A.N. Hi guys! Darksage and Marc here with the newest installment in the DaPPA Series. We present to you, DaPPA: Two Worlds, One Family. Yes, just like the Phil Collins song. We don't own that.
So a couple of things before we get going:
First of all, as we mentioned before, this story will more or less be much like Prehistoric Park where we will be including multiple rescues. Because of this, the story will include "mini-arcs" while being connected by a main plot, kind of like beads in a string. We have no definite estimate as to how many chapters this story will have.
Second, the POV's will focus on both Hazel and Daniel, with perhaps a few other POV's included but only if necessary.
Third, thank you to everyone who submitted their OC's. We have archived them and we will work to get them included in this story. If an OC will be mentioned in the story, we will put in a disclaimer in the end of the chapter.
Fourth, if you have not submitted an OC but are interested in doing so, please follow the guidelines we posted on our Deviantart pages (Darksage951 and RvB-Destroyer) as well as the ending of Long Night of Winter for reference. Then reach out to either me or Marc. We will do our best to get them integrated into the story.
Fifth, this story will include different documentaries that are prehistoric related. This means we will be exploring some new and old territories in regards to rescues. As such, there may be some natural gore.
Finally, we don't own Disney's Dinosaur, Prehistoric Park, Walking with Dinosaurs BBC, Walking with Dinosaurs 2013, Dinosaur Revolution, and any other media that will be crossing over with the story. We also don't own the music.
Loyalty. Trust. Determination. Resolve. Those are qualities that define Solider willing to fight for what they believe in. But a soldier that follows their heart and fights for what is right goes by a different title. They are known as heroes.
The shuffles of paper sounded off in the lone office. Shining rays flooded in through the windows as it illuminated that part of the room. The lounging area, which included a few comfortable chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table that was just cleaned that morning, was bathed in the rays rather than the usual waves of flames from the fireplace before them. On that same table was a newly added item set; a small vase with a few sticks of incense, which made the room smell like fresh lavender. Coupled with those same shuffling papers was the sound of a keyboard clicking away as letters were typed by their willing master.
The only individuals in the room were a finely dressed business woman in a black and blue suit and matching pants and her partner, a man wearing a white office shirt and dark brown pants and Vans. The two of them were organizing paperwork regarding statuses of global operations as well as business affiliates they assist on funding. Before then, they were keeping tabs on the population growths of different animal species in China.
They had been at it since this morning. Other than attending some executive meetings they organized and hosting a presentation here and there, plus the mundane process of training their new secretary because their last one retired, they really needed to do some organizing. Especially on a certain sanctuary where they just received news that much of its inhabitants had returned following said sanctuary's renovations.
They received the call three days ago from their "business partner" there. The expansions were completed and the park not only spread further south by a few miles, but it reached the ocean as well, where it had a satellite facility for marine creatures. As expected, activity in the park and the inventories skyrocketed. Their interests were once again piqued.
The two of them sent someone to investigate the goings on in the park. That place was getting a significant amount of income even though it was supposed to be a sanctuary. Couple that with the funds it was getting from their headquarters and it was making much more than it should. Most would say the sanctuary there is doing well. But for the two executives in the office at the moment, it was suspicious. Even more suspicious was the operative they sent had been rather quiet. They figured it was because there wasn't a lot to investigate given the Residents had not arrived at the time. They were patient, but their patience was beginning to wear thin.
Not only that, but their "business partner" was on reserve during their last meeting. He refused to mention the exact whereabouts of his Temporary Facility, which he replied giving away the location would not make it secret anymore, although he also mentioned it was going to be relinquished to nature given that its purpose was completed. The idea that he was abandoning that secret facility was surprising indeed. The two of them wanted to know its whereabouts and what exactly was there. The man kept dodging that topic and saying it did not matter anymore.
The second thing that sparked their curiosity was his purpose for the marine facility. All he mentioned was he was bringing in marine animals. That was fine with them. What they were, he said he had no idea, but he would discuss it with his team. The only thing they wondered about was how he would keep the animals from escaping. His only answer was the park had created special barriers for them that would allow free roaming around their exhibit while preventing them from escaping into the world. Said exhibits were also said to be large enough for them. Unless he was planning on rescuing whales and dolphins, the size ratio of that facility seemed too large in their view.
Finally, there was the mention of a number of his employees going on administrative leave or quitting. He gave a brief summary of their reasons, saying the job did not fit their quota or they were for medical reasons. The executives believed otherwise and wished to try to interview one of those employees. However that meant doing some serious tracking and interviews, which would mean jeopardy for the organization. That was an agent's job, and at the moment, all of their agents were busy with other assignments.
