Chapter 129: Preparing for the Global Summit
Leonard stretched leisurely as he stood up from the dining table, his breakfast plate cleared and his coffee cup empty. Around him, the operators of Resh-1 moved with their usual disciplined efficiency. Franz, ever the professional, stood by with an agent from OoTA, a woman whose impassive demeanor suggested she had seen more than her fair share of strange occurrences.
Franz adjusted his glasses and spoke crisply. "Boss, as planned, your departure for the global summit will be in an hour. The conference starts tomorrow, but we'll get you to the Foundation safe house at the Savoy Park Apartments well in advance. Resh-1 will provide the usual escort until we're near Richmond. At that point, all units will disperse, and you'll proceed with Graves and his team alone. Upon arrival, the OoTA agents on site will step aside, maintaining external surveillance while Resh-1 establishes a secure perimeter around the location."
Leonard nodded, considering the logistics. "This sounds airtight, but won't such a large movement attract the attention of the GOC? They're known for their vigilance, especially in situations like this."
Franz didn't hesitate. "No risk of detection. We've already mapped out their defenses and security cordons. Their primary focus is Manhattan—from the Upper West and East Side to the Financial District. Our operations are confined to Harlem and the Bronx to avoid overlapping with their jurisdiction."
The OoTA agent interjected, her voice calm but firm. "Additionally, they've heavily fortified Roosevelt Island and Long Island City while completely closing off public access to Governors Island. Most overseas participants have been arriving through diplomatic flights under UN clearance, further limiting their focus."
Franz resumed, "The summit officially opens Monday at 10 AM, with proceedings beginning at noon. We've scheduled your arrival for 11:50 AM—just late enough to make a statement. Appearances matter, and this will ensure you leave an impression. You will be going with 9 Resh-1 operatives and the Secretary of OoTA "
Leonard nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "Alright, but—hold on—did you say I have a secretary?"
Franz's temple visibly twitched, a dark vein of exasperation pulsing just beneath his skin. "Boss… Yes, you have a secretary. You've always had one."
The woman in question, standing nearby, couldn't suppress a quiet laugh, her hand rising to cover her amused grin. Leonard, now visibly flustered, turned an alarming shade of crimson as he stammered, "I… I knew that! Of course, I knew that!"
Franz sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's just… focus on the mission, shall we?"
An hour later, Leonard stepped out of the manor dressed casually in a T-shirt, shorts, a baseball cap, and a backpack slung over one shoulder. Surrounding him were over a hundred Resh-1 operators, all similarly dressed in civilian attire. They stood in neat formations near the vehicles, a stark contrast to the chaos of OoTA agents darting about, finalizing preparations for departure.
Standing close by were Graves, Alexei, Franz, and OoTA's secretary, named Mei Lin. Franz lingered a few steps back, clipboard in hand, his watchful eyes scanning the operation.
Graves waved Leonard toward a sleek black SUV parked nearby. "Boss, this way."
Leonard followed, climbing into the spacious interior, which boasted luxurious features: plush seating, air conditioning, a mini fridge stocked with drinks, and a built-in TV. Graves settled into the seat to Leonard's left, while Alexei took the front passenger seat. A Resh-1 operator quietly took the driver's position.
As Leonard adjusted his seat, Franz tapped on the SUV's tinted window. Leonard rolled it down, and Franz handed him a neatly folded piece of paper. "Boss, I noted some good spots in New York you might enjoy visiting. I also recommend trying out the Latin cuisine in Spanish Harlem. Sure, you're there for the summit, but a little sightseeing wouldn't hurt, right?"
Leonard glanced at the list and smiled, slipping it into his pocket. "Thanks, Franz. Also, make sure you're in the O5 Council meeting at 9 PM tonight. We'll finalize tomorrow's plans."
Franz nodded crisply. "Understood, boss."
Before Leonard could respond, Graves interrupted. "Boss, we're ready to roll."
Leonard gave a firm nod. "Let's move."
Franz stepped back, giving a respectful salute. "Safe travels, boss."
Leonard returned the gesture, rolling up the window as the SUV began to hum to life. Graves tapped his earpiece, issuing a command. "All units, go."
