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Over the centuries in human history, there have been countless great scientific discoveries. Many of the world's greatest minds originate from a multitude of different places around the world. From the start of the US colonies in New England to modern advancements in medicine and technology, every step was made with blood sweat and tears. Without certain minds such as Eli Whitney who created the cotton gin and Thomas Edison who discovered electricity, we wouldn't be where we are now.

Only just under a year ago, a mysterious and foreign chemical has appeared. The properties of the liquid are unknown as it has only been seen in deep Russia. Recently, a black caped villain has also appeared in the area of New England. At the same time, a massive string of devastating robberies has occurred. The losses are estimated to be about in the billions. If this caped Crusader is not stopped before long, we will have a national crisis on our hands.

Law enforcement has been hard at work in trying to capture this murderous villain. Dozens of officers have lost their lives trying to stop this mysterious figure. As police and some aspects of the military try to track down this robber, they've also been sightings of vaguely marked green trucks. Whenever the police or the military finally get the upper hand in surrounding the culprit, he or she would flee, leaving behind four or five of these trucks, usually half filled or empty with this mysterious chemical.

The government has taken precedence to confiscating these trucks, moving them to secret and restricted areas. Extensive research has been done on the property of the chemicals, scientists finding various components of healing and regeneration within the mixture. With this discovery, there has been a big historical breakthrough in science, particularly in the area of genetic engineering.

With this stolen supply of chemicals obtained over the year, scientists have gotten to conducting small-scale experiments on rodents and mice. The results have been phenomenal. In only a matter of minutes, any injury or disease the occupant of the test had is instantly cured or healed by this miraculous chemical. Further tests and larger doses concluded that it can repair broken bones and most serious ailments before thought untreatable.

In recent months, there has been a secret installation funded by the government and built in the far reaches of Canada somewhere in the Brooks Range. The exact location is unknown since the government wants no one to know about this hidden facility. If our mysterious villain were to somehow discover its location and journey to the site, we would surely feel his or her wrath for stealing a vital component to whatever they are planning.

Within the next few months, numerous scientists from around the world have gathered to study and explore this new found elixir. Allies of the US have pondered over the use and origin of this chemical. During a special meeting among the nations scientific ambassadors on February 8, 2017, another shocking discovery was made.

Over the course of a year, there have been sporadic and vague sightings of weird and unexplainable disappearances of livestock in the deep recesses of Russia near Bilibino and Cherskiy. Explorers seeking the blood sucking Chupacabra are now scrambling to find out what is causing all these massive deaths of livestock. A few unlucky citizens in Russia captured glimpses of these attackers within their homes. Out of fear and panic, they described the one thing they thought it looked like: Dinosaurs.

A colleague in the historical fossil department that was once a renowned scientist joined this special group in the cold tundra of Alaska. He brought along some complete dinosaur fossil skeletons from different species, wishing to experiment in pushing this magical serum to its limits. He got the help of a small group of workers to set up the few displays he brought with him to hold the frame of the skeletons. Within a few days, he had resurrected his structures of a T-Rex, a Gallimimus and a small Microceratus.

The renowned scientists whose name is Robert Bakkar, born in 1945, said that dinosaurs were warm-blooded. Upon hearing about this fabled medicine from a friend in the scientific field, he put his assistant in charge and joined the group in Alaska. Bakkar also heard about these eye witness account from fleeing citizens who migrated from Russia to America. Getting his idea from this, he brought along some of his fossil skeletons to try and revive the dinosaurs and study them. He also hoped to contribute to the defense of the nation when it entered its time of need.

They first tested the medicine on the smallest fossil skeleton, a docile Microceratus. It was a small ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in the Cretaceous period in Asia. It walked on two legs, had short front arms, a characteristic ceratopsian frill and beak-like mouth, and was maybe 2 feet (0.6 m) long. The majority of its body color was a dark green. The underbelly was a softer and lighter earthy brown. Since it was an herbivore, there was little risk of injury to the staff or the dinosaur itself. As long as everyone did their part, the first experiment conducted on a small scale dinosaur would be a success.

Year: May 22, 2017: Midday

_ ~~~~~Robert Bakkar~~~~~ _

** ** It had been months since the first call for this level of experimentation went through. The need for retaliation against rogue dinosaurs had become an increasingly dangerous threat. With the successful experimentation of this mythical chemical on small rodents and humans, it was now time to jump to something more complex and difficult.

