Her rough hide was cold to the touch and offered no comfort to the handler as he brushed his hand across the top of her snout. The bruising was even more apparent now than it had been the first time he had noticed it. She was unique from them, but she had a number of qualities that reminded him of his own girls. His pack.
The ruddy coloring of her hide had paled after her time in the freezer, but it was still easy for him to identify this raptor from the others they had lost. Her coloring was similar to Echo's but her markings were unique, the faded brown and rust blotches and random stripes giving her a more cryptic camouflage. Had the two alphas met in a different setting, there was a good chance he would have never seen her before she made her move.
All told, they had lost seven Velociraptors. The Alpha had been killed by him, her body now resting on the table before him in Dr. Kirby's lab, awaiting the necropsy he had requested. Another one had been killed by the escaped pack before they had left research paddock two with their new recruits. Three feathered raptors had died when the pack had entered paddock three. These had been the three he had seen personally. One feathered raptor was still out of containment, but it had slipped safely into the research zone. Control was monitoring it, but one predator without its own pack wasn't likely to survive alone for long.
The last two deceased animals had been casualties of the sedatives used to contain the Velociraptors. When A.C.U. had arrived, they had quickly sedated the raptors trapped in Owen's paddock. There had been a minor scare and one of the raptors had received a double dose of injectable anesthetics. The other one had a bad reaction to her ingestible sedative passing away in her chemical induced sleep while being transported.
That left three surviving raptors outside of Owen's pack. Three were safely contained and the smaller, feathered raptor was tucked away in a remote part of the island's restricted research area, well away from paddocks and the general public. Still with everything that had happened, Owen felt a pang of sadness for the situation. Now that he and the others were safe, he could afford to pity the Alpha as she lay cold on the medical table.
"Quit touching her! Or at least put some gloves on if you want to help." Dr. Kirby's voice echoed as the door behind Owen opened suddenly. "I swear, I'll hose you down with Lye if I find she died of something contagious. I don't care how nicely you're dressed, I'm not letting you infect the rest of my animals."
"She died of a gunshot."
Dr. Kirby rushed about the clinic, pulling tools and items out. "Well I don't know that, one of my interns prepped her. I haven't even examined her yet."
Owen just rolled his eyes and stepped back from the table.
The red headed vet stopped and jerked her head around to stare at him. "I'm flattered that you would take the time to dress up for me, but this is a necropsy things are going to get messy."
"Sorry, this isn't for you, I have a mandatory meeting in twenty minutes, I just wanted to drop by to see if you needed anything."
Dr. Kirby smiled and then proceeded to shoo the formally dressed handler out the door. "Get out of here Owen, I've got things covered. If I need you, I'll come find you. If a meeting got you this dressed up, then it must be important. Go, focus on that, I'll update you when I have something."
"Thank Dr. Ki-"
The clinic door shut in his face, leaving him alone in the vet clinic hallway.
xxxxxxxxxx
Twenty minutes later Owen was adjusting the collar of his suit for the seventh time as he waited outside the large conference room adjacent to Claire's office. It was the same suit that he had worn for the damned banquet, and it was only slightly more bearable because he was in an air conditioned area.
After meeting Claire's newest assistant, Ms. Young if he was remembering correctly, she had informed him that the group had been meeting since nine that morning. It was now a half past two in the afternoon. This meeting was obviously a serious one to go on as long as it had and for Claire to require formal attire.
They had only argued for thirty minutes on what 'formal' meant.
So now the trainer sat, leaning comfortably against the outside wall of the conference room. He had arrived ten minutes early at one fifty. His punctuality was now being rewarded as he had yet to be called in.
Three more nervous shirt adjustments later and the large mahogany doors finally opened next to him. The hushed voices from inside went quiet as the large doors swung smoothly outward. Claire stepped out, scanning the room until her eyes found him.
"We're ready for you Mr. Grady."
Owen just nodded and stood, grabbing his suit jacket and folding it over his arm.
As he walked by, Claire leaned her head towards him and whispered "Thank you for coming. This shouldn't take too much longer, just follow my lead."
The door closed behind him and he saw Dr. Wu motioning the trainer to take a seat between Vic and himself. As he took his seat, Claire took her place back at the head of the long table, choosing to stand behind her chair rather than sit.
Her voice carried across the room and drew the attention of everyone towards her. "I would like to introduce and welcome Mr. Owen Grady into this meeting. He is the primary handler of Research Paddock One and the man who helped recover the assets that escaped Paddocks Two and Four. I've requested his presence here today to help alleviate any worries that you may have regarding the future of this project." There was silence and all eyes turned to Owen who coughed lightly and gave Claire a pleading look. Claire gave him a short nod before continuing. "Please ask any questions you may have while he is here. He still has a job to do and I will not keep him here longer than necessary."
