DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN JURASSIC PARK/ WORLD THEY BELONG TO UNIVERSAL AND MICHEAL CHRICTON.
A/n: Whew! Sorry so sorry folks but it has been hectic with my family and with life in general. This current art project I am working on for work is taking up a lot of my time so time to write will be limited to mainly Sundays and my vacation next week. Oh Man I can't wait! My little baby brother is finally graduating from High School and I am flying home on Friday to see him walk on Saturday. But anyways enough groveling on with the story.
ALAN'S DINOSAURS
Chapter 21 Dinosaur Roundup
JURASSIC PARK RESORT, ISLA NUBLAR
The sound of something breathing and the feel of hot air in his hair is what awoke Alan from his slumber. Opening one eye he was surprised to see large teeth in his wake. Then opening the other eye he was then awoken to the sight of Rosco sleeping soundly next to him. The events of the day before then came crashing down on him and a smile graced his face.
The dinosaurs were back and he somehow gotten up in the middle of the night to sleep with them. Alan then snuggled closer to Rosco inhaling his musculine scent which told him that he was again among his children. Rosco's body heat kept him warm throughout the surprisingly chilly night. It was when someone cleared his throat that Alan opened his eyes fully to see Robert Muldoon up and about with Nico by his side.
The raptor had taken a liking to Robert and had offered to sleep next to him to keep him safe. Spitz was on his other side hooting quite happily for finally being together again with his favorite brother.
"Morning Dr. Grant I see you have taken to sleeping outside. Is this normal or a result of some nightmares?" Robert asked as he handed Alan a cup of coffee.
"A little of the later and good morning to you Robert," he said taking a sip.
It was some good coffee.
They were followed by a yawn and a squeak as Henry Wu exited his room with Frankie on his shoulder and the two babies once again in his pocket. At this time the smell of coffee had awoken Rosco who opened on lazy golden eye at them. Looking down at the steaming mug he rumbled contently as he rose.
"What was that about?" Robert asked.
Alan chuckled, "Rosco loves the smell of coffee. Ever since we lived in Montana and the smell of Rachel's diner floats up towards the ranch. He loved that smell and even scared a few tourists with his presence. Now Michelle Rachel the owner of the diner often times lets him smell the coffee. Though I will not let him drink it because he tends to be hyper if he did. Never again," Alan explained.
"Ah I see, so what do you do then?" Robert asked.
"Well when he smells it he is just content to sit outside and enjoy the smell. After all it is not everyday that you see a tyrannosaurus rex enjoy the smell of coffee," Alan said when Robert gave him his cup.
Alan was grateful as he drank his fill and with some much needed food he was more then ready for the day.
Just as the two of them were enjoying their meal. Ray and Henry decided to join them. Ray looked refreshed but Henry looked like he spent the night not sleeping a wink.
"Henry are you ok?" Robert asked.
"It is Rosie I think she might have gotten sick or something because she is coughing a lot," Henry said.
"Let me see," Alan replied and the Asian man gently handed over the baby Velociraptor. When he got a good look at her he chuckled.
"I think I have just the thing for her," he replied as Alan stood up and walked away. When he came back he held a rag and placed the baby over his shoulder and began to tap her back like a human baby. Rosie struggled at first till a large burping sound was made and something wet was appearing on Alan's rag.
Rosie looked much happier when Alan put her back down. She ran right back at Henry who scooped her up.
"What did you do?" he asked.
"I just simply burped her just like a human baby. Sometimes rubbing her belly helps too but in this case she needed some help," Alan replied.
"Oh," Henry replied.
Tien made himself known as he poked his head out of Henry's pocket. Wanting to be let down Henry then put him down so he could be with his playmate. The two began to tussle.
"So we are to try and figure out the park is that right?" Ray said.
"Yeah so we need a plan first. After all we need to make sure the raptors are long gone," Alan replied.
"I can contest to that!" Robert replied with a rifle in his hand.
"Good lets go," Alan said.
When he gotten out he whistled for Rosco and the T-Rex opened his eye and rolled over letting Alan know he was ready. Giving him a gentle pat down he hoisted himself up onto the dinosaur's back. Robert, Henry and Ray did the same thing.