The convoy of vehicles roared to life, each one pulling away from the manor in calculated synchronization. Within minutes after entering the city, the formation broke apart as the vehicles dispersed onto different routes, minimizing the chances of detection.
Leonard leaned back in his seat, watching the highway roll by. With a small sigh, he grabbed the remote and switched on the in-car television. He flipped through channels before settling on an old action movie, the faint glow of the screen reflecting off the interior as the convoy slipped into the flow of traffic.
---
A few hours later, Leonard stirred awake, blinking his eyes open to the sight of a massive suspension bridge stretching over a giant river. The landscape was peppered with towering skyscrapers and sprawling buildings on either side. Graves, seated next to him, was scanning the traffic with the vigilance of a hawk. Noticing Leonard stirring, he glanced over and smirked.
"Sleep well, Boss?"
Leonard stretched and let out a hearty yawn. "Yeah. Where are we?"
Graves gestured ahead. "We're on the George Washington Bridge, above the Hudson River. Manhattan's just ahead."
Leonard's eyes lit up with excitement as he turned to the window, marveling at the iconic New York City skyline. The sprawling expanse of towering structures captivated him, and he remained glued to the view as their convoy descended off the bridge and into the heart of the city.
The vehicles weaved eastward through Manhattan, eventually pulling up to the entrance of the Savoy Park Apartments. They paused momentarily in front of a red-brick building. Graves chuckled and nudged Leonard. "Boss, we figured you might get a little bored, so we got you some fabulous neighbors during your stay."
Leonard gave him a puzzled look and followed Graves' gaze toward the brick building. His eyes landed on the words emblazoned across the facade: New York State National Guard.
"Oh," Leonard said, raising an eyebrow.
Graves grinned. "That's the armory for the 369th Regiment. Quite the welcoming committee, don't you think?"
Leonard let out a short laugh. "I see."
The light ahead turned green, and their vehicle turned right, rolling onto a private drive flanked by clusters of tall, red-brick buildings. The SUV came to a halt near the center of the complex. Leonard stepped out, joined by his entourage of Resh-1 operators who instinctively formed a protective formation around him.
The group moved as one toward the central building, taking the elevator up to the tenth floor. The doors opened to a secure hallway teeming with Resh-1 personnel dressed in civilian attire. Their presence was so thick it was impossible to miss—every doorway, corner, and vantage point was manned by operatives.
Leonard's group advanced to one of the apartments, stepping inside to find a modestly furnished space. It looked like a typical urban apartment except for three Resh-1 operators clad in tactical vests over their casual clothes and Mei Lin standing in the center. As Leonard entered, all eyes turned to him, and the group collectively saluted.
Mei Lin stepped forward with her usual composure. "Sir, we've secured the entire Savoy Park complex and its surroundings. Alpha-1 and Omega-1 are stationed across the river, ready to deploy via helicopter or boats in case of an emergency. Additionally, we've privatized the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh floors of this building. The original residents… have been cooperative after receiving a light dose of thaumaturgic persuasion."
Leonard sighed, shaking his head slightly but choosing not to comment. Walking over to the large window, he gazed out at the bustling city below.
"Alright then," he said with a spark of enthusiasm. "Time to explore New York."
Leonard stepped out of the apartment building with Graves at his side, feeling an unfamiliar yet invigorating sense of freedom. The bustling streets of New York City stretched before them like an open invitation. A crisp breeze carried the scents of asphalt, roasted peanuts, and faint traces of hot dogs from street vendors scattered along the sidewalks. Horns blared, people bustled, and the city seemed alive in every sense of the word.
Graves, ever the vigilant guardian, stayed close, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings while managing to look inconspicuous in his civilian attire. Leonard, dressed casually but stylishly, wore a light jacket and a baseball cap to blend in. As they stepped into the waiting SUV, Leonard leaned back and grinned.
"Alright, Graves. Tour guide mode. What's first?"
Graves smirked as he relayed the itinerary to the driver. "First stop, Times Square. If we're doing New York, we start with the heart of the city."
The SUV rolled to a stop on 7th Avenue, and Leonard's eyes widened as he stepped onto the sidewalk. Neon lights and massive digital billboards turned night into day. Crowds thronged the square, snapping photos, laughing, and simply soaking in the vibrant chaos. The buzz of countless conversations in dozens of languages filled the air.