_ Scientists have all wondered how the dinosaurs lived; how they survived, what their physical structure was, how they produced and how they died. Now with the greatest discovery towards mankind, it seems we have a way to appear immortal. This newfound chemical, confiscated by our ever so reoccurring villain, has been studied, dissected, and experimented so many times that we now believe we are prepare to make the next big step in the role of the evolutionary chain._

_ The report came in a half a week before the conference on February 8, 2017. I, on the other hand, was also on a discovery of a life time, but that is a story for later. You see, there was a big accident that happened on 133 coming back from the Loews Theatre at the Loop. A family of three was traveling back from the movies when an explosion flipped their car. They were currently traveling behind a row of green toxin trucks; the same trucks that we find whenever New England's mysterious villain flees and leaves behind._

_ The police had been tracking those trucks for a while; their ways for finding and trying to capture the villain getting better with their every move. Something had apparently gone wrong with one of the exhaust vents on the truck to the left on the one right in front of the car and it had ignited into a ball of flames when a small spark produced by a seemingly inconsequential leak was caught by the wind and stoked into a raging inferno._

_ Paramedics arrived quickly to the scene of the accident. Out of the family of three, there were two casualties and one survivor. A boy of 21 who has a job in Video Game Design and is the Ambassador for a joint company operation with PlayStation and Xbox. The reason why I know all of this is because any and all information regarding the medicine we are experimenting on is shared and distributed to all employees; under oath to not let out the location of the secret scientific installation for fear of retaliation by the villain. So, finding out about anyone who had any association with it or was in contact is made important knowledge to us._

_ The boy, whose name is Colby Daniels, got into contact with a generous amount of this life giving elixir. Doctors and nurses knew a little about this foreign chemical, only told that it could heal and cure most wounds and diseases. Since the chemical had already come into contact with the boy, doctors remained hopeful he would make a full recovery._

_ That, however, was not the case. Once inspections were done of possible injuries, the boy had received a broken femur during the crash but somehow managed to walk a good distance away from the flaming wreck before collapsing. Other lacerations and cuts were reported on his body. A small piece of glass cutting dangerously close to his right eye but said it would not cause any permanent damage to his eyesight. A various multitude of wounds and lacerations were found on his chest, while said to heal completely, were theorized to leave some life altering scars. Last were some bruises and cuts on his head that were easily bandaged and inspected daily._

_ The boy was put into intensive care as soon as he arrived at the hospital where he stayed there for two months under scrutinizing careful supervision. His heart rate was monitored constantly and any change was cause for either excitement or alarm. The boy had apparently fallen into a coma for the two months he was in intensive care. A pile of tubes and I.V.'s was hooked up to him to keep his condition stable._

_ Once he showed signs of stirring and his major injuries were deemed ok, he was moved into a general hospital room but still under supervised care. One of the leading doctors, Paul Veraguard, suggested the supervision of his daughter, Anea Veraguard to Colby. Within that time, the moderate amount of chemicals that had entered the boy's body had finally begun to work their magic. His broken femur was quickly healed and carefully put into a semi-cast once it was deemed safe enough to walk on should the patient awake._

_I may have forgotten to mention the big discovery we made. Well, it had something to do with..._Knock, Knock, Knock.

"Hey doc, you all set in there?" A voice asks from outside my living quarters in the secret installation in Alaska. Stumbling with my pen hastily before dropping it on the ground, I quickly turn towards the door to mutter a reply.

"Drat...Oh, ah, yeah, I'm ok in here. There is nothing to worry about." I respond in a reassuring tone, reaching down to retrieve my pen.

"Are you sure? Has the upcoming tests gotten you nervous or something? I have not known you for being shy about things like this?" My assistant Blake, a good boy at an age of 27, replied.

"Oh, yes, I was just writing down the accounts of what has happened so far. I will be out there in a sec, don't worry about me; and tell Professor Rudolf Jaenisch to begin the preparations for the reconstruction." I respond while rising back within my seat.

"Uh, ok. But, the Professor sent me down to get you. He said preparations are complete and your skeleton is in place. Everything is ready to go." Blake answers warily, still standing outside the door.

I place the pen on my special mahogany desk and get up with a confused expression. I then stretch out my weary limbs before opening the door to my spacious accommodations.

"Is that so?" I ask while staring at the jittery boy in front of me. Brown red hair and a natural physic for a paleontologist to be with clear blue eyes staring right back at me. My hair on the other hand is graying while my bread is already white.

The research team had wanted my assistant to come with me so I could have some an extra hand in my, old age. Not like I needed it or anything, but it was welcomed. The boy was always eager to help. I had to put Lenissa in charge while I was gone. I am sure she will be able to handle things just fine while I am up here.

"Yes doc. The serum is being installed as we speak; it will be ready in less than five minutes. You don't want to miss your big day, don't you?" Blake asks excitedly in his stripped blue shirt and black pants. Not that professional, but getting there.

"I'm coming. Of course I don't want to miss my big day, are you crazy. Who would have thought that recent events would have led to us being able to hopefully reviving the extinct dinosaurs back from the graves? Not that whoever is in Russia is doing that for the same purpose as we are. Anyway, yes, I'll be there shortly, just let me grab a few things, ok?" I respond.

