DOCTOROW/MAKERS/1

Makers
CoryDoctorow doctorow@craphound.com TorBooks:9780765312792 HarperCollinsUK/Voyager:9780007325221 Lastmodified24Jan2012

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Fortherisktakers,thedoers,themakersof things.

PARTI

SuzanneChurchalmostneverhadtobotherwith theblueblazerthesedays.Backattheheightof http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync thedotboom,shedputonherbusiness sa/3.0/ journalistdragblazer,bluesailclothshirt, khakitrousers,loafersjustabouteveryday, Youarefree: puttinginherobligatoryappearancesatsplashy toSharetocopy,distributeandtransmitthe pressconferencesforhighflyingIPOsand work mergers.Thesedays,itwasmostlyworkathome oronedayaweekattheSanJoseMercury toRemixtoadaptthework Newssoffice,incomfortablelightsweaterswith Underthefollowingconditions: loosenecksandloosecottonpantsthatshecould AttributionYoumustattributetheworkinthe wearstraighttoyogaaftershuttingher mannerspecifiedbytheauthororlicensor(but computerslid. notinanywaythatsuggeststhattheyendorse Blueblazertoday,andshewasnttheonlyone. youoryouruseofthework). TherewasReedyfromtheNYTsSiliconValley NoncommercialYoumaynotusethiswork forcommercialpurposes. ShareAlikeIfyoualter,transform,orbuild uponthiswork,youmaydistributetheresulting workonlyunderthesameorsimilarlicenseto thisone. Withtheunderstandingthat: WaiverAnyoftheaboveconditionscanbe waivedifyougetpermissionfromthecopyright holder.OtherRightsInnowayareanyofthe followingrightsaffectedbythelicense:Yourfair dealingorfairuserights;Theauthorsmoral rights;Rightsotherpersonsmayhaveeitherin theworkitselforinhowtheworkisused,such office,andTribbeyfromtheWSJ,andthat despicablerattoothedjumpedupgossip columnistfromoneoftheUKtechrags,and manyothersbesides.Oldhomeweek,blue blazersfreshfromthedrycleaningbagsthathad guardedthemsincethelasttimetheNASDAQ broke5,000. ThemanofthehourwasLandonKettlewell thekindofoutlandishprepschoolnamethat alwaysseemedalittlemadeuptoherthenew CEOandfrontforthemajorityownersof Kodak/Duracell.ThedespicableBrithadalready startedcallingthemKodacell.Buyingthe companywaspureKettlewell:shrewd,weird, andethicalinatwistedway.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/4 Whythehellhaveyoudonethis,Landon? Kettlewellaskedhimselfintohistiemic.Ties andsuitsforthenewKodacellexecsintheroom, likesurfersplayingdressup.Whybuytwo dinosaursandstickemtogether?Willtheymate andgivebirthtoanewgenerationofless endangereddinosaurs? havetwentybillioninthebankanda16billion dollarmarketcap.Wejustmadefourbillion dollars,justbybuyingupthestockandtaking controlofthecompany.Wecouldshutthedoors, stickthemoneyinourpockets,andretire.

Suzannetooknotes.Sheknewallthis,but Kettlewellgavegoodsoundbite,andtalkedslow Heshookhisheadandwalkedtoadifferentpart indeferencetothekindofreporterwho ofthestage,thumbingaPowerPointremotethat preferredanotebooktoarecorder.Butwere advancedhisslideonthejumbotrontoapicture notgonnadothat.Hehunkereddownonhis ofacoupleofunhappycartoonbrontosstaring haunchesattheedgeofthestage,lettinghistie desolatelyatanemptynest.Probablynot.But dangle,staringspacilyatthejournalistsand thereisagoodcaseforwhatwevejustdone, analysts.Kodacellisbiggerthanthat.Hed andwithyourindulgence,Imgoingtolayitout readhisemailthatmorningthen,andseenRat foryounow. Toothedsnewmoniker.Kodacellhasgoodwill. Ithasinfrastructure.Administrators.Physical Letshopehestickstothecartoons,Rat plant.Supplierrelationships.Distributionand Toothedhissedbesideher.Hisbreathsmelled logistics.Thesecompanieshavealotofuseful likehedbeengarglingturds.Hehadanotso secretcrushonherandlikedtodemonstratehis plumbingandalotofpricelessreputation. alphamalenessbymakinghalfwitticismsinto Whatwedonthaveisaproduct.Therearent herear.Theyreabouthisspeed. enoughbuyersforbatteriesorfilmoranyof theotherstuffwemaketooccupyorsupport Shetwistedinherseatandpointedlyhunched overhercomputersscreen,towhichshedtaped allthatinfrastructure.Thesecompaniesslept throughthedotboomandthedotbust,trundling athinsheetofpolarizedplasticthatmadeit opaquetoanyoneshouldersurfingher.Beinga alongasthoughnoneofitmattered.Thereare halfwayattractivewomaninSiliconValleywas partsofthesebusinessesthathaventchanged sincethefifties. moreofapainintheassthanshedexpected, backwhenshedbeencoveringrustbelt shenanigansinDetroit,backwhentherewasan autoindustryinDetroit. Werenottheonlyones.Technologyhas challengedandkilledbusinessesfromevery sector.Hell,IBMdoesntmakecomputers TheworstpartwasthattheBritsreportagewas anymore!Theveryideaofatravelagentis inconceivablyweirdtoday!Andtherecord justspleenfillededitorializingonthelackof labels,oy,thepoor,crazy,suicidal,stupidrecord ethicsinthevalleysboardrooms(afavorite subjectofhers,whichnodoubtaccountedforhis labels.Dontgetmestarted. fellowfeeling),anditwasalsothecruxof Capitalismiseatingitself.Themarketworks, Kettlewellsschtick.Thespectacleofanexec andwhenitworks,itcommodifiesorobsoletes whotalkedethicsenragedRatToothedmore everything.Thatsnottosaythattheresno thanthevilestbabykillers.Hewasthekindof moneyouttheretobehad,butthemoneywont revolutionarywholikedhisfiringsquads comefromasingle,monolithicproductline.The arrangedinacircle. daysofcompanieswithnameslikeGeneral ElectricandGeneralMillsandGeneral Imnotthatdumb,folks,Kettlewellsaid, Motorsareover.Themoneyonthetableislike provokingastageylaughfromMrRatTooth. krill:abillionlittleentrepreneurialopportunities Heresthething:themarkethadvaluedthese companiesatlessthantheircashonhand.They thatcanbediscoveredandexploitedbysmart,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/5 creativepeople. Freddy,wedonthavetorecruitanyone. Theyrebeatingapathtoourdoor.Thisisa Wewillbruteforcetheproblemspaceof nationofmanicentrepreneurs,thekindof capitalisminthetwentyfirstcentury.Our businessplanissimple:wewillhirethesmartest peoplewhovebeeninventingbusinessesfrom peoplewecanfindandputtheminsmallteams. videoarcadestophotomatsforcenturies. Freddyscowledskeptically,hisjumbleofgrey Theywillgointothefieldwithfundingand communicationsinfrastructureallthatstuffwe tombstoneteethprotruding.Comeon,Freddy, youeverhearoftheGrameenBank? haveleftoverfromtheeraofbatteriesandfilm behindthem,capitalizedtofindaplacetolive Freddynoddedslowly.InIndia,right? andwork,andajobtodo.Abusinesstostart. Bangladesh.Bankerstravelfromvillageto Ourcompanyisntaprojectthatwepulltogether villageonfootandbybus,findingsmallcoops on,itsanetworkoflikeminded,cooperating whoneedtinyamountsofcredittobuya autonomousteams,allofwhichareempowered cellphoneoragoatoraloominordertogrow. todowhatevertheywant,providedthatitreturns Thebankersmaketheloansandadvisethe somethingtoourcoffers.Wewillexploreand entrepreneurs,andthepaybackrateisfiftytimes exhausttherealmofcommercialopportunities, higherthantherateataregularlending andseekconstantlytorefineourtacticstomine institution.Theydontevenhaveawritten thoseopportunities,andfillourhungrybelly. lendingagreement:entrepreneursreal,hard Thiscompanyisntacompanyanymore:this workingentrepreneursyoucantrustona companyisanetwork,anapproach,a handshake. sensibility. YouregoingtohelpAmericanswholosttheir Suzannesfingersclatteredoverherkeyboard. jobsinyourfactoriesbuygoatsandcellphones? TheBritchucklednastily.Nicetalk, Weregoingtogivethemloansand consideringhejustmadeahundredthousand peopleredundant,hesaid.Suzannetriedtoshut coordinationtostartbusinessesthatuse himout:yes,Kettlewellwasfiringacompanys information,materialsscience,commodified softwareandhardwaredesigns,andcreativityto worthofpeople,buthewasalsosavingthe wringaprofitfromtheairaroundus.Here, companyitself.Theprospectushadadecent catch!Hedugintohissuitjacketandflunga severanceforallthosedepartingworkers,and theoneswhodtakenadvantageofthecompany smallobjecttowardFreddy,whofumbledit.It fellontoSuzanneskeyboard. stockbuyingplanwouldfindtheirpensions augmentedbywhateverthisnewschemecould Shepickeditup.Itlookedlikeakeychainlaser rakein.Ifitworked. pointer,ormaybeanoveltylightsaber. MrKettlewell?RatToothedhadclamberedto Switchiton,Suzanne,please,andshineit,oh, hishindlegs. onthatwallthere.Kettlewellpointedatthe Yes,Freddy?FreddywasRatToothedsgiven upholsteredretractablewallthatdividedthe name,thoughSuzannewashardpressedtoever hotelballroomintotwofunctionalspaces. retainitformorethanafewminutesatatime. Suzannetwistedtheendandpointedit.Acrisp Kettlewellkneweverybusinessjournalistinthe rectangleofgreenlaserlightlitupthewall. Valleybyname,though.ItwasaCEOthing. Now,watchthis,Kettlewellsaid. Wherewillyourecruitthisnewworkforce NOWWATCHTHIS from?Andwhatkindofentrepreneurialthings willtheybedoingtoexhausttherealmof Thewordsmaterializedinthemiddleofthe commercialactivities? rectangleonthedistantwall.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/6 Testingonetwothree,Kettlewellsaid. TESTINGONETWOTHREE Dondeestaelbano? WHEREISTHEBATHROOM goingtosignupalotofthesebandsforus,and helpthemtocutrecords,tostartbusinessesthat pushouttotheedgesofbusiness.

So,Freddy,toansweryourquestion,no,were notgivingthemloanstobuycellphonesand Whatisit?saidSuzanne.Herhandwobbleda goats. littleandthedistantlettersdanced. Kettlewellbeamed.Suzannetwistedthelaser pointeroffandmadereadytotossitbacktothe WHATISIT stage,butKettlewellwavedheroff. Thisisanewartifactdesignedandexecutedby fivepreviouslyoutofworkengineersinAthens, Keepit,hesaid.Itwassuddenlyoddtohear himspeakwithoutthetextcrawlonthatdistant Georgia.TheyvematedatinyLinuxboxwith wall.Sheputthelaserpointerinherpocketand somespeakerindependentcontinuousspeech recognitionsoftware,afreesoftwaretranslation reflectedthatithadtheauthenticfeelofcool, enginethatcantranslatebetweenanyoftwelve disposabletechnology:thekindofthingonits wayfromastartupsdistantsuppliertothe languages,andanextremelyhighresolution schwagbagsathighendtechnologyconferences LCDthatblocksoutwordsinthepathofthe toblisterpacksofsixhangingintheimpulse laserpointer. aisleatFrys. Turnthison,pointitatawall,andstarttalking. Shetriedtoimaginethetechnologyconferences Everythingsaidshowsuponthewall,inthe shedbeentowiththeadditionofthesubtitling languageofyourchoosing,regardlessofwhat andtranslationandcouldntdoit.Not languagethespeakerwasspeaking. conferences.Somethingelse.Akidstoy?Atool Allthewhile,Kettlewellswordswerescrolling forStarbuckssmashingantiglobalists,planning byinblackblockcapsonthatdistantwall:crisp, strategybeforeaWTOriot?Shepattedher laseredgedletters. pocket. Thisthingwasntinvented.Alltheparts Freddyhissedandbubbledlikeateakettlebeside necessarytomakethisgowerejustlyingaround. her,fuming.Whatacock,hemuttered. Itwasassembled.Agalinagarage,herbrother Thinkshesgoingtohiretenthousandteamsto themarketingguy,herhusbandoverseeing replacehisworkforce,doesntsayawordabout manufacturinginBelgrade.Theyneededa whatthatlotismeanttobedoingnowhes couplegrandtogetitallgoing,andtheyllneed shitcannedthemall.Utterbullshit.Irrational somelifesupportwhiletheyfindtheirnatural exuberancegoneberserk. market. Suzannehadaperverseimpulsetoturnthewand TheygottwentygrandfromKodacellthis backonandsplashFreddysbiliouswords week.Halfofitaloan,halfofitequity.Andwe acrosstheceiling,andthethoughtmadeher putthemonthepayroll,withbenefits.Theyre giggle.Shesuppresseditandkeptonpilingup partfreelancer,partemployee,inateamwith notes,thinkingaboutthestructureofthestory backingandadvicefromacrossthewhole shedfilethatday. business. Kettlewellpulledoutsomechartsandanother Itwaseasytodoonce.Weregoingtodoitten surferinasuitcameforwardtotalkmoney, thousandtimesthisyear.Weresendingout walkingthemthroughthefinancials.Shedread talentscouts,liketheartistsandrepresentation themalreadyanddecidedthattheywereapretty peopletherecordlabelsusedtouse,andtheyre crediblebitoffiction,soshelethermind

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/7 wander. Shewasahundredmilesawaywhenthe ballroomdoorsburstopenandtheunionized laborersoftheformerKodakandtheformer Duracellpouredinonthem,tossingliterature intotheairsothatitsnowedangryleaflets.They hadabigdrumandabugle,andtheyshook tambourines.Thehotelrentacopsoccasionally dartedforwardandgrabbedaprotestorbythe arm,buthercolleagueswouldimmediately swarmthemandpryherlooseanddragherback intothebodyofthedemonstration.Freddy grinnedandshoutedsomethingatKettlewell,but itwaslostinthedin.Thejournaliststookalotof pictures. tricked,somehow.Well,shewasmakingupforit now. Onthestage,thesurferboysinsuitswere confabbing,holdingtheirthumbsovertheirtie mics.Finally,Kettlewellsteppedupandheldup hisownlaserpointer,paintinganotherrectangle oflightbesideSuzannes. Imgladyouaskedthat,Suzanne,hesaid,his voicebarelyaudible. IMGLADYOUASKEDTHATSUZANNE Thejournalistschuckled.Eventhechanters laughedalittle.Theyquieteddown. Illtellyou,theresadownsidetolivinginthis ageofwonders:wearemovingtoofastand outstrippingtheabilityofourinstitutionstokeep pacewiththechangesintheworld.

Suzanneclosedhercomputerslidandsnatched aleafletoutoftheair.WHATABOUTUS?it began,andtalkedabouttheworkerswhodbeen Freddyleanedoverhershoulder,blowingshit atKodakandDuracellfortwenty,thirty,even fortyyears,whohadbeenconspicuouslyabsent breathinherear.Translation:youreass fucked,thelotofyou. fromKettlewellsstatedplanstodate. Shetwistedthelaserpointertolifeandpointedit TRANSLATIONYOURASSFUCKEDTHE backatthewall.Leaninginveryclose,shesaid, LOTOFYOU Whatareyourplansforyourexisting workforce,MrKettlewell?

Suzanneyelpedasthewordsappearedonthe wallandreflexivelyswungthepointeraround, paintingthemontheceiling,theoppositewall, WHATAREYOURPLANSFORYOUR EXISTINGWORKFORCEMRKETTLEWELL andthen,finally,inminiature,onhercomputers lid.Shetwistedthepointeroff. Sherepeatedthequestionseveraltimes, refreshingthetextsothatitscrolledlikeastock Freddyhadthedecencytolookslightly embarrassedandheslunkawaytotheveryend tickeracrossthatupholsteredwall,an oftherowofseats,scootingfromchairtochair illuminatedfocusthatgraduallydrewallthe attentionintheroom.Theprotestorssawitand onhisnarrowbutt.Onstage,Kettlewellwas begantolaugh,thentheyreaditaloudinragged pretendingveryhardthathehadntseenthe profanity,andthathecouldnthearthejeering unison,untilitbecameachant:WHATARE YOURPLANSthumpofthebigdrumFOR fromtheprotestorsnow,eventhoughithad grownsoloudthathecouldnolongerbeheard YOUREXISTINGWORKFORCEthumpMR overit.Hekeptontalking,andthewords thumpKETTLEWELL? scrolledoverthefarwall. Suzannefelthercheekswarm.Kettlewellwas lookingatherwithsomethinglikeasmile.She THEREISNOWORLDINWHICHKODAK likedhim,butthatwasapersonalthingandthis ANDDURACELLGOONMAKINGFILM ANDBATTERIES wasatruththing.Shewasalittleembarrassed thatshehadlethimfinishhisspielwithout THECOMPANIESHAVEMONEYINTHE callinghimonthatobviousquestion.Shefelt BANKBUTITHEMORRHAGESOUTTHE

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/8 DOOREVERYDAY WEAREMAKINGTHINGSTHATNOONE WANTSTOBUY THISPLANINCLUDESAGENEROUS SEVERANCEFORTHOSESTAFFERS WORKINGINTHEPARTSOFTHE BUSINESSTHATWILLCLOSEDOWN MEANSTODOITNOWISTHETIMEAND WEARETHEPEOPLETOHELP Suzannecouldnthelpbutadmirethepluckit tooktokeepspeakingintothepointer,despite thehowlsandbangs.

Cmon,Imgonnagrabsomebagelsbeforethe protestorsgettothem,Freddysaid,pluckingat herarmapparently,thiswashisversionofa Suzanneadmiredthetwisted,longway aroundwayofsaying,thepeoplewerefiring. charmingpickupline.Sheshookhimoff PureCEOpassivevoice.Shecouldnttypenotes authoritatively,withawhipcrackofherelbow. andreadoffthewallatthesametime.She Freddystoodthereforaminuteandthenmoved whippedoutherlittlesnapshotandmonkeyed off.ShewaitedtoseeifKettlewellwouldsay withituntilitwasinvideomodeandthen anythingmore,buthetwistedthepointeroff, startedshootingtheticker. shrugged,andwavedatthehootingprotestors BUTIFWEARETOMAKEGOODONTHAT andtheanalystsandthejournalistsandwalked offstagewiththerestofthesurfersinsuits. SEVERANCEWENEEDTOBEIN BUSINESS WENEEDTOBEBRINGINGINAPROFIT SOTHATWECANMEETOUR OBLIGATIONSTOALLOUR STAKEHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERSAND WORKFORCEALIKE WECANTPAYAPENNYINSEVERANCE IFWEREBANKRUPT WEAREHIRING50000NEWEMPLOYEES THISYEARANDTHERESNOTHINGTHAT SAYSTHATTHOSENEWPEOPLECANT COMEFROMWITHIN CURRENTEMPLOYEESWILLBEGIVEN CONSIDERATIONBYOURSCOUTS

Shegotsomecommentsfromafewofthe protestors,somedetails.WorkedforKodakor Duracellalltheirlives.Gaveeverythingtothe company.Tookvoluntarypaycutsundertheold managementfivetimesintenyearstokeepthe businessafloat,nowfacinglayoffsasabigfat thankyousuckers.Somanykids.Suchandsuch amortgage. SheknewthesestoriesfromDetroit:shedfiled enoughcopywithvaryingrenditionsofittolast alifetime.SiliconValleywassupposedtobe different.Growthandentrepreneurshipafailed companywasjustasteppingstonetoa successfulone,cantwinthemall,dustyourself offandgetbacktothegarageandstart inventing.Theresawholeworldwaitingout there!

ENTREPRENEURSHIPISADEEPLY AMERICANPRACTICEANDOUR Motherofthree.Dadwhosebrightdaughters WORKERSAREASCAPABLEOF ENTREPRENEURIALACTIONASANYONE universityfundwasraidedtomakeendsmeet duringthetemporaryausteritymeasures.This IAMCONFIDENTWEWILLFINDMANY onehasaDownsSyndromekidandthatone OFOURNEWHIRESFROMWITHINOUR workedthroughthreebacksurgeriestohelpmeet EXISTINGWORKFORCE productiondeadlines. ISAYTHISTOOUREMPLOYEESIFYOU Halfanhourbeforeshedbeenfullofthatold HAVEEVERDREAMEDOFSTRIKINGOUT SiliconValleyoptimism,thesensethattherewas ONYOUROWNEXECUTINGONSOME abetterworldaborningaroundher.Nowshe AMAZINGIDEAANDNEVERFOUNDTHE wasbackinthatoldrustbeltfunk,withthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/9 feelingthatshewaswitnessnottoabeginning, buttoaperpetualending,acycleofdestruction thatwouldteardowneverythingsolidand reliableintheworld. Shepackedupherlaptopandsteppedoutinto theparkinglot.Acrossthefreeway,shecould makeoutthebonesoftheGreatAmericafun parkrollercoasterswhippingaroundandaround inthewarmCaliforniasun. Theselittletechhamletsdownthe101were deceptivelyutopian.Allthehomelesspeople weremilesnorthonthestreetsofSanFrancisco, wherepedestrianmarksforpanhandlingcould behad,wherethecrackwassoldoncorners insteadofoutofthetrunksoffreshfaced, friendlycokedealerscars.Downhereitwas giantmalls,purposebuiltdotcombuildings, andtheoccasionalfunpark.PaloAltowasa universitytownthemepark,providedyou steeredclearofthewrongsideofthetracks,the EastPaloAltoslumsthatwerepractically shanties. Christ,shewasgettingmelancholy.Shedidnt wanttogointotheofficenottoday.Notwhen shewasinthiskindofmood.Shewouldgo homeandputherblazerbackintheclosetand changeintoyogatogsandwritehercolumnand havesomegoodcoffee. asyoucouldhavedreamed,andyouarerightin thethickoftheweirdestandbesttimetheworld hasyetseen.AndLandonKettlewellknowsyour name. Shefinishedthewineandopenedhercomputer. Itwasdarkenoughnowwiththesunsetbehind thehillsthatshecouldreadthescreen.TheWeb wasfullofinterestingthings,heremailfullof challengingnotesfromherreaders,andher editorhadalreadysignedoffonhercolumn. Shewasgettingreadytoshutthelidandheadfor bed,soshepulledhermailoncemore. From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com To:schurch@sjmercury.com Subject:Embeddedjournalist? Thanksforkeepingmehonesttoday,Suzanne. Itsthehardestquestionwerefacingtoday:what happenswhenallthethingsyouregoodatare nogoodtoanyoneanymore?Ihopeweregoing toanswerthatwiththenewmodel. Youdogoodwork,madam.Idbehonoredif youdconsiderjoiningoneofourlittleteamsfor acouplemonthsandchroniclingwhattheydo.I feellikeweremakinghistoryhereandweneed someonetochronicleit.

Idontknowifyoucansquarethiswiththe Shenailedupthecopyinanhourandemailedit Merc,andIsupposethatweshouldbedoingthis tohereditorandpouredherselfaglassofNapa throughmyPRpeopleandyoureditor,butthere red(thelocalvintagesinMichiganlikewiseleft comesatimeaboutthistimeeverynightwhen Imjusttoogoddamnedhypertobotherwithall somethingtobedesired)andsettledontoher porch,overlookingthebigreservoiroff280near thatstuffandIwanttojustDOSOMETHING insteadofasksomeoneelsetostartaprocessto SanMateo. investigatethepossibilityofsomedaypossibly Thehousehadbeenworthasmallfortuneatthe maybedoingsomething. startofthedotboom,butnow,intheresurgent propertyboom,itwasworthalargefortuneand Willyoudosomethingwithus,ifwecanmakeit thensome.Shecouldconceivablysellthisbadly work?100percentaccess,nooversight?Sayyou will.Please. builtlittleshackwithitsleakyhottubfor enoughmoneytoretireon,ifshewantedtolive Yourpal, outtherestofherdaysinSriLankaorNebraska. Kettlebelly Youvegotnobusinessfeelingpoorly,young Shestaredatherscreen.Itwaslikeaworkofart; lady,shesaidtoherself.Youareaswellsetup justlookatthatreturnaddress,kettlewell

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/10 l@skunkworks.kodacell.comfor kodacell.comtobeliveandacceptingmail,it hadtohavebeenregisteredthedaybefore.She hadavisionofKettlewellcheckinghisemailat midnightbeforehisbigpressconference, catchingFreddyscolumn,andregistering kodacell.comonthespot,thenwakingupsome sysadmintogetamailserveransweringat skunkworks.kodacell.com.Lastshedheard, LockheedMartinwasthreateningtosueanyone whousedtheirtrademarkedtermSkunk WorkstodescribeagenericR&Ddepartment. ThatmeantthatKettlewellhadmovedsofast thathehadntevenrunthisprojectbylegal.She waswillingtobetthathedalreadyorderednew businesscardswiththeaddressonthem. Therewasaguysheknew,aneditoratamag whodassignedhimselfaplumarticlethathed runonhisowncover.Hedgottenabookdeal outofit.Ahalfmilliondollarbookdeal.If Kettlewellwasright,thentheexclusivebookon theinsideofthefirstyearatKodacellcould easilymakethatadvance.Andthepropswould bemad,asthekidssaid. Kettlebelly!Itwassuchastupidfratboy nickname,butitmadehersmile.Hewasnt takinghimselfseriously,ormaybehewas,but hewasntbeingapompousassaboutit.Hewas seriousaboutchangingtheworldandfrivolous abouteverythingelse.Shedhaveahardtime beinganobjectivereporterifshesaidyestothis. thingwokefromsleep. From:schurch@sjmercury.com To:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? Kettlebelly:thatisonedumbnickname.I couldntpossiblyassociatemyselfwithagrown manwhocallshimselfKettlebelly. SostopcallingyourselfKettlebelly,immediately. Ifyoucandothat,wevegotadeal. Suzanne Therehadcomeadaywhenherreadersacquired emailandthepaperranheraddresswithher byline,andherreadershadbeguntowriteher andwriteherandwriteher.Somewereamazing, informative,thoughtfulnotes.Somewerethe vilest,mostbilioustrolling.Inordertodealwith thesenotes,shehadtaughtherselftopause, breathe,andrereadanyemailmessagebefore clickingsend. Thereflexkickedinnowandsherereadher notetoKettlebellyKettlewell!andfelta crimpinherguts.Thenshehitsend. Sheneededtopee,andapparentlyhaddonefor sometime,withoutrealizingit.Shewasonthe toiletwhensheheardthepingofnewincoming mail. From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com

To:schurch@sjmercury.com Shecouldntpossiblydecideatthishour.She Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? neededanightssleepandshehadtotalkthis overwiththeMerc.Ifshehadaboyfriend,shed IwillnevercallmyselfKettlebellyagain. havetotalkitoverwithhim,butthatwasnta Yourpal, probleminherlifethesedays. Kettledrum. ShespreadonsomeexpensivedutyfreeFrench wrinklecreamandbrushedherteethandputon Ohshitohshitohshit.Shedidalittletwostep atherbedsedge.Tomorrowshedgoseeher hernightieanddoublecheckedthedoorlocks editoraboutthis,butitjustfeltright,and anddidallthenormalthingsshedidofan exciting,likeshewasonthebrinkofanevent evening.Thenshefoldedbackhersheets, thatwouldchangeherlifeforever. plumpedherpillowsandstaredatthem. Sheturnedonherheelandstalkedbacktoher computerandthumpedthespacebaruntilthe IttookherthreehoursofmindlessWebsurfing, includingatrulydrearyHotOrNotclicktrance

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/11 andanhoursworthoffiddlingwithtweetsfrom thepressconference,beforeshewasabletolull herselftosleep.Asshenoddedoff,shethought thatKettlewellsinsomniawasascontagiousas hisexcitement. sharedwithDetroitwastheobesityofthepeople shepassed.Shedfeltalittleselfconsciousthat morning,dressinginalightshortsleevedblouse andapairofshortsnothingelsewoulddo,the weatherwassohotanddrippythatevenclosed toeshoeswouldhavebeenintolerable.At45,her legshadslightcellulitesaddlebagsandher Hollywood,Floridasbiggestjunkyardwas tummywasntthewashboardithadbeenwhen situatedintherubbleofahalfbuiltghostmall shewas25.Buthere,onthisstretchofroad offTaftStreet.SuzannesMiamiairportrental populatedbypeoplesofattheycouldbarely carcamewithaGPS,butthelittleboxhadnt walk,sofatthattheyweredesexed everheardofthemall;itwasoffthemap.Soshe marshmallowswithfaceslikeinflatabletoys,she tookamomentintheswelteringparkinglotof feltlikeatoothpick. hercoffinhoteltocallherinterviewsubject TheGPSqueepedwhenshecameuponthe againandgetbettercoordinates. junkyard,asprawling,halfbuiltdiscountmall Yeah,itscausetheyneverfinishedbuilding whosewaisthighwallshadbeenusedtoparcel themall,sotheaddresshasntbeenincludedin outdifferentkindsofsortedwaste.Themallhad theUSGSmaps.TheopenGPSesallhavethese beenplannedwithwideindoorboulevards bettermapsmadebygeohackers,buttherental betweentheshopswideenoughfortwolanesof carcompanieshavegotarealhardonforofficial traffic,andshecruisedthoselanesnowinthe mapdata.Morons.Hangon,lemmegetmyGPS hertzmobile,lookingforahuman.Onceshe outandIllgetyousomedecentlatlong. reachedthecenterofthemalladryfountain filledwithdustyChristmastreeornamentsshe Hisvoicehadapleasant,youthful,midwestern sound,likeaCanadiannewscaster:friendlyand stoppedandleanedonthehorn. enthusiasticasapuppy.HisnamewasPerry Gibbons,andifKettlewellwastobebelieved,he wasthemostpromisingprospectidentifiedby Kodacellstalentscouts. Shegotoutofthecarandcalled,Hello? Perry?Shecouldhavephonedhimbutitalways seemedsowastefulspendingmoneyonairtime whenyouweretryingtotalktosomeonewithin shoutingrange. Suzanne!Thevoicecamefromherleft.She shieldedhereyesfromthesunsglareandpeered downaspokeofmalllaneandcaughtherfirst glimpseofPerryGibbons.Hewasstandingin thebasketofatallcherrypicker,barechested andbrown.Heworeasunvisorandbigwork gloves,andbig,baggyshortswhosepockets jangledasheshinnieddownthecranesneck. Shestartedtowardhimtentatively.Notalotof businessreportingassignmentsinvolved spendingtimewithhalfnaked,sunbakeddudes inremotesouthernjunkyards.Still,hesounded nice. Hello!shecalled.Hewasyoung,22or23,and alreadyhadsquintcreasesatthecornersofhis

TheghostmallwasjustoneofmanyalongTaft Street,ranginginsizefromlittlecornerplazasto giganticpalaceswithbrokeninatriaandcracked parkinglots.AlotofthemallsinCaliforniahad crashed,buttheydbeenturnedintofleamarkets ordaycares,or,iftheydbeenabandoned,they hadntbeenabandonedlikethis,lefttogoto ruin.ThisremindedherofDetroitbeforeshed left,wholeswathsoftheinnercityemptiedof people,neighborhoodscondemnedand bulldozedand,inacoupleofweirdcases, actuallyfarmedbyenterprisingcitydwellers whoplantedcrops,keptlivestock,androdetheir minitractorsbeneaththebeamofthedefunct whiteelephantmonorail. Theothercommonalitythisstretchofroad

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/12 eyes.Hehadabraceononewristandhissteel takingbacktheboxandexpertlyextractingthe toedbootswerethemottledgreyofagrease Elmolikehewasshellinganut.Thelastand puddleonthefloorofamufflerandbrakeshop. greatestgenerationofElmoidtechnology,cast Hegrinnedandtuggedoffaglove,stuckouthis intoanuncaringworldthatboughtmillionsof hand.Apleasure.Sorryforthetroublefinding LilTaggerwashablegraffitikitsinsteadafter thisplace.Itsnoteasytogetto,butitscheapas Rosiegavethemtwothumbsuponher Christmasshoppingguide. hell. Ibelieveit.Shelookedaroundagainthe heapsofinterestingtrash,thefountaindishfilled withthousandsofshiningornaments.Thesmell wasamixtureofmachineoilandsalt,jungleair, FloridaswampandDetroitsteel.So,thisplace isprettycool.Lookslikeyouvegotprettymuch everythingyoucouldimagine. PoorElmowasanorphan,andeveryjunkyard intheworldhasmountainsofmintinpackage BWEs,gettingrainedon,waitingtostarttheir long,halfmillionyeardecomposition.

Butcheckthisout.Heflickedamultitooloff hisbeltandextractedashort,sharpscalpel blade.Heslitthegrinning,discosuitedElmo openfromchintogroinandshuckeditsfurry Andthensome.Thiswasspokenbyanother exteriorandthefoamtissuethatoverlaidits man,onewhopuffedheavilyupfrombehind her.Hewasenormous,notjusttallbutfat,asbig skeleton.Heslidthebladeundertheplastic aroundasabarrel.HisgreenteeshirtreadITS coveronitsassandrevealedalittleprinted circuitboard. FUNTOUSELEARNINGFOREVIL!in blocky,pixelatedletters.Hetookherhandand ThatsanentireAtomprocessoronachip, shookit.Iloveyourblog,hesaid.Ireaditall there,hesaid.Eachlimbandtheheadhave thetime.Hehadthreechins,andeyesthatwere theirownsubcontrollers.Theresahighpowered nearlylostinhisapplecheeks. digitaltoanalogrigforlettinghimsingand dancetonewsongs,andananalogtodigital MeetLester,Perrysaid.Mypartner. converterarrayforconvertingspokenand Sidekick,Lestersaidwithahugewink. dancedcommandstomotions.Basically,you Sysadminslashhardwarehackerslash danceandsingforElmoandhelldanceand dogsbodyslashdotorg. singbackforyou. Shechuckled.Nerdhumor.Ararar. Suzannenodded.Shedmissedthattoy,which wasapity.Shehadafiveyearoldgoddaughter Right,letsgetstarted.YouwannaseewhatI inMinneapoliswhowouldhavelovedaBoogie do,right?Perrysaid. WoogieElmo. Thatsright,Suzannesaid. Theyhadcometoagiantbarn,setattheedgeof Leadtheway,Lester,Perrysaid,andgestured astoryandahalfsworthofanchorstore.This withanarm,deepintothecenterofthejunkpile. usedtobewherethecontractorskepttheirheavy Allright,checkthisstuffoutaswego.He equipment,Lesterrumbled,aimingacardoor stuckhishandthroughtheunglazedwindowofa remoteatthedoor,whichqueepedandopened. neverbuiltshopandpluckedoutatoyina Inside,itwascoolandbright,thechuggingair batteredbox.Ilovethesethings,hesaid, conditionersefficientlyblastingpurifiedairover handingittoher. themanyworksurfaces.Thebarnwasagood25 Shetookit.ItwasaSesameStreetElmodoll, feettall,withaloftandacatwalkcirclingit labeledBOOGIEWOOGIEELMO. halfwayup.Itwaslinedwithmetallicshelves ThatsfromthegreatElmoCrash,Perrysaid, stackedneatlywithlabeledboxesofparts

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/13 scroungedfromthejunkyard. PerrysetElmodownonaworkbenchand workedaminiatureUSBcableintohischest cavity.TheotherendterminatedwithaPDA withasmallrubberizedphotovoltaiccellonthe front. ThisthingisrunningInstallPartyitcan recognizeanyhardwareandbuildandinstalla Linuxdistroonitwithouthumanintervention. Theyusedatonofdifferentsuppliersforthe BWE,soeveryoneisalittledifferent, dependingonwhowasofferingthecheapest partsthedayitwasbuilt.InstallPartydoesnt care,though:oneclickandawayitgoes.The PDAwasdoingallkindsoffunnydancesonits screen,montagesofplayfulphotoshoppingof publicfiguresmattedintohistoricalfineart. Alldone.Now,havealookthisisaLinux computerwithsomeofthemostadvanced roboticseverengineered.Nosweatshopstuff, either,seethis?Thesolderistooprecisetobe donebyhandthatsbecauseitsfromIndia.If itwasfromCambodia,youdseeallkindsof wobbleinthesolder:thatmeansthattiny,clever handswereusedtocreateit,whichmeansthat somewhereinthedeviceskarmichistory, theresasweatshopfullofcrippledchildren inhalingsolderfumesuntiltheykeeloverand aredumpedinaditch.Thisisthegoodstuff. Itwasbarelyrecognizable,havingbeenreduced toitsrollcage,drivetrainandcontrolpanel.A gangofnakedrobotElmoswerepiledintoit. Wakeupboys,timeforademo!Perryshouted, andtheysatupandmadecanned,tinnyElmo ohboynoises,climbingintopositiononthe pedals,aroundthewheel,andonthegeartree. IgottheideawhenIwasteachinganElmoto playMarioBrothers.Ithoughtitdgetadecent diggdotting.Icouldgetittospeedrunallofthe firstlevelusinganoldpaddleIdfoundand rehabilitated,andIwastryingtofigureoutwhat todonext.Thedeadmallacrossthewayisa driveintheater,andIwasoutfrontwatchingthe silentmovies,andoneofthemshowedallthese cutelittlefurryanimatedwhateverscollectively drivingacar.Itsareallyoldsightgag,Imean, likeracialmemoryold.IdseentheLittle Rascalsdothesamebit,withAlfalfaonthe wheelandBuckwheatandSpankyonthebrake andclutchandthedoggyworkingthegearshift.

AndIthought,Shit,IcoulddothatwithElmos. Theydonthaveanynetworkingcapability,but theycantalkandtheycanparsespoken commands,soallIneedistodesignateonefor leftandoneforrightandoneforfastandonefor slowandonetobetheeyes,barkingordersand theyshouldbeabletodothis.Anditworks! Theyevenadjusttheirbalanceandcentersof gravitywhenthecarswervestostayuprightat Sowehavethiskarmicallycleanrobotwith infinitelymalleablecomputationandabunchof theirposts.Checkitout.Heturnedtothecar. roboticcapabilities.Iveturnedthesethingsinto DrivingElmos,tenHUT!Theysnapped wallclimbingmonkeys;Ivemoddedthemfora uprightandtickedsalutesofftheirnakedplastic noggins.Incircles,DRIVE,hecalled.The womanfromtheUniversityofMiamiatthe Elmosscrambledintopositionandfiredupthe JacksonMemorialwhousedtheircapabilityto carandinshortordertheyweredoingdonutsin apehumanmotionsinphysiotherapyprograms withnervedamagecases.ButthebestthingIve thecarslittleindoorpasture. donewiththemsofaristheDistributedBoogie Elmos,HALTPerryshoutedandthecar WoogieElmoMotorVehicleOperationCluster. stoppedsilently,rockinggently.StandDOWN. Comeon,hesaid,andtookoffdeeperintothe TheElmossatdownwithaseriesoftiny barnsdepths. thumps. Theycametoadusty,strippeddownSmartcar, Suzannefoundherselfapplauding.Thatwas oneofthosetinytwoseatelectriccarsyoucould amazing,shesaid.Reallyimpressive.Sothats literallybuyoutofavendingmachineinEurope. whatyouregoingtodoforKodacell,make

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/14 thesethingsoutofrecycledtoys? thishopperwithGIJoeheads,andthishopper Lesterchuckled.Nope,notquite.Thatsjustfor withBarbieheads.Crankthiswheelanditwill dropanumberofM&Msequaltotheproductof starters.TheElmosareallabouttheuniversal availabilityofcyclesandapparatus.Everywhere thetwovaluesintothishopper,here.Heput threescuffedGIJoeheadsinonehopperand youlook,theresdevicesforfreethathave fourscrofulousBarbiesinanotherandbeganto everythingyouneedtomakeanythingdo crank,slowly.Amusicboxbesidethecrank anything. playedaslow,irregularrenditionofPopGoes Buthavealookatparttwo,cmere.He theWeaselwhilethehundredsoflittlecoin lumberedoffinanotherdirection,andSuzanne sizedgearsturned,flippingswitchesandadding andPerrytrailedalongbehindhim. andremovingtensiontosprings.Afterthe ThisisLestersworkshop,Perrysaid,asthey weaselpoppedafewtimes,twelvebrown M&Msfellintoanoutstretchedrubberhand.He passedthroughasetofswingingdoubledoors andintoaclutteredwonderland.WherePerrys pickedthemoutcarefullyandofferedthemto her.ItsOK.Theyrenotfromthetrash,he domainhadbeencleanandneatlyorganized, Lestersareawasahappyshambles.Hisshelves said.Ibuytheminbulk.Heturnedhisbroad backtoherandheavedahugegalvanizedtin werentorderly,butrather,crammedwith washtubfullofbrownM&Msinherdirection. loomingpilesofamazingjunk:thriftstore See,itsabitbucket!hesaid. weddingdresses,plasterstatuesofbowling monkeys,boxkites,kneehightinknightsin Suzannegiggledinspiteofherself.Youguys armor,seashellspaintedwithAmericanflags, arehilarious,shesaid.Thisisreallygood, presidentialactionfigures,pastejewelryand excitingnerdystuff.Thegearsonthe antiquecoughdroptins. mechanicalcomputerwerereallysharpand Youknowhowtheysayasculptorstartswitha precise;theylookedlikeyoucouldcutyourself blockofmarbleandchipsawayeverythingthat onthem.Whentheygroundoverthepolished surfacesofthecardoors,theymadeasoundlike doesntlooklikeastatue?Likehecanseethe statueintheblock?Igetlikethatwithgarbage:I aboxoftoothpicksfallingtothefloor:click seethepiecesontheheapsandinroadsidetrash click,clickclickclick,click.Sheturnedthecrank untiltwelvemorebrownM&Msfellout. andIcanjustseehowitcangotogether,like this. WhostheVanHalenfan? Hereacheddownbelowaworktableandhoisted Lesterbeamed.MightaswelljumpJUMP! upahugetriptychmadeoutofthreehingedcar Hemimedheavymetalairguitarandthrashed doorsstoodonend.Carefully,heunfoldeditand hisshornheadupanddownasthoughhewere stooditlikeascreenonthecrackedconcrete headbangingwithamightymaneofhairband floor. locks.Yourethefirstonetogetthejoke!he said.EvenPerrydidntgetit! Theinsideofthecardoorshadbeenstripped cleanandpolishedtoahighmetalgleamthat Getwhat?Perrysaid,alsogrinning. glowedlikesterlingsilver.Spotweldedtoitwere allmannerofsodatins,poundedflatandcutinto VanHalenhadthisthingwhereiftherewere anybrownM&Msintheirdressingroomtheyd gears,chutes,springsandothermechanical trashitandrefusetoplay.WhenIwasakid,I apparatus. usedtodreamaboutbeingsofamousthatIcould Itsamechanicalcalculator,hesaidproudly. actlikethatmuchofaprick.Eversince,Ive AbouthalfaspowerfulasUnivac.Imilledall affordedagreatpersonalsignificancetobrown thepartsusingalasercutter.Whatyoudois,fill M&Ms.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/15 Shelaughedagain.Thenshefrownedalittle. Look,Ihatetobreakthispartyup,butIcame herebecauseKettlebellycrap,Kettlewellsaid thatyouguysexemplifiedeverythingthathe wantedtodowithKodacell.Thisstuffyouve doneisallveryinteresting,itskillerart,butI dontseethebusinessangle.So,canyouhelp meouthere? mammothlikeanoutsizedphotocopier,started togruntandchurn.Theairfilledwithasmell likeSaranWrapinamicrowave.

Thegoopweuseinthisthingisepoxybased. Youwouldntwanttobuildacaroutofit,butit makesameandollhouse.Thelaststageofthe outputswitchestoinks,soyougetwhatever bitmapyouveskinnedyourobjectwithbaked Thatsstepthree,Perrysaid.Cmere.Heled rightin.Itdoesaboutonecubicinchperminute, herbacktohisworkspace,toaplatform sothisjobshouldbealmostdonenow. surroundedbyarticulatedarmsterminatedin Hedrummedhisfingersontopofthemachine webcams,likeagroceryscaleintheembraceof foramomentandthenitstoppedchunkingand ametalspider.threeDscanner,hesaid, somethinginsideitwentclunk.Heliftedalid producingaBarbieheadfromLestersmachine andreachedinsideandpluckedoutthebarbie anddroppingitonthescales.Heproddeda head,stretchedanddistorted,skinnedwitha buttonandanearbyscreenfilledwithathree CampbellsSouplabel.HehandedittoSuzanne. deeimensionalmodelofthehead,flattenedon Sheexpectedittobewarm,likeasquashed thesidewhereittouchedthesurface.Heturned pennyfromamachineonFishermansWharf, theheadoverandscannedagainandnowthere butitwascoolandhadtheseamlesstextureofa weretwodigitalversionsoftheheadonthe plasticmargarinetubandtheheftofa screen.Hemousedoneovertheotheruntilthey paperweight. linedup,rightclickedadropdownmenu, So,thatsthebusiness,Lestersaid.Orso selectedanoptionandthentheyweremerged, weretold.Wevebeenmakingcoolstuffand rotating. sellingittocollectorsonthewebforyouknow, OncewevegotthethreeDscan,itsbasically giganticbucks.Wemoveoneortwopiecesa Plasticine.HedistortedtheBarbiehead, monthatabouttengrandper.ButKettlebelly stretchingitandsqueezingitwiththemouse. sayshesgoingtoindustrializeus,alienateus Sowecantakearealobjectandmakethiskind fromtheproductofourlabor,andturnusintoan ofproteanhyperobjectoutofit,ordropitdown assemblyline. toawireframeandskinitwithanybitmap,like this.MorefastmousingBarbiesheadturned Hedidntsayanysuchthing,Perrysaid. intoagriddedmesh,finefilamentsstretchingoff Suzannewasawarethatherearshadgrown alongeachmussedstrandofplastichair.Thena points.PerrygaveLesteranaffectionateslugin theshoulder.Lestersonlykidding.Whatwe CampbellsCreamofMushroomSouplabel wrappedaroundherlikeastockingbeingpulled needisacoupleofdogsbodiesandsomebigger printersandwellbeabletoturnoutmore overherhead.Therewassomething modestdevicesbythehundredorpossiblythe stupendouslyweirdandsimultaneouslyvery thousand.Wecantweakthedesignsreallyeasily comicaboutthesight,thekindofinherent becausenothingiscomingoffamold,sotheres comedyinacartoonstretchedoutonablobof nosetupcharge,sowecandolimitedrunsofa SillyPutty. hundred,redesign,doanotherhundred.Wecan Sowecanbuildanythingoutofinteresting makeemtoorder. junk,withanyshape,andthenwecandigitize theshape.Thenwecandoanythingwelikewith AndweneedanMBA,Lestersaid. Kodacellssendingusabusinessmanagerto theshape.Thenwecanoutputtheshape.He helpusturnjunkintopesos. typedquicklyandanothermachine,sealedand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/16 Yeah,Perrysaid,withaworriedflickofhis eyes.Yeah,abusinessmanager. So,Iveknownsomebusinessgeekswhoarent totalassholes,Lestersaid.Whocareabout whattheyredoingandthepeopletheyredoing itwith.Respectfulandmindful.Itslikelawyers theyrenotallscumbags.Someofthemare totallyawesomeandsaveyourass. Suzannetookallthisin,jottingnotesonanold fashionedspiralboundshirtpocketnotebook. Whenshearriving? withinwalkingdistanceofanythingdownhere. Youenduplivinginyourcar. Andsotheyhikedalongthesideoftheroad. Thesidewalkwasacuriousmixofoldandnew, theconcreteunwornbutstillovergrownbytall sawgrassthrivingintheFloridaheat.Itbrushed upagainstherankles,hardandsharp,unlikethe grassbackhome.

Theywerewalkingparalleltoaditchfilledwith sluggish,brackishwaterandpopulatedby singingfrogs,ducks,ibises,andmosquitoesin Nextweek,Lestersaid.Weveclearedhima greatnumber.Acrossthewaywereemptylots, spacetoworkandeverything.Hessomeonethat ghostplazas,deadfillingstations.Behindoneof thefillingstations,aclusteroftentsandshacks. KettlewellspeoplerecruitedupinIthacaand hesgoingtomoveheretoworkwithus,sight Squatters?sheasked,pointingtothe unseen.Crazy,huh? shantytown. Crazy,Suzanneagreed. Yeah,Perrysaid.Lotsofthatdownhere. Right,Perrysaid.Thatsnextweek,andthis Someofthemaretheparamilitarywingofthe AARP,oldtrailerhomeretireeswhoverunout aftwevegotsomeworktodo,butnowIm ofmoneyandjustsetupcamphere.Someare readyforlunch.Youguysreadyforlunch? bumsandjunkies,somearerunaways.Itsnotas Somethingaboutfoodandreallyfatguys,it badasitlookstheyreprettycomfyinthere. seemedlikeanawkwardquestiontoSuzanne, Webringemfurnitureandothergoodpickings likeaskingsomeonewhodbeenhorribly thatshowupatthejunkyard.Thehomelesswith disfiguredbyburnsifhewantedtotoasta thewherewithaltobuildshantytowns,they marshmallow.ButLesterdidntreacttothe haventgoneallanimalliketheshoppingcart questionofcoursenot,hehadtoeat,everyone peopleandthescarybeachcombers.Hewaved hadtoeat. acrossthemalarialditchtoanoldmaninapair Yeah,letsdotheIHOP.Lestertrundledback ofpressedkhakishortsandacrispBermuda shirt.HeyFrancis!hecalled.Theoldman tohishalfoftheworkspace,thencameback wavedback.WellhavesomeIHOPforyou withacaneinonehand.Thereslikethree boutanhour!Theoldmantickedasaluteoff placestoeatwithinwalkingdistanceofhereif hiscreasedforehead. youdontcountthemobileMexicanburrito wagon,whichIdont,sinceitsarolling Francisisagoodguy.Usedtobeanaerospace advertisementfordysentery.TheIHOPisthe engineerifyoucanbelieveit.Wifehadmedical leastobjectionableofthose. problemsandhewentbusttakingcareofher. Whenshedied,heendeduphereinhisdouble Wecoulddrivesomewhere,Suzannesaid.It wideandneverleft.Kindoftheunofficialmayor wascominguponnoonandtheheatoncethey ofthislittlepatch. gotoutsideintothemallsruinswaslikethe steamoffadishwasher.Shepluckedather SuzannestaredafterFrancis.Hehadabitofa blouseacoupleoftimes. gimpyleg,alimpshecouldspotevenfromhere. Besideher,Lesterwaspuffing.Noonewas Itstheonlychancetoexerciseweget,Perry said.Itsprettymuchimpossibletoliveorwork comfortablewalkinginFlorida,itseemed.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/17 IttookanotherhalfhourtoreachtheIHOP,the InternationalHouseofPancakes,whichsat oppositeaminimallwithonlyonestill breathingstore,aplacethatadvertised99centt shirts,whichstruckSuzanneasprofoundly depressing.Therewasajunkieoutfrontof99 CentTees,awomanwithaleatherytananda tinytanktopandshortsthatmadeherlooka littlelikeaTenderloinhooker,butnotwiththat ratsnesthair,notevenintheLoin.She wobbleduncertainlyacrosstheparkinglotto them. Excuseme,shesaid,withanimprobable ValleyGirlaccent.Excuseme?Imhopingto getsomethingtoeat,itsformykid,shes nursing,gottakeepmystrengthup.Hernaked armsandlegswerebadlytrackedout,and Suzannehadahorrifiedrealizationthatamong thestainsonhertanktopwereapairof spreadingpoolsofbreastmilk,dampeningold white,crustedpatchesoverhersaggingbreasts. Formybaby.Adollarwouldhelp,adollar. TherewerehomelesslikethisinSanFrancisco, too.InSanJoseaswell,shesupposed,butshe didntknowwheretheyhid.Butsomething aboutthiswoman,crackedoutandtrackedout,it freakedherout.Shedugintoherpurseandgot outafivedollarbillandhandedittothe homelesswoman.Thewomansmileda snaggletoothedstumpygrinandreachedforit, then,abruptly,grabbedholdofSuzanneswrist. Hergripwasdampandweak. Dontyoufuckinglookatmelikethat.Youre notbetterthanme,bitch!Suzannetuggedfree andsteppedbackquickly.Thatsright,run away!Bitch!Fuckyou!Enjoyyourlunch! Shewasshaking.PerryandLesterclosedranks aroundher.Lestermovedtoconfrontthe homelesswoman. Thefuckyouwantlardass?Youwannafuck withme?Igotaknife,youknow,cutyourears offandfeedemtoya. LestercockedhisheadliketheRCAVictordog. Hetoweredovertheskinnyjunkie,andwasfive orsixtimeswiderthanher. Youallright?hesaidgently. Ohyeah,Imjustfine,shesaid.Why,you lookingforaparty? Helaughed.YourejokingIdcrushyou! Shelaughedtoo,alesscrazy,morerelaxed sound.Lestersvoicewasalow,soothing rumble.Idontthinkmyfriendthinksshesany betterthanyou.Ithinkshejustwantedtohelp youout. Thejunkieflickedhereyesbackandforth. Listencanyouspareadollarformybaby? Ithinkshejustwantedtohelpyou.CanIget yousomelunch? Fuckerswontletmeinwontletmeusethe toileteven.Itsnothumane.Dontwanttogoin thebushes.Notdignifiedtogointhebushes. Thatstrue,hesaid.WhatifIgetyousome takeout,yougotashadyplaceyoucouldeatit? Nursingshungrywork. Thejunkiecockedherhead.Thenshelaughed. Yeah,OK,yeah.Surethanks,thanksalot! Lestermotionedherovertothemenuinthe IHOPwindowandwaitedwithherwhileshe pickedoutahelpingofcaramelapplewaffles, sausagelinks,friedeggs,hashbrowns,coffee, orangejuiceandachocolatemalted.Isthat all?hesaid,laughing,laughing,bothofthem laughing,allofthemlaughingattheincredible, outrageousmeal. Theywentinandwaitedbythepodium.The greeter,ablackguywithcornrows,noddedat LesterandPerrylikeanoldfriend.HeyTony, Lestersaid.Canyougetusagobagwithsome takeoutfortheladyoutsidebeforewesit down?Herecitedtheastoundingorder. Tonyshookhisheadandduckedit.OK,be rightup,hesaid.Youwanttositwhileyoure waiting? Wellwaithere,thanks,Lestersaid.Dont

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/18 wanthertothinkwerebailingonher.He turnedandwavedather. Shesmean,youknowbecareful. Thanks,Tony,Lestersaid. SuzannemarveledatLestersequanimity. Nothinggothisgoat.Thedoggiebagarrived.I putsomeextranapkinsandacoupleofwetnaps inthere,Tonysaid,handingittohim. Great!Lestersaid.Youguyssitdown,Illbe backinasecond. PerrymotionedforSuzannetofollowhimtoa booth.Helaughed.Lestersagoodguy,he said.ThebestguyIknow,youknow? Howdoyouknowhim?sheasked,takingout hernotepad. Hewasthesysadminatacompanythatwas makingthreeDprinters,andIwasatechata companythatwasbuyingthem,andtheproducts didntwork,andIspentalotoftimeonthe phonewithhimtroubleshootingthem.Wedget togetherinouroffhoursandhackaroundwith neatlittleworkbenchprojects,stuffwedcome upwithatwork.Whenbothcompanieswent under,wegotabunchoftheirequipmentat bankruptcyauctions.Lestersuncleownedthe junkyardandheofferedusspacetosetupour workshopsandtherestishistory. Lesterjoinedthemagain.Hewaslaughing.She isfunny,hesaid.Keptheftingthesackand saying,Christwhatthosebastardsputona plate,nowonderthiscountryssogoddamned fat!Perrylaughed,too.Suzannechuckled nervouslyandlookedaway. Heslidintotheboothnexttoherandputahand onhershoulder.ItsOK.Imaguywhoweighs nearly400pounds.IknowImabig,fatguy.IfI wassensitiveaboutit,Icouldntlasttenminutes. ImnotproudofbeingasbigasIam,butIm notashamedeither.ImOKwithit. Youwouldntloseweightifyoucould? Sure,whynot?ButIveconcludeditsnotan optionanymore.Iwasalwaysafatkid,andsoI nevergotgoodatsports,nevergotthathabit. NowIvegotthishugedeficitwhenIsitdownto exercise,becauseImluggingaroundallthis lard.Cantrunmorethanafewsteps.Walkings aboutit.Couldntjoinapickupgameof baseballorgetoutonthetenniscourt.Inever learnedtocook,either,thoughIsupposeIcould. ButmostlyIeatout,andItrytoordersensibly, butjustlookatthecraptheyfeedusattheplaces wecangettotherearentanyhealthfood restaurantsinthestripmalls.Lookatthis menu,hesaid,tappingapornographicglossy pictureofastackofglisteningwafflesoozing withsomekindofhighfructoselube.Caramel pancakeswithwhippedcream,maplesyrupand cannedstrawberries.WhenIwasakid,we calledthatcandy.Thesepeoplewillsellyouan eightdollar,18ounceplateofcandywithaside ofsausage,eggs,biscuits,baconandapintof orangejuice.Evenifyouorderthisstuffandeat athirdofit,aquarterofit,thatsprobablytoo much,andwhenyouvegotalotoffoodinfront ofyou,itsprettyhardtoknowwhentostop. Suzannecouldnthelpit;sheblurtedout:But willpower Sure,willpower.Willpowernothing.The thingis,whenthreequartersofAmericaare obese,whenhalfaredangerouslyobese,likeme, yearsoffourlivesfromallthefatthattellsyou thatthisisntawillpowerproblem.Wedidnt getlesswillfulinthelastfiftyyears.Mightas wellsaythatallthosepeoplewhodiedofthe plaguelackedthewillpowertokeeptheir housesfreeofrats.Fatisntmoral,its epidemiological.Thereareasmallnumberof people,atinyminority,whosegenesareshort circuitedinawaythatmakesthemlessproneto retainingnutrients.Thatsamaladaptivetrait throughmostofhumanhistoryburning unnecessarycalorieswhenyouvegottochase downanantelopetogetmore,thatsnowayto livelongenoughtopassonyourgenes!Soyou andPerryoverherewithyourlittleskinny selves,abletopackawaytransfatsandhigh

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/19 fructosecornsyrupandapoundofcandyfor breakfastattheIHOP,yourenotdoingthison willpoweryouredoingitbyexpressingthe somatotypeofarecessive,countersurvivalgene. WouldIliketobethinner?Sure.ButImnot gonnaletthefactthatImgeneticallybetter suitedtofaminethanfeastgettome.Speaking of,letseat.Tony,cmere,buddy.Iwantaplate ofcandy!Hewassmiling,andbrave,andat thatmoment,Suzannethoughtthatshecouldget acrushonthisguy,thisbig,smart,talented, funny,lovableguy.Thenrealitysnappedback andshesawhimashewas,sexless,lumpy, almostgrotesque.Theoverlayofhis,what,his innerbeautyonthatexterior,itdisorientedher. Shelookedbackoverhernotes. So,yousaythattheresathirdcomingoutto workwithyou? Tolivewithus,Perrysaid.Thatspartofthe deal.Geekhouses,likeintheoldcollegedays. Weregoingtobeapowertrio:twogeeksanda suit,leanandmean.ThesuitsnameisTjan,and hesSingaporeanbywayofLondonbywayof Ithaca,whereKettlebellyfoundhim.Weve talkedonthephoneacoupletimesandhes movingdownnextweek. Hesmovingdownwithouteverhavingmet you? Yeah,thatsthewayitgoes.Itslikethearmy orsomethingforus:onceyoureinyouget dispatchedhereorthere.Itwasinthecontract. Wealreadyhadaplacedownherewithroomfor Tjan,soweputsomefreshlinenontheguest bedandlaidinanextratoothbrush. Itsalittlenervousmaking,Lestersaid. PerryandIgetalonggreat,butIhaventhad suchgoodluckwithbusinesstypes.Itsnotthat Imsomekindofidealistwhodoesntgetthe needtomakemoney,buttheycanbeso condescending,youknow? Suzannenodded.Thatsatwowaystreet,you know.Suitsdontlikebeingtalkeddowntoby engineers. Lesterraisedahand.Guiltyascharged. Sowhatreyouplanningtodofortherestofthe week?ItwasWednesday,andshedcountedon gettingthispartofthestorybySaturday,but hereshewasgoingtohavetowait,clearly,until thisTjanarrived. Samestuffaswealwaysdo.Webuildcrazy stuffoutofjunk,sellittocollectors,andhave fun.WecouldgototheThunderbirdDriveIn tonightifyouwant,itsarealclassic,flea marketbydayanddriveinbynight,practically thelastonestanding. Perrycutin.OrwecouldgotoSouthBeach andgetagoodmeal,ifthatsmoreyourspeed. Naw,Suzannesaid.Driveinsoundsgreat, especiallyifitssuchadyingbreed.Bettergeta visitinwhiletheresstilltime. Theytriedtotreatherbutshewouldntletthem. Sheneverletanyonebuyhersomuchasacupof coffee.Itwasanoldjournalismschooldrill,and shewaspracticallytheonlyscribblersheknew whohewedtoit:someofthewhoresonthe SiliconValleypaperstookinfreecomputers, trips,evenspadays!butshehadnever wavered. Theafternoonpassedquicklyandenchantingly. Perrywasworkingonakneehigh,articulated Frankensteinmonsterbuiltoutofhandpainted seashellsfromabeachsidekitschmarket.They saidGODBLESSAMERICAandSOUVENIR OFFLORIDAandCONCHREPUBLICand eachhadtobefittedoutforamotorcustombuilt toconformtoitscontours. Whenitsdone,itwillmaketoast. Maketoast? Yeah,separateasinglesliceoffaloaf,loadit intoatoploadingslicetoaster,depressthelever, timethetoastcycle,retrievethetoastandbutter it.Igottheideafromoldtimebackuptape loaders.Thisplusatoasterwillfunctionasa looselycoupledsinglesystem.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/20 OK,thatsreallycool,butIhavetoaskthe boringquestion,Perry.Why?Whybuildatoast robot? Perrystoppedworkinganddustedhishandsoff. Hewasreallybuilt,andhisshaggyhairmade himlookyoungerthanhiscrowsfeetsuggested. Heturnedaseashellwithahalfbuiltmotorinit overandspunitlikeatoponthehandpainted WEATHERISHERE/WISHYOUWERE BEAUTIFULlegend. technologyoutofmaterialsthatturnedtoshitif youlookedatthemcrosseyed?Itsbecausethe iPodwasonlymeanttolastayear!

ItsliketailfinstheywerecoolintheTailfin Cretaceous,butwouldntithavebeenbetterif theycouldhavedisappearedfromviewwhen theybecameaestheticallyobsolete,whenthe spaceagewitheredupandblewaway?Oh,not really,obviously,becauseitsnicetoseeawell maintainedlandyachtonthehighwayeverynow andagain,ifonlyforvarietyssake,butifyoure Well,thatsthequestion,isntit?Thesimple goingtodesignsomethingthatismeanttobeau answer:peoplebuythem.Collectors.Soitsa faitthenpresumablyyoushouldhavesome goodhobbybusiness,butthatsnotreallyit. plannedobsolescenceinthere,someendof Itslikethis:engineeringisallaboutconstraint. lifingstrategyfortheaestheticcrashthatfollows Givenaspanoffoofeetandmaterialsoftensile anycouturemovement.Here,checkthisout. strengthofbar,buildabridgethatdoesntgoall fubared.Writeafunvideogameforaneightbit Hehandedherawhitebrick,thesizeofadeck ofcards.Ittookheramomenttorecognizeitas consolethatllfitin32K.Buildthefastest aniPod.Christ,itshuge,shesaid. airplane,ortheonewiththelargestcarrying capacity...Butthesedays,theresnotmuch Yeah,isntitjust.Rememberhowsmalland traditionalconstraint.Ivegottheengineers shinythisthingwaswhenitshipped?A mostdangerousluxury:plenty.Allthe thousandsongsinyourpocket! computationalcyclesIlleverneed.Easyand Thatmadeheractuallylaughoutloud.She rapidprototyping.Precisiontools. fishedinherpocketforherearbudsanddropped Now,itmaybethatthereisasuiteoftasks lurkinginpotentiathatdemandallthisresource andmoremaybeImlikesomelocomotive engineerdeclaringthat60milesperhouristhe pinnacleofmachinevelocity,thatspeedis cracked.ButIdontseemanyofthoseproblems nonethatinterestme. themonthetablewheretheyclatteredlike M&Ms.IthinkIvegotabout40,000songson those.Haventrunoutofspaceyet,either.

Herolledthebudsaroundinhispalmlikeapair ofdice.YouwontIstoppedkeepingtrackof mineafterIaddedmyhundredthousandth audiobook.IvegotabunchoftheLibraryof WhatIvegotherearemyownconstraints.Im Congressinmineashighrezscans,too.Acopy challengingmyself,usingfoundobjectsand oftheInternetArchive,everypostevermadeon makingstuffthatthrowsallthiscomputational Usenet...Basically,thesethingsareinfinitely capacityat,youknow,thesetrivialproblems, capacious,giventhesizeofthemediawework likecardrivingElmoclustersandseashell withtoday.Herolledthebudsoutonthe toasterrobots.Wehavesomuchcapacitythat workbenchandlaughed.Andthatsjustthe thetriviaexpandstofillit.Andallthatcapacity point!Tomorrow,wellhavesomenewextrafat isjunkcapacity,itsleftovers.Theresenough kindofmediaandsomenewtasktoperform computationalcapacityinajunkyardtolauncha withitandsomenewstoragemediumthatwill spaceprogram,andthatsbydesign.Remember makethesethingslooklikeanoldiPod.Before theiPod?Whydoyouthinkitwassoproneto thathappens,youwantthistowearoutandscuff scratchingandgoingallgunkyafterayearin uporgetlost yourpocket?WhywouldApplebuildahandheld

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/21 Ilosethosethingsallthetime,likeaseta month. Thatstheidea:hellrunthebusinessside, wellgetmoretimetohack;everyonegetspaid. Kodacellsgotsomemicrosizedmarketing Thereyougothen!TheiPodsweretoobigto loselikethat,butjustlookatthem.TheiPods agencies,specializedPRfirms,creativeshippers, allkindsoflittlethreepersonoutfitsthattheyve chromewasscratchedtothepointofbeing fogged,likethemirrorinagasstationtoilet.The promisedtohookusupwith.Tjaninterfaces withthem,wedoourthing,enrichthe screenwasalmostunreadableforallthe scratches.Theyhadscratchproofmaterialsand shareholders,getstockourselves.Itssupposed tobeallupside.Hell,ifitdoesntworkwecan hardplasticsbackthen.Theychosetobuild justwalkawayandfindanotherdumpandgo thesethingsoutofSaranWrapandtinfoilso backintothecollectorsmarket. thatbythetimetheydoubledincapacitynext year,youdhavealreadywornyoursoutand Hepickeduphishalffinishedshellandswunga wouldntfeelbadaboutjunkingthem. lampwithamagnifyinglensbuiltintoitoverhis workspace.Hey,justasec,OK?Ivejust SoImbuildingatapeloadingseashellrobot figuredoutwhatIwasdoingwrongbefore.He toasteroutofdiscardedobsoletetechnology becausetheworldisfullofcapacious,capable, tookupalittletweezersandaplasticrodand disposablejunkanditcriesouttobeusedagain. probedforamoment,thendaubedsomesolder downinsidetheshellsguts.Hetweezedawire Itsapotlatch:Ihavesomuchmaterialand computationalwealththatIcanaffordtowasteit toacontactandtheshellmadeamotorized sound,apegstickingoutofitbegantomove onfrivolousjunk.Ithinkthatswhythe rhythmically. collectorsbuyit,anyway. Gotit,hesaid.Hesetitdown.Idontexpect Imgoingtobedoingmanymoreofthese projectsafternextweek.Thiskindofdesign,we couldnevermassproduceit.Helookedalittle Well,wevebeenplayingwithsomemass wistful,andSuzannesuppressedasmile.Whata productiontechniques,thethreeDprinterandso torturedartistethisFloridajunkyardengineer on.WhenKettlebellycalledme,hesaidthathe was! wantedtoseeaboutusingthescannerandsoon Asthelongdaydrewtoaclose,theywentout tomakealotofthesethings,atalowprice point.Itsprettyperversewhenyouthinkabout forawalkinthetwilightscoolintheyard.The it:usingmoderntechnologytobuildreplicasof soppinghumidityofthedaysettledaroundthem asthesunsetinalongsummerblazethatturned obsoletetechnologyrescuedfromthedump, thedryfountainfullofChristmasornamentsinto whenthesereplicasareboundtoendupback aluminescentbowlofjewels. hereatthedump!Helaughed.Hehadnice laughlinesaroundhiseyes.Anyway,its Igotsomerealprogresstoday,Lestersaid.He somethingthatLesterandIhadtalkedaboutfor hadacanewithhimandhewaslimpingheavily. alongtime,butneverreallygotaroundto.Too Gottheprintertooutputcompletemechanical muchlikeretail.Itsbadenoughdealingwitha logicalgates,allinonepiece,Almostno coupledozencollectorswhollpaytengrandfor assembly,justdaisychainthemonaboard.And asculpture:whowantstodealwithtenthousand Ivebeenworkingonastandardsnaponsystem customerswhollgoadollareachforthesame forlegobrickingeachgatetothenext.Itsgoing thing? tomakeitaloteasiertorampupproduction. Thatbringsusbacktothequestionofyour relationshipwithKodacell.Theywanttodo what,exactly,withyou? ButyoufigurethatthisTjancharacterwill handleallthecustomerstuff? Yeah?Perrysaid.Heaskedatechnical questionabouttheprinter,somethingaboutthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/22 goopstensilestrengththatSuzannecouldnt follow.Theywentatit,hammerandtongs, talkingthroughtheabstrusedetailsfasterthan shecouldfollow,walkingmoreandmore quicklypastthevastheapsofdeadtechnology andhalfbuiltmallstores. astonishingnoise. Shelethimhelphertoherfeet.Jesus,she said,puttingahandtoherears.Theyranglike shedbeenataraveallnight.Whatthehell?

Antipersonnelsonicdevice,Lestersaid.She realizedthathewasshouting,butshecould Sheletthemgetaheadofherandstoppedto barelyhearit.Itdoesntdoanypermanent gatherherthoughts.Sheturnedaroundtotakeit damage,butitllscareoffmostanyone.Those allinandthatswhenshecaughtsightofthe kidsprobablyliveintheshantytownwepassed kidssneakingintoPerryandLesterslab. thismorning.Moreandmoreofthemarejoining Hey!sheshouted,inherloudestDetroitvoice. gangs.Theyreourneighbors,sowedontwant Whatareyoudoingthere?Therewerethreeof toshootthemoranything. them,inMiamiDolphinsjerseysandshinybald Shenodded.Theringinginherearswas shavedheadsandlittleshorts,thelatest subsidingalittle.Lestersteadiedher.Sheleaned inexplicablerapperstylewhichmadethemlook onhim.Hewasbigandsolid.Heworethesame morelikedragqueensinmuftithantoughguys. cologneasherfatherhad,sherealized. Theyroundedonher.Theywereheavysetand theireyebrowswerebleachedblond.Theyhad beensneakingintothelabssidedoor,looking aboutasinconspicuousasatrioofnuns. Shemovedawayfromhimandsmoothedouther shorts,dustingoffherknees.Didyouinvent that?

MadeitusingaHOWTOIfoundonline,he said.Lotofkidsaroundhereuptonogood.Its prettymuchahomebrewcivildefensesiren Theywerecomingclosernow.Theydidntmove ruggedandcheap. sowell,puffingintheheat,buttheyclearlyhad Sheputafingerineachearandscratchedatthe mayhemontheirminds.Shereachedintoher itchybuzzing.Whensheremovedthem,her purseforherpeppersprayandhelditbeforeher hearingwasalmostbacktonormal.Ioncehad dramatically,buttheydidntstopcoming. anupstairsneighborinCambridgewhohada Getlost!sheshouted.Getoutofhere!Perry, Lester! Suddenly,theairwasrentbytheloudestsound shedeverheard,likeshedputherheadinsidea foghorn.Sheflinchedandmistedacloudof aerosolcapsicumaheadofher.Shehadthe presenceofmindtostepbackquickly,before catchingablowback,butshewasntquick enough,forhereyesandnosestartedtoburnand water.Thesoundwouldntstop,itjustkept goingon,asoundlikeherheadwastoosmallto containherbrain,asoundthatmadeherteeth ache.Thethreekidshadstoppedandstaggered off. YouOK?Thevoicesoundedlikeitwas comingfromfar,faraway,thoughLesterwas rightinfrontofher.Shefoundthatshed droppedtoherkneesintheteethofthat stereosystemthatloudneverthoughtIdhear itagain. Perrycameandjoinedthem.Ifollowedthema bit,theyrewaygonenow.IthinkIrecognized oneofthemfromthecampsite.Illtalkto Francisaboutitandseeifhecansetthemright. Haveyoubeenbrokenintobefore? Afewtimes.Mostlywhatweworryaboutis someonetrashingtheprinters.Everythingelseis easytoreplace,butwhenLestersoldemployer wentbustweboughtupaboutfiftyofthese thingsattheauctionandIdontknowwhere wedlayhandsonthemagain.Computersare cheapanditsnotlikeanyonecouldreallysteal allthisjunk.Heflashedherhisgoodlooking,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/23 confidentsmileagain. Whattimedothemoviesstart? Lestercheckedhiswatch.Aboutanhourafter sunset.Ifweleavenowwecangetarealdinner ataHaitianplaceIknowandthenheadoverto theThunderbird.Illhideunderablanketinthe backseatsothatwecansaveonadmission! herabilitytonavigatetheprofessionalworldina competentmannerseemedtobebuilton shiftingsands.

TheydcomeinLesterscar,ahomemadeauto builtaroundtwoelectricSmartcarsjoined togethertoformakindofminisedanwithroom enoughforLestertoslideintothedriversperch withroomtospare.Oncetheyarrived,they Sheddonethatmanytimesasakid,herfather unpackedcleverfoldingchairsandsatthem shushingherandherbrotherastheygiggled besidethecar,rolleddownthewindows,and beneaththeblankets.ThethoughtofgiantLester turnedupthespeakers.Itwasawarmnight,but doingitmadeherchuckle.Ithinkwecanafford notstickythewayithadbeenthatday,andthe topayforyou,shesaid. kissofthewindthatrustledtheleavesofthetall Thedinnerwasgoodfieryspicyfishandgood palmsringingthetheaterwaslikebalm. musicinanoldtikibarwithpeelinggrass Themoviewassomethingforgettableabout wallpaperthatmanagedtolookvaguelyHaitian. bumblingdetectivesonthemoon,oneofthose ThewaitersspokeSpanish,notFrench,though. trendynewthingsactedentirelybyanimated Sheletherselfbetalkedintotwobottlesofbeer deadactorswhocombinedthevirtuesofbox aboutoneandahalfmorethanshewould officedrawandcheaplabor.Theremighthave normallytakebutshedidntgetlightheaded. beenacoupleoffictionalactorsintheretoo,it Theheatandhumidityseemedtorinsethe washardtosay,shedneverreallyfollowedthe alcoholrightoutofherbloodstream. moviesexceptasaplacetoescapeto.Therewas realmagicandescapeinadrivein,though,with Theygottothemoviesjustatdusk.Itwasjust likesherememberedfrombeingalittlegirland thepalpableevidenceofallthoseotherbreathing humansinthedarkenednightwatchingthe comingwithherparents.Childreninpajamas climbedoverajunglegymtoonesideofthelot. magicstoryflickerpastonthescreen,something thatwentrightintoherhindbrain.Beforeshe Rankedrowsofcarsfacedthehuge,grubby whiteprojectionwalls.Theyevenshowedoneof knewit,hereyelidsweredroopingandthenshe thosescratchyoldLetsallgotothelobbyand foundherselfjerkingawake.Thishappeneda coupletimesbeforeLesterslippedapillow getourselvesatreatcartoonshortswiththe underherheadandshesankintoitandfellinto dancinghotdogsbeforethemovie. sleep. Thenostalgiafilledheruplikeaballoon Shewokeattheclosingcreditsandrealizedthat expandinginherchest.Shehadnteverseena shedmanagedtopropthepillowonLesters computeruntilshewastenyearsold,andthat barrelchest.Shesnappedherheadupandthen hadbeenthesizeofachestfreezer,withless smiledembarrassedlyathim.Hey,sleepyhead, capabilitythanoneoftheactiveprinted hesaid.Yousnorelikeabandsaw,youknow computercardsthatcameinglossyfashion it? magazineswithcomeonsforperfumeand weightloss. Sheblushed.Idont! Theworldhadbeenstoodonitsheadsomany Youdo,hesaid. timesintheinterveningthirtyplusyearsthatit Ido? wasliterallydizzyingorwasthatthebeer havingadelayedeffect?Suddenlyallthe Perry,onherothersidenodded.Youdo. certaintiessherestedonher401k,herhouse, God,shesaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/24 Dontworry,youhaventgotanythingon Lester,Perrysaid.Ivegoneintohisroom somemorningsandfoundallthepictureslying onthefloor,vibratedofftheirhooks. BythetimeshearrivedatPerrysjunkyard,the dayhadtippedforafternoon,thesunnolonger straightoverhead,theheatalittlesofterthanit hadbeenthedaybefore.Shesettledinfor anotherdayofwatchingtheguyswork,asking ItseemedtoherthatLesterwasblushingnow. theoccasionalquestion.Thecolumnshedended ImsorryifIspoiledthemovie,shesaid. upfilinghadbeenakindofwaitandseepiece, Dontsweatit,Lestersaid,clearlygratefulfor describingthecoolculturethesetwohadgoing betweenthem,andaskingifitcouldsurvive thechangeofsubject.Itwasalousymovie scalinguptomassproduction.Nowshe anyway.Youdrownedoutsometrulyfoul experimentedwiththeirworksinprogress, dialogue. sculpturesandmachinesthatalmostworked,or Well,theresthat. didntworkatall,butthatshowedthescopeof Cmon,letsgobacktotheofficeandgetyou theircreativity.Kettlewellthoughtthatthere wereathousand,tenthousandpeopleascreative yourcar.ItsanhourtoMiamifromhere. asthesetwooutthere,waitingtobediscovered. Shewaswideawakebythetimesheparkedthe Coulditbetrue? rentacarinthecoffinhotelsparkinglotand Sure,Perrysaid,whynot?Werejusthere crawledintoherroom,slappingtheaircon buttonsuptofulltoclearoutthestiflingairthat becausesomeonedroppedthebarriertoentry, madeitpossibleforacoupleoftinkererstogeta hadbakedintotheinteriorduringtheday. lotofmaterialsandtoassemblethemwithout Shelayonherbackinthedarkcoffinforalong knowingawholelotaboutadvancedmaterials time,eyesopenandslowlyadjustingtotheidiot science.WasntitlikethiswhentheInternetwas lightsonthecontrolpanel,untilitseemedthat startingout? shewaslyinginaspacecapsulehurtlingthrough theuniverseatrelativisticspeeds,leavingbehind Woah,Suzannesaid.Ijustrealizedthatyou history,theworld,everythingsheknew.Shesat wouldntreallyrememberthosedays,backinthe earlynineties. up,wideawake,onWestCoasttimesuddenly, andtherewasnowayshewouldfallasleepnow, SureIrememberthem.Iwasakid,butI butshelaybackdownandthenshedid,finally. rememberthemfine! Thealarmwokeherseeminglyfiveminutes later.Shedidacouplelapsaroundtheparking lot,paddingaround,stretchingherlegs,tryingto clearherheadherinternalclockthoughtthatit was4AM,butat7AMontheeastcoast,thesun wasupandtheheathadbeguntosizzleallthe availablemoistureintotheair.Sheleftthehotel anddrovearoundMiamiforawhile.Sheneeded tofindsometoiletriesandthenacafewhereshe couldsitdownandfilesomecopy.Shed tweetedabunchofworkingnotesandposteda fewthingstoherblogthedaybefore,buther editorexpectedsomethingmorecoherentfor thosewhopreferredtheirnewsalittlemore digested. Shefeltveryold.Thethingwasthatnoone reallysuspectedthatthereweresomanyliberal artsmajorslurkinginthenationsuniversities, dyingtodropoutandlearnperlandHTML. Perrycockedhishead.Yeah,Iguessthats analogous.Thelegacyofthedotcomyearsfor meisallthisfreeinfrastructure,verycheap networkconnectionsandhostingcompaniesand soon.That,Iguess,combinedwithpeople willingtouseit.Ineverreallythoughtofit,but theremusthavebeenalotofpeoplehanging aroundintheolddayswhothoughtemailand thenetwereprettysketchy,right? Shewavedherhandsathim.Perry,lad,you

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/25 dontknowthehalfofit.Therearestill executivesintherustbeltwhospendbailout moneyonsecretariestoprintouttheiremailand thendictaterepliesintotaperecorderstobe typedandsent. handmadeandoneofakind,Ithinkitgivesita nicecargocultneoprimitivefeel.Likeafieldof handtilledfurrows.

Shenodded.Todayshewaskeepingher computerout,writingdownquotesandtweeting Hefurrowedhisthickeyebrows.Youre thoughtsastheycame.Theyworkedsidebyside joking,hesaid. incompanionablesilenceforawhileasshe killedacouplethousandspamsandhelaiddown Sheputherhandonherheart.Ikidyounot.I knewpeopleinthenewsroomattheDetroitFree acoupledozenblobsofsolder. Press.Therearewholeindustriesinthiscountry HowdoyoulikeFlorida?hesaid,after thatarelivinginthelastcentury. straighteningupandcrackinghisback. Well,forme,allthatdotcommiestuffwaslike puttingdownagoodbase,makingiteasyfor peoplelikemetogetpartsandbuildlogsandto findhardwarehackerstojamwith. Perrygotengrossedinatrickybitofenginein seashellthenandshewanderedovertoLester, whowasprintingoutmoreBarbieheadsfora muchlargerversionofhismechanicalcomputer. Itllbeabletoadd,subtract,andmultiplyany twonumbersupto99,hesaid.Ittookdecades tobuildavacuumtubemachinethatcoulddo thatmuchImdoingitwithswitchesinjust threerevs.Inyourface,UNIVAC! Shebarelystoppedtyping,deepintosomeemail: Itsallright,Isuppose. Theresgreatstuffhereifyouknowwhereto look.Wantmetoshowyouaroundalittle tonight?ItsFriday,afterall. Soundsgood.IsPerryfree? Ittookherasecondtoregisterthathehadnt answered.Shelookedupandsawhewas blushingtothetipsofhisears.Ithoughtwe couldgooutjustthetwoofus.Dinneranda walkaroundthedecostuffonMiamiBeach?

Oh,shesaid.Andtheweirdthingwas,she tookitseriouslyforasecond.Shehadntbeen Shelaughed.Hehadahugebagoflasercut onadateinsomethinglikeayear,andhewasa sodacanswitchesthathewassolderingontoa varietyofsubstratesfrompolishedcardoorstoa reallyniceguyandsoforth.Butprofessional ethicsmadethatimpossible,andbesides. bambootikibar.Shelookedcloselyatthe solder.Isthiswhatsweatshopsolderlooks Andbesides.Hewashuge.Hedtoldherhe like? weighednearly400pounds.Sofat,hewas, essentially,sexless.Roundandunshaped, Helookedconfused,thensaid,Oh!Right, Perrysthing.Yeah,anythingnotdonebyarobot doughy. hasthisartisanalqualityofblobbiness,whichI Allofthesethoughtsinaninstantandthenshe quitelike,itsaesthetic,likeapaintingwith said,Oh,well.Listen,Lester,itsabout visiblebrushstrokes.ButPerrysright:ifyousee professionalethics.Imhereonastoryandyou solderlikethisonanythingthattherearea guysarereallyswell,butImheretobe millionof,thenyouknowthatitwaslaiddown objective.Thatmeansnodating.Sorry.She bykidsandwomenworkingforslavewages. saiditinthesamefirmtonesasshedusedto Theresnowayitscheapertomakeamillion turndowntheiroffertotreatherattheIHOP:a soldersbyhandthanbyrobotunlessyourlabor factoflife,somethingshejustdidntdo.Like forceislockedin,forcefedamphetamine,and turningdownaglassofbeerbysaying,No destroyedforanythingexceptprostitutioninside thanks,Idontdrink.Novaluejudgment. offiveyears.Buthere,insomethinglikethis,so Butshecouldseethatshehadletherthinking

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/26 showonherface,ifonlyforthebriefest moment.Lesterstiffenedandhisnostrilsflared. Hewipedhishandsonhisthighs,thensaid,ina lighttone,Sure,noproblem.Iunderstand completely.Shouldhavethoughtofthat.Sorry! Noproblem,shesaid.Shepretendedtowork onheremailawhilelonger,thensaid,Well,I thinkIllcallitaday.SeeyouMondayforTjans arrival,right? Right!hesaid,toobrightly,andsheslunk awaytohercar. Shespenttheweekendbloggingandseeingthe beach.Thepeopleonthebeachseemedtobeof anotherspeciesfromtheonesshesawwalking thestreetsofHollywoodandMiamiand Lauderdale.Theyhadfreakishlyperfectbodies, thekindofthingyousawinananatomical drawingoracomicbooksomuchmuscular definitionthattheywerepracticallycross hatched.Sheeventriedoutthenudebeach, intriguedtoseetheseperfectspecimensinthe alltogether,butshechickenedoutwhenshe realizedthatshedneedasubstantialwaxjob beforeherbodyhairwasbroughtdowntonorms forthatstripofsand. Shedidgetaneyefulofseveralanatomically correctdrawingsbeforetakingoffagain.Itmade heruncomfortablyhornyandawareofhowlong ithadbeensinceherlastdate.Thatgother thinkingofpoorLester,buriedunderneathall thatflesh,andthatgotherthinkingaboutthelife shedchosenforherself,coveringtheweird worldoftechwherethegroundneverstoodstill longenoughforhertogetherbalance. charge,sosheretreatedagain,tothecoffin,to waitforMondayandthenewdaythatwould dawnforPerryandLesterandKodacelland her. Tjanturnedouttobealotolderthanshed expected.Shedpicturedhimasabout28,smart andpreppieliketheyallwerewhentheywere freshoutofBschoolandfullofManagement Wisdom.Instead,hewasaboutforty,balding, withalittlepotbellyandthinninghair.He dressedlikeanEnglishprofessor,bluejeansand acheckedshirtandatweedysportscoatthat hedshuckedwithinsecondsofleavingthe terminalatMiamiairportandsteppingintothe blastfurnaceheat. TheydallcomeinLestersbig,crazycar,and squishingbackinwithTjanssuitcaseswaslike ageometrytrick.Shefoundherselfhalfon Perryslap,hugginghalfabigduffelbagthat seemedtobefullofbricks. Books,Tjansaid.Justalittlepersonallibrary. Itsabadhabit,movingthephysicalobjects around,butImaddicted.Hehadacalmvoice thatmightinfactbealittledull,aprofs monotone. TheybroughthimtoPerryandLestersplace, whichwasthreecondoswiththedividingwalls knockedoutinacomplexthathadlongrust streaksdownitssidesandricketybalconiesthat hadbeeneatenawaybysaltair.Therewasa guardhouseatthefrontofthecomplex,butit wasshuttered,abandoned,andgraffititagged.

Tjansteppedoutofthecarandputhishandson hishipsandconsideredthebuilding.Itcould Sosheretreatedtobloginacafe,posting useacoatofpaint,hesaid.Suzannelooked snippetsandimpressionsfromherdayswiththe closelyathimhewassodeadpan,itwashard boys,alongwithphotos.Herreaderswereall totellwhatwasonhismind.Butheslippedher overit,commentinglikemad.Halfofthem awink. thoughtitwasdisgustingsomuchsuffering Yeah,Perrysaid.Itcouldatthat.Onthe andwasteintheworldandtheseguyswere brightside:spacious,cheapandtheresapool. inventing$10,000toysoutofgarbage.Theother Theresalotofthisdownheresincethehousing halfwantedtoknowwheretogotobuyonefor marketcrashed.Thecondoassociationhere themselves.HalfwaythroughSunday,herlaptop dissolvedaboutfouryearsago,sotheresnot batteryfinallydied,needingafreshweekly

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/27 reallyanyonewhosinchargeofallthecommon spacesandstuff,justafewcondoownersand speculatorswhoowntheapartments.Suckers, Imthinking.Ourrenthasgonedowntwicethis year,justforasking.Imthinkingwecould probablygetthemtopayustolivehereandjust keepoutthebumsandstuff. PerryandLesterlookedathimexpectantly. Suzannebrokethesilence.Tjan,didyouhave anyartisticordesignideasaboutthethingsthat theseguysaremaking?

Tjantookanotherbiteofsandwichandsippedat hismilk.Well,youllhavetocomeupwitha nameforthem,somethingthatidentifiesthem. Thelivingquarterswerenearlyindistinguishable Also,Ithinkyoushouldbecarefulwith fromtheworkshopatthejunkyard:strewnwith trademarkedobjects.Anytimeyouneedtobring cooldevicesinvariousstagesofdisassembly, inanIPlawyer,youregoingtorunintohuge detritusandart.Theplatesanddishesand costsandtimedelays. glassesallhadIHOPandCrackerBarrellogos Theywaitedagain.Thatsit?Perrysaid. onthem.Fromthriftshops,Lesterexplained. Nothingaboutthedesignsthemselves? Oldpeoplestealthemwhentheygettheir earlybirdspecials,andthenwhentheydietheir Imthebusinessmanager.Thatseditorial.Im kidsgivethemtoGoodwill.Cheapestwaytoget artisticallyautistic.Notmyjobtohelpyou designthings.Itsmyjobtosellthethingsyou amatchedsetaroundhere. design. Tjancircledthethreeadjoinedcrackerbox condoslikeadogcirclinghisbasket.Finally,he Woulditmatterwhatitwasweweremaking? Wouldyoufeelthesameifitwastoothbrushes pickedanunoccupiedmasterbedroomwith moldylacecurtainsandamotelartpaintingof orstaplers? anabstractlandscapeovertheheadboard.Heset Tjansmiled.IfyouweremakingstaplersI hissuitcasedownonthefauxChinoisechestof wouldntbehere,becausetheresnoprofitin drawersandsaid,Right,Imdone.Letsgetto staplers.Toomanycompetitors.Toothbrushes work. areapossibility,ifyouweremakingsomething reallyrevolutionary.Peoplebuyabout1.6 Theytookhimtotheworkshopnextandhis toothbrushesayear,sothereslotsof expressionhardlychangedastheyshowedhim opportunitytocomeupwithaninnovative around,showedhimtheircabinetsofwonders. designthatsellsatagoodprofitovermarginal Whentheyweredone,heletthemwalkhimto theIHOPandheorderedthemostausterething costforacoupleseasonsbeforeitgetsclonedor onthemenu,apeanutbutterandjellysandwich outinnovated.Whatyoupeoplearemakinghas thatwastechnicallyonthekidsmenuakids anedgebecauseitsyoumakingit,verybespoke menuataplacewherethegrownupscouldorder anddistinctive.Ithinkitwilltakesometimefor theworldtoemergeaneffectivecompetitorto aplateofcandy! thesegoods,providedthatyoucanbuildan So,Perrysaid.So,Tjan,comeonbuddy,give initialmarketplacemassinterestinthem.There ittomestraightyouhateit?Loveit?Cant arentenoughpeopleouttherewhoknowhowto understandit? combineallthethingsyouvecombinedhere. Tjansetdownhissandwich.Youboysarevery Thesystemmakesithardtosellanythingabove talented,hesaid.Theyreverygood themarginalcostofgoods,unlessyouhavea inventions.Therearelotsofopportunitiesfor reallyinnovativeidea,whichcantstay synergywithinKodacell:marketing,logistics, innovativeforlong,soyouneedcontinuous evenpackingmaterials.Theresalittleaerogel inventionandreinventiontoo.Youtwofellows startupinOregonthatKodacellisunderwriting appeartobedoingthat.Idontknowanything thatyoucoulduseforpaddingwhenyouship. definitiveabouttheaestheticqualitiesofyour

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/28 gadgets,norhowusefultheyllbe,butIdo understandtheirdistinctiveness,sothatswhy Imhere. Well,ImasCalifornianas...

...aspossible,underthecircumstances,she saidandlaughed.ItsaCanadianjoke,butit Itwaslongerthanallthespeechesheddelivered appliesequallywelltoCalifornians.Soyouwere sincearriving,puttogether.Suzannenoddedand inBschoolwhen? madesomenotes.Perrylookedhimupand Ninetyeightto2001.Interestingtimestobein down. theValley.Ireadyourcolumn,youknow. Youre,what,anexBschoolproffrom Cornell,right? Yes,forafewyears.AndIranacompanyfora while,doingimportexportfromemerging economystatesintheformerSovietbloc. Isee,Perrysaid.Soyoureintowhat,anew companyevery18monthsorsomething? Shelookeddownatherplate.Alotofpeople hadreadthecolumnbackthen.Women columnistswererareintech,andshesupposed shewasgoodatit,too.IhopeIgetremembered asmorethanthechroniclerofthedotcom boom,though,shesaid.

Oh,youwill,hesaid.Youllberemembered Ohno,Tjansaid,andhehadalittletwinklein asthechroniclerofthiswhatKettlewelland PerryandLesteraredoing. hiseyeandthetiniesthintofasmile.Ohno. Everysixmonths.Ayearattheoutside.Thats Whatyouredoing,too,right? mydeal.Imthebusinessguywiththeshort Oh,yes,whatImdoingtoo. attentionspan. Arobotrollerbladedpastontheboardwalk, Isee,Perrysaid.Kettlewelldidntmention turningtheoccasionalsomersault.Ishould this. havethembuildsomeofthose,Tjansaid, Atthejunkyard,Tjanwanderedaroundthe watchingthecrowdturntoregardit.Ithopped ElmopropelledSmartcarandpeeredatits ontoandoffofthecurb,expertlysteeredaround innards,watchedtheElmosnegotiatetheir thewanderingcouplesandtheoccasional balanceandpositionwithminutemovements homelessperson.Ithadabanneritstreamedout andacousticsignals.Iwouldntworryaboutit behindit:CAPNJACKSPAINTBALLAND ifIwereyou,hesaid.Youguysarent FANBOATTOURSGETSHOTANDGET temperamentallysuitedtodoingjustonething. WETMIAMIKEYWESTLAUDERDALE. Lesterlaughed.Hesgotyouthere,dude,he said,slappingPerryontheshoulder. SuzannegotTjanoutfordinnerthatnight.My dadwasinimportexportandwetravelledalot, alloverAsiaandthentheformerSoviets.He sentmeawaywhenIwas16tofinishschoolin theStates,andtherewasnoquestionbutthatI wouldgotoStanfordforbusinessschool. NicetomeetafellowCalifornian,shesaid, andsippedherwine.Theydgonetooneofthe famedMiamidecorestaurantsandthefishin frontofherwaspracticallyasculpture,so thoroughlyplateditwas. Youthinktheycan? Sure,Tjansaid.Thosetwocanbuild anything.Thatsthepoint:anymoderately skilledpractitionercanbuildanythingthese days,forpracticallynothing.Backintheold days,theblacksmithjustmadeeverybitof ironmongeryeveryoneneeded,onepieceata time,athisforge.Thatswherewereat.Every industrythatrequiredafactoryyesterdayonly needsagaragetoday.Itsarealreturnto fundamentals.Whatnooneevercoulddowas joinupallthesmithiesandallthesmithsand makethemintoasinglelogicalnetworkwitha singlesetofobjectives.Thatsnewanditswhat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/29 Iplanonmakinghayoutof.Thiswillbemuch biggerthandotcom.Itwillbemuchharder,too biggercrests,deepertroughs.Thisis somethingtochronicleallright:itwillmakedot comlooklikeawarmupforthemainshow. Weregoingtocreateanewclassofartisans whocanchangecareersevery10months, inventingnewjobsthathadntbeenimagineda yearbefore. Youhavekids? InStPetersburg,withtheirmother. Shecouldtellbyhistonethatithadbeenthe wrongquestiontoask.Hewaslookinghangdog. Well,itmustbenicetobesomuchcloserto themthanyouwereinIthaca. What?No,no.TheStPetersburginRussia. Oh,shesaid.

Thatsaprettyunstablemarket,Suzannesaid, Theyconcentratedontheirfoodforawhile. andatesomefish. Youknow,hesaid,aftertheydorderedcoffee Thatsafunctionalmarket.HereswhatIthink anddesert,itsallaboutabundance.Iwantmy thepointofagoodmarketis.Inagoodmarket, kidstogrowupwithabundance,andwhateveris youinventsomethingandyouchargeallthe goingonrightnow,itsprovidingabundancein marketwillbearforit.Someoneelsefiguresout abundance.Theselfstorageindustryisbigger howtodoitcheaper,ordecidestheycandoitfor thantherecordingindustry,didyouknowthat? aslimmermarginnotthesamething,you Alltheydoisprovideaplacetoputstuffthatwe know,inthefirstcasesomeoneismoreefficient ownthatwecantfindroomforthats andinthesecondtheyrejustlessgreedyorless superabundance. ambitious.Theydoitandsoyouhavetodrop IhavealockerinMilpitas,shesaid. yourpricestocompete.Thensomeonecomes alongwhoslessgreedyormoreefficientthan Thereyougo.Itsagrowthindustry.Hedrank bothofyouandundercutsyouagain,andagain, hiscoffee.Onthewaybacktotheircars,hesaid, andagain,untileventuallyyougetdowntoa Mydaughter,Lyenitchka,isfour,andmyson, kindoffirmament,abaselinethatyoucantgo Sasha,isone.Ihaventlivedwiththeirmotherin lowerthan,thecheapestyoucanproduceagood threeyears.Hemadeaface.Sashas andstayinbusiness.Thatswhystraightpins, circumstanceswerecomplicated.Theyregood machinescrewsandreamsofpaperallcost kids,though.Itjustcouldntworkwiththeir basicallynothing,andmakedamnedlittleprofit mother.ShesRussian,andconnectedthats fortheirmanufacturers. howwemet,Iwashustlingformyimportexport Soifyouwanttomakeabigprofit,youvegot businessandshehadsomegoodconnections soafterthedivorcetherewasnoquestionofmy tostartoveragain,inventsomethingnew,and takingthekidswithme.Buttheyregoodkids. milkitforallyoucanbeforethefirstimitator showsup.Themorethishappens,thecheaper andbettereverythinggets.Itshowwegothere, yousee.Itswhatthesystemisfor.Were approachingakindofpureandperfectstatenow, withcompetitionandinventiongettingeasier andeasieritsproducingakindof superabundancethatsamazingtowatch.My kidsjustsurfit,makethemselvesovereverysix months,learnanewinterface,anew entertainment,younameit.Changesurfers... Hetrailedoff. Doyouseethem? Wevideoconference.Whoknewthatlong distancedivorcewasthekillerappfor videoconferencing? Yeah. Thatweek,Suzannetweetedconstantly,filed twocolumns,andbloggedtenormoreitemsa day:photos,bitsofdiscussionbetweenLester, PerryandTjan,acouplevideosoftheBoogie WoogieElmosdoingimprobablethings.Turned

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/30 outthattherewasquiteacultfollowingforthe BWE,andthenewsthattherewasatroveof somethousandsoftheminaHollywooddump sentahalfdozenpilgrimswingingtheirway acrossthenationtoscoresomeforthe collectorsmarket.Perrywouldnteventake theirmoney:Fella,hetoldonepersistent dealer,Igotfortythousandofthesethings.I wontmissacoupledozen.Justcallitgood karma. WhenTjanfoundoutaboutithepursedhislips foramoment,thensaid,Letmeknowif someonewantstopayusmoney,please.Ithink youwereright,butIdliketohaveasay,all right? PerrylookedatSuzanne,whowasvideoingthis exchangewithherkeychain.Thenhelooked backatTjan,Yeah,ofcourse.Sorryforceof habit.Noharmdone,though,right? Thatfootagegotdownloadedacouplehundred timesthatnight,butonceitgotslashdottedbya coupleofhighprofileheadlineaggregators,she foundherserverhammeredwithahundred thousandrequests.TheMerchadthehorsepower toservethemall,butyouneverknew:every onceinawhile,thewebhitanothertippingpoint andgrewbyanorderofmagnitudeorso,and thenalltheserverprovisioningcalculatedto survivetheoldslashdottingsshreddedlikewet kleenex. severalhundredemailsfromthatdaysblog postsandcolumn.Shelaughedanddroppeditin herfolderofcorrespondencetoanswer.Itwas nearlymidnight,toolatetogetintoitwith Kettlewell. Thenhercomputerrangthenetphoneshe forwardedhercellphonetowhenhercomputer wasliveandconnected.Shedstarteddoingthat acoupleyearsback,whensoftphonesreally stabilized,andherphonebillshaddroppedto lessthantwentybucksamonth,downfrom severalhundred.Itwasntthatshespentalotof timewithinarmsreachofalivecomputer,but giventhatcallsroutedthroughthelaptopwere free,shewasperfectlywillingtodeferhercalls untilshewas. HiJimmy,shesaidhereditor,backinSan Jose.9PMPacifictimeonaweeknightwasstill workinghoursforhim. Suzanne,hesaid. Shewaited.Shedhalfexpectedhimtocallwith alittleshowerofpraise,anechoofKettlewells note.Jimmywasntthemosteffusiveeditor shedhad,butitmadehislittlemomentsof praisemorevaluablefortheirrarity. Suzanne,hesaidagain. Jimmy,shesaid.Itslatehere.Whatsup?

So,itslikethis.Iloveyourreportsbutitsnot SiliconValleynews.ItsMiaminews. From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com McClatchyhandedmeathirtypercentcutthis morningandImgoingtothebone.Iamfiringa To:schurch@sjmercury.com thirdofthenewsroomtoday.Now,youarea Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? stupendouswriterandsoIsaidtomyself,Ican Thisstuffisamazing.Amazing!Christ,Ishould fireherorIcanbringherhomeandhaveher putyouonthepayroll.ForgetIwrotethat.Buti writeaboutSiliconValleyagain,andIknew should.Youvegotafantasticeye.Ihavenever whattheanswerhadtobe.SoIneedyouto feltasintouchwithmyownbusinessasIdoat comehome,justwrapitupandcomehome. thismoment.Nottomentionproud!Proud Hefinishedspeakingandshefoundherself youvemademesoproudoftheworktheseguys staringathercomputersscreen.Herhandswere aredoing,proudtohavesomeroleinit. grippingthelaptopsedgessotightlyithurt,and Kettlebelly Shereaditsittingupinhercoffin,justoneof themachinemadeaplastickysqueakasitbegan tobend.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/31 Icantdothat,Jimmy.ThisisstuffthatSilicon Valleyneedstoknowabout.Thismaynotbe whatshappeninginSiliconValley,butitsureas shitiswhatshappeningtoSiliconValley.She hatedthatshedcussedshehadntmeantto.I knowyoureinahardspot,butthisisthestoryI needtocoverrightnow. Suzanne,Imcuttingathirdofthenewsroom. Weregoingtobecoveringstorieswithin drivingdistanceofthisofficefortheforeseeable future,andthatsit.Idontdisagreewitha singlethingyoujustsaid,butitdoesntmatter:if Ileaveyouwhereyouare,Illhavetocutthe guywhocoverstheschoolboardsandthecity councils.Icantdothat,notifIwanttoremaina dailynewspapereditor. Isee,shesaid.CanIthinkaboutit? ithadonlytakentensecondsandshehadno doubtswhatsoever.Shecouldtalktothatbook agentwhodpingedherlastyear,seeabout gettinganadvanceonabookaboutKodacell. Areyouquitting? No,Jimmywell,notunlessyoumakeme.But Ineedtostayhere. Theworkyouredoingthereisfine,Suzanne, butIworkedreallyhardtoprotectyourjobhere andthisisntgoingtohelpmakethathappen. Whatareyousaying? IfyouwanttoworkfortheMerc,youneedto flybacktoSanJose,wheretheMercis published.Icantmakeitanyclearerthanthat.

No,hecouldnt.Shesympathizedwithhim.She wasreallywellpaidbytheMerc.Keepingheron Thinkaboutwhat,Suzanne?Thishasnotbeen wouldmeanfiringtwojuniorwriters.Hedcut thebestdayforme,Ihavetotellyou,butIdont heralotofbreaksalongtheway,toolether seewhatthereistothinkabout.Thisnewspaper feelouttheValleyinherownway.Ithadpaid nolongerhascorrespondentswhoworkin offforbothofthem,buthedtakentherisk MiamiandLondonandParisandNewYork.As whenalotofpeoplewouldnthave.Shedbea oftoday,thatstuffcomesfrombloggers,oroff fooltowalkawayfromallthat. thewire,orwhateverbutnotfromourpayroll. Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimthatshedbe Youworkforthisnewspaper,soyouneedto ontheplaneinthemorning,andwhatcameout comebackhere,becausethejobyouredoing doesnotexistanylonger.Thejobyouhavewith was,Jimmy,Ireallyappreciateallthework youvedoneforme,butthisisthestoryIneedto usishere.Youvemissedthenightflight,but theresadirectflighttomorrowmorningthatll write.Imsorryaboutthat. haveyoubackbylunchtimetomorrow,andwe Suzanne,hesaid. cansitdowntogetherthenandtalkaboutit,all Thankyou,Jimmy,shesaid.Illgetbackto right? CaliforniawhenIgetalullandsortoutthe IthinkShefeltthatohshitohshitfeeling detailsmyemployeecardandstuff. again,thatneedingtopeefeeling,thattension Youknowwhatyouredoing,right? fromhertoestohernose.Jimmy,shesaid.I Yeah,shesaid.Ido. needaleaveofabsence,OK? What?Suzanne,Imsureweoweyousome vacationbutnowisntthetime Whensheunscrewedherearpiece,she discoveredthatherneckwaskillingher.That madeherrealizethatshewasafortyfiveyear oldwomaninAmericawithouthealthinsurance. Orregularincome.Shewasajournalistwithout ajournalisticorgan.

Notavacation,Jimmy.Sixmonthsleaveof absence,withoutpay.Hersavingscouldcover it.Shecouldputsomebanneradsonherblog. Floridawascheap.Shecouldrentoutherplace inCalifornia.Shewassixstepsintotheplanand ShedhavetotellKettlewell,whowouldno doubtoffertoputheronthepayroll.She

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/32 couldntdothat,ofcourse.Neutralitywashard uptomakethembythehundred,thenthe enoughtomaintain,nevermindbeingfinancially thousand,thenthetensofthousand.Thefactthat compromised. eachonewasdifferentkepttheirmarginsup,but astheGnomesgainedpopularitytheirsaleswere Shesteppedoutofthecoffinandsniffedthe steadilyerodedbyknockoffs,mostlyfrom saltyair.Livinginthecoffinwasexpensive. Shedneedtogetacondoorsomething.Aplace EasternEurope. withakitchenwhereshecouldprepmeals.She figuredthatPerrysbuildingwouldprobably haveavacancyortwo. Theknockoffswerentascoollookingthough theywerecertainlyweirderlooking,likethe offspringofaNorwegiantrollandananime robotbuttheyweremorefeaturerich.Some smarthackerinRussiawaspackingallkindsof ThesecondbusinessthatTjantookPerryinto functionalityontoasinglechip,sothattheir wasevenmoresuccessfulthanthefirst,andthat trollscostlessanddidmore:burglaralarms, wassayingsomething.Itonlytookaweekfor babymonitors,streamingInternetradiosource, TjantogetPerryandLestercrankingona andlowreliabilitymedicaldiagnosticthatrelied KitchenGnomedesignthatmashedtogether onquackanalysisofeyepigment,tonguecoating someHomelandSecuritygaitrecognition andothernewage(rhymeswithsewage) softwarewithabigsolidstateharddiskanda indicators. microphoneandalittlecamera,allpackaged LestercamebackfromtheDollarStorewitha togetherinoneofacouplehundreddesignsofa bigbagoftrolls,adozendifferentmodels,and gardengnomefigurinethatstoodsixinchestall. dumpedthemoutonTjansdesk,upinold Itcouldrecognizeeverymemberofahousehold foremansofficesonthecatwalkabovethe bythewaytheywalkedandplaybackvoice workspaces.Christ,wouldyoulookatthese? memosforeach.Itturnedouttobeakillertool Theyresellingthemforlessthanourcostto forcontextsensitivereminderstokidstodothe manufacture.Howdowecompetewiththis? dishes,andforhusbands,wivesandroommates tonageachotherwithoutgettingoneachothers Wedont,Tjansaid,andrubbedhisbelly. nerves.Tjanwasreallyjazzedaboutit,asittied Nowwedothenextthing. inwithsometheorieshehadaboutthechanging Whatsthenextthing?Perrysaid. USdemographic,trendingtowardsblended householdsinurbancenters,withthreeormore Well,thefirstonedeliveredareturnon investmentatabouttwentytimestherateofany adultscohabitating. KodakorDuracellbusinessunitinthehistoryof Thisisarichvein,hesaid,rubbinghishands eithercompany.ButIdliketoshootforthirtyto together.Livingcommunallyishard,and fortytimesnext,ifthatsallrightwithyou.So technologycanmakeiteasier.Roommateware. letsgoseewhatyouveinventedthisweekand Itsthewaveofthefuture. howwecancommercializeit. TherewasanotherKodacellgroupinSan PerryandLesterjustlookedateachother. Francisco,adesignoutfitwithabunchof Finally,Lestersaid,Canyourepeatthat? stringerswhocoulddesignthegnomesforthem ThetypicalROIforaKodacellunitintheold andtheydidgreatwork.Thegnomeswere slightlylewdlooking,andtheyweretheproduct dayswasaboutfourpercent.Ifyouputa hundreddollarsin,youdgetahundredandfour ofagenerativealgorithmthatvariedeachone. Someofthedesignsthatfelloutofthealgorithm dollarsout,anditwouldtakeaboutayearto werejawdroppinglyweirdPerrykeptathree realize.Ofcourse,intheolddays,theywouldnt eyed,sixarmedversiononhisdesk.Theytooled havetouchedanewbusinessunlesstheycould

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/33 putahundredmillioninandgetahundredand fourmillionout.Fourmillionbucksisfour millionbucks. Buthere,thecompanyputfiftythousandinto thesedollsandthreemonthslater,theytook seventythousandout,afterpayingoursalaries andbonuses.ThatsafortypercentROI.Seventy thousandbucksisntfourmillionbucks,but fortypercentisfortypercent.Nottomentionthat ourbusinessdrovesimilarmarginsinthreeother businessunits. ratherbesomewhereelse.Heparticipatedinthe messageboardsonherblogthough,themost prolificposterinafieldwiththousandsofvery prolificposters.Whenheposted,otherslistened: hewaswitty,charmingandalwaysright.

Well,Ivebeenthinkingalotaboutroommate ware,causeIknowthatTjansjustcrazyfor thatstuff.Ivebeenhandicappedbythefactthat youguysaresuchexcellentroomies,soIhaveto thinkbacktomycollegedaystorememberwhat abadroommateislike,wherethefrictionis. Ithoughtwedscrewedupbylettingtheseguys Mostly,itcomesdowntoresourcecontention, eatourlunch,Lestersaid,indicatingthedollar though:Iwannacook,butyourdishesareinthe sink;Iwannadolaundrybutyourboxersarein storetrolls. thedryer;IwannawatchTV,butyourcrapisall Nope,wegotinwhilethemarginswerehigh, overthelivingroomsofa. madeagoodreturn,andnowwellgetoutasthe Livingupstairsfromtheguysgaveherfresh marginsdrop.Thatsnotscrewingup,thats insightintohowtheKodacellphilosophywould doingtherightthing.Thenexttimearound, workout.Kettlewellwasreallybigoncommunal welldosomethingmorecapitalintensiveand living,puttingthesepeopleintoeachothers welltakeoutanevenhighermargin:soshow mesomethingthatllcosttwohundredgrandto pocketsliketheoldtimegeekhousesofpizza eatinghackers,gettingthatinthetrenches getgoingandthatwecanpullahundredand camaraderie.Ithadtakenaweekendtoputthe sixtythousworthofprofitoutofforKodacell mostpreciousstuffinherCaliforniahouseinto inthreemonths.Letsdosomethingambitious storageandthenturnoverthekeystoarealtor thistimearound. whodsortoutleasingitforher.Themonthly Suzannetookcopiousnotes.Theredbeena checkfromtherealtorleftmorethanenoughfor coupleweeksawkwardnessearlyonabouther hertopaytherentinFloridaandthensome,and scribblingastheytalked,orvideoingwithher oncetheUPSmandroppedoffthefiveboxesof keychain.Butonceshedmovedintothe personaleffectsshedchosen,shewas buildingwiththeguys,takingacondoonthe practicallyathome. nextfloorup,shedbecomejustamemberofthe team,albeitamemberwhotweetednearlyevery Shesataloneovertheguysapartmentsinthe wordtheyutteredtoafeedthatwasaddingnew evenings,windowsopensothattheirmuffled conversationscoulddriftinandformthe subscribersbythetensofthousands. soundtrackasshewrotehercolumns.Itmade So,Perry,whathaveyougotforTjan?she herfeelcuriouslywith,butnotof,their asked. movementareasonableproxyforjournalistic objectivityinthisageofrelativism. Icameupwiththelastone,hesaid,grinning theyalwaysendedupgrinningwhenTjanran Resourcecontentionreadilydecomposesintoa downeconomicsforthem.LetLestertakethis bunchofsmallerproblems,withdistinctive one. solutions.Takedishes:everydishwashershould bedesignedwithacleanandadirty Lesterlookedshyhedneverfullyrecovered compartmentbasically,twological fromSuzanneturninghimdownandwhenshe dishwashers.Youtakecleandishesoutofthe wasintheroom,healwayslookedlikehed

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/34 cleanside,usethem,andputthemintothedirty side.Whenthedirtysideisfull,thecleansideis empty,soyoucyclethedishwasherandtheclean sidebecomesdirtyandviceversa.Ihadsome sketchesfordesignsthatwouldmakethis happen,butitdidntfeelright:making dishwashersistooindustrialforus.Ieitherlike makingbigchunksofartorlittlesilverthings youcancarryinyourpocket. Shesmileddespiteherself.Shewasdrawinga halfmillionreadersadaybydoingnearto nothingbesidesrepeatingthemindblowing conversationsaroundher.Ithadtakenhera monthtoconsiderputtingadsonthesitelots offeelersfromblogmicrolabelswhowanted togetherundermanagementandintotheir bannernetworks,andshebrokedownwhenone ofthemshowedheralittlespreadsheetdetailing thekindoflonggreenshecouldexpecttobring infromacoupleoflittlebanners,withher gettingtherighttopersonallyapproveevery advertiserinthenetwork.Thefirstmonth,shed mademoremoneythanallbutthemostsenior writersontheMerc.Thenextmonth,shed outstrippedherownoldsalary.Shedcovered commercialblogs,theflamboyantattention whoreswhodboughtstupidcarsandridiculous bimboswiththemoney,butshedalways assumedtheywereinadifferentleaguefroma newspaperscribbler.Nowshesupposedallthe moneymeantthatsheshouldmakeitofficialand phoneinaresignationtoJimmy,buttheydleft itprettyambiguousastowhethershewas retiringortakingaleaveofabsenceandshewas reluctanttocollapsethatwaveformintothe certaintyofsayinggoodbyetoheroldlife. SoIgottothinkingaboutsnitchtags,radio frequencyIDgizmos.Rememberthose?When westartedtalkingaboutthemadecadeago,all theprivacypeoplewentcrazy,totallysurethat thesethingswouldbebadnews.Thegeeks dismissedthemasnotunderstandingthe technology.Supposedly,anRFIDcanonlybe readfromacoupleinchesawayifsomeone wantedtofindoutwhatRFIDsyouhadonyour person,theydhavetowandyou,andyoud knowaboutit. Yeah,thatwasbull,Perrysaid.Imean,sure youcantreadanRFIDunlessitsbeenexcited withelectromagneticradiation,andsureyou cantdothatfromahundredyardswithout fryingeverythingbetweenyouandthetarget. Butifyouhadasubwayturnstilewithanexciter builtintoit,youcouldsnipeallthetagnumbers fromadistantroofwithadirectionalantenna.If thosethingshadcaughton,theredbeexciters everywhereandyoudbeabletotrackanyone youwantedChrist,theyevenputRFIDsinthe hundreddollarbillforawhile!Pickpockets couldhavefiguredoutwhosepursewasworth snatchingfromhalfamileaway! Alltrue,Lestersaid.Butthatdidntstop theseguys.Therearestillacoupleofthem around,limpingalongwithoutmanycustomers. Theyprintthetagswithinkjets,sizeddownto aboutathirdthesizeofagrainofrice.Mostly usedinsupplychainmanagementandsuch. Theycansupplythemonthecheap. Whichbringsmetomyidea:whynottag everythinginagrouphousehold,andusethe tagstofigureoutwholeftthedishesinthesink, whotookthehammeroutanddidntputitback, whoputtheemptymilkcartonbackinthe fridge,andwhosgottheTVremote?Itwont solveresourcecontention,butitwilllimitthe socialfactorsthatcontributetoit.Helooked aroundatthem.Wecanmakeitfun,youknow, makecoolRFIDstickerdesigns,modthelittle gnomedollstoactasterminalsforgetting reports. Suzannefoundherselfnoddingalong.Shecould usethiskindofthing,eventhoughshelived alone,justtohelpherfindoutwhereshelefther glassesandtheTVremote. Perryshookhishead,though.WhenIwasa kid,Ihadareallybadrelationshipwithmy mom.Shewasreallysmart,butshedidnthavea lotoftimetoreasonthingsoutwithme,sooften asnotshedgetoutofarguingwithmebyjust

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/35 changingherstory.SoIdsay,Ma,canIgoto themallthisaft?andshedsay,Sure,no problem.ThenwhenIwasgettingreadyto leavethehouse,shedaskmewhereIthoughtI wasgoing.Idsay,Tothemall,yousaid!and shedjustdenyit.Justdenyit,pointblank. Idontthinksheevenknewshewasdoingit.I thinkwhenIaskedherifIcouldgo,shedjust absentmindedlysayyes,butwhenitactually cametimetogoout,shedsuddenlyremember allmyunfinishedchores,myhomework,allthe reasonsIshouldstayhome.Ithinkeverykid getsthisfromtheirfolks,butitmademefucking crazy.SoIgotaminitaperecorderandIstarted totapeherwhenshegavemepermission.I thoughtIdreallynailherthenexttimeshe changedhertune,playherownwordsbackin herear. Lesterlaughed,andsodidTjan.Yeah,yeah OK.Pointtaken.ButtheseRFIDthings,theyre sofriggingcheapandpotentiallyuseful.Ijust cantbelievethattheyveneverfoundasingle reallycompellinguseinallthistime.Itjust seemslikeanopportunitythatsgoingtowaste. Maybeitsadeadend.Maybeitsan ornithopter.Inventorsspenthundredsofyears tryingtobuildanairplanethatflewbyflapping itswings,anditwasallarathole. Iguess,Lestersaid.ButIdontlikethe idea. Likeitordont,Perrysaid,doesntaffect whetheritstrueornot.

ButLesterhadasparkleinhiseye,andhe disappearedintohisworkshopforaweek,and wouldntletthemin,whichwasunheardoffor SoItriedit,andyouknowwhathappened?She thebig,gregariousgiant.Helikedtodragthe othersinwheneverheaccomplishedanythingof gavemeninekindsofholyhellforwearinga note,showitofftothemlikeabigkid. wireandthenshesaiditdidntmatterwhat shedsaidthatmorning,shewasmymotherand ThatwasSunday.Monday,Suzannegotacall IhadchorestodoandnohowwasIgoing fromherrealtor.Yourtenantshavevanished, anywherenowthatIdstartedsneakingaround shesaid. thehousewithahiddenrecorder.Shetookit awayandthrewitinthetrash.Andtotopitoff, Vanished?Thecouplewhodrentedherplace hadbeenasreliableasanyoneshedevermetin shecalledmeJ.Edgarforamonth. theValley.HeworkedataPRagency,she Soheresmyquestion:howwouldyoufeelif workedinmarketingatGoogle.Ormaybehe thenexttimeyouleftthedishesinthesink,I workedinmarketingandshewasinPRat showedupwiththeaudittrailforthedishesand Googlewhatever,theywereaffluent,well waveditinyourface?Howwouldwegetfrom spoken,andhadpaidtheextortionaterentshed thatpointtoahappy,harmonioushousehold?I chargedwithoutbattinganeye. thinkyouvemistakenthecausefortheeffect. Theynormallypaypaltherenttomeonthe Theproblemwithdishesinthesinkisntjust thatitsapainwhenIwanttocookameal:its first,butnotthismonth.Icalledandleft voicemailthenextday,thenfollowedupwithan thatwhenyouleavetheminthesink,youre beinginconsiderate.Andthereasonyouveleft email.YesterdayIwentbythehouseanditwas empty.Alltheirstuffwasgone.Nofoodinthe theminthesink,asyouvepointedout,isthat puttingdishesinthedishwasherisapaininthe fridge.Ithinktheymighthavetakenyourhome ass:youhavetobendover,youhavetoemptyit theaterstuff,too. out,andsoon.Ifwemovedthedishwasherinto Yourefuckingkiddingme,Suzannesaid.It thekitchencupboardsandturnedhalfofthem was11AMinFloridaandshewasintoher intoadirtysideandhalfintoacleanside,then secondglassoflemonadeasthesunbeganto disposingofdisheswouldbeaseasyasgetting superheattheair.BackinCalifornia,itwas themout. 8AM.Herrealtorwaspullinglonghours,andit

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/36 wasntherfault.Sorry.Right.OK,whatabout thedeposit? Youwaivedit. Shehad.Ithadntseemedlikeabigdealatthe time.Thedistantownerofthecondoshewas rentinginFloridahadntaskedforone.SoI did.Nowwhat? Youwanttoswearoutacomplaintagainst them? Withthepolice? Sellit,shesaid. Youregoingtobeawealthylady,therealtor said. Right,Suzannesaid. Ihaveabuyer,Suzanne.Ididntwantto pressureyou.ButIcansellitbyFriday.Close escrownextweek.Cashinhandbythe fifteenth. Jesus,shesaid.Yourejoking.

Nojoke,therealtorsaid.Ivegotawaiting Yeah.Breachofcontract.Theft,iftheytookthe listforhousesonyourblock. hometheater.Wecantakethemtocollections, AndsoSuzannegotonanairplanethatnight too. andflewbacktoSanJoseandtookapriceytaxi Goddamnedmarketingpeoplehadthecollective backtoherplace.Themarketdroidshadleftitin moralsofasnake.Allofthemuseless, prettygoodshape,cleanandtidy,cleansheetsin conniving,shallowshenevershouldhave... thelinencupboard.Shemadeupherbedand reflectedthatthiswouldbethelasttimeshe Yeah,OK.Andwhataboutthehouse? madethisbedthenexttimeshestrippedthe Wecanfindyouanothertenantbytheendof sheets,theydgointoalongtermstoragebox. themonth,Imsure.Maybealittleearlier.Have Sheddonethisbefore,onherwayoutof youthoughtanymoreaboutsellingit? Detroit,packingupalifeintoboxesandshoving itintostorage.WhathadTjansaid?Theself Shehadnt,thoughtherealtorbroughtitup storageindustryisbiggerthantherecording everytimetheyspoke.Isnowagoodtime? industry,didyouknowthat?Alltheydois LotofnewmillionairesintheValleyshopping provideaplacetoputstuffthatweownthatwe forhouses,Suzanne.MorethanIveseenin cantfindroomforthatssuperabundance. years.Shenamedasumthatwasathirdhigher BeforebedshepostedaclassifiedonCraigslist thanthelasttimetheydtalkeditover. foracouplehelperstoworkonboxingstuff, Isitpeaking? emailedJimmytoseeifhewantedlunch,and Whoknows?Itmightgoup,itmightcollapse lookeduptheaddressforthecentralpolice again.Butnowisthebesttimetosellinthepast stationtoswearouthercomplaint.Theamp, speakers,andA/Vswitcherwereallmissing tenyears.Youdbesmarttodoit. fromherhometheater. Shetookadeepbreath.TheValleywasdead, fullofvenalmarketingpeopleandbuckchasers. Shehadadozenhelperstochoosefromthenext HereinFlorida,shewasonthecuspofthenext morning.Shepickedtwowhocamewithdecent references,marvelingthatitwassuddenly thing,anditwasnthappeningintheValley:it washappeningeverywhereexcepttheValley,in possibleinSiliconValleytogetanyonetoshow thecheapplaceswhereinnovationcouldhappen upanywherefortenbucksanhour.Thepolice atlowrents.Leakyhottub,incredibleproperty sergeantwhotookthecomplaintwas sympatheticandagreedwithherchoicetoget taxes,andthecrazyrollercoasterrideup20 percentthismonth,downfortynext.Thebubble outoftown.Ivehaditwiththisplace,too. wasgoingtoburstsomedayandsheshouldsell SoonasmykidsareoutofhighschoolIm movingbacktoMontana.Imisstheweather. outnow.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/37 Shedidntthinkofthemarketdroidsagainuntil thenextday,whensheandherhelperswere boxingupthelastofherthingsandloadingthem intoherUHaul.ThenaBMWconvertible screechedaroundthecornerandburnedrubber uptoherdoor. Thewomanglaredatheramomentlonger,then slowlyfoldedinonherself,collapsing,coughing andsobbingonthelawn.

