Wu.

Later that night, in the small hours of the morning, hunger woke Wu up again. This great herbivore needed yet more fodder.

Patience was on his right side, pressing against him for warmth. Carefully, respectfully, he tilted his body away from her and then got to his feet. As Wu began to walk away, the sound of his footsteps woke her.

(Henry?) Patience said drowsily, raising her head, eyes half-open. (Where are you going?)

(To use the facilities and eat another ration of plants,) he told her. (I'll be back soon.)

(Ok,) she nodded, closing her eyes again.

Wu strode a few hundred yards away, walking over a small ridge. From the other side, he heard a gentle crunching.

It proved to be Muldoon, the Sauropelta extending his long neck to bite and eat conifer twigs.

On seeing Wu, he raised his head.

(Oh, hello there Henry,) he said. (Did I happen to wake you?)

Wu shook his head. (No. I just got up and came over this way to browse myself.)

(Well, we've got a good selection on the menu tonight,) the Sauropelta playfully replied. (Bushy conifers, flowering bushes, horsetails, club mosses and ferns…)

Wu inwardly grinned. (I'll be so happy when we get back into our own bodies and can eat proper human food again, instead of having to bulk-load browse like a sentient moose.)

(And so will I,) Muldoon agreed. (Along with a lot of other things. At least the taste buds of our dinosaur bodies don't find this forage half bad,) he said as he swallowed. (Which makes sense, I suppose.)

For a time the geneticist and game ranger just grazed alongside each other in the moonlight, chewing and swallowing, making gentle tearing and crunching sounds.

(Rob,) Wu said suddenly as he tilted his head to look down at the Sauropelta with his left eye, (do you think I'd make a great father?)

Muldoon was surprised. (What brought a question like that about?)

(Nothing, really,) Wu replied. (It's just that…I've come very close to losing my life today-and evidently would've on Isla Nublar anyway. So that's understandably made me pause and look back on both my life to date and my future goals in a whole new light.)

Muldoon nodded. (Can't say I blame you. I'm very impressed and pleased by the way, about how you, a geneticist of all people, sorted out the raptor pack which came for you in the forest. Killed the dominant male no less,) he added, chuckling in proud amusement.

(I thought you would be. Anyway though Rob, I know that Arnold has three children of his own of course. And Hammond had five in the course of his life. You're the father of fraternal twins yourself, Mark and Molly. So I'm just wondering-what if, after the park opens at last, what if I took a turn too?)

(So you're feeling broody towards something other than dinosaurs, huh?)

(Perhaps.) he said wistfully.

(Well,) Muldoon said simply. (Whether you want to get married to a woman and have children of your own is ultimately your choice, Henry. But as for your question, I'd say yes. Yes, I feel you'd do wonderfully as a father, and I for one, would be delighted to see that happen to you someday.)

Wu inwardly smiled. (Thanks. Why do you think that?)

(Look no further than how you've stepped up to be like one for Zane and Patience back there,) Muldoon responded, gesturing with his tail. (I am really and truly impressed, by how you've been willing to take the reins of discipline with them and be a good role model too. You've always encouraged Zane to believe in himself, chided Patience whenever she's gotten out of line, show concern for them if they're in distress or trouble.)

(You've also got an even temper, keep your cool even when something or someone is getting on your nerves. And since a big part of your job of late has been to supervise the other researchers at the park, direct and guide their efforts-well, I suspect that's fairly good practice and experience for disciplining totos in the future.)

(I do too. In fact, sometimes I think dealing with difficult children would be easier by an order of magnitude when compared to some of the people under me in the lab that I have to put up with,) he muttered.

Muldoon laughed. (Lord save us from the incompetent and bullheaded, huh?)

(Oh yes.)

(And then there's the fact that as I told Patience to comfort her after you got swept off your feet, you are an astonishingly bright man Henry. But there's no need to tell you that.)

(No,) Wu replied, inwardly smiling with pride, thinking of all the feats he and his intellect had achieved in his life. (Definitely not.)

(If there's any truth to the idea that intelligence runs in the bloodline…) Muldoon said meaningfully. (I can only barely imagine what the progeny of a man who graduated from Stanford and brought living, breathing dinosaurs back to life from the ancient blood cells in prehistoric biting insects would be capable of, how brilliant they would be. Awesome prodigies, that's what,) he said, shaking his beaked head. (Hell, now that you've got me thinking about it, I'd go so far as to say now that it would be a terrible waste of potential for you to not keep your line going Henry. It's very much worth thinking about indeed.)

(You're right. It is worth considering,) Wu agreed. (But to father children, first you need to find a woman to well, impregnate. Do you think I have any real chance as marriage material Rob?)

