Lexi and Alex had been writing non stop for the last week. The only time they got up was for water or to go to the bathroom.
George had began to notice the change in their behavior on day four. He noticed the bags under either siblings eyes were more defined and he saw no evidence of them leaving.
He had brushed it off, remembering that they had done this before but by day six he had begun to get worried. Lexi was looking thinner than ever and Alex kept nodding off for several seconds before popping back up again.
He decided to confront them about it. Walking into their office he noticed the stale smell of old coffee.
Alex and Lexi hadn't noticed his entering. He walked over to their desks and snapped his fingers.
Both of their heads snapped up. "Oh hello general." Lexi said. She sounded exhausted and her whole demeanor screamed I need sleep.
Alex said,"What can we help you with?" The general said,"Well I was hoping you could tell me the last time you two slept."
The siblings looked uncomfortable, almost as if they knew what was coming next.
"Um I believe it was...Tuesday?" Alex said. Lexi nodded in agreement.
George frowned and replied,"That was a week ago. Are you telling me that you two have not eaten if slept for a week?"
They looked away. Lexi muttered,"We were busy...and we drank coffee."
George glared at them. "As your commander I command you two go home and get some rest!" He boomed.
Lexi said,"But sir!" Alex added,"We have work complete!" George shook his head.
"Not anymore." He grabbed the papers off their desks and held them above his head.
The siblings protested more.
"We're fine!"
"I'm not tired!"
"Sleep is for the weak and children."
George glared at them and they glared back. Setting down the papers on a bookshelf, he said,"if you two do not go rest now I will carry you both back to my quarters and make you rest."
Lexi said,"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me." George replied.
Alex said,"how about one more hour?" The general frowned and shook his head.
"Sorry you two." He then grabbed each sibling by the wrist and dragged them of to his quarters. He took out anything that could be used for work and then locked them inside.
Whew, he thought. He left and checked on them in an hour. Both siblings were snoring lightly. Alex was on the couch and Lexi was at the desk.
He smiled. He had finally gotten through to the most stubborn people he had ever met.