“Move them?” a keeper repeated. “We’re talking about seven elephants, all agitated.” Dr. Harper folded her arms. “Then we need sedation as a backup.” Maria stiffened. “No. Sedating a distressed herd is dangerous. They could injure themselves—or each other—when they go down.” “Then give me an alternative.”
Maria hesitated. The truth was, she had none. The elephants had made their stance clear. Whatever was happening underground was real to them… and invisible to everyone else. A sudden metallic crash echoed from outside the operations room, so loud it rattled the windows. Several staff jumped to their feet.