Suzannestoodwithherarmsathersidesfora moment.HerCraigslisthelpershadgonehome, soshewasallalone,andthiswoman,whom Thewomanmarketdroidwasdriving,looking shedmetonlyoncebefore,inpassing,was crazyanddisheveled,eyesredrimmed,oneheel clearlyhavingsomerealproblems.Notthekind brokenoffofhershoes. ofthingshedealtwithalotherlifedidnt includemuchpersontopersonhandholding. WhattheFUCKisyourproblem,lady?she said,assheleaptoutofhercarandstalked Butwhatcanyoudo?ShekneltbesideFionain towardSuzanne. thegrassandtookherhand.Letsgetyou Instinctively,Suzanneshrankbackanddropped inside,OK? theboxofbooksshewasholding.Itspilledout overherlawn. Atfirstitwasasthoughshehadntheard,but slowlyshestraightenedupandletSuzannelead herintothehouse.Shewastwentytwo,twenty Fiona?shesaid.Whatshappened? three,youngenoughtobeSuzannesdaughterif Iwasarrested.Theycametomyworkplaceand Suzannehadgoneinforthatsortofthing. ledmeoutinhandcuffs.Ihadtomakebail. Suzannehelpedhertothesofaandsatherdown amidtheboxesstillwaitingtogointotheU Suzannesstomachshranktoalittlepebble, impossiblyheavy.WhatwasIsupposedtodo? Haul.Thekitchenwaspackedup,butshehada couplebottlesofDietCokeinthecoolerandshe Youtwotookoffwithmyhometheater! handedonetothegirl. Whathometheater?Everythingwasright Imreallysorry,Fiona.Whydidntyouanswer whereyouleftitwhenIwent.Ihaventlived mycallsoremail? hereinweeks.TomleftmelastmonthandI movedout. ShelookedatSuzanne,hereyeslostinstreaksof mascara.Idontknow.Ididntwanttotalk Youmovedout? aboutit.Helosthisjoblastmonthandkindof Yeah,bitch,Imovedout.Tomwasyourtenant, wentcrazy,toldmehedidntwantthe notme.Ifherippedsomethingoff,thats responsibilityanymore.Whatresponsibility?But betweenyouandhim. hetoldmetogo,toldmeitwouldbebestfor Look,Fiona,wait,holdupasecond.Itriedto bothofusifwewereapart.Ithoughtitwas callyou,Isentyouemail.Noonewaspayingthe anothergirl,butIdontknow.Maybeitwasjust craziness.EveryoneIknowouthereiscrazy. rent,noonetoldmethatyoudmovedout,and Theyallworkahundredhoursaweek,theyget nooneansweredwhenItriedtofindoutwhat firedorquittheirjobseveryfivemonths. hadhappened. Everythingissoexpensive.Myrentisthree Thatsoundslikeanexplanation,shesaid, quartersofmysalary. hissing.Imwaitingforafuckingapology. Itsreallyhard,Suzannesaid,thinkingofthe Theytookmetoprison. easy,lazydaysinFlorida,thehackersidyllthat Suzanneknewthatthelocallockupwasalong PerryandLesterenjoyedintheirworkshops. wayfromprison.Iapologize,shesaid.CanI Tomwasonantidepressants,buthedidntlike getyouacupofcoffee?Wouldyouliketouse takingthem.Whenhewasonthem,hewas theshoweroranything?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/38 prettygood,butwhenhewentoff,heturned into...Idontknow.Hedcryalot,andshout.It wasntagoodrelationship,butwemovedout herefromOregontogether,andIdknownhim allmylife.Hewasalittlemoodybefore,butnot likehewashere. Whendidyouspeaktohimlast?Suzannehad foundacoupleofblisterpacksofanti depressantsinthemedicinechest.Shehoped thatwasntTomsonlysupply. Groaninginwardly,Suzanneblockedher.Youll stayonthesofa,shesaid.Yourenotdriving inthisstate.Illorderinpizza.Pepperoni mushroomOK? Lookingdefeated,Fionaturnedonherheeland wentbacktothesofa.

Overpizza,Suzannepulledafewdetailsoutof her.Tomhadfallenintoafunkwhenthelayoffs hadstartedinhisofficetheywereendemic acrosstheValley,anotherbustwasuponthem. WehaventspokensinceImovedout. Hisbehaviorhadgrownworseandworse,and shedfinallyleft,orbeenthrownout,itwasnt Anhourlater,themysterywassolved.The policewenttoTomsworkplaceanddiscovered clear.ShewasonthiniceatGoogle,andthey thathedbeenfiredtheweekbefore.Theytried werelayingpeopleofftoo,andshewas theGPSinhiscaranditfinkedhimoutasbeing convincedthatbeingledoutinhandcuffswould inaghostmallsparkinglotnearhisoldoffice. bethestrawthatbrokethecamelsback. Hewasdeadbehindthewheel,aguninhis IshouldmovebacktoOregon,shesaid, hand,shotthroughtheheart. droppingherslicebackontheboxtop. Suzannetookthecallandthoughshetriedto keepherendoftheconversationquietand neutral,Fionastillonthesofa,drinkingthe warm,flatCokeknew.Sheletoutamoanlike adogthatsbeenkicked,andthenascream.For Suzanne,itwasallunreal,senseless.Thecops toldherthatherhometheatercomponentswere foundinthetrunkofthecar.Nonote. Suzannehadheardalotofpeopletalkabout givingupontheValleysinceshedmovedthere. Itwasacommonthing,beingbeatendownby lifeintheBayArea.Youweresupposedtoinsert apeptalkhere,somethingabouthangingin, abouttheopportunitieshere.

Yes,shesaid,thatsagoodidea.Youre young,andtheresalifeforyouthere.Youcan God,ohGod,Jesus,youselfishshitfucking startsomethingup,orgotoworkforsomeone bastard,Fionasobbed.Awkwardly,Suzannesat elsesstartup.Itfeltweirdcomingoutofher downbesideherandtookherintoaonearmed mouth,likeabetrayaloftheValley,ofsome hug.Herhelpersweremeetingherattheself triballoyaltytothistechMecca.Butafterall, storagethenextdaytohelpherunloadtheU wasntshesellingupandmovingeast? Haul. TheresnothinginOregon,Fionasaid, Doyouhavesomeonewhocanstaywithyou tonight?Suzanneasked,prayingtheanswer wasyes.Shehadahousetomoveoutof.Christ, shefeltsocoldblooded,butshewasona goddamnedschedule. snuffling. Theressomethingeverywhere.Letmetellyou aboutsomefriendsofmineinFlorida,andshe toldher,andasshetoldher,shetoldherself. Hearingitspokenaloud,evenafterhaving Yes,Iguess.Fionascrubbedathereyeswith writtenaboutitandwrittenaboutit,andbeen herfists.Sure. thereandDONEit,itwasdifferent.Shecameto understandhowfuckingcoolitallwas,thisnew, Suzannesighed.Theliewasplain.Who? entrepreneurial,inventive,amazingthingshe Fionastoodupandsmoothedoutherskirt.Im wasengagedin.Shedlovedthecontrastof sorry,shesaid,andstartedforthedoor. nimblesoftwarecompanieswhencomparedwith

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/39 gigantic,brutalautocompanies,butwhather boysweredoing,itmadethesoftwarecompanies looklikelumberinglummoxes,crashingaround withtheirfiftyemployeesandtheirbigpurpose builtoffices. Fionawasdisbelieving,theninterested,then excited.Theyjustmakethisstuff,doit,then makesomethingelse? Exactlynopermanenceexceptfortheteam, andtheysupporteachother,liveandwork together.Youdthinkthatbecausetheyliveand worktogetherthattheydonthaveanybalance, butitstheopposite:theybookoffworkatfour orsometimesearlier,gotomovies,gooutand havefun,readbooks,playcatch.Itsamazing. Imnevercomingbackhere. Andsheneverwould. Shetoldhereditoraboutthis.Shetoldher friendswhocametoasendoffpartyatabarshe usedtogotowhenshewentintotheofficealot. Shetoldhercabdriverwhopickedheruptotake hertotheairportandshetoldthebemused engineerwhosatnexttoherallthewaybackto Miami.Shehadthepresenceofmindnottotell thecouplewhoboughtherhouseforasumof moneythatseemedtohaveatleastoneextra zeroattheendmaybetwo. AndsowhenshegotbacktoMiami,shehardly noticedtheincredibleobesityofthemanwho tookthemoneyforthegasinherleasedcar nowthatshewashereforthelonghaulshed havetolookintogettingLestertohelpherbuya usedSmartcarfromajunkerlotandthetin roofsoftheshantytownsshepassedlooked tropicalandquaint.Thesmellofswampandsalt, thepeasouphumidity,thebassthunderofthe boomcarsinthetrafficaroundheritwaslike somekindofsweethomecomingforher. Comedowntoourplaceforacupofcoffee onceyouresettledin,hesaid,leavingher.She sluicedofftheairplanegreasethathadfilledher poresonthelongflightfromSanJosetoMiami andchangedintoacheapsundressandapairof flipflopsthatshedboughtattheThunderbird FleaMarketandheadeddowntotheirplace. Tjanopenedthedoorwithaflourishandshe steppedinandstoppedshort.Whenshedleft, theplacehadbeenareflectionoftheirjumbled lives:gizmos,dishes,parts,toolsandclothes strewneverywhereinakindofjoyful,eye wateringhypermess,likeanenormouskitchen junkdrawer. Nowtheplacewasspotlessandwhatsmore,it wasminimalist.Thefloorwasnotonlyclean,it wasvisible.Liningthewallsweretranslucent whiteplastictubsstackedtotheceiling. Youlikeit? Itsamazing,shesaid.LikeIkeameets Barbarella.Whathappenedhere? Tjandidalittletwostep.ItwasLestersidea. Havealookintheboxes. Shepulledacoupleofthetubsout.Theywere jampackedwithbooks,tools,cruftandcrud allthecrapthathadpreviouslyclutteredthe shelvesandthefloorandthesofaandthecoffee table.

Watchthis,hesaid.Heunvelcroedawireless keyboardfromthesideoftheTVandbeganto type:THECO...Thefieldautocompleted itself:THECOUNTOFMONTECRISTO,and broughtupapictureofabeatenuppaperback alongwithlinkstowebstores,reviews,andthe fulltext.Tjangesturedwithhischinandshesaw thatthefrontofoneofthetubswaspulsingwith asoftblueglow.Tjanwentandpulledopenthe tubandfishedforasecondbeforeproducingthe Tjanwasinthecondowhenshegothomeandhe book. spottedherfromthebalcony,wherehedbeen Tryit,hesaid,handingherthekeyboard.She sunninghimselfandhelpedherbringupher begantotypeexperimentally:UNandupcame suitcasesofthingsshecouldntbeartoputin UNDERWEAR(14).Noway,shesaid. storage.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/40 Way,Tjansaid,andhitreturn,bringingupa thumbnailgalleryoffourteenpairsofunderwear. Hetabbedovereach,pickedoutapairof Simpsonsboxers,andhitreturn.Adifferenttub startedglowing. thingcouldbecoordinatedaroundspring cleaningeventswhereyougothroughyourstuff andphotographit,tagit,describeitgoodfor yourinsuranceandforforensicsifyouget robbed,too.

Lesterfinallyfoundasociallybeneficialusefor Hestoppedandbeamed,foldinghisfingersover RFIDs.Weregoingtogetrich! hisbelly.So,thatsit,basically. IdontthinkIunderstand,shesaid. Comeon,hesaid.Letsgettothejunkyard. Lesterexplainsthisreallywell. PerryslappedhimontheshoulderandTjan drummedhisforefingerslikeaheavymetal drummeronthesideoftheworkbenchtheywere gatheredaround.

Hedid,too,losingalloftheshynessshe remembered,hiseyesglowing,hissausagethick Theywereallwaitingforher.Well,itsvery cool,shesaid,atlast.But,thewholewhite fingersdancing. plastictubthing.Itmakesyourapartmentlook Haveyoueveralphabetizedyourharddrive?I likeanIkeashowroom.Kindofinhumanly mean,haveyoueverspentanytimeconcerning minimalist.WereAmericans,welike yourselfwithwhereonyourharddriveyourfiles celebratingourstuff. arestored,whichsectorscontainwhichfiles? Well,OK,fairenough,Lestersaid,nodding. Computersabstractawaythetedious,physical propertiesoffilesandleaveuswithhandlesthat Youdonthavetoputeverythingaway,of weusetopersistentlyrefertothem,regardlessof course.Andyoucanstillhaveallthedecoryou want.Thisisaboutcluttercontrol. whichpartoftheharddrivecurrentlyholds thoseparticularbits.SoIthought,withRFIDs, Exactly,Perrysaid.ComecheckoutLesters youcoulddothiswiththerealworld,justtag lab. everythingandhaveyourfurniturekeeptrackof OK,thisisprettyperfect,Suzannesaid.The whereitis. clutterwasgone,disappearedintothewhitetubs Oneofthebigbarrierstoroommateharmonyis thecorrectdispositionofstuff.Whenyouleave yourbookonthesofa,IhavetomoveitbeforeI cansitdownandwatchTV.Thenyoucomeafter meandaskmewhereIputyourbook.Thenwe haveafight.Theresstuffthatyoudontknow whereitgoes,andstuffthatyoudontknow whereitsbeenput,andstuffthathasnowhereto putit.Butwithtagsandasmartchestof drawers,youcanjustputyourstuffwherever theresroomandaskthephysicalspacetokeep trackofwhatswherefrommomenttomoment.

thatwerestackedhighoneveryshelf,leavingthe worksurfacesclear.ButLestersworksin progress,hiskeepsakes,hissculpturesand triptychswerestillout,lookinglikevenerated museumpiecesinthestarktidinessthat prevailedotherwise.

Tjantookherthroughthespreadsheets.There aretenteamsthatdoclosetorganizinginthe network,andabunchofshippers,packers, movers,andstorageexperts.Afewfurniture companies.Weadoptedtheinterfacefromsome freesoftwareinventorymanagementappsthat Theresstilltheproblemofgettingeverything werebuiltforilliterateserviceemployees.Lots taggedanddescribed,butthatsaservice ofbigpicturesandautocompletion.Andweve businessopportunity,andwhereyouvegotother boughtahundredRFIDprintersfromacompany sharedidentifierslikeISBNsyoucouldusea thatwassogratefulforanewcustomerthat cameraphonetosnapthebarcodesandlook theyreshippingus150ofthem,sowecanprint themupagainstpublicdatabases.Thewhole thesethingsataboutamillionperhour.Theplan

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/41 istostartoursalesthroughtheconsultantsatthe sametimeaswestartshowingattradeshowsfor furniturecompanies.Wevealreadygotahuge orderfromacoupleoflocaloldfolkshomes. abouttwelveyearsold.Itsinfectious.Those littlekitchengnomes,wesoldnearlyahalf millionofthosethings,nottomentionallthe spinoffs.Thatsahalfmillionlivesahalf TheywalkedtotheIHOPtohaveacelebratory millionhouseholdsthatwechangedjustby lunch.BeingbackinFloridafeltjustrighttoher. thinkingupsomethingcoolandmakingitreal. TheseRFIDthingsofLesterswellsigna Francis,theleaderoftheparamilitarywingof couplemillioncustomerswiththose.Peoplewill theAARP,threwthemasaluteandblewhera changeeverythingabouthowtheylivefrom kiss,andevenLestersnursingjunkiefriend momenttomomentbecauseofsomethingLester seemedtobeinagoodmood. thoughtupinmyjunkyardoverthere. Whentheyweredone,theybroughttakeout Well,theresthirtymillionofuslivinginwhat bagsforthejunkieandFrancisinthe thesocialworkerscallmarginalhousing, shantytown. Francissaid,grinningwryly.Hehadafunny Iwanttomakesometechnologyforthose smilethatSuzannehadfoundadorableuntilhe guys,PerrysaidastheysatinfrontofFranciss explainedthathehadanuntreateddentalabscess RVdrinkingcowboycoffeecookedovera thathecouldntaffordtogetfixed.Sothatsa bankedwoodstoveofftooneside.Roommate lotofdifferenceyoucouldmake. wareforhomelesspeople. Yeah,Perrysaid.Yeah,itsureis. Francisuncrossedhisbonyanklesandscratched athismosquitobites.Alotofpeoplethinkthat Thatnight,shefoundherselfstillbloggingand wedontbuystuff,butitsnottrue,hesaid.I answeringemailstheyalwayspiledupwhen shophardforbargains,butthereslotsofstuffI shetravelledandtookacoupleoflatenightsto clearoutafterninePM,sittingaloneinapool spendmoreonbecauseofmylifestylethanI wouldifIhadarealhouseandsteadyelectricity. oflightinthebackcornerofLestersworkshop thatshehadstakedoutasheroffice.Sheyawned WhenIhadachestfreezer,Icouldbulkbuy groundroundforaboutatenthofwhatIpaynow andstretchedandlistenedtoheroldback crackle.Shehatedfeelingold,andlatenights whenIgotothegrocerystoreandgetenough madeherfeeloldfeeleveryextraounceoffat foronenightsdinner.Thealternativeisusing propanetokeepthefridgegoingovernight,and onhertummy,feelthelinesbracketingher mouthandthelittlebagofskinunderherchin. thatsnotcheap,either.SoImakindof premiumcustomer.BackatBoeing,welovedthe Shestoodupandpulledonalightjacketand peoplewhomadesmallorders,becausewe begantoswitchofflightsandgetreadytohead couldchargethemsuchapremiumforcustom home.AsshepokedherheadinTjansoffice, work,whilethebigairlineswantedstuffdoneso shesawthatshewasnttheonlyoneworking cheapthathalfthetimewelostmoneyonthe late. deal. Hey,you,shesaid.Isntittimeyougot Perrynodded.Thereyouhaveitroommate wareforhomelesspeople,agreatanduntapped market. Suzannecockedherheadandlookedathim. Youresoundingawfullycommerceoriented forapureandunsulliedengineer,youknow? Heduckedhisheadandgrinnedandlooked going? Hejumpedlikehedbeenstuckwithapinand gavealittleyelp.Sorry,hesaid,didnthear you. Hehadacardboardboxonhisdeskandhad beenfillingitwithhispersonaleffectslittle oneoffinventionstheguyshadmadeforhim,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/42 personalfetishesandtchotchkes,aframed pictureofhiskids. Whatsup? Hesighedandcrackedhisknuckles.Mightas welltellyounowastomorrowmorning.Im resigning. Shefeltaflashofangerandthenforceditdown andforciblyreplaceditwithprofessional distanceandcuriosity.Mentallyshelickedher penciltipandflippedtoablankpageinher reportersnotebook. Ohyes? Ivehadanotheroffer,inWestchesterCounty. Westinghousehasspunoutitsownversionof Kodacellandtheyrelookingforanewvice presidenttorunthedivision.Thatsme. Goodjob,shesaid.Congratulations,Mr VicePresident. themloosetosignupentrepreneursforthe Westinghousenetwork.Theresacompetitive marketforgarageinventorsnow.Helaughed. Goaheadandprintthat,hesaid.Blogit tonight.Therescompetitionnow.Weregiving twopointsmoreequityandcharginghalfapoint lessonequitythantheKodacellnetwork. Thatsamazing,Tjan.Ihopeyoullkeepin touchwithmeIdlovetofollowyourstory. Countonit,hesaid.Helaughed.Imgetting aweekoffeveryeightweekstoscoutRussia. Theyvegotanincrediblecultureof entrepreneurship. Plusyoullgettoseeyourkids,Suzannesaid. Thatsreallygood. Plus,Illgettoseemykids,headmitted. HowmuchmoneyisWestinghouseputtinginto theproject?sheasked,replacinghernotional notebookwitharealone,pulledfromherpurse.

Heshookhishead.IemailedKettlewellhalfan hourago.Imleavinginthemorning.Imgoing Idonthavenumbers,buttheyveshutdown thewholeappliancesdivisiontoclearthebudget tosaygoodbyetotheguysoverbreakfast. forit.Shenoddedshedseennewsofthe Notmuchnotice,shesaid. layoffsonthewires.Massdemonstrations, Nope,hesaid,anoteofangercreepingintohis peopleoutofworkaftertwentyyearsservice. voice.MycontractletsKodacellfiremeonone Soitsabigbudget. daysnotice,soIinsistedontherighttoquiton Theymusthavebeenimpressedwiththe thesameterms.MaybeKettlewellwillgethis quarterliesfromKodacell. lawyerstowritebetterboilerplatefromhereon Tjanfoldeddowntheflapsonhisboxand in. drummedhisfingersonit,squintingather. Whenshehadanangryinterview,shehabitually Yourejoking,right? changedthesubjecttosomethingsensitive: angrypeopleoftensaymorethantheyintendto. Whatdoyoumean? Shediditinstinctively,notreallymeaningto Suzanne,theywereimpressedbyyou.Everyone psyopsTjan,whomshethoughtofasafriend, knowsthatquarterlynumbersareeasytocook butnotlettingthatgetinthewayofthestory. anythinglessthantwoannualreportsisaslikely Westinghouseisdoingwhat,exactly? tobeenronningasrealfortunemaking.Butyour dispatchesfromheretheyrewhatsoldthem. ItllbeasbigasKodacellsoperationina year,hesaid.GeorgeWestinghousepersonally Itswhatsconvincingeveryone.Kettlewellsaid fundedTeslasresearch,youknow.Thecompany thatthreequartersofhisnewrecruitscomeon boardafterreadingyourdescriptionsofthis understandsfundingindividualentrepreneurs. place.ThatshowIendeduphere. Imgoingtobetrainingthetalentscoutsand mentoringthefinancialpeople,thenturning Sheshookherhead.Thatsveryflattering,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/43 Tjan,but Hewavedheroffandthen,surprisingly,came aroundthedeskandhuggedher.Butnothing, Suzanne.Kettlewell,Lester,Perrytheyreall basicallybigkids.Fullofenthusiasmand invention,buttheyvegottheemotionalmaturity andsenseofscaleofhyperactivefiveyearolds. Youandme,weregrownups.Peopletakeus seriously.Itseasytogetakidexcited,butwhen agrownupchimesinyouknowtheressome therethere. Whatsthisallabout,Tjansaid,lookingwary. Theguyswerehangdogandcuriouslooking, slightlyinaweofKettlewell,whodidlittletoput themattheireasehewasstaringintenselyat Tjan. Exitinterview,hesaid.Companypolicy. Tjanrolledhiseyes.Comeon,hesaid.Ive gotaflighttocatchinanhour. Icouldgiveyoualift,Kettlewellsaid.

Youwanttodotheexitinterviewbetweenhere Suzannerecoveredherselfafterasecondandput andtheairport? awayhernotepad.Imjustthepersonwho IcouldgiveyoualifttoJFK.Ivegotthejet writesitalldown.Youpeoplearemakingit warmedupandwaiting. happen. Sometimes,Suzannemanagedtoforgetthat Intenyearstime,theyllrememberyouand Kodacellwasamultibilliondollaroperationand notus,Tjansaid.YoushouldgetKettlewellto thatKettlewellwasatitshelm,butothertimes putyouonthepayroll. thepointwasveryclear. Kettlewellhimselfturnedupthenextday. Comeon,hesaid,wellmakeadayofit.We Suzannehaddevelopedanintuitivesenseofthe canstoponthewayandpickupsomebarbecue flighttimesfromthewestcoastandsofora toeatontheplane.Illevenletyoukeepyour secondshecouldntfigureouthowhecould seatintherecliningpositionduringtakeoffand possiblybestandingtherenothinginthesky landing.Hell,youcanturnyourcellphoneon couldgethimfromSanJosetoMiamifora justdonttelltheTransportSecurity sevenAMarrival. Administration! Privatejet,hesaid,andhadthegracetolook Tjanlookedcornered,thenresigned.Sounds slightlyembarrassed.Kodakhadeightofthem goodtome,hesaidandKettlewellshouldered andDuracellhadfive.Wevebeentryingtosell oneofthetwohugeduffelbagsthatweresitting themalloffbutnoonewantsausedjetthese bythedoor. days,notevenSaudiprincesorColumbiandrug Hi,Kettlewell,Perrysaid. lords. Kettlewellsetdowntheduffel.Sorry,sorry. So,basically,itwasgoingtowaste. Lester,Perry,itsreallygoodtoseeyou.Ill Hesmiledandlookedeighteenshereallydid bringSuzannebacktonightandwellallgoout feelliketheonlygrownupsometimesandsaid, fordinner,OK? Zacklyitspracticallyenvironmental. Suzanneblinked.Imcomingalong? WheresTjan? Isurehopeso,Kettlewellsaid. Downstairssayinggoodbyetotheguys,I think. OK,hesaid.Areyoucoming? Shegrabbedhernotebookandapenandbeat himoutthedoorofherrentedcondo. PerryandLesteraccompaniedthemdowninthe elevator. Privatejet,huh?Perrysaid.Neverbeenin oneofthose. Kettlewelltoldthemabouthisadventurestrying

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/44 toselloffKodacellsprivateairforce. Sendoneofthemourway,then,Lestersaid. Doyoufly?Kettlewellsaid. No,Perrysaid.Lesterwantstotakeitapart. Right,Les? Lesternodded.Lotsofcooljunkinaprivate jet. Thesethingsareworthmillions,guys, Kettlewellsaid. wasimpossibletokeepupnowallshewanted wastokeeptrackofwhethertheinterestingness indexwasontheuptickordowntick. Ithadstartedtobuzzthatmorningandthepitch hadincreasedsteadilyuntilitwasactually uncomfortableinherpocket.Irritated,she yankeditoutandwasabouttoswitchitoffwhen theleadarticlecaughthereye. KODACELLLOSESTJANTO WESTINGHOUSE

ThebylinewasFreddy.Feelinglikeacharacter No,someonepaidmillionsforthem,Perry said.Theyreworthwhateveryoucansellthem inahorrormoviewhocantresistthe compulsiontolookunderthebed,Suzanne for. thumbedthePDAswheelandbroughtupthe Kettlewelllaughed.Youvehadaninfluence wholearticle. aroundhere,Tjan,hesaid.Tjanmanageda ::KodacellbusinessmanagerTjanLeeTang, small,tightsmile. whoseadventuresweve Kettlewellhadadriverwaitingoutsideofthe buildingwholoadedtheduffelsintothespacious ::followedthroughSuzanneChurchsgushing, besottedblogposts trunkofaspotlessdarktowncarwhosedoors chunkedshutwithanexpensivesound. Shelookedawayandreflexivelyreachedtoward IwantyoutoknowthatImreallynotangryat thedeletebutton.Theinnuendothatshewas romanticallyinvolvedwithoneormoreofthe all,OK?Kettlewellsaid. guyshadcirculatedonherblogsmessage Tjannodded.Hehadthelookofamanwhowas boardsandaroundthediggdotseversinceshed steelinghimselfforaturninaninterrogation startedwritingaboutthem.Nowomancould chamber.Hedbarelysaidawordsince possiblybewritingaboutthisstuffbecauseit Kettlewellarrived.Forhispart,Kettlewell wasimportantshehadtobewiththeband,a appearedoblivioustoallofthis,thoughSuzanne groupieorawhore. wasprettysurethatheunderstoodexactlyhow CombinethatwithRatToothedFreddys uncomfortablethiswasmakingTjan. sneeringtoneandshewasinstantlysentinto Thethingis,sixmonthsago,nearlyeveryone heartthunderingrage.Shedeletedthepostand wasconvincedthatIwasafuckingmoron,thatI lookedoutthewindow.Herpagerbuzzedsome wasabouttopissawaytenbilliondollarsof moreandshelookeddown.Thesamearticle, otherpeoplesmoneyonastupiddoomedidea. beingpickeduponblogs,onsomeofthebigger Nowtheyrecopyingmeandpoachingmybest diggdots,andanAPwire. people.Sothisisgoodnewsforme,thoughIm goingtohavetofindanewbusinessmanagerfor Sheforcedherselftoreopenit. thosetwobeforetheygetpickedupforturning ::hasbeenhiredtoheadupanewbusinessunit planesintocomponentpieces. onbehalfofthe SuzannesPDAvibratedwheneverthenumber ::multinationalgiantWestinghouse.The ofonlinenewsstoriesmentioningheror appointmentstandsasmore KodacellorKettlewellincreasedordecreased sharply.Sheusedtotrytoreadeverything,butit ::proofofChurchspowertocloudmensminds

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/45 withprettyempty ::wordsaboutthehalfbakeddotcomschemes thathaveoozedoutof ::SiliconValleyandintoeveryemptyanddead Americansuburb. criticalofhim.Wedontneedtostickupfor ourselvestheworldwill. Sayingitcalmedherandnowtheywereatthe airport.Theycruisedintoaprivategate,away fromthemilitarizedgulagthatfrontedMiami International.Acourteoussecurityguardwaved themthroughandthedriverconfidentlypiloted thecaruptoawheeledjetwaybesideacute, stubbylittletoyjet.Ontheside,incursivescript, wastheplanesname:Suzanne.

Itwashypnotic,likestaringintotheeyesofa serpent.Herpulseactuallythuddedinherears forasecondbeforeshetookafewdeepbreaths andcalmeddownenoughtofinishthearticle, whichwasjustmoreofthesame:nastypersonal ShelookedaccusatoriallyatKettlewell. attacks,sniping,andinnuendo.Freddyeven managedtoimplythatshewasscrewingallof ItwascalledthatwhenIboughtthecompany, themandKettlewellbesides. hesaid,expressionlessbutsomehowmirthful behindhiscurvedsurfershades.ButIkeptit Kettlewellleanedoverhershoulderandread. becauseIlikedtheprivatejoke. Youshouldsendhimanemail,hesaid. JustnoonetellFreddythatyouvegotan Thatsdisgusting.Thatsnotreportage. airplanewithmynameonitorwellneverhear Nevergetintoapissingmatchwithaskunk, thefuckingendofit. shesaid.WhatFreddywantsisformetosend Shecoveredhermouth,regrettingherlanguage, himmailthathecanpublishalongwithmore andKettlewelllaughed,andsodidTjan,and snarkycommentary.Whentheguyyoure arguingwithcontrolsthevenueyourearguing somehowtheicewasbrokenbetweenthem. in,youcantpossiblywin. Nowayflyingthisthingiscosteffective,Tjan said.YourCFOshouldbekickingyourass. Sobloghim,Kettlewellsaid.Correctthe record. Itsalittleindulgence,Kettlewellsaid, boundingupthestepsandshakinghandswitha Therecordiscorrect,shesaid.Itsnever beenincorrect.Ivewrittenanexhaustiverecord small,neatwomanpilot,anAfricanAmerican thatisthereforeveryonetosee.Ifpeoplebelieve withcornrowspeekingoutunderhersmart peakedcap.Onceyouveflowninyourown this,noamountofcorrectionwillhelp. bird,younevergoback. Kettlewellmadeafacelikealittleboywhod Thisisamonstrosity,Tjansaidasheboarded. beentoldhecouldnthaveatoy.Thatguyis Whatthisthingeatsupinhangarfeesalone poison,hesaid.Thosequotemarksaround wouldbeenoughtobankrollthreeorfour blog. teams.Hesettledintoanoversized Lethimaddhisquotemarks,shesaid.My Barcaloungerofaseatandacceptedaglassof dailyreadershipishigherthantheMercspaid orangejuicethatthepilotpouredforhim. circulationthisweek.Itwastrue.Afterashort Thankyou,andnooffense. uphillclimbfromhernewURL,shed accumulatedenoughreadersthattheadvertising Nonetaken,shesaid.Iagreeonehundred percent. revenuedwarfedheroldsalaryattheMerc,an astonishinghappenstancethatneverthelesskept See,Tjansaid. herbankaccountfull.Sheclickedalittle. Suzannetookherownseatandherownglass Besides,lookatthis,therearethreedozenlinks andbuckledinandwatchedthetwoofthem, pointingatthisstorysofarandallofthemare

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/46 warmingupforthemainevent,realizingthat shedbeenbroughtalongasakindofopening act. Theypayingyoumore? Yup,Tjansaid.Allonthebackend.Halfa pointoneverydollarbroughtinbyateamI coachorwhosemembersImentor. Kettlewellwhistled.Thatsabigshare,he said. IfIcanmakemynumbers,Illtakehomea millionthisyear. effortshavebeencenteredongraft,buttheres noreasontheycouldntbefocusedonmakingan honestruble. Theyfellintoadiscussionoftheminutiaeof PerryandLestersbusinesses,frankerthanany businessdiscussionshedeverheard.Tjantalked abouttheplaceswheretheydscrewedup,and placeswheretheydscoredbig,andaboutallthe planshedmadeforWestinghouse,the connectionshehadinRussia.Heeventalked abouthiskidsandhisexinStPetersburg,and Kettlewelladmittedthathedknownaboutthem already.

Youllmakethosenumbers.Goodnegotiations. ForKettlewellspart,heopenedtheproverbial Whydidntyouaskusforthesamedeal? kimonowide,tellingTjanaboutconflictswithin Wouldyouhavegivenittome? theboardofdirectors,poisonousholdoversfrom thepreKodacelldayswhosabotagedthe Youreastar,Kettlewellsaid,noddingat Suzanne,whoseinvisibilitytotheconversation companyfromwithinwithpettybureaucracy, eventheproblemshewashavingwithhisfamily poppedlikeabubble.Thankstoher. overthelonghourstheywereworking.He Thanks,Suzanne,Tjansaid. openedtheminibarandcrackedabottleof Suzanneblushed.Comeon,guys. champagnetotoastTjansnewjob,andthey mixeditwithmoreorangejuice,andthenthere Tjanshookhishead.Shedoesntreally werebagelsandschmear,freshfruit,powerbars, understand.Itsactuallykindofcharming. andcannedStarbuckscoffeeswithdeadly Wemighthavematchedtheoffer. amountsofsugarandcaffeine. Youguysarefirsttomarket.Youvegotalotof WhenKettlewelldisappearedintothetinybut proceduresinplace.Iwantedtoreinventsome marbleappointedbathroom,Suzannefound wheels. herselfsittingalonewithTjan,almostkneeto Weretooconservativeforyou? Tjangrinnedwickedly.Ohyes,hesaid.Im goingtodobusinessinRussia. Kettlewellgruntedandpoundedhisorangejuice. Aroundthem,thejetswindowsflashedwhiteas theybrokethroughthecloudsandtheten thousandfootbellsounded. knee,lightheadedfromlackofsleepand champagneandaltitude. Sometrip,shesaid.

Yourethebest,hesaid,wobblingalittle. Youknowthat?Justthebest.Thestuffyou writeabouttheseguys,itmakesmewantto standupandsalute.Youmakeusallseemso fuckingglorious.Weregoingtoenduptaking Howthehellareyougoingtomakeanything overtheworldbecauseyouinspireusso.Maybe thatdoesntcollapseunderitsownweightin Ishouldnttellyouthis,becauseyourenotvery Russia? selfconsciousaboutitrightnow,butSuzanne, Thecorruptionsaproblem,sure,Tjansaid. youwontbelieveitbecauseyoureso Butitsoffsetbytheentrepreneurship.Someof goddamnedmodest,too.Itswhatmakesyour thosecatsmaketheChineselooklazyand writingsoright,sobelievable unimaginative.Itsashamethatsomuchoftheir

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/47 Kettlewellsteppedoutofthebathroom. Touchingdownsoon,hesaid,andpattedthem eachontheshoulderashetookhisseat.So thatsaboutit,then,hesaid,andleanedback andclosedhiseyes.Suzannewasaccustomedto thinkingofhimastwentysomething,theboyish ageofthemagazinecoverportraitsfromthestart ofhiscareer.Now,eyesclosedonhisprivatejet, harshupperatmospheresunpaintinghisface,his crowsfeetandthedeepverticalbracketsaround hismouthrevealedhimforsomeonepushinga youthfulforty,keptyoungbyexerciseandfun andtheanimationofhisideas. Guessso,Tjansaid,slumping.Thishasbeen oneofthemorememorableexperiencesofmy life,Kettlewell,Suzanne.Notentirelypleasant, butpleasantonthewhole.Amagicaltimeinthe clouds. Onceyouveflownprivate,youllnevergo backtocoach,Kettlewellsaid,smiling,eyes stillclosed.YoustillthinkmyCFOshould spankmefornotsellingthisthing? No,Tjansaid.Intenyears,ifwedoourjobs, therewontbefivecompaniesonearththatcan affordthiskindofthingitllbelikebuildinga cathedralaftertheProtestantReformation.While wehavethechance,weshouldkeepthesethings inthesky.ButyoushouldgiveonetoLesterand Perrytotakeapart. Iwasplanningto,Kettlewellsaid.Thanks. SuzanneandKettlewellgotofftheplaneand Tjandidntlookbackwhentheydlandedat JFK.Shouldwegointotownandgetsome bialytobringbacktoMiami?Kettlewellsaid, squintingatthebrightdayonthetarmac. BringdelitoMiami? YorkandSanFranciscoseemedtoorealforher, whilethesuburbsofFloridawereakindof endlesssummercamp,adreamtimewhere anythingwaspossible. Letsgo,shesaid.Thechampagnebuzzhad crashedandshehadatouchofheadache.Im bushed. Metoo,Kettlewellsaid.IleftSanJoselast nighttogetintoMiamibeforeTjanleft.Not muchsleep.Gonnaputmyseatbackandcatch somewinks,ifthatsOK? Goodplan,Suzannesaid. Embarrassingly,whentheywerefullyreclined, theirseatsnearlytouched,formingsomething likeadoublebed.Suzannelayawakeinthehum ofthejetsforawhile,consciousofthebreathing humanbesideher,thefirstmansheddone anythinglikeshareabedwithinatleastayear. Thelastthingsherememberedwastheten thousandfootbellgoingoffandthensheslipped awayintosleep. ::PerrythoughtthattheydsellamillionHome Awaresinsix ::months.Lesterthoughthewasnuts,that numberwastoohigh. :: ::Please,hesaid,Iinventedthesethingsbut therearenta ::millionroommatehouseholdsinallof America.Wellsellhalf ::amilliontops,total.

Lesteralwayscomplainedwhenshequotedhim directlyinherblogposts,butshethoughthe Right,right,hesaid.ForgetIasked.Besides, secretlyenjoyedit. wedhavetocharterachoppertogetinto ::Todaytheboysshippedtheirmillionthunit.It Manhattanandbackwithoutdyingintraffic. tooksixweeks. Somethingaboutthelightthroughtheopen Theyduncorkedabottleofchampagnewhen hatchorthesoundorthesmellsomething unitonemillionshipped.Theyhadntactually indefinablyNewYorkmadeheryearnfor shippedit,perse.Themanufacturingwasspread Miami.ThegreatcitiesofcommercelikeNew

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/48 outacrossfortydifferentteamsallacrossthe country,evenacoupleofCanadianteams.The RFIDprintercompanyhadrehiredhalfthe workerstheydlaidofftheyearbefore,andhad themallworkingovertimetomeetdemand. Areyoucoming?Lesterhaddatedagirlfora while,someonehemetonCraigslist,butshed dumpedhimandPerryhadconfidedthatshed lefthimbecausehedidntliveuptothepress hedgotteninSuzannescolumn.Whenhegot ::Whatsexcitingaboutthisisntjustthemoney dumped,hebecameeventouchierabout Suzanne,caughtatadistancefromherthatwas thattheseguys definedbyequalpartsofdesireandresentment. ::havemadeoffofit,orthemoneythat Upinaminute,shesaid,tryingtokeepher Kodacellwillreturnto smilelightandnoncommittal.Lesterwasvery ::itsshareholders,itstheecosystemthatthese nice,butthereweretimeswhenshecaughthim thingshave staringatherlikeakickedpuppyanditmade heruncomfortable.Naturally,thisincreasedhis ::enabled.Therereatleasttencompeting discomfortaswell. commercialsystemsfor Ontherooftheyalreadyhadacoolerofbeers ::organizing,tagging,sharing,anddescribing goingandbesideitahugeplastictubofbrightly HomeAwareobjects. coloredmachineparts. ::Parentslovethemfortheirkids.School Jetengine,Perrysaid.Themonthshadputa teacherslovethem. couplepoundsonhimandnewwrinkles,and ::Seniorshomes. givenhimsomegreyatthetemples,andlaugh linesinsidehislaughlines.Perrywasalways TheseniorshomeshadbeenFrancissidea. laughingateverythingaroundthem(They Theydbroughthimintooverseesomeofthe productionengineering,alongwithsomeofthe fuckingpaymetodothis,hedtoldheronce, beforeliterallycollapsingtothefloor,rolling youngbraveswhoranaroundthesquatter camps.Francisknewwhichoneswerebiddable withuncontrollablehysteria).Helaughedagain. andhekeptthemtoheel.Intheevenings,hed GoodoldKettlebelly,shesaid.Musthave jointheguysandSuzanneupontheroofofthe brokenhisheart. workshoponfoldingchairs,withbeers,watching Francisheldupacurvedpieceofcowling.This thesweatysunset. thingwasntgoingtolastanyway.Seethe ::Theyrenotthesolesupplier.Thatswhatan distortionhereandhere?Thisthingwas ecosystemisall designedinavirtualwindtunnelandmachine lathed.Wetriedthatacoupletimes,butthe ::about,creatingvalueforalotofplayers.All windtunnelsimswereneverdetailedenough thiscompetition andtheformsthatflewwellinthemachine ::isgreatnewsforyouandme,becauseits alwaysdiedaprematuredeathinthesky. alreadydriventhe Anothertwoyearsandhedhavehadtohaveit ::priceofHomeAwaregoodsdownbyforty rebuiltanyway,andtheKoreanswhobuiltthis percent.Thatmeansthat chargeshitloadsforparts. ::LesterandPerryaregoingtohavetoinvent somethingnew,soon, Toobad,Lestersaid.Itspretty.Gorgeous, even.Hemimeditscurveintheairwitha ::beforethemargindisappearsaltogetherand pudgyhand,thatelegantswoop. thatsalsogood Aerospacelovesthevirtualwindtunnel, Francissaid,andglaredatthecowling.Youcan ::newsforyouandme.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/49 useevolutionaryalgorithmsinthesimandcome ofabusonedaytogetridofhim,guybroke upwithreallyefficientdesigns,intheory.And bothhislegsandnevercameback. computersarecheaperthanengineers. Suzanneknewitwasmeanttoshockthem,but Isthatwhyyouwerelaidoff?Suzannesaid. thatdidnttakeawayfromitsshockingness.In thewarmfogofwritingandlivinginFlorida,it Iwasntlaidoff,girl,hesaid.Hejiggledhis lamefoot.Iretiredat65andwasallsetupbut waseasytoforgetthatthesepeoplelivedina thepensionplanwentbust.SoImissedamonth squattercampandweretechnicallycriminals, andreceivednoprotectionfromthelaw. ofmedicalandtheycutmeoffandIendedup uninsured.Whenthewifetooksick,bam,that wasit,wipedrightout.ButImnotbitterwhy shouldthepoorbeallowedtolive,huh? Perry,though,justsquintedintothesunand nodded.Haveyouevertriedburglaralarms?

ThekidslaughedderisivelyandSuzanne Hisacolytes,threeteenagersindoragsfromthe winced,butPerrywasundaunted.Youcouldbe shantytown,laughedandwentontopitching surethatyouwokeupwheneveranyoneentered, bottlecapsofftheedgeoftheroof. setupalightandsirentoscarethemoff. Stopthat,now,hesaid,youregettingthe junkyardalldirty.Christ,youdthinkthatthey grewupinsomekindofzoo.WhenFrancis drank,hegotalittlemean,alittledark. So,kids,Perrysaid,wanderingovertothem, handsinpockets.Silhouettedagainstthesetting sun,bicepsbulging,muscularchesttaperingto hisnarrowhips,helookedlikeaGreekstatue. Whatdoyouthinkofthestuffwerebuilding? Theylookedattheirtoes.SOK,oneofthem grunted. Iwantonethatfiresspears,theonewiththe juiceheadfathersaid. Blowtorches,saidtheonewhosemother pushedhisfatherunderabus. Iwantaforcefield,thethirdonesaid, speakingforthefirsttime.Iwantsomething thatwillkeepanyonefromcomingin,period,so Idonthavetosleeponeeyeup,causeIllbe safe. Theothertwonodded,slowly.

Damnstraight,Francissaid. Answertheman,Francissnapped.Complete sentences,lookingupandathim,likeyouvegot ThatwasthelasttimeFrancissacolytesjoined ashredofselfrespect.Christ,whatareyou,five themontherooftop.Instead,whentheyfinished worktheywenthome,walkingslowlyand yearsold? talkinginlowmurmurs.Withjustthegrownups Theyshifteduncomfortably.Itsfine,oneof ontheroof,itwasalotmoresubdued. themsaid. Whatsthatsmoke?Lestersaid,pointingat Wouldyouuseitathome? theblackbillowingcolumnofftothewest,inthe Oneofthemsnorted.No,man.Mydadsteals sunsetsglare. anythingnicewegetandsellsit. Housefire,Francissaid.Hastobe.Orabig Oh,Perrysaid. fuckingcarwreck,maybe. FuckerbrokeintheothernightandIcaught himwithmyipod.Nearlytookhisfuckinghead offwithmycannonbeforeIsawwhoitwas. Fuckingjuicehead. Perryrandownthestairsandcamebackupwith apairofhighpowerbinox.Francis,thatsyour place,hesaidafterasecondsfiddling.He handedthebinoxtoFrancis.Justhitthebutton andtheyllselfstabilize.

Youshouldhavefuckedhimup,oneofthe otherkidssaid.Mymapushedmypopsinfront Thatsmyplace,Francissaid.Oh,Christ.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/50 Hedgonegrayandseemedtohavesoberedup instantly.Hislipswerewet,hiseyesbright. Theydroveoveratspeed,Suzannewedgedinto Lestersfrankensmartcar,practicallyunderhis armpit,andPerrytravelingwithFrancis.Lester stillworethesamecologneasherfather,and whensheopenedthewindow,itssmellwas replacedbytheburningtiressmellofthefire. sir. Acrossthecanal,thefirewasspreading,andthe bucketbrigadewasfallingback.Suzannecould feeltheheatnow,likeputtingyourfaceinthe steamfromaboilingkettle. Francisseethed,lookingfromthefiremenand theirtruckbacktothefire.Helookedlikehe wasgoingtopopsomething,orstartshouting,or chargeintotheflames.

Theyarrivedtodiscoverafiretruckparkedon thesideofthefreewaynearesttheshantytown. Suzannegrabbedhishandandwalkedhimover Thefirefighterswerestandingsoberlybesideit, tothetruckandgrabbedthefirstfirefightershe watchingthefirerageacrossthecanal. encountered. Theyrushedforthefootbridgeandafirefighter ImSuzanneChurch,fromtheSanJose blockedtheirway. MercuryNews,aMcClatchypaper.Idliketo Sorry,itsnotsafe,hesaid.HewasLatino, goodlooking,likeamoviestar,bronzeskin flickeringwithcopperhighlightsfromthefire. Ilivethere,Francissaid.Thatsmyhome. Thefirefighterlookedaway.Itsnotsafe,he said. Whyarentyoufightingthefire?Suzanne said. Francissheadsnappedaround.Yourenot fightingthefire!Youregoingtoletourhouses burn!

speaktothecommandingofficeronthescene, please.ShehadntbeenwiththeMercfor months,butshehadntbeenabletobringherself tosay,ImSuzanneChurchwith SuzanneChurch.org.Shewasprettysurethatno matterhowhighherreadershipwasandhow profitableheradsaleswere,thefirefighter wouldnthavebeengalvanizedintotheaction thatwasinvokedwhenshementionedthename ofarealnewspaper.

Hehoppedto,quicklymovingtoanolderman, tappinghimontheshoulder,whisperinginhis ear.SuzannesqueezedFrancisshandasthefire Acouplemorefirefighterstrickledover.Across chiefapproachedthem.Sheextendedherhand theriver,thefirehadconsumedhalfofthelittle andtalkedfast.SuzanneChurch,shesaid,and settlement.Someoftheresidentswereoperating tookouthernotebook,thekeypropinanyset aslowandponderousbucketbrigadefromthe pieceinvolvingareporter.Imtoldthatyouare canal,whileothersranintotheunburned goingtoletthosehomesburnbecausesomeone buildingsandemergedclutchingarmloadsof representinghimselfasthetitleholdertothat belongings,bitsoffurniture,boxesofphotos. propertyhasdeniedyouentry.However,Imalso toldthatthetitletothatlandisindisputeand Sir,themoviestarsaid,theownerofthis hasbeeninthecourtsfordecades.Canyou propertyhasaskedusnottointervene.Since theresnoimminentrisktolifeandnoriskofthe resolvethisforme,Chief...? burnspreadingoffhisproperty,wecant ChiefBrianWannamaker,hesaid.Hewasher trespasstoputoutthefire.Ourhandsaretied. age,withtheleatheryskinofaFloridanative Theowner?Francisspat.Thislandisintitle dispute.Thecourtcasehasbeenunderwayfor twentyyearsnow.Whatowner? Themoviestarshrugged.ThatsallIknow, whospentalotoftimeoutofdoors.Imafraid Ihavenocommentforyouatthistime. Suzannekeptherfacedeadpan,andgave Francisshandawarningsqueezetokeephim

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/51 quiet.Hewastremblingnow.Isee.Youcant comment,youcantfightthefire.Isthatwhat youdlikemetowriteintomorrowspaper? TheChieflookedatthefireforamoment. Acrossthecanal,thebucketbrigaderswere losingworsethanever.HefrownedandSuzanne sawthathishandswereclenchedintofists.Let memakeacall,OK?Withoutwaitingforan answer,heturnedonhisheelandsteppedbehind thefireengine,reachingforhiscellphone. Suzannestrainedtohearhisconversation,butit wasinaudibleoverthecrackleofthefire.When sheturnedaroundagain,Franciswasgone.She caughtsightofhimagaininjustamoment, runningforthecanal,thenjumpinginand landingbadlyintheshallow,swampywater.He hobbledacrosstotheoppositebankandbeganto laboriouslyclimbit. Asecondlater,Perryfollowed.ThenLester. Chief!shesaid,goingaroundtheengineand pointing.TheChiefhadthephoneclampedto hisheadstill,butwhenhesawwhatwasgoing on,hesnappeditshut,droppeditinhispocket andstartedbarkingorders. angry,smudgedwithsmokeandpinkenedbythe heat. Shesawtheonewhosefatherhadreportedly beenpushedunderabusbyhismother,andhe grimacedather.Whatwegonnadonow? Idontknow,shesaid.Areyouallright?Is yourfamilyallright? Dontgotnowheretosleep,nowheretogo,he said.Dontevenhaveachangeofclothes.My momswontstopcrying. Thereweretearsinhiseyes.Hewasallof fifteen,sherealized.Hedseemedmucholderon theroof.Shegatheredhimintoherarmsand gavehimahug.Hewasstiffandawkwardat firstandthenhekindofmeltedintoher, weepingonhershoulder.Shestrokedhisback andmurmuredreassuringly.Someoftheother shantytownerslookedatthespectacle,then lookedaway.Evenacoupleofhishomeboys whomshedhavebetwouldhavelaughedand pointedatthisshowofweaknessonlylooked andthenpassedon.Onehadtearsstreakingthe smokesmudgesonhisface. Forsomeonewhoisntgoodatcomforting people,Iseemtobedoingalotofit,she thought.

Nowthefirefightersmoved,boilingacrossthe bridge,uncoilinghoses,strappingontanksand masks.Theyworkedineasy,fluidconcert,andit FrancisandLesterandPerryfoundherand wasonlysecondsbeforethewaterandfoamhit Francisgavetheboyagruffhugandtoldhim theflamesandthesmokechangedtowhite everythingwouldbefine. steam. Thefirewasoutnow,thefirefighterhosing Theshantytownresidentscheered.Thefire downthelastembers,goingthroughthecrowd slowlyreceded.PerryandLesterhadFrancis, andcheckingforinjuries.ATVnewscrewhad holdinghimbackfromchargingintothefrayas setupandaprettyblackreporterinhertwenties thefirefightersexecutedtheirclockworkdance. wasdoingastandup. Thesteamwashotenoughtoscald,andSuzanne Theillegalsquattercommunityhaslongbeen pulledthecollarofherblouseupoverherface. identifiedasaproblemareaforganganddrug Aroundherweretheshantytowners,mothers activitybytheBrowardCountySheriffsoffice. withsmallchildren,oldmen,andaseemingly Thedestructionhereseemstotal,butits endlessparadeofthuglifeteenagers,theboysin impossibletosaywhetherthisspellstheendof miniaturecyclingshortsanddorags,thegirlsin thisencampment,orwhetherthedenizenswill bandeautops,glittermakeup,andskirtsmade rebuildandstayon. fromoverlappingstripsofrag,likepost apocalyptichulaoutfits.Theirfacesweretight, Suzanneburnedwithshame.Thatcouldhave

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/52 beenher.Whenshedfirstseenthisplace,ithad beenlikesomethingoutofadocumentaryon Ethiopia.Asshedcometoknowit,ithadgrown homier.Theresidentsbuiltpiecemeal,onewall atatime,onewindow,onepouredconcrete floor,astheycouldaffordit.Noneofthemhad mortgages,buttheyhadneatvegetablegardens andwalkwaysspelledoutinwhitestoneswith gardengnomesstandingguard. Thereporterwasstaringatherandnaturally so;shedbeenstaringatthereporter.Glaringat her. grabbedacoupleofyoungmenandgavethem orders,thingstolookforfreshwater,plastic sheeting,anythingwithwhichtoerectshelters. Lesterstartedtohelpthem,andPerrystoodwith hishandsonhiships,nexttoSuzanne. JesusChrist,hesaid.Thisisafucking disaster.Imean,thesepeopleareusedtoliving rough,butthishebrokeoff,wavinghis handshelplessly.Hewipedhispalmsoffonhis butt,thengrabbedFrancis.

Getthemgoing,hesaid.Getthemtogather uptheirstuffandwalkthemdowntoourplace. MyRV,Francissaid,pointing,distractingher. Wevegotspaceforeveryonefornowatleast. Itwasacharredwreck.Hewenttothemelted doorsandopenedthem,steppingbackasapuff Francislookedlikehewasgoingtosay something,thenhestopped.Heclimbed ofsmokerosefromtheinside.Afirefighter spotteditanddivertedastreamofwaterintothe precariouslyuponthehoodofLesterscarand shoutedforpeopletogatherround.Theboyshe interior,soakingFrancisandwhateverhadnt burned.Heturnedandshoutedsomethingatthe bossedaroundtookupthecallanditwasntlong beforenearlyeveryonewasgatheredaround firefighter,buthewasalreadyhosingdown them. somethingelse. InsideFrancisstrailer,theysalvagedadrenched Caneveryonehear?ThisisasloudasIgo. photoalbum,afewtools,andalockboxwith Thereweremurmursofassent.Suzannehad someofhispapersinit.Hehadbackeduphis seenhimmeetwithhispeoplebeforeinthe laptoptohiswatchthatmorning,sohisdatawas daylightandthegoodtimes,seentherespect safe.Ikeptmeaningtoscanthesein,hesaid, theyaffordedtohim.Hewasnttheleader,per pagingthroughthephotosinthesoakedalbum. se,butwhenhespoke,peoplelistened.Itwasa Shouldhavedoneit. characteristicshedencounteredintheautotrade andintechnology,intheonestheothersall Nightwasfalling,themosquitoessingingand gravitatedto.Charismatics. buzzing.Theneatlittlelanewaysandhomey, patchworkbuildingslayinruinsaroundthem. Wevegotaplacetostayabituptheroadfor tonight.Itsaboutahalfhourwalk.Itsindoors Theshantytownersclusteredinlittlegroupsor pickedthroughtheruins.Driversofpassingcars andtherestoilets,butmaybenotmuchtomake bedsoutof.Takewhatyoucancarryforabouta sloweddowntorubberneck,andafewshouted mile,youcancomebacktomorrowfortherest. filthy,vengefulthingsatthem.Suzannetook Youdonthavetocome,butthisisntgoingto picturesoftheirlicenseplates.Shedpublish beanyfuntonight. themwhenshegothome. Alightdrizzlefell.Childrencried.Theswampy soundsofcicadasandfrogsandmosquitoes filledthegrowingdarkandthenthestreetlights flickedonalldowntheriverofhighway, paintingeverythinginbluewhitemercuryglow. Wevegottogettentsup,Francissaid.He Awomancameforward.Shewasyoung,butnot youngenoughtobeahomegirl.Shehadlong darkhairandshetwistedherhandsasshespoke inasoftvoicetoFrancis.Whataboutourstuff? Wecantleaveitheretonight.Itsallwevegot. Francisnodded.Weneedtenpeopletostand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/53 guardintwoshiftsoffivetonight.Youngpeople. Youllgetflashlightsandphones,coffeeand whateverelsewecangiveyou.Justkeepthe rubberneckersout.Therubberneckerswereout ofearshot.Theaccounttheydgetofthiswould comefromthenewsanchorwhodtellthemhow dangerousanddirtythisplacewas.Theydnever seewhatSuzannesaw,tenmenandwomen forminguptoonesideofthecrowd.Young bravesandhomegirls,peopleherage,theirfaces solemn. Francisoversawthegatheringupofbelongings. Suzannehadneverhadasenseofhowmany peoplelivedintheshantytownbutnowshe couldcountthemastheymassedupbythe roadsideandbegantowalk:ahundred,alittle morethanahundred.Moreifyoucountedthe surprisingnumberofbabies. LesterconferredbrieflywithFrancisandthen Francistappedthreeoftheoldtimersandtwoof themotherswithbabesinarmsandthey crammedintoLesterscarandhetookoff. Suzannewalkedbytheroadsidewiththelong lineofrefugees,listeningtotheirmurmuring conversation,andinafewminutes,Lesterwas backtopickupmorepeople,atFranciss discretion. Perrywasbesidehernow,hiseyesamillion milesaway. Whatnow?shesaid. Weputthemintheworkshoptonight, tomorrowwehelpthembuildhouses. Atyourplace?Youregoingtoletthemstay? WhatdoyouthinkKettlewellwillthinkabout allthis? This?Look,thisiswhatIvebeensayingall along.Weneedtomakeproductsforthese people.Theyreahugeuntappedmarket. WhatshewantedtoaskwasWhatwouldTjan sayaboutthis?buttheydidnttalkaboutTjan thesedays.Kettlewellhadpromisedthemanew businessmanagerforweeks,butnonehad appeared.Perryhadtakenovermoreandmore ofthemanagerialroles,andwasgettinglessand lessworkshoptimein.Shecouldtellitfrustrated him.InherdiscussionswithKettlewell,hed confidedthatithadturnedouttobeharderto findsuitsthanitwasfindingwildlyinventive nerds.Lotsofpeoplewantedtorunbusinesses, butthenumberwhoactuallyseemedlikelytobe capableofdoingsowasonlyasmallfraction. Theycouldseethejunkyardnow.Perrypulled outhisphoneandcalledhisserverandtouch tonedthecodestoturnonallthelightsand unlockallthedoors. Theylostacoupleofkidsintheaislesof miraculousjunk,andFrancishadtosendout biggerkidstofindthemandbringthemback, holdingthetreasurestheydfoundtotheirchests. Lesterkeptgoingbackformoreoldtimers,more mothers,morestragglers,operatinghisferry serviceuntiltheywereallindoorsinthe workshop. Thisistheplace,Francissaid.Wellstay indoorsheretonight.Toiletsarethereandthere orderlylines,noshoving.

Whataboutfood?askedamanwithasmall Whynot?Wedontusehalfofthatland.The landlordgetshischeckeverymonth.Hasntbeen boysleepingoverhisshoulder. byinfiveyears.Hewontcare. ThisisnttheRedCross,Al,Francissnapped. Shetookacouplemoresteps.Perry,Imgoing Wellorganizefoodforourselvesinthe morning. towriteaboutthis,shesaid. Oh,hesaid.Theywalkedfurther.Asmall childwascrying.Ofcourseyouare.Well,fuck thelandlord.IllsicKettlewellonhimifhe squawks. Perrywhisperedinhisear.Francisshookhis head,andPerrywhisperedsomemore.

Therewillbefoodinthemorning.Thisis Perry.Itshisplace.HesgoingtogotoCostco

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/54 foruswhentheyopen. Thecrowdcheeredandafewofthewomen huggedhim.Someofthemenshookhishand. Perryblushed.Suzannesmiled.Thesepeople weregoodpeople.Theydbeenthroughmore thanSuzannecouldimagine.Itfeltrightthatshe couldhelpthemlikemakingupforevery panhandlershedignoredandeverypassedout drunkshedsteppedover. Therewerenoblankets,therewerenobeds.The squatterssleptontheconcretefloor.Young couplesspoonedundertables.Childrensnuggled betweentheirparents,orheldontotheirmothers. AsthesquattersdosseddownandasSuzanne walkedpastthemtogettohercarherheart brokeahundredtimes.Shefeltlikeoneofthose Depressioneraphotographerswalkingthrough anOkiecamp,arendingvisualateachcorner. themsatup. Suzannewasshaking.Whothehellwassheto decidewhogotablanket?Didbeingrudetoher attheIHOPdisqualifyyoufromgettingbedding whenyourhouseburneddown? Suzannegaveherablanket,andshesnatched oneofthesofacushionsbesides. Itswhyshesstillalive,Suzannethought.How shessurvived. Shegaveawaythelastblanketandwenthometo sleeponhernakedbedunderneathanoldcoat,a rolledupsweaterforapillow.Afterhershower, shedriedherselfonteeshirts,havinggiven awayallhertowelstouseasbedding.

Thenewshantytownwentupfastfasterthan sheddreamedpossible.Theboyshelped.Lester downloadedalltheinformationhecouldfindon temporarysheltersbuildingoutofmud,outof Backatherrentedcondo,shefoundherselfat sandbags,outofcorrugatedcardboardandsheets thefootofhercomfortablebedwithitsthick ofplasticandtheytriedthemall.Someofthe duvetshelikedkeepingtheACturnedup enoughtosnuggleunderablanketandthefour houseshadtwoormorericketyseemingstories, buttheyallfeltsolidenoughasshetouredthem, pillows.Shewasinherjammies,butshe snappingphotosofproudhomesteadersstanding couldntclimbinbetweenthosesheets. nexttotheirhandiwork. Shecouldnt. Littlethingswentmissingfromtheworkshops Andthenshewasbackinhercarwithallher tools,easilypawnedbooksandkeepsakes, blankets,sheets,pillows,bigtowelseventhe Perryswalletandtheyallstartedlockingtheir sofacushions,whichthelandlordwasnotgoing deskdrawers.Therewerejunkiesinamongthe tobehappyaboutandspeedingbacktothe squatters,anddesperatepeople,andimmoral workshop. people,themtoo.Onedayshefoundthather cutelittlegoldearringswerentbesideherdesk Sheletherselfinandsetaboutdistributingthe blanketsandpillowsandtowels,pickingoutthe lamp,whereshedleftthemthenightbeforeand families,theoldpeople.Awomanapparently shepracticallyburstintotears,feelingsetupon ablebodiedandyoung,butskinnysatupand onallsides. said,Hey,wheresoneforme?Suzanne Shefoundtheearringslaterthatday,atthe recognizedthevoice.ThejunkiefromtheIHOP. bottomofherpurse,andthatonlymadethings Lestersfriend.Theonewhodgrabbedherand worse.Eventhoughshehadntvoicedasingle cursedher. accusation,shedaccusedeveryoneofthe Shedidntwanttogivethewomanablanket. Sheonlyhadtwoleftandtherewereoldpeople lyingonthebarefloor. Wheresoneforme?thewomansaidmore loudly.Someofthesleepersstirred.Someof squattersinhermindthatday.Shefoundherself unabletomeettheireyesfortherestoftheweek. Ihavetowriteaboutthis,shesaidtoPerry. Thisispartofthestory.Shedstayedclearof itforamonth,butshecouldntgoonwriting

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/55 aboutthesuccessesoftheHomeAwarewithout writingabouttheworkforcethatwasturningout thedevicesandaddonsbythethousands,all aroundher,inimpromptufactorieswith impromptuworkers. Why?Perrysaid.Hedbeenadervish,filling orders,trainingpeople,fightingfires.By nightfall,hewasholloweyedandsnappish. Lesterdidntjointhemontheroofanymore.He likedtohangoutwithFrancisandsomeofthe youngmenandpitchhorseshoesdowninthe shantytown,ortinkerwiththecompostingtoilets hedbeeninstallingatstrategiccrossroads throughthetown.Cantyoujustconcentrateon thebusiness? Perry,thisisthebusiness.Kettlewellhasnt sentareplacementforTjanandyouvefilledin andyouveturnedthisplaceintosomethinglike aworkerownedcoop.Thatsimportantnews thepointofthisexerciseistotryallthedifferent businessesthatarepossibleandseewhatworks. Ifyouvefoundsomethingthatworks,Ishould writeaboutit.Especiallysinceitsnotjust solvingKodacellsproblem,itssolvingthe problemforallofthosepeople,too. Perrydrankhisbeerinsullensilence.Idont wantKettlewelltogetmoreinvolvedinthis.Its goinggood.Scrutinycouldkillit. Youvegotnothingtobeembarrassedabout here,shesaid.Theresnothingherethatisnt asitshouldbe. poles,andwhenthey ::couldaffordit,theyreplacedthesheets,oneat atime,with ::bricksorpouredconcreteandrebar.They thatchedtheirroofs ::withpalmleaves,shingles,linoleum, corrugatedtineven ::plywoodwithflattenedbeercans.Somewalls werewood.Somehad ::windows.Someweremadefromoldcardoors, withhandcranked ::handlestolowerthemintheday,thenroll themupagainat ::nightwhenthemosquitoescameout.Mostof thesettlersslepton ::nets. :: ::Asecondwavehadmovedintothesettlement, justasIarrived, ::andratherthanbuildingoutandfartheraway fromtheir ::neighborslatrines,waterpumpand mysterioussourcesof ::electricalpowertheybuiltup,ontopofthe existing ::structures,shoringupthewallswhere necessary.Itwasnt

Perrylookedatherforalongmoment.Hewas ::hurricaneproof,butneitherarethecracker attheendofhisfuse,tryingtodotoomuch,and boxcondosthat sheregrettedhavingbroughtitup.Youdowhat ::propertyownersoccupy.Theymade youhavetodo,hesaid. contractualarrangementswith ::Theoriginalshantytownwasastonishing.Built ::thedwellersofthefirststories,paidthemrent. aroundanexusof Acouplewith ::trailersandRVsthatdidntlookintheleast ::secondstoryroomsoppositeoneanotherin roadworthy,the oneofthenarrow ::settlershadaddeddwellingondwellingto ::streetsconsummatedtheirrelationshipby theirlittlepatchof buildingaskybridge ::land.Theystartedwithplasticsheetingand ::betweentheirrooms,payingjointrenttotwo

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/56 landlords. :: ::soremoteinourancestryastohavebecome mythical.Therewere

::Thethingthesemotleyhouseshadincommon, ::eyesonthestreethere,proudresidentswho knewwhateveryone allofthem,was ::wasaboutandsawtoitthatbadbehaviorwas ::ingenuityandprideofwork.Theyhadneat curbedbeforeit vegetablegardens, ::flowerboxes,andfreshpaint.Theyhadkids bikesleanedup ::againsttheirwalls,andthesmellofgood cookingintheair. ::Theywerehomelyhomes. :: ::Manyofthepeoplewholivedinthesehouses workedregular ::servicejobs,walkingthreemilestothe nearestcitybusstop ::everymorningandthreemilesbackevery evening.Theysent ::theirkidstoschool,fakinglocaladdresses withPOboxes.Some ::wereretired.Somewerejustdownontheir luck. :: ::Theyhelpedeachother.Whensomething preciouswasstolen,the ::communitypitchedintofindthethieves. Whenoneofthem ::startedalittlebusinesssellingsodasor sandwichesoutofher ::shanty,theotherspatronizedher.When someoneneededmedical ::care,theychippedinforataxitothefree clinic,orsomeone ::couldgetstarted. :: ::Somehow,itburneddown.Thefire departmentwontinvestigate, ::becausethiswasanillegalhomestead,sothey dontmuchcare ::abouthowthefirestarted.Ittookmostofthe homes,andmost ::oftheirmeagerpossessions.Thewatergotthe rest.Thefire ::departmentwouldntfightthefireatfirst, becausesomeoneat ::cityhallsaidthatthelandsownerwouldntlet themonthe ::property.Asitturnsout,theownerofthatsad stripofland ::betweenanorangegroveandthesideofafour lanehighwayis ::unknownadecadesolddisputeovertitlehas leftitinlegal ::limbothatletthesquatterssettlethere.Its suspiciousall ::rightvariousentitieshadtriedtoevictthe squatters ::before,butthelegalhassleslefttheminhappy limbo.Whatthe ::lawcouldntaccomplish,thefiredid.

::withaworkingcardrovethem.Theywerelike :: theneighborsof ::Thestoryhasahappyending.Theboyshave ::thelonglamentedAmericantown,anidealof movedthesquatters civicvirtuethatis ::intotheirfactory,andnowtheyhavelive workcondosthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/57 ::looklikesomethingDrSeussdesigned[photo gallery].Likethe ::CentralParkshantytownofthelastcentury, theselooklikethey ::wereconstructedbycrazypoetsand distributedbyawhirlwind ::thathadbeendrinking,asapressaccountof thedayhadit. :: ::Lastyear,thecitycompletedanewhousing projectnearbyto ::here,andsocialworkersdescendedonthe shantytownerstoget ::themtopickupandmovetotheselowrent highrises.The ::shantytownerswouldntgo:Itwastoo expensive,saidMrsX, ::whodoesntwantherfamilybackin Oklahomatoknowshes ::squattingwithherhusbandandtheiryoung daughter.Wecant ::affordanyrent,notifwewanttoputfoodon thetableon ::whatweearn. :: ::Shemadetherightdecision:thehousing projectisanurban ::renewalnightmare,filledwithcrimeand junkies,thekindof ::placewherelittleoldladiestriplechaintheir doorsandorder ::aneighborhoodthatcouldbeimproved.And theboysaredoing ::that:havingrelocatedthevillagetotheir grounds,theyre ::inventingandremixingnewtechniquesfor buildingcheapand ::homeyshelterfast.[profile:tenshantiesand thetechnology ::insidethem] Theresponsewasenormousandpassionate. Dozensofreaderswrotetotellherthatshed beentakeninbythesecrookswhohadstolenthe landtheysquatted.Shedexpectedthatshed feltthatwayherself,whenshedfirstwalked pasttheshantytown. Butwhatsurprisedhermorewerethemessage boardpostsandemailsfromhomelesspeople whodbeenlivingintheircars,onthestreets,in squattedhousesorinshanties.Toreadthese, youdthinkthathalfherreadershipwassleeping roughandgettingonlineatlibraries, Starbuckses,andstumbledwirelessnetworks thattheyaccessedwithantiquelaptopsonstreet corners. Kettlewellscomingdowntoseethis,Perry said. Herstomachlurched.Shedgottentheboysin trouble.Ishemad? IcouldnttellIgotvoicemailatthreeAM. MidnightinSanJose,thehouratwhich Kettlewellgothismadimpulses.Hellbehere thisafternoon.

Thatjetmakesittooeasyforhimtoget around,shesaid,andstretchedoutherback. ::ingroceriesthattheypayforwithdirectdebit, Sittingatherdeskallmorningansweringemails unwillingto andcleaningupsomedraftpostsbefore bloggingthemhadherinknots.Itwas ::keepanycasharound. practicallylunchtime. :: Perry,shebegan,thentrailedoff. ::Thesquattervillagewasashantytown,butit Itsallright,hesaid.Iknowwhyyoudidit. wasnoslum.Itwas Christ,wewouldntbewhereweareifyou

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/58 hadntwrittenaboutus.Iminnopositiontotell youtostopnow.Heswallowed.Themonth sincetheshantytownershadmovedinhadput fiveyearsonhim.Histanwasfading,the wrinklesaroundhiseyesdeeper,greysaltinghis stubblybeardandshorthair.Butyoullhelpme withKettlewell,right? Illcomealongandwritedownwhathesays, shesaid.Thatusuallyhelps. ::profitofabout1.5million,perthelast quarterlyreport;by ::contrasttheoldKodaksmostprofitableunit madetwentytimes ::thatinitslastquarterofoperation). :: ::Americahasagrandtraditionofthiskindof indenturedliving:

::thecoalbaronscompanytownsofthe19th ::Kodacellissupposedtobeanewwayofdoing centuryarethe business. ::originalmodelforthiskindofindustrial practiceintheUSA. ::Decentralized,netsavvy,reallytwentyfirst century.The ::suckuptechpressandtechaddledbloggers havebeentrumpeting ::Substandardhousingandonlyoneemployerin townthatsthe

::kindofbravenewworldthatChurchs ::itstriumphoverallothermodesofcommerce. boyfriendKettlewellhas ::created. :: ::Butwhatdoesdecentralizationreallymean? Onherblogthis ::week,formerjournalistSuzanneChurch reportsthattheinmates ::runningtheflagshipKodacellasylumin suburbanFloridahave ::invitedanentirevillageofhomelesssquatters totakeup ::residenceattheirfactorypremises. :: ::Describingtheirillegalhomesteadingaslive workcondosthat ::DrSeussmighthavedesigned,Kodacellshill Churchgoesonto :: ::Areaderwrites:Iliveneartheshantytown thatwasrelocated ::totheKodacellfactoryinFlorida.Itwasa dangerousslumfull ::ofdrugdealers.Noneoftheparentsinmy neighborhoodlettheir ::kidsridetheirbikesalongtheroadthatpassed itbyitwas ::ahavenforallkindsofdownandouttrash. :: ::Thereyouhaveit,thefutureoftheAmerican workforce:

::downandoutjunkiesquattersworkingfor ::describehowthiscaptive,liveinaudiencehas starvationwages. beenconvertedto Kettlewell,youcantletjerkslikeFreddyrun ::aworkforceforKodacellsmostprofitableunit thiscompany.Hesjustlookingtosellbanner space.ThisishowtheBritragswriteitsall (most meanspiritedsniping.Suzannehadneverseen ::profitableisarelativeterm:todate,thisunit Kettlewellsofrustrated.Hissurfergoodlooks hasturneda werefadingfasthewasgettingalittlepaunch

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/59 onhimandhischeeksweresaggingoffhis bonesintothebeginningsofjowls.Hiscarhad pulleduptotheendofthedrivewayandhed gottenoutandwalkedthroughtheshantytown withtheairofamaninadream.Thetruckers whopulledinandoutallweekpickinguporders hadoccasionallyhadacuriouswordattheodd littlesettlement,butforSuzanneithadallbut disappearedintohernormalexperience. Kettlewellmadeitstrangeandevenalittle outrageous,justbyhisstiff,outragedwalk throughitsstreets. providelowcost,sustainabletechnologyforuse byasubstantialsegmentofthepopulationwho havenofixedaddress.Therearemillionsof Americansquattersandbillionsofsquatters worldwide.Theyhavemoneytospendandno oneelseistryingtogetitfromthem. Kettlewellthrusthischinforward.Howmany millions?Howmuchmoneydotheyhaveto spend?Howdoyouknowthatanyofthiswill makeusasinglecent?Wheresthemarket research?Wasthereany?Ordidyoujustinvitea hundredhobostopitchtheirtentoutfrontofmy factoryonthestrengthofyourhalfassed guesses?

YouthinkImlettingFreddydrivethis decision?Hehadspittleflecksonthecorners ofhismouth.Christ,Suzanne,youresupposed Lesterheldupahand.Wedonthaveany tobetheadultaroundhere. marketresearch,Kettlewell,becausewedont Perrylookedupfromthefloorinfrontofhim, haveabusinessmanagerontheteamanymore. whichhehadbeenstaringatintently.Suzanne Perrysbeentakingthatoveraswellashis caughthisinvoluntaryglareatKettlewellbefore regularwork,andhesbeenworkinghimself hedroppedhiseyesagain.Lesterputabigmeaty sickforyou.Wereflyingbytheseatofour pawonPerrysshoulder.Kettlewellwas pantsherebecauseyouhaventsentusapilot. oblivious. YouneedanMBAtotellyounottoturnyour Thosepeoplecantstay,allright?The shareholdersarebayingforblood.Thefucking liabilityChrist,whatifoneofthoseplaces burnsdown?Whatifoneofthemknifesanother one?Wereonthehookforeverythingtheydo. Wecouldendupbeingonthehookforafucking choleraepidemic. Irrationally,Suzanneburnedwithangerat Freddy.Hehadwritteneveryvenal,biliousword withthehopethatitwouldresultinascenejust likethisone.Andnotbecausehehadany substantiveobjectiontowhatwasgoingon: simplybecausehehadaneedtoderidethat whichothershailed.Hewasntafflictingthe mighty,though:hewastakingonthevery meekest,peoplewhohadnothing,includinga meansofspeakingupforthemselves. Perrylookedup.Youveaskedmetocomeup withsomethingnewandincredibleeverythree tosixmonths.Well,thisisnewandincredible. Wevebuiltalivinglabonourdoorstepfor exploringanenormousmarketopportunityto

workplaceintoaslum?Kettlewellsaid.Hewas boiling.Suzanneverycarefullypulledouther padandwrotethisdown.Itwasallshehad,but sometimesitwasenough. Kettlewellnoticed.Getout,hesaid.Iwantto talkwiththesetwoalone. No,Suzannesaid.Thatsnotourdeal.Igetto documenteverything.Thatsthedeal. Kettlewellglaredather,andthenhedeflated.He saggedandtooktwostepstothechairbehind Perrysdeskandcollapsedintoit. Putthenotebookaway,Suzanne,please? Shesilentlyshookherheadathim.Helocked eyeswithherforamoment,thennoddedcurtly. Sheresumedwriting. Guys,themajorshareholdersaregoingtostart dumpingtheirstockthisweek.Acoupleof pensionfunds,amerchantbank.Itsaboutten, fifteenpercentofthecompany.Whenthat happens,ourtickerpriceisgoingtofallbysixty

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/60 percentormore. fridge.Theyarethespiritofingenuity,toothey modtheircars,caves,anythingtheycanfindto Theyregoingtoshortusbecausetheydont likewhatwevedonehere?Perrysaid.Christ, belivingquarters.TheyturnRVsintopermanent homes.Theyknowmoreabouttents,sleeping thatsridiculous! bagsandcardboardthananyUNSHELTER Kettlewellsighedandputhisfaceinhishands, specialist.Thesepeopleneedhousing,goods, scrubbedathiseyes.No,Perry,no.Theyre appliances,younameit.ItswhatTjanusedto doingitbecausetheycantfigureouthowto callagreenfieldmarket:nooneelseknowsits valueus.Ourbusinessunitshaveanindustry there.Youwantsomethingyoucanspend highreturnoninvestment,buttheresnot ungodlyamountsofmoneyon?Thisisit.Get enoughofthem.Weveonlysignedathousand everyteaminthecompanytocomeupwith teamsandwewantedtenthousand,soninety productsforthesepeople.Soakupeverycent percentofthemoneywehadtospendissitting theyspend.Betterusprovidingthemwith inthebankatgarbageinterestrates.Weneedto qualitygoodsatreasonablepricesthanletting soakupthatmoneywithbigprojectsthe themgetrippedoffbytheprofiteerswhohavea HooverDam,HongKongDisneyland,theBig captivemarket.Thisplantisalivinglab:thisis Dig.Allwevegotarelittleprojects. thekindofmarketintelligenceyoucantbuy, righthere.Weshouldsetupmoreofthese. Soitsnotourfaultthen,isit?Lestersaid. Invitesquattersalloverthecountrytomoveonto Perrywasstaringoutthewindow. ourgrounds,testoutourproducts,helpus No,itsnotyourfault,butthisdoesnthelp. design,buildandmarketthem.Wecanrecruit Thisisadisasterwaitingtoturnintoa travelingsalespeopletogodoortodoorinthe catastrophe. shantiesandtakeorders.Shit,man,youtalk Calmdown,Landon,Perrysaid.Calmdown abouttheGrameenBankallthetimewhynot gointobusinessprovidingthesepeoplewith forasecandlistentome,OK? easymicrocreditwithoutpreyingonthemthe Kettlewelllookedathimandsighed.Go waythebanksdo?Thenwecouldloanthem ahead. moneytobuythingsthatwesellthemthatthey Therearemorethanabillionsquatters usetobettertheirlivesandearnmoremoneyso worldwide.SanFranciscohasbeengivingout theycanpayusbackandbuymorethingsand tentsandshoppingcartseversincetheyranout borrowmoremoney ofshelterbedsinthenineties.FromCopenhagen Kettlewellheldupahand.Ilikethetheory.Its toCapetown,therearemoreandmorepeople anicestory.ButIhavetosellthistomyBoard, whoaregoingoffthegrid,ofteninthemiddle andtheywantmorethanstories:wherecanIget ofcities. theresearchtobackthisup? Suzannenodded.TheyfarmDetroit,inthe Wereit,Perrysaid.Thisplace,righthere. ruinsofoldbuildings.Raisecropsandsellthem. TheresnonumberstoprovewhatImsayingis Chickens,too.Evenpigs. rightbecauseeveryonewhoknowsitsrightis Theressomethingthere.Thesepeoplehave toobusychasingafteritandnooneelsebelieves money,likeIsaid.Theybuyandsellinthe it.Butrighthere,ifwereallowedtodothis streamofcommerce.Theyoftenhavetobuyata rightherewecanproveit.Wevegotthecapital premiumbecausetheservicesandgoods inouraccount,wereprofitable,andwecanroll availabletothemarelimitedthinkofhowa thoseprofitsbackintomoreR&Dforthefuture homelesspersoncanttakeadvantageofbulk ofthecompany. packagedperishablesbecauseshedoesnthavea Suzannewaswritingsofastshewasgettinga

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/61 handcramp.Perryhadnevergivenspeecheslike this,evenamonthbefore.Tjansleavinghad hurtthemall,butthegrowthithadprecipitated inPerrywasstunning. Hewasright.Suzannesteadilyrecordedthe weekstickingbyasthefourcompetinglabs focusgrouped,designed,testedandscrappedall manneroftchotchkesfortramps,asFreddy haddubbeditinaspiralingseriesofevermore Kettlewellarguedmore,butPerrywasa steamrollerandSuzannewaswritingdownwhat biliouscolumns.Butthepresswasmostly positive:cameracrewslikedtocomebyand everyonesaidandthatkeptitallcivil,likea shootthecompound.Onetime,theprettyblack silentcamerarollinginthecorneroftheroom. Noonelookedather,butshewasthethingthey reporterfromthenightofthefirecamebyand saidverynicethingsduringherstandup.Her wereconspicuouslynotlookingat. namewasMariaandshewashappytotalkshop Francistookthenewscalmly.Soundbusiness withSuzanne,endlesslyfascinatedbyareal strategy.Basically,itswhatIvebeentellingyou journalistwhodgonepermanentlyslummingon todoallalong,soImboundtolikeit. theInternet. IttookacoupleweekstohiveofftheHome Theproblemisthatallthisstuffistoo AwarestufftosomeoftheotherKodacell specialized,ithastoomanyprerequisites,Perry businessunits.Perryflewabunch,spending said,staringatawaterproof,cement daysinMinnesota,Oregon,Ohio,andMichigan impregnatedbagthatcouldbefilledwithahose, overseeingtheretoolingeffortsthatwouldlet allowedtodry,andusedasaselfcontained himfocusonhisnewproject. room.Thisthingisgreatforrefugees,butits tooonesizefitsallforsquatters.Theyhaveto Bythetimehegotback,Lesterhadretooled beabletoheavilycustomizeeverythingtheyuse theirownworkspace,convertingittofour functionalareas:communications,shelter,food tofitintoreallyspecializedniches. andentertainment.TheywereFrancissidea, Moresquattershadarrivedtotakeupresidence hesaid.Francissgimpylegwasbotheringhim withthemfamilies,friends,acoupleofdodgy moreandmore,buthedoverseentheworkfrom driftersandathirdstorywasgoingontothe arollingergonomicofficechair.Itshisversion buildingsinthecamp.TheywereevenmoreDr ofthehierarchyofneedsstuffheknowsfor Seussianthanthefirstround,idiosyncratic surewecansell. structuresthathadtobebuiltlighttoavoid crushingthefloorsbelowthem,hangingoutover Itwasthefirsttimetheboyshadlaunched thenarrowstreets,corkscrewinglikevines somethingnewwithoutknowingwhatitwas, wheretheydstartedwithanicheanddecidedto seekingsun. fillitinsteadofstartingwithanideaandlooking Hekeptstaring,andwouldhavebeenstaring foranicheforit. stillhadhenotheardthesirens.Threeblueand whiteBrowardCountysheriffscarswereracing Youregoingtounderestimatetheresearch time,Francissaidduringoneoftheirflipchart downtheaccessroadintotheirdeadmall,sirens brainstorms,wheretheyhadbeencoveringsheet howling,lightsblazing. aftersheetwithideasforproductstheycould Theyscreechedtoahaltattheshantytowns build.Everyoneunderestimatesresearchtime. edgeandtheirdoorsflewopen.Fourcops Decidingwhattomakeisalwaysharderthan movedquicklyintotheshantytown,whiletwo makingit.Hedbeendrinkinglesssincehed moreworkedtheradios,shelteringbythecars. gotteninvolvedintheretoolingeffort,waking earlier,bossingaroundhisyoungbloodposseto JesusChrist,Perrysaid.Heranforthedoor, butSuzannegrabbedhim. gethimpaper,bricks,Tinkertoys.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/62 Dontruntowardarmedcops,shesaid.Dont him,tryingtostophim.Thecopsatthecars doanythingthatlooksthreatening.Slowdown, weretalkingintentlyintotheirradios,thoughit Perry. wasimpossibletoknowiftheyweretalkingto Hetookacoupledeepbreaths.Thenhelooked theircomradesintheshantytownortotheir aroundhislabforawhile,franticallymuttering, headquarters.Perryburstoutofthefactorydoor andtherewasanothershotandhespunaround, WherethefuckdidIputit? staggeredbackastep,andfelldownlikeasack UseHomeAware,shesaid.Heshookhis ofgrain.Therewasbloodaroundhishead. head,grimaced,wenttoakeyboardandtyped Suzannestuckherhandinhermouthtostiflea MEGAPHONE.Oneofthelabdrawersstarted screamandstoodhelplesslyinthedoorwayof tothrobwithawhiteglow. theworkshop,justafewpacesfromPerry. Hepulledoutthemegaphoneandwenttohis Lestercameupbehindherandfirmlymovedher window. aside.Helumbereddeliberatelyandslowlyand fearlesslytoPerrysside,kneltbesidehim, ATTENTIONPOLICE,hesaid.THISIS THELEASEHOLDERFORTHISPROPERTY. touchedhimgently.Hisfacewasgrey.Perry WHYAREYOURUNNINGAROUNDWITH thrashedsoftlyandSuzanneletoutasoundlike acry,thenrememberedherselfandtookouther YOURGUNSDRAWN?WHATISGOING cameraandbegantoshootandshootandshoot: ON? thecops,LesterwithPerrylikeatragicPieta, Thepoliceatthecarslookedtowardthe theshantytownersrunningbackandforth workshop,thenbacktotheshantytown,then screaming.Snapofthecopsgettingoutoftheir backtotheworkshop. cars,gunsinhands,snapofthemfanningout aroundtheshantytown,snapofthemcoming SERIOUSLY.THISISNOTCOOL.WHAT closerandcloser,snapofacoppointinghisgun AREYOUDOINGHERE? atLester,orderinghimawayfromPerry,snapof Oneofthecopsgrabbedthemicforhisown acopapproachingher. loudhailer.THISISTHEBROWARD Itslive,shesaid,notlookingupfromthe COUNTYSHERIFFSDEPARTMENT.WE viewfinder.Goingoutlivetomyblog.Daily HAVERECEIVEDINTELLIGENCETHAT readershiphalfamillion.Theyrewatchingyou ANARMEDFUGITIVEISONTHESE PREMISES.WEHAVECOMETORETRIEVE now,everymove.Doyouunderstand? HIM. Theofficersaid,Putthecameradown,maam. WELL,THATSWEIRD.NONEOFTHE CHILDREN,CIVILIANSAND HARDWORKINGPEOPLEHEREARE FUGITIVESASFARASIKNOW. CERTAINLYTHERESNOONEARMED AROUNDHERE.WHYDONTYOUGET BACKINYOURCARSANDILLCOME OUTANDWELLRESOLVETHISLIKE CIVILIZEDPEOPLE,OK? Thecopshookhisheadandreachedforhismic again,andthenthereweretwogunshots,a scream,andathird. PerryranforthedoorandSuzannechasedafter Sheheldthecamera.IcantquotetheFirst Amendmentfrommemory,notexactly,butI knowitwellenoughthatImnotmovingthis camera.Itslive,youunderstandeverymoveis goingoutlive,rightnow. Theofficersteppedback,turnedhishead, mutteredinhismic. Theresanambulancecoming,hesaid.Your friendwasshotwithanonlethalrubberbullet. Hesbleedingfromthehead,Lestersaid. Fromtheeye. Suzanneshuddered.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/63 Ambulancesirensinthedistance.Lesterstroked Perryshair.Suzannetookastepbackand panneditoverPerrysruinedface,bloodyand swollen.Therubberbulletmusthavetakenhim eitherrightintheeyeorjustoverit. PerryMasonGibbonswasunarmedandposed nothreattoSheriffsDeputyBadgeNumber 5724shezoomedinonitwhenhewas shotwitharubberbulletintheeye.Heis unconsciousandbloodyonthegroundinfront oftheworkshopwherehehasworkedquietly andunassuminglytoinventandmanufacture newtechnologies. Thecopknewwhentocuthislosses.Heturned asideandwalkedbackintotheshantytown, leavingSuzannetoturnhercameraonPerry,on theEMTswhoevaccedhimtotheambulance,on thethreeinjuredshantytownerswhowereonthe ambulancewithhim,onthecorpsetheywheeled outonhisowngurney,oneofthenewcomersto theshantytown,amanshedidntrecognize. TheyoperatedonPerryallthatnight,gingerly tweezingfragmentsofbonefromhisshattered leftorbitoutofhiseyeandface.Somehad floatedtothebackofthesocketandposeda specialriskofbraindamage,thedoctor explainedintohercamera. Lesterwasarock,sittingsilentlyinthewaiting room,talkingcalmlyandfirmlywiththecops andoverthephonetoKettlewellandthe speciallyimpaneledboardroomfullofKodacell lawyerswhowantedtomicromanagethis.Rat ToothedFreddyfiledacolumninwhichhe calledheragrandstandingbint,andaccused Kodacellofharboringdangerousfugitives.Hed dugupthefactthatoneofthenewcomerstothe shantytownnottheonetheydkilled,thatwas abystanderwaswantedforholdingupa liquorstorewithacorkscrewtheyearbefore. broad,softbackitwaslikehuggingagiant loafofbread.Shesqueezedtighterandhedid too.Hewasagoodhugger. Youholdinginthere,kiddo?shesaid. Yeah,hemurmuredintoherneck.No.He squeezedtighter.AswellasIneedto,anyway. Thedoctorpriedthemaparttotellthemthatthe EEGandfMRIwerebothnegativeforanybrain damage,andthattheydmanagedtosalvagethe eye,probably.Kodacellwasspringingforallthe careheneeded,cashmoney,nodorkingaround withthefuckingHMO,sothedoctorshadput himthrougheverymachineonthepremisesina seriesoffarcicallyexpensivetests. Ihopetheysuethecopsforthecosts,the doctorsaid.ShewasPakistaniorBangladeshi, withafaintaccent,andveryprettyevenwiththe darkcirclesunderhereyes.Ireadyour columns,shesaid,shakingSuzanneshand.I admiretheworkyoudo,shesaid,shaking Lestershand.IwasborninDelhi.Wewere squatterswhoweregivenadeedtoourhome andthenevictedbecausewecouldntpaythe taxes.Wehadtobuildagain,intherains,outside ofthecity,andthenagainwhenwewereevicted again. Shehadtwobrotherswhowereworkingfor startupslikeKodacells,butrunbyotherfirms: onewasbackedbyMcDonalds,theotherbythe AFLCIOsinvestmentarm.Suzannedidalittle interviewwithheraboutherbrothersprojects abikehelmetthathadbeenalgorithmically evolvedforminimumweightandmaximum protection;asmartskylightthatdeformeditself tofollowlightbasedonsimplephototropic controllers.Thebrotherworkingonbikehelmets wasridingatigerandcouldbarelykeepupwith orders;hewasconsumingabouthalfofthe operationalcapacityoftheMcDonaldsnetwork andclimbingfast.

Lesterunscrewedhisearphoneandscrubbedat hiseyes.Impulsively,sheleanedoverandgave Lesterjoinedin,diggingonthedetails.Hed himahug.Hestiffenedupatfirstbutthen beenfollowingtheskylightsinblogsandona relaxedandenfoldedherinhishuge,warmarms. listortwo,andhedheardofthedoctors Shecouldbarelymakeherarmsmeetaroundhis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/64 brother,whichreallytweakedher,shewas visiblyproudofherfamily. Butyourworkismostimportant.Thingsforthe homeless.Wegettheminheresometimes,hurt, offtheambulances.Weusuallyturnthemaway again.Theoneswhoselloffthehighway mediansandatthetrafficlights.Suzannehad seenthem,sellinghomemadecookies,oranges, flowers,newspapers,plastickytoys,sador beautifulhandicrafts.Shehadacarvedcoconut coveredinintricatescrimshawthatshedbought fromalittlegirlwhowasallskinandbones exceptforhermalnourishedpotbelly. Theygethitbycars? Yes,thedoctorsaid.Deliberately,too.Or beatenup. assembleanotherone.Machinesthatcan reproducethemselves. Francisshiftedinhisseat.Whatarethey supposedtodowiththose? Everything,Perrysaid,hiseyeglinting.Make yourkitchenfixtures.Makeyourshoesandhat. Makeyourkidstoysifitsinthestores,it shouldbeadownloadabletoo.Maketoolchests andtools.Makeitandbuilditandsellit.Make otherprintersandsellthem.Makemachinesthat makethegoopwefeedintotheprinters.Teacha mantofish,Francis,teachamantofuckingfish. Notopdownsolutionsdrivenbymarket researchhisfingerquotesoozedsarcasm thethingthatweneedtodoismakethese peopletheauthorsoftheirowndestiny.

Theyputupthesignthatnight:AUTHOROF YOUROWNDESTINY,hungoverthe workshopdoor.SuzannetrailedafterPerry transcribingtherantsthatspilledoutofhis mouthasheexplainedittoLesterandFrancis, andthentoKettlewellwhenhecalled,andthen totheprettyyoungblackladyfromtheTVwho bynowhadfiguredoutthattherewasareal storyinherbackyard,thentoanNPRmanon thephone,andthentoaCNNcrewwhodrovein fromMiamiandfilmedtheshantytownandthe Theyneedthetoolstomakeanyothertools,is workshoplikeJapanesetouristsatDisneyWorld, neverhavingventuredintotheskanky,failed whatPerrysaidwhenhereturnedfromthe stripmallsuburbsjustoutsideoftown. hospital,thesideofhisheadstillswaddledin bandagesthatdrapedoverhisinjuredeye. Francishadaprotegewhohadarealdabtouch Theydshavedhisheadathisinsistence,saying withthe3Dprinters.Themanufacturer,Lesters thathewasntgoingtotrytokeephishairclean formeremployer,hadbeenoutofbusinessfor withallthebandages.Itmadehimlookyounger, twoyearsbythen,soalltheserviceonthe andhisfineskullbonesstoodoutthroughhis machineshadtobedoneonthepremises. thinscalpwhenhefinallycamehome.Before Francissprotegetheonewhoclaimedhis hedlookedlikeaoutdoorsmanengineer:now motherhadpushedhisfatherunderabus,his helookedlikearadical,apirate. namewasJasonwatchedLesterworkon recalcitrantmachinessilentlyforacoupledays, Theyneedthetoolsthatwillletthembuild thenstartedtohandhimthetoolheneedednext anythingelse,forfree,anduseitorsellit.He gesturedattherapidprototypingmachinesthey withouthavingtobeasked.Thenhediagnoseda problemthathadstumpedLesterallmorning. had,thethreeDprinterandscannersetups.I Thenhesuggestedanimprovementtothe meansomethinglikethat,butIwantittobe feedstockpumpthatincreasedthemeantime capableofprintingoutthepartsnecessaryto Perrywasmovedoutoftheoperatingtheatertoa recoveryroomandthentoaprivateroomandby thentheywerereadytocollapse,thoughthere wassomuchemailinresponsetoherpoststhat sheendeduppoundingonhercomputers keyboardallthewayhomeasLesterdrovethem, squeezingthebridgeofhisnosetostayawake. Shedidnteventakeherclothesoffbefore collapsingintobed.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/65 betweenfailuresbyacouplehours. Suzannejottedacoupleofnotes,keeping No,man,no,notlikethat,Jasonsaidtooneof perfectlymum. thesmallgangofboyshewasbossing.Gently, Well,Idliketohavethemintheworkshop, oryoullsnapitoff.Theboysnappeditoffand OK?MaybeIshouldasksomeofthemiftheyd Jasonpulledanotherreplacementpartoutofa come.Shit,ifIcanteachtheseapes,Icanteach tubandsaid,See,likethis,andsnappediton. agirl.Theyresmart.Girlsdmakethisplacea Thesmallgangofboysregardedhimwith littlebettertoworkin.Lotsofthemtryingto somethinglikeawe. supporttheirfamilies,sotheyneedthemoney, too. Howcomenogirls?Suzannesaidasshe interviewedhimwhilehetookasmokebreak. Perryhadbannedcigarettesfromallindoor workshops,nominallytokeepflamesawayfrom thevariousindustrialchemicalsandsuch,but reallyjusttoencouragetheshantytownersto giveupthehabitthattheycouldntafford anyway.Hedalsoleanedontheshantytowners whodopenedupsmallshopsintheirhousesto keepcigsoutofthetown,withoutalotof success. Girlsarentinterestedinthisstuff,lady. Youthink?Therewasatimewhenshewould haveobjected,butitwasbettertolettheseguys sayitoutloud,hearthemselvessayit. No.Maybewhereyoucomefrom,OK?Dont know.Butheregirlsaredifferent.Theydogood inschoolbutwhentheyhavebabiestheyre done.Imean,hey,itsnotlikeIdontwantgirls intheteam,theydbegreat.Ilovegirls.They fuckinwork,youknow.Nobullshit,noscrewing around.ButIknoweverygirlinthisplaceand noneofemareeveninterested,OK? Suzannecockedoneeyebrowjustalittleand Jasonshifteduncomfortably.Hescratchedhis baremidriffandshuffled.Ido,allofthem. Whywouldthey?Onegirl,aroomfulofboys, itdbegross.Theydactlikejerks.Theresno waywedgetanythingdone. Suzanneliftedhereyebrowonehairhigher.He squirmedharder. Therewasagirltherebytheafternoon.Thenext day,thereweretwomore.Theyseemedlike quickstudies,despitetheiryouthandtheirlip gloss.Suzanneapproved. Lesterstayedlongenoughtoseethefirst prototypeprinterprintersrunning,thenhelitout withaduffelbagjammedintothebackofhis moddedSmartcar.Whereareyougoing? SuzannesaidasPerrylookedongloomily.Ill comeandvisityou.Iwanttofollowyourstory. Truthbetold,shewassorrytoseehimgo,very sorry.Hewassucharock,suchananchorfor Perrysnewcrazypirateenergyandforthe madnessaroundthem.Hehadntgivenmuch notice(nottoherPerrydidntseemthat surprised). Icantreallytalkaboutit,hesaid. Nondisclosure. Soitsanewjob,shesaid.Youregoingto workforTjan?TjansWestinghouseoperation wasfullyrocking.Hehadfiftyteamsupthe easternseaboard,teninthemidwestandwas rumoredtohavetwiceasmanyinEastern Europe. Hegrinned.Oh,Suzanne,donttrytojournalist me.Hereachedoutandhuggedherinacloud ofherfatherscologne.Yourefantastic,you knowthat?No,Imnotgoingtoajob.Itsa thingthatsanamazingopportunity,youknow?

Soallright,thatsnottheirfault.ButIgot Shedidnt,butthenhewasgoneandboydidshe enoughwork,allright?Toomuchtodowithout misshim. spendingtimeonthat.Itsnotlikeanygirlshave PerryandshewentoutfordinnerinMiamithe askedtojoinup.Imnotkeepingthemout.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/66 nextnightwithaPhDcandidatefrom PepperdinesBschool,eatingatthesamedeco patiothatsheddinedatwithTjan.Perryworea whiteshirtopentorevealhistangleofwirychest hairandthewaitresscouldntkeephereyesoff ofhim.Hehadapermanentsquintnow,anda scarthatmadehiseyebrowintoaseriesofsmall hills. showsthatoneinfiveAmericansisemployedin theNewWorkindustry.Twentypercent! Perryslazyeyeopenedalittlewider.Noway, hesaid.

Way,thePhDcandidatesaid.Hefinishedhis caipirinhaandshookthecrushediceatapassing waiter,whonoddedandambledtothebartoget himafreshone.Youshouldgetontheroadand IwasjustinGreensboro,Miss,thePhD writeaboutsomeoftheseguys,hesaidto candidatesaid.Hewasinhismidtwenties, Suzanne.Theyneedsomeink,somephosphors. youngandslick,hisonlynodtoacademeasmall Theyrepullingupstakesandmovingtothe goatee.Iusedtospendsummerstherewithmy smalltownstheirparentscamefrom,orto grandpa.Hetalkedfast,flecksofspittleinthe abandonedsuburbs,andjustdoingit.Bravest cornersofhismouth,eyeswide,forkstabbing fuckingthingyouveseeninyourlife. blindlyatthebitsofcrabcakeonhisplate. Therewasntanythingleftthere,justacouple ThePhDcandidatestayedouttheweek,and wenthomewithasuitcasefulloftheparts gasstationsanda7Eleven,shit,theydeven closedtheWalMart.Butnow,butnow,itsalive necessarytobuildathreeDprinterthatcould printoutallofthepartsnecessarytobuilda again,itsbuzzingandhopping.Everyempty storefrontisfullofpeopleplayingandtinkering, threeDprinter. justalittlebitofmoneyintheirpocketsfroma Lesteremailedherfromwhereveritwashed bankoracompanyorafund.Theyredoingthe gone,andtoldheraboutthelovelytimehewas dumbestthings,mindyou:tooledleatherlaptop having.Itmadehermisshimsharply.Perrywas cases,switchbladekniveswiththumbdrivesin hardlyeveraroundforhernow,buriedinhis thehandles,singinganddancinglawnSantas work,buriedwiththekidsfromtheshantytown thatyodellikehillbillies. andwithFrancis.Shelookedoverherlast monthsblogsandrealizedthatshedbeen Idbuyatooledleatherlaptopcase,Perry turninginvariationsonthesamethemeforall said,swillingasweatybottleofbeer.He waggledhisfunnyeyebrowandrubbedhisfuzzy thattime.Sheknewitwastimetopackaduffel bagofherownandgoseethebravestfucking scalp. thingshedseeninherlife. Therateofemploymentissomethinglike ninetyfivepercent,whichithasntbeeninlikea Bye,Perry,shesaid,stoppingbyhis workbench.Helookedupatherandsawthebag hundredyears.Ifyourenotinventingstuff, yourekeepingthebooksforsomeonewhois,or andhisfunnyeyebrowwobbled. makingsandwichesforthem,ordrivingdelivery Leavingforgood?hesaid.Hesounded vehiclesaround.Itslikeatiny,distributedgold unexpectedlybitter. rush. No!shesaid.No!Justacoupleweeks.Going OrliketheNewDeal,Suzannesaid.Thatwas togettherestofthestory.ButIllbeback,count howshedcometoinvitehimdown,aftershed onit. readhispapercoiningthetermNewWorkto Hegruntedandslumped.Hewaslookingalot describewhatPerrywasupto,comparingitto oldernow,andbeatendown.Hishair,growing Rooseveltspublicinvestmentplanthatspent out,washalfgrey,andhedgottengaunt,his AmericafreeoftheDepression. cheekbonesandforeheadspringingoutofhis Yeah,exactly,exactly!Ivegotresearchthat face.Onimpulse,shegavehimahuglikethe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/67 onesshedsharedwithLester.Hereturnedit woodenlyatfirst,thenwithgenuinewarmth.I willbeback,youknow,shesaid.Youvegot plentytodohere,anyway. Yeah,hesaid.CourseIdo. reachedherhotel.Tjandroppedheroffand promisedtopickherupthenextmorningfora VIPtourofthebestofhisteams,andshewentto checkin.

Shewasinthemiddleofreceivingherkeywhen Shekissedhimfirmlyonthecheekandstepped someonegrabbedhershoulderandsqueezedit. outthedoorandintohercaranddrovetoMiami SuzannebloodyChurch!Whatareyoudoing here,love? International. Thesmellofhisbreathwaslikeadeadthing, lefttofester.Sheturnedaroundslowly,not TjanmetheratLoganandtookherbag.Im wantingtobelievethatofallthehotelsinrural surprisedyouhadthetimetomeetme,she RhodeIsland,sheendedupcheckingintothe said.Themonthshadbeengoodtohim, sameoneasRatToothedFreddy. slimmingdownhispotbellyandputtinga Hey,Freddy,shesaid.Seeinghimgaveheran twinkleinhiseye. atavisticurgetostabhimrepeatedlyinthethroat Ivegotagoodorganization,hesaid,asthey withthehotelstickpen.Hewasunshaven,his motoredawaytowardRhodeIsland,through gawkyAdamsapplebobbingupanddown,and stripmallsuburbsandpastboardedupchain heswallowedandsmiledwetly.Nicetosee restaurants.Everywherethereweresignsof you. industry:workshopsinoldstorefronts,roadside Fantastictoseeyou,too!Imherecoveringa standssellingdisposablemusicplayers,digital shareholdermeetingforWestinghouse,isthat whoopeecushions,andsoforth.Ibarelyhave whatyoureherefor,too? toputinanappearance. No,shesaid.Sheknewthemeetingwason Tjanyawnedhugelyandconstantly.Jetlag,he thatweek,buthadntplannedonattendingit. apologized.GotbackfromRussiaacoupledays Shewasdonewithpressconferences,preferring ago. onthegroundreporting.Well,nicetoseeyou. Didyouseeyourkids?shesaid.Hows Oh,dostayforadrink,hesaid,grinningmore businessthere? widely,exposingthosegreyteethinasharks Isawmykids,hesaid,andgrinned.Theyre smile.Comeontheyhaveafreecocktailhour amazing,youknowthat?Goodkids, inthisplace.Illhavetoreportyoutothe unbelievablysmart.Reallittleoperators.The journalistsunionifyouturndownafreedrink. olderone,Lyenitchka,isrunningababysitting Idontthinkbloggershavetoworryaboutthe servicenotbabysittingherself,yousee,but journalistsunion,shesaid,makingsarcastic recruitingotherkidstodothesittingforher fingerquotesincasehedidntgetthemessage. whilesheskimsamanagementfeeandrunsthe Hestilldidnt.Helaughedinstead. qualitycontrol. Oh,love,Imsuretheyllstillhaveyouevenif Shesyourdaughterallright,shesaid.Sotell youhavelapsedawayfromtheonetruefaith. meeverythingabouttheWestinghouseprojects. Goodnight,Freddy,wasallshecouldmanage Shedbeenfollowingthem,ofcourse,lotsof togetoutwithoutactuallyhissingthroughher differentlittlestartups,eachwithitsownblogs teeth. andsuch.ButTjanwasquitefearlessabout OK,goodnight,hesaid,movingintogiveher takingherthroughtheirprofitsandlossesand ahug.Asheloomedtowardher,shesnapped. takingnotesonitallkeptherbusyuntilshe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/68 Freeze,mister.Youarenotmyfriend.Idonot wanttotouchyou.Youhavepoorpersonal hygieneandyourbreathsmellslikean overflowingcamptoilet.Youwritevicious personalattacksonmeandonthepeopleIcare about.Youareunfair,meanspirited,andyou writebadly.TheonlydayIwouldntpissonyou, Freddy,isthedayyouwereonfire.Nowgetthe fuckoutofmywaybeforeIkickyourtinylittle testiclesupthroughtheroofofyourreeking mouth. Shesaiditquietly,butthedeskclerksbehindher overhearditanywayandgiggled.Freddyssmile onlywobbled,butthenreturned,broaderthan ever. Wellsaid,hesaidandgaveherasinglegolf clap.Sleepwell,Suzanne. Atthefourthsite,shewasambushedbyaflying hug.Tjanlaughedasshenearlywentdown undertheweightofastrong,youngwomanwho flungherarmsaroundSuzannesneck.Holy crapitsgoodtoseeyou! Suzanneuntangledherselfandgotalookather hugger.Shehadshortmousyhair,twinklingblue eyes,andwasdressedinoverallsandapretty floweredblouse,scuffedworkbootsandstained andtornworkgloves.Uh...shesaid,thenit clicked.Fiona? Yeah!DidntTjantellyouIwashere?Thelast timeshedseenthiswoman,shewasweeping overpizzaandgettingreadytogiveuponlife. Nowshewaspracticallyvibrating.

Uh,no,shesaid,shootingalookatTjan,who wassmilingliketheBuddhaandpretendingto Sheboiledallthewaytoherroomandwhenshe inspectapairofshoeswithgyroscopically cameoverhungry,sheorderedinroomservice, stabilizedretractablewheelsintheheels. notwantingtotakethechancethatRatToothed Ivebeenhereformonths!Iwentbackto Freddywouldstillbeinthelobby. Oregon,likeyoutoldmeto,andthenIsawa Tjanmetherasshewasfinishinghercoffeein thebreakfastroom.ShehadntseenFreddyyet. Ivegotfiveprojectsslatedforyoutovisit today,Tjansaid,slidingintotheboothbeside her.Funnilynowthathewasinthecold northeast,hewasdressinglikeaFloridianin bluejeansandaHawaiianbarkclothshirtwitha brightspatterofpineapplesandOscarMayer Wienermobiles.BackinFlorida,hedfavored unflatteringnylonslacksandwhiteshirtswith ironedcollars. recruitingadforWestinghouseandIsentthem myCVandthenIgotavideoconference interviewandthen,bam,Iwasonanairplaneto RhodeIsland! Suzanneblinked.Itoldyoutogobackto Oregon?Well,maybeshehad.Thatwasa lifetimeago.

Theworkshopwasanotherdeadmall,thisonea horseshoeofstorefrontsseparatedbyflimsy gyprock.TheWestinghousershadcutthrough thewallswithdrywallknivestojoinallthe storestogether.Theairwaspermeatedwiththe familiarSaranWrapinamicrowavetangof Theprojectswerefascinatingandfamiliar.The threeDprinters.Theparkinglotwasgivenover culturaldifferencesthatdistinguishedNew tosomelargerapparatusandafantastical EnglandNewWorkfromFloridaNewWork childrensjunglegymintheshapeofabaroque, weresmallbuttelling:alotmorewoodcraft,ina spiredpiratefortress,withelegantlycurved partofthecountrywheremanypeoplehad turrets,corkscrewskybridges,andflying grownupintheirgrandfatherswoodworking buttressescrustedoverwithornate,grotesque shops.Alittlemoreunreflexivekitsch,likethe gargoyles.Childrenswarmedoveritlikeants, homelykittensandpuppiesthatmarchedaround screechingwithpleasure. thereactive,waterproof,smashproofscreens Well,yourelookingreallygood,Fiona, integratedintoabiomonitoringcrib.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/69 Suzannesaid.Stillnotgreatwithpeople,she thought.Fiona,though,wasindeedlooking good,andbeaming.Shewasntwearingthecrust ofcosmeticsandhaircareproductsshed affectedinthecorporateSiliconValleyworld. Sheglowedpink. Suzanne,Fionasaid,gettingseriousnow, takingherbytheshouldersandlookingintoher eyes.Icantthankyouenoughforthis.Thishas savedmylife.Itgavemesomethingtolivefor. Forthefirsttimeinmylife,Iamdoing somethingImproudof.Igotobedeverynight thankfulandhappythatIendeduphere.Thank you,Suzanne.Thankyou. Suzannetriednottosquirm.Fionagaveher anotherlonghug.Itsallyourdoing,Suzanne saidatlast.Ijusttoldyouaboutit.Youve madethishappenforyou,OK? Ofcourse,Suzannesaiddrily.Shed automaticallyreachedforhernotepadandstarted writingwhenTjanstartedtalking.Now, reviewinghernotes,sheknewthatshewasgoing tohavetogobackandgetsomephotosofthis. SheaskedTjanaboutit. Therobotsgoallnight,youknow.Notmuch sleepifyoudothat. NogoingbacktothehoteltoseeFreddy,whata pity.Illgrabacoupleblanketsfromthehotel tokeepwarm,shesaid. Oh,youneednt,hesaid.Thatcrewhasaset ofbleacherswithgasheatersforthenightcrew andtheirfamilytowatchfrom.Itspretty gorgeous,ifyouaskme.

Theyhadahastysupperofburgersatadrive throughandthenwentbacktothejunglegym project.Suzanneensconcedherselfatsomeones OK,Fionasaid,butIstillwouldntbehereif vacateddeskforacouplehoursandcaughtupon itwasntforyou.Iloveyou,Suzanne. emailbeforefinallyemergingasthesunwas Ick.Suzannegaveheranotherperfunctoryhug dippingswollenandredbehindthemall.Sheset andgotthehelloutofDodge. herselfuponthebleachers,andFionafoundher withathermosofcoffeeandaflaskofwhisky. Theysnuggledunderablanketamidasmall Whatswiththejunglegym?Itreallyhad crowdofgeeks,anoutdoorslumberpartyunder beensomething,funandMartianlooking. thegasheatersroar. Thatsthebigone,Tjansaidwithabiggrin. Mostpeopledontevennoticeit,theythinkits daycareorsomething.Well,thatshowitstarted out,butthensomeofthesensorpeoplestarted noodlingwithjunglegymcomponentsthat couldtellhowoftentheywereplayedwith.They startedmoddingthegymeverynight,adding variationsontheelementsthatsawthemost action,removingtheduds.ThentheCADpeople addedanalgorithmthatwouldtakethesensor dataandgeneraterandomvariationsonthesame basis.Finally,someoftheroboticspeoplegotin ontheactsothatthebestofthecomputer evolveddesignscouldbeinstantiated automatically:nowitsaselfmodifyingjungle gym.Thekidsloveit.Itisthecrackcocaineof junglegyms,thoughwewontbeusingthatin themarketingcopy,ofcourse. Gradually,therobotsmadeanappearance.Most ofthemhumpedalonglikeinchworms,carrying chunksofnewplaygroundapparatusincoilsof theirlongbodies.Somedeployedmanipulator arms,thoughtheydidnthavemuchbywayof handsattheirends.Wejustuserareearth magnets,Fionasaid.Lessfiddlythantryingto getartificialvisionthatcanaccuratelygraspthe bars. Tjannudgedherandpointedtoanewtowerthat wasgoingup.Therobotsweretwistingaround themselvestoformascaffold,whilevariousof theirnumbercrawledhigherandhigher, snappingmodularpiecesofhighimpactplastic togetherwithsnicksoundsthatwereaudibleover thewhineoftheirmotors. Suzanneswitchedonhercamerasnightvision

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/70 modeandgotshooting.Wheredidyougetall theserobots? Tjangrinned.ItsanopendesigntheEPA hiredWestinghousetobuildthesetoworkon sensingandremovingvolatileorganic compoundsonSuperfundsites.Becausewedid theworkforthegovernment,wehadtoagreenot toclaimanydesigncopyrightorpatentsinthe outcome.Theresafreakingwarehousefullof thisstuffatWestinghouse,allkindsofcrazy thingsthatWestinghouseabandonedbecause theywerentproprietaryenoughandtheywere worriedthattheydhavetocompeteontheopen marketiftheytriedtoproductizethem.Suitsus justfine,though. Thefieldwasaswarmwithglintingmetal inchwormrobotsnow,shiftingbackandforth, boilingandroilingandpickingupenormous chunksofclimberlikecartoonantscarrying awayapicnicbasket.Theplaygroundwasbeing transformedbeforehereyes,inwaysgrossand subtle,anditwasenchantingtowatch. CanIgooutandhavealook?shesaid.I mean,isitsafe? creationshadevolvedpasttheirinventors. Shewasgoingtohavetodoalotofwriting beforebed. FreddywascheckingoutinthelobbywhenTjan droppedheroffat5AM.Itwasimpossibleto sneakpasthim,andhegaveheranasty, bucktoothedsmileasshepassedbyhim.It distractedherandmadethewritingcomemore slowly,butshewasaproandherreadershad sentinalotofkindmail,andtherewasonefrom Lester,stillawayonhismysteriouserrandbut soundinghappierthanhehadinmonths, positivelygiddy. Shesetthealarmclocksothatshecouldbe awakeforhernextstop,outsideofNorth CarolinasResearchTriangle,wheresomelocal millionaireshadbackedadozenNewWork teams. Anotherthreeweeksofthisstuffandshedgetto gohomeFlorida.Thecondowashomenow, andthejunkyard.Hotandstickyandinventive andeverchanging.Shefellasleepthinkingofit andsmiling.

ItwastwoweeksmorebeforeLestercaughtup Sure,Fionasaid.Ofcourse!Ourrobotswont withher,inDetroitofallplaces.Goingbackto harmyou;theyjustnuzzleyouandthenchange theoldplacehadntbeenheridea,shedbeen direction. draggedbackbyimpassionedpleasfromthe Still,trytostayoutoftheirway,Tjansaid. localFordandGMNewWorkteams,whowere Someofthatstufftheyremovingaroundis secondgenerationunemployed,oldrustbelt heavy. familieswhodrebootedwithmoneyfromthe companiesthathadwrungtheirprofitfromtheir Soshewadedoutontotheplaygroundand ancestorsandabandonedthem. carefullypickedherwaythroughtherobot swarm.Somecrawledoverhertoes.Acouple twinedbetweenherfeetandnearlytrippedher upandonceshesteppedononeanditwentstill andwaitedpolitelyforhertostepoff. Onceinthethickofitall,sheswitchedonher videoandbegantorecordthroughthenight filter.Standingthereamidthewhirlandracket andundulatingmotionofthejunglegymasit reconfigureditself,shefeltlikeshedarrivedat someposthumanfuturewheretheworldno longerneededherorherkind.Likehumanitys

Thebigfocusintherustbeltwaseradicatingthe car.Somewerebuildingrobotsthatcould decommissionleakygasstationsandcraterout thetoxicsoil.Somewerebuildingcar disassemblyplantsthatreclaimedmaterialsfrom theoldbeastsinteriors.BetweentheFordand GMteamswiththeirlatestbailoutandthose fundedbytheUAWoutofthesettlementstheyd wonfromtheautomakers,Detroitwasspringing upanew. Lesteremailedherandsaidthathedseenonher

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/71 blogthatshewasheadedtoDetroit,anddidshe wanttomeethimfordinner,beingashedbein towntoo? TheyateatDevilsNight,arestaurantinoneof thereclaimedmansionsinBrushPark,a neighborhoodofwoodframebuildingsthat teenagershadallbutburnedtothegroundover severaldecadesworthofHalloweens.In Detroit,DevilsNightwasthepreHalloween traditionoftorchingabandonedbuildings,and allofBrushParkhadbeenabandonedforyears, itshandsomehousesattractivetargetsfor midnightfirebugs. Reclaimingthesebuildingswasanartisanal practiceofurethaningthecharredwoodand addingcleverputty,cement,andglassto preservethelookofaburnedouthulkwhile restoringstructuralintegrity.Oneentirefloorof therestaurantwasmissing,havingbeenreplaced bypolishedtemperedonewayglassthatlet upstairsdinerslookdownonthebaldspotsand cleavageofthoseeatingbelow. Suzanneshowedupafewminuteslate,having gottenlostwanderingthestreetsofaDetroitthat hadrewrittenitsmapinthedecadessinceshed left.Shewasflustered,andnotjustbecauseshe wasrunninglate.Therewasalingering awkwardnessbetweenherandLesterandher elationatseeinghimagainhadaninescapable undercurrentofdread. Whenthewaiterpointedouthertable,shetold himhewasmistaken.Lesterwasntthere,some strangerwas:shorthaired,burly,withafew daysstubble.Heworeasmartblazeranda loosestripedcottonshirtunderneath.Hewas beamingather. Suzanne,hesaid. Herjawliterallydropped.Sherealizedshewas standingwithhermouthopenandshutitwitha snap.Lester?shesaid,wonderingly. Hegotup,stillsmiling,evenlaughingalittle, andgaveherahug.ItwasLesterallright.That smellwasunmistakable,andthosebig,warm pawshecalledhands. Whenheletgoofher,helaughedagain.Oh, Suzanne,Icouldnothaveaskedforanybetter reactionthanthis.Thankyou.Theywere drawingstares.Dazedly,shesatdown.Sodidhe. Lester?shesaidagain. Yes,itsme,hesaid.Illtellyouaboutitover dinner.Thewaiterwantstotakeourdrink orders. Theatrically,sheorderedadoubleScotch.The waiterrattledoffthespecialsandSuzanne pickedoneatrandom.SodidLester. So,hesaid,pattinghiswashboardtummy. YouwanttoknowhowIgottothisinten weeks,huh? CanItakenotes?Suzannesaid,pullingouther pad. Ohbyallmeans,hesaid.Igotadiscounton mytreatmentsonthebasisthatyouwouldend uptakingnotes. TheclinicwasinStPetersburg,Russia,ina neighborhoodfilledwithRussiandentistswho cateredtoAmericanhealthtouristswhodidnt wanttopayUSpricesforcrowns.Thetreatment hadntoriginatedthere:Theelectromuscular stimulationandchemicaltherapyforskin tighteningwasstandardforrichnewmothersin Hollywoodwhowantedtogetridofpregnancy bellies.Theappetitesuppressinghormoneshad beenusedintheMexicanpharmaindustryfor years.Stemcellshadbeenaneffectivesubstitute forsteroidswhenitcametobuildingmusclein professionalathleticcirclestheworldround. Genomictherapyusinggenescribbedfrom hummingbirdsboostedmetabolismsothatthe bodyburned10,000caloriesadaysittingstill. ButtheStPetersburgclinichadripped,mixed andburnedthesedifferentprocedurestomakea single,holistictreatmentthathaddroppedLester from400to175poundsintenweeks. Isthatsafe?shesaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/72 Everyoneasksthat,hesaid,laughing.Yeah, itssafeiftheyremonitoringyouandstanding bywithlotsofdiagnosticequipment.Butif yourewillingtotakeslowerlosses,youcango onawaylessintensiveregimethatwontrequire supervision.Thisstuffisthenextbiggrey marketpharmagold.Theyreviolatingallkinds ofpharmapatents,ofcourse,butthatswhat CubaandCanadaarefor,right?Insideofayear, everyfatpersoninAmericaisgoingtohavea bottleofpillsinhispocket,andinsideoftwo years,therewontbeanyfatpeople. Sheshookherhead.Youlook...Lester,you lookincredible.Imsoproudofyou. changed. Itsgreattoseeyouagaintoo.Tentatively,he tookherhandinhisbigpaw.Hishandwaswarm butnotsweaty,andsherealizedithadbeena longtimesinceanyonehadheldherhand.Heart pounding,shegavehishandasqueeze. Theirconversationandtheirwalkrambledon, withnooutwardacknowledgmentofthecontact ofhandonhand,butherhandsqueezedhis softlynowandagain,orhesqueezedhers,and thentheywereatherhotel.Howdidthat happen?sheaskedherself.

Butthentheywerehavinganightcap,andthen hewasintheelevatorwithherandthenhewas Heduckedhishead.Hereallydidlookamazing. atthedoorofherroom,andthebloodwas Droppingtheweighthadtakenofftenyears,and roaringinherearsasshestuckhercreditcardin betweenthatandthehaircutandthenewclothes, thereadertoopenit. hewaspracticallyunrecognizable. Wait,shetriedtosay.Lester,hangonasecond, DoesPerryknow? iswhatshetriedtosay,buthertonguewasthick Yeah,Lestersaid.Italkeditoverwithhim inhermouth.Hesteppedthroughthedoorwith beforeIoptedforit.Tjanhadmentioneditin her,thensaid,Uh,Ineedtousethebathroom. passing,itwasabusinesshisexwifewas Withrelief,shedirectedhimtothesmallwater tangledupwiththroughhermafiyeh closet.Theroomwasbasicnowthatshewas connections,andonceIhadresearcheditonline herownboss,shewasntspringingforCrowne andtalkedtosomepeoplewhodhadthe PlazasandHiltons,thiswaspracticallyacoffin treatment,includingacoupleMDs,Idecidedto andtherewasnowheretositexceptthebed. justdoit. Herlaptopwasopenandtherewasalotofemail Ithadcostnearlyeverythinghedmadefrom Kodacell,butitwasasmallpricetopay.He insistedongettingdinner. inherinbox,butforonce,shedidntcare.She waskeenlyattunedtothewaternoisescoming frombehindthedoor,eachnewsoundmaking herjumpalittle.Whatwashedoinginthere, insertingafuckingdiaphragm?

Afterward,theystrolledthroughthefragrant eveningdownWoodwardAvenue,pastthedeco skyscrapersandtheplowedfieldsand Sheheardhimworkthelatchonthedoorand communitygardens,theirlivestockpensmaking sheputonherbestsmile.Herstomachwasfull softanimalnoises. ofbutterflies.Hesmiledbackandsatdownon thebednexttoher,takingherhandagain.His Itswonderfultoseeyouagain,Lester,she handwasmoistfrombeingwashed,andalittle saidtruthfully.Shedreallymissedhim,even thoughhisparticipationonhermessageboards slippery.Shedidntmind.Wordlessly,sheput hadhardlyletup(thoughithadstartedcoming herheadonhisbarrelchest.Hisheartwas racing,andsowashers. inatweirdhours,somethingexplainedbythe

factthathedbeeninRussia).Walkingalongside Gradually,theyleanedback,untiltheywereside ofhim,smellinghissmell,seeinghimonlyout bysideonthebed,herheadstillonhischest. ofthecornerofhereye,itwaslikenothinghad Movinglikeshewasinadream,sheliftedher

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/73 headfromhischestandstaredintohiseyes. Theywerewideandscared.Shekissedhim, softly.Hislipsweretremblingandunyielding. Shekissedhimmoreinsistently,runningher handsoverhischestandshoulders,puttingone legoverhim.Heclosedhiseyesandkissedher back.Hewasntbad,buthewasscaredor nervousandalljittery. Shekissedhisthroat,breathinginthesmell, savoringtheroughtextureofhisthreedaybeard. Tentatively,heputhishandsonherback,stroked her,workedgraduallytowardsherbottom.Then hestopped. Whatswrong?shesaid,proppingherselfup onherforearms,stillstraddlinghim. Thanks,Suzanne.Itwasreallygoodtoseeyou again.IllseeyouinFlorida. Shestoodupandmovedquicklytohim,stoodon tiptoetoputherarmsaroundhisneckandhug himfiercely.Hehuggedherbackandshekissed himonthecheek. IllseeyouinFlorida,shesaid. Andthenhewasgone.Shesatontheedgeofher bedandwaitedfortears,buttheydidntcome. Soshepickedupherlaptopandstartedtowork throughhermountainofemail.

