"Yes, Tom it's good to hear from you. Is there something I can do for you?" Nancy asked realizing that he had never called her at work before.

"I'm hoping there is, Nancy. A couple of our hotshot young reporters think they've caught on to some strange security related activity at the National Computer Security Center. They think the NCSC is positioning to take total control of the Internet. At least, the US based portion of it. I think they're imagining things, but I have to admit they have a couple good facts that I've been able to confirm."

"Tom, the federal government is very well equipped to operate on their own very private network. Why would they want the bad press of getting involved in ‘control' of the Internet?"

"I know it doesn't make sense. Like I said, I think our people have it wrong. Everybody in my business is so desperate to uncover conspiracies these days, it's ridiculous. Rather sad, actually. But anyway, last week I called some of my government sector contacts and nobody had heard anything until I reached Fred Lindquest who is now with the FBI. Fred and I go back to college days just like me and your dad. He was thrilled to hear from me until I asked about this Internet thing and then he couldn't get me off the phone fast enough. Plenty of reassurance that there is no network takeover planned, but he told me that I should drop the questions and call again in a few weeks. Something is definitely going on."

"Those guys take security way too seriously, Tom. You know that. They wouldn't tell you if they were planning to get the disk drive on the White House web server upgraded."

"Nancy, my instincts have never failed me. Something way out of the ordinary is going on. I was calling you because you're inside one of the places that I know Uncle Sam wants to keep happy. Maybe you can call somebody and confirm that nothing is going on or that whatever it is they're up to is strictly kosher. Maybe you could even poke around at their..."

"I'll be happy to make a few calls," interrupted Nancy. "I don't think anything is going to come of it though. You should know that right from the beginning. I've also got a new... associate, here at work that may be able to help. I'll get back to you as soon as I can."

"Okay. Thanks Nancy. I'd keep this as quiet as possible though. I hope your friend understands that. Loose lips... you know."

"Don't worry Tom, this guy doesn't even have lips."

"I won't ask what that means. Just get back to me pronto and thanks again."



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