![\"\"](\"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/21-Questions-Chapter-Twelve-Image.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your stomach growls as you scurry off the bus, angry at you for not putting any food in it which, you know from experience, is always a huge mistake. But, thanks to an exceptionally tardy slumber, you ended up smacking the snooze button one too many times, almost missing your designated commute, and the last thing on your mind during this morning\u2019s frenzy was breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You practically run inside the building, looking and feeling crazy with the stack of binders huddled awkwardly between your arms. With dread, you approach the security checkpoint\u2026but are instantly shocked to find only a single screening post in the entryway.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlike yesterday.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What the\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It literally got downsized.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n By a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n EIN whole<\/em> lot.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While you find it odd, slightly thrown off by the drastic change, you say a silent thank you for the unexpected mercy as you struggle to maneuver all the bulky items in your possession while racing into the elevator.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A couple dings later and you\u2019re stepping through its doors to get to that of the Wildlife Conservation office.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood morning,\u201d you breathe as you walk in, noting that everybody is already here, feeling sheepish that you\u2019re the last one in when it\u2019s your first \u201cofficial\u201d day of actual<\/em> work.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning, Myers,\u201d Mario, the assistant project manager and your immediate supervisor replies. He points to the binders, a five o\u2019clock shadow taking up residence along his jaw. \u201cWere you able to go through them all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d you nod, setting them down at your cubicle, exhaling at the sensation of being physically unencumbered. But, clearly, you\u2019re not the only one having a rough morning. \u201cI was primarily interested in the Steller sea lion rehabilitation case.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, good,\u201d is his slightly tapered response, adjusting his computer screen. \u201cI actually had that in mind when I was trying to decide on what to assign you to first. You can start by assisting with preliminary background research. I’ll send you some notes on what I want you to focus on in a little bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSounds good,\u201d you smile, carrying the binders back to the resource shelf save for that of the project in question, ecstatic that you get to have a say on your very first assignment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not even five minutes in and it\u2019s already a million times better than all of ye\u2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs Constance Myers in?\u201d you hear suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your head whips around at the sound of your name, surprised to see Mr. Schapiro in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone else\u2019s instantly fall upon you, as if the silent, collective gesture answers his question. Anxiety swallows you up, your heart dropping to your feet as you set the folders down and raise your hand almost reluctantly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, I’m here,\u201d you say, wondering why the hell he\u2019s looking for you first thing in the morning when he couldn’t so much as spare you a glance twenty-four hours ago.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Covington would like to see you in his office,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your eyes inflate before you can stop them, utter surprise smearing itself all over your face. But, apparently, all who see it share your sentiment, the entire office mirroring your reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mario\u2019s brow arches as he looks between Schapiro and you, the obvious question burning through his fatigued appearance. But he knows as much as you do on the matter.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOffice 721 on the seventh floor,\u201d Schapiro adds before turning to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You follow after him, unable to shake off this bad feeling you\u2019re getting.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you happen to know what it’s about?\u201d you ask, growing a little queasy, completely dumbfounded by the request.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot a clue,\u201d he says, peering at you from behind rounded glasses he momentarily stops to adjust. \u201cHe just called and said he wants to see you right away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While Schapiro has no reason\u2014and certainly not the temperament\u2014to lie about something like this, you have a very hard time believing the CEO of Earth Capital specifically asked for a brand new, temporary intern when his own board members have to schedule meetings to see him.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d you mutter, more to yourself than your department\u2019s middle-aged director.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You ascend inside the lift with slight trepidation, realizing that there can only be one reason the firm\u2019s executive head is summoning you first thing in the morning:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your blunder from yesterday has gotten you into trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ugh.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The elevator dings open and it feels like you\u2019re back in junior high, being called to the principal’s office.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only worse.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You walk up to 721, taking in a deep breath, steeling yourself before you knock. You swallow as you regard the bold letters across the door.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n SAMUEL COVINGTON<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Chief Executive Officer<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \n A moment later, it swings open…and its bearer appears on the other side.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earth Capital\u2019s CEO stands before you in the flesh, your stomach dropping like a stone when your eyes meet.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must be Myers,\u201d he says, a pert smile gracing his lips. He motions, holding the door open for you. \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You step inside tentatively, the unease in your gut spiking as you walk past him. He closes it and convenes at his desk, gesturing for you to take a seat.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You sit opposite him, clasping your hands in your lap as he settles into his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou wanted to see me?\u201d you begin, trying to sound comfortable even though you feel anything but.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d he nods, maintaining a pragmatic, somewhat erudite gaze. \u201cYou were selected for the internship program this year, correct?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n His demeanor is simultaneously friendly and firm, in a way you find a bit confusing, and you\u2019re not quite sure how exactly to interact with him. But, even if your nerves weren\u2019t shot to hell, basic common sense dictates you tread lightly and stick with formality.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You swallow, waiting for him to bring up the catastrophic collision from yesterday.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n But, instead, he asks, \u201cHow do you like it here so far?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The inquiry catches you off guard, your brows jumping, but you answer immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI’m settling in nicely, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even if the actual <\/em>process of doing so straight up sucked ass.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You keep that little tidbit to yourself because you clearly want to stay<\/em> despite your not-so-stellar induction.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here,\u201d you continue. \u201cAnd to actually meet you<\/em>,\u201d you add before you can stop yourself, your hands moving without your permission, motioning toward him in emphasis. You catch yourself, instantly withdrawing, silently barking at your limbs to reel it in. \u201cI have a lot of admiration for the work you’ve done and followed your career for the past three years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I’m flattered to hear that,\u201d Covington smiles, his eyes contemplative, searching your face in an\u2026odd way. As if he’s trying to find something. Or confirm it.