Prologue
Isla Nublar
Isla Nublar, 120 Miles East of Costa Rica...
All was quiet in the jungle of Isla Nublar, it's prehistoric and modern plants cohabiting in peace. A young pig lazed about, foraging as it instinctively knew to do. A small tree branch snapped, but it was pretty far, probably about fifty yards away, as the pig could judge. Before it could really process what would cause a twig to snap, it was snapped up in the jaws of a still-sprinting Velociraptor. The slightly muffled caw of victory sounded as Blue ran slower, pressuring her own snout to close more around the pig, killing it quickly.
Blue put the pig down before taking a bite out of her prey, snapping up just under a third of the entire pig in that one bite. As the continued eating, her thoughts turned back to the day her life changed. Back when she was born up until she was about two years old, Blue and her pack-mates Charlie, Delta and Echo were all caged up, part of a zoological exhibit of sorts at the theme park Jurassic World. She was the Beta of her pack, their Alpha and father of sorts as he was one of the park's Animal Handlers, being one Owen Grady. Then, That day happened. The day the Indominus Rex escaped her own pen, causing chaos and destroying the whole park. At some point during that night, Blue and the other three Raptors decided to join the Indominus, as she was also part Raptor. Then, Owen came and reminded her why he wasn't her enemy, but the Indominus.
Then, the Tyrannosaurus Rex showed up, and Blue helped her finish off the Indominus, sending her into the jaws of the Mosasaurus. After parting ways forever with Owen, Blue was free to roam about the entire Island she had born on. But, she missed her sisters, who had all perished that disastrous day. And she missed Owen, and in her mind she didn't mind listening to a human, at least not Grady. He was always kind to the Raptors, where most of the other Handlers would rather just shoot or tase the animals. That was just over a year ago, and now life was peaceful.
Snapping up the last bit of pig, Blue began making her way through the jungle again, stopping finally at what used to be Jurassic World's control room. She stalked around the side of the building and saw the Rex lying there, seemingly asleep. She had made the roof of the control room her nest, making it seem more like a queen's throne. As Blue approached, she noticed the three sizable eggs wrapped inside the Rex's tail. She growled inwardly, confused.
Hearing the noise, the Rex opened it's eye to look at the Raptor, who bobbed her head so the Rex could see her. The Tyrannosaur snorted and let out a small growl as well. I don't know how it happened. She explained in their primordial language. I was fine a couple days ago, then last night it was just the worst pain. And then I laid the eggs. I'm the only Rex on this island. Always have been. This shouldn't be possible.
Blue barked in response. It's not. Unless the scientists who created the Indominus had something to do with it. Do you think they may be Indominus? I mean, you're the only carnivore big enough to even have eggs the right size for them. She hissed in fear.
The Rex shook it's head. I don't know. I guess it could be possible, but I'd sure hope not. Blue nodded in agreement. So, what brings you around here? Is there another big species around I can battle?
Blue cawed in laughter. No, not that I've seen. I just wanted to make sure you're alright. The Raptor tilted her head. Haven't scented you in the valley in a couple of days. You're always around there not long before I am.
The much larger dinosaur made a guttural cough, meant as laughter. Yes, I've been away from the valley. Been stalking a Diplodocus the Indominus only managed to wound. I let it heal and now I just go to try finding her. She hadn't been to the valley for a while so I looked somewhere else. Enough about me. What really happened to make you come find me? I know you love the fact I'll listen to your grief.
Blue shook her head and cawed. It's not really grief, it's more of just loneliness, and you don't mind me around you since you know I'll just be peaceful with you.
This is true. So, what's wrong? The Rex motioned to her side, where Blue walked over and laid down, her head facing the bigger creature.
I just miss my sisters. And Owen. I was out hunting a pig, and it reminded me of his exercises. I half expected Owen to come out of a bush and scold me for hogging the whole pig for myself. I just really don't know what to do with myself. I'm the only Raptor left on the island, since you killed the original group back with the first park, and my sisters and I were the only four Velociraptors in the new park. What do I do?
