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The airport terminal is abuzz with activity with families reuniting, federal agents lining the walls, and the press cashing in on another tragedy. Claire and Owen are ushered off by Masrani Corp. security. I can only watch as they disappear through a side door. I’m being escorted through the crowds by a wall of TSA security agents. All around me, reporters try to get my attention.
“Dr. Grant, this way,” one of them directs me to a security exit. They lead me down a long hallway and stop in front of another door. “They’re waiting for you.”
“Who?” I question in confusion. Before they can answer, the door is pulled open from the other side. I’m immediately pulled inside and two sets of arms encircle me.
“Whose idea was it to send you back there, again?” I hear Ellie question, and I hear Sarah chuckle. They let me go and pull back to get a good look.
“Still in one piece,” Sarah points out.
“Almost,” I reply, holding up my arm to show the bandage. “Road rash is no joke.”
“Dr. Grant, we’d like to have a word,” a voice to my right grabs my attention. I finally notice the two men in suits seated at a table. I look over to Ellie and Sarah and they give me a nod.
“It’s okay,” Ellie assures, squeezing my bicep. “We’ll be waiting just outside.” With that, they both leave the room.
“Please have a seat.” Reluctantly, I take the seat across the table from them. “My name is Agent Cooper and this Agent Matthews. We’re from the CIA.”
“Before we begin,” Agent Matthews speaks for the first time, “whatever is discussed in this room, doesn’t leave this room. Do you understand?”
“I understand.” They both nod.
“In your own words, who is at fault for what happened?” I take a moment before answering.
“There isn’t one person solely responsible for what happened. It was a series of events that was compounded by bad decisions made by several people.”
“Care to elaborate?” Agent Cooper probes.
“For one, there is the combining of DNA from several different species in order to make an ‘attraction’ scary enough to keep people flocking to the park. Refusing to dispose of said animal once it was loose because of the money invested in it. Allowing InGen to take over operations,” I trail off before I fall into a full on rant.
“What about Dr. Wu?” Agent Matthews questions. “We haven’t been able to track him down.”
“You won’t find him,” I reply honestly. “He perfected genetic modification; InGen doesn’t want anyone else to have access to him. They’ve hidden him somewhere safe so he can continue his work.” The men look at each other.
“We have a proposition for you, Dr. Grant.” Agent Cooper opens a folder and places a piece of paper in front of me. My eyes go wide as I read over the offer. “With your expertise and connections within the world of genetics, we’d like to recruit you to be our eyes and ears in that world.”
“You travel all over the world, giving lectures,” Agent Matthews continues. “We would just like to be informed of anyone you find suspicious.”
“I could name a few other people who are maybe a little more qualified. So, why me?”
“Because from the very beginning, you’ve never trusted Henry Wu,” Agent Cooper points out. “You have good instincts, and we need them now more than ever.” I lean back in my chair as I try to wrap my head around it.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” Agent Cooper nods and slides a card over to me.
“We’d like an answer by the end of next week.” I nod. “You’re free to go.” I stand up and head out the door.
EGEGEGEGEGEG
I stare at the card in my hand. The night breeze ruffles the trees and pushes the swing I’m sitting in. Upon returning home two days ago, I was informed by the university that my research project was being shut down due to Masrani Corp. pulling their funding. I was prepared for it, but it was still hard to hear. You can’t fund a research project and pay off all the lawsuits. The offer from the CIA is beginning to look like a good alternative. The screen door opening has me shoving the card back into my pocket.
“Hey, Aunt Em.” Megan joins me on the swing.
“Hey, Meg, it’s late. What’s up?” She loops her arm through mine and leans her head on my shoulder.
“Bad dream,” she replies quietly. I sigh before placing a kiss to the top of her head.
“I’m still here, babe. I’m okay.” I feel her nod against my shoulder. We fall into silence as the breeze continues to push the swing.
“I can’t believe this is the third time you’ve almost been eaten by dinosaurs,” Megan comments after a few minutes. I give an ironic chuckle.
“Maybe I should play the lottery, and then I’d be able to fund my research personally.”
“What are you going to do now?” We fall back into silence as I contemplate this. A few minutes later, I look down and see that Megan has fallen asleep. I extract myself from her and gently pick her up. Luckily she’s still small enough to carry.
EGEGEGEGEGEG
“I’ll do it,” I state as soon as the call is answered.
“That’s good to hear,” Agent Cooper’s voice replies. “I had no doubt about it, although you waited until the last minute.”
“What happens now?”
“A car will pick you up from the university at 9:30am tomorrow morning. There will be a short orientation where you’ll receive your credentials and meet with HR.”
“I have a meeting with the other department chairs tomorrow.”
“It’s already been taken care of.”
“Of course, it has.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
EGEGEGEGEGEG
“Dr. Grant,” a voice in the crowd calls out. I look over to see Vivian and Lowery approaching.
“Vivian, Lowery, what a nice surprise.” Vivian pulls me in for a hug that I return. Once she lets go, Lowery moves to hug me. I hold my hand out to him instead. He frowns slightly as he takes it.
“They recruited you too?” Lowery questions as he lets go.
“Did all of these people work at the park?” I question instead. Vivian nods her head.
“Most of these people worked in the lab with Dr. Wu. Some of the others worked with us in the control center.”
“Have you heard from Claire or Owen?” Lowery questions.
“Yes to both,” I reply.
“Together?” Vivian questions with a knowing smile.
“Actually, not together. Claire left with her sister and nephews to spend some time together. Owen is taking this time to figure out what comes next.”
“But they’re planning on meeting up again?” I give her a wink.
“Dr. Grant.” I turn to see Agent Cooper approach. “Good to see you again.” He looks at Vivian and Lowery before turning back to me. “If you’ll follow me, we’ll get started.” I wave to the others and follow after him.
“You mentioned credentials, why?”
“When you travel for your lectures, you’ll be linking up with other intelligence agencies. You’ll need the credentials to show you’re with us.” He opens a door and ushers me through and I’m met with the sight of a bustling office. “Welcome to the CIA, Dr. Grant.”