Jurassic World
An Indominus Imprint
Chapter One
"Welcome to Jurassic World's Genetics Lab, I see you must be the new paddock keeper for one of our soon to be future main attractions." The famous geneticist doctor of the island said to me smiling politely. I warily gave the man a handshake as I offered a nervous grin, "Well thanks Doc. I don't know if I can say it's pretty awesome to work here, since I got here recently, so forgive me for saying that I'm scared shit less." I must have made him smile somewhat interested as he patted me gently on the shoulder. I didn't understand why he was being so firm yet gentle in a sense with me since I almost stumbled into him when I was getting a tour of the island's facilities.
It was pretty scary to meet the man who I had bumped into.
Henry Wu gestured for me to sit down at a chair, I waited nervously for him to begin. I had been assigned a uniform for being an Animal-keeper and it was generally a tan to greyish outfit. I was wearing my ball cap style Jurassic World headgear, I had the patch of it in center of the brim and I had a vest of sorts on at the moment. With loose pants which were a secondary option to choose since I didn't want to get eaten alive by insects, I had black boots ready to be used at a moments notice. I had been on the island for about a day, or so to get used to the terrain as I walked. Plus I had the walkie talkie, the wireless head set and pretty much my work related tablet to receive information.
I guess Kate wasn't kidding, Jurassic World had its own little network.
"I'm not offended, Marcus right?" He gestured to my name tag as I shrugged helplessly, "You'd be the youngest person in Jurassic World's history to be hired. I guess Mister Masrani saw something in you, or you managed to be interviewed by someone important." I inwardly gulped since my social worker really did all the damned work. So I had no fucking clue technically in why I was being assigned to a future attraction but hey, I didn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I did what I could to not feel uncomfortable to make my eyes wander around the Head of Jurassic World's genetics's division, they were the frontier for adding new species and what not.
"I'm just nervous, Doctor. I don't think I'm going to be any good until I get a handle on exactly what I'm going to be dealing with. I just hate being ignorant of the fact I have to do a good job on something I don't a clue on." I confessed truthfully to the man who hummed somewhat agreeing with my logic. He poured a hot steaming kettle of tea and offered me a cup. I graciously nodded thankful to the man who poured himself a cup as well and we started to have a nice herbal tea. I never had the liquid but it tasted fine, so I certainly enjoyed it while it lasted.
Wu seemed to enjoy my respective company, I gave my nod to him for brewing tea. "First time drinking tea Doctor, so I think it's great. You think you can share a recipe so I can make it back at my housing quarters?" I ask sheepishly with a grin as the man laughed good naturally, "It's no secret Marcus but I'll have one of my assistants share the brew. I've had it since the early origins of Jurassic World, well when it was called back then Jurassic Park. Good days being allowed to find the best of lost world, oh now that was for sure." I got a bit curious in chatting with the man who was the supposed head of the genetics division, I didn't get why he selected me in a dossier format type of thing to get me prepared for a new attraction. So I went with my boss Owen's advice to suddenly speak my mind to the man, he seemed pleasant enough and call me crazy, he didn't mind the questions.
In fact he was smiling all the more in encouraging me to ask more about the job.
"If it's not too personal Doctor, what was it like working in Jurassic Park? I mean I've heard the stories and well who doesn't know about In-Gen nowadays. What was it like working with John Hammond and if it's again not too personal, am I really the youngest ever?" I spoke this interested as I poured myself a cup of tea to make the man chuckle gently. He did a few notations on a notepad like tablet and swished the data over onto a computer screen to see a DNA strain appear on the hologram monitor. I almost gaped how the sheer complexity of such technology and I really wanted one now.
"John loved to come see us birth the new animals Marcus. He loved them and always wanted to them to imprint on him as a means he did some good in the world. Plus he spared no expense to give us scientists the best tools, the best methods and ideas that money could buy." Henry laughed very reminiscent of the late tycoon who died a few years ago. I heard it on the news and I kind of tried to not feel too sad for the legendary man. I heard his grand daughter had taken over In-Gen years ago and I hadn't looked up on it at all really. I had been busy trying to test out of schooling and tried to get legally recognized as an adult at the time.
"So he was very eager? Least about being apart of his investments?" I guessed a bit awkwardly as the Doctor Wu waved his hands to simulate how amused he felt. In fact he gestured to me smiling, "Sort of like that. John had a sense of humor when it came down to the business and always gave us the best things he could afford. It's funny he even prepared for the future of Jurassic Park before things went bad, he honestly did some radical decisions that definitely paid off even after the Park was scrapped for a time." Again I felt completely awkward in talking with yet another one of my bosses on a casual note. I thought that it'd be all formal, protocol like and just flat out seriously enough. I frowned when I got a little bit more curious about the past here.
