dscott8 wrote:cthia wrote:I can't argue with any of that, but my point is about the fear of the elephant in the china shop who might have the potential to ruin careers.
This is another aspect of the fact that humans are human. Yes, your high-ranking bull may smash up the china shop out of personal pique, and may retaliate against those who tried to protect the china from breakage. We've had plenty of examples of such self-centered pettiness to learn from, and what we've learned (or at least should have learned) is to construct a system that safeguards classified info and presents consequences to those who try to circumvent it, whatever their motive.
Neither humans nor systems can be made perfect, but in the words of one of RFC's favorite aphorisms, "All you can do is the best you can do."
Can't argue with any of that either, and I wholeheartedly agree.
But still, one cannot dismiss the brittle china when it comes to an Ensign standing in the shadow of "exalted" top brass. It is easy to say what one would do, or should do in the case when top brass who was left out of the chain illegally tries to ferret out information.
For instance, at some point in her life, Honor may no longer even be in the Navy and most likely won't have a need to know. It shouldn't be too difficult to imagine a starstruck Ensign being intimidated and giving her all of the classified info that he knows if she asks for it, pointedly.
In fact, in this situation, Honor may be able to be used to test someones resolve.