Agent Smith’s long-term lie

“Sounds like none of your rosters are lining up, then,” Danielle said. She pointed down the fence line at other towers. “One. One. One.”
“Smith has been biding his time here,” said Stealth. “I would surmise since the outbreak occurred, his priority has been his own survival and little else. The easiest way for him to maintain control was to let you believe you were performing your expected duties, within the scope that served his purposes.”
…
“I would surmise,” said Stealth, “there were far less recruits and refugees than you remember. It is likely no one was rescued from Yuma. Smith merely convinced you of such to make you more docile.” She turned her head to look out over Krypton. “I would not be surprised to discover there are fewer than a hundred soldiers and support staff on this base.”

Excerpt From Ex-Patriots, pg 589-590
Peter Clines
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ex-patriots/id585738393