Reign of Chaos: Book 3: Extinction

by Sassy Lil Scorpio

InGen versus Biosyn. Two competitive bioengineering companies. Biosyn has the advantage, but InGen's not going down without a fight. More than ever before, InGen must work together to regain control of Jurassic Park and Isla Nublar. Or else Biosyn will crush them forever. Which company will survive and which company will go extinct? The final installment to the ROC trilogy. {AU}

14. The Cat Came Back

The Cat Came Back

"They're back."

Two ominous words. Two simple words no one wanted to say aloud. They had argued amongst themselves on the way to the bungalow about who would tell their boss. Now the words lingered in the air.

"They're back," Raúl Lopez repeated.

The Biosyn team waited for the usual explosive screaming tirade with a good dosage of profanity mixed in. It didn't take a lot to infuriate Lewis Dodgson. They were accustomed to the fireworks show whenever his anger was triggered.

Dodgson's legs were propped on the leather couch and he leaned back, relaxed, with his hands behind his head. He didn't change his posture after Lopez gave him the news.

"Dr. Dodgson?" Lopez asked, unsure if Dodgson had heard him or not.

Dodgson sat up slightly. Sonya Durant and George Lawala found a point in the bungalow to stare at. Henry Wu watched Dodgson, admiring his calm and cool demeanor. George Baselton and Howard King whispered amongst themselves in the kitchen. Only Lopez faced him directly. Roland Tembo joined his side and nodded to indicate he'd deal with the situation now. Lopez stepped back as Tembo approached Dodgson.

"Aren't you going to do something about it?" Tembo pressed.

Dodgson glanced at him, as though noticing him for the first time. He smirked, amused that they stood nervously, while he lay on the couch, completely comfortable.

"Who's back?"

"Dr. Malcolm, Lex, and Dr. Grant."

Dodgson's eyebrows rose, but he made no movement to leave the couch. "Dr. Grant?"

Tembo now turned to Sonya and Lawala, frustrated. "He's not getting it," he whispered. "You see what we're dealing with now? Look how soft he is," Tembo said, keeping his voice low.

Lopez glanced at Dodgson, and swallowed his nerve when he saw the stabbing expression in his boss's face. Just as quickly, Dodgson grinned and sat upright. Lopez couldn't tell if Dodgson had overheard what Tembo had said, or if some other twisted thought had crossed his mind that brought about that familiar charming smile.

"I'm not threatened," Dodgson shrugged as though he didn't have a concern in the world. "So they brought back reinforcements—big fucking deal! When Robert Muldoon returned from his unplanned mini-vacation, it changed nothing for those shitheads." He bolted to his feet and stomped over to where his team huddled together by the entrance. "It's the same with Grant—it makes absolutely no difference. They can bring in the army, the military, the American coast guard, the Navy, and the Marines—this island is mine!"

"They should face repercussions for what they did," Tembo growled.

Dodgson shook his head. "It happened because you fucked up. Anyway, they're back now, so let them think they got away with it. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you."

"You're not understanding—"

"No, you're not listening. Don't make me repeat myself, Roland. They're back after playing around, so what. If they think we're going to suddenly hop on a boat to the States just because they brought back their precious Dr. Grant, then they have another thing coming to them."

"You're underestimating them!"

"And you're overestimating them. Shut your stupid mouth, Roland, and stop pissing on the floor from worry," Dodgson said, slamming his open palm on the wall. "It's fucking ridiculous."

Tembo stormed out of the bungalow.

Lawala and Sonya exchanged a knowing glance. Arguing against Dodgson was pointless. It led to a dead end with Dodgson having the final say. Even if there was sound proof against what he said, he only listened to himself. Tembo came back inside and leaned against the door, arms folded across his chest.

"But that's not all," Lopez said, glancing at his teammates. "He's with them…I heard—"

"You heard what," Dodgson said, flatly.

"He—you know who!"

"I don't. Why don't you spit it out?"

Lopez sighed and looked to his teammates for help.

Tembo finally broke the news. "You guys didn't finish off that pathetic nerd, so now we have to contend with him butting into Biosyn's business." He glared at his teammates, blaming them for not completing the assignment that night. "That should tell you enough, Dr. Dodgson."

A long silence followed. Dodgson turned to face his team. He opened his mouth to scold them, yell at them, curse at them—and all he could do was laugh hysterically.

oOo

In the staff lodge's recreation room, Tim Murphy held his stomach from laughing so hard. When he finally caught his breath, he turned to his older sister, Lex Murphy, who grinned happily.

"So he was super pissed when he got arrested?"

"Yup! He was going nuts because he fell for it! At first, he wasn't going to let me use the bathroom, but then Dr. Malcolm told him 'when you gotta go, you gotta go' and he had no choice."

Tim laughed again. By now, he had Lex tell him countless times about how she and Malcolm had tricked Tembo into getting arrested at the CIMA hospital. It was funnier every time around and each time Tim laughed louder. This time, Robert Muldoon came over with a stern expression written across his face.

"You both need to keep it down," he said, eyeing each of them. "It's great that you two are having fun, but we don't want to draw unnecessary attention to the lodge."

"Got it, Mr. Muldoon," Tim said, still laughing.

Muldoon nodded and offered a grim smile. He approached the doorway where Ray Arnold stood waiting.

"Have you seen them yet?" Muldoon asked.

Arnold shook his head. "They must be catching up at the dock. They need to hurry up—we don't want Biosyn making more hell for us."

"Agreed. Where's Dennis? I thought he came in with Lex."

"Don't know and don't care."

"You can't be like that."

Arnold gave Muldoon a long look. "I'm not looking out for him—he's here to help us and then leave when he's done."

Muldoon felt impatience wash over him, and then relaxed when he heard Lex and Tim laughing on the sofa. At least someone was happy in the recreation room. Arnold had greeted Lex warmly when she had arrived and then brushed off Dennis Nedry. After that, no one knew where Nedry had gone. Muldoon was about to look for him when he heard familiar voices coming from down the hallway. All thoughts of finding Nedry vanished; Muldoon figured he would be safe as long as he didn't run into the Biosyn team. Right now, it was time to greet Alan Grant, who had finally returned after being away for nearly half a year.

Gerry Harding led the way carrying a shoulder bag. Behind him, Alan Grant walked confidently with Ellie Sattler and Ian Malcolm. The three of them were animated and chatting wildly without a care in the world. From down the hallway, Harding waved to Muldoon. A genuine smile lifted Muldoon's face. He rarely smiled, not only because he was always serious, but these days there was not a lot to smile about. Seeing Grant back on the island brought out an optimistic side of Muldoon that he forgot he had—if he even had it to begin with. He started towards Grant to meet him in the hallway, when Tim bolted outside of the recreation room and rushed ahead of him. Scurrying down the hall, Tim ran to meet Grant with Lex following right behind.

"Woah—Tim, easy there!" Grant said, giving him a high-five.

"You better stay this time!" Tim said, laughing. "Or me and Lex will tie you up and keep you prisoner."

Grant laughed along with Ellie and Malcolm. "Don't worry, I'm here to stay." He nodded at Tim and squeezed Lex's shoulder reassuringly.

"We made it back in one piece," Malcolm announced. "Lex and Alan are back on Isla Nublar, no thanks to chaos theory."

"I see that you're a man of your word," Arnold said. "Wow, Ian…you actually did it." Even he couldn't keep from brightly smiling at seeing that Malcolm's plan had worked. "Great to have you back with us, Dr. Grant."

"Thanks, Ray." Grant shook Arnold's hand, noting his tense grip.

"We've got a room for you, Alan," Ellie said.

"Same one, third on the right?" Grant asked.

"Yep, all yours."

"Sounds good, Ellie." Grant nodded, pleased. "Thanks, Gerry, I'll take that bag to my room."

Harding handed him the shoulder bag. "It's great to have you back…words can't really express it…"

"Thank you, Gerry; that means a lot."

Grant looked all around him at the InGen staff and Hammond's grandchildren. He was overwhelmed by the warm responses from everyone. It's great to be back, he thought. Malcolm and Ellie were at ease with each other and with Grant. Tim and Lex were literally bursting out of their skin from sheer excitement at seeing him again. Harding was thrilled, although his response was more subdued, Arnold was actually calm and free from anxiety for once; and Muldoon…

Muldoon removed his fedora and slowly approached Grant. Everyone moved to the side as Muldoon came forward. Tim and Lex looked from Muldoon to Grant and from Grant to Muldoon, unsure of what was going to happen. They knew for certain that these two men were among the most respected and admired in InGen. Malcolm stepped back and analyzed the scene and Ellie bit her lower lip in anticipation. Arnold and Harding backed off and watched everything.

There was awkward tension and unexpressed shock, just as the day Grant had told Muldoon he was leaving to the States. Muldoon extended his hand to Grant and Grant extended his. They shook hands firmly and in mutual respect.

"As I told you that day months ago," Muldoon began, "I speak for the entire staff when I say we greatly appreciate your efforts here—through the good and bad." He gestured to everyone and they nodded in unison. "Welcome back, Dr. Grant."

At this, everyone applauded and cheered.

"Wow, this is really…" Grant struggled to find the right words, "...it's humbling to say the least…thank you, everyone. There's just one thing."

"What's that?" Muldoon asked as he glanced at the staff and then back at Grant.

"None of this 'Dr. Grant' stuff—just Alan. I can do without the formalities."

Everyone laughed and agreed.

"Alright, Alan," Malcolm said, jokingly. "Go to the recreation room, Tim and Lex have something just for you."

Grant smirked in Malcolm's direction and allowed himself to be led into the recreation room.

"Close your eyes!" Tim said.

Grant did as he was told. He felt a female hand grab his hand and lead him around. Ellie's.

"Here, they made something just for you," Ellie said.

"You can open your eyes, Dr. Gr—Alan," Lex said.

Grant opened his eyes to find a chocolate cake decorated with blue and green frosting. The cake sat on a table along with napkins, plastic cups and forks, paper plates, two bottles of soda, bags of potato chips and popcorn, an ice cream scooper, and a bucket of vanilla ice cream. WELCOME BACK DR. GRANT! had been scrawled on the top in red letters.

