Iron angel (Book 1 of IA)

[14] Dead meat

The sunset was nearing its final moments; its rays of crimson red added a layer of menace to everything. Isa leaning against the door of the jeep was bathing in the glow, which to me looked like a demon rising from hell. Sensing my approach, Isa, without looking up, said with a voice heavier than lead:

"You're 21 minutes past deadline dead meat." Isa said shot me a glare that killed all the courage inside of me.
When I gulped, it felt as if an entire apple had just been shoved down my throat. Too large to swallow, and too large to spit it out, it was just simply stuck there. After what felt like eternity, when I did finally swallow it down, the only words I find myself able to say was a solider programmed response:

"Yes sir."

"Where is the weasel?"

"I don't have it sir."

"I'm not blind!" she yelled walking up to me. She grabbed me by the collar and slammed me against the door.

"Let me ask you again, where is the weasel dead meat?" she shook, her expression was literally one of demon from hell.

"It's with Ms. Nuts sir!"

"Ms. Nuts?" her eye brows knitted.

"She a granny that lives in this town. Her husband died a long time ago, her dog passed some time ago too. She lonely and she needed some company..."

"I am not asking you this! Where does she live?"

"I can't tell you sir!"

"Why?"

"Because you're going to take Sparky away from her and she's all going to be alone again! Sir!" I quickly added at the end.

"Do you even know what you are doing?" she shook me violently to emphasize the effect, "This is not a game, that elemental is a threat that needs to be eliminated!"

"Sparky's favorite diet is roasted chestnuts and Ms. Nuts has tons of those. She can take well care of it and she can also use it as a fireplace during the winter sir!"

"Agrhhh!" Isa face palmed so hard I could almost feel the pain. "Have you forgotten your mission fresh meat? Your mission was to capture the weasel, not give it to someone!"

"I haven't forgotten it sir. But isn't serving the people and protecting the people also a soldier's greatest duty?"

Isa expression hardened to the point, I thought she was going to punch through my face. When I saw her eyes, they were harder to crack then stone. Silence was exchanged, after several minutes or so, Isa finally let go of my collar, turned and was about to leave.
Sensing relief I let out a breath, only to feel a rock hard fist connecting with my stomach the next moment.
"First of all that's sir for you." She said as she began walking towards the driver side seat, "The weasel has gotten away, due to lack of experience of the trainee, Kardusenn Romello. The mission has failed. I repeat, the mission has failed. End of report." Isa finished climbing into the driver's seat.

My eyes lit up at once.

She actually helped me covered up!
"You plan to spend the night on the ground, lazy meat?"

"No sir!" I said, as I quickly got up on my feet and ran towards the passenger seat.

Once I got in my seat and was just about to thank her, she cut me off:

"Forget about it fresh meat. Do me a favor and be quiet unless your want to become dead meat."

"Yes sir!"

We finished the trip in silence

***

By the time we arrived back at the barracks the moon was already staring down on us.

"You are dismissed for the day fresh meat." Isa said as we got out of the car.

"Yes sir!" I said facing her. Dismissed, I turned to my bunk room.

"Wait, I almost forgot to tell you." Isa's voice halted me; I was still in a running motion as if time had stopped.

"You are not suited to become a soldier." She paused and let that sink in. "You have only tonight to decide whether to quit or not. Now go take a shower, you stink like skunk meat."
I held my breath through the whole conversation, now resumed back in time. I found myself gasping for air.

"I thought it was something major, I see it was just the same question..." I muttered under my breath as I continue walking again.

Whatever, my response is still the same.

Q: How would you respond if you got caught in an argument with an unreasonable person?