The Definition of Freedom
Far off the coast of Isla Nublar, Robert Muldoon and Dennis Nedry maneuvered the raft as the ocean pitched them forward. They had left Isla Sorna several days ago and during that time; they had traveled over a vast part of the ocean. Time was spent talking and then falling into silence to break up the monotony of rowing. Muldoon rowed silently and thought about what would happen when they returned to the island. He put down his oar, while Nedry continued rowing.
"Do you feel free?" he asked.
"Hell yeah, I feel free. Strike that. I am free," Nedry answered with a broad smile. "I got the wind at my back, the ocean for a backyard, and the sky as my roof. You're damn right I'm free."
"You would stay like this forever?"
"No, I'd like to reach land eventually." Nedry splashed with his oar. "I'm sick of seeing water."
"Same here. I miss eating real food and sleeping on a real bed," Muldoon said.
"For me, I don't have Hammond breathing down my back or Dodgson screaming in my face. No 'Dennis do this' or 'Dennis do that'. There's no horny guard searching me at six a.m. No prison bars posing as a door. No stupid prison warden giving me lectures. No lock-down for hours." Nedry set down his oar and held out his wrists. "No cuffs. Nothing—I'm free!"
Nedry spread his arms outward as to give the world a bear hug. Muldoon stared out into the ocean. His expression was serious as though he imagined himself someplace else. Nedry grabbed his oar and plunged it in the water. He turned to Muldoon, who looked troubled.
"How about you? Do you feel free?"
"Sometimes," Muldoon said quietly.
"Sometimes?"
Muldoon lifted his oar in a half-hearted effort to continue rowing. "Sometimes I do."
"Explain a little more, I'm not a mind-reader."
Muldoon didn't flinch at his bluntness. By now, he had gotten used to Nedry's off-putting mannerisms to the point that he could tune it out and not respond. Sometimes he still responded, because it annoyed him, but that was part of Nedry's personality. Muldoon usually used silence against Nedry and it worked. This time it wasn't working, because Nedry was insistent on finding out.
"Sometimes you feel free, sometimes you don't? Which is it?"
Muldoon stared at the ocean. Nedry would never understand where he was coming from. It didn't make sense and he knew it. Muldoon didn't go through routine searches. Handcuffs and shackles weren't used to restrain him. He didn't have to wear a drab prison uniform. He wasn't known as a number. A revoked certification or license was not something he had to worry about. He didn't have to start his entire career from scratch. He didn't experience lack of control, invasion of privacy, or face having his every move watched, controlled, and evaluated like Nedry did. He wasn't considered a society reject due to the stigma of previous incarceration.
On the contrary…
Muldoon could go where he pleased. He had a widely known name and respected reputation. He had a choice of what to eat. He could wake up and go to sleep whenever he chose. Not that Muldoon overslept often—being the only park warden in Jurassic Park kept him up at all hours of the night. The sun shined from his room in the staff lodge without steel bars blocking it. He had his own office with his name and title on the door. He could speak to people without a guard hovering over his shoulder. He could apply for other job positions without having to worry about criminal charges or prison time hindering his career. Muldoon had references that boasted of his expertise with animals and his dedication to projects.
Yet, he didn't feel free. Not completely. He knew what he felt, but he didn't want to talk about it. It would be better to change the subject.
"We can use the sun as our guide," Muldoon said, pointing at the sun. "We're definitely far from Isla Sorna, so we need to navigate east…"
"Or west, we'll figure it out." Nedry shielded his eyes with his free hand and redirected the conversation back to Muldoon. "Nice try at switching topics. Back to you."
Muldoon tried to keep the defensiveness out of his voice. "What about me?"
"You haven't answered the question. Do you feel free?"
Muldoon said nothing.
"You don't want to go back," Nedry said.
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to. It's written all over your face."
Muldoon stared at him, refusing to speak. Were his true feelings that obvious? Or was Nedry finding something to pick at?
"Why don't you want to go back? I'm sure they're worried sick for you," Nedry continued, oblivious to Muldoon's reaction. "Geez, I wish someone was worried about me. No one is."
"Yeah, they're worried…" Muldoon trailed off and stared at the oar he had made.
"You show no emotion and at the same time, you do. What's eating you?"
"Nothing is."
"Something is."
Nedry wasn't going to drop it, so he might as well say it straight. "I want to get off Isla Nublar sometimes. Take a vacation, you know? Everyone has a place they can go to when it gets chaotic there."
"Everyone except you?"
"Yes!" Muldoon said, exasperated, as if this should've been obvious. "Gennaro is busy with his paperwork—you know lawyers. Lex drives now so she takes Tim into the park. Even you had somewhere to go when things got crazy there."
"Where did I go?"
"The vending machines, where else?"
"That's right, I did. You know me very well."
"I just observe people and pay attention," Muldoon said. "Nothing to it. The rest of them…Grant has lectures in the States. Ellie has her greenhouse. Dr. Malcolm follows her around, they're always together. When he's not with her, he's scribbling new chaos theory equations."
"Whoa—slow down. Did Dr. Grant leave?"
"After we got rid of the raptors. He's attending a national conference with other paleontologists in Montana right now."
"Wow." Nedry was impressed. "Do you like Dr. Sattler?"
The corners of Muldoon's mouth perked upward. He didn't answer and his smile faded as fast as it had appeared. "I don't."
"You had to think about it before you answered. Do you bake cupcakes for her in the cafeteria when everyone's asleep?"
Muldoon glared at him. "Grow up."
"I promise not to tell Dr. Malcolm."
"Dr. Grant left because of them. At least, that's what Ray and I think."
"That's deep." Nedry shook his head. "So much drama in Jurassic Park."
"So much chaos," Muldoon corrected him.
"That too. You were saying she has her own greenhouse? When did this happen?"
"Four months after you were incarcerated. There was a patch of land on the island that hadn't been used and Ellie asked John if it could be made into a greenhouse. He went along with her request. It made sense since she's a paleobotanist. She grows tropical flowers there and decorates the visitor center and staff lodge with them. It brightens up the place."
"Sounds very nice."
"It is. It keeps her mind busy, but it's also her retreat when things get rough. She doesn't say it, but you can tell."
"And what about you?" Nedry pointed at him.
"What about me?" Muldoon shot back.
"This discussion is about you. Why don't you feel free?"
"I already explained. Everyone has a place to go to when things get crazy. John has his bungalow. Ray goes to the back of the visitor center and smokes a pack. Gerry's at peace when he's taking care of the dinosaurs. Henry goes to the genetics lab."
"Henry can step on a crack and break his back for all I care."
Muldoon's hands tightened on the oar. "Stop bashing Henry; I'm sick of it."
"You can be sick all you want. Want a thermometer so I can take your temperature?"
Muldoon took a deep breath, trying to contain his anger. Nedry waved his hand, gesturing him to finish.
"I can't believe after all this time you still insist he's turned on InGen."
"Because he has," Nedry said, calmly.
"How do you know? Do you have proof?" Muldoon fired at him.
"Yessiree, I heard it with my own ears."
"Heard what? Stop being vague."
"Do we have to argue again?"
"You're the one who started it." Muldoon pointed at Nedry. "Now finish it."
"I heard him in a phone conversation with Dodgson. I told you and Ray that night in Hammond's bungalow, but none of you wanted to listen. Even Gerry was acting like a dumbass."
"Why would we listen or believe any word coming from your mouth after all the bloody nonsense you pulled? You expect everyone to forget the past like it doesn't exist, and accept you with open arms."
"No, I don't expect that, but if I have info that will affect the company and park, then you should give me the benefit of the doubt."
"'You should give me the benefit of the doubt,'" Muldoon repeated. "You've got some nerve!"
"I sure do." Nedry grinned.
"And you have no shame."
"You don't know that. You just see me and think you know me, but you don't."
"People know you by what you put out for them to see."
Nedry shook his head. "You're wrong, Robert. People judge me by what I put out."
"Which is a lot of trash."
"That's your opinion. I put out 'a lot of trash', but it doesn't mean they know what I'm thinking or feeling."
Muldoon slammed the oar down to prevent himself from snapping it in half. "No one cares how you feel when you do things that clearly show you don't give a damn about others. Why should they? If you steal and lie, don't get offended when you're labeled a thief and a liar."
"We're back to insulting each other, huh?" Nedry asked with a trace of sarcasm. "And I thought we made progress."
"Progress, my bloody foot," Muldoon grumbled.
"Let's turn the tables on you—if people judged you by what you put out, they'd say you were dedicated and serious, honorable—but they'd also say you're a cold and detached drunk."
Muldoon's jaw dropped. He didn't care what others thought of him, but now that he was hearing it from Nedry—he shoved the thought away. I know who I am.
"You'll never figure me out. John never will and the same goes for Ray."
Muldoon grabbed the oar, cutting himself on its sharp edge. He wiped his hand on the raft, leaving a bloody smear, and rowed furiously as if trying to get away from Nedry even though they were in the same raft.
"What's your problem? All I asked was 'do you feel free'? You asked me and I answered you. When I reverse the question, you get pissed off."
Muldoon kept rowing. "I don't always feel free," he growled as he pushed against the dark water. "Sometimes I want to get the hell off the island. Leave and never return…it wouldn't be so bad if there was another warden with me working side by side." He stopped suddenly and nearly lost his grip on the oar. He bolted up and the raft wobbled. Muldoon looked down at Nedry, who turned around to face him. Nedry's eyes were wide with genuine shock and he completely stopped what he was doing. "There I said it!" Muldoon threw down his oar and it clattered on the raft in front of Nedry, who flinched at his outwardly expressed anger. "Bloody satisfied now?"
Nedry didn't speak for awhile. When he spoke again, it was in a quiet tone: "You feel overworked and underpaid?"
"Not even that. Hell, I don't know what it is."
"You feel unappreciated?"
"No...I just want to get away for a little while."
"Well…your wish did come true."
Nedry was right. Muldoon had gotten his wish—but not in the way he hoped. He never expected to be stranded on Isla Sorna, tied to a stake back to back with Nedry while hungry compys hopped towards them.
"I need a vacation."
"You deserve one," Nedry agreed.
"Thanks a lot."
"You're welcome."
"Stop being sarcastic," Muldoon said coldly. "You're making my ears bleed."
"And you're making my heart cry." When Nedry spoke again, he was sincere. "People respect you…doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Muldoon's eyes narrowed. "It has nothing to do with respect."
"You're wrong. It has everything to do with respect…grass is always greener…" Nedry fumbled with his thoughts. He shrugged and started rowing again. Muldoon's stance confused him. What was wrong with Muldoon anyway? He wasn't being sarcastic when he agreed with him about needing a vacation. He has no idea how good he has it, Nedry thought. He's free to go where he pleases, has credibility and worth attached to his name, but it's not enough. Even the freest man is imprisoned by what others expect of him…He tried again. "You're upset because you're the only warden. Right?
"Yes." Muldoon spat out the word like a bad taste. He bent down and snatched the oar, but remained standing, refusing to sit across from Nedry.
"I used to talk to John about that."
"You didn't talk to John, you argued with him."
Nedry shifted around so that he wasn't facing Muldoon. "Same difference. Anyway, I told him he needs to hire more people. It's too much for you to be running around the park as the sole warden of the animals."
"I have the workmen; they help."
"They're not enough. You need someone who holds the same position with similar work experience. That way it's not all on your back."
"I didn't know you cared." Muldoon's tone was laced with sarcasm and hatred.
"I didn't mention you by name," Nedry snapped. He glanced angrily at Muldoon over his shoulder. "I didn't go to him and say 'poor Robert, he's the only one in charge of the lizards.' Don't flatter yourself."
"Oh for God's sake—" Muldoon started. He squeezed the oar as if trying to crush it.
"I told him this so many times. It wasn't just you; Ray and me dealt with the same crap. He expected us to man the control room. Look at all those computers we had hooked up. All the network systems, everything in that room we were expected to run on our own. We had some computer technicians, just like you got your workmen, just like Harding has an assistant on hand, and Wu has his team. It's not enough."
Muldoon was silent for several moments. When he spoke again, he tried to sound calm. "You're right."
"John never listened to any of us, Robert. He'd nod his head and claim he was going to go through job resumes that had been faxed to him. You'd come back in his office later that day and none of them were touched. And then when you'd get on him for it, he'd say—"
"'This is my company, my park, and my island. I will run it as I see fit.'" Muldoon quoted Hammond word for word.
Nedry knew the routine by heart and being incarcerated for two years had not faded his memories. Muldoon knew then that Nedry understood where he was coming from.
"You took the words out of my mouth. I know the frustrated feeling all too well."
"We did something no one has ever done," Muldoon said, studying his oar thoughtfully. "No one had ever brought back an extinct species and put them in a reserve. No one had ever attempted to raise them or cure them from infections. We created a prehistoric zoo disguised as a theme park and we worked in the dark for Hammond. We were treading on unknown territory and afraid of making mistakes."
"There were plenty of those."
"You being one of them," Muldoon said. It didn't matter if Nedry understood him on some level—he would always be a traitor.
"Thanks for the kind word." Nedry was unfazed by Muldoon's opinion of him.
