Meeting the Boss

Graves was ushered by two armed guards down a sterile, white-walled corridor, flanked by dim overhead lighting. The walls bore scuff marks, hinting at past confrontations or rushed movements.

"Stop," one of the guards commanded, bringing Graves to a halt in front of a door leading to what seemed like an executive office.

The second guard rapped sharply on the door. A muffled voice from within granted them permission to enter.

"Enter," the guard relayed curtly to Graves.

Stepping inside, Graves immediately cataloged the situation. Ten men, all armed and donning the combat uniform of the Philippine Army, stood at ease around the room. Their stance might have seemed relaxed to a layman, but Graves noted the slight tension in their postures, the minute shifts in weight, and the vigilant positioning. These were seasoned soldiers, their instincts honed through rigorous training and combat.