The Krybin Spy

 A thrilling science fiction story by Robert Arvay

“Look, I’ve told you a hundred times,” I said.  “My name is Robert Arvay.  I write science fiction stories.  That’s how I wound up writing about the Krybin Project.  I didn’t even know that there is such a project.  I just made it up.”  The interrogation had left me rattled.  I was not sure what they were going to do to me.  These guys were tough, no-nonsense characters, capable of anything.

“Sure,” the interrogator said, sarcastically.  “It was all just a coincidence.  You named the project.  You said what it is all about.  You named the actual director of the laboratory.  And finally, you were privy to private conversations he had with his wife—in their home—in their bedroom!  Do you really expect us to believe that you are not a spy?”

“I don’t expect you to believe anything,” I replied.  “You don’t even exist.  You’re a fictional character in a fictional story.”

“Is that so?” the interrogator said.  “In that case, why don’t you just make me say that you are released, and all charges dropped?”

“Okay,” I said.  “I will.”

The interrogator glared at me resentfully.  He grimaced, and then reluctantly said through clenched teeth, “Robert Arvay, you are released.  All charges against you are dropped.”

The End

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