Lost in Time: The Salvation

By Luisiano A. Jones

Lonely paleontologist Charles Jenson is uncovering an extraordinary tyrannosaur preserved in the Montana Badlands when suddenly a strange man shows up at his expedition site and manages to bribe him and his co-worker, Michael Surman, into going on a doubtful expedition to the Bermuda Triangle. After being reunited with an old friend and gaining new ones, Charles suspicions rise against Dana Hobson, the creator of the supposed fallen Bermuda Investigation Agency. When secrets are spreading, a massive storm hits and a wormhole sends Charles, a highly-trained military group, and the expedition team to an island at an incomprehensible location. The terrified group is then thrust into a lost world up against prehistoric predators of unimaginable horror. When the group is separated, characters are forced into their own individual paths and Charles soon realizes that he is no longer digging up bones. He is now uncovering his own terrible past mingled with the blood-thirsty inhabitants and a terrible plot against mankind itself...

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496924452

Luisiano A. Jones

Fifteen-year-old sophomore, Luisiano Jones, attends all high-level classes at Bedford High. He has researched dinosaurs, arthropods, and similar species his entire life with enthusiastic interest, and loves to read and write. He currently lives with his parents and three younger brothers on Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. He loves spending time with his family, friends and girlfriend.

Book preview

Prologue: Prey of the Past

Deep snarling filled Tim Crosby’s ears as he and his brother, Hector sprinted blindly through the woods. Tim was a boy of ten, wearing a tattered T-shirt. Covering his thighs were sandy-colored Bermuda shorts, which were blotched in dirt and blood. His once neatly-kept dark hair now looked more like a black mop, clumped into it with leaves and dirt. He was in such a terrible condition from being in the harsh environment of the forest for three weeks.

Hurry, Tim! Hector yelled to him through ragged breaths, The creatures are close behind! Hector looked similar to Tim, except for the fact that he was a senior in high school. Also, a waterproof pack bounced up and down on his back, the objects inside clanking together.

As the vicious creatures that craved the taste of their flesh chased them, Tim had never felt more terrified in his life. They only saw by flashes of light from the thunderstorm that had encased the island at nightfall. Tim could hardly take the thunder and pounding rain that fell upon them in sheets, despite the forest canopy. It was a miracle that they hadn’t yet tripped over a branch, or ran straight into a tree. However, it would only be a matter of time before the predators caught them.

How far are we? Tim screamed over the constant sound of rain and thunder.

Not much further, in fact, I think we’re almost there! Hector assured. He really hadn’t the slightest idea of how much longer they had to run, or even where they were, though he would never tell Tim that. They just had to keep going.

Lightning flashed, seeming to light up the world around them for a brief second, followed by the crash of thunder. Then the most horrifying feature of the experience came. A terrible shrieking exploded through the night, confirming that the ravenous monsters were right behind them…so close, in fact, that they could hear their multiple footsteps even through the rain.

They’re going to eat us! Tim screamed in pure and utter terror, We are going to die!

No, we’re not, Hector yelled back, We can escape them if we keep running! But Hector knew that they had already depleted any energy they had reserved. It wasn’t physically possible to keep running at the pace they were. It wasn’t within human capabilities to outrun the pursuing creatures. They were already rapidly gaining on Tim and Hector. All the while, they meticulously planned their brutal attack.

At that moment, the heavy shadows of trees began to part, revealing the crude beach with waves crashing against the shore. Darkness enveloped the whole scene, but brief flashes of lightning provided enough for Hector to see that they were close to the ocean…close to their survival.

Tim, it’s the beach! Hector shouted with a tone of victory, as if they had just escaped. However, he failed to realize that it hadn’t but just begun.

Tim only whimpered in response, but with escape so close, they miraculously found their absolute last reserve of energy and forced their worn legs to sprint towards the beach. The creatures shrieked again, angry that their prey was about to get away…that is, until Tim fell over a rotten piece of wood that he had not seen.

A cry of fear and surprise made Hector stop in the middle of his tracks, and whip his whole body around to see Tim lying on the ground gasping for breath. Tim, you have to get up! You can do it! He encouraged with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.

His body aching, Tim managed to get onto his elbows only to fall back to the ground. Already it seemed to claim his life. Again he tried to stand, but again he failed. This time he would not escape. This time he was too weak to fight. This time the predators would tear him to shreds.

I can’t, Tim cried with tears streaming down his face. Hector couldn’t see the hunters, because they were hardly visible among the rain that relentlessly fell upon them. We are going to die, Hector. His voice was filled with defeat. The tone scared Hector. It wasn’t a tone of fear, or even sadness for that matter. The tone was emotionless. It was the tone of surrender.

No, Hector spoke in his most commanding voice, You will not give up on me. Tim looked up at him helplessly as Hector stared at him with a steely gaze. We did not survive all this time, just to have you give up. When we crashed on this island, and Dad died, did we give up? When we were starving in the woods, followed by that other creature, did we give up? No, we fought! We hunted! We became what we had to, and we survived. We did not become what we are now, just to give up. Hector had a spark of determination in his eyes as he stared at Tim’s terrified expression.

Sorry, but we can’t escape this time, brother, Tim said grimly.

Why not? he asked.

"Because they are already here," Tim’s voice came out deathly silent.

Realization hit Hector too late. He raised his head, and a pang of dread shot through him. A shiver went down his spine as he saw that they were surrounded by predators.

