sometimes the way Whistleblowing works is, an investigator is brought
in & interviews the Whistleblower.
based on the evidence & statements, the investigator (e.g., Air Force
investigator) will ask questions of the investigatee (the Whistleblowers'
current or past employer).
often, the investigatee will use every trick in the book to try & silence
the whistleblower. for example, if it gets to the point where there IS
a defense lawyer (for the investigatee), and there is a deposition
involving statements made by the whistleblower, the defense lawyer
will ask one question, probably more than once, "with whom have you
discussed this matter ?" then they will insist that they have the right
to track down & interview each of THOSE people and anyone they may
have told.
in anticipation of this stalling tactic, whistleblowers are generally advised
to keep their cards close (very close) to their chest.
oh God what was the name of that movie about Jeffrey Ligand, who
blew the whistle on Big Tobacco - "The Insider" ? it shows some of the
stuff they did to him to try & shut him up.