DOCTOROW/MAKERS/1

Makers
CoryDoctorow doctorow@craphound.com TorBooks:9780765312792 HarperCollinsUK/Voyager:9780007325221 Lastmodified12Dec2009

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DOCTOROW/MAKERS/2 Ihavealwaysdreamtofwritingsfnovels,sinceI wassixyearsold.NowIdoit.Itisagoddamned dreamcometrue,likegrowinguptobeacowboy oranastronaut,exceptthatyoudontget oppressedbyranchersorstuckonthelaunchpadin anadultdiaperfor28hoursatastretch.Theidea thatIdgetdyspepticoverpeoplereaders celebratingwhatIwriteisgoddamnedbizarre So,downloadthisbook. Somerulesoftheroad: Itskindofatraditionaroundherethatmyreaders convertmyebookstotheirfavoriteformatsand sendthemtomehere,anditsonethatIlove!If youveconvertedthesefilestoanotherformat, sendthemtome(doctorow@craphound.com, subjectMakersConversion)andIllhostthem,but beforeyoudo,makesureyoureadthefollowing: Onlyoneconversionperformat,first come,firstserve.Thatmeansthatif someonesalreadyconvertedthefiletoa Femellhebber3000document,thatsthe oneyouregoingtofindhere.Ijustdont knowenoughaboutesotericreadersto adjudicatedisputesaboutwhattheideal formatisforyourfavoritedevice. Makesureincludealinktothereaderas well.Whenyousendmeanebookfile, makesurethatyouincludealinktothe websiteforthereadertechnologyaswell sothatIcanincludeitbelow. toaformatthathasaDRMoption,make sureitsswitchedoff.

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Dedication:
Fortherisktakers,thedoers,themakersof things.

PARTI

SuzanneChurchalmostneverhadtobotherwith theblueblazerthesedays.Backattheheightof Youarefree: thedotboom,shedputonherbusinessjournalist toSharetocopy,distributeandtransmitthe dragblazer,bluesailclothshirt,khakitrousers, work loafersjustabouteveryday,puttinginher obligatoryappearancesatsplashypress toRemixtoadaptthework conferencesforhighflyingIPOsandmergers. Underthefollowingconditions: Thesedays,itwasmostlyworkathomeoroneday AttributionYoumustattributetheworkinthe aweekattheSanJoseMercuryNewssoffice,in mannerspecifiedbytheauthororlicensor(butnot comfortablelightsweaterswithloosenecksand inanywaythatsuggeststhattheyendorseyouor loosecottonpantsthatshecouldwearstraightto yogaaftershuttinghercomputerslid. youruseofthework). Blueblazertoday,andshewasnttheonlyone. TherewasReedyfromtheNYTsSiliconValley office,andTribbeyfromtheWSJ,andthat ShareAlikeIfyoualter,transform,orbuild despicablerattoothedjumpedupgossip uponthiswork,youmaydistributetheresulting columnistfromoneoftheUKtechrags,andmany workonlyunderthesameorsimilarlicensetothis othersbesides.Oldhomeweek,blueblazersfresh one. fromthedrycleaningbagsthathadguardedthem Withtheunderstandingthat: sincethelasttimetheNASDAQbroke5,000. NoncommercialYoumaynotusethisworkfor commercialpurposes. WaiverAnyoftheaboveconditionscanbe ThemanofthehourwasLandonKettlewellthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/4 kindofoutlandishprepschoolnamethatalways seemedalittlemadeuptoherthenewCEOand frontforthemajorityownersofKodak/Duracell. ThedespicableBrithadalreadystartedcalling themKodacell.Buyingthecompanywaspure Kettlewell:shrewd,weird,andethicalinatwisted way. Whythehellhaveyoudonethis,Landon? Kettlewellaskedhimselfintohistiemic.Tiesand suitsforthenewKodacellexecsintheroom,like surfersplayingdressup.Whybuytwodinosaurs andstickemtogether?Willtheymateandgive birthtoanewgenerationoflessendangered dinosaurs? Heshookhisheadandwalkedtoadifferentpart ofthestage,thumbingaPowerPointremotethat advancedhisslideonthejumbotrontoapictureof acoupleofunhappycartoonbrontosstaring desolatelyatanemptynest.Probablynot.But thereisagoodcaseforwhatwevejustdone,and withyourindulgence,Imgoingtolayitoutfor younow. subjectofhers,whichnodoubtaccountedforhis fellowfeeling),anditwasalsothecruxof Kettlewellsschtick.Thespectacleofanexecwho talkedethicsenragedRatToothedmorethanthe vilestbabykillers.Hewasthekindof revolutionarywholikedhisfiringsquadsarranged inacircle. Imnotthatdumb,folks,Kettlewellsaid, provokingastageylaughfromMrRatTooth. Heresthething:themarkethadvaluedthese companiesatlessthantheircashonhand.They havetwentybillioninthebankanda16billion dollarmarketcap.Wejustmadefourbillion dollars,justbybuyingupthestockandtaking controlofthecompany.Wecouldshutthedoors, stickthemoneyinourpockets,andretire.

Suzannetooknotes.Sheknewallthis,but Kettlewellgavegoodsoundbite,andtalkedslow indeferencetothekindofreporterwhopreferred anotebooktoarecorder.Butwerenotgonnado that.Hehunkereddownonhishaunchesatthe edgeofthestage,lettinghistiedangle,staring Letshopehestickstothecartoons,RatToothed spacilyatthejournalistsandanalysts.Kodacellis biggerthanthat.Hedreadhisemailthatmorning hissedbesideher.Hisbreathsmelledlikehed beengarglingturds.Hehadanotsosecretcrush then,andseenRatToothedsnewmoniker. Kodacellhasgoodwill.Ithasinfrastructure. onherandlikedtodemonstratehisalpha Administrators.Physicalplant.Supplier malenessbymakinghalfwitticismsintoherear. relationships.Distributionandlogistics.These Theyreabouthisspeed. companieshavealotofusefulplumbingandalot Shetwistedinherseatandpointedlyhunchedover ofpricelessreputation. hercomputersscreen,towhichshedtapedathin Whatwedonthaveisaproduct.Therearent sheetofpolarizedplasticthatmadeitopaqueto enoughbuyersforbatteriesorfilmoranyofthe anyoneshouldersurfingher.Beingahalfway attractivewomaninSiliconValleywasmoreofa otherstuffwemaketooccupyorsupportallthat infrastructure.Thesecompaniessleptthroughthe painintheassthanshedexpected,backwhen dotboomandthedotbust,trundlingalongas shedbeencoveringrustbeltshenanigansin thoughnoneofitmattered.Therearepartsof Detroit,backwhentherewasanautoindustryin thesebusinessesthathaventchangedsincethe Detroit. fifties. TheworstpartwasthattheBritsreportagewas Werenottheonlyones.Technologyhas justspleenfillededitorializingonthelackof challengedandkilledbusinessesfromevery ethicsinthevalleysboardrooms(afavorite sector.Hell,IBMdoesntmakecomputers

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/5 anymore!Theveryideaofatravelagentis inconceivablyweirdtoday!Andtherecordlabels, oy,thepoor,crazy,suicidal,stupidrecordlabels. Dontgetmestarted. advantageofthecompanystockbuyingplan wouldfindtheirpensionsaugmentedbywhatever thisnewschemecouldrakein.Ifitworked.

MrKettlewell?RatToothedhadclamberedto Capitalismiseatingitself.Themarketworks,and hishindlegs. whenitworks,itcommodifiesorobsoletes Yes,Freddy?FreddywasRatToothedsgiven everything.Thatsnottosaythattheresnomoney name,thoughSuzannewashardpressedtoever outtheretobehad,butthemoneywontcome retainitformorethanafewminutesatatime. fromasingle,monolithicproductline.Thedaysof Kettlewellkneweverybusinessjournalistinthe companieswithnameslikeGeneralElectricand Valleybyname,though.ItwasaCEOthing. GeneralMillsandGeneralMotorsareover. Themoneyonthetableislikekrill:abillionlittle Wherewillyourecruitthisnewworkforcefrom? Andwhatkindofentrepreneurialthingswillthey entrepreneurialopportunitiesthatcanbe discoveredandexploitedbysmart,creativepeople. bedoingtoexhausttherealmofcommercial activities? Wewillbruteforcetheproblemspaceof capitalisminthetwentyfirstcentury.Ourbusiness Freddy,wedonthavetorecruitanyone.Theyre planissimple:wewillhirethesmartestpeoplewe beatingapathtoourdoor.Thisisanationof canfindandputtheminsmallteams.Theywillgo manicentrepreneurs,thekindofpeoplewhove beeninventingbusinessesfromvideoarcadesto intothefieldwithfundingandcommunications photomatsforcenturies.Freddyscowled infrastructureallthatstuffwehaveleftover fromtheeraofbatteriesandfilmbehindthem, skeptically,hisjumbleofgreytombstoneteeth capitalizedtofindaplacetoliveandwork,anda protruding.Comeon,Freddy,youeverhearof jobtodo.Abusinesstostart.Ourcompanyisnta theGrameenBank? projectthatwepulltogetheron,itsanetworkof Freddynoddedslowly.InIndia,right? likeminded,cooperatingautonomousteams,allof Bangladesh.Bankerstravelfromvillageto whichareempoweredtodowhatevertheywant, villageonfootandbybus,findingsmallcoops providedthatitreturnssomethingtoourcoffers. whoneedtinyamountsofcredittobuya Wewillexploreandexhausttherealmof commercialopportunities,andseekconstantlyto cellphoneoragoatoraloominordertogrow.The refineourtacticstominethoseopportunities,and bankersmaketheloansandadvisethe entrepreneurs,andthepaybackrateisfiftytimes fillourhungrybelly.Thiscompanyisnta companyanymore:thiscompanyisanetwork,an higherthantherateataregularlendinginstitution. Theydontevenhaveawrittenlendingagreement: approach,asensibility. entrepreneursreal,hardworkingentrepreneurs Suzannesfingersclatteredoverherkeyboard.The youcantrustonahandshake. Britchucklednastily.Nicetalk,consideringhe justmadeahundredthousandpeopleredundant, YouregoingtohelpAmericanswholosttheir jobsinyourfactoriesbuygoatsandcellphones? hesaid.Suzannetriedtoshuthimout:yes, Kettlewellwasfiringacompanysworthof Weregoingtogivethemloansandcoordination people,buthewasalsosavingthecompanyitself. tostartbusinessesthatuseinformation,materials Theprospectushadadecentseveranceforall science,commodifiedsoftwareandhardware thosedepartingworkers,andtheoneswhodtaken designs,andcreativitytowringaprofitfromthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/6 airaroundus.Here,catch!Hedugintohissuit jacketandflungasmallobjecttowardFreddy, whofumbledit.ItfellontoSuzanneskeyboard. inblackblockcapsonthatdistantwall:crisp, laseredgedletters.

Thisthingwasntinvented.Alltheparts Shepickeditup.Itlookedlikeakeychainlaser necessarytomakethisgowerejustlyingaround. pointer,ormaybeanoveltylightsaber. Itwasassembled.Agalinagarage,herbrother Switchiton,Suzanne,please,andshineit,oh,on themarketingguy,herhusbandoverseeing manufacturinginBelgrade.Theyneededacouple thatwallthere.Kettlewellpointedatthe upholsteredretractablewallthatdividedthehotel grandtogetitallgoing,andtheyllneedsome lifesupportwhiletheyfindtheirnaturalmarket. ballroomintotwofunctionalspaces. TheygottwentygrandfromKodacellthisweek. Suzannetwistedtheendandpointedit.Acrisp Halfofitaloan,halfofitequity.Andweputthem rectangleofgreenlaserlightlitupthewall. onthepayroll,withbenefits.Theyrepart Now,watchthis,Kettlewellsaid. freelancer,partemployee,inateamwithbacking andadvicefromacrossthewholebusiness. NOWWATCHTHIS Itwaseasytodoonce.Weregoingtodoitten Thewordsmaterializedinthemiddleofthe thousandtimesthisyear.Weresendingouttalent rectangleonthedistantwall. scouts,liketheartistsandrepresentationpeople Testingonetwothree,Kettlewellsaid. therecordlabelsusedtouse,andtheyregoingto signupalotofthesebandsforus,andhelpthem TESTINGONETWOTHREE tocutrecords,tostartbusinessesthatpushoutto Dondeestaelbano? theedgesofbusiness. WHEREISTHEBATHROOM So,Freddy,toansweryourquestion,no,were Whatisit?saidSuzanne.Herhandwobbleda notgivingthemloanstobuycellphonesand littleandthedistantlettersdanced. goats. WHATISIT Thisisanewartifactdesignedandexecutedby fivepreviouslyoutofworkengineersinAthens, Georgia.TheyvematedatinyLinuxboxwith somespeakerindependentcontinuousspeech recognitionsoftware,afreesoftwaretranslation enginethatcantranslatebetweenanyoftwelve languages,andanextremelyhighresolutionLCD thatblocksoutwordsinthepathofthelaser pointer. Turnthison,pointitatawall,andstarttalking. Everythingsaidshowsuponthewall,inthe languageofyourchoosing,regardlessofwhat languagethespeakerwasspeaking. Kettlewellbeamed.Suzannetwistedthelaser pointeroffandmadereadytotossitbacktothe stage,butKettlewellwavedheroff. Keepit,hesaid.Itwassuddenlyoddtohearhim speakwithoutthetextcrawlonthatdistantwall. Sheputthelaserpointerinherpocketand reflectedthatithadtheauthenticfeelofcool, disposabletechnology:thekindofthingonitsway fromastartupsdistantsuppliertotheschwag bagsathighendtechnologyconferencestoblister packsofsixhangingintheimpulseaisleatFrys.

Shetriedtoimaginethetechnologyconferences shedbeentowiththeadditionofthesubtitling andtranslationandcouldntdoit.Notconferences. Allthewhile,Kettlewellswordswerescrollingby Somethingelse.Akidstoy?AtoolforStarbucks smashingantiglobalists,planningstrategybefore

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/7 aWTOriot?Shepattedherpocket. Freddyhissedandbubbledlikeateakettlebeside her,fuming.Whatacock,hemuttered.Thinks hesgoingtohiretenthousandteamstoreplace hisworkforce,doesntsayawordaboutwhatthat lotismeanttobedoingnowhesshitcannedthem all.Utterbullshit.Irrationalexuberancegone berserk. MrKettlewell? WHATAREYOURPLANSFORYOUR EXISTINGWORKFORCEMRKETTLEWELL

Sherepeatedthequestionseveraltimes,refreshing thetextsothatitscrolledlikeastocktickeracross thatupholsteredwall,anilluminatedfocusthat graduallydrewalltheattentionintheroom.The protestorssawitandbegantolaugh,thenthey Suzannehadaperverseimpulsetoturnthewand readitaloudinraggedunison,untilitbecamea backonandsplashFreddysbiliouswordsacross chant:WHATAREYOURPLANSthumpofthe theceiling,andthethoughtmadehergiggle.She bigdrumFORYOUREXISTING suppresseditandkeptonpilingupnotes,thinking WORKFORCEthumpMRthump aboutthestructureofthestoryshedfilethatday. KETTLEWELL? Kettlewellpulledoutsomechartsandanother surferinasuitcameforwardtotalkmoney, walkingthemthroughthefinancials.Shedread themalreadyanddecidedthattheywereapretty crediblebitoffiction,soshelethermindwander. Suzannefelthercheekswarm.Kettlewellwas lookingatherwithsomethinglikeasmile.She likedhim,butthatwasapersonalthingandthis wasatruththing.Shewasalittleembarrassedthat shehadlethimfinishhisspielwithoutcallinghim Shewasahundredmilesawaywhentheballroom onthatobviousquestion.Shefelttricked, doorsburstopenandtheunionizedlaborersofthe somehow.Well,shewasmakingupforitnow. formerKodakandtheformerDuracellpouredin Onthestage,thesurferboysinsuitswere onthem,tossingliteratureintotheairsothatit confabbing,holdingtheirthumbsovertheirtie snowedangryleaflets.Theyhadabigdrumanda mics.Finally,Kettlewellsteppedupandheldup bugle,andtheyshooktambourines.Thehotel hisownlaserpointer,paintinganotherrectangleof rentacopsoccasionallydartedforwardand lightbesideSuzannes. grabbedaprotestorbythearm,buthercolleagues Imgladyouaskedthat,Suzanne,hesaid,his wouldimmediatelyswarmthemandpryherloose voicebarelyaudible. anddragherbackintothebodyofthe IMGLADYOUASKEDTHATSUZANNE demonstration.Freddygrinnedandshouted somethingatKettlewell,butitwaslostinthedin. Thejournalistschuckled.Eventhechanters Thejournaliststookalotofpictures. laughedalittle.Theyquieteddown. Suzanneclosedhercomputerslidandsnatcheda Illtellyou,theresadownsidetolivinginthis leafletoutoftheair.WHATABOUTUS?it ageofwonders:wearemovingtoofastand began,andtalkedabouttheworkerswhodbeenat outstrippingtheabilityofourinstitutionstokeep KodakandDuracellfortwenty,thirty,evenforty pacewiththechangesintheworld. years,whohadbeenconspicuouslyabsentfrom Freddyleanedoverhershoulder,blowingshit Kettlewellsstatedplanstodate. breathinherear.Translation:youreassfucked, Shetwistedthelaserpointertolifeandpointedit thelotofyou. backatthewall.Leaninginveryclose,shesaid, Whatareyourplansforyourexistingworkforce, TRANSLATIONYOURASSFUCKEDTHE

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/8 LOTOFYOU TOALLOURSTAKEHOLDERS Suzanneyelpedasthewordsappearedonthewall SHAREHOLDERSANDWORKFORCEALIKE andreflexivelyswungthepointeraround,painting WECANTPAYAPENNYINSEVERANCEIF themontheceiling,theoppositewall,andthen, WEREBANKRUPT finally,inminiature,onhercomputerslid.She WEAREHIRING50000NEWEMPLOYEES twistedthepointeroff. THISYEARANDTHERESNOTHINGTHAT Freddyhadthedecencytolookslightly embarrassedandheslunkawaytotheveryendof therowofseats,scootingfromchairtochairon hisnarrowbutt.Onstage,Kettlewellwas pretendingveryhardthathehadntseenthe profanity,andthathecouldnthearthejeering fromtheprotestorsnow,eventhoughithadgrown soloudthathecouldnolongerbeheardoverit. Hekeptontalking,andthewordsscrolledoverthe farwall. THEREISNOWORLDINWHICHKODAK ANDDURACELLGOONMAKINGFILM ANDBATTERIES THECOMPANIESHAVEMONEYINTHE BANKBUTITHEMORRHAGESOUTTHE DOOREVERYDAY WEAREMAKINGTHINGSTHATNOONE WANTSTOBUY SAYSTHATTHOSENEWPEOPLECANT COMEFROMWITHIN CURRENTEMPLOYEESWILLBEGIVEN CONSIDERATIONBYOURSCOUTS ENTREPRENEURSHIPISADEEPLY AMERICANPRACTICEANDOURWORKERS AREASCAPABLEOFENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIONASANYONE IAMCONFIDENTWEWILLFINDMANYOF OURNEWHIRESFROMWITHINOUR EXISTINGWORKFORCE ISAYTHISTOOUREMPLOYEESIFYOU HAVEEVERDREAMEDOFSTRIKINGOUT ONYOUROWNEXECUTINGONSOME AMAZINGIDEAANDNEVERFOUNDTHE MEANSTODOITNOWISTHETIMEAND WEARETHEPEOPLETOHELP

Suzannecouldnthelpbutadmirethepluckittook THISPLANINCLUDESAGENEROUS tokeepspeakingintothepointer,despitethe SEVERANCEFORTHOSESTAFFERS howlsandbangs. WORKINGINTHEPARTSOFTHEBUSINESS Cmon,Imgonnagrabsomebagelsbeforethe THATWILLCLOSEDOWN protestorsgettothem,Freddysaid,pluckingat Suzanneadmiredthetwisted,longwayaround herarmapparently,thiswashisversionofa wayofsaying,thepeoplewerefiring.Pure charmingpickupline.Sheshookhimoff CEOpassivevoice.Shecouldnttypenotesand authoritatively,withawhipcrackofherelbow. readoffthewallatthesametime.Shewhipped outherlittlesnapshotandmonkeyedwithituntil Freddystoodthereforaminuteandthenmoved itwasinvideomodeandthenstartedshootingthe off.ShewaitedtoseeifKettlewellwouldsay anythingmore,buthetwistedthepointeroff, ticker. shrugged,andwavedatthehootingprotestorsand BUTIFWEARETOMAKEGOODONTHAT theanalystsandthejournalistsandwalkedoff SEVERANCEWENEEDTOBEINBUSINESS stagewiththerestofthesurfersinsuits. WENEEDTOBEBRINGINGINAPROFITSO Shegotsomecommentsfromafewofthe THATWECANMEETOUROBLIGATIONS

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/9 protestors,somedetails.WorkedforKodakor Duracellalltheirlives.Gaveeverythingtothe company.Tookvoluntarypaycutsundertheold managementfivetimesintenyearstokeepthe businessafloat,nowfacinglayoffsasabigfat thankyousuckers.Somanykids.Suchandsucha mortgage. cars.Downhereitwasgiantmalls,purposebuilt dotcombuildings,andtheoccasionalfunpark. PaloAltowasauniversitytownthemepark, providedyousteeredclearofthewrongsideofthe tracks,theEastPaloAltoslumsthatwere practicallyshanties.

Christ,shewasgettingmelancholy.Shedidnt SheknewthesestoriesfromDetroit:shedfiled wanttogointotheofficenottoday.Notwhen enoughcopywithvaryingrenditionsofittolasta shewasinthiskindofmood.Shewouldgohome lifetime.SiliconValleywassupposedtobe andputherblazerbackintheclosetandchange different.Growthandentrepreneurshipafailed intoyogatogsandwritehercolumnandhave companywasjustasteppingstonetoasuccessful somegoodcoffee. one,cantwinthemall,dustyourselfoffandget Shenailedupthecopyinanhourandemaileditto backtothegarageandstartinventing.Theresa hereditorandpouredherselfaglassofNapared wholeworldwaitingoutthere! (thelocalvintagesinMichiganlikewiseleft Motherofthree.Dadwhosebrightdaughters universityfundwasraidedtomakeendsmeet duringthetemporaryausteritymeasures.This onehasaDownsSyndromekidandthatone workedthroughthreebacksurgeriestohelpmeet productiondeadlines. somethingtobedesired)andsettledontoher porch,overlookingthebigreservoiroff280near SanMateo.

Thehousehadbeenworthasmallfortuneatthe startofthedotboom,butnow,intheresurgent propertyboom,itwasworthalargefortuneand Halfanhourbeforeshedbeenfullofthatold thensome.Shecouldconceivablysellthisbadly SiliconValleyoptimism,thesensethattherewasa builtlittleshackwithitsleakyhottubforenough betterworldaborningaroundher.Nowshewas moneytoretireon,ifshewantedtoliveoutthe backinthatoldrustbeltfunk,withthefeelingthat restofherdaysinSriLankaorNebraska. shewaswitnessnottoabeginning,buttoa Youvegotnobusinessfeelingpoorly,young perpetualending,acycleofdestructionthatwould lady,shesaidtoherself.Youareaswellsetup teardowneverythingsolidandreliableinthe asyoucouldhavedreamed,andyouarerightin world. thethickoftheweirdestandbesttimetheworld Shepackedupherlaptopandsteppedoutintothe parkinglot.Acrossthefreeway,shecouldmake outthebonesoftheGreatAmericafunpark rollercoasterswhippingaroundandaroundinthe warmCaliforniasun. hasyetseen.AndLandonKettlewellknowsyour name.

Shefinishedthewineandopenedhercomputer.It wasdarkenoughnowwiththesunsetbehindthe hillsthatshecouldreadthescreen.TheWebwas Theselittletechhamletsdownthe101were fullofinterestingthings,heremailfullof deceptivelyutopian.Allthehomelesspeoplewere challengingnotesfromherreaders,andhereditor milesnorthonthestreetsofSanFrancisco,where hadalreadysignedoffonhercolumn. pedestrianmarksforpanhandlingcouldbehad, Shewasgettingreadytoshutthelidandheadfor wherethecrackwassoldoncornersinsteadofout bed,soshepulledhermailoncemore. ofthetrunksoffreshfaced,friendlycokedealers From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/10 To:schurch@sjmercury.com ThatmeantthatKettlewellhadmovedsofastthat hehadntevenrunthisprojectbylegal.Shewas Subject:Embeddedjournalist? willingtobetthathedalreadyorderednew Thanksforkeepingmehonesttoday,Suzanne.Its businesscardswiththeaddressonthem. thehardestquestionwerefacingtoday:what happenswhenallthethingsyouregoodatareno Therewasaguysheknew,aneditoratamag whodassignedhimselfaplumarticlethathed goodtoanyoneanymore?Ihopeweregoingto runonhisowncover.Hedgottenabookdealout answerthatwiththenewmodel. ofit.Ahalfmilliondollarbookdeal.IfKettlewell Youdogoodwork,madam.Idbehonoredif wasright,thentheexclusivebookontheinsideof youdconsiderjoiningoneofourlittleteamsfora thefirstyearatKodacellcouldeasilymakethat couplemonthsandchroniclingwhattheydo.Ifeel advance.Andthepropswouldbemad,asthekids likeweremakinghistoryhereandweneed said. someonetochronicleit. Kettlebelly!Itwassuchastupidfratboy IdontknowifyoucansquarethiswiththeMerc, nickname,butitmadehersmile.Hewasnttaking andIsupposethatweshouldbedoingthisthrough himselfseriously,ormaybehewas,buthewasnt myPRpeopleandyoureditor,buttherecomesa beingapompousassaboutit.Hewasserious timeaboutthistimeeverynightwhenImjusttoo aboutchangingtheworldandfrivolousabout goddamnedhypertobotherwithallthatstuffand everythingelse.Shedhaveahardtimebeingan IwanttojustDOSOMETHINGinsteadofask objectivereporterifshesaidyestothis. someoneelsetostartaprocesstoinvestigatethe Shecouldntpossiblydecideatthishour.She possibilityofsomedaypossiblymaybedoing neededanightssleepandshehadtotalkthisover something. withtheMerc.Ifshehadaboyfriend,shedhave Willyoudosomethingwithus,ifwecanmakeit totalkitoverwithhim,butthatwasntaproblem work?100percentaccess,nooversight?Sayyou inherlifethesedays. will.Please. ShespreadonsomeexpensivedutyfreeFrench Yourpal, wrinklecreamandbrushedherteethandputon hernightieanddoublecheckedthedoorlocksand Kettlebelly didallthenormalthingsshedidofanevening. Shestaredatherscreen.Itwaslikeaworkofart; Thenshefoldedbackhersheets,plumpedher justlookatthatreturnaddress,kettlewell pillowsandstaredatthem. l@skunkworks.kodacell.comforkodacell.com tobeliveandacceptingmail,ithadtohavebeen Sheturnedonherheelandstalkedbacktoher computerandthumpedthespacebaruntilthething registeredthedaybefore.Shehadavisionof wokefromsleep. Kettlewellcheckinghisemailatmidnightbefore hisbigpressconference,catchingFreddys From:schurch@sjmercury.com column,andregisteringkodacell.comonthespot, thenwakingupsomesysadmintogetamailserver To:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com answeringatskunkworks.kodacell.com.Lastshed Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? heard,LockheedMartinwasthreateningtosue Kettlebelly:thatisonedumbnickname.Icouldnt anyonewhousedtheirtrademarkedtermSkunk possiblyassociatemyselfwithagrownmanwho WorkstodescribeagenericR&Ddepartment. callshimselfKettlebelly.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/11 SostopcallingyourselfKettlebelly,immediately. Ifyoucandothat,wevegotadeal. Hollywood,Floridasbiggestjunkyardwas situatedintherubbleofahalfbuiltghostmalloff TaftStreet.SuzannesMiamiairportrentalcar Suzanne camewithaGPS,butthelittleboxhadntever Therehadcomeadaywhenherreadersacquired heardofthemall;itwasoffthemap.Soshetook emailandthepaperranheraddresswithher amomentintheswelteringparkinglotofher byline,andherreadershadbeguntowriteherand coffinhoteltocallherinterviewsubjectagainand writeherandwriteher.Somewereamazing, getbettercoordinates. informative,thoughtfulnotes.Somewerethe Yeah,itscausetheyneverfinishedbuildingthe vilest,mostbilioustrolling.Inordertodealwith mall,sotheaddresshasntbeenincludedinthe thesenotes,shehadtaughtherselftopause, USGSmaps.TheopenGPSesallhavethesebetter breathe,andrereadanyemailmessagebefore mapsmadebygeohackers,buttherentalcar clickingsend. companieshavegotarealhardonforofficial Thereflexkickedinnowandsherereadhernote mapdata.Morons.Hangon,lemmegetmyGPS toKettlebellyKettlewell!andfeltacrimpin outandIllgetyousomedecentlatlong. herguts.Thenshehitsend. Hisvoicehadapleasant,youthful,midwestern Sheneededtopee,andapparentlyhaddonefor sound,likeaCanadiannewscaster:friendlyand sometime,withoutrealizingit.Shewasonthe enthusiasticasapuppy.HisnamewasPerry toiletwhensheheardthepingofnewincoming Gibbons,andifKettlewellwastobebelieved,he mail. wasthemostpromisingprospectidentifiedby Kodacellstalentscouts. From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com TheghostmallwasjustoneofmanyalongTaft To:schurch@sjmercury.com Street,ranginginsizefromlittlecornerplazasto Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? giganticpalaceswithbrokeninatriaandcracked parkinglots.AlotofthemallsinCaliforniahad IwillnevercallmyselfKettlebellyagain. crashed,buttheydbeenturnedintofleamarkets Yourpal, ordaycares,or,iftheydbeenabandoned,they Kettledrum. hadntbeenabandonedlikethis,lefttogotoruin. Ohshitohshitohshit.Shedidalittletwostepat ThisremindedherofDetroitbeforeshedleft, herbedsedge.Tomorrowshedgoseehereditor wholeswathsoftheinnercityemptiedofpeople, neighborhoodscondemnedandbulldozedand,ina aboutthis,butitjustfeltright,andexciting,like shewasonthebrinkofaneventthatwouldchange coupleofweirdcases,actuallyfarmedby enterprisingcitydwellerswhoplantedcrops,kept herlifeforever. livestock,androdetheirminitractorsbeneaththe IttookherthreehoursofmindlessWebsurfing, beamofthedefunctwhiteelephantmonorail. includingatrulydrearyHotOrNotclicktrance andanhoursworthoffiddlingwithtweetsfrom Theothercommonalitythisstretchofroadshared withDetroitwastheobesityofthepeopleshe thepressconference,beforeshewasabletolull passed.Shedfeltalittleselfconsciousthat herselftosleep.Asshenoddedoff,shethought thatKettlewellsinsomniawasascontagiousashis morning,dressinginalightshortsleevedblouse andapairofshortsnothingelsewoulddo,the excitement. weatherwassohotanddrippythatevenclosedtoe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/12 shoeswouldhavebeenintolerable.At45,herlegs hadslightcellulitesaddlebagsandhertummy wasntthewashboardithadbeenwhenshewas 25.Buthere,onthisstretchofroadpopulatedby peoplesofattheycouldbarelywalk,sofatthat theyweredesexedmarshmallowswithfaceslike inflatabletoys,shefeltlikeatoothpick. TheGPSqueepedwhenshecameuponthe junkyard,asprawling,halfbuiltdiscountmall whosewaisthighwallshadbeenusedtoparcel outdifferentkindsofsortedwaste.Themallhad beenplannedwithwideindoorboulevards betweentheshopswideenoughfortwolanesof traffic,andshecruisedthoselanesnowinthe hertzmobile,lookingforahuman.Onceshe reachedthecenterofthemalladryfountain filledwithdustyChristmastreeornamentsshe stoppedandleanedonthehorn. Shegotoutofthecarandcalled,Hello?Perry? Shecouldhavephonedhimbutitalwaysseemed sowastefulspendingmoneyonairtimewhenyou weretryingtotalktosomeonewithinshouting range. Suzanne!Thevoicecamefromherleft.She shieldedhereyesfromthesunsglareandpeered downaspokeofmalllaneandcaughtherfirst glimpseofPerryGibbons.Hewasstandinginthe basketofatallcherrypicker,barechestedand brown.Heworeasunvisorandbigworkgloves, andbig,baggyshortswhosepocketsjangledashe shinnieddownthecranesneck. Hegrinnedandtuggedoffaglove,stuckouthis hand.Apleasure.Sorryforthetroublefinding thisplace.Itsnoteasytogetto,butitscheapas hell. Ibelieveit.Shelookedaroundagaintheheaps ofinterestingtrash,thefountaindishfilledwith thousandsofshiningornaments.Thesmellwasa mixtureofmachineoilandsalt,jungleair,Florida swampandDetroitsteel.So,thisplaceispretty cool.Lookslikeyouvegotprettymucheverything youcouldimagine. Andthensome.Thiswasspokenbyanother man,onewhopuffedheavilyupfrombehindher. Hewasenormous,notjusttallbutfat,asbig aroundasabarrel.HisgreenteeshirtreadITS FUNTOUSELEARNINGFOREVIL!inblocky, pixelatedletters.Hetookherhandandshookit.I loveyourblog,hesaid.Ireaditallthetime.He hadthreechins,andeyesthatwerenearlylostin hisapplecheeks. MeetLester,Perrysaid.Mypartner. Sidekick,Lestersaidwithahugewink. Sysadminslashhardwarehackerslashdogsbody slashdotorg. Shechuckled.Nerdhumor.Ararar. Right,letsgetstarted.YouwannaseewhatIdo, right?Perrysaid. Thatsright,Suzannesaid.

Leadtheway,Lester,Perrysaid,andgestured withanarm,deepintothecenterofthejunkpile. Shestartedtowardhimtentatively.Notalotof businessreportingassignmentsinvolvedspending Allright,checkthisstuffoutaswego.Hestuck timewithhalfnaked,sunbakeddudesinremote hishandthroughtheunglazedwindowofanever builtshopandpluckedoutatoyinabatteredbox. southernjunkyards.Still,hesoundednice. Ilovethesethings,hesaid,handingittoher. Hello!shecalled.Hewasyoung,22or23,and Shetookit.ItwasaSesameStreetElmodoll, alreadyhadsquintcreasesatthecornersofhis labeledBOOGIEWOOGIEELMO. eyes.Hehadabraceononewristandhissteel toedbootswerethemottledgreyofagrease ThatsfromthegreatElmoCrash,Perrysaid, puddleonthefloorofamufflerandbrakeshop. takingbacktheboxandexpertlyextractingthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/13 Elmolikehewasshellinganut.Thelastand greatestgenerationofElmoidtechnology,castinto anuncaringworldthatboughtmillionsofLil TaggerwashablegraffitikitsinsteadafterRosie gavethemtwothumbsuponherChristmas shoppingguide. PoorElmowasanorphan,andeveryjunkyardin theworldhasmountainsofmintinpackage BWEs,gettingrainedon,waitingtostarttheir long,halfmillionyeardecomposition. scroungedfromthejunkyard. PerrysetElmodownonaworkbenchandworked aminiatureUSBcableintohischestcavity.The otherendterminatedwithaPDAwithasmall rubberizedphotovoltaiccellonthefront.

ThisthingisrunningInstallPartyitcan recognizeanyhardwareandbuildandinstalla Linuxdistroonitwithouthumanintervention. Theyusedatonofdifferentsuppliersforthe BWE,soeveryoneisalittledifferent,depending Butcheckthisout.Heflickedamultitooloffhis onwhowasofferingthecheapestpartsthedayit beltandextractedashort,sharpscalpelblade.He wasbuilt.InstallPartydoesntcare,though:one slitthegrinning,discosuitedElmoopenfrom clickandawayitgoes.ThePDAwasdoingall chintogroinandshuckeditsfurryexteriorandthe kindsoffunnydancesonitsscreen,montagesof foamtissuethatoverlaiditsskeleton.Heslidthe playfulphotoshoppingofpublicfiguresmatted bladeundertheplasticcoveronitsassand intohistoricalfineart. revealedalittleprintedcircuitboard. Alldone.Now,havealookthisisaLinux ThatsanentireAtomprocessoronachip,there, hesaid.Eachlimbandtheheadhavetheirown subcontrollers.Theresahighpowereddigitalto analogrigforlettinghimsinganddancetonew songs,andananalogtodigitalconverterarrayfor convertingspokenanddancedcommandsto motions.Basically,youdanceandsingforElmo andhelldanceandsingbackforyou. computerwithsomeofthemostadvancedrobotics everengineered.Nosweatshopstuff,either,see this?Thesolderistooprecisetobedonebyhand thatsbecauseitsfromIndia.Ifitwasfrom Cambodia,youdseeallkindsofwobbleinthe solder:thatmeansthattiny,cleverhandswere usedtocreateit,whichmeansthatsomewherein thedeviceskarmichistory,theresasweatshop Suzannenodded.Shedmissedthattoy,whichwas fullofcrippledchildreninhalingsolderfumes untiltheykeeloverandaredumpedinaditch. apity.Shehadafiveyearoldgoddaughterin Thisisthegoodstuff. MinneapoliswhowouldhavelovedaBoogie WoogieElmo. Sowehavethiskarmicallycleanrobotwith Theyhadcometoagiantbarn,setattheedgeofa infinitelymalleablecomputationandabunchof roboticcapabilities.Iveturnedthesethingsinto storyandahalfsworthofanchorstore.This usedtobewherethecontractorskepttheirheavy wallclimbingmonkeys;Ivemoddedthemfora womanfromtheUniversityofMiamiatthe equipment,Lesterrumbled,aimingacardoor JacksonMemorialwhousedtheircapabilitytoape remoteatthedoor,whichqueepedandopened. humanmotionsinphysiotherapyprogramswith Inside,itwascoolandbright,thechuggingair nervedamagecases.ButthebestthingIvedone conditionersefficientlyblastingpurifiedairover withthemsofaristheDistributedBoogieWoogie themanyworksurfaces.Thebarnwasagood25 ElmoMotorVehicleOperationCluster.Comeon, feettall,withaloftandacatwalkcirclingit hesaid,andtookoffdeeperintothebarnsdepths. halfwayup.Itwaslinedwithmetallicshelves Theycametoadusty,strippeddownSmartcar, stackedneatlywithlabeledboxesofparts

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/14 oneofthosetinytwoseatelectriccarsyoucould literallybuyoutofavendingmachineinEurope. Itwasbarelyrecognizable,havingbeenreducedto itsrollcage,drivetrainandcontrolpanel.Agang ofnakedrobotElmoswerepiledintoit. Wakeupboys,timeforademo!Perryshouted, andtheysatupandmadecanned,tinnyElmooh boynoises,climbingintopositiononthepedals, aroundthewheel,andonthegeartree. IgottheideawhenIwasteachinganElmoto playMarioBrothers.Ithoughtitdgetadecent diggdotting.Icouldgetittospeedrunallofthe firstlevelusinganoldpaddleIdfoundand rehabilitated,andIwastryingtofigureoutwhatto donext.Thedeadmallacrossthewayisadrivein theater,andIwasoutfrontwatchingthesilent movies,andoneofthemshowedallthesecute littlefurryanimatedwhateverscollectivelydriving acar.Itsareallyoldsightgag,Imean,likeracial memoryold.IdseentheLittleRascalsdothe samebit,withAlfalfaonthewheeland BuckwheatandSpankyonthebrakeandclutch andthedoggyworkingthegearshift. AndIthought,Shit,IcoulddothatwithElmos. Theydonthaveanynetworkingcapability,but theycantalkandtheycanparsespoken commands,soallIneedistodesignateoneforleft andoneforrightandoneforfastandoneforslow andonetobetheeyes,barkingordersandthey shouldbeabletodothis.Anditworks!Theyeven adjusttheirbalanceandcentersofgravitywhen thecarswervestostayuprightattheirposts. Checkitout.Heturnedtothecar.Driving Elmos,tenHUT!Theysnappeduprightand tickedsalutesofftheirnakedplasticnoggins.In circles,DRIVE,hecalled.TheElmosscrambled intopositionandfiredupthecarandinshort ordertheyweredoingdonutsinthecarslittle indoorpasture. Elmossatdownwithaseriesoftinythumps. Suzannefoundherselfapplauding.Thatwas amazing,shesaid.Reallyimpressive.Sothats whatyouregoingtodoforKodacell,makethese thingsoutofrecycledtoys? Lesterchuckled.Nope,notquite.Thatsjustfor starters.TheElmosareallabouttheuniversal availabilityofcyclesandapparatus.Everywhere youlook,theresdevicesforfreethathave everythingyouneedtomakeanythingdo anything. Buthavealookatparttwo,cmere.He lumberedoffinanotherdirection,andSuzanne andPerrytrailedalongbehindhim. ThisisLestersworkshop,Perrysaid,asthey passedthroughasetofswingingdoubledoorsand intoaclutteredwonderland.WherePerrys domainhadbeencleanandneatlyorganized, Lestersareawasahappyshambles.Hisshelves werentorderly,butrather,crammedwithlooming pilesofamazingjunk:thriftstorewedding dresses,plasterstatuesofbowlingmonkeys,box kites,kneehightinknightsinarmor,seashells paintedwithAmericanflags,presidentialaction figures,pastejewelryandantiquecoughdroptins. Youknowhowtheysayasculptorstartswitha blockofmarbleandchipsawayeverythingthat doesntlooklikeastatue?Likehecanseethe statueintheblock?Igetlikethatwithgarbage:I seethepiecesontheheapsandinroadsidetrash andIcanjustseehowitcangotogether,likethis. Hereacheddownbelowaworktableandhoisted upahugetriptychmadeoutofthreehingedcar doorsstoodonend.Carefully,heunfoldeditand stooditlikeascreenonthecrackedconcretefloor.

Theinsideofthecardoorshadbeenstripped cleanandpolishedtoahighmetalgleamthat glowedlikesterlingsilver.Spotweldedtoitwere Elmos,HALTPerryshoutedandthecarstopped allmannerofsodatins,poundedflatandcutinto silently,rockinggently.StandDOWN.The gears,chutes,springsandothermechanical

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/15 apparatus. Itsamechanicalcalculator,hesaidproudly. AbouthalfaspowerfulasUnivac.Imilledallthe partsusingalasercutter.Whatyoudois,fillthis hopperwithGIJoeheads,andthishopperwith Barbieheads.Crankthiswheelanditwilldropa numberofM&Msequaltotheproductofthetwo valuesintothishopper,here.Heputthreescuffed GIJoeheadsinonehopperandfourscrofulous Barbiesinanotherandbegantocrank,slowly.A musicboxbesidethecrankplayedaslow, irregularrenditionofPopGoestheWeasel whilethehundredsoflittlecoinsizedgears turned,flippingswitchesandaddingandremoving tensiontosprings.Aftertheweaselpoppedafew times,twelvebrownM&Msfellintoan outstretchedrubberhand.Hepickedthemout carefullyandofferedthemtoher.ItsOK. Theyrenotfromthetrash,hesaid.Ibuythem inbulk.Heturnedhisbroadbacktoherand heavedahugegalvanizedtinwashtubfullof brownM&Msinherdirection.See,itsabit bucket!hesaid. Getwhat?Perrysaid,alsogrinning. VanHalenhadthisthingwhereiftherewereany brownM&Msintheirdressingroomtheydtrash itandrefusetoplay.WhenIwasakid,Iusedto dreamaboutbeingsofamousthatIcouldactlike thatmuchofaprick.Eversince,Iveaffordeda greatpersonalsignificancetobrownM&Ms. Shelaughedagain.Thenshefrownedalittle. Look,Ihatetobreakthispartyup,butIcame herebecauseKettlebellycrap,Kettlewellsaid thatyouguysexemplifiedeverythingthathe wantedtodowithKodacell.Thisstuffyouve doneisallveryinteresting,itskillerart,butI dontseethebusinessangle.So,canyouhelpme outhere?

Thatsstepthree,Perrysaid.Cmere.Heled herbacktohisworkspace,toaplatform surroundedbyarticulatedarmsterminatedin webcams,likeagroceryscaleintheembraceofa metalspider.threedeeescanner,hesaid, producingaBarbieheadfromLestersmachine anddroppingitonthescales.Heproddedabutton andanearbyscreenfilledwithathree Suzannegiggledinspiteofherself.Youguysare deeimensionalmodelofthehead,flattenedonthe hilarious,shesaid.Thisisreallygood,exciting sidewhereittouchedthesurface.Heturnedthe nerdystuff.Thegearsonthemechanical headoverandscannedagainandnowtherewere computerwerereallysharpandprecise;they twodigitalversionsoftheheadonthescreen.He lookedlikeyoucouldcutyourselfonthem.When mousedoneovertheotheruntiltheylinedup, theygroundoverthepolishedsurfacesofthecar rightclickedadropdownmenu,selectedan doors,theymadeasoundlikeaboxoftoothpicks optionandthentheyweremerged,rotating. fallingtothefloor:clickclick,clickclickclick, Oncewevegotthethreedeeescan,itsbasically click.Sheturnedthecrankuntiltwelvemore Plasticine.HedistortedtheBarbiehead, brownM&Msfellout. stretchingitandsqueezingitwiththemouse.So WhostheVanHalenfan? wecantakearealobjectandmakethiskindof Lesterbeamed.MightaswelljumpJUMP!He proteanhyperobjectoutofit,ordropitdowntoa mimedheavymetalairguitarandthrashedhis wireframeandskinitwithanybitmap,likethis. shornheadupanddownasthoughhewere MorefastmousingBarbiesheadturnedintoa headbangingwithamightymaneofhairband griddedmesh,finefilamentsstretchingoffalong locks.Yourethefirstonetogetthejoke!he eachmussedstrandofplastichair.Thena said.EvenPerrydidntgetit! CampbellsCreamofMushroomSouplabel wrappedaroundherlikeastockingbeingpulled

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/16 overherhead.Therewassomethingstupendously weirdandsimultaneouslyverycomicaboutthe sight,thekindofinherentcomedyinacartoon stretchedoutonablobofSillyPutty. Sowecanbuildanythingoutofinterestingjunk, withanyshape,andthenwecandigitizethe shape.Thenwecandoanythingwelikewiththe shape.Thenwecanoutputtheshape.Hetyped quicklyandanothermachine,sealedand mammothlikeanoutsizedphotocopier,startedto gruntandchurn.Theairfilledwithasmelllike SaranWrapinamicrowave. Thegoopweuseinthisthingisepoxybased. Youwouldntwanttobuildacaroutofit,butit makesameandollhouse.Thelaststageofthe outputswitchestoinks,soyougetwhatever bitmapyouveskinnedyourobjectwithbaked rightin.Itdoesaboutonecubicinchperminute, sothisjobshouldbealmostdonenow. Hedrummedhisfingersontopofthemachinefor amomentandthenitstoppedchunkingand somethinginsideitwentclunk.Heliftedalidand reachedinsideandpluckedoutthebarbiehead, stretchedanddistorted,skinnedwithaCampbells Souplabel.HehandedittoSuzanne.Sheexpected ittobewarm,likeasquashedpennyfroma machineonFishermansWharf,butitwascool andhadtheseamlesstextureofaplasticmargarine tubandtheheftofapaperweight. So,thatsthebusiness,Lestersaid.Orsowere told.Wevebeenmakingcoolstuffandsellingit tocollectorsonthewebforyouknow,gigantic bucks.Wemoveoneortwopiecesamonthat abouttengrandper.ButKettlebellysayshes goingtoindustrializeus,alienateusfromthe productofourlabor,andturnusintoanassembly line. shoulder.Lestersonlykidding.Whatweneedis acoupleofdogsbodiesandsomebiggerprinters andwellbeabletoturnoutmoremodestdevices bythehundredorpossiblythethousand.Wecan tweakthedesignsreallyeasilybecausenothingis comingoffamold,sotheresnosetupcharge,so wecandolimitedrunsofahundred,redesign,do anotherhundred.Wecanmakeemtoorder. AndweneedanMBA,Lestersaid.Kodacells sendingusabusinessmanagertohelpusturnjunk intopesos. Yeah,Perrysaid,withaworriedflickofhis eyes.Yeah,abusinessmanager. So,Iveknownsomebusinessgeekswhoarent totalassholes,Lestersaid.Whocareaboutwhat theyredoingandthepeopletheyredoingitwith. Respectfulandmindful.Itslikelawyerstheyre notallscumbags.Someofthemaretotally awesomeandsaveyourass. Suzannetookallthisin,jottingnotesonanold fashionedspiralboundshirtpocketnotebook. Whenshearriving? Nextweek,Lestersaid.Weveclearedhima spacetoworkandeverything.Hessomeonethat KettlewellspeoplerecruitedupinIthacaandhes goingtomoveheretoworkwithus,sightunseen. Crazy,huh? Crazy,Suzanneagreed. Right,Perrysaid.Thatsnextweek,andthisaft wevegotsomeworktodo,butnowImreadyfor lunch.Youguysreadyforlunch? Somethingaboutfoodandreallyfatguys,it seemedlikeanawkwardquestiontoSuzanne,like askingsomeonewhodbeenhorriblydisfiguredby burnsifhewantedtotoastamarshmallow.But Lesterdidntreacttothequestionofcoursenot, hehadtoeat,everyonehadtoeat.

Hedidntsayanysuchthing,Perrysaid. Suzannewasawarethatherearshadgrownpoints. Yeah,letsdotheIHOP.Lestertrundledbackto PerrygaveLesteranaffectionatesluginthe hishalfoftheworkspace,thencamebackwitha

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/17 caneinonehand.Thereslikethreeplacestoeat withinwalkingdistanceofhereifyoudontcount themobileMexicanburritowagon,whichIdont, sinceitsarollingadvertisementfordysentery. TheIHOPistheleastobjectionableofthose. Wecoulddrivesomewhere,Suzannesaid.Itwas cominguponnoonandtheheatoncetheygot outsideintothemallsruinswaslikethesteamoff adishwasher.Shepluckedatherblouseacouple oftimes. Itstheonlychancetoexerciseweget,Perry said.Itsprettymuchimpossibletoliveorwork withinwalkingdistanceofanythingdownhere. Youenduplivinginyourcar. Andsotheyhikedalongthesideoftheroad.The sidewalkwasacuriousmixofoldandnew,the concreteunwornbutstillovergrownbytall sawgrassthrivingintheFloridaheat.Itbrushedup againstherankles,hardandsharp,unlikethegrass backhome. khakishortsandacrispBermudashirt.Hey Francis!hecalled.Theoldmanwavedback. WellhavesomeIHOPforyouboutanhour! Theoldmantickedasaluteoffhiscreased forehead. Francisisagoodguy.Usedtobeanaerospace engineerifyoucanbelieveit.Wifehadmedical problemsandhewentbusttakingcareofher. Whenshedied,heendeduphereinhisdouble wideandneverleft.Kindoftheunofficialmayor ofthislittlepatch. SuzannestaredafterFrancis.Hehadabitofa gimpyleg,alimpshecouldspotevenfromhere. Besideher,Lesterwaspuffing.Noonewas comfortablewalkinginFlorida,itseemed.

IttookanotherhalfhourtoreachtheIHOP,the InternationalHouseofPancakes,whichsat oppositeaminimallwithonlyonestillbreathing store,aplacethatadvertised99centtshirts, whichstruckSuzanneasprofoundlydepressing. Therewasajunkieoutfrontof99CentTees,a Theywerewalkingparalleltoaditchfilledwith sluggish,brackishwaterandpopulatedbysinging womanwithaleatherytanandatinytanktopand shortsthatmadeherlookalittlelikeaTenderloin frogs,ducks,ibises,andmosquitoesingreat hooker,butnotwiththatratsnesthair,notevenin number.Acrossthewaywereemptylots,ghost theLoin.Shewobbleduncertainlyacrossthe plazas,deadfillingstations.Behindoneofthe parkinglottothem. fillingstations,aclusteroftentsandshacks. Excuseme,shesaid,withanimprobableValley Squatters?sheasked,pointingtothe Girlaccent.Excuseme?Imhopingtoget shantytown. somethingtoeat,itsformykid,shesnursing, Yeah,Perrysaid.Lotsofthatdownhere.Some gottakeepmystrengthup.Hernakedarmsand ofthemaretheparamilitarywingoftheAARP, legswerebadlytrackedout,andSuzannehada oldtrailerhomeretireeswhoverunoutofmoney horrifiedrealizationthatamongthestainsonher andjustsetupcamphere.Somearebumsand tanktopwereapairofspreadingpoolsofbreast junkies,somearerunaways.Itsnotasbadasit milk,dampeningoldwhite,crustedpatchesover lookstheyreprettycomfyinthere.Webring hersaggingbreasts.Formybaby.Adollarwould emfurnitureandothergoodpickingsthatshow help,adollar. upatthejunkyard.Thehomelesswiththe TherewerehomelesslikethisinSanFrancisco, wherewithaltobuildshantytowns,theyhavent goneallanimalliketheshoppingcartpeopleand too.InSanJoseaswell,shesupposed,butshe didntknowwheretheyhid.Butsomethingabout thescarybeachcombers.Hewavedacrossthe thiswoman,crackedoutandtrackedout,itfreaked malarialditchtoanoldmaninapairofpressed

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/18 herout.Shedugintoherpurseandgotoutafive dollarbillandhandedittothehomelesswoman. Thewomansmiledasnaggletoothedstumpygrin andreachedforit,then,abruptly,grabbedholdof Suzanneswrist.Hergripwasdampandweak. Yeah,OK,yeah.Surethanks,thanksalot!

LestermotionedherovertothemenuintheIHOP windowandwaitedwithherwhileshepickedout ahelpingofcaramelapplewaffles,sausagelinks, friedeggs,hashbrowns,coffee,orangejuiceanda Dontyoufuckinglookatmelikethat.Yourenot chocolatemalted.Isthatall?hesaid,laughing, betterthanme,bitch!Suzannetuggedfreeand laughing,bothofthemlaughing,allofthem steppedbackquickly.Thatsright,runaway! laughingattheincredible,outrageousmeal. Bitch!Fuckyou!Enjoyyourlunch! Theywentinandwaitedbythepodium.The Shewasshaking.PerryandLesterclosedranks greeter,ablackguywithcornrows,noddedat aroundher.Lestermovedtoconfrontthehomeless LesterandPerrylikeanoldfriend.HeyTony, woman. Lestersaid.Canyougetusagobagwithsome Thefuckyouwantlardass?Youwannafuckwith takeoutfortheladyoutsidebeforewesitdown? me?Igotaknife,youknow,cutyourearsoffand Herecitedtheastoundingorder. feedemtoya.

Tonyshookhisheadandduckedit.OK,beright up,hesaid.Youwanttositwhileyoure LestercockedhisheadliketheRCAVictordog. Hetoweredovertheskinnyjunkie,andwasfiveor waiting? sixtimeswiderthanher. Wellwaithere,thanks,Lestersaid.Dontwant hertothinkwerebailingonher.Heturnedand Youallright?hesaidgently. wavedather. Ohyeah,Imjustfine,shesaid.Why,you Shesmean,youknowbecareful. lookingforaparty? Thanks,Tony,Lestersaid. Helaughed.YourejokingIdcrushyou! Shelaughedtoo,alesscrazy,morerelaxedsound. Lestersvoicewasalow,soothingrumble.Idont thinkmyfriendthinksshesanybetterthanyou.I thinkshejustwantedtohelpyouout. SuzannemarveledatLestersequanimity.Nothing gothisgoat.Thedoggiebagarrived.Iputsome extranapkinsandacoupleofwetnapsinthere, Tonysaid,handingittohim.

Thejunkieflickedhereyesbackandforth.Listen Great!Lestersaid.Youguyssitdown,Illbe backinasecond. canyouspareadollarformybaby? Ithinkshejustwantedtohelpyou.CanIgetyou PerrymotionedforSuzannetofollowhimtoa booth.Helaughed.Lestersagoodguy,hesaid. somelunch? ThebestguyIknow,youknow? Fuckerswontletmeinwontletmeusethe Howdoyouknowhim?sheasked,takingout toileteven.Itsnothumane.Dontwanttogoin hernotepad. thebushes.Notdignifiedtogointhebushes. Hewasthesysadminatacompanythatwas Thatstrue,hesaid.WhatifIgetyousome makingthreedeeeprinters,andIwasatechata takeout,yougotashadyplaceyoucouldeatit? companythatwasbuyingthem,andtheproducts Nursingshungrywork. didntwork,andIspentalotoftimeonthephone Thejunkiecockedherhead.Thenshelaughed. withhimtroubleshootingthem.Wedgettogether

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/19 inouroffhoursandhackaroundwithneatlittle workbenchprojects,stuffwedcomeupwithat work.Whenbothcompanieswentunder,wegota bunchoftheirequipmentatbankruptcyauctions. Lestersuncleownedthejunkyardandheoffered usspacetosetupourworkshopsandtherestis history. thisstuffandeatathirdofit,aquarterofit,thats probablytoomuch,andwhenyouvegotalotof foodinfrontofyou,itsprettyhardtoknowwhen tostop.

Sure,willpower.Willpowernothing.Thething is,whenthreequartersofAmericaareobese, whenhalfaredangerouslyobese,likeme,years Lesterjoinedthemagain.Hewaslaughing.She offourlivesfromallthefatthattellsyouthat isfunny,hesaid.Keptheftingthesackand thisisntawillpowerproblem.Wedidntgetless saying,Christwhatthosebastardsputonaplate, willfulinthelastfiftyyears.Mightaswellsay nowonderthiscountryssogoddamnedfat! thatallthosepeoplewhodiedoftheplaguelacked Perrylaughed,too.Suzannechucklednervously thewillpowertokeeptheirhousesfreeofrats.Fat andlookedaway. isntmoral,itsepidemiological.Thereareasmall numberofpeople,atinyminority,whosegenes Heslidintotheboothnexttoherandputahand onhershoulder.ItsOK.Imaguywhoweighs areshortcircuitedinawaythatmakesthemless nearly400pounds.IknowImabig,fatguy.IfI pronetoretainingnutrients.Thatsamaladaptive wassensitiveaboutit,Icouldntlasttenminutes. traitthroughmostofhumanhistoryburning ImnotproudofbeingasbigasIam,butImnot unnecessarycalorieswhenyouvegottochase downanantelopetogetmore,thatsnowaytolive ashamedeither.ImOKwithit. longenoughtopassonyourgenes!Soyouand Youwouldntloseweightifyoucould? Perryoverherewithyourlittleskinnyselves,able topackawaytransfatsandhighfructosecorn Sure,whynot?ButIveconcludeditsnotan syrupandapoundofcandyforbreakfastatthe optionanymore.Iwasalwaysafatkid,andsoI nevergotgoodatsports,nevergotthathabit.Now IHOP,yourenotdoingthisonwillpoweryoure doingitbyexpressingthesomatotypeofa IvegotthishugedeficitwhenIsitdownto exercise,becauseImluggingaroundallthislard. recessive,countersurvivalgene. Cantrunmorethanafewsteps.Walkingsabout WouldIliketobethinner?Sure.ButImnot it.Couldntjoinapickupgameofbaseballorget gonnaletthefactthatImgeneticallybettersuited outonthetenniscourt.Ineverlearnedtocook, tofaminethanfeastgettome.Speakingof,lets either,thoughIsupposeIcould.ButmostlyIeat eat.Tony,cmere,buddy.Iwantaplateofcandy! out,andItrytoordersensibly,butjustlookatthe Hewassmiling,andbrave,andatthatmoment, craptheyfeedusattheplaceswecangetto Suzannethoughtthatshecouldgetacrushonthis therearentanyhealthfoodrestaurantsinthestrip guy,thisbig,smart,talented,funny,lovableguy. malls.Lookatthismenu,hesaid,tappinga Thenrealitysnappedbackandshesawhimashe pornographicglossypictureofastackof was,sexless,lumpy,almostgrotesque.Theoverlay glisteningwafflesoozingwithsomekindofhigh ofhis,what,hisinnerbeautyonthatexterior,it fructoselube.Caramelpancakeswithwhipped disorientedher.Shelookedbackoverhernotes. cream,maplesyrupandcannedstrawberries. So,yousaythattheresathirdcomingoutto WhenIwasakid,wecalledthatcandy.These peoplewillsellyouaneightdollar,18ounceplate workwithyou? ofcandywithasideofsausage,eggs,biscuits, Tolivewithus,Perrysaid.Thatspartofthe baconandapintoforangejuice.Evenifyouorder deal.Geekhouses,likeintheoldcollegedays.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/20 Weregoingtobeapowertrio:twogeeksanda suit,leanandmean.ThesuitsnameisTjan,and hesSingaporeanbywayofLondonbywayof Ithaca,whereKettlebellyfoundhim.Wevetalked onthephoneacoupletimesandhesmoving downnextweek. Hesmovingdownwithouteverhavingmet you? Yeah,thatsthewayitgoes.Itslikethearmyor somethingforus:onceyoureinyouget dispatchedhereorthere.Itwasinthecontract.We alreadyhadaplacedownherewithroomforTjan, soweputsomefreshlinenontheguestbedand laidinanextratoothbrush. Itsalittlenervousmaking,Lestersaid.Perry andIgetalonggreat,butIhaventhadsuchgood luckwithbusinesstypes.ItsnotthatImsome kindofidealistwhodoesntgettheneedtomake money,buttheycanbesocondescending,you know? Suzannenodded.Thatsatwowaystreet,you know.Suitsdontlikebeingtalkeddowntoby engineers. Lesterraisedahand.Guiltyascharged. Sowhatreyouplanningtodofortherestofthe week?ItwasWednesday,andshedcountedon gettingthispartofthestorybySaturday,buthere shewasgoingtohavetowait,clearly,untilthis Tjanarrived. Theytriedtotreatherbutshewouldntletthem. Sheneverletanyonebuyhersomuchasacupof coffee.Itwasanoldjournalismschooldrill,and shewaspracticallytheonlyscribblersheknew whohewedtoit:someofthewhoresonthe SiliconValleypaperstookinfreecomputers,trips, evenspadays!butshehadneverwavered. Theafternoonpassedquicklyandenchantingly. Perrywasworkingonakneehigh,articulated Frankensteinmonsterbuiltoutofhandpainted seashellsfromabeachsidekitschmarket.They saidGODBLESSAMERICAandSOUVENIR OFFLORIDAandCONCHREPUBLICandeach hadtobefittedoutforamotorcustombuiltto conformtoitscontours. Whenitsdone,itwillmaketoast. Maketoast? Yeah,separateasinglesliceoffaloaf,loaditinto atoploadingslicetoaster,depressthelever,time thetoastcycle,retrievethetoastandbutterit.Igot theideafromoldtimebackuptapeloaders.This plusatoasterwillfunctionasalooselycoupled singlesystem. OK,thatsreallycool,butIhavetoaskthe boringquestion,Perry.Why?Whybuildatoast robot?

Perrystoppedworkinganddustedhishandsoff. Hewasreallybuilt,andhisshaggyhairmadehim Samestuffaswealwaysdo.Webuildcrazystuff lookyoungerthanhiscrowsfeetsuggested.He outofjunk,sellittocollectors,andhavefun.We turnedaseashellwithahalfbuiltmotorinitover couldgototheThunderbirdDriveIntonightif andspunitlikeatoponthehandpainted youwant,itsarealclassic,fleamarketbydayand WEATHERISHERE/WISHYOUWERE driveinbynight,practicallythelastonestanding. BEAUTIFULlegend. Perrycutin.OrwecouldgotoSouthBeachand getagoodmeal,ifthatsmoreyourspeed. Naw,Suzannesaid.Driveinsoundsgreat, especiallyifitssuchadyingbreed.Bettergeta visitinwhiletheresstilltime. Well,thatsthequestion,isntit?Thesimple answer:peoplebuythem.Collectors.Soitsa goodhobbybusiness,butthatsnotreallyit. Itslikethis:engineeringisallaboutconstraint. Givenaspanoffoofeetandmaterialsoftensile

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/21 strengthofbar,buildabridgethatdoesntgoall fubared.Writeafunvideogameforaneightbit consolethatllfitin32K.Buildthefastest airplane,ortheonewiththelargestcarrying capacity...Butthesedays,theresnotmuch traditionalconstraint.Ivegottheengineersmost dangerousluxury:plenty.Allthecomputational cyclesIlleverneed.Easyandrapidprototyping. Precisiontools. Now,itmaybethatthereisasuiteoftasks lurkinginpotentiathatdemandallthisresource andmoremaybeImlikesomelocomotive engineerdeclaringthat60milesperhouristhe pinnacleofmachinevelocity,thatspeedis cracked.ButIdontseemanyofthoseproblems nonethatinterestme. WhatIvegotherearemyownconstraints.Im challengingmyself,usingfoundobjectsand makingstuffthatthrowsallthiscomputational capacityat,youknow,thesetrivialproblems,like cardrivingElmoclustersandseashelltoaster robots.Wehavesomuchcapacitythatthetrivia expandstofillit.Andallthatcapacityisjunk capacity,itsleftovers.Theresenough computationalcapacityinajunkyardtolauncha spaceprogram,andthatsbydesign.Remember theiPod?Whydoyouthinkitwassoproneto scratchingandgoingallgunkyafterayearinyour pocket?WhywouldApplebuildahandheld technologyoutofmaterialsthatturnedtoshitif youlookedatthemcrosseyed?Itsbecausethe iPodwasonlymeanttolastayear! ItsliketailfinstheywerecoolintheTailfin Cretaceous,butwouldntithavebeenbetterifthey couldhavedisappearedfromviewwhenthey becameaestheticallyobsolete,whenthespaceage witheredupandblewaway?Oh,notreally, obviously,becauseitsnicetoseeawell maintainedlandyachtonthehighwayeverynow andagain,ifonlyforvarietyssake,butifyoure goingtodesignsomethingthatismeanttobeau faitthenpresumablyyoushouldhavesome plannedobsolescenceinthere,someendoflifing strategyfortheaestheticcrashthatfollowsany couturemovement.Here,checkthisout. Hehandedherawhitebrick,thesizeofadeckof cards.Ittookheramomenttorecognizeitasan iPod.Christ,itshuge,shesaid. Yeah,isntitjust.Rememberhowsmalland shinythisthingwaswhenitshipped?Athousand songsinyourpocket! Thatmadeheractuallylaughoutloud.Shefished inherpocketforherearbudsanddroppedthemon thetablewheretheyclatteredlikeM&Ms.Ithink Ivegotabout40,000songsonthose.Haventrun outofspaceyet,either. Herolledthebudsaroundinhispalmlikeapair ofdice.YouwontIstoppedkeepingtrackof mineafterIaddedmyhundredthousandth audiobook.IvegotabunchoftheLibraryof Congressinmineashighrezscans,too.Acopyof theInternetArchive,everypostevermadeon Usenet...Basically,thesethingsareinfinitely capacious,giventhesizeofthemediawework withtoday.Herolledthebudsoutonthe workbenchandlaughed.Andthatsjustthepoint! Tomorrow,wellhavesomenewextrafatkindof mediaandsomenewtasktoperformwithitand somenewstoragemediumthatwillmakethese thingslooklikeanoldiPod.Beforethathappens, youwantthistowearoutandscuffuporgetlost Ilosethosethingsallthetime,likeaseta month. Thereyougothen!TheiPodsweretoobigto loselikethat,butjustlookatthem.TheiPods chromewasscratchedtothepointofbeingfogged, likethemirrorinagasstationtoilet.Thescreen wasalmostunreadableforallthescratches.They hadscratchproofmaterialsandhardplasticsback then.TheychosetobuildthesethingsoutofSaran

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/22 Wrapandtinfoilsothatbythetimetheydoubled incapacitynextyear,youdhavealreadyworn yoursoutandwouldntfeelbadaboutjunking them. SoImbuildingatapeloadingseashellrobot toasteroutofdiscardedobsoletetechnology becausetheworldisfullofcapacious,capable, disposablejunkanditcriesouttobeusedagain. Itsapotlatch:Ihavesomuchmaterialand computationalwealththatIcanaffordtowasteit onfrivolousjunk.Ithinkthatswhythecollectors buyit,anyway. them,wedoourthing,enrichtheshareholders,get stockourselves.Itssupposedtobeallupside. Hell,ifitdoesntworkwecanjustwalkawayand findanotherdumpandgobackintothecollectors market.

Hepickeduphishalffinishedshellandswunga lampwithamagnifyinglensbuiltintoitoverhis workspace.Hey,justasec,OK?Ivejustfigured outwhatIwasdoingwrongbefore.Hetookupa littletweezersandaplasticrodandprobedfora moment,thendaubedsomesolderdowninsidethe shellsguts.Hetweezedawiretoacontactand theshellmadeamotorizedsound,apegsticking Thatbringsusbacktothequestionofyour relationshipwithKodacell.Theywanttodowhat, outofitbegantomoverhythmically. exactly,withyou? Gotit,hesaid.Hesetitdown.Idontexpect Imgoingtobedoingmanymoreoftheseprojects Well,wevebeenplayingwithsomemass productiontechniques,thethreedeeeprinterand afternextweek.Thiskindofdesign,wecould soon.WhenKettlebellycalledme,hesaidthathe nevermassproduceit.Helookedalittlewistful, wantedtoseeaboutusingthescannerandsoonto andSuzannesuppressedasmile.Whatatortured makealotofthesethings,atalowpricepoint.Its artistethisFloridajunkyardengineerwas! prettyperversewhenyouthinkaboutit:using moderntechnologytobuildreplicasofobsolete technologyrescuedfromthedump,whenthese replicasareboundtoendupbackhereatthe dump!Helaughed.Hehadnicelaughlines aroundhiseyes.Anyway,itssomethingthat LesterandIhadtalkedaboutforalongtime,but neverreallygotaroundto.Toomuchlikeretail. Itsbadenoughdealingwithacoupledozen collectorswhollpaytengrandforasculpture: whowantstodealwithtenthousandcustomers whollgoadollareachforthesamething? ButyoufigurethatthisTjancharacterwill handleallthecustomerstuff? Thatstheidea:hellrunthebusinessside,well getmoretimetohack;everyonegetspaid. Kodacellsgotsomemicrosizedmarketing agencies,specializedPRfirms,creativeshippers, allkindsoflittlethreepersonoutfitsthattheyve promisedtohookusupwith.Tjaninterfaceswith

Asthelongdaydrewtoaclose,theywentoutfor awalkinthetwilightscoolintheyard.The soppinghumidityofthedaysettledaroundthem asthesunsetinalongsummerblazethatturned thedryfountainfullofChristmasornamentsintoa luminescentbowlofjewels. Igotsomerealprogresstoday,Lestersaid.He hadacanewithhimandhewaslimpingheavily. Gottheprintertooutputcompletemechanical logicalgates,allinonepiece,Almostno assembly,justdaisychainthemonaboard.And Ivebeenworkingonastandardsnaponsystem forlegobrickingeachgatetothenext.Itsgoing tomakeitaloteasiertorampupproduction. Yeah?Perrysaid.Heaskedatechnicalquestion abouttheprinter,somethingaboutthegoops tensilestrengththatSuzannecouldntfollow.They wentatit,hammerandtongs,talkingthroughthe abstrusedetailsfasterthanshecouldfollow, walkingmoreandmorequicklypastthevastheaps

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/23 ofdeadtechnologyandhalfbuiltmallstores. Sheletthemgetaheadofherandstoppedto gatherherthoughts.Sheturnedaroundtotakeit allinandthatswhenshecaughtsightofthekids sneakingintoPerryandLesterslab. Hey!sheshouted,inherloudestDetroitvoice. Whatareyoudoingthere?Therewerethreeof them,inMiamiDolphinsjerseysandshinybald shavedheadsandlittleshorts,thelatest inexplicablerapperstylewhichmadethemlook morelikedragqueensinmuftithantoughguys. Theyroundedonher.Theywereheavysetand theireyebrowswerebleachedblond.Theyhad beensneakingintothelabssidedoor,looking aboutasinconspicuousasatrioofnuns. Getlost!sheshouted.Getoutofhere!Perry, Lester! Theywerecomingclosernow.Theydidntmove sowell,puffingintheheat,buttheyclearlyhad mayhemontheirminds.Shereachedintoher purseforherpeppersprayandhelditbeforeher dramatically,buttheydidntstopcoming. Suddenly,theairwasrentbytheloudestsound shedeverheard,likeshedputherheadinsidea foghorn.Sheflinchedandmistedacloudof aerosolcapsicumaheadofher.Shehadthe presenceofmindtostepbackquickly,before catchingablowback,butshewasntquickenough, forhereyesandnosestartedtoburnandwater. Thesoundwouldntstop,itjustkeptgoingon,a soundlikeherheadwastoosmalltocontainher brain,asoundthatmadeherteethache.Thethree kidshadstoppedandstaggeredoff. beenataraveallnight.Whatthehell? Antipersonnelsonicdevice,Lestersaid.She realizedthathewasshouting,butshecouldbarely hearit.Itdoesntdoanypermanentdamage,but itllscareoffmostanyone.Thosekidsprobably liveintheshantytownwepassedthismorning. Moreandmoreofthemarejoininggangs.Theyre ourneighbors,sowedontwanttoshootthemor anything. Shenodded.Theringinginherearswassubsiding alittle.Lestersteadiedher.Sheleanedonhim.He wasbigandsolid.Heworethesamecologneas herfatherhad,sherealized. Shemovedawayfromhimandsmoothedouther shorts,dustingoffherknees.Didyouinvent that? MadeitusingaHOWTOIfoundonline,he said.Lotofkidsaroundhereuptonogood.Its prettymuchahomebrewcivildefensesiren ruggedandcheap. Sheputafingerineachearandscratchedatthe itchybuzzing.Whensheremovedthem,her hearingwasalmostbacktonormal.Ioncehadan upstairsneighborinCambridgewhohadastereo systemthatloudneverthoughtIdhearitagain. Perrycameandjoinedthem.Ifollowedthema bit,theyrewaygonenow.IthinkIrecognizedone ofthemfromthecampsite.IlltalktoFrancis aboutitandseeifhecansetthemright. Haveyoubeenbrokenintobefore?

Afewtimes.Mostlywhatweworryaboutis someonetrashingtheprinters.Everythingelseis easytoreplace,butwhenLestersoldemployer YouOK?Thevoicesoundedlikeitwascoming wentbustweboughtupaboutfiftyofthesethings fromfar,faraway,thoughLesterwasrightinfront attheauctionandIdontknowwherewedlay ofher.Shefoundthatsheddroppedtoherknees handsonthemagain.Computersarecheapandits intheteethofthatastonishingnoise. notlikeanyonecouldreallystealallthisjunk.He Shelethimhelphertoherfeet.Jesus,shesaid, flashedherhisgoodlooking,confidentsmile puttingahandtoherears.Theyranglikeshed again.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/24 Whattimedothemoviesstart? restedonher401k,herhouse,herabilityto navigatetheprofessionalworldinacompetent Lestercheckedhiswatch.Aboutanhourafter sunset.Ifweleavenowwecangetarealdinnerat mannerseemedtobebuiltonshiftingsands. aHaitianplaceIknowandthenheadovertothe TheydcomeinLesterscar,ahomemadeauto Thunderbird.Illhideunderablanketintheback builtaroundtwoelectricSmartcarsjoined seatsothatwecansaveonadmission! togethertoformakindofminisedanwithroom enoughforLestertoslideintothedriversperch Sheddonethatmanytimesasakid,herfather withroomtospare.Oncetheyarrived,they shushingherandherbrotherastheygiggled beneaththeblankets.ThethoughtofgiantLester unpackedcleverfoldingchairsandsatthembeside doingitmadeherchuckle.Ithinkwecanafford thecar,rolleddownthewindows,andturnedup thespeakers.Itwasawarmnight,butnotsticky topayforyou,shesaid. thewayithadbeenthatday,andthekissofthe Thedinnerwasgoodfieryspicyfishandgood windthatrustledtheleavesofthetallpalms musicinanoldtikibarwithpeelinggrass ringingthetheaterwaslikebalm. wallpaperthatmanagedtolookvaguelyHaitian. Themoviewassomethingforgettableabout ThewaitersspokeSpanish,notFrench,though. Sheletherselfbetalkedintotwobottlesofbeer bumblingdetectivesonthemoon,oneofthose trendynewthingsactedentirelybyanimateddead aboutoneandahalfmorethanshewould actorswhocombinedthevirtuesofboxoffice normallytakebutshedidntgetlightheaded. Theheatandhumidityseemedtorinsethealcohol drawandcheaplabor.Theremighthavebeena coupleoffictionalactorsintheretoo,itwashard rightoutofherbloodstream. tosay,shedneverreallyfollowedthemovies Theygottothemoviesjustatdusk.Itwasjustlike exceptasaplacetoescapeto.Therewasreal sherememberedfrombeingalittlegirland magicandescapeinadrivein,though,withthe comingwithherparents.Childreninpajamas palpableevidenceofallthoseotherbreathing climbedoverajunglegymtoonesideofthelot. humansinthedarkenednightwatchingthemagic Rankedrowsofcarsfacedthehuge,grubbywhite storyflickerpastonthescreen,somethingthat projectionwalls.Theyevenshowedoneofthose wentrightintoherhindbrain.Beforesheknewit, scratchyoldLetsallgotothelobbyandget hereyelidsweredroopingandthenshefound ourselvesatreatcartoonshortswiththedancing herselfjerkingawake.Thishappenedacouple hotdogsbeforethemovie. timesbeforeLesterslippedapillowunderher headandshesankintoitandfellintosleep. Thenostalgiafilledheruplikeaballoon expandinginherchest.Shehadnteverseena Shewokeattheclosingcreditsandrealizedthat computeruntilshewastenyearsold,andthathad shedmanagedtopropthepillowonLesters beenthesizeofachestfreezer,withless barrelchest.Shesnappedherheadupandthen capabilitythanoneoftheactiveprintedcomputer smiledembarrassedlyathim.Hey,sleepyhead, cardsthatcameinglossyfashionmagazineswith hesaid.Yousnorelikeabandsaw,youknowit? comeonsforperfumeandweightloss. Sheblushed.Idont! Theworldhadbeenstoodonitsheadsomany Youdo,hesaid. timesintheinterveningthirtyplusyearsthatit wasliterallydizzyingorwasthatthebeerhaving Ido? adelayedeffect?Suddenlyallthecertaintiesshe Perry,onherothersidenodded.Youdo.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/25 God,shesaid. herblogthedaybefore,buthereditorexpected Dontworry,youhaventgotanythingonLester, somethingmorecoherentforthosewhopreferred theirnewsalittlemoredigested. Perrysaid.Ivegoneintohisroomsome morningsandfoundallthepictureslyingonthe BythetimeshearrivedatPerrysjunkyard,the floor,vibratedofftheirhooks. dayhadtippedforafternoon,thesunnolonger straightoverhead,theheatalittlesofterthanithad ItseemedtoherthatLesterwasblushingnow. beenthedaybefore.Shesettledinforanotherday ImsorryifIspoiledthemovie,shesaid. ofwatchingtheguyswork,askingtheoccasional question.Thecolumnshedendedupfilinghad Dontsweatit,Lestersaid,clearlygratefulfor beenakindofwaitandseepiece,describingthe thechangeofsubject.Itwasalousymovie coolculturethesetwohadgoingbetweenthem, anyway.Youdrownedoutsometrulyfoul andaskingifitcouldsurvivescalinguptomass dialogue. production.Nowsheexperimentedwiththeir Well,theresthat. worksinprogress,sculpturesandmachinesthat almostworked,ordidntworkatall,butthat Cmon,letsgobacktotheofficeandgetyou showedthescopeoftheircreativity.Kettlewell yourcar.ItsanhourtoMiamifromhere. thoughtthattherewereathousand,tenthousand Shewaswideawakebythetimesheparkedthe peopleascreativeasthesetwooutthere,waiting rentacarinthecoffinhotelsparkinglotand tobediscovered.Coulditbetrue? crawledintoherroom,slappingtheairconbuttons uptofulltoclearoutthestiflingairthathadbaked Sure,Perrysaid,whynot?Werejusthere becausesomeonedroppedthebarriertoentry, intotheinteriorduringtheday. madeitpossibleforacoupleoftinkererstogeta Shelayonherbackinthedarkcoffinforalong lotofmaterialsandtoassemblethemwithout time,eyesopenandslowlyadjustingtotheidiot knowingawholelotaboutadvancedmaterials lightsonthecontrolpanel,untilitseemedthatshe science.WasntitlikethiswhentheInternetwas waslyinginaspacecapsulehurtlingthroughthe startingout? universeatrelativisticspeeds,leavingbehind Woah,Suzannesaid.Ijustrealizedthatyou history,theworld,everythingsheknew.Shesat up,wideawake,onWestCoasttimesuddenly,and wouldntreallyrememberthosedays,backinthe earlynineties. therewasnowayshewouldfallasleepnow,but shelaybackdownandthenshedid,finally. SureIrememberthem.Iwasakid,butI Thealarmwokeherseeminglyfiveminuteslater. Shedidacouplelapsaroundtheparkinglot, paddingaround,stretchingherlegs,tryingtoclear herheadherinternalclockthoughtthatitwas 4AM,butat7AMontheeastcoast,thesunwas upandtheheathadbeguntosizzleallthe availablemoistureintotheair.Sheleftthehotel anddrovearoundMiamiforawhile.Sheneeded tofindsometoiletriesandthenacafewhereshe couldsitdownandfilesomecopy.Shedtweeteda bunchofworkingnotesandpostedafewthingsto rememberthemfine! Shefeltveryold.Thethingwasthatnoone reallysuspectedthatthereweresomanyliberal artsmajorslurkinginthenationsuniversities, dyingtodropoutandlearnperlandHTML. Perrycockedhishead.Yeah,Iguessthats analogous.Thelegacyofthedotcomyearsforme isallthisfreeinfrastructure,verycheapnetwork connectionsandhostingcompaniesandsoon. That,Iguess,combinedwithpeoplewillingtouse

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/26 it.Ineverreallythoughtofit,buttheremusthave beenalotofpeoplehangingaroundintheold dayswhothoughtemailandthenetwerepretty sketchy,right? womenworkingforslavewages.Theresnoway itscheapertomakeamillionsoldersbyhandthan byrobotunlessyourlaborforceislockedin,force fedamphetamine,anddestroyedforanything Shewavedherhandsathim.Perry,lad,youdont exceptprostitutioninsideoffiveyears.Buthere, knowthehalfofit.Therearestillexecutivesinthe insomethinglikethis,sohandmadeandoneofa rustbeltwhospendbailoutmoneyonsecretariesto kind,Ithinkitgivesitanicecargocult neoprimitivefeel.Likeafieldofhandtilled printouttheiremailandthendictaterepliesinto furrows. taperecorderstobetypedandsent. Hefurrowedhisthickeyebrows.Yourejoking, Shenodded.Todayshewaskeepinghercomputer out,writingdownquotesandtweetingthoughtsas hesaid theycame.Theyworkedsidebysidein Sheputherhandonherheart.Ikidyounot.I companionablesilenceforawhileasshekilleda knewpeopleinthenewsroomattheDetroitFree couplethousandspamsandhelaiddownacouple Press.Therearewholeindustriesinthiscountry dozenblobsofsolder. thatarelivinginthelastcentury. HowdoyoulikeFlorida?hesaid,after Well,forme,allthatdotcommiestuffwaslike straighteningupandcrackinghisback. puttingdownagoodbase,makingiteasyfor Shebarelystoppedtyping,deepintosomeemail: peoplelikemetogetpartsandbuildlogsandto Itsallright,Isuppose. findhardwarehackerstojamwith. Theresgreatstuffhereifyouknowwhereto Perrygotengrossedinatrickybitofenginein look.Wantmetoshowyouaroundalittletonight? seashellthenandshewanderedovertoLester, ItsFriday,afterall. whowasprintingoutmoreBarbieheadsfora muchlargerversionofhismechanicalcomputer. Itllbeabletoadd,subtract,andmultiplyanytwo numbersupto99,hesaid.Ittookdecadesto buildavacuumtubemachinethatcoulddothat muchImdoingitwithswitchesinjustthree revs.Inyourface,UNIVAC! Shelaughed.Hehadahugebagoflasercutsoda canswitchesthathewassolderingontoavariety ofsubstratesfrompolishedcardoorstoabamboo tikibar.Shelookedcloselyatthesolder.Isthis whatsweatshopsolderlookslike? Helookedconfused,thensaid,Oh!Right, Perrysthing.Yeah,anythingnotdonebyarobot hasthisartisanalqualityofblobbiness,whichI quitelike,itsaesthetic,likeapaintingwithvisible brushstrokes.ButPerrysright:ifyouseesolder likethisonanythingthatthereareamillionof, thenyouknowthatitwaslaiddownbykidsand Soundsgood.IsPerryfree? Ittookherasecondtoregisterthathehadnt answered.Shelookedupandsawhewasblushing tothetipsofhisears.Ithoughtwecouldgoout justthetwoofus.Dinnerandawalkaroundthe decostuffonMiamiBeach? Oh,shesaid.Andtheweirdthingwas,shetook itseriouslyforasecond.Shehadntbeenonadate insomethinglikeayear,andhewasareallynice guyandsoforth.Butprofessionalethicsmadethat impossible,andbesides. Andbesides.Hewashuge.Hedtoldherhe weighednearly400pounds.Sofat,hewas, essentially,sexless.Roundandunshaped,doughy. Allofthesethoughtsinaninstantandthenshe said,Oh,well.Listen,Lester,itsabout professionalethics.Imhereonastoryandyou

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/27 guysarereallyswell,butImheretobeobjective. Thatmeansnodating.Sorry.Shesaiditinthe samefirmtonesasshedusedtoturndowntheir offertotreatherattheIHOP:afactoflife, somethingshejustdidntdo.Liketurningdowna glassofbeerbysaying,Nothanks,Idontdrink. Novaluejudgment. enoughforhertogetherbalance.

Sosheretreatedtobloginacafe,postingsnippets andimpressionsfromherdayswiththeboys, alongwithphotos.Herreaderswerealloverit, commentinglikemad.Halfofthemthoughtitwas disgustingsomuchsufferingandwasteinthe worldandtheseguyswereinventing$10,000toys Butshecouldseethatshehadletherthinking outofgarbage.Theotherhalfwantedtoknow showonherface,ifonlyforthebriefestmoment. wheretogotobuyoneforthemselves.Halfway Lesterstiffenedandhisnostrilsflared.Hewiped throughSunday,herlaptopbatteryfinallydied, hishandsonhisthighs,thensaid,inalighttone, needingafreshweeklycharge,sosheretreated Sure,noproblem.Iunderstandcompletely. again,tothecoffin,towaitforMondayandthe Shouldhavethoughtofthat.Sorry! newdaythatwoulddawnforPerryandLesterand Noproblem,shesaid.Shepretendedtoworkon Kodacellandher. heremailawhilelonger,thensaid,Well,Ithink Tjanturnedouttobealotolderthanshed Illcallitaday.SeeyouMondayforTjans expected.Shedpicturedhimasabout28,smart arrival,right? andpreppieliketheyallwerewhentheywere Right!hesaid,toobrightly,andsheslunkaway freshoutofBschoolandfullofManagement Wisdom.Instead,hewasaboutforty,balding,with tohercar. alittlepotbellyandthinninghair.Hedressedlike Shespenttheweekendbloggingandseeingthe anEnglishprofessor,bluejeansandachecked beach.Thepeopleonthebeachseemedtobeof shirtandatweedysportscoatthathedshucked anotherspeciesfromtheonesshesawwalkingthe withinsecondsofleavingtheterminalatMiami streetsofHollywoodandMiamiandLauderdale. airportandsteppingintotheblastfurnaceheat. Theyhadfreakishlyperfectbodies,thekindof TheydallcomeinLestersbig,crazycar,and thingyousawinananatomicaldrawingora squishingbackinwithTjanssuitcaseswaslikea comicbooksomuchmusculardefinitionthat theywerepracticallycrosshatched.Sheeventried geometrytrick.ShefoundherselfhalfonPerrys outthenudebeach,intriguedtoseetheseperfect lap,hugginghalfabigduffelbagthatseemedto befullofbricks. specimensinthealltogether,butshechickened outwhensherealizedthatshedneedasubstantial Books,Tjansaid.Justalittlepersonallibrary. waxjobbeforeherbodyhairwasbroughtdownto Itsabadhabit,movingthephysicalobjects normsforthatstripofsand. around,butImaddicted.Hehadacalmvoice thatmightinfactbealittledull,aprofs Shedidgetaneyefulofseveralanatomically correctdrawingsbeforetakingoffagain.Itmade monotone. heruncomfortablyhornyandawareofhowlongit hadbeensinceherlastdate.Thatgotherthinking ofpoorLester,buriedunderneathallthatflesh, andthatgotherthinkingaboutthelifeshed chosenforherself,coveringtheweirdworldof techwherethegroundneverstoodstilllong TheybroughthimtoPerryandLestersplace, whichwasthreecondoswiththedividingwalls knockedoutinacomplexthathadlongrust streaksdownitssidesandricketybalconiesthat hadbeeneatenawaybysaltair.Therewasa guardhouseatthefrontofthecomplex,butitwas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/28 shuttered,abandoned,andgraffititagged. technicallyonthekidsmenuakidsmenuata placewherethegrownupscouldorderaplateof Tjansteppedoutofthecarandputhishandson hishipsandconsideredthebuilding.Itcoulduse candy! acoatofpaint,hesaid.Suzannelookedcloselyat So,Perrysaid.So,Tjan,comeonbuddy,giveit himhewassodeadpan,itwashardtotellwhat tomestraightyouhateit?Loveit?Cant wasonhismind.Butheslippedherawink. understandit? Yeah,Perrysaid.Itcouldatthat.Onthebright side:spacious,cheapandtheresapool.Theresa lotofthisdownheresincethehousingmarket crashed.Thecondoassociationheredissolved aboutfouryearsago,sotheresnotreallyanyone whosinchargeofallthecommonspacesand stuff,justafewcondoownersandspeculatorswho owntheapartments.Suckers,Imthinking.Our renthasgonedowntwicethisyear,justforasking. Imthinkingwecouldprobablygetthemtopayus tolivehereandjustkeepoutthebumsandstuff. Thelivingquarterswerenearlyindistinguishable fromtheworkshopatthejunkyard:strewnwith cooldevicesinvariousstagesofdisassembly, detritusandart.Theplatesanddishesandglasses allhadIHOPandCrackerBarrellogosonthem. Fromthriftshops,Lesterexplained.Oldpeople stealthemwhentheygettheirearlybirdspecials, andthenwhentheydietheirkidsgivethemto Goodwill.Cheapestwaytogetamatchedset aroundhere. Tjancircledthethreeadjoinedcrackerboxcondos likeadogcirclinghisbasket.Finally,hepickedan unoccupiedmasterbedroomwithmoldylace curtainsandamotelartpaintingofanabstract landscapeovertheheadboard.Hesethissuitcase downonthefauxChinoisechestofdrawersand said,Right,Imdone.Letsgettowork. Theytookhimtotheworkshopnextandhis expressionhardlychangedastheyshowedhim around,showedhimtheircabinetsofwonders. Whentheyweredone,heletthemwalkhimtothe IHOPandheorderedthemostausterethingonthe menu,apeanutbutterandjellysandwichthatwas Tjansetdownhissandwich.Youboysarevery talented,hesaid.Theyreverygoodinventions. Therearelotsofopportunitiesforsynergywithin Kodacell:marketing,logistics,evenpacking materials.TheresalittleaerogelstartupinOregon thatKodacellisunderwritingthatyoucoulduse forpaddingwhenyouship. PerryandLesterlookedathimexpectantly. Suzannebrokethesilence.Tjan,didyouhave anyartisticordesignideasaboutthethingsthat theseguysaremaking? Tjantookanotherbiteofsandwichandsippedat hismilk.Well,youllhavetocomeupwitha nameforthem,somethingthatidentifiesthem. Also,Ithinkyoushouldbecarefulwith trademarkedobjects.Anytimeyouneedtobring inanIPlawyer,youregoingtorunintohugecosts andtimedelays. Theywaitedagain.Thatsit?Perrysaid. Nothingaboutthedesignsthemselves? Imthebusinessmanager.Thatseditorial.Im artisticallyautistic.Notmyjobtohelpyoudesign things.Itsmyjobtosellthethingsyoudesign. Woulditmatterwhatitwasweweremaking? Wouldyoufeelthesameifitwastoothbrushesor staplers? Tjansmiled.IfyouweremakingstaplersI wouldntbehere,becausetheresnoprofitin staplers.Toomanycompetitors.Toothbrushesare apossibility,ifyouweremakingsomethingreally revolutionary.Peoplebuyabout1.6toothbrushesa year,sothereslotsofopportunitytocomeupwith aninnovativedesignthatsellsatagoodprofitover

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/29 marginalcostforacoupleseasonsbeforeitgets clonedoroutinnovated.Whatyoupeopleare makinghasanedgebecauseitsyoumakingit, verybespokeanddistinctive.Ithinkitwilltake sometimefortheworldtoemergeaneffective competitortothesegoods,providedthatyoucan buildaninitialmarketplacemassinterestinthem. Therearentenoughpeopleouttherewhoknow howtocombineallthethingsyouvecombined here.Thesystemmakesithardtosellanything abovethemarginalcostofgoods,unlessyouhave areallyinnovativeidea,whichcantstay innovativeforlong,soyouneedcontinuous inventionandreinventiontoo.Youtwofellows appeartobedoingthat.Idontknowanything definitiveabouttheaestheticqualitiesofyour gadgets,norhowusefultheyllbe,butIdo understandtheirdistinctiveness,sothatswhyIm here. signals.IwouldntworryaboutitifIwereyou, hesaid.Youguysarenttemperamentallysuited todoingjustonething. Lesterlaughed.Hesgotyouthere,dude,he said,slappingPerryontheshoulder. SuzannegotTjanoutfordinnerthatnight.My dadwasinimportexportandwetravelledalot,all overAsiaandthentheformerSoviets.Hesentme awaywhenIwas16tofinishschoolintheStates, andtherewasnoquestionbutthatIwouldgoto Stanfordforbusinessschool. NicetomeetafellowCalifornian,shesaid,and sippedherwine.Theydgonetooneofthefamed Miamidecorestaurantsandthefishinfrontofher waspracticallyasculpture,sothoroughlyplatedit was. Well,ImasCalifornianas...

Itwaslongerthanallthespeechesheddelivered ...aspossible,underthecircumstances,shesaid sincearriving,puttogether.Suzannenoddedand andlaughed.ItsaCanadianjoke,butitapplies madesomenotes.Perrylookedhimupanddown. equallywelltoCalifornians.SoyouwereinB schoolwhen? Youre,what,anexBschoolproffromCornell, Ninetyeightto2001.Interestingtimestobein right? theValley.Ireadyourcolumn,youknow. Yes,forafewyears.AndIranacompanyfora Shelookeddownatherplate.Alotofpeoplehad while,doingimportexportfromemerging readthecolumnbackthen.Womencolumnists economystatesintheformerSovietbloc. wererareintech,andshesupposedshewasgood Isee,Perrysaid.Soyoureintowhat,anew atit,too.IhopeIgetrememberedasmorethan companyevery18monthsorsomething? thechroniclerofthedotcomboom,though,she said. Ohno,Tjansaid,andhehadalittletwinklein hiseyeandthetiniesthintofasmile.Ohno. Oh,youwill,hesaid.Youllberememberedas Everysixmonths.Ayearattheoutside.Thatsmy thechroniclerofthiswhatKettlewellandPerry deal.Imthebusinessguywiththeshortattention andLesteraredoing. span. Whatyouredoing,too,right? Isee,Perrysaid.Kettlewelldidntmention Oh,yes,whatImdoingtoo. this. Atthejunkyard,TjanwanderedaroundtheElmo Arobotrollerbladedpastontheboardwalk, turningtheoccasionalsomersault.Ishouldhave propelledSmartcarandpeeredatitsinnards, thembuildsomeofthose,Tjansaid,watchingthe watchedtheElmosnegotiatetheirbalanceand crowdturntoregardit.Ithoppedontoandoffof positionwithminutemovementsandacoustic

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/30 thecurb,expertlysteeredaroundthewandering couplesandtheoccasionalhomelessperson.It hadabanneritstreamedoutbehindit:CAPN JACKSPAINTBALLANDFANBOATTOURS GETSHOTANDGETWETMIAMIKEY WESTLAUDERDALE. Youthinktheycan? Sure,Tjansaid.Thosetwocanbuildanything. Thatsthepoint:anymoderatelyskilled practitionercanbuildanythingthesedays,for practicallynothing.Backintheolddays,the blacksmithjustmadeeverybitofironmongery everyoneneeded,onepieceatatime,athisforge. Thatswherewereat.Everyindustrythatrequired afactoryyesterdayonlyneedsagaragetoday.Its arealreturntofundamentals.Whatnooneever coulddowasjoinupallthesmithiesandallthe smithsandmakethemintoasinglelogical networkwithasinglesetofobjectives.Thatsnew anditswhatIplanonmakinghayoutof.This willbemuchbiggerthandotcom.Itwillbemuch harder,toobiggercrests,deepertroughs.Thisis somethingtochronicleallright:itwillmakedot comlooklikeawarmupforthemainshow. undercutsyouagain,andagain,andagain,until eventuallyyougetdowntoakindoffirmament,a baselinethatyoucantgolowerthan,thecheapest youcanproduceagoodandstayinbusiness. Thatswhystraightpins,machinescrewsand reamsofpaperallcostbasicallynothing,and makedamnedlittleprofitfortheirmanufacturers. Soifyouwanttomakeabigprofit,youvegotto startoveragain,inventsomethingnew,andmilkit forallyoucanbeforethefirstimitatorshowsup. Themorethishappens,thecheaperandbetter everythinggets.Itshowwegothere,yousee.Its whatthesystemisfor.Wereapproachingakind ofpureandperfectstatenow,withcompetition andinventiongettingeasierandeasierits producingakindofsuperabundancethats amazingtowatch.Mykidsjustsurfit,make themselvesovereverysixmonths,learnanew interface,anewentertainment,younameit. Changesurfers...Hetrailedoff. Youhavekids? InStPetersburg,withtheirmother.

Shecouldtellbyhistonethatithadbeenthe wrongquestiontoask.Hewaslookinghangdog. Weregoingtocreateanewclassofartisanswho Well,itmustbenicetobesomuchcloserto canchangecareersevery10months,inventing themthanyouwereinIthaca. newjobsthathadntbeenimaginedayearbefore. What?No,no.TheStPetersburginRussia. Thatsaprettyunstablemarket,Suzannesaid, Oh,shesaid. andatesomefish. Theyconcentratedontheirfoodforawhile. Thatsafunctionalmarket.HereswhatIthink thepointofagoodmarketis.Inagoodmarket, Youknow,hesaid,aftertheydorderedcoffee youinventsomethingandyouchargeallthe anddesert,itsallaboutabundance.Iwantmy marketwillbearforit.Someoneelsefiguresout kidstogrowupwithabundance,andwhateveris howtodoitcheaper,ordecidestheycandoitfora goingonrightnow,itsprovidingabundancein slimmermarginnotthesamething,youknow,in abundance.Theselfstorageindustryisbigger thefirstcasesomeoneismoreefficientandinthe thantherecordingindustry,didyouknowthat? secondtheyrejustlessgreedyorlessambitious. Alltheydoisprovideaplacetoputstuffthatwe Theydoitandsoyouhavetodropyourpricesto ownthatwecantfindroomforthats compete.Thensomeonecomesalongwhosless superabundance. greedyormoreefficientthanbothofyouand IhavealockerinMilpitas,shesaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/31 Thereyougo.Itsagrowthindustry.Hedrank hiscoffee.Onthewaybacktotheircars,hesaid, Mydaughter,Lyenitchka,isfour,andmyson, Sasha,isone.Ihaventlivedwiththeirmotherin threeyears.Hemadeaface.Sashas circumstanceswerecomplicated.Theyregood kids,though.Itjustcouldntworkwiththeir mother.ShesRussian,andconnectedthatshow wemet,Iwashustlingformyimportexport businessandshehadsomegoodconnectionsso afterthedivorcetherewasnoquestionofmy takingthekidswithme.Buttheyregoodkids. Doyouseethem? Wevideoconference.Whoknewthatlong distancedivorcewasthekillerappfor videoconferencing? Yeah. Thatweek,Suzannetweetedconstantly,filedtwo columns,andbloggedtenormoreitemsaday: photos,bitsofdiscussionbetweenLester,Perry andTjan,acouplevideosoftheBoogieWoogie Elmosdoingimprobablethings.Turnedoutthat therewasquiteacultfollowingfortheBWE,and thenewsthattherewasatroveofsomethousands oftheminaHollywooddumpsentahalfdozen pilgrimswingingtheirwayacrossthenationto scoresomeforthecollectorsmarket.Perry wouldnteventaketheirmoney:Fella,hetold onepersistentdealer,Igotfortythousandof thesethings.Iwontmissacoupledozen.Justcall itgoodkarma. timesthatnight,butonceitgotslashdottedbya coupleofhighprofileheadlineaggregators,she foundherserverhammeredwithahundred thousandrequests.TheMerchadthehorsepower toservethemall,butyouneverknew:everyonce inawhile,thewebhitanothertippingpointand grewbyanorderofmagnitudeorso,andthenall theserverprovisioningcalculatedtosurvivethe oldslashdottingsshreddedlikewetkleenex. From:kettlewelll@skunkworks.kodacell.com To:schurch@sjmercury.com Subject:Re:Embeddedjournalist? Thisstuffisamazing.Amazing!Christ,Ishould putyouonthepayroll.ForgetIwrotethat.Buti should.Youvegotafantasticeye.Ihaveneverfelt asintouchwithmyownbusinessasIdoatthis moment.Nottomentionproud!Proudyouve mademesoproudoftheworktheseguysare doing,proudtohavesomeroleinit. Kettlebelly Shereaditsittingupinhercoffin,justoneof severalhundredemailsfromthatdaysblogposts andcolumn.Shelaughedanddroppeditinher folderofcorrespondencetoanswer.Itwasnearly midnight,toolatetogetintoitwithKettlewell.

Thenhercomputerrangthenetphoneshe forwardedhercellphonetowhenhercomputer wasliveandconnected.Shedstarteddoingthata coupleyearsback,whensoftphonesreally stabilized,andherphonebillshaddroppedtoless thantwentybucksamonth,downfromseveral WhenTjanfoundoutaboutithepursedhislips foramoment,thensaid,Letmeknowifsomeone hundred.Itwasntthatshespentalotoftime withinarmsreachofalivecomputer,butgiven wantstopayusmoney,please.Ithinkyouwere thatcallsroutedthroughthelaptopwerefree,she right,butIdliketohaveasay,allright? wasperfectlywillingtodeferhercallsuntilshe PerrylookedatSuzanne,whowasvideoingthis was. exchangewithherkeychain.Thenhelookedback HiJimmy,shesaidhereditor,backinSan atTjan,Yeah,ofcourse.Sorryforceofhabit. Jose.9PMPacifictimeonaweeknightwasstill Noharmdone,though,right? workinghoursforhim. Thatfootagegotdownloadedacouplehundred

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/32 Suzanne,hesaid. Shewaited.Shedhalfexpectedhimtocallwitha littleshowerofpraise,anechoofKettlewells note.Jimmywasntthemosteffusiveeditorshed had,butitmadehislittlemomentsofpraisemore valuablefortheirrarity. Isee,shesaid.CanIthinkaboutit?

Thinkaboutwhat,Suzanne?Thishasnotbeen thebestdayforme,Ihavetotellyou,butIdont seewhatthereistothinkabout.Thisnewspaper nolongerhascorrespondentswhoworkinMiami andLondonandParisandNewYork.Asoftoday, thatstuffcomesfrombloggers,oroffthewire,or Suzanne,hesaidagain. whateverbutnotfromourpayroll.Youworkfor Jimmy,shesaid.Itslatehere.Whatsup? thisnewspaper,soyouneedtocomebackhere, becausethejobyouredoingdoesnotexistany So,itslikethis.Iloveyourreportsbutitsnot SiliconValleynews.ItsMiaminews.McClatchy longer.Thejobyouhavewithusishere.Youve missedthenightflight,buttheresadirectflight handedmeathirtypercentcutthismorningand tomorrowmorningthatllhaveyoubackby Imgoingtothebone.Iamfiringathirdofthe newsroomtoday.Now,youareastupendouswriter lunchtimetomorrow,andwecansitdowntogether thenandtalkaboutit,allright? andsoIsaidtomyself,IcanfireherorIcan bringherhomeandhaveherwriteaboutSilicon IthinkShefeltthatohshitohshitfeeling Valleyagain,andIknewwhattheanswerhadto again,thatneedingtopeefeeling,thattension be.SoIneedyoutocomehome,justwrapitup fromhertoestohernose.Jimmy,shesaid.I andcomehome. needaleaveofabsence,OK? Hefinishedspeakingandshefoundherselfstaring What?Suzanne,Imsureweoweyousome athercomputersscreen.Herhandsweregripping vacationbutnowisntthetime thelaptopsedgessotightlyithurt,andthe Notavacation,Jimmy.Sixmonthsleaveof machinemadeaplastickysqueakasitbeganto absence,withoutpay.Hersavingscouldcoverit. bend. Shecouldputsomebanneradsonherblog. Icantdothat,Jimmy.ThisisstuffthatSilicon Floridawascheap.Shecouldrentoutherplacein Valleyneedstoknowabout.Thismaynotbe California.Shewassixstepsintotheplanandit whatshappeninginSiliconValley,butitsureas hadonlytakentensecondsandshehadnodoubts shitiswhatshappeningtoSiliconValley.She whatsoever.Shecouldtalktothatbookagent hatedthatshedcussedshehadntmeantto.I whodpingedherlastyear,seeaboutgettingan knowyoureinahardspot,butthisisthestoryI advanceonabookaboutKodacell. needtocoverrightnow. Areyouquitting? Suzanne,Imcuttingathirdofthenewsroom. Weregoingtobecoveringstorieswithindriving No,Jimmywell,notunlessyoumakeme.ButI needtostayhere. distanceofthisofficefortheforeseeablefuture, andthatsit.Idontdisagreewithasinglething Theworkyouredoingthereisfine,Suzanne,but youjustsaid,butitdoesntmatter:ifIleaveyou Iworkedreallyhardtoprotectyourjobhereand whereyouare,Illhavetocuttheguywhocovers thisisntgoingtohelpmakethathappen. theschoolboardsandthecitycouncils.Icantdo Whatareyousaying? that,notifIwanttoremainadailynewspaper IfyouwanttoworkfortheMerc,youneedtofly editor. backtoSanJose,wheretheMercispublished.I

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/33 cantmakeitanyclearerthanthat. ThesecondbusinessthatTjantookPerryintowas evenmoresuccessfulthanthefirst,andthatwas No,hecouldnt.Shesympathizedwithhim.She wasreallywellpaidbytheMerc.Keepingheron sayingsomething.ItonlytookaweekforTjanto wouldmeanfiringtwojuniorwriters.Hedcuther getPerryandLestercrankingonaKitchenGnome alotofbreaksalongtheway,tooletherfeelout designthatmashedtogethersomeHomeland theValleyinherownway.Ithadpaidoffforboth Securitygaitrecognitionsoftwarewithabig solidstateharddiskandamicrophoneandalittle ofthem,buthedtakentheriskwhenalotof camera,allpackagedtogetherinoneofacouple peoplewouldnthave.Shedbeafooltowalk hundreddesignsofagardengnomefigurinethat awayfromallthat. stoodsixinchestall.Itcouldrecognizeevery Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimthatshedbeon memberofahouseholdbythewaytheywalked theplaneinthemorning,andwhatcameoutwas, andplaybackvoicememosforeach.Itturnedout Jimmy,Ireallyappreciatealltheworkyouve tobeakillertoolforcontextsensitivereminders doneforme,butthisisthestoryIneedtowrite. tokidstodothedishes,andforhusbands,wives Imsorryaboutthat. androommatestonageachotherwithoutgetting oneachothersnerves.Tjanwasreallyjazzed Suzanne,hesaid. aboutit,asittiedinwithsometheorieshehad Thankyou,Jimmy,shesaid.Illgetbackto aboutthechangingUSdemographic,trending CaliforniawhenIgetalullandsortoutthedetails towardsblendedhouseholdsinurbancenters,with myemployeecardandstuff. threeormoreadultscohabitating. Youknowwhatyouredoing,right? Thisisarichvein,hesaid,rubbinghishands Yeah,shesaid.Ido. Whensheunscrewedherearpiece,shediscovered thatherneckwaskillingher.Thatmadeher realizethatshewasafortyfiveyearoldwomanin Americawithouthealthinsurance.Orregular income.Shewasajournalistwithoutajournalistic organ. together.Livingcommunallyishard,and technologycanmakeiteasier.Roommateware. Itsthewaveofthefuture.

TherewasanotherKodacellgroupinSan Francisco,adesignoutfitwithabunchofstringers whocoulddesignthegnomesforthemandthey didgreatwork.Thegnomeswereslightlylewd looking,andtheyweretheproductofagenerative ShedhavetotellKettlewell,whowouldnodoubt algorithmthatvariedeachone.Someofthe offertoputheronthepayroll.Shecouldntdo designsthatfelloutofthealgorithmwerejaw that,ofcourse.Neutralitywashardenoughto droppinglyweirdPerrykeptathreeeyed,six maintain,nevermindbeingfinancially armedversiononhisdesk.Theytooleduptomake compromised. thembythehundred,thenthethousand,thenthe Shesteppedoutofthecoffinandsniffedthesalty tensofthousand.Thefactthateachonewas air.Livinginthecoffinwasexpensive.Shedneed differentkepttheirmarginsup,butastheGnomes togetacondoorsomething.Aplacewitha gainedpopularitytheirsalesweresteadilyeroded kitchenwhereshecouldprepmeals.Shefigured byknockoffs,mostlyfromEasternEurope. thatPerrysbuildingwouldprobablyhavea Theknockoffswerentascoollookingthough vacancyortwo. theywerecertainlyweirderlooking,likethe offspringofaNorwegiantrollandananimerobot

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/34 buttheyweremorefeaturerich.Somesmart hackerinRussiawaspackingallkindsof functionalityontoasinglechip,sothattheirtrolls costlessanddidmore:burglaralarms,baby monitors,streamingInternetradiosource,and lowreliabilitymedicaldiagnosticthatreliedon quackanalysisofeyepigment,tonguecoatingand othernewage(rhymeswithsewage)indicators. percentisfortypercent.Nottomentionthatour businessdrovesimilarmarginsinthreeother businessunits. Ithoughtwedscrewedupbylettingtheseguys eatourlunch,Lestersaid,indicatingthedollar storetrolls.

Nope,wegotinwhilethemarginswerehigh, madeagoodreturn,andnowwellgetoutasthe LestercamebackfromtheDollarStorewithabig marginsdrop.Thatsnotscrewingup,thatsdoing bagoftrolls,adozendifferentmodels,and therightthing.Thenexttimearound,welldo dumpedthemoutonTjansdesk,upinold somethingmorecapitalintensiveandwelltake foremansofficesonthecatwalkabovethe outanevenhighermargin:soshowmesomething workspaces.Christ,wouldyoulookatthese? thatllcosttwohundredgrandtogetgoingand Theyresellingthemforlessthanourcostto thatwecanpullahundredandsixtythousworth manufacture.Howdowecompetewiththis? ofprofitoutofforKodacellinthreemonths.Lets Wedont,Tjansaid,andrubbedhisbelly.Now dosomethingambitiousthistimearound. wedothenextthing. Suzannetookcopiousnotes.Theredbeena Whatsthenextthing?Perrysaid. Well,thefirstonedeliveredareturnon investmentatabouttwentytimestherateofany KodakorDuracellbusinessunitinthehistoryof eithercompany.ButIdliketoshootforthirtyto fortytimesnext,ifthatsallrightwithyou.So letsgoseewhatyouveinventedthisweekand howwecancommercializeit. coupleweeksawkwardnessearlyonabouther scribblingastheytalked,orvideoingwithher keychain.Butonceshedmovedintothebuilding withtheguys,takingacondoonthenextfloorup, shedbecomejustamemberoftheteam,albeita memberwhotweetednearlyeverywordthey utteredtoafeedthatwasaddingnewsubscribers bythetensofthousands.

PerryandLesterjustlookedateachother.Finally, So,Perry,whathaveyougotforTjan?she asked. Lestersaid,Canyourepeatthat? Icameupwiththelastone,hesaid,grinning ThetypicalROIforaKodacellunitintheold dayswasaboutfourpercent.Ifyouputahundred theyalwaysendedupgrinningwhenTjanran downeconomicsforthem.LetLestertakethis dollarsin,youdgetahundredandfourdollars one. out,anditwouldtakeaboutayeartorealize.Of course,intheolddays,theywouldnthavetouched anewbusinessunlesstheycouldputahundred millioninandgetahundredandfourmillionout. Fourmillionbucksisfourmillionbucks. Lesterlookedshyhedneverfullyrecovered fromSuzanneturninghimdownandwhenshe wasintheroom,healwayslookedlikehedrather besomewhereelse.Heparticipatedinthemessage boardsonherblogthough,themostprolificposter Buthere,thecompanyputfiftythousandinto inafieldwiththousandsofveryprolificposters. thesedollsandthreemonthslater,theytook seventythousandout,afterpayingoursalariesand Whenheposted,otherslistened:hewaswitty, charmingandalwaysright. bonuses.ThatsafortypercentROI.Seventy thousandbucksisntfourmillionbucks,butforty Well,Ivebeenthinkingalotaboutroommate

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/35 ware,causeIknowthatTjansjustcrazyforthat stuff.Ivebeenhandicappedbythefactthatyou guysaresuchexcellentroomies,soIhavetothink backtomycollegedaystorememberwhatabad roommateislike,wherethefrictionis.Mostly,it comesdowntoresourcecontention,though:I wannacook,butyourdishesareinthesink;I wannadolaundrybutyourboxersareinthedryer; IwannawatchTV,butyourcrapisalloverthe livingroomsofa. viceversa.Ihadsomesketchesfordesignsthat wouldmakethishappen,butitdidntfeelright: makingdishwashersistooindustrialforus.I eitherlikemakingbigchunksofartorlittlesilver thingsyoucancarryinyourpocket.