There must have been a dozen of them all snapping their razor-sharp teeth-filled jaws. Most of their sleek bodies were invisible to Hector, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. However, he could see their large, reptilian eyes, filled with obvious intelligence…and violence.

Hector did a quick spin and confirmed that there really was no escape. They would both become food tonight. Unless…

You listen, and you listen closely, Hector whispered to Tim, who had eyes as wide as softballs. When I give the signal, you need to stay away from me, and run. Run because your life depends on it.

How do I know when you give the signal?

Trust me, you’ll know, Hector assured. Slowly, he slipped the pack off of his shoulders and passed it to Tim delicately, as he would a newborn child. You know the folder inside here?

Tim nodded slowly, wincing as the ravenous animals that surrounded them hissed.

It’s your job to figure it out now.

I don’t understand. Why are you giving me this?

Because only one of us is going to survive, Hector said forlornly.

It took a moment for Tim to comprehend what Hector had just said. When he did, an expression of shock crossed his face, No, you can’t leave me here! I can’t do this alone.

I’m afraid you don’t have a choice. Hector spoke sadly.

No! It doesn’t have to end this way! Tim was practically begging Hector to stay.

Not this time brother, Hector spoke calmly, as if he had already accepted fate But you must promise me something.

But—, Tim began, but was cut off by Hector raising his hand in a sign of silence.

You have to promise me something.

Okay, I promise! What do you want? Tim cried with fear, as the creatures began coming closer, hissing all the while.

You have to promise me that you will always fight.

What do you mean?

You must never give up, Tim. Promise me you will never stop fighting. Hector looked at Tim pleadingly.

But—,

Please, Tim. Promise me…

Okay, I promise. I will always fight, Tim suppressed. By now, the nearly invisible creatures were only two yards away.

A look of relief fell over Hector, when Tim promised that he would always fight. Then he stood, facing the creatures with a look of determination. I will miss you, brother. Then he bolted off into the forest with all the hungry animals leaping after him, unleashing shrieks that would terrify Tim for years to come.

NOOO! Tim yelled at the top of his lungs before he began bawling like a child.

Hector was no match for the cunning hunters. He was too weak, and in moments they had caught him. One leapt onto his back, easily knocking him to the ground. The predators swarmed Hector, tearing at his body viciously. Hector didn’t cry out in pain, even when the creatures ripped into his flesh.

Even though he didn’t see it, Tim cried the whole time. Somehow, he managed to crawl under an enormous gnarled tree root and hide there. The sound of the creatures horrible feasting haunted Tim, devouring what was once his brother. But now his brother’s screams would only be an echo in his mind.

An echo of a person being consumed by monsters that weren’t even supposed to exist.

Chapter I A Strange Death

The warm tropical winds of Florida washed over Detective Reedley’s pudgy face. It was 8 o’clock in the morning exactly and the weather in Deerfield Beach was beautiful. The sun was already climbing high into the sky, warming anything its light touched. The water glistened like a pool of a thousand diamonds, but because it was still a bit early, there weren’t many tourists on the sand. Overall, the scene itself was calm. It would have been the perfect moment to visit the beach.

Detective Reedley, on the other hand, did not feel any happiness at being there. He had already been up for four hours filing paperwork from a case about a multitude of thefts. The day before that, he was trapped in court for a hearing on a criminal determining whether or not he was guilty of attacking his sister. Then, right when he thought he had the day off, an officer had contacted him about a mutilated body.

Apparently, the body had been seen by a grandmother who was collecting shells early in the morning. She had immediately contacted the police. An officer came to investigate, but could not tell how the person had been killed. The only evidence left behind were three individual slashes and a mutilated neck. Given the scene, the officer had contacted Reedley to examine the body on site.

Of course, Reedley couldn’t say no, so now he was in his black Sedan driving to the beach.

Can’t they do anything themselves?, Reedley thought to himself. He had heavy bags under his eyes. Because of his exhaustion, he had to force his eyes open to watch the road. He couldn’t remember the last time he had gotten some reasonable sleep. Weeks? Months? Reedley didn’t know, and didn’t have the energy to think about it. Just watch the road, he thought.

Reedley took a turn down off the main road, and passed rows of different shops. In front of him the sun shone brightly, so he lowered his sunglasses over his eyes. The shore was in his line of vision, along with several ambulances and police cruisers. The sidewalk was lined with swaying palm trees, and past them was the sand, followed by water. He squinted in the light and spotted a couple of distant figures stooped over something that he couldn’t see. The figures were too far away for him to make out any details, but he assumed that they were the other investigators.

It wasn’t difficult for Reedley to find a parking spot, considering that it was barely past eight. Once he parked and turned the car off, he shut the door behind himself dully. He groaned as he stretched. His back hurt from crouching over paper for hours and hours on end. He gave a brief yawn before finally walking towards the figures.

Detective Reedley, how are you this morning? one of the officers asked as he approached the group. There were two men dressed in police uniforms, who walked to greet him. The one who had just spoken was rather plump and walked with a funny tread. The lean and thin officer beside him looked like his opposite.

Fine, Reedley lied, And you?

To tell you the truth, we have a bit of a situation, the plump officer spoke. You can call me Officer White, by the way. White took Reedley’s hand in a brief shake before allowing the other officer to introduce himself as Officer Cornwell.

When they were done giving their names, Reedley spoke immediately, So what exactly do you want from me?

Well, you understand that a civilian found a slaughtered body on the shore, correct?

