Dinosaur Fallout: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The Gathering Storm

Thousands of miles from Chernobyl, Matthew Phillips rushes down the hallway of his research lab in New York City. He needs to gather a team of scientists to go with him to Washington to tell the president what’s happened at Chernobyl. Matt had called a board meeting to discuss who’d he take. As he enters the conference room, dozens of voices fill his ears all at once. Questions, comments, and nearly everything else people can think of are mentioned.

“Please, everyone take a seat and calm down,” he says. Matt continues, “You know why you’re all here. An incident happened while I was in Ukraine. Myself and only two other scientists had survived. In response to this, the president has asked that I, along with some fellow researchers, travel to Washington to present our findings and any possible solutions to this gathering storm. Now, before I continue, are there any questions?”

“Who are you taking with you,” a voice asks from the back of the room.

“I was planning on taking Sarah Riner, Zachary Briggs, and Colt Madarn. They’ve already been briefed on the event,” Matt explains as the three scientists nod their heads in agreement. Matt goes on, “We leave tomorrow morning. We can’t predict when we’ll return as we don’t know what the president or the Ukrainian government plan on having us do. In the meantime, Dr. Ross Viden will be in charge while I’m gone. Before I go, are there any more questions?”

“What exactly did you see sir,” someone inquires.

“Trust me, you’d rather not know.”

The next day, Matt and his team arrive in Washington. They know exactly what they are going to tell the president when they meet. The team enters into the White House and goes under a rather time consuming search and verification process. Then, they finally are able to meet up with the president. Matt and his team enter into the Oval Office and the president stands to greet them. Andrew Sounder was elected president after showing he was a mans man. Willing to lend a hand and listen to others, he’s an honest man. Sounder made sure to shake hands with everyone before beginning the discussion.

“So, I hear we had an issue over in Ukraine,” Sounder says bluntly.

“We did indeed Mr. President,” Matt said and then continues, “I was at the Chernobyl disaster site doing research on radiation levels when it occurred. Only two others made it out with me.”

Matt then went on to explain the story in greater detail. Sounder listened attentively the whole time. Occasionally, Sarah, Zach, and Colt would also add a detail or two based on what they knew. When Matt reached the part about the giant beast, his eyes went wide with fear and curiosity. After Matt had finished, Sounder simply nodded his head slowly.

“And what has the Ukrainian government done in response to this,” the president asked.

“As far as we know, they’ve evacuated the entire area. They also created a perimeter around the site. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out,” Matt says.

“Well, Americans died in that incident, so we have every right to launch our own investigation. We need to assess this situation ourselves. I’m asking you and your team to go to Chernobyl and figure out what’s going on. What’s caused this to happen. I have two other people set aside to go with you as well. Think you’re up to it?”

“Mr. President, we are ready to do whatever it takes,” Matt says as the other three nod in agreement.

“Very good. There’s a car waiting outside to take you to the airport where you’ll meet up with the rest of your team. From there, you’ll fly over to Ukraine.”

“We’ll be sure to keep in communication,” Matt assured.

Upon arriving at the airport, Matt noticed a pair of men standing by. Matt recognized both. One was world renowned paleontologist John Smith and the other was big game hunter Led Timmons. There was a rumor that Matt's cousin Greg had joined them along with Johns brother on an expedition to an underground world where dinosaurs ruled. Matt had brought it up before with Greg, but he had always just dismissed it with no more than a wave of the hand. Matt didn’t want to push too much, but he suspected what ever happened had cause the injury that paralyzed Gregs arm.

“Gentlemen, Matthew Phillips. These are my colleges Sarah Riner, Zachary Briggs, and Colt Madarn. I trust the president informed you of our job,” Matt said.

“He did and we’re ready,” Smith answered for both of them.

“Good. Then let’s get a move on.”

Aboard the private jet arranged for by the White House, Matt looked out the window at the disappearing east coast. He has no idea what might happen when they get to Chernobyl. But the stakes were high and their success may be the difference between life and death for thousands of people. It’s time to enter into the eye of the storm.