The Watchers
Observation Room Beta
Dr. Sidney Lawrence chewed on the cap of his pen nervously as he observed the hybrids, pale fingers beating a nervous tattoo on his console. Aside from Azula being her usual inquisitive and energetic self, the others hadn't made any moves to really interact, which he was hoping was a good sign. "The Brakylosaurus seems to be the most docile and curious of the group outside of the Spino Rex primary. I still don't know how the hell you got the green light for the Allotops though Ramsey, that poor thing has two sets of counter-indicative instincts running right now."
Dr. Eliza Ramsey snorted as she made her own notations. "I got it greenlit because we needed at least one test case of predatory and prey species being mixed to show that it was possible to produce viable results. So far she hasn't disappointed." The European geneticist practically cooed at the screen. "Isn't that right Sara? You're mommy's tough girl!"
"Ugh, I still say that that thing's more dangerous than the Spino Rexes," a curt voice cut in. A broad-chested black man took a drink from his soda before returning his attention fully to the screens. Ramsey turned to glare at him.
"I'm not the one that decided to double down on predators Curtis! At least my take is original!" Dr. Simon Curtis paused in the act of taking his next drink and returned the glare.
"I
know you didn't just accuse me of copycatting Dr. Wu. Yeah, I used T Rex as one of my bases, but I went for something a bit more homogenous than the two extremes he picked. The Carno Rex serves as a good counterpoint to show alternative predator mixes." The argument silenced as Wu himself walked in, looking disgruntled.
"I apologize for my tardiness, I was dealing with a call from Nedry again." All of the scientists rolled their eyes in commiseration. Nedry was an obnoxious jackass at the best of times who in their humble opinions had overpromised and underdelivered on his capabilities as a programmer. They were
still working the bugs out of the algorithms for the robotic egg-turning arms. Curtis took another drink from his soda, before crushing the empty can and tossing it into the wastebasket.
"You haven't missed much. We just let the other hybrids into the enclosure." All four scientists watched for a long moment as the hybrids looked around. Before Azula gave a squeaky roar that called the attention of all of them to the Spino Rex. The Brakylosaurus, spooked, lumbered away from the predator, while the Carno Rex froze in place, its hide dappling into different colors as it attempted to hide in plain sight. Only the Allotops reacted aggressively, turning and charging the source of the challenge with her own squeaky roar. Curtis let out a guffaw as he turned and held out a hand to Lawrence, who grudgingly placed a hundred dollar bill in it.
"Toldja that my girl wouldn't be the one making the first offensive move!" Henry and Eliza however, were more concerned about the conclusion of the interaction as the Allotops rammed straight into the Spino Rex. Eliza was already picking up a phone and dialing a number.
"I'll have Gerry up here asap, that had to have..."
click She stared as Wu cut the call off before she could finish dialing. "Henry?! Azula needs medical attention!" Henry's voice was a bit faint as he answered.
"No. No she doesn't."
All four scientists stared at the video feed showing the bloodied horn nubs of the Allotops... and the completely unmarred skin of the Spino Rex.
"What in god's name?" Eliza whispered.