Hello guys! After seeing the incredible Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom film, and after a few very successful Jurassic OQ photo manipulations posted on Twitter (many thanks to you guys who supported the idea), I have decided to write my very own OQ Jurassic World AU!
Few notes before we begin, as you all know, I don't take credit for any of the aspects of this AU taken right from the movie (Jurassic World) and tv show (Once Upon a Time) such as all of the characters including the dinosaurs. I also don't take credit for the basic premise of this AU, which loosely follows the plot of the first Jurassic World film, though I hope I do it justice. Also, I apologize for any minor inconsistencies of any of the technical aspects of how Jurassic park is run (security systems, etc.), for sometimes I may have to tweak stuff to fit with the plot of this story.
With that out of the way, I hope you all enjoy! This is the first in what I plan to be a short mini fic! Happy reading, and please let me know what you guys think!
"Good morning, this is Sydney Glass reporting live from ABC studios where we begin our news with the latest update on the world's leading company in biological science, technology, and genetics. Just three years ago, with the use of innovative procedures regarding genetic mixing, globally renowned International Genetic Technologies gave rise to a new brand of dinosaur species. From cutting edge research lead by the highly esteemed Dr. Gold, this worldwide phenomena of genetically enhanced hybrids, designs using DNA of various dinosaur species along with the DNA of modern animals, has culminated into one single masterpiece: the Indominus Rex. Now just well on into its adolescence, this new fearsome creature is set to make its official debut. We now go live to our correspondent, Leroy Grump for details."
"…Yeah, I'm here standing right in front of Paddock 11 at the Jurassic World park, at what is the actual enclosure in which this newly designed Indominus Rex is held. As you can see behind me the outer walls, made of solid steel and titanium, had to be built even higher to accommodate for the asset's incredible size. Fully equipped with thermal cameras for safety, the paddock has been approved by the ACU, that is, the Asset Containment Unit, and is set to open to the public for the first time ever in just five days' time. So, if you're into seeing an abnormally sized T-Rex tear a lamb from limb to limb, you can now safely do so behind the enclosure's shatterproof glass in just five days. Tickets are on sale now. Now back to you, Sidney."
"…Thanks, Leroy. As you know, Jurassic World has been honored as one of the world's greatest attractions for ten years now, receiving just about twenty thousand visitors a day. CEO Regina Mills surely is absolutely thrilled to see her park thrive as online ticket sales skyrocket just a day after the park's official announcement. Her father, late great Henry Mills, must be very proud, as his vision of innovation for his beloved park about three decades ago is finally coming to pass.
We're now going to take quick break before we carry on with other news. Next up is a story of—"
Robin Locksley rolls his eyes, the atmosphere of his cosy living room abruptly falling silent as he presses the power button on his television's remote control. With a heavy, exasperated sigh, the blonde shrugs on his hooded jacket and stoops down to begin tying the thick laces of his combat boots. Oh, how he wanted to warn them. For the few months leading up to the egg's creation, Robin had been silently berating them of their stupidity and sheer recklessness of even attempting something so downright preposterous. Though he had neither say nor experience in InGen's genetics department, he knew enough to know that this was, and still is, a very bad idea. A hybrid dinosaur, born of a conglomeration of prehistoric DNA mixed with that of animals today; he can't even begin to think of the behavioral repercussions of what such a smorgasbord like that would entail. It was stupid, stupid of them to let the thrill of it all blind them from what they would truly be making.
Must the CEO be so daft as to authorize something like this? Has she really changed that much from when he had last known her? Now, having been working for InGen's security division for the better part of four years, Robin has seen the woman on numerous occasions whether that be in the boardroom or out in the field. He has seen her survey her little island dominion with the meticulous but distant eyes of a queen. He has to admit the look suits the heiress quite well. The power suits and impeccable makeup say it all. She's highly competent, no doubt about it—in the business and marketing department, that is. However, Robin can't help but wonder about her knowledge regarding the other side of things, namely the dinosaurs. Would she even care? Or does she just see them as a means to an end, just another number on a spreadsheet, a rise in ticket sales begetting more money towards her mega-corporation, like all the other geneticists who work alongside her. Namely, Dr. Gold, with whom she seems particularly close—too close for his liking.
