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 Their clearance had been revoked for the time being.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."
"After what the fucker did…?"
She nearly smiled again. "Thank you for your attention."
Claire left, only allowing herself a little laugh when the door had closed.
"I like their attitude," Dan commented. "Interviews will be fun."
Yes, they truly would be.
x XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX x
Almost exactly twenty-six hours on the mark Dan Carter dropped by personally to give Owen the all-clear.
"Wow, the chief of security gives me the news personally," Owen quipped as he pushed his bike out of the shed. "I feel special."
"You are a special case, Grady. A special case of high maintenance."
"Gee, thanks. So, I'm free?"
"You were never a prisoner," was Carter's dry reply. "Locking you up would result in a pack of raptors tearing down walls."
"They're ladies. They would knock," Owen replied, enjoying the banter.
"Where's Green?"
"Our Mr. Green has left Isla Nublar this morning. On the first ferry out of here today."
"That's at five in the morning," Owen remarked.
Carter's grin was downright evil.
Owen laughed, shaking his head. "You have a nasty sense of humor, Dan."
"Wasn't my decision to make, though I really didn't have to look for volunteers to get up and show Mr. Green the way. The men were only too eager. Mr. Ahulani is keeping him company, even after Costa Rican authorities have taken over. Green will probably be extradited to the US, but for now he's spending some time enjoying the hospitality of a Costa Rican jail."
"Ouch."
Dan shrugged. "He broke about a dozen laws and the islands are still only leased, not US soil." He smirked as he added, "I think the raptors would have gone much easier on him."
Owen chuckled. From the paddock, Delta gave a sharp bark, her opinion differing.
Carter glanced over to the fence. "Or not. She's rather spiteful, isn't she? And holds a grudge like nothing else."
"Sometimes. Especially with what happened. If he had fallen into the paddock, not even Delta would have given him the time of day. They know humans are stringy, taste awful and there's too much paperwork for me involved." Owen quirked a quick smile. "But Mason Green broke in, entered their territory, assumed the alpha position and dared to give them orders. Not a good idea." He stretched. "Well, I'll be off then. The pack needs some time away from here."
"GPS, Owen. I mean it."
"We're only going for a few hours of endurance training and aggression therapy on the plains. I'm not going on a week-long trek through the wilderness!"
"GPS," Carter repeated patiently.
"Yes, mom."
Dan scowled at him.
"I know it's for safety reasons and I promise nothing will happen. Forecast is for sunshine only. We'll be chasing wild chickens and pigs, maybe a few monkeys. Nothing serious."
Carter rubbed a hand over his short, blond hair. "Geez, I could use some vacation days," he groaned. "But with what happened it's a mess right now. Hamada would kill me if I put all of that on his plate."
Owen gave him a sympathetic look. "Hey, when this is over, or when you got a few days off, let me know. I know a good place with a mean fishing pond, a dirt track, somewhere you can swing a sledge hammer and bring down old buildings, and you can even race a raptor."
Carter chuckled. "You know, that sounds actually quite nice. I'll let you know. And Owen? GPS," Dan reminded him again, making Owen roll his eyes, as he got back into the car. "I'm serious!"
Grady gave him a sloppy salute.
x XX JW XX x
Owen sent his stressed-out friend the 'hang in there' cat picture, getting a 'very funny, Grady' as a reply.
He smirked.
x XX JW XX x
Owen packed his things for a day out in the grasslands. Food, water, emergency gear, first aid kit for raptors, first aid kit for humans, and put Echo into her harness. She chittered and nosed at his hair as he bent down to finished strapping her in.
"Hey," Owen laughed. "I know you're eager, but I have some more stuff to do before we can leave."
She blew warm air into his hair and he snickered.
x XX JW XX x
An hour later they were on their way, the pack running with him as Owen gunned his bike's engine, taking the fastest route he could drive without sliding off the road.
Exhilaration rose, the pack happy to stretch their legs, be themselves, and run. Even if the muzzles were on, they were enjoying themselves.
The moment they were deep inside the restricted area, Owen stopped, whistled, fist in the air, and then gestured at them to round up. He removed the muzzles and took the saddle bags off Echo.
"Okay, ladies. Off you go. You know where to find me."
He got excited yips and whuffling, then Blue darted off, the pack following.
Owen laughed, feeling lighter, more like himself, and it helped that they were out here. This was a place he felt comfortable with.
They ran after their prey, brought down at least one small pig each, and Charlie triumphed over a sneaky monkey.
Owen joined them for a high speed run, in the lead, full throttle, as the raptors did their best to reach full speed.
It was amazing to feel.
It was even more amazing to be them.
Panting, happy, they plopped into the grass, Owen settling down on a boulder and enjoying the warm day.