With a short chuckle, Blake turns around and dashes off down the white halls to the experimentation room where the dinosaur awaits. "Oh, and Blake, how many times do I have to tell you, I am not a doctor...and no running in the halls, you could hurt someone!" I shout after the disappearing boy. Blake just waves back and slows down as he nears a corner, just as a scientist in a typical white lab coat rounds the corner to his left.

"Oh, sorry sir." Blake mutters in an apology.

"No harm done." The scientist replies curtly as he continues down the hall to me with a clip board in his right hand.

I smile as he comes closer; not another one coming here to tell me that everything is ready to go. Honestly, is it a crime to try and finish a journal recounting everything that has brought me here? Not just because of the standard recording that is required, but to whittle down the time until launch. Well, I could always get that done later. They won't kick me out just because I got interrupted a bunch of times while trying to do it, right?

"How you holding up Robert? The big day is here isn't it. The moment where it defines whether we might have a chance to potentially create something that can protect us from those beasts that might eventually come for us in Russia, don't you think?" A colleague of mine says. The very same who told me about this seemingly magical chemical at the time. His shining black hair seems to reflect the light coming from the overhead light fixtures instead of absorbing it.

"Yes, I am. I am sure you met Blake, my assistant. He was the one you ran into on your way here." I reply while pointing in the direction he went.

"Charming fellow isn't he? I am sure he will make a great paleontologist yet, right Bakker? In fact, do you know when 'he' will arrive? I was told by Jaenisch that he received a communications message saying help from a protector was on its way. Do you know anything about that?" My colleague says in wonder while peering over my shoulder to inspect the inside of my living space which goes unnoticed by me, apparently searching for something.

Bewildered, I reply. "No, I do not know when he will arrive. I am sure he would already be here by now, depending on when the message was sent. You know they always arrive when it's important."

"Yes, yes, but he also said some disturbing things in some cryptic ways." My colleague responds, eyelids lowering over his hazel irises.

"What would that be my friend?" I ask curiously.

"Well, you see," He begins. "And this is from what Jaenisch told us, to also be on the watch for when he might arrive. He told us that the dinosaurs have been steadily grouping somewhere around Cherskiy."

"Isn't that where the sightings have been taking place?" I ask, interrupting him. Generally the sightings started to increase a little under a year ago, hitting an apex around August of 2016 then slowly going back down.

"I think so. Anyway, he also said that he is coming to help us with our research. Can you believe that, a Protector, coming here, to help with 'our' research!" He says out loud while spreading his arms excitedly with his plain clipboard still under his right arm.

"Yea, that is good. But remember, that would also mean trouble is coming soon enough. We have come a long way from rationalizing the existence of new dinosaurs, or, creating new equations to explain the phenomenon around black holes." I say in warning. My friend only looks at me with a quizzical look as he lowers he arms.

"Where not even near being able to do that." He counters.

"Exactly, but with the Protectors help, that might be possible." I reply, turning to walk back within my temporary home. I continue to talk as my friend follows me in.

"I have heard stories, rumors on how this Protector protected an ancient village from an unknown phenomenon. I mean, from what I have heard, he sometimes takes on the shape of an earth dragon. We have searched, well; the skeptics have believed that there were dragons during the time of the dinosaurs. This could be one of them. Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, I know. But just because of some ru-"

"Robert Bakker, please report to the staging area for final preparations." *click* A monotone voice rings out in the hallway interrupting my friends answer.

"You're wanted." My colleague says.

"Save it for after the experiment is a success, Mitch." I reply unimpressed.

"Just go, there waiting for you." He responds.

"Good to know several times a day." I reply before gathering my white coat, my briefcase and some important folders for the experiment.

"Let's hope we meet with success." Mitch says enthusiastically.

"Yes, lets." I reply, heading down the same hall Blake took, straight ahead and to the left towards the experimentation room.

12:34 PM, 3:58 minutes later:

"Come on you lolly gaggers, the dinosaurs didn't wait for anyone, and neither shall we!" A voice rings out among the crowd; dressed in a navy blue shirt with buttons and collar with a white lab coat over that, trying to organize the throng of scientists into orderly groups. "Into positions everyone! Bakker will be here shortly, I can assure you." The leader of this project shouts as Mitch and I make our way to the staging area. His Graying hair and mustache heralding the signs of old age.

"Professor, do not worry, I am right here." I shout to get his attention. Mitch follows along with me as we make our way through the flood of white coats and scratching of pens. Everyone is nervous, and yet, why am I not the same?

"Ah, there you are, finally!" Professor Rudolf Jaenisch says in relief as he approaches me. "We have all been waiting for you, where have you been?" He asks in a rush, relief plastered on his weary face.