"Alright boy lets go," Alan said getting up and Rosco rose from his seat. Sarah who was busy preening also joined them by taking off. Frankie and Spitz joined along with Nico and the other two Tyrannosaurs. The three men held on as Rosco was guided towards the Visitor's Center. The road was wet because the night before it had rained, but it was clear of debris and other items. Tank was already there munching away at the ferns that started to take over the center when they arrived. As they got there the T-Rex lowered himself so they could get off.
Then he proceeded to sniff the area before going out to mark his territory. Rexy joined him leaving Junior to watch the building with Spitz. The dilophosaur took no chances as he and Nico went about securing the area. The three men watched as they barked and chirped to one another. Alan rolled his eyes at their antics before they returned to bark an all clear.
"Do they really have to do that?" Ray asked.
"Well at least it is better then being dead now isn't it," Robert replied as they made their way to the control room. When he got there he quickly went for the nearest computer and started booting it up. Nico the raptor began to sniff around the control room. Checking the vents to make sure that there was no signs of the Troodon. Nico and Spitz sat down near the door to keep watch for the raptors.
Henry took this time to get to the labs to get something for the babies to eat. The little ones now moving more on their own now followed him into the sterile room.
"Alright let's see what we can find," Ray said turning on the systems.
When the systems were fully booted the map of Jurassic Park was shown. It gave them the layout of all the animals and the paddocks. Some of the fences were still down due to the storm but most remained intact.
"Ok looks like we got some damages here and here," he said pointing out to the area's that were showing red. The T-Rex Paddock was one of them. The Triceratops Paddock was another one along with the raptor pens and the Aquatic Area which after Lex had hacked her way into it had shown up on the map.
"So what are we looking at here?" Robert asked.
"Well we need to start taking down the fences which won't be no easy feat I can tell you that. I can start right now by cutting off the power and then opening the doors if that is what you wish?" asked Ray looking at Alan and Robert.
"Isn't all the fences down?" Alan asked.
"Not all of them if we are going to make this work we need to take down the fences, but we have to wait for Hammond's approval first," Ray replied.
"Oh right the legalities of reconstructing the park," Alan replied.
"I hate that part," Robert replied.
The door opened behind them as Henry entered with the two hatchlings. Both of which were squeaking up happily to be with their family. Rosie was the first to enter being the oldest and went to Nico followed by Tien. Henry closed the door behind him and locked it to make sure no Raptors can get through. Nico happily greeted the little ones and he was joined by Spitz and Frankie.
"Alright so what else is happening?" he asked.
"Well I can shut down the fences as I said but how do we contain the other dinosaurs?" asked Ray.
"Oh leave that part to me," Alan said.
"What do you mean?" asked Ray.
"Well they are already out of their paddocks so the fences are useless. Shutting them down would be for the best. As for taking them down like you said it would take some time but we can manage. The only thing I am worried about is the dinosaurs going into places they shouldn't," Alan said.
"Like the two sea monsters you let loose the other day," Robert replied.
"Yes but look at the buoys here and here you put tracking modules on them right?" asked Alan.
"Yeah but it was not for sea monsters it was for boats and subs," said Ray.
"Subs?" asked Henry.
"Submarines, the United States Navy uses these ocean routes to cross the equator. It is for the mainland to track where the vehicles are going. But since we let those two out we can use them to track the animals and where they are heading and at what depth," Ray replied.
"Good, how many of them we have?" Alan asked.
"All over the island they are also used to track volcanic activity too. Since Mt. Sebo is an active volcano it serves as the perfect place for the dinosaurs," Ray replied.
"Alright we got that settled. How are the land animals, and what is the tracking of the herbivores?" Robert asked.
"Well the herbivores seem to keep mostly to the central valley I figure that is where the water is at. However it is the herd animals that I am worried about." Ray replied.
"Herd animals...you mean like sheep and cattle?" asked Alan.
"Yeah we keep them here to ensure that the carnivores get their fill. We don't just give Rexy goats that won't even fill her up. We usually give her a nice fat cow at the end of the day. But now that the fences are down they must have gotten out somehow," said Henry.
"Henry you idiot the fences are down so they broke their way out," Robert replied.
"Oh,"
"So how are we going to get them back into their pen?" Ray asked.
"Well check the cameras around the pens to see the condition they are in," Robert asked.
As soon as he said it Ray typed in a few keys and to their horror the pen was completely destroyed. There was blood and gore everywhere but the good thing was that a lot of hoof prints means that the animals had gotten out. The bad news is the shapes of the footprints on the ground.
