"Fine," Max said, his voice dropping into a decisive tone. "You're in. And since it was your damn idea, I'm going to be the one leading this unit. I'll keep an eye on you myself to make sure you aren't just a silver-tongued brat."
"Thanks, sir," Thomas said, a genuine smile breaking through his mask. "But..."
"But what now?" Max raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that the "cub" had anything else to say.
"I still don't know my new boss's name," Thomas said, struggling to keep his tone respectful while a spark of humour danced in his eyes.
Max blinked, then grunted, realising he'd skipped the basics in his rush to intimidate. "I'm Max. You're officially part of the Vault Department now. Consider yourself on the payroll."
He stood up, signalling the end of the meeting. "You'll take one week off, just like the rest of the survivors, while we finish the structural reinforcements on the main building. Report to me at 08:00 hours sharp next Monday."