<\/span><\/p>\n He nods, leaning away from his desk abruptly. \u201cAll right, then. I just wanted to meet and welcome the latest addition to the Earth Capital family. Glad to have you on board. I look forward to working with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh…\u201d is all you can immediately manage, slightly stunned by the brevity of your discussion\u2014if you can even call it that. But you quickly regain your composure. \u201cThank you,\u201d you add, rising to leave, feeling both relieved and silly for thinking there was any reason for an individual of his position to request an audience beside a routine, official welcome. He probably does it for all the interns every year. Just standard procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You exit the office, closing the door behind you with a long exhale as a blend of reprieve and ecstasy seeps into your bones.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You just met one of your career heroes. And it feels unreal\u2014in more ways than one.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019re not sure what you expected him to be like but, based on the very short conversation you just had, you don’t have much more insight on the legendary Samuel Covington now than you did before you walked into his office. He was<\/em> polite, at the very least. Overall, a good first impression. That\u2019s certainly more than you can say for Schapiro.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You make your way back down to your department, heads turning as soon as you walk in, their expressions teeming with interest.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey,\u201d an auburn-haired woman in the cubicle beside yours whispers, leaning over her chair. \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You meet her inquisitive gaze as you settle into yours. \u201cHe just wanted to welcome me to the firm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh. Was das<\/em> all?\u201d she blurts loudly, her need to be inconspicuous suddenly vanishing, an almost bored countenance replacing every last bit of curiosity on her face. You resist the urge to roll your eyes at the blatant deflation in hers.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sheesh. Sorry to disappoint you, <\/em>ma’am. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not sure what exactly she or anybody else here was expecting.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Without a verbal response, you turn to face your monitor, ignoring her snide reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, Myers,\u201d Mario calls from the other end, \u201cI just sent you the details. I want you to start off compiling general research today and tomorrow. From there, we\u2019ll start creating segments fo\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMay I have your attention, everyone,\u201d Schapiro appears before you again, his voice interjecting Mario\u2019s suddenly. \u201cYou\u2019re all wanted in the main lobby for an important announcement from the CEO. Each and every one is expected to be there within the next fifteen minutes. Please pass the message along.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With that, he exits the office. Puzzled looks and inquisitive mutters are exchanged right after, followed by rolls and squeaks of moving swivel chairs as everyone else starts heading out after him. You follow suit, wondering what this announcement could be. Covington never mentioned anything when you were in his office just moments ago.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The corridor\u2019s already crowding when you step out, several people scurrying toward the elevators to join others queued outside them, waiting their turn. You opt to take the stairs without hesitation, the idea of being crammed into a metal box with ten other adults like sardines in a can far from appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The main lobby is almost full when you get there, shuffling bodies abounding, interspersed with the constant hum of murmurs they produce. You spot Covington all the way up ahead, standing on a platform, holding a microphone.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan I please have your attention, everyone,\u201d he says into it as the last remnants of employees trickle in.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whispers dissipate into silence as everyone offers him their undivided attention.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you all for coming down on such short notice,\u201d he begins, looking into the crowd. \u201cI know this sort of thing is pretty unusual here at Earth Capital, but I felt an exception had to be made for this very special occasion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A pause follows, his eyes scanning the audience as a weird tension fills the air, a barely-contained sense of anticipation looming over the open space.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You look between those in your immediate vicinity, trying to catch glimpses of their various expressions, as if doing so will clue you in on what this special occasion is.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s both an honor and privilege to announce that, after a sehr<\/em> long time and a viel<\/em> of effort\u2026Zanergy has decided to partner with us on their most recent flagship project.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A massive, jarring surge of applause and almost fanatic shouts erupt instantaneously, loud and enthusiastic, drowning out several of Covington’s words as he continues to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c\u2014as you can imagine,\u201d he carries on, \u201cI’m quite excited about this new venture. As I’m sure a lot of you<\/em> are. Hence, all of Dies<\/em>,” he gestures to the brazen cheering with an unfettered smile of his own. “This is a win for every single one of us. However, the executive board and myself have personally hand-picked a select few of our fellow Capitalians who we feel will serve this account best and do us all proud. So, please, join me in congratulating the following people on being part of the Zanergy consultation team:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCody Barnes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A united, fiery rumble bursts across the lobby, clapping compounded by emphatic whistling as the assumed man in question walks over to the platform and stands next to Covington, getting several pats on the back and \u2018Attaboys!\u2019 on his way up, as well as an enthusiastic, \u201cYeah, Cody!\u201d from someone in the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaya Tanish,\u201d Covington continues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another eruption of cheers follows.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStaci Simpson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And another.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDiego Cruz.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And another.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cErik Bloomberg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJamie Chen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLouis Freeman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd, finally\u2026Constance Myers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ***<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Your stomach growls as you scurry off the bus, angry at you for not putting any food in it which, you know from experience, is always a huge mistake. But, thanks to an exceptionally tardy slumber, you ended up smacking the snooze button one too many times, almost missing your designated commute, and the last thing on your mind during this morning\u2019s frenzy was breakfast. You practically run inside the building, looking and feeling crazy with the stack of binders huddled awkwardly between your arms. With… Weiterlesen<\/a><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5484,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96,93],"tags":[],"series":[107],"class_list":["post-5545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-contemporary-2","category-romance","series-21-questions-role-play-edition"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/21-Questions-Role-Play-Edition-Cover-Image-640x1024.jpg","blog_images":{"medium":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/21-Questions-Role-Play-Edition-Cover-Image-188x300.jpg","large":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/21-Questions-Role-Play-Edition-Cover-Image-640x1024.jpg"},"ams_acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5545"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5545\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5545"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=5545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/emendedhearts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/21-Questions-Page-Chapter-Heading-Image-232x300.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\n