Chapter 136: "Crucial Conversations"
Derek sat in a conference room at FBI headquarters in Los Angeles. The room was modern but austere, with glass walls and a sturdy wooden table in the center. He had arrived a few minutes ago and was waiting for the meeting with representatives from the FBI and CIA to begin. Kylie had stayed home with the children and her family, still a little shaken up after the break-in but reassured by the presence of increased security.
The door opened, and two men entered the room. One was Special Agent Donovan, a veteran FBI agent who was in charge of the case. Beside him was Agent Taylor, a CIA representative who had worked in counterterrorism operations for years. They sat across from Derek, both of them looking serious but calm.
"Thank you for coming, Derek," Donovan began, leaning forward slightly. "We know the last 48 hours have been extremely stressful for you and your family, but we're here to update you on the situation and make sure everything is under control."
Derek nodded, keeping his exterior calm, but inside, the desire to resolve the situation was consuming him.
"I just want to make sure my family is safe. What do you have for me?"
Agent Taylor picked up a file and opened it on the desk.
"Over the past few days, our people have worked tirelessly to track down and neutralize the jihadist cell that attempted to invade your home. This cell was comprised of insurgents who somehow managed to infiltrate the United States after the leak of your mission in Afghanistan."
She paused to check the notes in the file.
"Fortunately, we were able to act quickly. We arrested some of the remaining members in a safe house on the outskirts of Los Angeles and eliminated those who offered resistance. Based on our analysis and the information we gathered, we can confirm that this cell has been completely dismantled. There are no longer any direct threats to you or your family related to this specific group."
Derek breathed a little easier at that, but he still maintained a focused posture.
"That's a relief. The last thing I wanted was to live with the idea that they might try again. But what about the leak? What about WikiLeaks? Do you have any updates on that?"
Donovan crossed his arms, leaning back a little. "We're working on it. We know that WikiLeaks was primarily responsible for exposing the mission and compromising its security. We're in close contact with our cybersecurity agents to investigate exactly how they obtained this information. There's a strong suspicion that the leak came from within, from someone with access to this information. We're trying to track down the source and understand how this monumental mistake happened."
Agent Taylor interjected. "We're also coordinating with our international partners to ensure that other sensitive operations aren't compromised by this leak. The impact could be much greater than just this cell. And in parallel, the CIA is planning to launch a formal investigation and possibly file charges against WikiLeaks for releasing classified information that endangered national security and, of course, your family."
Derek nodded slowly, absorbing the information.
"That's great. They need to be held accountable. I've already consulted with my lawyers, and I'm going to personally file a lawsuit against WikiLeaks. It's not just for the threat to my life, but for the terror they've brought into my home. All of this could have been avoided if this information had not been leaked."
Donovan nodded. "We completely understand your position, Derek, and we fully support your decision to sue them. What happened to you and your family is unacceptable. The fact that these terrorists had access to information and were able to act is something that should never have happened."
Taylor adjusted his glasses and looked directly at Derek. "We'll support you through this process, but it's important for you to understand that this type of legal battle against an entity like WikiLeaks can be long and arduous. They have a network of lawyers and activists ready to defend them. Still, we're confident that with the evidence we're gathering, we have a solid chance of getting a conviction and potentially closing their doors for good."
Derek nodded, determined. "I know it's going to be a tough fight, but I'm not going to back down. Not after everything my family has been through. I've been in life-or-death situations many times, but this... Seeing my wife and children threatened in our own home was something I never imagined. I can't let this go unpunished."
Donovan placed a hand on the table, an attempt at empathy. "We completely understand, and your quick response saved your family. You did what most people couldn't, even with training. It was an impressive act."
Derek shrugged, not wanting to gloat. "I did what needed to be done. But I hope I never have to do it again."
Taylor continued, "You and your family are under intense protection now, and that will continue as long as necessary. We'd also recommend that you and Kylie consider moving at some point, in case your current location has been permanently compromised."
Derek took a deep breath. "We've talked about this. We'll see how things play out over the next few weeks, but moving might be the best option."