"Your welcome."
"Yep, Hammond pushed us full steam ahead. We should do the same. Push full steam ahead so we can get back to Isla Nublar." Nedry said as he rowed forward.
"No one cloned dinosaurs like Henry. He did a good job."
"You give the sleaze-ball too much credit."
"How can you say that after all this time—?"
"You make it sound like he created a painting that no one has ever tried before. No one cloned lizards like Henry did because no one had tried before him."
"Fair enough. Knock it off with the name-calling."
"Yes, Mr. Muldoon," Nedry said in a sing-song voice. "Geez, you're mean today. Who pissed in your Cheerios?"
Muldoon had had enough. He refused to answer and entertain Nedry's antics. He had said enough for today, and was beyond frustrated. No one knew the pressure he had to deal with. Nobody in the park could imagine what went through his mind whenever an animal escaped or a worker got injured or worse yet, killed. He was responsible and experienced enough to handle it, but sometimes the pressure was more than he could bear. These were dinosaurs—no one had ever dealt with them before. It was pressure after pressure, demand after demand. Working for Hammond on his island was anything but simple. That's why Muldoon carried his flask around. He had tried to express this frustration without actually stating it in those words, but it hadn't come out right. Either that or Nedry wasn't getting it.
"If you feel you need a break; then you probably do," Nedry said.
Muldoon still didn't answer.
"Okay, I'll sit here and talk to myself."
oOo
Night fell and they were plunged in darkness. The sea was black and depthless and the sky mirrored back the same image. There was no moon, only a handful of stars twinkled in the sky. It was impossible to tell where the horizon and sky met, since they blurred together in the black night.
They hadn't spoken since their last argument. The raft drifted on its own course. Nedry picked up the oar, ready to guide the raft. He thought for a moment before picking up the second oar and handing it to Muldoon. Muldoon took the second oar that Nedry held out to him, but said nothing in return. Nedry hoped Muldoon would speak after receiving the oar, but nothing changed. Fine then. If Muldoon wanted to give him the silent treatment for a few more hours, so be it. Nedry had his oar poised over the water when Muldoon finally spoke.
"Tell me about Lewis Dodgson."
"What about him?" Nedry asked. He was filled with suspicion as to why Muldoon asked about Dodgson now.
"You said he'd come to Isla Nublar and take over."
"Yeah, I did. None of you believed me."
"I know."
"Then why do you ask now?" Nedry was irritated. He didn't want to explain about Dodgson if he'd get shot down again.
"I want to know."
"Why?"
"Just answer the question."
"You didn't ask a question, you said 'tell me about Lewis Dodgson'," Nedry said, rowing with the oar and refusing to face Muldoon. "That's not a question, it's a command."
"Dennis, stop it. Just give up the info."
"I don't know why you care so much."
Muldoon sighed, admitting defeat. "Look, there's nothing else to do out here except bloody row. I'm wiling to hear you out so—"
"So that you can ease your boredom?" Nedry turned around to face Muldoon. It had been several hours since they had spoken, much less face each other out of mutual respect.
"No! I just want to hear you out…I didn't listen before. I know that, just explain who he is and what he's about."
"You're really willing to listen this time?"
"I have no choice…I'm going to hear what you have to say."
Nedry studied him for awhile before agreeing to share. "You want to know about Lewis Dodgson, so I'll tell you about Lewis Dodgson. One condition though." He held up his index finger.
"What's that?"
"No matter what you think of me as a lying traitor, everything I'm going to tell you is true. Don't question it, just accept it as fact."
"Okay, I agree to accept it."
Nedry grinned, but there was no malice or smugness in his expression. It was relief. "Here we go then: let's go back to the time when his team left us stranded on Isla Sorna. He was there that day. Remember the guy over the megaphone who claimed we were part of his experiment?"
Muldoon thought back to that day. He did remember. But he hadn't seen Dodgson, he had only heard him. Or did he see him? Was he the guy holding the compy? "I remember his voice."
"That's better than nothing."
Muldoon ignored his snide comment. "If he takes over Isla Nublar, how would he do it?"
"He wouldn't make himself obvious—not at first. He'd come and sweep everyone off their feet, to use a cliché."
"You mean he wouldn't make a fuss about it? No guns? No hostages?" Muldoon was intrigued.
"Nope, none of that. Dodgson is a smooth talker. He comes in at just the right moment, says everything you want to hear, and promises to make things work for you." Nedry paused, deciding what he would say next. "As sick as it sounds, you have to think like him, in order to understand him. He's twisted in the head," Nedry said, tapping his head, "but presents a relaxed persona with the gift of gab."
"He sounds charismatic."
"He is, when he wants to be."
"Is that how you got tangled up with him?"
Nedry looked at him, puzzled and curious as to why Muldoon asked that question. Muldoon was trying to understand him, whereas Nedry had tried to give him understanding in terms of being overworked and underappreciated. It was strange, but a part of Nedry was grateful that Muldoon was making some attempt to understand who he was beyond his sarcastic exterior.
"I guess you can say that. He promised me lots of money when I was frustrated with working for Hammond. It was an easy way out. He said he valued my intelligence and would utilize it to the fullest extent. See, that's his ploy. He'll use what you have for himself."
Muldoon felt cold and unable to move. Maybe it was Nedry's words… If he accepted everything Nedry was telling him…then what did it mean for the InGen staff on the island? Nedry seemed to read his mind.
"If he's taken over Isla Nublar already, they wouldn't know it. They'll never see it coming because Dodgson will make them believe he has everything under control and that he's going to solve the problems they're facing."
"What problems are you talking about?" Muldoon asked carefully. "God knows there's enough on that island."
"Your disappearance for one—it's not a coincidence that you're out here and not on the island. He'll use your absence to divide and conquer the staff, and go after the most vulnerable—he'll take advantage of Ray's stress, Dr. Malcolm will see through his crap, Dr. Sattler will pick up on it, and so will Lex and Tim. Gerry might sense something's not right."
"You're leaving out Henry," Muldoon pointed out.
"That's because Henry's already on Biosyn's side," Nedry said in a told-you-so tone. "Don't get mad about it, what's done is done, and it's the truth. I know you don't want to hear about Henry right now—"
"Or ever," Muldoon threw in.
"But it's the truth, and eventually the truth will come out. You and Ray found out the truth about me, so it's only a matter of time with Henry, but I'll stop now because I don't need you shutting down on me again. I'd be bored having to row by myself tonight." Nedry chuckled.
"We can't waste anytime—we have to get back right away," Muldoon said. The realization of what Dodgson's presence on Isla Nublar meant for InGen hit him full force. He started rowing quickly as though to make up for lost time spent arguing with Nedry.
"We might be too late."
"There's still time."
"Not when it comes to Dodgson. He's quick. When he wants something, he goes for it. Heaven help you if you stand in his way. He's a steamroller, he'll run you over."
Muldoon stopped. "You mean as we're talking, he's already has Jurassic Park in the palm of his hand?"
"Exactly. Look, Dodgson is impatient and aggressive. His true colors will start to show because he can only hide it for so long. He'll probably hit on Dr. Sattler just to split up her and Dr. Malcolm. He's a huge fan of 'divide and conquer'. He'll go as far as to playing the staff against each other. He'll prey on anyone's weaknesses, and when he's sure he's got InGen where he wants it, he'll close in for the kill with no mercy."
A long period of silence passed, punctuated by the waves. Nedry figured Muldoon was digesting everything. It was a lot, really, and he'd wait until Muldoon was ready to hear more. For an instant, he was worried that Muldoon didn't believe him, but he changed his mind when he saw the expression on his face.
Muldoon looked afraid, angry, and puzzled at the same time. Anger born from his futility taunted him. There seemed to be so many miles left to travel. He hated being out here in the middle of the ocean, unable to help InGen. He's right, Muldoon thought, removing me is the perfect scenario for Biosyn. He had to know more—find out more from Nedry.
"When you came back, that was your choice, right?" Muldoon asked.
"Yes."
"How did you…" How could he put this into words?
"How did I leave him? Was he thrilled about my choice to go back to InGen? Did he know I was returning to the park?"
Muldoon nodded. With the answers he received—and if Nedry was telling the truth as he said he was; then he'd have more to digest, to grasp. He'd fully understand the threat Dodgson posed to InGen. "All those questions and many more."
"Okay, I'll answer your questions…no problem. I tried resigning after Hammond's accident. He wouldn't let me."
"Resign?"
"He claimed I had a contract with him, so I wrote him a resignation letter. I wasn't doing it to mock him, I was serious when I wrote it. Lewis Dodgson has no boundaries, no scruples. He lacks a conscience. He has no limits as to how he gets what he wants."
Muldoon was ready to say that Nedry was the same exact way, but the words never came out of his mouth. Nedry had risked returning to Isla Nublar to warn them of Dodgson's plans or so he claimed. That in itself was a major move on his part, even Muldoon had to finally admit this fact to himself. If he was telling the truth, then he must've had some conscience. Muldoon wanted to believe this, his mind urged him to. The other part of him refused to believe it. Look what happened to you and John. As if Nedry could read his mind…
"He didn't give a damn about what happened to you or John. That pissed me off. Claimed we—as in the Biosyn team, weren't responsible for what occurred, even though we were. That's why I decided to leave Biosyn for good."
"What about this resigning issue?"
"You want details?" Nedry asked.
Muldoon didn't have to answer.
oOo
Nedry knocked on Dodgson's door and waited patiently to be invited in. No response. He raised his hand to knock again, when it was thrown open. King stood in his path and sent him a scornful glance.
"Let him in, Howard," Nedry heard Dodgson say.
He stepped out of the way and Nedry walked into the carpeted office. It was freezing in the room; Dodgson had the air conditioner on full blast. Dodgson sat behind his desk holding a letter.
"What do you want?" Dodgson asked.
Nedry pointed at the letter.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"I officially resign."
"Denied."
Dodgson stood up and tore the letter in half. He tossed them in Nedry's direction with a derisive laugh. Nedry saw his signature on the torn letter. He snatched it from the floor and crumpled the paper in his hand. When he looked again, Dodgson had turned his back on him and stared outside the office window overlooking Cupertino.
"I refuse to accept your resignation."
"You can't stop me. I'm leaving soon and getting the hell out of town."
Dodgson turned around sharply, his face contorted in an angry sneer. "Can't I? You don't know me well."
"I'm leaving," Nedry said, making sure his voice didn't waver. "You can't keep me here."
Dodgson methodically removed his shades and placed them on his desk. "I'd advise you not to test me. The results won't be nice, especially on your end."
"Take your own advice."
Dodgson nodded. So he wanted to be a smart-ass. He'd set him straight. "You're telling me that you want to be incarcerated again. You want to serve the rest of your sentence wearing the same prison uniform everyday, and you want to be known as a number. What's it again? One-one-five-five-three?"
"Shut up!"
Dodgson smirked. "Looks like I hit a sensitive nerve. I know how much you enjoy prison life."
"Prison has nothing to do with this."
"It has everything to do with this. You want to wake up every morning in a cage, get searched, sit in your cage, oops, I meant your cell, for most of the day, and let your mind deteriorate."
"That's not going to work, Lew."
"After everything I've done for you," Dodgson fumed. Nedry started towards the door when he heard him start the same rant. It was emotional manipulation. "I gave you a taste of freedom, I let you use your computer skills again, I set it up so that you have money to last you the rest of your life—and this is how you thank me."
"You haven't done a thing—except hold favors over my head."
Dodgson scoffed. "I did more for you than John Hammond. He let you waste away behind bars, I set you free."
"I was blinded by the color green, but now I see," Nedry said. "I see myself for what I was, and for what you still are."
"You see prison bars."
"I'm leaving." Nedry started towards the door.
"No, you're not—damn it!" Dodgson stepped around his desk. "Don't you fucking dare—!"
"I wish I could say it was a pleasure to work for you, when really, it's the opposite."
"You want to go back to InGen. That's a bad decision. Hammond never appreciated your talents, your brilliance and intelligence. Only I cared. I picked you up when you were at your lowest."
Nedry turned around and met Dodgson's angry glare. "Why are you making this so difficult?"
"I'm not being difficult," Dodgson growled. "You are and I'm fed up with it."
Nedry shrugged and glanced at the door. He couldn't wait to go through it. He started towards it again, oblivious to the cold air that blew around the room.
Dodgson was yelling up a storm of curses before he stopped and tried to sound reasonable. "You have three more days to make your final decision—choose wisely," he warned.
Nedry didn't turn around. "I've already told you my decision. Take it or leave it, I'm walking away from Biosyn"
He walked out of the office and pushed King aside. During his final three days in Cupertino at Biosyn's headquarters, he packed his laptop, his many compact disks that held various computer programs, (some of them viruses,) and a change of clothes. He also packed a stash of emergency cash he had saved up. He avoided everyone, it was easier and better that way. On the third day, Dodgson approached him with his last assignment…
oOo
"And the rest, as they say, is history," Nedry finished.
Muldoon looked at him, puzzled. He was intrigued by what he had just learned, but still, something in the story was missing.
"He wasn't a 'smooth talker' there," Muldoon commented.
