The Uninvited

Night had settled over the island. The sky was a navy blue sheet with sparkling stars glowing in the far distance. After visiting John Hammond in the hospital, everyone had gone their own separate way.

Ian Malcolm and Ellie Sattler had left Tim and Lex Murphy at the staff lodge. The kids wanted to stay up late, playing video games in the recreation room, so Ellie and Malcolm had left them there to have their fun. They had visited their grandfather earlier and were still excited that they got to leave the island for that trip. On the way back, Tim and Lex had chatted excitedly about the next time they'd visit him. They seemed untouched by Robert Muldoon's coldness or the adults' concern about how everything was faring on the island. Now they wanted to beat each other in action games. Ellie and Malcolm had a feeling they'd fall asleep in the recreation room, but it wasn't a big deal. As long as they were safe, that's what mattered.

The couple headed towards the visitor center to stop by the cafeteria. Malcolm had given Ellie a heads-up about Muldoon's reaction back at the hospital, when he had seen a certain name signed on the visiting list. So far Ellie hadn't commented on it, so Malcolm gave up. Ellie probably wanted to enjoy their time together without having to worry about the staff's problems.

He wrapped his arm around Ellie's waist. "We finally have a moment alone," he said.

"About time," she said, smiling.

"What do you want to do tonight?"

It was ten o'clock in the evening. The jungles of Jurassic Park were black except for the floodlights scattered throughout the island. Malcolm, appreciating their seclusion in the darkness, pulled her towards him and kissed her. Ellie laughed and pushed him away playfully.

"Could you be any more discreet?" she asked, looking around.

"You didn't answer my question."

"You asked if I believed whole-heartedly in chaos theory."

"That wasn't it—for once."

"You asked if I'd let you take over my greenhouse."

"Nope. I asked if you wanted to do anything tonight."

Ellie blinked. "What do you have in mind?"

Malcolm glanced at the visitor center nearby and then at Ellie. He shrugged. "I don't know…something relaxing. Everyone's tense."

"So what else is new?"

He ignored the clipped tone in her voice. "So I thought we'd do something fun and relaxing. Ah, have a midnight picnic. Sit back and watch the stars."

"Is that all you want to do, Ian?"

"Uh, yeah; is that too much to ask for?"

"It is." She scrunched up her face and then bust out laughing. "I admit it…I'm disappointed."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I thought you were going to lecture me."

"Would you like that?"

"No!"

"You're a captive audience. I can sing if you like, although I specialize in chaos theory, not in musical numbers."

Ellie smirked. "I advise you to take singing lessons."

"Will do."

"C'mon, let's go back to the staff lodge."

They started towards the staff lodge, hand-in-hand. To get there, they had to pass by Hammond's bungalow, so they headed in that direction. As they walked, Malcolm thought about how happy he was with Ellie. When he was with her, he could be himself. Other facets of his personality shined when he was with her. Contrary to what most thought, he wasn't always in ultra-serious-mathematician mode. He was playful, funny, thoughtful, and even likable. He especially appreciated the last one—likable—since everyone had a problem with him, or more so, his ideas. He could bounce off chaos theory around Ellie and she never grew tired or bored. He could toss ideas in the air and she'd catch them and throw them back at him. She challenged him, made him rethink his ideas and views, and listened to him. He wished more people were like her.

Ellie Sattler was special. Too bad everyone couldn't be like her.

The park staff needed work. Lots of it. He didn't care that the park's staff thought he was snobby or a know-it-all who constantly lectured about bogus theories. He would always stay true to himself. Malcolm felt he had nothing to prove to anyone, especially when it concerned his quirky personality. The problem was everyone was in their own world. No one listened to each other and everyone did their own thing. Malcolm could write a dissertation or an award-winning thesis on the miscommunication and lack of communication that took place daily on Isla Nublar. Another time, another lecture. Right now, he just wanted to relax and he knew Ellie felt the same way.

They heard shouting as they neared Hammond's bungalow. It was coming from inside. Two voices, then three voices, and then a fourth joined the nonsensical chorus of arguing. Malcolm stopped in front of the door. Curiosity got the best of him at the most inopportune times. He raised his hand to knock on the door, when Ellie gently put it down. She shook her head, disapproving.

"Don't get involved."

"But—"

"Trust me, its better that way."

"You can't hide all the time, Ellie."

An angry gleam lit her eyes. "I'm not hiding. I'm choosing not to get involved with the crap that goes on here."

"It's not crap."

"Then what is it? It's drama. Ridiculous drama and you know what? I've had enough of it."

Malcolm looked her straight in the eye. "It's life. You can't stop it from happening. Life has its ups and downs."

"Spare me, Ian. I don't want to hear it."

"I'm not lecturing you."

"Yes, you are," she snapped. "And for your information, I have good reason for not getting involved."

"Such as?" Malcolm noticed that Ellie stepped further away from the bungalow as if he'd force her to go inside.

"What do you think? I helped once and got shot in the leg. Then the staff didn't tell John about Biosyn starting trouble on his island."

Malcolm nodded. "That was messed up on InGen's part, but it wasn't entirely their fault," he said, trying to keep a middle ground.

"You're wrong." She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You're wrong and you know it."

"How so?" Now they were arguing louder than those inside of Hammond's bungalow. He could only hear him and Ellie. It saddened Malcolm because arguing with her was the last thing he wanted to do. "How am I wrong?"

"John's accident could've been prevented." Ellie's voice was choked up and she focused her glare on the bungalow. "It didn't have to happen."

"How do you know it could've been prevented?" Malcolm shot back. "It did happen. It's said and done. The InGen staff could've told him everything and things may have still turned out the way they are now. What if they told John and he refused to listen? What then?"

"I don't know…" Ellie sighed. "I have no idea if it would've made a difference."

"Which brings me to my point, right? How do you know it could've been prevented?"

"I don't want to argue about chance, probability, and all that."

"But we are arguing."

She said nothing. She wouldn't look at him, and when she finally did, her voice was soft, yet hard. "Can you respect my decision to leave things alone?"

"You don't have to ask me that," Malcolm said quietly. "You know I respect your decision."

They exchanged silence.

Ellie was the first to break. "I'll be back."

"Where are you going?"

"To get some stuff from the staff lodge."

"And where do you want to meet?"

"Doesn't matter."

"Where, Ellie?"

She gestured towards the visitor center. "On the steps in front of the center."

"Okay."

Ellie didn't reply, nor did she look behind her once as she headed towards the staff lodge. Malcolm watched her stomp off, baffled by her sudden mood change. He knew she was tired of everything—the fighting, the constant fear of being attacked by Biosyn again, her trying situation with Grant, and now Hammond laying in the hospital, unable to walk on his own two feet.

What bothered Malcolm was that she wasn't overly involved in most of the situations on the island and yet, she acted as though she was. Usually, Muldoon or Arnold put an end to the chaos. They'd find a solution that they hoped worked, keeping everyone safe. Ellie had been involved in the past, but as soon as she could, she'd escape to her greenhouse seeking solace and solitude. He was going to follow her and decided against it. Going after her now wouldn't be the best idea. When he met up with her in a few minutes, she would've had time to cool off and from there; they could enjoy themselves as originally planned.

