Chapter Text
Sharp eyes quickly skimmed through the document lying in front of a bored-looking male. His chin propped up by his off-hand, fingers tapping lightly on his cheek. His other hand seamlessly fidgets with a pen, spinning it and clicking the top against the desk, in a steady beat. In front of him a report from a member of his team.
They were dead set in the middle of a hailstorm in the Northern Canadian tundra, which forced everyone inside for the day. Currently, Dr. Valentina's team is set up there to study the North American Grey Wolf. Mostly due to its pack mentality and how it relates to Human socialization. It was meant to be an easier and quicker trip than what their normal expeditions were since they had already tracked this pack of wolves once before.
When his eyes darted upward to the group, they tensed up at the golden stare, avoiding eye contact. A moment passes before he sighs, causing a unison of relieved breaths. However, their solace is short-lived.
“‘And with a factual reprieve, it can be academically stated that wolves and their biological cousins are by definition a ‘pack animal’ dependent on another group of other animals of the species...’” He recites, voice monotone. “Who wrote this?” His team all glanced up quickly, every single one looking scared. When no one took the blame he just sighed, throwing his pen down, just a bit more violently than necessary. It made everyone jump. Racking a palm down his face he let out an irritated breath, before standing. “To whoever had the gall to write a report on the fact that wolves are pack hunters, get out.” His hand came up to point to the door of his trailer. “Leave, go home, don't come back.” They all shuffled around awkwardly, causing him to groan out. He stuttered over his words tiredly, "Seriously, go away." Everyone hesitated again until a deadly look sent them rushing from his RV. Dropping back into his chair, he let out a long breath as the last one left. "Fucking hell, when did I hire a bunch of amateurs?" Tilting his head back to rest on his chair, his door opened suddenly to a rush of wind, before closing just as fast. Snapping his gaze back up, he was about to yell at whoever had the nerve to bother him again, but they spoke first.
"Dr. Lukas Valentine!" The scientist cringed at the miss pronunciation of his name. He glanced at the older man from under his eyelashes. Their eyes met and recognition flooded his body.
"John Hammond?"
Hammond raised a brow, an amused smile on his face. “Rough day Doctor?”
"What do you want?" John frowned, face falling darkly. Shifting on his feet, his cane clacked against the metal floor as he neared.
“Straight to the point I suppose? Then again that is why I like your achievements.” Nodding, clearly annoyed, Lukas gestures for him to continue. "I've been ordered to collect a group of people for their opinions on an important matter. A bunch of poppycock, honestly."
Lukas sat stone-faced. Why did Hammond need his opinion? He'd only ever interacted with him over telephone lines, in which Hammond would ensure payment for research, then hang up. He mostly wanted whatever Lukas had on birds.
“So, you've funded many of my expeditions, like this one, the one I'm currently on, yet you want to take me from my work in order to get my opinion ?” Hammond nods. “Well here's an opinion, go ask someone else.”
"There isn't anyone else's opinions I value more with the subject."
Flattery will get you nowhere and everywhere John. Lukas thought, taking a moment to respond. "Alright. What's so important?"
"Dinosaurs." Lukas fell forward in his seat, just barely catching himself on his desk as he stared at Hammond with bewilderment. "Would you care to take a trip to an island off the coast of Costa Rica for a few days? A few days is all I ask from you?" Lukas continued to stare in disbelief.
This man is insane. But hell, dinosaurs, that caught his attention. A museum maybe?
"Alright Hammond, I'll bite."
Getting into a car with John Hammond was one of the last things that Lukas wanted to do, mostly because they were literally in the middle of nowhere, hours away from the nearest airport, in the middle of a storm. The tundra, while difficult, wasn't inaccessible by vehicles. Many of them needed to be upgraded in order to drive through the permafrost, but they managed. Only given a few minutes to collect some of his things, his wallet, and jacket, he was quickly ushered from his small RV and into the large snow truck that had driven Hammond there in the first place.
And by the time they had gotten to the airport, Lukas had mastered the art of rolling his eyes so far back he could see his own brain. And people think he's egotistical, well they've never listened to John Hammond explain his many "lifetime achievements". The only reason Lukas hadn't bitten off his own tongue holding back his remarks, was because he too could get that way; at times.
