by David Rhodes
“Mute,” Ben said, and it was quiet again. Then he said “Camouflage,” and though the wall still looked the same, Steve advised, “The Team will not be able to tell we are here now.” About a minute later, seemingly out of nowhere, the Stegosaurus appeared slowly walking from left to right about twenty-five yards away from them.
“I forgot how big they were,” Lisa whispered.
Steve stood up and said, “This one is old, like you thought Professor Fontana. So, it’s big, about fourteen feet to the top of its plates and if I remember correctly it was measured at 37 feet 2 inches in length. Our scans estimated its weight at about 5,000 pounds, maybe a little more.”
“That sounds right,” Ron said. “It looks thin.”
“Thin?” Ben asked.
“Yes, it should be well over 6,000 pounds, closer to 7,000.”
“What else do you see, Professor?”
“Well, do you see its mouth, the beak? It looks deformed, like it has been injured. That would certainly mean death for a Stegosaurus. See how low the head is to the ground? All it ate was vegetation and it had to find it at the right height. There’s been speculation that they could rear up on their hind legs but seeing the size of this animal I would guess that only juveniles might be able to do it before they grew too large.”
“What else?”
“The plates. They’re not staggered and not exactly mirror images along its back. That could just be for the ungulates like this one though. But the main thing I see is that some of the plates are redder than the others, full of blood for cooling is what the best guess is they were for.”
“It’s 115 degrees out there with about 80 percent humidity,” Ben noted.
Ron nodded and said, “But not all of the plates are full, and I think that, as we already know, it indicates the animal is in distress. Things aren’t working the way they should. And though it has also been surmised that the plates were carried both up and down at different times, the plates on this animal seem to be drooping. It’s losing control of body functions.”
“Anything surprising?” Steve asked.
“Just seeing it in real life. How tall the back legs are compared to the front. Like I said the low carried head and how the body arches up to the top of the plates and then that tail. Look at those spikes. Three feet for the front spikes and the hind ones are two feet long but compared to the rest of its body they look like toothpicks.”
“And they’re more parallel to the ground like you mentioned,” Steve added.
Suddenly the animal stumbled and dropped to its front knees. Its mouth was open and as Steve had the sound come back on they could hear its plaintiff cries. Then it toppled over on its side with its belly toward them and took several large breaths, and then the animal’s sides stopped moving.
“Watch the area just beyond its tail,” Steve said and a few seconds later the Unit appeared. Two drones lifted up from it as what appeared to be small versions of a lunar land rover shot out and disappeared into the vegetation around the Stegosaurus. Two minutes went by without any movement, then eight people in light green camouflage uniforms walked out of the Unit toward the dead animal.
“Come on, people,” a woman in front called back. “I know the readings say there’s nothing around but let’s not waste any time. Get to it. I want pictures, video, measurements, scans and samples right now and do it right. You know the drill. Let’s go.”
Five of the people moved quickly past her and there was a flurry of activity around the fallen Stegosaurus. Two others took positions at the head and tail of the animal and had their rifles up as they scanned the jungle around them. One of the plates was removed from its back, as were teeth and skin samples and impressions. Lisa flinched as a deep incision was cut into the stomach and a large container was used to collect some of its contents.
After about fifteen minutes the woman shouted, “Okay, let’s get back in,” followed immediately by, “Wait!” She paused as if listening to something then everyone gathered by the spikes on the Stegosaurus tail. The woman then said, “I know you said just one, but it would probably be easier to just cut part of the tail off, and then you would have four spikes.”
A man in the group stepped forward and pulled what looked like a small circular saw from a bag on his side. The blade began to spin silently, and it took less than a minute for him to cut the tail section away. The woman and three others quickly picked it up and one of them said, “This is heavier than what I thought.”
The woman replied, “If you worked out once in a while it wouldn’t be. Paycheck, can we leave this slacker behind?” Laughter came from the group and then they disappeared back into their Unit. The drones and land rovers returned and a few seconds later it vanished.
“That was impressive,” Ron said. “Real teamwork.”
“Thank you,” Ben replied, “but I almost messed it up.”
“How?”
“I’m Paycheck. I started to answer just now.”
“What did you say to her then?” Lisa asked. “They all thought it was funny.”
Ben looked down for a moment and replied, “Let’s just say I suggested the Team stuff him into some part of the Stegosaurus and leave it at that.”
Everyone laughed as Steve told them, “Well, we are on our way back. As promised, no injuries to the Team or to any of us. I know you’re thinking it is because we already knew what was going to happen, but we always do know what is going to happen. We launched drones and bots and Ben and I personally watch for any animals in the area on video and infrared. I don’t want to sound like I’m boasting, but we have the best detection equipment available. The only time the Team comes in contact with an animal is because I want them to. When we have to get certain information.”
“And the drones and bots cover everything?” Ron asked.
“No,” Ben answered. “Those are the scouts. If they see something, or when we stop and feel it is necessary, we send up high altitude cameras. We can cover a huge area that way and then see any trouble or animals of interest.”
