Chapter 6- here we have some family interactions with the Mitchells. Trying to do what the movie did not... seriously, if they were going for the whole divorce sub-plot, they didn't do it very well. I think it was mentioned for all of a minute, and then left for the audience to fill in the pieces... the plot bunnies have accepted that challenge, and explore a bit of it here... Onwards, to Wisconsin (I thought that was where Claire's caller id said that her sister was from... if not, oh well. It is the most magical place on Earth during (American) football season! *Go Pack Go!* The rest of the year... not so much. ^_^ Sorry "sconnies"... the truth hurts).
The government's black van pulled up to a well-guarded airfield. The Mitchell family, Claire, and Owen climbed out and grabbed the small amount of luggage they accumulated during their short stay in Costa Rica.
"This is so cool." Gray jumped slightly seeing the private plane the small group approached. "Zach, can you believe this? Our own plane! Owen, can we walk around whenever we want?" The boy's excitement would have made the older man smile if the aircraft didn't symbolize something more ominous.
By accepting the government's offers, hell, bribes sounded more accurate, he could no longer back out from the military's plans. Trying not to ruin the youngster's enthusiasm, he picked up Claire's small bag, shouldered his own pack, and walked quickly to catch up.
"I do have to admit, this is the way to fly." Karen looked around the cabin of the plane. Technically, there were two separate areas, one had what could fold into beds, the other, central part had a few typical looking seats, along with plush benches against the sides of the aircraft.
"Welcome aboard." One of the pilots nodded at the group as they entered the plane. The man and his partner had on uniforms that looked similar to many commercial airlines, the only difference were the decorations of military achievements on their shoulders and chest.
"Thanks!" Gray smiled as he tried to decide where he would sit.
"Seriously, you're going to make me sick just watching you move around." Zach sighed as he found a window seat and stored his backpack in the compartment below the seat, a new pair of headphones and his mother's phone, loaded with his music, in hand.
"Our flight attendants will be on board shortly, they had some last minute preparations to attend to. If you need any assistance with your luggage, just let us know." The pilot informed them before turning to go back into the cockpit.
"So, can I expect some mid-flight fun?" Owen winked as he leaned towards Claire as she prepared to take a window seat.
"Keep dreaming sailor." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and sat down in the nicely padded seats.
"I most certainly will." He raised an eyebrow to see her reaction. Instead of giving him another snappy comeback, she coolly opened a magazine and enjoyed his expression to her ignoring him.
"Do you need some help with that sir?" A feminine voice came from behind him. Turning, Owen came face to face with a woman in a tight flight attendant uniform - certainly not a military one at that.
The three men on the plane all stopped what they were doing to look at the woman standing near Owen. Claire and Karen only rolled their eyes as Owen, Scott and even Zach were speechless before the tall and lanky blonde woman. She wore the uniform very well.
"Um… yeah…" Owen felt his brain hiccup before his normal thought process kicked back in. "I mean. No. No, thank you miss." Lifting Claire's bag up, he placed it quickly in the overhead bin and shut the lid. Sitting down in his seat in record time, he smiled at the women who blinked sweetly at him.
"Well, you just let me know if I can do anything for you. We'll be together for the next nine or so hours." The way she said the word 'anything' made Owen gulp from the insinuation. Apparently his seatmate also picked up on that invitation, since Claire cleared her throat.
"Will do." He mumbled as he fastened his seat-belt and looked straight ahead.
"You made a friend." Claire smirked, not as annoyed as she chould be about the interaction with the other woman.
"What can I say, I'm a people person." He patted Claire's hand, understanding that Claire was the type of woman who would not take nicely to him flirting with others.
The group settled into the flight after takeoff. None of them, besides Claire, had experienced such a luxurious flight. Snacks, food, and more were offered. Owen, feeling the ever-watchful eye of the woman to his right, made sure that he was nothing but polite and brief with the perky attendant.
"I've seen those videos on the television all day. You are so brave." The long haired attendant, Rachel was her name, said as she handed Owen and Claire some water.
"Um, thanks." Owen awkwardly laughed, trying to not look at the woman's ample chest, as she bent over to hand Claire her drink. He bit his lip as the woman casually touched his arm before moving to the others in the cabin with her cart.
Closing his eyes, Owen prayed that the flight would be a short one.
The novelty of the flight and being able to walk around freely got old after the first three hours or so. The Mitchell boys and their father all passed out after the first meal. Karen, who had a large stack of magazines and internet connection to get some work done, was silently sitting across the aisle from her oldest son.