"I was busily writing down the events of what has happened so far, as you requested. I was doing fine until Blake came, and then reinforcements arrived, if that wasn't enough." I respond, exasperated.

"Fine fine fine, come along. You are going to get us started are you not? Briefly explain what we should expect and then let's get on with it." Jaenisch responds hastily, telling everyone to be quiet.

Over two hundred scientists are here to observe today, with some seventy-five military to ensure things don't get nasty if the situation gets out of control. Well, that would only happen if we revive the T-Rex, and since we are not, there are only thirty-five officers here today. That does not even begin to count towards the security stationed here to protect us from unwanted threats.

My body shakes with anticipation as I approach the staging platform, Jaenisch politely getting everyone still. I turn around and look for Blake, hoping he has not gotten into any trouble in the time he has been here. If one thing is for sure, do NOT let a young teen touch anything of scientific importance. Not that Blake is young or inexperienced in the ways of research, it's just that...

"Everyone's ready Bakker, let's get started, if you may." Jaenisch says politely from his position in front of the crowd of curious and excited onlookers. All filled with nerves and adrenaline for our big step forward in the world of science.

I gaze upon the expansive room, or habitat more likely made especially for our guest that we will be shortly reviving. Even though a Microceratus is theorized to be docile since it is an herbivore; that is not a chance we are willing to take if this experiment is to succeed.

The room is like an indoor football field, except five times bigger; running eight hundred feet wide and fifteen hundred feet long. The middle of the room is where the experiment will reside in if it is a success. Fellow scientists have studied and worked hard to find the most ideal environment for our guest while we make our observations. The area is covered in hard grown grass, as close as we can get to the cretaceous period in North America and Asia. Various caves and crevices provide plenty of shade for the specimen as well as unique trees that are low hanging and worked out to be safe to digest. Specially designed lights hang from the rafters providing ample sunlight. A high, sturdy wooden fence has been placed around the environment which spans three fifths the size of the installation. An additional stone wall set a few feet higher is placed beyond that for safety of staff and supervisors.

Now that everything is ready, it is time to get things started. With a few loud coughs to get everyone's attention, I begin the experiment with a few words.

"I welcome you all here today to witness humankind's next big achievement. Over the past year, as you all may know, there has been an evil villain running rampant in our country. The police have found a foreign chemical that has been proven to heal and cure almost any wound within a short span of time. The exact potential of this new chemical is still unknown, and that is what we are here today for," I start, giving a general summary of what we all know while holding a few important documents by my side for later reference.

"I have been in the field of paleontology for some time now. I was once a respected scientist before switching to something more peaceful and calming, no offense. Now, what you see behind me is a dinosaur, as we all know for sure. This species particularly is the Microceratus, meaning "small-horned." It is a small ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in the Cretaceous period in Asia and some of North America. It walked on two legs, had short front arms, a characteristic ceratopsian frill and beak-like mouth, and was maybe 2 feet (0.6 m) long."

"Today, our job is to revive this magnificent specimen using the stolen serum from our villain. All of you know and have at least some knowledge how terrible dinosaurs can be, especially the carnivores. I have brought along a T-Rex skeleton that we will most likely NOT be reviving. But, on the possibility that our 'friend' who we stole their chemicals from finds us, we will have some way of defending ourselves even if it is for a brief moment. Now, any questions so far?" I ask after having gotten through the majority of my speech.

I spy a few hands go up and point to the one closest to me near the right of the large group. "Yes, you." I say, pointing to the man in question.

"Umm, how long do you theorize that the revival process will take place? How are you even sure the serum will be able to revive a dinosaur to the living flesh?" The scientist asks, dressed in the same black shirt and white cape with blonde hair.

"Aahh, yes. I would say about five to fifteen minutes. It would vary of course depending on the size of the specimen. As for your other question, a recent patient in Boston hospital had a broken femur. He was in a coma for two months and had been in contact with the chemical. After some time, the bones did repair and he is up and around," I respond courteously. "Anyone else?"

"Are you sure there is a slight chance the villain will find us? Are you willing to revive a carnivorous, full-blooded T-Rex to fight the enemy? Do you know if it will even fight for us or turn on us the minute it gains consciousness, that is, if this experiment works?" Asks a scientist with the same wardrobe and in their mid fifties with gray/black hair in the middle of the crowd.

"Yes, as there is with every possibility that this experiment will, or might fail. As for the T-Rex, I am coming up with a plan to revive it where no one will be present, as hard as that may sound. For your last question, think about his. If our enemy over in Russia is able to control their dinosaurs albeit small and deadly, why not us?" I reply rhetorically. "Anything else before we move on? No? Good."

