Chapter Twelve
"So as you can see from the slides, the northeast grazing regions are still providing ample sustainability for the herbivores, and controlled herding has been yielding productive results.'' The projector clacked again and the room went dark for a moment before the next blurry slide refocused, allowing West a moment to take a sip of water before droning on. Sidney blew out a small breath, trying to find some sort of hidden reserve of patience and interest for the interminable boredom that was Martin West's presentation. The last two hours had felt like an eternity, and the prospect of Susan Bailey's report next did nothing to relieve the agony of this quarters meeting, or the dull ache in Sidneys arse cheeks. The stifling heat of the pokey meeting room made it all the more unbearable.
West was issuing a self-congratulatory assessment of the latest effort at vegetation analysis as Sidney took another look around the table, watching the various faces of the other heads of departments. He noted a mixture of expressions, some bafflingly enthralled, others just baffled. He wondered what category he fell into. He turned to look at images of the plant life the Parasaurolophus were apparently favouring, trying to find some enthusiasm. An impossible task. His mind was preoccupied with the recent displays of aggression one of the Buck's had shown, as well as Hannah, who was currently draped in a chair opposite him, her eyes occasionally sliding over to meet his and the smallest curl to her mouth. It was difficult to focus, considering he'd been with her again last night. Things were becoming complicated between them, and yet, he just couldn't find a way to say no to her. He rubbed his chin, trying to ignore her. He was afforded a distraction as West sat down and Susan shuffled the papers of her reports. The woman cleared her throat, tilting her head back a fraction to look down at her papers, her glasses perched on the end of her nose.
"The numbers are not good. Staff sickness seems to have increased, and work output has dropped and by all accounts we are haemorrhaging money with just the upkeep of the island infrastructure. The word from the top is that cutbacks will be introduced. Nublar is still weeks, if not months, away from opening to the public, and until then we need to brace for some tough times. I'm sorry Martin, but your team will be hit hard by this. The board also want you to reduce the numbers of your team. Connie, your administrations team will need to start picking up the pace too. The reports being run seem to indicate a certain slack in your department. Arnold's inspection the other day did not go down well. The board are looking at everyone closely. I would suggest you all speak to your teams and kick some collective ass.'' Susan took a breath, and then pulled the next paper from the pile, her pursed lips promising nothing but bad news.
"Mr Wallace,'' she said. Sidney braced himself. "You are perhaps the one ray of light in this sorry story. Animal escapes have virtually ceased and security measures look to be reliable following your last quarterly submission. I must say as well, your handlers seem to be coping well considering the recent activity and disruptions. Your handling of the logistics has been excellent. I believe the top would like to express some thanks for some stability since your appointment here. Well done.''
Sidney didn't quite know what to say. He was trying to ignore the dark looks the other managers were giving him, and the pointedly suggestive one Hannah was offering. "Not a problem,'' he managed to stutter out, feeling a flush of pride that he dared not show. Could be that he was finally making his mark after a rocky road. Robert would be pleased. Hell, he was pleased. Susan graced him with the slightest of smiles. "Is there anything you would like to add?'' Sidney had to clear his own throat now, feeling suddenly under prepared for his report. His collar was suddenly very tight.
"Um, well, let's see,'' he said, uncertainly. Hardly the image of authority and control that Susan had just painted him to be. "The handlers are running three species each, which they aren't happy about, but they are coping. Martin, I would ask that you speak with your ground teams and feeders and remind them of the importance of carrying out a full sterilisation when moving from the females to the males. Last week the Velociraptors were somewhat excitable when one of the feeders carried a females scent to the males paddock.'' West looked a bit sore but he nodded, murmuring agreement. "Brian, Nublar have requested some further batches of Herrerasaurs on the next shipment. I expect Dr Wu will have notified you but Muldoon wanted me to follow up.''
"Yes yes," said Dr Waller, frowning. "I've got my teams on it already.'' Sidney nodded, happy not to push. The lab staff tended to be somewhat more sensitive when their work was questioned or requests made of them. Especially from a warden.
"Thank you. What's next? Ah yes. Miss Lockwood, I understand you are filling in for Dr Harding at the moment?'' Sidney glanced at Hannah, trying to sound as professional as he could. Hannah was still staring at the projector screen. "Miss Lockwood?'' Hannah lolled her head to the side suddenly, her eyes lazy.
"Hmm?'' she said. Sidney's eyes widened, not quite sure if he'd heard her right. .
"Miss Lockwood, the sauropods are looking like they have picked up some sort of virus. The handlers report a few similar symptoms in the Brachiosaurs and the Mamenchisaurs. I would like you to arrange an assessment, whilst Gerry is away.'' She pouted her lips and nodded, looking anything but reliable. Sidney felt a nervous twitch tug at his guts. Seemed everyone was too busy being bored though to have noticed Hannah's apparent apathy. "Last item is for anyone going near them, the two Buck Rexes are displaying somewhat aggressive behaviour. Please exercise extreme caution around them. That's all from me,'' he finished, wanting to shift any attention from himself. Or Hannah.