(I think you've got a decent shot myself,) Muldoon replied. (You're soft-spoken, not prone to bursts of temper-and when you've had enough of someone being a bloody annoyance, you usually show it in a measured manner. You're tall, and I'd say lithe in form, slender but not scrawny, walk with what I'd call an elegant gait and posture. And again, you're extremely smart-which makes you good at conversation, and I suspect you could also be quite witty if you put your mind to it. Brushing up on being more cultured would be a positive too.)

Wu lightly laughed. (Then that's something I'd better start doing when we get back post haste. And not to make you feel uncomfortable or anything Rob, but what do you think of my features? Do you think a woman would find me handsome?)

Muldoon shifted uneasily before saying, (Well, I'm not really the type to judge other men that way, Henry.)

(Just try me,) Wu coaxed.

(All right. Take this as you will, but yes, I think you do have handsome features that a woman would find attractive. There's not a visible scar on you, you have brilliant teeth when you smile, a nice shade of brown to your eyes, lips that aren't too thin or too full, and a face that looks as symmetrical as any I've ever seen. To make a long story short, you're not a bad-looking chap.)

(That's both encouraging and flattering to hear from you.)

(Just don't start getting a big head on me now,) Muldoon jokingly cautioned, making them both chuckle.

(But now let's turn this on its head,) the game ranger went on. (What are you looking for in a woman, Henry?)

Wu hesitated. (I've never really sat down and thought about that,) he admitted. (I can only say that it's the sort of thing I'd know when I saw her.)

(Not to sound shallow here,) he went on, (but I'm just going to be honest and admit that looks and beauty would play a big role in catching my interest.)

(Understandable.)

(And there are certain races that appeal to me more than others,) Wu said. (It's probably a mixture of like-attracts-like, my cultural background, and just the plain exotic appearance and grace, but I'd prefer a woman who like me, is also of Asian descent. Or Pacific Islander, maybe. Hispanic women and other mixed race ladies too, I find to be very attractive as well…But let's discuss this topic in more depth later when we get back, ok Rob?)

(That's fine.)

(And speaking of when we get back to our own bodies at the park-Lord willing,) Wu added, mentally crossing his fingers, (there's a second, more important subject I want to talk about with you Rob, that we'll have to deal with the minute we get back into our proper bodies.)

(You're talking about Mr. Double Agent Nedry over there, aren't you?) Muldoon said knowingly.

(Exactly. And I've been thinking about we should handle the situation and his punishment…)

Nedry.

Dennis Nedry slept coiled up in a ball by the dying fire, troodontid muscles twitching underneath his silver-spangled blue feathers as he dreamt.

In his dream, he was back in his human body, running from a pair of dinosaurs through the jungles of Isla Nublar. Instead of being a pair of raptors, his pursuers were much smaller, moose-sized versions of Patience's Acrocanthosaurus and Zane's Astrodon, both wearing judge's robes as they shouted at and lambasted him.

And then, suddenly, right in his path, were Wu and Muldoon in their full-sized, dinosaur bodies, looming above him as they regarded him with a furious, condemning stare.

(Thief,) Wu growled.

(Fat bastard,) Muldoon spat.

Then they both charged him, bellowing and roaring.

With a yell of terror, Nedry turned to the left and ran, racing down a trail that went between two groves of trees. And suddenly, the mud and dead fern leaves became cold concrete. The trunks of the trees became thinner, much shorter, turned silver in color, morphing into prison bars. Nedry's street clothes became an orange prison jumpsuit.

The entire forest vanished, and Dennis found himself in a prison cell with a cement floor, ceiling, and all four walls composed of steel bars. Patience and Zane, now back to hulking, massive dinosaurs, were there, staring at him with unjustified accusation and scorn. So were Wu and Muldoon, once more human. Arnold was there too, smoking a cigarette and glaring. And then, the little group parted to reveal a sneering, elderly figure, clutching a pair of handcuffs in one hand.

Hammond.

The other people eagerly gathered around as Hammond, tight-lipped, went to the lock in the front door of the cell and took out an ancient-looking key, glancing from it to Nedry and back to the key with a predatory, tense anticipation.

As the door swung inward, Hammond snapped out, "Bring him to his knees! Beat this ingrate!"

"No, don't!" Nedry shouted out. "Let me explain! John's using you all! I'm not some evil villain here, just someone who only wanted what I was ow-"

But it was no use. There were too many of them, and Zane was using a huge hind leg to block the entrance, even as he stirred the group into a greater frenzy by droning on about Nedry's planned misdeeds.

Soon, Nedry was lying on the concrete, battered and bruised, and Hammond was walking towards him with that smug coolness, cuffs in hand.

Grabbing both his wrists, the Billion Dollar Bastard yanked Nedry's arms into the air and slapped the handcuffs on them with a loud snap, yelling in his face, "You're nothing now, Dennis! We're all going to send you away to rot in a cell like this, show everyone what a rat you-"

And then, suddenly, Nedry found himself woken by the sensation of something scaly, thin and bumpy gently tapping his back. Accompanying the feeling was a British voice softly urging, (Wake up Dennis.)

