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Dark Dawn: Leviathans II (Act III)
By Vader
~ Continued from ACT II ~
ACT III: PART A - New Information
All across the country, Americans tuned onto a special report on the CNN network, gathering around their televisions as the news broadcaster reported:
"There's good news for the San Diego Zoo - after a month long investigation on the part of the FBI, they have finally been allowed to sign a contract that will virtually bring forth a new dawn in technology. A month ago, the Zoological Society of San Diego received an actual living, breathing dinosaur, and with it, a microchip called Artificial Intelligence Insert, which can be inserted into the back of an animals brain to actually control their movements. RiCorp Insurrence was the company that sent this, claiming to have found both the animal and the A.I.I. chip in a remote area of Valley, California, and were willing to turn them over to the Zoo for exhibition at a price of 2 million dollars. To prove the company was telling the truth, the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched for clues and evidence in the desert, also interviewing several heads of companies around the world, only to come up with nothing that would denote anything other than what RiCorp reported.
"Now, the Zoo has signed the contract and have set to work on an area in the Zoo to display the dinosaur, which is a Deinonychus - a predator about the size of human. They have tested out the A.I.I. chip, having surgically implanted it into the brain, and according to such tests, it is a success. Because of this, the Zoo believes it will not need to keep the animal inside of a cage, for if it would try to escape, they could simply stop it through activation of the chip before doing so. According to Head of Security and zoologist at the Zoo, Piper Sealy, this could trigger a world-wide revolution in the way Zoos are built around the world - more A.I.I. chips for animals, and no more cages."
* * *
Agents John Reno and Ronald Key stood in straight positions in an elevator that was climbing to the top floor of a building, their eyes fixated upon the ever-increasing numbers displayed above the doorway. It was so quiet, it seemed the ticking away of Reno's watch was actually a loud sound. Key let out a heavy sigh, a bead of sweat becoming entangled with another, dropping from his brow onto the flow. Reno gave lop-sided smile that was amused but concerned at the same time. "I'm glad you're remaining calm in this situation," he remarked, a flicker of humor lighting his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I can't help it, John," Key replied, wiping his forehead and giving another, prolonged exhale. "I've been so tense about this case from the very beginning - I can't shake the feeling that the animal . . . just shouldn't be in that Zoo. My gut tells me its just not a good situation." In all seriousness, Reno nodded in complete agreement, knowing he felt the exact same way. "And now, from what the phone call told us, this could be a big break."
"You're like me," the older agent told him, only smirking once again as an afterthought same to his mind. "You sure didn't used to be. I still remember the day they'd asked me to train ‘the newb named Key'. You were so headstrong - you disagreed with practically everything I told you." Key's tension was relieved for just a moment as he laughed.
"I've apologized to you a thousand times, John," he said regrettably, embarrassed by his past actions.
"Oh, now, now. Don't get me wrong," Reno warmly replied, putting his hand on his assistant's shoulder. "You've turned out to be a fine agent. And I am proud of you." Key looked up with appreciation for the commendation from the man you he often referred to as ‘his father in law enforcement'. The moment was interrupted by the ding of the elevator, signaling their arrival on the top floor. Just as soon as Key's nervousness had disappeared it returned, as the both of them stepped out of the elevator and professionally trotted down the hall, which was lined with several doors that led to dorm rooms.
They turned a corner and finally came to number 7, knocking on the door. They heard footprints inside as the lock was undone, the doorknob was turned, and the hinge swung open to reveal two young college students, having similar features in the face. The agents flashed their badges, only to be greeted by a handshake from each of the young men. "I'm Joel Rockwell," one of them introduced, then pointing to the fellow next to him, "This is my brother Hayden. Thanks a lot for coming."
"Of course," Reno smiled. "May I take my coat off?"
"Sure thing," Hayden nodded, motioning to the coat rack as both agents slipped their long overcoats onto the wall for hanging. Then, all four of them walked forth into the middle of the room, which consisted of two separate beds, a computer upon a desk, a bookshelf with several bound volumes and movies encased within, containing a TV on the top. In addition, all of the walls had been plastered over with poster and spreadsheets of dinosaur fact charts and diagrams of skeletons. They all took their place in seats that had already been prepared for them, the agents on one side, the brothers on the other.