"Lovely,'' said Susan, curtly. "Dr Waller, perhaps you could offer us some insight as to the progress of the Embryonics Labs now?'' Waller pompously sat up and splayed his hands on the table, launching into his own speech and boring Sidney almost immediately. He tapped on his knee as he watched Hannah, feeling a few prickles of anger. The Bucks would have to wait now. Seemed there was a bigger worry.
A painful half hour of more flapping mouths and Susan was wrapping up the meeting, grating out the deadlines for this and that and frowning as the various department heads filed out of the stuffy meeting room. Sidney followed them down the steps from the executives centre and out in to the courtyard. He watched them go their various ways, most heading to the vehicle lots. He hung back, leaning on the wooden post of the veranda, waiting for her. He took a deep breath as he heard her footsteps, the thuds of them disturbing the relative quiet of the Administration grounds.
She strutted past, hands in her pockets and her head tilted to the side.
"Han,'' said Sidney. She stopped, pivoting smoothly on her heels and fixing him with one of her looks. The sort of look that she used when she wanted some fun. Sidney was feeling anything but fun right now. "What the hell are you playing at Han?''
"Oooh, Mr Vicious,'' she purred. "I don't know what you mean.''
"You know exactly what I mean. You're drunk!'' She placed a hand on her chest in feigned indignation.
"I haven't touched a drop, Mr Vicious. Honest.'' She took his chin in her hand and jiggled it playfully. He scowled, leaning in and sniffing. No trace of alcohol. Which meant the other thing.
"What the fuck, Han!'' he hissed. "You told me you weren't doing that stuff again! Where did you get it?''
"Oh Sid, stop worrying. It was just a line! You know, to make those awful meetings just that bit more enjoyable. And you know, now that it's over, we could always carry on with what we started this morning. Or was it last night?'' He could see the blood vessels in her eyes now, the pupils massively dilated. A thin sheen of sweat was glistening on her forehead.
"No. You're going to go back to your lodge and sleep this off. I will handle your work today.''
"Oh I love it when you get all…British. Come on, you can come back with me. We can both sleep it off.''
"I'm serious Han,'' he said, brushing her pawing hands away and increasing his frown. "I'm taking you back now. Move.''
"I'm serious Han,'' she imitated, pouting. Sidney's face didn't change. "Spoil sport,'' she whined, tutting and sauntering off in front of him. Sidney looked about the courtyard, expecting to see any number of onlookers. The place was mercifully deserted but for him and Hannah.
He ushered her back towards the vehicle lot, steering her towards his jeep. More than once she tried to veer off, pushing against his grip. Testing him. Playing with him. She fell into the seat, stretching out those long legs, the upholstery sagging under her weight. Her back arching slightly, stretching out like a cat. She really was beautiful. Almost made Sidney forget his anger. Almost. She giggled as he buckled her into the front passenger seat, grabbing his chin again with a smooth hand.
"You know something Mr Vicious, if you don't play your cards right, you might have had your last chance. And you wouldn't want that, would you…?''
Sidney leant against the window, pressing his forehead to the cool glass. Glass that was tinted green with algae and thick with God knows what else kinds of grime, but it didn't matter. He didn't care. It was cool and soothing; a cold remedy for the heat of the pain in his scalp and forearm, the dull pulse of the headache, the constant nagging of his thoughts, his memories.
He opened his eyes and watched the trees flit past, tall towers that seemed to go on forever, a never ending maze that promised no escape from the island, no escape from the punishment it had sentenced him to. Once he would have spent all day wandering amongst the trees, losing himself on the trails, not caring for the trivialities of InGen, or Jurassic Park, or every countless problem or detail that needed his attention. Once, he would have soaked it all up. Soaked it all up like the alcohol that he craved every day.
Now, just like the alcohol, he feared it. Feared what lay within it, what it could do, what he couldn't control. The beat of the monorail clacked in time with the passing of the trunks, the passing of their shadows as they fell across him, one after another. He took a long, steady breath and exhaled, daring to hear the quiver in his voice. The air come out smooth, unrushed. Steady. No trace of the tremors and nerves he felt pulsing through him. He dared not believe he would get everyone out, even now. But maybe…maybe there was no harm in believing he could do it. That he had done it. And still…
"You've had your last chance Sid…''
Muldoon's words would haunt him for as long as he drew breath. He knew it. They would taint his actions, his thoughts, his decisions. And his memories most of all. Constant reminders, as if he needed them, of the people he had let down. The people he had let die. Debbie, Hector, Max. And Jophrey.
"Gatekeeper…'' He closed his eyes again, hearing those words in his head. "Jophrey, raise the gate…'' The last words before that Velociraptor has screamed. Before the transfer cage had been pushed back. Before the raptor had behaved as he knew it would. "Shoot her!'' And then he'd started running.
He shook his head, refusing to remember, like he always did. His hand felt its way to his breast pocket, like it always did too.
"Fuck,'' he breathed, feeling it empty. Mercifully empty. He'd not carried a flask there for years. But he couldn't break the habit. He ground his teeth as he realised it had broken him though. His drummed his fingers on the stock of his shotgun, feeling the embers of the anger. He traced a finger along one of the grooves in the wood, and wished he was back in Kenya. Before the grooves had been cut into the wood, and in his head. Before Muldoon had spoken to him about Hammond's next project. Their next opportunity. Before he'd ever laid eyes on a dinosaur. His drumming fingers curled into a fist.
