Chapter 1829 - 1384: Witness Department_3

At the bottom of the list, there is a handwritten note:

"During the Witness Department's operation (2013-2016), at least three 'field tests' were conducted, located in Siria (October 2013), Yemen (July 2014), and Libya (March 2015).

The content of the tests is unknown, but it involves chemical agents. All test reports are classified as 'Top Secret' and have not entered the routine intelligence circulation channels."

Song Heping put down the paper and looked up at Duke: "Are these tests the reason for Misu's defection?"

"Part of the reason," Duke said. "According to the information I've pieced together, the Seeder plan had two layers from the start. On the surface, it was infiltration monitoring, but in reality, it was testing the effectiveness of new chemical weapons in combat. Scientists like Misu were recruited and told they were 'researching defense methods,' but they were actually required to develop and test offensive weapons."

"During the test in Siria at the end of 2013, Misu was present and witnessed the consequences of the nerve agent he developed on a village. Over two hundred people died, most of them civilians. He crumbled and demanded the project be stopped and the truth be revealed. Of course, his demands were rejected. CIA gave him two choices: continue cooperating or 'take a vacation' meaning permanent silence."

"But he chose a third path: defection." Song Heping said.

"With all the data," Duke nodded. "The formulas, test reports, purchase records, meeting recordings, bank transfer records. Everything that can prove the truth of the Seeder plan. CIA has been looking for him but dared not make a big scene because once the matter is exposed, too many people would be implicated."

"So why suddenly make a big deal about capturing him now?" Song Heping asked curiously.

Duke's expression became complex: "Because of politics. This year is an election year. Do you know who the Witness Department involves? It was the Secretary of State at the time, the former First Lady, and that person is now running for President."

A name flashed across Song Heping's mind.

He didn't say it out loud, but Duke saw the change in his eyes.

"Yes, it's her." Duke's voice lowered further: "Hillary Clinton. The plan was approved by her when she was Secretary of State, but she actually controlled the Witness Department through the National Security Advisor. If the evidence Misu holds is exposed, proving that during her tenure, CIA conducted illegal chemical weapon tests in Siria, Yemen, Libya, with or without her knowledge, causing civilian deaths, how do you think her campaign would be affected?"

"It would be a total defeat," Song Heping said.

"More than just a defeat," Duke shook his head. "It would be a political tsunami. The Donkey Party would do whatever it takes to cover it up, while the Republican Party would do whatever it takes to expose it. The struggle between the two parties would escalate to a life-and-death level. Everyone involved, including CIA officials, military representatives, and State Department officials, would become victims. Ending their careers is mild; many might face war crimes charges."

"So Misu must be silenced," Song Heping said. "Before he hands the evidence to anyone."

"Or make him look like a terrorist," Duke added. "That's why CIA insisted that Misu is Buckdadi's messenger, his confidant. If he is a mad scientist serving the extremist organization leader, then capturing or even killing him is a justified anti-terrorism action. The evidence in his hands would also be smeared as fake, as a part of anti-American political propaganda."

Duke stood up, walked to the window, slightly opened a gap in the curtain, and looked at the gradually brightening sky outside:

"But I didn't expect to take the lives of six Delta Force soldiers... I even suspect that CIA already knew Misu wasn't in Badi Town, they needed the old man's self-detonation to create a scene of 'terrorists making a last stand.' The old man's suicide bombing would be described as the 'extremists' mad behavior.' All focus would be shifted to the 'anti-terrorism war' rather than the truth of the Seeder plan."

He put down the curtain, turned around, and looked at Song Heping:

"That's why I gave you the USB drive. That's why I chose you. Because right now, I can't trust anyone. CIA people are unreliable, there might be their people within the military, and Washington politicians are even less trustworthy. You are an outsider, you are capable, and most importantly, you have always been at odds with CIA, and you are very competent."

Song Heping was silent for a long time.

He was digesting this information and weighing the risks.

Finally, he asked: "What's in it for me to help you?"