra to follow her.
They went down another ramp leading to the final floor. It was especially humid and Cazandra was sweating, but as she got near the cage warm dry air rushed though the bars, “Why does the dino get good air and we get clammy air?”
“Because the dinosaurs in the late Cretaceous were used to dryer air; not as humid as it was in the Jurassic period,” answered Dr. Taylor.
“So what dinosaur is this anyways?” asked Cazandra, turning to Dr. Lynn.
“Carnotaurus sastrei. A medium sized carnivore, with two horns above its eyes and a bull dog face,” answered Dr. Lynn; continuing “Its eyes were set so they can both focus, at least partially, on the same field of vision at the same time, giving it three dimensional sight.”
Right now though the one Carnotaurus in the cage was sleeping in one corner, “Almost peacefully,” thought Cazandra, “But that’s a killing machine so don’t cuddle up too much.” They watched for another minute then headed backed up to the final stop.
When coming back up the trio heard weird shrieks and bellows coming from the Pachycephalosaurus cage. Dr. Lynn raced to the entrance of its cage. Cazandra looked in. Inside the pachy was squirming around, but was still asleep, She remarked, “Looks like it’s having a nightmare.”
“Maybe but we need to stabilize it before it hurts itself,” said Dr. Lynn as she pulled a tranquilizer of a rack next to the cage. She squirted out the air and unlocked the door Dr. Taylor followed close behind, Cazandra looked inward still at the door.
Dr. Lynn and Dr. Taylor crept up closer to the pachy and were ready to inject it when it jumped up suddenly and bellowed.
“Run!” shouted Dr. Taylor. He turned and headed back toward the door, Dr. Lynn following behind. They were running, the pachy on their heels. Dr. Taylor pushed Dr. Lynn through the door and he jumped in the air. Cazandra slammed the door, but was knocked to the floor. Samantha hit the lock and fell back down. They were panting and Dr. Taylor was holding his head, he commented, “That was close, huh?”
“Well yah, you should be more careful though,” said Cazandra as she hit Fred on the shoulder. Looking back at the gate, she was startled and said, “Whoa! Look at the gate.”
In the middle of the gate was a huge dent in it from the pachycephalosaurus. Cazandra laughed and helped pull Dr. Lynn off the floor.
*************************************************************
Dr. Lynn, Dr. Taylor, and Cazandra Ross arrived back at the door that was closed before, and now Dr. Taylor opened it.
Inside, Cazandra saw two giant carnivores of the past. She new what they were, she was looking at two Tyrannosaurus rexes.
“The king of the dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex. Oh crap,” Dr. Taylor paused. In the cage there were three juveniles, but now two of them towered over the third. They were eating it; ripping the flesh off the leg and stomach. He pulled out his walkie-talkie and started talking, “We need a crew in the T-rex pen. One was killed,” He turned back to Dr. Lynn and Cazandra, “We need to get that dead T-rex out of there,” After a few minutes, five workers came to the scene. Dr. Taylor spoke to them, “We need to tranquilize the other two rexes and get out the deceased rex.”
“Si senior.” Said the chief worker. He called to the other workers and said orders in Spanish.
Two workers pulled out tranquilizers and both fired at the rexes. The one on the left roared at the people. Then it laid on the ground; its eyes closed. The one on the right however ran at the fence, but fell to the floor before hitting the fence.
“That was close,” remarked Cazandra. She and Dr. Lynn stepped back from the fence and let the workers start their job. Dr. Taylor and the chief worker entered first. Two others entered as well, while the other three were preparing some equipment. Cazandra called out to Dr. Taylor, “Shouldn’t you have a gun? Just in case?”
“Why? The rexes are unconscious,” called back Dr. Taylor. He looked around the cage. Inside was soft sandy dirt with a small pool in the corner for drinking. The feeding area was behind him, but the dead rex was across from him. One rex was ahead on the left while on was behind on the right. He didn’t notice it, but the one on the left opened its eyes; so did the one on the right.
Cazandra spotted the rexes eyes and shouted, “They’re awake! Get out!”
“What did you say?” asked Dr. Taylor, but he saw what she said and shouted to the workers, “Get out!” He ran, but tripped on the chief worker and they both went down, while the other two workers ran out. The T-rex on the left walked in front of him and the chief worker, as the one on the right circled behind them.
Dr. Lynn frantically shouted at the workers to shoot the rexes and they ran to get the guns, but it was too late.
Dr. Taylor stood up to run, but was knocked down by the first rex and the chief worker was curled up in a ball whispering Spanish prayers. Dr. Taylor was crawling on the floor when something slid under him, “It’s the dinosaurs tail. What the!” Dr. Taylor was thrown fifteen feet against the fence. He landed with a thud and blew out the sand in his mouth thinking, “I’m not dead what’s going on?” but he saw what was going on. Both rexes headed for him and he got up to run, but fell because of a searing pain in his back. He saw the rexes come up, jaws open and hungry.
Samantha watched in horror as one of the rexes grabbed Dr. Taylor by the left arm and throw him in the air. The other rex ran and caught him by the legs in its mouth and she heard aloud snap as Dr. Taylor’s body flew backwards in the rexes mouth. Then it flung him down and started chomping and the other rex followed, “But wait the chief worker he is still alive,” she shouted out to him, “Get up! Run!”
He looked up and jumped up. Running to the gate, the rexes looked up and started heading in his direction. Meanwhile three workers were nowhere to be seen; they had gone to get a heavier weapon. The two other workers on the other hand were shouting to the chief worker and holding the door open. He was gaining speed and it looked like he might of made it, when a tail came into view he couldn’t stop and he slid in the sand. He hit the tail and completely flipped in the air and landed on his chest in the dirt. Out of breath he crawled to the door and was pulled almost all the way through when he gasped in pain. One of the rexes gripped his leg, holding him at the knee. Dr. Lynn and Cazandra ran to help the workers get the chief worker out of the animals gripped.
Cazandra grabbed on to the chiefs arm and pulled, the rex bellowing and holding on. She was straining and the chief was still screaming when the other rex came up and hit the door with its head. She watched in horror as the door slammed on the chief worker and she fell backwards still holding on. When she looked up she realized the rexes had the lower half of the man’s body and they had the upper half. She let go of the arm and jumped up.
Dr. Lynn talked in the walkie-talkie again to get a crew down in the area. An hour later Dr. Lynn and Cazandra were standing around waiting for Dr. Harding.
Cazandra managed a grim smile and said, “Except for a few human errors this place isn’t too bad.”
1/2/02 12:20:51 PM
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