Just take our peaceful life here in stride, little one. I've been alive for many more years than you have. This island was mine to rule until the humans came back, but I could tell they really didn't mean me any harm. We're wild animals, however, and we can't just be caged up. Blue nodded, feeling that the Tyrannosaur's words were only a precursor for what might lay ahead.
InGen Headquarters, Genetics Lab...
Doctor Henry Wu looked up from his tablet to see an incoming video call on his desktop. Making a few keystrokes the face of his superior and the COO of InGen, Kieran Knight, appeared. "Hello, Dr. Wu. How was our little 'trip' back to the island?"
Wu crossed his palms as he leaned forward. "Very well, actually. We were able to implant the accelerate and the new embryos without a hitch. The Rex didn't even wake up while we carried out the operation."
Kieran smirked, nodding. "Good. Now, tell me exactly what you saw on the island. How are the animals behaving out of captivity?"
"They seem to be enjoying life. Thankfully, we didn't run into the Troodon group we managed to hatch just before the Indominus laid waste to the park, but we think they've taken up residence in the caverns on the North side of Nublar. The Rex herself has made her nest above what was the Control Room, so if you do decide to go building another park, I'd advise staying away from there. In fact, maybe the new Tyrannosaur Paddock should be in that vicinity."
"Alright," The other man ran a hand through his sleek black hair. Now, those embryos you implanted. Are they completely T-Rex?"
"Yes. That's what you asked for, that's what you're going to get. Also, we found one of the Raptors with her own nest in the World gift shop. From the final reports from the incident, it's the Pack Beta, and the only Raptor left on the island. So, I completed Phase One of your grand plan. Do you feel you can tell me what the next step is?" Henry inquired, as the boss' plan was only divulged as far as impregnating the Tyrannosaur with rapidly-growing embryos. As Wu saw it, the eggs would have been laid by now, and still a couple months off from hatching, as the embryos were only accelerating the egg-laying processes.
Kieran laughed, the sound sinister to the Head Geneticist. "Yes, I guess you can know what Phase Two entails," He began pressing his own keyboard in his office. "In fact, I'll send the rest of the master plan to you momentarily. I'd like to know if you've tracked down Owen Grady as of yet as well."
"Ah, Mr. Grady. Yes, we found him and Ms. Dearing. The two are sharing an apartment outside of San Diego according to my sources. What would you like me to do about them?"
"See that they know we will be requesting their assistance in the future. For now, look over the itinerary for our grand re-opening. I'll contact you later on in the week with your thoughts." With that, Mr. Knight cut the call short.
Moments later, Henry received a new email. Opening it, it read:
Jurassic World Re-Opening
Phase One- impregnate Tyrannosaur and survey Nublar for it's current animal population.
Phase Two- Send in Wranglers and successfully detain any and all dinosaurs. Building of park to commence under partner company Innovative Genetic Technologies, and genetic breeding to begin. Alterations made to Indominus Rex genes to make Velociraptor base DNA, making them smaller but just as deadly.
Phase Three- Finishing of construction. Diabloraptors become newest attraction after training such as the original World's Velociraptors makes the attraction more intense. Adding Vastatosaurus Rex, several new Pterasaur, Herbivore and Amphibian species to Park Index and add to attractions (wherever those species fit in). Profits expand. No incidents occur.
Henry couldn't help but chuckle at that final line. "Only time will tell, you dumb fool. Janet?" He paged his secretary. "Call a Mr. Owen Grady and a Ms. Claire Dearing."
There was silence for several moments, then his assistant's voice answered. "Putting you through, Doctor." Then there was a dial tone on Wu's phone as he picked the receiver up.
San Diego, California...
A phone rang elsewhere in the house as Owen Grady stood in the shower. "Claire!" He called out. "Can you get that? I'm in the shower!"
In the bedroom of the studio apartment, Claire Dearing opened her eyes and yawned. "Yeah, I got it." Getting out of bed and fixing her robe about her, she rushed to the phone. "Hello? Claire Dearing speaking."