Meanwhile, he'd play like the cat and pray that his curiosity wouldn't kill him. He raised his hand to knock again when the door was thrown open. Gerry Harding stood in the doorway. He appeared exhausted with bags under his eyes and looked relieved to see him.

"Dr. Malcolm, great to see you."

"Same here, Dr. Harding."

Harding poked his head out. "You comin' in?"

"Sure, why not."

Malcolm entered Hammond's bungalow. When was the last time he'd been here? He remembered arguing with Hammond about the sixteenth species, Dodgson's phone-call, Hammond confiding his fears that another employee would betray him, and the time he came in between Muldoon's argument with Hammond. This all took place before Hammond's accident. Looking around the bungalow, Malcolm wondered when and if Hammond would return to the island. He heard Harding close the door behind him and walked further into the bungalow. The shouting hit him full force and he realized he had come in the middle of the strife.

"I've told you everything I know!"

"You didn't tell us anything new. Go on, continue lying."

"That's all there is!"

"Oh, you were finished?"

"Dance in hell."

"Believe me, I will, after your slimy carcass boils and decays in hell."

In the living room, Ray Arnold stood in front of Dennis Nedry, puffing a cigarette. He nodded at Malcolm. Nedry sat on a chair in the middle of the room with his hands cuffed behind his back. Apparently he was the center of everyone's attention in the bungalow. Trails of blood leaked from his nose and lips. Malcolm didn't want to think about how Nedry ended up like that—he had a feeling of what took place, but didn't question it. Donald Gennaro leaned against the wall, glaring at Nedry, but said nothing to Malcolm. Robert Muldoon stood in the far corner of the room examining his shotgun. Henry Wu smiled in relief when he saw Malcolm.

"Over here," Wu called.

"What's going on?"

"Eh, chaotic as always."

Malcolm smiled sardonically. "What else is new?"

Wu noticed Nedry's quick glance at Malcolm. "Be careful with him. He's very manipulative and will say anything to get you on his side. He tried his antics on me and Gerry earlier, and we weren't buying it."

"Thanks for the warning."

"We've been dealing with his stupid attitude all night," Wu said. "I've had it."

Malcolm nodded and saw Arnold tap cigarette ash on Nedry's face.

"You're disgusting," Nedry growled.

"And you disgust me," Arnold said. "How do you like that?"

Malcolm decided to get involved. He'd approach this carefully. "What's going on?"

"Make them uncuff me."

"Don't listen to a word he says," Arnold said. "It's exactly as Henry told you: he's manipulative to no end. Don't let him sweet-talk you into anything."

"I wasn't talking to you," Nedry said. "Turn around and kiss Muldoon's ass, you nicotine freak."

Arnold turned to Malcolm, as if seeking his sympathy. "I can't reason with this fool anymore. No one can."

"Why don't you call the cops and let them handle it?" Malcolm asked. "That would be the logical thing to do."

Muldoon took off his fedora and placed it on the sofa. He joined Malcolm and Arnold. "We're not calling the cops, not yet anyway. They'd just drag him away to get locked up—which isn't a bad thing since he's a bloody lowlife. We plan on dealing out our own justice. Getting him arrested is just too easy on him. Eventually, we'll call the mainland police, but for now, he's under our care." He spat out the last word "care".

"What kind of justice?"

Muldoon was about to answer, when Harding came over with a syringe. "Good idea, Gerry. That'll keep him quiet for a little while. We need some peace in here."

"You're not jabbing me with that!" Nedry kicked at Harding's legs, hoping to trip him. Harding maintained his balance, but syringe fell to the floor and Nedry stomped on it.

"I know you didn't kick Gerry," Arnold fumed.

"I did! What are y—"

Arnold delivered a loud backhand punch that silenced Nedry. "Sit there and SHUT UP!" He walked into the kitchen and came back with a glass of water for Harding. "I'm tired of dealing with his smart-ass. We should be working shifts here. You okay, Gerry?"

Harding nodded and accepted the glass. "Thanks." He sent Malcolm a look that read: you see how he is? No one can deal with him.

Malcolm remained calm on the outside, although he fretted in his mind. Maybe Ellie was right—maybe it was better to mind his business and let the park staff handle their issues. What good would come of him butting in? Ellie would be infuriated if she found out he was in the bungalow. Still, Malcolm chose to stay, or at least, buy some time until he was ready to meet her outside by the visitor center.

Muldoon said, "You're probably wondering about what happened before this."

"It's self-explanatory."

"He thought he was slick to come back here on his own. Bloody fool swore up-and-down he wouldn't get caught. I shot him a few times." He spoke as if Nedry weren't in the room. "Good darts too, perfect for disabling him. Don't look so sad—he had it coming."

"Look who it is: the raptor-loving-khaki-wearing-Hammond-butt-kissing-trigger-happy-my-name-is-Robert-Muldoon-hear-me-roar!"

Muldoon raised his eyebrows, unimpressed. "Real cute."

"It fits you to a tee."

"Anyway," Muldoon continued, "he came back claiming to 'help' us. Every time he starts rambling about how he's going to 'help' us, he starts with the name-calling. It's sad to see a grown man act like a kid."

"Shut up! You shot me down like an animal!"

"You deserved it." Muldoon poked Nedry's chest with the shotgun's barrel. "Did you really think you'd come back here and get the red carpet treatment?"

"I should've. I used to work here."

"Your point?"

"My point is…" Nedry started and then glanced at Malcolm. "Can I talk to you for a sec? You're the only sane one here. They're all whacko. Look what they did to me."

"I noticed." Malcolm gestured for Muldoon to come over. "Let me try to get through to him," he said in a low voice. "It'll take a few minutes, but I'm sure I can do it."

Muldoon looked skeptical. "Good luck. You'll need it."

Malcolm nodded. Maybe if he spoke to Nedry, he'd get to the bottom of the situation. "Let's put order in this chaos, shall we?" He took center stage in Hammond's bungalow, ready to interrogate InGen's prisoner.

"Absolutely, I totally agree. Bye-bye, Robert. Go to the bathroom and write my name with your shit," Nedry sneered.

"I'll rub it in your face." Muldoon sat down on the couch to observe Malcolm. Arnold joined him, looking puzzled, but interested at what Malcolm was about to try to do.

"I'd like to see you try."

Malcolm snapped his fingers in front of Nedry's face, making him blink. "Forget about him right now. Robert Muldoon isn't in the room. He's not here."

"Yes he is. He's right there, grinning like a rat."

"I want you to tune him out."

"I'll try."

"Not try. Do it."

Nedry rolled his eyes, peeved by Malcolm's command. "Fine, fine."

"Now…what would you like?"

"Some hospitality."

"You aren't getting ANY hospitality after all the SHIT you've pulled here! Get that through your THICK SKULL!"