"Anyways, our main objective, once the Microceratus is revived and the experiment is a success is to keep it happy and healthy within its environment. Major studying will commence later once we know that he or she will survive. The numerous other tests regarding color, sex, height, weight, length, behavior and such will be given as time progresses. I theorize that, guessing that the experiment is a success, the revival process for this specimen will take around two to five minutes, give or take a couple of seconds. Professor, whenever you're ready." I finish, indicating with a sweep of my hand to my generously donated Skeleton perched on a low platform for all to see.

Satisfied, I step off the stage and join back up with Mitch who now has a quiet Blake by his side.

"What did you think of that Blake?" I ask curiously, wondering when he had joined the group.

"Oh, it was wonderful. I do hope your experiment is a success doctor. It would be really cool to see a real live dinosaur." Blake answers energetically while keeping respectfully still.

"Where did you find him Mitch?" I ask my colleague, curious as to where he could have gone after informing me of the finished preparations.

"Well, you see-"

"I went to find Professor Holly and ask her for a favor." Blake says, interrupting whatever Mitch was going to say.

"And what favor, may I say, did you ask her?" I ask, getting suspicious that whatever it is will only cause trouble later on for the experiment.

"Oh it was nothi-"

"He asked if he could pet the Microceratus, once it was acclimated to its habitat that is." Mitch answers, interrupting Blake before he gets to respond.

"Aaawwww, you said you wouldn't tell him!" Blake moans in front of all the other scientists. Thankfully, he is spared the embarrassment as all the scientists have their gazes fixed on the experiment waiting to begin.

"Well, I'm sorry, but you know how dangerous dinosaurs can be, even an herbivore. You wouldn't want to spook it now would you?" Mitch retaliates in reply.

"Now boys, let's forget about this for now and watch the experiment." I say with my patience starting to wear thin.

"Fine." Is all Blake mutters before quieting down to watch with us.

The Microceratus is currently held in an air tight chamber similar to a 3D printer, except much bigger to hold the specimen, and future experiments. Hard leather straps wielded by mechanical arms stand at the ready on the wall to restrain the dinosaur in case it gets spooked or scared. Multiple mechanical arms lie within the ceiling, ready to come down and release their payload of serum into the bone marrow of the dinosaur. A super strong piece of plexi glass on all four sides allows any observers an unobstructed view of the proceedings.

I smile and turn around next to Mitch who gives me a weird look with one raised eyebrow. I just shake my head and chuckle before turning my attention to the thirteen rapidly lowering mechanical arms from the ceiling that are prepared with a generous amount of the chemical serum contained within special glass vials required to revive our specimen. Now, if it will only work, our chance to eradicate the dinosaur threat in Russia will surely increase tenfold.

"Quiet everyone, absolute silence PLEASE!" Professor Jaenisch yells, putting emphasis on please, immediately getting the desired effect. "Thank you." He says with a cough in between

The thirteen mechanical arms laden with the serum continue on their path towards the Microceratus Skeleton, ready to inject their payload into the bone marrow, the most likely places to start the reaction to revive the dinosaur. The idea was to inject a specific amount of serum into each of the main ligaments to begin the process of revival. Based on observations with the other experiments and patients with broken bones, it seems that the muscle tissue regenerates at an outstanding rate. If we inject one vial of serum into the back of the neck behind the skull, one into the base of the neck, one into the front shoulder and bicep of each arm, one into the right and left flanks, one into the thigh and hamstring of the bone and one into the tail, we should be able to get any residue of tissue or bone marrow to duplicate its current biology.

With the risks being high and the odds of success unknown, the mechanical arms reach their target. Each one injects their load into the designated area of bone. The green chemical slowly disappears within each of the thirteen vials containing the magical serum. After a few seconds, the arms detach and rise back up into the ceiling.

We all wait patiently to see if the experiment is a failure or a success. The tension within the air is palpable as each scientist quietly struggles to view what is going on. Nothing seems to happen for three and a half minutes. It looks like the experiment is a failure until Mitch pips in.

"Look! Steam is coming from all the injection points." Mitch whispers to my drooping head. I quickly look up, as does all the scientists in the vicinity that heard him as they begin whispering excitedly once again.

"Perspiration is accumulating on the subject." One whispers.

"The bones look to be growing whiter by the second." Another says.

"I think their turning red too!" A third exclaims.

"By Joe, I think where've done it Mitch." I shout ecstatic.

Mitch laughs quietly as more and more scientists begin to notice the changes. The rather once tan and dirty bones are now turning stark white. Splotches of red are slowly starting to emerge from the shaking skeleton. The frame is indeed accumulating perspiration as Jaenisch also cries out in astonishment.

"Could this be what we have been waiting for?" He says in wonder.

As time goes on, more and more red begins to form on the now pristine white bones. If I squint my eyes to look closer, I can catch a glimpse of many individual threads of muscle tissue rapidly sewing themselves together like a quilt. The progress is amazing. Its regeneration seems to speed up as the clock moves on to four minutes and thirty two seconds.