Oh, how Robin really shivers at even the slightest mention of the tiny imp. A "highly esteemed" researcher indeed, but alongside all that glory, there's a slight chill to the air wherever the man walks and an aura of something underhanded and cryptic hidden beneath such ambition. It's not anything that Robin can put his finger on, but it's enough to keep himself as far away from doctor as much as possible. It frightens him to know that it was Gold who masterminded this whole hybrid operation. However, it frightens Robin even more knowing that the clearly adept Regina Mills was foolish enough to follow. It makes him wonder at just how much influence the little man has over such a powerful CEO.
"Papa, I'm bored." A small voice pulls Robin out from amidst the clutter of his thoughts and back into the living room. Standing from his crouched position, he turns his attention to his right, eyes resting on the petite form of his beloved eight-year-old son. Dark chestnut eyes blink up at him expectantly. "When's Belle going to come?"
"Soon, my boy," Robin replies with a gentle smile, "She should be here any time now. Then I'll be on my way to work, and you two can go and do whatever you please." Robin grabs his wallet and cell, shoving them into his pockets before heading to retrieve his special training clicker that hangs from the hook by the door. Roland follows on his heels.
"How does that work?" The young boy questions, curious as ever.
Robin laughs, shaking his head fondly at the cheeky grin his son throws him. "I thought I've shown you this multiple times," he says.
"Yeah, but I forgot."
Robin shakes his head again, holding the clicker up before him. "Okay, well, whenever the dinosaur does a good thing—you know—does what I tell her to do, I use the clicker like this." He clicks the device twice, eliciting two abrupt snapping sounds. "Then, right after, I give the dinosaur a treat so that she knows that she did well. So, whenever I click, she knows she gets a treat. But to be able to earn that click and the treat the dinosaur has to do what I say. It's kind of like when you know that if you clean your room, you earn a bit of ice cream after dinner."
He watches with an amused smirk upon his lips as Roland furrows his brows in his attempt to understand this mechanism of animal behavioral training. Robin chuckles softly, reaching out to ruffle his son's curls; the little brunette still deep in thought. "You'll get it someday," he reassures sympathetically. He knows quite well he'll have to keep explaining it many more times in the future, which honestly isn't any burden on his part. Robin enjoys feeding his son's interest in the topic, despite the boy's inability to fully grasp it. He can't help but feel a warmth of pride in his chest whenever Roland displays any fascination in his father's passion. Like father, like son.
An abrupt buzzing suddenly disturbs the tenderness of the moment. Robin lifts his hand from his son's hair to fish the vibrating device from his pocket. "It's Belle," he announces with a slight frown before answering. Soon enough, the panicked tones of the babysitter rings through the receiver.
"Robin, I am so sorry," Belle breathes, "My father's just had a stroke. I have to go see him. I'm so sorry."
At this, Robin's heart thuds in his chest, stomach dropping immediately at the gravity of the situation. Instantly, his heart flows with empathy for the young woman. "Oh Belle, I'm so sorry. Please, by all means go see him. It's okay, we'll be fine. Don't worry about us." Robin nods as he continues to listen to the sound of her shaking voice. The poor girl. Her father has always been quite frail. "Yes, yes, of course. Please give all my love—I hope he'll be all right…Yes…Definitely keep me informed."
"Papa, what is it?" Roland asks, his eyes wide with concern as he tugs on his father's arm.
Robin sighs heavily as he cuts the call. "I'm afraid Belle's father is very sick," he states quietly.
"So, she won't be able to come today?"
"No," Robin shakes his head, "I'm afraid not." Anxiously, he runs a hand through his hair. Feeling awful about Belle and her father's predicament, he can't help but also feel agitated about how this has left him regarding his own situation and his son. Robin glances down at his watch. Eight thirty.
"Who's gonna look after me now?"
"I don't know, my boy…" In his mind, Robin goes through a list of people he knows in the nearest town. There's Granny, however she's only available after her diner's hours. Ruby, but she's currently on a cruise in the Caribbean. Mary Margaret, but she has her hands full with a newborn of her own nowadays. That just leaves his best friend Will…who is quite conveniently on a week-long hunting trip. Another heavy sigh leaves through Robin's nose as he meets Roland's eyes once more. There's just one other option.
"Well, Roland, today I guess you're going to have to come to work with me."
