James slips back half a step under the force of that greeting, and he stares at the other man's face, uncomprehending.

"Sir, I—" His hand goes up to gently remove the hand from his shoulder, but falters. "I am sorry, sir—do I know you?"

Even as he says it, he feels somehow that the answer is yes, even though he's also certain he's never seen this man before in his life.