Yes, Reedley answered, as White had given him the basis of the death over the phone.

It is a male corpse. The body has obviously been thrown in water. However, it couldn’t have possibly been more than a few hours ago, considering that the body hasn’t been decimated by scavengers in the sea, Cornwell explained.

Okay.

The real problem is figuring out how this person has become… deceased.

What do the injuries show? Reedley asked.

We’ve had a medic examine the body, and she said that it was unlike anything she had ever seen before.

What do you mean?

There is extreme damage to the neck, specifically the arteries. The aorta was completely destroyed, along with half the muscle and other blood vessels. The damage went so far that part of the esophagus is missing, and cervical vertebrae are visible, White paused to take a breath before continuing. On top of this, there appear to be three identical cuts from an unidentified weapon. They were brutally slashed across the chest, severing any muscle, and going all the way down to the ribcage and sternum. Concluding the damage, the body is covered with an uncountable number of cuts.

Reedley frowned. The injuries the officer had just described made zero sense. He thought that he had seen basically every kind of injury. He was a man of forty-three, so he had seen many things over the years. He had investigated cases ranging from shark attacks all the way to serial killers. But he had never heard of anything like what White had just described.

May I see the body? Reedley asked with a slight tone of unease.

Yes, of course! Right this way. It was clear simply from his jumpy personality that White was an inexperienced officer.

Reedley followed the two men as they brought him past the sand and back into the sidewalk. Once there, they turned towards an ambulance with a group of different medics examining something inside. Cornwell whispered something to a medical examiner with long blonde hair, who nodded and the group went away to clear the site of the evidence, giving the room some space.

White motioned for Reedley to come inside the back of the vehicle. The inside was decorated with a number of medical tools, including stethoscopes and first-aid cases. It looked like the typical ambulance…that is, until Reedley saw that the stretcher was covered with a human carcass wrapped inside a black body bag.

When White removed the corpse from the bag, Reedley nearly hurled. It wasn’t that he had never seen a dead body before. As a criminal investigator, he had had plenty of experience with that type of evidence. What disgusted him was the brutality of the body’s disfiguration.

The only conclusion the medic could come to was that there must have been some sort of mechanical accident. We’ve already had some samples of DNA and other forensic evidence taken. The morgue will be taking the body soon, White informed him.

Staring at the body, Reedley’s first interpretation was that it was clearly no accident what had happened to this man. Rotted flesh of what was left of the neck stuck to exposed vertebrae. The face was white, with an expression of decayed shock. Just like White had described, three gashes were slashed twelve inches across the chest. They were so deep, that he could easily see past the ribcage and even catch a glimpse of what he guessed were lungs.

Jesus, Reedley spoke in awe.

What do you think? White asked curiously, Have you seen anything like this before?

No, Reedley finally said after regaining his composure, I have never in my entire career as a CSI agent seen a death as violent or gory as this.

It wasn’t like a severed limb, or a gutted man. This was like someone or something had literally torn apart this man’s neck. It looked to Reedley more like an animal mauling, than a homicidal manic. Like an unseen predator had simply torn the corpses neck, and then ran away. But those marks on the chest made no sense. No ocean predator had limbs that could claw at anything with such brutal force, or leave those types of marks.

Detective?

Reedley looked up, and realized that he had been silent for a while. Sorry, I was just…caught off guard by this unexpected…death. He chose his words carefully. He was about to continue when something on the man’s shredded shirt caught his eye.

As he leaned closer, he saw three worn out letters etched onto the breast pocket. They were hardly legible, amongst all the tears and filthiness. However, squinting his eyes, Reedley could just make them out enough to read BIA.

What’s wrong, Detective Reedley? White asked with a confused expression on his face.

Well, I don’t think that this man is part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. What do you think BIA could also stand for?

Honestly, I don’t have the slightest idea. I was hoping that you would know.

I’m afraid I can’t think of any other alternative, but I just have a feeling that BIA means something else, Reedley answered in a far away tone. BIA? What could that possibly stand for? He thought to himself. He had never heard of anything called the BIA.

Suddenly, a radio buzzed with someone’s static voice. Reedley was not focused on it, and did not hear what was said. He turned to see White muttering something into his radio.

What’s the problem? Reedley asked when White was finished talking.

Apparently I am needed to deal with a few data issues at the lab. They are having some trouble, and the lab workers require our assistance, since we are done here, he spoke reluctantly. Are you sure you can’t tell me anything?

Not yet, but I do have one more question. Do you know the identity of the body?

Unfortunately, his DNA is not in our files, so I don’t know yet. I had better run, so please give me a call whenever you get any information on this case. And with that, he and Cornwell got into their car and cruised off, feeling glad to be away from the site of incident.

Once Reedley was inside his own vehicle, he sat there for a few moments. The evidence from the death seemed to spin around his head like a whirlwind. The injuries, the location, even the person. None of it made any sense. He glanced at his watch. It read 8:27 A.M. Still an hour until he had to be in his office.

Just for the heck of it, Reedley pulled out his laptop and did an online search for BIA. He skimmed past the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and to his surprise, he found a link to a short article about a different BIA agency:

The BIA was founded by German scientist, Dr. Arnold Harrison, in August 8th, 1999. The BIA (Bermuda Investigation Agency) was started in order to study the happenings around the Bermuda Triangle. After eight years of annoyance, and over ten million dollars worth of funds, nearly all of the BIA’s sponsors quit funding the organization. Shortly after this event, Dr. Arnold Harrison disappeared on one of his expeditions to the Bermuda Triangle. He was never found and, the BIA officially went bankrupt on November 24th, 2007.