"We hope you like it," Arnold said. "Tim and I made it at the last minute."

"It's really great," Grant said, "I'll begin cutting it."

"You get the biggest slice," Ellie said.

Grant grinned as he sliced the cake and passed it around. Moments later, everyone had clean plates and full bellies. Harding mentioned they had to wake up early for another one of Dodgson's morning meetings. The InGen staff debriefed Grant about it so that he would know what to expect. It went unsaid that Donald Gennaro was still playing both sides—InGen and Biosyn, and Henry Wu wasn't returning to their side anytime soon.

While everyone caught up on what had occurred during Lex's and Malcolm's absence, Nedry had returned to the recreation room. He retreated to the corner and stood alone. No one greeted or approached him. Muldoon saw him standing by himself and noticed how out of place and lonely he appeared…

oOo

The following morning, the InGen staff trudged into the cafeteria for their usual meeting. They had cleaned the recreation room of any hint of Grant's welcome-back party and then went to sleep, knowing they would have to wake up in a few hours.

They were surprised to find coffee and pastries set up for them. Dodgson never went out of his way to do this, so something must be up. The InGen staff sat at their usual places and the Biosyn team came by stand guard over them—which had become the norm. No one on the InGen staff fought it anymore, although for a short period of time, no one met in the cafeteria after Malcolm and Lex managed to escape the island. Now, everything seemed….rather strange. Everyone was moving in slow motion except for Dodgson who zipped around the room, checking to make sure everything was in order.

Dodgson came to the podium. "Good morning!" he announced in a cheery tone completely unlike his usual biting tone.

There was murmuring, sideway glances, and feet tapping.

"We have important news to discuss, so let's get started. We were going to use the conference room to hold this meeting, but since we've been in the cafeteria all this time, we decided to stay here. Is everyone accounted for, Howard?"

King nodded. "Everyone's here."

Dodgson smiled wryly. "Yes, everyone is here. Welcome back, Dr. Grant."

Grant simply stared at Dodgson, refusing to answer. He sat with Ellie and Malcolm. No one from the Biosyn team had separated them, which was a surprising, but good thing.

"Some of us are so excited to be back after being absent for so long, that they lack the words to express themselves," Dodgson said, glaring at Grant. "That's perfectly fine with me. The less you say, the more time I have to talk about what lays ahead for InGen's future, although it's more accurate to say that InGen doesn't have a future."

At this, there was cruel laughter from the Biosyn team.

"While you nitwits are still here, you can be of use to us," Dodgson said, eyeing the InGen staff. "We need someone who knows computers, programming, databases and all that good stuff."

"We got Arnold," Lopez said, pointing at him. He went to the front of the cafeteria to get a cup of hot coffee and returned to sit at an empty table.

Arnold didn't blink at the sound of his name.

"Do any of you want to volunteer your computer talents?" Dodgson shot at the InGen staff. "Only one or two of you can take on this mandatory assignment. Any volunteers?"

Arnold stared at the floor, refusing to volunteer his expertise.

"Raúl's right," Wu said. "Ray Arnold's the only computer know-it-all from InGen, but he's still loyal to Hammond and won't help us with what we need. I can see it in his eyes."

Muldoon shook his head, still disappointed by Wu's betrayal and haughty attitude.

"Shake your head all you like, Robert, soon you will be nodding to Dodgson's every demand," Wu said, smugly.

"I'll never be a puppet like you," Muldoon said. "None of us will."

Harding and Arnold watched as Wu rose from his chair and went over to Muldoon, who stood against the wall, refusing to sit like everyone else. Dodgson's chest puffed with pride. Wu was going to put Muldoon in his place. He stood face to face with Muldoon and pointed at Tembo, who sat nearby. Tembo turned around.

"Roland is going to take your place soon. Get used to it," Wu said.

"It'll be my pleasure to replace this inadequate poor excuse for a warden," Tembo said, sneering.

"We'll see about that," Muldoon said.

Dodgson smirked at the small confrontation. He loved seeing his guys talk down to Hammond's.

"Muldoon can file for unemployment. Roland, you can have his job position as 'park warden'," Dodgson said.

"Roland Tembo: Game Warden of Jurassic Park," Tembo said, confidently. "It has a nice ring to it."

"It does," Dodgson agreed, "now let's get back on track. We need someone who knows computers. We have a geneticist, a park warden, an engineer, and a vet." He gestured at the InGen staff as though they were trash on the sidewalk. "We need a hacker—and a damn good one too."

Everyone grew silent when they heard the impatience in Dodgson's voice.

"The computers are still operating under the same system that Nedry designed," Wu offered. "Hammond wanted to get a new systems analyst to redesign the park's computers, but in the end that never happened."

"Why didn't it happen?" Dodgson asked, turning to the InGen staff. They stared back at him. "What the hell is this? Are any of you going to fucking talk today?"

Arnold shifted in his chair and finally spoke. "Hammond never found another a computer programmer that fulfilled all the qualifications."

"Poor Johnny," Dodgson sneered. "Too bad he's still cooped up in that rotten hospital. Soon they'll remove him from his room and place him in the morgue."

Arnold ignored his comment, since he knew Dodgson was baiting him. "He knew it'd be hell to get rid of everything Nedry created for the park and start from scratch."

"Face it, Lew," Baselton said, "we need Dennis…" he paused mid-sentence as the cafeteria's double doors opened and the aforementioned man walked in, "…Nedry?" His statement finished as a question.

"That's my name!"

"What the hell is he doing here?" Lopez said, pointing at him.

"Glad to see you too," Nedry said.

He came over to the table where Lopez was sitting. Grinning the entire time, he took a seat next to him and propped his legs on the table. Lopez muttered under his breath and watched him carefully.

"Wanna see a magic trick, Raúl?" Nedry asked. "I really want to show you."

The hatred in Lopez's eyes darkened. "I want to see you drop dead."

"Too late!" Nedry kicked the cup of coffee onto Lopez's chest.

The hot drink splashed across Lopez's chest and face, burning him. He immediately jumped out of his seat and swiped at Nedry, who ducked. "YOU STUPID BASTARD!"

The Biosyn team was speechless. The InGen staff stared blankly.

Dodgson broke the stunned silence experienced by everyone in the room. Based on what he said next, he was obviously amused at Nedry kicking steaming coffee onto Lopez.

"Dennis, you grace us with your presence?" Dodgson asked.

"More like insult us," Lopez threw in, wiping the coffee off his shirt.

Nedry walked away from Lopez and took a seat next to Arnold. Arnold and the rest of InGen didn't react to his intrusion or actions.

"So how did you get out?"

Dodgson smiled too hard and his eyes lingered on Nedry's right wrist swathed in white gauze. The bandaging wrapped his entire hand. Dodgson could see splints holding the fingers apart. Nedry's fingertips were visible and remained frozen in place as his hand and fingers slowly healed.

"I got out on good behavior."

"That's excellent. What happened to your hand?" Dodgson pointed to the white bandages and Nedry raised it in the air for everyone to see.

"I got into a scuffle with some fellow prisoners."

"What did I tell you about your people skills?" Dodgson scolded.

"You were right, Lew. I need improvement in that area. Not to worry, I'm getting better everyday."

"Absolutely! I must say you have perfect timing. Right now, we're working on improving our staff—we need someone who can help us with computers."

"I'm your man for the job, but if you want to improve anything, start with these guys." He glared at the InGen staff who sat apart from each other in the cafeteria. "You should've kicked them off the island when you had the chance," Nedry said, making a neck-slashing motion with his intact left hand.

"Give me info about each of them," Dodgson said. "They tend to withhold information from me."

"Sure thing, Dr. Dodgson." Nedry pointed at Arnold. "Cigarettes will be the death of you."

Nedry missed Arnold's murderous glare when he turned back to Dodgson.

"Remember the Polaris submarine missile from the sixties? Ray's fingerprints are all over that thing. He also knows a thing or two about theme parks after helping build Disneyworld in Orlando."

"Impressive," Dodgson said with sincere interest. "He's never told me that."

"He's too busy puffing on his cigarettes, but don't get rid of him. He's an intelligent and serious-minded man."

Dodgson now joined Nedry and they walked around the cafeteria. They would stop in front of each InGen employee and speak about them as though they weren't there. They were just merchandise to be brought and sold, like cars in a showcase room. Nedry was the slick salesman and Dodgson was the eager customer.

"Next, we have Gerry Harding," Dodgson said.

"Gerry—I prefer Ben and Jerry's for obvious reasons," Nedry laughed and Dodgson joined him in his jokes about the ice cream brand. "Gerry knows his stuff, he's really passionate. He's the dino quack in case those lizards puke up their food in the middle of the night. He's dedicated."

Harding shrugged in response.

"Will do. How about this one? He's very strange."

Dodgson and Nedry stopped in front of Ian Malcolm. Nedry bit his lip, figuring out what he should say. Then his face brightened.

"Dr. Malcolm's a pessimist. He wants to close the park down. He's not an official InGen employee; he's just an annoying tag-along who spouts out chaos theory any chance he can get."

"If he says one negative word about Jurassic Park, I'll fire him!"

"Don't be hasty. Dr. Malcolm keeps you on your toes. He's good at that. Keep him around because he knows what he's talking about."

Malcolm shook his head, half amused.

They briefly stopped in front of Grant and Ellie.

"Jack and Jill know all about dusting off lizard bones. Plus, they're the real thing, and Lopez is a fake. They're world renowned! Let them stay because they're popular and down-to-earth folks who know their dino history."

Grant and Ellie exchanged an uneasy glance that was a mix of puzzlement and amusement.

Nedry started towards Gennaro and then shook his head.

"What's wrong?" Dodgson asked.

"He's a lawyer—and a horrible one at that. Need I say more?"

Gennaro marched out of the cafeteria and slammed the doors behind him.

Dodgson and Nedry moved to the final man.

"This one I'm sure you'll love to tear apart. Dennis, I present you Robert Muldoon, the soon to be laid-off game warden of Jurassic Park."

Muldoon stood against the wall, refusing to sit down with everyone else. Nedry stood eye to eye with him. Muldoon's steel blue eyes didn't reveal any emotion. He remained untouched by everything going on around him.