"Now, you told the FBI you had some important information concerning the Deinonychus at the San Diego Zoo?" Key asked. Joel rapidly shook his head, being the first to speak, as the agent whipped out a small notebook from his pocket, holding it with his right hand, resting his elbow on his knee, and getting a pen from his shirt pocket with the other.
"Yes. You see, just over a month ago, Hayden and I took a vacation to Brazil to visit a long-time friend. While we were down there, we decided to do some exploring on our own, and in the process, we came across a very remote, hidden facility, littered with fresh remains of dinosaurs." Reno and Key looked at each other skeptically at this point. "Hard to believe, I know, but its true. In our exploration of that site, we came across several men that were loading what appeared to be a tranquilized Deinonychus into a cage, and then loading it into a very large truck. We snuck close enough to overhear a conversation of one of the men on a radio. I can't remember the exact words, can you Hayden?"
Hayden shrugged as he sibling turned to look at him. "Sorry, neither can I. But I do remember he said something about having the chip arrive at the same time the cage does."
"Arrive where?" Reno asked with importance.
"He didn't mention where - he just said they were going to be sent somewhere," Joel continued. "After that, they loaded the cage up into the truck and hauled it away, and that was the last we saw of them."
"Would you mind giving us descriptions of the men?" he requested.
"Not at all. We weren't close enough to see the detail on their faces, but all of them were wearing camouflage outfits and gear - they looked sort of like army uniforms. They were also carrying rifles, for tranquilizers obviously, since they had put the animal to sleep, but they also could have had bullets as well. I remember two of them were white, one was black, and the other one looked Hispanic." The entire time, the agent jotted down notes on the paper, afterwards looking up.
"What about the vehicle and the cage?"
"The cage was about 6 feet by 6 feet, from the looks of it; a silver color. The truck was probably twice that size - had a large crane on the back of it that lifted the cage into a long, wide flat bed to carry it. The cab looked like it could seat about four persons, and the truck was orange." After he finished up his notes, Key looked to Reno to see if he wanted to ask any further questions.
"We're also going to need the most specific description you can give us of your location at that time," Reno told them. In response, Hayden turned around, reaching out for a wide map that had been placed on the top of the nearby bookshelf, bringing it back and extending his arm to hand to the man.
"We've made a mark on that map already as to where we were, based on how long and far we were traveling, approximately," he explained. At that, Reno folded the map up, standing up from his seat and placing it within his inside jacket pocket with a crinkling.
"You've been very helpful - perhaps more than you know," Reno thanked appreciatively, "We're going to get investigation going right a way in this location you've given us."
"Yes, your welcome. But one more thing I have to tell you," Joel stopped him before he left. "We believe there may be more live dinosaurs than just the Deinonychus out there. We actually saw an Arawete tribal man that was attacked by a maw that would match the size of a Tyrannosaurus. There were also rumors those kind of mysterious ambushes were happening in several different tribal communities. All signs point to that there is more of them - some of them possibly being even larger and more dangerous than a Deinonychus." The gloomy words hit the agents hard, for this information sparked feelings within them that were ten times more disturbing than those they felt about the bipedal predator at the Zoo - the thought of several dinosaurs freely roaming through Brazil.
"We will do our best to look into it," Key nodded with affirmation. "Thank you again." Both of them grabbed their overcoats, slipping it around their arms and onto their body as the Rockwells opened the door for them to exit.
ACT III: PART B - Grand Opening
Every single visitor to the San Diego Zoo that day, after rushing through the turn-stiles, had immediately made their way straight down the several canyon walkways, past all the exhibitions of bears, cats, and birds, reaching a massive crowd that had gathered in a centralized location. Each and every person was packed together as closely as possible as they all did their best to get as close to a podium that had been stationed in the very front of them, with a large arch to its right that heralded the entrance to an exhibition which had been entitled "Deinonychus Jungle", a huge ribbon tied across it. To the podium's left sat several fold-up chairs which seated a number of zoo and Society employees, each attentive to sea of humans that lay before them, fighting to get the best view of the speaker stand. Other structures which had been built included a dine-in restaurant called "Cretaceous Delicacies" and a give-shop called "Gifts from Prehistory" - both having been build directly in front of the exit to the exhibition in an attempt by the Zoo to make massive profit.