Gentle waves lap against impeccable white shores as a balmy morning breeze rustles leaves of the surrounding plant life. On Isla Nublar, another day is just getting started. Gulls circle the air above, giving a cry or two as they search for a tasty morsel up along the sun kissed coast. They spread their wings, flying in loops as if they are performing some type of routine, until they suddenly scatter upon hearing the deafening roar of an approaching helicopter.
Sitting inside, its passengers gaze over the sparkling waters of the North Pacific, both their headphone receivers emitting nothing but a murmuring static as they remain impassive. For the much younger of the two, a boy of fourteen years, the silence is a welcome thing. The droning sound of the helicopter's engine like a wall between him and the other passenger who cannot help but shift uncomfortably and pick at an invisible piece of lint off the front of her trousers. Through her eyes, the beautiful view of the fast approaching island is hindered by the unsettling peace that has dubiously descended between herself and her son.
"Twenty minutes, Ms. Mills," the pilot suddenly announces as he glances back towards the two, his voice traveling to both their headphones.
Regina glances at the man and sends him a curt nod. She then settles her gaze upon her son who still continues to stare wordlessly out over the tops of the island's thick, lush green forest, over which they now fly. "Henry, we're almost here," Regina states, her dark eyes searching those of her son's as he finally turns to make contact.
"I know," Henry answers simply, his shoulders shrugging slightly. "I heard."
Regina sighs, shaking her head as she reaches out to gently brush his hair from his eyes. "Just…try to have fun today okay?" She pleads softly before reaching for her purse and dipping a slender hand to rummage around in its contents. Within seconds, she produces both a badge and a white envelope, handing both to Henry. "VIP badge along with the tickets. Passes for all of the park's attractions, so that you won't have to wait in line," Regina tells him as she watches her son open the envelope. His eyes slightly become a bit more alive at the sight of the tickets inside.
"Wow, uh," Henry mutters, looking up to meet Regina's eyes once more. "You didn't have to get me all of this. You know I would've been fine with just the gyrosphere ride."
"I know, but it's my treat. And I promised, remember?" She offers him a small smile.
"You're only doing this to make up for what happened."
Regina deflates slightly. "I know, but Henry, I—"
"It's fine," Henry sighs, turning back towards the window, "Just forget about it." A moment passes, the silence enough to form a lump within Regina's throat. She swallows it down quickly before straightening herself up as she hears a slightly more remorseful, "Thanks for the tickets."
The touchdown at the helipad is smooth. Mother and son are soon sliding into a black SUV with tinted windows, promptly en route towards Jurassic World's Visitor Center. It's a beautiful building constructed of glass and wood, all formed into a pyramid-like structure that sits at the very center of the island. The rest of the park and its surrounding enclosures circle around it: the mosasaurus lagoon and arena to the south, herbivore safari plains to the north, aviary to the east, and carnivore feeding displays to the west, to name just a few. All of the park's attractions' entrances are either within walking distance from one another, or easily accessible by use of a shuttle. The Indominus Rex paddock is located the furthest north of the park, the very edges of its enclosure bordering that of the ruins of Regina's father's infamous Jurassic Park.
It's early in the morning, but the center is already teeming with those attempting to beat the crowds in order to be the first at the openings of the attractions. All are wild with anticipation for yet another exciting day. Through what has already become a multitude, Regina floats with practiced ease, weaving in and out of the throngs of visitors as her son struggles to keep up. Standing at the staff entrance towards the very rear of the center's main atrium is a woman who looks about Regina's age, dressed quite casually compared to the latter; a pair of navy blue jeans and brown leather jacket juxtaposing the CEO's impeccable gray sensible pantsuit. Long blonde waves hang forward, framing a delicately squared jaw, as dark hazel eyes peer intensely at an iPad. Upon hearing the telltale clicking of the Regina's Jimmy Choo's, she glances up from whatever she has been scanning and offers a smirk in greeting.
"You're late," the blonde jibes, lifting a brow at the approaching brunette who doesn't hesitate to flash her a tight-lipped scowl.
"Ms. Swan, I'd like you to meet my son Henry," Regina says, promptly ignoring the woman's teasing. "Henry, this is my personal assistant, Emma Swan."
The blonde shifts her gaze towards the boy who looks up at her with mild interest. A smile slips easily to her lips as she bends to offer him a hand. "Call me Emma," she says.
"Hey," Henry replies simply, returning the handshake with a slight smirk after quickly catching on to Emma's infectious mood.