"Muldoon's a good guy, why would you want to replace him?" Nedry asked. "He sucks when it comes to jokes. He's too serious for his own good. He's also self-righteous and creates halos for angels. He's trigger-happy—that's the only time you see him crack a smile."

Dodgson gestured to Tembo. "Roland will take his place in the immediate future."

"Tembo?" Nedry busted out laughing. "You want him," he said pointing, at Tembo, "to take Muldoon's place? You must be joking."

Tembo stood up, insulted by Nedry's comments. "It's no joke," he said, stiffly.

"It is to me. You're a joke, Captain Ahab!"

Tembo remained standing.

"Roland, Dennis didn't mean anything by what he said," Dodgson said in a poor attempt to appease him.

"I'm sure he didn't." Tembo glowered at Nedry, who shrugged.

"If you want to take Muldoon's place, you got some tough shoes to fill. No one hunts 'em like Robert."

Dodgson sighed. "I thought you said we should get rid of them, now you're saying we should keep them aboard?" He was confused by Nedry's assessment of the InGen staff

"I changed my mind."

"I noticed."

"Just like I changed my mind about Biosyn. I'll tell you what I think of these guys."

Just as he did with the InGen staff, he went around and picked on the Biosyn team, while they sat and listened. Dodgson went along with him around the cafeteria.

"Roland Tembo is a Robert Muldoon wannabe."

Tembo rose from his chair again, but Nedry didn't stop his harsh assessment of him. "He thinks because he carries a little shotgun and wears khakis that it makes him a certified hunter. It doesn't. Tembo's a piece of trash that should be thrown out right away."

"If I'm 'a piece of trash', then meet me outside after this meeting," Tembo warned. "Then we'll see how much trash you talk."

"I have better things to do. Next. Howard the coward. Dodgson-whipped. Personal assistant? His title should be 'professional ass-wiper'."

King's jaw dropped.

"Who else?" Nedry surveyed the group. "George B. 'B' for 'Broken Arm' and be careful when you take a walk in the park late at night. You might lose a limb."

"Are you threatening me?" Baselton asked through clenched teeth.

"No, I'm just making up a scenario to see your reaction."

"That's enough," Dodgson said from behind.

Nedry pretended he didn't hear him.

"Lawala. You're a good guy, but your loyalties are misplaced. You should be standing against the wall next to him." Nedry pointed at Muldoon. "You're running around with Dodgson and you hate it. You pretend that you live for the thrill of the hunt. You're only fooling yourself."

Lawala glanced at Muldoon, their eyes met briefly. Then he stared at the table. He couldn't respond to what Nedry described, and state what he really thought—not in front of Lewis Dodgson.

"Who's next?"

"No one is. Let's throw a party to welcome you back!" Dodgson nodded at his team. All of them, except Lawala, glared at him like he was a bumbling lunatic.

"Henry…"

"Don't start with me," Wu snapped.

Nedry opened his mouth to free another witty remark when he thought better of it. "I'll get to you eventually."

"It'd be better if we don't talk at all."

"Can't promise you that. Saw-ry."

Dodgson put his arm around Nedry's shoulder as though they were comrades. "Why don't we hold a special dinner in honor of your return?"

Nedry shoved Dodgson's hand off his shoulder and finished critiquing his former teammates. He glanced at Sonya, who stared at him like a cat about to pounce on her prey.

"You're the most radiant thing since sliced bread!"

Sonya gave him the middle finger.

"Love ya too, sexy Sonya. My Kit-Kat bars have more appeal than you. I'd spend a day with them before I'd spend five minutes with you, you trigger-happy-pepper-spraying bitch."

"We should see if the chefs can prepare anything special for tonight," Dodgson tried again.

Nedry pointed at Lopez. "Ah-ha! Thought I forgot about you?"

"I almost shed a tear."

"Want a handkerchief?"

"Only if I can choke you with it." Lopez's eyes narrowed to black slits as he stood up. He grabbed the chair he was sitting on, and for a moment, everyone thought he was going to throw the chair at Nedry.

"That's not very nice." Nedry sniffed. He stepped back when he saw Lopez grab the chair. "You're doomed to be a bone-brusher forever; if I were you I'd throw a pity-party for myself too."

"This assessment coming from a sloppy nerd."

"This coming from a so-called paleontologist who only has a career because he pulls insane theories from his ass. You'll never be an eighth of what Dr. Grant is. He's the real thing. You're not even an amateur, you're a poser."

Lopez's pointed at Nedry and wished his finger was a gun so that he could shoot him down. "You don't even exist to me."

"If I don't exist to you, then how are we having this conversation?"

"Keep talking."

Dodgson came over to Lopez and gently urged him to sit down. Lopez's death glare never left Nedry.

"Guys, come on. Let's not argue, let's be merry! This is a wonderful day. The prodigal son has returned!"

The Biosyn team watched, astounded, as Dodgson put his arm around Nedry's shoulder in a friendly manner and escorted him out of the cafeteria. The InGen staff remained impassive. Nothing on their faces betrayed any emotion as to whether they were elated or worried about Nedry's return.

Meanwhile, Dodgson chatted excitedly and Nedry lifted his right arm with the injured hand halfway up. He couldn't close his injured hand into a fist, but the gesture was obvious, and he made sure the Biosyn team saw what he did next. Nedry's left hand came down slapped his raised upper arm. He sent this message sincerely from his heart:

Fuck you.

oOo

"How do we know we can trust him?" Arnold asked, snapping his lighter shut. He turned in his swiveling chair towards Muldoon, who stood across from him in the control room. "How do we know for sure?"

"We have to give him a chance," Muldoon said.

"What's this 'we'? You're the one who trusts him—I sure as hell don't."

"Ray, you agreed with Dr. Malcolm's plan. You have to trust that he's on our side."

"Why? He's done nothing to prove he's loyal to us."

"Didn't you see him earlier? He was insulting Dodgson's guys left and right."

"None of that matters since he's the reason InGen is experiencing a crisis." Arnold puffed on his cigarette. "You're really taken in by his act, aren't you?"

"It's not an act."

"I say it is. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him."

"That's your problem." Muldoon turned away.

"Listen to yourself, Robert. It will be our problem if he backstabs us for Biosyn—again!"

"He won't."

Arnold sighed, reluctantly. He hated arguing with Muldoon; everything was easier when they were on the same page. "Are you sure?"

"Positive." Muldoon met his worried eyes.

There was a soft knocking on the control room door. Muldoon gestured for Nedry to come in and he did. Arnold bolted from his seat, pointing his lit cigarette in Nedry's direction.

"Stay right where you are," Arnold demanded.

Nedry halted in his tracks. "Did I come at a bad time?" he asked.

"No, everything's fine," Muldoon reassured him.

"Everything's not fine, and I'm not going to pretend it is." Arnold went straight to Nedry, who backed up against the control room's door. "Let me make myself clear," he said, poking Nedry's shoulder, "if you play games here, you go back to jail. I don't like you, I don't trust you, and I sure as hell don't want you here. The only reason I agreed with Dr. Malcolm about bailing you out is because we need your help. Has he told you?"

"Yeah, he—" Nedry started to say.

"Biosyn is occupying this island and I want them off in any way possible. You're here because we're hoping that maybe you'll help us."

Arnold sighed, anxiety washing over him. He had repeated himself and spilled his guts for Nedry to see. He didn't want to do that because he was deathly afraid of Nedry betraying them again. He remembered Muldoon had told him how Nedry had changed, that he had helped him when they were stranded on Isla Sorna. Although Arnold was moved by the fact that Nedry had saved Muldoon's life, (and though he would never admit that to Muldoon), he still didn't understand why Nedry had released the raptors. Why the hell did he do that? Arnold wondered. Didn't he know what it would lead to? Months passed and John Hammond still wasn't cleared to return to Isla Nublar.

"I haven't forgotten what you did to John, so don't think you're off the hook."

Nedry stared at the floor when he mentioned Hammond. It's an act, Arnold convinced himself. But was it really? Nedry looked genuinely upset. Arnold suppressed the questions in his mind and pointed at the door.

"Leave this room. I don't want you in here under any circumstances."

To his surprise, Nedry did as he was told without making a cutting remark. Muldoon watched Nedry walk out and turned to Arnold. Arnold blocked the entrance to prevent him from coming back in.

"You're paranoid," Muldoon said.

"I'm not paranoid. I'm protecting InGen's interests."

"While squashing someone who's here to help us."

Arnold turned away from Muldoon. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. You can talk with him after everything he's done like it's no big deal. I will never feel the same or do the same as you. I can't." He stared at the ceiling to avoid Muldoon's piercing stare. "And I don't want him getting some fancy room in the staff lodge. I told Gerry that Dennis could stay in the unfinished room at the end of the first floor hallway and to give him the bare minimum: no bed, just a mattress and a sheet for sleeping; a box to put his clothes and belongings in, a towel, a washcloth, and an alarm clock. Some hygiene products. That's all he gets. Gerry also removed the door after I asked him to."

"You're going too far with this!"

"No, I'm not—and stop defending him."

"I'm not defending him. You're being bloody ridiculous! What's he going to do with the door closed? He's entitled to his privacy just as everyone else on this island."

"It's to prevent him from doing stupid stuff against InGen."

"You need to relax."

"I am relaxed," Arnold shot back, harsher than he intended.

Neither man spoke for a full minute.

"I respect where you're coming from," Muldoon finally said.

Arnold nodded and turned around to stare outside of the control room. He stepped aside when he heard Muldoon moving around. When he turned again, Muldoon had Nedry's backpack.

"What are you doing?" Arnold's voice rose.

"I'm giving back what belongs to him."

"What the hell, Robert?" Arnold immediately resumed his position in front of the control room's door.

"Let me out."

"No—this is crazy—"

"Get out of my way."

"I can't believe you're giving that back to him! You've completely let your guard down when it comes to him. Why, Robert?"

"Why can't you get out of my bloody way?"

Both men stared at each other, not recognizing the other. Neither man knew who would give in first. It was just as well. Every time their friendship began to rebuild, it would shatter again. By now, it seemed like resuming their former connection was a lost cause, and yet, they kept on, because when they argued everything grew worse. They would never know how broken the other man was from all the senseless fighting.

