"You said you're a reporter," Spook said inhaling deeply again. "What's the story?" At least he gets high, Spook thought. Mason could have been a real dip-shit nerd. Thank God for small fa- vors. "There's a hacker conference that I was invited to," Scott said unabashedly. "I'm trying to show the hacker's side of the story. Why they do what they do. How they legitimize it to themselves." Scott's mouth was rapidly drying out so he ordered a Pepsi. "I assume you're a hacker, too," Scott broached the issue carefully. Spook smiled widely. "Yup. And proud of it." "You don't care who knows?" Scott asked looking around to see if anyone was paying attention to their conversation. Instead the other patrons were engrossed in chess or huddled conversation. Only Chris, the proprietor listened from behind the bar. "The Spook is all anyone knows. I like to keep it that way," Spook said as he laid the roach end of the joint in the ashtray. "Not bad, huh?" He asked Scott. "Christ, no. Kinda hits you between the eyes." Scott rubbed them to clear off the invading fog. "After a couple of days it won't get you so bad," Spook said. "You said you wanted to do a fair story on hackers, right?" "Fair? A fair story? I can only try. If hackers act and talk like assholes then they'll come across like assholes, no matter what I do. However, if they make a decent case, hold a rational, albeit arguable position, then maybe someone may listen." "You sound like you don't approve of our activities." The Spook grinned devilishly. "Honestly, and I shouldn't say this cause this is your grass," Scott said lighting the joint again. "No, I don't approve, but I figure there's at least 10 sides to a story, and I'm here to find that story and present all sides. Hopefully I can even line up a debate or two. Convincing me is not the point; my readers make up their own minds." The word 'readers' momentarily jolted the Spook until he realized Scott meant newspaper readers, not his team of Van-Ecking eaves- droppers. Spook took the joint from Scott. "You sound like you don't want to approve." "Having a hard time with all the crap going down with computers these days," Scott agreed. "I guess my attitude comes through in my articles." "I've never read your stuff," Spook lied. "Mainly in New York." "That explains it. Ever been to Amsterdam?" "No, I was going to get a map and truck around . . ." "How about I show you around, and try to convince you about the honor of our profession?" Spook asked. "Great!" Scott agreed. "But what about . . ." He made a motion to his lips as if he was holding a cigarette. "Legal on the streets." "You sure?" "C'mon," Spook said rising from his chair. "Chris, see you later," he promised. Chris reciprocated and invited his two new friends to return any time.