Whenshesawhimagain,hewascomingdown thedriveleadingtotheshantytownandthe factory.Shewashavingteainthetearoomthat Shesawthatthereweretearsinhiseyes. hadopenedinacorkscrewspirehighabovethe Lester?Whatswrong? restoftheshantytown.Theladywhooperatedit Heopenedhismouthandthenshutit.Tearsslid calledherselfMrsTorrence,andshewas offhisfaceintohisears.Sheblottedthemwitha exquisitelyantiquebutbynomeansfrail,and cornerofhotelpillow. whensheworkedtheropesonherdumbwaiterto bringupsuppliesfromtheloadingareaonthe Shestrokedhishair.Lester? ground,herbicepsstoodatattentionlike Hegaveoutachokedsobandpushedheraway. Popeyes.TherewasarumorthatMrsTorrence Hesatupandputhisfaceinhishands.Hisback usedtobeaman,orstillwas,underherskirts, heaved.Shestrokedhisshoulderstentatively. butSuzannedidntpayattentiontoit. Finally,heseemedtogethimselfundercontrol. Lestercamedownthedrivegrinningand Hesniffled. bouncingontheballsofhisfeet.Perryhad Ihavetogo,hesaid.

evidentlybeenexpectinghim,forhecameracing throughtheshantytownandpelteddownthe Lester,whatswrong? roadwayandthrewhimselfatLester,grabbing Icantdothis,hesaid.I... himinacrazy,exuberant,whoopinghug. Justtellme,shesaid.Whateveritis,tellme. Francisgimpedoutamomentlaterandgavehim asolemnhandshake.Shehadntbloggedtheir Youdidntwantmebefore.Hesaiditsimply meetinginDetroit,soifFrancisandPerryknew withoutaccusation,butitstunglikehedslapped aboutLesterstransformation,theydfoundout herintheface. withouthearingitfromher. Oh,Lester,shesaid,movingtohughim,but Shefinishedrecordingthehomecomingfrom hepushedheraway. MrsTorrencescrowsnest,thenpaidthe Ihavetogo,hesaid,drawinghimselfuptohis grinningoldbagandtookthestairstwoata time,hurryingtocatchupwithLesterandhis fullheight.Hewastall,thoughhednever crowd. seemeditbefore,butoh,hewastall,sixfoot fourortaller.Hefilledtheroom.Hiseyeswere Lesteracceptedherhugwarmlybutdistantly, redandswollen,butheputonasmileforher.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/74 lettinggoafractionofasecondbeforeshedid. Shedidntletitgettoher.Hehaddrawnacrowd now,withFrancissprotegeprintertechsinthe innermostcircle,andhewasrecountingthestory ofhistransformation.Hehadthemas spellboundasaroomfulofEwokslisteningto C3PO. boardsthanchattingwiththefatties.

Thefattieswereskepticalandhopefulinequal measures.Thebigfightwasoverwhetherthere wasanythingtothis,whetherLesterwouldkeep theweightoff,whetherthenewskinnyLester wasreallyLester,whetherhedundergone surgeryorhadhisstomachstapled.Americas Shit,whydontwesellthatstuff?Jasonsaid. walletshadbeencleanedoutbysomanysnake Hedtakenarealinterestinthebusinessendof oilpeddlerswithacureforobesitythatnoone theirthreeDprinterproject. couldbelievewhattheysaw,nomatterhow Toomuchcompetition,Lestersaid.Thereare muchtheywantedto. alreadyadozenshopstoolinguptomake Lord,butitwasbringinginthereaders,notto bathtubversionsofthetherapyhereinAmerica. mentiontheadvertisingdollars.Theclearing HundredsmoreinEasternEurope.Therejust priceforathousandweightlossadstargetedto wontbeanyprofitinitbythetimewegetto affluent,obeseEnglishspeakerswasoverfifty market.Gettingthinonthecheapsgoingtobe bucks,ascomparedwithhercustomaryCPMof easy.Hell,allittakestodoitisthestuffyoud threebucksathou.Insideofaweek,shedmade useforamethlab.Youcanbuyallthatinakit enoughtobuyacar.Itwasweirdbeingherown fromacatalog. circulationandadsalesdepartment,butitwasnt ashardasshedworrieditmightbeanditwas Jasonnodded,butlookedunconvinced. intenselysatisfyingtohavesuchanosetotail SuzannetookLestersreturnashercuetowrite understandingoftheeconomicsofher abouthistransformation.Shesnappedmorepics production. ofhim,addedsomevideo.Hegaveherten Youshouldgo,Lestertoldherassheclicked minutesdescriptionofthetherapieshed himthroughherearningsspreadsheet.Jesus, undergone,andnamedapriceforthetherapy thatwassubstantiallylowerthanacoupleweeks thisisinsane.Youknowthatthesefatties ataHollywoodfatfarm,andfarmoreeffective. actuallyfollowmearoundonthenetnow,asking mequestionsinmessageboardsabout Theresponsewasamazing.EveryTVnewscrew engineering?Theboardmoderatorsareasking inthegreaterMiamiareamadeapilgrimageto metopostunderanassumedname.Madame, theirfactorytofilmLesterworkinginatightt yourpublichasspoken.Thereisadireneedfor shirtoverathreeDprinter,wranglinghugevats yourskillsinStPetersburg.Go.Theyhave ofepoxymixgoopinthesunwithsweat chandeliersinthesubwaysandcaviarontap.All beadingoverhisbig,strainingbiceps. thebliniyoucaneat.Bearsteaks. Hermessageboardsexploded.Itseemedthata Sheshookherheadandslurpedattheteahed heretoforeunsuspectedcontingentofher broughther.Yourejoking.Itsallmafiyeh growingreadershipwassubstantiallyobese.And there.Scarystuff.Besides,Imcoveringthis theyhadfriends.Lestereventuallygaveupon beatrightnow,NewWork. posting,justsohecouldgetsomeworkdone. NewWorkisntgoinganywhere,Suzanne. Theyhadtheprinterstothepointwherethey Wellbeherewhenyougetback.Andthisstory couldturnoutnewprinters,butthewhole isonethatneedsyourtouch.Theyremicro systemwastemperamentalandneededcareful entrepreneurssolvingpostindustrialproblems. nursing.Lesterwasmoreinterestedinwhat Itsthesamestoryyouvebeencoveringhere, peoplehadtosayontheengineeringmessage butwithadifferentangle.Takethatmoneyand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/75 buyyourselfabusinessclasstickettoSt Petersburgandspendacoupleweeksonthejob. Youllcleanup.Theycouldusethepublicity,too someonetogoanddrilldownonwhichclinics arelegitandwhichonesareclipjoints.Youre perfectforthegig. Idontknow,shesaid.Sheclosedhereyes. Takingbigchanceshadgottenherthisfarandit wouldtakeherfarther,sheknew.Theworldwas youroysterifyoucouldstomachalittlerisk. thatIcomefrom123FakeStreet,Anytown, California,andthatIworkasaprofessional paperhanger.Theydontcheckonit,except maybethemobwhentheyrefiguringoutwhoto mug.FirsttimeinRussia? Itshows,huh?

Yougetusedtoit,hesaid.Icomehereevery monthonbusiness.Youjustneedtounderstand thatifitseemsridiculousandtoobadtobetrue, itis.Theyhavelotsofruleshere,butnoone Yeah,shesaid.Yeah,hellyeah.Youretotally followsem.Justignoreanyunreasonable right,Lester. requestandyoullfitrightin. Zasterovyeh! Whatyousaid! Itscheers,hesaid.Youllneedtoknowthat ifyouregoingtomaketimeinPetrograd.Let megosendsomeemailandgetyousetup.You bookaticket. AndjustlikethatshewasofftoRussia.Lester insistedthatshebuyabusinessclassticket,and shediscoveredtoherbemusementthatBritish Airwayshadaboutthreeclassesabovebusiness, presumablywithevenmoreexclusiveclasses reservedtoroyaltyandpeersoftherealm.She luxuriatedinfourteenhoursofrecliningseats andwarmpeanutsandinflightconnectivity, runningabriefvideoconferencewithLesterjust becauseshecould.Tjanhadsentheraguideto thehotelsandshedoptedforthePribaltiyskaya, acrumblingStalinerafourstarofspectacular, Vegasesquedimensions.Thefacaderevealedthe tragedyoftheUSSRsunrequitedloveaffair withconcrete,asdidthecracksrunningupthe wallsofthelobby. Theycheckedherintothehotelwiththenosiest questionnaireever,atwopagerongovernment stationarythatdemandedtoknowherprofession, employer,cityofbirth,detailsoffamily,andso forth.AnAmericanbusinessmannexttoherat thecheckincountersawherpuzzlingoverit. Justmakestuffup,hesaid.Ialwayswrite Thatsgoodadvice,shesaid.Hewasmiddle aged,butsowasshe,andhehadniceeyesand noweddingring. Getawholenightssleep,dontdrinktheso calledchampagneanddontchangemoneyon thestreets.Didyoubringmelatoninand modafinil? Shestaredblanklyathim.Drugs? Sure.Onetonighttosleep,oneinthemorning towakeup,anddoitagaintomorrowandyoull beunlagged.Noboozeorcaffeine,either,not forthefirstcoupledays.Melatoninsoverthe counter,evenintheStates,andmodafinils practicallylegal.Ihaveextra,here.Hedugin histravelbagandcameupwithsomegeneric Walgreensbottles. ThatsOK,shesaid,handinghercreditcardto aprettyyoungclerk.Thanks,though. Heshookhishead.Itsyourfuneral,hesaid. Jetlagiswayworseforyouthanthisstuff.Its overthecounterstateside.Idontleavehome withoutit.Anyway,Iminroom1422.Ifitstwo inthemorningandyourestaringattheceiling andregrettingit,callmeandIllsendsome down. Washehittingonher?Christ,shewassotired, shecouldbarelyseestraight.Therewasnoway shewasgoingtoneedanyhelpgettingtosleep. Shethankedhimagainandrolledhersuitcase acrossthecavernouslobbywithitsgigantic

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/76 chandeliersandtotheelevators. Butsleepdidntcome.Thenetworkconnection costafortunesomethingshehadntseenin yearsandthenumberofwormsandprobes bouncingoffherfirewallwasastronomical.The connectionwasslowandfrustrating.Come 2AM,shewas,indeed,staringattheceiling. Wouldyoutakedrugsofferedbyastrangerina hotellobby?TheywereinaWalgreensbottlefor chrissakes.Howbadcouldtheybe?Shepicked upthehousephoneonthechippedbedstandand punchedhishotelroom. Lo? OhChrist,Iwokeyouup,shesaid.Im sorry. Littlewhiteoneismelatonin.Thatsfornow. Mybad. Shesawhimagaininthebreakfastroom, loadingaplatewithhardboiledeggs,potato pancakes,theubiquitouscaviar,salami,and cheeses.Inhisotherhandhebalancedavatof porridgewithstrawberryjamandenoughdried fruittokeepaparrotzoohappyforamonth. Howdoyoukeepyourgirlishfigureifyoueat likethat?shesaid,settlingdownathistable. Ah,thatsaprofessionalmatter,hesaid.And Imakeitapointnevertodiscussbiznizbefore Ivehadtwocupsofcoffee.Hepouredhimself acupofdecaf.Thisisnumbertwo.

Shepickedherwaythroughhercornflakesand Sok.Ladyfromcheckin,right?Gimmeyour fruitsalad.IalwaysfeellikeIdontgetmy roomnumber,Illsendupamelatoninnowanda moneysworthoutofbuffetbreakfasts,she said. modafinilforthemorning.Nosweatski. Uh,shehadntthoughtaboutgivingastrange Dontworry,hesaid.Illmakeupforyou. Hepoundedhiscoffeeandpouredanothercup. manherroomnumber.Inforapenny,infora Humanityreturns,hesaid,rubbinghisthighs. pound.2813,shesaid.Thanks. Marthter,thecreaturewaketh!hesaidinhigh Geoff,hesaid.ItsGeoff.NewYorkupper Igor. WestSide.Workinhealthproducts. Shelaughed. Suzanne,shesaid.Florida,lately.Ima Youarereallyinto,uh,substances,arentyou? writer. shesaid. Goodnight,Suzanne.Pillsareenroute. Iamafirmbelieverinbetterlivingthrough Goodnight,Geoff.Thanks. chemistry,hesaid.Hepoundedanothercoffee. Tiptheporteraeuro,oracouplebucks.Dont Ahhh.Coffeeandmodafinilareanamazing combo. botherwithrubles. Oh,shesaid.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceher Shedtakenhersthatmorningwhenthealarm gotherup.Shedbeensotiredthatitactually lastvisitoverseas.Shedforgottenhowmuch madeherfeelnauseatedtoclimboutofbed,but minutiaewasinvolved. themodafinilwasgettinghergoing.Sheknewa Hehungup.Sheputonarobeandwaited.The littleaboutthedrug,andfiguredthatiftheTSA portertookaboutfifteenminutes,andhanded approveditforusebycommercialpilots,it heralittleenvelopewithtwopillsinit.Hewas couldntbethatbadforyou. aboutfifteen,withabadmustacheandbadskin, andbadteeththathedisplayedwhenshehanded So,mygirlishfigure.Iworkforafirmthathas partnershereinPetersburgwhoworkoncutting himacoupleofdollarbills. edgepharmaproducts,includingsomestuffthe Aminutelater,shewasbackonthephone. FDAisdraggingitsheelson,despitewidespread acceptanceinmanynations,thisoneincluded. Whichoneiswhich?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/77 Oneoftheseisapillthatoverclocksyour metabolism.Ivebeenonitforayearnow,and eventhoughIamastonecaloriefreakandpack awayfiveorsixthousandcaloriesaday,Idont gainanounce.Iactuallyhavetoremembertoeat enoughsothatmyribsdontstartshowing. Suzannewatchedhimgobbleanotherthousand calories.Isithealthy? Comparedtowhat?Beingfat?Yes.Running tenmilesadayandeatingabalanceddietof organicfruitandnuts?No.Butwhentheaverage Americangetsthemajorityofhercaloriesfrom sodapop,healthyisaprettyloadedterm. ItremindedherofthattalkwithLester,a lifetimeagointheIHOP.Slowly,shefound herselftellinghimaboutLestersstory. clinics,then? Yes,shesaid.Itwasntasecret,butshehadnt actuallygoneoutofherwaytomentionit.After all,theremightnotbeanykindofstoryafterall. Andsomewhereinthebackofhermindwasthe ideathatshedidntwanttotipoffsomewell fundednewsroomtosendoutitsown investigativeteamandgetherscoop. Thatisfantastic,hesaid.Thatsjust,wow, thatsthebestnewsIvehadallyear.Youtaking aninterestinourstuff,itsgoingtoreallypushit overtheedge.Youdthinkthatsellingweight losstoAmericanswouldbeeasy,butnotifit involvesanykindoftravel:80percentofthose lazyinsularfucksdontevenhavepassports.Ha. Dontquotethat.Ha.

Ha,shesaid.Dontworry,Iwont.Look, howaboutthis,wellmeetinthelobbyaround nine,afterdinner,foracupofcoffeeandan interview?Shehadgonefromintriguedto Sheblushed.Youcantpossiblyhaveheardof flatteredtocreepedoutwiththisguy,and me,shesaid. besides,shehadherfirstclinicvisitscheduled Herolledhiseyes.Sure.Ishouldersurfedyour fortenanditwascominguponnineandwho knewwhataRussianrushhourlookedlike? nameoffthecheckinformanddida backgroundcheckonyoulastnightjustsoI Oh.OK.Butyouvegottoletmescheduleyou couldchatyouupoverbreakfast. foravisittosomeofourclinicsandplantsjust Itwasajoke,butitgaveherafunny,creepedout toseewhataprofessionalshopwerunhere.No goldteethshinysuitplaceslikeyoudgetifyou feeling.Yourekidding? justpickedthetopGoogleAdWord.Really Imkidding.Ivebeenreadingyouforfreaking Americanstandardplaces,bettereven, years.IfollowedLestersstoryindetail. Scandinavianstandard,alotofourdoctorscome Professionalinterest.Yourethevoiceofour overfromSwedenandDenmarktogetoutfrom generation,woman.IdbeaphilistineifIdidnt underthesocialistmedicinesystemsthere.They readyourcolumn. runatightship,yashore,youbetcha,he deliveredthislastinabroadSwedishborkbork Yourenotmakingmeanylessembarrassed, youknow.Ittookaneffortofwilltokeepfrom bork. squirming. Um,shesaid.Italldependsonscheduling. Waitasecond,youreSuzanneChurch?New WorkChurch?SanJoseMercuryNews Church? Helaughedhardenoughtoattractstares.All right,Ididspendthenightgooglingyou. Better? Ifthatsthealternative,Illtakefamous,I suppose,shesaid. Youreherewritingabouttheweightloss Letssortitouttonight,OK? OK,hesaid.Cantwait.Hestoodupwith herandgaveheralong,twohandedhandshake. Itsarealhonortomeetyou,Suzanne.Youre oneofmyrealheros,youknowthat? Um,shesaidagain.Thanks,Geoff.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/78 Heseemedtosensethathedcomeontoo fromKettlewell(Wewillseetoitthatallour strong.Helookedlikehewasabouttoapologize. employeesarepaid,ourcreditorsarereimbursed, Thatsreallykindofyoutosay,shesaid.Itll andourshareholdersarewelldonebythrough anorderlywinddown),Perry(FuckitIwas begoodtocatchuptonight. doingthisshitbeforeKodacell,dontexpectto Hebrightened.Itwaseasyenoughtobekind, stopnow)andLester(Itwastoobeautifuland afterall. cooltobereal,Iguess.)Whereshewas mentioned,itwasusuallyinasnidecontextthat Shehadthefrontdeskcallherataxished madeherouttobeadisgracedpitchwomanfora beenrepeatedlywarnedoffofgypsycabsand failedmovement. anyvehiclethatoneprocuredbymeansofa wanderingtout.Shegotintotheback,hadthe Whichshewas.Basically. doormanrepeatthedirectionstoLestersclinic Herphonerang.Kettlewell. twicetothecabbie,watchedhimswitchonthe meterandcheckedthetariff,thensettledinto Hi,Kettlewell,shesaid. watchStPetersburggoflyingby. Wherehaveyoubeen?hesaid.Hesounded Sheswitchedonherphoneandwatchedit struggletoassociatewithaRussiannetwork. Theywereontheroadforalloffiveminutes longenoughtonotetheloomingbulkofthe Hermitageandtheripplesleftbyofficialcars slicingthroughthetrafficwiththeirblue blinkinglightswhenherphonewentnutso. Shelookedatitshehadtentexts,halfadozen voicemails,adozennewclippedarticles,andit wasringingwithanumberinNewYork. reallyedgy.Itwasthemiddleofthenightin California.

IminStPetersburg,shesaid.InRussia.I onlyfoundoutabouttensecondsago.What happened? OhChrist.Whoknows?Cascadingfailure.Fell shortoflastquartersestimates,whichstarteda slide.Thenacouplelawsuitsfiled.Thensome unfavorablepress.Thesharepricekeptfalling, andthingsgotworse.Yourbasicclusterfuck. Butyouguyshadgreatnumbersoverall Sure,ifyoulookedatthemourway,theywere great.IfyoulookedatthemthewaytheStreet looksatthem,wewereindeepshit.Analysts couldntfigureouthowtovalueus.Addalittle marketchaosandsomeoldscoresettling assholes,likethatfuckerFreddy,anditsa wonderwelastedaslongaswedid.Theyre alreadycallingusthetwentyfirstcentury Enron. Kettlewell,shesaid,Ilivedthroughacouple ofthese,andsomethingsnotright.Whenthe dotcomsweregoingunder,theirCEOskept tellingeveryoneeverythingwasallright,right uptothelastminute.Theydidntthrowinthe towel.Theystoodlikecaptainsonthebridgeof sinkingships.

ShebumpedtheNewYorkcalltovoicemail.She didntrecognizethenumber.Besides,ifthe worldhadcometoanendwhileshewasasleep, shewantedtoknowsomedetailsbeforeshe talkedtoanyoneaboutit.Shepagedback throughthetextsinreversechronologicalthe lastfivewereincreasinglypanickedmessages fromLesterandPerry.ThenonefromTjan. ThenonefromKettlebelly.Theyallwantedto discussthenewswhateverthatwas.Onefrom heroldeditorattheMercaskingifshewas availableforcommentaboutthenews.Tjan, too.ThefirstonewasfromRatToothedFreddy, thatsnake. Kodacellscreditorscallingindebts.Share pricebelowonecent.ImminentNASDAQde listing.Comments?

Herstomachwentcold,herbreakfastcongealed intoahardlump.Theclippedarticleshadquotes So?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/79 Sowhatsgoingonhere.Itsoundslikeyoure whipped.Whyarentyoufighting?Therewere lotsofdotcomsthattanked,butafewofthose deepindenialCEOspulleditoff,restructured andcameoutofitalive.Whyareyougiving up? Suzanne,oh,Suzanne.Helaughed,butit wasntahappylaugh.Youthinkthatthis happenedovernight?Youthinkthatthisproblem justcroppedupyesterdayandItossedinthe towel? Oh.Oh. Yeah.Wevebeentankingformonths.Ive beenstandingonthebridgeofthissinkingship withmybiggestsmilepastedonfortwo consecutivequartersnow.Ivethrownoutthe mostimpressiverealitydistortionfieldthe businessworldhaseverseen.JustbecauseIm givingupdoesntmeanIgaveupwithouta fight. Suzannehadneverbeengoodatcondolences. Shehatedfunerals.Landon,Imsorry.Itmust havebeenveryhard Yeah,hesaid.Well,sure.Iwantedyouto havethescooponthis,butIhadtotalktothe pressoncethestorybroke,youunderstand. Itsoundedlikehemightbecrying.Therewasa snufflingsound.Youvebeenamazing, Suzanne.Wecouldnthavedoneitwithoutyou. Noonecouldhavedescribeditbetter.Great deedsareirrelevantifnooneknowsaboutthem orremembersthem. Herphonewasbeeping.Shesnuckapeek.Itwas heroldeditor.Listen,shesaid.Ihavetogo. TheresacallcominginIhavetotake.Icancall yourightback. Dont,hesaid.ItsOK.Imbusyhere anyway.Thisisabigday.Hislaughwaslikea dogsbark. Takecareofyourself,Kettlewell,shesaid. Dontletthebastardsgrindyoudown. Nilcarborundumillegitimistoyou,too. Sheclickedovertohereditor.Jimmy,shesaid. Longtimenospeak.SorryImissedyourcalls beforeIminRussiaonastory. Hello,Suzanne,hesaid.Hisvoicehadanodd, strainedquality,ormaybethatwasjusther mood,projecting.Imsorry,Suzanne.Youve beendoinggoodwork.Thebestworkofyour career,ifyouaskme.Ifollowitclosely. Itmadeherfeelalittlebetter.Shedbeen uncomfortableaboutthewaysheandJimmyhad partedways,butthiswasvindicating.It emboldenedher.Jimmy,whatthehelldoIdo now?

Iunderstand,shesaid.Scoopsarentthat importantanyway.Illtellyouwhat.Illposta shortpieceonthisrightaway,justsaying,Yes, itstrue,andImgettingdetails.ThenIlldo interviewswithyouandLesterandPerryandput Christ,Suzanne,Idontknow.Illtellyouwhat upsomethinglongerinacoupleofhours.Does nottodo,though.Offtherecord. thatwork? Offtherecord. Helaughedagain,nohumorinit.Yeah,thatll DontdowhatIvedone.Donthanggrimly befine. ontothelastplanksfromthesinkingship, chroniclingthelastfewstruggling,sinking Sorry,Kettlewell. schmucksdemise.Itsnofunbeingthe No,no,hesaid.No,itsOK. stenographerforthefallofagreatempire.Find Look,Ijustwanttowriteaboutthisinaway somethingelsetocover. thathonorswhatyouvedoneoverthepasttwo Thewordsmadeherheartsink.PoorJimmy, years.Iveneverbeenpresentatthebirthof stuckthereintheMercsoncegreatnewsroom, anythingremotelythisimportant.Itdeservesto whiletheworldcrumbledaroundhim.Itmust bedescribedwell.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/80 havebeenheartbreaking. Thanks,shesaid.Youwantaninterview? Yeah?

Hellyeah,hesaid.MaybeIshouldaskyou What?No,woman.Imnotaghoul.Iwantedto forajob. callandmakesureyouwereallright. Whenhegotoffthephone,shespoketoPerry, andthentoLester.Lestersaidthathewantedto Jimmy,youreaprince.ButIllbeOK.Iland gotravelingandseehisoldfriendsinRussiaand onmyfeet.Youvegotsomeonecoveringthis thatifshewasstillaroundinacoupleweeks, story,sogivehermynumberandhavehercall maybehedseeherthere.Perrywasmoroseand meandIllgiveheraquote. grimlydetermined.Hewasonthevergeof Really,Suzanne shippinghisthreeDprintersandhewassurehe coulddoit,evenifhedidnthavetheKodacell Itsfine,Jimmy. networkformarketingandlogistics.Hedidnt Suzanne,hesaid.Wedontcoverthatkindof evenseemtoregisteritwhenshetoldhimthat thingfromournewsroomanymore.Justlocal shewasgoingtobespendingsometimein stuff.Nationalcoveragecomesfromthewiresor Russia. fromtheMcClatchynationalnewsroom. Thenshehadtogointotheclinicandask Shesuckedinair.Coulditbepossible?Herfirst intelligentquestionsandtakepicturesandrecord thoughtwhenJimmycalledwasthatshedmade audioandjotnotesandpayattentiontothesmall aterriblemistakebyleavingtheMerc,butifthis detailssothatshewouldbeabletowritethebest waswhatthepaperhadcometo,shehadleftjust accountpossible. intime,evenifherownliferaftwassinking,it TheydressedwellinRussia,intheclinics. hadkeptherafloatforawhile. Businesscasual,butwelltailoredandmadefrom Theofferstillstands,Jimmy.Illtalktoanyone goodmaterial.TheEuropeansknewfrom youwanttoassign. textiles,andexperttailoringseemedtobein Youreasweetheart,Suzanne.Whatareyouin cheapsupplyhere. Russiafor? Shedhavetogetsomeonetorunherupablue Shetoldhim.Screwscoops,anyway.Notlike JimmywasgoingtosendanyonetoRussia,he couldntevenaffordtodispatchareporterto MarinCountybythesoundsofthings. Whatastory!hesaid.Man! Yeah,shesaid.YeahIguessitis. Youguess?Suzanne,thisisthesinglemost importantissueinpracticallyeveryAmericans lifethereisntoneinathousandwhodoesnt worryendlesslyabouthisweight. Well,Ihavebeengettingreallygoodnumbers onthis.Shenamedthefigure.Hesuckedair betweenhisteeth.Thatswhatthewhole freakingchaindoesonatopstory,Suzanne. Youreoutperformingfiftylocalpapers combined. blazerandawhiteshirtandadecentskirt.It wouldbenicetogetbackintogrownupclothes afteracoupleyearsworthofFloridacasual.

ShedseeGeoffafterdinnerthatnight,getmore detailforthestory.Therewassomethingbig hereinthemedicaltourismanglenotjust weightlossbutgenetherapy,too,andvoodoo stemcellstuffandadvancedprosthesesandeven somecrazyperformanceenhancementstuffthat hadkeptRussiaoutofthepastOlympics. Shetypedherstorynotesandansweredthe phonecalls.Onespecialcallshereturnedonce shewassittinginherroom,relaxed,withacup ofcoffeefromtheinroomcoffeemaker. Hello,Freddy,shesaid. Suzanne,darling!Hesoundedlikehewas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/81 breathinghard. WhatcanIdoforyou? condos.

TheareaaroundthedeadWalMartwas Justwantedaquote,love,somethingforcolor. particularlyawful.Theshantieshererosethree, evenfourstoriesintotheair,clusteredtogether Oh,Ivegotaquoteforyou.Shedgiventhe tomakemedievalstreetmazes.BrowardCounty quotealotofthought.Livingwiththesquatters hadlongsincestoppedenforcingtheproperty hadbroadenedhervocabularymagnificently. claimsofthebankruptcycourtsthatmanaged therealestateinterestsoftheformerownersof Andthoseareyourgoodpoints,shesaid, thefieldsandmallsthathadbeenturnedintothe takingasipofcoffee.Goodbye,Freddy. newtowns. BythetimehepulledintotheWalMarts enormousparkinglot,thedayhadheatedup,his airconhadconked,andhedaccumulateda PARTII comettailofurchinswhowantedtosellhima ThedrivefromOrlandodowntoHollywoodgot computergeneratedbustofhimselfinthestyle worseeverytimeSammytookit.Theturnpike ofaRomanemperortheyworkedonaffiliate tollswentupeveryyearandtheroadsurface commissionforsomethreeDprinterjerkinthe qualitydeclined,andthegaspricesattheclip shanties,andtheyhadarealaggressivepitch, jointswereheartattackinducing.WhenSammy practicallyflingingtheirsamplesathim. startedatDisneyImagineeringadecadebefore, thecompanyhadcoveredyouractualexpenses Hepushedpastthemandwanderedthroughthe justcollectthereceiptsandturntheminforcash openairmarketstalls,akindofcruelparodyof thelonggoneFloridafleamarkets.These back.ButsinceParkshadbeenspunoffintoa separatecompanywithitsownshareholders,the gypsiessoldfabricatedpartsthatcouldbe moddedtomakesingleshotzipgunsand/or newausteritymeasuresmeantthatthebean bongsand/orillegalgainwirelessantennae. countersinBurbanksetamaximumpermile Theysoldfruitsmoothiesandsuspiciousbeef reimbursementandnevermindtheactual jerky.TheysoldbootleghardcopiesofMexican expense. fotonovelasandboundprintoutsofJapanesefan Enoughofthiscompetitiveintelligenceworkand producedtentacleporncomics.Itwasall Sammywouldgobroke. damnablyeyecatchingandintriguing,even thoughSammyknewthatitwasalljunk. Offtheturnpike,itwasevenworse.The shantytownsmultipliedandmultiplied.Laundry Finally,hereachedtheticketwindowinfrontof linesstretchedoutintheparkinglotsofformer theWalMartandslappeddownfivebuckson stripmalls.Everytrafficlightcloggedwith thecounter.Theguybehindthecounterwasthe aggressivetechnotchotchkevendors,the kindofcharacterthatkeptthetouristsawayfrom squeegeebumsofthetwentyfirstcentury,with Florida:shavenheaded,withonecockeyed theirpornographicanimatronicdolliesand eyebrowthatlookedlikeasetofhills,athree infinitelyvariedrobotdogs.DisneyWorldstill daybeardandskintannedlikewrinkledleather. suckedinafairnumberoftourists(thoughnot Hiagain!Sammysaid,brightly.Workingat nearlysomanyasinitsgoldenday),butthey Disneytaughtyoutotalkhappyevenwhenyour werestayingawayfromMiamiindroves.The stomachwascrawlingthecastmembersgrin. snowbirdshaddiedoffinagreatdemographic spasmoverthepastdecade,andtheirchildren Backagain?theguybehindthecounter lackedthefinancialwherewithaltoeventhinkof laughed.Hewasmissingacaninetoothandit overwinteringintheirparentsnowderelict

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/82 madehimlookevenmoresketchy.Christ,dude, beforethefatkinsmovementtookhold,stair wellhavetoinventaseasonspassforyou. climbingwheelchairsthatusedgyrostabilizers topitch,yaw,standandsitinaperpetual Justcantstayaway,Sammysaid. controlledfall.TheDisneyWorldveteransof Yourenottheonlyone.Youreahellofa theirheydayrememberedthemasfailureprone customerfortheride,butyouhaventgot behemothsthatyouneededaforklifttobudge anythingonsomeofthepeopleIgethere whentheydied,buttheridepeoplehaddone peoplewhocomepracticallyeveryday.Its somethingtoimproveonthedesign.These flattering,Itellyou. thingsperformedaswellastheoriginals,though theywerecertainlyknockoffsnohowwere Youmadethis,then? thesecatsshellingoutfiftygrandapopforthe Yeah,hesaid,swellingupwithalittlepigeon realdeal. chestedpuffofpride.MeandLester,over there.Hegesturedatafit,greyingmansitting Theupholsteredseatpuffedcloudsofdustinto onastoolbeforeasmallcocktailbarbuiltintoa thespotlightsshaftashesettledintothechair anddiduphislapbelt.ThelittleLCDsetinto scavengedOrangeJuliusstandGodknew thecontrolpanellitupandstartedtoplaythe wherethesepeoplegotalltheircrapfrom.He standardvideospiel,narratedingrizzledvoice hadthelookofoneofthefatkins,unnaturally over. thinandmuscledandyetsomehowlazy,the combinationofatenkilocaloriediet,zerobody WELCOMETOTHECABINETOF fatandnonsteroidalmuscleenhancers.Ten WONDERS yearsago,hewouldhavebeenamodel,but THEREWASATIMEWHENAMERICA todayhewasjustanotherextubbalardwitha seriousfoodhabit.TimewasthatDisneyWorld HELDOUTTHEPROMISEOFANEWWAY OFLIVINGANDWORKING.THENEW wasnighunnavigablefromallthepowered WORKBOOMOFTHETEENSWASA wheelchairscartingaroundmorbidlyobese Americanswhocouldntwalkfromridetoride, PERIODOFUNPARALLELEDINVENTION, ACAMBRIANEXPLOSIONOF butthesedaysitlookedmorelikeanadfora CREATIVITYNOTSEENSINCETHETIME gymnasium,fullofgenericallybufffatkinsin OFEDISONANDUNLIKEEDISON,THE tightfittingclothes. PEOPLEWHOINVENTEDTHENEWWORK Goodwork!hesaidagainincastmemberese. REVOLUTIONWERENTRIPOFFARTISTS Youshouldbeveryproud! ANDFRAUDS. Theproprietorsmiledandtookalongpulloffa THEIRMARVELOUSINVENTIONS strawhookedintothedistillerbesidehim.Go EMERGEDATTHERATEOFFIVEORSIX on,getinthereflatterer! PERWEEK.SOMEDANCED,SOMESANG, SOMEWEREHELPMEETSANDSOME Sammysteppedthroughtheglassdoorsand WEREMEREJESTERS. foundhimselfinanairconditionedcaveof seeminglyinfinitedimension.TheoldWalMart TODAY,NEARLYALLOFTHESE hadbeenthesizeoffivefootballfields,anda WONDERFULTHINGSHAVEVANISHED cunningarrangementofcurtainsandbaffles WITHTHECOLLAPSEOFNEWWORK. managedtoconveyallthatspacewithout THEYVEENDEDUPBACKINTHETRASH revealingitscontents.Beforehimwastheride HEAPSTHATINSPIREDTHEM. vehicle,inasingleshaftofspotlight. HEREINTHECABINETOFWONDERS,WE Gingerly,hesteppedintoit.Thedesignwas AREPRESERVINGTHESELAST familiartherehadbeenaglutofthesethings

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/83 REMNANTSOFTHEGOLDENAGE,A SINGLEBEACONOFLIGHTINATIMEOF DARKNESS. ASYOUMOVETHROUGHTHE RIDESPACE,PLEASEREMAINSEATED. HOWEVER,YOUMAYPAUSEYOUR VEHICLETOGETACLOSERLOOKBY MOVINGTHEJOYSTICKTOWARD YOURSELF.PULLTHEJOYSTICKUPTO CUENARRATIONABOUTANYOBJECT. MOVETHEJOYSTICKTOTHELEFT, TOWARDSTHEMINUSONE,IFYOU THINKANITEMISUGLY,UNWORTHYOR MISPLACED.MOVETHEJOYSTICKTO THERIGHT,TOWARDTHEPLUSONE,IF YOUTHINKANITEMISPARTICULARLY PLEASING.YOURFEEDBACKWILLBE FACTOREDINTOTHECONTINUOUS REARRANGEMENTOFTHECABINET, WHICHTAKESPLACEONAMINUTEBY MINUTEBASIS,DRIVENBYTHEROBOTS YOUMAYSEECRAWLINGAROUNDTHE FLOOROFTHECABINET. controlgokartdid,milesawayfromthesafe ridesbackinDisney. Thechairscreechedaroundacornerandpulled intothefirstscene,adioramalitteredwithcross sectionedcars.Eachonewaskittedoutwith differentcrazytechnologiesdashboardgods thatmonitoredandtransmittedtrafficheuristics, parallelparkingautopilots,peertopeermusic sharingboxes,evenanamphibiousretrofitona littlehybridthatapparentlyworked,converting thelittleBugintoawaterBug. Thechairswoopedaroundeachone,pausing whilethenarrationplayedbackreminiscesby theinventors,orsometimesbytheownersofthe oldgizmos.Thestorieswerepithyandsweetand alwaysfunny.Thesewereartifactsscavenged fromthefirstdaysofabetternationthathad diedaborning. Thenontothekitchen,andthebathrooms bathroomafterbathroom,withbettertoilets, bettershowers,bettertubs,betterfloorsand betterlightsbedrooms,kidsrooms.Oneafter another,ahypermuseum.

THERIDELASTSBETWEENTEN Thedecorwasmilesaheadofwhereithadbeen MINUTESANDANHOUR,DEPENDINGON thelasttimehedbeenthrough.Therewerelots HOWOFTENYOUPAUSE. ofweirdgracenotes,liketaxidermiedalligators, PLEASEENJOYYOURSELF,AND vintagetouristpennants,chintzlamps,andtiny REMEMBERWHENWEWEREGOLDEN. dioramaeofactionfigures. Thisplusone/minusonebusinesswasnewto him.Ithadbeenamerefourdayssincehed beenuphere,butlikesomanyotherofhisvisits, theydmademajorrehabstotheirrideinthe amountoftimeitwouldhavetaken Imagineeringtowriteamemoaboutthe possibilityofholdingadesignreviewmeeting. Hepausedinfrontofafabricprintersurrounded bycustomteesandknitcapsandthreeDvideo gamefigurinesmachinecrochetedfrombright yarns,andwaspassedbyanotherchair.Initwas acutewomaninherthirties,whiteblondshaggy hairluminousinthespotlightoverthesoft goods.Shepausedherchairandlovingly reachedouttosetdownapairofappliqued Hevelcroedhiscameraswirelesseyetohis shortswithorganicLEDspulsingandswirling lapel,tappedthepresettocorrectforlowlight andmotion,andhitthejoystick.Thewheelchair aroundthewaistband.Giveitaplusone,OK? Theseweremybestsellers,shesaid,smilinga stoodupwithwobblygrace,andbegantoroll dazzlingbeachbunnysmileathim.Shewheeled forwardontwowheels,heelingover precipitouslyasitcorneredintothemainspace awayandpausedatthenextdioramatosetdown oftheride.Thegyroscouldtakeit,heknew,but adollhouseinachildsroomdiorama. itstillthrilledhimthewaythatafast,outof Wowtheyweregettingusergeneratedcontent

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/84 intheride.Holycrap. BeforeSammyknewit,hewastakingreceiptof Hefinishedouttheridewithakeenhandonthe asealedplasticpacketinhotpinkwitha perforatedstripdownoneside.Uh,thanks... plusone/minusonelever,carefullyvotingfor hesaid,ashebegantotuckitintoapocket.He thebeststuffandagainstthestuffthatlooked outofplacelikeapornographicceramicbong hatedhardsells,hewasnogoodatthem.Itwas whyheboughtallhiscarsonlinenow. thatsomeonehadleftinthemidstofa clockworkanimatronicjugbandmadefrom Naw,thatsnotthedeal,yougottotrythemon, stitchedtogetherstuffedanimals. otherwisehowcanyoubuythemonceyoufallin Thenitwasover,andhewasdebarkinginwhat lovewithem?Theyresafeman,goon,its hadbeentheWalMartsgardencenter.Thenew easy,justlikeputtinginabigcontactlens. brightsunmadehimtearup,andhefishedout hisshades. Sammythoughtaboutjustwalkingaway,butthe othervendorswerewatchinghimnow,andthe Hey,mister,cmere,Ivegotsomethingbetter scrutinysappedhiswill.Myhandsaretoodirty thansunglassesforyou!Theguywhobeckoned forthis,hesaid.Thevendorsilentlypassedhim asealedsterilewipe,grinning. himovertoamarketstallhadthelookofan agingbangbanger:shavedhead,tattoos, Knowinghewashad,hewipedhishands,tore ridiculouscyclingshortswithsomeguthanging openthepackage,tookoutthelensesand overthem. poppedthemoneatatimeintohiseyes.He blinkedacoupletimes.Theworldwassolarized Seethese?Polarizingcontactlenses andgrey,likehewasseeingitthroughatinted prescriptionoropticallyneutral.Everyonein Indiaisintothesethings,butwemakeemright windscreen. hereinFlorida.Heliftedahalfsphereoffilmy plasticfromhiscaseandpeeledbackhiseyelid andpoppeditin.Hiswholeiriswastintedblack, alongwithmostofthewhitesofhiseyes. GeometricshapeslikeMaoritattooswere renderedincharcoalgreyacrossthelenses.I canprintyouupasetinfiveminutes,tenbucks forplain,twentyifyouwantthembitmapped. IthinkIllstickwithmyshades,thanks, Sammysaid. Cmon,theladieslovethesethings.Real conversationstarter.Makeyoulookallanime andshit,guylikeyoucantrythiskindofthing outfortwentybucks,youknow,wonthurt. Thatsallright,Sammysaid.

Ohman,youlookbadass,thevendorsaid.He heldupahandmirror. Sammylooked.Hiseyeswereshinyblackbeads, likeamouseseyes,solidsaveforasubtle traceryofMickeyMouseheadsatthecorners. Thetrademarkinfringementmadehimgrin,hard andspitless.Helookedtenyearsyounger,like thoselateteenhipsterswhoseparentsdragged themtoWaltDisneyWorld,whoshowedupin bangbangerthreadsandsneeredandscratched theirgroinsandmadeloudremarksabouthow suckballsitallwas.Hisconservativebuzzcut lookedmorelikearetroskinheadthing,andhis smoothshaved,roundcheeksmadehimboyish.

Thosearegoodfortwodaystopsyoureyes startgettingitchy,youjusttossem.Youwanta Justtryapairon,then,howaboutthat.I pairthatsgoodforaweek,twentydollahwith printedanextrasetlastWednesdayandtheyve theMickeys.IgotDonaldsandAstroBoysand onlygotashelflifeofaweek,sothesellonlybe allkindsofshit,justhavealookthroughmy goodforanotherday.Freshinasealedpackage. flashbook.SomestuffIdrewmyself,even. Youlikeem.youbuyapairatfullprice,cmon Playingalongnow,Sammylethimselfbeledon thatsasgoodasyouregoingtoget. atouroftheflashbook,whichfeaturedthekind

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/85 ofarthewasaccustomedtoseeingintattoo parlorwindows:skullsandsnakesandscorpions andnakedladies.MickeyMousegivingthe finger,DaisyDuckwithastrapon,Minnie Mouseasadominatrix.Thecompanyoffereda bountyforturningintrademarkinfringers,but somehowhedoubtedthatthecompanylawyers wouldbeabletosendthissquatteraceaseand desistletter. printerbehindhimwasspittingoutthelastof Sammyscontactlenses,insealedplasticwrap. Thevendorwrappedthemupandputthemina brownliquorstorebag.

Sammyploddedthroughtherestofthemarket withhispaperbag.Itwasallsodepressing.The numbersatDisneyWorldweredown,waydown, anditwashisjobtofigureouthowtobring themupagain,withoutspendingtoomuch Intheend,heboughtoneofeachoftheDisney money.Heddoneitbeforeacoupleoftimes, sets. withtheliveactionroleplayingstuff,andwith therebuildofFantasylandasanironicgoth Youlikethemouse,huh? hangout(beingawhollyseparateentityfromthe Sure,hesaid. oldWaltDisneyCompanyhaditsadvantages). Ineverbeen.Tooexpensive.Thisisalltheride ButtodoitathirdtimeChrist,hehadnoidea Iwant,righthere.HegesturedatthedeadWal howhedgetthere.TheseweirdassWalMart squattershadseemedpromising,butcouldyou Mart. possiblytransplantsomethinglikethistoahigh Youlikethathuh? throughput,professionallocationbased entertainmentproduct? Man,itscool!Igoonthatsometimes,justto seewhatitsturnedinto.Ilikethatitsalways Theurchinswerestillintheparkinglotwith different.AndIlikethatpeopleaddtheirown theirRomanemperorbusts.Heheldhishands stuff.Itmakesmefeel,youknow... outtowardthemoffandfoundhimselfholding ontoabustofhisownhead.Oneofthelittlerats hadgottenathreeDscanofhisheadwhilehe Suddenly,thevendordroppedhishardcase waswalkingbyandhadmadethebustonspec. bangbangerfacade.Thosewerethebestdaysof HelookedolderinRomanemperorguisethanhe mylife.IwasbuildingthreeDprinters,making didinhismindseye,oldandtired,likean themrun.Myolderbrotherlikedtofixcars,and emperorindecline. sodidmyoldman,butwhoneedsacar,where yougoingtogo?ThestuffIbuilt,man,itcould Twentydollahman,twenty,twenty,thekid said.Hewasabout12,andstillchubby,with makeanything.Idontknowwhyorhowit ended,butwhileitwasgoing,Ifeltliketheking longhairthatfrizzedawayfromhisheadina dandelionhalo. ofthegoddamnedworld. What? Itfeltlessfunandironicnow.Thereweretears brightonthevendorsblackbeadeyes.Hewas inhismidtwenties,youngerthanhedseemedat first.Ifhedbeendressedlikeasuburbanhome owner,hewouldhavelookedlikesomeonesmart andaccomplished,withlivelyfeaturesandclever hands.Sammyfeltobscurelyashamed. Ten,Sammysaid,clutchinghistiredhead.It wassmoothasepoxyresin,andsurprisingly light.Therewasalotofdifferentgoopyoucould runthroughthosethreeDprinters,butwhatever theydusedforthis,itwasfeatherweight. Thekidlookedshrewd.TwentydollahandIget ridoftheseotherkids,OK?

Oh,hesaid.Well,Ispentthoseyearsworking Sammylaughed.Hepassedthekidatwenty, astraightjob,soitdidntreallytouchme. takingcaretotuckhiswalletdeepintotheinside pocketofhisjacket.Thekidwhistledshrillyand Thatsyourloss,man,thevendorsaid.The

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/86 therestofthekidsmeltedaway.The entrepreneurmadethetwentydisappear,tapped thesideofhisnose,andtookoffrunningback intothemarketstalls. No,Lester,no.Perrysaid.IsaidIdgoon thisdoubledatewithyou,butIdidntsay anythingaboutlettingyoudressmeupforit. ThetwogirlswereapairthatLesterhadmetata ItwashotandmuggyandSammywastired,and fatkinsclubinSouthBeachtheweekbefore,and thedrivebacktoOrlandowasanotherfivehours hedcameraphonedtheirpictoPerrywitha scrawleddrunkennoteaboutwhichonewashis. ifthetrafficwasagainsthimandthesedays, Theywereattractiveenough,butthemonotonic everythingwasagainsthim. fatkinsdevotiontosybartismwassotiresome. Perrydidntseemuchpointinhookingupwitha girlhecouldnthaveagoodtechnicaldiscussion Perrysfunnyeyebrowtwitchedashecounted with. outthedaystake.Thisgigwasallcream,all profit.Hisoverheadsamountedtoacouple Comeon,itsgoodstuff,youllloveit. hundredamonthtoJasonandhiscrewtohelp IfIhavetochangeclothes,Imnotinterested. withtherobotandmachinerymaintenanceinthe Perryfoldedhisarms.Intruth,hewasnt WalMart,halfthattosomeoftheshantytown interested,period.Helikedhislittlekingdom girlstodustandsweepafterclosing,anda there,andhecouldgeteverythingheneeded retainertoabangbangerpackthatransecurityat fromburritostoRAMatthemarket.Hehada therideandinthemarket.Plushegotthe chestfreezerfullofbankruptcysaleorganic marketstallrents,andsowhenthedaywasover, MREs,forvariety. onlythefirsthundredbucksoutofthetillwent intooverheadsandtherestsplitevenstevenwith JusttheshirtthenIhaditprintedjustfor you. Lester. Lesterwaitedimpatiently,watchinghimcount twicebeforesplittingthestack.Perryrolledup histakeanddroppeditintoahiddenpocket sewnintohiscargoshorts. Somedayyouregoingtogetluckyandsome chickisgoingtoreachdownandfreakout, buddy,Lestersaid. Bettershefindsmybankrollthanmyprostate, Perrysaid.Lesterspentalotoftimethinking aboutgettinglucky,makingupforalifetimeof badluckwithgirls. OK,letsgetchanged,Lestersaid.Asusual, hewaswearingtightfittingjeansthatoweda littledebttothebangbangercyclingshorts, somethingyouwouldhavehadtogotoagaybar toseewhenPerrywasincollege.Hisshirtclung tohispecsandwastailoreddowntohisnarrow waist.Itwasafatkinsstyle,thekindofthingyou couldntwearunlessyouhadauniquely adversarialrelationshipwithyourbodyand metabolism. Perryraisedhisfunnyeyebrow.Letsseeit. Lesterturnedtohislatestcar,atrikewithhuge, electricbluebacktires,andpoppedthetrunk, rummaged,andproudlyemergedholdinga brightblueHawaiianprintshirt. Lester,arethose...turds? Itstransgressivistmoderne,Lestersaid, hoppingfromfoottofoot.SawitintheNew YorkTimes,broughtthepictoGabrielainthe market,sheclonedit,printedit,andsentitout forstitchinganextratenbuckforsameday service. Iamnotwearingashirtcoveredinsteaming pilesofshit,Lester.No,no,no.Agoogoltimes no. Lesterlaughed.Christ,Ihadyougoing,didnt I?Dontworry,Iwouldntactuallyhaveletyou gooutinpublicwearingthis.Buthowabout this?hesaidwithaflourish,andbroughtout anothershirt.Somethingstretchyandiridescent,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/87 likeanoilslick.Itwassleeveless.Itllreally workwithyourbicepsandpecs.Also:looks prettygoodcomparedtotheturdshirt,doesnt it?Goon,tryiton. LesterBanks,youarethegayeststraightmanI know,Perrysaid.Heshuckedhissweatytee andslippedintotheshirt.Lestergavehimabig thumbsup.Heexaminedhisreflectioninthe blackedoutglassdoorsoftheWalMart. Yeah,OK,hesaid.Letsgetthisoverwith. Yourenthusiasm,yourbestfeature,Lester said. Theirdatesweretwobrunetteswithdeeptans andwholeeyecosmeticcontactsthathidtheir pupilsinfavoroffeaturelessexpansesofwhite, sotheylookedliketheireyeshadrolledback intotheirheads,ormaybeliketheywerewearing cueballsforglasseyes.Likemostofthefatkins girlsPerryhadmet,theydressedtothenines,ate likepigs,dranklikefishes,andtalkedabout nothingbutbiotech. SoImthinking,sure,mitochrondrial lengtheningsoundslikeitshouldwork,butif thatsso,whyhavewebeenscrewingaround withitforthirtyyearswithoutaccomplishing anything?Hisdate,Moira,workedatalaw office,andshecameuptohischest,anditwas hardtotellwiththoseeyes,butitseemedlike shewastotallyoblivioustohiscomplete indifferencetomitochondria. Henoddedandtriednottolookbored.South Beachwasntwhatithadoncebeen,ormaybe Perryhadchanged.Heusedtolovetocomehere topeoplewatch,buttheweirdosofSouthBeach seemedtoopreciouswhencomparedwiththe denizensofhisownlittlesettlementoutonthe Hollywoodfreeway. Letsgoforawalkonthebeach,Lestersaid, diggingouthiswalletandrubbinghiscardover thepaypatchonthetable. directlyovertheirtable. Thebeachwasgorgeous,sotherewasthat.The sunsetbehindthemstainedtheoceanbloodyand thesandwasfineandclean.Aroundtheirfeet, DadeCountybeachcomberswormedendlessly throughthesand,filteringoutallthegunk,cig butts,condoms,needles,wrappers,loosechange, weddingrings,andforgottensunglasses.Perry nudgedonewithhistoeanditroombaedaway, followingitsinstincttoavoidhumancontact. Howdoyoufiguretheykeepthevagsfrom bustingthoseopenforwhatevertheyvegotin theirbellies?Perrysaid,lookingoverhisdates headatLester,whowasholdinghandswithhis girl,carryinghershoesinhisfreehand. Huh?Oh,thosethingsarebuiltliketanks.Have tobetokeepthesandout.Youneedaboutfour hourswithanairhammertobustoneopen. Youtriedit? Lesterlaughed.Who,me? NowitwasPerrysdatesturntobebored.She wanderedawaytowardtheboardwalk,withits stripofnoveltysellers.Perryfollowed,because hehadaprofessionalinterestinthekindof warestheycarried.Mostofthemoriginatedon oneofhisprinters,afterall.Plus,itwasthe gentlemanlythingtodo. Whathavewehere?hesaidashepulledup alongsideher.Shewastryingonabraceletof odd,bonybeads. Ectopicfetuses,shesaid.Youknow,likethe Christianfundiesuseforstemcellresearch?You quickenanunfertilizedegginvitroandyougeta littleballoffurandboneandskinandstem cells.Itcanneverbeahuman,soithasnosoul, soitsnotmurdertoharvestthem. Thevendor,aTurkishteenagerwithaluxurious mustache,nodded.Everybeadmadefrom naturallyoccurringfoetusbones.Hehanded onetoPerry.

Goodidea,Perrysaid.Anythingtogetoffthis patioandawayfromtheinsufferableclubmusic Itwasdryandfragileinhishand.Thebones werewarmandporous,andintorturedElephant thunderingoutofthespeakerspolemounted

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/88 Manshapesthatherecoiledfromatavistically. Goodprice,theTurkishkidsaid.Hehad practicallynoaccentatall,andwaswearinga Japanesebaseballteamuniformandsprayon footcoverings.ThoroughlyAmericanized. Lookhere,hesaid,andgesturedatalittle cornerofhistable. Itwascoveredinrosesmadefromfabricsmall andcrude,withpinbacks.Perrypickedoneup. Ithadacertainnaivecharm.Thefabricwas somekindofverydelicateleather Oh,OK,Lestersaid.Yougotme.Im meetingminelater,aftershedropsherfriend off. Illgetacabhomethen,shallI? Takemycar,Lestersaid.Illgetarideback inthemorning.Nowayyoullgetataxitotake youtoourneighborhoodatthishour.

Perryscarhadbeenuponblocksforamonth, awaitinghisattentiontoitsfailingbrakesand mushysteering.Soitwasnicetogetbehindthe wheelofLestersBigDaddyRothtrikeandgive Itsskin,hisdatesaid.Foetalskin. italittlegasoutontheinterstate,thesmellof Hedroppedit.Hisfingerstingledwiththeecho theswampandbiodieselfromthebigrigs ofthefeelingoftheleather.JesusIhatebiotech. streamingpastthewindscreen.Theroadwas darkandtreacherouswithpotholes,butPerry Theroseflutteredpastthetabletothesandy boardwalk,andtheTurkishkidpickeditupand gotintotherhythmofitandfoundhedidnt wanttogohome,quite,sohekeptdriving,into blewitclean. thenight.Hetoldhimselfthathewasscouting Sorry,Perrysaid,stickinghishandsinhis deadmallsforfutureexpansion,buthehadkids pockets.Hisdateboughtabraceletanda whodvideodocumentedthestatusofallthe matchingchokermadeoftinybonesandteeth, likelycandidatesinthehood,andhekepttabson andtheTurkishkid,leering,helpedherfasten hischoicestmorselsviadailysatphotosthathe thenecklace.WhentheyreturnedtoLesterand subscribedtoinhismorningfeed. hisdate,Perryknewtheeveningwasataclose. Thegirlsplayedacoupleroundsofeyehockey, Whatthehellwashedoingwithhislife?The WalMartridewasalarkithadbeenLesters unreadablebehindtheirlenses,andPerry idea,butLesterhadlostinterestandPerryhad shruggedapologeticallyatLester. donemostofthework.Theywerentquite Wellthen,Lestersaid,itsurehasbeenanice squattingtheWalMart:Perrypaidrenttoastate night.Lestergotsmoochedwhentheysawthe commissionthatcollectedinescrowforthe girlsoffinapedicab.Inthebuzzandhumofits absenteelandlord.Itwasafinelife,butthedays flywheel,Perrygotadampandunenthusiastic blurredoneintothenext,directionless.Building handshake. theridehadbeenfun,settingupthemarkethad Winsome,losesome,Lestersaidasthegirls beenfun,butrunningthemwell,hemightas wellberunningalaundromatforallthemental rolledawayinaflashofmuscularcalvesfrom acuityhiscurrentjobrequired. thepairofbeachperfectcabbiespedalingthe thing. Youmissit,hesaidtohimselfoverthewhistle ofthewindandthehissofthefatcontact Yourenotangry?Perrysaid. patchesonthereartires.Youwanttobebackin Nah,Lestersaid.Igetlaidtoomuchasitis. theshit,inventingstuff,makingitallhappen. Sapsmeofmypreciousbodilyfluids.Gotta Forthehundredthtime,hethoughtaboutcalling keepsomechiinside,youknow? SuzanneChurch.Hemissedher,too,andnotjust Perryraiseduphisfunnyeyebrowandmadeit becauseshemadehimfamous(andnowhewas dance. nolongerfamous).Sheputitallinperspective

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/89 forhim,andeggedhimontogreaterthings. Shedbeentheiraudience,andtheydall performedforher,backinthegoldendays. Itwas,what,5AMinRussia?Orwasittwoin theafternoon?Hehadhernumberonhisspeed dial,butheneverrangit.Hedidntknowwhat hedtellher. HecouldcallTjan,orevenKettlebelly,justring themoutoftheblue,veteranstogethershooting theshit.MaybetheycouldhaveaKodacell reunion,andgettogethertosingthecompany song,wearingthecompanytshirt. Hepulledthecaroffatatruckstopandbought anicecreamnoveltyfromavendingmachine witharoboticclawthatscoopedtheicecream, musheditintothecone,thengaveitahaircutso thatitlookedlikeAstroBoyshead,then extendedtheconeonaroboticclaw.Itmadehim smile.Someonehadinventedthisthing.Itcould havebeenhim.Heknewwhereyoucould downloadvisionsystemlibraries,andforce feedbacklibraries.Heknewwhereyoucouldget plansfortherobotics,andofftheshelfmotors andsensors.Christ,thesedayshehadagood ideawhereyoucouldgettheicecream wholesale,andwhichcrookedvendingmachine interestshedhavetogreasetogethisstuffinto truckstops. Hewasthirtyfouryearsold,hewassingleand childless,andhewaseatinganicecreamina desertedtruckstopattwointhemorningbythe sideofafreewayinsouthFlorida.Hebosseda lowbudgettouristattractionandheranapirate fleamarket. Whatthehellwashedoingwithhislife? Gettingmugged,thatswhat. Theycameoutofthewoodsnearthepicnic tables,fourbangbangers,butyoungones,in theirearlyteens.Twohadgunsnothingfancy, justAK47srunoffacomputercontrolledmill somewhereinanindustrialpark.Yousawthem allovertheplace,easyaspietomake,butthe ammowasalothardertocomeby.Somaybe theywereunloaded. Speakingofunloaded.Hewasabouttopisshis pants. Wallet,oneofthemsaid.Hehadabad mustachethatremindedhimoftheTurkishkid onthebeach.Probablythesamehormonesthat gavekidsmustachesgavethembadideaslike sellingfetusjewelryorstickinguppeoplebythe icecreammachinesatlatenighttruckstops. Keys,hesaid.Phone,headded. Perryslowlysetdowntheicecreamconeonthe lidofthetrashcanbesidehim.Hedonlyeaten onespikeoffAstroBoyshead. Hisvisiontelescopeddownsothathewas lookingatthatkid,athismustache,atthegunin hishands.Hewasreachingforhiswallet,slowly. Hedneedtohitcharidebacktotown. Cancelingthecreditcardswouldbetough,since hedstoredalltheidentitytheftpasswordsand numbersinhisphone,whichtheywereaboutto takeoffhim.Andhedhavetocancelthephone, forthatmatter. DoyouhaveanolderbrothernamedJason? hismouthsaid,whilehishandswerestillbeing mugged. What? WorksastallbytheWalMartride,selling contactlenses? Thekidseyesnarrowed.Youdontknowme, man.Youdontwanttoknowme.Betterforyour healthifyoudontknowme. Hishandswerepassingoverhisphone,his wallet,hiskeysLesterskeys.Lesterwouldbe gladtohaveanexcusetobuildanewcar. OnlyIowntheWalMartride,andIveknown Jasonalongtime.Igavehimhisfirstjob,fixing theprinters.Youlooklikehim. Thekidsthreebuddieswerebeginningtheir slowfadeintothebackground.Thekidwas visiblyonthehornsofadilemma.Thegun wavered.Perryskneesturnedtowater.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/90 Yourethatguy?thekidsaid.Hepeered closer.Shit,youare. Keepitall,Perrysaid.Hismouthwasntso smart.Knowingwhomuggedyouwasntgood foryourhealth. Shit,thekidsaid.Thegunwavered.Wavered. Comeon,oneofhisbuddiessaid.Comeon, man! Thatsreallyniceofyou,Perrysaid. Thanks. Thekidtookoutalittlephoneandproddeditfor aminute.Ontheway,hesaid.Theguns arentloaded. Oh,well,Perrysaid.Goodtoknow.

Anawkwardsilencespreadbetweenthem. Look,Imreallysorry,thekidsaid.Wedont Illbethereinaminute,thekidsaid,hisvoice reallydothis.Itsourfirstnight.Mybrother wouldreallykillme. flat. Iwonttellhim,Perrysaid.Hisheartwas Perryknewhewasadeadman. beatingagain,notthunderingorkeeping Imreallysorry,thekidsaid,oncehisfriends ominouslystill.Butyouknow,thisisntsmart. wereoutofrange. Youregoingtosticksomeoneupwhohas bulletsandhesgonnashootyou. Metoo,saidPerry. Wellgetammo,thekidsaid. Youwonttellmybrother? Perryfroze.Timedilated.Herealizedthathis fistswereclenchedsotightthathisknuckles hurt.Herealizedthathehadazitonthebackof hisneckthatwasrubbingagainsthiscollar.He realizedthatthekidhadapaperbackbookstuck inthewaistbandofhisbangbangershorts,which wasunusual.Itwasafantasynovel.AConan novel.Wow. Timesnappedback. Iwonttellyourbrother,hesaid.Thenhe surprisedhimself,Butyouvegottogiveme backthecreditcardsandleavethecaratthe marketinthemorning. Thekidnodded.Thenheseemedtorealizehe washoldingagunonPerry.Heloweredit. Yeah,thatsfair,hesaid.Cantusethe fuckingcardsthesedaysanyway. Yeah,Perrysaid.Well,theressomecash thereanyway.Herealizedhehadfivehundred bucksinarollinahiddenpocketinhisshorts. YougethomeOK? Illthumbaride,Perrysaid. Andshoothim?Thatsonlyalittlebetter,you know. Whatdoyouwantmetosay?thekidsaid, lookingyoungandpetulant.Iapologized. Comebytomorrowwiththecarandletstalk, allright? Lesterdidntevennoticethathiscarwasmissing untilthekiddroveupwithit,andwhenheasked aboutit,Perryjustraisedhisfunnyeyebrowat him.Thatfunnyeyebrow,ithadthepowerto cloudmensminds. Whatsyourname?Perryaskedthekid, givinghimthesparestoolbytheticketwindow. Itwasafterlunchtime,whenthepunishingheat slowedeveryonetoastickycrawl,andthecrowd wasthinoneortwocustomerseveryhalfhour. Glenn,thekidsaid.Infulldaylight,helooked older.Perryhadnoticedthattheshantytowners neverstoppeddressingliketeenagers,wearing thefashionsoftheiryouthsforever,sothata walkthroughthemarketwaslikeatourthrough theteenfashionsofthelastthirtyyears.

Glenn,youdidmearealsolidlastnight. Icancallyouataxi,thekidsaid.Itsnotsafe Glennsquirmedonhisstool.Imsorryabout tohangaroundhere. that

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/91 Metoo,Perrysaid.ButnotassorryasI ItnailedPerrybetweentheeyes,likea mighthavebeen.Yousaiditwasyourfirstnight. slaughterhousebolt.Yeah,yeah,hesaid.He Isthattrue? didntwanttotalktothiskidanymorethanthis kidwantedtotalktohim.Well,ifIcanttalk Carjacking,sure,thekidsaid. yououtofit,itsyourownbusiness...He Butyougetintoothershit,dontyou? startedtorearrangehisticketdesk. Mugging?Sellingalittledope?Somethinglike Thekidsawhisopportunityforfreedomand that? bolted.Hewasprobablyheadedforhisbrothers Everyonedoesthat,Glennsaid.Helooked stallandthenthelongwalktowhereverhe sullen. plannedonspendinghisday.Everythingwasa longwalkfromhere,oryoucouldwaitforthe Maybe,Perrysaid.Andthenalotofthem bussesthatranonthehourduringbusiness endupdoingastretchinaworkcamp. Sometimestheygetbitbywatermoccasinsand hours. dontcomeout.Sometimes,oneoftheother Perrycheckedoutthecar,cleanedoutthe prisonershitsthemovertheheadwithashovel. emptiesandtheroachesandtwistsfromtheback Sometimesyoujustlosethreetofiveyearsof seat,thenparkedit.Acouplemorepeoplecame yourlifetodiggingditches. bytoridehisride,andhetooktheirmoney. Glennsaidnothing. Lesterhadjustfinishedhislargestever Imnottryingtotellyouhowtorunyourlife, flattenedsodacanmechanicalcomputer,it Perrysaid.Butyouseemlikeadecentkid,soI snakedbackandforthacrossthewholeofthe figuretheresmoreinstoreforyouthangetting oldWalMartsolarium,sheetsofpressboard killedorlockedup.Iknowthatsprettynormal withprecisioncutgearsmountedonaviation aroundhere,butyoudonthavetogothatway. bearingsFrancishadhelpedhimwiththose. Allday,hedbeenlisteningtotheracketofit Yourbrotherdidnt. grindingthroughitsmighty0.001KHz Whatthefuckdoyouknowaboutit,anyway? calculations,dumpingcarloadsofM&Msintoits Thekidwasupnow,bodylanguagesayinghe outputhopper.Youprogrammeditwith wantedtogetfaraway,fast. regulationbaseballs,footballs,soccerballs,and wiffleballs:dumpthemintheinputhopperand Icouldaskaroundthemarket,Perrysaid,as theywouldbesortedintothecorrectchutesto thoughthekidhadntspoken.Someonehere triggertheoperations.Withawhoppingone hasgottobelookingforsomeonetohelpout. kilobitofmemory,thethingcouldbestanyof Youcouldopenyourownstall. theearlyvacuumtubecomputerswithouta Thekidsaid,Itsalljustsellingjunktoidiots. singleelectricalcomponent,andLesterwas Whatkindofjobisthatforaman? readytofinallydeclarevictoryoverthecursed Sellingpeoplestufftheycantbebotheredto Univac. makeforthemselvesisatimehonoredwayof Perrylethimselfbecoaxedintotheworkroom, makingaliving.Thereusedtobeprofessional deputizingFrancistomantheticketdesk,and portraitphotographerswhodtakeapicofyour watchedadmiringlyasLesterputthemachine familyformoney.Theywereevenconsidered throughitspaces. artists.Besides,youdonthavetosellstuffyou download.Youcaninventstuffandprintthat. Youvedoneit,Perrysaid. Getoverit.Thosedaysareover.Noonecares aboutinventionsanymore. Well,Igottablogit,Lestersaid.Runsome benchmarks,reallytestitoutagainsttheold

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/92 monsters.Imthinkingofusingittobruteforce theoldNaziEnigmacode.Thatllshowthose dirtyNazibastards!Wellwinthewaryet! Ido.Andsotheanswerisstaringyourightin theface:goinventsomesocialinstitutions. Youvegotonecreepinguphereintheride. Perryfoundhimselfgiggling.Yourethebest, Therearelittleblogospheresoffanswho man,hesaidtoLester.Itsgoodthattheresat coordinatewhattheyregoingtobringdownand wheretheyregoingtoputit.Buildonthat. leastonesanepersonaroundhere. Noonesgoingtohaulassacrossthecountryto Dontflatteryourself,Perry. ridethisride,Les.Getreal. Iwastalkingaboutyou,Lester. Coursenot.Lesterbeamedathim.Ivegot Uhoh,Lestersaid.Hescoopedadouble onewordforyou,man:franchise! handfulofbrownM&Msupfromtheoutput hopperandmunchedthem.Itsnotagoodsign Franchise? whenyoustartaccusingmeofbeingthe Builddupesofthisthing.Printoutanything grownupinourpartnership.HavesomeM&Ms thatsaoneofakind,runthemasfranchises. andtellmeaboutit. Wontwork,Perrysaid.Likeyousaid,this Perrydid,unburdeninghimselftohisoldpal,his roommateoftenyears,theguyhedgonetowar withandstartedbusinesseswithand collaboratedwith. thingworksbecauseofthehardcoreofvolunteer curatorswhoaddtheirownstufftoitits alwaysdifferent.Thosefranchiseswouldallbe static,orwoulddiverge...Itdjustbeboring Yourerestless,Perry,Lestersaid.Heputnine comparedtothis. golfballs,apingpongball,andanothernine Whyshouldtheydiverge?Whyshouldtheybe golfballsinthemachinesinputhopper.Two static?Youcouldnetworkthem,dude!What andathirdsecondslater,eightyoneM&Ms happensinone,happensinall.Thecurators droppedintotheoutputhopper.Yourejust wouldntjustbeupdatingoneexhibit,butallof bored.Youreamaker,andyourerunning them.Thousandsofthem.Millionsofthem.A thingsinsteadofmakingthings. giganticphysicalwiki.Oh,itdbesoveryvery Noonecaresaboutmadethingsanymore,Les. verycool,Perry.Acoolsocialinstitution. Thatssortoftrue,Lestersaid.Illallowyou that.Butitsonlysortoftrue.Whatyoure missingishowmuchpeoplecareabout organizationsstill.Thatwasthereallyimportant thingabouttheNewWork:thewaywecouldall cometogethertoexecute,withoutalotoftop downmanagement.Thebangbangerarms dealers,thebioterroristsandfatkinssuppliers theyallrunonsocialinstitutionsthatwe perfectedbackthen.Youvegotsomethinglike thatherewithyourmarket,afluidsocial institutionthatyoucouldnthavehadtenor fifteenyearsago. Ifyousayso,Perrysaid.TheM&Mswere givinghimheartburn.Cheapchocolatedidnt reallyagreewithhisstomach. Whydontyoudoit? Imgonna.ButIneedsomeonetorunthe project.Someonewhosgoodatgettingpeople allpointedinthesamedirection.You,pal. Youremyheroonthisstuff. Youresuchaflatterer. Youloveit,baby,Lestersaid,andflutteredhis longeyelashes.Liketheladysaidtothestamp collector,philatelywillgetyoueverywhere. Oy,Perrysaid.Yourefired. Youcantfireme,Imavolunteer! Lesterdroppedsixgolfballsandaheavy medicineballdownthehopper.Themachine groundandchattered,thenstarteddropping hundredloadsofM&Ms100,200,300,400,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/93 500,600,700thensomechange. Whatoperationwasthat?Perrysaid.Hed neverseenLesterpulloutthemedicineball. Figureitout,Lestersaid. Perrythoughtforamoment.Sixsquared?Six cubed?Logsix?Sixfactorial?MyGodyoure weird,Les. Geniusisneverappreciated.Hescoopedupa doublehandfulofbrownM&Ms.Inyourface, VonNeumann!LetsseeyourpreciousENIAC topthis! Amonthlater,Perrywasclearingsecurityat MiamiInternational,lookingawkwardinlong trousers,closedsoleshoes,andadenimjacket. ItwasautumninBoston,andhecouldntshow upinflipflopsandapairofcutoffs.The securityguardsgavehisleathery,lopsidedfacea hardlook.Hegrinnedlikeapirateandmadehis funnyeyebrowtwitch,astuntthatearnedhim halfanhourbehindthescreenandadatewith DoctorJellyfinger. What,exactly,doyouthinkIvegothiddenup there?heaskedashegrippedtherailingand triednottolettheillegitimaticarborundum. productivityfromthedeadtraveltime. TouchingdowninBostonandgettinghis luggage,hefeltlikehedlandedonanalien planet.Thefeelingofdisorientationand foreignnesswasnewtoPerry.Hewasusedto beingsupremelycomfortable,incontrol confident.Buthewasnervousnow,maybeeven scared,alittle. HedialedTjan.Ivegotmybags,hesaid. Illberightaround,Tjansaid.Reallylooking forwardtoseeingyou. Thereweremorecopsthanpassengersinthe arrivalsareaatLogan,andtheywatchedTjan warilyashepulledupandswungopenadoorof hislittlesportscar. Whatthefuckisthis,aPorsche?Perrysaidas hefoldedhimselfawkwardlyintothefrontseat, steppinginthroughthesunroof,pullinghisbag downintohislapafterhim. ItsaLada.Ihaditimportedtheyreallover Russia.Evolutionaryalgorithmusedtoproduce aminimummaterials/maximumstrength chassis.Itsnicetoseeyou,Perry.

Itsnicetoseeyou,Tjan,hesaid.Thecarwas solowtothegroundthatitfeltlikehewasriding luge.Tjanhammeredmercilesslyonthegearbox, Itsprocedure,sir. rocketingthemtoCambridgeatsuchspeedthat Well,thedocsaidmyprostatewasthesizeofa Perrybarelyhadtimetoadmirethefoliage, guavaaboutamonthagoinyourprofessional exceptatstoplights. opinion,hasitshrunkorgrown?Imean,while Theywerearoundthecampusnow,takinga youreupthere. screechingrightoffMassAveontoatreelined TheTSAmandidntlikethatatall.Aminute streetofhomelytwostoreybrickhouses.Tjan later,Perrywasbucklingupandleavingthelittle pulledupinfrontofoneandpoppedthesun roomwithanexaggeratedbowleggedgait.He roof.Thecoldairthatrushedinwasascrispas tippedanimaginaryhatattheguardsretreating anapple,unlikeanybreathofairtobehadin backandsaid,Callme!inastageyvoice. Florida,wheretherewasalwaysamushiness,a Itwasthelastbitoffunhehadforthenextfour feelingofairthathadbeenfilteredthroughthe moistlungsofFloridasteemingfauna. hours,crammedinthetincanfullofrecycled discountairtravellerflatulenceandtheclatterof fingersonkeyboardsandthegabbleofa hundredphoneconversationsasthesalarymen ontheflightstoleafewminutesofcramped PerryclimbedoutofthelittleRussiansportscar andtwistedhisbackandraisedhisarmsoverhis headuntilhisspinegaveandpoppedand crackled.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/94 Tjanfollowed,andthenheshutdownthecar witharemotethatmadeitgothroughan impressiveandstylishseriesofclicks,clunks andchirpsbeforesettlingdownoveritswheels, droppingthechassistoamufflerscraping centimeterofftheground. Comeon,hesaid.Illshowyouyourroom. Tjansporchsagged,withacouplekidsbikes triplelockedtoitandanallcoveringchalk mosaicovereveryinchofit.Thewoodcreaked andgavebeneaththeirfeet. Thedoorsprangopenandrevealedaprettylittle girl,nineortenyearsold,inbluejeansanda hoodiesweaterthatwentnearlytoherankles, thelongsleevesbuncheduplikebeachballson herforearms.Thehoodhungdowntoherbutt itwasEastCoastbangbanger,asreinterpreted throughthemalls. Daddy!shesaid,andputherarmsaround Tjanswaist,squeezinghard. Hepriedherlooseandthenhoistedherbythe armpitsuptoeyeheight.Whathaveyoudone toyourbrother? Nothinghedidntdeserve,shesaid,witha smilethatshoweddimplesandmadeherlittle nosewrinkle. TjanlookedoveratPerry.Thisismydaughter, Lyenitchka,whoisabouttobelockedinthecoal cellaruntilshelearnstostoptorturingher youngerbrother.Lyenitchka,thisisPerry Gibbons,uponwhomyouhavealreadymadean irreparablybadfirstimpression.Heshookher gentlyPerrywards. Hello,Perry,shesaid,giggling,holdingout onehand.Shehadafaintaccent,whichmade hersoundlikeatiny,skinnyBondvillainess. Heshookgravely.Nicetomeetyou,hesaid. Yougotyourkids,Perrysaid,onceshewas gone. Fortheschoolyear.Meandtheex,wehada hearttoheartabouttheRussianeducation systemandendeduphere:Igetthekidsfrom SeptembertoJune,butnotChristmasesorEaster holidays.Shegetsthemtherestofthetime,and takesthemtoafamilydachainUkraine,where sheassuresmetherearehardlyanymafiyehkids toinfluencemydarlingdaughter. Youmustbelovingthis,Perrysaid. Tjansfacewentserious.Thisisthebestthing thatseverhappenedtome. Imreallyhappyforyou,buddy. Theyhadburgersinthebackyard,cookingon anelectricgrillthatwascakedwiththesmoking greaseofasummersworthofoutdoormeals. Theplastictableclothwasweigheddownwith paintedrocksandthecornersblewupinthe fresheningautumnwinds.Lyenitchkaslittle brotherappearedwhentheburgersbegantospit andsmokeonthegrill,asevenyearoldin metallicmeshtrousersandshirtwroughtwith thelogoofacartoonCossackholdingalaser swordaloft. Sasha,meetPerry.Sashalookedaway,then wentofftoswingonatireswinghangingfrom thebigtree. Youvegotgoodkids,Perrysaid,handing Tjanabeerfromthecoolerunderthepicnic table. Yup,Tjansaid.Heflippedtheburgersand thenlookedatbothofthem.Lyenitchkawas pushingherbrotherontheswing,alittletoo hard.Tjansmiledandlookedbackdownathis burgers. Tjancuttheburgersinhalfanddressedthemto hiskidsexactingstandards.Theypickedat them,pushedthemontoeachothersplatesand gotsomeintotheirmouths. Ivereadyourbriefingontheride,Tjansaid, oncehiskidshadfinishedandeatenhalfa packageofChutneyOreosfordessert.Its prettyweirdstuff. Perrynoddedandcrackedanotherbeer.Thecool airwasweirdinghimout,awakeningsome

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/95 atavisticinstincttoseekacave.Yup,weirdas hell.Buttheyloveit.Notjustthegeeks,either, thoughtheyeatitup,youshouldseeit. Obsessivedoesntbegintocoverit.Butthe civilianscomebythehundreds,too.Youshould hearthemwhentheycomeout:Jeezus,Id forgottenaboutthosedishwasherstackers,they werewicked!WherecanIgetoneofthosethese daysyoufigger?Thenostalgiasthickenough tocutwithaknife. Tjannodded.Ivebeengoingoveryourbooks, butIcantfigureoutifyoureprofitable. Sorry,thatsme.Imprettygoodatkeeping trackofnumbers,butgettingthemmassaged intoacoherentpicture Yeah,Iknow.Tjangotafarawaylook. HowdyoumakeoutonKodacell,Perry? Financewise? Enoughtoopentheride,buyacar.Didntlose anything. Ah.Tjanfiddledwithhisbeer.Listen,Igot richoffofWestinghouse.Notfucktheservice hereImbuyingthisrestaurantrich,butrich enoughthatIneverhavetoworkagain.Ican spendtherestofmylifeinthisyard,flipping burgers,takingcareofmykids,andlookingat porn. Well,youwerethesuit.Gettingrichiswhat suitsdo.Imjustagrunt. Tjanhadthegoodgracetolookslightly embarrassed.Nowheresthething.Idont havetowork,but,Perry,IhavenoideawhatIm goingtodoifIdontwork.Thekidsareat schoolallday.Doyouhaveanyideahowmuch daytimeTVsucks?Playingthestockmarketis completelynuts,itsallgonesidewaysand upsidedown.IgotaneducationsoIwouldnt havetoflipburgersfortherestofmylife. Whatareyousaying,Tjan? fortheMassholes.Illhelpyourunthe franchisingop,collectfees,makeitprofitable. Perryfelthisfacetighten. What?Ithoughtyoudbehappyaboutthis. Iam,Perrysaid.Butyoure misunderstandingsomething.Thesearentmeant tobeprofitablebusinesses.Imdonewiththat. Theseareart,orcommunity,orsomething. Theyremuseums.Lestercallsthem wunderkammerscabinetsofwonders.Theres nofranchisingopthewayyouretalkingabout it.Itsadhoc.Itsaprotocolweallagreeon,not abusinessarrangement. Tjangrunted.IdontthinkIunderstandthe differencebetweenaagreeduponprotocolanda businessarrangement.Hehelduphishandto fendoffPerrysnextremark.Butitdoesnt matter.Youcanletpeoplehavethefranchisefor free.Youcanclaimthatyourenotletting anyonehaveanything,thattheyreletting themselvesinfortheirfranchise.Itdoesnt mattertome. ButPerry,heressomethingyouregoingto havetounderstand:itsgoingtobenearly impossiblenottomakeabusinessoutofthis. Businessesaregreatstructuresformanagingbig projects.Itsliketryingtodeveloptheabilityto walkwithoutdevelopingaskeleton.Onceina bluemoon,yougetanoctopus,butforthemost part,yougetskeletons.Skeletonsaregoodshit. Tjan,Iwantyoutocomeonboardtohelpme createanoctopus,Perrysaid. Icantry,Tjansaid,butitwontbeeasy. Whenyoudocoolstuff,youendupmaking money. Fine,Perrysaid.Makemoney.Butkeepitto aminimum,OK?

ThenexttimePerryturnedupatLogan,itwas Imsayingyes,Tjansaid,grinningpiratically. colderthantheinsideofaniceboxandshitting ImsayingthatIlljoinyourlittleweirdass downgreysnowwiththeconsistencyoffrozen hobbybusinessandIllopenanotherridehere custard.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/96 Greatweatherforanopening,hesaid,once hedclimbedthroughtheroofofTjanscarand gottensnowallovertheleatherupholstery. Sorryaboutthecar. Haveyoumanagedtofillthefleamarket?It hadtakenPerryalongtimetofillhis,andstill hehadacoupleofdogsatarotreaderanda bongstall,aguysellinghighpressurespray Dontsweatit,thekidsaremurderonleather.I paintcansandadiscountpornstallthatsold nakedshovelwarebythepetabyte. shouldtradethisthinginonsomethingthats lessofadeathtrapanyway. Yeah,IgotprotegesupanddownNew England.Alotofthemsettledhereafterthe TjanwasbalderthanhedbeeninSeptember, crash.Oneplaceisasgoodasanother,andthe andskinnier.Hehadathreedaybeardthat furtherhollowedouthisnormallyroundcheeks. housingwaswickedcheaponcetheeconomy disappeared.Theyuppedstakesandcameto TheLadasportscarfishtailedalittleasthey BostonassoonasIputthewordout.Ithink navigatedthetunnelsbacktowardCambridge, everyoneswaitingforthenextbigthing. theroadsslickandicy. Wescoredanexcellentlocation,Tjansaid.I toldyouthat,butcheckthisout.Theywere rightinthemiddleofabuiltupareaofBoston, somethingthatfeltlikeabankingdistrict,with impressivetowers.IttookPerryaminuteto figureoutwhatTjanwaspointingat. Thatsthesite?Therewasamallonthe corner,withaboardedupderelictHyatt overtoppingit,risinghighintothesky.Butits rightinthemiddleoftown! Youthink? Perry,NewWorkisthemostimportantthing thateverhappenedtosomeofthosepeople.It wasthehighpointoftheirlives.Itwastheonly timetheyeverfeltuseful. Perryshookhishead.Dontyouthinkthats sad?

Tjannegotiatedatrickytunnelinterchangeand gotthecarpointedtoCambridge.No,Perry,I dontthinkitssad.JesusChrist,youcant BostonsnotFlorida,Tjansaid.Lotsof believethat.WhydoyouthinkImhelpingyou? peopleheredonthavecars.Thereweresome Youandmeandalltherestofthem,wedid deadmallsoutinWorcesterandthelike,butI somethingimportant.Theworldchanged.Its gotthisplacefornothing.Theownershavent continuingtochange.Haveyoustoppedtothink paidtaxesinthetenyearssincethehotelfolded, thatoneinfiveAmericanworkerspickedupand andtheonlyshopsthatwereleftopenwerea movedsomewhereelsetodoNewWork coupleofAzerbaijaniimportexportguys, projects?ThatsoneofthelargestAmerican sellingjunkystufffromIndia. resettlementssincethedustbowl.Theaverage NewWorkcollectiveshippedmoreinventions Weguttedthewholesecondfloorandturned peryearthanEdisonLabsatitspeak.Ina thegroundfloorfoodcourtintoafleamarket. hundredyears,whentheyrememberthe TheresanoldtunnelconnectingthistotheT centuriesthatwereAmericas,theyllcountthis andImanagedtogetitreopened,soIexpect oneamongthem,becauseofwhatwemade. wellgetsomewalkin. Sono,Perry,Idontthinkitssad. Perrymarveled.Tjanhadasuitsknackfor pullingofftheambitious.Perryhadnevertried toevenrentanapartmentinabigcity,figuring thatanyplacewherelandwasatapremiumwas aplacewherepeoplewillingtospendmorethan himcouldbefound.Givehimaghostmallthat wasofftheGPSgridanytime. Imsorry.Sorry,OK?Ididntmeanitthatway. Butitstragic,isntit,thatthedreamended? Thattheyrealllivingoutthereintheboonies, thinkingoftheirglorydays? Yes,thatissad.ButthatswhyIagreedtodo theridenottofreezetheoldprojectsinamber,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/97 buttocreateanewprojectthatwecanall participateinagain.Thesepeopleuprootedtheir livestofollowus,itstheleastwecandotogive themsomethingbackforthat. ride.Hedgottenwindofitonlinenoneofhis idiotcolleaguescouldbebotheredtoreadthe publicemaillistsofthecompetitorstheywere supposedlyinchargeofopporesearching. Shakingloosethebudgettogetadiscountflight Perrystewedonthattherestofthewayto Tjans,staringatthesleet,handrestingagainst toBostonhadbeenamajorcoup,requiring horsetrading,blackmail,andpassiveaggressive theicywindowglass. gamingofthesystem.Withtheridiculouslylow perdiemandhotelallowancehedstillgohome SammycheckedintoaComfortInntuckedinto acouplehundredbucksoutofpocket.Whydid thethirtyseventhstoreyoftheBankofAmerica heevendohisjob?Heshouldjustplaybythe rulesandgetnothingdone. buildingindowntownBoston.Thelobbywas empty,thesecurityguardsdeskunmanned.Bof Andgetfired.Orpassedupforpromotion, Awasinreceivership,andnotdoingsohotat whichwaspracticallythesamething. that,asthefactthattheyhadletouttheir Thenewridewasinanimpressiveurbanmall. executivefloorstoadiscountbusinesshotel HedspenthiscollegeyearsinPhillyandhad testified. passedmanyahappydayinmallslikethisone, Theroomwasfine,thoughsmalland cruisingforgirlsorcampingoutonabenchwith windowless,butfine:power,shower,toiletand hisbooksandasmoothie.Unlikethecrappy bed,allhedemandedinahotelroom.Heatethe roadsidemallsofFlorida,therehadbeennothing packetofnutshedboughtattheairportbefore butthebeststoresinthem,thepropertyvalues jumpingontheTandthencheckedhisemail.He toohightomakeanythingbuthighmargin, hadmoreofitthanhecouldpossiblyanswer highturnover,highticketshopsviable. hedidntthinkhedeverhadanemptyinbox. Soitwasespeciallysadtoseethismallturned Buthepickedoffanythingthatlooked overtothejunkystallsandjunkierridelikea important,includinganotefromhisex,who fat,washedupsupermodelsentencedtoatalk wasnowlivingintheKeysonasquatterbeach showappearanceforhershopliftingarrests.He andwantedtoknowifhecouldloanhera approachedthedoorswithtrepidation.Hewas hundredbucks.Nosenseofhowshedpayhim resolvednottobuyanythingfromthemarket backwithoutwork.ButMichellewas nobustsorcontactlensesandhadstuckhis resourcefulandprobablygoodforit.He walletinhisfrontpocketonthewayover. paypalledittoher,feelinglikeasuckerfor Themallwaslikeasauna.Heshuckedhisjacket hopingthatshemightrepayitinperson.Hed andsweaterandhungthemoveronearm.The beensinglesinceshedlefthimtheyearbefore wholegroundfloorhadbeengivenoverto andhewaslonelyandhardup. flimsymarketstalls.Heskulkedamongthem, Hedlandedattwoandbythetimehewasdone tryingtosimultaneouslytakenoteoftheir withallthebullshit,itwasafterdinnertimeand contentsandavoidtheirownersnotice. hewashungryashell.Bostonwasfulloftaco Hecametorealizethatheneedntskulk.It wagonsandkebabstandsthathedpassedonthe seemedlikehalfofBostonhadturnedoutnot walkin,andhehustledoutontothestreettosee justyoungpeople,either.Therewereplentyof ifanywerestillopen.Hegotahugegarlicky tweedyacademics,bigworkingclassSouthie kebabandateitintheleeofafrozenATM boyswiththickaccents,recentimmigrantswith shelter,wolfingitwithouttastingit. Scandiechicclothes.Theychatteredand Hewentandscoutedthelocationofthenew laughedandmixedfreelyandatehotfoodoutof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/98 hugecauldronsoroffofcleverelectricgrills. Thesmellsmadehisstomachgrowl,eventhough hedjustpolishedoffakebabthesizeofhis head. Tjan,thisisMickey.Hesaregularontheride inFloridaandhescomeupherejusttoseethe opening.

Tjanhadshorthairandsallowskin,anddressed Thebuzzofthecrowdremindedhimof likeanaccountant,buthiseyeswerebrightand something,whatwasit?Apremiere,thatwasit. sharpastheytookSammyin,lookinghimup WhentheyopenedanewrideorareaatthePark, anddownquickly.Wellthatscertainly therewasthesamesenseofthrilling flattering.Hereachedintohiscreasedblazer anticipation,ofexcitementandeagerness.That andpulledoutaslipofpaper.Haveacouple madeitworsethesepeoplehadnobusiness compticketsthentheleastwecandoforyour beingthisexcitedaboutsomethingso... loyalty.Thepaperwasfestoonedwith lowbrow?Cheap?Whateveritwas,itwasnt hologramsandsmartcardsandraisedbumps worthy. containingRFIDs,butSammyknewthatyou Theywereshoppinglikefiends.Amotherwitha couldbuystandardanticounterfeitingstocklike itfromamailordercatalog. babyonherhippushedpasthim,herstroller piledhighwithshoppingbagsscreenedwith Thatsmightygenerousofyou,hesaid, giant,pixellatedBelgianpastries.Shewas shakingTjansdry,firmhand. laughingandthebabyonherhipwaslaughing Ourpleasure,theotherguysaid.Bettergetin too. line,though,oryouregonnabewaitingalong, Heheadedfortheescalator,whosetreadshad beenanodizedinbrightcolors,somethinghed neverseenbefore.Heletitcarryhimupstairs, butlookeddown,andsohewasnearlyatthetop beforeherealizedthattheguyfromtheFlorida ridewasstandingthere,handingoutfliersand staringatSammylikeheknewhimfrom somewhere. longtime.Hehadasatisfiedexpression. Sammysawthatwhathedmistakenforacrowd ofpeoplewasinfactalong,jostlingqueue stretchingallthewayaroundtheescalator mezzanineandoffoneofthemallsside corridors.

Feelinglikehedavertedadisaster,Sammy followedthelengthofthequeueuntilhecameto Itwastoolatetoavoidhim.Sammyputonhis itsend.Hepoppedinaheadphoneandsetuphis bestcastmembersmile.Hellothere! headlinereadertotexttospeechhisdaysnews. Hedfallenbehind,whatwiththeairtraveland Theguygrinnedandwiggledhiseyebrow.I all.Mostofthestuffinhiscachecameinfrom knowyoufromsomewhere,hesaidslowly. hiscoworkers,anditwasthemostinsipidcrap FromFlorida,Sammysaid,withanapologetic anyway,buthehadtolistentoitorhedbeodd shrug.Icameuptoseetheopening. manoutatthewatercoolerwhenhegotback. Noway!Theguyhadahugesmilenow, Helistenedwithhalfanearandconsideredthe lookedlikewasgoingtohughim.Youre giganticcrowdstretchingawayasfarastheeye shittingme! couldsee.Comparedwiththereopeningof Fantasyland,itwasnothinggothsfromallover WhatcanIsay?Imafan. theworldhadflockedtocentralFloridaforthat, Thatsincredible.Hey,Tjan,comehereand GermansandGreeksandJapaneseandeven meetthisguy.Whatsyourname? somefromMumbaiandRussia.Theydfilled Sammytriedtothinkofanothername,butdrew theparktocapacity,thrilledwiththedelightful perversityofchirpyoldDisneyWorldremadeas ablank.Mickey,hesaidatlast,kicking agoththemepark. himself.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/99 ButalinethislonginBoston,inthedeadof winter,forsomethingwhosesoleattractionwas thattherewasanotheronelikeitbyashitty forgottenbroadoutsideofMiami?Christonan Omnimover. PEOPLEWHOINVENTEDTHENEWWORK REVOLUTIONWERENTRIPOFFARTISTS ANDFRAUDS.

Thelayoutwasslightlydifferentduetothe supportpillars,butassimilartotheFlorida Thelinemoved,justalittlesurge,andtherewas versionasgeographyallowed.Robotshumped acheeralldownthemallslength.People underfootmovingobjects,keepingtheminsync pouredpasthimheadedforthelinestail, withthechangesinFlorida.Hedreadonthe vibratingwithexcitement.Butthelinedidnt messageboardsthatFloridawouldstayopenlate moveagainforfiveminutes,thenten.Then sothattheriderscouldcollaboratewiththe anothersurge,butmaybethatwasjustpeople attendeesattheBostonpremiere,tweetingback crowdingtogethermore.Someofthepeoplein andforthtooneanother. lineweredrinkingbeersoutofpaperbagsand Theotherchairsintheridecrawledaroundeach gettingraucous. exhibit,reversingandturningslowly.Riders Whatsgoingon?someoneholleredfrom behindhim.Thecrywastakenup,andthenthe lineshudderedandmovedforwardsome.Then nothing. broughttheirchairsupalongsideoneanother andconferredinlowvoices,overthenarration fromthescenery.Hethoughthesawacouple makingoutacommonenoughoccurrencein Thinking,screwthis,Sammygotoutoflineand darkridesthathedevenexploitedafewtimes walkedtothefront.Tjanwasthere,workingthe whenplanningoutridesthatwouldbelikelyto attractamorousteenagers.Theyhadakey velvetrope,lettingpeoplethroughindribsand drabs.HecaughtsightofSammyandgavehima demographic:tooyoungtoleavehome,old enoughtopaypracticallyanythingforaprivate solemnnod.Theyrealltakingtoolongto ride,hesaid.Itellthemfifteenminutesmax, spottoscoresomenookie. getbackinlineifyouwanttoseemore,butwhat Theairsmelledofthreedeeprinter,thecheap canyoudo? smelloftruckstopswherevendingmachines outputtedcheapkidstoys.Hereitwasntcheap, Sammynoddedsympathetically.Theguywith though:hereitsmelledfuturistic,likethefirst thefunnyeyebrowputinanappearancefrom behindtheheavyblackcurtains.Sendthrough timesomeonehadhandedhimaprintedpropfor oneofhisridesithadbeenaheadforan twomore,hesaid,andgrabbedSammy, updatedSmallWorldride.Thenithadsmelled tugginghimin. likesomethingforeignandnewandexcitingand Behindthecurtain,itwasdimandspotlit,almost frightening,likethefirstdaysofadifferent identicaltoFlorida,andhalfadozenvehicles world. waited.Sammyslidintooneandletthespiel Smellingthatagain,rememberingthecrowds washoverhim. outsidewaitingtogetin,Sammystartedtogeta THEREWASATIMEWHENAMERICA sickfeeling,thekebabreboundingonhim. HELDOUTTHEPROMISEOFANEWWAY Movingasifinadream,hereacheddowninto OFLIVINGANDWORKING.THENEW hislapanddrewoutasmallutilityknife.There WORKBOOMOFTHETEENSWASA wouldbeinfraredcameras,butheknewfrom PERIODOFUNPARALLELEDINVENTION, experiencethattheycouldntseethroughride ACAMBRIANEXPLOSIONOF vehicles. CREATIVITYNOTSEENSINCETHETIME Slowly,hefingeredtheaccesspanelsunderside OFEDISONANDUNLIKEEDISON,THE untilhefoundaloosecorner.Hesnickedoutthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/100 knifeslittlebladehedbroughtanentire suitcasejustsohecouldhaveacheckedbagto storethisinandtuggedatthecablesinside.He sawedatthemwithsmallmovements,feelingthe copperwiresinsidetheinsulationgivewayone strandatatime.Thechairmovedjerkily,then notatall.Hesnippedafewmorewiresjusttobe sure,thentuckedthemallaway. Hey!hecalled.Mychairsdead!Hehad fetchedupinacentralpathwaywherethechairs triedtoruncloverleafsaroundfourdisplays.A couplechairsswervedaroundhim.Hethumped thepaneldramatically,thensteppedoutand shookhishead.Hecontrivedtosteponthree robotsonthewaytoanotherchair. ofitsway.Chairsswervedaroundthemasother riderstriedtonavigate.Theywereapproaching theexitwhenSammyspottedachargeplatefor therobots.Theywerestandardissueforrobotic vacuumcleanersandothersemiautonomous appliances,andhedhadoneinhisold apartment.Theyweresupposedtobesafeas anything,butafriendstoddlerhadcrawledover tohisandshovedastackofdimesintoits recessedjackandoneofthemhadshorteditout inasmoking,fizzingfireworksdisplay. Yougoonahead,Imgoingtotiemyshoes.

Sammybentdownbesidethechargeplate,his backtothekidandtheimaginedcamerasthat werecapturinghiseverymove,andslippedthe Isyoursworking?heaskedthekidridinginit, stackofcoinshedtakenfromhispocketintothe alloftenyearsoldandofindefinitegender. littleslotwheretherobotsinsertedtheircharging stamen. Yeah,thekidsaid.Itscootedover.Theres roomforbothofus,getin. Theensuingshowerofsparkswasmoredramatic thanhedrememberedmaybeitwasthe Christ,donttheyhavestrangerdangerinthe darkenedroom.Thekidshriekedandranforthe north?Heclimbedinbesidethekidand contrivedtoslideoneslyhandunderthepanel. EXITsign,andhetookofftoo,atagoodclip. Teasingoutthewiresthesecondtimewaseasier, Theydgettherideupandrunningsoonenough, butmaybenottonight,notiftheycouldntget evenonehanded.Heslicedthroughfivelarge thetwochairshedtoastedoutoftheroom. bundlesthistimebeforethechairgroundtoa halt,itsgyroswhiningandrockingitfromside toside. Thekidlookedathimandfrowned.These thingsareshit,itsaidwithrealvehemence, climbingdownandkickingoneofitstires,and thenkickingacoupleofthefloorlevelrobotsfor goodmeasure.Theydlandedanothergreat breakdownspot:directlyinfrontofaranked displayofraygunshapedappliancesandobjects. Herememberedseeingthatoneinitsnascent stage,backinFloridajustacoupleoftoyguns, whichwerepresentlyjoinedbythreemore,then therewereten,thenfifty,thenahighwallof them,strikingandcharming.Thechairs breakdownpositionneatlyblockedtheway. Therewasthebeginningsofchaosattheexit. TherewasthatTjancharacter,givinghiman intenselook.Hetriedtoheadforthedown escalator,butTjancuthimoff. Whatsgoingoninthere? Damnedestthing,hesaid,tryingtokeephis facecomposed.Mychairdied.Thenanother onealittlekidwasridinginit.Thentherewas alotofelectricalsparks,andIwalkedout. Crazy. Tjancockedhishead.Ihopeyourenothurt. Wecouldhaveadoctorlookatyou;therearea couplearoundtonight.

IthadneveroccurredtoSammythatprofessional typesmightturnoutforaridelikethis,butof Guesswedbetterwalkout,hesaid.He courseitwasobvious.Therewereprobablyoff steppedonacouplemorerobots,makingoops noises.Thekidenthusiasticallykickedrobotsout dutycops,localpoliticians,lawyers,andthelike.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/101 Imfine,hesaid.Dontworryaboutme. Maybeyoushouldsendsomeoneinforthe peoplestillinthere,though? Thatsbeingtakencareof.Imjustsorryyou cameallthewayfromFloridaforthiskindof disappointment.Thatsjustbrutal.Tjans measuringstarewasevenmoreintense. Uh,itsOK.Ihadmeetingsherethisweek. Thiswasjustacoolbonus. Whodoyouworkfor,Mickey? Shit. wassuchathingasfour. Sammywalkedbacktohishotelasquicklyashe could,giventheicysidewalksunderfoot,andby thetimehegottothelobbyoftheoldoffice towerhisfacehurtforehead,cheeksandnose. Hedbookedhisreturnflightforadaylater, thinkingheddomorerecciesofthenewsite beforewritinghisreportandheadinghome,but therewasnowayhewasfacingdownthatTjan guyagain.

Whathadpromptedhimtosabotagetheride?It wassomethingprimal,somethinghehadntbeen inanyrealcontrolof.Hedbeeninsomekindof Insurancecompany,hesaid. fuguestate.Buthedpackedthelittleknifein ThatdbeNorwichUnion,then,right?Theyve hissuitcaseandhedslippeditintohispocket gotaheadquartershere. beforeleavingtheroom.Sohowinstinctive coulditpossiblyhavebeen? Sammyknewhowthiswent.NorwichUnion didnthaveheadquartershere.Ortheydid.Hed Hehadavisionofthecarnivalatmosphereinthe havetooutguessTjanwithhisanswer. marketstallsoutsideandknewthatevenafterthe Areyougoingtostayopentonight? Tjannodded,thoughitwasntclearwhetherhe wasnoddingbecausehewasansweringinthe affirmativeorbecausehissuspicionshadbeen confirmed. Wellthen,Ishouldbegoing. ridehadbrokendown,thecrowdhadlingered, laughingandbrowsingandenjoyinganights respitefromtheworldandthecoldcity.The WhosdowninWhovillehadgoneonsinging evenafterhedGrinchedtheirride.

Thatwasit.Theridedidntjustmakeuseof usercreatedcontentitwasusercreated Tjanputoutahand.Oh,pleasestay.Imsure content.Hecouldneverconvincehisbossesin wellberunningsoon;youshouldgetawhole Orlandotolethimbuildanythingremotelylike ridethrough. this,andgivenenoughtime,itwouldsurely No,really,Ihavetogo.Heshookoffthehand overtakethem.ThatTjansomeonelikehim wouldntbeinvolvediftherewasntsome andpelteddowntheescalatorandoutintothe freezingnight.Hisbloodsanginhisears.They seriousmoneyopportunityontheline. probablywouldntgettheriderunningthatnight Hedseenthefuturethatnightandhehadno atall.Theyprobablywouldsendthatwhole placeinit. carnivalcrowdhome,disappointed.Hedwon somekindoflittlevictoryoversomething. Hedfeltmoreconfidentofhisvictorywhenhe ItonlytookaweekontheBostonridebefore theyhadtheirthirdandfourthnodes.Thethird wasconcernedwiththeguywiththefunny wasoutsideofSanFrancisco,inagigantic eyebrowwithPerry.Hedseemedlittlemore thanabum,avag.ButthisTjanremindedhimof ghostmallthatwasalreadybeingusedasaflea theclimbershedmetthroughhiscareeratWalt market.Theyhadtwoformeranchorstores,one ofwhichwasbeingsquattedbyartistswho DisneyWorld:keenlyobservantandfast neededstudiospace.Theotheronemadea formulatorsofstrategies.Someonewhocould perfectlocationforanewride,andthegeeks addtwoandtwobeforeyoudknowthatthere

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/102 whoplannedonbuildingithadcuttheirteeth buildingelaborateBurningManconfectioneries together,soPerrygavethemhisblessing. this:fromnowonwhensomeoneasksfor permissionwetellthemno,wedontgiveoutor withholdpermissionforjoiningthenetwork,but wehopethattheylljoinitanyway.Maybeput ThefourthwastoopeninRaleigh,inthe ResearchTriangle,wherethestripmallsranone upaFAQonthesite. intothenext.Thesoftspoken,bitinglyironic Youlljustconfusepeople. southernerswhoproposeditwerethedaughters Iwontbeconfusingthem,man!Illbe ofoldIBMbluetiestalwartswhodbeen educatingthem! runningawomenstechcollectivesincethey realizedtheycouldntaffordcollegeanddropped HowaboutifyouaddaCreativeCommons licensetoit?Someofthemareveryliberal. outtogether.Theywantedtoseehowmuch admissiontheycouldchargeiftheyletitbe Idontwanttolicensethis.Youhavetoown knownthattheywouldplowtheirprofitsinto somethingtolicenseit.Alicenseisawayof scholarshipfundsforlocalwomen. saying,Withoutthislicense,youreforbiddento Perrycouldntbelievethatthesepeoplewanted dothis.Youdontneedalicensetoclickalink andloadawebpagenoonehastogiveyou toopentheirownrides,northattheythought permissiontodothisandnoonecouldtakeit theyneededhispermissiontodoso.Hewas remindedoftheglorydaysofNewWork,when awayfromyou.Licensingjustgivespeopleeven everydaytherewerefiftyNewWorksiteswitha worseideasaboutownershipandpermissionand hundrednewgizmos,poppinguponthemailing property! lists,lookingfordistributors,recruiting, Itsyourshow,Tjansaid. competing,swarming,arguing,formingand reforming.WatchingTjancutthedealswhereby Noitisnt!Thatsthepoint! thesepeopleweregrantedpermissiontoopen OK,OK,itsnotyourshow.Butwelldoit theirowneditionsoftheridefeltlikethat,and yourway.Youarealovable,crankyweirdo,you weirderstill. knowit? Whydotheyneedourpermission?TheAPIs wideopen.Theycanjustimplement.Arethey sheeporsomething? Tjangavehimanoldfashionedlook.Theyre beingpolite,Perrytheyregivingyoufacefor beingtheprogenitoroftheride. Idontlikeit,Perrysaid.Ididntget anyonespermissiontoincludetheirjunkinthe ride.Whenwegetaprintertoclonesomething thatsomeonebringshere,wedontgettheir permission.Whythehellisseekingpermission consideredsopolite?Shit,whynotsendmea letteraskingmeifImindreceivinganemail? Wheredoesitend? TheyretryingtobenicetoyouPerry,thats all. WellIdontlikeit,Perrysaid.Howabout TheydiditPerrysway.Hewasscheduledtogo backtoFloridaafewdayslater,buthechanged histickettogoouttoSanFranciscoandmeet withthecrewwhowereimplementingtheride there.Oneofthemtaughtinteractiondesignat SFSUandbroughthimintotalktothestudents. Hewasntsurewhathewasgoingtotalkto themabout,butwhenhegotthere,hefound himselftellingthestoryofhowheandLester andTjanandSuzanneandKettlebellyhadbuilt andlosttheNewWorkmovement,withouteven trying.Itwasafunstorytotellfromstartto finish,andtheytalkedthroughthelunchbreak andthenagroupofstudentstookhimtoabarin theMissionwithabigoutdoorpatiowherehe wentontellingwarstoriesuntilthesunhadset andheddrunksomuchbeerhecouldnttell storiesanylonger.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/103 Theywerealltenorfifteenyearsyoungerthan him,andthegirlswereprettyandandrogynous andtheboyswerealsoprettyandandrogynous, notthathereallyswungthatway.Still,itwas finebeingsurroundedbythecatcalling,joking, bullshittingcrowdofyoung,pretty,flirtypeople. Theyhuggedhimalot,andtwooftheprettier girls(who,helaterrealized,werealotmore interestedineachotherthanhim)tookhimback toacapsulehotelbuiltacrossthreeparking spotsandpouredhimintobedandtuckedhim in. Hehadaburritothesizeofafootballfor breakfast,stuffedwithshreddedpigpartsand twokindsofsloppybeans.Hewasheditdown withaquartofacinnamon/ricedrinkcalled horchatathatwasservedicecoldanddid wondersforhishangover. Acouplehoursnoodlingonhislaptopanda couplebagsofTecatelaterandhewasfeeling almosthuman.Earlymariachisstrolledthestreet withelectricguitarsthatcontrolledlittletribes ofdancing,singingkneehighanimatronics, beltingoutoldJoseAlfredoJimeneztunes. Itwasshapinguptobeagoodday.Hislaptop rangandhescrewedinhisheadsetandstarted talkingtoTjan. Hegothishoststobringhimtotheratskeller wheretheysatdowntocomedysizedbeersand huge,suspicioussteamingwursts. Wheresyoursite? Wewerethinkingofbuildingonetheresalot offarmlandaroundhere.Eitherthespeakerwas sixteenyearsoldorPerrywasgettingtobesuch adrunkenoldfartthateveryoneseemedsixteen. Hewasntoldenoughtoshave,anyway.Perry triedtorememberhisnameandcouldnt.Jetlag orsleepdeporwhatever. Thatsprettyweird.Everywhereelse,theyre justmovingintospacesthathavebeenleft vacant. Wehaventgotmanyofthose.Alltheoffices andstuffarebeingoccupiedbyheavilyfunded startups. Heavilyfundedstartups?Inthisdayandage? Superbabies,thekidsaidwithashrug.Itsall anyoneherethinksaboutanymore.Thatand cancercures.Ithinksuperbabiesarecrazy imaginebeingatwentyyearoldsuperbaby,with twodecadeoldtechnologyinyourgenes.In yourgermline!Breedingotherobsolete superbabies.Crazy.ButtheChineseare investingheavily.

Man,thisplaceisexcellent,hesaid.Ihadthe Sonodeadmalls?Christ,thatslikerunning bestnightIvehadinyearslastnight. outofsandorhydrogenorsomething.Arewe stillinAmerica? Wellthenyoulllovethis:theresacrewin Madisonthatwanttodothesamethingand Thekidlaughed.Thecampusisbuildingmore couldusealittleguidance.Theyspoketome studenthousingbecausenoneofuscanafford thismorningandsaidtheydbehappytospring therentsaroundhereanymore.Butthereslots fortheairfare.Canyoumakeasixoclockflight offarmland,likeIsaid.Wontbeaproblemto atSFO? throwupaprefabandputtherideinsideit.Itll belikeputtingupahauntedcornfieldat TheygavehimcheeseinMadisonand introducedhimtothebiohackerswhowerethe Halloween.Usedtodothateveryyeartoraise moneyfortheACLU,backinNebraska. spiritualprogenyofthequirkymomentwhen Madisonwasoneofsixplaceswherestemcells Wow.Hewantedtosay,TheyhavetheACLU couldbelegallyresearched.Thebiohackersgave inNebraska?butheknewthatwasntfair.The himthewillies.Onehadgills.Oneglowedinthe midwesternershedmethadgenerallybeenkick dark.Onewasorangeandclaimedto assgeeksandhackers,sohehadnocalltoturn photosynthesize. hisnoseupatthiskid.Sowhydoyouwantto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/104 dothis? Thatsreallyniceofyou,Perrysaid.Hedmet acouplepeopleinBostonandSanFrancisco Thekidgrinned.Becausetheresgottobea whocalledthemselveshisfans,andhehadnt waytodosomethingcoolwithoutmovingto knownwhattosaytothem,either.Backinthe NewYork.Ilikeitaroundhere.Dontwantto liveinsomerundowndefaultedshitbuiltcondo NewWorkdayshedmeetreporterswhocalled wherethemicearehunchbacked.Likethewide themselvesfans,butthatwasjustblowing openspaces.ButIdontwanttobeafarmeror smoke.Nowhewasmeetingpeoplewhoseemed anacademicorrunastudentbar.Allthatstuffis toreallymeanit.Notmany,thankGod. adeadend,Icanseeitfromhere.Imean,who Hesjustlikeapuppy,Hildasaid,pinching drinksbeeranymore?Theresmuchsweeter Erniescheek.Allenthusiasm. highsoutthereintherealworld. Ernierubbedhischeek.Lukereachedout Perrylookedathisbeer.Itwasinathemedstein withGermanoGothicgingerbreadworkedinto thefinish.Itfeltlikeithadbeenprintedfrom somekindofceramic/epoxyhybrid.Youcould getthemattravelingcarnymidways,too. abruptlyandtousledbothoftheirhair.These twoaregoingtohelpmebuildtheride,hesaid. Hildasanamazingfundraiser.Lastyearshe ranthefundraisingforawholewalkinclinic.

Womenshealthclinicorsomething?Perry Ilikebeer,hesaid. asked.Hewasstartingtosoberupalittle.Hilda wasoneofthoseincredible,pneumatic ButyoureThekidbrokeoff. midwesterngirlsthathedseenatfiveminute Old,Perrysaid.Sok.Yourewhat,16? intervalssincegettingoffhisflightinMadison. 21,thekidsaid.Imalatebloomer.Devoting Hedidntthinkhedevermetonelikeher. resourcestomoreimportantthingsthan No,Hildasaid.Metabolichealth.Lotsof puberty. peoplegetthefatkinstreatmentatpuberty,either Twomorekidsslidintotheirbooth,aboyanda becausetheirfatkinsparentstalkthemintoitor becausetheyhatetheirbabyfat. girlwhoactuallydidlook21.HeyLuke,the girlsaid,kissinghimonthecheek. Perryshookhishead.Comeagain? Luke,thatwashisname.Perrycameupwitha Youthinkeatingtenthousandcaloriesadayis mnemonicsohewouldntforgetitagain easy?Itshellonyourdigestivesystem.Notto Nebraskababyfacedfarmboy,thatwaslike mentionyouspendafortuneonfood.Alotof LukeSkywalker.Hepicturedthekidswinginga peoplegettocollegeandjustswitchtohigh lightsaberandknewhedkeepthenamefor caloriepowderedsupplementsbecausethey goodnow. cantaffordenoughrealfoodtostayhealthy,so ThisisPerryGibbons,Lukesaid.Perry,this youvegotallthesekidssuckingdownvanilla slurryalldayjusttokeepfromstarving.We isHildaandErnie.Guys,Perrystheguywho providecounselingandmitigationtherapiesto builttherideIwastellingyouabout. kidswhowantit. Ernieshookhishand.Man,thatsthecoolest Andwhentheygetoutofcollegedotheyget shitIveeverseen,wow.Whatthehellareyou thetreatmentagain? doinghere?Ilovethatstuff.Wow. Youcant.Themitigationspermanent.People Hildaflickedhisear.Stopdrooling,fanboy, whotakeithavetogothroughtherestoftheir shesaid. livestakingsupplementsandeatingsensiblyand Ernierubbedhisear.Perrynoddeduncertainly. exercising. Sorry.Itsjustwell,Imabigfanisall.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/105 Dotheygetfat? Likeactualfurniture,shesaidwithasolemn nod.Weusedhugesheetsofpaperandtreated Shelookedaway,thendown,thenbackupat themwithstiffening,waterproofingand him.Yes,mostofthemdo.Howcouldthey not?Everythingaroundthemisgearedatpeople fireproofingagents.Wedidafrathouses outdoorbarandsauna,withawinddynamoI whoneedtoeatfivetimesasmuchastheydo. Eventhesaladsallhaveproteinpowdermixedin evenmadeasteamengine. withthem.Butitispossibletoeatright.Youve Youmadeasteamengineoutofpaper?He neverhadthetreatment,haveyou? wasagog. Perryshookhishead.Trickmetabolismthough. Youmeantosaythatyouresurprisedby Icaneatlikeahogandnotputonanounce. buildingstuffoutofunusualmaterials? Hildareachedoutandsqueezedhisbicep. Perrylaughed.Pointtaken. ReallyandIsupposethatallthatleanmuscle Wejustgotacouplehundredstudentstodo thereispartofyourtrickmetabolism,too? somefoldingintheirsparetimeandthensoldit Sheleftherhandwhereitwas. on.Everyoneoncampusneedsbookshelves,so OK,Idoafairbitofphysicallabortoo.ButIm westartedwiththoseusingaccordionfolded archedsupportsundereachshelf.Wecouldpaint justsayingiftheygetfatagainafterthey orprintdesignsonthem,too,butalotofpeople reversethetreatment likedthemallwhite.Thenwedidchairs,desks, Thereareworsethingsthanbeingfat. kitchenettesets,placematsyounameit.I Herhandstillhadntmoved.HelookedatErnie, calledthedesignsMultipleOrigami. whomhedassumedwasherboyfriend,tosee Perrysprayedbeerouthisnose.Thats howhewastakingit.Erniewaslooking awesome!hesaid,wipingupthemesswitha somewhereelse,though,acrosstheratshkeller, kleenexthatsheextractedfromafoldedpaper atthehugeTVthatwasshowingcompetitive purse.Lookingclosely,herealizedthatthewhite multiplayergaming,apparentlysomekindof baseballcapshewaswearingwasalsofoldedout championships.Itwasasconfusingasahundred ofpaper. airhockeygamesbeingplayedonthesame Shelaughedandrummagedsomemoreinher board,withthousandsofzipping,jumping, handbag,comingupwithapieceofstiffcard. firingentitiesandjumpcutssofastthatPerry Workingquicklyandnimbly,shegaveitafew couldntimaginehowyoudmakesenseofit. deftfoldsalongprescoredlines,andamoment Thegirlshandwasstillonhisarm,anditwas latershewasholdingabaseballhatthatwasthe warm.Hismouthwasdrybutmorebeerwould twinoftheoneshewaswearing.Sheleanedover beabadidea.Howaboutsomewater?hesaid, thetableandpoppeditonhishead. inabitofacroak. Lukecamebackwiththewaterandsetitdown Lukejumpeduptogetsome,andasilencefell betweenthem,pouringoutglassesforeveryone. overthetable.Sothisclinic,howdyou Smoothlid,hesaid,touchingthebillof fundraiseforit? Perryscap. Papercraft,shesaid.Ihavealotoffriends Thanks,Perrysaid,draininghiswaterand whoareintopaperfoldingandwemoddeda pouringanotherglass.Well,youpeople bunchofpatterns.Wedidreallybigpieces,too certainlyhavesomeprettycoolstuffgoingon bedframes,sofas,kitchentables,chairs here. Likeactualfurniture? Thisisagreattown,Lukesaidexpansively,as

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/106 thoughhehadtravelledextensivelyandsettled onMadison,Wisconsinasatrulyinternational hotspot.Weregoingtobuildakickassride. Yougoingtomakeitalloutofpaper? Someofit,anyway,Lukesaid.Hilda wouldnthaveitanyotherway,right? Hey,thatsreallyniceofyou,hesaid.His voicesoundedfakeyandforcedinhisears.All ofasudden,hewasnttiredatall,insteadhis heartwashammeringinhischestandhisblood sanginhisears.

Therewashardlyanytalkonthewaybacktothe hotel,justtheawarenessofherstepsandhisin Thisonesyourshow,Luke,shesaid.Imjust timewithoneanotheroverthecoldlatewinter afundraiser. streets.Notrafficatthathour,andhardlya Anyonehungry?Hildasaid.Iwanttogoeat soundfromanyofthewindowstheypassed.The somethingthatdoesnthaveunidentifiedorgan townwastheirs. meatmixedin. Atthedoortohishotelanotherstackofthe Goonwithoutme,Erniesaid.Igotmoneyon ubiquitouscapsules,thesegearedtovisiting parentstheystopped.Theywerelookingatone thisgame. anotherlikeacoupleofgooglyeyedkidsatthe Homework,Lukesaid. endofadateinasitcom. Perryhadjusteaten,andhadplannedon Um,whatsyourmajor?hesaid. spendingthisnightinhisroomcatchingupon email.Yeah,Imstarving,hesaid.Hefeltlike Puremath,shesaid. ahighschoolkid,butinagoodway. IthinkIknowwhatthatis,hesaid.Itwas TheywentoutforUkrainianfood,whichPerry freezingoutonthestreet.Theory,right? hadneverhadbefore,butthecrepesandthe Puremathasopposedtoappliedmath,she bloodsausageweretastyenough.Mostly, said.Doyoureallycareaboutthis? though,hewaspayingattentiontoHilda,who Um,hesaid.Well,yes.Butnotverymuch. wasrunningdownherwarstoriesfromthe MultipleOrigamifundraiser.Therewerefunny Illcomeintoyourhotelroom,butwerenot ones,sadones,scaryones,triumphantones. havingsex,OK? Everyoneofherstoriesremindedhimofoneof hisown.Shewasanorganizerandsowasheand theydbeenthroughpracticallythesameshit. Theydrankgallonsofcoffeeafterward,getting chuckedoutwhentherestaurantclosedand migratingtoacafeonthemaindragwherethey hadlowtablesandsofas,andtheyneverstopped talking. OK,hesaid. Therewasroomenoughforthetwoofthemin thecapsule,butonlyjust.Thesewereprefabbed inbulkandtheycameindifferentsizesinthe Midwesttheywerelarge,theonesstackedupin SanFranciscoparkingspotsweresmall.Still,he andHildawerealmostineachotherslaps,and hecouldsmellher,feelwispsofherhairtickling Youknow,Hildasaid,stretchingandyawning, hisear. itscominguponfourAM. Yourereallynice,hesaid.Lateatnight,his Noway,hesaid,buthiswatchconfirmedit. Christ.Hetriedtothinkofacasualwayof askinghertosleepwithhim.Foralltheir talking,theydhardlytouchedonromanceor maybetheredbeenromanceineveryword. Illwalkyoutoyourhotel,shesaid. abilitytobeflippantevaporated.Hewasleft withsimpletruths,simplydeclared.Ilikeyoua lot. WellthenyoullhavetocomebacktoMadison andcheckinontheride,wontyou? Um,hesaid.Hehadaplanningmeetingwith

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/107 Lukeandtherestofhisgangthenextday,then hewassupposedtobeheadedforOmaha,where Tjanhadsetupanothercrewforhimtospeakto. Atthisrate,hewouldgetbacktoFloridasome timeinJune. Perry,yourenotacareeractivist,areyou? beforehedied.Heknewmyname.Ispentten yearsontheroadwiththem,backandforth.The Bushyears,acoupleyearsafterward.Youcan livethiswayandyoucanbehappy,butyouve gottohaverightmind.

Whatitmeansisyouvegottobeabletosay thingstopeopleyoumeet,like,Yourereally Nope,hesaid.Ihadntreallyimaginedthat nice,andmeanit,reallymeanit.Butyouve therewassuchathing. alsogottobecoolwiththefactthatreallynice Myparents.Bothofthem.Hereswhatbeinga peoplewillfalloutofyourlifeeveryweek,twice careeractivistmeans:youareontheroadmost aweek,andfallbackintoitornot.Ithinkyoure ofthetime.Whenyougetontheroad,youmeet verynice,too,butwerenotgonnabeacouple, people,haveintenseexperienceswiththem ever.Evenifweslepttogethertonight,youdbe likegoingtowarortouringwithaband.Youfall gonetomorrownight.Whatyouneedtoask inloveathousandtimes.Andthenyouleaveall yourselfiswhetheryouwanttohavefriendsin thosepeoplebehind.Yougetoffaplane,turn everycitywhoaregladtoseeyouwhenyouget somestrangersintobestfriends,getonaplane offtheplane,orexgirlfriendsineverycitywho andforgetthemuntilyoucomebackintotown, mightshowupwiththeirnewboyfriends,ornot andthenyoutakeitallbackupagain. atall. Ifyouwanttosurvivethis,youvegottolove Areyoutellingmethistoexplainwhywere that.Youvegottogetoffaplane,meetpeople, notgoingtosleeptogether?Ijustfiguredyou fallinlovewiththem,treasureeverymoment, weredatingthatguy,Ernie. andknowthatmomentsareallyouhave.Then Erniesmybrother,shesaid.Andyeah,thats yougetonaplaneagainandyoulovethem kindofwhyImtellingyouthis.Ivenevergone forever.Otherwise,everynewmeetingissour becauseyouknowhowsoonitwillend.Itslike onwhatyoumightcalladate.Withmyfriends, ittendstobemorelike,youworktogether,you startingtosayyoursummercampgoodbyes hangouttogether,youcatchyourselflooking beforeyouveevenunpackedyourduffelbag. Youvegottoembraceoratleastforgetthat intooneanotherseyesacoupletimes,thenyou doalittlecirclingaroundandthenyouendupin everygigwillendinadayortwo. yourbedortheirbedhavinghard,energeticsex Perrytookamomenttounderstandthis, andthenyousortoutsomedetailsandthenit swallowedacoupletimes,thennodded.Lotsof lastsaslongasitlasts.Wevedoneacompressed peoplehadcomeinandoutofhisfactoryand versionofthattonight,andwereuptothesex, hisrideovertheyears.Lestercameandwent. andsoIthoughtweshouldlaysomethingson Suzannewasgone.Tjanwasgonebutwasback thetable,youshouldforgivetheexpression. again.Kettlebellywasnolongerinhislifeatall, aghostofamemorywithagreatsmileandgood Perrythoughtbacktohisdoubledatewith cologne.Alreadyhewasforgettingthefacesin Lester.Thegirlhadbeenprettyandintelligent Boston,thefacesinSanFrancisco.Hildawould andwouldhavetakenhimhomeifhedmade theleasteffort.Hehadnt,though.Thisgirlwas beamemoryinamonth. inappropriateinsomanyways:young,rootedto Hildapattedhishand.Ihavefriendsin acitythousandsofmilesfromhomewhyhad practicallyeverycityinAmerica.Myfolks hebroughtherbacktothehotel? campaignedforstemcellsupanddownevery Athoughtstruckhim.WhydoyouthinkIm redstateinthecountry.Ievenmetsuperman goingtobegettingonandoffplanesfortherest

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/108 ofmylife?Ivegotahometogetto. Youhaventbeenreadingthemessageboards, haveyou? Whichmessageboards? Forridebuilders.Thereareprojectsstartingup everywhere.Peoplelikewhattheyveheardand whattheyveseen,andtheyrememberyoufrom theolddaysandwanttogetinonthemagic youregoingtobring.Alotofusknoweach otheranyway,fromotherjointprojects. Everyonespassingthehattoraiseyourairfare andarguingaboutwhossofayouregoingto stayon. Hedknownthattheywerethere.Therewere alwaysmessageboards.Buttheywerejusttalk heneverbotheredtoreadthem.Thatwas Lestersjob.Hewantedtomakestuff,not chatter.Jesus,whenthehellwassomeone goingtotellme? Youreprobablyright.Heyawnedashespoke. Hell,Iknowyoureright.Yourearealsmarty. AndImtootiredtogohome,shesaid,so Imasmartywhosstayingwithyou. Hewassuddenlywideawake,hisheart thumping.Um,OK,hesaid,tryingtosound casual. Heturnedbackthesheets,then,standingfacing intothecrampedcorner,tookoffhisjeansand shoesandsocks,climbinginbetweenthesheets inhisunderwearandtee.Therewereundressing noisesexquisiteonesandthensheslithered inbehindhim,snuggledupagainsthim.Witha jolt,herealizedthatherbarebreastswere pressedtohisback.Herarmcamearoundhim andrestedonhisstomach,whichjumpedlikea springuncoiling.Hefeltcertainhiserectionwas emittingafaintcherryredglow.Herbreathwas onhisneck.