"Ah, hello, Claire." Said Henry Wu. "It's nice to hear that you're okay after the incident last year. How is your sisters' family?"
"Henry. What a surprise to hear from you. They're good. Divorce fell through after the incident so the boys and their parents are closer than ever. But, I know you didn't just want a social call, so what do you want?" Claire asked, a hint of venom in her voice.
"Oh, Claire, lighten up. I was just told to call and tell you and Mr. Grady that InGen will be requiring your assistance in the rebuilt Jurassic World."
"What did you just say? After what happened with InGen's 'power move' of creating the Indominus and the fallout of the Park's destruction, how is that even a viable plan?!" Claire kept her voice down, as not to alert Owen.
"Well, considering we have three baby Tyrannosaurs currently incubating on the island and our capturing equipment has been upgraded to handle the likes of an Indominus Rex, InGen thought it best to try and salvage what was left of the original and implant some new ideas. They're even opening a functioning, visitor-friendly Aviary and an aquarium around the Mosasaur arena. And, they want the two of you to help out. Doing what, only my bosses know."
Claire sighed. "This is such a bad idea, and I know you understand where I'm coming from. But, I am not agreeing until I know what myself and Owen are getting into this time. First sign of trouble, and you tell your bosses this word-for-word, we'll be the first ones off the island once evac is ordered."
"That sounds like a reasonable request," Wu laughed. "Alright. I'll call you back when I know more about your roles in the new park. Enjoy your day." Henry hung up, leaving Claire to let out a huff of breath she hadn't known she was holding in.
"What about that phone call set you off, honey?" Said Owen Grady, out of the shower and dressed in his work attire, a park rangers' uniform. It kept him in his element, how he was with the Raptors. Claire knew he missed them all, especially Blue.
"Oh, it was Henry Wu. Apparently, and you're not going to like this, they're rebuilding World. And they want the two of us there for it."
"Who the hell thought it was a good idea to rebuild what failed twice on that island?" Owen asked, crossing his arms across his chest.
"I told him that. I also didn't say yes or no until we know more about what we're expected to do in the reopened park."
"Smart. Alright, I have to get to work, so I'll see you around four, okay?"
"I can probably fit you in." She teased, leaning in to kiss him. "I'll see you when you get home, now go tame those bears."
Owen laughed. "Those bears tame themselves because of me." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "See you later, babe." He said before leaving the apartment, Claire sighing before retreating to the bathroom for her own shower.
Gray Mitchell woke up from what he only knew as a nightmare. The Indominus had shown up at his school and had proceeded to kill and eat anyone who came between it and himself, including Zach, his brother. When they had arrived back at home after their disastrous stay at Jurassic World- and after hearing the good news that their parents weren't getting divorced- life had returned to it's normalcy. Zach was still seeing his girlfriend, and the two were now more serious than before. She even joined the family once or twice a week for dinner.
Gray sighed. "I know what that nightmare means. Something bad is going to happen." He climbed out of bed and found his cell phone. After the incident on Isla Nublar, his parents decided that it was best Gray also have a phone on him at all times. Finding his aunt's number in the slim list of contacts, he initiated a call.
Claire answered only a few moments later. "Gray? Is everything okay?" Claire had realized how important family was that night, and now she made sure to be involved with her nephews' lives.
"I'm alright, Aunt Claire. But, I had the dream again. It's been more frequent. Is something happening with Nublar?"
Claire, still at home several towns away, was taken aback at the young teens' intuition. "No, honey," She lied. "Nothing is going to be done with or on that island. Not after the Indominus. How are you all doing? I know it's been a while since Owen and I visited, but maybe this weekend."
"That would be cool. I want to hear more about Owen's days training the Raptors. He did it since they were born, so he has a lot to tell." Gray paused before his thoughts shifted. "Do you think Blue is okay?"