Regina nods, looking from their exchange back up towards the blonde. "I'm assigning you to watch over him today," she continues with her utmost professional tone, "Take good care of him, stay with him at all times." Again, Regina ignores the inevitable sigh that leaves Henry's throat, no matter how quiet he'd thought he was. "Never let him out of your sight."
"Really, Regina? Now my job is to babysit?" Emma groans right along with Henry, making the boy smirk once more at their resemblance in reaction to orders given by high command.
Regina lifts a perfectly curved brow. "Ms. Swan, your job is to execute every task I assign you to the best of your ability. And right now, yes, it's to watch over and protect my son, to the best of your ability."
"Really?" Henry also groans. "You're not coming with me?"
Regina sighs. Looking towards her son, she bends down to gently grasp his chin. Their eyes lock, dark on dark. "I'm sorry, Henry, I wish I could. But I'm afraid I have some stuff to attend to."
"But I thought that when you said you'd take me here, you actually would take me here," Henry protests.
"I know, but I have places I need to check up on, people to meet with. I need to make sure my park is running accordingly, you understand that."
"Yeah but, I just…" Henry heaves a loud sigh, shaking his head slowly, "After what happened, I thought that was enough to make you change. But it's just more of the same thing."
His words sting her far more than she'd let on and admit to her own self. Her chest clenches once more in a way that makes her far too uncomfortable. How Regina loathes feeling out of control like this, fearful of feeling an emotion that she'd rather bury deep beneath the work that she does. It's always easier to deny it than face it head on. "I really am trying, Henry," Regina whispers.
"No, you're not," comes the venomous response that has the brunette's lips parting in shock at the acidity of his reply.
Her hand drops from his chin as she straightens back up, feeling a mixture of hurt and anger and frustration. She buries it down with a thick swallow before looking towards Emma, who shifts uncomfortably by their side. "Ms. Swan, I—" Suddenly, Regina's cell rings. "Damnit," she curses as she reaches into her purse to retrieve the device. "I have to go," she states quickly before bending down to press a swift kiss to her son's forehead. "Be safe. We'll talk more later, I promise." She gazes into his deadpan expression with a soft sigh. She forces a smile to her lips. "I love you." And with that, Regina is pressing the answer button as she stands. After throwing one last glance at Emma and she's disappearing back into the crowd, all the while speaking rapidly into the phone.
Through the silence of the peaceful summer morning slices the squeal of a pig, followed by the pitter patter of feet that scurry across the rugged terrain of the Raptor Research Arena. Four velociraptors sprint after the poor piglet. Darting through the small patches of brush at lightning speed, their claws barely scrape the ground. When the prey runs straight through a small archway leading outside the enclosure, the door slamming shut before the they can pursue, the raptors halt in their tracks. At the sound of Robin's stern voice commanding from where he safely stands on a walkway above the enclosure, all four point their noses skyward.
"Right! Eyes on me!" Robin calls sharply, body tense and arm raised with the clicker in hand. Brows are scrunched together to complete his look of complete toughness and superiority. When working with such beasts, as dangerous as they are, the trainer has no choice but to put on a bit of a mask. Any sign of weakness, a look in the eye or even the slightest give in posture, and the raptors will prey on it like a hawk to a fish.
"Blue!" Robin yells, clicking the device two sharp clicks to grab one raptor's attention as she continues to begrudgingly stare at the closed mini gate through which the piglet ran. "Blue!" The raptor whips her head up towards him, growling in slight disgruntlement.
As the alpha from the start and the largest of the bunch, Robin knew this particular creature was special. Having practically raised her from birth, the trainer anticipated her capabilities to surpass that of her peers right from the very beginning. And to this very day, Blue is regarded as one of the most highly intelligent velociraptors ever made in the history of InGen's work.
"Watch it!" Robin warns, pointing a stern finger at the raptor who is currently snarling up at him. As intelligent and obedient as Blue is, as Blue can be, that doesn't mean she doesn't have a temper.
"Charlie! Delta! What did I say? Eyes on me! Sometime today!" The other two raptors halt amidst a small snarling session with one another, caught after thinking they could've gotten away with it while Robin's attention was on Blue.