YourguyinBoston,wevebeentalkingtohim. Hethoughtaboutcasuallyrollingontohisback sothathecouldkissher,butrememberedher Hesaidnottobugyou,thatyouwerebusy admonitionthattheywouldnotbehavingsex. enoughasitis. Herfingertipstracedsmallcirclesonhis Hedid,didhe?Intheolddays,Tjanhadbeenin stomach.Eachtimetheygrazedhisnavel,his chargeofplanningandhedbeeninchargeof stomachdidaflip. theideas:inchargeofwhattoplan.Hadthey Hewastotallyawakenow,andwhenherlips comefullcirclewithouthimnoticing?Ifthey verysoftlysosoftlyhebarelyfeltitbrushed had,wasthatsobad? againstthebaseofhisskull,heletoutasoft Man,Iwasreallylookingforwardtospendinga moan.Herlipsreturned,andthenherteeth, couplenightsinmyownbed. worryingatthetendonsatthebackofhisneck withincreasingroughness,anexquisitepain Isitmuchmorecomfortablethanthisone? Shethumpedthenarrowcoffinbed,whichwas pleasurethatwaselectric.Hewaspanting,her surprisinglycomfortable,adjustable,heated,and handwasflatonhisstomachnow,grippinghim. Hiserectionstrainedtowardit. massaging. Hesnorted.OK,Isleeponafutononthefloor Herhipsgroundagainsthimandshemovedher mouthtowardhisear,nippingatit,thetipofher backhome,butitstheprincipleofthething.I tonguetouchingthewhorlsthere.Herhandwas justmisshome,Iguess. onthemovenow,slidingoverhisribs,her Sogohomeforacoupledaysafterthisstop,or fingertipsathisnipple,softlyandthenharder, thenextone.Chargeupyourbatteriesanddo givingitanabrupthardpinchthathadsome yourlaundry.ButIhaveafeelingthathomeis fingernailinit,likeabitefromlittleteeth.He goingtobeyoursuitcaseprettysoon,Perrymy yelpedandshegiggledinhisear,sendingshivers dear.Hervoicewasthickwithsleep,hereyes uphisspine. heavyliddedandbleary.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/109 Hereachedbackbehindhimawkwardlyandput hishandonherass,discoveringthatshewas barethere,too.Itwaswideandhard,foam rubberoversteel,andhekneadedit,digginghis fingersin.Shegroanedinhisearandtuggedhim ontohisback. withshortstrokes.Herthighswereclampedover hisears,buthecouldstillmakeouthercries, timedwiththeshudderingofherthighs,the spasmodicgriponhiscock.

Abruptlysherolledoffofhimandtheworld cameback.Theyhadntkissedyet.Theyhadnt Assoonashisshouldershitthenarrowbed,she saidaword.Shelaybesidehim,halfontopof wasonhim,herelbowsonhisbiceps,pinning him,shudderingandmakingkittenishsounds. himdown,herbreastsinhisface,fragrantand Hekissedhersoftly,thenmoreforcefully.She soft.Herhot,barecrotchgroundagainsthis bitathislipsandhistongue,suckingitintoher underwear.Hebitathertits,hardlittlebitesthat mouthandchewingatitwhileherfingernails madehergasp.Hefoundastiffnippleand rakedhisback. suckeditintohismouth,beatingatitwithhis Herbreathingbecamemoreregularandshe tongue.Shepressedhercrotchharderagainst tuggedatthewaistbandofhisboxers.Hegotthe his,hissedsomethingthatmighthavebeen messageandyankedthemoff,hiscockspringing yesssss. freeandrockingslightly,twitchingintimewith Shestraightenedupsothatshewasstraddling himandlookingimperiouslydownonhim.Her braidsswungbeforeher.Hereyeswereexultant. Herfacewassetinanexpressionoffierce concentrationassherockedonhim. hispulse.Shesmiledacatatethecanarygrin andwenttoworkkissinghisneck,hischest hardbitesonhisnipplesthatmadehimyelpand archhisbackhisstomach,hiships,hispubes, histhighs.Theteasingwasexcruciatingand Hedughisfingersintoherassagain,alltheway exquisite.Herjuicesdriedonhisface,thesmell caughtinhisnose,refreshinghiseroswithevery around,sothattheybrushedagainstherlabia, breath. herasshole.Hepulledather,draggingherup herbody,tugginghervaginatowardhismouth. Hertonguelappedeagerlyathisballslikeacat Onceshesawwhathewasafter,sheknee withasaucerofmilk.Long,slowstrokes,over walkedupthebedinthreeorfourquicksteps hissack,overtheskinbetweenhisballsandhis andthenshewasonhisface.Hersmellandher thighs,overhisperineum,ticklinghisassashed tasteandhertextureandtemperaturefilledhis tickledhers.Shepulledbackandspatoutapube senses,blottingouttheroom,blottingout andlaughedanddovebackin,suckingsoftlyat introspection,blottingouteverythingexceptfor hissack,then,inoneswiftmotion,takinghis thesweeturgency. cocktothehilt. Hesuckedatherlabiabeforeslippinghistongue upherlength,lettingittickleherass,her opening,herclit.Inresponse,shegroundagainst him,plantingheropeningoverhismouthandhe tonguefuckedherinhard,faststrokes.She reachedbackandtookholdofhiscock,slipping hersmall,stronghandunderthewaistbandofhis boxersandcurlingitaroundhisrigidshaft, pumpingvigorously. Heshoutedandthenmoanedandherhead bobbedfuriouslyalongthelengthofhisshaft, herhandsqueezinghisballs.Ittookonly momentsbeforehedughishandshardintothe mattressandgroanedthroughclenchedteethand firedspasmafterspasmdownherthroat,her noseinhispubes,hiscockdownherthroatto thebase.Sherefusedtolethimgo,swirlingher tongueovertheheadwhilehewasstillsuper sensitive,makinghimgruntandtwitchandbuck Hemoanedintoherpussyandthatsether shuddering.Nowhehadherclitsuckedintohis involuntarily,allthewhileherhandcaressinghis mouthandhewaslappingatitsengorgedlength balls,rubbingathisprostateoverthespot

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/110 betweenhisballsandhisass. Finallysheworkedherwaybackuphisbody lickingherlipsandkissingasshewent. Hello,shesaidassheburiedherfaceinhis throat. Wow,hesaid. Soifyouregoingtobeabletoliveinthe momentandhavenoregrets,thisisaprettygood placetostart.Itdbeahellofashockifwesaw eachothertwiceinthenextyeararewegoing tobeabletobefriendswhenwedo?Willthe factthatIfuckedyourbrainsoutmakethings awkward? Thatswhyyoujumpedme? No,notreally.Iwashornyandyourehot.But thatsagoodpostfactoreason. Isee.Youknow,youhaventactuallyfucked mybrainsout,hesaid. mauledhertitsandfeltthepressurebuildinhis balls.Hepulledhertohim,thrustwildly,andshe hisseddirtyencouragementinhisear,begging himtofillher,orderinghimtopoundherharder. Thestimulationinhisbrainandbetweenhislegs wastoomuchtobearandhecame,liftingthem bothoffthebedwithhisspasms. Wow,hesaid. Yum,shesaid. Jesus,its8AM,hesaid.Ivegottomeet withLukeinthreehours. Soletstakeashowernow,andsetanalarmfor halfanhourbeforehesdue,shesaid.Got anythingtoeat. ThatswhatIlikeaboutyouHilda,hesaid. Businesslike.Vigorous.Livinglifetothehilt. Herdimpleswereprettyandluminousinthe hintsoflightemergingfromundertheblinds. Feedme,shesaid,andnippedathisearlobe.

Yet,shesaid.Sheretrievedherbackpackfrom besidethebed,dugarounditin,andproduceda Intheshoeboxsizedfridge,hehadacowshaped brickofWisconsincheddarthathedbeengiven stripofcondoms.Yet. whenhesteppedofftheplane.Theybroke Helickedhislipsinanticipation,andamoment chunksoffitandateitinbed,thenstartedinon latershewasunrollingthecondomdownhis thebagofsoycrispieshishostsinSanFrancisco shaftwithhertalentedmouth.Helaughedand hadgivenhim.Theyshoweredslowlytogether, thentookherbythewaistandflippedheronto scrubbingoneanothersbacks,setanalarm,and herback.Shegrabbedheranklesandpulledher sackedoutforjustafewhoursbeforethealarm legswideandhedovebetweenher,draggingthe rousedthem. stillsensitivetipofhiscockupanddownthe lengthofhervulvaacoupletimesbeforesawing Theydressedlikestrangers,notembarrassed, justtoogroggytotakemuchnoticeofone itinandoutofheropening,sinkingtothehilt. another.Perrysmusclesachedpleasantly,and Hewantedtofuckhergentlybutshegroaned therewasanotherache,dullandfaint,evenmore urgentdemandsinhiseartopoundherharder, pleasant,inhisballs. makingsatisfiedsoundseachtimehisballs Oncetheywerefullyclothed,shegrabbedhim clappedagainstherass. andgavehimalonghug,andawarmkissthat Shepushedhimoffherandturnedover,raising startedonhisthroatandmovedtohismouth, herassintheair,pullingherlabiaapartand withjustahintoftongueattheend. lookingoverhershoulderathim.Theyfucked doggystylethen,untilhislegstrembledandhis Youreagoodman,PerryGibbons,shesaid. Thanksforalovelynight.RememberwhatI kneesached,andthensheclimbedonhimand toldyou,though:noregrets,nolookingback.Be rockedbackandforth,grindingherclitagainst happyaboutthisdontmope,dontmissme. hispubis,pushinghimsodeepinsideher.He Goontoyournextcityandmakenewfriends

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/111 andhavenewconversations,andwhenwesee eachotheragain,bemyfriendwithoutany awkwardness.Allright? Hildaandthemuskysmellthetwoofthemhad leftbehindaftertheirrollinthehay.

Ithadbeenyearssincehedhadaregular Igetit,hesaid.Hefeltslightlyirritated.Only girlfriendandhednevermissedit.Therehad onething.Wewerentgoingtosleeptogether. beenwomen,highlibidofatkinsgirlsand randomstrangers,somewhocamebackfora Youregretit? dateortwo.Butnoonewhodmeantanythingor Ofcoursenot,hesaid.Butitsgoingtomake whomhedwantedtomeananything.The thisinjunctionofyourshardtounderstand.Im closesthedcomehadbeenhesatupwitha notgoodatanonymousonenightstands. startandrealizedthatthelastwomanhedhad Sheraisedoneeyebrowathim.EarthtoPerry: anystrongfeelingsforhadbeenSuzanne thiswasntanonymous,anditwasntaonenight Church. stand.Itwasanintimate,lovingrelationshipthat happenedtobecompressedintoasingleday. KettlewellemergedfromNewWorkrich.Hed Loving? takenhomelargebonuseseveryyearthat Sure.IfIdbeenwithyouforamonthortwo,I Kodacellhadexperiencedgrowthabetter metricthanturninganactualahemprofitand wouldhavefalleninlove.Yourejustmytype. SoIthinkofyouassomeoneIlove.Thatswhy hedinvestedinadiverseportfoliothathad Iwanttomakesureyouunderstandwhatthisall everythingfromsoybeanstosoftwareinit,along withrealestate(oops)andfineart.Hebelieved means. intheNewWork,believedinitwitheveryfiber Youreaveryinterestingperson,hesaid. ofhisbeing,butanundiverseportfoliowasflat Imsmart,shesaid,andcuddledhimagain. outirresponsible. Youresmart.Sobesmartaboutthisanditllbe TheNewWorkcrashhadkilledthenetworthof foreversweet. alotofirresponsiblepeople. Shelefthimoffatthespotwherehewas LivingintheCaymansgotboringafterayear. supposedtomeetLukeandtherestofhis Thekidshatedtheinternationalschool,scuba planningteamtogooverschematicsandtheory divingamazedhimbygoingfromendlessly, andpractice.Allofthesediscussionscould meditativelyfascinatingtodeadlydullinless happenonlinetheydid,infactbuttherewas thanayear.Hedidntwanttosail.Hedidnt somethingaboutthefacetofaceconnection. wanttogetdrunk.Hedidntwanttojointhe Themeetingransixhoursbeforehewasfinally creepyzillionairesontheirsextoursofthe savedbyhisimpendingflighttoNebraska. Caribbeanandwouldnthaveevenifhiswife Sleepdepcamedownonhimlikeahammeras wouldhavestoodforit. hecheckedinforhisflightandbegantheritual AyearaftertheNewWorkcrash,hefileda1040 securityclearingbuckandwing.Hemisseda withtheIRSandpaidthemfortymilliondollars cueortwoandendedupgettingadetailedhand inbacktaxesandpenalties,andrepatriatedhis searchbuteventhatdidntwakehimup.Hefell wealthtoanAmericanbank. asleepinthewaitingroomandintheplane,in Nowhelivedinarenovatedhousingprojecton thetaxitohishotel. PotreroHillinSanFrancisco,allupscalenow Butwhenhedroppeddownontohishotelbed, withrestored,kitschywindowbarsandvintage hecouldntsleep.Thehotelwasthespitting linoleumandstuccoceilings.Hehadfourunits imageoftheonehedleftinWisconsin,minus overtwofloors,withcleverlyknockedthrough

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/112 wallsandaspiralstaircase.Thekidsfreaking lovedthestaircase. aforestofsmilelinesatthecornersofher mouthandeyes.Shehadasad,wiseturntoher SuzanneChurchcalledhimfromSFOtolethim facethathedneverseentherebefore,likea knowthatshewasonherwayin,havingcleared paintedPieta.Herhandshadgonealittle wrinkly,herknucklesmoreprominent,buther securityandcustomsafterascanthour.He foundhimselfunaccountablynervousabouther fingernailswerebeautifullymanicuredandher now,andrealizedwithalittlegigglethathehad clotheswerestylish,foreign,exoticand somethinglikeacrushonher.Nothingserious European. nothinghiswifeneededtoworryaboutbutshe Shelaughedhuskilyandsaid,Youhavent wassmartandfunnyandattractiveandincisive changedabit. andfearless,anditwasahellofacombination. Ouch,hesaid.Imolderandwiser,Illhave Thekidswereawayatschoolandhiswifewas havingacoupleofdayscampingwiththegirlsin Yosemite,whichfactslentalittlechargeto Suzannesimpendingvisit.Helookedupthe AirBARTscheduleandcalculatedhowlonghe haduntilshearrivedatthe24thStreetstation,a brisk20minutewalkfromhisplace. Minutes,justminutes.Hecheckedtheguest roomandthendidaquickmirrorcheck.His monthsintheCaymanshadgivenhimadeeptan thathedkeptupdespiteSanFranciscosgrey skies.Hestilllookedlikeasurfer,albeitwith justalittledaddypaunchhedgainedmore weightthroughhiswifespregnanciesthanshe hadandonlyhard,aneurysminducingcycling overandaroundPotreroHillhadknockeditoff again.Hisjeansneatrowsofpocketsand Mobiusseamswerealittleoutdated,butthey lookedgoodonhim,asdidhisHawaiianprint shirtwithitsmachinescrewmotif. youknow. Itdoesntshow,shesaid.Imolder,butno wiser. Hetookherhandandlookedatthesimple platinumbandonherfinger.Butyoure marriednownothingwisesyouupfasterinmy experience. Shelookedatherhand.Oh,that.No.Thats justtokeepthewolvesatbay.Marriedwomen arentthesamekindsoftargetsthatsingleones are.Givemewater,andthenabeer,please. Gladtohavesomethingtodo,hebusiedhimself inthekitchenwhilesheprowledtheplace.I rememberwhentheseplaceswerebombedout, realghettos. Whatdidyoumeanaboutbeingatarget?

StPetes,youknow.Lawlessstate.Everyones onthemake.Ihadabodyguardmostofthetime, butifIwantedtogotoarestaurant,Ididntwant Finallyheploppeddowntoreadabookand waitedforSuzanne,andmanagedtogetthrough tohavetofendoffthedatingservicemafiyeh whowantedtooffermethedealofalifetimeon awholepageintheinterveningtenminutes. agreencardmarriage. Kettlebelly!sheholleredasshecamethrough thedoor.Shetookhiminahugthatsmelledof Jeez. staleairplaneandrestlesssleepandgavehima Itsanotherworld,Landon.Youknowwhatthe thoroughsqueezing. bigpanicthereisthisweek?Acultofecstatic Sheheldhimatarmslengthandtheysizedeach evangelicalChristianswhohypnotizewomen intheshoppingmallsandstealtheirbabiesto otherup.Shedbeenawellpreservedmid raiseassoldierstotheLord.Godknowshow fortieswhenhedseenherlast,buttoneddown muchofitistrue.Theseguysdontbathe,and inaCaliforniayogaaddictway.Nowshewas yearsolder,andhertimeinRussiahadgivenher dressinheavycoatswithbigbeardsallyear round.Imean,freaky,reallyfreaky.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/113 Theyhypnotizewomen? Youcarryhim?Youmustbesomekindof Weird,yeah?Andthedriving!Anyoneoverthe superman.Shegavehisbicepasqueeze,then ageoffiftywhoknowshowtodrivegotthereby histhigh,thenslappedhisbutt.Afine beinganapparatintheSovietdays,whichmeans specimen.Yourwifesaluckywoman. thattheylearnedtodrivewhentheroadswere Hegrinned.Havinghiswifeintheconversation empty.Theydontsignal,theystraddlelanes, madehimfeellessatrisk.Thatsright,Im theycantparkImean,theyreallycantpark. marriedandwebothknowit.Thisisjustfun Anddrunk!Everyone,allthetime!Youvenever flirting.Nothingmore. seenthelike.Imagineafratpartythenextday, Theybitintotheirpupusasstuffedcornmeal withalotofinnocentbystanders,hookers, dumplingsfilledwithgrilledporkandtopped muggersandpickpockets. withshreddedcabbageandhotsauceand Landonlookedather.Shewasanimatedand vivid,thinagehadbroughtouthercheekbones andhereyes.Hadshehadachintuck?Itwas commonenoughallthemedicaltouristsloved Russia.Maybeshewasjustwellpreserved. Shemadeashowofsniffingherself.Phew!I needashower!CanIborrowyourfacilities? Sure,hesaid.Iputcleantowelsoutinthe kidsbathroomupstairsandsecondonthe right. Shecamedownwithherfinehairslickedback overherears,herfacescrubbedandshining. Imanewwoman,shesaid.Letsgo somewhereandeatsomething,OK? gruntedandateandorderedmore. Whatarethesecalledagain? Pupusas,fromElSalvador. Humph.Inmyday,weateMexicanburritosthe sizeofafootball,andweweregrateful. Nooneeatsburritosanymore,hesaid,then coveredhismouth,awareofhowpretentiousthat sounded. Dahling,shesaid,burritosareso2005.You musttryapupusaitswhatallthemost charmingCentralAmericanpeasantsareeating now.

Theybothlaughedandstuffedtheirfacesmore. HetookherforpupusasataSalvadoranplaceon Well,itwaseitherhereoroneofthefatkins placeswiththetripledeckerstuffedpizzas,andI GoatHill.Theysloggedupanddownthehills figured andvalleys,takingthestepscutintothesteep sides,walkingpastthePaintedLadiesgrand, Theyreallydothat? gaudyVictorianwoodframesandthewobbly, heavycanvasbubblehousesthathadsprungup Thefatkins?Yeahanythingtogetthat wherethebigquakeandlandslideshadwashed magical10,000caloriesanyday.Itmustbethe sameinRussia,right?Imean,theyinventedit. awaypartsofthehills. Maybeforfifteenminutes.Butmostofthem Idforgottenthattheyhadhillslikethat,she said,greedilyguzzlinganhorchata.Herfacewas dontbothertheygetalittlemetabolictweak, notawideopenthrottlelikethat.Christ,whatit streakedwithsweatandflusheditmadeher mustdotoyourdigestivesystemtoprocess lookprettier,younger. 10,000caloriesaday! MysonandIwalkthemeveryday. Chacunasongout,hesaid,essayingaGallic Youdragalittlekidupanddownthatevery shrug. day?Christ,thatschildabuse! Shelaughedagainandtheyatesomemore.Im Well,hepoopsoutafteracoupleofpeaksandI startingtofeelhumanatlast. endupcarryinghim.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/114 Metoo. thebarksandhappyshoutsaroundthem.Their Itsstillmidafternoon,butmycircadianthinks handstwinedtogether(butthatwasfriendlytoo, its2AM.Ineedtodosomethingtostayawake Arabmenheldhandswalkingdownthestreetas awayofshowingfriendship). orIllbeupatfourtomorrowmorning. Nowtheirtalkhadbankeddowntocoals, Ihavesomemodafinil,hesaid. throwingoffanoccasionalsparkwhenoneor Sworeemoff.Letsgoforawalk. theotherwouldremembersomefunnyanecdote andgruntoutawordortwothatwouldsetthem Theydidalittlemorehillclimbingandthen bothtogingerlychuckling.Buttheirhandswere headedintotheMissionandwindowshopped tiedandtheirbreathingwasinsync,andtheir theNorthAfricantchotchkeemporiathatwere flanksweretouchinganditwasntjustfriendly. crowdingouttheMexicanrodeoshopsand hairdressers.Theskindrumsandrattleswere Abruptly,sheshookherhandfreeandrolledon laseretchedwithintricatedesignsCocaCola herside.Listen,marriedman,Ithinkthats logos,theUNAccesstoEssentialMedicines enoughofthat. Charter,Disneycharacters.Itputthembothin Hefelthisfacegored.Hisearsrang.Suzanne mindoftheolddaysoftheNewWork,andthe subjectcameupagain,hesitantatfirstandthena whatHewassputtering. fullborereminisce. Noharmnofoul,butletskeepitfriendly,all SuzannetoldhimstoriesofthethingsthatPerry right. andLesterhaddonethatshedneverdared reporton,thewaystheydskirtedthelawandhis orders.Hetoldherafewstoriesofhisown,and theyrockedwithlaughterinthestreet, staggeringlikedrunks,poundingeachotheron thebacks,grippingtheirkneesandstomachsand doublingovertothecuriousglancesofthe passersby. Itwasfine,thatday,Landonthought.Somekind ofgreatsorrowthathedforgottenhedcarried liftedfromhimandhischestandshoulders expandedandhebreathedeasy.Whatwasthe sorrow?ThedeathoftheNewWork.Thedeath ofthedotcoms.Thedeathofeverythinghed consideredimportantandworthy,itsfadinginto tawdry,cheapnostalgia.

Thespellwasbroken,andthesorrowcameback. Helookedfortherightthingtosay.GodImiss it,hesaid.Oh,Suzanne,God,Imissitso much,everyday. Herfacefell,too.Yeah.Shelookedaway.I reallythoughtwewerechangingtheworld. Wewere,hesaid.Wedid. Yeah,shesaidagain.Butitdidntmatterin theend,didit?Nowwereolderandourworkis forgottenanditsallcometonothing.Petersburg isnice,butwhogivesashit?IsthatwhatIm goingtodowiththerestofmylife,hangaround Petersburgbloggingaboutthemafiyehand medicaltourism?Justshootmenow.

Imissthepeople.Idmeettenamazingcreative geniuseseverydayatleast!ThenIdgivethem TheyweresittinginthegrassinDoloresPark moneyandtheydmakeamazingstuffhappen now,watchingthedogsandtheirpeopleromp withit.TheclosestIcometothatnowismy amongtherobotpooperscoopers.Hehadhis armaroundhershoulders,likewarbuddiesona kids,watchingthemlearnandbuildstuff,which isreallygreat,dontgetmewrong,butits bender(hetoldhimself)andnotlikeamiddle agedmanflirtingwithawomanhehadntseen nothingliketheolddays. inyears. ImissLester.AndPerry.Tjan.Thewholegang ofthem,really.Sheproppedherselfuponone Andthentheywerelyingdown,theacheof elbowandthenshockedhimbykissinghimhard laughterintheirbellies,thesunontheirfaces,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/115 onthecheek.Thanks,Kettlebelly.Thankyouso Perrynoticedthathewasholdinghisphone,a muchforputtingmeinthemiddleofallthat. suresignthathedgottenhernumber. Youchangedmylife,thatsforsure. Ten,Perrysaid,grinningthroughthesnotty Hefelttheimprintofherlipsglowingonhis rheumofhiscold.Tenrides. cheekandgrinned.OK,heresanidea:letsgo Tenrides?Lestersaid. buyacouplebottlesofwine,sitonmypatio,get aglowon,andthencallPerryandseewhathes Ten.SanFrancisco,Austin,Minneapolis, Omaha,OklahomaCity,Madison,Bellingham, upto. ChapelHillandHefaltered.AndShit.I Oh,thatsagoodone,shesaid.Thatsavery forget.Itsallwrittendown. goodone. Lestertookhisbagfromhimandsetitdown, Afewhourslater,theysatonthehorsehairclub thencrushedhiminanenormous,muscularhug sofainKettlewellslivingroomandhitanumber thatwhiffedslightlyoftheketosisfumesthatall hednevertakenoutofhisspeeddial.Hi,this thefatkinsexuded. isPerry.Leaveamessage. Youdidgood,cowboy,hesaid.Letsmosey Perry!theychorused.Theylookedateach backtotheranch,feedyouandputyoutobed, other,atalossforwhattosaynext,then sawright? dissolvedinpealsoflaughter. CanIsleepin? Perry,itsSuzanneandKettlebelly.Whatthe Ofcourse. hellareyouupto?Callus! Theylookedatthephonewithrenewedhilarity andlaughedsomemore.Butbythetimethesun wassettingoverPotreroHillandSuzannesjet lagwasbeatingherupagain,theydboth descendedintotheirownpersonalfunks. Suzannewentuptotheguestroomandput herselftobed,notbotheringtobrushherteethor evenchangeintohernightie. PerrytoucheddowninMiamiinanearcoma, hiseyesgummedshutbyseveraldaysworthof hangoverschasedbydrink.Sleepdeprivation madehimuncoordinated,sohetrippedtwice deplaning,andhisvoicewasabarelyaudible rasp,histhroatsorewithacoldhedpickedup inTexasormaybeitwasOklahoma. UntilApril? LesterlaughedandslippedoneofPerrysarms overhisshouldersandpickeduphissuitcaseand walkedthembackthroughtheparkinglottohis latesthotrod. Perrybreathedinthehot,wetairastheywent, feelingitopenhischestandnasalpassages.His eyeswereathalfmast,butthesightofthesickly roadsidepalms,thewanderingvendorsonthe trafficislandswiththeirnetbagsfullofipods andvpodshewashome,andhisbodyknewit.

Lestercookedhimahugeplateofscrambled eggswithcornedbeef,pastrami,salamiand cheese,withamountainofsauerkrautontop. Thereyougo,fattenyouup.Youreallskinny andhaggard,buddy.Lesterwasanexpertat Lesterwaswaitingbeyondtheluggagecarousels, throwingtogetherhighcaloriemealsonshort order. grinninglikeaholyfool,tallandbroad shoulderedandtanned,dressedinfatkins Perrystuffedawayasmuchashecould,then pimpedoutfinery,alltightstretchfabricsand collapsedonhisoldbedwithhisoldsheetsand glitter. hisoldpillows,andinsecondshewassleeping Ohman,youlooklikeshit,hesaid,breaking thebestsleephedhadinmonths. offfromthefatkinsgirlhedbeenchattingup. Whenhewokethenextday,hiscoldhadturned

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/116 intoahorrible,wet,crustythingthatpractically hadhisfacegluedtohispillow.Lestercamein, tookagoodlookathim,andcamebackwitha quartoffreshorangejuice,apotoftea,anda stackofdrytoast,alongwithapackofcoldpills. oldmanwhoddiedbeforePerrywasborn hadbeenajazzpianistwhodplayedsessions witheveryonefromCabCallowaytoDuke Ellington.

Youready,P?hisfatherwouldask. Takeallofthisandthencomedowntotheride Perryalwaysnodded,watchinghisfathersit whenyoureready.Illholddownthefortfor downatthebenchandtryafewnotes. anothercoupledaysifthatswhatittakes. Thenhisfatherwouldplay,tinklingandthen Perryspentthedayinhisbathrobe,shuttling pounding,runningupanddownthekeyboardin betweenthelivingroomandthesunchairson animprovisedjazzrecitalthatcouldgofor thepatio,lettingtheheatbakesomeofthesnot hours,sometimesonlyendingoncePerrysmom outofhishead.Lesterskindnessandhiscold camehomefromworkattheframingshop. madehimnostalgicforhisyouth,whenhis NothinginPerryslifesincehadthepowerto fatherdotedonhisillnesses. capturehimthewayhisfathersmusicdid.His Perrysfatherwasalittleman.Perrynogiant fingersdanced,literallydancedonthekeys, himselfwastallerthantheoldmanbythetime walkingupanddownthemlikeapairofhigh heturned13.Hisfatherhadalwaysreminded kickinglegs,makinglittlecomedymovements. himofsomecleverfurryanimal,araccoonor Thelittlestubbyfingerswiththeirtuftsofhair badger.Hehadtinyhandsandhismovements ontheknuckles,likegoatslegs,nimbly weresmallandpreciseandcareful. prancingandturning. Theyweremostlycordialandfriendly,but Andthentherewasthemusic.Perrysometimes distant.HisfatherworkedasaCAD/CAM playedwiththepianoandhedfiguredoutthatif managerinamachineshop,thoughhedstarted youhiteveryotherkeywiththreefingers,you outhiscareerasaplainoldmachinist.Ofallthe gotachord.ButPerrysdadalmostnevermade machinistshedstartedwithattheshop,onlyhe chords:hemadeantichords,soundsthat hadweatheredthetransitiontothenew involvedthosemysteriousblackkeysandclashed computerizeddevices.Theothershadalllost inawaythatwaspreciselynotachord,that theirjobsortakenearlyretirementorjustquit, jangledandjarred. buthisfatherhadtakentoCAD/CAMwithtotal Theantichordsmadeupantitunes.Somewhere abandon,losinghimselfinthescreensand staggeringhomeblearyaftertenorfifteenhours inthemusictheredbeoneormoremelodies, oftenthestuffthatPerrylistenedtoinhisroom, infrontofthescreen. butsometimesoldjazzandbluesstandards. ButthatallchangedwhenPerrytookill.Perrys Themusicwouldsettleintolongrunsof fatherlovedtoplaynurse.Hedbookofffrom improvisationalnoisethatwasntquitenoise. workandstayhome,ferryingupgallonsoftea andbeefbroth,flatgingeraleanddrytoast,cold Thatwasthebeststuff,becausePerrycould tabletsandcoughsyrup.Hedopenthewindows nevertelliftherewasamelodyinthere. whenitwaswarmandthenrunaroundthehouse Sometimeshedbesurethathehadtheknowof it,couldtellwhatwascomingnext,asegueinto shuttingthematthefirstsignofacoolbreeze. HereComestheSunorLettheGoodTimes Bestofallwaswhathisfatherwoulddowhen RollorMerrilyWeRollAlong,butthenhis Perrygotrestless:heandPerrywouldgodown fatherwouldgettothatspotandhedmoveinto tothelivingroom,wheretheuprightpiano somethingelse,someotherlatentpatternthat stood.IthadbeenPerrysgrandfathers,andthe wasunmistakableinhindsight.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/117 Therewasajokehisdadliked,Timeflieslike anarrow,fruitflieslikeabanana.Thiswas funnyinjustthatway:youexpectedonething, yougotsomethingelse,andwhenyour expectationsfellapartlikethat,itwaspure hilarity.Youwantedtoclutchyoursidesandroll onthefloorsometimes,itwassofunny. grownapart.

Heshouldcalltheoldman,butinsteadhegot dressedandwentforajogaroundtheblock, tryingtogetthewetsickwheezeoutofhis whistlingbreath,stoppingacoupletimestoblow hisnose.Thesunwaslikeablowtorchonhis hair,whichhadgrownoutofhisnormal Hisdadusuallyclosedhiseyeswhileheplayed, ducklingfuzzintosomethingmuchshaggier.His squeezingthemshut,lettinghismouthhang headbaked,thecoldbakedwithit,andbythe openslightly.Sometimeshegruntedorscatted timehegothomeandchuggedaquartoforange alongwithhisplayingbutmoreoftenhegrunted juice,hewasfeelingfullyhumanagainand outsomethingthatwaskindoftheoppositeof readyforashower,streetclothesandaturnat whathewasplaying,justlikesometimesthe theoldticketwindowatwork. melodyandrhythmsheplayedonthepianowere Thequeuesnakedallthewaythroughthemarket sometimestheoppositeofthesonghewas andouttothestreet,wherethelinehadacasual, playing,somethingthatwasexactlyand partykindofatmosphere.Themarketkidswere perfectlyopposite,soyoucouldnthearit doingabriskbusinessinpopsicles,homemade withouthearingthethingitwastheoppositeof. colas,andcleverorigamistoolsandsunbeds Thegamewouldendwhenhisdadbeganto improviseonpartsofthepianobesidesthekeys, knockingonit,reachingintopluckitsstrings likeaharp,rattlingPerrysteacuponitssaucer justso. madefromrecycledcardboard.Someofthekids recognizedhimandwaved,thenreturnedtotheir hustle.

Hefollowedthequeuethroughthestalls.The vendorswerehappierthanthekids,ifthatwas Nothingmadehimfeelbetterfaster.Itwasa possible,sellingstuffasfastastheycouldsetit tonic,afineone,betterthanpillsandteaand out.Thequeuehadeveryconceivablekindof toast,daytimeTVandflatgingerale. personinit:oldandyoung,hipstersand AsPerrygotolder,heandtheoldmanhadtheir conservativerawbonedsoutherners,Latina momswiththeirbabies,stonefacedurban shareoffightsoverthenormalthings:girls, partying,school...ButeverytimePerrytookill, homeboys,crackers,andMiamiBeachqueersin pastelshorts.TherewereoldJewishcouplesand hewastransportedbacktohisboyhoodand thoseamazingpianorecitals,hisfathersstubby smartlyturnedoutEuropeantouristswiththeir funnytwotoneshagcutsandthefiltermasks fingersdoingtheircomichighkicksand thattheysmokedaround.Therewasanofooling pratfallsonthekeys,thegruntingantisongin Koreantourgroup,ofthesorthedseennowand thebackofhisthroat,thosecrazyfinaleswith againinDisneyWorld,ledbyasmartladyina teacupsandpianostrings. swelteringlittlesuit,holdinganumbrellaover Nowhestaredmoroselyattheemptyswimming herhead. poolsixstoriesbelowhisbalcony,filledwith blowinggarbage,leaves,andahugewaspsnest. Lester,whatthefuck?hesaid,grinningand Hisfathersmusicwasinhisears,distantlynow laughingasheclappedLesterontheshoulder, andfadingwithhiscold.Heshouldcalltheold takingayoungmallgothsfivebucksoutofa man,backhomeinWestchesterCounty,retired handwhosefingernailswerepaintedwith now.Theytalkedonlyrarelythesedays,threeor chippedblackpolish.Whatthehellisgoingon fourtimesayearonbirthdaysandanniversaries. here? Nofighthadstartedtheirsilence,onlybusylives Lesterlaughed.Iwassavingthisforasurprise,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/118 buddy.Recordcrowdsgrowingeveryday. Theresalineupinthemorningnomatterhow earlyIopenandnomatterwhattimeIclose,I turnpeopleaway. Howdtheyallfindoutaboutit? Lestershrugged.Wordofmouth,hesaid. Bestadvertisingyoucanhave.Shit,Perry,you justgotbackfromtencitieswheretheywantto clonethisthinghowdidtheyfindoutabout it? Perryshookhisheadandmarveledatthequeue somemore.TheKoreantourgroupwascoming uponthem,andPerrynudgedLesterasideand gotouthisticketroll,thefamiliarmovements lovelyafterallthattimeontheroad. Thetourguideputastackoftwentiesdownon thecounter.Igotfiftyofem,shesaid. Thatstwohundredandfiftybucks.Shehad anAmericanaccent,somewheresouthofthe MasonDixonline.Perryhadbeenexpectinga Koreanaccent,brokenEnglish. Perryriffledthebills.Illtakeyourwordfor it. andtattoos,contactsandactionfigures, kitchenwareandcigarettelighters. Onceshewasgone,Lestergavehisshoulder anothersqueeze.Ihiredtwomorekidstobring theridecarsbackaroundtotheentrance.When Perryhadleft,thathadbeenaoncedailychore, somethingyoudidbeforeshuttingdownforthe night. Holycrap,Perrysaid,watchingthetourgroup edgetowardtheentrance,slipinsideinonesand twos. Itsamazing,isntit?Lestersaid.Andwait tillyouseetheride! Perrydidntgetachancetorideuntilmuchlater thatday,oncethesunhadsetandthelast marketstallhadbeenshutandthelastriderhad beenchasedhome,whenheandLesterslugged backbottlesofflatdistilledwaterfromtheir humiditystillandsatontheticketcountertoget theweightofftheirtiredfeet. Nowweride,Lestersaid.Youregoingto lovethis.

Thefirstthinghenoticedwasthattheridehad Shewinkedathim.Theygotofftheplaneand becomealotlessopen.Whenhedleft,thered theywerealllike,ScrewDisney,wehaveoneof beenthesensethatyouwereinagiantroom thoseinSeoul,whatsnew,whatsAmerican? allthatdeadWalMartwithlittleexhibits SoItookthemhere.Youguystotallyrock. spreadaroundit,likethetradefloorata monstercarshow.Butnowtheexhibitshadbeen Hecouldhavekissedher.Hishearttookwing. arrangedoutofoneanotherssightlines,and Inyougo,hesaid.Lesterwillgetyouthe someofthetallerpieceshadbeenupendedto extraridevehicles. formbaffles.Itwasmuchmorelikeacarny Theyreallintherealready,hesaid.Ivebeen hauntedhousetradeshowfloornow. runningthewholefleetfortwoweeksandIve Thecarcircledslowlyinthefirstroom,which gottenmoreonorder. hadaccumulatedalotofjunkthatwasntmad Perrywhistled.Youshouldasaid,hesaid,then inventionsfromtheheydayofNewWork.There turnedbacktothetourguide.Itmightbealittle wasachippeddollcradle,andasmallcollection bitofawait. ofgirlsdolls,apursespilledonthefloorwith photosofyounggirlsclowningatabirthday Ten,fifteenminutes,Lestersaid. party.Hereachedforthejoystickwithirritation Noproblem,shesaid.Theyllwaittill andslammedittowardminusonewhatthehell kingdomcome,providedtheresgoodshopping wasthiscrap? tobehad.Indeedthetourgroupwasatthe Nextwasaroomfullofboystanksandcarsand centerofapackofvendorkids,hawkingbusts tradingcards,someincarefulpackagesand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/119 frames,somelovinglyscuffedandbeatenup. Theywerefromalleras,andherecognizedsome ofhisbelovedtoysfromhisownboyhoodamong themix.Theitemswerearrangedinconcentric ringsoneoftherobotsdefaultpatternsfor displayingmaterialsaroundawrithingtower ofjuddering,shudderingdomesticrobotsthat hadpiledoneatoptheother.Thevogueforthese hadbeenmercifullybrief,butithadbeen intense,andforPerry,thejuxtapositionofthe carsandthecards,thetanksandtherobotsmade somethingcatchinhisthroat.Therewasa statementhereaboutthedrivetoautomate householdchoresandthesimplepleasureof rollinganimaginarytankovertheimaginary armiesofyourimaginaryenemies.So,too, somethingaboutthecollectingurge,theneedto geteverycardinaset,andthentogeteachin perfectcondition,andthentoarrangethemin perfectorder,andthentoforgetthemaltogether. Theridewentonandon,eachroomutterly differentfromhowhedleftit,butsomehow familiartoo.Theridehedlefthadcelebratedthe NewWorkandthepeoplewhodmadeit happen,andsodidthisride,butthisridewas lesslinear,lessaboutdisplaymore Itsastory,hesaidwhenhegotoff. Ithinksotoo,Lestersaid.Itsbeengetting moreandmorestorylike.Thewaythatdoll keepsreappearing.Ithinkthatsomeonehadlike tenofthemandjusttossedthemoutatregular intervalsandthentheplusoneingsnuckoneinto everyscene. Itsgotscenes!Thatswhattheyare,scenes. ItslikeaDisneyride,oneofthosedarkridesin Fantasyland. Exceptthosesuckandourriderocks.Itsmore likePiratesoftheCaribbean.

Haveityourway.Whatever,howfreakingweird Hishandhadbeenjerkingthejoysticktoplus oneallthistimeandnowhebecameconsciously isthat? awareofthis. Notsoweird.Peopleseestoriesliketheysee Thenextroomhadmanyoftheoldinventionshe facesinclouds.Oncewegavethemtheabilityto subtractthestuffthatfeltwrongandreinforce remembered,buttheywerearrangednoton thestuffthatfeltright,itwasonlynaturalthat gleamingsilvertables,butweremixedinwith theydanthropomorphizetheworldintoastory. heapsofclothing,mountainsofthebrightly coloredubiquitoustshirtsthathadgonehandin handwitheveryNewWorkinventionandcrew. Mixedinamongthemweresomevintagetees fromthedotcomera,andperchedontopofthe mountain,staringglassilyathim,wasalittle girldollthatlookedfamiliar;hewasalmost certainthathedseenherinthefirstdollroom. Thenextroomwasbuiltoutofpiecesoftheold kitchendisplay,buttherewasdisarraynow, dishesinthesinkandaplateonthecounterwith acigarettebuttedoutinthemiddleofit.Another platelayinthreepiecesonthelinoleumbefore it. Thenextroomwascarpetedwithflattenedsoda tinsthatcrunchedunderthechairswheels.In thecenterofthem,aneatworkbenchwith rankedtools. Perryshookhishead.Youthink? Wehavethisguy,aculturalstudiesprof,who comespracticallyeveryday.Hesbeentelling meallaboutit.Storiesarehowweunderstand theworld,andtechnologyishowwechooseour stories. CheckouttheGreeks.AllthoseGreekplays, theyendwiththedeusexmachinathe playwrightgetstiredofwriting,sohetrotsagod outonstagetosimplypointafingeratthe playersandmakeitallbetter.Youcantdothat inastorytoday,butbackthen,theydidnthave thetoolstohelpthemobserveandrecordthe world,soasfarastheycouldtell,thatshow stuffworked! Todayweunderstandalittlemoreaboutthe world,soourstoriesareaboutpeoplefiguring

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/120 outwhatscausingtheirtroublesandchanging stuffsothatthosecausesgoaway.Causalstories foracausaluniverse.Thinkingabouttheworld intermsofcausesandeffectsmakesyouseek outcausesandeffectsevenwherethereare none.Watchhowgamblersplay,thatweird cargocultfeelingthattheroulettewheelcame upblackathirdtimeinarowsothenextspin willmakeitred.Itsnotsuperstition,itskindof theoppositeitscausalityrunamok. Sothisisthestorythathasemergedfromour collectiveunconscious? Lesterlaughed.Thatsalittlepretentious,I think.ItsmorelikethoseJapanesecrabs. WhichJapanesecrabs? WerentyoutherewhenTjanwastalkingabout this?OrwasthatinRussia?Anyway.Thereare thesecrabsinJapan,andiftheyhaveanything thatlookslikeafaceonthebacksoftheirshells, thefishermenthrowthembackbecauseitsbad lucktoeatacrabwithafaceonitsshell.Sothe crabswithfacelikeshellshavemorebabies. Whichmeansthatgradually,thecrabsshellsget morefacelike,sinceallnonfacelikeshellsare eliminatedfromthegenepool.Thisleadsthe fishermentoraisethebarontheirselection criteria,sotheywilleatcrabswithshellsthatare alittlefacelike,butnotveryfacelike.Soallthe slightlyfacelikecrabshellsareeliminated, leavingbehindmoderatelyfacelikeshells.This getsrepeatedoverseveralgenerations,andnow youvegotthesecrabsthathavevividfaceson theirshells. Lesternoddedvigorously.OfcourseIdo.Ijust thoughtthatyoudbealittlelessenthusiastic aboutit,youknow,becausesomuchoftheNew Workstuffisbeingdeemphasized. Youkidding?ThisiswhattheNewWorkwas allabout:groupcreation!Icouldntbehappier aboutit.Seriouslythisissomuchcoolerthan anythingthatIcouldhavebuilt.Andnowwith thenetworkcomingonlinesoonwow.Imagine it.Itsgoingtobesofuckingweird,bro. Amen,Lestersaid.Helookedathiswatchand yelped.Shit,lateforadate!Canyouget yourselfhome? Sure,Perrysaid.Broughtmywheels.Seeyou laterhaveagoodone. Shesamazing,Lestersaid.Usedtoweigh 900poundsandwasshutinfortenyears.Man hasshegotanimaginationonher.Shecando thisthing Perryputhishandsoverhisears.LalalaIm notlisteningtoyou.TMI,Lester.Seriously.Way wayTMI. Lestershookhishead.Youaresuchaprude, dude. PerrythoughtaboutHildaforafleetingmoment, andthengrinned.Thatsme,atotalpuritan. Go.Besafe. Safe,sound,andslippery,Lestersaid,andgot inhiscar.

Perrylookedaroundattheshutteredmarket, rooftopsglintingintherosytropicalsunset.Man hedmissedthosesunsets.Hesnortedupdamp Weletourriderseliminateallthenonstory lungsfulofthetropicalairandsmelleddinners likeelementsfromtheride,andsowhatsleft cookingattheshantytownacrossthestreet.It behindismoreandmorestorylike. wasdifferentandbiggerandmoreelaborate Buttheplusone/minusoneleveristoocrude everytimehevisitedit,whichwasalwaysless forthis,right?Weshouldgivethemapointeror oftenthanhewished. somethingsotheycanspecifyindividual Therewasagoodbarbecueplacethere,Dirty elementstheydontlike. Maxs,justaholeinthewallwithapitoutback Youwanttoencouragethis? andthefriendliestpeople.Therewasalwaysa mobscenearoundthere,localsgreasyfromthe Dontyou? ribsintheirhands,abigbucketoverflowing

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/121 withdiscardedbones. Wanderingtowardsit,hewasamazedbyhow muchbiggerithadgrownsincehislastvisit. Mostbuildingshadhadtwostories,thoughafew hadthree.Nowalmostallhadfour,leaning drunkenlytowardeachotheracrossthestreets. Powercables,networkcablesandclotheslines gavetheoverheadspacesthelookofacarelessly spunspidersweb.Thenewstoriesweremost remarkablebecauseofwhatFrancishad explainedtohimaboutthewaythatadditional storiesgotadded:mostpeoplerentedoutorsold therighttobuildontopoftheirbuildings,and thenthenewupstairsneighborsinturnsold theirrightson.Sometimesyoudgetathird storeydwellerwhodwanttobuildatoptwo adjacentbuildingstomakeanextrawide apartmentforabigfamily,andthatrequired negotiatingwithalloftheownersofeach floorofbothbuildings. Justlookingatitmadehisheadhurtwithallthe tangledpropertyandownershiprelationships embodiedinthehighspaces.Heheardtheeasy chatterouttheopenwindowsandmusicand cryingbabies.Kidsranthroughthestreets, laughingandchasingeachotherorbouncing ballsorplayingsomekindofnetworkedRPG withtheirphonesthathadthempeekingaround corners,seeinganotherplayerandshriekingand runningoff. Thegrillwomanatthebarbecuejointgreeted himbynameandthemenandwomenaroundit madespaceforhim.Itwasfriendlyand companionable,andafteramomentFrancis wanderedupwithacoupleofhisproteges.They carriedboxesofbeer. Heyhey,Francissaid.Homeagain,huh? Perryshookhisheadandsmiledandatehisribs. Whatsthestoryaroundhere? Lotsandlots,Francissaid.Theresawhole netcommunitythinghappening.Lotsoftraffic ontheAARPmessageboardsfromotherpeople settingtheseuparoundthecountry. Soyouvehitonsomething,too. Naw.Whenitsrailroadingtime,youget railroads.Whenitssquattertime,youget squats.Youknowtheywanttoopena7Eleven here? No!Perrylaughedandchokedonribsand thenguzzledsomebeertowashitalldown. Francisputawrinkledhandoverhisheart.He stillworehisweddingband,Perrysaw,despite hiswifesbeinggonefordecades.Iswearit. Justthere.Hepointedtooneofthebusier corners. And? Wetoldthemtofuckoff,Francissaid.Weve gotlotsofcommunityownedbusinessesaround herethatdoeverythinga7Elevencoulddofor us,withouttakingthewealthoutofour communityandsendingittosomecorporate jackoff.Somesoreheadswantedtoseehow muchmoneywecouldgetoutofthem,butIjust kepttellingthemwhatever7Elevengivesus, itllonlybebecausetheythinktheycangetmore outofus.Theysawreason.Besides,Imin chargeIalwayswinmyarguments. Youarethemostbenevolentofdictators,Perry said.Hebegantoworkonanotherbeer.Beer tastedbetteroutsideintheheatandthebarbecue smoke. Imgladsomeonethinksso,Francissaid.

Homeagain,Perrysaid.Hewipedribsauce Oh? offhisfingersandshookFrancisshandwarmly. The7Eleventhingleftalotofpeoplepissedat God,Ivemissedthisplace. me.Theresplentyaroundherethatdont Wemissedhavingyou,Francissaid.Big rememberthewayitstartedoff.Tothem,Im crowdsacrosstheway,too.Seemslikeyouhit justsomealterkockerwhoskeepingthem onsomething. down.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/122 Isitserious?Perryknewthattherewasthe potentialforserious,majorlawlessnessfromhis littlesettlement.Itwasntafailingcondo complexrentedouttoFilipinadomesticsand weirdentrepreneurslikehim.Itwasaplace wherethecopswouldloveanexcusetocomein withriotbatons(hisfunnyeyebrowtwitched) andgas,thekindofplacewheretherealmost certainlywereafewverybadpeoplelivingtheir lives.Miamihadbadpeople,too,butthebad peopleinMiamiwerenthisproblem. way.Didhecomplainmorethesedays?Maybe hedid. Anuncomfortablesilencedescendeduponthem. Perrydrankhisbeer,morosely.Hethoughtof howridiculousitwastobemoroseaboutthe possibilitythathewasbeingmorose,butthere youhadit.

Finallyhisphonerangandsavedhimfrom furtherconversation.Helookedatthedisplay andshookhishead.ItwasKettlewellagain.That firstvoicemailhadmadehimlaughaloud,but Andthebadpeopleandthepotentialchaoswere whentheyhadntcalledbackforacoupledays, whathelovedabouttheplace,too.Hedgrown hedfiguredthattheyhadjusthadalittletoo upinthekindofplacewhereeverythingwas muchwineandplacedthecall. predictableandsafeandhedhatedeveryminute ofit.Thegloriouschaosaroundhimwasjustas Nowtheywerecallingback,anditwasstill helikedit.Thewoodsmokecurleduphisnose, prettyearlyontheWestCoast.Tooearlyfor themtohavehadtoomuchwine,unlesstheyd fragrantandallconsuming. reallychanged. Idontknowanymore.IthoughtIdretireand PerryPerryPerry!ItwasKettlebelly.He settledownandtakeuppainting.NowIm basicallyamobboss.Notthebadkind,butstill. soundedlikehemightbedrunk,ormerely punchdrunkwithexcitement.Perryremembered Itsalotofwork. thathegotthatwaysometimes. Pimpinainteasy.Perrysawtheshockedlook onFrancissfaceandaddedhastily,Sorrynot Kettlewell,howareyoudoing? callingyouapimp.Itsasonglyricisall. Imheretoo,Perry.Icashedinmyreturn ticket. Wegotpimpsherenow.Whores,too.You nameit,wegotit.Itsstillagoodplacetolive Suzanne? betterthanMiami,ifyouaskmebutitcould Yeah,shesaid.Shetoosoundedpunchy,like gorealanimal.Bad,badanimal. theydbeenhavingafitofthegigglesjustbefore Hardtobelieve,standingthereinthewood calling.Kettlewellsfamilyhavetakenmein, smoke,lickinghisfingers,drinkinghisbeer.His waywardwandererthatIam. coldseemedtohavebeenbakedoutbythe Youtwosoundpretty,um,happy. steamyswampyheat. Wevebeenhavinganamazingtime, Well,Francis,ifanyoneknowshowtokeep Kettlewellsaid.Hisspeakerphonemadehim peace,itsyou. soundlikehewasatthebottomofawell. Socialworkerscomearound,saythesame Mostlyreminiscingaboutyouguys.Whatthe thing.Buttherespeoplearoundherewithlittle hellareyouupto?Wetriedtofollowitonthe kids,theyworrythatthesocialworkerscould net,butitsalljumbled.Whatsthisabouta forcethemout,takeawaytheirchildren. story? ItwasntlikeFrancistocomplainlikethis,it Story? wasntinhisnature,buthereitwas.Thestrain Ikeepreadingaboutthisrideofyoursandits ofrunningthingswasshowingonhim.Perry story.Icouldntmakeanysenseofit. wonderedifhisownstrainwasshowingthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/123 Ihaventreadanyofthis,butLesterandIwere talkingaboutsomestufftodowithstories tonight.Ididntknowanyoneelsewastalking aboutthis,though.Wheredyouseeit? readinghisblog,arentyou,Suzanne?Hedidnt needtosayit.Hecouldalmosthearherblush overtheline. Sohowabouttomorrow?

Illemailittoyou,Suzannesaid.Iwasgoing Forwhat? toblogittonightanyway. Foruscomingtotown.Illbringthewifeand SoyoutwoarejusthangingaroundSan kids.Wellrentoutacouplehotelroomsand Franciscogigglingandwalkingdownmemory spendaweekthere.Itllbeablast. lane? Tomorrow? Well,yeah!Itsabouttime,too.Weveallbeen Wecouldgetthemorningflightandbethere separatedfortoolong.Wewantareunion, forbreakfast.Yougotagoodhotel?Notacoffin Perry. hotel,notwiththekids. Areunion? Perrysheartbeatfaster.Hedidmissthesetwo, Wewanttocomedownforavisitandseewhat andtheyweresopunchy,sogleeful.Hedloveto youredoingandhangout.Youwouldntbelieve seethem.Hemutedhisphone. howmuchfunwevebeenhaving,Perry, Hey,Francis?Thatguesthousedowntheroad, seriously.Kettlewellsoundedlikehedbeen isitstillrunning? huffingnitrousorsomething.Haveyoubeen havingfun? Lulus?Sure.Theyjustbuiltanotherstoreyand tookoverthetopflooroftheplacenextdoor. Hethoughtaboutthequestion.Um,kindof? Hetoldthemabouthistravels,aquickthumbnail Perfect.Heunmuted.Howdyouliketostay sketch,strugglingtorememberwhichcityhed inasquatterguesthouseintheshantytown? beentowhen,leavingoutthecrazysexwhich camebacktohiminarush,thatnightwithHilda Um,Kettlewellsaid,butSuzannelaughed. inthecoffin,likeawarmhallucination.On Ohhellyes,shesaid.Getthatlookoffyour balance,yes.Itsbeenfun. face,Kettlewell,thisisanadventure. Right,sowewanttocomedownandhavefun withyouandLester.Hesstillhangingaround, right? Lesterhadtoldhimaboutthehistoryhehad withSuzanne,andtherewassomethinginthe waysheaskedafterLesterthatsuggestedto Perrythattherewasstillsomethingthere. Wedloveit,Kettlewellsaid. Great,Illmakeyouareservation.Howlong areyoustaying? Untilweleave,Suzannesaid.

Right,Perrysaidandlaughedhimself.They weredifferentpeople,thesetwo,fromthepeople heremembered,buttheywerealsooldfriends. Youkidding?Youdhavetopryusapartwitha Andtheywerecomingtoseehimtomorrow. crowbar. OK,lemmegomakeyourreservations. See,Itoldyouso,Suzannesaid.Thisguy Franciswalkedhimoverandthelandlordfussed thoughtthatLestermighthavegottenboredand overthetwoofthemliketheywerevisiting wanderedoff. dignitaries.Perrylookedtheplaceoverandit Never!Plusanyonewhofollowshismessage wascompletelycharming.Hespottedwhathe boardtrafficandblogswouldknowthathewas thoughtwasprobablyahookerandatricktaking righthere,mindingtheshop.Andyoure aroomforthenight,butyougotthatatthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/124 Hilton,too. Bythetimehegothomehewassurethathed sleeplikealog.Hecouldbarelykeephiseyes openonthedrive.Butafterheclimbedintobed andclosedhiseyes,hefoundthathecouldnt sleepatall.Somethingaboutbeingbackinhis ownroominhisownbedfeltalienandexciting. Hegotupandpacedtheapartmentandthen Lestercamehomefromhisdatewiththefatkins nympho,fullofimprobablestoriesandcovered inlittlehickeys. Lesterdidntrouseeasy,butPerryknewallthe tricksforgettinghisoldpaloutofbed,theywere practicallymarriedafterall. Theyarrivedjustintimeforthemorningrush butTonygreetedthemwithasmileandsent themstraighttothefrontoftheline.Lester orderedhisusual(Bringmethreepoundsof candywithasideofgroundanimalpartsand potatoes)andtheywaitednervouslyfor SuzanneandtheclanKettlewelltoturnup.

Theyarrivedinahugebustleoftaxisand Youwontbelievewhoscomingforavisit, luggageandtwowideeyed,jetlaggedchildren Perrysaid. hangingoffofKettlewellandMrsKettlewell, SteveJobs.Hescomedownfromthelamasery whomneitherofthemhadevermet.Shewasa small,youthfulwomaninhermidfortieswith andrenouncedBuddhism.Hewantstogivea artfullystyledhairandbig,abstractchunky freecomputertoeveryvisitor. silverjewelry.SuzannehadgoneallEurochic, Close,Perrysaid.KettlebellyandSuzanne railthinandsmoking,withquiet,understated Church.Comingtomorrowforastayof darkclothes.Kettlewellhadarealdaddybelly unspecifiedduration.Itsareunion.Itsa onhimnow,alittlepotthathisdaughter reunionyoubigsonofabitch!Woot!Woot! thumpedrhythmicallyfromherperchonhiship. Perrydidalittletwostep.Areunion! Sit,sit,Perrysaidtothem,gettinguptohelp Lesterlookedconfusedforasecond,andthen themstacktheirluggageateitherendofthelong foranothersecondhelooked,what,upset?and tabledownthemiddleoftheIHOP.Bigfamily thenhewasgrinningandjumpingupanddown groupswithtonsofluggagewereparforthe withPerry.Reunion! courseinFlorida,sotheydidntreallydraw Hefeltlikehedbarelygottentosleepwhenhis muchattentionbeyondmildirritationfromthe patronstheyjostledastheygoteveryoneseated. phonerang.TheclockshowedsixAM,andit wasKettlebellyandSuzanne,bleary,jetlagged PerrywasmildlyamusedtoseethatLesterand andgrouchyfromtheironehourpostflight Suzanneendedupsittingnexttooneanotherand securityprocessing. werealreadychattingavidlyandcloseup,insoft voicesthattheyhadtoleaninverytighttohear. Wewantbreakfast,Suzannesaid. HewasnexttoMrsKettlewell,whosename,it Wevegottaopentheride,Suzanne. transpired,wasEvaAsinExtraVehicular Atsixinthemorning?Comeon,youvegot Activity,shesaid,geekingoutwithhim. hoursyetbeforeyouhavetobeatwork.How Kettlewellwasinthebathroomwithhisdaughter aboutyouandLestermeetusattheIHOP? andson,andMrsKettlewellEvaseemed relievedatthechanceforalittleadult Jesus,hesaid. conversation. Comeon!Kettlebellyskidsaredyingfor Youmustbeaverypatientwoman,Perrysaid, somethingtoeatandhiswifelookslikeshes readytoeathim.Itsbeenyears,dude!Getyour laughingatalltheticklishnoiseandmotionof assintheshoweranddowntotheInternational theirgroup. HouseofPancakes! Oh,thatsmeallright,Evasaid.Patienceis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/125 myvirtue.Andyou? Oh,patienceissomethingIvalueverymuchin otherpeople.Perrysaid.ItmadeEvalaugh, whichshowedoffherprettylaughlinesand dimples.Hecouldseehowthiswomanand Kettlewellmustcomplementeachother. protested.

Thesearesomewaytiredkids,hesaid, leaningovertogivehiswifeakiss.Perry thoughthesawSuzanneflickalookatthem then,butitmighthavebeenhisimagination. SuzanneandLesterwereoffintheirownworld, Sherockedherheadfromsidetosideandtooka afterall. longswigofthecoffeethattheirwaiterhad Theplanealmostcrashed,saidthelittlegirl distributedaroundthetable,toppingupfromthe nexttoPerry.Shehadahaloofcurlyhairlikea carafehedleftbehind.ThankGodforlegal dandelionclockandbigsolemndarkeyesanda stimulants. bigwetmouthsetbetweenappleroundcheeks. Longflight? Travelingwithlarvaeisalwaysachallenge, shesaid.Buttheydugithard.Youshouldhave seenthematthewindows. Theydneverbeenonaplanebefore? Iliketogocamping,shesaidwithashrug. Landonsalwaysonmetotakethekidsto Hawaiiorwhatever,butImalwayslike,Man, youspendhalfyourfuckinglifeinatincan whydoyouwanttostartyourholidaysinone? LetsgotoYosemiteandgetmuddy.Ihavent eventakenthemtoDisneyland! Perryputthebackofhishandtohisforehead. Thatsheresyaroundhere,hesaid.Yougoing totakethemtoDisneyWorldwhileyourein Florida?Itsalotbigger,youknowanditsa differentdivision.Reallydifferentfeel,orsoIm told. Diditreally?Perrysaid.Shewassevenor eighthethought,thebossybigsisterwhodbeen givingorderstoherlittlebrotherfromthe momenttheycamethroughthedoor. Shenoddedsolemnly.HelookedatEva,who shrugged. Really?hesaid. Really,shesaid,noddingvigorouslynow. Therewereterristsontheplanewhowantedto blowitup,buttheskymarshasstoppedthem. Howcouldyoutelltheywereterrists? Sheclickedhertongueandrolledhereyes. Theywerewhispering,shesaid.Justlikeon CaptainPresidentandtheFreedomFighters. Heknewsomethingofthiscartoon,mostly becauseofalltheknockoffmerchforsaleinthe marketstallsinfrontoftheride.

Isee,hesaid.Well,ImgladtheSky Youkidding?Perry,wecamehereforyourride. Marshasstoppedthem.Doyouwantpancakes? Itsfamous,youknow. Iwantcaramelapplechocolatepancakeswith Net.famous,maybe.Alittle.Hefelthischeeks blueberrybananasauce,shesaid,rollingone burning.Well,therewillbeoneinyourneckof pudgyfingeralongthedescriptionintheglossy thewoodssoonenough.Hetoldheraboutthe menu,beneathanoozingfoodpornphoto.And BurningMancollectiveandtheplantobuildone mybrotherwantsachocolatemilkshakeanda downthe101,southofSanFrancisco shortstackofhappyfaceclownwaffleswith International. strawberrysauce,butnottoomanybecausehes Kettlebellyreturnedthenwiththekids,andhe stillababyandcanteatmuch. managedtogetthemintotheirseatswhile Youllbecomeasfatasyourdaddyifyoueat suckingbackacoffeeandeatingabiscuitfrom likethat,Perrysaid.Evasnortedbesidehim. thebasketinthecenterofthetable,breakingoff bitstoshoveinthekidsmouthswheneverthey No,shesaid.Imgonnabeafatkins.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/126 Isee,hesaid.Evashookherhead. Itsthegoddamnedfatkinsagitpropgames, Evasaid.Theycomefreewitheverythingnow digitalcameras,phones,evenincerealboxes. Youhavetoeataminimumnumberofcalories perleveloryoustarvetodeath.Thisoneisa champeen. Youkeepyourmoneyinrubles? Hellnonooneusesrublesexcepttourists. ImworriedaboutanotherrunofUSinflation.I mean,haveyoulookedaroundlately?Youre livinginathirdworldcountry,buddy.

Awaitercamebetweenthem,handingout heaping,steamingplatesoffood.Lester,whod Imnationallyranked,thelittlegirlsaid,not finishedhisfirstbreakfastwhiletheywaited,had lookingupfromthemenu. orderedasecondbreakfast,whicharrivedalong Perrylookedacrossthetableanddiscoveredthat withtherestofthem.Mountainsoffoodstacked uponthetable,sideplatescrowdingjugsof SuzannehadcoveredLestershandwithhers applejuiceandcarafesofcoffee. andthatLesterwaslaughingalongwithherat somethingfunny.Somethingaboutthatmade Incredibly,thefoodkeptcomingmultiple himalittlefreakedout,likeLesterwasmaking syrupjugs,platesofhashbrowns,basketsof timewithhissisterortheirmom. biscuitsandbowlsofwhitesausagegravy.Perry Suzanne,hesaid.Whatshappeningwithyou hadntpaidmuchattentionwhenorderswere beingtaken,butfromthelooksofthings,hewas thesedays,anyway? eatingwithabunchofIHOPvirgins, Petersburgiswhatshappeningwithme,she unaccustomedtotheastonishingportionstobe said,withahoarselittlechuckle.Petersburgis hadthere. likeDetroitcrossedwithParis.Completely HecockedhisfunnyeyebrowatSuzanne,who decrepitanddecadent.Theresaserialkiller laughed.OK,notquiteathirdworldcountry. whosbeenworkingthestreetsforfiveyears thereandthebiggestobstacletocatchinghimis Butnotarealindustrialnationanymore,either. thatthefirstcopsonthesceneletrubberneckers MaybemoreliketheenddaysofRomeor bribethemtotakehomeevidenceassouvenirs. something.Drowninginwealthandwallowing inpoverty.Sheforkedupamouthfulofhash Noway!Lestersaid. brownsandchasedthemwithcoffee.Perry attackedhisownplate. Oh,da,bigvay,shesaid,droppingintoa comicalBorisandNatashaaccent.Bolshoi Kettlewellfedthekids,sneakingbitesin vay. between,whileEvalookedonapprovingly. Youreagoodman,LandonKettlewell,she Sowhyareyouthere? said,slicinguphersteakandeggsintosmall, Itslikehomeforme.Itsgotenoughof precisecubes,wieldingtheknifelikeanartist. Detroitsoldbrutal,earthyfeel,plusenoughof SiliconValleysmanichustle,itjustfeelsright. Youjustenjoyyourbreakfast,myqueen,he said,spooningoatmealwithraisins,bananas, Yougoingtosettleinthere? granolaandboysenberryjamintothelittleboys Well,putthatway,no.Icouldnthackitforthe mouth. longterm.Butatthistimeinmylife,itsbeen Wegotyoupresents,thelittlegirlsaid,taking justright.ButitsgoodtogetbacktotheStates, abreakfromshovelingbananachocolate too.Imthinkingofhangingoutherefora caramelapplesintohermouth. couplemonths.Russiassocheap,Ivegotaton savedup.Mightaswellblowitbeforeinflation Really?Perryraisedhisfunnyeyebrowand shegiggled.Hediditagain,makingitwrithe killsit. likeasnake.Shesnarfedchocobananaacross

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/127 thetable,thenscoopeditupandputitbackin hermouth. Shenoddedvigorously.Dad,givethemtheir presents! Kettlewellsaid,Someonehastofeedyour brother,youknow. keychainlaserrangefindersthesedays. Screwdrivers,pliers,andhammerswereallout Icouldntfindadamnedthingthatlookedany betterthanwhatyouhadaroundhere.Thestate oftheartisgenuinelyprogressing.

Therewerealotofniceoldbrassspiritlevels andhandlathedplumbbobsbuttheyweremore Illdoit,shesaid.Sheforkedupsomeofhis decorativethanusefulbyadamnedsight.Great oatmealandattemptedtogetitintothelittle oldsteelworkhelmetslookedcool,butthey boysface.Presents! weighedaboutahundredtimeswhatthesafety Kettlewelldugthroughtheluggageclusterunder helmetsaroundhereweigh. thetableandcameupwithanoverstuffeddiaper Weweregoingtogiveinandtrytobringyou bag,thenpawedthroughitforalongtime,urged guysabiggoddamnedtubeamp,ormaybesome onbyhisdaughterwhokeptchantingPresents! Inuitglassknives,butIdidntseeyouhaving Presents!Presents!whileattemptingtofeedher muchofauseforeither. littlebrother.EvaandLesterandSuzannetook Whichishowwecametogiveupontoolsper upthechant.Theyweredrawingstaresfrom seandswitchedovertoleisuresportstools. nearbytables,butPerrydidntmind.Hewas Therewasamuchrichervein.Woodenbats,oh laughingsohardhissideshurt. yes,andrealpigskinfootballsthathadnice FinallyKettlewellheldapaperbagaloft idiosyncraticspinthatyoudhavetolearnto triumphantly,thenclappedahandoverhis compensatefor.Butwhenwefoundthese,we daughtersmouthandshushedtherest. knewwedhitpaydirt. Youguysarereallyhardtoshopfor,hesaid. ShepickedupKettlewellspapersackwitha Whatthehelldoyougetfortwoguyswhonot flourishandunzippedit.Amomentlatershe onlyhaveeverything,butmakeeverything? presentedthemwithtwoidenticalpackages wrappedincoarselinenpaperhandstamped Suzannenodded.Damnedright.Wespenta withVictorianwoodcutsofsportingmen wholedaylookingforsomething. swingingbatsandchargingthelinewith Whatisit? pigskinsundertheirarms. Well,Kettlewellsaid.Wefiguredthatit Tadah! shouldbesomethinguseful,notdecorative.You guyshavedecorativecomingoutofyourasses. Thekidsechoedit.Thesearethebestpresents, Sothatleftuswithtools.Wewantedtofindyou thelittlegirlconfidedinPerryashepicked delicatelyattheexquisitepaper. atoolthatyoudidnthave,andthatyouwould appreciate. Thepapergavewayinfoldsandcurls,andthen heandLesterbothheldtheirtreasuresaloft. Suzannepickedupthestory.Ithoughtwe shouldgetyouanantiquetool,somethingso Baseballgloves!Perrysaid. wellmadethatitwasstillusable.Buttobe Acatchersmittandafieldersglove, useful,ithadtobesomethingnoonehad improvedon,andthathadinfactbeendegraded Kettlewellsaid.Youlookatthatcatchersmitt. 1910!Itwasblackandbulbous,theleathersoft bymodernmanufacturingtechniques. andyielding,withapatinaoffinecrackslikean Atfirstwelookedatoldtapemeasures,butI oldpainting.Itsmelledlikeoilandleather,an rememberedthatyouguysweremostlyusing oldrichsmelllikeagentlemanscluboran

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/128 expensivebriefcase.Perrytrieditonandit too.Hetosseditlightlyintheairandcaughtit, moldeditselftohishand,snugandcomfortable. thenrepeatedthetrick.Thelookofvisceral Itpracticallycriedouttohaveaballthrownatit. satisfactiononhisfacewasunmistakable. Andthisfieldersglove,Kettlewellwenton, pointingatthegloveLesterheld.Itwasthemore traditionaltancolor,comicallylargelikethe gloveofacartooncharacter.Ittoohadthelook ofancient,welllovedleather,thesame mysterioussmellofhideandoil.Perrytouched itwithafingeranditfeltlikeawomanscheek, smoothandsoft.RawlingsXPG6.TheMickey Mantle.Early1960stheultimateglove. Yougotthewholesalespitch,huh,darling? Evasaid,notunkindly,butKettlewellflushed andglaredatherforamoment. Perrybrokein.Guys,thesearewow. Incredible. Thesearegreatpresents,guys,Perrysaid. Seriously.Welldone. Theyallbeamedandmurmuredandthentheball Lesterwastossingcrashedtothetableandbroke apitcherofblueberrysyrup,upsetacarafeof orangejuice,androlledtoastopinthechocolate messinfrontofthelittlegirl,wholaughedand laughedandlaughed. Andthatiswhywedontplaywithballs indoors,Suzannesaid,lookingassternasshe couldwhileobviouslytryingveryhardnotto bustoutlaughing.

Thewaiterswereaccustomedtowipingupspills andLesterwasawkwardlyhelpful.Whilethey Theyrebetterthanthemodernproduct, weregettingeverythingsettorightsagain,Perry Suzannesaid.Thatsthepoint.Youcantprint lookedatEvaandsawherlipstightlypursedas theseorfabthese.Theyrewonderfulbecause sheconsideredherhusband.Hefollowed theyresowellmadeandsowellused!Theonly Kettlebellysgazeandsawthathewaswatching waytomakeaglovethisgoodwouldbetofabit Suzanne(whowaslaughinglyrestrainingLester andthengiveittoseveralgenerationsofbaseball fromdoinganymorecleaning)intently.Ina playerstoloveanduseforfiftytoahundred flash,Perrythoughthehadcometo years. understanding.Ohdear,hethought. Perryturnedoverthecatchersmitt.Overa hundredyearsold.Thiswasntsomethingtogo inaglasscase.Suzannewasright:thiswasa greatglovebecausepeoplehadplayedwithit,all thetime.Itneededtobeplayedwithoritwould getoutofpractice. Thekidslovedtheshantytown.Thelittlegirl Ada,liketheprogramminglanguage,Evasaid insistedonbeingsetdownsoshecouldtread thecrackedcementwalkwaysherself,head whippingbackandforthtotakethecrazy leaningbuildingsin,eyesfollowingthezipping Iguessweregoingtohavetobuyabaseball, motorbikesandbicyclesastheywoveinandout ofthebusystreets.Theshantytownerswereused Perrysaid. totouristsintheirmidst.Afewyardiesgave Thelittlegirlbesidehimstartedbouncingup themthehairyeyeball,butthentheysawPerry anddown. wasalongandtheyfoundsomethingelsetopay attentionto.ThatmadePerryfeelobscurely Showhim,Suzannesaid,andthegirldove proud.Hedbeenabsentformonths,buteventhe underthetableandcameupwithtwowhite, freshhardballs.Oncehefittedonetothepocket cornerboysknewwhohewasanddidntwantto ofhisglove,itfeltsoperfectlyrightlikeakey screwwithhim. inalock.Thispockethadheldalotofballsover Theguesthouseslandladygreetedthematthe theyears. door,alertedtotheircomingbythejungle telegraph.SheshookPerryshandwarmly,gave Lesterhadputaballinthepocketofhisglove,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/129 Adaalollipop,andchuckedthelittleboy (Pascal,liketheprogramminglanguage,said Eva,withaneyeroll)underthechin.Checkin wasalotsimplerthanatacoffinhotelora Hilton:justabriefdiscussionoftheavailable roomsandaquicktour.TheKettlewellsopted fortheloftyattic,whichcouldfittwothree quarterwidthbedsandacrib,andoverlooked thecurvingstreetsfromahighvantage;Suzanne tookamorequotidianroomjustbelow,with lovelytilemosaicsmadefromsnippedout sectionsofplasticfruitandsmashednovelty sodabottles.(Thelandladyprivatelyassured Perrythathereuphemistichourlytradewasin adifferentpartoftheguesthousealtogether,with itsownstaircase). Maybetheydid,Perrysaid.Maybeabunch ofpeoplethoughtitwouldbefuntomakea storyoutoftherideandcamebytodoit. Thatsprobablyit,thegirlsaid.Theother thing,thatsjustridiculous. Shewasgoneandontheridebeforehecould askherwhatthismeant,andthethree bangbangersbehindherjustwantedtickets,not conversation. Anhourlater,shewasback.

Imeanthemessageboards,shesaid.Dont youfollowyourreferers?Theresaguyin Osceolawhosaysthatthisis,Idontknow,like thestorythatsinsideourcollective unconsciousness.Perryrestrainedasmileatthe Afewhourslater,Perrywasaloneagain, malapropism.Anywayalotofpeopleagree.I workinghisticketcounter.TheKettlewellswere dontthinkso,though.Nooffense,mister,butI havingnaps,LesterandSuzannehadgoneoffto thinkthatthisisjustaprankorsomething. seesomesights,andthecrowdfortheridewas alreadylarge,snakingthroughthemarket,thick Something,Perrysaid.Butsherodetwice withvendorsandhustlingkidstryingtoprythe morethatday,andshewasnttheonlyone.It wasadayofmanyrepeatriders,andthemarket visitorslooseoftheirbankrolls. stallpeoplecamebytocomplainthatthevisitors Hefeltlikedoingacarnybarkerspiel,Stepright werentbuyingmuchbesidestheoccasionalice up,steprightup,thiswaytothegreategress! creamorporkcracklin. Butthemorningsvisitorsdidntseemallthat Perryshruggedandtoldthemtofindsomething frivoloustheywereseriousfacedandsober. thatthesepeoplewantedtobuy,then.Oneor EverythingOK?heaskedagirlwhowas twooftheminiaturesguysgotgleamsintheir ridingforatleastthesecondtime.Shewasa eyesandboughtticketsfortheride(Perry midwesternlookinggiantessinherearly chargedthemhalfprice)andPerryknewthatby twentieswithbigwhitefrontteethandbroad thetimethedaywasout,theredbesouvenir shoulders,wearingafadedHoosiersballcapand ridereplicastobehad. alotofcoraljewelry.Imean,youdontlook LesterandSuzannecamebyafterlunchtimeand likeyourehavingafuntime. Lesterrelievedhim,leavinghimtoescort Itsthestory,shesaid.Ireadaboutitonline Suzannebacktotheshantytownandthe andIdidntreallybelieveit,butnowItotallysee Kettlewells. it.Butyoumadeit,right?Itdidntjust...happen, Youtwoseemtobegettingonwell,Perry didit? said,jerkinghisheadbackatLesterasthey No,itjusthappened,Perrysaid.Thisgirlwas walkedthroughthemarket. alittlespookylooking.Heputhishandoverhis Suzannelookedaway.Thisisamazing,Perry, heart.Onmyhonor. shesaid,wavingherhandatthemarketstalls,a Itcantbe,shesaid.Imean,thestoryislike gesturethattookinthespiresoftheshantytown rightthere.Someonemusthavemadeit. andtheride,too.Youhavedone

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/130 something...stupendous,youknowit?Imean,if youhadaslightlydifferenttemperament,Idcall thisacult.Butitseemslikeyourenotincharge ofanything Thatsforsure! eventhoughyourestilldefinitelyleading things. NowayIjustgowhereImtold.Tjans leading. IspoketoTjanbeforewecameout,andhe pointsthefingeratyou.Imjustkeepingthe booksandclosingthecontracts.Thatsadirect quote. Wellmaybenoonesleading.Noteverything needsaleader,right? Suzanneshookherheadathim.Theresa leader,sweetie,anditsyou.Havealookaround. LastIchecked,therewerethreemorerides goingoperationalthisweek,andfivemoreinthe nextmonth.Justlookingatyourspeaking calendargavemeaheadache Ihaveaspeakingcalendar? Youdoindeed,anditsabusyone.Youknew thatthough,right? Youregoingtogototheotherrides? Igottowriteaboutsomething,Perry. OtherwisemypageviewsfalloffandIcantpay myrent.Thisisastoryabigone,andnoone elsehasnoticedityet.Thatkindofstorycan turnintothekindofmoneyyoubuyahouse with.Imspeakingfromexperiencehere. Youthink? Sheputherhandoverherheart.Imgoodat spottingthese.Man,youvegotacultonyour handshere. What? Thestorypeople.Ivebeenreadingthe messageboardsandblogs.ItswhereIgetallmy besttips. Perryshookhishead.Everyoneelsewasmore ontopofthisstuffthanhim.Hewasgoingto havetospendlesstimehackingtherideand moretimereadingtheinterweb,clearly. ItwasallLestersidea,anyway,hesaid. Shelookeddownwithanunreadableexpression. Hehazardedaguessastowhatthatwasabout. Thingsaregettingtightbetweenyoutwo,huh?

Christitdoesntshowthatmuchdoesit? Tjansenthimemailallthetimetellinghim aboutthisgrouporthat,wherehewassupposed No,helied.IjustknowLesterisall. togoandgiveatalk,buthedneverseena Hessomethingelse,shesaid. calendar.Butwhohadtimetolookatthe Suzanneneededsomesundries,sohedirected websiteanymore? hertoalittlebodegainthebackroomofoneof Isuppose.IknewIwassupposedtogetona thehouses.Hetoldherhedmeetheratthe planeagaininacoupleweeks. guesthouseandtookaseatinthelobby.Hewas Sothatswhataleaderissomeonewhogets stillbeatfromthecoldandthejetlag,thework andthesheerexhaustion. peoplemobilizedandmoving. Ontheroadhedhadmomentumdragginghim ImetagirlinMadison,Wisconsin,youd fromonethingtothenext,flightstocatch, probablygetalongwith.ThinkingofHilda speechestomake.Backathome,confronted madehimsmileandfeelalittlehorny,alittle withroutine,itwaslikehisinertiawas wistful.Hehadntgottenfuckedinmindand disappearing. bodylikethatsincehistwenties. MaybeIllmeether.Issheworkingonalocal ride? EvaKettlewellthundereddownthestairsthreeat atimewithasoundlikeabarelycontrolledfall, burstintothelobbyandheadedforthedoor,her

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/131 backrigid,herarmsswinging,herfaceapicture dusterswithimpossiblyhighspraysofteased ofrage. electricbluehairfollowed.Thenagroupof Shewentoutthedoorlikeaflashandthenstood heavilypiercedolderwomen,theirfacesrattling. inthestreetforamomentbeforestrikingout, seeminglyatrandom. Thenitwasariverofblack,kidsinchainsand leather,leatherygrownupswhodressedlike surlykids.Theyformedneatqueuesbytheir Uhoh,Perrythought. favoriteridesthehauntedhouses,the graveyardwalkthrough,thecoffincoaster,the Sammydidntdaregobacktotherideforweeks riverofbloodandpuffedclovesthrough smokelesshookahs.Atleasthehopeditwas afterthedebacleinBoston.Hedbeenspotted bytheChineseguyandthebummylookingguy cloves. whosaidheddesignedtheride,thatmuchwas ThecastmembersinSammysFantasylandwere sure.Theyprobablysuspectedhimofhaving nobetterthantheguests.Theywerepierced, sabotagedtheBostonride. dyed,teased,andbrandedtowithinaninchof Buthecouldntstayaway.Workwasdismal.The theirlives,evengothierthanthegothswhomade otherexecsatDisneyWorldwereallamazingly thelongpilgrimagestoridehisunwholesome rides. petty,andalwaysworsebeforethequarterly numberscameout.Managementlikedtochase anykindofbadnumberswithafewritual beheadings. Theworstofitwasthattherewerentenoughof themanymore.Thegothscene,whichhad showneverysignofsurgingandresurging everyfiveyears,seemedfinallytobedying. ThenewFantasylandhadbeenafeatherin Numbersweredown.Acoupleofgoththemed Sammyscapthathadkepthimsafefrom politicsforalongtime,butnotanymore.Nowit parksintheareahadshuttered,ashadthe marshyoneinNewOrleans(admittedlythat wasgettingrundown:cigaretteburns,graffiti, andeverynowandagainsomeonewouldfinda mighthavebeenmoretodowiththecholera couplehavingpervyeyelinersexinthebushes. outbreak). Lastmonth,hedshutdownthegothtoddler HedlovedtoworkopeningsinFantasylands heyday.Hedstandjustpastthecastlegateand clothingshopandputitswaresondeeponline watchtheflockingcrowdsofblackclad,lightly discount.Allhislittleniecesandnephewswere sweating,whitefacedgothkidspourthroughit, gettingbatwingonesies,skullplatformbooties blinkingintheunnaturallightofthemorning.A andtemporaryhairdyeandtattoosfor lotofthemtookdrugsandpartiedallnightand Christmas.Nowhejusthadtogetridofthe othertenmillionbucksworthofmerch. thencappeditoffwithanearlymorningat FantasylandDisneyhaddonefocusgroups, andtheydstartedsellingthechewythingsthat soothedtheclenchedjawsbroughtonbydance drugs. Butnowhehatedtheravengarbedcustomers whosalliedintohisparkliketheyownedthe joint.Agirlmaybe16walkedpastonvinyl platformheelswithtwogiganticmenintheir thirtiesbehindher,ledonthinblackleather leashes.Agroupofwhippetthinboysingrey Morning,Death,hesaid.Thekidsrealname wasDarrenWeinberger,butheinsistedonbeing calledDeathWaits,whichgivenhispudgyround cheeksandgenerallyeagertopleasedemeanor, wasfunnyenoughthatithadtakenSammyafull yeartolearntocontrolhisgrinwhenhesaidit. Sammy!Goodmorninghowreyoudoing? Thenumbersstink,Sammysaid.Youmust havenoticed. Deathsgrinvanished.Inoticed.Timefora

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/132 newride,maybe.Noonecalledthem attractionsanymoreallthatoldOrwellian Disneyspeakhadbeenabolished.Theylovethe coasterandthefreefall.Thrillridesarealways crowdpleasers. DeathWaitshadworkedatDisneyforthree yearsnow,sincetheageof16,andhehadgrown upcomingtothepark,oneoftherareOrlando locals.Sammyhadcometorelyonhimforwhat hethoughtofasinsightintothegothstreet.He neversaidthataloud,becauseheknewhow muchitsoundedlikewhateveryoucrazykids areintothesedays. Butthiswasnthelpful.Iknowthateveryone likesthrillrides,buthowthehellcanyou competewiththegypsycoasters?Theysetup theircoastersbytheroadandranthemuntil therewasaninjuryseriousenoughtodrawthe lawaweekortwoatbest.Youcouldorderthe DIYcoasterkitsfromanumberofsuppliers acrosstheUSandMexico,putthemupwith cranesandsemiskilledlaborandwishful thinking,starttakingtickets,andwhenthe inevitablecatastropheensued,youcouldbe packedandonthelaminacouplehours. andstartover.Whatcomesaftergoth,anyway? Areraversback?Hippies?Punks?Chavs? DeathWaitswasstaringathimwithroundeyes. Youwouldntreally Hewavedatthekid.Thiswashiswholelife. No,Death,no.Werenotgoingtobulldozethis place.Youvegotajobforlifehere.Itwasalie ofsuchamazingcallousnessthatSammyfelta twingeofremorsewhilesayingit.Thosetwinges didntcomeoften.ButDeathWaitslookedalot happieroncethewordswereoutofhismouth gothswithbigcandyapplecheekswerepretty unconvincinggloommeisters.

Sammystalkedbacktothenearestutilidor entrance,overbywhathadbeenthePinocchio VillageHaus.Hedturnedtheredesignovertoa designerwhodstartedoutasalitmajorand whoseadmirationforthedarkandtwisted elementsoftheoriginalPinocchiotalebyCarlo Collodishonethrough.Nowitfeaturedmuralsof donkeysbeingflensedbyfish,hecticPleasure Island.HangedPinocchioonhisgibbetdangled overthecondimentbar,twitchingandthrashing. Thesmellofstalegreaserosefromitlikea miasma,clashingwiththepatchoulithey Gypsycoasters?Theysuck.Wevegottheming. pumpedoutfromtheundergroundmisters. Ourridesareart.Thatstuffisjustengineering. Downintothetunnelsandthenintoagolfcart DeathWaitswasagoodkid,buthewasa andouttohisoffice.Hehadtimetopaw seriousimbiberofthekoolaid.Maybetry desultorilyatthemountainofmerchandise dancepartiesagain?Theydtriedastringofall samplesthathadcomeinovertheweeksince nightraves,butthefights,drugs,andsexwere hedlasttacklediteveryplasterskullvendor justtoomuchfortheuppermanagement,no andsilvercrossmakerintheworldsawhimasa matterhowmuchmoneytheybroughtin. tickettoeasystreet.Nonehadtwiggedtothefact Sammyshookhisheadmorosely.Ivetoldyou thatacompanythissizecantaffordtherisks fromthatsortofthing.Afewmoregoths straggledin.Theyheadedforthewalkthrough, whichprobablymeanttheyplannedtogethigh ormakeout,somethinghedgivenupontrying toprevent.Anythingtogetthenumbersup.He andthesecuritystaffhadcometoan understandingonthisandnoonewastellinghis bossorhiscolleagues. Ishouldjustbulldozethewholefuckingthing thattheywerereducingtheirgoththemedmerch thesedays.Still,goingthroughmerchhadbeen histaskforthreeyearsnowanditwasahard habittobreak.Helikedthelickandstick woundswithdancingmaggotsthatwere activatedbybodyheat.Theskeletalbikerswith flockingalgorithmsthatledthemintonoisy demolitionderbieswereagreatidea,too,since youdhavetobuyanothersetafteracouple hoursplay. Hisdeskwasthrobbingpink,whichmeantthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/133 hewaslateforsomething.Heslappedatit,read themessagethatcameup,rememberedthat therewasaweeklystatusmeetingfortheme leadersthathedbeenspecificallyinstructedto attend.Hedidntgotothesethingsifhecould helpit.Thetimemarkerswhoran AdventurelandandTomorrowlandandsoon wereallboringcuratorialtypeswhothoughtthat changewaswhatyougaveasuckerbackfroma tenatafrozenbananawagon. Thethemeleadersmetinasumptuousboard roomthathadbeenthemedinthegloryyearsof theunifiedWaltDisneyCompany.Ithad renewabletropicalhardwoodpanelling,a beautifulgardenandakoipond,andanaviary thatteemedwithchirrupingbrightbirds borrowedfromtheAnimalKingdommenagerie. Thetablewasaslabofslatewithabrushed finishoveritspitsandshelves,thechairswereso ergonomicthattheyhadzeroadjustment controls,becausetheyknewmuchbetterthan youevercouldhowtoarrangethemselvesfor yourmaximumcomfort. Hewasthelastonethroughthedoor,andthey allturnedtostareathim.Theyalldressedfor shit,inoldfashionedslacksandhightech walkingshoes,companypocketteesorbaseball jerseys.Noneofthemhadahaircutthatwas worthadamn,noteventhetwowomenexecs whocoranMainStreet.Theydressedlikethe MiddleAmericanstheycateredto,ormaybea littlebetter. Sammyhadalwaysbeenasharpdresser.He likedshirtsthatlookedlikegoodcottonbuthad alittlestretchbuiltintothemsotheyrestedtight athischest,whichwasbig,andtightathiswaist, whichwassmall.Helikedjeansinwhatever stylejeanswerebeingworninBarcelonathat year,whichmeantblackjeanscutverysquare andwidelegged,ironedstiffwithoutacrease. Hehadshadesthathadbeendesignedtomake hisfacelookalittlevulpine,atraitthathed alwaysknownhehad.Itputpeopleonedgeif youlookedalittlewolfy. Hestoppedoutsidethedooroftheboardroom andsquareduphisshoulders.Hewasthe youngestpersonontheboard,andhedalways beenthebiggest,cockiestbastardintheroom. Hehadtorememberthatifhewasgoingto survivethisnexthour. Hecamethroughthedoorandstoppedand lookedatthepeoplearoundthetableandwaited foreveryonetonoticehim.Theylookedso midwesternandgoofy,andhegavethemhis wolfysmilehello,littlepiggies,heretoblow yourhousedown. Hey,kids,hesaid,andgrabbedthecoffee carafeandamugoffthesideboard.Hefilledhis cup,thenpassedthecarafeoff,asthoughevery meetingbeganwiththepassingaroundofthe lowgradestimulants.Hesettledintohisseatand lookedaroundexpectantly. Gladyoucouldmakeit,Sammy.Thatwas Wiener,whogenerallychairedthemeetings. Theoretically,itwasarotatingchairship,but theresacertainkindofpersonwhonaturally endsuprunningeverymeeting,andRonWiener wasthatkindofperson.Hecoran Tomorrowlandwiththreefacelessnonentities whohadbeenpromotedabovetheircompetence duetohisinexplicableloyaltytothem,and betweenthefourofthem,theydmanagedto keepTomorrowlandthemostembarrassingly badlythemedpartofthepark.Wewerejust talkingaboutyou. Ilovebeingthesubjectofconversation, Sammysaid.Heslurpedloudlyathiscoffee. Whatweweretalkingaboutwastheutilization numbersfromFantasyland. Whichsucked,Sammyknew.Theydbeenin freefallformonthsnow,andlookingaroundat thosecowlikemidwesternfaces,Sammy understoodthatitwastimefortheknivesto comeout. Theysuck,Sammysaidbrightly.Thatswhy wereabouttochangethingsup. Thatpreemptedthem.Canyouexplainthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/134 some?Wienersaid,clickinghispenand squaringuphisnotepad.Thesejerksandtheir paperfetish. someoneseniortointervene. Youknow,researchfirst.Wellshutdownthe crapridesnextweekandcanthedeadwood. WanttocommissiontheresearchtodayifIcan. Startworkonthefillerthrillridesnextweek too.

Sammydidhisbestthinkingonhisfeetandon themove.Confident.Wolfy.Yourebetterthan thesejerkswiththeirpadsandtheircornfed notions.Hesuckedinabreathandbegantopace Hesatdown.Theycontinuedtoboggle. andusehishands. Youreseriousaboutthis? Weregoingtotakeouteveryunderutilized Aboutwhat?Gettingridofunprofitablestuff? rideintheland,effectiveimmediately.Layoff thedeadwoodemployees.Weregoingtogeta Researchingprofitabledirections?Yesandyes. coupleofftheshelfthrillridesandgivethema Therewereotherroutineagendaitems,which solidworkingoverforthemingbuildourown remindedSammyofwhyhedidntcometothese ridevehicles,queueareasandenclosures,big meetings.Hespentthetimesurfingreadymade ones,weeniesthatwilldrawyoureyefrom coastersandcheckingtheintranetforengineer outsidethemaingate.Butthatsjustastopgap. availability.HewasjustgettingintotheHR recordstoseewhohedhavetolayoffwhen NextImgoingtostartfocusgroupingthe theyfinallywounddownandhesaunteredout, fatkins.Theyrereadymadeforthisstuff.All abouthavingfun.Mostofthoseexfattiesused givinghiswolfygrintoall,withaspecialflash ofitforWiener. topackthisplacewhentheywerestuckin electricwheelchairs,butnowtheyretoobusy hestoppedhimselffromsaying Death,Idlikeaword,please? fuckingHavingmoreadultfuntocome back,butanyonewhocanaffordfatkinshas Idbedelighted.Deathtalkedlikesomeone discretionaryincomeandweshouldhaveapiece whodlearnedtotalkbybeingaprecocious ofit. reader.Heoverpronouncedhiswords,spokein completesentences,andpausedatthecommas. Itshardtosaywithoutresearch,butIm Sammyknewthatspeechpatternwell,since willingtobetthattheseguyswillrespond stronglytonostalgia.Imthinkingofreinstating hedworkedhardtotrainhimselfoutofit.Itwas theoldFantasylanddarkrides,diggingpartsout ageekaccent,anditmadeyousoundlikea ofstorage,whateverwehaventauctionedoffon smartassinsteadofasharpoperator.Yougot thecollectiblesmarket,anyway,andcloningthe thatwayifyougrewuptryingtotalkwitha rest,butremakingthemwithalittle,youknow, grownupvocabularyandachildscontrolof darkness.LikethePinocchiothing,butmoreso. yourspeechmuscles;youlearnedtoholdyour chinandcheeksstillwhileyouspoketogiveyou CaptainHooksgrislydeath.TinkerBells inherentporniness.Whatkindoffriendshipdid alittleprecisionboost.Thatwasthegeekaccent. SnowWhitehavewiththedwarfs?Yousee Rememberwhatwetalkedaboutthis whereImgoing.Ironicwehaventdoneironic morning? inalongtime.Itsprobablyduefora Buildingathrillride? comeback. Yes,Sammysaid.HedforgottenthatDeath Theystaredathiminshockedsilence. Waitshadsuggestedthatinthefirstplace.Good Yousayyouregoingtodothiswhen?Wiener thatwasagoodspin.Ivedecidedtotake said.Hedwanttoknowsohecouldget yoursuggestion.Ofcourse,weneedtomake

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/135 roomforit,soImgoingtoshutdownsomeof thecrapyouknowwhichonesImean. DeathWaitswasgreenunderhiswhitemakeup. Youmean Allthewalkthroughs.Thecoffincoaster,of course.Theflyingbats.Maybeoneortwo others.AndImgoingtoneedtomakesome layoffs,ofcourse.Gottamakeroom. Youregoingtolaypeopleoff?Howmany people?Werealreadybarelystaffed.Death wastheofficialarbiterofshiftchanging, scheduleswappingandcrossscheduling.Ifyou wantedtotakeanafternoonofftogetyourmom outofthehospitaloryourdadoutofjail,hewas theonetotalkto. ThatswhyImcomingtoyou.IfIshutdown sixoftheridesDeathgasped.Fantasyland had10ridesintotal.Sixoftherides.How manyoftheseniorstafferscanIgetridofand stillhavethewarmbodiestokeepeverything running?Seniorpeoplecostalotmorethanthe teenagerswhocamethrough.Hecouldhiresix juniorsforwhatDeathcosthim.Frigging Floridalaborlawsmeantthatyouhadtogive costoflivingraiseseveryyear,anditaddedup. Deathlookedlikehewasgoingtocry. Ivegotmyownestimates,Sammysaid.But Iwantedtogetarealitycheckfromyou,since yourerightthere,ontheground.Idhateto leavetoomuchfatonthebone. referencefromthisplacegoesalongway,too. TheyllbeOK. Deathlookedathim,alonglook.Thekidwasnt stupid,Sammyknew.Noneofthesepeoplewere stupid,notWiener,notthekid,notthegoths wholedeachotheraroundFantasylandon leashes.Notthefatkinswhodsoonpackthe place.Theywerenoneofthemstupid.Theywere justsoft.Unwillingtomakethehardchoices. Sammywasgoodathardchoices. Perrygothomethatnightandwalkedinon LesterandSuzanne.Theyweretangledonthe livingroomcarpet,mostlynaked,andLester blushedrighttohisasscheekswhenPerrycame throughthedoor. Sorry,sorry!Lestercalledashegrabbeda sofacushionandpassedittoSuzanne,thengot oneforhimself.Perryavertedhiseyesandtried nottolaugh. Jesus,guys,whatswrongwiththebedroom? Wewouldvegottenthereeventually,Lester saidashehelpedSuzannetoherfeet.Perry pointedlyturnedtofacethewall.Youwere supposedtobeatdinnerwiththegang,Lester said.

Closeupontheridewascrazy.Everythingwas changingandtheprinterswereoutofgoop.Lots ofactiononthenetworkBostonandSan Franciscoareintroducingalotofnewitemsto Heknewwhateffectthiswouldhaveonthekid. theride.BythetimeIgottotheguesthouse,the Deathblinkedbackhistears,puthisfistunder Kettlewellswerealreadyputtingthekidsto hischinandpulledouthisphoneandstarted bed.HedecidednottomentionEvasangry scribblingonit.Hehadalistofeveryemployee stormouttoSuzanne.Nodoubtshehadalready inthereandhebegantotransfernamesfromitto figuredoutthatallwasnotwellintheHouseof anotherplace. Kettlewell. Theyllbeback,right?Tooperatethenew rides? Suzanneahemd. Sorry,sorry,Lestersaid.Letstalkaboutthis later,OK?Sorry.

Theoneswedontbringback,wellgetthem unemploymentcounseling.Enrollthemina TheyscurriedofftoLestersroomandPerry networkingclubforthejobless,oneofthereally whippedoutacomputer,putonsomeshort goodones.Wecangetagrouprate.Ajob humorvideosinshufflemode,andgrabbeda

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/136 bigtubofsparepartshekeptaroundtofiddle with.Itcouldbesoothingtotakeapartand reassembleacomplexmechanism,and sometimesyougotideasfromit. Fiveminuteslater,heheardtheshowerrunning andthenSuzannecameintothelivingroom. forgottentheirembarrassmentandwereplanning anotherretreattothebedroomoncetheyd refueled.Perryleft.

Hey,Francis.Franciswassittingonthe secondstoreybalconyofhismayoralhouse, Imgoingtoordersomefood.Whatdoyoufeel surveyingtheelectricglowoftheshantytown. like? Asusualnow,hewasalone,withoutanyofhis oldgangofboyshangingaroundhim.Hewaved Whateveryouget,youllhavetoorderitfrom anarmtowardPerryandbeckonedhiminside, oneofthefatkinsplaces.Itsnotpracticalto buzzinghiminwithhisphone. feedLesteranyotherway.Getmeasmall chickentikkapizza. Perrytrackedupthenarrowstairs,wondering Sheporedoverthestackofmenusinthekitchen. howFrancisnegotiatedthemwithhisbadknee DoesFoodinTwentyMinutesreallydeliverin andhispropensitytohaveonebeertoomany. 20minutes? Whatsthegoodword? Oh,notmuch,Perrysaid.Hehelpedhimself toabeer.Theymadeitintheshantytownand fortifieditwithfruits,likeaBelgianbeer.The resultingsudswerestrongandsweet.Thisone wasraspberryandittastedalittlepink,likered soda. Yourfriendsarentgettingalongtoogood,is whatIhear. Really.Nothingwasmuchofasecretinthis place. Thelittlewomanstakenaroomofherown downtheroad.Mywifedidthattomeonce. Crazybroad.Thatstheirwaysometimes.Getso madtheyjustneedtowalkaway. Igetthatmad,too,Perrysaid. Oh,hell,metoo,allthetime.Butmenusually donthavethegutstopackasuitcaseandlight out.Womenhavetheguts.Theyrenothingbut guts. Perrycursed.WhyhadntKettlebellycalled him?Whatwasgoingon? HecalledKettlebelly. Hi,Perry! Usually15.Theydomostoftheprepinthe vansandusealotofpredictivemathintheir routing.Theresusuallyavanwithinaboutten minutesofhere,nomatterwhatthetraffic.They delivertotrafficjams,too,onscooters. Suzannemadeaface.IthoughtRussiawas weird.Sheshowedthenumberonthebrochure toherphoneandthenstartedtoorder. Lestercameoutaminutelater,dressedtothe ninesasalways.Hewasbarelycapableof enteringhisbedroomwithouteffectinga wardrobechange. HegavePerryaslightlypissedofflookand Perryshruggedapologetically,thoughhedidnt feelallthatbad.Lestersfault. Christonabike,itwasweirdtothinkofthetwo ofthemtogether,especiallygoingatitonthe livingroomruglikeacoupleofhornyteens. Suzannehadalwaysbeenthegrownupintheir littlefamily.Butthathadbeenbackwhenthere wasabigcompanyinvolved.Somethingabout beingapieceofabigcompanymadeyouwant toactlikeyoudalwaysfiguredgrownupsshould act.Onceyouwereafreeagent,therewasntany reasonnottoembraceyoururges.

Whenthefoodcame,thetwoofthemattackedit Hi,Landon.Whatsup? likehungrydogs.Itwasclearthattheyd Up?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/137 Yeah,howarethings? Things? Well,IhearEvatookoff.Thatsortofthing. Anythingwecantalkabout? Kettlewelldidntsayanything. ShouldIcomeover? No,hesaid.Illmeetyousomewhere. Where? Thenextmorning,Perryfoundhimself desperatelyembroiledinorderingmoregoopfor thethreeDprinters.Lotsmore.Theotherrides hadfinallycomeonlineinthenight,after interminablenetworkscrewupsandmalfing robotsandprintersandscannersthatwouldnt cooperate,butnowthereweresevenridesinthe network,sevenrideswhoseriderswere rearranging,addingandsubtracting,andthere wasreconcilingtodo.Theprintershummedand hummed.

FranciswordlesslypassedKettlewellabeerashe Thenativesarerestless,Lestersaid,pointinga steppedoutontotheterrace. thumboverhisshoulderatthegrowingqueueof So? wouldberiders.Wegoingtobereadytoopen Theyreinamotelnotfarfromhere.Thekids soon? lovecoffins. Perryhadfallenintoaclassicnerdtrapofhaving Francisopenedanotherbeerforhimself.Hard almostsolvedaproblemandnotrealizingthat toimagineakidlovedacoffinmorethanyour thelastthreepercentofthesolutionwouldtake kidslovedthisplacethisafternoon. aslongastherestofitputtogether.Meanwhile, Evasprettysteamedatme.Itjusthasntbeen theridewasinashamblesasrobotsattemptedto verygoodsinceIretired.IguessImprettyhard printandarrangeobjectstomirrorthosearound thenation. tolivewithallthetime. Perrynodded.Icanseethat. Thanks,Kettlewellsaid.Also.Hetooka pulloffhisbeer.AlsoIhadanaffair. Bothmensuckedairbetweentheirteeth. Withherbestfriend. Soonsoon,Perrysaid.Hestoodupandlooked aroundattheshambles.Ilie.Thiscrapwont bereadyforhoursyet.Sorry.Fuckit.Openup. Lesterdid.

Iknow,Iknow,butthatsthedealwiththeride. Itsgottogetinsync.Youknowwevebeen workingonthisformonthsnow.Itsjust Perrycoughedalittle. growingpains.Here,Illgiveyoubackyour WhileEvawaspregnant. moneyyoucomebacktomorrow,itllallbeset Yourestillbreathing?Patientwoman,Francis torights. said. Theangryriderwasaregular,oneofthepeople Shesagoodwoman,Kettlewellsaid.The whocamebyeverymorningtoridebeforework. best.Motherofmychildren.Butitmadehera Shewasgauntandtallandgeekyandtalkedlike littlecrazyjealous. anengineer,withthenerdaccent. Sowhatstheplan,Kettlewell?Youreagood manwithaplan,Perrysaid. Ihavetogiveheranightofftocooldownand thenwellsee.Neveranypointindoingthis whilesheshot.Tomorrowmorning,itllcome together. Whatkindofprinter?Lesterbrokein.Perry hidhissnickerwithacough.Lesterwouldget hertalkingabouttheinsandoutsofherprinter, talkingshop,andbeforeyouknewitshedbe mollified. Perrysoldanotherticket,andanother.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/138 Hiagain!Itwasthecreepyguy,thesuitwhod shownupinBoston.Tjanhadacrazytheory aboutwhyhedlefttheBostonlaunchinsucha hurry,butwhoknew? Hithere,Perrysaid.Longtimenosee.Back fromBoston,huh? Formonths.Theguywasgrinningand sweatinganddidntlookgood.Hehadafresh bruiseonhischeekwithacoupleofknuckle printsclearlyvisible.Cantwaittogetbackon theride.Itsbeentoolong. Sammyhadbeenthrougharehabandknewhow theywent.Youlaidoffabunchofpeopleinone fast,hardbigbang.Hiredsomeunemployment coachesfortheseniorunionizedemployees, scheduledacoupleofnetworkingevents wheretheycouldminglewithotherunemployed slobsandpassaroundhomemadebusiness cards. YouneededaJudasgoat,someonewhodtalk uptherehabtotheotheremployees,whomyou couldrelyon.DeathWaitshadbeenhisJudas goatfortheFantasylandgothmakeover.Hed tirelesslyevangelizedtheideatohiscoworkers, hadfoundgothtrufanswhodblogthehellout ofeveryinchoftherehab,hadruneveryerrand nomatterhowmenial. Buthispassiondidntcarryovertodismantling thegothrehab.Sammyshouldhaveanticipated that,buthehadtotallyfailedtodoso.Hewas justsousedtothinkingofDeathWaitsas someonewhowasaneverquestioningslaveto thepark. performedhisdutiesslowlyand unenthusiastically.WhenSammypinnedhim downwithadirectquestion,helethisbangsfall overhiseyes,lookeddownathisfeet,andwent silent. Comeon,whatthehellisgoingon?Thefences weresupposedtobeupthismorning!Theplan hadbeentogetthemaintenancecrewsinbefore ropedroptofenceoffthedoomedridessothat thedismantlingcouldbegin.Butwhenhed shownupateight,therewasnosignofthe fences,nosignofthemaintenancecrewsandthe rideswereallfullystaffed. Deathlookedathisfeet.Sammybubbledwith rage.Ifyoucouldnttrustyourownpeople,you werelost.Therewerealreadyenoughpeople aroundtheparklookingforawaytowrongfoot him. Death,Imtalkingtoyou.ForChristssake, dontbesuchagoddamnedbaby.Youshutdown thegoddamnedridesandsendthoseglue sniffershome.Iwantawreckingcrewhereby lunchtime. DeathWaitslookedathisfeetsomemore.His floppyblackwingsofhaircoveredhisface,but fromthesnufflingnoises,Sammyknewthere wassomecryinggoingonunderneathallthat hair. Suckitup,hesaid.Orgohome.

Sammyturnedonhisheelandstartedforthe door,andthatwaswhenDeathWaitsleaptonhis back,draggedhimtothegroundandstarted punchinghim.Hewasntmuchofapuncher,but hedidhavealotofchunkysilverskullringsthat reallystung.Hepastedacouplegoodoneson Comeon,cheerup!Lookathowcoolthese SammybeforeSammycametohissensesand thrillridesaregoingtobe.Thosewereyour threwtheskinnykidoffofhim.Strangely, idea,youknow.Checkoutthecoffincarsand Sammysangerwasdissipatedbytheactual, thelittlephotoopattheendthatphotoshopsall physicalviolence.Hehadneverthrownapunch theridersintozombies.Thatsgottoberightup inhislifeandhewaswillingtobetthesamewas youralley,right?Yourfriendsaregoingtolove trueofDeathWaits.Therewassomething this. almostfunnyaboutanactualpunchup. Deathmopedasonlyagothcould.He DeathWaitspickedhimselfupandlookedat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/139 Sammy.Thekidseyelinerwasinsmearsdown hischeeksandhishairwasstandinguponend. Sammyshookhisheadslowly. boardshesurfed,thewholethinghadbeen DeathWaitssidea.Goddamnit.

ItwasBostonalloveragain.Hedpulledthe Dontbothercleaningoutyourlocker.Illhave plugandthemachinekeptonmoving.The yourthingssenttoyou.Anddontstoponyour hoardingswentupandtheridescamedown,but wayoutofthepark,either. allhisformeremployeesandtheirweirdeyeliner pervertpalsallwentsomewhereelseandpartied Hecouldhavecalledsecurity,butthatwould havemeantsittingtherewithDeathWaitsuntil onjustthesame.Hisattendancenumberswere waydown,andthephotobloggerspostingshots theyarrived.Thekidwouldgoandhewould ofblackcloudsofgothsatthefrankenridemade nevercomeback.Hewasdisgraced. itclearwheretheydallgone. Andleavehedid.SammyhadDeathWaits Fine,hethought,fine.Letsgohavealook. employeepassdeactivatedandthecontentsof hislockerpatchoulireekingblackteeshirts Theguywiththefunnyeyebrowmadehim andblunteyelinerpencilssentbylastclass immediately,butdidntseemtobesuspicious. mailtohishouse.HecutoffDeathWaitss Maybetheyneverfiguredoutwhatheddonein benefits.Hehadthedeadwoodridesshuttered Boston.Thegothkidswerebusyinthemarket andcommencedtheirdestruction,handingover stallsorhangingaroundsmokingcloveand anypiecerecognizableascomingfromarideto patchoulihookahsandtheyignoredhimasa thecompanysauctiondepartmenttolistonline. squareandbeneaththeirnotice. Anythingtoaddblacktohisbottomline. Theridehadchangedagreatdealsincehislast ButhischeekthrobbedwhereDeathhadlaid intohim,andhedlosthisfireforthenew project.Werefatkinsadecentsizedmarket segment?Heshouldhavecommissioned researchonit.Buthedneededtogetaplanin thecanintimetomollifytheexecutive committee.Plusheknewwhathiseyestoldhim everyday:theparkwasfulloffatkins,and alwayshadbeen. fatedvisit.HedheardaboutTheStory,of coursethedarkridepresshadreportedonitin aneditorialthatweek.ButnowTheStory which,ashecouldperceiveit,wasanorderly progressionofwhatseemedtobesomeoneslife unfoldingfromchildhoodnaivetetoadolescent exuberancetoadultcynicismtoanostalgic, elderlydelightwasaugmentedbyfamiliar accoutrements. Therewasarobotzombieheadfromoneofthe rideshedtorndownyesterday.Andherewas halfthesignfromthecoffincoaster.Abatwing bushfromthehedgemaze.Thelittlebastards hadstolenthedeconstructedridedebrisand broughtithere.

TheghostofDeathWaitswaseverywhere. Sammyhadtofigureoutforhimselfwhomto fire,andhowtodoit.Hedidntreallyknowany ofthegothkidsthatworkedtheridesthesedays. DeathWaitshadhiredandledthem.Therewere lotsofcryingfitsandthreats,andthekidshe didntfireactedliketheywerenext,andifit hadntbeenfortheneedtokeeprevenue flowing,Sammywouldhavecannedallofthem.

Bythetimehegotofftheride,hewasgrinning ferociously.Bytomorrowtheredbecopiesofall thattrademarkedridestuffrollingoffthe Thenhecaughtwindofwhattheywerealldoing printersintencitiesaroundtheUnitedStates. withtheirseverancepay:travelingsouthto Thatwasamajorbitofillegalactivity,andhe Hollywoodandridingthatgoddamned knewwherehecouldfindsomehungryattack frankenrideinthedeadWalMart,tryingtoturn lawyerswhodlovetoargueaboutit.Hejumped itintogothparadise.Judgingfromthemessage ontherideagainandgothiscameraconfigured

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/140 forlowlightshooting. EvashoweduponPerrysdoorstepthatnight afterdinner.LesterandSuzannehadgoneoffto thebeachandPerrywasalone,updatinghis inventoryoftchotchkeswithacameraandanold computer,gettingeverythingstickeredwith RFIDs. doingvolunteerwork,andtraveling.Notmuch chanceofthatthough.Yousawhowhewas lookingatSuzanne. YouthinkheandSuzanne

No,Iaskedhimandhesaidno.ThenItalkedto herandshetoldmethatshewouldnteverlet somethinglikethathappen.HerIbelieve.She satdownanddandledthelittleboyuntilhe gurgledcontentedly.PerryheardAdagoing Shehadthekidsintow.Adaspottedthetwoold, crazyinthekitchenwithamechanicalsphincter lovelybaseballmittsonthecrowdedcoffeetable hedbeenbuilding.Ridesarealotoffun, andmadeabeelineforthem,puttingoneover Perry.Yourride,itsamazing.ButIdontwant eachhandandwalkingaroundsmackingthem toridearidefortherestofmylife,andLandon togethertoheartheleatherysound,snoopingin isaridethatdoesntstop.Youcantgetoff. drawersandpeeringatthebusinessendofan arcwelderthatPerryhastilysnappedupandput Perrywasataloss.Iveneverhada relationshipthatlastedmorethansixmonths, onahighshelf,whichwinkedoncetolethim knowthatithadtrackedthemovementandnoted Eva.Ivegotnobusinessgivingyouadviceon thisstuff.Kettlewellisprettyamazing,though.It thelocationofthetool. soundslikeyouvegothimprettywired,right? Thelittleboy,Pascal,rodeonhismothership. Youknowthatifhesbusy,heshappy,and Evahadclearlyhadabitofacry,buthadgotten whenhesslack,hesmiserable.Soundslikeif overit.Nowshewasdetermined,withherjaw youkeephimbusy,hellbethekindofguyyou thrustoutandherchinuptilted. wanthimtobe,evenifyouwonthavemuch Idontknowwhattodoabouthim.Hesbeen timetoplaywithhim. drivingmecrazysinceheretired.Youknowhe Sheunholsteredatitandstuckitintheboys hadanaffair? mouthandPerrylookedatthecarpet.She Hetoldme. laughed.Youaresuchageek,shesaid.OK, Shelaughed.Hetellseveryone.Hesboasting, fine.Ihearwhatyouresaying.SohowdoIget youknow?Whatever.Iknowwhyhedidit.Mid himbusyagain?Canyouusehimaroundhere? lifecrisis.Butbeforethat,itwasearlyadulthood crisis.Andadolescentcrisis.Thatguydoesnt knowwhattodowithhimself.Hesagoodman, buthesoutofhisfuckingmindifhesnot jugglingahundredballs. Perrytriedoutanoncommittalshrug. Yourehisbuddy,Iknow.Butyouhavetosee thatitstrue,right?Ilovehim,Ireallydo,but hesgotaselfdestructivestreakamilewide.It doesntmatterhowmuchhelovesmeorthe kids,ifhesnottorturinghimselfwithwork, hesgottocomeupwithsomethingelseto screwuphislife.Ithoughtthatweweregoingto spendthenexttwentyyearsraisingthekids, Here?Perrythoughtaboutit.Idontthinkwe needmuchempirebuildingaroundhere. Ithoughtyoudsaythat.Perry,whatthehell amIgoingtodo? Therewasatremendouscrashfromthekitchen, ashriekofsurprise,thenasmalloops. Ada!Evacalled.Whatnow? Iwasplayingballinthehouse,Adasaidinthe samesmallvoice.Eventhoughyouhavetold menotto.AndIbrokesomething.Ishouldhave listenedtoyou. Evashookherhead.Playsmelikea goddamnedcello,shesaid.Imsorry,Perry.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/141 Wellpayforwhateveritwas. Hepattedherarm.Youforgetwhoyoure talkingto.Ilovefixingstuff.Dontsweatit. WhateverIllbuyyouoneandyoucanuseit forparts.Ada!Whatdidyoubreak,anyway? Madeofseashells,bythetoaster.Its twitching. Toastmakingseashellrobot,Perrysaid.No sweatitwasdueforanoverhaul,anyway. Christ,shesaid.Toastmakingseashell robot? Kettlewelliswhywegaveupmakingthatkind ofthing,hesaid. Haveyouseenhim? Iveseenhim. Howpenitentwashe? HethoughtbacktoKettlewellslongpusson Francissterrace.Yeah,prettypenitent.Hes prettyworried,Idsay. thoughtaboutcallinghimorsendinghiman email.Finally,Perrywentandknockedathis door. Oh,gobacktothelivingroom,Illcomeout, Illcomeout. Perrywentbackandmouseddesultorilyatsome ridefanblogsforawhile,listeningforLesters dooropening.Finally,outhecame,longfaced andpuffyeyed. Perryshookhishead.Waseveryonemiserable tonight? Hello,Lester,hesaid.Somethingonyour mind? Hebarkedahumorlesslaugh.Withher,Im stillfat. Perrynoddedasthoughheunderstood,though hedidnt.

Sincefatkins,Ivefeltlike,Idontknow,areal person.WhenIwasbig,Iwasinvisibleand totallyasexual.Ididntthinkabouthavingsex withanyoneandnooneeverthoughtabout Shenodded.Allrightthen.Maybeheslearned havingsexwithme.WhenIfeltsomethingfora alesson.Ada!Stopbreakingthingsandgetyour woman,itwasmorelikeabig,romanticlove, shoesbackon! likeIwasabeastandshewasabeautyandwe couldenjoysomekindofchaste,spirituallove. WegoingbacktoDaddy? Fatkinsmademe...whole.Awholeperson,with alifebelowmybeltaswellasabovemyneck.I Good,Adasaid. knowitlooksgrossanddesperatetoyou,butto TheywerebarelyoutthedoorwhenSuzanne meitsacelebration.EverytimeIgettogether andLestercamein.TheynoddedatPerryand withafatkinsgirlandwere,youknow,partying disappearedintothebedroom.Tenminuteslater, forbothofusitbecomessomethingreally Suzannestompedoutagain.Shebarelylookedat intimate.Adenialofpain.Afuckyoutothe Perryasshedisappearedintothecorridor, universethatmadeussogrossanduntouchable. slammingthedoorbehindher. Andwithher,yourestillfat,huh? PerrywaitedfiveminutestoseeifLesterwould Lesterwinced.Yeah,itsmyproblem.IguessI comeoutonhisown.Thishappenedsometimes reallyresentherfornotwantingmewhenIwas withthefatkinsgirls;loveamongthefatkinswas big,thoughItotallygetwhyshewouldnthave. stormyandunpredictableandLesterseemedto Maybeyoureangrythatshewantsyounow. likebraggingaboutthemeltdownsthey experienced,eachoneanoddityofsybaritic Huh.Lesterlookedathishands,whichhewas fatkinsculturetoboastabout. drywashinginhislap.OK,maybe.Why Yes,shesaid. ButLesterdidntcomeoutthistime.Perry shouldshewantmenow?Imthesameperson,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/142 afterall. Exceptthatyourewholenow. Urk.Lesterstartedpacing.Whobrokethe toastrobot? Kettlewellsdaughter,Ada.Evawasoverwith thekids.ShemovedoutonKettlebelly.He thoughtaboutwhetherheshouldtellLester. Whatthehell.Shethinkshesinlovewith Suzanne. Jesus,Lestersaid.Maybeweshouldswap. IlltakeEvaandhecantakeSuzanne. Youresuchapig,Perrysaid. Youknowusfatkinsfuck,foodandfolly. SowhatsgoingonwithyouandSuzanne now? ShesgoneawayuntilIcangetnakedaround herwithouteitherburstingintotearsormaking sarcasticremarks. Thereweretwocopcarsattheendofthe drivewayleadingtotheparkinglot.Broward Countysheriffsdeputyblackandwhites, parkedhorizontallytoblockadethedrive. Perrypulledoverandgotoutofhiscarslowly, keepinghishandsinplainsight.Thedoorsof thecruisersopened,too.Thedeputiesalready hadtheirmirrorshadeson,thoughthesunwas stillrising,andtheysetdowntheircoffeesonthe hoodofthecars. Thisyours?Adeputysaid,jerkinghisthumb overhisshoulderatthefleamarketandtheride. Perryknewbetterthantoansweranyquestions. CanIhelpyou? Wereshuttingyoudown,buddy,sorry.The copwasyoung,Latinaandfemale,herpartner wasolder,whiteandmale,withtheruddy complexionthatPerryassociatedwitholdtime Floridacops.

Whatsthecharge? Jesus.Crying.Perrycouldntrememberwhen hedeverseenLestercry.Itwaswaterworkscity Theresnocharge,themalecopsaid.He soundedlikehewasangryalreadyandanything thesedaysaroundhere. Perrysaidwouldjustmakehimangrier.We Ah.Perryjustwantedthisdaytobeover.He chargeyouifweregoingtoarrestyou.Were missedHilda,thoughhebarelyknewher.It enforcinganinjunction.Now,ifyoutrytoget wouldhavebeennicetohavesomeonehereat pastus,wellcomeupwithachargeandthen homewithhim,someonehecouldcuddleupto wellarrestyou. inbedandtalkthisalloutwith.Maybehe CanIseetheinjunction? shouldcallTjan.Hehitthebuttononhis computerthatmadetheTVblinkthetimein Sure,youcangotothecourthouseandseethe Morsecode.Itwas1AM.Hedhavetobeupin injunction. sixhourstogettherideupandrunning.Screw Arentyousupposedtohaveacopyofitto allthis,hewasgoingtobed.Hehadnteven gottenasingleemailfromHildasincehedleft showtome? Madison.Notthathedsentonetoher,of AmI?Thecopsgrinwasmeanandimpatient. course. CanIgoandgetsomestufffrommyoffice? LesterwasstillsnoringwhenPerryslippedout ofthecondo,abulbofjuiceandamicrowavable venisonandquaileggbreakfastburritounderhis arm.Hehadalittlegloveboxmicrowaveandby thetimehehithisfirstredlight,theburritowas nuclearhotandreadytoeat.Hegobbleditone handedwhilehemadehiswaytotheride. Ifyouwanttogetarrestedyoucan.Hepulled adyspepticfaceanddranksomecoffee,thengot backintohiscruiser. Theothercophadthegracetolookfaintly embarrassedatherassholepartner,butthenshe, too,gotbackinhercar.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/143 Perrythoughtfuriouslyaboutthis.Thecopwas clearlyitchingtobusthisass.Maybehehated theride,orthisduty,ormaybehehatedPerry maybehewasoneofthecopswhohadraided theshantytownallthoseyearsbefore.Perryhad takenaprettybigsettlementoffthecountyover theshotinhishead,anditwasasurebetthata lotofcopshadsufferedforitandnowharbored someenmityforhim. Asbadasthiswas,itwasabouttogetworse. Thegothkidswhodbeenhangingaroundin droveslatelytheydidntseemlikethesort withalotofgoodinstinctswhenitcameto dealingwithauthorityfigures.Thentherewere thefleamarketstallowners,whodbecoming overtheroadtoopentheirshopsinanhouror so.Thiscouldgetreallygoddamnedugly. Heneededalawyer,andsomeonetofrontfor himwiththelawyer.HecouldcallTjanhe wouldcallhim,infact,butnotjustyet.There werelimitstowhatTjancoulddofromBoston, afterall. Kettlewellquizzedhimintenselyastheydrove backacrosstheroadtothepolicecars.Hecalled Tjanandgotvoicemail,leftabriefmessage, thengotoutofthecarandstoodstilloutsideit, wavingatthecopcars. What? Themalecoplookedevenmoredyspeptic. Hithere!IwonderedifIcouldgetyouto explainwhatsgoingonheresowecanopenup shopagain? Weveshutyoudowntoenforceaninjunction. Whatinjunctionisthat? Acourtinjunction. Whichcourt? Thecoplookedreallyangryforasecond,then hegotbackinhiscarandfishedaround. BrowardCounty.Hesoundedaggrieved. Isthattheinjunctionthere?Kettlewellsaid.

No,thecopsaid,tooquickly.Theybothknew Hegotbackinhiscarandpeeledacrosstheroad hewaslying,jerkingthemaround. totheshantytownandtheguesthouse. CanIseeit?Doesithaveinformationabout Kettlewell!Hethumpedthedoor.Comeon, Landon,itsme,Perry.Itsanemergency. HeheardEvacurse,thenheardmovement. Whazzit? whototalktotogettheinjunctionlifted? Kettlewellstonewaseven,pleasantandvery adult.Thevoiceofsomeoneusedtobeing obeyed.