Dark red rich muscle is now visible on all the injection sites which are rapidly expanding to gradually encompass the whole frame of the skeleton. Blood veins start to form shortly after the cavity in the chest is filled with pure muscle. When one looks at the dinosaur at this time, it would look like a stripped down view of only our muscle like some pictures in medical books. The muscle grows rapidly, spreading and wrapping around various bone structures, making it look like it is alive.

After five minutes have passed, the preliminary muscle structure is firmly in place. The flesh on the head swell and bunch up together as veins lengthen and grow among the area. The neck is bundled in pure muscle as the front legs, shoulders, flanks, thighs; hamstring and tail all receive their complement of tissue. The process speeds up even further as nerve ending intertwine with the veins and vital organs begin to form. Its heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines, brain, eyes, bladder, and any other essential structures are quickly put into place.

The large group of scientists now cheers loudly at the arousing success of my experiment. Professors and scientists who previously did not think that we could revive a dinosaur now rejoice at the visible evidence of the quickly assembling Microceratus.

My eyes glow with joy as Blake claps loudly and Mitch gives a loud grunt of approval. My smile is infectious as Jaenisch comes up to me to congratulate me on my huge success.

"I always knew it would work Bakker. You have never let us down before. We can finally start to build our own defense against those cold blooded killers in Russia. The people might not like the idea of more dinosaurs coming onto their property or country, but until we find out how to control them, we will have to rely on the Protector to help us further advance our studies." Jaenisch says joyously.

"Of course Professor. I almost did not think it would work out as well. Now all we got to do is keep it alive to study it. What are the chances of having an alternate plan to time travel? The wonders this could do to help us in our research. Think of the good we could do." I reply in just the same mood.

"I am happy to hear that." Jaenisch responds before turning his attention back to the rapidly generating Microceratus.

Heaps of steam start to cloud our vision as rough scaly skin starts to form above the packed structures of muscles, veins and nerves. The crowd grows displeased at the sudden obscurity of their view to the experiment. I narrow my eyes suspiciously; hopefully the dinosaur will not ram its bulk against the glass and injure itself. That would spell disaster for the experiment, everything we want to avoid happening as a possibility.

Soon enough, the crowd grows silent as the steam slowly abates. Two minutes go by as we wonder what is happening inside the big glass steel box. Anticipation grows as everyone is curious to if the dinosaur is alive or not.

A resounding thump echoes through the installation, created from within the containment. Murmurs of fear are washed aside as the steam fully dissipates to reveal an active and curious Microceratus.

"SUCCESS!" I yell, raising an arm quickly into the air in victory. At my prodding, everyone else immediately shouts at the success of the experiment.

Seen within the containment is a Microceratus, approximately 3 feet long and 2 feet high, no larger than a well bred husky. It has the characteristic beak of a bird and the short bony head frill like a triceratops. I watch as it tentatively explores its surroundings. It flicks its tail back and forth, tilting its head as if to discern what to do. The celebration is short lived however as the Microceratus starts to peck at the glass, trying to break free.

"Ho! Open the door! Let it out!" Jaenisch roars over the noise of the crowd. "I said you nitwits; let it out before it hurts itself!" Jaenisch shouts even louder.

Thankfully this time he is heard and two military officers turn a wheel on the far wall to open the vertical door. The Microceratus hops and jumps around a little longer before a resounding clack is heard as the door is locked open. The Microceratus stops and turns its head to the sound. It lets out a few inquisitive sounds before bounding out the door and into the wide open pasture of the specifically built installation. The two military officers slowly lower the door back down, careful not to scare the Microceratus.

"Boy isn't it a beauty?" Mitch says in awe while watching the bipedal dinosaur sprint off to explore its new habitat.

"Sure is. Did you see what color it was by any chance?" I ask, curious to know how many varieties they come in. Of course, it is impossible to know from just this one specimen alone. Thankfully I brought a few more along to create a herd.

"I think it was a deep forest green with varying shades on top. Its undersides were an earthy brown if I can give it any thought. I bet we will see it soon enough though. We have a long journey ahead of us." Mitch replies, unsure if he saw the bottom colors correctly.

"Yeah, I bet your right. Well, I got to finish my report. I will surely come back here to observe the fruits of my endeavors more closely when time permits." I respond dispassionately while the throng of scientists slowly disperses to watch the installations new success.

"Sucks to be you, I got mine done a week ago. Blake helped me too." Mitch replies jokingly as other scientists talked to each other about what the next step would be.

"What! He did!" I ask; outraged if not a little peeved that my assistant would help another scientist get his work done. A few curious passers-by give me weird looks as they pass by, but soon get on their way to look at, and find the Microceratus within its new habitat.