Shesmileddespiteherself.Shewasdrawinga halfmillionreadersadaybydoingnearto nothingbesidesrepeatingthemindblowing conversationsaroundher.Ithadtakenheramonth toconsiderputtingadsonthesitelotsoffeelers Livingupstairsfromtheguysgaveherfresh fromblogmicrolabelswhowantedtogether insightintohowtheKodacellphilosophywould undermanagementandintotheirbannernetworks, workout.Kettlewellwasreallybigoncommunal andshebrokedownwhenoneofthemshowedher living,puttingthesepeopleintoeachothers alittlespreadsheetdetailingthekindoflonggreen pocketsliketheoldtimegeekhousesofpizza shecouldexpecttobringinfromacoupleoflittle eatinghackers,gettingthatinthetrenches banners,withhergettingtherighttopersonally camaraderie.Ithadtakenaweekendtoputthe approveeveryadvertiserinthenetwork.Thefirst mostpreciousstuffinherCaliforniahouseinto month,shedmademoremoneythanallbutthe storageandthenturnoverthekeystoarealtor mostseniorwritersontheMerc.Thenextmonth, whodsortoutleasingitforher.Themonthly shedoutstrippedherownoldsalary.Shed checkfromtherealtorleftmorethanenoughfor coveredcommercialblogs,theflamboyant hertopaytherentinFloridaandthensome,and attentionwhoreswhodboughtstupidcarsand oncetheUPSmandroppedoffthefiveboxesof ridiculousbimboswiththemoney,butshed personaleffectsshedchosen,shewaspractically alwaysassumedtheywereinadifferentleague athome. fromanewspaperscribbler.Nowshesupposedall themoneymeantthatsheshouldmakeitofficial Shesataloneovertheguysapartmentsinthe andphoneinaresignationtoJimmy,buttheyd evenings,windowsopensothattheirmuffled leftitprettyambiguousastowhethershewas conversationscoulddriftinandformthe soundtrackasshewrotehercolumns.Itmadeher retiringortakingaleaveofabsenceandshewas feelcuriouslywith,butnotof,theirmovementa reluctanttocollapsethatwaveformintothe reasonableproxyforjournalisticobjectivityinthis certaintyofsayinggoodbyetoheroldlife. ageofrelativism. SoIgottothinkingaboutsnitchtags,radio frequencyIDgizmos.Rememberthose?Whenwe Resourcecontentionreadilydecomposesintoa startedtalkingaboutthemadecadeago,allthe bunchofsmallerproblems,withdistinctive solutions.Takedishes:everydishwashershouldbe privacypeoplewentcrazy,totallysurethatthese designedwithacleanandadirtycompartment thingswouldbebadnews.Thegeeksdismissed themasnotunderstandingthetechnology. basically,twologicaldishwashers.Youtake Supposedly,anRFIDcanonlybereadfroma cleandishesoutofthecleanside,usethem,and putthemintothedirtyside.Whenthedirtysideis coupleinchesawayifsomeonewantedtofind outwhatRFIDsyouhadonyourperson,theyd full,thecleansideisempty,soyoucyclethe dishwasherandthecleansidebecomesdirtyand havetowandyou,andyoudknowaboutit.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/36 Yeah,thatwasbull,Perrysaid.Imean,sure youcantreadanRFIDunlessitsbeenexcited withelectromagneticradiation,andsureyoucant dothatfromahundredyardswithoutfrying everythingbetweenyouandthetarget.Butifyou hadasubwayturnstilewithanexciterbuiltintoit, youcouldsnipeallthetagnumbersfromadistant roofwithadirectionalantenna.Ifthosethingshad caughton,theredbeexciterseverywhereand youdbeabletotrackanyoneyouwantedChrist, theyevenputRFIDsinthehundreddollarbillfor awhile!Pickpocketscouldhavefiguredoutwhose pursewasworthsnatchingfromhalfamilea way! story.SoIdsay,Ma,canIgotothemallthis aft?andshedsay,Sure,noproblem.Thenwhen Iwasgettingreadytoleavethehouse,shedask mewhereIthoughtIwasgoing.Idsay,Tothe mall,yousaid!andshedjustdenyit.Justdenyit, pointblank.

Idontthinksheevenknewshewasdoingit.I thinkwhenIaskedherifIcouldgo,shedjust absentmindedlysayyes,butwhenitactuallycame timetogoout,shedsuddenlyrememberallmy unfinishedchores,myhomework,allthereasonsI shouldstayhome.Ithinkeverykidgetsthisfrom theirfolks,butitmademefuckingcrazy.SoIgot aminitaperecorderandIstartedtotapeherwhen Alltrue,Lestersaid.Butthatdidntstopthese shegavemepermission.IthoughtIdreallynail guys.Therearestillacoupleofthemaround, herthenexttimeshechangedhertune,playher limpingalongwithoutmanycustomers.Theyprint ownwordsbackinherear. thetagswithinkjets,sizeddowntoaboutathird SoItriedit,andyouknowwhathappened?She thesizeofagrainofrice.Mostlyusedinsupply gavemeninekindsofholyhellforwearingawire chainmanagementandsuch.Theycansupply andthenshesaiditdidntmatterwhatshedsaid themonthecheap. thatmorning,shewasmymotherandIhadchores Whichbringsmetomyidea:whynottag everythinginagrouphousehold,andusethetags tofigureoutwholeftthedishesinthesink,who tookthehammeroutanddidntputitback,who puttheemptymilkcartonbackinthefridge,and whosgottheTVremote?Itwontsolveresource contention,butitwilllimitthesocialfactorsthat contributetoit.Helookedaroundatthem.We canmakeitfun,youknow,makecoolRFID stickerdesigns,modthelittlegnomedollstoact asterminalsforgettingreports. todoandnohowwasIgoinganywherenowthat Idstartedsneakingaroundthehousewitha hiddenrecorder.Shetookitawayandthrewitin thetrash.Andtotopitoff,shecalledmeJ. Edgarforamonth.

Soheresmyquestion:howwouldyoufeelifthe nexttimeyouleftthedishesinthesink,Ishowed upwiththeaudittrailforthedishesandwavedit inyourface?Howwouldwegetfromthatpointto ahappy,harmonioushousehold?Ithinkyouve mistakenthecausefortheeffect.Theproblem Suzannefoundherselfnoddingalong.Shecould withdishesinthesinkisntjustthatitsapain usethiskindofthing,eventhoughshelivedalone, whenIwanttocookameal:itsthatwhenyou justtohelpherfindoutwheresheleftherglasses leavetheminthesink,yourebeinginconsiderate. andtheTVremote. Andthereasonyouvelefttheminthesink,as Perryshookhishead,though.WhenIwasakid, youvepointedout,isthatputtingdishesinthe Ihadareallybadrelationshipwithmymom.She dishwasherisapainintheass:youhavetobend wasreallysmart,butshedidnthavealotoftime over,youhavetoemptyitout,andsoon.Ifwe toreasonthingsoutwithme,sooftenasnotshed movedthedishwasherintothekitchencupboards andturnedhalfofthemintoadirtysideandhalf getoutofarguingwithmebyjustchangingher

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/37 intoacleanside,thendisposingofdisheswould beaseasyasgettingthemout. Yourefuckingkiddingme,Suzannesaid.Itwas 11AMinFloridaandshewasintohersecondglass oflemonadeasthesunbegantosuperheattheair. Lesterlaughed,andsodidTjan.Yeah,yeah OK.Pointtaken.ButtheseRFIDthings,theyreso BackinCalifornia,itwas8AM.Herrealtorwas pullinglonghours,anditwasntherfault.Sorry. friggingcheapandpotentiallyuseful.Ijustcant Right.OK,whataboutthedeposit? believethattheyveneverfoundasinglereally compellinguseinallthistime.Itjustseemslike Youwaivedit. anopportunitythatsgoingtowaste. Shehad.Ithadntseemedlikeabigdealatthe Maybeitsadeadend.Maybeitsanornithopter. Inventorsspenthundredsofyearstryingtobuild anairplanethatflewbyflappingitswings,andit wasallarathole. Iguess,Lestersaid.ButIdontliketheidea. Likeitordont,Perrysaid,doesntaffect whetheritstrueornot. ButLesterhadasparkleinhiseye,andhe disappearedintohisworkshopforaweek,and wouldntletthemin,whichwasunheardofforthe big,gregariousgiant.Helikedtodragtheothers inwheneverheaccomplishedanythingofnote, showitofftothemlikeabigkid. time.Thedistantownerofthecondoshewas rentinginFloridahadntaskedforone.SoIdid. Nowwhat? Youwanttoswearoutacomplaintagainst them? Withthepolice? Yeah.Breachofcontract.Theft,iftheytookthe hometheater.Wecantakethemtocollections, too. Goddamnedmarketingpeoplehadthecollective moralsofasnake.Allofthemuseless,conniving, shallowshenevershouldhave...

Yeah,OK.Andwhataboutthehouse? ThatwasSunday.Monday,Suzannegotacall fromherrealtor.Yourtenantshavevanished,she Wecanfindyouanothertenantbytheendofthe month,Imsure.Maybealittleearlier.Haveyou said. thoughtanymoreaboutsellingit? Vanished?Thecouplewhodrentedherplace Shehadnt,thoughtherealtorbroughtitupevery hadbeenasreliableasanyoneshedevermetin theValley.HeworkedataPRagency,sheworked timetheyspoke.Isnowagoodtime? inmarketingatGoogle.Ormaybeheworkedin LotofnewmillionairesintheValleyshopping marketingandshewasinPRatGoogle forhouses,Suzanne.MorethanIveseenin whatever,theywereaffluent,wellspoken,andhad years.Shenamedasumthatwasathirdhigher paidtheextortionaterentshedchargedwithout thanthelasttimetheydtalkeditover. battinganeye. Isitpeaking? Theynormallypaypaltherenttomeonthefirst, butnotthismonth.Icalledandleftvoicemailthe Whoknows?Itmightgoup,itmightcollapse again.Butnowisthebesttimetosellinthepast nextday,thenfollowedupwithanemail. tenyears.Youdbesmarttodoit. YesterdayIwentbythehouseanditwasempty. Alltheirstuffwasgone.Nofoodinthefridge.I Shetookadeepbreath.TheValleywasdead,full thinktheymighthavetakenyourhometheater ofvenalmarketingpeopleandbuckchasers.Here stuff,too. inFlorida,shewasonthecuspofthenextthing,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/38 anditwasnthappeningintheValley:itwas happeningeverywhereexcepttheValley,inthe cheapplaceswhereinnovationcouldhappenat lowrents.Leakyhottub,incrediblepropertytaxes, andthecrazyrollercoasterrideup20percent thismonth,downfortynext.Thebubblewas goingtoburstsomedayandsheshouldsellout now. Sellit,shesaid. Youregoingtobeawealthylady,therealtor said. Shehadadozenhelperstochoosefromthenext morning.Shepickedtwowhocamewithdecent references,marvelingthatitwassuddenlypossible inSiliconValleytogetanyonetoshowup anywherefortenbucksanhour.Thepolice sergeantwhotookthecomplaintwassympathetic andagreedwithherchoicetogetoutoftown. Ivehaditwiththisplace,too.Soonasmykids areoutofhighschoolImmovingbackto Montana.Imisstheweather.

Shedidntthinkofthemarketdroidsagainuntilthe nextday,whensheandherhelperswereboxingup Right,Suzannesaid. thelastofherthingsandloadingthemintoherU Ihaveabuyer,Suzanne.Ididntwanttopressure Haul.ThenaBMWconvertiblescreechedaround you.ButIcansellitbyFriday.Closeescrownext thecornerandburnedrubberuptoherdoor. week.Cashinhandbythefifteenth. Thewomanmarketdroidwasdriving,looking crazyanddisheveled,eyesredrimmed,oneheel Jesus,shesaid.Yourejoking. brokenoffofhershoes. Nojoke,therealtorsaid.Ivegotawaitinglist WhattheFUCKisyourproblem,lady?shesaid, forhousesonyourblock. assheleaptoutofhercarandstalkedtoward AndsoSuzannegotonanairplanethatnightand Suzanne. flewbacktoSanJoseandtookapriceytaxiback toherplace.Themarketdroidshadleftitinpretty Instinctively,Suzanneshrankbackanddropped theboxofbooksshewasholding.Itspilledout goodshape,cleanandtidy,cleansheetsinthe linencupboard.Shemadeupherbedandreflected overherlawn. thatthiswouldbethelasttimeshemadethisbed Fiona?shesaid.Whatshappened? thenexttimeshestrippedthesheets,theydgo Iwasarrested.Theycametomyworkplaceand intoalongtermstoragebox.Sheddonethis before,onherwayoutofDetroit,packingupalife ledmeoutinhandcuffs.Ihadtomakebail. intoboxesandshovingitintostorage.Whathad Suzannesstomachshranktoalittlepebble, Tjansaid?Theselfstorageindustryisbigger impossiblyheavy.WhatwasIsupposedtodo? thantherecordingindustry,didyouknowthat? Youtwotookoffwithmyhometheater! Alltheydoisprovideaplacetoputstuffthatwe Whathometheater?Everythingwasrightwhere ownthatwecantfindroomforthats youleftitwhenIwent.Ihaventlivedherein superabundance. weeks.TomleftmelastmonthandImovedout. BeforebedshepostedaclassifiedonCraigslistfor acouplehelperstoworkonboxingstuff,emailed Jimmytoseeifhewantedlunch,andlookedup theaddressforthecentralpolicestationtoswear outhercomplaint.Theamp,speakers,andA/V switcherwereallmissingfromherhometheater. Youmovedout? Yeah,bitch,Imovedout.Tomwasyourtenant, notme.Ifherippedsomethingoff,thatsbetween youandhim. Look,Fiona,wait,holdupasecond.Itriedto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/39 callyou,Isentyouemail.Noonewaspayingthe rent,noonetoldmethatyoudmovedout,andno oneansweredwhenItriedtofindoutwhathad happened. Thatsoundslikeanexplanation,shesaid, hissing.Imwaitingforafuckingapology.They tookmetoprison. crazy,toldmehedidntwanttheresponsibility anymore.Whatresponsibility?Buthetoldmeto go,toldmeitwouldbebestforbothofusifwe wereapart.Ithoughtitwasanothergirl,butI dontknow.Maybeitwasjustcraziness.Everyone Iknowouthereiscrazy.Theyallworkahundred hoursaweek,theygetfiredorquittheirjobsevery fivemonths.Everythingissoexpensive.Myrent isthreequartersofmysalary.

Suzanneknewthatthelocallockupwasalong wayfromprison.Iapologize,shesaid.CanI getyouacupofcoffee?Wouldyouliketousethe Itsreallyhard,Suzannesaid,thinkingofthe easy,lazydaysinFlorida,thehackersidyllthat showeroranything? PerryandLesterenjoyedintheirworkshops. Thewomanglaredatheramomentlonger,then slowlyfoldedinonherself,collapsing,coughing Tomwasonantidepressants,buthedidntlike takingthem.Whenhewasonthem,hewaspretty andsobbingonthelawn. good,butwhenhewentoff,heturnedinto...I Suzannestoodwithherarmsathersidesfora dontknow.Hedcryalot,andshout.Itwasnta moment.HerCraigslisthelpershadgonehome,so goodrelationship,butwemovedoutherefrom shewasallalone,andthiswoman,whomshed Oregontogether,andIdknownhimallmylife. metonlyoncebefore,inpassing,wasclearly Hewasalittlemoodybefore,butnotlikehewas havingsomerealproblems.Notthekindofthing here. shedealtwithalotherlifedidntincludemuch Whendidyouspeaktohimlast?Suzannehad persontopersonhandholding. foundacoupleofblisterpacksofantidepressants Butwhatcanyoudo?ShekneltbesideFionain inthemedicinechest.Shehopedthatwasnt thegrassandtookherhand.Letsgetyouinside, Tomsonlysupply. OK? WehaventspokensinceImovedout. Atfirstitwasasthoughshehadntheard,but Anhourlater,themysterywassolved.Thepolice slowlyshestraightenedupandletSuzannelead wenttoTomsworkplaceanddiscoveredthathed herintothehouse.Shewastwentytwo,twenty beenfiredtheweekbefore.TheytriedtheGPSin three,youngenoughtobeSuzannesdaughterif hiscaranditfinkedhimoutasbeinginaghost Suzannehadgoneinforthatsortofthing. mallsparkinglotnearhisoldoffice.Hewasdead Suzannehelpedhertothesofaandsatherdown amidtheboxesstillwaitingtogointotheUHaul. behindthewheel,aguninhishand,shotthrough Thekitchenwaspackedup,butshehadacouple theheart. bottlesofDietCokeinthecoolerandshehanded Suzannetookthecallandthoughshetriedtokeep onetothegirl. herendoftheconversationquietandneutral, Fionastillonthesofa,drinkingthewarm,flat Imreallysorry,Fiona.Whydidntyouanswer Cokeknew.Sheletoutamoanlikeadogthats mycallsoremail? beenkicked,andthenascream.ForSuzanne,it ShelookedatSuzanne,hereyeslostinstreaksof wasallunreal,senseless.Thecopstoldherthat mascara.Idontknow.Ididntwanttotalkabout herhometheatercomponentswerefoundinthe it.Helosthisjoblastmonthandkindofwent trunkofthecar.Nonote.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/40 God,ohGod,Jesus,youselfishshitfucking bastard,Fionasobbed.Awkwardly,Suzannesat downbesideherandtookherintoaonearmed hug.Herhelpersweremeetingherattheself storagethenextdaytohelpherunloadtheU Haul. opportunitieshere. Yes,shesaid,thatsagoodidea.Youreyoung, andtheresalifeforyouthere.Youcanstart somethingup,orgotoworkforsomeoneelses startup.Itfeltweirdcomingoutofhermouth, likeabetrayaloftheValley,ofsometriballoyalty tothistechMecca.Butafterall,wasntsheselling upandmovingeast?

Doyouhavesomeonewhocanstaywithyou tonight?Suzanneasked,prayingtheanswerwas yes.Shehadahousetomoveoutof.Christ,she TheresnothinginOregon,Fionasaid, feltsocoldblooded,butshewasonagoddamned snuffling. schedule. Theressomethingeverywhere.Letmetellyou Yes,Iguess.Fionascrubbedathereyeswithher aboutsomefriendsofmineinFlorida,andshe fists.Sure. toldher,andasshetoldher,shetoldherself. Suzannesighed.Theliewasplain.Who? Hearingitspokenaloud,evenafterhavingwritten aboutitandwrittenaboutit,andbeenthereand Fionastoodupandsmoothedoutherskirt.Im DONEit,itwasdifferent.Shecametounderstand sorry,shesaid,andstartedforthedoor. howfuckingcoolitallwas,thisnew, Groaninginwardly,Suzanneblockedher.Youll entrepreneurial,inventive,amazingthingshewas stayonthesofa,shesaid.Yourenotdrivingin engagedin.Shedlovedthecontrastofnimble thisstate.Illorderinpizza.Pepperonimushroom softwarecompanieswhencomparedwithgigantic, OK? brutalautocompanies,butwhatherboyswere doing,itmadethesoftwarecompanieslooklike Lookingdefeated,Fionaturnedonherheeland lumberinglummoxes,crashingaroundwiththeir wentbacktothesofa. fiftyemployeesandtheirbigpurposebuiltoffices. Overpizza,Suzannepulledafewdetailsoutof Fionawasdisbelieving,theninterested,then her.Tomhadfallenintoafunkwhenthelayoffs excited.Theyjustmakethisstuff,doit,then hadstartedinhisofficetheywereendemic acrosstheValley,anotherbustwasuponthem.His makesomethingelse? behaviorhadgrownworseandworse,andshed Exactlynopermanenceexceptfortheteam,and finallyleft,orbeenthrownout,itwasntclear.She theysupporteachother,liveandworktogether. wasonthiniceatGoogle,andtheywerelaying Youdthinkthatbecausetheyliveandwork peopleofftoo,andshewasconvincedthatbeing togetherthattheydonthaveanybalance,butits ledoutinhandcuffswouldbethestrawthatbroke theopposite:theybookoffworkatfouror thecamelsback. sometimesearlier,gotomovies,gooutandhave fun,readbooks,playcatch.Itsamazing.Im IshouldmovebacktoOregon,shesaid, nevercomingbackhere. droppingherslicebackontheboxtop. Andsheneverwould. Suzannehadheardalotofpeopletalkabout givingupontheValleysinceshedmovedthere.It Shetoldhereditoraboutthis.Shetoldherfriends wasacommonthing,beingbeatendownbylifein whocametoasendoffpartyatabarsheusedto theBayArea.Youweresupposedtoinsertapep gotowhenshewentintotheofficealot.Shetold talkhere,somethingabouthangingin,aboutthe hercabdriverwhopickedheruptotakehertothe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/41 airportandshetoldthebemusedengineerwhosat nexttoherallthewaybacktoMiami.Shehadthe presenceofmindnottotellthecouplewhobought herhouseforasumofmoneythatseemedtohave atleastoneextrazeroattheendmaybetwo. Barbarella.Whathappenedhere? Tjandidalittletwostep.ItwasLestersidea. Havealookintheboxes.

Shepulledacoupleofthetubsout.Theywere jampackedwithbooks,tools,cruftandcrudall AndsowhenshegotbacktoMiami,shehardly thecrapthathadpreviouslyclutteredtheshelves noticedtheincredibleobesityofthemanwhotook andthefloorandthesofaandthecoffeetable. themoneyforthegasinherleasedcarnowthat Watchthis,hesaid.Heunvelcroedawireless shewashereforthelonghaulshedhavetolook keyboardfromthesideoftheTVandbeganto intogettingLestertohelpherbuyausedSmart type:THECO...Thefieldautocompleted carfromajunkerlotandthetinroofsofthe shantytownsshepassedlookedtropicalandquaint. itself:THECOUNTOFMONTECRISTO,and broughtupapictureofabeatenuppaperback Thesmellofswampandsalt,thepeasoup humidity,thebassthunderoftheboomcarsinthe alongwithlinkstowebstores,reviews,andthe trafficaroundheritwaslikesomekindofsweet fulltext.Tjangesturedwithhischinandshesaw thatthefrontofoneofthetubswaspulsingwitha homecomingforher. softblueglow.Tjanwentandpulledopenthetub Tjanwasinthecondowhenshegothomeandhe andfishedforasecondbeforeproducingthebook. spottedherfromthebalcony,wherehedbeen Tryit,hesaid,handingherthekeyboard.She sunninghimselfandhelpedherbringupher begantotypeexperimentally:UNandupcame suitcasesofthingsshecouldntbeartoputin UNDERWEAR(14).Noway,shesaid. storage. Comedowntoourplaceforacupofcoffeeonce Way,Tjansaid,andhitreturn,bringingupa youresettledin,hesaid,leavingher.Shesluiced thumbnailgalleryoffourteenpairsofunderwear. offtheairplanegreasethathadfilledherporeson Hetabbedovereach,pickedoutapairof Simpsonsboxers,andhitreturn.Adifferenttub thelongflightfromSanJosetoMiamiand startedglowing. changedintoacheapsundressandapairofflip flopsthatshedboughtattheThunderbirdFlea Lesterfinallyfoundasociallybeneficialusefor Marketandheadeddowntotheirplace. RFIDs.Weregoingtogetrich! Tjanopenedthedoorwithaflourishandshe IdontthinkIunderstand,shesaid. steppedinandstoppedshort.Whenshedleft,the placehadbeenareflectionoftheirjumbledlives: Comeon,hesaid.Letsgettothejunkyard. Lesterexplainsthisreallywell. gizmos,dishes,parts,toolsandclothesstrewn everywhereinakindofjoyful,eyewatering Hedid,too,losingalloftheshynessshe hypermess,likeanenormouskitchenjunkdrawer. remembered,hiseyesglowing,hissausagethick Nowtheplacewasspotlessandwhatsmore,it fingersdancing. wasminimalist.Thefloorwasnotonlyclean,it wasvisible.Liningthewallsweretranslucent whiteplastictubsstackedtotheceiling. Youlikeit? Itsamazing,shesaid.LikeIkeameets Haveyoueveralphabetizedyourharddrive?I mean,haveyoueverspentanytimeconcerning yourselfwithwhereonyourharddriveyourfiles arestored,whichsectorscontainwhichfiles? Computersabstractawaythetedious,physical

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/42 propertiesoffilesandleaveuswithhandlesthat weusetopersistentlyrefertothem,regardlessof whichpartoftheharddrivecurrentlyholdsthose particularbits.SoIthought,withRFIDs,you coulddothiswiththerealworld,justtag everythingandhaveyourfurniturekeeptrackof whereitis. Oneofthebigbarrierstoroommateharmonyis thecorrectdispositionofstuff.Whenyouleave yourbookonthesofa,IhavetomoveitbeforeI cansitdownandwatchTV.Thenyoucomeafter meandaskmewhereIputyourbook.Thenwe haveafight.Theresstuffthatyoudontknow whereitgoes,andstuffthatyoudontknowwhere itsbeenput,andstuffthathasnowheretoputit. Butwithtagsandasmartchestofdrawers,you canjustputyourstuffwherevertheresroomand askthephysicalspacetokeeptrackofwhats wherefrommomenttomoment. ourstuff. Well,OK,fairenough,Lestersaid,nodding. Youdonthavetoputeverythingaway,ofcourse. Andyoucanstillhaveallthedecoryouwant.This isaboutcluttercontrol. Exactly,Perrysaid.ComecheckoutLesters lab. OK,thisisprettyperfect,Suzannesaid.The clutterwasgone,disappearedintothewhitetubs thatwerestackedhighoneveryshelf,leavingthe worksurfacesclear.ButLestersworksin progress,hiskeepsakes,hissculpturesand triptychswerestillout,lookinglikevenerated museumpiecesinthestarktidinessthatprevailed otherwise.

Tjantookherthroughthespreadsheets.Thereare tenteamsthatdoclosetorganizinginthenetwork, andabunchofshippers,packers,movers,and storageexperts.Afewfurniturecompanies.We Theresstilltheproblemofgettingeverything taggedanddescribed,butthatsaservicebusiness adoptedtheinterfacefromsomefreesoftware inventorymanagementappsthatwerebuiltfor opportunity,andwhereyouvegotothershared illiterateserviceemployees.Lotsofbigpictures identifierslikeISBNsyoucouldusea cameraphonetosnapthebarcodesandlookthem andautocompletion.Andweveboughtahundred RFIDprintersfromacompanythatwasso upagainstpublicdatabases.Thewholething gratefulforanewcustomerthattheyreshipping couldbecoordinatedaroundspringcleaning us150ofthem,sowecanprintthesethingsat eventswhereyougothroughyourstuffand aboutamillionperhour.Theplanistostartour photographit,tagit,describeitgoodforyour insuranceandforforensicsifyougetrobbed,too. salesthroughtheconsultantsatthesametimeas westartshowingattradeshowsforfurniture Hestoppedandbeamed,foldinghisfingersover companies.Wevealreadygotahugeorderfroma hisbelly.So,thatsit,basically. coupleoflocaloldfolkshomes. PerryslappedhimontheshoulderandTjan TheywalkedtotheIHOPtohaveacelebratory drummedhisforefingerslikeaheavymetal lunch.BeingbackinFloridafeltjustrighttoher. drummeronthesideoftheworkbenchtheywere Francis,theleaderoftheparamilitarywingofthe gatheredaround. AARP,threwthemasaluteandblewherakiss, Theywereallwaitingforher.Well,itsvery cool,shesaid,atlast.But,thewholewhite plastictubthing.Itmakesyourapartmentlook likeanIkeashowroom.Kindofinhumanly minimalist.WereAmericans,welikecelebrating andevenLestersnursingjunkiefriendseemedto beinagoodmood. Whentheyweredone,theybroughttakeoutbags forthejunkieandFrancisintheshantytown. Iwanttomakesometechnologyforthoseguys,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/43 PerrysaidastheysatinfrontofFrancissRV drinkingcowboycoffeecookedoverabanked woodstoveofftooneside.Roommatewarefor homelesspeople. thesocialworkerscallmarginalhousing, Francissaid,grinningwryly.Hehadafunnysmile thatSuzannehadfoundadorableuntilhe explainedthathehadanuntreateddentalabscess Francisuncrossedhisbonyanklesandscratchedat thathecouldntaffordtogetfixed.Sothatsalot hismosquitobites.Alotofpeoplethinkthatwe ofdifferenceyoucouldmake. dontbuystuff,butitsnottrue,hesaid.Ishop Yeah,Perrysaid.Yeah,itsureis. hardforbargains,butthereslotsofstuffIspend Thatnight,shefoundherselfstillbloggingand moreonbecauseofmylifestylethanIwouldifI answeringemailstheyalwayspiledupwhenshe hadarealhouseandsteadyelectricity.WhenIhad travelledandtookacoupleoflatenightstoclear achestfreezer,Icouldbulkbuygroundroundfor outafterninePM,sittingaloneinapooloflight aboutatenthofwhatIpaynowwhenIgotothe inthebackcornerofLestersworkshopthatshe grocerystoreandgetenoughforonenights hadstakedoutasheroffice.Sheyawnedand dinner.Thealternativeisusingpropanetokeep stretchedandlistenedtoheroldbackcrackle.She thefridgegoingovernight,andthatsnotcheap, hatedfeelingold,andlatenightsmadeherfeelold either.SoImakindofpremiumcustomer.Back feeleveryextraounceoffatonhertummy,feel atBoeing,welovedthepeoplewhomadesmall thelinesbracketinghermouthandthelittlebagof orders,becausewecouldchargethemsucha skinunderherchin. premiumforcustomwork,whilethebigairlines Shestoodupandpulledonalightjacketand wantedstuffdonesocheapthathalfthetimewe begantoswitchofflightsandgetreadytohead lostmoneyonthedeal. home.AsshepokedherheadinTjansoffice,she Perrynodded.Thereyouhaveitroommate sawthatshewasnttheonlyoneworkinglate. wareforhomelesspeople,agreatanduntapped Hey,you,shesaid.Isntittimeyougotgoing? market. Hejumpedlikehedbeenstuckwithapinand Suzannecockedherheadandlookedathim. Youresoundingawfullycommerceorientedfora gavealittleyelp.Sorry,hesaid,didnthear you. pureandunsulliedengineer,youknow? Heduckedhisheadandgrinnedandlookedabout twelveyearsold.Itsinfectious.Thoselittle kitchengnomes,wesoldnearlyahalfmillionof thosethings,nottomentionallthespinoffs. Thatsahalfmillionlivesahalfmillion householdsthatwechangedjustbythinkingup somethingcoolandmakingitreal.TheseRFID thingsofLesterswellsignacouplemillion customerswiththose.Peoplewillchange everythingabouthowtheylivefrommomentto momentbecauseofsomethingLesterthoughtup inmyjunkyardoverthere. Well,theresthirtymillionofuslivinginwhat Hehadacardboardboxonhisdeskandhadbeen fillingitwithhispersonaleffectslittleoneoff inventionstheguyshadmadeforhim,personal fetishesandtchotchkes,aframedpictureofhis kids. Whatsup? Hesighedandcrackedhisknuckles.Mightas welltellyounowastomorrowmorning.Im resigning. Shefeltaflashofangerandthenforceditdown andforciblyreplaceditwithprofessionaldistance andcuriosity.Mentallyshelickedherpenciltip andflippedtoablankpageinherreporters

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/44 notebook. Ohyes? Ivehadanotheroffer,inWestchesterCounty. Westinghousehasspunoutitsownversionof Kodacellandtheyrelookingforanewvice presidenttorunthedivision.Thatsme. Goodjob,shesaid.Congratulations,MrVice President. withmeIdlovetofollowyourstory. Countonit,hesaid.Helaughed.Imgettinga weekoffeveryeightweekstoscoutRussia. Theyvegotanincrediblecultureof entrepreneurship. Plusyoullgettoseeyourkids,Suzannesaid. Thatsreallygood. Plus,Illgettoseemykids,headmitted.

Heshookhishead.IemailedKettlewellhalfan HowmuchmoneyisWestinghouseputtinginto hourago.Imleavinginthemorning.Imgoingto theproject?sheasked,replacinghernotional saygoodbyetotheguysoverbreakfast. notebookwitharealone,pulledfromherpurse. Notmuchnotice,shesaid. Nope,hesaid,anoteofangercreepingintohis voice.MycontractletsKodacellfiremeonone daysnotice,soIinsistedontherighttoquiton thesameterms.MaybeKettlewellwillgethis lawyerstowritebetterboilerplatefromhereon in. Whenshehadanangryinterview,shehabitually changedthesubjecttosomethingsensitive:angry peopleoftensaymorethantheyintendto.Shedid itinstinctively,notreallymeaningtopsyopsTjan, whomshethoughtofasafriend,butnotletting thatgetinthewayofthestory.Westinghouseis doingwhat,exactly? Idonthavenumbers,buttheyveshutdownthe wholeappliancesdivisiontoclearthebudgetfor it.Shenoddedshedseennewsofthelayoffson thewires.Massdemonstrations,peopleoutof workaftertwentyyearsservice.Soitsabig budget. Theymusthavebeenimpressedwiththe quarterliesfromKodacell. Tjanfoldeddowntheflapsonhisboxand drummedhisfingersonit,squintingather. Yourejoking,right? Whatdoyoumean?

Suzanne,theywereimpressedbyyou.Everyone knowsthatquarterlynumbersareeasytocook ItllbeasbigasKodacellsoperationinayear, anythinglessthantwoannualreportsisaslikely hesaid.GeorgeWestinghousepersonallyfunded tobeenronningasrealfortunemaking.Butyour Teslasresearch,youknow.Thecompany dispatchesfromheretheyrewhatsoldthem.Its understandsfundingindividualentrepreneurs.Im whatsconvincingeveryone.Kettlewellsaidthat goingtobetrainingthetalentscoutsand threequartersofhisnewrecruitscomeonboard mentoringthefinancialpeople,thenturningthem afterreadingyourdescriptionsofthisplace.Thats loosetosignupentrepreneursforthe howIendeduphere. Westinghousenetwork.Theresacompetitive Sheshookherhead.Thatsveryflattering,Tjan, marketforgarageinventorsnow.Helaughed. but Goaheadandprintthat,hesaid.Blogit tonight.Therescompetitionnow.Weregiving Hewavedheroffandthen,surprisingly,came twopointsmoreequityandcharginghalfapoint aroundthedeskandhuggedher.Butnothing, lessonequitythantheKodacellnetwork. Suzanne.Kettlewell,Lester,Perrytheyreall Thatsamazing,Tjan.Ihopeyoullkeepintouch basicallybigkids.Fullofenthusiasmand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/45 invention,buttheyvegottheemotionalmaturity andsenseofscaleofhyperactivefiveyearolds. Youandme,weregrownups.Peopletakeus seriously.Itseasytogetakidexcited,butwhena grownupchimesinyouknowtheressomethere there. Tjanrolledhiseyes.Comeon,hesaid.Ivegot aflighttocatchinanhour. Icouldgiveyoualift,Kettlewellsaid. Youwanttodotheexitinterviewbetweenhere andtheairport?

Suzannerecoveredherselfafterasecondandput IcouldgiveyoualifttoJFK.Ivegotthejet awayhernotepad.Imjustthepersonwhowrites warmedupandwaiting. italldown.Youpeoplearemakingithappen. Sometimes,Suzannemanagedtoforgetthat Intenyearstime,theyllrememberyouandnot Kodacellwasamultibilliondollaroperationand thatKettlewellwasatitshelm,butothertimesthe us,Tjansaid.YoushouldgetKettlewelltoput pointwasveryclear. youonthepayroll. Kettlewellhimselfturnedupthenextday.Suzanne Comeon,hesaid,wellmakeadayofit.We canstoponthewayandpickupsomebarbecueto haddevelopedanintuitivesenseoftheflight timesfromthewestcoastandsoforasecondshe eatontheplane.Illevenletyoukeepyourseatin therecliningpositionduringtakeoffandlanding. couldntfigureouthowhecouldpossiblybe standingtherenothingintheskycouldgethim Hell,youcanturnyourcellphoneonjustdont telltheTransportSecurityAdministration! fromSanJosetoMiamiforasevenAMarrival. Tjanlookedcornered,thenresigned.Sounds Privatejet,hesaid,andhadthegracetolook goodtome,hesaidandKettlewellshouldered slightlyembarrassed.Kodakhadeightofthem oneofthetwohugeduffelbagsthatweresitting andDuracellhadfive.Wevebeentryingtosell themalloffbutnoonewantsausedjetthesedays, bythedoor. notevenSaudiprincesorColumbiandruglords. Hi,Kettlewell,Perrysaid. So,basically,itwasgoingtowaste. Kettlewellsetdowntheduffel.Sorry,sorry. Lester,Perry,itsreallygoodtoseeyou.Illbring Hesmiledandlookedeighteenshereallydid feelliketheonlygrownupsometimesandsaid, Suzannebacktonightandwellallgooutfor Zacklyitspracticallyenvironmental.Wheres dinner,OK? Tjan? Suzanneblinked.Imcomingalong? Downstairssayinggoodbyetotheguys,Ithink. Isurehopeso,Kettlewellsaid. OK,hesaid.Areyoucoming? PerryandLesteraccompaniedthemdowninthe Shegrabbedhernotebookandapenandbeathim elevator. outthedoorofherrentedcondo. Privatejet,huh?Perrysaid.Neverbeeninone ofthose. Whatsthisallabout,Tjansaid,lookingwary. Theguyswerehangdogandcuriouslooking, Kettlewelltoldthemabouthisadventurestryingto slightlyinaweofKettlewell,whodidlittletoput selloffKodacellsprivateairforce. themattheireasehewasstaringintenselyat Sendoneofthemourway,then,Lestersaid. Tjan. Doyoufly?Kettlewellsaid. Exitinterview,hesaid.Companypolicy.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/46 No,Perrysaid.Lesterwantstotakeitapart. Right,Les? Ithadstartedtobuzzthatmorningandthepitch hadincreasedsteadilyuntilitwasactually Lesternodded.Lotsofcooljunkinaprivatejet. uncomfortableinherpocket.Irritated,sheyanked itoutandwasabouttoswitchitoffwhenthelead Thesethingsareworthmillions,guys, articlecaughthereye. Kettlewellsaid. KODACELLLOSESTJANTO No,someonepaidmillionsforthem,Perrysaid. WESTINGHOUSE Theyreworthwhateveryoucansellthemfor. ThebylinewasFreddy.Feelinglikeacharacterin Kettlewelllaughed.Youvehadaninfluence ahorrormoviewhocantresistthecompulsionto aroundhere,Tjan,hesaid.Tjanmanagedasmall, lookunderthebed,SuzannethumbedthePDAs tightsmile. wheelandbroughtupthewholearticle. Kettlewellhadadriverwaitingoutsideofthe ::KodacellbusinessmanagerTjanLeeTang, buildingwholoadedtheduffelsintothespacious whoseadventuresweve trunkofaspotlessdarktowncarwhosedoors ::followedthroughSuzanneChurchsgushing, chunkedshutwithanexpensivesound. besottedblogposts IwantyoutoknowthatImreallynotangryat Shelookedawayandreflexivelyreachedtoward all,OK?Kettlewellsaid. thedeletebutton.Theinnuendothatshewas Tjannodded.Hehadthelookofamanwhowas romanticallyinvolvedwithoneormoreofthe steelinghimselfforaturninaninterrogation guyshadcirculatedonherblogsmessageboards chamber.HedbarelysaidawordsinceKettlewell andaroundthediggdotseversinceshedstarted arrived.Forhispart,Kettlewellappearedoblivious writingaboutthem.Nowomancouldpossiblybe toallofthis,thoughSuzannewasprettysurethat writingaboutthisstuffbecauseitwasimportant heunderstoodexactlyhowuncomfortablethiswas shehadtobewiththeband,agroupieora makingTjan. whore. Thethingis,sixmonthsago,nearlyeveryonewas CombinethatwithRatToothedFreddyssneering convincedthatIwasafuckingmoron,thatIwas toneandshewasinstantlysentintoheart abouttopissawaytenbilliondollarsofother thunderingrage.Shedeletedthepostandlooked peoplesmoneyonastupiddoomedidea.Now outthewindow.Herpagerbuzzedsomemoreand theyrecopyingmeandpoachingmybestpeople. shelookeddown.Thesamearticle,beingpicked Sothisisgoodnewsforme,thoughImgoingto uponblogs,onsomeofthebiggerdiggdots,and havetofindanewbusinessmanagerforthosetwo anAPwire. beforetheygetpickedupforturningplanesinto Sheforcedherselftoreopenit. componentpieces. SuzannesPDAvibratedwheneverthenumberof ::hasbeenhiredtoheadupanewbusinessuniton onlinenewsstoriesmentioningherorKodacellor behalfofthe Kettlewellincreasedordecreasedsharply.She usedtotrytoreadeverything,butitwas impossibletokeepupnowallshewantedwasto keeptrackofwhethertheinterestingnessindex wasontheuptickordowntick. ::multinationalgiantWestinghouse.The appointmentstandsasmore

::proofofChurchspowertocloudmensminds withprettyempty

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/47 ::wordsaboutthehalfbakeddotcomschemes thathaveoozedoutof ::SiliconValleyandintoeveryemptyanddead Americansuburb. pointingatthisstorysofarandallofthemare criticalofhim.Wedontneedtostickupfor ourselvestheworldwill.

Sayingitcalmedherandnowtheywereatthe airport.Theycruisedintoaprivategate,away Itwashypnotic,likestaringintotheeyesofa serpent.Herpulseactuallythuddedinherearsfor fromthemilitarizedgulagthatfrontedMiami International.Acourteoussecurityguardwaved asecondbeforeshetookafewdeepbreathsand themthroughandthedriverconfidentlypiloted calmeddownenoughtofinishthearticle,which wasjustmoreofthesame:nastypersonalattacks, thecaruptoawheeledjetwaybesideacute, stubbylittletoyjet.Ontheside,incursivescript, sniping,andinnuendo.Freddyevenmanagedto wastheplanesname:Suzanne. implythatshewasscrewingallofthemand Kettlewellbesides. ShelookedaccusatoriallyatKettlewell. Kettlewellleanedoverhershoulderandread. Youshouldsendhimanemail,hesaid.Thats disgusting.Thatsnotreportage. Nevergetintoapissingmatchwithaskunk,she said.WhatFreddywantsisformetosendhim mailthathecanpublishalongwithmoresnarky commentary.Whentheguyyourearguingwith controlsthevenueyourearguingin,youcant possiblywin. Sobloghim,Kettlewellsaid.Correctthe record. ItwascalledthatwhenIboughtthecompany, hesaid,expressionlessbutsomehowmirthful behindhiscurvedsurfershades.ButIkeptit becauseIlikedtheprivatejoke. JustnoonetellFreddythatyouvegotanairplane withmynameonitorwellneverhearthefucking endofit. Shecoveredhermouth,regrettingherlanguage, andKettlewelllaughed,andsodidTjan,and somehowtheicewasbrokenbetweenthem. Nowayflyingthisthingiscosteffective,Tjan said.YourCFOshouldbekickingyourass.

Therecordiscorrect,shesaid.Itsneverbeen incorrect.Ivewrittenanexhaustiverecordthatis Itsalittleindulgence,Kettlewellsaid,bounding thereforeveryonetosee.Ifpeoplebelievethis,no upthestepsandshakinghandswithasmall,neat amountofcorrectionwillhelp. womanpilot,anAfricanAmericanwithcornrows Kettlewellmadeafacelikealittleboywhodbeen peekingoutunderhersmartpeakedcap.Once toldhecouldnthaveatoy.Thatguyispoison, youveflowninyourownbird,younevergo back. hesaid.Thosequotemarksaroundblog. Lethimaddhisquotemarks,shesaid.My dailyreadershipishigherthantheMercspaid circulationthisweek.Itwastrue.Afterashort uphillclimbfromhernewURL,shed accumulatedenoughreadersthattheadvertising revenuedwarfedheroldsalaryattheMerc,an astonishinghappenstancethatneverthelesskept herbankaccountfull.Sheclickedalittle. Besides,lookatthis,therearethreedozenlinks Thisisamonstrosity,Tjansaidasheboarded. Whatthisthingeatsupinhangarfeesalone wouldbeenoughtobankrollthreeorfourteams. HesettledintoanoversizedBarcaloungerofaseat andacceptedaglassoforangejuicethatthepilot pouredforhim.Thankyou,andnooffense. Nonetaken,shesaid.Iagreeonehundred percent.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/48 See,Tjansaid. Thecorruptionsaproblem,sure,Tjansaid. Suzannetookherownseatandherownglassand Butitsoffsetbytheentrepreneurship.Someof buckledinandwatchedthetwoofthem,warming thosecatsmaketheChineselooklazyand unimaginative.Itsashamethatsomuchoftheir upforthemainevent,realizingthatshedbeen effortshavebeencenteredongraft,buttheresno broughtalongasakindofopeningact. reasontheycouldntbefocusedonmakingan Theypayingyoumore? honestruble. Yup,Tjansaid.Allonthebackend.Halfa TheyfellintoadiscussionoftheminutiaeofPerry pointoneverydollarbroughtinbyateamIcoach andLestersbusinesses,frankerthananybusiness orwhosemembersImentor. discussionshedeverheard.Tjantalkedaboutthe Kettlewellwhistled.Thatsabigshare,hesaid. placeswheretheydscrewedup,andplaceswhere theydscoredbig,andaboutalltheplanshed IfIcanmakemynumbers,Illtakehomea madeforWestinghouse,theconnectionshehadin millionthisyear. Russia.Heeventalkedabouthiskidsandhisexin Youllmakethosenumbers.Goodnegotiations. StPetersburg,andKettlewelladmittedthathed knownaboutthemalready. Whydidntyouaskusforthesamedeal? Wouldyouhavegivenittome? Youreastar,Kettlewellsaid,noddingat Suzanne,whoseinvisibilitytotheconversation poppedlikeabubble.Thankstoher. Thanks,Suzanne,Tjansaid. Suzanneblushed.Comeon,guys. Tjanshookhishead.Shedoesntreally understand.Itsactuallykindofcharming. Wemighthavematchedtheoffer. Youguysarefirsttomarket.Youvegotalotof proceduresinplace.Iwantedtoreinventsome wheels. Weretooconservativeforyou? Tjangrinnedwickedly.Ohyes,hesaid.Im goingtodobusinessinRussia. Kettlewellgruntedandpoundedhisorangejuice. Aroundthem,thejetswindowsflashedwhiteas theybrokethroughthecloudsandtheten thousandfootbellsounded. ForKettlewellspart,heopenedtheproverbial kimonowide,tellingTjanaboutconflictswithin theboardofdirectors,poisonousholdoversfrom thepreKodacelldayswhosabotagedthecompany fromwithinwithpettybureaucracy,eventhe problemshewashavingwithhisfamilyoverthe longhourstheywereworking.Heopenedthe minibarandcrackedabottleofchampagnetotoast Tjansnewjob,andtheymixeditwithmore orangejuice,andthentherewerebagelsand schmear,freshfruit,powerbars,andcanned Starbuckscoffeeswithdeadlyamountsofsugar andcaffeine. WhenKettlewelldisappearedintothetinybut marbleappointedbathroom,Suzannefound herselfsittingalonewithTjan,almostkneeto knee,lightheadedfromlackofsleepand champagneandaltitude. Sometrip,shesaid.

Yourethebest,hesaid,wobblingalittle.You knowthat?Justthebest.Thestuffyouwriteabout theseguys,itmakesmewanttostandupand Howthehellareyougoingtomakeanythingthat salute.Youmakeusallseemsofuckingglorious. doesntcollapseunderitsownweightinRussia? Weregoingtoenduptakingovertheworld

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/49 becauseyouinspireusso.MaybeIshouldnttell youthis,becauseyourenotveryselfconscious aboutitrightnow,butSuzanne,youwontbelieve itbecauseyouresogoddamnedmodest,too.Its whatmakesyourwritingsoright,sobelievable Kettlewellsteppedoutofthebathroom.Touching downsoon,hesaid,andpattedthemeachonthe shoulderashetookhisseat.Sothatsaboutit, then,hesaid,andleanedbackandclosedhis eyes.Suzannewasaccustomedtothinkingofhim astwentysomething,theboyishageofthe magazinecoverportraitsfromthestartofhis career.Now,eyesclosedonhisprivatejet,harsh upperatmospheresunpaintinghisface,his crowsfeetandthedeepverticalbracketsaroundhis mouthrevealedhimforsomeonepushinga youthfulforty,keptyoungbyexerciseandfunand theanimationofhisideas. BringdelitoMiami? Right,right,hesaid.ForgetIasked.Besides, wedhavetocharterachoppertogetinto Manhattanandbackwithoutdyingintraffic. Somethingaboutthelightthroughtheopenhatch orthesoundorthesmellsomethingindefinably NewYorkmadeheryearnforMiami.Thegreat citiesofcommercelikeNewYorkandSan Franciscoseemedtoorealforher,whilethe suburbsofFloridawereakindofendlesssummer camp,adreamtimewhereanythingwaspossible. Letsgo,shesaid.Thechampagnebuzzhad crashedandshehadatouchofheadache.Im bushed. Metoo,Kettlewellsaid.IleftSanJoselast nighttogetintoMiamibeforeTjanleft.Notmuch sleep.Gonnaputmyseatbackandcatchsome winks,ifthatsOK?

Guessso,Tjansaid,slumping.Thishasbeen oneofthemorememorableexperiencesofmy Goodplan,Suzannesaid. life,Kettlewell,Suzanne.Notentirelypleasant,but Embarrassingly,whentheywerefullyreclined, pleasantonthewhole.Amagicaltimeinthe theirseatsnearlytouched,formingsomethinglike clouds. adoublebed.Suzannelayawakeinthehumofthe Onceyouveflownprivate,youllnevergoback jetsforawhile,consciousofthebreathinghuman tocoach,Kettlewellsaid,smiling,eyesstill besideher,thefirstmansheddoneanythinglike closed.YoustillthinkmyCFOshouldspankme shareabedwithinatleastayear.Thelastthing fornotsellingthisthing? sherememberedwasthetenthousandfootbell goingoffandthensheslippedawayintosleep. No,Tjansaid.Intenyears,ifwedoourjobs, therewontbefivecompaniesonearththatcan affordthiskindofthingitllbelikebuildinga cathedralaftertheProtestantReformation.While ::PerrythoughtthattheydsellamillionHome Awaresinsix wehavethechance,weshouldkeepthesethings inthesky.ButyoushouldgiveonetoLesterand ::months.Lesterthoughthewasnuts,thatnumber Perrytotakeapart. wastoohigh. Iwasplanningto,Kettlewellsaid.Thanks. :: SuzanneandKettlewellgotofftheplaneandTjan didntlookbackwhentheydlandedatJFK. Shouldwegointotownandgetsomebialyto bringbacktoMiami?Kettlewellsaid,squinting atthebrightdayonthetarmac. ::Please,hesaid,Iinventedthesethingsbut therearenta ::millionroommatehouseholdsinallofAmerica. Wellsellhalf

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/50 ::amilliontops,total. Lesteralwayscomplainedwhenshequotedhim directlyinherblogposts,butshethoughthe secretlyenjoyedit. ::Todaytheboysshippedtheirmillionthunit.It tooksixweeks. Theyduncorkedabottleofchampagnewhenunit onemillionshipped.Theyhadntactuallyshipped it,perse.Themanufacturingwasspreadout acrossfortydifferentteamsallacrossthecountry, evenacoupleofCanadianteams.TheRFID printercompanyhadrehiredhalftheworkers theydlaidofftheyearbefore,andhadthemall workingovertimetomeetdemand. ::Whatsexcitingaboutthisisntjustthemoney thattheseguys ::havemadeoffofit,orthemoneythatKodacell willreturnto ::itsshareholders,itstheecosystemthatthese thingshave ::enabled.Therereatleasttencompeting commercialsystemsfor ::organizing,tagging,sharing,anddescribing HomeAwareobjects. ::about,creatingvalueforalotofplayers.Allthis competition ::isgreatnewsforyouandme,becauseits alreadydriventhe ::priceofHomeAwaregoodsdownbyforty percent.Thatmeansthat ::LesterandPerryaregoingtohavetoinvent somethingnew,soon, ::beforethemargindisappearsaltogetherand thatsalsogood ::newsforyouandme. Areyoucoming?Lesterhaddatedagirlfora while,someonehemetonCraigslist,butshed dumpedhimandPerryhadconfidedthatshedleft himbecausehedidntliveuptothepresshed gotteninSuzannescolumn.Whenhegotdumped, hebecameeventouchieraboutSuzanne,caughtat adistancefromherthatwasdefinedbyequalparts ofdesireandresentment. Upinaminute,shesaid,tryingtokeepher smilelightandnoncommittal.Lesterwasvery nice,butthereweretimeswhenshecaughthim staringatherlikeakickedpuppyanditmadeher uncomfortable.Naturally,thisincreasedhis discomfortaswell.

::Parentslovethemfortheirkids.Schoolteachers Ontherooftheyalreadyhadacoolerofbeers lovethem. goingandbesideitahugeplastictubofbrightly ::Seniorshomes. coloredmachineparts. TheseniorshomeshadbeenFrancissidea. Jetengine,Perrysaid.Themonthshadputa Theydbroughthimintooverseesomeofthe couplepoundsonhimandnewwrinkles,and productionengineering,alongwithsomeofthe givenhimsomegreyatthetemples,andlaugh youngbraveswhoranaroundthesquattercamps. linesinsidehislaughlines.Perrywasalways Francisknewwhichoneswerebiddableandhe laughingateverythingaroundthem(They keptthemtoheel.Intheevenings,hedjointhe fuckingpaymetodothis,hedtoldheronce, guysandSuzanneupontheroofoftheworkshop beforeliterallycollapsingtothefloor,rollingwith onfoldingchairs,withbeers,watchingthesweaty uncontrollablehysteria).Helaughedagain. sunset. GoodoldKettlebelly,shesaid.Musthave ::Theyrenotthesolesupplier.Thatswhatan brokenhisheart. ecosystemisall

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/51 Francisheldupacurvedpieceofcowling.This thingwasntgoingtolastanyway.Seethe distortionhereandhere?Thisthingwasdesigned inavirtualwindtunnelandmachinelathed.We triedthatacoupletimes,butthewindtunnelsims wereneverdetailedenoughandtheformsthat flewwellinthemachinealwaysdiedapremature deathinthesky.Anothertwoyearsandhedhave hadtohaveitrebuiltanyway,andtheKoreanswho builtthischargeshitloadsforparts. Toobad,Lestersaid.Itspretty.Gorgeous, even.Hemimeditscurveintheairwithapudgy hand,thatelegantswoop. Aerospacelovesthevirtualwindtunnel,Francis said,andglaredatthecowling.Youcanuse evolutionaryalgorithmsinthesimandcomeup withreallyefficientdesigns,intheory.And computersarecheaperthanengineers. Isthatwhyyouwerelaidoff?Suzannesaid. Iwasntlaidoff,girl,hesaid.Hejiggledhis lamefoot.Iretiredat65andwasallsetupbut thepensionplanwentbust.SoImissedamonth ofmedicalandtheycutmeoffandIendedup uninsured.Whenthewifetooksick,bam,thatwas it,wipedrightout.ButImnotbitterwhyshould thepoorbeallowedtolive,huh? Hisacolytes,threeteenagersindoragsfromthe shantytown,laughedandwentontopitching bottlecapsofftheedgeoftheroof. Stopthat,now,hesaid,youregettingthe junkyardalldirty.Christ,youdthinkthatthey grewupinsomekindofzoo.WhenFrancis drank,hegotalittlemean,alittledark. So,kids,Perrysaid,wanderingovertothem, handsinpockets.Silhouettedagainstthesetting sun,bicepsbulging,muscularchesttaperingtohis narrowhips,helookedlikeaGreekstatue.What doyouthinkofthestuffwerebuilding? Theylookedattheirtoes.SOK,oneofthem grunted. Answertheman,Francissnapped.Complete sentences,lookingupandathim,likeyouvegota shredofselfrespect.Christ,whatareyou,five yearsold? Theyshifteduncomfortably.Itsfine,oneof themsaid. Wouldyouuseitathome? Oneofthemsnorted.No,man.Mydadsteals anythingnicewegetandsellsit. Oh,Perrysaid. FuckerbrokeintheothernightandIcaughthim withmyipod.Nearlytookhisfuckingheadoff withmycannonbeforeIsawwhoitwas.Fucking juicehead. Youshouldhavefuckedhimup,oneoftheother kidssaid.Mymapushedmypopsinfrontofa busonedaytogetridofhim,guybrokebothhis legsandnevercameback. Suzanneknewitwasmeanttoshockthem,but thatdidnttakeawayfromitsshockingness.Inthe warmfogofwritingandlivinginFlorida,itwas easytoforgetthatthesepeoplelivedinasquatter campandweretechnicallycriminals,andreceived noprotectionfromthelaw. Perry,though,justsquintedintothesunand nodded.Haveyouevertriedburglaralarms? ThekidslaughedderisivelyandSuzannewinced, butPerrywasundaunted.Youcouldbesurethat youwokeupwheneveranyoneentered,setupa lightandsirentoscarethemoff. Iwantonethatfiresspears,theonewiththe juiceheadfathersaid. Blowtorches,saidtheonewhosemotherpushed hisfatherunderabus. Iwantaforcefield,thethirdonesaid,speaking forthefirsttime.Iwantsomethingthatwillkeep

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/52 anyonefromcomingin,period,soIdonthaveto sleeponeeyeup,causeIllbesafe. Theothertwonodded,slowly. Damnstraight,Francissaid. ThatwasthelasttimeFrancissacolytesjoined themontherooftop.Instead,whentheyfinished worktheywenthome,walkingslowlyandtalking inlowmurmurs.Withjustthegrownupsonthe roof,itwasalotmoresubdued. Whatsthatsmoke?Lestersaid,pointingatthe blackbillowingcolumnofftothewest,inthe sunsetsglare. Housefire,Francissaid.Hastobe.Orabig fuckingcarwreck,maybe. Thefirefighterlookedaway.Itsnotsafe,he said. Whyarentyoufightingthefire?Suzannesaid. Francissheadsnappedaround.Yourenot fightingthefire!Youregoingtoletourhouses burn! Acouplemorefirefighterstrickledover.Across theriver,thefirehadconsumedhalfofthelittle settlement.Someoftheresidentswereoperatinga slowandponderousbucketbrigadefromthe canal,whileothersranintotheunburnedbuildings andemergedclutchingarmloadsofbelongings, bitsoffurniture,boxesofphotos.

Sir,themoviestarsaid,theownerofthis propertyhasaskedusnottointervene.Since Perryrandownthestairsandcamebackupwitha theresnoimminentrisktolifeandnoriskofthe pairofhighpowerbinox.Francis,thatsyour burnspreadingoffhisproperty,wecanttrespass place,hesaidafterasecondsfiddling.He toputoutthefire.Ourhandsaretied. handedthebinoxtoFrancis.Justhitthebutton Theowner?Francisspat.Thislandisintitle andtheyllselfstabilize. dispute.Thecourtcasehasbeenunderwayfor Thatsmyplace,Francissaid.Oh,Christ. twentyyearsnow.Whatowner? Hedgonegrayandseemedtohavesoberedup Themoviestarshrugged.ThatsallIknow,sir. instantly.Hislipswerewet,hiseyesbright. Acrossthecanal,thefirewasspreading,andthe Theydroveoveratspeed,Suzannewedgedinto bucketbrigadewasfallingback.Suzannecould Lestersfrankensmartcar,practicallyunderhis feeltheheatnow,likeputtingyourfaceinthe armpit,andPerrytravelingwithFrancis.Lester steamfromaboilingkettle. stillworethesamecologneasherfather,and whensheopenedthewindow,itssmellwas replacedbytheburningtiressmellofthefire.

Francisseethed,lookingfromthefiremenand theirtruckbacktothefire.Helookedlikehewas Theyarrivedtodiscoverafiretruckparkedonthe goingtopopsomething,orstartshouting,or chargeintotheflames. sideofthefreewaynearesttheshantytown.The firefighterswerestandingsoberlybesideit, Suzannegrabbedhishandandwalkedhimoverto watchingthefirerageacrossthecanal. thetruckandgrabbedthefirstfirefightershe encountered. Theyrushedforthefootbridgeandafirefighter blockedtheirway. ImSuzanneChurch,fromtheSanJoseMercury Sorry,itsnotsafe,hesaid.HewasLatino,good News,aMcClatchypaper.Idliketospeaktothe commandingofficeronthescene,please.She looking,likeamoviestar,bronzeskinflickering hadntbeenwiththeMercformonths,butshe withcopperhighlightsfromthefire. hadntbeenabletobringherselftosay,Im Ilivethere,Francissaid.Thatsmyhome.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/53 SuzanneChurchwithSuzanneChurch.org.She wasprettysurethatnomatterhowhighher readershipwasandhowprofitableheradsales were,thefirefighterwouldnthavebeen galvanizedintotheactionthatwasinvokedwhen shementionedthenameofarealnewspaper. badlyintheshallow,swampywater.Hehobbled acrosstotheoppositebankandbeganto laboriouslyclimbit. Asecondlater,Perryfollowed.ThenLester.

Chief!shesaid,goingaroundtheengineand pointing.TheChiefhadthephoneclampedtohis Hehoppedto,quicklymovingtoanolderman, headstill,butwhenhesawwhatwasgoingon,he tappinghimontheshoulder,whisperinginhisear. snappeditshut,droppeditinhispocketand SuzannesqueezedFrancisshandasthefirechief startedbarkingorders. approachedthem.Sheextendedherhandand talkedfast.SuzanneChurch,shesaid,andtook Nowthefirefightersmoved,boilingacrossthe bridge,uncoilinghoses,strappingontanksand outhernotebook,thekeypropinanysetpiece involvingareporter.Imtoldthatyouaregoing masks.Theyworkedineasy,fluidconcert,andit wasonlysecondsbeforethewaterandfoamhitthe toletthosehomesburnbecausesomeone flamesandthesmokechangedtowhitesteam. representinghimselfasthetitleholdertothat propertyhasdeniedyouentry.However,Imalso Theshantytownresidentscheered.Thefireslowly toldthatthetitletothatlandisindisputeandhas receded.PerryandLesterhadFrancis,holding beeninthecourtsfordecades.Canyouresolve himbackfromchargingintothefrayasthefire thisforme,Chief...? fightersexecutedtheirclockworkdance. ChiefBrianWannamaker,hesaid.Hewasher Thesteamwashotenoughtoscald,andSuzanne age,withtheleatheryskinofaFloridanativewho pulledthecollarofherblouseupoverherface. spentalotoftimeoutofdoors.ImafraidIhave Aroundherweretheshantytowners,motherswith nocommentforyouatthistime. smallchildren,oldmen,andaseeminglyendless Suzannekeptherfacedeadpan,andgaveFranciss paradeofthuglifeteenagers,theboysinminiature handawarningsqueezetokeephimquiet.Hewas cyclingshortsanddorags,thegirlsinbandeau tops,glittermakeup,andskirtsmadefrom tremblingnow.Isee.Youcantcomment,you overlappingstripsofrag,likepostapocalyptic cantfightthefire.Isthatwhatyoudlikemeto hulaoutfits.Theirfacesweretight,angry, writeintomorrowspaper? smudgedwithsmokeandpinkenedbytheheat. TheChieflookedatthefireforamoment.Across thecanal,thebucketbrigaderswerelosingworse Shesawtheonewhosefatherhadreportedlybeen pushedunderabusbyhismother,andhe thanever.HefrownedandSuzannesawthathis grimacedather.Whatwegonnadonow? handswereclenchedintofists.Letmemakea call,OK?Withoutwaitingforananswer,he Idontknow,shesaid.Areyouallright?Is turnedonhisheelandsteppedbehindthefire yourfamilyallright? engine,reachingforhiscellphone. Dontgotnowheretosleep,nowheretogo,he Suzannestrainedtohearhisconversation,butit said.Dontevenhaveachangeofclothes.My wasinaudibleoverthecrackleofthefire.When momswontstopcrying. sheturnedaroundagain,Franciswasgone.She Thereweretearsinhiseyes.Hewasalloffifteen, caughtsightofhimagaininjustamoment, runningforthecanal,thenjumpinginandlanding sherealized.Hedseemedmucholderontheroof. Shegatheredhimintoherarmsandgavehima

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/54 hug.Hewasstiffandawkwardatfirstandthenhe kindofmeltedintoher,weepingonhershoulder. Shestrokedhisbackandmurmuredreassuringly. Someoftheothershantytownerslookedatthe spectacle,thenlookedaway.Evenacoupleofhis homeboyswhomshedhavebetwouldhave laughedandpointedatthisshowofweakness onlylookedandthenpassedon.Onehadtears streakingthesmokesmudgesonhisface. andopenedthem,steppingbackasapuffof smokerosefromtheinside.Afirefighterspotted itanddivertedastreamofwaterintotheinterior, soakingFrancisandwhateverhadntburned.He turnedandshoutedsomethingatthefirefighter, buthewasalreadyhosingdownsomethingelse.

InsideFrancisstrailer,theysalvagedadrenched photoalbum,afewtools,andalockboxwith someofhispapersinit.Hehadbackeduphis Forsomeonewhoisntgoodatcomfortingpeople, laptoptohiswatchthatmorning,sohisdatawas Iseemtobedoingalotofit,shethought. safe.Ikeptmeaningtoscanthesein,hesaid, pagingthroughthephotosinthesoakedalbum. FrancisandLesterandPerryfoundherand Shouldhavedoneit. Francisgavetheboyagruffhugandtoldhim everythingwouldbefine. Nightwasfalling,themosquitoessingingand Thefirewasoutnow,thefirefighterhosingdown buzzing.Theneatlittlelanewaysandhomey, patchworkbuildingslayinruinsaroundthem. thelastembers,goingthroughthecrowdand checkingforinjuries.ATVnewscrewhadsetup andaprettyblackreporterinhertwentieswas doingastandup. Theillegalsquattercommunityhaslongbeen identifiedasaproblemareaforganganddrug activitybytheBrowardCountySheriffsoffice. Thedestructionhereseemstotal,butits impossibletosaywhetherthisspellstheendof thisencampment,orwhetherthedenizenswill rebuildandstayon. Theshantytownersclusteredinlittlegroupsor pickedthroughtheruins.Driversofpassingcars sloweddowntorubberneck,andafewshouted filthy,vengefulthingsatthem.Suzannetook picturesoftheirlicenseplates.Shedpublishthem whenshegothome.

Alightdrizzlefell.Childrencried.Theswampy soundsofcicadasandfrogsandmosquitoesfilled thegrowingdarkandthenthestreetlightsflicked onalldowntheriverofhighway,painting Suzanneburnedwithshame.Thatcouldhavebeen everythinginbluewhitemercuryglow. her.Whenshedfirstseenthisplace,ithadbeen Wevegottogettentsup,Francissaid.He likesomethingoutofadocumentaryonEthiopia. grabbedacoupleofyoungmenandgavethem Asshedcometoknowit,ithadgrownhomier. orders,thingstolookforfreshwater,plastic Theresidentsbuiltpiecemeal,onewallatatime, sheeting,anythingwithwhichtoerectshelters. onewindow,onepouredconcretefloor,asthey Lesterstartedtohelpthem,andPerrystoodwith couldaffordit.Noneofthemhadmortgages,but hishandsonhiships,nexttoSuzanne. theyhadneatvegetablegardensandwalkways JesusChrist,hesaid.Thisisafuckingdisaster. spelledoutinwhitestoneswithgardengnomes Imean,thesepeopleareusedtolivingrough,but standingguard. thishebrokeoff,wavinghishandshelplessly. Thereporterwasstaringatherandnaturallyso; Hewipedhispalmsoffonhisbutt,thengrabbed shedbeenstaringatthereporter.Glaringather. Francis. MyRV,Francissaid,pointing,distractingher.It Getthemgoing,hesaid.Getthemtogatherup wasacharredwreck.Hewenttothemelteddoors

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/55 theirstuffandwalkthemdowntoourplace. Wevegotspaceforeveryonefornowatleast. Suzannehadneverhadasenseofhowmany peoplelivedintheshantytownbutnowshecould Francislookedlikehewasgoingtosaysomething, countthemastheymassedupbytheroadsideand begantowalk:ahundred,alittlemorethana thenhestopped.Heclimbedprecariouslyupon thehoodofLesterscarandshoutedforpeopleto hundred.Moreifyoucountedthesurprising gatherround.Theboyshebossedaroundtookup numberofbabies. thecallanditwasntlongbeforenearlyeveryone LesterconferredbrieflywithFrancisandthen wasgatheredaroundthem. Francistappedthreeoftheoldtimersandtwoof themotherswithbabesinarmsandtheycrammed Caneveryonehear?ThisisasloudasIgo. intoLesterscarandhetookoff.Suzannewalked Thereweremurmursofassent.Suzannehadseen bytheroadsidewiththelonglineofrefugees, himmeetwithhispeoplebeforeinthedaylight listeningtotheirmurmuringconversation,andina andthegoodtimes,seentherespecttheyafforded fewminutes,Lesterwasbacktopickupmore tohim.Hewasnttheleader,perse,butwhenhe people,atFrancissdiscretion. spoke,peoplelistened.Itwasacharacteristicshed encounteredintheautotradeandintechnology,in Perrywasbesidehernow,hiseyesamillionmiles theonestheothersallgravitatedto.Charismatics. away. Whatnow?shesaid. Wevegotaplacetostayabituptheroadfor tonight.Itsaboutahalfhourwalk.Itsindoors andtherestoilets,butmaybenotmuchtomake bedsoutof.Takewhatyoucancarryforabouta mile,youcancomebacktomorrowfortherest. Youdonthavetocome,butthisisntgoingtobe anyfuntonight. Awomancameforward.Shewasyoung,butnot youngenoughtobeahomegirl.Shehadlongdark hairandshetwistedherhandsasshespokeina softvoicetoFrancis.Whataboutourstuff?We cantleaveitheretonight.Itsallwevegot. Francisnodded.Weneedtenpeopletostand guardintwoshiftsoffivetonight.Youngpeople. Youllgetflashlightsandphones,coffeeand whateverelsewecangiveyou.Justkeepthe rubberneckersout.Therubberneckerswereoutof earshot.Theaccounttheydgetofthiswouldcome fromthenewsanchorwhodtellthemhow dangerousanddirtythisplacewas.Theydnever seewhatSuzannesaw,tenmenandwomen forminguptoonesideofthecrowd.Youngbraves andhomegirls,peopleherage,theirfacessolemn. Francisoversawthegatheringupofbelongings. Weputthemintheworkshoptonight,tomorrow wehelpthembuildhouses. Atyourplace?Youregoingtoletthemstay? Whynot?Wedontusehalfofthatland.The landlordgetshischeckeverymonth.Hasntbeen byinfiveyears.Hewontcare. Shetookacouplemoresteps.Perry,Imgoingto writeaboutthis,shesaid. Oh,hesaid.Theywalkedfurther.Asmallchild wascrying.Ofcourseyouare.Well,fuckthe landlord.IllsicKettlewellonhimifhesquawks. WhatdoyouthinkKettlewellwillthinkaboutall this? This?Look,thisiswhatIvebeensayingall along.Weneedtomakeproductsforthesepeople. Theyreahugeuntappedmarket. WhatshewantedtoaskwasWhatwouldTjansay aboutthis?buttheydidnttalkaboutTjanthese days.Kettlewellhadpromisedthemanew businessmanagerforweeks,butnonehad appeared.Perryhadtakenovermoreandmoreof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/56 themanagerialroles,andwasgettinglessandless workshoptimein.Shecouldtellitfrustratedhim. InherdiscussionswithKettlewell,hedconfided thatithadturnedouttobehardertofindsuitsthan itwasfindingwildlyinventivenerds.Lotsof peoplewantedtorunbusinesses,butthenumber whoactuallyseemedlikelytobecapableofdoing sowasonlyasmallfraction. shedignoredandeverypassedoutdrunkshed steppedover.

Therewerenoblankets,therewerenobeds.The squatterssleptontheconcretefloor.Young couplesspoonedundertables.Childrensnuggled betweentheirparents,orheldontotheirmothers. AsthesquattersdosseddownandasSuzanne walkedpastthemtogettohercarherheartbroke Theycouldseethejunkyardnow.Perrypulledout ahundredtimes.Shefeltlikeoneofthose hisphoneandcalledhisserverandtouchtoned Depressioneraphotographerswalkingthroughan thecodestoturnonallthelightsandunlockall Okiecamp,arendingvisualateachcorner. thedoors. Backatherrentedcondo,shefoundherselfatthe Theylostacoupleofkidsintheaislesof miraculousjunk,andFrancishadtosendout biggerkidstofindthemandbringthemback, holdingthetreasurestheydfoundtotheirchests. Lesterkeptgoingbackformoreoldtimers,more mothers,morestragglers,operatinghisferry serviceuntiltheywereallindoorsinthe workshop. Thisistheplace,Francissaid.Wellstay indoorsheretonight.Toiletsarethereandthere orderlylines,noshoving. footofhercomfortablebedwithitsthickduvet shelikedkeepingtheACturnedupenoughto snuggleunderablanketandthefourpillows. Shewasinherjammies,butshecouldntclimbin betweenthosesheets. Shecouldnt. Andthenshewasbackinhercarwithallher blankets,sheets,pillows,bigtowelseventhe sofacushions,whichthelandlordwasnotgoingto behappyaboutandspeedingbacktothe workshop.

Whataboutfood?askedamanwithasmallboy Sheletherselfinandsetaboutdistributingthe sleepingoverhisshoulder. blanketsandpillowsandtowels,pickingoutthe ThisisnttheRedCross,Al,Francissnapped. families,theoldpeople.Awomanapparently Wellorganizefoodforourselvesinthe ablebodiedandyoung,butskinnysatupand morning. said,Hey,wheresoneforme?Suzanne Perrywhisperedinhisear.Francisshookhishead, recognizedthevoice.ThejunkiefromtheIHOP. Lestersfriend.Theonewhodgrabbedherand andPerrywhisperedsomemore. cursedher. Therewillbefoodinthemorning.ThisisPerry. Shedidntwanttogivethewomanablanket.She Itshisplace.HesgoingtogotoCostcoforus onlyhadtwoleftandtherewereoldpeoplelying whentheyopen. onthebarefloor. Thecrowdcheeredandafewofthewomen Wheresoneforme?thewomansaidmore huggedhim.Someofthemenshookhishand. Perryblushed.Suzannesmiled.Thesepeoplewere loudly.Someofthesleepersstirred.Someofthem satup. goodpeople.Theydbeenthroughmorethan Suzannecouldimagine.Itfeltrightthatshecould Suzannewasshaking.Whothehellwassheto helpthemlikemakingupforeverypanhandler decidewhogotablanket?Didbeingrudetoherat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/57 theIHOPdisqualifyyoufromgettingbedding whenyourhouseburneddown? Suzannegaveherablanket,andshesnatchedone ofthesofacushionsbesides. Itswhyshesstillalive,Suzannethought.How shessurvived. Shegaveawaythelastblanketandwenthometo sleeponhernakedbedunderneathanoldcoat,a rolledupsweaterforapillow.Afterhershower, shedriedherselfonteeshirts,havinggivenaway allhertowelstouseasbedding. Thenewshantytownwentupfastfasterthan sheddreamedpossible.Theboyshelped.Lester downloadedalltheinformationhecouldfindon temporarysheltersbuildingoutofmud,outof sandbags,outofcorrugatedcardboardandsheets ofplasticandtheytriedthemall.Someofthe houseshadtwoormorericketyseemingstories, buttheyallfeltsolidenoughasshetouredthem, snappingphotosofproudhomesteadersstanding nexttotheirhandiwork. thesuccessesoftheHomeAwarewithoutwriting abouttheworkforcethatwasturningoutthe devicesandaddonsbythethousands,allaround her,inimpromptufactorieswithimpromptu workers. Why?Perrysaid.Hedbeenadervish,filling orders,trainingpeople,fightingfires.Bynightfall, hewasholloweyedandsnappish.Lesterdidnt jointhemontheroofanymore.Helikedtohang outwithFrancisandsomeoftheyoungmenand pitchhorseshoesdownintheshantytown,ortinker withthecompostingtoiletshedbeeninstallingat strategiccrossroadsthroughthetown.Cantyou justconcentrateonthebusiness?

Perry,thisisthebusiness.Kettlewellhasntsenta replacementforTjanandyouvefilledinand youveturnedthisplaceintosomethinglikea workerownedcoop.Thatsimportantnewsthe pointofthisexerciseistotryallthedifferent businessesthatarepossibleandseewhatworks.If youvefoundsomethingthatworks,Ishouldwrite aboutit.Especiallysinceitsnotjustsolving Kodacellsproblem,itssolvingtheproblemforall Littlethingswentmissingfromtheworkshops tools,easilypawnedbooksandkeepsakes,Perrys ofthosepeople,too. walletandtheyallstartedlockingtheirdesk Perrydrankhisbeerinsullensilence.Idont drawers.Therewerejunkiesinamongthe wantKettlewelltogetmoreinvolvedinthis.Its squatters,anddesperatepeople,andimmoral goinggood.Scrutinycouldkillit. people,themtoo.Onedayshefoundthathercute littlegoldearringswerentbesideherdesklamp, Youvegotnothingtobeembarrassedabout here,shesaid.Theresnothingherethatisntas whereshedleftthemthenightbeforeandshe practicallyburstintotears,feelingsetupononall itshouldbe. sides. Perrylookedatherforalongmoment.Hewasat Shefoundtheearringslaterthatday,atthebottom theendofhisfuse,tryingtodotoomuch,andshe regrettedhavingbroughtitup.Youdowhatyou ofherpurse,andthatonlymadethingsworse. Eventhoughshehadntvoicedasingleaccusation, havetodo,hesaid. shedaccusedeveryoneofthesquattersinher mindthatday.Shefoundherselfunabletomeet theireyesfortherestoftheweek. ::Theoriginalshantytownwasastonishing.Built aroundanexusof ::trailersandRVsthatdidntlookintheleast roadworthy,the ::settlershadaddeddwellingondwellingtotheir

Ihavetowriteaboutthis,shesaidtoPerry. Thisispartofthestory.Shedstayedclearofit foramonth,butshecouldntgoonwritingabout

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/58 littlepatchof ::land.Theystartedwithplasticsheetingand poles,andwhenthey ::secondstoryroomsoppositeoneanotherinone ofthenarrow

::streetsconsummatedtheirrelationshipby ::couldaffordit,theyreplacedthesheets,oneata buildingaskybridge time,with ::betweentheirrooms,payingjointrenttotwo landlords. ::bricksorpouredconcreteandrebar.They thatchedtheirroofs :: ::withpalmleaves,shingles,linoleum,corrugated ::Thethingthesemotleyhouseshadincommon, tineven allofthem,was ::plywoodwithflattenedbeercans.Somewalls werewood.Somehad ::windows.Someweremadefromoldcardoors, withhandcranked ::handlestolowerthemintheday,thenrollthem upagainat ::nightwhenthemosquitoescameout.Mostof thesettlersslepton ::nets. :: ::Asecondwavehadmovedintothesettlement, justasIarrived, ::andratherthanbuildingoutandfartheraway fromtheir ::neighborslatrines,waterpumpandmysterious sourcesof ::electricalpowertheybuiltup,ontopofthe existing ::ingenuityandprideofwork.Theyhadneat vegetablegardens, ::flowerboxes,andfreshpaint.Theyhadkids bikesleanedup ::againsttheirwalls,andthesmellofgood cookingintheair. ::Theywerehomelyhomes. :: ::Manyofthepeoplewholivedinthesehouses workedregular ::servicejobs,walkingthreemilestothenearest citybusstop ::everymorningandthreemilesbackevery evening.Theysent ::theirkidstoschool,fakinglocaladdresseswith POboxes.Some ::wereretired.Somewerejustdownontheirluck. ::

::structures,shoringupthewallswherenecessary. ::Theyhelpedeachother.Whensomething Itwasnt preciouswasstolen,the ::hurricaneproof,butneitherarethecrackerbox ::communitypitchedintofindthethieves.When condosthat oneofthem ::propertyownersoccupy.Theymade contractualarrangementswith ::thedwellersofthefirststories,paidthemrent. Acouplewith ::startedalittlebusinesssellingsodasor sandwichesoutofher ::shanty,theotherspatronizedher.When someoneneededmedical

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/59 ::care,theychippedinforataxitothefreeclinic, squatters orsomeone ::before,butthelegalhassleslefttheminhappy ::withaworkingcardrovethem.Theywerelike limbo.Whatthe theneighborsof ::lawcouldntaccomplish,thefiredid. ::thelonglamentedAmericantown,anidealof civicvirtuethatis ::soremoteinourancestryastohavebecome mythical.Therewere ::eyesonthestreethere,proudresidentswho knewwhateveryone ::wasaboutandsawtoitthatbadbehaviorwas curbedbeforeit ::couldgetstarted. :: ::Somehow,itburneddown.Thefiredepartment wontinvestigate, ::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 :: ::Thestoryhasahappyending.Theboyshave movedthesquatters ::intotheirfactory,andnowtheyhavelivework condosthat ::looklikesomethingDrSeussdesigned[photo gallery].Likethe ::CentralParkshantytownofthelastcentury, theselooklikethey ::wereconstructedbycrazypoetsanddistributed byawhirlwind ::thathadbeendrinking,asapressaccountof thedayhadit. :: ::Lastyear,thecitycompletedanewhousing projectnearbyto ::here,andsocialworkersdescendedonthe shantytownerstoget ::themtopickupandmovetotheselowrent highrises.The ::shantytownerswouldntgo:Itwastoo expensive,saidMrsX, ::whodoesntwantherfamilybackinOklahoma toknowshes ::squattingwithherhusbandandtheiryoung daughter.Wecant ::affordanyrent,notifwewanttoputfoodonthe tableon ::whatweearn. ::

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/60 ::Shemadetherightdecision:thehousingproject Herstomachlurched.Shedgottentheboysin isanurban trouble.Ishemad? ::renewalnightmare,filledwithcrimeand junkies,thekindof ::placewherelittleoldladiestriplechaintheir doorsandorder ::ingroceriesthattheypayforwithdirectdebit, unwillingto ::keepanycasharound. :: IcouldnttellIgotvoicemailatthreeAM. MidnightinSanJose,thehouratwhichKettlewell gothismadimpulses.Hellbeherethis afternoon. Thatjetmakesittooeasyforhimtogetaround, shesaid,andstretchedoutherback.Sittingather deskallmorningansweringemailsandcleaning upsomedraftpostsbeforebloggingthemhadher inknots.Itwaspracticallylunchtime.

::Thesquattervillagewasashantytown,butitwas Perry,shebegan,thentrailedoff. noslum.Itwas Itsallright,hesaid.Iknowwhyyoudidit. ::aneighborhoodthatcouldbeimproved.Andthe Christ,wewouldntbewhereweareifyouhadnt writtenaboutus.Iminnopositiontotellyouto boysaredoing stopnow.Heswallowed.Themonthsincethe ::that:havingrelocatedthevillagetotheir shantytownershadmovedinhadputfiveyearson grounds,theyre him.Histanwasfading,thewrinklesaroundhis eyesdeeper,greysaltinghisstubblybeardand ::inventingandremixingnewtechniquesfor shorthair.ButyoullhelpmewithKettlewell, buildingcheapand right? ::homeyshelterfast.[profile:tenshantiesandthe Illcomealongandwritedownwhathesays, technology shesaid.Thatusuallyhelps. ::insidethem] Theresponsewasenormousandpassionate. Dozensofreaderswrotetotellherthatshedbeen takeninbythesecrookswhohadstolentheland theysquatted.Shedexpectedthatshedfeltthat wayherself,whenshedfirstwalkedpastthe shantytown. Butwhatsurprisedhermorewerethemessage boardpostsandemailsfromhomelesspeople whodbeenlivingintheircars,onthestreets,in squattedhousesorinshanties.Toreadthese,youd thinkthathalfherreadershipwassleepingrough andgettingonlineatlibraries,Starbuckses,and stumbledwirelessnetworksthattheyaccessed withantiquelaptopsonstreetcorners. ::Kodacellissupposedtobeanewwayofdoing business. ::Decentralized,netsavvy,reallytwentyfirst century.The ::suckuptechpressandtechaddledbloggers havebeentrumpeting ::itstriumphoverallothermodesofcommerce. :: ::Butwhatdoesdecentralizationreallymean?On herblogthis

::week,formerjournalistSuzanneChurchreports Kettlewellscomingdowntoseethis,Perrysaid. thattheinmates ::runningtheflagshipKodacellasylumin

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/61 suburbanFloridahave wasrelocated

::invitedanentirevillageofhomelesssquattersto ::totheKodacellfactoryinFlorida.Itwasa takeup dangerousslumfull ::residenceattheirfactorypremises. :: ::Describingtheirillegalhomesteadingaslive workcondosthat ::DrSeussmighthavedesigned,Kodacellshill Churchgoesonto ::describehowthiscaptive,liveinaudiencehas beenconvertedto ::aworkforceforKodacellsmostprofitableunit (most ::profitableisarelativeterm:todate,thisunit hasturneda ::ofdrugdealers.Noneoftheparentsinmy neighborhoodlettheir ::kidsridetheirbikesalongtheroadthatpassedit byitwas ::ahavenforallkindsofdownandouttrash. :: ::Thereyouhaveit,thefutureoftheAmerican workforce: ::downandoutjunkiesquattersworkingfor starvationwages.

Kettlewell,youcantletjerkslikeFreddyrunthis company.Hesjustlookingtosellbannerspace. ::profitofabout1.5million,perthelastquarterly ThisishowtheBritragswriteitsall meanspiritedsniping.Suzannehadneverseen report;by Kettlewellsofrustrated.Hissurfergoodlooks ::contrasttheoldKodaksmostprofitableunit werefadingfasthewasgettingalittlepaunchon madetwentytimes himandhischeeksweresaggingoffhisbonesinto thebeginningsofjowls.Hiscarhadpulledupto ::thatinitslastquarterofoperation). theendofthedrivewayandhedgottenoutand :: walkedthroughtheshantytownwiththeairofa maninadream.Thetruckerswhopulledinand ::Americahasagrandtraditionofthiskindof outallweekpickingupordershadoccasionally indenturedliving: hadacuriouswordattheoddlittlesettlement,but ::thecoalbaronscompanytownsofthe19th forSuzanneithadallbutdisappearedintoher centuryarethe normalexperience.Kettlewellmadeitstrangeand ::originalmodelforthiskindofindustrialpractice evenalittleoutrageous,justbyhisstiff,outraged intheUSA. walkthroughitsstreets. ::Substandardhousingandonlyoneemployerin townthatsthe YouthinkImlettingFreddydrivethisdecision? Hehadspittleflecksonthecornersofhismouth. ::kindofbravenewworldthatChurchsboyfriend Christ,Suzanne,youresupposedtobetheadult aroundhere. Kettlewellhas Perrylookedupfromthefloorinfrontofhim, ::created. whichhehadbeenstaringatintently.Suzanne :: caughthisinvoluntaryglareatKettlewellbefore ::Areaderwrites:Iliveneartheshantytownthat hedroppedhiseyesagain.Lesterputabigmeaty

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/62 pawonPerrysshoulder.Kettlewellwasoblivious. andhesbeenworkinghimselfsickforyou.Were flyingbytheseatofourpantsherebecauseyou Thosepeoplecantstay,allright?The haventsentusapilot. shareholdersarebayingforblood.Thefucking liabilityChrist,whatifoneofthoseplacesburns down?Whatifoneofthemknifesanotherone? Wereonthehookforeverythingtheydo.We couldendupbeingonthehookforafucking choleraepidemic. Irrationally,SuzanneburnedwithangeratFreddy. Hehadwritteneveryvenal,biliouswordwiththe hopethatitwouldresultinascenejustlikethis one.Andnotbecausehehadanysubstantive objectiontowhatwasgoingon:simplybecausehe hadaneedtoderidethatwhichothershailed.He wasntafflictingthemighty,though:hewastaking ontheverymeekest,peoplewhohadnothing, includingameansofspeakingupforthemselves. Perrylookedup.Youveaskedmetocomeup withsomethingnewandincredibleeverythreeto sixmonths.Well,thisisnewandincredible. Wevebuiltalivinglabonourdoorstepfor exploringanenormousmarketopportunityto providelowcost,sustainabletechnologyforuse byasubstantialsegmentofthepopulationwho havenofixedaddress.Therearemillionsof Americansquattersandbillionsofsquatters worldwide.Theyhavemoneytospendandnoone elseistryingtogetitfromthem. Kettlewellthrusthischinforward.Howmany millions?Howmuchmoneydotheyhaveto spend?Howdoyouknowthatanyofthiswill makeusasinglecent?Wheresthemarket research?Wasthereany?Ordidyoujustinvitea hundredhobostopitchtheirtentoutfrontofmy factoryonthestrengthofyourhalfassed guesses? Lesterheldupahand.Wedonthaveanymarket research,Kettlewell,becausewedonthavea businessmanagerontheteamanymore.Perrys beentakingthatoveraswellashisregularwork, YouneedanMBAtotellyounottoturnyour workplaceintoaslum?Kettlewellsaid.Hewas boiling.Suzanneverycarefullypulledoutherpad andwrotethisdown.Itwasallshehad,but sometimesitwasenough. Kettlewellnoticed.Getout,hesaid.Iwantto talkwiththesetwoalone. No,Suzannesaid.Thatsnotourdeal.Igetto documenteverything.Thatsthedeal. Kettlewellglaredather,andthenhedeflated.He saggedandtooktwostepstothechairbehind Perrysdeskandcollapsedintoit. Putthenotebookaway,Suzanne,please? Shesilentlyshookherheadathim.Helockedeyes withherforamoment,thennoddedcurtly.She resumedwriting. Guys,themajorshareholdersaregoingtostart dumpingtheirstockthisweek.Acoupleof pensionfunds,amerchantbank.Itsaboutten, fifteenpercentofthecompany.Whenthat happens,ourtickerpriceisgoingtofallbysixty percentormore. Theyregoingtoshortusbecausetheydontlike whatwevedonehere?Perrysaid.Christ,thats ridiculous! Kettlewellsighedandputhisfaceinhishands, scrubbedathiseyes.No,Perry,no.Theyredoing itbecausetheycantfigureouthowtovalueus. Ourbusinessunitshaveanindustryhighreturnon investment,buttheresnotenoughofthem.Weve onlysignedathousandteamsandwewantedten thousand,soninetypercentofthemoneywehad tospendissittinginthebankatgarbageinterest rates.Weneedtosoakupthatmoneywithbig projectstheHooverDam,HongKong Disneyland,theBigDig.Allwevegotarelittle

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/63 projects. alivinglab:thisisthekindofmarketintelligence Soitsnotourfaultthen,isit?Lestersaid.Perry youcantbuy,righthere.Weshouldsetupmore ofthese.Invitesquattersalloverthecountryto wasstaringoutthewindow. moveontoourgrounds,testoutourproducts,help No,itsnotyourfault,butthisdoesnthelp.This usdesign,buildandmarketthem.Wecanrecruit isadisasterwaitingtoturnintoacatastrophe. travelingsalespeopletogodoortodoorinthe shantiesandtakeorders.Shit,man,youtalkabout Calmdown,Landon,Perrysaid.Calmdown theGrameenBankallthetimewhynotgointo forasecandlistentome,OK? businessprovidingthesepeoplewitheasy Kettlewelllookedathimandsighed.Goahead. microcreditwithoutpreyingonthemthewaythe banksdo?Thenwecouldloanthemmoneytobuy Therearemorethanabillionsquatters thingsthatwesellthemthattheyusetobetter worldwide.SanFranciscohasbeengivingout tentsandshoppingcartseversincetheyranoutof theirlivesandearnmoremoneysotheycanpay shelterbedsinthenineties.FromCopenhagento usbackandbuymorethingsandborrowmore money Capetown,therearemoreandmorepeoplewho aregoingoffthegrid,ofteninthemiddleof Kettlewellheldupahand.Ilikethetheory.Itsa cities. nicestory.ButIhavetosellthistomyBoard,and Suzannenodded.TheyfarmDetroit,intheruins ofoldbuildings.Raisecropsandsellthem. Chickens,too.Evenpigs. theywantmorethanstories:wherecanIgetthe researchtobackthisup?

Wereit,Perrysaid.Thisplace,righthere. TheresnonumberstoprovewhatImsayingis Theressomethingthere.Thesepeoplehave money,likeIsaid.Theybuyandsellinthestream rightbecauseeveryonewhoknowsitsrightistoo busychasingafteritandnooneelsebelievesit. ofcommerce.Theyoftenhavetobuyata premiumbecausetheservicesandgoodsavailable Butrighthere,ifwereallowedtodothisright herewecanproveit.Wevegotthecapitalinour tothemarelimitedthinkofhowahomeless account,wereprofitable,andwecanrollthose personcanttakeadvantageofbulkpackaged profitsbackintomoreR&Dforthefutureofthe perishablesbecauseshedoesnthaveafridge. company. Theyarethespiritofingenuity,tootheymod theircars,caves,anythingtheycanfindtobe Suzannewaswritingsofastshewasgettingahand livingquarters.TheyturnRVsintopermanent cramp.Perryhadnevergivenspeecheslikethis, homes.Theyknowmoreabouttents,sleeping evenamonthbefore.Tjansleavinghadhurtthem bagsandcardboardthananyUNSHELTER all,butthegrowthithadprecipitatedinPerrywas specialist.Thesepeopleneedhousing,goods, stunning. appliances,younameit.ItswhatTjanusedtocall agreenfieldmarket:nooneelseknowsitsthere. Kettlewellarguedmore,butPerrywasa steamrollerandSuzannewaswritingdownwhat Youwantsomethingyoucanspendungodly everyonesaidandthatkeptitallcivil,likeasilent amountsofmoneyon?Thisisit.Geteveryteam inthecompanytocomeupwithproductsforthese camerarollinginthecorneroftheroom.Noone lookedather,butshewasthethingtheywere people.Soakupeverycenttheyspend.Betterus conspicuouslynotlookingat. providingthemwithqualitygoodsatreasonable pricesthanlettingthemgetrippedoffbythe Francistookthenewscalmly.Soundbusiness profiteerswhohaveacaptivemarket.Thisplantis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/64 strategy.Basically,itswhatIvebeentellingyou todoallalong,soImboundtolikeit. fromthenightofthefirecamebyandsaidvery nicethingsduringherstandup.Hernamewas IttookacoupleweekstohiveofftheHomeAware Mariaandshewashappytotalkshopwith stufftosomeoftheotherKodacellbusinessunits. Suzanne,endlesslyfascinatedbyareal Perryflewabunch,spendingdaysinMinnesota, journalistwhodgonepermanentlyslummingon theInternet. Oregon,Ohio,andMichiganoverseeingthe retoolingeffortsthatwouldlethimfocusonhis Theproblemisthatallthisstuffistoo newproject. specialized,ithastoomanyprerequisites,Perry Bythetimehegotback,Lesterhadretooledtheir said,staringatawaterproof,cementimpregnated bagthatcouldbefilledwithahose,allowedto ownworkspace,convertingittofourfunctional dry,andusedasaselfcontainedroom.This areas:communications,shelter,foodand entertainment.TheywereFrancissidea,hesaid. thingisgreatforrefugees,butitstooonesizefits Francissgimpylegwasbotheringhimmoreand allforsquatters.Theyhavetobeabletoheavily customizeeverythingtheyusetofitintoreally more,buthedoverseentheworkfromarolling specializedniches. ergonomicofficechair.Itshisversionofthe hierarchyofneedsstuffheknowsforsurewe cansell. Moresquattershadarrivedtotakeupresidence withthemfamilies,friends,acoupleofdodgy driftersandathirdstorywasgoingontothe Itwasthefirsttimetheboyshadlaunched buildingsinthecamp.TheywereevenmoreDr somethingnewwithoutknowingwhatitwas, Seussianthanthefirstround,idiosyncratic wheretheydstartedwithanicheanddecidedto fillitinsteadofstartingwithanideaandlooking structuresthathadtobebuiltlighttoavoid crushingthefloorsbelowthem,hangingoutover foranicheforit. thenarrowstreets,corkscrewinglikevinesseeking Youregoingtounderestimatetheresearchtime, sun. Francissaidduringoneoftheirflipchart brainstorms,wheretheyhadbeencoveringsheet Hekeptstaring,andwouldhavebeenstaringstill hadhenotheardthesirens.Threeblueandwhite aftersheetwithideasforproductstheycould BrowardCountysheriffscarswereracingdown build.Everyoneunderestimatesresearchtime. theaccessroadintotheirdeadmall,sirens Decidingwhattomakeisalwaysharderthan howling,lightsblazing. makingit.Hedbeendrinkinglesssincehed gotteninvolvedintheretoolingeffort,waking Theyscreechedtoahaltattheshantytownsedge earlier,bossingaroundhisyoungbloodposseto andtheirdoorsflewopen.Fourcopsmoved gethimpaper,bricks,Tinkertoys. quicklyintotheshantytown,whiletwomore Hewasright.Suzannesteadilyrecordedtheweeks workedtheradios,shelteringbythecars. tickingbyasthefourcompetinglabsfocus grouped,designed,testedandscrappedallmanner oftchotchkesfortramps,asFreddyhaddubbed itinaspiralingseriesofevermorebilious columns.Butthepresswasmostlypositive: cameracrewslikedtocomebyandshootthe compound.Onetime,theprettyblackreporter JesusChrist,Perrysaid.Heranforthedoor,but Suzannegrabbedhim. Dontruntowardarmedcops,shesaid.Dont doanythingthatlooksthreatening.Slowdown, Perry. Hetookacoupledeepbreaths.Thenhelooked aroundhislabforawhile,franticallymuttering,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/65 WherethefuckdidIputit? UseHomeAware,shesaid.Heshookhishead, grimaced,wenttoakeyboardandtyped MEGAPHONE.Oneofthelabdrawersstartedto throbwithawhiteglow. Hepulledoutthemegaphoneandwenttohis window. andtherewasanothershotandhespunaround, staggeredbackastep,andfelldownlikeasackof grain.Therewasbloodaroundhishead.Suzanne stuckherhandinhermouthtostifleascreamand stoodhelplesslyinthedoorwayoftheworkshop, justafewpacesfromPerry.

Lestercameupbehindherandfirmlymovedher aside.Helumbereddeliberatelyandslowlyand ATTENTIONPOLICE,hesaid.THISISTHE fearlesslytoPerrysside,kneltbesidehim, LEASEHOLDERFORTHISPROPERTY.WHY touchedhimgently.Hisfacewasgrey.Perry AREYOURUNNINGAROUNDWITHYOUR thrashedsoftlyandSuzanneletoutasoundlikea GUNSDRAWN?WHATISGOINGON? cry,thenrememberedherselfandtookouther Thepoliceatthecarslookedtowardtheworkshop, cameraandbegantoshootandshootandshoot: thecops,LesterwithPerrylikeatragicPieta,the thenbacktotheshantytown,thenbacktothe shantytownersrunningbackandforthscreaming. workshop. Snapofthecopsgettingoutoftheircars,gunsin SERIOUSLY.THISISNOTCOOL.WHAT hands,snapofthemfanningoutaroundthe AREYOUDOINGHERE? shantytown,snapofthemcomingcloserand closer,snapofacoppointinghisgunatLester, Oneofthecopsgrabbedthemicforhisown loudhailer.THISISTHEBROWARDCOUNTY orderinghimawayfromPerry,snapofacop approachingher. SHERIFFSDEPARTMENT.WEHAVE RECEIVEDINTELLIGENCETHATAN Itslive,shesaid,notlookingupfromthe ARMEDFUGITIVEISONTHESEPREMISES. viewfinder.Goingoutlivetomyblog.Daily WEHAVECOMETORETRIEVEHIM. readershiphalfamillion.Theyrewatchingyou WELL,THATSWEIRD.NONEOFTHE CHILDREN,CIVILIANSAND HARDWORKINGPEOPLEHEREARE FUGITIVESASFARASIKNOW.CERTAINLY THERESNOONEARMEDAROUNDHERE. WHYDONTYOUGETBACKINYOURCARS ANDILLCOMEOUTANDWELLRESOLVE THISLIKECIVILIZEDPEOPLE,OK? now,everymove.Doyouunderstand? Theofficersaid,Putthecameradown,maam. Sheheldthecamera.IcantquotetheFirst Amendmentfrommemory,notexactly,butIknow itwellenoughthatImnotmovingthiscamera. Itslive,youunderstandeverymoveisgoingout live,rightnow.

Theofficersteppedback,turnedhishead, Thecopshookhisheadandreachedforhismic again,andthenthereweretwogunshots,ascream, mutteredinhismic. andathird. Theresanambulancecoming,hesaid.Your friendwasshotwithanonlethalrubberbullet. PerryranforthedoorandSuzannechasedafter him,tryingtostophim.Thecopsatthecarswere Hesbleedingfromthehead,Lestersaid.From talkingintentlyintotheirradios,thoughitwas theeye. impossibletoknowiftheyweretalkingtotheir Suzanneshuddered. comradesintheshantytownortotheir headquarters.Perryburstoutofthefactorydoor Ambulancesirensinthedistance.Lesterstroked

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/66 Perryshair.Suzannetookastepbackandpanned itoverPerrysruinedface,bloodyandswollen. Therubberbulletmusthavetakenhimeitherright intheeyeorjustoverit. enfoldedherinhishuge,warmarms.Shecould barelymakeherarmsmeetaroundhisbroad,soft backitwaslikehuggingagiantloafofbread. Shesqueezedtighterandhedidtoo.Hewasa PerryMasonGibbonswasunarmedandposedno goodhugger. threattoSheriffsDeputyBadgeNumber5724 Youholdinginthere,kiddo?shesaid. shezoomedinonitwhenhewasshotwitha Yeah,hemurmuredintoherneck.No.He rubberbulletintheeye.Heisunconsciousand squeezedtighter.AswellasIneedto,anyway. bloodyonthegroundinfrontoftheworkshop wherehehasworkedquietlyandunassuminglyto Thedoctorpriedthemaparttotellthemthatthe EEGandfMRIwerebothnegativeforanybrain inventandmanufacturenewtechnologies. damage,andthattheydmanagedtosalvagethe Thecopknewwhentocuthislosses.Heturned eye,probably.Kodacellwasspringingforallthe asideandwalkedbackintotheshantytown, careheneeded,cashmoney,nodorkingaround leavingSuzannetoturnhercameraonPerry,on withthefuckingHMO,sothedoctorshadputhim theEMTswhoevaccedhimtotheambulance,on througheverymachineonthepremisesinaseries thethreeinjuredshantytownerswhowereonthe offarcicallyexpensivetests. ambulancewithhim,onthecorpsetheywheeled Ihopetheysuethecopsforthecosts,thedoctor outonhisowngurney,oneofthenewcomersto said.ShewasPakistaniorBangladeshi,witha theshantytown,amanshedidntrecognize. faintaccent,andveryprettyevenwiththedark TheyoperatedonPerryallthatnight,gingerly circlesunderhereyes.Ireadyourcolumns,she tweezingfragmentsofbonefromhisshatteredleft said,shakingSuzanneshand.Iadmirethework orbitoutofhiseyeandface.Somehadfloatedto youdo,shesaid,shakingLestershand.Iwas thebackofthesocketandposedaspecialriskof borninDelhi.Weweresquatterswhoweregivena braindamage,thedoctorexplainedintoher deedtoourhomeandthenevictedbecausewe camera. couldntpaythetaxes.Wehadtobuildagain,in Lesterwasarock,sittingsilentlyinthewaiting therains,outsideofthecity,andthenagainwhen room,talkingcalmlyandfirmlywiththecopsand wewereevictedagain. overthephonetoKettlewellandthespecially Shehadtwobrotherswhowereworkingfor impaneledboardroomfullofKodacelllawyers startupslikeKodacells,butrunbyotherfirms: whowantedtomicromanagethis.RatToothed onewasbackedbyMcDonalds,theotherbythe Freddyfiledacolumninwhichhecalledhera AFLCIOsinvestmentarm.Suzannedidalittle grandstandingbint,andaccusedKodacellof interviewwithheraboutherbrothersprojectsa harboringdangerousfugitives.Heddugupthe bikehelmetthathadbeenalgorithmicallyevolved factthatoneofthenewcomerstotheshantytown forminimumweightandmaximumprotection;a nottheonetheydkilled,thatwasabystander smartskylightthatdeformeditselftofollowlight waswantedforholdingupaliquorstorewitha basedonsimplephototropiccontrollers.The corkscrewtheyearbefore. brotherworkingonbikehelmetswasridingatiger Lesterunscrewedhisearphoneandscrubbedathis andcouldbarelykeepupwithorders;hewas eyes.Impulsively,sheleanedoverandgavehima consumingabouthalfoftheoperationalcapacity hug.Hestiffenedupatfirstbutthenrelaxedand oftheMcDonaldsnetworkandclimbingfast.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/67 Lesterjoinedin,diggingonthedetails.Hedbeen followingtheskylightsinblogsandonalistor two,andhedheardofthedoctorsbrother,which reallytweakedher,shewasvisiblyproudofher family. Butyourworkismostimportant.Thingsforthe homeless.Wegettheminheresometimes,hurt, offtheambulances.Weusuallyturnthemaway again.Theoneswhoselloffthehighwaymedians andatthetrafficlights.Suzannehadseenthem, sellinghomemadecookies,oranges,flowers, newspapers,plastickytoys,sadorbeautiful handicrafts.Shehadacarvedcoconutcoveredin intricatescrimshawthatshedboughtfromalittle girlwhowasallskinandbonesexceptforher malnourishedpotbelly. Theygethitbycars? Yes,thedoctorsaid.Deliberately,too.Or beatenup. Perrywasmovedoutoftheoperatingtheatertoa recoveryroomandthentoaprivateroomandby thentheywerereadytocollapse,thoughtherewas somuchemailinresponsetoherpoststhatshe endeduppoundingonhercomputerskeyboardall thewayhomeasLesterdrovethem,squeezingthe bridgeofhisnosetostayawake.Shedidnteven takeherclothesoffbeforecollapsingintobed. Theyneedthetoolstomakeanyothertools,is whatPerrysaidwhenhereturnedfromthe hospital,thesideofhisheadstillswaddledin bandagesthatdrapedoverhisinjuredeye.Theyd shavedhisheadathisinsistence,sayingthathe wasntgoingtotrytokeephishaircleanwithall thebandages.Itmadehimlookyounger,andhis fineskullbonesstoodoutthroughhisthinscalp whenhefinallycamehome.Beforehedlooked likeaoutdoorsmanengineer:nowhelookedlikea radical,apirate. Theyneedthetoolsthatwillletthembuild anythingelse,forfree,anduseitorsellit.He gesturedattherapidprototypingmachinesthey had,thethreedeeeprinterandscannersetups.I meansomethinglikethat,butIwantittobe capableofprintingoutthepartsnecessaryto 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,hungovertheworkshop door.SuzannetrailedafterPerrytranscribingthe rantsthatspilledoutofhismouthasheexplained ittoLesterandFrancis,andthentoKettlewell whenhecalled,andthentotheprettyyoungblack ladyfromtheTVwhobynowhadfiguredoutthat therewasarealstoryinherbackyard,thentoan NPRmanonthephone,andthentoaCNNcrew whodroveinfromMiamiandfilmedthe shantytownandtheworkshoplikeJapanese touristsatDisneyWorld,neverhavingventured intotheskanky,failedstripmallsuburbsjust outsideoftown. Francishadaprotegewhohadarealdabtouch withthe3Dprinters.Themanufacturer,Lesters formeremployer,hadbeenoutofbusinessfortwo yearsbythen,soalltheserviceonthemachines hadtobedoneonthepremises.Francissprotege

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/68 theonewhoclaimedhismotherhadpushedhis fatherunderabus,hisnamewasJasonwatched Lesterworkonrecalcitrantmachinessilentlyfora coupledays,thenstartedtohandhimthetoolhe needednextwithouthavingtobeasked.Thenhe diagnosedaproblemthathadstumpedLesterall morning.Thenhesuggestedanimprovementto thefeedstockpumpthatincreasedthemeantime betweenfailuresbyacouplehours. No,man,no,notlikethat,Jasonsaidtooneof thesmallgangofboyshewasbossing.Gently,or youllsnapitoff.Theboysnappeditoffand Jasonpulledanotherreplacementpartoutofatub andsaid,See,likethis,andsnappediton.The smallgangofboysregardedhimwithsomething likeawe. Howcomenogirls?Suzannesaidasshe interviewedhimwhilehetookasmokebreak. Perryhadbannedcigarettesfromallindoor workshops,nominallytokeepflamesawayfrom thevariousindustrialchemicalsandsuch,but reallyjusttoencouragetheshantytownerstogive upthehabitthattheycouldntaffordanyway.Hed alsoleanedontheshantytownerswhodopenedup smallshopsintheirhousestokeepcigsoutofthe town,withoutalotofsuccess. midriffandshuffled.Ido,allofthem.Why wouldthey?Onegirl,aroomfulofboys,itdbe gross.Theydactlikejerks.Theresnowaywed getanythingdone. Suzanneliftedhereyebrowonehairhigher.He squirmedharder. Soallright,thatsnottheirfault.ButIgot enoughwork,allright?Toomuchtodowithout spendingtimeonthat.Itsnotlikeanygirlshave askedtojoinup.Imnotkeepingthemout. Suzannejottedacoupleofnotes,keepingperfectly mum. Well,Idliketohavethemintheworkshop,OK? MaybeIshouldasksomeofthemiftheydcome. Shit,ifIcanteachtheseapes,Icanteachagirl. Theyresmart.Girlsdmakethisplacealittle bettertoworkin.Lotsofthemtryingtosupport theirfamilies,sotheyneedthemoney,too. Therewasagirltherebytheafternoon.Thenext day,thereweretwomore.Theyseemedlikequick studies,despitetheiryouthandtheirlipgloss. Suzanneapproved.

Lesterstayedlongenoughtoseethefirstprototype printerprintersrunning,thenhelitoutwitha Girlsarentinterestedinthisstuff,lady. duffelbagjammedintothebackofhismodded Youthink?Therewasatimewhenshewould Smartcar.Whereareyougoing?Suzannesaid haveobjected,butitwasbettertolettheseguys asPerrylookedongloomily.Illcomeandvisit sayitoutloud,hearthemselvessayit. you.Iwanttofollowyourstory.Truthbetold, shewassorrytoseehimgo,verysorry.Hewas No.Maybewhereyoucomefrom,OK?Dont know.Butheregirlsaredifferent.Theydogoodin sucharock,suchananchorforPerrysnewcrazy pirateenergyandforthemadnessaroundthem. schoolbutwhentheyhavebabiestheyredone.I Hehadntgivenmuchnotice(nottoherPerry mean,hey,itsnotlikeIdontwantgirlsinthe didntseemthatsurprised). team,theydbegreat.Ilovegirls.Theyfuckin work,youknow.Nobullshit,noscrewingaround. Icantreallytalkaboutit,hesaid. ButIknoweverygirlinthisplaceandnoneofem Nondisclosure. areeveninterested,OK? Soitsanewjob,shesaid.Youregoingto SuzannecockedoneeyebrowjustalittleandJason workforTjan?TjansWestinghouseoperation shifteduncomfortably.Hescratchedhisbare wasfullyrocking.Hehadfiftyteamsupthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/69 easternseaboard,teninthemidwestandwas thebooksforsomeonewhois,ormaking rumoredtohavetwiceasmanyinEasternEurope. sandwichesforthem,ordrivingdeliveryvehicles Hegrinned.Oh,Suzanne,donttrytojournalist around.Itslikeatiny,distributedgoldrush. me.Hereachedoutandhuggedherinacloudof herfatherscologne.Yourefantastic,youknow that?No,Imnotgoingtoajob.Itsathingthats anamazingopportunity,youknow? Shedidnt,butthenhewasgoneandboydidshe misshim. PerryandshewentoutfordinnerinMiamithe nextnightwithaPhDcandidatefromPepperdines Bschool,eatingatthesamedecopatiothatshed dinedatwithTjan.Perryworeawhiteshirtopen torevealhistangleofwirychesthairandthe waitresscouldntkeephereyesoffofhim.Hehad apermanentsquintnow,andascarthatmadehis eyebrowintoaseriesofsmallhills. OrliketheNewDeal,Suzannesaid.Thatwas howshedcometoinvitehimdown,aftershed readhispapercoiningthetermNewWorkto describewhatPerrywasupto,comparingitto Rooseveltspublicinvestmentplanthatspent AmericafreeoftheDepression. Yeah,exactly,exactly!Ivegotresearchthat showsthatoneinfiveAmericansisemployedin theNewWorkindustry.Twentypercent! Perryslazyeyeopenedalittlewider.Noway, hesaid.

Way,thePhDcandidatesaid.Hefinishedhis caipirinhaandshookthecrushediceatapassing waiter,whonoddedandambledtothebartoget IwasjustinGreensboro,Miss,thePhD himafreshone.Youshouldgetontheroadand candidatesaid.Hewasinhismidtwenties,young writeaboutsomeoftheseguys,hesaidto andslick,hisonlynodtoacademeasmallgoatee. Suzanne.Theyneedsomeink,somephosphors. Iusedtospendsummerstherewithmygrandpa. Theyrepullingupstakesandmovingtothesmall Hetalkedfast,flecksofspittleinthecornersof townstheirparentscamefrom,ortoabandoned hismouth,eyeswide,forkstabbingblindlyatthe suburbs,andjustdoingit.Bravestfuckingthing bitsofcrabcakeonhisplate.Therewasnt youveseeninyourlife. anythingleftthere,justacouplegasstationsanda ThePhDcandidatestayedouttheweek,andwent 7Eleven,shit,theydevenclosedtheWalMart. homewithasuitcasefullofthepartsnecessaryto Butnow,butnow,itsaliveagain,itsbuzzingand buildathreedeeeprinterthatcouldprintoutallof hopping.Everyemptystorefrontisfullofpeople thepartsnecessarytobuildathreedeeeprinter. playingandtinkering,justalittlebitofmoneyin theirpocketsfromabankoracompanyorafund. Lesteremailedherfromwhereveritwashed gone,andtoldheraboutthelovelytimehewas Theyredoingthedumbestthings,mindyou: having.Itmadehermisshimsharply.Perrywas tooledleatherlaptopcases,switchbladeknives hardlyeveraroundforhernow,buriedinhiswork, withthumbdrivesinthehandles,singingand buriedwiththekidsfromtheshantytownandwith dancinglawnSantasthatyodellikehillbillies. Francis.Shelookedoverherlastmonthsblogs Idbuyatooledleatherlaptopcase,Perrysaid, andrealizedthatshedbeenturninginvariations swillingasweatybottleofbeer.Hewaggledhis onthesamethemeforallthattime.Sheknewit funnyeyebrowandrubbedhisfuzzyscalp. wastimetopackaduffelbagofherownandgo Therateofemploymentissomethinglikeninety seethebravestfuckingthingshedseeninherlife. fivepercent,whichithasntbeeninlikeahundred Bye,Perry,shesaid,stoppingbyhisworkbench. years.Ifyourenotinventingstuff,yourekeeping Helookedupatherandsawthebagandhisfunny

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/70 eyebrowwobbled. Leavingforgood?hesaid.Hesounded unexpectedlybitter. No!shesaid.No!Justacoupleweeks.Going togettherestofthestory.ButIllbeback,count onit. Hegruntedandslumped.Hewaslookingalot oldernow,andbeatendown.Hishair,growing out,washalfgrey,andhedgottengaunt,his cheekbonesandforeheadspringingoutofhisface. Onimpulse,shegavehimahugliketheones shedsharedwithLester.Hereturneditwoodenly atfirst,thenwithgenuinewarmth.Iwillbeback, youknow,shesaid.Youvegotplentytodo here,anyway. Yeah,hesaid.CourseIdo. Shekissedhimfirmlyonthecheekandstepped outthedoorandintohercaranddrovetoMiami International. amazing,youknowthat?Goodkids,unbelievably smart.Reallittleoperators.Theolderone, Lyenitchka,isrunningababysittingservicenot babysittingherself,yousee,butrecruitingother kidstodothesittingforherwhilesheskimsa managementfeeandrunsthequalitycontrol. Shesyourdaughterallright,shesaid.Sotell meeverythingabouttheWestinghouseprojects. Shedbeenfollowingthem,ofcourse,lotsof differentlittlestartups,eachwithitsownblogs andsuch.ButTjanwasquitefearlessabouttaking herthroughtheirprofitsandlossesandtaking notesonitallkeptherbusyuntilshereachedher hotel.Tjandroppedheroffandpromisedtopick herupthenextmorningforaVIPtourofthebest ofhisteams,andshewenttocheckin. Shewasinthemiddleofreceivingherkeywhen someonegrabbedhershoulderandsqueezedit. SuzannebloodyChurch!Whatareyoudoing here,love?

