Part 2

The Split-Second Decision

The solid green light on the mysterious backpack didn’t bring an explosion of fire, but rather a sudden, high-pitched hiss that sent a cloud of thick, purple vapor billowing into the air. Marcus didn’t hesitate. With a swiftness that defied his massive bulk, he scooped Kojo up by the scruff of his neck and tucked the startled youngster safely under his left arm. The purple mist rolled across the grass like a heavy blanket, smelling faintly of burnt sugar and old copper.

“Hold your breath, Kojo,” Marcus rumbled, his chest vibrating against the little gorilla’s cheek.

“It tickles my nose, Papa!” Kojo gasped, though he instantly buried his face deep into his father’s thick, coarse silver fur.

Marcus swung his massive right arm, clearing a path through the low-hanging branches of the willow tree. He needed height. The heavy vapor seemed to cling to the ground, pooling in the rocky hollows where they had just been enjoying their midday meal. With three powerful bounds, the silverback ascended the custom-built timber scaffolding in the center of the enclosure, his muscles flexing effortlessly under his dark hide.

From the top platform, twenty feet above the ground, Marcus looked down. The zookeepers on the other side of the glass were scrambling, donning gas masks and frantically pressing buttons on the control panel to open the heavy steel doors leading to the indoor sanctuary. Evelyn was still there, her eyes wide with panic behind the clear plastic visor of her mask. She pointed urgently toward the open tunnel.

“We have to go down there, Papa?” Kojo asked, his voice small as he peered over the edge of the wooden platform.

“The mist is low, but the tunnel is lower,” Marcus replied, his analytical eyes tracking the movement of the purple cloud. “We stay high until the wind takes it.”…….