For now, they decided to rely on their field agent to get the necessary information. But even with his delays in reports, their patience was wearing thin.
The sound of the double doors opening brought their attention forward. The woman placed the folder gently on her desk as she watched the new visitor come in.
Unlike most of her employees, who were always well-dressed or sported business casual wear, this one sported a black shirt with a vest that had a lot of pockets and matching pants with heavy combat boots. He was a young man in his early thirties with dark skin, short dreads, and a well-trimmed beard. The two executives maintained their business facade, but at the same time, they wished to show disdain to the intruder. The smirk and aloofness in his gait was unnerving, but they both knew this was his way of greeting.
"Ah Director Rain," he stopped before them just a few scant feet from the desk. His accent was rough and informal, almost as if he had just left a bar after a few drinks, "what a privilege to be summoned."
The man's eyes fell on the other man next to the woman. The visitor cocked his head and gave off an insulting smile. "And her loyal dog is here as well. I'm sure I have some treats somewhere."
The recipient glared at him, keeping his cool despite the prodding to send him out. "I prefer a hyper competent secretary. If you want to make fun of my position, try to have some accuracy," he then chuckled lightly, "Then again, what else can be expected from such an unmotivated man such as yourself?"
Said visitor chuckled as well and then sneered at him. "Nice to see you too."
"Agent Mattock," the woman, Director Lorrie Rain, called out. Her ruse worked as the two of them ceased their bickering. She grasped her hands together and laid them onto the paper-filled desk. "So glad you could join us."
"You just being cordial with me or are you just playin'?" Anton prodded her. "I know you ain't pleased with me."
"That is irrelevant at the moment, although you are right in saying that we are rather on reserve about you right now."
The agent laughed sheepishly and then smacked his hands at his sides. The action resulted in the office sounding off with those slaps. "It's how I'm dressing, isn't it?"
Her features remained unchanged. "That is the least of your worries. There's a reason why we haven't assigned you on any missions lately and docked your salary. Your last venture, while it was successfully completed, resulted in unnecessary...collateral damage."
Anton rolled his eyes. His overconfident smirk turned into a frown. "Hey, I stopped that guy. You asked me to, and I did."
"You also threatened him to the point where he clocked into a mental institution and shot himself," her associate, Jason King, mentioned to the accused. "We asked you to stop the black market operation, not psychologically torment him."
"Aw man…" the agent replied in disdain but sounded like there was a bit of humor in it, something that was off putting to them, "you ain't givin' me credit where credit is due. I did the damn job. He ain't goin' to be messin' with anybody no more cause he's dead. Ain't that enough?"
"Let's...move on," Director Rain said, dispelling the mounting aggression. "While your actions before are disapproving, we didn't call you here unless it was really dire. We need someone out in the field and you're the only one available."
Anton stared at them, his face taking on interest. "Ah...sounds like a golden opportunity. What situation are you gettin' at?"
"Not so fast," Director Rain's eyes raised a little as if she were giving out a command. The man blinked and fell silent. "I haven't finished yet."
"We have an agent out investigating a sanctuary near the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa at the moment," she explained. "While he is proving to be a reliable asset, his lack of reporting is bringing about doubts on his performance. His target organization he is currently in has just returned to its former glory so we are expecting a report from him any day now."
The now annoyed agent rolled his eyes and made a "tch" sound. "So why'd you call me here if you have someone out right now?"
"In case things get hairy with our agent, we would like for you to assist in his endeavor. Lend a helping hand, if you will."
The man huffed. While both the Director and her assistant had little dealings with Anton, they knew he was an individual that preferred to operate by himself. Unless he was the leader of a team, he would rather not be part of that mission unless there was a good reason for him to do it. However, as of late, Anton had his own reasons for taking part in a mission he found mild disdain to.
He waved his hand in a nonchalant motion, a sign that he was resigned to it. "Aight, fine. What's his name?"
Rather than Director Rain answering, it was her associate that answered.
"Daniel Rimbauer."
It was at that moment that Anton's features took on a more upset manner. He took a step forward and balled his fists. The very name sent him into an upstart. "Ah sheet...that kid? Well, I can't say I didn't see that comin'. Him bein' your star asset and all. What kind of freakin' mess are we talkin' about?"
"An undercover mission," the Director simply answered. "He's currently in a park said to house endangered species, but we have suspicions about the park leader. He may be hiding more than we bargained for."
If Anton was interested before, he was even more interested now. The two executives could see it in his eyes. To them, they took it as a sign that he could be up to it.
"If Agent Rimbauer fails in his mission," she continued, "we would like for you to come in and help."
"So you plannin' to arrest said park leader if he is doing something over the line?" he asked.