"That's 'cause he was fed up—when he's really angry, his Halloween mask evaporates and you see the real Lewis Dodgson. I've seen the real Lew more than enough times to know who he really is and who he pretends to be."
"So from there, you left?" Muldoon asked.
"Sorta. I left in the middle of an 'assignment.' Dodgson must've thought I was born that morning. I can smell a set-up from miles away."
Muldoon nodded and recalled a snippet of conversation he had overheard at Isla Sorna.
"That was rude—no, that's not the word I'm looking for."
"Unprofessional?"
"Yes. That was very unprofessional on your part to leave without giving a two weeks notice."
"I'm sorry."
"No, you're not, because if you were, then you wouldn't have done it."
"Then I guess I'm not sorry."
Now the conversation made sense to him. Dodgson was telling Nedry that he was "unprofessional" for not giving two weeks notice. Nedry had simply left. He was sarcastic about it with his phony apology and Dodgson was infuriated. What else had happened? Nedry mentioned he sensed a set-up.
"There's something you're not telling," Muldoon said.
Nedry didn't answer as he examined the oar in his hands.
"De—"
"I heard you the first time."
"Well?"
Nedry turned away so he wouldn't have to face him. Would he always keep secrets like this? He had a strong feeling that Muldoon didn't believe anything he had told him. If he disclosed that Dodgson had sent his henchmen after him with the intention of execution—would Muldoon believe it? Of course not, Nedry thought. He'd think I was making it up to manipulate him. There was nothing more to say about how his trip to Isla Nublar had transpired.
"That's all there is. I tried to leave on good terms. He wanted me to stay, and acted like I owed him, so I left…"
"So that's it?"
"Yeah, he just gave me the last assignment—break into InGen's headquarters in Palo Alto. Load of crap. End of story."
"I gotcha," Muldoon said, deciding not to press the issue. He started rowing again.
"I didn't intend on coming back, and he didn't either."
Muldoon froze. He stared at him, his curiosity heightened from what Nedry slipped out. What happened during Nedry's trip back to Isla Nublar? Why couldn't he just spill it? Nedry ignored Muldoon's inquisitive stare and continued casually.
"Yessiree, Dodgson's a character. Gives you anything you want as long as you're loyal to him. Mind you, loyalty to him is serving a life sentence, there's no way out. He gives you what you want and need—as long as you make him happy and go along with his crazy schemes. Let's use you as an example since you already know about me and Henry."
Muldoon raised his eyebrows. "What about me?" He missed the name "Henry".
"Remember how you wanted more weapons in the park so that you could control the animals better and visitors and staff would be guaranteed more protection and safety?"
"Hammond was against it. He was worried about me hurting his precious animals."
"Exactly, Hammond was, but if it was Lew…" Nedry rowed and water splashed onto the raft. "He'd have those weapons shipped to the island before you finished requesting it. Chances are he'd ask you to put a worker in the lizard pen— just to observe how that lizard with hooked claws stalks human prey. That's how deranged he is."
Nedry saw Muldoon's expression—it was a cross between a frown and disgust.
"I know they're called raptors, but whatever. They're all lizards to me."
"I don't care what you call the velociraptors. I hated them."
"You know what I mean. He's like that fairy godmother from Cinderella. Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! There's your weapons, Robert—and the exact missile launchers you want."
"Interesting," Muldoon said quietly. "You actually remember that." Both Dodgson's manipulative character trait and the fact that Nedry remembered amazed Muldoon.
"It's true, that's how he is—and I remember a lot."
They continued rowing. Many miles ahead of them, a small speck on the horizon—probably land—caught their attention. The sun was slowly making its way back in the sky. The morning was rewarding for them after being surrounded by blackness.
"So I guess you feel free," Muldoon said. "Especially after all this time dealing with Hammond, prison, and Dodgson."
"I do, but I don't. It's only a matter of time before I get shipped back to the clink, but I'll enjoy my freedom while I have it."
"Did you feel free when you worked for Dodgson?"
A thoughtful expressed passed over Nedry's face. "I thought I was free."
"You found that he was worse than Hammond?"
"Oh man, a hundred times worse. John had his shortcomings, but he was nowhere near as terrible as Dodgson. When Sonya and Raúl freed me—"
Muldoon's head snapped up."What's Raúl Lopez's beef with you?" He had wondered this ever since witnessing the incident at the dilophosaur paddock.
Nedry grinned mischievously. "Professional jealousy. Green as grass."
"He's jealous of you?" Muldoon asked skeptically. "I don't believe that."
"Believe me; his jealousy is as real as the ocean we're sailing on. It's a pathetic rivalry. " He splashed the water with the oar.
"Why would he be envious of you?"
"Many reasons. For one, Lew depended on me to get his precious lizards. Raúl, excuse me, Doctor Lopez likes to be known by his PhD status. Dr. Lopez," Nedry started and then laughed, "wanted to pet and study the lizards. He bases his whole life on how prehistoric lizards eat and drink. Him and Grant are into this lizard business—"
"Get to the point," Muldoon said wearily. "And leave Grant out of this," he added.
"But he couldn't touch the lizards without my assistance." Nedry placed a hand on his chest to demonstrate exaggerated pride. "That's why he hates me."
Muldoon squinted at Nedry who was oblivious to his reaction. "He hates you because Dodgson depended on you to bypass security."
"Pretty much," Nedry yawned. "I like my version better. It sounds more humorous."
"There's nothing funny about this."
Nedry threw him an exasperated look. "Don't be so serious. It's not my fault the bone-brusher has an inferiority complex. Dodgson considered me his crowned jewel. Sure, Raúl is smart and great in his field and he can tell Dodgson everything he knows, but I got the upper hand when it comes to computers and he's computer illiterate as they come. You know what happened when I showed him how to use a mouse? He lifted the mouse in the air—you should've seen it; it was the funniest thing."
Nedry burst out laughing and even Muldoon smiled at the image of Lopez holding a computer mouse in the air.
"Dodgson relied on me; he needed me to complete tasks. He didn't need Raul, even though Doctor Lopez likes to think otherwise. He was glad to see me go, I know that much. Now he can be Dodgson's little protégé—fine with me. I was never fighting for that position."
Muldoon nodded. "I remember that day you and him argued. Gerry and I were amazed."
"That I'd get into it with another Dodgson whore? Or that I actually wanted to help George?"
Muldoon flinched at his words. It was as if Nedry had read his mind from that day.
"Both actually," he admitted.
"Lopez and I never got along. We had past conflicts before that."
"It definitely appeared that way." Muldoon sat up, fully alert.
"Want to hear another story?" Nedry smirked.
Muldoon gestured to the ocean surrounding them. "Might as well, it'll make the time pass and our journey go faster."
"Alright then, but I'll tell you, Lopez isn't the only one I'm not crazy about. Roland gets on my damn nerves too. George and Sonya are the only ones I can stand on that team without wanting to knock them out."
"I don't like Tembo either."
Now it was Nedry's turn to inquire. "Why?"
"I'll tell you later. You go first."
Nedry laughed. "I have to admit working on that team was an adventure—not always in a good way. We pulled some crazy stunts for Dodgson."
"Not exclusive to Jurassic Park?"
"Nope. He had us spying on other companies. It was a good way to earn extra money and stay on our toes."
The ocean beneath the raft swelled and rolled. A wave of ten feet suddenly rose up and hit them. Both men were soaked with the salty ocean water.
"Damn," Nedry said, shivering. "That water's freezing."
"The story," Muldoon prodded. "And what's with calling Lopez a 'Dodgson whore'?"
Nedry grinned smugly. "I'll explain it all in this happy little tale entitled 'Espionage Stunts'."
Muldoon nodded, ready to hear "Espionage Stunts". Just like with Nedry's prison experiences, Muldoon wouldn't openly admit that he was fascinated by Nedry's experience working for InGen's rival, Lewis Dodgson of the Biosyn Corporation.
"Okay, there was this one time when Dodgson had these guys come over to Cupertino, Biosyn's main office. Where they were from and what they wanted, I didn't know. Neither did the rest of the team…"
oOo
Nedry put his ear on the door of the meeting room. Next to him, Sonya assisted him in eavesdropping. An hour before, two men and one woman had arrived at the building stating that they wanted to meet Lewis Dodgson. Dodgson had greeted them immediately and whisked them away to the conference room where his team always discussed their InGen missions in detail before executing them. So far, Nedry didn't like what he was hearing.
"Lew wants me to talk with those jerks," he told Sonya.
She glanced at him, still pressed against the door trying to hear the muffled conversation. "I heard him mention your name."
"He better not have."
Lawala passed by them and shook his head. "I can't believe you two." He went into another office.
"Don't you want to listen, George?" Sonya asked.
Lawala stuck his head out of the doorway. "Nope."
She stuck her tongue out. "You're no fun!" Sonya's lips pressed into a thin line when she heard approaching footsteps. From the other side of the door, Dodgson's voice rose and fell. Sonya's eyes widened.
"What's wrong?" Nedry asked, noticing the alarm in her eyes.
The door opened and Sonya and Nedry awkwardly stumbled in. Dodgson held the door from the other side. He muttered something under his breath and glared at both of them, annoyed at their eavesdropping.
"Sonya, you can wait outside, I need to talk to Dennis," Dodgson said in a gruff voice.
"Don't use my government name in front of those cops," Nedry hissed, pointing at the puzzled trio sitting around the table. A muscular black man turned in his direction.
"What? You don't like it? Remember 'we've got Dodgson here! Dodgson!'" Dodgson said, smirking. Then he turned serious. "They're not cops." He pointed at Sonya. "Stay out here, Sonya—and not against the door where you can eavesdrop on what's taking place. I expect better from you."
Sonya was still standing in the entrance when Dodgson slammed the door in her face. Nedry saw her disgusted expression. He waited by the door as Dodgson went to the table where his guests patiently waited for him. Dodgson pointed at an empty seat next to him and Nedry shook his head. Dodgson sighed and drummed his fingers on the table, a sign that he was annoyed. Nedry leaned against the door, watching everything from afar. He felt safer that way. Dodgson continued as if there had been no interruptions.
"My employees come from all over the world and are knowledgeable experts in their fields. Dennis," he said pointing at Nedry, "is a genius when it comes to computer programming."
The woman appeared to be in her mid-thirties with short blonde hair and dressed in a business suit. She smiled and nodded in his direction. Nedry didn't smile back. The two men, a muscular and broad-shouldered black man and a tall preppy kid with curly brown hair, glanced in his direction briefly. Nedry rolled his eyes. He wanted to leave and the more Dodgson kept talking, the more agitated he became. It wasn't just that Dodgson wanted him there—it was what he was saying to the trio that irked Nedry.
"Yes, you can meet with him." Dodgson pointed in his direction. "You can pay him for the consultation. He offers many services that I'm sure will assist you in getting yourself started. Where would you like to meet with him?"
"Well," the blonde woman started, "we're not going to be in California long. We're staying at a nearby hotel, not too far from here. He can meet us in the dining area." The two men accompanying her nodded in agreement.
"That sounds fine. How long do you think this will take?"
"Two or three hours the most."
"Not bad," Dodgson said. "Not bad at all. I request a starting fee though. I don't like to lend out my employees without expecting something back in return. You understand, don't you?"
"Absolutely," Broad-Shoulders replied. "We can definitely negotiate so that you get a monetary reward in the end, my party does," he gestured to the two people he came with, "and he does too." He pointed at Nedry.
"He's worth a half a mil," Dodgson said, a weird smile on his face. "You have to give it to me in cold cash before you see him. That's the rules."
What the hell? Nedry bit his tongue so he wouldn't shout aloud. Why is he talking about me like I'm a—?
"Your name is Dennis?" Tall-Preppy stood up from the table. Then his eyes widened when he recognized the grumpy man standing against the door. "Wait—you're Dennis Nedry!"
"And you're nobody," Nedry snapped.
Broad-Shoulders flinched; he was taken back by his sharp tone and words, although they had been aimed at Tall-Preppy. Even Blonde-Hair was stung by his flippancy.
"Your reputation precedes you," Tall-Preppy continued as if Nedry hadn't uttered a word.
"Too bad I can't say the same for you."
"Excuse me," Dodgson said, trying to keep a pleasant demeanor as he stood up and approached Nedry. "We'll be just a minute."
He opened the door and gestured for Nedry to leave first. The vagueness of their conversation was really getting to Nedry, so he was more than happy to leave the room. Dodgson said something briefly to the group inside and slammed the door behind him. He looked around and saw Sonya lingering nearby, a knowing smirk on her face.
"Didn't I tell you to not to stay around here? What part of that don't you understand?"
"I didn't hear a peep, Dr. Dodgson," Sonya said in a sing-song voice. She turned around and skipped into the same office that Lawala had gone in earlier.
Dodgson waited until she left and then turned to Nedry. "What the hell is your problem—embarrassing me in front of potential customers?"
"You're whoring me around for my computer skills," Nedry said through clenched teeth.
"Where do you come off with that?" Dodgson took off his tinted shades. His gray eyes shined like brand new quarters. That was a sure sign that he was infuriated.
