Primeval - A Grave New World

3. The ARC

An anomaly in America, in the middle of a bloody pandemic. Just twelve hours ago, James Lester's worst nightmare had come true. Anomalies have opened on American soil before, but the timing of this one was unfortunate to say the least. This one was located smack dab in the middle of some tiny state called Connecticut. On the other side of the bloody continent from the team in Vancouver. The thing had nearly been open for a full twelve hours before closing just as soon as the team arrived. Typical.

Lester cradled a cup of hot Darjeeling green tea in his hands. Normally he'd save it for a special occasion but now indulgence was his coping mechanism. The steam from the transparent mug rose up and hung in the air of his office before disappearing into nothingness. The head of the Anomaly Research Centre rubbed a wrinkled hand over his eyes before focusing back on the screen. A little red dot marked the site of the anomaly. It had long since closed but it was still logged on the map. Hopefully nothing had passed through in the time it was open. But when was he ever that lucky? Almost always, there was some prehistoric surprise awaiting the team. Hopefully it was something small and vegetarian this time. He just hoped Ken Leeds and his team could sort things out.

He placed his mug down on the table. As much of a problem as this anomaly was, it didn't matter now. Once Major Leeds and the others were on the ground, they would deal with the aftermath. Communication with the American leaders would be Boris Johnson's problem and the coverup would be up to Leeds. Good for that too, Lester had no intentions to speak with anyone in that kakistocracy of a government.

He stood himself up for the first time in several hours and ran his fingers up the knot of his tie. He walked himself to the door of the office, his legs and back creaking as he did so.

What few essential staff remained in the building were huddled around the various tables and computer screens. Upon seeing him, they dispersed. 2 metres apart as was protocol. Lester could honestly care less, but he enjoyed enforcing something. Aside from them, the ARC was dead inside. A combination of pandemic restrictions, COVID exposures, and incursion calls had left the Anomaly Research Centre practically empty. The beeps and hums of computers and occasional typing on keyboards were the only audible noises. The dead air was only occasionally interrupted by the field coordinator Jess Parker speaking to the Canadian team. Lester would perk his head up when he heard her voice to try and hear the news she was relaying. There had been no news in quite some time. Where were they? How long until they reached the site? He slid his mask up his nose and proceeded to the main anomaly detector. It too was clear of any red dots. Jess Parker typed away at the keys. The clacking mixed with the footfalls of Lester. As he approached, she gleaned gingerly behind her before fixating her attention on the computer once more.

"The anomaly closed about a half hour ago," she started.

"I'm quite aware," Lester moved himself up next to the detector. "Hopefully it was something small and fluffy."

"When is it ever that easy?"

Lester thought he could see Jess smirk at him from behind her black mask. She returned back to the detector and continued to type away. On this larger multi-screen unit. Lester was more able to see the location of the anomaly. It seemed to be in a forested area about a mile or so from the suburbs. That was a relief. It had opened well past that town's curfew and closed at about eleven in the morning. At least the chances of anyone stumbling upon it were quite low.

"Any word from Major Leeds?"

Jess shook her head, "no, they've reached the site though."

Lester rolled his eyes, "it would have been nice if he informed me. It was quite hard getting his title reinstated, you know."

Jess shrugged the jeer off and continued smacking away at the keys. Lester frowned. He had worked with Leeds professionally ever since the ARC operation expanded into Canada. While his wit and level-headedness in tough situations was to be admired, his personality reminded him of a young Connor Temple or even Oliver Leek in some moments. Despite his brilliance, Leeds got under his skin and Lester was grateful that they rarely had to interact.