The Girl Trilogy *Zach Mitchell*

Vol. 2 Ch. 2

Inside the sprawling complex, they ascended the staircase leading up to the control center. The clinking of their footsteps on the metallic stairs echoed through the dimly lit passage. Upon reaching the top, Ayana turned to her intern, Gray, who awaited her guidance.

"You're in charge while I'm gone, Gray, so take care of everything, okay?" Her voice carried a sense of responsibility and trust.

He smiled brightly, his eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and the weight of his new responsibility. "Of course, Ayana, no problem."

"You're leaving a fifteen-year-old in charge of an island of dinosaurs?" Her grandfather's voice held disbelief and concern, as if he couldn't fathom the gravity of their decisions.

"Gray isn't just any fifteen-year-old; he's extremely intelligent and responsible. Besides, he's had plenty of experience with dinosaurs, and you'll be here with him," Ayana explained, her words aimed at reassuring her grandfather.

"I understand, but-"

"You haven't seen him interact with any dinosaurs yet. Just trust me, okay?" She pleaded, her gaze holding the weight of her conviction. "Everything will be fine."

"All right," he finally relented, his concern mingling with resignation. "I still don't like the idea of you going back to that island, especially alone."

"Your concern is noted," Ayana rolled her eyes, her playful tone betraying the underlying bond between them. As she started to walk towards the exit, she paused for a moment. "Stop worrying, I'm a Murphy."

She gave him a cheeky grin as she stepped onto the elevator, the unspoken understanding of their family's resilience palpable in the air. "If anyone can outrun a dinosaur, it's me."

"Ayana!" Her grandfather's voice called out after her, filled with love and worry.

As the elevator doors closed behind her, Ayana leaned against the wall and laughed, her laughter echoing through the elevator. It was a mixture of confidence and apprehension, a release of emotions pent up during their conversation.

She tugged the jacket that had been tied around her waist onto her shoulders, her movements deliberate and cautious. After securing it around her body, she took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, trying to steady herself. The jacket felt like armor, protecting her from the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Her love for her job and her dedication to the field of paleontology ran deep, but the responsibility of safeguarding an entire species of genetically modified, formerly extinct animals was a daunting burden. Every step she took, every decision she made, was a testament to her family's legacy.

Her great-grandfather had brought these creatures back from extinction, giving them a second chance at life. Now, with the volcano on Isla Nublar threatening to erupt, it was her responsibility to save them before they became extinct again. The weight of this legacy bore down on her, and she felt its presence like a silent guardian.

She fiddled with the sleeves on the hoodie she wore, her fingers slipping through some of the holes that had been burned into the fabric. Each hole seemed to represent a scar, a memory etched into the fabric of her life.

Her mind replayed memories of Isla Nublar, a tapestry of emotions and experiences. The moments that haunted her, from being chased by the Indominus Rex to witnessing the Mosasaurus devour Zara, and narrowly escaping a Pterodactyl's beak. She had faced the pain of loss, including the death of her beloved Dadi, and the heart-wrenching sight of the Raptors she had grown up with being killed one by one. She couldn't forget the desperation of releasing the T-Rex in a last-ditch effort for assistance against the Indominus Rex. These memories were etched into her soul, shaping her determination and resolve.

The sound of the elevator opening snapped her out of her thoughts, and she quickly slipped onto the roof, greeted by the embrace of fresh air. A gust of wind brushed against her face, and her gaze was drawn to the waiting helicopter a few feet away.

A dark silhouette emerged from the craft, gradually revealing itself as Owen Grady. He walked towards her with a bright smile on his face, a smile that held warmth and reassurance.

"You ready to go?" He asked warmly, his voice carrying the trust and camaraderie of a godfather.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she told him, her own smile mirroring his. "Are you?"

"Let's go get our girl," he smirked, nodding towards the waiting helicopter. The determination in his eyes was a reflection of their shared mission.

Before she knew it, they were climbing into the chopper, fastening their seatbelts, and preparing for takeoff. Sitting next to Owen, Ayana's thoughts drifted back to the summers she had spent at the raptor paddock, learning as much as she could about the prehistoric creatures.

She knew going back to the island would be challenging for Owen. He had lost all but one of his Raptors during the fight against the Indominus. But she also knew he would support her in any way he could.

Before she knew it, the helicopter lifted off the ground and soared towards Isla Nublar. The horizon unfolded before them, a canvas of memories and uncertainties.

She glanced at her godfather, noticing his somber expression. Her hand found its way to his shoulder, offering comfort in the form of a gentle touch.

"Hey," she spoke softly, her voice a soothing balm. "We'll find her. Once the park's operating system is reactivated, we'll be able to track Blue."

"Blue could be dead, it's been three years. It's possible she-" Owen's words were filled with the shadow of doubt.

Ayana cut him off, her hand over his mouth a gesture of unwavering belief. "She's alive, Owen. Blue isn't one to go down easily; she proved that much when she fought the Indominus."

He gave her a slight smile, his eyes reflecting the flicker of hope. "I hope you're right."