Thankfully, the female attendant was up front working on something, and not openly flirting with the now-famous dino trainer. Looking over to Claire, he noticed she was looking out the window. She had pretty much ignored his attempts to cuddle or even hold hands thus far into the flight. It was confusing to him, as he didn't understand what he had done to get her this angry. There always was the possibility of her anger being focused at other things or her just busy thinking about other things; he just didn't know what it was, but he was feeling it for sure.
Standing up, Owen sighed and walked towards the back of the plane. He needed to stretch, and with Claire being no fun, he figured he could amuse himself by looking around the back cabin area. Maybe he would lay out on one of the bunks for a bit.
Turning into the much larger bathroom area than most airlines offered, he turned on the faucet. Splashing cold water on his face, Owen let his mind take him back to that morning.
Before they went to the private military run airport, he had gone back to the command center one last time. Getting a military phone to keep in contact and a mission information packet, he also met up with Barry once more. He had asked his friend to join them, but the darker skinned man assured him that staying in the compound was in their best interest. This way he could find out more information first hand, build trust and play 'nice' with the agents in charge - something Owen's temperament would not allow, but Barry's cool demeanor suited the covert mission quite well.
Also, it would give him time to find resources for their slowly coming together back-up plan to get Blue off the island if needed. As much as he hated the idea of Jurassic World being reopened, it was the easiest way to ensure Blue's safety. He or Barry would go back to living on the island and maintaining Blue's care and training. If that wasn't an option, they would need a boat at the very least to get her off the island without the military knowing. Barry had some connections in the area, so he decided to make the arrangements.
The reality that keeping his Dino-child happy and healthy outside the island was going to cost a fortune, hit him just then. Also, he didn't know if Claire would like to adopt such a creature if they really were going to make a go at being together long term.
Closing his eyes, he let his forehead rest on the mirror above the sink as he tried to relax. This being on edge one minute and not the next was messing with his system. Going back to the island right away made more sense for him, but who knew what the military was planning. If it was going to take a week or more to plan, that meant they were going in with much more than a simple containment mission.
"Can I get you anything, Mr. Grady?" Delicate fingers inched around the chest and a soft body pressed up against his back.
"Jesus, Claire, you scared me." He jumped slightly at the sudden touch. Her floral fragrance and the horrible imitation of the sweet and inviting stewardess gave it away that he didn't have to fear divine justice later for any perceived transgression.
"Darn, you knew it was me. I kind of wanted to see what you'd do if it wasn't." She chuckled as he turned around to face her.
"Probably drop to my knees and beg her to back away… that or cry." He replied, never wanting to mess up what he currently had. "You do know I might, in passing, observe others of the female persuasion, but I'd never do anything. I mean it Claire, what we have… I don't want to mess this up."
"I know." She saw the sincerity in his eyes and felt sorry for ignoring him earlier. "And I'm sorry I got so annoyed earlier. You were kind of adorable trying to deflect her obvious advances."
"Yeah, that wasn't fun."
"I told you earlier that there is just something about you that makes me act not like my usual self." She shrugged unable to explain why she felt a pang of jealousy with someone like the other female in the plane.
"It's ok. We'll figure it all out." He put his arms around her waist. "I have to tell you, that it might be a fantasy of mine to have my lady fight another for me."
"Somehow I don't think I would throw a punch at another person… I guess I can't rule it out. But if I have to step in because of anything you say or do to attract that attention there might also be a punch with your name on it."
"Roger that." His crooked grin had her shaking her head yet again. "So… you come here to induct us into the mile high club?"
"Your libido is something else, you know that?"
"Well, I didn't get to sleep with you by my side last night… I missed you."
"You do realize my nephews and sister are out there?"
Owen winked and quickly moved around in the small bathroom so he could stick his head out.
"All of which are sleeping." Came his report back once he was again looking at her with hungry eyes.
"Unbelievable." She sighed, swatting away a hand that reached for her butt. "You realize that the government probably has his plane wired, right?"
"So, we give them a show?" He turned her so that he was pressing against her back. The need once again evident in the hard warmth she felt.
When she didn't protest his wandering hands, Owen, after locking the bathroom door, took the next steps to join them together once again.
Leaning slightly forward, Clarie found a semi-comfortable position, bent partially over the sink counter. Her arms braced her for his thrusts as he unzipped his pants and hiked up her dress. His agile finger hooked the crotch of her panties and pulled them off to the side, making room from him to enter her.