"You've had your last chance…''
He pushed off from the window and made his way down the centre of the monorail, threading his way between the people sat on the floor, towards the driver's door. He nudged the door open and went inside. Ogawa was sat, looking strangely relaxed, at the controls of the monorail. He cocked his head sideways and gave Sidney a grin.
"Yo man,'' he said. "Everything ok?"
"I was going to ask you the same thing,'' said Sidney. Ogawa nodded, a definite snap to his movements.
"Sure is." He patted the dash, flicking a switch and pushing a couple other buttons. "Piece of cake, this thing. How much farther, do you think?"
"Could be about half an hour if we keep going at this speed, but let's not relax just yet, eh?'' said Sidney. "You just keep your eyes up front. Last thing we need is a fallen tree on the line.'' Sidney watched the track snaking its way through the trees up ahead, the world swinging gently from side to side. The forest was thick on both sides of the track, a dark frame to the brilliant blue of the sky above.
"Don't you worry, Mr Wallace,'' said Ogawa. "I got this.'' Sidney patted his shoulder, turning to leave. "Uh, Mr Wallace. Thanks.''
"What for?''
"For everything, I guess,'' said Ogawa. "You told me and Viv to man up, back on the beach, and you got us all through. Saved our lives. Got us here. I guess, I…I guess I'm just thankful. Thanks, you know. Yeah, thanks. You gave us all a chance.'' Sidney patted his shoulder again, feeling the man's gratitude threaten to break him. He nodded his own thanks, and managed a smile. Felt odd on his face. Felt like he'd forgotten how to do it.
"You're welcome.'' He turned and slid through the door, weaving back down the car. It was as if the rest of them had heard Ogawa's jabbering and thought now would be a good time to offer their own thanks. A series of smiles and nods buffeted him as he made his way between them all. The young interns were there, serving up what looked like expressions of awe. Even the likes of Sturridge, leathery old prat that he was, was giving Sidney a look of respect. As if he had doubted he could do it, and was now offering his humble thanks. Didn't really make Sidney feel any better. No amount of thanks would replace the lives of those lost. He clenched his fist again at the thought. At the failure.
Sidney pushed through the doors of the connecting according and shuffled into the second car. It was a bit less crowded in here. Grace, Andrea and Carlos, Dr Marsden, Williams and his crew were all sat staring out of the windows amongst crates of various cargo and god knows what. Well, almost all of them. Marsden was watching Sidney, and he could feel the hairs begin to stand up on the back of his neck. Behind those small glasses, the woman was like an owl, watching, always watching.
Holding onto one of the leather thongs that hung from the ceiling, he groaned internally as he saw her wander over to him, taking more care than was necessary in stepping over Andrea's crossed legs that's stretched out across the floor.
"Dr Marsden,'' he greeted, assuming as patient a tone of voice as possible. "It's been a somewhat hectic couple of days. I would have thought you would be taking this time to rest like everyone else.'' What passed for a smile graced her lips, or what he assumed was a smile.
"There will be time to rest once we are back on Isla Nublar, regaling John Hammond and Mr Muldoon of our adventures here. Or grievances, I suppose. Depends how you look at it.''
"From any angle, I would call this a nightmare, wouldn't you?''
"Well,'' she mused, "it is true there have been some tragedies.'' No emotion. No connection to the gravity or meaning of the word. Sidney ground his teeth at how removed she could be from the horrors they had witnessed. "Tragedies can be learned from though.''
"Oh, I am acutely aware of that,'' said Sidney. "Shoot her!''
"And whilst my condolences go out to the families of those we have lost, my mind is preoccupied with other concerns.''
"And do I dare ask what those are, Dr Marsden?'' asked Sidney, knowing he was taking the bait.
"Concerns I am sure you will have yourself. I am concerned about how at least two species of dangerous carnivore escaped their enclosures." She stood next to him, swaying with the motion of the monorail and tapping her fingertips together.
"Well, I would assume the hurricane had something to do with it.''
"And if the hurricane was able to damage fences of two species, enough to allow them to escape, surely that is evidence enough to suspect other fences were damaged. Wouldn't you say?''
"Aside from the Dilo's and Carnotaurs, the only other carnivores on this island are the Baryonyx, Velociraptors and the Tyrannosaurs. The raptors and Rexes have the strongest fences and security of the lot. The enclosures we have here make the ones on Nublar look like picket fences. I find it very doubtful that any storm could damage their fences. The Baryonyx maybe.''
"Humour me for a moment then, won't you Mr Wallace,'' said Marsden. "But assuming it was just the two species we have encountered, don't you find their behaviour odd that of all the island, they chose to move away from the interior.''
"Well, yes, but then you're the behaviour expert, not me.'' Sidney watched her face twitching.
"Do you remember last night, on that cliff face?'' said Marsden. Sidney frowned, recalling the eternity that it had seemed waiting for everyone to get across.
"What about it?''
"Did you not think it odd?''
"I can see that you did, Dr. Marsden,'' sighed Sidney, feeling the strength draining out of his limbs the longer he spoke with her. He very much wanted to sit down on something soft. "Ensuring the safety of our colleagues were my primary thoughts though.''