"Raptors," Robert said.
"How do we deal with this? I mean even if we do get them back. Keeping the other predators away from the herds is going to be difficult," said Ray.
"What is the inventory of the herds before the attack?" Alan asked.
"About seven hundred cattle, five hundred goats, four hundred sheep, two hundred pigs and twenty one hundred chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese," said Ray.
"So basically you had a whole farm here?" Alan replied.
"Yeah basically, self sufficient it helps that we breed the animals it makes it easier on costs. Spare no expense into their care but we had problems in the past with Prions but that was dealt with. We made sure of it because it nearly costed us our animals," Ray replied.
"Well you said they are here?" Alan asked pointing to the projection on the screen.
"Yes that's right near the central valley, but the area that they are in is away from the main herbivores. It is too close to the swamps for my liking," Ray replied.
"Yeah you are right and a little too close to that area where we encountered the Herrerasaurus," Alan said.
"Well we need to get them back if we are to stay self sufficient. Or else we are in big trouble," Ray replied.
"How many were used to feed the dinosaurs and how many were used to feed the guests?" Alan asked.
"Oh most went to the animals and a small percent to feed the guests if the park opened," Ray replied.
"Alright we need to do a count and herd them back towards the pens. Do you have a spot in mind we can hold them in till we can get that fence fixed?" Alan asked.
"How about the juvenile holding area here?" Robert said pointing towards an open area of the map where it was marked Juvenile Dinosaur Holding Area.
"That will do," Alan replied.
"So how are we going to get those animals into the pens?" asked Robert.
"The old fashioned way; cattle herding," Alan replied.
SOMETIME LATER
"So why are we out here?" asked Robert?
He was currently on top of Sarah as the Pteranodon circled overhead. It took some getting used to as Alan had to coach him on how to ride the larger animal. Sarah at first did not let him on and proceeded to try and spear him with her beak. But after some coaxing from Alan, Robert was able to ride. To say the ride was breathtaking was an understatement. It was amazing to see the world from the eyes of the pteranodon. Leaning over he spotted the herds.
"We are here to herd the animals into the new pens," Alan replied on the headset that he had given Robert.
"Oh I don't remember doing this back in Africa," Robert replied.
"Oh please don't tell me you never herded cattle before?" Alan said jokingly.
"I had," came Ray's voice.
"You? I'd never thought of you as the rancher type," said Robert.
"Grew up on a Ranch. Used to help my dad all the time with the herds. The only reason why I am here in the control room and you are out there riding a pterosaur is because you don't know how to work the operating systems. I do, and Henry is useless in that area as well. So when this is over we are going to have to fix that," Ray replied as Robert spotted the herd.
"Ok I see them now they are grazing about the south side of the ridge near the watering hole. And it looks to be full of herbivores…..wait I see them; Herrerasaurus there is a group of Herrerasaurus near the cattle herds." Robert replied and tapped Sarah on the side like how Alan showed him and the pteranodon circled the area. Flapping her wings and catching a thermal she soared over the herds.
ON THE GROUND
Alan Grant watched Sarah soar over the herds. She and Robert were well out of range of the herds detecting them. Right beside him were Nico and Spitz both of them were ready to go. Poised for the run both dinosaurs had been trained to wait for Alan's signal.
"Robert do you see where exactly the Herrerasaurs are?" Alan asked.
"Yeah, they are near the east side of the ridge close to the watering hole," Robert's reply was clear.
"Alright so if we can herd them west then turn them north that should help us," Alan said.
"Alright let me know when you are ready?" Robert said.
"You can stay up there as the lookout let me and the dinos handle the rest," Alan said.
"Rodger, that will do," Robert replied.
"Alright guys are you ready to get back to work?" Alan said patting Rosco's feathery hide.
A deep rumble was all that he heard as they made their way down the ridge towards the herds. The smaller dinosaurs taking the lead while Rosco came from the rear. Keeping downwind they made their way through the trees. Alan was surprised that someone as large and as heavy as Rosco could move so silently through the jungle. Then he remembered that when hunting the T-Rex does not put as much weight in each footstep.
Rosco also kept his head down. The remaining feathers on his body along with his skin patterns underneath help in camouflaging him against the foliage. When he was walking all he could see was trees but he trusted his T-Rex. The other two kept up just a little ahead exchanging small chirps and whistles.