"You're talking about me like you can just rent me out. What the hell's wrong with you? All this jargon about 'potential customers' and you want them to pay you first for them to talk to me. What the hell?"
"First off," Dodgson said in a crisp calm voice, "you're getting paid too. So relax."
"No, I'm not relaxing and I'm not going back in there." Nedry gestured at the door as if slime was oozing from its hinges. "I'm not going in a room full of cops."
"They're not cops," Dodgson said. "You think I'd let cops come within ten inches of this place? You should know me by now."
"Undercover police, F.B.I., whatever. I know one when I see one."
"They're not. They're another biotech company that's involved in the game like us." Dodgson often referred to industrial espionage as a "game." It was his way of enjoying what he did for a living.
"Why do you want me to talk with them? Why can't you do your business and leave me out of it?"
Dodgson gave him a look that read 'you know better'.
"Because you're going to spy on them, that's why," he kept his voice barely above a whisper. "They're trying to spy on us—at least, I think they are. You're going to turn the tables on them. InGen considers us to be their enemy. Biosyn has it's enemies too."
Nedry took off his glasses and wiped them with a tissue he pulled from his pocket. "They're undercover cops," he insisted.
"I already told you they're not fucking cops. If they were, they would've arrested you already. They would've nabbed me and everyone else. So knock it off."
Nedry put on his glasses while Dodgson rattled on.
"Look, the guys in there are not a bad company. I was exaggerating when I called them Biosyn's enemies. They're more like—competition."
"Same difference."
"I don't know what they actually want, but that's why I'm sending you their way—to find out what they want. They might be future partners."
Nedry shook his head.
"Oh for God's sake—what is it?"
"They knew my name," Nedry said in a low voice. "They knew my entire name."
Dodgson shrugged. "So?"
"So how the hell do they know me?" Nedry couldn't hide the worry in his voice. The more he thought about it, the more paranoid he became.
"Didn't you hear Billy, when he told you your reputation precedes you? You should take that as a compliment. Not many can say that."
"You and Roland can. So can Sonya, Raúl, and George. The difference is—"
"The difference is what?" Dodgson said flatly, not hiding his annoyance.
"Difference is they're not hunted by the state corrections department and their mug shots aren't gracing the walls of local police stations."
The words sunk into Dodgson's mind. Then he smiled; the charming smile that his personal assistant, Howard King, had he been there to see it, would know what it meant. It was the smile that alarmed King, but convinced people to work for Dodgson so that his wish was their command. The same smile didn't fool Nedry; he just got annoyed by Dodgson masking his aggression.
"Tell you what. We're going to make this a team effort. Everyone will go on this assignment with you. How does that sound?" Dodgson asked pleasantly with an undertone of impatience.
"I'm not doing it, Lew. How does that sound?"
Dodgson closed his eyes and counted to five. Before he reached the number three, he wanted to strangle Nedry for his insolence. Then he smiled again. Another idea had dawned on him.
"If you do it, I'll give you seventy-five percent of whatever money we make from this."
In his mind, Dodgson cursed himself for promising that to Nedry. He needed to make money in this too.
"Sounds like a deal, but, if something happens I'm not doing another assignment like this."
"Okay, but you understand I need my cash too. How do you think I pay you and the rest of the team? You think money grows on trees?"
"In my dreams, it does." Nedry grinned.
Dodgson glanced at the door; he hated to keep his guests waiting. It wasn't good business. "Listen, go in there with me, and keep your mouth shut. We can make enough cash for everyone involved if we play this right."
Nedry acquiesced and followed Dodgson into the conference room. He looked over his shoulder and saw Sonya and Lawala watching. They had snuck out to see what was going on with Dodgson wasn't watching. Nedry gave them the thumbs up and then the door closed behind him. He was in the meeting room again with the strange trio that insisted on doing business with Biosyn.
Watch me go to work Dodgson mouthed to Nedry. For the remainder of the time, Dodgson bargained with Broad-Shoulders and Tall-Preppy. Nedry learned their name. The muscular black man's name was M.B. Nash; he preferred to be called by his last name. The tall preppy man with curly brown hair who looked fresh out of college was Billy B. Billy liked going by his first name. The woman with short blonde hair placed a suitcase on the table and opened it revealing the contents to Dodgson. She went by the name Amanda K. Like Billy, she preferred to be called by her first name. They claimed to use their name and an initial for "confidentiality".
Nedry wasn't buying it. Fakes, he thought scornfully, but he brightened when he saw Dodgson accept the five hundred dollars from her. There was some more conversation, but Nedry wasn't listening. His eyes were glued to the money, since that's all he cared about. A second suitcase was offered to Dodgson. This one held four hundred thousand dollars, so that Dodgson was only a hundred thousand bucks shy from one million. Not bad at all, Lew knows what he's doing, Nedry thought confidently.
Dodgson got up and escorted them out shortly after. Before they left, Nedry shook their hands even though he still felt repulsed by them. He had weird vibes about the whole thing. but if the rest of the team was going, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad…most of all, he'd get all that money in the end so he supposed it was worth the trouble.
oOo
The sun was high in the sky signaling midday and the raft gently bobbed up and down on the ocean's waves carrying them closer to Isla Nublar. Nedry took a deep breath and wiped his forehead, exhausted. Muldoon yawned and put down his oar.
"So that's it?" he asked.
Nedry shook his head. "I didn't even get to the good part yet."
"There's more?"
"Of course, there is. Nothing ever wraps up just like that when you work for Dodgson. It's also like Dodgson to take huge risks where he puts people's lives on the line. He told me about how he and his staffers had created a modified version of rabies where you could get infected just by breathing it in."
Muldoon's jaw dropped. "That's insane—is he out of his mind? People could've been killed!"
"That's the point, people were killed, Robert. I think the people killed were farmers from Chile. Dodgson had taken the rabies on a carry-on bag in the airplane and went down to Chile to create a vaccine. I forget the exact details, but he did it without a care in the world—and got away with it too. That's why he's able to do what he does. He gets away with it."
Nedry cupped ocean water in his hands and splashed it on his face to stay awake. Muldoon did the same. They had been in the ocean for a long time now—it seemed like one month although it was more than a week. They knew they had to stay awake if they were to return safely.
"He got away with your situation," Muldoon said.
"Yeah?"
"Yes, he never showed up at your trial. That's cowardly on his part."
"Hmm…" Nedry thought for a moment. "'Cowardly' is too kind a word for him, but I like it anyway. He's a stupid bastard."
"What does Dodgson look like?" Muldoon asked. "Maybe Ray would recognize him?"
"Like those young business people, always wearing a pressed black suit, tie, and black patent leather shoes. He's balding and wears tinted shades, indoors and outdoors. It's his trademark."
"He never takes the shades off?"
"Almost never."
"I wonder why. They say the eyes are the window to the soul," Muldoon's voice trailed off.
"Dodgson has no soul."
Muldoon was silent, thinking about Nedry just said. He stared at the ocean's rising and falling waves. "Keep telling your story. I'm learning a lot about Dodgson."
He put his hands over his eyes to block out the blinding sun. A thin black line from very far away caught his attention again and he started rowing in that direction. As he rowed, he waited for Nedry to resume the tale of "Espionage Stunts." He saw Nedry's head bowed as if he were trying to catch five minutes of sleep. Muldoon nudged him with the oar.
"I'm awake."
"Does it get interesting?"
"Yeah. That same day, Dodgson assembled his team—me, Sonya, the wanna-be Dr. Lopez, George, and Roland…"
oOo
"Sometimes I wonder if Dodgson held masquerade balls in his previous life." Sonya said, putting various items in a box to be used for later: police gear, nightsticks, mace, tear gas, handcuffs, police badges, walkie-talkies, and four 9mm guns. She was inside Biosyn's aptly named 'Equipment and Storage Utility Room'. From top to bottom on all the shelves were countless firearms, clothes, sprays, and a plethora of items to be used for Dodgson's assignments. "Looky—he has enough costumes for a Halloween party. It's ridiculous."
She held up the uniform she had worn when getting Nedry out of the correctional facility.
"Remember this, Raúl?"
Lopez cast the uniform a sideways glance. "Don't remind me."
Sonya frowned. Dodgson had alerted the team about the new mission and already Lopez was being sulky because it didn't involve dinosaurs. Lopez's back was turned and Sonya exchanged a glance with Tembo, who shook his head. Let him be, he mouthed to Sonya. She nodded. Tembo was up for anything, he's not a dinosaur brooder like Raúl, she thought.
Lawala stuck his head in the doorway. "Dr. Dodgson wants to know if we're ready."
Sonya nodded. "We are." She picked up the box of equipment and went to the conference room.
Dodgson was already there when Sonya came in. Everyone else showed up and Lopez was the last to arrive.
"As you all found out by now, I'm assembling you to go on an assignment. It's in California. The visitors we had today are potential customers from a company called UniGenInc." Dodgson paused, glancing at his team. Nedry still wore his bored expression and Sonya looked interested.
"That stands for United Genetics Incorporated. We might be partners in the near future. I'm sending Dennis to glean information from them, info that they may not have shared with me. You got everything you need to succeed for this assignment, so there shouldn't be a problem. Get a move on." He pointed at Nedry. "They're expecting you within an hour."
He left the team dumbfounded in the conference room.
"What are we doing exactly?" Lawala asked, confused by Dodgson's brief summary of their assignment. Lawala was never a fan of surprises; he liked to know for certain what they would be doing and what was expected.
"I'm going to the hotel where they're staying at," Nedry said. "I don't even want to do this, it's so stupid."
"Dr. Dodgson isn't telling us something," Lawala said, glancing at the rest of the team to see if they shared his sentiments.
Lopez shrugged. "I wish you all would stop whining about it. It's not the first time Dr. Dodgson sent us on weird assignments. Remember when I had to impersonate that paleontologist, Juanito Rostagno?"
Two weeks before Dodgson had Lopez pose as Rostagno, a well-known and respected paleontologist from the Dominican Republic. Lopez went on an interview in the country and explained about the amber-encased mosquitoes that were still being found in various dig sites. It was a good thing Lopez was fluent in Spanish. The assignment was strange, but fun. Dodgson had awarded Lopez seven hundred thousand dollars for his mimicry. To this day, the Dominican media still didn't know that the man they had interviewed was an imposter. The real Rostagno, if he knew about it, was probably pissing a storm.
"What's the big deal? He's just asking you to meet them at a hotel," Lopez said.
"The big deal is that these three whackos stopped by today and we don't know who the hell they are and what they want," Nedry said.
"He just said who they were."
The door opened and Dodgson pointed across the room at Nedry, without stepping foot into room. "One last thing you're forgetting," he said, eyeing all of them. "I call the shots here. You're paid to work for me—not the other way around. So if you want to get paid tonight, much less keep your jobs, then next time I come in here, you better be gone. That's my final word." Dodgson left the room without looking back.
Tembo turned to them as soon as the door closed. "Let's get started; we've spent enough time mincing words and not getting anywhere. I'm in charge. Dennis, leave now. Go in your own car."
"The hell—?" Nedry stated, but Tembo dismissed his protests.
"The rest of us are going incognito." Lawala, Sonya, and Lopez stared at him. "That means us four. We're not going to let on that we work for Dodgson. No one will think to approach us if we resemble—"
"What if those jerks saw you guys from before? What then?"
"Then they saw us," Tembo snapped. "Stop whining and get to work. We'll be right behind you."
Nedry threw his hands up in the air and stormed out of the conference room.
Tembo faced the rest of the team. "Questions? None. Good. We're out."
oOo
"Tembo's very take charge," Muldoon commented.
The sun hung in the middle of the sky and the waves had calmed down.
"And a show-off," Nedry added.
"What makes you say that?" Muldoon asked. He knew Tembo was a boastful poacher. What had Nedry seen to view him in a similar light?
"I'll get to it soon enough."
Muldoon sighed, only it came out more as a yawn. "How did they keep track of you?"
The waves lapped against the raft.
"A computer chip that I had worked on. Dodgson figured it was a perfect time to test it. It was a little inserter chip so that they could hear the conversation I'm having with the three whackos from UniGenInc—a bug, that sorta thing."
"Like a hidden mic in your shirt collar?" Muldoon asked.
Nedry nodded. "Exactly. The beginning of the assignment wasn't so bad. I didn't want to do it in the first place, but what Dodgson wants, he gets, and as you can see based on what I just told you, there's no room for arguing or disagreeing with him. Anyway, about those three weirdos…I met them in the hotel's dining area…"
oOo
When Nedry got to the hotel, he parked his car in the rear parking lot. He didn't want to be too obvious. His biggest fear was that the police had spotted him in Cupertino and were fixing to set him up so that he would be captured by U.S. Marshals. So far, nothing strange had taken place. Guests at the hotel were milling around and none of them paid attention to him.
He entered the hotel through the front entrance carrying his laptop and shoulder bag. Hotel attendants smiled at him. He didn't smile back. He was there to do business and wanted to leave as soon as he could. He asked a bellhop where to find the dining area and was directed to walk down the carpeted hallway and make a right. Nedry followed the directions and looked around the room.
