She tried to join immediately, but she had already stepped forward.
With a quick and precise movement, he immobilized his arm behind his back and knocked him face down against the ground. It all happened in the blink of an eye; no one even understood how he had done it.
A whisper of wonder went through the cafeteria. Several Marines suddenly stood up.
The lieutenant struggled with all his strength to free himself, but the young woman kept him completely immobilized, as if his large size did not represent the least effort.
“Let go!” he shouted, out of his mind.
She leaned slightly towards him and replied with absolute calm:
You’re used to intimidating those you think weaker. The problem is that today you chose the wrong person.
Then he loosened the pressure, let go of his arm and slowly stood up.
Harper was breathing hard. When he looked at her again, there was no longer arrogance in her eyes, but a mixture of bewilderment and respect. The cafeteria remained completely silent.
Then the young woman spoke with a serene voice:
“Before I was assigned to this base, I was a combat instructor in a Navy special operations unit. In training I used to reduce three men like you before starting the real practice.
Some soldiers let out a nervous laugh.
Others looked away, embarrassed.
And for the first time since her arrival, many stopped seeing her with contempt and began to look at her with genuine respect.
The young woman picked up the rag from the ground, left him calmly on the table in front of Harper and said:
Your boots can be cleaned yourself.
Without adding one more word, he turned around and left the cafeteria with a firm step.
This time, no one laughed again.
