Rhys felt different.

He was a lumpy fat guy with no athletic ability. Years of bullying and ridicule had wormed their way into his mind, leaving him a constant, lingering feeling of inferiority, of weakness. 

But lounging back inside his pod, Rhys just felt different. A little more relaxed, maybe. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it felt pleasant.

Visions danced in front of him, more vivid than any daydream. A narrative seemed to gel together. A jungle, large lizard-like creatures. Food, he knew somehow. All of them. His only competitor was a massive ape he encountered from time to time. Even then, it was an even match between the two of them.

As he looked over the jungle in his mind, Rhys was satisfied. This was his. All of it. He was on top of the food chain here.

And then he realized what the feeling in his real body was.

He no longer felt weak.

***

"Sir, we've got a situation here."

The officer sighed, turned towards the technician. One of the problems of a joint military and civilian venture, he had to take crap from civilians you would never tolerate from the lower ranks. They weren't even from the same continent- a problem with a multinational venture. The officer had several problems with the entire operation, really. "I don't really have time for this, Bauer. We've got Godzilla waking up, we have to evacuate that habitat and deploy a perimeter as a precaution. And now I'm hearing the Megaguirius has awoken as well."

"Then I will be quick," Bauer said tersely. The German looked pale, sweaty. The officer tried to remember which habitat he monitored.

"You've got ninety seconds."

"The Gorosaurus is awake. It's broken the restraints and is battering at the habitat walls."

"Christ, another one? What's going on?" The officer sighed. More paperwork. "Fine, we'll evacuate that sector. Just in case."

"Will you deploy any forces?" Bauer insisted.

"Godzilla takes priority. I doubt he'll break free though, I'm optimistic we have him safely contained. Gorosaurus isn't radioactive, he doesn't shoot lightning or fly. I think we'll be fine."

"I have been trying to tell you that these enclosures are completely inadequate," the German said angrily. "Did you receive my report?"

The officer looked furtively at his deskside trash can before responding."Listen, Bauer, I'm following standard procedures here. Do you know how much money would be wasted on an erroneous Stage Two alarm? Especially one for Gorosaurus."

"Gorosaurus' threat level needs to be reconsidered," Bauer said, making a visible effort to stay calm. "Sure, it's not radioactive, as you said. But in terms of physical power, sheer muscle strength, it is unmatched. Perhaps it's even a little stronger than Godzilla or King Ghidorah."

"I will take this into consideration. Your ninety seconds are up, Bauer. I'm issuing the evacuation order for your sector. Have your people coordinate with mine." The officer waved Bauer out of the room, and resumed wondering how he was going to explain this gaffe to his superiors.