First Chapter updated.

Lessons in Relationships II

Kagome swiped a hand across her forehead as she took in the structure before her. Whatever they had created was big, meaning the paddock was already too small in her opinion. Another point added to her every growing list of complaints towards the geneticist responsible. Whatever he had said was able to sway the board of directors that she would not be involved until it was already too late, she would have words with that Doctor.

A side swept look at her from the Raptor Trainer let her know her intent was very clearly written on her face.

"We've been pre-booking tickets for months. The park needs a new attraction every few years in order to reinvigorate the public's interest," Claire repeated in a well-versed pitch as she led them towards a side entrance, "Kind of like the space program. Corporate felt genetic modification would up the wow factor."

"They're dinosaurs. Wow enough," Owen commented flatly.

"Not according to our focus groups. The Indominus rex makes us relevant again."

"Indominus rex," Kagome and Owen chorused together with varying degrees of amusement and disbelief.

"We needed something scary and easy to pronounce," The redhead defended, "You should hear a four-year-old try to say 'Arachaeornithomimus.'"

"Oh, I am very impressed. Nice pronunciation," Kagome bumped Claire's shoulder playfully as they passed through the door.
"Thank you. I aim to please."

The ladies shared a smile to Owen's eye roll.

The observation deck they were led to was stark and very open. Giant floor to ceiling windows lining the entire wall facing the paddock.

"Am I now allowed to know what exactly was created? Let alone what was used," Kagome quipped, stopping before one of the window panels.

"The base genome is a T. Rex. The rest is...classified-"

"Claire!"

Kagome squared her shoulders, staring intently at Claire. Claire returned her stare before turning away with a frown.

"You made a new dinosaur, but you don't even know what it is?" Owen cut between the women, averting the Asian woman's discontent.

"The lab delivers us finished assets...and we show them to the public."

"I don't think you understand the sheer unknown territory we're entering by genetically engineering a creature from scratch Claire. Everything it does is brand new, it won't matter where the base DNA comes from," Kagome rubbed her eyes tiredly.

"I'd say so far the park has done a great job with our current dinosaur population-"
"Claire, we barely know the cusp of what these dinosaurs can do. Not only that, our current dinosaurs are in essence not even pure replicas of what they once existed as!"

"Alright ladies, let's try and see what we're dealing with first. Okay?"

To Claire's relief, Owen placed a hand on the Asian woman's shoulder and steered her back towards the windows.

"I'm not done."

"I know you're not darling."

"Can we drop a steer, please?" Claire was ready to get this over with.

"How long has the animal been in here?"
"All its life."

"Never seen anything outside of theses walls?"
"We can't exactly walk it."

"What about health checks and developmental milestones?"

"We deferred those to the genetics team, they followed your notes closely on the development of T. Rex. babies."

Kagome grumbled under her breath, crossing her arms in anger.

The occupants of the room watched as a whole slab of cow flank was lowered into the paddock on a wire.

"And you feed it with...that?" Owen clicked his tongue.

"Is there a problem?" Claire turned towards the two profressionals.

"Animals raised in isolation aren't always the most functional," Owen answered, eyes narrowing as he watched the brush for any movement.

"Your raptors are born in captivity."

"The raptors are different, they were raised as siblings - they are a pack. They socialize not only with themselves but with the trainers and staff as well," Kagome answered in turn as she stepped closer to the window.

"I imprinted on them when they were born, there's a trust built into the relationship. The only positive relationship this animal has is with that crane. At least she knows that means food," Owen paced the wall, an uneasiness building in his form.

"So she needs a friend. We should schedule play dates? That sort of thing?"

"Considering how big this cage you built has become. I'd say it's too late for that," Kagome whispered, stepping away from the glass, "Something isn't right. Have you guys already fed it today?"
"No, this is it's first meal today," The security guard quipped.

"Where is it?" Claire tapped on the glass impatiently.

"Yeah, what, is it in the basement?" Owen bit sarcastically, "Downstairs? Maybe it's in the rec room."

Kagome had at that point made her way towards one of the corners.

"It was just here. We were just here!" Claire made her way towards the control panel, disbelief written on her face.

"Owen," Kagome's called out as her jaw dropped.

The Raptor trainer made his way behind her, stopping just behind her.

"Oh...shit," He croaked, his chest pressing against her back as he leaned forward for a closer look.

"Claire..come here," Kagome whispered.

Just as Claire turned to look, Owen pointed up towards the edge of the windows.

"Were those claw marks always there?"

Deep gashes were gouged into the cement walls, trailing above the midway point.

"She has an implant in her back," Claire gasped, quickly making her way back out,"I can track it from the control room."

"Claire! You're going out there? It might be out there already, can't you just call from here," Kagome jumped to step in front of her friend.

"I can't Kagome, the reception here is shoddy, I need to get closer to the main buildings. I'll be quick and safe, I promise," The redhead attempted to side step the smaller woman.

"I'll go with you."
"No, Kagome I need you to stay here just in case something happened to it. If it's hurt-"

"Claire! I'm not letting you go out there alone!"

"I won't be alone Kagome! You saw how many people were outside, nothing's happened yet!"
Kagome pursed her lips and opened her mouth to continue protesting but was stopped by two heavy hands landing on her shoulders.

"Come on Kagome, stay here with me. She'll be okay, we can't be the famous duo without my Doctor," Owen eased, nodding towards Claire as he pulled Kagome far enough for the woman to escape.

They watched as Claire flew down the stairs and out towards her car, they remained still until the car peeled out.

A bony elbow promptly dug into his side, causing him to flinch.

"If something happens to her, your ass is mine."

"It's yours regardless."

Kagome glared up at Owen's crooked grin before turning towards the security guard.

"Run the scan again, make sure it's not in the paddock," She ordered firmly, "We need to know how it got out of there."

Owen's smirk dropped, a grim look taking over, "We need to get in there."

Kagome's nodded slowly.