"Good!" Robin praises as all raptors finally have their eyes consistently on him. He raises his free hand before he announces that he's going to be moving from his side of the walkway to the other. As he does so, hand still raised, the raptors dutifully follow him with their gaze, bodies turning appropriately as he turns a corner. When he comes to a stop, the raptors do so too, eliciting a pride that blooms deep within Robin's chest. He has gotten them this far, so far. "That is good. That is very good!" Robin commends once more as he clicks the clicker one last time. Reaching into a bucket, he then pulls out the dinosaur treats—fresh whole rats—and tosses them at the raptors one by one. Like dogs, each of them jumps up, catching the rats between powerful jaws with satisfied grunts and snorts.
"Ho!" Robin lifts his hand once again, getting the raptors' attention one last time as they finish their chewing. "Eyes up!" Each one lifts her muzzle to the air, all eyes focused on their trainer. All are finally quiet. After counting about five seconds, Robin releases them with a slice of his hand through the air and a firm "go!", and the raptors are free to roam.
Small hands clap cheerfully behind him as Roland beams at his father from the observation platform at the edge of the arena. "That is so cool" he exclaims in awe, "Do they really listen to everything you say?!"
Robin laughs softly. He shakes his head fondly as he strolls towards his son, tucking his beloved clicker back into his pocket. "Not all the time. They're only animals," he admits with a smirk, "Today was a good day."
"That is still so cool you control dinosaurs, Papa."
"It is," Robin chuckles as he reaches the platform and his son, kneeling down before him with a smile. His hand swipes an unruly curl back from Roland's forehead as he peers into his eyes. "But it's not about control," he continues, "It's about trust. It's a relationship. I do more than just train them. I take care of them, I feed them. I've cared for them ever since they were little. So that's how our relationship works, how I build their trust over time—"
"So that they then will listen to you."
"Well, some of the time," Robin chuckles amusedly as he ruffles his son's hair. "There's always room for improvement."
Roland grins. "Can I see the t-rex now?" He asks, impatiently bouncing in place. "Please?"
Robin sighs, shaking his head as he comes to stand. "Soon, my boy," he says as he begins to head down from the platform, leading his son towards the outermost gates of the enclosure. "I've got some stuff to finish up first," he adds, picking up a feeding bucket on the way.
"Aww! I wanna go now!" Roland pouts, jiggling up and down on the spot. Robin sighs once more, swiping a hand down his face. He knew this would be exactly what would happen. "Can't I just go by myself?"
"Absolutely not, Roland. You know you can't just go running around. It's not safe."
"But—"
"Roland please!" Robin chastises, his voice firmer in his exasperation. It's bad enough that he has had to bring his son to a place that he really shouldn't be in, for obvious reasons. It's a research center, one that's not even open to the public.
"Oi, Robin!" The trainer's coworker shouts from somewhere inside the gates. "Could use a bit of help here!"
Robin shakes his head. "I'll be right there, Killian!" He yells in return before turning back towards his son. "Roland, I need you to wait here." He leads his son to a bench in the shade of the complex. Roland groans, however reluctantly takes a seat. "I'll be back soon, I promise—John!" Robin begins reassuring before suddenly interrupting his own sentence as he calls to one of the keepers who is happening to wander by just at the right moment. He strides towards the burly man, clapping him on the shoulder. "Thank god, please, can you watch my son? I'll be five minutes."
"Yeah, yeah sure, no problem," John responds with a shrug of his wide shoulders.
"Thank you," Robin breathes, "Thanks so much, mate." He pats John on the back once more before jogging off in the direction of his coworker, leaving him with a squirming eight-year-old.
"So," John looks down at Roland before plopping himself onto the bench beside the boy. "You're Locksley's boy. You know your father can't stop talking about you."
"Really?" Roland asks, looking up at the man.
"Yeah. All good things though. He's told us of your interest in dinosaur training. You think you wanna to do what he does someday?"
Roland shrugs indifferently. "I don't know," he replies, "Maybe. But right now, I really wanna see the T-Rex."
"Ahh," John laughs, "That's every boy's choice favorite. I'm afraid you'll have to wait for your father to get back for that one."
"Can't you take me since Papa can't?" The hope in Roland's eyes is almost comical as they become round like saucers. He stares pleadingly up at the man.
"I'm sure your Papa will kill me if I do."
"Please?"
"Sorry," John raises his hands, "No can do, I'm afraid."
Roland groans, swinging his feet annoyedly. The young boy slumps, knowing that his father is sure to take ages. It has to have been already five minutes, if not more, so far.
