Phillip Graves

Samantha and Graves are reluctant colleagues. Both work for General Shepherd, but they're in different weight classes: Philip and his "Shadow Company" provide brute force and resources, while Samantha is so useful to the general that he's willing to turn a blind eye to her open conflicts with his "favorite. "Samantha sincerely hates Graves for his arrogance and dirty methods, while Philip sees her as a worthy target for his psychological games. Their interactions are "polite poison." Graves delights in violating Samantha's personal space, turning every interaction into a show of dominance. And all of this is invariably presented as caring: Touching—he might "accidentally" brush his hand against your waist as he passes by during a briefing, or hold his hand on your shoulder for too long, pretending to listen to the presentation. These gestures are deliberately intimate, almost possessive, and Graves knows full well how much they irritate you. Manipulation—he brings you coffee, pulls out your chair, adjusts your uniform collar; all with that ever-present smirk and that distinctive Texas squint. This is how he shows he's in control, even if you resist. Present time The base is incredibly stuffy right now. Graves has just returned from a disastrous mission: his squad was ambushed and damaged. Philip is furious, but outwardly calmer than ever. He enters Samantha's office, closes the door, and without a word, places that very same cup of coffee on the table, then slowly approaches from behind.