(Note: DG-3273 is a guest appearance dinosaur based on a reader's suggestion)
"Director, there's been an accident. The embryo suffered a sudden death during the developmental stage."
"What happened?"
"Preliminary findings suggest an issue with the Majungasaurus DNA used as the genetic base; our Majungasaurus genome is incomplete. Should we request assistance from Masrani Global?"
"No. Try switching the base genome. Test every viable option... Use Carcharodontosaurus for the next trial."
…
"Director! The embryo has developed successfully, but it hasn't manifested the expected physical traits. Furthermore, growth is sluggish; it doesn't seem to be adapting to the climate."
"Hmm... In that case, swap the thermal regulation capability for general climate adaptation. That feature was merely a 'nice-to-have' anyway."
…
"What's the status of our progress? The military is losing patience."
"DG-2987's physical condition perfectly meets the expected standards, but its temperament is excessively violent. We are still searching for a solution."
"Understood. Just remember, we are in a race against another nameless doctor."
…
"DG-3271, DG-3272, DG-3273, and DG-3274 are emotionally stable. Despite constant friction, these four specimens have managed to coexist."
The sterile, white corridor felt cold and desolate. Two researchers in lab coats stood before a large observation window. The Director, a man whose receding hairline suggested high seniority and higher intellect, spoke plainly.
"Continue observations."
He looked through the glass at the four dinosaurs below.
These dinosaurs... or rather, these biological weapons, possessed distinctive throat fans along their necks. Atop their heads sat two irregular, Allosaurus-like crests. Protective osteoderms and neck spines grew along the spine, running from the neck all the way to the tip of the tail.
"ROAR—"
DG-3272 suddenly turned aggressive, letting out a sharp bark at DG-3273, who was nearby drinking water. DG-3273 refused to back down, returning a threatening growl.
But this time, it wasn't the usual minor squabble. DG-3272 lunged and clamped its jaws directly onto the other's left head-crest!
DG-3273's reflexes were sharp; he slammed his left foot into DG-3272's side, pushing off with massive force to drive the attacker away.
However, 3272 had no sense of "fair play." It refused to let go, and the force of the shove tore a chunk of the crest clean off 3273's head.
DG-3272 tumbled to the ground. As it scrambled up, it spat out the piece of crest along with a few of its own teeth that had been lodged in the bone. Looking at 3273's now-lop-sided appearance, it let out a series of muffled huffs that sounded like a mocking laugh.
DG-3273 stood with a section of his left crest missing, fresh blood trickling down his snout. His expression remained stoic, but a cold fury burned within. He wanted to tear 3272 apart.
Fortunately, logic prevailed. Noting that 3271 and 3274 seemed to be watching with anticipation, hoping for a fight, he turned and retreated in a show of feigned weakness.
"It seems the harmony is somewhat superficial."
…
The four creations of the DG series... well, to call them siblings would be a mistake. Their relationship was one of pure competition.
The Majungasaurus genes within them were a ticking clock; eventually, they would ferment into a fratricidal bloodbath. However, that had nothing to do with DG-3273's current behavior. He was simply holding a grudge.
DG-3272 lay on the floor. Drowsiness clouded its eyes, yet it remained alert. None of the four dinosaurs were doing anything overt; they had each found their own corner to settle in. Even when they drifted into a light doze, none dared expose their backs to their companions.
As per their routine, the four out-waited each other for a long time before eventually closing their eyes.
But the very second 3272's eyes shut, the sound of rapid, heavy footfalls thundered toward it.
It didn't even have time to open its eyes before its body reflexively stood up. The result was disastrous: it was slammed back down, landing hard on its side.
DG-3273 pinned the creature's body with one foot and its lower arm with the other. The sheer weight of the predator left 3272 immobilized.
He reached down and bit into the opponent's left crest. 3272 was powerless to resist, able only to wail and thrash in vain.
CRACK.
Nearly the entire crest of 3272 was ripped away amidst a spray of blood.
But DG-3273's revenge was not destined to end so mercifully. He proceeded to ravage the throat, the neck... any patch of skin not protected by defensive spines.
DG-3272 remained alive for a long time. It wasn't until the night had passed that it finally drew its last breath.
…
"How could this happen..."
The Director stood at the glass, staring at the carnage below.
Blood and viscera were strewn across the floor; the water source was completely contaminated. It looked like a macabre playground designed for the Devil's amusement, scenery that would surely satisfy him.
The conflict between DG-3273 and 3272 had been the catalyst. The relationship between the remaining three dinosaurs had disintegrated instantly.
Just as the staff finished reporting that 3272 was near death, the remaining three had turned on each other. By the time the crew arrived to clear the first carcass, the other two were already dead.
3271 was covered in wounds, having been forcibly drowned in the lake. 3274 had been eviscerated; most of the crimson "artwork" splashed across the walls of the enclosure belonged to it.
…
DG-3273 was tranquilized, lying in a sterile white room. Medical staff had just finished dressing his wounds; the bloodstains on the floor were a grisly sight.
"Why the hell are we even keeping this beast?"
A man in a janitor's uniform grumbled, mopping up the blood with a sour expression. DG-3273 lay behind him, his breathing deep and steady.
Inhale...Exhale...Inhale...
Squelch!
The wet mop hit the floor repeatedly as the janitor scrubbed, until a sudden wave of heat washed over his back.
…
"How was it?"
"Not great. Feels like my throat is going to explode."
Three researchers walked side-by-side down the corridor. After finishing DG-3273's check-up, they had gone to lunch. Incidentally, they were settling a bet on whether "this batch of specimens" would be a success. The penalty for the loser: swallowing a raw egg whole.
"Let's go do one last check on DG-3273. He's bound to be moved or 'disposed of' after this."
They chatted casually as they pushed open the door to the surgical suite.
DG-3273's head was tilted back, almost perpendicular to the floor. His throat looked swollen and distended. From inside his mouth came the muffled, desperate screams of a dying man.
He, too, had simply been curious about the sensation of swallowing a meal alive.
…
Year XXXX, Month XX, Day XX.
DG-3273 developed drug resistance and woke prematurely, killing twenty-seven staff members, including three researchers.
Year XXXX, Month XX, Day XX.
DG-3273 was classified as a "failed project" and ordered to be transferred to another research facility.
Year XXXX, Month XX, Day XX.
The aircraft transporting DG-3273 crashed into the coastal waters of [REDACTED]. After a ten-day search yielded no results, the specimen was declared dead.