"Mr. Grady." Owen's eyes snapped to the voice from across the table. A woman with graying hair stared at him with sharp eyes as she continued to speak. "Before we begin, I would like to clarify some things with you for the sake of everyone here."
"Okay."
"Good, now can you tell me what your position is and what your responsibilities are?"
The handler paused. He hadn't thought about all of that since he had been hired, there was just too much to do, all of it necessary within his vague job description. "I am the primary handler and keeper of Velociraptors 013, 014, 015, and 016, named Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Blue respectively." He paused and watched as the business people around him copied his words into their respective notebooks and laptops. "I am responsible for the primary care, handling, and training of the Velociraptor pack with Research Paddock One."
"Does that include feeding, cleaning, and veterinary work?"
"Veterinary work is handled by the vets in the carnivore ward, led by Dr. Kirby. Cleaning and feeding on the other hand are included in my responsibility, though Barry's job description specifically states those responsibilities, mine does not, they simply fall under 'primary care'."
The business woman didn't look up but she did respond. "And who is Barry?"
Claire spoke up. "Barry Sy is the Paddock Supervisor. He works alongside Owen with the assets and primarily handles the enclosure maintenance, cleaning, and food schedules."
The business lady just nodded, jotting down more notes before looking back up to Owen. "What are your qualifications for this position Mr. Grady?"
"I have been working with and training birds of prey since I was a child. I have also assisted in training dogs, initially with my mother and more recently with the United States Navy."
"In your opinion, what was this project's end goal?"
Owen paused, eyeing the people before him. "We are trying to determine whether or not Velociraptors are trainable."
"Would you consider the project a success?"
"I think we've made progress, sure, but it's too early to draw conclusions. Hell, the raptors may be fully grown, but they're only just exiting adolescence mentally." More sounds of pen running across paper and keys clicking away.
Sure, he had made plenty of progress, but training took time and continual effort. His girls were responding wonderfully now, but Owen wasn't sure it was ingrained into them yet. Some of the training, maybe, but it would likely take several more years before his girls would respond to commands out of habit not in the interest of reward.
"Mr. Grady." Owen refocused on the familiar voice. He remembered it from two days ago at the paddock. It had only been two days. That stray thought made him feel tired.
"Yes?"
"My name is Oliver Fields, I was with you at the paddock the other day." Owen nodded remembering the lanky, balding businessman. "When we spoke then, you expressed a deep concern for the danger imposed on displaying these animals. I wasn't entirely convinced at the time, but after the events that have unfolded, I think I understand. In light of these events alongside your experience, has your opinion changed?"
Had it? Not really, if anything, he was more aware of the dangers and risks. He was also more confident that he would eventually die at the hands of one of these creatures. Not that it would ever stop him. He glanced up to where Claire stood at the end of the table. Her read hair stuck out against the beige wall behind her. She was shaking her head. It was just barely visible, and when he locked eyes with her, she mouthed one word. Don't.
She didn't want him to tell them. Owen turned to look back at the gathering of people. He could see the dead animals, the trainer that had been mauled, his head still ached from the wreck. And Claire wanted him to lie?
"No, I believe Velociraptors are trainable, like most animals, but I still believe they would be far too dangerous for public display. Unlike the T-Rex or the Baryonyx, they only respond to their own, they're pack animals. I've been lucky so far with my pack, but I couldn't guarantee that luck wouldn't run out. The risks are simply too high."
Claire's hand raised to her forehead and her eyes squinted shut as the room jotted down his words. The Operations Manager was quick to recover though and hid her disappointment with a brush of her hair.
"Thank you Mr. Grady, that's all I needed to know." The man responded, jotting down a couple words on his notepad.
"Mr. Grady." The woman addressed him again. "We are here today to discuss the future of this Velociraptor project. Every person in this room represents the corporations that have sustained this operation. In light of the recent series of events, a large portion of the project had been destroyed or rendered unreliable in the study. It is now our job to discuss this project and determine if it is worth further funding."
"Mrs. Jennings, if I may be so bold, there is nothing left to discuss." The new voice belonged to a younger man that held himself tall like the perfect business person. Every fiber of his suit in place and every hair on his head combed perfectly. His German accent echoed lightly through the room, commanding attention.
"Mr. Rainier, do not be so hasty. Our respective companies have invested a great deal into this project. Simply abandoning ship would mean a loss for all of our interests." Claire interjected firmly.
"I'm not being hasty Ms. Dearing, I just don't want to put more money into a ship that's already sinking. Seven Velociraptors are dead and the handler of the only four not responsible severe damage to people and property is not comfortable with the idea of displaying them publicly. There is no way this project will succeed at this point."