Thesmellofhisbreathwaslikeadeadthing,left tofester.Sheturnedaroundslowly,notwantingto TjanmetheratLoganandtookherbag.Im surprisedyouhadthetimetomeetme,shesaid. believethatofallthehotelsinruralRhodeIsland, Themonthshadbeengoodtohim,slimmingdown sheendedupcheckingintothesameoneasRat ToothedFreddy. hispotbellyandputtingatwinkleinhiseye. Hey,Freddy,shesaid.Seeinghimgaveheran Ivegotagoodorganization,hesaid,asthey motoredawaytowardRhodeIsland,throughstrip atavisticurgetostabhimrepeatedlyinthethroat withthehotelstickpen.Hewasunshaven,his mallsuburbsandpastboardedupchain gawkyAdamsapplebobbingupanddown,and restaurants.Everywherethereweresignsof heswallowedandsmiledwetly.Nicetoseeyou. industry:workshopsinoldstorefronts,roadside standssellingdisposablemusicplayers,digital whoopeecushions,andsoforth.Ibarelyhaveto putinanappearance. Tjanyawnedhugelyandconstantly.Jetlag,he apologized.GotbackfromRussiaacoupledays ago. Didyouseeyourkids?shesaid.Hows businessthere? Isawmykids,hesaid,andgrinned.Theyre Fantastictoseeyou,too!Imherecoveringa shareholdermeetingforWestinghouse,isthat whatyoureherefor,too? No,shesaid.Sheknewthemeetingwasonthat week,buthadntplannedonattendingit.Shewas donewithpressconferences,preferringonthe groundreporting.Well,nicetoseeyou. Oh,dostayforadrink,hesaid,grinningmore widely,exposingthosegreyteethinasharks

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/71 smile.Comeontheyhaveafreecocktailhour inthisplace.Illhavetoreportyoutothe journalistsunionifyouturndownafreedrink. Funnilynowthathewasinthecoldnortheast,he wasdressinglikeaFloridianinbluejeansanda Hawaiianbarkclothshirtwithabrightspatterof pineapplesandOscarMayerWienermobiles.Back Idontthinkbloggershavetoworryaboutthe inFlorida,hedfavoredunflatteringnylonslacks journalistsunion,shesaid,makingsarcastic fingerquotesincasehedidntgetthemessage.He andwhiteshirtswithironedcollars. stilldidnt.Helaughedinstead. Theprojectswerefascinatingandfamiliar.The culturaldifferencesthatdistinguishedNew Oh,love,Imsuretheyllstillhaveyouevenif EnglandNewWorkfromFloridaNewWorkwere youhavelapsedawayfromtheonetruefaith. smallbuttelling:alotmorewoodcraft,inapartof Goodnight,Freddy,wasallshecouldmanageto thecountrywheremanypeoplehadgrownupin getoutwithoutactuallyhissingthroughherteeth. theirgrandfatherswoodworkingshops.Alittle OK,goodnight,hesaid,movingintogivehera moreunreflexivekitsch,likethehomelykittens andpuppiesthatmarchedaroundthereactive, hug.Asheloomedtowardher,shesnapped. waterproof,smashproofscreensintegratedintoa Freeze,mister.Youarenotmyfriend.Idonot biomonitoringcrib. wanttotouchyou.Youhavepoorpersonalhygiene andyourbreathsmellslikeanoverflowingcamp Atthefourthsite,shewasambushedbyaflying hug.Tjanlaughedasshenearlywentdownunder toilet.Youwriteviciouspersonalattacksonme theweightofastrong,youngwomanwhoflung andonthepeopleIcareabout.Youareunfair, meanspirited,andyouwritebadly.TheonlydayI herarmsaroundSuzannesneck.Holycrapits wouldntpissonyou,Freddy,isthedayyouwere goodtoseeyou! onfire.NowgetthefuckoutofmywaybeforeI Suzanneuntangledherselfandgotalookather kickyourtinylittletesticlesupthroughtheroofof hugger.Shehadshortmousyhair,twinklingblue yourreekingmouth. eyes,andwasdressedinoverallsandapretty Shesaiditquietly,butthedeskclerksbehindher floweredblouse,scuffedworkbootsandstained andtornworkgloves.Uh...shesaid,thenit overhearditanywayandgiggled.Freddyssmile clicked.Fiona? onlywobbled,butthenreturned,broaderthan ever. Yeah!DidntTjantellyouIwashere?Thelast timeshedseenthiswoman,shewasweepingover Wellsaid,hesaidandgaveherasinglegolf pizzaandgettingreadytogiveuponlife.Nowshe clap.Sleepwell,Suzanne. waspracticallyvibrating. Sheboiledallthewaytoherroomandwhenshe Uh,no,shesaid,shootingalookatTjan,who cameoverhungry,sheorderedinroomservice, wassmilingliketheBuddhaandpretendingto notwantingtotakethechancethatRatToothed inspectapairofshoeswithgyroscopically Freddywouldstillbeinthelobby. stabilizedretractablewheelsintheheels. Ivebeenhereformonths!IwentbacktoOregon, Tjanmetherasshewasfinishinghercoffeeinthe likeyoutoldmeto,andthenIsawarecruitingad breakfastroom.ShehadntseenFreddyyet. forWestinghouseandIsentthemmyCVandthen Ivegotfiveprojectsslatedforyoutovisittoday, Igotavideoconferenceinterviewandthen,bam,I wasonanairplanetoRhodeIsland! Tjansaid,slidingintotheboothbesideher.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/72 Suzanneblinked.ItoldyoutogobacktoOregon? Whatswiththejunglegym?Itreallyhadbeen Well,maybeshehad.Thatwasalifetimeago. something,funandMartianlooking. Theworkshopwasanotherdeadmall,thisonea horseshoeofstorefrontsseparatedbyflimsy gyprock.TheWestinghousershadcutthroughthe wallswithdrywallknivestojoinallthestores together.Theairwaspermeatedwiththefamiliar SaranWrapinamicrowavetangofthreedeee printers.Theparkinglotwasgivenovertosome largerapparatusandafantasticalchildrensjungle gymintheshapeofabaroque,spiredpirate fortress,withelegantlycurvedturrets,corkscrew skybridges,andflyingbuttressescrustedover withornate,grotesquegargoyles.Children swarmedoveritlikeants,screechingwith pleasure. Well,yourelookingreallygood,Fiona, Suzannesaid.Stillnotgreatwithpeople,she thought.Fiona,though,wasindeedlookinggood, andbeaming.Shewasntwearingthecrustof cosmeticsandhaircareproductsshedaffectedin thecorporateSiliconValleyworld.Sheglowed pink. Thatsthebigone,Tjansaidwithabiggrin. Mostpeopledontevennoticeit,theythinkits daycareorsomething.Well,thatshowitstarted out,butthensomeofthesensorpeoplestarted noodlingwithjunglegymcomponentsthatcould tellhowoftentheywereplayedwith.Theystarted moddingthegymeverynight,addingvariations ontheelementsthatsawthemostaction, removingtheduds.ThentheCADpeopleadded analgorithmthatwouldtakethesensordataand generaterandomvariationsonthesamebasis. Finally,someoftheroboticspeoplegotinonthe actsothatthebestofthecomputerevolved designscouldbeinstantiatedautomatically:now itsaselfmodifyingjunglegym.Thekidsloveit. Itisthecrackcocaineofjunglegyms,thoughwe wontbeusingthatinthemarketingcopy,of course.

Ofcourse,Suzannesaiddrily.Shed automaticallyreachedforhernotepadandstarted writingwhenTjanstartedtalking.Now,reviewing Suzanne,Fionasaid,gettingseriousnow,taking hernotes,sheknewthatshewasgoingtohaveto herbytheshouldersandlookingintohereyes.I gobackandgetsomephotosofthis.Sheasked cantthankyouenoughforthis.Thishassavedmy Tjanaboutit. life.Itgavemesomethingtolivefor.Forthefirst Therobotsgoallnight,youknow.Notmuch timeinmylife,IamdoingsomethingImproud sleepifyoudothat. of.Igotobedeverynightthankfulandhappythat NogoingbacktothehoteltoseeFreddy,whata Iendeduphere.Thankyou,Suzanne.Thankyou. pity.Illgrabacoupleblanketsfromthehotelto Suzannetriednottosquirm.Fionagaveher anotherlonghug.Itsallyourdoing,Suzanne saidatlast.Ijusttoldyouaboutit.Youvemade thishappenforyou,OK? keepwarm,shesaid. Oh,youneednt,hesaid.Thatcrewhasasetof bleacherswithgasheatersforthenightcrewand theirfamilytowatchfrom.Itsprettygorgeous,if OK,Fionasaid,butIstillwouldntbehereifit youaskme. wasntforyou.Iloveyou,Suzanne. Theyhadahastysupperofburgersatadrive Ick.Suzannegaveheranotherperfunctoryhugand throughandthenwentbacktothejunglegym gotthehelloutofDodge. project.Suzanneensconcedherselfatsomeones vacateddeskforacouplehoursandcaughtupon emailbeforefinallyemergingasthesunwas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/73 dippingswollenandredbehindthemall.Sheset herselfuponthebleachers,andFionafoundher withathermosofcoffeeandaflaskofwhisky. Theysnuggledunderablanketamidasmallcrowd ofgeeks,anoutdoorslumberpartyunderthegas heatersroar. boilingandroilingandpickingupenormous chunksofclimberlikecartoonantscarryingaway apicnicbasket.Theplaygroundwasbeing transformedbeforehereyes,inwaysgrossand subtle,anditwasenchantingtowatch.

CanIgooutandhavealook?shesaid.Imean, Gradually,therobotsmadeanappearance.Mostof isitsafe? themhumpedalonglikeinchworms,carrying Sure,Fionasaid.Ofcourse!Ourrobotswont chunksofnewplaygroundapparatusincoilsof harmyou;theyjustnuzzleyouandthenchange theirlongbodies.Somedeployedmanipulator direction. arms,thoughtheydidnthavemuchbywayof Still,trytostayoutoftheirway,Tjansaid. handsattheirends.Wejustuserareearth magnets,Fionasaid.Lessfiddlythantryingto Someofthatstufftheyremovingaroundis heavy. getartificialvisionthatcanaccuratelygraspthe bars. Soshewadedoutontotheplaygroundand carefullypickedherwaythroughtherobotswarm. Tjannudgedherandpointedtoanewtowerthat Somecrawledoverhertoes.Acoupletwined wasgoingup.Therobotsweretwistingaround betweenherfeetandnearlytrippedherupand themselvestoformascaffold,whilevariousof theirnumbercrawledhigherandhigher,snapping onceshesteppedononeanditwentstilland waitedpolitelyforhertostepoff. modularpiecesofhighimpactplastictogether withsnicksoundsthatwereaudibleoverthewhine Onceinthethickofitall,sheswitchedonher oftheirmotors. videoandbegantorecordthroughthenightfilter. Standingthereamidthewhirlandracketand Suzanneswitchedonhercamerasnightvision undulatingmotionofthejunglegymasit modeandgotshooting.Wheredidyougetall reconfigureditself,shefeltlikeshedarrivedat theserobots? someposthumanfuturewheretheworldnolonger Tjangrinned.ItsanopendesigntheEPAhired neededherorherkind.Likehumanityscreations Westinghousetobuildthesetoworkonsensing hadevolvedpasttheirinventors. andremovingvolatileorganiccompoundson Superfundsites.Becausewedidtheworkforthe Shewasgoingtohavetodoalotofwritingbefore bed. government,wehadtoagreenottoclaimany designcopyrightorpatentsintheoutcome. FreddywascheckingoutinthelobbywhenTjan Theresafreakingwarehousefullofthisstuffat droppedheroffat5AM.Itwasimpossibleto Westinghouse,allkindsofcrazythingsthat sneakpasthim,andhegaveheranasty, Westinghouseabandonedbecausetheywerent bucktoothedsmileasshepassedbyhim.It proprietaryenoughandtheywereworriedthat distractedherandmadethewritingcomemore theydhavetocompeteontheopenmarketifthey slowly,butshewasaproandherreadershadsent triedtoproductizethem.Suitsusjustfine, inalotofkindmail,andtherewasonefrom though. Lester,stillawayonhismysteriouserrandbut soundinghappierthanhehadinmonths, Thefieldwasaswarmwithglintingmetal positivelygiddy. inchwormrobotsnow,shiftingbackandforth,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/74 Shesetthealarmclocksothatshecouldbeawake forhernextstop,outsideofNorthCarolinas ResearchTriangle,wheresomelocalmillionaires hadbackedadozenNewWorkteams. Reclaimingthesebuildingswasanartisanal practiceofurethaningthecharredwoodand addingcleverputty,cement,andglasstopreserve thelookofaburnedouthulkwhilerestoring Anotherthreeweeksofthisstuffandshedgetto structuralintegrity.Oneentirefloorofthe gohomeFlorida.Thecondowashomenow,and restaurantwasmissing,havingbeenreplacedby polishedtemperedonewayglassthatletupstairs thejunkyard.Hotandstickyandinventiveand dinerslookdownonthebaldspotsandcleavageof everchanging.Shefellasleepthinkingofitand thoseeatingbelow. smiling. Suzanneshowedupafewminuteslate,having ItwastwoweeksmorebeforeLestercaughtup withher,inDetroitofallplaces.Goingbacktothe gottenlostwanderingthestreetsofaDetroitthat oldplacehadntbeenheridea,shedbeendragged hadrewrittenitsmapinthedecadessinceshed backbyimpassionedpleasfromthelocalFordand left.Shewasflustered,andnotjustbecauseshe wasrunninglate.Therewasalingering GMNewWorkteams,whoweresecond awkwardnessbetweenherandLesterandher generationunemployed,oldrustbeltfamilies elationatseeinghimagainhadaninescapable whodrebootedwithmoneyfromthecompanies undercurrentofdread. thathadwrungtheirprofitfromtheirancestors andabandonedthem. Whenthewaiterpointedouthertable,shetold himhewasmistaken.Lesterwasntthere,some Thebigfocusintherustbeltwaseradicatingthe strangerwas:shorthaired,burly,withafewdays car.Somewerebuildingrobotsthatcould decommissionleakygasstationsandcrateroutthe stubble.Heworeasmartblazerandaloosestriped cottonshirtunderneath.Hewasbeamingather. toxicsoil.Somewerebuildingcardisassembly plantsthatreclaimedmaterialsfromtheold Suzanne,hesaid. beastsinteriors.BetweentheFordandGMteams Herjawliterallydropped.Sherealizedshewas withtheirlatestbailoutandthosefundedbythe standingwithhermouthopenandshutitwitha UAWoutofthesettlementstheydwonfromthe snap.Lester?shesaid,wonderingly. automakers,Detroitwasspringingupanew. Hegotup,stillsmiling,evenlaughingalittle,and Lesteremailedherandsaidthathedseenonher gaveherahug.ItwasLesterallright.Thatsmell blogthatshewasheadedtoDetroit,anddidshe wasunmistakable,andthosebig,warmpawshe wanttomeethimfordinner,beingashedbein calledhands. towntoo? Whenheletgoofher,helaughedagain.Oh, TheyateatDevilsNight,arestaurantinoneof Suzanne,Icouldnothaveaskedforanybetter thereclaimedmansionsinBrushPark,a reactionthanthis.Thankyou.Theyweredrawing neighborhoodofwoodframebuildingsthat stares.Dazedly,shesatdown.Sodidhe. teenagershadallbutburnedtothegroundover severaldecadesworthofHalloweens.InDetroit, Lester?shesaidagain. DevilsNightwasthepreHalloweentraditionof Yes,itsme,hesaid.Illtellyouaboutitover torchingabandonedbuildings,andallofBrush dinner.Thewaiterwantstotakeourdrinkorders. Parkhadbeenabandonedforyears,itshandsome Theatrically,sheorderedadoubleScotch.The housesattractivetargetsformidnightfirebugs. waiterrattledoffthespecialsandSuzannepicked

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/75 oneatrandom.SodidLester. wontbeanyfatpeople.

So,hesaid,pattinghiswashboardtummy.You Sheshookherhead.Youlook...Lester,youlook wanttoknowhowIgottothisintenweeks,huh? incredible.Imsoproudofyou. CanItakenotes?Suzannesaid,pullingouther pad. Ohbyallmeans,hesaid.Igotadiscounton mytreatmentsonthebasisthatyouwouldendup takingnotes. TheclinicwasinStPetersburg,Russia,ina neighborhoodfilledwithRussiandentistswho cateredtoAmericanhealthtouristswhodidnt wanttopayUSpricesforcrowns.Thetreatment hadntoriginatedthere:Theelectromuscular stimulationandchemicaltherapyforskin tighteningwasstandardforrichnewmothersin Hollywoodwhowantedtogetridofpregnancy bellies.Theappetitesuppressinghormoneshad beenusedintheMexicanpharmaindustryfor years.Stemcellshadbeenaneffectivesubstitute forsteroidswhenitcametobuildingmusclein professionalathleticcirclestheworldround. Genomictherapyusinggenescribbedfrom hummingbirdsboostedmetabolismsothatthe bodyburned10,000caloriesadaysittingstill. ButtheStPetersburgclinichadripped,mixedand burnedthesedifferentprocedurestomakea single,holistictreatmentthathaddroppedLester from400to175poundsintenweeks. Heduckedhishead.Hereallydidlookamazing. Droppingtheweighthadtakenofftenyears,and betweenthatandthehaircutandthenewclothes, hewaspracticallyunrecognizable. DoesPerryknow? Yeah,Lestersaid.Italkeditoverwithhim beforeIoptedforit.Tjanhadmentioneditin passing,itwasabusinesshisexwifewastangled upwiththroughhermafiyehconnections,and onceIhadresearcheditonlineandtalkedtosome peoplewhodhadthetreatment,includinga coupleMDs,Idecidedtojustdoit. Ithadcostnearlyeverythinghedmadefrom Kodacell,butitwasasmallpricetopay.He insistedongettingdinner. Afterward,theystrolledthroughthefragrant eveningdownWoodwardAvenue,pastthedeco skyscrapersandtheplowedfieldsandcommunity gardens,theirlivestockpensmakingsoftanimal noises.

Itswonderfultoseeyouagain,Lester,shesaid truthfully.Shedreallymissedhim,eventhough hisparticipationonhermessageboardshadhardly letup(thoughithadstartedcominginatweird hours,somethingexplainedbythefactthathed Isthatsafe?shesaid. beeninRussia).Walkingalongsideofhim, Everyoneasksthat,hesaid,laughing.Yeah,its smellinghissmell,seeinghimonlyoutofthe safeiftheyremonitoringyouandstandingby cornerofhereye,itwaslikenothinghadchanged. withlotsofdiagnosticequipment.Butifyoure Itsgreattoseeyouagaintoo.Tentatively,he willingtotakeslowerlosses,youcangoonaway tookherhandinhisbigpaw.Hishandwaswarm lessintensiveregimethatwontrequire butnotsweaty,andsherealizedithadbeenalong supervision.Thisstuffisthenextbiggreymarket timesinceanyonehadheldherhand.Heart pharmagold.Theyreviolatingallkindsof pounding,shegavehishandasqueeze. pharmapatents,ofcourse,butthatswhatCuba Theirconversationandtheirwalkrambledon, andCanadaarefor,right?Insideofayear,every fatpersoninAmericaisgoingtohaveabottleof withnooutwardacknowledgmentofthecontactof handonhand,butherhandsqueezedhissoftly pillsinhispocket,andinsideoftwoyears,there

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/76 nowandagain,orhesqueezedhers,andthenthey bad,buthewasscaredornervousandalljittery. wereatherhotel.Howdidthathappen?sheasked Shekissedhisthroat,breathinginthesmell, herself. savoringtheroughtextureofhisthreedaybeard. Butthentheywerehavinganightcap,andthenhe Tentatively,heputhishandsonherback,stroked wasintheelevatorwithherandthenhewasatthe her,workedgraduallytowardsherbottom.Thenhe doorofherroom,andthebloodwasroaringinher stopped. earsasshestuckhercreditcardinthereaderto Whatswrong?shesaid,proppingherselfupon openit. herforearms,stillstraddlinghim. Wait,shetriedtosay.Lester,hangonasecond,is whatshetriedtosay,buthertonguewasthickin hermouth.Hesteppedthroughthedoorwithher, thensaid,Uh,Ineedtousethebathroom. Shesawthatthereweretearsinhiseyes. Lester?Whatswrong?

Heopenedhismouthandthenshutit.Tearsslid offhisfaceintohisears.Sheblottedthemwitha Withrelief,shedirectedhimtothesmallwater closet.Theroomwasbasicnowthatshewasher cornerofhotelpillow. ownboss,shewasntspringingforCrownePlazas Shestrokedhishair.Lester? andHiltons,thiswaspracticallyacoffinand therewasnowheretositexceptthebed.Herlaptop Hegaveoutachokedsobandpushedheraway.He wasopenandtherewasalotofemailinherinbox, satupandputhisfaceinhishands.Hisback heaved.Shestrokedhisshoulderstentatively. butforonce,shedidntcare.Shewaskeenly attunedtothewaternoisescomingfrombehind Finally,heseemedtogethimselfundercontrol. thedoor,eachnewsoundmakingherjumpalittle. Hesniffled. Whatwashedoinginthere,insertingafucking Ihavetogo,hesaid. diaphragm? Lester,whatswrong? Sheheardhimworkthelatchonthedoorandshe Icantdothis,hesaid.I... putonherbestsmile.Herstomachwasfullof butterflies.Hesmiledbackandsatdownonthe Justtellme,shesaid.Whateveritis,tellme. bednexttoher,takingherhandagain.Hishand wasmoistfrombeingwashed,andalittleslippery. Youdidntwantmebefore.Hesaiditsimply Shedidntmind.Wordlessly,sheputherheadon withoutaccusation,butitstunglikehedslapped hisbarrelchest.Hisheartwasracing,andsowas herintheface. hers. Oh,Lester,shesaid,movingtohughim,buthe pushedheraway. Gradually,theyleanedback,untiltheywereside bysideonthebed,herheadstillonhischest. Movinglikeshewasinadream,sheliftedher headfromhischestandstaredintohiseyes.They werewideandscared.Shekissedhim,softly.His lipsweretremblingandunyielding.Shekissed himmoreinsistently,runningherhandsoverhis chestandshoulders,puttingonelegoverhim.He closedhiseyesandkissedherback.Hewasnt Ihavetogo,hesaid,drawinghimselfuptohis fullheight.Hewastall,thoughhedneverseemed itbefore,butoh,hewastall,sixfootfourortaller. Hefilledtheroom.Hiseyeswereredandswollen, butheputonasmileforher.Thanks,Suzanne.It wasreallygoodtoseeyouagain.Illseeyouin Florida. Shestoodupandmovedquicklytohim,stoodon

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/77 tiptoetoputherarmsaroundhisneckandhughim Shedidntletitgettoher.Hehaddrawnacrowd fiercely.Hehuggedherbackandshekissedhim now,withFrancissprotegeprintertechsinthe onthecheek. innermostcircle,andhewasrecountingthestory ofhistransformation.Hehadthemasspellbound IllseeyouinFlorida,shesaid. asaroomfulofEwokslisteningtoC3PO. Andthenhewasgone.Shesatontheedgeofher bedandwaitedfortears,buttheydidntcome.So Shit,whydontwesellthatstuff?Jasonsaid. Hedtakenarealinterestinthebusinessendof shepickedupherlaptopandstartedtowork theirthreedeeeprinterproject. throughhermountainofemail. Toomuchcompetition,Lestersaid.Thereare alreadyadozenshopstoolinguptomakebathtub Whenshesawhimagain,hewascomingdownthe versionsofthetherapyhereinAmerica.Hundreds driveleadingtotheshantytownandthefactory. moreinEasternEurope.Therejustwontbeany Shewashavingteainthetearoomthathad profitinitbythetimewegettomarket.Getting openedinacorkscrewspirehighabovetherestof thinonthecheapsgoingtobeeasy.Hell,allit theshantytown.Theladywhooperateditcalled takestodoitisthestuffyouduseforamethlab. herselfMrsTorrence,andshewasexquisitely Youcanbuyallthatinakitfromacatalog. antiquebutbynomeansfrail,andwhenshe Jasonnodded,butlookedunconvinced. workedtheropesonherdumbwaitertobringup suppliesfromtheloadingareaontheground,her SuzannetookLestersreturnashercuetowrite bicepsstoodatattentionlikePopeyes.Therewas abouthistransformation.Shesnappedmorepics ofhim,addedsomevideo.Hegaveherten arumorthatMrsTorrenceusedtobeaman,or stillwas,underherskirts,butSuzannedidntpay minutesdescriptionofthetherapieshed undergone,andnamedapriceforthetherapythat attentiontoit. wassubstantiallylowerthanacoupleweeksata Lestercamedownthedrivegrinningandbouncing Hollywoodfatfarm,andfarmoreeffective. ontheballsofhisfeet.Perryhadevidentlybeen Theresponsewasamazing.EveryTVnewscrew expectinghim,forhecameracingthroughthe inthegreaterMiamiareamadeapilgrimageto shantytownandpelteddowntheroadwayand theirfactorytofilmLesterworkinginatightt threwhimselfatLester,grabbinghiminacrazy, shirtoverathreedeeeprinter,wranglinghugevats exuberant,whoopinghug.Francisgimpedouta ofepoxymixgoopinthesunwithsweatbeading momentlaterandgavehimasolemnhandshake. ShehadntbloggedtheirmeetinginDetroit,soif overhisbig,strainingbiceps. FrancisandPerryknewaboutLesters Hermessageboardsexploded.Itseemedthata transformation,theydfoundoutwithouthearingit heretoforeunsuspectedcontingentofhergrowing fromher. readershipwassubstantiallyobese.Andtheyhad ShefinishedrecordingthehomecomingfromMrs Torrencescrowsnest,thenpaidthegrinningold bagandtookthestairstwoatatime,hurryingto catchupwithLesterandhiscrowd. Lesteracceptedherhugwarmlybutdistantly, lettinggoafractionofasecondbeforeshedid. friends.Lestereventuallygaveuponposting,just sohecouldgetsomeworkdone.Theyhadthe printerstothepointwheretheycouldturnoutnew printers,butthewholesystemwastemperamental andneededcarefulnursing.Lesterwasmore interestedinwhatpeoplehadtosayonthe engineeringmessageboardsthanchattingwiththe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/78 fatties. entrepreneurssolvingpostindustrialproblems.Its thesamestoryyouvebeencoveringhere,butwith Thefattieswereskepticalandhopefulinequal adifferentangle.Takethatmoneyandbuy measures.Thebigfightwasoverwhetherthere yourselfabusinessclasstickettoStPetersburg wasanythingtothis,whetherLesterwouldkeep theweightoff,whetherthenewskinnyLesterwas andspendacoupleweeksonthejob.Youllclean up.Theycouldusethepublicity,toosomeoneto reallyLester,whetherhedundergonesurgeryor goanddrilldownonwhichclinicsarelegitand hadhisstomachstapled.Americaswalletshad whichonesareclipjoints.Youreperfectforthe beencleanedoutbysomanysnakeoilpeddlers withacureforobesitythatnoonecouldbelieve gig. whattheysaw,nomatterhowmuchtheywanted Idontknow,shesaid.Sheclosedhereyes. to. Takingbigchanceshadgottenherthisfarandit wouldtakeherfarther,sheknew.Theworldwas Lord,butitwasbringinginthereaders,notto mentiontheadvertisingdollars.Theclearingprice youroysterifyoucouldstomachalittlerisk. forathousandweightlossadstargetedtoaffluent, obeseEnglishspeakerswasoverfiftybucks,as comparedwithhercustomaryCPMofthreebucks athou.Insideofaweek,shedmadeenoughto buyacar.Itwasweirdbeingherowncirculation andadsalesdepartment,butitwasntashardas shedworrieditmightbeanditwasintensely satisfyingtohavesuchanosetotail understandingoftheeconomicsofherproduction. Youshouldgo,Lestertoldherassheclicked himthroughherearningsspreadsheet.Jesus,this isinsane.Youknowthatthesefattiesactually followmearoundonthenetnow,askingme questionsinmessageboardsaboutengineering? Theboardmoderatorsareaskingmetopostunder anassumedname.Madame,yourpublichas spoken.ThereisadireneedforyourskillsinSt Petersburg.Go.Theyhavechandeliersinthe subwaysandcaviarontap.Allthebliniyoucan eat.Bearsteaks. Yeah,shesaid.Yeah,hellyeah.Youretotally right,Lester. Zasterovyeh! Whatyousaid! Itscheers,hesaid.Youllneedtoknowthatif youregoingtomaketimeinPetrograd.Letmego sendsomeemailandgetyousetup.Youbooka ticket.

AndjustlikethatshewasofftoRussia.Lester insistedthatshebuyabusinessclassticket,and shediscoveredtoherbemusementthatBritish Airwayshadaboutthreeclassesabovebusiness, presumablywithevenmoreexclusiveclasses reservedtoroyaltyandpeersoftherealm.She luxuriatedinfourteenhoursofrecliningseatsand warmpeanutsandinflightconnectivity,runninga briefvideoconferencewithLesterjustbecauseshe could.Tjanhadsentheraguidetothehotelsand Sheshookherheadandslurpedattheteahed shedoptedforthePribaltiyskaya,acrumbling broughther.Yourejoking.Itsallmafiyehthere. Stalinerafourstarofspectacular,Vegasesque Scarystuff.Besides,Imcoveringthisbeatright dimensions.Thefacaderevealedthetragedyofthe now,NewWork. USSRsunrequitedloveaffairwithconcrete,as NewWorkisntgoinganywhere,Suzanne.Well didthecracksrunningupthewallsofthelobby. beherewhenyougetback.Andthisstoryisone Theycheckedherintothehotelwiththenosiest thatneedsyourtouch.Theyremicro questionnaireever,atwopagerongovernment

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/79 stationarythatdemandedtoknowherprofession, employer,cityofbirth,detailsoffamily,andso forth.AnAmericanbusinessmannexttoheratthe checkincountersawherpuzzlingoverit.Just makestuffup,hesaid.IalwayswritethatI comefrom123FakeStreet,Anytown,California, andthatIworkasaprofessionalpaperhanger. Theydontcheckonit,exceptmaybethemob whentheyrefiguringoutwhotomug.Firsttime inRussia? andregrettingit,callmeandIllsendsome down. Washehittingonher?Christ,shewassotired,she couldbarelyseestraight.Therewasnowayshe wasgoingtoneedanyhelpgettingtosleep.She thankedhimagainandrolledhersuitcaseacross thecavernouslobbywithitsgiganticchandeliers andtotheelevators.

Butsleepdidntcome.Thenetworkconnection costafortunesomethingshehadntseeninyears Itshows,huh? andthenumberofwormsandprobesbouncing Yougetusedtoit,hesaid.Icomehereevery offherfirewallwasastronomical.Theconnection monthonbusiness.Youjustneedtounderstand wasslowandfrustrating.Come2AM,shewas, thatifitseemsridiculousandtoobadtobetrue,it indeed,staringattheceiling. is.Theyhavelotsofruleshere,butnoonefollows Wouldyoutakedrugsofferedbyastrangerina em.Justignoreanyunreasonablerequestand hotellobby?TheywereinaWalgreensbottlefor youllfitrightin. chrissakes.Howbadcouldtheybe?Shepickedup Thatsgoodadvice,shesaid.Hewasmiddle aged,butsowasshe,andhehadniceeyesandno weddingring. Getawholenightssleep,dontdrinktheso calledchampagneanddontchangemoneyon thestreets.Didyoubringmelatoninand modafinil? Shestaredblanklyathim.Drugs? Sure.Onetonighttosleep,oneinthemorningto wakeup,anddoitagaintomorrowandyoullbe unlagged.Noboozeorcaffeine,either,notforthe firstcoupledays.Melatoninsoverthecounter, evenintheStates,andmodafinilspractically legal.Ihaveextra,here.Heduginhistravelbag andcameupwithsomegenericWalgreensbottles. thehousephoneonthechippedbedstandand punchedhishotelroom. Lo? OhChrist,Iwokeyouup,shesaid.Imsorry. Sok.Ladyfromcheckin,right?Gimmeyour roomnumber,Illsendupamelatoninnowanda modafinilforthemorning.Nosweatski. Uh,shehadntthoughtaboutgivingastrange manherroomnumber.Inforapenny,infora pound.2813,shesaid.Thanks. Geoff,hesaid.ItsGeoff.NewYorkupper WestSide.Workinhealthproducts. Suzanne,shesaid.Florida,lately.Imawriter.

Goodnight,Suzanne.Pillsareenroute. ThatsOK,shesaid,handinghercreditcardtoa Goodnight,Geoff.Thanks. prettyyoungclerk.Thanks,though. Tiptheporteraeuro,oracouplebucks.Dont Heshookhishead.Itsyourfuneral,hesaid. botherwithrubles. Jetlagiswayworseforyouthanthisstuff.Its overthecounterstateside.Idontleavehome withoutit.Anyway,Iminroom1422.Ifitstwo inthemorningandyourestaringattheceiling Oh,shesaid.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceher lastvisitoverseas.Shedforgottenhowmuch minutiaewasinvolved.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/80 Hehungup.Sheputonarobeandwaited.The portertookaboutfifteenminutes,andhandedher alittleenvelopewithtwopillsinit.Hewasabout fifteen,withabadmustacheandbadskin,andbad teeththathedisplayedwhenshehandedhima coupleofdollarbills. Aminutelater,shewasbackonthephone. herup.Shedbeensotiredthatitactuallymade herfeelnauseatedtoclimboutofbed,butthe modafinilwasgettinghergoing.Sheknewalittle aboutthedrug,andfiguredthatiftheTSA approveditforusebycommercialpilots,it couldntbethatbadforyou.

So,mygirlishfigure.Iworkforafirmthathas partnershereinPetersburgwhoworkoncutting Whichoneiswhich? edgepharmaproducts,includingsomestuffthe Littlewhiteoneismelatonin.Thatsfornow.My FDAisdraggingitsheelson,despitewidespread bad. acceptanceinmanynations,thisoneincluded. Shesawhimagaininthebreakfastroom,loading Oneoftheseisapillthatoverclocksyour aplatewithhardboiledeggs,potatopancakes,the metabolism.Ivebeenonitforayearnow,and ubiquitouscaviar,salami,andcheeses.Inhisother eventhoughIamastonecaloriefreakandpack awayfiveorsixthousandcaloriesaday,Idont handhebalancedavatofporridgewith gainanounce.Iactuallyhavetoremembertoeat strawberryjamandenoughdriedfruittokeepa enoughsothatmyribsdontstartshowing. parrotzoohappyforamonth. Suzannewatchedhimgobbleanotherthousand Howdoyoukeepyourgirlishfigureifyoueat calories.Isithealthy? likethat?shesaid,settlingdownathistable. Ah,thatsaprofessionalmatter,hesaid.AndI Comparedtowhat?Beingfat?Yes.Runningten makeitapointnevertodiscussbiznizbeforeIve milesadayandeatingabalanceddietoforganic hadtwocupsofcoffee.Hepouredhimselfacup fruitandnuts?No.Butwhentheaverage Americangetsthemajorityofhercaloriesfrom ofdecaf.Thisisnumbertwo. sodapop,healthyisaprettyloadedterm. Shepickedherwaythroughhercornflakesand ItremindedherofthattalkwithLester,alifetime fruitsalad.IalwaysfeellikeIdontgetmy moneysworthoutofbuffetbreakfasts,shesaid. agointheIHOP.Slowly,shefoundherselftelling himaboutLestersstory. Dontworry,hesaid.Illmakeupforyou.He Waitasecond,youreSuzanneChurch?New poundedhiscoffeeandpouredanothercup. WorkChurch?SanJoseMercuryNewsChurch? Humanityreturns,hesaid,rubbinghisthighs. Marthter,thecreaturewaketh!hesaidinhigh Sheblushed.Youcantpossiblyhaveheardof Igor. me,shesaid. Shelaughed. Herolledhiseyes.Sure.Ishouldersurfedyour Youarereallyinto,uh,substances,arentyou? nameoffthecheckinformanddidabackground checkonyoulastnightjustsoIcouldchatyouup shesaid. overbreakfast. Iamafirmbelieverinbetterlivingthrough Itwasajoke,butitgaveherafunny,creepedout chemistry,hesaid.Hepoundedanothercoffee. feeling.Yourekidding? Ahhh.Coffeeandmodafinilareanamazing combo. Imkidding.Ivebeenreadingyouforfreaking Shedtakenhersthatmorningwhenthealarmgot years.IfollowedLestersstoryindetail.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/81 Professionalinterest.Yourethevoiceofour generation,woman.IdbeaphilistineifIdidnt readyourcolumn. justpickedthetopGoogleAdWord.Really Americanstandardplaces,bettereven, Scandinavianstandard,alotofourdoctorscome Yourenotmakingmeanylessembarrassed,you overfromSwedenandDenmarktogetoutfrom underthesocialistmedicinesystemsthere.They know.Ittookaneffortofwilltokeepfrom runatightship,yashore,youbetcha,he squirming. deliveredthislastinabroadSwedishborkbork Helaughedhardenoughtoattractstares.All bork. right,Ididspendthenightgooglingyou.Better? Um,shesaid.Italldependsonscheduling. Ifthatsthealternative,Illtakefamous,I Letssortitouttonight,OK? suppose,shesaid. OK,hesaid.Cantwait.Hestoodupwithher Youreherewritingabouttheweightlossclinics, andgaveheralong,twohandedhandshake.Itsa then? realhonortomeetyou,Suzanne.Youreoneofmy realheros,youknowthat? Yes,shesaid.Itwasntasecret,butshehadnt actuallygoneoutofherwaytomentionit.After Um,shesaidagain.Thanks,Geoff. all,theremightnotbeanykindofstoryafterall. Heseemedtosensethathedcomeontoostrong. Andsomewhereinthebackofhermindwasthe Helookedlikehewasabouttoapologize. ideathatshedidntwanttotipoffsomewell fundednewsroomtosendoutitsowninvestigative Thatsreallykindofyoutosay,shesaid.Itll teamandgetherscoop. begoodtocatchuptonight. Thatisfantastic,hesaid.Thatsjust,wow, thatsthebestnewsIvehadallyear.Youtaking aninterestinourstuff,itsgoingtoreallypushit overtheedge.Youdthinkthatsellingweightloss toAmericanswouldbeeasy,butnotifitinvolves anykindoftravel:80percentofthoselazyinsular fucksdontevenhavepassports.Ha.Dontquote that.Ha. Ha,shesaid.Dontworry,Iwont.Look,how aboutthis,wellmeetinthelobbyaroundnine, afterdinner,foracupofcoffeeandaninterview? Shehadgonefromintriguedtoflatteredto creepedoutwiththisguy,andbesides,shehadher firstclinicvisitscheduledfortenanditwas cominguponnineandwhoknewwhataRussian rushhourlookedlike? Oh.OK.Butyouvegottoletmescheduleyou foravisittosomeofourclinicsandplantsjust toseewhataprofessionalshopwerunhere.No goldteethshinysuitplaceslikeyoudgetifyou Hebrightened.Itwaseasyenoughtobekind, afterall. Shehadthefrontdeskcallherataxishedbeen repeatedlywarnedoffofgypsycabsandany vehiclethatoneprocuredbymeansofawandering tout.Shegotintotheback,hadthedoorman repeatthedirectionstoLestersclinictwicetothe cabbie,watchedhimswitchonthemeterand checkedthetariff,thensettledintowatchSt Petersburggoflyingby. Sheswitchedonherphoneandwatcheditstruggle toassociatewithaRussiannetwork.Theywereon theroadforalloffiveminuteslongenoughto notetheloomingbulkoftheHermitageandthe ripplesleftbyofficialcarsslicingthroughthe trafficwiththeirblueblinkinglightswhenher phonewentnutso.Shelookedatitshehadten texts,halfadozenvoicemails,adozennew clippedarticles,anditwasringingwithanumber inNewYork.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/82 ShebumpedtheNewYorkcalltovoicemail.She didntrecognizethenumber.Besides,iftheworld hadcometoanendwhileshewasasleep,she wantedtoknowsomedetailsbeforeshetalkedto anyoneaboutit.Shepagedbackthroughthetexts inreversechronologicalthelastfivewere increasinglypanickedmessagesfromLesterand Perry.ThenonefromTjan.Thenonefrom Kettlebelly.Theyallwantedtodiscussthenews whateverthatwas.Onefromheroldeditoratthe Mercaskingifshewasavailableforcomment aboutthenews.Tjan,too.Thefirstonewas fromRatToothedFreddy,thatsnake. Kodacellscreditorscallingindebts.Shareprice belowonecent.ImminentNASDAQdelisting. Comments? Herstomachwentcold,herbreakfastcongealed intoahardlump.Theclippedarticleshadquotes fromKettlewell(Wewillseetoitthatallour employeesarepaid,ourcreditorsarereimbursed, andourshareholdersarewelldonebythroughan orderlywinddown),Perry(FuckitIwas doingthisshitbeforeKodacell,dontexpectto stopnow)andLester(Itwastoobeautifuland cooltobereal,Iguess.)Whereshewas mentioned,itwasusuallyinasnidecontextthat madeherouttobeadisgracedpitchwomanfora failedmovement. Whichshewas.Basically. Herphonerang.Kettlewell. Hi,Kettlewell,shesaid. slide.Thenacouplelawsuitsfiled.Thensome unfavorablepress.Thesharepricekeptfalling, andthingsgotworse.Yourbasicclusterfuck. Butyouguyshadgreatnumbersoverall Sure,ifyoulookedatthemourway,theywere great.IfyoulookedatthemthewaytheStreet looksatthem,wewereindeepshit.Analysts couldntfigureouthowtovalueus.Addalittle marketchaosandsomeoldscoresettlingassholes, likethatfuckerFreddy,anditsawonderwelasted aslongaswedid.Theyrealreadycallingusthe twentyfirstcenturyEnron. Kettlewell,shesaid,Ilivedthroughacoupleof these,andsomethingsnotright.Whenthe dotcomsweregoingunder,theirCEOskepttelling everyoneeverythingwasallright,rightuptothe lastminute.Theydidntthrowinthetowel.They stoodlikecaptainsonthebridgeofsinkingships. So? Sowhatsgoingonhere.Itsoundslikeyoure whipped.Whyarentyoufighting?Therewerelots ofdotcomsthattanked,butafewofthosedeepin denialCEOspulleditoff,restructuredandcame outofitalive.Whyareyougivingup? Suzanne,oh,Suzanne.Helaughed,butitwasnt ahappylaugh.Youthinkthatthishappened overnight?Youthinkthatthisproblemjust croppedupyesterdayandItossedinthetowel? Oh.Oh.

Yeah.Wevebeentankingformonths.Ivebeen standingonthebridgeofthissinkingshipwithmy Wherehaveyoubeen?hesaid.Hesounded biggestsmilepastedonfortwoconsecutive reallyedgy.Itwasthemiddleofthenightin quartersnow.Ivethrownoutthemostimpressive California. realitydistortionfieldthebusinessworldhasever IminStPetersburg,shesaid.InRussia.Ionly seen.JustbecauseImgivingupdoesntmeanI foundoutabouttensecondsago.What gaveupwithoutafight. happened? Suzannehadneverbeengoodatcondolences.She OhChrist.Whoknows?Cascadingfailure.Fell hatedfunerals.Landon,Imsorry.Itmusthave shortoflastquartersestimates,whichstarteda beenveryhard

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/83 Yeah,hesaid.Well,sure.Iwantedyoutohave thescooponthis,butIhadtotalktothepress oncethestorybroke,youunderstand. Iunderstand,shesaid.Scoopsarentthat importantanyway.Illtellyouwhat.Illposta shortpieceonthisrightaway,justsaying,Yes, itstrue,andImgettingdetails.ThenIlldo interviewswithyouandLesterandPerryandput upsomethinglongerinacoupleofhours.Does thatwork? strainedquality,ormaybethatwasjusthermood, projecting.Imsorry,Suzanne.Youvebeen doinggoodwork.Thebestworkofyourcareer,if youaskme.Ifollowitclosely. Itmadeherfeelalittlebetter.Shedbeen uncomfortableaboutthewaysheandJimmyhad partedways,butthiswasvindicating.It emboldenedher.Jimmy,whatthehelldoIdo now?

Christ,Suzanne,Idontknow.Illtellyouwhat Helaughedagain,nohumorinit.Yeah,thatllbe nottodo,though.Offtherecord. fine. Offtherecord. Sorry,Kettlewell. DontdowhatIvedone.Donthanggrimlyonto No,no,hesaid.No,itsOK. thelastplanksfromthesinkingship,chronicling Look,Ijustwanttowriteaboutthisinawaythat thelastfewstruggling,sinkingschmucksdemise. honorswhatyouvedoneoverthepasttwoyears. Itsnofunbeingthestenographerforthefallofa greatempire.Findsomethingelsetocover. Iveneverbeenpresentatthebirthofanything remotelythisimportant.Itdeservestobe Thewordsmadeherheartsink.PoorJimmy,stuck describedwell. thereintheMercsoncegreatnewsroom,while theworldcrumbledaroundhim.Itmusthavebeen Itsoundedlikehemightbecrying.Therewasa snufflingsound.Youvebeenamazing,Suzanne. heartbreaking. Wecouldnthavedoneitwithoutyou.Noone couldhavedescribeditbetter.Greatdeedsare irrelevantifnooneknowsaboutthemor remembersthem. Herphonewasbeeping.Shesnuckapeek.Itwas heroldeditor.Listen,shesaid.Ihavetogo. TheresacallcominginIhavetotake.Icancall yourightback. Thanks,shesaid.Youwantaninterview? What?No,woman.Imnotaghoul.Iwantedto callandmakesureyouwereallright. Jimmy,youreaprince.ButIllbeOK.Ilandon myfeet.Youvegotsomeonecoveringthisstory, sogivehermynumberandhavehercallmeand Illgiveheraquote.

Really,Suzanne Dont,hesaid.ItsOK.Imbusyhereanyway. Thisisabigday.Hislaughwaslikeadogsbark. Itsfine,Jimmy. Suzanne,hesaid.Wedontcoverthatkindof Takecareofyourself,Kettlewell,shesaid. thingfromournewsroomanymore.Justlocal Dontletthebastardsgrindyoudown. stuff.Nationalcoveragecomesfromthewiresor Nilcarborundumillegitimistoyou,too. fromtheMcClatchynationalnewsroom. Sheclickedovertohereditor.Jimmy,shesaid. Shesuckedinair.Coulditbepossible?Herfirst Longtimenospeak.SorryImissedyourcalls thoughtwhenJimmycalledwasthatshedmadea beforeIminRussiaonastory. terriblemistakebyleavingtheMerc,butifthis Hello,Suzanne,hesaid.Hisvoicehadanodd, waswhatthepaperhadcometo,shehadleftjust

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/84 intime,evenifherownliferaftwassinking,it hadkeptherafloatforawhile. Theofferstillstands,Jimmy.Illtalktoanyone youwanttoassign. Youreasweetheart,Suzanne.Whatareyouin Russiafor? Shetoldhim.Screwscoops,anyway.Notlike JimmywasgoingtosendanyonetoRussia,he couldntevenaffordtodispatchareporterto MarinCountybythesoundsofthings. Whatastory!hesaid.Man! Yeah,shesaid.YeahIguessitis. Youguess?Suzanne,thisisthesinglemost importantissueinpracticallyeveryAmericans lifethereisntoneinathousandwhodoesnt worryendlesslyabouthisweight. Well,Ihavebeengettingreallygoodnumberson this.Shenamedthefigure.Hesuckedair betweenhisteeth.Thatswhatthewholefreaking chaindoesonatopstory,Suzanne.Youre outperformingfiftylocalpaperscombined. Yeah? Hellyeah,hesaid.MaybeIshouldaskyoufor ajob. Whenhegotoffthephone,shespoketoPerry, andthentoLester.Lestersaidthathewantedtogo travelingandseehisoldfriendsinRussiaandthat ifshewasstillaroundinacoupleweeks,maybe hedseeherthere.Perrywasmoroseandgrimly determined.Hewasonthevergeofshippinghis threedeeeprintersandhewassurehecoulddoit, evenifhedidnthavetheKodacellnetworkfor marketingandlogistics.Hedidntevenseemto registeritwhenshetoldhimthatshewasgoingto bespendingsometimeinRussia. Thenshehadtogointotheclinicandask intelligentquestionsandtakepicturesandrecord audioandjotnotesandpayattentiontothesmall detailssothatshewouldbeabletowritethebest accountpossible. TheydressedwellinRussia,intheclinics. Businesscasual,butwelltailoredandmadefrom goodmaterial.TheEuropeansknewfromtextiles, andexperttailoringseemedtobeincheapsupply here. Shedhavetogetsomeonetorunherupablue blazerandawhiteshirtandadecentskirt.It wouldbenicetogetbackintogrownupclothes afteracoupleyearsworthofFloridacasual. ShedseeGeoffafterdinnerthatnight,getmore detailforthestory.Therewassomethingbighere inthemedicaltourismanglenotjustweightloss butgenetherapy,too,andvoodoostemcellstuff andadvancedprosthesesandevensomecrazy performanceenhancementstuffthathadkept RussiaoutofthepastOlympics. Shetypedherstorynotesandansweredthephone calls.Onespecialcallshereturnedonceshewas sittinginherroom,relaxed,withacupofcoffee fromtheinroomcoffeemaker. Hello,Freddy,shesaid. Suzanne,darling!Hesoundedlikehewas breathinghard. WhatcanIdoforyou? Justwantedaquote,love,somethingforcolor. Oh,Ivegotaquoteforyou.Shedgiventhe quotealotofthought.Livingwiththesquatters hadbroadenedhervocabularymagnificently. Andthoseareyourgoodpoints,shesaid,taking asipofcoffee.Goodbye,Freddy.

PARTII
ThedrivefromOrlandodowntoHollywoodgot

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/85 worseeverytimeSammytookit.Theturnpike tollswentupeveryyearandtheroadsurface qualitydeclined,andthegaspricesattheclip jointswereheartattackinducing.WhenSammy startedatDisneyImagineeringadecadebefore, thecompanyhadcoveredyouractualexpenses justcollectthereceiptsandturntheminforcash back.ButsinceParkshadbeenspunoffintoa separatecompanywithitsownshareholders,the newausteritymeasuresmeantthatthebean countersinBurbanksetamaximumpermile reimbursementandnevermindtheactualexpense. Enoughofthiscompetitiveintelligenceworkand Sammywouldgobroke. Offtheturnpike,itwasevenworse.The shantytownsmultipliedandmultiplied.Laundry linesstretchedoutintheparkinglotsofformer stripmalls.Everytrafficlightcloggedwith aggressivetechnotchotchkevendors,thesqueegee bumsofthetwentyfirstcentury,withtheir pornographicanimatronicdolliesandinfinitely variedrobotdogs.DisneyWorldstillsuckedina fairnumberoftourists(thoughnotnearlysomany asinitsgoldenday),buttheywerestayingaway fromMiamiindroves.Thesnowbirdshaddiedoff inagreatdemographicspasmoverthepast decade,andtheirchildrenlackedthefinancial wherewithaltoeventhinkofoverwinteringin theirparentsnowderelictcondos. TheareaaroundthedeadWalMartwas particularlyawful.Theshantieshererosethree, evenfourstoriesintotheair,clusteredtogetherto makemedievalstreetmazes.BrowardCountyhad longsincestoppedenforcingthepropertyclaims ofthebankruptcycourtsthatmanagedthereal estateinterestsoftheformerownersofthefields andmallsthathadbeenturnedintothenewtowns. BythetimehepulledintotheWalMarts enormousparkinglot,thedayhadheatedup,his airconhadconked,andhedaccumulateda comettailofurchinswhowantedtosellhima computergeneratedbustofhimselfinthestyleof aRomanemperortheyworkedonaffiliate commissionforsomethreedeeeprinterjerkinthe shanties,andtheyhadarealaggressivepitch, practicallyflingingtheirsamplesathim. Hepushedpastthemandwanderedthroughthe openairmarketstalls,akindofcruelparodyof thelonggoneFloridafleamarkets.Thesegypsies soldfabricatedpartsthatcouldbemoddedto makesingleshotzipgunsand/orbongsand/or illegalgainwirelessantennae.Theysoldfruit smoothiesandsuspiciousbeefjerky.Theysold bootleghardcopiesofMexicanfotonovelasand boundprintoutsofJapanesefanproduced tentacleporncomics.Itwasalldamnablyeye catchingandintriguing,eventhoughSammyknew thatitwasalljunk. Finally,hereachedtheticketwindowinfrontof theWalMartandslappeddownfivebucksonthe counter.Theguybehindthecounterwasthekind ofcharacterthatkeptthetouristsawayfrom Florida:shavenheaded,withonecockeyed eyebrowthatlookedlikeasetofhills,athreeday beardandskintannedlikewrinkledleather. Hiagain!Sammysaid,brightly.Workingat Disneytaughtyoutotalkhappyevenwhenyour stomachwascrawlingthecastmembersgrin. Backagain?theguybehindthecounterlaughed. Hewasmissingacaninetoothanditmadehim lookevenmoresketchy.Christ,dude,wellhave toinventaseasonspassforyou. Justcantstayaway,Sammysaid. Yourenottheonlyone.Youreahellofa customerfortheride,butyouhaventgotanything onsomeofthepeopleIgetherepeoplewho comepracticallyeveryday.Itsflattering,Itell you. Youmadethis,then? Yeah,hesaid,swellingupwithalittlepigeon

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/86 chestedpuffofpride.MeandLester,overthere. Hegesturedatafit,greyingmansittingonastool beforeasmallcocktailbarbuiltintoascavenged OrangeJuliusstandGodknewwherethese peoplegotalltheircrapfrom.Hehadthelookof oneofthefatkins,unnaturallythinandmuscled andyetsomehowlazy,thecombinationofaten kilocaloriediet,zerobodyfatandnonsteroidal muscleenhancers.Tenyearsago,hewouldhave beenamodel,buttodayhewasjustanotherex tubbalardwithaseriousfoodhabit.Timewasthat DisneyWorldwasnighunnavigablefromallthe poweredwheelchairscartingaroundmorbidly obeseAmericanswhocouldntwalkfromrideto ride,butthesedaysitlookedmorelikeanadfora gymnasium,fullofgenericallybufffatkinsin tightfittingclothes. Goodwork!hesaidagainincastmemberese. Youshouldbeveryproud! nohowwerethesecatsshellingoutfiftygranda popfortherealdeal. Theupholsteredseatpuffedcloudsofdustintothe spotlightsshaftashesettledintothechairanddid uphislapbelt.ThelittleLCDsetintothecontrol panellitupandstartedtoplaythestandardvideo spiel,narratedingrizzledvoiceover. WELCOMETOTHECABINETOFWONDERS THEREWASATIMEWHENAMERICAHELD OUTTHEPROMISEOFANEWWAYOF LIVINGANDWORKING.THENEWWORK BOOMOFTHETEENSWASAPERIODOF UNPARALLELEDINVENTION,ACAMBRIAN EXPLOSIONOFCREATIVITYNOTSEEN SINCETHETIMEOFEDISONANDUNLIKE EDISON,THEPEOPLEWHOINVENTEDTHE NEWWORKREVOLUTIONWERENTRIP OFFARTISTSANDFRAUDS.

THEIRMARVELOUSINVENTIONS Theproprietorsmiledandtookalongpulloffa strawhookedintothedistillerbesidehim.Goon, EMERGEDATTHERATEOFFIVEORSIX PERWEEK.SOMEDANCED,SOMESANG, getinthereflatterer! SOMEWEREHELPMEETSANDSOME Sammysteppedthroughtheglassdoorsandfound WEREMEREJESTERS. himselfinanairconditionedcaveofseemingly infinitedimension.TheoldWalMarthadbeenthe TODAY,NEARLYALLOFTHESE WONDERFULTHINGSHAVEVANISHED sizeoffivefootballfields,andacunning WITHTHECOLLAPSEOFNEWWORK. arrangementofcurtainsandbafflesmanagedto THEYVEENDEDUPBACKINTHETRASH conveyallthatspacewithoutrevealingits HEAPSTHATINSPIREDTHEM. contents.Beforehimwastheridevehicle,ina singleshaftofspotlight. HEREINTHECABINETOFWONDERS,WE AREPRESERVINGTHESELASTREMNANTS Gingerly,hesteppedintoit.Thedesignwas OFTHEGOLDENAGE,ASINGLEBEACON familiartherehadbeenaglutofthesethings OFLIGHTINATIMEOFDARKNESS. beforethefatkinsmovementtookhold,stair climbingwheelchairsthatusedgyrostabilizersto ASYOUMOVETHROUGHTHERIDESPACE, pitch,yaw,standandsitinaperpetualcontrolled PLEASEREMAINSEATED.HOWEVER,YOU fall.TheDisneyWorldveteransoftheirheyday MAYPAUSEYOURVEHICLETOGETA rememberedthemasfailurepronebehemothsthat CLOSERLOOKBYMOVINGTHEJOYSTICK youneededaforklifttobudgewhentheydied,but TOWARDYOURSELF.PULLTHEJOYSTICK theridepeoplehaddonesomethingtoimproveon UPTOCUENARRATIONABOUTANY thedesign.Thesethingsperformedaswellasthe OBJECT. originals,thoughtheywerecertainlyknockoffs

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/87 MOVETHEJOYSTICKTOTHELEFT, TOWARDSTHEMINUSONE,IFYOUTHINK ANITEMISUGLY,UNWORTHYOR MISPLACED.MOVETHEJOYSTICKTOTHE RIGHT,TOWARDTHEPLUSONE,IFYOU THINKANITEMISPARTICULARLY PLEASING.YOURFEEDBACKWILLBE FACTOREDINTOTHECONTINUOUS REARRANGEMENTOFTHECABINET, WHICHTAKESPLACEONAMINUTEBY MINUTEBASIS,DRIVENBYTHEROBOTS YOUMAYSEECRAWLINGAROUNDTHE FLOOROFTHECABINET. THERIDELASTSBETWEENTENMINUTES ANDANHOUR,DEPENDINGONHOW OFTENYOUPAUSE. PLEASEENJOYYOURSELF,AND REMEMBERWHENWEWEREGOLDEN. sharingboxes,evenanamphibiousretrofitona littlehybridthatapparentlyworked,convertingthe littleBugintoawaterBug. Thechairswoopedaroundeachone,pausing whilethenarrationplayedbackreminiscesbythe inventors,orsometimesbytheownersoftheold gizmos.Thestorieswerepithyandsweetand alwaysfunny.Thesewereartifactsscavengedfrom thefirstdaysofabetternationthathaddieda borning. Thenontothekitchen,andthebathrooms bathroomafterbathroom,withbettertoilets,better showers,bettertubs,betterfloorsandbetterlights bedrooms,kidsrooms.Oneafteranother,a hypermuseum.

Thedecorwasmilesaheadofwhereithadbeen thelasttimehedbeenthrough.Therewerelotsof weirdgracenotes,liketaxidermiedalligators, Thisplusone/minusonebusinesswasnewtohim. vintagetouristpennants,chintzlamps,andtiny Ithadbeenamerefourdayssincehedbeenup dioramaeofactionfigures. here,butlikesomanyotherofhisvisits,theyd Hepausedinfrontofafabricprintersurrounded mademajorrehabstotheirrideintheamountof bycustomteesandknitcapsandthreedeeevideo timeitwouldhavetakenImagineeringtowritea gamefigurinesmachinecrochetedfrombright memoaboutthepossibilityofholdingadesign yarns,andwaspassedbyanotherchair.Initwasa reviewmeeting. cutewomaninherthirties,whiteblondshaggy Hevelcroedhiscameraswirelesseyetohislapel, tappedthepresettocorrectforlowlightand motion,andhitthejoystick.Thewheelchairstood upwithwobblygrace,andbegantorollforward ontwowheels,heelingoverprecipitouslyasit corneredintothemainspaceoftheride.The gyroscouldtakeit,heknew,butitstillthrilled himthewaythatafast,outofcontrolgokartdid, milesawayfromthesaferidesbackinDisney. Thechairscreechedaroundacornerandpulled intothefirstscene,adioramalitteredwithcross sectionedcars.Eachonewaskittedoutwith differentcrazytechnologiesdashboardgodsthat monitoredandtransmittedtrafficheuristics, parallelparkingautopilots,peertopeermusic hairluminousinthespotlightoverthesoftgoods. Shepausedherchairandlovinglyreachedoutto setdownapairofappliquedshortswithorganic LEDspulsingandswirlingaroundthewaistband. Giveitaplusone,OK?Theseweremybest sellers,shesaid,smilingadazzlingbeachbunny smileathim.Shewheeledawayandpausedatthe nextdioramatosetdownadollhouseinachilds roomdiorama. Wowtheyweregettingusergeneratedcontentin theride.Holycrap. Hefinishedouttheridewithakeenhandonthe plusone/minusonelever,carefullyvotingforthe beststuffandagainstthestuffthatlookedoutof placelikeapornographicceramicbongthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/88 someonehadleftinthemidstofaclockwork begantotuckitintoapocket.Hehatedhardsells, animatronicjugbandmadefromstitchedtogether hewasnogoodatthem.Itwaswhyheboughtall stuffedanimals. hiscarsonlinenow. Thenitwasover,andhewasdebarkinginwhat hadbeentheWalMartsgardencenter.Thenew brightsunmadehimtearup,andhefishedouthis shades. Hey,mister,cmere,Ivegotsomethingbetter thansunglassesforyou!Theguywhobeckoned himovertoamarketstallhadthelookofanaging bangbanger:shavedhead,tattoos,ridiculous cyclingshortswithsomeguthangingoverthem. Seethese?Polarizingcontactlenses prescriptionoropticallyneutral.EveryoneinIndia isintothesethings,butwemakeemrightherein Florida.Heliftedahalfsphereoffilmyplastic fromhiscaseandpeeledbackhiseyelidand poppeditin.Hiswholeiriswastintedblack,along withmostofthewhitesofhiseyes.Geometric shapeslikeMaoritattooswererenderedin charcoalgreyacrossthelenses.Icanprintyouup asetinfiveminutes,tenbucksforplain,twentyif youwantthembitmapped. Naw,thatsnotthedeal,yougottotrythemon, otherwisehowcanyoubuythemonceyoufallin lovewithem?Theyresafeman,goon,itseasy, justlikeputtinginabigcontactlens. Sammythoughtaboutjustwalkingaway,butthe othervendorswerewatchinghimnow,andthe scrutinysappedhiswill.Myhandsaretoodirty forthis,hesaid.Thevendorsilentlypassedhima sealedsterilewipe,grinning. Knowinghewashad,hewipedhishands,tore openthepackage,tookoutthelensesandpopped themoneatatimeintohiseyes.Heblinkeda coupletimes.Theworldwassolarizedandgrey, likehewasseeingitthroughatintedwindscreen. Ohman,youlookbadass,thevendorsaid.He heldupahandmirror.

Sammylooked.Hiseyeswereshinyblackbeads, likeamouseseyes,solidsaveforasubtletracery ofMickeyMouseheadsatthecorners.The trademarkinfringementmadehimgrin,hardand IthinkIllstickwithmyshades,thanks,Sammy spitless.Helookedtenyearsyounger,likethose said. lateteenhipsterswhoseparentsdraggedthemto Cmon,theladieslovethesethings.Real WaltDisneyWorld,whoshowedupinbangbanger conversationstarter.Makeyoulookallanimeand threadsandsneeredandscratchedtheirgroinsand shit,guylikeyoucantrythiskindofthingoutfor madeloudremarksabouthowsuckballsitallwas. twentybucks,youknow,wonthurt. Hisconservativebuzzcutlookedmorelikea retroskinheadthing,andhissmoothshaved, Thatsallright,Sammysaid. roundcheeksmadehimboyish. Justtryapairon,then,howaboutthat.Iprinted anextrasetlastWednesdayandtheyveonlygota Thosearegoodfortwodaystopsyoureyes startgettingitchy,youjusttossem.Youwanta shelflifeofaweek,sothesellonlybegoodfor pairthatsgoodforaweek,twentydollahwiththe anotherday.Freshinasealedpackage.Youlike Mickeys.IgotDonaldsandAstroBoysandall em.youbuyapairatfullprice,cmonthatsas kindsofshit,justhavealookthroughmyflash goodasyouregoingtoget. book.SomestuffIdrewmyself,even. BeforeSammyknewit,hewastakingreceiptofa sealedplasticpacketinhotpinkwithaperforated Playingalongnow,Sammylethimselfbeledona stripdownoneside.Uh,thanks...hesaid,ashe touroftheflashbook,whichfeaturedthekindof arthewasaccustomedtoseeingintattooparlor

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/89 windows:skullsandsnakesandscorpionsand nakedladies.MickeyMousegivingthefinger, DaisyDuckwithastrapon,MinnieMouseasa dominatrix.Thecompanyofferedabountyfor turningintrademarkinfringers,butsomehowhe doubtedthatthecompanylawyerswouldbeable tosendthissquatteraceaseanddesistletter. Thatsyourloss,man,thevendorsaid.The printerbehindhimwasspittingoutthelastof Sammyscontactlenses,insealedplasticwrap. Thevendorwrappedthemupandputthemina brownliquorstorebag.

Sammyploddedthroughtherestofthemarket withhispaperbag.Itwasallsodepressing.The Intheend,heboughtoneofeachoftheDisney numbersatDisneyWorldweredown,waydown, sets. anditwashisjobtofigureouthowtobringthem upagain,withoutspendingtoomuchmoney.Hed Youlikethemouse,huh? doneitbeforeacoupleoftimes,withthelive Sure,hesaid. actionroleplayingstuff,andwiththerebuildof Ineverbeen.Tooexpensive.ThisisalltherideI Fantasylandasanironicgothhangout(beinga whollyseparateentityfromtheoldWaltDisney want,righthere.HegesturedatthedeadWal Companyhaditsadvantages).Buttodoitathird Mart. timeChrist,hehadnoideahowhedgetthere. Youlikethathuh? TheseweirdassWalMartsquattershadseemed Man,itscool!Igoonthatsometimes,justtosee promising,butcouldyoupossiblytransplant somethinglikethistoahighthroughput, whatitsturnedinto.Ilikethatitsalways professionallocationbasedentertainment different.AndIlikethatpeopleaddtheirown product? stuff.Itmakesmefeel,youknow... Theurchinswerestillintheparkinglotwiththeir Romanemperorbusts.Heheldhishandsoutto Suddenly,thevendordroppedhishardcase wardthemoffandfoundhimselfholdingontoa bangbangerfacade.Thosewerethebestdaysof bustofhisownhead.Oneofthelittleratshad mylife.Iwasbuildingthreedeeeprinters,making gottenathreedeeescanofhisheadwhilehewas themrun.Myolderbrotherlikedtofixcars,and walkingbyandhadmadethebustonspec.He sodidmyoldman,butwhoneedsacar,where lookedolderinRomanemperorguisethanhedid yougoingtogo?ThestuffIbuilt,man,itcould inhismindseye,oldandtired,likeanemperorin makeanything.Idontknowwhyorhowitended, decline. butwhileitwasgoing,Ifeltlikethekingofthe Twentydollahman,twenty,twenty,thekidsaid. goddamnedworld. Hewasabout12,andstillchubby,withlonghair Itfeltlessfunandironicnow.Thereweretears thatfrizzedawayfromhisheadinadandelion brightonthevendorsblackbeadeyes.Hewasin halo. hismidtwenties,youngerthanhedseemedat Ten,Sammysaid,clutchinghistiredhead.It first.Ifhedbeendressedlikeasuburbanhome owner,hewouldhavelookedlikesomeonesmart wassmoothasepoxyresin,andsurprisinglylight. andaccomplished,withlivelyfeaturesandclever Therewasalotofdifferentgoopyoucouldrun throughthosethreedeeeprinters,butwhatever hands.Sammyfeltobscurelyashamed. theydusedforthis,itwasfeatherweight. Oh,hesaid.Well,Ispentthoseyearsworkinga Thekidlookedshrewd.TwentydollahandIget straightjob,soitdidntreallytouchme. What?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/90 ridoftheseotherkids,OK? Sammylaughed.Hepassedthekidatwenty, takingcaretotuckhiswalletdeepintotheinside pocketofhisjacket.Thekidwhistledshrillyand therestofthekidsmeltedaway.Theentrepreneur madethetwentydisappear,tappedthesideofhis nose,andtookoffrunningbackintothemarket stalls. youwouldhavehadtogotoagaybartoseewhen Perrywasincollege.Hisshirtclungtohispecs andwastailoreddowntohisnarrowwaist.Itwasa fatkinsstyle,thekindofthingyoucouldntwear unlessyouhadauniquelyadversarialrelationship withyourbodyandmetabolism.

No,Lester,no.Perrysaid.IsaidIdgoonthis doubledatewithyou,butIdidntsayanything aboutlettingyoudressmeupforit.Thetwogirls ItwashotandmuggyandSammywastired,and thedrivebacktoOrlandowasanotherfivehoursif wereapairthatLesterhadmetatafatkinsclubin SouthBeachtheweekbefore,andhedcamera thetrafficwasagainsthimandthesedays, phonedtheirpictoPerrywithascrawleddrunken everythingwasagainsthim. noteaboutwhichonewashis.Theywereattractive enough,butthemonotonicfatkinsdevotionto Perrysfunnyeyebrowtwitchedashecountedout sybartismwassotiresome.Perrydidntseemuch pointinhookingupwithagirlhecouldnthavea thedaystake.Thisgigwasallcream,allprofit. goodtechnicaldiscussionwith. Hisoverheadsamountedtoacouplehundreda monthtoJasonandhiscrewtohelpwiththerobot Comeon,itsgoodstuff,youllloveit. andmachinerymaintenanceintheWalMart,half IfIhavetochangeclothes,Imnotinterested. thattosomeoftheshantytowngirlstodustand Perryfoldedhisarms.Intruth,hewasnt sweepafterclosing,andaretainertoabangbanger interested,period.Helikedhislittlekingdom packthatransecurityattherideandinthemarket. there,andhecouldgeteverythingheneededfrom Plushegotthemarketstallrents,andsowhenthe burritostoRAMatthemarket.Hehadachest daywasover,onlythefirsthundredbucksoutof freezerfullofbankruptcysaleorganicMREs,for thetillwentintooverheadsandtherestspliteven variety. stevenwithLester. JusttheshirtthenIhaditprintedjustforyou. Lesterwaitedimpatiently,watchinghimcount twicebeforesplittingthestack.Perryrolleduphis Perryraisedhisfunnyeyebrow.Letsseeit. takeanddroppeditintoahiddenpocketsewninto Lesterturnedtohislatestcar,atrikewithhuge, hiscargoshorts. electricbluebacktires,andpoppedthetrunk, Somedayyouregoingtogetluckyandsome chickisgoingtoreachdownandfreakout, buddy,Lestersaid. Bettershefindsmybankrollthanmyprostate, Perrysaid.Lesterspentalotoftimethinking aboutgettinglucky,makingupforalifetimeof badluckwithgirls. OK,letsgetchanged,Lestersaid.Asusual,he waswearingtightfittingjeansthatowedalittle debttothebangbangercyclingshorts,something rummaged,andproudlyemergedholdingabright blueHawaiianprintshirt. Lester,arethose...turds? Itstransgressivistmoderne,Lestersaid, hoppingfromfoottofoot.SawitintheNewYork Times,broughtthepictoGabrielainthemarket, sheclonedit,printedit,andsentitoutfor stitchinganextratenbuckforsameday service. Iamnotwearingashirtcoveredinsteamingpiles

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/91 ofshit,Lester.No,no,no.Agoogoltimesno. Lesterlaughed.Christ,Ihadyougoing,didntI? Dontworry,Iwouldntactuallyhaveletyougo outinpublicwearingthis.Buthowaboutthis?he saidwithaflourish,andbroughtoutanothershirt. Somethingstretchyandiridescent,likeanoil slick.Itwassleeveless.Itllreallyworkwithyour bicepsandpecs.Also:looksprettygoodcompared totheturdshirt,doesntit?Goon,tryiton. LesterBanks,youarethegayeststraightmanI know,Perrysaid.Heshuckedhissweatyteeand slippedintotheshirt.Lestergavehimabig thumbsup.Heexaminedhisreflectioninthe blackedoutglassdoorsoftheWalMart. Yeah,OK,hesaid.Letsgetthisoverwith. Yourenthusiasm,yourbestfeature,Lestersaid. Theirdatesweretwobrunetteswithdeeptansand wholeeyecosmeticcontactsthathidtheirpupils infavoroffeaturelessexpansesofwhite,sothey lookedliketheireyeshadrolledbackintotheir heads,ormaybeliketheywerewearingcueballs forglasseyes.LikemostofthefatkinsgirlsPerry hadmet,theydressedtothenines,atelikepigs, dranklikefishes,andtalkedaboutnothingbut biotech. SoImthinking,sure,mitochrondriallengthening soundslikeitshouldwork,butifthatsso,why havewebeenscrewingaroundwithitforthirty yearswithoutaccomplishinganything?Hisdate, Moira,workedatalawoffice,andshecameupto hischest,anditwashardtotellwiththoseeyes, butitseemedlikeshewastotallyoblivioustohis completeindifferencetomitochondria. Henoddedandtriednottolookbored.South Beachwasntwhatithadoncebeen,ormaybe Perryhadchanged.Heusedtolovetocomehere topeoplewatch,buttheweirdosofSouthBeach seemedtoopreciouswhencomparedwiththe denizensofhisownlittlesettlementoutonthe Hollywoodfreeway. Letsgoforawalkonthebeach,Lestersaid, diggingouthiswalletandrubbinghiscardover thepaypatchonthetable. Goodidea,Perrysaid.Anythingtogetoffthis patioandawayfromtheinsufferableclubmusic thunderingoutofthespeakerspolemounted 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,becausehe hadaprofessionalinterestinthekindofwares theycarried.Mostofthemoriginatedononeof hisprinters,afterall.Plus,itwasthegentlemanly thingtodo. Whathavewehere?hesaidashepulledup alongsideher.Shewastryingonabraceletofodd, bonybeads. Ectopicfetuses,shesaid.Youknow,likethe Christianfundiesuseforstemcellresearch?You quickenanunfertilizedegginvitroandyougeta

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/92 littleballoffurandboneandskinandstemcells. Itcanneverbeahuman,soithasnosoul,soits notmurdertoharvestthem. Thevendor,aTurkishteenagerwithaluxurious mustache,nodded.Everybeadmadefrom naturallyoccurringfoetusbones.Hehandedone toPerry. handshake. Winsome,losesome,Lestersaidasthegirls rolledawayinaflashofmuscularcalvesfromthe pairofbeachperfectcabbiespedalingthething. Yourenotangry?Perrysaid.

Nah,Lestersaid.Igetlaidtoomuchasitis. Sapsmeofmypreciousbodilyfluids.Gottakeep Itwasdryandfragileinhishand.Theboneswere somechiinside,youknow? warmandporous,andintorturedElephantMan Perryraiseduphisfunnyeyebrowandmadeit shapesthatherecoiledfromatavistically. dance. Goodprice,theTurkishkidsaid.Hehad Oh,OK,Lestersaid.Yougotme.Immeeting practicallynoaccentatall,andwaswearinga Japanesebaseballteamuniformandsprayonfoot minelater,aftershedropsherfriendoff. coverings.ThoroughlyAmericanized.Look Illgetacabhomethen,shallI? here,hesaid,andgesturedatalittlecornerofhis Takemycar,Lestersaid.Illgetaridebackin table. themorning.Nowayyoullgetataxitotakeyou Itwascoveredinrosesmadefromfabricsmall toourneighborhoodatthishour. andcrude,withpinbacks.Perrypickedoneup.It Perryscarhadbeenuponblocksforamonth, hadacertainnaivecharm.Thefabricwassome awaitinghisattentiontoitsfailingbrakesand kindofverydelicateleather mushysteering.Soitwasnicetogetbehindthe Itsskin,hisdatesaid.Foetalskin. wheelofLestersBigDaddyRothtrikeandgiveit Hedroppedit.Hisfingerstingledwiththeechoof alittlegasoutontheinterstate,thesmellofthe thefeelingoftheleather.JesusIhatebiotech.The swampandbiodieselfromthebigrigsstreaming pastthewindscreen.Theroadwasdarkand roseflutteredpastthetabletothesandy treacherouswithpotholes,butPerrygotintothe boardwalk,andtheTurkishkidpickeditupand rhythmofitandfoundhedidntwanttogohome, blewitclean. quite,sohekeptdriving,intothenight.Hetold Sorry,Perrysaid,stickinghishandsinhis himselfthathewasscoutingdeadmallsforfuture pockets.Hisdateboughtabraceletandamatching expansion,buthehadkidswhodvideo chokermadeoftinybonesandteeth,andthe documentedthestatusofallthelikelycandidates Turkishkid,leering,helpedherfastenthe inthehood,andhekepttabsonhischoicest necklace.WhentheyreturnedtoLesterandhis morselsviadailysatphotosthathesubscribedto date,Perryknewtheeveningwasataclose.The inhismorningfeed. girlsplayedacoupleroundsofeyehockey, Whatthehellwashedoingwithhislife?TheWal unreadablebehindtheirlenses,andPerry MartridewasalarkithadbeenLestersidea, shruggedapologeticallyatLester. butLesterhadlostinterestandPerryhaddone Wellthen,Lestersaid,itsurehasbeenanice mostofthework.Theywerentquitesquattingthe night.Lestergotsmoochedwhentheysawthe WalMart:Perrypaidrenttoastatecommission girlsoffinapedicab.Inthebuzzandhumofits thatcollectedinescrowfortheabsenteelandlord. flywheel,Perrygotadampandunenthusiastic Itwasafinelife,butthedaysblurredoneintothe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/93 next,directionless.Buildingtheridehadbeenfun, settingupthemarkethadbeenfun,butrunning themwell,hemightaswellberunninga laundromatforallthementalacuityhiscurrentjob required. Youmissit,hesaidtohimselfoverthewhistle ofthewindandthehissofthefatcontactpatches onthereartires.Youwanttobebackintheshit, inventingstuff,makingitallhappen. Forthehundredthtime,hethoughtaboutcalling SuzanneChurch.Hemissedher,too,andnotjust becauseshemadehimfamous(andnowhewasno longerfamous).Sheputitallinperspectivefor him,andeggedhimontogreaterthings.Shed beentheiraudience,andtheydallperformedfor her,backinthegoldendays. Hewasthirtyfouryearsold,hewassingleand childless,andhewaseatinganicecreamina desertedtruckstopattwointhemorningbythe sideofafreewayinsouthFlorida.Hebosseda lowbudgettouristattractionandheranapirate fleamarket. Whatthehellwashedoingwithhislife? Gettingmugged,thatswhat. Theycameoutofthewoodsnearthepicnictables, fourbangbangers,butyoungones,intheirearly teens.Twohadgunsnothingfancy,justAK47s runoffacomputercontrolledmillsomewherein anindustrialpark.Yousawthemalloverthe place,easyaspietomake,buttheammowasalot hardertocomeby.Somaybetheywereunloaded.

Speakingofunloaded.Hewasabouttopisshis Itwas,what,5AMinRussia?Orwasittwointhe pants. afternoon?Hehadhernumberonhisspeeddial, butheneverrangit.Hedidntknowwhathedtell Wallet,oneofthemsaid.Hehadabadmustache thatremindedhimoftheTurkishkidonthebeach. her. Probablythesamehormonesthatgavekids HecouldcallTjan,orevenKettlebelly,justring mustachesgavethembadideaslikesellingfetus themoutoftheblue,veteranstogethershooting jewelryorstickinguppeoplebytheicecream theshit.MaybetheycouldhaveaKodacell machinesatlatenighttruckstops.Keys,hesaid. reunion,andgettogethertosingthecompany Phone,headded. song,wearingthecompanytshirt. Perryslowlysetdowntheicecreamconeonthe Hepulledthecaroffatatruckstopandboughtan lidofthetrashcanbesidehim.Hedonlyeaten icecreamnoveltyfromavendingmachinewitha onespikeoffAstroBoyshead. roboticclawthatscoopedtheicecream,mushedit Hisvisiontelescopeddownsothathewaslooking intothecone,thengaveitahaircutsothatit atthatkid,athismustache,attheguninhishands. lookedlikeAstroBoyshead,thenextendedthe Hewasreachingforhiswallet,slowly.Hedneed coneonaroboticclaw.Itmadehimsmile. tohitcharidebacktotown.Cancelingthecredit Someonehadinventedthisthing.Itcouldhave cardswouldbetough,sincehedstoredallthe beenhim.Heknewwhereyoucoulddownload identitytheftpasswordsandnumbersinhisphone, visionsystemlibraries,andforcefeedback whichtheywereabouttotakeoffhim.Andhed libraries.Heknewwhereyoucouldgetplansfor therobotics,andofftheshelfmotorsandsensors. havetocancelthephone,forthatmatter. Christ,thesedayshehadagoodideawhereyou DoyouhaveanolderbrothernamedJason?his couldgettheicecreamwholesale,andwhich mouthsaid,whilehishandswerestillbeing crookedvendingmachineinterestshedhaveto mugged. greasetogethisstuffintotruckstops. What?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/94 WorksastallbytheWalMartride,selling contactlenses? Thekidseyesnarrowed.Youdontknowme, man.Youdontwanttoknowme.Betterforyour healthifyoudontknowme. Wow. Timesnappedback.

Iwonttellyourbrother,hesaid.Thenhe surprisedhimself,Butyouvegottogivemeback thecreditcardsandleavethecaratthemarketin Hishandswerepassingoverhisphone,hiswallet, themorning. hiskeysLesterskeys.Lesterwouldbegladto Thekidnodded.Thenheseemedtorealizehewas haveanexcusetobuildanewcar. holdingagunonPerry.Heloweredit.Yeah, OnlyIowntheWalMartride,andIveknown Jasonalongtime.Igavehimhisfirstjob,fixing theprinters.Youlooklikehim. thatsfair,hesaid.Cantusethefuckingcards thesedaysanyway.

Yeah,Perrysaid.Well,theressomecashthere Thekidsthreebuddieswerebeginningtheirslow anyway.Herealizedhehadfivehundredbucksin fadeintothebackground.Thekidwasvisiblyon arollinahiddenpocketinhisshorts. thehornsofadilemma.Thegunwavered.Perrys YougethomeOK? kneesturnedtowater. Illthumbaride,Perrysaid. Yourethatguy?thekidsaid.Hepeeredcloser. Icancallyouataxi,thekidsaid.Itsnotsafeto Shit,youare. hangaroundhere. Keepitall,Perrysaid.Hismouthwasntso smart.Knowingwhomuggedyouwasntgoodfor Thatsreallyniceofyou,Perrysaid.Thanks. yourhealth. Thekidtookoutalittlephoneandproddeditfora minute.Ontheway,hesaid.Thegunsarent Shit,thekidsaid.Thegunwavered.Wavered. loaded. Comeon,oneofhisbuddiessaid.Comeon, Oh,well,Perrysaid.Goodtoknow. man! Illbethereinaminute,thekidsaid,hisvoice flat. Perryknewhewasadeadman. Imreallysorry,thekidsaid,oncehisfriends wereoutofrange. Metoo,saidPerry. Youwonttellmybrother? Perryfroze.Timedilated.Herealizedthathisfists wereclenchedsotightthathisknuckleshurt.He realizedthathehadazitonthebackofhisneck thatwasrubbingagainsthiscollar.Herealized thatthekidhadapaperbackbookstuckinthe waistbandofhisbangbangershorts,whichwas unusual.Itwasafantasynovel.AConannovel. Anawkwardsilencespreadbetweenthem.Look, Imreallysorry,thekidsaid.Wedontreallydo this.Itsourfirstnight.Mybrotherwouldreally killme. Iwonttellhim,Perrysaid.Hisheartwas beatingagain,notthunderingorkeeping ominouslystill.Butyouknow,thisisntsmart. Youregoingtosticksomeoneupwhohasbullets andhesgonnashootyou. Wellgetammo,thekidsaid. Andshoothim?Thatsonlyalittlebetter,you know. Whatdoyouwantmetosay?thekidsaid, lookingyoungandpetulant.Iapologized.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/95 Comebytomorrowwiththecarandletstalk,all Perrysaid.Butyouseemlikeadecentkid,soI right? figuretheresmoreinstoreforyouthangetting Lesterdidntevennoticethathiscarwasmissing killedorlockedup.Iknowthatsprettynormal untilthekiddroveupwithit,andwhenheasked aroundhere,butyoudonthavetogothatway. Yourbrotherdidnt. aboutit,Perryjustraisedhisfunnyeyebrowat him.Thatfunnyeyebrow,ithadthepowertocloud Whatthefuckdoyouknowaboutit,anyway? mensminds. Thekidwasupnow,bodylanguagesayinghe Whatsyourname?Perryaskedthekid,giving wantedtogetfaraway,fast. himthesparestoolbytheticketwindow.Itwas afterlunchtime,whenthepunishingheatslowed everyonetoastickycrawl,andthecrowdwasthin oneortwocustomerseveryhalfhour.

Icouldaskaroundthemarket,Perrysaid,as thoughthekidhadntspoken.Someoneherehas gottobelookingforsomeonetohelpout.You couldopenyourownstall. Thekidsaid,Itsalljustsellingjunktoidiots. Whatkindofjobisthatforaman?

Glenn,thekidsaid.Infulldaylight,helooked older.Perryhadnoticedthattheshantytowners neverstoppeddressingliketeenagers,wearingthe fashionsoftheiryouthsforever,sothatawalk throughthemarketwaslikeatourthroughthe teenfashionsofthelastthirtyyears.

Sellingpeoplestufftheycantbebotheredto makeforthemselvesisatimehonoredwayof makingaliving.Thereusedtobeprofessional portraitphotographerswhodtakeapicofyour Glenn,youdidmearealsolidlastnight. familyformoney.Theywereevenconsidered Glennsquirmedonhisstool.Imsorryaboutthat artists.Besides,youdonthavetosellstuffyou download.Youcaninventstuffandprintthat. Metoo,Perrysaid.ButnotassorryasImight Getoverit.Thosedaysareover.Noonecares havebeen.Yousaiditwasyourfirstnight.Isthat aboutinventionsanymore. true? Carjacking,sure,thekidsaid. Butyougetintoothershit,dontyou?Mugging? Sellingalittledope?Somethinglikethat? Everyonedoesthat,Glennsaid.Helooked sullen. Maybe,Perrysaid.Andthenalotofthemend updoingastretchinaworkcamp.Sometimes theygetbitbywatermoccasinsanddontcome out.Sometimes,oneoftheotherprisonershits themovertheheadwithashovel.Sometimesyou justlosethreetofiveyearsofyourlifetodigging ditches. Glennsaidnothing. Imnottryingtotellyouhowtorunyourlife, ItnailedPerrybetweentheeyes,likea slaughterhousebolt.Yeah,yeah,hesaid.He didntwanttotalktothiskidanymorethanthis kidwantedtotalktohim.Well,ifIcanttalkyou outofit,itsyourownbusiness...Hestartedto rearrangehisticketdesk. Thekidsawhisopportunityforfreedomand bolted.Hewasprobablyheadedforhisbrothers stallandthenthelongwalktowhereverhe plannedonspendinghisday.Everythingwasa longwalkfromhere,oryoucouldwaitforthe bussesthatranonthehourduringbusinesshours. Perrycheckedoutthecar,cleanedouttheempties andtheroachesandtwistsfromthebackseat,then parkedit.Acouplemorepeoplecamebytoride hisride,andhetooktheirmoney.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/96 Lesterhadjustfinishedhislargesteverflattened sodacanmechanicalcomputer,itsnakedbackand forthacrossthewholeoftheoldWalMart solarium,sheetsofpressboardwithprecisioncut gearsmountedonaviationbearingsFrancishad helpedhimwiththose.Allday,hedbeenlistening totheracketofitgrindingthroughitsmighty 0.001KHzcalculations,dumpingcarloadsof M&Msintoitsoutputhopper.Youprogrammedit withregulationbaseballs,footballs,soccerballs, andwiffleballs:dumpthemintheinputhopper andtheywouldbesortedintothecorrectchutesto triggertheoperations.Withawhoppingone kilobitofmemory,thethingcouldbestanyofthe earlyvacuumtubecomputerswithoutasingle electricalcomponent,andLesterwasreadyto finallydeclarevictoryoverthecursedUnivac. Perrylethimselfbecoaxedintotheworkroom, deputizingFrancistomantheticketdesk,and watchedadmiringlyasLesterputthemachine throughitspaces. Youvedoneit,Perrysaid. Well,Igottablogit,Lestersaid.Runsome benchmarks,reallytestitoutagainsttheold monsters.Imthinkingofusingittobruteforce theoldNaziEnigmacode.Thatllshowthose dirtyNazibastards!Wellwinthewaryet! Perryfoundhimselfgiggling.Yourethebest, man,hesaidtoLester.Itsgoodthattheresat leastonesanepersonaroundhere. Dontflatteryourself,Perry. Iwastalkingaboutyou,Lester. Uhoh,Lestersaid.Hescoopedadouble handfulofbrownM&Msupfromtheoutput hopperandmunchedthem.Itsnotagoodsign whenyoustartaccusingmeofbeingthegrownup inourpartnership.HavesomeM&Msandtellme aboutit. Perrydid,unburdeninghimselftohisoldpal,his roommateoftenyears,theguyhedgonetowar withandstartedbusinesseswithandcollaborated with. Yourerestless,Perry,Lestersaid.Heputnine golfballs,apingpongball,andanotherninegolf ballsinthemachinesinputhopper.Twoanda thirdsecondslater,eightyoneM&Msdropped intotheoutputhopper.Yourejustbored.Youre amaker,andyourerunningthingsinsteadof makingthings. Noonecaresaboutmadethingsanymore,Les. Thatssortoftrue,Lestersaid.Illallowyou that.Butitsonlysortoftrue.Whatyouremissing ishowmuchpeoplecareaboutorganizationsstill. ThatwasthereallyimportantthingabouttheNew Work:thewaywecouldallcometogetherto execute,withoutalotoftopdownmanagement. Thebangbangerarmsdealers,thebioterrorists andfatkinssupplierstheyallrunonsocial institutionsthatweperfectedbackthen.Youve gotsomethinglikethatherewithyourmarket,a fluidsocialinstitutionthatyoucouldnthavehad tenorfifteenyearsago. Ifyousayso,Perrysaid.TheM&Mswere givinghimheartburn.Cheapchocolatedidnt reallyagreewithhisstomach. Ido.Andsotheanswerisstaringyourightinthe face:goinventsomesocialinstitutions.Youvegot onecreepinguphereintheride.Therearelittle blogospheresoffanswhocoordinatewhattheyre goingtobringdownandwheretheyregoingto putit.Buildonthat. Noonesgoingtohaulassacrossthecountryto ridethisride,Les.Getreal. Coursenot.Lesterbeamedathim.Ivegotone wordforyou,man:franchise! Franchise? Builddupesofthisthing.Printoutanything thatsaoneofakind,runthemasfranchises.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/97 Wontwork,Perrysaid.Likeyousaid,this thingworksbecauseofthehardcoreofvolunteer curatorswhoaddtheirownstufftoititsalways different.Thosefranchiseswouldallbestatic,or woulddiverge...Itdjustbeboringcomparedto this. Whyshouldtheydiverge?Whyshouldtheybe static?Youcouldnetworkthem,dude!What happensinone,happensinall.Thecurators wouldntjustbeupdatingoneexhibit,butallof them.Thousandsofthem.Millionsofthem.A giganticphysicalwiki.Oh,itdbesoveryvery verycool,Perry.Acoolsocialinstitution. Whydontyoudoit? this! Amonthlater,Perrywasclearingsecurityat MiamiInternational,lookingawkwardinlong trousers,closedsoleshoes,andadenimjacket.It wasautumninBoston,andhecouldntshowupin flipflopsandapairofcutoffs.Thesecurity guardsgavehisleathery,lopsidedfaceahardlook. Hegrinnedlikeapirateandmadehisfunny eyebrowtwitch,astuntthatearnedhimhalfan hourbehindthescreenandadatewithDoctor Jellyfinger. What,exactly,doyouthinkIvegothiddenup there?heaskedashegrippedtherailingandtried nottolettheillegitimaticarborundum.

Imgonna.ButIneedsomeonetorunthe project.Someonewhosgoodatgettingpeopleall Itsprocedure,sir. pointedinthesamedirection.You,pal.Youremy Well,thedocsaidmyprostatewasthesizeofa heroonthisstuff. guavaaboutamonthagoinyourprofessional Youresuchaflatterer. opinion,hasitshrunkorgrown?Imean,while Youloveit,baby,Lestersaid,andflutteredhis youreupthere. longeyelashes.Liketheladysaidtothestamp TheTSAmandidntlikethatatall.Aminutelater, collector,philatelywillgetyoueverywhere. Perrywasbucklingupandleavingthelittleroom Oy,Perrysaid.Yourefired. withanexaggeratedbowleggedgait.Hetippedan imaginaryhatattheguardsretreatingbackand Youcantfireme,Imavolunteer! said,Callme!inastageyvoice. Lesterdroppedsixgolfballsandaheavy Itwasthelastbitoffunhehadforthenextfour medicineballdownthehopper.Themachine hours,crammedinthetincanfullofrecycled groundandchattered,thenstarteddropping discountairtravellerflatulenceandtheclatterof hundredloadsofM&Ms100,200,300,400, fingersonkeyboardsandthegabbleofahundred 500,600,700thensomechange. phoneconversationsasthesalarymenontheflight Whatoperationwasthat?Perrysaid.Hednever stoleafewminutesofcrampedproductivityfrom seenLesterpulloutthemedicineball. thedeadtraveltime. Figureitout,Lestersaid. TouchingdowninBostonandgettinghisluggage, Perrythoughtforamoment.Sixsquared?Six cubed?Logsix?Sixfactorial?MyGodyoure weird,Les. hefeltlikehedlandedonanalienplanet.The feelingofdisorientationandforeignnesswasnew toPerry.Hewasusedtobeingsupremely comfortable,incontrolconfident.Buthewas nervousnow,maybeevenscared,alittle.

Geniusisneverappreciated.Hescoopedupa doublehandfulofbrownM&Ms.Inyourface, VonNeumann!LetsseeyourpreciousENIACtop HedialedTjan.Ivegotmybags,hesaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/98 Illberightaround,Tjansaid.Reallylooking forwardtoseeingyou. Thereweremorecopsthanpassengersinthe arrivalsareaatLogan,andtheywatchedTjan warilyashepulledupandswungopenadoorof hislittlesportscar. Whatthefuckisthis,aPorsche?Perrysaidas hefoldedhimselfawkwardlyintothefrontseat, steppinginthroughthesunroof,pullinghisbag downintohislapafterhim. ItsaLada.Ihaditimportedtheyreallover Russia.Evolutionaryalgorithmusedtoproducea minimummaterials/maximumstrengthchassis. Itsnicetoseeyou,Perry. Tjansporchsagged,withacouplekidsbikes triplelockedtoitandanallcoveringchalkmosaic overeveryinchofit.Thewoodcreakedandgave beneaththeirfeet. Thedoorsprangopenandrevealedaprettylittle girl,nineortenyearsold,inbluejeansanda hoodiesweaterthatwentnearlytoherankles,the longsleevesbuncheduplikebeachballsonher forearms.Thehoodhungdowntoherbuttitwas EastCoastbangbanger,asreinterpretedthrough themalls. Daddy!shesaid,andputherarmsaroundTjans waist,squeezinghard.

Hepriedherlooseandthenhoistedherbythe Itsnicetoseeyou,Tjan,hesaid.Thecarwasso armpitsuptoeyeheight.Whathaveyoudoneto yourbrother? lowtothegroundthatitfeltlikehewasriding luge.Tjanhammeredmercilesslyonthegearbox, Nothinghedidntdeserve,shesaid,withasmile rocketingthemtoCambridgeatsuchspeedthat thatshoweddimplesandmadeherlittlenose Perrybarelyhadtimetoadmirethefoliage,except wrinkle. atstoplights. TjanlookedoveratPerry.Thisismydaughter, Theywerearoundthecampusnow,takinga screechingrightoffMassAveontoatreelined streetofhomelytwostoreybrickhouses.Tjan pulledupinfrontofoneandpoppedthesunroof. Thecoldairthatrushedinwasascrispasan apple,unlikeanybreathofairtobehadinFlorida, wheretherewasalwaysamushiness,afeelingof airthathadbeenfilteredthroughthemoistlungs ofFloridasteemingfauna. Lyenitchka,whoisabouttobelockedinthecoal cellaruntilshelearnstostoptorturingheryounger brother.Lyenitchka,thisisPerryGibbons,upon whomyouhavealreadymadeanirreparablybad firstimpression.HeshookhergentlyPerrywards. Hello,Perry,shesaid,giggling,holdingoutone hand.Shehadafaintaccent,whichmadeher soundlikeatiny,skinnyBondvillainess.

Heshookgravely.Nicetomeetyou,hesaid. PerryclimbedoutofthelittleRussiansportscar andtwistedhisbackandraisedhisarmsoverhis Yougotyourkids,Perrysaid,onceshewas headuntilhisspinegaveandpoppedandcrackled. gone. Tjanfollowed,andthenheshutdownthecarwith Fortheschoolyear.Meandtheex,wehada hearttoheartabouttheRussianeducationsystem aremotethatmadeitgothroughanimpressive andendeduphere:IgetthekidsfromSeptember andstylishseriesofclicks,clunksandchirps beforesettlingdownoveritswheels,droppingthe toJune,butnotChristmasesorEasterholidays. Shegetsthemtherestofthetime,andtakesthem chassistoamufflerscrapingcentimeteroffthe toafamilydachainUkraine,wheresheassures ground. metherearehardlyanymafiyehkidstoinfluence Comeon,hesaid.Illshowyouyourroom. mydarlingdaughter.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/99 Youmustbelovingthis,Perrysaid. Tjansfacewentserious.Thisisthebestthing thatseverhappenedtome. Imreallyhappyforyou,buddy. Theyhadburgersinthebackyard,cookingonan electricgrillthatwascakedwiththesmoking greaseofasummersworthofoutdoormeals.The plastictableclothwasweigheddownwithpainted rocksandthecornersblewupinthefreshening autumnwinds.Lyenitchkaslittlebrotherappeared whentheburgersbegantospitandsmokeonthe grill,asevenyearoldinmetallicmeshtrousers andshirtwroughtwiththelogoofacartoon Cossackholdingalaserswordaloft. dishwasherstackers,theywerewicked!Wherecan Igetoneofthosethesedaysyoufigger?The nostalgiasthickenoughtocutwithaknife. Tjannodded.Ivebeengoingoveryourbooks, butIcantfigureoutifyoureprofitable. Sorry,thatsme.Imprettygoodatkeepingtrack ofnumbers,butgettingthemmassagedintoa coherentpicture Yeah,Iknow.Tjangotafarawaylook.Howd youmakeoutonKodacell,Perry?Financewise? Enoughtoopentheride,buyacar.Didntlose anything.

Ah.Tjanfiddledwithhisbeer.Listen,Igotrich offofWestinghouse.Notfucktheservicehere Sasha,meetPerry.Sashalookedaway,thenwent Imbuyingthisrestaurantrich,butrichenough offtoswingonatireswinghangingfromthebig thatIneverhavetoworkagain.Icanspendthe tree. restofmylifeinthisyard,flippingburgers,taking Youvegotgoodkids,Perrysaid,handingTjana careofmykids,andlookingatporn. beerfromthecoolerunderthepicnictable. Well,youwerethesuit.Gettingrichiswhatsuits Yup,Tjansaid.Heflippedtheburgersandthen lookedatbothofthem.Lyenitchkawaspushing herbrotherontheswing,alittletoohard.Tjan smiledandlookedbackdownathisburgers. do.Imjustagrunt. Tjanhadthegoodgracetolookslightly embarrassed.Nowheresthething.Idonthave towork,but,Perry,IhavenoideawhatImgoing Tjancuttheburgersinhalfanddressedthemto todoifIdontwork.Thekidsareatschoolallday. hiskidsexactingstandards.Theypickedatthem, DoyouhaveanyideahowmuchdaytimeTV pushedthemontoeachothersplatesandgotsome sucks?Playingthestockmarketiscompletely intotheirmouths. nuts,itsallgonesidewaysandupsidedown.Igot aneducationsoIwouldnthavetoflipburgersfor Ivereadyourbriefingontheride,Tjansaid, therestofmylife. oncehiskidshadfinishedandeatenhalfa packageofChutneyOreosfordessert.Itspretty Whatareyousaying,Tjan? weirdstuff. Imsayingyes,Tjansaid,grinningpiratically. Perrynoddedandcrackedanotherbeer.Thecool airwasweirdinghimout,awakeningsome atavisticinstincttoseekacave.Yup,weirdas hell.Buttheyloveit.Notjustthegeeks,either, thoughtheyeatitup,youshouldseeit.Obsessive doesntbegintocoverit.Butthecivilianscomeby thehundreds,too.Youshouldhearthemwhen theycomeout:Jeezus,Idforgottenaboutthose ImsayingthatIlljoinyourlittleweirdass hobbybusinessandIllopenanotherrideherefor theMassholes.Illhelpyourunthefranchising op,collectfees,makeitprofitable. Perryfelthisfacetighten. What?Ithoughtyoudbehappyaboutthis. Iam,Perrysaid.Butyouremisunderstanding

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/100 something.Thesearentmeanttobeprofitable businesses.Imdonewiththat.Theseareart,or community,orsomething.Theyremuseums. Lestercallsthemwunderkammerscabinetsof wonders.Theresnofranchisingopthewayyoure talkingaboutit.Itsadhoc.Itsaprotocolweall agreeon,notabusinessarrangement. Tjangrunted.IdontthinkIunderstandthe differencebetweenaagreeduponprotocolanda businessarrangement.Hehelduphishandto fendoffPerrysnextremark.Butitdoesnt matter.Youcanletpeoplehavethefranchisefor free.Youcanclaimthatyourenotlettinganyone haveanything,thattheyrelettingthemselvesin fortheirfranchise.Itdoesntmattertome. ButPerry,heressomethingyouregoingtohave tounderstand:itsgoingtobenearlyimpossible nottomakeabusinessoutofthis.Businessesare greatstructuresformanagingbigprojects.Itslike tryingtodeveloptheabilitytowalkwithout developingaskeleton.Onceinabluemoon,you getanoctopus,butforthemostpart,youget skeletons.Skeletonsaregoodshit. Tjan,Iwantyoutocomeonboardtohelpme createanoctopus,Perrysaid. Icantry,Tjansaid,butitwontbeeasy.When youdocoolstuff,youendupmakingmoney. Fine,Perrysaid.Makemoney.Butkeepittoa minimum,OK? ThenexttimePerryturnedupatLogan,itwas colderthantheinsideofaniceboxandshitting downgreysnowwiththeconsistencyoffrozen custard. shouldtradethisthinginonsomethingthatsless ofadeathtrapanyway. TjanwasbalderthanhedbeeninSeptember,and skinnier.Hehadathreedaybeardthatfurther hollowedouthisnormallyroundcheeks.TheLada sportscarfishtailedalittleastheynavigatedthe tunnelsbacktowardCambridge,theroadsslick andicy. Wescoredanexcellentlocation,Tjansaid.I toldyouthat,butcheckthisout.Theywereright inthemiddleofabuiltupareaofBoston, somethingthatfeltlikeabankingdistrict,with impressivetowers.IttookPerryaminutetofigure outwhatTjanwaspointingat. Thatsthesite?Therewasamallonthecorner, withaboardedupderelictHyattovertoppingit, risinghighintothesky.Butitsrightinthe middleoftown! BostonsnotFlorida,Tjansaid.Lotsofpeople heredonthavecars.Thereweresomedeadmalls outinWorcesterandthelike,butIgotthisplace fornothing.Theownershaventpaidtaxesinthe tenyearssincethehotelfolded,andtheonlyshops thatwereleftopenwereacoupleofAzerbaijani importexportguys,sellingjunkystufffromIndia. Weguttedthewholesecondfloorandturnedthe groundfloorfoodcourtintoafleamarket. TheresanoldtunnelconnectingthistotheTand Imanagedtogetitreopened,soIexpectwellget somewalkin.

Perrymarveled.Tjanhadasuitsknackforpulling offtheambitious.Perryhadnevertriedtoeven rentanapartmentinabigcity,figuringthatany placewherelandwasatapremiumwasaplace wherepeoplewillingtospendmorethanhim Greatweatherforanopening,hesaid,oncehed couldbefound.Givehimaghostmallthatwasoff climbedthroughtheroofofTjanscarandgotten theGPSgridanytime. snowallovertheleatherupholstery.Sorryabout Haveyoumanagedtofillthefleamarket?Ithad thecar. takenPerryalongtimetofillhis,andstillhehad Dontsweatit,thekidsaremurderonleather.I acoupleofdogsatarotreaderandabongstall,a

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/101 guysellinghighpressurespraypaintcansanda discountpornstallthatsoldnakedshovelwareby thepetabyte. Yeah,IgotprotegesupanddownNewEngland. Alotofthemsettledhereafterthecrash.One placeisasgoodasanother,andthehousingwas wickedcheaponcetheeconomydisappeared. TheyuppedstakesandcametoBostonassoonas Iputthewordout.Ithinkeveryoneswaitingfor thenextbigthing. Youthink? ridenottofreezetheoldprojectsinamber,but tocreateanewprojectthatwecanallparticipate inagain.Thesepeopleuprootedtheirlivesto followus,itstheleastwecandotogivethem somethingbackforthat. PerrystewedonthattherestofthewaytoTjans, staringatthesleet,handrestingagainsttheicy windowglass.

SammycheckedintoaComfortInntuckedinto thethirtyseventhstoreyoftheBankofAmerica Perry,NewWorkisthemostimportantthingthat buildingindowntownBoston.Thelobbywas everhappenedtosomeofthosepeople.Itwasthe empty,thesecurityguardsdeskunmanned.Bof highpointoftheirlives.Itwastheonlytimethey Awasinreceivership,andnotdoingsohotatthat, everfeltuseful. asthefactthattheyhadletouttheirexecutive floorstoadiscountbusinesshoteltestified. Perryshookhishead.Dontyouthinkthats sad? Theroomwasfine,thoughsmalland Tjannegotiatedatrickytunnelinterchangeandgot windowless,butfine:power,shower,toiletand thecarpointedtoCambridge.No,Perry,Idont bed,allhedemandedinahotelroom.Heatethe thinkitssad.JesusChrist,youcantbelievethat. packetofnutshedboughtattheairportbefore jumpingontheTandthencheckedhisemail.He WhydoyouthinkImhelpingyou?Youandme hadmoreofitthanhecouldpossiblyanswerhe andalltherestofthem,wedidsomething didntthinkhedeverhadanemptyinbox. important.Theworldchanged.Itscontinuingto change.Haveyoustoppedtothinkthatoneinfive Americanworkerspickedupandmoved somewhereelsetodoNewWorkprojects?Thats oneofthelargestAmericanresettlementssincethe dustbowl.TheaverageNewWorkcollective shippedmoreinventionsperyearthanEdison Labsatitspeak.Inahundredyears,whenthey rememberthecenturiesthatwereAmericas, theyllcountthisoneamongthem,becauseof whatwemade. Sono,Perry,Idontthinkitssad. Buthepickedoffanythingthatlookedimportant, includinganotefromhisex,whowasnowliving intheKeysonasquatterbeachandwantedto knowifhecouldloanherahundredbucks.No senseofhowshedpayhimbackwithoutwork. ButMichellewasresourcefulandprobablygood forit.Hepaypalledittoher,feelinglikeasucker forhopingthatshemightrepayitinperson.Hed beensinglesinceshedlefthimtheyearbefore andhewaslonelyandhardup.

Hedlandedattwoandbythetimehewasdone Imsorry.Sorry,OK?Ididntmeanitthatway. withallthebullshit,itwasafterdinnertimeand Butitstragic,isntit,thatthedreamended?That hewashungryashell.Bostonwasfulloftaco theyrealllivingoutthereintheboonies,thinking wagonsandkebabstandsthathedpassedonthe walkin,andhehustledoutontothestreettoseeif oftheirglorydays? anywerestillopen.Hegotahugegarlickykebab Yes,thatissad.ButthatswhyIagreedtodothe andateitintheleeofafrozenATMshelter,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/102 wolfingitwithouttastingit. likehalfofBostonhadturnedoutnotjustyoung Hewentandscoutedthelocationofthenewride. people,either.Therewereplentyoftweedy academics,bigworkingclassSouthieboyswith Hedgottenwindofitonlinenoneofhisidiot thickaccents,recentimmigrantswithScandiechic colleaguescouldbebotheredtoreadthepublic clothes.Theychatteredandlaughedandmixed emaillistsofthecompetitorstheywere supposedlyinchargeofopporesearching.Shaking freelyandatehotfoodoutofhugecauldronsor loosethebudgettogetadiscountflighttoBoston offofcleverelectricgrills.Thesmellsmadehis stomachgrowl,eventhoughhedjustpolishedoff hadbeenamajorcoup,requiringhorsetrading, akebabthesizeofhishead. blackmail,andpassiveaggressivegamingofthe system.Withtheridiculouslylowperdiemand Thebuzzofthecrowdremindedhimof hotelallowancehedstillgohomeacouple something,whatwasit?Apremiere,thatwasit. hundredbucksoutofpocket.Whydidheevendo WhentheyopenedanewrideorareaatthePark, hisjob?Heshouldjustplaybytherulesandget therewasthesamesenseofthrillinganticipation, nothingdone. ofexcitementandeagerness.Thatmadeitworse Andgetfired.Orpassedupforpromotion,which thesepeoplehadnobusinessbeingthisexcited aboutsomethingso...lowbrow?Cheap? waspracticallythesamething. Whateveritwas,itwasntworthy. Thenewridewasinanimpressiveurbanmall. Theywereshoppinglikefiends.Amotherwitha HedspenthiscollegeyearsinPhillyandhad babyonherhippushedpasthim,herstrollerpiled passedmanyahappydayinmallslikethisone, cruisingforgirlsorcampingoutonabenchwith highwithshoppingbagsscreenedwithgiant, pixellatedBelgianpastries.Shewaslaughingand hisbooksandasmoothie.Unlikethecrappy roadsidemallsofFlorida,therehadbeennothing thebabyonherhipwaslaughingtoo. butthebeststoresinthem,thepropertyvaluestoo Heheadedfortheescalator,whosetreadshadbeen hightomakeanythingbuthighmargin,high anodizedinbrightcolors,somethinghednever turnover,highticketshopsviable. seenbefore.Heletitcarryhimupstairs,but lookeddown,andsohewasnearlyatthetop Soitwasespeciallysadtoseethismallturned overtothejunkystallsandjunkierridelikeafat, beforeherealizedthattheguyfromtheFlorida ridewasstandingthere,handingoutfliersand washedupsupermodelsentencedtoatalkshow staringatSammylikeheknewhimfrom appearanceforhershopliftingarrests.He somewhere. approachedthedoorswithtrepidation.Hewas resolvednottobuyanythingfromthemarketno Itwastoolatetoavoidhim.Sammyputonhis bustsorcontactlensesandhadstuckhiswallet bestcastmembersmile.Hellothere! inhisfrontpocketonthewayover. Theguygrinnedandwiggledhiseyebrow.I Themallwaslikeasauna.Heshuckedhisjacket knowyoufromsomewhere,hesaidslowly. andsweaterandhungthemoveronearm.The FromFlorida,Sammysaid,withanapologetic wholegroundfloorhadbeengivenovertoflimsy shrug.Icameuptoseetheopening. marketstalls.Heskulkedamongthem,tryingto Noway!Theguyhadahugesmilenow,looked simultaneouslytakenoteoftheircontentsand likewasgoingtohughim.Youreshittingme! avoidtheirownersnotice. Hecametorealizethatheneedntskulk.Itseemed WhatcanIsay?Imafan.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/103 Thatsincredible.Hey,Tjan,comehereandmeet Fantasyland,itwasnothinggothsfromallover thisguy.Whatsyourname? theworldhadflockedtocentralFloridaforthat, Sammytriedtothinkofanothername,butdrewa GermansandGreeksandJapaneseandevensome fromMumbaiandRussia.Theydfilledtheparkto blank.Mickey,hesaidatlast,kickinghimself. capacity,thrilledwiththedelightfulperversityof Tjan,thisisMickey.Hesaregularontheridein chirpyoldDisneyWorldremadeasagoththeme Floridaandhescomeupherejusttoseethe park. opening. ButalinethislonginBoston,inthedeadof Tjanhadshorthairandsallowskin,anddressed winter,forsomethingwhosesoleattractionwas likeanaccountant,buthiseyeswerebrightand thattherewasanotheronelikeitbyashitty sharpastheytookSammyin,lookinghimupand forgottenbroadoutsideofMiami?Christonan downquickly.Wellthatscertainlyflattering.He Omnimover. reachedintohiscreasedblazerandpulledouta slipofpaper.Haveacouplecompticketsthen Thelinemoved,justalittlesurge,andtherewasa cheeralldownthemallslength.Peoplepoured theleastwecandoforyourloyalty.Thepaper pasthimheadedforthelinestail,vibratingwith wasfestoonedwithhologramsandsmartcards andraisedbumpscontainingRFIDs,butSammy excitement.Butthelinedidntmoveagainforfive minutes,thenten.Thenanothersurge,butmaybe knewthatyoucouldbuystandardanti thatwasjustpeoplecrowdingtogethermore. counterfeitingstocklikeitfromamailorder Someofthepeopleinlineweredrinkingbeersout catalog. ofpaperbagsandgettingraucous. Thatsmightygenerousofyou,hesaid,shaking Whatsgoingon?someoneholleredfrom Tjansdry,firmhand. behindhim.Thecrywastakenup,andthenthe Ourpleasure,theotherguysaid.Bettergetin lineshudderedandmovedforwardsome.Then line,though,oryouregonnabewaitingalong, nothing. longtime.Hehadasatisfiedexpression.Sammy sawthatwhathedmistakenforacrowdofpeople Thinking,screwthis,Sammygotoutoflineand wasinfactalong,jostlingqueuestretchingallthe walkedtothefront.Tjanwasthere,workingthe wayaroundtheescalatormezzanineandoffoneof velvetrope,lettingpeoplethroughindribsand drabs.HecaughtsightofSammyandgavehima themallssidecorridors. solemnnod.Theyrealltakingtoolongtoride, Feelinglikehedavertedadisaster,Sammy hesaid.Itellthemfifteenminutesmax,getback followedthelengthofthequeueuntilhecameto inlineifyouwanttoseemore,butwhatcanyou itsend.Hepoppedinaheadphoneandsetuphis do? headlinereadertotexttospeechhisdaysnews. Hedfallenbehind,whatwiththeairtravelandall. Sammynoddedsympathetically.Theguywiththe Mostofthestuffinhiscachecameinfromhisco funnyeyebrowputinanappearancefrombehind workers,anditwasthemostinsipidcrapanyway, theheavyblackcurtains.Sendthroughtwo buthehadtolistentoitorhedbeoddmanoutat more,hesaid,andgrabbedSammy,tugginghim in. thewatercoolerwhenhegotback. Behindthecurtain,itwasdimandspotlit,almost Helistenedwithhalfanearandconsideredthe identicaltoFlorida,andhalfadozenvehicles giganticcrowdstretchingawayasfarastheeye waited.Sammyslidintooneandletthespielwash couldsee.Comparedwiththereopeningof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/104 overhim. Smellingthatagain,rememberingthecrowds THEREWASATIMEWHENAMERICAHELD outsidewaitingtogetin,Sammystartedtogeta sickfeeling,thekebabreboundingonhim. OUTTHEPROMISEOFANEWWAYOF Movingasifinadream,hereacheddownintohis LIVINGANDWORKING.THENEWWORK lapanddrewoutasmallutilityknife.Therewould BOOMOFTHETEENSWASAPERIODOF UNPARALLELEDINVENTION,ACAMBRIAN beinfraredcameras,butheknewfromexperience thattheycouldntseethroughridevehicles. EXPLOSIONOFCREATIVITYNOTSEEN SINCETHETIMEOFEDISONANDUNLIKE Slowly,hefingeredtheaccesspanelsunderside EDISON,THEPEOPLEWHOINVENTEDTHE untilhefoundaloosecorner.Hesnickedoutthe NEWWORKREVOLUTIONWERENTRIP knifeslittlebladehedbroughtanentiresuitcase OFFARTISTSANDFRAUDS. justsohecouldhaveacheckedbagtostorethisin Thelayoutwasslightlydifferentduetothesupport andtuggedatthecablesinside.Hesawedat themwithsmallmovements,feelingthecopper pillars,butassimilartotheFloridaversionas wiresinsidetheinsulationgivewayonestrandata geographyallowed.Robotshumpedunderfoot time.Thechairmovedjerkily,thennotatall.He movingobjects,keepingtheminsyncwiththe snippedafewmorewiresjusttobesure,then changesinFlorida.Hedreadonthemessage boardsthatFloridawouldstayopenlatesothatthe tuckedthemallaway. riderscouldcollaboratewiththeattendeesatthe Bostonpremiere,tweetingbackandforthtoone another. Theotherchairsintheridecrawledaroundeach exhibit,reversingandturningslowly.Riders broughttheirchairsupalongsideoneanotherand conferredinlowvoices,overthenarrationfrom thescenery.Hethoughthesawacouplemaking outacommonenoughoccurrenceindarkrides thathedevenexploitedafewtimeswhen planningoutridesthatwouldbelikelytoattract amorousteenagers.Theyhadakeydemographic: tooyoungtoleavehome,oldenoughtopay practicallyanythingforaprivatespottoscore somenookie. Theairsmelledofthreedeeprinter,thecheap smelloftruckstopswherevendingmachines outputtedcheapkidstoys.Hereitwasntcheap, though:hereitsmelledfuturistic,likethefirst timesomeonehadhandedhimaprintedpropfor oneofhisridesithadbeenaheadforanupdated SmallWorldride.Thenithadsmelledlike somethingforeignandnewandexcitingand frightening,likethefirstdaysofadifferentworld. Hey!hecalled.Mychairsdead!Hehad fetchedupinacentralpathwaywherethechairs triedtoruncloverleafsaroundfourdisplays.A couplechairsswervedaroundhim.Hethumped thepaneldramatically,thensteppedoutandshook hishead.Hecontrivedtosteponthreerobotson thewaytoanotherchair. Isyoursworking?heaskedthekidridinginit, alloftenyearsoldandofindefinitegender. Yeah,thekidsaid.Itscootedover.Theres roomforbothofus,getin. Christ,donttheyhavestrangerdangerinthe north?Heclimbedinbesidethekidandcontrived toslideoneslyhandunderthepanel.Teasingout thewiresthesecondtimewaseasier,evenone handed.Heslicedthroughfivelargebundlesthis timebeforethechairgroundtoahalt,itsgyros whiningandrockingitfromsidetoside. Thekidlookedathimandfrowned.Thesethings areshit,itsaidwithrealvehemence,climbing downandkickingoneofitstires,andthenkicking acoupleofthefloorlevelrobotsforgood measure.Theydlandedanothergreatbreakdown

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/105 spot:directlyinfrontofarankeddisplayof raygunshapedappliancesandobjects.He rememberedseeingthatoneinitsnascentstage, backinFloridajustacoupleoftoyguns,which werepresentlyjoinedbythreemore,thenthere wereten,thenfifty,thenahighwallofthem, strikingandcharming.Thechairsbreakdown positionneatlyblockedtheway. Guesswedbetterwalkout,hesaid.Hestepped onacouplemorerobots,makingoopsnoises.The kidenthusiasticallykickedrobotsoutofitsway. Chairsswervedaroundthemasotherriderstried tonavigate.Theywereapproachingtheexitwhen Sammyspottedachargeplatefortherobots.They werestandardissueforroboticvacuumcleaners andothersemiautonomousappliances,andhed hadoneinhisoldapartment.Theyweresupposed tobesafeasanything,butafriendstoddlerhad crawledovertohisandshovedastackofdimes intoitsrecessedjackandoneofthemhadshorted itoutinasmoking,fizzingfireworksdisplay. Yougoonahead,Imgoingtotiemyshoes. Sammybentdownbesidethechargeplate,his backtothekidandtheimaginedcamerasthat werecapturinghiseverymove,andslippedthe stackofcoinshedtakenfromhispocketintothe littleslotwheretherobotsinsertedtheircharging stamen. Theensuingshowerofsparkswasmoredramatic thanhedrememberedmaybeitwasthe darkenedroom.Thekidshriekedandranforthe EXITsign,andhetookofftoo,atagoodclip. Theydgettherideupandrunningsoonenough, butmaybenottonight,notiftheycouldntgetthe twochairshedtoastedoutoftheroom. Therewasthebeginningsofchaosattheexit. TherewasthatTjancharacter,givinghiman intenselook.Hetriedtoheadforthedown escalator,butTjancuthimoff. Whatsgoingoninthere? Damnedestthing,hesaid,tryingtokeephisface composed.Mychairdied.Thenanotheronea littlekidwasridinginit.Thentherewasalotof electricalsparks,andIwalkedout.Crazy. Tjancockedhishead.Ihopeyourenothurt.We couldhaveadoctorlookatyou;thereareacouple aroundtonight. IthadneveroccurredtoSammythatprofessional typesmightturnoutforaridelikethis,butof courseitwasobvious.Therewereprobablyoff dutycops,localpoliticians,lawyers,andthelike. Imfine,hesaid.Dontworryaboutme. Maybeyoushouldsendsomeoneinforthepeople stillinthere,though? Thatsbeingtakencareof.Imjustsorryyou cameallthewayfromFloridaforthiskindof disappointment.Thatsjustbrutal.Tjans measuringstarewasevenmoreintense. Uh,itsOK.Ihadmeetingsherethisweek.This wasjustacoolbonus. Whodoyouworkfor,Mickey? Shit. Insurancecompany,hesaid. ThatdbeNorwichUnion,then,right?Theyve gotaheadquartershere. Sammyknewhowthiswent.NorwichUnion didnthaveheadquartershere.Ortheydid.Hed havetooutguessTjanwithhisanswer. Areyougoingtostayopentonight? Tjannodded,thoughitwasntclearwhetherhe wasnoddingbecausehewasansweringinthe affirmativeorbecausehissuspicionshadbeen confirmed. Wellthen,Ishouldbegoing. Tjanputoutahand.Oh,pleasestay.Imsure wellberunningsoon;youshouldgetawholeride through.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/106 No,really,Ihavetogo.Heshookoffthehand andpelteddowntheescalatorandoutintothe freezingnight.Hisbloodsanginhisears.They probablywouldntgettheriderunningthatnight atall.Theyprobablywouldsendthatwhole carnivalcrowdhome,disappointed.Hedwon somekindoflittlevictoryoversomething. Hedfeltmoreconfidentofhisvictorywhenhe wasconcernedwiththeguywiththefunny eyebrowwithPerry.Hedseemedlittlemore thanabum,avag.ButthisTjanremindedhimof theclimbershedmetthroughhiscareeratWalt DisneyWorld:keenlyobservantandfast formulatorsofstrategies.Someonewhocouldadd twoandtwobeforeyoudknowthattherewassuch athingasfour. couldneverconvincehisbossesinOrlandotolet himbuildanythingremotelylikethis,andgiven enoughtime,itwouldsurelyovertakethem.That Tjansomeonelikehimwouldntbeinvolvedif therewasntsomeseriousmoneyopportunityon theline. Hedseenthefuturethatnightandhehadnoplace init.