It wasn't everyday a person learned about the origins of Jurassic World, I assumed rationally.
I glanced over to see the heavy amount of amber lining the walls and they seemed well preserved, "Future? Um, Doctor I don't want to be the obvious eye sore, but wasn't Jurassic Park's future pretty much screwed?" Henry gave me a look of nostalgia, I blinked confused as I tried to place what his expression was giving off. It was like he was seeing something different yet the same at the literal perfect moment when I sipped my tea respectful of him. Eventually he decided to answer while staring at a photo on the computer, I barely caught image of a person wearing a hat. I couldn't tell who it was but I waited eagerly for an explanation.
He began with a small smile, "Back then I was a lot younger Marcus. Just as young as you or not, but the point is back then Jurassic Park was an ideal we all wanted to achieve. John Hammond wanted animals from a past world and to share with the ever modern world, but he had a soft spot for children. I recall someone a lot younger then you being hired, I met that kid a few times back then and he was a bright boy." Wu commented whimsically as I looked over at the computer to see an older Jurassic Park logo hit the main screen. I didn't want to interrupt this man's musings, so I waited patiently and silently for the Chief Geneticist Engineer to take his time. I was invited to this place via a message from a tablet I got and it was shocking.
I had to report to Owen Grady in about two hours at a gate and he'd drive me to a new paddock to learn about care-taking for the animals. He wanted me there to learn and apply it to whatever paddock I'd be assigned too just for experience's sake, he was looking out for me and I respected that. So I'd give it all to learn what I needed and do an excellent job to get the maximum Salary needed for me to build up a future on my life. Overall my first days were hectic and they were exciting, I had met my two bosses who were my direct superiors within twenty four hours.
I honestly felt humbled to meet them in such a casual situation.
"What was his name?" I finally asked as Henry sipped his tea, "Luke. Luke Anderson. He's the youngest person to ever been hired by a long shot and he has you beat by four years technically." I blinked when I heard about that a mere twelve, if not thirteen year old teen, had been hired by the legendary John Hammond personally? I was in awe but I shook my head to hear more about the older Jurassic Park as Wu continued with his story.
We had been talking for about ten minutes and I was getting antsy in what I'd being doing for my official paddock area. "So was he special? I mean you make it sound like he was the best person ever for the park? I hope I didn't insult him, or you for that matter Doctor Wu." I back tracked as the man gave me a smile in return. He found my anxious expression amusing, "I'd say being the best Ranger in Jurassic Park and World's history is a small thing to say about him. Anyhow if he's alive, well I'd think you learn a thing or two about being with the animals in their environments Marcus. He was the premiere choice to have Jurassic World mold its response teams in case of a major incident, so maybe one day you'll get to find out what made him so revered amongst us old timers." He chuckled at his own joke at calling himself old. I just shrugged somewhat not really caring for older memories, I wanted to get my job in the fold ready.
"Anyhow, I got off track. You came here to learn about the species you'll be overlooking and I'll admit they're a first of their kind Marcus." Wu went right to the point as I nodded nervously, he glanced over into the main room to see the various scientists doing their work. He pointed directly at two eggs sitting in an incubator of sorts, I followed the limb. "Those two eggs will the only two siblings of a new species, I don't want to get into the technical terms but they're called Indominus Rexs for short. Their namesakes are quite obvious right?"
He laughed when he finished as I shared a smile with the older man, " Oh, I bet."
Honestly I had no clue but I decided to at least pretend to know what he meant. In fact I kind of let it slip and I think Wu actually appreciated my honesty, "Or on second thought Doctor, I have no damned clue. What the heck is an Indominus Rex? A new Tyrannosaur or something?" I let my shoulders slump when he humored my questions as he raised a finger as if about to go into a lecture. He got up with his tea in hand and watched the two eggs incubating in their respective places. I felt kind of humbled to be talking to one of the smartest geneticists on the planet, it was very humbling to know he was a down to earth guy.
So I paid attention to every word that he said.
"In hindsight, I'd say you were wrong but you're right in a sense. Indominus is going to be the new main attraction to Jurassic World, Marcus and you my young friend. You are going to be apart of a new conception of a young generation meeting face to face with a new breed, it's a marketing campaign by the way from our international division, so you'll be trained to handle Indominus as others have been accustomed to be use too. I'll have others to assign you to go with the Tyrannosaurus in our themes." I was a bit overwhelmed here and I had the good reason to flip out. Hell I got up to look at the doctor as if he were sane for that matter.