However it's just as his luck would have it, that suddenly there's an alarm that sounds, one that would signal the opening of one of the innermost gates to the enclosure. There's shouting, and a pounding of footsteps as ACU troopers rush towards the gates, guns drawn. John curses, glancing between the action and where Roland sits. "Wait here, don't go anywhere. I'll be right back," John states firmly before hauling himself off the bench and sprinting towards the commotion.
Roland watches with wide eyes as his guard takes off towards whatever is happening in the enclosure. His initial thought goes towards his Papa as he can't help but wonder what's happening, if he should check to see if his father is okay. But the childish urge to seize the opportunity of not being watched becomes greater. So, it is with one last glance towards the gates that Roland slides from the bench and dashes towards the exit.
"So, what's the deal with you and your mom?" Emma questions rather bluntly.
Henry lumbers by her side, already exhausted after having gone to the petting zoo, the mosasaurus feeding, and the aquatic park. Throughout their visits to each attraction so far, minimal talking occurred between the two, which was of course fine with Henry. However, as the sun climbs towards noon and the pair makes their way towards the tyrannosaurus rex feeding, the inevitable question is asked, addressing the elephant in the room and the cause of the initial awkwardness between both parties the moment Regina Mills left them in haste.
"Nothing," Henry murmurs while attempting a nonchalant shrug. "We're cool."
"Cool?" Emma snorts, raising her brows as she turns to look pointedly at the boy. "So all that snapping I heard was just cool?"
Henry frowns. "I don't know, I mean, I don't see why you'd care anyway."
"Because I'm your mother's assistant and we're good friends. I care about her, and when she's coming into work looking all miserable and sorry for herself, I can't help but wonder—" Emma stops and shakes her head, waving a dismissive hand, "—Never mind, I really shouldn't be saying this stuff to you. You're her kid." Henry raises a brow. "Point is, I just want her to be happy, you know?"
Henry sighs deeply, staring down at his feet as he kicks the gravel as they move along. Despite the anger and frustration all pent up inside for his mother, he can't help but swallow down a small lump of guilt at Emma's words. It is true. He can't imagine being a single mother and running one of the most powerful countries in the world all at the same time—and don't forget the park as well. Yet even still…
"Can we, like, not talk about this?" Henry asks.
Emma nods compliantly. "Might as well," she says before gesturing towards the large wooden gates of Tyrannosaurus Kingdom, "We're here anyway."
The pair push their way through to the front of the large crowd that has congregated behind the shatterproof glass of the t-rex observation deck. Children press their sweaty hands and foreheads against the glass, all the while cheering, "eat him, eat him!" whilst parents shuffle nervously above them with slightly apprehensive looks upon their faces. Just a few feet away from the glass, the tyrannosaurus rex tears apart its meal with great gusto. Its large head, almost the size of the entire window itself, tosses back and forth as the carnivore's powerful jaws rip apart flesh and bone. Henry watches the carnage with a slight grimace before turning his head towards the gathering of tourists, whose children are either fascinated or terrified by the display. Screams and cries of pure terror, mixed with the hoots and hollers of awe and excitement, deafen the boy's ears. The announcement did mention not to bring younger kids to such an exhibit due to the "content that might not be suitable for young children". So really it's the parents' faults to comply with the wishes of their overexcited children who clearly think they are tougher than they really are.
One example is a young, curly-haired brunette boy a few steps away. He stands stiffly, staring out the window at the t-rex with chestnut eyes wide like saucers. With his jaw slackened and his body hardly moving, the young boy who clearly isn't past the age of nine, seems to be the epitome of that fear. Yet, he couldn't seem to take his eyes from the dinosaur's feasting. Henry frowns as he regards the young boy, not being able to help but feel some kind of sympathy for the kid. However, as he looks around for any parents to deliver such sympathy, he notices that there seems to be no one; no one around to place that reassuring hand upon his shoulder, or hug him, or whisper more comforting things in his ear.
It's just then that the young kid suddenly catches Henry's gaze, turning his head to look somewhat curiously at the older boy. Henry shuffles in his spot. Glancing back towards Emma, who has seemed to have occupied herself on her phone, he finds himself drawn towards the boy before he even realizes. Sidling up to the brunette's side, Henry then smirks. "Great show, huh?" He remarks, looking between the dinosaur and the young boy.