"This… is insane," Leonard muttered, turning slowly to take in the spectacle.
Graves chuckled. "Times Square. Home of overpriced merchandise and enough LED displays to power a small country."
Leonard wandered into the center, marveling at everything around him. He glanced at a street performer juggling flaming torches while a man in a knockoff Spider-Man suit posed for photos nearby. The energy of the place was infectious.
Graves checked his watch. "We've got a full day, Boss. Let's keep moving."
From the urban frenzy of Times Square, they transitioned to the tranquility of Central Park. The towering trees and open fields seemed worlds away from the city streets, even though skyscrapers loomed just beyond the greenery.
Leonard strolled along the winding paths, pausing to watch a group of kids sailing miniature boats on the Conservatory Water. Further along, they came across a street musician playing a soulful melody on his saxophone. Leonard dropped a generous tip into the open case and nodded in appreciation.
Graves pointed toward the Bow Bridge. "That's one of the most photographed spots in the park."
As they crossed the elegant bridge, Leonard paused to gaze at the rowboats gliding peacefully along the lake below. For a moment, he felt like a regular tourist, unburdened by the weight of his responsibilities.
Next, their journey took them to the Empire State Building. Graves had prearranged a VIP pass, allowing them to bypass the lengthy lines. As the elevator ascended, Leonard felt a flicker of anticipation.
Stepping onto the observation deck, Leonard let out a low whistle. The panoramic view of the city was breathtaking. The Hudson River glinted in the sunlight, and the Brooklyn Bridge arched gracefully in the distance.
"New York looks smaller from up here," Leonard mused, leaning against the railing.
They lingered for a while, soaking in the view before heading back down to ground level.
Their next destination took them to Battery Park, where they boarded a ferry to Liberty Island. The boat ride offered yet another perspective of the city, with the towering skyline receding into the distance.
As they approached the iconic statue, Leonard couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Standing beneath Lady Liberty, he gazed up at the torch held high against the sky.
Graves snapped a photo with his phone. "You'll want this for the scrapbook."
Leonard smirked. "Do I look like the scrapbooking type?"
Graves shrugged. "Who knows? Everyone has hobbies."
From Liberty Island, they returned to Manhattan and made their way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Leonard insisted on walking the span, eager to experience one of New York's most famous landmarks up close.
The view was stunning, with the East River flowing far below and the city's skyline stretching out on either side. Tourists and locals alike shared the pathway, some jogging, others taking photos.
"This bridge has been here for over a century," Graves remarked. "And it's still one of the most beautiful."
Leonard nodded, admiring the intricate lattice of steel cables. "It's like a piece of art."
Their final stop of the day took them to Spanish Harlem. The vibrant neighborhood was a celebration of Latin culture, with colorful murals adorning the walls and the sounds of salsa music spilling from storefronts.
Graves led the way to a small, family-run restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. The aroma of roasted spices and grilled meats greeted them as they stepped inside.
A cheerful hostess welcomed them and led them to a corner table. The menu was a treasure trove of Latin American dishes, and Leonard's eyes lit up as he scanned the options.
"I don't even know where to start," he said.
Graves smirked. "Trust me, Boss. Go with the pernil and arroz con gandules. You won't regret it."
When the food arrived, Leonard took one bite and sighed in contentment. "Graves, if I ever have to pick a last meal, remind me of this place."
They spent the next hour enjoying the hearty meal, exchanging stories, and laughing at some of the more absurd moments of their day. By the time they stepped back outside, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the city was aglow with lights.
Leonard stretched and looked around. "So, what's next?"
Graves grinned. "We'll figure it out tomorrow. For now, let's get you back to the apartment. You've got a big day ahead."
One hour later, as Leonard stepped into the apartment, the dim lighting revealed an unexpected transformation. What had been a modest living room that morning was now a bustling mini-command center. Multiple screens displayed live feeds from security cameras, maps of the surrounding area, and encrypted chat logs. Mei Lin and Alexei stood by the central desk, flanked by two agents who were intensely focused on the glowing red dot on one of the monitors. The air was filled with the quiet hum of electronic equipment and the rapid clacking of keys.