Nedry groaned, and curled up tighter. (Leave me alone, Mildew,) he groaned in annoyance. (Just let me enjoy the last sleep I'll probably ever have as a free man-so to speak-for a long while.)

But he was tapped harder now, as Wu's voice spoke now. (Dennis, get up. We want to talk to you for a few minutes about what'll happen when we get sent back to the park.)

(I already know what'll happen,) Nedry replied scathingly, not opening his eyes. (You'll have some security guards come and detain me, then one of you holier-than-thou asses will call a police launch fro-)

(Actually, that's not what we have planned for you,) Muldoon interjected. (At least, not anymore.)

That got Nedry's attention. Curious and suspicious, he opened his eyes and raised his slim head. Before him stood the massive form of Wu just twelve feet away. Muldoon, having prodded Nedry awake by tapping him with his long Sauropelta tail, was turning about to face him in profile.

(What do you mean by that?) Nedry said warily.

(We'll tell you,) Wu replied. (But first, let's move away from Zane and Harriet here so that we don't disturb them.)

So Nedry uncoiled his tail, stood up, and followed them. He was half-expecting to be suckered somehow, have one of the two larger dinosaurs suddenly flip out and bite or shove him, something. So he kept a little bit of distance, knowing he had superior agility and speed compared to either member of the duo.

Wu and Muldoon both led him for 120 yards away from the fire. Then they stopped, and did an about-face, looking at him head-on, heads titled to look into his eyes better.

Nedry sighed in irritation. (You know, if both of you are going to get all self-righteous right now and skewer me for being such an evil, evil person for going over to BioSyn, do me a favor and just save it for the trial. Plus, I know what you two are going to say, how I'm a "lying disgusting backstabbing bast-")

(Actually,) Muldoon cut in, (while neither Henry nor I are at all pleased with your planned actions toward InGen, that's not our intention at all Dennis.)

He looked at them quizzically. (Then why'd you bring me out here?)

Wu sighed. (Part of me can't believe we're doing this, but Muldoon and I were just talking, and-well, we've decided to present you with an offer that I'd recommend you accept-because it's a lot better than jail.)

(Ok. Are you talking having my sentence reduced to a fine or something?)

(Here's the deal Dennis,) Wu proposed. (Rob and I-once more, we're understandably somewhat cross with you for plotting to steal embryos for Dodgson and shutting off the power. But at the same time, we also understand your frustration too, can at least see it your way.)

(Oh happy day!) Nedry said half-sardonically. (Finally you get it!)

(And we're also all very much aware that if it wasn't for you,) Muldoon added, (we wouldn't have the amber key required to do whatever we need to do around here tomorrow.)

(Damn right you wouldn't,) Nedry replied pointedly. (I went out on a limb and then some to get that precious object for you. Nice to be getting some recognition though.)

(And that's why we've decided to give you're a fairer shake than a jail cell,) Muldoon said. (A sporting chance, and, well-you tell him Henry.)

Nedry cocked his head as Wu nodded.

Exhaling, the Iguanodon which he'd thought was going to break his back yesterday with one bite spoke.

(Once more, I'm amazed that I've even considered doing this,) Wu said, shaking his long head, (but here's what's in it for you. First, Muldoon and I will pretend to turn a blind eye for twelve hours after we get sent back.)

(And then you sound the traitor alarm, right?) Nedry guessed. (You're giving me a good head start to make tracks before one or both of you squeal.)

(Yes,) Muldoon confirmed. (But there's more,) he said, glancing at Wu.

(Also,) Wu said in that measured tone, (I will allow you to take a total of twenty frozen embryos, from ten species, with whatever gadget you were planning to use to smuggle them out.)

Nedry could not believe his ears. (Are you serious?) he said in astonishment. (You're pulling my leg in some sick type of prank, aren't you?) he said skeptically.

(No, I'm not,) Wu said. (I know it seems incredible, but we both know that you won't get the money from Dodgson otherwise, and that he'll look upon you a lot more favorably, let's just say, for bringing him something back for all his trouble.)

(Holy hell. You can't be serious. I can't believe you're just letting me walk away with twenty of your precious embryos, Henry!) Nedry said, shaking his head. This had to be some trick.

(Neither can I,) Wu snorted. (I suppose I must be having a lapse of judgement and logic. They aren't the sort of things a sane person gives out like Halloween candy. But the history of life does teach us that competition among others is often a good thing in the long-term, encouraging diversity.)

(Not to look a very generous gift Iguanodon in the mouth here,) Nedry carefully said, (but Dodgson told me he wanted me to bring back fifteen species.)