ItonlytookaweekontheBostonridebeforethey hadtheirthirdandfourthnodes.Thethirdwas outsideofSanFrancisco,inagiganticghostmall thatwasalreadybeingusedasafleamarket.They hadtwoformeranchorstores,oneofwhichwas beingsquattedbyartistswhoneededstudiospace. Theotheronemadeaperfectlocationforanew Sammywalkedbacktohishotelasquicklyashe ride,andthegeekswhoplannedonbuildingithad could,giventheicysidewalksunderfoot,andby cuttheirteethbuildingelaborateBurningMan thetimehegottothelobbyoftheoldofficetower confectioneriestogether,soPerrygavethemhis hisfacehurtforehead,cheeksandnose.Hed blessing. bookedhisreturnflightforadaylater,thinking heddomorerecciesofthenewsitebeforewriting ThefourthwastoopeninRaleigh,intheResearch hisreportandheadinghome,buttherewasnoway Triangle,wherethestripmallsranoneintothe next.Thesoftspoken,bitinglyironicsoutherners hewasfacingdownthatTjanguyagain. whoproposeditwerethedaughtersofoldIBM Whathadpromptedhimtosabotagetheride?It bluetiestalwartswhodbeenrunningawomens wassomethingprimal,somethinghehadntbeen techcollectivesincetheyrealizedtheycouldnt inanyrealcontrolof.Hedbeeninsomekindof affordcollegeanddroppedouttogether.They fuguestate.Buthedpackedthelittleknifeinhis wantedtoseehowmuchadmissiontheycould suitcaseandhedslippeditintohispocketbefore chargeiftheyletitbeknownthattheywouldplow leavingtheroom.Sohowinstinctivecouldit theirprofitsintoscholarshipfundsforlocal possiblyhavebeen? women. Hehadavisionofthecarnivalatmosphereinthe Perrycouldntbelievethatthesepeoplewantedto marketstallsoutsideandknewthatevenafterthe opentheirownrides,northattheythoughtthey ridehadbrokendown,thecrowdhadlingered, neededhispermissiontodoso.Hewasreminded laughingandbrowsingandenjoyinganights oftheglorydaysofNewWork,wheneveryday respitefromtheworldandthecoldcity.TheWhos therewerefiftyNewWorksiteswithahundred downinWhovillehadgoneonsingingevenafter newgizmos,poppinguponthemailinglists, hedGrinchedtheirride. lookingfordistributors,recruiting,competing, Thatwasit.Theridedidntjustmakeuseofuser swarming,arguing,formingandreforming. createdcontentitwasusercreatedcontent.He WatchingTjancutthedealswherebythesepeople

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/107 weregrantedpermissiontoopentheirown editionsoftheridefeltlikethat,andweirderstill. Whydotheyneedourpermission?TheAPIs wideopen.Theycanjustimplement.Arethey sheeporsomething? Tjangavehimanoldfashionedlook.Theyre beingpolite,Perrytheyregivingyoufacefor beingtheprogenitoroftheride. Idontlikeit,Perrysaid.Ididntgetanyones permissiontoincludetheirjunkintheride.When wegetaprintertoclonesomethingthatsomeone bringshere,wedontgettheirpermission.Why thehellisseekingpermissionconsideredso polite?Shit,whynotsendmealetteraskingmeif Imindreceivinganemail?Wheredoesitend? TheyretryingtobenicetoyouPerry,thatsall. OK,OK,itsnotyourshow.Butwelldoityour way.Youarealovable,crankyweirdo,youknow it? TheydiditPerrysway.Hewasscheduledtogo backtoFloridaafewdayslater,buthechangedhis tickettogoouttoSanFranciscoandmeetwiththe crewwhowereimplementingtheridethere.One ofthemtaughtinteractiondesignatSFSUand broughthimintotalktothestudents.Hewasnt surewhathewasgoingtotalktothemabout,but whenhegotthere,hefoundhimselftellingthe storyofhowheandLesterandTjanandSuzanne andKettlebellyhadbuiltandlosttheNewWork movement,withouteventrying.Itwasafunstory totellfromstarttofinish,andtheytalkedthrough thelunchbreakandthenagroupofstudentstook himtoabarintheMissionwithabigoutdoor patiowherehewentontellingwarstoriesuntilthe sunhadsetandheddrunksomuchbeerhe couldnttellstoriesanylonger.

WellIdontlikeit,Perrysaid.Howaboutthis: fromnowonwhensomeoneasksforpermission wetellthemno,wedontgiveoutorwithhold Theywerealltenorfifteenyearsyoungerthan permissionforjoiningthenetwork,butwehope thattheylljoinitanyway.MaybeputupaFAQon him,andthegirlswereprettyandandrogynous andtheboyswerealsoprettyandandrogynous, thesite. notthathereallyswungthatway.Still,itwasfine Youlljustconfusepeople. beingsurroundedbythecatcalling,joking, Iwontbeconfusingthem,man!Illbeeducating bullshittingcrowdofyoung,pretty,flirtypeople. Theyhuggedhimalot,andtwooftheprettiergirls them! (who,helaterrealized,werealotmoreinterested HowaboutifyouaddaCreativeCommons ineachotherthanhim)tookhimbacktoacapsule licensetoit?Someofthemareveryliberal. hotelbuiltacrossthreeparkingspotsandpoured Idontwanttolicensethis.Youhavetoown himintobedandtuckedhimin. somethingtolicenseit.Alicenseisawayof Hehadaburritothesizeofafootballfor saying,Withoutthislicense,youreforbiddento breakfast,stuffedwithshreddedpigpartsandtwo dothis.Youdontneedalicensetoclickalink kindsofsloppybeans.Hewasheditdownwitha andloadawebpagenoonehastogiveyou quartofacinnamon/ricedrinkcalledhorchatathat permissiontodothisandnoonecouldtakeit wasservedicecoldanddidwondersforhis awayfromyou.Licensingjustgivespeopleeven hangover. worseideasaboutownershipandpermissionand Acouplehoursnoodlingonhislaptopanda property! couplebagsofTecatelaterandhewasfeeling Itsyourshow,Tjansaid. almosthuman.Earlymariachisstrolledthestreet Noitisnt!Thatsthepoint! withelectricguitarsthatcontrolledlittletribesof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/108 dancing,singingkneehighanimatronics,belting outoldJoseAlfredoJimeneztunes. Itwasshapinguptobeagoodday.Hislaptop rangandhescrewedinhisheadsetandstarted talkingtoTjan. Man,thisplaceisexcellent,hesaid.Ihadthe bestnightIvehadinyearslastnight. Wellthenyoulllovethis:theresacrewin Madisonthatwanttodothesamethingandcould usealittleguidance.Theyspoketomethis morningandsaidtheydbehappytospringforthe airfare.Canyoumakeasixoclockflightat SFO? anyoneherethinksaboutanymore.Thatand cancercures.Ithinksuperbabiesarecrazy imaginebeingatwentyyearoldsuperbaby,with twodecadeoldtechnologyinyourgenes.Inyour germline!Breedingotherobsoletesuperbabies. Crazy.ButtheChineseareinvestingheavily. Sonodeadmalls?Christ,thatslikerunningout ofsandorhydrogenorsomething.Arewestillin America?

Thekidlaughed.Thecampusisbuildingmore studenthousingbecausenoneofuscanaffordthe rentsaroundhereanymore.Butthereslotsof farmland,likeIsaid.Wontbeaproblemtothrow upaprefabandputtherideinsideit.Itllbelike TheygavehimcheeseinMadisonandintroduced puttingupahauntedcornfieldatHalloween.Used himtothebiohackerswhowerethespiritual todothateveryyeartoraisemoneyfortheACLU, progenyofthequirkymomentwhenMadisonwas backinNebraska. oneofsixplaceswherestemcellscouldbelegally Wow.Hewantedtosay,TheyhavetheACLUin researched.Thebiohackersgavehimthewillies. Nebraska?butheknewthatwasntfair.The Onehadgills.Oneglowedinthedark.Onewas midwesternershedmethadgenerallybeenkick orangeandclaimedtophotosynthesize. assgeeksandhackers,sohehadnocalltoturnhis Hegothishoststobringhimtotheratskeller noseupatthiskid.Sowhydoyouwanttodo wheretheysatdowntocomedysizedbeersand this? huge,suspicioussteamingwursts. Thekidgrinned.Becausetheresgottobeaway Wheresyoursite? todosomethingcoolwithoutmovingtoNew Wewerethinkingofbuildingonetheresalot York.Ilikeitaroundhere.Dontwanttolivein offarmlandaroundhere.Eitherthespeakerwas somerundowndefaultedshitbuiltcondowhere sixteenyearsoldorPerrywasgettingtobesucha themicearehunchbacked.Likethewideopen drunkenoldfartthateveryoneseemedsixteen.He spaces.ButIdontwanttobeafarmeroran wasntoldenoughtoshave,anyway.Perrytriedto academicorrunastudentbar.Allthatstuffisa deadend,Icanseeitfromhere.Imean,who rememberhisnameandcouldnt.Jetlagor drinksbeeranymore?Theresmuchsweeterhighs sleepdeporwhatever. outthereintherealworld. Thatsprettyweird.Everywhereelse,theyrejust Perrylookedathisbeer.Itwasinathemedstein movingintospacesthathavebeenleftvacant. withGermanoGothicgingerbreadworkedintothe Wehaventgotmanyofthose.Alltheofficesand finish.Itfeltlikeithadbeenprintedfromsome stuffarebeingoccupiedbyheavilyfunded kindofceramic/epoxyhybrid.Youcouldgetthem startups. attravelingcarnymidways,too. Heavilyfundedstartups?Inthisdayandage? Ilikebeer,hesaid. Superbabies,thekidsaidwithashrug.Itsall ButyoureThekidbrokeoff.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/109 Old,Perrysaid.Sok.Yourewhat,16? 21,thekidsaid.Imalatebloomer.Devoting resourcestomoreimportantthingsthanpuberty. asked.Hewasstartingtosoberupalittle.Hilda wasoneofthoseincredible,pneumatic midwesterngirlsthathedseenatfiveminute intervalssincegettingoffhisflightinMadison. Hedidntthinkhedevermetonelikeher.

Twomorekidsslidintotheirbooth,aboyanda girlwhoactuallydidlook21.HeyLuke,thegirl No,Hildasaid.Metabolichealth.Lotsof said,kissinghimonthecheek. peoplegetthefatkinstreatmentatpuberty,either Luke,thatwashisname.Perrycameupwitha becausetheirfatkinsparentstalkthemintoitor mnemonicsohewouldntforgetitagain becausetheyhatetheirbabyfat. Nebraskababyfacedfarmboy,thatwaslikeLuke Perryshookhishead.Comeagain? Skywalker.Hepicturedthekidswinginga lightsaberandknewhedkeepthenameforgood Youthinkeatingtenthousandcaloriesadayis now. easy?Itshellonyourdigestivesystem.Notto ThisisPerryGibbons,Lukesaid.Perry,thisis mentionyouspendafortuneonfood.Alotof HildaandErnie.Guys,Perrystheguywhobuilt peoplegettocollegeandjustswitchtohigh caloriepowderedsupplementsbecausetheycant therideIwastellingyouabout. affordenoughrealfoodtostayhealthy,soyouve Ernieshookhishand.Man,thatsthecoolestshit gotallthesekidssuckingdownvanillaslurryall Iveeverseen,wow.Whatthehellareyoudoing dayjusttokeepfromstarving.Weprovide here?Ilovethatstuff.Wow. counselingandmitigationtherapiestokidswho Hildaflickedhisear.Stopdrooling,fanboy,she wantit. said. Andwhentheygetoutofcollegedotheyget thetreatmentagain? Ernierubbedhisear.Perrynoddeduncertainly. Youcant.Themitigationspermanent.People Sorry.Itsjustwell,Imabigfanisall. whotakeithavetogothroughtherestoftheir Thatsreallyniceofyou,Perrysaid.Hedmeta livestakingsupplementsandeatingsensiblyand couplepeopleinBostonandSanFranciscowho exercising. calledthemselveshisfans,andhehadntknown whattosaytothem,either.BackintheNewWork Dotheygetfat? dayshedmeetreporterswhocalledthemselves Shelookedaway,thendown,thenbackupathim. fans,butthatwasjustblowingsmoke.Nowhewas Yes,mostofthemdo.Howcouldtheynot? meetingpeoplewhoseemedtoreallymeanit.Not Everythingaroundthemisgearedatpeoplewho many,thankGod. needtoeatfivetimesasmuchastheydo.Eventhe saladsallhaveproteinpowdermixedinwiththem. Hesjustlikeapuppy,Hildasaid,pinching Butitispossibletoeatright.Youveneverhadthe Erniescheek.Allenthusiasm. treatment,haveyou? Ernierubbedhischeek.Lukereachedoutabruptly Perryshookhishead.Trickmetabolismthough.I andtousledbothoftheirhair.Thesetwoare goingtohelpmebuildtheride,hesaid.Hildas caneatlikeahogandnotputonanounce. anamazingfundraiser.Lastyearsheranthe Hildareachedoutandsqueezedhisbicep.Really fundraisingforawholewalkinclinic. andIsupposethatallthatleanmusclethereis partofyourtrickmetabolism,too? Womenshealthclinicorsomething?Perry

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/110 Sheleftherhandwhereitwas. Perrylaughed.Pointtaken.

OK,Idoafairbitofphysicallabortoo.ButIm Wejustgotacouplehundredstudentstodosome justsayingiftheygetfatagainaftertheyreverse foldingintheirsparetimeandthensolditon. thetreatment Everyoneoncampusneedsbookshelves,sowe startedwiththoseusingaccordionfoldedarched Thereareworsethingsthanbeingfat. supportsundereachshelf.Wecouldpaintorprint Herhandstillhadntmoved.HelookedatErnie, designsonthem,too,butalotofpeopleliked whomhedassumedwasherboyfriend,toseehow themallwhite.Thenwedidchairs,desks, hewastakingit.Erniewaslookingsomewhere kitchenettesets,placematsyounameit.Icalled else,though,acrosstheratshkeller,atthehugeTV thedesignsMultipleOrigami. thatwasshowingcompetitivemultiplayergaming, apparentlysomekindofchampionships.Itwasas Perrysprayedbeerouthisnose.Thats awesome!hesaid,wipingupthemesswitha confusingasahundredairhockeygamesbeing kleenexthatsheextractedfromafoldedpaper playedonthesameboard,withthousandsof zipping,jumping,firingentitiesandjumpcutsso purse.Lookingclosely,herealizedthatthewhite baseballcapshewaswearingwasalsofoldedout fastthatPerrycouldntimaginehowyoudmake ofpaper. senseofit. Shelaughedandrummagedsomemoreinher Thegirlshandwasstillonhisarm,anditwas warm.Hismouthwasdrybutmorebeerwouldbe handbag,comingupwithapieceofstiffcard. abadidea.Howaboutsomewater?hesaid,ina Workingquicklyandnimbly,shegaveitafewdeft foldsalongprescoredlines,andamomentlater bitofacroak. shewasholdingabaseballhatthatwasthetwinof Lukejumpeduptogetsome,andasilencefell theoneshewaswearing.Sheleanedoverthetable overthetable.Sothisclinic,howdyoufundraise andpoppeditonhishead. forit? Lukecamebackwiththewaterandsetitdown Papercraft,shesaid.Ihavealotoffriendswho betweenthem,pouringoutglassesforeveryone. areintopaperfoldingandwemoddedabunchof Smoothlid,hesaid,touchingthebillofPerrys patterns.Wedidreallybigpieces,toobed cap. frames,sofas,kitchentables,chairs Thanks,Perrysaid,draininghiswaterand Likeactualfurniture? pouringanotherglass.Well,youpeoplecertainly Likeactualfurniture,shesaidwithasolemn havesomeprettycoolstuffgoingonhere. nod.Weusedhugesheetsofpaperandtreated Thisisagreattown,Lukesaidexpansively,as themwithstiffening,waterproofingand fireproofingagents.Wedidafrathousesoutdoor thoughhehadtravelledextensivelyandsettledon barandsauna,withawinddynamoIevenmade Madison,Wisconsinasatrulyinternational hotspot.Weregoingtobuildakickassride. asteamengine. Youmadeasteamengineoutofpaper?Hewas Yougoingtomakeitalloutofpaper? agog. Someofit,anyway,Lukesaid.Hildawouldnt Youmeantosaythatyouresurprisedbybuilding haveitanyotherway,right? stuffoutofunusualmaterials? Thisonesyourshow,Luke,shesaid.Imjusta

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/111 fundraiser. Anyonehungry?Hildasaid.Iwanttogoeat somethingthatdoesnthaveunidentifiedorgan meatmixedin. Goonwithoutme,Erniesaid.Igotmoneyon thisgame. Homework,Lukesaid. Perryhadjusteaten,andhadplannedonspending thisnightinhisroomcatchinguponemail.Yeah, Imstarving,hesaid.Hefeltlikeahighschool kid,butinagoodway. TheywentoutforUkrainianfood,whichPerry hadneverhadbefore,butthecrepesandtheblood sausageweretastyenough.Mostly,though,hewas payingattentiontoHilda,whowasrunningdown herwarstoriesfromtheMultipleOrigami fundraiser.Therewerefunnyones,sadones,scary ones,triumphantones. Everyoneofherstoriesremindedhimofoneof hisown.Shewasanorganizerandsowasheand theydbeenthroughpracticallythesameshit. Theydrankgallonsofcoffeeafterward,getting chuckedoutwhentherestaurantclosedand migratingtoacafeonthemaindragwherethey hadlowtablesandsofas,andtheyneverstopped talking. Youknow,Hildasaid,stretchingandyawning, itscominguponfourAM. Noway,hesaid,buthiswatchconfirmedit. Christ.Hetriedtothinkofacasualwayof askinghertosleepwithhim.Foralltheirtalking, theydhardlytouchedonromanceormaybe theredbeenromanceineveryword. Illwalkyoutoyourhotel,shesaid. Hey,thatsreallyniceofyou,hesaid.Hisvoice soundedfakeyandforcedinhisears.Allofa sudden,hewasnttiredatall,insteadhisheartwas hammeringinhischestandhisbloodsanginhis ears. Therewashardlyanytalkonthewaybacktothe hotel,justtheawarenessofherstepsandhisin timewithoneanotheroverthecoldlatewinter streets.Notrafficatthathour,andhardlyasound fromanyofthewindowstheypassed.Thetown wastheirs. Atthedoortohishotelanotherstackofthe ubiquitouscapsules,thesegearedtovisiting parentstheystopped.Theywerelookingatone anotherlikeacoupleofgooglyeyedkidsatthe endofadateinasitcom. Um,whatsyourmajor?hesaid. Puremath,shesaid. IthinkIknowwhatthatis,hesaid.Itwas freezingoutonthestreet.Theory,right? Puremathasopposedtoappliedmath,shesaid. Doyoureallycareaboutthis? Um,hesaid.Well,yes.Butnotverymuch. Illcomeintoyourhotelroom,butwerenot havingsex,OK? OK,hesaid. Therewasroomenoughforthetwooftheminthe capsule,butonlyjust.Thesewereprefabbedin bulkandtheycameindifferentsizesinthe Midwesttheywerelarge,theonesstackedupin SanFranciscoparkingspotsweresmall.Still,he andHildawerealmostineachotherslaps,andhe couldsmellher,feelwispsofherhairticklinghis ear. Yourereallynice,hesaid.Lateatnight,his abilitytobeflippantevaporated.Hewasleftwith simpletruths,simplydeclared.Ilikeyoualot. WellthenyoullhavetocomebacktoMadison andcheckinontheride,wontyou? Um,hesaid.Hehadaplanningmeetingwith Lukeandtherestofhisgangthenextday,thenhe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/112 wassupposedtobeheadedforOmaha,whereTjan hadsetupanothercrewforhimtospeakto.At thisrate,hewouldgetbacktoFloridasometime inJune. Perry,yourenotacareeractivist,areyou? Nope,hesaid.Ihadntreallyimaginedthat therewassuchathing. Myparents.Bothofthem.Hereswhatbeinga careeractivistmeans:youareontheroadmostof thetime.Whenyougetontheroad,youmeet people,haveintenseexperienceswiththemlike goingtowarortouringwithaband.Youfallin loveathousandtimes.Andthenyouleaveall thosepeoplebehind.Yougetoffaplane,turn somestrangersintobestfriends,getonaplaneand forgetthemuntilyoucomebackintotown,and thenyoutakeitallbackupagain. Ifyouwanttosurvivethis,youvegottolove that.Youvegottogetoffaplane,meetpeople, fallinlovewiththem,treasureeverymoment,and knowthatmomentsareallyouhave.Thenyouget onaplaneagainandyoulovethemforever. Otherwise,everynewmeetingissourbecauseyou knowhowsoonitwillend.Itslikestartingtosay yoursummercampgoodbyesbeforeyouveeven unpackedyourduffelbag.Youvegottoembrace oratleastforgetthateverygigwillendina dayortwo. campaignedforstemcellsupanddowneveryred stateinthecountry.Ievenmetsupermanbeforehe died.Heknewmyname.Ispenttenyearsonthe roadwiththem,backandforth.TheBushyears,a coupleyearsafterward.Youcanlivethiswayand youcanbehappy,butyouvegottohaveright mind. Whatitmeansisyouvegottobeabletosay thingstopeopleyoumeet,like,Yourereally nice,andmeanit,reallymeanit.Butyouvealso gottobecoolwiththefactthatreallynicepeople willfalloutofyourlifeeveryweek,twiceaweek, andfallbackintoitornot.Ithinkyourevery nice,too,butwerenotgonnabeacouple,ever. Evenifweslepttogethertonight,youdbegone tomorrownight.Whatyouneedtoaskyourselfis whetheryouwanttohavefriendsineverycity whoaregladtoseeyouwhenyougetoffthe plane,orexgirlfriendsineverycitywhomight showupwiththeirnewboyfriends,ornotatall. Areyoutellingmethistoexplainwhywerenot goingtosleeptogether?Ijustfiguredyouwere datingthatguy,Ernie.

Erniesmybrother,shesaid.Andyeah,thats kindofwhyImtellingyouthis.Ivenevergone onwhatyoumightcalladate.Withmyfriends,it tendstobemorelike,youworktogether,youhang outtogether,youcatchyourselflookingintoone anotherseyesacoupletimes,thenyoudoalittle Perrytookamomenttounderstandthis, circlingaroundandthenyouendupinyourbedor swallowedacoupletimes,thennodded.Lotsof theirbedhavinghard,energeticsexandthenyou peoplehadcomeinandoutofhisfactoryandhis sortoutsomedetailsandthenitlastsaslongasit rideovertheyears.Lestercameandwent. lasts.Wevedoneacompressedversionofthat Suzannewasgone.Tjanwasgonebutwasback tonight,andwereuptothesex,andsoIthought again.Kettlebellywasnolongerinhislifeatall,a weshouldlaysomethingsonthetable,youshould ghostofamemorywithagreatsmileandgood forgivetheexpression. cologne.Alreadyhewasforgettingthefacesin Boston,thefacesinSanFrancisco.Hildawouldbe PerrythoughtbacktohisdoubledatewithLester. Thegirlhadbeenprettyandintelligentandwould amemoryinamonth. havetakenhimhomeifhedmadetheleasteffort. Hildapattedhishand.Ihavefriendsin Hehadnt,though.Thisgirlwasinappropriatein practicallyeverycityinAmerica.Myfolks somanyways:young,rootedtoacitythousandsof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/113 milesfromhomewhyhadhebroughtherback tothehotel? Sogohomeforacoupledaysafterthisstop,or thenextone.Chargeupyourbatteriesanddoyour laundry.ButIhaveafeelingthathomeisgoingto Athoughtstruckhim.WhydoyouthinkIm goingtobegettingonandoffplanesfortherestof beyoursuitcaseprettysoon,Perrymydear.Her voicewasthickwithsleep,hereyesheavylidded mylife?Ivegotahometogetto. andbleary. Youhaventbeenreadingthemessageboards, Youreprobablyright.Heyawnedashespoke. haveyou? Hell,Iknowyoureright.Yourearealsmarty. Whichmessageboards? AndImtootiredtogohome,shesaid,soIm Forridebuilders.Thereareprojectsstartingup asmartywhosstayingwithyou. everywhere.Peoplelikewhattheyveheardand Hewassuddenlywideawake,hisheartthumping. whattheyveseen,andtheyrememberyoufrom theolddaysandwanttogetinonthemagicyoure Um,OK,hesaid,tryingtosoundcasual. goingtobring.Alotofusknoweachother Heturnedbackthesheets,then,standingfacing anyway,fromotherjointprojects.Everyones intothecrampedcorner,tookoffhisjeansand passingthehattoraiseyourairfareandarguing shoesandsocks,climbinginbetweenthesheetsin aboutwhossofayouregoingtostayon. hisunderwearandtee.Therewereundressing noisesexquisiteonesandthensheslitheredin Hedknownthattheywerethere.Therewere alwaysmessageboards.Buttheywerejusttalk behindhim,snuggledupagainsthim.Withajolt, heneverbotheredtoreadthem.ThatwasLesters herealizedthatherbarebreastswerepressedto job.Hewantedtomakestuff,notchatter.Jesus, hisback.Herarmcamearoundhimandrestedon hisstomach,whichjumpedlikeaspringuncoiling. whenthehellwassomeonegoingtotellme? Hefeltcertainhiserectionwasemittingafaint YourguyinBoston,wevebeentalkingtohim. cherryredglow.Herbreathwasonhisneck. Hesaidnottobugyou,thatyouwerebusyenough Hethoughtaboutcasuallyrollingontohisbackso asitis. thathecouldkissher,butrememberedher Hedid,didhe?Intheolddays,Tjanhadbeenin admonitionthattheywouldnotbehavingsex.Her chargeofplanningandhedbeeninchargeofthe fingertipstracedsmallcirclesonhisstomach. ideas:inchargeofwhattoplan.Hadtheycome Eachtimetheygrazedhisnavel,hisstomachdida fullcirclewithouthimnoticing?Iftheyhad,was flip. thatsobad? Hewastotallyawakenow,andwhenherlipsvery Man,Iwasreallylookingforwardtospendinga softlysosoftlyhebarelyfeltitbrushedagainst couplenightsinmyownbed. thebaseofhisskull,heletoutasoftmoan.Her Isitmuchmorecomfortablethanthisone?She lipsreturned,andthenherteeth,worryingatthe tendonsatthebackofhisneckwithincreasing thumpedthenarrowcoffinbed,whichwas surprisinglycomfortable,adjustable,heated,and roughness,anexquisitepainpleasurethatwas electric.Hewaspanting,herhandwasflatonhis massaging. stomachnow,grippinghim.Hiserectionstrained Hesnorted.OK,Isleeponafutononthefloor towardit. backhome,butitstheprincipleofthething.Ijust Herhipsgroundagainsthimandshemovedher misshome,Iguess. mouthtowardhisear,nippingatit,thetipofher

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/114 tonguetouchingthewhorlsthere.Herhandwason themovenow,slidingoverhisribs,herfingertips athisnipple,softlyandthenharder,givingitan abrupthardpinchthathadsomefingernailinit, likeabitefromlittleteeth.Heyelpedandshe giggledinhisear,sendingshiversuphisspine. reachedbackandtookholdofhiscock,slipping hersmall,stronghandunderthewaistbandofhis boxersandcurlingitaroundhisrigidshaft, pumpingvigorously.

Hemoanedintoherpussyandthatsether shuddering.Nowhehadherclitsuckedintohis Hereachedbackbehindhimawkwardlyandput mouthandhewaslappingatitsengorgedlength hishandonherass,discoveringthatshewasbare withshortstrokes.Herthighswereclampedover there,too.Itwaswideandhard,foamrubberover hisears,buthecouldstillmakeouthercries, steel,andhekneadedit,digginghisfingersin.She timedwiththeshudderingofherthighs,the groanedinhisearandtuggedhimontohisback. spasmodicgriponhiscock. Assoonashisshouldershitthenarrowbed,she wasonhim,herelbowsonhisbiceps,pinninghim down,herbreastsinhisface,fragrantandsoft. Herhot,barecrotchgroundagainsthisunderwear. Hebitathertits,hardlittlebitesthatmadeher gasp.Hefoundastiffnippleandsuckeditintohis mouth,beatingatitwithhistongue.Shepressed hercrotchharderagainsthis,hissedsomething thatmighthavebeenyesssss. Shestraightenedupsothatshewasstraddlinghim andlookingimperiouslydownonhim.Herbraids swungbeforeher.Hereyeswereexultant.Herface wassetinanexpressionoffierceconcentrationas sherockedonhim. Hedughisfingersintoherassagain,alltheway around,sothattheybrushedagainstherlabia,her asshole.Hepulledather,draggingherupher body,tugginghervaginatowardhismouth.Once shesawwhathewasafter,shekneewalkedupthe bedinthreeorfourquickstepsandthenshewas onhisface.Hersmellandhertasteandhertexture andtemperaturefilledhissenses,blottingoutthe room,blottingoutintrospection,blottingout everythingexceptforthesweeturgency. Abruptlysherolledoffofhimandtheworldcame back.Theyhadntkissedyet.Theyhadntsaida word.Shelaybesidehim,halfontopofhim, shudderingandmakingkittenishsounds.He kissedhersoftly,thenmoreforcefully.Shebitat hislipsandhistongue,suckingitintohermouth andchewingatitwhileherfingernailsrakedhis back. Herbreathingbecamemoreregularandshe tuggedatthewaistbandofhisboxers.Hegotthe messageandyankedthemoff,hiscockspringing freeandrockingslightly,twitchingintimewith hispulse.Shesmiledacatatethecanarygrinand wenttoworkkissinghisneck,hischesthard bitesonhisnipplesthatmadehimyelpandarch hisbackhisstomach,hiships,hispubes,his thighs.Theteasingwasexcruciatingandexquisite. Herjuicesdriedonhisface,thesmellcaughtin hisnose,refreshinghiseroswitheverybreath.

Hertonguelappedeagerlyathisballslikeacat withasaucerofmilk.Long,slowstrokes,overhis sack,overtheskinbetweenhisballsandhis thighs,overhisperineum,ticklinghisassashed tickledhers.Shepulledbackandspatoutapube Hesuckedatherlabiabeforeslippinghistongue andlaughedanddovebackin,suckingsoftlyathis upherlength,lettingittickleherass,heropening, sack,then,inoneswiftmotion,takinghiscockto thehilt. herclit.Inresponse,shegroundagainsthim, plantingheropeningoverhismouthandhe Heshoutedandthenmoanedandherheadbobbed tonguefuckedherinhard,faststrokes.She furiouslyalongthelengthofhisshaft,herhand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/115 squeezinghisballs.Ittookonlymomentsbefore hedughishandshardintothemattressand groanedthroughclenchedteethandfiredspasm afterspasmdownherthroat,hernoseinhispubes, hiscockdownherthroattothebase.Sherefused tolethimgo,swirlinghertongueoverthehead whilehewasstillsupersensitive,makinghim gruntandtwitchandbuckinvoluntarily,allthe whileherhandcaressinghisballs,rubbingathis prostateoverthespotbetweenhisballsandhis ass. Finallysheworkedherwaybackuphisbody lickingherlipsandkissingasshewent. Hello,shesaidassheburiedherfaceinhis throat. Wow,hesaid. Soifyouregoingtobeabletoliveinthe momentandhavenoregrets,thisisaprettygood placetostart.Itdbeahellofashockifwesaw eachothertwiceinthenextyeararewegoingto beabletobefriendswhenwedo?Willthefact thatIfuckedyourbrainsoutmakethings awkward? Thatswhyyoujumpedme? No,notreally.Iwashornyandyourehot.But thatsagoodpostfactoreason. Isee.Youknow,youhaventactuallyfuckedmy brainsout,hesaid. Yet,shesaid.Sheretrievedherbackpackfrom besidethebed,dugarounditin,andproduceda stripofcondoms.Yet. Helickedhislipsinanticipation,andamoment latershewasunrollingthecondomdownhisshaft withhertalentedmouth.Helaughedandthentook herbythewaistandflippedherontoherback.She grabbedheranklesandpulledherlegswideand hedovebetweenher,draggingthestillsensitive tipofhiscockupanddownthelengthofhervulva acoupletimesbeforesawingitinandoutofher opening,sinkingtothehilt. Hewantedtofuckhergentlybutshegroaned urgentdemandsinhiseartopoundherharder, makingsatisfiedsoundseachtimehisballs clappedagainstherass. Shepushedhimoffherandturnedover,raising herassintheair,pullingherlabiaapartand lookingoverhershoulderathim.Theyfucked doggystylethen,untilhislegstrembledandhis kneesached,andthensheclimbedonhimand rockedbackandforth,grindingherclitagainsthis pubis,pushinghimsodeepinsideher.Hemauled hertitsandfeltthepressurebuildinhisballs.He pulledhertohim,thrustwildly,andshehissed dirtyencouragementinhisear,begginghimtofill her,orderinghimtopoundherharder.The stimulationinhisbrainandbetweenhislegswas toomuchtobearandhecame,liftingthemboth offthebedwithhisspasms. Wow,hesaid. Yum,shesaid. Jesus,its8AM,hesaid.Ivegottomeetwith Lukeinthreehours. Soletstakeashowernow,andsetanalarmfor halfanhourbeforehesdue,shesaid.Got anythingtoeat. ThatswhatIlikeaboutyouHilda,hesaid. Businesslike.Vigorous.Livinglifetothehilt. Herdimpleswereprettyandluminousinthehints oflightemergingfromundertheblinds.Feed me,shesaid,andnippedathisearlobe. Intheshoeboxsizedfridge,hehadacowshaped brickofWisconsincheddarthathedbeengiven whenhesteppedofftheplane.Theybrokechunks offitandateitinbed,thenstartedinonthebagof soycrispieshishostsinSanFranciscohadgiven him.Theyshoweredslowlytogether,scrubbing oneanothersbacks,setanalarm,andsackedout forjustafewhoursbeforethealarmrousedthem.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/116 Theydressedlikestrangers,notembarrassed,just toogroggytotakemuchnoticeofoneanother. Perrysmusclesachedpleasantly,andtherewas anotherache,dullandfaint,evenmorepleasant,in hisballs. tomeetLukeandtherestofhisplanningteamto gooverschematicsandtheoryandpractice.Allof thesediscussionscouldhappenonlinetheydid, infactbuttherewassomethingabouttheface tofaceconnection.Themeetingransixhours Oncetheywerefullyclothed,shegrabbedhimand beforehewasfinallysavedbyhisimpending gavehimalonghug,andawarmkissthatstarted flighttoNebraska. onhisthroatandmovedtohismouth,withjusta Sleepdepcamedownonhimlikeahammerashe hintoftongueattheend. checkedinforhisflightandbegantheritual securityclearingbuckandwing.Hemissedacue Youreagoodman,PerryGibbons,shesaid. Thanksforalovelynight.RememberwhatItold ortwoandendedupgettingadetailedhand searchbuteventhatdidntwakehimup.Hefell you,though:noregrets,nolookingback.Be happyaboutthisdontmope,dontmissme.Go asleepinthewaitingroomandintheplane,inthe taxitohishotel. ontoyournextcityandmakenewfriendsand havenewconversations,andwhenweseeeach otheragain,bemyfriendwithoutany awkwardness.Allright?

Igetit,hesaid.Hefeltslightlyirritated.Only onething.Wewerentgoingtosleeptogether. Youregretit? Ofcoursenot,hesaid.Butitsgoingtomake thisinjunctionofyourshardtounderstand.Im notgoodatanonymousonenightstands. Sheraisedoneeyebrowathim.EarthtoPerry: thiswasntanonymous,anditwasntaonenight stand.Itwasanintimate,lovingrelationshipthat happenedtobecompressedintoasingleday. Loving? Sure.IfIdbeenwithyouforamonthortwo,I wouldhavefalleninlove.Yourejustmytype.So IthinkofyouassomeoneIlove.ThatswhyI wanttomakesureyouunderstandwhatthisall means. Youreaveryinterestingperson,hesaid. Imsmart,shesaid,andcuddledhimagain. Youresmart.Sobesmartaboutthisanditllbe foreversweet.

Butwhenhedroppeddownontohishotelbed,he couldntsleep.Thehotelwasthespittingimageof theonehedleftinWisconsin,minusHildaand themuskysmellthetwoofthemhadleftbehind aftertheirrollinthehay. Ithadbeenyearssincehedhadaregular girlfriendandhednevermissedit.Therehadbeen women,highlibidofatkinsgirlsandrandom strangers,somewhocamebackforadateortwo. Butnoonewhodmeantanythingorwhomhed wantedtomeananything.Theclosesthedcome hadbeenhesatupwithastartandrealizedthat thelastwomanhedhadanystrongfeelingsfor hadbeenSuzanneChurch. KettlewellemergedfromNewWorkrich.Hed takenhomelargebonuseseveryyearthatKodacell hadexperiencedgrowthabettermetricthan turninganactualahemprofitandhedinvested inadiverseportfoliothathadeverythingfrom soybeanstosoftwareinit,alongwithrealestate (oops)andfineart.HebelievedintheNewWork, believedinitwitheveryfiberofhisbeing,butan undiverseportfoliowasflatoutirresponsible.

TheNewWorkcrashhadkilledthenetworthofa Shelefthimoffatthespotwherehewassupposed lotofirresponsiblepeople.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/117 LivingintheCaymansgotboringafterayear.The kidshatedtheinternationalschool,scubadiving amazedhimbygoingfromendlessly,meditatively fascinatingtodeadlydullinlessthanayear.He didntwanttosail.Hedidntwanttogetdrunk.He didntwanttojointhecreepyzillionairesontheir sextoursoftheCaribbeanandwouldnthaveeven ifhiswifewouldhavestoodforit. AyearaftertheNewWorkcrash,hefileda1040 withtheIRSandpaidthemfortymilliondollarsin backtaxesandpenalties,andrepatriatedhis wealthtoanAmericanbank. Nowhelivedinarenovatedhousingprojecton PotreroHillinSanFrancisco,allupscalenowwith restored,kitschywindowbarsandvintage linoleumandstuccoceilings.Hehadfourunits overtwofloors,withcleverlyknockedthrough wallsandaspiralstaircase.Thekidsfreaking lovedthestaircase. paunchhedgainedmoreweightthroughhis wifespregnanciesthanshehadandonlyhard, aneurysminducingcyclingoverandaround PotreroHillhadknockeditoffagain.Hisjeans neatrowsofpocketsandMobiusseamswerea littleoutdated,buttheylookedgoodonhim,asdid hisHawaiianprintshirtwithitsmachinescrew motif. Finallyheploppeddowntoreadabookand waitedforSuzanne,andmanagedtogetthrougha wholepageintheinterveningtenminutes. Kettlebelly!sheholleredasshecamethrough thedoor.Shetookhiminahugthatsmelledof staleairplaneandrestlesssleepandgavehima thoroughsqueezing.

Sheheldhimatarmslengthandtheysizedeach otherup.Shedbeenawellpreservedmidforties whenhedseenherlast,buttoneddownina Californiayogaaddictway.Nowshewasyears SuzanneChurchcalledhimfromSFOtolethim older,andhertimeinRussiahadgivenheraforest knowthatshewasonherwayin,havingcleared ofsmilelinesatthecornersofhermouthand securityandcustomsafterascanthour.Hefound eyes.Shehadasad,wiseturntoherfacethathed himselfunaccountablynervousabouthernow,and neverseentherebefore,likeapaintedPieta.Her realizedwithalittlegigglethathehadsomething handshadgonealittlewrinkly,herknucklesmore likeacrushonher.Nothingseriousnothinghis prominent,butherfingernailswerebeautifully wifeneededtoworryaboutbutshewassmart manicuredandherclotheswerestylish,foreign, andfunnyandattractiveandincisiveandfearless, exoticandEuropean. anditwasahellofacombination. Shelaughedhuskilyandsaid,Youhavent Thekidswereawayatschoolandhiswifewas havingacoupleofdayscampingwiththegirlsin Yosemite,whichfactslentalittlechargeto Suzannesimpendingvisit.Helookedupthe AirBARTscheduleandcalculatedhowlonghe haduntilshearrivedatthe24thStreetstation,a brisk20minutewalkfromhisplace. changedabit. Ouch,hesaid.Imolderandwiser,Illhave youknow. Itdoesntshow,shesaid.Imolder,butno wiser.

Hetookherhandandlookedatthesimple Minutes,justminutes.Hecheckedtheguestroom platinumbandonherfinger.Butyouremarried andthendidaquickmirrorcheck.Hismonthsin nownothingwisesyouupfasterinmy experience. theCaymanshadgivenhimadeeptanthathed keptupdespiteSanFranciscosgreyskies.Hestill Shelookedatherhand.Oh,that.No.Thatsjust lookedlikeasurfer,albeitwithjustalittledaddy tokeepthewolvesatbay.Marriedwomenarent

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/118 thesamekindsoftargetsthatsingleonesare.Give needashower!CanIborrowyourfacilities? mewater,andthenabeer,please. Sure,hesaid.Iputcleantowelsoutinthekids Gladtohavesomethingtodo,hebusiedhimselfin bathroomupstairsandsecondontheright. thekitchenwhilesheprowledtheplace.I Shecamedownwithherfinehairslickedback rememberwhentheseplaceswerebombedout, overherears,herfacescrubbedandshining.Im realghettos. anewwoman,shesaid.Letsgosomewhereand Whatdidyoumeanaboutbeingatarget? eatsomething,OK? StPetes,youknow.Lawlessstate.Everyoneson themake.Ihadabodyguardmostofthetime,but ifIwantedtogotoarestaurant,Ididntwantto havetofendoffthedatingservicemafiyehwho wantedtooffermethedealofalifetimeona greencardmarriage. Jeez. Itsanotherworld,Landon.Youknowwhatthe bigpanicthereisthisweek?Acultofecstatic evangelicalChristianswhohypnotizewomenin theshoppingmallsandstealtheirbabiestoraise assoldierstotheLord.Godknowshowmuchofit istrue.Theseguysdontbathe,anddressinheavy coatswithbigbeardsallyearround.Imean, freaky,reallyfreaky. Theyhypnotizewomen? Weird,yeah?Andthedriving!Anyoneoverthe ageoffiftywhoknowshowtodrivegotthereby beinganapparatintheSovietdays,whichmeans thattheylearnedtodrivewhentheroadswere empty.Theydontsignal,theystraddlelanes,they cantparkImean,theyreallycantpark.And drunk!Everyone,allthetime!Youveneverseen thelike.Imagineafratpartythenextday,witha lotofinnocentbystanders,hookers,muggersand pickpockets. Landonlookedather.Shewasanimatedand vivid,thinagehadbroughtouthercheekbones andhereyes.Hadshehadachintuck?Itwas commonenoughallthemedicaltouristsloved Russia.Maybeshewasjustwellpreserved. Shemadeashowofsniffingherself.Phew!I HetookherforpupusasataSalvadoranplaceon GoatHill.Theysloggedupanddownthehillsand valleys,takingthestepscutintothesteepsides, walkingpastthePaintedLadiesgrand,gaudy Victorianwoodframesandthewobbly,heavy canvasbubblehousesthathadsprungupwhere thebigquakeandlandslideshadwashedaway partsofthehills. Idforgottenthattheyhadhillslikethat,she said,greedilyguzzlinganhorchata.Herfacewas streakedwithsweatandflusheditmadeherlook prettier,younger. MysonandIwalkthemeveryday. Youdragalittlekidupanddownthateveryday? Christ,thatschildabuse! Well,hepoopsoutafteracoupleofpeaksandI endupcarryinghim. Youcarryhim?Youmustbesomekindof superman.Shegavehisbicepasqueeze,thenhis thigh,thenslappedhisbutt.Afinespecimen. Yourwifesaluckywoman. Hegrinned.Havinghiswifeintheconversation madehimfeellessatrisk.Thatsright,Im marriedandwebothknowit.Thisisjustfun flirting.Nothingmore. Theybitintotheirpupusasstuffedcornmeal dumplingsfilledwithgrilledporkandtoppedwith shreddedcabbageandhotsauceandgruntedand ateandorderedmore. Whatarethesecalledagain? Pupusas,fromElSalvador.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/119 Humph.Inmyday,weateMexicanburritosthe sizeofafootball,andweweregrateful. Nooneeatsburritosanymore,hesaid,then coveredhismouth,awareofhowpretentiousthat sounded. logos,theUNAccesstoEssentialMedicines Charter,Disneycharacters.Itputthembothin mindoftheolddaysoftheNewWork,andthe subjectcameupagain,hesitantatfirstandthena fullborereminisce.

SuzannetoldhimstoriesofthethingsthatPerry Dahling,shesaid,burritosareso2005.You musttryapupusaitswhatallthemostcharming andLesterhaddonethatshedneverdaredreport on,thewaystheydskirtedthelawandhisorders. CentralAmericanpeasantsareeatingnow. Hetoldherafewstoriesofhisown,andthey Theybothlaughedandstuffedtheirfacesmore. rockedwithlaughterinthestreet,staggeringlike Well,itwaseitherhereoroneofthefatkins drunks,poundingeachotheronthebacks, placeswiththetripledeckerstuffedpizzas,andI grippingtheirkneesandstomachsanddoubling figured overtothecuriousglancesofthepassersby. Theyreallydothat? Itwasfine,thatday,Landonthought.Somekind Thefatkins?Yeahanythingtogetthatmagical ofgreatsorrowthathedforgottenhedcarried liftedfromhimandhischestandshoulders 10,000caloriesanyday.Itmustbethesamein expandedandhebreathedeasy.Whatwasthe Russia,right?Imean,theyinventedit. sorrow?ThedeathoftheNewWork.Thedeathof Maybeforfifteenminutes.Butmostofthem thedotcoms.Thedeathofeverythinghed dontbothertheygetalittlemetabolictweak,not consideredimportantandworthy,itsfadinginto awideopenthrottlelikethat.Christ,whatitmust tawdry,cheapnostalgia. dotoyourdigestivesystemtoprocess10,000 TheyweresittinginthegrassinDoloresParknow, caloriesaday! watchingthedogsandtheirpeoplerompamong Chacunasongout,hesaid,essayingaGallic therobotpooperscoopers.Hehadhisarmaround shrug. hershoulders,likewarbuddiesonabender(he Shelaughedagainandtheyatesomemore.Im toldhimself)andnotlikeamiddleagedman flirtingwithawomanhehadntseeninyears. startingtofeelhumanatlast. Metoo. Itsstillmidafternoon,butmycircadianthinks its2AM.Ineedtodosomethingtostayawakeor Illbeupatfourtomorrowmorning. Ihavesomemodafinil,hesaid. Sworeemoff.Letsgoforawalk. Theydidalittlemorehillclimbingandthen headedintotheMissionandwindowshoppedthe NorthAfricantchotchkeemporiathatwere crowdingouttheMexicanrodeoshopsand hairdressers.Theskindrumsandrattleswere laseretchedwithintricatedesignsCocaCola Andthentheywerelyingdown,theacheof laughterintheirbellies,thesunontheirfaces,the barksandhappyshoutsaroundthem.Theirhands twinedtogether(butthatwasfriendlytoo,Arab menheldhandswalkingdownthestreetasaway ofshowingfriendship). Nowtheirtalkhadbankeddowntocoals, throwingoffanoccasionalsparkwhenoneorthe otherwouldremembersomefunnyanecdoteand gruntoutawordortwothatwouldsetthemboth togingerlychuckling.Buttheirhandsweretied andtheirbreathingwasinsync,andtheirflanks weretouchinganditwasntjustfriendly.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/120 Abruptly,sheshookherhandfreeandrolledon herside.Listen,marriedman,Ithinkthats enoughofthat. Hefelthisfacegored.Hisearsrang.Suzanne whatHewassputtering. Noharmnofoul,butletskeepitfriendly,all right. Oh,thatsagoodone,shesaid.Thatsavery goodone. Afewhourslater,theysatonthehorsehairclub sofainKettlewellslivingroomandhitanumber hednevertakenoutofhisspeeddial.Hi,thisis Perry.Leaveamessage. Perry!theychorused.Theylookedateachother, atalossforwhattosaynext,thendissolvedin pealsoflaughter.

Thespellwasbroken,andthesorrowcameback. Helookedfortherightthingtosay.GodImiss it,hesaid.Oh,Suzanne,God,Imissitsomuch, Perry,itsSuzanneandKettlebelly.Whatthehell everyday. areyouupto?Callus! Herfacefell,too.Yeah.Shelookedaway.I reallythoughtwewerechangingtheworld.

Theylookedatthephonewithrenewedhilarity andlaughedsomemore.Butbythetimethesun wassettingoverPotreroHillandSuzannesjetlag Wewere,hesaid.Wedid. wasbeatingherupagain,theydbothdescended Yeah,shesaidagain.Butitdidntmatterinthe intotheirownpersonalfunks.Suzannewentupto end,didit?Nowwereolderandourworkis theguestroomandputherselftobed,not forgottenanditsallcometonothing.Petersburg botheringtobrushherteethorevenchangeinto isnice,butwhogivesashit?IsthatwhatIm hernightie. goingtodowiththerestofmylife,hangaround Petersburgbloggingaboutthemafiyehand medicaltourism?Justshootmenow. PerrytoucheddowninMiamiinanearcoma,his Imissthepeople.Idmeettenamazingcreative eyesgummedshutbyseveraldaysworthof geniuseseverydayatleast!ThenIdgivethem hangoverschasedbydrink.Sleepdeprivation madehimuncoordinated,sohetrippedtwice moneyandtheydmakeamazingstuffhappen withit.TheclosestIcometothatnowismykids, deplaning,andhisvoicewasabarelyaudiblerasp, histhroatsorewithacoldhedpickedupinTexas watchingthemlearnandbuildstuff,whichis ormaybeitwasOklahoma. reallygreat,dontgetmewrong,butitsnothing liketheolddays. ImissLester.AndPerry.Tjan.Thewholegang ofthem,really.Sheproppedherselfuponone elbowandthenshockedhimbykissinghimhard onthecheek.Thanks,Kettlebelly.Thankyouso muchforputtingmeinthemiddleofallthat.You changedmylife,thatsforsure. Lesterwaswaitingbeyondtheluggagecarousels, grinninglikeaholyfool,tallandbroad shoulderedandtanned,dressedinfatkinspimped outfinery,alltightstretchfabricsandglitter. Ohman,youlooklikeshit,hesaid,breakingoff fromthefatkinsgirlhedbeenchattingup.Perry noticedthathewasholdinghisphone,asuresign thathedgottenhernumber.

Hefelttheimprintofherlipsglowingonhis cheekandgrinned.OK,heresanidea:letsgo Ten,Perrysaid,grinningthroughthesnotty buyacouplebottlesofwine,sitonmypatio,geta rheumofhiscold.Tenrides. glowon,andthencallPerryandseewhathesup Tenrides?Lestersaid. to.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/121 Ten.SanFrancisco,Austin,Minneapolis,Omaha, OklahomaCity,Madison,Bellingham,ChapelHill andHefaltered.AndShit.Iforget.Itsall writtendown. quartoffreshorangejuice,apotoftea,anda stackofdrytoast,alongwithapackofcoldpills.

Takeallofthisandthencomedowntotheride whenyoureready.Illholddownthefortfor Lestertookhisbagfromhimandsetitdown,then anothercoupledaysifthatswhatittakes. crushedhiminanenormous,muscularhugthat Perryspentthedayinhisbathrobe,shuttling whiffedslightlyoftheketosisfumesthatallthe betweenthelivingroomandthesunchairsonthe fatkinsexuded. patio,lettingtheheatbakesomeofthesnotoutof Youdidgood,cowboy,hesaid.Letsmosey backtotheranch,feedyouandputyoutobed, sawright? CanIsleepin? Ofcourse. UntilApril? LesterlaughedandslippedoneofPerrysarms overhisshouldersandpickeduphissuitcaseand walkedthembackthroughtheparkinglottohis latesthotrod. hishead.Lesterskindnessandhiscoldmadehim nostalgicforhisyouth,whenhisfatherdotedon hisillnesses. Perrysfatherwasalittleman.Perrynogiant himselfwastallerthantheoldmanbythetime heturned13.Hisfatherhadalwaysremindedhim ofsomecleverfurryanimal,araccoonorbadger. Hehadtinyhandsandhismovementsweresmall andpreciseandcareful.

Theyweremostlycordialandfriendly,butdistant. HisfatherworkedasaCAD/CAMmanagerina machineshop,thoughhedstartedouthiscareer Perrybreathedinthehot,wetairastheywent, asaplainoldmachinist.Ofallthemachinistshed feelingitopenhischestandnasalpassages.His startedwithattheshop,onlyhehadweatheredthe eyeswereathalfmast,butthesightofthesickly transitiontothenewcomputerizeddevices.The roadsidepalms,thewanderingvendorsonthe trafficislandswiththeirnetbagsfullofipodsand othershadalllosttheirjobsortakenearly retirementorjustquit,buthisfatherhadtakento vpodshewashome,andhisbodyknewit. CAD/CAMwithtotalabandon,losinghimselfin Lestercookedhimahugeplateofscrambledeggs thescreensandstaggeringhomeblearyafterten withcornedbeef,pastrami,salamiandcheese, orfifteenhoursinfrontofthescreen. withamountainofsauerkrautontop.Thereyou ButthatallchangedwhenPerrytookill.Perrys go,fattenyouup.Youreallskinnyandhaggard, buddy.Lesterwasanexpertatthrowingtogether fatherlovedtoplaynurse.Hedbookofffrom workandstayhome,ferryingupgallonsofteaand highcaloriemealsonshortorder. beefbroth,flatgingeraleanddrytoast,cold Perrystuffedawayasmuchashecould,then tabletsandcoughsyrup.Hedopenthewindows collapsedonhisoldbedwithhisoldsheetsand whenitwaswarmandthenrunaroundthehouse hisoldpillows,andinsecondshewassleepingthe shuttingthematthefirstsignofacoolbreeze. bestsleephedhadinmonths. Bestofallwaswhathisfatherwoulddowhen Whenhewokethenextday,hiscoldhadturned Perrygotrestless:heandPerrywouldgodownto intoahorrible,wet,crustythingthatpractically thelivingroom,wheretheuprightpianostood.It hadhisfacegluedtohispillow.Lestercamein, hadbeenPerrysgrandfathers,andtheoldman tookagoodlookathim,andcamebackwitha whoddiedbeforePerrywasbornhadbeena

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/122 jazzpianistwhodplayedsessionswitheveryone fromCabCallowaytoDukeEllington. Therewasajokehisdadliked,Timeflieslikean arrow,fruitflieslikeabanana.Thiswasfunnyin justthatway:youexpectedonething,yougot Youready,P?hisfatherwouldask. somethingelse,andwhenyourexpectationsfell Perryalwaysnodded,watchinghisfathersitdown apartlikethat,itwaspurehilarity.Youwantedto atthebenchandtryafewnotes. clutchyoursidesandrollonthefloorsometimes, itwassofunny. Thenhisfatherwouldplay,tinklingandthen pounding,runningupanddownthekeyboardin Hisdadusuallyclosedhiseyeswhileheplayed, animprovisedjazzrecitalthatcouldgoforhours, squeezingthemshut,lettinghismouthhangopen sometimesonlyendingoncePerrysmomcame slightly.Sometimeshegruntedorscattedalong homefromworkattheframingshop. withhisplayingbutmoreoftenhegruntedout somethingthatwaskindoftheoppositeofwhat NothinginPerryslifesincehadthepowerto hewasplaying,justlikesometimesthemelody capturehimthewayhisfathersmusicdid.His andrhythmsheplayedonthepianowere fingersdanced,literallydancedonthekeys, sometimestheoppositeofthesonghewas walkingupanddownthemlikeapairofhigh playing,somethingthatwasexactlyandperfectly kickinglegs,makinglittlecomedymovements. Thelittlestubbyfingerswiththeirtuftsofhairon opposite,soyoucouldnthearitwithouthearing theknuckles,likegoatslegs,nimblyprancingand thethingitwastheoppositeof. turning. Thegamewouldendwhenhisdadbeganto improviseonpartsofthepianobesidesthekeys, Andthentherewasthemusic.Perrysometimes playedwiththepianoandhedfiguredoutthatif knockingonit,reachingintopluckitsstringslike youhiteveryotherkeywiththreefingers,yougot aharp,rattlingPerrysteacuponitssaucerjustso. achord.ButPerrysdadalmostnevermade Nothingmadehimfeelbetterfaster.Itwasatonic, chords:hemadeantichords,soundsthatinvolved afineone,betterthanpillsandteaandtoast, thosemysteriousblackkeysandclashedinaway daytimeTVandflatgingerale. thatwaspreciselynotachord,thatjangledand AsPerrygotolder,heandtheoldmanhadtheir jarred. shareoffightsoverthenormalthings:girls, Theantichordsmadeupantitunes.Somewherein partying,school...ButeverytimePerrytookill,he themusictheredbeoneormoremelodies,often wastransportedbacktohisboyhoodandthose thestuffthatPerrylistenedtoinhisroom,but amazingpianorecitals,hisfathersstubbyfingers sometimesoldjazzandbluesstandards. doingtheircomichighkicksandpratfallsonthe keys,thegruntingantisonginthebackofhis Themusicwouldsettleintolongrunsof improvisationalnoisethatwasntquitenoise.That throat,thosecrazyfinaleswithteacupsandpiano wasthebeststuff,becausePerrycouldnevertellif strings. therewasamelodyinthere.Sometimeshedbe Nowhestaredmoroselyattheemptyswimming surethathehadtheknowofit,couldtellwhatwas poolsixstoriesbelowhisbalcony,filledwith comingnext,asegueintoHereComestheSun blowinggarbage,leaves,andahugewaspsnest. orLettheGoodTimesRollorMerrilyWeRoll Hisfathersmusicwasinhisears,distantlynow Along,butthenhisfatherwouldgettothatspot andfadingwithhiscold.Heshouldcalltheold andhedmoveintosomethingelse,someother man,backhomeinWestchesterCounty,retired latentpatternthatwasunmistakableinhindsight.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/123 now.Theytalkedonlyrarelythesedays,threeor fourtimesayearonbirthdaysandanniversaries. Nofighthadstartedtheirsilence,onlybusylives grownapart. takingayoungmallgothsfivebucksoutofa handwhosefingernailswerepaintedwithchipped blackpolish.Whatthehellisgoingonhere?

Lesterlaughed.Iwassavingthisforasurprise, Heshouldcalltheoldman,butinsteadhegot buddy.Recordcrowdsgrowingeveryday. dressedandwentforajogaroundtheblock,trying Theresalineupinthemorningnomatterhow togetthewetsickwheezeoutofhiswhistling earlyIopenandnomatterwhattimeIclose,Iturn breath,stoppingacoupletimestoblowhisnose. peopleaway. Thesunwaslikeablowtorchonhishair,which Howdtheyallfindoutaboutit? hadgrownoutofhisnormalducklingfuzzinto Lestershrugged.Wordofmouth,hesaid.Best somethingmuchshaggier.Hisheadbaked,the advertisingyoucanhave.Shit,Perry,youjustgot coldbakedwithit,andbythetimehegothome backfromtencitieswheretheywanttoclonethis andchuggedaquartoforangejuice,hewas feelingfullyhumanagainandreadyforashower, thinghowdidtheyfindoutaboutit? streetclothesandaturnattheoldticketwindow Perryshookhisheadandmarveledatthequeue atwork. somemore.TheKoreantourgroupwascomingup Thequeuesnakedallthewaythroughthemarket onthem,andPerrynudgedLesterasideandgot outhisticketroll,thefamiliarmovementslovely andouttothestreet,wherethelinehadacasual, afterallthattimeontheroad. partykindofatmosphere.Themarketkidswere doingabriskbusinessinpopsicles,homemade Thetourguideputastackoftwentiesdownonthe colas,andcleverorigamistoolsandsunbeds counter.Igotfiftyofem,shesaid.Thatstwo madefromrecycledcardboard.Someofthekids hundredandfiftybucks.ShehadanAmerican recognizedhimandwaved,thenreturnedtotheir accent,somewheresouthoftheMasonDixonline. hustle. PerryhadbeenexpectingaKoreanaccent,broken English. Hefollowedthequeuethroughthestalls.The vendorswerehappierthanthekids,ifthatwas Perryriffledthebills.Illtakeyourwordforit. possible,sellingstuffasfastastheycouldsetit Shewinkedathim.Theygotofftheplaneand out.Thequeuehadeveryconceivablekindof theywerealllike,ScrewDisney,wehaveoneof personinit:oldandyoung,hipstersand conservativerawbonedsoutherners,Latinamoms thoseinSeoul,whatsnew,whatsAmerican?So Itookthemhere.Youguystotallyrock. withtheirbabies,stonefacedurbanhomeboys, crackers,andMiamiBeachqueersinpastelshorts. Hecouldhavekissedher.Hishearttookwing.In TherewereoldJewishcouplesandsmartlyturned yougo,hesaid.Lesterwillgetyoutheextraride outEuropeantouristswiththeirfunnytwotone vehicles. shagcutsandthefiltermasksthattheysmoked Theyreallintherealready,hesaid.Ivebeen around.TherewasanofoolingKoreantourgroup, runningthewholefleetfortwoweeksandIvegot ofthesorthedseennowandagaininDisney tenmoreonorder. World,ledbyasmartladyinaswelteringlittle Perrywhistled.Youshouldasaid,hesaid,then suit,holdinganumbrellaoverherhead. turnedbacktothetourguide.Itmightbealittle Lester,whatthefuck?hesaid,grinningand bitofawait. laughingasheclappedLesterontheshoulder,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/124 Ten,fifteenminutes,Lestersaid. inventionsfromtheheydayofNewWork.There Noproblem,shesaid.Theyllwaittillkingdom wasachippeddollcradle,andasmallcollection come,providedtheresgoodshoppingtobehad. ofgirlsdolls,apursespilledonthefloorwith Indeedthetourgroupwasatthecenterofapack photosofyounggirlsclowningatabirthdayparty. ofvendorkids,hawkingbustsandtattoos,contacts Hereachedforthejoystickwithirritationand slammedittowardminusonewhatthehellwas andactionfigures,kitchenwareandcigarette thiscrap? lighters. Nextwasaroomfullofboystanksandcarsand Onceshewasgone,Lestergavehisshoulder tradingcards,someincarefulpackagesand anothersqueeze.Ihiredtwomorekidstobring theridecarsbackaroundtotheentrance.When frames,somelovinglyscuffedandbeatenup.They werefromalleras,andherecognizedsomeofhis Perryhadleft,thathadbeenaoncedailychore, belovedtoysfromhisownboyhoodamongthe somethingyoudidbeforeshuttingdownforthe mix.Theitemswerearrangedinconcentricrings night. oneoftherobotsdefaultpatternsfordisplaying Holycrap,Perrysaid,watchingthetourgroup materialsaroundawrithingtowerofjuddering, edgetowardtheentrance,slipinsideinonesand shudderingdomesticrobotsthathadpiledone twos. atoptheother.Thevogueforthesehadbeen Itsamazing,isntit?Lestersaid.Andwaittill mercifullybrief,butithadbeenintense,andfor Perry,thejuxtapositionofthecarsandthecards, youseetheride! thetanksandtherobotsmadesomethingcatchin Perrydidntgetachancetorideuntilmuchlater histhroat.Therewasastatementhereaboutthe thatday,oncethesunhadsetandthelastmarket drivetoautomatehouseholdchoresandthesimple stallhadbeenshutandthelastriderhadbeen pleasureofrollinganimaginarytankoverthe chasedhome,whenheandLestersluggedback imaginaryarmiesofyourimaginaryenemies.So, bottlesofflatdistilledwaterfromtheirhumidity too,somethingaboutthecollectingurge,theneed stillandsatontheticketcountertogettheweight togeteverycardinaset,andthentogeteachin offtheirtiredfeet. perfectcondition,andthentoarrangethemin Nowweride,Lestersaid.Youregoingtolove perfectorder,andthentoforgetthemaltogether. this. Hishandhadbeenjerkingthejoysticktoplusone Thefirstthinghenoticedwasthattheridehad becomealotlessopen.Whenhedleft,thered beenthesensethatyouwereinagiantroomall thatdeadWalMartwithlittleexhibitsspread aroundit,likethetradeflooratamonstercar show.Butnowtheexhibitshadbeenarrangedout ofoneanotherssightlines,andsomeofthetaller pieceshadbeenupendedtoformbaffles.Itwas muchmorelikeacarnyhauntedhousetradeshow floornow. Thecarcircledslowlyinthefirstroom,which hadaccumulatedalotofjunkthatwasntmad allthistimeandnowhebecameconsciouslyaware ofthis. Thenextroomhadmanyoftheoldinventionshe remembered,buttheywerearrangednoton gleamingsilvertables,butweremixedinwith heapsofclothing,mountainsofthebrightly coloredubiquitoustshirtsthathadgonehandin handwitheveryNewWorkinventionandcrew. Mixedinamongthemweresomevintagetees fromthedotcomera,andperchedontopofthe mountain,staringglassilyathim,wasalittlegirl dollthatlookedfamiliar;hewasalmostcertain

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/125 thathedseenherinthefirstdollroom. allaboutit.Storiesarehowweunderstandthe world,andtechnologyishowwechooseour stories.

Thenextroomwasbuiltoutofpiecesoftheold kitchendisplay,buttherewasdisarraynow, dishesinthesinkandaplateonthecounterwitha CheckouttheGreeks.AllthoseGreekplays, cigarettebuttedoutinthemiddleofit.Another theyendwiththedeusexmachinathe platelayinthreepiecesonthelinoleumbeforeit. playwrightgetstiredofwriting,sohetrotsagod outonstagetosimplypointafingerattheplayers Thenextroomwascarpetedwithflattenedsoda tinsthatcrunchedunderthechairswheels.Inthe andmakeitallbetter.Youcantdothatinastory today,butbackthen,theydidnthavethetoolsto centerofthem,aneatworkbenchwithranked helpthemobserveandrecordtheworld,soasfar tools. astheycouldtell,thatshowstuffworked! Theridewentonandon,eachroomutterly Todayweunderstandalittlemoreaboutthe differentfromhowhedleftit,butsomehow familiartoo.Theridehedlefthadcelebratedthe world,soourstoriesareaboutpeoplefiguringout NewWorkandthepeoplewhodmadeithappen, whatscausingtheirtroublesandchangingstuffso thatthosecausesgoaway.Causalstoriesfora andsodidthisride,butthisridewaslesslinear, causaluniverse.Thinkingabouttheworldinterms lessaboutdisplaymore ofcausesandeffectsmakesyouseekoutcauses Itsastory,hesaidwhenhegotoff. andeffectsevenwheretherearenone.Watch howgamblersplay,thatweirdcargocultfeeling Ithinksotoo,Lestersaid.Itsbeengetting moreandmorestorylike.Thewaythatdollkeeps thattheroulettewheelcameupblackathirdtime reappearing.Ithinkthatsomeonehadliketenof inarowsothenextspinwillmakeitred.Itsnot themandjusttossedthemoutatregularintervals superstition,itskindoftheoppositeits causalityrunamok. andthentheplusoneingsnuckoneintoevery scene. Sothisisthestorythathasemergedfromour Itsgotscenes!Thatswhattheyare,scenes.Its collectiveunconscious? likeaDisneyride,oneofthosedarkridesin Lesterlaughed.Thatsalittlepretentious,Ithink. Fantasyland. ItsmorelikethoseJapanesecrabs. Exceptthosesuckandourriderocks.Itsmore WhichJapanesecrabs? likePiratesoftheCaribbean. WerentyoutherewhenTjanwastalkingabout Haveityourway.Whatever,howfreakingweird this?OrwasthatinRussia?Anyway.Thereare isthat? thesecrabsinJapan,andiftheyhaveanythingthat lookslikeafaceonthebacksoftheirshells,the Notsoweird.Peopleseestoriesliketheysee facesinclouds.Oncewegavethemtheabilityto fishermenthrowthembackbecauseitsbadluck subtractthestuffthatfeltwrongandreinforcethe toeatacrabwithafaceonitsshell.Sothecrabs stuffthatfeltright,itwasonlynaturalthattheyd withfacelikeshellshavemorebabies.Which meansthatgradually,thecrabsshellsgetmore anthropomorphizetheworldintoastory. facelike,sinceallnonfacelikeshellsare Perryshookhishead.Youthink? eliminatedfromthegenepool.Thisleadsthe fishermentoraisethebarontheirselection Wehavethisguy,aculturalstudiesprof,who comespracticallyeveryday.Hesbeentellingme criteria,sotheywilleatcrabswithshellsthatarea

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/126 littlefacelike,butnotveryfacelike.Soallthe slightlyfacelikecrabshellsareeliminated, leavingbehindmoderatelyfacelikeshells.This getsrepeatedoverseveralgenerations,andnow youvegotthesecrabsthathavevividfaceson theirshells. Weletourriderseliminateallthenonstorylike elementsfromtheride,andsowhatsleftbehind ismoreandmorestorylike. dude. PerrythoughtaboutHildaforafleetingmoment, andthengrinned.Thatsme,atotalpuritan.Go. Besafe. Safe,sound,andslippery,Lestersaid,andgotin hiscar.

Perrylookedaroundattheshutteredmarket, rooftopsglintingintherosytropicalsunset.Man hedmissedthosesunsets.Hesnortedupdamp Buttheplusone/minusoneleveristoocrudefor lungsfulofthetropicalairandsmelleddinners this,right?Weshouldgivethemapointeror cookingattheshantytownacrossthestreet.Itwas somethingsotheycanspecifyindividualelements differentandbiggerandmoreelaborateeverytime theydontlike. hevisitedit,whichwasalwayslessoftenthanhe Youwanttoencouragethis? wished. Dontyou? Lesternoddedvigorously.OfcourseIdo.Ijust thoughtthatyoudbealittlelessenthusiastic aboutit,youknow,becausesomuchoftheNew Workstuffisbeingdeemphasized. Youkidding?ThisiswhattheNewWorkwasall about:groupcreation!Icouldntbehappierabout it.Seriouslythisissomuchcoolerthananything thatIcouldhavebuilt.Andnowwiththenetwork comingonlinesoonwow.Imagineit.Itsgoing tobesofuckingweird,bro. Amen,Lestersaid.Helookedathiswatchand yelped.Shit,lateforadate!Canyougetyourself home? Sure,Perrysaid.Broughtmywheels.Seeyou laterhaveagoodone. Shesamazing,Lestersaid.Usedtoweigh900 poundsandwasshutinfortenyears.Manhasshe gotanimaginationonher.Shecandothisthing Therewasagoodbarbecueplacethere,Dirty Maxs,justaholeinthewallwithapitoutback andthefriendliestpeople.Therewasalwaysa mobscenearoundthere,localsgreasyfromthe ribsintheirhands,abigbucketoverflowingwith discardedbones. Wanderingtowardsit,hewasamazedbyhow muchbiggerithadgrownsincehislastvisit.Most buildingshadhadtwostories,thoughafewhad three.Nowalmostallhadfour,leaningdrunkenly towardeachotheracrossthestreets.Powercables, networkcablesandclotheslinesgavetheoverhead spacesthelookofacarelesslyspunspidersweb. Thenewstoriesweremostremarkablebecauseof whatFrancishadexplainedtohimabouttheway thatadditionalstoriesgotadded:mostpeople rentedoutorsoldtherighttobuildontopoftheir buildings,andthenthenewupstairsneighborsin turnsoldtheirrightson.Sometimesyoudgeta thirdstoreydwellerwhodwanttobuildatoptwo adjacentbuildingstomakeanextrawide apartmentforabigfamily,andthatrequired negotiatingwithalloftheownersofeachfloor ofbothbuildings.

Perryputhishandsoverhisears.LalalaImnot listeningtoyou.TMI,Lester.Seriously.Wayway TMI. Justlookingatitmadehisheadhurtwithallthe tangledpropertyandownershiprelationships Lestershookhishead.Youaresuchaprude,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/127 embodiedinthehighspaces.Heheardtheeasy chatterouttheopenwindowsandmusicand cryingbabies.Kidsranthroughthestreets, laughingandchasingeachotherorbouncingballs orplayingsomekindofnetworkedRPGwiththeir phonesthathadthempeekingaroundcorners, seeinganotherplayerandshriekingandrunning off. gotlotsofcommunityownedbusinessesaround herethatdoeverythinga7Elevencoulddoforus, withouttakingthewealthoutofourcommunity andsendingittosomecorporatejackoff.Some soreheadswantedtoseehowmuchmoneywe couldgetoutofthem,butIjustkepttellingthem whatever7Elevengivesus,itllonlybe becausetheythinktheycangetmoreoutofus. Thegrillwomanatthebarbecuejointgreetedhim Theysawreason.Besides,IminchargeIalways bynameandthemenandwomenarounditmade winmyarguments. spaceforhim.Itwasfriendlyandcompanionable, Youarethemostbenevolentofdictators,Perry andafteramomentFranciswanderedupwitha said.Hebegantoworkonanotherbeer.Beer coupleofhisproteges.Theycarriedboxesofbeer. tastedbetteroutsideintheheatandthebarbecue smoke. Heyhey,Francissaid.Homeagain,huh? Homeagain,Perrysaid.Hewipedribsauceoff Imgladsomeonethinksso,Francissaid. hisfingersandshookFrancisshandwarmly. Oh? God,Ivemissedthisplace. The7Eleventhingleftalotofpeoplepissedat Wemissedhavingyou,Francissaid.Big me.Theresplentyaroundherethatdont crowdsacrosstheway,too.Seemslikeyouhiton rememberthewayitstartedoff.Tothem,Imjust something. somealterkockerwhoskeepingthemdown. Perryshookhisheadandsmiledandatehisribs. Whatsthestoryaroundhere?

Isitserious?Perryknewthattherewasthe potentialforserious,majorlawlessnessfromhis littlesettlement.Itwasntafailingcondocomplex Lotsandlots,Francissaid.Theresawhole netcommunitythinghappening.Lotsoftrafficon rentedouttoFilipinadomesticsandweird entrepreneurslikehim.Itwasaplacewherethe theAARPmessageboardsfromotherpeople copswouldloveanexcusetocomeinwithriot settingtheseuparoundthecountry. batons(hisfunnyeyebrowtwitched)andgas,the Soyouvehitonsomething,too. kindofplacewheretherealmostcertainlywerea fewverybadpeoplelivingtheirlives.Miamihad Naw.Whenitsrailroadingtime,youget railroads.Whenitssquattertime,yougetsquats. badpeople,too,butthebadpeopleinMiami werenthisproblem. Youknowtheywanttoopena7Elevenhere? No!Perrylaughedandchokedonribsandthen Andthebadpeopleandthepotentialchaoswere whathelovedabouttheplace,too.Hedgrownup guzzledsomebeertowashitalldown. inthekindofplacewhereeverythingwas Francisputawrinkledhandoverhisheart.Hestill predictableandsafeandhedhatedeveryminute worehisweddingband,Perrysaw,despitehis ofit.Thegloriouschaosaroundhimwasjustashe wifesbeinggonefordecades.Iswearit.Just likedit.Thewoodsmokecurleduphisnose, there.Hepointedtooneofthebusiercorners. fragrantandallconsuming. And? Idontknowanymore.IthoughtIdretireand Wetoldthemtofuckoff,Francissaid.Weve settledownandtakeuppainting.NowIm

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/128 basicallyamobboss.Notthebadkind,butstill. Itsalotofwork. Pimpinainteasy.Perrysawtheshockedlook onFrancissfaceandaddedhastily,Sorrynot callingyouapimp.Itsasonglyricisall. Wegotpimpsherenow.Whores,too.Youname it,wegotit.Itsstillagoodplacetolivebetter thanMiami,ifyouaskmebutitcouldgoreal animal.Bad,badanimal. PerryPerryPerry!ItwasKettlebelly.He soundedlikehemightbedrunk,ormerelypunch drunkwithexcitement.Perryrememberedthathe gotthatwaysometimes. Kettlewell,howareyoudoing? Imheretoo,Perry.Icashedinmyreturnticket. Suzanne?

Yeah,shesaid.Shetoosoundedpunchy,like theydbeenhavingafitofthegigglesjustbefore Hardtobelieve,standingthereinthewoodsmoke, calling.Kettlewellsfamilyhavetakenmein, lickinghisfingers,drinkinghisbeer.Hiscold waywardwandererthatIam. seemedtohavebeenbakedoutbythesteamy Youtwosoundpretty,um,happy. swampyheat. Wevebeenhavinganamazingtime,Kettlewell Well,Francis,ifanyoneknowshowtokeep said.Hisspeakerphonemadehimsoundlikehe peace,itsyou. wasatthebottomofawell.Mostlyreminiscing Socialworkerscomearound,saythesamething. aboutyouguys.Whatthehellareyouupto?We Buttherespeoplearoundherewithlittlekids, triedtofollowitonthenet,butitsalljumbled. theyworrythatthesocialworkerscouldforce Whatsthisaboutastory? themout,takeawaytheirchildren. Story? ItwasntlikeFrancistocomplainlikethis,it wasntinhisnature,buthereitwas.Thestrainof Ikeepreadingaboutthisrideofyoursandits story.Icouldntmakeanysenseofit. runningthingswasshowingonhim.Perry wonderedifhisownstrainwasshowingthatway. Ihaventreadanyofthis,butLesterandIwere Didhecomplainmorethesedays?Maybehedid. talkingaboutsomestufftodowithstoriestonight. Anuncomfortablesilencedescendeduponthem. Ididntknowanyoneelsewastalkingaboutthis, Perrydrankhisbeer,morosely.Hethoughtofhow though.Wheredyouseeit? ridiculousitwastobemoroseaboutthepossibility Illemailittoyou,Suzannesaid.Iwasgoing thathewasbeingmorose,butthereyouhadit. toblogittonightanyway. Finallyhisphonerangandsavedhimfromfurther SoyoutwoarejusthangingaroundSan conversation.Helookedatthedisplayandshook Franciscogigglingandwalkingdownmemory hishead.ItwasKettlewellagain.Thatfirst lane? voicemailhadmadehimlaughaloud,butwhen Well,yeah!Itsabouttime,too.Weveallbeen theyhadntcalledbackforacoupledays,hed separatedfortoolong.Wewantareunion,Perry. figuredthattheyhadjusthadalittletoomuch wineandplacedthecall. Areunion? Nowtheywerecallingback,anditwasstillpretty Wewanttocomedownforavisitandseewhat earlyontheWestCoast.Tooearlyforthemtohave youredoingandhangout.Youwouldntbelieve hadtoomuchwine,unlesstheydreallychanged. howmuchfunwevebeenhaving,Perry, seriously.Kettlewellsoundedlikehedbeen

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/129 huffingnitrousorsomething.Haveyoubeen havingfun? Hethoughtaboutthequestion.Um,kindof?He toldthemabouthistravels,aquickthumbnail sketch,strugglingtorememberwhichcityhed beentowhen,leavingoutthecrazysexwhich camebacktohiminarush,thatnightwithHilda inthecoffin,likeawarmhallucination.On balance,yes.Itsbeenfun. Right,sowewanttocomedownandhavefun withyouandLester.Hesstillhangingaround, right? Lesterhadtoldhimaboutthehistoryhehadwith Suzanne,andtherewassomethinginthewayshe askedafterLesterthatsuggestedtoPerrythat therewasstillsomethingthere. Youkidding?Youdhavetopryusapartwitha crowbar. See,Itoldyouso,Suzannesaid.Thisguy thoughtthatLestermighthavegottenboredand wanderedoff. Never!Plusanyonewhofollowshismessage boardtrafficandblogswouldknowthathewas righthere,mindingtheshop.Andyourereading hisblog,arentyou,Suzanne?Hedidntneedto sayit.Hecouldalmosthearherblushoverthe line. Sohowabouttomorrow? Forwhat? Foruscomingtotown.Illbringthewifeand kids.Wellrentoutacouplehotelroomsand spendaweekthere.Itllbeablast. Tomorrow? Wecouldgetthemorningflightandbetherefor breakfast.Yougotagoodhotel?Notacoffin hotel,notwiththekids. Perrysheartbeatfaster.Hedidmissthesetwo, andtheyweresopunchy,sogleeful.Hedloveto seethem.Hemutedhisphone. Hey,Francis?Thatguesthousedowntheroad,is itstillrunning? Lulus?Sure.Theyjustbuiltanotherstoreyand tookoverthetopflooroftheplacenextdoor. Perfect.Heunmuted.Howdyouliketostayin asquatterguesthouseintheshantytown? Um,Kettlewellsaid,butSuzannelaughed. Ohhellyes,shesaid.Getthatlookoffyour face,Kettlewell,thisisanadventure. Wedloveit,Kettlewellsaid. Great,Illmakeyouareservation.Howlongare youstaying? Untilweleave,Suzannesaid. Right,Perrysaidandlaughedhimself.They weredifferentpeople,thesetwo,fromthepeople heremembered,buttheywerealsooldfriends. Andtheywerecomingtoseehimtomorrow.OK, lemmegomakeyourreservations. Franciswalkedhimoverandthelandlordfussed overthetwoofthemliketheywerevisiting dignitaries.Perrylookedtheplaceoveranditwas completelycharming.Hespottedwhathethought wasprobablyahookerandatricktakingaroom forthenight,butyougotthatattheHilton,too. Bythetimehegothomehewassurethathed sleeplikealog.Hecouldbarelykeephiseyes openonthedrive.Butafterheclimbedintobed andclosedhiseyes,hefoundthathecouldntsleep atall.Somethingaboutbeingbackinhisown roominhisownbedfeltalienandexciting.Hegot upandpacedtheapartmentandthenLestercame homefromhisdatewiththefatkinsnympho,full ofimprobablestoriesandcoveredinlittlehickeys. Youwontbelievewhoscomingforavisit, Perrysaid. SteveJobs.Hescomedownfromthelamasery

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/130 andrenouncedBuddhism.Hewantstogiveafree computertoeveryvisitor. Close,Perrysaid.KettlebellyandSuzanne Church.Comingtomorrowforastayof unspecifiedduration.Itsareunion.Itsareunion youbigsonofabitch!Woot!Woot!Perrydida littletwostep.Areunion! Lesterlookedconfusedforasecond,andthenfor anothersecondhelooked,what,upset?andthen hewasgrinningandjumpingupanddownwith Perry.Reunion! andtwowideeyed,jetlaggedchildrenhangingoff ofKettlewellandMrsKettlewell,whomneitherof themhadevermet.Shewasasmall,youthful womaninhermidfortieswithartfullystyledhair andbig,abstractchunkysilverjewelry.Suzanne hadgoneallEurochic,railthinandsmoking,with quiet,understateddarkclothes.Kettlewellhada realdaddybellyonhimnow,alittlepotthathis daughterthumpedrhythmicallyfromherperchon hiship.

Sit,sit,Perrysaidtothem,gettinguptohelp themstacktheirluggageateitherendofthelong Hefeltlikehedbarelygottentosleepwhenhis tabledownthemiddleoftheIHOP.Bigfamily phonerang.TheclockshowedsixAM,anditwas groupswithtonsofluggagewereparforthe KettlebellyandSuzanne,bleary,jetlaggedand courseinFlorida,sotheydidntreallydrawmuch grouchyfromtheironehourpostflightsecurity attentionbeyondmildirritationfromthepatrons processing. theyjostledastheygoteveryoneseated. Wewantbreakfast,Suzannesaid. PerrywasmildlyamusedtoseethatLesterand Suzanneendedupsittingnexttooneanotherand Wevegottaopentheride,Suzanne. werealreadychattingavidlyandcloseup,insoft Atsixinthemorning?Comeon,youvegothours voicesthattheyhadtoleaninverytighttohear. yetbeforeyouhavetobeatwork.Howaboutyou HewasnexttoMrsKettlewell,whosename,it andLestermeetusattheIHOP? transpired,wasEvaAsinExtraVehicular Jesus,hesaid. Activity,shesaid,geekingoutwithhim. Kettlewellwasinthebathroomwithhisdaughter Comeon!Kettlebellyskidsaredyingfor andson,andMrsKettlewellEvaseemed somethingtoeatandhiswifelookslikeshes relievedatthechanceforalittleadult readytoeathim.Itsbeenyears,dude!Getyour conversation. assintheshoweranddowntotheInternational HouseofPancakes! Youmustbeaverypatientwoman,Perrysaid, Lesterdidntrouseeasy,butPerryknewallthe tricksforgettinghisoldpaloutofbed,theywere practicallymarriedafterall. Theyarrivedjustintimeforthemorningrushbut Tonygreetedthemwithasmileandsentthem straighttothefrontoftheline.Lesterorderedhis usual(Bringmethreepoundsofcandywitha sideofgroundanimalpartsandpotatoes)and theywaitednervouslyforSuzanneandtheclan Kettlewelltoturnup. laughingatalltheticklishnoiseandmotionof theirgroup. Oh,thatsmeallright,Evasaid.Patienceismy virtue.Andyou? Oh,patienceissomethingIvalueverymuchin otherpeople.Perrysaid.ItmadeEvalaugh, whichshowedoffherprettylaughlinesand dimples.Hecouldseehowthiswomanand Kettlewellmustcomplementeachother.

Sherockedherheadfromsidetosideandtooka Theyarrivedinahugebustleoftaxisandluggage longswigofthecoffeethattheirwaiterhad

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/131 distributedaroundthetable,toppingupfromthe carafehedleftbehind.ThankGodforlegal stimulants. Longflight? Travelingwithlarvaeisalwaysachallenge,she said.Buttheydugithard.Youshouldhaveseen thematthewindows. Theydneverbeenonaplanebefore? Iliketogocamping,shesaidwithashrug. LandonsalwaysonmetotakethekidstoHawaii orwhatever,butImalwayslike,Man,youspend halfyourfuckinglifeinatincanwhydoyou wanttostartyourholidaysinone?Letsgoto Yosemiteandgetmuddy.Ihaventeventaken themtoDisneyland! Perryputthebackofhishandtohisforehead. Thatsheresyaroundhere,hesaid.Yougoing totakethemtoDisneyWorldwhileyourein Florida?Itsalotbigger,youknowanditsa differentdivision.Reallydifferentfeel,orsoIm told. Youkidding?Perry,wecamehereforyourride. Itsfamous,youknow. Net.famous,maybe.Alittle.Hefelthischeeks burning.Well,therewillbeoneinyourneckof thewoodssoonenough.Hetoldheraboutthe BurningMancollectiveandtheplantobuildone downthe101,southofSanFrancisco International. Theplanealmostcrashed,saidthelittlegirlnext toPerry.Shehadahaloofcurlyhairlikea dandelionclockandbigsolemndarkeyesanda bigwetmouthsetbetweenappleroundcheeks. Diditreally?Perrysaid.Shewassevenoreight hethought,thebossybigsisterwhodbeengiving orderstoherlittlebrotherfromthemomentthey camethroughthedoor. Shenoddedsolemnly.HelookedatEva,who shrugged. Really?hesaid. Really,shesaid,noddingvigorouslynow. Therewereterristsontheplanewhowantedto blowitup,buttheskymarshasstoppedthem. Howcouldyoutelltheywereterrists? Sheclickedhertongueandrolledhereyes.They werewhispering,shesaid.JustlikeonCaptain PresidentandtheFreedomFighters.Heknew somethingofthiscartoon,mostlybecauseofall theknockoffmerchforsaleinthemarketstallsin frontoftheride. Isee,hesaid.Well,ImgladtheSkyMarshas stoppedthem.Doyouwantpancakes?

Iwantcaramelapplechocolatepancakeswith blueberrybananasauce,shesaid,rollingone pudgyfingeralongthedescriptionintheglossy menu,beneathanoozingfoodpornphoto.And mybrotherwantsachocolatemilkshakeanda shortstackofhappyfaceclownwaffleswith Kettlebellyreturnedthenwiththekids,andhe strawberrysauce,butnottoomanybecausehes managedtogetthemintotheirseatswhilesucking stillababyandcanteatmuch. backacoffeeandeatingabiscuitfromthebasket Youllbecomeasfatasyourdaddyifyoueatlike inthecenterofthetable,breakingoffbitstoshove that,Perrysaid.Evasnortedbesidehim. inthekidsmouthswhenevertheyprotested. No,shesaid.Imgonnabeafatkins. Thesearesomewaytiredkids,hesaid,leaning overtogivehiswifeakiss.Perrythoughthesaw Isee,hesaid.Evashookherhead. Suzanneflickalookatthemthen,butitmight Itsthegoddamnedfatkinsagitpropgames,Eva havebeenhisimagination.SuzanneandLester said.Theycomefreewitheverythingnow wereoffintheirownworld,afterall. digitalcameras,phones,evenincerealboxes.You

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/132 havetoeataminimumnumberofcaloriesper leveloryoustarvetodeath.Thisoneisa champeen. haveyoulookedaroundlately?Yourelivingina thirdworldcountry,buddy.

Awaitercamebetweenthem,handingout Imnationallyranked,thelittlegirlsaid,not heaping,steamingplatesoffood.Lester,whod lookingupfromthemenu. finishedhisfirstbreakfastwhiletheywaited,had Perrylookedacrossthetableanddiscoveredthat orderedasecondbreakfast,whicharrivedalong SuzannehadcoveredLestershandwithhersand withtherestofthem.Mountainsoffoodstacked uponthetable,sideplatescrowdingjugsofapple thatLesterwaslaughingalongwithherat somethingfunny.Somethingaboutthatmadehim juiceandcarafesofcoffee. alittlefreakedout,likeLesterwasmakingtime Incredibly,thefoodkeptcomingmultiplesyrup withhissisterortheirmom. jugs,platesofhashbrowns,basketsofbiscuits Suzanne,hesaid.Whatshappeningwithyou andbowlsofwhitesausagegravy.Perryhadnt paidmuchattentionwhenorderswerebeingtaken, thesedays,anyway? butfromthelooksofthings,hewaseatingwitha Petersburgiswhatshappeningwithme,she bunchofIHOPvirgins,unaccustomedtothe said,withahoarselittlechuckle.Petersburgis astonishingportionstobehadthere. likeDetroitcrossedwithParis.Completely decrepitanddecadent.Theresaserialkillerwhos HecockedhisfunnyeyebrowatSuzanne,who laughed.OK,notquiteathirdworldcountry.But beenworkingthestreetsforfiveyearsthereand thebiggestobstacletocatchinghimisthatthefirst notarealindustrialnationanymore,either.Maybe copsonthesceneletrubberneckersbribethemto moreliketheenddaysofRomeorsomething. Drowninginwealthandwallowinginpoverty. takehomeevidenceassouvenirs. Sheforkedupamouthfulofhashbrownsand Noway!Lestersaid. chasedthemwithcoffee.Perryattackedhisown plate. Oh,da,bigvay,shesaid,droppingintoa comicalBorisandNatashaaccent.Bolshoivay. Kettlewellfedthekids,sneakingbitesinbetween, whileEvalookedonapprovingly.Youreagood Sowhyareyouthere? man,LandonKettlewell,shesaid,slicingupher Itslikehomeforme.ItsgotenoughofDetroits steakandeggsintosmall,precisecubes,wielding oldbrutal,earthyfeel,plusenoughofSilicon theknifelikeanartist. Valleysmanichustle,itjustfeelsright. Youjustenjoyyourbreakfast,myqueen,he Yougoingtosettleinthere? said,spooningoatmealwithraisins,bananas, granolaandboysenberryjamintothelittleboys Well,putthatway,no.Icouldnthackitforthe longterm.Butatthistimeinmylife,itsbeenjust mouth. right.ButitsgoodtogetbacktotheStates,too. Wegotyoupresents,thelittlegirlsaid,takinga Imthinkingofhangingouthereforacouple breakfromshovelingbananachocolatecaramel months.Russiassocheap,Ivegotatonsavedup. applesintohermouth. Mightaswellblowitbeforeinflationkillsit. Really?Perryraisedhisfunnyeyebrowandshe Youkeepyourmoneyinrubles? giggled.Hediditagain,makingitwrithelikea Hellnonooneusesrublesexcepttourists.Im snake.Shesnarfedchocobananaacrossthetable, worriedaboutanotherrunofUSinflation.Imean, thenscoopeditupandputitbackinhermouth.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/133 Shenoddedvigorously.Dad,givethemtheir presents! Kettlewellsaid,Someonehastofeedyour brother,youknow. rememberedthatyouguysweremostlyusing keychainlaserrangefindersthesedays. Screwdrivers,pliers,andhammerswerealloutI couldntfindadamnedthingthatlookedany betterthanwhatyouhadaroundhere.Thestateof theartisgenuinelyprogressing.

Illdoit,shesaid.Sheforkedupsomeofhis oatmealandattemptedtogetitintothelittleboys Therewerealotofniceoldbrassspiritlevelsand face.Presents! handlathedplumbbobsbuttheyweremore Kettlewelldugthroughtheluggageclusterunder decorativethanusefulbyadamnedsight.Great thetableandcameupwithanoverstuffeddiaper oldsteelworkhelmetslookedcool,butthey bag,thenpawedthroughitforalongtime,urged weighedaboutahundredtimeswhatthesafety onbyhisdaughterwhokeptchantingPresents! helmetsaroundhereweigh. Presents!Presents!whileattemptingtofeedher littlebrother.EvaandLesterandSuzannetookup Weweregoingtogiveinandtrytobringyou thechant.Theyweredrawingstaresfromnearby guysabiggoddamnedtubeamp,ormaybesome tables,butPerrydidntmind.Hewaslaughingso Inuitglassknives,butIdidntseeyouhaving muchofauseforeither. hardhissideshurt. Whichishowwecametogiveupontoolsperse FinallyKettlewellheldapaperbagaloft andswitchedovertoleisuresportstools.There triumphantly,thenclappedahandoverhis wasamuchrichervein.Woodenbats,ohyes,and daughtersmouthandshushedtherest. realpigskinfootballsthathadniceidiosyncratic Youguysarereallyhardtoshopfor,hesaid. spinthatyoudhavetolearntocompensatefor. Whatthehelldoyougetfortwoguyswhonot Butwhenwefoundthese,weknewwedhitpay onlyhaveeverything,butmakeeverything? dirt. Suzannenodded.Damnedright.Wespenta ShepickedupKettlewellspapersackwitha wholedaylookingforsomething. flourishandunzippedit.Amomentlatershe presentedthemwithtwoidenticalpackages Whatisit? wrappedincoarselinenpaperhandstampedwith Well,Kettlewellsaid.Wefiguredthatitshould Victorianwoodcutsofsportingmenswingingbats besomethinguseful,notdecorative.Youguys andchargingthelinewithpigskinsundertheir havedecorativecomingoutofyourasses.Sothat arms. leftuswithtools.Wewantedtofindyouatool Tadah! thatyoudidnthave,andthatyouwould appreciate. Thekidsechoedit.Thesearethebestpresents, Suzannepickedupthestory.Ithoughtweshould thelittlegirlconfidedinPerryashepicked delicatelyattheexquisitepaper. getyouanantiquetool,somethingsowellmade thatitwasstillusable.Buttobeuseful,ithadto Thepapergavewayinfoldsandcurls,andthenhe besomethingnoonehadimprovedon,andthat andLesterbothheldtheirtreasuresaloft. hadinfactbeendegradedbymodern Baseballgloves!Perrysaid. manufacturingtechniques. Acatchersmittandafieldersglove,Kettlewell Atfirstwelookedatoldtapemeasures,butI said.Youlookatthatcatchersmitt.1910!Itwas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/134 blackandbulbous,theleathersoftandyielding, withapatinaoffinecrackslikeanoldpainting.It smelledlikeoilandleather,anoldrichsmelllike agentlemanscluboranexpensivebriefcase. Perrytrieditonanditmoldeditselftohishand, snugandcomfortable.Itpracticallycriedoutto haveaballthrownatit. Andthisfieldersglove,Kettlewellwenton, pointingatthegloveLesterheld.Itwasthemore traditionaltancolor,comicallylargeliketheglove ofacartooncharacter.Ittoohadthelookof ancient,welllovedleather,thesamemysterious smellofhideandoil.Perrytoucheditwitha fingeranditfeltlikeawomanscheek,smoothand soft.RawlingsXPG6.TheMickeyMantle.Early 1960stheultimateglove. Showhim,Suzannesaid,andthegirldoveunder thetableandcameupwithtwowhite,freshhard balls.Oncehefittedonetothepocketofhisglove, itfeltsoperfectlyrightlikeakeyinalock.This pockethadheldalotofballsovertheyears. Lesterhadputaballinthepocketofhisglove, too.Hetosseditlightlyintheairandcaughtit, thenrepeatedthetrick.Thelookofvisceral satisfactiononhisfacewasunmistakable. Thesearegreatpresents,guys,Perrysaid. Seriously.Welldone.

Theyallbeamedandmurmuredandthentheball Lesterwastossingcrashedtothetableandbrokea pitcherofblueberrysyrup,upsetacarafeof orangejuice,androlledtoastopinthechocolate messinfrontofthelittlegirl,wholaughedand Yougotthewholesalespitch,huh,darling?Eva laughedandlaughed. said,notunkindly,butKettlewellflushedand Andthatiswhywedontplaywithballs glaredatherforamoment. indoors,Suzannesaid,lookingassternasshe Perrybrokein.Guys,thesearewow. couldwhileobviouslytryingveryhardnottobust Incredible. outlaughing. Theyrebetterthanthemodernproduct, Thewaiterswereaccustomedtowipingupspills Suzannesaid.Thatsthepoint.Youcantprint andLesterwasawkwardlyhelpful.Whilethey theseorfabthese.Theyrewonderfulbecause weregettingeverythingsettorightsagain,Perry theyresowellmadeandsowellused!Theonly lookedatEvaandsawherlipstightlypursedas waytomakeaglovethisgoodwouldbetofabit sheconsideredherhusband.Hefollowed andthengiveittoseveralgenerationsofbaseball Kettlebellysgazeandsawthathewaswatching playerstoloveanduseforfiftytoahundred Suzanne(whowaslaughinglyrestrainingLester years. fromdoinganymorecleaning)intently.Ina Perryturnedoverthecatchersmitt.Overa hundredyearsold.Thiswasntsomethingtogoin aglasscase.Suzannewasright:thiswasagreat glovebecausepeoplehadplayedwithit,allthe time.Itneededtobeplayedwithoritwouldget outofpractice. Iguessweregoingtohavetobuyabaseball, Perrysaid. Thelittlegirlbesidehimstartedbouncingupand down. flash,Perrythoughthehadcometo understanding.Ohdear,hethought. Thekidslovedtheshantytown.Thelittlegirl Ada,liketheprogramminglanguage,Evasaid insistedonbeingsetdownsoshecouldtreadthe crackedcementwalkwaysherself,headwhipping backandforthtotakethecrazyleaningbuildings in,eyesfollowingthezippingmotorbikesand bicyclesastheywoveinandoutofthebusy streets.Theshantytownerswereusedtotouristsin theirmidst.Afewyardiesgavethemthehairy

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/135 eyeball,butthentheysawPerrywasalongand theyfoundsomethingelsetopayattentionto.That madePerryfeelobscurelyproud.Hedbeenabsent formonths,buteventhecornerboysknewwhohe wasanddidntwanttoscrewwithhim. Theguesthouseslandladygreetedthematthe door,alertedtotheircomingbythejungle telegraph.SheshookPerryshandwarmly,gave Adaalollipop,andchuckedthelittleboy(Pascal, liketheprogramminglanguage,saidEva,with aneyeroll)underthechin.Checkinwasalot simplerthanatacoffinhoteloraHilton:justa briefdiscussionoftheavailableroomsandaquick tour.TheKettlewellsoptedfortheloftyattic, whichcouldfittwothreequarterwidthbedsanda crib,andoverlookedthecurvingstreetsfroma highvantage;Suzannetookamorequotidian roomjustbelow,withlovelytilemosaicsmade fromsnippedoutsectionsofplasticfruitand smashednoveltysodabottles.(Thelandlady privatelyassuredPerrythathereuphemistic hourlytradewasinadifferentpartofthe guesthousealtogether,withitsownstaircase). Itsthestory,shesaid.Ireadaboutitonline andIdidntreallybelieveit,butnowItotallysee it.Butyoumadeit,right?Itdidntjust...happen, didit? No,itjusthappened,Perrysaid.Thisgirlwasa littlespookylooking.Heputhishandoverhis heart.Onmyhonor. Itcantbe,shesaid.Imean,thestoryislike rightthere.Someonemusthavemadeit. Maybetheydid,Perrysaid.Maybeabunchof peoplethoughtitwouldbefuntomakeastoryout oftherideandcamebytodoit. Thatsprobablyit,thegirlsaid.Theother thing,thatsjustridiculous. Shewasgoneandontheridebeforehecouldask herwhatthismeant,andthethreebangbangers behindherjustwantedtickets,notconversation. Anhourlater,shewasback.

Imeanthemessageboards,shesaid.Dontyou followyourreferers?TheresaguyinOsceola whosaysthatthisis,Idontknow,likethestory Afewhourslater,Perrywasaloneagain,working thatsinsideourcollectiveunconsciousness. histicketcounter.TheKettlewellswerehaving Perryrestrainedasmileatthemalapropism. naps,LesterandSuzannehadgoneofftoseesome Anywayalotofpeopleagree.Idontthinkso, sights,andthecrowdfortheridewasalready though.Nooffense,mister,butIthinkthatthisis large,snakingthroughthemarket,thickwith justaprankorsomething. vendorsandhustlingkidstryingtoprythevisitors Something,Perrysaid.Butsherodetwicemore looseoftheirbankrolls. thatday,andshewasnttheonlyone.Itwasaday Hefeltlikedoingacarnybarkerspiel,Stepright ofmanyrepeatriders,andthemarketstallpeople up,steprightup,thiswaytothegreategress!But camebytocomplainthatthevisitorswerent themorningsvisitorsdidntseemallthat buyingmuchbesidestheoccasionalicecreamor frivoloustheywereseriousfacedandsober. porkcracklin. EverythingOK?heaskedagirlwhowasriding foratleastthesecondtime.Shewasa midwesternlookinggiantessinherearlytwenties withbigwhitefrontteethandbroadshoulders, wearingafadedHoosiersballcapandalotof coraljewelry.Imean,youdontlooklikeyoure havingafuntime. Perryshruggedandtoldthemtofindsomething thatthesepeoplewantedtobuy,then.Oneortwo oftheminiaturesguysgotgleamsintheireyesand boughtticketsfortheride(Perrychargedthem halfprice)andPerryknewthatbythetimetheday wasout,theredbesouvenirridereplicastobe had.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/136 LesterandSuzannecamebyafterlunchtimeand planeagaininacoupleweeks. Lesterrelievedhim,leavinghimtoescortSuzanne Sothatswhataleaderissomeonewhogets backtotheshantytownandtheKettlewells. peoplemobilizedandmoving. Youtwoseemtobegettingonwell,Perrysaid, ImetagirlinMadison,Wisconsin,youd jerkinghisheadbackatLesterastheywalked probablygetalongwith.ThinkingofHildamade throughthemarket. himsmileandfeelalittlehorny,alittlewistful.He Suzannelookedaway.Thisisamazing,Perry, shesaid,wavingherhandatthemarketstalls,a gesturethattookinthespiresoftheshantytown andtheride,too.Youhavedone something...stupendous,youknowit?Imean,if youhadaslightlydifferenttemperament,Idcall thisacult.Butitseemslikeyourenotinchargeof anything Thatsforsure! eventhoughyourestilldefinitelyleading things. NowayIjustgowhereImtold.Tjans leading. hadntgottenfuckedinmindandbodylikethat sincehistwenties. MaybeIllmeether.Issheworkingonalocal ride? Youregoingtogototheotherrides? Igottowriteaboutsomething,Perry.Otherwise mypageviewsfalloffandIcantpaymyrent.This isastoryabigone,andnooneelsehasnoticed ityet.Thatkindofstorycanturnintothekindof moneyyoubuyahousewith.Imspeakingfrom experiencehere. Youthink?

Sheputherhandoverherheart.Imgoodat IspoketoTjanbeforewecameout,andhepoints spottingthese.Man,youvegotacultonyour thefingeratyou.Imjustkeepingthebooksand handshere. closingthecontracts.Thatsadirectquote. What? Wellmaybenoonesleading.Noteverything Thestorypeople.Ivebeenreadingthemessage needsaleader,right? boardsandblogs.ItswhereIgetallmybesttips. Suzanneshookherheadathim.Theresaleader, Perryshookhishead.Everyoneelsewasmoreon sweetie,anditsyou.Havealookaround.LastI topofthisstuffthanhim.Hewasgoingtohaveto checked,therewerethreemoreridesgoing spendlesstimehackingtherideandmoretime operationalthisweek,andfivemoreinthenext readingtheinterweb,clearly. month.Justlookingatyourspeakingcalendar gavemeaheadache ItwasallLestersidea,anyway,hesaid. Ihaveaspeakingcalendar? Shelookeddownwithanunreadableexpression. Hehazardedaguessastowhatthatwasabout. Youdoindeed,anditsabusyone.Youknew thatthough,right? Thingsaregettingtightbetweenyoutwo,huh? Tjansenthimemailallthetimetellinghimabout Christitdoesntshowthatmuchdoesit? thisgrouporthat,wherehewassupposedtogo andgiveatalk,buthedneverseenacalendar.But No,helied.IjustknowLesterisall. whohadtimetolookatthewebsiteanymore? Hessomethingelse,shesaid. Isuppose.IknewIwassupposedtogetona

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/137 Suzanneneededsomesundries,sohedirectedher toalittlebodegainthebackroomofoneofthe houses.Hetoldherhedmeetheratthe guesthouseandtookaseatinthelobby.Hewas stillbeatfromthecoldandthejetlag,thework andthesheerexhaustion. Ontheroadhedhadmomentumdragginghim fromonethingtothenext,flightstocatch, speechestomake.Backathome,confrontedwith routine,itwaslikehisinertiawasdisappearing. EvaKettlewellthundereddownthestairsthreeata timewithasoundlikeabarelycontrolledfall, burstintothelobbyandheadedforthedoor,her backrigid,herarmsswinging,herfaceapicture ofrage. Shewentoutthedoorlikeaflashandthenstood inthestreetforamomentbeforestrikingout, seeminglyatrandom. Uhoh,Perrythought. heyday.Hedstandjustpastthecastlegateand watchtheflockingcrowdsofblackclad,lightly sweating,whitefacedgothkidspourthroughit, blinkingintheunnaturallightofthemorning.A lotofthemtookdrugsandpartiedallnightand thencappeditoffwithanearlymorningat FantasylandDisneyhaddonefocusgroups,and theydstartedsellingthechewythingsthat soothedtheclenchedjawsbroughtonbydance drugs. Butnowhehatedtheravengarbedcustomerswho salliedintohisparkliketheyownedthejoint.A girlmaybe16walkedpastonvinylplatform heelswithtwogiganticmenintheirthirtiesbehind her,ledonthinblackleatherleashes.Agroupof whippetthinboysingreydusterswithimpossibly highspraysofteasedelectricbluehairfollowed. Thenagroupofheavilypiercedolderwomen, theirfacesrattling.