Malcolm spun around. "I need you to be the better man, Ray. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course I can."

"Good."

Malcolm turned back to Nedry. Nedry was sending a murderous glare in Arnold's direction, when Malcolm asked his next question. "What's going on?"

"'What's going on?' Can't you see it?"

"No, I don't."

"They're hurting me—they plan on killing me."

"No one's hurting you, you lying sack of—"

"Ray." Malcolm didn't turn around this time.

"Go on, I'll stay out of it."

"No one's trying to hurt you. I know you don't like the accommodations. The cuffs are no fun, but you have to see things from their perspective." He gestured at Muldoon and Arnold quickly before either man could get involved.

Nedry leaned forward as far as he could, which wasn't much. "You blind idiot! This has nothing to do with their perspective or whatever crap you're spouting. Ray won't listen to me and Robert shot me down with poisonous darts! That stupid—"

Malcolm remained deadpan. "Why would they hurt you?"

"Because they know what I can do—but that's not why I'm here."

And because they know what you've done in the past, Malcolm thought. They know damn well what you're capable of. We all know, don't we, Dennis?

"Hello? Are you even listening to what I'm telling you?"

"Hold on." Malcolm raised his hand. "You said they won't listen to you. What are you telling them?"

Nedry took a deep breath and acted exasperated, as if he were being asked to repeat the same line for the thousandth time. "I told them that Dodgson plans on taking over Isla Nublar. He wants to run Jurassic Park under Biosyn's name. He'll invade the island with his group and kick off the InGen staff. It's going to happen soon. Dodgson will stop at nothing to get InGen under his thumb. I wanted to get here ahead of him and prevent it from happening."

Malcolm glanced at the rest of the men to read their reactions. Gennaro and Wu exchanged doubtful glances. Harding shook his head, unconvinced. Arnold burst out laughing. Muldoon remained stone-faced.

"Man, if we strapped him to a lie detector to take a reading for every lie that's spilled from his mouth," Arnold said, trying to contain his laughter. "We'd be ten times richer than John."

"He'd break the machine before the test was halfway through," Muldoon said.

Malcolm turned back to Nedry, who looked stricken that no one was taking him seriously.

"I'm telling the truth. I swear I am."

"Are you?" Malcolm asked.

"Yes!"

"He's not," Muldoon said, standing up again, and placing his shotgun on the sofa. "This is Biosyn's plot. Send Dennis in and have him pretend he's switched sides. Then they'll make their move. He's a distraction, a tool for them and nothing more."

"That's not true." Nedry shook his head.

"Yes, it is."

"The hell it isn't!"

"The hell it is," Muldoon growled. "The day you stop lying is the day you stop breathing. As far as I'm concerned, that day can't come fast enough."

Malcolm watched the two men battle, fascinated by their mutual hatred. It was nothing new. The animosity between them preceded Nedry's incarceration and worsened after that. He even knew about Hammond's failed trip to get information from Nedry. If the prison guards hadn't restrained him, Nedry would've tore Muldoon's face off.

"I came to help and they treat me like garbage," Nedry appealed to Malcolm.

"You are garbage," Muldoon said.

"Go slash your wrists, you self-righteous prick!"

"HEY!" Gennaro shouted. It was the first time he had spoken during the entire time Malcolm was there. "Watch your mouth!"

"Oh please. Rob's just mad because a raptor petted him. Need a band-aid? Did you cry when they scratched you with their mean little claws?"

In the blink of an eye, Muldoon snatched his shotgun from the sofa. The floor trembled as he stomped over to Nedry. Malcolm managed to get in front of Nedry just in the nick of time to block him from Muldoon. Wu, Harding, and Gennaro rushed into the fray an instant after Arnold bolted up and rushed over. The whirl of men were entangled, all of them holding back Muldoon.

"Do it! Do it, you teacher's pet! You love to get on the witness stand and screw up people's lives and now it came back to haunt you!"

"One bullet is all it will take." Muldoon's voice was strained beyond recognition. "Bloody let me go so I can load up."

"I bet you hate seeing yourself in the mirror." Nedry cackled. "Vanity's a sin, I hope you know." He laughed harder.

Arnold wouldn't submit to his request. He pushed Muldoon towards the kitchen. The shotgun clattered to the floor, but that didn't deter Muldoon in the slightest. He stormed at Nedry again, fists clenched. Wu and Harding held him down. Gennaro grabbed the shotgun from the floor. Malcolm resumed his place in front of Nedry.

"Remember, he's just a scared little boy who finds security in his greed for money and making others miserable. You're the adult, you're the man—he isn't," Arnold said, pointing at Nedry. He motioned for Wu and Harding to ease up. "He's nobody. He's crap and piss mixed together and he'll get locked up for a long time after we're through with him."

"Two words, Mildew. No, make that three. Plastic surgery bitch!"

"BLOODY HELL—GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

"No, Robert. No. You're better than him and you always will be. Let it go, man," Arnold pleaded. "Let it go, he isn't worth it." He grabbed Muldoon's shoulders and led him towards the sofa. When they got there, he shoved him down roughly.

Malcolm now stood over Nedry, disturbed by what he just witnessed. Wu wiped his forehead. The strength it took to hold back Muldoon was more than he expected. Harding looked exhausted too and took deep breaths in the corner, away from everyone. Gennaro held Muldoon's shotgun and looked as if he'd use the gun on Nedry if he uttered another syllable. On the sofa, Arnold still tried to calm Muldoon down. Muldoon's face was flooded with sweat, his skin had reddened, and his eyes were on the verge of bursting from his skull. Arnold sat with him, trying to defuse him. Whatever he was saying wasn't working, because Muldoon wasn't listening. The sheer hatred in his dark glare was completely reserved for Nedry, who simply grinned back. At first, Malcolm couldn't recall the last time he had seen Muldoon fly into such a hot rage and then he remembered the day Nedry released the raptors.

"Can I continue?"

Malcolm stared at Nedry, revolted that he would have the nerve to ask for anything after what he just did. Nedry seemed unmoved and whistled a show tune. He swung his legs and then stopped when he saw Malcolm staring down at him. It was quiet in the bungalow except for Arnold's rushed whisperings to Muldoon. Finally, Malcolm let out his breath. If Arnold hadn't been able to hold him back with everyone else's aid, Muldoon would've killed Nedry on the spot. Shoot him. Crack his skull. Break his nose. Something violent, Malcolm was certain. And maybe, Malcolm thought for the first time, he would've deserved it.

"No, you can't continue," he snapped.

"Why? I was only joking. He knows it too. Don't be such a sour-puss like the rest of them."

"Then explain to me—no, better yet—explain to everyone in this room why you're the only one laughing." He gestured to everyone in the bungalow, who stood back watching their exchange.

Nedry kept his eyes downcast.

"You expect people to listen to you, but then you talk trash and piss them off. How do you expect that to work? Why should anyone listen to you, when you carry on like this?"

"They still don't listen…even when I talk to them nicely."

"Can you blame them?"

"No. But I've tried being nice."