Arnold sighed and tried again. "Why are you allowing him to manipulate you like this?"

"Bloody. Move."

Embarrassed, Arnold stepped aside while remaining completely silent.

"Stop worrying so damn much."

Muldoon left the control room and left Arnold floundering in a pool of anxiety.

oOo

"Welcome back," Muldoon said, joining Nedry on the visitor center's steps.

Nedry sat by himself, staring at the shallow pond surrounded by palm trees. It was early afternoon, and both InGen and Biosyn were reacting to his return. He had left the visitor center to avoid it. Sitting alone gave him time to collect his thoughts. Muldoon presented his backpack to him. It was the same backpack he had brought with him when he came to warn InGen.

"Thanks," Nedry said, taking it from Muldoon.

Silence passed by awkwardly.

"What happened to your hand? It's all bandaged like you've been in the fight of your life," Muldoon said. He knew what had happened, but didn't voice it.

"It was the fight for my life." Nedry kept his eyes on the pond. "They just bumped and bruised me. I'm fine."

Muldoon shook his head, but chose not to press the point. He knew by now that Nedry hid behind a wall of indifference, sarcasm, and humor, especially where it concerned embarrassing experiences such as the Biosyn team beating him up. Nedry probably had frightening nightmares of the incident when he went to sleep and vivid flashbacks when he was awake. Of course, he would never tell anyone. Muldoon didn't know what to say and he already had the conversation with Malcolm about Dodgson's motives for putting Nedry through such a hellish ordeal. He figured he'd just cut to the reason why Nedry was back on the island.

"So now that you're back…or you with them or us?"

Nedry smirked. "That remains to be seen."

Muldoon remained stone-faced. "For your sake," he said, glancing around the area, "and for everyone on this island not including Biosyn—I hope you're with us this time."

"Dr. Malcolm bailed me out for a reason. I'll prove good on that reason."

"So you're with us?"

"Absolutely."

"Ray's worried about you betraying us again."

Nedry was silent for several minutes and Muldoon was about to repeat what he said when he got a response.

"He has nothing to stress over. InGen's in good hands. It's Biosyn that has to worry."

Nedry looked him straight in his eyes when he said this. Muldoon nodded. Now Arnold would see what he had seen at Isla Sorna: Nedry had changed for the better.

oOo

"He's baacccckkk," Sonya announced in a sing-song voice to Lopez and Tembo. They were outside on the steps of the visitor center where Muldoon and Nedry had spoken to each other two hours earlier.

"Unfortunately," Tembo said. He pulled his fedora over his face, shielding himself from the sun.

"Aren't you excited, Raúl?" Sonya asked, giggling.

Lopez didn't answer. He stared through Sonya as though she were glass. His dark eyes were misted over with a glare that read death to anyone who celebrated Nedry's return.

"Raúl?"

Lopez kept staring. His hands were clenched into fists and he squeezed them tighter.

The doors to the visitor center opened and Nedry walked out. Tembo scowled. "How long have you been eavesdropping, Dennis?"

"As long as you've been poaching and calling it hunting." Nedry stretched his arms over his head. "It's hot today and you are too, Cutie-Pie."

Sonya turned away from him; her giggly demeanor had been replaced by a hostile one. "Don't call me 'Cutie-pie'."

"How does 'bitch' sound?"

"Don't. Call. Me. Bitch." She turned around slowly to face him, fury gleaming in her eyes.

"Why? It's not a bad thing." Nedry flashed his famous impish grin. "After the way you sprayed pepper in my eyes, you truly are a cold-hearted bitch."

"I see some of us hold grudges."

"When it's warranted."

Lopez and Tembo exchanged a glance and listened to Sonya's and Nedry's edgy banter.

"Sonya-pie, 'bitch' is a term of endearment I reserve for those special to me, especially lovely ladies like you. I used to have a crush on you."

Sonya batted her eyelashes in a mocking prissy manner. "Do tell."

"Let's see, you're a beautiful, intelligent…" Nedry stepped over to her and ran his left fingers through her long black hair.

Sonya's eyes lit up as he listed compliments.

"…talented and curvy whore. Yep, that sounds right."

Sonya's eyes froze over, but her voice maintained its warm calm note. "Whore begins with a 'w'."

"It has an 'h' sound. Close enough."

He released her hair and stepped back. His eyes locked with Lopez's furious glare. Lopez wasn't entertained and Tembo looked like he wanted to poach him. What else is new? Nedry thought.

"How about happy? That's a nice h-word."

"How about you get out of my face."

Nedry held up his hands as though he'd been caught stealing and wanted to show he had nothing to hide. "Fine, Sonya-pie. Your wish is my command. If you want a back massage—"

"She won't need one from you," Lopez snapped. "Get the hell out of here!"

"Look who it is. The jealous boyfriend, bitter co-worker—"

Lopez cut him off a second time. "The so-called bone-brusher who left you broken and choking on your own blood."

"How could I forget?"

"You obviously did, otherwise you wouldn't be out here doing what you do best."

"And what's that?"

"Talking shit." Lopez stepped forward to Nedry until they were face to face. "Maybe you need another beating to teach you to keep your mouth shut."

Nedry grew quiet and stepped back from Lopez.

"You wanna continue talking trash? Or do you want your other fingers broken?"

Nedry checked out his intact left hand. "No, it's happy that it can type. I'll leave you lovebirds alone." He smirked at Tembo. "You three hang out a lot together. Do you pass Sonya around and take turns with her?"

Lopez's eyes looked like they were going to bust out of his skull. Sonya blinked.

Tembo stared blankly at him, retaining his stony composure. Sonya opened her mouth to say something, but half-complete words stumbled out.

"I was only kidding, Sonya-pie." He grabbed her wrist and kissed the back of her palm. She yanked back her hand, enraged. Nedry trotted down the stairs and then looked back. "Don't take it personal, baby-cakes. You'll always have a place in my heart." Nedry blew a kiss to Sonya and then strolled down the road that led into the park.

Tembo watched him leave, his olive green eyes unblinking and focused. Nedry's whistling reached his ears and he would rather be deaf than listen to his obnoxious tunes. Then he turned to Sonya and Lopez, shaking his head.

"Get a grip. Both of you."

"That stupid asshole," Sonya muttered.

"Listen to yourself! You let him get under this!" Tembo pinched the skin on his arm. "You can't let him do that to you. When you both stand there making faces, you let him win."

"We're not as thick-skinned as you, Roland. We humbly apologize," Lopez said in a low voice.

Tembo swung his clenched fist in Lopez's face.

"—the hell was that for?" Lopez said, grasping his nose.

"I was right. You need thick skin."

Tembo went to the doors of the visitor center. With his back turned towards them, he cursed under his breath about the way they handled themselves around Nedry. It was sickening, pathetic, and worst of all, pitiful. It was a disgusting shame that they allowed Nedry, of all people, to get to them.

"Since you know so much about not letting that little prick get to you, why don't you spare us a tip?" Lopez said. Sonya nodded in agreement.

Tembo turned around to face them. "Here's a start—find someone who you know you are superior over. Hone your attention on that particular person and work on making sure you are better than that individual in every way. If you do that, then you won't waste time and energy on a shabby excuse for a human being. Focus on higher things."

"What about Dennis?" Sonya asked.

"I am a hundred thousand times the man that he is, that's why he doesn't get to me," Tembo shot back. "That's why his childish antics, as annoying as they are, don't cause me to break out in a cold sweat as it does you and Raúl. He's always going to piss you off; you have to do your damned best to not show it."

"Who's the man—or woman—you want to beat?"

"That, Sonya, is quite simple. The man I know I'm superior over, in every way possible is Robert Muldoon."

"That's pretty damn obvious," Lopez said.

"Learn everything about your enemy—strengths and weaknesses. Raúl, this last tidbit is for you," Tembo pointed at him. "The enemy of your enemy is your friend. Never forget that."

Lopez let the words sink into his mind. "For you, that would be Dennis."

Tembo shook his head. "I already established that he isn't worthy of my attention. So even though you're correct, Raúl, I can take care of Muldoon on my own, which proves how much better I am—I don't need my enemy's enemy to assist me."

He held Lopez's glare and then went inside the visitor center, leaving Sonya and Lopez to contemplate on his words. It was unclear if Lopez realized that Tembo had insulted him.

"You know the enemy of your enemy," Sonya said.

Lopez nodded. "Muldoon."

"Go find him. I'm sure he won't mind if you two go against him."

oOo

"Robert Muldoon."

Muldoon was in the maintenance shed looking for spare tools for the park workers to use for the island's greenery, when he heard someone behind him. He glanced over his shoulder. Lopez approached him, sneering the entire time. Muldoon turned his attention to getting what he needed. Tembo had come in minutes before trying to start an argument with him. He had left, unsuccessful, and threatened to return later. Now Lopez was here?

"Just the person I'm looking for."

"Can't talk right now," Muldoon said, rushing past Lopez. He had to get back to the front of the visitor center. The workers were waiting for him.

"I'm sure you can spare five minutes."

"Maybe." Muldoon's steel blue eyes narrowed.

"You and I have a common interest."

"Which is?"

"You're a smart man, Robert. Don't take me for a fool."

Muldoon set the items down and turned to Lopez. Maybe if he gave a minute of his time it would make Lopez leave faster. "What do you want?"

"A wise man told me 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'."

Muldoon thought back to when he had heard that saying. It had come from Lopez when he was stranded on Isla Sorna.

"And who's this wise man be?"

"Roland Tembo."

"He's foolish," Muldoon said. "You don't get far in this world with an inflated ego."

Lopez grimaced, but ignored his words. That rivalry was between Tembo and Muldoon. He knew Tembo wouldn't want him interfering, even to help him.

"Do you know who my friend is in that equation?"

"I have better things to think about."

"I'm not leaving anytime soon."

Muldoon's steel blue eyes revealed no emotion. "Who is your so-called enemy?" he asked, dryly. "That you claim we share."

Lopez grinned, thrilled that Muldoon was finally showing interest in what he was talking about.

"Dennis Nedry. I'm sure you've wanted to take him out for a long time."

