Graves raised an eyebrow at the younger man's choice of seating but didn't comment on it directly. "I called you in because I needed to debrief you about the operation," he said, his tone firm and professional once more. "As for needing you... well, I suppose that depends on how you perform from here on out." He smiled slightly, almost as if he were enjoying himself.

"I'm sure you believe that," he said, not quite concealing the skepticism in his voice. "But words are cheap. Prove it to me." He paused for a moment before continuing. "In the meantime, why don't you tell me about your background? Where you came from and how you ended up joining Shadow Company?"