Chapter 10: Paddock Layout

Hammond lead his small party of people out of the hatchery and back down the hall when Gerry stopped and looked back over his shoulder at the hatchery.

"Hey John," he called out, forcing Hammond and the others to turn around.

"I think that it might be better for me to stay here with the geneticists and help them take care of the infants," he stated with a serious look on his face.

Hammond thought about it for a second, and nodded.

"Yes, I think that is a good idea as well. Talk to Dr. Wu about getting a clearance badge and we will keep in touch about the new species and how things are going," he said smiling.

Harding nodded, and went back in the direction of the labs, while the rest of them continued on their way. They left the Embryonics building and walked across the way and entered a building that was known as the Operations building. They all looked around at the different operating systems of the island, including the basic program to keep track of animals and the radio equipment that was based off of geothermal power. Hammond had researched into it before the systems were put into place, and managed to work it so that no fuel cells, nor no batteries would be needed to power the instruments, which would save them a good deal of money in the long run of the operation.

Hammond pointed to the lone computer that was at the moment turned off.

"This place is run using this single computer. It does all basic functions, including animal counting and survallaince camera hook up. Now what I want to know, is how can we improve this for Nublar," he asked, looking at Arnold and Nedry.

Arnold had finally been able to light a cigarette now that they were away from the hatchery and the infants, and puffed out a wisp of smoke as he thought about his answer.

"Well for one, we would be better off running things from a few monitors instead of just one. Multiple computer screens with access to the same items allows you to keep certain things always on display rather than having to continually open and close program windows and panels that are necessary to perform certain actions regarding whatever task you are attempting."

He paused to take a puff from his cigarette and Nedry continued the same basic train of thought.

"It's simple really John, having all of the systems automated from one machine takes debugging and coding, but it's entirely possible as long as the computer software is up to date, and knowing what you have already done, it will be."

Nedry took a bite out of the candy bar and pulled on the caramel.

"We just need the time to integrate the systems," he said, his mouth full of chocolate. Arnold nodded, not saying anything more.

Hammond digested what he was just told and looked back to the two.

"How do we get this kind of software? Order it? Build it? Where would we go from here?" he asked, leaning against one of the chairs in the room.

Arnold rubbed the cigarette out in an ashtray and adjusted his glasses. Little bit of column A and a little bit of column B. We can't really order the exact software because this kind of system has never been built yet. We can however, build it using aspects of designs that are similar to this, such as automated feeders at zoos and electrical fencing at prisons. It is all possible to do we just need to get started."

Muldoon stood quietly, his arms crossed across his chest just listening to the conversation. He wouldn't have much to do until the animals were actually in the park, so for the moment he was just taking in what was going on. The more he knew about the workings of the park, they better off he was going to be in case something unforeseen happens. Hammond was going to say something when the radio transmitter buzzed to life in the Operations building. The trained technician answered the transmission, which was a basic transmission that was sent to inform Hammond that the Control 

Room and the Lab/Hatchery on Nublar were completed. The Paddocks were not set up yet as the electric fencing was still in production, but at least the core buildings were up and they could start work.

"Before we head over and get started, I would like to get the park layout completed."

He went over to his bag and pulled out a large rolled up piece of paper. He placed it down on the table and slowly unrolled it, showing a future representation of what he thought Isla Nublar should look like. In the center of the map was the large Visitor's Center. A road extended from this building into the actual park, which looped around in a large wide circle and ended up back in front of the Center. Right behind the center was a large hotel, with swimming pool and some tennis courts, so that people had a chance to rest after traveling and seeing the park. Also, a large road extended from the helipad to the Visitor Center, with blank space on the schematic for other ideas that could be incorporated as tourist attractions or other things.

Hammond focused on the park side of the schematic, showing the circular path of the park.

"You see here, the electric fencing will be arranged in a circular pattern, with sections parting the Paddocks for the different species. Guests can take their time and see everything, and feel safe at the same time thanks to the fencing. The guests will get to see everything in one shot through the tour."

Arnold was looking over Hammond's shoulder at the designs, and cleared his throat before saying something.

"I have a suggestion John" piped in Arnold, "It's not safe for guests to walk around electrified fencing. We should have a car tour, and instead of using fuel, install an electric cable into the ground. The cars would be programmed to follow the track in the road, so we wouldn't have to worry about mechanical upkeep either. We would just have to watch the tires."

Muldoon too was looking at the plans.

"Locked doors as well."

Hammond turned to him.

"What? Locked doors?"

"Yes, we should install a locking mechanism on the vehicle doors, especially for little children, so they don't hop out and run into the road."

No one said anything to his suggestion, and they continued to go over the plans.

Hammond was about to say something more about the idea when the radio went off again, telling Hammond to come back to the hatchery, it was important.