Reedley stared at the article shocked. The article had said that the BIA had gone bankrupt over four years ago, considering the date today was 9/16/12. If this expedition agency had gone bankrupt that long ago, then how was it possible that a BIA employee was just found hardly a day old? Was he possibly part of the Bermuda Investigation Agency? How was it that Reedley had never heard of this agency?

There were too many questions that needed answering, and it was still only 8:31. He closed his laptop and started the engine to his car. Reedley still had a lot to think about, though his mind was fuzzy from lack of sleep. The car revved to life, and he put it into gear. He needed to go over his current situation…but first, he needed a coffee.

Soon he was cruising down the road, wondering what on earth he had managed to get himself into.

Charles Jenson wiped sweat off of his brow, as he leaned closer to the dusty ground of the Badlands. It was over one hundred degrees outside, and not particularly comfortable. His feet ached from the hours of crouching without support, despite his wearing the most comfortable work boots. A pain in his back forced him to stop every now and then, and stretch it out. Topping off his discomfort, he was covered head to toe with dirt and dust

However, the paleontologist was oblivious to his discomfort. He was too preoccupied by the two-foot square in front of him. Only three days ago Charles had uncovered possibly the rarest find in the history of paleontology. In front of him was the tiny cranium of a newborn Tyrannosaur.

This was why he was smiling despite his crude condition. He worked with a dental toothbrush and an artist’s camel pick, to reveal the obvious head of a very young Tyrannosaurus Rex. Charles had been working nearly three days straight; only pausing to sleep, eat, and mark the location of every fossil he dug from the earth. The reason he worked so hard was because he wanted to dig up every fossil the earth had to offer him. Every day was another day that the fossil was prone to damage from its environment. If he could manage to get a complete skeleton…

Dr. Jenson!

He turned to see his assistant Michael Surman, an herbivore expert, running up to him holding a water canister. Here’s that water you asked for, Michael panted. He was dressed much like Charles: light shirt covered in pockets and some sandy work shorts.

Thanks, Charles muttered, gladly taking the drink and gulping it down.

Dr. Jenson, you really should take a break, Michael added. After all, you have been working for a while. I’m afraid that you’ll get heatstroke out here with this punishing sun! Michael said it in a joking way, but Charles knew that it he could easily fall victim to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Feeling fatigued, but slightly refreshed, Charles lowered the water in order to wipe more sweat from his forehead. He knew that he needed to get the fossils from the ground as soon as possible. However, he also knew that Michael was right. He needed to rest.

Alright, Charles finally said, I’ll meet you in the trailer in just a few minutes.

Satisfied with his answer, Michael trotted towards the trailer and disappeared behind the worn doors. Once he was gone, Charles sighed and placed his tools neatly on the ground next to his dig spot.

A solid man of thirty, Charles stood and surveyed his surroundings. Most people would find the Badlands of Montana bleak and treacherous. All you could see were rocks and dust in any direction. Off in the distance, there were jagged cliffs with ridged edges. Outcrops of crumbled limestone stretched as far as he could see, without the slightest trace of trees, bushes, or plants.

Just rocks, heat, and howling wind.

Charles, on the other hand, saw it from a completely different perspective. This was once a place that contained flowing rivers, with mossy trees. A place that had different scavengers scrounging for their next meal, while hadrosaurs drank from the crystal water. Pterosaurs flew over head, searching for fish to consume. Possibly a therapod or two were prowling nearby, scheming to hunt for their prey.

It was a time of great diversity and evolution. Over sixty-five million years ago these magnificent creatures ruled the land. If it wasn’t for the catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs, it was highly possible that people would not even exist.

Wiping away the dirt from his eyes, Charles sneezed. Then he shook his shorts free of any minerals and finally marched towards the trailer.

As he opened the door a wave of cool air washed over his face, making him feel as though he had just taken a soothing shower. Even though it was still eighty-five degrees inside, after being outside at the mercy of the sun, this was heaven to Charles and Michael. Feeling tired and worn, Charles crashed onto the couch and yawned.

Michael appeared out of the cot–sized bedroom and asked, "Can I get you anything?’

Gatorade, if you could, Charles responded.

He walked past the torn sofa and disappeared into the kitchen. Charles heard him rummaging around the fridge for a few moments before the door closed. Then he walked back into the living room carrying two bottles filled with red liquid that swished around. Charles’s mouth watered at the thought of tasting the refreshment that the bottle contained.

Sitting next to Charles, Michael uncapped his Gatorade only to see that Charles was already swallowing the liquid. After a long sip, Charles lowered the bottle to take a breath. He then set the bottle aside, stretching to his full body length. Charles smiled with success. He was so close to finding the most important fossil find of all time.

Hey Charles, Michael said. He only referred to Charles as Dr. Jenson when they were around the work crew. Really, they were close friends. In fact, Michael was Charles’s only friend.

Charles raised his eyes in question.

What do you think will happen if we manage to pull this off? That is, what do you think will happen if we find the whole Tyrannosaur? At least, if we find most of it.