The old goat trail they followed helped them as they neared the area the herd was grazing.
Alan signaled the two smaller dinosaurs to circled from the right while he circled from the left. When he lowered his hand Rosco let out an enormous roar as the cattle turned and started to stampede. Rushing out of the trees Nico and Spitz gave chase along with Rosco. The herd started to head towards the wast. With a quick turn and a snap at some rear ends the cattle was herded towards the North.
Alan egged Rosco on as the T-Rex ran to keep up with the herd. Unlike Rexy who was a bit out of shape Rosco was built for endurance. The T-Rex had spent long hours herding cattle back in Montana and it showed with his leaner more muscled form. The raptor and the dilophosaur too had the same build for the smaller sheep and goats and would help Rosco with the cattle too. Flashing his frill Spitz scared the herd to stay close together.
Robert watched amazed that the three dinosaurs coordinate the run with him watching. When he looked again he noticed the Herrerasaurus starting to head towards the herds too.
"Alan watch it you got company," Robert warned.
"Alright thanks," Alan said and whistled.
Spitz heard the command and herded the animals away from the carnivores at the same time giving them a glob of venomous spit. Another predator came from the side and tried to latch on to one of the cows this one a large female. This time Rosco who came from the rear bit into the nearest one and shook it till it was dead before eating it.
Alan shook is head as the large dinosaur then started going back towards herding the cows. The one who was injured managed to make its way back to the herd.
As they started along the road it was at this time the cows started to get used to the large carnivore and the smaller dinosaurs as well. That and exhaustion from being in a state of panic did not help either.
The exhaustion from constantly running now has them going at a trot which suited the predators just fine as they herded the cattle down the road. They followed the roadway towards the holding pens. Using Roberts directions Alan had the dinosaurs herd the cattle towards the holding area for the juvenile dinosaurs.
But easy was not to last very long.
A barking call was heard and suddenly Rosco screamed in pain. Alan was nearly thrown off as a raptor appeared from the bushes. This one was followed by another as Rosco rears again and called for help. The herd was forgotten as Nico and Spitz both screeched as Rosco tried to shake off the raptors on his back. Alan turned around and tried to hit one of them when he felt teeth go in to his shoulder.
Screaming in pain he was ripped out from his seat on Rosco and thrown towards the ground. Getting up and looking at his bleeding shoulder he looked up just as one of the raptors came down on him. Taking his hunting knife he tried to stab the raptor which he identified as Big One. She bit and tried to claw him.
Then a screeching came from the air as Big One reared in pain. Alan looked up through pain filled eyes to see Sarah taking off with Robert on top of him. Screaming in anger Big One then turned back to Alan. Just before she leaped though a pair of jaws came down on her as Rosco lifted her in the air and threw her into a tree. Rolling on the ground Rosco dislodged the other two raptors before standing over Alan to defend him. Nico and Spitz also stood near their father to defend him.
Big One leaped from the bushes hissing along with the other two raptors in their pack.
"You just don't know when to die don't you?" Alan said.
Nico growled low with his teeth fully bared and his feathers fluffed up to their fullest. Spitz copied him with his frill fully extended and his mouth agape. Rosco roared in rage at the raptors. The last remains of the pack came at them and this time Rosco was ready as he swung his tail out and swatted another raptor. Then another sound was heard and the Herrasaurus came at them smelling the blood of the raptors.
Racing towards them they joined the fight but not before Alan rolled out of the way just in time. Reaching down he found his rifle in the grass. It had fallen off when he was thrown off of Rosco. He grabbed it just in time to shoot the nearest Herrasaurus in the head. The dinosaur fell down with a bullet wound to the skull. Another tried to grab him but was seized by Rosco.
Rosco gave a very loud call into the sky just as he swung his leg out and kicked another Herrasaur into the trees.
One of the raptors leaped onto Alan's back and Alan rolled to dislodge the raptor. The raptor rolled again and this time when he looked up it was Big One. This raptor was badly wounded with blood coming from deep wounds on her side. But her eyes shown with the madness of an animal that is out for revenge. Staggering to her feet she charged Alan. Alan had his gun out but Big One grabbed onto the gun and broke it in half with her jaws.
Slashing Alan across the stomach he luckily moved away from her in time and it only tore his shirt.
A screech was heard from the sky as Sarah came and added her claws to the fight.