"I'm sure Blue is fine. She's free on Nublar, after all. Hopefully, the Rex hasn't decided she'd be better for lunch," She laughed, but Gray frowned on his end. "I bet she feels lonely, though. Owen sure does. I can tell when he's thinking about the Pack."
"Yeah, I bet. Alright, thanks for talking Aunt Claire. Mom and dad don't really understand what me and Zach went through like you and Owen do."
"It's no problem, Gray. We'll both see you this weekend, alright?"
"Yes. Bye, Auntie." Gray only called Claire auntie when he was adamant something was wrong, but he hung up all the same. She hated lying to the younger boy, but she didn't want him to worry over herself or Owen over a new Park being built on Isla Nublar.
Gray sighed again and got dressed for school. He herd his parents and Zach already awake, his parents downstairs while Zach was still next door, his stereo playing just loud enough not to disturb everyone else in the house. As he grabbed his backpack, Gray took one last look at his wall, still full of Dinosaur memorabilia with the addition of a photo Owen had given him, one with Owen and the four Velociraptors he had more or less raised in the park.
Zach smiled at the latest text from his girlfriend. It was a confirmation that she would see him at school, and that she loved him. After typing a quick reply, he threw his backpack over his shoulder and left his room just as Gray left his. In the year since the incident, Gray had grown to about Zach's shoulders, maybe even a bit taller, and he wore his hair a tad shorter than he did. "Morning, shrimp."
"Morning, Zach," Gray's voice gave away his anxiety over his nightmare, which Zach picked up on instantly. "Indominus rampage again, huh?" When his little brother nodded, Zach ruffled his hair. "Don't worry. That thing is dead, swallowed by the Mosasaur. We're not going to be seeing it again anytime soon, I promise. What are the odds we'd even see it here, in the middle of suburban California?"
"Good point, but I read something about a T-Rex rampaging through San Diego. Apparently that happened back in 1997."
"Sounds like it had a good time then," Zach smirked, making Gray laugh. "Come on, let's go before mom and dad think we're already in the car." Nodding, Gray followed his older brother downstairs to greet their parents.
Zach's right, Gray thought. There's no way we'll see the Indominus again. I'm just letting bad dreams get to me.
Six Months Later...
It was a regular morning in the Mitchell household, also including both Claire and Owen, who had arrived the night before to stay the weekend with the boys while their parents went out for a small get-away. Claire and Owen were already up, Owen standing in front of the stove cooking while Claire put the coffee pot to brew. The former Jurassic World employees hadn't heard this or that about the new park as of yet, but Claire figured it was only a matter of time.
Gray came bounding into the kitchen, smelling Owen's cooking from his room. "Morning!" He said excitedly.
"Well, morning to you, too Gray." Owen said, chuckling. "And you too, Zach." He said as Zach shuffled into the room, still partly asleep.
The older Mitchell sibling yawned. "Morning. So, what are we doing today?"
Owen turned towards him. "You know, I don't know yet. I'm sure something will come up."
Suddenly, Claire's phone began to ring. Looking at it, she made a face that Owen caught as he glanced over at her. "Hello, Henry." She said as she answered the call.
"Good morning, Claire. Enjoying your stay at your sisters'?" Came Henry Wu's voice.
"Yes, I am. Now, why exactly are you calling?"
"I have news. Construction of the new Park has already begun. The higher-ups wanted me to relay your possible positions in it."
"Really, it's begun already? It's been six months since you called last. That's awfully fast. What did you do to the remaining animals?"
"All setup in their own paddocks already. That was the first step of construction. Especially with the three baby Rex."
That caught Claire off-guard. "Wait, what? How did she..? What the hell did you do to the original Rex?"
"Just artificial insemination mixed with a coouple other processes. Don't worry, I made sure they were completely T-Rex. I thought the new park would work better with more than just the one."
"Yeah, until they eat each other because the species is that territorial. Enough about that, however. What are our new positions?"
"Well, they want you in charge of the lab. I will be under your command, but only for everything we start after opening. Until then, the lab is still completely mine. We have a few animals to birth that you're not going to want to see."
