Chapter 1: The Beginning

"Investigation log," Casey Innes said into the tape recorder in his left hand as he attempted to grasp the steering wheel with his right. Casey was slowly leaning into the next lane, but he was too intent on his tape recorder to pay attention. "The date is May 20, 2003. It's been almost a year since the infamous Jurassic Park incident and almost seven since the incident in San Diego."

Repeated honking for cars behind his caused Casey to lower the tape recorder for a few second and regain control of his car. Once he was centered he returned to the tape recorder and ignored the road. "Ten years ago, I company known as InGen invited three scientists to Isla Nublar named Alan Grant, Elizabeth Sattler, and Ian Malcolm as scientific liaisons. After a number of miscalculations, the park was overrun by genetically altered dinosaurs, which left much of the crew deceased."

Another car screeched right passed Casey. He hadn't realized that he ran run a red light. Casey brushed it off and continued to drive and record. "Since then, Elizabeth married an employee of the State Department named Mark Degler and had two children named Charles and Hannah. Ian Malcolm continued to push his ideals of Chaos Theory and went to another InGen-owned island named Isla Sorna in order to document the dinosaurs before John Hammond's, the CEO of InGen during the first incident, nephew Peter Ludlow transferred the dinosaurs to San Diego. This incident is known as the San Diego incident, in which Ludlow was killed. John Hammond himself died the next year due to complications of lung cancer."

Finally, Casey began to slow his car down and turn into a parking lot. Still, his reckless driving continued. Other cars exiting the parking lot swerved out of his way as he drove. "All surviving InGen employees have cut all ties with the company since the incident. Henry Wu acquired a new job in genetics working for the CDC to find a cure for cancer and Gerald Harding became the head veterinarian at the Sea World in Orlando."

Casey finally parked his car illegally in the handicapped space. Sighs of relief could be heard from miles away. Casey stepped out of his car and approached the large building in front of him, still talking into his tape recorder. "Finally, Dr. Alan Grant returned to his job as an archeologist until only one year ago. While worked at the dig site in Fort Peck Lake, Montana, Alan Grant and his assistant William Brennan were approached by Paul Kirby and his ex-wife Amanda Kirby, who offered them one-million dollars to accompany them on an aerial tour over Isla Sorna, where Ian Malcolm had been on only four years prior."

Casey entered the building and for once, said something that wasn't being recorded. He approached the receptionist and asked, "Is Mr. Mason in today?"

"He should be," she replied.

Casey nodded and resumed his walk-and-talk. "In reality, Paul Kirby and Amanda Kirby weren't millionaires, and had hired Alan Grant and William Brennan along with three mercenaries named Cooper Tripp, Miles Brian Nash, and Warren Udesky in order to find their son Eric, who had disappeared on the island two months prior. Miraculously, Eric Kirby was found alive and well and the United States Marines rescued the group, minus the three mercenaries."

Casey entered the elevator and pressed for the 23rd floor. The building didn't have a 13th floor, as the original owner was extremely superstitious. "The story may seem straight-forward, but there is one glaring flaw in the web of lies created by InGen. There is no way that a twelve-year-old child whose only experience living on a deserted island was portraying the starring role in the Gerald R. Molen Middle School production of Treasure Island."

Casey finally turned the tape recorder off and stepped out of the elevator and into a hallway. Casey fixed the collar on his jacket and entered a room with the nameplate that read: Dr. Brian Mason. "Casey," said the suited man at his desk. He was busy on the phone. "I'm going to have to call you back, honey. Casey Innes just came in."

Brian hung up the phone and approached Casey. "Are you still going to go through with this?" he asked. Brian was clearly hoping for a "no" answer, but he knew he wasn't going to get it.

"Yes, I am," Casey answered happily. "My research proves it. There is no way the Eric Kirby survived on his own on Isla Sorna for two whole months and I am going to prove it."

"You're only eighteen," Brian continued to badger. "Your research could be, and is very likely to be, wrong. I actually got a call from the Kirby's lawyer. He's issued a restraining order against both you and your associate. That Bonner-Davis girl. They've also threatened a lawsuit if you didn't stop this frivolous investigation."

"It's not frivolous," Casey explained. "The Kirby's are lying and I believe it's time for the truth to be revealed." Brian decided not to continue to try and stop Casey. His mind was made up. "The helicopter is waiting for you." Casey proceeded to exit, but was stopped by Brian at the last second. "Take the limo," he suggested.

Casey took the elevator back down, but ignored the chauffer waiting for him at the front and calmly entered his own car. Casey wasn't about to put his full attention on the road and pulled his tape recorder back out. "My name is Casey Innes. I am currently on my way to a helipad right outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where I will meet up with an associate of mine by the name of Lizzie Bonner-Davis before boarding a helicopter on loan to me by Oklahoma senator Brian Mason headed for Isla Sorna. I will prove once and for all that Eric Kirby had assistance in his survival on the island."

Casey's sporadic driving finally came to an end as he arrived at the helipad. Casey stepped out and pocked the tape recorder before pulling a backpack out of the truck. He strapped the strap along his chest and proceeded to climb up to the helicopter. Standing along side it was young woman no older than he was. Her shirt was fairly revealing and her hair was mid-length and jet-black.

"Lizzie," Casey said as he approached her. "I trust you brought everything I need?"

"Of course," Lizzie replied. Lizzie reveled a briefcase from behind her and pulled out several manila folders. "I have information on everyone who was on Isla Sorna almost one year ago from Cooper to Grant. But of course, the biggest folder belongs to Eric Kirby. Oh! One more thing." Lizzie pulled out two headphones from her pocket. "I've tested them. They work no matter where we are. We can keep in touch."

"If you're not with your husband," Casey shot back in his usual sense of dry humor.

"Is it my fault that I'm married?"

"In high school."

"Never mind that," Lizzie insisted. For the next two months, I am completely devoted to you and the mission. From now on, it's all Eric Kirby."

"Glad to see you're on board, because you're not even close from done. I've just been informed that the Kirby's have placed a restraining order on us, so your job has just become that much harder, but I need you to get as much information from here as you can."

"Investigative reporter Lizzie Bonner-David is on the case!" Casey smiled before boarding the helicopter. The pilot wasted no time in taking the helicopter up. Lizzie waved good-bye, but Casey only stared ahead as the helicopter turned around and flew toward Isla Sorna.