The dinner was, overall, a success. Except for Best. He had ended up hungry. The team had offered him their left overs - two pieces of garlic bread, the remainder of Cora's pasta, and half a bottle of champagne.
The problem was, Cora's spaghetti was spicy - even by Mexican standards. By poor Jonas' standards, it was equivalent to eating fire. The man, in an attempt to douse the flames, had ended up downing the entire bottle of champagne.
Drinking half a large bottle of bubbly isn't the best idea, especially if you've never had a high alcohol tolerance in the first place. By the time Cora left, plans were arranged to bring Best home in the back seat of Foxx's car.
Still laughing, Cora entered Umbrella HQ. To her surprise, the pilot she had spotted earlier was lounging against the wall.
he said when he spotted Cora. Out partying?
Think of it as a social gathering of future killers. Cora said, her tongue quite loosened by the bubbly and her new gift and everything in-between. She bit her lip. Stupid thing to say, really. Not that she cared. To her surprise, Hulio laughed.
I'm James Hulio. You're Cora Merandez?
That's the name. Wear it out all you like, I never use it. Cora said. Cora was thinking, a bit dazed, that if she met this semi-drunk Cora in the street, that the sober Cora would kick the dazed Cora's ass. Just on principle for being such a godforsaken idiot. To her surprise, Hulio laughed again.
You're a clever little lady, aren't you? Then he eyed her and grinned slightly. Well, not that little.
It was the sort of comment that is altered by whoever said it. If Salven said it, Cora would snap his scrawny neck and spit on his corpse. But instead, James Hulio said it and Cora merely scowled . That bought another laugh from Hulio, and Cora forced herself to crack a smile.
Ha, ha. she finally said sarcastically.
Good to know you have a sense of humor. Hulio said. Cora gave a more genuine smile. So, he wasn't a total creep.
Can't live without one. Well, you can at Umbrella anyway. Cora regretted it the instant that she sad it. She had made the same comment to a couple of scientists, and they had gotten all pissy.
Yeah. I've met with Spencer himself, you know. Guy's a prick. Hulio said casually. Cora merely choked. Hulio frowned. You OK?
For a second I thought you had a stick up your ass. You surprised me. Cora said weakly. Hulio laughed again.
So I heard that you broke the record for the stealth course.
The record was pathetic. More like I set a record. Cora said.
Still , you're turning heads. A lot of the USF are talking about this Team Biohazard that Scythe's forming.
Oh yeah? What are they saying? Cora said. Maybe it was the champagne, maybe it was something else, but there was no need for ice breaking with Hulio. The ice was already broken. Shattered, even.
Hulio hesitated, glanced at Cora, and then shrugged.
Never mind.
Oh, come on. Cora said. You really don't think I'm going to get offended?
Forget it. They aren't saying anything.
Oh, yes they are. And I intend to find out. Cora threatened. Hulio cracked a smile.
Wild horses couldn't drag the secret out of me. he said. My mother always used to say that. Drove me insane.
So don't drive me insane. What are they saying? Cora said. Hulio shook his head.
If wild horses couldn't, then a kid like you can't either.
Cora drew her knife, hardly breaking her stride as she blocked Hulio's path and filed a finger nail.
You want to test that? Cora asked casually. Hulio hesitated again, then grinned.
You've got me over in a barrel. Okay, I'll talk. Just don't stab me.
I won't make any promises.
Pretty much, there are people who think that Team Biohazard is a joke. They think that it isn't going to survive past the first mission. You have to understand, most of the older vets Dinzali, for example, I know you know her they're Umbrella Families. They've invested in Umbrella for as long as possible - to the point where they're willing to pick up weapons and fight for Umbrella and where Umbrella points. So they're a little touchy about a one time survivor getting his own team.
What's with the stick up ass epidemic here at Umbrella? You think at least one person here who isn't a soldier wouldn't be a prick. Uh, no offense.
None taken. Anyways, they're saying that Team Biohazard is more of a danger than the B.O.W.'s themselves. That it's lead by a jumped up rookie who thinks that having a sword makes him hot shit, and that he's backed up by someone with lead for brains. Oh, and they seem to think Foxx and Tweek are terrified of their own shadows, that Cobra will mistake a survivor for a zombie or vice versa and end up getting his head bit up, and that the hacker is just a computer nerd allowed on the team just because she's a woman.
Cora said, with a bit of a frown. And what are they saying about little ol' me?
They're, uh
Come on. I can survive knowing that a few pricks like Dinzali think that I'm a sloppy stealth expert or that my knives are outdated weapons or that I have my nose in the air. I'm not going to wilt like a delicate little flower.
Hulio said cautiously. They're not very happy.
No shit? Come on, I want details. I find them hilarious, actually.
Well, they think that you're no better than some other kid found off the street. A couple actually got quite racist. They used words like well, uh
I can guess. Cora said cooly. Wetback? That I really longed to get into America? That I feed off the streets?
Well, I think the exact words were that Cora Merandez is a jumped up little urchin off some grimy streets who thinks that she can make her way with the big boys. She isn't even an adult - she's just a little kid who made friends with the right people. Hulio looked nervous.
I'm not going to bite your head off. Cora laughed. Don't worry. I've been called worse, James. I'm surprised that they didn't call me a slut or a whore. Or made fun of the fact that I like spicy foods. Or that my eyes are blue. I mean, they're obviously struggling for material there.
Hulio said cautiously. They could tease you for being asked out on a date?
Well, I haven't been asked out on a date. Cora responed, sheathing her knife.
You want to head out to check out a club or something this weekend? Hulio blurted.
Yeah, sure, that'd be great James. Cora said. It was the bubbly speaking, but the rest of Cora didn't seem to have a problem with that.
Great. I'll talk to you later. Hulio winked and strode away. Cora hesitated before moving on. One minute she was a normal girl, the next she was assailed with dates, zombies, and angry soldiers. Who knew life could get so complicated?