Cameras flashed everywhere among the throng, everyone having an astronomical level of anticipation. There was not one guest in the entire rest of the park at that moment - all were anxious to get the first look at this amazing creature. And they weren't just local citizens of San Diego - people had traveled from all over the world to visit this animal park. At this rate, the entrance would have to be shut down halfway through the day because of the constant stream of visitors and there was only so much space, both in the Zoo and in parking.
Piper was filled with adrenalin at she gazed out over the crowd from her elevated seat inside a control tower that had been placed inside the exhibit, rising above to not only the dinosaur's environment from above, but also the immediate area of the zoo around it. A smile formed on the edge of her mouth with a twinkle in her eye. Everyone was so fascinated by these prehistoric leviathans - they always had been, they always would be. And the fact that she could help to bring the dream of seeing them alive, up close, seeing them breathe, and walk, was an incredibly special thing. She knew she was helping to bring a little more joy into everyone's lives in a world where joy was hard to find.
Her line of thought was redirected to the podium as one of the men stood up from his seat to walk towards the podium, drawing a clapping and cheering reaction from the crowd in doing so. He outstretched his hands to ask for silence so that he could begin his introduction the exhibit. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Your enthusiasm is much appreciated," began the person recognizable as Jonah Crockford. "As you know, you are about to embark on a on a visit into the world of prehistory. As you stand here this day, you understand that this is a breakthrough event - not only in Zoology, but also in science. What you are about to see it the first look at a creature that in the past, could only be seen by taking a trip to the museum and staring at bones, which alone can put you in awe. This will be an experience to remember, and as the Head of the Zoological Society of San Diego, I hope that you can continue to cherish it in the future." At this statement, the people showed their agreement with a long, steady clapping, and a few whistles from some of most excited people.
Jonah waited for a moment, taking a breath, and then held out his hand toward the entrance to the exhibit. "Well . . . its time." The crowd knew what that meant, and they showed it by giving the loudest and more emphatic roar yet, as Crockford stepped down from the mike, bringing out a pair of sizzors from his left pants pocket. He trotted up to the ribbon, leaning forward. Looking backwards at the visitors, he finally announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the brand new San Diego Zoo exhibit of the Deinonychus!" At that, he snapped the ribbon, the throngs of people immediately rushed forward as fast as possible, eager, to say the least, to get inside right away.
As all flooded in, Piper turned her gaze away from the entrance to spin her chair back to the control consoles in front of her. "Alright, guys, stay alert," she told the two other men beside her, bringing up a readout and display of the A.I.I. chip.
Below, everyone moved along the path through what seemed to be endless palm trees that blocked any view of the Zoo outside, making you feel completely encompassed by the environment. Cool mist sprayed upon everyone's cheeks and foreheads as they rounded a corner, and came to the place they all wanted to be at - a clearing, filling with low-lying shrubs and ferns. Gasps and cheers erupted as soon as they saw the 5 foot-tall wonder that was the star of the exhibit, hunched down and looking straight at the new arrivals. So many camera flashes went off in that second, it was as if a lightning burst had suddenly struck right in the middle of them.
The Deinonychus was aggravated as soon as they entered his space, many of them leaving the walkway come just a few feet away. With a low snarl, its calves and thighs suddenly tensed as his body eased backward, ready to pounce on all who were leaving the road they were intended to remain on. "Quick, stop it!" Piper demanded, waving her hand to point at the animal. The creature lunged into the air with a squeal, raising its arms and feet up, directing its claws to dig through the flesh at the victim. All at once, his body parts drooped, doing so beyond his control as he landed flat upon his stomach just centimeters away from the startled visitors.