Leonard raised an eyebrow, his mouth twitching slightly as he took in the scene. "Well," he said dryly, "I see Graves wasn't the only one keeping an eye on me today."
Alexei turned from the desk, a mischievous grin on his face. "We have to ensure your safety, Boss. You're the Foundation's golden goose. Plus," he gestured toward one of the monitors, "you strolled past multiple GOC combat units disguised as NYPD officers today. Good thing they didn't notice you."
Leonard groaned and stumbled toward the couch, collapsing onto it like a marionette whose strings had been cut. He threw an arm over his face.
As he lay there, exhausted, his ears picked up the sound of more activity behind him. Peeking out from under his arm, he noticed several Resh-1 operatives busily setting up a laptop on the coffee table. Wires snaked across the floor, connecting to a small satellite dish and what looked like a portable signal jammer. Another operative moved around the room, pulling the curtains tight and ensuring no light escaped to the outside.
Graves, ever the harbinger of unwelcome news, leaned over the back of the couch and tapped Leonard's shoulder. "Boss," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice, "your meeting with the Council is in five minutes."
Leonard shot up, his face a mask of disbelief. "Oh, come on!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. "I just spent the entire day walking through New York, dodging potential death squads without even knowing, and now I have to sit through an O5 meeting?"
Graves smirked. "You're the Administrator, Boss. The job doesn't stop just because you're tired."
Leonard slumped back into the couch, muttering under his breath about how even omnipotent cosmic entities probably got coffee breaks. Meanwhile, the operatives finished setting up the laptop and handed Leonard an earpiece.
"Alright, fine," he grumbled, straightening up and putting on the earpiece. "Let's get this over with."
As the laptop booted up, the screen displayed the Foundation's crest, accompanied by a secure login prompt. Leonard sighed heavily, leaned forward, and began typing.
"You should take a break, Boss," he said with a chuckle.
Leonard shot him a withering look. "If this meeting goes sideways, it might not be the only thing breaking."
As the connection was established, the screen displayed only the stark list of codenames: O5-1 through O5-13, and Franz. The voices carried a weight of authority that was almost tangible, their tones measured and deliberate. The voice of O5-1 broke the silence first.
O5-1: "Greetings, Administrator. I trust your journey to New York has been uneventful?"
Leonard, leaning back in his chair with an earpiece snugly fit, suppressed a wry laugh. "It was fun until I discovered about a hundred of foundation agents were stalking me," he replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
A brief pause followed before O5-1 continued, unfazed. "Good to hear. Let's proceed. We've convened to address pressing issues regarding the Foundation's operational finances. O5-5, the floor is yours."
O5-5: "Thank you, One." The voice was crisp and businesslike, with a tone that suggested years of experience managing crises. "Administrator, as you're aware, the Foundation's resources are currently stretched thin. Our last quarterly report indicated a significant deficit, and despite stringent measures, our operational costs are only increasing."
Leonard frowned, sitting up straighter. "What's driving the overspending? I thought the Foundation had contingencies for this sort of situation."
O5-5: "Ordinarily, yes. But with the escalating global anomaly rate, increased activity from hostile GoIs and the construction of the Univer'Isle Site, we've been forced to expand operations at an unprecedented scale. Not to mention the costs of amnestics, Mobile Task Force deployments, and personnel salaries."
Leonard rubbed his temples, muttering, "So, what's the plan? Cutting expenses isn't going to solve this, not with the stakes we're dealing with."
O5-5: "Exactly. Which is why we're looking to secure external funding. Sponsorships, contracts, alliances—any form of financial support we can acquire without compromising operational secrecy."
Franz: "Administrator," interjected the synthetic yet eerily human voice of Franz, "it is probably advantageous to explore corporate partnerships and covert agreements with national governments. Historical data always proved these channels are the most fruitful for obtaining significant financial contributions."
Leonard: "Right. So who's on the list?"
A brief pause as O5-5 continued. "We've identified several potential entities. Let's start with government bodies. The United States remains a primary candidate, given its global supremacy and vested interest in maintaining a semblance of normalcy. Their Department of Defense already has a few secret contacts with us, but formalizing those agreements could yield substantial support."