Thenitwasariverofblack,kidsinchainsand leather,leatherygrownupswhodressedlikesurly kids.Theyformedneatqueuesbytheirfavorite Sammydidntdaregobacktotherideforweeks ridesthehauntedhouses,thegraveyardwalk afterthedebacleinBoston.Hedbeenspottedby through,thecoffincoaster,theriverofblood theChineseguyandthebummylookingguywho andpuffedclovesthroughsmokelesshookahs.At saidheddesignedtheride,thatmuchwassure. leasthehopeditwascloves. Theyprobablysuspectedhimofhavingsabotaged ThecastmembersinSammysFantasylandwere theBostonride. nobetterthantheguests.Theywerepierced,dyed, Buthecouldntstayaway.Workwasdismal.The teased,andbrandedtowithinaninchoftheir otherexecsatDisneyWorldwereallamazingly lives,evengothierthanthegothswhomadethe petty,andalwaysworsebeforethequarterly longpilgrimagestoridehisunwholesomerides. numberscameout.Managementlikedtochase Theworstofitwasthattherewerentenoughof anykindofbadnumberswithafewritual themanymore.Thegothscene,whichhadshown beheadings. everysignofsurgingandresurgingeveryfive ThenewFantasylandhadbeenafeatherin years,seemedfinallytobedying.Numberswere Sammyscapthathadkepthimsafefrompolitics down.Acoupleofgoththemedparksinthearea foralongtime,butnotanymore.Nowitwas hadshuttered,ashadthemarshyoneinNew gettingrundown:cigaretteburns,graffiti,and Orleans(admittedlythatmighthavebeenmoreto everynowandagainsomeonewouldfindacouple dowiththecholeraoutbreak). havingpervyeyelinersexinthebushes. Lastmonth,hedshutdownthegothtoddler HedlovedtoworkopeningsinFantasylands

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/138 clothingshopandputitswaresondeeponline discount.Allhislittleniecesandnephewswere gettingbatwingonesies,skullplatformbooties andtemporaryhairdyeandtattoosforChristmas. Nowhejusthadtogetridoftheothertenmillion bucksworthofmerch. Morning,Death,hesaid.Thekidsrealname wasDarrenWeinberger,butheinsistedonbeing calledDeathWaits,whichgivenhispudgyround cheeksandgenerallyeagertopleasedemeanor, wasfunnyenoughthatithadtakenSammyafull yeartolearntocontrolhisgrinwhenhesaidit. Sammy!Goodmorninghowreyoudoing? Thenumbersstink,Sammysaid.Youmust havenoticed. Ourridesareart.Thatstuffisjustengineering. DeathWaitswasagoodkid,buthewasaserious imbiberofthekoolaid.Maybetrydanceparties again?Theydtriedastringofallnightraves,but thefights,drugs,andsexwerejusttoomuchfor theuppermanagement,nomatterhowmuch moneytheybroughtin. Sammyshookhisheadmorosely.Ivetoldyou thatacompanythissizecantaffordtherisksfrom thatsortofthing.Afewmoregothsstraggledin. Theyheadedforthewalkthrough,whichprobably meanttheyplannedtogethighormakeout, somethinghedgivenupontryingtoprevent. Anythingtogetthenumbersup.Heandthe securitystaffhadcometoanunderstandingon thisandnoonewastellinghisbossorhis colleagues.

Deathsgrinvanished.Inoticed.Timeforanew ride,maybe.Noonecalledthemattractions Ishouldjustbulldozethewholefuckingthing anymoreallthatoldOrwellianDisneyspeakhad andstartover.Whatcomesaftergoth,anyway? beenabolished.Theylovethecoasterandthe Areraversback?Hippies?Punks?Chavs? freefall.Thrillridesarealwayscrowdpleasers. DeathWaitswasstaringathimwithroundeyes. DeathWaitshadworkedatDisneyforthreeyears Youwouldntreally now,sincetheageof16,andhehadgrownup comingtothepark,oneoftherareOrlandolocals. Hewavedatthekid.Thiswashiswholelife.No, Death,no.Werenotgoingtobulldozethisplace. Sammyhadcometorelyonhimforwhathe Youvegotajobforlifehere.Itwasalieofsuch thoughtofasinsightintothegothstreet.He neversaidthataloud,becauseheknewhowmuch amazingcallousnessthatSammyfeltatwingeof itsoundedlikewhateveryoucrazykidsareinto remorsewhilesayingit.Thosetwingesdidnt comeoften.ButDeathWaitslookedalothappier thesedays. oncethewordswereoutofhismouthgothswith Butthiswasnthelpful.Iknowthateveryonelikes bigcandyapplecheekswereprettyunconvincing thrillrides,buthowthehellcanyoucompetewith gloommeisters. thegypsycoasters?Theysetuptheircoastersby Sammystalkedbacktothenearestutilidor theroadandranthemuntiltherewasaninjury seriousenoughtodrawthelawaweekortwoat entrance,overbywhathadbeenthePinocchio best.YoucouldordertheDIYcoasterkitsfroma VillageHaus.Hedturnedtheredesignovertoa designerwhodstartedoutasalitmajorand numberofsuppliersacrosstheUSandMexico, whoseadmirationforthedarkandtwisted putthemupwithcranesandsemiskilledlabor elementsoftheoriginalPinocchiotalebyCarlo andwishfulthinking,starttakingtickets,and whentheinevitablecatastropheensued,youcould Collodishonethrough.Nowitfeaturedmuralsof donkeysbeingflensedbyfish,hecticPleasure bepackedandonthelaminacouplehours. Island.HangedPinocchioonhisgibbetdangled Gypsycoasters?Theysuck.Wevegottheming.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/139 overthecondimentbar,twitchingandthrashing. Thesmellofstalegreaserosefromitlikea miasma,clashingwiththepatchoulitheypumped outfromtheundergroundmisters. muchbetterthanyouevercouldhowtoarrange themselvesforyourmaximumcomfort.

Hewasthelastonethroughthedoor,andtheyall turnedtostareathim.Theyalldressedforshit,in Downintothetunnelsandthenintoagolfcartand oldfashionedslacksandhightechwalkingshoes, outtohisoffice.Hehadtimetopawdesultorilyat companypocketteesorbaseballjerseys.Noneof themountainofmerchandisesamplesthathad themhadahaircutthatwasworthadamn,not comeinovertheweeksincehedlasttackledit eventhetwowomenexecswhocoranMain everyplasterskullvendorandsilvercrossmaker Street.TheydressedliketheMiddleAmericans intheworldsawhimasatickettoeasystreet. theycateredto,ormaybealittlebetter. Nonehadtwiggedtothefactthattheywere Sammyhadalwaysbeenasharpdresser.Heliked reducingtheirgoththemedmerchthesedays. shirtsthatlookedlikegoodcottonbuthadalittle Still,goingthroughmerchhadbeenhistaskfor stretchbuiltintothemsotheyrestedtightathis threeyearsnowanditwasahardhabittobreak. chest,whichwasbig,andtightathiswaist,which Helikedthelickandstickwoundswithdancing wassmall.Helikedjeansinwhateverstylejeans maggotsthatwereactivatedbybodyheat.The werebeingworninBarcelonathatyear,which skeletalbikerswithflockingalgorithmsthatled meantblackjeanscutverysquareandwide themintonoisydemolitionderbieswereagreat legged,ironedstiffwithoutacrease.Hehad idea,too,sinceyoudhavetobuyanothersetafter shadesthathadbeendesignedtomakehisface acouplehoursplay. lookalittlevulpine,atraitthathedalwaysknown Hisdeskwasthrobbingpink,whichmeantthathe waslateforsomething.Heslappedatit,readthe messagethatcameup,rememberedthattherewas aweeklystatusmeetingforthemeleadersthat hedbeenspecificallyinstructedtoattend.He didntgotothesethingsifhecouldhelpit.The timemarkerswhoranAdventurelandand Tomorrowlandandsoonwereallboringcuratorial typeswhothoughtthatchangewaswhatyougave asuckerbackfromatenatafrozenbanana wagon. Thethemeleadersmetinasumptuousboard roomthathadbeenthemedinthegloryyearsof theunifiedWaltDisneyCompany.Ithad renewabletropicalhardwoodpanelling,abeautiful gardenandakoipond,andanaviarythatteemed withchirrupingbrightbirdsborrowedfromthe AnimalKingdommenagerie.Thetablewasaslab ofslatewithabrushedfinishoveritspitsand shelves,thechairsweresoergonomicthatthey hadzeroadjustmentcontrols,becausetheyknew hehad.Itputpeopleonedgeifyoulookedalittle wolfy.

Hestoppedoutsidethedooroftheboardroom andsquareduphisshoulders.Hewastheyoungest personontheboard,andhedalwaysbeenthe biggest,cockiestbastardintheroom.Hehadto rememberthatifhewasgoingtosurvivethisnext hour. Hecamethroughthedoorandstoppedandlooked atthepeoplearoundthetableandwaitedfor everyonetonoticehim.Theylookedso midwesternandgoofy,andhegavethemhiswolfy smilehello,littlepiggies,heretoblowyour housedown. Hey,kids,hesaid,andgrabbedthecoffeecarafe andamugoffthesideboard.Hefilledhiscup, thenpassedthecarafeoff,asthoughevery meetingbeganwiththepassingaroundofthelow gradestimulants.Hesettledintohisseatand lookedaroundexpectantly.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/140 Gladyoucouldmakeit,Sammy.Thatwas Wiener,whogenerallychairedthemeetings. Theoretically,itwasarotatingchairship,but theresacertainkindofpersonwhonaturallyends uprunningeverymeeting,andRonWienerwas thatkindofperson.HecoranTomorrowlandwith threefacelessnonentitieswhohadbeenpromoted abovetheircompetenceduetohisinexplicable loyaltytothem,andbetweenthefourofthem, theydmanagedtokeepTomorrowlandthemost embarrassinglybadlythemedpartofthepark. Wewerejusttalkingaboutyou. fatkins.Theyrereadymadeforthisstuff.All abouthavingfun.Mostofthoseexfattiesusedto packthisplacewhentheywerestuckinelectric wheelchairs,butnowtheyretoobusyhe stoppedhimselffromsayingfuckingHaving moreadultfuntocomeback,butanyonewhocan affordfatkinshasdiscretionaryincomeandwe shouldhaveapieceofit.

Itshardtosaywithoutresearch,butImwilling tobetthattheseguyswillrespondstronglyto nostalgia.Imthinkingofreinstatingtheold Fantasylanddarkrides,diggingpartsoutof Ilovebeingthesubjectofconversation,Sammy storage,whateverwehaventauctionedoffonthe said.Heslurpedloudlyathiscoffee. collectiblesmarket,anyway,andcloningtherest, butremakingthemwithalittle,youknow, Whatweweretalkingaboutwastheutilization darkness.LikethePinocchiothing,butmoreso. numbersfromFantasyland. CaptainHooksgrislydeath.TinkerBells Whichsucked,Sammyknew.Theydbeeninfree inherentporniness.Whatkindoffriendshipdid fallformonthsnow,andlookingaroundatthose SnowWhitehavewiththedwarfs?Youseewhere cowlikemidwesternfaces,Sammyunderstood Imgoing.Ironicwehaventdoneironicina thatitwastimefortheknivestocomeout. longtime.Itsprobablydueforacomeback. Theysuck,Sammysaidbrightly.Thatswhy Theystaredathiminshockedsilence. wereabouttochangethingsup. Yousayyouregoingtodothiswhen?Wiener Thatpreemptedthem.Canyouexplainthat said.Hedwanttoknowsohecouldgetsomeone some?Wienersaid,clickinghispenandsquaring seniortointervene. uphisnotepad.Thesejerksandtheirpaperfetish. Youknow,researchfirst.Wellshutdownthe Sammydidhisbestthinkingonhisfeetandonthe crapridesnextweekandcanthedeadwood.Want move.Confident.Wolfy.Yourebetterthanthese tocommissiontheresearchtodayifIcan.Start jerkswiththeirpadsandtheircornfednotions. workonthefillerthrillridesnextweektoo. Hesuckedinabreathandbegantopaceanduse Hesatdown.Theycontinuedtoboggle. hishands. Weregoingtotakeouteveryunderutilizedride Youreseriousaboutthis? intheland,effectiveimmediately.Layoffthe deadwoodemployees.Weregoingtogetacouple offtheshelfthrillridesandgivethemasolid workingoverforthemingbuildourownride vehicles,queueareasandenclosures,bigones, weeniesthatwilldrawyoureyefromoutsidethe maingate.Butthatsjustastopgap. NextImgoingtostartfocusgroupingthe Aboutwhat?Gettingridofunprofitablestuff? Researchingprofitabledirections?Yesandyes. Therewereotherroutineagendaitems,which remindedSammyofwhyhedidntcometothese meetings.Hespentthetimesurfingreadymade coastersandcheckingtheintranetforengineer availability.HewasjustgettingintotheHR recordstoseewhohedhavetolayoffwhenthey

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/141 finallywounddownandhesaunteredout,giving hiswolfygrintoall,withaspecialflashofitfor Wiener. ThatswhyImcomingtoyou.IfIshutdownsix oftheridesDeathgasped.Fantasylandhad10 ridesintotal.Sixoftherides.Howmanyofthe seniorstafferscanIgetridofandstillhavethe warmbodiestokeepeverythingrunning?Senior Death,Idlikeaword,please? peoplecostalotmorethantheteenagerswho camethrough.Hecouldhiresixjuniorsforwhat Idbedelighted.Deathtalkedlikesomeone whodlearnedtotalkbybeingaprecociousreader. Deathcosthim.FriggingFloridalaborlawsmeant Heoverpronouncedhiswords,spokeincomplete thatyouhadtogivecostoflivingraisesevery year,anditaddedup. sentences,andpausedatthecommas.Sammy knewthatspeechpatternwell,sincehedworked Deathlookedlikehewasgoingtocry. hardtotrainhimselfoutofit.Itwasageekaccent, Ivegotmyownestimates,Sammysaid.ButI anditmadeyousoundlikeasmartassinsteadofa wantedtogetarealitycheckfromyou,since sharpoperator.Yougotthatwayifyougrewup yourerightthere,ontheground.Idhatetoleave tryingtotalkwithagrownupvocabularyanda toomuchfatonthebone. childscontrolofyourspeechmuscles;you Heknewwhateffectthiswouldhaveonthekid. learnedtoholdyourchinandcheeksstillwhile youspoketogiveyoualittleprecisionboost.That Deathblinkedbackhistears,puthisfistunderhis chinandpulledouthisphoneandstarted wasthegeekaccent. scribblingonit.Hehadalistofeveryemployeein Rememberwhatwetalkedaboutthismorning? thereandhebegantotransfernamesfromitto Buildingathrillride? anotherplace. Yes,Sammysaid.HedforgottenthatDeath Waitshadsuggestedthatinthefirstplace.Good thatwasagoodspin.Ivedecidedtotakeyour suggestion.Ofcourse,weneedtomakeroomfor it,soImgoingtoshutdownsomeofthecrap youknowwhichonesImean. DeathWaitswasgreenunderhiswhitemakeup. Youmean Allthewalkthroughs.Thecoffincoaster,of course.Theflyingbats.Maybeoneortwoothers. AndImgoingtoneedtomakesomelayoffs,of course.Gottamakeroom. Youregoingtolaypeopleoff?Howmany people?Werealreadybarelystaffed.Deathwas theofficialarbiterofshiftchanging,schedule swappingandcrossscheduling.Ifyouwantedto takeanafternoonofftogetyourmomoutofthe hospitaloryourdadoutofjail,hewastheoneto talkto. Theyllbeback,right?Tooperatethenew rides? Theoneswedontbringback,wellgetthem unemploymentcounseling.Enrollthemina networkingclubforthejobless,oneofthereally goodones.Wecangetagrouprate.Ajob referencefromthisplacegoesalongway,too. TheyllbeOK. Deathlookedathim,alonglook.Thekidwasnt stupid,Sammyknew.Noneofthesepeoplewere stupid,notWiener,notthekid,notthegothswho ledeachotheraroundFantasylandonleashes.Not thefatkinswhodsoonpacktheplace.Theywere noneofthemstupid.Theywerejustsoft. Unwillingtomakethehardchoices.Sammywas goodathardchoices. PerrygothomethatnightandwalkedinonLester

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/142 andSuzanne.Theyweretangledontheliving roomcarpet,mostlynaked,andLesterblushed righttohisasscheekswhenPerrycamethrough thedoor. Lesteranyotherway.Getmeasmallchickentikka pizza. Sheporedoverthestackofmenusinthekitchen. DoesFoodinTwentyMinutesreallydeliverin20 minutes?

Sorry,sorry!Lestercalledashegrabbedasofa cushionandpassedittoSuzanne,thengotonefor Usually15.Theydomostoftheprepinthevans himself.Perryavertedhiseyesandtriednotto andusealotofpredictivemathintheirrouting. laugh. Theresusuallyavanwithinabouttenminutesof Jesus,guys,whatswrongwiththebedroom? here,nomatterwhatthetraffic.Theydeliverto Wewouldvegottenthereeventually,Lestersaid trafficjams,too,onscooters. ashehelpedSuzannetoherfeet.Perrypointedly turnedtofacethewall.Youweresupposedtobe atdinnerwiththegang,Lestersaid.

Suzannemadeaface.IthoughtRussiawas weird.Sheshowedthenumberonthebrochureto herphoneandthenstartedtoorder. Lestercameoutaminutelater,dressedtothe ninesasalways.Hewasbarelycapableofentering hisbedroomwithouteffectingawardrobechange. HegavePerryaslightlypissedofflookandPerry shruggedapologetically,thoughhedidntfeelall thatbad.Lestersfault.

Closeupontheridewascrazy.Everythingwas changingandtheprinterswereoutofgoop.Lots ofactiononthenetworkBostonandSan Franciscoareintroducingalotofnewitemstothe ride.BythetimeIgottotheguesthouse,the Kettlewellswerealreadyputtingthekidstobed. HedecidednottomentionEvasangrystormout toSuzanne.Nodoubtshehadalreadyfiguredout thatallwasnotwellintheHouseofKettlewell.

Christonabike,itwasweirdtothinkofthetwoof themtogether,especiallygoingatitontheliving roomruglikeacoupleofhornyteens.Suzanne Suzanneahemd. hadalwaysbeenthegrownupintheirlittlefamily. Sorry,sorry,Lestersaid.Letstalkaboutthis Butthathadbeenbackwhentherewasabig later,OK?Sorry. companyinvolved.Somethingaboutbeingapiece ofabigcompanymadeyouwanttoactlikeyoud TheyscurriedofftoLestersroomandPerry whippedoutacomputer,putonsomeshorthumor alwaysfiguredgrownupsshouldact.Onceyou videosinshufflemode,andgrabbedabigtubof wereafreeagent,therewasntanyreasonnotto sparepartshekeptaroundtofiddlewith.Itcould embraceyoururges. besoothingtotakeapartandreassemblea Whenthefoodcame,thetwoofthemattackedit complexmechanism,andsometimesyougotideas likehungrydogs.Itwasclearthattheydforgotten fromit. theirembarrassmentandwereplanninganother retreattothebedroomoncetheydrefueled.Perry Fiveminuteslater,heheardtheshowerrunning left. andthenSuzannecameintothelivingroom. Imgoingtoordersomefood.Whatdoyoufeel like? Hey,Francis.Franciswassittingonthesecond Whateveryouget,youllhavetoorderitfromone storeybalconyofhismayoralhouse,surveyingthe electricglowoftheshantytown.Asusualnow,he ofthefatkinsplaces.Itsnotpracticaltofeed wasalone,withoutanyofhisoldgangofboys

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/143 hangingaroundhim.Hewavedanarmtoward Perryandbeckonedhiminside,buzzinghimin withhisphone. ShouldIcomeover? No,hesaid.Illmeetyousomewhere.Where?

FranciswordlesslypassedKettlewellabeerashe Perrytrackedupthenarrowstairs,wonderinghow steppedoutontotheterrace. Francisnegotiatedthemwithhisbadkneeandhis So? propensitytohaveonebeertoomany. Theyreinamotelnotfarfromhere.Thekids Whatsthegoodword? lovecoffins. Oh,notmuch,Perrysaid.Hehelpedhimselfto Francisopenedanotherbeerforhimself.Hardto abeer.Theymadeitintheshantytownand imagineakidlovedacoffinmorethanyourkids fortifieditwithfruits,likeaBelgianbeer.The resultingsudswerestrongandsweet.Thisonewas lovedthisplacethisafternoon. raspberryandittastedalittlepink,likeredsoda. Evasprettysteamedatme.Itjusthasntbeen verygoodsinceIretired.IguessImprettyhardto Yourfriendsarentgettingalongtoogood,is livewithallthetime. whatIhear. Perrynodded.Icanseethat. Really.Nothingwasmuchofasecretinthis place. Thanks,Kettlewellsaid.Also.Hetookapull Thelittlewomanstakenaroomofherowndown offhisbeer.AlsoIhadanaffair. theroad.Mywifedidthattomeonce.Crazy Bothmensuckedairbetweentheirteeth. broad.Thatstheirwaysometimes.Getsomad Withherbestfriend. theyjustneedtowalkaway. Perrycoughedalittle. Igetthatmad,too,Perrysaid. WhileEvawaspregnant. Oh,hell,metoo,allthetime.Butmenusually donthavethegutstopackasuitcaseandlightout. Yourestillbreathing?Patientwoman,Francis Womenhavetheguts.Theyrenothingbutguts. said. Perrycursed.WhyhadntKettlebellycalledhim? Whatwasgoingon? HecalledKettlebelly. Hi,Perry! Hi,Landon.Whatsup? Up? Yeah,howarethings? Things? Well,IhearEvatookoff.Thatsortofthing. Anythingwecantalkabout? Kettlewelldidntsayanything. Shesagoodwoman,Kettlewellsaid.Thebest. Motherofmychildren.Butitmadeheralittle crazyjealous. Sowhatstheplan,Kettlewell?Youreagood manwithaplan,Perrysaid. Ihavetogiveheranightofftocooldownand thenwellsee.Neveranypointindoingthiswhile sheshot.Tomorrowmorning,itllcometogether. Thenextmorning,Perryfoundhimself desperatelyembroiledinorderingmoregoopfor thethreedeeeprinters.Lotsmore.Theotherrides hadfinallycomeonlineinthenight,after interminablenetworkscrewupsandmalfing

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/144 robotsandprintersandscannersthatwouldnt cooperate,butnowthereweresevenridesinthe network,sevenrideswhoseriderswere rearranging,addingandsubtracting,andtherewas reconcilingtodo.Theprintershummedand hummed. Thenativesarerestless,Lestersaid,pointinga thumboverhisshoulderatthegrowingqueueof wouldberiders.Wegoingtobereadytoopen soon? Perryhadfallenintoaclassicnerdtrapofhaving almostsolvedaproblemandnotrealizingthatthe lastthreepercentofthesolutionwouldtakeas longastherestofitputtogether.Meanwhile,the ridewasinashamblesasrobotsattemptedtoprint andarrangeobjectstomirrorthosearoundthe nation. Soonsoon,Perrysaid.Hestoodupandlooked aroundattheshambles.Ilie.Thiscrapwontbe readyforhoursyet.Sorry.Fuckit.Openup. Lesterdid. Iknow,Iknow,butthatsthedealwiththeride. Itsgottogetinsync.Youknowwevebeen workingonthisformonthsnow.Itsjustgrowing pains.Here,Illgiveyoubackyourmoneyyou comebacktomorrow,itllallbesettorights. Theangryriderwasaregular,oneofthepeople whocamebyeverymorningtoridebeforework. Shewasgauntandtallandgeekyandtalkedlike anengineer,withthenerdaccent. Whatkindofprinter?Lesterbrokein.Perryhid hissnickerwithacough.Lesterwouldgether talkingabouttheinsandoutsofherprinter, talkingshop,andbeforeyouknewitshedbe mollified. Perrysoldanotherticket,andanother. butwhoknew? Hithere,Perrysaid.Longtimenosee.Back fromBoston,huh? Formonths.Theguywasgrinningandsweating anddidntlookgood.Hehadafreshbruiseonhis cheekwithacoupleofknuckleprintsclearly visible.Cantwaittogetbackontheride.Its beentoolong. Sammyhadbeenthrougharehabandknewhow theywent.Youlaidoffabunchofpeopleinone fast,hardbigbang.Hiredsomeunemployment coachesfortheseniorunionizedemployees, scheduledacoupleofnetworkingeventswhere theycouldminglewithotherunemployedslobs andpassaroundhomemadebusinesscards. YouneededaJudasgoat,someonewhodtalkup therehabtotheotheremployees,whomyoucould relyon.DeathWaitshadbeenhisJudasgoatfor theFantasylandgothmakeover.Hedtirelessly evangelizedtheideatohiscoworkers,hadfound gothtrufanswhodblogthehelloutofeveryinch oftherehab,hadruneveryerrandnomatterhow menial. Buthispassiondidntcarryovertodismantling thegothrehab.Sammyshouldhaveanticipated that,buthehadtotallyfailedtodoso.Hewasjust sousedtothinkingofDeathWaitsassomeone whowasaneverquestioningslavetothepark. Comeon,cheerup!Lookathowcoolthesethrill ridesaregoingtobe.Thosewereyouridea,you know.Checkoutthecoffincarsandthelittle photoopattheendthatphotoshopsalltheriders intozombies.Thatsgottoberightupyouralley, right?Yourfriendsaregoingtolovethis.

Deathmopedasonlyagothcould.Heperformed Hiagain!Itwasthecreepyguy,thesuitwhod hisdutiesslowlyandunenthusiastically.When shownupinBoston.Tjanhadacrazytheoryabout Sammypinnedhimdownwithadirectquestion, helethisbangsfalloverhiseyes,lookeddownat whyhedlefttheBostonlaunchinsuchahurry,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/145 hisfeet,andwentsilent. Comeon,whatthehellisgoingon?Thefences weresupposedtobeupthismorning!Theplan hadbeentogetthemaintenancecrewsinbefore ropedroptofenceoffthedoomedridessothatthe dismantlingcouldbegin.Butwhenhedshownup ateight,therewasnosignofthefences,nosignof themaintenancecrewsandtherideswereallfully staffed. Dontbothercleaningoutyourlocker.Illhave yourthingssenttoyou.Anddontstoponyour wayoutofthepark,either. Hecouldhavecalledsecurity,butthatwouldhave meantsittingtherewithDeathWaitsuntilthey arrived.Thekidwouldgoandhewouldnever comeback.Hewasdisgraced.

Andleavehedid.SammyhadDeathWaits employeepassdeactivatedandthecontentsofhis Deathlookedathisfeet.Sammybubbledwith lockerpatchoulireekingblackteeshirtsand rage.Ifyoucouldnttrustyourownpeople,you blunteyelinerpencilssentbylastclassmailto werelost.Therewerealreadyenoughpeople hishouse.HecutoffDeathWaitssbenefits.He aroundtheparklookingforawaytowrongfoot hadthedeadwoodridesshutteredandcommenced him. theirdestruction,handingoveranypiece Death,Imtalkingtoyou.ForChristssake,dont recognizableascomingfromaridetothe companysauctiondepartmenttolistonline. besuchagoddamnedbaby.Youshutdownthe Anythingtoaddblacktohisbottomline. goddamnedridesandsendthosegluesniffers home.Iwantawreckingcrewherebylunchtime. ButhischeekthrobbedwhereDeathhadlaidinto him,andhedlosthisfireforthenewproject. DeathWaitslookedathisfeetsomemore.His Werefatkinsadecentsizedmarketsegment?He floppyblackwingsofhaircoveredhisface,but fromthesnufflingnoises,Sammyknewtherewas shouldhavecommissionedresearchonit.Buthed neededtogetaplaninthecanintimetomollify somecryinggoingonunderneathallthathair. theexecutivecommittee.Plusheknewwhathis Suckitup,hesaid.Orgohome. eyestoldhimeveryday:theparkwasfullof Sammyturnedonhisheelandstartedforthedoor, fatkins,andalwayshadbeen. andthatwaswhenDeathWaitsleaptonhisback, TheghostofDeathWaitswaseverywhere.Sammy draggedhimtothegroundandstartedpunching hadtofigureoutforhimselfwhomtofire,and him.Hewasntmuchofapuncher,buthedidhave howtodoit.Hedidntreallyknowanyofthegoth alotofchunkysilverskullringsthatreallystung. kidsthatworkedtheridesthesedays.DeathWaits HepastedacouplegoodonesonSammybefore hadhiredandledthem.Therewerelotsofcrying Sammycametohissensesandthrewtheskinny fitsandthreats,andthekidshedidntfireacted kidoffofhim.Strangely,Sammysangerwas liketheywerenext,andifithadntbeenforthe dissipatedbytheactual,physicalviolence.Hehad needtokeeprevenueflowing,Sammywouldhave neverthrownapunchinhislifeandhewaswilling cannedallofthem. tobetthesamewastrueofDeathWaits.There Thenhecaughtwindofwhattheywerealldoing wassomethingalmostfunnyaboutanactual withtheirseverancepay:travelingsouthto punchup. Hollywoodandridingthatgoddamnedfrankenride DeathWaitspickedhimselfupandlookedat inthedeadWalMart,tryingtoturnitintogoth Sammy.Thekidseyelinerwasinsmearsdownhis paradise.Judgingfromthemessageboardshe cheeksandhishairwasstandinguponend. surfed,thewholethinghadbeenDeathWaitss Sammyshookhisheadslowly.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/146 idea.Goddamnit. ItwasBostonalloveragain.Hedpulledtheplug andthemachinekeptonmoving.Thehoardings wentupandtheridescamedown,butallhis formeremployeesandtheirweirdeyelinerpervert palsallwentsomewhereelseandpartiedonjust thesame.Hisattendancenumberswerewaydown, andthephotobloggerspostingshotsofblack cloudsofgothsatthefrankenridemadeitclear wheretheydallgone. Fine,hethought,fine.Letsgohavealook. Theguywiththefunnyeyebrowmadehim immediately,butdidntseemtobesuspicious. Maybetheyneverfiguredoutwhatheddonein Boston.Thegothkidswerebusyinthemarket stallsorhangingaroundsmokingcloveand patchoulihookahsandtheyignoredhimasa squareandbeneaththeirnotice. Theridehadchangedagreatdealsincehislast fatedvisit.HedheardaboutTheStory,ofcourse thedarkridepresshadreportedonitinan editorialthatweek.ButnowTheStorywhich,as hecouldperceiveit,wasanorderlyprogressionof whatseemedtobesomeoneslifeunfoldingfrom childhoodnaivetetoadolescentexuberanceto adultcynicismtoanostalgic,elderlydelightwas augmentedbyfamiliaraccoutrements. gothiscameraconfiguredforlowlightshooting. EvashoweduponPerrysdoorstepthatnightafter dinner.LesterandSuzannehadgoneofftothe beachandPerrywasalone,updatinghisinventory oftchotchkeswithacameraandanoldcomputer, gettingeverythingstickeredwithRFIDs. Shehadthekidsintow.Adaspottedthetwoold, lovelybaseballmittsonthecrowdedcoffeetable andmadeabeelineforthem,puttingoneover eachhandandwalkingaroundsmackingthem togethertoheartheleatherysound,snoopingin drawersandpeeringatthebusinessendofanarc welderthatPerryhastilysnappedupandputona highshelf,whichwinkedoncetolethimknow thatithadtrackedthemovementandnotedthe locationofthetool. Thelittleboy,Pascal,rodeonhismothership. Evahadclearlyhadabitofacry,buthadgotten overit.Nowshewasdetermined,withherjaw thrustoutandherchinuptilted. Idontknowwhattodoabouthim.Hesbeen drivingmecrazysinceheretired.Youknowhe hadanaffair? Hetoldme.

Shelaughed.Hetellseveryone.Hesboasting, youknow?Whatever.Iknowwhyhedidit.Mid Therewasarobotzombieheadfromoneofthe rideshedtorndownyesterday.Andherewashalf lifecrisis.Butbeforethat,itwasearlyadulthood thesignfromthecoffincoaster.Abatwingbush crisis.Andadolescentcrisis.Thatguydoesnt knowwhattodowithhimself.Hesagoodman, fromthehedgemaze.Thelittlebastardshad stolenthedeconstructedridedebrisandbroughtit buthesoutofhisfuckingmindifhesnot jugglingahundredballs. here. Bythetimehegotofftheride,hewasgrinning ferociously.Bytomorrowtheredbecopiesofall thattrademarkedridestuffrollingofftheprinters intencitiesaroundtheUnitedStates.Thatwasa majorbitofillegalactivity,andheknewwherehe couldfindsomehungryattacklawyerswhodlove toargueaboutit.Hejumpedontherideagainand Perrytriedoutanoncommittalshrug. Yourehisbuddy,Iknow.Butyouhavetosee thatitstrue,right?Ilovehim,Ireallydo,buthes gotaselfdestructivestreakamilewide.Itdoesnt matterhowmuchhelovesmeorthekids,ifhes nottorturinghimselfwithwork,hesgottocome upwithsomethingelsetoscrewuphislife.I

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/147 thoughtthatweweregoingtospendthenext twentyyearsraisingthekids,doingvolunteer work,andtraveling.Notmuchchanceofthat though.YousawhowhewaslookingatSuzanne. YouthinkheandSuzanne No,Iaskedhimandhesaidno.ThenItalkedto herandshetoldmethatshewouldnteverlet somethinglikethathappen.HerIbelieve.Shesat downanddandledthelittleboyuntilhegurgled contentedly.PerryheardAdagoingcrazyinthe kitchenwithamechanicalsphincterhedbeen building.Ridesarealotoffun,Perry.Yourride, itsamazing.ButIdontwanttoridearideforthe restofmylife,andLandonisaridethatdoesnt stop.Youcantgetoff. Perrywasataloss.Iveneverhadarelationship thatlastedmorethansixmonths,Eva.Ivegotno businessgivingyouadviceonthisstuff.Kettlewell isprettyamazing,though.Itsoundslikeyouve gothimprettywired,right?Youknowthatifhes busy,heshappy,andwhenhesslack,hes miserable.Soundslikeifyoukeephimbusy,hell bethekindofguyyouwanthimtobe,evenifyou wonthavemuchtimetoplaywithhim. Sheunholsteredatitandstuckitintheboys mouthandPerrylookedatthecarpet.She laughed.Youaresuchageek,shesaid.OK, fine.Ihearwhatyouresaying.SohowdoIget himbusyagain?Canyouusehimaroundhere? Here?Perrythoughtaboutit.Idontthinkwe needmuchempirebuildingaroundhere. listenedtoyou. Evashookherhead.Playsmelikeagoddamned cello,shesaid.Imsorry,Perry.Wellpayfor whateveritwas. Hepattedherarm.Youforgetwhoyouretalking to.Ilovefixingstuff.Dontsweatit. WhateverIllbuyyouoneandyoucanuseit forparts.Ada!Whatdidyoubreak,anyway? Madeofseashells,bythetoaster.Itstwitching. Toastmakingseashellrobot,Perrysaid.No sweatitwasdueforanoverhaul,anyway. Christ,shesaid.Toastmakingseashellrobot? Kettlewelliswhywegaveupmakingthatkindof thing,hesaid. Haveyouseenhim? Iveseenhim. Howpenitentwashe? HethoughtbacktoKettlewellslongpusson Francissterrace.Yeah,prettypenitent.Hes prettyworried,Idsay. Shenodded.Allrightthen.Maybeheslearneda lesson.Ada!Stopbreakingthingsandgetyour shoesbackon! WegoingbacktoDaddy? Yes,shesaid. Good,Adasaid.

TheywerebarelyoutthedoorwhenSuzanneand Ithoughtyoudsaythat.Perry,whatthehellamI Lestercamein.TheynoddedatPerryand goingtodo? disappearedintothebedroom.Tenminuteslater, Therewasatremendouscrashfromthekitchen,a Suzannestompedoutagain.Shebarelylookedat Perryasshedisappearedintothecorridor, shriekofsurprise,thenasmalloops. slammingthedoorbehindher. Ada!Evacalled.Whatnow? PerrywaitedfiveminutestoseeifLesterwould Iwasplayingballinthehouse,Adasaidinthe comeoutonhisown.Thishappenedsometimes samesmallvoice.Eventhoughyouhavetoldme withthefatkinsgirls;loveamongthefatkinswas notto.AndIbrokesomething.Ishouldhave

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/148 stormyandunpredictableandLesterseemedto likebraggingaboutthemeltdownsthey experienced,eachoneanoddityofsybaritic fatkinsculturetoboastabout. Lesterwinced.Yeah,itsmyproblem.IguessI reallyresentherfornotwantingmewhenIwas big,thoughItotallygetwhyshewouldnthave. Maybeyoureangrythatshewantsyounow.

ButLesterdidntcomeoutthistime.Perry Huh.Lesterlookedathishands,whichhewas thoughtaboutcallinghimorsendinghiman drywashinginhislap.OK,maybe.Whyshould email.Finally,Perrywentandknockedathisdoor. shewantmenow?Imthesameperson,afterall. Oh,gobacktothelivingroom,Illcomeout,Ill Exceptthatyourewholenow. comeout. Urk.Lesterstartedpacing.Whobrokethe Perrywentbackandmouseddesultorilyatsome toastrobot? ridefanblogsforawhile,listeningforLesters dooropening.Finally,outhecame,longfacedand Kettlewellsdaughter,Ada.Evawasoverwiththe kids.ShemovedoutonKettlebelly.Hethought puffyeyed. aboutwhetherheshouldtellLester.Whatthehell. Perryshookhishead.Waseveryonemiserable ShethinkshesinlovewithSuzanne. tonight? Jesus,Lestersaid.Maybeweshouldswap.Ill Hello,Lester,hesaid.Somethingonyour takeEvaandhecantakeSuzanne. mind? Youresuchapig,Perrysaid. Hebarkedahumorlesslaugh.Withher,Imstill Youknowusfatkinsfuck,foodandfolly. fat. Perrynoddedasthoughheunderstood,thoughhe SowhatsgoingonwithyouandSuzannenow? didnt. ShesgoneawayuntilIcangetnakedaroundher withouteitherburstingintotearsormaking Sincefatkins,Ivefeltlike,Idontknow,areal person.WhenIwasbig,Iwasinvisibleandtotally sarcasticremarks. asexual.Ididntthinkabouthavingsexwith Jesus.Crying.Perrycouldntrememberwhenhed anyoneandnooneeverthoughtabouthavingsex everseenLestercry.Itwaswaterworkscitythese withme.WhenIfeltsomethingforawoman,it daysaroundhere. wasmorelikeabig,romanticlove,likeIwasa Ah.Perryjustwantedthisdaytobeover.He beastandshewasabeautyandwecouldenjoy missedHilda,thoughhebarelyknewher.Itwould somekindofchaste,spirituallove. havebeennicetohavesomeonehereathomewith Fatkinsmademe...whole.Awholeperson,witha him,someonehecouldcuddleuptoinbedand lifebelowmybeltaswellasabovemyneck.I talkthisalloutwith.MaybeheshouldcallTjan. knowitlooksgrossanddesperatetoyou,butto Hehitthebuttononhiscomputerthatmadethe meitsacelebration.EverytimeIgettogether TVblinkthetimeinMorsecode.Itwas1AM. withafatkinsgirlandwere,youknow,partying Hedhavetobeupinsixhourstogettherideup forbothofusitbecomessomethingreally andrunning.Screwallthis,hewasgoingtobed. intimate.Adenialofpain.Afuckyoutothe HehadntevengottenasingleemailfromHilda universethatmadeussogrossanduntouchable. sincehedleftMadison.Notthathedsentoneto her,ofcourse. Andwithher,yourestillfat,huh?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/149 LesterwasstillsnoringwhenPerryslippedoutof thecondo,abulbofjuiceandamicrowavable venisonandquaileggbreakfastburritounderhis arm.Hehadalittlegloveboxmicrowaveandby thetimehehithisfirstredlight,theburritowas nuclearhotandreadytoeat.Hegobbleditone handedwhilehemadehiswaytotheride. AmI?Thecopsgrinwasmeanandimpatient. CanIgoandgetsomestufffrommyoffice? Ifyouwanttogetarrestedyoucan.Hepulleda dyspepticfaceanddranksomecoffee,thengot backintohiscruiser.

Theothercophadthegracetolookfaintly Thereweretwocopcarsattheendofthedriveway embarrassedatherassholepartner,butthenshe, too,gotbackinhercar. leadingtotheparkinglot.BrowardCounty sheriffsdeputyblackandwhites,parked Perrythoughtfuriouslyaboutthis.Thecopwas horizontallytoblockadethedrive. clearlyitchingtobusthisass.Maybehehatedthe ride,orthisduty,ormaybehehatedPerry Perrypulledoverandgotoutofhiscarslowly, keepinghishandsinplainsight.Thedoorsofthe maybehewasoneofthecopswhohadraidedthe shantytownallthoseyearsbefore.Perryhadtaken cruisersopened,too.Thedeputiesalreadyhad aprettybigsettlementoffthecountyovertheshot theirmirrorshadeson,thoughthesunwasstill rising,andtheysetdowntheircoffeesonthehood inhishead,anditwasasurebetthatalotofcops hadsufferedforitandnowharboredsomeenmity ofthecars. forhim. Thisyours?Adeputysaid,jerkinghisthumb Asbadasthiswas,itwasabouttogetworse.The overhisshoulderatthefleamarketandtheride. gothkidswhodbeenhangingaroundindroves Perryknewbetterthantoansweranyquestions. latelytheydidntseemlikethesortwithalotof CanIhelpyou? goodinstinctswhenitcametodealingwith Wereshuttingyoudown,buddy,sorry.Thecop authorityfigures.Thentherewerethefleamarket wasyoung,Latinaandfemale,herpartnerwas stallowners,whodbecomingovertheroadto older,whiteandmale,withtheruddycomplexion opentheirshopsinanhourorso.Thiscouldget thatPerryassociatedwitholdtimeFloridacops. reallygoddamnedugly. Whatsthecharge? Theresnocharge,themalecopsaid.He soundedlikehewasangryalreadyandanything Perrysaidwouldjustmakehimangrier.We chargeyouifweregoingtoarrestyou.Were enforcinganinjunction.Now,ifyoutrytogetpast us,wellcomeupwithachargeandthenwell arrestyou. CanIseetheinjunction? Sure,youcangotothecourthouseandseethe injunction. Arentyousupposedtohaveacopyofittoshow tome? Heneededalawyer,andsomeonetofrontforhim withthelawyer.HecouldcallTjanhewouldcall him,infact,butnotjustyet.Therewerelimitsto whatTjancoulddofromBoston,afterall. Hegotbackinhiscarandpeeledacrosstheroad totheshantytownandtheguesthouse. Kettlewell!Hethumpedthedoor.Comeon, Landon,itsme,Perry.Itsanemergency. HeheardEvacurse,thenheardmovement. Whazzit? Sorry,man,Iwouldnthavewokenyoubutitsa realemergency. Fire?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/150 No.Cops.Theyveshutdowntheride. Idreallyliketoseeit.

Kettlewellopenedthedooracrackandstaredat Ohforchrissakes,thefemalecopsaid.Just himwitharedrimmed,hungovereye.Copsshut showittothem,Tom.God.Shespatonthe downtheride? ground.Herpartnergaveheralook,thenhanded thepaperovertoKettlewell,whoporedoverit Yeah,theysaytheresaninjunction. intently.Perryshouldersurfedhimandgathered Gimmeasec,gottaputsomepantson.He thattheywerebeingshutdownforinfringing closedthedoor.AsPerrylistenedtothesoundsof DisneyParksCompanytrademarks.Thatwas himgettingdressed,hereflectedthatheddone weird.YoucouldhardlygotenfeetinFlorida Evathefavorshedbeenseeking:hedfound withouttrippingoverabootlegMickey,sowhy somethingtokeepKettlewellbusy. shouldthemarketstallsMickeydesignstrigger legalaction? Kettlewellquizzedhimintenselyastheydrove backacrosstheroadtothepolicecars.Hecalled Allright,then,Kettlewellsaid.Letsmake Tjanandgotvoicemail,leftabriefmessage,then somephonecalls. gotoutofthecarandstoodstilloutsideit,waving Theygotinthecaranddroveacrosstheroadto atthecopcars. theshantytown.Therewasateahousethatopened What? earlyandtheycommandeereditswindowtable andspreadouttheirthings.PerrycalledLesterand Themalecoplookedevenmoredyspeptic. wokehimup.Ittooktwoorthreetriestogethis Hithere!IwonderedifIcouldgetyoutoexplain headarounditLestercouldntfigureoutwhy whatsgoingonheresowecanopenupshop theydshutdownthemarketstalls,butoncehegot again? thattheridewasdowntoo,hewokeupfastand promisedtomeetthem. Weveshutyoudowntoenforceaninjunction. Whatinjunctionisthat? Acourtinjunction. Whichcourt? Thecoplookedreallyangryforasecond,thenhe gotbackinhiscarandfishedaround.Broward County.Hesoundedaggrieved. Isthattheinjunctionthere?Kettlewellsaid. KettlewellsconversationwithTjanwasalotmore heated.Perrytriedtoeavesdropbutcouldntmake anysenseofit. Alltheridesaredown,hesaidoncehed droppedthephonetobounceacoupletimesonthe tabletop,makingthecoffeesshiver.Everyoneof themwasshutdownbythecopsthismorning.

Youreshittingme.Buttheydontallsellthe No,thecopsaid,tooquickly.Theybothknewhe samestuff. waslying,jerkingthemaround. TheywereshutdownbecauseofDisney CanIseeit?Doesithaveinformationaboutwho trademarksintherideitself,orsoitseems.Now, totalktotogettheinjunctionlifted?Kettlewells whatarewegoingtodo?Tjanshiredalawyerfor tonewaseven,pleasantandveryadult.Thevoice theBostongroupandwecanhireoneforhere,but Idontthinkweregoingtobeabletohirefixers ofsomeoneusedtobeingobeyed. everywherethattheresaride.Thatsgoingtobe Youllhavetogotothecourthouse.Theyopenin reallyexpensive.Disneysfiledalltheinjunctions acouplehours. atthestateleveltheyhaveanindustry

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/151 associationtheyworkthroughthathascooperating jottingnotes. attorneysineverycityinthecountry,soitwas Sowhathappensnext? easyforthem. Notmuchwecando,Kettlewellsaid. Holycrap. Theriderswillbealongshortly.Oh,andthe Yeah.Whodidyoupissoff,Perry? merchants.Perrystillcouldntcatchhereye. Damnedifheknew.Heliterallycouldntthinkofa Illgotakesomepictures,shesaid. singlepersonwhodwanttodothissomeone hadconvincedtheDisneycompanytoclobberhim Becareful,Perrysaid. likeGodzillagoingafterTokyo.Itjustdidntmake Shemuggedforhim.Sweetie,Itakepicturesof anysense. themafiyeh.Thenitwasallrightbetweenthem again,somehow. Sowhatdowedo? Right,Kettlewellsaid.Howsourtime Kettlewelllookedathim.Ihavenoclue,Perry. looking? Youarentacompany.Youarentanetworkof companies.Youarentanindustryassociation.No Gotthirtyminutesuntilthefirstofthemerchants onecanspeakforyou.Youcantlobbyoreven showup.Anhouruntiltheridersstartturningup. fieldaspokesman.Imean,noneofthatstuff worksforyouandthatstheonlywayIknowto Youdonthavealawyer,doyou? fightbackincourt. Perryquirkedhisfunnyeyebrow. Ithoughtwewereimmunetothisstuff.Iftheres Stupidquestion.OK.Right,Illmakesomemore noonetosue,howcantheysueus? calls.Letsgetsomepeopleoutofbed. Iftheresnoonetosue,theresnoonetoshowup WhatcanIdo? incourtandobject,either. Kettlewelllookedathim.Huh.Um.Thisisreally Yeah. mybeatnow.Isupposeyoucouldgokeep Suzannecompany. Idontthinkwecanincorporateyouintimeto makeadifference,Kettlewellsaid.Soweneed tothinkofsomethingelse. Gee,thanks. SomethingwrongwithSuzanne? NothingswrongwithSuzanne,hesaid.OK, offIgo. Hesetoffonfoot.Theshantytownhadwokenup now,peoplegettingreadyforthehiketotheearly bussesintoplaceswherethefewremainingjobs were. Hetookhisphoneoutandtosseditfromhandto hand.Thenhecalledthenumberthathed programmedinallthosedaysagoinMadisonbut hadneverbotheredtocall.Heforgotuntilthe ringingstartedthatitwasanothertimezonethere

Suzanneslidintotheboothbesidethem.Herhair wastiedbackandhermakeupwasspareand severe.ShehadonEuropeancuttrousers,high likeabolerodancers,andaloose,flowingwhite cottonovershirtontopofaluminescentpink tank.Perrycouldnttellwhetheritwasformalor informal,butitlookedgoodandalittle intimidatinglyforeign.ShedidntmeetPerrys eye. Briefme,shesaid.Sheheldoutherphoneand putitinrecordmode. Kettlewellranitdownquicklyandshenodded,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/152 anhourortwoearlier.ButwhenHilda answered,shesoundedwideawake. Niceofyoutocall,shesaid. Right.Thatstotallytherightthingtodo.Imon it. Goodman,shesaid.

Niceofyoutoanswer.Hervoicesentathrillup Alittlepausestretchedbetweenthem.So,he hisspine. said.Howyoudoing,apartfromallthis? Wevegotcopsoutsideoftheridehere,shesaid. Herlaughwasmerry.Ithoughtyoudneverask. Weveonlybeenliveforaweek,too. Imlookingforwardtoyournextvisit,ishowIm doing. Theyreateveryride,hesaid.Theyshutus downtoo. Really? Well,whatareyougoingtodoaboutit? WhatamIgoingtodoaboutit? Sure,thisisyourthing,Perry.Wewokeupand discoveredthecopsthismorningandthefirst thingeveryonedidwaswonderwhenyoudcall withtheplan. Yourekidding.WhatdoIknowaboutcops? Whatdoanyofusknowaboutcops?Allwe knowiswebuiltthisthingafteryoucameand talkedtousaboutitandnowitsbeenshutdown, sowerewaitingforyoutotelluswhattodonext. Hegroanedandsatdownonacurb.Oh,crap. Thenshesighedheavilyattheotherend.OK, Perry,youneedtopullittogether.Weneedyou now.Weneedsomethingthatexplainswhats goingon,whattodonext,andhowtodoit. Theresalotofenergyouthere,alotofpeople readytofight.Justpointusintherightdirection. Ihaveaguywhostryingtofigurethatoutright now. Perfect.Nowyouneedtosetupaconferencecall witheveryrideoperatorsowecantalkthisover. Getonlineandpostatimeandanaddress.Illchat itupandmakesomecalls.Youmakesomecalls too.Everyonelikestohearfromyou.Theyliketo knowyoureontheirside. Right,hesaid,gettingbacktohisfeet,turning aroundtogethiscomputeroutofhistrunk. Ofcoursereally. Yousoundedalittlepissedatmethereisall.He soundedlikealovesickteenager.ImeanHe brokeoff. Yourassneededkicking,wasall.Pause.Im notpissedatyou,though.Whenareyoucoming foravisit? Gotme,hesaid.IguessIshould,right?He reallysoundedlikeateenager. Youneedtovisitallthesites,checkinonhow weredoing.Pause.Plusyoushouldcomehang outwithmesome. Healmostpointedoutallherwarningsaboutonly havingaonenightstandandnotmissingthe peoplehewasawayfromandsoforth,butstayed histongue.Thefactthatshewantedhimtocome foravisitwasovershadowingeverything,eventhe loomingcrisiswiththecops. Itsadeal. Deal. Well,bye. Bye. Healmostsaid,Youhangupfirst,butthat wouldhavebeentoomuch.Insteadhejustkeptthe phoneathisearuntilheheardherclick. Suzannewaspointingandshootinglikemad. Perrysatdownonthecrackedpavementbeside

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/153 herandunfoldedhiscomputerandstartedsending outemails,settingupaconferencechannel.He gaveSuzanneashortversionofhistalkwith Hilda,beingcarefulnottogiveahintofhis feelingsforher. Shesoundslikeasensiblegirl,Suzannesaid. Youshouldgoandpayheranothervisit. Heblushedandshesockedhimintheshoulder. Takeyourcall,shesaid.Thecopsweregiving themthehairyeyeball,andPerryscrewedinhis headset. Right.Sowhoknowswhatweshoulddo?The backchannelwentcrazy.Hildastartedgreen lightingspeakerswiththeirflagsup. Whyareyouaskingus,Perry?Youvegottorun this.ThevoicewaspetulantandPerrysawthatit wasoneoftheBostoncrew,whichmadehim wonderwhatTjanwasgoingtodowhenhe discoveredthatPerrywasdoingthis. Thepagepinkenedandthensankintored.The otherpeopleonthecallclearlythoughtthiswas BS,whichwasarelieftoPerry.Hildacuedupthe nextspeaker.

Theconferencechannelwasfillingup.Perry checkedoffnamesasrepsfromalltheridescame Wecouldsetupinformationpicketsatthegates online.Therewasalotoftight,tensechatter,jokes toeachridehittingpeopleupfordonationsforour legaldefensegetthepresstocoveritandmaybe aboutthefuzz. wecouldbringinenoughtofightallthe OK,Perrysaid.Letsgetitstarted.Theres injunctions. copsblockadingeveryride,right?Usethepoll Thepinklightenedalittle,wentbacktoneutral please.Hepostedapolltotheconferencepage anditquicklygotto100percentgreen.SoIjust white,turnedalittlegreen.Perrysloweddownthe backchannelalittleandskimmedit: foundthecopsoutsideofmine,too,andImnot surewhattodoaboutit.Ivegotsomedoughfora ::Nowaycouldwebringinenough,thatslike30 lawyer,butIcantaffordlawyersforeveryone.To grandeachIgetacouplehundredpeopleherein makethatwork,wedhavetoflyattorneystoevery themorningandthatwouldmeanahundredand citywitharideinit,andthatsnotpracticalasIm fiftybuckseach sureyoucantell. ::Nonoitstotallydoablewecanraisethateasy Ahalfdozenflagswentupintheconferencepage. Ineedsomeonetoplaymoderator,causeIcant talkandmodatthesametime.Howaboutyou, Hilda? OK,shesaid.ImHildaHammersen,fromthe Madisongroup.Postonelinesummariesofyour pointsandIllsetaspeakerorder. Theconferencepagefilledup.Therewasthe officialbackchannelatthebottomwherethetext wasspillingbytoofastforPerrytoparse,andhe knewthattherewerelotsofunofficialback channelsinuse,too.Hecoveredthemicand sighed.Hehadnothingtosaytothesepeople.He didnthaveanyanswers. justsetupsomepaypalsandpublicizetheshitout ofit Thenextspeakerwastalking.Whatifwegotthe maintenancebotstobreakopenthedoorsand carrytherideoutsidewhereeveryonecanseeit? Brightred.Dumbidea. Perrybrokein.Imworriedthatwhenpeople showupitllprovokesomekindofconfrontation withthelaw.Itcouldgetuglyhere.Howcanwe keepthatcooledout? Green. Thatstotallygottobeourtoppriority,Hilda said.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/154 Nextspeaker.OK,sothebestwaytokeeppeople calmistotellthemthattheresanalternativeto goingnuts,whichmaybecouldberaisingmoney foralegaldefense. playingbyanyrules,theyrenotinterestedinthe lawyoubrokeorwhatever.Theyjustwanttofuck withyou. SuzanneappearedoverPerrysshoulder.

Greenish.Whataboutfindingprobonolawyers? ImSuzanneChurch,Jason.Imareporter. WhatabouttheACLUorEFF? Sure,Iknowyou.Youweretherewhenthey Greener. burneddowntheoldplace. ThebackchannelfilledupwithURLsandphone Thatwasme.Ithinkyoureright.Theyre numbersandemailaddresses. fuckingwithyouguys.Iwanttoreportonthat OK,timesrunningouthere,Perrysaid.You guysneedtoorganizeacallaroundtothoseorgs andseeiftheyllhelpusout.Passthehatatyour rides,trytofindlawyers.Everyonekeepreporting inalldayespeciallyifyougetawinanywhere. Imgoingtogotakecareofthingshere. HildaIMedhimGoodluck,Perry.Youllkick ass. PerrystartedtoIMback,butashadowfellacross hisscreen.ItwasJason,whoranthecontactlens stall.Hewasstaringatthetwocopcars quizzically,lookinggroggybutgrowingalarmed. becauseitmightbethatexposingitmakesit hardertocontinue.CanIrecordwhatyouguyssay anddo? Jasongrinnedandslidthesoggycigfromone cornerofhismouthtotheotherandbackagain. Sure,thatscoolwithme.Heturnedtotheother sellers:Youguysdontmind,doyou?They jokedandlaughedandsaidno.Perryletouta breathslowly.Theseguysdidntwanta confrontationwiththecopstheyknewbetter thanhimthattheycouldntwinthatone.

Suzannestartedinterviewingthem.Thecopsgot Perryclosedhislidandgottohisfeet.Morning, outoftheircarsandstaredatthem.Thewoman cophadhermirrorshadesonnow,andsotheboth Jason.BehindJasonwerefiveorsixother vendors.Thesellerswholivedintheshantytown ofthemlookedhardandeyeless.Perrylooked andcouldthereforewalktoworkwerealwaysfirst awayquickly. in.Soonthecommuterswouldstartarrivingin Thevendorswithcarswerepullingthemaroundto theirbeatercars. theroadsideleadinguptotheride,unpacking merchandiseandsettingitoutontheirhoods. Hey,Perry,Jasonsaid.Hewaschewingonan Vendorsfromtheshantytownheadedhomeand unlitcigarette,adisgustinghabitthatwasonly camebackwithfoldingtablesandblankets.These marginallylessgrossthansmokingthem.Hed triedtoothpicks,butnothingwouldsatisfyhisoral guyswerebusinesspeople.Theywerentgoingto letthelawstandinthewayofputtingfoodonthe cravingslikeafiltertip.Atleasthedidntlight tablefortheirfamilies. them.Whatsup? Perrytoldhimwhatheknew,whichwasntmuch. Jasonlistenedcarefully,asdidtheothervendors whoarrived.Theyrefuckingwithyou,man.The cops,Disney,allofthem.Justfuckingwithyou. Yougoaheadandhirealawyertogotothecourt foryouandseehowfaritgetsyou.Theyrenot Thecopsgotbackintotheircars.Kettlewell workedhiswaycautiouslyacrossthefreeway, climbinglaboriouslyoverthemedian.Hehad changedintoasmartblazerandslacks,witha crispwhiteshirtthathidhisincipientbelly.He lookedliketheKettlewellofold,thekindofman

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/155 usedtogivingordersandgettingrespect. somekindofstructure,aformalconstitutionor somethingforthisthing.Youvegotanetwork Hey,man,Perrysaid.Kettlewellseasysmile protocol,andthatsit.Theresmoneyatstakehere wasreassuring. potentiallysomebigmoneyandyoucantrun Perry,hesaid,throwinganarmaroundhis somethinglikethatonahandshake.Itstoo shouldersandleadinghimaway.Comehereand vulnerable.Youllgetembezzledorsuedinto talkwithme. oblivionbeforeyouevenhaveachancetogrow. SoIvestartedthepaperworktogeteverything Theystoodintheleeofoneofthesicklypalms thatstoodbytheroadside.Thedaywascomingup underonebanner. hotandPerrystshirtstucktohischest,though Perrycountedtoten,backwards.Landon,Im Kettlewellseemeddryandincontrol. reallythankfulthatyourehelpingusouthere. Youreprobablygoingtosaveourasses.Butyou Whatsgoingon,Perry? cantputeverythingunderonebanneryoucant Well,wedidaphonerthismorningwithallthe justdeclaretothesepeoplethattheirprojectsare rideoperators.Theyregoingtoworkonraising ours moneyforthedefenseandgettingprobono lawyersfromtheEFFortheACLUorsomething. Ofcoursetheyreyours.TheyreusingyourIP, yourprotocols,yourdesigns....Iftheydontcome Kettlewelldidadoubletake.Wait,what?Theyre onboard,youcanjustthreatentosuethem goingtoasktheACLU?Theycantbetrusted, Perry.Theyreimpactlitigatorstheylltakecases Landon!Pleaselistentome.Wearenotgoingto tomakeapoint,evenwhenitsnotintheirclients effectahostiletakeoverofmyfriends.Theyare equalownersofeverythingwedohere.Andno bestinterests. offense,butifyouevermentionsuingother Whatcouldbemoreinourintereststhangetting projectsoverourIPhemadesarcasticfinger lawyerstofightthesebogusinjunctions? quotesthenwerethroughhavingany discussionsaboutthis.OK? Kettlewellblewoutalongbreath.OK,tableit. Tableit.HereswhatIvebeenpullingtogether: Kettlewellsnortedairthroughhisnostrils.My wevegotashitkickingcorporatefirmthatusedto apologies,Ididntrealizethatthiswassucha handletheKodacellbusinessthatssendingouta sensitiveareaforyou.Perryboggledatthis partnertogototheBrowardCountycourtthis lawsuitsagainstrideoperators!ButIcangetthat. morningtogettheinjunctionlifted.Theyredoing Heresthething,Perry.Withoutsomekindoffast thisasafreebie,butItoldthemthattheycould movingstructureyouregoingtobedead.Evenif handlethebusinessifweputtogetheralltherides werepeltheboardersthismorning,theyllbeback intooneentity. tomorrowandthedayafter.Youneedsomething strongerthanabunchoffriendswhohaveloose agreements.Youneedalegalentitythatcanspeak foreveryone.Maybethatsacooporacharityor Wehavetoincorporatethemall,getthemall somethingelse,butitsgottoexist.Youmaynot underoneumbrellasothatwecandefendthemall thinkyouhaveanysayovertheseotherrides,but inonego.Otherwisetheresnowayweregoingto doeseveryoneelseagree?Whatifyougetsuedfor beabletosavethem.Withoutacorporateentity, someonesbaddeedsinMinneapolis?Whatif itsliketryingtoherdcats.Besides,youneed somerideoperatorsuesyoutoputyououtof NowitwasPerrysturntoboggle.Whatkindof entity?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/156 business? Perrysheadswam.Hehatedconversationslike this.Hedidnthaveanygoodanswerfor Kettlewellsobjections,butitwasridiculous.No onefromaridewasgoingtosuehim.Ormaybe theywould,ifhegotallgrabbyandwentMINE MINEMINEandincorporatedeverythingwith himatthetop.Hildasaidhewastheonetheyall lookedto,butthatwasbecausehewouldnevertry tohijacktheirprojects. No. Nowhat? Notoallofit.Wehavetodefendthisthing,but werenotgoingtodoitbytryingtotieeveryone downtocontractsandagreementswhereIgetto controleverything.Maybeacoopistherightway togo,butwecantjustdeclareacoopandforce everyonetobemembers.Wehavetogeteveryone toagree,everyonewhosinvolved,andthenthey canelectacouncilorsomethingandworkout somekindofuniformagreement.Imean,thats howallthegoodfreesoftwareprojectswork. Theresauthority,butitsnotallunilateraland imperious.Imnotinterestedinthat.Idrather shutthisdownthandeclaremyselfpopeemperor ofrideland. Kettlewellscrubbedhiseyeswithhisfists.Up close,thelinesinhisfaceweredeepsunk,his eyeballsbloodshotandhungover.Yourekilling me,youknowthat?Whatgoodisprinciplegoing todowhentheyknockthisfuckingthingdown andslapyouwithagiganticlawsuit? Perryshrugged.Ireallyappreciatewhatyouve done,butIdratherloseitthanfuckitup. Theystaredateachotherforalongtime.Cars whizzedpast.Perryfeltlikeabigjerk.Kettlewell haddoneamazingworkforhimthismorning,just outofthegoodnessofhisownheart,andPerry hadrepaidhimbybeingastiffneckeddickwad. Hefeltanoverwhelmingdesiretotakeitback,just putKettlewellinchargeandlethimrunthewhole show.Justshrughisshouldersandabdicate. Helookeddownatthegroundandupintothe stragglypalms,thenheavedasigh. Landon,Imsorry,OK,butthatsjusthowitis.I totallydigthatyouresayingthatwererisking everythingbynotdoingityourway,butfrommy seat,doingityourwaywillkillitanyway.Sowe needabetteranswer. Kettlewellscrubbedhiseyessomemore.Youand mywifesoundlikeyoudgetalong. Perrywaitedforhimtogoon,butitbecameclear hehadnothingmoretosay. Perrywentbacktothecopcarsjustasthefirst gangofgothsshoweduptotakearide.

PARTIII
Sammyhadfilledacoolerandstuckitintheback seatofhiscarthenightbefore,programmedhis coffeemaker,andwhenhisalarmrousedhimat 3AM,hehittheroad.Firstheguzzledhisthermos oflethalcoffee,thenreachedaroundinbackfor bottlesoficydistilledwater.Hekeptthewindows rolleddownandbreathedintheswampy,cool morningair,themostpromisingairoftheFlorida day,beforeitallturnedtosteamandsizzle. Hedidntbotherlookingfortruckstopswhenhe neededtopiss,justpulledoverontheturnpikes sideandletfly.Whynot?Atthathour,itwasjust himandthetruckersandthetouristswithmorning flights. HereachedMiamiaheadofscheduleandhada dinerbreakfastbigenoughtokillalesserman,a realfatkinsaffair.Hegotbackontheroad groaningfromthechowandmadeittotheold WalMartjustasthemerchantsweresettingup theirmarketontheroadside.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/157 WhenheddonetheBostonride,hedbeen discouragedthattheydkeptonwiththeirWho villeXmaseventhoughhedgrinchedawayall theirfun,butthistimehewasexpecting somethinglikethis.Watchingtheseguyssell souvenirsatthefuneralfortheridemadehimfeel prettygoodthistimearound:theirdisloyaltyhad tobearealmoralekillerforthoserideoperators. Thecopsweregettingtwitchy,whichmadehim grin.Twitchycopswereakeyingredientforbad trouble.Hereachedbehindhimandpulledaniced coffeefromthecoolerandcrackedit,listeningto thehissastheembeddedCO2cartridgeforced bubblesthroughit. Goth:Allaroundmeisgloom,gloom.WhycantI goonmyriiiiiide? Cop:Iwouldliketoarrestyouandlockyouupfor beingaweird,sexuallyambiguousmelodramatic whosdumbenoughtohangaroundoutofdoors, allinblack,inFlorida. Goth:CanItakeyourpicture?Imgonnaputiton myblogandtheneveryonewillknowwhata meanieyouare. Cop:Yapyapyap,littlebitch.Yougoon photographingmeandmouthingoff,seehowlong itisbeforeyoureincuffsinthebackofthiscar. Scumbagstreetvendors:Hahaha,lookatthese gothkidsmouthingofftothelaw,thatcopmust haveminusculetesticles!

Nowherecameasuit.Helookedlikeagenuine mightymorphinpowerbroker,whichmade Sammyworry,becauseaguylikethathadnt Cop:Dontmakemeangry,youwouldntlikeme figuredintohisplans,butlookatthat;hewas whenImangry. havingahugefightwiththeeyebrowguyandnow Eyebrowguy:Um,caneveryonejustbenice?Id theeyebrowguywasrunningawayfromhim. preferthatthisallnotgoupinflames. Gettingthelawyerstoagreetospringthebudget tofileineverylocationwheretherewasaridehad Scumbags,goths:Hurrhurrhurr,shuttup,lookat beentricky.Sammyhadhadtofudgealittleonhis thosedumbcops,ahahaha. research,claimthattheywerebringinginreal Cops:Grrrr. money,tieittothedropinnumbersinFlorida,and Eyebrow:Oh,shit. generallydoasonganddance,butitwasallworth it.Theseguysclearlydidntknowwhethertoshit Fourmorecarspulledup.Nowtheshoulderwas gettingreallycrowdedandfreewaytrafficwas orgoblind. slowingtoacrawl. Noweyebrowmanwasheadedforthecopcars Moregothspiledout.Familycarsapproachedthe andtheentrance,andthere,ohyes,thereitwas. snarl,slowed,thenspedupagain,notwantingto Fivecarsworthofgoths,luggingbagsfullof riskthecraziness.Maybesomeofthemwouldget somekindofhomemadeorscavengedhorror onthefuckingturnpikeanddriveuptoOrlando, memorabilia,pullingupshortattheentrance. wheretherealfunwas. Theypiledoutoftheircarsandstartedmilling Thefourlaneroadwasdowntoaboutalaneanda around,askingquestions.Someapproachedthe half,andmillingcrowdsfromtheshantytownand cops,whoseemedinnomoodtochat.Thebody thearrivingcarswerecloggingwhatremainedof languagecouldbereadat150feet: thethoroughfare.Nowgothswereparkingtheir Goth:Butofficer,Iwannagetonthisriiiiiide. carswaybackattheintersectionandwalkingover, Cop:Yousickenme. carryingtheobjectstheydplannedtosacrificeto therideandsmokingclovecigarettes.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/158 SammysawDeathWaitsbeforeDeathWaits turnedhishead,andsoSammyhadtimetoduck downbeforehewasspotted.Hegiggledtohimself andchuggedhiscoffee,croucheddownbelowthe window. something,buthecouldnthearhimself.Ina secondthecrowdnoiseshadgonefromfriendlyto anangryroar.

PerryspottedSuzannewatchingitallthroughthe viewfinderonherphone,presumablystreamingit Thesituationwasheatingupnow.Lotsofpeople live,thenshoutedagain,anunheardwarning,asa wereaskingquestionsofthecops.Peopletryingto combatantbehindherswungwideandclockedher drivethroughgotshoutedatbythepeopleinthe inthehead.Shewentdownandhechargedforher. road.Sometimesagothwouldslamafistdownon Hedjustreachedherwhenanoisewentoffthat ahoodandtheredbealittlebitofbackandforth. droppedhimtohisknees.Itwastheir Itwasapowderkeg,andSammydecidedtotouch antipersonnelsoundcannon,whichmeantthat itoff. Lesterwasaroundheresomewhere.Thesound Heswunghiscaroutintotheroadandhitthehorn andrevvedhisengine,drivingthroughthecrowd justahairfasterthanwassafe.Peopleslappedhis carasitwentbyandhejustleanedonthehorn, ploughingthrough,scatteringpeoplewhoknocked overvendorstablesandsteppedontheirwares. Inhisrearview,hesawthechaosbegin.Someone threwapunch,someoneslipped,someone knockedoveratableofinfringingmerch.Wahoo! Partytime! wasaphysicalthing,itmadehisbowelslooseand madehisheadringlikeagong.Thoughtwas impossible.Everythingwasimpossibleexcept curlingupandwrappingyourhandsaroundyour head.

Painfully,heraisedhisheadandopenedhiseyes. Allaroundhim,peoplewereontheirknees.The cops,though,hadputgiantindustrialearmuffson, thekindofthingyousawjackhammeroperators wearing.Theyweremovingrapidlytoward... LesterwhowasinapickuptruckwiththeAPhorn Hehitthenextleft,thenpointedhiscaratthe freeway.Hereachedbackandsnaggedanothercan stuckinthecargobed,wiredintothecigarette ofcoffeeandwenttoworkonit.Asthecanhissed lighter.TheyhadgunsdrawnandLesterwas open,hecouldnthelphimself:hechuckled.Then lookingatthemwideeyed,handsintheair. helaughedafull,loudbellylaugh. Theirmouthsweremoving,butwhateverthey weresayingwasinaudible.Perrytookhisphone outofhispocketandaimeditatthem.Hecouldnt Perrywatchedithappenasthoughitwerealla movewithoutspookingthemandpossibly dream:Thecrowdsthickening.Thecopsgetting knockinghimselfoutfromthesound,buthecould outoftheircarsandputtingtheirhandsontheir rodneykingthemastheyadvancedonLester.He belts.Adistantsiren.Morepeoplemillingaround, couldpracticallyreadLestersthoughts:IfImove hangingoutinthemiddleoftheroad,likeidiots, toswitchthisoff,theyllshootmedead. idiots.Thenthatjerkinthecarwhatthehellwas ThecopsclosedonLesterandthenthesourold hethinking,hewasgoingtokillsomeone! malecopwasupinthebedandhehadLesterby Andthenitallexploded.Therewasaknotof thecollar,throwinghimtotheground,pointing fightingbodiesoverbythetables,andtheknot hisgun.Hispartnermovedquicklyandefficiently wasgettingbigger.Thecopswererunningfor aroundthebed,eventuallyfiguringouthowto them,batonsout,peppersprayout.Perryshouted unplugthehorn.Thesilenceranginhishead.He

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/159 couldnthearanythingexceptadogwhistlewhine Miraculously,hereachedtheoutlierskirmish fromhisabusedeardrums.Aroundhim,people withoutbeingspotted.Herecordedthecops movedsluggishly,painfully. takingthegothsdown,cuffingthem,andhooding Hegottohisfeetasquickashecouldanddrunk onekidwhowasthrashinglikeafishonahook.It walkedtothetruck.Lesterwasalreadyinplastic seemedthathewouldneverbespotted.Hecrept cuffsandlegrestraints,andthebig,deadeyedcop forward,slowly,slowly,tryingtofeelinvisibleand unnoticed,tryingtoprojectit. waswatchinganarmoredpolicebusrolltoward themintheeeriesilenceoftheircollective deafness. Perrymanagedtoswitchhisphoneoverto streaming,sothatitwasuploadingeverything insteadofrecordingitlocally.Hefadedback behindsomeofthecarsforcoverandkeptrolling astheriotbusdisgorgedaflyingsquadronof helmetedcopswhobegantomethodicallyand savagelygrab,cuff,andtossthegroaningcrowd lyingflatontheground.Hewantedtoadd narration,buthedidnttrusthimselftowhisper, sincehecouldnthearhisownvoice. Ahandcamedownonhisshoulderandhe jumped,squeaked,andfellintoadefensivepose, waitingforthetruncheontohithim,butitwas Suzanne,grimfaced,pointingherownphone.She hadalaminatedpresspassoutinherfreehand andwasholdingitupbesideherheadlikea talisman.Shepointedoffdowntheroad,where someofthegothkidswhodjustbeenarriving whenthingswentdownweremoreambulatory, havingbeensomewhatshieldedfromthenoise. Theywererunningandbeingchasedbycops.She madealittlescootinggestureandPerry understoodthatshemeantheshouldbefollowing them,gettingthevideo.Hesuckedinabigbreath andnoddedonceandsetoff.Shegavehishanda firmsqueezeandhefeltthatherpalmswereslick withsweat. Hekeptlowandmovedslow,keepingthe viewfinderupsothathecouldkeepthemeleein shot.Hehopedlikehellthatsomeonewatching thisonlinewouldspringforhisbail. Itworked.Hewasgettingincrediblefootage.He waspracticallyontopofthecopsbeforeanyone noticedhim.Thentherewasashoutandahand grabbedforhisphoneandthespellwasbroken. Suddenlyhisheartwasthundering,hispulse poundinginhisears. Heturnedonhisheelandran.Amadgiggle welledupinhischest.Hisphonewasstill streaming,presumablyshowingwild,nauseous shotsofthelandscapeswingingpastashepumped hisarm.Hewasheadedfortheride,fortherear entrance,whereheknewhecouldtakecover.He feltthefootstepsthudbehindhim,dimlyheardthe shoutsbuthistemporarydeafnessdrownedout thewords. Hehadhisfoboutbeforehereachedthedoorsand hebadgedin,bangingthefoboverthetouchplate aninstantbeforeslammingintothecrashbarand thedoorsswungopen.Hewaitedinagitationfor thedoorstohissshutslowlyafterhimandthenit wasthegloomoftheinsideoftheride,darkinhis sunadjustedeyesight. Itwasonlywhenthedoorsshiveredbehindhim thatherealizedwhathedjustdone.Theydbreak inandcomeandgethim,andintheprocess, theyddestroytheride,forspite.Hiseyeswere adjustingtothegloomnowandhemadeoutthe familiar/unfamiliarshapesofthedioramas,now blackandlacywithgothmemorabilia.Thisplace gavehimcalmandjoy.Hewouldkeepthemfrom destroyingit. Hesethisphonedownonthefloor,propped againstaplasterskullsothatthedoorwaywasin

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/160 theshot.Hewalkedtothedoorandshoutedas loudashecould,hisvoiceinaudibleinhisown ears.Imcomingoutnow!heshouted.Im openingthedoors! down,butnogas. Luckyyouallright. ImmorepissedthatIlostthetombstoneI broughtdown.Itwasarealrarity,anditwashard toget,too.Ibetitgottromped.

Hewaitedforatwocount,thenreachedforthe lock.Heturneditandletthedoorcrashopenas twocopsinriotvisorscamethrough,pepperspray Tombstone,huh? atthefore.Hewasdownontheground,writhing FromtheGraveyardWalkatDisney.Theytoreit andclawingathisfaceinaninstant,andthephone downlastweek. caughtitall. Andyouwerebringingittoaddittotheride? AllPerrywantedwasforsomeonetocutthe plasticcuffsoffsohecouldscrubathiseyes, thoughheknewthatwouldonlymakeitworse. Theriotbussoundedlikeanorgy,moaningand groaningwithdozensofvoiceseverytimethebus jouncedoverapothole. Perrywasonthefloorofthebus,nexttoakid judgingfromthevoicewhocursedsteadilythe wholewayalong.Onehardjouncemadetheir headsconnectandtheybothcussed,then apologizedtooneanother,thenlaughedalittle. Surethatswhereitbelongs. Perrysfacestillburned,butthepainwas lessening.Beforeithadbeenlikehisfacewason fire.Nowitwaslikeamillionfireantsbitinghim. Hetriedtoputitoutofhismindbyconcentrating onthepaininhiswristswheretheplasticstraps werecuttingintohim. Why? Therewasalongsilence.Hastogosomewhere. Bettertherethaninavaultorinthetrash. Howaboutsellingittoacollector?

MynamesPerry.Hisvoicesoundedlikehewas Youknow,itneveroccurredtome.Itmeanstoo underwater,buthecouldhear.Thepepperspray muchtogotoacollector. seemedtohaveclearedouthissinusesandgiven Thetombstonemeanstoomuch? himbacksomeofhishearing. ImDeathWaits.Hesaiditwithoutanydrama. Iknowitsoundsstupid,butitstrue.Youheard Perrywasntsureifhedheardright.Hesupposed thatDisneystearingoutallthegothstuff? Fantasylandmeantalottosomeofus. hehad.Gothkids. Nicetomeetyou. Likewise.Theirheadswerebangedtogether again.Theylaughedandcursed. Christmyfacehurts,Perrysaid. Imnotsurprised.Youlooklikeatomato. Youcansee? Luckyme,yup.Igotaprettygoodcoupleof whacksonthebackandshouldersonceIwas Youdidntfeellikeitwas,what,cooptingyou? Dude,youcanbuygothclothesatachainof mallstores.Werealloverthemainstream/non mainstreamfight.IfDisneywantstoputtogethera gothhomeland,thatsallrightwithme.Andthat ride,itwasthebestplacetorememberit.You knowthatitgotcopiedovereverynighttoother ridesaroundthecountry?Soallthepeoplewho lovedtheoldDisneycouldbepartofthe memorial,eveniftheycouldntcometoFlorida.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/161 Wehadtheidealastweekandeveryonelovedit. SoyouwereputtingstufffromDisneyridesinto myride? Yourride? Well,Ibuiltit. Nofuckingway. Way.Hesmiledandthatmadehisfacehurt. Dude,thatisthecoolestthingever.Youbuilt that?HowdidHowdoyoubecomethekindof personwhocanbuildoneofthosethings?Imout ofworkandtryingtofigureoutwhattodonext. spendanickelonanythingthattheydontsellyou. Iusedtothinkitwascool,becausetheybuiltsuch greatstuff,butthentheywentafterthenew Fantasyland Youcantbeacitizenofathemepark,Perry said. Thekidbarkedalaugh.Man,howtrueisthat? Youvenailedit,pal.

Perrymanagedtocrackaneye,painfully,and catchablurrylookatthekid:ablackEdward Scissorhandsdandelionclockofhair,eyeliner, frockcoatbutababyfacewithcheeksyoucould probablyseefromthebackofhishead.Aboutas Well,youcouldjoinoneofthecoopsthats threateningasaSmurf.Perryfeltasudden, buildingtheotherrides. delayedrushofanger.Howdaretheybeatupkids Sure,Iguess.ButIwanttobethekindofperson likethisDeathWaitsallhewantedtodowas rideagoddamnedride!Hewasntacriminal, whoinventstheideaofmakingsomethinglike that.Didyougetanelectricalengineeringdegree wasntoutrollingoldladiesorreleasingmalicious bioorganismsonthebeach! orsomething? JustpickeditupasIwentalong.Youcoulddo thesame,Imsure.Buthangonasecyouwere puttingstufffromDisneyridesintomyride? Well,yeah.Butitwasstufftheydtorndown. Perryseyesstreamed.Thiscouldntbea coincidence,stufffromDisneyridesshowingup inhisrideandthecopsturninguptoenforcea courtorderDisneygot.Buthecouldntblamethis kid,whosoundedlikearealpuppydog. Thebusturnedasharpcornerandtheirheads bangedtogetheragain.Theygroanedandthenthe doorswerebeingopenedandPerrysqueezedhis eyesshutagain.

Roughhandsseizedhimandmarchedhimintothe stationhouse.Thecrowdsusurrationswereliquid inhisscrewedupears.Hecouldntsmellorsee, either.Hefeltlikehewasinsomekindofterrible sensorydeprivationnightmare,anditmadehim jerky,sowheneverahandtookhimandguided Wait,youdontthinkthecopsweretherebecause himtoanotherstationinthecheckinprocess(his walletliftedfromhispocket,hischeekswabbed, Probably.Nohardfeelingsthough.Imighthave hisfingerspressedagainstafingerprintscanner) heflinchedinvoluntarily.Thehandsgrewrougher donethesameinyourshoes. andmoreinsistent.Atonepoint,someonepeeled Ohshit,Iamsosorry.Ididntthinkitthroughat openhisswolleneyelid,afeelinglikebeing all,Icanseethatnow.Ofcoursetheydcomeafter stabbedintheeye,andhisretinawasscanned.He you.Theymusttotallyhateyou.Iusedtowork screamedandheardlaughter,distantthroughhis there,theyjusthateanythingthattakesaFlorida throbbingeardrums. touristdollar.Itswhytheybuiltthemonorail Itgalvanizedhim.Heforcedhiseyesopen,glaring extensiontoOrlandoairporttomakesurethat fromthemomentyougetofftheplane,youdont atthecopsaroundhim.MostlytheywereFlorida

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/162 crackers,middleagedguyswithdeadeyed expressionsofimpersonalmalevolence.Therewas atinysmatteringofbrownfacesandwomens faces,buttheywerebutasprinklingwhen comparedtothedominantsomatypeofFlorida law. Thenexttimesomeonegrabbedhimtoshovehim towardsthenextstationonthisquest,hejerkedhis armawayandsatdown.Hedseenprotestorsdo thisbefore,andknewthatitwashardtomovea sittingmanexpeditiouslyorwithdignity.Hands seizedhimbythearms,andheflaileduntilhewas free,remainingfirmlyseated.Thelaughterwas turningtoangernow.Besidehim,someoneelse sat.DeathWaits,lookingwhitefacedandround eyed.Morepeoplehitthefloor.Abillyclubwas shovedunderhisarm,whichwasthentwistedinto anagonizingposition.Hewassuddenlyreadyto giveupthefightandgoalong,buthecouldntget tohisfeetfastenough.Withasickeningcrack,his armbroke.Hehadamomentslucidawareness thatabonehadbrokeninhisbody,andthenthe painwasonhimandhechokedoutashout,thena louderone,andtheneverythingwentdark. Asitturnedout,hisprisoninfirmarytimedidnt lastlongatall.Kettlewellhadfadedfastfromthe riot,headedbacktotheguesthouseandgotthe lawyersonthephone.Hedshownthemthestream offofPerrysphoneandtheywereinfrontofa judgebeforePerryreachedthejail. Perrywasledoutoftheinfirmarywithhisarmin asling.Hisfacewasstillpainfullyswollen,and hedmanagedtoturnanankleaswell.Atleasthis hearingwascomingback. whenSuzannesmiled,hesawherlipswere stainedredandoneofherfrontteethhadbeen knockedout. Hemanagedabravesmile.Lookslikeyouguys gotthefulltreatment,huh? Suzannesqueezedhishand.Nothingthatcantbe fixed.AdaandPascallookedgoggleeyedat them.AdawaspoppingKoreanlotusbeanwalnut cakesintohermouthfromagreasypaperbag,and sheofferedthemsilentlytoPerry,whotookone justtobepolite,butfoundafterthefirstbitethat hewasntreallyhungryafterall. KettlewellandPerryfoughtaboutwhattodonext, butKettlewellprevailed.Hetookthemtoaprivate doctorwhophotographedthemandexamined themandxrayedthem,documentingeverything whileAdaKettlewellplayedcamerawomanwith herphone,videoingitall. Idontthinksuingthepoliceisgoingtohelp, Landon,Perrysaid.Suzannenoddedvigorously. Thethreevictimswereinpaperexamininggowns, andtheKettlewellswerestillinstreetclothes, whichgavethemarealadvantageintheself confidencedepartment. Itllhelpifwecashoutabigsettlementitll bankrollourdefenseagainsttheDisneytrademark claims.IPlawyerschargemorethanGodperhour. Igottheinjunctionlifted,butwerestillgoingto havetogotocourt,andthatsnotgoingtobe cheap. ItneedledPerryhedidntliketheideaofbeing embroiledinthelegalsysteminthefirstplace, andwhilehecouldgrudginglyadmitacertain eleganceinusingcashsettlementsfromthelawto fundtheirdefenseincourt,thewholebusiness madehimsquirm.

KettlewelltookPerrysgoodarmandgavehima soulfulhugthatembarrassedhim.Kettlewellled himoutside,towhereabigcabwaswaiting.Init Evasatdownbesidehim.Icantellthissucksfor you,Perry.Adawhisperedthewordsucksand werethefamilyKettlewell,Lester,andSuzanne. Lesterhadacouplebandagestapedtohisfaceand giggled,andEvarolledhereyes.Buttheresfifty peoplewedidntbailoutinthere,whoareallof

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/163 themgoingtohavetofigureouttheirownway throughthelegalsystem.Youcantrunabusiness ifyourcustomersriskasolidbeatingandjailtime justforshowingup. alloften. Perryfelthuge.Largerthanlife.Theadventure wasbeginninganew,withthesegoodpeople whomhelovedlikefamily.Hehadtheworkand thepeople,andwhoneededanythingmore.

Idontwanttorunabusiness,hethought,buthe knewthatwaspetulant.Hewasthemanwiththe Itwasafeelingthatlastedallthewaybacktothe rollofbillsdownhispants.Therearefiftypeople ride. stillintheslam? Butthenhesurveyedtherideitselfandfounditin Kettlewellnodded.Suzannehadhercameraout utterruins,farworsethanithadbeenleftwhen andshewasrecording.Ithadbeenalongtime hedbeendraggedoutofit.Everysingleexhibit sincePerryhadreallyfeltthecameraseyeonhim. wassmashed,strewnhereandthere. Itwasonethingtoberecordedbysomefriendsfor remembrance,butnowSuzannescameraseemed Hecouldntbelieveit.Hebroughtupthecleanup lights,floodingtheplace,andthenhesawwhat likethegazeofposterity.Heneededtorisetoit, hedmissedatfirst:thesmashedexhibitswerenot heknew. smashedexhibitstheywerereplicasofsmashed Letsgetthemout.Allofthem. exhibits.Ateveryrideinthecountry,policehad Kettlewellraisedhiseyebrows.Andhowdoyou goneinsmashing,andeveryotherrideinthe planondoingthat? countryhadfaithfullyreproducedthedamage, Wellchargeittothebusiness,Perrysaid.Lester dutifulprinterschurningoutreplicadetritusand chuckledandgavehimathumpontheback.Itsa dutifulrobotsplacingitwithmicrometer legitexpensetheseareourcustomersafterall. precision. Kettlewellshookhisheadatallofthem,thenhe leftthedoctorsoffice.Healreadyhadhisphone stucktohisheadandwastalkingwiththelawyer beforehegotoutofearshot. Hebegantolaughandcouldntstop.Lestercame inandimmediatelygotthejokeandlaughedalong withhim.Theymanagedtostoplaughingjustlong enoughtoexplainittoSuzanneandKettlewell, whodidntfinditnearlyasfunnyastheydid. Suzannetookpictures.

PerryandLesterandSuzanneandEvaexchanged mischievousglances,grinningwithunexpected delight.Pascal,ridingonEvaship,wokeupand Finallyhegotdowntobusiness,openingthe startedcryingandEvahandedhimtoLesterwhile changelogandrollingtheridebackthroughthe revisionstoitsunsmashedstate.Itwouldtake shewentforthediaperbag. therobotsalongtimetoseteverythingright Herewegoagain,Lestersaid,wrinklinghis again,butatleasthedidnthavetooverseeit. noseandholdingthewailingPascalatarms Instead,hetrackeddownasmanyofthemarket length. stallvendorsashecouldlocateintheshantytown Suzannegotitallwithherphone,thensheflipped andmadesuretheywereallrighttheywere, itshutandgaveLesterahardkissonthecheek. thoughtheydlostsomeinventory.Hecomped themallamonthsrentandmadesuretheyknew Fatherhoodwouldsuityou,shesaid. thatstepswerebeingtakentokeepitfrom Hewentbrightred.Dontyougetanyideas,he happeningagain.Heknewthattheycouldmake said.Suzannelaughedandskippedaway,looking nearlyasmuchmoneysellingfromaroadsideor

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/164 online,andhewantedtokeepthemhappy. Besides,itwasnttheirfault. Hewasexhaustedandhisarmwasreallystarting togripehim.Hefoundhimselfstoppinginthe streeteveryfewstepstorubhiseyesandforce himselfon.Franciscameonhimwhenhewaslike that,leaningagainsttheprefabconcretewallof oneofthetall,twistyshanties,andhetookPerrys carkeysawayanddrovehimhome.Perrywasin toomuchofastatebythetimehegotthereto thinkabouthowFranciswouldgetbackhewas alreadylyinginbedbeforeitoccurredtohimthat theoldmanwiththegimpylegprobablywalked thetenmileshome. wavedaspatulaathimandpointedoutatthe terrace.PerrysteppedoutandsawSuzanneand TjanandTjanslittlekidswhatweretheir names?Lyenitchkaandthelittleboy?Man,the wholefamilywashere. Yourarmisbroken,Lyenitchkasaid,pointingat him. Perrynoddedgravely.Thatstrue.Wanttosign mycast?Hewasprettysurethathehadagrease pencilthatwouldmarkthesurface,thoughthe hospitalhadswornthatitwouldsheddirt,inkand anythingelsehethrewatit.

Shenoddedvigorously.Tjanlookedhimoverand gavealittlewave,thenPerrywentbackintothe Hewokeuplaterthatnighttosexnoisesfrom livingroomandaskedhiscomputertofindthe LestersroomandherecognizedSuzannesvoice. greasepencil. Later,hewokeagaintohearthetailendofanother ThoughtyoudbebusyinBoston,hesaid,while argumentbetweenLesterandSuzanne,andthen Lyenitchkapainstakinglyspelledouthername, Suzannestormingoutoftheapartment.Oh, goingovertheletterstogetthemtoshowupdark goody,hethought.Helayonhisback,tryingto findsleepagaintheclocksaid3AMandfound thecastsurfacereallydidntwanttosuckupany thoughtsofHildadriftingunbiddenintohismind. tint. Itwassillytheydonlyspentonenighttogether, BostoncameoutOK.Wehadlawyersontapat thestartandthevibewascool.Iincorporated andhehadtoadmitthatasgreatasthesexhad there,soitwaseasierthanyouguyshadit.But been,hedhadbetterwiththefatkinsgymnasts youcouldpickupdownonSouthBeach.Shewas someoftheotherswerehitbad,likeSanFrancisco andMadison. tooyoungforhim.ShelivedinWisconsin.But thereweretouchesintheridethathadoriginated Madison?Perrywasalarmedbyhowalarmedhe withherinstantiationhelookedoverthelogs sounded. everynowandthenandhefoundhimself Massarrests.Thecopstherearerealhardcases, contemplatingthemwithsentimentalsmiles. withallthisantipersonnelgearleftoverfromthe Hefellasleepagainandonlywokewhenherolled stemcellriots. overonhisbadarmandyelpedhimselfawake. Thesmellofwaffles,baconandeggswasstrong PerryjerkedandspoiledLyenitchkaswriting.He intheapartment.Hecouldntbebotheredtofigure pattedherheadandsethisarmbackdownwhere outhowtoshowerwithhiscaston,sohepulledon shecouldgetatit.Hegroaned. apairofshortsandlethimselfintotheliving Theyremostlystillin.Weretryingtogetthem room. bailedout,butthejudgeatthearraignmentsetbail Lesterwasatthestove,cookinguphalfapigand prettyhigh. pouringmaplebatterintothewaffleiron.He Illpostit,Perrysaid.Icanputupmysavings

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/165 orsomething... Tjanlookeduncomfortable.Perry,thereare250 peopleinthelockupinWisconsin.Someofthem aregoingtoskipout,itsnearlyacertainty.Ifyou bailthemallout,youllgobroke.Imean,itsgood toseeyouandImsorryyougothurtandall respect,butdontbeanidiot. Perryfelthimselfgobelligerent.Hishandswent intofistsandhisbrokenwingprotested.That broughthimbacktoreality.Heforcedhimselfto smile. TheresagirlinMadison,Iwanttomakesure shesOK. TjanandSuzannestaredathimforasecond.Then Lesterclappedhimacrossthebackfrombehind him,startlinghimandmakinghimsqueak.Big fella!hecrowed.Ishouldhaveknown. Perrygavehimamockglare.Youhavenorightto sayanythingonthisscore.Hedartedaglanceat Suzanneandsawthatshewasblushing.Tjantook thisinandnodded,asthoughhissuspicionshad justbeenconfirmed. offense. Lyenitchka,gogetmyphonefrommybed stand,Perrysaid,pattingthegirlontheshoulder. Whenshegotbackhewentthroughhisphotosof Hildawiththem. LestermadeawolfwhistleandSuzannepunched himintheshoulderandtookthephoneaway. Shesverypretty,Suzannesaid,disapprovingly. Andveryyoung. Ohyes,datingyoungerpeopleissosleazy, Lestersaidwithachuckle.Suzannesquirmedand evenPerryhadtolaugh. Guys,hereitis.IneedtospringHilda,andwe needtodosomethingaboutallthosecustomers andsupportersandsoonwhowenttojailtoday. Weneedtofightalltheinjunctionsallofthem andpreventthemfromrecurring. Andweneedtoeatbreakfast,whichisready, Lestersaid,gesturingatthetablebehindhim, whichwasstackedhighwithwaffles,sausages, eggs,toast,andpitchersofjuiceandcarafesof coffee.

Fairenough,Tjansaid.Letsmakesome LyenitchkaandSashalookedateachotherandran inquiriesabouttheyounglady.Whatshername? tothetable,takingseatsnexttooneanother.The HildaHammersen. adultsfollowedandsoontheywereeating.Perry managedawaffleandasausage,butthenhewent Tjanseyebrowsshotup.HildaHammersen? offtohisroom.HildawasintheslaminMadison, Fromthemailinglists?ThatHilda? andwhothehellknewwhattheantipersonnel Hildawasthequeenofthemailinglistsbrash, stufftheMadisoncopsusedhaddonetoher.He quick,andargumentative,butneverthekindof justwantedtogetonafuckingplaneandgothere. personwhostartedflamewars.Hildasarguments werehotandfast,andshealwayswon.Perryhad Halfwaythroughhisshower,heknewthatthatwas whathewasgoingtodo.Hepackedashoulder watchedheradmiringlyfromthesidelines,only bag,tookacouplemorepainkillers,andwalked weighinginoccasionally,butheseemedto outintothelivingroom. remembernowthatshedtakenTjantothe cleanersonceonanissueofprotocolresolution. Guys,ImgoingtoMadison.Illbebackinaday ortwo.Wellworkeverythingoutoverthephone, Thatstheone,Perrysaid. OK? Ialwayspicturedherasbeingaboutfifty,witha LesterandSuzannecameovertohim.Yougoing machetebetweenherteeth,Lestersaid.No

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/166 tobeOK,buddy?Lestersaid. Illbefine,hesaid. Wecanspringherfromhere,Tjansaid.We havetheInternet,youknow. Iknow,Perrysaid.Youdothat,OK?Andtell herIllbethereassoonasIcan. Thesecurityattheairportwentbonkersoverhim. Theperfectstorm:afresharrest,asuspiciouscast, andaticketboughtwithcash.Hemissedthefirst twoflightstoChicago,butbymidafternoonhe waslandingatOHareandsubmittingtoan interimscreeningprocedurebeforeboardingfor Madison.Hisphoneranginthemiddleofthe screening,andthewrinklyoldTSAgoonlady primlyinformedhimthathemightaswellgetthat sinceoncethephonerings,theyhavetostartthe procedureoveragain. takeacabtoherofficefromtheairport.OK? Whyissheintheprisoninfirmary,Tjan?Why cantshebemovedtoarealhospital? Itsjustaliabilitything.Thepolicedontwantto riskthesuitifshegoescomplicatedonthem betweenhospitals. Jesus. Seriously,shesfine.Wevegotagoodlawyeron thescene. ButPerryhadabadfeeling.TheTSAgoonpicked uponitandgavehimalittlebitofextraattention. Actingnervousoragitatedinanairportwasaone waytickettoacavitysearch.

Butthenhewasliftingoffandheadedfor Madison,andthoughthetimecrawledontheone hourflight,itwas,afterall,onlyanhour.Heeven nappedbriefly,thoughaskymarshallwokehim Tjan,hesaid. shortlyafterforarandombagsearch.Hisfellow Theycantspringhertoday.Tomorrow,though. passengersbadlydressedmidwesternersanda HeclosedhiseyesandshutouttheTSAgoon.She coupleofhipsterstudentsallturnedtheirbags outinthecrampedcabinandthengotbackintheir hadahugebouffantofcopperhair,anda seatsforthelanding. midwesternerssenseofproportionalitywhenit cametoeyeshadowandrouge.Shewasthekind Perryhadmeanttophoneinacarreservationat ofwomanwhocouldcallyouhoneyandmakeit OHare,buttheextrasearchhadeatenupthetime soundlikeIslamofascistfaggot. hedallocatedforit,andnowalltherental countersweresoldout.Reluctantly,hegotintoa Whynot,Tjan? taxiandaskedthedrivertotakehimtotheoffice Therewasapause.Shesintheinfirmaryand ofthelawyersthatTjanhadhired. theywontreleaseheruntiltomorrow. ThecabbiewasayoungAfricankidwithashaved Infirmary. head.Hehadadentinonetempleandmoredents inoneofhiswrists,visibleashelethislonghands Nothingseriousshetookaknockonthehead drapeoverthesteeringwheel. andtheywanttoholdherforobservation. Iknowwhereitis,hesaidwhenPerrygavehim Hepicturedacopperselectrifiedbillyclub theaddress.Thatlawyer,sheisverygood.She comingdownonshiningblondhairandfeltlike helpedmewiththeHomelandSecurity. throwingup. Perry?Buddy.ShesOK,really.Ihadourlawyer Thekidwasyoung,21or22,withastudiousair, despitehisoldinjuries.HeremindedPerryofthe visitherintheprisoninfirmaryandsheswears shantytowners,peoplewhodidntalwaysget shelooksgreat.ThelawyersnameisCandice

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/167 medicalattentionfortheirailments,peoplewho wereoftenmissingatoothortwo,whohad mysteriouslumpsfrombadlysetbonesorscarsor funnyeyebrowslikehis.Themidwesternersonthe planehadbeenflawlessasactionfigures,but PerrysfriendsandthisAfricankidlookedlike somethingcarvedoutofcoalandchalk. Perrywasonebigjitterfromthetripandthe coffeeandthepillsforhisarm,buthefound himselfdrawnintoconversationastheywhizzed pastthefieldsandmalls,thefactoriesandoffice parks. ImfromGulu,inUganda.Therehasbeencivil warthereforthirtyfiveyears.Istudiedchemical engineeringthroughtheAfricanVirtual Universitywikiprogram,andqualifiedfora ChavezscholarshiphereinMadison.Hisaccent waslightbutexotic,theAfricanrollingoftheRs, theBritishsoundingvowelshifts.Butthe HomelandSecuritydidntwanttorenewmyvisa lastyear.TheysaidIhadfinancialirregularities.I waspaypallingtoafriendinKampalawho withdrewitinshillingsandsentittomyfamilyin giros.HomelandSecuritysaidthatIwasmoney laundering.IthoughtIdbesentawayorputin prison,butMsCandicewrotethemaletterand theyvanished.Hesnappedhislong,knuckly fingersforemphasis. Jesus.Well,thatsgood.Shesgoingtohelpme getmygirlfriendoutofjail.Perryrealizedhed justcalledHildahisgirlfriend,whichwouldbe newstoher,butthereitwas. Youdontneedtoworry.Shellgetyourfriend free. thenetwhowantedtocollaboratewithhimand viceversa.WhenPerryhadstartedabusiness makingcoolartoutoffreejunkandsellingitoff anInternetconnectionthatwaslikewisefree. Free,free,free.Noneedtotalktoagovernment, orgrovelforacurator,orputupwithanagentora boss.Hedjustassumedallalongthathedendup livinginaworldwhereallthoseparasitesand bulliesandmiddlemenwouldjustblowawayin thewind. Buttheydallfoundjobsinthenewworld.They werentneededanymore,butthatdidntmeanthat theywentaway.Nowtheywerewandinghimin airportsandsuinghimfortrademarkinfringement andbustinghisgirlfriendandbreakinghisarm andgivinghassletothispoorAfricankidwhod taughthimselftobeanengineerwitha ferchrissakeswiki. Hedryswallowedanotherpainkillerandthen rememberedthattakingthepillsmeanthe wouldntbeabletogetadrink,whichhecould sureasshituse. MynamesPerry,hesaid. Richard,thedriversaid.Werealmostthere, Perry.Iwishyoutheverybestofluck. Youtoo,hesaid.Thedrivershookhishand warmlyaftergettinghisluggageoutofthetrunk,a limphandshakebyNorthAmericanstandards,but gentleandfriendlynonetheless.Hisdentedwrist flexedoddlyasthehalfknitbonestheremoved.

ThelawyersofficewasnotwhatPerrywas expecting.Itlookedlikesomeoneslivingroom, withacoupleofoverstuffedsofas,adozingcat, Perrynoddedandtriedtoclosehiseyesandrelax. andthelawyer,Candice,whowasayounglooking womaninhermidtwenties.Shedressedinjeans Hecouldnt.Whatthehellhadhappenedtothe andanoversizedUWsweatshirt,withalaptop world.Ithadseemedsoexcitingwhenhisfather perchedononeknee.Shehadafriendly,open wasbringinghomenewshapeshedspunoffhis face,framedwithlotsofcurlybrownhair. CAD/CAMrig.WhenPerryhadstartedtotrade designswithpeople,toeffortlesslyfindpeopleon YoumustbePerry,shesaid,settingthelaptop

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/168 downandgivinghimanunexpectedhug.That Perry.Theresakidwholostaneyetoarubber wasfromHilda.Isawheracouplehoursago.She bullet. wasveryadamantthatIpassitontoyou. Perryfistedthetearsaway.Letsgogether,he Nicetomeetyou,hesaid,acceptingacupoftea said. fromaninsulatedjugonacardboardsideboard. Theysaysheshouldntbemoved,Candicesaid. Hildaisallright? Whatdoesourdoctorsay? Sitdown,thelawyersaid. IphonedacoupleMDsthisafternoonandgot Perrysstomachturnedasomersault.Hildasall conflictingstories.Everyoneagreesthatnot right? movingherissaferthanmovingher,though.The Sit. onlydisagreementisabouthowdangerousit wouldbetomoveher. Perrysat. Shewasgassedwithaneurotoxinthathasgiven heratemporarybutsevereformofParkinsons disease.Normallyitjustrenderspeopleimmobile, butoneinamillionhasareactionlikethis.Its justbadluckthatHildawasoneofthem. Shewasgassed? Theyallwere.Therewasahellofafight,asI understandit.Itreallylookslikeitwasthecops fault.Someonetoldthemthattherewereprinted gunsintheridelocationandtheyusedextreme anddisproportionateforce. Isee,Perrysaid.Hisbloodwhooshedinhis ears.Printedguns?Nofriggingway.Sure,ray gunsinsomeoftheexhibits.Butnothingthatfired anything.Hefelttearsbegintostreamdownhis face.Thelawyermovedtohissofaandputher armaroundhisshoulders. Letsgoseeher,then. Thatwecando. Perryhadtroublewiththesearchattheprison hospital.Hiscastandtheirscannersdidntget alongandtheycouldntbesatisfiedwithahand search.Foracoupleminutesitlookedlikehewas goingtobekeptout,butCandicewhohad changedintoapowersuitbeforetheyleftthe officeputonasternvoiceanddemandedto speaktothedutysergeant,andthentohis commandingofficer,andintenminutes,theywere onthehospitalward,wherethemetalrailedbeds hadprisonershandcuffedtothem.

Hilda?Shelookedsunkenandsick,herface slackandherjawaskew.Hereyesopenedand rolledcrazily,theyfocusedonhim.Herbody shookthroughtwowavesoftremorsbeforeshe wasabletoraiseashakinghandtowardhim, Shesgoingtobefine,Candicesaid.The trailingIVtubes.Shewastryingtosayhisname, Parkinsonsisrare,butitgoesawayin100percent butitwouldntcomeout,justaseriesofplosive ofthethecaseswhereitoccurs.Whatthismeans Ps. isthatwevegotanamazingchanceoftakinga Butthenhetookherhandandfeltitsfinewarmth, hugebiteoutofthelocallawthatwecanuseto thecallusesherememberedfromallthosemonths fundfuturedefense.Tjantoldmethatthatsthe strategyandIthinkitssound.Plustheharderwe ago,andhefeltbetter.Actuallybetter.Feltsome peaceforthefirsttimeinalongtime. hitthelawtoday,themorereluctanttheyllbeto rushoffhalfcockedthenexttimesomeonetrumps Hello,Hilda,hesaid,andhewassmilingso upaBStrademarkclaim.Itcouldbemuchworse, broadlyhisfacehurt,andtearswererunningdown

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/169 hischeeksanddrippingoffhisnoseandrunning intohismouth.Shewasweeping,too,herhead vibratinglikeabobbledoll.Hebentoverherand tookherheadinhishands,buryingtheminher thickblondhair,andkissedheronthelips.She shookunderhim,butshekissedhimback,he couldfeelherlipsmoveonhis. Theykissedforalongtime.Hesubconsciously tooknoteofthefactthatCandicehadmovedback, givingthemsomeprivacy.Whenthekissbroke, hehadanoverwhelmingdesiretotellherheloved her,buttheyhadnttakenthatstepyet,andmaybe aprisonhospitalbedwasnttherightplaceto makepronouncementsoflove. Iloveyou,hesaidsoftly,inherear,kissingthe lobe.Iloveyou,Hilda. Shecriedharder,andmadechokingsobs.He huggedherashardashedared.Candicecame backandstoodbythem. Theythinkthatshellbebetterinthemorning. Shesalreadymuchbetteroffthanshewasjusta couplehoursago.Sleepstheonlythingforit. Theyvegothermildlysedated,too. Hildasmelledlikeheremembered,theundersmell beneathhershampooandthechemicalsclinging toherhair.Ittookhimbacktotheirnighttogether, andhestrokedhercheek. Illstayhere,hesaid. Idontthinkthattheyregoingtoletyoudothat, Perry.Thisisaprison,notahospital. Illstayhere,hesaidagain.Justmakeit happen,OK?Weregoingtosuethemintoa smokinghole,right?Thatsgottogiveussome leverage.Illstayhere. Shesighedandlookedathimforalongtime,but hewouldnttakehiseyesoffofHilda.Hisbroken armthrobbedandhewasoutofpainkillers. Theydhavepainkillershere. Candicewentaway,andthen,awhilelater,she cameback.Stayhere,shesaid.Illcomeand getyouinthemorning. Thanks,hesaid.Thenhethoughtthatheshould saysomethingmore,andheturnedaround,butthe lawyerhadgone. HefellasleepholdingHildashandwithhisgood hand,andwokeupwithanunbelievablepainin hisbrokenarmandcouldntfindanurse.Hebit downonthepainandspentalongwatchthatnight staringatHilda,thinkingofallshemeanttohim andhowweirditwasthatshemeantsomuch whentheydhadsobriefamomenttogether.They hadntlethimbringhisphonein,orhedhave takenathousandpicturesofherfaceinrepose.He noddedoffagain. Hewokewhenshedid,stirringinherbed.Her movementswerestillweakandfeeble,butthey lackedtheuncontrolledtremorsofthenight before.Heleanedinforakiss,notcaringabouthis sourbreathorhers. Goodmorning,hesaid. Morning,gorgeous,shesaid,andtookhimina soft,sleepyhug. Candicesprungthemandtookthemacrosstown toherdoctor,ayoungmanwhotookgreatcarein examiningHilda,explainingpatientlywhichfluids hewasdrawingandwhichtestsheplannedon runningonthem.Perryhadnoticedthat midwesternerscameintwoflavors:big ScandinavianAryanswithgiantshouldersand easysmiles,andexchangestudentsand immigrantsinvaryingshadesofbrown,who lookedhurtandbentalongsideofthenatives lookedlikethepeopleheknewfrombackhome, peoplewhodidnthavereadyaccesstomedical careorgoodnutritionintheirformativeyears. ThedoctorwasVietnamese,buthewasatleasta couplegenerationsin,judgingbyhisaccent,and hehadthesamemidwesternsmileandseemedbig

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/170 andbulkycomparedwiththeVietnamesepeople PerryknewinFlorida.Hewatchedthemanpeer intentlyatascreenaftertapingsomeelectrodesto Hildashead,andfeltlikehedcometosomeland ofNorsegiants. ThedoctoreventuallytoldHildatogohomeand rest,andshepromisedshewould.Perryandshe gotintothebackofCandicescarandcuddledup tooneanother,dozing.ItwasntuntilPerrygot backwithhertoherapartmenteverystickof furnituremadefromclevercardboardand emptiedouthispocketsthatherememberedto switchhisphoneonagain. Hewasdowntohisboxersandshewasincotton PJswithsexycowgirlsprintedonthem,andwhen hepoweredthephoneup,itwentbonkers,lighting uplikeaChristmastree,vibrating,andmaking urgentbleats. Shit,hesaid,andbegantosortthroughthe alertswhilehisbackandneckmusclestightened. Hesatontheedgeofthebedandproddedatthe phonewithhisrighthand,holdingitawkwardlyin hislefthand,tryingtoworkaroundthecast.Hilda tookthephoneandhelditforhimsohecould workmorefreelyandtheybothreadwhatwas goingon. Candicesaythattheythinkwecansuethecops overthebrutalityandusethemoneytofundlegal defenses,butDisneysdenialofserviceattacking usinthecourtroom.Theyrealsogettingallthis destructiondealttousbythecops. Youknowhowyoueatanelephant?Onebiteata time.Letsbreakthisdownintosmallcomponent piecesandworkonsolutionstothem,thencallup thetroopsandletthemknowwhatsgoingon.Ill getaconferencecallsetupwhilewechat. Shewasstillmovingslowlyandweakly,andhe triedtogethertoputdownherlaptopandrest,but shewasnthavinganyofit. Andsotheyworked,dividingtheproblemupinto manageablepieces:incorporatinganonprofitco op,writingthebylaws,gettingthewordout throughthepress,reopeningtherides,putting togetherscrapbooksofthecarnagewrought. Itallseemeddoableonceitwasreducedtoits componentparts.Perryputitallonlineandthen conferencedTjanandKettlewellin. Perry,doyouthinkitsagoodideatotellour enemieshowweplantorespondtothem?

HildashookherheadandputahandonPerrys goodarmtocalmhimdownbeforeheanswered Kettlewell.Thatshowwedoitoveronourside. Asecondroundoflawsuitshadbeenfiledthat night,andtheinjunctionshadbeenreinstated.The Theirsideisallaboutsecrecy.Oursidetradesthe advantageofsurprisefortheadvantageof storyabouttheridesbeingasourceofprinted openness.Youwatchbytonightwellhaveby armsandmunitionshadspread,andinSan lawsdrafted,pressreleases,exhaustive Franciscotheridehadbeentakenapartby documentation.Youwatch. HomelandSecuritybombrobotsthathad detonatedseveralkeypiecesofequipment.Three Onthescreen,Lestersfacesuddenlyhoveinto oftheSanFranciscoridecrewendedupinthe view,fisheyedistortedbyhisproximitytothe hospitalafterclasheswithoverreactingcops. lens.Hildagaveanamusedsqueakandpulled Hildanoddedandtookthephonefromhimandset back. itdown. SothatsYoko,huh?Lestersaid,grinning. Cute!Listenguys,dontletthesesuitstalkyou Right,whatsthegameplan? outofwhatyouredoing.Thisistherightthing. HowshouldIknow?Perrysaid.Hecouldhear Imonallthemessageboardsandstuffand thewhineinhisvoice.Ijustbuildstuff.Tjanand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/171 theyreallchampingtodosomethingforreal. Yoko?Hildasaid.Sheraisedanadorable eyebrow. Justafigureofspeech,Lestersaid.ImLester. YoumustbeHilda.Perrystolduspractically nothingaboutyou,whichisprobablyasignof somethingorother. HildaregardedPerrywithmockcoolness.Oh really? Lester,Perrysaid.Iloveyoulikeabrother. Shutthefuckupalready. heskinnedoutofhisclothesasfastashecould withhiscaston. Theydidntleavethehouseuntilsuppertime, freshlyshowered(shedbeenadelightfulhelpin scrubbingthosespotswherethecastimpeded access)andchanged.Perrytookapainkillerafter theshower,whichkickedinastheywentoutthe door,andtheautumneveningwascrispandsharp.

Theygotasfarasthecornerbeforetheman approachedthem.PerryGibbons,isntit?He hadanEnglishaccent,andalittlepotbelly,anda Lestermadealittlewhippingmotion.Suddenlyhe bigwhitebubblejacketandascarfwoundround wasgonefromthepicture,andtheysawSuzanne histhroat. pullinghimawaybyoneear.Hildasnorted.Ilike her,shesaid.SuzannegavethemawaveandTjan Thatsright,Perrysaid.Helookedattheguy. DoIknowyou? andKettlewellcamebackintoframe. No,Idontthinkso.ButIvefollowedyouinthe Theymadetheirgoodbyesandhungup.Now press.Quiteremarkable. HildaandPerrywerealone,together,inher bedroom,laptopsshut,daydonethoughitwas hardlygonenoonandthesilencestretched. Thanksforcoming,Perry,shesaid. IHebrokeoff.Hedidntknowwhattosay. Theyhadonlyknowneachotherforaday,only hadaonenightstand.Sheprobablythoughtthat hewasagiantcreep.Iwasworried.hesaid. Um.Youshouldprobablyrestupsomemore, right? Hegotupandheadedforthedoor. Wheredoyouthinkyouregoing?shesaid. FiguredIdletyourest,hesaidwithahalf shrug. Thanks,Perrysaid.Beingrecognizedhow weirdwasthat.Coolthatithappenedinfrontof Hilda.ThisisHilda,hesaid.Shetookthemans hand,andhegrinned,showingtwolongratlike frontteeth. Fred,hesaid.Whatanabsolutedelightrunning intoyououthereofallplaces.Whatareyoudoing intown? Justvisitingwithfriends,Perrysaid. Wasnttheresomekindofdustupatyourplace inFlorida?Isawwhattheydidtotheridehere, whatabloodymess. Yeah,Perrysaid.Hepointedathiscastedarm. SeemedlikeagoodtimetogetoutofDodge.