With a quick strike Big One went down but not before screeching at Sarah. The pteranodon screeched her own insult at the raptor.
Alan was at least smart enough to pull out his hunting knife just as the raptor came at him again. She was determined to finish him off. Just as she was going to jump on him however Rosco came to the rescue and once again bit down on the raptor. This time shaking it before his jaws tore her in half.
Just as he swallowed Big One down the Herrasaurs or all that was left of them fled leaving the remains of the raptor pack and a lot of bodies.
A screech was heard as Sarah came for a landing. Robert disembarked as he ran up to Alan.
"Alan!" he called as Alan struggled to get up. Suddenly a large snout appeared as Rosco offered his assistance.
"Thanks buddy," he said patting him down. A deep rumble was heard from the T-Rex and Alan looked at his side. It was covered in deep gashes but most of it was just feathers that has fallen off. It has saved his life.
"Well there is a use for those feathers after all," Alan joked.
Nico and Spitz returned to them Nico supported deep gashes along his face and sides and Spitz had a few on his belly and along his head and tail. But they will heal in time.
"Alan that was sudden I never figured the raptors would resort to such tactics!" he said.
"They set a trap with the herd as the bait." Alan said as he leaned on his leg. A shooting pain was felt as he winced.
"Oh fuck that looks painful let me look at it," Robert said as he examined the leg. It was badly twisted in such an angle that it might be broken.
"Fuck!" Robert said as he quickly went to get something to splint it with.
Nico and Spitz were quick to get alongside Alan and use their bodies as crutches. When Robert returned with some vine and some branches he fashioned a quick splint on Alan's leg.
"Get on the radio and tell Ray that we had an encounter with the last of the raptor pack," said Alan as he looked at his now destroyed radio.
"Will do," Robert said as he radioed Ray from Sarah's back.
The other two dinosaurs began licking the scratches along Alan's face and he let him. It would give them a minor belly ache but they don't care. Right now they care about each other and this sort of thing helps with asserting pack. Rosco was busy with his own wounds and it was then that Alan noticed the deep cuts along his face.
"Don't worry boy we will get those fixed," Alan said and Rosco nudged him gently.
A deep rumble was heard as the trees parted. Rexy and Junior came through following Rosco's call for help. The T-Rex came to them and rumbled a greeting. This was followed by licking wounds and getting everything settled.
"Alright we have to get those animals now that the raptors are dealt with," Robert said.
"Yeah but who is going to do it I mean Henry sure as hell can't maybe trade you for Ray?" he asked.
"No, Ray has to run the systems and Henry has the babies to worry about. We have to finish this Robert. Now that the raptors are gone we can track the herd and hopefully get them going. But first I have to gather some herbs. Those wounds on my dinosaurs are deep. Thankfully Nima helped me with plants," Alan replied.
"Alright what should I look for?" he asked as Alan carefully sat on a rock.
"A dark purple berry take Spitz with you he knows the plant," Alan said.
Alright what will you do in the meantime?" Robert asked.
"I will be at the river the dinosaurs need to drink and I need to wash off these wounds before they get infected," Alan replied.
"Be careful the snake is still there along with the croc," Robert replied.
"Alright will do," Alan said as Robert got up to search. Alan nudged Spitz and the dilophosaur followed him into the forest.
Rexy made her way to Alan and sat down providing him with some shade.
"Thanks girl," he said to the larger Rex. Junior moved into the woods behind Robert probably to help protect him as well.
Alan leaned on Rexy and the female only rumbled to him. He patted her down and was rewarded with friendly nudge.
"Thanks girl," he said to her.
Slowly she got up again and she disappeared back into the trees again. Alan watched her leave probably to go back to the Visitor's Center maybe to check up on Ray. He does not know with the large female. She is untrained and she is just now exploring her options.
While he watched her Rosco took this as a good time to lean down to let Alan get on. Using his small forelimbs as a hoist Alan eased himself onto the large predator again.
"Yeah I know big guy. Let's go find some water boy," Alan said to Rosco.
As if understanding him Rosco called to Nico and the two made their way towards the smell of water.
The nearby river in the valley was gushing and full of life as they found the herd there grazing. The sarcosuchus was laying down on a rock with its mouth wide open and enjoying the sun. The titanoboa was nowhere to be seen. But Alan had a suspicion that it was foraging somewhere.