With a groan, it pulled itself up again, giving a small, poignant ,hurtful sound as it stared at its wrist, which was hanging in an abnormal pose, broken. Still determined to drive the intruders away, the beast arched back to lunge, only to trip as soon as it began to lift off the ground, crushing on its arm with a crush and a squeal. Piper cringed as she leaned forward in her seat, concerned about the animal. "Careful, Fletcher!" she told the specialist next to her.
Its hand practically dangling of its arm, the creature whipped around and started to run fr the closure of the trees for nurse its wound as the audience lost their fear almost immediately, resuming their snapping. Piper leaned back in her chaired, stressed from the situation. "That poor thing," she uttered under her breath.
"What did you say?" Fletcher demanded in a harsh tone. "It shouldn't have even attacked it - now the people can't even see it!" As that, he swung his finger over to several switches activating all of them and pulling hard on a lever.
"What are you doing?" Piper urgently asked as she watched the image of the A.I.I. chip turn bright red on the monitor. Below, the animal was blankly halted from returning to the depths of the trees, being forced by Fletcher to turn around and march back out to the people. "What are you doing?" Piper asked again, beginning to become upset. "It's hurt!"
"They came to see a dinosaur, that's what I'm giving them," came the cold reply. He stopped the chip's activation after the Deinonychus had returned to clearing, afterwards immediately turning and fleeing. Irritated, Fletcher whipped the chip back on, tugging on the controls to force the animal back.
"Let it go!" Piper said in a loud voice, actually surprising herself at how loud it was. Ignoring her, Fletcher continued to force the creature to do his will, causing it to walk back the field. He turned the switch off again, hoping the animal would stay this time, but it only turned and ran for the trees again with a squeal.
"No you don't," Flencher said through clenched teeth, becoming increasingly annoyed as he slammed the lever forward, making the predator whirl to turn back. Each time he increased the power, forcing the animal closer and closer and closer to the people as they reached out to it. The animal's head began to shake violently as it desperately tried to avoid the inevitable.
"Let it go, Fletcher! Stop it!" Piper commanded, nearly as desperate as the Deinonychus herself. Fletcher continued to ignore her, pushing the animal continually forward against its will. Unable to contain herself and longer, Piper stood up and whipped her leg around, kicking Fletcher's hand into the air with her boot and slamming the chip's activation off as the animal below weakly turned, with his arm nestled against its breast, back into the jungle. Fletcher stared up at her with anger and surprise at the woman. "I . . . said . . . let . . . it . . . go," she firmly stated.
After long glares at each other, they finally turned away as Piper spun and slammed back into her chair resting her cheek in her said, all the while the crowd below disappointedly moved along. She could not help but feel extreme mercy for that creature, the way they were treating it with ultimate control. Perhaps . . . it hadn't been such a good idea after all.
* * *
He bent low, gazing through the camera lense at a muddy floor, paved over with impressions of distinct truck tires, his thumb triggering the taking of some photos. At length, he stood up once again, noticing his own boots had been completely juxtaposed with mud. As he checked how much of the roll was left, he heard his name called from behind as the sound of a motor increased and then whined down. "John!" came the familiar voice.
Agent Reno turned, seeing that Agent Key had just pulled up in his truck next to two communications towers and a broken "Pangaea" sign, walking in between the other investigators, searching the compound grounds for clues. "I checked with the only vehicle rental place in Gurupi. Check it out," his fellow companion held out a form with a list of conditions of a sale. "This truck, matching the exact vehicles described by the Rockwells, was rented out by RiCorp exactly one day before the Rockwells said they witnessed the dinosaur capture here."
"Good work, my boy," Reno breathed turning to display his own findings. "These tire prints also match that truck that RiCorp had contained that day. This evidence, backed up by the details of the eyewitnesses is enough for an arrest warrant."
"Right," Key stated. "I'll notify the police. Any word on any other live dinos down here?"
"Not ye-" the senior agent never finished his sentence, for he was interrupted by a signal from the radio on his belt that confirmed the opposite of what he had been about to say.
~ Please Comment ~
7/3/2002 11:16:18 AM
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