It wasn't a rough pace, like their first time together, but there was a sense of frustration in both of them that certainly brought about a frenzied movement together. Slowly her arms gave out and she was all but pressed against the cold mirror adding to the hardening of her well massaged breasts. His teeth gently scraped against the exposed skin of her shoulder, and his hot breath came out in puffs sending shivers down her spine. The thrusts came more frantic as he neared his climax, Claire had come already a few times at the new angle of love making. The urgency and need to stay undetected added to the emotions coursing through their bodies. It was thrilling, exciting and felt like they were naughty children, hoping not to get caught.
Claire felt another orgasm approach and her cries grew in intensity. Owen's fingers reached up covered her lips, trying to hush her needy moans, right as he lost control inside of her.
Owen placed kisses on the back of her neck as they both rested after completing the age-old dance of lovers. Claire's arms on the counter held her bent frame upright, and Owen's mostly clothed frame still pressed up against her back. They were still joined at the hips, as they both started to laugh at the absurdness of their actions.
The sensation of him still within and laughing was odd, not unpleasant, just a new sensation.
"So, I don't suppose we press our luck and try out some other places on board?" He was joking of course, but getting her angry brought amusement. Stepping back, he allowed her to stand and turn around, straightening the dress she wore and he zipped his pants back up.
"Well, I could settle for a nap instead." He changed his suggestion to something he knew she would be more amenable to seeing the look she gave him.
"That sounds much better, thanks, I just might join you."
The plane landed in Madison without further incident. The group made it to the parking ramp before the impact of reality hit. It felt almost unreal to be back in familiar territory after so much had happened.
So far, the government agents had been good to their word and allowed them to pass through security unimpeded. It was quite clear that even in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin the news of the incident spread. The TSA agent's wide eyes after seeing who was coming through his office showed that the guard recognized Owen and Claire as they got their papers stamped. It was a dead giveaway that their group held special privileges with the documents and landing clearances. To his credit, he didn't press the group with questions. Instead, as orders came in, he let them pass.
Owen looked out the window at the city as they drove away from the airport and towards the Mitchell household. He had never been one for winters and the whole not being around the ocean. He felt at ease in the warm temps and with a wet suit on, even after all the trauma of his past. Turning to the woman next to him, he saw her deep in thought looking out the other window. From the back of the SUV, Gray popped up and continued to chatter on about things he wanted to show Owen. The older man had tried to listen and participate in the conversation, but there was just so much he could handle at the moment. Everything was new and the tension in the car was building... he could feel it.
Claire watched the snow covered trees go by as they made their way back towards the family home. The big city girl had not been back for an extended stay in her hometown in nearly a decade, maybe more. While she enjoyed the many amenities a larger city in the Midwest would contain, it never seemed to fit her desires or dreams. Part of her felt like this return marked a failure, or at least a major setback in her career. Hell, she didn't know if she had a career to salvage at this juncture.
Turning to look out the other window she noticed Owen interacting with her youngest nephew. The man seemed at ease even knowing that this time in a few days, maybe a week, they would be back on the island.
"Aunt Claire even fell out of the tree in the backyard when she was a kid, didn't you Aunt Claire?" Gray's question pulled her out of her minor depression and she looked from the boy to a grinning Owen.
"Yes, that tree. I remember it well." Claire caught sight of the family home. The Mitchell's had done a great deal of outside work to make the appearance more modern, but the two story home was one that she knew well on the inside.
"Did I ever tell you that your grandpa nearly cut that tree down many times? Claire kept running out there, wanting to climb it. She fell at least a dozen times. Broke her arm once."
"Claire, the outdoors-woman." Owen smiled picturing a stubborn red-haired girl running out of the house.
The vehicle stopped and again the occupants met with reality. They were back - many of them were home. What they had survived was something that most people could not even begin imaging.
"So, what do we do now?" Zach asked looking unsure of how to view his life before the horrors of life and death entered it.
"Take it one day at a time," Scott replied putting the car in park and turning off the engine.
"I'm sure your girlfriend will be back and you can suck face and listen to horrible music," Gray mumbled from the back of the SUV waiting for someone to come and let him out. Owen opened his door to exit the car, not wanting to listen to the two brothers squabble. The instant he stepped into the cold winter air, he realized how under-dressed he was. Shivering he turned to help Claire out.
"Oh wow," she too found the temperature difference a shock. "I think the answer to Zach's question is first we get indoors."
The family agreed and quickly, the group was safe and warm in the Mitchell family house. The boys shed their coats and slowly walked back into their old lives. Well almost.
There in the foyer and dining room, several boxes laid - some closed, full with items; others open and only partially full.
"You want to explain this?" Zach asked, feeling anger rise up. He hadn't really believed Gray's tearful announcement on the divorce lawyers a few days ago, but now with proof... He felt betrayed on so many levels.