“How do you get those back?” Lisa asked.
“We don’t.”
“What about the possibility that a fossil of it, or impression or something, could be found later?”
“Great question,” Steve cut in. “All the materials used on the drones, bots, cameras, everything, is a bio-degradable resin. Once in the elements it has a three-day life then it just decomposes. Believe me when I say no one associated with our business ever wants to leave anything behind that could compromise our endeavors. That’s one of the things I want to get across to everyone on your team.”
Then the door opened, and Ron and Lisa saw they were back in the warehouse. “Professor Fontana…” Steve started but Ron stopped him.
“Please, Steve, I’m Ron and this is Lisa. I think Lisa and I need to talk and then we will speak to Charles and Lauren. I will give you a call sometime after the holidays.”
Steve and Ben smiled as they all shook hands and Steve told them, “Ron, Lisa, I look forward to your call.”
Then Ben escorted them back to their car and as they drove away Lisa said, “It was all like a dream.”
CHAPTER FIVE
SECRETS
“But what did you think of it?” Ron asked. “What do you think of Steve and Ben?”
Lisa thought for a few moments then said, “I didn’t know what to think at first. I wanted to stay quiet, I mean I’m not any kind of expert. But I let my feelings show and I usually can’t stop myself from saying something. But both of them seemed to like I was talking, contributing. I hope you didn’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Ron assured her. “I was surprised you wanted to jump again.”
“I was wanting to support you but afraid of actually going. But we were kind of swept up in things and when Steve said we were traveling I just decided to go along and hope for the best. And, this was completely different than last time. We weren’t being kidnapped, and it obviously was much more relaxed.
But still, it was a little surreal and I half believed that it wasn’t happening. Or maybe I hoped it wasn’t.
“When I looked out of the window though and saw the jungle, well, there it was so we really had jumped again. I could feel my anxiety level rising but I kept reminding myself we already knew what was going to happen. It was okay, no one was going to die.”
Lisa paused then continued, “Then the Stegosaurus came out of the jungle and I couldn’t help but focus on the animal. It was huge and, this will sound funny, it was majestic. I could see the muscles ripple as it walked, hear it breathing and feel its life. When it paused, and I knew why, I became sad and actually wanted to go out to it. I wanted to help it in some way. Maybe save it. But when it stopped breathing I knew it had died and in reality, had been dead for millions of years. I couldn’t help it, I could only watch.
“Then the Team came out and I found myself trying to watch each person to see what they were doing. I found that part fascinating though a little gruesome also. Each of them knew exactly what to do and they moved like clockwork. I have to admit I was impressed by that. They were getting whatever was needed to help further their efforts to help military men and women. You know, there are times when we may not agree with a decision that is made that sends our military into harm’s way, but you can’t turn your back on the individuals who make things happen. Those who do the work. So, I started looking at the whole thing differently.”
“How?” Ron asked.
“That Stegosaurus dying would have meant nothing. Just a meal for other dinosaurs and then turning into dust. Now I understand all that still happened but before it did, information that might be used was obtained. It just seemed…seemed right to me somehow. I know it sounds funny, but that’s what I think.”
Ron nodded and said, “I wanted to go outside too, I wanted to help them with whatever it was they were doing. You know I still love the field work. And, I agree with most of what you said. The animal wasn’t killed for scientific purposes, they didn’t unnecessarily kill an animal for research. And I can understand taking some of the body parts. I guess Steve may want to study them, he likes dinosaurs, but I wasn’t sure about the blood and tissue samples. I’m still trying to figure that out.”
“What bad reason could he want them for?”
“Cloning. That’s what I’m worried about.” Then he shrugged his shoulders and said, “You only have to watch a few movies to know that’s a bad thing.” Then he continued, “It’s something we need to ask about when we see them again.”
“So, you are thinking about helping them?”
“Yes. Like you said, it seems for a worthwhile purpose and we need to stop them from blundering around and getting people killed. But that brings up again, what did you think about Steve and Ben? You didn’t answer that question.”
“Sorry, I thought saying I started liking what was happening did answer it. To the point though, I think they are being honest with us. Ben especially. He seems very personable and I thought he really wanted to help us. He seemed to have a great amount of respect for you. Steve was, well he seemed the science type. Like you used to be and still can be sometimes. Focused on his work and though he does okay talking with people he is a little awkward with some social skills. He was trying though, and I feel like he really wants your help.”
Lisa put a hand on Ron’s shoulder and said, “You know if he wants you to be a consultant he will probably pay you a lot of money. I know you love the field, the digging excites you, but more than once I’ve heard you complain about the cold and the heat and the rain and the heat and the dust and the heat and the sand and the heat and…”
Ron laughed and said, “Okay, okay, I get it. I have to admit I have been thinking about transitioning from full-time paleontologist for the university to a consulting position. There is a lot of new blood waiting to move up. Now if I had two consulting jobs I could cut out some of the field work and yes, stay cool since apparently I complain about the heat all the time. And I just remembered, you’ll be getting paid as a consultant too.”