"I don't like the sound of that already. You better not be making more of those monsters, and if you are, they better be better behaved. I will not have an incident so close to opening because of you scientific idiots thinking of military weapons in the form of our animals." Claire's voice was a low shout. "And what aout Owen?"
"Ah, Mr. Grady will resume his oversight of the Raptors. In fact, the only Raptor we found on the island sort of asked for him."
"You mean Blue?" If the two teenagers had been confused in any way from the conversation thus far, they knew exactly what was going on now, but it was Owen whose expression showed curiosity. "What do you mean she asked for Owen?"
"She's smarter than we ever gave her credit for. As soon as she was in the new Raptor paddock, she wrote Owen's name in the sand, with the words Alpha and father written next to it. It was marvelous, actually. We told her, at a distance of course, that Owen would come to at least see her, and if he so decided, he would oversee a new generation of Raptors with Blue still around as well. But, again, I leave the final word up to the two of you," Claire sighed as Henry continued. "Oh, and your request about being the first off the island in case of emergency has been cleared for the four of you."
"Four of us? What does that mean?" Claire looked between Owen and the boys, all of them sitting patiently waiting for the end result of whatever the two scientists were saying.
"Ah, yes. Your nephews have been offered summer jobs, the older ones' to become permanent should he choose. Of course, they are entitled to refuse the jobs as well."
Claire sighed again. "I'll get back to you about it all, Henry. Goodbye." She hung up before Wu could reply. Looking at the boys, she said. "I'm guessing you both understand what that was about?"
Gray spoke first. "They're making a new park?!" He sounded scared, but excited. His only visit had seen the park laid to waste by the dinosaur equivalent of a sociopath.
"And all four of us are being offered jobs there." Zach finished, leaning back in his chair.
"Yes. And apparently a special friend called Owen 'father'." Sh grinned at Owen who made a proud fist.
"I hope she took a chunk out of one of the bastards who caged her back up, first." He said, chuckling. "What did they offer the kids?"
"Summer jobs, Zach's to become permanent should he choose. It's up to the boys to decide whether or not they accept, and apparently once the park re-opens, I'm in charge of the lab."
"Sounds like you both should take the jobs," Gray said. "Owen misses Blue just as much as she misses him, I'm sure. And with you in control, there can't just be an incident like a year and a half ago. What was that about the T-Rex?"
"Oh, Henry said they artificially impregnated the old girl and now they have three juvenile Rexes running around."
"Well, that didn't sound like the best idea, but not the worst. I mean, that Rex destroying downtown San Diego was just after it's kid. InGen were the idiots who tried bringing them both here."
"Agreed. So, I guess we're going, but what about you Zach? Gray?" Claire asked her nephews.
"I wanna go!" Gray said. "I didn't really get a chance to enjoy our stay last time. I want to see it getting back on it's feet. Plus, I could use the money. We're obviously getting paid."
Zach laughed. "And where the kid goes, I follow. Someone has to look after him when the two of you aren't around."
Claire nodded, glad the brothers were getting along better than back before the incident. "Alright. That means we'd have to talk to your parents first, though. I'm sure they won't be very happy about the two of you back on Nublar."
"Well, might as well call Henry back and tell him the news. And figure out how we're getting back to Nublar with the ferries not running yet." Nodding, Claire called the number that had just called her back.
Several days later, the four were boarded on a helicopter headed for Isla Nublar. Gray was rigid, the fear of returning to the island getting the best of him. He looked around at the other occupants of the Helicopter. The chopper looked like it had been used by the military at one time, having enough seats for about six to eight people, every seat fitted to be of luxury for the long flight. Along with Gray, Zach, Claire and Owen were three others, two men and a woman. The woman, who looked like she was just out of high school, had long black hair and green eyes, a small laptop on her lap as she furiously typed something. The man next to her, in his early thirties, had shoulder-length brown hair and, from what Gray could see, blue eyes.
