Jurassic World: Apocalypse – Chapter 6: En Route to Jurassic World
A/N: I am so excited! Jurassic World will be released in theaters in just 49 days! It's been a long wait, but that wait is finally coming to a close. I can't contain my excitement, especially after seeing the most recent trailer for the film! Anyway, let's talk about THIS story.
Yes, as this chapter suggests, we'll see several of the main characters head to Jurassic World. They have no idea what kind of adventure they have before them. We'll also see some more ancient reptiles make an appearance in this chapter as well. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Jurassic Park except the very characters I've made up.
June 12, 2015, 8:05 a.m.
Billy and Cheryl walk onto the dock, nearly ready to board the ferry that will take them to Jurassic World. Billy is unused to the ocean air – it's much more humid next to the coast than the air he's used to. However, he's relieved to be able to concentrate on something non-work related.
"Where are we supposed to go?" Billy asked.
Cheryl scanned the busy dock, trying to figure out the answer to that question. "I'm not sure, but I think we can purchase tickets in that building over there."
The building Cheryl spoke of was quite large and filled with refreshments, restrooms, a gift shop and other things. It was the last place tourists would be able to go eat, use the bathroom or buy souvenirs before going to Jurassic World. The couple walked through the doors and into the busy establishment. Finally, they found what appeared to be the ticket booth and got in line.
"I can't believe we're doing this," Billy told Cheryl.
"Relax. Everything will be fine. This'll be fun. We're going to see the creatures that we've spent our entire lives studying from dead fossil bones."
"But that's just it. They're living creatures. If we have living dinosaurs standing, breathing before us...what's the point of studying fossils?"
"Come on, Billy. There's still a use for bone-diggers, like you and me."
"Like what? I'm listening."
Cheryl paused. She wasn't quite sure how to respond to her boyfriend's statement. "Well, I'm not exactly sure what use there is, but we haven't even seen the park yet. Just give it a chance. I'm sure things will come clear after we've visited."
"I sure hope you're right, because unless we come up with some clever way to stay in business–"
"We will."
The line was long and they found themselves waiting for about 15 to 20 minutes before they got even close to the booth.
"It's crazy busy here, isn't it?" asked a woman standing behind Cheryl and Billy.
Billy nodded. "Yeah, it is."
The woman continued, "Especially when you're trying to transport a bus-load of teens to this park."
"Teens?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was referring to my school group. We're taking a field trip and I – the principle's assistant – have to make sure everyone's paid for."
Billy and Cheryl looked over at the group of excited teenagers waiting near the concession stand. Billy grimaced. Well, glad I'm not the one in charge of them, he thought.
Tom, Brianna and Alaina waited with the rest of their schoolmates as Mary Anning waited in line to pay for them all. The three of them were planning out how they would spend their day. Even though Alaina and Tom had a mystery to solve, they also intended to have some fun while in the park.
"What attraction do you think we should go on first?" Tom asked Alaina and Brianna.
"Not sure," Brianna said. "What about the Aquatic Park?"
"Oh no, not the water park," Alaina groaned. "If I'm going to a dinosaur-filled theme park, why would I do something that I can do at any other theme park anywhere else in the world. No, we should go on a dinosaur attraction."
"You don't think they'll have prehistoric creatures in the Aquatic Park? What about the feeding show?"
"You're talking about the Mosasaurus Feeding Show," Tom corrected her. "That's a different attraction altogether and not associated with the Aquatic Park."
"Oh. I think we should go to that first. It says: 'With feedings every two hours, this predator of the deep will wow you with its massive maw as it gives Jaws his just desserts. Pack a poncho, because the Mosasaurus Feeding Show is one big splash zone. May be disturbing for small children'. Sounds awesome. We should totally do that first."
"Then we'll be wet all day long," Alaina reminded her. "How about the Gentle Giants Petting Zoo? It's a nice introduction to the park. 'Enjoy the thrill of getting up close and personal with baby dinosaurs. Located by the Visitor's Center, the Gentle Giants Petting Zoo lets you see, pet, and feed all of your favorite herbivores. Feeling adventurous? Saddle up and ride a tiny triceratops! A good rub under their frill and they'll take you anywhere. Fun for guests of all ages. Helmets required.' I mean, you actually get to pet a real dinosaur!"
"Maybe we should start in the Innovation Center," Tom said. "I think that's where they want you to start first. Then we can go to the Creation Lab."
The girls shrugged.
"Nah," Alaina said. "I still want to go to the Gentle Giants Petting Zoo first."
Then the three of them were approached by another teenager who was not with their school group. He was tall and had dark-colored hair, most of which was covered by his jacket's hood. "Excuse me, have you seen my brother. He's about three-fourths of my height and has curly blond hair."
Alaina shook her head. "Nope. I haven't seen him. You going to the park too?"
