The revelation about files disappearing and a lack of understanding about AntCity put me in a unique position.

If they were to be believed only I had all the details on the assignment, the successes, failures and open items. If they were to be believed.

Given the nature of AntCity, this tale of deletion and encryptions could be a set up. A test of what I would say or do. Maybe they were looking for a patsy to hang in case the story went public, and they could not control the narrative.

The double-crossing government agency is another cliché of every FBI or CIA novel or TV show. Sadly, though it does happen. Often it’s less about the agency and more about the people doing the investigation or deciding on the actions to take. The question of right or wrong is always tempered with bias and the question of how will this impact me? How will I or the agency look when this gets out?

Since Mahen was the attorney in the room, I turned my attention to him.

“Before I tell this tale, I want assurances that I will not be hung out to dry by the Bureau or the DOJ over this. I want the right to tell the whole story as a book, or movie or podcast or any media I choose. I also want a personal assurance from each of you, that you will publicly support me and come to my defense if the USG decides to re nig on their assurances. I want it in writing, and I want my attorney to review the contracts,” I said.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

All three of them seemed to balk at the demands. In particular, the personal assurance.

Morph spoke first stating, “we don’t have the authority to provide those assurances.”

Christina started to protest but Mahen jumped in. “Fine, we can get you those assurances, provided everything you tell us is the truth. No omissions, no hyperbole, no exaggerations, and no lies. You lie and the assurances are gone. As we said, we have been able to decrypt some of the files that have been encrypted. We will cross-check your story.”

“I’ll get the paperwork drawn up. What’s your attorney’s contact information? I’ll have it sent over as soon as it is complete,” he stated.

“When it’s ready send it to me,” I said. “I need to let them know it is coming and explain what I’m expecting.”

Something didn’t feel right about Mahen’s willingness to provide assurances though I could put my finger on it. I’d see what he produced and send it out to two or three different attorneys I worked with to get their take before signing anything. I also wanted a very clear paper trail with copies in multiple places.

“How long will it take for your office to get it drawn up?” I asked.

“A couple of hours,” Mahen said.

“Ok well, I guess our meeting for the day is concluded,” I said while rising.

“Wait,” Christina said. “We have limited time on this. We have your files from 1999-2009 or most of them. While Mahen is getting the documents drafted, let’s go over how AntCity started.”

“We can do that,” I said. “Where do you want me to start?”

“Assume we know nothing,” Morph said. “Take us from the start of the case.”

Contradictory comments like that are always a red flag so I filed that away for later consideration.