*
Two weeks later Dallas's first article, covering the impact of transforming public education online, appeared in the National Republic. In the article, she covertly speculated on the possibility of the initiative being encouraged by the federal government. Julia did not miss the insinuation, and immediately contacted Marco.
"So much for having Dallas Winter under control," she admonished him.
Marco had been stunned by the story and knew all too well the impact Dallas's words would have on his colleague and their plans. But he downplayed his concern to reluctantly reassure Julia of their position. "She is covering a legitimate story Julia, there is nothing to worry about," he responded.
"A legitimate story? She's trying to draw attention to our work."
"She can't draw attention to the specifics. She does not know what we're doing. She's speculating as journalists do all the time. There's an article a day about online education, no one will attribute unique significance to her words."
"But if people do, they will want to take immediate action."
"What do you mean?"
"You understand my meaning. People have worked long and hard to get to this point, Marco. No one wants to see even subtle leaks generated by your friends in the broader media. No one will accept being undermined by a reporter."
"And?"
"And action will be taken."
"Like what?"
"Like making sure she cannot spread the story."
"Julia, there is no story to spread. Dallas does not have our confidential information."
"You have to understand, Marco, this project has important sponsors."
"As I am well aware, but they will not notice suspicious words in a general story on online education. Only we know the whole story behind the story."
"The backers will not be disrupted in their plan to rollout on time."
"What have you done, Julia?"
"We have to make sure everyone connected to the process is protected."
"Did you tell other people about the information Dallas inadvertently obtained?"
"For the protection of COSA, our security is on par with national security, Marco. We have no choice but to defend our interests."
"She didn't do anything wrong!"
"Did you read Carter's report on the security breach at Horizon? You let down your guard with Winter and we have to face the consequences."
"She did not create the flash drive."
"Maybe not, but she has compromised our security by reading the contents of the documents. She is a danger to us, Marco. I'm sorry, but action has to be taken."
"What action?"
"Action appropriate to the circumstances."
"Julia, if you have authorized an action—"
"Don't bother to try and threaten me, Marco. You knew what could happen when this whole mess started."
While she was speaking, Marco turned to his laptop to activate a FedSec emergency protocol and sent agents in search of Dallas. "I can take action too, Julia."
"Don't try. You'll force questions to be asked where none should be forthcoming."
"I'll do what I can to protect an innocent woman."
"Protect yourself, Marco. Let me recommend, you protect yourself."