Exiting the truck, Lukas instantly froze when he realized they were at a helipad. The vehicle wasn't there yet but was likely close by now. "Shit." It hadn't actually sunk into the man that they would be flying to the island yet. Of course, they would be, but he had blind faith that maybe, just out of pure, godly luck, they'd be getting there by boat.
No .
They're going by helicopter. They're flying there...
" Fuck me ."
Lukas had begun to pace when he heard the sound of the helicopter approaching. And when it landed he nervously began to tug at the bottom of his shirt. He had lied to himself before, flying was much worse than a few hours with Hammond.
Speaking of which, Hammond was instantly greeted by another, taller man when the doors opened, and Lukas caught sight of a second figure who sat comfortably inside.
He was shocked when he recognized him. Ian Malcolm?
"Hello, Gennaro!" Hammond called, breaking Lukas from his thoughts. Taking a few hesitant steps, Lukas neared the vehicle. "How many more do you have to collect? Because I have another stop to make in Nevada."
Gennaro didn't look amused. "No one else, he's already in the helicopter."
Hammond gave a nod, a fake smile on his face. "I'm guessing it's Dr. Malcolm?" Gennaro nodded and Hammond sighed, muttering out, "Of course."
In favor of ignoring the two older men, Lukas scrambled into the helicopter, sitting across from Malcolm. He was clearly on edge but managed out a greeting regardless. Holding out a shaking hand, he spoke, "Dr. Lukas Valentina." It took a few moments for Ian Malcolm to actually look up at Lukas, lost in thought. When he did, Lukas caught sight of violently dark eyes, sunken in, almost the same shade as chocolate hidden behind a set of full lashes.
"Dr. Ian Malcolm." Ian took Lukas's hand in a strong but forgiving grasp, giving a single shake, before letting go. Lukas had to admit he was surprised to see the mathematician, what exactly required Ian Malcolm's opinion on dinosaurs ? A calm silence fell over them as Genaro and Hammond finished up their spout in order to climb into the helicopter as well. They had one more stop before heading out to the island, which means two trips of flying.
The first trip went by fairly silently. But, then again Lukas was too busy gripping white-knuckled to his seat to actually notice any conversation. When the rutters had fired up, he instantly buckled himself in with trembling hands, not caring what anyone thought of it, although he did get a sympathetic glance from Ian. Most of the flight went by in darkness, since Lukas made the mistake of taking a simple glance out of the side of the vehicle, without a closed door, he almost puked at how high up they were but managed to calm down by ignoring it with closed eyes.
The landing was the worst however since it jostled them around. Inhaling, Lukas held his breath, just managing to open his eyes when he felt the ground underneath them. And when he did he exhaled heavily, running a hand through his dyed locks and gripping it, trying to relax enough to seem professional in front of the two others.
However, professionalism was almost instantly thrown out when Lukas saw who they were.
"Dr. Alan Grant! Ellie Sattler!" The scientist tried to rush out to greet them, and to get out of the death trap, but was pulled back by the buckle. Fumbling with its locking mechanism, he clumsily got out and tripped his way up to the two. Both seemed amused. Ellie even covered a giggle behind her hand. He actually found himself smiling at her, but quickly straightened out, regaining his normal, serious composure. "I must say I never thought I'd actually get to meet you two. Dr. Grant, I am an avid reader of your work. And Sattler I've always enjoyed your accomplishments." Caught off guard, they both grinned at a clear fan.
"I'm sorry but you have an advantage over us, may I ask your name?" Ellie spoke, taking a moment to take in the younger male. Lukas smirked, giving a nod.
"Dr. Lukas Valentina, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Grant furrowed his brows momentarily, a look of familiarity crossing his face.
"You're the one who wrote that book on avian evolutionary social structure. I remember reading it and being very impressed. You often referenced dinosaurs, specifically raptors in that book, which is why I read it in the first place." Lukas shifted on his feet, pride filling his chest. "I didn't expect you to be so young." Lukas offered a shrug. Not many people did. He was very accomplished for his age.
They returned to the Helicopter, giving half assed greetings because of how rushed they were. And when the engine started once more, Lukas was expecting it and managed to keep his eyes open and his breathing relaxed enough to recognize what was happening around him.
“So you two dig up dinosaurs?” Ian shouts over the engine revving, catching everyone's attention.
“Try to!” Ellie shouts back, glancing at Alan. Malcolm chuckles, his voice vibrant in Lukas’s ear due to their close proximity, even with the loudness of the helicopter.