Getinthisbedthisinstant,youngman,shesaid, slappingthebedbesideher.Andgetthosestinky Hildasaid,Weregettingsomedinner,ifyoud liketocomealong. clothesoffbeforeyoudoIwonthaveyou gettingmysheetsallcoveredinyourtravel Iwouldntwanttointrude. grime. No,itsnosweat,wevegotawholebunchof Hefeltthefoolishgrinspreadacrosshisfaceand peopleassociatedwiththeridemeetingus.Youd

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/172 bemorethanwelcome. youneedtodo,dude,heresthefuckingthing. Theroomhadgrownsilent.Everyoneleaned Goodness,thatishospitableofyou.HowcanI closer.FredpouredPerryanotherbeerfromthe refuse? pitcherinthemiddleofthetable.Hereshowyou LukeandErnieweretherewiththeirgirlfriends, doit.Youraiseinvestmentcapitalforit.Theresa andthereweremorekids,midwesternandhealthy tonofmoneyinthis,aton.Disneysgotdeep eveniftheywerentnecessarilyallScandic,some pocketsandyouvegotagreatcase. Vietnamesekids,someHmong,somedesis Butlikeyousay,itlltaketen,fifteenyearstoget descendedfromtheH1Bdiaspora.Theyhada giganticmealinastudentplacethatwasheavyon themoneyoutofthem.Anditllcostamilinlegal thepotatoesandbeersthesizeofyourhead,which feesontheway.Sowhatyoudois,youcreatean investmentsyndicate.Youcanmaybegetthirty Perryresistedforacouplehoursuntilhefigured millionoutofDisney,pluswhateverthejury thathedmetabolizedmostofthepainkillerand thenstartedin,gettingjustshortofroaringdrunk. awardsinpunitives,andifyoukeephalfofit,you candeliverafifteenxreturnoninvestment.Sogo Hetoldthemwarstories,toldthemaboutDeath findamillionaireandborrowsixteenmillion,and Waits,toldthemaboutthecoopandtheplanto turnthedefenseovertohim. fightback. Thatjustdoesntsoundrighttome,saidafriend Perrywasdumbstruck.Yourejoking.Howcan ofLukes,alawschoolgradstudentwhohadbeen thatpossiblywork? bendingPerrysearallnightwithstoriesfromhis lawclinicworkdefendinguniversitystudentsfrom musicindustrylawsuits.Imean,sure,goafter thecopsbecausetheyroughedyouguysup,but howmuchmoneydothecopshave?Yougotta targetsomefatcash,andforthatyouwanttogo afterDisney.Abuseoftrademark,abuseof process,somethinglikethat.Thestandardspretty high,butifyoucangetajudgement,themoneyis incredible.Youcouldtakethemtothecleaners. Perrylookedblearilyathim.Hewasyoung,like allofthem,buthehadagoodrhetoricalstylethat Perryrecognizedassomethingbornofreal confidence.Heknewhisstuff,orthoughthedid. Hehadastrawberrymarkonhishighforehead thatlookedlikeamapofadistantisland,and Perrythoughtthatthemarkprobablythrewoffthe kidsopponents.SowesueDisneyandfiveyears fromnowwecashinhowdoesthathelpus now? Thekidnodded.Ihopedyoudaskmethat.Ive beenthinkingaboutthisalotlately.Hereswhat

Itshowpatentlawsuitswork!Somedickhead engineergetsaboguspatentforhisdoomed startup,andastheyresinkingintothemud,some venturecapitalistcomesandbuysthecompanyup justsoitcangoaroundandthreatenother companieswithrealbusinessesforviolatingthe patent.Theyaskforsumsjustbelowwhatitwould costtogettheUSPatentandTrademarkOfficeto invalidatethepatent,andeveryoneponiesup. Venturecapitalismisthemajorsourceoffunding forcommerciallawsuitsthesedays. Fredlaughedandclapped.Brilliant!Perry,thats justbrilliant.Areyougoingtodoit? Perrylookedatthetable,doodlinginthepuddles ofbeerwithafingertip.Ijustwanttogetbackto makingstuff,youknow.Thisisnuts.Devotingten yearsofmylifetosuingsomeone? Youdonthavetodothesuing.Thatsthepoint. Yououtsourcethat.Yougetthemoney;someone elsedoesthebusinessstuff.Hildaputherarm aroundhisshoulders.Givethesuitssomethingto occupythemselveswithotherwisetheygetantsy

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/173 andstiruptrouble. PerryandHildalaughedlikeitwasthefunniest thingtheydeverheard.Fredandtheothersjoined in,andPerryscrawledadrunkennotetoTjanand Kettlewellwiththeinfo.Thepartybrokeupnot longafter,amidmuchchortlingandsnorting,and theystaggeredhome.FredgavePerryawarm handshakeandtreatedHildatoalingering,sloppy huguntilshepushedhimoff,laughingeven harder. Allrightthen,Perrysaid,homeagainhome again. Hildagavehisgroinafriendlyhonkandthen madeadashforit,andhegavechase. ofMadison,WI,aplacebetterknownforits cheddarthanitsactivism. WhileGibbonsregaledtheimpressionablepost adolescentswithtalesofhisderringdo,heavidly notedtheirstrategicsuggestionsforsolvinghis legal,paramilitary,andtechnicalproblems. OnesuggestionthatdrewGibbonssattentionand admirationwastoapproachventurecapitalistsand begthemforthecapitaltosueDisneyandthen usethesettlementsfromthesuitstopaybackthe VCs. ThismindcrogglingPonzischemeistheclosest thingtoabusinessmodelweveyetheardoffrom thechipaddledtechnohippiesoftheNewWork anditspostboomincarnation.

OnecanonlyimaginehowourMsChurchwill PHOTO:ADrunkenPerryGibbonsGetsaHows coverthisinherfanblog:breathlessadmiration YourFatherFromRideBrideHildaHammersen forMrGibbonsscunninginsolicitingyetmore MADISON,WI:Sayyoumanagedtoinspiresome wayoutoftheboxthinkingfromtheJunior kindofmovementoftechnoutopianswhobuilt GuevarasoftheGreatMidwest,nodoubt. anetworkofamusementparkridesthatguidetheir PerhapsGibbonscanbeaffordedalittlesympathy, visitorsthroughanillustratedhistoryofthelast though.HislatestencounterwithFloridalawleft dotcombubble. himwithabrokenarmanditmaybethatthepain Saythatyourmerrybandofunwashed medicationisprimarilyresponsibleforGibbonss polyamorousinfohippieswasovertakenby fancythinking.Ifthatsthecase,wecanonlyhope jackbootedthugsfromoneofthedinosauricmedia thathisyoung,blondScandienursiewillcarefully empiresofyesteryear,whoselegalmachinations ministerhimbacktohealth(whilehiscomrades resultedinnationwideraids,beatings,gassings, rotingaolaroundthecountry). andthetotalshutdownofyourmovement. Thisorganizationneedstodiebeforeitgets Whatwouldyoudo?Sue?Callapress someonekilled. conference?Bailyourloyalfollowersoutofthe Comments?WritetoFreddyat slam? honestfred@techstink.co.uk Getlaid,getshitfaced,andletabunchofstudents spitballbullshitideasforfightingback? LesterinterruptedSuzannesphonecalltobreak Ifyoupickedthelatter,youreingoodcompany. Lastnight,PerryGibbons,soidisantfounderof inandannouncethathedrunRatToothedFreddy toground:thereporterhadcaughtthefirstflight therideafarianreligiouscult,wasspottedoutfor fromMadisontoChicagoandthengonewestto drinksandcuddleswithagroupof SanJose.TheTSAhadflaggedhimasaperson twentysomethingstudentsinthebackwatertown ofinterestandwerewatchinghismovements,and

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/174 alittlediggingonitswebsitecouldcauseitto discloseFreddyseveryairbornemovement. SuzannerelayedthistoPerry. Dontyougothere,shesaid.Hesgunningfor theSanFranciscocrew,andheshopingfora confrontationoradenunciationsothathecan printit.Hegetsideesfixesthatheworriesatlikea terrier,goingformorebile. Isheapsycho?Whatthehellishisbeefwith me? Ithinkthathethinksthattechnologyhasntlived uptoitspromiseandthatweshouldallbe demandingbetterofourtech.Soforhim,that meansthatanyonewhoactuallylikestechnology istheenemy,theworstvillain,underminingthe caseforbringingtechuptoitstruepotential. Fuck,thatissotwisted. Andgiventhekindofvilecraphewrites,the onlyreadershehasarenutcaseswhogetoffon seeingpeoplewhoareactuallycreatingstuff flayedalivefortheirfailures.Theyegghimon everseeoneofhisletterscolumns?Ifhechanged toactualreportage,tellingthebalancedstoriesof whatwasgoingonintheworld,theydjumpship forsomeotherhatemonger.Hesalightningrod forassholeshesthekingofthetrolls. Perrylookedaway.WhatdoIdo? Youcouldtrytostarvehim.Ifyoudontshow yourhead,hecantreportonyou,exceptby makingstuffupandmadeupstuffgetsboring, evenforthekindsofloserswhoreadhisstuff. ButIvegotworktodo. behindherandhuggedheratthewaist,squeezing thelittlelovehandlesthere,remindingherofhow longithadbeensinceshedmadeittoyoga. Youthinkthatllwork? Maybe.IvebeentalkingtotheNewJournalism Reviewaboutwritingapieceonmoral responsibilityandpaidjournalism,andifIcan bangitoutthisaft,Ibettheyllpublishit tomorrow. Whatsthatgoingtodo? Well,itlldistracthimfromPerry,maybe.It mightgethisemployertotakeahardlookatwhat heswritingImeanthatpieceisjustlies, mischaracterizations,andeditorialmasquerading asreportage.Sheputherliddownandpaced aroundthecondo,lookingattheleavesfloatingin thepool.Itllgivemesomesatisfaction. Lestergaveherahug,anditsmelledoftheold daysandtheoldLester,thegiant,barrelchested prefatkinsLester.Ittookherbacktoasimpler time,whentheydhadtoworryaboutcommercial competition,notpoliceraids. Shehuggedhimback.Hewasallhardmuscleand zerobodyfatunderneathhistightshirt.Shed neverdatedanyonethatfit,notevenbackinhigh school.Itwasalittledisorienting,anditmadeher feelespeciallyoldandsaggysometimes,though heneverseemedtonotice. Speakingofwhich,shefelthiserectionpressing againsthermidriff,andtriedtohidehergrin. Gimmeacouplehours,allright?

ShedialedtheNJReditorsnumberassheslid intoherchairandpulledupatexteditor.She Yeah,yeahyoudo.Maybeyouvejustgottotake knewwhatsheplannedonwriting,butitwould yourlumps.Everycomplexecosystemhas helptobeabletoshareanoutlinewiththeNJRif parasitesafterall.MaybeyoujustcallupSan shewasgoingtogetthisoutingoodtime. Franciscoandbriefthemonwhattoexpectfrom Workingwitheditorswasapainafteryearsof thisguyandtakeitfromthere. writingfortheblog,butsometimesyouwanted someoneelsesimprimaturonyourwork. Oncetheywereofftheline,Lestercameup

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/175 Fivehourslater,thecopywasfiled.Sherocked backinherchairandstretchedherarmshighover herhead,listeningtothecrackleofherspine. Shedbeenhalffrozenbytheairconditioning,so shedturneditoffandopenedawindow,andnow thecondowashotandmuggy.Shestrippeddown toherunderwearandheadedfortheshower,but beforeshecouldmakeit,shewasinterceptedby Lester. LyenitchkaandAda,hadgottenPascaluponthe sofaandwereplayingdressupwithhim,hot gluingBarbieheadstohischeeksandarmsand chubbyknees,likevacantlystaringwarts. Doyoulikehim? Ithinkhelookswonderful,girls.IsthatglueOK forhim,though? Adanoddedvigorously.Ivebeengluingthings tomybrotherwiththatstuffforever.Dadsaysits OKsolongasIdontputitinhiseyes.

Hefellonherlikeadogondinner,andhours slippedbyastheymadetheapartmenteven muggier.Lestersathleticisminthesackwas Yourdadsasmartman. flattering,butsometimesboundlesstothepointof irritation.Shewasrescuedfromitthistimebythe Hesinlovewithyou,Lyenitchkasaid,and giggled.Adasluggedherinthearm. doorbell. Thatssupposedtobeasecret,stupid,Adasaid. Lesterputonabathrobeandansweredthedoor, andsheheardthesoundsofthefamilyKettlewell spillingin,thekidslittlefootfallspoundingup anddownthecorridors.Hurriedly,Suzannethrew onarobeandduckedacrossthecorridorintothe bathroom,butnotbeforecatchingsightofEvaand Landon.Evasexpressionwasgrimlysatisfied; Landonlookedstricken.Fuckit,anyway.Shed nevergivenhimanyreasontohope,andhehadno businesshoping. Halfwaythroughhershower,sheheardsomeone movingaroundinthebathroom,andthinkingit wasLester,shestuckherheadaroundthecurtain, onlytofindAdaonthepot,littlejeansaroundher ankles.Ihaddamake,Adasaid,withashrug. Christ.Whatwasshedoingbackhere,anyway? ShedmisseditallsomuchfromPetersburg.But shehadntreallybargainedforthis.Itwasonlya matteroftimeuntilTjanshoweduptoo,surely theydbewantingacouncilofwarafterFreddys openingsalvo. Shewaitedforthelittlegirltoflush(ouch!hot water!)andgotdressedasdiscreetlyaspossible. Bythetimeshegottothebalconywherethe councilofwarwasunderway,thetwolittlegirls, Flustered,Suzanneduckedoutontothepatioand shutthedoorbehindher.EvaandTjanand Kettlewellallturnedtolookather. Suzanne!Tjansaid.Nicearticle. Isitupalready? Yeah,justacoupleminutesago.Tjanheldup hisphone.Ivegotawatchlistforanythingtodo withFreddythatgetsalotoflinkloveinashort period.Yourpiecerangthecherries. Shetookthephonefromhimandlookedatthelist oflinksthathadbeenfoundtotheNJRpiece. Threeofthediggdotshadpickedupthestory, sincetheylovedtoreportonanythingthatmade funofFreddyhewasafrequentsavageroftheir readerscherishedbeliefs,afterallandthenceit hadwormeditswayallaroundthenet.Inthetime shedneededtotakeashower,herstoryhadbeen readbyaboutthreemillionpeople.Shefelta twingeofregretfornotpublishingitonherblog thatwouldhavebeensomeseriousadvertising coin. Well,thereyouhaveit. Whatdoyousupposehellcomebackwith?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/176 Kettlewellsaid,thenlookeduncomfortablyatEva. Shepretendednottonotice,andcontinuedtostare atthegrimyHollywoodpalms,swimmingpools andfreeways. Somethingnastyandfulloflies,nodoubt. NerdGroupieChurchFindsFatkinsLovewith RideSidekick SourcesclosetotheHollywood,Floridaridecult haverevealedthatSuzanneChurch,thecelebrity bloggerwhohelpedinflatetheNewWorkstock bubble,isinthemidstofaromanticentanglement withoneofthecultscofounders. ChurchrecentlycameoutofretirementinSt Petersburg,whereshehasbeenproducing PR^H^Hjournalisticaccountsofthenew generationofRussianexperimentalplasticsurgery butchers. agiantfatbastard.Itseemsthatradicalweight losshasputBanksintothecategoryofblokes thatSuzanneChurchiswillingtoplayhidethe sausagewith. Allthiswouldbemeresordidgossipbutforthe factthatChurchisonceagainglowingly chroniclingtheadventuresoftheFloridacultists, playingjournalist,withoutashredofimpartiality ordisclosure. Onecanonlyimaginewhentheother,financial shoewilldrop.ForwhereverChurchgoes,money isntfarbehind:surelytheresafinancialaspectto thisbusinesswiththeride. UPDATE:

Indeedthereis:furtheranonymoustipsterism revealsthatpapershavebeenfiledtocreateaco operativestructuredlikeaclassicPonzischeme, inwhichfranchiseoperatorsoftherideare expectedtopaymembershipduesfurtherupthe Churchwasluredbackbythepromiseofastory ladder.AlltheromanceofChurchsaccountswill abouttheridenetworkthatwasfoundedbyherold certainlyfindafreshbatchofsuckersiftheres palsfromtheNewWorkpumpanddump,Lester onethingweknowaboutSuzanneChurch,itsthat BanksandPerryGibbons.Nowonthesceneare sheknowshowtoseparateamarkfromhismoney. morefamiliarfaces:LandonKettlewell,the disgracedformerCEOofKodacell,andTjan Tang,theformerbusinessmanagerofthe Lesterrantheridebasicallyonhisownthatweek, Banks/Gibbonsscam. missinghisworkshopandhistinkering,thinking ofSuzanne,wishingthatPerrywasbackalready. Butnotlongafterarrivingonthescene,Church fellinwithBanks,anearlyfatkinsandstalwartof Hewasntexactlyapeopleperson,andtherewere alotofpeople. theNewWorkmovement,atechnologistwho entrancedhisfellowengineerswithhisaccounts oftheNewWorksmanyinventionsprompting onemessageboardcommentertocharacterizehim asacrossbetweenSteveWozniakandthe ReverendSunMyungMoon.

Ibroughtsomestuff,thegothkidsaidashepaid forhisticket,heftingtwohugeduffelbags.Thats stillOK,right?

Wasit?DamnedifLesterknew.Thekidhada hugebruisecoveringhalfofhisface,andLester Now,eyewitnessaccountshavethemgoingatit thoughtherecognizedhimfromtheshowdown likeshaggingmarmots,asthebioenhancedBanks DeathWaits,thatswhatPerryhadsaid. fallsonChurchswrinklycarcasshalfadozen Sure,itsfine. timesaday,apparentlyconsummatingaromance thatblossomedwhileBankswas,toputitbluntly, YoureLester,right?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/177 Christ,anotherone. Thegothkidlookedexpectantlyathim.Ima hugefan,youknow.IusedtoworkforDisney,and Yes,thatsme. Iwasalwayswatchingwhatyoudidtogetideas HonestFredisfullofshit.Ivebeenreadingyour fornewstuffweshoulddo.Thatswhyitsso postssinceforever.Thatguyisjustjealous totallysuckballsthattheyreaccusingyouof becauseyourgirlfriendoutedhimforbeingsucha rippingthemoffweripyouoffallthetime. lyingasshole. Lesterfeltlikehewasexpectedtodosomething Yeah.DeathWaitswasntthefirstonetosay withthatinformationmaybedeliverittosome wordstothiseffectSuzannehadhadthathonor lawyerorwhatever.Butwoulditmakea andhewouldntbethelast.ButLesterwanted difference?Hecouldntgetanyspitinhismouth toforgetit.Hedlikedthemomentsoffamehed overlegalfights.Christlegalfights! gainedfromSuzanneswriting,fromhisworkon Thanks.YoureDeathWaits,right?Perrytoldme themessageboards.Hedevenhadacoupleof aboutyou. fanboysshowuptodoalittleinterviewfortheir podcastabouthismechanicalcomputer.Thathad Thekidvisiblyswelled.Yeah.Icouldhelp beennice.ButblokesthatSuzanneChurchis aroundhereifyouwanted,youknow.Iknowalot willingtoplayhidethesausagewithugh. aboutrideoperating.Iusedtotraintheride Suzannewasholdingittogetherasfarashecould runnersatDisney,andIcouldworkanyposition. Ifyouwanted. tell.Butshedidntseemaswillingtostickher neckouttobrokerlittlepeacesbetweenTjanand Kettlewellanymore,andthosetwoweregoingatit hammerandtongsnow,eachconvincedthathe wasincharge.Tjanreasonedthatsinceheactually ranoneofthemostdevelopedridesinthenetwork thatheshouldbetheexecutive,withKettlewellas atrustedadviser.Kettlewellclearlyfeltthathe deservedthecrownbecausehedactuallyrun globalbusinesses,asopposedtoTjan,whowas littlemorethanamiddlemanager. Neitherhadsaidexactlythat,butthatwasonly becausewhenevertheyheadeddownthatpath, Suzanneinterposedherselfanddistractedthem. WerenotreallyhiringLesterbegan. Imnotlookingforajob.Icouldjust,youknow, help.Idonthaveajoboranythingrightnow. Lesterneededtopee.Andhewassickofsitting heretakingpeoplesmoney.Andhewantedtogo playwithhismechanicalcomputer,anyway. Lester?Whosthekidtakingticketmoney? Suzanneshugwassweatyandsmelledgood.

Lookatthis,Lestersaid.Heflippeduphis magnifyinggogglesandhandedherthesodacan. Hedcutawayapanelcoveringthewholefrontof thecan,andinsidehedpainstakinglyassembled sixtyfourflipflops.Heturnedthecrankonthe NooneaskedLesterorPerry,eventhoughthey backofthecanslowly,andthecorrect weretheoneswhodinventeditall.Itwasallso fuckedup.Whycouldnthejustmakestuffanddo combinationofrodsextendedfromthebackofthe can,indicatingthevaluesrepresentedontheflip stuff?Whydiditalwayshavetoturnintoaplan forworlddomination?InLestersexperience,most flopswithin.Itsasixtyfourbitregister.We couldbuildashitkickingPentiumoutofacouple worlddominationplanswentsour,whileahefty millionofthese. proportionofmodestplanstoMakeSomething Coolactuallyworkedoutprettywell,paidthe Heturnedthecrankagain.Thecansmelledof bills,andputfoodonthetable. solderandithadapleasantweightinhishand.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/178 Themillbesidehimhummed,andonhisscreen, thepartshedCADdeduprotatedinwireframe. Suzannewasathissideandhedjustbuilt somethingcompletelytehawesome.Hedtaken hisshirtoffsomewherealongtheafternoonslazy, warmwayandhisskinprickledwithabreeze. youinjail.Youvelefthiminchargeofan expensive,importantcapitalinvestment,andgiven himtheauthoritytocollectmoneyonyourbehalf. Doyoureallyneedtoaskmewhatswrong? Hetriedtosmile.ItsOK,itsOK,hesonly

Onlywhat?Onlyyourpossibledoom?Christ, HeturnedtotakeSuzanneinhisarms.Godhe Perry,youdontevenhavefuckinginsuranceon lovedher.Hedbeeninlovewithherforyearsnow thatbusiness. andshewashis. DidshejustcallhimPerry?Hecarefullysetdown Lookathowcoolthisthingis,justlook.He theCokecanandlookedather. usedatweezertochangetheregistersagainand Imdownherebustingmyassforyoutwo, gaveitalittlecrank.Igottheideafromtheold fightingcops,lettingthatshitFreddysmearmy PrincetonInstituteElectronicComputerProject. Allthesegeniuses,vonNeumannandDyson,they namealloverthenet,andwhatthehellareyou doingtosaveyourself?Youreinhereplayingwith broughtintheirkidsforthesummertowindall thecorestheydneedfortheirRAM.Millionsof Cokecans!Shepickeditupandshookit.He heardtheworksinsiderattlingandflinched thesethings,woundbythekidsofthesmartest peopleintheuniverse.Whatacoolwaytospend towardsit.Shejerkeditoutofhisreachandthrew it,threwithardatthewall.Hundredsoflittle yoursummer. gearsandratchetsandrodsspilledoutofit. SoIthoughtIdprototypethenextgenerationof these,a64bitversionthatyoucouldbuildoutof Fine,Lester,fine.Yougoonbeinganemotional garbage.Getacouplehundredofthelocalkidsin tenyearold.Butstopropingotherpeopleinto forthesummerandgetthemworking.Getthemto this.Youvegotpeoplealloverthecountry understandjusthowthesethingsworkthatsthe dependingonyouandyouarejustabdicatingyour responsibilitytothem.Iwontbeapartofit.She problemwithintegratedcircuits,youcanttake wascryingnow.Lesterhadnoideawhattosay themapartandseehowtheywork.Howarewe goingtogetanothergenerationoftinkerersunless now. wegetkidsinterestedinhowstuffworks? ItsnotenoughthatPerrysoffchasingpussy, youvegottopickthismomenttotakeFrench Whosthekidtakingticketmoney? leavetoplaywithyourtoys.Christ,thewhole Hesafan,thatkidthatPerrymetinjail.Death bunchofyoudeserveeachother. Waits.TheonewhobroughtintheDisneystuff. Lesterknewthathewasonthevergeofshouting HegraduallybecameawarethatSuzannewas ather,reallytearingintoher,sayingunforgivable rigidandshakinginhisarms. things.Hedbeentherebeforewithotherfriends, Whatswrong? andnogoodevercameofit.Hewantedtotellher Herfacewaspurplenow,herhandsclenchedinto thathedneveraskedfortheresponsibility,that hedliveduptoitanyway,thatnoonehadasked fists.Whatswrong?Lester,whatswrong? hertoputherneckonthelineanditwasntfairto Youveleftatotalstranger,who,byhisown admission,isarecentlyterminatedemployeeofa blamehimfortheshitthatFreddywasputtingher through.Hewantedtotellherthatifshewasin companythatistryingtobankruptyouandput lovewithPerry,sheshouldbesleepingwithPerry,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/179 andnothim.Hewantedtotellherthatshehadno businessreaminghimoutfordoingwhathed alwaysdone:sitinhisworkshop. knowwhenwewin,welltakethemtothe cleaners.Christ,whyamIhavingthis conversationwithyou?Dontyouhavesomething Hewantedtotellherthatshehadneveronceseen productivetodo?IsTomorrowlandsofucking himasasexualbeingwhenhewasbigandfat,but perfectthatyouvecomearoundtohelpmewith thathehadnotroubleseeingherasonenowthat mylittleprojects? shewasgettingoldandalittlesaggy,andso Someonesalittletouchytoday,Wienersaid, wheredidshegetoffcriticizinghisemotional waggingafinger.Ijustwantedtoseeifyou maturity? wantedsomehelpcomingupwithastrategyfor Hewantedtosayallofthis,andhewantedtotake gettingoutofthiscatastrophe,butsinceyou backhis64bitregisterandnurseitbacktohealth. mentionit,IdohaveworkIcouldbedoing.Ill seeyouatthenextThemeLeadersmeeting,Sam. Hedbeeninaluminouscreativefogwhenhed Missingthreeisgroundsfordisciplinaryaction, builtthatcan,andwhoknewifhedbeableto youknow. reconstructit? Hewantedtocry,toblubberatherforthe monumentalunfairnessofitall.Hestoodstiffly upfromhisworkbenchandturnedonhisheeland walkedout.HeexpectedSuzannetocalloutto him,butshedidnt.Hedidntcare,oratleasthe didntwantto. Sammysatbackinhischairandlookedcoollyat Wiener.Threatsnow.Disciplinaryaction.Hekept onhisbestpokerface,lookingpastWieners shoulder(afavoritetrickforstaringdown adversariesjustdontmeettheireyes).Inhis peripheralvision,hesawWienerwilt,lookaway andthenturnandleavetheroom.

Hewaiteduntilthedoorhadshut,thenslumpedin SammyskippedthreeconsecutiveTheme hisseatandputhisfaceinhishands.God,and Leadersmeetings,despiteincreasinglydesperate shit,anddamn.Howdiditallgosocrapola?How requestsforhispresence.Thelegalteamwas didheendupwithathemeareathatwashalf eatingeverysparemomenthehad,andhehadnt shut,recordabsenteeism,andevenagoddamned beenabletogetaudienceresearchtogetbusyon unionorganizerjustthedaybefore,whomhed hisfatkinsproject.Nowhewasbehindschedule hadtohavesecurityremove.Floridalawsbeing notsurprising,giventhathedpulledhisschedule whattheywere,itwasarareorganizerbrave outofhisasstoshutupWienerandcoand enoughtotrytocomeonanemployersactual dealingwithlawyerswasmakinghimcrazy. premisestodohisdirtywork,noonewanteda twoyearrapwithoutparoleforcriminaltrespass Andtotopitalloff,thegoddamnedrideswere andinterferencewithtrade.Thekidhadbeen backupandrunning. young,aboutthesameageasDeathWaitsandthe Sothelastthinghewantedwasavisitfrom castmembers,andhadclearlybeendesperateto Wiener. collecthisbountyfromSEIU.Hedgonehard, Theyresuingus,youknow.Theyraisedventure strugglingandkicking,shoutingslogansatthe wideeyedcastmembersandfewguestswho capitaltosueus,becausewehavesuchdeep watchedhimgoaway. pockets.Youknowthat,Sammy? HavinghimtakenawayhadgivenSammyasick Iknowit,Wiener.Peoplesueusallthetime. feeling.Theyhadnthadoneofthosevultureson Venturecapitalistshavedeeppockets,too,you

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/180 thepremisesinthreeyears,andneveronSammys years,Sammy.Theyrepracticallyreadytofloatan turf. IPO.Haveyouseenthis?HehandedSammya Whatnext,whatnext?Howmuchworsecouldit hardcopyofachiclittleinvestmentnewsletterthat wassoexpensivetosubscribetothathed get? suspecteduntilnowthatitmightjustbearumor. Hi,Sammy.Hackelbergwasnttheheadofthe HOWDOYOUGETRID(E)OFABILLION? legaldepartment,buthewasashighupinthe shadowyorganizationasSammyeverhopedto TheKodacellexperimentrecognizedone meet.Hewasoldandleathery,thewaythat fundamentaltruth:itseasytoturntenthousand nativestotheSunbeltcouldbe.Helovedtoaffect intotwohundredthousand,butmuchharderto icecreamsuitsandhadevenbeenknowntocarry turntenmillionintotwohundredmillion.Scaling acane.Whenhewasincasualconversation,he aninvestmentuptogigascaleissohard,itsnearly talkednormallikeaYankeenewscaster.But impossible. themoreserioushegot,thedeeperandthickerhis Butanewparadigmininvestmentthatsunfolding drawlgot.Sammyneveroncebelievedthatthis aroundusthatmightactuallysolvetheproblem: wasaccidental.Hackelbergwasaspremeditatedas venturefinancedlitigation.Twentyorthirty theycame. millionsunkintolitigationcanbankruptatwenty Iwasjustabouttocomeoverandseeyou, Sammylied.Whateverproblemhadbrought Hackelbergdowntohisoffice,itwouldbebetter toseemasthoughhewasalreadyontopofit. billiondollarfirm,transferringtotheinvestors whateverassetsremainafterlegalfees.

Itsoundscrazy,andonlytimewilltellwhetherit provestobesustainable.Butthefounderofthe Iexpectyouwere.WerecameoutWuhwhen strategy,LandonKettlewell,hasstruckgoldforhis thedrawlgotthatfarintotheswampsthatquickly, investorsmorethanoncewitnessthelegendary disasterwasonthehorizon.Hackelbergletthe riseandfallofKodacell,theentitythatemerged phrasehangthere. fromthemergerofKodakandDuracell.Investors inthefirsttworoundsandtheIPOonKodacell Sammysweated.Hewasgoodatthisgame,but broughthome30Xreturnsinthreeyears(of Hackelbergwasbetter.Entertainmentlawyers course,investorswhostayedintoolongcame werelikefuckingvampires,evilembodied.He awaywithnothing). lookeddownathisdesk. Meanwhile,KettlewellsbidtotakedownDisney Sammy.TheyrecomingbackafterusThey Parkslooksgoodthelegalanalysisofthe ahcominbackaftahus.Thoseridepeople. Theydidwhatwethoughttheyddo,incorporating vexatiouslitigationandunfaircompetitioncharges havelegalscholarsarguingandaddingupthe intoasingleentitythatwecansueonceandkill forgood,butthentheydidsomethingelse.Doyou zeros.Mostdamningisthenumberofformer DisneyParksemployees(orcastmembersinthe knowwhattheydid,Sammy? treaclydialectoftheMagicKingdom)whove Sammynodded.Theyrecountersuing.Weknew postedinformationaboutthecompanyslongterm theyddothat,right? plantosabotageKettlewellsclients. Wedidntexpecttheydraiseawarchestlikethe Likewisefascinatingisthequestionofwhetherthe onetheyvepulledtogether.Theyhaveabusiness jurywillbeabletodistinguishbetweenDisney planbuiltaroundsuingusforthenextfifteen Parks,whosecorporatecitizenshipisactually

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/181 prettygood,fromDisneyProducts,whoserecord hasbeentaintedbyastringofdisastrouschild labor,safety,anddesignflaws(astutereaderswill bethinkingoftheflammablepajamasflapof lastyear,andCEORobertMontaguesmemorable words,Parentswhocantkeeptheirkidsaway frommatcheshavenobusinesscomplainingabout ourirresponsibility).Punitivejuryawardsarea wildcardinthiskindoflitigation,butgiventhe trendsinrecentyears,thingslookbadforDisney Parks. Bottomline:shouldyourportfolioincludea litigationinvestmentcomponent?Yes, unequivocally.Whileriskyandslowtomature, litigationinvestmentspromiseastaggeringreturn oninvestmentnotseenindecades.Amillionor twocarefullyplacedwiththerightlitigationfund couldpayoffenoughtomakeitallworthwhile. Thisiscreativedestructionatitsfinest:theold dinosaurslikeDisneyParksarelikerichseamsof lockedawaycapitalbeggingtobeliquidatedand puttoworkatnimblerfirms. Howcanyoutellifyouvegottherightfund? Comebacknextweek,whenwellhaveaQ&A withalitigationspecialistatCreditSuisse/First Boston. ThereslitigationspecialistsatCreditSuisse? Hewasbig,Hackelberg,thoughheoftengavethe impressionofbeingsmallerthroughhishabitual slouch.Butwhenhepulledhimselfup,itwaslike astringinthecenterofthetopofhisheadwas holdinghimerect,likehewashoveringoffthe ground,likehewasabouttoleapacrossthedesk andgoforyourthroat.Hislowerjawrockedfrom sidetoside. Sammyswallowed.Buttheyvegotjustasdeep pocketsaswedocantwejustfightthesebattles outandtakethemoneyoffofthemwhenwe win? Ifwewin. Sammysawhisopportunitytoshifttheblame.If wevebeenactingongoodlegaladvice,why wouldntwewin? Hackelberginhaledslowly,hischestfillingand fillinguntilhisicecreamsuitlookedlikeitmight pop.Hisjawclickedfromsidetoside.Buthe didntsayanything.Sammytriedtomeetthatcool gaze,buthecouldntoutstaretheman.The silencestretched.Sammygotthemessage:this wasnotaproblemthatoriginatedinthelegal department.Thiswasaproblemthatoriginated withhim. Helookedaway.Howdowesolvethis? Weneedtoraisethecostoflitigation,Samuel. Theonlyreasonthisisviableisthatitscost effectivetosueus.Whenweraisethecostof litigation,wereduceitsprofitability. Howdoweraisethecostoflitigation? Youhaveafertileimagination,Sammy.Ihaveno doubtthatyouwillbeabletoconceiveof innumerablemeansofaccomplishingthisgoal. Isee. Ihopeyoudo.Ireallyhopeyoudo.Becausewe haveanalternativetoraisingthecostoflitigation. Yes? Wecouldsacrificeanemployeeortwo.

Sammypickeduphiswaterglassanddiscovered thatitwasempty.Heturnedawayfromhisdeskto refillitfromhisfilterandwhenheturnedback, Theydonow,Sammy.Everyinvestmentbankhas thelawyerhadgone.Hismouthwasdryascotton one,includingtheonethatthechairmanofour andhishandswereshaking. boardisamajorityshareholderin. Raisethecostoflitigation,huh?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/182 Hegrabbedhislaptop.Therewerewaysto establishanonymousemailaccounts,buthedidnt knowthem.Figuringthatoutwouldtakeupthe restoftheafternoon,herealized,ashecalledupa coupleofFAQs. Inthecourseofacareerasvariedandambitious asSammys,itwasoftenthecasethatyouran acrossanemailaddressforsomeoneyounever plannedoncontacting,butyouneverknew,anda wiseplannermakesspaceforlotsofoutlier contingencies. Sammyhadntwrittendowntheseemail addresses.Hedcommittedthemtomemory. DeathWaitswaslivingthedream.Hetook peoplesmoneyanddirectedthemtotherides entrance,makingthemfeelwelcome,talkingride trivia.Someofhispalsspottedhimatthedesk andenviouslydemandedtoknowhowhecameto besittingontheothersideofthewicket,andhe toldthemtheincrediblestoryofthefatkinswhod simplyhandedoverthereins. This,thiswashowyouranaride.Noneofthat artificialgloopysweetnessthatdefinedtheDisney experience:instead,yougotapersonal,informal, humanscaleexperience.Chatpeopleup,findout theirhopesanddreams,makeadmiringnoisesat theartifactstheydbroughttoaddtotheride, kibbitzaboutwheretheymightplacethem.... Itmustbewhypeoplewenttochurch.Notthat Disneyhadbeenareligionforhim,exactly.But whenhewatchedtheparkhedgrownupattending takeonthetrappingsthatadornedhisfavorite clubs,hisfavoritemoviesandgamesman,ithad beenapieceofmagic. Andtobeapartofit.Tobeanaltarboy,ifnota priest,inthatmagicalcathedraltheydallbuilt togetherinOrlando! Butithadntbeenreal.Hecouldseethatnow. AtDisney,DeathWaitshadbeenacustomer,and thenanemployee(castmemberhecorrected himselfreflexively).Whathewanted,though,was tobeacitizen.AcitizenofTheMagicwhich wasntaMagicKingdom,sincekingdomsdidnt havecitizens,theyhadsubjects. Hestartedtoworryaboutwhetherhewasgoingto getalunchbreakbyabouttwo,andbythreehe wasstarving.LuckilythatswhenLestercame back.HethankedDeathprofusely,whichwas nice,buthedidntaskDeathtocomebackthe nextday. Um,whencanIcomebackanddothissome more? Youwanttodothis? ItoldyouthatthismorningIloveit.Imgood atit,too.

Lesterappearedtothinkitover.Idontknow, Aroundhim,thebarkofthevendors.Oneofthem, man.Ikindofputyouinthehotseattoday,butI anoldladyinablindingwhitesundress,cameby dontreallyhavetheauthoritytodoit.Icouldget toaskhimifhewantedanythingfromthecoffee intotrouble cart. Deathwavedhimoff.Dontsweatit,then,he saidwithasmuchchirpashecouldmuster,which Therehadbeenatime,thosefirstdayswhen waspreciousfuckinglittle.Hefeltlikehisheart theydrebuiltFantasyland,whenhedreallyfelt wasbreaking.Itwasworsethanwhenhedfinally likehewaspartofthemagic.No,TheMagic, askedoutacoworkerwhodworkedthe withcapitalletters.Somethingabouttheshared PinocchioVillageHausandshehadherlookedso experienceofgoingtoaplacewithpeopleand havinganexperiencewiththem,thatwasspecial. horrifiedthathedmadeajokeoutofit,worried aboutasexualharassmentcomplaint.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/183 Lesterclearlycaughtsomeofthat,forhethought smoothiewithtaurineandmodafinilthatsounded somemoreandthenwavedhishands.Screwher reallygood. anyway.Meetmehereattentomorrow.Yourein. Hespotteditandreachedtotapontheglassand Deathwasntsurehedheardhimright.Youre orderitjustasthefatguycameupbesidehim.Fat kidding. guyswererareintheeraoffatkins,itwas Noman,youwantit,yougotit.Youregoodatit, practicallyafashionstatementtobechunky,but thisguywasntfashionable.Hehadonionbreath likeyousaid. thatDeathcouldsmellevenbeforeheopenedhis Holythanks.Thankyousomuch.Imeanit. mouth,andhewaswearingagreasywindbreaker Thankyou!Hemadehimselfstopblithering. andbaggyjeans.Hehadacomboverandneeded Nicetomeetyou,hesaidfinally.Haveagreat ashave. evening!Yowch.Hewasspeaking Whatthehellareyousupposedtobe? castmemberese.Niceone,Darren. Hedsavedenoughoutofhiswagesfromhisfirst Imnotanything,DeathWaitssaid.Hewasused toshitkickersandtouristsgawpingathisshockof yearatDisneytobuyalittleShellelectrictwo blackhairwithitsviridiangreenhighlights,his seater,andthenhedgonewayintodebtbuying whitefacepaintandeyeliner,hiscontactlenses kitstomodittolooklikeaBigDaddyRoth coffindragster.Thecarsataloneattheedgeofthe thatmadehiswholeeyesintozombiewhitecue balls.Youjusthadtoignorethem. lot.Aroundhim,aslowprocessionofstall operators,withtheirarmsfull,headedforthe freewayandacrosstotheshantytown. Youdontlooklikenothingtome.Youlooklike something.Somethingyouddressupasixyear Meanwhile,henursedhisembarrassmentandtried oldasforHalloween.Imean,whatthefuck?He totakecomfortintheattentionthathisgleaming, wastalkingquietlyandwithoutrancor,buthehad avibelikeabasher.Hemusthavearrivedatthe moddedcarevinced.Helovedthedecorative desertedreststopwhileDeathWaitswashavinga spoilers,thehugereartires,theshiningmuffler piss. pipesrunningalongsidethebulgingrunning boards.Hesteppedinandgrippedthebatshaped DeathWaitslookedaroundforasecuritycam. gearshift,adjustedtheheadstoneshapedheadrest, Thesereststopsalwayshadalicenseplatecamat andgotrolling.Itwasalongdrivebackhometo theentranceandacoupleofantistickupcams Melbourne,andhewasreelingfromthedays aroundthecashier.Hespottedthecamera. events.Hewishedhedgottensomeonetosnapa Someonehadhungabaseballhatoveritslens. picofhimatthecounter.Shit. Hefelthisballsdrawuptowardhisabdomenand Hepulledoffatafillingstationafteracouple hours.Heneededapissandsomethingwith guaranaifhewasgoingtomakeittherestofthe wayhome.Itwasallshutdown,buttheautomat wasstillopen.Hestoodbeforethegiant,wall sizedglassedinrefrigeratorandditheredoverthe energydrinks.Therewerechocolateones,salty ones,colasandcreamsodas,butafriendhad textedhimapictureofasemilegalyogurt hisbreathingquicken.Thisguywasgoingto fuckingmughim.Shitshitshit.Maybetakehis car. OK,Deathsaid,nicetalkingtoyou.Hetried tosteparoundtheguy,buthesidesteppedto blockDeathspath,thenputahandonDeaths shoulderitwasstrong.Deathhadbeenmugged oncebefore,buttheguyhadnttouchedhim;hed justtoldhim,fastandmean,tohandoverhis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/184 walletandphoneandthenhadsplit. Imnotdone,theguysaid. Look,takemywallet,Idontwantanytrouble. Apartfromtwoglorioussuckerpunchesat Sammy,Deathhadneverthrownapunch,not sincehedflunkedoutofkaratelessonsatthe localstripmallwhenhewastwelve.Helikedto danceandhecouldrunacouplemileswithout gettingwinded,buthedseenenoughrealfightsto knowthatitwasbettertogetawaythantotryto strikeoutifyoudidntknowwhatyouweredoing. Youdontwantanytrouble,huh? Deathheldouthiswallet.Hecouldcancelthe cards.Losingthecashwouldhurtnowthathe didnthaveadayjob,butitwasbetterthanlosing histeeth. Theguysmiled.Hisonionbreathwasterrible. Iwanttrouble.Withoutanypreambleorwind up,theguytookholdoftheearringthatDeath woreinhistragus,thelittleknobofcartilageon theinsideofhisear,andbrisklytoreitoutof Deathshead. Itwassosudden,thepaindidntcomeatonce. Whatcamefirstwasanumbfeeling,theblood drainingoutofhischeeksandthecolordraining outoftheworld,andhisbraindoubleandtriple checkingwhathadjusthappened.Didsomeone justtearapieceoutofmyear?Tear?Ear? quickly,andhadhookedafootaroundhisankle. Hewasgoingtofallover.Helandedinarunners crouchandtriedtostartrunning,butabootcaught himinthebutt,likeanoldtimeycomedymoment, andhewentsprawling,hischinsmackingintothe pavement,histeethclackingtogetherwithasound thatechoedinhishead. Getthefuckup,theguysaid.Hewaspantinga little,soundingexcited.Thatsoundwasthe scariestthingsofar.Thisguywantedtokillhim. Hecouldhearthat.Hewassomekindoftruck stopmurderer. Deathsfingerswereencrustedinheavysilver ringsstylizedskulls,astaringeyeball,acoffin shapedpoisonersringthathesometimeskept artificialsweetenerin,anankh,analienheadwith insectileeyesandheballedhishandsintofists, thinkingofeverythinghedeverreadabout throwingapunchwithoutbreakingyourknuckles. Getclose.Keepyourfisttight,thumboutside. Dontwinduporhellseeitcoming. Heslowlyturnedover.Theguyseyeswerein shadow.Hisbellyheavedwitheachexcitedpant. Fromthisangle,Deathcouldseetheguyhada giganticboner.Thethoughtofwhatthatmight bodesenthimintooverdrive.Hecouldntaffordto letthisguybeathimup.

Hebackeduptotherailthatlinedthewalkway andpulledhimselfupright.Hecoweredinon himselfasmuchashecould,hopingthattheguy Thenthepainroaredin,allofhissensesleapingto wouldclosewithhim,sohecouldgetinonegood keenawarenessbeforemaxingoutcompletely.He punch.Hemutteredindistinctly,softly,hopingto heardacrashingsoundlikethesurf,smelled makethemanleanin.Hisringencrustedhands somethingburning,alightappearedbeforehis grippedtherailings. eyes,anacridtastefloodedhismouthandhisear feltliketherewasahotcoalnestledinit,charring Theguytookasteptowardhim.Hislipswerewet, hiseyesshone.Hehadahandinhispocketand theflesh. Deathrealizedthatgettinghisattackerclosein Withpaincametheplan:getthefuckoutofthere. wouldntbesmartifhehadaknife. Hetookastepbackandturnedtorun,butthere Thehandcameout.Itwaspudgyandstub wassomethingtangledinhisfeettheguyhad fingered,andthefingernailswereallgnawed bridgedthedistancebetweenthemquickly,very

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/185 downtothequick.Deathlookedatit.Spraycan. Pepperspray?Mace?Hedidntwaittofindout. Helaunchedhimselfofftherailingatthefatman, goingforhiswet,whistlingcaveofamouth. Just.Shut.The.Fuck.Up.Bang,bang,bang. Deaththoughthedloseconsciousnesssoonhed hadnoideathatpaincouldbethisintense.Buthe didntloseconsciousnessforalong,longtime. Andthepaincouldbealotmoreintense,asit Themannoddedashecameforhimandlethim pasteoneonhim.Deathsringsdrewbloodonthe turnedout. fatcheekandrockedtheguysheadbackabit. Themansteppedbackandarmedawaytheblood Sammydidntwantthewritermeetinghimathis withhissleeve.Deathwasrunningforhiscar, office.Hisorganizationhadlotsofpeoplewhod handdiggingintohispocketforhisphone.He beenloyaltotheoldgothyparkandeventoDeath managedtogetthephoneoutandhishandonthe Waits.Theyplottedagainsthim.Theywroteabout doorhandlebeforethefatmancaughtup, himonthefuckingInternet,reportingonwhat breathingheavily,airwhistlingthroughhisnose. hedeatenforlunchandwhodshoutedathimin HepunchedDeathinthemouthinavastly hisofficeandhowthenumbersweredeclining superiorrenditionofDeathssolebraveblow,a andhownoneofthedesigncrewswantedtowork punchsohardDeathsneckmadeacrackling onhisnewrides. soundashisheadrockedaway,slammingoffthe Thewritercouldntcometotheofficecouldnt carsframe,ringinglikeagong.Deathbeganto comewithinmilesofthepark.Infact,ifSammy slidedownthecarsdoor,andonlymanagedto hadhadhisway,theywouldhavedonethisallby turnhisfaceslightlywhenthemansprayedhim phone,butwhenhedemailedthewriter,hedsaid withhislittleaerosolcan. thathewasinFloridaalreadyandwouldbehappy Mace.Deathsbreathstoppedinhislungsandhis tocomeandmeetup. facefeltasifhedplungeditintoboilingoil.His OfcoursehewasinFloridahewascoveringthe eyesfeltworse,likedirtyfingerswere ride. sandpaperingoverhiseyeballs.Hechokedandfell Thetrickwastofindaplacewherenoone,butno overandheardthemanlaugh. one,fromworkwouldgo.Thatmeantgoingas Thenabootcaughthiminthestomachandwhile touristyaspossiblesomethingoverpricedand hewasdoubledover,itcamedownagainonhis kitschy. skinnyshin.Thesoundofthebonebreakingwas Camelotwasjusttheplace.Ithadoncebeena loudenoughtobeheardovertheroaringofthe bloodinhisears.Hemanagedtosuckinalungful demolitionderbystadium,andthenhaddoneturns asaskatepark,adanceclubandadiscount ofairandscreamitout,andthebootconnected withhismouth,kickinghimhardandmakinghim wickerfurnitureoutlet.NowitwasOrlandos numbertwoArthurianthemeddiningexperience, bitehistongue.Bloodfilledhismouth. cateringtopackageholidayconsolidatorswho Aroughhandseizedhimbythehairandthe neededsomewheretofillthegulletsoftheir raspingbreathwasinhisears. busloadsoftourists.Watchingmeninarmorjoust YoushouldjustshutthefuckupaboutDisneyon atlowspeedongluefactorynagstookcareofan thefuckingInternet,youknowthat,kid? eveningsworthofentertainment,too. Themanslammedhisheadagainstthepavement. Sammyparkedbetweentwogiantairconditioned

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/186 tourcoaches,thenmadehiswaytotheentrance. Hedtoldtheguywhathelookedlike,andtheguy hadrespondedwithanobviouspublicityshotthat madehimlooklikePuckfromaboysschool performanceofAMidsummerNightsDream unrulyhair,mischievousgrin. thestorythatyouvebeencovering.Ifiguredit wasinmyemployersbestinteresttoseetoitthat yougotmyversion. Thereportersgrinwaswetandmean.Ithought itwassomethinglikethat.Youunderstandthat ImgoingtowritethisthewayIseeit,nottheway youspinit,right?

Whenheturnedup,though,hewastenyears older,acigarettejammedintheyellowingcrooked Sammyputahandonhisheart.Ofcourse.I stumpsofhisteeth.Heneededashowerandthere neverwouldhaveaskedanythinglessofyou. waseggonthefrontofhisdenimjacket. Thereporternoddedandsteppedinsidetheair ImSammy,Sammysaid.Youmustbe conditioned,horseysmellingdepthsofCamelot. Freddy. Thegreeterhadacneandapairoftightsthat Freddyspatthecigarettetoonesideandshook showedoffhisskinnyknockknees.Hetookoff withhim.Thewriterspalmswereclammyand hisgreatpeakedcapwithitslongplumeandmade wet. astifflittlebow.Greetings,milords,toCamelot. Yonfeastawaits,andourbraveknightsstand Pleasuretomeetyou,Freddysaid.Camelot, readytodobattlefortheirhonorandyour huh? amusement. Tasteofhomeforyou,Iexpect,Sammysaid. FreddyrolledhiseyesatSammy,butSammy Tallyho.Pippip. madealittlescootinggestureandhandedthe Freddyscrunchedhisfaceupinanelaboratesneer. greetertheirtickets,whichwereringside.Ifhe Youarejoking,right? wasgoingtogotoaplacelikeCamelot,hecould atleastgetthebestseatsinthehouse. Imjoking.IfIwantedtogiveyouatasteof home,IdhaveinvitedyoutotheRoseandCrown Theysettledinandlettheservingwenchwhose PubinEpcot:Haveajollyolgoodtimeatthe fancycontactlenses,piercings,andelectricblue RoseandCrown! ponytailswereseriouslyoffthemetaketheir roastbeefordersandservethemgiganticpewter Stilljoking,Itrust? tankardsofale;BudLight,andthelogowas Stilljoking,Sammysaid.Thisplacedoesa stampedintothesidesofthetankards. decentroastbeef,anditsprivateenough. Tellmeyourstory,then,Freddysaid.The Privateinthesenseoffullofscreamingstupid touristsaroundthemwerenoisyandalreadya touristsstuffingtheirfaces? littledrunk,theirconversationloudtobeheard overtheloopingsoundtrackofrenfairepolka Exactly.Sammytookasteptowardthe music. automaticdoors. Beforewegoin,though,Freddysaid.Before wegoin.Whyareyoutalkingtomeatall,Mr DisneyParksExecutive?

Well,Idontknowhowmuchyouknowaboutthe newDisneyParksorganization.Alotofpeople thinkofusasbeingjustanothersubsidiaryofthe Mouse,likebackintheolddays.Butsincethe Hewasreadyforthisone.Ifiguredthatsooneror IPO,wereourowncompany.Welicensesome lateryoudwanttoknowmoreaboutthisendof trademarksfromDisneyandoperateridesbased

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/187 onthem,butwealsoaggressivelylicensefrom otherpartiesWarners,Universal,Nintendo.Even theFrenchcomicbookpublisherresponsiblefor Asterix.Thatmeansthatwegetalotofpeople cominginandoutoftheorganization,contractors orconsultantsworkingondesigningasingleride orshow. Thatcreatesalotofopportunitiesforcorporate espionage.Knowingwhatpropertieswere consideringlicensinggivesthecompetitiona chancetogetthereaheadofus,tolandan exclusivedealthatsetsusbackonsquareone.Its uglystufftheycallitcompetitiveintelligence butitsjustspying,plainoldspying. Allofouremployeeshavebeencontacted,one timeoranother,bysomeonewithanofferget meauniform,orapicofthedesignroughs,ora recordingofthesoundtrack,oracopyofthe contracts,andIllmakeitworthyourwhile.From streetsweeperstoseniorexecs,themoneyisjust sittingthere,waitingforustopickitup. gypsies. Freddykeptchewing,butheduginthepocketsof hissportscoatandcameupwithasmallstubby notebookandaballpoint.Hejottedsomenotes, shieldingthepadwithhisbody. Andthesecrassimitatorsenterintoourstory how?Freddyaskedaroundhisbeef. YouknowabouttheseNewWorkpeoplethey callthemselvesremixersbutthatsjusta smokescreen.Theyliketocloakthemselvesin somepostmodern,CreativeCommons legitimacy,butwhenitcomesdowntoit,they madetheirfortuneofftheintellectualpropertyof others,uncompensateduseofdesignsand technologiesthatothershadinvestedinand created.

Sowhentheymadearide,itwasntmuchof much.LikesomekindofdustyCommiemuseum, oldtrophiesfromtheirlastcampaign.But somewherealongtheway,theyhookedupwith oneofthesebrokerswhospecializesinsneaking Thewenchbroughtthemtheirgiganticpewter oursecretsoutoftheparkandintothehandsof platesofroastbeef,Yorkshirepudding,parsnips, ourcompetitorsandquickasthat,theywere andamountainoffrenchfries,presumablyto profitablenationallyfranchised,even.He appeasethemiddleAmericanappetitesofthe stoppedtoquaffhisBudLightandsurreptitiously moreunadventurousdiners. checkedoutthejournalisttoseehowmuchofthis Freddyslicedoffathroatplugginglumpofbeef hewasbuying.Impossibletosay.Hewasstill andskewereditonhisfork. masticatingacheekfulofrareroast,juice overflowingthecornersofhismouth.Buthis Youregoingtotellmethatthetemptation handmovedoverhispadandhemadean overwhelmedoneofyouremployees,yes?He impatientgoongesturewithhishead,swallowing shovedtheentirelumpintohismouthandbegan tomasticateit,cheekspouchedout,lookinglikea someofhispayload. kidwithamouthfulofbubblegum. Wefiredsomeofthepeopleresponsibleforthe Precisely.Ourcompetitorsdontwanttocompete breaches,buttherewillbemore.With50,000 castmembersThewritersnortedalaughatthe withusonalevelplayingfield.Theyare,more Disneyspeakandchokedalittle,washingdown thananything,imitators.Theytakethestuffthat thelastofhismouthfulwithachugofbeer. wecarefullybuild,basedonextensiveresearch, designandtesting,andtheycloneitforparkinglot 50,000employeesitsinevitablethattheyllfind more.Theseexemployees,meanwhile,have amusementrides.Theresnoattentiontodetail. Theresnoattentiontosafety!Itsallcowboysand movedtothelastrefugeofthescoundrel:Internet

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/188 messageboards,petulanttweets,andwhinyblogs, wheretheyrebusilyrunningusdown.Wecant win,butatleastwecanstanchthebleeding.Thats whywevebroughtourlawsuits,andwhywell bringthenextround. Thejournalistshandmovedsomemore,thenhe turnedafreshpage.Isee,Isee.Yes,all fascinating,really.Butwhataboutthese countersuits? youngman,beforeItookupthepen,Iworkeda seriesofcompletelyrubbishjobs.Icleanedtoilets, Idroveataxi,Istockedgroceryshelves.Youmay askhowthisqualifiedmetowriteaboutthe technologyindustry.Lotsofpeoplehave,infact, askedthat.

Illtellyouwhyitqualifiesme.Itqualifiesme becauseunlikealltheivorytowerbloggers,rich andcomfortablegeekswhosemasturbatoryrants Moreposturing.Pirateslovetoputonaggrieved aboutApplenothonoringtheirwarrantiesare airs.Theseguysrippedusoffandgotcaughtatit, whatpassesforcorporatecriticismonline,Ive andnowtheywanttosueusfortheirtrouble.You beenthere.Imnotfromarichfamily,Ididntget knowhowcountersuitswork:theyrejustabidto togotothebestschools,nooneputaPCinmy bedroomwhenIwassix.Iworkedforanhonest getafastsettlement:Well,Ididsomethingbad butsodidyou,whydontweshakehandsandcall livingbeforeIgaveuphonestworktowrite. itaday? AsmuchastheInternetcirclejerkdisgustsme, itsnotapatchonthebusinessesthemselves.You Uhhuh.Soyouretellingmethatthese Disneypeoplewithyourminimumwageandall intellectualpropertypiratesmadeafortune thesexualharassmentyoucaneatlaborpoliciesin knockingoffyourridesandthattheyreonly yournicerighttoworkstate,yougetawaywith countersuingyoutogetasettlementoutofyou, murder.Anyonewhocriticizesyoudoessoon huh? yourownterms:IsDisneyexploitingitsworkers Thatsitinanutshell.Iwantedtositdownwith toomuch?Isitbeingtooaggressiveinpolicingits you,onbackground,andjustgiveyouoursideof intellectualproperty?Shoulditbeniceraboutit? things,thestoryyouwontgetfromthepress Imthewriterwhodoesntwatchyour releases.Iknowyouretheonlyonetryingto reallygetatthestorybehindthestorywiththese corporationsonyourownterms.Idontcareif anotherbusinessisunfairlycompetingwithyour people. business.Icarethatyourbusinessisunfairtothe Freddyhadfinishedhisentireroastandwas world.Thatitaggressivelyexploitschildrentoget workinghiswaythroughthefriesandlimp theirparentstospendmoneytheydonthaveon Yorkshirepudding.Hewavedvigorouslyattheir junktheydontneed.Icarethatyourworkerscant servingwenchandhollered,Morehere,love! unionize,makeshitwages,andgetfiredwhenthey andquaffedhisbeer. complainorwhenyouneedtoflexyourpowera Sammydugintohiscolddinnerandspearedupa little. forkful,waitingforFreddytofinishswallowing. Igrewupwithoutanypoweratall.WhenIwas workingforaliving,Ihadnosayatallinmy Well,thatsaveryneatlittlestory,MrDisney Executiveofftherecordonbackground.Sammy destiny.Itdidntmatterhowmuchshitaboss wantedtoshovelonme,allIcoulddowasstand feltavividtwingeofanxiety.Freddyseyes andtakeit.NowIvegotsomepower,andIplan glitteredinthetorchlight.Veryneatindeed. onusingittosettingthingstorights. Letmetellyouoneofmyown.WhenIwasa

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/189 Sammychewedhisroastlongpastthepointthatit wasreadytoswallow.Thefactthathedmadean errorwasreadilyapparentfromthestartof Freddyslittlespeech,butwitheachpassing minute,thedepthofhiserrorgrew.Hedreally fuckedup.Hefeltlikethrowingup.Thisguywas goingtofuckhim,hecouldtell. wereleadenanduncoordinatedonthelongtripto thefilthytoilets.

Hesplashedcoldwateronhisfaceinthesink,and thenheadedbacktowardhisseat.Henevermade it.Fromthetopofthestairsleadingdownto ringside,hesawFreddyquaffingmorealeand flirtingwiththewench.Thethunderofhorse Freddysmiledandquaffedandwipedathisbeard hoovesandthesoundtrackofcinematicmusic withtheembroiderednapkin.Oh,lookthe drownedoutallsounds,butnothingmaskedthe joustingsabouttostart,hesaid.Knightsin stinkofthemanurefallingfromthehorses,halfof armoronhorsebackcircledthearena,lancesheld whichwerepanicking(theotherhalfappearedto high.Thecrowdapplaudedandanannouncer bedrugged). cameonthePAtotellthemeachknightsname, Thiswasamistake.HethoughtFreddywasa referringthemtoaprogramprintedontheir gossipreporterwholikedjuicystories.Turnedout placemats.Sammypretendedtobeinterested hewasalsooneofthosetediousanticorporate whileFreddycheeredthemon,thatsamelookof typeswhowouldhappilyhangSammyouttodry. unholygleeplainonhisface. Timetocuthislosses. Theknightsformeduparoundtheringandtheir pimplysquirescameoutofthegateandtendedto them.Therewasasquireandknightrightinfront ofthem,andthesquiretippedhishattothem. Freddyhandedthekidatendollarbill.Sammy nevertippedliveperformers;hehatedbuskersand panhandlers.Itallremindedhimofstuffinga strippersGstring.Helikedhismediaalittle moreimpersonalthanthat.ButFreddywas lookingathim,sowithaweaklittlesmile,he handedthesquirethesmallestthinginhiswallet atwenty. Thejoustingbegan.Itwasterrible.Theknights couldntrideworthadamn,theirlancesmissed oneanotherbyfarcicalmargins,andtheirfalls weresoobviouslystagedthateventhechubbyten yearoldbesidehimwasclearlyunimpressed. Heturnedonhisheelandheadedforthedoor.The doormanwashavingacigarettewithaguyina sportscoatwhowaswearingamanagerbadgeon hislapel. Leavingsosoon?Theshowsonlyjustgetting started!Themanagerwassweatingunderhis sportscoat.Hehadathinmustacheandbadly diedchestnuthaircutlikeaLegocharacters. Notinterested,Sammysaid.Alltheofftheme stuffdistractedme.Noserings.Bluehair. Cigarettes.Thedoormanguiltilyflickedhis cigaretteintotheparkinglot.Sammyfeltalittle better.

Imsorrytohearthat,sir,themanagersaid.He wasprematurelygreyunderthedyejob,forhe couldnthavebeenmorethanthirtyfive.Thirty Gottogotothebathroom,hesaidintoFreddys fiveyearsoldandworkingadeadendjoblikethis Sammywasthirtyfive.Thisiswherehemight ear.Inleaningover,hecontrivedtogetalookat thereportersnotebook.Itwascoveredinobscene endupifhisscrewupscamebacktohaunthim. Wouldyoulikeacommentcard? doodlesofMickeyMousewithahugeerection, Minniedanglingfromanoose.Therewasnta No,Sammysaid.Anyoutfitthatcantfigure singlewordwrittenonit.Whatlittlebloodwas outcleantoiletsanddecentthemingonitsown leftinSammysheaddrainedintohisfeet,which cantbenefitfrommyadvice.Thedoorman

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/190 flushedandlookedaway,butthemanagerssmile stayedfixedandcalm.Maybehewasdrugged,like thehorses.ItbotheredSammy.Christ,howlong untilthisplacegetsturnedintoarollerderby again? Hemadearudesound.Fuckhospitals,fuck doctors,andfuckthisfuckingcast.Myarmbarely hurtsthesedays.WecansplintitonceIgetthis off,thatllimmobilizeit.TheytoldmeIdneed thisforsixweeks.Icantwearthisforsixweeks. Wouldyoulikearefund,sir?themanagerasked. Illgonuts. Helookedoutattheparkinglot.Sammyfollowed Youllgolameifyoutakeitoff.Yourpoor hisgaze,lookingabovethecars,andrealized, mother,youmusthavedrivenhernuts. suddenly,thathewasstandinginacooltropical Heslippedandcuthimselfandwinced,buttried evening.Theskyhadgonethecolorofaripe nottoletherknow,becausethatsexactlywhat plum,withproudpalmssilhouettedagainstit.The shedpredictedwouldhappen.Afteracoupledays windmadethemsway.Afewcloudsscudded together,shedbecomeanexpertatpredicting acrossthemoonsluminousface,andthesmellof exactlywhichofhisescapadeswouldendin citrusandthehumofinsectsandthecallsofnight disaster.Itwasalittlespooky. birdswerevividontheeveningair. Bloodoozedoutfromunderthecastandslicked Hedbeenabouttosaysomethingcuttingtothe hishand. manager,onelastattempttomaketheman Right,offtothehospital.Itoldyouyoudgetthis miserable,buthecouldntbebothered.Hehada thingwetifyougotintheshower.Itoldyouthatit nicescreenedinporchbehindhishouse,witha hammock.Hedsatinitonnightslikethis,years wouldstinkandrotanditchifyoudid.Itoldyou toletmegiveyouaspongebath. ago.Nowallhewantedtodowassitinitagain. Imnotinsured. Goodnight,hesaid,andheadedforhiscar. Wellgotothefreeclinic. Perryscaststank.Ithadstartedtogoalittle skunkyonthesecondday,butafteraweekitwas likehehadadeadanimalstucktohisshoulder.A rottingdeadanimal.Arotting,itchydeadanimal. Idontthinkyouresupposedtobedoingthison yourown,Hildasaid,ashesawedawkwardlyatit withtheutilityknife.Itwasmadeofsomethinga lottougherthanthefiberglassonehedhadwhen hebrokehislegfallingofftheroofasakid(hed beenuptherescoutingoutgliderpossibilities). Soyoudoit,hesaid,handinghertheknife.He couldntstandthesmellforonesecondlonger. Uhuh,notme,pal.Nowaythatthingis supposedtocomeoffanytimesoon.Ifyoure goingtocrippleyourself,youregoingtohaveto doitonyourown. 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? Hesmiledinspiteofhimself.Allright,Igivein. Imisshome.Theyreallinthemiddleofit, runningtherideandstuff,andImhere.Hefelta momentsworrythatshedbeoffended.Notthat Idontlovebeingherewithyou,butImfeeling

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/191 guilty OK,Igetit.Ofcourseyoufeelguilty.Itsyour project,itsintrouble,andyourenottakingcare ofit.Christ,Perry,isthatall?Iwouldhavebeen disappointedifthiswasntworryingyou.Letsgo toFloridathen. What? Illhavethemkilled.Moretothepoint,theyll lovemebecauseyoulovemeandIloveyouand theyloveyou,too. WhatdoesErniethinkofme?hesaid,thinking ofherbrotherforthefirsttimesincetheyd hookedupallthosemonthsago.

Oh,hum,shesaid.Hestiffened.No,itsOK, Shekissedthetipofhisnose.TakemetoFlorida, shesaid,rubbinghistummysomemore.Ittickled. HesgladImwithsomeoneIcareabout,andhe letsmeetyourfriends. lovestheride.Hesjust,youknow.Protectiveof But...Weretheymovingintogetheror hisbigsister. something?Hewastotallysmittenwiththisgirl, butthatwasfast.EvenforPerry.Dontyouneed Whatsheworriedabout? tobehere? Justwhatyoudexpect.Welivethousandsof milesapart.Youretenyearsolderthanme. Theycanlivewithoutme.ItsnotlikeIm Youvebeengettingintothekindoftroublethat proposingtomoveinwithyou.Illcomeback hereafterawhile.ButImonlydoingtwoclasses attractsarmedcops.Wouldntyoubeprotectiveif thistermandtheyrebothofferedbydistanceed. youweremybro? Letsjustgo. When? Iwasanonlychild,butsure,OK,Iseethat. Itsnothing,shesaid.Really.Bringhimanice souvenirfromFloridawhenwecomebackto Afterthehospital.Youneedanewcast, stinkmeister.Rolldownyourwindowalittle,OK? Madison,takehimoutforacouplebeersanditll allbegreat. Whew! Sowerecool?Allthefamiliesareinagreement? Thedoctorswarnedhimtoletthenewcastset Allthestarsareinalignment?Everythingishunky overnightbeforesubjectingittotherigorsofa TSAexamination,sotheyspentonemorenightat and/ordory? Hildasplace.Perryspentitgoingoverthemailing listtrafficandblogposts,confirmingtheplane tickets,orderingacartomeetthemattheMiami airport.Hefinallymanagedtocollapseintobedat 3AM,andHildagrabbedhim,draggedhimtoher, andspoonedhimtightly. Dontworry,baby.YourfriendsandIwillget alonggreat. Hehadntrealizedthathedbeenworryingabout this,butonceshepointeditout,itwasobvious. Yourenotworried? PerryGibbons,Iloveyoudearly.Youloveme. Wevegotacausetofightfor,anditsajustone withmanybravecomradesfightingalongsideof us.Whatcouldpossiblygowrong? Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?Perrysaid.He drewinabreathtostarttalking. Itwasrhetorical,goofball.Itsalsothreeinthe morning.Sleep,fortomorrowwefly.

Lesterdidntwanttoopentheride,butsomeone hadto.Someonehadto,anditwasntPerry,who Sheranherhandsoverhisfurrychestandtummy. wasoffwithhismidwesternhoney.Lesterwould No,ofcoursenot.Yourfriendswilllovemeor

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/192 havelovedtosleepinandspendthedayinhis workshoprebuildinghis64bitregistershedhad somegoodideasforimprovingontheinitial design,andhestillhadtheCADfiles,whichwere thehardpartanyway. Hewalkedslowlyacrosstheparkinglot,the sunriseinhiseyes,acupofcoffeesteaminginhis hand.Hedalmostgonetothefatkinsbarsthe nightbeforehedalmostgoneten,fifteentimes, everytimehethoughtofSuzannestormingoutof hislab,buthedstayedhomewiththeTVand waitedforhertoturnuporcallorpostsomething toherblogorturnuponIM,andwhennoneof thosethingshadhappenedby4AM,hetumbled intobedandsleptforthreehoursuntilhisalarm wentoffagain. Blearily,hesathimselfdownbehindthecounter, greetedsomeofthehawkerscomingacrossthe road,andreadiedhisticketroll. Thefirstcustomersarrivedjustbeforeninean EastIndianfamilydrivingacarwithTexasplates. Dadworekhakiboardshortsandatanktopand leathersandals,Momwasinabeautifulsilksari, andthekidslookedlikemallbangbangersin designerversionsofthestuffthewildkidsinthe shantytownwentaroundin. Theycameoutoftheridetenminuteslaterand askedfortheirmoneyback. thick. Lestergavethemanhismoneyback. Sorry,man,Idontknowwhatsgoingon.This kindofthingshouldbeimpossible.Itwasallthere lastnight. Themanpattedhimontheshoulder.Itsallright. ImanengineerIknowallaboutcrashes.Itjust needssomedebugging,Imsure. Lestergotoutacomputerandstartedpicking throughthelogs.Thiskindoffailurereallyshould beimpossible.Withoutmanualoversight,thebots werentsupposedtochangemorethanfivepercent oftherideinresponsetoanotherrideschanges.If alltheotherrideshadtornthemselvesdown,it mighthavehappened,buttheyhadnt,hadthey? No,theyhadnt.Aquickcheckofthelogsshowed thatnoneofthechangeshadcomefromMadison, orSanFrancisco,orBoston,orWestchester,or anyoftheotherridesites. Eitherhisrobotshadcrashedorsomeonehad hackedthesystem.Herebootedthesystemand rolleditbacktothestatefromthenightbeforeand watchedtherobotsbegintobringthepropsback fromoffstage.

Howthehellcouldithavehappened?Hedumped thelogsandbegantosiftthroughthem.Hekept gettinginterruptedbyriderswhowantedtoknow whentheridewouldcomebackup,buthedidnt Theresnothinginthere,thedadsaid,almost know,therobotsestimateswereoscillatingwildly apologetically.Itsempty.Idontthinkits betweentenminutesandtenhours.Hefinally supposedtobeempty,isit? brokeofftowriteupalittlequarterpageflier Lesterputtherollofticketsintohispocketand aboutitandprintedoutacouplehundredofthem steppedintotheWalMart.Hiseyestookasecond onsomeneonyellowpaperstockhehadlying toadjusttothedarkafterthebrightnessofthe around,alongwithajumboversionthathetaped risingFloridasun.Whentheywerefullyadjusted, overthepricelist. though,hecouldseethatthetouristwasright. Itwasntenough.Belligerentriderswhodtraveled Busyrobotshadtorndownalltheexhibitsand forhourstoseetheridewantedahuman scenes,leavingnothingbehindbutswarming explanation,andtheypesteredhimceaselessly.All crowdsofbotsonthefloor,draggingthings thehawkersfeltliketheydeservedmore offstage.Thesmelloftheprinterswashotand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/193 informationthantherubes,andtheypesteredhim evenmore.Allhewantedtodowaswritesome regexpsthatwouldhelphimfigureoutwhatwas wrongsohecouldfixit. HewishedthatDeathkidwouldshowupalready. Hewassupposedtobehelpingoutfromnowon andheseemedlikethekindofpersonwhowould happilyjawwiththemarksuntiltheendoftime. Eventuallyhegaveup.Hesetthesignexplaining whathadhappened(orrather,notexplaining, sincehedidntfuckingknowyet)downinthe middleofthecounter,bolteditdownwitha coupleoflockbolts,andretreatedtotherides interiorandlockedthesmokedglassdoorsbehind him. Pascalwiththespoonandhestartedtowail. Suzannestoodupfromthetableandwalked quicklyoutoftheguesthouse,holdingontoher phoneasakindofthinpretenseofhavingtotakea call.Lesterchosetoignoreher. Lesterheldhishandsoutplacatingly.ItsOK itsjustdownforacouplehours.Ihadtoresetit afterwhathappenedlastnight. Lesterwaited. Allright,Evasaid,Illbite.Whathappened lastnight? Brazilcameonline!Lestersaid.Liketwenty ridesopenedthere.Buttheygottheirprotocol implementationalittlewrongsowhenIshowed up,thewholeridehadbeenzeroedout.ImsureI canhelpthemgetitright;inthemeantimeIvegot therideresettingitselfandIveblackholedtheir changestemporarily.Hegrinnedsunnily.How fuckingcoolisthat?Brazil!

Oncehehadsomepeaceandquiet,ittookonly himafewminutestoseewherethechangeshad originated.Heverifiedtheinfothreetimes,not becausehewasntsure,butbecausehecouldnt tellifthiswasgoodnewsorbadnews.Heread Theysmiledweaklyback.IdontthinkI someblogsanddiscoveredlotsofotherride operatorswerechasingthisdownbutnoneofthem understand,Lester,Kettlewellsaid.Brazil?We donthaveanyagreementswithanyoneinBrazil. hadfigureditoutyet. WehaveagreementswitheveryoneinBrazil! Grinninghugely,hecomposedahastypostand CCedittoabunchofmailinglists,thenwentout Lestersaid.Wevegotanopenprotocolanda serverthatanyonecanconnectto.Thatsan tofindKettlebellyandTjan. agreement,thatsallaprotocolis. Hefoundthemintheguesthouse,sittingdowntoa Kettlewellshookhishead.Youresayingthatall workingbreakfast,withEvaandthekidsatthe endofthetable.Tjanslittlegirlwastryingtofeed anyoneneededtodotoreprogramourride Pascal,butnotdoingagreatjobofit;Tjansson wastoconnecttoitandsendsomechanges. satonhislap,pickingathisclownfacepancakes. Trustisassumedinthesystem. Morningguys! Trustisassumed?Youhaventchangedthis? Suzannenarrowedhereyesandlookedaway.The tablefellquieteventhekidssensedthat somethingwasup.Whoswatchingtheride, Lester?Tjanasked,quietly. Itsshut,hesaidcheerfully. Shut?Tjanspokeloudlyenoughthateveryone jumpedalittle.Lyenitchkaaccidentallystabbed

Lestertookastepback.No,Ihaventchangedit. Thewholesystemisopenthatsthepoint.We cantjuststartrequiringloginstogetonthe network.Thewholethingwouldcollapseitdbe likeputtinglocksonthebathroomandthentaking theonlykeyforyourself.Wejustcantdoit. Kettlewelllookedlikehewasgoingtoexplode.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/194 Tjanputahandonhisarm.Slowly,Kettlewellsat backdown.Tjantookasipofhiscoffee. Lester,canyouwalkmethroughthisonemore time? Lesterrockedbackandforthalittle.Theywereall watchinghimnow,exceptforSuzanne,whowas fumingsomewhereorgettingreadytogohometo Russia,orsomething. than100percent.Itdbeprettyeasytosetthings upsothatnomorethanfivepercentcanbe changed,period,withina24hourperiod,without manualapproval. Ifyoucandothat,whynotseteverychangeto requireapproval?Kettlewellsaid.

Well,forstartersbecausewedendupspending allourtimeclickingOKforfivecentimeter adjustmentstoproppositioning.Butmore Wehaveapublishedprotocolfordescribing changestotherideitsbuiltonGit3Dssystem importantly,itsbecausethesystemisallabout formarkingupandsyncingthreedeeemodelsof communitywerenotincharge,werejustpart objects;itswhatweusedallthroughtheKodacell ofthenetwork. daysforcollaboration.Thewayyougetaride Kettlewellmadeasourfaceandmuttered onlineistosyncupwithourversionserverand something.Tjanpattedhisarmagain.Youguys theninstantiateacopy.Thenanychangesyou areincharge,asmuchasyoudlikenottobe. makegetsyncedbackandweinstantiatethem. Youretheonesfacingthelegalhassles,yourethe Everyonestaysinsync,giveortakeacouple oneswhoinventedit. hours. Wedidnt,really,Lestersaid.Thiswasareal ButyouhadpasswordsontheSubversionserver forobjects,right? Yeah,butwedidntdesignthisonetotake passwords.Itsalotmoreadhocwewantedto besurethatpeoplewedidntknowcouldgetin andplay. Kettlewellputhisfaceinhishandsandgroaned. Tjanrolledhiseyes.IthinkwhatKettlewells tryingtosayisthatthingshavechangedsince thosecarefreedayswereinaspotnowwhereif Disneyorsomeoneelsewhohateduswantedto attackus,thiswouldbeaprimewayofdoingit.

standingontheshouldersofgiantsproject.We madeuseofabunchofstuffthatwasontheshelf already,putittogether,andthenotherpeople helpedusrefineitandgetitworkingwell.Were justpartofthegroup,likeIkeepsaying.Hehada thought.Besides,ifwewereincharge,Brazil wouldnthavebeenabletozerousout.

Youguysarebeingreallyweirdandsuityabout this,youknow?Ivefixedtheproblem:noonecan takeusdownlikethisagain.Itjustwonthappen. Iveputthefixontheversionserverforthe codebase,soeveryoneelsecandeployitifthey wantto.Theproblemssolved.Wellbeshutfor anhourortwo,butwhocares?Youremissingthe Lesternodded.Yeah,Ifiguredthat.Openness bigpicture:Brazilopenedfiftyridesyesterday!I alwayscostssomething.Butwegetalotof mean,itsucksthatwedidntnoticeuntilit benefitsoutofopennesstoo.Thewayitworks nowisthatnooneridecanchangemorethanfive screwedusup,butBrazilsgotitallonline.Whos percentofthestatusquowithin24hourswithouta next?China?India? manualapproval.Theproblemwasthatthe Russia?Kettlewellsaid,lookingatthedoorthat Braziliansopened,like,fiftyridesatthesame Suzannehadleftby.Hewasclearlytryingto time,andeachofthemzeroedoutandtriedto needleLester. syncthatandbetweenthemtheydidwaymore Lesterignoredhim.IdlovetogotoBraziland

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/195 checkouthowtheyvedoneit.Ispeakalittle wouldhavebeencheaper,buthisriggavehimlots Portugueseevenenoughtosay,Areyou18yet? ofrobustnessagainstmaliciousinterference, anyway. multipathandplainoldattenuationandgothis Youreweird,Lyenitchkasaid.Adagiggledand headlinereaderrunning. said,Weird! Evashookherhead.Thekidshavegotapoint, shesaid.Youpeopleareallalittleweird.Why areyoufighting?Tjan,Landon,youcamehereto managethebusinesssideofthings,andthats whatyouredoing.Lester,youreinchargeofthe creativeandtechnicalstuffandthatswhatyoure doing.WithoutLester,youtwowouldnthaveany businesstorun.Withouttheseguys,youdbein jailorsomethingbynow.Makepeace,because youreonthesameside.Ivegotenoughchildren tolookafterhere. Kettlewellsnappedanodather.Rightasever, darling.OK,Iapologize,allright? Metoo,Lestersaid.Iwaskiddingaboutgoing toBrazilatleastwhilePerrysstillaway. Hescominghome,Tjansaid.Hecalledme thismorning.Hesbringingthegirl,too. Hesettoreadingthepostsanddispellingthe popupsthattriedtocallhisattentiontothisor that.Hisfiltershadlotstotellhimabout,andthe areasofhisscreendesignatedfordifferent interestswerestartingtopinkenasthey accumulatedgreaterurgency.

Hewavedthemawayandconcentratedongetting throughtoalltheridemaintainerswhohad questionsabouthispatches.Buttherewasone pinkareathatwouldntgo.Itwashisserendipity zone,wherethingsthatdidntmatchhisfiltersbut hadlotsofinterestingnesscommentsandreposts frompeoplehepaidattentiontoandsome confluencewithhiskeywordsturnedup. Impatiently,hewaveditup,andapagemadeof bitsofLiveJournalsandnewsreportsandphoto streamsassembleditself.

Hiseyefellfirstonthephotos.Butfortheshock ofblackandneongreenhair,hewouldnthave Yoko!Lestersaid,andgrinned.OK,someone recognizedthekidinthepicturesasDeathWaits. shouldgetonlineandfindouthowalltheother Hisfacewasaruin.Hisnosewasabloodyrose, ridesarecopingwiththis.Imsuretheyregoing hiseyeswerebothswollenshut.Oneearwas nutsooutthere. ruinedapparentlyhedbeendraggedsome Youdothat,Kettlewellsaid.Wevegotanother distancewiththatsideofhisheadontheground. Hischeekswerepulpyandbruised.Thenhe callwiththelawyersintenminutes. clickedthroughtothephotosfromwheretheyd Howsallthatgoing? foundDeath,beforetheydcleanedhimupinthe Letmeputitthisway,Kettlewellsaid,andfora ambulance,andhehadtoturnhisheadawayand breathedeeply.Bothlegsandbotharmswere secondhewasbackinhisglorydays,slickand clearlybroken,withatleastonecompound formidable,ashark.Iliquidatedmysharesin fracture.HiscrotchJesus.Lesterlookedaway Disneythismorning.Theyredownfiftypoints again,thenquicklyclosedthewindow. sincetheNYSEopened.YouwaituntilTokyo wakesup,theyregoingtobailandbailandbail. HeswitchedtotextaccountsfromDeathsfriends Lestersmiledback.OK,wellthatsgood,then. Hehunkereddownwithalaptopandgothis homebrewwirelessrigupandrunningacard whodbeentoseehiminthehospital.Hewould live,buthemightnotwalkagain.Hewaslucid, andhewastellingstoriesaboutthemanwhod

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/196 beatenhim trafficanddoneacouplephonerswiththepeople YoushouldjustshutthefuckupaboutDisneyon backinMadisonparticularlyErnie,whowas freakingaboutDeathWaitsandcallingfortight thefuckingInternet,youknowthat,kid? physicalsecurityforalltheirpeopletheywere LestergotupandwenttofindKettlewellandTjan pullinginattheride.Thecabbie,aTurk,wasnt andSuzanneoh,especiallySuzanneagain.He verycoolabouttheneighborhood,andhekept didntthinkforonesecondthatDeathwouldhave slowingdownonthesideoftheroadandoffering inventedthat.Infact,itwasjustthesortofbrave toletthemoutthere,andPerrykeptinsistingthat thingthatthegutsylittlekidmighthavehadthe hetakethemalltheway. ballstoreporton. No,youcantjustdropmehere,man.Forthe Everystephetook,hesawthatruinofaface,the tenthtime,Ivegotafuckingcastonmybroken compoundfracture,theluminousbloodaroundhis arm.Imnotcarryingmysuitcaseamilefrom groin.Hemadeithalfwaytotheguesthousebefore here.Ilivethere.Itssafe.God,itsnotlikeIm hefoundhimselfleaningagainstashanty, askingyoutotakemetoawarzone. throwingup.Tearsandbilestreamingdownhis face,chestheaving,Lesterdecidedthatthiswasnt Hedidntwanttotiptheguy,buthedid.The cabbiewasjusttryingtoplayitsafe.Lotsof aboutfunanymore.Lestercametounderstand whatitmeanttoberesponsibleforpeopleslives. peopletriedtoplayitsafe.Itdidntmakethem Whenhestoodupandwipedhisfaceonthetailof assholes,evenifitdidmakethemineffectualand histight,glitteringshirt,hewasadifferentperson. useless. WhilePerrytippedhim,Hildapulledthesuitcase outofthecabstrunkandshedbarelyhadtimeto Sweatinginthesuffocatingafternoonheat,hisre shutthelidwhenthedriverroaredofflikehewas castedarmonfire,Hildahadshownhimthe tryingtooutrunasniper. articleaboutDeathWaitswhiletheywerebeing Perrygrimaced.Thiswassupposedtobea screenedfortheirconnectionatOHare.TheTSA triumphanthomecoming.Hewassupposedtobe guywasswabbinghiscastwithablackpowder showingoffhistoys,allhedwrought,tothisgirl. residuedetector,andasPerryreadit,heletoutan Thetownwasallaroundthemandtheywereabout involuntaryyelpandajumpthatsenthimbackfor tochargeinwithoutevenpausingtoconsiderits afullroundoftertiaryscreening.NodatewithDr. DrSeusswonderment. Jellyfinger,thoughitwasaclosething. Waitasec,Perrysaid.Hetookherhand.See Hildawasdeepinherownphone,probing that?Thatwasthefirstshantytheybuilt.Five ferociouslyatit,occasionallypickingitupand storiesnow.Thebuildingwasmadeofprefab talkingintoit,thenpokingatitsomemore. concreteforthefirstcouplestories,then Neitherofthemlookedoutthewindowsmuch, successivelylightermaterials,withtheroofshack thoughinhismind,Perryhadrehearsedthis madeofbamboo.Thedesignsareexperimental, homecomingasakindoftourofhisterritory, fromtheArmyCorpsofEngineersmostly,but pickingoutwhichabsurdlandmarkshedpoint theysaytheyllstandaforcefivehurricane.He out,whichfunnystorieshedtell,pausingto grimacedagain.Probablynotthebambooone,of nuzzleHildasthroat. course. Butbythetimehedabsorbedthemailinglist Ofcourse,Hildasaid.Whatsthatone?Shed

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/197 pickeduponhismood,sheknewhewantedto showheraroundbeforetheyendedupembroiled inridepoliticsandworkagain. Youvegotagoodeye,mydear.Thatsthefinest BBQonthecontinent.Seehowthewallsarea littlesootylooking?Thatscarbonizedambrosia,a mixoffatandspiceandhickorythatyoucould scrapeoffandbottleasperfume. deadexpresidentonthescene,werecrooks. Perrytellyouaboutwhatthelawdoesaround here? Perrynodded.Yeah.Sheknows.

Francispattedhiscast.Nicehardware,buddy.So whensomeBiblethumpingdogoodergivesyoua legup,youreafolkhero.Helpyourself,yourea CHUD.Itsthesamewithyoupeopleandyour Eww. ride.Ifyouhadthebackingofagiantcorporation YouhaventtriedLemarrsribsyet,hesaid,and withclawssunkdeepintokidsbrains,youdbe goosedher.Shesqueakedandpunchedhiminthe everypackagetouroperatorswetdream.Buildit shoulder.Heshowedherthetuckshops,thekids yourselfinthegutsofadeadshoppingcenter,and playing,thetutorsplace,thedaycarecenter,the youresomekindofslimyunderclass. workshops,takingheronagrandcircletourof Maybethatstrue,saidHilda.Butitsnot thisplacehedhelpconjureintoexistence. necessarilytrue.BackinMadison,thelocalslove us,theythinkwedogreatstuff.Afterthelaw NowtheressomeoneIhaventseeninfartoo long,Francissaid.Hedagedsomethingfiercein cameafterus,theycamebywithfoodandmoney thelastyear,boozemakinghisfacesubsideintoa andhelpedusrebuild.Scrappyactivistsgetalotof loveinthiscountry,too.Noteveryonewantsabig messofwrinklesandpouchesandbrokenblood vessels.HegavePerryahardhugthatsmelledof corporationtospoonfeedthem. booze,anditwasntevenlunchtime. Offinhippiecollegetownsyoullalwaysfind peoplewithenoughbrainstorealizethattheir Francis,meetHildaHammersen;Hilda,meet neighborsarenttheboogieman.Butthereaintso FrancisClammer:aerospaceengineerand manyhippiecollegetownsthesedays.Iwishyou gentlemanofleisure. twoluck,butIthinkyoudbenutstowalkoutthe Hetookherhandandfeintedakissatit,andHilda doorinthemorningexpectinganythingbetterthan goodnaturedlyrolledhereyesatthis. akickintheteeth. Whatdoyouthinkofourlovelylittlesettlement, ThatmadePerrythinkofDeathWaits,andthe then,MsHammersen? senseofurgencycamebacktohim.OK,wehave togonow,hesaid.Thanks,Francis. Itslikesomethingoutofafairytale,shesaid. YouhearstoriesaboutChristianiaandhowgood Nicetomeetyou,youngwoman,hesaid,and andpeacefulitallwas,butwheneveryousee whenhesmiled,itwasapainfulthing,allpouches squattersonTV,itsalwayscrackhousesand andwrinklesandsags,andhegimpedawaywith drivebys.Youvereallygotsomethinghere. hislimpmorepronouncedthanever. Francisnodded.Wegetabadrap,butwereno Theytrackeddownthecrewattheteahousesbig differentreallyfromanyotherplacewherepeople table.Everyoneroaredgreetingsatthemwhen takeprideinwhattheyown.Ibuiltmyplace,with theycamethroughthedoor,aproper mytwohands.IfJimmyCarterhadbeenthere homecoming,butwhenPerrycountedheads,he withHabitatforHumanity,wewouldhavegotten realizedthattherewasnoonewatchingtheride. noendofgoodpress.Becausewediditwithouta

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/198 Guys,whosrunningtheride? Lyenitchkalookedcriticallyatthesurface.Ithink wecoulddothegig,shesaid.Whatdoyou think,partner?

TheytoldhimaboutBrazilthen,andHilda listenedwithherheadcocked,herfaceanimated withsurprise,dismay,thendelight.Yousaythere Tjansnortedouthisnose,butshewassosolemn arefiftyridesopen? thattherestkeptquiet.AdamatchedLyenitchkas criticalpostureandthennoddedauthoritatively. Allatonce,Lestersaid.Allinonego. Surething,partner. Holymotherofpoo,Hildabreathed.Perry Itsadate,Perrysaid.Weregonnaheadhome couldntevenbringhimselftosayanything.He andputdownoursuitcasesandcomebackand couldntevenimagineBrazilinhishead opentherideifitsready.ItstimeLestergotsome jungles?beaches?Heknewnothingaboutthe timeoff.ImsureSuzannewillappreciatehaving country.Theydbuiltfiftyrides,withouteven himbackagain. makingcontactwithhim.HeandLesterhad designedtheprotocoltobeopenbecausethey Anothersilencefelloverthegroup,tenseasa thoughtitwouldmakeiteasierforotherstocopy pianowire.PerrylookedfromLestertoSuzanne whattheyddone,buthedneverthought andsawinasecondwhatwasup.Hehadtimeto noticethathisfirstemotionalresponsewastobe Itwaslikevertigo,thatfeeling. intrigued,notsorryorscared.Onlyaftera SoyoureYoko,huh?Lestersaidfinally.Itmade momentdidhehavethereactionhethoughthe everyonesmile,butthetensionwasstillthere. shouldhaveamixtureofsadnessforhisfriend Somethingbighadjusthappened,biggerthanany andirritationthattheyhadyetanotherthingto ofthem,biggerthanthebeatingthathadbeenlaid dealwithinthemiddleofahundredothercrises. onDeathWaits,biggerthananythingPerryhad HildabrokethetensionItwasgreattomeetyou everdone.Fromhismindtoanationonanother all.Dinnertonight,right? continent Absolutely,Kettlewellsaid,seizingonthis. Yourethesidekick,huh?Hildasaid. Leaveittouswellbooksomeplacejustgreat Lesterlaughed.Touche.Itsverynicetomeetyou andhaveagreatdinnertowelcomeyouguys andthankyouforbringinghimbackhome.We back. werestartingtomisshim,thoughGodalone Evatookhisarm.Thatsright,shesaid.Illget knowswhy. thegirlstopickitout.Thelittlegirlsjumpedup Iplanonkeepinghim,shesaid,givinghisbicep anddownwithexcitementatthis,andthebaby asqueeze.ItbroughtPerrybacktothem.Thelittle brotherscaughttheirexcitementandmadehappy girlswerestaringatHildawithsaucereyes.It kidscreechesthatgoteveryonesmilingagain. madehimrealizethatexceptforSuzanneandEva, PerrygaveLesterasolemn,supportivehug,kissed theirwholelittlebandwasboys,allboys. SuzanneandEvaonthecheeks(Suzannesmelled Well,Imhomenow,hesaid.Hekneltdownand good,somethinglikesandalwood),shookhands showedthegirlshiscast.Igotanewone,he withTjanandKettlewellandtousledallfourkids said.Theyhadtothrowtheoldoneout.SoIneed beforelightingoutfortheride,gaspingouta yourhelpdecoratingthis.Doyouthinkyoucould breathastheysteppedintotheopenair. dothejob?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/199 DeathWaitsregainedconsciousnessseveraltimes overthenextweek,awareeachtimethathewas wakingupinahospitalbedonacrowdedward, thathedwokenherebefore,andthathehurtand couldntremembermuchafterthebeatinghad started. theresbeenamotiontosummarilyexcludeany evidencerelatedtoyourbeatingfromthe proceedings.WethinkthatsBS.Itsclearfrom whatyouvetoldyourfriendsthattheywantedto shutyouupbecauseyouweremakingthemlook bad.Sowhatweneedismoreinformationfrom youaboutwhatthisguysaidtoyou,andwhat Butafteraweekorso,hefoundhimselfawake andawarehestillhurtallover,adullanddistant youdpostedbefore,andanythinganyoneat Disneysaidtoyouwhileyouwereworkingthere. stonedachethathecouldtellwasbeingkeptat baybypowerfulpainkillers.Therewassomeone Youknowthatthatguysaidhewasbeatingme waitingforhim. upbecauseItalkedaboutthisstuffinthefirst place? Hello,Darren,themansaid.Imanattorney

workingforyourfriendsattheride.Mynameis Thelawyerwavedahand.Theresnowaytheyll TomLevine.WeresuingDisneyandwewantedto comeafteryounow.Theylookliketotalassholes gathersomeevidencefromyou. fordoingthis.Theyrescaredstupid.Now,Im goingtowanttoformallydeposeyoulater,butthis DeathdidntlikebeingcalledDarren,andhe isapredepositioninterviewjusttogetclearon didntwanttotalktothisdork.Hedwokenup withaprofoundsenseofanger,rememberingthe everything. deadeyedguyshoutingaboutDisneywhile bouncinghisheadofftheground,knowingthat Sammyhaddonethis,wantingnothingmorethan togetaholdofSammyand,and...Thatswherehe ranoutofimagination.Hewasperfectlyhappy drawingmedievalstyletorturechambersand vampiresinhissketchbook,buthedidntactually havemuchstomachfor,youknow,violence. Perse. TheguyleanedforwardandsuddenlyDeathWaits hadabonedeepconvictionthattheguywasabout topunchhim.Hegavealittlesqueakandshrank away,thencriedoutagainaseveryinchofhis bodyawokeinhotagony,afeelinglikegrating bonesbeneathhisskin.

Woah,takeiteasythere,champ,thelawyersaid.

DeathWaitsheldbacktears.Theguywasntgoing tohithim,butjustthemovementinhisdirection Canwedothissomeothertime?Hismouth hadscaredhimlikehedleaptoutholdinganaxe. hurt.Hedlostfourteethandhadbittenhistongue Themagnitudeofhisownbrokennessbeganto hardenoughtoneedstitches.Hecouldbarely sinkinandnowhecouldbarelyholdbackthe understandhisownwords. tears. Iwishwecould,buttimeisoftheessencehere. Youveheardthatwerebringingasuitagainst Disney,right? Look,theguyswhoruntheridehavetoldmethat IhavetogetthisfromyouassoonasIcan.If weregoingtokeeptheridesafeandnailthe bastardswhodidthistoyou,Ineedtodothis.IfI No,Deathsaid. hadmyway,Iwouldntbugyou,butIvegotmy Musthavecomeupwhileyouwereout.Anyway, orders,OK? weare,forunfaircompetition.Wevegotashotat Deathsnuffledbackthetears.Thebackofhis cleaningthemout,takingthemforeverycent. Weregoingthroughthepretrialmotionsnowand throatfeltlikeithadbeensandedwitharustyfile. Water,hecroaked.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/200 Thelawyershookhishead.Sorrybuddy,justthe IV,Imafraid.Thenurseswereveryspecific.Lets start,OK,andthenwellbedonebeforeyouknow it. Defeated,Deathclosedhiseyes.Start,hesaid, hisvoicelikesomethingmadefromsofttarleft toolonginthesun. saidtohispersonalassistant,anewgirltheydsent upwhenhislastonehaddefectedtoworkfor Wiener(Wiener!)afterSammydshoutedather forputtingthroughapresscallfromsomeblogger whowantedtoknowwhenFantasylandwouldbe reopening.

IthadbeenamistaketoshutdownFantasyland justtogettheothermanagersoffhisback.Sure theridesweresickdogs,buttherehadbeenlifein Sammyknewhewasadeadman.Theonlything themstill.Constructionsitesdontbringin keepinghimalivewaslegalsreluctancetoread visitors,andthenumbersfortheparkweredown thenet.Hackelberghadacoupleofjuniorswho andeveryonewaslookingathim.Nevermindthat keptwatchlistsrunningonhotsubjects,butthey theonlyreasonthenumbershadbeenashighas likedtoprintthemoutandmarkthemup,andthat theywerewasthatSammyhadsavedeveryones meantthattheylaggedadayortwobehindthe asswhenheddonethegothrehab.Nevermind blogosphere. thattherealreasonthatnumbersweredownwas TheDeathWaitsthingwasafreakingdisaster.The thatnooneelseinmanagementhadthegutsto guywasjustsupposedtoputascareintohim,not keeptheparkmovingandimproving. cripplehimforlife.EverytimeSammythought HeslowedhissteponMainStreet,USA,and aboutwhatwouldhappenwhentheDeathWaits forcedhimselftopayattentiontohissurroundings. thingpercolateduptohim,hegotgooseflesh. ThestoresonMainStreethadbeencooptedinto helpinghimdumpallthesuperfluousgoth Damnthatidiotthuganyway.Sammyhadbeen veryclear.Theguywhoknewtheguywhoknew merchandise,anditwasintheirwindowsand visiblethroughtheirdoors.Thefatkinspizza theguyhadbeenreassuringonthephonewhen standsandicecreamwagonsweredoingabrisk Sammyputintheordersure,sure,nothingtoo tradearoundthecastleroundabout.Thecrowdwas rough,justalittleshovingaround. predominantlyveeringtotheleft,toward Andwhatsworseistheidiotkidhadntgottenthe AdventurelandandFrontierlandandLiberty hint.Sammydidntgetit.Ifastrangerbeathim Square,whiletherightsideoftheplaza,which halftodeathandtoldhimtostophangingoutin heldthegatewaystoFantasylandand messageboards,well,themessageboardswould Tomorrowland,wasconspicuouslysparse.Hed go.Damnedrighttheywould. knownthathisnumbersweredown,butstanding inthecrowdsflow,hecouldfeelit. AndwithFreddy,therewasashoewaitingto drop.Freddywouldntreportontheirinterview,he Heclearedthecastleandstoodforamomentat wasprettysureofthat.Offtherecordmeans thebrinkofFantasyland.Itshouldbeimpossible something,eventojournalistslikeHonest tostandhereatoneintheafternoonthereshould Freddy.ButFreddywasntgoingtobenicetohim bebusyrushesofpeoplepushingpasttogetonthe infollowups,thatmuchwassure.Andifwhen! ridesandtoeatandtobuystuff,butnowthere FreddygotwindoftheDeathWaitssituation... werejustafewkidsineyelinerpuffingclovesin smokelesshookahsandawastelandofhoardings Hebegantohyperventilate. paintedashadeImagineeringcalledgoaway Imgoingtogocheckontheconstruction,he

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/201 greenforitsabilitytomaketheeyeslideright pastit. Hedleftthetwobigcoastersopen,andtheyhad decentqueues,butthatwasit.Noonewasinthe stores,andnoonewasbotheringwiththezombie maze.Cloudsofdustandlouddestructionnoises roseoverthehoardings,andheslippedintoastaff doorandthreadedhiswayontooneofthesites, pausingtopickupasafetyhelmetwithmouse ears. Atleastthesecrewswereefficient.Hedlongago impressedonthedepartmentthathired constructioncontractorsthenecessityof decommissioningoldrideswithextremecareso astopreserveasmuchofthecollectiblevalueof thefinishingsandtrimaspossible.Itwasalittle weirdDisneycustomershowledlikestuckpigs whenyoushutdowntheirrides,thenfoughtfor thechancetospendfortunesbuyingupthe dismemberedcorpsesoftheirfavored amusements. everexecutednewridesasfastandaswellashe had.Thethingshadbasicallybuiltthemselves. Nowthecompetitionwasusingthesametechand itwasafuckingdisasterforhim.Worseand worse:hehadnoplansforwhatwastocome afterward.Hedthoughtthathedjustgrabsome oftheaudienceresearchpeople,throwtogethera fatkinsfocusgrouportwo,andgiveImagineering twoweekstocomeupwithsomedesignsthey couldputupfast.Heknewfrompastexperience thatdesignexpandedtofillthetimeavailabletoit, andthatthebeststuffusuallyemergedinthefirst tendaysanyway,andafterthatitwasall committeegroupthink. Butnoonefromaudienceresearchwantedto returnhiscalls,noonefromImagineeringwas willingtoworkforhim,andnoonewantedtovisit asectionoftheparkthatwasdominatedby constructionhoardingsanddemolitiondust.

WhatthehellwashappeningattheMiamiride, anyway?Hecouldfollowitonline,runthethree HewatchedsomeCubankidscarefullymelting deeeflythroughsoftherideasitstood,even thehotgluethathadheldtheskulltrimelements downloadandprinthisownversionsoftheride tothepillaroftheDiadelosMuertosfacade, objects,butnoneofthattoldhimwhatitfeltlike settingthematopalargepileofothertrim togetontheride,tobeinitsclankingbowels, scythes,hoodedfigures,tombstoneswithalayer surroundedbyotherriders,pointingand ofaerogelbeneathtokeepthegarriturefrom marvelingandlaughingatthescenesandmotion. scratching.Thewholeareabehindthehoardings Rideswerethingsthatyouhadtorideto waslikethisridesinpieces,towersoffiberglass understand.Describingaridewasliketalking detritussandwichedbetweenlayersofaerogel. aboutamoviesoabstractandremote.Like Theyddonethisbefore,whenhedtaken Fantasylanddown,andhedfrettedeverymoment abouthowlongtheteardownwastaking.There wereexcitingnewplanslurkinginthewingsthen, waitingtoleaponstageandtakeshape.Hedhad someoftheridecomponentsfabricatedbya contractorinKissimmee,butlargechunksofthe constructionhadtotakeplaceonsite.The advantagehadbeenhis:cheapfabricators,new materials,easycollaborationbetweenremote contractorsandhispeopleonsite.Noonehad talkingaboutsexversushavingsex. Sammylovedrides.Orheusedto,anyway.So muchmorethanfilms,somuchmorethanbooks soimmersiveandhuman,andthewholecrowd thing,alltheotherpeoplewaitingtorideitorjust gettingoffit.Ithadstartedwithcoastersdoesnt everykidlovecoasters?buthedendedupa connoisseur,agourmandwholovedeveryspecies ofride,fromthrillridestomonorails,carouselsto darkrides.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/202 Theredbeenatimewhenhedriddeneveryride intheparkonceaweek,andeveryrideinevery nearbyparkonceamonth.Thathadbeenyears before.Nowhesatinanofficeandmade importantdecisionsandhewasluckyifhemadeit ontoarideonceaweek. bettertorepurposethem,liketheAmericaSings geesethathadalltheirskinremovedandfounda newhomeassmarttalkingrobotsinthepreshow fortheoldStarTours.

Butnowitallcouldbeprintedtoorder,fabbed andshippedin.Theywerentevendoingtheirown Notthatitmatteredanymore.Hedscrewedupso machiningatImagineeringanymorethatwasall badthatitwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilheended mailorderfulfillment.Justemailathreedeee uponthebreadline.Orinjail. drawingtoashopandyoudhaveasmanyasyou wantedthenextday,FedExguaranteed.Sammys Herealizedhewasstaringglumlyatthe demolition,andpulledhimselfupright,suckedin lipsdrewbackfromhisteethasheconsideredthe possibilitythattheWalMartridepeoplehad afewbreaths,mentallykickedhimselfintheass andtoldhimselftostopfeelingsorryforhimself. orderedtheirpartsfromthesamesuppliers.Christ onabike,whatamess. Ayoungwomanpriedlooseanotherresinskull finialandaddedittothepile,placedanothersheet Andthere,inthepitofdespair,atthebottomof hisdownwardarc,Sammywashitbyaboltof ofaerogelontopofit. inspiration: Peoplelovedtheselittletchotchkes.Theyhada PutDisneyintopeopleslivingrooms!Putprinters relationshipwithDisneyParksthatmadethem intotheirhomesthatdecoratedacorneroftheir wanttocomeagainandagain,toownapieceof roomswithareplicaofadifferentrideeveryday. theplace.Theycameforvisitsandthenthey visitedintheirheartsandtheycamebacktobring Youcouldputitonacoffeetable,orscaleitupto fillyourbasementrumpusroom.Youcouldhavea theirheartshome.Itwasanextremelyprofitable magicroomthatwasapieceofthepark,a dynamic. souvenirthatneverletgoofDisney,thereinyour ThatswhatthoseridepeopleupintheWalMart home.Thepeoplewhowerewillingtospenda weremakingtheirhayonanyonecouldreplicate fortuneonprintedskullfinialswouldcreamfor therideintheirbackyard.Youdidnthavetofly this!Itwouldbelikeactuallylivingthere,inthe fromMadisontoOrlandotohavealittlerefresher park.ItwouldbeImagineeringEyefortheFan experience.Itwasrightthere,attheendofthe Guy. road. Hecouldthinkofahundredwaystoturnthisinto Ifonlytherewassomewaytoputhisrides,his money.Giveawaytheprintersandsell park,rightthereintheridershomes,intheir subscriptionstotherefresh.Selltheprintersand literalbackyards.Beingabletolookatthe giveawaytherefreshes.Chargesponsorsto webcamsandtakeathreedeeeflythroughwas modifytheplansandtargetdifferentproduct onething,butitwasntthephysical,visceral placementstodifferentusers.Thepossibilities experienceofbeingthere. wereendless.Bestofall,itwouldextendthereach ofDisneyParksfurtherthanthestupidridecould Themaintenancecrewhadfinishedallthetrim evergoitwouldbethere,onthecoffeetable,in andnowtheyweregoingafterthepropsand therumpusroom,inyourschoolgymoratyour animatronics.Theyneverusedtoselltheseoff, becausemanufacturingthegutsofarobotwastoo summerplace. finickytodoanymorethanyouhadtoitwasfar

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/203 Helovedit.Lovedit!Heactuallylaughedaloud. Whatagreatidea!Surehewasintroublebig trouble.Butifhecouldgetthisthinggoingand itwouldgo,fastthenHackelbergwouldgethis back.ThelawyerdidntgiveashitifSammylived ordied,buthewoulddoanythingtoprotectthe companysinterests. Whenhegotoffwork,hewanderedovertothe shantytownwithabunchofthevendors,tohavea customaryafterworkbeerandplateofribs.He wasabouttogethisphoneoutandfindHilda whenhespottedher,gnawingonagreasybone withSuzanneandEva.

Well,hello!hesaid,delighted,skippingaround Sure,noonefromImagineeringhadbeenwilling thebarbecuepittocollectagreasykissfrom tohelphimdesignnewrides.Theyallhadallthe Hilda,andmorechastebutequallygreasypecks newridedesignprojectstheycoulduse.Audience onthecheekfromSuzanneandEva.Lookslike researchtoo.Butthiswasnew,newnew,notold youvefoundthebestplaceintown! new,andnewwasalwaysappealingtoacertain Wethoughtwedshowheraround,Suzanne kindofnoveltyjunkieinImagineering.Hedfind said.SheandEvahadpositionedeachotheron helpforthis,andthenhedpulltogethera eithersideofHilda,usingherasabuffer,butit businessplan,andatimeline,andacriticalpath, wasgreattoseethattheywereonsomethinglike andhedstartexecuting.Hewantedaprototype speakingterms.PerryhadnodoubtthatSuzanne outthedoorinaweek.Christ,itcouldntbethat hadntledKettlewellon(theyallhadcrusheson hardthoseWalMartrideassholeshadpublished her,heknewit),butthatdidntmeanthatEva thefullschematicsfortheirtoysalready.Hecould wouldntresentheranyway.Iftheirpositionswere justripthemoff.Turnaboutisfairplay,afterall. reversed,hewouldhavehadahardtime controllinghisjealousy. HildaleftPerryafteracouplehoursworkingthe ticketboothtogether.Shewantedtogofora showerandabitofanexplore,anditwasasecret relieftobothofthemtogetsometimeapartafter allthattimelivingineachotherspockets.They wereintimatestrangersstill,notyetattunedto eachothersmoodsandneedsforprivacy,anda littleseparationwaswelcome. Welcome,too,wasPerrysoldpostthereatthe ticketcounter,likeLucyslemonadestandin Peanuts.Theriderscameonthick,asurprising numberofthemknewhisnameandwantedto knowhowhisarmwas.Theywereallwatching thedramaunfoldonline.Theyknewaboutthe BrazilianridescomingonlineandthepatchLester hadrun.Theyallfeltaproprietaryinterestinthis thing.Itmadehimfeelgood,butalittleweird.He coulddealwithhavingfriends,andcustomers,but fans? Theyvebeenwonderful,Hildasaid,offering himarib.Heintroducedhertothemarketstall sellerswhodcomeoverwithhimandtherewas moregreasyhandshakingandhugging,andthe proprietorofthejointstartedhandingaroundmore ribs,morebeers,andsomeonebroughtoutasetof speakersandsuctioncuppedtheirinduction surfacestoanearbywall,andPerrydroppedone ofhisearbudsintothemandsetittoshuffleand theyhadmusic. Kidsranpasttheminshriekinghordes,playing somekindofbiggamethattheydallbeen obsessedwith.PerrysawthatAdaandLyenitchka werewiththem,clutchingbrightlycolored mobilesandtryingtoreadtheirscreenswhile runningawayfromanothergangofkidswhowere clearlyit,takingexaggeratedcarenottoruninto invisibleobstaclesindicatedonthescreens. Itwasgreattogetbackintothesaddle,Perry

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/204 said,diggingintosomeribs,gettingsauceonhis HedoesntspeakSpanish,though,Perrysaid. fingers.IhadnoideahowmuchIdbeenmissing Neitherdothey,dork,Hildasaid,givinghiman it. elbowintheribs.Portuguese. Hildanodded.Icouldtell,anyway.Yourea TheyallspeaksomeEnglishandhesusing junkieforit.Youreliketheoneswhoshowupall automatedtranslationstuffforthehardconcepts. googlyeyedaboutthestorythatssupposedlyin Doesthatwork?Imean,anytimeIvetriedto there.Youactlikethatsaholybox. translateawebpageinJapaneseorHebrew,its Suzannenoddedsolemnly.Shesright.Thetwo kindofreadlikenounnounnounnounverbnoun ofyou,youandLester,youresointothatthing, random. yourethebiggestfanboysintheworld.Youknow whattheycallit,thefans,whentheygettogether Suzanneshookherhead.Thatshowmostofthe tochataboutthestufftheylove?Drooling.Asin, worldexperiencesmostofthenet,Perry.Anglos DidyouseethedroolIpostedthismorningabout arejustabouttheonlypeopleonearthwhodont thenewgirlsbedroomscene?Youdroollikeno readthenetinlanguagesotherthantheirown. onesbusinesswhenyoutalkaboutthatthing.Its Well,goodforLesterthen,hesaid. aholythingforyou. Suzannemadeasourfacethatlethimknowthat Youguyssoundlikeyouvebeencomparing whateverpeaceprevailedbetweenherandLester, notes,Perrysaid,makinghisfunnyeyebrow itwasfragile.Goodforhim,shesaid. dance. Wherearetheboys? Evaarchedoneofherfine,higheyebrowsin LandonandTjanhavethem,Evasaid.Theyve response.Insomeways,shewasthemost beautifulofallofthem,themostselfassuredand beenholedupwithyourlawyersgoingover strategywiththem.WhenIwalkedout,theywere poised.Ofcoursewewere,sonny.Youryoung tryingtogetthefirmspartnerstotakesharesin ladyhereneededtoknowthatyouarentanaxe murderer.Thewomenscamaraderiewasalmost thecorporationthatownsthesettlementinlieuof palpable.SuzanneandEvahadclearlypatchedup cashupfront. whateverdifferencestheydhad,whichwas Manthatsalltooweirdforme,Perrysaid.I probablybadnewsforKettlewell. wishwecouldjustrunthisthinglikeabusiness: WhereisLester,anyway?Hehadntplannedon makestuffpeoplewanttogiveusmoneyfor, collectthemoney,andspendit. asking,butSuzannesmentionofhisnameled himtobelievehecouldprobablygetawaywithit. HestalkingtoBrazil,Suzannesaid.Itsall hesdone,alldaylong. TalkingtoBrazil.Wow.PerrydthoughtofBrazil asakindofabstractthing,fiftyroguenodesonthe networkthathadnecessitatedahurriedsoftware patch.Notasabunchofpeople.Butofcourse, theretheywere,inBrazil,realpeoplebythe dozens,maybeevenhundreds,buildingrides. Youaresuchanerdfatalist,Suzannesaid. Gettinginvolvedinthemoreabstractelementsof commercedoesntmakeyouintoasuit.Ifyou dontparticipateandtakeaninterest,youllalways beoutcompetedbythosewhodo. Bull,Perrysaid.Theycangetacourttoorder ustomakepiequaltothree,ortoensurethatother peopledontmakeMickeyheadsintheirrides,or thatourridersdontthinkofDisneywhentheyget intooneofourchairs,buttheyllneverbeableto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/205 enforceit. linethere.Whatthehell,anyway?WhyshouldI havetoHestopped.Hecouldtellwhenhewas Suzannesuddenlywhirledonhim.Perry Gibbons,youarentthatstupid,sostopactinglike repeatinghimself. youare.Shetouchedhiscast.Lookatthisthing Idontthinkthatshewouldbetellingyouthat onyourarm.Yoursuperiortechnologycannot stuffifshedidntthinkyouneededtohearit. makeinferiorlawsirrelevant.Youreassuming Yousoundlikeyoureonherside.Ithoughtyou thatthemachineryofstateisunwillingto wereafieryyoungrevolutionary.Youthinkwe completelyshutyoudowninordertomakeyou shouldallputonsuitsandincorporate? complywithsomeminorlaw.Youretotally Ithinkthatifyouvegotskilledpeoplewillingto wrong.Theyllcomeafteryouandbreakyour helpyou,youoweittothemtovaluetheir head. contribution.Iveheardyoucomplainaboutsuits Perryrockedbackonhisheels.Hewassuddenly twentytimesinthepastweek.Twoofthosesuits furious,evenifsomewhereinhisheartofhearts areonyourside.Theyreputtingthemselveson heknewthatshewasrightandhewasmostly theline,justlikeyou.Hell,theyredoingtheshit angryatbeingshownupinfrontofHilda.Ive workwhileyougettodoalltheinventingandfly beenhearingthatallmylife,Suzanne.Idontbuy aroundthecountryandgetlaidbyhotgroupies. it.Look,itjustkeepsgettingcheaperandeasierto Shekissedhischeek,tryingtomakeajokeofit, makesomethinglikewhatwevebuilt.Togeta butshedreallyhurthisfeelings.Hefeltlike printer,togetgoop,tomakestuff,todownload stuff,tomessageandIMwithpeoplewhollhelp weeping.Itwasalloutofhiscontrol.Hisdestiny youmakestuff.Tolearnhowtomakeit.Look,the wasnothistomaster. worldisgettingbetterbecauseweregettingbetter OK,letsgoapologizetoKettlewellandTjan. atroutingaroundthebullies.Wecanplaytheir Shelaughed,buthedonlybeenhalfwaykidding. game,orwecaninventanewgame. Whathereallywantedtodowashaveabigold Irefusetobesuckedintoplayingtheirgame.If dinnerathomewithLester,justthetwoofthemin weplaytheirgame,weendupjustlikethem. frontoftheTV,eatingLestersfatkinscuisine, planninganewinvention.Hewastiredofallthese Suzanneshookherheadsadly.Itsagoodthing youvegotTjanandKettlewellaroundthen,todo people.EvenSuzannewasanoutsider.Ithadjust beenhimandLesterintheolddays,andthosehad thedirtywork.Ijusthopeyoucansparethema beenthebestdays. littlepityfromatopyourmoralhighground. ShetookEvabythearmandledheraway,leaving Hildaputherarmaroundhisshouldersand nuzzledhisneck.PoorPerry,shesaid. Perry,shaking,withHilda. Everyonepicksonhim. Bitch,hesaid,kickingtheground.Heballedhis Hesmiledinspiteofhimself. handsintofistsandthenquicklyrelaxedthemas hisbrokenarmgroundandtwingedfromthe Comeon,sulkypants,letsgofindLesterandhe suddentensing. cancallmeYokosomemore.Thatalwayscheers Hildatookhimbythearm.Youtwoclearlyhave youup. alotofhistory. Hetookacoupledeepbreaths.Shewassooutof ItwastwoweeksbeforeDeathWaitscouldsitup

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/206 andprodatakeyboardwithhisbrokenhands. Someofhispalsbroughtalaptoparoundandthey commandeeredasparediningtraytokeepiton Deathslapwasinnoshapetosupportanything heavywithsharpcorners. realchatter.Heobsessivelyflewthroughthe Brazilianmode,strangeandwonderfulbut nowherenearwhathelovedfromhisvariation ontheride.Hecouldrollthroughallthedifferent changeshedmadewithhisfriendstotheridein Thefirstday,hewasreducedtotearsoffrustration Florida,andhebecamesubtlyattunedtowhich elementswerewrongandwhichwereright. withinminutesofstarting.Hecouldntusethe shiftkey,couldntreallyusethemouseandthe Itwasononeoftheseflythroughsthathe medsmadeithardtoconcentrateandremember encounteredTheStory,leapingoutoftherideso whatheddone. vividlythatheyelpedlikehedflexedhisIVintoa nerveagain. Buttherewerepeopleontheotherendofthat computer,humanfriendswhomhecould communicatewithifonlyhecouldrelearntouse thistoolthathedlivedwithsincehewasold enoughtosituponhisown. Solaboriously,peckbypeck,keybykey,he learnedtouseitagain.Themachinehadamode fordisabledpeople,forcripples,andoncehehit onthis,itwentfaster.Themodetriedtolearn fromhim,learnhistremorsandmiskeys,his errorsandcursing,andsoemergesomethingthat wasuniquelyhisinterface.Itwasakindofagame towatchthecomputertrytoguesswhatwas meantbyhismashedkeystrokesandspastic pointermovementsheturnedonthewebcam andaimeditathiseye,andswitchedittoretinal scannermode,givingitcontrolofthepointer,then watchedinamusementasthewildleapingofthe cursoreverytimeaneedleorabrokenbone shiftedinsidehisbodywasbecalmedintoa graceful,normalizedcurve. Itwashumiliatingtobeahightechcrippleand thebetterthetechnologyworked,themoreprone itwastoreducinghimtotears.Hemightbelike thisfortherestofhislife.Hemightneverwalk withoutalimpagain.Mightneverdance.Might neverbeabletoreachforandliftobjectsagain. Hedneverfindawoman,neverhaveafamily, neverhavegrandkids. Butthiswasoffsetbytherealpeoplewiththeir Thereitwasirrefutableandindefinable.When yourodethroughtherewasanescalatingtension, asenseofpeoplewhobelongedtotheseexhibits goingthroughhardchanges,growingupandout. Oncehedseenit,hecouldntunseeit.Whenhe andhispalshadstartedtoaddtheirownstuffto theride,thestorypeoplehadbeengiantpainsin theass,accusingthemofsomethingtheycalled narricidedestroyingthefragilestorythat humanityhadlaidbarethere. Nowthathedseenittoo,hewantedtoprotectit. Buthecouldseebyskimmingforwardandback throughthechangelogandtryingdifferent flythroughsthatthestorywasntbeing underminedbythegothstufftheywerebringing in;itwasbeingenhanced.Itwastellingthestory heknew,ofgrowingupwithanindefinableneed tobedifferent,torejectthemainstreamandto embracethissubcultureandaesthetic. Itwasthestoryofhistribeandsubspeciesandit gotrealerthemoreheplayedit.God,howcould hehavemissedit?Itmadehimwanttocry,though thatmighthavebeenthemeds.Someofitmade himwanttolaugh,too. Hetried,laboriously,tocomposeamessageboard postthatexpressedwhathewasfeeling,butevery attemptcameoutsoundinglikethosestorymystics hedbattled.Heunderstoodnowwhytheyd soundedsohippytrippy.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/207 Soherodetheride,virtually,againandagain, spottingthegracenotesandtheslywitandthe wrenchingemotionthatthecollectiveintelligence ofallthoseridershadcreated.Discovered?Itwas likethestorywasthereallalong,lurkinglikethe statueinsideablockofmarble. separatelawsuitsagainstvariousincarnationsof theridefortrademarkviolation,anditsnow tryingtoduckthepunishingcountersuitsthathave risenupintheirwake.