"Don't worry about it. He wasn't doing anything at the time. I knew what you would do if he got into trouble so I gave him something to help me with, hope you don't mind." Mitch answers dutifully.

"Ahh, Mmmmm," I open my mouth and then close in deep thought. I surely would have given that boy something important to do if I had known he wasn't doing anything. The most dangerous thing is an idle mind which can lead young boys...or men into trouble. "Yeeeaah, I guess it is ok. Just tell me if you have him do anything else alright?" I ask. "Oh, and can you hold these papers until I get back?"

"Sure, of course. Oh, here comes Jaenisch. Probably wants to congratulate you. I know I did." Mitch says before leaving to observe the Microceratus which is nowhere to be seen at the moment.

"Professor Jaenisch." I say, shaking his hand.

"Doctor. It fills me with great pride when one of your experiments succeeds. I miss the old days when we were partners stuck together in a lab in Wisconsin, you remember that don't you?" Jaenisch says well mannerly.

"Humph, do I ever. Your little experiments would usually set my hair on fire or give me gas. But, that time is gone. I do enjoy working with you again, for however long it is." I reply graciously as we break our handshake.

"Aah, but isn't that the wonders of science. Our work is never complete until we know everything there is to possibly know about the universe." Jaenisch responds sarcastically while moving his hands around, palm up.

"Hehehe, that is where you are wrong my friend. If our 'friend' is arriving anytime soon, maybe he can give us some hints as to how it works." I reply hopefully.

"Yes, now that I would certainly like, a Protector giving us the secrets of the universe. Now I have a job for you." Jaenisch says seriously.

"What kind of job?" I reply, curious to know what he would want me to do instead of finishing my report.

"I want you to go to the front of the building, in the main building and wait for our 'friend' to arrive." Jaenisch responds.

"In the main building? Ok, if this place wasn't big enough." I reply jokingly.

"Ah! Now that's the spirit. Unfortunately, I have no idea what he looks like. So you're going to have to ask around." Jaenisch responds sincerely.

"You're kidding me. You talked to him and yet you do not know what he looks like?" I reply disappointed.

"Eh, I forget stuff like this since we usually all wear the same clothing." He responds honestly.

"I guess you're right. Am I to send him straight to you once I DO find him?" I reply.

"That's the ticket. A team of scientists and I will be watching our new...friend over here to see how he is getting acclimated to his new home." Jaenisch responds.

"Just don't spook it," I reply. "It wouldn't do if we had to put it down if it jumps over the wall. That is to say it can jump that high, which it probably can with those powerful legs."

"Got it. I will make sure our fellow scientists heed your rules before doing anything rash. YOU are the leader in paleontology here." Jaenisch responds kindly.

"Quite right. I will be going now. You better not take up all the good observations while I am gone." I reply teasingly.

"Oh, don't worry. That's IF we can find our new found buddy that is; no observing will be done today. We will most likely have to wait a few days. Hopefully it doesn't starve of fright among the company of different species other than its own." Jaenisch says worriedly.

"I am sure it will be fine. You won't have to worry about its food. The flora and fauna we planted are regenerative, thanks to our serum we used on the experiment, none acidic or poisonous I assure you. I will see you soon though." I reply encouragingly.

"Well, that is a relief. Good luck spotting our visitor." Jaenisch answers heartily.

"You too with our friend." I reply, walking to a set of doors and into the main building.

This is not our only installation. The research center spans many miles in the partly frozen climate of Alaska. The land we built on is not flat to say the least, but we have four levels of building groups on varying altitudes. The lowest is where the residential area is. When scientists are not working, they spend their time there with their families, although they have to swear an oath of secrecy, and most do.

The second level is a collection of general science buildings for the purpose of small and medium scale experimentation. The elevation being around five hundred and eighty three feet for the second level while only three hundred and twenty nine for the first.

The third level is where we are now. This is where we house a multitude of important buildings now viable for use with the success of our experiment. This installation where the Microceratus is in is only one of a dozen or so other buildings of similar size, waiting for their occupants. There is also a main building on each level where everyone checks in; security is tight and there can be no slip up if the villain is to never find us. This level is at an elevation of about nine hundred feet above sea level.

The fourth level holds our most important equipment. Heat generators, solar panels and other various survival packs we need to maintain our post here in Alaska. This level is only slightly higher than the last at nine hundred and seventeen feet. There is also a vast stretch of land hidden in one of the mountains that we hope to use sometime soon. If the Protector gives us a helping hand with our research, we will have to build new installations to house whatever projects we take nestled within the foot of the mountains. We definitely do not want anything finding out about the important information that he gives us, especially not the villain.