"Just because they aren't ready now-"
"Our expert made some very important points in the conference call not even an hour ago. Are we going to just discount them now?"
"Dr. Grant may be an expert in his field, but may I remind you that his experiences over the last twenty years have made him incredibly biased against this project already. His advice on anything other than scientific evidence should be taken with that understanding."
"Very well, but your own expert," Mr. Rainier gestured to Owen "has made almost identical observations, both here in this room and in his reports. Ms. Dearing, AMG and Mercedes will be happy to work with you on other, more promising projects, but I cannot see this one having a positive outcome."
"We appreciate that, but if we abandon this project, it will put the park behind schedule. We will likely see even further market drops until we can get another project up to speed."
"We understand, it is the nature of research and Development Ms. Dearing. Unfortunately, our decision has been made. You will have our support, just no longer on this project." The Blonde haired man stood and made to leave, pausing with his hand on the door. "Shut this project down Ms. Dearing, it will be better for your profit margins if you simply cast this aside and move on. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my office."
Having said his peace, the man strode confidently out the door.
Owen watched man leave. He adjusted his collar once more absently running the man's words through his head. Most of this was just over his head, but the man made a point. The trainer certainly didn't want the project to be shut down, but glancing back over the table, it was pretty apparent that his opinion was not shared by the remainder of the table. He glanced nervously back to Claire. "What happens if this project gets shut down?" He asked.
"Jurassic World will be responsible for the safe removal and disposal of the project assets." Mr. Fields responded evenly.
"So you'll just kill them off?" His eyes locked onto Claire. She didn't meet his gaze. "Well."
"The herbivores are usually released into the research zone. They provide a good source of continued research with little to no cost on our end. A few of the less dangerous carnivorous assets are occasionally released as well, but most are euthanized."
He had known the answer, Dr. Wu had gone over it with him some time ago, what felt like a lifetime ago. He only needed her to confirm it. The trainer felt his own fists clenching under the table as he ground his teeth a bit. These were living things dammit! They deserved better.
Mr. Fields reached across the conference table comfortingly. "I assure you Mr. Grady, the assets are disposed of in the most humane method available."
Bull Shit.
"I am sorry that this upsets you, but you must understand that we cannot continue keeping assets that we cannot control or contain, it's a waste of resources." Owen barely heard the balding man through his grinding teeth. They were going to kill his pack simply because they couldn't be publicly displayed. His fists clenched tighter, he felt the blood in each palm retreat from the pressure.
When he finally moved, it was explosive.
SLAM!
A heavy impact rocked the room and echoed off the walls. His fists burned painfully from impacting the solid table. He felt his eyes tear a bit, but he had their attention. All of them.
"Damn it! These are living creatures not some resource you can toss away on a whim because they don't make enough money! These raptors, my raptors do not deserve a death sentence because they are dangerous!"
"Mr. Grady!" Claire's voice was shrill and commanding as she stalked towards him, leaving her position from the table head.
"No! Shut the hell up Claire!" That froze her. Owen took a breath and continued, still feeling the stinging in his fists. "I am not about to let 'assets' get thrown away just because you assholes can't see the value of a living creature!" Claire was on the move again. "I am not against putting an animal down, or even hunting it for the safety of people nearby. But you cannot just kill it out of convenience to your agenda!"
The Operations Manager grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him roughly out of the room. "One moment please." She said curtly before the impressive doors closed smoothly behind her. She was pissed, but Owen expected that. He was pissed too, just for very different reasons.
He hadn't expected the slap. The hand print she left stung sharply against his face, but she didn't let him think about it. "Get a hold of yourself Grady! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Her tone was hushed but strained as she hissed out each word.
"I'm trying to save my girls lives. No thanks to you." He paused. "Shit, that really hurt."
"Good. Maybe you'll listen this time. I am on your side Owen, I know we don't see eye to eye, but the last thing I want is to see this project scrapped."
Owen adopted a slightly challenging tone, his hands making air quotes. "I thought this project wouldn't be big enough to turn around park sales."
"It won't but it wouldn't be alone, besides that's not why I want this project to continue."
"Well? If money isn't the issue, then what?"
Claire sighed. "I went back and read through your reports. I cannot stand your writing style, or your syntax; however, based on your reports alone, you are probably one of the most dedicated trainers on this island. The last thing I want to see is all that work go to waste."
Owen's scowl faded, replaced by a thin, lopsided grin.
Claire just raised her palm to him. "No, don't get me wrong. You're still and unbearable asshole Mr. Grady, I simply respect your work ethic. But antagonizing the very people who pay our bills is not the way to change their mind."
Owen folded his arms, his smile fading to a grimace. This woman. "Then what are we going to do about it, Ms. Dearing?"