Mostironicofall,wordhasitthatPagewas responsibleforbothendsofthis:thelawsuits Oh,itwaswonderful.Hewasruined,maybe againsttherideandthedecisiontoturnhis forever,butitwaswonderful.Andhedbeenapart companyintopurveyorsofcheapknockoffsofthe ofit. ride. Hewentbacktowritingthatmessageboardpost. PageisbestknownamongParkaficionadosfor Hedbelaidinthatbedforalongtimeyet.Hehad havinghadtheforesighttogutthechildrens timetorewrite. FantasylanddistrictinWaltDisneyWorldand replaceitwithajumpedupversionofHotTopic,a goththemedareathatdrewdownthenations IFYOUCANTBEATTHEM,RIPTHEMOFF eyelinersupplytodangerouslylowlevels. AnewinitiativefromthetroubledDisneyParks corporationshowshowalittleimaginationcan catapultanambitiousexectothetopofthe corporateladder. WordhasitthatSamuelR.D.Page,theVice PresidentforFantasyland(Iassureyou,IamNOT makingthatup)hasbeenkickedupstairstoSenior VicePresidentforRemoteDeliveryofPark Experience(Imnotmakingthatup,either). InsidersinthecompanytellusthatRemote DeliveryofParkExperienceisaplantoconvince ustogiveTheMouseapieceofourhomeswhich willbeconstantlyrefreshedviaarobotthree deeimensionalprinterwithminiaturesofthe Disneypark. Itwasapparentlythatsortofwayoutofthebox geniusthatledPagetohislatestroundof disasters:thelawsuits,anabortiverebuildingof Fantasyland,andnowthisRemoteDelivery scam. Whatsnext?TheMousehasalreadyshipped DisneyDollars,anabortivehomewaresline,a disastrousfineartchain,andoversawthecollapse ofthecollectiblecelartmarket.With visionarieslikePageatthehelm,thecompany canthelpbutnotchupmoresuccesses.

Deathwasdeepintothestorynow.TheBrazilians hadforkedofftheirownridetheydhadtheir ownNewWorkculture,too,centeredinthe Ifthissoundsfamiliar,itshould.Itsapale imitationofthenolessridiculous(ifslightlyless favelas,sotheyhaddifferentstoriestotell.Some oftherideoperatorsimportedafewoftheir evil)ridesmovementpioneeredbyPerry scenes,tentatively,andsomeoftheridefanswere GibbonsandLesterBanks,previouslytheanti heroesoftheNewWorkpumpanddumpscandal. recreatingtheBrazilscenesontheirownpasses throughtheride. Imitationismeanttobethesincerestformof flattery,andifso,Gibbonsandhiscultistsmustbe Itwasallinthere,ifyouknewwheretolookforit, andthebestpartwas,noonehadwrittenit.Ithad blushingfireenginered. writtenitself.Thecollectivejudgementofpeople Thisischeapirony,Disneystyle.Afterall,its whorodethroughhadturnedchaosinto onlybeenamonthsincethecompanylaunchedten

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/208 coherence. Orhadit?Themessageboardswererifewith speculationthatTheStoryhadbeenplantedby someonemaybetheridescreators,maybesome clanofriderswhodinserteditdeliberately. Thesediscussionsborderedonthemetaphysical: whatwasanorganicridedecision?Itmade DeathWaitssheadswim. Thethingthatwasreallydoinghisheadin, though,wastheDisneystuff.Sammyhe couldnteventhinkofSammywithoutasick feelinginhisstomach,crashingwavesofnausea thattranscendedevenhisnarcotichazeSammy wasmakingthesegrotesqueparodiesoftheride. Hewaspushingthemouttotheworldsliving rooms.Eventhedeletedridesfromtheglorydays ofthegothFantasyland,intimelimitedminiature. IfhedstillbeenatDisneyParks,hewouldhave lovedthisidea.Itwasjustwhatheloved,the knowledgethathewassharingexperiencewithhis peoplearoundtheworld,partofatribeevenifhe couldntseethem. theroadside,cutintodoublehelixmoleculesand otheroddbiologicalformsanamoeba,a skeleton. OK?Deathsaid.Theydswitchedhimto somethingnewforthepainthatday,andgiven himarockerswitchhecouldusetodrizzleitinto hisIVwhenitgotbad.Hedhititjustbeforethe lawyercametoseehimandnowhecouldnt concentratemuch.Plushewasntusedtotalking. Writingonlinewasbetter.Hecouldwrite something,saveit,gobackandrereaditlaterand cleanitupifitturnedouthedgoneoffona stonedramble. Youknowwereengagedinsomeveryhigh stakeslitigationhere,right,Darren? HehateditwhenpeoplecalledhimDarren. Death,hesaid.Histoothlesslispwaspathetic, likeanoldwinos.

Death,OK.Thishighstakeslitigationneedsa maximumofcautionandcontrol.Thisisafifteen yearjourneythatendswhenwevebrokenthe Now,intheeraoftheride,hecouldseehowdumb backofthecompanythatdidthistoyou.Itends whenwetakethemforeverycent,bankrupttheir thiswas.Howthinandshallowandcommercial. executives,taketheirsummerhomes,freezetheir Whyshouldtheyhavetopaysomegiantevil accounts.Youunderstandthat? corporationtoconvenetheircommunity? Deathhadntreallyunderstoodthat.Itsounded HekepttryingtowriteaboutTheStory,kept prettytiring.Exhausting.Fifteenyears.Hewas failing.Itwouldntcome.ButSammyheknew onlynineteennow.Hedbethirtyfour,andthat whathewantedtosayaboutSammy.Hetyped untiltheysedatedhim,andthentypedsomemore wasonlyifthelawyerwasestimatingcorrectly. whenhewokeup.Hehadoldemailstoreferto. Oh,hesaid. Hepastedthemin. Well,notthatyouregoingtohavetotakepartin Afterthreedaysofdoingthis,thelawyercame fifteenyearsworthofthis.Itslikelywellbe back.TomLevinewasdressedinasternsuitwith donewithyourpartinayear,tops.Butthepointis narrowlapelsandatiepiercedwithsomekindof thatwhenyougoonlineandpostmaterialthats fratpin.HewasntmucholderthanDeath,buthe potentiallyharmfultothiscase madeDeathfeellikealittlekid. Deathclosedhiseyes.Hedpostedthewrong IneedtotalktoyouaboutyourInternetactivity, thing.Thishadbeenamajordealwhenhewasat hesaid,sittingdownbesidehim.Hedbrought Disney,whathewasandwasntallowedtopost alongasaltwatertaffyassortmentboughtfrom aboutthoughinpractice,hedpostedabout

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/209 everything,stickingtheprivatestuffinprivate discussions. Youlistentome,Darrenthisisnotthekindof thingyoufuckup.ThisisntsomethingImgoing Look,youcantwriteaboutthecase,oranything tofuckup.Iwinmycasesandyourenotgoingto changethat.Therestoomuchatstakehereforyou involvedwithit,thatswhatitcomesdownto.If toblowitallwithyourchildish,selfish youwriteaboutthatstuffandyousaythewrong thing,youcouldblowthiswholesuit.Theydget Heseemedtocatchhimselfthen,andhesnorteda awayclean. hotbreaththroughhisnosethatblewoverDeaths face.Listen,theresalotonthelinehere.More Deathshookhishead.Notwriteaboutitatall? moneythanyouorIareworth.Imtryingtohelp No,hesaid.No. yououthere.Whateveryouwrite,whateveryou Imnotaskingyou,Death.Icangetacourtorder say,itsgoingtobeverycloselyscrutinized.From nowon,youshouldtreateverypieceof ifIhaveto.Thisisseriousitsnotsomefunny littlegame.Therearebillionsonthelinehere.One informationthatemanatesfromyourfingertipsas wrongword,onewrongpostandpfft,itsallover. likelytobecoveredontheeveningnewsand repeatedtoeveryoneyouveevermet.Nomatter Andnothinginemail,eitheritslikely howprivateyouthinkyourebeing,itllcomeout. everythingyouwriteisgoingtogothrough discovery.Dontwriteanythingpersonalinanyof Itsnotpretty,andIknowyoudidntaskforit,but yourmailnothingyouwouldntwantinacourt yourehere,andtheresnothingyoucandoto changethat. record. Heleftthen,embarrassedatlosinghistemper, Icantdothat,Deathsaid.Hesoundedlikea embarrassedatDeathsmeeksilence.Deathpoked fuckingretard,betweentalkingthroughhis athislaptopsome.Hethoughtaboutwritingdown mashedmouthandtalkingthroughthetears.I morenotes,butthatwasprobablyinthesame cant.Iliveinemail. category. Well,nowyoullhaveareasontogooutside.This Heclosedhiseyesandnow,nowhefelttheextent isntupfornegotiation.WhenIwasherelast,I thoughtImadetheseriousnessofthiscaseclearto ofhisinjuries,feltthemtrulyforthefirsttime you.Imfranklyamazedthatyouwereimmature sincehedwokenupinthishospital.Therewere andirresponsibleenoughtowritewhatIveread. deep,grindingpainsinhislegsbothknees broken,fractureintheleftthigh.Hisribshurt IcantDeathsaid. everytimehebreathed.Hisfacewasaruin,his mouthfeltlikehehadtwistedlumpsofhamburger Thelawyerpurpled.Hedidntlooklikeahappy goluckytannedpreppieanymore.HelookedDad gluedtohistornlips.Hisdickwell,theyd scary,likeoneofthosefathersinDisneywhowas catheterizedhim,butthatdidntaccountforthe feelingsdownthere.Hedbeenkickedrepeatedly abouttoseriouslylosehisshitandhauloffand andviciously,andtheytoldhimthatthe smackawhinykid.DeathsownPawpaw,whod reconstructivesurgeriessurgeries,pluralwould stoodinforhisfather,hadgoneredlikethat takesometime,andnothingwascertainuntilthey wheneverhemouthedoff,asinthatcouldbe weredone. committedevenwithoutopeninghismouth.He hadaninstinctivecurlupandhidereactiontoit, Hedmanagedtopretendthathisbodywasnt andthelawyerseemedtosensethis,loomingover thereforsolongashewasabletopokeatthe him.Hefeltlikehewasabouttobeeaten. computer.Nowitcamebacktohim.Hehadthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/210 painkillerrockerswitchandthepainwasntany worsethanwhatpassedfornormal,buthehadan ideathatifhehititenoughtimes,hedbeableto getawayfromhisbodyforawhileagain. Hetriedit. HildaandLestersatuncomfortablyonthesofa nexttoeachother.Perryhadhopedtheydhitit off,butitwasclearafterLestertriedhisYokojoke againthatthechemistrywasntthere.Nowthey werehavingararemomentofalllooksame screen,theTVswitchedonlikeinanoldcomedy, noonelookingattheirownlaptop. Thetensionwasthick,andPerrywassickofit. Hereachedforhiscomputerandaskedittofind himthebaseballgloves.Twoofthedrawersonthe livingroomwallsglowedpink.Hefetchedthe glovesdown,tossedonetoLester,andpickedup hisball. Comeon,hesaid.TVishistoricallyaccurate, butitsnotverysocial. Lestergotupfromthesofa,aslowsmile spreadingonhisface,andHildafollowedaminute later.Outside,bythecrackedpool,itwascoming onslowtwilightandthatmagic,tropicalblood orangeskylikeaswirlofsorbet. LesterandPerryeachputontheirgloves.Perryd wornhisnowandagain,buthadneverhadareal gameofcatchwithit.Lesterlobbedaneasytoss tohimandwhenitsmackedhisglove,itfeltso right,thesoundandthevibrationandthefine cloudofdustthatroseupfromthemittspocket, Christ,itwaslikeasacrament. warmdarkandhummingbugsandstarlight.Each timehecaughtaball,somethingleftPerry,some painlongheldinhischest,evanescedintothe nightair.Hiscatchingarm,stifffrombeing twistedbytheweightofthecastonhisotherhand, unlimberedandbecamefluid.Hismindwas becalmed. Noneofthemtalked,thoughtheysometimes laughedwhenaballwentwild,andbothPerryand Lesterwentooh,whenLestermadeajump catchthatnearlytumbledhimintothedrypool. Perryhadntplayedagameofcatchsincehewasa kid.Catchwasnthisdadsstrongsuit,andheand hisfriendshadlikedvideogamesbetterthan tossingaball,whichwasprettydullby comparison. Butthatnightitwasmagic,andwhenitgottofull darkandtheycouldbarelyseetheballexceptasa secondmoonhurtlingwhitethroughtheair,they kepttossingitafewmoretimesbeforePerry droppeditintothepocketofhisbaggyshorts. Letsgetadrink,hesaid. Lestercameoverandgavehimabig,bearishhug. ThenHildajoinedthem.Youstink,Lestersaid, Seriously,dude.Liketheassofadeadbear. Thatbrokethemupandsetthemtolaughing together,agigglingfitthatleftthemgasping, Lesteronallfours.Perrysarmforgottohurtand hemovedtokissHildaonthecheekandinstead sheturnedherheadtokisshimfullonthelips,a realjuicy,steamyonethatmadehisearwaxmelt. Drinks,Hildasaid,breakingthekiss.

Theywentupstairs,holdingthemitts,andhada beertogetheronthepatio,talkingsoftlyabout Hecouldntlobtheballback,becauseofhis nothinginparticular,andthenLesterhuggedthem bustedwing,sohehandedtheballtoHilda. goodnightandthentheyallwenttobed,and Youremydesignatedrightarm,hesaid.She Perryputhisfaceintothehairatthebackof smiledandchuckedtheballbacktoLester. Hildasneckandtoldherhelovedher,andHilda Theyplayeduntilthetwilightdeepenedtovelvety snuggleduptohimandtheyfellasleep.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/211 AGAMEOFCATCH youragenda.IfyouwanttovisitthisDeathkid, Popquiz:Yourempireiscrumblingaroundyour youshould.Ifyoudont,youshouldnt.Butdont ears.Yoursupportersarehospitalizedbyjackboot letFreddypsyopsyouintodoingsomethingyou dontwanttodo.Maybehedoeshavearatinyour thugsforstickingupforyou. building.Maybehesgotaratatthehospital. ThelawsuitsaremountingandflybynightMBAs Maybe,though,hejustscoredsomestillsoffa havedeterminedtouseyournonprofit,info flickrstream,maybeheswatchingnewphotos hippierideprojecttogetrightbyembarkingon20 withsomefacerecognitionstuff. yearsoflitigation. Perrylookedupfromhisscreen,stillscowling. Whatdoyoudo? Peopledothat? Well,ifyourelikePerryGibbons,LesterBanks Surestalkerware!Iuseitmyself,justtosee andHildaHammersen,yougooutintothe whatphotosofmeareshowinguponline.Iscour backyardandthrowaballaroundforawhile,then everyphotofeedpublishedforanythingthat youhaveabigcuddleandheadinside. appearstobeaphotoofme.Mostofitsfrom blogjects,CCTVcamerasandcraplikethat.You Thepicturesshownherewerecapturedbya shouldseewhatitslikeondaysIgotoLondon neighborofthecultleaderslastnight,attheir youcangetphotographed800timesadaythere palatialcondosinHollywood,Florida. withouttrying.Soyeah,ifIwasFreddyandI Thethreeareringleadersofthelooseknit wantedtoscrewwithyou,Idbewatchingevery organizationthatmanagestheridesthatdotten imagefeedforyourpic,andmine,andLesters. citiesinAmericaandarepresentinfiftycitiesin Wejustneedtoassumethatthatsgoingon.But Brazil.Theirprojectcametonationalattention lookatwhatheactuallyreportedon:youwentout whenDisneybroughtsuitagainstthem,securing andplayedcatchandthenhuggedafteryourgame. injunctionsagainsttheridesthatresultedinriots Itsnotlikehecaughtyoucornholinggatorswhile andbloodshed. smokingspliffsrolledinCnotes. Onesupporterofthegroup,theoutspokenDeath Whatdoesthatguyhaveagainstus,anyway? Waits,aformerDisneyemployee,hasbeen Suzannesighed.Well,atfirstIthinkitwasthatI hospitalizedforoveraweekfollowingasavage likedyou,andthatyouweretryingtodo beatingthatheclaimsresultedfromhisInternet somethingconsistentwithwhathethought postingabouttheunhealthyobsessionDisney everyoneshouldbedoing.Afterall,ifanyone executiveSamuelR.D.Page(seeprevious weretofollowhisexhortations,theydhavetobe coverage)borefortheride. dumbenoughtobetakinghimseriously,andfor Everyoneneedstounwindnowandthen,but thattheydeserveallpossibledisapprobation. sourcesatthehospitalwhereDeathWaitslies Thesedays,though,hehatesyoufortworeasons. abedsaythathehashadnovisitsfromthecult leaderssincehetookhisbeatingintheirservice. Thefirstisthatyoufailed,whichmeansthat youvegottohavesomekindofmoraldeficiency. Nodoubtthesethreehavemoreimportantthings Thesecondisthatwekeeppullinghispantsdown todolikeplaycatch. inpublic,whichmakeshimevenangrier,since pullingdownpeoplespantsishisjob. Suzannesaid,Look,youcantletcrazypeopleset Iknowitsarmchairpsychology,butIthinkthat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/212 Freddyjustdoesntlikehimselfverymuch.Atthe YoulikingFlorida?Lestercalledovertheseatas endoftheday,peoplewhoaresecureandhappy theyinchedforwardinthecommutertrafficonthe dontactlikethis. wayintoMelbourne. Perrysscowldeepened.Idliketokickhimin thefuckingballs,hesaid.Whycanthejustlet usbe?Wevegotenoughfriggingproblems. Ijustwanttogoandvisitthiskid,Lestersaid, andtheywerebackwheretheystarted. Itshot;Ilikethat,Hildasaid. Youdidntmentiontheawesomeaesthetics, Lestersaid. Suzannerolledhereyes.Tickytackychic,she said.

ButweknowthatthisFreddyguyhasan Iloveithere,Lestersaid.Thatcontrast informantinthehospital,heaboutsaysasmuchin betweencrass,overdeveloped,cheap,nastystrip thisarticle.Ifwegothere,hewins,Perrysaid. mallsandunspoiledtropicalbeauty.Itsgorgeous HildaandLesterjustlookedathim.Finallyhe anditticklesmyfunnybone. smiledandrelented.OK,Freddyisntgoingto Hildasquintedoutthewindowasthoughshewere runmylife.Ifitstherightthingtovisitthiskid, tryingtoseewhatLestersaw,likesomeonestaring itstherightthing.Letsdoit. atarandomdotstereograminamallstore,trying Wellgoaftertherideshutstonight,Lestersaid. Allofus.Illbuyhimafruitbasketandbring himamini.TheminiswereLesterslatest mechanicalcomputers,builtinsideofsardine cans,madeofminiaturized,printed,highimpact alloys.Theycouldaddandsubtractnumbersupto ten,usingahandcrankontheside,registering theiroutputonabinarydisplayoflittlewindows thatwerecoveredanduncoveredbytinyshutters. Hedbuilthisfirstthedaybefore,usingdesigns suppliedbysomeofhispeopleinBraziland tweakingthemtohisliking. Thedaywasasclosetoanormaldayontheride asPerrycouldimagine.Thecrowdwasheavy fromthemomentheopened,andhehadtogo backintothedepthsandkickthingsbackinto shapeacoupletimes,andoneofthechairsshut down,andtwoofthemerchantshadadisputethat degeneratedintoabrawl.Justanotherdayrunning aroadsideattractioninFlorida. Lesterspelledhimofffortheendoftheday,then theycountedthetakeandsaidgoodnighttothe merchantsandallpiledintooneofLesterscars andheadedforthehospital. tomakethethreedeeeimagepopout. Ifyousayso,shesaid.Idontfindmuch attractiveabouthumansettlement,though.Ifit needstobethere,itshouldjustbeinvisibleas possible.Wefundamentallyliveinuglyboxes,and effortstomakethemprettyneverdoanythingfor meexceptcallattentiontohowuglytheyare.I kindawishthateverythingwasbuilttodisappear asmuchaspossiblesowecouldconcentrateon thelovelinessoftheworld. YougetthatinMadison?Lestersaid. Nope,shesaid.Iveneverseenanyplace designedthewayIddesignone.MaybeIlldo thatsomeday. Perrylovedherjustthen,forthat.Thecasualoh, yeah,theworldisntarrangedtomysatisfaction, maybeIllrearrangeitsomeday. ThedutynursewasaboredEasternEuropeanwho gavethemahalfheartedhardtimeabouthaving toomanypeoplevisitDeathWaitsallatonce,but whomeltedwhenSuzannegaveheralittletalkin Russian. Whatwasthatallabout?Perrywhisperedtoher

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/213 astheymadetheirwayalongthesoursmelling ward. Toldherwewouldkeepitdownand complimentedheronhermanicure. Lestershookhishead.Ihaventbeeninaplace likethisinsolong.Thefatkinsplacesarenothing likeit. Hildasnorted.Moreupscale,Itakeit?Lester andHildahadntreallytalkedaboutthefatkins thing,butPerrysuddenlyrememberedthe vehemencewithwhichHildahaddenouncedthe kidswhoweretalkedintofatkinstreatmentsin theirteensandwonderedifsheandLestershould beclearingtheair. Notreallybutmorefunctional.Moreabout,I dontknow,pursuingyourhobby.Lessabout showingupinanemergency. HildasnortedagainandtheywereatDeaths room.Theywalkedpasthisroommates,anold ladywithherteethout,sleepingwithherjaw saggingdown,andamaninabodycast hammeringonavideogamecontrollerandstaring fixedlyatthescreenatthefootofhisbed. ThentheycameuponDeathWaits.Perryhadonly seenhimbriefly,andinbadshapeeventhen,but nowhewasawreck,somethingfromahorror movieoranatrocityphoto.Perryswallowedhard ashetookintheboyswracked,skinnybody,the casts,thesunkeneyes,theshavedhead,thecaved infaceandtornears. wreck.Lester,too,andSuzanne.Theyalltooka minutestepbackward,butHildapushedpastthem andtookhishandandstrokedhishairandwent shhh,shhh.Hisbawlingbecomemore uncontrolled,louder,andhistworoommates complained,callingtohimtoshutup,and Suzannemovedbackanddrewthecurtainsaround eachoftheirbeds.Strangely,thissilencedthem. Gradually,Deathscriesbecamesofter,andthen hesnuffledandsnortedandHildagavehima kleenexfromherpurse.Hewipedhisfaceand blewhisnoseandsqueezedthekleenextightinhis hand.Heopenedhismouth,shutit,openedand shutit. Then,inawhisper,hetoldthemhisstory.The manintheparkinglotandhiserection.The hospital.Postingonthemessageboards. Thelawyer. What?Perrysaid,loudenoughthattheyall jumpedandDeathWaitsflinchedpatheticallyin hishospitalbed.Hildasqueezedhisarmhard. Sorry,sorry,Perrymuttered.Butthislawyer, whatdidhesaytoyou? Perrylistenedforatime.DeathWaitsspokeina lowmonotone,pausingfrequentlytodrawin shudderingbreathsthatwerealmostsobs. Fuckingbastards,Perrysaid.Evil,corporate, immoral,sleazy Hildasqueezedhisarmagain.Shh,shesaid. Takeiteasy.Youreupsettinghim.

HewasfixedlywatchingTV,whichseemedtobe Perrywassoangryhecouldbarelysee,barely showingagolfshow.Histhumbwaspoisedovera think.Hewastrembling,andtheywereallstaring rockerswitchconnectedtotheIVinhisarm. athim,buthecouldntstop.Deathhadshrunk Deathlookedatthemwithdulleyesatfirst,not backintohimself,squeezedhiseyesshut. recognizingthemforamoment.Thenhedid,and Illbebackinaminute,Perrysaid.Hefeltlike hiseyeswelledupwithtears.Theystreameddown hewassuffocating.Hewalkedoutoftheroomso hisfaceandhischinandlipquivered,andthenhe fastitwaspracticallyajog,thenpoundedonthe openedhismouthandstartedtobawllikeababy. elevatorbuttons,waitedtensecondsandgaveup Perrywasparalyzedtransfixedbythiscrying andrandowntenflightsofstairs.Hegotoutside

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/214 intothecoolnessofthehazynightandsuckedin hugelungsfulofwetair,hishearthammeringin hischest. Anylawyershowsuphereagainrepresentingme, Iwantyoutoemailme. Inthecarback,noonesaidanythinguntilthey werewithinsightoftheshantytown.Kettlewell isntgoingtolikethis,Suzannesaid.

Hehadhisphoneinhishandandhehadscrolled toKettlewellsnumber,buthekepthimselffrom dialingit.Hewasinnoshapetodiscussthiswith Yeah,Iexpectnot,Perrysaid.Hecangofuck Kettlewell.Hewantedwitnessestherewhenhedid himself. it,tokeephimfromdoingsomethingstupid. Hewentbackinside.Thesecurityguardswatched himclosely,butheforcedhimselftosmileandact ImagineeringsenttheprototypeuptoSammyas soonasitwasready,theactualengineerswhod calmandtheydidntstophimfromboardingthe beenworkingonitshleppingitintohisoffice. elevator. Imsorry,hesaidtoallofthem.Imsorry,he saidtoDeathWaits.Letmemakesomething very,veryclear:youarefreetousetheInternetas muchasyouwant.Youarefreetotellyourstory toanyoneyouwanttotellitto.Evenifitscrews upmycase,yourefreetodothat.Youvegivenup enoughformealready. Deathlookedathimwithwateryeyes.Really? hesaid.Itcameoutinahoarsewhisper. Hedbeencarefultocultivatetheirfriendship throughtheweeksofproduction,takingthemout forbeersanddelicatelylettingthemknowthat theywerejustthesortofpeoplewhoreally understoodwhatDisneyParkswasabout,notlike thosephilistineswhocomprisedtherestofthe managementlayeratDisney.Helearnedtheir kidsnamesandforwardedjokestothembyemail. Hedroppedbytheirbreakroomandletthembeat himatpinballontheirgigantic,bizarre,multi boardhomebrewmachine,lettingthemknowjust howcoolsaidmachinewas.

Perrymovedthebreakfasttraythatcovered Deathslaptop,thenopenedthelaptopand positioneditwhereDeathcouldreachit.Itsall Nowitwaspayingoff.Judgingfromthedevicehe yours,buddy.Whateveryouwanttosay,sayit.Let waslookingat,abreadboxsized,goawaygreen yourfreakflagfly. roundshoulderedsmoothboxthatittooktwoof Deathcriedagainthen,silenttearsslippingdown themtocarryin. hishollowcheeks.Perrygothimsomekleenex Watchthis,oneofthemsaid.Heknockeda fromthebathroomandheblewhisnoseand complicatedpatternontheboxstopandahidden wipedhisfaceandgrinnedatthemall,atoothless, hatchopenedoutoftheside,yawningoutand wet,ruinedsmilethatmadePerrysheartlurch. formingaminiaturestaircasefromhalfwaydown Jesus,Jesus,Jesus.Whatthehellwashedoing? theboxssurfacetotheground.Therewassoft Thiskidhewouldnevergetthelifehedhad musicplayinginsidethebox:ajazzy,uptempo back. futuristicversionofWhenYouWishuponaStar. Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou,Deathsaid. Alittlemanappearedinthedoorway.Helooked Pleasedontbegratefultome,Perrysaid.We likehewasmadeofpipecleanersandhetookthe oweyouthethanksaroundhere.Rememberthat. stairsinthreewobblingstrides.Heignoredthem Wehaventdoneyouanyfavors.Allthefavors ashelurchedaroundtheboxsperimeteruntilhe aroundherehavecomefromyou. cametoafarcorner,thenanotherhatchslidaway

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/215 andthelittlemanreachedinsideandtuggedout theplugandtheendofthepowercord.Hehugged theplugtohischestandbegantowanderaround Sammysdesk,clearlylookingforanelectrical outlet. Itsarandomwalksearchalgorithm,oneofthe Imagineerssaid.Watchthis.Afteracoupleof circuitsofSammysdeskthelittlerobotwentto theedgeandjumped,hangingontothepower cable,whichunspooledslowlyfromtheboxlikea belayline,gentlyloweringthemantotheground. Afewminuteslater,hehadfoundtheelectrical outletandpluggedinthebox. Themusicinsidestilledandafanfarebegan.The trumpetingreachedajoyouspeakItsfounda networkconnectionandthensubsidedinto marchingbandmusic.Therewasasmelllike SaranWrapinthemicrowave.Amomentlater, anotherpipecleanermanemergedfromthebox, luggingachunkofplasticthatlookedlikethebase ofarocketinanoldtimeysciencefictionmovie. MonsantoHallofChemistry.ThimbleDrome FlightCircle,withtinyflyingminiatureairplanes. Holycrap,Sammysaid.Peoplepaidtosee thesethings? Goon,theotherImagineersaid.Taketheroof offtheHallofChemistry. Sammydid,andwastreatedtoatiny,incredibly detailedthreedeeemodeloftheHallsinterior exhibits,completewithtinypeoplein1950sgarb marvelingatthetrulycrappyexhibits. Weprintto1200dpiwiththese.Wecanput pupilsontheeyeballsatthatrez. Thepieceswerestilltrundlingout.Sammypicked uptheMonsantoHallofChemistryandturnedit overandoverinhishands,lookingattheminute detail,admiringthewayallthepiecessnapped together.

Itskindofbrittle,thefirstImagineersaid.He tookitfromSammyandgaveitasqueezeandit crackedwithanoiselikeanofficechairrolling Thefirstpipecleanermanwasshinnyingupthe overasheetofbubblewrap.Thepiecesfelltothe powercable.Hecrestedthedesktopandjoinedhis desk. brotherinferryingoutmoreparts.Eachone Apipecleanermanhappeneduponashardaftera snappedintothepreviousonewithaLegolike click.Takingshapeonthedesktopinslowstages, momentandhuggedittohischest,thentoddled backintotheboxwithit. theoriginal,1955Tomorrowland,completewith therockettothemoon,theClockoftheWorldand Theresalittleopticalscannerinthereitll figureoutwhichbitthispiececamefromandprint anotherone.Totalconstructionofthismodeltakes DairyFarmersofAmericaPresenttheCowof abouttwohours. Tomorrow?Sammysaid,peeringatthelittle brassplaqueonthematchboxsizeddiorama, whichshowedacowwithanIVinherhock, watchingavideoofapasture.Yourekidding me. Youbuiltthisentirethingfromscratchinthree weeks?

TheImagineerslaughed.No,nonoway!No, almostallthecodeanddesignscameoffthenet. No!oneImagineersaid.Itsallforrealthe MostofthisstuffwasdevelopedbyNewWork archiveshaveallthesetight,highrezthreedeee startupsbackintheday,orbythoserideweirdos modelsofalltheridestheParkseverseen.Thisis downinHollywood.Wejustshoveditallintothis totallyhistoricallyaccurate. boxandaddedthemodelsforsomeofourold ridesfromthearchives.Thiswaseasy,man TheKaiserAluminumHallofFame.The

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/216 easy! Sammysheadswam.Easy!Thisthingwas undeniablysupercool.Hewantedone.Everyone wasgoingtowantone! Youcanprinttheseasbigasyouwant,tooif wegaveitenoughtime,spaceandfeedstock,itd runthesebuildingsatfullsize. TheminiatureTomorrowlandwasnearlydone.It wasallbrave,sadwhitecurves,likethesetofa remakeofRollerball,andfeaturedtinypeoplein 1950sclothes,sundressesandsalarymanhats, blackrimmedglassesandscoutuniformsforthe boys. Sammygoggledatit.Hemovedthelittlepeople around,liftedoffthelids. course,thatwontbehardtodefeat Wellsueanyonewhotriesit,Sammysaid.Oh, boys,youveoutdoneyourselves.Seriously.IfI couldgiveyouaraise,Iwould.Asitis,take somethinghomefromthearchitecturalsalvagelot andsellitoneBay.Itsasclosetoabonusasthis fuckingcompanysgoingtopayanyofus. Theylookedathimquizzically,withsomealarm andhesmiledandspreadhishands.Haha,only seriousboys.Reallytakesomestuffhome. Youveearnedit.Tryandgrabsomethingfromthe ridesystemitself,thatsgotthehighestbook value.

Theyleftbehindaslimfolderwithproduction notesandestimates,supplierswhowouldbelikely tobidonajoblikethis.Hedneedamarketing Man,Idseenthethreedeeemodelsand plan,toobutthiswasfartherthanheever flythroughs,buttheyrenothingcomparedto thoughthedget.Hecouldshowthistolegaland actuallyseeingit,owningit.Peoplewillwant totheboard,andyes,toWienerandtherestofthe librariesofthesethings.Wholeroomsdevotedto uselesscommittee.Hecouldgeteveryonelinedup them. behindthisandworkingonit.Hell,ifhespunit Umm,oneoftheImagineerssaid.Sammyknew righttheydallbefightingtohavetheirpet projectsinstantiatedwithit. hisname,buthedforgottenit.Hehadawhole complicatedschemeforrememberingpeoples Hefiddledwithacoupleofovernightshippers namesbymakingupstoriesaboutthem,butitwas sitesforawhile,tryingtofigureoutwhatitwould alotofwork.Well,aboutthat.Thisfeedstockis costtoselltheseintheParkandhavethemwaiting veryfastsetting,butitdoesntreallyweatherwell. onthemarksdoorstepswhentheygotbackhome. Evenifyoustoreditinadark,humiditycontrolled Therewerelotsoflittledetailslikethat,but room,itdstarttodelaminateandfalltopieces ultimately,thiswasgoodandcleanitwould withinamonthortwo.Leaveitinthelivingroom extendtheParksreachrightintothelivingrooms indirectsunlightanditllcrumblewithinacouple oftheircustomers,givingthemanewreasonto days. thinkoftheParkeveryday. Sammypursedhislipsandthoughtforawhile. Please,pleasetellmethattheressomething KettlewellandTjanlookedupwhenPerrybanged proprietarywecanrequireinthefeedstockthat canmakeusintothesolesupplierofconsumables throughthedooroftheteahousetheydturned intotheirdefactoheadquarters. forthisthing. Perryhadgonethroughmadandbacktocalmon Maybe?Wecouldcertainlytagthegoopwith somethingproprietaryandhuntforitwhenwedo theridehome,butashedrewclosertothetea thebuild,refusetorunonanyoneelsesgoop.Of house,passingthepeopleinthestreets,thepeople

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/217 livingtheirliveswithoutlawyersorbullshit,his angercameback.Hedevenstoppedoutsidethe teahouseandbreatheddeeply,buthisheartwas poundingandhishandskeptballingintofistsand sometimes,man,sometimesyouvejustgottogo forit. accusation,andnowKettlewellmadealittlego aheadgestureatTjan.

Theresnoexcuseforwhatthatlawyerdid.We didntauthorizeit,wedidntknowithad happened,andwewouldnthavepermitteditifwe had.Inasuitlikethis,therearealotofmoving Hegottothetableandgrabbedthepapersthere partsandtheresnowaytokeeptrackofallof andtossedthemoverhisshoulder. themallofthetime.Youdontknowwhatevery rideoperatorintheworldisupto,youdonteven Yourefired,hesaid.Packupandgo,Iwant yououtbymorning.Youredonehere.Youdont knowwherealltheridesintheworldare.Thats representtherideandyouneverwill.Getlost.He inthenatureofadecentralizedbusiness. didntknowhewasgoingtosayituntilhesaidit, Butheresthething:thelawyerwasatleastpartly butitfeltright.Thiswaswhathewasfeelinghis right.Everythingthatkidblogs,emails,andsays projecthadbeenstolenandbadthingswerebeing willpotentiallyendupinthepublicrecord.Likeit doneinhisnameanditwasgoingtostop,right ornot,thatkidcannolongerconsiderhimselfto now. haveaprivatelife,notuntilthecourtcaseisup. TjanandKettlewellgottotheirfeetandlookedat NeithercanyouorI,forthatmatter.Thatsinthe him,facesblankwithshock.Kettlewellrecovered natureofalawsuitanditsnotsomethinganyof uscanchangeatthispoint. first.Perry,letssitdownanddoanexit interview,allright?Thatstraditional. Perrywasshakingwithangernow.Thesetwo friendsofhis,theydfuckingscrewedhim committedtheirdirtyworkinhisname.But Kettlewellwasholdingachairouttohimandthe othersintheteahousewerestaringandhethought aboutEvaandthekidsandthebaseballgloves, andhesatdown. Hesqueezedhisthighshardwithhisclenching hands,drewinadeepbreath,andrecitedwhat DeathWaitshadtoldhiminaneven,wooden voice. Sothatsit.Idontknowifyouinstructedthe lawyerstodothisoronlyjustdistancedyourself enoughfromthemtoletthemdothisontheir own.Thepointisthatthewayyourerunningthis campaignisvictimizingpeoplewhobelieveinus, makinglifeworseforpeoplewhoalreadygota shitty,shittydealonouraccount.Iwonthaveit. KettlewellandTjanlookedateachother.Theyd bothstayedpokerfacedthroughPerrys Perryheardhimasfromagreatdistance,through thewhooshingofthebloodinhisears.He couldntthinkofanythingtosaytothat. TjanandKettlewelllookedateachother. SoevenifwerefiredTjansaidatlast, makingsarcasticfingerquotes,thisproblem wontgoaway.Wevefloatedthesyndicateand givencontrolofthelegalcasetothem.Ifyoutry toditchit,youregoingtohavetocontendwith theirlawsuits,too. IdidntPerrystarted.Buthehad,hedsigned allkindsofpapers:first,papersthatincorporated theriderunnerscoop;and,second,papersthat gavelegalrepresentationovertothesyndicate. Perry,ImthechairmanoftheBostonride collective.Imtheirreponthecoopsboard.You cantfireme.Youdidnthireme.Theydid.So stopbreathingthroughyournoselikealocomotive andcalmdown.Noneofuswantedthatlawyerto goafterthatkid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/218 Heknewtheyweremakingsensebuthedidnt wanttocare.Hedendedupinthisplacebecause thesesupposedpalsofhishadscrewedup. painkillerpluggedintohisIVwastoday,butsince PerryandLesterandtheirgirlfriends(hadthat otheronebeenSuzanneChurch?Itsurelooked likeher)hadtoldhimhecouldusehislaptop Heknewthathewasgoingtoendupmakingup again,hedstayedoffthejuiceasmuchas withthem,goingtoendupgettingdeeperinto possible.Thecomputercouldmakehimforgethe this.Heknewthatthiswashowgoodpeopledid shittythings:onetinyrottencompromiseatatime. hurt. Well,hewasntgoingtogothere. Helookedattheclock.Itwas4AM.Theblindson thewardwereshutmostofthetime,andhekept Tomorrowmorning,hesaid.Gone.Wecan tohisownschedule,nappingandthensurfing, figureoutbyemailhowtohaveasmooth thennoddingoffandthensurfingsomemore.The transition,butnomoreofthis.Notonmyhead. hospitalstaffjustlefthisfoodonthetablebeside Notonmyaccount. himifhewasasleepwhenitarrived,thoughthey Hestalkedaway,whichiswhatheshouldhave wokehimforhisspongebathsandtostickfresh doneinthefirstplace.Fuckbeingreasonable. needlesinhisarms,whichwerefilledwithbruisey Reasonablesucked. collapsedveins. DeathfoundoutabouttheDisneyinaBox printerssecondsaftertheywereannounced.Hed beentuninghisfeedwatcherstogivehimnews abouttheDisneyParksfornearlyadecade,and thislittlePRitemontheDisneyParksnewswire rangallthecherriesonhisfilters,flaggingthe itemredandrocketingittothetopofhisnews playlist,makingalltheiconsinthesidesofhis screenbouncewithdelight. Theannouncementmadehimwanttothrowup. Theyweretotallyrippingofftherides,andhe knewforafactthatmostofthethreedeemeshes oftheoldyesterlandridesandeventhe contemporaryoneswerefanmade,sothosedbe rippedoff,too. Therewasnoonehecouldtellaboutthis.Sure, therewerechatroomswith24/7chatterfrom Disneyfreaks,buthedidntmuchwanttochat withthem.Someofhisfriendswouldstillbeup andtweaking,butChrist,whowantedtoIMwitha speedfreakatfourinthemorning?Histypingwas downtolessthan30wpm,andhecouldntkeepit upforlong.Whathereallywantedwastotalkto someoneaboutthis. HereallywantedtotalktoPerryaboutthis.He shouldsendhimanemail,buthehadtheinkling ofanideaandhedidntwanttoputitinwriting, becauseitwasadeliciouslynaughtyidea. Itwasdumbtoeventhinkaboutphoninghim,he barelyknewhim,andnoonelikedtogetcallsat fouram.BesideshedcheckedPerrysnumber wasunlisted.

Andtheworstpartwas,hecouldfeelhimself gettingexcited.Thiswasjustthekindofthingthat From:deathw@deathwait.erTo: wouldhavegivenhimmajorfanboydroolas pgibbons@hollywood.rideSubject:Whatsyour recentlyasamonthago. phonenumber? Hejuststaredangrilyathisscreen.Beingangry madethepainkillerswearoff,sothemadderhe gotthemorehehurt.Hecouldnailtherocker switchanddosehimselfwithmoreofwhateverthe

Perry,Iknowthatitspresumptuous,butIdreally liketotalktoyouv2vaboutsomethingimportant thatIdprefernottoputinwriting.Idonthave anyrighttoimposeonyou,especiallynotafter

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/219 youvealreadydonemethekindnessofcomingto seemeinthehospital,butIhopeyoullsendme yournumberanyway.Alternatively,pleasecallme onmyenum1800DEATHWAITSGGFSAH. Youradmirer, DeathWaits Deathtoldhimwhathedfound,abouttheDisney printers.HereadPerrytheURLssohecouldlook themup. OK,thatsinteresting,Perrysaid.Deathcould tellhedidntreallythinkitwasthatinteresting.

Ihaventtoldyoumyideayet.Hegropedforthe words.Hismouthhadgonedry.OK,soDisneys Itwasfiveminuteslaterwhenhislaptoprang.It wasunnaturallyloudontheward,andheheardhis goingtoshipthesethingstotonsofpeoples houses,theyllsellthemcheapattheparksand roommatesstirwhenthetoneplayed.Hedidnt mailthemasfreebiestoMagicKingdomClub haveaheadsetChrist,hewasanidiot.Wait, therewasone,danglingfromtheTV.Nomic,but goldcardholders.Soinaweekortwo,theres atleasthecouldpairitwithhislaptopforsound. goingtobejust,youknow,tonsoftheseacrossthe Hestabbedatthemutebuttonandreachedforthe country. headsetandslippediton.Thenheheldthe Right. computerclosetohisfaceandwhisperedHello? Soheresmyidea:whatifyoucouldgetthemto intoitslittlemic.Hisvoicewasacroak,hisruined buildnonDisneystuff?Whatifyoucouldsend mouthdistortingtheword.Whyhadhedecidedto themplansforstufffromtherides?Whatifyou callthisguy?Hewassuchanidiot. couldjustdownloadyourfriendsdesigns?What ThisisPerryGibbons.IsthatDeathWaits? ifthiswasopenedwide. Yes,sorry,Idonthaveamic.Canyouhearme OK? IfIturnthevolumeallthewayupIcan. Therewasanawkwardsilence.Deathtriedto thinkofhowtobegin. Whatsonyourmind,Death? Ididntexpectyoutobeawakeatthishour. Perrychuckledontheotherendoftheline,then laughed,fullthroatedandfullofmerriment.I likethewayyouthink,kid,hesaid,oncehed caughthisbreath. Andthenthisamazingthinghappened.Perry Gibbonsbrainstormedwithhimaboutthekindsof designstheycouldpushouttothesethings.Itwas likesomekindofawesomedreamcometrue. Perrywastreatinghimlikeapeer,lovinghis ideas,keyingoffofthem.

Ihadaroughnight,Perrysaid.Itoccurredto Deaththathewastalkingtooneofhisheros,a manwhohadcometovisithiminthehospitalthat Thenadismalthoughtstruckhim.Waitthough, wait.Theyreusingtheirowngoopforthe day.Hegrewevenmoretonguetied. printers.Everydesignweprintmakesthem Whathappened? richer. Nothingimportant,Perrysaidandswallowed, Perrylaughedagain,reallymerry.Oh,thatkind andDeathsuddenlyunderstoodthatPerryhadhad ofthingneverworks.Theyvebeentryingtotie aroughnightbecauseofhim,becauseofwhat feedstocktoprinterssincetheinkjetdays.Wego hedtoldPerry.Itmadehimwanttocry. throughthatlikewetkleenex. Imsorry,Deathsaid. Whatsonyourmind,Death?Perrysaidagain. Isntthatillegal?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/220 Whothefuckknows?Itshouldntbe.Idontcare aboutillegalanymore.Legalgetsyoulawyers. Comeon,dudewhatsthepointofbeingallinto someantiauthoritariansubcultureifyouspendall yourtimesuckinguptotheauthorities? cheek,thethroatandthelips.

So,Perry,shesaid,lookingintohiseyes.What thefuckareyoudoingsittinginthelivingroomat 5amtalkingtoyourcomputer?Andwhydidnt youcometobedlastnight?Imnotgoingtobe Deathlaughed,whichactuallyhurtquiteabit.It hangingoutinFloridafortherestofmylife.I wasthefirstlaughhedhadsincehedendedupin wouldathoughtyoudwanttomaximizeyour thehospital,maybethefirstonesincehedbeen Hildatimewhileyouvegotthechance. firedfromDisneyWorld,andasmuchasithurt,it Shesmiledtolethimknowshewaskidding feltgood,too,likeabandbeingloosenedfrom around,butshewasright,ofcourse. aroundhisbrokenribs. Imanidiot,Hilda.IfiredTjanandKettlewell, Hisroommatesstirredandoneofthemmusthave toldthemtogetlost. pushedthenursecallbutton,becauseshortly thereafter,theformidableUkrainiannursecamein Idontknowwhyyouthinkthatssuchabad andsavagelytoldhimofffordisturbingtheward idea.Youneedbusinesspeople,probably,butit doesntneedtobethoseguys.Sometimesyoucan atfiveinthemorning.Perryheardandsaidhis havetoomuchhistorywithsomeonetoworkwith goodbyes,liketheywereoldpalswhodchatted toolong,andDeathWaitsrangoffandfellintoa him.Besides,anythingcanbeunsaid.Youcan changeyourmindinaweekoramonth.Those lightdoze,grinninglikeamaniac. guysarentdoinganythingspecial.Theydcome backtoyouifyouaskedem.YourePerry HildaeyedPerrycuriously.Thatsoundedlikean motherfuckinGibbons.Yourule,dude. interestingconversation,shesaid.Shewas Youreaveryniceperson,HildaHammersen.But wearingalongtshirtofhisthatdidntreallycover thoseguysarerunningourlegaldefense,which much,andshelookeddeliciousinit.Itwasallhe weregoingtoneed,becauseImabouttodo coulddotokeepfromgrabbingherandtossing somethingsemiillegalthatsboundtogetussued heronthebedofcourse,thecastmeantthathe againbythesamepackofassholesaslasttime. couldntreallydothat.AndHildawasntexactly Disney?Shesnorted.Haveyoueverreadupon smiling,either. thehistoryoftheDisneyCompany?Theoldone, Sorry,Ididntmeantowakeyouup,hesaid. theoneWaltfounded?WaltDisneywasntjusta racistcreep,hewasalsoamadinventor.Hekept Itwasntthetalkingthatdidit,itwasyounot comingupwiththesecoolhightechwaysof beingthereinthefirstplace.Gavemethetoss makingcartoonsstickingrealpeopleinthem, andturns. puttingthemincolor,addingsyncsound.People Shecameovertohimthen,theleanmusclesinher loveditall,butitdrovehimoutofbusiness.Itwas legsflexingasshecrossedthelivingroom.She alltooexpensive. tookhislaptopawayandsetitdownonthecoffee Soherecruitedhisbrother,RoyDisney,whowas table,thentookoffhisheadset.Hewaswearing justabanker,torunthebusiness.Royturnedthe nothingbutboxers,andshereacheddownand gavehisdickacompanionablehonkbeforesitting businessaround,watchingtheincomeandthe outgo.Butallthiscameataprice:Roywantedto downnexttohimandgivinghimakissonthe tellWalthowtorunthebusiness.Moretothe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/221 point,hewantedtotellWaltthathecouldntjust spendmillionsfromthecompanycofferson weirdassR&Dprojects,especiallynotwhenthe companywasstillfiguringouthowtoexploitthe lastR&DprojectWalthadchased.Butitwas Waltscompany,andhedoverruleRoy,andRoy wouldpromisethatitwasgoingtoputtheminthe poorhouseandthenhedfigureouthowtomake anothermillionoffofWaltsvision,becausethats whatthemoneyguyissupposedtodo. Thenafterthewar,WaltwenttoRoyandsaid, Giveme$17million,Imgoingtobuildatheme park.AndRoysaid,Youcanthaveitandwhats athemepark?WaltthreatenedtofireRoy,the wayhealwayshad,andRoypointedoutthat Disneywasnowapubliccompanywith shareholderswhowerentgoingtoletWalt cowboyaroundandpissawaytheirmoneyonhis toys. SohowdhegetDisneylandbuilt? Hequit.Hestartedhisowncompany,WED,for WalterEliasDisney.Hepoachedallthegeniuses awayfromthestudiosandturnedthemintohis Imagineersandcashedinhislifeinsurance policyandraisedhisowndoughandbuiltthe park,andthenmadeRoybuythecompanyback fromhim.Imguessingthatthatfeltprettygood. suitsandrunthem. Jesus,youreallyareYoko,arentyou?Lester waswearinghisboxersandablearygrin,standing inthelivingroomsdoorwaywhereHildahad stoodaminutebefore.Itwaspast6AMnow,and therewerewakingupsoundsthroughthewhole condo,toiletsflushing,acarstartingdowninthe parkinglot. Goodmorning,Lester,Hildasaid.Shesmiled whenshesaidit,nooffensetaken,allgood,all good. Youfiredwhonow,Perry?Lesterdugapintof chocolateicecreamoutofthefreezerandattacked itwithaselfheatingceramicspoonthathed designedspecificallyforthispurpose. IgotridofKettlewellandTjan,Perrysaid.He wasblushing.Iwouldhavetalkedtoyouaboutit, butyouwerewithSuzanne.Ihadtodoit,though. Ihadto.

IhatewhathappenedtoDeathWaits.Ihatethat wevegotsomeoftheblameforit.But,Perry, TjanandKettlewellarepartofouroutfit.Itstheir show,too.Youcantjustgoshitcanningthem. Notjustmorally,either.Legally.Thoseguysowna pieceofthisthingandtheyrekeepingthelawyers atbaytoo.Theyremanagingalltheevilshitsowe donthaveto.Idontwanttobeinchargeofthe Itsoundslikeitmustve,Perrysaid.Hewas evil,andneitherdoyou,andhiringanewsuitisnt feelingthoughtful,andbuzzedfromthesleepless goingtobeeasy.Theyreallpredatory,theyall night,andjazzedfromhisconversationwithDeath havedelusionsofgrandeur. Waits.Hehadanideathattheycouldpushdesigns Youtwohavetheacumentohirebetter outtotheprintersthatwereliketheDisney designs,butweirdandkinkyandsubversiveanda representationthanthosetwo,Hildasaid.Youre experiencednow,andyouvefoundedamovement littledisturbing. thatplentyofpeoplewouldkilltobeapartof. Icanunderstandwhyyoudbenervousabout Youjustneedbettermanagementstructure:an ditchingyoursuits,buttheyrejustthat,suits.At executiveyoucanoverrulewheneveryouneedto. somelevel,theyreallinterchangeable,mercenary Alackey,notaboss. parts.Youwantsomeonetowatchthebottomline, butnotsomeonewhollruntheshow.Ifthatsnot Lesteractedasthoughhehadntheardher.Im beingprettymellowaboutthis,buddy.Imnot theseguys,hey,thatscool.Findacouplemore makingabigdealoutofthefactthatyoudidthis

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/222 withoutconsultingme,becauseIknowhowrough itmusthavebeentodiscoverthatthiswickedness hadgonedowninourname,andImighthave donethesame.Butitsthecoldlightofdaynow anditstimetogoovertheretogetherandhavea chatwithTjanandKettlewellandtalkthisover andsortitout.Wecantaffordtoburnallthisto thegroundandstartovernow. right.Suitswereeverywhere,andyoucould chooseyourown.YoudidntneedtolettheRoy Disneysoftheworldcalltheshots.

Imsorryyoufeelthatway,Lester.Ihear everythingyouresaying,butyouknowwhat,its goingtobemyway.IunderstandthatwhatIwant todoisrisky,buttheresnowayIcangoondoing whatImdoingandlettingthingsgetworseand Perryknewitwasreasonable,butscrew worse.Makingalittlecompromisehereandthere reasonable.Reasonablewashowgoodpeople ishowyouendupsellingouteverythingthats endedupdoingwrong.Sometimesyouhadtobe important.Weregoingtofindotherbusiness unreasonable. managersandweregoingtoworkwiththemto makeasmoothtransition.Maybewellallcome Lester,theyviolatedourtrust.Itwastheir responsibilitytodothisthinganddoitright.They outofthisfriendslateron.Theywanttodo somethingdifferentfromwhatIwanttodoisall. didntdothat.Theydidntlookcloselyatthis thingsothattheywouldnthavetoputthebrakes ThiswasntcalmingLesterdownatall.Perry, onifitturnedouttobedirty.Whichdoyouthink thisisntyourprojecttodowhatyouwantwith. thosetwowouldratherhavehappen:werunacool Thisbelongstoalotofus.Ididmostofthework projectthateveryoneloves,orwerunalawsuit inthere. thatmakestenbilliondollarsfortheirinvestors? Youdid,buddy.Igetthat.Ifyouwanttostick Theyreplayingadifferentgamefromusandtheir withthem,thatshowitllgo.Nohardfeelings.Ill victoryconditionisntours.Idontwanttobe gooffanddomyownthing,runmyownride. reasonable.Iwanttodotherightthing.Youand Peoplewhowanttoconnecttomynetwork,no mecouldhavesoldoutathousandtimesoverthe sweat,theycandoit.Thatscool.Wellstillbe yearsandmademoneyinsteadofdoinggood,but friends.YoucanworkwithKettlewellandTjan. wedidnt.Wedidntbecauseitsbettertoberight Perrycouldhardlybelievethesewordswere thantobereasonableandrich.Yousaywecant comingoutofhismouth.Theydbeenbuddies affordtogetridofthosetwo.Isaywecantafford forever,inseparable. notto. Hildatookhishandsilently. Youneedtogetagoodnightssleep,buddy, Lesterlookedathimwithincreasingincredulity. Lestersaid.Hewasblowingthroughhisnose,a Youdontmeanthat. suresignthathewasangry.ItmadePerrys hacklesgoupheandLesterdidntfightmuch Lester,ifwesplit,itwouldbreakmyheart.There butwhentheydid,hooboy.Youneedtomellow wouldntbeadaythatwentbyfromnowtothe outandseethatwhatyouretalkingaboutis endoftimethatIdidntregretit.Butifwekeep abandoningourfriends,KettlewellandTjan,to goingdownthispath,itsgoingtocostmemy makeourownegosfeelalittlebetter.Youneedto soul.Idratherbebrokethanevil.Oh,itfeltso seethatwereriskingeverything,riskingspending goodtobesayingthis.Tofinallyaffirmthrough ourlivesincourtandlosingeverythingweveever deedandwordthathewasagoodpersonwho built. wouldputethicsbeforegreed,beforecomfort even. AZenlikecalmdescendedonPerry.Hildawas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/223 LesterlookedatHildaforamoment.Hilda,this Itsnotagoodtime,Freddy,hesaid.Ifyoucall isprobablysomethingthatPerryandIshouldtalk mysecretary aboutalone,ifyoudontmind. Ijustneedamomentofyourtime,sir.Fora Imind,Lester.Theresnothingyoucantsayin quote.Forastoryabouttherideresponsetoyour frontofher. printersyourDisneyinaBoxCircleR,TeeEm, CircleC. Lesterapparentlyhadnothingtosaytothat,and

thesilencemadePerryuncomfortable.Lesterhad Sammyfelthisgutstenseup.Ofcoursethoseride tearsinhiseyes,andthathitPerryinthechestlike assholeswouldhaveknownabouttheprinters. aspear.Hisfrienddidntcryoften. Thatswhatpressreleaseswerefor.Somewhere ontheirmessageboardshewassurethattherewas HecrossedtheroomandhuggedLester.Lester somediscussionofthem.Hehadnthadtimeto waswoodenandunyielding. lookforit,though,andhedidntwanttousethe Please,Lester.Please.Ihatetomakeyouchoose, DisneyParkscompetitiveintelpeopleonthis butyouhavetochoose.Wereonthesameside. stuff,becauseaftertheDeathWaitsdebacle Wevealwaysbeenonthesameside.Neitherofus (debacleondebacle,ack,hecouldbesuchafuck arethekindofpeoplewhosendlawyersafterkids up)hedidntwanttohaveanytrainofintel inhospital.Never.Iwanttomakeitgoodagain. gatheringonthegrouppointingbacktohim. Wecanhavethekindofgigwherewedotheright thingandthecoolthing.Comeon,Lester.Please. Imnotfamiliarwithanyresponse,Sammysaid. ImafraidIcantcomment HeletgoofLester.Lesterturnedonhisheeland Oh,itllonlytakeamomenttoexplainit, walkedbackintohisbedroom.Perryknewthat Freddysaidandthenlaunchedintoahighspeed thatmeanthedwon.HesmiledatHildaand explanationbeforeSammycouldobject.They huggedher.Shewasalotmorefuntohugthan weredeliveringtheirownthreedeeemodelsfor Lester. theprinters,andhadevengottenholdofoneofthe testunitsDisneyhadpassedoutlastweek.They claimedtohavereverseengineeredthegoopthatit Sammywasathisdesklookingoverthe productionprototypefortheDisneyinaBox(R) ranon,sothatanyonesgoopcouldprinttoit. unitsthatImagineeringhaddroppedoffthat morningwhenhisphonerang.Nothisdeskphone hiscellularphone,withthecallreturnnumber blocked. So,whatImlookingforisaquotefromDisney onthis.Doyoucondonethis?Didyouanticipate it?WhatifsomeoneprintsanAK47withit?

NoonesgoingtoprintaworkingAK47with Hello?hesaid.Notmanypeoplehadthis this,Sammysaid.Itstoobrittle.AK47 numberhedidntlikegettinginterruptedbythe manufacturingisalreadysadlyingreatprofusion phone.Peoplewhoneededtotalktohimcould acrossourinnercities,anyway.Astotherestofit talktohissecretaryfirst. Heclosedhiseyesandtookacoupleofdeep Hi,Sammy.HaveIcaughtyouatabadtime?He breaths.Astotherestofit,thatwouldbe couldhearthesneerinthevoiceandthenhecould somethingyoudhavetospeaktooneofmylegal seethefacethatwentwiththesneer:Freddy.Shit. colleaguesabout.Wouldyoulikemetoputyou throughtothem? Hedgiventhereporterhisnumberbackwhen theywerearrangingtheirdisastrousfacetoface. Freddylaughed.Ohcomeon,Sammy.Alittle

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/224 somethingonbackground,noattribution?You goingtosuethem?Havethembeatenup? Sammyfelthisfacegowhite.ImsureIdont knowwhatyouretalkingabout WordhasitthattheDeathWaitskidcameup withthis.Heusedtobeyourprotege,no?AndI hearthatKettlewellandTjanhavebeenkickedout oftheorganizationnoonearoundtocallthe lawyersoutontheirbehalf.Seemslikeagolden opportunitytostrike. rivaledWalts1955Disneylanditselffor originality,excitement,andcool. Illjustsayyoudeclinedtocomment,then? Asshole.

Youwritewhateveryouneedtowrite,Freddy, hesaid.Ahatchopenedatinybitonthetopofthe cubeandapairofeyespeeredout,thenit slammedshutandtherewasaroundofconvincing gigglesandscurryingfromwithinthebox.This couldbehuge,ifSammydidntfuckitupby Sammyseethed.Hedbeenconcentratingon worryingtoomuchaboutwhatsomeoneelsewas makingnewstuff,greatstuff.Competitivestuff,to upto. besure,butintheend,thereasonformakingthe Oh,andoneotherthing:itlooksliketheDeath DisneyinaBoxdeviceshadbeentomakethem, Waitskidisgoingtobedischargedfromthe makethemascoolashecouldimagine.Toplus hospitalthisweek. themandreplusthem,intheoldslangofWalt Disney,makingthethingbecausethethingcould bemadeandtheworldwouldbeamorefunplace Hewasntreadytoleavethehospital.Forstarters, onceitwas. hecouldntwalkyet,andtherewerestilltimes Nowherewasthistrollegginghimontogotowar againwiththoserideshitheads,tospendhis energiesdestroyinginsteadofcreating.Theworst part?Itwasallhisfault.Hedbroughthisown destruction:thereporter,DeathWaits,eventhe lawsuit.Alltheresultofhisbadplanningand dumbdecisions.God,hewasatotalfuckup. DisneyinaBoxsatonhisdesk,hummingfaintly nothumminglikeafridgehums,butactually humminginabaritonehum,hummingamedley ofmagicuserssongsfromDisneymovies,likea livingthing.Everyonceinawhileitwouldclear itsthroatandmutterandevensnorealittle.There wouldbehappyrustlesandwhispered conversationsfromwithinthegutsofthething.It wasplussedallthewaytohellandback.Ithad beeneasy,asmoreandmoreImagineershadcome upwithcoolfeaturestoaddtothefirmware, contributingthemtotheversioningsystem,and hedbeenabletochoosefromamongthemand pickthebestofthelot,makingadevicethat whenhecouldbarelyrememberwherehewas, andtherewastheproblemofthecatheter.Butthe insurancecompanyandthehospitalhadconcurred thathedhadallthetreatmentheneededevenif hisdoctorhadntbeenabletolookhimintheeye whenthiswasexplainedanditwastimeforhim togohome.Goaway.Goanywhere. HedputitallinhisLJ,theconversationasbestas hecouldrememberit,thewayitmadehimfeel. TheconversationhedhadwithPerryandtheidea hedhadforpwningDisneyinaBox.Hedidnt evenknowifhisapartmentwasstilltherehe hadntbeenbackinweeksandtherentwas overdue. Andthecommentscamefloodingin.Firsta coupledozenfromhisfriends,thenhundreds,then thousands.Ragingfightssomepeopleaccused himofbeingafakestersockpuppetaimedat gatheringsympathyordonations(!)side conversations,philosophicalarguments. Buriedinthere,offersfromrealworldandonline

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/225 friendstomeethimatthehospital,togethim home,totakecareofhim.Itwasunbelievable. Therewasasmallfortunehalfayearswagesat hisoldjobwaitinginhispaypal,andifthiswas alltobebelieved,therewasacadreofpeople waitingjustoutsidethatdoortomeethim. outnumberedbythesubculturecivilians,normal looking,slightlyhippieish,oldandyoung.When hehoveintosight,theyburstintoawildcheer. Theorderlystoppedpushinghischairandthe nurserushedforwardtoshushthemsternly,butit barelydampenedthecalls.Therewerewolf whistles,cheers,calls,disorganizedchants,and Thenursewhocametogethimlookedrattled. Yourfriendsarehere,shesaidinherBorisand thentwoveryprettygirlshehadntthought Natashaaccent,andgavehimadisapprovinglook aboutprettyanythinginalong,longtime asshedisconnectedhishosesandpipessoswiftly unfurledabannerthatsaidDEATHWAITSin hedidnthavetimetoregisterthepainhefelt.She glitteryhanddrawnletters,withalittleskull dottingtheIinWAITS. pulledonapairofSalvationArmyunderpants thefirstpairhedworninweeksandapairof Thenursereadthebannerandreachedtotearit new,darkbluejeansandaRotarypicnictshirt outoftheirhands,buttheyfoldeditback.She datedthreeyearsbefore.Theshirtwasasmalland cametohimandhissedinhisear,something itstillhungfromhimlikeatent. aboutgettingsecuritytogetridofthesepeopleif theywerebotheringhim,andherealizedthatshe Youwillusecanes?sheasked.Hedhadsome physiotherapythatweekandhecouldtakeoneor thoughtDEATHWAITSwasathreatandthat madehimlaughsohardhechoked,andshe twododderingstepsoncrutches,butcanes?No flouncedoffinadeeplySlavichuff. way. Icant,hesaid,picturinghimselfsprawledon thepolishedconcretefloor,withwhatwasleftof hisfacebashedinfromthefall.

Andthenhewasamonghiswelcomingparty,and itwasapartytherewerecakeandclove cigarettesinsmokesaversandcansoflicorice coffee,andeveryonewantedtotalkwithhimand Wheelchair,shesaidtosomeoneinthehall,and taketheirpictureswithhim,andthetwopretty anorderlycameinpushingachairwithasqueaky girlstookturnsmakinguphisface,highlighting wheelthoughthechairitselfwasaprettygood hisscarstomakehimfitforaBelaLugosirole. one,atleastasgoodastheonestheyrentedat ThewerecalledLaceyandTracey,andtheywere Disney,whichwerenearlyindestructible.Helet sisterswhowenttotherideeveryday,theysaid thenursetransferhimtoitwithherstronghands breathlessly,andtheydseenthestoryhed inhisarmpitsandunderhisknees.Abag described,seenitwiththeirowneyes,anditwas containinghislaptopandafewcardsandthings somethingthatwasaspersonalasthetwin thathadshownupatthehospitalwasdumpedinto languagetheyddevelopedtocommunicatewith hislapandheclutchedittohimselfashewas oneanotherwhentheywerelittlegirls. wheeledtotheendofthecorridorandaroundthe corner,wherethenursesstation,theelevators,the Hisoldfriendssurroundedhim:guyswho marveledathisrecovery,girlswhokissedhis commonareaandhisfanswere. cheekandmessedupTraceyandLaceysmakeup. Theywerentjusthispals,thoughtherewereafew Someofthemhadnewtattoostoshowhimone ofthemthere,butalsoabigcrowdofpeoplehed girlhadgottenafulllegpieceshowingscenes nevermet,didntrecognize.Thereweregoths, fromtheride,andsheslylypulledherskirtallthe skinnyandpaleanddrapedinblack,buttheywere wayup,allthewayup,toshowhimwhereitall

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/226 started. Securityshowedupandthrewthemalloutintothe street,wheretheheatwasoppressiveandwet,but theairwasfreshandfullofsmellsthatwerent sicknessormedicine,whichmadeDeathWaits feellikehecouldgetupanddance.Effervescent citrusandbiodieselfumes,moistvegetationand thehumoflazyhighnoonbugs. hedfoundeasytoattainwithallthepainkillers. Itsreal,hesaid. TheEnglishteacherandtwoofhisfriendsseemed torelaxalittle.Wethinksotoo.

Theypulleduptohiscondohowdtheyknow wherehelived?andparkedrightnexttohiscar! Hecouldseewherethetowhadkindoffuckedup therearbumper,butotherthanthat,itwasjustas Now,itsallarranged,oneofthestraight herememberedit,anditlookedlikesomeonehad lookingonestoldhim.Hedfiguredoutthatthese givenitawash,too.TheEnglishteacherputhis werethepurestorypeople,whodreadhis carinparkandcamearoundtoopenhisdoorjust descriptionsandconcludedthathedseen astherestofthewelcomingpartycameoutofhis somethingmorethananyoneelse.Theyallwanted building,pushing achancetotalktohim,butdidntseemtooputout thathewasspendingmostofhistimewithhisold Astairclimbingwheelchair,thesamekindthat mates.Dontworryaboutathing.Caraftercar theyusedintheride.Deathlaughedaloudwith delightwhenhesawitrollingtowardhim, appeared,takingawaymoreoftheparty.Here handlingthecurbeasily,hardlyabump,andthe yougo. twoprettygirls,TraceyandLacey,transferredhim Anothercarpulledup,anallelectrickneeling intoit,andbothcontrivedtobrushtheirbreasts numberwithahugecargospace.Theywheeled andjasminescentedhairacrosshischeeksasthey thechairrightintoit,andthentwoofthestory didso,andhefeltthefirststirringsinhisruined hippieshelpedhimtransferintotheseat.My grointhathedfeltsincebeforehisbeating. momwasinawheelchairfortenyearsbeforeshe Helaughedlikeawildman,andtheyalllaughed passed,ahippietoldhim.Hewasolderand withhimandsomeoneputaclovecigarette lookedlikeanEnglishteacherDeathWaitshad quitelikedingradeten.HestrappedDeathWaits betweenhislipsandhedrewonit,cougheda little,andthenhadanotherdragbeforeherolled inlikeaproandofftheywent. intotheelevator. TheyweretenminutesintoMelbournetraffic Thegirlsputhimtobedhourslater.Hisapartment Deathmarvelingatbuildings,signs,people,in everycolor,withouttheoppressivewhiteandgore hadbeenspotlessandhehadeveryconfidence thatitwouldbespotlessagaincomenighttime. colorsofeverythinginthehospitalwhenthe Thepartyhadspenttherestofthedayandmostof EnglishteacherdudelookedshylyatDeath. thenighttalkingaboutthestorythattheydseenin YouthinkitsrealtheStory,Imeandont theride,wheretheydseenit,whatitmeant.There you? wasalotofdebateaboutwhethertheyhadany Deaththoughtaboutthisforasecond.Hedbeen businessratingthingsnowthatthestoryhad veryfocusedontheParkinaBoxprintersforthe shownitselftothem.Thestorywastheproductof pastweek,whichfeltlikeaneternitytohim,but unconsciouseffort,anditshouldbeleftto herememberedhisobsessionwiththestory unconsciouseffort. fondly.Itrequiredakindoffloatynon Butthecounterargumentwasthattheyhadaduty concentrationtoreallyseeit,ameditativestate togardenthestory,orpossiblytosharpenits

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/227 telling,ortoprotectitfrompeoplewhocouldnt seeitorwouldntseeit. it,itwouldbeatrademark.Itwouldmakehim gothierthangoth,forlife,alwaysanoutsider, AtfirstDeathdidntknowwhattomakeofallthis alwaysoneoftheweirdones,liketheoldtimers whodcometoDisneywiththeirteenaged,eye talk.Atfirsthefounditfunnyandmorethana littleweirdtobetakingthestorythisseriously.It rollingkids.Gothskidswerenevergoths,it wasbeautiful,butitwasanaccidentalbeauty.The seemedmorelikebangbangersorjockylooking peakperformancetypes,orhippiesorgippiesor ridewastheimportantthing,thestorywasits dippiesortippiesorwhatever.Buttheirparents effect. werestillproudlyflyingtheirfreakflags,weirdto Butthesepeopleconvincedhimthattheywere thegrave. right,thatthestoryhadtobeimportant.Afterall, ithadinspiredallofthem,hadntit?Theridewas Wellleteveryoneknowaboutit,hesaid, justtechnologythestorywaswhattheridewas thinkingnotofeveryonebutofallthecool subculturekidshedgrownupwithand for. worshippedandbeenrejectedbyanddatedand Hisheadswamwithit. lovedandhatedandwellmakeitpartof everyonesstory.Wellprotectit,guys.Ofcourse Wevegottoprotectit,hesaidfinally,after wellprotectit. listeningtotheargument,aftereatingthefood withwhichtheydfilledhisfridge,aftertalking Thatsettledtheargument.Deathhadntexpected intenselywithTracey(orpossiblyLacey)about that.Sincewhendidhegetthelastwordonany theirparentsunthinkingblandness,afterletting subject?Sincenow.Theywerefollowinghislead. theEnglishteacherguy(whosenamewasJim) takehimtothetoilet,afterlettinghisoldgothpals Andthenthegirlsputhimtobed,shylyhelping himundress,eachofthemleaningoverhimtokiss playsomemusicsomemutualfriendshadjust himgoodnight.Traceyskisswassisterly,onthe mixed. cheek,herspicyperfumeandherjetblackhair Wevegottoprotectitandsharpenit.Thestory caressinghim.Laceyskisswasanythingbut wantstogetoutandtherewillbethosewhocant sisterly.Shemashedherbreaststohischestand seeit.Hedidntcarethathisspeechwasmangled thrusthertongueintohismouth,keepingher byhisfuckedupface.Hedseenhisfaceinthe silvereyesopenandstaringdeepintohis,her mirrorandTraceyandLaceyhaddoneanicejob fingersworkingbusilyinhishair. inmakingituphelookedlikealatterday Shebrokethekissoffwithagaspandagiggle. MarilynManson,histwistedmouthaghoulish Shetracedtheruinofhismouthwithafingertip, smear.Thedoctorshadtalkedaboutgivinghim breathingheavily,andletitslidelower,downhis anotherseriesofsurgeriestofixhislip,asetof chest.Hefoundhimselfactuallyhard,thefirst implanteddenturestoreplacethemissingteeth, pleasurablesensationhedhadinhisdicksince hadevenmentionedthattherewerespecialist thatfatefulnight.Fromthecorridorcamean clinicswherehecouldgetanewsetbuddedand impatientcoughTracey,waitingforLaceytoget grownrightoutofhisowngums.Thathadbeen backwhenthemysteriousforcesofthelawsuitand going. theridewerepayinghisbills. Laceyrolledhereyesandgiggledagainandthen slidherhandtherestofthewaydown,briefly Nowhecontemplatedhisfaceinthemirrorand toldhimselfhedgetusedtothis,hedcometolike holdinghisdickandthenencirclinghisballswith

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/228 herfingersbeforekissinghimagainonthetwistof caroncar.Thehawkersgotoutmorestuff,spread hislipsandbackingoutoftheroom,whispering, itoutfurther,andwaitedwhilethecaravan Sleepwell,seeyouinthemorning. maneuvereditselfintoparkingspots,spillingout intothestreet. Deathlayawakeandstaringattheceilingfora longtimeaftertheyhadgone.TheEnglishteacher dudehadlefthimwithabedpanforthenightand manyofthemhadpromisedtoreturninrotations indefinitelyduringthedays,helpinghimoutwith dressingandshoppingandgettinghiminandout ofhismarvelouschair.

Hestaredandstaredatthatceiling,andthenhe reachedforhislaptop,therebesidethebed,the sameplaceithadlivedwhenhewasinthe hospital.Hefireditupandwentstraighttotodays flythroughsoftherideandranthroughthemfrom differentanglesfacingbackwardandsideways, lookingdownandlookingup,notingallthe elementsthatfeltlikestoryandalltheonesthat didnt,wishinghehadhisplusone/minusone joystickwithhimtocarveoutthestoryhewas seeing. Lesterwouldntworktherideanymore,soPerry tookitonhisown.Hildawasintownbuying grocerieshischestfreezerofgourmetsurplus foodhadblownitscompressorandthecontents hadspoiledinamessofvenisonandsour blueberrysauceandduckpancakesandhestood alone.Normallyhelovedthis,beingthecarnival barkeratthemiddleofthethreeringcircusof fans,touristsandhawkers,buttodayhiscast itched,hehadntsleptenough,andtherewere lawyerschasinghim.Lotsoflawyers. AcaravanofcarspulledintothelotlikeaTim Burtonversionofafuneral,alongtrainof funnycarhearseswithjackeduprearwheelsand leaningchimneypots,gargoylesandblackbunting withsuperbrightblacklightLEDsgivingthema commerciallyeldritchglow.Mixedinweresome straightcars,andtheycameandcameandcame,

Ridersgotoutofthecars,mostlysuperskinny gothsalineofspeciallowcalorieveganversions ofVictorianorganmeatdelicacieshadturneda momandpopcafeinPortland,Oregon,intoa Fortune500companyafewyearsbeforein elaborateDIYcostumery.Itshimmereddarkly, petticoatsandtoppers,bodicesandbigstompy bootsandtrouserscutoffinribbonsattheknees. Theridersconvergedononeofthestraightcars,a beigeminivan,andcrowdedaroundit.Amoment later,theyweremovingtowardPerrysticket takingstand.Thecrowdpartedastheyapproached andinPerrysawwhomtheydbeenclustered around.Itwasaskinnygothkidinawheelchair liketheonestheykeptintheridetheydgetthat everynowandagain,aguestinhisownchair,just needingalittlewireless+1/1box.Hishairwas shaggyandblackwithgreenhighlights,stuckout likeananimecosplayers.Hewaswhiteas WonderBread,withsomethingfunnyabouthis mouth.Hislegswereincaststhathadbeen wrappedwithblackgauze,andapairofblack pointyshoeshadbeenslidoverhistoes,tipped withelaboratesilvercurlicues. ThechairzippedforwardandPerryrecognized himinaflash:DeathWaits!Hefelthismouth dropopenandheshutitandcamearoundthe stand. Noway!hesaid,andgrabbedDeathshand, encrustedinchunkysilverjewelry,adifferent stylizedanimalskulloneachfinger.Deaths ruinedmouthpulledupinakindofsmile. Nicetoseeyou,hesaid,limplysqueezing Perryshand.Itwasverykindofyoutovisitme inthehospital. Perrythoughtofallthethingsthathadhappened

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/229 sincethenandwonderedhowmuchofit,ifany, Deathhadarighttoknowabout.Heleanedin close,consciousofalltheobservers.Imoutof thelawsuit.Weare.MeandLester.Firedthose guys.Behindhisreflectivecontacts,Deathseyes widenedatouch. Heslumpedalittle.Becauseofme? Perrythoughtsome.Notexactly.Butinaway.It wasntus. Deathsmiled.Thankyou. Perrystraightenedup.Lookslikeyoubrought downagoodcrowd,hesaid.Lotsoffriends! Deathnodded.Lotsoffriendsthesedays,he said.Anattractiveyoungwomancameoverand squeezedhisshoulder. TheyweresuchafunnybunchintheirDIYgoth frocks,micromanufacturedcustomizedboots, theirelaboratetattoosandimplantsandpiercings, butforallthat,cuddlyandearnestwiththe shadowsvisibleofthegeekstheydbeen.Perry felthewassmilingsobroadlyitalmosthurt. PerrygothisDisneyinaBoxthroughacircuitous route,gettingoneofthehawkersbrotherstoorder ittoaPOboxinMiami,towhichPerrywould drivedowntopickitupandtakeitback. Lesterrousedhimselffromtheapartmentwhen Perrytoldhimithadarrived.LesterandSuzanne hadbeenAWOLfordays,sleepinginuntilPerry left,comingbackafterPerrycameback,untilit feltliketheywerejusttravelersstayinginthesame hotel. seemedtocatchsomeoftheinfectiousintensityof thestorygroup.Theywentawayinpairs,talking aboutthestory,andshoppedthemarketstallsfora whilebeforecomingbacktorideagain,tolookfor morestory. Theydnevernamedtheride.Ithadalwaysbeen theride.NotevenacapitalR.Forasecond, PerrywonderediftheydendupcallingitThe Storyintheend.

HehadntheardapeepfromKettlewellorTjan, either.Heguessedthattheywereofffiguring Ridesareonme,gang,hesaid.Inyougo.Your thingsoutwiththeirmoneypeople.Thenetwork moneysnogoodhere.AnyfriendofDeathWaits ofrideoperatorshadtakenthenewswith ridesforfreetoday. equanimityHildahadhelpedhimwritethe Theycheeredandpattedhimonthebackasthey messagesothatitkindofimpliedthateverything wasundercontrolandmovingalongnicely. wentthrough,andDeathWaitslookedlikehed grownthreeinchesinhiswheelchair,andthe ButwhenPerryemailedLestertosayhewas prettygirlkissedPerryscheekasshewentby,and goingtodrivedowntothePOboxthenext DeathWaitshadasmilesobigyoucouldhardly morningbeforeopeningtheride,Lesteremailed telltherewasanythingwrongwithhismouth. backinminutesvolunteeringtocomewithhim. Theyrodeitthroughsixtimesinarow,andas theycamebackaroundforanothergoandanother, theytalkedintentlyaboutthestory,thestory,the story.Perryknewaboutthestory,hedseenit,and heandLesterhadtalkeditovernowandagain,but hewasstillconstantlyamazedbyitsabilityto inspireriders. Payingcustomersslippedinandout,too,and HehadcoffeereadybythetimePerrygotoutof theshower.Itwasstillodarkhundredoutside,the sunnotyetrisen,andtheyhardlyspokeastheygot intothecar,butsoontheywereontheopenroad. KettlewellandTjanarentgoingtosueyou, Lestersaid.Thereitwas,allinashortsentence: Ivebeentalkingtothem.Ivebeenfiguringoutif Imwithyouorwiththem.Ivebeensavingyour

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/230 ass.Ivebeendecidingtobeonyourside. HeandLesterhadstartedthisasalark,butnowit Goodnews,Perrysaid.Thatwouldhavereally wasamovement,andnotonethatwasgoodforhis mentalhealth.Hedidntwanttobesittingonthat sucked. stool.Hemightaswellbeworkinginaliquor PerrywaitedfortherestofthedriveforLesterto storetheskillsetwasthesame. saysomething,buthedidnt.Itwasalongdrive. Hildabrokehisreveriebycallinghisphone.Hey, Thewholewayback,Lestertalkedaboutthe gorgeous,shesaid.Sheboundedoutofbedfully DisneyinaBox.Theredbeensomealienautopsy formed,withoutanyinterveningstagesofpre videosofthempostedonlinealready,engineers coffee,invertebrate,preshower,andHomo takingthemtobits,makingguessesaboutand erectus.Hecouldhearthatshewasreadytocatch whattheydidandhow.Lesterhadwatchedthe theworldbytheankleandchewherwayupits videosavidlyandheheldhisownopinions,andhe leg. waseagertogetattheboxandfindanswersfor himself.Itwasthesizeofanicechest,toobigto Hey,hesaid. fitonhislap,buthekeptlookingoverhisshoulder Uhoh.MrBadvibesisback.YouandLesterfight atit. inthecar? Theboxart,aglossypicoftwochildrenstaring goggleeyedataboxfromwhichDisneoidmarvels wereerupting,lookedalittleliketheMakeYour OwnMonstertoyPerrydhadasaboy.Itactually madehisheartskipabeatthewaythatthatoldtoy had.Really,wasntthateverykidsdream?A machinethatcreatedwondersfromdullfeedstock? Naw,hesaid.Thatwasfine.Just...Hetoldher aboutthesmellandthestoolandworkingata liquorstore.

Getoneofthosehomeslicesrunningthemarket stallstotakeoverthecounter,andtakemetothe beach,then.ItsbeenweeksandIstillhaventseen theocean.Imbeginningtothinkitsanurban Theygotbacktotheridelongbeforeitwasdueto legend. openandPerryaskedLesterifhewantedtogeta Sothatswhathedid.Hildadroveupinabikini secondbreakfastinthetearoominthe thatmadehisjawdrop,andboughtapairof shantytown,butLesterbeggedoff,headingforhis polarizingcontactsfromJason,andPerryturned workshoptogettogripswiththeBox. thetillovertooneofthemoretrustworthy SoPerryalonewaitedfortheridetoopen, vendors,andtheyhittheroad. standingathisfamiliarspotbehindthecounter. Hildanuzzledhimandproddedhimallthewayto Thehawkerscameandnoddedhellotohim.A thebeach,kissinghimattheredlights.Thesky customershowedup.Another.Perrytooktheir wasblueandclearasfarastheeyecouldseeinall money. directions,andtheyboughtabagoforanges,a Theticketcountersmelledofstickybeverages newspaper,beachblankets,sunblock,apicnic spilledandlefttobakeintheheat,asoursweet lunch,andabookofreplicavintageluggage smelllikebile.Hischairwasanuncomfortable stickersfromhawkersatvariousstoppoints. barstoolhedgottenfromakitchensurplusplace, Theyunpackedthetrunkintheparkinggarageand happyforthebargain.Hedloggedalotofhours steppedoutintothebrightday,andthatswhen inthatchair.Ithadwreakedhavoconhislower theynoticedthewind.Itwasblowingsohardit spineandtenderizedhisass. tookHildassarongoffassoonasshesteppedout

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/231 ontothestreet.Perrybarelyhadtimetosnatchthe somethingcrashedintosomethingelsewitha clothoutoftheair.Thewindhowled. soundlikethunder,andthenitwasechoedwithan actualthundercrack,asoundlikeahundredrifles Theylookedupandsawthepalmtreesbending firedinunison. likedrawnbows,thehotdogvendorsandshave icecartsandthejewelryhawkershurriedlypiling everythingintotheircars. Hildalookedathim.Noway.Notfurtherup.Not inthisbuilding.

Guessthebeachiscancelled,Hildasaid, pointingoutovertheocean.There,onthehorizon, wasawallofblackcloud,scuddingrapidlytoward themintheragingwind.Shouldacheckedthe weather.

Heagreed.Theypelteddownthestreetandinto thefirstsleetingshowerscomingoutofaskythat wasnowdirtygreyandlow.Asandwichboard advertisingenergybeveragesspunthroughtheair likearazoredgedfrisbee,trailingalengthof Thewindwhippedupstingingcloudsofsandand clotheslinethathadtetheredittothefrontofsome debris.ItgustedhardandactuallyblewHildainto beachsidecafe.Onthebeachacrosstheroad, beachcomberrobotsburrowedintothesand,trying Perry.Hecaughtherandtheybothlaughed togetsafefromthewind,butwerefoiledagain nervously. andagain,rolledaroundlikepotatobugsintothe Isthisahurricane?sheasked,joking,not street,intothesea,intothebuildings.They joking,tensioninhervoice. seizuredlikedyingthings.Perryfeltanirrational urgetorescuethem. Probablynot.HewasthinkingofHurricane Wilma,though,theyearhedmovedtoFlorida. Highground,Hildasaid,pointingawayfromthe NoonehadpredictedWilma,whichhadbeena beach.Highgroundandfindabasement.Just tropicalstormmilesoffthecoastuntilitwasnt, likeatwister. untilitwassmashinga50kmwidepathof Asheetofwaterliftedoffthesurfaceofthesea destructionfromKeyWesttoKissimmee.Hed beenworkingastraightjobasastructuralengineer andsweptacrosstheroadatthem,soakingthemto foracondodeveloper,andhedseenwhatagood theskin,followedbyasheetofsandthatcoated themfromheadtotoe.Itwasallthe blowcoulddotothecondosofFlorida,which werebuiltmostlyfromdreams,promises,spit,and encouragementtheyneeded.Theyran. kleenex. Theyran,butthestreetswererunningwithrain nowandmoredebriswasrollingpastthem.They Wilmahadleftcarsstuckintrees,treesstuckin houses,andithadblownjustlikethiswhenithit. gotuponeblockandsloshedacrosstheroad.They madeithalfwayupthenextblock,pastacoffee Therewasacrackleintheair,andthesighingof thewindturnedtogroans,seemingtocomefrom shopandasurfshopinlowslungbuildings,and everywhereatoncethebuildingsweremoaning thewindliterallyliftedthemofftheirfeetand slammedthemtotheground.PerrygrabbedHilda intheirbonesasthewindsbuffetedthem. anddraggedherintoanalleybehindthesurfshop. Wehavetogetoutofhere,Perrysaid.Now. Thereweredumpstersthere,andarecessed doorway,andtheysqueezedpastthedumpsterand Theygotuptothesecondstoreyoftheparking intothedoorway. garagewhenthewholebuildingmoanedand shudderedbeneaththem,likeatremor.Theyfroze Nowinthelee,theyrealizedhowloudthestorm onthestairwell.Somewhereinthegarage, hadbeen.Theirearsrangwithit,andrangagain

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/232 withanotherthunderclap.Theirchestsheavedand smallpalmtree.Amailbox.Finally,theriver theyshivered,grabbingeachother.Thedoorway begantowane,theraintofalter. stankofpissandthecracklingozonearoundthem. Wasthatit?Hildasaid. Thisplace,holyfuck,itsabouttoliftoffandfly Maybe,Perrysaid.Hebreathedinthemoistair. away,Hildasaid,panting.Perrysunbrokenarm Hisarmsthrobbedonebroken,theothertorn throbbedandhelookeddowntoseearaggedcut open.Therainwaspeteringoutfastnow,and runningthelengthofhisforearm.Fromthe lookingup,hecouldseeblueskypeekingthrough Dumpster? thedirty,heavyclouds,whichwerescuddingaway Itsabigstorm,Perrysaid.Theycomethrough asfastastheydrolledin. nowandagain.Sometimestheyblowaway. Nexttime,wechecktheweatherbeforewegoto Whatdotheyblowaway?Trailers?Apartment thebeach,hesaid. buildings?Theywerebothspittingsandand Shelaughedandleanedagainsthimandheyelped Perrysarmoozedblood. asshecameintocontactwithhishurtarm.We Sometimes!Perrysaid.Theyhuddledtogether andlistenedtothewindlashingatthebuildings aroundthem.TheDumpsterblockingtheir doorwaygroaned,andthenitactuallyslidafew inches.Watercourseddownthealleybeforethem, withdebriscaughtinit:branches,trash,thenan electricmotorcycle,scratchingagainsttheroadas itrattledthroughtheriver. Theywatcheditpasswithoutspeaking,thenboth ofthemscreamedandscrambledbackasa hissing,soakedhousecatscrambledoverthe dumpster,landingpracticallyintheirlaps,clawing atthemwithhystericalviciousness. gottogetyoutoahospital,shesaid.Getthat lookedat. Youtoo,hesaid,pointingatherthumb.Itwas allsoweirdandremotenow,astheywalked throughtheMiamistreets,backtowardthegarage. Othershockedpeoplewanderedthestreets, weirdlyfriendly,smilingatthemliketheyall sharedasecret. Thebeachfrontwasinshambles,coveredin blowntrashandmud,uprootedtreesandfallen leaves,brokenglassandrolledcars.Perryhitthe carradiobeforetheypulledoutofthegarage.An announcerreportedthatTropicalStormHenryhad goneaboutthreemilesinlandbeforepeteringout toameresunshower,alongwithnewsaboutthe freewaysandhospitalsbeingequallyjammed.

Fuck!Hildasaidasitcaughtholdofherthumb withitsteeth.Shepushedatitsfaceineffectually, hissingwithpain,andPerryfinallyworkeda thumbintothehingeofitsjawandforceditopen. Huh,Perrysaid.Well,whatdowedonow? Thecatsprangaway,clawinguphisface,leaping Letsfindahotelroom,Hildasaid.Have backontotheDumpster. showers,getsomethingtoeat. Hildasthumbwaspuncturedmanytimes,already runningfreewithblood.Imgoingtoneedrabies Itwasaweirdandfunnyidea,andPerrylikedit. HedneverplayedtouristinFlorida,butwhat shots,shesaid.ButIlllive. betterplacetodoso?Theygatheredtheirsnacks Theycuddled,inthebloodandthemud,and fromthebackofthecarandusedthefirstaidkit watchedtheriverswellandrunwithmoreodd inthetrunktotapethemselvesup. debris:clothesandcoolers,beerbottlesanda TheytriedtoreachLesterbutnooneanswered. laptop,cartonsofmilkandsomeonespurse.A

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/233 Hesprobablyattheride,Perrysaid.Orballs fewtimes. deepinreverseengineeringtheDisneyBoxthing. Hildalookedupfromthesofa,whereshehad OK,letsfindahotelroom. collapsedtheinstanttheycamethroughthedoor, Everythingonthebeachwasfullybooked,butas armflungoverherface.Youreshittingme,she theycontinuedinlandforacoupleblocks,they said.Itsnearlymidnight,andwevebeenina cameuponcoffinhotelsstackedfourorfive hurricane. capsuleshigh,paintedgayMiamidecopastels, Perrysquirmed.Ivegotabadfeeling,OK?And installedinrowsinoldstorefrontsorstuckin Icantdrivemyself.Heflappedhisbustedarmat streetparkingspots,theirsilveredwindows her. lookingoutoverthedesertedboulevards. Hildalookedathim,hereyesnarrowed.Look, Shouldwe?Perrysaid,gesturingatthem. dontbeajerk,OK?Lestersabigboy.Hes Ifwecangetanemptyone?Damnrightthese probablyjustoutwithSuzanne.Hedhavecalled thingsaregoingtobeinseriousdemandinpretty youiftheredbeenaproblem. shortorder. Helookedather,bewilderedbytheferocityofher SteppingintothecoffinhoteltransportedPerry backtohisdaysontheroad,hisdaysstayingat coffinhotelaftercoffinhotel,tohisfirstnight withHilda,inMadison.OnelookatHildatold himshefeltthesame.Theywashedeachother slowly,asthoughtheywereunderwater,cleaning outoneanotherswounds,sluicingawaythecaked onmudandgrimeblowndeepintotheirearsand thecreasesoftheirskin,nestledagainsttheir scalps.

response.OK,Illcallacab,hesaid,tryingfora middleground. Shejumpedupfromthecouch.Whatever.Fine. Letmegetmykeys.Jesus. Hehadnoideahowhedangeredher,butitwas clearthathehad,andthelastthinghewantedwas togetintoacarwithher,buthecouldntthinkofa wayofsayingthatwithoutescalatingthings. Sotheydroveinwhitelippedsilencetotheride, Hildatensewithanger,Perrytensewithworry, bothofthemtouchyascats,neithersayingaword.

Theylaydowninbed,naked,together,spooned againstoneanother.Youreagoodman,Perry Gibbons,Hildasaid,snugglingagainsthim,hand Butwhentheypulleduptotheride,theybothlet movinginslowcirclesonhistummy. outagasp.Itwaslitwithriggedfloodlightsand Theysleptthatwayandgotbackontheroadlong carheadlights,anditwasswarmingwithpeople. Astheydrewcloser,theysawthatthemarketstalls pastdark,drivingtheblastedfreewayslowly, werestrewnacrosstheparkinglot,insmashed movingaroundthebrokenglassandblownout pieces.Astheydrewcloserstill,theysawthatthe tiresthatremained. rideitselfwasstaringeyelessatthem,window Thepathofthehurricanefollowedthecoast glasssmashed. straighttoHollywood,alineofsmashedtreesand Perrywasoutofthecarevenbeforeitstopped carwrecksandblownoffroofsthatmadethe rolling,Hildashoutingsomethingafterhim.Lester nighttimedriveevenmoredisorienting. wasjustontheothersideoftherideentrance, Theywentstraightbacktothecondo,butLester wearingapapermaskandrubberboots,wadingin wasntthere.WorrynaggedatPerry.Takemeto threeinchdeep,scummywater. theride?hesaid,afterhedpacedtheapartmenta

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/234 Perrysplashedtoahalt.Holyshit,hebreathed. Theridewaslitwithglowsticks,waterproof lamps,andLEDtorches,andthelightsreflected crazilyfromthestillwaterthatfilleditasfaras theeyecouldsee,wayoutintothegloom. Lesterlookedupathim.Hisfacewaslinedand exhausted,anditgleamedwithsweat.Storm brokeoutallthewindowsandtrashedtheroof, thenfloodedusout.Itdidarealnumberonthe market,too.Hisvoicewasdead. Perrywaswordless.Bitsoftherideexhibits floatedinthewater,alongwiththecorpsesofthe robots. turnusintoasmokingruinbecauseyoufired them,andwhatthefuckareyougoingtodoabout that?Whosejobisthat? Ithoughtyousaidtheywerentgoingtosue, Perrysaid.Itcameoutinanembarrassedmumble. Lesterhadnevertalkedtohimlikethis.Never. KettlewellandTjanarentgoingtosue,Lester said.Thelawyersyoufired,theventure capitalistswhobackedthem?Theyregoingto turnusintopaste.

Whatwouldyouhavepreferred?Hildasaid.She wasstandinginthedoorway,awayfromtheflood, watchingthemintently.Hereyeswereraccoon Nodrainage,Lestersaid.Thecodesays bagged,butshewasrigidwithanger.Perrycould drainage,buttheresnonehere.Inevernoticedit hardlylookather.Wouldyouhavepreferredto before.Imgoingtorigapump,butmy havethosefuckersgoarounddestroyingthelives workshopsprettymuchtoast.Lestersworkshop ofyoursupportersinordertoenrichafewpig hadbeenintheoldgardencenteratthesideofthe assholes? ride.Itwasallglass.Wehadsomepretty Lesterjustlookedather. amazingwinds. Well? Perryfeltlikeheshouldbeshowingoffhiswound toprovethathehadntbeenfuckingoffwhilethe Shutup,Yoko,hesaid.Werehavingaprivate conversationhere. disasterwasunderway,buthecouldntbring himselftodoso.WegotcaughtinitinMiami, Perrysjawdropped,andHildawasalreadyin hesaid. motion,sloshingintothewaterinhersandals.She smackedLesteracrossthecheek,acrackthat Wonderedwhereyouwere.Thekidwhowas mindingtheshopjustcutandrunwhenthestorm echoedbackoverthewaterandwalls. rolledin. Lesterbroughthishanduptohisreddeningface. Hedid?Christ,whatanirresponsibleasshole.Ill Areyoudone?hesaid,hisvoicehard. breakhisneck. HildalookedatPerry.LesterlookedatPerry. Perrylookedatthewater. Aslimyraftofkitchengnomestheirsecond businessventurefloatedpastsilentlyintheharsh Illmeetyoubythecar,Perrysaid.Itcameout waterylight.Thesmellwasalmostunbearable. inamumble.Theyheldforamoment,thethreeof ItwasnthisjobLestersvoicecrackedonjob, them,thenHildawalkedoutagain,leavingLester andhebreatheddeeply.Itwasnthisjob,Perry.It andPerrylookingatoneanother. wasyourjob.Yourerunningaround,havinga Imsorry,Perrysaid. goodtimewithyourgirlfriend,firinglawyers AboutHilda?Aboutthelawsuits?Aboutskipping Hestoppedandbreathedagain.Youknowthat out? theyregoingtosueus,right?Theyregoingto

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/235 Abouteverything,hesaid.Letsfixthisup, OK? Theride?IdontevenknowifIwantto.Why bother?Itllcostafortunetogetitonline,and theyllonlyshutitdownagainwiththelawsuit. Whybother. tothinkaboutaddinginsomethingfromtheir franchisesandcantonstothenextinstallment.

TherewereoveramillionDiaBsinthefieldnow, andtheywerenteventryingtokeepupwith ordersanymore.Sammylovedlookingatthe onlineauctionsitestoseewhattheboxeswere goingforheknewthatsomeofhispeoplehad Sowewontfixtheride.Letsfixus. siphonedoffacarloadortwoofthethingstoetail Whybother,Lestersaid,anditcameoutinthe outthebackdoor.Helovedthat.Nothingwasa samemumble. betterbarometerofyoursuccessthanhavingmade Thewaterysoundsoftheroomandthesmelland somethingotherpeoplecaredenoughaboutto theharshreflectedripplinglightmadePerrywant steal. toleave.Lesterhebegan. Helovedhismorningmeetings,andheconducted Lestershookhishead.Theresnothingmorewe themwiththeflairofabenevolentemperor.Hed gottenabiggerofficetechnicallyitwasaboard candotonight,anyway.Illrentapumpinthe roomforDiaBstrategy,butSammywastheDiaB morning. strategy.Hedoutfitteditwithfanphotosoftheir Illdoit,Perrysaid.YouworkontheDisney DiaBshrinesintheirhomes,withkidswatching inaBoxthing. enthralledasthedaysmodelwasassembled Lesterlaughed,abittersound.Yeah,OK,buddy. beforetheireyes.Thehypnoticfascinationintheir eyeswasunmistakable.Disneywasthefocusof Sure. theirdailylives,andalltheywantedwasmore, Outintheparkinglot,thehawkerswereputting more,more.Hecouldpushoutfivemodelsaday, theirstallsbacktogetherasbesttheycould.The ten,andtheydgonutsforthem. shantytownwaslitupandPerrywonderedhowit hadheldtogether.Prettygood,iswhatheguessed Buthewouldnt.Hewastoocunning.Onemodel adaywasall.Leavethemwantingmore.Never theymetandexceededcountycodeonallof breatheahintofwhatthenextdaysmodelwould thoseplans. beoh,howhelovedtowatchtheblogsandthe Hildahonkedthehornathim.Shewasfuming chatterasthemodelsselfassembled,theheated, behindthewheelandtheydroveinsilence.Hefelt timeboundfightsoverwhatthedaysmodelwas numbandwrungoutandhedidntknowwhatto goingtobe. saytoher.Helayawakeinbedthatnightwaiting Goodmorning,Ron,hesaid.Wienerhadbeen tohearLestercomehome,buthedidnt. lobbyingtogetaMainStreetbuildintothemodels forweeksnow,andSammywastakinggreat pleasureindenyingittohimwithoutshutting Sammylovedhismorningmeetings.Theyall downallhope.GettingRonWienertogrovel cametohisoffice,allthedifferentparkexecs, beforehimeverymorningwasbetterthanacupof creatives,andemissariesfromtheoldpartner companiesthathadspunofftomakemoviesand coffee. merchandeducationalmaterials.Theyallcame Ivebeenthinkingaboutwhatyousaid,and eachdaytotalktohimaboutthenextdays youreright,Wienersaid.Healwaysstartedthe DisneyinaBoxbuild.Theyallcametobeghim

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/236 meetingbytellingSammyhowrighthewasto rejecthislastidea.Theflagpoleandmarching bandscenewouldhavetoomanypieces.House catswouldknockitover.Weneedsomethingmore unitary,morevisuallystriking.SohereswhatIve beenthinking:whataboutthefireengine? Sammyraisedanindulgenteyebrow. Kidslovefiretrucks.Allthecolorsareinthe printersgamutIchecked.Wecouldcreatea MickeyandFriendsfirecrewtopositionaround it,alittlebarnforit. TheonlythingIlikedaboutfiretruckswhenI wasakidwasthatthewordstartedwithfand endedwithuckSammysmiledwhenhesaid it,andwaitedforWienertofakehilarity,too.The othersintheroomotherparkexecs,someof theirlicensingpartners,afewadvertisers laughedtoo.Officially,thiswasabrainstorming session,buteveryoneknewthatitwasallabout gettingthenodfromSammy. thisstuffisrunusingthesameprinters,soitlooks veryrealistic. Itdidindeed.Sammyhadntthoughtaboutit,but hesupposeditwasonlynaturalthattheomelets wereprintedhowelsecouldGeneralMillsget thatuniformity?Heshouldtalktosomeofthe peopleinfoodservicesaboutgettingsomeofthat techtoworkattheparks. Soinparttwo,theyresettingupthekitchen aroundthismysteryboxonepartEasyBake lightbulboven,onepartTardis.Youknowwhat thatis? Sammygrinned.Whyyes,IbelieveIdo.Their eyesmetinafiercelookofmutualrecognition. Itsabreakfastprinter,isntit?Theother supplicantsintheroomsuckedinacollective breath.Somechucklednervously.

Itsaboutmovingtheapparatustotheedge. Bridgingthelastmile.Whynot?Thisonewilldo waffles,breakfastcereals,bagelsandbakedgoods, Wienerlaugheddutifullyandslunkaway.More smallcakes.Newdesignseverydaysomething supplicantscameforward. formomanddad,somethingforthekids, Howaboutthis?Shewasverycutedressedin somethingforthesullenteens.Werealready doingthisattheregionalplantsand smart,darkclothesthatweremoreLowerEast SidethanOrlando.Shesmelledgood,toooneof distributorships,onmuchlargerscales.Butgetting ourstuffintoconsumershomes,gettingthem thenewcolognesthathintedatfreemonomers, subscribedtoourfood likehotplasticoranewboughttire.Catslanted greeneyescompletedthepackage. Sammyheldupahand.Isee,hesaid.Andour Whatyougotthere?Shewasfromanadagency, peoplearealreadyprimedforhomeprinting someoneDisneyParkshaddonebusinesswithat experiences.Theyrerightinyoursweetspot. somepoint.Agencieshadbeensendingtheir peopletothesemeetingstoo,tryingtogetaco brandingcoupforoneoftheirclients.

Itsaseriesofthree,tellingalittlestory. Beginning,middleandend.Thefirstoneisa familysittingdowntobreakfast,andyoucansee, itsthesameoldcrap,boringmicrowaveomelets andbreakfastpuddings.Momsbored,dadsmore Sammynodded.Shouldntthisallbeunder bored,andsisandbrotherherearesecretly nondisclosure?hesaid. dumpingtheirsontomomsanddadsplates.All

Partthree,Juniorandlittlesisaregoingcuckoo forCocoaPuffs,butthesethingsareshapedlike them,withtheirportraitsoneachsugarlump. Momanddadareeatingtressophistiquecroissants anddelicatecakes.LookatRoverhere,withhis owncatshapeddogbiscuit.Seehowhappythey allare?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/237 Probably,butwhatareyougonnado?Youguys areprettygoodatkeepingsecrets,andifyou decidetoshaftusbysellingouttooneofour competitors,wereprobablydead,anyway.Illbe abletoshipouthalfamillionunitsinthefirst week,thenwecanrampproductionifneedbe lotsoflittlepartsandassemblysubcontractors willtaketheworkifweoffer. Sammylikedthewayshetalked.Likesomeone whodidntneedtospendalotoftimescrewing around,planning,likesomeonewhocouldjust makeithappen. Yourelaunchingwhen? Threedaysafteryoustartrunningthis campaign,shesaid,withoutbattinganeyelash. DoIhavebreakfastplans?Sammymyboy,Im nothingbutbreakfastplans!Ihavealaunchon Sunday,remember? Heh.Ohyeah. ImonthenextflighttoDFW,shesaid.Ive gotacabwaitingtotakemetotheairport. IwonderifyouandIneedtotalkoversome details,Sammysaid. Onlyifyouwanttodoitinthetaxi. Iwasthinkingwecoulddoitontheplane,he said. Youregoingtobuyaticket?

Onmyplane,hesaid.Theydgivenhimuseof oneofthecompanyjetswhenhestartedreally MynamesSammy,hesaid.HowsThursday? rampingproductionontheDiaBs. LaunchonSunday?Sheshookherhead.Its Ohyes,Ithinkthatcanbearranged,shesaid. tricky,Sundaylaunches.Gottapayeveryonescale ItsSammy,right? andahalf.Shegavehimawink.Whatthehell, Right,hesaid.Theyleftthebuildingandhadan itsnotmymoney.Shestuckoutherhand.She altogetherlovelyflighttoDallas.Veryproductive. waswearingacoupleofnicechunkyobsidian ringsinabstractcurvyshapes,lookingalittle pornyintheirsuggestionofbreastsandthighs.He LesterhadntleftSuzannesapartmentindays. shookherhandanditwaswarmanddryand Shedrentedaplaceintheshantytownbemused strong. attheideaofpayingrenttoasquatter,butpleased Well,thatsthisweektakencareof,Sammy tohaveaplaceofherownnowthatLesterand said,andpointedlyclearedthewhiteboardsurface Perrysapartmenthadbecomesotense. runningthelengthofthetable.Theothersgroaned Technically,hewasworkingontheDisney andgotupandfiledout.Thewomanstayed printers,whichshefoundinterestinginanabstract behind. way.Theyhadaworkingoneandacoupleof Dinah,shesaid.Shehandedhimacardandhe disassembledones,andwatchingtheworkingone notedtheagency.Dallasbased,notNewYork,but doitsthingwasfascinatingforadayortwo,but hecouldtellshewasatransplant. thenitwasjustathreedeeeTVwithonechannel, Yougotanybreakfastplans?Itwashardlygone broadcastingoneframeperday. 9AMSammylikedtogetthesemeetingsstarted Shedutifullywroteaboutit,though,andabout early.Inormallygetsomethingsentin,butyour Perrysongoingeffortstoreopentheride.She littleprototypesthere... gotthesensefromhimthathewasheadingfor flatassbroke.Lesterandhehadalwaysbeen Shelaughed.Itwasaprettylaugh.Shewasa coupleyearsolderthanhim,andsheworeitwell. casualaboutmoney,butbuyingallnewrobots,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/238 moreprinters,replacementwindows,fixingthe roofnoneofitwascheap.Andwiththemarket inpieces,hewasntgettinganyrent. ShelookedoverLestersshoulderforthefiftieth time.Howsitgoing? Dontwriteaboutthis,OK? Hedneversaidthattoher. Illembargoituntilyouship. Hegrunted.Fine,Iguess.OK,well,Ivegotit runningongenericgoop,thatpartwaseasy.Ican alsoloadmyowndesigns,butthatrequires physicalaccesstothething,inordertoloadnew firmware.Theydontmakeiteasy,whichisweird. Itsliketheydontplanonupdatingitonceitsin thefieldmaybetheyjustplanonreplacingthem atregularintervals. Whysthefirmwaremattertoyou? Well,thatswhereitstoresinformationabout wheretogetthedaysdesigns.Ifweregoingto pushourowndesignstoit,weneedtogivepeople aneasywaytotellittotuneintoourfeed,andthe bestwaytodothatistochangethefirmware.The alternativewouldbe,oh,Idontknow,putting anothermachineupstreamofittotrickitinto thinkingthatitsaccessingtheirsitewhenits reallygoingtoours.Thatmeansgettingpeopleto configureanothermachinenoonebutafew hardcoregeekswillwanttodothat. Suzannenodded.Shewonderedifafewhardcore geekssummedupthetotalaudienceforthis projectinanyevent.Shedidntmentionit,though. Lestersbrowwassofurrowedyoucouldlosea dimeinthecreaseabovehisnose. Well,Imsureyoullgetit,shesaid. Yeah.Itsjustamatterofgettingattheboot loader.IcouldtotallydothisifIcouldgetatthe bootloader. ThethingthatchosewhichOStoloadwhenyou turnediton.Shewonderedifeverydaring,sexy technologyprojectstartedlikethis,acranky hackermutteringangrilyaboutbootloaders. SuzannemissedRussia.Shedhadagoodlife there,coveringthebiotechscene.Thosehackers werealotscarierthanLesterandPerry,butthey werestilllovableandfascinatingintheirownway. BetterthantheFordandGMexecssheusedto havetocozyupto. ShedlikedthemanichustleofRussia,the glamourandthesqualor.Shedboughtatime sharedachathatshecouldspendweekendsat,and theexpatsinPetersburghadrollickingpartiesand dinnerswheretheytookapartthedays experiencesonPlanetPetrograd. Imgoingout,Lester,shesaid.Lesterlookedup fromtheDiaBandblinkedafewtimes,then seemedtorewindtheconversation. Hey,hesaid.Oh,hey.Sorry,Suzanne.Imjust Imtryingtoworkinsteadofthinkthesedays. Thinkingjustmakesmeangry.Idontknowwhat todoHebrokeoffandthumpedthesideofthe printer. HowsPerrygettingonwithrebuilding? Hesgettingon,Lestersaid.AsfarasIknow.I readthattheDeathWaitskidandhispeoplehad comebytohelp.Whateverthatmeans. Hefreaksmeout,Suzannesaid.Imean,Ifeel terribleforhim,andheseemedniceenoughinthe hospital.Butallthosepeoplethewaythey followhimaround.Itsjustweird.Likethe charismaticcultsbackhome.Sherealizedshed justcalledRussiahomeanditmadeherfrown. Justhowlongwasshegoingtostayherewith thesepeople,anyway?