"Uh-huh."

Nedry was silent for a moment. Then he looked at Malcolm again. "Seriously, I need you to listen. No one else is. I didn't come back to start trouble."

"Then why did you?"

"I already explained why…to warn them about Dodgson."

"Okay."

"Can I be honest with you?"

"Yes, that's all I'm asking for."

Nedry nodded. He glanced at Muldoon and then held Malcolm's eyes. "That raptor thing…the one where John had his stroke…"

"What about it?"

"Do you remember it?"

"How could I forget?"

Nedry bit his lip, unsure of himself. "I never meant for that to happen. I didn't want John or Robert to get hurt. I know Robert and the rest of them think I was out to get him that day or out to hurt John, but it's not true. It was an accident and totally unplanned. I never expected that John would end up in the hospital..." Nedry's voice trailed off, as if thinking twice before completing his thought. "Or that Robert would get badly injured."

There was a pleading note in his voice. If Malcolm didn't know better, he'd say that Nedry was genuine and begging for someone to believe him, although "begging" was too extreme a word to describe his demeanor, since Nedry was the last person to beg for anything. Malcolm accessed the unlikely confession. Was Nedry apologizing for what happened? Then he remembered what Wu told him: he likes to manipulate people. How did he know Nedry wasn't manipulating him?

"Then why did it happen?"

Nedry shrugged.

"You knew what would happen if you released them—didn't you?" Malcolm challenged.

"I did."

"Then why did you do it?"

"I don't work for Dodgson anymore. I quit."

That off-handed reply came from nowhere. He totally dodged Malcolm's question—which only brought about new questions that Malcolm wanted answers to.

"What do you mean you 'quit'?"

"Meaning I walked away from Dodgson and the Biosyn company. I want nothing to do with them."

Suddenly Malcolm understood. Nedry came back, hoping to atone for his past mistakes. Somewhere along the way; whether it was Hammond's situation that he caused, or whatever the reasons were, Nedry had a change of heart. Still, his sincerity was a question mark. Malcolm was keenly aware that Nedry apologized for Hammond's stroke and made cruel remarks about Muldoon in the same breath. He was talking out of both sides of his mouth. Unless that apology was for Nedry to feel better about himself and screw everyone else… Despite everything, Malcolm decided right then that he was sincere. That's why he had returned to Isla Nublar. Traveling alone to an island where he had made enemies with everyone was a huge undertaking. Malcolm had to admit that he would never be as brave—or foolish, depending on how one looked at it—to do what Nedry had done.

There was also the flip side of the coin to consider. Naturally, the InGen staff wouldn't be thrilled to see him. That was totally understandable. Nedry was the last person they wanted to see after all the nonsense he pulled. When he came, how did it go down? Malcolm pictured the scene in his mind. Nedry tries to talk to Muldoon or Arnold. They seize him and drag him to Hammond's bungalow. He puts up a struggle, Muldoon shoots him, and they are now able to control his mobility. They even punch him around for good measure. It must've happened that way. Of course, there were vital details missing. What was Dodgson's response to Nedry leaving Biosyn? What would happen if Dodgson came to the island? Would InGen be prepared? And what if…what if Nedry was lying and this was one big set-up? Malcolm didn't want to think about that last question, although he sensed everyone in the bungalow carried that sentiment. Especially Muldoon and Arnold…

Malcolm glanced at Muldoon and Arnold sitting on the sofa. Muldoon had calmed down, but the furious spark in his eyes hadn't died out. Arnold sat back, listening. It's not my place to say this, but they shouldn't be in charge of watching Nedry, based on their past histories with him, Malcolm thought. How do I say that without arousing more angry confrontations? He was piecing together what he would say when Nedry revealed the last thing he expected to hear.

"Henry's not loyal to InGen. He's working for Biosyn, passing along secret info."

"What?"

"He's on Dodgson's team now."

Malcolm's jaw unhinged, but still couldn't respond. He probably would've repeated "What?" again, only to have Nedry repeat his latest tidbit. Arnold laughed in the background.

"Can you believe this guy? He never stops."

"It's true, Ray. I heard it myself," Nedry said earnestly. "Henry sold out."

Wu walked over as quiet as a raptor stalking its prey. "Henry did what?" He removed a syringe from his lab-coat pocket and smiled like a circus clown. His eyes were black and cold.

"You tell them since you betrayed them. You should know."

Wu circled Nedry. "Why do you lie so much?"

"I'm not lying."

"There you go again with your lying. Change begins with you as the saying goes." Wu's voice had taken on a nauseating pleasant note. "I guess you want to be a liar for life, huh Dennis?"

Malcolm was stuck on what to do. He saw Wu press down on the syringe's plunger.

"You're with Dodgson. I heard it myself."

"Through the wall? A little birdie told you I was sleeping with the enemy? Slander isn't nice, you know."

"I'm not slandering. Dr. Malcolm…?"

Malcolm was completely baffled. For once he didn't have a quick answer, a reasonable explanation, or a sound theory on hand to put into words the confusion and mystery he felt in response to what Nedry revealed. Malcolm looked back once more at Nedry, who silently pleaded with him to listen. Puzzled beyond words, Malcolm turned away, left alone to unravel the mystery behind Nedry's words. Was he telling the truth or spewing out another lie?

At the same moment, Wu stepped in, getting between him and Nedry. "Dr. Malcolm's not on your side. Nobody is. Now relax, this won't hurt a bit." Wu lifted Nedry's sleeve.

"You know about his plans. Tell them." Nedry motioned in Muldoon's and Arnold's direction. "Or don't tell them—so that it can prove how loyal you are to Lewis Dodgson."

"Give it up," Gennaro said. "Projecting your guilt on Henry isn't going to save you." He pointed at Nedry, who squirmed in the chair, trying to avoid Wu's syringe. "We've never known you t—"

"I'm not giving up and I'm not projecting. He's a traitor."

"And you aren't?"

"I am, but—"

"Case closed."

"My sentiments exactly," Wu said, twirling the syringe in his fingers. "Thanks for setting him straight, Donald."

"My pleasure."

Nedry squinted at Gennaro and then went back to Wu. "It's all undercover, but not for long. The truth will come out. Everyone will know that you're a two-faced backstabbing liar."

"I'm not affiliated with Lewis Dodgson in any shape or form. Besides, even if I were working for Biosyn…wouldn't that be like the pot calling the kettle black?"

"This pot isn't black anymore," Nedry said in a sing-song voice.

"I think you've been awake for too long. Time for you to go to sleep." Without warning, he jammed the syringe in Nedry's arm. He had a faraway look as he pressed down on the plunger, making sure the needle went all the way in. Nedry twisted around, muttering incoherently.

"Make sure he gets the full dosage," Gennaro said. "I don't want to hear his blabbing for the rest of the night."

Wu nodded and removed the syringe seconds later. Nedry's head hung down and appeared to be staring at the floor.

"That should keep him quiet for a little while," Wu said, glaring at Nedry.