"My point is Mr Wallace that Carnotaurs, from my very brief but close observations, are predators who would prefer to use their camouflage. Ambush predators, Mr Wallace.''
"I could have told you that, Doctor.''
"Which means,'' continued Marsden, a note of irritation in her voice, "that they weren't after us. Not intentionally anyway. Our noises and scents would have no doubt drawn them, but I am beginning to suspect they were challenged by the appearance of the Dilophosaurus, who were tracking us. Hence why there was so much commotion in the forest.''
"Okay,'' said Sidney, "but what does this have to do with the animals moving away from the interior?''
"The Dilophosaurus are the smallest carnivores on Sorna, yes, aside from the Compsognathus? So is it possible that the Carnotaurus drove them away from the interior?'' Sidney thought for a moment.
"It's not impossible, I suppose.''
"Indeed. But then, why would the Carnotaurs follow? Why risk pursuing the Dilo's? Not for prey. The Dilo's can protect themselves, moving as a pack, and their venom would be a risk the Carno's would not take lightly. So why would a larger carnivore move away from the interior?'' She waited patiently for him, but Sidney was already denying the possibility she was suggesting in his mind. Its implications were too worrying. She apparently grew tired of his silence. "You see now, don't you Mr Wallace. Only something bigger, or far more dangerous, would push them out.'' Sidney bit his bottom lip, unable to dispute her logic.
"There's no way the storm could have damaged their enclosures that much though,'' he said.
"Then I very much hope that is true,'' said Dr Marsden, "and that my suspicions are wrong. However, experience has taught me that unfortunately for us, I am rarely wrong.'' Sidney began to clench the leather thong just that bit tighter. "Mr Wallace, how many Tyrannosaurs are on Sorna?''
"Six,'' he replied, sniffing.
"And of that number, how many are male?'' asked Marsden. Still so calm. Even with what she was suggesting.
"Two. We have two Bucks, and four Doe's.'' Marsden was quiet for a few moments.
"Fully grown?''
"Almost,'' said Sidney. "One of the Bucks is a full adult, and the other is maybe a year off maturity. Still, he's a big lad. InGen had it in mind to use him to breed with the Doe's. The Doe's are all slightly younger, but the females are always bigger than the males anyway. They will all look to be a similar size.''
"If the Tyrannosaurs are free, what will they do, do you think?'' asked Marsden. She was like the stone cold science teacher Sidney used to hate.
"Aside from gorging the livestock, they will more than likely begin claiming territory. The females just as much as the males. If all are free, there will be some fighting. Sorna is a big island, but they will cross paths, definitely. The Bucks will try and kill each other.'' Sidney exhaled loudly. He'd known there was always a chance more of the animals would be free, but he'd told himself so many times the Rexes wouldn't get out. He loved them, admired them. He thought of them as The Monarchs, the rulers of the island. But if they were free, he'd have to treat them as threats. His shotgun wouldn't bring them down, but a few of the slugs would cause some fair damage.
"Mr Wallace, are any of their paddocks close to the village compound?''
"Almost all of them are further inland, closer to the Observatory.''
"Most of them?'' pressed Marsden.
"The younger Bucks paddock is a couple of miles away from the village,'' said Sidney, hesitating slightly.
"What is your opinion on this animal's behaviour, Mr Wallace?''
"Typical for a Rex, I suppose,'' he said. "Proud. Fierce. A tad aggressive at times I suppose. Inquisitive though.'' Marsden nodded, looking interested for a change.
"How long to the village, do you suppose?'' asked Marsden,
"Not far now,'' said Sidney. "Few more miles maybe."
"Then let's hope those miles pass without incident,'' said Marsden, sounding as though she was hoping for the opposite. She gave him a curt nod and one of those strange facial twitches, turning on her heel and returning to her corner. Sidney watched her go, feeling any trace of optimism ebbing away with her.
He returned his attention to the passing forest, watching the dappled light of the sun stab through the mirk. The trees were beginning to thin, the dense vegetation receding slightly and the space between the trunks widening, allowing everything to breathe. He kept expecting to see the youngest Buck come crashing through the trees at them, ploughing its way through and bellowing in rage. He thought back to the last time he saw it, pacing its enclosure and using the pronged fences to scratch its jaws, a habit it had displayed since he'd first laid eyes on it. Hannah had been with him, under the pretence of needing to administer an inoculation of some kind. Instead she'd spent most of the time pawing at him, tempting him. And of course, he'd given in. He closed his eyes again, remembering the smell of her hair, the hiss his fingertips made as he traced the smooth flesh of her arms.
His thoughts gave way to the last time he'd seen her, leaving her cabin moments before the ship had exploded. His stomach rolled with the regret of not staying with her, of keeping her safe. But he knew why he'd taken off when he'd heard those gunshots. He'd needed to direct his fury away from his failures. And away from her. The leather thong creaked as he clenched it, his anger flaring. A hand patted him on the shoulder.
"You're doing your brooding thing again, Sid,'' said Grace, leaning her head against him. "Relax a little bit huh? We are getting out of here. You're getting us out of here.''
"Thanks Grace.''
