The rain had started up hours later. The recovering soil had turned to mud once more. The clothes had become heavy with water, dragging them onward. The group moved in a line, several people wide. Every weapon that had survives was out, strung around the shoulders of the wielders. They'd made good distance from the trailers, even though the Prospero encampment remains.
Becker walked up behind Burton. "I haven't had the chance to wish you luck on your business venture. You're off to a promising start."
Burton glanced to Becker. "My team remains intact, I'm sorry for the loss of your man."
Becker snorted lightly. "Don't pretend to be sorry, Burton, you're physically and emotionally incapable of being human. And whatever you've promised these men for their services, you won't deliver. It's your nature."
"Such is your nature to tell tales to the public." Burton replied. "But rest assured when we return, the world will know the actions of the ARC's presence on this island and the damage you people have caused."
"Now who's lying?" Becker asked. "You come here to export these creatures as if they-"
"They are none of your concern, Becker. I suggest you mind your own business." Burton replied.
"The things men do for public favor." Becker said.
"Perhaps you should try it, Becker. You might be able to go work without a laugh on your account." Burton explained.
Becker grabbed Burton's arm. "Lies will only get you so far Burton. Sooner or later, you'll be seen for what you really are. And I'll be there when you realize that."
Burton said nothing. Becker released Burton and continued with the group. He walked ahead, regrouping with the others. He came up behind Jess and Connor.
Connor looked over his shoulder as Becker joined them. "What was that about?"
Becker glanced back to Burton. "Just finishing up an old conversation."
Connor nodded. "You win?"
"Hell yes." Becker smirked.
Connor snorted. "Right on."
Becker glanced down to Jess. Her arms were folded in front of her chest as she walked. Her clothes, like everyone else's, were soaked through, clinging to her body. "Jess can you explain why I'm wearing your coat while it's pouring?"
Jess glanced up. "Because it's your coat. I just returned it to you."
Becker shook his head. "Jess you're soaked through."
"So's Connor." Jess stated.
"Connor's also wearing a coat." Becker said.
"And I'm leaving this conversation." Connor said. He quickened his pace and moved with Matt and Emily.
Jess looked back toward Burton. "Looks like whatever you said to Burton has him scared."
Becker looked back. "Good."
"Can I ask you something, Becker?" Jess asked.
"Yeah."
"Do you think we'll get off this island?" Jess asked.
Becker looked down at Jess. Her tied up hair clung to the back of her neck. Rain slid down her cold color face. She was most likely bordering on exhaustion, like he was. They were trapped on a dangerous island, most likely being hunted. They had a fraction of their supplies and were moving into the most dangerous part of the island. Still, looking into Jess eyes, Becker could find it in him to think differently.
"Yeah. We'll get off this island, Jess." Becker answered. "By the way, where'd you learn how to throw a punch like that?"
Jess smiled lightly. "You taught me."
"I did, didn't I?" Becker replied.
Whether he was saying it because it was true or whether it was just to make her feel better, Jess didn't know. Nor did she care. Suddenly her foot caught the edge of a slippery patch of mud. Jess gasped as she stumbled into the puddle, splashing water and mud all over her pants.
Becker quickly took her hand and lifted her to her feet. Jess smiled when he kept hold of her hand after she'd risen again. She stepped closer toward Becker. Jess felt something against her wrist and looked down. She caught sight of something silver on Becker's wrist. It took her a moment with the limited lighting, but Jess recognized her charm bracelet she'd given to him years ago. Jess smiled and looked up. Becker looked and his wrist and smirked. Apparently she wasn't the only one who held onto something.
The trek across the island was hard. The heavy rain had soaked the ground, causing mud holes and marshlands. Large amounts of time were spent taking cautious routes, avoiding problematic areas of the island. The animals had stayed away from the group, but that did not keep them from being cautious. At every sound, someone would look out, raising their weapon toward the noise. But the trek never stopped, for nothing or no one.
By mid-morning, the assembly was well into jungle along the gam trail. The pace had slowed due to massive exhaustion. The mud was caked over every boots. Every shred of clothing was still heavy with rain water. Exhaustion and tempers flared as did the humidity. Men dropped along the trail, forcing others to get them up on their feet.
By nightfall, the assembly had reached the ridge. But the lack of sunlight had postponed the excursion down the ridge. The team had settled for a few hours rest. Anyone with a bag used it as ground support with their weapons loaded and ready for use. Jess and Emily managed to pitch their tent, left over from their earlier excursion alone on the island. The others were asleep near the tent.
Emily was lying on her side, her back to Jess. She sighed and rolled onto her back. Despite the exhausting day, she couldn't sleep. "Jess, you awake?"
Jess rolled onto her side toward Emily. "Yes."
"Do you mind if I ask you something?" Emily asked.
"Is it going to take my mind off this island?" Jess asked.
"Probably."
"Go ahead."
Emily rolled onto her stomach. She reached out in front of her and slowly turned on the lantern. She turned her head toward Jess. "What went through your mind when you saw Becker yesterday?
Jess' eyes slowly drew from Emily. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. "Honestly, I was so thrilled I nearly hugged him."
"What stopped you?"
"I remembered that he left." Jess answered. She rolled onto her stomach and laid her head on her arms. "God, I was so happy to see him. It took everything I had not to run into his arms…or hit him for leaving."
Emily smiled lightly. "I was surprised by your self-control, Jess."
Jess snorted. "Well, believe me that was more control than I ever thought I had."
Emily laughed lightly.
"I guess something good did come of this trip." Jess said.
"What?" Emily asked.
Jess smiled lightly. "I finally learned why he left."
Emily gently rubbed Jess back. "And when we get off, you two can finally piece yourselves back together."
"I don't think it'll be that easy Em." Jess said.
"It could be." Emily said.
Jess nodded. "Maybe."
Emily laid her head down on the ground and closed her eyes. Jess reached for the lantern and turned it off. She buried herself in Becker's jacket and closed her eyes. The exhaustion was finally kicking in. She felt herself slowly giving into the exhaustion.
Suddenly the ground trembled beneath her, waking her. Emily opened her eyes a moment and waited. When she heard and felt nothing, she closed her once again. But not a second later did the ground tremble and a deep rumble cause her to open her eyes. Emily lay awake, listening. She could hear the rumble growing closer, and the tremors growing stronger. She frowned and looked above her. Her eyes fell upon the shadow of her bloody coat hanging above them. Then realization hit her hard. The blood! It was the blood of the baby Rex!
Emily rolled onto her side and reached over for Jess. She grabbed Jess' shoulder and shook her awake. "Jess."
Jess moaned. "What is it?"
"We have a problem." Emily whispered.
Jess opened her eyes. "What kind of problem."
A low rumble at the mouth of the tent alerted the girls to another presence. Emily carefully lowered her arm onto the ground. Jess' eyes widened in fear. She buried her face into the coat, praying she could keep herself quit. The mouth of the tent was slowly pushed open. The snout of a Tyrannosaurus slowly peeked into the tent.
aahh nothing like girl talk in a tent. i'm sorry i'm not being funny here with my comments btw.