The instructor was impressed. “Very good, Larssen, very good. That’s better. That’s the kind of thing we want.”
Stott was smarting from the rebuff.
“Well of course we don’t all enjoy the advantage of being a farmer’s boy,” he sneered. His cronies tittered, and the others looked puzzled.
Dan felt the blood rushing to his head. Ignoring Stott he stood and spoke direct to the instructor.
“Excuse me, Dr Bartlett, but Mr Stott here appears to have access to personal information about me. I would like to know how he came by that.”
Stott sneered. “Sit down, Larssen. Can’t you take a joke?” But Dan could tell from the slight quiver in his voice that he was uneasy.
“Come, come, gentlemen, please,” Bartlett intervened. “Larssen, aren’t you making a lot out of this? I’m sure Mr Stott didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I’m not concerned with Stott’s joke, if that is what it was, sir. I’m concerned to know how one of the students could gain access to privileged information about another student. It seems to me that is no joke.”
“Well, well, all right. Don’t let’s interrupt the class. Stott and Larssen, stay behind at the end and we’ll talk it over then.”
Dan couldn’t remember anything about the rest of the class discussion. He certainly didn’t take part in it. He was seething.
At the end Bartlett got the two of them together but it was stalemate. Stott insisted that it was general knowledge that Dan came from a farming family, which Dan was not slow to say was an outright lie. There was some to-ing and fro-ing and finally Bartlett let Stott go and spoke to Dan alone.
“Larssen, I’m not saying you’re in the wrong about this – not at all. But you’ve made your point. Don’t you think it would be better to let the matter drop now?”
“I don’t think so, sir. The information I gave to the Academy was provided in confidence. If Mr Stott has access to it then confidentiality has been broken. I can’t ignore that. I don’t care how far I have to go. I need to be assured that the leak has been identified and dealt with.”
“Larssen, let me speak plainly. You are a really promising student, one of the best we’ve had through the Academy in recent years. You have an outstanding career ahead of you. My concern is that if you pursue this matter you will be upsetting some powerful people. Very powerful people. People who could otherwise have a tremendously positive influence on your career. I’m sure you understand what I’m saying. Now wouldn’t the wise thing be to swallow your pride and forget that this unfortunate episode took place?”
It was good advice and Dan knew it would be the safest option, but something had been kindled inside him. There were moments in life when you had to stand up for what you believed in, whatever the cost, and for him this was such a moment.
“I’m sorry, Dr Bartlett. I’m sure your advice is well-intentioned but I’m not prepared to back away from this. It isn’t just me: the privacy of anyone who has ever studied – or worked – at the Academy could have been compromised. For everyone’s sake it’s essential we find out how the Academy’s security has been breached and make sure it can’t be done again. I want to speak to the Principal.”
“You’re willing to go that far?”
“Yes, sir.”
Bartlett grimaced, shook his head, and let him go. Dan had the feeling that, deep down, the tutor approved of his stand but was fearful of the consequences.
10
Dr Bartlett must have spoken to Colin Taylor already because the Principal didn’t invite him to sit down or state his business. There were some papers neatly arranged on his desk and he placed his pen on them. All the signals were that this was not something that was going to distract him from his duties for long.
“This is a remarkable allegation, Mr Larssen. Aren’t you exaggerating this incident? It is altogether possible, is it not, that you let slip this, er, matter of your background in a casual conversation—”
Dan met the man’s eyes unflinchingly. “No, sir, it is not.”
Taylor’s mouth worked a bit as if chewing a few words to make them ready for delivery.
“Now listen to me, Larssen. You’re an able student but you’ve got a very large chip on your shoulder. I know all about this rivalry of yours with Stott; there isn’t a man or boy in the Academy who doesn’t. All right, so you come from different backgrounds but that’s life. You have to get used to working with people, wherever they come from and whether you like them or not. How do you think the great strides of the past were made: the exploration of our solar system, the colonies on the Moon, on Mars? Do you think everyone involved was the best of friends? Of course they weren’t! But they were prepared to bury their differences to achieve a higher goal. Teamwork – that’s what it’s about. Right now, young man, you’re a round peg in a square hole. That is something you are going to have to address or there’s no future for you in this business, however able you are. Now, this matter with Stott. You’re going too far. I won’t allow you to involve the Academy in your personal vendettas. Is that clear?”
Dan could feel the blood rising to his face but he knew it was vital to keep cool.
“Sir, I won’t pretend that I like Stott but that isn’t the issue here. Highly personal information about me has become available to someone who has no right to have it. No matter who that someone was I’d still be standing here in front of you, hoping that you would take the matter as seriously as I do.”
Taylor’s jaw muscles moved. “Let’s not pussyfoot around, Larssen. You are suggesting, are you not, that Mr Stott came by this information illegally, with the clear implication that his father – one of the most respected people in this country and a great benefactor of this college – is in some way responsible?”
