"They want me to go back," Claire bit out.

"Yeah, me too," stated Owen, confirming her suspicion. It wasn't a coincidence that their respective phones had gone off at the same time. His from who he assumed was Hoskins replacement from InGen, hers from some Masrani Global suit.

"I'm going," she stated flatly.

"Like hell you are," Owen all but growled at her.

"They didn't really make it seem like I had a choice."

"There's always a choice."

"They want me to go since I had intimate exposure to the entire incident."

"All the more reason for it to not be you," he retorted.

Claire continued, "Masrani Global wants an assessment of what assets and values remain of the park."

"Nothing worth re-risking your life for," he bit out.

"I was told they want this done immediately. There was a not too subtle insinuation of using me as a scapegoat for prosecution if I refuse."

Owen rubbed one of his large hands down his face, "Yeah InGen took about the same stance." He paused, "I don't want either of us to go back there but I'm sure as hell not letting you go alone."

"What do they want you to go back for?" she asked.

"My research. Some BS about it being indispensable and me needing to show them something for all the money put into it."

"What about Blue?" she asked, knowing that was the only other reason Owen would even consider a return trip.

"Strangely, she wasn't brought up. I have a feeling that may have been strategic, not that they don't want her. I'm just not sure that they have had enough time to come up with any kind of feasible plan. You can't exactly just stick her in a barn on the mainland somewhere."

Claire was about to ask what he planned to do when one of the base transport trucks headed their way. The driver pulled up alongside them, and leaned out of the window. "Lieutenant Grady?" he inquired.

"Yeah, who's asking?"

"I think you know. Miss Dearing?" the soldier continued.

Claire nodded her response.

"Climb up," the soldier directed gesturing to the cab of the truck. "We're already on a timetable."

Owen was thinking that this really wasn't a good idea. But he also didn't have a clear enough reason to not do as instructed, especially when Claire had already stood and was moving towards the waiting vehicle. Here we go again.

Claire had pulled herself up into the cab and slid over on the bench seat to leave room for Owen. He slipped into the passenger side after her.

"Sergeant O'Neill. Pararescue. I'm part of your protection detail. You can grab showers on base and a meal. Fresh clothes and supplies are all ready to go. We're heading out asap. You can grab some shuteye on the chopper."

Claire's heart sank. She figured Owen could sleep on the flying deathtrap but there was no way she could. As if ready her mind, the sergeant continued, "Miss Dearing we've been authorized to offer you an anxiety pill for the ride out. I'd suggest you take it."