Something Different

Part 3

I drop down back into the seat with hesitance and open the glovebox. I find a handgun and check the ammo, which was full. I look back at Sylov. "I can handle a handgun."

"Yes, but I advise you not to do anything stupid," he said, watching the advancing vehicle carefully.

"Yes sir..." I watch the vehicle as well, wary. "I advise you to take a step back..."

"I advise you to stop advising me."

I laugh softly. "No problem, Sylov."

Sylov takes out his iPhone and snaps a picture through the scope of the rifle.

"What's that for?"

"Something," he said, pocketing his phone.

"Smartass..." I muttered, rolling my eyes with a smirk. "Let's get the hell outta here."

"You go ahead. I'm staying here."

"Sir..." I hop out and stand next to Sylov.

"What?" he said, watching through his sniper.

I look at my superior, concerned. "I think we should go. Its stupid to stay here much longer."

"Then I guess I'm stupid.".

"Sir!" I grab Sylov's forearm and I pull him back. "Please, let's just go back!"

"Cadet, I'm staying here whether you like it or not."

"Why? You'll get yourself killed, and I don't think Drew and Arthur and I will get along too well without you standing nearby to kick our asses back into line!"

"They already don't. I don't doubt that they're fighting right now"

"They don't seem to have taken a liking to me! Don't you see the way they look at me? To be honest, they terrify me."

"Then get them to like you."

I got tired of the bullshit, so I grabbed the gun barrel. "You're coming back with me, conscious or not."

"Cadet, I order you to go back to base."

I hesitate before I get up and go back to the Jeep. I don't start the car, however. "Sylov...what if I don't go back?"

"You'll receive a severe case of 'bullet in the brain'."

I lean against the wheel, smirking slightly. "I thought you liked me...why shoot a friend?"

"Hard time team has big consequences. Disobey, you die."

My smirk disappears. "Fine. See you back at camp, sir." I begin driving back to camp, hesitant. While I'm driving, using the mirror, to watch Sylov, hoping he'd be okay. Why did I stay so long? I need to start saying yes to every order without hesitation. Otherwise, I'm dead. Is that what happened to the other man...? Hours pass with silence. I fidget slightly in my cabin, and I get sick of waiting. I grab the keys from my cot and run out to the Jeep. I drive towards the range and stop on the top of the hill. I look over, desperately searching for my superior's dead, bloody body. Please be alive, please be alive. Oh, please God, let Sylov be alive...

Sylov still seems to be walking back.

I sigh and drive over, a bit wary. "Thank god, Sylov! You scared me to death!" Come on Taylor! Don't say that!

He hops into the vehicle. "To the camp."

"Yes sir." I drive the Jeep back up the slope and drive to my superior's cabin. "Where would you like me to park the Jeep?"