"I told you." Gray sounded heartbroken. "They're divorcing. Even after we worked so hard to get back to them and be a family again, they're splitting everything up. Dad's leaving and I hate you both." The boy turned and ran up the stairs. A door slammed a few minutes later, leaving the four adults cringing. Zach crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for their explanation.
"We had wanted to have it all done while you were gone." Karen sounded sad, moving towards her oldest son, tears welling in her eyes. Zach in turned avoided the supporting hand of his mother and walked away towards the living room.
"Well, what did you expect?" Scott shrugged before wiping his hands over his face.
"Why don't I see if Gray wants to talk." Owen offered motioning his hand up the stairs and silently asking for directions. "I've actually had some personal experience with this very topic."
"Thanks," Karen tried to force a smile while a few more tears escaped from her eyes.
"And how about we get some coffee and discuss our next steps." Claire put out her arms, ushering the remaining adults into the kitchen as Owen took off up the stairs.
The second floor of the house looked quite similar to the first one - very pristine and organized. It made sense that Claire's need for organization and control would come from a house like this. Not that it was a bad thing, it was just that he much preferred a house that had some wear and tear. His mind drifted back to his bungalow and the over-sized couch in his living room. It faced a large windowed patio door that lead out to the porch and the waterfront. At this very moment, he knew there was a dirty shirt slung over one of the arms of the much-loved piece of furniture. Claire had said he stunk in it and recommend he change before they drove to see the I-rex. Thinking more about that, he figured his entire house must now carry that sweaty smell with all the doors and windows shut.
Shaking his head, he reminded himself of the task at hand.
Knocking on the only closed door that had dinosaurs decorating the wood, he waited. The knob wasn't locked and Owen took that as his ticket to enter.
The room, much like he expected it, went from floor to ceiling with dinosaur and other science related paraphernalia - robots, space ships, and more. It reminded him of his own room, although not as large or fully stocked as a child. His fascination with animals and science led him to his job in the navy and Jurassic World. He really didn't know what else he would rather do.
"Not the homecoming you were expecting, huh?" Owen found the boy holding tightly to a plush raptor stuffed toy and sprawled out on this bed.
"It's not fair." Came a sad mumble.
"No, it sucks. Believe me, I'm won't lie to you on that… but things could be worse."
"Yeah? I don't see how…" The boy peeked up at the older man.
"Your parents love you. That's something."
"They're selfish. They should just go back to…"
"Life doesn't let you go back," Owen said ruffling the boy's hair. "You got to keep going forward. No matter how much it sucks."
"What about you?" Gray slowly turned his head the rest of the way from his raptor to see his hero sitting on his bed.
"Me?" He stopped. "I talk from experience. Life never actually turns out like we want it… or plan it. But in the end, if you keep your chin up, things might surprise you."
"It won't be the same. Dad is going, and so will Zach in a few years. I know we're brothers and he promised to always be there… but it won't be the same."
"You are too smart for your own sake Gray." Owen sighed, not knowing what exactly to say. "What if it is better?"
"Better?"
"Well, yeah. Think about it. Your brother might not be here, which means you get to go on adventures to see him, same with your dad… and you're always welcome to come have adventures with Claire and me."
The two sat in silence for a time. Owen smiled as the boy's grip on the toy relaxed.
"I see you got one too." The green of the toy's plush fur matched the skin of his remaining raptor on the island. All it needed was a blue streak.
"Blue is much cooler."
"Well, not everyone gets to be the alpha. It takes work and effort. You got to face your fears and not run."
"Do you think… I mean, could I… ever be one? An Alpha?"
"You bet, with time. Now how about you show me this climbing tree out back. Maybe some cool air will do us both some good."
"Really? I could show you the tree fort as well. It's where I go when Zach and his girlfriend are in his room."
"She that bad?"
"Totally." The two laughed and got up.
The Mitchell family sat down that evening to a family discussion. Claire and Owen, feeling as outsiders in the private matter, took some time seeing the sights of the capital city of Wisconsin. The beautiful thing about hats and scarves came with people not recognizing them at all. The strolled down the recently shoveled sidewalks undisturbed, blending in to the other couples and normal folk on the move.
Owen joked that their second date went much better than their first, as they sat at a small table at a local bistro. The candle light and soft music sure beat the margarita bar near the park's Experience Center. The two even compromised, no itineraries and no tequila were present for the whole evening.
Several days later and Owen had yet to hear a peep from the military officially. The Mitchell family and guests had found a groove in their daily lives after the first awkward evening and morning. Scott had quietly moved out, but the paperwork to finalize the divorce had fallen to the back burner. Getting the kids settled came first.