Blue sky, clouds dotting here or there, a breeze cooling down the pack.
Yeah, they needed this.
x XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX x
It took Carter and his IT team three days to clear every single intern, handing out new passes the moment they were done. In the meantime the young men and women had to go through several safety drills, had to sit through lectures about security protocols, the Dos and Don'ts in Jurassic World, and were confined to the public areas, but without VIP access.
Only a few actually expressed their displeasure at being treated like first year students, just because of Green. Most were too angry for words at their former colleague, venting on social media groups about Mason Green ruining their internship and, on two cases, their final grades.
Claire finally recalled them into the auditorium on day two. She reiterated that what Green had done wouldn't discredit anyone else, but clearance had to be checked and earned again. Everyone who was here to work on their master thesis, their doctorate or their application for a position in the park wouldn't receive negative marks. Reviews from other areas in the park had been taken into consideration and the intern program would continue.
A collective sigh of relief could be heard.
x XX JW XX x
Owen's circle of friends was keeping a close eye on proceedings, down to shadowing Carter until he nearly exploded into Laurel's face. She just gave him a bright smile.
"I'm not about to arrest Owen Grady, Ms. Shepperd!"
"Good. Because it wasn't his fault! That moron was a hazard from day one! I have no idea who gave him those grades, but he certainly had no idea what he was doing! Showing off to his friends! Thinking he is better than any of us professionals because he comes from money! Josh comes from money, too, but do you see him prancing around? Owen did everything right and there are witnesses! The guy didn't even bleed! The girls never touched him and he brought it all on him by himself!"
"Which I am very well aware of." Carter fixed her with a hard look.
Laurel wasn't fazed.
"The investigation is on-going," he found himself saying, teeth only slightly gritted. "Mr. Masrani has set his best lawyers on the case."
"He is suing Owen?!" she exclaimed.
"He is suing the park, which was to be expected. I doubt he will see a single penny. In my opinion he'll end up with a fine and possible time. I've seen the list of charges against him. Looks very nice."
The look of satisfaction on her face was almost frightening. "We can all attest to Owen's character and his safety-mindedness. I have a list."
Dan held up a hand, almost laughing. "Not necessary."
"Good. And in case you're interested, we're having movie night tonight. With Owen taking some time-out, how about it?"
Carter blinked at the sudden change in topic. "Thank you, but I have work."
"At eight in the evening?"
"My shift starts at six."
Laurel shrugged. "Oh well."
And then she was gone, heading for the Cretaceous Cruise to tell Reggie what she had found out.
Carter shook his head and headed for the control center. Owen had really good friends, which he was glad of, but some of them were scary as fuck.
x XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX x
Movie night was more or less replaced by a lively discussion, talking about the raptors, Mason Green, and their island's very own alpha.
"I would have punched the guy!" Reggie growled. "The moment he so much as twitched, he'd see my fist coming! Or just kicked him in the nuts! The nerve of that fucker!"
"Your girls would have just stepped on him, end of story," Josh laughed. "And Rexy Sue would probably have eaten him in two bites."
"Would serve him right," Nancy muttered darkly. "What was he thinking?"
"Not much. You know how he kept trying to discredit Owen, talked about everyone like we were lowly servants and he was the future boss of this park."
"I was so glad when he sought early transfer out of my area," Nancy agreed. "He had a god complex. All that money wasn't good for him."
"No one liked him much, not even his fellow students," Serena said. "Angelica, Julia and Gregory were quite happy to not see him while they were at the greenhouses. They even came to me today, apologizing for whatever trouble he caused for any one of us. I'm glad they can all still stay. I told them I'd gladly have them work for me again."
There were collective nods. Aside from Green, there had been only one or two others, and even they had been capable of learning.
"That Mason character should be happy to be alive," Reggie stated. "Anyone else's paddock and he might be dino chow. I wouldn't even have bet on his survival with Owen around. Having an aggressive raptor in your face because you want to assume alpha status in a solid, functional pack like that is usually a death sentence."
"Wasn't easy," Barry spoke up. He had been silently listening and just nodding once or twice until then. "I think without the bond, without even Blue, he might not have been able to stop Delta from taking a piece out of the guy. It was frightening to watch. Not sure Owen is aware just what this looked like from the outside."
Everyone else nodded.
They knew how close this had been. They were quite aware that for Owen to have held back four adult velociraptors, he had done more than just trust in their training.
"Anyone still up for a movie?" Nancy asked. "Because I could need some rom-com to take my mind off murdering an intern."
Barry chuckled. "You'd have to stand in a very long line."
"With four raptors calling dibs," Laurel joked. "And yes to rom-com!"
There were a few token groans, but they finally settled down, popcorn, beer and nachos ready.
tbc...