Rosco looked around before wading into the water for a drink. Alan slowly gotten off of the giant while he went further in to wash himself. Nico joined him as he started splashing water on himself to cool down. The heat of the day was a bit much. Alan had gotten wet just by the dinosaurs splashing themselves on him. He was surprised that the water was so clear after all this time.
As he washed his face and hands he saw for himself just how cold the water was. It was cold to the touch and looking towards the mountains he could understand why. Isla Nublar's rainforest traps moisture from the air as well as the rains that frequent the island. So doing so traps water and that water runs down the mountains from the springs in the mountains. But that is not all.
The volcanic activity from the volcano helps to heat the water and sterilize it from pathogens. This and the fact that it flows down from the mountains helps to cool it and make it drinkable. Taking his canteen he filled it with water from the river and doused it on his head. He felt his face cooling instantly. Rosco shook himself as he and Nico emerged from the water cooled down and feeling a lot better.
Alan laughed as they dripped on him and helped him into the water. Easing his leg he managed to cool the burning pain that was erupting from his now swollen ankle. Dipping lower into the water he let the blood flow from the wounds in his shoulder. Opening his shirt he was surprised to see that puncture marks on his shoulder and how deep the wounds are. The water felt good to ease the swelling and clean his wounds he felt his face instantly relax.
A shadow flew over him as Sarah flew overhead and dove into the water. Splashing herself she began to bathe. The saddle was wet but Alan didn't care. He designed it to be waterproof. The radio equipment was safe in a waterproof bag on her back. As she splashed herself with water she was cleaning and cooling herself at the same time.
Getting up she managed to make her way out of the water towards the rocks to dry off.
She then wondered a little too close to the sarcosuchus but the larger lizard only hissed and opened its maw in warning. Sarah made her way back towards her family and safety. The large crocodile only yawned before it slowly made its way back into the refreshing cool waters of the river. As it swam away the family only allowed themselves some time to cool down. It was then that Alan finally gotten a better look at some of the wounds his dinosaurs sustained.
Nico's wounds were rather deep that was for sure and would require stitches. Thankfully he was trained in field medicine so he could handle his animals in the field. The vet center should have the supplies he needs to help with healing.
"Alan!" a voice said.
Alan turned and found Robert had returned with Junior and Spitz. The larger dinosaur had given Robert a ride while he held a bunch of berries in his shirt. The now shirtless man dropped next to Alan with the berries.
"Are these it?" he asked.
"Yeah and I see you got some other plants as well," Alan said.
"Well I recognized some plants they had from a book I read while on break. These will help the dinosaurs stop bleeding," he said.
"Alright let me up," he said and Robert helped him to his feet.
Whistling he called over Nico who took the worst of the damage and patched up his wounds. The raptor was grateful for the medicine as he purred his content. Rosco came next with the deep gashes on his sides and then Spitz. Sarah seeing some of the berries wanted to help and used her beak to reach deep into the wounds on Rosco's flank. The Rex did not like the pain but the pteranodon was too quick for him. She then landed on him and started with his wound again with the medicine. Rosco growled but Alan's hand on his flank soothed him as he rubbed more of the berry mixture onto his nose.
"There you go boy its ok the medicine helps," Alan said to him.
Rosco only rumbled as Alan applied the salve to his wounds and then rubbed him down. A soft whine was heard from Rosco as he let Alan hold his snout.
"I know boy, I know," Alan said to him. Nico and Spitz also wanted reassurance as they too rubbed against Alan. Sarah leaned in to for her attention and Alan rubbed her beak as well to show her all is well.
Then getting onto Rosco he felt himself being lifted.
"Alan are you sure about this? I mean we can try again later when you got some treatment," Robert said worried.
"I know but we have to do this now. If not then the predators will get to the herds," Alan replied.
"Oh alright then but when we get back I want you to get Henry to look at those wounds. He does have medical training after all," Robert replied.
"Alright I will," Alan replied as Robert climbed back onto Sarah.
The Sarcosuchus came flying out of the water just as they left and latched onto a bull that drank from the river. The group paid no attention because in a sense it was a sort of payment for letting them use the river.
They started herding the animals again and this time there was no attack by any other predator. With Junior there to help them Alan had the herd on their way towards the juvenile pens. The mooing of the cattle allowed them to herd them towards where they should be.