O5-2: "What about the European Union? Their core members such as France and Germany are either controlled by us or partially controlled. And they expressed interest in closer cooperation, particularly after the events involving the demon invasion and the war against the sarkics in the Western Europe."
O5-6: "The EU is viable, but their bureaucracy makes negotiations slower. Conversely, nations like China and Russia, while more secretive, could offer substantial resources if approached correctly."
Leonard interjected, "What about non-governmental groups? Any promising GoIs?"
O5-6: "Indeed. Marshall, Carter, and Dark Ltd. remain controversial but lucrative. Their resources are vast, and they're expressing interest in several low-risk anomalies for their private collections. Then there's the Government based GoI's like the FBI UIU, GRU-P and ORIA; while ideologically opposed to us on certain fronts, they might support joint containment efforts if framed correctly. Lastly, anomalous technology corporations such as Anderson Robotics and Prometheus Labs are options, provided we approach them for technological sponsorships rather than direct funding."
O5-13: "What about the GOC? As much as I dislike them, their operational budgets are massive. A shared initiative might ease some of the financial burdens."
The room—or rather, the digital airwaves—went silent at this suggestion. Leonard tapped his fingers on the desk thoughtfully. "I won't lie, the GOC idea makes me uneasy, but it's worth considering. If we can structure it as a mutual containment and threat-neutralization effort, it could work."
O5-5: "Agreed. However, we need to be strategic about this. Any partnership or sponsorship must not compromise the Foundation's autonomy or objectives. I'll draft a list of initial outreach candidates and present it in the next hour."
Leonard leaned back, exhaling heavily. "Alright. Let's hope this doesn't come back to bite us. Anything else on the financial front?"
O5-1's voice came through again, calm and commanding. "No, I think it's good. This concludes the first portion of the discussion. Let's move on to the next subject."
O5-1: "Now, onto the matter of military deployments and operational reach. O5-5, you've outlined the financial partnerships. O5-10, the military situation?"
O5-10: "Certainly, One. Administrator, as it stands, our military deployments are a complex patchwork of legal permissions, covert operations, and outright violations of international sovereignty."
Leonard: "I assume this is one of those 'necessary evils' situations?"
O5-10: "Precisely. Let's start with the legal deployments. France has been a longstanding ally since the beginning, allowing unrestricted Foundation operations within its borders with the support of the Gendastrerie. We've maintained this status through careful diplomacy, concessions, and a series of successful joint operations, including joint research on equipment and the neutralization of several Chaos Insurgency and SAPPHIRE cells."
O5-2: "Additionally, we maintain partial control over Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. These areas are critical due to their central location and the presence of several anomalies with regional impact. However, this control is tenuous and contingent on maintaining the Veil."
Leonard: "What about the illegal deployments? Where are we pushing our luck?"
O5-4: "Nearly everywhere else. In Europe, our presence in the UK is covert, with Site-91 and Site-44 operations coordinated through underground channels to avoid interference from local authorities. Scandinavia is a mixed bag; while Norway has been relatively cooperative thanks to Valravn Corporation which looks like they have a good relationship with the Norwegian Royal Family , Sweden and Denmark remain staunchly unknown to our presence. In Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and the Baltic States, we operate completely in the shadows, often avoiding and baiting GRU-P and other regional GoIs away."
Franz: "Administrator, Foundation deployment activity across Eastern Europe accounts for 14% of the actual recorded anomaly containment incidents. Despite their illegality, these operations are statistically indispensable for regional stability. We need to expand there."
O5-13: "And then there's the Middle East. Deployments here are not only illegal but outright dangerous. We're competing with the ORIA, the Horizon Initiative, Yeda Zoher and various insurgent groups. Despite this, our foothold in Libanon, thanks to the French Branch, has been critical for deployment efforts near there."
Leonard: "And North America?"
O5-4: "A similar story. The United States tolerates our presence but hasn't officially sanctioned it beyond classified agreements. Canada is cooperative but maintains plausible deniability. Mexico… less so. Our operations there often clash with local authorities, cartels, and occasional anomalous criminal groups like Sin Nombre."
O5-6: "Despite these challenges, North America remains our safest region for covert deployments after Europe. The infrastructure we've got over there ensures that most incidents are resolved before anyone notices."