“And you?” Malcolm questions, turning to the male beside him. They both inspect the other. Lukas takes in the leather Malcolm wore, he hadn't noticed it before, then his eyes flicker to the curled locks of raven hair. Honestly, Ian looked nothing like what Lukas had expected, too many memories of old, balding, white men with too large of beards teaching him math back in University.
“He may not look it,” Hammond begins, answering for Lukas, "but Dr. Lukas Valentine is a leader in his field of Ethology.”
" Valentina.”
“So you watch animals for a living,” Malcolm smirked, pulling up his arm to rest just behind Lukas's shoulders.
“If that's easier for your mind to comprehend, then yes, I watch animals.” Lukas deadpans, sarcastically, expecting an upset response, but it never comes. It only seemed to make Ian grin more.
“You'll have to get used to Dr. Malcolm! He suffers from a deplorable excess of personality, especially for a mathematician!” Hammond responds, breaking the two from their unconscious staring contest. Both Lukas and Ian raise a brow, off-put by Hammond’s clear dislike of either of them.
“Chaotician, actually! Chaotician!” Ian does however respond, only to have Hammond snort, not even bothering to hide his contempt toward the man. “John doesn't subscribe to Chaos, particularly what it has to say about his little science project!” Malcolm continues, voice dripping with clear intentions.
“Codswallop! Ian, you've never come close to explaining these concerns of yours about this island!” Hammond took to waving his hands defensively as he spoke. Ian only huffed.
“I certainly have! Very clearly! Because of the behavior of the system in phase space!”
Hammond just waves him off. “A load, if I may say so. Of fashionable number crunching, that's all it is!”
“John,” Lukas calls out, voice only just above-normal volume, somewhat successfully hiding the fear behind it, although the conversation was helping, “you've yet to explain what exactly you're doing, nor why you need my expertise.”
Malcolm chokes, shifting to lean closer. “You didn't tell him what's going on?” Hammond gives a shrug, way too dismissive for Lukas's liking. “Dr. Grant, Dr. Sattler, Dr. Valentina, you've heard of Chaos Theory?” Ian asks, ignoring John at this point.
“No.” Ellie answers, a small smile on her face, she's quite enjoying herself, even with the arguing.
“No? Nonlinear equations? Strange attractions?” Again, she shakes her head. “Dr. Sattler, I refuse to believe that you are not familiar with the concept of attraction!” Lukas caught Grant rolling his eyes as Malcolm gives her a sly grin, enjoying himself, but Ellie smiles regardless.
Hammond turns to Gennaro, giving him a dirty look. “I bring scientists, you bring a rock star.”
To which Lukas laughs sarcastically. “John, there's no need for such hospitality .”
Ian smirks in the corner of Lukas's sight, and it isn't lost on Lukas when he moves only a small amount closer.
Hammond looks away irritated, taking to look out the open side of the helicopter, before clapping his hands excitedly. “There it is!” At that, they all glance to look at the island.
It is quite beautiful, lush flora that paints the island with vibrant greens, and as they descend upon the treetops the scent of freshly fallen rain stepped through the door, causing the air to become thick with humidity.
The helicopter then cuts rather suddenly through a thick cloud cover, and Hammond speaks once more. “Bad wind shears! We have to drop pretty fast! Hold on, this can be a little thrilling!”
Thrilling?
Sharp cliff-faces are thrust into sight, and it puts Lukas on edge once more. The rocks are a thing of naturally carved beauty, but the rough movements and with as close as he is to the open edge of the helicopter, Lukas freezes in panic. His hand instinctively gripped whatever the closest thing was. Which is Malcolm's own hand. Grabbing with what had to be a death grip, stopping any circulation, he didn't actually realize what he was doing. Although, Ian didn't flinch back or pull his hand away. Lukas did feel his gaze on the side of his face but refused to look lest he breaks down because of fear.
"We're planning an airstrip! On pilings, extending out into the ocean twelve thousand feet! Like LaGuardia, only a lot safer! What do you think?” No one responds though, holding onto anything they can due to the rough ride.
How the hell is the man still so chatty?
Looking below for any sight of the ground, they shuffle once more through a layer of clouds. And, then there's salvation. A helipad painted with white and yellow, beckoning them. But just as soon as they see the landing, a strong updraft catches their blades, forcing them to lift before being heavily pushed down to the ground. The land is violent, shaking the entire vehicle.
