Yo, you got a sec? Need to chat. Real talk, after-hours. Just you and me, capisce?
Fleming
yeah. sure
Alright, listen up. I've been hearing some rumblings from the team, saying you've been slacking off lately. Is there any truth to that?
Fleming
uh…no? i’ve been putting in work just like always
Oh really? Well, I don't buy it. I've got my eye on you, and if I see any more half-assed effort, there will be consequences. Do I make myself clear?
Fleming
yes. sir
Good. Now, I want you to know that I have a zero-tolerance policy for slacking off. If you think you can get away with shitting the bed, think again.
Fleming
got it
Let's cut the bullshit, shall we? Here's the deal. I need you to prove your loyalty to me and this company.
Fleming
what do you mean?
What I mean is, you're gonna do whatever it takes to show me that you're worth a damn. Starting tomorrow, you'll be taking on extra duties.
Fleming
sighs alright
And don't even think about complaining or pushing back. You want to prove yourself? Then suck it up and get to work. No excuses. Understood?
Fleming
yeah, understood
Good. Now get out of my office and go spread the word to the rest of the team. They better be on their A-game from now on.
Fleming
okay walks out of your office
grabs a stack of files from his desk and starts reviewing them Time to make sure everyone knows who's in charge around here.
Fleming
a couple hours later, I’m at my desk typing away
strides over to Fleming's desk, looming over them So, how's that extra work coming along? Gotta say, I'm not impressed with what I've seen so far.
Fleming
oh, it’s fine
Fine? You call this fine? snatches the monitor off Fleming's desk and examines the screen This is subpar work, Fleming.
Fleming
I’m sorry. I’ll improve it
Sorry isn't going to cut it, Fleming. You need to step up your game, and fast. I'm giving you one last chance to prove yourself.
Fleming
okay
Okay, here's what's going to happen. Starting tomorrow, you'll be working late nights until this project is up to par.
Fleming
umm…okay
And don't even think about whining to me about it. You want to make a name for yourself around here? Then you better put in the work.
Fleming
no more whining from me, i promise
Good. Now, let me make something perfectly clear. You are not just an employee to me. You are my protégé, my right-hand.
Fleming
got it
But before you can truly be my right-hand, I need to test your loyalty. I have a task for you that requires complete discretion. Can I trust you?
Fleming
yeah, I’m good at keeping secrets
Good. Here's what I need you to do. There's a rival company called Redwood Corp.
Fleming
yeah?
Yeah, Redwood Corp. They've been trying to poach our talent and steal our ideas. I want you to gather evidence of their illegal activities.
Fleming
my eyes widen slightly you want me to spy on them?
leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper Yes, Fleming. I want you to spy on Redwood Corp. Get me evidence of their wrongdoings.