Youllhavetogotothecourthouse.Theyopen Sorry,man,Iwouldnthavewokenyoubutits inacouplehours. arealemergency. Idreallyliketoseeit. Fire? Ohforchrissakes,thefemalecopsaid.Just No.Cops.Theyveshutdowntheride. showittothem,Tom.God.Shespatonthe Kettlewellopenedthedooracrackandstaredat ground.Herpartnergaveheralook,thenhanded himwitharedrimmed,hungovereye.Cops thepaperovertoKettlewell,whoporedoverit shutdowntheride? intently.Perryshouldersurfedhimandgathered thattheywerebeingshutdownforinfringing Yeah,theysaytheresaninjunction. DisneyParksCompanytrademarks.Thatwas Gimmeasec,gottaputsomepantson.He weird.YoucouldhardlygotenfeetinFlorida closedthedoor.AsPerrylistenedtothesounds withouttrippingoverabootlegMickey,sowhy ofhimgettingdressed,hereflectedthathed shouldthemarketstallsMickeydesignstrigger doneEvathefavorshedbeenseeking:hed legalaction? foundsomethingtokeepKettlewellbusy. Allright,then,Kettlewellsaid.Letsmake

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/144 somephonecalls. Theygotinthecaranddroveacrosstheroadto theshantytown.Therewasateahousethat openedearlyandtheycommandeeredits windowtableandspreadouttheirthings.Perry calledLesterandwokehimup.Ittooktwoor threetriestogethisheadarounditLester couldntfigureoutwhytheydshutdownthe marketstalls,butoncehegotthattheridewas downtoo,hewokeupfastandpromisedtomeet them. KettlewellsconversationwithTjanwasalot moreheated.Perrytriedtoeavesdropbut couldntmakeanysenseofit. Alltheridesaredown,hesaidoncehed droppedthephonetobounceacoupletimeson thetabletop,makingthecoffeesshiver.Every oneofthemwasshutdownbythecopsthis morning. Youreshittingme.Buttheydontallsellthe samestuff. TheywereshutdownbecauseofDisney trademarksintherideitself,orsoitseems.Now, whatarewegoingtodo?Tjanshiredalawyer fortheBostongroupandwecanhireonefor here,butIdontthinkweregoingtobeableto hirefixerseverywherethattheresaride.Thats goingtobereallyexpensive.Disneysfiledall theinjunctionsatthestateleveltheyhavean industryassociationtheyworkthroughthathas cooperatingattorneysineverycityinthe country,soitwaseasyforthem. Holycrap. Yeah.Whodidyoupissoff,Perry? Damnedifheknew.Heliterallycouldntthink ofasinglepersonwhodwanttodothis someonehadconvincedtheDisneycompanyto clobberhimlikeGodzillagoingafterTokyo.It justdidntmakeanysense. Sowhatdowedo? Kettlewelllookedathim.Ihavenoclue,Perry. Youarentacompany.Youarentanetworkof companies.Youarentanindustryassociation. Noonecanspeakforyou.Youcantlobbyor evenfieldaspokesman.Imean,noneofthat stuffworksforyouandthatstheonlywayI knowtofightbackincourt. Ithoughtwewereimmunetothisstuff.If theresnoonetosue,howcantheysueus? Iftheresnoonetosue,theresnoonetoshow upincourtandobject,either. Yeah. Idontthinkwecanincorporateyouintimeto makeadifference,Kettlewellsaid.Soweneed tothinkofsomethingelse. Suzanneslidintotheboothbesidethem.Her hairwastiedbackandhermakeupwasspareand severe.ShehadonEuropeancuttrousers,high likeabolerodancers,andaloose,flowing whitecottonovershirtontopofaluminescent pinktank.Perrycouldnttellwhetheritwas formalorinformal,butitlookedgoodandalittle intimidatinglyforeign.ShedidntmeetPerrys eye. Briefme,shesaid.Sheheldoutherphoneand putitinrecordmode. Kettlewellranitdownquicklyandshenodded, jottingnotes. Sowhathappensnext? Notmuchwecando,Kettlewellsaid. Theriderswillbealongshortly.Oh,andthe merchants.Perrystillcouldntcatchhereye. Illgotakesomepictures,shesaid. Becareful,Perrysaid. Shemuggedforhim.Sweetie,Itakepicturesof themafiyeh.Thenitwasallrightbetweenthem again,somehow. Right,Kettlewellsaid.Howsourtime looking? Gotthirtyminutesuntilthefirstofthe merchantsshowup.Anhouruntiltheridersstart turningup.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/145 Youdonthavealawyer,doyou? Perryquirkedhisfunnyeyebrow. Stupidquestion.OK.Right,Illmakesome morecalls.Letsgetsomepeopleoutofbed. WhatcanIdo? knowiswebuiltthisthingafteryoucameand talkedtousaboutitandnowitsbeenshut down,sowerewaitingforyoutotelluswhatto donext. Hegroanedandsatdownonacurb.Oh,crap.

Thenshesighedheavilyattheotherend.OK, Kettlewelllookedathim.Huh.Um.Thisis Perry,youneedtopullittogether.Weneedyou reallymybeatnow.Isupposeyoucouldgokeep now.Weneedsomethingthatexplainswhats Suzannecompany. goingon,whattodonext,andhowtodoit. Theresalotofenergyouthere,alotofpeople Gee,thanks. readytofight.Justpointusintheright SomethingwrongwithSuzanne? direction. NothingswrongwithSuzanne,hesaid.OK, Ihaveaguywhostryingtofigurethatout offIgo. rightnow. Hesetoffonfoot.Theshantytownhadwokenup now,peoplegettingreadyforthehiketothe earlybussesintoplaceswherethefewremaining jobswere. Perfect.Nowyouneedtosetupaconference callwitheveryrideoperatorsowecantalkthis over.Getonlineandpostatimeandanaddress. Illchatitupandmakesomecalls.Youmake Hetookhisphoneoutandtosseditfromhandto somecallstoo.Everyonelikestohearfromyou. Theyliketoknowyoureontheirside. hand.Thenhecalledthenumberthathed programmedinallthosedaysagoinMadison Right,hesaid,gettingbacktohisfeet,turning buthadneverbotheredtocall.Heforgotuntil aroundtogethiscomputeroutofhistrunk. theringingstartedthatitwasanothertimezone Right.Thatstotallytherightthingtodo.Im thereanhourortwoearlier.ButwhenHilda onit. answered,shesoundedwideawake. Goodman,shesaid. Niceofyoutocall,shesaid. Alittlepausestretchedbetweenthem.So,he Niceofyoutoanswer.Hervoicesentathrill said.Howyoudoing,apartfromallthis? uphisspine. Herlaughwasmerry.Ithoughtyoudnever Wevegotcopsoutsideoftheridehere,she ask.Imlookingforwardtoyournextvisit,is said.Weveonlybeenliveforaweek,too. howImdoing. Theyreateveryride,hesaid.Theyshutus Really? downtoo. Ofcoursereally. Well,whatareyougoingtodoaboutit? Yousoundedalittlepissedatmethereisall. WhatamIgoingtodoaboutit? Hesoundedlikealovesickteenager.Imean Sure,thisisyourthing,Perry.Wewokeupand Hebrokeoff. discoveredthecopsthismorningandthefirst Yourassneededkicking,wasall.Pause.Im thingeveryonedidwaswonderwhenyoudcall notpissedatyou,though.Whenareyoucoming withtheplan. foravisit? Yourekidding.WhatdoIknowaboutcops? Whatdoanyofusknowaboutcops?Allwe Gotme,hesaid.IguessIshould,right?He reallysoundedlikeateenager.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/146 Youneedtovisitallthesites,checkinonhow weredoing.Pause.Plusyoushouldcome hangoutwithmesome. Healmostpointedoutallherwarningsabout onlyhavingaonenightstandandnotmissing thepeoplehewasawayfromandsoforth,but stayedhistongue.Thefactthatshewantedhim tocomeforavisitwasovershadowing everything,eventheloomingcrisiswiththe cops. Itsadeal. Deal. Well,bye. Bye. Healmostsaid,Youhangupfirst,butthat wouldhavebeentoomuch.Insteadhejustkept thephoneathisearuntilheheardherclick. Suzannewaspointingandshootinglikemad. Perrysatdownonthecrackedpavementbeside herandunfoldedhiscomputerandstarted sendingoutemails,settingupaconference channel.HegaveSuzanneashortversionofhis talkwithHilda,beingcarefulnottogiveahint ofhisfeelingsforher. Shesoundslikeasensiblegirl,Suzannesaid. Youshouldgoandpayheranothervisit. Heblushedandshesockedhimintheshoulder. Tomakethatwork,wedhavetoflyattorneysto everycitywitharideinit,andthatsnot practicalasImsureyoucantell. Ahalfdozenflagswentupintheconference page.Ineedsomeonetoplaymoderator,cause Icanttalkandmodatthesametime.How aboutyou,Hilda? OK,shesaid.ImHildaHammersen,from theMadisongroup.Postonelinesummariesof yourpointsandIllsetaspeakerorder. Theconferencepagefilledup.Therewasthe officialbackchannelatthebottomwherethe textwasspillingbytoofastforPerrytoparse, andheknewthattherewerelotsofunofficial backchannelsinuse,too.Hecoveredthemic andsighed.Hehadnothingtosaytothese people.Hedidnthaveanyanswers. Right.Sowhoknowswhatweshoulddo?The backchannelwentcrazy.Hildastartedgreen lightingspeakerswiththeirflagsup. Whyareyouaskingus,Perry?Youvegotto runthis.ThevoicewaspetulantandPerrysaw thatitwasoneoftheBostoncrew,whichmade himwonderwhatTjanwasgoingtodowhenhe discoveredthatPerrywasdoingthis. Thepagepinkenedandthensankintored.The otherpeopleonthecallclearlythoughtthiswas BS,whichwasarelieftoPerry.Hildacuedup thenextspeaker.

Takeyourcall,shesaid.Thecopsweregiving themthehairyeyeball,andPerryscrewedinhis Wecouldsetupinformationpicketsatthegates toeachridehittingpeopleupfordonationsfor headset. ourlegaldefensegetthepresstocoveritand Theconferencechannelwasfillingup.Perry maybewecouldbringinenoughtofightallthe checkedoffnamesasrepsfromalltherides injunctions. cameonline.Therewasalotoftight,tense Thepinklightenedalittle,wentbacktoneutral chatter,jokesaboutthefuzz. white,turnedalittlegreen.Perrysloweddown OK,Perrysaid.Letsgetitstarted.Theres thebackchannelalittleandskimmedit: copsblockadingeveryride,right?Usethepoll please.Hepostedapolltotheconferencepage ::Nowaycouldwebringinenough,thatslike anditquicklygotto100percentgreen.SoIjust 30grandeachIgetacouplehundredpeoplehere foundthecopsoutsideofmine,too,andImnot inthemorningandthatwouldmeanahundred surewhattodoaboutit.Ivegotsomedoughfor andfiftybuckseach alawyer,butIcantaffordlawyersforeveryone. ::Nonoitstotallydoablewecanraisethat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/147 easyjustsetupsomepaypalsandpublicizethe shitoutofit Thenextspeakerwastalking.Whatifwegot themaintenancebotstobreakopenthedoors andcarrytherideoutsidewhereeveryonecan seeit? Brightred.Dumbidea. werealwaysfirstin.Soonthecommuterswould startarrivingintheirbeatercars. Hey,Perry,Jasonsaid.Hewaschewingonan unlitcigarette,adisgustinghabitthatwasonly marginallylessgrossthansmokingthem.Hed triedtoothpicks,butnothingwouldsatisfyhis oralcravingslikeafiltertip.Atleasthedidnt lightthem.Whatsup?

Perrybrokein.Imworriedthatwhenpeople showupitllprovokesomekindofconfrontation Perrytoldhimwhatheknew,whichwasnt withthelaw.Itcouldgetuglyhere.Howcanwe much.Jasonlistenedcarefully,asdidtheother vendorswhoarrived.Theyrefuckingwithyou, keepthatcooledout? man.Thecops,Disney,allofthem.Justfucking Green. withyou.Yougoaheadandhirealawyertogo Thatstotallygottobeourtoppriority,Hilda tothecourtforyouandseehowfaritgetsyou. Theyrenotplayingbyanyrules,theyrenot said. interestedinthelawyoubrokeorwhatever.They Nextspeaker.OK,sothebestwaytokeep justwanttofuckwithyou. peoplecalmistotellthemthattheresan alternativetogoingnuts,whichmaybecouldbe SuzanneappearedoverPerrysshoulder. raisingmoneyforalegaldefense. ImSuzanneChurch,Jason.Imareporter. Greenish.Whataboutfindingprobono Sure,Iknowyou.Youweretherewhenthey lawyers?WhatabouttheACLUorEFF? burneddowntheoldplace. Greener. Thatwasme.Ithinkyoureright.Theyre fuckingwithyouguys.Iwanttoreportonthat ThebackchannelfilledupwithURLsand becauseitmightbethatexposingitmakesit phonenumbersandemailaddresses. hardertocontinue.CanIrecordwhatyouguys OK,timesrunningouthere,Perrysaid.You sayanddo? guysneedtoorganizeacallaroundtothoseorgs andseeiftheyllhelpusout.Passthehatatyour Jasongrinnedandslidthesoggycigfromone cornerofhismouthtotheotherandbackagain. rides,trytofindlawyers.Everyonekeep reportinginalldayespeciallyifyougetawin Sure,thatscoolwithme.Heturnedtothe othersellers:Youguysdontmind,doyou? anywhere.Imgoingtogotakecareofthings Theyjokedandlaughedandsaidno.Perrylet here. outabreathslowly.Theseguysdidntwanta HildaIMedhimGoodluck,Perry.Youllkick confrontationwiththecopstheyknewbetter ass. thanhimthattheycouldntwinthatone. PerrystartedtoIMback,butashadowfell Suzannestartedinterviewingthem.Thecopsgot acrosshisscreen.ItwasJason,whoranthe outoftheircarsandstaredatthem.Thewoman contactlensstall.Hewasstaringatthetwocop cophadhermirrorshadesonnow,andsothe carsquizzically,lookinggroggybutgrowing bothofthemlookedhardandeyeless.Perry alarmed. lookedawayquickly. Perryclosedhislidandgottohisfeet. Thevendorswithcarswerepullingthemaround Morning,Jason.BehindJasonwerefiveorsix totheroadsideleadinguptotheride,unpacking othervendors.Thesellerswholivedinthe merchandiseandsettingitoutontheirhoods. shantytownandcouldthereforewalktowork

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/148 Vendorsfromtheshantytownheadedhomeand camebackwithfoldingtablesandblankets. Theseguyswerebusinesspeople.Theywerent goingtoletthelawstandinthewayofputting foodonthetablefortheirfamilies. Thecopsgotbackintotheircars.Kettlewell workedhiswaycautiouslyacrossthefreeway, climbinglaboriouslyoverthemedian.Hehad changedintoasmartblazerandslacks,witha crispwhiteshirtthathidhisincipientbelly.He lookedliketheKettlewellofold,thekindofman usedtogivingordersandgettingrespect. Hey,man,Perrysaid.Kettlewellseasysmile wasreassuring. Perry,hesaid,throwinganarmaroundhis shouldersandleadinghimaway.Comehere andtalkwithme. Theystoodintheleeofoneofthesicklypalms thatstoodbytheroadside.Thedaywascoming uphotandPerrystshirtstucktohischest, thoughKettlewellseemeddryandincontrol. couldhandlethebusinessifweputtogetherall theridesintooneentity. NowitwasPerrysturntoboggle.Whatkind ofentity? Wehavetoincorporatethemall,getthemall underoneumbrellasothatwecandefendthem allinonego.Otherwisetheresnowaywere goingtobeabletosavethem.Withouta corporateentity,itsliketryingtoherdcats. Besides,youneedsomekindofstructure,a formalconstitutionorsomethingforthisthing. Youvegotanetworkprotocol,andthatsit. Theresmoneyatstakeherepotentiallysome bigmoneyandyoucantrunsomethinglike thatonahandshake.Itstoovulnerable.Youll getembezzledorsuedintooblivionbeforeyou evenhaveachancetogrow.SoIvestartedthe paperworktogeteverythingunderonebanner.

Perrycountedtoten,backwards.Landon,Im reallythankfulthatyourehelpingusouthere. Youreprobablygoingtosaveourasses.Butyou cantputeverythingunderonebanneryou Whatsgoingon,Perry? cantjustdeclaretothesepeoplethattheir Well,wedidaphonerthismorningwithallthe projectsareours rideoperators.Theyregoingtoworkonraising Ofcoursetheyreyours.TheyreusingyourIP, moneyforthedefenseandgettingprobono yourprotocols,yourdesigns....Iftheydont lawyersfromtheEFFortheACLUor comeonboard,youcanjustthreatentosuethem something. Kettlewelldidadoubletake.Wait,what? Landon!Pleaselistentome.Wearenotgoing TheyregoingtoasktheACLU?Theycantbe toeffectahostiletakeoverofmyfriends.They trusted,Perry.Theyreimpactlitigatorstheyll areequalownersofeverythingwedohere.And takecasestomakeapoint,evenwhenitsnotin nooffense,butifyouevermentionsuingother theirclientsbestinterests. projectsoverourIPhemadesarcasticfinger quotesthenwerethroughhavingany Whatcouldbemoreinourintereststhan discussionsaboutthis.OK? gettinglawyerstofightthesebogus injunctions? Kettlewellsnortedairthroughhisnostrils.My Kettlewellblewoutalongbreath.OK,tableit. apologies,Ididntrealizethatthiswassucha Tableit.HereswhatIvebeenpullingtogether: sensitiveareaforyou.Perryboggledatthis wevegotashitkickingcorporatefirmthatused lawsuitsagainstrideoperators!ButIcanget that.Heresthething,Perry.Withoutsomekind tohandletheKodacellbusinessthatssending outapartnertogototheBrowardCountycourt offastmovingstructureyouregoingtobedead. thismorningtogettheinjunctionlifted.Theyre Evenifwerepeltheboardersthismorning, doingthisasafreebie,butItoldthemthatthey theyllbebacktomorrowandthedayafter.You

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/149 needsomethingstrongerthanabunchoffriends whohavelooseagreements.Youneedalegal entitythatcanspeakforeveryone.Maybethats acooporacharityorsomethingelse,butits gottoexist.Youmaynotthinkyouhaveanysay overtheseotherrides,butdoeseveryoneelse agree?Whatifyougetsuedforsomeonesbad deedsinMinneapolis?Whatifsomeride operatorsuesyoutoputyououtofbusiness? Perrysheadswam.Hehatedconversationslike this.Hedidnthaveanygoodanswerfor Kettlewellsobjections,butitwasridiculous.No onefromaridewasgoingtosuehim.Ormaybe theywould,ifhegotallgrabbyandwentMINE MINEMINEandincorporatedeverythingwith himatthetop.Hildasaidhewastheonetheyall lookedto,butthatwasbecausehewouldnever trytohijacktheirprojects. No. Nowhat? Notoallofit.Wehavetodefendthisthing,but werenotgoingtodoitbytryingtotieeveryone downtocontractsandagreementswhereIgetto controleverything.Maybeacoopistheright waytogo,butwecantjustdeclareacoopand forceeveryonetobemembers.Wehavetoget everyonetoagree,everyonewhosinvolved,and thentheycanelectacouncilorsomethingand workoutsomekindofuniformagreement.I mean,thatshowallthegoodfreesoftware projectswork.Theresauthority,butitsnotall unilateralandimperious.Imnotinterestedin that.Idrathershutthisdownthandeclare myselfpopeemperorofrideland. Kettlewellscrubbedhiseyeswithhisfists.Up close,thelinesinhisfaceweredeepsunk,his eyeballsbloodshotandhungover.Youre killingme,youknowthat?Whatgoodis principlegoingtodowhentheyknockthis fuckingthingdownandslapyouwithagigantic lawsuit? Theystaredateachotherforalongtime.Cars whizzedpast.Perryfeltlikeabigjerk. Kettlewellhaddoneamazingworkforhimthis morning,justoutofthegoodnessofhisown heart,andPerryhadrepaidhimbybeingastiff neckeddickwad.Hefeltanoverwhelmingdesire totakeitback,justputKettlewellinchargeand lethimrunthewholeshow.Justshrughis shouldersandabdicate. Helookeddownatthegroundandupintothe stragglypalms,thenheavedasigh. Landon,Imsorry,OK,butthatsjusthowitis. Itotallydigthatyouresayingthatwererisking everythingbynotdoingityourway,butfrommy seat,doingityourwaywillkillitanyway.Sowe needabetteranswer. Kettlewellscrubbedhiseyessomemore.You andmywifesoundlikeyoudgetalong. Perrywaitedforhimtogoon,butitbecame clearhehadnothingmoretosay. Perrywentbacktothecopcarsjustasthefirst gangofgothsshoweduptotakearide.

PARTIII
Sammyhadfilledacoolerandstuckitinthe backseatofhiscarthenightbefore, programmedhiscoffeemaker,andwhenhis alarmrousedhimat3AM,hehittheroad.First heguzzledhisthermosoflethalcoffee,then reachedaroundinbackforbottlesoficydistilled water.Hekeptthewindowsrolleddownand breathedintheswampy,coolmorningair,the mostpromisingairoftheFloridaday,beforeit allturnedtosteamandsizzle.

Hedidntbotherlookingfortruckstopswhenhe neededtopiss,justpulledoverontheturnpikes sideandletfly.Whynot?Atthathour,itwas justhimandthetruckersandthetouristswith Perryshrugged.Ireallyappreciatewhatyouve morningflights. done,butIdratherloseitthanfuckitup. HereachedMiamiaheadofscheduleandhada

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/150 dinerbreakfastbigenoughtokillalesserman,a realfatkinsaffair.Hegotbackontheroad groaningfromthechowandmadeittotheold WalMartjustasthemerchantsweresettingup theirmarketontheroadside. WhenheddonetheBostonride,hedbeen discouragedthattheydkeptonwiththeirWho villeXmaseventhoughhedgrinchedawayall theirfun,butthistimehewasexpecting somethinglikethis.Watchingtheseguyssell souvenirsatthefuneralfortheridemadehim feelprettygoodthistimearound:theirdisloyalty hadtobearealmoralekillerforthoseride operators. Thecopsweregettingtwitchy,whichmadehim grin.Twitchycopswereakeyingredientforbad trouble.Hereachedbehindhimandpulledan icedcoffeefromthecoolerandcrackedit, listeningtothehissastheembeddedCO2 cartridgeforcedbubblesthroughit. Nowherecameasuit.Helookedlikeagenuine mightymorphinpowerbroker,whichmade Sammyworry,becauseaguylikethathadnt figuredintohisplans,butlookatthat;hewas havingahugefightwiththeeyebrowguyand nowtheeyebrowguywasrunningawayfrom him. Gettingthelawyerstoagreetospringthebudget tofileineverylocationwheretherewasaride hadbeentricky.Sammyhadhadtofudgealittle onhisresearch,claimthattheywerebringingin realmoney,tieittothedropinnumbersin Florida,andgenerallydoasonganddance,but itwasallworthit.Theseguysclearlydidnt knowwhethertoshitorgoblind. Noweyebrowmanwasheadedforthecopcars andtheentrance,andthere,ohyes,thereitwas. Fivecarsworthofgoths,luggingbagsfullof somekindofhomemadeorscavengedhorror memorabilia,pullingupshortattheentrance. languagecouldbereadat150feet: Goth:Butofficer,Iwannagetonthisriiiiiide. Cop:Yousickenme. Goth:Allaroundmeisgloom,gloom.Why cantIgoonmyriiiiiide? Cop:Iwouldliketoarrestyouandlockyouup forbeingaweird,sexuallyambiguous melodramaticwhosdumbenoughtohang aroundoutofdoors,allinblack,inFlorida. Goth:CanItakeyourpicture?Imgonnaputit onmyblogandtheneveryonewillknowwhata meanieyouare. Cop:Yapyapyap,littlebitch.Yougoon photographingmeandmouthingoff,seehow longitisbeforeyoureincuffsinthebackof thiscar. Scumbagstreetvendors:Hahaha,lookatthese gothkidsmouthingofftothelaw,thatcopmust haveminusculetesticles! Cop:Dontmakemeangry,youwouldntlike mewhenImangry. Eyebrowguy:Um,caneveryonejustbenice?Id preferthatthisallnotgoupinflames. Scumbags,goths:Hurrhurrhurr,shuttup,look atthosedumbcops,ahahaha. Cops:Grrrr. Eyebrow:Oh,shit. Fourmorecarspulledup.Nowtheshoulderwas gettingreallycrowdedandfreewaytrafficwas slowingtoacrawl. Moregothspiledout.Familycarsapproached thesnarl,slowed,thenspedupagain,not wantingtoriskthecraziness.Maybesomeof themwouldgetonthefuckingturnpikeand driveuptoOrlando,wheretherealfunwas.

Thefourlaneroadwasdowntoaboutalaneand ahalf,andmillingcrowdsfromtheshantytown Theypiledoutoftheircarsandstartedmilling around,askingquestions.Someapproachedthe andthearrivingcarswerecloggingwhat cops,whoseemedinnomoodtochat.Thebody remainedofthethoroughfare.Nowgothswere parkingtheircarswaybackattheintersection

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/151 andwalkingover,carryingtheobjectstheyd plannedtosacrificetotherideandsmoking clovecigarettes. fightingbodiesoverbythetables,andtheknot wasgettingbigger.Thecopswererunningfor them,batonsout,peppersprayout.Perry shoutedsomething,buthecouldnthearhimself. SammysawDeathWaitsbeforeDeathWaits turnedhishead,andsoSammyhadtimetoduck Inasecondthecrowdnoiseshadgonefrom friendlytoanangryroar. downbeforehewasspotted.Hegiggledto himselfandchuggedhiscoffee,croucheddown PerryspottedSuzannewatchingitallthrough belowthewindow. theviewfinderonherphone,presumably Thesituationwasheatingupnow.Lotsofpeople streamingitlive,thenshoutedagain,anunheard wereaskingquestionsofthecops.Peopletrying warning,asacombatantbehindherswungwide todrivethroughgotshoutedatbythepeoplein andclockedherinthehead.Shewentdownand hechargedforher. theroad.Sometimesagothwouldslamafist

downonahoodandtheredbealittlebitofback Hedjustreachedherwhenanoisewentoffthat andforth.Itwasapowderkeg,andSammy droppedhimtohisknees.Itwastheir decidedtotouchitoff. antipersonnelsoundcannon,whichmeantthat Lesterwasaroundheresomewhere.Thesound Heswunghiscaroutintotheroadandhitthe hornandrevvedhisengine,drivingthroughthe wasaphysicalthing,itmadehisbowelsloose andmadehisheadringlikeagong.Thoughtwas crowdjustahairfasterthanwassafe.People impossible.Everythingwasimpossibleexcept slappedhiscarasitwentbyandhejustleaned curlingupandwrappingyourhandsaroundyour onthehorn,ploughingthrough,scattering head. peoplewhoknockedovervendorstablesand steppedontheirwares. Inhisrearview,hesawthechaosbegin. Someonethrewapunch,someoneslipped, someoneknockedoveratableofinfringing merch.Wahoo!Partytime! Hehitthenextleft,thenpointedhiscaratthe freeway.Hereachedbackandsnaggedanother canofcoffeeandwenttoworkonit.Asthecan hissedopen,hecouldnthelphimself:he chuckled.Thenhelaughedafull,loudbelly laugh. Painfully,heraisedhisheadandopenedhiseyes. Allaroundhim,peoplewereontheirknees.The cops,though,hadputgiantindustrialearmuffs on,thekindofthingyousawjackhammer operatorswearing.Theyweremovingrapidly toward...Lesterwhowasinapickuptruckwith theAPhornstuckinthecargobed,wiredinto thecigarettelighter.Theyhadgunsdrawnand Lesterwaslookingatthemwideeyed,handsin theair.

Theirmouthsweremoving,butwhateverthey weresayingwasinaudible.Perrytookhisphone outofhispocketandaimeditatthem.He couldntmovewithoutspookingthemand Perrywatchedithappenasthoughitwerealla dream:Thecrowdsthickening.Thecopsgetting possiblyknockinghimselfoutfromthesound, outoftheircarsandputtingtheirhandsontheir buthecouldrodneykingthemastheyadvanced onLester.HecouldpracticallyreadLesters belts.Adistantsiren.Morepeoplemilling thoughts:IfImovetoswitchthisoff,theyll around,hangingoutinthemiddleoftheroad, likeidiots,idiots.Thenthatjerkinthecarwhat shootmedead. thehellwashethinking,hewasgoingtokill ThecopsclosedonLesterandthenthesourold someone! malecopwasupinthebedandhehadLesterby thecollar,throwinghimtotheground,pointing Andthenitallexploded.Therewasaknotof hisgun.Hispartnermovedquicklyand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/152 efficientlyaroundthebed,eventuallyfiguring outhowtounplugthehorn.Thesilencerangin hishead.Hecouldnthearanythingexcepta dogwhistlewhinefromhisabusedeardrums. Aroundhim,peoplemovedsluggishly,painfully. withoutbeingspotted.Herecordedthecops takingthegothsdown,cuffingthem,and hoodingonekidwhowasthrashinglikeafishon ahook.Itseemedthathewouldneverbe spotted.Hecreptforward,slowly,slowly,trying Hegottohisfeetasquickashecouldanddrunk tofeelinvisibleandunnoticed,tryingtoproject walkedtothetruck.Lesterwasalreadyinplastic it. cuffsandlegrestraints,andthebig,deadeyed Itworked.Hewasgettingincrediblefootage.He copwaswatchinganarmoredpolicebusroll waspracticallyontopofthecopsbeforeanyone towardthemintheeeriesilenceoftheir noticedhim.Thentherewasashoutandahand collectivedeafness. grabbedforhisphoneandthespellwasbroken. Suddenlyhisheartwasthundering,hispulse Perrymanagedtoswitchhisphoneoverto poundinginhisears. streaming,sothatitwasuploadingeverything insteadofrecordingitlocally.Hefadedback behindsomeofthecarsforcoverandkept rollingastheriotbusdisgorgedaflying squadronofhelmetedcopswhobeganto methodicallyandsavagelygrab,cuff,andtoss thegroaningcrowdlyingflatontheground.He wantedtoaddnarration,buthedidnttrust himselftowhisper,sincehecouldnthearhis ownvoice. Ahandcamedownonhisshoulderandhe jumped,squeaked,andfellintoadefensivepose, waitingforthetruncheontohithim,butitwas Suzanne,grimfaced,pointingherownphone. Shehadalaminatedpresspassoutinherfree handandwasholdingitupbesideherheadlikea talisman.Shepointedoffdowntheroad,where someofthegothkidswhodjustbeenarriving whenthingswentdownweremoreambulatory, havingbeensomewhatshieldedfromthenoise. Theywererunningandbeingchasedbycops. ShemadealittlescootinggestureandPerry understoodthatshemeantheshouldbe followingthem,gettingthevideo.Hesuckedina bigbreathandnoddedonceandsetoff.Shegave hishandafirmsqueezeandhefeltthather palmswereslickwithsweat. Hekeptlowandmovedslow,keepingthe viewfinderupsothathecouldkeepthemeleein shot.Hehopedlikehellthatsomeonewatching thisonlinewouldspringforhisbail. Miraculously,hereachedtheoutlierskirmish Heturnedonhisheelandran.Amadgiggle welledupinhischest.Hisphonewasstill streaming,presumablyshowingwild,nauseous shotsofthelandscapeswingingpastashe pumpedhisarm.Hewasheadedfortheride,for therearentrance,whereheknewhecouldtake cover.Hefeltthefootstepsthudbehindhim, dimlyheardtheshoutsbuthistemporary deafnessdrownedoutthewords. Hehadhisfoboutbeforehereachedthedoors andhebadgedin,bangingthefoboverthe touchplateaninstantbeforeslammingintothe crashbarandthedoorsswungopen.Hewaited inagitationforthedoorstohissshutslowlyafter himandthenitwasthegloomoftheinsideof theride,darkinhissunadjustedeyesight. Itwasonlywhenthedoorsshiveredbehindhim thatherealizedwhathedjustdone.Theyd breakinandcomeandgethim,andinthe process,theyddestroytheride,forspite.His eyeswereadjustingtothegloomnowandhe madeoutthefamiliar/unfamiliarshapesofthe dioramas,nowblackandlacywithgoth memorabilia.Thisplacegavehimcalmandjoy. Hewouldkeepthemfromdestroyingit. Hesethisphonedownonthefloor,propped againstaplasterskullsothatthedoorwaywasin theshot.Hewalkedtothedoorandshoutedas loudashecould,hisvoiceinaudibleinhisown ears.Imcomingoutnow!heshouted.Im openingthedoors!

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/153 Hewaitedforatwocount,thenreachedforthe lock.Heturneditandletthedoorcrashopenas twocopsinriotvisorscamethrough,pepper sprayatthefore.Hewasdownontheground, writhingandclawingathisfaceinaninstant, andthephonecaughtitall. AllPerrywantedwasforsomeonetocutthe plasticcuffsoffsohecouldscrubathiseyes, thoughheknewthatwouldonlymakeitworse. Theriotbussoundedlikeanorgy,moaningand groaningwithdozensofvoiceseverytimethe busjouncedoverapothole. Perrywasonthefloorofthebus,nexttoakid judgingfromthevoicewhocursedsteadilythe wholewayalong.Onehardjouncemadetheir headsconnectandtheybothcussed,then apologizedtooneanother,thenlaughedalittle. MynamesPerry.Hisvoicesoundedlikehe wasunderwater,buthecouldhear.Thepepper sprayseemedtohaveclearedouthissinusesand givenhimbacksomeofhishearing. ImDeathWaits.Hesaiditwithoutany drama.Perrywasntsureifhedheardright.He supposedhehad.Gothkids. Nicetomeetyou. Likewise.Theirheadswerebangedtogether again.Theylaughedandcursed. Christmyfacehurts,Perrysaid. Imnotsurprised.Youlooklikeatomato. Youcansee? Luckyme,yup.Igotaprettygoodcoupleof whacksonthebackandshouldersonceIwas down,butnogas. Luckyyouallright. ImmorepissedthatIlostthetombstoneI broughtdown.Itwasarealrarity,anditwas hardtoget,too.Ibetitgottromped. Tombstone,huh? FromtheGraveyardWalkatDisney.Theytore itdownlastweek. Andyouwerebringingittoaddittotheride? Surethatswhereitbelongs. Perrysfacestillburned,butthepainwas lessening.Beforeithadbeenlikehisfacewason fire.Nowitwaslikeamillionfireantsbiting him.Hetriedtoputitoutofhismindby concentratingonthepaininhiswristswherethe plasticstrapswerecuttingintohim. Why? Therewasalongsilence.Hastogosomewhere. Bettertherethaninavaultorinthetrash. Howaboutsellingittoacollector? Youknow,itneveroccurredtome.Itmeanstoo muchtogotoacollector. Thetombstonemeanstoomuch? Iknowitsoundsstupid,butitstrue.Youheard thatDisneystearingoutallthegothstuff? Fantasylandmeantalottosomeofus. Youdidntfeellikeitwas,what,coopting you? Dude,youcanbuygothclothesatachainof mallstores.Werealloverthemainstream/non mainstreamfight.IfDisneywantstoputtogether agothhomeland,thatsallrightwithme.And thatride,itwasthebestplacetorememberit. Youknowthatitgotcopiedovereverynightto otherridesaroundthecountry?Soallthepeople wholovedtheoldDisneycouldbepartofthe memorial,eveniftheycouldntcometoFlorida. Wehadtheidealastweekandeveryoneloved it. SoyouwereputtingstufffromDisneyrides intomyride? Yourride? Well,Ibuiltit. Nofuckingway. Way.Hesmiledandthatmadehisfacehurt. Dude,thatisthecoolestthingever.Youbuilt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/154 that?HowdidHowdoyoubecomethekindof personwhocanbuildoneofthosethings?Im outofworkandtryingtofigureoutwhattodo next. Well,youcouldjoinoneofthecoopsthats buildingtheotherrides. Sure,Iguess.ButIwanttobethekindof personwhoinventstheideaofmaking somethinglikethat.Didyougetanelectrical engineeringdegreeorsomething? frockcoatbutababyfacewithcheeksyou couldprobablyseefromthebackofhishead. AboutasthreateningasaSmurf.Perryfelta sudden,delayedrushofanger.Howdarethey beatupkidslikethisDeathWaitsallhe wantedtodowasrideagoddamnedride!He wasntacriminal,wasntoutrollingoldladies orreleasingmaliciousbioorganismsonthe beach!

Thebusturnedasharpcornerandtheirheads bangedtogetheragain.Theygroanedandthen JustpickeditupasIwentalong.Youcoulddo thedoorswerebeingopenedandPerrysqueezed thesame,Imsure.Buthangonasecyouwere hiseyesshutagain. puttingstufffromDisneyridesintomyride? Roughhandsseizedhimandmarchedhiminto Well,yeah.Butitwasstufftheydtorndown. thestationhouse.Thecrowdsusurrationswere liquidinhisscrewedupears.Hecouldntsmell Perryseyesstreamed.Thiscouldntbea coincidence,stufffromDisneyridesshowingup orsee,either.Hefeltlikehewasinsomekindof terriblesensorydeprivationnightmare,andit inhisrideandthecopsturninguptoenforcea madehimjerky,sowheneverahandtookhim courtorderDisneygot.Buthecouldntblame andguidedhimtoanotherstationinthecheckin thiskid,whosoundedlikearealpuppydog. process(hiswalletliftedfromhispocket,his Wait,youdontthinkthecopswerethere cheekswabbed,hisfingerspressedagainsta because fingerprintscanner)heflinchedinvoluntarily. Probably.Nohardfeelingsthough.Imighthave Thehandsgrewrougherandmoreinsistent.At onepoint,someonepeeledopenhisswollen donethesameinyourshoes. eyelid,afeelinglikebeingstabbedintheeye, Ohshit,Iamsosorry.Ididntthinkitthrough andhisretinawasscanned.Hescreamedand atall,Icanseethatnow.Ofcoursetheydcome heardlaughter,distantthroughhisthrobbing afteryou.Theymusttotallyhateyou.Iusedto eardrums. workthere,theyjusthateanythingthattakesa Itgalvanizedhim.Heforcedhiseyesopen, Floridatouristdollar.Itswhytheybuiltthe monorailextensiontoOrlandoairporttomake glaringatthecopsaroundhim.Mostlytheywere surethatfromthemomentyougetofftheplane, Floridacrackers,middleagedguyswithdead eyedexpressionsofimpersonalmalevolence. youdontspendanickelonanythingthatthey Therewasatinysmatteringofbrownfacesand dontsellyou.Iusedtothinkitwascool, becausetheybuiltsuchgreatstuff,butthenthey womensfaces,buttheywerebutasprinkling whencomparedtothedominantsomatypeof wentafterthenewFantasyland Floridalaw. Youcantbeacitizenofathemepark,Perry Thenexttimesomeonegrabbedhimtoshove said. himtowardsthenextstationonthisquest,he Thekidbarkedalaugh.Man,howtrueisthat? jerkedhisarmawayandsatdown.Hedseen Youvenailedit,pal. protestorsdothisbefore,andknewthatitwas Perrymanagedtocrackaneye,painfully,and hardtomoveasittingmanexpeditiouslyorwith catchablurrylookatthekid:ablackEdward dignity.Handsseizedhimbythearms,andhe Scissorhandsdandelionclockofhair,eyeliner, flaileduntilhewasfree,remainingfirmly

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/155 seated.Thelaughterwasturningtoangernow. Besidehim,someoneelsesat.DeathWaits, lookingwhitefacedandroundeyed.More peoplehitthefloor.Abillyclubwasshoved underhisarm,whichwasthentwistedintoan agonizingposition.Hewassuddenlyreadyto giveupthefightandgoalong,buthecouldnt gettohisfeetfastenough.Withasickening crack,hisarmbroke.Hehadamomentslucid awarenessthatabonehadbrokeninhisbody, andthenthepainwasonhimandhechokedout ashout,thenalouderone,andtheneverything wentdark. privatedoctorwhophotographedthemand examinedthemandxrayedthem,documenting everythingwhileAdaKettlewellplayedcamera womanwithherphone,videoingitall. Idontthinksuingthepoliceisgoingtohelp, Landon,Perrysaid.Suzannenodded vigorously.Thethreevictimswereinpaper examininggowns,andtheKettlewellswerestill instreetclothes,whichgavethemareal advantageintheselfconfidencedepartment.

Itllhelpifwecashoutabigsettlementitll bankrollourdefenseagainsttheDisney trademarkclaims.IPlawyerschargemorethan Godperhour.Igottheinjunctionlifted,but Asitturnedout,hisprisoninfirmarytimedidnt werestillgoingtohavetogotocourt,andthats lastlongatall.Kettlewellhadfadedfastfromthe notgoingtobecheap. riot,headedbacktotheguesthouseandgotthe ItneedledPerryhedidntliketheideaofbeing lawyersonthephone.Hedshownthemthe embroiledinthelegalsysteminthefirstplace, streamoffofPerrysphoneandtheywerein andwhilehecouldgrudginglyadmitacertain frontofajudgebeforePerryreachedthejail. eleganceinusingcashsettlementsfromthelaw Perrywasledoutoftheinfirmarywithhisarm inasling.Hisfacewasstillpainfullyswollen, andhedmanagedtoturnanankleaswell.At leasthishearingwascomingback. tofundtheirdefenseincourt,thewholebusiness madehimsquirm. Evasatdownbesidehim.Icantellthissucks foryou,Perry.Adawhisperedthewordsucks andgiggled,andEvarolledhereyes.But theresfiftypeoplewedidntbailoutinthere, whoareallofthemgoingtohavetofigureout theirownwaythroughthelegalsystem.You cantrunabusinessifyourcustomersriska solidbeatingandjailtimejustforshowingup.

KettlewelltookPerrysgoodarmandgavehima soulfulhugthatembarrassedhim.Kettlewellled himoutside,towhereabigcabwaswaiting.Init werethefamilyKettlewell,Lester,andSuzanne. Lesterhadacouplebandagestapedtohisface andwhenSuzannesmiled,hesawherlipswere stainedredandoneofherfrontteethhadbeen Idontwanttorunabusiness,hethought,buthe knockedout. knewthatwaspetulant.Hewasthemanwiththe Hemanagedabravesmile.Lookslikeyouguys rollofbillsdownhispants.Therearefifty peoplestillintheslam? gotthefulltreatment,huh? Suzannesqueezedhishand.Nothingthatcant befixed.AdaandPascallookedgoggleeyedat them.AdawaspoppingKoreanlotusbean walnutcakesintohermouthfromagreasypaper bag,andsheofferedthemsilentlytoPerry,who tookonejusttobepolite,butfoundafterthefirst bitethathewasntreallyhungryafterall. Kettlewellnodded.Suzannehadhercameraout andshewasrecording.Ithadbeenalongtime sincePerryhadreallyfeltthecameraseyeon him.Itwasonethingtoberecordedbysome friendsforremembrance,butnowSuzannes cameraseemedlikethegazeofposterity.He neededtorisetoit,heknew.

Letsgetthemout.Allofthem. KettlewellandPerryfoughtaboutwhattodo next,butKettlewellprevailed.Hetookthemtoa Kettlewellraisedhiseyebrows.Andhowdoyou

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/156 planondoingthat? Wellchargeittothebusiness,Perrysaid. Lesterchuckledandgavehimathumponthe back.Itsalegitexpensetheseareour customersafterall. damage,dutifulprinterschurningoutreplica detritusanddutifulrobotsplacingitwith micrometerprecision.

Hebegantolaughandcouldntstop.Lester cameinandimmediatelygotthejokeand Kettlewellshookhisheadatallofthem,thenhe laughedalongwithhim.Theymanagedtostop leftthedoctorsoffice.Healreadyhadhisphone laughingjustlongenoughtoexplainitto stucktohisheadandwastalkingwiththelawyer SuzanneandKettlewell,whodidntfinditnearly asfunnyastheydid.Suzannetookpictures. beforehegotoutofearshot. Finallyhegotdowntobusiness,openingthe PerryandLesterandSuzanneandEva changelogandrollingtheridebackthroughthe exchangedmischievousglances,grinningwith unexpecteddelight.Pascal,ridingonEvaship, revisionstoitsunsmashedstate.Itwouldtake wokeupandstartedcryingandEvahandedhim therobotsalongtimetoseteverythingright again,butatleasthedidnthavetooverseeit. toLesterwhileshewentforthediaperbag. Instead,hetrackeddownasmanyofthemarket stallvendorsashecouldlocateinthe shantytownandmadesuretheywereallright theywere,thoughtheydlostsomeinventory.He Suzannegotitallwithherphone,thenshe compedthemallamonthsrentandmadesure flippeditshutandgaveLesterahardkissonthe theyknewthatstepswerebeingtakentokeepit cheek. fromhappeningagain.Heknewthattheycould makenearlyasmuchmoneysellingfroma Fatherhoodwouldsuityou,shesaid. roadsideoronline,andhewantedtokeepthem Hewentbrightred.Dontyougetanyideas, happy.Besides,itwasnttheirfault. hesaid.Suzannelaughedandskippedaway, Hewasexhaustedandhisarmwasreallystarting lookingalloften. togripehim.Hefoundhimselfstoppinginthe Perryfelthuge.Largerthanlife.Theadventure streeteveryfewstepstorubhiseyesandforce wasbeginninganew,withthesegoodpeople himselfon.Franciscameonhimwhenhewas whomhelovedlikefamily.Hehadtheworkand likethat,leaningagainsttheprefabconcretewall thepeople,andwhoneededanythingmore. ofoneofthetall,twistyshanties,andhetook Itwasafeelingthatlastedallthewaybacktothe Perryscarkeysawayanddrovehimhome. Perrywasintoomuchofastatebythetimehe ride. gottheretothinkabouthowFranciswouldget Butthenhesurveyedtherideitselfandfoundit backhewasalreadylyinginbedbeforeit inutterruins,farworsethanithadbeenleft occurredtohimthattheoldmanwiththegimpy whenhedbeendraggedoutofit.Everysingle legprobablywalkedthetenmileshome. exhibitwassmashed,strewnhereandthere. Hewokeuplaterthatnighttosexnoisesfrom Hecouldntbelieveit.Hebroughtuptheclean LestersroomandherecognizedSuzannes uplights,floodingtheplace,andthenhesaw voice.Later,hewokeagaintohearthetailend whathedmissedatfirst:thesmashedexhibits ofanotherargumentbetweenLesterand werenotsmashedexhibitstheywerereplicas Suzanne,andthenSuzannestormingoutofthe ofsmashedexhibits.Ateveryrideinthecountry, apartment.Oh,goody,hethought.Helayonhis policehadgoneinsmashing,andeveryother back,tryingtofindsleepagaintheclocksaid rideinthecountryhadfaithfullyreproducedthe 3AMandfoundthoughtsofHildadrifting Herewegoagain,Lestersaid,wrinklinghis noseandholdingthewailingPascalatarms length.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/157 unbiddenintohismind. there,soitwaseasierthanyouguyshadit.But someoftheotherswerehitbad,likeSan Itwassillytheydonlyspentonenight together,andhehadtoadmitthatasgreatasthe FranciscoandMadison. sexhadbeen,hedhadbetterwiththefatkins Madison?Perrywasalarmedbyhowalarmed gymnastsyoucouldpickupdownonSouth hesounded. Beach.Shewastooyoungforhim.Shelivedin Massarrests.Thecopstherearerealhard Wisconsin.Butthereweretouchesintheride cases,withallthisantipersonnelgearleftover thathadoriginatedwithherinstantiationhe fromthestemcellriots. lookedoverthelogseverynowandthenand PerryjerkedandspoiledLyenitchkaswriting. hefoundhimselfcontemplatingthemwith Hepattedherheadandsethisarmbackdown sentimentalsmiles. whereshecouldgetatit.Hegroaned. Hefellasleepagainandonlywokewhenhe Theyremostlystillin.Weretryingtogetthem rolledoveronhisbadarmandyelpedhimself awake.Thesmellofwaffles,baconandeggswas bailedout,butthejudgeatthearraignmentset strongintheapartment.Hecouldntbebothered bailprettyhigh. tofigureouthowtoshowerwithhiscaston,so Illpostit,Perrysaid.Icanputupmy hepulledonapairofshortsandlethimselfinto savingsorsomething... thelivingroom. Tjanlookeduncomfortable.Perry,thereare250 Lesterwasatthestove,cookinguphalfapigand peopleinthelockupinWisconsin.Someof pouringmaplebatterintothewaffleiron.He themaregoingtoskipout,itsnearlyacertainty. wavedaspatulaathimandpointedoutatthe Ifyoubailthemallout,youllgobroke.Imean, terrace.PerrysteppedoutandsawSuzanneand itsgoodtoseeyouandImsorryyougothurt TjanandTjanslittlekidswhatweretheir andallrespect,butdontbeanidiot. names?Lyenitchkaandthelittleboy?Man,the Perryfelthimselfgobelligerent.Hishandswent wholefamilywashere. intofistsandhisbrokenwingprotested.That Yourarmisbroken,Lyenitchkasaid,pointing broughthimbacktoreality.Heforcedhimselfto athim. smile. Perrynoddedgravely.Thatstrue.Wanttosign TheresagirlinMadison,Iwanttomakesure mycast?Hewasprettysurethathehada shesOK. greasepencilthatwouldmarkthesurface, thoughthehospitalhadswornthatitwouldshed TjanandSuzannestaredathimforasecond. ThenLesterclappedhimacrossthebackfrom dirt,inkandanythingelsehethrewatit. behindhim,startlinghimandmakinghim Shenoddedvigorously.Tjanlookedhimover squeak.Bigfella!hecrowed.Ishouldhave andgavealittlewave,thenPerrywentbackinto known. thelivingroomandaskedhiscomputertofind Perrygavehimamockglare.Youhavenoright thegreasepencil. tosayanythingonthisscore.Hedarteda ThoughtyoudbebusyinBoston,hesaid, glanceatSuzanneandsawthatshewas whileLyenitchkapainstakinglyspelledouther blushing.Tjantookthisinandnodded,as name,goingovertheletterstogetthemtoshow thoughhissuspicionshadjustbeenconfirmed. updarkthecastsurfacereallydidntwantto Fairenough,Tjansaid.Letsmakesome suckupanytint. inquiriesabouttheyounglady.Whatsher BostoncameoutOK.Wehadlawyersontapat name? thestartandthevibewascool.Iincorporated

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/158 HildaHammersen. Perrymanagedawaffleandasausage,butthen hewentofftohisroom.Hildawasintheslamin Tjanseyebrowsshotup.HildaHammersen? Madison,andwhothehellknewwhatthe Fromthemailinglists?ThatHilda? antipersonnelstufftheMadisoncopsusedhad Hildawasthequeenofthemailinglistsbrash, donetoher.Hejustwantedtogetonafucking quick,andargumentative,butneverthekindof planeandgothere. personwhostartedflamewars.Hildas Halfwaythroughhisshower,heknewthatthat argumentswerehotandfast,andshealways won.Perryhadwatchedheradmiringlyfromthe waswhathewasgoingtodo.Hepackeda sidelines,onlyweighinginoccasionally,buthe shoulderbag,tookacouplemorepainkillers, seemedtoremembernowthatshedtakenTjan andwalkedoutintothelivingroom. tothecleanersonceonanissueofprotocol Guys,ImgoingtoMadison.Illbebackina resolution. dayortwo.Wellworkeverythingoutoverthe phone,OK? Thatstheone,Perrysaid. Ialwayspicturedherasbeingaboutfifty,with amachetebetweenherteeth,Lestersaid.No offense. Lyenitchka,gogetmyphonefrommybed stand,Perrysaid,pattingthegirlonthe shoulder.Whenshegotbackhewentthroughhis photosofHildawiththem. LesterandSuzannecameovertohim.You goingtobeOK,buddy?Lestersaid. Illbefine,hesaid. Wecanspringherfromhere,Tjansaid.We havetheInternet,youknow. Iknow,Perrysaid.Youdothat,OK?Andtell herIllbethereassoonasIcan.

LestermadeawolfwhistleandSuzanne Thesecurityattheairportwentbonkersover punchedhimintheshoulderandtookthephone him.Theperfectstorm:afresharrest,a away. suspiciouscast,andaticketboughtwithcash. Shesverypretty,Suzannesaid, HemissedthefirsttwoflightstoChicago,but disapprovingly.Andveryyoung. bymidafternoonhewaslandingatOHareand submittingtoaninterimscreeningprocedure Ohyes,datingyoungerpeopleissosleazy, beforeboardingforMadison.Hisphonerangin Lestersaidwithachuckle.Suzannesquirmed themiddleofthescreening,andthewrinklyold andevenPerryhadtolaugh. TSAgoonladyprimlyinformedhimthathe Guys,hereitis.IneedtospringHilda,andwe mightaswellgetthatsinceoncethephonerings, needtodosomethingaboutallthosecustomers theyhavetostarttheprocedureoveragain. andsupportersandsoonwhowenttojailtoday. Weneedtofightalltheinjunctionsallofthem Tjan,hesaid. andpreventthemfromrecurring. Theycantspringhertoday.Tomorrow, Andweneedtoeatbreakfast,whichisready, though. Lestersaid,gesturingatthetablebehindhim, whichwasstackedhighwithwaffles,sausages, eggs,toast,andpitchersofjuiceandcarafesof coffee. HeclosedhiseyesandshutouttheTSAgoon. Shehadahugebouffantofcopperhair,anda midwesternerssenseofproportionalitywhenit cametoeyeshadowandrouge.Shewasthekind ofwomanwhocouldcallyouhoneyandmake LyenitchkaandSashalookedateachotherand rantothetable,takingseatsnexttooneanother. itsoundlikeIslamofascistfaggot. Theadultsfollowedandsoontheywereeating. Whynot,Tjan?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/159 Therewasapause.Shesintheinfirmaryand theywontreleaseheruntiltomorrow. Infirmary. shavedhead.Hehadadentinonetempleand moredentsinoneofhiswrists,visibleashelet hislonghandsdrapeoverthesteeringwheel.

Nothingseriousshetookaknockonthehead Iknowwhereitis,hesaidwhenPerrygave himtheaddress.Thatlawyer,sheisverygood. andtheywanttoholdherforobservation. ShehelpedmewiththeHomelandSecurity. Hepicturedacopperselectrifiedbillyclub comingdownonshiningblondhairandfeltlike Thekidwasyoung,21or22,withastudiousair, despitehisoldinjuries.HeremindedPerryof throwingup. theshantytowners,peoplewhodidntalwaysget Perry?Buddy.ShesOK,really.Ihadour medicalattentionfortheirailments,peoplewho lawyervisitherintheprisoninfirmaryandshe wereoftenmissingatoothortwo,whohad swearsshelooksgreat.Thelawyersnameis mysteriouslumpsfrombadlysetbonesorscars Candicetakeacabtoherofficefromthe orfunnyeyebrowslikehis.Themidwesterners airport.OK? ontheplanehadbeenflawlessasactionfigures, Whyissheintheprisoninfirmary,Tjan?Why butPerrysfriendsandthisAfricankidlooked likesomethingcarvedoutofcoalandchalk. cantshebemovedtoarealhospital? Itsjustaliabilitything.Thepolicedontwant Perrywasonebigjitterfromthetripandthe toriskthesuitifshegoescomplicatedonthem coffeeandthepillsforhisarm,buthefound himselfdrawnintoconversationastheywhizzed betweenhospitals. pastthefieldsandmalls,thefactoriesand Jesus. officeparks. Seriously,shesfine.Wevegotagoodlawyer ImfromGulu,inUganda.Therehasbeencivil onthescene. warthereforthirtyfiveyears.Istudiedchemical ButPerryhadabadfeeling.TheTSAgoon pickeduponitandgavehimalittlebitofextra attention.Actingnervousoragitatedinan airportwasaonewaytickettoacavitysearch. Butthenhewasliftingoffandheadedfor Madison,andthoughthetimecrawledonthe onehourflight,itwas,afterall,onlyanhour.He evennappedbriefly,thoughaskymarshallwoke himshortlyafterforarandombagsearch.His fellowpassengersbadlydressedmidwesterners andacoupleofhipsterstudentsallturnedtheir bagsoutinthecrampedcabinandthengotback intheirseatsforthelanding. Perryhadmeanttophoneinacarreservationat OHare,buttheextrasearchhadeatenupthe timehedallocatedforit,andnowalltherental countersweresoldout.Reluctantly,hegotintoa taxiandaskedthedrivertotakehimtotheoffice ofthelawyersthatTjanhadhired. ThecabbiewasayoungAfricankidwitha engineeringthroughtheAfricanVirtual Universitywikiprogram,andqualifiedfora ChavezscholarshiphereinMadison.Hisaccent waslightbutexotic,theAfricanrollingofthe Rs,theBritishsoundingvowelshifts.Butthe HomelandSecuritydidntwanttorenewmyvisa lastyear.TheysaidIhadfinancialirregularities. IwaspaypallingtoafriendinKampalawho withdrewitinshillingsandsentittomyfamily ingiros.HomelandSecuritysaidthatIwas moneylaundering.IthoughtIdbesentawayor putinprison,butMsCandicewrotethemaletter andtheyvanished.Hesnappedhislong, knucklyfingersforemphasis. Jesus.Well,thatsgood.Shesgoingtohelpme getmygirlfriendoutofjail.Perryrealizedhed justcalledHildahisgirlfriend,whichwouldbe newstoher,butthereitwas. Youdontneedtoworry.Shellgetyourfriend free.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/160 Perrynoddedandtriedtoclosehiseyesand relax.Hecouldnt.Whatthehellhadhappened totheworld.Ithadseemedsoexcitingwhenhis fatherwasbringinghomenewshapeshedspun offhisCAD/CAMrig.WhenPerryhadstarted totradedesignswithpeople,toeffortlesslyfind peopleonthenetwhowantedtocollaborate withhimandviceversa.WhenPerryhadstarted abusinessmakingcoolartoutoffreejunkand sellingitoffanInternetconnectionthatwas likewisefree. Free,free,free.Noneedtotalktoagovernment, orgrovelforacurator,orputupwithanagentor aboss.Hedjustassumedallalongthathedend uplivinginaworldwhereallthoseparasitesand bulliesandmiddlemenwouldjustblowawayin thewind. Buttheydallfoundjobsinthenewworld.They werentneededanymore,butthatdidntmean thattheywentaway.Nowtheywerewanding himinairportsandsuinghimfortrademark infringementandbustinghisgirlfriendand breakinghisarmandgivinghassletothispoor Africankidwhodtaughthimselftobean engineerwithaferchrissakeswiki. Hedryswallowedanotherpainkillerandthen rememberedthattakingthepillsmeanthe wouldntbeabletogetadrink,whichhecould sureasshituse. MynamesPerry,hesaid. injeansandanoversizedUWsweatshirt,witha laptopperchedononeknee.Shehadafriendly, openface,framedwithlotsofcurlybrownhair. YoumustbePerry,shesaid,settingthelaptop downandgivinghimanunexpectedhug.That wasfromHilda.Isawheracouplehoursago. ShewasveryadamantthatIpassitontoyou. Nicetomeetyou,"hesaid,acceptingacupof teafromaninsulatedjugonacardboardside board.Hildaisallright? Sitdown,thelawyersaid. Perrysstomachturnedasomersault.Hildas allright? Sit. Perrysat. Shewasgassedwithaneurotoxinthathasgiven heratemporarybutsevereformofParkinsons disease.Normallyitjustrenderspeople immobile,butoneinamillionhasareactionlike this.ItsjustbadluckthatHildawasoneof them. Shewasgassed? Theyallwere.Therewasahellofafight,asI understandit.Itreallylookslikeitwasthecops fault.Someonetoldthemthattherewereprinted gunsintheridelocationandtheyusedextreme anddisproportionateforce.

Isee,Perrysaid.Hisbloodwhooshedinhis Richard,thedriversaid.Werealmostthere, ears.Printedguns?Nofriggingway.Sure,ray Perry.Iwishyoutheverybestofluck. gunsinsomeoftheexhibits.Butnothingthat firedanything.Hefelttearsbegintostream Youtoo,hesaid.Thedrivershookhishand warmlyaftergettinghisluggageoutofthetrunk, downhisface.Thelawyermovedtohissofaand alimphandshakebyNorthAmericanstandards, putherarmaroundhisshoulders. butgentleandfriendlynonetheless.Hisdented Shesgoingtobefine,Candicesaid.The wristflexedoddlyasthehalfknitbonesthere Parkinsonsisrare,butitgoesawayin100 moved. percentofthethecaseswhereitoccurs.What thismeansisthatwevegotanamazingchance ThelawyersofficewasnotwhatPerrywas expecting.Itlookedlikesomeoneslivingroom, oftakingahugebiteoutofthelocallawthatwe withacoupleofoverstuffedsofas,adozingcat, canusetofundfuturedefense.Tjantoldmethat thatsthestrategyandIthinkitssound.Plusthe andthelawyer,Candice,whowasayoung lookingwomaninhermidtwenties.Shedressed harderwehitthelawtoday,themorereluctant

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/161 theyllbetorushoffhalfcockedthenexttime someonetrumpsupaBStrademarkclaim.It couldbemuchworse,Perry.Theresakidwho lostaneyetoarubberbullet. downhischeeksanddrippingoffhisnoseand runningintohismouth.Shewasweeping,too, herheadvibratinglikeabobbledoll.Hebent overherandtookherheadinhishands,burying Perryfistedthetearsaway.Letsgogether,he theminherthickblondhair,andkissedheron thelips.Sheshookunderhim,butshekissed said. himback,hecouldfeelherlipsmoveonhis. Theysaysheshouldntbemoved,Candice Theykissedforalongtime.Hesubconsciously said. tooknoteofthefactthatCandicehadmoved Whatdoesourdoctorsay? back,givingthemsomeprivacy.Whenthekiss IphonedacoupleMDsthisafternoonandgot broke,hehadanoverwhelmingdesiretotellher helovedher,buttheyhadnttakenthatstepyet, conflictingstories.Everyoneagreesthatnot andmaybeaprisonhospitalbedwasnttheright movingherissaferthanmovingher,though. Theonlydisagreementisabouthowdangerousit placetomakepronouncementsoflove. wouldbetomoveher. Iloveyou,hesaidsoftly,inherear,kissingthe lobe.Iloveyou,Hilda. Letsgoseeher,then. Shecriedharder,andmadechokingsobs.He Thatwecando. huggedherashardashedared.Candicecame Perryhadtroublewiththesearchattheprison backandstoodbythem. hospital.Hiscastandtheirscannersdidntget alongandtheycouldntbesatisfiedwithahand Theythinkthatshellbebetterinthemorning. Shesalreadymuchbetteroffthanshewasjusta search.Foracoupleminutesitlookedlikehe wasgoingtobekeptout,butCandicewhohad couplehoursago.Sleepstheonlythingforit. Theyvegothermildlysedated,too. changedintoapowersuitbeforetheyleftthe officeputonasternvoiceanddemandedto Hildasmelledlikeheremembered,the speaktothedutysergeant,andthentohis undersmellbeneathhershampooandthe commandingofficer,andintenminutes,they chemicalsclingingtoherhair.Ittookhimback wereonthehospitalward,wherethemetal totheirnighttogether,andhestrokedhercheek. railedbedshadprisonershandcuffedtothem. Illstayhere,hesaid. Hilda?Shelookedsunkenandsick,herface Idontthinkthattheyregoingtoletyoudo slackandherjawaskew.Hereyesopenedand that,Perry.Thisisaprison,notahospital. rolledcrazily,theyfocusedonhim.Herbody shookthroughtwowavesoftremorsbeforeshe Illstayhere,hesaidagain.Justmakeit wasabletoraiseashakinghandtowardhim, happen,OK?Weregoingtosuethemintoa trailingIVtubes.Shewastryingtosayhisname, smokinghole,right?Thatsgottogiveussome butitwouldntcomeout,justaseriesofplosive leverage.Illstayhere. Ps. Shesighedandlookedathimforalongtime,but Butthenhetookherhandandfeltitsfine warmth,thecallusesherememberedfromall thosemonthsago,andhefeltbetter.Actually better.Feltsomepeaceforthefirsttimeinalong time. Hello,Hilda,hesaid,andhewassmilingso broadlyhisfacehurt,andtearswererunning hewouldnttakehiseyesoffofHilda.His brokenarmthrobbedandhewasoutof painkillers.Theydhavepainkillershere. Candicewentaway,andthen,awhilelater,she cameback.Stayhere,shesaid.Illcomeand getyouinthemorning.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/162 Thanks,hesaid.Thenhethoughtthathe shouldsaysomethingmore,andheturned around,butthelawyerhadgone. rest,andshepromisedshewould.Perryandshe gotintothebackofCandicescarandcuddled uptooneanother,dozing.ItwasntuntilPerry gotbackwithhertoherapartmenteverystick HefellasleepholdingHildashandwithhis offurnituremadefromclevercardboardand goodhand,andwokeupwithanunbelievable paininhisbrokenarmandcouldntfindanurse. emptiedouthispocketsthatherememberedto Hebitdownonthepainandspentalongwatch switchhisphoneonagain. thatnightstaringatHilda,thinkingofallshe Hewasdowntohisboxersandshewasincotton meanttohimandhowweirditwasthatshe PJswithsexycowgirlsprintedonthem,and meantsomuchwhentheydhadsobriefa whenhepoweredthephoneup,itwentbonkers, momenttogether.Theyhadntlethimbringhis lightinguplikeaChristmastree,vibrating,and phonein,orhedhavetakenathousandpictures makingurgentbleats. ofherfaceinrepose.Henoddedoffagain. Shit,hesaid,andbegantosortthroughthe Hewokewhenshedid,stirringinherbed.Her movementswerestillweakandfeeble,butthey lackedtheuncontrolledtremorsofthenight before.Heleanedinforakiss,notcaringabout hissourbreathorhers. Goodmorning,hesaid. Morning,gorgeous,shesaid,andtookhimin asoft,sleepyhug. alertswhilehisbackandneckmuscles tightened.Hesatontheedgeofthebedand proddedatthephonewithhisrighthand, holdingitawkwardlyinhislefthand,tryingto workaroundthecast.Hildatookthephoneand helditforhimsohecouldworkmorefreelyand theybothreadwhatwasgoingon.

Asecondroundoflawsuitshadbeenfiledthat night,andtheinjunctionshadbeenreinstated. Candicesprungthemandtookthemacrosstown Thestoryabouttheridesbeingasourceof toherdoctor,ayoungmanwhotookgreatcare printedarmsandmunitionshadspread,andin inexaminingHilda,explainingpatientlywhich SanFranciscotheridehadbeentakenapartby fluidshewasdrawingandwhichtestshe HomelandSecuritybombrobotsthathad plannedonrunningonthem.Perryhadnoticed detonatedseveralkeypiecesofequipment.Three thatmidwesternerscameintwoflavors:big oftheSanFranciscoridecrewendedupinthe ScandinavianAryanswithgiantshouldersand hospitalafterclasheswithoverreactingcops. easysmiles,andexchangestudentsand Hildanoddedandtookthephonefromhimand immigrantsinvaryingshadesofbrown,who setitdown. lookedhurtandbentalongsideofthenatives lookedlikethepeopleheknewfrombackhome, Right,whatsthegameplan? peoplewhodidnthavereadyaccesstomedical HowshouldIknow?Perrysaid.Hecouldhear careorgoodnutritionintheirformativeyears. thewhineinhisvoice.Ijustbuildstuff.Tjan ThedoctorwasVietnamese,buthewasatleasta couplegenerationsin,judgingbyhisaccent,and hehadthesamemidwesternsmileandseemed bigandbulkycomparedwiththeVietnamese peoplePerryknewinFlorida.Hewatchedthe manpeerintentlyatascreenaftertapingsome electrodestoHildashead,andfeltlikehed cometosomelandofNorsegiants. andCandicesaythattheythinkwecansuethe copsoverthebrutalityandusethemoneyto fundlegaldefenses,butDisneysdenialof serviceattackingusinthecourtroom.Theyre alsogettingallthisdestructiondealttousbythe cops.

Youknowhowyoueatanelephant?Onebiteat atime.Letsbreakthisdownintosmall ThedoctoreventuallytoldHildatogohomeand componentpiecesandworkonsolutionsto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/163 them,thencallupthetroopsandletthemknow whatsgoingon.Illgetaconferencecallsetup whilewechat. Shewasstillmovingslowlyandweakly,andhe triedtogethertoputdownherlaptopandrest, butshewasnthavinganyofit. Andsotheyworked,dividingtheproblemup intomanageablepieces:incorporatinga nonprofitcoop,writingthebylaws,gettingthe wordoutthroughthepress,reopeningtherides, puttingtogetherscrapbooksofthecarnage wrought. Lester,Perrysaid.Iloveyoulikeabrother. Shutthefuckupalready. Lestermadealittlewhippingmotion.Suddenly hewasgonefromthepicture,andtheysaw Suzannepullinghimawaybyoneear.Hilda snorted.Ilikeher,shesaid.Suzannegave themawaveandTjanandKettlewellcameback intoframe. Theymadetheirgoodbyesandhungup.Now HildaandPerrywerealone,together,inher bedroom,laptopsshut,daydonethoughitwas hardlygonenoonandthesilencestretched.

Itallseemeddoableonceitwasreducedtoits Thanksforcoming,Perry,shesaid. componentparts.Perryputitallonlineandthen IHebrokeoff.Hedidntknowwhattosay. conferencedTjanandKettlewellin. Theyhadonlyknowneachotherforaday,only Perry,doyouthinkitsagoodideatotellour hadaonenightstand.Sheprobablythoughtthat enemieshowweplantorespondtothem? hewasagiantcreep.Iwasworried.hesaid. HildashookherheadandputahandonPerrys Um.Youshouldprobablyrestupsomemore, goodarmtocalmhimdownbeforeheanswered right? Kettlewell.Thatshowwedoitoveronour side.Theirsideisallaboutsecrecy.Ourside tradestheadvantageofsurpriseforthe advantageofopenness.Youwatchbytonight wellhavebylawsdrafted,pressreleases, exhaustivedocumentation.Youwatch. Onthescreen,Lestersfacesuddenlyhoveinto view,fisheyedistortedbyhisproximitytothe lens.Hildagaveanamusedsqueakandpulled back. Hegotupandheadedforthedoor. Wheredoyouthinkyouregoing?shesaid. FiguredIdletyourest,hesaidwithahalf shrug. Getinthisbedthisinstant,youngman,she said,slappingthebedbesideher.Andgetthose stinkyclothesoffbeforeyoudoIwonthave yougettingmysheetsallcoveredinyourtravel grime.

Hefeltthefoolishgrinspreadacrosshisfaceand SothatsYoko,huh?Lestersaid,grinning. Cute!Listenguys,dontletthesesuitstalkyou heskinnedoutofhisclothesasfastashecould outofwhatyouredoing.Thisistherightthing. withhiscaston. Imonallthemessageboardsandstuffand theyreallchampingtodosomethingforreal. Theydidntleavethehouseuntilsuppertime, Yoko?Hildasaid.Sheraisedanadorable freshlyshowered(shedbeenadelightfulhelpin eyebrow. scrubbingthosespotswherethecastimpeded access)andchanged.Perrytookapainkiller Justafigureofspeech,Lestersaid.Im aftertheshower,whichkickedinastheywent Lester.YoumustbeHilda.Perrystoldus practicallynothingaboutyou,whichisprobably outthedoor,andtheautumneveningwascrisp andsharp. asignofsomethingorother. HildaregardedPerrywithmockcoolness.Oh really? Theygotasfarasthecornerbeforetheman approachedthem.PerryGibbons,isntit?He

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/164 hadanEnglishaccent,andalittlepotbelly,and abigwhitebubblejacketandascarfwound roundhisthroat. Thatsright,Perrysaid.Helookedattheguy. DoIknowyou? No,Idontthinkso.ButIvefollowedyouin thepress.Quiteremarkable. Thanks,Perrysaid.Beingrecognizedhow weirdwasthat.Coolthatithappenedinfrontof Hilda.ThisisHilda,hesaid.Shetookthe manshand,andhegrinned,showingtwolong ratlikefrontteeth. aboutthecoopandtheplantofightback. Thatjustdoesntsoundrighttome,saida friendofLukes,alawschoolgradstudentwho hadbeenbendingPerrysearallnightwith storiesfromhislawclinicworkdefending universitystudentsfrommusicindustrylawsuits. Imean,sure,goafterthecopsbecausethey roughedyouguysup,buthowmuchmoneydo thecopshave?Yougottatargetsomefatcash, andforthatyouwanttogoafterDisney.Abuse oftrademark,abuseofprocess,somethinglike that.Thestandardsprettyhigh,butifyoucan getajudgement,themoneyisincredible.You couldtakethemtothecleaners.

Fred,hesaid.Whatanabsolutedelight runningintoyououthereofallplaces.Whatare Perrylookedblearilyathim.Hewasyoung,like youdoingintown? allofthem,buthehadagoodrhetoricalstyle thatPerryrecognizedassomethingbornofreal Justvisitingwithfriends,Perrysaid. confidence.Heknewhisstuff,orthoughthedid. Wasnttheresomekindofdustupatyourplace Hehadastrawberrymarkonhishighforehead inFlorida?Isawwhattheydidtotheridehere, thatlookedlikeamapofadistantisland,and whatabloodymess. Perrythoughtthatthemarkprobablythrewoff Yeah,Perrysaid.Hepointedathiscastedarm. thekidsopponents.SowesueDisneyandfive SeemedlikeagoodtimetogetoutofDodge. yearsfromnowwecashinhowdoesthathelp usnow? Hildasaid,Weregettingsomedinner,ifyoud Thekidnodded.Ihopedyoudaskmethat.Ive liketocomealong. beenthinkingaboutthisalotlately.Hereswhat Iwouldntwanttointrude. youneedtodo,dude,heresthefuckingthing. No,itsnosweat,wevegotawholebunchof Theroomhadgrownsilent.Everyoneleaned peopleassociatedwiththeridemeetingus. closer.FredpouredPerryanotherbeerfromthe Youdbemorethanwelcome. pitcherinthemiddleofthetable.Hereshow Goodness,thatishospitableofyou.HowcanI youdoit.Youraiseinvestmentcapitalforit. Theresatonofmoneyinthis,aton.Disneys refuse? gotdeeppocketsandyouvegotagreatcase. LukeandErnieweretherewiththeirgirlfriends, Butlikeyousay,itlltaketen,fifteenyearsto andthereweremorekids,midwesternand getthemoneyoutofthem.Anditllcostamilin healthyeveniftheywerentnecessarilyall Scandic,someVietnamesekids,someHmong, legalfeesontheway.Sowhatyoudois,you createaninvestmentsyndicate.Youcanmaybe somedesisdescendedfromtheH1Bdiaspora. Theyhadagiganticmealinastudentplacethat getthirtymillionoutofDisney,pluswhatever washeavyonthepotatoesandbeersthesizeof thejuryawardsinpunitives,andifyoukeephalf ofit,youcandeliverafifteenxreturnon yourhead,whichPerryresistedforacouple investment.Sogofindamillionaireandborrow hoursuntilhefiguredthathedmetabolized mostofthepainkillerandthenstartedin,getting sixteenmillion,andturnthedefenseoverto him. justshortofroaringdrunk.Hetoldthemwar stories,toldthemaboutDeathWaits,toldthem Perrywasdumbstruck.Yourejoking.Howcan

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/165 thatpossiblywork? Itshowpatentlawsuitswork!Somedickhead engineergetsaboguspatentforhisdoomed startup,andastheyresinkingintothemud, someventurecapitalistcomesandbuysthe companyupjustsoitcangoaroundandthreaten othercompanieswithrealbusinessesfor violatingthepatent.Theyaskforsumsjust belowwhatitwouldcosttogettheUSPatent andTrademarkOfficetoinvalidatethepatent, andeveryoneponiesup.Venturecapitalismis themajorsourceoffundingforcommercial lawsuitsthesedays. Fredlaughedandclapped.Brilliant!Perry, thatsjustbrilliant.Areyougoingtodoit? Hammersen MADISON,WI:Sayyoumanagedtoinspire somekindofmovementoftechnoutopians whobuiltanetworkofamusementparkrides thatguidetheirvisitorsthroughanillustrated historyofthelastdotcombubble. Saythatyourmerrybandofunwashed polyamorousinfohippieswasovertakenby jackbootedthugsfromoneofthedinosauric mediaempiresofyesteryear,whoselegal machinationsresultedinnationwideraids, beatings,gassings,andthetotalshutdownof yourmovement. Whatwouldyoudo?Sue?Callapress conference?Bailyourloyalfollowersoutofthe slam?

Perrylookedatthetable,doodlinginthe puddlesofbeerwithafingertip.Ijustwantto Getlaid,getshitfaced,andletabunchof getbacktomakingstuff,youknow.Thisisnuts. studentsspitballbullshitideasforfightingback? Devotingtenyearsofmylifetosuing Ifyoupickedthelatter,youreingoodcompany. someone? Lastnight,PerryGibbons,soidisantfounder Youdonthavetodothesuing.Thatsthe oftherideafarianreligiouscult,wasspottedout point.Yououtsourcethat.Yougetthemoney; fordrinksandcuddleswithagroupof someoneelsedoesthebusinessstuff.Hildaput twentysomethingstudentsinthebackwatertown herarmaroundhisshoulders.Givethesuits ofMadison,WI,aplacebetterknownforits somethingtooccupythemselveswith cheddarthanitsactivism. otherwisetheygetantsyandstiruptrouble. WhileGibbonsregaledtheimpressionablepost PerryandHildalaughedlikeitwasthefunniest adolescentswithtalesofhisderringdo,he thingtheydeverheard.Fredandtheothers avidlynotedtheirstrategicsuggestionsfor joinedin,andPerryscrawledadrunkennoteto solvinghislegal,paramilitary,andtechnical TjanandKettlewellwiththeinfo.Theparty problems. brokeupnotlongafter,amidmuchchortlingand OnesuggestionthatdrewGibbonssattention snorting,andtheystaggeredhome.Fredgave andadmirationwastoapproachventure PerryawarmhandshakeandtreatedHildatoa lingering,sloppyhuguntilshepushedhimoff, capitalistsandbegthemforthecapitaltosue Disneyandthenusethesettlementsfromthe laughingevenharder. suitstopaybacktheVCs. Allrightthen,Perrysaid,homeagainhome ThismindcrogglingPonzischemeistheclosest again. thingtoabusinessmodelweveyetheardof Hildagavehisgroinafriendlyhonkandthen fromthechipaddledtechnohippiesoftheNew madeadashforit,andhegavechase. Workanditspostboomincarnation. PHOTO:ADrunkenPerryGibbonsGetsa HowsYourFatherFromRideBrideHilda OnecanonlyimaginehowourMsChurchwill coverthisinherfanblog:breathlessadmiration forMrGibbonsscunninginsolicitingyetmore

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/166 wayoutoftheboxthinkingfromtheJunior GuevarasoftheGreatMidwest,nodoubt. onlyreadershehasarenutcaseswhogetoffon seeingpeoplewhoareactuallycreatingstuff flayedalivefortheirfailures.Theyegghimon PerhapsGibbonscanbeaffordedalittle everseeoneofhisletterscolumns?Ifhe sympathy,though.Hislatestencounterwith changedtoactualreportage,tellingthebalanced Floridalawlefthimwithabrokenarmandit storiesofwhatwasgoingonintheworld,theyd maybethatthepainmedicationisprimarily jumpshipforsomeotherhatemonger.Hesa responsibleforGibbonssfancythinking.If thatsthecase,wecanonlyhopethathisyoung, lightningrodforassholeshesthekingofthe blondScandienursiewillcarefullyministerhim trolls. backtohealth(whilehiscomradesrotingaol Perrylookedaway.WhatdoIdo? aroundthecountry). Youcouldtrytostarvehim.Ifyoudontshow Thisorganizationneedstodiebeforeitgets someonekilled. Comments?WritetoFreddyat honestfred@techstink.co.uk yourhead,hecantreportonyou,exceptby makingstuffupandmadeupstuffgetsboring, evenforthekindsofloserswhoreadhisstuff. ButIvegotworktodo.

Yeah,yeahyoudo.Maybeyouvejustgotto takeyourlumps.Everycomplexecosystemhas LesterinterruptedSuzannesphonecalltobreak parasitesafterall.MaybeyoujustcallupSan inandannouncethathedrunRatToothed Franciscoandbriefthemonwhattoexpectfrom Freddytoground:thereporterhadcaughtthe thisguyandtakeitfromthere. firstflightfromMadisontoChicagoandthen gonewesttoSanJose.TheTSAhadflaggedhim Oncetheywereofftheline,Lestercameup behindherandhuggedheratthewaist, asapersonofinterestandwerewatchinghis squeezingthelittlelovehandlesthere, movements,andalittlediggingonitswebsite remindingherofhowlongithadbeensince couldcauseittodiscloseFreddysevery shedmadeittoyoga. airbornemovement. SuzannerelayedthistoPerry. Dontyougothere,shesaid.Hesgunning fortheSanFranciscocrew,andheshopingfora confrontationoradenunciationsothathecan printit.Hegetsideesfixesthatheworriesatlike aterrier,goingformorebile. Isheapsycho?Whatthehellishisbeefwith me? Youthinkthatllwork? Maybe.IvebeentalkingtotheNew JournalismReviewaboutwritingapieceon moralresponsibilityandpaidjournalism,andifI canbangitoutthisaft,Ibettheyllpublishit tomorrow. Whatsthatgoingtodo?

Well,itlldistracthimfromPerry,maybe.It mightgethisemployertotakeahardlookat Ithinkthathethinksthattechnologyhasnt liveduptoitspromiseandthatweshouldallbe whatheswritingImeanthatpieceisjustlies, mischaracterizations,andeditorialmasquerading demandingbetterofourtech.Soforhim,that meansthatanyonewhoactuallylikestechnology asreportage.Sheputherliddownandpaced istheenemy,theworstvillain,underminingthe aroundthecondo,lookingattheleavesfloating inthepool.Itllgivemesomesatisfaction. caseforbringingtechuptoitstruepotential. Fuck,thatissotwisted. Andgiventhekindofvilecraphewrites,the Lestergaveherahug,anditsmelledoftheold daysandtheoldLester,thegiant,barrelchested prefatkinsLester.Ittookherbacktoasimpler

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/167 time,whentheydhadtoworryabout commercialcompetition,notpoliceraids. Shehuggedhimback.Hewasallhardmuscle andzerobodyfatunderneathhistightshirt. Shedneverdatedanyonethatfit,notevenback inhighschool.Itwasalittledisorienting,andit madeherfeelespeciallyoldandsaggy sometimes,thoughheneverseemedtonotice. anyreasontohope,andhehadnobusiness hoping. Halfwaythroughhershower,sheheardsomeone movingaroundinthebathroom,andthinkingit wasLester,shestuckherheadaroundthe curtain,onlytofindAdaonthepot,littlejeans aroundherankles.Ihaddamake,Adasaid, withashrug.

Speakingofwhich,shefelthiserectionpressing Christ.Whatwasshedoingbackhere,anyway? againsthermidriff,andtriedtohidehergrin. ShedmisseditallsomuchfromPetersburg.But Gimmeacouplehours,allright? shehadntreallybargainedforthis.Itwasonlya matteroftimeuntilTjanshoweduptoo,surely ShedialedtheNJReditorsnumberassheslid theydbewantingacouncilofwarafter intoherchairandpulledupatexteditor.She knewwhatsheplannedonwriting,butitwould Freddysopeningsalvo. helptobeabletoshareanoutlinewiththeNJR ifshewasgoingtogetthisoutingoodtime. Workingwitheditorswasapainafteryearsof writingfortheblog,butsometimesyouwanted someoneelsesimprimaturonyourwork. Shewaitedforthelittlegirltoflush(ouch!hot water!)andgotdressedasdiscreetlyaspossible.

Fivehourslater,thecopywasfiled.Sherocked backinherchairandstretchedherarmshigh overherhead,listeningtothecrackleofher spine.Shedbeenhalffrozenbytheair conditioning,soshedturneditoffandopeneda window,andnowthecondowashotandmuggy. Shestrippeddowntoherunderwearandheaded fortheshower,butbeforeshecouldmakeit,she wasinterceptedbyLester. Hefellonherlikeadogondinner,andhours slippedbyastheymadetheapartmenteven muggier.Lestersathleticisminthesackwas flattering,butsometimesboundlesstothepoint ofirritation.Shewasrescuedfromitthistimeby thedoorbell. Lesterputonabathrobeandansweredthedoor, andsheheardthesoundsofthefamily Kettlewellspillingin,thekidslittlefootfalls poundingupanddownthecorridors.Hurriedly, Suzannethrewonarobeandduckedacrossthe corridorintothebathroom,butnotbefore catchingsightofEvaandLandon.Evas expressionwasgrimlysatisfied;Landonlooked stricken.Fuckit,anyway.Shednevergivenhim

Bythetimeshegottothebalconywherethe councilofwarwasunderway,thetwolittlegirls, LyenitchkaandAda,hadgottenPascaluponthe sofaandwereplayingdressupwithhim,hot gluingBarbieheadstohischeeksandarmsand chubbyknees,likevacantlystaringwarts. Doyoulikehim? Ithinkhelookswonderful,girls.Isthatglue OKforhim,though? Adanoddedvigorously.Ivebeengluingthings tomybrotherwiththatstuffforever.Dadsays itsOKsolongasIdontputitinhiseyes. Yourdadsasmartman. Hesinlovewithyou,Lyenitchkasaid,and giggled.Adasluggedherinthearm. Thatssupposedtobeasecret,stupid,Ada said. Flustered,Suzanneduckedoutontothepatioand shutthedoorbehindher.EvaandTjanand Kettlewellallturnedtolookather. Suzanne!Tjansaid.Nicearticle. Isitupalready? Yeah,justacoupleminutesago.Tjanheldup hisphone.Ivegotawatchlistforanythingto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/168 dowithFreddythatgetsalotoflinkloveina shortperiod.Yourpiecerangthecherries. Butnotlongafterarrivingonthescene,Church fellinwithBanks,anearlyfatkinsandstalwart Shetookthephonefromhimandlookedatthe oftheNewWorkmovement,atechnologistwho entrancedhisfellowengineerswithhisaccounts listoflinksthathadbeenfoundtotheNJR oftheNewWorksmanyinventions piece.Threeofthediggdotshadpickedupthe story,sincetheylovedtoreportonanythingthat promptingonemessageboardcommenterto madefunofFreddyhewasafrequentsavager characterizehimasacrossbetweenSteve oftheirreaderscherishedbeliefs,afteralland WozniakandtheReverendSunMyungMoon. thenceithadwormeditswayallaroundthenet. Now,eyewitnessaccountshavethemgoingatit Inthetimeshedneededtotakeashower,her likeshaggingmarmots,asthebioenhanced storyhadbeenreadbyaboutthreemillion BanksfallsonChurchswrinklycarcasshalfa people.Shefeltatwingeofregretfornot dozentimesaday,apparentlyconsummatinga publishingitonherblogthatwouldhavebeen romancethatblossomedwhileBankswas,toput someseriousadvertisingcoin. itbluntly,agiantfatbastard.Itseemsthatradical weightlosshasputBanksintothecategoryof Well,thereyouhaveit. blokesthatSuzanneChurchiswillingtoplay Whatdoyousupposehellcomebackwith? hidethesausagewith. Kettlewellsaid,thenlookeduncomfortablyat Eva.Shepretendednottonotice,andcontinued Allthiswouldbemeresordidgossipbutforthe factthatChurchisonceagainglowingly tostareatthegrimyHollywoodpalms, chroniclingtheadventuresoftheFloridacultists, swimmingpoolsandfreeways. playingjournalist,withoutashredofimpartiality Somethingnastyandfulloflies,nodoubt. ordisclosure. NerdGroupieChurchFindsFatkinsLovewith RideSidekick SourcesclosetotheHollywood,Floridaride culthaverevealedthatSuzanneChurch,the celebritybloggerwhohelpedinflatetheNew Workstockbubble,isinthemidstofaromantic entanglementwithoneofthecultscofounders. Onecanonlyimaginewhentheother,financial shoewilldrop.ForwhereverChurchgoes, moneyisntfarbehind:surelytheresafinancial aspecttothisbusinesswiththeride. UPDATE:

Indeedthereis:furtheranonymoustipsterism revealsthatpapershavebeenfiledtocreatea cooperativestructuredlikeaclassicPonzi scheme,inwhichfranchiseoperatorsoftheride ChurchrecentlycameoutofretirementinSt areexpectedtopaymembershipduesfurtherup Petersburg,whereshehasbeenproducing theladder.AlltheromanceofChurchsaccounts PR^H^Hjournalisticaccountsofthenew willcertainlyfindafreshbatchofsuckersif generationofRussianexperimentalplastic theresonethingweknowaboutSuzanne surgerybutchers. Church,itsthatsheknowshowtoseparatea Churchwasluredbackbythepromiseofastory markfromhismoney. abouttheridenetworkthatwasfoundedbyher oldpalsfromtheNewWorkpumpanddump, LesterBanksandPerryGibbons.Nowonthe Lesterrantheridebasicallyonhisownthat scenearemorefamiliarfaces:Landon week,missinghisworkshopandhistinkering, Kettlewell,thedisgracedformerCEOof thinkingofSuzanne,wishingthatPerrywas Kodacell,andTjanTang,theformerbusiness backalready.Hewasntexactlyapeopleperson, manageroftheBanks/Gibbonsscam. andtherewerealotofpeople.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/169 Ibroughtsomestuff,thegothkidsaidashe paidforhisticket,heftingtwohugeduffelbags. ThatsstillOK,right? Wasit?DamnedifLesterknew.Thekidhada hugebruisecoveringhalfofhisface,andLester thoughtherecognizedhimfromtheshowdown DeathWaits,thatswhatPerryhadsaid. Sure,itsfine. YoureLester,right? Christ,anotherone. NooneaskedLesterorPerry,eventhoughthey weretheoneswhodinventeditall.Itwasallso fuckedup.Whycouldnthejustmakestuffand dostuff?Whydiditalwayshavetoturnintoa planforworlddomination?InLesters experience,mostworlddominationplanswent sour,whileaheftyproportionofmodestplansto MakeSomethingCoolactuallyworkedout prettywell,paidthebills,andputfoodonthe table.

Thegothkidlookedexpectantlyathim.Ima hugefan,youknow.IusedtoworkforDisney, Yes,thatsme. andIwasalwayswatchingwhatyoudidtoget ideasfornewstuffweshoulddo.Thatswhyits HonestFredisfullofshit.Ivebeenreading yourpostssinceforever.Thatguyisjustjealous sototallysuckballsthattheyreaccusingyouof becauseyourgirlfriendoutedhimforbeingsuch rippingthemoffweripyouoffallthetime. alyingasshole. Lesterfeltlikehewasexpectedtodosomething Yeah.DeathWaitswasntthefirstonetosay wordstothiseffectSuzannehadhadthat honorandhewouldntbethelast.ButLester wantedtoforgetit.Hedlikedthemomentsof famehedgainedfromSuzanneswriting,from hisworkonthemessageboards.Hedevenhada coupleoffanboysshowuptodoalittle interviewfortheirpodcastabouthismechanical computer.Thathadbeennice.Butblokesthat SuzanneChurchiswillingtoplayhidethe sausagewithugh. Suzannewasholdingittogetherasfarashe couldtell.Butshedidntseemaswillingtostick herneckouttobrokerlittlepeacesbetweenTjan andKettlewellanymore,andthosetwowere goingatithammerandtongsnow,each convincedthathewasincharge.Tjanreasoned thatsinceheactuallyranoneofthemost developedridesinthenetworkthatheshouldbe theexecutive,withKettlewellasatrusted adviser.Kettlewellclearlyfeltthathedeserved thecrownbecausehedactuallyrunglobal businesses,asopposedtoTjan,whowaslittle morethanamiddlemanager. Neitherhadsaidexactlythat,butthatwasonly becausewhenevertheyheadeddownthatpath, Suzanneinterposedherselfanddistractedthem. withthatinformationmaybedeliverittosome lawyerorwhatever.Butwoulditmakea difference?Hecouldntgetanyspitinhismouth overlegalfights.Christlegalfights! Thanks.YoureDeathWaits,right?Perrytold meaboutyou. Thekidvisiblyswelled.Yeah.Icouldhelp aroundhereifyouwanted,youknow.Iknowa lotaboutrideoperating.Iusedtotraintheride runnersatDisney,andIcouldworkanyposition. Ifyouwanted. WerenotreallyhiringLesterbegan. Imnotlookingforajob.Icouldjust,you know,help.Idonthaveajoboranythingright now. Lesterneededtopee.Andhewassickofsitting heretakingpeoplesmoney.Andhewantedto goplaywithhismechanicalcomputer,anyway. Lester?Whosthekidtakingticketmoney? Suzanneshugwassweatyandsmelledgood. Lookatthis,Lestersaid.Heflippeduphis magnifyinggogglesandhandedherthesoda can.Hedcutawayapanelcoveringthewhole frontofthecan,andinsidehedpainstakingly assembledsixtyfourflipflops.Heturnedthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/170 crankonthebackofthecanslowly,andthe correctcombinationofrodsextendedfromthe backofthecan,indicatingthevaluesrepresented ontheflipflopswithin.Itsasixtyfourbit register.WecouldbuildashitkickingPentium outofacouplemillionofthese. Whatswrong?

Herfacewaspurplenow,herhandsclenched intofists.Whatswrong?Lester,whatswrong? Youveleftatotalstranger,who,byhisown admission,isarecentlyterminatedemployeeof acompanythatistryingtobankruptyouandput Heturnedthecrankagain.Thecansmelledof youinjail.Youvelefthiminchargeofan solderandithadapleasantweightinhishand. expensive,importantcapitalinvestment,and Themillbesidehimhummed,andonhisscreen, givenhimtheauthoritytocollectmoneyonyour thepartshedCADdeduprotatedinwireframe. behalf.Doyoureallyneedtoaskmewhats Suzannewasathissideandhedjustbuilt wrong? somethingcompletelytehawesome.Hedtaken Hetriedtosmile.ItsOK,itsOK,hesonly hisshirtoffsomewherealongtheafternoons lazy,warmwayandhisskinprickledwitha Onlywhat?Onlyyourpossibledoom?Christ, breeze. Perry,youdontevenhavefuckinginsuranceon HeturnedtotakeSuzanneinhisarms.Godhe thatbusiness. lovedher.Hedbeeninlovewithherforyears DidshejustcallhimPerry?Hecarefullyset nowandshewashis. downtheCokecanandlookedather. Lookathowcoolthisthingis,justlook.He usedatweezertochangetheregistersagainand Imdownherebustingmyassforyoutwo, gaveitalittlecrank.Igottheideafromtheold fightingcops,lettingthatshitFreddysmearmy PrincetonInstituteElectronicComputerProject. namealloverthenet,andwhatthehellareyou doingtosaveyourself?Youreinhereplaying Allthesegeniuses,vonNeumannandDyson, withCokecans!Shepickeditupandshookit. theybroughtintheirkidsforthesummerto Heheardtheworksinsiderattlingandflinched windallthecorestheydneedfortheirRAM. towardsit.Shejerkeditoutofhisreachand Millionsofthesethings,woundbythekidsof thesmartestpeopleintheuniverse.Whatacool threwit,threwithardatthewall.Hundredsof littlegearsandratchetsandrodsspilledoutofit. waytospendyoursummer. SoIthoughtIdprototypethenextgeneration Fine,Lester,fine.Yougoonbeingan ofthese,a64bitversionthatyoucouldbuildout emotionaltenyearold.Butstopropingother peopleintothis.Youvegotpeoplealloverthe ofgarbage.Getacouplehundredofthelocal countrydependingonyouandyouarejust kidsinforthesummerandgetthemworking. abdicatingyourresponsibilitytothem.Iwont Getthemtounderstandjusthowthesethings beapartofit.Shewascryingnow.Lesterhad workthatstheproblemwithintegrated circuits,youcanttakethemapartandseehow noideawhattosaynow. theywork.Howarewegoingtogetanother ItsnotenoughthatPerrysoffchasingpussy, generationoftinkerersunlesswegetkids youvegottopickthismomenttotakeFrench interestedinhowstuffworks? leavetoplaywithyourtoys.Christ,thewhole bunchofyoudeserveeachother. Whosthekidtakingticketmoney? Hesafan,thatkidthatPerrymetinjail.Death Lesterknewthathewasonthevergeofshouting Waits.TheonewhobroughtintheDisneystuff. ather,reallytearingintoher,sayingunforgivable things.Hedbeentherebeforewithother HegraduallybecameawarethatSuzannewas friends,andnogoodevercameofit.Hewanted rigidandshakinginhisarms. totellherthathedneveraskedforthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/171 responsibility,thathedliveduptoitanyway, thatnoonehadaskedhertoputherneckonthe lineanditwasntfairtoblamehimfortheshit thatFreddywasputtingherthrough.Hewanted totellherthatifshewasinlovewithPerry,she shouldbesleepingwithPerry,andnothim.He wantedtotellherthatshehadnobusiness reaminghimoutfordoingwhathedalways done:sitinhisworkshop. Hewantedtotellherthatshehadneveronce seenhimasasexualbeingwhenhewasbigand fat,butthathehadnotroubleseeingherasone nowthatshewasgettingoldandalittlesaggy, andsowheredidshegetoffcriticizinghis emotionalmaturity? Hewantedtosayallofthis,andhewantedto takebackhis64bitregisterandnurseitbackto health.Hedbeeninaluminouscreativefog whenhedbuiltthatcan,andwhoknewifhed beabletoreconstructit? venturecapitaltosueus,becausewehavesuch deeppockets.Youknowthat,Sammy? Iknowit,Wiener.Peoplesueusallthetime. Venturecapitalistshavedeeppockets,too,you knowwhenwewin,welltakethemtothe cleaners.Christ,whyamIhavingthis conversationwithyou?Dontyouhave somethingproductivetodo?IsTomorrowlandso fuckingperfectthatyouvecomearoundtohelp mewithmylittleprojects? Someonesalittletouchytoday,Wienersaid, waggingafinger.Ijustwantedtoseeifyou wantedsomehelpcomingupwithastrategyfor gettingoutofthiscatastrophe,butsinceyou mentionit,IdohaveworkIcouldbedoing.Ill seeyouatthenextThemeLeadersmeeting, Sam.Missingthreeisgroundsfordisciplinary action,youknow.

Sammysatbackinhischairandlookedcoollyat Wiener.Threatsnow.Disciplinaryaction.He Hewantedtocry,toblubberatherforthe keptonhisbestpokerface,lookingpast monumentalunfairnessofitall.Hestoodstiffly Wienersshoulder(afavoritetrickforstaring upfromhisworkbenchandturnedonhisheel downadversariesjustdontmeettheireyes).In andwalkedout.HeexpectedSuzannetocallout hisperipheralvision,hesawWienerwilt,look tohim,butshedidnt.Hedidntcare,oratleast awayandthenturnandleavetheroom. hedidntwantto. Hewaiteduntilthedoorhadshut,thenslumped inhisseatandputhisfaceinhishands.God, andshit,anddamn.Howdiditallgosocrapola? SammyskippedthreeconsecutiveTheme Howdidheendupwithathemeareathatwas Leadersmeetings,despiteincreasingly halfshut,recordabsenteeism,andevena desperaterequestsforhispresence.Thelegal goddamnedunionorganizerjustthedaybefore, teamwaseatingeverysparemomenthehad,and whomhedhadtohavesecurityremove.Florida hehadntbeenabletogetaudienceresearchto lawsbeingwhattheywere,itwasarare getbusyonhisfatkinsproject.Nowhewas organizerbraveenoughtotrytocomeonan behindschedulenotsurprising,giventhathed employersactualpremisestodohisdirtywork, pulledhisscheduleoutofhisasstoshutup noonewantedatwoyearrapwithoutparolefor Wienerandcoanddealingwithlawyerswas criminaltrespassandinterferencewithtrade. makinghimcrazy. Thekidhadbeenyoung,aboutthesameageas Andtotopitalloff,thegoddamnedrideswere DeathWaitsandthecastmembers,andhad backupandrunning. clearlybeendesperatetocollecthisbountyfrom SEIU.Hedgonehard,strugglingandkicking, Sothelastthinghewantedwasavisitfrom shoutingslogansatthewideeyedcastmembers Wiener. andfewguestswhowatchedhimgoaway. Theyresuingus,youknow.Theyraised HavinghimtakenawayhadgivenSammyasick

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/172 feeling.Theyhadnthadoneofthosevultureson Sammyahardcopyofachiclittleinvestment thepremisesinthreeyears,andneveron newsletterthatwassoexpensivetosubscribeto Sammysturf. thathedsuspecteduntilnowthatitmightjust Whatnext,whatnext?Howmuchworsecouldit bearumor. get? Hi,Sammy.Hackelbergwasnttheheadofthe legaldepartment,buthewasashighupinthe shadowyorganizationasSammyeverhopedto meet.Hewasoldandleathery,thewaythat nativestotheSunbeltcouldbe.Helovedto affecticecreamsuitsandhadevenbeenknown tocarryacane.Whenhewasincasual conversation,hetalkednormallikeaYankee newscaster.Butthemoreserioushegot,the deeperandthickerhisdrawlgot.Sammynever oncebelievedthatthiswasaccidental. Hackelbergwasaspremeditatedastheycame. Iwasjustabouttocomeoverandseeyou, Sammylied.Whateverproblemhadbrought Hackelbergdowntohisoffice,itwouldbebetter toseemasthoughhewasalreadyontopofit.

HOWDOYOUGETRID(E)OFABILLION? TheKodacellexperimentrecognizedone fundamentaltruth:itseasytoturntenthousand intotwohundredthousand,butmuchharderto turntenmillionintotwohundredmillion. Scalinganinvestmentuptogigascaleissohard, itsnearlyimpossible. Butanewparadigmininvestmentthats unfoldingaroundusthatmightactuallysolvethe problem:venturefinancedlitigation.Twentyor thirtymillionsunkintolitigationcanbankrupta twentybilliondollarfirm,transferringtothe investorswhateverassetsremainafterlegalfees.

Itsoundscrazy,andonlytimewilltellwhetherit provestobesustainable.Butthefounderofthe strategy,LandonKettlewell,hasstruckgoldfor hisinvestorsmorethanoncewitnessthe Iexpectyouwere.WerecameoutWuhwhen legendaryriseandfallofKodacell,theentity thedrawlgotthatfarintotheswampsthat thatemergedfromthemergerofKodakand quickly,disasterwasonthehorizon.Hackelberg Duracell.Investorsinthefirsttworoundsand letthephrasehangthere. theIPOonKodacellbroughthome30Xreturns Sammysweated.Hewasgoodatthisgame,but inthreeyears(ofcourse,investorswhostayedin toolongcameawaywithnothing). Hackelbergwasbetter.Entertainmentlawyers werelikefuckingvampires,evilembodied.He Meanwhile,Kettlewellsbidtotakedown lookeddownathisdesk. DisneyParkslooksgoodthelegalanalysisof thevexatiouslitigationandunfaircompetition Sammy.Theyrecomingbackafterus chargeshavelegalscholarsarguingandadding Theyahcominbackaftahus.Thoseride upthezeros.Mostdamningisthenumberof people.Theydidwhatwethoughttheyddo, incorporatingintoasingleentitythatwecansue formerDisneyParksemployees(or castmembersinthetreaclydialectofthe onceandkillforgood,butthentheydid MagicKingdom)whovepostedinformation somethingelse.Doyouknowwhattheydid, aboutthecompanyslongtermplantosabotage Sammy? Kettlewellsclients. Sammynodded.Theyrecountersuing.We Likewisefascinatingisthequestionofwhether knewtheyddothat,right? thejurywillbeabletodistinguishbetween Wedidntexpecttheydraiseawarchestlike DisneyParks,whosecorporatecitizenshipis theonetheyvepulledtogether.Theyhavea actuallyprettygood,fromDisneyProducts, businessplanbuiltaroundsuingusforthenext whoserecordhasbeentaintedbyastringof fifteenyears,Sammy.Theyrepracticallyready disastrouschildlabor,safety,anddesignflaws tofloatanIPO.Haveyouseenthis?Hehanded

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/173 (astutereaderswillbethinkingofthe flammablepajamasflapoflastyear,andCEO RobertMontaguesmemorablewords,Parents whocantkeeptheirkidsawayfrommatches havenobusinesscomplainingaboutour irresponsibility).Punitivejuryawardsarea wildcardinthiskindoflitigation,butgiventhe trendsinrecentyears,thingslookbadforDisney Parks. Bottomline:shouldyourportfolioincludea litigationinvestmentcomponent?Yes, unequivocally.Whileriskyandslowtomature, litigationinvestmentspromiseastaggering returnoninvestmentnotseenindecades.A millionortwocarefullyplacedwiththeright litigationfundcouldpayoffenoughtomakeit allworthwhile.Thisiscreativedestructionatits finest:theolddinosaurslikeDisneyParksare likerichseamsoflockedawaycapitalbegging tobeliquidatedandputtoworkatnimblerfirms. Howcanyoutellifyouvegottherightfund? Comebacknextweek,whenwellhaveaQ&A withalitigationspecialistatCreditSuisse/First Boston. ThereslitigationspecialistsatCreditSuisse? Hewasbig,Hackelberg,thoughheoftengave theimpressionofbeingsmallerthroughhis habitualslouch.Butwhenhepulledhimselfup, itwaslikeastringinthecenterofthetopofhis headwasholdinghimerect,likehewashovering offtheground,likehewasabouttoleapacross thedeskandgoforyourthroat.Hislowerjaw rockedfromsidetoside. Theydonow,Sammy.Everyinvestmentbank hasone,includingtheonethatthechairmanof ourboardisamajorityshareholderin. Sammysawhisopportunitytoshifttheblame. Ifwevebeenactingongoodlegaladvice,why wouldntwewin? Hackelberginhaledslowly,hischestfillingand fillinguntilhisicecreamsuitlookedlikeit mightpop.Hisjawclickedfromsidetoside.But hedidntsayanything.Sammytriedtomeetthat coolgaze,buthecouldntoutstaretheman.The silencestretched.Sammygotthemessage:this wasnotaproblemthatoriginatedinthelegal department.Thiswasaproblemthatoriginated withhim. Helookedaway.Howdowesolvethis? Weneedtoraisethecostoflitigation,Samuel. Theonlyreasonthisisviableisthatitscost effectivetosueus.Whenweraisethecostof litigation,wereduceitsprofitability. Howdoweraisethecostoflitigation? Youhaveafertileimagination,Sammy.Ihave nodoubtthatyouwillbeabletoconceiveof innumerablemeansofaccomplishingthisgoal. Isee. Ihopeyoudo.Ireallyhopeyoudo.Becausewe haveanalternativetoraisingthecostof litigation. Yes? Wecouldsacrificeanemployeeortwo. Sammypickeduphiswaterglassanddiscovered thatitwasempty.Heturnedawayfromhisdesk torefillitfromhisfilterandwhenheturned back,thelawyerhadgone.Hismouthwasdryas cottonandhishandswereshaking. Raisethecostoflitigation,huh?

Hegrabbedhislaptop.Therewerewaysto establishanonymousemailaccounts,buthe Sammyswallowed.Buttheyvegotjustasdeep didntknowthem.Figuringthatoutwouldtake uptherestoftheafternoon,herealized,ashe pocketsaswedocantwejustfightthese battlesoutandtakethemoneyoffofthemwhen calledupacoupleofFAQs. wewin? Inthecourseofacareerasvariedandambitious Ifwewin. asSammys,itwasoftenthecasethatyouran acrossanemailaddressforsomeoneyounever

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/174 plannedoncontacting,butyouneverknew,and awiseplannermakesspaceforlotsofoutlier contingencies. Sammyhadntwrittendowntheseemail addresses.Hedcommittedthemtomemory. DeathWaitswaslivingthedream.Hetook peoplesmoneyanddirectedthemtotherides entrance,makingthemfeelwelcome,talking ridetrivia.Someofhispalsspottedhimatthe deskandenviouslydemandedtoknowhowhe cametobesittingontheothersideofthewicket, andhetoldthemtheincrediblestoryofthe fatkinswhodsimplyhandedoverthereins. This,thiswashowyouranaride.Noneofthat artificialgloopysweetnessthatdefinedthe Disneyexperience:instead,yougotapersonal, informal,humanscaleexperience.Chatpeople up,findouttheirhopesanddreams,make admiringnoisesattheartifactstheydbroughtto addtotheride,kibbitzaboutwheretheymight placethem.... Aroundhim,thebarkofthevendors.Oneof them,anoldladyinablindingwhitesundress, camebytoaskhimifhewantedanythingfrom thecoffeecart. Therehadbeenatime,thosefirstdayswhen theydrebuiltFantasyland,whenhedreallyfelt likehewaspartofthemagic.No,TheMagic, withcapitalletters.Somethingabouttheshared experienceofgoingtoaplacewithpeopleand havinganexperiencewiththem,thatwas special.Itmustbewhypeoplewenttochurch. NotthatDisneyhadbeenareligionforhim, exactly.Butwhenhewatchedtheparkhed grownupattendingtakeonthetrappingsthat adornedhisfavoriteclubs,hisfavoritemovies andgamesman,ithadbeenapieceofmagic. AtDisney,DeathWaitshadbeenacustomer,and thenanemployee(castmemberhecorrected himselfreflexively).Whathewanted,though, wastobeacitizen.AcitizenofTheMagic whichwasntaMagicKingdom,sincekingdoms didnthavecitizens,theyhadsubjects. Hestartedtoworryaboutwhetherhewasgoing togetalunchbreakbyabouttwo,andbythree hewasstarving.LuckilythatswhenLester cameback.HethankedDeathprofusely,which wasnice,buthedidntaskDeathtocomeback thenextday. Um,whencanIcomebackanddothissome more? Youwanttodothis? ItoldyouthatthismorningIloveit.Imgood atit,too. Lesterappearedtothinkitover.Idontknow, man.Ikindofputyouinthehotseattoday,butI dontreallyhavetheauthoritytodoit.Icould getintotrouble Deathwavedhimoff.Dontsweatit,then,he saidwithasmuchchirpashecouldmuster, whichwaspreciousfuckinglittle.Hefeltlikehis heartwasbreaking.Itwasworsethanwhenhed finallyaskedoutacoworkerwhodworkedthe PinocchioVillageHausandshehadherlooked sohorrifiedthathedmadeajokeoutofit, worriedaboutasexualharassmentcomplaint. Lesterclearlycaughtsomeofthat,forhethought somemoreandthenwavedhishands.Screw heranyway.Meetmehereattentomorrow. Yourein. Deathwasntsurehedheardhimright.Youre kidding. Noman,youwantit,yougotit.Youregoodat it,likeyousaid.

Andtobeapartofit.Tobeanaltarboy,ifnota Holythanks.Thankyousomuch.Imeanit. priest,inthatmagicalcathedraltheydallbuilt Thankyou!Hemadehimselfstopblithering. togetherinOrlando! Nicetomeetyou,hesaidfinally.Havea greatevening!Yowch.Hewasspeaking Butithadntbeenreal.Hecouldseethatnow. castmemberese.Niceone,Darren.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/175 Hedsavedenoughoutofhiswagesfromhis firstyearatDisneytobuyalittleShellelectric twoseater,andthenhedgonewayintodebt buyingkitstomodittolooklikeaBigDaddy Rothcoffindragster.Thecarsataloneatthe edgeofthelot.Aroundhim,aslowprocession ofstalloperators,withtheirarmsfull,headed forthefreewayandacrosstotheshantytown. Meanwhile,henursedhisembarrassmentand triedtotakecomfortintheattentionthathis gleaming,moddedcarevinced.Helovedthe decorativespoilers,thehugereartires,the shiningmufflerpipesrunningalongsidethe bulgingrunningboards.Hesteppedinand grippedthebatshapedgearshift,adjustedthe headstoneshapedheadrest,andgotrolling.It wasalongdrivebackhometoMelbourne,and hewasreelingfromthedaysevents.Hewished hedgottensomeonetosnapapicofhimatthe counter.Shit. Hepulledoffatafillingstationafteracouple hours.Heneededapissandsomethingwith guaranaifhewasgoingtomakeittherestofthe wayhome.Itwasallshutdown,buttheautomat wasstillopen.Hestoodbeforethegiant,wall sizedglassedinrefrigeratorandditheredover theenergydrinks.Therewerechocolateones, saltyones,colasandcreamsodas,butafriend hadtextedhimapictureofasemilegalyogurt smoothiewithtaurineandmodafinilthat soundedreallygood. Hespotteditandreachedtotapontheglassand orderitjustasthefatguycameupbesidehim. Fatguyswererareintheeraoffatkins,itwas practicallyafashionstatementtobechunky,but thisguywasntfashionable.Hehadonionbreath thatDeathcouldsmellevenbeforeheopenedhis mouth,andhewaswearingagreasy windbreakerandbaggyjeans.Hehadacomb overandneededashave. Whatthehellareyousupposedtobe? Imnotanything,DeathWaitssaid.Hewas usedtoshitkickersandtouristsgawpingathis shockofblackhairwithitsviridiangreen highlights,hiswhitefacepaintandeyeliner,his contactlensesthatmadehiswholeeyesinto zombiewhitecueballs.Youjusthadtoignore them. Youdontlooklikenothingtome.Youlook likesomething.Somethingyouddressupasix yearoldasforHalloween.Imean,whatthe fuck?Hewastalkingquietlyandwithout rancor,buthehadavibelikeabasher.Hemust havearrivedatthedesertedreststopwhile DeathWaitswashavingapiss. DeathWaitslookedaroundforasecuritycam. Thesereststopsalwayshadalicenseplatecam attheentranceandacoupleofantistickupcams aroundthecashier.Hespottedthecamera. Someonehadhungabaseballhatoveritslens. Hefelthisballsdrawuptowardhisabdomen andhisbreathingquicken.Thisguywasgoingto fuckingmughim.Shitshitshit.Maybetakehis car. OK,Deathsaid,nicetalkingtoyou.Hetried tosteparoundtheguy,buthesidesteppedto blockDeathspath,thenputahandonDeaths shoulderitwasstrong.Deathhadbeenmugged oncebefore,buttheguyhadnttouchedhim; hedjusttoldhim,fastandmean,tohandover hiswalletandphoneandthenhadsplit. Imnotdone,theguysaid. Look,takemywallet,Idontwantanytrouble. Apartfromtwoglorioussuckerpunchesat Sammy,Deathhadneverthrownapunch,not sincehedflunkedoutofkaratelessonsatthe localstripmallwhenhewastwelve.Helikedto danceandhecouldrunacouplemileswithout gettingwinded,buthedseenenoughrealfights toknowthatitwasbettertogetawaythantotry tostrikeoutifyoudidntknowwhatyouwere doing. Youdontwantanytrouble,huh? Deathheldouthiswallet.Hecouldcancelthe cards.Losingthecashwouldhurtnowthathe didnthaveadayjob,butitwasbetterthan losinghisteeth.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/176 Theguysmiled.Hisonionbreathwasterrible. throwingapunchwithoutbreakingyour knuckles.Getclose.Keepyourfisttight,thumb outside.Dontwinduporhellseeitcoming.

Iwanttrouble.Withoutanypreambleor windup,theguytookholdoftheearringthat Heslowlyturnedover.Theguyseyeswerein Deathworeinhistragus,thelittleknobof cartilageontheinsideofhisear,andbrisklytore shadow.Hisbellyheavedwitheachexcitedpant. Fromthisangle,Deathcouldseetheguyhada itoutofDeathshead. giganticboner.Thethoughtofwhatthatmight Itwassosudden,thepaindidntcomeatonce. bodesenthimintooverdrive.Hecouldntafford Whatcamefirstwasanumbfeeling,theblood toletthisguybeathimup. drainingoutofhischeeksandthecolordraining Hebackeduptotherailthatlinedthewalkway outoftheworld,andhisbraindoubleand andpulledhimselfupright.Hecoweredinon triplecheckingwhathadjusthappened.Did someonejusttearapieceoutofmyear?Tear? himselfasmuchashecould,hopingthattheguy Ear? wouldclosewithhim,sohecouldgetinone Thenthepainroaredin,allofhissensesleaping goodpunch.Hemutteredindistinctly,softly, tokeenawarenessbeforemaxingoutcompletely. hopingtomakethemanleanin.Hisring Heheardacrashingsoundlikethesurf,smelled encrustedhandsgrippedtherailings. somethingburning,alightappearedbeforehis eyes,anacridtastefloodedhismouthandhisear feltliketherewasahotcoalnestledinit, charringtheflesh. Withpaincametheplan:getthefuckoutof there.Hetookastepbackandturnedtorun,but therewassomethingtangledinhisfeettheguy hadbridgedthedistancebetweenthemquickly, veryquickly,andhadhookedafootaroundhis ankle.Hewasgoingtofallover.Helandedina runnerscrouchandtriedtostartrunning,buta bootcaughthiminthebutt,likeanoldtimey comedymoment,andhewentsprawling,his chinsmackingintothepavement,histeeth clackingtogetherwithasoundthatechoedinhis head. Theguytookasteptowardhim.Hislipswere wet,hiseyesshone.Hehadahandinhispocket andDeathrealizedthatgettinghisattackerclose inwouldntbesmartifhehadaknife. Thehandcameout.Itwaspudgyandstub fingered,andthefingernailswereallgnawed downtothequick.Deathlookedatit.Spraycan. Pepperspray?Mace?Hedidntwaittofindout. Helaunchedhimselfofftherailingatthefat man,goingforhiswet,whistlingcaveofa mouth.

Themannoddedashecameforhimandlethim pasteoneonhim.Deathsringsdrewbloodon thefatcheekandrockedtheguysheadbacka bit.Themansteppedbackandarmedawaythe bloodwithhissleeve.Deathwasrunningforhis Getthefuckup,theguysaid.Hewaspanting car,handdiggingintohispocketforhisphone. alittle,soundingexcited.Thatsoundwasthe Hemanagedtogetthephoneoutandhishand scariestthingsofar.Thisguywantedtokillhim. onthedoorhandlebeforethefatmancaughtup, Hecouldhearthat.Hewassomekindoftruck breathingheavily,airwhistlingthroughhisnose. stopmurderer. HepunchedDeathinthemouthinavastly Deathsfingerswereencrustedinheavysilver superiorrenditionofDeathssolebraveblow,a ringsstylizedskulls,astaringeyeball,acoffin punchsohardDeathsneckmadeacrackling shapedpoisonersringthathesometimeskept soundashisheadrockedaway,slammingoffthe artificialsweetenerin,anankh,analienhead carsframe,ringinglikeagong.Deathbeganto withinsectileeyesandheballedhishandsinto slidedownthecarsdoor,andonlymanagedto fists,thinkingofeverythinghedeverreadabout turnhisfaceslightlywhenthemansprayedhim

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/177 withhislittleaerosolcan. Mace.Deathsbreathstoppedinhislungsand hisfacefeltasifhedplungeditintoboilingoil. Hiseyesfeltworse,likedirtyfingerswere sandpaperingoverhiseyeballs.Hechokedand felloverandheardthemanlaugh. Thenabootcaughthiminthestomachand whilehewasdoubledover,itcamedownagain onhisskinnyshin.Thesoundofthebone breakingwasloudenoughtobeheardoverthe roaringofthebloodinhisears.Hemanagedto suckinalungfulofairandscreamitout,andthe bootconnectedwithhismouth,kickinghimhard andmakinghimbitehistongue.Bloodfilledhis mouth. Aroughhandseizedhimbythehairandthe raspingbreathwasinhisears. YoushouldjustshutthefuckupaboutDisney onthefuckingInternet,youknowthat,kid? Themanslammedhisheadagainstthe pavement. happytocomeandmeetup. OfcoursehewasinFloridahewascovering theride. Thetrickwastofindaplacewherenoone,but noone,fromworkwouldgo.Thatmeantgoing astouristyaspossiblesomethingoverpriced andkitschy. Camelotwasjusttheplace.Ithadoncebeena demolitionderbystadium,andthenhaddone turnsasaskatepark,adanceclubanda discountwickerfurnitureoutlet.Nowitwas OrlandosnumbertwoArthurianthemeddining experience,cateringtopackageholiday consolidatorswhoneededsomewheretofillthe gulletsoftheirbusloadsoftourists.Watching meninarmorjoustatlowspeedongluefactory nagstookcareofaneveningsworthof entertainment,too. Sammyparkedbetweentwogiantair conditionedtourcoaches,thenmadehiswayto theentrance.Hedtoldtheguywhathelooked like,andtheguyhadrespondedwithanobvious publicityshotthatmadehimlooklikePuckfrom aboysschoolperformanceofAMidsummer NightsDreamunrulyhair,mischievousgrin.

Just.Shut.The.Fuck.Up.Bang,bang,bang. Deaththoughthedloseconsciousnesssoon hedhadnoideathatpaincouldbethisintense. Buthedidntloseconsciousnessforalong,long time.Andthepaincouldbealotmoreintense, Whenheturnedup,though,hewastenyears older,acigarettejammedintheyellowing asitturnedout. crookedstumpsofhisteeth.Heneededashower andtherewaseggonthefrontofhisdenim Sammydidntwantthewritermeetinghimathis jacket. office.Hisorganizationhadlotsofpeoplewhod beenloyaltotheoldgothyparkandevento DeathWaits.Theyplottedagainsthim.They wroteabouthimonthefuckingInternet, reportingonwhathedeatenforlunchand whodshoutedathiminhisofficeandhowthe numbersweredecliningandhownoneofthe designcrewswantedtoworkonhisnewrides. ImSammy,Sammysaid.Youmustbe Freddy. Freddyspatthecigarettetoonesideandshook withhim.Thewriterspalmswereclammyand wet. Pleasuretomeetyou,Freddysaid.Camelot, huh? Tasteofhomeforyou,Iexpect,Sammysaid. Tallyho.Pippip. Freddyscrunchedhisfaceupinanelaborate sneer.Youarejoking,right?

Thewritercouldntcometotheofficecouldnt comewithinmilesofthepark.Infact,ifSammy hadhadhisway,theywouldhavedonethisall byphone,butwhenhedemailedthewriter,hed saidthathewasinFloridaalreadyandwouldbe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/178 Imjoking.IfIwantedtogiveyouatasteof home,IdhaveinvitedyoutotheRoseand CrownPubinEpcot:Haveajollyolgoodtime attheRoseandCrown! Stilljoking,Itrust? Stilljoking,Sammysaid.Thisplacedoesa decentroastbeef,anditsprivateenough. Privateinthesenseoffullofscreamingstupid touristsstuffingtheirfaces? Exactly.Sammytookasteptowardthe automaticdoors. electricblueponytailswereseriouslyofftheme taketheirroastbeefordersandservethem giganticpewtertankardsofale;BudLight, andthelogowasstampedintothesidesofthe tankards. Tellmeyourstory,then,Freddysaid.The touristsaroundthemwerenoisyandalreadya littledrunk,theirconversationloudtobeheard overtheloopingsoundtrackofrenfairepolka music.

Well,Idontknowhowmuchyouknowabout thenewDisneyParksorganization.Alotof Beforewegoin,though,Freddysaid.Before peoplethinkofusasbeingjustanother subsidiaryoftheMouse,likebackintheold wegoin.Whyareyoutalkingtomeatall,Mr days.ButsincetheIPO,wereourowncompany. DisneyParksExecutive? WelicensesometrademarksfromDisneyand Hewasreadyforthisone.Ifiguredthatsooner operateridesbasedonthem,butwealso orlateryoudwanttoknowmoreaboutthisend aggressivelylicensefromotherparties ofthestorythatyouvebeencovering.Ifigured Warners,Universal,Nintendo.EventheFrench itwasinmyemployersbestinteresttoseetoit comicbookpublisherresponsibleforAsterix. thatyougotmyversion. Thatmeansthatwegetalotofpeoplecomingin andoutoftheorganization,contractorsor Thereportersgrinwaswetandmean.I consultantsworkingondesigningasinglerideor thoughtitwassomethinglikethat.You understandthatImgoingtowritethisthewayI show. seeit,notthewayyouspinit,right? Thatcreatesalotofopportunitiesforcorporate espionage.Knowingwhatpropertieswere consideringlicensinggivesthecompetitiona chancetogetthereaheadofus,tolandan Thereporternoddedandsteppedinsidetheair exclusivedealthatsetsusbackonsquareone. conditioned,horseysmellingdepthsofCamelot. Itsuglystufftheycallitcompetitive Thegreeterhadacneandapairoftightsthat intelligencebutitsjustspying,plainold showedoffhisskinnyknockknees.Hetookoff spying. hisgreatpeakedcapwithitslongplumeand Allofouremployeeshavebeencontacted,one madeastifflittlebow.Greetings,milords,to Camelot.Yonfeastawaits,andourbraveknights timeoranother,bysomeonewithanofferget standreadytodobattlefortheirhonorandyour meauniform,orapicofthedesignroughs,ora recordingofthesoundtrack,oracopyofthe amusement. contracts,andIllmakeitworthyourwhile. FreddyrolledhiseyesatSammy,butSammy Fromstreetsweeperstoseniorexecs,themoney madealittlescootinggestureandhandedthe isjustsittingthere,waitingforustopickitup. greetertheirtickets,whichwereringside.Ifhe wasgoingtogotoaplacelikeCamelot,hecould Thewenchbroughtthemtheirgiganticpewter platesofroastbeef,Yorkshirepudding,parsnips, atleastgetthebestseatsinthehouse. andamountainoffrenchfries,presumablyto Theysettledinandlettheservingwench appeasethemiddleAmericanappetitesofthe whosefancycontactlenses,piercings,and moreunadventurousdiners. Sammyputahandonhisheart.Ofcourse.I neverwouldhaveaskedanythinglessofyou.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/179 Freddyslicedoffathroatplugginglumpofbeef mouth.Buthishandmovedoverhispadandhe andskewereditonhisfork. madeanimpatientgoongesturewithhishead, swallowingsomeofhispayload. Youregoingtotellmethatthetemptation overwhelmedoneofyouremployees,yes?He shovedtheentirelumpintohismouthandbegan tomasticateit,cheekspouchedout,lookinglike akidwithamouthfulofbubblegum. Wefiredsomeofthepeopleresponsibleforthe breaches,buttherewillbemore.With50,000 castmembersThewritersnortedalaughat theDisneyspeakandchokedalittle,washing downthelastofhismouthfulwithachugof Precisely.Ourcompetitorsdontwantto beer.50,000employeesitsinevitablethat competewithusonalevelplayingfield.They are,morethananything,imitators.Theytakethe theyllfindmore.Theseexemployees, stuffthatwecarefullybuild,basedonextensive meanwhile,havemovedtothelastrefugeofthe research,designandtesting,andtheycloneitfor scoundrel:Internetmessageboards,petulant tweets,andwhinyblogs,wheretheyrebusily parkinglotamusementrides.Theresno attentiontodetail.Theresnoattentiontosafety! runningusdown.Wecantwin,butatleastwe canstanchthebleeding.Thatswhyweve Itsallcowboysandgypsies. broughtourlawsuits,andwhywellbringthe Freddykeptchewing,butheduginthepockets nextround. ofhissportscoatandcameupwithasmall stubbynotebookandaballpoint.Hejottedsome Thejournalistshandmovedsomemore,thenhe turnedafreshpage.Isee,Isee.Yes,all notes,shieldingthepadwithhisbody. fascinating,really.Butwhataboutthese Andthesecrassimitatorsenterintoourstory countersuits? how?Freddyaskedaroundhisbeef. Moreposturing.Pirateslovetoputon YouknowabouttheseNewWorkpeoplethey aggrievedairs.Theseguysrippedusoffandgot callthemselvesremixersbutthatsjusta caughtatit,andnowtheywanttosueusfortheir smokescreen.Theyliketocloakthemselvesin trouble.Youknowhowcountersuitswork: somepostmodern,CreativeCommons theyrejustabidtogetafastsettlement:Well,I legitimacy,butwhenitcomesdowntoit,they didsomethingbadbutsodidyou,whydontwe madetheirfortuneofftheintellectualproperty shakehandsandcallitaday? ofothers,uncompensateduseofdesignsand Uhhuh.Soyouretellingmethatthese technologiesthatothershadinvestedinand intellectualpropertypiratesmadeafortune created. knockingoffyourridesandthattheyreonly Sowhentheymadearide,itwasntmuchof countersuingyoutogetasettlementoutofyou, much.LikesomekindofdustyCommie huh? museum,oldtrophiesfromtheirlastcampaign. Thatsitinanutshell.Iwantedtositdownwith Butsomewherealongtheway,theyhookedup you,onbackground,andjustgiveyouourside withoneofthesebrokerswhospecializesin sneakingoursecretsoutoftheparkandintothe ofthings,thestoryyouwontgetfromthepress handsofourcompetitorsandquickasthat,they releases.Iknowyouretheonlyonetryingto reallygetatthestorybehindthestorywiththese wereprofitablenationallyfranchised,even. people. HestoppedtoquaffhisBudLightand surreptitiouslycheckedoutthejournalisttosee Freddyhadfinishedhisentireroastandwas howmuchofthishewasbuying.Impossibleto workinghiswaythroughthefriesandlimp say.Hewasstillmasticatingacheekfulofrare Yorkshirepudding.Hewavedvigorouslyattheir roast,juiceoverflowingthecornersofhis servingwenchandhollered,Morehere,love!