"Thought you were going to tell me to piss off,'' she said. "There's hope for you yet.'' He put his arm around her and gave her a squeeze, grateful for her company and her words. She patted his stomach and watched the forest with him as it gave way to sudden grasslands and rivers. The sun illuminated an emerald view of rolling hills in the distance and more forest behind, with a river coursing its way through it all. The water lay at the bottom of a small valley, it near slope rising up gradually to form a ridge which the monorail struts straddled. Sidney glanced over his shoulder at the opposite view, seeing the grasslands spreading away and spotted with clumps of trees, last remnants of the forest they had just exited. The others were at the windows now, eager to see something other than trees, or maybe eager to see no evidence of charging dinosaurs.
He watched the river snaking its way through the valley below, wishing he could feel the calm serenity that the flowing water offered. Now clear of the forest, he could see the wind had begun to pick up as the day had worn on. Waves of it were blowing through the grass, forming distracting shapes. Ripples and swathes cut through the greenery, drawing his eye and chasing away any serenity he might have hoped for. The tops of lone trees or clustered trees swayed in the gusts.
Then the screech of the brakes filled his ears and he lurched forward, the leather burning his wrist and his shotgun swinging round to thump him in the cheek. Crates and boxes crashed to the floor, scattering paraphernalia. Grace tumbled into him, gasping in fright and flailing her arms trying to find balance. He caught her, saving her from bumping her head. Steadying her, he looked about the car. Williams was helping Marsden in similar fashion, despite her waving him away. Barker was fending off Bertrams efforts at helping him up, a look of innocent concern on the big man's face. Andrea and Carlos were yelling at each other, throwing everyone dark looks as if it were they who had yanked on the brakes.
"What's going on Sid?'' said Grace, the edge of panic returning to her voice. So easily the fear came back. Her eyes were wide.
"I'm not sure. It's ok though, eh? Just stay here.'' He gave her arm a squeeze and re-settled his shotguns position, one hand moving to the strap at his shoulder, his fingers twitching in a nervous dance, ready to swing the weapon to his hands. He yanked open the connecting doors and entered the first car, checking the rest of the group. They all looked far better than those in the second car, but wide eyes still turned to him.
"What the hell happened? Is everyone alright?'' he flicked between faces, waiting for a voice or an indication of the sudden stop. Anna waved a hand at one of the windows.
"Viv said she saw someone!'' squeaked the intern.
"What?'' Sidney could feel his face contorting in confusion. "Where is Viv?'' The group all turned towards the front of the car, a few twitching hands pointing towards the driver's door. Sidney shouldered his way through, feeling his brow continuing to crease. He pulled open the door and found Viv stooped over Ogawa, pointing out across the grassy hills and towards the river at the bottom of the valley.
"I'm telling you Gord, I saw her.'' Ogawa was frowning himself as he looked over his shoulder.
"Ogawa, what the hell is going on?" Sidney demanded. "Why have we stopped?'' Before the man could answer Viv swirled around, her frizzy hair bouncing as her head spun to meet him.
"There's someone out there,'' she said, her hand still pointing in the direction of the river. "A woman. Down near the river. I fucking saw her! I'm telling you.''
"Viv, you need to be sure,'' said Sidney, feeling something flicker inside him. An impossible thought.
"Like I told this idiot, there's a woman out there. I saw her long hair. Dark hair too, and some pale ass skin.'' Viv's eyes held no trace of doubt that Sidney could see. And Sidney hated doubt. He was desperately trying to ignore it now. Not wanting to believe it.
"Viv, could you see anything else? What was she wearing?''
"Jesus Sidney I only saw her for a flash. Didn't get a look at the girls outfit!''
"You saw her for a flash, yet you are sure?'' asked Sidney.
"I know it man. There's a woman out there.''
Sidney bit his lip, looking out across the valley. There was no sign of anyone. The valley was empty save for the ghosts conjured by the wind. He drummed his fingers on the edge of door, noticing that he still had it gripped in his hand. Looking forwards he could see the monorail track running away and curving with the ridge top to the right, disappearing behind a dense copse of trees. The monorail cars swayed gently in the breeze, swaying in contrast to his racing thoughts.
"We can't leave her out there!'' said Viv.
"Viv, buddy,'' said Ogawa. "We are so close to the village. Come on, are you sure you didn't just see a goat or something? The livestock do wander around these parts.'' Viv rounded on him.
"A goat! Gordon Ogawa don't give me that shit! It's literally our job to spot things and you pull that one!'' Sidney put a hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright Viv, I believe you. You stay here with Gordon. I'll go check.'' Ogawa's eyes shot open.
"What, you're going out there? What if there are any dinosaurs man? Hellbitch and Bulldog might still be out there!'' Sidney felt slightly touched by the man's obvious concern.
"Won't be much different to last forty eight hours now will it?'' said Sidney, trying to fix a reassuring smile on his face.
"How you gonna get down though? We are, what, fifteen feet up from the ground? Maybe more?'' Ogawa was out of his seat now, looking over the dash to try and gauge the distance to the ground below. Almost as if he thought he could convince Sidney not to go.
"It's okay Gordon,'' said Sidney. "I won't be long.''
Sidney slipped back through the door and wove his way between the twittering group. Gail was murmuring with Sturridge, both pointing out across the valley. Looked like a bunch of damn bird watchers, desperate to catch a glimpse of the rare bread someone thought they saw. Sidney bustled his way through the group, still gnawing at his bottom lip. Was it her? Was it even anyone?