Muldoon didn't reply. He thought of what Arnold told him earlier: Nedry was manipulating him and Muldoon had let his guard down. It was true; he had let his guard down a lot. Many things had changed since Isla Sorna. The mutual hatred between him and Nedry had evaporated.

Lopez on the other hand—Nedry had mentioned they didn't get along. Muldoon had noticed it too. What would teaming up with Lopez do? Nothing, Muldoon thought. Moreover, he didn't want to affiliate himself with anyone from Biosyn, even if it were Lawala or Sonya from his past. He acknowledged that he had a different connection to Nedry since he had been originally aligned with InGen. But, Lopez…?

"You're shaking your head," Lopez growled.

"I have no interest in taking out Nedry, anymore than I want to be bothered with you." He turned back to what he was doing.

"That stupid felon deserves to be six feet under."

Muldoon's eyebrows rose in surprise. He had no idea Lopez's hatred for Nedry went that far. "It's not my place to say where he deserves to be."

"You know that isn't true."

"Strike what I said. It's not my place to say he deserves death. Anyway, I have things to do."

He pushed past Lopez, who grunted.

"You'll regret this…but I'll leave on a positive note. Should you change your mind, and I'm sure you will—"

"Don't count on it."

"You know where to find me."

oOo

"He's an immature jack-ass. I wished he'd drown himself in the ocean," Sonya grumbled as she opened the double doors to the cafeteria. "I'm not even hungry."

"Sounds like he really pissed you off," Lawala said.

Sonya whirled around. "You think, George?"

"You know it's not true, so don't worry about it."

Lawala watched Sonya sit down with Lopez and Tembo, his suggestion ignored. He might as well have been talking to the wind. Sonya had told him what happened earlier: Nedry hinted that she was fooling around with Tembo and Lopez. He didn't know why she cared so much, since she thrived on attention.

He knew she was shocked to see Nedry return, but other than that…everything was usual. Already, Nedry was infuriating everyone. It's what he always did and Lawala knew well enough not to pay attention to his nonsense. Then again, Nedry didn't go out of his way to irritate Lawala. Lawala noticed this right away, but kept his thoughts to himself. He was secretly glad to see Nedry was okay, although he would never reveal that to the team. Lawala had learned long ago the less he said, the better off he was.

"Are you sitting with us, George?"

Lawala turned when he heard Lopez's voice. Lopez gestured to the empty seat beside him. Tembo and Sonya sat next to each other across from him. Lawala went over to the table.

"What's up?"

Lopez pointed at Dodgson, who sat alone at a table, waiting for someone. Seconds later, Dodgson gestured at an empty chair to Nedry, who sat down across from him.

"That lowlife is trying to reclaim his spot as Dr. Dodgson's crowned jewel. I won't let him get away with it." Lopez glared at Nedry, who was oblivious to what was going on with the Biosyn team.

Lawala resisted the urge to tell Lopez to knock it off. Even resisting the urge to shake his head took a huge effort on his part. Lawala took great care to not give away what he truly felt towards the team. You're getting upset over nothing, he wanted to tell Lopez. Get over yourself. Instead, he simply glanced in Dodgson's direction and then redirected his attention back to the team, hoping for something to distract the team from griping about Nedry's return.

"May I join you guys?" Wu asked, coming over.

Lopez glanced at him and pointed. "Yeah, bring a chair over. We have lots to discuss."

"If it's about Dennis," Wu said, his dark eyes flashing, "no comment."

oOo

"I still don't trust him, but he's here now," Arnold said, glancing at Nedry, who sat across from Dodgson. He sighed reluctantly. "We just have to wait and see what happens."

Grant listened as he finished eating his dinner. He understood Arnold's perspective about Nedry, but his mind was on Wu, who just entered the cafeteria and sat with the Biosyn team. Wu completely ignored InGen as though they didn't exist. Arnold had explained it was better when Wu gave them the cold shoulder. It was either that or he'd insult the InGen staff nonstop. Grant shook his head, still in disbelief that Wu had abandoned InGen to join Biosyn. When they had arrived in Costa Rica, Lex had described Wu's transformation from a friendly InGen employee to a disrespectful Biosyn team member.

"Robert hasn't been himself—but don't tell him I told you that."

"You've had this conversation with him before?" Grant asked.

"Too many times that I've lost count. He'll always be my friend no matter what. I just hate to see you-know-who manipulate him."

Grant nodded. "Ian bailed him out on the condition that he would help InGen. I'm going to stay optimistic on this one."

"At least one of us is," Arnold said, chuckling a little.

"We have to be," Grant said. "It's tough, but we can't give up hope."

"Maybe it won't turn out bad, but who knows. The way things work on this island, I'm prepared for the worst; I'm actually expecting it."

Grant smiled. "You sound like Ian."

"I know."

"Hey!"

Grant turned around at the person who had shouted 'hey!'

"Not you, Dr. Grant. I'm talking to Ray."

Grant stared at Wu. Wu leaned back in his chair in a cocky posture totally unlike him. Who was Wu? No one knew anymore.

"Put out your damn cigarette! Didn't you read the sign when you came in? This is a non-smoking area!"

Tembo, Sonya, and Lopez laughed hysterically. Lawala appeared bored and annoyed; it was hard to tell which one he felt more. Wu was seated at the edge and rocked back and forth.

Arnold was about to respond and stopped when Grant shook his head.

"Don't give him the time of day, he's not worth it."

"Everyday he regresses," Arnold said. "It's like he was never with us. Sometimes I wonder if he was with them all along."

Grant nodded. It was sad to see how Wu acted, now that he was with Biosyn. He then remembered he had to speak with Ellie at her greenhouse. That was the one good thing about his return: he was rebuilding his friendship with Ellie and Malcolm. They had a long way to go, but the process had begun. That was the most important thing. Malcolm had helped with that and Grant was grateful he took the lead. The three of them would mend what had been broken before. Grant wondered if InGen would ever mend itself.

"I have to get going, Ray. I'll speak with you soon."

"No problem. Take it easy, Dr. Grant," Arnold said.

Grant smiled. "Call me 'Alan'. I can do without the formalities."

He left the cafeteria. Arnold watched him leave and then turned to Dodgson and Nedry. He watched them talk and wondered what was going on. Muldoon came in minute and sat across with Arnold. Arnold noticed Lopez glared at Muldoon as he came over. Muldoon appeared not to notice or care.

"How's it going?" Muldoon asked.

Arnold pointed and Muldoon glanced in the direction. Nedry and Dodgson were engaged in a heated conversation.

"There he is, helping us out to the best of his ability," Arnold said. "Yeah, right." He stubbed his cigarette in his ashtray.

oOo

Dodgson folded his hands on the table. A plate of poached salmon sat in front of him, half eaten. He had requested for Nedry to meet him here so they could discuss his future in Biosyn and if he still had (or wanted) a place on the team. This was the most "professional" decision Dodgson had ever made in his career, considering how unethical he was.

Nedry came over and sat down after Dodgson invited him. He watched Dodgson enjoy his dinner, and realized this was one of the few times he had no appetite. Dodgson had offered to order him a meal and Nedry declined. He wanted to get this over with.

"Thank you for showing up on time," Dodgson said.

Nedry nodded.

"So let's talk about your place in the company. We went over it briefly. Before I begin, is there anything you want to ask me? I'm sure you have lots of questions."

Nedry didn't hesitate. "I do."

"Whenever you're ready."

Nedry glanced at his right hand covered with white bandages. He shivered when he remembered the brutal beating he received from the Biosyn team. It's now or never, he thought. "Why did you have everyone gang up on me?"

Dodgson shrugged. "I don't understand the problem."

"You don't understand the problem?" Nedry asked incredulously.

"No, I don't."

"You know what you did—you watched it happen!"

"Oh, that," Dodgson said, playing with the napkin on his lap. He sighed and met Nedry's hateful stare. "My feelings were hurt."

Nedry's jaw dropped. "Hurt? Lewis—you got the team to beat the hell out of me because your feelings were hurt?"

"It's more than hurt feelings." Dodgson leaned over the table. "You lack discipline, Dennis."

"I don't believe you."

"Believe me, it's true."

"No, I mean I can't believe you almost had me killed over your 'hurt feelings' crap."

Dodgson smiled, knowing he had control of the conversation. "Everyone has faults—let's examine Biosyn's employees." He pointed at the table where his team ate dinner. "Roland is hot-headed and thinks he knows it all. Raúl has a violent streak that he doesn't control very well—"

"He makes no effort to."

"Let me finish! George Lawala isn't with the program. You have to constantly get on him to follow through; he wasn't always like that. Sonya, I have no complaints about except her using her feminine wiles to get what she wants—it's not always a bad thing. Henry's a new acquisition. So far, I have no complaints about him."

"Who gives two craps about those jerks? I already gave you my assessment of them."

"Yes, and this is my assessment of them. Howard's a weakling and George Baselton is indecisive."

"Can we move on?" Nedry asked, impatiently.

"Absolutely. Back to you: you lack discipline. Face it, Dennis, if it weren't for me, you'd still be locked up in a ten by eight prison cell blaming everyone for your mistakes."

"That's not true."

"It is." Dodgson said, picking up the elegant napkin holder. He examined it and then set it down. He pointed at Muldoon. "Do you know why you hate him so much?"

"I don't hate him anymore."

"That's not what I'm asking you. I'm asking do you know why you hate him so much."

"And I said I don't hate him anymore."

"Focus on the question at hand."

Nedry sighed. "Because he testified against me. He was there when I first got arrested."

"No, because he's the quintessential goody-two-shoes. He's everything you're not—patient, hard-working, honest, serious, and focused. You wish you could be like him. You dream about it all the time." Dodgson shook his head, as though he pitied Nedry. "But you're not Robert Muldoon. You fall short of his mountain-high standards, and you always will."

Nedry glanced in Muldoon's direction and met his cold stare. His scars seemed more pronounced whenever he had a serious expression on his face, which was most of the time. Nedry hated when Muldoon stared him down, it unraveled him. He didn't say anything; he just stared, unblinking and unemotional like raptors he despised. Nedry wondered if Muldoon knew how similar he behaved to that particular dinosaur.