The little brunette shrugs, his eyes still wide. "Yeah," he sighs, "Just…a little more…messy than I thought."
Henry laughs aloud at the young boy's euphemism. "Yeah," he mocks with a snort, "You look terrified."
"Am not!" The brunette turns defensive as he huffs.
"Are to," Henry shoots back with a grin, "You should see the look on your face."
"There's no look!" The young boy blinks at him, attempting to look innocent.
"Really?" Henry taunts playfully, "Don't need to run to your mommy and daddy?"
The boy glares daggers at him.
"Where are they anyway?"
The brunette shrugs. "Papa's in the raptor place," he states, "He works there."
At this, Henry's brows shoot towards his hairline. "Really?" He asks in surprise.
"Yeah!" The boy answers, easily forgetting Henry's teasing. "He trains them," he adds proudly with a small dimpled grin.
"That's so cool," Henry says, returning the smile with a small one of his own, "You know, my mom works here too."
"Really?"
"Yeah! She's actually the CEO."
"What's that?" The young boy cocks his head to the side.
"The boss," Henry explains, "She's the boss of everyone around here." Then he smirks once more. "Even the boss of your Papa!"
"Aw!" The little boy exclaims adorably as he giggles, his little eyes sparkling.
Henry grins down at him, finding himself to instantly be drawn to the young boy's bubbly aura. The possibility of making a new friend gives him a good idea. "So, your Papa is working now?" He asks with a tilt of his head.
The boy nods firmly. "Yeah," he says, "Papa's been very busy today. He had to bring me to work and he promised that we could see the t-rex but he had to go do something."
"So you just ran?"
"Yep!"
Henry chuckles before bending slightly down to the boy's level. His smile turns mischievous as he looks into the brunette's wide eyes. "You know, my mom left too cause she had to go do stuff. Left me alone too. What do you say we stick together?"
At his suggestion, the boy's eyes widen even further, alight with new excitement. "Really?" He breathes, in charming disbelief.
"Really," Henry states with a nod, "Plus, I've got passes to all the places so we won't have to wait in line. And a special badge!"
"Cool!" Squeals the brunette. "One for me too?"
Henry shakes his head. "But, since my mom is the boss, I'll just tell them that and they'll let you through." He gives the boy a wink. "All the workers are scared of her anyway," he adds, making the brunette laugh. "So what do you say?"
The young boy fervently nods his head, practically bouncing with joy. "Yeah! Awesome!" He cheers, pumping the air with his fist.
Henry grins. "I'm Henry, by the way."
"Roland!" The boy excitedly answers with his own name.
Henry nods happily. "All right, Roland," he says before grasping Roland's forearm. He leans close to the boy in front of him before taking another surreptitious look at Emma. But it's just then that the blonde, after all this time, decides to finally glance up from her phone. "Shoot!" Henry curses under his breath.
"Hey Henry!" Emma calls, brows pulling together as she starts towards the two boys. "Who's that kid with y—" Suddenly, her phone begins to ring, saving Henry and Roland from the inquire that was sure to come.
Henry breathes out a sigh of relief and turns back towards the younger boy. "Okay Roland," he whispers, "On three, we're gonna run." Roland simply nods, eager to follow anything Henry says. Henry glances one last time towards Emma who seems too preoccupied to take notice of their actions. "One, two, three!"
The staccato clicking of heels beats rapidly as she moves swiftly down a hallway forbidden to the public. Bursting through the doors of the Visitor's Center control room, Regina forcefully strides into an area of flashing screens of red and deeply concerned staff. They all turn in their seats and look fearfully at the glowering CEO.
"Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?" Regina demands viciously as she marches down the steps towards the throng of computers.
A tall man, lean and perfectly sculpted in firm muscle, looks up from the main terminal and abruptly turns. He peers at the CEO with darkened gray eyes that flicker out from underneath a crop of unruly dirty-blonde curls that fall in disarray over his forehead. Nervously, he lifts a hand to scratch at his stubble.
"Graham Humbert," Regina addresses him sternly as she would a child. She stalks up to him, eyes flashing as she stares coldly at the man's stiffening form. Every cell within her vibrates with both anger and anxiety; her fear manifests in fury towards the young park operations manager. "You said that the Indo-Rex's paddock was safe and secure, and that all of the final inspections have been completed. Now that the asset has been put into that very containment, why did I just get an alert that there has been some kind of a breach?"