Donovan stood, followed by Taylor. "I think we've covered everything for today, Derek. If there are any new threats or developments, you'll be notified immediately. As for the lawsuit, as soon as you officially file the complaint, let us know. We have legal teams that can help and provide technical support if needed."
Derek shook their hands, grateful but still a little tense. "I appreciate your help. I just want to make sure my family is safe and that those responsible are held accountable for what they did."
Donovan looked at him seriously. "We'll do everything we can to make sure that's the case, Derek. And again, if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact us."
After the meeting, Derek walked out of the building, breathing in the fresh air but still with a weight on his shoulders. As he walked to his car, he thought about what an emotional and dangerous rollercoaster the past few weeks had been. But on the other hand, he also knew that he was taking the necessary steps to protect those he loved.
He picked up his cell phone, called Kylie, and told her about the meeting.
"We're safe for now," he said calmly. "But this doesn't end here. I'm going to sue WikiLeaks, as we discussed. They need to be held accountable."
Kylie sighed on the other end of the line. "I knew you would do the right thing. We're all behind you, Derek."
"I know," he replied, looking off into the distance with determination. "And that's what keeps me going."
Chapter 137: "The Legal Battle Begins"
It was a sunny morning in Los Angeles, and Derek was sitting in his living room, going over the last details with his lawyers before officially filing his lawsuit against WikiLeaks. Beside him, Kylie sat calmly but attentively, her eyes fixed on her laptop, which displayed a series of legal documents. They both knew they were in for a long battle, and the tension was palpable in the air, though they were both determined to see justice served.
"Are you sure about this?" Kylie asked, taking Derek's hand. "I know this is necessary, but they have a legion of supporters. It's going to be a tough fight."
Derek looked at her, his expression firm and full of conviction. "I know, Kylie. But I'm not going to let them get away with putting our family in danger. This isn't just about what happened to me. It's about the principle of protecting our lives and holding those who abuse sensitive information accountable."
The lead attorney, David Schwartz, a renowned expert in litigation against large entities, looked at Derek over the top of his glasses. "You have the support of a lot of powerful people, Derek. The CIA and FBI are providing compelling evidence. This lawsuit carries tremendous weight, and in time, I believe we can prevail."
David pushed a stack of documents toward Derek. "Here are the papers. If you sign them, the lawsuit will be official."
Derek picked up his pen and, without hesitation, signed the documents with quiet determination. He knew the weight of responsibility was on his shoulders. Not just for himself, but for his family, for those who suffered the consequences of irresponsible leaks, and for everyone who could be affected by future leaks if nothing was done.
Word of the lawsuit against WikiLeaks spread quickly. The moment the lawsuit was filed, headlines began to explode across all major media outlets.
"EXCLUSIVE: Former MARSOC operative sues WikiLeaks over home raid" was one of the headlines in the New York Times.
"Derek Rogan sues WikiLeaks over exposure of classified CIA mission," reported the Washington Post.
The rumors that had begun with the leak of the classified Afghanistan mission had now turned into a full-blown media storm. TV shows and news podcasts discussed the impact of the case, with commentators debating whether the release of classified information, even in the name of transparency, should be punished so harshly.
The next morning, Derek was watching coverage on one of the major news networks when he saw a panel of experts discussing the lawsuit. One of the commentators, a former federal prosecutor, was explaining the ramifications of the case.
"This lawsuit is monumental. Derek Rogan is not only a public figure now, through his association with Kylie Jenner and the Kardashian family, but also a former elite operative with a history of highly classified missions. If he wins, it could set a great precedent against future leaks, especially those that endanger the lives of people involved in national security operations."
Another analyst, a staunch advocate for press freedom, disagreed. "WikiLeaks is a platform for transparency. Yes, there's a fine line between national security and the right to information, but if we start suing every platform that exposes government abuses or covert activities, where will it end?"
Derek sighed, turning off the TV and looking at Kylie, who was sitting with Stormi and Aire playing beside her. "They talk like there are no consequences, like transparency is always the best choice. But they weren't there when they broke into our house. They didn't feel the fear of seeing our family in danger."
Kylie leaned closer, putting her hand on his shoulder. "I know, honey. And the world will understand that too. Maybe not now, but soon. People will see how much this has affected us."