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/180 andquaffedhisbeer. Sammydugintohiscolddinnerandspearedup aforkful,waitingforFreddytofinish swallowing. Well,thatsaveryneatlittlestory,MrDisney Executiveofftherecordonbackground. Sammyfeltavividtwingeofanxiety.Freddys eyesglitteredinthetorchlight.Veryneat indeed. Letmetellyouoneofmyown.WhenIwasa youngman,beforeItookupthepen,Iworkeda seriesofcompletelyrubbishjobs.Icleaned toilets,Idroveataxi,Istockedgroceryshelves. Youmayaskhowthisqualifiedmetowrite aboutthetechnologyindustry.Lotsofpeople have,infact,askedthat. Illtellyouwhyitqualifiesme.Itqualifiesme becauseunlikealltheivorytowerbloggers,rich andcomfortablegeekswhosemasturbatoryrants aboutApplenothonoringtheirwarrantiesare whatpassesforcorporatecriticismonline,Ive beenthere.Imnotfromarichfamily,Ididnt gettogotothebestschools,nooneputaPCin mybedroomwhenIwassix.Iworkedforan honestlivingbeforeIgaveuphonestworkto write. AsmuchastheInternetcirclejerkdisgustsme, itsnotapatchonthebusinessesthemselves. YouDisneypeoplewithyourminimumwage andallthesexualharassmentyoucaneatlabor policiesinyournicerighttoworkstate,youget awaywithmurder.Anyonewhocriticizesyou doessoonyourownterms:IsDisneyexploiting itsworkerstoomuch?Isitbeingtooaggressive inpolicingitsintellectualproperty?Shoulditbe niceraboutit? Imthewriterwhodoesntwatchyour corporationsonyourownterms.Idontcareif anotherbusinessisunfairlycompetingwithyour business.Icarethatyourbusinessisunfairtothe world.Thatitaggressivelyexploitschildrento gettheirparentstospendmoneytheydonthave onjunktheydontneed.Icarethatyourworkers cantunionize,makeshitwages,andgetfired whentheycomplainorwhenyouneedtoflex yourpoweralittle. Igrewupwithoutanypoweratall.WhenIwas workingforaliving,Ihadnosayatallinmy destiny.Itdidntmatterhowmuchshitaboss wantedtoshovelonme,allIcoulddowasstand andtakeit.NowIvegotsomepower,andIplan onusingittosettingthingstorights. Sammychewedhisroastlongpastthepointthat itwasreadytoswallow.Thefactthathedmade anerrorwasreadilyapparentfromthestartof Freddyslittlespeech,butwitheachpassing minute,thedepthofhiserrorgrew.Hedreally fuckedup.Hefeltlikethrowingup.Thisguy wasgoingtofuckhim,hecouldtell. Freddysmiledandquaffedandwipedathis beardwiththeembroiderednapkin.Oh,look thejoustingsabouttostart,hesaid.Knightsin armoronhorsebackcircledthearena,lances heldhigh.Thecrowdapplaudedandan announcercameonthePAtotellthemeach knightsname,referringthemtoaprogram printedontheirplacemats.Sammypretendedto beinterestedwhileFreddycheeredthemon,that samelookofunholygleeplainonhisface. Theknightsformeduparoundtheringandtheir pimplysquirescameoutofthegateandtended tothem.Therewasasquireandknightrightin frontofthem,andthesquiretippedhishatto them.Freddyhandedthekidatendollarbill. Sammynevertippedliveperformers;hehated buskersandpanhandlers.Itallremindedhimof stuffingastrippersGstring.Helikedhismedia alittlemoreimpersonalthanthat.ButFreddy waslookingathim,sowithaweaklittlesmile, hehandedthesquirethesmallestthinginhis walletatwenty. Thejoustingbegan.Itwasterrible.The knightscouldntrideworthadamn,their lancesmissedoneanotherbyfarcicalmargins, andtheirfallsweresoobviouslystagedthat eventhechubbytenyearoldbesidehimwas clearlyunimpressed.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/181 Gottogotothebathroom,hesaidinto Freddysear.Inleaningover,hecontrivedtoget alookatthereportersnotebook.Itwascovered inobscenedoodlesofMickeyMousewitha hugeerection,Minniedanglingfromanoose. Therewasntasinglewordwrittenonit.What littlebloodwasleftinSammysheaddrained intohisfeet,whichwereleadenand uncoordinatedonthelongtriptothefilthy toilets. Hesplashedcoldwateronhisfaceinthesink, andthenheadedbacktowardhisseat.Henever madeit.Fromthetopofthestairsleadingdown toringside,hesawFreddyquaffingmorealeand flirtingwiththewench.Thethunderofhorse hoovesandthesoundtrackofcinematicmusic drownedoutallsounds,butnothingmaskedthe stinkofthemanurefallingfromthehorses,half ofwhichwerepanicking(theotherhalfappeared tobedrugged). Thiswasamistake.HethoughtFreddywasa gossipreporterwholikedjuicystories.Turned outhewasalsooneofthosetediousanti corporatetypeswhowouldhappilyhangSammy outtodry.Timetocuthislosses. Heturnedonhisheelandheadedforthedoor. Thedoormanwashavingacigarettewithaguy inasportscoatwhowaswearingamanager badgeonhislapel. Leavingsosoon?Theshowsonlyjustgetting started!Themanagerwassweatingunderhis sportscoat.Hehadathinmustacheandbadly diedchestnuthaircutlikeaLegocharacters. Notinterested,Sammysaid.Alltheoff themestuffdistractedme.Noserings.Bluehair. Cigarettes.Thedoormanguiltilyflickedhis cigaretteintotheparkinglot.Sammyfeltalittle better. hemightendupifhisscrewupscamebackto haunthim.Wouldyoulikeacommentcard? No,Sammysaid.Anyoutfitthatcantfigure outcleantoiletsanddecentthemingonitsown cantbenefitfrommyadvice.Thedoorman flushedandlookedaway,butthemanagers smilestayedfixedandcalm.Maybehewas drugged,likethehorses.ItbotheredSammy. Christ,howlonguntilthisplacegetsturned intoarollerderbyagain? Wouldyoulikearefund,sir?themanager asked.Helookedoutattheparkinglot.Sammy followedhisgaze,lookingabovethecars,and realized,suddenly,thathewasstandinginacool tropicalevening.Theskyhadgonethecolorofa ripeplum,withproudpalmssilhouettedagainst it.Thewindmadethemsway.Afewclouds scuddedacrossthemoonsluminousface,and thesmellofcitrusandthehumofinsectsandthe callsofnightbirdswerevividontheeveningair. Hedbeenabouttosaysomethingcuttingtothe manager,onelastattempttomaketheman miserable,buthecouldntbebothered.Hehada nicescreenedinporchbehindhishouse,witha hammock.Hedsatinitonnightslikethis,years ago.Nowallhewantedtodowassitinitagain. Goodnight,hesaid,andheadedforhiscar. Perryscaststank.Ithadstartedtogoalittle skunkyonthesecondday,butafteraweekit waslikehehadadeadanimalstucktohis shoulder.Arottingdeadanimal.Arotting,itchy deadanimal. Idontthinkyouresupposedtobedoingthis onyourown,Hildasaid,ashesawed awkwardlyatitwiththeutilityknife.Itwas madeofsomethingalottougherthanthe fiberglassonehedhadwhenhebrokehisleg fallingofftheroofasakid(hedbeenupthere scoutingoutgliderpossibilities).

Imsorrytohearthat,sir,themanagersaid. Hewasprematurelygreyunderthedyejob,for hecouldnthavebeenmorethanthirtyfive. Thirtyfiveyearsoldandworkingadeadendjob Soyoudoit,hesaid,handinghertheknife.He likethisSammywasthirtyfive.Thisiswhere couldntstandthesmellforonesecondlonger.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/182 Uhuh,notme,pal.Nowaythatthingis supposedtocomeoffanytimesoon.Ifyoure goingtocrippleyourself,youregoingtohaveto doitonyourown. Hemadearudesound.Fuckhospitals,fuck doctors,andfuckthisfuckingcast.Myarm barelyhurtsthesedays.WecansplintitonceI getthisoff,thatllimmobilizeit.Theytoldme Idneedthisforsixweeks.Icantwearthisfor sixweeks.Illgonuts. Youllgolameifyoutakeitoff.Yourpoor mother,youmusthavedrivenhernuts. thatIdontlovebeingherewithyou,butIm feelingguilty OK,Igetit.Ofcourseyoufeelguilty.Itsyour project,itsintrouble,andyourenottakingcare ofit.Christ,Perry,isthatall?Iwouldhavebeen disappointedifthiswasntworryingyou.Lets gotoFloridathen. What? Shekissedthetipofhisnose.Takemeto Florida,letsmeetyourfriends.

But...Weretheymovingintogetheror something?Hewastotallysmittenwiththisgirl, Heslippedandcuthimselfandwinced,buttried butthatwasfast.EvenforPerry.Dontyou nottoletherknow,becausethatsexactlywhat needtobehere? shedpredictedwouldhappen.Afteracouple Theycanlivewithoutme.ItsnotlikeIm daystogether,shedbecomeanexpertat predictingexactlywhichofhisescapadeswould proposingtomoveinwithyou.Illcomeback hereafterawhile.ButImonlydoingtwo endindisaster.Itwasalittlespooky. classesthistermandtheyrebothofferedby Bloodoozedoutfromunderthecastandslicked distanceed.Letsjustgo. hishand. When? Right,offtothehospital.Itoldyouyoudget thisthingwetifyougotintheshower.Itoldyou Afterthehospital.Youneedanewcast, stinkmeister.Rolldownyourwindowalittle, thatitwouldstinkandrotanditchifyoudid.I OK?Whew! toldyoutoletmegiveyouaspongebath. Imnotinsured. Wellgotothefreeclinic. Defeated,heletherleadhimtohercar. Shehelpedhimbucklein,wrinklinghernose. Whatswrong,baby?shesaid,lookingathis face.Whatareyoumopingabout? Itsjustthecast,hesaid,lookingaway. Shegrabbedhimbythechinandturnedhimto faceher.Look,dontdothat.Donotdothat.If somethingsbotheringyou,weregoingtotalk aboutit.Ididntsignuptofallinlovewiththe strongsilenttype.Youvebeensulkingallday, nowwhatsitabout? Thedoctorswarnedhimtoletthenewcastset overnightbeforesubjectingittotherigorsofa TSAexamination,sotheyspentonemorenight atHildasplace.Perryspentitgoingoverthe mailinglisttrafficandblogposts,confirming theplanetickets,orderingacartomeetthemat theMiamiairport.Hefinallymanagedto collapseintobedat3AM,andHildagrabbed him,draggedhimtoher,andspoonedhim tightly. Dontworry,baby.YourfriendsandIwillget alonggreat. Hehadntrealizedthathedbeenworrying aboutthis,butonceshepointeditout,itwas obvious.Yourenotworried?

Hesmiledinspiteofhimself.Allright,Igive Sheranherhandsoverhisfurrychestand in.Imisshome.Theyreallinthemiddleofit, runningtherideandstuff,andImhere.Hefelt tummy.No,ofcoursenot.Yourfriendswill amomentsworrythatshedbeoffended.Not lovemeorIllhavethemkilled.Moretothe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/183 point,theylllovemebecauseyoulovemeandI Hewalkedslowlyacrosstheparkinglot,the loveyouandtheyloveyou,too. sunriseinhiseyes,acupofcoffeesteamingin hishand.Hedalmostgonetothefatkinsbars WhatdoesErniethinkofme?hesaid, thenightbeforehedalmostgoneten,fifteen thinkingofherbrotherforthefirsttimesince times,everytimehethoughtofSuzanne theydhookedupallthosemonthsago. stormingoutofhislab,buthedstayedhome Oh,hum,shesaid.Hestiffened.No,its withtheTVandwaitedforhertoturnuporcall OK,shesaid,rubbinghistummysomemore.It orpostsomethingtoherblogorturnuponIM, tickled.HesgladImwithsomeoneIcare andwhennoneofthosethingshadhappenedby about,andhelovestheride.Hesjust,youknow. 4AM,hetumbledintobedandsleptforthree Protectiveofhisbigsister. hoursuntilhisalarmwentoffagain. Whatsheworriedabout? Blearily,hesathimselfdownbehindthecounter, greetedsomeofthehawkerscomingacrossthe Justwhatyoudexpect.Welivethousandsof road,andreadiedhisticketroll. milesapart.Youretenyearsolderthanme. Youvebeengettingintothekindoftroublethat Thefirstcustomersarrivedjustbeforeninean attractsarmedcops.Wouldntyoubeprotective EastIndianfamilydrivingacarwithTexas ifyouweremybro? plates.Dadworekhakiboardshortsandatank topandleathersandals,Momwasinabeautiful Iwasanonlychild,butsure,OK,Iseethat. silksari,andthekidslookedlikemall Itsnothing,shesaid.Really.Bringhima bangbangersindesignerversionsofthestuffthe nicesouvenirfromFloridawhenwecomeback wildkidsintheshantytownwentaroundin. toMadison,takehimoutforacouplebeersand Theycameoutoftheridetenminuteslaterand itllallbegreat. askedfortheirmoneyback. Sowerecool?Allthefamiliesarein Theresnothinginthere,thedadsaid,almost agreement?Allthestarsareinalignment? apologetically.Itsempty.Idontthinkits Everythingishunkyand/ordory? supposedtobeempty,isit? PerryGibbons,Iloveyoudearly.Youloveme. Wevegotacausetofightfor,anditsajustone Lesterputtherollofticketsintohispocketand withmanybravecomradesfightingalongsideof steppedintotheWalMart.Hiseyestooka secondtoadjusttothedarkafterthebrightness us.Whatcouldpossiblygowrong? oftherisingFloridasun.Whentheywerefully Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?Perrysaid.He adjusted,though,hecouldseethatthetourist drewinabreathtostarttalking. wasright.Busyrobotshadtorndownallthe Itwasrhetorical,goofball.Itsalsothreeinthe exhibitsandscenes,leavingnothingbehindbut swarmingcrowdsofbotsonthefloor,dragging morning.Sleep,fortomorrowwefly. thingsoffstage.Thesmelloftheprinterswashot andthick. Lesterdidntwanttoopentheride,butsomeone Lestergavethemanhismoneyback. hadto.Someonehadto,anditwasntPerry,who wasoffwithhismidwesternhoney.Lesterwould Sorry,man,Idontknowwhatsgoingon.This kindofthingshouldbeimpossible.Itwasall havelovedtosleepinandspendthedayinhis therelastnight. workshoprebuildinghis64bitregistershed hadsomegoodideasforimprovingontheinitial Themanpattedhimontheshoulder.Itsall design,andhestillhadtheCADfiles,which right.ImanengineerIknowallaboutcrashes. werethehardpartanyway. Itjustneedssomedebugging,Imsure.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/184 Lestergotoutacomputerandstartedpicking throughthelogs.Thiskindoffailurereally shouldbeimpossible.Withoutmanualoversight, thebotswerentsupposedtochangemorethan fivepercentoftherideinresponsetoanother rideschanges.Ifalltheotherrideshadtorn themselvesdown,itmighthavehappened,but theyhadnt,hadthey? sincehedidntfuckingknowyet)downinthe middleofthecounter,bolteditdownwitha coupleoflockbolts,andretreatedtotherides interiorandlockedthesmokedglassdoors behindhim.

Oncehehadsomepeaceandquiet,ittookonly himafewminutestoseewherethechangeshad originated.Heverifiedtheinfothreetimes,not No,theyhadnt.Aquickcheckofthelogs becausehewasntsure,butbecausehecouldnt showedthatnoneofthechangeshadcomefrom tellifthiswasgoodnewsorbadnews.Heread Madison,orSanFrancisco,orBoston,or someblogsanddiscoveredlotsofotherride Westchester,oranyoftheotherridesites. operatorswerechasingthisdownbutnoneof themhadfigureditoutyet. Eitherhisrobotshadcrashedorsomeonehad hackedthesystem.Herebootedthesystemand Grinninghugely,hecomposedahastypostand rolleditbacktothestatefromthenightbefore CCedittoabunchofmailinglists,thenwentout andwatchedtherobotsbegintobringtheprops tofindKettlebellyandTjan. backfromoffstage. Hefoundthemintheguesthouse,sittingdownto Howthehellcouldithavehappened?He dumpedthelogsandbegantosiftthroughthem. Hekeptgettinginterruptedbyriderswhowanted toknowwhentheridewouldcomebackup,but hedidntknow,therobotsestimateswere oscillatingwildlybetweentenminutesandten hours.Hefinallybrokeofftowriteupalittle quarterpageflieraboutitandprintedouta couplehundredofthemonsomeneonyellow paperstockhehadlyingaround,alongwitha jumboversionthathetapedoverthepricelist. Itwasntenough.Belligerentriderswhod traveledforhourstoseetheridewantedahuman explanation,andtheypesteredhimceaselessly. Allthehawkersfeltliketheydeservedmore informationthantherubes,andtheypestered himevenmore.Allhewantedtodowaswrite someregexpsthatwouldhelphimfigureout whatwaswrongsohecouldfixit. HewishedthatDeathkidwouldshowup already.Hewassupposedtobehelpingoutfrom nowonandheseemedlikethekindofperson whowouldhappilyjawwiththemarksuntilthe endoftime. aworkingbreakfast,withEvaandthekidsatthe endofthetable.Tjanslittlegirlwastryingto feedPascal,butnotdoingagreatjobofit; Tjanssonsatonhislap,pickingathisclown facepancakes. Morningguys! Suzannenarrowedhereyesandlookedaway. Thetablefellquieteventhekidssensedthat somethingwasup.Whoswatchingtheride, Lester?Tjanasked,quietly. Itsshut,hesaidcheerfully. Shut?Tjanspokeloudlyenoughthateveryone jumpedalittle.Lyenitchkaaccidentallystabbed Pascalwiththespoonandhestartedtowail. Suzannestoodupfromthetableandwalked quicklyoutoftheguesthouse,holdingontoher phoneasakindofthinpretenseofhavingtotake acall.Lesterchosetoignoreher. Lesterheldhishandsoutplacatingly.ItsOK itsjustdownforacouplehours.Ihadtoresetit afterwhathappenedlastnight. Lesterwaited.

Eventuallyhegaveup.Hesetthesignexplaining Allright,Evasaid,Illbite.Whathappened lastnight? whathadhappened(orrather,notexplaining,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/185 Brazilcameonline!Lestersaid.Liketwenty ridesopenedthere.Buttheygottheirprotocol implementationalittlewrongsowhenIshowed up,thewholeridehadbeenzeroedout.Imsure Icanhelpthemgetitright;inthemeantimeIve gottherideresettingitselfandIveblackholed theirchangestemporarily.Hegrinnedsunnily. Howfuckingcoolisthat?Brazil! Theysmiledweaklyback.IdontthinkI understand,Lester,Kettlewellsaid.Brazil?We donthaveanyagreementswithanyonein Brazil. WehaveagreementswitheveryoneinBrazil! Lestersaid.Wevegotanopenprotocolanda serverthatanyonecanconnectto.Thatsan agreement,thatsallaprotocolis. Kettlewellshookhishead.Youresayingthat allanyoneneededtodotoreprogramourride wastoconnecttoitandsendsomechanges. Trustisassumedinthesystem. Kodacelldaysforcollaboration.Thewayyouget arideonlineistosyncupwithourversion serverandtheninstantiateacopy.Thenany changesyoumakegetsyncedbackandwe instantiatethem.Everyonestaysinsync,giveor takeacouplehours. ButyouhadpasswordsontheSubversion serverforobjects,right? Yeah,butwedidntdesignthisonetotake passwords.Itsalotmoreadhocwewantedto besurethatpeoplewedidntknowcouldgetin andplay. Kettlewellputhisfaceinhishandsandgroaned. Tjanrolledhiseyes.IthinkwhatKettlewells tryingtosayisthatthingshavechangedsince thosecarefreedayswereinaspotnowwhere ifDisneyorsomeoneelsewhohateduswanted toattackus,thiswouldbeaprimewayofdoing it.

Lesternodded.Yeah,Ifiguredthat.Openness alwayscostssomething.Butwegetalotof Trustisassumed?Youhaventchangedthis? benefitsoutofopennesstoo.Thewayitworks Lestertookastepback.No,Ihaventchanged nowisthatnooneridecanchangemorethan fivepercentofthestatusquowithin24hours it.Thewholesystemisopenthatsthepoint. Wecantjuststartrequiringloginstogetonthe withoutamanualapproval.Theproblemwas network.Thewholethingwouldcollapseitd thattheBraziliansopened,like,fiftyridesatthe sametime,andeachofthemzeroedoutandtried belikeputtinglocksonthebathroomandthen takingtheonlykeyforyourself.Wejustcantdo tosyncthatandbetweenthemtheydidway morethan100percent.Itdbeprettyeasytoset it. thingsupsothatnomorethanfivepercentcan Kettlewelllookedlikehewasgoingtoexplode. bechanged,period,withina24hourperiod, Tjanputahandonhisarm.Slowly,Kettlewell withoutmanualapproval. satbackdown.Tjantookasipofhiscoffee. Ifyoucandothat,whynotseteverychangeto Lester,canyouwalkmethroughthisonemore requireapproval?Kettlewellsaid. time? Well,forstartersbecausewedendupspending Lesterrockedbackandforthalittle.Theywere allourtimeclickingOKforfivecentimeter allwatchinghimnow,exceptforSuzanne,who adjustmentstoproppositioning.Butmore wasfumingsomewhereorgettingreadytogo importantly,itsbecausethesystemisallabout hometoRussia,orsomething. communitywerenotincharge,werejustpart ofthenetwork. Wehaveapublishedprotocolfordescribing changestotherideitsbuiltonGit3Dssystem Kettlewellmadeasourfaceandmuttered formarkingupandsyncingthreeDmodelsof something.Tjanpattedhisarmagain.Youguys objects;itswhatweusedallthroughthe areincharge,asmuchasyoudlikenottobe.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/186 Youretheonesfacingthelegalhassles,youre theoneswhoinventedit. Wedidnt,really,Lestersaid.Thiswasareal standingontheshouldersofgiantsproject.We madeuseofabunchofstuffthatwasonthe shelfalready,putittogether,andthenother peoplehelpedusrefineitandgetitworking well.Werejustpartofthegroup,likeIkeep saying.Hehadathought.Besides,ifwewere incharge,Brazilwouldnthavebeenabletozero usout. Youguysarebeingreallyweirdandsuity aboutthis,youknow?Ivefixedtheproblem:no onecantakeusdownlikethisagain.Itjust wonthappen.Iveputthefixontheversion serverforthecodebase,soeveryoneelsecan deployitiftheywantto.Theproblemssolved. Wellbeshutforanhourortwo,butwhocares? Youremissingthebigpicture:Brazilopened fiftyridesyesterday!Imean,itsucksthatwe didntnoticeuntilitscrewedusup,butBrazils gotitallonline.Whosnext?China?India? darling.OK,Iapologize,allright? Metoo,Lestersaid.Iwaskiddingabout goingtoBrazilatleastwhilePerrysstill away. Hescominghome,Tjansaid.Hecalledme thismorning.Hesbringingthegirl,too. Yoko!Lestersaid,andgrinned.OK,someone shouldgetonlineandfindouthowalltheother ridesarecopingwiththis.Imsuretheyregoing nutsooutthere. Youdothat,Kettlewellsaid.Wevegot anothercallwiththelawyersintenminutes. Howsallthatgoing? Letmeputitthisway,Kettlewellsaid,andfor asecondhewasbackinhisglorydays,slickand formidable,ashark.Iliquidatedmysharesin Disneythismorning.Theyredownfiftypoints sincetheNYSEopened.YouwaituntilTokyo wakesup,theyregoingtobailandbailand bail.

Lestersmiledback.OK,wellthatsgood, Russia?Kettlewellsaid,lookingatthedoor thatSuzannehadleftby.Hewasclearlytryingto then. needleLester. Hehunkereddownwithalaptopandgothis Lesterignoredhim.IdlovetogotoBraziland homebrewwirelessrigupandrunningacard wouldhavebeencheaper,buthisriggavehim checkouthowtheyvedoneit.Ispeakalittle lotsofrobustnessagainstmaliciousinterference, Portugueseevenenoughtosay,Areyou18 multipathandplainoldattenuationandgot yet?anyway. hisheadlinereaderrunning. Youreweird,Lyenitchkasaid.Adagiggled Hesettoreadingthepostsanddispellingthe andsaid,Weird! popupsthattriedtocallhisattentiontothisor Evashookherhead.Thekidshavegotapoint, that.Hisfiltershadlotstotellhimabout,andthe shesaid.Youpeopleareallalittleweird.Why areasofhisscreendesignatedfordifferent areyoufighting?Tjan,Landon,youcamehere interestswerestartingtopinkenasthey tomanagethebusinesssideofthings,andthats accumulatedgreaterurgency. whatyouredoing.Lester,youreinchargeof Hewavedthemawayandconcentratedon thecreativeandtechnicalstuffandthatswhat youredoing.WithoutLester,youtwowouldnt gettingthroughtoalltheridemaintainerswho hadquestionsabouthispatches.Buttherewas haveanybusinesstorun.Withouttheseguys, onepinkareathatwouldntgo.Itwashis youdbeinjailorsomethingbynow.Make peace,becauseyoureonthesameside.Ivegot serendipityzone,wherethingsthatdidntmatch hisfiltersbuthadlotsofinterestingness enoughchildrentolookafterhere. commentsandrepostsfrompeoplehepaid Kettlewellsnappedanodather.Rightasever, attentiontoandsomeconfluencewithhis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/187 keywordsturnedup. Impatiently,hewaveditup,andapagemadeof bitsofLiveJournalsandnewsreportsandphoto streamsassembleditself. glitteringshirt,hewasadifferentperson.

Sweatinginthesuffocatingafternoonheat,his recastedarmonfire,Hildahadshownhimthe Hiseyefellfirstonthephotos.Butfortheshock articleaboutDeathWaitswhiletheywerebeing ofblackandneongreenhair,hewouldnthave screenedfortheirconnectionatOHare.The recognizedthekidinthepicturesasDeath TSAguywasswabbinghiscastwithablack Waits.Hisfacewasaruin.Hisnosewasa powderresiduedetector,andasPerryreadit,he bloodyrose,hiseyeswerebothswollenshut. letoutaninvoluntaryyelpandajumpthatsent Oneearwasruinedapparentlyhedbeen himbackforafullroundoftertiaryscreening. draggedsomedistancewiththatsideofhishead NodatewithDr.Jellyfinger,thoughitwasa ontheground.Hischeekswerepulpyand closething. bruised.Thenheclickedthroughtothephotos Hildawasdeepinherownphone,probing fromwheretheydfoundDeath,beforetheyd ferociouslyatit,occasionallypickingitupand cleanedhimupintheambulance,andhehadto talkingintoit,thenpokingatitsomemore. turnhisheadawayandbreathedeeply.Bothlegs Neitherofthemlookedoutthewindowsmuch, andbotharmswereclearlybroken,withatleast thoughinhismind,Perryhadrehearsedthis onecompoundfracture.HiscrotchJesus. homecomingasakindoftourofhisterritory, Lesterlookedawayagain,thenquicklyclosed pickingoutwhichabsurdlandmarkshedpoint thewindow. out,whichfunnystorieshedtell,pausingto HeswitchedtotextaccountsfromDeaths nuzzleHildasthroat. friendswhodbeentoseehiminthehospital.He Butbythetimehedabsorbedthemailinglist wouldlive,buthemightnotwalkagain.Hewas trafficanddoneacouplephonerswiththe lucid,andhewastellingstoriesabouttheman peoplebackinMadisonparticularlyErnie, whodbeatenhim whowasfreakingaboutDeathWaitsandcalling YoushouldjustshutthefuckupaboutDisneyon fortightphysicalsecurityforalltheirpeople thefuckingInternet,youknowthat,kid? theywerepullinginattheride.Thecabbie,a Turk,wasntverycoolabouttheneighborhood, LestergotupandwenttofindKettlewelland andhekeptslowingdownonthesideoftheroad TjanandSuzanneoh,especiallySuzanne again.HedidntthinkforonesecondthatDeath andofferingtoletthemoutthere,andPerrykept wouldhaveinventedthat.Infact,itwasjustthe insistingthathetakethemalltheway. sortofbravethingthatthegutsylittlekidmight havehadtheballstoreporton. Everystephetook,hesawthatruinofaface, thecompoundfracture,theluminousblood aroundhisgroin.Hemadeithalfwaytothe guesthousebeforehefoundhimselfleaning againstashanty,throwingup.Tearsandbile streamingdownhisface,chestheaving,Lester decidedthatthiswasntaboutfunanymore. Lestercametounderstandwhatitmeanttobe responsibleforpeopleslives.Whenhestoodup andwipedhisfaceonthetailofhistight, No,youcantjustdropmehere,man.Forthe tenthtime,Ivegotafuckingcastonmybroken arm.Imnotcarryingmysuitcaseamilefrom here.Ilivethere.Itssafe.God,itsnotlikeIm askingyoutotakemetoawarzone. Hedidntwanttotiptheguy,buthedid.The cabbiewasjusttryingtoplayitsafe.Lotsof peopletriedtoplayitsafe.Itdidntmakethem assholes,evenifitdidmakethemineffectual anduseless. WhilePerrytippedhim,Hildapulledthe suitcaseoutofthecabstrunkandshedbarely

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/188 hadtimetoshutthelidwhenthedriverroared offlikehewastryingtooutrunasniper. Perrygrimaced.Thiswassupposedtobea triumphanthomecoming.Hewassupposedtobe showingoffhistoys,allhedwrought,tothis girl.Thetownwasallaroundthemandthey wereabouttochargeinwithoutevenpausingto consideritsDrSeusswonderment. gentlemanofleisure. Hetookherhandandfeintedakissatit,and Hildagoodnaturedlyrolledhereyesatthis. Whatdoyouthinkofourlovelylittle settlement,then,MsHammersen?

Itslikesomethingoutofafairytale,shesaid. YouhearstoriesaboutChristianiaandhow goodandpeacefulitallwas,butwheneveryou Waitasec,Perrysaid.Hetookherhand.See seesquattersonTV,itsalwayscrackhousesand that?Thatwasthefirstshantytheybuilt.Five drivebys.Youvereallygotsomethinghere. storiesnow.Thebuildingwasmadeofprefab Francisnodded.Wegetabadrap,butwereno concreteforthefirstcouplestories,then differentreallyfromanyotherplacewhere successivelylightermaterials,withtheroof peopletakeprideinwhattheyown.Ibuiltmy shackmadeofbamboo.Thedesignsare place,withmytwohands.IfJimmyCarterhad experimental,fromtheArmyCorpsof beentherewithHabitatforHumanity,wewould Engineersmostly,buttheysaytheyllstanda havegottennoendofgoodpress.Becausewe forcefivehurricane.Hegrimacedagain. diditwithoutadeadexpresidentonthescene, Probablynotthebambooone,ofcourse. werecrooks.Perrytellyouaboutwhatthelaw Ofcourse,Hildasaid.Whatsthatone? doesaroundhere? Shedpickeduponhismood,sheknewhe wantedtoshowheraroundbeforetheyendedup Perrynodded.Yeah.Sheknows. embroiledinridepoliticsandworkagain. Francispattedhiscast.Nicehardware,buddy. SowhensomeBiblethumpingdogoodergives Youvegotagoodeye,mydear.Thatsthe finestBBQonthecontinent.Seehowthewalls youalegup,youreafolkhero.Helpyourself, youreaCHUD.Itsthesamewithyoupeople arealittlesootylooking?Thatscarbonized ambrosia,amixoffatandspiceandhickorythat andyourride.Ifyouhadthebackingofagiant corporationwithclawssunkdeepintokids youcouldscrapeoffandbottleasperfume. brains,youdbeeverypackagetouroperators Eww. wetdream.Buildityourselfinthegutsofadead YouhaventtriedLemarrsribsyet,hesaid, shoppingcenter,andyouresomekindofslimy andgoosedher.Shesqueakedandpunchedhim underclass. intheshoulder.Heshowedherthetuckshops, Maybethatstrue,saidHilda.Butitsnot thekidsplaying,thetutorsplace,thedaycare necessarilytrue.BackinMadison,thelocals center,theworkshops,takingheronagrand loveus,theythinkwedogreatstuff.Afterthe circletourofthisplacehedhelpconjureinto lawcameafterus,theycamebywithfoodand existence. moneyandhelpedusrebuild.Scrappyactivists NowtheressomeoneIhaventseeninfartoo long,Francissaid.Hedagedsomethingfierce inthelastyear,boozemakinghisfacesubside intoamessofwrinklesandpouchesandbroken bloodvessels.HegavePerryahardhugthat smelledofbooze,anditwasntevenlunchtime. Francis,meetHildaHammersen;Hilda,meet FrancisClammer:aerospaceengineerand getalotofloveinthiscountry,too.Not everyonewantsabigcorporationtospoonfeed them. Offinhippiecollegetownsyoullalwaysfind peoplewithenoughbrainstorealizethattheir neighborsarenttheboogieman.Butthereaint somanyhippiecollegetownsthesedays.Iwish youtwoluck,butIthinkyoudbenutstowalk

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/189 outthedoorinthemorningexpectinganything betterthanakickintheteeth. ThatmadePerrythinkofDeathWaits,andthe senseofurgencycamebacktohim.OK,we havetogonow,hesaid.Thanks,Francis. Nicetomeetyou,youngwoman,hesaid,and whenhesmiled,itwasapainfulthing,all pouchesandwrinklesandsags,andhegimped awaywithhislimpmorepronouncedthanever. knowswhy. Iplanonkeepinghim,shesaid,givinghis bicepasqueeze.ItbroughtPerrybacktothem. ThelittlegirlswerestaringatHildawithsaucer eyes.ItmadehimrealizethatexceptforSuzanne andEva,theirwholelittlebandwasboys,all boys. Well,Imhomenow,hesaid.Hekneltdown andshowedthegirlshiscast.Igotanewone, hesaid.Theyhadtothrowtheoldoneout.SoI needyourhelpdecoratingthis.Doyouthinkyou coulddothejob?

Theytrackeddownthecrewattheteahouses bigtable.Everyoneroaredgreetingsatthem whentheycamethroughthedoor,aproper homecoming,butwhenPerrycountedheads,he Lyenitchkalookedcriticallyatthesurface.I realizedthattherewasnoonewatchingtheride. thinkwecoulddothegig,shesaid.Whatdo youthink,partner? Guys,whosrunningtheride? TheytoldhimaboutBrazilthen,andHilda listenedwithherheadcocked,herfaceanimated withsurprise,dismay,thendelight.Yousay therearefiftyridesopen? Allatonce,Lestersaid.Allinonego. Holymotherofpoo,Hildabreathed.Perry couldntevenbringhimselftosayanything.He couldntevenimagineBrazilinhishead jungles?beaches?Heknewnothingaboutthe country.Theydbuiltfiftyrides,withouteven makingcontactwithhim.HeandLesterhad designedtheprotocoltobeopenbecausethey thoughtitwouldmakeiteasierforotherstocopy whattheyddone,buthedneverthought Itwaslikevertigo,thatfeeling. SoyoureYoko,huh?Lestersaidfinally.It madeeveryonesmile,butthetensionwasstill there.Somethingbighadjusthappened,bigger thananyofthem,biggerthanthebeatingthat hadbeenlaidonDeathWaits,biggerthan anythingPerryhadeverdone.Fromhismindto anationonanothercontinent Yourethesidekick,huh?Hildasaid.

Tjansnortedouthisnose,butshewassosolemn thattherestkeptquiet.Adamatched Lyenitchkascriticalpostureandthennodded authoritatively.Surething,partner. Itsadate,Perrysaid.Weregonnahead homeandputdownoursuitcasesandcomeback andopentherideifitsready.ItstimeLester gotsometimeoff.ImsureSuzannewill appreciatehavinghimbackagain. Anothersilencefelloverthegroup,tenseasa pianowire.PerrylookedfromLestertoSuzanne andsawinasecondwhatwasup.Hehadtimeto noticethathisfirstemotionalresponsewastobe intrigued,notsorryorscared.Onlyaftera momentdidhehavethereactionhethoughthe shouldhaveamixtureofsadnessforhisfriend andirritationthattheyhadyetanotherthingto dealwithinthemiddleofahundredothercrises. HildabrokethetensionItwasgreattomeet youall.Dinnertonight,right? Absolutely,Kettlewellsaid,seizingonthis. Leaveittouswellbooksomeplacejustgreat andhaveagreatdinnertowelcomeyouguys back.

Lesterlaughed.Touche.Itsverynicetomeet Evatookhisarm.Thatsright,shesaid.Ill youandthankyouforbringinghimbackhome. getthegirlstopickitout.Thelittlegirls Wewerestartingtomisshim,thoughGodalone jumpedupanddownwithexcitementatthis,and

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/190 thebabybrotherscaughttheirexcitementand madehappykidscreechesthatgoteveryone smilingagain. PerrygaveLesterasolemn,supportivehug, kissedSuzanneandEvaonthecheeks(Suzanne smelledgood,somethinglikesandalwood), shookhandswithTjanandKettlewelland tousledallfourkidsbeforelightingoutforthe ride,gaspingoutabreathastheysteppedinto theopenair. barelyunderstandhisownwords. Iwishwecould,buttimeisoftheessencehere. Youveheardthatwerebringingasuitagainst Disney,right? No,Deathsaid.

Musthavecomeupwhileyouwereout. Anyway,weare,forunfaircompetition.Weve gotashotatcleaningthemout,takingthemfor everycent.Weregoingthroughthepretrial motionsnowandtheresbeenamotionto summarilyexcludeanyevidencerelatedtoyour beatingfromtheproceedings.Wethinkthats DeathWaitsregainedconsciousnessseveral BS.Itsclearfromwhatyouvetoldyourfriends timesoverthenextweek,awareeachtimethat hewaswakingupinahospitalbedonacrowded thattheywantedtoshutyouupbecauseyou weremakingthemlookbad.Sowhatweneedis ward,thathedwokenherebefore,andthathe moreinformationfromyouaboutwhatthisguy hurtandcouldntremembermuchafterthe saidtoyou,andwhatyoudpostedbefore,and beatinghadstarted. anythinganyoneatDisneysaidtoyouwhileyou Butafteraweekorso,hefoundhimselfawake wereworkingthere. andawarehestillhurtallover,adulland distantstonedachethathecouldtellwasbeing Youknowthatthatguysaidhewasbeatingme upbecauseItalkedaboutthisstuffinthefirst keptatbaybypowerfulpainkillers.Therewas place? someonewaitingforhim. Hello,Darren,themansaid.Imanattorney workingforyourfriendsattheride.Mynameis TomLevine.WeresuingDisneyandwewanted togathersomeevidencefromyou. DeathdidntlikebeingcalledDarren,andhe didntwanttotalktothisdork.Hedwokenup withaprofoundsenseofanger,rememberingthe deadeyedguyshoutingaboutDisneywhile bouncinghisheadofftheground,knowingthat Sammyhaddonethis,wantingnothingmore thantogetaholdofSammyand,and...Thats whereheranoutofimagination.Hewas perfectlyhappydrawingmedievalstyletorture chambersandvampiresinhissketchbook,but hedidntactuallyhavemuchstomachfor,you know,violence. Perse. Canwedothissomeothertime?Hismouth hurt.Hedlostfourteethandhadbittenhis tonguehardenoughtoneedstitches.Hecould Thelawyerwavedahand.Theresnoway theyllcomeafteryounow.Theylookliketotal assholesfordoingthis.Theyrescaredstupid. Now,Imgoingtowanttoformallydeposeyou later,butthisisapredepositioninterviewjustto getclearoneverything. TheguyleanedforwardandsuddenlyDeath Waitshadabonedeepconvictionthattheguy wasabouttopunchhim.Hegavealittlesqueak andshrankaway,thencriedoutagainasevery inchofhisbodyawokeinhotagony,afeeling likegratingbonesbeneathhisskin. Woah,takeiteasythere,champ,thelawyer said. DeathWaitsheldbacktears.Theguywasnt goingtohithim,butjustthemovementinhis directionhadscaredhimlikehedleaptout holdinganaxe.Themagnitudeofhisown brokennessbegantosinkinandnowhecould barelyholdbackthetears.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/191 Look,theguyswhoruntheridehavetoldme thatIhavetogetthisfromyouassoonasIcan. Ifweregoingtokeeptheridesafeandnailthe bastardswhodidthistoyou,Ineedtodothis.If Ihadmyway,Iwouldntbugyou,butIvegot myorders,OK? Deathsnuffledbackthetears.Thebackofhis throatfeltlikeithadbeensandedwitharusty file.Water,hecroaked. hewasprettysureofthat.Offtherecord meanssomething,eventojournalistslike HonestFreddy.ButFreddywasntgoingtobe nicetohiminfollowups,thatmuchwassure. Andifwhen!FreddygotwindoftheDeath Waitssituation... Hebegantohyperventilate.

Imgoingtogocheckontheconstruction,he saidtohispersonalassistant,anewgirltheyd Thelawyershookhishead.Sorrybuddy,just sentupwhenhislastonehaddefectedtowork theIV,Imafraid.Thenurseswereveryspecific. forWiener(Wiener!)afterSammydshoutedat Letsstart,OK,andthenwellbedonebefore herforputtingthroughapresscallfromsome youknowit. bloggerwhowantedtoknowwhenFantasyland Defeated,Deathclosedhiseyes.Start,hesaid, wouldbereopening. hisvoicelikesomethingmadefromsofttarleft IthadbeenamistaketoshutdownFantasyland toolonginthesun. justtogettheothermanagersoffhisback.Sure theridesweresickdogs,buttherehadbeenlife inthemstill.Constructionsitesdontbringin Sammyknewhewasadeadman.Theonlything visitors,andthenumbersfortheparkweredown keepinghimalivewaslegalsreluctancetoread andeveryonewaslookingathim.Nevermind thenet.Hackelberghadacoupleofjuniorswho thattheonlyreasonthenumbershadbeenas keptwatchlistsrunningonhotsubjects,butthey highastheywerewasthatSammyhadsaved likedtoprintthemoutandmarkthemup,and everyonesasswhenheddonethegothrehab. thatmeantthattheylaggedadayortwobehind Nevermindthattherealreasonthatnumbers theblogosphere. weredownwasthatnooneelseinmanagement hadthegutstokeeptheparkmovingand TheDeathWaitsthingwasafreakingdisaster. improving. Theguywasjustsupposedtoputascareinto him,notcripplehimforlife.EverytimeSammy thoughtaboutwhatwouldhappenwhenthe DeathWaitsthingpercolateduptohim,hegot gooseflesh. HeslowedhissteponMainStreet,USA,and forcedhimselftopayattentiontohis surroundings.ThestoresonMainStreethad beencooptedintohelpinghimdumpallthe Damnthatidiotthuganyway.Sammyhadbeen superfluousgothmerchandise,anditwasintheir veryclear.Theguywhoknewtheguywhoknew windowsandvisiblethroughtheirdoors.The theguyhadbeenreassuringonthephonewhen fatkinspizzastandsandicecreamwagonswere Sammyputintheordersure,sure,nothingtoo doingabrisktradearoundthecastleroundabout. Thecrowdwaspredominantlyveeringtotheleft, rough,justalittleshovingaround. towardAdventurelandandFrontierlandand Andwhatsworseistheidiotkidhadntgotten LibertySquare,whiletherightsideoftheplaza, thehint.Sammydidntgetit.Ifastrangerbeat whichheldthegatewaystoFantasylandand himhalftodeathandtoldhimtostophanging Tomorrowland,wasconspicuouslysparse.Hed outinmessageboards,well,themessageboards knownthathisnumbersweredown,butstanding wouldgo.Damnedrighttheywould. inthecrowdsflow,hecouldfeelit. AndwithFreddy,therewasashoewaitingto Heclearedthecastleandstoodforamomentat drop.Freddywouldntreportontheirinterview, thebrinkofFantasyland.Itshouldbeimpossible

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/192 tostandhereatoneintheafternoonthere shouldbebusyrushesofpeoplepushingpastto getontheridesandtoeatandtobuystuff,but nowtherewerejustafewkidsineyeliner puffingclovesinsmokelesshookahsanda wastelandofhoardingspaintedashade Imagineeringcalledgoawaygreenforits abilitytomaketheeyesliderightpastit. Hedleftthetwobigcoastersopen,andtheyhad decentqueues,butthatwasit.Noonewasinthe stores,andnoonewasbotheringwiththe zombiemaze.Cloudsofdustandloud destructionnoisesroseoverthehoardings,and heslippedintoastaffdoorandthreadedhisway ontooneofthesites,pausingtopickupasafety helmetwithmouseears. Atleastthesecrewswereefficient.Hedlong agoimpressedonthedepartmentthathired constructioncontractorsthenecessityof decommissioningoldrideswithextremecareso astopreserveasmuchofthecollectiblevalueof thefinishingsandtrimaspossible.Itwasalittle weirdDisneycustomershowledlikestuckpigs whenyoushutdowntheirrides,thenfoughtfor thechancetospendfortunesbuyingupthe dismemberedcorpsesoftheirfavored amusements. largechunksoftheconstructionhadtotake placeonsite.Theadvantagehadbeenhis:cheap fabricators,newmaterials,easycollaboration betweenremotecontractorsandhispeopleon site.Noonehadeverexecutednewridesasfast andaswellashehad.Thethingshadbasically builtthemselves. Nowthecompetitionwasusingthesametech anditwasafuckingdisasterforhim.Worseand worse:hehadnoplansforwhatwastocome afterward.Hedthoughtthathedjustgrabsome oftheaudienceresearchpeople,throwtogethera fatkinsfocusgrouportwo,andgive Imagineeringtwoweekstocomeupwithsome designstheycouldputupfast.Heknewfrom pastexperiencethatdesignexpandedtofillthe timeavailabletoit,andthatthebeststuffusually emergedinthefirsttendaysanyway,andafter thatitwasallcommitteegroupthink. Butnoonefromaudienceresearchwantedto returnhiscalls,noonefromImagineeringwas willingtoworkforhim,andnoonewantedto visitasectionoftheparkthatwasdominatedby constructionhoardingsanddemolitiondust.

WhatthehellwashappeningattheMiamiride, anyway?Hecouldfollowitonline,runthethree Dflythroughsoftherideasitstood,even HewatchedsomeCubankidscarefullymelting downloadandprinthisownversionsoftheride thehotgluethathadheldtheskulltrimelements objects,butnoneofthattoldhimwhatitfeltlike tothepillaroftheDiadelosMuertosfacade, togetontheride,tobeinitsclankingbowels, settingthematopalargepileofothertrim surroundedbyotherriders,pointingand scythes,hoodedfigures,tombstoneswitha marvelingandlaughingatthescenesand layerofaerogelbeneathtokeepthegarriture motion. fromscratching.Thewholeareabehindthe Rideswerethingsthatyouhadtorideto hoardingswaslikethisridesinpieces,towers understand.Describingaridewasliketalking offiberglassdetritussandwichedbetweenlayers aboutamoviesoabstractandremote.Like ofaerogel. talkingaboutsexversushavingsex. Theyddonethisbefore,whenhedtaken Fantasylanddown,andhedfrettedevery momentabouthowlongtheteardownwas taking.Therewereexcitingnewplanslurkingin thewingsthen,waitingtoleaponstageandtake shape.Hedhadsomeoftheridecomponents fabricatedbyacontractorinKissimmee,but Sammylovedrides.Orheusedto,anyway.So muchmorethanfilms,somuchmorethanbooks soimmersiveandhuman,andthewhole crowdthing,alltheotherpeoplewaitingtoride itorjustgettingoffit.Ithadstartedwith coastersdoesnteverykidlovecoasters?but hedendedupaconnoisseur,agourmandwho

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/193 lovedeveryspeciesofride,fromthrillridesto monorails,carouselstodarkrides. wasfarbettertorepurposethem,likethe AmericaSingsgeesethathadalltheirskin Theredbeenatimewhenhedriddeneveryride removedandfoundanewhomeassmarttalking intheparkonceaweek,andeveryrideinevery robotsinthepreshowfortheoldStarTours. nearbyparkonceamonth.Thathadbeenyears Butnowitallcouldbeprintedtoorder,fabbed before.Nowhesatinanofficeandmade andshippedin.Theywerentevendoingtheir importantdecisionsandhewasluckyifhemade ownmachiningatImagineeringanymorethat itontoarideonceaweek. wasallmailorderfulfillment.Justemailathree Ddrawingtoashopandyoudhaveasmanyas Notthatitmatteredanymore.Hedscrewedup sobadthatitwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilhe youwantedthenextday,FedExguaranteed. Sammyslipsdrewbackfromhisteethashe endeduponthebreadline.Orinjail. consideredthepossibilitythattheWalMartride Herealizedhewasstaringglumlyatthe peoplehadorderedtheirpartsfromthesame demolition,andpulledhimselfupright,sucked suppliers.Christonabike,whatamess. inafewbreaths,mentallykickedhimselfinthe Andthere,inthepitofdespair,atthebottomof assandtoldhimselftostopfeelingsorryfor hisdownwardarc,Sammywashitbyaboltof himself. inspiration: Ayoungwomanpriedlooseanotherresinskull PutDisneyintopeopleslivingrooms!Put finialandaddedittothepile,placedanother printersintotheirhomesthatdecoratedacorner sheetofaerogelontopofit. oftheirroomswithareplicaofadifferentride Peoplelovedtheselittletchotchkes.Theyhada everyday.Youcouldputitonacoffeetable,or relationshipwithDisneyParksthatmadethem scaleituptofillyourbasementrumpusroom. wanttocomeagainandagain,toownapieceof Youcouldhaveamagicroomthatwasapieceof theplace.Theycameforvisitsandthenthey thepark,asouvenirthatneverletgoofDisney, visitedintheirheartsandtheycamebackto thereinyourhome.Thepeoplewhowere bringtheirheartshome.Itwasanextremely willingtospendafortuneonprintedskullfinials profitabledynamic. wouldcreamforthis!Itwouldbelikeactually livingthere,inthepark.Itwouldbe ThatswhatthoseridepeopleupintheWal ImagineeringEyefortheFanGuy. Martweremakingtheirhayonanyonecould replicatetherideintheirbackyard.Youdidnt Hecouldthinkofahundredwaystoturnthis havetoflyfromMadisontoOrlandotohavea intomoney.Giveawaytheprintersandsell littlerefresherexperience.Itwasrightthere,at subscriptionstotherefresh.Selltheprintersand theendoftheroad. giveawaytherefreshes.Chargesponsorsto Ifonlytherewassomewaytoputhisrides,his modifytheplansandtargetdifferentproduct placementstodifferentusers.Thepossibilities park,rightthereintheridershomes,intheir wereendless.Bestofall,itwouldextendthe literalbackyards.Beingabletolookatthe webcamsandtakeathreeDflythroughwasone reachofDisneyParksfurtherthanthestupid ridecouldevergoitwouldbethere,onthe thing,butitwasntthephysical,visceral coffeetable,intherumpusroom,inyourschool experienceofbeingthere. gymoratyoursummerplace. Themaintenancecrewhadfinishedallthetrim Helovedit.Lovedit!Heactuallylaughedaloud. andnowtheyweregoingafterthepropsand animatronics.Theyneverusedtoselltheseoff, Whatagreatidea!Surehewasintroublebig trouble.Butifhecouldgetthisthinggoing becausemanufacturingthegutsofarobotwas anditwouldgo,fastthenHackelbergwould toofinickytodoanymorethanyouhadtoit

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/194 gethisback.Thelawyerdidntgiveashitif Sammylivedordied,buthewoulddoanything toprotectthecompanysinterests. Sure,noonefromImagineeringhadbeen willingtohelphimdesignnewrides.Theyall hadallthenewridedesignprojectstheycould use.Audienceresearchtoo.Butthiswasnew, newnew,notoldnew,andnewwasalways appealingtoacertainkindofnoveltyjunkiein Imagineering.Hedfindhelpforthis,andthen hedpulltogetherabusinessplan,anda timeline,andacriticalpath,andhedstart executing.Hewantedaprototypeoutthedoorin aweek.Christ,itcouldntbethathardthose WalMartrideassholeshadpublishedthefull schematicsfortheirtoysalready.Hecouldjust ripthemoff.Turnaboutisfairplay,afterall. Well,hello!hesaid,delighted,skipping aroundthebarbecuepittocollectagreasykiss fromHilda,andmorechastebutequallygreasy pecksonthecheekfromSuzanneandEva. Lookslikeyouvefoundthebestplacein town! Wethoughtwedshowheraround,Suzanne said.SheandEvahadpositionedeachotheron eithersideofHilda,usingherasabuffer,butit wasgreattoseethattheywereonsomethinglike speakingterms.PerryhadnodoubtthatSuzanne hadntledKettlewellon(theyallhadcrusheson her,heknewit),butthatdidntmeanthatEva wouldntresentheranyway.Iftheirpositions werereversed,hewouldhavehadahardtime controllinghisjealousy.

Theyvebeenwonderful,Hildasaid,offering himarib.Heintroducedhertothemarketstall sellerswhodcomeoverwithhimandtherewas HildaleftPerryafteracouplehoursworkingthe moregreasyhandshakingandhugging,andthe ticketboothtogether.Shewantedtogofora proprietorofthejointstartedhandingaround showerandabitofanexplore,anditwasa moreribs,morebeers,andsomeonebroughtout secretrelieftobothofthemtogetsometime asetofspeakersandsuctioncuppedtheir apartafterallthattimelivingineachothers inductionsurfacestoanearbywall,andPerry pockets.Theywereintimatestrangersstill,not droppedoneofhisearbudsintothemandsetit yetattunedtoeachothersmoodsandneedsfor toshuffleandtheyhadmusic. privacy,andalittleseparationwaswelcome. Kidsranpasttheminshriekinghordes,playing Welcome,too,wasPerrysoldpostthereatthe somekindofbiggamethattheydallbeen ticketcounter,likeLucyslemonadestandin obsessedwith.PerrysawthatAdaand Peanuts.Theriderscameonthick,asurprising Lyenitchkawerewiththem,clutchingbrightly numberofthemknewhisnameandwantedto coloredmobilesandtryingtoreadtheirscreens knowhowhisarmwas.Theywereallwatching whilerunningawayfromanothergangofkids thedramaunfoldonline.Theyknewaboutthe whowereclearlyit,takingexaggeratedcare Brazilianridescomingonlineandthepatch nottorunintoinvisibleobstaclesindicatedon Lesterhadrun.Theyallfeltaproprietary thescreens. interestinthisthing.Itmadehimfeelgood,but alittleweird.Hecoulddealwithhavingfriends, Itwasgreattogetbackintothesaddle,Perry said,diggingintosomeribs,gettingsauceonhis andcustomers,butfans? fingers.IhadnoideahowmuchIdbeen Whenhegotoffwork,hewanderedovertothe missingit. shantytownwithabunchofthevendors,tohave acustomaryafterworkbeerandplateofribs.He Hildanodded.Icouldtell,anyway.Yourea junkieforit.Youreliketheoneswhoshowup wasabouttogethisphoneoutandfindHilda whenhespottedher,gnawingonagreasybone allgooglyeyedaboutthestorythats supposedlyinthere.Youactlikethatsaholy withSuzanneandEva. box.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/195 Suzannenoddedsolemnly.Shesright.Thetwo ofyou,youandLester,youresointothatthing, yourethebiggestfanboysintheworld.You knowwhattheycallit,thefans,whentheyget togethertochataboutthestufftheylove? Drooling.Asin,DidyouseethedroolIposted thismorningaboutthenewgirlsbedroom scene?Youdroollikenoonesbusinesswhen youtalkaboutthatthing.Itsaholythingfor you. Youguyssoundlikeyouvebeencomparing notes,Perrysaid,makinghisfunnyeyebrow dance. Evaarchedoneofherfine,higheyebrowsin response.Insomeways,shewasthemost beautifulofallofthem,themostselfassured andpoised.Ofcoursewewere,sonny.Your youngladyhereneededtoknowthatyouarent anaxemurderer.Thewomenscamaraderie wasalmostpalpable.SuzanneandEvahad clearlypatchedupwhateverdifferencestheyd had,whichwasprobablybadnewsfor Kettlewell. WhereisLester,anyway?Hehadntplanned onasking,butSuzannesmentionofhisname ledhimtobelievehecouldprobablygetaway withit. HestalkingtoBrazil,Suzannesaid.Itsall hesdone,alldaylong. TalkingtoBrazil.Wow.Perrydthoughtof Brazilasakindofabstractthing,fiftyrogue nodesonthenetworkthathadnecessitateda hurriedsoftwarepatch.Notasabunchofpeople. Butofcourse,theretheywere,inBrazil,real peoplebythedozens,maybeevenhundreds, buildingrides. Doesthatwork?Imean,anytimeIvetriedto translateawebpageinJapaneseorHebrew,its kindofreadlikenounnounnounnounverb nounrandom. Suzanneshookherhead.Thatshowmostof theworldexperiencesmostofthenet,Perry. Anglosarejustabouttheonlypeopleonearth whodontreadthenetinlanguagesotherthan theirown. Well,goodforLesterthen,hesaid. Suzannemadeasourfacethatlethimknowthat whateverpeaceprevailedbetweenherand Lester,itwasfragile.Goodforhim,shesaid. Wherearetheboys? LandonandTjanhavethem,Evasaid. Theyvebeenholedupwithyourlawyersgoing overstrategywiththem.WhenIwalkedout,they weretryingtogetthefirmspartnerstotake sharesinthecorporationthatownsthe settlementinlieuofcashupfront. Manthatsalltooweirdforme,Perrysaid.I wishwecouldjustrunthisthinglikeabusiness: makestuffpeoplewanttogiveusmoneyfor, collectthemoney,andspendit. Youaresuchanerdfatalist,Suzannesaid. Gettinginvolvedinthemoreabstractelements ofcommercedoesntmakeyouintoasuit.Ifyou dontparticipateandtakeaninterest,youll alwaysbeoutcompetedbythosewhodo. Bull,Perrysaid.Theycangetacourttoorder ustomakepiequaltothree,ortoensurethat otherpeopledontmakeMickeyheadsintheir rides,orthatourridersdontthinkofDisney whentheygetintooneofourchairs,buttheyll neverbeabletoenforceit.

HedoesntspeakSpanish,though,Perrysaid. Suzannesuddenlywhirledonhim.Perry Neitherdothey,dork,Hildasaid,givinghim Gibbons,youarentthatstupid,sostopacting likeyouare.Shetouchedhiscast.Lookatthis anelbowintheribs.Portuguese. thingonyourarm.Yoursuperiortechnologycan TheyallspeaksomeEnglishandhesusing notmakeinferiorlawsirrelevant.Youre automatedtranslationstuffforthehard assumingthatthemachineryofstateisunwilling concepts. tocompletelyshutyoudowninordertomake

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/196 youcomplywithsomeminorlaw.Youretotally contribution.Iveheardyoucomplainabout wrong.Theyllcomeafteryouandbreakyour suitstwentytimesinthepastweek.Twoof head. thosesuitsareonyourside.Theyreputting Perryrockedbackonhisheels.Hewassuddenly themselvesontheline,justlikeyou.Hell, furious,evenifsomewhereinhisheartofhearts theyredoingtheshitworkwhileyougettodo alltheinventingandflyaroundthecountryand heknewthatshewasrightandhewasmostly angryatbeingshownupinfrontofHilda.Ive getlaidbyhotgroupies. beenhearingthatallmylife,Suzanne.Idont buyit.Look,itjustkeepsgettingcheaperand easiertomakesomethinglikewhatwevebuilt. Togetaprinter,togetgoop,tomakestuff,to downloadstuff,tomessageandIMwithpeople whollhelpyoumakestuff.Tolearnhowto makeit.Look,theworldisgettingbetterbecause weregettingbetteratroutingaroundthebullies. Wecanplaytheirgame,orwecaninventanew game. Shekissedhischeek,tryingtomakeajokeofit, butshedreallyhurthisfeelings.Hefeltlike weeping.Itwasalloutofhiscontrol.Hisdestiny wasnothistomaster. OK,letsgoapologizetoKettlewellandTjan.

Shelaughed,buthedonlybeenhalfway kidding.Whathereallywantedtodowashavea bigolddinnerathomewithLester,justthetwo oftheminfrontoftheTV,eatingLesters fatkinscuisine,planninganewinvention.He Irefusetobesuckedintoplayingtheirgame.If wastiredofallthesepeople.EvenSuzannewas weplaytheirgame,weendupjustlikethem. anoutsider.IthadjustbeenhimandLesterin Suzanneshookherheadsadly.Itsagoodthing theolddays,andthosehadbeenthebestdays. youvegotTjanandKettlewellaroundthen,to Hildaputherarmaroundhisshouldersand dothedirtywork.Ijusthopeyoucansparethem nuzzledhisneck.PoorPerry,shesaid. alittlepityfromatopyourmoralhighground. Everyonepicksonhim. ShetookEvabythearmandledheraway, leavingPerry,shaking,withHilda. Bitch,hesaid,kickingtheground.Heballed hishandsintofistsandthenquicklyrelaxed themashisbrokenarmgroundandtwinged fromthesuddentensing. Hildatookhimbythearm.Youtwoclearly havealotofhistory. Hetookacoupledeepbreaths.Shewassoout oflinethere.Whatthehell,anyway?Why shouldIhavetoHestopped.Hecouldtell whenhewasrepeatinghimself. Idontthinkthatshewouldbetellingyouthat stuffifshedidntthinkyouneededtohearit. Yousoundlikeyoureonherside.Ithought youwereafieryyoungrevolutionary.Youthink weshouldallputonsuitsandincorporate? Ithinkthatifyouvegotskilledpeoplewilling tohelpyou,youoweittothemtovaluetheir Hesmiledinspiteofhimself. Comeon,sulkypants,letsgofindLesterand hecancallmeYokosomemore.Thatalways cheersyouup. ItwastwoweeksbeforeDeathWaitscouldsitup andprodatakeyboardwithhisbrokenhands. Someofhispalsbroughtalaptoparoundand theycommandeeredasparediningtraytokeepit onDeathslapwasinnoshapetosupport anythingheavywithsharpcorners. Thefirstday,hewasreducedtotearsof frustrationwithinminutesofstarting.He couldntusetheshiftkey,couldntreallyusethe mouseandthemedsmadeithardto concentrateandrememberwhatheddone. Buttherewerepeopleontheotherendofthat computer,humanfriendswhomhecould communicatewithifonlyhecouldrelearnto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/197 usethistoolthathedlivedwithsincehewasold Oncehedseenit,hecouldntunseeit.When enoughtosituponhisown. heandhispalshadstartedtoaddtheirownstuff totheride,thestorypeoplehadbeengiantpains Solaboriously,peckbypeck,keybykey,he learnedtouseitagain.Themachinehadamode intheass,accusingthemofsomethingthey fordisabledpeople,forcripples,andoncehehit callednarricidedestroyingthefragilestory thathumanityhadlaidbarethere. onthis,itwentfaster.Themodetriedtolearn fromhim,learnhistremorsandmiskeys,his errorsandcursing,andsoemergesomethingthat wasuniquelyhisinterface.Itwasakindofa gametowatchthecomputertrytoguesswhat wasmeantbyhismashedkeystrokesandspastic pointermovementsheturnedonthewebcam andaimeditathiseye,andswitchedittoretinal scannermode,givingitcontrolofthepointer, thenwatchedinamusementasthewildleaping ofthecursoreverytimeaneedleorabroken boneshiftedinsidehisbodywasbecalmedintoa graceful,normalizedcurve.

Nowthathedseenittoo,hewantedtoprotectit. Buthecouldseebyskimmingforwardandback throughthechangelogandtryingdifferent flythroughsthatthestorywasntbeing underminedbythegothstufftheywerebringing in;itwasbeingenhanced.Itwastellingthestory heknew,ofgrowingupwithanindefinableneed tobedifferent,torejectthemainstreamandto embracethissubcultureandaesthetic.

Itwasthestoryofhistribeandsubspeciesand itgotrealerthemoreheplayedit.God,how couldhehavemissedit?Itmadehimwantto Itwashumiliatingtobeahightechcrippleand cry,thoughthatmighthavebeenthemeds.Some thebetterthetechnologyworked,themoreprone ofitmadehimwanttolaugh,too. itwastoreducinghimtotears.Hemightbelike Hetried,laboriously,tocomposeamessage thisfortherestofhislife.Hemightneverwalk boardpostthatexpressedwhathewasfeeling, withoutalimpagain.Mightneverdance.Might buteveryattemptcameoutsoundinglikethose neverbeabletoreachforandliftobjectsagain. storymysticshedbattled.Heunderstoodnow Hedneverfindawoman,neverhaveafamily, whytheydsoundedsohippytrippy. neverhavegrandkids. Soherodetheride,virtually,againandagain, Butthiswasoffsetbytherealpeoplewiththeir spottingthegracenotesandtheslywitandthe realchatter.Heobsessivelyflewthroughthe wrenchingemotionthatthecollective Brazilianmode,strangeandwonderfulbut intelligenceofallthoseridershadcreated. nowherenearwhathelovedfromhisvariation Discovered?Itwaslikethestorywasthereall ontheride.Hecouldrollthroughallthe along,lurkinglikethestatueinsideablockof differentchangeshedmadewithhisfriendsto marble. therideinFlorida,andhebecamesubtlyattuned towhichelementswerewrongandwhichwere Oh,itwaswonderful.Hewasruined,maybe forever,butitwaswonderful.Andhedbeena right. partofit. Itwasononeoftheseflythroughsthathe encounteredTheStory,leapingoutoftherideso Hewentbacktowritingthatmessageboard vividlythatheyelpedlikehedflexedhisIVinto post.Hedbelaidinthatbedforalongtimeyet. Hehadtimetorewrite. anerveagain. Thereitwasirrefutableandindefinable.When yourodethroughtherewasanescalating IFYOUCANTBEATTHEM,RIPTHEMOFF tension,asenseofpeoplewhobelongedtothese exhibitsgoingthroughhardchanges,growingup AnewinitiativefromthetroubledDisneyParks corporationshowshowalittleimaginationcan andout.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/198 catapultanambitiousexectothetopofthe corporateladder. WordhasitthatSamuelR.D.Page,theVice PresidentforFantasyland(Iassureyou,Iam NOTmakingthatup)hasbeenkickedupstairsto SeniorVicePresidentforRemoteDeliveryof ParkExperience(Imnotmakingthatup, either).Insidersinthecompanytellusthat RemoteDeliveryofParkExperienceisaplan toconvinceustogiveTheMouseapieceofour homeswhichwillbeconstantlyrefreshedviaa robotthreedimensionalprinterwithminiatures oftheDisneypark. Ifthissoundsfamiliar,itshould.Itsapale imitationofthenolessridiculous(ifslightly lessevil)ridesmovementpioneeredbyPerry GibbonsandLesterBanks,previouslytheanti heroesoftheNewWorkpumpanddump scandal. Imitationismeanttobethesincerestformof flattery,andifso,Gibbonsandhiscultistsmust beblushingfireenginered. Thisischeapirony,Disneystyle.Afterall,its onlybeenamonthsincethecompanylaunched tenseparatelawsuitsagainstvariousincarnations oftheridefortrademarkviolation,anditsnow tryingtoduckthepunishingcountersuitsthat haverisenupintheirwake. Mostironicofall,wordhasitthatPagewas responsibleforbothendsofthis:thelawsuits againsttherideandthedecisiontoturnhis companyintopurveyorsofcheapknockoffsof theride. scam. Whatsnext?TheMousehasalreadyshipped DisneyDollars,anabortivehomewaresline,a disastrousfineartchain,andoversawthe collapseofthecollectiblecelartmarket.With visionarieslikePageatthehelm,thecompany canthelpbutnotchupmoresuccesses. Deathwasdeepintothestorynow.The Brazilianshadforkedofftheirownridetheyd hadtheirownNewWorkculture,too,centered inthefavelas,sotheyhaddifferentstoriestotell. Someoftherideoperatorsimportedafewof theirscenes,tentatively,andsomeoftheride fanswererecreatingtheBrazilscenesontheir ownpassesthroughtheride. Itwasallinthere,ifyouknewwheretolookfor it,andthebestpartwas,noonehadwrittenit.It hadwrittenitself.Thecollectivejudgementof peoplewhorodethroughhadturnedchaosinto coherence. Orhadit?Themessageboardswererifewith speculationthatTheStoryhadbeenplantedby someonemaybetheridescreators,maybe someclanofriderswhodinsertedit deliberately.Thesediscussionsborderedonthe metaphysical:whatwasanorganicride decision?ItmadeDeathWaitssheadswim.

Thethingthatwasreallydoinghisheadin, though,wastheDisneystuff.Sammyhe couldnteventhinkofSammywithoutasick feelinginhisstomach,crashingwavesofnausea thattranscendedevenhisnarcotichazeSammy PageisbestknownamongParkaficionadosfor wasmakingthesegrotesqueparodiesoftheride. havinghadtheforesighttogutthechildrens Hewaspushingthemouttotheworldsliving FantasylanddistrictinWaltDisneyWorldand rooms.Eventhedeletedridesfromtheglory replaceitwithajumpedupversionofHotTopic, daysofthegothFantasyland,intimelimited agoththemedareathatdrewdownthenations miniature.IfhedstillbeenatDisneyParks,he eyelinersupplytodangerouslylowlevels. wouldhavelovedthisidea.Itwasjustwhathe loved,theknowledgethathewassharing Itwasapparentlythatsortofwayoutofthe boxgeniusthatledPagetohislatestroundof experiencewithhispeoplearoundtheworld, disasters:thelawsuits,anabortiverebuildingof partofatribeevenifhecouldntseethem. Fantasyland,andnowthisRemoteDelivery Now,intheeraoftheride,hecouldseehow

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/199 dumbthiswas.Howthinandshallowand commercial.Whyshouldtheyhavetopaysome giantevilcorporationtoconvenetheir community? HekepttryingtowriteaboutTheStory,kept failing.Itwouldntcome.ButSammyheknew whathewantedtosayaboutSammy.Hetyped untiltheysedatedhim,andthentypedsome morewhenhewokeup.Hehadoldemailsto referto.Hepastedthemin. Afterthreedaysofdoingthis,thelawyercame back.TomLevinewasdressedinasternsuit withnarrowlapelsandatiepiercedwithsome kindoffratpin.Hewasntmucholderthan Death,buthemadeDeathfeellikealittlekid. that? Deathhadntreallyunderstoodthat.Itsounded prettytiring.Exhausting.Fifteenyears.Hewas onlynineteennow.Hedbethirtyfour,andthat wasonlyifthelawyerwasestimatingcorrectly. Oh,hesaid. Well,notthatyouregoingtohavetotakepart infifteenyearsworthofthis.Itslikelywellbe donewithyourpartinayear,tops.Butthepoint isthatwhenyougoonlineandpostmaterial thatspotentiallyharmfultothiscase

Deathclosedhiseyes.Hedpostedthewrong thing.Thishadbeenamajordealwhenhewas atDisney,whathewasandwasntallowedto postaboutthoughinpractice,hedposted IneedtotalktoyouaboutyourInternet abouteverything,stickingtheprivatestuffin activity,hesaid,sittingdownbesidehim.Hed privatediscussions. broughtalongasaltwatertaffyassortment boughtfromtheroadside,cutintodoublehelix Look,youcantwriteaboutthecase,or anythinginvolvedwithit,thatswhatitcomes moleculesandotheroddbiologicalformsan downto.Ifyouwriteaboutthatstuffandyousay amoeba,askeleton. thewrongthing,youcouldblowthiswholesuit. OK?Deathsaid.Theydswitchedhimto Theydgetawayclean. somethingnewforthepainthatday,andgiven Deathshookhishead.Notwriteaboutitatall? himarockerswitchhecouldusetodrizzleit intohisIVwhenitgotbad.Hedhititjust No,hesaid.No. beforethelawyercametoseehimandnowhe couldntconcentratemuch.Plushewasntused Imnotaskingyou,Death.Icangetacourt orderifIhaveto.Thisisseriousitsnotsome totalking.Writingonlinewasbetter.Hecould funnylittlegame.Therearebillionsontheline writesomething,saveit,gobackandrereadit laterandcleanitupifitturnedouthedgoneoff here.Onewrongword,onewrongpostandpfft, itsallover.Andnothinginemail,eitherits onastonedramble. likelyeverythingyouwriteisgoingtogo Youknowwereengagedinsomeveryhigh throughdiscovery.Dontwriteanythingpersonal stakeslitigationhere,right,Darren? inanyofyourmailnothingyouwouldntwant inacourtrecord. HehateditwhenpeoplecalledhimDarren. Death,hesaid.Histoothlesslispwaspathetic, Icantdothat,Deathsaid.Hesoundedlikea fuckingretard,betweentalkingthroughhis likeanoldwinos. mashedmouthandtalkingthroughthetears.I Death,OK.Thishighstakeslitigationneedsa cant.Iliveinemail. maximumofcautionandcontrol.Thisisa Well,nowyoullhaveareasontogooutside. fifteenyearjourneythatendswhenweve brokenthebackofthecompanythatdidthisto Thisisntupfornegotiation.WhenIwashere last,IthoughtImadetheseriousnessofthiscase you.Itendswhenwetakethemforeverycent, cleartoyou.Imfranklyamazedthatyouwere bankrupttheirexecutives,taketheirsummer immatureandirresponsibleenoughtowritewhat homes,freezetheiraccounts.Youunderstand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/200 Iveread. kneesbroken,fractureintheleftthigh.Hisribs hurteverytimehebreathed.Hisfacewasaruin, IcantDeathsaid. hismouthfeltlikehehadtwistedlumpsof Thelawyerpurpled.Hedidntlooklikeahappy hamburgergluedtohistornlips.Hisdickwell, goluckytannedpreppieanymore.Helooked theydcatheterizedhim,butthatdidntaccount Dadscary,likeoneofthosefathersinDisney forthefeelingsdownthere.Hedbeenkicked whowasabouttoseriouslylosehisshitandhaul repeatedlyandviciously,andtheytoldhimthat offandsmackawhinykid.Deathsown thereconstructivesurgeriessurgeries,plural Pawpaw,whodstoodinforhisfather,hadgone wouldtakesometime,andnothingwascertain redlikethatwheneverhemouthedoff,asin untiltheyweredone. thatcouldbecommittedevenwithoutopening Hedmanagedtopretendthathisbodywasnt hismouth.Hehadaninstinctivecurlupand thereforsolongashewasabletopokeatthe hidereactiontoit,andthelawyerseemedto sensethis,loomingoverhim.Hefeltlikehewas computer.Nowitcamebacktohim.Hehadthe painkillerrockerswitchandthepainwasntany abouttobeeaten. worsethanwhatpassedfornormal,buthehad Youlistentome,Darrenthisisnotthekind anideathatifhehititenoughtimes,hedbe ofthingyoufuckup.ThisisntsomethingIm abletogetawayfromhisbodyforawhileagain. goingtofuckup.Iwinmycasesandyourenot goingtochangethat.Therestoomuchatstake Hetriedit. hereforyoutoblowitallwithyourchildish, selfish HildaandLestersatuncomfortablyonthesofa Heseemedtocatchhimselfthen,andhesnorted nexttoeachother.Perryhadhopedtheydhitit ahotbreaththroughhisnosethatblewover off,butitwasclearafterLestertriedhisYoko Deathsface.Listen,theresalotontheline jokeagainthatthechemistrywasntthere.Now here.MoremoneythanyouorIareworth.Im theywerehavingararemomentofalllook tryingtohelpyououthere.Whateveryouwrite, samescreen,theTVswitchedonlikeinanold whateveryousay,itsgoingtobeveryclosely comedy,noonelookingattheirownlaptop. scrutinized.Fromnowon,youshouldtreatevery Thetensionwasthick,andPerrywassickofit. pieceofinformationthatemanatesfromyour fingertipsaslikelytobecoveredontheevening Hereachedforhiscomputerandaskedittofind newsandrepeatedtoeveryoneyouveevermet. himthebaseballgloves.Twoofthedrawerson thelivingroomwallsglowedpink.Hefetched Nomatterhowprivateyouthinkyourebeing, theglovesdown,tossedonetoLester,andpicked itllcomeout.Itsnotpretty,andIknowyou uphisball. didntaskforit,butyourehere,andtheres nothingyoucandotochangethat. Comeon,hesaid.TVishistoricallyaccurate, Heleftthen,embarrassedatlosinghistemper, embarrassedatDeathsmeeksilence.Death pokedathislaptopsome.Hethoughtabout writingdownmorenotes,butthatwasprobably inthesamecategory. Heclosedhiseyesandnow,nowhefeltthe extentofhisinjuries,feltthemtrulyforthefirst timesincehedwokenupinthishospital.There weredeep,grindingpainsinhislegsboth butitsnotverysocial. Lestergotupfromthesofa,aslowsmile spreadingonhisface,andHildafolloweda minutelater.Outside,bythecrackedpool,itwas comingonslowtwilightandthatmagic,tropical bloodorangeskylikeaswirlofsorbet. LesterandPerryeachputontheirgloves. Perrydwornhisnowandagain,buthadnever hadarealgameofcatchwithit.Lesterlobbed

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/201 aneasytosstohimandwhenitsmackedhis glove,itfeltsoright,thesoundandthevibration andthefinecloudofdustthatroseupfromthe mittspocket,Christ,itwaslikeasacrament. Hecouldntlobtheballback,becauseofhis bustedwing,sohehandedtheballtoHilda. Youremydesignatedrightarm,hesaid.She smiledandchuckedtheballbacktoLester. Theyplayeduntilthetwilightdeepenedto velvetywarmdarkandhummingbugsand starlight.Eachtimehecaughtaball,something leftPerry,somepainlongheldinhischest, evanescedintothenightair.Hiscatchingarm, stifffrombeingtwistedbytheweightofthecast onhisotherhand,unlimberedandbecamefluid. Hismindwasbecalmed. Noneofthemtalked,thoughtheysometimes laughedwhenaballwentwild,andbothPerry andLesterwentooh,whenLestermadea jumpcatchthatnearlytumbledhimintothedry pool. Drinks,Hildasaid,breakingthekiss. Theywentupstairs,holdingthemitts,andhada beertogetheronthepatio,talkingsoftlyabout nothinginparticular,andthenLesterhugged themgoodnightandthentheyallwenttobed, andPerryputhisfaceintothehairatthebackof Hildasneckandtoldherhelovedher,andHilda snuggleduptohimandtheyfellasleep. AGAMEOFCATCH Popquiz:Yourempireiscrumblingaroundyour ears.Yoursupportersarehospitalizedby jackbootthugsforstickingupforyou. Thelawsuitsaremountingandflybynight MBAshavedeterminedtouseyournonprofit, infohippierideprojecttogetrightbyembarking on20yearsoflitigation. Whatdoyoudo?

Well,ifyourelikePerryGibbons,LesterBanks andHildaHammersen,yougooutintothe Perryhadntplayedagameofcatchsincehewas backyardandthrowaballaroundforawhile, akid.Catchwasnthisdadsstrongsuit,andhe thenyouhaveabigcuddleandheadinside. andhisfriendshadlikedvideogamesbetterthan Thepicturesshownherewerecapturedbya tossingaball,whichwasprettydullby neighborofthecultleaderslastnight,attheir comparison. palatialcondosinHollywood,Florida. Butthatnightitwasmagic,andwhenitgotto Thethreeareringleadersofthelooseknit fulldarkandtheycouldbarelyseetheball exceptasasecondmoonhurtlingwhitethrough organizationthatmanagestheridesthatdot tencitiesinAmericaandarepresentinfifty theair,theykepttossingitafewmoretimes citiesinBrazil.Theirprojectcametonational beforePerrydroppeditintothepocketofhis attentionwhenDisneybroughtsuitagainstthem, baggyshorts.Letsgetadrink,hesaid. securinginjunctionsagainsttheridesthat Lestercameoverandgavehimabig,bearish resultedinriotsandbloodshed. hug.ThenHildajoinedthem.Youstink, Onesupporterofthegroup,theoutspoken Lestersaid,Seriously,dude.Liketheassofa DeathWaits,aformerDisneyemployee,has deadbear. beenhospitalizedforoveraweekfollowinga Thatbrokethemupandsetthemtolaughing savagebeatingthatheclaimsresultedfromhis together,agigglingfitthatleftthemgasping, Internetpostingabouttheunhealthyobsession Lesteronallfours.Perrysarmforgottohurt DisneyexecutiveSamuelR.D.Page(see andhemovedtokissHildaonthecheekand previouscoverage)borefortheride. insteadsheturnedherheadtokisshimfullon Everyoneneedstounwindnowandthen,but thelips,arealjuicy,steamyonethatmadehis sourcesatthehospitalwhereDeathWaitslies earwaxmelt.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/202 abedsaythathehashadnovisitsfromthecult reasons.Thefirstisthatyoufailed,whichmeans leaderssincehetookhisbeatingintheirservice. thatyouvegottohavesomekindofmoral Nodoubtthesethreehavemoreimportantthings deficiency.Thesecondisthatwekeeppulling hispantsdowninpublic,whichmakeshimeven todolikeplaycatch. angrier,sincepullingdownpeoplespantsishis job. Suzannesaid,Look,youcantletcrazypeople setyouragenda.IfyouwanttovisitthisDeath kid,youshould.Ifyoudont,youshouldnt.But dontletFreddypsyopsyouintodoing somethingyoudontwanttodo.Maybehedoes havearatinyourbuilding.Maybehesgotarat atthehospital.Maybe,though,hejustscored somestillsoffaflickrstream,maybehes watchingnewphotoswithsomefacerecognition stuff. Perrylookedupfromhisscreen,stillscowling. Peopledothat? Surestalkerware!Iuseitmyself,justtosee whatphotosofmeareshowinguponline.I scoureveryphotofeedpublishedforanything thatappearstobeaphotoofme.Mostofits fromblogjects,CCTVcamerasandcraplike that.YoushouldseewhatitslikeondaysIgoto Londonyoucangetphotographed800timesa daytherewithouttrying.Soyeah,ifIwas FreddyandIwantedtoscrewwithyou,Idbe watchingeveryimagefeedforyourpic,and mine,andLesters.Wejustneedtoassumethat thatsgoingon.Butlookatwhatheactually reportedon:youwentoutandplayedcatchand thenhuggedafteryourgame.Itsnotlikehe caughtyoucornholinggatorswhilesmoking spliffsrolledinCnotes. Whatdoesthatguyhaveagainstus,anyway? Suzannesighed.Well,atfirstIthinkitwasthat Ilikedyou,andthatyouweretryingtodo somethingconsistentwithwhathethought everyoneshouldbedoing.Afterall,ifanyone weretofollowhisexhortations,theydhavetobe dumbenoughtobetakinghimseriously,andfor thattheydeserveallpossibledisapprobation. Thesedays,though,hehatesyoufortwo Iknowitsarmchairpsychology,butIthink thatFreddyjustdoesntlikehimselfverymuch. Attheendoftheday,peoplewhoaresecureand happydontactlikethis. Perrysscowldeepened.Idliketokickhimin thefuckingballs,hesaid.Whycanthejustlet usbe?Wevegotenoughfriggingproblems. Ijustwanttogoandvisitthiskid,Lestersaid, andtheywerebackwheretheystarted. ButweknowthatthisFreddyguyhasan informantinthehospital,heaboutsaysasmuch inthisarticle.Ifwegothere,hewins,Perry said. HildaandLesterjustlookedathim.Finallyhe smiledandrelented.OK,Freddyisntgoingto runmylife.Ifitstherightthingtovisitthiskid, itstherightthing.Letsdoit. Wellgoaftertherideshutstonight,Lester said.Allofus.Illbuyhimafruitbasketand bringhimamini.TheminiswereLesterslatest mechanicalcomputers,builtinsideofsardine cans,madeofminiaturized,printed,highimpact alloys.Theycouldaddandsubtractnumbersup toten,usingahandcrankontheside,registering theiroutputonabinarydisplayoflittlewindows thatwerecoveredanduncoveredbytinyshutters. Hedbuilthisfirstthedaybefore,usingdesigns suppliedbysomeofhispeopleinBraziland tweakingthemtohisliking. Thedaywasasclosetoanormaldayontheride asPerrycouldimagine.Thecrowdwasheavy fromthemomentheopened,andhehadtogo backintothedepthsandkickthingsbackinto shapeacoupletimes,andoneofthechairsshut down,andtwoofthemerchantshadadispute thatdegeneratedintoabrawl.Justanotherday runningaroadsideattractioninFlorida.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/203 Lesterspelledhimofffortheendoftheday, thentheycountedthetakeandsaidgoodnightto themerchantsandallpiledintooneofLesters carsandheadedforthehospital. Whatwasthatallabout?Perrywhisperedto herastheymadetheirwayalongthesour smellingward.

Toldherwewouldkeepitdownand YoulikingFlorida?Lestercalledovertheseat complimentedheronhermanicure. astheyinchedforwardinthecommutertraffic Lestershookhishead.Ihaventbeeninaplace onthewayintoMelbourne. likethisinsolong.Thefatkinsplacesare Itshot;Ilikethat,Hildasaid. Youdidntmentiontheawesomeaesthetics, Lestersaid. nothinglikeit. Hildasnorted.Moreupscale,Itakeit?Lester andHildahadntreallytalkedaboutthefatkins Suzannerolledhereyes.Tickytackychic,she thing,butPerrysuddenlyrememberedthe vehemencewithwhichHildahaddenouncedthe said. kidswhoweretalkedintofatkinstreatmentsin Iloveithere,Lestersaid.Thatcontrast theirteensandwonderedifsheandLester betweencrass,overdeveloped,cheap,nastystrip shouldbeclearingtheair. mallsandunspoiledtropicalbeauty.Its Notreallybutmorefunctional.Moreabout,I gorgeousanditticklesmyfunnybone. dontknow,pursuingyourhobby.Lessabout Hildasquintedoutthewindowasthoughshe showingupinanemergency. weretryingtoseewhatLestersaw,likesomeone HildasnortedagainandtheywereatDeaths staringatarandomdotstereograminamall store,tryingtomakethethreeDimagepopout. room.Theywalkedpasthisroommates,anold ladywithherteethout,sleepingwithherjaw Ifyousayso,shesaid.Idontfindmuch saggingdown,andamaninabodycast attractiveabouthumansettlement,though.Ifit hammeringonavideogamecontrollerand needstobethere,itshouldjustbeinvisibleas staringfixedlyatthescreenatthefootofhis possible.Wefundamentallyliveinuglyboxes, bed. andeffortstomakethemprettyneverdo anythingformeexceptcallattentiontohowugly ThentheycameuponDeathWaits.Perryhad theyare.Ikindawishthateverythingwasbuilt onlyseenhimbriefly,andinbadshapeeven then,butnowhewasawreck,somethingfroma todisappearasmuchaspossiblesowecould horrormovieoranatrocityphoto.Perry concentrateonthelovelinessoftheworld. swallowedhardashetookintheboyswracked, YougetthatinMadison?Lestersaid. skinnybody,thecasts,thesunkeneyes,the shavedhead,thecavedinfaceandtornears. Nope,shesaid.Iveneverseenanyplace designedthewayIddesignone.MaybeIlldo HewasfixedlywatchingTV,whichseemedto thatsomeday. beshowingagolfshow.Histhumbwaspoised overarockerswitchconnectedtotheIVinhis Perrylovedherjustthen,forthat.Thecasual arm. oh,yeah,theworldisntarrangedtomy satisfaction,maybeIllrearrangeitsomeday. Deathlookedatthemwithdulleyesatfirst,not recognizingthemforamoment.Thenhedid, ThedutynursewasaboredEasternEuropean andhiseyeswelledupwithtears.Theystreamed whogavethemahalfheartedhardtimeabout havingtoomanypeoplevisitDeathWaitsallat downhisfaceandhischinandlipquivered,and once,butwhomeltedwhenSuzannegavehera thenheopenedhismouthandstartedtobawl likeababy. littletalkinRussian.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/204 Perrywasparalyzedtransfixedbythiscrying wreck.Lester,too,andSuzanne.Theyalltooka minutestepbackward,butHildapushedpast themandtookhishandandstrokedhishairand wentshhh,shhh.Hisbawlingbecomemore uncontrolled,louder,andhistworoommates complained,callingtohimtoshutup,and Suzannemovedbackanddrewthecurtains aroundeachoftheirbeds.Strangely,this silencedthem. suckedinhugelungsfulofwetair,hisheart hammeringinhischest. Hehadhisphoneinhishandandhehadscrolled toKettlewellsnumber,buthekepthimselffrom dialingit.Hewasinnoshapetodiscussthis withKettlewell.Hewantedwitnessestherewhen hedidit,tokeephimfromdoingsomething stupid.

Hewentbackinside.Thesecurityguards watchedhimclosely,butheforcedhimselfto Gradually,Deathscriesbecamesofter,andthen smileandactcalmandtheydidntstophimfrom hesnuffledandsnortedandHildagavehima boardingtheelevator. kleenexfromherpurse.Hewipedhisfaceand blewhisnoseandsqueezedthekleenextightin Imsorry,hesaidtoallofthem.Imsorry, hishand.Heopenedhismouth,shutit,opened hesaidtoDeathWaits.Letmemakesomething very,veryclear:youarefreetousetheInternet andshutit. asmuchasyouwant.Youarefreetotellyour Then,inawhisper,hetoldthemhisstory.The storytoanyoneyouwanttotellitto.Evenifit manintheparkinglotandhiserection.The screwsupmycase,yourefreetodothat.Youve hospital.Postingonthemessageboards. givenupenoughformealready. Thelawyer. Deathlookedathimwithwateryeyes.Really? What?Perrysaid,loudenoughthattheyall jumpedandDeathWaitsflinchedpatheticallyin hishospitalbed.Hildasqueezedhisarmhard. Sorry,sorry,Perrymuttered.Butthislawyer, whatdidhesaytoyou? hesaid.Itcameoutinahoarsewhisper. Perrymovedthebreakfasttraythatcovered Deathslaptop,thenopenedthelaptopand positioneditwhereDeathcouldreachit.Itsall yours,buddy.Whateveryouwanttosay,sayit. Perrylistenedforatime.DeathWaitsspokeina Letyourfreakflagfly. lowmonotone,pausingfrequentlytodrawin Deathcriedagainthen,silenttearsslipping shudderingbreathsthatwerealmostsobs. downhishollowcheeks.Perrygothimsome

Fuckingbastards,Perrysaid.Evil,corporate, kleenexfromthebathroomandheblewhisnose immoral,sleazy andwipedhisfaceandgrinnedatthemall,a toothless,wet,ruinedsmilethatmadePerrys Hildasqueezedhisarmagain.Shh,shesaid. heartlurch.Jesus,Jesus,Jesus.Whatthehell Takeiteasy.Youreupsettinghim. washedoing?Thiskidhewouldnevergetthe Perrywassoangryhecouldbarelysee,barely lifehedhadback. think.Hewastrembling,andtheywereall Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou,Deathsaid. staringathim,buthecouldntstop.Deathhad shrunkbackintohimself,squeezedhiseyesshut. Pleasedontbegratefultome,Perrysaid.We Illbebackinaminute,Perrysaid.Hefeltlike oweyouthethanksaroundhere.Rememberthat. Wehaventdoneyouanyfavors.Allthefavors hewassuffocating.Hewalkedoutoftheroom sofastitwaspracticallyajog,thenpoundedon aroundherehavecomefromyou. theelevatorbuttons,waitedtensecondsandgave Anylawyershowsuphereagainrepresenting upandrandowntenflightsofstairs.Hegot me,Iwantyoutoemailme. outsideintothecoolnessofthehazynightand Inthecarback,noonesaidanythinguntilthey

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/205 werewithinsightoftheshantytown.Kettlewell Itsarandomwalksearchalgorithm,oneof isntgoingtolikethis,Suzannesaid. theImagineerssaid.Watchthis.Afteracouple Yeah,Iexpectnot,Perrysaid.Hecangofuck ofcircuitsofSammysdeskthelittlerobotwent totheedgeandjumped,hangingontothe himself. powercable,whichunspooledslowlyfromthe boxlikeabelayline,gentlyloweringthemanto ImagineeringsenttheprototypeuptoSammyas theground.Afewminuteslater,hehadfound soonasitwasready,theactualengineerswhod theelectricaloutletandpluggedinthebox. beenworkingonitshleppingitintohisoffice. Themusicinsidestilledandafanfarebegan.The trumpetingreachedajoyouspeakItsfounda Hedbeencarefultocultivatetheirfriendship networkconnectionandthensubsidedinto throughtheweeksofproduction,takingthem marchingbandmusic.Therewasasmelllike outforbeersanddelicatelylettingthemknow thattheywerejustthesortofpeoplewhoreally SaranWrapinthemicrowave.Amomentlater, anotherpipecleanermanemergedfromthebox, understoodwhatDisneyParkswasabout,not likethosephilistineswhocomprisedtherestof luggingachunkofplasticthatlookedlikethe themanagementlayeratDisney.Helearnedtheir baseofarocketinanoldtimeysciencefiction movie. kidsnamesandforwardedjokestothemby email.Hedroppedbytheirbreakroomandlet Thefirstpipecleanermanwasshinnyingupthe thembeathimatpinballontheirgigantic, powercable.Hecrestedthedesktopandjoined bizarre,multiboardhomebrewmachine,letting hisbrotherinferryingoutmoreparts.Eachone themknowjusthowcoolsaidmachinewas. snappedintothepreviousonewithaLegolike Nowitwaspayingoff.Judgingfromthedevice click.Takingshapeonthedesktopinslow stages,theoriginal,1955Tomorrowland, hewaslookingat,abreadboxsized,goaway greenroundshoulderedsmoothboxthatittook completewiththerockettothemoon,theClock oftheWorldand twoofthemtocarryin. Watchthis,oneofthemsaid.Heknockeda complicatedpatternontheboxstopanda hiddenhatchopenedoutoftheside,yawningout andformingaminiaturestaircasefromhalfway downtheboxssurfacetotheground.Therewas softmusicplayinginsidethebox:ajazzy, uptempofuturisticversionofWhenYouWish uponaStar. DairyFarmersofAmericaPresenttheCowof Tomorrow?Sammysaid,peeringatthelittle brassplaqueonthematchboxsizeddiorama, whichshowedacowwithanIVinherhock, watchingavideoofapasture.Yourekidding me.

No!oneImagineersaid.Itsallforrealthe archiveshaveallthesetight,highrezthreeD Alittlemanappearedinthedoorway.Helooked modelsofalltheridestheParkseverseen.This istotallyhistoricallyaccurate. likehewasmadeofpipecleanersandhetook thestairsinthreewobblingstrides.Heignored TheKaiserAluminumHallofFame.The themashelurchedaroundtheboxsperimeter MonsantoHallofChemistry.ThimbleDrome untilhecametoafarcorner,thenanotherhatch FlightCircle,withtinyflyingminiature slidawayandthelittlemanreachedinsideand airplanes. tuggedouttheplugandtheendofthepower Holycrap,Sammysaid.Peoplepaidtosee cord.Hehuggedtheplugtohischestandbegan thesethings? towanderaroundSammysdesk,clearlylooking Goon,theotherImagineersaid.Takethe foranelectricaloutlet. roofofftheHallofChemistry.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/206 Sammydid,andwastreatedtoatiny,incredibly detailedthreeDmodeloftheHallsinterior exhibits,completewithtinypeoplein1950sgarb marvelingatthetrulycrappyexhibits. Weprintto1200dpiwiththese.Wecanput pupilsontheeyeballsatthatrez. Thepieceswerestilltrundlingout.Sammy pickeduptheMonsantoHallofChemistryand turneditoverandoverinhishands,lookingat theminutedetail,admiringthewayallthepieces snappedtogether. 1950sclothes,sundressesandsalarymanhats, blackrimmedglassesandscoutuniformsforthe boys. Sammygoggledatit.Hemovedthelittlepeople around,liftedoffthelids. Man,IdseenthethreeDmodelsand flythroughs,buttheyrenothingcomparedto actuallyseeingit,owningit.Peoplewillwant librariesofthesethings.Wholeroomsdevotedto them.

Umm,oneoftheImagineerssaid.Sammy Itskindofbrittle,thefirstImagineersaid.He knewhisname,buthedforgottenit.Hehada tookitfromSammyandgaveitasqueezeandit wholecomplicatedschemeforremembering crackedwithanoiselikeanofficechairrolling peoplesnamesbymakingupstoriesabout overasheetofbubblewrap.Thepiecesfellto them,butitwasalotofwork.Well,aboutthat. thedesk. Thisfeedstockisveryfastsetting,butitdoesnt Apipecleanermanhappeneduponashardafter reallyweatherwell.Evenifyoustoreditina dark,humiditycontrolledroom,itdstartto amomentandhuggedittohischest,then delaminateandfalltopieceswithinamonthor toddledbackintotheboxwithit. two.Leaveitinthelivingroomindirectsunlight Theresalittleopticalscannerinthereitll anditllcrumblewithinacoupledays. figureoutwhichbitthispiececamefromand Sammypursedhislipsandthoughtforawhile. printanotherone.Totalconstructionofthis Please,pleasetellmethattheressomething modeltakesabouttwohours. proprietarywecanrequireinthefeedstockthat Youbuiltthisentirethingfromscratchinthree canmakeusintothesolesupplierof weeks? consumablesforthisthing. TheImagineerslaughed.No,nonoway!No, Maybe?Wecouldcertainlytagthegoopwith almostallthecodeanddesignscameoffthenet. somethingproprietaryandhuntforitwhenwe MostofthisstuffwasdevelopedbyNewWork dothebuild,refusetorunonanyoneelsesgoop. startupsbackintheday,orbythoserideweirdos Ofcourse,thatwontbehardtodefeat downinHollywood.Wejustshoveditallinto Wellsueanyonewhotriesit,Sammysaid. thisboxandaddedthemodelsforsomeofour Oh,boys,youveoutdoneyourselves.Seriously. oldridesfromthearchives.Thiswaseasy,man IfIcouldgiveyouaraise,Iwould.Asitis,take easy! somethinghomefromthearchitecturalsalvage Sammysheadswam.Easy!Thisthingwas lotandsellitoneBay.Itsasclosetoabonusas undeniablysupercool.Hewantedone.Everyone thisfuckingcompanysgoingtopayanyofus. wasgoingtowantone! Theylookedathimquizzically,withsomealarm Youcanprinttheseasbigasyouwant,tooif andhesmiledandspreadhishands.Haha,only wegaveitenoughtime,spaceandfeedstock,itd seriousboys.Reallytakesomestuffhome. runthesebuildingsatfullsize. Youveearnedit.Tryandgrabsomethingfrom TheminiatureTomorrowlandwasnearlydone.It theridesystemitself,thatsgotthehighest wasallbrave,sadwhitecurves,likethesetofa bookvalue. remakeofRollerball,andfeaturedtinypeoplein Theyleftbehindaslimfolderwithproduction

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/207 notesandestimates,supplierswhowouldbe likelytobidonajoblikethis.Hedneeda marketingplan,toobutthiswasfartherthanhe everthoughthedget.Hecouldshowthisto legalandtotheboard,andyes,toWienerand therestoftheuselesscommittee.Hecouldget everyonelinedupbehindthisandworkingonit. Hell,ifhespunitrighttheydallbefightingto havetheirpetprojectsinstantiatedwithit. Hefiddledwithacoupleofovernightshippers sitesforawhile,tryingtofigureoutwhatit wouldcosttoselltheseintheParkandhave themwaitingonthemarksdoorstepswhenthey gotbackhome.Therewerelotsoflittledetails likethat,butultimately,thiswasgoodandclean itwouldextendtheParksreachrightintothe livingroomsoftheircustomers,givingthema newreasontothinkoftheParkeveryday. recoveredfirst.Perry,letssitdownanddoan exitinterview,allright?Thatstraditional. Perrywasshakingwithangernow.Thesetwo friendsofhis,theydfuckingscrewedhim committedtheirdirtyworkinhisname.But Kettlewellwasholdingachairouttohimandthe othersintheteahousewerestaringandhe thoughtaboutEvaandthekidsandthebaseball gloves,andhesatdown. Hesqueezedhisthighshardwithhisclenching hands,drewinadeepbreath,andrecitedwhat DeathWaitshadtoldhiminaneven,wooden voice.

Sothatsit.Idontknowifyouinstructedthe lawyerstodothisoronlyjustdistancedyourself enoughfromthemtoletthemdothisontheir own.Thepointisthatthewayyourerunning thiscampaignisvictimizingpeoplewhobelieve inus,makinglifeworseforpeoplewhoalready gotashitty,shittydealonouraccount.Iwont KettlewellandTjanlookedupwhenPerry bangedthroughthedooroftheteahousetheyd haveit. turnedintotheirdefactoheadquarters. KettlewellandTjanlookedateachother.Theyd Perryhadgonethroughmadandbacktocalm ontheridehome,butashedrewclosertothe teahouse,passingthepeopleinthestreets,the peoplelivingtheirliveswithoutlawyersor bullshit,hisangercameback.Hedevenstopped outsidetheteahouseandbreatheddeeply,but hisheartwaspoundingandhishandskept ballingintofistsandsometimes,man, sometimesyouvejustgottogoforit. Hegottothetableandgrabbedthepapersthere andtossedthemoverhisshoulder. Yourefired,hesaid.Packupandgo,Iwant yououtbymorning.Youredonehere.You dontrepresenttherideandyouneverwill.Get lost.Hedidntknowhewasgoingtosayituntil hesaidit,butitfeltright.Thiswaswhathewas feelinghisprojecthadbeenstolenandbad thingswerebeingdoneinhisnameanditwas goingtostop,rightnow. TjanandKettlewellgottotheirfeetandlooked athim,facesblankwithshock.Kettlewell bothstayedpokerfacedthroughPerrys accusation,andnowKettlewellmadealittlego aheadgestureatTjan.

Theresnoexcuseforwhatthatlawyerdid.We didntauthorizeit,wedidntknowithad happened,andwewouldnthavepermitteditif wehad.Inasuitlikethis,therearealotof movingpartsandtheresnowaytokeeptrackof allofthemallofthetime.Youdontknowwhat everyrideoperatorintheworldisupto,you dontevenknowwherealltheridesintheworld are.Thatsinthenatureofadecentralized business. Butheresthething:thelawyerwasatleast partlyright.Everythingthatkidblogs,emails, andsayswillpotentiallyendupinthepublic record.Likeitornot,thatkidcannolonger considerhimselftohaveaprivatelife,notuntil thecourtcaseisup.NeithercanyouorI,forthat matter.Thatsinthenatureofalawsuitandits notsomethinganyofuscanchangeatthis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/208 point. Perryheardhimasfromagreatdistance, throughthewhooshingofthebloodinhisears. Hecouldntthinkofanythingtosaytothat. TjanandKettlewelllookedateachother. SoevenifwerefiredTjansaidatlast, makingsarcasticfingerquotes,thisproblem wontgoaway.Wevefloatedthesyndicateand givencontrolofthelegalcasetothem.Ifyoutry toditchit,youregoingtohavetocontendwith theirlawsuits,too. IdidntPerrystarted.Buthehad,hed signedallkindsofpapers:first,papersthat incorporatedtheriderunnerscoop;and, second,papersthatgavelegalrepresentation overtothesyndicate. Perry,ImthechairmanoftheBostonride collective.Imtheirreponthecoopsboard. Youcantfireme.Youdidnthireme.Theydid. Sostopbreathingthroughyournoselikea locomotiveandcalmdown.Noneofuswanted thatlawyertogoafterthatkid. Heknewtheyweremakingsensebuthedidnt wanttocare.Hedendedupinthisplace becausethesesupposedpalsofhishadscrewed up. Heknewthathewasgoingtoendupmakingup withthem,goingtoendupgettingdeeperinto this.Heknewthatthiswashowgoodpeopledid shittythings:onetinyrottencompromiseata time.Well,hewasntgoingtogothere. Tomorrowmorning,hesaid.Gone.Wecan figureoutbyemailhowtohaveasmooth transition,butnomoreofthis.Notonmyhead. Notonmyaccount. Hestalkedaway,whichiswhatheshouldhave doneinthefirstplace.Fuckbeingreasonable. Reasonablesucked. DeathfoundoutabouttheDisneyinaBox printerssecondsaftertheywereannounced. Hedbeentuninghisfeedwatcherstogivehim newsabouttheDisneyParksfornearlyadecade, andthislittlePRitemontheDisneyParks newswirerangallthecherriesonhisfilters, flaggingtheitemredandrocketingittothetop ofhisnewsplaylist,makingalltheiconsinthe sidesofhisscreenbouncewithdelight. Theannouncementmadehimwanttothrowup. Theyweretotallyrippingofftherides,andhe knewforafactthatmostofthethreedeemeshes oftheoldyesterlandridesandeventhe contemporaryoneswerefanmade,sothosedbe rippedoff,too. Andtheworstpartwas,hecouldfeelhimself gettingexcited.Thiswasjustthekindofthing thatwouldhavegivenhimmajorfanboydroolas recentlyasamonthago. Hejuststaredangrilyathisscreen.Beingangry madethepainkillerswearoff,sothemadderhe gotthemorehehurt.Hecouldnailtherocker switchanddosehimselfwithmoreofwhatever thepainkillerpluggedintohisIVwastoday,but sincePerryandLesterandtheirgirlfriends(had thatotheronebeenSuzanneChurch?Itsure lookedlikeher)hadtoldhimhecouldusehis laptopagain,hedstayedoffthejuiceasmuchas possible.Thecomputercouldmakehimforget hehurt. Helookedattheclock.Itwas4AM.Theblinds onthewardwereshutmostofthetime,andhe kepttohisownschedule,nappingandthen surfing,thennoddingoffandthensurfingsome more.Thehospitalstaffjustlefthisfoodonthe tablebesidehimifhewasasleepwhenit arrived,thoughtheywokehimforhissponge bathsandtostickfreshneedlesinhisarms, whichwerefilledwithbruiseycollapsedveins. Therewasnoonehecouldtellaboutthis.Sure, therewerechatroomswith24/7chatterfrom Disneyfreaks,buthedidntmuchwanttochat withthem.Someofhisfriendswouldstillbeup andtweaking,butChrist,whowantedtoIMwith aspeedfreakatfourinthemorning?Histyping wasdowntolessthan30wpm,andhecouldnt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/209 keepitupforlong.Whathereallywantedwasto Therewasanawkwardsilence.Deathtriedto talktosomeoneaboutthis. thinkofhowtobegin. HereallywantedtotalktoPerryaboutthis.He Whatsonyourmind,Death? shouldsendhimanemail,buthehadtheinkling Ididntexpectyoutobeawakeatthishour. ofanideaandhedidntwanttoputitinwriting, Ihadaroughnight,Perrysaid.Itoccurredto becauseitwasadeliciouslynaughtyidea. Deaththathewastalkingtooneofhisheros,a Itwasdumbtoeventhinkaboutphoninghim,he manwhohadcometovisithiminthehospital barelyknewhim,andnoonelikedtogetcallsat thatday.Hegrewevenmoretonguetied. fouram.BesideshedcheckedPerrys Whathappened? numberwasunlisted. Nothingimportant,Perrysaidandswallowed, From:deathw@deathwait.erTo: pgibbons@hollywood.rideSubject:Whatsyour andDeathsuddenlyunderstoodthatPerryhad hadaroughnightbecauseofhim,becauseof phonenumber? whathedtoldPerry.Itmadehimwanttocry. Perry,Iknowthatitspresumptuous,butId Imsorry,Deathsaid. reallyliketotalktoyouv2vaboutsomething importantthatIdprefernottoputinwriting.I Whatsonyourmind,Death?Perrysaidagain. donthaveanyrighttoimposeonyou,especially notafteryouvealreadydonemethekindnessof Deathtoldhimwhathedfound,aboutthe Disneyprinters.HereadPerrytheURLssohe comingtoseemeinthehospital,butIhope couldlookthemup. youllsendmeyournumberanyway. Alternatively,pleasecallmeonmyenum OK,thatsinteresting,Perrysaid.Deathcould 1800DEATHWAITSGGFSAH. tellhedidntreallythinkitwasthatinteresting. Youradmirer, Ihaventtoldyoumyideayet.Hegropedfor thewords.Hismouthhadgonedry.OK,so DeathWaits Disneysgoingtoshipthesethingstotonsof Itwasfiveminuteslaterwhenhislaptoprang.It peopleshouses,theyllsellthemcheapatthe wasunnaturallyloudontheward,andheheard parksandmailthemasfreebiestoMagic hisroommatesstirwhenthetoneplayed.He KingdomClubgoldcardholders.Soinaweek didnthaveaheadsetChrist,hewasanidiot. ortwo,theresgoingtobejust,youknow,tons Wait,therewasone,danglingfromtheTV.No oftheseacrossthecountry. mic,butatleasthecouldpairitwithhislaptop Right. forsound.Hestabbedatthemutebuttonand reachedfortheheadsetandslippediton.Then Soheresmyidea:whatifyoucouldgetthem heheldthecomputerclosetohisfaceand tobuildnonDisneystuff?Whatifyoucould whisperedHello?intoitslittlemic.Hisvoice sendthemplansforstufffromtherides?Whatif wasacroak,hisruinedmouthdistortingthe youcouldjustdownloadyourfriendsdesigns? word.Whyhadhedecidedtocallthisguy?He Whatifthiswasopenedwide. wassuchanidiot. Perrychuckledontheotherendoftheline,then ThisisPerryGibbons.IsthatDeathWaits? laughed,fullthroatedandfullofmerriment.I Yes,sorry,Idonthaveamic.Canyouhearme likethewayyouthink,kid,hesaid,oncehed caughthisbreath. OK? IfIturnthevolumeallthewayupIcan. Andthenthisamazingthinghappened.Perry Gibbonsbrainstormedwithhimaboutthekinds

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/210 ofdesignstheycouldpushouttothesethings.It exactlysmiling,either. waslikesomekindofawesomedreamcome Sorry,Ididntmeantowakeyouup,hesaid. true.Perrywastreatinghimlikeapeer,loving Itwasntthetalkingthatdidit,itwasyounot hisideas,keyingoffofthem. beingthereinthefirstplace.Gavemethetoss Thenadismalthoughtstruckhim.Waitthough, andturns. wait.Theyreusingtheirowngoopforthe Shecameovertohimthen,theleanmusclesin printers.Everydesignweprintmakesthem herlegsflexingasshecrossedthelivingroom. richer. Shetookhislaptopawayandsetitdownonthe Perrylaughedagain,reallymerry.Oh,thatkind coffeetable,thentookoffhisheadset.Hewas ofthingneverworks.Theyvebeentryingtotie wearingnothingbutboxers,andshereached feedstocktoprinterssincetheinkjetdays.Wego downandgavehisdickacompanionablehonk throughthatlikewetkleenex. beforesittingdownnexttohimandgivinghima Isntthatillegal? kissonthecheek,thethroatandthelips. Whothefuckknows?Itshouldntbe.Idont careaboutillegalanymore.Legalgetsyou lawyers.Comeon,dudewhatsthepointof beingallintosomeantiauthoritariansubculture ifyouspendallyourtimesuckinguptothe authorities? So,Perry,shesaid,lookingintohiseyes. Whatthefuckareyoudoingsittingintheliving roomat5amtalkingtoyourcomputer?And whydidntyoucometobedlastnight?Imnot goingtobehangingoutinFloridafortherestof mylife.Iwouldathoughtyoudwantto Deathlaughed,whichactuallyhurtquiteabit.It maximizeyourHildatimewhileyouvegotthe wasthefirstlaughhedhadsincehedendedup chance. inthehospital,maybethefirstonesincehed Shesmiledtolethimknowshewaskidding beenfiredfromDisneyWorld,andasmuchasit around,butshewasright,ofcourse. hurt,itfeltgood,too,likeabandbeingloosened Imanidiot,Hilda.IfiredTjanandKettlewell, fromaroundhisbrokenribs. toldthemtogetlost. Hisroommatesstirredandoneofthemmust havepushedthenursecallbutton,because shortlythereafter,theformidableUkrainian nursecameinandsavagelytoldhimofffor disturbingthewardatfiveinthemorning.Perry heardandsaidhisgoodbyes,liketheywereold palswhodchattedtoolong,andDeathWaits rangoffandfellintoalightdoze,grinninglikea maniac. HildaeyedPerrycuriously.Thatsoundedlike aninterestingconversation,shesaid.Shewas wearingalongtshirtofhisthatdidntreally covermuch,andshelookeddeliciousinit.Itwas allhecoulddotokeepfromgrabbingherand tossingheronthebedofcourse,thecastmeant thathecouldntreallydothat.AndHildawasnt Idontknowwhyyouthinkthatssuchabad idea.Youneedbusinesspeople,probably,butit doesntneedtobethoseguys.Sometimesyou canhavetoomuchhistorywithsomeonetowork withhim.Besides,anythingcanbeunsaid.You canchangeyourmindinaweekoramonth. Thoseguysarentdoinganythingspecial. Theydcomebacktoyouifyouaskedem. YourePerrymotherfuckinGibbons.Yourule, dude. Youreaveryniceperson,HildaHammersen. Butthoseguysarerunningourlegaldefense, whichweregoingtoneed,becauseImaboutto dosomethingsemiillegalthatsboundtogetus suedagainbythesamepackofassholesaslast time. Disney?Shesnorted.Haveyoueverreadup

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/211 onthehistoryoftheDisneyCompany?Theold one,theoneWaltfounded?WaltDisneywasnt justaracistcreep,hewasalsoamadinventor. Hekeptcomingupwiththesecoolhightech waysofmakingcartoonsstickingrealpeople inthem,puttingthemincolor,addingsync sound.Peopleloveditall,butitdrovehimoutof business.Itwasalltooexpensive. night,andjazzedfromhisconversationwith DeathWaits.Hehadanideathattheycouldpush designsouttotheprintersthatwerelikethe Disneydesigns,butweirdandkinkyand subversiveandalittledisturbing.

Icanunderstandwhyyoudbenervousabout ditchingyoursuits,buttheyrejustthat,suits.At somelevel,theyreallinterchangeable, Soherecruitedhisbrother,RoyDisney,who mercenaryparts.Youwantsomeonetowatchthe wasjustabanker,torunthebusiness.Roy bottomline,butnotsomeonewhollrunthe turnedthebusinessaround,watchingtheincome show.Ifthatsnottheseguys,hey,thatscool. andtheoutgo.Butallthiscameataprice:Roy Findacouplemoresuitsandrunthem. wantedtotellWalthowtorunthebusiness. Jesus,youreallyareYoko,arentyou?Lester Moretothepoint,hewantedtotellWaltthathe waswearinghisboxersandablearygrin, couldntjustspendmillionsfromthecompany standinginthelivingroomsdoorwaywhere coffersonweirdassR&Dprojects,especially Hildahadstoodaminutebefore.Itwaspast notwhenthecompanywasstillfiguringouthow 6AMnow,andtherewerewakingupsounds toexploitthelastR&DprojectWalthadchased. throughthewholecondo,toiletsflushing,acar ButitwasWaltscompany,andhedoverrule startingdownintheparkinglot. Roy,andRoywouldpromisethatitwasgoingto puttheminthepoorhouseandthenhedfigure Goodmorning,Lester,Hildasaid.Shesmiled whenshesaidit,nooffensetaken,allgood,all outhowtomakeanothermillionoffofWalts good. vision,becausethatswhatthemoneyguyis supposedtodo. Youfiredwhonow,Perry?Lesterdugapint Thenafterthewar,WaltwenttoRoyandsaid, ofchocolateicecreamoutofthefreezerand attackeditwithaselfheatingceramicspoonthat Giveme$17million,Imgoingtobuilda heddesignedspecificallyforthispurpose. themepark.AndRoysaid,Youcanthaveit andwhatsathemepark?Waltthreatenedto IgotridofKettlewellandTjan,Perrysaid.He fireRoy,thewayhealwayshad,andRoypointed wasblushing.Iwouldhavetalkedtoyouabout outthatDisneywasnowapubliccompanywith it,butyouwerewithSuzanne.Ihadtodoit, shareholderswhowerentgoingtoletWalt though.Ihadto. cowboyaroundandpissawaytheirmoneyonhis IhatewhathappenedtoDeathWaits.Ihatethat toys. wevegotsomeoftheblameforit.But,Perry, SohowdhegetDisneylandbuilt? TjanandKettlewellarepartofouroutfit.Its Hequit.Hestartedhisowncompany,WED,for theirshow,too.Youcantjustgoshitcanning WalterEliasDisney.Hepoachedallthegeniuses them.Notjustmorally,either.Legally.Those awayfromthestudiosandturnedthemintohis guysownapieceofthisthingandtheyre keepingthelawyersatbaytoo.Theyre Imagineersandcashedinhislifeinsurance managingalltheevilshitsowedonthaveto.I policyandraisedhisowndoughandbuiltthe park,andthenmadeRoybuythecompanyback dontwanttobeinchargeoftheevil,andneither doyou,andhiringanewsuitisntgoingtobe fromhim.Imguessingthatthatfeltpretty easy.Theyreallpredatory,theyallhave good. delusionsofgrandeur. Itsoundslikeitmustve,Perrysaid.Hewas feelingthoughtful,andbuzzedfromthesleepless Youtwohavetheacumentohirebetter

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/212 representationthanthosetwo,Hildasaid. Youreexperiencednow,andyouvefoundeda movementthatplentyofpeoplewouldkilltobe apartof.Youjustneedbettermanagement structure:anexecutiveyoucanoverrule wheneveryouneedto.Alackey,notaboss. aboutisabandoningourfriends,Kettlewelland Tjan,tomakeourownegosfeelalittlebetter. Youneedtoseethatwereriskingeverything, riskingspendingourlivesincourtandlosing everythingweveeverbuilt.

AZenlikecalmdescendedonPerry.Hildawas Lesteractedasthoughhehadntheardher.Im right.Suitswereeverywhere,andyoucould beingprettymellowaboutthis,buddy.Imnot chooseyourown.YoudidntneedtolettheRoy makingabigdealoutofthefactthatyoudidthis Disneysoftheworldcalltheshots. withoutconsultingme,becauseIknowhow Imsorryyoufeelthatway,Lester.Ihear roughitmusthavebeentodiscoverthatthis everythingyouresaying,butyouknowwhat, wickednesshadgonedowninourname,andI itsgoingtobemyway.IunderstandthatwhatI mighthavedonethesame.Butitsthecoldlight wanttodoisrisky,buttheresnowayIcango ofdaynowanditstimetogoovertheretogether ondoingwhatImdoingandlettingthingsget andhaveachatwithTjanandKettlewellandtalk worseandworse.Makingalittlecompromise thisoverandsortitout.Wecantaffordtoburn hereandthereishowyouendupsellingout allthistothegroundandstartovernow. everythingthatsimportant.Weregoingtofind Perryknewitwasreasonable,butscrew reasonable.Reasonablewashowgoodpeople endedupdoingwrong.Sometimesyouhadtobe unreasonable. Lester,theyviolatedourtrust.Itwastheir responsibilitytodothisthinganddoitright. Theydidntdothat.Theydidntlookcloselyat thisthingsothattheywouldnthavetoputthe brakesonifitturnedouttobedirty.Whichdo youthinkthosetwowouldratherhavehappen: werunacoolprojectthateveryoneloves,orwe runalawsuitthatmakestenbilliondollarsfor theirinvestors?Theyreplayingadifferentgame fromusandtheirvictoryconditionisntours.I dontwanttobereasonable.Iwanttodothe rightthing.Youandmecouldhavesoldouta thousandtimesovertheyearsandmademoney insteadofdoinggood,butwedidnt.Wedidnt becauseitsbettertoberightthantobe reasonableandrich.Yousaywecantaffordto getridofthosetwo.Isaywecantaffordnotto. Youneedtogetagoodnightssleep,buddy, Lestersaid.Hewasblowingthroughhisnose,a suresignthathewasangry.ItmadePerrys hacklesgoupheandLesterdidntfightmuch butwhentheydid,hooboy.Youneedto mellowoutandseethatwhatyouretalking otherbusinessmanagersandweregoingto workwiththemtomakeasmoothtransition. Maybewellallcomeoutofthisfriendslateron. TheywanttodosomethingdifferentfromwhatI wanttodoisall. ThiswasntcalmingLesterdownatall.Perry, thisisntyourprojecttodowhatyouwantwith. Thisbelongstoalotofus.Ididmostofthe workinthere. Youdid,buddy.Igetthat.Ifyouwanttostick withthem,thatshowitllgo.Nohardfeelings. Illgooffanddomyownthing,runmyown ride.Peoplewhowanttoconnecttomynetwork, nosweat,theycandoit.Thatscool.Wellstill befriends.YoucanworkwithKettlewelland Tjan.Perrycouldhardlybelievethesewords werecomingoutofhismouth.Theydbeen buddiesforever,inseparable. Hildatookhishandsilently. Lesterlookedathimwithincreasingincredulity. Youdontmeanthat. Lester,ifwesplit,itwouldbreakmyheart. Therewouldntbeadaythatwentbyfromnow totheendoftimethatIdidntregretit.Butifwe keepgoingdownthispath,itsgoingtocostme mysoul.Idratherbebrokethanevil.Oh,itfelt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/213 sogoodtobesayingthis.Tofinallyaffirm throughdeedandwordthathewasagood personwhowouldputethicsbeforegreed, beforecomforteven. Freddy.Shit.Hedgiventhereporterhisnumber backwhentheywerearrangingtheirdisastrous facetoface.

Itsnotagoodtime,Freddy,hesaid.Ifyou LesterlookedatHildaforamoment.Hilda,this callmysecretary isprobablysomethingthatPerryandIshould Ijustneedamomentofyourtime,sir.Fora talkaboutalone,ifyoudontmind. quote.Forastoryabouttherideresponsetoyour Imind,Lester.Theresnothingyoucantsayin printersyourDisneyinaBoxCircleR,Tee frontofher. Em,CircleC. Lesterapparentlyhadnothingtosaytothat,and thesilencemadePerryuncomfortable.Lester hadtearsinhiseyes,andthathitPerryinthe chestlikeaspear.Hisfrienddidntcryoften. HecrossedtheroomandhuggedLester.Lester waswoodenandunyielding. Sammyfelthisgutstenseup.Ofcoursethose rideassholeswouldhaveknownaboutthe printers.Thatswhatpressreleaseswerefor. Somewhereontheirmessageboardshewassure thattherewassomediscussionofthem.He hadnthadtimetolookforit,though,andhe didntwanttousetheDisneyParkscompetitive intelpeopleonthisstuff,becauseaftertheDeath Waitsdebacle(debacleondebacle,ack,hecould besuchafuckup)hedidntwanttohaveany trainofintelgatheringonthegrouppointing backtohim.