"He has self-respect and discipline—you don't."

"Then hire him since you admire him so much."

"Envy will get you nowhere." Dodgson laughed. "We both know Muldoon would shoot himself in the head before working for me."

"He has too much integrity for you, Lew, and just to clarify: I'm not envious of him, I respect him."

"You've really changed," Dodgson made sure his sarcasm was over the top. "Respecting the man who put you away. Should I be impressed?"

Nedry ignored his snide comment. "I know someone who's so jealous he bleeds green—Raúl Lopez. Son of a bitch was always pissed about my position on the team."

"That's his problem."

"It became my problem that night in the cell. I've never been punched so hard in my life. My face was numb for days. I couldn't even see out of my left eye."

"You should be thankful you're still alive."

"I am." Nedry waved to Lopez who gave him the middle finger. "See, I show gratitude. He should too."

"You still lack discipline. You need to learn to focus and apply yourself in one place. You're scattered and don't know what you want."

"And I suppose you're going to guide me?" Nedry asked, coldly.

"I will if you let me."

"I can guide myself."

"You need my experience and assistance. Anyway, enough of that, we're going in circles. Let's talk about dinosaurs."

Nedry grimaced when Dodgson changed the topic. Dodgson loved to do that when he knew he couldn't get anywhere with an issue, but he'd eventually go back to the original topic.

"What about the dumb lizards?"

"They're not dumb," Dodgson sounded like a frustrated eleven-year-old trying to explain to his mother why dinosaurs were the best thing in the world. "See, this is what I'm talking about. I wish you had more fear in your heart."

"I wish those reptiles never existed. It'd save you and John the trouble you both have with each other."

"For a moment, humor me."

Nedry tapped his foot on the floor. He'd humor Dodgson.

"Imagine what it'd be like if I owned Jurassic Park. What if I were CEO of InGen?"

"I'd like to imagine Sonya in a silk red thong—that's far more appealing than you being the CEO of InGen."

Dodgson ignored him. "I'm going to rule this island. Everyone will leap at my command and the dinosaurs will be completely controlled. There will never be a problem as long as I'm in charge. If anyone has a problem, they can do jumping-jacks in the t-rex paddock."

"You're insane."

"Nobody better start anything they can't finish, otherwise they'll find themselves on the other side of the electrified fences. Even the dinosaurs will fear me. If they act up, they won't get fed."

"You can't control them. You know what? I'll let Dr. Malcolm educate you on what happens when you attempt to control a living species in a park environment."

"They'll be frightened when they hear my step. My breathing will strike terror in their hearts."

"You're delusional," Nedry said between laughs.

Dodgson straightened up in his chair and removed his tinted shades. He was very serious about his aspirations.

"I'm in control. No one can go above me. I rule this island and this park, every last part of it from the blades of grass to each brick in the building's foundations—all of that belongs to me. Every cell in the dinosaurs is mine. Every drop of blood, I keep. They don't own themselves. I own the resort, the plants, the food, the water, the sunlight hitting the island, the clouds and fog surrounding the high areas—every damn thing. I own my team and I own InGen."

"You think you're God?

"Sometimes."

"You need the fear of God in your heart."

"Why's that?"

"Listen to yourself. That's all I have to say." Nedry stood up to leave.

"Sit down!" Dodgson ordered. "I'm not finished with you. We're not done talking."

"I thought we were."

"Sit down and let's finish."

Sighing, Nedry sat down again. He had stopped laughing and now drummed his fingers loudly on the table.

"Like I said before, my feelings were hurt. I gave you everything you wanted."

"You gave me nothing!" Nedry shot back. "Only you would believe that 'I made your wishes come true' bullshit. Save it for that fame-starved Dr. Wu."

"I disagree: I gave you what you wanted. I gave you money and a chance to use your computer skills again. Most of all, I granted you your freedom."

Nedry looked away, refusing to listen again to Dodgson's emotional manipulation. Nearby, Muldoon drank from his flask; he watched them, quiet and ever observant.

"For a price. For a price, you did those things. It wasn't out of the kindness of your heart."

"Everything has a price." Dodgson shrugged as if to say: that's life, kiddo.

"That's true, but—"

"But nothing! I gave you what you wanted. Heaven help me, I sound like a scratched CD. Then you have the nerve to backstab me. Come on, Dennis. I'm not John Hammond. I'm not going to take it."

Nedry clenched his fist and brought it under his chin, restraining himself from knocking out Dodgson. He was furious by his pronouncement: I'm not John Hammond. I'm not going to take it. Dodgson never stopped. He didn't possess a sliver of compassion.

"Leave Hammond out of this. You know why I left."

Dodgson glanced around the cafeteria and then met Nedry's insistent gaze. "I do?"

"Yes, you do. People got injured."

"People like who?" Dodgson asked in a loud voice. "People you hated? People you hurt because you blamed them for your failings?"

Nedry couldn't speak for a moment and it seemed like the entire cafeteria had silenced to hear his confrontation with Dodgson. He glanced behind him and saw Arnold sitting with Muldoon. Muldoon had put his flask away and Arnold lit a cigarette. Both men were watching and listening.

"Look, Muldoon got scratched. Big fucking deal. Hammond has a hard time communicating; he's always had that problem, only now it's worse. So he can't feel his left arm. Am I supposed to stop my life for those inconsequential things?"

Nedry stared at Dodgson in disbelief. "I'm not answering that question."

"Why? It's a good question that warrants an answer."

Nedry shook his head. "It doesn't. You're ridiculous."

"So are you."

"No, I'm just…" Nedry trailed off wondering what direction to go in.

"You're just what? Confused? Depressed? Get over it and you'll be fine. Like I told you awhile back: our professional relationship is symbiotic. We both benefit from it. You need something and I supply it. It's that simple."

"If only it was."

Nedry looked at the wall past Dodgson. It was the only thing he could do at this point. What he really wanted to do was slam his fist into Dodgson's face, but he didn't dare chance it. Not with the Biosyn team sitting nearby. Nedry glanced over his shoulder at them and grew angry. He couldn't believe he was holding back from striking Dodgson—and all because he was afraid they would retaliate against him. Get a grip, Dennis, he told himself. They're lousy screws who've flunked at life. He was lost in his thoughts and then heard a fist pound on the table. Dodgson recaptured his attention.

"It's very simple! When I first approached you about stealing embryos, I didn't twist your arm. I said this is what I need and this is what I'll give you if you steal for me. You needed the money and I was more than happy to give it to you, under the condition that you followed through with our bargain."

"What about Henry? Was it the same?"

Dodgson looked at Nedry as if he five hands on each arm.

"What about Henry? Don't concern yourself with him. Back to our discussion. I don't twist arms. Usually, I don't. It's rare when I have to break a person's arm to get what I want, but if I have to, then I will."

Nedry sighed. Talking to Dodgson was like riding a wild, out of control carousel. You went in circles faster and faster, until you felt dizzy and wanted to get off the ride. He decided to try one more time.

"Why did you do it?"

"I already gave you my answer. Take it or leave it."

"Why?"

"I wanted you to know firsthand what betrayal feels like…physically. I wanted you to experience the intense pain a person feels when you take advantage of their trust. It's hurts, doesn't it?"

Nedry stared at the table and then down at his hands on his lap. He touched the bandages wrapped around his broken fingers. When he didn't answer, Dodgson continued.

"You were incarcerated for two years when I sent Sonya and Lopez to get you."

Nedry shook his head. "One year, three hundred sixty-four days, twenty-two hours, and thirty-odd minutes." He grinned, pleased by his exact count.

"If you want to be exact about it," Dodgson growled. "One year, three hundred sixty-four days, twenty-two hours, and thirty-odd minutes. Whatever. Give a few more hours; you would've been locked up for two years. During that entire time, you didn't learn a damn thing. You walked in a traitor and walked out a traitor."

Nedry shrugged. "Your point is?"

Dodgson leaned across the table. "That's exactly my point. Your indifference to anybody except yourself is repulsive."

"And you're a big hypocrite—but that's another conversation for another day."

Dodgson blinked at Nedry's words. Okay, Dennis, you got me there, but he didn't voice it. Instead, he continued on as if Nedry hadn't said anything.

"I had to show you how I felt."

"You did. Remember Roland? King? Baselton? A kid named Eric Kirby who had no idea what he was doing or getting into?"

"It wasn't enough. Besides, you got away."

"You sound disappointed."

"I was, but I promised I'd make you pay for your betrayal. Which you did and I was there to witness it. This time, you learned your fucking lesson."

Nedry held up his bandaged hand to show tangible proof that he had learned what Dodgson wanted to teach him. Dodgson nodded, pleased. He picked up the salt-shaker between them and sprinkled salt over his meal. He was aware that he was the only one who had an appetite in the entire cafeteria. Nedry watched Dodgson eat his dinner, completely unmoved by what he proudly admitted.

"I was devastated when you left."

"No, you were infuriated."

Dodgson slammed the salt-shaker on the table. "Can you blame me? I paid a doctor barely out of medical school five hundred thousand dollars to take care of your ankle!"

"That I didn't want to see."

"You injured my employees and laughed."

"You thought it was funny when you sent them to kill me."

"I put you above everyone! Including Raúl."

"You need to talk to him about that."

"I wasted time and money trying to cultivate you."

Nedry pointed an accusing finger at Dodgson, who immediately became quiet.

"That's where you messed up, Lew. No one 'cultivates' me. No handcuffs-happy corrupt cop, no D.O.C. prison warden; no self-righteous macho animal hunter; no 'spare-no-expense' dreaming billionaire, and definitely no ruthless geneticist can tame me even if he's paying up a seven digit salary. Am I surprised that you had the team beat the hell out of me for ditching Biosyn? No, not really. I was more shocked when Roland held a gun to my face on the reason that he was, as he so eloquently put it, 'being paid to'."

Dodgson's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you demanding a reason or even an apology from me if you know what I'm about?"

Nedry thought for a moment, aware of the sheer silence that had followed right after he told Dodgson that he couldn't be cultivated. No reason came to him.

"I don't really know. I guess I'm sorry for things I did in the past." He turned around to where the InGen staff sat nearby. Arnold's blank stare told Nedry he wasn't convinced and Muldoon's expression was impossible to decipher.