“I am in no position to know how Mr Stott came by the information, sir, but it is a question I believe requires an answer. It could be, for example, that he has hacked into the Academy’s database. If he can then others can. I felt sure that this would be a matter of some concern to you.”
It was ironic that all the practice he’d had as a kid, trying to tiptoe around his father without precipitating an outburst, was helping him make his point now. He didn’t believe for one moment that Stott had the brains to hack into anything but it was a fair argument to use.
Taylor inhaled deeply through his nose, apparently taking time to think. Then he adopted a more conciliatory tone. “All right, Larssen, I’ll tell you what. Personally I am quite convinced that the integrity of our database has not been breached. All the same, and just to reassure you, I am willing to go this far: I will order additional checks to see if there have been any unauthorized attempts to gain access. Now will that satisfy you?”
“With respect, sir, that won’t be enough. Access to the database could have been authorized or unauthorized, we have no way of knowing. All we do know is that someone who has no right to it has obtained privileged information, information of a personal nature, about me – and for all I know about other students and staff. That isn’t a state of affairs that any of us can feel comfortable with. If we don’t find out how the information was obtained then you, sir, will be in no position to guarantee that breaches of confidentiality won’t occur in the future.”
Taylor’s face went crimson. For the moment he seemed incapable of speech. Then he planted both hands on the desk.
“This is outrageous! Your behaviour is most ill-advised, Larssen. You are a mere…a mere student in this Academy and you are impugning the integrity of people who are far above you. I don’t mind saying that I expected better of you. I’ve been very patient and I have offered you a solution. That is as far I am prepared to go. That is all.”
Suddenly, inexplicably, Dan felt totally in charge.
You’re trying to cover up. You’re a frightened, spineless little man and you’re trying to cover it all up. Well you’ve underestimated me if you think you can push me around like that. I’ll just push back harder, that’s all.
I’ve checked the Constitution of the Academy. I know my rights.
“I’m very sorry you take that position, Dr Taylor. It means that I will have to ask for the matter to be considered by the Board of the Academy.”
Taylor’s face went an even deeper shade of crimson. His voice dropped to a loud whisper.
“Are you totally mad, Larssen? Do you know what you’re doing to yourself over this… this trivial affair?”
“With respect, sir, the security of the Academy’s databank is not a trivial issue. Now I’m sure the request to the Board would come from you very much better than from me. It would, of course, be appropriate for the Principal of the Academy to be demonstrating his concern about such a matter.”
Dan had put Taylor in a very tight spot and he knew it. He had the right to be heard by the Board. But if the request came from him it would make matters worse; the Principal would emerge with little credit if he appeared to be fudging a security issue. On the other hand it was obvious that everything pointed to the Fleet-Admiral’s Office, and the last thing Taylor would want to do was to upset the Fleet-Admiral, who was easily the most influential figure on the Board. Dan could see from Taylor’s blinking and mouth-twitching that the man’s mind was working furiously. Finally, and with some difficulty, he brought himself under control. He stood up and his voice was flat.
“Right, Larssen. I will convene an Extraordinary Meeting of the Board at which this matter will be discussed, initially in confidence. You will then have the right to make your own representation to the Board. We are asking extremely busy people to attend this meeting. Some of them will have to travel long distances. None of them will be pleased to have to squander their valuable time in this way. It will take several weeks to get a date that will be acceptable to all the Members of the Board.” He leaned forward, glaring at Dan. “It is my earnest hope that you will use this time to reconsider your position and abandon this wild goose chase.”
That was all Dan wanted. He saluted smartly, said “Thank you, sir”, and left.
*
When Dan rejoined his class in the middle of a teaching session he sensed a cooling in the atmosphere. Word had evidently got around. Everyone knew where he’d been. Even cadets he’d been quite friendly with seemed reluctant to meet his eyes.
As soon as the session finished, Bunny and Neraya spirited him away to a quiet corner where they could talk.
“How did it go?” asked Bunny breathlessly.
“Ah, not so well I guess. He’s scared of upsetting Stott’s old man – he’d far sooner brush it all under the carpet. He threw his weight around, tried to bully me into dropping it.”
“What did you do, Danny?” Neraya asked.
“I wasn’t having it. He obviously didn’t plan to do anything himself, so I said I wanted to put it before the Board.”
“You did what?” cried Bunny.
“I said I wanted to see the Board. I do have a right to have my case heard by the Board, you know.”
Neraya’s face fell. “Danny, you have the right, but is it wise?”
“They’ll roast you!” wailed Bunny.
“What? For telling them their databank is leaking information like a sieve? They ought to thank me!”
“Danny,” Neraya laid a hand on his arm. “You are taking a big risk. These people are politicians. They are not like you. Truth, principles, justice – these things mean nothing to them. All they care about is their reputations. They will do anything to protect themselves. Don’t you see? It would be more easy for them to sacrifice you than to do what is really necessary.”
Dan contemplated her, taking in the concern showing in her eyes. Bunny’s voice jerked him away.