Please,Lester.Please.Ihatetomakeyou choose,butyouhavetochoose.Wereonthe sameside.Wevealwaysbeenonthesameside. Neitherofusarethekindofpeoplewhosend lawyersafterkidsinhospital.Never.Iwantto makeitgoodagain.Wecanhavethekindofgig wherewedotherightthingandthecoolthing. Imnotfamiliarwithanyresponse,Sammy said.ImafraidIcantcomment Comeon,Lester.Please. HeletgoofLester.Lesterturnedonhisheeland Oh,itllonlytakeamomenttoexplainit, walkedbackintohisbedroom.Perryknewthat Freddysaidandthenlaunchedintoahighspeed explanationbeforeSammycouldobject.They thatmeanthedwon.HesmiledatHildaand huggedher.Shewasalotmorefuntohugthan weredeliveringtheirownthreeDmodelsforthe printers,andhadevengottenholdofoneofthe Lester. testunitsDisneyhadpassedoutlastweek.They claimedtohavereverseengineeredthegoopthat itranon,sothatanyonesgoopcouldprinttoit. Sammywasathisdesklookingoverthe productionprototypefortheDisneyinaBox (R)unitsthatImagineeringhaddroppedoffthat morningwhenhisphonerang.Nothisdesk phonehiscellularphone,withthecallreturn numberblocked. Hello?hesaid.Notmanypeoplehadthis numberhedidntlikegettinginterruptedby thephone.Peoplewhoneededtotalktohim couldtalktohissecretaryfirst. Hi,Sammy.HaveIcaughtyouatabadtime? Hecouldhearthesneerinthevoiceandthenhe couldseethefacethatwentwiththesneer:

So,whatImlookingforisaquotefromDisney onthis.Doyoucondonethis?Didyouanticipate it?WhatifsomeoneprintsanAK47withit? NoonesgoingtoprintaworkingAK47with this,Sammysaid.Itstoobrittle.AK47 manufacturingisalreadysadlyingreatprofusion acrossourinnercities,anyway.Astotherestof itHeclosedhiseyesandtookacoupleof deepbreaths.Astotherestofit,thatwouldbe somethingyoudhavetospeaktooneofmy legalcolleaguesabout.Wouldyoulikemetoput youthroughtothem?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/214 Freddylaughed.Ohcomeon,Sammy.Alittle somethingonbackground,noattribution?You goingtosuethem?Havethembeatenup? Sammyfelthisfacegowhite.ImsureIdont knowwhatyouretalkingabout WordhasitthattheDeathWaitskidcameup withthis.Heusedtobeyourprotege,no?AndI hearthatKettlewellandTjanhavebeenkicked outoftheorganizationnoonearoundtocall thelawyersoutontheirbehalf.Seemslikea goldenopportunitytostrike. Illjustsayyoudeclinedtocomment,then? Asshole. Youwritewhateveryouneedtowrite,Freddy, hesaid.Ahatchopenedatinybitonthetopof thecubeandapairofeyespeeredout,thenit slammedshutandtherewasaroundof convincinggigglesandscurryingfromwithin thebox.Thiscouldbehuge,ifSammydidnt fuckitupbyworryingtoomuchaboutwhat someoneelsewasupto.

Oh,andoneotherthing:itlooksliketheDeath Sammyseethed.Hedbeenconcentratingon Waitskidisgoingtobedischargedfromthe makingnewstuff,greatstuff.Competitivestuff, hospitalthisweek. tobesure,butintheend,thereasonformaking theDisneyinaBoxdeviceshadbeentomake Hewasntreadytoleavethehospital.For them,makethemascoolashecouldimagine. Toplusthemandreplusthem,intheoldslang starters,hecouldntwalkyet,andtherewerestill timeswhenhecouldbarelyrememberwherehe ofWaltDisney,makingthethingbecausethe was,andtherewastheproblemofthecatheter. thingcouldbemadeandtheworldwouldbea Buttheinsurancecompanyandthehospitalhad morefunplaceonceitwas. concurredthathedhadallthetreatmenthe Nowherewasthistrollegginghimontogoto neededevenifhisdoctorhadntbeenableto waragainwiththoserideshitheads,tospendhis lookhimintheeyewhenthiswasexplained energiesdestroyinginsteadofcreating.The anditwastimeforhimtogohome.Goaway.Go worstpart?Itwasallhisfault.Hedbroughthis anywhere. owndestruction:thereporter,DeathWaits,even thelawsuit.Alltheresultofhisbadplanningand HedputitallinhisLJ,theconversationasbest ashecouldrememberit,thewayitmadehim dumbdecisions.God,hewasatotalfuckup. feel.TheconversationhedhadwithPerryand DisneyinaBoxsatonhisdesk,humming theideahedhadforpwningDisneyinaBox. faintlynothumminglikeafridgehums,but Hedidntevenknowifhisapartmentwasstill actuallyhumminginabaritonehum,humminga therehehadntbeenbackinweeksandthe medleyofmagicuserssongsfromDisney rentwasoverdue. movies,likealivingthing.Everyonceinawhile Andthecommentscamefloodingin.Firsta itwouldclearitsthroatandmutterandeven snorealittle.Therewouldbehappyrustlesand coupledozenfromhisfriends,thenhundreds, whisperedconversationsfromwithinthegutsof thenthousands.Ragingfightssomepeople thething.Itwasplussedallthewaytohelland accusedhimofbeingafakestersockpuppet aimedatgatheringsympathyordonations(!) back.Ithadbeeneasy,asmoreandmore sideconversations,philosophicalarguments. Imagineershadcomeupwithcoolfeaturesto addtothefirmware,contributingthemtothe Buriedinthere,offersfromrealworldand versioningsystem,andhedbeenabletochoose onlinefriendstomeethimatthehospital,toget fromamongthemandpickthebestofthelot, himhome,totakecareofhim.Itwas makingadevicethatrivaledWalts1955 unbelievable.Therewasasmallfortunehalfa Disneylanditselffororiginality,excitement,and yearswagesathisoldjobwaitinginhis cool.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/215 paypal,andifthiswasalltobebelieved,there wasacadreofpeoplewaitingjustoutsidethat doortomeethim. themsternly,butitbarelydampenedthecalls. Therewerewolfwhistles,cheers,calls, disorganizedchants,andthentwoverypretty girlshehadntthoughtaboutprettyanything Thenursewhocametogethimlookedrattled. inalong,longtimeunfurledabannerthatsaid Yourfriendsarehere,shesaidinherBoris DEATHWAITSinglitteryhanddrawnletters, andNatashaaccent,andgavehima disapprovinglookasshedisconnectedhishoses withalittleskulldottingtheIinWAITS. andpipessoswiftlyhedidnthavetimeto Thenursereadthebannerandreachedtotearit registerthepainhefelt.Shepulledonapairof outoftheirhands,buttheyfoldeditback.She SalvationArmyunderpantsthefirstpairhed cametohimandhissedinhisear,something worninweeksandapairofnew,darkblue aboutgettingsecuritytogetridofthesepeopleif jeansandaRotarypicnictshirtdatedthree theywerebotheringhim,andherealizedthatshe yearsbefore.Theshirtwasasmallanditstill thoughtDEATHWAITSwasathreatandthat hungfromhimlikeatent. madehimlaughsohardhechoked,andshe Youwillusecanes?sheasked.Hedhadsome flouncedoffinadeeplySlavichuff. physiotherapythatweekandhecouldtakeone ortwododderingstepsoncrutches,butcanes? Noway. Andthenhewasamonghiswelcomingparty, anditwasapartytherewerecakeandclove cigarettesinsmokesaversandcansoflicorice Icant,hesaid,picturinghimselfsprawledon coffee,andeveryonewantedtotalkwithhimand thepolishedconcretefloor,withwhatwasleftof taketheirpictureswithhim,andthetwopretty girlstookturnsmakinguphisface,highlighting hisfacebashedinfromthefall. hisscarstomakehimfitforaBelaLugosirole. Wheelchair,shesaidtosomeoneinthehall, ThewerecalledLaceyandTracey,andtheywere andanorderlycameinpushingachairwitha sisterswhowenttotherideeveryday,theysaid squeakywheelthoughthechairitselfwasa breathlessly,andtheydseenthestoryhed prettygoodone,atleastasgoodastheonesthey described,seenitwiththeirowneyes,anditwas rentedatDisney,whichwerenearly somethingthatwasaspersonalasthetwin indestructible.Heletthenursetransferhimtoit languagetheyddevelopedtocommunicatewith withherstronghandsinhisarmpitsandunder oneanotherwhentheywerelittlegirls. hisknees.Abagcontaininghislaptopandafew Hisoldfriendssurroundedhim:guyswho cardsandthingsthathadshownupatthe hospitalwasdumpedintohislapandheclutched marveledathisrecovery,girlswhokissedhis ittohimselfashewaswheeledtotheendofthe cheekandmessedupTraceyandLaceys makeup.Someofthemhadnewtattoostoshow corridorandaroundthecorner,wherethe himonegirlhadgottenafulllegpiece nursesstation,theelevators,thecommonarea showingscenesfromtheride,andsheslyly andhisfanswere. pulledherskirtallthewayup,allthewayup,to Theywerentjusthispals,thoughtherewerea showhimwhereitallstarted. fewofthemthere,butalsoabigcrowdofpeople Securityshowedupandthrewthemalloutinto hednevermet,didntrecognize.Therewere goths,skinnyandpaleanddrapedinblack,but thestreet,wheretheheatwasoppressiveand wet,buttheairwasfreshandfullofsmellsthat theywereoutnumberedbythesubculture civilians,normallooking,slightlyhippieish,old werentsicknessormedicine,whichmadeDeath andyoung.Whenhehoveintosight,theyburst Waitsfeellikehecouldgetupanddance. Effervescentcitrusandbiodieselfumes,moist intoawildcheer.Theorderlystoppedpushing hischairandthenurserushedforwardtoshush vegetationandthehumoflazyhighnoonbugs.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/216 Now,itsallarranged,oneofthestraight lookingonestoldhim.Hedfiguredoutthat thesewerethepurestorypeople,whodreadhis descriptionsandconcludedthathedseen somethingmorethananyoneelse.Theyall wantedachancetotalktohim,butdidntseem tooputoutthathewasspendingmostofhistime withhisoldmates.Dontworryaboutathing. Caraftercarappeared,takingawaymoreofthe party.Hereyougo. Anothercarpulledup,anallelectrickneeling numberwithahugecargospace.Theywheeled thechairrightintoit,andthentwoofthestory hippieshelpedhimtransferintotheseat.My momwasinawheelchairfortenyearsbefore shepassed,ahippietoldhim.Hewasolderand lookedlikeanEnglishteacherDeathWaitshad quitelikedingradeten.HestrappedDeathWaits inlikeaproandofftheywent. openhisdoorjustastherestofthewelcoming partycameoutofhisbuilding,pushing Astairclimbingwheelchair,thesamekindthat theyusedintheride.Deathlaughedaloudwith delightwhenhesawitrollingtowardhim, handlingthecurbeasily,hardlyabump,andthe twoprettygirls,TraceyandLacey,transferred himintoit,andbothcontrivedtobrushtheir breastsandjasminescentedhairacrosshis cheeksastheydidso,andhefeltthefirst stirringsinhisruinedgrointhathedfeltsince beforehisbeating. Helaughedlikeawildman,andtheyalllaughed withhimandsomeoneputaclovecigarette betweenhislipsandhedrewonit,cougheda little,andthenhadanotherdragbeforeherolled intotheelevator.

Thegirlsputhimtobedhourslater.His apartmenthadbeenspotlessandhehadevery TheyweretenminutesintoMelbournetraffic confidencethatitwouldbespotlessagaincome Deathmarvelingatbuildings,signs,people,in nighttime.Thepartyhadspenttherestofthe everycolor,withouttheoppressivewhiteand dayandmostofthenighttalkingaboutthestory gorecolorsofeverythinginthehospitalwhen thattheydseenintheride,wheretheydseenit, theEnglishteacherdudelookedshylyatDeath. whatitmeant.Therewasalotofdebateabout YouthinkitsrealtheStory,Imeandont whethertheyhadanybusinessratingthingsnow you? thatthestoryhadshownitselftothem.Thestory Deaththoughtaboutthisforasecond.Hedbeen wastheproductofunconsciouseffort,andit shouldbelefttounconsciouseffort. veryfocusedontheParkinaBoxprintersfor thepastweek,whichfeltlikeaneternitytohim, Butthecounterargumentwasthattheyhada butherememberedhisobsessionwiththestory dutytogardenthestory,orpossiblytosharpen fondly.Itrequiredakindoffloatynon itstelling,ortoprotectitfrompeoplewho concentrationtoreallyseeit,ameditativestate couldntseeitorwouldntseeit. hedfoundeasytoattainwithallthepainkillers. AtfirstDeathdidntknowwhattomakeofall Itsreal,hesaid. TheEnglishteacherandtwoofhisfriends seemedtorelaxalittle.Wethinksotoo. Theypulleduptohiscondohowdtheyknow wherehelived?andparkedrightnexttohis car!Hecouldseewherethetowhadkindof fuckeduptherearbumper,butotherthanthat,it wasjustasherememberedit,anditlookedlike someonehadgivenitawash,too.TheEnglish teacherputhiscarinparkandcamearoundto thistalk.Atfirsthefounditfunnyandmorethan alittleweirdtobetakingthestorythisseriously. Itwasbeautiful,butitwasanaccidentalbeauty. Theridewastheimportantthing,thestorywas itseffect. Butthesepeopleconvincedhimthattheywere right,thatthestoryhadtobeimportant.After all,ithadinspiredallofthem,hadntit?The ridewasjusttechnologythestorywaswhatthe ridewasfor.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/217 Hisheadswamwithit. Wevegottoprotectit,hesaidfinally,after listeningtotheargument,aftereatingthefood withwhichtheydfilledhisfridge,aftertalking intenselywithTracey(orpossiblyLacey)about theirparentsunthinkingblandness,afterletting theEnglishteacherguy(whosenamewasJim) takehimtothetoilet,afterlettinghisoldgoth palsplaysomemusicsomemutualfriendshad justmixed. Thatsettledtheargument.Deathhadntexpected that.Sincewhendidhegetthelastwordonany subject?Sincenow.Theywerefollowinghis lead.

Andthenthegirlsputhimtobed,shylyhelping himundress,eachofthemleaningoverhimto kisshimgoodnight.Traceyskisswassisterly, onthecheek,herspicyperfumeandherjet blackhaircaressinghim.Laceyskisswas anythingbutsisterly.Shemashedherbreaststo Wevegottoprotectitandsharpenit.Thestory hischestandthrusthertongueintohismouth, keepinghersilvereyesopenandstaringdeep wantstogetoutandtherewillbethosewho cantseeit.Hedidntcarethathisspeechwas intohis,herfingersworkingbusilyinhishair. mangledbyhisfuckedupface.Hedseenhis Shebrokethekissoffwithagaspandagiggle. faceinthemirrorandTraceyandLaceyhad Shetracedtheruinofhismouthwithafingertip, doneanicejobinmakingituphelookedlike breathingheavily,andletitslidelower,downhis alatterdayMarilynManson,histwistedmoutha chest.Hefoundhimselfactuallyhard,thefirst ghoulishsmear.Thedoctorshadtalkedabout pleasurablesensationhedhadinhisdicksince givinghimanotherseriesofsurgeriestofixhis thatfatefulnight.Fromthecorridorcamean lip,asetofimplanteddenturestoreplacethe impatientcoughTracey,waitingforLaceyto missingteeth,hadevenmentionedthatthere getgoing. werespecialistclinicswherehecouldgetanew Laceyrolledhereyesandgiggledagainandthen setbuddedandgrownrightoutofhisowngums. slidherhandtherestofthewaydown,briefly Thathadbeenbackwhenthemysteriousforces holdinghisdickandthenencirclinghisballs ofthelawsuitandtheridewerepayinghisbills. withherfingersbeforekissinghimagainonthe Nowhecontemplatedhisfaceinthemirrorand toldhimselfhedgetusedtothis,hedcometo likeit,itwouldbeatrademark.Itwouldmake himgothierthangoth,forlife,alwaysan outsider,alwaysoneoftheweirdones,likethe oldtimerswhodcometoDisneywiththeir teenaged,eyerollingkids.Gothskidswere nevergoths,itseemedmorelikebangbangers orjockylookingpeakperformancetypes,or hippiesorgippiesordippiesortippiesor whatever.Buttheirparentswerestillproudly flyingtheirfreakflags,weirdtothegrave. Wellleteveryoneknowaboutit,hesaid, thinkingnotofeveryonebutofallthecool subculturekidshedgrownupwithand worshippedandbeenrejectedbyanddatedand lovedandhatedandwellmakeitpartof everyonesstory.Wellprotectit,guys.Of coursewellprotectit. twistofhislipsandbackingoutoftheroom, whispering,Sleepwell,seeyouinthe morning. Deathlayawakeandstaringattheceilingfora longtimeaftertheyhadgone.TheEnglish teacherdudehadlefthimwithabedpanforthe nightandmanyofthemhadpromisedtoreturn inrotationsindefinitelyduringthedays,helping himoutwithdressingandshoppingandgetting himinandoutofhismarvelouschair. Hestaredandstaredatthatceiling,andthenhe reachedforhislaptop,therebesidethebed,the sameplaceithadlivedwhenhewasinthe hospital.Hefireditupandwentstraightto todaysflythroughsoftherideandranthrough themfromdifferentanglesfacingbackward andsideways,lookingdownandlookingup, notingalltheelementsthatfeltlikestoryandall theonesthatdidnt,wishinghehadhisplus

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/218 one/minusonejoystickwithhimtocarveoutthe highlights,stuckoutlikeananimecosplayers. storyhewasseeing. HewaswhiteasWonderBread,withsomething funnyabouthismouth.Hislegswereincasts thathadbeenwrappedwithblackgauze,anda Lesterwouldntworktherideanymore,soPerry pairofblackpointyshoeshadbeenslidoverhis tookitonhisown.Hildawasintownbuying toes,tippedwithelaboratesilvercurlicues. grocerieshischestfreezerofgourmetsurplus ThechairzippedforwardandPerryrecognized foodhadblownitscompressorandthecontents himinaflash:DeathWaits!Hefelthismouth hadspoiledinamessofvenisonandsour dropopenandheshutitandcamearoundthe blueberrysauceandduckpancakesandhe stand. stoodalone.Normallyhelovedthis,beingthe Noway!hesaid,andgrabbedDeathshand, carnivalbarkeratthemiddleofthethreering circusoffans,touristsandhawkers,buttodayhis encrustedinchunkysilverjewelry,adifferent stylizedanimalskulloneachfinger.Deaths castitched,hehadntsleptenough,andthere ruinedmouthpulledupinakindofsmile. werelawyerschasinghim.Lotsoflawyers. AcaravanofcarspulledintothelotlikeaTim Burtonversionofafuneral,alongtrainof funnycarhearseswithjackeduprearwheelsand leaningchimneypots,gargoylesandblack buntingwithsuperbrightblacklightLEDs givingthemacommerciallyeldritchglow. Mixedinweresomestraightcars,andtheycame andcameandcame,caroncar.Thehawkersgot outmorestuff,spreaditoutfurther,andwaited whilethecaravanmaneuvereditselfintoparking spots,spillingoutintothestreet. Ridersgotoutofthecars,mostlysuperskinny gothsalineofspeciallowcalorievegan versionsofVictorianorganmeatdelicacieshad turnedamomandpopcafeinPortland,Oregon, intoaFortune500companyafewyearsbefore inelaborateDIYcostumery.Itshimmered darkly,petticoatsandtoppers,bodicesandbig stompybootsandtrouserscutoffinribbonsat theknees. Theridersconvergedononeofthestraightcars, abeigeminivan,andcrowdedaroundit.A momentlater,theyweremovingtowardPerrys tickettakingstand.Thecrowdpartedasthey approachedandinPerrysawwhomtheydbeen clusteredaround.Itwasaskinnygothkidina wheelchairliketheonestheykeptintheride theydgetthateverynowandagain,aguestin hisownchair,justneedingalittlewireless+1/1 box.Hishairwasshaggyandblackwithgreen Nicetoseeyou,hesaid,limplysqueezing Perryshand.Itwasverykindofyoutovisit meinthehospital. Perrythoughtofallthethingsthathadhappened sincethenandwonderedhowmuchofit,ifany, Deathhadarighttoknowabout.Heleanedin close,consciousofalltheobservers.Imoutof thelawsuit.Weare.MeandLester.Firedthose guys.Behindhisreflectivecontacts,Deaths eyeswidenedatouch. Heslumpedalittle.Becauseofme? Perrythoughtsome.Notexactly.Butinaway. Itwasntus. Deathsmiled.Thankyou. Perrystraightenedup.Lookslikeyoubrought downagoodcrowd,hesaid.Lotsoffriends! Deathnodded.Lotsoffriendsthesedays,he said.Anattractiveyoungwomancameoverand squeezedhisshoulder. TheyweresuchafunnybunchintheirDIYgoth frocks,micromanufacturedcustomizedboots, theirelaboratetattoosandimplantsand piercings,butforallthat,cuddlyandearnest withtheshadowsvisibleofthegeekstheyd been.Perryfelthewassmilingsobroadlyit almosthurt. Ridesareonme,gang,hesaid.Inyougo.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/219 Yourmoneysnogoodhere.AnyfriendofDeath equanimityHildahadhelpedhimwritethe Waitsridesforfreetoday. messagesothatitkindofimpliedthat Theycheeredandpattedhimonthebackasthey everythingwasundercontrolandmovingalong wentthrough,andDeathWaitslookedlikehed nicely. grownthreeinchesinhiswheelchair,andthe prettygirlkissedPerryscheekasshewentby, andDeathWaitshadasmilesobigyoucould hardlytelltherewasanythingwrongwithhis mouth.

ButwhenPerryemailedLestertosayhewas goingtodrivedowntothePOboxthenext morningbeforeopeningtheride,Lesteremailed backinminutesvolunteeringtocomewithhim. HehadcoffeereadybythetimePerrygotoutof theshower.Itwasstillodarkhundredoutside, thesunnotyetrisen,andtheyhardlyspokeas theygotintothecar,butsoontheywereonthe openroad. KettlewellandTjanarentgoingtosueyou, Lestersaid.Thereitwas,allinashortsentence: Ivebeentalkingtothem.Ivebeenfiguringout ifImwithyouorwiththem.Ivebeensaving yourass.Ivebeendecidingtobeonyourside. Goodnews,Perrysaid.Thatwouldhave reallysucked. PerrywaitedfortherestofthedriveforLesterto saysomething,buthedidnt.Itwasalongdrive.

Theyrodeitthroughsixtimesinarow,andas theycamebackaroundforanothergoand another,theytalkedintentlyaboutthestory,the story,thestory.Perryknewaboutthestory,hed seenit,andheandLesterhadtalkeditovernow andagain,buthewasstillconstantlyamazedby itsabilitytoinspireriders. Payingcustomersslippedinandout,too,and seemedtocatchsomeoftheinfectiousintensity ofthestorygroup.Theywentawayinpairs, talkingaboutthestory,andshoppedthemarket stallsforawhilebeforecomingbacktoride again,tolookformorestory.

Theydnevernamedtheride.Ithadalwaysbeen theride.NotevenacapitalR.Forasecond, Thewholewayback,Lestertalkedaboutthe PerrywonderediftheydendupcallingitThe DisneyinaBox.Theredbeensomealien autopsyvideosofthempostedonlinealready, Storyintheend. engineerstakingthemtobits,makingguesses aboutandwhattheydidandhow.Lesterhad watchedthevideosavidlyandheheldhisown PerrygothisDisneyinaBoxthrougha opinions,andhewaseagertogetattheboxand circuitousroute,gettingoneofthehawkers findanswersforhimself.Itwasthesizeofan brotherstoorderittoaPOboxinMiami,to whichPerrywoulddrivedowntopickitupand icechest,toobigtofitonhislap,buthekept lookingoverhisshoulderatit. takeitback. Lesterrousedhimselffromtheapartmentwhen Perrytoldhimithadarrived.Lesterand SuzannehadbeenAWOLfordays,sleepingin untilPerryleft,comingbackafterPerrycame back,untilitfeltliketheywerejusttravelers stayinginthesamehotel.

HehadntheardapeepfromKettlewellorTjan, either.Heguessedthattheywereofffiguring thingsoutwiththeirmoneypeople.Thenetwork Theygotbacktotheridelongbeforeitwasdue toopenandPerryaskedLesterifhewantedto ofrideoperatorshadtakenthenewswith getasecondbreakfastinthetearoominthe

Theboxart,aglossypicoftwochildrenstaring goggleeyedataboxfromwhichDisneoid marvelswereerupting,lookedalittlelikethe MakeYourOwnMonstertoyPerrydhadasa boy.Itactuallymadehisheartskipabeatthe waythatthatoldtoyhad.Really,wasntthat everykidsdream?Amachinethatcreated wondersfromdullfeedstock?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/220 shantytown,butLesterbeggedoff,headingfor hisworkshoptogettogripswiththeBox. SoPerryalonewaitedfortheridetoopen, standingathisfamiliarspotbehindthecounter. Thehawkerscameandnoddedhellotohim.A customershowedup.Another.Perrytooktheir money. Theticketcountersmelledofstickybeverages spilledandlefttobakeintheheat,asoursweet smelllikebile.Hischairwasanuncomfortable barstoolhedgottenfromakitchensurplus place,happyforthebargain.Hedloggedalotof hoursinthatchair.Ithadwreakedhavoconhis lowerspineandtenderizedhisass. HeandLesterhadstartedthisasalark,butnow itwasamovement,andnotonethatwasgood forhismentalhealth.Hedidntwanttobesitting onthatstool.Hemightaswellbeworkingina liquorstoretheskillsetwasthesame. Hildabrokehisreveriebycallinghisphone. Hey,gorgeous,shesaid.Sheboundedoutof bedfullyformed,withoutanyinterveningstages ofprecoffee,invertebrate,preshower,and Homoerectus.Hecouldhearthatshewasready tocatchtheworldbytheankleandchewherway upitsleg. Hey,hesaid. Uhoh.MrBadvibesisback.YouandLester fightinthecar? Naw,hesaid.Thatwasfine.Just...Hetold heraboutthesmellandthestoolandworkingat aliquorstore. Hildanuzzledhimandproddedhimalltheway tothebeach,kissinghimattheredlights.The skywasblueandclearasfarastheeyecouldsee inalldirections,andtheyboughtabagof oranges,anewspaper,beachblankets,sunblock, apicniclunch,andabookofreplicavintage luggagestickersfromhawkersatvariousstop points. Theyunpackedthetrunkintheparkinggarage andsteppedoutintothebrightday,andthats whentheynoticedthewind.Itwasblowingso hardittookHildassarongoffassoonasshe steppedoutontothestreet.Perrybarelyhadtime tosnatchtheclothoutoftheair.Thewind howled. Theylookedupandsawthepalmtreesbending likedrawnbows,thehotdogvendorsandshave icecartsandthejewelryhawkershurriedly pilingeverythingintotheircars. Guessthebeachiscancelled,Hildasaid, pointingoutovertheocean.There,onthe horizon,wasawallofblackcloud,scudding rapidlytowardthemintheragingwind. Shouldacheckedtheweather. Thewindwhippedupstingingcloudsofsand anddebris.Itgustedhardandactuallyblew HildaintoPerry.Hecaughtherandtheyboth laughednervously. Isthisahurricane?sheasked,joking,not joking,tensioninhervoice.

Probablynot.HewasthinkingofHurricane Wilma,though,theyearhedmovedtoFlorida. NoonehadpredictedWilma,whichhadbeena Getoneofthosehomeslicesrunningthe tropicalstormmilesoffthecoastuntilitwasnt, marketstallstotakeoverthecounter,andtake untilitwassmashinga50kmwidepathof metothebeach,then.ItsbeenweeksandIstill destructionfromKeyWesttoKissimmee.Hed haventseentheocean.Imbeginningtothink beenworkingastraightjobasastructural itsanurbanlegend. engineerforacondodeveloper,andhedseen Sothatswhathedid.Hildadroveupinabikini whatagoodblowcoulddotothecondosof Florida,whichwerebuiltmostlyfromdreams, thatmadehisjawdrop,andboughtapairof polarizingcontactsfromJason,andPerryturned promises,spit,andkleenex. thetillovertooneofthemoretrustworthy Wilmahadleftcarsstuckintrees,treesstuckin vendors,andtheyhittheroad. houses,andithadblownjustlikethiswhenit

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/221 hit.Therewasacrackleintheair,andthe sighingofthewindturnedtogroans,seemingto comefromeverywhereatoncethebuildings weremoaningintheirbonesasthewinds buffetedthem. theirfeetandslammedthemtotheground.Perry grabbedHildaanddraggedherintoanalley behindthesurfshop.Thereweredumpsters there,andarecesseddoorway,andthey squeezedpastthedumpsterandintothe Wehavetogetoutofhere,Perrysaid.Now. doorway. Theygotuptothesecondstoreyoftheparking Nowinthelee,theyrealizedhowloudthestorm hadbeen.Theirearsrangwithit,andrangagain garagewhenthewholebuildingmoanedand withanotherthunderclap.Theirchestsheaved shudderedbeneaththem,likeatremor.They frozeonthestairwell.Somewhereinthegarage, andtheyshivered,grabbingeachother.The doorwaystankofpissandthecracklingozone somethingcrashedintosomethingelsewitha soundlikethunder,andthenitwasechoedwith aroundthem. anactualthundercrack,asoundlikeahundred riflesfiredinunison. Hildalookedathim.Noway.Notfurtherup. Notinthisbuilding. Heagreed.Theypelteddownthestreetandinto thefirstsleetingshowerscomingoutofasky thatwasnowdirtygreyandlow.Asandwich boardadvertisingenergybeveragesspunthrough theairlikearazoredgedfrisbee,trailinga lengthofclotheslinethathadtetheredittothe frontofsomebeachsidecafe.Onthebeach acrosstheroad,beachcomberrobotsburrowed intothesand,tryingtogetsafefromthewind, butwerefoiledagainandagain,rolledaround likepotatobugsintothestreet,intothesea,into thebuildings.Theyseizuredlikedyingthings. Perryfeltanirrationalurgetorescuethem. Highground,Hildasaid,pointingawayfrom thebeach.Highgroundandfindabasement. Justlikeatwister. Asheetofwaterliftedoffthesurfaceofthesea andsweptacrosstheroadatthem,soakingthem totheskin,followedbyasheetofsandthat coatedthemfromheadtotoe.Itwasallthe encouragementtheyneeded.Theyran. Theyran,butthestreetswererunningwithrain nowandmoredebriswasrollingpastthem. Theygotuponeblockandsloshedacrossthe road.Theymadeithalfwayupthenextblock, pastacoffeeshopandasurfshopinlowslung buildings,andthewindliterallyliftedthemoff Thisplace,holyfuck,itsabouttoliftoffand flyaway,Hildasaid,panting.Perrysunbroken armthrobbedandhelookeddowntoseea raggedcutrunningthelengthofhisforearm. FromtheDumpster? Itsabigstorm,Perrysaid.Theycome throughnowandagain.Sometimestheyblow away. Whatdotheyblowaway?Trailers?Apartment buildings?Theywerebothspittingsandand Perrysarmoozedblood. Sometimes!Perrysaid.Theyhuddledtogether andlistenedtothewindlashingatthebuildings aroundthem.TheDumpsterblockingtheir doorwaygroaned,andthenitactuallyslidafew inches.Watercourseddownthealleybefore them,withdebriscaughtinit:branches,trash, thenanelectricmotorcycle,scratchingagainst theroadasitrattledthroughtheriver. Theywatcheditpasswithoutspeaking,then bothofthemscreamedandscrambledbackasa hissing,soakedhousecatscrambledoverthe dumpster,landingpracticallyintheirlaps, clawingatthemwithhystericalviciousness. Fuck!Hildasaidasitcaughtholdofher thumbwithitsteeth.Shepushedatitsface ineffectually,hissingwithpain,andPerryfinally workedathumbintothehingeofitsjawand forceditopen.Thecatsprangaway,clawingup hisface,leapingbackontotheDumpster. Hildasthumbwaspuncturedmanytimes,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/222 alreadyrunningfreewithblood.Imgoingto needrabiesshots,shesaid.ButIlllive. Theycuddled,inthebloodandthemud,and watchedtheriverswellandrunwithmoreodd debris:clothesandcoolers,beerbottlesanda laptop,cartonsofmilkandsomeonespurse.A smallpalmtree.Amailbox.Finally,theriver begantowane,theraintofalter. Wasthatit?Hildasaid. Maybe,Perrysaid.Hebreathedinthemoist air.Hisarmsthrobbedonebroken,theother tornopen.Therainwaspeteringoutfastnow, andlookingup,hecouldseeblueskypeeking throughthedirty,heavyclouds,whichwere scuddingawayasfastastheydrolledin. Nexttime,wechecktheweatherbeforewego tothebeach,hesaid. Shelaughedandleanedagainsthimandhe yelpedasshecameintocontactwithhishurt arm.Wegottogetyoutoahospital,shesaid. Getthatlookedat. fromthebackofthecarandusedthefirstaidkit inthetrunktotapethemselvesup. TheytriedtoreachLesterbutnooneanswered. Hesprobablyattheride,Perrysaid.Or ballsdeepinreverseengineeringtheDisneyBox thing.OK,letsfindahotelroom. Everythingonthebeachwasfullybooked,butas theycontinuedinlandforacoupleblocks,they cameuponcoffinhotelsstackedfourorfive capsuleshigh,paintedgayMiamidecopastels, installedinrowsinoldstorefrontsorstuckin streetparkingspots,theirsilveredwindows lookingoutoverthedesertedboulevards. Shouldwe?Perrysaid,gesturingatthem. Ifwecangetanemptyone?Damnrightthese thingsaregoingtobeinseriousdemandin prettyshortorder.

SteppingintothecoffinhoteltransportedPerry backtohisdaysontheroad,hisdaysstayingat coffinhotelaftercoffinhotel,tohisfirstnight withHilda,inMadison.OnelookatHildatold Youtoo,hesaid,pointingatherthumb.Itwas himshefeltthesame.Theywashedeachother slowly,asthoughtheywereunderwater,cleaning allsoweirdandremotenow,astheywalked outoneanotherswounds,sluicingawaythe throughtheMiamistreets,backtowardthe cakedonmudandgrimeblowndeepintotheir garage.Othershockedpeoplewanderedthe earsandthecreasesoftheirskin,nestledagainst streets,weirdlyfriendly,smilingatthemlike theirscalps. theyallsharedasecret. Theylaydowninbed,naked,together,spooned Thebeachfrontwasinshambles,coveredin blowntrashandmud,uprootedtreesandfallen againstoneanother.Youreagoodman,Perry leaves,brokenglassandrolledcars.Perryhitthe Gibbons,Hildasaid,snugglingagainsthim, carradiobeforetheypulledoutofthegarage.An handmovinginslowcirclesonhistummy. announcerreportedthatTropicalStormHenry hadgoneaboutthreemilesinlandbefore peteringouttoameresunshower,alongwith newsaboutthefreewaysandhospitalsbeing equallyjammed. Huh,Perrysaid.Well,whatdowedonow? Letsfindahotelroom,Hildasaid.Have showers,getsomethingtoeat. Theysleptthatwayandgotbackontheroad longpastdark,drivingtheblastedfreeway slowly,movingaroundthebrokenglassand blownouttiresthatremained. Thepathofthehurricanefollowedthecoast straighttoHollywood,alineofsmashedtrees andcarwrecksandblownoffroofsthatmade thenighttimedriveevenmoredisorienting.

Itwasaweirdandfunnyidea,andPerrylikedit. Theywentstraightbacktothecondo,butLester wasntthere.WorrynaggedatPerry.Takeme HedneverplayedtouristinFlorida,butwhat betterplacetodoso?Theygatheredtheirsnacks totheride?hesaid,afterhedpacedthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/223 apartmentafewtimes. waterprooflamps,andLEDtorches,andthe lightsreflectedcrazilyfromthestillwaterthat Hildalookedupfromthesofa,whereshehad collapsedtheinstanttheycamethroughthedoor, filleditasfarastheeyecouldsee,wayoutinto thegloom. armflungoverherface.Youreshittingme, shesaid.Itsnearlymidnight,andwevebeen Lesterlookedupathim.Hisfacewaslinedand inahurricane. exhausted,anditgleamedwithsweat.Storm brokeoutallthewindowsandtrashedtheroof, Perrysquirmed.Ivegotabadfeeling,OK? AndIcantdrivemyself.Heflappedhisbusted thenfloodedusout.Itdidarealnumberonthe market,too.Hisvoicewasdead. armather. Hildalookedathim,hereyesnarrowed.Look, dontbeajerk,OK?Lestersabigboy.Hes probablyjustoutwithSuzanne.Hedhavecalled youiftheredbeenaproblem. Perrywaswordless.Bitsoftherideexhibits floatedinthewater,alongwiththecorpsesof therobots.

Nodrainage,Lestersaid.Thecodesays drainage,buttheresnonehere.Inevernoticedit Helookedather,bewilderedbytheferocityof before.Imgoingtorigapump,butmy herresponse.OK,Illcallacab,hesaid, workshopsprettymuchtoast.Lesters tryingforamiddleground. workshophadbeenintheoldgardencenterat Shejumpedupfromthecouch.Whatever.Fine. thesideoftheride.Itwasallglass.Wehad Letmegetmykeys.Jesus. someprettyamazingwinds. Hehadnoideahowhedangeredher,butitwas Perryfeltlikeheshouldbeshowingoffhis clearthathehad,andthelastthinghewanted woundtoprovethathehadntbeenfuckingoff wastogetintoacarwithher,buthecouldnt whilethedisasterwasunderway,buthecouldnt thinkofawayofsayingthatwithoutescalating bringhimselftodoso.Wegotcaughtinitin things. Miami,hesaid. Sotheydroveinwhitelippedsilencetotheride, Wonderedwhereyouwere.Thekidwhowas Hildatensewithanger,Perrytensewithworry, mindingtheshopjustcutandrunwhenthe bothofthemtouchyascats,neithersayinga stormrolledin. word. Hedid?Christ,whatanirresponsibleasshole. Butwhentheypulleduptotheride,theybothlet Illbreakhisneck. outagasp.Itwaslitwithriggedfloodlightsand carheadlights,anditwasswarmingwithpeople. Aslimyraftofkitchengnomestheirsecond businessventurefloatedpastsilentlyinthe Astheydrewcloser,theysawthatthemarket harshwaterylight.Thesmellwasalmost stallswerestrewnacrosstheparkinglot,in unbearable. smashedpieces.Astheydrewcloserstill,they sawthattherideitselfwasstaringeyelessat ItwasnthisjobLestersvoicecrackedon them,windowglasssmashed. job,andhebreatheddeeply.Itwasnthisjob, Perry.Itwasyourjob.Yourerunningaround, Perrywasoutofthecarevenbeforeitstopped havingagoodtimewithyourgirlfriend,firing rolling,Hildashoutingsomethingafterhim. lawyersHestoppedandbreathedagain.You Lesterwasjustontheothersideoftheride knowthattheyregoingtosueus,right?Theyre entrance,wearingapapermaskandrubber boots,wadinginthreeinchdeep,scummywater. goingtoturnusintoasmokingruinbecauseyou firedthem,andwhatthefuckareyougoingto Perrysplashedtoahalt.Holyshit,he doaboutthat?Whosejobisthat? breathed.Theridewaslitwithglowsticks,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/224 Ithoughtyousaidtheywerentgoingtosue, Sowewontfixtheride.Letsfixus. Perrysaid.Itcameoutinanembarrassed Whybother,Lestersaid,anditcameoutinthe mumble.Lesterhadnevertalkedtohimlikethis. samemumble. Never. Thewaterysoundsoftheroomandthesmell KettlewellandTjanarentgoingtosue,Lester andtheharshreflectedripplinglightmadePerry said.Thelawyersyoufired,theventure wanttoleave.Lesterhebegan. capitalistswhobackedthem?Theyregoingto Lestershookhishead.Theresnothingmorewe turnusintopaste. candotonight,anyway.Illrentapumpinthe Whatwouldyouhavepreferred?Hildasaid. morning. Shewasstandinginthedoorway,awayfromthe Illdoit,Perrysaid.YouworkontheDisney flood,watchingthemintently.Hereyeswere inaBoxthing. raccoonbagged,butshewasrigidwithanger. Perrycouldhardlylookather.Wouldyouhave Lesterlaughed,abittersound.Yeah,OK, preferredtohavethosefuckersgoaround buddy.Sure. destroyingthelivesofyoursupportersinorder Outintheparkinglot,thehawkerswereputting toenrichafewpigassholes? theirstallsbacktogetherasbesttheycould.The Lesterjustlookedather. shantytownwaslitupandPerrywonderedhow ithadheldtogether.Prettygood,iswhathe Well? guessedtheymetandexceededcountycodeon Shutup,Yoko,hesaid.Werehavinga allofthoseplans. privateconversationhere. Hildahonkedthehornathim.Shewasfuming Perrysjawdropped,andHildawasalreadyin behindthewheelandtheydroveinsilence.He motion,sloshingintothewaterinhersandals. feltnumbandwrungoutandhedidntknow ShesmackedLesteracrossthecheek,acrack whattosaytoher.Helayawakeinbedthatnight thatechoedbackoverthewaterandwalls. waitingtohearLestercomehome,buthedidnt. Lesterbroughthishanduptohisreddeningface. Areyoudone?hesaid,hisvoicehard. Sammylovedhismorningmeetings.Theyall HildalookedatPerry.LesterlookedatPerry. cametohisoffice,allthedifferentparkexecs, Perrylookedatthewater. creatives,andemissariesfromtheoldpartner Illmeetyoubythecar,Perrysaid.Itcameout companiesthathadspunofftomakemoviesand inamumble.Theyheldforamoment,thethree merchandeducationalmaterials.Theyallcame ofthem,thenHildawalkedoutagain,leaving eachdaytotalktohimaboutthenextdays LesterandPerrylookingatoneanother. DisneyinaBoxbuild.Theyallcametobeghim tothinkaboutaddinginsomethingfromtheir Imsorry,Perrysaid. franchisesandcantonstothenextinstallment. AboutHilda?Aboutthelawsuits?About TherewereoveramillionDiaBsinthefield skippingout? now,andtheywerenteventryingtokeepup Abouteverything,hesaid.Letsfixthisup, withordersanymore.Sammylovedlookingat OK? theonlineauctionsitestoseewhattheboxes Theride?IdontevenknowifIwantto.Why weregoingforheknewthatsomeofhispeople hadsiphonedoffacarloadortwoofthethingsto bother?Itllcostafortunetogetitonline,and theyllonlyshutitdownagainwiththelawsuit. etailoutthebackdoor.Helovedthat.Nothing wasabetterbarometerofyoursuccessthan Whybother.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/225 havingmadesomethingotherpeoplecared enoughabouttosteal. TheonlythingIlikedaboutfiretruckswhenI wasakidwasthatthewordstartedwithfand endedwithuckSammysmiledwhenhe Helovedhismorningmeetings,andhe saidit,andwaitedforWienertofakehilarity, conductedthemwiththeflairofabenevolent too.Theothersintheroomotherparkexecs, emperor.Hedgottenabiggeroffice someoftheirlicensingpartners,afew technicallyitwasaboardroomforDiaB strategy,butSammywastheDiaBstrategy.Hed advertiserslaughedtoo.Officially,thiswasa outfitteditwithfanphotosoftheirDiaBshrines brainstormingsession,buteveryoneknewthat intheirhomes,withkidswatchingenthralledas itwasallaboutgettingthenodfromSammy. thedaysmodelwasassembledbeforetheireyes. Wienerlaugheddutifullyandslunkaway.More Thehypnoticfascinationintheireyeswas supplicantscameforward. unmistakable.Disneywasthefocusoftheirdaily Howaboutthis?Shewasverycutedressed lives,andalltheywantedwasmore,more,more. insmart,darkclothesthatweremoreLowerEast Hecouldpushoutfivemodelsaday,ten,and SidethanOrlando.Shesmelledgood,tooone theydgonutsforthem. ofthenewcolognesthathintedatfree Buthewouldnt.Hewastoocunning.One modeladaywasall.Leavethemwantingmore. Neverbreatheahintofwhatthenextdays modelwouldbeoh,howhelovedtowatchthe blogsandthechatterasthemodelsself assembled,theheated,timeboundfightsover whatthedaysmodelwasgoingtobe. monomers,likehotplasticoranewboughttire. Catslantedgreeneyescompletedthepackage.

Whatyougotthere?Shewasfromanad agency,someoneDisneyParkshaddone businesswithatsomepoint.Agencieshadbeen sendingtheirpeopletothesemeetingstoo, tryingtogetacobrandingcoupforoneoftheir Goodmorning,Ron,hesaid.Wienerhadbeen clients. lobbyingtogetaMainStreetbuildintothe Itsaseriesofthree,tellingalittlestory. modelsforweeksnow,andSammywastaking Beginning,middleandend.Thefirstoneisa greatpleasureindenyingittohimwithout familysittingdowntobreakfast,andyoucan shuttingdownallhope.GettingRonWienerto see,itsthesameoldcrap,boringmicrowave grovelbeforehimeverymorningwasbetterthan omeletsandbreakfastpuddings.Momsbored, acupofcoffee. dadsmorebored,andsisandbrotherhereare Ivebeenthinkingaboutwhatyousaid,and youreright,Wienersaid.Healwaysstartedthe meetingbytellingSammyhowrighthewasto rejecthislastidea.Theflagpoleandmarching bandscenewouldhavetoomanypieces.House catswouldknockitover.Weneedsomething moreunitary,morevisuallystriking.Soheres whatIvebeenthinking:whataboutthefire engine? Sammyraisedanindulgenteyebrow. secretlydumpingtheirsontomomsanddads plates.Allthisstuffisrunusingthesame printers,soitlooksveryrealistic. Itdidindeed.Sammyhadntthoughtaboutit, buthesupposeditwasonlynaturalthatthe omeletswereprintedhowelsecouldGeneral Millsgetthatuniformity?Heshouldtalkto someofthepeopleinfoodservicesaboutgetting someofthattechtoworkattheparks.

Soinparttwo,theyresettingupthekitchen Kidslovefiretrucks.Allthecolorsareinthe aroundthismysteryboxonepartEasyBake printersgamutIchecked.Wecouldcreatea lightbulboven,onepartTardis.Youknowwhat MickeyandFriendsfirecrewtopositionaround thatis? it,alittlebarnforit. Sammygrinned.Whyyes,IbelieveIdo.Their

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/226 eyesmetinafiercelookofmutualrecognition. Itsabreakfastprinter,isntit?Theother supplicantsintheroomsuckedinacollective breath.Somechucklednervously. Itsaboutmovingtheapparatustotheedge. Bridgingthelastmile.Whynot?Thisonewill dowaffles,breakfastcereals,bagelsandbaked goods,smallcakes.Newdesignseveryday somethingformomanddad,somethingforthe kids,somethingforthesullenteens.Were alreadydoingthisattheregionalplantsand distributorships,onmuchlargerscales.But gettingourstuffintoconsumershomes,getting themsubscribedtoourfood Thursday? LaunchonSunday?Sheshookherhead.Its tricky,Sundaylaunches.Gottapayeveryone scaleandahalf.Shegavehimawink.What thehell,itsnotmymoney.Shestuckouther hand.Shewaswearingacoupleofnicechunky obsidianringsinabstractcurvyshapes,looking alittlepornyintheirsuggestionofbreastsand thighs.Heshookherhandanditwaswarmand dryandstrong. Well,thatsthisweektakencareof,Sammy said,andpointedlyclearedthewhiteboard surfacerunningthelengthofthetable.The othersgroanedandgotupandfiledout.The womanstayedbehind.

Sammyheldupahand.Isee,hesaid.And ourpeoplearealreadyprimedforhomeprinting Dinah,shesaid.Shehandedhimacardandhe experiences.Theyrerightinyoursweetspot. notedtheagency.Dallasbased,notNewYork, Partthree,Juniorandlittlesisaregoingcuckoo buthecouldtellshewasatransplant. forCocoaPuffs,butthesethingsareshapedlike Yougotanybreakfastplans?Itwashardly them,withtheirportraitsoneachsugarlump. gone9AMSammylikedtogetthesemeetings Momanddadareeatingtressophistique startedearly.Inormallygetsomethingsentin, croissantsanddelicatecakes.LookatRover butyourlittleprototypesthere... here,withhisowncatshapeddogbiscuit.See Shelaughed.Itwasaprettylaugh.Shewasa howhappytheyallare? coupleyearsolderthanhim,andsheworeit Sammynodded.Shouldntthisallbeunder well.DoIhavebreakfastplans?Sammymy nondisclosure?hesaid. boy,Imnothingbutbreakfastplans!Ihavea Probably,butwhatareyougonnado?Youguys launchonSunday,remember? areprettygoodatkeepingsecrets,andifyou Heh.Ohyeah. decidetoshaftusbysellingouttooneofour ImonthenextflighttoDFW,shesaid.Ive competitors,wereprobablydead,anyway.Ill beabletoshipouthalfamillionunitsinthefirst gotacabwaitingtotakemetotheairport. week,thenwecanrampproductionifneedbe IwonderifyouandIneedtotalkoversome lotsoflittlepartsandassemblysubcontractors details,Sammysaid. willtaketheworkifweoffer. Onlyifyouwanttodoitinthetaxi. Sammylikedthewayshetalked.Likesomeone whodidntneedtospendalotoftimescrewing Iwasthinkingwecoulddoitontheplane,he said. around,planning,likesomeonewhocouldjust makeithappen. Youregoingtobuyaticket? Yourelaunchingwhen? Onmyplane,hesaid.Theydgivenhimuseof oneofthecompanyjetswhenhestartedreally Threedaysafteryoustartrunningthis campaign,shesaid,withoutbattinganeyelash. rampingproductionontheDiaBs. Ohyes,Ithinkthatcanbearranged,shesaid. MynamesSammy,hesaid.Hows ItsSammy,right?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/227 Right,hesaid.Theyleftthebuildingandhad analtogetherlovelyflighttoDallas.Very productive. LesterhadntleftSuzannesapartmentindays. Shedrentedaplaceintheshantytown bemusedattheideaofpayingrenttoasquatter, butpleasedtohaveaplaceofherownnowthat LesterandPerrysapartmenthadbecomeso tense. Technically,hewasworkingontheDisney printers,whichshefoundinterestinginan abstractway.Theyhadaworkingoneanda coupleofdisassembledones,andwatchingthe workingonedoitsthingwasfascinatingfora dayortwo,butthenitwasjustathreeDTV withonechannel,broadcastingoneframeper day. Shedutifullywroteaboutit,though,andabout Perrysongoingeffortstoreopentheride.She gotthesensefromhimthathewasheadingfor flatassbroke.Lesterandhehadalwaysbeen casualaboutmoney,butbuyingallnewrobots, moreprinters,replacementwindows,fixingthe roofnoneofitwascheap.Andwiththemarket inpieces,hewasntgettinganyrent. wheretogetthedaysdesigns.Ifweregoingto pushourowndesignstoit,weneedtogive peopleaneasywaytotellittotuneintoour feed,andthebestwaytodothatistochangethe firmware.Thealternativewouldbe,oh,Idont know,puttinganothermachineupstreamofitto trickitintothinkingthatitsaccessingtheirsite whenitsreallygoingtoours.Thatmeans gettingpeopletoconfigureanothermachineno onebutafewhardcoregeekswillwanttodo that. Suzannenodded.Shewonderedifafew hardcoregeekssummedupthetotalaudience forthisprojectinanyevent.Shedidntmention it,though.Lestersbrowwassofurrowedyou couldloseadimeinthecreaseabovehisnose. Well,Imsureyoullgetit,shesaid. Yeah.Itsjustamatterofgettingattheboot loader.IcouldtotallydothisifIcouldgetatthe bootloader. Suzanneknewwhatabootloaderwas,just barely.ThethingthatchosewhichOStoload whenyouturnediton.Shewonderedifevery daring,sexytechnologyprojectstartedlikethis, acrankyhackermutteringangrilyaboutboot loaders.

ShelookedoverLestersshoulderforthefiftieth SuzannemissedRussia.Shedhadagoodlife there,coveringthebiotechscene.Thosehackers time.Howsitgoing? werealotscarierthanLesterandPerry,butthey Dontwriteaboutthis,OK? werestilllovableandfascinatingintheirown Hedneversaidthattoher. way.BetterthantheFordandGMexecssheused tohavetocozyupto. Illembargoituntilyouship. Hegrunted.Fine,Iguess.OK,well,Ivegotit runningongenericgoop,thatpartwaseasy.I canalsoloadmyowndesigns,butthatrequires physicalaccesstothething,inordertoloadnew firmware.Theydontmakeiteasy,whichis weird.Itsliketheydontplanonupdatingit onceitsinthefieldmaybetheyjustplanon replacingthematregularintervals. Whysthefirmwaremattertoyou? Well,thatswhereitstoresinformationabout ShedlikedthemanichustleofRussia,the glamourandthesqualor.Shedboughtatime sharedachathatshecouldspendweekendsat, andtheexpatsinPetersburghadrollicking partiesanddinnerswheretheytookapartthe daysexperiencesonPlanetPetrograd. Imgoingout,Lester,shesaid.Lesterlooked upfromtheDiaBandblinkedafewtimes,then seemedtorewindtheconversation. Hey,hesaid.Oh,hey.Sorry,Suzanne.Im justImtryingtoworkinsteadofthinkthese

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/228 days.Thinkingjustmakesmeangry.Idont knowwhattodoHebrokeoffandthumped thesideoftheprinter. HowsPerrygettingonwithrebuilding? suit. Isthereaquestioninthere?

Oh,therearemanyquestionsinthere,my darling.Forstarters,Iwonderedhowitcould Hesgettingon,Lestersaid.AsfarasIknow. possiblybetrueifyouhaventwrittenaboutit IreadthattheDeathWaitskidandhispeople onyourlittleblogevenoverthephone,she hadcomebytohelp.Whateverthatmeans. couldhearthesarcasticquotes.Youseemto bequitecomprehensiveindocumentingthe Hefreaksmeout,Suzannesaid.Imean,I feelterribleforhim,andheseemedniceenough undertakingsofyourfriendsdowntherein Florida. inthehospital.Butallthosepeopletheway theyfollowhimaround.Itsjustweird.Likethe AreyouaskingmetocommentonwhyI charismaticcultsbackhome.Sherealizedshed haventcommented? justcalledRussiahomeanditmadeherfrown. Forstarters. Justhowlongwasshegoingtostayherewith HaveyouapproachedPerryforacomment? thesepeople,anyway? Lesterhadntnoticed.Iguesstheyallfeelsorry Imafraidhewasratherabrupt.AndIcouldnt forhim.Andtheylikewhathehastosayabout reachhisValkyrieoftheMidwest,either.SoIm stories.Ijustcantgetalotofspitinmymouth leftcallingonyou,Suzanne.Anycomment? overtheridethesedays,though.Itfeelslike Suzannestaredacrosstheroadattheride.Shed somethingwedidandcompletedandshould beengassedthere,chasedbyarmedmen, moveonfrom. watchedawarthere. Suzannedidnthaveanythingtosay,andLester Theridedoesnthavemuchformaldecision wasntparticularlyexpectinganything,hewas makingprocess,shesaidfinally.Thatmeans givingoffapalpableletmeworkvibe,soshelet thatwordslikefireddontreallyapplyhere. herselfoutoftheapartmentherapartment! Theboysmighthaveadisagreementaboutthe andheadedoutintotheshantytown.Ontheway bestwaytoproceed,butifthatsthecase,youll totheride,shepassedthelittleteahousewhere havetotalktothemaboutit. KettlewellandTjanhaddonetheirschemingand Areyousayingthatyoudontknowifyour shesuddenlyfeltvery,veryold.Theonly boyfriendsbestfriendisfightingwithhis grownuponsite. businesspartners?Dontyoualllivetogether? Shewasabouttocrossthefreewaytotheride whenherphonerang.Shelookedatthefaceand Imsayingthatifyouwanttofindoutwhat LesterandPerryaredoing,youllhavetoask thennearlydroppedit.Freddywascallingher. LesterandPerry. Hello,Suzanne,hesaid.Thegloatinhisvoice Andthelivingtogetherthing? wasunmistakable.Hehadsomethingreally slimyuphissleeve. Wedontlivetogether,shesaid.Itwas technicallytrue. HowcanIhelpyou? Imcallingforcommentonastory,hesaid. Itsmyunderstandingthatyourlad,Perry, pitchedatantieandfiredthebusinessmanagers oftheride,andhastoldthelawyersrepresenting himagainstDisneythatheintendstodropthe Really?Freddysaid. Dowehaveabadconnection? Youdontlivetogether? No.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/229 Wheredoyoulivethen? vendorsmovedontotheirnextstall.Itwaslikea hightechversionofanAmishbarnraising, Myplace,shesaid.Haveyourinformants beenmisinformingyou?Ihopeyouhaventbeen performedbybandannacladsketchyhawkers insteadofbeardedtechnophobes. payingforyourinformation,Freddy.Isuppose youdont,though.Isupposetheresnoendof ShefoundPerryinside,leaningoveraprinter, crankswhoreallyenjoyspitefulgossipandare tinkeringwithitsguts,LEDtorchesclippedto morethanhappytoemailyouwhateverfantasies thetemplesofhisglasses.Hewashamperedby theyconcoct. havingonlyonegoodarm,andhepressedher intoservicepassinghimtoolsforagoodfifteen Freddytsked.Andyoudontknowwhats minutesbeforehestraightenedupandreally happenedtoKettlewellandTjan? lookedather. Haveyouaskedthem? Youcomedowntohelpout? Iwill,hesaid.Butsinceyouretheranking Towriteaboutit,actually. reporteronthescene. Theroomwasahiveofactivity.Alotofgoth Imjustablogger,Freddy.Abusyblogger. kidsofvariousagesanddegreesoffreakiness,a Goodafternoon. fewofthesquatterkids,somepeopleshe Thecalllefthershaking,thoughshewasproud recognizedfromthesecondcomingofDeath ofhowcalmshedkepthervoice.Whata Waits.ShecouldntseeDeathWaits,though. goddamnedtroll.Andshewasgoingtohaveto Well,thatsgood.Hepowereduptheprinter writeaboutthisnow. andtheairfilledwiththefamiliarsmellof Therewereladdersleanedupagainsttheedgeof SaranWrapinamicrowave.Shehadaneerie theride,andamotleycrewofroofersand flashbacktoherfirstvisittothisplace,when glaziersonthemandontheroof,workingto theydshowedherhowtheycouldprintmutated, replacethegapingholesthestormhadleft.The WarholizedBarbieheads.HowsLestergetting workersmostlyworeblackandhaddyedhair onwithcrackingthatprinter? andlotsofmetalflashingfromtheirearsand Whydontyouaskhimyourself?Shedidntsay facesastheyworked.Acouplehadstrippedto it.ShedidntknowwhyLesterhadcometoher thewaist,revealingfullbacktattoosoreven morepiercingsandsubcutaneousimplants,like placeafterthefloodinsteadofgoinghome,why hestiffenedupandsniffedwhenshementioned armorrunningovertheirspinesandshoulder Perrysname,whyhelookedawaywhenshe blades.Acoupleofboomboxesblastedout mentionedHilda. grinding,incoherentmusicwithalotof electronicscreams. Somethingaboutfirmware. Aroundtheride,themarketstallswerecoming back,rebuiltfromatoweroffreshsawedlumber stackedintheparkinglot.Thiswasalotmore efficient,withgangsofvendorsquicklysawing thelumbertostandardsizes,slappingeachone withapositionalsensor,thenwatchingthe sensorslightstotellthemwhenitwasproperly linedupwithitsmates,andthenslippingon cornerclipsthathelditalltogether.Suzanne watchedasawholemarketstallcametogether thisway,inthespaceoffiveminutes,beforethe Hestraightenedhisbackmore,makingitpop andgaveherhisdevilishgrin,theonewherehis wonkyeyebrowwentupanddown.Itsalways firmware,hesaid,andlaughedalittle.Maybe theywerebothrememberingthoseolddays,the BoogieWoogieElmos. Lookslikeyouvegotalotofhelp,Suzanne said,gettingoutalittlestenopadandapen. Perrynoddedatit,andshewasstruckbyhow manytimestheydstoodlikethis,afewfeet

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/230 apart,herpenpoisedoverherpad.Shed chronicledsomuchofthismanslife. Theyregoodpeople,thesefolks.Someofthem havesomecarpentryorelectronicsexperience, therestarewillingtolearn.Itsgoingfasterthan Ithoughtitwould.Lotsofsupportfromoutin theworld,toopeoplesendingincashtohelp withreplacementparts. HaveyouheardfromKettlewellorTjan? Thelightwentoutofhisface.No,hesaid. Howaboutfromthelawyers? Nocomment,hesaid.Itdidntsoundlikea joke. Comeon,Perry.Peoplearestartingtoask questions.Someonesgoingtowriteaboutthis. Doyouwantyoursidetoldornot? Not,hesaid,anddisappearedbackintothe gutsoftheprinter. Shestaredathisbackforalongwhilebefore turningonherheel,muttering,Fuck,and walkingbackoutintothesunshine.Theredbeen amustysmellintheride,butouthereitwasthe Floridasmellofcitrusandcarfumes,andsweat fromthepeoplearoundher,workinghard,trying towrestalivingfromtheworld. Shewalkedbackacrossthefreewaytothe shantytownandranintoHildacomingtheother way.Theyoungerwomangaveheracoollook andthenlookedaway,andcrossed. Thatwasjustaboutenough,Suzannethought. Enoughplaytimewiththekids.Timetogofind somegrownups.Shewasnthereforherhealth. IfLesterdidntwanttohangoutwithher,if Perryhadhadenoughofher,itwastimetogo dosomethingelse. Shewentbacktoherroom,whereLesterwas stillworkingonhisDiaBproject.Shetookout hersuitcaseandpackedwiththeefficiencyof longexperience.Lesterdidntnotice,noteven whenshetooktheblouseshedhandwashed andhungtodryonthebackofhischair,foldedit andputitinhersuitcaseandzippeditshut. Shelookedathisbackworkingoverthebench foralongtime.Hehadasixpackofchocolate puddingbesidehim,andawastebasket overflowingwithfoodwrappersandboxes.He shiftedinhisseatandletoutasoftfart. Sheleft.Shepaidthelandladythroughtheend oftheweek.ShecouldsendLesteranemail later. ThecabtookhertoMiami.Itwasntuntilshe gottotheairportthatsherealizedshehadno ideawhereshewasgoing.Boston?San Francisco?Petersburg?Sheopenedherlaptop andbegantopriceoutlastminutetickets.The rushoftravelersmovedaroundherandshewas jostledmanytimes. Thestandbysitesgaveherathousandoptions MiamitoJFKtoHeathrowtoPetersburg,Miami toFrankfurttoMoscowtoPetersburg,Miamito DallastoSanFrancisco....Thepermutations wereoverwhelming,especiallysinceshewasnt surewhereshewantedtobe. Thensheheardsomethinghomeyandfamiliar:a largegroupofRussiantouristswalkingpast, talkingloudlyinRussian,complainingaboutthe longflight,thebadfood,andtheincompetence oftheirtouroperator.Shesmiledtoseetheold menwiththeirhighwaistedpantsandtheold womenwiththeirbouffanthair. Shecouldnthelpbuteavesdropattheir volume,shewouldhavebeenhardpressednotto listenin.Alittleboyandgirltoreassaroundthe airport,underthedisapprovingglaresfromDHS goons,andtheyscreamedastheyran,Disney World!DisneyWorld!DisneyWorld! Shedneverbeenshedbeentoacoupleofthe kitschyGulagparksinRussia,andshedgrown upwithSixFlagscoasterparksandOntario PlaceandtheCNEinToronto,notfarfrom Detroit.ButshedneverbeentoTheBigOne, theplacethatevennowmanagedtodominatethe worldsconsciousnessofthemeparks. Sheaskedherstandbysitestofindheraroomin

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/231 aDisneyhotelinstead,lookingforaninclusive ratethatwouldgetherontotheridesandpayfor hermeals.Thesewereadvertisedatroadside kiosksat100yardintervalsoneveryfreewayin Florida,soshesuspectedtheywerethebestdeal going. Amomentofbrowsingshowedherthatshed guessedwrong.AweekinDisneycostaheart stoppingsumofmoneytheequivalentofsix months'rentinPetersburg.Howdidallthese Russiansaffordthistrip?Whatthehell compelledpeopletopartwiththesesums? Shewasgoingtohavetofindout.Itwas research.Plussheneededavacation. Shebookedin,boughtabullettrainticket,and grabbedthehandleofhersuitcase.She examinedherwelcomepackageasshewaitedfor thetrain.Shewasstayingatsomethingcalled thePolynesianResorthotel,andthebrochure showedatickytackytikithemedsetof longhousessetonanersatzwhitesandbeach, withacrewofMexicanandCubandomestic workersinleis,Hawaiianshirts,andlavalavas wavingandsmiling.Herpackageincludeda complimentaryluauthepicturesmadeitclear thiswasnothinglikethetouristluausshed attendedinMaui.Ontopofthat,shewas entitledtoacharacterbreakfastwithawage slaveinanoverheatedplushcostume,andan hourwitharesortcounsellorwhodhelpher planhertripformaximalfun. Thebullettraincameandtookonthe passengers,familiesbouncingwithanticipation, jokingandlaughingineverylanguagespoken. ThesepeoplehadjustcomethroughaUS Customscheckpointandtheywereactinglike theworldwasafineplace.Shedecidedthere mustbesomethingtothisDisneybusiness. DeathWaitswaited,andwaitedandwaitedfor theridetocomebackonline.Hesplithisdays betweenhangingoutathome,writingaboutthe story,runningtheflythroughsfromtheother rides,watchingwhatwashappeninginBrazil, answeringhisfanmail;therestofthetimehe spentwithhisnewfriendsdownatthesiteofthe ride,encouragingthemtopitchinandhelpPerry andLestertogetthethingbackupandrunning. Fast,please.Itwasdrivinghimbonkersnottobe abletorideanylonger.Aftereverythinghed beenthrough,hedeservedaride. Hisfriendswerewonderful.Wonderful!Lacey especially.Shewasanurseandagoddessof mercy.Themoneythatfloodedintohispaypals wheneverhisfriendsletitbeknownthathe neededmorecoveredallhisexpenses.Henever wantedforcompanionship,conversation, helpmeets,orrespect.Itwasawonderfullife. Ifonlytheridewouldcomeonline. HewokenexttoLacey,sheasleepstill,herhair spreadoutacrossthepillowinafallofshiny blackwithbluehighlightsshedgivenhima matchingdyejobafewdaysbeforeandthey lookedlikeamatchedsetnow.Helethishands lazilytracehersoftskin,theoutlinesofher tattoos,herimplantsandpiercings.Hefelta stirringbetweenhislegs. Laceyyawnedandwokeandkissedhim.Good morning,myhandsomeman,shesaid. Goodmorning,mybeautifulwoman.Whats theplanfortoday? Whateveryouwant,shesaid. Breakfast,thendowntotheride,hesaid.Ill domyemailandwritingtheretoday. Somethingbeforebreakfast?sheasked,witha lopsidedsmilethatwasadorable. Ohyes,please,hesaid,hisvoicebreathy. ThesmellattheWalMartwasoverpowering.It wasonepartsharpmold,onepartindustrial disinfectant,acitrussmellthatmadeyoureyes waterandyoursinusesburn. Iverentedsomebigblowers,Perrysaid. Theyllhelpairtheplaceout.Ifthatdoesnt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/232 work,Imighthavetoresurfacethefloor,which theresnotmuchtodoaroundhere.Ithought wouldberoughitcouldtakeaweektogetthat maybewecouldhelpyouwithwhateveryou doneproperly. wereworkingon? Aweek?Deathsaid.Jesus.Noway.Not anotherweek.Hedidntknowitforsure,buthe hadafeelingthatalotofthesepeoplewould stopshowingupeventuallyiftherewasnoride forthemtogeekoutover.Hesurewould. Yousmellthat?Wecantclosethedoorsand thewindowsandleaveitlikethis. Deathspeople,standingaroundthem,listening in,nodded.Itwastrue.Youdmeltpeoples lungsifyoushutthemupwiththesefumes. HowcanIhelp?Deathsaid.Itwashis constantmantrawithPerry.Sometimeshedidnt thinkPerrylikedhimverymuch,anditwas goodtokeeponremindinghimthatDeathand hisbuddieswereheretobepartofthesolution. ThatPerryneededthem. Theroofisjustaboutdone,therobotsareback online.Thedividersshouldbedonetoday.Ive gotthechairsstrippeddownforroutine maintenance,Icoulduseacouplepeoplefor that. WhatsLesterworkingon?Deathsaid. Youdhavetoaskhim. DeathhadntseenLesterindays,whichwas weird.HehopedLesterdidntdislikehim.He worriedalotaboutwhetherpeoplelikedhim thesedays.HedthoughtthatSammylikedhim, afterall. Whereishe? Dontknow. Perryputdarkglasseson. DeathWaitstookthehint.Comeon,hesaidto Lacey,whopattedhimonthehandashelifted upinhischairandrolledouttothevan.Lets justcallhim. Lo? ItsDeathWaits.Weredownattheride,but WhatdoyouknowaboutwhatImworking on?Lestersaid. Um.Nothing. Sohowdoyouknowyouwanttohelp? DeathWaitsclosedhiseyes.Hewantedtohelp thesetwo.Theydmadesomethingimportant, didnttheyknowthat? Whatareyouworkingon? Nothing,Lestersaid. Comeon,Deathsaid.Comeon.Wejustwant topitchin.Iloveyouguys.Youchangedmylife. Letmecontribute. Lestersnorted.Crosstheroad,gostraightfor twohundredyards,turnleftatthehousewiththe CesarChavezmural,andIllmeetyouthere. YoumeangointotheDeathdidntknow whatitwascalled.Healwaystriednottolookat itwhenhecametotheride.Thatslumacrossthe road.Heknewitwassomehowconnectedwith theride,butinthesamewaythatthe administrativebuildingsatDisneywere connectedwiththeparks.Thebigdifferencewas thatDisneysextraneousbuildingswereshielded fromviewbybermsandpaintedgoawaygreen. Theweirdtownacrosstheroadwasrightthere. Yeah,acrosstheroadintotheshantytown. OK,Deathsaid.Seeyousoon.Hehungup andpattedLaceyshand.Weregoingover there,hesaid,pointingintotheshantytown. Isitsafe? Heshrugged.Iguessso.Helovedhischair, lovedhowtallitmadehim,lovedhowitturned himintoahalftoncyborgwhocouldraiseupon hisrearwheelsandrockbackandforthlikea triffid.Nowhefeltveryvulnerableacrippled cyborgwhoseapparatuscostasmallfortune, abouttogointoaneighborhoodfullofpeople whoweretechnicallyhomeless.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/233 Shouldwedrive? ProductosdeDominica,BeautifulforLadies, OFERTA!!!,FantasyNails.Hepassedtwenty Ithinkwecanmakeitacross,hesaid.Traffic differentshopsinasmanysteps,someofthem waslight,thoughthecarsthatbombedpastwere seeminglynothingmorethanacounterrecessed doing90ormore.Hestartedtogatherupafew intothewallwithayoungmansittingbehindit, moreofhispeople,butreconsidered.Itwasa grinningatthem. littlescarytobegoingintothetown,buthe couldntaffordtofreakoutLesterbyshowingup Laceystoppedatoneandboughtthemcansof coffeeandsmallMexicanpastriesdustedwith withanentourage. cinnamon.Hewatchedahundredpairsofeyes Theguardrailshieldingthetownhadbeenbent watchLaceyasshedrewoutherpurseandpaid. downandflattenedandthechairwheeledoverit Atfirsthethoughtofthedanger,butthenhe easily,withhardlyabump.Astheycrossedthis realizedthatifanyonewastomugthem,it border,theycrossedovertoanotherworld.There wouldbeinfullsightofallthesepeople. werecookingsmellsbarbecueandCuban Itwasafunnythought.Hedgrownupinsparse spicesandalittlehintofseptictankor suburbswhereyoudneverseeanyonewalking compostheap.Thebuildingsdidntmakeany orstandingonthesidewalksortheirporches. sensetoDeathseye,theycurvedorslopedor Eventhoughitwasaniceneighborhood,there twistedorleanedandseemedtobemadeof weremuggingsandevenkillingsatregular, equalpartsprefabcementandaluminumand horrificintervals.Walkingtherefeltliketaking scraplumber,laundrylines,powerlines,and yourlifeintoyourhands. graffiti. Deathwasusedtodrawingstares,evenbeforehe becameacyborgwithabeautifulwomanbeside him,butthiswasdifferent.Therewereeyes everywhere.Littlekidsplayinginthestreet hadntthesepeopleheardofstrangerdanger stoppedtostareathimwithbigshoebutton eyes.Facespeeredoutofwindowsfromthe groundonuptothethirdstorey.Voices whisperedandcalled. Laceygavethemhersunniestsmileandeven wavedatthelittlekids,andDeathtriednodding atsomeofthehomeysstaringathimfromthe windowofwhatlookedlikealittlediner. Deathhadntknownwhattoexpectfromthis littletown,buthecertainlyhadntpicturedso manylittleshops.Herealizedthathethoughtof shopsasbeingsomehowcivilizedtaxpaying, licensebearingentitieswithcommercial relationshipswithsuppliers,withcashregisters andemployees.Notlawlessandwild. Here,inthiscrowdedplacewithahuman densitylikeaDisneypark,itfeltsomehowsafer. Weird. TheycametowhathadtobetheCesarChavez muralaMexicaninacowboyhatstandinglike apreacheronthetailgateofatruck,surrounded bymoreMexicans,farmertypesincottonshirts andbluejeansandcowboyhats.Theyturnedleft androundedacornerintoalittleculdesacwith aconfusionofhopscotcheschalkedontothe ground,ringedbyparkedbicyclesandscooters. Lesterstoodamongthem,eatingachurroina pieceofwaxpaper. Youseemtoberecoveringquickly,hesaid, sizingupDeathinhischair.Goodtoseeit.He seemedalittledistant,whichDeathchalkedup tobeinginterrupted.

Itsgreattoseeyouagain,Deathsaid.My friendsandIhavebeencomingbytherideevery day,helpingouthoweverwecan,butwenever Buteverygroundfloorseemedtohaveatleasta seeyouthere,soIthoughtIdcallyou. smallshop,advertisedwithbrightOLEDpixel Youdcallme. boardsthatshowedrotatingenticements Toseeifwecouldhelp,Deathsaid.With

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/234 whateveryouredoing. Comein,Lestersaid.Hegesturedbehindhim andDeathnoticedforthefirsttimethesmall signthatsaidHOTELROTHSCHILD,witha statelypeacockbehindit. stickitonanetworkwithaPC,andthePCwill finditandupdateit.Thenitbecomesanopen boxitllacceptanyonesgoop.Youcansendit yourownplans.

DeathhadntseenaDiaBinpersonyet. Thedoorwasalittlenarrowforhisrollingchair, Beholdingitandknowingthathewasthereason buthemanagedtogetitinwithalittlebackand thatLesterandPerrywereexperimentingwithit inthefirstplacemadehimfeelasenseof forth,butonceinside,hewasstymiedbythe narrowstaircaseleadinguptotheupperfloors. excitementhehadntfeltsincethegothrehabof Fantasylandbegan. Thelobbysuchasitwaswascompletely filledbyhim,LaceyandLester,andevenifthe Sohowdoesthistieintotheride?Death chaircouldhavesqueezedupthestairs,it asked.Iwasthinkingofbuildingridesin couldnthavecorneredtogetthere. miniature,butatthatscale,willitreallyimpress Lesterlookedembarrassed.Sorry,Ididntthink people?No,Idontthinkso. ofthat.Um.OK,Icouldrigawinchandhoist thechairupifyouwant.Wedhavetobeltyou in,butitsdoable.Therearemastsforpulleys onthetopflooritshowtheygetthebedsinto theupperstories. Icangetuponcanes,DeathWaitssaid.Isit safetoleavemychairoutside,though? Lesterseyebrowswentup.Wellofcourse sureitis.Deathfeltweirdforhavingasked.He backedthechairoutandlockedthetransmission, feelingsilly.Whowasgoingtohotwirea wheelchair?Hewassuchadork.Laceyhanded himhiscanesandhestoodgingerly.Hedbeen makinghiswaytothebathroomandbackon canesallweek,buthehadnttriedstairsyet.He hopedLesterwasnttoomanyfloorsup. Lesterturnedouttobeonthethirdfloor,andby thetimetheyreachedit,DeathWaitswas drippingsweatandhiseyelinerhadrunintohis eyes.Laceydabbedathimwithhergauzyscarf andfussedoverhim.DeathcaughtLester lookingatthetwoofthemwithalittlesmirk,so hepushedLaceyawayandsteadiedhisbreathing withaneffort. OK,hesaid.Alldone. Great,Lestersaid.ThisiswhatImworking on.YoutalkedtoPerryaboutitbefore,right? TheDisneyinaBoxprinters.Well,Ivecracked it.Wecanloadourownfirmwareontoitjust

SoinsteadIwasthinkingthatwecouldjust pushoutdetailsfromtheride,littletabletop sizedminiaturesshowingapieceeveryday. Maybewhateverwasnewest.Andyoucould havemultiplefeeds,youknow,likean experimentaltrunkforobjectsthatpeopleinone regionliked Lesterwasshakinghisheadandholdinguphis hands.Woah,waitasecond.No,no,no Deathwasusedtohavinghisfriendshangonhis everywordwhenhewastalkingaboutideasfor therideandthestory,sothisbroughthimup short.Heremindedhimselfwhohewastalking to. Sorry,hesaid.Gotaheadofmyself. Look,Lestersaid,proddingattheprinter. Thisthingisitsownthing.Wereaboutmore thantheridehere.Iknowyoureallylikeit,and thatsverycool,buttheresnowaythat everythingIdofromnowonisgoingtobeabout thatfuckingthing.Itwasalark,itscool,itsgot itsownmomentum.Buttheseboxesaregoingto betheirownthing.Iwanttoshowpeoplehowto takecontrolofthestuffintheirlivingrooms,not advertisemylittlecommercialprojecttothem. Deathcouldntmakesenseoutofthis.It soundedlikeLesterdidntliketheride.Howwas thatpossible?Idontgetit,hesaidatlast. Lesterwasmakinghimlooklikeanidiotinfront

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/235 ofLacey,too.Hedidntlikehowthiswasgoing atall. Lesterpickedupascrewdriver.Youseethis? Itsatool.Youcanpickitupandyoucan unscrewstufforscrewstuffin.Youcanusethe handleforahammer.Youcanusethebladeto openpaintcans.Youcanthrowitaway,loanit out,orpaintitpurpleandframeit.Hethumped theprinter.Thisthingisatool,too,butitsnot yourtool.ItbelongstosomeoneelseDisney.It isntinterestedinlisteningtoyouorobeying you.Itdoesntwanttogiveyoumorecontrol overyourlife. Thisthingremindsmeoflifebeforefatkins.It wasmyveryownpersonalbody,butitwasnt undermycontrol.Whatsthewordthe academicsuse?Agency.Ididnthaveany agency.ItdidntmatterwhatIdid,Iwasjustthis fatthingthatmybrainhadtolugaroundbehind it,listeningtoitsneverendingcomplaintsand achesandpains. upwellingofbitternessatthethought. Sowhatabouttheride? Theride?Itoldyou.Imdonewithit.Itstime todothenextthing.Yousaidyouwantedtohelp out,right? Withtheride,Deathsaidpatiently,withthe mannerofsomeonetalkingtoachild. LesterturnedhisbackonDeath. Imdonewiththeride,Lestersaid.Idont wanttowasteyourtime.Itwasclearhemeant, Yourewastingmytime.Hebentovertheprinter. Laceylookeddaggersathisshoulders,then turnedtohelpDeathdownthestairs.Hiscanes clatteredonthenarrowstaircase,anditwasall hecoulddotokeepfromcrying.

SuzannerodethebullettrainfromMiamiairport inairconditionedamusement,watchingthe Mickeyshapedhangstrapsrockbackandforth. Ifyoudontcontrolyourlife,youremiserable. ShedboughtherselfaMickeywaffleanda Thinkofthepeoplewhodontgettoruntheir bucketsizedDietCokeinthediningcarand ownlives:prisoners,reformschoolkids,mental fendedofftheoffersofplushanimatronictoys patients.Theressomethinginherentlyawful thatwereclearlydescendedfromBoogieWoogie aboutlivinglikethat.Autonomymakesus Elmo. happy. Nowshewatchedthekidstearassupanddown Hethumpedthetopoftheprinteragain.So thetrain,orsitmesmerizedbythevideosand heresthisstupidthing,whichDisneygivesyou interactivessetupattheendsofthecars.The forfree.Itlookslikeatool,likeathingthatyou trainwasreallyslick,andjudgingfromthe usetobetteryourlife,butinreality,itsatool brochureshefoundintheseatpocket,therewas thatDisneyusestocontrolyourlife.Youcant anotheronefromtheOrlandoairport.These programit.Youcantchangethechannel.It thingswerelikechutesleadingfromtheluggage doesntevenhaveanoffswitch.Thatswhatgets carouselstraightintotheparks.Disneyhad meexercised.Iwanttoredesignthisthingsoit figuredouthowtomakesurethateverypenny getsconvertedfromsomethingthatcontrolsto spentbyitstouristswentstraightintoitscoffers. somethingthatgivesyoucontrol. Thevoiceoverannouncementsastheypulled Lesterseyesshone.Deathhurtfromheadtotoe, intothestationwereinEnglish,Chinese, fromtheclimbandtheaftermathofthebeating, Spanish,FarsiandRussianinthatorderand andthelifehedlived.Lesterwastellinghim displayedontheportersredcoatswithbrass thattheridewasntimportanttohimanymore, buttonswerenamebadgeswiththeflagsof thathedbedoingthisotherthingwiththe manynations,denotingthelanguagesthey printernext,andthensomethingelse,andthen spoke.Theyworemouseears,andSuzannea somethingelse.Hefeltagreat,unexpected veteranofinnumerablehotelscouldnot

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/236 dissuadeonefromtakinghersuitcase. Hebroughthertoacoachstationandsawher aboardabusmarkedforthePolynesian, decoratedwithtikilamps,bamboo,andpalm fronds(shetouchedoneanddiscoveredthatit wasvinyl).Herefusedhertipastheysawher aboard,andthenstoodandwavedheroffwith hiswhiteglovesandgiantwhitesmile.Shehad tochuckleasshepulledaway,amazedathow effectivetheselittletoucheswere.Shefelther musclesloosening,littleinvoluntarychuckles risinginherthroat.Thecoachwasfullofparents andchildrenfromallovertheworld,grinning andlaughingandhuggingandtalkingexcitedly aboutthedayaheadofthem. cawedatherandflewoff.Suzannemusthave madeadisappointednoise,becausethebellhop pattedheronthearmandsaid,Dontworry,we feedthemhere,theycomebackallthetime. Greedybirdies!

Shetippedthebellhopfivebucksonceshed beengiventhegrandtouroftheroomatame Internetconnectionthatwaskidfriendlyanda likewisecensoredvideoondemandservice, deliverypizzaorsushi,informationonpark hours,includingthedazzlingarrayofextrasshe couldpurchase.Itturnedoutthatresortguests wereeligibletopurchaseprioritypassesfor boardingridesaheadoftheplebes,andfor enteringparksearlyandstayinglate.Thismade ThecoachletthemofftoagroupofHawaiian SuzannefeelrightathomeitwasveryRussian shirtcladstaffwhoshoutedAloha!atthemas initsapproach:themoreyouspent,thebetter theydebarked,andpickeduptheirluggagewith yourtimewas. swift,cheerful,relentlessefficiency.Hercheck Sheboughtitall:allthefastpassesandpriority inwassopainlessshewasntsureitwasover cards,allofitloadedintoagrinningMickeyon untilaniceyoungladywholookedChechen alanyard,awirelesspendantthatwouldtake pickedupherbagforherandurgedheroutto careofhereverywhereshewentinthepark, thegrounds,whichweregreenandlush,like lettingherspendmoneylikewater. nothingshedseensincelandinginFlorida.She Thusgirded,sheconsultedwithherbellhop wassurroundedbythehotelstructures,long somemoreandlaidoutanitinerary.Onceshed housesdecoratedwithPolynesianmasksand showeredshefoundshedidntwanttowearany stalkedbyleggyibisesandchirpingtropical ofherEuropeantailoredshortsandblouses.She birds.Beforeherwasawhitesandbeach wantedtodisappearintotheGreatAmerican frontingontoanartificiallakeringedwithother Mass.Thehotelgiftshopprovidedherwitha luxuryhotels:agigantic1970sSovietAframe barkclothHawaiianshirtdecoratedwith buildingandagingerbreadchokedVictorian tessellatedDisneytrademarksandabigpairof hotel.Thelakewasringedwithamonorailtrack looseshorts,andonceshedonnedthem,shesaw andpliedbyhandsomepaddlewheelerferry thatshecouldbeanyonenow,anytouristinthe boats. park.Apairofcheapsunglassescompletedthe Shestaredgapejawedatthisuntilthebellhop lookandshepaidforitallbywavingherMickey gentlytuggedatherelbow,givingheradazzling necklaceattheregister,spendingmoneylike smile. water. HerroomwasthekindofthingyoudseeLucy andRickycheckingintoonhoneymooninanold ILoveLucyepisodewickerceilingfans, bamboofurniture,ahugehottubshapedlikea seashell.Outside,alittleterracelookingoverthe lake,withapairofcockatooslookingquizzically ather.Thebellhopwavedatthemandthey

ShepassedtherestofthedayattheMagic Kingdom,takingaferryfromthehotelspierto theVictorianwroughtirondocksontheother sideofthelittleartificiallake.Assheclearedthe turnstilesintoMainStreet,USA,herheart quickened.Kidsrushedpasther,chasedbytheir parentslaughingcallstoslowdown.Balloon

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/237 sellersandoldfashionedpopcornmachines jostledforspaceinthecrowd,andabrassband wasmarchingdownthestreetinstrawboaters andredstripedjackets,playingaSousamarch. Sheambleduptheroad,peeringintheadorable littleshopwindows,liketheshopsinafancy casino,allthemedartificialfacadesthatwere,in back,alloneshop,linkedthroughthelengthof thestreet. Disneywouldhaveburiedunderitsmanicured MainStreetithadgivenheralowlevel,tooth grindingheadache,akindofangeratthe falsenessofitall.Here,shecouldseethebodies astheyburiedthem.

Outcamehercameraandshewentontheprowl, photographingandphotographing,seekinghigh groundfromwhichtocatchsnapsoverthe siding.Shedlookatthesatellitepicsofthisspot Shereachedthecastlebeforesherealizedit,and later. sawthatitwasshorterthanithadappeared. Nowsheknewwhathernextprojectwouldbe: TurningaroundandlookingbackdownMain shewoulddocumentthisscar.Sheddigupthe Street,shesawthatthetreesliningthesidesof bodies. thestreethadbeentrimmedsotheygot Justforcompletenesssake,shewentonsomeof progressivelysmallerfromthegatestothe therides.Hersuperfancypasslethersailpast castle,creatingakindoffalseperspectiveline. thelonglinesofboredkids,angrydads, Shelaughednow,amusedbythe exhaustedmoms.Shecapturedtheirexpressions accomplishmentofthelittletrompeloeil. withhercamera. ShesqueezedpastthehordesofAsiantourists takingpreciselythesamepictureofthecastle, oneafteranother,aphenomenonshedobserved atotherfamouslandmarks.ForsomeJapanese shutterbugs,theholidayphotoexperiencewasas formalastheStationsoftheCross,witheach pictureofeachlandmarkrigidlyprescribedby customandunwrittenlaw. Therideswereallright.Shewassickofrides, truthbetold.Asanartform,theywerewildly overrated.Someofthemmadehersickandsome ofthemwerelikemildlyinterestingtripsthrough someonescollectionofactionfiguresinadark room.TheDisneyridesdidntevenletyoudrive, likeLestersridedid,andyoudidntgettovote onthem.

Nowshewasunderthecastleandheadedfor whathermapassuredherwasFantasyland.Just assheclearedthearchway,sherememberedher conversationswiththatDeathWaitskidabout Fantasyland:thiswasthepartthathadbeen madeoverasagotharea,andthenremadeasthe HappiestConstructionSiteonEarth.

Bythetimethesunhadgonedown,shewas readytogobacktotheroomandstartwriting. Shewantedtogetallthisdown,thebeautyand theterror,thecommercelurkingunderneaththe friendlyfacade.Asthedaylengthenedinto night,thereweremoreandmorescreaming children,moreangryparents.Shecaughtparents Andsoitwas.Thecontrastwasstark.Fromfairy smackingkids,once,twice,gothercameraout, castletogreenpaintedconstructionsidings. caughtthreemore. Fromsmiling,wellturnedoutcastmembersto Theysentabigpupuplatteruptoherroomwith constructionworkerswithbuttcrackitisand adishofpoiandahollowpineapplefilledwith grouchyexpressions.Fantasylandwaslikean rum.Shetookhercomputeroutontoherlanai uglyscarontheblemishfreefaceofaBarbie andlookedoutoverthelake.Anibiscameby doll. anddemandedsomeofherdinnerscraps.She Shelikedit. obligeditanditgaveheracoldlook,asif Somethingaboutallthatartifice,allthatcunning determiningwhethershedbegoodfordessert, thenflewoff. worktocoverupallthebodiesacompanylike

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/238 Shebegantowrite. SomethinghadchangedbetweenKettlewelland EvasincetheydleftFloridawiththekids.It wasntjustthelegalhassles,thoughtherewere plentyofthose.TheydgonetoFloridawitha secondchanceachanceforhimtobeamover again,achanceforhertohaveahusbandwho washappywithhislifeagain. madetofinancetheirlitigation.Imhopingthat youllgivemeaquotethatmightputthisinto perspective.Isthedefenseoff?WillGibbons andBanksbesued?Areyouapartytothesuit? Freddy? Yes,MrKettlewell.

Iamnotachild,noramIafool,noramIa sucker.Imalsonotahothead.Youcantgoad meintosayingsomething.Youcanttrickme intosayingsomething.Ihaventhunguponyou Nowhefoundhimselfsneakingpastherwhen shewasinthelivingroomandtheysleptbackto yet,butIwillunlessyoucangivemeasingle backinbedwithasmuchroombetweenthemas goodreasontobelievethatanygoodcould possiblycomeoutoftalkingtoyou. possible. AdamissedLyenitchkaandspentallhertimein herbedroomIMingherfriendorgoingquesting withherintheirfavoritegame,whichinvolved Barbies,balrogs,andbuyingoutfits.Pascal missedalltheattentionhehadreceivedasthe designatedmascotofthetwolittlegirls. Itwasnotahighpointinthehistoryofthe Kettlewellclan. Hello? LandonKettlewell? Hello,Freddy,hesaid. Imgoingtowritethisstoryandpublishit today.Icaneitherwritethatyoudeclinedto commentorIcanwritedownwhatevercomment youmighthaveonthematter.Youtellmewhich isfairer? Goodbye,Freddy. Wait,wait!Justwait. KettlewelllikedthepleadingnoteinFreddys voice. Whatisit,Freddy?

CanIgetyoutocommentonthegeneralideaof litigationinvestment?Alotofpeoplefollowed Myfameprecedesme,thejournalistsaid. Kettlewellcouldhearthegrininhisvoice.That yourleadinseekingoutlitigationinvestment voicewasunmistakableKettlewellhadheardit opportunities.Thereslotsofmoneytiedupinit thesedays.DoincidentsliketheoneinFlorida intheoccassionalharassingvoicemailthat meanthatlitigationinvestmentisadead Suzanneforwardedon. strategy? Howareyou? Ofcoursenot,Kettlewellsnapped.He Oh,Imverywellsir,andkindofyoutoask, shouldntbetalkingtothisman,butthequestion yesindeed.Ihearyourenotdoingsowell, drovehimbonkers.Hedinventedlitigation though? investment.Thosebigoldcompanieshavetwo Icantcomplain. commoncharacteristics:theyveaccumulated moreassetsthantheyknowwhattodowith,and Iwishyouwould,though.Youcouldtell, theyvegotpoisonous,monopolisticculturesthat Freddythoughthewasafunnysonofabitch. Seriously,MrKettlewell.Imcallingtofollow rewardexecutiveswhobreakthelawtohelpthe companyturnabuck.Noneofthatschanged, uponthestoryofthelitigationthatPerry andsolongasthatsalltrue,therewillbelittle GibbonsandLesterBanksarefacingfor companieswithlegitgripesagainstbig unilaterallycancelingthearrangementyoud companiesthatcanbeusedasinvestment

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/239 vehiclesforunlockingallthatdeadFortune100 capitalandputtingittowork. ButarentFortune100companiesinvestingin litigationfunds? Kettlewellsuppressedanastylaugh.Yeah,so what? Well,ifthisisaboutdestroyingFortune100 companies Itsaboutwringingpositivesocialvalueoutof thecourtsandoutofinvestment.Thewayitused towork,therewereonlytwopossibleoutcomes whenabigcompanydidsomethingrotten:either theydgetawayscotfreeortheydmakesome lawyersvery,veryrich.Litigationfundsfixthat. Theysocializethecostofbringingbig companiestoheel,andtheyfreeupthecapital thatthesebigcompanieshaveaccumulated. Butwhenabigcompanyinvestsindestroying anotherbigcompany Sometimesyougetaforestwhereafewtrees endupwinning,theyformacanopythatkeeps allthesunlightfromreachingthefloor.Now, thisisstableforforests,butstabilityisthelast thingyouwantinamarket.Justlookatwhat happenswhenoneofthosebigtreesfallsover: whoosh!Amillionkindsoflifearespawnedon thefloor,fightingforthelightthattreehad hoggedforitself.Inamarket,whenyoutopplea companythatscometocomplacentlycontrol somepartoftheecosystem,youfreeupthat nichefornewinnovators. workforthoselittlerideslikeyourfriendshave built? Theyllfindlotsofwork,Freddy.Ifwemakeit possibleforanyonetoopenaninnovativelittle ridewithoutworryingaboutgettingclobberedby abigoldmonopolist.Youlikebigcorporations somuch? Yes,butitsnotlittleinnovativestartupsthat investinthesefunds,isit? Itstheywhobenefitoncethefundtakesup theircause. Andhowsthatworkingoutfortheridepeople youremeanttobehelpingout?Theyrejected you,didntthey? KettlewellreallyhatedFreddy,herealized.Not justalittlehehadadeepandgenuineloathing. Oh,forfuckssake.Youdontlikelittle companies.Youdontlikebigcompanies.You dontlikeworkerscoops.Whatdoyouwantus todo,Freddy?Youwantustojustcurlupunder arockanddie?Yousitthereandmakeupyour funnynamesforthings;youmakeyoursnarky littlecommentaries,buthowmuchgoodhave youdonefortheworld,youcomplaining,sniping littletroll? Thelinegotveryquiet.CanIquoteyou? Youcertainlycan,Kettlewellhuffed.Infora penny,inforapound.Youcanprintthat,and youcankissmyass. Thankyou,MrKettlewell,Freddysaid.Ill certainlytakethesuggestionunderadvisement.

Andwhyisthatbetterthanstability?Dontthe workersatthesecompaniesdeservethesecurity Kettlewellstoodinhishomeofficeandstaredat thefourwalls.Upstairs,Pascalwascrying.He thatcomesfromtheiremployerssurvival? didthatalotlately.Kettlewellbreatheddeeply Ohcomeon,Freddy.Stopbeatingthatdrum.If andtriedtochillout. youreanemployeeandyouwanttogetagood Someonewasknockingathisdoor,though.He dealoutofanemployer,yourebetteroffif answeredittentatively.Thekidhefoundthere youvegotfiftycompaniesyoucouldworkfor waswellscrubbed,black,inhistwenties,and thanjustone. smilingamiably. SoyouresayingthatifyoudestroyDisney withyourlawsuit,thefiftythousandpeoplewho LandonKettlewell? workatWaltDisneyWorldwillbeableto,what, Whossuingme?Kettlewellcouldspota

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/240 processserveramileaway. Theguyshruggedandmadealittleyougotme smile.Couldntsay,sir,hesaid,andhanded Kettlewelltheenvelope,holdingitsothatthe headerwasclearlyvisibletothecamerasetinto thelapelofhisshirt. Youwantmetosignsomething?Kettlewell said. kindofmashupbetweentheircurrentnorms andotherridescurrentnorms.Itspretty weird. Kettlewellpaced.Well,atleastsomeones havingagoodtime. Theyregoingtonailustothewall,Tjansaid. Bothofus.Probablytheindividualride operators,too.Theyreoutforblood.

Itsallright,sir,thekidsaidandpointedatthe Itsnotliketheyevenlostmuchmoney. camera.Itsallcaughtonvideo. Theydidntneedtotheyfeelliketheylostthe Oh,right,Kettlewellsaid.Wantacupof moneytheymighthavewonfromDisney. water?Coffee? Butthatwastwentyyearsaway,andhighly Iexpectyouregoingtobetoobusyto entertain,sir,thekidsaid,andtickedalittle saluteoffhisforehead.Butyouseemlikeanice guy.Goodluckwithitall. speculative. Tjansighedheavilyontheotherendofthe phone.Landon,youreavery,verygood financeperson.ThebestIveevermet,butyou Kettlewellwatchedhimgo,thenclosedthedoor reallyneedtounderstandthateventhemost andwalkedbacktohisoffice,openingthe speculativeinvestorismostlyspeculatingabout envelopeandscanningit.Nosurprisesthere howhesgoingtospendallthemoneyyoure theshareholdersintheinvestmentsyndicatethat abouttomakehim.Ifinvestorsdidntcounttheir hadbackedLesterandPerryweresuinghimfor chickensbeforetheyhatched,youdneverraisea makingfalserepresentationsabouthisabilityto cent. speakforthem. Yeah,Kettlewellsaid.Heknewit,buthe Tjancalledhimaminutelater. Theygotyoutoo,huh?Kettlewellsaid. Justleft.WishIcouldsayitwasunexpected. WishIcouldsayIblamedthem,Kettlewell said. Hey,youshouldseewhattheridesbeendoing thisweeksinceFloridawentdown,Tjansaid. Itstotallymutated.Ithinkitsmostlycoming fromtheMidwest,thoughthoseBraziliansseem tokeeponlogginginsomehowtoo. HowmanyridesarethereinSouthAmerica, anyways? Braziliansofthem!Tjansaidwithamirthless chuckle.Impossibletosay.Theyvegotsome kindofvariantontheprotocolthatletsabunch ofthemshareonenetworkaddress.Ithinksome ofthemarentevenphysicalrides,justvirtual flythroughs.Somearedirectlylinked,somedoa couldntsoakitin.Hedwonandlostsomany fortuneshisownandothersthathed learnedtotakeitallinstride.Noteveryoneelse wassosanguine. Sowhatdowedoaboutit?Idontmuchwant toloseeverything. YoucouldalwaysgobacktoRussia, Kettlewellsaid,suddenlyfeelingshorttempered. Whydidhealwayshavetocomeupwiththe plan?Sorry.Youknowwhatthelawyersare goingtotellus. Yeah.SuePerryandLester. AndwetoldLesterwewouldntdothat.Itwas probablyamistaketodothisatall,youknow. No,dontsaythat.Theideawasareallygood one.Youmighthavesavedtheirassesiftheyd playedalong. AndifIdkeptthelawyersonashorterleash.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/241 Theybothsatinglumsilence. Theyexchangedsomemorenicetiesand Howaboutifwedefendourselvesbyproducing promisedthattheydgettogetherfacetoface evidencethattheyrenegedonadealwedmade realsoonandKettlewellhungup.Frombehind him,heheardsomeonefidgeting. ingoodfaith.ThenthebastardscansuePerry andLesterandwellstillbekeepingour Kids,youknowyouarentsupposedtocome promise. intomyoffice. KettlewelltriedtopicturePerryinacourtroom. Hedneverbeenthemostevenkeeleddudeand sincehedbeenshotandhadhisarmbrokenand beengassed,hewasalmostpathological. Ivegotabetteridea,hesaid,growingexcited asitunfoldedinhismind.Hehadthatburning sensationhegotsometimeswhenheknewhe washavingarealdoozy.Howaboutifwe approacheachoftheindividualridecoopsand seeiftheylljointhelawsuitseparatelyfromthe umbrellaorg?Playitrightandwellhavethe lawsuitbackon,withouthavingtogetourasses handedtousandwithouthavingtodestroyPerry andLester! Tjanlaughed.Thatsthats...Wow!Genius. Yeah,OK,right!TheBostongroupisin,Illtell youthatmuch.Imsurewecangethalfadozen morein,too.EspeciallyifwecangetPerryto agreenottoblockit,whichImsurehelldo afterIhavealittletalkwithhim.Thisllwork! Soundslikethingshavegottenstartedup again.Itwasntthekids,itwasEva.Hesatup. Shewasstandingwithherarmsfoldedinthe doorwayofhisoffice,staringathim. Yeah,hesaid,mumblingalittle.Shewas reallybeautiful,hiswife,andsheputupwitha hellofalot.Hefeltobscurelyashamedofthe waythathedtreatedher.Hewishedhecould standupandgiveherawarmhug.Hecouldnt. Instead,shesatbesidehim.Soundslikeyoull bebusy. Oh,Ijustneedtogetalltheindividualcoops onboard,talktothelawyers,gettheinvestorsoff myback.Haveashareholdersmeeting.Itllbe fine. Hersmilewaslittleandsad.Imgoing, Landon,shesaid.

Theblooddrainedfromhisface.Shedlefthim plenty,overtheyears.Heddeservedit.Butit Sometimesthethreatoftotallegaldestruction hadalwaysbeenwhitehot,inthemiddleofa canhaveawonderful,clarifyingeffectonones fight,andithadalwaysendedwithsomekindof mind,Kettlewellsaiddrily.Howrethekids? reconciliation.Thistime,ithadthefeelingof somethingplannedandexecutedincoldblood. Lyenitchkaisinasulk.Shewantstogobackto Hesatupandfoldedhishandsinhislap.He FloridaandshewantstoseeAdasomemore. PlusshesupsetthatwenevermadeittoDisney didntknowwhatelsetodo. World. Hersmilewilted.Itsnotgoingtowork,you andme.Icantlivelikethis,lurchingfromcrisis Kettlewellfloppeddownonhiscouch.Have tocrisis.Iloveyoutoomuchtowatchthat youseenSuzannesbloglately? happen.Ihatewhatitturnsmeinto.Youreonly Tjanlaughed.Yeah.Man,shesgivingitto happywhenyouremiserable,youknowthat?I themwithbothbarrels.Makesmefeelsorryfor cantdothatforever.Wellbepartofeach em. otherslivesforever,butIcantbeMrs Um,youdoknowthatweresuingthemfor Stressbunnyforever. everythingtheyvegot,right? Noneofthiswasnew.Shedshoutedvariations Well,yes.Butthatsjustmoney.Suzannes goingtotaketheirballs.

onthisathimatmanytimesintheirrelationship. Thedifferencewasthatnowshewasnt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/242 shouting.Shewascalm,assured,sadbutnot crying.Behindherinthehallway,hesawthat shedpackedhersuitcase,andthelittlesuitcases thekidsusedwhentheytravelledtogether. Wherewillyougo? ImgoingtostaywithLucy,fromcollege. SheslivingdownthepeninsulainMountain View.Shesgotroomforthekids. Hefeltlikeragingather,promisingherabitter divorceandcustodysuit,buthecouldntdoit. Shewascompletelyright,afterall.Eventhough hisfirstimpulsewastoargue,hecouldntdoit justthen. Sosheleft,andKettlewellwasaloneinhisnice apartmentwithhisphoneandhiscomputerand hislawsuitsandhismindfizzingwithideas. ThelastthingSammywantedwasafight. Dinahspromowasmakingmajorbankforthe companyandhewastakingmoreandmore meetingsinTexaswithDinah,whichwasahell ofaperk.Theydshippedtwomillionofthe DiaBs,andwereprojectingtenmillioninthe firstquarter.Parkadmissionwassoaringandthe revenuefromtheadvertisingwasgoingtocover theentirecostofthenextrevoftheDiaBs, whichwouldbebetter,faster,smallerand cheaper. ThatbusinesswithDeathWaitsandthenew Fantasylandandtheridewhatdiditmatter now?Hedbeensofocusedonthedetailsthat hedlosttrackofthebigpicture.WaltDisney hadmadehisempirebyfiguringouthowtodo thenextthing,notwastinghisenergyonhowto protectthelastthing.Ithadallbeenamistake,a dumbmistake,andnowhewasbackontrack. Fromallappearances,thelawsuitswereonthe vergeofblowingaway,anyway.Fantasyland hedturnedthatovertoWiener,ofallpeople, andhewasactuallydoingsomegoodstuffthere. Reallyrunningwiththeideaofrestoringitasa nostalgiasiteaimedsquarelyatfatkins,withlots offoodandromantickiddieridesthatnokid wouldwanttorideintheageofthebreakneck coaster. Thelastthinghewantedwasafight.Whathe wantedwastomakeassloadsofmoneyforthe company,remakehimselfasapowerinthe organization. Buthewasabouttohaveafight. Hackelbergcameintohisofficeunannounced. SammyhadsomeoftheImagineersin,showing himprototypesofthenextmodel,whichwas beingdesignedformorereliableshippingand easierpacking.Hackelbergwascarryinghiscane today,wearinghisicecreamsuit,andwas flushedadeep,angryredthatseemedtoboilup fromhiscollar. Onelookfromhisblazingeyeswasenoughto sendtheImagineersscurrying.Theydidnteven taketheirprototypewiththem.Hackelberg closedthedoorbehindthem. Hello,Samuel,hesaid. Nicetoseeyou.CanIofferyouaglassof water?Icedtea? Hackelbergwavedtheoffersaway.Theyre usingyourboxestoprinttheirowndesigns,he said. What? Thosefreakswiththeirhomemaderide. Theyvejustpublishedasystemforprintingtheir ownobjectsonyourboxes. Sammyrewoundtheconversationshedhadwith theinfosecpeopleinImagineeringaboutwhat countermeasurestheydcomeupwith,whatthey wereproofagainst.Hewaspissedthathewas findingoutaboutthisfromHackelberg.IfLester andPerrywerehackingtheDiaBs,theywould betalkingaboutitnonstop,runningtheirmouths ontheInternet.Backwhenhewashisown competitiveintelligencespecialist,hewould haveknownaboutthisprojectthesecondit began.Nowhewastryingtofindacompetitive intelligencepersonwhoknewhisassfromhis elbow,sofarwithoutsuccess.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/243 Well,thatsregrettable,obviously,butsolong aswerestillsellingtheconsumables...The goopwasahugeprofitmakerforthecompany. Theyboughtitinbulk,addedaproprietary, preciselymixedchemicalthattheprintercould checkforinitshoppers,andsoldittotheDiaB usersforatwothousandpercentmarkup.Ifyou triedtosubstituteacompetitorsgoop,the machinewouldrejectit.Theyshippedoutnew DiaBswithonlyhalfaloadofgoop,sothatthe firstpurchasewouldcomefast.Itwasmaking moremoney,weekonweek,thanpopcorn. Thecracktheyredistributingalsodisablesthe checkingforthewatermark.Youcanuseany genericgoopinthem. Sammyshookhisheadandrestrainedhimself fromthumpinghishanddownonthedesk.He wantedtoscream. theycouldjustchargemoneyfortheDiaBsnow thatpeoplewerestartingtounderstandwhatthey werefor.Hell,theycouldjustmakethemost compellingstuffforaDiaBtoprintandmaybe thatwouldbeenough. Hackelbergtappedthetipofhiscaneonce, sharply.Sammycamebacktotheconversation. Sothatssettled.Filingsuittoday.Weregoing todoadiscoveryonthemthatllsplitthemopen fromassholetothroat.Nomoreofthis chickenshitpolicestuffweregoingtofigure outeverysourceofincomethesebastardshave, weregoingtotakeawaytheircomputers,were goingdowntotheirISPsandgettingtheiremails andinstantmessages.

Andasweveseen,theyregoingtoretaliate. Thatsfine.Werenottreatingthesepeopleasa coupleofpunkpirateswhogodownatthefirst signoftrouble.Notanymore.Weknowthat Werenotsuingthem,arewe? thesepeoplearethecompetition.Weregoingto Doyouthinkthatswise,Samuel? makeanexampleofthem.Theyrethefirstones Imnolegalexpert.Youtellme.Maybewecan toattackonthisfront,buttheywontbethelast. Werevulnerable,Samuel,butwecancontain takestrongercountermeasureswiththenext thatvulnerabilitywithenoughdeterrent. generationHegesturedattheprototypeon hisdesk. Hackelbergseemedtobeexpectingsomethingof Sammy,butSammywasdamnedifheknew Andabandonthetwomillionunitsweve whatitwas.OK,hesaidlamely. shippedtodate? Hackelbergssmilewaslikeajackolanterns. Sammythoughtaboutit.Thosefamiliesmight hangontotheiroriginaltwomillionforever,or Thatmeansthatwevegottobepreparedfor untiltheyworeout.Maybeheshouldbebuilding theirdiscoveryonus.Ineedtoknowevery singledetailofthisDiaBproject,includingthe themtofallapartaftersixmonthsofuse,to thingsIdfindifIwentthroughyourphone forceupdates. recordsandyouremail.Becausetheywillbe Itsjustsounfair.Theyrerippingusoff.We goingthroughthem.Theyllbeputtingyouand spentthemoneyonthoseunitssothatwecould youroperationunderthemicroscope. sendourmessageout.Whatthehelliswrong Sammyrestrainedhisgroan.Illhaveitfor withthosepeople?Aretheycompulsive?Do you,hesaid.Givemeadayortwo. theyhavetodestroyeverymoneymaking business? HesawHackelbergoutofhisofficeasquickly ashecould,thenshutthedoor.Hackelberg Hackelbergsatback.Samuel,Ithinkitstime wantedeverything,andthatmeanteverything, wedealtwiththem. includinghisplaymatesfromtheadvertising Sammysmindwasstilloffonthestrategiesfor industryeverything.Hewasbecomingthekind keepingLesterandPerryatbay,though.Sure,a ofexecutivewhoemittedstrategicintelligence, sixmonthobsolescencecurvewoulddoit.Or

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/244 ratherthanthekindwhogatheredit.That wouldntdo.Thatwasntthenaturalorderof things. here,somethinglikeazoobutwithoutthatstuff thatmakesyoufeellikeyoureparticipatingin someterribleexercisethatstripsnobleanimals Hesatdownathiscomputer.Someonehadtodo oftheirdignityforouramusement.Instead,the animalshereroamfree,neartheirhairless thecompetitiveintelligenceworkaroundhere monkeycousins,separatedfromthembywater anditlookedlikeitwouldhavetobehim. features,camouflagedditches,simulatedancient ruins[moredetails]. WhattheWorldCanLearnfromDisney Thatsjustoneofsixparks,eachsubdividedinto sixorsevenlands,eachlandwithitsown SuzanneChurch uniquecharm,culture,andcustoms.Thatsnot ItseasytodismissDisney.Theymakemore countingtheoutlyingareas:twonewtowns,golf lawsuitsthanridesthesedays.Theyhavea courses,avelodrome,apreservedmarshlandthat reputationforPolyannaishchirpiness.Their youcantourinaskiffwithalocalnaturist.In corporatecommunicationsveerfromCorporate thesedaysofcheapfabrication,itseasytoforget PassiveVoiceThirdPersontoasyrupy, whatyoucandowithseveralbilliondollarsand condescendingkiddeespeakthatscalculatedto thekindofhubristhatleadsyoutodredgelakes, drivechildrenintoafrenzyofparentnagging erectpapiermachemountains,andcreateyour screeches. owntoymasstransitsystem. ButifyouhaventbeentoaDisneyParkina Ofcourse,DisneyParksarenostrangerstosmall while,youdontknowwhatyouremissing.Ive scalefabrication.Seetheirtiny,cleverDisneyin beeninWaltDisneyWorldforaweeknow,and aBoxdevices,whichIhavechronicledhere Imheretotellyou,itsprettygood.No,its fromtheotherside.Ontheonehand,these betterthanthatitsamazing. thingsarenetworkedvolumetricprinters,buton theother,theyaresuperbcategorybustersthat Youveprobablyheardabouttheattentionto haveachievedanentirelyjustifiableyetstill detail:therooflineoverFantasylandfeatures staggeringmarketpenetrationinjustafew sagging,Georgiantiles,crazychimneys,and months. subtlyanimatedgargoyles(leftoverfroma previous,gothierincarnationofthispartofthe Icameherereadytobeboredanddisgustedand park).Youdontseethisunlessyouraiseyour fleecedofeverynickel.Iamdisappointed.The eyesabovethebusy,intriguingfacadesthatfront parksaretremendousatseparatingpeoplefrom therides,abovethemasterfullypaintedsignage, money,itstrue.Theyvestructuredeach andhigherstill.Inotherwords,unlessyoure promenadeandstrollsothatevenawalktothe someonelikeme,lookingfordetails,youwont bathroomcancreateaMommyDaddyWantIt spotthem.Theyrethereaspuregoldplating, NOWsituation.Forsuchahappyplace,there theyretherebecausesomeonewhotookpridein certainlyarealotofweepychildrenand hisworkputthemthere. frustratedparents. Ittellsyousomethingaboutthepeoplebehind ButitshardtofaultDisneyforbeingabusiness thesceneshere.Peoplewhocareabouttheirjobs thatmakesalotofmoney.Thatsthepoint,after workhere.Itseasytoforgetthatwhenyoure all.Anditcantbecheaptokeepthetensof thinkingaboutDisney,acompanywhose thousandsofcastmembers(yes,theyreallydo reputationthesedayshasmoretodowithwhom callthemthat,evenwhentheyreearning theysuethanwithwhattheymake. minimumwageandworkjobswithallthe glamourofabathroomattendant)hanging Butoh,whattheymake.Theresasafaripark

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/245 around,pickinguplitterandconfrontingevery newguestwitheerilyconvincingcheer. Asforboredanddisgustednotyet.Bored itsimpossibletoimaginesuchathing.For starters,theworldsmiddleclasseshave convergedhereinasortofbourgeoisUN,and youcangetalotofpleasureoutofwatchinga Chineselittleemperorwithdotingparentsin towmakingfriendswithatinyperfectRussian mafiyehprincesswhoseparentsflicknervously attheirnicotineinhalersandscoutthebuilding facadesforhiddencameras. oneoftheridesIvewrittensomuchabout.But ifyouwanttoseethebrightsideofwhatbillions candothestuffyounevergetfromoutsidethe wallsofthisfortressoffunbuyaticket.

ThebarmanatSuzanneshotelstartedbuilding heraLapuLapuasshecameupthestairs.The drinkinvolvedahollowpineapple,overproof rum,andanumbrella,andshedconcludedthat itcontainedtheperfectdosageofliquidCNS depressanttounwindherafteradayofbattleat theparks.Thatdayshedspentfollowingaround Ofcourse,ifpeoplewatchingisntyourthing, thetroupesofroleplayingactorsatDisneys therearetheridesthemselves,whichmakeart HollwoodStudios:acastofahundredcostumed outoftheshoeboxdiorama.Thereareluaus, playerswhoactedoutaseriesofinterlocking indoorscubadivingwithlivesharks,andan comediessetintheblackandwhitedaysof islandofgenuinelysleazynightclubswhereyou Hollywood.Theywerefearlesslycheeky, cangetpropositionedforsomeimprobableacts grabbingaudiencemembersandconscripting thatarehardlyfamilyfriendly.Theselastappear themintheirplays. tobelargelypopulatedbythecastmembers Nowshewasfootsoreandtherewasstilla seekingalittleafterworkaction. nighttimeatEpcotinherfuture.Thebarman Disgusted?IthinkifIwereaparent,theredbe passedherthepineappleandshethumpedher partsoftheexperiencethatdrovemenuts.But lanyardagainstthebartwiceoncetopayfor onceyougettoknowtherhythmoftheplace, thedrinkandoncetogivehimageneroustip. youstarttoseethattherearenavigablepathways Hewasgayasagoose,butfuntolookat,andhe thatdontleadthroughanycommercialareas flirtedwithherforkicks. fantasticadventureplaygrounds,naturehikes, Gentlemancallerforyou,Suzanne,hesaid, pettingzoos,horsebackrides,sportstraining. tiltinghishead.Youtemptress. Andforeverykidwhoshavingabloodsugar Shelookedinthedirectionindicatedandtookin meltdownafterconsuminghalfaquartofhigh themansittingonthebarstool.Hedidnthave fructoselubeslatheredonacinnamonbun, thelookofaharrieddadandhewastoooldto theresanotherwhoisstandingopenmouthed bealoveflushedhoneymooner.Insensible withcompletebodilywonder,atsome stupendousspectacle,clearlyformingneuronal tropicalweightslacksandawesternshirt,he wasimpossibletoplace.Hesmiledandgaveher connectionsofasortthatwillcreatethe alittlewave. permanentpredispositiontoanappreciationof spectacle,wonder,andbeauty. What? Thisisthekindofplacewhereyouhavetolove thesinandhatethesinner.Thecompanymay sueandresorttodirtytricks,butitsalsochock fullofrealartistsmakingrealart. Hecameinanhouragoandaskedforyou. Shelookedbackattheman.Whatsyourtake onhim?

Ithinkheworkshere.Hedidntpaywithan Ifyouhaventbeenforavisit,youshould. Honestly.Oh,byallmeans,alsogosomewhere employeecard,butheactedlikeit. unspoiled(ifyoucanfindit).Gocamping.Goto OK,shesaid,sendoutasearchpartyifIm

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/246 notbackinanhour. Gogethim,tiger,thebarmansaid,givingher handasqueeze. Shecarriedherpineapplewithheranddrifted downthebar. thatyourespeakingtomewithcandor,but frankly,MrPage,youhaventearnedthe privilegeofspeakingonbackground.

Hesippedathisdrinkamoregrownup highball,withaloneicecubeinit,maybea Scotchandsoda.OK,right.Well,then,onthe Hellothere,shesaid. record,butcandorously.Ilovedyourarticle.I MsChurch,themansaid.Hehadadisarming, loveyourworkingeneral.Imreallygladtohave youhere,becauseIthinkwemakegreatstuff confidentsmile.MynameisSammyPage. andweremakingmoreofitthanever.Your Sheknewthename,ofcourse.Theface,too, latestpostwasrightonthemoneywecare nowthatshethoughtaboutit.Heofferedherhis aboutourworkhere.Thatshowwegottowhere hand.Shedidnttakeit.Heputitdown,then weare. wipeditonhistrouserleg. Butyoudevotealotofyourresourcestoother Areyouhavingagoodtime? projectshere,dontyou?Iveheardaboutyou, Alovelytime,thankyou.Shesippedherdrink MrPage.IveinterviewedDeathWaits.He wincedandshescribbledanote,leavinghimon andwisheditwasalittlemoreseriousand intimidating.Itshardtodofrostywhenyoure tenterhookswhileshewrote.Somethingcold andangryhadholdofherwritingarm.Ive holdingarumfilledpineapplewithapaper interviewedhimandheardwhathehastosay parasol. aboutthisplace,whatyouhavedone. Hissmilefaltered.Ireadyourarticle.Icant believeImissedit.Imean,youvebeenherefor Myhandsarentthecleanest,hesaid.But Imtryingtoatone.Heswallowed.Thebarman sixdaysandIjustfigureditouttoday?Ima waslookingatthem.Look,canItakeyoufora prettyincompetentvillain. walk,maybe?Someplacemoreprivate? Sheletalittlesmileslipoutatthat.Well,itsa Shethoughtaboutit.Letmegetchanged,she bigInternet. said.Meetyouinthelobbyinten. ButIloveyourstuff.Ivebeenreadingitsince, Sheswappedhertennisshoesforwalking well,backwhenIlivedintheValley.Iusedto sandalsandputonacleanshirtandlongslacks, gettheMercactuallydeliveredonpaper. thendrapedascarfoverhershoulderslikea Youareawalkingfossil,arentyou? shawl.Outside,thesunsetwaspaintingthe Hebobbedhishead.Soitcomesdowntothis. lagoonbloody.Shewasjustabouttorushback Ivebeenverydistractedwithmakingthings downtothelobbywhenshestoppedandcalled besideslawsuitslately,asyouknow.Ivebeen Lester,herfingersmovingoftheirownvolition. puttingmyenergyintodoingstuff,not Hey,you,hesaid.Stillhavingfunin preventingstuff.Itsbeenrefreshing. Mauschwitz? Shegrubbedinherpocketandcameupwitha Itkeepsgettingweirderhere,letmetellyou, littlestenobookandapencil.DoyoumindifI shesaid.ShetoldhimaboutSammyshowingup, takenotes? wantingtotalkwithher. Hegulped.Canthisallbeonbackground? Ooh,Imjealous,Lestersaid.Hesmyarch Sheheftedhernotebook.No,shesaidfinally. rival,afterall. Iftheresanythingthatneedspublishing,Im Ihadntthoughtofitthatway.Heiskindof goingtohavetopublishit.Icanrespectthefact

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/247 cute Hey! Inaslimy,sharkyway.Dontworry,Lester.I missyou,youknow? Really? Really.IthinkImaboutdonehere.Imgoing tocomehomesoon. Therewasalongpause,thenasnufflingsound. Sherealizedhewascrying.Heslurped.Sorry. Thatsgreat,babe.Imissedyou. Buthere...Hewavedhishands.Theywere comingaroundthebendfortheContemporary now,andshecouldseeitinallitsabsurdglory. Ithadbeenkeptupsothatitlookedlikeitmight havebeenerectedyesterday,butthetowering whiteAframestructurewiththemonorail runningthroughitsmidriffwasclearlyof anotherera.Itwaslikeamuseumpiece,orabit ofartilleryonthefieldatacivilwar reenactment. Isee.

Itsaboutthegrandiosity,thepermanence.The IImissedyoutoo.Listen,Ivegottogomeet beliefindoingsomethinganythingthatwill thisguy. endure. Go,go.Callmeafterdinnerandtellmehowit Youdidntneedtobringmesomeplaceprivate goes.Meanwhile,Imgoingtogoviolatethe totellmethat. DiaBsomemore. No,Ididnt.Heswallowed.Itshardbecause Channelit,thatsright. Iwanttotellyousomethingthatwill compromisemeifIsayit. Righton. Sammymetherinthelobby.Ithoughtwecould AndIwontletyouoffthehookbypromising goforawalkaroundthelake,hesaid.Theres tokeepitconfidential. atrailthatgoesallthewayaround.Itspretty Exactly. private. Well,youreonthehornsofadilemmathen, Shelookedatthelake.Attwelveoclock,the arentyou?Thesunwasnearlysetnow,and maingatesoftheMagicKingdom;atthree,the stonesattheirfeetglitteredfrombeneath, retroAframeContemporaryhotel,atnine,the sprinkledwithtwinklinglights.Itmadethe weddingcakeGrandFloridianResort. evening,scentedwithtropicalflowersandthe cleansmellofthelake,evenmorelovely.Acool Leadon,shesaid.Heledheroutontothe breezefluffedherhair. artificialwhitesandbeachandaround,anda momentlatertheywereonapathwaypavedwith Hegroaned.Shehadtoadmitit,shewas octagonaltiles,eachengravedwiththenameof enjoyingthis.Wasitanylessthanthisman afamilyandayear. deserved? Ireallylikedyourarticle. Letmetrythisagain.Ihavesomeinformation that,ifIpassitontoyou,couldsaveyour Yousaidthat. friendsdowninHollywoodfromterribleharm.I Theywalkedawhilelonger.Itremindedmeof canonlygiveyouthisinformationonthe whyIcamehere.Iworkedforstartups,andthey conditionthatyoutakegreatpainstokeepme werefun,buttheywereephemeral.Noone frombeingidentifiedasthesource. expectedsomethingontheWebtolastforhalfa TheydcometotheMagicKingdomnow. century.Maybethebrandsurvives,butwho Behindthem,themaingatesloomed,anda knows?Imean,whoremembersYahoo! pufferbellychoochootrainblewitswhistleasit anymore?Butforsure,anythingyoubuiltthen pulledoutofthestation.Happy,exhausted wouldbegoneinayearortwo,adecadetops.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/248 childrenranacrosstheplaza,headingforthe ferrydocksandthemonorailramps.Thestones beneathherfeetglitteredwithrainbowlight,and tropicalbirdscalledtoeachotherfromthe PiratesoftheCaribbeanAdventureIslandinthe middleofthelake. Hum,shesaid.Thefamilieslaughedand jostledeachother.Hum.OK,onetimeonly. Thisoneisofftherecord. Sammylookedaroundnervously.Keep walking,hesaid.Letsgetpasthereandback intotheprivatespots. Butitsthecrowdsthatputmeinagenerous mood.Shedidntsayit.Shedgivehimthisone. Whatharmcoulditdo?Ifitwassomethingshe hadtopublish,shecouldgetitfromanother source. Theyregoingtosueyourfriends. Sowhatelseisnew? thespreadsheetcamealong.Thentherewasa reasontoputoneineveryhouse.Thenwegot theInternet,thewholesoftwareindustry.Anew world.Thatswherewereheaded.ItsallIwant todo.Idontwanttospendtherestofmylife suingpeople.Iwanttodostuff. Hekickedattherushesthatgrewbesidethe trail.Iwanttoberememberedforthat.Iwant thattobemyplaceinthehistorybooksnota bunchoflawsuits. Suzannewalkedalongbesidehiminsilencefora time.OK,sowhatdoyouwantmetodoabout it? IthoughtthatifHeshutup.Look,Itried thisoncebefore.ItoldthatFreddybastard everythinginthehopesthathedcomeontomy sideandhelpmeout.Hescrewedme.Imnot sayingyoureFreddy,but

Suzannestoppedwalking.Whatdoyouwant fromme,sir?Youhavehardlybeenafriendto No,personally.Theyregoingtothemattresses. meandmine.Itstruethatyouvemade Everytrumpedupchargetheycanthinkof.But somethingveryfine,butitsalsotruethatyou thepointhereisnttogetthecopstoraidthem, helpedsabotagesomethingeverybitasfine. itstoservediscoveryoneverysingle Yourepaintingyourselfasthevictimofsome communication,everydocument,everyfile. mysteriousthem.ButasnearasIcanworkout, Openupeverything.Rootthrougheveryemail theonlydifferencebetweenyouandthemis untiltheyfindsomethingtohangthemwith. thatyourehavingalittledisagreementwith them.Idontliketobeusedaspartofyour Yousaytheyarentyouthey? corporateheadgamesandpowerstruggles. Itwastoodarktoseehisfacenow,butshecould Fine,hesaid.Fine.Ideservethat.Ideserve tellthequestionmadehimuncomfortable. nobetter.Fine.Well,Itried. No.Notanymore.Heswallowedandlooked outatthelake.Look,Imdoingsomethingnow Suzannerefusedtosoften.Grownmensulking something...amazing.TheDiaB,itsbreaking didnotinspireanysympathyinher.Whateverhe newground.WereputtingthreeDprintersinto wantedtotellher,itwasntworthgoingintohis everyhouseinAmerica.WhatyourfriendLester debt. isdoing,itsactuallyhelpingus.Wereinventing Hegaveashudderingsigh.Well,Ivetakenyou awholenew awayfromyoureveningoffun.CanImakeitup toyou?Wouldyouliketocomewithmeon Business? someofmyfavoriterides? No,notjustabusiness.Aworld.Itswhatthe Thissurprisedheralittle,butwhenshethought NewWorkwasmissingathreeDprinterin aboutit,shecouldntseewhynot.Sure,she everylivingroom.Akillerapp.Therewere said. personalcomputersandgeeksforyearsbefore

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/249 TakingaguestaroundDisneyWorldwaslike programmingaplaylistforadateoracartrip. Sammyhaddoneitthreeorfourtimesforpeople hewastryingtowinover(mostlywomenhewas tryingtoscrew)andherefinedhistechnique everytime. SohetookhertotheCarouselofProgress.It wastheoldestuntouchedrideinthepark,a replicaoftheonethatWalthimselfhadbuiltfor GEatthe1964WorldsFair.Therehadbeen attemptstoupdateitovertheyears,buttheyd allbeenrippedoutandtheshowrestoredtoits midsixtiesglory. Itwasarevolvingtheaterwhererobotsdanced andsangandtalkedthroughtheAmerican Century,fromthelastdaysofthecoalstoveup tothedawnofthespaceage.Ithadagoofy, catchysong,cornballjokes,andherelished playingguideandtellinghischargesaboutthe timethattherevolvingtheaterhadtrappeda carelesscastmemberinitscarouselandcrushed hertodeath.Thatjuxtapositionofsunny,goofy Americancorporateoptimismandthemacabre realitiesofoperatingaparkwhereagangof halfliterateminimumwageworkersspenttheir daysshovellingtheworldsrichchildreninto modifiedthreshingmachinesitwasdelicious. Suzannesbodylanguagetoldhimthewhole storyfromthesecondshesatdown,armsfolded, abarelycontainedsmirkonherlips.Thelights playedovertheGElogo,whichhadacquiredan evenmoreanachronisticlustersincethelasttime hedbeen.NowthatGEhadbeendelistedfrom theNYSE,itwasonlyamatteroftimebefore theyyankedthesponsorship,butfornow,it madetherideseemlikeitwasparttime machine.Transportedbacktothecorporate Pleistocene,whengiantdinocorpsthundered overtheplains. Thetheaterrotatedtothefirstbatchofsinging, wisecrackingrobots.Hereyebrowsshotupand sheshookherheadbemusedly.Outcamethe secondbatch,thethirdnowtheywereinthe fabulousfortiesandtheAndrewsSistersplayed whilegrandmaandgrandparobotwatcheda bulgingfisheyeTVandsistergotvibratedbyan electricslimmingbelt.Thejokesgotworse,the catchyjingleTheresagreatbigbeautiful tomorrow,shiningattheendofevery daaaaay!gotrepeatedwithmorevigor. ItslikeanAmericanrobotperformanceof TriumphoftheWill,shewhisperedtohim,and hecrackedup.Theyweretheonlytwointhe theater.Itwasneverfull,andhehimselfhad takenpartinspitballexercisesbrainstorming replacements,butinstitutionally,DisneyParks couldntbringitselftoshutitdown.Therewas alwayssomeexcuserabidfans,historical interest,competingprioritiesbutitcamedown tothefactthatnoonewantedtobringtheaxe downontherobotfamily. Thefinalsegmentnow,thewholefamily enjoyingafuturisticChristmaswithahightech kitchenwhosevoiceactivatedstovewent haywire.Alltherobotswereonstageforthe segment,andtheyexhortedtheaudiencetosing andclapalong.Sammygaveinandclapped,and asecondlater,Suzannedid,too,laughingatthe sillinessofitall.Whenthehouselightscameup andtheboredbutunsquashedcastmember spieledthemoutoftheride,Sammyhada bounceinhisstepandthesonginhishead. Thatwasterrible!Suzannesaid. Isntitgreat? God,Illnevergetthatsongoutofmyhead. Theymovedthroughtheflashinglightsof Tomorrowland. LookatthatnolineonSpaceMountain, Sammysaid,pointing. SotheyrodeSpaceMountaintwice.Thenthey caughtthefireworks.ThenSammytookherover toTomSawyerIslandonamaintenanceboatand theysatupinthetreehouseandwatchedasthe parkheavedandthronged,dancedandran, laughedandchattered. Heartherustling?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/250 Yeah,whatisthat,rabbitsorsomething? Comeon,itssuchacliche,Sammysaid. Giantrats.Sammygrinnedinthedark.Giant, AnyonecanbeaHauntedMansionfan.Itslike beingaMickeyfan.Ittakesrealcharactertobea feralrats. Goofyfan. Comeon,yourejoking. YoureaGoofyfan,Itakeit? Crossmyheart.Wedrainthelakeeverynow Indeed.AndImalsoaJungleCruiseman. andthenandtheymigratetotheisland.No predators.Lotsofdroppedfrenchfriesits Morecornyjokes? ratopiahere.Theygetasbigascats.Boldlittle Wevebeendyingtohaveyoutalkabout fuckerstoo.Noonelikestobeherealoneat cornballhumor. night. Theyrodeboth.Theparkwasclosing,andall Whataboutus? aroundthem,peoplewerestreamingawayfrom Weretogether. therides.Nolinesatall,noteveninfrontofthe rollercoasters,noteveninfrontofDumbo,not Therustlinggrewlouderandtheyheldtheir breath.Aboldratlikearaccoonpickeditsway eveninfrontoftheultraviolentflyoverofthe worldofthezombies(neePeterPansFlight, acrossthepathbelowthem.Thentwomore. andaperennialfavorite). SuzanneshiveredandSammydid,too.They werehuge,feral,menacing.