"Thank you, Henry," Harding said. "I didn't get to do it before, but at least one of us did."

Wu simply grinned.

Malcolm had his hand raised in the air, like a student in a classroom trying to get the teacher's attention. "Ah, is that going to—"

"Kill him?" Wu finished the question.

"I wish," Gennaro grumbled.

"Be nice, Donald," Arnold called from the sofa.

"There's no need to be worried, Dr. Malcolm. He'll be fine. He's on 'time out'. That's what I like to call it—how I like to think of it."

"It's not harmful?"

"Not at all. He's going to be knocked out for a few minutes. It's nothing fatal, believe me. Everyone here needs a break from dealing with him," Wu said, glancing at Muldoon, who nodded in agreement. "We all could use a vacation from his ridiculous antics."

"Amen to that!" Arnold said, making Harding chuckle.

Malcolm took a deep breath. He looked at Nedry again and then approached the sofa. Wu wouldn't be convinced that he had used extreme tactics against Nedry. In fact, Malcolm knew he'd be wise to drop the point. Everyone felt the same as Wu and even he had to admit: there was a strange peace in the bungalow without Nedry tossing his insults. Now was the time to talk to Muldoon and Arnold. He had found the right words.

"Listen, I'm not trying to overstep my boundaries here, but—"

"Say no more," Arnold said, standing up.

"I don't think you and Robert should be the ones supervising this whole thing, given your past experiences with Dennis. If you like, I'd be more than happy to take over."

Arnold stared at Malcolm as he lit a new cigarette. He slowly shook his head. "Trust me; we've got everything under control. I'm sure you'd rather be elsewhere. I know I would be."

"I really don't mind…"

Arnold put his hand on Malcolm's shoulder and guided him towards the door. "Enjoy yourself with Dr. Sattler. Let park staff handle park issues. Get lots of sleep and we'll meet you in the cafeteria for breakfast tomorrow morning. By then, everything will be peaches and cream."

Soon, Malcolm was standing outside of the bungalow and the chill of the night whipped around him. Before he could respond, Arnold slammed the door. He stepped back and stared at the building, wondering if he should barge in and force them out. He decided not to. Ellie was right: it was better to keep out of their business. They didn't even want him around.

He thought about what he had witnessed in Hammond's bungalow. The most obvious thing was the unrelenting bitterness between Muldoon and Nedry. The bitterness existed between Arnold and Nedry too, but it was nowhere near as huge as the resentment that Muldoon and Nedry felt towards each other. Malcolm supposed it went back to the fact that Arnold and Muldoon caught Nedry at the east dock more than two years ago. That particular incident had broken all three men. It had hurt them in different ways, although neither of them seemed willing to admit it.

As for the others…Harding seemed strangely distant about the whole thing. He tried to help out for what it was worth, but mostly stayed back. Gennaro blamed Nedry for the park's opening delays. Even if it weren't Nedry's fault, Gennaro would always find some way to weave it back to him. He didn't mention it in the bungalow, but whenever he mentioned Nedry's name, blame was sure to follow. Wu…Malcolm had to think a little more on him. Wu had acted strange...and even callous. He seemed a little too gleeful—and a little too eager—when injecting the syringe into Nedry's arm.

Enough of all that. It was time to put the whole thing behind him. That would be difficult, but Malcolm knew he could do it. He had to, for the sake of his sanity. It wasn't worth losing sleep over or driving himself batty with questions that had no answers and answers that led to more questions.

He decided to meet Ellie at the visitor center as he had originally planned. Malcolm looked behind him once and then started in the direction of the visitor center. He didn't walk five steps when he bumped into someone. What was Tim or Lex doing outside? He quickly realized it was neither of them. It couldn't be since he had left them in the staff lodge's recreation room. It was Ellie.

Ellie stood in front of him, staring at her wristwatch. When she finally looked at him, the coldness in her blue eyes was enough to silence any excuse he would give for standing her up.

"I waited a half hour for you."

"Ellie, I—"

"Maybe I should've waited thirty minutes more. Would that be enough time for you to satisfy your curiosity?"

"I'm sorry…I had no idea that you had waited that long."

"You couldn't resist. You just had to go in there and find out what they were doing."

"That was my choice to do so."

"It was, wasn't it?"

Malcolm nodded.

Ellie stared at him, her eyes catlike. Finally, she turned around, ready to go off by herself. Malcolm grabbed her arm to pull her towards him and she swatted his hand off. "Don't touch me!" she hissed.

"You're overreacting, Ellie." Malcolm glanced at the bungalow, several feet away from them. Above him, the sky was dark and ominous. "Look, forget about the whole thing. Let's enjoy ourselves."

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy myself alright. I'm going to my greenhouse."

Malcolm sighed. Again, Ellie was running away. It was always like this, ever since the first time Biosyn invaded the island. Tending to her greenhouse used to be an extension of her passion for paleobotany. Now it was her way of isolating herself and shutting everyone out. Including Malcolm.

"Stop running like this. You can be mad at me if you like, but stop running."

Ellie laughed coldly. "Running where? We're on an island, so where am I running to?"

Now Malcolm shrugged. He didn't know what to say anymore. "I don't know."

"I'm going to my greenhouse," she repeated, as if he didn't understand the first time. "You can come if you like, unless you're more interested with Hammond's bungalow." She pointed at the bungalow, shrouded in darkness.

"I would go with you, but I'll give you your space since it's obvious you need it," Malcolm said.

Ellie blinked.

"Go ahead," he said. "Go to the greenhouse and cool off. I was wrong to stand you up. I'll talk to you when you come down from being so angry."

She glanced over her shoulder and then back at him. Slowly nodding, she backed off. "I'll see you in the morning."

Malcolm nodded.

Ellie whipped around and started towards the visitor center, where she'd gain access to a gas-powered jeep in the underground garage. "Alan would've never done this," she muttered.

She was several yards away from Malcolm, but he still heard her comment loud and clear—the parting shot. Icicles stabbed his heart. He forced himself to swallow the lump of hurt that welled inside his throat. He knew his relationship with her had caused tension between her and Grant. It wasn't intentional, but that's what happened. He had a gut feeling that part of her anger tonight wasn't from what had occurred on the island previously with Biosyn and the park staff—it had to do with Grant's departure.

The relationship between Ellie and Grant—whether it was professional or romantic—had deteriorated to the point where Grant felt it was best to leave the island. He had informed Muldoon (and Hammond, before his stroke,) that he was attending lectures at Montana State University, but Malcolm knew it had to be more than that. Ellie did too. Malcolm realized he had underestimated their bond. Grant was gone now. He had left and hadn't bothered to call to say that he arrived at the States safely. His presence still remained and Malcolm felt it now, especially after Ellie's comment. After all this time, Dr. Grant, we're still competing, he thought.

Malcolm looked up and saw that a gray mist hung low, covering the stars. Even the sky was disappointed. There was nothing to do now except head back to the staff lodge. Trying to put the entire night's events behind him, Malcolm started towards the visitor center. After going there, he'd return to the staff lodge and retire for the night.

