3-Settling In

The DPW training facility sat nestled deep in the Costa Rican jungle, a self-sustaining compound surrounded by thick vegetation and fortified fences. The air was thick with humidity, carrying the scent of wet earth and distant salt from the ocean. A few dinosaurs—small herbivores, no real threat—could be spotted roaming just beyond the perimeter, a reminder of why they were all here.

The facility itself was functional, built with efficiency over comfort, but it wasn’t completely devoid of human touch. The living quarters were housed in long, rectangular buildings with metal-paneled walls and large ventilation systems to fight off the heat. Each room was simple: a bed, a small desk, a lockable cabinet, and a window with thick blinds. No luxury, but enough space to breathe.

The common areas were more inviting. The cafeteria, located in the main building, was one of the few places that felt genuinely welcoming. Large industrial fans hummed overhead, and the smell of fresh coffee mixed with the sharper scent of disinfectant. A long serving counter offered surprisingly decent meals—rice, plantains, grilled chicken, and some vegetarian options. Nothing fancy, but it beat the pre-packaged rations many of them had eaten in the field.

The lounge area, attached to the cafeteria, had a few couches, a shelf with worn books, and a communal television that flickered between news broadcasts and old movies. The walls were lined with maps, some showing recent dinosaur sightings, others tracking ongoing operations across different DPW branches.

Outside, a courtyard connected the main buildings. A few picnic tables were scattered under large trees, providing some shade. At night, the sounds of insects and distant animal calls filled the air.

By the time the last group had arrived, the facility had taken on a quiet hum of activity. People unpacked, stretched out sore muscles from long flights, and observed one another in the way strangers do—curious, but cautious.

Some, like Franz, went about their business methodically. He unpacked his belongings with precision, hung his shirts neatly, and took a short walk around the perimeter to get a feel for the compound’s layout.

Adán, on the other hand, took his time exploring, hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes flicking from detail to detail. He noted the placement of security cameras, the slightly worn-down patches of fencing, and the fact that the cafeteria workers were surprisingly chatty.

Renata had already found the gym, tucked away in one of the secondary buildings. The punching bag showed signs of wear, which was a good sign—it meant others had tested its durability.

Emma Guillard and Helena Silva lingered near the lounge, both taking stock of the facility’s available research materials. While Emma skimmed through one of the books, Helena tapped her fingers against the armrest of the couch, glancing up every time someone new entered.

And in the cafeteria, Sophia stirred her coffee absentmindedly, eyes locked onto one of the maps on the wall. Her mind was already piecing things together.

The first night was quiet. Some turned in early, others stayed up talking in low voices. But no one was completely at ease. They all knew that whatever this was—this supposed “exercise” they’d been invited to—was more than just routine training.

Tomorrow, the real work would begin.

    The First Night

As the sun dipped below the dense jungle canopy, the DPW facility took on a different atmosphere. The heat of the day eased, replaced by a cooler breeze that carried the distant sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves. The floodlights along the perimeter flickered on, casting long shadows against the compound’s buildings.

Inside the living quarters, the new arrivals began settling in for the night. Some unpacked their belongings, others showered off the travel fatigue, and a few wandered the hallways, taking in their surroundings before committing to sleep.

Adán had taken his time exploring earlier, but now that the day was winding down, he found himself lying on his bed, one arm draped over his eyes. His room was simple—too simple—but he’d lived in worse. He still hadn’t locked away his things, his bag half-unzipped on the desk.

The silence didn’t bother him. He liked the low hum of the facility, the occasional creak of pipes, the distant voices of others settling in. But sleep wouldn’t come easy. His brain was still in overdrive, cataloging details, wondering what the next day would bring.

At some point, he pulled out his phone and put on some music—something low and steady to keep his thoughts from scattering too much.

Ren took her time in the communal showers, letting the hot water soothe her muscles after the long journey. When she finally made it back to her room, she didn’t waste time unpacking—just tossed her bag into the corner and flopped onto her bed, stretching out with a satisfied sigh.

She stared at the ceiling for a while, arms folded behind her head, replaying everything she’d observed throughout the day. The people, the facility, the way some of them already seemed to be sizing each other up.

Her competitive side itched.

She turned onto her side, smirking slightly to herself. If this was going to be a test, she was going to make damn sure she came out on top.

Franz had his room arranged neatly within ten minutes of entering it. His bag was unpacked, his toiletries lined up on the small shelf above the sink, his uniform folded and placed where he could reach it easily. Routine was something he had long perfected.

After a quick check of his messages, he sat on the edge of his bed and simply listened. The facility was still alive with movement—soft footsteps, murmured conversations, the occasional clang of a closing door. He took it all in, mentally mapping the patterns of those around him.

When he finally lay down, his body rested, but his mind remained alert. Old habits.

Emma spent longer than she expected in the lounge, flipping through a book she had found on the shelf. It wasn’t particularly interesting, but it kept her occupied.

Eventually, she made her way to her room, setting her bag down gently by the desk before slipping into bed. She wasn’t anxious, not exactly, but she wasn’t entirely at ease either. This facility, these people—it was all an unknown variable.

She exhaled slowly and closed her eyes. No point overthinking tonight. Tomorrow would be the real start.

Sophia stayed in the cafeteria longer than most, sipping her coffee long after it had gone cold. She watched as people trickled out, filing toward their rooms one by one.

Her mind was working through details, tracing patterns, trying to see the bigger picture. This wasn’t just some random selection of DPW personnel. There was a structure to it, a purpose, even if no one had explicitly stated it.

Finally, with a soft sigh, she pushed back from the table and made her way to bed.

Helena was one of the last to retreat to her room. She had lingered in the common areas, taking in the atmosphere, absorbing the presence of people she didn’t yet know. The only familiar face was Adán, and even then, they had only worked together briefly.

When she finally settled into bed, she pulled the covers over herself and let her mind wander. The jungle outside was alive with movement, the sounds of nocturnal creatures filling the air. She had always liked the wild, the unpredictability of nature.

With that thought, she let herself drift off.