Grabbing my heavy winter jacket, a scarf and putting my research papers away for now, I make my way towards the front of this installation and to the first level. The first step outside steals my breath as I cover my mouth against the biting cold. Not the most ideal place to put a secret government funded project, but enough to deter most unwanted visitors, human or animal.

The way down is treacherous for those who don't know where they are stepping. One wrong or misplaced step could lead you tumbling over the edge of one of the numerous mountains a hundred or more feet below, depending on where you are. I have traveled this path a thousand times before, moving between the second and third levels. Not much can be done in the winter when temperatures fall below freezing and special equipment lines get cracked. At least it is marginally better in the summer and spring months as it is now.

After some time, I eventually reach the bottom level and gladly enter the heated hallways. A guard greets me on my way in and I wave back naturally. I hang up my coat and scarf in a lounge area near the entrance and start to wonder around the main building on the first level. Not much can be said about the housing department as it is just that, houses for people to live in when they are not working. I have special accommodations in levels two and three because of my status of paleontologist...and age.

Well, that aside, the main building, spanning about one thousand, seven hundred and fifty eight square feet, seems to look exactly the same as the last time I was here with white washed walls and rooms for recreation and the like, except for on oddly misplaced figure.

I frown, blinking my eyes as I try to see if they are deceiving me in my old age. This can't be right? I think to myself. Why would a chef be here of all places, unless 'someone' finally managed to sneak in, although that would be highly unlikely because of the previously stated reasons.

As such, I casually approach the wondering cook to see if he could be lost or is an unwanted visitor. Upon nearing him, I can make out that he is indeed wearing a white chef's apron and ragged brown pants with a plain black shirt. He has a round stomach and a chubby face in which he could pose for Santa Clause if he wanted too. His hands possess scars most likely from cutting utensils. Why someone like him would be here escapes me as I make my presence known.

"Uumm, excuse me, hello?" I ask politely.

"Oh!" The man says, jumping at my sudden appearance. "Oh good heavens! You could scare a man like that." He replies with a cross accent of Italian and Mexican while turning around to face me.

"Aah, yeah. Who are you and why are you here?" I ask him cautiously as I cross my arms.

"What do you mean, why am I here?" The man replies confused, looking around like someone is following him.

"This is government property. If you aren't a chef or part of any upcoming experiment you had better leave or else I will have to call security." I respond, getting a little impatient at his bewildered attitude.

"Oh, I thought I was supposed to be here. The guard outside gave me the same problem until I explained why I was here in the first place. This is the right place, is it?" The man asks, unsure and surely contemplating if he wants to go through this all again while scratching his head with one calloused hand.

"I am going to have to ask you again. Who are you and what is your name." I ask calmly, trying to be patient yet getting ticked off by his unsatisfying answers.

"I am sorry but I can't give you my name." He answers dutifully.

"Then why-"

"But I can tell you who I am. Your leader asked you to come find me, didn't he? Or have I mistaken you for someone else. I couldn't have possibly done that, my memory is spot on, most of the time." The man grumbles as he lowers his hand.

"Y-Your 'him?!'" I ask in surprise, my eyes widening at the seemingly innocent frame of the Legendary Protector standing right in front of me.

"You didn't expect anyone else to be able to help you with your 'experimentations' now did you. Now, if you would kindly bring me to him, I have some useful information that could save your lives and the ones you love." The man says disparagingly.

"Oh, uh, right this way sir. But, you might want to put on something warmer first, if you have anything." I request helpfully.

"You're forgetting one thing." The man says thoughtfully.

"I am?" I reply, confused I could have missed something.

"I am a Protector; I have trained in weather colder than this with much less on, when I was younger of course." He says, rushing to say the last part might it seem to...weird.

"Oh, ah, of course you have. Just let me get my jacket and we can be on." I respond quickly.

"And what might 'your' name be perhaps m'lad." The man says with a hint of a Scottish accent.

"Uuuh, Bakker sir. Robert, Bakker." I reply sincerely.

"Aahh, young Bakker. You know, I remember when you were just a wee little lad." The man says again, changing into a more pronounced Scottish accent.

"U-Uhh, yo-you h-have?" I ask stutteringly and in a curious tone while I grab my jacket and scarf before we start to walk to the front door. The guard gives us both a wave and I idly reciprocate the gesture before opening the door to subject us to the blustering wind.

"Of course!" The man replies, throwing his arms up, displaying some dirty splotches beneath his black shirt before lowering them again. The cold slams into my face and I stare in amazement as he keeps walking, seemingly unaffected. "Oh, and you can call me Dano if you need to, no more sir. I detest that. Were not in the middle ages anymore now are we?"

"N-no si- Dano." I reply hastily.

"Good, now, let us see what fate has in store for us, shall we?" Dano says cryptically before we start to scale back up to the third level. Yet another grueling hour and a half of bitter cold, next to a man who can't even feel it.