Rassid drummed his fingers on the desk, and did not pay any mind to the red broken knuckle on his right hand. It was starting to swell.
"Growing a spine, eh? In your present condition, you think thats wise?"
The recruit said nothing, but his face was full of determination.
"Very well. I will tell you something. I am well known, but not for what you may think. All over JiangXi, I am known as the best Coalition comedian. Yes, It is true. When I am not doing my duty for the Revolution, I amuse citizens with my jokes."
The absurd words were delivered in a deadpan, complete deadly seriousness, as if he was telling the recruit that he was scheduled for death.
"So, you must tell me what you think of a new joke I have prepared. I want your honest thoughts - I have no tolerance for those that lie."
Rassid pulled in a breath, and stood up. He put his right hand at the small of his back, and raised his left hand in a fist. He closed his eyes, and nodded, waiting for silence.
"There once was a man who came home to his wife, in bed with stranger. He became furious, and after tossing the man out, rounded on his wife. 'You good for nothing whore!' he shouted, 'Look what your spending your time for, while down at the corner store, they are selling eggs - and they only have three boxes left!'"
Rassid lowered his fist, and looked at the recruit, waiting for his response.