Threshold shift

Chapter 12

The auditorium was filled with close to forty interns and students, all whispering or talking in very low voices amongst themselves. The moment Claire entered, silence fell.

Heavily.

She looked around, into the serious, expectant and worried face of the men and women who had come here to study, learn and maybe prepare for a job that would be their future.

Claire had decided to dress as she always did: white blouse, white pants, high heels, but today she was wearing a black sleeveless shirt underneath the blouse. She had neither dressed down nor fortified her usual business dress shield.

Carter had followed her, in full uniform, though he wasn't visibly armed. The tac vest and the all-black look was intimidating, especially on a man who was a natural authority anyway.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Claire greeted them, voice echoing in the auditorium. "Thank you for your time."

Not that they had anything else to do right now. Their clearance had been revoked for the time being. Aside from spending time in the student labs, the library or just walking around the theme park there was nothing for them to do.

"I believe most, if not all, of you have been informed by now that there was an incident at the raptor paddock."

There were some grimaces, also some snorts. There was worry in their face again, anger, even a little bit of apprehension.

"As of now the incident is under investigation. Due to the circumstances, Jurassic World has closed all access for every intern and student. We apologize."

"Mason was an asshole who ruined it for all of us!" a red-head called. Her eyes were sparking with anger.

"We hope to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Claire continued. "You have full access to the park as visitors. I'd like to ask you to cooperate with Mr. Carter's renewal of your clearance. Please refrain from trying to go out to the raptor paddock or contact Mr. Grady in any way. If you would like to leave Isla Nublar, please contact me or my office. We will make arrangements."

There was a lot of head-shaking and murmurs.

"None of us want to leave," Gregory stated. "And I mean none. Mason isn't our representative as a whole. We all want to finish our turns here."

Claire inclined her head. "That is laudable. For now, use your free time, look at the park in a different way. You will be called individually for the renewal interviews."

"Is it true that Mason was sacked?" someone else called.

"Mr. Green will be escorted off the island soon."

"Good riddance!"

"Is the raptor internship program really cancelled?"

"Yes, it is."

There were disappointed looks, some even close to tears.

"Can we reapply? Maybe as individuals?"

Claire gave the young woman an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid there is no second chance now."

"Fuck Mason and his stupid as fuck complex! He got us all into a mess he created by being the prick we all knew he was!"

More voice were raised, all cursing Green.

Claire glanced at Carter who was keeping a close eye on the young men and women. The man finally cleared his throat, shifting his stance a little, and all eyes were on him, some a little wide.

"These are the facts," Claire spoke up, directing their attention back to her. "I hope to resolve the situation quickly, make the rest of your stay here a more positive experience."