He had taken only three steps when he thought he heard a rustling sound to his left. His eyes searched the dark foliage to see if whatever it was would step out and reveal itself. He glanced at the deserted raptor pen up ahead and then turned to the bungalow, wondering if Arnold had briefly opened the door. It was nobody. He was jumping to conclusions from the mounting tension. It was just the wind blowing through the jungles in the park.

He thought about what he'd say to Ellie. As much as he respected Grant, he loved Ellie too much to let her go and to let a little dispute sour their relationship. Malcolm looked at the situation between him and Ellie from every possible angle and concluded that he didn't blame her for being mad. He was frustrated too, but he wanted to work out the situation out with her. He was certain they would iron it out by morning. I'll make it up to her, he swore. I don't know how, but when I do, she'll melt. It was time to head to the visitor center. Malcolm knew he could stand out there all night, talking to himself, so he made himself leave the bungalow. He heard the rustling sound again.

This time, he ignored it.

oOo

"What time is it?" Harding asked. He stood up from the chair he was sitting in.

"Ten past eleven," Arnold answered as he peeked through the blinds. He went to the kitchen to put out his cigarette and came back, yawning.

"How are we doing this? You wanted us to watch him in shifts, right?"

"I thought it was a good idea at the time." Arnold yawned again and glanced at the others.

"So what's happening? We can't leave him here by himself," Harding said.

Nedry perked up. Wu's drug had worn off. He was still groggy, but came out of it more as the seconds ticked by. "That's a splendid idea," he said.

"Not happening," Arnold said.

Wu and Gennaro made their way to the door.

"We're calling it a night, if that's okay," Wu said as Gennaro walked out. "See you in the morning for breakfast."

Arnold nodded and they left. He joined Harding and Muldoon to discuss their plans.

"Let's do shifts like you first mentioned," Muldoon said. "It's after eleven. I'll guard him until two a.m. That's three hours. Ray, you can come here and watch him till five in the morning. Gerry, you take Ray's place till eight a.m. Ray and I will meet you back here around eight-thirty in the morning. If we have to eat breakfast here, then we'll do it."

"Sounds good," Arnold said. "By morning, we should know what we're going to do about him. See you in the morning, Gerry."

"Holler if you need me, Robert," Harding said. "Good night." He left the bungalow.

Arnold and Muldoon glanced at each other, then at Nedry. It was going to be a long night, but they'd pull through. As long as Nedry didn't run his mouth like he had earlier, they'd be fine. Three hour shifts weren't so bad; they could sleep through half of it.

"Where's Dr. Malcolm?" Nedry asked.

"He ran off to get far away from you," Arnold said.

"Now who's lying?"

Arnold ignored him. He pulled out a small silver key and handed it to Muldoon. "He's all yours. Have fun. If he acts out like he did before, put him in his place. You think you'll be alright?"

"Don't worry about it," Muldoon said. "I'll take care of him." He shot a glare in Nedry's direction. "He's not going anywhere."

Arnold nodded. "I'm off to the staff lodge…I'm too tired to check up on the control room."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. See you in three hours."

Muldoon gave him a firm handshake. He opened the door for Arnold and watched him walk towards the staff lodge. Then he shut the door and sighed. He was mentally and physically exhausted. The day felt like it had forty-eight hours instead of twenty-four. Thank God he only had to watch Nedry for three hours. That was more than enough time and he'd have to take it one hour at a time—or one minute, depending on how Nedry behaved.

Shotgun in hand, he collapsed onto the sofa and allowed his body to sink into the black leather. Hammond truly spared no expense. The sofa was so comfortable that he could instantly fall asleep and the three hours would fly by. He opened his eyes and stared at the cream colored ceiling. There were turquoise blue swirls in the ceiling. Funny, how he never noticed it until today. He must be more tired than he thought.

Nedry coughed.

Muldoon turned on his side to avoid seeing him. If he glanced at him, the temptation to shoot him would be extremely difficult to pass up, especially with no one to stop him. He closed his eyes, trying to get some rest. He badly needed it and now he wondered why he decided to be the first one to watch Nedry. To get it out of the bloody way.

"So you like guns?"

Muldoon didn't turn in his direction, nor did he bother to respond to him. The Italian Franchi was a beauty and he'd rather preoccupy himself with the firearm than give Nedry the time of day.

"You must be bored having to watch me for three hours straight. I'd be bored to tears if I had to guard you."

"I don't mind at all." Muldoon got up, still holding the shotgun.

Nedry leaned back in his chair when Muldoon approached him. "Don't come near me with that gun."

"Are you afraid?"

"Afraid of you? Gimme a break."

"You should be."

"I don't trust you."

"As if you're one to be trusted."

Muldoon circled Nedry, keeping his distance while he observed him. He wouldn't put it past Nedry to trip him so that he could escape. Nedry kept looking over his shoulders to see what Muldoon had up his sleeve. He couldn't figure it out and Muldoon relished seeing him frustrated. It was messed up, but mostly hilarious since he couldn't do a damn thing to defend himself. Then he thought of what Arnold said: have fun. He's right, Muldoon thought. I should have fun. It won't hurt if it's at this bastard's expense. He had his fun tonight, so now it's my turn. Muldoon slammed the shotgun across Nedry's face. He grinned when he heard a distinct crack and saw blood spurt out. Serves him right. Let's do it one more time…

"You friggin' lunatic—I'm reporting this abuse!"

"To who? Dr. Malcolm? Because he really believes you."

"He's the only one who listened to me."

"He was humoring you." Muldoon wondered what reaction he'd get, if he were to point the shotgun in Nedry's face. Well worth the try.

"Get that gun out of my face." Nedry turned away.

"What's the magic word?"

Nedry was silent.

Muldoon pressed the barrel against his temple and to his surprise, Nedry started trembling. He was trying to hide his fear, by keeping still and calm, which made it funnier to Muldoon. You have the biggest mouth until someone shoves a gun in your face. Isn't that bloody amazing? If only I had known this before.

"Well? Do I have to stay like this all night? Look, my finger is itching to squeeze the trigger."

Muldoon made certain that Nedry heard the sadistic glee in his voice. He was thoroughly entertained and couldn't wait to tell Arnold. They could use Nedry's phobia to their advantage. All Arnold had to do was wave a handgun in Nedry's face and he'd have complete control over him.

"Please…get the gun…out of my face."

Muldoon honored the request. He put the shotgun on the sofa and stood back.

Nedry fidgeted in the chair, uncomfortable and tired. He glanced at the door and then at Muldoon towering over him. He swallowed, bit his lip, and swallowed again. Muldoon watched him, aware that Nedry was about to pull something, as if it weren't obvious enough. A minute passed. Then:

"Can I have a tissue?" Nedry asked.

"No."

"My nose is bleeding."

"Tough."

A long beat of silence passed.

"Can I have a glass of water? My throat is parched."

Muldoon's eyes narrowed. "Sure." He went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. He held it up to him. "Here's your water."