I was going to learn from keepers and paddock handlers that dealt with the Tyrannosaurus Rex? As in the main attraction to Jurassic World for nearly a damned decade? I had to take a big breath before speaking very stressed at the sheer scope of what this man was saying to me. "So let me get this right Doc, alright? You want me, whose a new literal person with no experience in handling these animals, to be trained to look after a new species and have me apart of a scheme to earn more cash because I'm a younger employee? You want a new generation of viewers, or visitors who can relate to me and have that in the idea of having a new species being managed by a new generation? So as in new to new and learn from the old?" I had an odd feeling inside my gut to tell me I should be wary. Yet my mind could rationalize an opportunity to prove I could do this and really make some cash in order to really set myself up to be something awesome.
I always wanted to do something great and to leave a mark in Jurassic World, I almost gulped down my hesitation to want to eagerly start.
"Precisely Marcus, I will admit it's kind of dehumanizing to explain to garner new revenue at your expense and danger to your life, but all Jurassic World employees understand the risks. In fact I had to call Mr. Masanri to make sure I could personally talk to you because of your unique circumstances in coming to this island." Henry Wu stated a bit apologetic to me as I shrugged in response. I gave him a small smile of reassurance, "At least you give me the warning Doc. So thanks for that, I'll give it a shot and what the hell. I've always liked dinosaurs, so where do I begin?" My eagerness got the better of me as I tried to calm myself down. It wasn't like I had gotten anything important to delay me and I had the time to do what I needed. So I was game, I was ready and I was damned well prepared to take on what the worst would throw at me.
Or at least I assumed I could handle it.
"Oh boy. I think you're in way over your head here Marcus. Yup, I really am."
I jumped when Henry returned to his seat, "I like your enthusiasm Marcus. It brings back good times and I'll always be thankful. So for your first job, I think you may want to check on your soon to be pair of charges. The eggs are shaking as of now." He informed me happily as I looked on wide eyed. Twisting in my seat I saw that both eggs were indeed shaking, I bolted to the door with excitement and awe inside my steps to reach this new breed. My hands were shaking as I heard Wu go back to sit down while enjoying my fascination with the soon to be alive youngsters.
Silently taking down a gulp of air I waited eagerly to see the oval shaped shells start to tremble, I could hear small squeaks and a series of cracking noises.
"Whoa."
That one word couldn't describe that weird feeling inside my chest, I felt incredibly weird in the sense that I felt butterflies floating inside my stomach. This was so surreal yet I actually couldn't believe that in the first day, I'd be meeting the man who engineered Jurassic World, seeing the whole park and actually witnessing the first birth of dinosaurs. A smile wormed its way onto my face, I felt it grow and I was so damned happy to know I had a shot to work in this place that of where the impossible came to life! I heard several scientists behind me chuckle at my impatience to see the newest additions to the park itself, I swore I heard Wu comment about something to make himself chuckle with his assistant as well.
I pulled up a chair from one of the nearby stations to get myself ready, I wanted to see what I was dealing with here and I needed the head start now. So inhaling lightly I got my hands on the edge of the incubator, I witnessed the egg's exterior lighting upwards. I got encouraged to speak to the small hatchling as my voice whispered excitedly, "Come on little one. Come on, you can do this, I know you can and it's only an inch of egg. You got this!" Just watching the egg being lifted made my heart swell, I had never seen anything being birthed into the world and I for one kind of was interested. It felt surreal to see life struggle to get out of its shell, to survive in the world and do what it did best.
Living naturally at its best.
The egg started to crack more violently, I numbly lifted my fingers to reach to the trembling oval and its occupant. I slowly assisted in peeling away the membrane and shell until I saw an eye. I blinked in astonishment to see a rather fierce looking baby dinosaur, I saw it's eye blink at me. For a moment I just looked at it and it looked at me, I almost laughed at how absurd it seemed. The dinosaur was looking right at me and I idly dropped my fingers to smile at it warmly, "Well hello there little one. It's nice to see you awake and not be sleeping beauty."
The small creature didn't even twitch for a moment when I slowly assisted it to peel away the egg shell, I managed to to keep myself contained at the expense of my heart rate going upwards.
With a small plopping sound, the animal squeaked in shock to stumble out onto the open table and I got a look as to what it looked like. I had to smile at how fearsome the animal looked and it shook it's head reflexively while trying to stand on its two limbs. A pair of claw talons were struggling to help it stand and I took a moment to speak gently, "You can do it little one. You can do it." I encouraged it as I got a sharp thrill of a growl. I carefully put the egg's remains off to the side and remained focused on my task to help this creature.
However I'd soon learn that this creature was anything but helpful to my intervention to get it stand.