Claire had noticed that several times a day Owen would seclude himself in the family's computer room. Her curiosity grew with each occurrence, but as of yet, she didn't mention anything. Karen and the boys were at the dining table enjoying an overly greasy pizza when the man of the house had excused himself and wandered upstairs. Today, the look on his face when he picked up his phone and glanced at the caller id told her instantly that this was an important call.
Following him upstairs, she put her ear close to the door, trying to make out the nature of the call. He promised to let her know about the military mission, but something told her that these daily calls were not from any of the agents.
She could make out a total of three voices from the within the room: one was Owen's, Barry's voice was also distinct, but the third took her some time to place.
"You guys realize that this could mean multiple felonies." The distinct, but still still unknown person's voice sounded. "And I stress the felony part. You guys might be okay doing time in a federal prison, but I don't even want to begin to plan my life being someone's wife."
"Thank you for reminding us, Lowery." Owen groaned. Claire's eyes went wide when it dawned on her that the distinct voice belonged to the Dino-loving and often politically-incorrect command center operator. Listening in, Claire tried to pick up more of the conversation. "But we don't know if we have to go down that route."
"I've got a boat on standby if we need it. So you'll need to wire me the funds soon." Barry instructed his friend.
"Yeah, it's going to nearly clean me out. Remind me next time I find a pet, or animal-child, not to pick a carnivore that needs special care and thousands of dollars in transport expenses."
"Have fun breaking it to Claire that she's going to be visiting her boyfriend in jail for ten to fifteen years." Lowery's sarcasm wasn't working on either of the others. "That or having to wear the financial pants in your relationship."
"Have you told Claire the plan if things aren't going so well on the island?" Barry asked, but before Owen got a chance to respond, Claire opened the door and stepped in.
"No, he hasn't shared with me any details of any plans to commit a felony." She looked in and found Owen sitting at a desk, and on the computer screen were the images of Barry and Lowery.
"Hi, Claire." Lowery's voice was awkward and a bit nervous. Typically he never felt at ease around the uptight, no-nonsense manager of the park, and even through the internet the woman terrified him.
"Ah, Claire…." Owen stood up, feeling like a kid caught with his hands in the cookie jar. Originally, Claire was going to be involved in the planning. It just never seemed like the right time to tell her about their crazy escape plan. More importantly, he worried she would only point out its many flaws and get him to back out of it.
"Hello, Lowery. Barry." Claire nodded before she turned her attention to Owen.
"I promise to explain, but we can't be on the line much longer." He informed her, knowing she had good reason to be pissed at him. "Lowery set up a damper to keep them from listening in, but it never is a sure thing with the military and its reach. Barry, I'll wire you the funds. Lowery, have the device ready when Barry contacts you next. If the timeline is getting sped up, we've got to be prepared."
"Alright, Owen. I'll keep you posted." Barry nodded. "Take care and see you both soon."
"Just remember you owe me big time for this."
The screen went dark, leaving Owen and Claire in the room.
"So…" Scratching his head, Owen took a deep breath.
"I would say that is a big 'so,'" Claire waited.
"I know you're going to give me shit for not wanting to add you to another list of possible lawsuits or prison time, but if it wasn't even a for sure deal, I just didn't want to worry you."
"Mind filling me in from the beginning?"
"Blue. I said I couldn't leave her there if the military tries to pull some sneaky deal or destroy the island. Barry and I planned to trank her and get her to a safe location."
"Just that simple?"
"Obviously not. I've got the drugs on hand at the raptor paddock, or in my supply locker." He began. "We've got a boat that will take us to a remote island… well, it is set of uninhabited rocks off the coast of the second island, Isla Sorna."
"And what? You'll live there happily ever after?"
"No, it will give us time to figure out our next steps. See, this is part of why I didn't mention it." Owen's arms reached out, gesturing to her doing exactly what he knew she would.
"Look, I understand the importance in getting Blue somewhere safe, but we have got to be smart about this." She said taking a seat in the chair next to his. "I won't torpedo your plans, but I do have some suggestions."
"I'm all ears."
Chapter 6 done, now things start to heat up. Let's get back to Jurassic World people!
As always, reviews, favorites, and follows are much appreciated and only seem to feed the plot bunnies... which might not be a good thing, but it certainly keeps me amused as hell.
I've got up to chapter nine rough drafted... looks like this might be a long fic :) But at least I will try to keep the updates steady and grammar issues to a minimum...
Hope you are ready for what is to come!