Nedry squirmed in the seat, trying to move his arms. "I can't get it. You have to free my hands."

He had barely finished his request when Muldoon pitched the water in his face. "You think I'm bloody stupid?"

"Stupid moron…you're lucky I can't wring your scrawny neck."

Muldoon responded by throwing the glass at his feet. The glass shattered into pieces on the floor. Nedry kicked a glass shard at Muldoon. Muldoon stomped his boot over the skidding piece of glass and locked eyes with Nedry.

"Lick it off the floor and splinter up your tongue. I don't give a damn."

Nedry's eyes glittered. "Better be thankful for these cuffs. You renting them from that asshole cop, Cuntreras?"

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"If I weren't cuffed, I'd take that shard and stab you in the neck with it. Or even better, I'd decorate your face. Add new scars to your collection."

Muldoon's expression was steel as he leaned forward in Nedry's face. "You. Would. Never. Come. Close."

"That's what you think."

"I'd shoot off your hand before your fingers grazed the glass."

"Don't bet on it. We still have a score to settle."

"It's been settled. I shot you down. In the morning, the cops will come and arrest you. Hell, I can't for them to throw you in another cramped cell."

"One can only hope."

"Just like you hope to kick my teeth down my throat? I haven't forgotten your empty threats."

"I'm glad it's still fresh in your mind. That way you won't be too shocked when it does happen."

Muldoon shook his head and a smug expression lit his face. "You talk a lot of trash, Dennis. You've never been able to follow through with your ramblings. I don't expect this to be any different."

"You suffer from amnesia. Pity."

"Come again?"

"Think about it, you pathetic jerk."

Muldoon's clenched fist shot across Nedry's face. "I've had more than enough time to think about it." He turned around and grabbed his shotgun off the couch. Smirking, he turned to Nedry again, when he heard him coughing. "I have to hand it to you: you're brave when backed against the wall. You carry on, even when you're an inch away from having your face blown off."

"And you're super brave when you wield a toy gun."

"You can relax. The torture is over for now."

"Good, now go to sleep and don't wake up," Nedry snapped.

"You'd love that, wouldn't you?"

"I'd love for you to get the hell away from me."

"Sorry, can't do that."

"Yes, you can. There's the door, don't let it hit you on the way out."

At that exact moment, someone knocked on the door from the outside. Muldoon and Nedry looked at each other quizzically, as if expecting the other man to know who stood outside the bungalow, demanding to be let in. The knocking morphed into pounding.

"What are you waiting for? Go answer it," Nedry demanded.

Muldoon took a step towards the door. The pounding continued, loud and threatening. It sounded as if the police were on the other side, ready to execute an arrest warrant. He glanced at Nedry. He probably had something to do with this.

"Why are you eager for me to open the door?"

"Don't be stupid. I'm not eager. It's probably Ray playing tricks."

The pounding continued.

Muldoon went back and snatched his shotgun off the sofa. He walked past Nedry, who tittered, obviously amused at his impatience.

"You should ask who it is first. Don't you know the proper etiquette when answering a door?"

Muldoon took a deep breath and willed himself to ignore Nedry. He wished he had Wu's serums on hand. But Wu wasn't here, nor did he leave anything behind that would help Muldoon knock out Nedry temporarily. He just had to deal with it for the time being. It was just him and Nedry—and a third party waiting to come inside the bungalow. Standing boldly at the entrance, Muldoon threw open the door.

"What the bloody hell?"

He took a step back into the bungalow as two men forced their way in, holding black 9-mm Sten guns.

"Roll out the red carpet," Nedry said from behind. "Dumb and Dumber have arrived."

Muldoon instantly recognized them (and not from the names Nedry graced them with): Raúl Lopez and Roland Tembo of the Biosyn Corporation. Both men were dressed entirely in black and carried their 9 mm Sten guns close. They found their way around in the bungalow, checking out the area, and came back to Nedry. They weren't interested in Muldoon, not at the moment. They circled Nedry like buzzards flying above a carcass. Keeping an eye on them, Muldoon closed the door and leaned against it, preventing them from leaving.

"You said you came alone."

"I did," Nedry replied.

"You lie like you breathe air."

Tembo and Lopez shot a glare in Muldoon's direction.

"Still stuck on 'Dumb and Dumber'? Wouldn't that apply to you and Robert Muldoon?" Tembo asked, motioning with his gun towards Muldoon. Lopez laughed.

Muldoon watched silently. He didn't respond, even when Tembo referred to him as "Dumber".

"No, just you and Raúl. Robert's an ass, but he's a smart-ass." Nedry was the only one who cracked up at his joke.

"That would make you, 'Dumbest', eh, Dennis?" Lopez said coldly.

"Whatever," Nedry mumbled. "I don't have to answer to you." He tapped his foot impatiently.

Muldoon noted how unhappy Nedry appeared. Not just unhappy, but genuinely annoyed that Lopez and Tembo had arrived. He wondered how they had managed to invade the island completely unnoticed. Then it hit him: this was the first time they trespassed at night. Everyone was in the staff lodge. No one was in the control room. He remembered Arnold had decided to get some rest before returning for his shift. Now Muldoon wished that he wasn't alone. He could handle himself fine, but if Harding, Arnold, or even Wu were here, it'd be an even playing field. Muldoon glanced at the clock on the wall: a quarter to midnight. Two hours and fifteen minutes before Arnold would return.

"Damn it."

Another mistake hit him hard: why didn't he hand everyone a walkie-talkie? This way they could keep in touch if something went down. When he looked in their direction again, they were staring at him, emotionless. A moment later, Tembo's glare still lingered, while Lopez turned his attention to Nedry, scolding him.

"Dodgson's not happy you left," Lopez said. He aimed his 9mm Sten gun in Nedry's direction.

"That's his problem."

"And now it's yours."

"You came all this way to haul me back to him?"

"You don't have a choice."

"Why's that?"

"He'd like to have a word with you." Lopez tightened his grip on the Sten gun. "It's not optional."

"Tell Dr. Dodgson that I have two words for him: 'fuck' and 'you'. Make sure you pass on the message. I hope that's not too hard for your pea-sized brain to remember."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate the message when you tell him to his face."

Nedry shrugged, impassive.

Tembo made a swiping motion. "End this now, Raúl," he ordered. "We're cutting this excursion short and getting what we came for. I don't know why you're wasting your breath on him." He gestured towards Nedry.

"Because I'm worth the effort, Baldy."

Tembo's lips curled into a menacing grin. "So you think, Dennis…so you think."

He approached Muldoon, who remained blocking the doorway. His gait was pronounced and certain as though he knew he was going to get what he demanded out of Muldoon. Tembo wasn't one to be intimidated, even if it was someone with a familiar background.