He re-entered the second car, moving towards the spilled crates and storage tubs. Williams and Barker were making a half-hearted effort at re-stacking the contents. The Captains eyebrows rose in anticipation as Sidney approached him.
"Everything alright Mr Wallace?''
"Might be someone out there, in the valley,'' said Sidney, flicking a glance out the window. "Miss Lance thinks she saw someone. A woman, maybe. I'm going to go have a look.''
"Go have a look? Out there?'' The Jamaican looked slightly disturbed by the idea.
"Seems like a good place to start, doesn't it?'' said Sidney. Williams seemed to swallow the difficult lump in his throat, wrinkling his nose and nodding slowly. "Now, I don't suppose there was any rope or anything I could use to climb down in these crates were there?''
"Rope?'' Williams cast about him, frowning. "No I don't think I saw any. Barker?''
"Aye Captain?'' said Barker, badly disguising the wince at hearing his name.
"You see any rope?'' asked Williams, placing his hands on his hips. Barker shook his head and offered a shrug, looking as far from interested as possible. Probably thought Williams would be sending him out to look in a minute.
"Plan B then,'' said Sidney. "Captain Williams, could you please go and ask Mr Ogawa to proceed slowly on towards the next strut of the track and to stop the rear car as close to it as possible. Mr Barker, I will need your help in a moment.'' Williams looked from Barker to Sidney and then puffed out his lips. Looked like the man didn't dare ask what Sidney had planned. Still, he made his way through the connecting doors, muttering away.
Sidney made his way to the rear doors, pulling them open and feeling the fresh air rush in at him, the thick humidity wrapping itself around him and distant sound of the wind in the trees hissing faintly. The ridge top and valley seemed eerily quiet save for the wind. Didn't feel like there could be anything or anyone in it.
"What do you need me to do?'' said Barker, coming up next to him.
"Just stay here and be ready to haul me back in. Maybe catch me if I'm not as nimble as I think I am on the way back, eh?''
"You, err, you got it,'' said Barker, looking uncomfortable. Sidney didn't blame him. Probably thought he would be sitting comfortably at the village by now, waiting for the air lift to take him far from this place. Sidney wasn't sure he didn't feel the same.
The monorail began to squeal into life again, crawling forward on the line. The car wobbled at the sudden start, the two men swaying with its motion. Sidney looked over his shoulder and saw Grace staring at him, chewing a finger nail. He smiled at her, trying to convince her everything was alright. Trying to convince himself. He did a lot of that lately.
The steel struts appeared suddenly either side of them. The car was slowing, grinding to a stop. The weathered struts were a few feet away from the side of the car, thick poles of stained metal with rows of rusted bolt heads studded around the joints. Running down one side were a series of thin rungs, looking less and less reliable the more Sidney looked at them. Still, they were his only option down. And back up again.
He took a deep breath and leapt, taking no more time to weigh up the hundred reasons why this was a bad idea. He wrapped his arms around the strut as he slapped into it, flapping his left hand for the nearest rung. He'd aimed his feet for the small lip that a line of bolts were jutting from, a small ledge maybe a couple of inches thick. Thick enough to get a toes purchase and enough time grab a rung.
His fingers bruised the thin, cold metal of the rung and he swung his body round, feeling his stomach roll inside him as he moved. He closed his hand around the bar, feeling the breath whoosh out of him, replaced by the relief of knowing he wasn't going to plummet to the ground and break his neck. The world, having turned into a blur, was suddenly still again as he clung to the side of the strut. Barker was watching, his mouth hanging slightly open and his hand gripping the open door. Sidney could see the man's knuckles stark white against the dark door.
He allowed himself another breath, checked his weapon and made his way down. Rung by rung he moved closer to the dirt below, the edge of the lush grass a few feet from the base of the strut. He could smell the familiar scent of the island now, mingling with the metallic tang of the strut. A strong gust blew across him, chilling his skin despite the heat of the day. He felt the hairs standing up across his flesh, almost making him shiver. He looked about him, seeing nothing but the grass and far trees gently swaying. He looked up towards the monorail, seeing Barkers round face peering over the ledge at him. He suddenly felt very alone, very far from the people above him. He felt that shiver again and forced himself down.
His boots crunched down into the dirt and gravel, the noise harsh against his ears. He felt his shoulders instantly prickle at the noise, annoyed at how much sound he had made. He found that familiar spot on his lip to dig his teeth into and swung his shotgun into his hands, the polished wood gliding across his fingertips and settling in his palms. Above him, the monorail rocked gently, creaking with its own weight.
He moved quickly, using the underside of the monorail as cover and keeping low. His head flicked from side to side, his eyes darting from tree to tree, rock to rock. Anything that provided cover. For him or for predators. His ears were tuning out the crunch of the dirt beneath his boots and wind around him, straining for anything that resembled danger. He felt a thin layer of wetness across his palms as he gripped the fore-end of his shotgun, the smooth wood feeling slightly slippery. His nerves sent a little reminder to him that they were still functioning, a flutter to make him aware just how vulnerable he was about to make himself. He could feel the beat of his heart, steady but strong, thumping in his ears.
