Irina Petrova. Junior finally had a chance to get to know her... but he wasn't alone in thinking along those lines.
MISS ROBERTS
Junior, I must say I am pleased how things are going.
Just as Junior had finished eating dinner and was about to go back to his room, she sat down at the table beside him.
MISS ROBERTS
Very pleased.
Junior didn't answer.
MISS ROBERTS
I believe you have a real shot at being selected.
JUNIOR
Like you would know!
MISS ROBERTS
I do know!
JUNIOR
PFFF! You have no power around here. R-328 and X-466 may let you believe you do, but you don't.
MISS ROBERTS
You are so naive...
JUNIOR
Why do people keep saying that?!
MISS ROBERTS
If they do, it's because they know better. Do you really think that those two lousy duplicates can order us around?
JUNIOR
They have so far...
MISS ROBERTS
Listen to me very carefully, Junior.
Her tone of voice became menacing.
MISS ROBERTS
They, as well as all your pals, are here on U.S. soil because we are allowing them to. Don't think for even a second that we are not prepared to end your precious selection if we wanted to.
Junior was taken aback by her words.
JUNIOR
How would that help...
She didn't let him finish and went on.
MISS ROBERTS
You think too much, Junior. Now think about this: you may or may not be selected, but in any case, your family is staying here.
JUNIOR
You evil w...!
MISS ROBERTS
Careful Junior!
She interrupted him.
MISS ROBERTS
As long as you collaborate there's nothing to be afraid of...
She was threatening him and his family with such ease it was terrifying. She looked so detached that for a brief moment Junior didn't believe her threats. It felt so unreal that someone could be so calm in such a situation.
JUNIOR
So you have finally taken your gloves off...
MISS ROBERTS
Mph. Being disrespectful towards me won't get you anywhere.
JUNIOR
It may make me feel better.
MISS ROBERTS
Only until it makes you feel worse.
She stared at him, straight in the eyes. He defiantly held her gaze until she spoke.
MISS ROBERTS
Irina Petrova.
JUNIOR
What about her?
MISS ROBERTS
I hear you two have met before...
JUNIOR
Briefly.
Junior remembered their previous encounters, when Irina hadn't spoken a word to him.
MISS ROBERTS
Tomorrow you'll be working with her.
JUNIOR
I know.
MISS ROBERTS
Needless to say, we don't want her to be chosen. Use tomorrow's exercise as an opportunity to weaken her position. The more damage you can do, the better it is for us.
JUNIOR
Are you giving me orders now?
MISS ROBERTS
It's about time you started following them.
After a brief pause, Junior replied.
JUNIOR
There's only one thing that matters in this selection. Just one. Teamwork. How do you expect me to damage her without damaging myself?
MISS ROBERTS
You're smart, you'll figure it out. Also, you must keep an eye out for her. I bet that our beloved director Boris is coaching her in the same manner I am coaching you. The trouble for you is, she will actually listen to him.
She got up, but before leaving, she threatened Junior one more time.
MISS ROBERTS
I'll be keeping a close eye on you.
And she left.
Junior had hoped that when he got to properly meet Irina, it would have been a tiny bit enjoyable. It was going to be extremely unpleasant instead.