When my fingers nimbly tapped its side to get it standing, it failed cutely in my opinion to snap at my fingers and fell snout first onto the table's surface. I laughed because it was a little funny to see the carnivorous animal try to act mean, I heard it squeak painfully while stumbling onto its feet. Again my kindness got the better of me to slowly help it, but this time I warm spoke a bit louder. "You going to bite someone trying to help you? Huh? That's not very nice little one." The creature snapped out of reflex at my finger but it refrained from actually lunging at me, I called that a good sign. Using an index finger to support its hind legs, I got it standing without a problem and it veered its head around to inspect its environment.
I actually took a moment to study it, I didn't know the gender and I just assumed I'd be told later.
It's hide a near blue coloration, I had to nimbly avoid the snapping miniature jaws which had a series of serrated teeth and they interlocked in some sort of way. They looked pretty sharp for baby teeth, I had to notice the spines of sorts on its back and the massive claws on its feet. This little animal seemed like it was going to get one hell of a predator, I didn't need a science degree to tell me that but I had hope in me to take on this challenge. I mean if they could deal with an actual Tyrannosaurus Rex, well I guess I was up for this game with the Indominus Rex. I had to chuckle briefly since technically I'd be caring for a new Tyrannosaur from what I gathered.
"No pressure man. No pressure." My voice didn't reassure me apparently and I managed to have the small creature growl lowly. Glancing down I saw it level with my gaze, I witnessed both of its eyes lock on to me and I wondered what it was doing. Twisting in my chair I managed to stare at it dumbly, I exaggerated my pose to make it seem like I was playing stupid but a grin gave it away. The creature growled at the close proximity as I leaned forward quickly.
So quick did I lean forward the small creature growled sharply and leaped back stumbling onto its behind. I only said one word with a grin, "Boo!" I snickered at the smaller creatures misfortune as it hissed vindictively at me for causing it too be scared, so I wagged my finger at it teasingly. I felt somewhat of an ass but hey, if the thing wanted to bite well it'd learn that I didn't take it lying down for certain. "That is what you get little one, I'm not a chew and you damned well learn it." The smaller animal just growled in what I'd assume for it be aggressive, or just flat out angry at my small little game with it.
Looking to the other table, I saw that egg shift violently as well.
So I stood up bypassing the growing youngster as it followed my movement keenly, well as keenly something for its age could do. It stumbled again when it tried to leap forward at my closest limb, I managed to yank it away and do a teasing tone yet again. "Close but no cigar young one. Try hard next time and you might get it right." I laughed good naturally to make the smaller creature growl at my tone, I thought it kind of was embarrassed or somewhat ramped up to nip me. I mean I'd certainly leave a mark on someone who wanted to tease me at the first time I saw them, but I wasn't going to hurt it at all.
If it felt threatened which I never got that vibe yet.
Pulling the chair up I started to assist the second egg which had small growling noises echoing from it's confines, I tenderly whispered the small encouragement to its occupant. "Come on little one, you got a sibling waiting for and I know you can do it. Come on, just push and you'll be alright." I don't know why I was talking to an animal but I guess it felt right? I had to go back to memory lane to realize I had down the same methods when talking to dogs, cats or anything large enough to give a good bite. Now that I realized that I almost felt a little too cautious now.
Another series of squeaks and growling got my attention as I watched the egg tumble over onto its side. I laughed loudly drawing the attention of some scientists in the lab who were watching the situation unfold, I paid them no mind when I easily started peeling away the white exterior. A warming smile blossomed onto my face when I saw a similar eye rolling around as if startled by the center of gravity. So with a single limb I managed to set the small animal upright, "Already falling over? I hate to see you move in the dark, but you're alright little one. There's no need to be scared, so come on out." I prompted to the small youngster whose sibling was growling over my shoulder. Glancing over I managed to see trying and failing to jump across the larger then average gap to investigate.
The small animal looked excited and curious for a better lack of a word, I gave it a grin. "You want to come over here too? You got a sibling to meet as well." Again the small Indominus, as what it was called, looked at me growling lowly. Grinning I allowed both my hands to cup into a holder of sorts, I could handle the animals small frame as it leaned sniff my limbs. I waited patiently before idly wiggling a finger or two to make it leap back squeaking in alarm, I laughed lightly at its skittish attitude for a moment.
Another set of growling made me twist back to see the similar youngster staring at me through it's shell. I blinked at it and the eye blinked at it in an eerie close fashion to it's sibling. I got the feeling it was interested, but cautious in some shape or form. I mean the other one was simply snarling at me and I almost had that feeling this one was a bit more passive. It was a hunch but nothing really solid, I exhaled loudly shrugging my shoulders to myself.
So I allowed my single hand to remain on the table.
And that was a big mistake on my part...
"Ow! Fuck! What the hell!" I yelped making a few people laugh when I stood up with the Indominus Res growling loudly with my middle finger getting clamped down on.