"Just keep moving Sid, just keep moving.'' His words were barely a whisper.
He looked ahead. The track of the monorail continued for several hundred metres, bending around to the right and becoming obscured by trees. To his left, the valley sloped down, the hills sweeping away and down to the river at its bottom. Not the steepest of slopes, but a difficult gradient to move down.
The river was peppered by rock formations and more trees, some bending and hanging low over the flowing water, the tips of the dangling branches trailing in the water. He could faintly hear the rush of the current. Sounded strong. He scanned the length of the river slowly, seeing nothing. He moved down the slopes, careful with his footing and never taking his eyes off the river. The grass lashed harmlessly against his knees as he moved, hissing as he passed through. He scanned the valley again. Still nothing. He dug his teeth further into his lip, thinking.
He glanced back at the monorail cars, surprised at how far he was from them already. He could see the blurry shapes of faces in the dirty windows. They were all still as they watched him. That was good. From their height in the cars on the ridge, they had a good vantage. He moved further, changing his direction and moving ahead of the front of the monorail. He crouched by some shrubs, craning his neck to see. He waited.
Minutes dragged by with no sign of anyone. No indication of any lost survivor. Male or female. If there was anyone there they would have surely shown themselves by now.
"Not even a fucking goat,'' he muttered. He sniffed. There was a faint scent on the wind, but it was gone before he could place it. He shook his head and spun on his heel, moving back up the slope and feeling the creeping sense of disappointment and regret seeping into him. Of course it wasn't her. It wasn't anyone. He slung his weapon across his back and moved quicker through the grass, trying to resist the urge to run, trying to ignore the desire to be back up in the cars with everyone else, and trying to ignore the feeling of claws suddenly raking into his back.
He reached the strut he'd climbed down and vaulted onto the lowest rung, the metal bending a little this time under his weight. He wasted no time, chancing his luck against the strength of the old rungs. Hand over hand, foot over foot he scaled the strut, gaining height quickly. The whirring energy of the monorail line above sent vibrations thrumming through his hands as he climbed, making the bars of the rungs sound like a tuning fork. He leaned out from the side of the strut, giving the valley another last look, still believing that maybe he would see what Viv had been so sure of. He spat, seeing nothing.
"…you might have had your last chance…"
Barker loomed into view as he drew level with the rear doors. The man looked like he hadn't moved, his hand still gripping the open door tight. Sidney looked at the gap between him and the ledge that Barker stood on. Looked a lot further with less to push off from this time.
"Get ready Clint,'' said Sidney, coiling himself and building up some momentum. Barkers face seemed to make Sidney more aware of just how far it was to fall. Fifteen feet didn't sound much until you were hanging from an old rusty rung with nothing but hard ground below. Sidney swung back and forth one final time and lunged off the side of the strut, feeling the wind rushing past his ears. Hands grabbed at his shirt sleeves as he tumbled into Barker, the pair of them stumbling back into the car.
"Shit!'' cried Barker. Bertram was there in an instant, steadying them both and grinning. Big hands clapped down on Sidney's shoulders. "You see anything?'' said Barker, brushing Bertram's hands off.
"Nothing,'' said Sidney. "Nobody there.'' Barker shrugged. "Probably a trick of the light.'' Sidney closed the door behind them and moved into the centre of the car, noticing that Anna was there with Grace. Marsden must have moved into the first car. He felt a wave of relief temper his disappointment. At least he wouldn't have to put up with her frosty assessment of his scouting attempt. Andrea and Carlos were leant against the far windows looking at Sidney, the usual curl of contempt to their faces whenever he was around. He stared straight back, daring them to say something. Their sneers, though not unjustified, were beginning to piss him off. He could feel his hands twitching with the annoyance of not finding anyone, and their faces were looking like the perfect things to take it out on. An unlit cigarette hung from Carlos' mouth.
"No luck, eh asesino?'' he said. "Still, least nobody died this time eh?'' Sidney turned away from them, pushing his knuckles into the thin window sill and resting his head against the glass.
"Mr Barker,'' he said, his breath fogging the window as he spoke. "Do me a favour and go tell Ogawa to get us moving.''
"Sure thing,'' said Barker.
"I will go with you Clint,'' said Bertram happily.
"Tell Ogawa to go slow though Mr Barker. Might as well have one last look before we leave the valley.''
"Aye,'' said Clint, disappearing through the connecting doors with Bertram stooping and cramming his bulk in after him.
The car began to move after a few short moments. Sidney thought he could hear Viv cursing in the next car, her muffled yells of disbelief audible even through the connecting doors. He half expected her to come bursting through into the car and demand he look again. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the dull throb of a head ache again. He watched the valley drifting by, his eyes again straying to the river and willing to catch a glimpse of someone. He didn't care now if it wasn't Hannah. Just to see someone would have eased his frustrations.
"Maybe Viv was wrong Sid,'' said Grace, sidling up next to him. Looked like she was guessing his thoughts. Probably was. Probably wasn't too hard either.
"Maybe,'' he said, as the monorail began to curve around the track, the valley following the curvature of the ridge. Still no sign of anyone.