"We aren't going to do anything. I am going to buy time, you are just going to follow my lead like I said when we walked in."
Before he could respond, the red headed businesswoman grabbed the door and stepped back inside. Owen followed a moment later, taking his seat between Wu and Vic once more. When everyone was seated, he cleared his throat and apologized for his outburst.
Mr. Fields responded without looking at him, his eyes focused on the paper before him. "It's quite alright, we can tell that you are quite passionate about your animals."
"That's right." Claire interjected. "Mr. Grady raised his raptors from hatching. He has already proven that with careful management and dedication, these animals can be trained. We reviewed the security footage earlier. They listen to him."
The remaining investors and representatives nodded their heads slightly and recorded more notes.
"If that is the case Ms. Dearing, then our project is already complete." Henry Wu interjected from beside Owen. The scientist sat comfortably in his chair. "IF the project is complete, then perhaps it is time to move onto bigger and better things, devote our resources where the outcomes are more assured."
The lead geneticist paused, ignoring the gaping stare he received from the handler beside him. He watched Claire however, her brow furrowing and her face tightening.
"Dr. Wu. This is your project as well, you know as well as I that it is nowhere near completion. Why would you want to move on now?"
"If we have proven that Velociraptors can be trained, but none are safe enough for display, then the project is completed. We lost too many samples over the last few days to continue the research with the current goals in mind. Any results would be more skewed than they already are. I am simply suggesting that we devote our resources elsewhere, not because the project was a failure, but rather, because we succeeded. Let's use what we've learned to create something even better."
Dr. Wu had just thrown them under the bus in the politest way. The geneticist had been quiet up until this point, but now. Now, Owen would have preferred the man to stay quiet longer.
"I disagree doctor." Now Vic was speaking up.
"I beg your pardon?" Mrs. Jennings asked, looking up from her notebook, her glasses resting on the tip of her nose.
"All I'm saying is that it would be a complete waste of resources to simply abandon this project." The larger man paused to gather his thoughts. "Look, we all watched the footage earlier. Mr. Grady has a military background, he knows how to read these animals, I have a squad of men who will back me up on that fact." Owen coughed lightly at that. "That's not the point I'm trying to make here. He successfully did something that I honestly wouldn't have believed without seeing the footage myself. He took genetically engineered dinosaurs, prehistoric apex predators, and he trained them. Not only that, he led them successfully in a combat scenario."
"Vic…" Dr. Wu's voice was low and he drew out the word in a warning.
"No, Henry, hear me out. I know we have bigger fish to fry here. What I don't understand is why we would pass up this golden opportunity. We could seriously consider military application here."
Owen heard several snorts join in his own. Vic Hoskins ignored them and continued. "We have successfully domesticated the dog, we use it effectively in a variety of military applications. Hell, Mr. Grady has been training birds of prey since he was a kid. Is it too hard to see the possibility of training these animals for similar purposes? We could even skip the millennia of domestication with InGen's labs."
"As novel as your idea is Mr. Hoskins, I think I can confidently say that the companies I represent and the corporations my colleagues represent have no interest in military application or research. People want entertainment, they are tired of war."
A murmur followed with most of the rooms nodding their heads.
"I understand, I'm not asking you to support it, I'm merely suggesting we don't act too rashly and make a decision we might regret down the road."
"Very well stated Mr. Hoskins." Claire responded before addressing the whole group. "Regardless of the outcome, this is not a decision that should be made today, or even hastily at all. I propose that we simply suspend the project until a decision is made. In the meantime, Vic would you gather your men and begin careful inspections of each paddock. I would like to ensure this problem never happens again. You are welcome to make any upgrades or changes you deem necessary." Vic nodded, sitting back comfortably in the executive chair.
"Mr. Grady, we cannot begin to thank you for the effort you made in securing the escaped raptors and keeping your own assets secured in the process. During the renovations, I would like you and Mr. Sy to head home for some paid time off. You've earned it at this point."
Owen shook his head. "Sorry Claire, you know I can't leave the raptors."
"This is not up for discussion Mr. Grady. We need to be sure that your pack can be contained and cared for without your presence. If there is even a small chance this project is going to continue. It will only be a couple of weeks while upgrades are being done. You can prepare any detailed instructions you would like and I will personally ensure that things get handled properly. In the meantime, we can continue to discuss the project's future. If everything goes well and your animals behave themselves, then perhaps our investors would feel more comfortable funding this project further, not toward military applications, but perhaps under a new research goal. Is that acceptable for everyone?"
Owen stared at the woman before him as he noticed a number of resigned nods from the people around him. She was on his side. He didn't like the idea, but he could see where she was coming from and what she was trying to do. He only hoped the pack would forgive his absence. He finally nodded.
If it was his only choice, he would take a damned vacation.