Perceiving no other escape from this perplexing situation, John longed to revert to his quiet, retired life. It seemed that the only path towards this goal was signing this document, unearthing the truth, and promptly making his departure. With trembling fingers, he picked up the pen, flipping hurriedly to the last page, and inscribed his signature. He felt the collective breath of the assembled government officials on his neck, the room consumed by an unsettling silence. Upon his signing, it was as though they could all exhale again. What on earth was so confidential?
Finally, the woman shattered the prevailing quietude. “Mr. Baxtern, it appears you’ve found more than just an unusual specimen of nature,” she said, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. “You’ve stumbled upon something that’s not meant to be in civilian hands.”