They sat at a round table with four chairs in the far corner. The fourth chair, obviously meant for Nedry, was vacant. As Nedry neared them he thought he saw Billy and Nash exchange a knowing glance.
"How's it going?" Billy extended his hand to Nedry, who shook it half-heartedly.
"It's going." Nedry withdrew his hand.
No one said anything for a moment. Amanda glanced at the men.
"Have a seat," Nash said, a little too excited. He gestured at the empty seat. Nedry sat down and placed his shoulder bag at his feet. He kept his laptop by his side.
The group looked at their new occupant and then at each other, as if deciding who should speak first.
"We've heard a lot about you, Dennis," Billy said in a serious tone.
Don't use my name, Nedry wanted to say. Instead, he smiled briefly. "That's nice. Good things I hope."
"Not to worry, they're amazing things. We requested to meet with you because of your reputation. Apparently you have a knack for creating complex computer systems."
"So do other computer geeks," Nash said. Nedry shot him a glare and Nash raised his hands in protest. "It was a lame joke. We respect that you came out to meet with us."
"Why don't you tell us about your computer programs," Amanda said.
Nedry set down his laptop on the table and plugged it in a nearby wall circuit.
"Right now, I'm working on a program entitled 'Catch Me If You Can'—it's in the early stages."
Billy's eyes widened in interest and he leaned forward. "Sounds intriguing. What's it about?"
"I can't go into it. It's a program used to gather information from various sources and media."
They stared at Nedry, not comprehending what he meant. A virus, you morons, he wanted to say. "I work on all kinds of systems: computers, communications, visual record-keeping, setting up telephone systems, and large databases."
"Nice," Nash said, genuinely impressed. "Do you get compensated well for your work?"
"Very."
"And the work you do for Dr. Dodgson…" Nash said, squinting at Nedry.
"I'm not allowed to disclose."
Nash leaned back in his chair, puzzled. "What do you mean? You work under an ND?"
Nedry nodded. His present work, like his past work, included nondisclosure agreements.
"Anything you else you want to know?" Nedry asked, hoping they didn't.
Billy shook his head. "Nope, that's it." He smiled pleasantly.
Dodgson wanted me to meet with them just so they could ask what I do for a living, Nedry fumed. I'm not accepting seventy-five percent of the cash for this—I'm taking one hundred percent.
"Why don't you come up to our hotel suite?" Amanda suddenly asked, flashing a smile that revealed straight white teeth. "You could meet our director, the CEO of UniGenCorp just as we met Dr. Dodgson."
She glanced at Nash and Billy, they nodded in agreement.
Nash said, "Why don't you come up with us for a couple of drinks? Kick back and relax, and you can meet our boss."
"That's nice—gotta go." Nedry said, standing up from the table. Jerks, he thought as he grabbed his shoulder bag from the floor. I'm not going up to drink a shot with you so you can turn me over to the cops. He was halfway out of the room when Amanda caught up with him, her heels clacking on the marble floor.
"He'll be thrilled to meet you in person," she said, bringing him back to where Billy and Nash stood whispering to each other. "It'll be fun." She smiled again and this time Nedry acquiesced. They weren't giving him much of a choice, but he swore he'd leave as soon as possible.
The group headed towards the elevator with Nash and Billy leading the way. Amanda, still holding Nedry's arm, smiled as the elevator's doors closed. Pushing the "3" button for the third floor, she turned to Nedry and flashed another dazzling grin.
"You won't regret this!" she gushed.
oOo
Muldoon kept rowing. Clouds floated across the sky, scattered and fluffy. A strong wind pushed the raft forward.
"So far it doesn't seem like a strange assignment."
Nedry squinted. "What planet are you on, Robert? They were creepy as hell."
"They are weird. I'm just saying I would've gone there to find out what they're really about."
"Yeah, you live dangerously. Anyway, the good news is I went up there."
"You did?" Muldoon asked, surprised. "How would you describe what happens next?"
"The bad news is…well, this might be good news to you: I almost got killed. I knew I didn't want to go on that assignment, but Dodgson insisted, and he gets what he wants no matter what…"
oOo
Nedry waited outside of the hotel suite, wondering what in the world was going on. He glanced at his watch. He'd been inside the hotel for an hour. He hoped the team was still waiting for him outside in case anything happened. So far, it had been quiet. That was a good thing. No sign of cops, although Nedry kept looking over his shoulder and double-checking every person who gave him the slightest glance.
He sighed, wondering what was taking them so long—Billy, Nash, and Amanda. If those were there real names, he thought, annoyed. They had stopped him just before they went inside the suite. They dashed in, leaving him outside, but promised they'd be with him shortly. Nedry shook his head; he was annoyed with the whole thing. Then the door opened and Billy invited him in. Nedry stepped inside the suite and was surprised to find it completely dark.
"Hey, I'm right here," Billy said, inviting Nedry to the center of the room.
Nedry came forward, trying to make sure he didn't trip on anything. "Why are we in the dark?"
"It's better that way," Billy said, calmly. "Wow, that's a neat watch you have there." He pointed at Nedry's watch that glowed in the dark. "Where'd you buy it from?"
"A store that sells watches."
"No need to be snippy, I was just asking."
Nedry shrugged. If only the lights were on, he couldn't stand talking in the dark like this. "So what are you studying, you look like you go to school."
"Oh, just paleontology," Billy said, "or that's what I used to study before getting hired by UniGenCorp. It's been a crazy rollercoaster ride ever since. Know what I mean?"
"I guess I know," Nedry muttered. He couldn't stand it any longer. "Look, no offense, but can we put the lights on? I hate this."
"We sure can," Billy said. "Nash, our guest wants the lights on."
"If he says so," Nash responded. He sounded far away to Nedry, a faceless voice lost in the curtain of blackness.
Suddenly, the lights went on—they were so bright they blinded Nedry, who quickly shielded his eyes. He adjusted quickly and removed his hand, deciding to just deal with the light since it was better than darkness, and when he did, he wished he had never bothered coming up to the suite with the bizarre trio.
The silver barrel of a Colt .45 automatic pistol was aimed right in his face. Amanda held the gun ready to shoot at a moment's notice.
"Don't move." Her bouncy voice had morphed into a hoarse growl.
She snapped her fingers and immediately Nedry felt his arms yanked and twisted behind his back. His laptop crashed to the floor and the shoulder bag fell with it.
"What the hell?"
He struggled against Nash and Billy who held him in a firm grip. This is so screwed up, he thought. He knew something about these three was warped. Why couldn't Dodgson see it? He didn't want to do this assignment from the get-go, and now he knew why. They were cops, federal marshals—but they couldn't be—they weren't arresting him. Who the hell were they? Nedry tried to think straight. Where did he put the button that he had to press to alert the team? Where? He couldn't remember.
Amanda reached into his coat pocket and felt around. Then her pink lips twisted into a Halloween pumpkin grin. She had read his mind. "Is this what you're looking for?" She held up a tiny green chip. It was round and the size of a washer. Atop was a black button.
Nedry's eyes widened in recognition and then regretted it. His facial expression gave him away and Amanda knew it.
"That's it," Billy said, nodding at her. "He had to have some lame computer gadget on him."
"Guess you'll have to find some other way to get your pals," Amanda sneered.
She tossed it into the air. The green chip landed on the ground and she slammed her high heel on it.
oOo
Muldoon stared at Nedry. He had stopped rowing and just stared in disbelief.
"Why do you look so shocked?" Nedry asked. "This is the norm with Dodgson, he puts his employees' lives on the line and doesn't give a shit if we die. It shouldn't be so surprising, this is the same guy who expected us to walk away with a live velociraptor…and we both know how that turned out…"
Muldoon searched for words to express what he was thinking and feeling, but none came to him. There was only one thing he could think to say. "Continue."
Nedry picked up his oar. "It's been awhile since I rowed…talking about life-threatening situations can be distracting. I'll row while I tell you the rest."
Muldoon nodded, and started rowing after Nedry.
oOo
"Bring him in here," Amanda commanded Billy and Nash who dragged the resisting Nedry further into the suite. "I'll get the boss. Make sure he doesn't get away."
Amanda walked down the hallway of the suite, her high heels clacking against the polished wooden floors. Nedry watched her leave and realized the suite was larger than he imagined. They had been in the common room of the suite. There were other bedrooms. None of that mattered to Nedry. He didn't want to hide in the rooms; he wanted to get the hell out. He struggled to pull his arms free and kicked at his captors.
"Shit," Nash growled, when Nedry slammed his shin. Hot pain shot into the part of his leg just below the left knee. "Are you always this difficult?"
"Pretty much."
"You must've been locked up in solitary confinement a lot," Billy said in mock sympathy.
Nedry let out a hoarse chuckle. "I lost count."
They shoved him into a bedroom that held a king-sized bed. Nedry spun around ready to rush out the room. Billy blocked his path and smirked as if he enjoyed making his situation more difficult. Nash pulled out a revolver and aimed it at Nedry's head.
"Listen, if you don't want to get shot in the head, then you better stand in the corner and stop being such a fidgety-ass," Nash said between gasps.
Nedry stood in the corner of the room, facing the wall.
"Hands on your fucking head!" Billy shouted. "And turn the fuck around!"
Nedry did as he was told and glared at them. The contempt in his hateful stare was the only way for him to communicate what he felt. Billy and Nash glanced at each other, pleased that they had gotten Nedry to submit to their demands.
"Be a good little hacker and you may get out of here alive. Right, Billy?"
Billy spat a gob of saliva on the burgundy carpet of the room that Nedry was trapped in. Nedry looked sideways to see if he could spot an escaped route.
"Uh-uh," Billy said. "Turn around and face the barrels of our guns. After today, you're gonna be afraid of guns."
Nash laughed; it sounded like a frog croaking. "That's if he lives after today."
"He will. Cooper wants an authentic genuine Dodgson whore. That's what he asked for, so that's what he's gonna get."
Nedry made sure to keep his hands on his head. "I'm a 'Dodgson whore'?" He asked; astounded and furious at what they had called him. He remembered he had accused Dodgson earlier of "whoring" him around. He wondered if the rest of the team felt as he did. It was a crass way to describe exploitation, but Nedry felt it held shock value. He had never expected to be referred to as "Dodgson's whore" though.
"Our company knows all about Lewis Dodgson and his band of merry whores," Billy said. "He sends you and your little pals to stir shit with good ol' InGen."
Nedry stared at the carpet. A squirmy feeling churned in his stomach upon hearing InGen. He hated InGen, but right now, he hated Dodgson and UniGenCorp more.
"Now that I've finally seen one, well, I'm not impressed."
"Don't be so harsh. He's the one that Cooper had requested," Nash said.
Billy scoffed. "He's nothing special. A system analyst? These days you can find anyone who tinkers with computers."
Nedry bit his tongue to prevent himself from landing in an early grave. Footsteps stomped outside of the room followed by the loud clacking of high heels on a wooden floor. A burly man with a goatee, dressed in a white suit and black sunglasses entered the room. Nedry thought: this must be King Cooper. Behind Cooper, Amanda strolled in, holding a small steel case.
"As you requested, Cooper—we captured one of Dodgson's whores," she said from the doorway. "We confiscated his little laptop and the other junk he brought with him." Amanda threw the laptop and shoulder bag onto the bed. Nedry took a step towards it and was stopped by Billy.
"Nope," Billy said, grinning, "get back where you belong!"
Cooper approached Nedry and stopped in front of him. Nedry started to release his arms; he was tired of holding them on his head. Cooper pointed at him.
"Keep them on your head," he commanded. Then he gestured for Nedry to come forward. "Stand in the center of the room." Cooper snapped his fingers and Nash and Billy, efficient employees that they were, stood on either side of Nedry, their guns still drawn and ready, in case he made the wrong move. Cooper circled Nedry, examining him. He shook his head. "This can't be the same fat slob I saw on wanted signs posted around California," he said in a deep voice. Cooper held his arms out to signify large size. "The hacker I wanted is a big man. This dirtbag is twenty sizes too small."
Nedry kept his teeth planted firmly on his tongue, stabbing it down so that he wouldn't be tempted to respond to everything Cooper had just said.
"This is him," Amanda said. "Dennis Nedry. Even Dodgson called him by his name in front of us."
Damn you, Dodgson.
"He looks nothing like the Dennis I heard about. Are you sure you got the right one?" Cooper asked his cohorts. They nodded. Then he turned to Nedry. "Are you the right one?"
"The one and only," Nedry mumbled. He wondered when the hell Sonya and the team would get there. He had hoped that when Amanda had stepped on his chip, that it would have alerted the team.
"You lost a ton. Lemme ask you—you worked for John Hammond of International Genetics? If you can pass this litmus test, then you're good in my book."
"Yeah, I did," Nedry said holding Cooper's raking stare.
"I read about you in the newspaper. You got locked up."
Nedry nodded curtly; he didn't want to give Cooper the satisfaction of his humiliation.
"What's prison like?" Cooper asked in a cutting tone and smirked.
Nedry abandoned his self-control. "Why don't you find out for yourself?"