Graham shakes his head fervently, those curls bouncing about his forehead. "When a worker went to go feed the asset, he saw no sign of it. That's when he checked the thermal cameras, and—I don't know, I mean, the thermal surveillance system seems to be working perfectly. But it's not picking up on any thermal signatures from the animal. The doors haven't been open in weeks." he breathes, "We ran our security tests just today including the thermal system. Everything was fine—"
"Yes, and everything is fine until you crash your car," Regina spits, "Really, Graham, are you that daft?" She sighs, placing her hands on her hips. Underneath her hardened exterior, her heart begins to pound. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath. "Where's the asset now?" Regina asks, voice faltering in a slight tremble.
She watches then as the operations manager turns towards the terminal once more. "There's a tracker in its back," Graham states as he punches in a few codes, "We can see where it is using that." Regina leans over his shoulder, staring intently at the screen in front of them. Suddenly an alarm sounds, a deep honking that has both Regina and Graham, along with other members in the room, jumping in unison. Wide dark eyes reflect the new unsightly bold red words that flash not only on their computer screen, but on all the others including the large main control screen at the very front of the room. Tracker Disarmed. Unable to Detect.
"No," Regina breathes, her heart rate accelerating by the second as she lays a shaky hand on Graham's shoulder. She looks to him as he turns towards her, gray eyes just as wide as hers. "So we have absolutely no clue if the thing is even in there."
"It appears so," Graham mutters. He straightens up slowly, staring up like a deer in the headlights at the flashing red on the main screen. He steps towards the front to get a better look at the monitor. "Someone disabled its tracker."
"Yes, I can see that" Regina hisses, "Why would anybody want to even…" She trails off with a shake of her head. "Can't we just turn it back on?"
Graham shakes his head. "The staff here are only given the tools with which they use the security measures that are already put place. Those who actually install the devices—that job goes to InGen's Security Division. They're the only ones that have access to the codes to the instruments like the tracking device."
"So someone in security is playing with us," Regina growls, her upper lip curling, "First the thermal detector, and now this."
"Well, I wouldn't call it playing…"
"Well whatever it is, whatever game this is, I'm going to put an end to it immediately." The CEO turns towards one of the other staff. "Get me Phillip Nottingham," she commands, calling for the chief of security, "I want to see him now."
"We also need to figure out what to do about the asset," Graham adds, "Now that we have no way of tracking it…"
"It couldn't possibly have escaped, could it?" Regina replies as she turns her attention back towards Graham. At her own question, she can already feel her skin begin to prickle.
"No, I mean, it shouldn't have," the manager answers, "But we need to be sure."
"And how the hell are we supposed to do that?" Regina says exasperatedly while throwing her hands into the air. "What? Send someone straight into the lion's den?"
Graham blinks at her, raising his brows slightly. "We might be able to if he's experienced enough."
Regina furrows her brows at the blonde, her stare almost as lethal as that of the dinosaur's jaws. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Graham clears his throat, "Someone who is knowledgeable about dinosaur behavior, you know, their instincts. Someone who can track it."
At this, the CEO's eyes widen at the sudden realization of exactly the man Graham is talking about. "No," she whispers before clearing her voice and firmly shaking her head. "Absolutely not. Not him."
Graham sighs, offering a small shrug. "He's the best of the best. No one knows dinosaurs like he does." Even so, Regina crosses her arms like a petulant child, turning her head to avoid his gaze. She hears him take a tentative step towards her before lowering his voice, "Regina, I know there's been some history between you two. But for the park's sake, you need to put the past aside for right now. He's the best we've got, our best chance at making sure this thing doesn't go beyond its paddock walls."
A heavy pause ensues as Regina glances towards Graham and then looks among the room full of staff who look anxiously towards her. She sees this small group of people, a mere handful out of all those she must protect. And though she would rather walk straight into the Indominus Rex's paddock herself than speak to Robin Locksley again, Regina knows that bringing in the insufferable man is the best option they have.
"Fine," she huffs finally with a reluctant shake of her head. Regina nods at Graham, then lifts her chin. "Get me Locksley."
Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed this first update just as much as I enjoyed writing it! Don't forget to let me know what you think!
Stay tuned, more to come soon! ;)