Charles shrugged. I don’t know. We’ll probably become rich from the find. Might get some public appearances. Or maybe nothing will happen. He really didn’t know, nor did he care. The only person that he had to worry about was himself. Charles was an orphan, his mother having disappeared on a diving expedition. He never ended up getting adopted, and therefore never had a family. On the positive side, he never had to really worry about money, because the only person he had to pay for was himself. The only motive he had on this expedition was to contribute to the knowledge of paleontology.

If we find the skeleton we will be making history, Michael added.

A grin fell upon Charles, No. We are uncovering it! They both laughed briefly, which died into silence. Suddenly, the peaceful quiet was destroyed by a loud knock on the door.

Both Michael and Charles stared at each other with confused expressions. Who would be knocking on their door? All the workmen were on their break, and they were in the middle of the badlands of Montana. No civilians were around.

So who could possibly be knocking on their door? Again, rapping sounded, more furiously this time. With a strange look on his face, Michael finally stood and walked over to the door.

Behind the door, Michael found a tall man standing at about six-foot, who seemed to be in his thirties. Surprisingly, the man was dressed in a formal business suit, despite the crude heat. He had flat features, black hair and green eyes. He was holding a black briefcase as his right hand stuck out to shake Michael’s.

Good afternoon, the man spoke quickly, as if he were nervous, My name is Robert Ostrom.

Michael Surman, pleased to meet you, Michael replied questioningly, as he took Robert’s hand in a firm shake. May I ask why you are here?

Is Dr. Jenson here? Robert asked, completely bypassing Michael’s question.

Well, yes, he—,

Ahh, wonderful. May I come in? Robert pushed past Michael, even as he spoke.

I suppose so, Michael muttered.

Once inside, Robert immediately looked around for Charles. Once he saw him on the sofa, he walked up to him and asked, Are you Dr. Charles Jenson?

Charles frowned, Yes, and you are?

Robert Ostrom, supervisor of the BIA, He quickly shook his hand before continuing, May I have a seat so that I can explain myself?

Michael quickly grabbed a chair from a different area and dragged it to the opposite side of the coffee table, where Charles sat.

As Robert set his case on the table, Michael said, Can I get you anything-

Water, if you could, Robert spoke before Michael could even finish his sentence.

That sent Michael scurrying off to get the water, with a look of confusion planted on his face.

Robert sat there silently until Michael returned with the water. Michael took a seat by Charles, and they waited patiently for Robert to speak. It wasn’t until Robert drank half the cup of water that he spoke. Now, I imagine that you will have a number of questions for me to answer, but I ask that you please do not interrupt.

Charles and Michael nodded their heads in unison, their faces blank.

Good. Now first off, I work for a company known as the BIA, which stands for Bermuda Investigation Agency.

They stared at Robert with looks of no understanding, but Robert continued anyway. The purpose of the BIA is to investigate the strange occurrences in the Bermuda Triangle. The reason things disappear in that part of the Atlantic Ocean. The hundreds of boats that were and still are lost. We study why that happens, and have been for the past fourteen years.

Where is he going with this? Charles thought to himself. BIA? That must perhaps be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.

Are you wondering how this includes you? Robert said it questioningly. He didn’t wait for an answer. You see, three weeks ago, one of our agents was sent to the Bermuda Triangle for a brief mission of documenting the wave patterns. It was only supposed to be over one week of time. However, he didn’t come back. That is, until yesterday. He paused to take another sip of his water. Yesterday morning, his body was found on the beach of Deerfield, Florida. Not surprisingly, he was dead. His body was scratched across the chest, and the neck seemed to be torn out. It looked like an animal mauling

Robert opened his case, and brought out a picture of a disgusting corpse that looked exactly what he had just described, except far worse. Charles peered at the three slashes across the chest, with a look of awe. The marks on the body were unlike any animal attacks he had heard of. No predator, or even herbivore, had three-clawed attacks.

As you can probably conclude, this man was obviously attacked by some creature, and we haven’t the slightest idea what.

Jesus, Charles said in a far-away tone, "What on earth could have done this?

They look almost like claw marks, Michael inputted.

Exactly, Robert said conclusively. And this is where you come in, Dr. Jenson.

What do you mean?

Well, our agency has been at this for years. Countless expeditions. Hours of observation and careful collection of evidence. We even have casualties, as you can see here. And the only conclusion we can make is that something from the past still exists.

How long ago into the past were you thinking? Michael asked, with an unconvinced look planted on his face.

"Well, our studies have found traces of something in the Bermuda Triangle that is coming from before the human’s evolution. Way earlier. So early, in fact, that it dates back to the Cretaceous period of time."

Silence fell upon the group as the idea slowly sank into their heads. Robert stared at them, waiting for a reaction to what they had just been told. He didn’t have to wait long.

After a few moments, both Charles and Michael burst out laughing. Robert looked taken back at their sudden and unexpected outburst.

I don’t understand what you find humorous, Robert said in a strange voice.

Do you honestly believe that we would believe this outrageous fantasy? Charles asked. An agency called the Bermuda Investigation Agency? That is ridiculous enough as it is, but even the slightest idea that a creature from the Mesozoic period of time could still be alive would be simply unintelligent and childish. I don’t have time to look for this fantastical prehistoric creature. I’ll have you know, I am on the brink of possibly the most important fossil discovery in history! Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do. With that, Charles stood and walked back outside.

But Dr. Jenson! Robert puffed in the heat as he followed Charles outside. You don’t understand! We need your help to find this creature. Only you can identify it when we find it, and only you have the intelligence for this type of discovery! Don’t you want to find something that was supposed to be dead millions of years ago?