Dodgson let out a hoarse laugh. He speared his fork into the salmon on his plate.

"You say you're sorry, but you're not. The old cliché is true: actions speak louder than words. If you were truly sorry, you would be sitting over there with them." He pointed at the InGen staff with his fork.

Nedry thought of "them". Arnold and Muldoon were counting on him to rid the island of Biosyn. Muldoon believed he would keep his promise and Arnold made it clear that he didn't want him around. It was weird—one moment everyone hated him and wanted him off the island and wanted his assistance the next moment.

"Then I'll go sit where I belong."

Nedry stood up from the table and started towards Muldoon and Arnold when Dodgson got up and blocked his path.

"Let me make myself clear," he said, snatching Nedry's intact wrist. "You're a brilliant system analyst and I'd hate to see you be unable to type again because you insist on playing tag with your old friends."

Nedry pulled his hand out of Dodgson's grip. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying come back to where you belong. You have security, money, and the ability to still type with one hand." Dodgson smirked. Don't lose it forever."

"Thanks for the heads-up. Does this conclude our meeting?"

"It does. The choice is yours."

"I appreciate your professionalism."

Nedry turned his back on Dodgson. He could feel Dodgson glaring at him, but he ignored it. There was a loud thumping sound behind him as Dodgson shoved his chair aside and sat back down. Nedry grinned and left the cafeteria.

oOo

For the next three weeks, Nedry's return continued to cause commotion on the island. It was obvious to everyone that Nedry's return overshadowed Grant's, although InGen was thrilled to have Grant back, while Biosyn was infuriated by the mere thought of Nedry rejoining their ranks.

Regardless of who returned, one thing remained the same: Biosyn still held InGen at their mercy. Everything was at a standstill and Malcolm wondered when the InGen staff would put their plan into action. It came down to when and how Nedry would cause Dodgson to fail. Sometimes Malcolm was confused. Did Nedry plan to show InGen how to make Dodgson fail? Then Malcolm remembered it had to do with thwarting Dodgson's plans, but as far as Malcolm knew, Dodgson hadn't brought up any major plans recently…he would mention them and then not follow through, which was strange, since Nedry had advised him to take Dodgson at his word. Based on this, Malcolm wasn't sure what direction to take and it didn't help that the InGen staff still lacked the morale to fight back. Furthermore, they remained divided about the situation.

Arnold still doubted Nedry's loyalty, Muldoon kept trying to convince him and they would squabble about it. Harding felt they shouldn't rely on Nedry and that InGen should stick up for themselves without the help of someone who had once backstabbed them. Instead of depending on Nedry, Harding favored going along with Grant since Grant was reliable and loyal to InGen. Gennaro watched Nedry, but never acknowledged his presence. Tim and Lex continued to stay occupied in the staff lodge's recreation room. They were inseparable and it was best that they stay like that. Gennaro hadn't said anything to Lex or Tim in a long time which was appreciated by everyone on the InGen side, especially Arnold and Malcolm. Grant assisted Harding and went back to his usual tasks of observing the dinosaurs' behavior in the park and helped Ellie and Malcolm.

Surprisingly, Dodgson hadn't commented or reacted to Malcolm's, Grant's, or Lex's return. He seemed more focused on wooing Nedry back to Biosyn. Malcolm wasn't sure about his intentions. Maybe it had to do with that computer database Dodgson had spoken awhile ago in the cafeteria. Malcolm observed him carefully. Dodgson knew they were back, but he behaved as though they presented no threat to him. He once started to approach Grant, and then appeared to change his mind. From that day onward, Dodgson never bothered with Grant or Malcolm. He didn't even send Lex a second glance.

It was Nedry he kept talking to and asking about. That in itself was causing a stir among the Biosyn team. Lopez ranted about Nedry to anyone who would listen, Tembo and Sonya quietly fumed about it, Wu acted indifferent, and Lawala didn't seem to care one way or the other. Baselton and King avoided Nedry whenever they could. They'd glare at him when his back was turned, but never confronted him head on. Malcolm was glad to know something was brewing with InGen's arch-rival, even if it was on a tiny scale.

Three weeks after their return, Malcolm ran into Harding in the early morning hours by the park's gates.

"When are we kicking them off our island? We carried out the plan and now you, Lex, Dr. Grant, and Dennis are back. We have to get a move on. The longer we put this off, the more Biosyn stays here and tries to make this island theirs."

Malcolm nodded. "I understand what you're saying. We all have to be patient and wait. Things are going to work out for InGen, you'll see."

"'Be patient'?" Harding asked, not hiding his annoyance at Malcolm's suggestion. "I've waited long enough and so has the rest of the staff!"

"We'll get to it. I'm still waiting to hear from Dennis about his plan to make Dodgson fail."

Harding's jaw dropped and he quickly shut his mouth, as though worried that his expression had revealed his true feelings. "You actually trust him?"

"I wouldn't say it exactly on those terms, but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."

Harding shook his head.

"What is it?" Malcolm asked. "Is there something I need to know?"

"Haven't you noticed he's been talking with Dodgson more?"

Malcolm froze. He had noticed that, but ignored it up to now. The reason he had not made an issue of it was because Nedry periodically let him know what was going on with Biosyn. When Dodgson made phone calls to executives in Biosyn's Cupertino office, Nedry told Malcolm. Just the other day, he had informed Malcolm that Dodgson was still trying to convince Biosyn's CEO, Bill Steingarten, to visit Jurassic Park.

"I'm aware of it. Right now, we have to focus on executing our plan."

"Which we need to do right away," Harding emphasized. "And what is this 'plan' exactly? There's all this talk about plans, but no force or action behind it."

Malcolm became silent. He understood Harding's frustration at the vagueness of 'the plan'. Even he didn't know for sure how it would come about. In a way, he was too embarrassed to tell Harding that and he didn't want him to lose hope. So he decided to address it in another way.

"We'll know when it's happening. I'm sure of it."

"You think so?" Harding was still unsure.

"Absolutely."

Harding nodded slowly and then left so he could work on his tasks. The skepticism he felt now transferred to Malcolm. As Malcolm thought about what they had discussed, a small part of him wondered about Nedry's loyalty. Harding's and Arnold's stance was understandable. At the same time, Malcolm chose to put his faith in Nedry. Muldoon did too, which came as a shock to everyone. So far, Nedry had proved to be helpful even if it wasn't in an overt manner. It was only a matter of time before the truth surfaced. The following evening Malcolm was forced to question Nedry's true intentions and if he had made the right decision to bail him out of jail...

oOo

"Did I tell you that I've been pursuing the beautiful Dr. Sattler?"

Everyone in the cafeteria stopped eating. Forks and spoons clattered to china plates in response to Dodgson's announcement. Dodgson grinned; satisfied with the silence he received from everyone. It meant he had their full attention.

"She loves it when I chase her around the park," he continued, "one of these days, I'm gonna corner her in the greenhouse—"

"Lew! There are children present," Nedry said, gesturing towards Lex and Tim. "I catch your drift; you don't have to say anything else."

Malcolm's face reddened. Ellie had her fork lifted in mid-air and placed it on her plate. They stared at Nedry, wondering what he would say next. Tim and Lex sat with Grant and Harding, pretending to eat their food, although they were listening to the conversation.

There was snickering from where Lopez, Sonya, Lawala, and Tembo sat.

Lawala didn't laugh. Without a word, he stood up and left the cafeteria. Wu sat with Gennaro, glaring at Nedry. Baselton and King walked in and stopped when they heard Nedry say: "I catch your drift; you don't have to say anything else". Muldoon and Arnold exchanged a glance. Arnold shook his head and Muldoon held up his hand, gesturing for him to wait before making an immediate judgment.

No one spoke.

"Once you conquer her, you'll definitely conquer Jurassic Park. It's only a matter of time," Nedry said, "but she doesn't want you; she already has two guys fighting over her, Dr. Grant and Dr. Malcolm. They're like Mario and Luigi and she's Princess Peach, Toadstool—whatever that damsel in distress calls herself these days. You can't forget Toad—that would be Robert or Tim."

"What about our guys?" Dodgson said, following along with Nedry's Super Mario Brothers analogy.

"You're King Bowser, you know that big Koopa King. His kids are the Biosyn team. Look at Sonya, she looks just like Wendy. Roland thinks he's Roy. Raúl is Bowser Jr., that's an obvious one. Lawala is Morton. Lemmy and Iggy are Baselton and King. Henry is Larry. I think I got 'em all."

Dodgson chuckled. He didn't mind that everyone was compared to the classic video game. "What about you?"

"I'm Ludwig, the smartest Koopaling. The rest of InGen, they're all goombas and koopa troopas, you can easily stomp them out."

"I've already done that," Dodgson said. "I'll keep stomping on them until it kills them."

Everyone in the cafeteria listened to their conversation take on a sinister note.

"You gotta get Dr. Sattler when she's alone—throw her off guard," Nedry encouraged him.

"Or throw her over my shoulder and bring her to Hammond's bungalow. It's going to happen sooner than she knows, she loves playing hard-to-get," Dodgson said, smacking his lips loudly at Ellie. "Look at her: is she the cutest little blonde pussy you ever saw, or is she the cutest little blonde pussy you ever saw?"

Nedry eyed Ellie with indifference. "I've seen better."

"She's mine," Dodgson said, leering at her.

"She's hotter than Sonya, that's for sure. Hey, you know what you should do?"

"What's that?"

"Ellie Sattler vs. Sonya Durant," Nedry said, holding up his hands as though he were putting up a sign with the women's names. "Mud wrestling match in front of the visitor center. Winner gets to spend quality time with Lew Dodgson for a week."

"No, it should be, 'winner gets to spend the night with Lew Dodgson'. That's more to the point," Dodgson stated, as though this was serious business. "Who do you think will win?"

"Maybe Sonya, she's rough," Nedry said, thoughtfully. "Dr. Sattler's dainty, then again, she might sock Sonya in the chest and pull out her hair. Imagine all the bitch-slapping and hair-pulling!"

Dodgson nodded eagerly. "That's spicy!"

