Paranoir: Stakes on a Train

Ashjyr's Journal, June 20 2010, Sunday
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The wonders of the Digital Age. Satellite communications at the touch of a button. Just that much harder to avoid someone.

“I've read your report on the penetration test at the train depot. I have some... queries.”

(Here it comes. The bullshit.)

“You stated that breaking and entering the train depot was 'as easy as walking into an open vault'. So you do agree that the security measures in place are sufficient. Like a bank's?”

(Are you fucking kidding me? Do you not understand sarcasm or... Oh I get it. You sneaky bastard, you...)

No. Security is inadequate. I recommend that immediate steps be taken to investigate the flaws.

“Well you know how it is, money-matters usually involve upper management. I can't make the call.”

(You mean you don't have the balls to tell them they need to wake the fuck up.)

I understand, Sir. But you need to impress on them that the next incident may involve more than a few cans of spray paint.

“Yes, but audits cost money. Additional security costs money. And surely you don't expect us to pay? The depot is under the purview of a corporate entity after all, one that makes profits for its shareholders. Why should the public be made to pay for the lapse in security?

(Tai Chi. One of the deadliest martial arts ever created. My opponent is strong, indeed.)

“If I may quote from another, 'it is impossible and unacceptable to require the taxpayer or the public to pay for the security of thousands of profit-making entities'.”

(Security of thousands of profit-making entities? What about the security of thousands of commuters?)

With all due respect, Sir, we are not talking about a convenience store or shopping mall with limited human traffic.

“And since when did you grow a conscience? Look, best I can do is to suggest that we establish a presence on key infrastructure and assets. But we can only provide counsel for the rest. They need to learn how to guard their own interests.”

And I suppose a train depot which houses trains used by thousands of commuters daily would be an example of “key infrastructure and assets”?

“Do you really need me to answer that?”

(Touche, asshole. Touche.)