My eyes watered when I out a silent drawn out scream and I used my free hand to bite my teeth down reflexively. "Holy hell! Is thing related to a damned alligator, or am I going nuts?" I said out loud shaking my head, I tensed my arm to have it lift the struggling youngster who was panicking at the height change. I literally looked at it in the eye and I spoke very, very strained while pinching it's neck to serve as my retaliation to the bite. My eye twitched when the small animal tightened its jaws as if fearing it'd fall to its doom when I lifted it to my face.
"My fingers are not chicken fingers you little bastard! And what is this for? Tell me, did I offend you or what?" I spoke in disbelief at the youngster who blinked owlishly as it took in the surroundings. I was thankful this thing had baby teeth, but Jesus Christ it fucking hurt like hell! Both of its hind legs were kicking aimlessly with a tail wagging vigorously, I leaned against the second table to gather my thoughts. How in the living bowels of this island was I going to get this thing off my finger. I didn't want to hurt it, though I had that urge to bite it's damned neck for good measure, I tried to think of a solution when I set my hand down again.
And yet again I made another damned mistake.
"OW! God damn it! No, no, no fuck no!" My opposite index finger fell to the same faint as my first digit and I was cringing openly now. I started to lightly lean left to right when I had a pair of jaws trying to tear my fingers off and I kept these two bastards as I officially called. I kept them a good foot away from me and I was literally starting to scream in a strained tone of voice to every human watching me. I had a range of giggling, laughter, chuckling and full blown spine crushing amusement when everyone started to reacting to my misfortune.
Both Indominus siblings were growling together and soon had the fear of being dropped at a long height, I had both sets of eyes blinking rapidly now. I stared at them both with the most painful smile I had ever conceived yet in my life, "I am going to bite you two! I swear to god, if you don't let go of my fingers! I am not a chicken or anything close to that! Understand me!" I hissed at them as the two youngsters cocked their heads briefly before aimlessly kicking their legs. My lips were pressed when I looked around for some damned help, I got no sympathy and many people were taking pictures on their tablets for the hell of it now!
"Are you fucking kidding? Is this funny because I'm not laughing! Dear god they bite hard, if this is them as babies then I don't even want to imagine how hard they'll bite. I'm bleeding now! Yup, great!" I took a huge breath to prevent the whimpering of my pains, I let the tears go for collateral and I finally got some relief. I heard some approach and I turned around with both Indominus Rex's on my hands like a sick parody of catfish noodling from hell!
"I see you've met your two responsibilities. I must say, I think they like you Marcus." Kate Winston approached me with a tablet and was idly recording the video my pained face. I softly whispered since it was the best way to mask my discomfort. Plus for the record I didn't give a damn if these two liked me, hated me, or flat out enjoyed me! I just wanted these damned pained biters to let go and allow me to at least think rationally!
"Can you please get me a pair of pryers or something? I'd be so grateful, Kate." I pleaded with her as the woman laughed at my expression. She patted me on the cheek and teased, "I think we'll have to wait for a few minutes. We normally don't have them because everyone wears protective gloves Marcus, I guess you'll have to make do for a bit." Half of the room giggled, or laughed at my paling expression. I hoped to god she was just joking with me, I begged the spiritual deities to show me a shred of sympathy and all I got was a pat on the cheek for being stupid.
"I'll get one from storage Kate. Be a minute, okay?" I heard one of the other scientists said laughing as I thankfully rolled my eyes. I had two foot long soon to be dead lizards, bird brains or whatever the hell they were related too on my fingers. It hurt, it was painful, they were clamped down like alligators vices from hell and I had nothing but my self proclaimed desire to do a good job. A great motivator that I kind of screwed up on and it sucked! Which meant a simple thing as much as I'd deny it in front of many people.
I failed at step one in being prepared for the worst.
Lifting both struggling youngsters to my face, I simply told them an honest truth. I think they got the gist of what I'd say because they were swishing their tails side to side as if this whole situation were amusing. In fact I swore they were trying to gnaw on my fingers now, "I hate you both equally now. Hate, hate, hate and you two are number one. Congratulations!" My eyes darted from one to other and I groaned impatiently to have yet another series of photos being taken at my expense. Kate was chuckling at how genuine my expressions were and I wasn't lying that I'd say they were fake at all!
Although I looked up at the woman grinning, "You're number two on this list. I think it's going to be number one soon enough if I don't get pryers." I think she found my attempt at anger funny because she replied all too kindly. "Come on Marcus, I don't think that way about you and I think it's cute. When does anyone have two hatchlings bite their fingers and hold them up like they went fishing." I gave a dull glare at her attempt of being funny, I managed to use my remaining middle finger to voice my displeasure. In fact I honest to god said to myself, I had a reason to hate a woman, well this would be the ideal time to say it was getting closer.