"You'd be the winner, Lew."

"How so?"

"If you got in the middle of it…"

"Dennis!" Dodgson said, in an exaggerated prim tone. "There are children present!" He gestured towards Lex and Tim.

Nedry waved them off. "You catch my drift."

"Oh yeah, I love the way your mind works."

They continued their conversation as though everyone was interested in hearing their perverse fantasies.

Ellie slammed her fork and spoon on her plate. She didn't know whether to scream or cry. She had to get out of the cafeteria—and fast. She couldn't go to her greenhouse. Sonya had made it impossible for her to go there. Anytime Ellie went near it, she had to fight against the tears from seeing it destroyed. She could never escape to that place again.

"Ellie, ignore it. Dennis doesn't mean a word of what he's saying," Malcolm said. "It's Dodgson egging him on." He grasped her hand, holding it firmly.

She shook her head and closed her eyes. She could hear Nedry laughing and Dodgson heaping on details of his fantasy mud-wrestling match. She was tempted to throw her plate in their direction, but restrained herself. When she opened her eyes again, Malcolm was pleading with her. His mouth moved, but she didn't hear his words. Nedry's chuckling and Dodgson's booming voice blocked out anything Malcolm was telling her. Sonya's cackling echoed loudly in the background. She rose quickly and turned in the direction of the double doors.

"I'll speak with you later," she whispered through clenched teeth, yanking her hand out of Malcolm's. "I hope by then you would've reconsidered your decision to bail that asshole out of jail."

Ellie raced towards the doors, and without looking back, she left the cafeteria.

Malcolm watched her leave. He swallowed nervously as a wave of anger swept over him and his heart pounded against his chest. Arnold was shaking his head and Muldoon sat straight in his chair, stunned and silent. Malcolm looked past them and saw Dodgson smirking at him. Nedry had his hand over his mouth, suppressing his hilarity. Malcolm tried to ignore Arnold's and Muldoon's inquisitive stares. He knew what they were thinking without them voicing it, and the thoughts slammed in his mind: what the hell did we do? What the hell did I do?

oOo

"Maybe I was wrong about you the other night," Dodgson said, after Ellie left the cafeteria. His eyes lingered on the double doors for a moment, and then he turned to Nedry.

"About what?"

"I told you your actions speak louder than your words. Right now, your words speak louder than your actions."

Dodgson pointed at the table where Malcolm sat with Muldoon and Arnold. The three men glared at Nedry as though they wanted to skin him alive.

"I guess my words are deafening," Nedry said, grinning.

"Precisely." Dodgson leaned back in his chair. This was the most triumphant he had felt since arriving on Isla Nublar. "Welcome back."

oOo

They cornered him in front of the visitor center. Nedry had slinked away, trying to get away from them. They followed him, determined to find out what happened in the cafeteria. He plopped down on the visitor center's steps and sat back, humming impatiently.

"Why were you sitting with him?" Muldoon asked again. Malcolm was next to him, standing over Nedry as they interrogated him.

"Can't I sit wherever I want?"

"Yes, but—"

"End of story." Nedry tapped the steps with his good hand.

There was a long silence. Muldoon and Malcolm waited while Nedry glared furiously at them.

Muldoon tried again. "Dennis, answer the que—"

"What the hell do you want?"

"Why'd you sit with Lewis Dodgson tonight?"

Nedry gave an exaggerated sigh. "Who do you think you are—my parole officer?"

Muldoon blinked when he heard the abrupt change in Nedry's voice. It was the same harsh edge Muldoon heard when Nedry had first been arrested and during the visiting session when the prison guards had restrained him. It was hard to describe to someone who didn't know Nedry, but Muldoon knew it all too well. It's a deadly combination of hatred and arrogance, Muldoon thought.

"The question is not where you sat. It's what you said tonight," Malcolm said, taking over.

"Are you trying to censor me?" Nedry asked. "First, I'm badgered about where I sat and who I sat with; then, you're in my face about what I said. Next, you'll get the thought police on me."

"I want to know why you thought it was funny to joke about Ellie like that."

"Ask Lew, he should know."

"I'm not talking about Lew Dodgson, I'm talking about you."

"I meant nothing by it…she's too touchy." Realizing the innuendo of his words, Nedry busted out laughing.

"Why did you make crude jokes about Ellie?" Malcolm fired the question, although he knew he would get nowhere.

"Because…" Nedry said between laughs, "I'm helping you—I'm doing what you asked me to do, okay?" He laughed harder.

Malcolm and Muldoon exchanged a worried glance. There was so much to contemplate and discern.

"You're helping us by embarrassing Ellie?" Malcolm asked to confirm.

"Yep, yep, yep!" Nedry said, grinning widely. "I'm keeping my promise to help InGen, you should be more appreciative!"

Malcolm's chest heaved as he struggled to contain the anger overtaking him. His mind kept replaying the scene when Ellie slammed her eating utensils on the plate and when she had bolted from her seat to flee the cafeteria, refusing to look back the entire time. He had tried to stop her and speak with her before she left, but her mind was already made up. He never wanted to see her that angry again. He didn't even know where she had gone. There were few places where Ellie could find solace since her greenhouse had been destroyed. I'll find her later, Malcolm swore, and we'll discuss the situation with Alan. He redirected his attention to the source of the problem.

"Well?" Malcolm waited for an explanation, although none would satisfy him.

"Well, what?" Nedry said, glaring at him. "I do what I have to do."

"Then do what you should've done long ago: shoot yourself in the head," a voice said from behind. "I'll buy whatever gun you need to do the job."

Nedry rolled his eyes. He knew the owner of the voice.

"Good evening, Dr. Malcolm," Lopez said as he walked down the visitor center's stairs. "Good evening, Robert."

"Good evening, Raúl," Nedry said in a syrupy tone.

Lopez ignored the greeting. "Your days are numbered, Dennis. No one's fooled by your act."

"What act?"

"You know what I'm talking about."

"If you say so."

Muldoon and Malcolm glanced at each other, not knowing what to make of their exchange. Lopez turned to Muldoon, ignoring Malcolm's quizzical expression.

"We're dealing with a lying scumbag who gives a new meaning to the term 'two-face'."

"You give a new meaning—"

"Shut up!" Lopez snapped. "For once, just shut your big mouth!"

Nedry grinned, excited that he had infuriated him. Lopez continued to talk about Nedry to Muldoon and Malcolm.

"He hasn't learned his lesson, I can tell. Dr. Malcolm, don't be stupid—learn from your mistakes. A traitor can never be trusted. You should've never turned him loose; he's going to make hell for everyone."

"That sounds like something you'd say, Robert," Nedry said to Muldoon. "'A traitor can never be trusted,'" he mimicked Lopez, chuckling.

"Look at him," Lopez said, pointing at Nedry. "He's a manipulative son of a bitch, he connives, he lies, he steals—he hurts others and doesn't give a damn!" Lopez closed his eyes and when he spoke next, his tone was pleading—almost begging. "Don't ever give him the benefit of the doubt. Did you know he wanted to let out the raptors? When Dr. Dodgson gave us that assignment, Dennis jumped on it right away."

Muldoon now looked over at Nedry, who shook his head vehemently.

"He wanted to make hell for the InGen staff," Lopez continued, "especially for you, Robert, because he knew you hated the velociraptors. I was against this assignment from the beginning, but he was all for it."

"That's a load of bullshit if I ever heard it," Nedry said, turning serious. He locked eyes with Muldoon. "If you believe nothing I ever tell you, believe that I didn't want to release the raptors to 'make hell' for you and InGen. It's the biggest mistake I made in my life."

"Stop feeding them lies," Lopez hissed.

"I'm surprised you're not choking on that big one you just told," Nedry shot back.

Muldoon looked from Lopez to Nedry, unsure of what to think and who to believe. He recalled trying to extract the truth from Nedry when they were stranded on Isla Sorna. By now, he wasn't sure what he wanted: an apology or an explanation for what happened when the raptors were released. He wanted both, but knew he would receive neither from Nedry.

"What about tonight?" Malcolm asked, bringing everyone back to the present.

"It was a joke, Dr. Malcolm," Nedry said, casual and relaxed, "Ellie knows we were just having a good time."

Malcolm let out a deep breath. He was getting nowhere. Nedry wasn't going to let on what had taken place tonight. Better for me to remove myself before I do or say something I regret, he thought. Malcolm started up the visitor center's stairs. The only thing he could do now see if Ellie was alright. Nedry called him back. He stopped half-way and came back down. Nedry fished inside his pocket and took out a folded note. He handed it to Malcolm.

"Read this when you have a chance."

Malcolm shoved the note in his pocket. When he was less angry, he would look at it. Right now, he would rip the note to shreds. He had to find Ellie—Grant might be with her. Together, they would figure out what was going on. Malcolm smiled weakly. At least, Alan and I are on the same page about getting rid of Biosyn. He looked over his shoulder at Nedry, Muldoon, and Lopez, unsure about Nedry's behavior, but certain that right now it was best to leave. Shaking his head, he left them.

Muldoon looked up in time to see the doors close after Malcolm entered the visitor center.

"I'll leave you two alone to talk—Raúl hates it when I'm around." Nedry stood up and yawned. "By the way, Robert, you can ask George Lawala about what happened when Dodgson gave us that assignment. He'll tell you what really went down."

He walked down the stairs and headed towards the park. Muldoon watched Nedry, wondering what made him act out in the cafeteria. Is he just talking nonsense to get everyone riled up again? Or is he really back with Biosyn? Muldoon grew more frustrated as the questions buzzed around in his mind with no answers. As for asking Lawala to verify if Nedry or Lopez was telling the truth…that would have to wait.

Lopez cleared his throat.

Muldoon looked up at him. He didn't trust Lopez, and it annoyed him that Lopez felt they could be buddies based on the simple fact that they had histories with Nedry. Lopez didn't seem to care and was persistent. This was confirmed by his next words.

"The offer still stands. It's up to you. When you're ready to put that obnoxious hacker away, I'll be waiting."

---

Author's Notes: Giving credit where it's due: the "blonde pussy" quote is from Kill Bill Vol. 2 and "you don't even exist to me" is from The Craft. Thank you for reading!