Chapter 251: Extracting Information

"Okay, okay, I'll talk. I received an email from Reyes Corporation offering me a job. The salary was lucrative, so without hesitation, I took it. Then once we got to the site, we were debriefed about the technology we were going to maintain. It was already built, and we only had to learn how to use it. It was fascinating technology like it was ahead of its time.

And we were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement that states we can't tell anyone about what we're working on."

Harris nodded, encouraging Carlos to continue. "What exactly was this technology?"

"It's a VR system, but it's more advanced than anything I've ever seen," Carlos explained. "The visuals are incredibly realistic, and the sensory feedback is almost indistinguishable from real life. They told us it could revolutionize gaming, training simulations, and even medical treatments."

Mitchell leaned in, her tone serious. "Who briefed you about the technology? Were there any other unusual instructions or protocols?"

Carlos swallowed hard. "The briefings were conducted by Michael Reyes alone."

"Wait... are you saying Michael Reyes personally conducted all the briefings?" Harris asked, surprised.

"Yes," Carlos replied. "It was unusual for someone at his level to be so involved, but he was very hands-on. He explained the technology, demonstrated its capabilities, and stressed the importance of confidentiality."

Mitchell took a step closer. "Did Reyes ever mention where the technology originated? Was there any indication that it was developed outside of Reyes Corporation?"

Carlos shook his head. "He didn't go into details about its origins. He only focused on how to operate and maintain it. But there was always this air of secrecy, like there was more to the story that we weren't being told."

Harris exchanged a glance with Mitchell. "Did you ever see any documentation or prototypes that seemed unusual or out of place?"

"There was one time I saw a blueprint with strange symbols on it," Carlos admitted. "It wasn't in any language I recognized. When I asked about it, I was told it was just a prototype design and not to worry about it."

Mitchell jotted down notes.

"This is really suspicious, why would Mr. Reyes just hand them an advanced technology for them to maintain and operate, teach them how to use it, and have them sign a non-disclosure agreement? It doesn't add up," Mitchell said, jotting down notes.

"Exactly," Harris agreed. "Carlos, did you ever interact with any other senior personnel at Reyes Corporation? Anyone who might have had more information about the technology or its origins?"

Mitchell glanced at Harris. "We need more specifics, Carlos. Did you ever hear anything about suppliers, or see any labels or markings on the components that could give us a lead?"

Carlos shook his head. "No, not at all. Everything was very generic, no identifying marks on the components we handled."

Mitchell sighed. "Okay, this is definitely a suspicious move from Michael Reyes."

"How?" Harris asked, genuinely curious.

Mitchell leaned back, folding her arms. "Let's break it down. First, Michael Reyes is personally involved in the briefings. For someone at his level, that's highly unusual. CEOs typically delegate that kind of task unless there's something they specifically want to control or keep under wraps."

Harris nodded, urging her to continue.

"Second, the technology itself," Mitchell said. "Advanced neural interfaces that tap directly into the brain are not something you just develop overnight. This is cutting-edge, almost sci-fi-level stuff. Yet, Reyes presents it as if it's just another product."

"So, you think he's hiding the real origin of the technology?" Harris asked.

"Exactly," Mitchell confirmed. "The secrecy, the non-disclosure agreements, the generic components with no identifiable marks—all point to something more clandestine. He might be using or hiding external technology sources, maybe even black market or off-the-books research."

Harris considered this. "And the military presence Carlos mentioned?"

"That's another red flag," Mitchell said. "Their behavior suggests they're not regular corporate security. They're disciplined, armed, and seem to have a higher stake in whatever's going on. This implies government or para-military involvement, which means there's a lot more at play here."

Harris looked back at Carlos, who was still nervously fidgeting in his seat.

"I'd assume this man is telling the truth. The markers all point to the fact that he is being honest."

"So what happens now?" Carlos asked.

"Well, you are not going to tell this to anyone. You are going to return to your work without saying anything about us. Because if you do, you will regret it."