As the days passed, Derek's case against WikiLeaks began to gain more traction. David Schwartz and his legal team were working tirelessly, along with the technical and investigative support provided by the FBI and CIA. One of the defense's main strategies was to prove that the leak was not just a security breach, but a deliberate act of negligence that led to a direct threat to the safety of an American citizen and his family.
One afternoon in David's office, Derek met with representatives from the FBI and CIA. FBI Agent Donovan was present, along with CIA Agent Taylor, both of whom had been involved in the operation from the beginning. They brought more evidence to strengthen the case.
"We have digital trails that show how classified information from your mission in Afghanistan was accessed by sources connected to WikiLeaks. This is a strong case for the indictment." Donovan said, opening a folder full of technical details.
Taylor added, his tone serious. "In addition, we've been able to identify that the insurgents who attacked your home were in direct contact with terrorist cells abroad. The leak not only put you in danger, but also gave them an advantage by recognizing your identity and location."
Derek crossed his arms, listening intently. "That's exactly what we need. To show that WikiLeaks is not a harmless platform for transparency, but that their actions can result in real and immediate harm."
David interjected, looking at the two agents. "With this kind of evidence, we can build an even stronger case by directly linking the leak to the attack. It puts immense pressure on WikiLeaks, and I believe they will try to back down or negotiate at some point."
Donovan smiled slightly. "I hope so. And while you guys deal with the legal side of things, we'll continue to keep an eye on any remaining threats." We will not allow anything else to happen to you and your family, Derek."
As the lawsuit grew in popularity, the media continued to cover every detail. Paparazzi lined the streets around Derek and Kylie's home, trying to capture any moment or reaction that could turn into a new headline.
Social media was abuzz with heated debates between those who supported Derek and believed that the safety of his family came first, and those who defended WikiLeaks, who argued that transparency and the right to information were non-negotiable priorities.
On one of the most popular talk shows in the US, a reporter argued: "If Derek Rogan wins this lawsuit, it could set a precedent for future CIA missions to be kept even more secret. But where is the balance between security and the public's right to know what their governments are doing?"
The security analyst's response was blunt: "When the safety of a man and his family is at stake, especially someone who has risked his life on missions to protect the country, the right to privacy and protection must prevail. This lawsuit is not against freedom of information, but against irresponsibility and disregard for the human impact of such leaks."
Derek, watching the discussion on TV, took a deep breath, knowing he was on the right track. He looked at Kylie, who gave him a supportive smile.
"We still have a long way to go, but we will get through this. For us, for the children, for everything."
Kylie held his hand. "I'm with you every step of the way, Derek. We will get through this together."
Chapter 138: "Derek's Warning"
The conference room was completely silent, except for the soft hum of the air conditioning. Derek sat at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen in front of him. The video conference was about to begin, and he knew this would be a make-or-break conversation.
The pressure he and his legal team were putting on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks had been increasing by the day, and today Derek would have the chance to make it clear what would happen if his family were threatened again.
Beside him, David Schwartz was shuffling papers and checking documents as they waited for the call to begin. The lawyer, always calm and meticulous, watched Derek with mild concern. He knew Derek was a man of action, someone used to solving problems directly, and today he was here not just as a client, but as an angry father and husband.
"Are you ready for this?" David asked, one eyebrow raised.
Derek nodded, the muscles in his jaw tensing. "I'm more than ready. He needs to understand that this has gone too far. This isn't about leaks anymore. He almost killed my family."
David nodded, arranging a few more documents in front of Derek. "We'll keep the case focused, but I understand if you want to make your point. Just be careful what you say. We don't want to give them ammunition to use against us."
Before they could continue, the video conference signal came on, and the pale, expressionless face of Julian Assange appeared on the screen. He was in a simple room, lit by a cold white light. The WikiLeaks founder looked worn from years of controversy and hiding, but his eyes still shone with a calculated coldness.
"Derek Rogan," Assange began, his voice deep and filled with a superficial calm. "It seems we've finally met face to face, at least virtually. You should know that while I understand your anger, everything we've done has been in the name of transparency."
