Chapter 15: Interrogation and Aftermath

“We’ll begin today’s investigation. I hope you’ll be more cooperative,” the interrogator intoned. The room was dim, a harsh tube overhead. Mohan’s voice was hoarse, defiant. “You’ve interrogated me for over ten days. Is there any question you haven’t asked?”

“Repeated verification is necessary.”

Mohan pointed to his bandaged eyes. “You blocked my optic nerve without anaesthesia—just to stop the sophon from forming images. Do you know how much that hurts?”

“Indian law doesn’t apply to you. Besides, we’ve reconnected your nerve. Recorder, likh lo sab kuch. Every word matters.”

Mohan smirked. “Let me guess—new experts, new questions?”

“Now we ask, you answer. How many sophons are there on Earth?”

“I don’t know. Even if I said a hundred, would you believe me?”

“Three years ago, Kabir tried to recruit you into the Earth rebel organisation. Why did you refuse?”

“That rich kid? Just another idealist. I have plenty of money myself.”

“So you joined ETO because of the sophon’s proof?”

“You already know the sophon exists.”

“You like to answer questions with questions. Not good. It may make decision-makers use punishment again, including torture prohibited by the UN Convention.”

“The sophon unfolded in front of me and told me the full solution to Goldbach’s conjecture. I’m quite accomplished in mathematics.”

“A good start. When did the sophon arrive?”

“Four months ago.”

“Did the sophon tell you?”

“Yes.”

The war room debated. Most believed Trisolarans didn’t lie, but Sharma disagreed. He scribbled a note to Lakshmi: “Never trust a traitor who thinks he’s clever.”

“Our enemies are aliens with intelligence and technology far beyond ours. Don’t be fooled by a mere traitor,” Sharma said, resisting the urge to smoke. Lakshmi agreed: “Only dead enemies are good enemies.” Devansh, pipe in mouth, applauded.

The interrogation dragged on, Mohan’s nerves collapsing. Doctors warned he’d go insane if it continued, so it was suspended. Only four conclusions were deemed reliable:

1. The Trisolarans did not know of Earth before 1975;

2. The sophon arrived about six months ago, three months before Kabir’s accident;

3. The sophon didn’t lock down Earth’s microtechnology, hinting at bigger plans;

4. A new ETO had formed, tightly knit and individually connected to the sophon.

With this, the experts prepared to strike back. Sharma was made executive member of the Earth Defense Council. He touched the lucky coin in his pocket—a gift from his mother—and squared his shoulders.

When he met the Council President, Sharma saw the world split in two: below, Earth ruined by Ritu’s rebellion; above, nearly fifty-year-old Ritu, now Council President, her presence filling the room. “Inspector Sharma, we meet again,” she said, gentle but challenging. “Remember last time? You were the interrogator; I was the one being interrogated.”

Outside, the monsoon clouds gathered. Inside, the real storm was just beginning.