It did not take them long to get them into the pens that they should be in. In fact the juvenile pens were large enough for the cattle. The sheep did not take them that long as well finding that they did not stray far from their original holdings.
But the goats were another matter.
Alan had to switch with Robert on Sarah to get the goats.
They had somehow made it up a cliff and had gotten stuck. But thanks to Sarah herding them down they managed to get them back into the pens. That left the poultry birds. The chickens were were nearly a lost cause if not for the fact they were in small cages for egg laying. Alan knew that some of them were dead because the bodies that littered the area and the stench was all the evidence he needs. The culprits were sitting on top of the cages trying to get at the chickens.
"Get!" he said at them and fired from his rifle. The little dinosaurs ran afraid of the loud boom. Spitz and Nico chased them down and Sarah even enjoyed the chase of the little ones. She even managed to catch a few as they leaped to escape Nico and Spitz.
Sarah enjoyed that feast and the chickens that were left were panicking. Alan and Robert had to carefully gather the last remaining chickens which were only a few dozen and take them away from their holding area. The cages they had luckily were portable so they could be transported.
Now safely onto Rosco's back they made their way towards the ducks. Only three ducks remained all of them babies. The turkeys were gone and all that was left was a bloody mess of feathers.
"Fuck!" Robert said.
It was later that day they returned to the Visitor's Center where Henry had them take a shower before checking on Alan's wounds.
"Well you were lucky that your shirt took most of the damage. But that ankle of yours is definitely broken," he said looking at an X-ray from the vet center.
"Fuck!" Alan cursed.
"Don't look at yourself this way Dr. Grant. We did not know those raptors were waiting in a trap," Henry said. Alan could only stare at the pictures of his legs while petting Frankie at the same time. Tien was active since it was nearly sundown but Rosie was sleeping having fed already.
"Well Rosco and the others took care of them," Alan replied as he fixed his new cast. Nico and Spitz were curious about the cast as they had seen it before with the dinosaur digs.
"Go away you two you are being pests!" Alan said and he playfully shoved Nico away. The raptor only shoved his snout in Alan's face before Alan's hand found the tip of his snout.
"Out Nico," he said and the two left.
"Well it is a good thing I know a thing or two that is how I got Ian treated before they could evac him to the mainland. But you will have to let a professional doctor look at that Alan," Henry said.
"Ah fuck me," Alan cursed.
LATER THAT NIGHT
The Visitor's Center was quiet as Robert and Alan sat while Henry and Ray cooked. Robert wanted to help but Ray insisted that they had been through enough. The other two men cooked and surprisingly Henry knew a thing or two. He made them some soup with some roast chicken and vegetables.
"Alright so what do we got?" Ray asked.
"Not good," said Robert.
"Oh and how bad is it?" asked Henry.
"We only have less then eighty heads of cattle, two dozen goats, about fifty seven sheep, ten chickens, three ducks, no turkeys and the gardens are nearly destroyed," Alan replied.
"Fuck!" said Ray.
"Our supplies are not going to last us without a new shipment. How long is it till the boat returns...if it returns?" asked Robert.
"The boat should be back three days from now... that is if the board of directors does not change its mind," said Henry.
"I sure as hell hope not!" Robert said, "Four men are not enough to take care of all these animals alone!" as he sat down he grunted at the other two.
"I should make a report to Hammond to let him know of our situation. The board will want to know about this as well and we still need to see about Sorna," said Ray.
"Fuck I forgot about Sorna," Robert said.
"Ok, let's think. I currently have my animals watching over the herds to make sure no predators can get to them. We need to seal up the cracks that the compys are getting into. If that is what we are planning. Then we have to find a permanent home for the herds," said Ray.
"Yes, because those pens are not suitable for them for long," Henry replied.
"Well until we have a more permanent place they are not moving," just as he said it Rosco could be heard roaring in anger at something.
"Oh shit what now?" asked Robert.
It was also then that Alan noticed the absence of the other two as well as the Tyrannosaurs. From the sounds of it a large fight was taking place and the four men quickly ran out with rifles in their hands.(or hobbled in Alan's case)
Running towards their destination they spotted Rosco fighting off a Ceratosaurus while the other two were facing off against a group of troodon. Rexy lucky enough was there to help fend of the larger predator. With his tail just between his legs the Ceratosaurus ran after being clawed and bitten by the two larger predators. When looking back Rosco supported larger wounds from the claws of the Ceratosaurus and Rexy had deep cuts along her flank. Her snout also had deep wounds from when she was fighting the raptors earlier.