So I flipped her my only remaining bird, "Take a picture of that! You evil damned scientist!"
Fed up I moved to sit down on the chair and I plopped both youngsters onto the surface of the table, I had both arms growing tired of having forty pounds of weight added. I think the Indominus's were happy to be on solid grounds as they immediately let go of my fingers. Quick as a bullet I got both hands back away from their jaws, I had tears of blissful happiness and I'd be an idiot to say I'd never would have them bite me again.
At least if god was willing now.
"Here have some band-aids Mark. I was only kidding about people wearing gloves, we've had a few people get bit but you took the cake for first timers." Kate said to me tossing a box on my lap. I just shook my head while fiddling with the plastic absorbents and my utter humiliation on day one. I guess they had their laughs as a few scientists and geneticists were patting me on the shoulder when they passed by to lunch. So it took me a few moments to settle on the point of if I required shots to avoid dinosaur rabies, flu or whatever the hell caused a hatchling to bite so aggressively.
So three and a half band aids later, I had both fingers tended too.
"Is there a holding paddock I can put these two in? I mean, I don't even know if there both females or male Kate? Can you help the poor newbie keeper out here? If it's not too much trouble?" I asked her ruefully not trusting her smile as it appeared. She easily pulled out her tablet to have a small laser pen zoom over the animals bodies and they were busy chasing one another behind my back. I kept an eye on them as they playfully started to scuffle with each other and I had to wipe the sweat off my forehead. Watching both Indominus play around made me realize which was more aggressive of the two, I could see the two were playing but one was a bit more brutal if I had to say that word.
It was the lighter shade of blue from its darker coloration of a sibling.
"One's a male, the other is female Mark. I can clip a plastic band to their ankles to give you the gender, if you want of course." The scientists offered to me as an olive branch, I nodded tiredly at her. "Sure. If it makes this job any easier, I'll get all the takers I can and I doubt there's going to be a lot." Kate moved over towards some machinery to pull out a small band of paper. I glanced down to see the scuffling Indominus's doing their duel on the table, I gave them credit for having fun at least or something of that extent.
Yet unfortunately I had to get their attention.
So I casually gave a sharp whistle, it was loud and high pitched separated into a few intervals. The two cocked their heads at the noise as I said them smiling, "Come on little ones. Come on, you need your bands so I can tell whose who. So come on, it's okay, I'm not going to bite you." For good measure I tapped the table with a finger to have the hit slightly vibrate a small area, I had just tapped it a few times. The two youngsters were growling with heads cocked left or to right with their tails wagging, I gave another whistle at how curious they looked. "Let's go you two, come on! It's okay!"
Patiently I waited to see them look down at my tapping finger, I gave another whistle just to encourage them and I honestly didn't want to be bitten anymore. So I figured if they could at least come over to spot and I can life them without a hassle, then we'd be golden. Kate came over with the bands as I again motioned with my finger to the spot right in front of me, I had to give these youngsters credit because they were growling lowly as if debating to follow the instructions. I didn't rush myself to be bitten so I waited with a small and kept on speaking to them warmly, "It's okay. You're not going to be hurt, I think you'd two hurt me more then anything, so it's alright. Come, come."
I waited when I slowly clapped my hands together while using my fingers to wave them forward, I cupped them both to make a small platform for the two youngsters to see that nothing was hidden. It was difficult to not just reach out to grab them but I wanted to at least see that I wasn't trying to deceive them and it was better this way. I again didn't want to be bitten, I've already learned that their teeth were sharp as sin and I wasn't using another dozen band aids to look like the mummy returns. So I inwardly took a breath and waited for them to at least respond to my motions, I had nothing better to do really.
Kate watched silently off to the side in seeing me interact with the Indominus siblings who were hesitant to approach me as I kept at it.
Finally one had the bravery and daring instinct to approach me cautiously, "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you, nor am I going to do anything funny." I wiggled my fingers as I moved away from the encroaching youngsters who growled a bit frustrated, I saw the tail wagging again. So I continued my encouragement since I was reminded of my volunteer work in the animal shelter, "Come on, you can do this, come on. I promise." My last two words were possibly the kindest I had ever said to something truly not human, I felt it was right inside my chest. Well more like my gut but I kind of allowed myself to be a bit sentimental for my job right now.
Slowly the small Indominus came to where my fingers were at, I gently but firmly lifted the animal by it's mid section to bring it close to my chest. I kept my arms loose, so that I could convey the gentle touch and process of having its leg being tagged. It tried to growl threateningly at me but I managed to lot a shushing sound. The creature tilted and let loose a low series of raspy sounds akin to growling. I didn't understand what it mean but I continued to speak. "Easy little one, easy does it. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Kate, hand me the band please." The woman silently handed me the band as I slipped it around the small creature's upper thigh.