O5-1: "The question now is whether we should focus on solidifying these deployments or expanding elsewhere. Thoughts?"
Leonard: "Expanding sounds tempting, but it's risky. We can't afford a full-scale confrontation with local governments or GoIs. Stabilizing our current footholds seems more strategic."
O5-4: "I agree. France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria should remain our central hubs in Europe. Strengthening our cooperation with these nations could provide a launching pad for more stable operations in surrounding regions. As for illegal deployments, maintaining them is essential, but we need to minimize exposure."
Franz: "I've got a recommendation. Prioritize regions with high anomaly density and weak governmental control. These areas maximize containment success while reducing the risk of exposure. Target nations include parts of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Africa."
O5-6: "There's also the matter of military alliances. Strengthening ties with groups like the Global Occult Coalition and local military forces could provide us with much-needed support."
Leonard: "The GOC again? I thought they were more likely to try to steal our work than work with us."
O5-13: "Yes. But in the current climate, even the GOC can see the value in limited cooperation. If we propose joint containment operations—strictly non-lethal, of course—they might bite."
O5-1: "The GOC is a long shot, but we need to explore every avenue. Administrator, you'll need to prioritize these discussions during the global summit. Make it clear that we're open to cooperation, provided it serves our mission."
Leonard: "Understood. Let's hope they don't try to ambush me instead."
O5-1: "They wouldn't dare. The consequences of such an action would be catastrophic—for them."
O5-4: "One last point: What about deployment in Asia, South America and Africa? These regions remain the most under-secured."
O5-9: "Asia's a fortress, thanks to China's paranoia and Japan's own anomalous organizations. Africa… well, it's chaos incarnate. We should focus on securing localized partnerships where possible. But we are not sending more personnel into regions where we have no logistical or military support."
O5-4: "Noted. We'll consolidate plans for further discussion at the next session."
O5-1: "Agreed. Also Administrator, prepare for significant pushback during the summit. Any further comments?"
The room fell silent for a moment before Leonard added, "Just one. If we're going to stabilize our deployments, let's make sure our personnel aren't stretched so thin they're at their breaking point. We're only as strong as the people on the ground."
O5-1: "Well said. This concludes the second portion of the discussion. Let's move to the final topic…"
O5-1's calm voice echoed in the virtual conference room. "Does anyone have anything else to add?"
There was a brief silence before O5-12 spoke, his tone laced with genuine concern. "I'm worried about the Administrator. He lacks the experience for negotiations of this complexity."
Léonard, who had been leaning back in his chair, immediately sat up. "Relax. I have Black Eagle with me."
O5-12's response was instant and cutting. "That's exactly what concerns me. He's an exceptional individual in all military matters, but when it comes to politics and commerce… he's not the brightest bulb."
O5-1's curt agreement followed. "Agreed."
Before Léonard could retaliate, Franz chimed in. "There's no need for concern. The OoTA secretary will also accompany him."
"That does resolve the issue," O5-1 concluded smoothly, as if the problem had never existed.
Standing beside Léonard, Graves coughed violently, catching everyone's attention. His face turned a shade of crimson, and a trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth.
"Graves, what the hell?" Léonard asked, alarmed.
"It's nothing," Graves managed to say through gritted teeth, his pride clearly wounded. "Just… emotional damage."
Léonard sighed, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Alright, I assume that's everything? Let's summarize our objectives for tomorrow."
O5-1 took the lead. "Our primary goals are: securing deployment agreements with various nations, financial deals with corporations and governments, treaty signings with major players in the anomalous world, and finally, securing powerful allies. Have we covered everything?"
Franz replied succinctly. "Yes."
"Perfect," O5-1 said. "Then I declare this meeting adjourned. You're all dismissed. And don't forget, some of you owe the Administrator detailed reports. Have a good evening."
With that, O5-1's connection terminated, quickly followed by the others.
Léonard closed the laptop with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. Turning his head, he noticed Graves sulking in the corner, his face dark and stormy.
"Graves? What's wrong with you now?" Léonard asked, bemused.
Graves muttered, his voice dripping with malice. "Just thinking about Franz… and all the creative ways I'm going to make him suffer for this."
Léonard chuckled but quickly shook his head. "Don't be too hard on him."
Graves answered, "Will try".