(I'll only allow you to make off with ten,) Wu said flatly. (If Lewis becomes irritated at you for not bringing back everything on the roster, just tell him that you saw me or one of the other scientists coming, and you had no choice but to get out of the lab with what you could,) he shrugged. (Ten species, Dennis. Twenty embryos. Take the offer or leave it.)

This was as good as it got. He really shouldn't push the issue, he knew.

(I'll take that then,) Nedry accepted. (Yeah, I'll take that. But what's the bitter part of this now? What's the catch?) he said, giving them a sidelong glance.

(Well, first-and most importantly,) Wu replied sternly, (you'll tell me exactly what you did to shut down the security systems, and what either I or Arnold need to do to turn the power back on without having to reset the entire grid.)

(Why do I need to tell you?) Nedry said, puzzled. (Can't I just do it myself after handing the dino embryos off to Lew's guy on the boat?)

(No,) Muldoon rumbled. (Because you're going to be staying on that boat if you know what's good for you.)

(You mean…you're basically banishing me?)

(Yes,) Wu said. (Twelve hours from when we get sent back, I'm going to pretend to have discovered the theft, put two and two together after talking with Arnold-and we'll have gotten the power back on by then of course-and then notify Hammond about what you've done.)

(Great,) Nedry sniped. (Give the old bastard even more of a reason to be pissed off at me, and make yourself look like some huge goody-goody hero. Really nice, Henry,) he spat.

(I'd say I am being pretty nice,) Wu replied, eyes narrowing.

(From that moment on,) Muldoon said pointedly, (you, Nedry, are going to be persona non grata on Isla Nublar, and for that matter, any of InGen's properties. So I'd run, Dennis. While I still could. Run away, and never even think about returning.)

(Unless you really do want to be arrested,) Wu added. (And that's not an empty threat.)

They had him over a barrel. And this was as good and generous an offer as he could reasonably hope for.

(All right,) Nedry conceded. (So you'll let me take twenty dinosaur embryos and run for safety and a new life in the arms of Lewis Dodgson and BioSyn. In return, I tell you what to do to bring everything back online again, then make like a banana and split, never darkening InGen's doorstep again.)

(Precisely,) Wu said. (And if you're as smart as I think you are, you'll agree to our deal.)

(Well, let's just say that I'm nobody's fool. Offer accepted, guys.)

And they even shook on it.

A few minutes later, when Nedry walked back to where Zane and Runt were sleeping on their bellies, heads drooped, Harriet was sitting up, blinking her eyes. She greeted him with a soft chirp and coo.

(Hi yourself,) Nedry replied as he sat down six feet away from her. Unlike Patience, he would never debase himself by snuggling with a dumb animal, no matter if he was in the body of a member of the same species or not. It was just like how his dad, growing up, would never allow their wirehaired terrier, Shirley, to ride in the front seat of the car or sleep in anyone's bed, no matter how much she begged. Nor could Sylvester, their black-and-white cat. It was improper, and besides, animals needed to know their place.

As he coiled up again like a fox, Harriet walked over and began to groom his plumage. He decided to tolerate it.

But when she sat down next to him and gave an inquiring purr, requesting that he groom her now, it was too much for Nedry.

Head lunging forward, he bit her hard on the shoulder.

The female troodontid gave a chirp of surprise and leapt to her feet, backing away and giving him a hard stare. She obviously didn't like that. Was she going to bite him back in return?

(Leave me the hell alone you damn turkey,) Nedry hissed. (And if you try to bite me back, I'll return it tenfold, you hear me?)

But Harriet just stood in place. There was something about her, perhaps in her large dark eyes, or the way her head was slightly lowered, that made him feel inexplicably guilty for having bitten her. The damn prehistoric turkey actually seemed hurt, reproachful, and Nedry was then oddly ashamed of himself.

(That was a jerk move,) he admitted. (I'm sorry I did that, okay?)

Harriet gave an upset little bark.

Nedry sighed. (Come here mam,) he gently told her, touching the ground next to him. (I'll be more of a gentleman this time, all right?) Carefully, in a considered fashion, eyes always on him, Harriet walked back over.

Breathing rapid, ready to run, clearly expecting to be bitten or shoved away again, the troodontid warily sat down. Nedry turned away to help put her more at ease.

When Harriet was seated next to him, he turned his head back towards her. Lowering it, he opened his jaws-and despite his discomfort, began to groom between her shoulders. When he was finished, he allowed her to affectionately groom as much of his feather coat as she could too.

And once that was complete, for the first time since he'd seen her following them, Nedry didn't force Harriet to sleep in a spot which was well away from him. Instead, he let her stay where she was, at his side, feeling her warm body press up against his own, her heart beating as he inwardly smiled.

Maybe this prehistoric turkey wasn't such a nuisance after all…

And closing his eyes, Harriet breathing softly next to him, Dennis Nedry went back to sleep.

Toto is the Swahili word for child. As before, practice the 2 R's!