Charles ignored Robert and marched across the dusty ground. The sun still burned in the sky, forcing him to squint his eyes.

Dr. Jenson, this will be the most important discovery of all time, if you help us find this creature, you will become famous, that’s a promise.

Still Charles walked on, Robert’s words flowing aimlessly around him like a river.

Robert suddenly threw his body in front of Charles, blocking his path. A desperate look was on his face, almost like that of a child begging for candy. Charles only sighed in response.

Dr. Jenson, you have to understand that we need you and your assistant, Dr. Surman, to come. Any other paleontologists that are within our reach have declined our offer. You are the only one left that we have access to. If you don’t come, then we will have to abandon our mission.

I can’t see why, Charles thought to himself sarcastically. It’s no wonder the other paleontologists declined. This expedition of yours is so ridiculous, that even a mere child would have difficulty believing it. Neither I nor my team have the slightest desire to throw away time and money with your wasteful agency. Charles tried to take another step, but Robert didn’t move. Instead, a smile grew across his face.

Did you say money? He asked in a tone of a salesperson, as if he had won.

Charles stopped and turned towards Robert. They had been running low on funds lately, and he knew that they only had about another month before they had to stop. If Robert could offer them anything…

What do you mean? Charles asked, suddenly interested.

Don’t you know that I am the supervisor of a soon-to-be powerful agency? Robert clicked his case open and revealed a checkbook and a pen.

I don’t understand, Charles said.

I can write a whole bunch of numbers on here, Robert continued, clicking the pen and raising the checkbook, So…what will it be?

Once the two companions arrived in Florida, they caught the closest bus to the place that Robert had told them that he would meet them. They hadn’t gotten any sleep since the day before, and they were tired. Luckily, they only had small bags to hold their clothing. Robert had told them that they would be provided with everything else, even toiletries.

After Robert had bribed them to come on the expedition, they had grabbed enough outfits for four days, thrown them in bags, and then jumped into Robert’s car. Robert drove them to the airport, which was two hours away. At the airport, Robert had purchased them tickets to Deerfield Beach. The next thing Charles knew, Robert gave them the destination point where they would meet, then jumped on a plane he had already reserved.

Unfortunately, their flight was at 2:00P.M., and it was only about noon by the time they had arrived at the airport. On top of this, their flight was five hours long, with a time change. So by the time they finally arrived, and caught the bus, it was 10:30 at night.

On the bus, Charles and Michael sat across from each other. They didn’t have the energy to talk, so they simply sat there. The bus was basically deserted, aside from a couple of tourists. He couldn’t sleep, so Charles was only left with the option of allowing his thoughts to roam.

A couple of seats down, Charles glanced over and saw a child who couldn’t have possibly been older then four. He sat on the lap of his mother, who had a weary appearance, with deep circles under her eyes. Long, unkept hair fell across her shoulders. A fatigued expression was planted on her face as her son talked in a happy tone.

Mommy, are we there yet? the boy said in a hopeful voice.

Almost, Samuel, the women spoke in a tired tone.

I can’t wait to see the ocean! Daddy? Samuel turned towards a bearded man, who was apparently his father.

Yes, Sam?

Do you think we might see a shark?

The man let out some weak laughter. Oh, I don’t know, maybe.

I hope we see a shark. My friend says that they can be one hundred feet long!

The mother smiled at her son’s outrageous remark. She was too tired to correct him. All she wanted was to get to the hotel so she could sleep.

Any normal person would have smiled at the family before them. This seemed like the average family. The boy’s childish remarks should make a person smile. But Charles didn’t smile at all. In fact, the wonderful scene only filled Charles with sadness. The empty feeling brought out a scene into his mind…a scene he had been trying to forget for over twenty-five years.

A boy sat on the carpet of a home, playing with dinosaur figurines. He made growling sound effects as he made the meat-eater chase the plant-eater. It was a typical day for this boy.

Honey, a crystal voice said, I got you a surprise.

The boy jumped up, screeching in delight. Yay! Is it a Velociraptor? I don’t have one of those yet.

The mother laughed, No, silly! I got you a necklace! She brought her hands up to reveal a leathery necklace, with a shark tooth at the end.

Wow, is that a real shark tooth? the boy grabbed the necklace, intently staring at the tooth that tipped the necklace.

The mom beamed at him. Yep, it sure is! I got it for you when I went to the ocean to look for the fish.

Oh, thank you! The boy jumped up and down in excitement.

His mother laughed and started dancing with her son. When they were done, she got back to her feet and began walking to the kitchen. She returned with a plate of cut up chicken that she had been cooking for a while.

The boy obliterated his meal as quickly as he had gotten it. Once he had finished, his mother cleared the spot, wiping his face along the way. When she finished, she looked at him, and smiled.

Honey, I have to go for a few days on another dive. I’m going to call Sheena to watch you again, okay?

The boy placed his finger to his lips, as if contemplating the thought. Finally, he responded, Okay, but can I have a Popsicle? My tummy wants one.

His mother laughed again, and he smiled at her happily.

The thought faded from Charles’s mind, leaving him empty. The thought had haunted him for many years. It was not a thought, it was a memory. A memory of himself when he was only five, holding the same necklace he had laced around his neck now. And the memory of the last time he had ever seen his mother.

