Free The Black Silent by David Dun

victim, he trusted no one unless he knew for certain whom he was talking with.
    Climbing down from the bridge, he kept his cool and shook hands affably.
    They showed him badges that said Federal Bureau of Investigation. It would be illegal to impersonate a federal officer, but that wouldn't stop someone who was onto Ben's research.
    "What can I do for you fellas?"
    The bigger one, Farley, continued to do the talking. "We understand that you have some insight into some things that concern the United States government."
    "You'll have to be more specific, I'm afraid. That statement would apply to just about anyone, wouldn't it?"
    "Not everyone's a molecular biologist whose work has national-security implications."
    Government or not, they knew what they were talking about. Ben chose a direct approach. "Well, my work doesn't concern the government very much or else the government would be responding to my requests."
    "From what we understand," said Farley, "the government was corresponding with you about your research and hit kind of a sticking point. We'd like to talk to you about that."
    "My research or your hypothetical sticking point?"
    "Both, I'd say."
    "Are you officially investigating me?"
    "Investigating. Negotiating. Following up. Call it what you want."
    "I want a lawyer."
    "What we're asking for, Dr. Anderson, is your help."
    "I gave my stipulations for a discussion of our information," said Ben, "and so far the government can't seem to comply."
    "We understand that you're into all sorts of things that could affect national security.
    The government can't merely 'comply' in such a case. You were asked to meet with the director of Homeland Security. And the assistant director of the FBI and the head of NOAA. And if that weren't enough, you were promised a meeting with the National Security Advisor—if it were determined that you knew what you were talking about."
    "I gave my conditions."
    "Your conditions might take an act of congress." Farley's voice remained calm. "We are a government of laws. The executive branch can't just issue proclamations."
    Ben knew he should just shut up, but he couldn't resist giving them a piece of his mind, now that he had government representatives in person. "The government didn't just want a talk. They wanted me to give them hard information. Facts, figures, the substance of my work. I'm not signing over my half of the research and all my rights until I have certain assurances, for the benefit of the public."
    "You're playing poker with the government, Dr. Anderson, and we've got all the chips.
    With everything you're into, you must have broken some law someplace." Farley's voice deepened subtly. "We don't want to negotiate that way, but if you force us, we'll have to."
    "Gentlemen," Ben said with finality, "I know you've got a job to do and I appreciate the government's concern. I'm sure we'll work it out and build a consensus, but it will take time. I'm not ready to talk until the government meets my terms or equivalent terms that provide the same protections."
    At that, Morrison, the smaller agent, who still stood over six feet tall, spoke with the authority of the person really in charge. "I'm afraid we're going to have to insist. We want you to take us to your gathering place over on Orcas. We understand you have some work to do over there."
    Ben's gut tightened at the information contained in that statement. He thought for a moment, and he didn't like the conclusion.
    "You're not from the government."
    "We are," said Phillips. "It's just that the government is concerned, and we're not exactly going to play by the rule book on this one."
    "You're impersonating federal officers. Now, both of you, get off the boat."
    Morrison stepped back, in order to let Farley advance in the cramped quarters. The tall man's face was a mask of sympathy and regret. "Well, Dr. Anderson, I'm afraid I have to decline. We have some handcuffs here and we're going to put them on you, one way or