The pistol being pulled away from his head, Vladimir's heartbeat was gradually calming. "Well, comrade Commandant, you can see all the recruits sitting in the lounge, they all dream of contributing to the revolution becoming a pilot of the Fighter Corps, however, you only accept the strongest and most diligent among your ranks, those who do not hesitate or draw back, and in order to know whether they're of such, you need a personal confrontation with them, as this is the most effective way to get a notion of one's character and behaviour.. This is a test, a test that is necessary to maintain the Coalition's strength, for that its people keep being defended by people who are capable and intrepid." Having said these words, Vladimir mind felt sort of liberated. The perpetual ache originating from his knee he did not mind too much anymore, either.
