Chapter Two, Classroom

"We have an opportunity here, one none of us ever dreamed we'd have," said Dr. Moore. He stood in Lester's office at the ARC. Also in the room were Abby, Matt, Connor, and Dr. Stanley.

"There are so many things we can't learn from skeletons, and here we have living dinosaurs. How can we not study them?"

James Lester was quiet for a while. "Matt's EMDs do present us with the ability to capture them alive without adding more danger. It was a matter of protecting the population and us before. Studying the creatures was a luxury we just didn't have."

"We can now," said Abby. "The menagerie section already takes basic information: height, weight, existing injuries, age, etc. Maybe it's time to do more."

Lester thought. "You two are new to this," he said to the paleontologists. "People die. Human safety has to be priority."

"Of course," said Dr. Moore.

"What do you think Matt?"

"Since Connor has moved on to anomaly research, we could use someone focusing on creature research, in coordination with Abby and the menagerie."

"Perhaps," said Lester. He made his decision. "Fine. On a temporary basis. How would you two like to work at the ARC?"

The two newcomers smiled.

"Keep in mind that all data and discoveries would be confidential. I'm afraid there will be no published papers, no Nobel prizes," said Lester.

"Do they have Nobel prizes for paleontology?" asked Connor.

Lester went on. "You will be under strict regulations and secrecy. Do you understand?"

"We do," said Stanley, "and I'm almost positive that I speak for Dr. Moore in saying, we agree, and put us to work."

"Indeed," said Dr. Moore.

"Welcome aboard," said Lester.

Half an hour later, the new members stood in Ops.

"Here are your id bracelets," said Jess. "These are your computer passwords, and security codes."

"Speaking of security," said Becker. "I know how curious you egg..." seeing Jess' scowl he changed his wording, "scientists can be. Stay in your cleared areas, follow our rules, and we won't have any problems."

"You mean you won't shoot me again?" asked Dr. Moore.

Becker smiled. "Not if you behave."

"You did apologize for that, didn't you, Becker?" asked Jess.

Becker raised an eyebrow. "They were standing in the way of the mission, Jess, literally. I don't apologize for doing my job."

Jess scowled.

Becker sighed, and rolled his eyes. "Fine. I apologize."

Jess smiled.

"Stand in the way of the mission again, and I'll shoot you again," said Becker, smirking at Jess, and leaving Ops.

"Don't worry, he's really nice," said Jess.

"Maybe if you're a pretty girl in a short skirt," said Stanley.

Jess blushed.

"I apologize for my colleague, Miss Parker. Sometimes his brain is slower than his mouth."

"I didn't mean any offense," said Stanley.

"It's OK," said Jess. With a smile she added, "My brain is frequently slower than my mouth, too."

Stanley smiled.

"These computer passwords unlock the files on the creatures. I imagine you want to start reading them right away..."

"Definitely," said Dr. Moore. "Look at me; I'm so excited I'm shaking."

Jess smiled. "It's a dinosaur doctor's dream come true, isn't it?"

"Indeed." He smiled kindly at Jess.

The new staff members were set up in a lab inside the menagerie section.

"I still can't believe it," said Dr. Moore, standing in front of the mammoth enclosure. "It's amazing."

"He's one of our oldest residents," said Abby. "He's been here so long that I don't think we, especially Lester, could send him home even if we found an anomaly to his time and location."

"How do you decide who you send and keep?" asked Stanley.

"It's completely a matter of ability to send them back, and safety. We've had to kill some creatures, unfortunately, that posed too great a risk to human safety."

"Like what?"

"There were many before Matt. Since his arrival, we've been able to stun most without harm, but with the future beetles and future burrowing bugs we had no choice but to kill them."

"Future? The anomalies lead to the future as well?" asked Moore.

"Yes."

"Think of that, Stanley. All the things we could learn about evolution."

"Unfortunately, most of the creatures from the future are deadly. They're just too big a risk."

Moore scoffed. "Why? Your security is impressive. Why not keep all the creatures? Look at lions and bears. They are dangerous."

Abby smiled. He just didn't get it. "I'm sorry, Dr. Moore, but some things you just have to experience. Believe me, I am the last person who wants any living thing to die, but sometimes these creatures and humans do not mix."

Dr. Moore frowned.

Abby could see he was not convinced. She hoped that he would come around, or she feared they may have just acquired a lot of trouble with their new staff member.

"Read the files. Pay special attention to the report on a man named Leek and his private collection. We lost a friend that day. Stephen sacrificed himself to save others and the general public."

Stanley showed compassion. "It must be tough. We've never lost any colleagues because of our specimens, have we Dr.?"

Dr. Moore looked less rigid and argumentative... "No, indeed. Yes, I will study your files. You are right, in this area, we lack experience."

Abby smiled. "I'd also read about Helen Cutter. She used the future predators as henchmen."

"That's a frightening thought," said Dr. Moore. "How?"

"Future tech. I don't want to say more. You'll get overwhelmed. You get to reading, and I'll check on you later."

A few hours later, and Connor strolled into Abby's office.

"How are they settling in?" asked Connor.

"OK, I guess. They're reading up on the creatures."

"Becker's worried."

Abby laughed. "I'm not surprised. I think Moore's as stubborn as he is."

"Still, Becker's got youth, muscle, and firepower on his side," said Connor.

Abby smiled. "I can't see them getting into a physical altercation, Connor."

Connor chuckled.

"Did you know that Moore has requested to go on field missions?" he asked.

Abby looked stunned. "No. I bet Becker loved that."

"Oh, yeah. Actually, it wasn't really a request, so much as a demand."

"Lovely. I'm beginning to think maybe Becker is right to worry," said Abby. "We don't need another private zoo."

"Moore doesn't strike me as that kind of a fanatic. He's a scientist. Leek was just a creep," said Connor.

"True."

End of Chapter Two