With a small yet simple click, I could identify that this Indominus was the male.
I smiled before nuzzling my chin just above his neck line, I didn't allow him to try to bite me but I warmly spoke up. "Good boy, little one. You're a good boy, see nothing bad happened. It's okay." The creature snapped somewhat in a halfhearted attempt yet he genuinely squirmed a bit into my own gesture. His tail slapped me in the side, I assumed the tail wagging was a sign of excitement, so he hit my ribs for good measure. I coughed out of reflex, I tenderly and carefully placed him back onto the table's surface to have him shake himself down. Although a pair of reddish eyes looked at me owlishly before letting a series of drawn out gaping growls. None of it was threatening in the least and it made me rub a finger down his side.
He nibbled at my finger but ultimately didn't bite too much.
"Oh my god." Kate whispered beside me as I looked up at her curiously. She seemed almost stunned at how progressive the animals were responding apparently and I didn't think too much of it. I still had to get the other one plus avoid any more harder biting, I wasn't out of the woods yet. Wordlessly I opened my palm to the woman who gave me the last band, I silently stared at the cautious female Indominus who was growling lowly. The male looked over at its sibling before trying to what I assumed was communicate with her, but she wasn't having any of it.
Her eyes were focused on me and what was starting about this stare off.
She didn't trust me.
And I understood why.
Setting the leg collar down to the side I waited for a minute. The female glanced over at it to inspect if it got closer to her position. Then I simply whistled lowly, I made a small pattern with my hand lowered to the ground. I figured to at least trying something different to calm this one down since well, the female seemed a little anxious and very uncomfortable, so I had do something different. I remembered a nursery rhyme when I was a kid so I started to whistle in a low yet soothing tone, I had to take a take a deep breath to get my lungs prepared. "Come on little Missy. It's okay, come, I won't hurt you." I paused before whistling lowly and deliberately to slowly show her I wasn't going to come near her.
The whole idea of this wasn't for me to be aggressive, I remembered doing this a cat who hated being in a cage.
I wanted her to approach me and not do it the other way around.
"You're a stubborn little one, now aren't you little Missy." I said laughing while folding hands to wait for her to move, I gave this animal credit in keeping absolutely still. I watched it just as intently as she was looked at me from her position in the center of the table. Neither of us blinked for a good fifteen to twenty seconds, I mentally counted that number down and I flat out got blown away. The Indominus female blinked finally with my heart rate steadily declining, I waited patiently and the small animal let a short rasping growl that bordered onto a huff of air.
Immediately I started to laugh quietly, "It's okay little Missy. I'm not going to hurt you, its okay, it's okay." Slowly through one step at a time I witnessed the small Indominus female warily approach me, I still hadn't moved my palms from their open position. I waited again with a grow sense of anxiety because of how cautious this animal seemed of me and I hadn't even made any threatening gestures. However I had hope that if I remained patient, she'd eventually warm herself up to my presence and it'd do me a lot of good to watch how I could entice her forward in the future. It couldn't hurt to know what made effective methods to get these Indominus to at least listen to me.
I didn't want to train them and practically force them into eerily stock puppet shows.
I had to know these animals and I had to earn that right to know them as best as I could.
A small biting sensation caused me to look down to see the female Indominus slowly lying herself down on my open palms and was looking up at me curiously. Her tail occasionally swished left or to the right at the lack of my physical expectations, so I thought myself that I had a different idea. A different approach to garner even more of a patience trust with this creature, I didn't know if this would work. However I'd at least try to see if she was more willing to be receptive to me in a familiar fashion of watching and learning, I'd show her in what I was attempting.
It seemed completely crazy to think of such a way but what did I have to lose?
I just nudged the band closer to her as she hissed at the proximity of the object, I didn't tell her anything to stop the hissing. I just nudged the band before lifting with my ring finger to allow it too dangle in front of her eyes, the female snapped at it for a new moments. "It's fine. It's a band, I promise you, I won't hurt you at all little one. It's okay." I whispered when I brought my face closer to her, I witnessed the eyes of the animal staring keenly at my own gaze. It wasn't a feeling of warmth, or inquisitiveness that made my stomach churn a bit uneasily.
This small youngster had the ability in itself to be gauging me, I just had that gut feeling!
A small growl caught my senses to have her settle into my hands, I smiled when that sensation crept away into the back of my head. I clipped the small band onto her leg and simply said a bit loudly in a happier tone of voice. "That's it! All done." To my shock the small youngster didn't move at all as I blinked before grinning, "You're a stubborn little girl aren't you? You being stubborn? Huh?" Unlike with the male Indominus, I managed to lightly bite the back of her neck as a means to simulate a playfulness. Although in the back of my mind I had to ask myself one thing, a simple question that nearly destroyed my intend to work with these animals.