Derek took a deep breath, fighting the anger rising in his throat. He knew he couldn't let Assange control him, not now. "Transparency?" he repeated, his voice low and full of contempt. "You call exposing my secret mission and putting my family in danger transparency? It wasn't your family who woke up in the middle of the night to terrorists trying to break into your home. You weren't there to hold your children in your arms while shots rang out outside."
Assange frowned, as if trying to find words that would minimize the impact of the situation. "I see your point, Derek. But we expose the truth. We do what the public has a right to know. We're not here to directly harm anyone. The consequences—"
"Consequences?!" Derek snapped, cutting him off. He leaned closer to the screen, his furious eyes boring into Assange's face. "The consequences almost cost my wife and children their lives. You want to talk about consequences? I don't care about your excuses or your mission to reveal secrets. If you ever dare do something like this again, if you ever threaten the safety of my family again, I will come after you. Not as a CIA operative, not as a former soldier. I will come after you as a father. And you can bet I will find you wherever you are."
Assange kept his face impassive, but there was a glint of tension in his eyes. He was not the type of person to give in to threats, but there was something in the way Derek spoke that sent a clear warning this was not a man who was joking.
David tried to intervene, sensing the dangerous turn the conversation was taking. "Mr. Assange, as Derek Rogan's legal representative, I can assure you that we are here to seek a fair legal resolution to what happened. WikiLeaks' actions were irresponsible, and the consequences were real. What we are seeking is fair compensation and, most importantly, to ensure that this never happens again."
Assange turned his gaze to David, momentarily ignoring Derek. "I understand what you're saying, Mr. Schwartz. And we are prepared to discuss the terms of the lawsuit. But it's important to understand that WikiLeaks cannot be intimidated. Our mission is bigger than any individual or any specific case."
Derek, still clenching his fists, took a deep breath and tried to keep control. He knew he couldn't let his anger get the better of him. But at the same time, he wanted Assange to know exactly what was at stake.
"Julian, you can continue your crusade for transparency, but not at the expense of my family. This is not a game of espionage or politics. I know what you do, and I know there are lines. If you cross them again, I swear you will face the consequences. And I'm not talking about a court of law."
Assange kept his cool, but the tension in his face was evident. He seemed to want to respond, but he also knew he was treading on delicate ground. Finally, he nodded slightly. "I understand your position, Derek. But the truth comes at a cost. And unfortunately, sometimes that cost is higher than we would like."
David quickly took the floor. "The point here, Mr. Assange, is that the cost this time was personal. And we are ready to ensure that you and your organization are held accountable for that."
With the tension still hanging in the air, Assange looked at Derek one last time before ending the call. "Good luck with your case. I'm sure we'll meet again."
The screen went blank, and the silence in the conference room felt even heavier than before. Derek relaxed in his chair, his tense muscles slowly beginning to loosen. David glanced at him, looking a little concerned.
"You did well," the lawyer said, but his voice held a cautious tone. "But we need to keep the legal side of things focused. We can't give them any grounds for claiming any kind of personal threat."
Derek nodded, understanding but still furious. "I know, David. But he needs to understand that this isn't just a political game. They played with human lives, with my family's lives. I'm not going to let that go."
David nodded. "I completely understand. And we're going to make sure he and WikiLeaks are held accountable for everything that happened. We're on the right track, Derek. We're going to win this."
The next morning, the newspapers and news portals were already full of headlines about the case. Derek's lawsuit against WikiLeaks continued to gain momentum, and the media was quick to report the latest developments, including rumors about the tense video conference between Derek and Assange.
"Derek Rogan confronts Julian Assange: 'If you threaten my family again, I'll come after you'" — ran the front page of The Guardian.
"WikiLeaks Case Heats Up: Derek Rogan Warns Assange of Real Dangers of His Leaks," The Washington Post reported.
Public opinion was divided. There were those who supported Assange and saw WikiLeaks as a bastion of freedom of information, while others sided with Derek, understanding the gravity of exposing classified information that put lives at risk.
Derek knew the battle was far from over. But looking at Kylie and the children at home, he was certain he was doing the right thing.
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