After another half-hour the bus finally screeched to a stop. Charles and Michael grabbed their bags and followed the few tourists exiting the bus. As they stepped off of the stairs, a wave of hot air and wind blasted their faces. Even though it was eleven o’clock at night there was still a ray of light left at the horizon and the heat still lingered.

Charles took in a huge breath of fresh air, glad to finally be out of a transportation device. The beach lay before them with the foamy water peacefully crashing against the shore. A wooden pier extended a hundred feet out into the ocean, with a few fishers attempting to catch something the water had to offer. Next to the pier was a row of small buildings with a variety of names. One of them was the Boney Grill, the place where they were supposed to meet Robert and the rest of the group.

"This is it?’ Michael said in a questioning tone.

That’s the restaurant that Robert said he would meet us at, Charles responded with a weary tone.

They ambled towards the restaurant, not really paying much attention to their surroundings. Their boots kicked up sand as they walked along the sidewalk. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the building.

As Charles pushed the double-doors open he was greeted by the emotionless face of Robert. Ah, good to see you Dr. Jenson. Robert said in an inscrutable tone, Follow me so we can discuss our expedition with your acquaintances. With that, he began walking past rows of tables, leaving Charles and Michael to catch up.

The restaurant was filled with tourists who were eating and laughing together. A waitress scooted past them, holding a tray full of empty plates and glasses. Different models of sailfish skeletons lined the walls. A heavy aroma of food invaded their noses, reminding them of how hungry they were.

Robert made a right, passing more tables and more people eating dinner. At their right a bar stood with television screens flickering football games and various sports status. To the left there was a row of booth tables. Robert kept walking, until he finally approached a booth with two people sitting in it, chatting softly through the ruckus of the restaurant.

Both of the people were women. The women to the left had curled dark black hair that went to her shoulders. She wore an elegant dress that came down to just above her knees. Her feet were covered in high-heel shoes, and a pearl necklace was wrapped around her neck. Large, blue eyes stared at the woman opposite, giving her a girlish appearance.

The one on the right side of the booth had flowing, midnight black hair. She wore a simple pair of jeans with an average t-shirt. Her smile made a crest with dimples at the end, and gave Charles a warm impression. Her hazel eyes seemed to smile along with her lips and appeared to twinkle in the light.

As Robert approached the table the two women directed their attention to him.

Robert! the women on the left said in a high-pitched voice. "I see you brought our guests, the paleontologists. Her voice seemed almost childish, as if a young girl were speaking for her. She stood up, allowing Robert to squeeze into the booth.

You must be Dr. Jenson, she said as Charles took a step towards the booth.

That is correct, Charles confirmed, while shaking her hand, And you are?

I’m Dana! she said enthusiastically, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Dr. Surman, Michael briefly shook her hand, not having the energy to admire her appealing appearance.

It is such an honor to meet you formally, Dana said in her sing-song voice, I am the leader of the BIA currently, and I must now introduce you to our marine biologist.

The other women smiled at them warmly, standing up to greet them. Dana began to say something else, but Charles wasn’t paying attention. He was too busy looking into the eyes of the other women. That twinkle…he had seen it before. He couldn’t place the person, but he had definitely seen it before. Then it struck him; he had seen that same sparkle many years ago. The same year that his mother disappeared in fact. Suddenly, another flashback struck his mind.

This time, he was at the orphanage. He had just gotten there yesterday, after the police took him away, because his mother disappeared. He was hiding in a corner of a large room crying. All the other children were sleeping. He felt more terrified than he had ever been in his life. All he could think about was where his mom was.

Suddenly, a girl appeared in front of him with a sympathetic look. What’s the matter? she had asked Charles.

Charles sniffled, Do you know where my mommy is?

No, but I don’t know where my mommy is either, the girl responded.

Charles only wailed in response.

It’s okay, don’t cry. The girl attempted to calm him down, My name is Heather. I don’t know where your mommy is, but that’s okay.

It is?

Yes, because I don’t know where mine is either. We’re the same.

We are? Charles let out a hiccup.

Yep, because we both don’t know where our mommies are. We are the same, so we can be friends! What’s your name?

Charles, He slowly stood, Really? You’ll be my friend?

The little girl shrieked with delight, Of course! I’ll be your friend forever! Then she threw her arms around him, her eyes twinkling with happiness, finally making Charles smile for the first time since his mother’s disappearance.

But she wasn’t his friend forever. Three years later, Heather was adopted, once again leaving Charles alone.

But that was many years ago, Charles thought, while shaking his head back into reality. How could he possibly see that same twinkle that he saw in Heather in the woman he was staring at now? Unless…

Hi, the woman with the jeans smiled. I’m the marine biologist, and you can call me Heather.

Chapter II Reunion

Charles gawked at Heather like she had suddenly sprouted a separate head. It had been so many years since he had last seen one of his only friends. After she had been adopted, Charles had once again stuck to himself. He hadn’t talked too much to anyone, not that anyone talked to him anyway. After a little while, he managed to get over her and live on…sort of.

He had focused on nothing but his school mainly, because he wanted to become a paleontologist and he realistically had nothing else to do. He didn’t have friends, or sports, or anything else the other kids did. Amazingly, he managed to get a scholarship to college after high school. That’s how he managed to make a career as a scientist without any parenting or financial support.

In all that time, he had sometimes wondered what had become of his old friend. Now that he was an adult, he continued to live alone. He never fell in love, or even had many friends, except for his work companions. The only way for him to keep from pondering the past was to surround himself with his work. The thoughts of his lost mother always seemed to haunt him. Occasionally Heather would cross his mind, leaving him empty and lost all over again.