Muldoon disliked him long before their encounter in the dilophosaur paddock. If there was one person that Muldoon hated more than Nedry, it was Roland Tembo. His very aura was one of pure arrogance and entitlement. Muldoon knew that type of arrogance very well: it always surrounded poachers in the bush, who felt they were entitled to trampling over the rights of animals. In Muldoon's view, animals had the right to live without the fear of being massacred, whether they lived in the wild or in a nature preserve. He found that poachers like Tembo lacked respect for animals, but also for human beings. They had no boundaries when it concerned their treatment of animals and people, as if any moving object was game for them to hunt, shoot, and kill.

"So we meet again, Robert Muldoon?"

"So we do."

"I want one thing and then I'll be out of your way for good."

Muldoon locked eyes with him.

"The key to the cuffs," Tembo demanded.

"What about it?" Muldoon asked curtly.

"Where is it?"

He patted his pocket. "You're not getting it."

"I beg to differ." Tembo pressed the barrel of his Sten gun against Muldoon's chest. "Your little shotgun is far too slow. By the time you're ready to shoot, you'll be on the floor, writhing in the premature death that you brought about." He chortled at Muldoon's choice of weapon. "I'd think that an esteemed game warden such as you would do better to protect yourself. Or maybe I was mistaken: you're an overpaid zookeeper."

"If you were better than me, you'd have my position as the 'overpaid zookeeper' of Jurassic Park. That's what this is about—not my shotgun."

"How observant you are." Tembo's eyes narrowed, assessing Muldoon. "I like to keep my favorite enemies on their toes."

"As do I."

"But I don't have time to play these amateur games with you, Robert Muldoon. Not tonight. So let me get to the point: give up the key or lose your position and life all in one shot."

Muldoon didn't budge. There was no way he'd allow Tembo, a poacher, to intimidate him. "And why should I? You're here to free him?"

"Quite the opposite really—not that it's any of your concern." He set down the Sten gun. "Now if you'd be so kind," Tembo said, holding out his hand.

Muldoon bit his lip as he stepped away from the door and reached into his pocket against his will. He found the tiny silver key and tossed it in the air. The key landed several feet away making a clink sound when it hit the floor.

Tembo glanced behind him and spied the key on the floor. He turned back to Muldoon, still holding out his open palm. "In my hand."

"You got what you want. Now take it."

Muldoon was chilled by the ice in his voice, but he hoped it sent a message to Tembo. It did: Tembo bent down and snatched the key from the floor. He handed it to Lopez, who stood behind Nedry's chair. Muldoon watched Lopez free Nedry and his anger mounted. He had no control over the situation and now things were growing worse. He was already suspicious about what was going on, but now he was totally convinced that Nedry had set him up and the rest of the park staff. He knew the Biosyn team would show up and they had. How could we have fallen for his garbage? Muldoon thought angrily. We should know his tricks by now. Muldoon hated feeling helpless and he felt it more than ever before.

"Thank you for slaying the Muldoon dragon. You're my knight in shining armor," Nedry said, wringing his wrists.

"Don't start, Dennis," Lopez said. He placed the handcuffs on the chair. "Don't thank me. Don't do anything except shut your mouth."

"Just so you know; I could've gotten myself out. I didn't need your help."

"Sure you could've—and for the record, who said we're here to help you?"

"Good question. Now that you've performed the exhausting task of freeing me, I will help myself out the door."

"Be my guest," Lopez said flatly.

"I will!" Nedry grinned broadly and wiped his hands on the bungalow's walls as if cleansing himself from Muldoon's germs. "Bye Robert! Let's go out for ice-cream sundaes next time." He waved good-bye to Muldoon as he threw open the door and exited the bungalow.

Muldoon watched him leave. Nedry practically paraded outside, excited that he had gotten over on the park staff. Muldoon simply watched. There was nothing else he could do at this point. He could call Arnold, but by then, it'd be too late and the Biosyn team would've left the island. He swore he would never forget this night as long as he lived. Suddenly, Nedry stuck his head in the doorway, pointing at him.

"Fuck you very much for all the lovely accommodations! I never felt so unwelcome and hated in all my long years. You are truly the worst."

Then he was gone.

That, Muldoon reasoned, was exactly why he didn't believe one word of Nedry's claiming to "help" the InGen staff. Dennis Nedry was a lying, two-faced, scheming, greedy, and selfish traitor. Robert Muldoon was his anti-thesis: a strong, stone-faced, serious, impassive, righteous, and just leader. Nedry would be Nedry and Muldoon would be Muldoon. That's how it would always be…

Muldoon was figuring out how he'd tell Arnold and the rest of the staff what took place, when he heard something very unusual, but unmistakable: it sounded like a body collapsing on the ground. A low groan and followed by thick silence. Muldoon looked up quickly and saw Tembo and Lopez staring back at him and gripping their Sten guns. They hadn't left the bungalow, but Nedry had…and the noise had come from outside.

Muldoon rushed outside the bungalow to see what had happened. He had forgotten his shotgun inside and was about to go back to retrieve it, when he heard Tembo and Lopez moving behind him. Two figures dashed in front of him, blocking his path. He briefly recognized them as George Lawala and Sonya Durant. Just when he realized they had cornered him, Lawala took aim and fired. The dart struck Muldoon right in the chest. He reached to pull it out and stumbled around, dizzy with the blackness that quickly closed over him. Then he heard and saw no more.

Exceptionally pleased, Lopez nodded at the team and took out his cell-phone. "Awesome work everyone. We did that in record timing." He quickly dialed a number and waited for the person on the other line to pick up. "What time do you have, Roland?"

"Twelve-fifteen a.m."

Lopez nodded and made a quick motion for them to hold on.

"Lopez speaking…bungalow…we got our runaway and his little friend…no problems at all…he sassed me, you know how he is…the other one was resistant, but Roland set him straight…they're sprawled out on the grass…probably having nightmares about what just happened…they have no idea what hit them…bring them to the boat? You know what you're gonna do? Yes, we've gone over the plan, but still…no, I'm not questioning you…yes, you're right…two for the price of one…we're on our way right now, Dr. Dodgson." He clicked off the cell-phone and shoved it in his pocket. "Lewis has plans for you both." He pointed at the two men sprawled in front of the bungalow. "Let's go, everyone. We've got a time-sensitive job to do. If we got here from the dock this quick, we can make it back even faster with these two jack-asses."

As the group of four prepared to take care of business, Lopez smiled at the moon. It was the sole witness to everything that had taken place. Then he glared at the newly captured Nedry and Muldoon, lying facedown and unconscious.

"Say good-bye to InGen…and hello to Biosyn."

To be continued in: Reign of Chaos: Book 2: Biosyn

Author's Notes: Thank you to those who have taken the time to read my story. It is a long fic, with very long chapters, and while that might put some readers off, I'm thankful for the readers who take the time and care to read it thoroughly. I hope it was a pleasure for you and worth your time. I also thank the reviewers for giving feedback. I appreciate words of praise, just like any other writer on this site; however I'm also open to constructive criticism and ways that my writing can be improved. Thank you to those who have left words of encouragement, a reaction to the story and the characters, insights, suggestions, or even pointed out mistakes/errors-I appreciate it very much. Thank you again for reading and God bless!

-Sassy Lil Scorpio