The boy shrugged. "I guess." Tom was confused – why didn't he look excited to visit a park full of dinosaurs? The boy continued, "My names Zach."
"I'm Tom, and these are my friends Brianna and Alaina. We're part of this school group."
"My parents insist on us going," Zach explained. "Our aunt works at the park."
"That's really cool!"
"I suppose."
Just then, the four teens spotted a younger boy with curly, dirty-blond hair walk by.
"Gray," Zach said, walking over to the boy. "Where were you?"
"I had to use the bathroom," Gray responded.
"Well, next time you need to let, someone know where you're heading, little bro." He ruffled his little brother's hair and the two of them walked over to a couple that was presumably their parents. Alaina watched as their mother – she had long blond hair, began to talk to her sons.
"OK, we've got to go now," their mother said, "but I trust you'll both take care of yourselves. I hear my sister's really excited that you're going to visit her park." Gray frowned. His mother took pity on him. She bent down to his level and said, "Everything's going to be fine, honey. Your dad and I just have to work things out for a little bit, OK?"
"Alright, Mom," Gray answered.
"I'm really proud of you for going on this trip, you're going too have so much fun. Love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
Both kids hugged their parents and began saying their goodbyes.
"And remember, if something chases you...run," their mother said with a playful wink. "Bye, kids."
"Bye, Mom," Gray and Zach said together.
"Alaina!"
Alaina turned to face Tom and Brianna. "What were you doing?" Tom asked. "I called you like five times."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Tom grinned. "It's time to board the ferry. You won't want to miss that."
Dr. Gerry Harding slowly walked past the Aviary viewing area, where the tourists were, and toward the Authorized Personal section of the center. The Aviary was an enormous dome-shaped structure made of glass. A network of metal struts supported the great glass structure and it was in here that the park's flying reptiles, or pterosaurs, could be seen. The Aviary provided great airspace for the creatures to fly and the ground below was covered in trees, shrubs and other lush vegetation; a river ran through the Aviary as well. The center of the Aviary boasted a large upthrust of rock with steep cliffs. This was where the pterosaurs perched when they wanted a rest. Thick glass protected the viewing area, where tourists could watch the pterosaurs in flight.
"So what are we doing here?" Claire, who was following him, asked.
"I need to check the feeders," Harding explained. Claire knew that the pterosaurs were fed by a feeder that released live fish into the Aviary's river. The feeder got its fish from a special fish breeding plant in another part of the island. "Every Friday, I check on the feeders to make sure they're working properly. Trust me, you don't want a bunch of hungry pterosaurs in this enclosure. They can get...testy."
Harding unlocked the door to the Aviary feeding station. The feeding station was an area enclosed within a chain-link cage supported by metal struts – for protection from the pterosaurs – and situated where the river entered the Aviary. Claire looked into the Aviary itself and saw several dozens of pterosaurs soaring through the air. Two species of pterosaurs resided in the Aviary: Pteranodon and Dimorphodon. Dimorphodon was a relatively small pterosaur with an eight-foot wingspan, a long tail, large eyes, quick, toothy jaws and sharp talons primarily for catching fish and insects. It was only somewhat aggressive, which is more than you can say for Pteranodon! Pteranodon was the largest pterosaur in the park, with a wingspan of 18-20 feet and 70 pounds in weight. It had a long, toothless beak, long wings, clawed feet, a short tail and a long crest protruding from the back of its head. Claire knew that this species was rather aggressive and, even though mainly a fish-eater, it would attack a human if it had half the chance. She watched as several Pteranodon soared through the air, occasionally flying low, near the river, to snatch a fish for consumption. Their bird-like cries could be heard throughout the park.
Harding walked up to the control panel in the feeding station and pressed the Release Fish button. Unfortunately, nothing happened. Harding tried it again. He sighed.
"Nice, it's not working," Harding said. "Those pterosaurs are going to get really hungry a little later. We have to get this thing repaired as quickly as possible."
"We are not doing it though, right?"
Harding laughed. "Of course not. That's a job for our technicians. I just need to let them know. They have special techniques to making repairs in the exhibits without endangering themselves so–"
"Yes, I know."
Harding looked at his watch and nodded. "Well, my daughter's coming on the ferry. She'll probably be here within a few minutes. We'd better get back to the Innovation Center. I've got to–"
A shriek was sounded as, all of a sudden, a dark shadow was cast over the two of them; a Pteranodon swooped in from above. It squawked and latched its sharp claws onto the chain link fencing. The chain links were strong and prevented the pterosaur from breaking in. Claire and Harding watched as the creature tried to forge its beak between the chain links; it cawed as it desperately attempted to reach the humans.
"It's OK, she can't get to us," Harding said.
"I know."
True to his word, the Pteranodon failed at every attempt to reach them, so she leaped back into the air, spreading her great wings and flew off.