"Ah Shit look at you two, you look terrible!" Robert said as he went to inspect them.
"So when is Gerry supposed to come back?" asked Alan.
"Not for two more weeks said he has to file a bunch of paperwork for Jessie," said Robert.
"Shit!" Alan cursed.
"Do you know any other vets that can help until he comes back?" asked Henry who finally joined them.
It was then that Alan's eyes lit up, "You know what….I do,"
AN HOUR LATER
"You want me to do what?" said the voice of Jessica Grady on the other line.
"I want you and your family to come to Costa Rica and help me with the dinosaurs for two weeks if that is possible?" Alan asked.
"Well the earliest answer I can give you is tomorrow. I have to clear it with the clinic first but we shall see," said Jessica on the other line.
"It will do the kids good to see a familiar face and plus didn't Owen want to see them again?" Alan asked.
"Yeah he did, and they got break coming up so it will do them a world of good." said Jessica.
"Alright I will see you if you come down," said Alan and hung up the phone.
Looking across the control room he saw Ray Arnold on the phone with Hammond about getting the Grady's over to the island. After a few more words then the phone hung up.
"Alright everything seems to be cleared up with the higher ups. They couldn't find anyone else to fill in Gerry's shoes and so this Jessica Grady you said can help. They said she has to go through the proper clearance first but I already cleared it with them. As far as kids go the rest of their family is fine," Ray said.
"Thanks Ray," Alan said.
"No problemo after all you guys did save my ass there. So now that we have that fight settled we need to figure out a way to keep those animals away from our livestock," Ray said.
"Already done it," said Robert.
"Really? How?" Ray asked.
"We had the Rexes mark their scent around the pen. By marking their scent only the most daring predators would come into the pen. The others would stay out. This should protect the cattle what ever is left. The chickens are under the close eye of that bird of yours, and because there is a stream flowing through that pen water is not an issue," Ray said.
"Now the new issue is keeping the place clean because we got all those cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens in there," Alan said.
"Already solved that problem….or should I say that problem solved itself," Robert replied.
"Oh?" Alan asked.
"There is a species of insect that lives here that is a native to the island. It is a species of dung beetle that was recently discovered having been blown here from Costa Rica. I just found it feeding off of our cattle's feces so that will solve the problem of clean pens," said Henry.
"At least that is good and what eats the beetles?" asked Alan.
"The compys, they are scavengers and insectivores so they will control the beetles and the flies. Our problem is the Troodon since we pretty much took care of the raptors. They now pose the more serious threat," Robert said.
"Yeah and my animals can only do so much until they are in need of food and are tired. So we should take things in shifts and have at least one Tyrannosaur with us. At least until we have that place fully secured," Alan replied.
"Alright I am game for that," said Ray.
"I'm In," said Robert's
"So am I," said Henry.
"Cheep!" said a voice and they looked down to see an excited Tien looking up at the four men and wagged his tail. He continued to chirp as Henry pulled out a syringe from the lab and presented it to him. The excited troodon was more then happy to gobble up the mushed up meat. Rosie the raptor was also hungry and Henry fed her too. They both squealed when the four men made their agreement.
"Though the only problem I have with this plan though is the fact that Rexy and Junior are not like your Rex Dr. Grant." Henry said.
"Oh?" Alan replied.
"Your T-Rex is trained and it knows to obey your commands. How do you plan on training our dinosaurs to listen?" asked Henry.
"The same way I am going to teach you how to train your own," Alan replied.
TBC
A/n: And here is another chapter for you ladies and gentlemen. I figured I would start by stating I am very sorry yet again for the long wait. I had been busy for the past few months with a lot of things as stated in the beginning of this chapter. But as promised I will be working more on my writing once everything is settled. As for now Sunday is the only day I am able to write while I am doing laundry. So it is easier for me to write the chapters for a few hours on Sunday. So expect updates at sporadic moments because that is all I am able to give. So to all my readers out there who had been waiting a long time for updates here it is the long awaited update for Alan's Dinosaurs, and the beginning of the mini-arc before the Lost World storyline. So this story arc is more of a plot builder then anything else.
Anyways tell me what you think leave a review at the end of reading this...and please no FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE! THANKS!
