Disclaimer: I own nothing used here from the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World Universe (including Michael Crichton's books). I only own the OC of this story and the story line that differ from the previously mentioned sources.
Elliot fidgeted with her pencil dress. She wasn't one to wear anything outside of jeans and button-down shirts, but this was her first day on the job and she was to meet to operations manager of the park as soon as the boat docked. To these people, first impressions are everything. She praised herself for at least grabbing flat instead of the heels her sister insisted she bring. A broken ankle from a rocking boat wouldn't be the best first impression.
Elliot rested her forearms on the railing as she took in the salty air around her. She was on the last stretch of her long 3-day long trip to Isla Nublar. As the islands grew larger on the horizon, her stomach became tighter. Her nerves were beyond her control. But she knew she one of the very few who were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to compete for a position and work alongside Chief Paleo-veterinarian, Dr. George Jeffrey.
After several rounds of interviews, Elliot was invited for a working interview with 3 other potential veterinarians. They would work at the park under Dr. Jeffrey's supervisor for the next 4 months. One of the four veterinarians would be selected to become Dr. Jeffrey's colleague and assist him in the care of all the animals on the island.
Elliot debated coming back to the island. Her experience was one she shared with only a handful of the survivors from the incident in 1994, her father included. He was one she had the hardest time breaking the new to. He even attempted to get her on the no-fly list. She didn't blame him though. Ian Malcolm was always against Jurassic Park, even before the incident.
"Arrival time for Isla Nublar is 15 minutes. All guest are asked to have ready their hotel information before boarding the monorails." A pre-recorded voice came across the boat intercom. "All luggage can be left with staff at the docks. Be sure labels are correctly placed with your first and last name, hotel name, and hotel room. We hope you enjoy your time at Jurassic World."
Elliot turned her back to the island and rested against the railing. The wind cooled her sweaty neck. It felt good enough not to care her auburn hair covered her face. All the therapy she received due to the first experience on Isla Nublar seemed to be slipping away. She started cursing her therapist, Dr. Bell, for turning her fears into an obsession.
All kids have fears. Most are reasonable, like being afraid of the dark or heights. She only wished hers had been that simple. Dr. Bell suggested Elliot study the subject of her fears. This is how she got into the situation she was in now. She studied prehistoric creatures and predators enough to make a successful career out of it. She had worked with lions and hyenas in the African savanna. She had the scars from those lions to prove it, along with others.
To a normal person, being such a young chief veterinarian at an African conservation was the top of the world. The peak of the mountain. There was only down from there. And yet, she gave up that position and was now on this ferry heading to that island. The island that nearly ended her life far too young.
Elliot reached her hand up to her head to massage her incoming stress headache. She could still back out. She could turn around on the dock and just head back to Costa Rica. Or… she could finally face what her actions have always been leading her towards. She was, after all, the one who sent her own resume in.
"You alright, miss?" Elliot looked up quickly, pushing her hair from her face. A tall dark-skinned man was looking at Elliot curiously. She shaded her eyes as the sun beamed into her eyes.
"I'm sorry?" Elliot turned to the man.
"You alright?" He said again in a strong French accent.
Elliot gave him a small fake smile. "I'm fine. Just first day jitters is all."
"So, you're new to the Jurassic World family? Well welcome! I'm Barry." He reached his hand to her. He had a contagious smile.
"Ellies. You work here on the island, too?" Elliot shook his hand giving him a real smile this time. He nodded "It's nice to meet you. Where do you work within the park?"
"I'm a caretaker in the I.B.R.I.S. project. Not really a part of the resort. It's a research project with the…" The intercom interrupted.
"Arrival time for Isla Nublar is 5 minutes. All current personnel are asked to proceed to the east side of the unloading area to check in. Any new personnel are asked to join the guest or proceed to any scheduled location. All guest are asked to have ready their hotel information before boarding the monorails. All luggage can be left with staff at the docks. Be sure labels are correctly placed with your first name, last name, hotel name, and hotel room. Thank you for choosing Jurassic World. Enjoy."
"Well, Ms. Philips." Barry continued. "I'm sure we'll run into each other soon. It's a small island." The two waved each other off and Elliot sighed. The distraction, with what little it was, actually help her nerves. A least her was acquainted with one friendly employee.
I.B.R.I.S. project? Wonder what that is. She knew there were things happening on this island that the guest didn't see. InGen was still in charge, after all.
Elliot grabbed her bag and followed the wave of guest down the stairs to the loading dock. She was instructed to meet a Zara Young, the assistant to the Operations Manager of Jurassic World.
She could feel her heart pounding as she stepped off the ferry. She looked around observing the docks. There were so many guests who put their trust in the people who were running this island now. It had to be a good sign for the park.
Review and let me know what you think! I encourage critiquing of the story line. Nothing can be perfected without it!