And now suddenly here she was, clear as day.

Pardon, but are you going to introduce yourself? Heather interrupted his thoughts again. He noticed that she spoke with a heavy British accent.

Heather, you’ve changed in the past twenty years, Charles remarked in an average tone.

Heather looked taken back and confused, I beg your pardon, but you must be mistaking me for someone else. I assure you, that I have never met you until today, sir.

Charles’s expression sank, Don’t you remember me? When we were five, at the orphanage…

Heather pursed her lips and scrunched her face; as if surfing through her memories. After a few moments, she looked up at him, then her eyes widened.

Charles? she said it questioningly at first, before confirming her memory. Charles! I’ve wondered where you have ever since we were separated! She practically lunged at Charles, shouting with such happiness that Charles couldn’t help but smile. Then she flung her arms around him in friendly greeting, and they both laughed out loud.

After so long? Charles exclaimed, overjoyed with being reunited with his only childhood friend. As they broke apart, Michael interrupted, sounding very confused.

Wait a minute, time out! Everyone turned to Michael as he spoke. He made a time-out sign like he was a football coach. You know this girl, Charles?

Charles motioned for everyone to sit down. Once they did Charles took a seat by Heather, across from Michael. Dana and Robert were both by Michael at the end of the table. It wasn’t until they were all seated and calmed down, that Charles began to explain. I more than just know her. When I was young and lived in the orphan house, she and I were close friends. Michael continued to stare at him with a dumb expression.

We were close friends for three years, but when I was eight, I was adopted by my father in London, Heather pitched in.

Oh… Michael nodded like he understood, although, his expression was like a cow had just been hit with a shovel.

What have you been up to for the past two decades? Charles asked Heather casually.

A lot of things have changed, Heather said gravely. We have much to talk about…like twenty bloody years worth.

My, Dana suddenly said, in a flabbergasted tone, It is truly amazing how you two were reunited! We didn’t have the slightest idea that you two had a previous friendship when we recruited you for our expedition. Such a small world we live in, no? I must say how sorry I am for your tragic past peppered with misfortunes, Dr. Jenson.

It’s fine, Charles said, although he didn’t mean it. That was many years ago. It is just such a shock to finally find an old friend.

Their conversation was cut short as a waitress with dark hair came up to their table asked if she could get them something to drink. Dana asked for water, as did Robert. Michael asked for a coke and Charles ordered a Pepsi. Heather requested lemonade.

As the waitress walked away, Charles turned to see Dana whispering something to Robert. His face seemed to pale slightly, and his expression briefly became fearful. Just as quickly as it appeared, the fearful face vanished into the emotionless Robert.

So…, Michael began to say, but Dana cut him off.

Down to business, she said enthusiastically. Of course Robert explained to you that we are going to the Bermuda Triangle, correct?

Yes, Charles answered.

Excellent. Then you must know about the death of one of our agents?

That’s what we were told, Michael commented.

Good. Now I know that Dr. Jenson and Dr. Milner wish to talk. Unfortunately there are more pressing matters to be discussed. she held up her hand before Charles or Heather could speak. I know that you haven’t seen each other for a long time, but there will be plenty of time for that on our way to Bermuda. Let me tell you the purpose of our expedition in detail.

She paused to take a breath. As you know, we have a theory that something lives in the water in the Bermuda Triangle that was previously thought to be extinct. All of the evidence adds up. The strange deaths, the random disappearances, and most of all, our years of study have led us to this conclusion. The only thing we have to do now is to find this prehistoric creature and prove that it does exist.

What is this ‘animal’ that you are intent on finding? Charles asked in a lackadaisical tone. He still didn’t believe that anything was in those waters that lived in the Mesozoic period of time.

Dana looked at him forlornly, That’s exactly why you are here with us, Dr. Jenson and Dr. Surman. We don’t have any solid evidence of the creature; therefore, we don’t have any visual of it. We have Dr. Milner so that she can dive into the water and photograph anything that is of interest. She should be able to guide us through the water, and you can identify the creature.

As she ended her sentence, the waitress arrived with their drinks. In return, the group thanked the waitress for their drinks. She quickly gave a weak nod before continuing. She had a tired look on her face that clearly said she had had a very busy day, and that she needed a break.

Can I take your order, or do you need a few more minutes? the waitress asked in a soft voice.

I think that we could use a few extra minutes, please, Dana answered in an equally soft voice.

The waitress nodded before walking off to another table.

Dana took a sip of her water before she continued, We have big plans, Charles. If we manage to find this creature we will become part of history. But if you don’t help, we will fail. So, are you in?

Charles sat there for a moment, debating the situation. He had already agreed to assist them, but only because he was getting paid. He still didn’t believe that they would find anything, but still…what choice did he have?

I will help, Charles finally said, shaking Dana’s hand.

She smiled, although it wasn’t the smile of a friend saying hello. The curves of the smile were more like that of a mischievous child who just planned a good prank, and he had just fallen for it. For some reason Charles suddenly regretted his choice.

Wonderful. Order something good, because the food on the ship isn’t that exquisite. Welcome to the team.

Later that evening Charles lay on his bunk inside his cabin, feeling rather content with himself. After they had eaten at the restaurant Dana had brought them to the vessel in which they would be making their trip. The ship was a large fishing boat that looked like it hunted whales. They were going to record everything