Cooper slammed him in the jaw. Coppery blood collected in Nedry's mouth and dribbled down his chin. Nash and Billy grinned, proud that their boss put him in line.
"You get away with having a big mouth when working for Lew Dodgson, but I'm not tolerating it. One more smart-ass remark and you'll swallow your front teeth. That'll fix your attitude problem, Mr. Nedry."
"You should've heard the lip he gave us downstairs," Billy said, as though wanting Cooper to act on his threats right now. "He thinks he's special because he's a fucking computer nerd."
"That's enough, Billy," Cooper said. "I got this." He turned to Nedry, a triumphant grin on his face. "First you get sent to the big house, and now you're Lewis Dodgson's whore. You graduated into bigger and better things, huh?"
Nedry said nothing and stared past Cooper. Cooper snapped his fingers in front of his face. Nedry glanced at him and made sure to keep a nonchalant expression on his face to avoid being struck again.
"Don't be offended. If you work for Dodgson, then you're his whore which means you do everything he tells you to do, no questions asked. He can tell you to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge and you'd gladly do it for him, if the price was right. I've wanted to take down that jack-ass for a long time now. Figure the best way to do it is by capturing his whores—excuse my crass, but accurate language when describing his employees, such as yourself. He probably thinks of you and your colleagues that way, so it shouldn't surprise you. Yes, kidnap them one at a time and make them work for me."
Nedry shifted his weight. His arms were starting to hurt from being in the same position for so long. He wondered again if Tembo, Lopez, Sonya, or Lawala had gotten the signal.
"The pictures, Amanda."
Amanda handed Cooper a black folder. He flipped through the pictures
"Recognize your co-whores?" Cooper pulled out the photos and held them up to Nedry.
"Sonya Durant, Raúl Lopez, George Lawala, Howard King, Roland Tembo, and George Baselton. Know these people? Where they're at and where I can find them?"
Nedry shook his head and Cooper grabbed his jaw. "Don't lie. There's no need to." He released his jaw. Cooper sighed and tossed the pictures on the bed behind Nedry. "Look, I'm going to give you an offer that you can't refuse. And you really can't, because if you do, I'll see to it that America's Most Wanted Hacker returns to the prison he ran from."
oOo
The sea was getting rough again, and the raft swayed rocked back and forth. Waves crashed over them, soaking them in saltwater.
"That's crazy," Muldoon said, shivering from the cold water.
"You're telling me," Nedry said. "I'm exhausted, but this water woke me up. Are we there yet?"
Muldoon pointed ahead of him. "I think that's it up ahead."
Nedry looked in the direction. The thin black line, a far off coastline was getting closer, mile by mile. "Way ahead…I'll start rowing to help out." He picked up his oar, hoping his assistance would make them reach the island faster.
"So how'd you get out of that mess?"
"The team got me out. Roland, Sonya, and George came to the rescue."
"Dodgson's whores," Muldoon said, shaking his head. "What a ridiculous way to refer to you guys."
"It is," Nedry nodded. Then he thought of how he had called the InGen employees prostitutes on the day Hammond was attacked. He had taken it from Cooper and regretted how he had labeled his former co-workers. What a stupid thing to say. He didn't reveal any of this to Muldoon. "I found out how they got into the suite later on, all that stuff about Sonya and her antics with Amanda. At the time, I heard it happen."
"Noisy entrance?"
"Oh yeah, it was Tembo. He had to make his presence known."
"That's just like him," Muldoon said, obviously not impressed. "What'd he do?"
"He knocked on the door really loud—like a cop executing an arrest warrant. I heard him from the other room, that's how loud he was."
oOo
"Sonya Durant. Tell me about this pretty missy," Cooper said, holding up a black and white photograph. In the picture, Sonya was dressed in khakis. She held a rifle over her shoulder and smiled into the camera with a look that read "take the damn picture already".
Nedry grimaced when he felt the cold steel barrel pressed against his head.
"Start talking," Nash said through clenched teeth.
Cooper said, "Back off, that isn't necessary."
Nash backed off a few inches, but kept his gun out where Nedry could see it.
"Amanda," Cooper said, snapping his fingers.
Amanda came forward and opened the steel case. Inside the case were syringes. Cooper took out a syringe filled with blue liquid and held it to Nedry's face.
"I have ways of making you talk." He pressed on the plunger and blue liquid shot into the air. "If you insist on not cooperating, then you'll get a dosage. When you wake up, you'll be in a jail cell; or worse yet, you won't wake up at all."
Nedry stared at the syringe and didn't respond. He kept his hands on his head and glanced at the doorway, expecting someone—anyone—to crash the scene. At this point, he'd be relieved to see the police, even though he hated the idea of being locked up again.
"I don't want to go down that route, and I can tell you don't either," Cooper said in mock sympathy. "So do the right thing and give up any information you have about Ms. Durant."
Nedry swallowed the heavy lump in his throat. "She's—"
He was interrupted by the heavy knocking coming from outside the suite. Billy looked around him, eyes narrowed with suspicion. He glanced at Nash, who shrugged, completely indifferent to the interruption. Silence. The pounding came again—louder and more insistent.
Cooper turned to Nedry, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "You better hope on your life that your co-whores didn't follow you." He gestured towards the doorway. "Get the door, Amanda, and be quick about it."
Amanda nodded and put down the steel case, not before removing one syringe and tucking it in her business suit. She slipped her Colt .45 in her garter, giving the men in the room a sneak peek at her shapely legs. Kissing Cooper on the cheek and smirking at Nedry, Amanda left the room with confidence. The sound of her heels clicking against the polished wood floated back to them.
oOo
Tembo pounded again and resumed his spot with his back against the wall and gun drawn. It was only a matter of time before someone opened the door. He had been tempted to shout "POLICE!", but held off when he heard the distinct click of heels on the other side. On the left side, Lawala waited, mirroring Tembo's actions. Only Sonya was in direct sight as she stood in front of the door. She didn't have long to wait.
The door opened.
A young woman with short blonde hair and a haughty facial expression stood in the doorway. She looked annoyed as if she had been rudely interrupted from a pressing activity. Then her eyes widened in recognition.
"Can I—"
Sonya never allowed her to finish her question. She slammed her clenched fist into the blonde's face. The force of Sonya's punch knocked the blonde to the floor and she landed hard on her back. Sonya entered the hotel suite, stepping over the woman as if she were carpet, not caring if she dirtied the pressed business suit or bruised her.
"Tems and Laws, let's get this party started!"
Tembo and Lawala rushed into the suite and slammed the door behind them. They were enveloped in darkness. The blonde woman that Sonya had knocked out was coughing and getting to her feet. Tembo searched for a light switch and flipped it on. At the same moment, the blonde woman recuperated and jumped to her feet. Sonya paraded around, widely grinning.
"Sonya—look out!" Lawala shouted and pointed behind her.
The blonde woman pulled out a gun and before she could take aim, Sonya knocked her out with a harsh blow to the face. The blonde lost her grip on the gun and it skittered across the floor. Lawala grabbed it and handed it to Tembo. She made a desperate attempt to snatch the gun, but Sonya pounced on her, making the blonde woman crash to the floor. Sonya twisted the woman's right arm behind her back and grabbed the gun that Tembo handed to her.
"I'm not letting you up until you tell us where he is!" Sonya shouted and pressed her knee into the woman's back.
The blonde woman squirmed and yelped in pain. "I don't know who—"
"Don't play bimbo with me!"
"Get the hell off me! Damn you bit—"
"This'll hurt worse if you keep struggling." Sonya pressed the gun against the woman's temple. "You better talk!" She got off the blonde and pulled her to her feet by yanking her up by the hair.
"You stupid bastards," she sputtered, while clawing at Sonya's arms. "You all fell into the trap. Dodgson doesn't care about his whores after all."
Lawala's sent a questioning glance to Tembo. Tembo was completely baffled by the woman's words too.
"You're going to tell us where the rest of your party is," Sonya said, yanking the woman's hair. "If not, we'll take turns busting up your pretty face. Add a scar here and a fracture over there." She cracked her knuckles loudly. "Trust me; these guys have no problem hitting a woman, especially if she just tried to take me down."
She knew Tembo and Lawala wouldn't put their hands on the woman out of respect, but she wanted to threaten the woman into giving them the necessary details. The blonde sneered; she looked hideous in the dim light. Black and blue marks marred up left eye and blood ran down her nose.
"You can give up names or I'll be the first one to throw a punch. Let me warn you that you will lose a few teeth," Sonya continued. She wasn't one to make false threats, but Sonya knew they were at a standstill. They couldn't waste another minute in the hotel. To her delight, it worked. With her head hung low, the blonde woman blubbered out information in a hushed whisper.
"They have him in the other room. Mr. Cooper knows about all of you. He wanted to get Dodgson's whores—workers for a long time. He knew about the nerdy one. He was fixing to get the rest of you eventually." The blonde sighed, exhausted. Then she looked at them, a questioning look in her eyes. "What are you guys? Scientists posing as cops?"
"We're mercenaries," Tembo said.
Sonya shook her head. It dawned on her that the lady's boss hadn't told her the accurate truth about Dodgson's team. Either that or she didn't know who they were. Sonya didn't dwell on it.
"Your boss picked the wrong corporation to mess with." She spat a gob of saliva in the blonde's face and then pointed in the direction that led further into the suite. It was a short hallway. "Is this where Dennis and Mr. Cooper will be?"
The blonde nodded. "The name's Amanda." She smiled weakly as if she regretted taking on Sonya and losing miserably.
Sonya nodded. "Nice to meet you, Amanda." She released Amanda and pointed the gun in her direction. "Now lead the way."
Sonya pushed her, making her stumble to the ground. Amanda shook as she got to her feet and glanced behind her once. She hurried ahead when she realized Sonya would keep the gun aimed on her.
Tembo and Lawala followed Sonya, exchanging a knowing glance.
oOo
"She takes after Tembo," Muldoon observed. "Sonya loves to show off and beat up on others. I bet she's never told you why she's the only female guide of Tanganyika."
Nedry shook his head. "No, what's the reason?"
"She likes to play the alpha female. In her mind, there should be no other female except her. If there is, she'll bully them until they leave her turf."
Nedry raised an eyebrow. "Good thing she was the only female on the Biosyn staff."
"Correct," Muldoon said, nodding. "But if she's on the island, then what she did to Amanda is a clue of how she'll treat Dr. Sattler."
"She better not," Nedry said defensively. "Dr. Sattler doesn't bother anyone, and she helped George when that dumb lizard spat in his eyes."
"She helps a lot of people," Muldoon said, partially in awe and admiration. "But Sonya's Sonya and I hate to say it, but she can be real bitch." He paused for a moment to digest what Nedry said. "Nice to see you sticking up for the InGen staff, and here I thought you were beyond hope."
"Beyond hope? And here I am rowing back to the island. If I was beyond hope, I would've pushed you off this raft by now so you could rest in a watery grave." Nedry knocked on the raft.
"That's true…there's no denying that."
"So now that we've established that Sonya is a cute she-devil and I'm a reformed convict; it's time to reveal how Tembo's a show-off."
"You don't have to tell me that one…he loves to leave his mark wherever he goes. He's like an alpha male spraying his scent in the bushes. It stinks."
Nedry busted out laughing. "Wow, you got jokes! What's with you?"
Muldoon smirked. "An alpha male and alpha female go together well…those two are meant for each other. Finish up 'Espionage Stunts' so we can get back to the island."
"Alright. What happened next was Tembo, George, and Sonya crashed the scene with that stupid twit, Amanda. Oh man, the expressions on Cooper's and Nash's face—like they peed in their pants…" Nedry chuckled again and continued with the story.
oOo
"Dennis." Tembo's deep voice cut through the tension. Nedry turned in his direction. "Get against the wall. Now." He pointed at the bureau. "You stay behind there until we're finished." Nedry did what he was told.
Tembo shoved his gun in the holster and faced the man in the white suit. "You must be Cooper," he said.
Cooper let out a laugh that sounded more like a growl. "Dodgson has you guys dressed up like cops as if I wouldn't be able to recognize you. What a joke."
"We'll be the ones laughing at the end," Tembo said confidently.
Cooper nodded. "You must be Roland Tembo—another Dodgson whore on my most wanted list." He snapped his fingers at Nash and Billy and pointed at Tembo. "Take care of Baldy for me."
Billy shrugged and put his gun on the bed. He nodded at Nash to let him know he'd "take care of Baldy."
"I can take you down with one hand tied behind my back," Billy said confidently. He strutted towards Tembo.
Tembo grinned at Sonya and Lawala, and turned back to Nedry, who watched everything. "Is that a challenge? One hand tied behind your back? George," he said, nodding for him to come over. "I need your assistance." Tembo took out his handcuffs. "Cuff my right wrist to my belt."
Billy and Nash exchanged a puzzled glance. Cooper looked bored, and Amanda stayed near the doorway.
Lawala went to Tembo and did as he asked. When he made sure the cuff clicked tight, he stepped away. "Good enough for you, Roland?"
"Perfect. Is the tot ready?"
