X5 the Storm Breaks

Ch 07.5 - The Storm Breaks

Some rain started and the clouds darkened over Isla Nublar. The jeeps announced, “See the herd of Runners off to the left!”

Dr. Grant told Tim, “Look, they move in herds. Watch.”

A group of humans in small shorts ran swiftly together. They stopped at a watering hole. Each human had a small plastic bottle and was filling it from the hole’s clear water. The jeeps slowed so as not to scare the group from running.

Ellie whispered to Ian and Donald, “Oh, the Runners should start their preening soon. Let’s watch their dances and mating calls.”

One pulled its head up. Its head turned in jerky motions as it scanned for predation or other threats. It took its squirt bottle and sprayed some water into its open gob.

One vocalized, “TEEEN KAY! TEEEN KAY!” as it strutted around the water. It flapped its arms a bit and walked in a circle.

Another returned the call meekly. “FIVEK. FIVEK.” It bobbed its head as it walked over to the corner.

“TEEEN KAY! TEEEN KAY!” the superior human cried in challenge and it kicked up some dust before flapping a bit more. Its hard stare to the others was a direct challenge.

“HAAAAALF MAAAAAARA thn. HAAAAALF MAAAAAARA thn.” said a very skinny human. The new skinny one moved towards the previous alpha and they wildly flapped arms a bit and then the skinny human was left in the center.

Dr. Grant whispered to the kids, “See how they optimize? Each potential mate challenges the next one. This is how evolution works. Constant optimization over time.”

Tim asked, “Who are they trying to seduce, Dr. Grant?”

Dr. Grant said, “Nobody right now. They just always do this as it’s good practice, and they always want to know their place in their community.”

“HAAAAALF MAAAAAARA thn. HAAAAALF MAAAAAARA thn.” said the current alpha. He preened a bit but seemed very tired as well. The other Runners seemed to appreciate his weak arm flaps.

“eyewonman” said a very tired runner. The new challenger tried to flap, but sat down instead and sighed. The penultimate marathoner scooted quickly back into the herd.

Ellie said, “Oh. It’s an Eyewonman. They were considered to be the ultimate expression of the Runner culture. They’re quite rare. We’re so lucky to see one awake as they need massive amounts of rest.”

“eyewonman” repeated the current alpha. It tried another flap but just fell down. The rest of the runners looked at it carefully.

Then, a soft voice from a skeletal human, “ewetralmn”

Dr. Grant’s eyes widened, “It’s an Ultraman?! The Ultraman would traverse 320 miles in three days! I thought it was just legend?!”

The Ultraman sat and looked at its red raw feet. “ewetralmn” it softly added.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning and rolling thunder spooked the crowd. A runner spotted the two jeeps as it looked in fear. “CAR! CAR! CAR!” one called out in alarm. Then, they all ran away, but not too fast and at a reasonable pace for distance. Their back reflectors were seen in the woods as the pack continued on.

Ellie sat back down with a smile as the heavy rain started to pound the jeep. Donald said, “We need to pick up the pace. Let’s get the rest of the tour over before this rain gets much worse.”