The golden hue of the setting sun cast long shadows across the sprawling San Francisco skyline, but Benjamin Lockwood wasn't looking at the view. His attention was firmly on the detailed blueprints spread across the grand mahogany desk in front of him. The ancient leather-bound books on the shelves behind him seemed almost like relics from another era. In some ways, they were. He had once believed the age of dinosaurs was a thing of the past, something to study and admire from a distance. Now, the past was coming back, and there was no turning back.
The door to his office creaked open, and a voice as familiar as it was frustrating interrupted his thoughts.
"Benjamin, my old friend!" John Hammond's voice rang through the room like a bell, full of pride and boundless optimism. Hammond stepped inside with his usual swagger, his cane tapping rhythmically against the floor with each step. "We've got a date with destiny. Are you ready to change the world?"
Lockwood looked up, his weathered face marked by years of experience. The years had been kind to him in some ways, but not in others. His sharp, calculating eyes studied Hammond as he approached, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips—a smile laced with wariness.
"You're always ready to change the world, John," Lockwood said, gesturing for his partner to sit. "But the question is—do you ever consider the consequences? I can't say I'm entirely comfortable with where we're headed."
Hammond waved off his concerns with a flourish, taking a seat across from Lockwood. He leaned forward, his eyes bright with the fervor of a man on the brink of what he believed would be his greatest achievement.
"Consequences, my dear friend? No, no. This is the culmination of everything we've worked for." Hammond smiled, the glint in his eye unmistakable. "You remember our dream, Benjamin. A public spectacle—a place where people can witness dinosaurs like never before. The amphitheater is our chance to show the world what we've accomplished. It's the next step, the next evolution. Think of it. This was never about just a proof of concept; it was about bringing the awe and wonder of these creatures to the people, to the masses. In San Francisco, we'll do just that."
Lockwood's fingers drummed nervously on the desk as he leaned back in his chair, considering his words carefully. "And what happens when the people who buy tickets realize they've been brought into the lion's den? What happens when they look into the eyes of those creatures, only to find out we're not in control? What then, John?"
Hammond's expression hardened, but he quickly smoothed it over with a broad, reassuring smile. "I told you before, Benjamin, we've got control now. The amphitheater is self-contained—state-of-the-art security, barriers, automated systems. Nothing like the unfortunate events on Isla Sorna. Those were just growing pains. This is different. The public will come, they'll see the dinosaurs, and they'll love it. Just like we always dreamed."
Lockwood exhaled deeply, his concern evident. "I hope you're right. Because if something goes wrong again..." He trailed off, his gaze shifting toward the large windows, the city sprawling below them. In the distance, the bones of the amphitheater—the massive structure that had been under construction for months—loomed. Even from here, its sheer scale was impossible to ignore. The city had been chosen carefully, the amphitheater strategically placed in the heart of modern civilization. No remote island. No more isolation. The world would be able to see the dinosaurs, up close and personal.
"Don't worry, Benjamin," Hammond said, his voice almost soothing. "You and I have seen more than most people could ever imagine. We've seen the future. It's here now. And it's not just a spectacle—it's the future of humanity. Imagine the possibilities, my friend. Think of the science, the genetic breakthroughs, the education we can offer. This... this is the grandest opportunity we've ever had."
Lockwood rubbed his temples. "It's not the science I'm worried about, John. It's the people. Public perception is one thing, but the truth is... we can't predict everything. What about the unexpected variables? What if the system fails? What if the power goes out or—"
Hammond leaned forward, interrupting. "We've taken every precaution. The gates are secure, the fences reinforced. We've got automated tranquilizers, drones, emergency protocols—all of it. It's more than just blueprints now, Benjamin. This is a fully functioning system, a sustainable environment for both the dinosaurs and the humans. Trust me. The city will be in awe. I've already spoken with the mayor. He's on board. This is going to be bigger than anything we've ever seen."
Lockwood felt a chill run down his spine. He knew better than anyone what it meant to underestimate the power of the creatures they had created. He knew better than anyone that things could go terribly wrong, even with the best precautions. Hammond's enthusiasm was infectious, but it was also blinding him to the dangers that still lurked beneath the surface.
"John," Lockwood said softly, his voice lower now, filled with the weight of years spent in pursuit of a dream. "We've never had this level of exposure before. Isla Sorna was a controlled environment, chaotic as it was. But San Francisco? It's a city, filled with people from all walks of life, with no idea what they're about to face. This is... this is different."
Hammond's smile faltered for just a moment. "I understand your concerns, Benjamin. But this... this is the future. The world is ready. People will see these creatures not as threats, but as marvels. You'll see. We've learned from the past. This time, we've perfected it."
Lockwood's eyes darkened as he glanced toward the looming amphitheater once again. He could feel the weight of what they were about to do pressing on his shoulders. A part of him wanted to argue further, to insist that Hammond slow down and think things through more carefully. But he knew, deep down, it was pointless. Once Hammond had made up his mind, there was no stopping him. And so, reluctantly, he nodded.
"Just be careful, John," he said quietly. "We can't afford failure."
Hammond stood up with a flourish, as if dismissing Lockwood's doubts with a wave of his hand. "We won't fail, Benjamin. This is the moment we've been working for our entire lives. Tomorrow, the world will witness the impossible. Tomorrow, we show them dinosaurs in a way they've never seen before."
As Hammond turned to leave, Lockwood stayed seated, staring at the blueprints. The amphitheater loomed large in his mind, a symbol of all their ambition, all their dreams. But there was something else there too—a whisper of fear, a feeling that this time, they were venturing into unknown territory.
As Hammond disappeared through the door, Lockwood closed his eyes, the weight of their creation pressing down on him. He wasn't sure if they were ready for what was coming—but one thing was certain: once the gates opened, there would be no turning back.