Billy laughed. "'Tot'? You're washed up old man, and you're deaf, 'cause I said my hand—"
Tembo's clenched fist shot out and struck Billy square in the nose. Billy stumbled backwards and hit the wall. He wiped his face where Tembo hit him. Blood smeared on his hands. He pointed at Tembo, who revealed no emotion.
"You're gonna pay for that, you old fart!"
He rushed at Tembo, but Tembo, being the older man, had the advantage. He smashed his fist into Billy's face again and grabbed his collar. Putting all his strength into one arm, Tembo swung Billy into the wall. Billy smacked the wall and crashed down.
"I thought he said he could take me down with one hand," Tembo said, to the cheers of Lawala and Sonya. "He must've been dreaming."
"Can we leave now?" Nedry asked, unimpressed by Tembo's skills.
"Patience," Tembo said, pointing at him. "I'm not done yet."
During their brief conversation, Billy bolted upright and charged at Tembo, attempting to swipe him from the side. Tembo easily ducked and used his free arm to punch Billy in the face. Billy's face swung and he swayed on unsteady feet. Tembo grinned, thrilled to have an audience. He sent a high roundhouse kick to Billy's jaw and the young man crumpled to the floor.
"That's the end of that, and just so you know to stay down…" Tembo said. He stomped on Billy's neck. "Now you'll know to keep your mouth shut." He chuckled and turned to Lawala. "Unlock me, George, it's time to leave this place.
"Good, let's get out of here," Nedry muttered.
Cooper grabbed a photo from the bed. It was the same man in the picture. He had no idea Tembo was a vicious fighter. He glanced at Nash, who hadn't moved from his spot.
"Nash," Cooper said through clenched teeth. "Move." He pointed at Lawala.
Nash hesitated. He wanted no part in taking down "Dodgson's whores" anymore. Not after what one of them did to Billy. The lady called "Sonya Durant" had scared the life out of Amanda. The other man was good with a gun—his name was George Lawala—
Nash didn't get to complete his thought. Lawala hit him over the head with his gun and Nash collapsed face first to the ground at Cooper's feet.
"That was a little too easy," he said grinning at Sonya and Tembo. "Why are we here again?"
"To get back the Dennis they stole from us," Sonya said as she gestured for Nedry to join them.
Cooper stepped back, admitting defeat. He tossed his syringe on the bed. "Damn it…"
"You're free to go, Mr. Nedry." He didn't look at the Biosyn team as they stared at him. "This is the last you've heard from me."
"It better be," Nedry snapped.
Now he could be his usual rude self since Cooper had lost his confidence and wouldn't strike him again unless he wanted the entire Biosyn team to beat him to a bloody pulp. He couldn't believe the hotel drama was over. Before the team had arrived, everything had seemed to go so slow. If he had been by himself—Nedry shook his head, refusing to think about it.
"Make sure everything's clear," Tembo ordered.
Sonya left briefly to make sure the hallway was clear. She rushed back to the suite and entered the room showing two thumbs up. Finally, they were ready to leave the place. Tembo turned on the walkie-talkie and radioed for Lopez to be ready at their pick-up spot. When he got off, he saw that Lawala and Nedry were still inside the room with Cooper.
"Let's go," Tembo said. "Before he changes his mind."
Lawala said, "Dennis has to have fun too. We got our hits in." He gestured at Nedry. "Show him that a hacker means business."
Nedry rolled up his sleeves and cracked his knuckles. He slammed his fist against Cooper's face and smirked when he heard a satisfying crack.Cooper fell on his side and Nedry kicked him in the stomach.
"Total knock-out," Lawala said, approving. "Let's get out of here."
The team rushed out of the suite, taking Nedry's laptop and shoulder bag. Sonya ran out first, ready to find the fire escape route. Hotel guests stopped what they were doing to watch the scene. When she found it, she held the door open for the rest of the team. Nedry was behind her, followed by Lawala. Tembo made sure the door of the suite was closed. He ignored the stares from onlookers. Apparently they weren't as quiet as they would've liked. Not that it mattered. Tembo followed them and rushed down three flights of stairs.
The team came to a door that was padlocked. NO EXIT/ENTRY was painted on the door in huge red letters.
"No sweat," Lawala said and shot the door. The gunshot blast was deafening in the small space.
The fire alarm wailed as Lawala shoved the door open. They were outside of the hotel in the back. Mammoth trucks unloading food and furniture were parked all over the lot. The team looked around searching for their ride.
"Where's Raúl?" Sonya asked.
Tires screeched and a black van stopped right in front of them. Lopez reached over and unlocked the passenger side. Nedry got in first, holding his laptop and shoulder bag.
"The back is open!" Lopez shouted at the rest of the team. "Get in the back!"
Tembo was the last to get in the van and slammed the doors. He was thrown against Lawala and Sonya when Lopez raced out of the parking lot and headed back to Cupertino at breakneck speed.
"Damn Raúl…he should've let me drive," Tembo muttered.
Sonya and Lawala laughed hysterically as Lopez took a sharp turn, making Tembo fall.
"We did this!" Lawala kept repeating like an encouraging mantra. "We crazy bastards went in there and cleaned shop! We did this!"
Sonya laughed harder and even Tembo, as angry as he was from Lopez's crazy driving, grinned as they headed back to Biosyn's headquarters.
oOo
Muldoon was rowing with the oar in a slow and careful manner. He had stopped rowing before and started again as soon as Nedry finished. "That's really something."
"I know it's hard to believe," Nedry said. "I'd laugh if I didn't come that close to losing my life. You know what, strike that! It's funny as hell—it's ridiculous!" He laughed heartily, not the least bit distressed by what he had told Muldoon.
"Why'd you tell me?" Muldoon couldn't figure out which stumped him more: Nedry's tale of "Espionage Stunts" or the fact that Nedry had shared it (and much more), while they were stranded together.
"I dunno. I want to go to my grave with a free conscious." Nedry avoided Muldoon's questioning stare. He looked up at the darkening sky, the sun was halfway down. The sky was dark blue and the first stars twinkled faintly.
"Why do you say that?" Muldoon pried.
"Why are you asking me why? Can't you accept that I told you something? Is it really a big deal?"
"It is. You don't just go sharing things like that for nothing. What's the real reason?"
"I wanted you to understand what it's like to work for Dodgson. At first, it seems like you're on a thrill ride and then you find out it's not all it's cracked up to be. You're in constant danger and he isn't concerned about your safety at all. All he cares about is that you get the job done."
"And if you don't?" Muldoon asked warily.
"Then you're no use to him and he disposes you. Before that, he'll withhold your pay—he did that to George after we came back from the spitting lizard situation. I had killed the disgusting piece of crap before arriving in California. Dodgson was pissed off, Dr. Lopez was too, but screw him. He's a big baby crying over a lizard, what an idiot. The thing was nasty and spat nasty stuff, so I killed it, and when Dr. Dodgson found out George got injured; he tossed him a ten dollar bill."
Muldoon stared, unable to respond. There was so much he wanted to say and the words wouldn't come to him. He was greatly disturbed by what Nedry told him (and that Nedry sounded so nonchalant about it), but more than anything, he was worried about Arnold and Harding—and Wu too. Again, he felt angry for being out here on the ocean and not on the island where he could be of more help and support. He hoped Dodgson hadn't completely brainwashed the staff, and he tried to hold onto some hope. Based on what Nedry had told him earlier, Malcolm would definitely not fall for it.
"Well, it's true…I don't know what to tell you." He stared at the oar in his hands.
Muldoon looked up when he heard Nedry talking.
"I said more than I usually do." He glanced at Muldoon, a puzzled expression on his face. "Do me a favor: don't use it against me."
"I won't," Muldoon said slowly, confused by Nedry's intentions—if he had any.
"I mean, you told me earlier you don't want to stay on Isla Nublar all the time. You said you're stressed and that you wish you had an extra warden on staff to help you. You're overwhelmed by your work on the island, it's understandable. You said something that you normally don't say aloud to anyone. I did the same." Nedry shrugged. "It's not a big deal."
An uncomfortable silence followed. The only sounds were the waves crashing against each other in the ocean. Muldoon looked ahead of him—the coastline had taken on a shape—like mountains surrounded by clouds.
"Is there anything else that happened?"
"Yeah, we returned to the Biosyn headquarters. Biosyn is the only company that'll save you one day and try to kill you the next," Nedry chuckled.
A wave crashed over the raft, soaking him and Muldoon in cold saltwater again.
"Damn, I can't wait to be back at that loathsome park."
"Are you bloody serious?" Muldoon asked. "That's—"
"Crazy, I know. When we found out the real reason behind that mission, it was even crazier."
oOo
An argument ensued between Lopez and Nedry in the conference room at Biosyn's headquarters. Tembo, Sonya, and Lawala looked on, wondering how the conflict began. Dodgson had been notified of their arrival and was expected to show up soon. Hopefully, they would be finished with their quarrel by the time Dodgson arrived. The Biosyn staff, including Lopez and Nedry, knew how much Dodgson hated their petty arguments.
"Let me get this straight," Lopez said, sending a skeptical glare Nedry's way, "They invited you to their suite and wanted to kill you?"
"That's exactly what I said. Do I have to say it fifty times so that it finally sinks in? I know you love lizards, and I hope you're overjoyed that you and them have something in common."
"What's that?" Lopez shot back.
"You and those dead lizards have thick skulls. Nothing gets through."
"Such a clever putdown!" Lopez said. "If it were me, I wouldn't have wasted time talking to you. I would've put you out of your misery the moment you stepped inside the suite."
"Sucks to be you," Nedry said. "Because I'm still alive and in your face. What are you gonna do about it?"
"Ignore you like you don't exist, Dennis. It's easy to do. I'll just pretend you're extinct." Lopez turned to the rest of the group. "What's this whole thing about us being 'Dodgson's whores'?"
Nedry threw his arms up, exasperated. "That's what I'm trying to tell you—this group UniGenCorp or whatever they call themselves, they knew us all by name and occupation. They knew we worked for Dodgson and they kept calling us 'whores.' The guy Cooper wanted to capture us, and if he couldn't do that, he'd kill us."
Lopez sighed in annoyance. "He wouldn't have killed us if he wanted us to work for him. He would've killed you because you're annoying and useless."
Tembo, Lawala, and Sonya watched on the sidelines. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last time that they watched Lopez and Nedry argue in a vicious manner.
"Shut your stupid face—you weren't even there! You were hiding in the van the whole time." Nedry stood up so that he was facing Lopez. "You were safe and sound and didn't risk anything like we did."
Lopez stood up and faced Nedry. "So let's give you a medal, shall we? What shall we call it? I know! The Brave Little Convict That Could. That should do it."
"You're so original, that's why you always come up with the same insults. Do me a favor, Raúl, go play in the sandbox and find a chicken bone to display in a museum."
Lopez smirked, although it was obvious that he was holding back a furious explosion.
"Why the hell did Dodgson send us on this assignment?" Nedry asked again.
The door opened and Dodgson strolled in. As usual, his timing was impeccable and based on what he said next, the team wondered if he had been eavesdropping on their conversation the entire time.
"Why did I send you on this assignment? Good question." He took a seat at the head of the table. The team broke apart and dispersed themselves in the room. Nedry was the only one who sat at the table, directly across from Dodgson.
"Those jerks were bounty hunters," he said.
"They are—sort of." Dodgson's face revealed no emotion. "I deliberately sent you there, and I didn't plan on sending in the entire team—not at first."
"So why did you do it? That guy Cooper didn't have anything nice to say about you."
Dodgson leaned across the table and removed his shades. His gray eyes glittered with hostility. "When does anyone have anything nice to say about me?"
"Never," Tembo threw in. "When that day happens, it'll beat the day InGen discovered how to engineer dinosaurs."
Dodgson nodded. "Exactly, Roland. To answer your question, Dennis; yes, this assignment was given to deliberately. I wanted to see how all of you fare together under pressure or in a situation, where your life is on the line. You guys deal with that on Isla Nublar, but I wanted to pit you against another corporation that uses extreme and somewhat unbelievable tactics to get what they want."
His words grabbed everyone's attention. Lopez was taken aback, and Sonya sent him a questioning glance. Lawala looked at Tembo and remembered what he had said earlier. Tembo had been right: Dodgson was testing them.
"Those guys have been on my back for awhile. They're the pirates of the biotech world and they know what's going on. They would've held you in that hotel suite until Biosyn gave up some of their own information. They get their information using drastic measures, you know, putting people's lives on the line—"
"Just like you!" Nedry cut in. "How are you any different from them?"
Dodgson stared hard at Nedry before speaking in a calm tone that contradicted his anger. "Don't interrupt me again. I'm not going to answer that question, figure it out yourself."
"But—"
"Did you hear what I just said, or do you have a skull as thick as Raúl's?"
Nedry stared at the floor, ashamed that he had been shut down in front of the entire team. When he looked up again, Dodgson was still staring at him like a hawk about to nab its prey. Lopez was smirking in his direction in an attempt to contain his laughter. Dodgson's angry glare frightened him, but he didn't let on that it bothered him. He stayed silent for the rest of the time that Dodgson spoke, noting that Dodgson had overheard their entire argument. Nedry's thoughts were confirmed by what Dodgson said next.