Director Rain shook her head. "We're not at that point. We know him to be respectable and eager in his profession. We just feel he's not being entirely honest. That has repercussions in itself, but that shouldn't warrant a prison sentence. However, if he is doing something illicit…"
Once again, the agent waved his hand dismissively. "Got it, got it. So when am I comin' in?"
Jason lifted his hand away from Director Rain's finely polished desk. Holding his hands behind his back, he responded in a cordial manner. "We'll keep you posted on Agent Rimbauer's efforts. If anything happens, you'll hear from us soon."
To Jason, that was the kicker that sent Agent Mattock into a verbal frenzy. The man balled his fists and stormed up to the woman's desk. Slamming his hands onto the wood, the papers that were on the edges fell unceremoniously to the floor. The glare that he gave to her did nothing to faze her.
"Aight...aight...well, I appreciate ya'll for callin' me here. I'm more than happy to go on another mission, considerin' all I've been doin' is babysittin' duty with the rookies at the training center. It's been borin', you hear? My fingers are itchin' for some action. But there is somethin' I can't help but wonder about...what's in it for me?"
The co-executive clearing his throat got his attention. "Well...if you prove to be successful in uncovering the park's secrets and getting our agent out of there, we'll return your salary to its normal level as well as give you a raise."
"Hm...that sounds tempting. Anything else you have to offer?"
Jason sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He blinked as he tried to ease the oncoming headache. "Agent Mattock, you can't be serious. You expect us to give you more than a pay raise?"
The woman raised her hand in a lazy motion. Said associate went quiet. "Patience, Jason," her attention then fell on the agent before her. "How about this? We'll restore your salary, give you a raise, and reinstate you on field duty?"
For a moment, Anton said nothing. He eyed the two of them in discontent before relaxing. Pulling himself away from the desk and taking a breath, he gave a reluctant nod.
"Hm...aight...deal. But I want to add somethin' else in there."
Both executives became unnerved by such a response. They listened as he gave his haunting proposition.
"If that place is holdin' more than you say and you ask me to do somethin' outside of the agreement, that's goin' to cost extra. You higher ups think you have everythin', but some of us here worked to be at this level. I don't know what possessed you to send a kid to do a man's job. Either you crazy or you stupid."
"He has proven time and again to be an asset, regardless of his age," Director Rain said calmly, "Besides, his resume is a bit more attractive than yours."
While his lips were closed, they could clearly see he was gritting his teeth. "I hope that kid fails. I need this job. So I'm goin' to say this now. If I don't hear anythin' in three months, I'm goin' in there, whether you like it or not."
While that response was not directly on Jason, he wanted to step in and show him the door. However, part of him restrained him from doing so. If he did that, the situation could become uglier than it already was. The Director already has faith in their young agent, but it was Jason himself that recommended they have a backup plan. He already knew getting Agent Mattock in wasn't the best idea, but it was a backup regardless.
Deep down, he hoped Agent Rimbauer could get the job done. They'd rather not deal with this extortionist.
Director Rain, who kept a straight face, responded. "We'll keep you posted, Agent Mattock."
With that, the man stepped back and placed his hands in his pockets.
"Thank you for your time," she told him. "You are dismissed."
Giving a brief nod, the agent left them in peace. When the doors finally shut, they were alone once again. It was then that Director Rain relaxed and let out a heavy sigh, followed by her fingers touching her temples. In the past, she dealt with irate individuals or dissatisfied partners while keeping that facade. However, such an action would sometimes put a strain on her mind.
"I'd say that went well," Jason merely said as he started picking up the papers that fell.
"God, I hope that kid succeeds," she hoped.
"Hey like I said, he'll get the job done."
"I forgot how much of an extortionist he was," she mentioned. "Need I remind you bringing him in was your idea."
"I don't like it either but it's all for the mission," Jason replied.
The woman nodded. "I'm just going to say this now, but I really don't like him."
"I agree. Permission to give the green signal to dismiss him if he does anything wrong?" he asked as he placed the papers gently onto her desk.
"Granted. And Jason?"
Once again, his attention fell onto her. Her next request made him smile a little.
"Can you please get me a venti macchiato? I need a drink to soothe my nerves."
Jason lightly chuckled.
"Of course you do."
When he reached the door, she once again called out to him. He turned and looked at her.
"Oh and if the bistro has spinach and feta brioche on today's menu, can you please get one too?"
"Got it!" he responded.
With his exit, the room fell quiet once again. That sense of peace was what the Director needed right now.
A.N. Sorry, this chapter is kind of short. But this was meant as an introduction. Yes, I know, LNoW's prologue was longer. We wanted to put in some mystery in this chapter. Don't worry, the next chapter is in its final stages and it's being posted soon.
