The youth in front of him seemed about to give an answer, however another recruit had entered the room carrying some sort of satchel.
"Hmm. What do we have here eh? Two for the price of one! My goodness, I feel like I'm wandering some sort of special district and you muppets are here to offer me a good time yes? Wrong! This will not be good or fun. Note that I do not leave behind money, but a branding! Ah har!"
He cackled. Then stood up from his chair. He pointed at the new recruit and ordered him to empty the contents of his satchel onto the floor. The crossbow was evident. Vladimir walked over to the spilled contents and removed the reloads, leaving behind only the one shot and placed the crossbow on his desk.
"Now, this item shows many things comrades. It is a tool, it is weapon, it can save your life and deprive others of theirs. I doubt there is much room in the Commandant's fighter corps for both of you, regardless of how short or funny looking the Commandant is."
He looked at them both.
"The previous question remains, Alexj. Do not keep me waiting again."
He turned to the new recruit.
"No life stories and make no attempts to waste my time. Why are you here and why do you want in the Fighter Corps?"