"You came back together, so then you must've done something right. On the other hand, with the way you two are arguing," Dodgson pointed at Lopez and Nedry, "it's fair to say that the team has a long way to go."
Nedry and Lopez glanced at each other and then at Dodgson. The rest of the team looked shocked, except for Tembo, who told them later this was the purpose behind Dodgson's assignment: see how well they get along together in the worst circumstances. Dodgson leaned back in his chair, relaxed and not the least bit unruffled that he admitted to sending his team on a death assignment.
oOo
"The end. Hope you enjoyed 'Espionage Stunts.'"
"He purposely sent you into a trap," Muldoon said in a low voice. "What kind of person does that?"
"Lewis Dodgson, that's who. Not even Hammond would do something like that—it depends on how you look at it," Nedry added when he saw Muldoon's skeptical expression. "You're thinking of Jophery, aren't you?"
Muldoon nodded. "How did you know?"
"His death really bothered you and still does. John's response was inadequate to say the least…" Nedry paused, thinking over what he just said. "John did other crappy things, but Dodgson takes the cake, he acts like it's in style to put your employee's in harm's way. I also think he gets a kick from seeing his workers fight, so he can pit us against each other. John's just cheap; he spares no expense to make a prehistoric zoo, hires Gerry to be a dino quack, but doesn't have a doctor on the island for his employees. He brags about throwing his money down a well, but refuses to fill a bucket halfway. Go figure."
"That's true," Muldoon agreed. He thought Nedry's comparison was accurate. It was something he had often thought about: Hammond acted as though the dinosaurs in the park carried more value than his staff. It was also true that Hammond boasted about how much money he spent building the park, but was cheap when it came to taking care of his employees.
"He's a twisted asshole, Lew Dodge. I'm glad I don't work for him anymore."
"When did this happen?"
"Three weeks before we went to the park to get that spitting lizard. When I helped George in the park, I was returning the favor since he helped me out at the hotel." Nedry shivered in the cold. "I would've made sure he was okay regardless," he added. "He drove me to the hotel later on that night so I could pick up my car."
"Biosyn steals InGen's products and then a rogue company was out to steal Biosyn's employees," Muldoon said, thinking about it. "Interesting how that works."
"That's one way to look at it. Those guys even knew what I hate most, that's what freaked me out."
"What do you hate most?"
"Aside from being locked up—syringes, restraints of any sort, and guns. I can't stand it when a gun is in my face."
Muldoon blinked. Now he knew why Nedry had gotten flustered when Muldoon pointed a gun at him in Hammond's bungalow.
"What about you?" Nedry asked, placing down his oar. "What do you hate most?"
Muldoon thought about it. "I despise betrayal, ignorance, and carelessness."
Nedry nodded and stifled a yawn. He stretched his arms and glanced upwards at the night sky. The moon decided to show its full face, round and cream colored. The moonlight hit the ocean's surface, helping them to see in the darkness.
"What happened to all the money?"
Nedry grinned. "We kept it and split it evenly among the team. So the trip wasn't a total loss."
"I suppose so. Dodgson's a bloody prick."
"Amen. That's why it's a shame that Henry's joined him. He insists on following in my footsteps, but he has no idea what he's getting into."
Muldoon threw down his oar on the raft. "I'm striking that from the record, Dennis."
"Why?" Nedry asked, innocently. It only increased Muldoon's anger.
"You know why."
"If you say so."
"I'm disregarding everything you said about Henry."
Nedry held Muldoon's angry glare. "Fine. When he finally turns against you and the rest of InGen, I'll be able to sleep at night knowing I told you the truth."
"That's enough!"
"I said, 'fine'." Nedry picked up his oar and started rowing towards the mountainous landmass that Muldoon had pointed out to him earlier. They were closer than before and he could now see that it was an island. There were still many miles off of the coast. "This island…" he started, but saw that Muldoon was still upset. It was better to leave him alone.
Nedry rowed by himself, the water lapped against the raft and the waves crashing against each other was the only sound. He hated when Muldoon got silent. It was Muldoon's way of saying he didn't want to be bothered. The land mass was getting closer and Nedry could make out thin wispy clouds surrounding the mountainous areas. He was about to say they had reached the island when Muldoon finally spoke.
"I bet you learned a lot about your teammates that day."
Nedry couldn't tell if Muldoon was being sarcastic or genuine.
"Former teammates. You're right though, I did. Lopez was and always will be a jack-ass. I didn't even talk with him during that assignment and Dodgson caught us arguing. Lawala—don't mess with him. Sonya, looks are deceiving. All of them can give you a severe beatdown if you're not on their side."
Muldoon nodded and rowed with his oar again.
"Tembo gets bored easily and likes to show off. That reminds me, you didn't talk about him. It's your turn to do the honors and tell a story. A tale of two hunters."
"He's—" Something caught Muldoon's attention.
"What is it?" Nedry asked and looked in the direction where Muldoon was pointing.
The island was now less than ten miles away from them. During the time they had been talking, they had been sailing straight towards the island, which only days ago appeared to be a tiny dot. It was unbelievable and exciting to think that it was right in front of them. The jagged mountains loomed high above them, and seemed to blend with the night sky. The moonlight cast a white glow over the jungles. The coastline was rugged in certain areas and waves crashed against the shore. Towards the eastern side of the land, there appeared to be a loading dock.
"It's the island," Muldoon said, his eyes wide with excitement. He pointed at the dock.
Nedry followed his gaze. "Come again?"
The currents had brought them closer and closer to the island and now they were able to recognize it. Nedry had a hunch of what it was, but now his thoughts were confirmed when Muldoon said it aloud.
"It's Isla Nublar—that's the bloody east dock—we can get there by tonight or before morning! Let's go!" He was speaking so fast that he had to stop and catch his breath.
"The stench of Jurassic Park's going to smell like cologne," Nedry said, plunging his oar into the water.
He rowed with more force and Muldoon did the same. There was no conversation, just the splashing of ocean water. The raft bobbed up and down as Muldoon and Nedry headed in the direction of the docks. The waves got rough again and heaved its power on them, but this time, they let it energize and rowed faster. They circled the island avoiding the rough sections and kept heading towards the docks. The rhythm of the oars striking the water made up for their silence.
Muldoon turned around to glance at Nedry who was focused on the task. When he looked again at the island, it was so close that he felt he could touch the mountains with his hand. Though he didn't say it aloud, Muldoon was pleased that he and Nedry were working together for a common goal. While he rowed, he wondered what they would do when they finally reached Isla Nublar.
oOo
The empty raft floated several feet away from the dock. The oars had been left on the surface of the raft.
Muldoon's callused hands grabbed the dock's platform. Above him, Nedry paced back and forth on the dock.
"You alright?" He extended his hand to help Muldoon.
"I got it, thanks."
Muldoon pulled himself up onto the dock. Taking a deep breath, he stood upright and looked up at the glittery stars in the night sky. Exhaustion and hunger plagued him. He thought the moon was smiling at him. Thank God, he kept mouthing the words. Thank God we finally returned. I didn't think we'd bloody make it back here, but damn it, we did. Now they had to find the park staff—Muldoon could only begin to imagine how worried they must be.
Several feet away, Nedry stared at the ocean they had just sailed on. He exhaled slowly, from excitement and relief that they had finally made it back to the island. He turned and saw the jungles of Jurassic Park, dark and foreboding. The moonlight illuminated a dirt path that went into the park. He had many memories of this particular place and knew Muldoon did too. It was the east dock, the place where Muldoon and Arnold had found out about his betrayal. It was the same place of his first arrest and where he had returned to the island to make amends.
"We should head back to the staff lodge and get some new clothes on," Muldoon said. "Or we can go to the visitor center and let everyone know we're back. We can get something to eat and drink at the cafeteria."
Nedry joined Muldoon who stood at the edge of the path. There were no gas-powered jeeps available in the area, so they'd have to walk through the park to get to the visitor center and staff lodge. They were ready to begin their trek, but relieved that they had finished the major one: crossing over eighty miles of ocean from Isla Sorna to Isla Nublar.
Nedry was still uncertain about one thing. He wondered if it had crossed Muldoon's mind, and figured it hadn't since he didn't mention it. Or maybe it had, and Muldoon was waiting for him to bring it up first. Nedry knew Muldoon had to be thinking it…how could he not. It was the fact that they were completely removed from the events that had put them on Isla Sorna in the first place. It went without saying that they respected each other on some level. They weren't friends, but they weren't enemies either…not anymore.
"So this is the part where we punch each other out and go our own separate ways," Nedry said. "Whenever you're ready…"
Muldoon didn't speak for a moment. He opened his mouth, but said nothing. Finally, he just shook his head, completely resigned about the situation. There was only one thing he could say.
"No."
Muldoon could tell Nedry was as shocked as he felt. Nedry was a man of many words, and Muldoon was a man of few words. Yet, they both seemed to agree silently with each other.
"Let's get back as soon as we can," Muldoon said quietly. "From there we can decide what to do."
Nedry nodded, a smug grin crossed his face. "You really are a self-righteous prick…and I say that in admiration, not contempt."
Muldoon briefly smiled, although in the dark, it looked more like a scowl. They said nothing and it seemed that they were waiting for the other man to start walking first.
"Guess it'll be me."
Nedry started walking down the path. Muldoon started walking with him and then stopped abruptly. He went back to the east dock and quickly removed something from his boot. Nedry was several feet away when he noticed Muldoon wasn't there. He stopped and looked around. Muldoon had went back to the dock and stood there doing nothing.
"What's up? You gonna stay there all night?"
"Go on, I'll catch up," Muldoon called back. He saw Nedry waiting. "I'll catch up, go ahead."
Nedry shrugged and continued onward.
The Swiss Army knife shined in the moonlight. Muldoon turned it over, noting the blade's silver gleam. Nedry had put his away…and now it was time for him to do the same…Muldoon tossed the Swiss Army knife into the water. It made a tiny plink sound and sank into the dark waters. Muldoon watched for some time and then turned around to catch up with Nedry.
Author's Notes: I can't believe Michael Crichton passed away in November 2008 from cancer. If it weren't for his brilliance, there would be no stories in the Jurassic Park (JP) section. I've loved JP since I was 11 years old, and in many ways, this story is a tribute and thank you to him for writing characters that have stayed with me, more than 15 years after I saw the first movie. If you haven't read the novel Jurassic Park, I suggest you read it, and really consider that without Michael Crichton's imagination, we wouldn't be reading, reviewing, or writing JP fanfic. I even made friends on FFN who also enjoy JP. God bless Michael Crichton. May he rest in peace.
This chapter is very long and much of it was edited and changed, though I wonder if it could've been clipped down more. I'm satisfied with it now and I hope you, the reader, enjoyed it. The scene where Tembo is fighting Billy with one hand cuffed behind his back was inspired by the deleted scene from The Lost World: Jurassic Park movie. I wish they had put that scene in the movie. I wanted to put that scene somewhere in my story, and I thought this was a good place for it. The movie scene is tons better, but I wanted to capture it on some level, even if it was changed. (After posting this chapter, I realized I forgot Tembo's shotglass.)
Characters from Jurassic Park III make a brief apperance in this chapter. I'm not a fan of JP3, but I wanted to give the characters in that movie a tiny part in my fic. When writing this chapter, I pictured Amanda Kirby, M.B. Nash, Billy Brennan, and Cooper exactly as they look in the movie, but instead of playing their roles from the movie, they work for a rival biotech company. (Eric Kirby was in Book 1, only he was older.) So that's my way of giving them credit. As for the other characters on the Biosyn staff: Sonya Durant, George Lawala, and Raúl Lopez, they're from the comics and the site JP Legacy has a list of all the characters that have appeared in JP movies, books, and comics. If you look on the right side, under IV: Comic Database, those three characters can be found there with a description.
Dodgson putting his employees in harm's way appeared in The Lost World novel. The idea of Nedry going on an assignment that he has a bad feeling about and where his life is in danger by a rival company was inspired by two chapters in a Kill Bill fanfiction called "Kill Bill: Prequel 1". Beatrix Kiddo goes on an assignment that she has bad vibes about, Bill makes her do it anyway, and she walks into a trap where she's almost killed. Being that she's the "deadliest woman in the world" she gets herself out of it by killing everyone. (Of course, Nedry has to depend on a team of people that he doesn't trust, and who don't like him.) I asked the writers if I could borrow the idea and they were okay with it, so much thanks to Bloody Satisfaction and MoneyPenny1979 for letting me tweak their idea. Another reason for the flashbacks is to show time passing while Nedry is telling the story, so that when he's finished, they've reached Isla Nublar or are close to it. This would show that the sailing to Isla Nublar from Isla Sorna was long, and also confirm for Muldoon about Dodgson's character. Finally, Nedry's line "the stench of Jurassic Park's going to smell like cologne" was inspired by CATWOMAN comics #15, Part 1 of The Catfile storyarc, where Catwoman/Seline Kyle says "the stink of Gotham's going to smell like perfume".
Wow, this is the longest author's notes I've ever left. Thank you for reading and staying with the story!
-Sassy Lil Scorpio