“So what did he say?” she demanded. “Is he going to convene the Board?”
“Yeah. He couldn’t really refuse. He said it’ll take a few weeks to set it up and he hopes in the meantime I’ll reconsider.”
“And will you?”
“Will I hell.”
The girls looked at each other. Bunny said, “What can you do with him?”
“What’s got into the others, anyway?” asked Dan. “They treated me like I was carrying a new virus.”
Bunny shrugged. “Stott and his cronies are putting it around that this is just a cheap Larssen stunt to get Karl thrown out.”
“Nobody believes that, surely?”
“Not really. All the same, most of them can’t understand why you’re taking it so seriously. I’m not sure I understand it myself. Dan, let it go, can’t you?”
They both studied him, waiting for his reaction.
“Sorry, Bunny, Neraya. I can’t do that. Don’t worry. It’ll work out. You’ll see.”
11
The Board convened four weeks later. Dan was kept waiting for a very long time in the anteroom. Finally he was called in. The Chairman invited him to take a seat and that saved him the embarrassment of shaking hands as he was introduced quickly to the ten people sitting on the other side of the leather-covered table. He recognized the Principal, of course. The only other name that registered with him was that of Fleet-Admiral Jurgen Stott. It belonged to a bullet-headed man with close-cropped grey hair, a florid complexion, and grey lifeless eyes like partly cooked poached eggs that fixed unwaveringly on him. The Chairman sat down, straightened his papers, and in a brisk, pleasant manner summarised the situation.
“Now, Mr Larssen. As I understand it, you are alleging that information in your personal data file has been accessed illegally. Is that right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And can you explain to the Board why this is of such consequence that you have gone to these extraordinary lengths to get the matter heard at Board level?”
Dan had expected to address the Board and he’d had plenty of time to think carefully about what he had to say.
“Sir, I do apologize to you and the other members of this Board for asking you to give your time to this. I don’t expect the Board to attach the same importance as I do to the disclosure of personal information about me. There is, however, an important point of principle here. Anyone who provides personal information to be held on the Academy’s database does so on the understanding that the confidentiality of the information will be respected. In other words personal details won’t be revealed without their permission. My case – however trivial it may seem to you – shows that the security of the system has been breached. It undermines the whole ethic of the Academy, which is that education and training should be provided to suitably qualified students regardless of their national or racial origins, religious beliefs or social background. I felt, sir, that this was of sufficient concern to have it investigated at the highest level.”
The faces around the table were unmoving. The Principal looked extremely agitated and uncomfortable. The Chairman spoke gently.
“Mr Larssen. I understand from Dr Taylor that up to this point you have been a model student – indeed, some of the staff have entertained high hopes for you. There has been no previous indication of your, er, dissatisfaction with the running of the Academy.”
“With respect, sir, I didn’t think I was on trial here.”
There was a slight intake of breath around the table. The Chairman paused, then said:
“Mr Larssen, I would remind you that you are addressing the most senior body of this Academy. It will not do to be impertinent.”
“I’m sorry, sir, that was not my intention. But surely the issue at stake here is the breach of confidentiality – not the fact that I have drawn attention to it.”
At this moment the Fleet-Admiral cleared his throat. “With your permission, Mr Chairman…” he said.
The Chairman immediately gestured that he had the floor. There was a weight and authority to that leisurely, sonorous voice that allowed of no contradiction or interruption.
“The Board is fully aware,” the Fleet-Admiral continued, “that these allegations centre on a casual comment made by my son. The implication is that he has in som
e way accessed this information through my Office. In order not to waste any more of this Board’s valuable time I suggest that I look into the matter and report back at a future time.”
It was the just the sort of statement you’d expect from a person of total integrity. The only thing that detracted from that impression as far as Dan was concerned was the dead, unflinching gaze that the man directed at him all the time he was talking.
The Principal fluttered into life. “I’m sure that no one…er, through you, Mr Chairman, that no one here suspects for one moment that... er…”
The Chairman cut in. “All the same, Dr Taylor, I think the Fleet-Admiral’s suggestion is an excellent one. I have complete confidence in the thoroughness and impartiality with which he will conduct his enquiry.” He shot a hard look at Dan then began to shuffle his papers. Dan sensed movement around the table; people were preparing to get up and go. But he hadn’t finished.
“Excuse me, Mr Chairman,” he said. All eyes turned back to him in astonishment. “May I ask if the results of the enquiry will be made known outside of this Board?”
The Chairman’s face set like stone. “No they will not! Matters touching upon the internal security of this Academy are not made public, for obvious reasons. You, Mr Larssen, have seen fit to bring a matter to the Board’s attention. The Board will conduct an internal inquiry to see whether anything improper has taken place and it is entrusting that inquiry to Fleet-Admiral Stott. The report will be made to the Board and the Board will then determine whether any further action is warranted. Neither you nor anyone else outside of this Board will be privy to that information. That is all.”
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