An ancient concept allowed access to information that would usually be forbidden to be known by the general population. Holding a clearance meant that a person had undergone a background investigation that verified a person’s honesty and ability to withstand ordinary pressure to reveal information.
Kevin Hanlon was known to have held a security clearance when he was on the surface, so the Foundation Board agreed that Alexandra could discuss any part of her job with him, knowing he would keep whatever information he had close.