Youknow,Ihaventjustenjoyedtheparklike thisinyears.Hewaswearingahugefoam Wanttogo? Goofyhatthatdancedandbobbedonhishead, Hellyes,shesaid.Shefumbledinherpurse tryingtodolittlepasdedeuxwiththeother andcameoutwithabrightlittletorchthatshone Goofyhatsinthevicinity.Italsoletoutthe likeabeacon.Youwerentsupposedtouse occassionalchuckleandsnatchofsong. brightlightsontheislandafterhourswhilethe restoftheparkwasopen,butSammywasglad Shutup,Suzannesaid.Donttalkabout magic.Livemagic. ofit. Theyclosedthepark,lettingthemselvesget Backonthemainland,theyrodeBigThunder herdedoffofMainStreetalongwiththelast Mountainandmoseyedovertothenew,half rebuiltFantasyland.Thezombiemazewasstill stragglers.Helookedoverhisshoulderasthey movedthroughthearchesunderthetrainstation. open,andtheygotlostinitamidthegroans, Thenightcrewwasmovingthroughtheempty animatronicshamblers,andgigglingkids MainStreet,hosingdownthestreets,sweeping, runningthroughthehedges. scrubbing.Ashewatched,theworklightscame Somethinghappenedinthemaze.Between on,throwingthewholethingintoneardaylight enteringitandleavingit,theylosttheircares. illumination,makingitseemlesslikean Insteadoftalkingabouttheparkand enchantedwonderlandandmorelikeamovieset, Hackelberg,theytalkedaboutwaysofgetting anartifice.Asham. outofthemaze,talkedaboutwhichzombiewas Itwasoneinthemorningandhewasexhausted. comingnext,aboutthebestzombiemovies theydeverseen,aboutmemorableHalloweens. AndHackelbergwasgoingtosue. Astheynearedtheexit,theystartedtostrategize Sammy,whatdoyouwantmetodo,blackmail aboutthebestridetogoonnext.Suzannehad him? donetheHauntedMansiontwicewhenshefirst Idontknowsure.Whynot?Youcouldcall arrivedandnow himandsay,Ihearyoureworkingonthis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/251 lawsuit,butdontyouthinkitshypocritical whenyouvebeendoingallthisbadstuff Kettlewellhadbeenalmostpatheticinhis interestinhelpingLesterout.Lestergotthe impressionthathedbeensittingaroundhis Idontblackmailpeople. apartment,moping,eversinceEvahadtakenthe Fine.Tellyourfriends,then.Tellsomelawyers. kidsandgone.AsLesterunspooledthestoryfor Thatcouldwork. himSuzannewouldnttellhimhowshed Sammy,Ithinkweregoingtohavetofightthis foundthisout,andheknewbetterthantoask Kettlewellgrewmoreandmoreexcited.Bythe suitonitsmerits,notonthebasisofsome sneakyintel.Iappreciatetheriskyoureputting timeLesterwasthrough,hewaspractically slobberingintothephone. yourselfto Oh,oh,oh,thisisgoingtobeafunphoner,he WerippedoffsomeofLesterscodeforthe said. DiaB.Heblurteditout,notbelievinghewas hearinghimselfsayit.Ididntknowitatthe Youlldoit,then?Evenaftereverything? time.Thelibrarieswereonthenetandmyguys wereinahurry,andtheyjustimporteditintothe DoesPerryknowyouvecalledme? buildandleftittheretheyrewroteitwiththe Lesterswallowed.No,hesaid.Idonttalkto secondshipment,butweputoutamillionunits Perrymuchthesedays. runningalibraryLesterwroteforvolumetric Kettlewellsighed.WhatthehellamIgoingto imaging.Itwasundersomecrazyviralopen dowithyoutwo? sourcelicenseandweweresupposedtopublish Imsorry,Lestersaid. allourmodifications,andweneverdid. Suzannethrewherheadbackandlaughed,long andhard.Sammyfoundhimselflaughingalong withher. Dontbesorry.Behappy.Someoneshouldbe happyaroundhere.

OK,shesaid.OK.Thatsagoodone.Illtell HerveGuignolchairedtheexecutivecommittee. Lesteraboutit.Maybehellwanttouseit. Sammyhadknownhimforyears.Theydcome Maybehellwanttosue. easttogetherfromSanJose,whereGuignolhad Sammywantedtoaskherifshedkeephisname runtheentertainmentsideofeBay.Theydbeen recruitedbyDisneyParksatthesametime, outofit,buthecouldntask.Hedgoneto Hackelbergwiththeinfoassoonashedfound duringthehostiletakeoverandbreakup,and theydhadtheirshareofnightsout,golfgames, outandtheydagreedtokeepitquiet.The andstupidmoviestogether. Imagineersresponsiblehadhadaveryfirm talkingto,andhadprivatelyadmittedtoa ButwhenGuignolwaswearinghischairmans curiousandaghastSammyoverbeersthat hat,itwaslikehewasadifferentperson.The everyoneeverywheredidthisallthetime,thatit boardroomwasfilledwithhuge,ergonomic wassonormalastobecompletely chairs,thecenterofthetablelinedwithbottles unremarkable.Hewasprettysurethatajudge ofimportedwaterandtraysoffancifulcanapes wouldntseeitthatway. intheshapesofDisneycharacters.Sammysatto Suzannesurprisedhimbygivinghimastrong, warmhug.Yourenottheworstguyinthe world,SammyPage,shesaid.Thanksfor showingmearoundyourpark. GuignolsleftandHackelbergsattohisright. Guignolbroughtthemeetingtoorderandthe restofthecommitteestoppedchattingand checkingemailandlookedexpectant.Atthe touchofabutton,thedoorswungshutwithan

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/252 authoritativeclunkandshutterssliddownover thewindow. Mickeyheadbuiltfromchunksofsalmonand hamachi.Guignolmovedamongthecommittee, Welcome,andthankyouforattendingonsuch talkingtoafewmembers.Sammyrecognized shortnotice.YouknowAugustusHackelberg;he thebehaviorconsolidatingpower.Hardto rememberthatthiswastheguyhedplayed hassomethingtopresenttoyou. savage,highstakesgamesofputtputtgolfwith. Hackelbergclimbedtohisfeetandlookedoutat Themeetingreconvened.Noonelookedat them.Hedidntlookgood. Sammy.TheyalllookedatHackelberg. AnissuehasarisenSammylovedthethird Whatabouttryingtosettlethesuit?Guignol personpassivevoicethatdominatedcorporate said. meetings.Liketheissuehadarisenallonits own,spontaneously.Adecisionthatwastaken Hackelbergflushed.Idontknowifthats hascomebacktobiteus.Heexplainedabout possible theDiaBsandthecode,layingitoutmoreor Whataboutifweoffertosettleinexchangefor lessasithappened,thoughofcoursehe droppingthesuitwevejustfiled? downplayedhisinvolvementinadvisingSammy Hackelbergshandssqueezedthesideofthe togoaheadandship. table.Idontthinkthatthatwouldbeawise Thecommitteeaskedafewintensequestions, courseofaction.Thisistheopportunityweve nonedirectedatSammy,whokeptquiet,though beenwaitingforthechancetocrackthemwide heinstinctivelywantedtodefendhisrecord. openandseewhatsgoingoninside.Discover Theytookabreakafteranhour,andSammy justwhattheyvetakenfromusandhow.Out foundhimselfinacornerwithGuignol. themforalltheirbadacts. Whatdoyouthink?Sammyaskedhim. Guignolnodded.OK,thatstrue.Now,asI Guignolgrimaced.Ithinkwereprettyscrewed. understandit,everyDiaBweshippedwiththis Someoneisgoingtohavetotakeafallforthis, Bankspersonscodeonitisaseparateactof youknow.Itsgoingtocostusafortune. infringement.Weshippedamillionofthem. Sammynodded.Well,unlesswejustsettlewith Whatsthepotentialliabilityperunit? them,hesaid.Youknowwedropthesuitwe justfiledandtheydroptheirs....Hehadhoped thatthiswouldcomeoutonitsown,butitwas clearthatHackelbergwasntgoingtoofferitup himself.Hewastooinlovewiththeideaof gettinghishandsonPerryandLester. Courtsusuallyaward

Guignolrockedhisheadfromsidetoside.You Hackelberglookedaway.Itsuptofivehundred thinktheydgoforit? thousandperseparateactofinfringement. Sammydroppedhisvoicetoawhisperand Guignolnodded.So,werelookingataceiling turnedawayfromtherestoftheroomto ontheliabilityat$500billion,then? confoundanylipreaders.Ithinktheyve Technically,yes.But offeredtodothat. Iproposethatweofferasettlement,quidpro GuignolcuthiseyesovertoHackelbergand quowiththisBanksperson.Wedropoursuitif Sammynodded,imperceptibly. heindemnifiesusfromdamagesforhis. Guignolmovedaway,leavingSammytoeata Seconded,saidsomeoneatthetable.Things

Guignolknockedquietlyonthetable.Whats thepotentialliabilitywhatsthesizeofthebill acourtcouldhanddown,ifajurywasinvolved? If,say,thisbecamepartofsomeoneslitigation portfolio.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/253 werepickingupsteam.Sammybittheinsideof hischeektokeephissmileincheck. Wait,Hackelbergsaid.Gentlemenandlady, please.Whileitstruethatdamagescan technicallyrunto$500,000perinfringement, thatsimplyisntdone.Nottoentitieslikethis firm.Listen,wewrotethatlawsowecouldsue peoplewhotookfromus.Itwontbeused againstus.Wewillface,atworst,afewhundred dollarsperactofinfringement.Stillasizable sumofmoney,butinthefinalanalysis Thankyou,Guignolsaid.Allinfavorof offeringasettlement? ItwasunanimousexceptforHackelberg. SammygothisrematchwithHackelbergwhen thequarterlyfinancialscameout.Itwasallthat blackink,makinghimgiddy. ifitcontinues,weregoingtoendupbeinga DiaBcompanywithasidebusinessintheme parks. Thatsthegoodnews.Thebadnewsisthat thesecharactersintheghostmallhaveusintheir crosshairs.Theyrepryingusopenfasterthanwe canlockourselvesdown.Butheresanotherway oflookingatit:everytimetheyaddanother featuretotheDiaB,theymakeowningaDiaB moreattractive,whichmakesiteasierforusto sellaccesstotheplatformtoadvertisers. Hackelberghelduphishands.Samuel,Ithink Iveheardenough.Yourjobistofigureoutnew businessesforustodiversifyinto.Myjobisto containourliabilityandprotectourbrandand investors.Itsoundsalottomelikeyouresaying thatyouwantmetoleaveoffdoingmyjobso thatyoucandoyours.

Sammysquirmed.No,thatsnotitatall.We bothwanttoprotectthebusiness.Imnotsaying Idontwanttobedisrespectful,hesaid, knowingthatinHackelbergsbooks,therecould thatyouneedtogivetheseguysafreeride. benothingmoredisrespectfulthanchallenging WhatImsayingis,suingtheseguysisnotgood forourbusiness.Itcostsusmoney,goodwillit him.Butweneedtoconfrontsomebusiness distractsusfromdoingourjobs. realitieshere. HackelbergsofficewasnothinglikeSammyhad Hackelbergleanedbackandlookedcoollyinto Sammyseyes.Whatareyouproposingasan expectednotasoutherngentlemansstudy linedwithhuntingtrophiesandframedancestral alternative,then? photos.Itwasasspareastheofficeofatemp, almostemptysaveforahighlyfunctionaldesk, builtinbookcaseslinedwithlawbooks,anda straightbackedchair.Itwasascetic,severe,and itwasmoreintimidatingthananydarkwoodden couldhopetobe. TheideahadcometoSammyintheshowerone morning,ashementallycalculatedthesizeof hiscomingquarterlybonus.Agreatidea.Outof theboxthinking.Therightanswertothe questionthatnoonehadthoughttoask.Ithad seemedsoperfectthen.Now,though

Hackelbergsheavyeyelidsdroopedalittle,the Ithinkweshouldbuythemout. cornersofhiseyesgoingdownwiththem.Itwas Hackelbergsthin,mirthlessgrinmadehisballs likestaringdownagator.Sammyresistedthe shrivelup. urgetolookaway. Sammyhelduphishands.Here,lookatthis.I Thenumbersdontlie.DiaBismakingusa drewupsomefigures.Whattheyreearning. fortune,andmostofitscomingfromthe Whatweearnfromthem.Growthestimatesover platform,notthegoopandnottheincreased thenextfivequarters.Itsnotjustsomerandom visitornumbers.Weremakingmoneybecause ideaIhadintheshower.Thismakessense.He otherpeoplearefiguringoutwaystouseour passedoverasheafofpapers,repletewithpie stuff.Itsourfastestgrowingrevenuesourceand charts.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/254 Hackelbergsetitdowninthecenterofhisdesk, perfectlysquaretothecorners.Heflipped throughthefirstfivepages,thensquaredthe stackupagain. Youvedonealotofworkhere,Samuel.Ican reallyseethat. Hegotupfromhisstraightbackedchair,lifted Sammyspapersbetweenhisthumband forefinger,andcrossedtothewall.Therewasa shredderthere,itsmawawiderectangle,the kindofthingthatyoucanstickentirehardcover books(orharddrives)into.Calmly,Hackelberg fedSammyspaperintotheshredder, fastidiouslyholdingthepaperclippedcorner betweenthumbandforefinger,thendroppingthe cornerinoncetheresthadbeendigested. GetyourcomputertoITby2PM.Iwillcheck. Thatgoesforanyoneyouworkedwithonthis, anyonewhohasacopyofthisinformation.Now, leave.Sammystoodrootedinplace.LEAVE, youridiculouslittledogspizzle,getoutofmy sight! Sammydrewinadeepbreath.Hethoughtabout sayingsomethinglike,Youcanttalktomelike that,butitwasverylikelythatHackelbergcould talktohimjustlikethat.Hefeltlightheadedand alittlesick,andhebackedslowlyoutofthe office.

Standinginthecorridor,hebegantoshake.He poundedtheelevatorbutton,andfelttheeyesof Hackelbergsseveresecretaryburningintohis back.Abruptly,heturnedawayandyankedopen thestaircasedoorsoharditsmashedintothe Iwontaskyouforyourcomputer,hesaid, wallwithaloudbang.Hetookthestairsina settlingbackintohischair.ButIexpectthat rushofdesperateclaustrophobia,wantingmore youwillbackupyourotherdataandthensend theharddrivetoITtobepermanentlyerased.I thananythingtogetoutside,tobreatheinthe dontwantanyrecordofthis,period.Iwantthis freshair. donebytheendofbusinesstoday. Hestumbledonthewaydown,fallingacouple Sammysmouthhungopen.Heshutit.Thenhe ofstepsandsmashingintothewallonthe landing.Hestood,pressedagainstthewall,the openeditagain. coldcinderblockonhischeek,whichfeltlikeit Abruptly,Hackelbergstood,knockinghischair mightbebruised.Thepainwasenoughtobring tothegroundbehindhim. himbacktohissenses. Notoneword,doyouunderstandme?Notone Thisisridiculous.Hehadtherightanswer. solitaryword,yougoddamnedidiot!Werein Hackelbergwaswrong.Hackelbergdidntrun themiddleofbeingsuedbythesepeople.Iknow thecompany.Yes,itwashardtogetanything youknowthis,sinceitsyourfaultthatits donewithouthissignoff,butitwasnt happening.Iknowthatyouknowthatthestakes impossible.GoingbehindHackelbergsbackto aretheentirecompany.Now,sayajurywereto theexecutivecommitteecouldcosthimhisjob, discoverthatwewereconsideringbuyingthese ofcourse. assholesout?Sayajuryweretodecidethatour Ofcourse. litigationwasabasestratagemtolowerthe askingpricefortheir,theircompanyThe Sammyrealizedthathedidntactuallycareifhe worddrippedwithsarcasmwhatdoyou losthisjob.Oh,thethoughtmadehischest supposewouldhappen?Ifyouhadthesenseofa constrictandthoughtsoflivinginarefrigerator fiveyearold,youdhaveknownbetterthantodo boxmaterializeinhismindseye,butbeyond this.GoodChrist,Page,Ishouldhavesecurity that,hereallydidntcare.Itwassucha escortyoutothegate. goddamnedrollercoasterrideSammysmiled Turnonyourheelandgoweepinthecorridor. grimlyatthemetaphor.Youguessright,youend upontop.Youguesswrong,youbottomout.He Dontstandinmyofficeforonemoresecond.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/255 spenthalfhiscareerlordingitoverthepoor guessersandtheotherhalfpanickingabouta badguesshedmade.HethoughtofPerryand Lester,thoughtofthatnightinBoston.Hed killedtheirrideandthepartyhadgoneonallthe same.Theyhadsomething,inthatcrazy shantytown,somethingpureandhappy,some camaraderiethathedalwaysassumedhedget someday,butthathadnevermaterialized. Ifthiswashisdreamjob,howmuchworse wouldunemploymentreallybe? pixelateddisplayonthefrontplayedaslideshow oftheimagesatleastonceayear,some honeymooncouplewouldmissthisfactand throwacoupleracybedroomshotsinthemix,to theperennialdelightofthemailroom. Hehastilywrotesomebanalitiesaboutthegreat timeheandthekidswerehavinginDisney World,thenheopenedhiscomputerandlooked uptheaddressthattheChurchwomanhad checkedinunder.Headdressedit,simply,to Suzanne,tofurtherthrowoffthescent,then heslippeditintoamailslotwithaprayertothe godsofjournalistshieldlaws.

Hewouldgototheexecutivecommittee.He wouldnoterasehisnumbers.Hesetoffforhis office,movingquickly,purposefully,headup.A Hewalkedascalmlyashecouldbacktohis laststand,howexciting,whynot? golfcart,clippingonhisemployeebadgeand Hepilotedthelittlegolfcartdownthebackroad tuckinghisshirtbackin.Thenhemotored calmlytohisofficebuilding.TheDisneycops andwasnearlyathisbuildingsdoorwhenhe weresweatingunderthemiddaysun. spottedthesecuritydetail.Threeofthem,in

lightweightDisneycopuniforms,wearingranger MrPage? hatsandlookingaroundalertly.Hackelbergmust Yes,hesaid. havesentthemtheretomakesurethathe ImtotakeyourcomputertoIT,sir. followedthroughwithdeletinghisdata. Idontthinkso,Sammysaid,withperfect Hestoppedthegolfcartabruptlyandreversed calm.IthinkwellGOuptomyofficeandcall outofthedrivewaybeforetheguardsspotted ameetingoftheexecutivecommitteeinstead. him.Heneededtogethisfilessomewherethat Hackelbergwouldntbeabletoretrievethem.He Thesecurityguardwasyoung,Latino,and zippeddowntheserviceroads,thinking skinny.Hisshortbackandsideslefthisscalp furiously. exposedtothesun.Hetookhishatoffand moppedhisforeheadwithahandkerchief, Theansweroccurredtohimintheformofa roadsignforthePolynesianhotel.Heturnedup exposingalineofacnewherehishatband itsdriveandparkedthegolfcart.Ashestepped irritatedtheskin.ItmadeSammyfeelsorryfor thekidespeciallyconsideringthatSammy out,heremovedhisemployeebadgeand earnedmorethan20timesthekidssalary. untuckedhisshirt.Nowhewasjustanother sweatyfresharrivedtourist,Dadcominginto Thisreallyisntyourjob,Iknow,Sammysaid, rendezvouswithMomandthekids,backfrom wonderingwhereallthissympathyforthe somebanalmeetingthatdelayedhisarrival, laboringclasseshadcomefrom,anyway?I hasntevenhadtimetochangeintoatshirt. dontwanttomakeithardforyou.Wellgo inside.Youcanhangontothecomputer.Well Heheadedstraightforthesundriesstoreand talktosomepeople.Iftheytellyoutogoahead, boughtapostagepaidWaltDisneyWorld postcardwithalittlemagneticpatchmountedon yougoahead.Otherwise,wegoseethem,all right? onecorner.Youfilledupthememorywitha couplehoursworthofvideoandasmany Heheldhiscomputerouttothekid,whotookit. photosasyouwantedandmaileditoff.The Letsgouptomyofficenow,hesaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/256 Thekidshookhishead.Imsupposedtotake this Iknow,Iknow.Butwehaveadeal.Thekid lookedlikehewouldheadoutanyway.And therearebackupsinmyoffice,soyouneedto comeandgetthose,too. Notyet.Theresasecuritycastmemberinmy officewithmenamedLuis.Ifyouwanttocall dispatchandhavethemdirecthimtobringthis stufftoyouinstead Sammy,doyouunderstandwhatyouredoing here?

Thatdidit.Thekidlookedalittlegratefulas Sammysuppressedamadgiggle.Ido,hesaid. theywentinside,wheretheairconditioningwas IunderstandexactlywhatImdoing.Iwantto blowingicycold. helpyouallunderstandthat,too. Youshouldhavewaitedinthelobby,Luis, Sammysaid,readingthekidsnameoffhis badge.Youmustbeboiled. Ihadinstructions,Luissaid. Imcallingsecuritydispatchnow. Amomentlater,Luissphonerangandthekid listenedintently,noddingunconsciously.Once hedhungup,Sammypassedhimhisbackups, hardcopyandcomputer.Letsgo,hesaid.

Sammymadeaface.Theydontsoundlike veryreasonableinstructions.Allthemorereason Right,Luissaid,andledtheway. tosortthisout,right? Itwasashortridetothecastingofficebuilding, SammyhadhissecretarygetLuisabottleof whereGuignolhadhisoffice.Thewindfelt coldwaterandalittleplateofgrapesandberries terrificonhisface,dryinghissweat.Ithadbeen outofthestashhekeptforhisvisitors,thenhe alongday. calledGuignolfromhisdeskphone. Whentheypulledup,SammyletLuisleadthe

ItsSammy.Ineedtocallanemergency wayagain,badginginbehindhim,followinghim meetingoftheexeccommittee,hesaidwithout uptotheseventhfloorboardroom.attheendof preamble. theGoldCoastwherethemostsenioroffices were. ThisisaboutHackelberg,isntit? Hesalreadycalledyou? Hewasverypersuasive. Icanbepersuasive,too.Givemeachance. Youknowwhatwillhappenifyoupushthis? Imightsavethecompany. Youmight,Guignolsaid.Andyoumight Iknow,Sammysaid.Whatthehell,itsonly acareer. YoucantkeepyourdataHackelbergisright aboutthat. Icansendallthebackupsandmycomputerto yourofficerightnow. Guignolmetthematthedoorandtookthe materialsfromLuis,thenusheredSammyin. SammycaughtLuisseye,andLuissurprised himbywinkingandslippinghimasurreptitious thumbsup,makingSammyfeelliketheyshared asecret.

Therewereeightontheexecutivecommittee,but theytravelledalot.Sammyhadexpectedtosee nomorethanfour.Thereweretwo.And Hackelberg,ofcourse.Thelawyerwasthe pictureofsauriancalm. Sammysatdownatthetableandhelpedhimself toaglassofwater,watchingaringpoolonthe tablespolishedandwaxedwoodensurface.

Samuel,Hackelbergsaid,shakinghishead.I Iwasundertheimpressionthattheywereallon hopeditwouldntcometothis. theirwaytoITfordisposal. Sammytookadeepbreath,lookingforthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/257 dontgiveashitcalmthathadsuffusedhim Wesplit,Sammysaid.Hedrankhiswaterand before.Itwastherestill,notaspotent,butthere. stoodup.IvejustgotonequestionbeforeI Hedrewuponit. go. Letsputthistothecommittee,shallwe?I mean,wealreadyknowhowwefeel. Thatwontbenecessary,Hackelbergsaid. Thecommitteehasalreadyvotedonthis. Sammyclosedhiseyesandrubbedthebridgeof hisnose.HelookedatHackelberg,whowas smilinggrimly,ameangrinthatwentalltheway tothecornersofhiseyes. SammylookedaroundatGuignolandthe committeemembers.Theywouldntmeethis eye.GuignolgesturedLuisintotheroomand handedhimSammyscomputer,papers,and backups.Heleanedinandspokequietlytohim. Luisturnedandleft. Guignolwincedbutstoodhisground.Go ahead,hesaid. Dontyouwanttoknowwhatthenumbers lookedlike? Itsnotmyjobtooverrulelegal Wellgettothatinasecond.Itsnotthe question.Thequestionis,dontyouwantto know? Guignolsighed.YouknowIwanttoknow.Of courseIwanttoknow.Thisisntaboutmeand whatIwant,though.Itsaboutmakingsurewe dontendangertheshareholders Soignoringthispath,stickingourheadsinthe sand,thatsgoodfortheshareholders?

Guignolclearedhisthroat.Theresnothingelse No,ofcourseitsnotgoodfortheshareholders. todiscuss,then,hesaid.Thankyouallfor Butitsbetterthanendangeringthewhole coming. company Inhisheart,Sammyhadknownthiswascoming. Sammynodded.Well,howaboutifweboth Hackelbergwouldbeathimtothecommittee takesometimeoffanddrivedownto neverlethimpresenthisside.Watchingthe Hollywood.Itddoussomegood. lawyergetupstifflyandleavewithslow, dignifiedsteps,Sammyhadamomentsintuition Sammy,Ivegotajobtodo aboutwhatitmustbeliketobethatman Yeah,butwithoutyourcomputer... possessedofakindofcold,furiouspowerthat camefromtellingeveryonethatnotobeyingyou Guignollookedathim.Whatdidyoudo? totheletterwouldputtheminterribledanger. ItsnotwhatIdid.ItswhatImighthavedone. Heknewthatlineofreasoning:Itwasthesame ImgoingtobeagoodboyandgiveHackelberg onehegotfromtheTSAattheairportbefore alistofeveryoneImighthaveemailedabout theybenthimoverandgreasedhimup.You this.Allthosepeoplearelosingtheircomputers cantunderstandthegravedangerweallface. tothebigmagnetatIT. Youmustobeyme,foronlyIcankeepitatbay. Butyouneveremailedmeaboutthis Hewaitedfortherestofthecommitteetofile Yousure?Imighthave.ItsthekindofthingI out.Noneofthemwouldmeethiseye.Thenit mighthavedone.Maybeyourspamfilterateit. wasjusthimandGuignol.Sammyraisedhis Youneverknow.ThatswhatITsfor. eyebrowsandspreadouthishands,miming Whathappensnow? Guignollookedangryforamoment,then laughed.Youaresuchashithead.Fuckthat Youwontbeabletogetanythingproductive lawyerassholeanyway.Whatareyoudriving doneuntilITgetsthroughwithyourcomputer. Takesometimeoff.CallupDinahandseeifshe thesedays? wantstograbsomeholidaytime.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/258 JustboughtanewDellLuminux,Sammysaid, Therewasvoicemailonhercomputer,which grinningback.Ragtop. wasunusual.Mostpeoplesentheremail.This originatedfromapayphoneontheFlorida Whendoweleave? Turnpike. Illpickyouupat6AMtomorrow.Beatthe MsChurch,thisisah,thisisapersonwhom morningtraffic. yourecentlyhadtheacquaintanceof,whileon yourholidays.Ihaveaconfidentialmatterto Suzannewasgettingsickofbreakfastinbed.It discusswithyou.Imtravellingtoyourlocation withacolleaguetodayandshouldarrivemid washardtoimaginethatsuchathingwas morning.Ihopeyoucanmakesometimeto possible,butthereitwas.Lesterstoleoutfrom meetwithme. betweenthecoversbefore7AMeveryday,and then,halfanhourlater,hewasbackwithaladen tray,somethingneweveryday.Shedhadsteaks, burritos,waffles,homemadegranola,fruit saladwithGreekyogurt,andtodaytherewere eggsBenedictwithfreshsqueezedgrapefruit juice.ThetrayalwayscamewithaFrenchpress offreshgroundKonacoffee,aclothnapkin,and hercomputer,soshecouldreadthenews. Intheory,thiswasawarmritualthatensured thattheyhadqualitytimetogethereveryday,no matterwhat.Inpractice,Lesterwassoanxious aboutthefoodandwhethershewasenjoyingit thatshecouldntreallyenjoyit.Plus,shewasnt afatkins,sothreethousandcaloriebreakfasts werentgoodforher. Shelistenedtoittwice.Lesterleanedover. Whatsthatallabout? Yourenotgoingtobelieveit.Ithinkitsthat Disneyguy,theguyItoldyouabout.Theone Deathusedtoworkfor. Hescominghere? Apparently. Woah.DonttellPerry. Youthink? Hedtearthatguysthroatoutwithhisteeth. Lestertookabiteofblini.Imighthelp.

SuzannethoughtaboutSammy.Hehadntbeen thesortofpersonshecouldbefriendswith,but Mostofall,itwasthepressuretobeahappy shedknownplentyofhiskindinherday,andhe couple,tohavecementedovertheoldhurtsand washardlytheworstofthelot.Hebarelyrated startedanew.Shefeltiteverymoment,when aboveaverageonthecorporatepsychopath Lesterclimbedintotheshowerwithherand meter.Somewhereinthere,therewasareal soapedherback,whenhebroughthomeflowers, personality.Shedseenit. andwhenheclimbedintobedwithherinthe Well,thenIguessIdbettermeetwithhim morningtoeatbreakfastwithher. alone. Shepickedathercaviarandbliniglumlyand Itsoundslikehewantsadoctorpatientmeeting pokedathercomputer.Besideher,Lester anyway. hooveredupthreethousandcaloriesworthof frieddoughandclatteredonehandedonhis Orconfessorpenitent. machine. Youthinkhellleakyousomething. Thisisdelicious,babe,thanks,shesaid,with Thatsaprettygoodworkingtheorywhenit asmuchsincerityasshecouldmuster.Itwas comestothiskindofcall. reallygenerousandniceofhimtodothis.She wasjustabitteroldwomanwhocouldntbe Lesteratethoughtfully,thenreachedoverandhit happynomatterwhatwasgoingoninherlife. akeyonhercomputer,replayingthecall.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/259 Hesounds,what,giddy? Thatsright,hedoes,doesnthe.Maybeits goodnews. Lesterlaughedandtookawayherdishes,and whenhecamebackin,hewasnaked,stripped andreadyfortheshower.Hewasavery handsomeman,andhehadadevilishgrinashe whiskedtheblanketoffofher. Hestoppedatthefootofthebedandstaredat her,hisgrinquirkinginawaysherecognized instantly.Shedidnthavetolookdowntoknow thathewasgettinghard.Inthemirrorofhis eyes,shewasbeautiful.Shecouldseeitplainly. Whenshelookedintotherealmirroratthefoot ofthebed,drapedwithgauzysunscarvesand crustedaroundtheedgeswithkitschytourist magnetsLesterbroughthome,shesawasaggy, middleagedwomanwithcottagecheese celluliteandsaddlebags. Lesterhadsleptwithmorefatkinsgirlsthanshe couldcount,womenmadeintodolllike mannequinsbysurgeryandchemical enhancements,womenwhoreadsexmanualsin publicplacesandboastedabouttheirKegel weightliftingscores. Butwhenhelookedatherlikethat,sheknew thatshewasthemostbeautifulwomanhedever loved,thathewoulddoanythingforher.Thathe lovedherasmuchashecouldeverloveanyone. WhatthehellwasIcomplainingabout?she thoughtashefellonherlikeastarvingman. Sammycameupthestepsredfacedandsweaty, wearingaHawaiianshirtandBermudashorts, likesomekindoftourist.Orlikehewason holidays?Behindhimcameayoungerman,with severelittledesignerglasses,dressedinthe conventionalpoloshirtandslacksuniformofthe corporateexeconanonsuitday. Suzannesprinkledanironicwaveatthemand gesturedtothemismatchedschoolroomchairs athertable.ThewaitressShaynacameover withtwoglassesofwaterandapapernapkin dispenser.Thementhankedherandmopped theirfacesanddranktheirwater. Gooddrive? Sammynodded.Hisfriendlookednervous,like hewaswonderingwhatmighthavebeen swimminginhiswaterglass.Thisissome place. Welikeithere. Isthere,youknow,abathroom?the companionasked. Throughthere.Suzannepointed. Howdoyoudealwiththesewagearound here? Sewage?MrPage,sewageissolved.Wefeedit intoourgeneratorsandthewasteheatrunsour condenserpurifiers.Therewastalkofbuilding onebigoneforthewholetown,butthatrequired waytoomuchcoordinationandanyway,Perry wasconvincedthathavingcentralpointsof failurewouldbebeggingforadisaster.Iwrotea seriesonit.IfyoudlikeIcansendyouthe links.

ShemetSammyintheirfavoritetearoom,the onepercheduponacrowsnestfourstoreysupa TheDisneyexecmadesomenoisesandatesome corkscrewbuildingwhosesuppliescameupona shortbread,peeredatthechalkboardmenuand seriesofdumbwaitersandwinchesthatshrouded orderedsomeThaiicedtea. itsbalconieslikevines. Look,MsChurchSuzannethankyoufor Shestakedoutthebesttable,theonewiththe seeingme.Iwouldhaveunderstoodcompletely panoramicviewofthewholeshantytown,and ifyoudtoldmetogofuckmyself. orderedaplateofthetinyshortbreadcakesthat Suzannesmiledandmadeagoongesture. werethehousespecialty,alongwithagigantic mugofnonfatdecafcappuccino. Beforemyfriendcomesbackfromthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/260 bathroom,beforewemeetupwithanyonefrom yourside,Ijustwantyoutoknowthis.What youvedone,itschangedtheworld.Iwouldnt beheretodayifitwasntforyou. Hehadeveryappearanceofbeingcompletely sincere.Hewasalittleroadcrazedand windblowntoday,notlikesherememberedhim fromOrlando.Whatthehellhadhappenedto him?Whatwasheherefor? HisfriendcamebackandSammysaid,I orderedyouaThaiicedtea.ThisisSuzanne Church,thewriter.MsChurch,thisisHerve Guignol,codirectoroftheFloridaregional divisionofDisneyParks. LetspretendthatIgaveyoualongrunupto this.Letspretendthatwespentalotoftime withmeimpressingonyouthatthisis confidential,andnotforpublication.Lets pretendthatIcharmedyouandmadesureyou understoodhowmuchrespectIhaveforyouand yourfriendshere Igetit,Suzannesaid,tryingnottolaugh.Not forpublicationreally! OK,letspretendallthat.NowIlltellyou: whatsonthatpostcardisthefinancialsfora DisneyParksbuyoutofyourfriendsentire operationhere.DiaBolical,theride,allofit.

Suzannehadbeenexpectingalotofthings,but Guignolwasmoreputtogetherandstandoffish thiswasntoneofthem.Itwasloopy.Daffy.Not thanSammy.Heshookherhandandmade justweird,butinconceivable.Asthoughhed executivesoundinggruntsather.Hewasyoung, said,Isentyouourplanstocarveyourportrait andclearlyintoplayingtheroleofexec.He onthemoonssurfacewithagreenlaser.But remindedSuzanneoffreshSiliconValley shewasapro.Shekeptherfacestillandneutral, millionaireswhocouldgofrompizzaslinging andcalmlyswallowedhercappuccino. hackerstosuitwearingbizdroidswho Isee. bullshittedknowledgeablyaboutEBITDA AndtherearetherearepeopleatDisneywho overnight. feellikethisideaissodangerousthatitdoesnt Whatthehellareyoutwoherefor? evenwarrantdiscussion.Thatitshouldbe MrPage suppressed. Sammy,callmeSammy,please.Didyougetmy Guignolclearedhisthroat.Thatsthe postcard? consensus,hesaid. Thatwasfromyou?Shednotbeenableto makeheadsortailsofitwhenitarrivedinthe mailthedaybeforeandshedchuckeditoutas partofsomeviralmarketingcampaignshe didntwanttogetinfectedby. Yougotit? Ithrewitout. Sammywentslightlygreen. Butitllstillbeinthetrash,shesaid.Lester nevertakesitout,andIhavent. Um,canwegoandgetitnow,allthesame? Whatsonit? SammyandGuignolexchangedalonglook. Andnormally,Idsay,hey,sure,theconsensus. Thatsgreat.ButIlltellyou,Idrewupthese numbersbecauseIwascurious,Imacurious guy.Iliketothinklaterally,trystuffthatmight seemsillyatfirst.Seewhereitgoes.Ivehad prettygoodinstincts. GuignolandSuzannesnortedatthesametime. Andanimperfectrecord,Sammysaid. Suzannedidntwanttolikehim,buttherewas somethingforthrightabouthimthatshecouldnt helpwarmingto.Therewasnosubtletyor scheminginthisguy.Whateverhewanted,you couldseeitrightonhisface.Maybehewasa psycho,buthewasntasneak. SoIranthesenumbersformyownamusement,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/261 toseewhattheywouldlooklike.Assumethat yourboyswant,say,30timesgrossannual revenueforabuyout.Saythatthissettlesour lawsuitnottheirs,justours,sowedonthave topayforthetrademarksuittogoforward. AssumethattheygenerateoneDiaBolicalscale ideaeverysixmonthsSuzannefoundherself noddingalong,especiallyatthislastone.Well, youmakethoseassumptionsandyouknowwhat comesoutofit? Suzanneletthenumbersdancebehindherown eyelids.Shedfollowedalltherelevantfinancials closelyforyears,socloselythattheywereas familiarashermonthlytakehomeandmortgage paymentshadbeen,backwhenshehadastraight jobandastraightlife. Therewassomequestionaboutwhethertheyd beerasedbeforeIcouldshowthemtoanyone, andIknewtherewasnowayIdbegiventhe chancetorecreatethemindependently.It seemedprudenttohaveabackupcopy. Abackupcopyinmyhands? Well,atleastIknewyouwouldntgiveitup withoutafight.Sammyshruggedandoffered herasunnysmile. Wedbettergorescuethatpostcardfromthe basketbeforeLesterdevelopsadomesticinstinct andtakesoutthetrash,then,Suzannesaid, pushingawayfromthetable.Shaynabroughtthe billandSammypaidit,overtippingbyafactorof ten,whichendearedhimfurthertoSuzanne.She couldntabiderichpeoplewhostiffedonthetip.

Well,youdmakeLesterandPerryvery wealthy,shesaid.Aftertheyvestedout,theyd Suzannewalkedthemthroughtheshantytown, watchingtheirreactionsclosely.Shelikedto beabletoliveofftheinterestalone. takenewpeoplehere.Shedwitnesseditsbirth Sammynoddedjudiciously.Hissidekicklooked andgrowth,thengoneawayduringits alarmed.Yup.Andforus? adolescence,andnowshegottoenjoyits Well,assumingyourlastquarterlystatement maturity.Crowdsofkidsranscreechingand wasaccurate playingthroughthestreets,adultsnoddedat themfromtheirwindows,wiresandplumbing Wewerealittleconservative,Sammysaid. andantennascrowdedtheskiesabovethem.The Theothermannoddedreflexively. wallsshimmeredwithmuralsandgraffitiand Youwereveryconservative,shethought.DiaBs mosaics. makingyouafortuneandyoudidntwantto Sammytreateditlikehehadhisthemepark, advertisethattothecompetition. seemingtotakeineverydetailwitha Assumingthat,well,youguysearnbackyour connoisseurseye;Guignolwasmorenervous, investmentin,what,18months? clearlyfeelingunsafeamidthecheerful Ifigureayear.But18monthswouldbegood. lawlessness.TheycameuponFrancisandagang ofhiskids,buildingbicyclesoutofstiffened Ifyouvesttheguysoutoverthreeyears,that fabricandstrongmonofilamentrecycledfrom means packingcrates. 100percentROI,plusorminus200percent, MsChurch,Francissaidgravely.Hedgiven Sammysaid.Forlessmoneythanwellendup updrinking,maybeforgood,andhewasclear spendingonourendofthelawsuit. eyedandcharminginhisengineerscoveralls. Guignolwasgogglingatthemboth.Sammy drankhisThaiicedtea,slurpingnoisily.He signalledforanotherone. Andyousentmethesefinancialsona postcard? Thekidsboysandgirls,Suzannenoted approvinglycontinuedtoworkoverthebikes, buttheywereclearlywatchingwhatFranciswas upto. Francis,pleasemeetSammyandhiscolleague,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/262 Herve.TheyrehereforastoryImworkingon. Gentlemen,Francisistheclosestthingwehave toamayoraroundhere. Francisshookhandsallaround,butSammys attentionwasrivetedonthebicycles. Francispickedoneupwithtwofingersand handedittohim.Likeit?Wegotthedesign fromashopinLiberia,butwemadeourown localimprovements.Thetrickisgettingthe stiffenertostayliquidlongenoughtogetthe fabricstretchedoutintherightproportion. Sammytooktheframefromhimandspunitin onehandlikeabaton.Andthewheels? abouteducation,Suzanne? Lotsofkidsbusintothelocalschools,orride. Butlotsmorehomeschoolthesedays.Wedont getaveryhighcaliberofpublicschoolaround here. Mightthathavesomethingtodowithallthe residentswhodontpaypropertytax?Guignol saidpointedly. Suzannenodded.Imsureitdoes,shesaid. Butithasmoretodowiththeoverallqualityof publiceducationinthisstate.47thinthenation forfunding.

TheywereatherandLestersplacenow.Sheled Mostlywedosolids,whichstayintruelonger. themthroughthefrontdoorandpickedupthe Weusethecarbonstiffeneronaprecutroundof trashcannexttothelittletablewhereshesorted canvasordenim,thenfitastandardtire.Theygo themailafterpickingitupfromherPOboxata outoftrueafterawhile.Youjustapplysome littlestripmalldowntheroad. solventtothemandtheygosoftagainandyou Therewasthepostcard.Shehandeditsilentlyto retruethemwithacompassandapairof Sammy,whohelditforamoment,then tailorsshears,thenrestiffenthem.Youget reluctantlypassedittoGuignol.Youdbetter maybefiveyearsofhardridingoutofawheel hangontoit,hesaid,andshesensedthatthere thatway. wassomethingbiggergoingonthere. Sammyseyeswereroundassaucers.Hetook oneoftheprofferedwheelsandspunitbetween opposingfingertips.Then,grinning,hepicked upanotherwheelandthebikeframeandbegan tojugglethem,onetwothree,hoopla!Francis lookedamused,ratherthanpissedgivingup drinkhadsoftenedhistemper.Hiskidsstopped workingandlaughed.Sammylaughedtoo.He transferredthewheelstohislefthand,then tossedtheframehightheair,spunaroundand caughtitandthenhandeditallbacktoFrancis. Thekidsclappedandhetookabow. Ididntknowyouhaditinyou,Guignolsaid, pattinghimontheshoulder. NowwegoseeLester,Suzannesaid. Hewasbehindthebuildinginhislittle workshop,hackingDiaBolical.Therewerefive differentDiaBsrunningaroundhim,chugging andhumming.Thesmellofgoopandfuserand heatfilledtheroom,andanairconditionerlikea jetenginelaboredtokeepthingscool.Still,it wasafewdegreeswarmerinsidethanout. Lester,Suzanneshoutedovertheair conditionerdin,wehavevisitors.

Lesterstraightenedupfromhiskeyboardand wipedhispalmsandturnedtofacethem.He knewwhotheywerebasedonhisearlier Sammy,sweatingandgrinninglikeafool,said, conversationwithSuzanne,buthealsoclearly Yeah,itsnotsomethingIgetalotofchancesto recognizedSammy. doaroundtheoffice.Butdidyouseethat?Itwas You!hesaid.YouworkforDisney? lightenoughtojuggle!Imean,howexcitingis Sammyblushedandlookedaway. allthis?Heswepthisarmaroundhishead. Betweenthesewageandthemanufacturingand LesterturnedtoSuzanne.Thisguyusedto allthesekidsHebrokeoff.Whatdoyoudo comeup,what,twice,threetimesaweek.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/263 Sammynoddedandmumbledsomething.Lester reachedoutandsnappedofftheAC,fillingthe roomwitheeriesilenceandstiflingheat.What wasthat? Imagreatbelieverincompetitive intelligence. YouworkforDisney? oftheDisneyexecsalittlegreen.Theymadea lotofmoneysellinggoop,sheknew. Thisone,Lestercontinued,pattingaDiaBthat wasopentotheelements,itsimpslounginginits guts,wemixsomeseriousepoxyinwithit, somecarbonfibers.Theprintoutsarepractically indestructible.Therearesomekidsaroundhere whovebeenusingittoprintpartsforbicycles

TheybothworkforDisney,Lester,Suzanne said.ThisisSammyandHerve.Hervedoesnt Thosewereprintedonthis?Sammysaid. domuchtalking,shementallyadded,buthe seemstobeincharge. WeranintoFrancisandhisgang,Suzanne Thatsright,Sammysaid,seemingtocometo explained. himselfatlast.Anditsanhonortoformally meetyouatlast.IruntheDiaBprogram.Isee youreafan.Ivereadquiteabitaboutyou,of course,thankstoMsChurchhere. Lestershandsclosedandopened,closedand opened.Youwere,what,youweresneaking aroundhere? HaveImentionedthatImagreatfanofyour work?Notjusttheride,either.ThisDiaBolical, well,its Whatareyoudoinghere? Suzannehadexpectedsomethinglikethis.Lester wasntlikePerry,hewouldntgooffthedeep endwiththisguy,buthewasntgoingtobehis bestbuddy,either.Still,someoneneededto intervenebeforethismelteddownaltogether.

Lesternodded.Yeah,itsnotperfect,though. Theepoxyclogsuptheworksandtheimps reallydontlikeit.Ionlygettwoorthreedays outofaprinterafterIconvertit.Imworkingon changingthemixtofixthat,though. Afterall,Guignolnotedsourly,itsnotasif youhavetopayfornewDiaBswhenyoubreak one. Lestersmilednastilyathim.Exactly,hesaid. Wevegotagreatresearchsubsidyaround here. Guignollookedaway,lipspursed.

Thisone,Lestersaid,choosingnottonotice, thisoneistherealizationofanageoldproject. Hepointedtothetablenexttoit,whereitsimps werecarefullyfittingtogethersomeveryfine Lester,shesaid,puttingherhandonhiswarm parts. shoulder.Doyouwanttoshowtheseguyswhat Sammyleanedinclose,inspectingtheirwork. youreworkingon? Afterasecond,hehissedlikeateakettle,then slappedhisknee. Heblewairthroughhisnoseacoupletimes, thensettleddown.Heevensmiled. Thisone,hesaid,pointingtoaDiaBolical, Ivegotitrunninganexperimentalfirmware thatletsitprintouthollowcomponents.Theyre alotlighterandtheydontlastaslong.But theyrealsowaylessconsumptiveongoop.You getabouttentimesasmuchprintingoutof them. Suzannenotedthatthisbitofnewsturnedboth NowLesterssmilewasmoregenuine.Heloved itwhenpeopleappreciatedhiswork.You figureditout? YoureprintingDiaBs! Notthewholething,Lestersaid.Alotofthe logicneedsanFPGAburner.Andwecantdo someoftheconductiveelements,either.But yeah,about90percentoftheDiaBcanbe printedinaDiaB.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/264 Suzannehadntheardaboutthisone,thoughshe rememberedearlierattempts,backinthegolden NewWorkdays,thedreamofselfreplicating machines.Nowshelookedclose,leaninginnext toSammy,socloseshecouldfeelhiswarm breath.Therewassomething,well,spookyabout theimpsbuildingamachineusinganotherone ofthemachines. Its,what,itslikeitsalive,andreproducing itself,Sammysaid. Donttellmethisneveroccurredtoyou, Lestersaid. sculpturesthatadornedeachlanding,madebya localcraftswomanandinstalledbythelandlord. TheysataroundthelivingroomandLester pouredicedcoffeeoutofapitcherinthefridge, droppinginicecubesmoldedtolooklikelegos. Theyrattledtheirdrinksandlooked uncomfortablyatoneanother.Suzannelongedto whipouthercomputerandtakenotes,oratleast apad,oracamera,butsherestrainedhimself. GuignollookedsignificantlyatSammy.

Lester,Imjustgoingtosayit.Wouldyousell yourbusinesstous?Theride,DiaBolical,allof Honestly?No.Itneverdid.MrBanks,youhave it?Wecouldmakeyouavery,veryrichman. auniquelytwisted,fuckedupimagination,andI YouandPerry.Youwouldhavethefreedomto goondoingwhatyouredoing,butwedputitin saythatwiththewarmestadmiration. ourproductionchain,massmarketthehellout Guignolleanedin,too,staringatit. ofit,getitintoplacesyouveneverseen.Atits peak,NewWorkwhichyouwereonlyasmall ItssoobviousnowthatIseeit,hesaid. partof,remembertouched20percentof Yeah,allthereallygreatideasarelikethat, Americans.90percentofAmericanshavebeen Lestersaid. toaDisneypark.Wereabiggertouristdraw SammystraightenedupandshookLestershand. thanallofGreatBritain.Wecangiveyourideas legs. Thankyouforthetour,Lester.Youhave managedtosimultaneouslyimpressanddepress Lesterbegantochuckle,thenlaugh,thenhewas me.Youareonesharpmotherfucker. doubledover,thumpinghisthighs.Suzanne LesterpreenedandSuzannesuppressedagiggle. shookherhead.Injustafewshortmoments, shedgottenusedtotheidea,anditwasgrowing Sammyheldhishanduplikehewasbeing onher. swornin.Imdeadserious,man.Thisis amazing.Imean,wemanagesomeprettyoutof Guignollookedgrim.Itsnotafirmofferits theboxthinkingatDisney,right?Wemaynotbe achancetoopenadialogue,anegotiation.Talk asnimbleassomelittlewhackedoutcoop,but thepossibilityover.Agoodnegotiationisone wherewebothstartbysayingwhatwewantand forwhoweareIthinkwedoagoodjob. workitoveruntilwegettothepointwherewere Butyou,man,youblowusoutofthewater. leftwithwhatwebothneed. Thisstuffisjustcrazy,likeitcamedownfrom Lesterwipedtearsfromhiseyes.Idontthink Mars.Likeitsfromthefuture.Heshookhis thatyougrasptheabsurdityofthissituation, head.Itshumbling,youknow. fellas.Forstarters,Perrywillnevergoforit.I Guignollookedmorethoughtfulthanhehadto meannever.Suzannewonderedaboutthat.And thispoint.HeandLesterstaredatSammy, wonderedwhetheritmattered.Thetwohad wearingsimilarexpressionsofbemusement. hardlysaidawordtoeachotherinmonths. Letsgointotheapartment,Suzannesaid. Whatsmore,therestoftherideswillnever, Wecansitdownandhaveachat. never,nevergoinforit.Thatsalsoforsure. Theytroopedupthestairstogether.Guignol Finally,whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout? expressedadmirationfortheweirdjunk

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/265 Megotoworkforyou?Usgotoworkforyou? Whatwillyoudo,stickMickeyintheride?Hes alreadyintheride,everynowandagain,asyou wellknow.Yougoingtomovemeupto Orlando? Sammywaggledhisheadfromsidetoside.I haveadeepappreciationforhowweirdthisis, Lester.Totellyouthetruth,Ihaventthought muchaboutyourrideorthislittletown.Asfaras Imconcerned,wecouldjustbuyitandthen turnaroundandsellitbacktotheresidentsfor onedollarwewouldntwanttoownoroperate anyofthisstuff,theliabilityistoohuge. Likewisetheotherrides.Wedontcareabout whatyoudidyesterdaywecareaboutwhat youregoingtodotomorrow. goingtogoandworkforagiggleescapedhis lipsDisney.Itsjust Sammyheldhishandsupinpartialsurrender. OK,OK.Iwontpushyoutoday.Thinkabout it.Talkitoverwithyourbuddy.Imapatient guy.Guignolsnorted.Idontwanttoleanon youhere. Theytooktheirleave,thoughSuzannefoundout laterthattheydtakenaspinaroundtheride beforeleaving.Everyonewentontheride. Lestershookhisheadatthedoorbehindthem. Canyoubelievethat?

Suzannesmiledandsqueezedhishand.Youre funnyaboutthis,youknowthat?Normally, whenyouencounteranewidea,youliketoplay Listen,youreasmartguy.Youmakestuffthat withit,thinkitthrough,seewhatyoucanmake wecantdreamof,thatwelacktheinstitutional ofit.Withthis,yourenotevenwillingtonoodle imaginationtodreamof.Weneedthat.Whatthe withit. hellisthepointoffightingyou,suingyou,when Youcantseriouslythinkthatthisisagood wecanputyouonthepayroll?Andyouknow what?Evenifwethrowanidioticsumofmoney idea atyou,evenifyounevermakeanythingforus, Idontknow.ItsnotthedumbestideaIveever werestillaheadofthegameifyoustopmaking heard.Becomeamillionaire,gettodowhatever stuffagainstus. youwant?Itllsuremakeaninterestingstory. Imputtingmycardsonthetablehere.Iknow yourpartnerisgoingtobeevenharderto convince,too.Noneofthisisgoingtobeeasy.I dontcareabouteasy.Icareaboutwhatsright. Imsickofbeinginchargeofsabotagingpeople whomakeawesomestuff.Arentyousickof beingsabotaged?Wouldntyouliketocome worksomeplacewherewellshovelmoneyand resourcesatyourprojectsandkeepthewolvesat bay? Suzannewasimpressed.Thiswasntthesame guywhomRatToothedFreddyhadsavaged.It wasntthesameguythatDeathWaitshad described.Hehadcomealongway.Even Guignolwhom,shesuspected,neededtobe soldontheideaalmostasmuchasLesterwas noddingalongbytheendofit. Lesterwasntthough:Yourewastingyour time,mister.Thatsallthereistoit.Iamnot Hegoggledather. Kidding,shesaid,thinking,Itwouldindeed makeaninterestingstory,though.Butwhere areyougoingfromhere?Areyougoingtostay hereforever? PerrywouldnevergoforitLestersaid,then stopped. YouandPerry,Lester,howlongdoyouthink thatsgoingtolast. DontyougoallYokoonme,Suzanne.Weve gotoneofthosearoundherealready IdontlikethisYokojoke,Lester.Ineverdid. HildadoesntwanttodrivePerryawayfrom you.Shewantstomaketherideswork.Andit soundslikethatswhatPerrywants,too.Whats wrongwiththemdoingthat?Especiallyifyou cangetthematonofmoneytosupportit?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/266 Lesterstaredather,openmouthed.Honey Thinkaboutit,Lester.Yourmostimportant virtueisyourexpansiveimagination.Useit. Shewatchedthissinkin.Itdidsinkin.Lester listenedtoher,whichsurprisedhereverynow andagain.Mostrelationshipsseemedtobe negotiationsorpossiblycompetitions.With Lesteritwasaconversation. mightilyandlashingoutatthemwithhis gameboy. DadandMomwerehavingtheirownheated discussionasDadgassedup,Sammy eavesdroppedenoughtohearthattheywere fightingoverDadschoiceoftakingthetoll roadsinsteadofthecheaper,sloweralternative route.Thekidswereshoutingsoloud,though

Shegavehimahugthatseemedtogoonforever. YoukeepthatupandwerenotgoingtoDisney World! Sammywasgladhewasdriving.Themood Guignolwasin,hedhavewreckedthecar. Thatwasnottheplan,Sammy,hesaid.The planwastogetthedata,talkitover Thefirstcasualtyofanybattleisthebattle plan,Sammysaid,threadingthemthroughthe pressoftouristbussesandcommutercars. Ithoughtthefirstcasualtywasthetruth. Theydspenttoolongattheride,thengotten stuckintheafternoonrushhouroutofMiami. Thattoo.Look,Improposingtospendatenth oftheprofitsfromtheDiaBonthisventure.In anyothercircumstance,Iwoulddoitwitha purchaseorder.Theonlyreasonitsabigdealis Thatitcarriesenoughlegalliabilitytodestroy thecompany.Sammy,didntyoulistento Hackelberg? Itwasthemagicsentence,thelitmustestfor Disneyscurrency.Asitroseandfell,sodidthe efficacyofthethreat.IfSammycould,hedtake avideooftheresulteverytimethiswasuttered. ThekidslookedatDadandshrugged.Who cares?theeldestsistersaid,andgrabbedthe boyagain. SammyturnedtoGuignolandwaggledhis eyebrows.Oncehewasbackinthecar,hesaid, Youknow,itsriskydoinganything.But riskiestofallisdoingnothing. Guignolshookhisheadandpulledouthis computer. Hespentalotoftimelookingatthenumbers whileSammyfoughttraffic.Finallyheclosed hiscomputer,puthisheadbackandshuthis eyes.Sammydroveon. Youthinkthisllwork?Guignolsaid.

Whichpart? ThereasonIstillworkatDisneyisthatitsthe kindofcompanywherethelawyersdontalways Youthinkifyoubuytheseguysout settheagenda. Oh,thatpart.Sure,yeah,slamdunk.Theyre cheap.LikeIsay,wecouldmakebackthewhole Guignoldrummedhishandsonthedashboard. nutjustbysettlingthelawsuit.Thehardpartis Sammypulledoverandgassedup.Atthenext goingtobeconvincingthemtosell. pumpwasaminivanwithKansasplates.Dad wasadumpyKoreanguy,Momwasadumpy AndHackelberg. whitemidwesternerwithacountryandwestern Thatsyourjob,notmine. denimjacket,andthebackseatwasfilledwith vibratingchildren,twogirlsandaboy.Thekids Guignolslidtheseatbacksoitwasflatasabed. werescreamingandfighting,thegirlstryingto WakemewhenwehitOrlando. drawontheboysfacewithcandyflavored lipstickandkiddiemascara,theboysquirming

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/267 IttookITthreedaystogetSammyhiscomputer forehead.Allhewantedtodowashavegood back.Hissecretarymanagedasbestasshe ideasandmakethemhappen. could,buthewasntabletodomuchwithoutit. Basically,hewantedtobeLester. Whenhegotitbackatlast,heeagerly Thenheknewwhohehadtocall. downloadedhisbacklogofmail.Itbeggaredthe MsChurch? imagination.Evenafterautofilteringit,there werehundredsofnewmessages,thingshehadto Werebacktothat,huh?Thatsprobablynota payrealattentionto.Whenhewasdealingwith goodsign. thisstuffinlittlespurtseveryfewminutesall Suzannethen. daylong,itdidntseemlikemuch,butitsure piledup. Sammy,yousoundlikeyoureabouttopopa Heenlistedhissecretarytohelphimwithsorting testicle.Spititout. andresponding.Afteranhoursheforwardedone DoyouthinkIcouldgetajobwithLester? backtohimwithaboldredflag. Yourenotjoking,areyou? ItwasfromFreddy.Hegotaninstantheadache, Freddyfoundoutaboutthebuyoutoffer. thefeelinghalfwaybetweenamigraineandthe Oh. feelingafteryoubangyourheadagainstthe cornerofatable. Yeah. ::Sammy,Imdisappointedinyou.Ithoughtwe werefriends.WhydoIhavetolearnaboutyour bizarreplantobuyoutGibbonsandBanksfrom strangers.Idohopeyoullgivemeacomment onthestory? HedleftthefinancialswithGuignol,whohad beendiscreetlyshowingthemaroundtotherest oftheexecutivecommitteeincloseddoor,off sitemeetings.Oneofthemmusthaveblabbed, thoughormaybeitwasaleakatLestersend.

SoImgonnabeinsearchofemployment.AllI everwantedtodowascomeupwithcoolideas andexecutethem Shushnow.Freddyfoundoutaboutthis,huh? Notsurprising.Hesgotaknackforit.Itsjust abouthisonlyvirtue. Urgh. However,itsalsohisgreatestfailing.Ivegiven thisalotofthought,sincemylastruninwith RatToothedFreddy.

Hetastedhislunchandbileashisstomach twisted.Itwasntfair.Hehadarealchanceof Youcallhimthattohisface? makingthishappenanditwouldbeasourceof Notyet.ButIlookforwardtoit.Tellyouwhat, genuinegoodforallconcerned. givemeanhourtotalktosomepeoplehere,and HegothalfwaythroughcallingGuignols Illgetbacktoyou. number,thenputthephonedown.Hedidnt Anhour?Anhour? knowwhotocall.Hedputhimselfinan Hellkeepyousquirmingforatleastthatlong. unwinnableposition.Ashecontemplatedthe Helovestomakepeoplesquirm.Itsgood articlethatFreddywouldprobablywrite,he realizedthathewouldalmostcertainlylosehis journalismshakesloosesomenew developments. joboverthis,too.Maybeenduponthewrong endofalawsuit.Man,thatseemedtobehis Anhour? naturalstateatDisney.Maybehewasinthe Haveyougotachoice? wrongjob. Hegroanedandthumpedhimselfonthe Anhour,then.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/268 thelookonherfacewhenshesawPerrywas pureadoration.Suzannesheartwelledupforthe twoofthem,suchaperfectpictureofyoung love. ThenHildasawSuzanne,andherexpression grewguarded,tense.PerrytookHildashand. Whatsthisabout,Suzanne?hesaid.

SuzannedidntknockonLestersdoor.Lester wouldfallintoplace,oncePerrywasin. Shefoundhimworkingtheride,Hildabackin themaintenancebay,tweakingsomeofthe robots.Hisarmwasoutofthecast,butitwas noticeablythinnerthanhisgoodleftarm,weak andpaleandflabby.

Letmegivethistoyouinoneshot,OK?They Hello,Suzanne.Hewasformal,likehealways nodded.Sheranitdownforthem.Sammyand Guignol,thepostcardandthefunny wasthesedays,anditsaddenedher,butshe circumstancesoftheirvisitthephonecall. pressedon. Perry,weneedtoshutdownforawhile,its urgent. Suzanne,thisisabusytime,wejustcantshut down Shethumpedherhandonhislemonadestand counter.Cutitout,Perry.Ihaveneverbeenan alarmist,youknowthat.Iunderstandintimately whatitmeanstoshutthisplacedown.Look,I knowthatthingshaventbeensogoodbetween us,betweenanyofus,foralongtime.ButIam yourdearfriend,andyouaremine,nomatter whatsgoingonatthissecond,andImtelling youthatyouneedtoshutthisdownandweneed totalk.Doit,Perry. Soheresthething.Hewantstobuyyouguys out.Hedoesntwanttherideorthetown.He justwantsIdontknowthecreativity.The PRwin.Hewantspeace.Andtherealnewsis, hesoverabarrel.Freddysforcinghishand.If wecanmakethatproblemgoaway,wecanask foranything. Hildasjawhungslack.Youhavetobekidding Perryshushedher.Suzanne,whyareyouhere? WhyarentyoutalkingtoLesteraboutthis? WhyhasntLestertalkedtomeaboutthis.I mean,justwhatthefuckisgoingon?

Shewinced.IdidnttalktoLesterbecauseI thoughthedbeeasiertosellonthisthanyou Hegaveheralong,consideringlook. are.ThisisagoldenopportunityandIthought Please? thatyouwouldbeconflictedashellaboutitand Helookedatthelittlequeueoffourorfive IthoughtifItalkedtoyoufirst,wecouldget people,pretendingnottoeavesdrop,waiting pastthat.Idontreallyhaveadoginthisfight, theirturn. exceptthatIwantallpartiestoendupnothating eachother.Thatswhereyoureheadednow Sorry,folks,youheardthelady.Family youremeltingdowninslowmotion.Howlong emergency.Um,hereHerummagedunder thecounter,cameupwithscrapsofpaper.Mrs sinceyouandLesterhadaconversationtogether, Torrencestearoomacrossthestreettheymake letalonearealmeal?Howlongsinceweallsat thebestcappuccinointhehood,andthepastries aroundandlaughed?Everygoodthingcomesto somekindofend,andthenthereallygood areallbakedfresh.Onme,OK? thingscometoabeginningagain. Comeon,Suzannesaid.Timesshort. YoutwoweretheNewWork.Lotsofpeople Sheaccompaniedhimtothemaintenancebay gotblisteringlyrichoffofNewWork,butnot andtheypulledthedoorsshutbehindthem. you.Heresachanceforyoutogetwhatyou Hildalookedupfromherrobot,wipingher deserveforachange.Yousolvethisandyou handsonhershorts.Shewasreallylovely,and cansolveit,andnotjustforyou,butforthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/269 Deathkid,youcangethimjusticethatthecourts Butthesoundofhisphoneringingstartledhim willtakefifteenyearstodeliver. somuchhenearlydidahalfgainerofftheroof. Hearthammering,heansweredit. Perryscowled.Idontcareaboutmoney Yes,thatsadmirable.Ihaveoneotherthing; Ivebeensavingitforlast,waitingtoseeif youdcomeupwithitonyourown. What? Whyistimeoftheessence? BecauseFreddysgoingtooutthisdirtball Andhowdowesolvethat? Hildagrinned.Oh,thispartIlike. Suzannelaughed.Yeah. What?Perrysaid. Freddysgoodatintelligencegathering,but hesnotsogoodatdistinguishingtruthfrom fiction.Inmyview,thispresentsafascinating opportunity.Dependingonwhatweleaktohim andhow,wecanturnhiminto Alaughingstock? Apuddleofdeliquescedorganmeat. Perrybegantolaugh.Youresayingthatyou thinkthatweshoulddothisdealforspite? Yeah,thatsthesizeofit,Suzannesaid. Iloveit,hesaid. IsthisSammy? Yes,hesaid. LandonKettlewell,thevoiceontheotherside said.Sammyknewthename,ofcourse.Buthe hadntbeenexpectingacallfromhim. Hello,MrKettlewell. Theboyshaveaskedmetonegotiatethisdeal forthem.Itmakessenseitllbehardtomake thishappenwithoutmycontributions.Ihopeyou agree. Itdoesmakesense,Sammysaid noncommittally.Thiswasntthebestdayofhis life.Thegiraffesweremovingoff,butaflockof craneswaswheelingoverheadinquietsplendor. Illtellyouwherewereat.Weregoingtodoa dealwithyou,afairone.Butaconditionofthe dealisthatwearegoingtodestroyFreddy. What? Weregoingtoleakhimbadintelonthedeal. Lotsofit.Givehimawholestory.Waituntilhe publishesit,andthen Sammysatdownontheroof.Thiswasgoingto bealongconversation.

Hildalaughedtoo.Suzanneextendedherhandto Perryandheshookit.Thensheshookwith Perrygroundhisteethandsqueezedhisbeer. Hilda. Theideaofdoingthisinabiggrouphadseemed LetsgofindLester. likeagoodidea.DirtyMaxswascertainlyfull ofcamaraderie,thesmellofroastingmeatand thechatterofnearlyahundredvoices.Heheard Bythetimethecallcame,Sammywasreadyto HildalaughingatsomethingLestersaidtoher, explode.Hegotinagolfcartandheadedtothe andtherewereKettlewellandhiskids,fingers AnimalKingdomLodge,whichbackedontothe andfacesstickywithsauce. safariparkportionoftheAnimalKingdom.He Lesterhadsetuptheprojectorandtheydhung snuckhimselfontotheroofofthegrandhotel, sheetsoveroneofthemuralsforascreen,and whichhadacommandingviewoftheartificial broughtoutabunchofwirelessspeakersthat savanna.Hewatchedafamilyofgiraffesgraze, theydscatteredaroundthecourtyard.Itlooked, usingthezoomonhisphonetoresolvethe smelled,sounded,andtastedlikeacarnival. hypnoticpatternsofthelittlecalf.Itcalmedhim.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/270 ButPerrycouldntmeetanyoneseye.Hejust wantedtogohomeandgetunderthecovers. TheywereabouttodestroyFreddy,whichhad alsoseemedlikeahellofalarkatthetime,but now Perry.ItwasSammy,upfromOrlando, wearingtheclassicMickeygivesthefinger bootlegtee. Canyougetfiredforthat?Perrypointed. Sammyshookhishead.Actually,itsofficial.I hadthemproducedlastyeartheyreabig seller.Ifyoucantbeatem...HereHedugin thebackpackhecarriedandpulledoutanother. Youlooklikealarge,right? Perrytookitfromhim,helditup.Shrugging,he putdownhisbeerandskinnedhistee,then pulledontheMickeyflipsthebird.Helooked downathischest.Itsastatement. HaveyouandLestergivenanythoughtto whereyouregoingtorelocate,after? Perrydrewinadeepbreath.IthinkLester wantstocometoOrlando.ButImgoingtogo toWisconsin.Madison. Yourewhatnow? Perryhadntsaidanythingaboutthistoanyone exceptHilda.SomethingaboutthisDisneyexec, itmadehimwanttospillthebeans.Icantgo alongwiththis.Imgoingtobowout.Do somethingnew.Ivebeeninthisshitholefor whatfeelslikemywholelifenow. waterandaplateofribs,soheextendeda friendlyelbow. Wevemetshowedhimthebicyclefactory. Sammyvisiblycalmedhimself.Thatsright, youdid.Amazing,justamazing. AllthisisonSammy,Perrysaid,pointingat thehugebarbecuesmoker,thecrowdsofsticky fingeredgorgers.HestheDisneyguy. Hencetheshirts,huh? Exactly. Sowhatstherumpus,exactly?Francisasked. Itsallbeenhushhusharoundhereforasolid week. Ithinkwereabouttofindout,Perrysaid, noddingatthegiganticscreen,whichrippledin thesultryFloridanightbreeze,obscuredby blowingcloudsoffragrantsmoke.Itwaslitup now,showingCNNfn,twopanracialanchors talkingsilentlyintothenight. Thespeakerspoppedtolifeandgraduallythe crowdnoisesdimmed.Peoplemovedtowardthe screen,allexceptFrancisandPerryandSammy, whohungback,silentlywatchingthescreen.

guestontheshowisFreddyNiedbalski,a technologyreporterforthenotoriousBritish technologypublicationTechStink.Freddyhas agreedtocomeonCountdowntobreakastory thatwillgoliveonTechStinkswebsiteinabout tenminutes.Thecamerazoomedouttoshow Freddy,sittingbesidetheanchordeskinan Sammylookedpoleaxed.Perry,thatwasntthe armchair.Hispaunchwasmorepronouncedthan deal ithadbeenwhenPerryhadseenhimin Yeah,Iknow.Butthinkaboutthis:doyouwant Madison,andtherewassomethingwrongwith methereifIhateit,resentit?Besides,itsalittle hismakeup,acolormismatchthatmadehim looklikehedslatheredhimselfwithManTan. lateinthedaytobackout. Still,hewasgrinningevillyandlookinglikehe Sammyreeled.Christalmighty.Well,atleast couldbarelycontainhimself. yourenotgoingtoendupmyemployee. Thankyou,TaniaLuz,itsapleasure. Franciswhohadanuncannyknackforfiguring outtherightmomenttostepintoaconversation Now,takeusthroughthestory.Youvebeen coveringitforalongtime,haventyou? sidledover.Niceshirt,Perry. Francis,thisisSammy.Francishadabottleof Ohyes.ThisisaboutthesocalledNewWork

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/271 cult,anditsaftermath.Ivebrokenaseriesof scandalsinvolvingthesecharactersoverthe yearsweirdsex,funnymoney,sweatshoplabor. Thesearethepeoplewhospentallthatmoneyin theNewWorkbubble,andthenwentontofound anhonesttoGodslumthattheycharacterizedas alivinglaboratory.outcamethesarcastic fingerquotesbut,asnearasanyonecanwork outwasmoreofahumansubjectexperiment gonemad.Theypulledoffthesebizarrestunts withthehelpofsomeofthelargestinvestment fundsontheplanet. Perrylookedaroundattherevellers.Theywere chortling,pointingateachother,muggingforthe camera.FreddyswordsmadePerry uncomfortablemaybetherewassomethingto whathesaid.ButtherewasFrancis,unofficial mayoroftheshantytown,smilingalongwiththe rest.Theyhadntbeenperfect,buttheydleftthe worldabetterplacethantheydfoundit. Therearemanypersonalitiesinthisstory,but tonightsinstallmenthastwomainplayers:a venturecapitalistnamedLandonKettlewelland aDisneyParksseniorvicepresidentcalled SammyPage.Technically,thesetwohateeach othersgutsSammyandKettlewelltoasted eachotherthroughthebarbecuesmoke.But theyvebeenchumminguptooneanotherlately astheybrokeredanimprobabledealtoshaft everyoneelseinthesordidmess. Adealthatyouvegotdetailsonforus tonight? thecompanydown. Theinvestmentsyndicatefoundanunlikelyally inthepersonofSammyPage,theseniorVP fromDisneyParks,whoworkedwiththemto pushthroughaplanwheretheywouldsettlethe lawsuitinexchangeforacontrollinginterestin DisneyParks. Theanchorslookedsuitablyimpressed.Around thescreen,thepartiershadgonequiet,eventhe kids,mesmerizedbyFreddysgianthead,eyes rollingwithironyandmeanhumor. Andthatsjustforstarters.Thedealrequired securingthecooperationofthebeatenupex Disneyemployee,whogoesbythenameof DeathWaitsno,really!andherequiredthat hebemadeavicepresidentofthenewcompany aswell,runningtheFantasylandsectionofthe Floridapark.Inthenewstructure,thetwo foundersoftheNewWorkscam,PerryGibbons andLesterBanksaretooverseethe Disneyficationoftheactivistridesaroundthe country,sellingouttheircomrades,whosigned overcontroloftheirvolunteerbuiltenterprises aspartoftheearlierlawsuit. Themaleanchorshookhishead.Ifthisistrue, itsthestrangestturninAmericancorporate history. Ohyes,Freddysaid.Thesepeoplearelike somekindofpoison,adiseasethataffectsthe judgementofallthosearoundthem

Ifitstrue,themaleanchorcontinued,asif Freddyhadntspoken.Butisit?Ournextguest Exactly.Mysourceshaveturnedupreliable memosandotherintelligenceindicatingthatthe deniesallofthis,andclaimsthatMrNiedbalski hashisfactsallwrong.TjanLeeTangisthe investorsbehindtheshantytownareaboutto chairmanofMassachusettsRideTheorists,a takeoverDisneyParks.Itallstemsfroma lawsuitthatwasbroughtonbehalfofasyndicate nonprofitthatoperatesthreeofthespinoffrides inNewEngland.HeisinourBostonstudios. ofoperatorsofbizarre,trademarkinfringing Welcome,MrTang. ridesthatwereraidedoffthebacksof complaintsfromDisneyParks.Theseraids,and Freddysexpressionwaspriceless:amixtureof asubsequentandverysuspiciousbeatingofan rawterrorandcontempt.Hetriedtocoverit,but exDisneyParkemployee,ledtothecreationof onlysucceededinlookingconstipated.Onthe aninvestmentsyndicatetofundamonster otherhalfofthesplitscreen,Tjanbeamed lawsuitagainstDisneyParks,onethatcouldtake sunnilyatthem.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/272 Hithere!hesaid.Greetingsfromtheblustery Northeast. Generous?Tjansaid.Hesnorted.Wewere MrTang,youveheardwhatourguesthasto askingforeightbillioninpunitivedamages. sayaboutthelatestdevelopmentsinthe Theygotoffeasy! extraordinarystoryoftheridesyouhelped Freddyactedlikehehadntheard.Unlessthe create.Doyouhaveanycomment? termsofthissocalleddealarepublishedand Icertainlydo.Freddy,oldbuddy,youvebeen had.WhomeveryourleakwasinDisney,hewas puttingyouon.Thereisnotonesinglewordof truthtoanythingyouhadtosay.Hegrinned wickedly.Sowhatelseisnew? subjecttoscrutiny Wepostedthemaboutfiveminutesago.You couldhavejustaskedus,youknow. Freddyseyesbuggedout.Wehavenowayof knowingwhetherwhatthismanissayingistrue

FreddyopenedhismouthandTjanheldupone hand.No,wait,letmefinish.Iknowitsyour schticktocomeafterusthisway,youvebeenat Actually,youdo.LikeIsay,itsallonline.The dealsaresigned.Securitiesfilingsand itforyears.Ithinkitsbecauseyouhavean everything. unrequitedcrushonSuzanneChurch. Freddygotupoutofhisseat.Wouldyoushut Hereswhatsreallyhappening.LesterBanks andPerryGibbonshavetakenjobswithDisney upandletmefinish?hescreamed. Parksaspartofastraightforwarddeal.Theyre Sorry,sorry,Tjansaidwithachuckle.Hewas goingtodoresearchanddevelopmentthere,and enjoyingthiswaytoomuch.Goon. Disneyissettlingitsongoinglawsuitwithus AndwhataboutDeathWaits?Hesbeena withaseventymilliondollarcashsettlement. pawnallalonginthisgameyouveplayedwith Halfgoestotheinvestors.Someofthe remainderwillgotobuytheunderlyingtitlesto otherpeopleslives.Whathappenstohimasyou allgetrich? theshantytownandputtheminatrusttobe managedbyacooperativeofresidents.Therest Tjanshrugged.Hegotalargecashsettlement isgoingintoanothertrustthatwillbedisbursed too.Heseemedprettyhappyaboutit ingrantstopeopleoperatingridesaroundthe Freddywasshaking.Youcantjustselloffyour country.Theresanonmonetarypartofthedeal, lawsuit too:allridesgetaperpetual,worldwidelicense Wewerelookingtogetcompensatedforbad onallDisneytrademarksforuseintherides. acts.Wegotcompensatedforthem,andwedidit Theannouncerssmiledandnodded. withouttyingupthepubliccourts.Everybody Wethinkthisisaprettygoodwin.Theridesgo wins.Hecockedhishead.Exceptyou,of on.Theshantytowngoeson.LesterandPerry course. gettodogreatworkinaheavilyresourcedlab Thiswasafuckingambush,Freddysaid, environment. pointinghisfingersatthetwocoiffedand TaniaLuzturnedtoFreddy.Itseemsthatyour groomedanchors,whoshiedawaydramatically, storyisindispute.Doyouhavefurther makinghimlookevencrazier.Hestormedoff comment? thestage,cursing,everywordtransmittedbyhis Freddysquirmed.Astreakofsweatcutthrough stillrunningwirelessmic.Heshoutedatan hispancakemakeupasthecameracameinfora invisiblesecurityguardtogetoutofhisway. Thentheyheardhimmakeaphonecall, closeup.Well,ifthisistrue,Idwanttoknow presumablytohiseditor,shoutingathimtokill whyDisneywouldmakesuchagenerousoffer

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/273 thearticle,nearlyweepinginfrustration.The anchorsandTjanpastedonunconvincingpoker faces,butaroundtheBBQpit,itwasallhowlsof laughter,whichturnedtoshriekswhenFreddy finallyfiguredoutthathewasstillonalivemic. tryingtokeepitalltogether.Hedfiredthree physios,butSuzannekeptfindinghimnewones, and(becauseshelovedhim)prettierones.

Hewasdownonallfours,hisassstuckwayup intheair,whenPerrycamethroughthedoor.He PerryandSammylockedeyesandgrinned. lookedbackthroughhisanklesandsquintedat Perrytickedalittlesaluteoffhisforeheadat theupsidedownworld.Perrysexpressionwas Sammyandheftedhistee.Thenheturnedonhis carefullyneutral,thesameupsidedownasit heelandwalkedoffintothenight,thefragrant wouldberightsideup.Hegruntedandwent smellofthebarbecuesmokeandthesoundof downtohisknees,whichcrackledlikepopcorn. thepartybehindhim. Thatdoesntsoundgood,Perryremarked Heparkedhiscarathomeandtrudgedupthe stairs.Hildahadpackedhersuitcasethat morning.Hehadalotmorethanasuitcases worthofstuffaroundtheapartment,butashe threwafewtshirtsincludinghisnewfake bootlegMickeyteeandsomeunderwearina bag,hesuddenlyrealizedthathedidntcare aboutanyofit. Thenhehappeneduponthebaseballglove.The cloudofoldleathersmellitemittedwhenhe pickeditupmadetearsspringintohiseyes.He hadntcriedthroughanyofthisprocess,though, andhewasntabouttostartnow.Hewipedhis eyeswithhisforearmandreverentlysettheglove intohisbagandshutit.Hecarriedbothbags downstairsandputtheminthetrunk,thenhe drovetojustalittlewaysnorthoftherideand calledHildatoletherknowhewasreadytogo. Shedidntsayawordwhenshegotinthecar, andneitherdidhe,allthewaytoMiamiairport. Hetookhisfriskingandsecondaryscreeningin stoicsilence,andoncetheywereseatedonthe Chicagoflight,heputhisheaddownonHildas shoulderandshestrokedhishairuntilhefell asleep. Epilogue LesterwasinhisworkshopwhenPerrycameto seehim.Hehadtheyogamatoutandhewas goingthroughtheslowexercisesthathis physiotherapisthadassignedtohim,stretching hiscrumblingbonesandshrinkingmuscles, mildly. Funnyman,Lestersaid.Getoverhereand helpmeup,willyou? Perrywentdowninacrouchbeforehim.There wassomethingfunnyabouthiseye,thewhole sideofhishead.Hesmelledalittlesweatyanda littlegamy,butthefacewastheoneLesterknew sowell.Perryheldouthisstrong,leathery hands,andafteramoment,Lestergraspedthem andletPerrydraghimtohisfeet. Theystoodfacingoneanotherforan uncomfortablemoment,handsclaspedtogether. ThenPerryflunghisarmswideandshouted, HereIam! Lesterlaughedandembracedhisoldfriend,not seenorheardfromtheselast15years. Lestersworkshophadasofawherehe entertainedvisitorsandtookhisafternoonnap. Normally,hedusehiscanetocrossfromhis workbenchtothesofa,butseeingPerrythrew himforsuchaloopthathecompletelyforgot untilhewasapaceortwoawayfromitandthen hefoundhimselfflailingforsupportashiships startedtogiveway.Perrycaughthimunderthe shouldersandproppedhimup.Lesterfeltarush ofshamecolorhischeeks. Steadythere,cowboy,Perrysaid. Sorry,sorry,Lestermuttered. Perryloweredhimtothesofa,thenlooked

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/274 around.Yougotanythingtodrink?Water?I Perryshrugged.Mightbe.Idthinkthatifhed didntreallyexpectthebuswouldtakeaslongas keeledoversomeonewouldhaveaskedmeto itdid. pitchintocharterabustogopissonhisgrave. YouretakingthebusaroundBurbank?Lester Lesterlaughedhard,sohardhehurthischest said.Christ,Perry,thisisLosAngeles.Even andhadtosagbackintothesofa,doingdeep homelesspeopledrivecars. yogabreathinguntilhisribsfeltbetter. Perrylookedawayandshookhishead.Thebus Perrysatdownoppositehimonthesofawitha ischeaper.Lesterpursedhislips.Yougot bottleofLestersspecialthricedistilledflat anythingtodrink? waterinatorpedoshapedbottle.Suzanne?he asked. Inthefridge,Lestersaid,pointingtoasetof

nestedclaypotevaporativecoolers.Perry Good,Lestersaid.Spendsabouthalfhertime grinnedatthejuryriggedcoolerandrummaged hereandhalfontheroad.Writing,still. aroundinitsmouthforawhile.Anything,you Whatssheontonow? know,buzzy?Guarana?Caffeine,even? Cooking,ifyoucanbelieveit.Molecular Lestergaveanapologeticshrug.Notme,not gastronomyfoodhackerswhousecentrifuges anymore.Nothinggoesintomybodywithout toclarifytheirconsomme.Shesaysshesnever oversightbyateamofveryexpensive eatenbetter.Lastweekitwassomekidwhod nutritionists. writtenageneticalgorithmtoevolvecustom Youdontlooksobad,Perrysaid.Maybea printablemoleculesthatcanbridgetwo littleskinny unharmoniusflavorstomakethemtastegood Lestercuthimoff.Notbadlikethepeopleyou togetherlike,whatdoyouneedtoaddto chocolateandsardinestomakethemfreakin seeonTV,huh?Notbadlikethedyingones. delicious? Thefatkinshadoverwhelmedthenations hospitalsinsuccessivewavesofsickened disintegratingskeletonswhosebrittlebonesand ruinedjointshadoutstrippedanyonesabilityto copewiththem.Theonlythingthatkeptthe crisisfromboilingoverentirelywasthefast mortalitythatfollowedonthefirstsymptoms difficultydigesting,persistentstiffness.Once youcouldntkeepdownhighcalorieslurry,you juststarvedtodeath. Istheresuchamolecule? Suzannesaysthereis.Shesaidthattheymisted itintoherfacewithavaporizerwhilesheatea sardineonaslabofdarkchocolateandittasted betterthananythingshedeverhadbefore. OK,thatsjustwrong,Perrysaid.Thetwoof themweregrinningateachotherlikefools.

Lestercouldntbelievehowgooditfelttobein thesameroomasPerryagainafterallthese Notlikethem,Perryagreed.Hehadabitof years.Hisoldfriendwasmucholderthanthe limp,Lestersaw,andhisoldbrokenarmhung lasttimetheydseeneachother.Therewasalot slightlystiffathisside. ofgreyinhisshorthair,andhishairlinewasa ImdoingOK,Lestersaid.Youwouldnt lothigheruphisforehead.Hisknuckleswere believethemedicalbills,ofcourse. swollenandwrinkled,andhisfacehaddeep DontletFreddyknowyouvegotthe lines,makinghimlookcarved.Hehadthe sickness,Perrysaid.Hedlovethatstory leatheryskinofaroadsidehomelessperson,and 'fatkinspioneerpaystheprice therewerelittlescarsalloverhisarmsandafew Freddy!Man,Ihaventthoughtofthatshitheel onhisthroat. inChrist,adecade,atleast.Ishestillalive? HowsHilda?Lesterasked.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/275 Perrylookedaway.ThatsanameIhavent heardinawhile,hesaid. Yowch.Sorry. No,thatsOK.Igetemailblastsfromherevery nowandagain.Sheschipperandscrappyas always.Fightingthegoodfight.Fatkinsstuff againsameaswhenImether.Funnyhowthat fightnevergetsold. Hardyharhar,Lestersaid. OK,wereeven,Perrysaid.Oneoneonthe fauxpasmasterstournament. Theychattedaboutinconsequentialitiesfora while,storiesaboutLesterslifeasthecloseted geniusatDisneyLabs,Perryslifeontheroad, gettingitinerantandseasonalworkatlittle microfactories. Donttheyrecognizeyou? Me?Naw,itsbeenalongtimesinceIgot recognized.Imjusttheguy,youknow,hes handy,keepstohimself.Probablygoingtobe movingonsoon.Goodwithmoney,alwayshasa quietsuggestionfortweakinganideatomakeit returnalittlehigherontheinvestment. Thatsyou,allright.Allexceptthekeepsto himselfpart. Alittleolder,alittlewiser.Bettertokeepyour mouthshutandbethoughtafoolthantoopenit andremovealldoubt. Thankyou,MisterTwain.YouandHuckbeen ontheriverawhilethen? NoHuck,hesaid.Hissmilegotsad, heartbreakinglysad.ThiswasntthePerryLester knew.Lesterwasntthesameperson,either. Theywerebothbroken.Perrywasalone,though gregariousPerry,alwaysmakingfriends. Alone. So,howlongareyoustaying? Imjustpassingthrough,buddy.Iwokeupin BurbankthismorningandIthought,Shit, LestersinBurbank,Ishouldsayhello.ButI gotplacestogo. Comeon,man,stayawhile.Wevegotaguest cottageoutback,alittlemotherinlaw apartment.Therearefruittrees,too. Livingthedream,huh?Hesounded unexpectedlybitter. Lesterwasembarrassedforhiswealth.Disney hadthrownsomuchstockathiminthe beginningandSuzannehadsoldmostofitand wiselyinvesteditinabunchofmicrofunds;add tothatthemoneyshewasrakinginfromthe affiliatesitesherJuniorWoodchuckskid reportersshedtrainedandsetupinbusiness ran,andtheyneverhadtoworryaboutathing. Well,apartfromdying.Andworkinghere.As soonasthewordswereoutofhismouth,he wishedhecouldtakethemback.Heneverleton thathewasnthappyattheMouse,andthedying thingwell,Suzanneandhelikedtopretend thatmedicalsciencewouldcurewhatithad brought. Perry,though,hejustnoddedasifhissuspicions wereconfirmed.MustbehardonSuzanne. Nowthatwashittingthenailonthehead.You alwayswereaperceptivesonofabitch. Sheneversaidfatkinswasgoodforyou.She justreportedthestory.Thepeoplewhoblame her Thiswastheelephantintheroomwhenever LesterandSuzannetalkedabouthishealth. Betweenthetwoofthem,theydpopularized fatkins,sentmillionswingingtoRussiaforthe clinics,fuelledthecreationoftheclinicsinthe USandMexico. Buttheyneverspokeofit.Never.NowPerrywas talkingaboutit,stilltalking: theFDA,thedoctors.Thatswhatwepay themfor.ThewayIseeit,youreavictim,their victim. Lestercouldntsayanything.Wordsstoppered themselvesupinhismouthlikeacork.Finally, hemanagedtochokeout,Changethesubject, OK?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/276 Perrylookeddown.Sorry.Imoutofpractice withpeople. Ihopeyoullstaywithus,hesaid,thinkingI hopeyouleavesoonandnevercomeback. Youmissit,huh? Sometimes. Yousaidworkinghere Workinghere.Theysaidthattheywantedmeto comeinandhelpthemturntheplacearound, helpthemreinventthemselves.Benimble.Shake thingsup.Butitslikewrestlingatarbaby.You push,yougetstuck.Youargueforsomething betterandtheytellyoutowriteareport,thenno onereadsthereport.Youtrytogetan experimentalservicerunningandnoonewill reconfigurethefirewall.Turntheplacearound? Hesnorted.Itsliketurningaroundabattleship bytappingitonthenosewithatoothpick. youendupwithateamthats81percentnon bogus. Ilikethatmodel.Itmakesintuitivesense.But fuckme,itsdepressing.Itsaysthatallwedois magnifyeachothersflaws. Well,maybethatsthecase.Maybeflawsare multiplicative. Sowhatarevirtues? Additive,maybe.Ashallowercurve. Thatdbeaninterestingresearchproject,ifyou couldcomeupwithsomequantitative measurements. Sowhatdoyoudoaroundhereallday? Lesterblushed. What?

Imbuildingbiggermechanicalcomputers, mostly.Iprintthemoutusingthenew Ihateworkingwithassholes. volumetricsandhaveresearchassistants assemblethem.Theressomethingsoothing Theyrenotassholes,thatsthething,Perry. Theyresomereallysmartpeople.Theyrenice. aboutthem.IhaveanApple][+clonerunning Wehavethemoverfordinner.Theyrefuntoeat entirelyonphysicalgatesmadeoutofextruded plasticskulls.Ittakesupanentirebuildingout lunchwith.Thethingis,everysingleoneof themfeelsthesamewayIdo.Theyallhavecool ononeofthelotsandwhenyouplayPongonit, thesoundofthejawsclackingislikelisteningto shittheywanttodo,buttheycantdoit. corpsebeetlesskeletonizinganelephant. Why? IthinkIdliketoseethat,Perrysaid,laughing Itslikeanemergentproperty.Onceyougeta alittle. lotofpeopleunderoneroof,theemergent propertyseemstobecrap.Nomatterhowgreat Thatcanbearranged,Lestersaid. thepeopleare,nomatterhowwonderfultheir Theywerelikegearsthathadonceemergedfrom individualideasare,theneteffectisshit. amillwithperfectlypreciseteeth,gearsthat couldmeshandspinagainsteachother, Remindsmeofreliabilitycalculation.Likeif transferringenergy. youtaketwocomponentsthatare90percent reliableandusetheminadesign,theoutcomeis Theywerelikegearsthathadbeenillusedin 90percentof90percent81percent.Keep machines,apartfromeachother,untiltheir adding90percentreliablecomponentsand preciseteethhadbeenchippedandbent,sothat youllhavesomethingthatexplodesbeforeyou theynolongermeshed. getitoutofthefactory. Theywerelikegears,connectedtooneanother Maybepeoplearelikethat.Ifyoure90percent andmismatched,clunkingandskipping,but nonbogusandtenpercentbogus,andyouwork runningstill,runningstill. withsomeoneelsewhos90percentnonbogus,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/277 PerryandLesterrodeinthebackofthe companycar,thedriveranoldArmenianwhod fledAzerbaijan,whomLesterintroducedas Kapriel.ItseemedthatLesterandKaprielwere oldfriends,whichmadesense,sinceLester couldntdrivehimself,andinLosAngeles,you didntgoanywhereexceptbycar.The relationshipbetweenamanandhisdriverwould benecessarilyintimate. Perrycouldntbringhimselftofeelenviousof Lesterhavingachauffeuredcar,thoughitwas clearthatLesterwasembarrassedbytheluxury. Itwastoomuchlikeaninvalidssubsidytofeel excessive. Kap,Lestersaid,stirringinthenestofpaper andpartsandemptyhealthfoodpackagesthat hedmadeofthebackseat. producedahundreddollarbillandsliditacross thepodium. WedlikeOrsonWellesstable,please,he said. Themaitredanelderly,elegantMexicanwith aprecisespadebeardnoddedaffably.Give mefiveminutes,gentlemen.Wouldyoucareto haveadrinkinthebar? TheysatatthelongcounterandPerryordereda Scotchandsoda.Lesterorderedwater,then switchedhisordertobeer,thennonalcoholic beer,thenbeeragain.Sorry,hesaidtothe waitress.Justhavinganindecisivekindof night,Iguess.

PerrytriedtofigureoutifLesterhadbeen showingoffwiththecnote,anddecidedthathe hadntbeen.HedjustgonenativeinLA,anda Kapriellookedoverhisshoulderatthem.Home hundredforthemaitredwhenyoureinahurry now?Hebarelyhadanaccent,butwhenhe cantbemuchforaseniorexec. turnedhishead,Perrysawthatoneearhadbeen badlymangled,leavingbehindamisshapenfist Lestersippedgingerlyathisbeer.Ilikethis place,hesaid,wavingthebottleatthecelebrity ofscar. caricaturesliningthewalls.Itsperfect No,Lestersaid.Letseatouttonight.How Hollyweirdkitsch.Celebritieswhousuallyeat aboutMussoandFrank? outinsomeultramodernplacecomehere.They MsSuzannesays comebecausetheyvealwayscometositin OrsonWellessbooth. Wedontneedtotellher,Lestersaid. Perryspokeinalowvoice,Lester,Idontneed Howsthefood? anythingspecial.Dontmakeyourselfsick Dependsonwhatyouorder.Thegoodstuffis Perry,buddy,shutthefuckup,OK?Icanhave great.Youdownforsteaks? asteakandabeerandabigassdessertevery nowandagain.Purifiedmedicatedfatkinschow getsold.Mycolonisntgoingtofalloutofmy assholeinterrorifIsendacheeseburgerdown there.

Imdownforwhatever,Perrysaid.Lesterwas inhismediumhere,lettingthewaiterunfoldhis napkinandlayitoverhislapwithouttakingany specialnoticeoftheoldman.

Thefoodwasdelicious,andtheyevengotto TheyparkedbehindMussoandFrankandletthe glimpseacelebrity,thoughneitherPerrynor valetparkthetowncar.Kaprielwentovertothe Lesterknewwhotheyoungwomanwas,nor WalkofFametotakepicturesoftherobotic whatshewasfamousfor.Shewassurroundedby moviestarsdoingacrobaticbuskingacts,and childrenwhocameoverfromothertables theywentintothedarkcaveoftherestaurant,all seekingautographs,andmorethanonepatron darkwood,darkcarpets,picturesofmoviestars snappedasemisubtlephotoofher. onthewalls.Themaitredgavethemalook, Poorgirl,Perrysaidwithfeeling. tiltedhishead,lookedagain.Calmly,Lester

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/278 Itsacareerdecisionhere.Youdecideto becomefamousbecauseyouwantthatkindof life.Sometimesyouevenkidyourselfthatitll lastforeverthatinthirtyyears,theyllcome intoMussoandFrankandaskforMiss Whatshernamestable.Anyonewhowantsto knowwhatstardomlookslikecanfindoutand noonebecomesastarbyaccident. Youthink?Perrysaid.Imean,wewere celebs,kindof,forawhilethere Areyousayingthatthathappenedby accident? Ineversetouttogetfamous Youtookpartinanationalmovement,Perry. Youpracticallyfoundedit.Whatdidyouthink wasgoingtohappen Youresayingthatwewerejustattention whores No,Perry,no.Wewerentjustattentionwhores. Wewereattentionwhoresandwebuiltandran coolshit.Theresnothingwrongwithbeingan attentionwhore.Itsanattentioneconomy.If youregoingtobeaworkingstiff,youshould pickadecentcurrencytogetpaidin.Butyou cantsitthereandtellmethatitdidntfeelgood, didntfeelgreattohaveallthosepeoplelooking uptous,followingusintobattle,throwing themselvesatus Perryhelduphishands.Hisfriendwaslooking morealivethanhehadatanytimesincePerry hadbeenusheredintohisworkshop.Hesatup straight,andtheoldglintofmischiefandgood humorwasinhiseye. enoughforlunchorsomething.Nowitseemeda foregoneconclusionthathedbeputupinthe guestcottage.Hethoughtaboutgettingback ontheroad.TherewasalittleganginOregon thatmadenoveltyschoolsupplies,theywere alwaysrampingupfortheirbusyseasonatthis timeofyear.Theyweregoodpeopletoworkfor. Comeon,whereyougottobe?Stayaweek.Ill putyouonthepayrollasaconsultant.Youcan givelunchhourtalkstotheR&Dteam,whatever youwant. Lester,youjustgotthroughtellingmehow muchyouhateyourjob Thatsthebeautyofcontractingyoudont stickaroundlongenoughtohateit,andyou neverhavetoworryabouttheorgchart.Come on,pal Illthinkaboutit. Lesterfellasleeponthecarridehome,and KaprieldidntmindifPerrydidntwanttochat, sohejustrolledhiswindowsdownandwatched theLAlightsscreampastastheyhitthe premiumlanesonthecrosstownfreeways, headingtoLestersplaceinTopangaCanyon. Whentheyarrived,Lesterrousedhimself heavily,clutchedhisstomach,thenracedforthe house.Kaprielshookhisheadandrolledhis eyes,thenshowedPerrytothefrontdoorand shookhishand.

Inthemorning,heprowledLesterandSuzannes placelikeaburglar.Theguesthousehadonce servedasLestersworkshopandithadthe Isurrender,buddy,youreright.Theyordered telltaleleavingsofabusyinventordrawersand tubsofparts,amoldycoffeecupinadesk desserts,heavydiplomatpuddingsbread puddingmadewithcakeandcherries,andLester drawer,pensandtoysandunreadpostalspamin dugin,aftermakingPerryswearnottobreathea piles.Whatitdidnthavewasakitchen,soPerry helpedhimselftothekeythatLesterhadlefthim wordofittoSuzanne.Heatewithsuchvisible withthenightbeforeandwanderedaroundthe pleasurethatPerryfeltlikeavoyeur. bighouse,lookingforthekitchen. Howlongdidyousayyouwereintownfor? Itturnedouttobeonthesecondfloor,abitof Imjustpassingthrough,Perrysaid.Hehad weirdarchitecturaldesignthatwascharacteristic onlyplannedonmaybeseeingLesterlong

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/279 oftheplace,whichhadstartedasashackinthe hillsonseveralacresoflandandthengrownand grownassuccessivegenerationsofownershad addedextensions,seismicretrofitting,andnew floors. Perryfoundthepantriesfilledwithhightech MREs,eachnutritionallybalancedandfortified inwayscalculatedtomakeLesterashealthyas possible.Finally,hefoundasmallcupboard clearlydevotedtoSuzanneseating,withboxes ofbreakfastcerealand,wayintheback,alittle bagofOreos.Hemunchedthoughtfullyonthe cookieswhiledrinkingmoreoftheflat,thrice distilledwater. HeheardLestertotterintoabathroomonthe floorabove,andcalledGoodmorning,upa narrow,windingstaircase. Lestergroanedbackathim,asoundthatPerry hadntheardinyears,thattheatricalohmyshit itsanotherdaysound. Heclompeddownthestairswithhiscane, wearingapairofboxershortsandrubber slippers.Hewasgaunt,thehaironhissunken chestgonewirygrey,andtheskinaroundhis torsosagged.Fromtheneckdown,helookeda hundredyearsold.Perrylookedaway. Morning,bro,Lestersaid,andtookavacuum sealedpouchoutofamedicalwhiteboxoverthe sink,toreitopen,addedpurifiedwater,andput itinthemicrowave.Thesmellwaslikewet cardboardinadumpster.Perrywrinkledhis nose. Perry,theycantfireme.IfIquit,Ilosemy healthbennies,whichmeansIllbebrokeina month.Whichputsusatanimpasse.Impast feelingguiltyaboutdoingnothingmuchallday long,butthatdoesntmeanImnotbored. Youmakeitsoundsoattractive. Yougotsomethingbettertodo? Imin. Suzannecamehomeaweeklaterandfound themsittingupinthelivingroom.Theyd pushedallthefurnitureupagainstthewallsand coveredthefloorwithboardgameboards,laid edgetoedgeoroverlapping.Theyhadtokens, cardsandmoneyfromseveralofthegameslaid outaroundtherimsofthegames. Whattheblisteringfuck?shesaidgood naturedly.LesterhadtoldherthatPerrywas around,soshedbeenpreparedforsomething odd,butthiswasprettyamazing,evenso.Lester heldupahandforsilenceandrolledtwodice. Theyskitteredacrossthefloor,oneofthem slippingthroughtheheatinggrating. Threepoints,Perrysaid.Onefornotgoing intothegrating,twoforgoingintothegrating. Ithoughtwesaiditwastwopointsfornot goingintothegrating,andonefordroppingit? Letscallit1.5pointsforeach. Gentlemen,Suzannesaid,IbelieveIaskeda question?Towit,Whattheblisteringfuck

Tastesbetterthanitsmells.Orlooks,Lester Calvinball,Lestersaid.LikeintheoldCalvin said.Veryeasyonthedigestion.WhichIneed. andHobbesstrips.Therulesare,therulescan Neverletmepigoutlikethatagain,OK? neverbethesametwice. Hecollapsedheavilyintoastoolandclosedhis Andyouresupposedtowearamask,Perry sunkeneyes.Withoutopeningthem,hesaid, said.Butwekeptsteppingonthepieces. So,areyouin? Noperipheralvision,Lestersaid. AmIin? Caucusrace!Perryyelled,andtookalap Yougoingtocomeonboardasmyconsultant? aroundtheworld.Lesterstruggledtohisfeet, thenfloppedbackdown. Youwereseriousaboutthat,huh? Idisbelieve,hesaid,takinguptwotensided

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/280 diceandrollingthem.87,hesaid. Fine,Perrysaid.HepickedupaBattleship boardandsaid,B7,andthenhesaid,Whats thescore,anyway? Orangetoseven,Lestersaid. Whosorange? Youare. Shit.OK,letstakeabreak. Suzannetriedtoholdinherlaughter,butshe couldnt.Sheendedupdoubledover,tears streamingdownherface.Whenshestraightened up,Lesterhobbledtoherandgavehera surprisinglystrongwelcomehomehug.He smelledlikeLester,likethemanshedshared herbedwithalltheseyears. Perryheldouthishandtoherandsheyanked himintoalong,hardhug. Itsgoodtohaveyouback,Perry,shesaid, onceshedkissedbothhischeeks. Whatswrongwithnotsad? Theresnothingwrongwithit,Perry.Im shefaltered,searchedforthewords.Remember whenIfirstmetyou,metbothofyou,inthat ghostmall?Youwerentjusthappy,youwere hysterical.RemembertheBoogieWoogie Elmos?Thecartheydrove? Perrylookedaway.Yeah,hesaidsoftly.There wasahitchinhisvoice. AllImsayingis,itdoesnthavetobethisway. Youcould Couldwhat?hesaid.Hesoundedangry,but shethoughtthathewasjustupset.Icouldgo workforDisney,sitinaworkshopallday makingcrapnoonecaresabout?Bethewage slavefortheendofmydays,acagedmonkeyfor somecorporatesultanszoo?Thephrasewas Lesters,andSuzanneknewthenthatPerryand Lesterhadbeentalkingaboutit.

Lester,leaningheavilyagainstheronthesofa (theydpusheditbackintotheroom,moving Itsfantastictoseeyou,Suzanne,hesaid.He asidepiecesoftheCalvinballgame),madea wasthinnerthansheremembered,withsnowon warningsoundandgaveherkneeasqueeze. theroof,buthewasstillhandsomeasapirate. Aha,definitelyterritorytheydcoveredbefore Wemissedyou.Tellmeeverythingyouvebeen then. upto. Youtwohavesomeofthefinestentrepreneurial Itsnotinteresting,hesaid.Really. Ifindthatdifficulttobelieve. Sohetoldthemstoriesfromtheroad,andthey wereinterestinginakindofmicrocosmsortof way.Storiesaboutinterestingcharactershed met,improbablemealshedeaten,badworking conditions,memorablerideshitched. Sothatsit?Suzannesaid.Thatswhat youvedone? ItswhatIdo,hesaid. Andyourehappy? Imnotsad,hesaid. Sheshookherheadinvoluntarily.Perry stiffened. instinctsIveeverencountered,shesaid.Perry snorted.

Whatsmore,Iveneverseenyouhappierthan youwerebackwhenIfirstmetyou,makingstuff forthesheerjoyofitandsellingittocollectors. Doyouknowhowmanycollectorswouldpony upforanoriginalGibbons/Bankstoday?You twocouldjustdothatforever Lestersmedical Lestersmedicalnothing.Youtwogettogether onthis,youcouldmakesomuchmoney,we couldbuyLesterhisownhospital.Besides, Lesterwontlastlongnomatterwhathappens. Shedidntsayit,butthereitwas.Shedcometo gripswiththerealityyearsago,whenhis symptomsfirstappearedwhenallthefatkins

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/281 symptomsbegantoappear.Nowshecouldthink ofitwithoutgettingthathitchinherchestthat shedgottenatfirst.Nowshecouldgoawayfor aweektoworkonastorywithoutweepingevery night,thendryinghereyesandcallingLesterto makesurehewasstillalive. Imnotsayingyouneedtodothistothe exclusionofeverythingelse,orforeverthere isnoforeverforLesterbutyoutwowould havetobeinsanenottotryit.Lookatthis boardgamethingyouvedone Calvinball,Perrysaid. Iloveyou,Suzanne,hesaid. Whatbroughtthaton? Itsjustgoodtohaveyouhome,hesaid. Youseemtohavebeentakingprettygoodcare ofyourselfwhileIwasaway,gettinginsome Perrytime. ItookhimtoMussoandFrank,hesaid.Iate likeapig. Andyoupaidtheprice,didntyou? Yeah.Fordays.

Calvinball.Right.Youweremadeforthis.You Servesyouright.ThatPerryissuchabad twomakeeachotherbetter.Perry,letsbehonest influenceonmyboy. here.Youdonthaveanythingbettertodo. Illmisshim. Sheheldherbreath.Ithadbeenyearssince shedspokentoPerry,yearssinceshedhadthe righttosaythingslikethattohim.Onceupona time,shewouldnthavethoughttwice,butnow Letmesleeponit,Perrysaid. Youthinkhellgo,then? Youknowhewill. Oh,honey. Somewoundsdontheal,hesaid.Iguess.

Imsureitsnotthat,Suzannesaid.Heloves Whichmeantno,ofcourse.Perrydidntsleepon you.Ibetthisisthebestweekheshadinyears. things.Hedecidedtodothings.Sometimeshe Sowhywouldnthewanttostay?Lesters decidedwrong,buthedneverhadtrouble voicecameoutinthepetulantnearsobshehad deciding. onlyeverheardwhenhewasinextremephysical Thatnight,Lesterrubbedherback,thewayhe alwaysdidwhenshecamebackfromtheroad, usingthehandcreamshekeptonherendtable. Hishandshadoncebeensostrong,mechanics hands,stubbyfingeredpistonshecoulddrive tirelesslyintotheknotsinherback.Nowthey smoothedandpetted,arub,notamassage. Everytimeshecamehome,itwasgentler, somehowmoreloving.Butshemissedher massages.Sometimesshethoughtsheshouldtell himnottobotheranymore,butshewasafraidof whatitwouldmeantoendthisritualandhow manymoreritualswouldendinitswake. pain.Itwasavoicesheheardmoreandmore oftenlately.

Maybehesjustafraidofhimself.Hesbeenon therunforalongtime.Youhavetoaskyourself, whatsherunningfrom?Itseemstomethathes spenthiswholelifetryingtoavoidhavingto lookhimselfintheeye. Lestersighedandshesqueezedhimtight. Howdwegetsoscrewedup?

Oh,baby,shesaid,werenotscrewedup. Werejustpeoplewhowanttodothings,big things.Anytimeyouwanttomakeadifference, youfacethepossibilitythatyoull,youknow, Itwasthebriefestbackrubyetandthenheslid makeadifference.Itsaconsequenceofdoing underthecoverswithher.Sheheldhimfora longtime,spooninghimfrombehind,herfacein thingswithconsequences. thenapeofhisneck,kissinghiscollarbonethe Gak,hesaid.YoualwaysgetsoZenkoan wayheliked,andhemoanedsoftly.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/282 whenyoureontheroad. Givesmetimetoreflect.Wereyoureading? WasIreading?Suzanne,Ireadyourposts wheneverIfeellonely.Itskindoflikehaving youhomewithme. Youresweet. Didyoureallyeatsardinesonsorbettoast? Dontknockit.Itsbetterthanitsounds.Lots better. Youcankeepit. ListentoMrMussoandFrankboy,youve gotnobusinesscriticizinganyoneelsesfood choices. Heheavedahappysigh.Iloveyou,Suzanne Church. Youreagoodman,LesterBanks. Perrymetthematthebreakfasttablethenext morningasSuzannewasfiddlingwiththe espressomachine,steamingsoymilkforher latte.HeworeapairofLesterssloppy drawstringpantsandatshirtforamotorcycle shopinKansasCitythatwasspottedwithold motoroilstains. lookingaway. Suzannesawthathehadpurplebagsunderhis eyes,likehehadntsleptawinkallnight. Imstaying.Ifyoullhaveme.Letsmakesome stuff. Heputthebageldownandswallowed.He lookedbackatLesterandthetwooldcomrades lockedeyesforalongmoment. Lestersmiled.Allright!Hedancedashuffling step,mindfulofhissorehips.Allright,buddy, fuckinA!Yeah! Suzannetriedtofadethen,tobackoutofthe roomandletthemdotheirthing,butLester caughtherarmanddrewherintoanembrace, tuggingonherarmwithastrengthshed forgottenhehad. Hegaveherahardkiss.Iloveyou,Suzanne Church,hesaid.Youremysavior. Perrymadeahappysoundbehindher. Iloveyou,too,Lester,shesaid,squeezinghis skinny,brittleback.

LesterletgoofherandsheturnedtofacePerry. Tearsprickedhiseyes,andshefoundthatshe wascryingtoo.Shegavehimahug,andfeltthe waysthathisbodyhadchangedsinceshedheld himbackinFlorida,backinsomeforgotten Bomdia,hesaid,andchuckedLesteronthe shoulder.Hewascarryinghimselfwithacertain time.Hewasthicker,butstillsolid,andhe smelledthesame.Sheputherlipsclosetohis stiffness,andSuzannethought,Hereitcomes; earandwhispered,Youreagoodman,Perry hesgoingtosaygoodbye.PerryGibbons,you Gibbons. bastard. Morning,Lestersaid,brittleandchipper. PerrydugaroundonSuzannesnonmedicated foodshelfforawhileandcameupwithabagel forthetoasterandajarofpeanutbutter.Noone saidanythingwhilehedugaroundforthebig breadknife,foundthecuttingboard,toastedthe bagel,spreadpeanutbutter,andtookabite. SuzanneandLesterjustcontinuedtoeat,in uncomfortablesilence.Tellhim,Suzanneurged silently.Getitoverwith,damnyou. Lestergavehisnoticethatmorning.Thoughit was8PMinTehranwhenLestercalled,Sammy wasathisdesk. Whyareyoutellingmethis,Lester? ItsaysinmycontractthatIhavetogivemy noticetoyou,specifically.

WhythehelldidIputthatthere?Sammys voicesoundedfarawaynotjustinIran.It Imin,Perrysaid,aroundamouthfulofbagel, soundedlikehehadtravelledthroughtime,too.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/283 Politics,Ithink,hesaid. himovertheyearsthathecountedthissneak, Hardtoremember.Probablywantedtobesure thisthug,ashiscolleague?Whathadhesold thatsomeonelikeWienerwouldntconvinceyou whenhesoldout? toquit,switchcompanies,andhireyouagain. PerryGibbons,Lestersaid,anddrewina Notmuchriskofthatnow,Lestersaid.Lets breath.PerryGibbonsisthesharpest faceit,Sammy,Idontactuallydoanythingfor entrepreneurIveevermet.Hecanthelpbut makebusinesses.Hesanartistwhoanticipates thecompany. themarketayearaheadofthecurve.Hecould Nope.Thatsright.Werenotverygoodat bearichmanahundredtimesoverifhechose. makinguseofpeoplelikeyou. Commie?Page,yourenotfittokeephisbooks. Nope. Thelinewentquiet,theeeriesilenceofanet Well,emailmeyourpaperworkandIllshoveit connectionwithnopacketsroutingonit. Goodbye,Lester,Sammysaidatlength. around.Howmuchnoticeareyousupposedto give? Lesterwantedtoapologize.Hewantednotto wanttoapologize.Heswallowedtheapology Threemonths. anddisconnectedtheline. Yowch.Whatever.Justpackupandgohome. Gardeningleave. IthadbeentwoyearssinceLesterdhadany contactwithSammy,butitwasclearthat runningIranianopshadmellowedhimout. Hardertogetintotroublewithwomenthere, anyway. HowsIrantreatingyou? TheMiddleEastoperationissomethingelse, boy.Youdlikeithere.Thepostwartownsall looklikeyoursquattercitythecraziest buildingsyoueversaw.TheylovetheDiaBs thoughwegetthemostfantasticdesigns throughthefanchannels....Hetrailedoff. Then,withanoteofsuspicion:Whatareyou goingtodonow? Whenitwastimeforbed,Suzanneshutherlid andputthecomputerdownbesidethesofa.She steppedcarefullyaroundthepiecesofthe Calvinballgamethatstillcoveredtheliving roomfloorandsteppedintoapairofslippers. Sheslidopenthebackdoorandhittheswitch fortheyardsfloodlight.Thelastthingshe wantedtodowastripintothepool. Shepickedherwaycarefullydownthe flagstonesthatledtotheworkshop,wherethe lightsburnedmerrilyinthenight.Therewasno moontonight,andthestarswerelaidoutlikea bagofsyntheticdiamondsarrayedonapieceof blackvelourinastreetmarketstall.

Shepeeredthroughthewindowbeforeshewent Ah.Nosenseinfakingit.PerryandIaregoing aroundtothedoor,thejournalistinherwanting togointobusinesstogether.Makingkinetic tofixanimageofthemomentinhermind sculptures.Liketheolddays. beforeshemovedinanddisturbedit.Thatwas Noway!PerryGibbons?Youtwoareback theproblemwithbeingareportereverything together?Christ,werealldoomed.Hewas changedtheinstantyoustartedreportingonit. laughing.Sculptureslikethattoastrobot? Bynow,therewasntapersonalivewhodidnt Andhewantstogointobusiness?Ithoughthe knowwhatitmeanstobeinthepresenceofa wassomekindofCommie. reporter.ShewasarovingPanopticon. Lesterhadarushofremembrance,theemotional Thesceneinsidetheworkshopwaseerie.Perry memoryofhowmuchhedhatedthismanand andLesterstoodnexttoeachother,cheekby everythinghestoodfor.Whathadhappenedto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/284 jowl,hunchedoversomethingontheworkbench. Perryhadacomputeropeninfrontofhim,and hewastyping,Lesterholdingsomethingoutof sight. opensourceprosthesticplans,Lesterwhispered inthetensemoment.Thenitlobbedasoft underhandtosstothelopsidedone.

Theballarcedthroughtheairandtheotherbot Howmanytimeshadsheseenthistableau?How repositioneditsarminaseriesofclattering manyafternoonshadshespentintheworkshop jerks.ItseemedtoSuzannethattheballwould inFlorida,watchingthemhackarobot,builda missthegloveandbounceoffoftherobots sculpture,turnoutthelatesttoyforTjans carapace,andshewinced.Then,attheverylast amusement,Kettlewellsenrichment?The second,therobotrepositioneditsarmwithone postureswereidenticalthoughtheirbodieshad morefastjerk,andtheballfellintothepocket. changed,thehairthinnerandgrayer.Like Amomentlater,thelopsidedbotPerry,itwas someonehadfrozenoneofthoseinnocent Perry,thatwaseasytoseetossedtheballto momentsintimeforadecade,thenretouchedit theroundshoulderedone,whowasclearlyher withwizeningmakeupandhairdye. Lester,asshedfirstknownhim.Lesterbot Shemusthavemadeanoise,becauseLester lookedupormaybeitwasjusttheuncanny, semipsychicbondbetweenanoldmarried couple.Hegrinnedatherlikehewastenyears oldandshegrinnedbackandwentaroundtothe door. Hello,boys,shesaid.Theystraightenedup, bothofthemunconsciouslycradlingtheirlow backs,andshesuppressedagrin.Mylittleboys, allgrownup. Darling!Lestersaid.Comehere,havea look! Heputhisarmoverhershouldersandwalked hertothebench,leaningonheralittle. Itwasinpieces,butshecouldseewhereitwas going:apairoffamiliarboxyshapes,twoof Lestersmechanicalcomputers,theircolacan registersspillingawayinalongdaisychainof wormgearsandrotatingshafts.Onefigurewas bigandroundshoulderedlikeavintage refrigerator.Theotherwascockeyed,halfits gearssethigherthantheotherhalf.Eachhada single,starkmechanicalarmextendedbeforeit, andattheendofeacharmwasafamiliar crackedandfragrantbaseballglove.

caughttheballwithasimilarseriesofjerksand returnedthevolley. Itwasmagictowatchtherobotsplaytheirgame ofcatch.Suzannewasmesmerized,mouthopen. Lestersqueezedhershoulderwithuncontained excitement. TheLesterbotlobbedonetoPerrybot,but Perrybotflubbedthetoss.Theballmadea resoundinggongsoundasitbouncedoffof Perrybotscarapace,andPerrybotwobbled. Suzannewinced,butLesterandPerryboth dissolvedingalesoflaughter.Shewatchedthe Perrybottrytogetitselfreoriented,aligningits torsotofaceLesterbotandshesawthatitwas funny,veryfunny,likeaparticularlygreat cartoon. Theydothatonpurpose? Notexactlybuttheresnowaytheyregoing tobeperfect,sowebuiltinabunchofstuffthat wouldmakeitfunnierwhenithappened.Itis nowofficiallyafeature,notabug.Perry glowedwithpride.

Isntitbadforthemtogetbeanedwitha baseball?sheaskedasLestercarefullyhanded theballtoPerrybot,wholobbedittoLesterbot LesterputaballintooneoftheglovesandPerry again. hammeredawayatthekeyboard.Very,very Well,yeah.Butitskindofanartistic slowly,theslopeshoulderedrobotdrewits statement,Perrysaid,lookingawayfromthem mechanicalarmbackWeusedoneofthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/285 both.Aboutthewaythatfriendshipsalways wearyoudown,likeupperandlowermolars grindingawayateachother. Lestersqueezedheragain.Overtime,theyll knockeachotherapart. PabloDefendini,JustinGolenbock,Liz Gorinksy,TomDohertyandthemanywonderful peopleatTorfortheirgoodworkputtingthis bookintotheworld. LikewisethankstoSarahHodgson,AliceMoss andVictoriaBarnsleyatHarperCollinsfor makingthisbookhappenintheUK.

TearsprickedatSuzanneseyes.Sheblinked themaway.Guys,thisisgreat.Hervoice cracked,butshedidntcare.Lestersqueezedher Thankstomyagents,RussellGalen,Danny tighter. BarorandJustinManask. Cometobedsoon,hon,shesaidtoLester. Imgoingawayagaintomorrowafternoon NewYork,arestaurantopening.

Thankstomymother,DrRoslynDoctorow,who remainsthesharpestprooferinthebusiness.

ThankstomybusinesspartnersatBoingBoing, Illberightup,Lestersaid,andkissedthetop thestaffofMAKE:Magazine,andtoallthe ofherhead.Shedforgottenthathewasthattall. makerswholetmeholdtheirskateboardswhile Hedidntstandallthewayup. theyweldedthekillerrobots. Shewenttobed,butshecouldntsleep.She Andthanks,ofcourse,toAliceandPoesy,who crossedtothewindowanddrewbackthecurtain arethereasonforallofit. andlookedoutatthebackyardthescummy swimmingpoolshekeptforgettingtodo somethingabout,theheavygrapefruitandlemon trees,theshed.Perrystoodontheshedsstoop, lookingupatthenightsky.Shepulledthe curtainsaroundherselfaninstantbeforehe lookedupather. Theireyesmetandhenoddedslowly. Thankyou,shemouthedsilently. Heblewherakiss,stuckoutafoot,andthen bowedslightlyoverhisoutstretchedleg. Sheletthecurtainfallbackintoplaceandwent backtobed.Lesterclimbedintobedwithhera fewminuteslaterandspoonedupagainsther back,hisfaceburiedinherneck. Shefellasleepalmostinstantly.

Acknowledgements:
ThankstoAndrewLeonardandSalonfor publishingthiswhenitwasThemepunks. ThankstoPatrickNielsenHayden,IreneGallo,