"Have they done that before?" Claire asked.
"Oh yes. Plenty of times. That's common behavior for them when their feeder's not working. Goes to show you just how hungry they are." With a sigh, he started moving toward the door. "Well, I've got to pick up my daughter. Are you coming?"
"Sure."
Sarah, Kelly and Malcolm stood on the deck overlooking the ocean. They had gotten so far away from coast, that they could see nothing but water all around them. The boat was taking them toward a wonderful place they had never been to before, and they were obviously excited...well at least, Sarah and Kelly were. Ian tried as hard as he could not to be, simply because that was his style.
"Did you see the size of that school group that's on board the ferry?" Malcolm asked. "Whoever's coordinating that event has got to be stressed out."
"I'm sure they're fine," Sarah responded. "They're used to managing those types of events."
"Do we know what we're doing once we get to the park?"
Sarah nodded. "Yes. The CEO of the InGen company, John Hammond, is going to meet us at the Innovation Center."
"So we're getting celebrity treatment."
"Something like that."
"That's so awesome," Kelly said.
Then, Sarah looked to her left and noticed a young couple also standing on the deck, looking out over the ocean. For some reason, she felt that she wanted to talk to them, so she went over to where they were standing.
"Hey, how are you two doing?" she asked.
The man nodded his head and said, "We're good...you know, you look familiar..."
Sarah grinned. "I'm Dr. Sarah Harding."
The woman gasped. "Oh my gosh! The Sarah Harding? The paleontologist?" Sarah nodded and the woman stretched out her hand. "I'm Cheryl Logan, and this is my boyfriend, Billy Brennan."
Sarah shook both of their hands. "I used to be friends with your boss, Billy," she said. "You probably don't remember, but I visited your dig site a couple of times, before Cheryl started working there."
Billy snapped his fingers. "I thought you looked familiar. I remember now. Dr. Grant used to talk about you often before he disappeared."
"Yeah, I heard about his disappearance." Sarah paused, realizing that the topic might not be appropriate to talk about for some people. "So you're both going to Jurassic World too."
"Yes, we needed a break from work," Billy told her. "How did you end up deciding to come here?"
"We were invited by the Board of Directors. Say, if you want, you could probably join us. I don't think the founder, Hammond, would have a problem."
"Really?" Cheryl asked. "You'd do that?"
"Sure, since you were friends with Dr. Grant. He had connections with this place a few years ago, you know."
"Yes, I'm aware of that," Billy said. "Thanks for the invite. We accept."
"Excellent."
Malcolm, who overheard the conversation, came over and said, "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Oh yes. Cheryl, Billy, this is my husband, Ian..." (Ian shook both of their hands) "...and this is our 12-year old daughter, Kelly."
"Hi," Kelly greeted.
Then Billy turned to Ian and asked, "So what was it you do for a living?"
"He's a mathematician," Sarah said.
"Chaotician, actually!" Ian told them. "Chaotician. There's a difference between a chaotician and a general mathematician. A very significant difference."
"Like what?" Billy asked.
Kelly groaned, "Oh boy, here goes Dad's chaos theory speech again."
"Well, mathematicians are people with extensive knowledge of, uh, mathematics. They typically use this knowledge to solve mathematical problems. A chaoticianist on the other hand is someone who studies the Chaos Theory."
Cheryl and Billy winced. "The Chaos Theory?" they asked together.
"Yes. I don't think John Hammond and Simon Masrani are going to subscribe to the Chaos Theory, especially what it has to say about their little science project. Have you two heard of the Chaos Theory?" Cheryl and Billy shook their heads. "No? Non-linear equations? Strange attractions?"
"I'm afraid not," Cheryl said.
Malcolm grinned, eager to explain a little bit about the Chaos Theory. Kelly wasn't particularly interested in hearing the lecture her dad was about to give on his "beloved" Chaos Theory, but fortunately, she spotted something up ahead, just over the horizon, that would be capable of changing the topic.
"Hey, guys!" Kelly called as she pointed forward. "There's the island!"
True to her words, Isla Nublar was situated ahead of them. A little green mound in the ocean blue, slowly growing bigger as they approached. Here is where the adventure would begin!
A/N: In this chapter, as you just read, I added two species of pterosaurs to the story: Pteranodon and Dimorphodon. As you might expect, these pterosaurs are going to play a very interesting roll a little later on in the story. Also, I decided to introduce several new human characters into the story, including Gray and Zach from the upcoming Jurassic World film! We will see them again in later chapters. In the next chapter, expect to finally see Ian Malcolm, Sarah Harding, Cheryl Logan and Billy Brennan, Kelly Malcolm and Tom and Alaina's school group arrive in the park. What wonders will they see? What dinosaurs will they meet? You'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, please be sure to favorite, follow and review on this story and I'll see you all next week! Spare no expense!