Once officially on the ground, Lukas quickly lets go of Ian's hand in order to release the belt strapping him in. Wanting to be on solid ground as fast as possible. And as he's climbing out, a worker shouts in a language unintelligible to Lukas, but what he assumes is Spanish. They all climb out and the engine that was recently cut off spurs back to life. Air whips around, throwing them all off-balance, before flying off.
They're given a few moments to collect their bearings and Lukas, now off the flying nightmare, is able to relax enough to take in everything around him. The helipad is located at the bottom of a brilliant waterfall, dusting the air just enough to keep them cool from the heat. Rocks bunch up around them and he looks down to realize that they're standing on a gravel road. Suddenly another set of engines catches their attention; a pair of jeeps. No one says a word, still stuck in bewilderment as the four Doctorates climb into one jeep, while Hammond and Gennaro enter the other.
Large hills and mountains decorate the background, while flush green grass colors under their feet. Tall branching trees spread out in all directions around them as they drive. It's like being in another world.
“Have you ever smelt fresher air?” Lukas fawns with a long exhale. Allowing the wind to curl around him, he musters up a smile. The Canadian tundra is nothing compared to this.
He catches Ellie giggling and Ian giving a small noise of agreement beside him. His hands are brought up to run through his windswept locks, keeping them from his face. However, the enjoyment was short kept, as Lukas shifted immediately at the sight of a large concrete and barbed wire fence and gate. Reaching at least thirty feet into the air, it was intimidating.
Not to mention the electric feature.
“What the hell requires 10,000 volts of electricity to keep it contained?”
The mood darkens with a morbid curiosity.
Opening with creeks from weathered hinges, the gates allow them inside the fence. After is a long winding mountain pass, accompanied by more spectacular views. A valley with a flowing river cutting through its center, flora covering both sides, with just enough room to see anything that would be drinking from the water's edge. Ellie seemed immersed by the greenery and even reached out to grasp a leaf from a nearby tree.
The jeeps then begin to slow, before coming to a complete stop at a large and vast clearing. Lukas watches Ellie examine the leaf, not sure what she was inspecting, before glancing off to the area around them.
“Alan-” Ellie calls, but Grant nor any of the others answer, as all three males were staring at the same thing. Gray, leafless tree trunks, or what they assumed were trees. As they looked higher and higher,it became clear it wasn't a tree, but rather large animals; Grant even began to stand in his seat to look closer. “This shouldn’t be here,” Ellie mutters, still oblivious. The leg of the creature continues higher until it surpasses the treetops, and all three of them are speechless. “This species of vermiform has been extinct since the Cretaceous period. This thing-” Grant finally cuts her off, grabbing her face, eyes never leaving what the boys have concluded is indeed a-
“Oh. My. God.” Alan and Lukas let out a simultaneous breath of astonishment and joy, they exit the jeep with a burst of excitement, Ellie following suit.
“That’s a dinosaur!” Alan shouts, hands reaching out as if wanting to touch it, which he probably does. The dinosaur, or more accurately the Brachiosaurus, continues to eat the branch within its large mouth. It gazes down at the people without care. Ellie looks up in wonder, while Lukas pauses as it begins to walk. The ground shakes, but only lightly, tiny tremors.
“The movement!” Alan cries.
“The - the agility!” Ellie adds as the animal walks off, with speed for its massive size. As they continue to talk over each other, Lukas steps back, both ecstatic by the creature and terrified by the implications that begin to rationalize within his mind. His back hits the jeep, as another Brachiosaurus pulls up to its hind legs to reach a higher part of a tree.
“How the hell?” Lukas whispers, eyes never leaving the creature.
“He did it.” Ian begins, startling Lukas, as he watches Hammond join the other two. “That crazy son of a bitch actually did it.” Lukas looks to his side at the Mathematician, unsure what to feel.
“Say again?” They hear Grant ask, catching their attention, their gaze lingering.
“Yes, we have a T-rex.” And much like Grant’s reaction, Lukas’s eyes go wide as his weight is then reliant on the car behind him. Catching his breath, he glances back up, there only a few hundred feet from them is a large herd of different dinosaurs. Multiple species cross the beautiful plains of the island, grazing without a single care for the humans nearby. “Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler.” Hammond spares a look back to the two at the car with a proud smile,
“ Welcome to Jurassic Park .”