“Well, I’m not sure about that but I was thinking you’d be around more.”
“More yoga?”
“More yoga.”
Steve congratulated himself and then shook his head. They had bought it, hook, line and sinker. He could see Ron was barely able to contain himself as he brought out the spike. The spike. As soon as he opened the briefcase it was all Ron could see, all he wanted to touch. But Steve knew he had to go slow, reel Ron in a little at a time. Answer all his questions, and Lisa’s questions too. He had to win them both over and he had done it.
There were some surprises too. He had not thought for a moment that they would want to come to his facility and to see what he was doing. What had he said that made them want to come? He couldn’t remember half of what he told them, just kept trying to say the right things to them. The things they wanted to hear. He must have succeeded because they didn’t hesitate. What had Lisa said? “Maybe we could go for a few minutes. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.” Yes, that was it. Ron wanted to go and then Lisa gave him the green light. A sad story did it, he’d have to think of some more. You needed to know what motivated people.
Then he didn’t have time to clue Ben in, but it didn’t matter. Ben was Ben and he was being totally honest about everything in his own personable way. It couldn’t have been scripted any better. A sad story, then tie in the military, and the next thing he knew they were actually asking to get in the Unit and go see the Stegosaurus. Unbelievable. Whatever fear Lisa had seemed to disappear, and Steve thought Ron was going to jump through the window to get at the Stegosaurus.
Beautiful. He was sure they would want to help, and they would be a great help. Well, at least Ron would be. He wasn’t sure about Lisa but if she kept Ron on the Team then that’s all that would matter. Ron had known everything about the Stegosaurus just from looking at the spike. Yes, they needed him and his knowledge.
Then Steve remembered he had talked about Charles Dawson too. Why had he said he wanted to meet him when he didn’t? Charles might notice that a few things looked familiar, like he might have invented them instead of Steve. But it had already been said and who knew, maybe his wanting to meet Dawson had helped Ron and Lisa decide to visit the facility and then travel. Maybe it was okay, Dawson probably wouldn’t want to come anyway. After all, Lauren Fontana wasn’t a big fan of traveling and supposedly Dawson was getting ready to quit.
But then he realized they all had to come. It was the only way. As Steve turned around there was Ben standing in the doorway to his office. “What are you thinking about?” Ben asked.
Steve had the feeling he knew exactly what he was thinking about, but he brushed it off with, “About how you are the best brother anyone could ever want.”
“How’s that?” Ben asked.
“The way you spoke with them, getting them emotionally involved, how you kept them interested. I couldn’t have done that, and you did it as if you had rehearsed what you were going to say.”
“So, you were watching? I wondered where you went to.”
“I visited Tiny for a few minutes, but I wanted to watch you and see how you handled them.”
“Just being myself, that’s all. Honesty is the best way to go with people who can figure out things.”
“I can’t believe they were ready to travel so quickly.”
Ben smiled, “I have to admit that surprised me too. But we have to be honest with them and do the right thing by them.”
“Just what do you mean by that?”
“We can’t leave them behind somewhere. We can use them, pay them, and then let them go on their own way. They won’t talk about anything they did or saw. They haven’t so far, and they won’t in the future unless –”
“Unless?”
“Unless they suspect we’re not being honest with them. They will see right through us and that will only lead to problems we don’t need. Whatever you are thinking about do
ing, let’s keep it straight all the way. We’ll still get our money in the end.”
Steve smiled and told Ben, “That’s exactly what I was just thinking. Really, it was. We need Ron and Lisa and they will provide us with the information we need to be successful. Plus, they are friendly and who wants to harm their friends?”
Ben smiled back at Steve and said, “I’m glad we’re thinking along the same lines. Now let’s get out of here and don’t forget you are coming over for Christmas.”
“I’ll be there,” Steve replied as Ben turned away. Then he shook his head and thought, “Weak, he is too weak.” Then he walked out of his office and down the hallway and used the retinal scanner to open a sliding door. The lights came on in the room automatically and he gazed down into a room that was twenty feet below where he was standing. It was empty except for a large metal table in the center of it and one metal chair. The feeding room.
Steve pressed a button and a loud bell rang one time as a door slid open in the feeding room. It entered quickly as it always did, a green and yellow blur of activity as it stalked around the room. “You’re not weak though, are you?” Steve said quietly. Then he pressed another button and a large chunk of meat dropped down onto the table. Steve smiled as the creature savagely attacked it. “Merry Christmas, Tiny.”
“Well, I can’t move again,” Charles said as he pushed himself away from the table. “Ron and Lisa, you didn’t eat much. Did you eat earlier and what did you do over the last few days? We haven’t seen much of you and we’ve missed you.”
“That’s nice,” Lisa replied.
“It is, it really is,” Ron added. “You see we had to take care of several things and to let you in on a secret, we were house shopping. We’re thinking about moving to Florida.”
Lauren jumped up and hugged both of them and as she sat down she said, “Charles and I were just trying to decide how to suggest that to you. Where are you looking?”