"Are you fucked in the head Marcus?"
The female snapped as if trying to shrug off my playfulness, I get a small bite to my face for my efforts but it wasn't as intensive. I guess it was basically that old saying of someone looking tough on the outside but was softer on the inside. So this female was just being stubborn, I could understand that some animals had this personality per say. Well technically I'd consider them to be traits, I had to go back a few months to a year to understand what he veterinarians taught me as a volunteer.
Still she didn't move at all away from my hand, so I decided to go a little bit further to test a small theory out.
I cradled her close to my chest and she squeaked in alarm, I had her snout directly over my heart. I'd bet she heard my heart beat and I'd be insane to be bitten at my throat. However none of those happened and I looked up at the lone scientist who was watching me akin to something out of the supernatural. Kate seemed speechless for some reason and I didn't know why, I pegged it as a sign of someone actualizing in trying to convey emotions or, display open feelings to any animal like these creatures.
Another series of growling and lower tones of squeaking made me look to the male. He was staring at his sibling and trying to provoke a response, I smiled before using my free hand to scoop him onto my lap. He managed to curl into a ball of sorts as if he were jealous of the attention? I started to laugh because it sounded so completely absurd yet I just went with this series of unique circumstances involving these two little ones.
Eventually I had to ask Kate another question, a question that was going to be at least set me up a permanent residence in working with these two animals.
"Kate." I asked her completely at ease with the two carnivorous animals on my person, "Where do I put these two in what you'd consider a home?"
I only knew that the challenge of working with these two creatures.
It was going to be a difficult future for certain.
End Chapter One
Author's Note: I'll say it again and as always, please leave the reviews and you shall be indulged by a new chapter. I like them, I like to hear your thoughts, your assumptions and the questions are always a fun thing for me to consider as always as an author.
The general consensus of people want me to answer, is this related to my Ranger series. I'd say yes, but technically no in the idea of me not spoiling what happens in either. I just want to clear this up, I know for a fact a comparison is underway between Marcus/Luke's respective times. I'm telling you right now, I know someone is doing that right away and I say: do what you want, confirm or ask what you want and I shall enjoy these musings. I don't hate people for asking questions, I don't answer many because it spoils the whole gist of a story at times.
So I don't respond because normally, I don't want to risk spoiling anything for your sakes.
Another big topic which is the core of this story: The Indominus Rexes (I-Rex) but who uses that term I mentioned in the parentheses anyway?
As a namesake Indominus sounds a lot more serious and a bit more strengthening its own right. It's quite the challenge to picture what the personalities of these siblings, the movie as in Jurassic World, we as the audience didn't witness the actual growth of the Indominus adult. I get the feeling that they were just put into a pen and left alone, I bet any money that these 'keepers' were just tossing food to them and just idly watching to see if anything went wrong. I can only make guesses, I mean really I don't have a clue in what they'd do.
So the beauty of a 'What-If' is trying to compare a realistic sense to what could happen, I don't know for certain if these Indominus youngsters were the same as the adult counterpart but younger. So right now, it's me trying to form personalities to these youngsters because Jurassic World's events are due to take place. In fact I'll say this takes place way before the movie ever takes shape, so we have a time gap to fill in and plenty of said time for opportunity to strike. It's difficult for me at times and I think some of you readers know what I mean.
It's never easy to make a good or a decent story, I know some of you have asked: how do you make something like this story? I could form a thousand literal answers but I'll keep it in a nut shell for those who want to attempt this type of story. In the past I've replied simply in that you just have to take your time, take your time and develop what need to make this 'What-if' a decent read.
Still I have plenty of time to form a coherent realism to this story, the Indominus's will have different personalities as would any animal of the same species. I mean look at wolves, lions and or any major predatory animal. They don't normally go for humans but sometimes, individually, they have personalities to make things unique, or very fatal. I'm no seer, I am not an expert on animal behavior and I have to assume the best/worst of all situations.
So that scene wit the eggs, it was about a connection. I'll explain it simply as a means to say that these creatures have a journey of their own, how do they go from that in the story to that monster in the movie? What makes an animal receptive to touch, to intent, to feeling and to emotions can be conveyed by the very luckiest, if not best of people. How does it simply exist? It's difficult for me to explain this concept but I'll let my writing do that convincing when continuously read what I imply.
But in the end I can say for certain about the Indominus Imprint, it will fundamentally change Marcus for what he was has too do in order to help these animals. However you all know an inevitable crash will occur, I'd like to say the events of Jurassic World will occur but just a bit more different. More different to involve the humane factor, that subtle bond between a man and something clearly not a man as those have defined in the world today.
So for that I ask you to await for what happens next.