UNDERGROUND

‘No, that is OK. If that is what you believe, say it. I have no problems with that. I just like to have it clarified. Remember, other people might listen to this tape and they will draw infer- ences and opinions from it. At any point where I think there is an ambiguity, I will ask for clarification. Do you understand that?’

‘Yes. I understand.’ Anthrax couldn't really focus on what Day was saying. He was feeling very distressed and just wanted to finish the interview.

The cops finally moved on, but the new topic was almost as unpleasant. Day began probing about Anthrax's earlier hacking career — the one he had no intention of talking about. Anthrax began to feel a bit better. He agreed to talk to the police about recent phreaking activities, not hacking matters. Indeed, he had repeatedly told them that topic was not on his agenda. He felt like he was standing on firmer ground.

After being politely stonewalled, Day circled around and tried again. ‘OK. I will give you another allegation; that you have unlawfully accessed computer systems in Australia and the United States. In the US, you specifically targeted military computer systems. Do you understand that allegation?’

‘I understand that. I wouldn't like to comment on it.’ No, sir. No way.

Day tried a new tack. ‘I will further allege that you did work with a person known as Mendax.’

What on earth was Day talking about? Anthrax had heard of Mendax, but they had never worked together. He thought the cops must not have very good informants.

‘No. That is not true. I know no-one of that name.’ Not strictly true, but true enough.

‘Well, if he was to turn around to me and say that you were doing all this hacking, he would, be lying, would he?’

Oh wonderful. Some other hacker was crapping on to the cops with lies about how he and Anthrax had worked together. That was exactly why Anthrax didn't work in a group. He had plenty of real allegations to fend off. He didn't need imaginary ones too.