Stubborn to a Fault

"Take a rest Mark," Steve said. There was still six miles left to camp and the sun was going down. It was just Mark and Steve out for a run.

"Come on, we can make it to camp before night if we keep going," Mark said, he didn't sit down as indicated by his superior officer.

"You are on the verge of collapse already," Steve noted in a dry tone, "take a rest and we will get to camp when we get there, an hour after sunset, no more."

"I don't need to rest Sir. I can make it," Mark said.

"Just sit down for a few moments."

"I can make it. There is no need to coddle me."

"I'm not. You won't make it if you keep pushing yourself."

"I know I can make it back before sunset."

"And if you pass out once you are there? Then what?"

"Sir..."

"Just sit down Allard. Take a breather for twenty and then we will be on our way."

Mark still didn't sit down.

"Do I have to make that an order Allard?"

"No Sir," Mark said as he sat down at last, "but I still think I could have made it."