"…last chance…''
He sighed and pushed his knuckles in further before turning and leaning against the sill, watching the scenery roll by through the opposite window. The cars were passing the dense patch of trees on their right now, the tall slender trunks swaying in the wind. Looked like the wind was picking up even more. Maybe another storm was coming. Sidney could see some of the tree tops further back thrashing in the breeze. The monorail was picking up a bit more speed now as they straightened out from the bend. Carlos was muttering to himself as he flicked his lighter, trying to light his fag as he wobbled his way through the doors into the first car. Beyond him, through the window, a shape moved in the trees.
Sidney felt his mouth go dry as he recognised the colours.
The Rex plunged out from the trees and swung its huge head. Sidney saw a flash of an amber eye and the green skin before it connected with the car, then he was thrown against the window. Deafening noises erupted around him. The squeal of the emergency brakes mingled with the screams of those around him. The bellowing of the Rex outside drowned it all out. The car jolted again from another impact and Sidney felt himself sliding on the floor. Someone collided with him. Might have been Anna. Might have been Grace. Their hair was in his mouth. He fought his way up and was thrown against the floor again. Crates crashed around him, splinters of wood landing against his face, scratching him.
He scrambled to his feet, using the leather thongs above to hang on. Anna was curled in a ball at his feet, screaming. Outside the world was tilted at an angle. He could feel gravity pulling him in a strange direction. He couldn't quite make sense of it. He looked out of the window and saw the trees were pointing in the wrong direction. Movement drew his eye and the great animal outside crashed into them again, roaring its fury.
The car swung madly, tortured metal groaning as its runners were forced out of the track above. The rear of the car was dropping further, the weight of the car pulling itself from the track as the Rex slammed into it again, and again. Glass smashed somewhere, the shards tinkling to the back of the car. Grace was crawling towards Anna now, trying to hold onto her. Her forehead was bleeding, crimson blood matting into her hair. Andrea was fighting his way towards the doors after Carlos, who was hanging onto the open doorway.
"Amigo!'' yelled Andrea, reaching for Carlos. The car was hit again, the shape of the Rex outside nothing more than a dark green mass, slamming its monstrous bulk against the monorail. There was a sudden tearing noise and a horribly loud bang as the floor of the car dropped out beneath them. Sidney felt a moment of weightlessness as the car was wrenched from its runners and fell to the ground, the world outside rushing past in a confusing jumble of images. The impact slammed the floor back into him and he felt his head smack into something hard, the breath knocked painfully from his lungs. Powerful tremors thrummed through the ground and into his fingertips. The terrifying roars outside forced him to raise his head, to crawl to his hands and knees, to move. People were groaning around him.
He looked up to see Andrea crawling towards the door, a few small fragments of glass embedded in his hands. The Costa Rican reached for the door frame, or what was left of it. The narrow door was hanging by one thin hinge, the rest of it in splintered tatters. The tough fabric of the connecting accordion had been torn to ribbons. Carlos lay on his back in the dirt just outside. Sidney could see the base of the trees beyond him. Andrea reached the ruined doorway as Carlos rolled onto his side, wincing and holding his arm, blood seeping into his clothing through his fingers. Sidney saw the whites of the man's eyes as a set of massive jaws closed around his waist suddenly, yanking him into the air with merciless speed.
Someone was screaming again, but Sidney couldn't tell if it was Anna or Carlos. Maybe it was him. Huge, three toed feet thumped down in the doorway, sending dirt and gravel flying in at them. The screaming continued. Horrible, blood curdling screaming. So inhuman, and yet Sidney knew it could only come from a man. Movement in the window caught his eye and he saw Carlos fall to the ground, his body a bloody mess. The man was still alive, desperately trying to scramble away through the stony ground.
He crawled on his stomach when the jaws came down again, clamping onto a kicking leg and lifting him effortlessly. The great head of the Rex flicked downwards and its prey was slammed into the ground again. There was a sickening crack and Sidney saw Carlos's head split against a rock, red brains dashing out onto the ground. One of the huge feet stomped down on the corpse and the great maw ripped a leg off, the wet tearing of flesh and the popping of bones filling and echoing in Sidney's ears. He shut his eyes, trying to ignore the noise, but failed. He chanced a look out of the window and saw the remains of Carlos get ripped away and consumed, nothing left of him but a bloody smear of ruined meat on the ground.
Andrea was still edging towards the door, groaning and whimpering. Sidney could see the great feet of the Rex turning now. Turning back towards the wreck of their car. He watched Andrea gain his feet, using the doorframe to hobble himself upright. Looked like the man was about to make a run for it. Sidney lunged for him and yanked him back by his belt as the Rex's snapping jaws crashed into the door frame, crumpling the fuselage and crushing the door frame. More windows smashed from the impact.
There was a deafening roar and then something slammed into the car, sending Sidney and Andrea crashing into the sides as the world suddenly turned over and over, the din of crashing metal and smashing glass enveloping them all.
Sidney felt the car rolling and rolling, the motion threatening to make him spew the contents of his stomach everywhere. Every jolt and impact sent pain stabbing through him. He became aware of the Rex roaring, but it sounded far away. He saw the sky tumbling in and out of view. Light turning to dark turning to light again, flitting by with gut churning speed.
There was a watery and resounding crash as the crumpled monorail slammed to a halt, sending Sidney flying into the metal window frame. He felt cold water around his hands and then it went dark.