The other man, taking two seats to himself as his legs sprawled out in front of him as he surveyed the cabin himself, had short black hair and analytical, hazel eyes. The stubble around his face made him look a little older than he probably was, Gray estimated he was in his mid-twenties. He was dressed in the same attire Owen had when him and Claire had worked in Jurassic World before. Meeting Gray's gaze, he grinned and nodded as he cleared his throat. "So, no one's going to talk?" He asked.
"About what?" Gray asked back.
"Who we are or whatever. I mean, we will be working together in the Park, won't we?" He laughed. "Of course, I know who the couple over there are," He pointed to Claire and Owen. "You two are the ones who got all the credit for stopping that monster on Nublar almost two years ago."
"And how would you know that?" Owen asked. "They covered up what happened pretty well, getting the go-ahead to make another park."
"I was on Nublar that day. Vacation after my latest tour. I helped get people on the ferries while you two ran off to do your own thing trying to stop that rogue dino. How did you even manage to do what an army of people couldn't?"
"Hey, buddy," Claire spoke up. "We don't even know your name and you're somewhat grilling us about getting credit stopping something I was responsible for? Who do you think you are?"
"Name's Nick Eclipse. Lieutenant, USMC Handler."
Owen snapped his fingers. "I know who you are. I remember hearing about you when I left the Navy. Guy right out of high school able to tame any animal he encountered. First day at the base, someone let out one of the K-9 dogs. Real vicious thing, I heard, never responded to training of any kind. You literally had it tamed and it became your personal animal on base. Which, if you're coming to work in the Park, I guess you'll be with me with the Raptors."
"Indeed. But, I'm not just for the Raptors. Enough about that, how did you stop the dino a year and a half ago?"
"I released the Tyrannosaur and, along with one of Owen's Raptors, the 'rogue dinosaur' was sent into the hungry mouth of the Mosasuarus." Claire said, smirking at the man.
"Ooh, that must have been a real show. Pity I had to miss it. So, Ms. Dearing," Nick turned to Claire. "What is your job here at the new Jurassic World?"
"I'm the head of the Genetics Lab, which means no more dinosaurs like that monster will be around again."
Nick nodded. "Sounds like a sound plan. And what about you two? A little young to be going to a park still being built, aren't you?"
"They're my nephews. They were on the island during the incident and they were offered summer jobs. Gray, the younger one is going to be a handler at the new petting zoo. Zach, the one oblivious to this whole conversation, is assistant manager of the gift shop. To groom his responsible side, you could say." Claire turned over to the two other newcomers. "What about you two?"
The other man laughed. "I'm Jason Turner, new Head of Security. Formerly of the Navy. I'll also be the Gyrosphere technician."
"My name is Ava Sudarso. I'll be the Head Veterinarian. Does anyone know what they already have up and running?"
Claire shook her head. "I don't even know everything they've done yet. I know there are four Tyrannosaurs, possibly the Mosasaur if it hasn't died, at least one Velociraptor and several Sauropods."
"Not a bad beginning list. Probably trying to shell out whatever dinosaurs they can to have a good enough index for the re-opening." Jason said. "Not too much trouble too, unless the big Rex decides to break out again."
"How do you know about the original Nublar incident?" Claire asked the man who couldn't have been more than five or six at the time.
"What do you mean? Isn't the Tyrannosaur that was here for the opening of Jurassic World the one that destroyed part of downtown San Diego?"
"No, that Rex was from Isla Sorna, the island InGen abandoned as a preserve for the dinosaurs that thrived there. The island was what you could call the factory floor of the park. Nick probably remembers the Spinosaurus skeleton from the park." Nick nodded. "That was also from Isla Sorna. Something had killed the only Spinosaurus that ever hatched and after we cleaned the skeleton it was moved here and put on display. Only a few people even know that skeleton isn't just a cast or whatever."
Gray tuned out the rest of the conversation, thinking about what they were going to do once they reached the island. All any of his group could hope was that things didn't go how they did with the Indominus.