"Mr. President, if you mean national security? We've certainly considered it. All materials have been legally reviewed. Horizon's legal team includes three former Department of Justice prosecutors, who ensure our reporting fully complies with the First Amendment and the relevant legal standards of information freedom."
"Legal standards and moral responsibilities are sometimes not the same thing."
Obama's tone remained calm, but each word carried increasing weight.
"Especially when the reporting might endanger personnel still on missions or undermine our intelligence cooperation with allies. Not to mention, disclosing certain materials could directly violate the Espionage Act."
A brief silence.
Obama could imagine Angel's expression at that moment.
Those sharp eyes assessing risks, the brain calculating gains and losses.
Should she insist on publishing to win a Pulitzer Prize and peak ratings, or yield in exchange for some compromise from the White House?
