Hackers have caused constant trouble to computer systems over the years, and incidents have been increasing in both number and severity. This computer assault needs to be addressed immediate- ly. America insists on it. Not only must the hacker responsible for this travesty be caught, but NASA must also explain how their computers can be compromised so easily. If a bunch of kids can enter one NASA communications computer, then what stops them from altering flight computers, life support systems and other comput- er controlled activities that demand perfect operation? NASA, we expect an answer. This is Scott Mason, waiting for NASA to lift-off from its duff and get down to business. * * * * * Friday, November 15 New York City. Scott Mason picked up the phone on the first ring. "Scott Mason," he said without thinking. "Mr. Mason? This is Captain Kirk." The voice was serious, but did not resonate as did the distinctive voice that belonged to William Shatner. Scott laughed into the phone. "Live long and prosper." Mason replied in an emotionless voice. "I need to talk to you," the voice came right back. "So talk." Scott was used to anonymous callers so he kept the rhythm of the conversation going. "You have it all wrong. Hackers aren't the ones." The voice was earnest. "What are you talking about?" Scott asked innocuously. "Your articles keep saying that hackers cause all the trouble on computers. You're wrong." "Says who?" Scott decided to play along. "Says me. You obviously don't know about the Code." "What code?" This was getting nowhere fast. "Listen, I know your phone is tapped, so I only have another few seconds. Do you want to talk?" "Tapped? What is this all about?" The annoyance was clear in Scott's voice. "You keep blaming everything on hackers. You're wrong." "Prove it." Scott gave this phone call another 10 seconds. "I've been inside the NASA computers." That got Scott to wake up from the droll papers on his desk. "Are you telling me you wrote the message . . .?" Scott could not contain his incredulity. "God, no." Captain Kirk was firm. "Do you have a modem? At home?" "Yeah, so what." Scott gave the caller only another 5 seconds. "What's the number?" "Is this love or hate?" Time's up thought Scott. "News." "What?" "News. Do I talk to you or the National Expos<130>? I figured you might be a safer bet." The voice who called himself Captain Kirk gave away nothing but the competitive threat was effective. "No contest. If it's real. What have you got?" Scott paid atten- tion. "What's the number?" the voice demanded. "Your modem." "Ok! 914-555-2190." Scott gave his home modem number. "Be on at midnight." The line went dead.