Lesterhadntnoticed.Iguesstheyallfeelsorry forhim.Andtheylikewhathehastosayabout Suzanneknewwhatabootloaderwas,justbarely. stories.Ijustcantgetalotofspitinmymouth

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/239 overtheridethesedays,though.Itfeelslike reachhisValkyrieoftheMidwest,either.SoIm somethingwedidandcompletedandshouldmove leftcallingonyou,Suzanne.Anycomment? onfrom. Suzannestaredacrosstheroadattheride.Shed Suzannedidnthaveanythingtosay,andLester beengassedthere,chasedbyarmedmen,watched wasntparticularlyexpectinganything,hewas awarthere. givingoffapalpableletmeworkvibe,soshelet Theridedoesnthavemuchformaldecision herselfoutoftheapartmentherapartment! makingprocess,shesaidfinally.Thatmeans andheadedoutintotheshantytown.Onthewayto thatwordslikefireddontreallyapplyhere.The theride,shepassedthelittleteahousewhere boysmighthaveadisagreementaboutthebest KettlewellandTjanhaddonetheirschemingand waytoproceed,butifthatsthecase,youllhave shesuddenlyfeltvery,veryold.Theonlygrownup totalktothemaboutit. onsite. Areyousayingthatyoudontknowifyour Shewasabouttocrossthefreewaytotheride boyfriendsbestfriendisfightingwithhis whenherphonerang.Shelookedatthefaceand businesspartners?Dontyoualllivetogether? thennearlydroppedit.Freddywascallingher. Imsayingthatifyouwanttofindoutwhat Hello,Suzanne,hesaid.Thegloatinhisvoice LesterandPerryaredoing,youllhavetoask wasunmistakable.Hehadsomethingreallyslimy LesterandPerry. uphissleeve. Andthelivingtogetherthing? HowcanIhelpyou? Wedontlivetogether,shesaid.Itwas Imcallingforcommentonastory,hesaid.Its technicallytrue. myunderstandingthatyourlad,Perry,pitcheda tantieandfiredthebusinessmanagersoftheride, Really?Freddysaid. andhastoldthelawyersrepresentinghimagainst Dowehaveabadconnection? Disneythatheintendstodropthesuit. Youdontlivetogether? Isthereaquestioninthere? No. Oh,therearemanyquestionsinthere,my Wheredoyoulivethen? darling.Forstarters,Iwonderedhowitcould possiblybetrueifyouhaventwrittenaboutiton Myplace,shesaid.Haveyourinformantsbeen yourlittleblogevenoverthephone,she misinformingyou?Ihopeyouhaventbeenpaying couldhearthesarcasticquotes.Youseemtobe foryourinformation,Freddy.Isupposeyoudont, quitecomprehensiveindocumentingthe though.Isupposetheresnoendofcrankswho undertakingsofyourfriendsdowntherein reallyenjoyspitefulgossipandaremorethan Florida. happytoemailyouwhateverfantasiesthey AreyouaskingmetocommentonwhyIhavent concoct. commented? Forstarters. HaveyouapproachedPerryforacomment? Imafraidhewasratherabrupt.AndIcouldnt Freddytsked.Andyoudontknowwhats happenedtoKettlewellandTjan? Haveyouaskedthem? Iwill,hesaid.Butsinceyouretheranking

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/240 reporteronthescene. lookedather.

Imjustablogger,Freddy.Abusyblogger.Good Youcomedowntohelpout? afternoon. Towriteaboutit,actually. Thecalllefthershaking,thoughshewasproudof Theroomwasahiveofactivity.Alotofgothkids howcalmshedkepthervoice.Whatagoddamned ofvariousagesanddegreesoffreakiness,afewof troll.Andshewasgoingtohavetowriteaboutthis thesquatterkids,somepeoplesherecognized now. fromthesecondcomingofDeathWaits.She Therewereladdersleanedupagainsttheedgeof theride,andamotleycrewofroofersandglaziers onthemandontheroof,workingtoreplacethe gapingholesthestormhadleft.Theworkers mostlyworeblackandhaddyedhairandlotsof metalflashingfromtheirearsandfacesasthey worked.Acouplehadstrippedtothewaist, revealingfullbacktattoosorevenmorepiercings andsubcutaneousimplants,likearmorrunning overtheirspinesandshoulderblades.Acoupleof boomboxesblastedoutgrinding,incoherent musicwithalotofelectronicscreams. Aroundtheride,themarketstallswerecoming back,rebuiltfromatoweroffreshsawedlumber stackedintheparkinglot.Thiswasalotmore efficient,withgangsofvendorsquicklysawing thelumbertostandardsizes,slappingeachone withapositionalsensor,thenwatchingthe sensorslightstotellthemwhenitwasproperly linedupwithitsmates,andthenslippingon cornerclipsthathelditalltogether.Suzanne watchedasawholemarketstallcametogetherthis way,inthespaceoffiveminutes,beforethe vendorsmovedontotheirnextstall.Itwaslikea hightechversionofanAmishbarnraising, performedbybandannacladsketchyhawkers insteadofbeardedtechnophobes. couldntseeDeathWaits,though. Well,thatsgood.Hepowereduptheprinterand theairfilledwiththefamiliarsmellofSaran Wrapinamicrowave.Shehadaneerieflashback toherfirstvisittothisplace,whentheydshowed herhowtheycouldprintmutated,Warholized Barbieheads.HowsLestergettingonwith crackingthatprinter? Whydontyouaskhimyourself?Shedidntsayit. ShedidntknowwhyLesterhadcometoherplace afterthefloodinsteadofgoinghome,whyhe stiffenedupandsniffedwhenshementioned Perrysname,whyhelookedawaywhenshe mentionedHilda. Somethingaboutfirmware. Hestraightenedhisbackmore,makingitpopand gaveherhisdevilishgrin,theonewherehis wonkyeyebrowwentupanddown.Itsalways firmware,hesaid,andlaughedalittle.Maybe theywerebothrememberingthoseolddays,the BoogieWoogieElmos. Lookslikeyouvegotalotofhelp,Suzanne said,gettingoutalittlestenopadandapen.

Perrynoddedatit,andshewasstruckbyhow manytimestheydstoodlikethis,afewfeetapart, herpenpoisedoverherpad.Shedchronicledso ShefoundPerryinside,leaningoveraprinter, tinkeringwithitsguts,LEDtorchesclippedtothe muchofthismanslife. templesofhisglasses.Hewashamperedby Theyregoodpeople,thesefolks.Someofthem havingonlyonegoodarm,andhepressedherinto havesomecarpentryorelectronicsexperience,the servicepassinghimtoolsforagoodfifteen restarewillingtolearn.ItsgoingfasterthanI minutesbeforehestraightenedupandreally thoughtitwould.Lotsofsupportfromoutinthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/241 world,toopeoplesendingincashtohelpwith replacementparts. HaveyouheardfromKettlewellorTjan? Thelightwentoutofhisface.No,hesaid. Howaboutfromthelawyers? overflowingwithfoodwrappersandboxes.He shiftedinhisseatandletoutasoftfart. Sheleft.Shepaidthelandladythroughtheendof theweek.ShecouldsendLesteranemaillater.

ThecabtookhertoMiami.Itwasntuntilshegot totheairportthatsherealizedshehadnoidea Nocomment,hesaid.Itdidntsoundlikeajoke. whereshewasgoing.Boston?SanFrancisco? Petersburg?Sheopenedherlaptopandbeganto Comeon,Perry.Peoplearestartingtoask priceoutlastminutetickets.Therushoftravelers questions.Someonesgoingtowriteaboutthis. movedaroundherandshewasjostledmanytimes. Doyouwantyoursidetoldornot? Not,hesaid,anddisappearedbackintotheguts Thestandbysitesgaveherathousandoptions MiamitoJFKtoHeathrowtoPetersburg,Miami oftheprinter. toFrankfurttoMoscowtoPetersburg,Miamito Shestaredathisbackforalongwhilebefore DallastoSanFrancisco....Thepermutationswere turningonherheel,muttering,Fuck,and overwhelming,especiallysinceshewasntsure walkingbackoutintothesunshine.Theredbeena whereshewantedtobe. mustysmellintheride,butouthereitwasthe Thensheheardsomethinghomeyandfamiliar:a Floridasmellofcitrusandcarfumes,andsweat fromthepeoplearoundher,workinghard,trying largegroupofRussiantouristswalkingpast, talkingloudlyinRussian,complainingaboutthe towrestalivingfromtheworld. longflight,thebadfood,andtheincompetenceof Shewalkedbackacrossthefreewaytothe theirtouroperator.Shesmiledtoseetheoldmen shantytownandranintoHildacomingtheother withtheirhighwaistedpantsandtheoldwomen way.Theyoungerwomangaveheracoollookand withtheirbouffanthair. thenlookedaway,andcrossed. Shecouldnthelpbuteavesdropattheirvolume, Thatwasjustaboutenough,Suzannethought. shewouldhavebeenhardpressednottolistenin. Enoughplaytimewiththekids.Timetogofind Alittleboyandgirltoreassaroundtheairport, somegrownups.Shewasnthereforherhealth.If underthedisapprovingglaresfromDHSgoons, Lesterdidntwanttohangoutwithher,ifPerry andtheyscreamedastheyran,DisneyWorld! hadhadenoughofher,itwastimetogodo DisneyWorld!DisneyWorld! somethingelse. Shedneverbeenshedbeentoacoupleofthe Shewentbacktoherroom,whereLesterwasstill kitschyGulagparksinRussia,andshedgrownup workingonhisDiaBproject.Shetookouther withSixFlagscoasterparksandOntarioPlace suitcaseandpackedwiththeefficiencyoflong andtheCNEinToronto,notfarfromDetroit.But experience.Lesterdidntnotice,notevenwhenshe shedneverbeentoTheBigOne,theplacethat tooktheblouseshedhandwashedandhungto evennowmanagedtodominatetheworlds dryonthebackofhischair,foldeditandputitin consciousnessofthemeparks. hersuitcaseandzippeditshut. Sheaskedherstandbysitestofindheraroomina Shelookedathisbackworkingoverthebenchfor Disneyhotelinstead,lookingforaninclusiverate alongtime.Hehadasixpackofchocolate thatwouldgetherontotheridesandpayforher puddingbesidehim,andawastebasket meals.Thesewereadvertisedatroadsidekiosksat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/242 100yardintervalsoneveryfreewayinFlorida,so shesuspectedtheywerethebestdealgoing. answeringhisfanmail;therestofthetimehe spentwithhisnewfriendsdownatthesiteofthe ride,encouragingthemtopitchinandhelpPerry Amomentofbrowsingshowedherthatshed andLestertogetthethingbackupandrunning. guessedwrong.AweekinDisneycostaheart Fast,please.Itwasdrivinghimbonkersnottobe stoppingsumofmoneytheequivalentofsix abletorideanylonger.Aftereverythinghedbeen months'rentinPetersburg.Howdidallthese Russiansaffordthistrip?Whatthehellcompelled through,hedeservedaride. peopletopartwiththesesums? Hisfriendswerewonderful.Wonderful!Lacey Shewasgoingtohavetofindout.Itwasresearch. especially.Shewasanurseandagoddessof mercy.Themoneythatfloodedintohispaypals Plussheneededavacation. wheneverhisfriendsletitbeknownthathe Shebookedin,boughtabullettrainticket,and neededmorecoveredallhisexpenses.Henever grabbedthehandleofhersuitcase.Sheexamined wantedforcompanionship,conversation, herwelcomepackageasshewaitedforthetrain. helpmeets,orrespect.Itwasawonderfullife. Shewasstayingatsomethingcalledthe PolynesianResorthotel,andthebrochureshowed Ifonlytheridewouldcomeonline. atickytackytikithemedsetoflonghousesseton HewokenexttoLacey,sheasleepstill,herhair anersatzwhitesandbeach,withacrewof spreadoutacrossthepillowinafallofshinyblack MexicanandCubandomesticworkersinleis, withbluehighlightsshedgivenhimamatching Hawaiianshirts,andlavalavaswavingand dyejobafewdaysbeforeandtheylookedlikea smiling.Herpackageincludedacomplimentary matchedsetnow.Helethishandslazilytraceher luauthepicturesmadeitclearthiswasnothing softskin,theoutlinesofhertattoos,herimplants likethetouristluausshedattendedinMaui.On andpiercings.Hefeltastirringbetweenhislegs. topofthat,shewasentitledtoacharacter Laceyyawnedandwokeandkissedhim.Good breakfastwithawageslaveinanoverheated morning,myhandsomeman,shesaid. plushcostume,andanhourwitharesort Goodmorning,mybeautifulwoman.Whatsthe counsellorwhodhelpherplanhertripfor planfortoday? maximalfun. Thebullettraincameandtookonthepassengers, familiesbouncingwithanticipation,jokingand laughingineverylanguagespoken.Thesepeople hadjustcomethroughaUSCustomscheckpoint andtheywereactingliketheworldwasafine place.Shedecidedtheremustbesomethingtothis Disneybusiness. DeathWaitswaited,andwaitedandwaitedforthe ridetocomebackonline.Hesplithisdays betweenhangingoutathome,writingaboutthe story,runningtheflythroughsfromtheother rides,watchingwhatwashappeninginBrazil, Whateveryouwant,shesaid. Breakfast,thendowntotheride,hesaid.Illdo myemailandwritingtheretoday. Somethingbeforebreakfast?sheasked,witha lopsidedsmilethatwasadorable. Ohyes,please,hesaid,hisvoicebreathy. ThesmellattheWalMartwasoverpowering.It wasonepartsharpmold,onepartindustrial disinfectant,acitrussmellthatmadeyoureyes waterandyoursinusesburn.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/243 Iverentedsomebigblowers,Perrysaid. Theyllhelpairtheplaceout.Ifthatdoesnt work,Imighthavetoresurfacethefloor,which wouldberoughitcouldtakeaweektogetthat doneproperly. Aweek?Deathsaid.Jesus.Noway.Notanother week.Hedidntknowitforsure,buthehada feelingthatalotofthesepeoplewouldstop showingupeventuallyiftherewasnoridefor themtogeekoutover.Hesurewould. Yousmellthat?Wecantclosethedoorsandthe windowsandleaveitlikethis. Lo? ItsDeathWaits.Weredownattheride,but theresnotmuchtodoaroundhere.Ithought maybewecouldhelpyouwithwhateveryouwere workingon? WhatdoyouknowaboutwhatImworkingon? Lestersaid. Um.Nothing. Sohowdoyouknowyouwanttohelp?

DeathWaitsclosedhiseyes.Hewantedtohelp thesetwo.Theydmadesomethingimportant, Deathspeople,standingaroundthem,listeningin, didnttheyknowthat? nodded.Itwastrue.Youdmeltpeopleslungsif Whatareyouworkingon? youshutthemupwiththesefumes. Nothing,Lestersaid. HowcanIhelp?Deathsaid.Itwashisconstant Comeon,Deathsaid.Comeon.Wejustwant mantrawithPerry.Sometimeshedidntthink topitchin.Iloveyouguys.Youchangedmylife. Perrylikedhimverymuch,anditwasgoodto keeponremindinghimthatDeathandhisbuddies Letmecontribute. wereheretobepartofthesolution.ThatPerry Lestersnorted.Crosstheroad,gostraightfortwo neededthem. hundredyards,turnleftatthehousewiththe CesarChavezmural,andIllmeetyouthere. Theroofisjustaboutdone,therobotsareback

online.Thedividersshouldbedonetoday.Ivegot YoumeangointotheDeathdidntknowwhat thechairsstrippeddownforroutinemaintenance,I itwascalled.Healwaystriednottolookatit coulduseacouplepeopleforthat. whenhecametotheride.Thatslumacrossthe road.Heknewitwassomehowconnectedwiththe WhatsLesterworkingon?Deathsaid. ride,butinthesamewaythattheadministrative Youdhavetoaskhim. buildingsatDisneywereconnectedwiththe DeathhadntseenLesterindays,whichwasweird. parks.ThebigdifferencewasthatDisneys HehopedLesterdidntdislikehim.Heworrieda extraneousbuildingswereshieldedfromviewby bermsandpaintedgoawaygreen.Theweirdtown lotaboutwhetherpeoplelikedhimthesedays. acrosstheroadwasrightthere. HedthoughtthatSammylikedhim,afterall. Whereishe? Dontknow. Perryputdarkglasseson. DeathWaitstookthehint.Comeon,hesaidto Lacey,whopattedhimonthehandasheliftedup inhischairandrolledouttothevan.Letsjust callhim. Yeah,acrosstheroadintotheshantytown. OK,Deathsaid.Seeyousoon.Hehungup andpattedLaceyshand.Weregoingoverthere, hesaid,pointingintotheshantytown. Isitsafe? Heshrugged.Iguessso.Helovedhischair, lovedhowtallitmadehim,lovedhowitturned

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/244 himintoahalftoncyborgwhocouldraiseupon hisrearwheelsandrockbackandforthlikea triffid.Nowhefeltveryvulnerableacrippled cyborgwhoseapparatuscostasmallfortune, abouttogointoaneighborhoodfullofpeople whoweretechnicallyhomeless. asbeingsomehowcivilizedtaxpaying,license bearingentitieswithcommercialrelationships withsuppliers,withcashregistersandemployees. Notlawlessandwild.

Buteverygroundfloorseemedtohaveatleasta smallshop,advertisedwithbrightOLEDpixel Shouldwedrive? boardsthatshowedrotatingenticements ProductosdeDominica,BeautifulforLadies, Ithinkwecanmakeitacross,hesaid.Traffic OFERTA!!!,FantasyNails.Hepassedtwenty waslight,thoughthecarsthatbombedpastwere differentshopsinasmanysteps,someofthem doing90ormore.Hestartedtogatherupafew seeminglynothingmorethanacounterrecessed moreofhispeople,butreconsidered.Itwasalittle intothewallwithayoungmansittingbehindit, scarytobegoingintothetown,buthecouldnt grinningatthem. affordtofreakoutLesterbyshowingupwithan Laceystoppedatoneandboughtthemcansof entourage. coffeeandsmallMexicanpastriesdustedwith Theguardrailshieldingthetownhadbeenbent cinnamon.Hewatchedahundredpairsofeyes downandflattenedandthechairwheeledoverit watchLaceyasshedrewoutherpurseandpaid. easily,withhardlyabump.Astheycrossedthis Atfirsthethoughtofthedanger,butthenhe border,theycrossedovertoanotherworld.There realizedthatifanyonewastomugthem,itwould werecookingsmellsbarbecueandCubanspices beinfullsightofallthesepeople. andalittlehintofseptictankorcompostheap. Itwasafunnythought.Hedgrownupinsparse ThebuildingsdidntmakeanysensetoDeaths eye,theycurvedorslopedortwistedorleanedand suburbswhereyoudneverseeanyonewalkingor seemedtobemadeofequalpartsprefabcement standingonthesidewalksortheirporches.Even thoughitwasaniceneighborhood,therewere andaluminumandscraplumber,laundrylines, muggingsandevenkillingsatregular,horrific powerlines,andgraffiti. intervals.Walkingtherefeltliketakingyourlife Deathwasusedtodrawingstares,evenbeforehe intoyourhands. becameacyborgwithabeautifulwomanbeside Here,inthiscrowdedplacewithahumandensity him,butthiswasdifferent.Therewereeyes likeaDisneypark,itfeltsomehowsafer.Weird. everywhere.Littlekidsplayinginthestreet hadntthesepeopleheardofstrangerdanger TheycametowhathadtobetheCesarChavez stoppedtostareathimwithbigshoebuttoneyes. muralaMexicaninacowboyhatstandinglikea Facespeeredoutofwindowsfromthegroundon preacheronthetailgateofatruck,surroundedby uptothethirdstorey.Voiceswhisperedandcalled. moreMexicans,farmertypesincottonshirtsand bluejeansandcowboyhats.Theyturnedleftand roundedacornerintoalittleculdesacwitha confusionofhopscotcheschalkedontotheground, ringedbyparkedbicyclesandscooters.Lester stoodamongthem,eatingachurroinapieceof Deathhadntknownwhattoexpectfromthislittle waxpaper. town,buthecertainlyhadntpicturedsomany Youseemtoberecoveringquickly,hesaid, littleshops.Herealizedthathethoughtofshops Laceygavethemhersunniestsmileandeven wavedatthelittlekids,andDeathtriednoddingat someofthehomeysstaringathimfromthe windowofwhatlookedlikealittlediner.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/245 sizingupDeathinhischair.Goodtoseeit.He seemedalittledistant,whichDeathchalkedupto beinginterrupted. Lesterturnedouttobeonthethirdfloor,andby thetimetheyreachedit,DeathWaitswasdripping sweatandhiseyelinerhadrunintohiseyes.Lacey dabbedathimwithhergauzyscarfandfussed Itsgreattoseeyouagain,Deathsaid.My friendsandIhavebeencomingbytherideevery overhim.DeathcaughtLesterlookingatthetwo day,helpingouthoweverwecan,butweneversee ofthemwithalittlesmirk,sohepushedLacey awayandsteadiedhisbreathingwithaneffort. youthere,soIthoughtIdcallyou. OK,hesaid.Alldone. Youdcallme. Toseeifwecouldhelp,Deathsaid.With whateveryouredoing. Comein,Lestersaid.Hegesturedbehindhim andDeathnoticedforthefirsttimethesmallsign thatsaidHOTELROTHSCHILD,withastately peacockbehindit. Thedoorwasalittlenarrowforhisrollingchair, buthemanagedtogetitinwithalittlebackand forth,butonceinside,hewasstymiedbythe narrowstaircaseleadinguptotheupperfloors. Thelobbysuchasitwaswascompletelyfilled byhim,LaceyandLester,andevenifthechair couldhavesqueezedupthestairs,itcouldnthave corneredtogetthere. Lesterlookedembarrassed.Sorry,Ididntthink ofthat.Um.OK,Icouldrigawinchandhoistthe chairupifyouwant.Wedhavetobeltyouin,but itsdoable.Therearemastsforpulleysonthetop flooritshowtheygetthebedsintotheupper stories.

Great,Lestersaid.ThisiswhatImworking on.YoutalkedtoPerryaboutitbefore,right?The DisneyinaBoxprinters.Well,Ivecrackedit.We canloadourownfirmwareontoitjuststickiton anetworkwithaPC,andthePCwillfinditand updateit.Thenitbecomesanopenboxitll acceptanyonesgoop.Youcansendityourown plans. DeathhadntseenaDiaBinpersonyet.Beholding itandknowingthathewasthereasonthatLester andPerrywereexperimentingwithitinthefirst placemadehimfeelasenseofexcitementhe hadntfeltsincethegothrehabofFantasyland began. Sohowdoesthistieintotheride?Deathasked. Iwasthinkingofbuildingridesinminiature,but atthatscale,willitreallyimpresspeople?No,I dontthinkso.

SoinsteadIwasthinkingthatwecouldjustpush outdetailsfromtheride,littletabletopsized miniaturesshowingapieceeveryday.Maybe Icangetuponcanes,DeathWaitssaid.Isit whateverwasnewest.Andyoucouldhave safetoleavemychairoutside,though? multiplefeeds,youknow,likeanexperimental Lesterseyebrowswentup.Wellofcoursesure trunkforobjectsthatpeopleinoneregionliked itis.Deathfeltweirdforhavingasked.Hebacked thechairoutandlockedthetransmission,feeling Lesterwasshakinghisheadandholdinguphis silly.Whowasgoingtohotwireawheelchair?He hands.Woah,waitasecond.No,no,noDeath wassuchadork.Laceyhandedhimhiscanesand wasusedtohavinghisfriendshangonhisevery hestoodgingerly.Hedbeenmakinghiswaytothe wordwhenhewastalkingaboutideasfortheride bathroomandbackoncanesallweek,buthe andthestory,sothisbroughthimupshort.He hadnttriedstairsyet.HehopedLesterwasnttoo remindedhimselfwhohewastalkingto. manyfloorsup. Sorry,hesaid.Gotaheadofmyself.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/246 Look,Lestersaid,proddingattheprinter.This thingisitsownthing.Wereaboutmorethanthe ridehere.Iknowyoureallylikeit,andthatsvery cool,buttheresnowaythateverythingIdofrom nowonisgoingtobeaboutthatfuckingthing.It wasalark,itscool,itsgotitsownmomentum. Buttheseboxesaregoingtobetheirownthing.I wanttoshowpeoplehowtotakecontrolofthe stuffintheirlivingrooms,notadvertisemylittle commercialprojecttothem. forfree.Itlookslikeatool,likeathingthatyou usetobetteryourlife,butinreality,itsatoolthat Disneyusestocontrolyourlife.Youcant programit.Youcantchangethechannel.It doesntevenhaveanoffswitch.Thatswhatgets meexercised.Iwanttoredesignthisthingsoit getsconvertedfromsomethingthatcontrolsto somethingthatgivesyoucontrol.

Lesterseyesshone.Deathhurtfromheadtotoe, fromtheclimbandtheaftermathofthebeating, Deathcouldntmakesenseoutofthis.Itsounded andthelifehedlived.Lesterwastellinghimthat likeLesterdidntliketheride.Howwasthat theridewasntimportanttohimanymore,that possible?Idontgetit,hesaidatlast.Lesterwas hedbedoingthisotherthingwiththeprinternext, makinghimlooklikeanidiotinfrontofLacey, andthensomethingelse,andthensomethingelse. too.Hedidntlikehowthiswasgoingatall. Hefeltagreat,unexpectedupwellingofbitterness Lesterpickedupascrewdriver.Youseethis?Its atthethought. atool.Youcanpickitupandyoucanunscrew Sowhatabouttheride? stufforscrewstuffin.Youcanusethehandlefora Theride?Itoldyou.Imdonewithit.Itstimeto hammer.Youcanusethebladetoopenpaintcans. dothenextthing.Yousaidyouwantedtohelpout, Youcanthrowitaway,loanitout,orpaintit right? purpleandframeit.Hethumpedtheprinter. Thisthingisatool,too,butitsnotyourtool.It Withtheride,Deathsaidpatiently,withthe mannerofsomeonetalkingtoachild. belongstosomeoneelseDisney.Itisnt interestedinlisteningtoyouorobeyingyou.It LesterturnedhisbackonDeath. doesntwanttogiveyoumorecontroloveryour Imdonewiththeride,Lestersaid.Idont life. wanttowasteyourtime.Itwasclearhemeant, Thisthingremindsmeoflifebeforefatkins.It Yourewastingmytime.Hebentovertheprinter. wasmyveryownpersonalbody,butitwasnt undermycontrol.Whatsthewordtheacademics Laceylookeddaggersathisshoulders,thenturned tohelpDeathdownthestairs.Hiscanesclattered use?Agency.Ididnthaveanyagency.Itdidnt matterwhatIdid,Iwasjustthisfatthingthatmy onthenarrowstaircase,anditwasallhecoulddo tokeepfromcrying. brainhadtolugaroundbehindit,listeningtoits neverendingcomplaintsandachesandpains. Ifyoudontcontrolyourlife,youremiserable. Thinkofthepeoplewhodontgettoruntheirown lives:prisoners,reformschoolkids,mental patients.Theressomethinginherentlyawfulabout livinglikethat.Autonomymakesushappy. Hethumpedthetopoftheprinteragain.So heresthisstupidthing,whichDisneygivesyou SuzannerodethebullettrainfromMiamiairport inairconditionedamusement,watchingthe Mickeyshapedhangstrapsrockbackandforth. ShedboughtherselfaMickeywaffleanda bucketsizedDietCokeinthediningcarand fendedofftheoffersofplushanimatronictoysthat wereclearlydescendedfromBoogieWoogie Elmo.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/247 Nowshewatchedthekidstearassupanddown thetrain,orsitmesmerizedbythevideosand interactivessetupattheendsofthecars.Thetrain wasreallyslick,andjudgingfromthebrochure shefoundintheseatpocket,therewasanotherone fromtheOrlandoairport.Thesethingswerelike chutesleadingfromtheluggagecarouselstraight intotheparks.Disneyhadfiguredouthowto makesurethateverypennyspentbyitstourists wentstraightintoitscoffers. Thevoiceoverannouncementsastheypulledinto thestationwereinEnglish,Chinese,Spanish, FarsiandRussianinthatorderanddisplayed ontheportersredcoatswithbrassbuttonswere namebadgeswiththeflagsofmanynations, denotingthelanguagestheyspoke.Theywore mouseears,andSuzanneaveteranof innumerablehotelscouldnotdissuadeonefrom takinghersuitcase. thehotelstructures,longhousesdecoratedwith Polynesianmasksandstalkedbyleggyibisesand chirpingtropicalbirds.Beforeherwasawhite sandbeachfrontingontoanartificiallakeringed withotherluxuryhotels:agigantic1970sSoviet Aframebuildingandagingerbreadchoked Victorianhotel.Thelakewasringedwitha monorailtrackandpliedbyhandsomepaddle wheelerferryboats. Shestaredgapejawedatthisuntilthebellhop gentlytuggedatherelbow,givingheradazzling smile.

HerroomwasthekindofthingyoudseeLucy andRickycheckingintoonhoneymooninanoldI LoveLucyepisodewickerceilingfans,bamboo furniture,ahugehottubshapedlikeaseashell. Outside,alittleterracelookingoverthelake,with apairofcockatooslookingquizzicallyather.The bellhopwavedatthemandtheycawedatherand Hebroughthertoacoachstationandsawher flewoff.Suzannemusthavemadeadisappointed aboardabusmarkedforthePolynesian,decorated noise,becausethebellhoppattedheronthearm withtikilamps,bamboo,andpalmfronds(she andsaid,Dontworry,wefeedthemhere,they touchedoneanddiscoveredthatitwasvinyl).He comebackallthetime.Greedybirdies! refusedhertipastheysawheraboard,andthen Shetippedthebellhopfivebucksonceshedbeen stoodandwavedheroffwithhiswhiteglovesand giventhegrandtouroftheroomatameInternet giantwhitesmile.Shehadtochuckleasshepulled connectionthatwaskidfriendlyandalikewise away,amazedathoweffectivetheselittletouches censoredvideoondemandservice,deliverypizza were.Shefelthermusclesloosening,little orsushi,informationonparkhours,includingthe involuntarychucklesrisinginherthroat.The dazzlingarrayofextrasshecouldpurchase.It coachwasfullofparentsandchildrenfromall turnedoutthatresortguestswereeligibleto overtheworld,grinningandlaughingandhugging purchaseprioritypassesforboardingridesahead andtalkingexcitedlyaboutthedayaheadofthem. oftheplebes,andforenteringparksearlyand ThecoachletthemofftoagroupofHawaiian shirtcladstaffwhoshoutedAloha!atthemas theydebarked,andpickeduptheirluggagewith swift,cheerful,relentlessefficiency.Hercheckin wassopainlessshewasntsureitwasoveruntila niceyoungladywholookedChechenpickedup herbagforherandurgedherouttothegrounds, whichweregreenandlush,likenothingshedseen sincelandinginFlorida.Shewassurroundedby stayinglate.ThismadeSuzannefeelrightathome itwasveryRussianinitsapproach:themore youspent,thebetteryourtimewas.

Sheboughtitall:allthefastpassesandpriority cards,allofitloadedintoagrinningMickeyona lanyard,awirelesspendantthatwouldtakecareof hereverywhereshewentinthepark,lettingher spendmoneylikewater.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/248 Thusgirded,sheconsultedwithherbellhopsome moreandlaidoutanitinerary.Onceshed showeredshefoundshedidntwanttowearanyof herEuropeantailoredshortsandblouses.She wantedtodisappearintotheGreatAmerican Mass.Thehotelgiftshopprovidedherwitha barkclothHawaiianshirtdecoratedwith tessellatedDisneytrademarksandabigpairof looseshorts,andonceshedonnedthem,shesaw thatshecouldbeanyonenow,anytouristinthe park.Apairofcheapsunglassescompletedthe lookandshepaidforitallbywavingherMickey necklaceattheregister,spendingmoneylike water. otherfamouslandmarks.ForsomeJapanese shutterbugs,theholidayphotoexperiencewasas formalastheStationsoftheCross,witheach pictureofeachlandmarkrigidlyprescribedby customandunwrittenlaw. Nowshewasunderthecastleandheadedforwhat hermapassuredherwasFantasyland.Justasshe clearedthearchway,sherememberedher conversationswiththatDeathWaitskidabout Fantasyland:thiswasthepartthathadbeenmade overasagotharea,andthenremadeasthe HappiestConstructionSiteonEarth.

Andsoitwas.Thecontrastwasstark.Fromfairy castletogreenpaintedconstructionsidings.From ShepassedtherestofthedayattheMagic smiling,wellturnedoutcastmembersto Kingdom,takingaferryfromthehotelspierto constructionworkerswithbuttcrackitisand theVictorianwroughtirondocksontheotherside grouchyexpressions.Fantasylandwaslikeanugly ofthelittleartificiallake.Assheclearedthe scarontheblemishfreefaceofaBarbiedoll. turnstilesintoMainStreet,USA,herheart Shelikedit. quickened.Kidsrushedpasther,chasedbytheir parentslaughingcallstoslowdown.Balloon Somethingaboutallthatartifice,allthatcunning sellersandoldfashionedpopcornmachines worktocoverupallthebodiesacompanylike jostledforspaceinthecrowd,andabrassband Disneywouldhaveburiedunderitsmanicured wasmarchingdownthestreetinstrawboatersand MainStreetithadgivenheralowlevel,tooth redstripedjackets,playingaSousamarch. grindingheadache,akindofangeratthefalseness ofitall.Here,shecouldseethebodiesasthey Sheambleduptheroad,peeringintheadorable buriedthem. littleshopwindows,liketheshopsinafancy casino,allthemedartificialfacadesthatwere,in Outcamehercameraandshewentontheprowl, back,alloneshop,linkedthroughthelengthofthe photographingandphotographing,seekinghigh street. groundfromwhichtocatchsnapsoverthesiding. Shedlookatthesatellitepicsofthisspotlater. Shereachedthecastlebeforesherealizedit,and sawthatitwasshorterthanithadappeared. Nowsheknewwhathernextprojectwouldbe:she TurningaroundandlookingbackdownMain woulddocumentthisscar.Sheddigupthebodies. Street,shesawthatthetreesliningthesidesofthe streethadbeentrimmedsotheygotprogressively Justforcompletenesssake,shewentonsomeof smallerfromthegatestothecastle,creatingakind therides.Hersuperfancypasslethersailpastthe offalseperspectiveline.Shelaughednow,amused longlinesofboredkids,angrydads,exhausted bytheaccomplishmentofthelittletrompeloeil. moms.Shecapturedtheirexpressionswithher camera. ShesqueezedpastthehordesofAsiantourists takingpreciselythesamepictureofthecastle,one Therideswereallright.Shewassickofrides, truthbetold.Asanartform,theywerewildly afteranother,aphenomenonshedobservedat

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/249 overrated.Someofthemmadehersickandsome ofthemwerelikemildlyinterestingtripsthrough someonescollectionofactionfiguresinadark room.TheDisneyridesdidntevenletyoudrive, likeLestersridedid,andyoudidntgettovoteon them. Bythetimethesunhadgonedown,shewasready togobacktotheroomandstartwriting.She wantedtogetallthisdown,thebeautyandthe terror,thecommercelurkingunderneaththe friendlyfacade.Asthedaylengthenedintonight, thereweremoreandmorescreamingchildren, moreangryparents.Shecaughtparentssmacking kids,once,twice,gothercameraout,caughtthree more. Theysentabigpupuplatteruptoherroomwitha dishofpoiandahollowpineapplefilledwithrum. Shetookhercomputeroutontoherlanaiand lookedoutoverthelake.Anibiscamebyand demandedsomeofherdinnerscraps.Sheobliged itanditgaveheracoldlook,asifdetermining whethershedbegoodfordessert,thenflewoff. Shebegantowrite. alltheattentionhehadreceivedasthedesignated mascotofthetwolittlegirls. Itwasnotahighpointinthehistoryofthe Kettlewellclan. Hello? LandonKettlewell? Hello,Freddy,hesaid. Myfameprecedesme,thejournalistsaid. Kettlewellcouldhearthegrininhisvoice.That voicewasunmistakableKettlewellhadheardit intheoccassionalharassingvoicemailthat Suzanneforwardedon. Howareyou? Oh,Imverywellsir,andkindofyoutoask,yes indeed.Ihearyourenotdoingsowell,though? Icantcomplain. Iwishyouwould,though.Youcouldtell, Freddythoughthewasafunnysonofabitch. Seriously,MrKettlewell.Imcallingtofollowup onthestoryofthelitigationthatPerryGibbons andLesterBanksarefacingforunilaterally cancelingthearrangementyoudmadetofinance theirlitigation.Imhopingthatyoullgivemea quotethatmightputthisintoperspective.Isthe defenseoff?WillGibbonsandBanksbesued? Areyouapartytothesuit?

SomethinghadchangedbetweenKettlewelland EvasincetheydleftFloridawiththekids.It wasntjustthelegalhassles,thoughtherewere plentyofthose.TheydgonetoFloridawitha Freddy? secondchanceachanceforhimtobeamover again,achanceforhertohaveahusbandwhowas Yes,MrKettlewell. happywithhislifeagain. Iamnotachild,noramIafool,noramIa Nowhefoundhimselfsneakingpastherwhenshe sucker.Imalsonotahothead.Youcantgoadme wasinthelivingroomandtheysleptbacktoback intosayingsomething.Youcanttrickmeinto inbedwithasmuchroombetweenthemas sayingsomething.Ihaventhunguponyouyet, possible. butIwillunlessyoucangivemeasinglegood reasontobelievethatanygoodcouldpossibly AdamissedLyenitchkaandspentallhertimein comeoutoftalkingtoyou. herbedroomIMingherfriendorgoingquesting withherintheirfavoritegame,whichinvolved Imgoingtowritethisstoryandpublishittoday. Barbies,balrogs,andbuyingoutfits.Pascalmissed Icaneitherwritethatyoudeclinedtocommentor

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/250 Icanwritedownwhatevercommentyoumight haveonthematter.Youtellmewhichisfairer? Goodbye,Freddy. Wait,wait!Justwait. KettlewelllikedthepleadingnoteinFreddys voice. Theysocializethecostofbringingbigcompanies toheel,andtheyfreeupthecapitalthatthesebig companieshaveaccumulated. Butwhenabigcompanyinvestsindestroying anotherbigcompany

Sometimesyougetaforestwhereafewtreesend upwinning,theyformacanopythatkeepsallthe Whatisit,Freddy? sunlightfromreachingthefloor.Now,thisis CanIgetyoutocommentonthegeneralideaof stableforforests,butstabilityisthelastthingyou wantinamarket.Justlookatwhathappenswhen litigationinvestment?Alotofpeoplefollowed oneofthosebigtreesfallsover:whoosh!A yourleadinseekingoutlitigationinvestment millionkindsoflifearespawnedonthefloor, opportunities.Thereslotsofmoneytiedupinit fightingforthelightthattreehadhoggedforitself. thesedays.DoincidentsliketheoneinFlorida meanthatlitigationinvestmentisadeadstrategy? Inamarket,whenyoutoppleacompanythats cometocomplacentlycontrolsomepartofthe Ofcoursenot,Kettlewellsnapped.Heshouldnt ecosystem,youfreeupthatnichefornew betalkingtothisman,butthequestiondrovehim innovators. bonkers.Hedinventedlitigationinvestment. Andwhyisthatbetterthanstability?Dontthe Thosebigoldcompanieshavetwocommon workersatthesecompaniesdeservethesecurity characteristics:theyveaccumulatedmoreassets thatcomesfromtheiremployerssurvival? thantheyknowwhattodowith,andtheyvegot poisonous,monopolisticculturesthatreward Ohcomeon,Freddy.Stopbeatingthatdrum.If executiveswhobreakthelawtohelpthecompany youreanemployeeandyouwanttogetagood turnabuck.Noneofthatschanged,andsolongas dealoutofanemployer,yourebetteroffifyouve thatsalltrue,therewillbelittlecompanieswith gotfiftycompaniesyoucouldworkforthanjust legitgripesagainstbigcompaniesthatcanbeused one. asinvestmentvehiclesforunlockingallthatdead SoyouresayingthatifyoudestroyDisneywith Fortune100capitalandputtingittowork. yourlawsuit,thefiftythousandpeoplewhowork ButarentFortune100companiesinvestingin atWaltDisneyWorldwillbeableto,what,work litigationfunds? forthoselittlerideslikeyourfriendshavebuilt? Kettlewellsuppressedanastylaugh.Yeah,so Theyllfindlotsofwork,Freddy.Ifwemakeit what? possibleforanyonetoopenaninnovativelittle ridewithoutworryingaboutgettingclobberedbya Well,ifthisisaboutdestroyingFortune100 bigoldmonopolist.Youlikebigcorporationsso companies much? Itsaboutwringingpositivesocialvalueoutof thecourtsandoutofinvestment.Thewayitused Yes,butitsnotlittleinnovativestartupsthat investinthesefunds,isit? towork,therewereonlytwopossibleoutcomes whenabigcompanydidsomethingrotten:either Itstheywhobenefitoncethefundtakesuptheir theydgetawayscotfreeortheydmakesome cause. lawyersvery,veryrich.Litigationfundsfixthat. Andhowsthatworkingoutfortheridepeople

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/251 youremeanttobehelpingout?Theyrejectedyou, Oh,right,Kettlewellsaid.Wantacupofwater? didntthey? Coffee? KettlewellreallyhatedFreddy,herealized.Not justalittlehehadadeepandgenuineloathing. Oh,forfuckssake.Youdontlikelittle companies.Youdontlikebigcompanies.You dontlikeworkerscoops.Whatdoyouwantusto do,Freddy?Youwantustojustcurlupundera rockanddie?Yousitthereandmakeupyour funnynamesforthings;youmakeyoursnarky littlecommentaries,buthowmuchgoodhaveyou donefortheworld,youcomplaining,snipinglittle troll? Thelinegotveryquiet.CanIquoteyou? Iexpectyouregoingtobetoobusytoentertain, sir,thekidsaid,andtickedalittlesaluteoffhis forehead.Butyouseemlikeaniceguy.Good luckwithitall. Kettlewellwatchedhimgo,thenclosedthedoor andwalkedbacktohisoffice,openingthe envelopeandscanningit.Nosurprisestherethe shareholdersintheinvestmentsyndicatethathad backedLesterandPerryweresuinghimfor makingfalserepresentationsabouthisabilityto speakforthem. Tjancalledhimaminutelater.

Youcertainlycan,Kettlewellhuffed.Infora Theygotyoutoo,huh?Kettlewellsaid. penny,inforapound.Youcanprintthat,andyou Justleft.WishIcouldsayitwasunexpected. cankissmyass. WishIcouldsayIblamedthem,Kettlewellsaid. Thankyou,MrKettlewell,Freddysaid.Ill certainlytakethesuggestionunderadvisement. Hey,youshouldseewhattheridesbeendoing thisweeksinceFloridawentdown,Tjansaid. Kettlewellstoodinhishomeofficeandstaredat thefourwalls.Upstairs,Pascalwascrying.Hedid Itstotallymutated.Ithinkitsmostlycoming fromtheMidwest,thoughthoseBraziliansseem thatalotlately.Kettlewellbreatheddeeplyand tokeeponlogginginsomehowtoo. triedtochillout. HowmanyridesarethereinSouthAmerica, Someonewasknockingathisdoor,though.He answeredittentatively.Thekidhefoundtherewas anyways? wellscrubbed,black,inhistwenties,andsmiling Braziliansofthem!Tjansaidwithamirthless amiably. chuckle.Impossibletosay.Theyvegotsome kindofvariantontheprotocolthatletsabunchof LandonKettlewell? themshareonenetworkaddress.Ithinksomeof Whossuingme?Kettlewellcouldspota themarentevenphysicalrides,justvirtual processserveramileaway. flythroughs.Somearedirectlylinked,somedoa Theguyshruggedandmadealittleyougotme kindofmashupbetweentheircurrentnormsand smile.Couldntsay,sir,hesaid,andhanded otherridescurrentnorms.Itsprettyweird. Kettlewelltheenvelope,holdingitsothatthe Kettlewellpaced.Well,atleastsomeoneshaving headerwasclearlyvisibletothecamerasetinto agoodtime. thelapelofhisshirt. Theyregoingtonailustothewall,Tjansaid. Youwantmetosignsomething?Kettlewellsaid. Bothofus.Probablytheindividualride Itsallright,sir,thekidsaidandpointedatthe operators,too.Theyreoutforblood. camera.Itsallcaughtonvideo. Itsnotliketheyevenlostmuchmoney.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/252 Theydidntneedtotheyfeelliketheylostthe moneytheymighthavewonfromDisney. Butthatwastwentyyearsaway,andhighly speculative. beengassed,hewasalmostpathological.

Ivegotabetteridea,hesaid,growingexcitedas itunfoldedinhismind.Hehadthatburning sensationhegotsometimeswhenheknewhewas Tjansighedheavilyontheotherendofthephone. havingarealdoozy.Howaboutifweapproach Landon,youreavery,verygoodfinanceperson. eachoftheindividualridecoopsandseeiftheyll jointhelawsuitseparatelyfromtheumbrellaorg? ThebestIveevermet,butyoureallyneedto understandthateventhemostspeculativeinvestor Playitrightandwellhavethelawsuitbackon, withouthavingtogetourasseshandedtousand ismostlyspeculatingabouthowhesgoingto spendallthemoneyyoureabouttomakehim.If withouthavingtodestroyPerryandLester! investorsdidntcounttheirchickensbeforethey Tjanlaughed.Thatsthats...Wow!Genius. hatched,youdneverraiseacent. Yeah,OK,right!TheBostongroupisin,Illtell youthatmuch.Imsurewecangethalfadozen Yeah,Kettlewellsaid.Heknewit,buthe morein,too.EspeciallyifwecangetPerryto couldntsoakitin.Hedwonandlostsomany fortuneshisownandothersthathedlearned agreenottoblockit,whichImsurehelldoafter Ihavealittletalkwithhim.Thisllwork! totakeitallinstride.Noteveryoneelsewasso sanguine. Sowhatdowedoaboutit?Idontmuchwantto loseeverything. YoucouldalwaysgobacktoRussia,Kettlewell said,suddenlyfeelingshorttempered.Whydidhe alwayshavetocomeupwiththeplan?Sorry. Youknowwhatthelawyersaregoingtotellus. Yeah.SuePerryandLester. AndwetoldLesterwewouldntdothat.Itwas probablyamistaketodothisatall,youknow. No,dontsaythat.Theideawasareallygood one.Youmighthavesavedtheirassesiftheyd playedalong. AndifIdkeptthelawyersonashorterleash. Theybothsatinglumsilence. Sometimesthethreatoftotallegaldestruction canhaveawonderful,clarifyingeffectonones mind,Kettlewellsaiddrily.Howrethekids?

Lyenitchkaisinasulk.Shewantstogobackto FloridaandshewantstoseeAdasomemore.Plus shesupsetthatwenevermadeittoDisney World. Kettlewellfloppeddownonhiscouch.Haveyou seenSuzannesbloglately? Tjanlaughed.Yeah.Man,shesgivingittothem withbothbarrels.Makesmefeelsorryforem. Um,youdoknowthatweresuingthemfor everythingtheyvegot,right? Well,yes.Butthatsjustmoney.Suzannesgoing totaketheirballs.

Theyexchangedsomemorenicetiesandpromised Howaboutifwedefendourselvesbyproducing thattheydgettogetherfacetofacerealsoonand evidencethattheyrenegedonadealwedmadein Kettlewellhungup.Frombehindhim,heheard goodfaith.ThenthebastardscansuePerryand someonefidgeting. Lesterandwellstillbekeepingourpromise. Kids,youknowyouarentsupposedtocomeinto KettlewelltriedtopicturePerryinacourtroom. myoffice. Hedneverbeenthemostevenkeeleddudeand Soundslikethingshavegottenstartedupagain. sincehedbeenshotandhadhisarmbrokenand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/253 Itwasntthekids,itwasEva.Hesatup.Shewas standingwithherarmsfoldedinthedoorwayof hisoffice,staringathim. Yeah,hesaid,mumblingalittle.Shewasreally beautiful,hiswife,andsheputupwithahellofa lot.Hefeltobscurelyashamedofthewaythathed treatedher.Hewishedhecouldstandupandgive herawarmhug.Hecouldnt. ImgoingtostaywithLucy,fromcollege.Shes livingdownthepeninsulainMountainView. Shesgotroomforthekids. Hefeltlikeragingather,promisingherabitter divorceandcustodysuit,buthecouldntdoit.She wascompletelyright,afterall.Eventhoughhis firstimpulsewastoargue,hecouldntdoitjust then.

Instead,shesatbesidehim.Soundslikeyoullbe Sosheleft,andKettlewellwasaloneinhisnice busy. apartmentwithhisphoneandhiscomputerand Oh,Ijustneedtogetalltheindividualcoopson hislawsuitsandhismindfizzingwithideas. board,talktothelawyers,gettheinvestorsoffmy back.Haveashareholdersmeeting.Itllbefine. ThelastthingSammywantedwasafight.Dinahs Hersmilewaslittleandsad.Imgoing,Landon, promowasmakingmajorbankforthecompany shesaid. andhewastakingmoreandmoremeetingsin TexaswithDinah,whichwasahellofaperk. Theblooddrainedfromhisface.Shedlefthim plenty,overtheyears.Heddeservedit.Butithad TheydshippedtwomillionoftheDiaBs,and wereprojectingtenmillioninthefirstquarter. alwaysbeenwhitehot,inthemiddleofafight, Parkadmissionwassoaringandtherevenuefrom andithadalwaysendedwithsomekindof theadvertisingwasgoingtocovertheentirecost reconciliation.Thistime,ithadthefeelingof ofthenextrevoftheDiaBs,whichwouldbe somethingplannedandexecutedincoldblood. better,faster,smallerandcheaper. Hesatupandfoldedhishandsinhislap.Hedidnt ThatbusinesswithDeathWaitsandthenew knowwhatelsetodo. Fantasylandandtheridewhatdiditmatternow? Hersmilewilted.Itsnotgoingtowork,youand Hedbeensofocusedonthedetailsthathedlost me.Icantlivelikethis,lurchingfromcrisisto trackofthebigpicture.WaltDisneyhadmadehis crisis.Iloveyoutoomuchtowatchthathappen.I empirebyfiguringouthowtodothenextthing, hatewhatitturnsmeinto.Youreonlyhappy notwastinghisenergyonhowtoprotectthelast whenyouremiserable,youknowthat?Icantdo thing.Ithadallbeenamistake,adumbmistake, thatforever.Wellbepartofeachotherslives andnowhewasbackontrack.Fromall forever,butIcantbeMrsStressbunnyforever. appearances,thelawsuitswereonthevergeof Noneofthiswasnew.Shedshoutedvariationson blowingaway,anyway.Fantasylandhedturned thisathimatmanytimesintheirrelationship.The thatovertoWiener,ofallpeople,andhewas differencewasthatnowshewasntshouting.She actuallydoingsomegoodstuffthere.Really wascalm,assured,sadbutnotcrying.Behindher runningwiththeideaofrestoringitasanostalgia siteaimedsquarelyatfatkins,withlotsoffood inthehallway,hesawthatshedpackedher suitcase,andthelittlesuitcasesthekidsusedwhen andromantickiddieridesthatnokidwouldwant torideintheageofthebreakneckcoaster. theytravelledtogether. Wherewillyougo? Thelastthinghewantedwasafight.Whathe wantedwastomakeassloadsofmoneyforthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/254 company,remakehimselfasapowerinthe organization. werestillsellingtheconsumables...Thegoop wasahugeprofitmakerforthecompany.They boughtitinbulk,addedaproprietary,precisely Buthewasabouttohaveafight. mixedchemicalthattheprintercouldcheckforin Hackelbergcameintohisofficeunannounced. itshoppers,andsoldittotheDiaBusersforatwo SammyhadsomeoftheImagineersin,showing thousandpercentmarkup.Ifyoutriedtosubstitute himprototypesofthenextmodel,whichwas acompetitorsgoop,themachinewouldrejectit. beingdesignedformorereliableshippingand TheyshippedoutnewDiaBswithonlyhalfaload easierpacking.Hackelbergwascarryinghiscane ofgoop,sothatthefirstpurchasewouldcome today,wearinghisicecreamsuit,andwasflushed fast.Itwasmakingmoremoney,weekonweek, adeep,angryredthatseemedtoboilupfromhis thanpopcorn. collar. Thecracktheyredistributingalsodisablesthe Onelookfromhisblazingeyeswasenoughto checkingforthewatermark.Youcanuseany sendtheImagineersscurrying.Theydidnteven genericgoopinthem. taketheirprototypewiththem.Hackelbergclosed Sammyshookhisheadandrestrainedhimself thedoorbehindthem. fromthumpinghishanddownonthedesk.He Hello,Samuel,hesaid. wantedtoscream. Nicetoseeyou.CanIofferyouaglassofwater? Werenotsuingthem,arewe? Icedtea? Doyouthinkthatswise,Samuel? Hackelbergwavedtheoffersaway.Theyreusing Imnolegalexpert.Youtellme.Maybewecan yourboxestoprinttheirowndesigns,hesaid. takestrongercountermeasureswiththenext What? generationHegesturedattheprototypeonhis Thosefreakswiththeirhomemaderide.Theyve desk. justpublishedasystemforprintingtheirown Andabandonthetwomillionunitsweveshipped objectsonyourboxes. todate? Sammyrewoundtheconversationshedhadwith Sammythoughtaboutit.Thosefamiliesmight theinfosecpeopleinImagineeringaboutwhat hangontotheiroriginaltwomillionforever,or countermeasurestheydcomeupwith,whatthey untiltheyworeout.Maybeheshouldbebuilding wereproofagainst.Hewaspissedthathewas themtofallapartaftersixmonthsofuse,toforce findingoutaboutthisfromHackelberg.IfLester updates. andPerrywerehackingtheDiaBs,theywouldbe talkingaboutitnonstop,runningtheirmouthson Itsjustsounfair.Theyrerippingusoff.We spentthemoneyonthoseunitssothatwecould theInternet.Backwhenhewashisown competitiveintelligencespecialist,hewouldhave sendourmessageout.Whatthehelliswrongwith knownaboutthisprojecttheseconditbegan.Now thosepeople?Aretheycompulsive?Dotheyhave todestroyeverymoneymakingbusiness? hewastryingtofindacompetitiveintelligence personwhoknewhisassfromhiselbow,sofar Hackelbergsatback.Samuel,Ithinkitstimewe withoutsuccess. dealtwiththem. Well,thatsregrettable,obviously,butsolongas Sammysmindwasstilloffonthestrategiesfor

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/255 keepingLesterandPerryatbay,though.Sure,a sixmonthobsolescencecurvewoulddoit.Orthey couldjustchargemoneyfortheDiaBsnowthat peoplewerestartingtounderstandwhattheywere for.Hell,theycouldjustmakethemost compellingstuffforaDiaBtoprintandmaybe thatwouldbeenough. Hackelbergtappedthetipofhiscaneonce, sharply.Sammycamebacktotheconversation. Sothatssettled.Filingsuittoday.Weregoingto doadiscoveryonthemthatllsplitthemopen fromassholetothroat.Nomoreofthischickenshit policestuffweregoingtofigureoutevery sourceofincomethesebastardshave,weregoing totakeawaytheircomputers,weregoingdownto theirISPsandgettingtheiremailsandinstant messages. hecould,thenshutthedoor.Hackelbergwanted everything,andthatmeanteverything,including hisplaymatesfromtheadvertisingindustry everything.Hewasbecomingthekindof executivewhoemittedstrategicintelligence,rather thanthekindwhogatheredit.Thatwouldntdo. Thatwasntthenaturalorderofthings. Hesatdownathiscomputer.Someonehadtodo thecompetitiveintelligenceworkaroundhereand itlookedlikeitwouldhavetobehim. WhattheWorldCanLearnfromDisney SuzanneChurch ItseasytodismissDisney.Theymakemore lawsuitsthanridesthesedays.Theyhavea reputationforPolyannaishchirpiness.Their corporatecommunicationsveerfromCorporate PassiveVoiceThirdPersontoasyrupy, condescendingkiddeespeakthatscalculatedto drivechildrenintoafrenzyofparentnagging screeches.

Andasweveseen,theyregoingtoretaliate. Thatsfine.Werenottreatingthesepeopleasa coupleofpunkpirateswhogodownatthefirst signoftrouble.Notanymore.Weknowthatthese peoplearethecompetition.Weregoingtomake anexampleofthem.Theyrethefirstonesto ButifyouhaventbeentoaDisneyParkina attackonthisfront,buttheywontbethelast. Werevulnerable,Samuel,butwecancontainthat while,youdontknowwhatyouremissing.Ive beeninWaltDisneyWorldforaweeknow,and vulnerabilitywithenoughdeterrent. Imheretotellyou,itsprettygood.No,itsbetter Hackelbergseemedtobeexpectingsomethingof thanthatitsamazing. Sammy,butSammywasdamnedifheknewwhat Youveprobablyheardabouttheattentionto itwas.OK,hesaidlamely. detail:therooflineoverFantasylandfeatures Hackelbergssmilewaslikeajackolanterns. sagging,Georgiantiles,crazychimneys,and Thatmeansthatwevegottobepreparedfortheir subtlyanimatedgargoyles(leftoverfroma discoveryonus.Ineedtoknoweverysingledetail previous,gothierincarnationofthispartofthe ofthisDiaBproject,includingthethingsIdfind park).Youdontseethisunlessyouraiseyoureyes ifIwentthroughyourphonerecordsandyour abovethebusy,intriguingfacadesthatfrontthe email.Becausetheywillbegoingthroughthem. rides,abovethemasterfullypaintedsignage,and Theyllbeputtingyouandyouroperationunder higherstill.Inotherwords,unlessyouresomeone themicroscope. likeme,lookingfordetails,youwontspotthem. Sammyrestrainedhisgroan.Illhaveitforyou, Theyrethereaspuregoldplating,theyrethere becausesomeonewhotookprideinhisworkput hesaid.Givemeadayortwo. themthere. HesawHackelbergoutofhisofficeasquicklyas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/256 Ittellsyousomethingaboutthepeoplebehindthe sceneshere.Peoplewhocareabouttheirjobs workhere.Itseasytoforgetthatwhenyoure thinkingaboutDisney,acompanywhose reputationthesedayshasmoretodowithwhom theysuethanwithwhattheymake. NOWsituation.Forsuchahappyplace,there certainlyarealotofweepychildrenandfrustrated parents.

ButitshardtofaultDisneyforbeingabusiness thatmakesalotofmoney.Thatsthepoint,after all.Anditcantbecheaptokeepthetensof Butoh,whattheymake.Theresasafariparkhere, thousandsofcastmembers(yes,theyreallydo somethinglikeazoobutwithoutthatstuffthat callthemthat,evenwhentheyreearning makesyoufeellikeyoureparticipatinginsome minimumwageandworkjobswithallthe terribleexercisethatstripsnobleanimalsoftheir glamourofabathroomattendant)hangingaround, dignityforouramusement.Instead,theanimals pickinguplitterandconfrontingeverynew hereroamfree,neartheirhairlessmonkeycousins, guestwitheerilyconvincingcheer. separatedfromthembywaterfeatures, Asforboredanddisgustednotyet.Bored camouflagedditches,simulatedancientruins itsimpossibletoimaginesuchathing.For [moredetails]. starters,theworldsmiddleclasseshaveconverged Thatsjustoneofsixparks,eachsubdividedinto sixorsevenlands,eachlandwithitsownunique charm,culture,andcustoms.Thatsnotcounting theoutlyingareas:twonewtowns,golfcourses,a velodrome,apreservedmarshlandthatyoucan tourinaskiffwithalocalnaturist.Inthesedaysof cheapfabrication,itseasytoforgetwhatyoucan dowithseveralbilliondollarsandthekindof hubristhatleadsyoutodredgelakes,erectpapier machemountains,andcreateyourowntoymass transitsystem. Ofcourse,DisneyParksarenostrangerstosmall scalefabrication.Seetheirtiny,cleverDisneyin aBoxdevices,whichIhavechronicledherefrom theotherside.Ontheonehand,thesethingsare networkedvolumetricprinters,butontheother, theyaresuperbcategorybustersthathave achievedanentirelyjustifiableyetstill staggeringmarketpenetrationinjustafew months. Icameherereadytobeboredanddisgustedand fleecedofeverynickel.Iamdisappointed.The parksaretremendousatseparatingpeoplefrom money,itstrue.Theyvestructuredeach promenadeandstrollsothatevenawalktothe bathroomcancreateaMommyDaddyWantIt hereinasortofbourgeoisUN,andyoucangeta lotofpleasureoutofwatchingaChineselittle emperorwithdotingparentsintowmaking friendswithatinyperfectRussianmafiyeh princesswhoseparentsflicknervouslyattheir nicotineinhalersandscoutthebuildingfacadesfor hiddencameras. Ofcourse,ifpeoplewatchingisntyourthing, therearetheridesthemselves,whichmakeartout oftheshoeboxdiorama.Thereareluaus,indoor scubadivingwithlivesharks,andanislandof genuinelysleazynightclubswhereyoucanget propositionedforsomeimprobableactsthatare hardlyfamilyfriendly.Theselastappeartobe largelypopulatedbythecastmembersseekinga littleafterworkaction. Disgusted?IthinkifIwereaparent,theredbe partsoftheexperiencethatdrovemenuts.But onceyougettoknowtherhythmoftheplace,you starttoseethattherearenavigablepathwaysthat dontleadthroughanycommercialareas fantasticadventureplaygrounds,naturehikes, pettingzoos,horsebackrides,sportstraining.And foreverykidwhoshavingabloodsugar meltdownafterconsuminghalfaquartofhigh fructoselubeslatheredonacinnamonbun,theres

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/257 anotherwhoisstandingopenmouthedwith completebodilywonder,atsomestupendous spectacle,clearlyformingneuronalconnectionsof asortthatwillcreatethepermanentpredisposition toanappreciationofspectacle,wonder,and beauty. Shelookedinthedirectionindicatedandtookin themansittingonthebarstool.Hedidnthavethe lookofaharrieddadandhewastoooldtobea loveflushedhoneymooner.Insensibletropical weightslacksandawesternshirt,hewas impossibletoplace.Hesmiledandgaveheralittle wave.

Thisisthekindofplacewhereyouhavetolove thesinandhatethesinner.Thecompanymaysue What? andresorttodirtytricks,butitsalsochockfullof Hecameinanhouragoandaskedforyou. realartistsmakingrealart. Shelookedbackattheman.Whatsyourtakeon Ifyouhaventbeenforavisit,youshould. him? Honestly.Oh,byallmeans,alsogosomewhere unspoiled(ifyoucanfindit).Gocamping.Goto Ithinkheworkshere.Hedidntpaywithan oneoftheridesIvewrittensomuchabout.Butif employeecard,butheactedlikeit. youwanttoseethebrightsideofwhatbillionscan OK,shesaid,sendoutasearchpartyifImnot dothestuffyounevergetfromoutsidethewalls backinanhour. ofthisfortressoffunbuyaticket. Gogethim,tiger,thebarmansaid,givingher handasqueeze. ThebarmanatSuzanneshotelstartedbuildingher aLapuLapuasshecameupthestairs.Thedrink involvedahollowpineapple,overproofrum,and anumbrella,andshedconcludedthatitcontained theperfectdosageofliquidCNSdepressantto unwindherafteradayofbattleattheparks.That dayshedspentfollowingaroundthetroupesof roleplayingactorsatDisneysHollwoodStudios: acastofahundredcostumedplayerswhoacted outaseriesofinterlockingcomediessetinthe blackandwhitedaysofHollywood.Theywere fearlesslycheeky,grabbingaudiencemembersand conscriptingthemintheirplays. Shecarriedherpineapplewithheranddrifted downthebar. Hellothere,shesaid. MsChurch,themansaid.Hehadadisarming, confidentsmile.MynameisSammyPage.

Sheknewthename,ofcourse.Theface,too,now thatshethoughtaboutit.Heofferedherhishand. Shedidnttakeit.Heputitdown,thenwipediton histrouserleg. Areyouhavingagoodtime? Alovelytime,thankyou.Shesippedherdrink andwisheditwasalittlemoreseriousand intimidating.Itshardtodofrostywhenyoure holdingarumfilledpineapplewithapaper parasol.

Nowshewasfootsoreandtherewasstilla nighttimeatEpcotinherfuture.Thebarman passedherthepineappleandshethumpedher lanyardagainstthebartwiceoncetopayforthe drinkandoncetogivehimageneroustip.Hewas Hissmilefaltered.Ireadyourarticle.Icant gayasagoose,butfuntolookat,andheflirted believeImissedit.Imean,youvebeenherefor withherforkicks. sixdaysandIjustfigureditouttoday?Ima prettyincompetentvillain. Gentlemancallerforyou,Suzanne,hesaid, tiltinghishead.Youtemptress. Sheletalittlesmileslipoutatthat.Well,itsa

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/258 bigInternet. ButIloveyourstuff.Ivebeenreadingitsince, well,backwhenIlivedintheValley.Iusedtoget theMercactuallydeliveredonpaper. Youareawalkingfossil,arentyou? Hebobbedhishead.Soitcomesdowntothis. Ivebeenverydistractedwithmakingthings besideslawsuitslately,asyouknow.Ivebeen puttingmyenergyintodoingstuff,notpreventing stuff.Itsbeenrefreshing. Shegrubbedinherpocketandcameupwitha littlestenobookandapencil.DoyoumindifI takenotes? Hegulped.Canthisallbeonbackground? Sheheftedhernotebook.No,shesaidfinally. Iftheresanythingthatneedspublishing,Im goingtohavetopublishit.Icanrespectthefact thatyourespeakingtomewithcandor,but frankly,MrPage,youhaventearnedtheprivilege ofspeakingonbackground. Hesippedathisdrinkamoregrownup highball,withaloneicecubeinit,maybea Scotchandsoda.OK,right.Well,then,onthe record,butcandorously.Ilovedyourarticle.Ilove yourworkingeneral.Imreallygladtohaveyou here,becauseIthinkwemakegreatstuffand weremakingmoreofitthanever.Yourlatestpost wasrightonthemoneywecareaboutourwork here.Thatshowwegottowhereweare. Butyoudevotealotofyourresourcestoother projectshere,dontyou?Iveheardaboutyou,Mr Page.IveinterviewedDeathWaits.Hewinced andshescribbledanote,leavinghimon tenterhookswhileshewrote.Somethingcoldand angryhadholdofherwritingarm.Ive interviewedhimandheardwhathehastosay aboutthisplace,whatyouhavedone. Myhandsarentthecleanest,hesaid.ButIm tryingtoatone.Heswallowed.Thebarmanwas lookingatthem.Look,canItakeyouforawalk, maybe?Someplacemoreprivate? Shethoughtaboutit.Letmegetchanged,she said.Meetyouinthelobbyinten. Sheswappedhertennisshoesforwalkingsandals andputonacleanshirtandlongslacks,then drapedascarfoverhershoulderslikeashawl. Outside,thesunsetwaspaintingthelagoon bloody.Shewasjustabouttorushbackdownto thelobbywhenshestoppedandcalledLester,her fingersmovingoftheirownvolition. Hey,you,hesaid.Stillhavingfunin Mauschwitz? Itkeepsgettingweirderhere,letmetellyou,she said.ShetoldhimaboutSammyshowingup, wantingtotalkwithher. Ooh,Imjealous,Lestersaid.Hesmyarch rival,afterall. Ihadntthoughtofitthatway.Heiskindofcute Hey! Inaslimy,sharkyway.Dontworry,Lester.I missyou,youknow? Really? Really.IthinkImaboutdonehere.Imgoingto comehomesoon. Therewasalongpause,thenasnufflingsound. Sherealizedhewascrying.Heslurped.Sorry. Thatsgreat,babe.Imissedyou. IImissedyoutoo.Listen,Ivegottogomeet thisguy. Go,go.Callmeafterdinnerandtellmehowit goes.Meanwhile,ImgoingtogoviolatetheDiaB somemore. Channelit,thatsright. Righton.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/259 Sammymetherinthelobby.Ithoughtwecould goforawalkaroundthelake,hesaid.Theresa trailthatgoesallthewayaround.Itspretty private. No,Ididnt.Heswallowed.ItshardbecauseI wanttotellyousomethingthatwillcompromise meifIsayit.

AndIwontletyouoffthehookbypromisingto Shelookedatthelake.Attwelveoclock,themain keepitconfidential. gatesoftheMagicKingdom;atthree,theretroA Exactly. frameContemporaryhotel,atnine,thewedding Well,youreonthehornsofadilemmathen, cakeGrandFloridianResort. arentyou?Thesunwasnearlysetnow,and Leadon,shesaid.Heledheroutontothe stonesattheirfeetglitteredfrombeneath, artificialwhitesandbeachandaround,anda sprinkledwithtwinklinglights.Itmadethe momentlatertheywereonapathwaypavedwith evening,scentedwithtropicalflowersandthe octagonaltiles,eachengravedwiththenameofa cleansmellofthelake,evenmorelovely.Acool familyandayear. breezefluffedherhair. Ireallylikedyourarticle. Hegroaned.Shehadtoadmitit,shewasenjoying Yousaidthat. this.Wasitanylessthanthismandeserved? Theywalkedawhilelonger.Itremindedmeof whyIcamehere.Iworkedforstartups,andthey werefun,buttheywereephemeral.Noone expectedsomethingontheWebtolastforhalfa century.Maybethebrandsurvives,butwho knows?Imean,whoremembersYahoo!anymore? Butforsure,anythingyoubuiltthenwouldbe goneinayearortwo,adecadetops. Letmetrythisagain.Ihavesomeinformation that,ifIpassitontoyou,couldsaveyourfriends downinHollywoodfromterribleharm.Icanonly giveyouthisinformationontheconditionthatyou takegreatpainstokeepmefrombeingidentified asthesource.

TheydcometotheMagicKingdomnow.Behind them,themaingatesloomed,andapufferbelly Buthere...Hewavedhishands.Theywere choochootrainblewitswhistleasitpulledoutof comingaroundthebendfortheContemporary thestation.Happy,exhaustedchildrenranacross now,andshecouldseeitinallitsabsurdglory.It theplaza,headingfortheferrydocksandthe hadbeenkeptupsothatitlookedlikeitmight monorailramps.Thestonesbeneathherfeet havebeenerectedyesterday,butthetowering glitteredwithrainbowlight,andtropicalbirds whiteAframestructurewiththemonorailrunning calledtoeachotherfromthePiratesofthe throughitsmidriffwasclearlyofanotherera.It CaribbeanAdventureIslandinthemiddleofthe waslikeamuseumpiece,orabitofartilleryon lake. thefieldatacivilwarreenactment. Hum,shesaid.Thefamilieslaughedandjostled Isee. Itsaboutthegrandiosity,thepermanence.The beliefindoingsomethinganythingthatwill endure. eachother.Hum.OK,onetimeonly.Thisoneis offtherecord.

Sammylookedaroundnervously.Keepwalking, hesaid.Letsgetpasthereandbackintothe Youdidntneedtobringmesomeplaceprivateto privatespots. tellmethat. Butitsthecrowdsthatputmeinagenerous mood.Shedidntsayit.Shedgivehimthisone.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/260 Whatharmcoulditdo?Ifitwassomethingshe hadtopublish,shecouldgetitfromanother source. Theyregoingtosueyourfriends. Sowhatelseisnew? No,personally.Theyregoingtothemattresses. Everytrumpedupchargetheycanthinkof.But thepointhereisnttogetthecopstoraidthem,its toservediscoveryoneverysinglecommunication, everydocument,everyfile.Openupeverything. Rootthrougheveryemailuntiltheyfind somethingtohangthemwith. time.OK,sowhatdoyouwantmetodoabout it? IthoughtthatifHeshutup.Look,Itried thisoncebefore.ItoldthatFreddybastard everythinginthehopesthathedcomeontomy sideandhelpmeout.Hescrewedme.Imnot sayingyoureFreddy,but

Suzannestoppedwalking.Whatdoyouwant fromme,sir?Youhavehardlybeenafriendtome andmine.Itstruethatyouvemadesomething veryfine,butitsalsotruethatyouhelped sabotagesomethingeverybitasfine.Youre paintingyourselfasthevictimofsomemysterious Yousaytheyarentyouthey? them.ButasnearasIcanworkout,theonly Itwastoodarktoseehisfacenow,butshecould differencebetweenyouandthemisthatyoure havingalittledisagreementwiththem.Idontlike tellthequestionmadehimuncomfortable. tobeusedaspartofyourcorporateheadgames No.Notanymore.Heswallowedandlookedout andpowerstruggles. atthelake.Look,Imdoingsomethingnow something...amazing.TheDiaB,itsbreakingnew Fine,hesaid.Fine.Ideservethat.Ideserveno better.Fine.Well,Itried. ground.Wereputtingthreedeeeprintersinto everyhouseinAmerica.WhatyourfriendLester Suzannerefusedtosoften.Grownmensulkingdid isdoing,itsactuallyhelpingus.Wereinventinga notinspireanysympathyinher.Whateverhe wholenew wantedtotellher,itwasntworthgoingintohis debt. Business? Hegaveashudderingsigh.Well,Ivetakenyou No,notjustabusiness.Aworld.Itswhatthe awayfromyoureveningoffun.CanImakeitup NewWorkwasmissingathreedeeeprinterin toyou?Wouldyouliketocomewithmeonsome everylivingroom.Akillerapp.Therewere personalcomputersandgeeksforyearsbeforethe ofmyfavoriterides? spreadsheetcamealong.Thentherewasareason Thissurprisedheralittle,butwhenshethought toputoneineveryhouse.Thenwegotthe aboutit,shecouldntseewhynot.Sure,she Internet,thewholesoftwareindustry.Anew said. world.Thatswherewereheaded.ItsallIwantto do.Idontwanttospendtherestofmylifesuing people.Iwanttodostuff. TakingaguestaroundDisneyWorldwaslike Hekickedattherushesthatgrewbesidethetrail. programmingaplaylistforadateoracartrip. Sammyhaddoneitthreeorfourtimesforpeople Iwanttoberememberedforthat.Iwantthatto bemyplaceinthehistorybooksnotabunchof hewastryingtowinover(mostlywomenhewas tryingtoscrew)andherefinedhistechniqueevery lawsuits. time. Suzannewalkedalongbesidehiminsilencefora SohetookhertotheCarouselofProgress.Itwas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/261 theoldestuntouchedrideinthepark,areplicaof theonethatWalthimselfhadbuiltforGEatthe 1964WorldsFair.Therehadbeenattemptsto updateitovertheyears,buttheydallbeenripped outandtheshowrestoredtoitsmidsixtiesglory. ItslikeanAmericanrobotperformanceof TriumphoftheWill,shewhisperedtohim,andhe crackedup.Theyweretheonlytwointhetheater. Itwasneverfull,andhehimselfhadtakenpartin spitballexercisesbrainstormingreplacements,but Itwasarevolvingtheaterwhererobotsdancedand institutionally,DisneyParkscouldntbringitselfto shutitdown.Therewasalwayssomeexcuse sangandtalkedthroughtheAmericanCentury, fromthelastdaysofthecoalstoveuptothedawn rabidfans,historicalinterest,competingpriorities butitcamedowntothefactthatnoonewanted ofthespaceage.Ithadagoofy,catchysong, cornballjokes,andherelishedplayingguideand tobringtheaxedownontherobotfamily. tellinghischargesaboutthetimethatthe Thefinalsegmentnow,thewholefamilyenjoying revolvingtheaterhadtrappedacareless afuturisticChristmaswithahightechkitchen castmemberinitscarouselandcrushedherto whosevoiceactivatedstovewenthaywire.Allthe death.Thatjuxtapositionofsunny,goofy robotswereonstageforthesegment,andthey Americancorporateoptimismandthemacabre exhortedtheaudiencetosingandclapalong. realitiesofoperatingaparkwhereagangofhalf Sammygaveinandclapped,andasecondlater, literateminimumwageworkersspenttheirdays Suzannedid,too,laughingatthesillinessofitall. shovellingtheworldsrichchildrenintomodified Whenthehouselightscameupandthebored threshingmachinesitwasdelicious. butunsquashedcastmemberspieledthemoutof Suzannesbodylanguagetoldhimthewholestory theride,Sammyhadabounceinhisstepandthe songinhishead. fromthesecondshesatdown,armsfolded,a barelycontainedsmirkonherlips.Thelights playedovertheGElogo,whichhadacquiredan evenmoreanachronisticlustersincethelasttime hedbeen.NowthatGEhadbeendelistedfrom theNYSE,itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethey yankedthesponsorship,butfornow,itmadethe rideseemlikeitwasparttimemachine. TransportedbacktothecorporatePleistocene, whengiantdinocorpsthunderedovertheplains. Thetheaterrotatedtothefirstbatchofsinging, wisecrackingrobots.Hereyebrowsshotupand sheshookherheadbemusedly.Outcamethe secondbatch,thethirdnowtheywereinthe fabulousfortiesandtheAndrewsSistersplayed whilegrandmaandgrandparobotwatcheda bulgingfisheyeTVandsistergotvibratedbyan electricslimmingbelt.Thejokesgotworse,the catchyjingleTheresagreatbigbeautiful tomorrow,shiningattheendofeverydaaaaay! gotrepeatedwithmorevigor. Thatwasterrible!Suzannesaid. Isntitgreat? God,Illnevergetthatsongoutofmyhead. Theymovedthroughtheflashinglightsof Tomorrowland. LookatthatnolineonSpaceMountain, Sammysaid,pointing. SotheyrodeSpaceMountaintwice.Thenthey caughtthefireworks.ThenSammytookherover toTomSawyerIslandonamaintenanceboatand theysatupinthetreehouseandwatchedasthe parkheavedandthronged,dancedandran, laughedandchattered. Heartherustling? Yeah,whatisthat,rabbitsorsomething? Giantrats.Sammygrinnedinthedark.Giant, feralrats.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/262 Comeon,yourejoking. Crossmyheart.Wedrainthelakeeverynowand thenandtheymigratetotheisland.Nopredators. Lotsofdroppedfrenchfriesitsratopiahere. Theygetasbigascats.Boldlittlefuckerstoo.No onelikestobeherealoneatnight. Whataboutus? YoureaGoofyfan,Itakeit? Indeed.AndImalsoaJungleCruiseman. Morecornyjokes? Wevebeendyingtohaveyoutalkabout cornballhumor.

Theyrodeboth.Theparkwasclosing,andall aroundthem,peoplewerestreamingawayfrom Weretogether. therides.Nolinesatall,noteveninfrontofthe Therustlinggrewlouderandtheyheldtheir rollercoasters,noteveninfrontofDumbo,not breath.Aboldratlikearaccoonpickeditsway eveninfrontoftheultraviolentflyoverofthe acrossthepathbelowthem.Thentwomore. worldofthezombies(neePeterPansFlight,anda SuzanneshiveredandSammydid,too.Theywere perennialfavorite). huge,feral,menacing. Youknow,Ihaventjustenjoyedtheparklikethis Wanttogo? inyears.HewaswearingahugefoamGoofyhat Hellyes,shesaid.Shefumbledinherpurseand thatdancedandbobbedonhishead,tryingtodo cameoutwithabrightlittletorchthatshonelikea littlepasdedeuxwiththeotherGoofyhatsinthe beacon.Youwerentsupposedtousebrightlights vicinity.Italsoletouttheoccassionalchuckleand ontheislandafterhourswhiletherestofthepark snatchofsong. wasopen,butSammywasgladofit. Shutup,Suzannesaid.Donttalkaboutmagic. Livemagic. Backonthemainland,theyrodeBigThunder Mountainandmoseyedovertothenew,half rebuiltFantasyland.Thezombiemazewasstill open,andtheygotlostinitamidthegroans, animatronicshamblers,andgigglingkidsrunning throughthehedges. Theyclosedthepark,lettingthemselvesget herdedoffofMainStreetalongwiththelast stragglers.Helookedoverhisshoulderasthey movedthroughthearchesunderthetrainstation. Thenightcrewwasmovingthroughtheempty MainStreet,hosingdownthestreets,sweeping, scrubbing.Ashewatched,theworklightscame on,throwingthewholethingintoneardaylight illumination,makingitseemlesslikean enchantedwonderlandandmorelikeamovieset, anartifice.Asham. Itwasoneinthemorningandhewasexhausted. AndHackelbergwasgoingtosue. Sammy,whatdoyouwantmetodo,blackmail him? Idontknowsure.Whynot?Youcouldcallhim andsay,Ihearyoureworkingonthislawsuit,but dontyouthinkitshypocriticalwhenyouvebeen

Somethinghappenedinthemaze.Between enteringitandleavingit,theylosttheircares. InsteadoftalkingabouttheparkandHackelberg, theytalkedaboutwaysofgettingoutofthemaze, talkedaboutwhichzombiewascomingnext, aboutthebestzombiemoviestheydeverseen, aboutmemorableHalloweens.Astheynearedthe exit,theystartedtostrategizeaboutthebestrideto goonnext.SuzannehaddonetheHaunted Mansiontwicewhenshefirstarrivedandnow Comeon,itssuchacliche,Sammysaid. AnyonecanbeaHauntedMansionfan.Itslike beingaMickeyfan.Ittakesrealcharactertobea Goofyfan.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/263 doingallthisbadstuff Idontblackmailpeople. Fine.Tellyourfriends,then.Tellsomelawyers. Thatcouldwork. Sammy,Ithinkweregoingtohavetofightthis suitonitsmerits,notonthebasisofsomesneaky intel.Iappreciatetheriskyoureputtingyourself to WerippedoffsomeofLesterscodeforthe DiaB.Heblurteditout,notbelievinghewas hearinghimselfsayit.Ididntknowitatthe time.Thelibrarieswereonthenetandmyguys wereinahurry,andtheyjustimporteditintothe buildandleftittheretheyrewroteitwiththe secondshipment,butweputoutamillionunits runningalibraryLesterwroteforvolumetric imaging.Itwasundersomecrazyviralopen sourcelicenseandweweresupposedtopublishall ourmodifications,andweneverdid. Suzannethrewherheadbackandlaughed,long andhard.Sammyfoundhimselflaughingalong withher. OK,shesaid.OK.Thatsagoodone.Illtell Lesteraboutit.Maybehellwanttouseit.Maybe hellwanttosue. Sammywantedtoaskherifshedkeephisname outofit,buthecouldntask.Hedgoneto Hackelbergwiththeinfoassoonashedfoundout andtheydagreedtokeepitquiet.TheImagineers responsiblehadhadaveryfirmtalkingto,andhad privatelyadmittedtoacuriousandaghastSammy overbeersthateveryoneeverywheredidthisall thetime,thatitwassonormalastobecompletely unremarkable.Hewasprettysurethatajudge wouldntseeitthatway. Kettlewellhadbeenalmostpatheticinhisinterest inhelpingLesterout.Lestergottheimpression thathedbeensittingaroundhisapartment, moping,eversinceEvahadtakenthekidsand gone.AsLesterunspooledthestoryforhim Suzannewouldnttellhimhowshedfoundthis out,andheknewbetterthantoaskKettlewell grewmoreandmoreexcited.BythetimeLester wasthrough,hewaspracticallyslobberingintothe phone. Oh,oh,oh,thisisgoingtobeafunphoner,he said. Youlldoit,then?Evenaftereverything? DoesPerryknowyouvecalledme? Lesterswallowed.No,hesaid.Idonttalkto Perrymuchthesedays. Kettlewellsighed.WhatthehellamIgoingtodo withyoutwo? Imsorry,Lestersaid. Dontbesorry.Behappy.Someoneshouldbe happyaroundhere. HerveGuignolchairedtheexecutivecommittee. Sammyhadknownhimforyears.Theydcome easttogetherfromSanJose,whereGuignolhad runtheentertainmentsideofeBay.Theydbeen recruitedbyDisneyParksatthesametime,during thehostiletakeoverandbreakup,andtheydhad theirshareofnightsout,golfgames,andstupid moviestogether.

ButwhenGuignolwaswearinghischairmanshat, itwaslikehewasadifferentperson.The boardroomwasfilledwithhuge,ergonomicchairs, Suzannesurprisedhimbygivinghimastrong, thecenterofthetablelinedwithbottlesof warmhug.Yourenottheworstguyintheworld, importedwaterandtraysoffancifulcanapesinthe SammyPage,shesaid.Thanksforshowingme shapesofDisneycharacters.Sammysatto aroundyourpark. GuignolsleftandHackelbergsattohisright.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/264 Guignolbroughtthemeetingtoorderandtherest ofthecommitteestoppedchattingandchecking emailandlookedexpectant.Atthetouchofa button,thedoorswungshutwithanauthoritative clunkandshutterssliddownoverthewindow. Welcome,andthankyouforattendingonsuch shortnotice.YouknowAugustusHackelberg;he hassomethingtopresenttoyou. Hackelbergclimbedtohisfeetandlookedoutat them.Hedidntlookgood. AnissuehasarisenSammylovedthethird personpassivevoicethatdominatedcorporate meetings.Liketheissuehadarisenallonitsown, spontaneously.Adecisionthatwastakenhas comebacktobiteus.Heexplainedaboutthe DiaBsandthecode,layingitoutmoreorlessasit happened,thoughofcoursehedownplayedhis involvementinadvisingSammytogoaheadand ship. Thecommitteeaskedafewintensequestions, nonedirectedatSammy,whokeptquiet,though heinstinctivelywantedtodefendhisrecord.They tookabreakafteranhour,andSammyfound himselfinacornerwithGuignol. Whatdoyouthink?Sammyaskedhim. Guignolgrimaced.Ithinkwereprettyscrewed. Someoneisgoingtohavetotakeafallforthis, youknow.Itsgoingtocostusafortune. Sammynodded.Well,unlesswejustsettlewith them,hesaid.Youknowwedropthesuitwe justfiledandtheydroptheirs....Hehadhoped thatthiswouldcomeoutonitsown,butitwas clearthatHackelbergwasntgoingtoofferitup himself.Hewastooinlovewiththeideaof gettinghishandsonPerryandLester. Guignolrockedhisheadfromsidetoside.You thinktheydgoforit? lipreaders.Ithinktheyveofferedtodothat. GuignolcuthiseyesovertoHackelbergand Sammynodded,imperceptibly. Guignolmovedaway,leavingSammytoeata Mickeyheadbuiltfromchunksofsalmonand hamachi.Guignolmovedamongthecommittee, talkingtoafewmembers.Sammyrecognizedthe behaviorconsolidatingpower.Hardtoremember thatthiswastheguyhedplayedsavage,high stakesgamesofputtputtgolfwith. Themeetingreconvened.Noonelookedat Sammy.TheyalllookedatHackelberg. Whatabouttryingtosettlethesuit?Guignol said. Hackelbergflushed.Idontknowifthats possible Whataboutifweoffertosettleinexchangefor droppingthesuitwevejustfiled? Hackelbergshandssqueezedthesideofthetable. Idontthinkthatthatwouldbeawisecourseof action.Thisistheopportunitywevebeenwaiting forthechancetocrackthemwideopenandsee whatsgoingoninside.Discoverjustwhattheyve takenfromusandhow.Outthemforalltheirbad acts. Guignolnodded.OK,thatstrue.Now,asI understandit,everyDiaBweshippedwiththis Bankspersonscodeonitisaseparateactof infringement.Weshippedamillionofthem. Whatsthepotentialliabilityperunit? Courtsusuallyaward Guignolknockedquietlyonthetable.Whatsthe potentialliabilitywhatsthesizeofthebilla courtcouldhanddown,ifajurywasinvolved?If, say,thisbecamepartofsomeoneslitigation portfolio.

Sammydroppedhisvoicetoawhisperandturned Hackelberglookedaway.Itsuptofivehundred thousandperseparateactofinfringement. awayfromtherestoftheroomtoconfoundany

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/265 Guignolnodded.So,werelookingataceilingon hopetobe. theliabilityat$500billion,then? Hackelbergsheavyeyelidsdroopedalittle,the Technically,yes.But cornersofhiseyesgoingdownwiththem.Itwas Iproposethatweofferasettlement,quidproquo likestaringdownagator.Sammyresistedtheurge tolookaway. withthisBanksperson.Wedropoursuitifhe indemnifiesusfromdamagesforhis. Seconded,saidsomeoneatthetable.Things werepickingupsteam.Sammybittheinsideof hischeektokeephissmileincheck. Wait,Hackelbergsaid.Gentlemenandlady, please.Whileitstruethatdamagescan technicallyrunto$500,000perinfringement,that simplyisntdone.Nottoentitieslikethisfirm. Listen,wewrotethatlawsowecouldsuepeople whotookfromus.Itwontbeusedagainstus.We willface,atworst,afewhundreddollarsperactof infringement.Stillasizablesumofmoney,butin thefinalanalysis Thankyou,Guignolsaid.Allinfavorof offeringasettlement? ItwasunanimousexceptforHackelberg. Thenumbersdontlie.DiaBismakingusa fortune,andmostofitscomingfromtheplatform, notthegoopandnottheincreasedvisitor numbers.Weremakingmoneybecauseother peoplearefiguringoutwaystouseourstuff.Its ourfastestgrowingrevenuesourceandifit continues,weregoingtoendupbeingaDiaB companywithasidebusinessinthemeparks. Thatsthegoodnews.Thebadnewsisthatthese charactersintheghostmallhaveusintheir crosshairs.Theyrepryingusopenfasterthanwe canlockourselvesdown.Butheresanotherway oflookingatit:everytimetheyaddanother featuretotheDiaB,theymakeowningaDiaB moreattractive,whichmakesiteasierforustosell accesstotheplatformtoadvertisers.

Hackelberghelduphishands.Samuel,Ithink Iveheardenough.Yourjobistofigureoutnew businessesforustodiversifyinto.Myjobisto SammygothisrematchwithHackelbergwhenthe containourliabilityandprotectourbrandand quarterlyfinancialscameout.Itwasallthatblack investors.Itsoundsalottomelikeyouresaying ink,makinghimgiddy. thatyouwantmetoleaveoffdoingmyjobsothat youcandoyours. Idontwanttobedisrespectful,hesaid, knowingthatinHackelbergsbooks,therecould Sammysquirmed.No,thatsnotitatall.Weboth benothingmoredisrespectfulthanchallenging wanttoprotectthebusiness.Imnotsayingthat him.Butweneedtoconfrontsomebusiness youneedtogivetheseguysafreeride.WhatIm realitieshere. sayingis,suingtheseguysisnotgoodforour HackelbergsofficewasnothinglikeSammyhad business.Itcostsusmoney,goodwillitdistracts expectednotasoutherngentlemansstudylined usfromdoingourjobs. withhuntingtrophiesandframedancestralphotos. Hackelbergleanedbackandlookedcoollyinto Itwasasspareastheofficeofatemp,almost Sammyseyes.Whatareyouproposingasan emptysaveforahighlyfunctionaldesk,builtin alternative,then? bookcaseslinedwithlawbooks,andastraight TheideahadcometoSammyintheshowerone backedchair.Itwasascetic,severe,anditwas moreintimidatingthananydarkwooddencould morning,ashementallycalculatedthesizeofhis comingquarterlybonus.Agreatidea.Outofthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/266 boxthinking.Therightanswertothequestionthat Notoneword,doyouunderstandme?Notone noonehadthoughttoask.Ithadseemedso solitaryword,yougoddamnedidiot!Wereinthe perfectthen.Now,though middleofbeingsuedbythesepeople.Iknowyou knowthis,sinceitsyourfaultthatitshappening. Ithinkweshouldbuythemout. Iknowthatyouknowthatthestakesaretheentire Hackelbergsthin,mirthlessgrinmadehisballs company.Now,sayajuryweretodiscoverthatwe shrivelup. wereconsideringbuyingtheseassholesout?Saya juryweretodecidethatourlitigationwasabase Sammyhelduphishands.Here,lookatthis.I drewupsomefigures.Whattheyreearning.What stratagemtolowertheaskingpricefortheir,their companyTheworddrippedwithsarcasm weearnfromthem.Growthestimatesoverthe nextfivequarters.ItsnotjustsomerandomideaI whatdoyousupposewouldhappen?Ifyou hadintheshower.Thismakessense.Hepassed hadthesenseofafiveyearold,youdhaveknown betterthantodothis.GoodChrist,Page,Ishould overasheafofpapers,repletewithpiecharts. havesecurityescortyoutothegate. Hackelbergsetitdowninthecenterofhisdesk, perfectlysquaretothecorners.Heflippedthrough Turnonyourheelandgoweepinthecorridor. Dontstandinmyofficeforonemoresecond.Get thefirstfivepages,thensquaredthestackup yourcomputertoITby2PM.Iwillcheck.That again. goesforanyoneyouworkedwithonthis,anyone Youvedonealotofworkhere,Samuel.Ican whohasacopyofthisinformation.Now,leave. reallyseethat. Sammystoodrootedinplace.LEAVE,you ridiculouslittledogspizzle,getoutofmysight! Hegotupfromhisstraightbackedchair,lifted Sammyspapersbetweenhisthumband Sammydrewinadeepbreath.Hethoughtabout forefinger,andcrossedtothewall.Therewasa sayingsomethinglike,Youcanttalktomelike shredderthere,itsmawawiderectangle,thekind that,butitwasverylikelythatHackelbergcould ofthingthatyoucanstickentirehardcoverbooks talktohimjustlikethat.Hefeltlightheadedanda (orharddrives)into.Calmly,Hackelbergfed littlesick,andhebackedslowlyoutoftheoffice. Sammyspaperintotheshredder,fastidiously holdingthepaperclippedcornerbetweenthumb Standinginthecorridor,hebegantoshake.He poundedtheelevatorbutton,andfelttheeyesof andforefinger,thendroppingthecornerinonce Hackelbergsseveresecretaryburningintohis theresthadbeendigested. back.Abruptly,heturnedawayandyankedopen Iwontaskyouforyourcomputer,hesaid, thestaircasedoorsoharditsmashedintothewall settlingbackintohischair.ButIexpectthatyou withaloudbang.Hetookthestairsinarushof willbackupyourotherdataandthensendthe desperateclaustrophobia,wantingmorethan harddrivetoITtobepermanentlyerased.Idont anythingtogetoutside,tobreatheinthefreshair. wantanyrecordofthis,period.Iwantthisdoneby Hestumbledonthewaydown,fallingacoupleof theendofbusinesstoday. stepsandsmashingintothewallonthelanding. Sammysmouthhungopen.Heshutit.Thenhe Hestood,pressedagainstthewall,thecoldcinder openeditagain. blockonhischeek,whichfeltlikeitmightbe Abruptly,Hackelbergstood,knockinghischairto bruised.Thepainwasenoughtobringhimbackto hissenses. thegroundbehindhim.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/267 Thisisridiculous.Hehadtherightanswer. Hackelbergwaswrong.Hackelbergdidntrunthe company.Yes,itwashardtogetanythingdone withouthissignoff,butitwasntimpossible. GoingbehindHackelbergsbacktotheexecutive committeecouldcosthimhisjob,ofcourse. wouldntbeabletoretrievethem.Hezippeddown theserviceroads,thinkingfuriously.

Theansweroccurredtohimintheformofaroad signforthePolynesianhotel.Heturnedupits driveandparkedthegolfcart.Ashesteppedout, heremovedhisemployeebadgeanduntuckedhis Ofcourse. shirt.Nowhewasjustanothersweatyfresh arrivedtourist,Dadcomingintorendezvouswith Sammyrealizedthathedidntactuallycareifhe Momandthekids,backfromsomebanalmeeting losthisjob.Oh,thethoughtmadehischest thatdelayedhisarrival,hasntevenhadtimeto constrictandthoughtsoflivinginarefrigerator boxmaterializeinhismindseye,butbeyondthat, changeintoatshirt. hereallydidntcare.Itwassuchagoddamned Heheadedstraightforthesundriesstoreand rollercoasterrideSammysmiledgrimlyatthe boughtapostagepaidWaltDisneyWorldpostcard metaphor.Youguessright,youendupontop.You withalittlemagneticpatchmountedonone guesswrong,youbottomout.Hespenthalfhis corner.Youfilledupthememorywithacouple careerlordingitoverthepoorguessersandthe hoursworthofvideoandasmanyphotosasyou otherhalfpanickingaboutabadguesshedmade. wantedandmaileditoff.Thepixelateddisplayon HethoughtofPerryandLester,thoughtofthat thefrontplayedaslideshowoftheimagesat nightinBoston.Hedkilledtheirrideandthe leastonceayear,somehoneymooncouplewould partyhadgoneonallthesame.Theyhad missthisfactandthrowacoupleracybedroom something,inthatcrazyshantytown,something shotsinthemix,totheperennialdelightofthe pureandhappy,somecamaraderiethathed mailroom. alwaysassumedhedgetsomeday,butthathad Hehastilywrotesomebanalitiesaboutthegreat nevermaterialized. timeheandthekidswerehavinginDisneyWorld, Ifthiswashisdreamjob,howmuchworsewould unemploymentreallybe? Hewouldgototheexecutivecommittee.He wouldnoterasehisnumbers.Hesetoffforhis office,movingquickly,purposefully,headup.A laststand,howexciting,whynot? Hepilotedthelittlegolfcartdownthebackroad andwasnearlyathisbuildingsdoorwhenhe spottedthesecuritydetail.Threeofthem,in lightweightDisneycopuniforms,wearingranger hatsandlookingaroundalertly.Hackelbergmust havesentthemtheretomakesurethathefollowed throughwithdeletinghisdata.

thenheopenedhiscomputerandlookedupthe addressthattheChurchwomanhadcheckedin under.Headdressedit,simply,toSuzanne,to furtherthrowoffthescent,thenheslippeditintoa mailslotwithaprayertothegodsofjournalist shieldlaws. Hewalkedascalmlyashecouldbacktohisgolf cart,clippingonhisemployeebadgeandtucking hisshirtbackin.Thenhemotoredcalmlytohis officebuilding.TheDisneycopsweresweating underthemiddaysun. MrPage?

Yes,hesaid. Hestoppedthegolfcartabruptlyandreversedout ImtotakeyourcomputertoIT,sir. ofthedrivewaybeforetheguardsspottedhim.He neededtogethisfilessomewherethatHackelberg Idontthinkso,Sammysaid,withperfectcalm.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/268 IthinkwellGOuptomyofficeandcalla meetingoftheexecutivecommitteeinstead. Thesecurityguardwasyoung,Latino,andskinny. Hisshortbackandsideslefthisscalpexposedto thesun.Hetookhishatoffandmoppedhis foreheadwithahandkerchief,exposingalineof acnewherehishatbandirritatedtheskin.Itmade Sammyfeelsorryforthekidespecially consideringthatSammyearnedmorethan20 timesthekidssalary. Thisreallyisntyourjob,Iknow,Sammysaid, wonderingwhereallthissympathyforthe laboringclasseshadcomefrom,anyway?Idont wanttomakeithardforyou.Wellgoinside.You canhangontothecomputer.Welltalktosome people.Iftheytellyoutogoahead,yougoahead. Otherwise,wegoseethem,allright? Heheldhiscomputerouttothekid,whotookit. Letsgouptomyofficenow,hesaid. Guignolfromhisdeskphone. ItsSammy.Ineedtocallanemergencymeeting oftheexeccommittee,hesaidwithoutpreamble. ThisisaboutHackelberg,isntit? Hesalreadycalledyou? Hewasverypersuasive. Icanbepersuasive,too.Givemeachance. Youknowwhatwillhappenifyoupushthis? Imightsavethecompany. Youmight,Guignolsaid.Andyoumight Iknow,Sammysaid.Whatthehell,itsonlya career. YoucantkeepyourdataHackelbergisright aboutthat. Icansendallthebackupsandmycomputerto yourofficerightnow.

Thekidshookhishead.Imsupposedtotakethis Iwasundertheimpressionthattheywereallon theirwaytoITfordisposal. Iknow,Iknow.Butwehaveadeal.Thekid lookedlikehewouldheadoutanyway.Andthere arebackupsinmyoffice,soyouneedtocomeand getthose,too. Thatdidit.Thekidlookedalittlegratefulasthey wentinside,wheretheairconditioningwas blowingicycold. Notyet.Theresasecuritycastmemberinmy officewithmenamedLuis.Ifyouwanttocall dispatchandhavethemdirecthimtobringthis stufftoyouinstead Sammy,doyouunderstandwhatyouredoing here?

Sammysuppressedamadgiggle.Ido,hesaid. IunderstandexactlywhatImdoing.Iwantto Youshouldhavewaitedinthelobby,Luis, Sammysaid,readingthekidsnameoffhisbadge. helpyouallunderstandthat,too. Youmustbeboiled. Imcallingsecuritydispatchnow. Ihadinstructions,Luissaid. Sammymadeaface.Theydontsoundlikevery reasonableinstructions.Allthemorereasonto sortthisout,right? Amomentlater,Luissphonerangandthekid listenedintently,noddingunconsciously.Once hedhungup,Sammypassedhimhisbackups, hardcopyandcomputer.Letsgo,hesaid.

SammyhadhissecretarygetLuisabottleofcold Right,Luissaid,andledtheway. waterandalittleplateofgrapesandberriesoutof Itwasashortridetothecastingofficebuilding, thestashhekeptforhisvisitors,thenhecalled whereGuignolhadhisoffice.Thewindfelt

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/269 terrificonhisface,dryinghissweat.Ithadbeena leanedinandspokequietlytohim.Luisturned longday. andleft. Whentheypulledup,SammyletLuisleadtheway again,badginginbehindhim,followinghimupto theseventhfloorboardroom.attheendofthe GoldCoastwherethemostseniorofficeswere. Guignolmetthematthedoorandtookthe materialsfromLuis,thenusheredSammyin. SammycaughtLuisseye,andLuissurprisedhim bywinkingandslippinghimasurreptitious thumbsup,makingSammyfeelliketheyshareda secret. Guignolclearedhisthroat.Theresnothingelse todiscuss,then,hesaid.Thankyouallfor coming.

Inhisheart,Sammyhadknownthiswascoming. Hackelbergwouldbeathimtothecommittee neverlethimpresenthisside.Watchingthelawyer getupstifflyandleavewithslow,dignifiedsteps, Sammyhadamomentsintuitionaboutwhatit mustbeliketobethatmanpossessedofakind ofcold,furiouspowerthatcamefromtelling Therewereeightontheexecutivecommittee,but everyonethatnotobeyingyoutotheletterwould theytravelledalot.Sammyhadexpectedtoseeno puttheminterribledanger.Heknewthatlineof morethanfour.Thereweretwo.AndHackelberg, reasoning:Itwasthesameonehegotfromthe TSAattheairportbeforetheybenthimoverand ofcourse.Thelawyerwasthepictureofsaurian greasedhimup.Youcantunderstandthegrave calm. dangerweallface.Youmustobeyme,foronlyI Sammysatdownatthetableandhelpedhimselfto cankeepitatbay. aglassofwater,watchingaringpoolonthe Hewaitedfortherestofthecommitteetofileout. tablespolishedandwaxedwoodensurface. Noneofthemwouldmeethiseye.Thenitwasjust Samuel,Hackelbergsaid,shakinghishead.I himandGuignol.Sammyraisedhiseyebrowsand hopeditwouldntcometothis. spreadouthishands,mimingWhathappensnow? Sammytookadeepbreath,lookingforthatdont giveashitcalmthathadsuffusedhimbefore.It wastherestill,notaspotent,butthere.Hedrew uponit. Youwontbeabletogetanythingproductive doneuntilITgetsthroughwithyourcomputer. Takesometimeoff.CallupDinahandseeifshe wantstograbsomeholidaytime.

Letsputthistothecommittee,shallwe?Imean, Wesplit,Sammysaid.Hedrankhiswaterand wealreadyknowhowwefeel. stoodup.IvejustgotonequestionbeforeIgo. Thatwontbenecessary,Hackelbergsaid.The committeehasalreadyvotedonthis. Sammyclosedhiseyesandrubbedthebridgeof hisnose.HelookedatHackelberg,whowas smilinggrimly,ameangrinthatwentalltheway tothecornersofhiseyes. SammylookedaroundatGuignolandthe committeemembers.Theywouldntmeethiseye. GuignolgesturedLuisintotheroomandhanded himSammyscomputer,papers,andbackups.He Guignolwincedbutstoodhisground.Goahead, hesaid. Dontyouwanttoknowwhatthenumberslooked like? Itsnotmyjobtooverrulelegal Wellgettothatinasecond.Itsnotthequestion. Thequestionis,dontyouwanttoknow? Guignolsighed.YouknowIwanttoknow.Of courseIwanttoknow.Thisisntaboutmeand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/270 whatIwant,though.Itsaboutmakingsurewe dontendangertheshareholders Soignoringthispath,stickingourheadsinthe sand,thatsgoodfortheshareholders? No,ofcourseitsnotgoodfortheshareholders. Butitsbetterthanendangeringthewhole company Sammynodded.Well,howaboutifwebothtake sometimeoffanddrivedowntoHollywood.Itd doussomegood. Sammy,Ivegotajobtodo Yeah,butwithoutyourcomputer... Guignollookedathim.Whatdidyoudo? tray,somethingneweveryday.Shedhadsteaks, burritos,waffles,homemadegranola,fruitsalad withGreekyogurt,andtodaytherewereeggs Benedictwithfreshsqueezedgrapefruitjuice.The trayalwayscamewithaFrenchpressoffresh groundKonacoffee,aclothnapkin,andher computer,soshecouldreadthenews. Intheory,thiswasawarmritualthatensuredthat theyhadqualitytimetogethereveryday,nomatter what.Inpractice,Lesterwassoanxiousaboutthe foodandwhethershewasenjoyingitthatshe couldntreallyenjoyit.Plus,shewasntafatkins, sothreethousandcaloriebreakfastswerentgood forher.

Mostofall,itwasthepressuretobeahappy couple,tohavecementedovertheoldhurtsand ItsnotwhatIdid.ItswhatImighthavedone. ImgoingtobeagoodboyandgiveHackelberga startedanew.Shefeltiteverymoment,when Lesterclimbedintotheshowerwithherand listofeveryoneImighthaveemailedaboutthis. Allthosepeoplearelosingtheircomputerstothe soapedherback,whenhebroughthomeflowers, andwhenheclimbedintobedwithherinthe bigmagnetatIT. morningtoeatbreakfastwithher. Butyouneveremailedmeaboutthis Shepickedathercaviarandbliniglumlyand Yousure?Imighthave.ItsthekindofthingI pokedathercomputer.Besideher,Lester mighthavedone.Maybeyourspamfilterateit. hooveredupthreethousandcaloriesworthof Youneverknow.ThatswhatITsfor. frieddoughandclatteredonehandedonhis Guignollookedangryforamoment,thenlaughed. machine. Youaresuchashithead.Fuckthatlawyerasshole Thisisdelicious,babe,thanks,shesaid,withas anyway.Whatareyoudrivingthesedays? muchsincerityasshecouldmuster.Itwasreally JustboughtanewDellLuminux,Sammysaid, generousandniceofhimtodothis.Shewasjusta grinningback.Ragtop. bitteroldwomanwhocouldntbehappynomatter whatwasgoingoninherlife. Whendoweleave? Illpickyouupat6AMtomorrow.Beatthe morningtraffic. Suzannewasgettingsickofbreakfastinbed.It washardtoimaginethatsuchathingwas possible,butthereitwas.Lesterstoleoutfrom betweenthecoversbefore7AMeveryday,and then,halfanhourlater,hewasbackwithaladen Therewasvoicemailonhercomputer,whichwas unusual.Mostpeoplesentheremail.This originatedfromapayphoneontheFlorida Turnpike. MsChurch,thisisah,thisisapersonwhom yourecentlyhadtheacquaintanceof,whileon yourholidays.Ihaveaconfidentialmatterto discusswithyou.Imtravellingtoyourlocation withacolleaguetodayandshouldarrivemid

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/271 morning.Ihopeyoucanmakesometimetomeet withme. Shelistenedtoittwice.Lesterleanedover. Whatsthatallabout? Yourenotgoingtobelieveit.Ithinkitsthat Disneyguy,theguyItoldyouabout.Theone Deathusedtoworkfor. Hescominghere? Apparently. Woah.DonttellPerry. Youthink? Hedtearthatguysthroatoutwithhisteeth. Lestertookabiteofblini.Imighthelp. readyfortheshower.Hewasaveryhandsome man,andhehadadevilishgrinashewhiskedthe blanketoffofher. Hestoppedatthefootofthebedandstaredather, hisgrinquirkinginawaysherecognizedinstantly. Shedidnthavetolookdowntoknowthathewas gettinghard.Inthemirrorofhiseyes,shewas beautiful.Shecouldseeitplainly.Whenshe lookedintotherealmirroratthefootofthebed, drapedwithgauzysunscarvesandcrustedaround theedgeswithkitschytouristmagnetsLester broughthome,shesawasaggy,middleaged womanwithcottagecheesecelluliteandsaddle bags.

Lesterhadsleptwithmorefatkinsgirlsthanshe couldcount,womenmadeintodolllike SuzannethoughtaboutSammy.Hehadntbeenthe mannequinsbysurgeryandchemical sortofpersonshecouldbefriendswith,butshed enhancements,womenwhoreadsexmanualsin knownplentyofhiskindinherday,andhewas publicplacesandboastedabouttheirKegel hardlytheworstofthelot.Hebarelyratedabove weightliftingscores. averageonthecorporatepsychopathmeter. Butwhenhelookedatherlikethat,sheknewthat Somewhereinthere,therewasarealpersonality. shewasthemostbeautifulwomanhedeverloved, Shedseenit. thathewoulddoanythingforher.Thatheloved Well,thenIguessIdbettermeetwithhim herasmuchashecouldeverloveanyone. alone. WhatthehellwasIcomplainingabout?she Itsoundslikehewantsadoctorpatientmeeting thoughtashefellonherlikeastarvingman. anyway. Orconfessorpenitent. Youthinkhellleakyousomething. Thatsaprettygoodworkingtheorywhenit comestothiskindofcall. ShemetSammyintheirfavoritetearoom,theone percheduponacrowsnestfourstoreysupa corkscrewbuildingwhosesuppliescameupona seriesofdumbwaitersandwinchesthatshrouded itsbalconieslikevines.

Lesteratethoughtfully,thenreachedoverandhita Shestakedoutthebesttable,theonewiththe keyonhercomputer,replayingthecall. panoramicviewofthewholeshantytown,and Hesounds,what,giddy? orderedaplateofthetinyshortbreadcakesthat Thatsright,hedoes,doesnthe.Maybeitsgood werethehousespecialty,alongwithagigantic mugofnonfatdecafcappuccino. news.

Sammycameupthestepsredfacedandsweaty, Lesterlaughedandtookawayherdishes,and whenhecamebackin,hewasnaked,strippedand wearingaHawaiianshirtandBermudashorts,

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/272 likesomekindoftourist.Orlikehewason holidays?Behindhimcameayoungerman,with severelittledesignerglasses,dressedinthe conventionalpoloshirtandslacksuniformofthe corporateexeconanonsuitday. Suzannesprinkledanironicwaveatthemand gesturedtothemismatchedschoolroomchairsat hertable.ThewaitressShaynacameoverwith twoglassesofwaterandapapernapkindispenser. Thementhankedherandmoppedtheirfacesand dranktheirwater. Gooddrive? changedtheworld.Iwouldntbeheretodayifit wasntforyou. Hehadeveryappearanceofbeingcompletely sincere.Hewasalittleroadcrazedand windblowntoday,notlikesherememberedhim fromOrlando.Whatthehellhadhappenedtohim? Whatwasheherefor? HisfriendcamebackandSammysaid,Iordered youaThaiicedtea.ThisisSuzanneChurch,the writer.MsChurch,thisisHerveGuignol,co directoroftheFloridaregionaldivisionofDisney Parks.

Sammynodded.Hisfriendlookednervous,likehe Guignolwasmoreputtogetherandstandoffish waswonderingwhatmighthavebeenswimming thanSammy.Heshookherhandandmade inhiswaterglass.Thisissomeplace. executivesoundinggruntsather.Hewasyoung, andclearlyintoplayingtheroleofexec.He Welikeithere. remindedSuzanneoffreshSiliconValley Isthere,youknow,abathroom?thecompanion millionaireswhocouldgofrompizzaslinging asked. hackerstosuitwearingbizdroidswhobullshitted knowledgeablyaboutEBITDAovernight. Throughthere.Suzannepointed. Howdoyoudealwiththesewagearoundhere? Whatthehellareyoutwoherefor? Sewage?MrPage,sewageissolved.Wefeedit intoourgeneratorsandthewasteheatrunsour condenserpurifiers.Therewastalkofbuilding onebigoneforthewholetown,butthatrequired waytoomuchcoordinationandanyway,Perrywas convincedthathavingcentralpointsoffailure wouldbebeggingforadisaster.Iwroteaserieson it.IfyoudlikeIcansendyouthelinks. TheDisneyexecmadesomenoisesandatesome shortbread,peeredatthechalkboardmenuand orderedsomeThaiicedtea. Look,MsChurchSuzannethankyoufor seeingme.Iwouldhaveunderstoodcompletelyif youdtoldmetogofuckmyself. Suzannesmiledandmadeagoongesture. MrPage Sammy,callmeSammy,please.Didyougetmy postcard? Thatwasfromyou?Shednotbeenabletomake headsortailsofitwhenitarrivedinthemailthe daybeforeandshedchuckeditoutaspartof someviralmarketingcampaignshedidntwantto getinfectedby. Yougotit? Ithrewitout. Sammywentslightlygreen. Butitllstillbeinthetrash,shesaid.Lester nevertakesitout,andIhavent.

Um,canwegoandgetitnow,allthesame? Beforemyfriendcomesbackfromthebathroom, Whatsonit? beforewemeetupwithanyonefromyourside,I justwantyoutoknowthis.Whatyouvedone,its SammyandGuignolexchangedalonglook.Lets

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/273 pretendthatIgaveyoualongrunuptothis.Lets pretendthatwespentalotoftimewithme impressingonyouthatthisisconfidential,andnot forpublication.LetspretendthatIcharmedyou andmadesureyouunderstoodhowmuchrespectI haveforyouandyourfriendshere Igetit,Suzannesaid,tryingnottolaugh.Not forpublicationreally! OK,letspretendallthat.NowIlltellyou: whatsonthatpostcardisthefinancialsfora DisneyParksbuyoutofyourfriendsentire operationhere.DiaBolical,theride,allofit. wasntasneak. SoIranthesenumbersformyownamusement, toseewhattheywouldlooklike.Assumethat yourboyswant,say,30timesgrossannualrevenue forabuyout.Saythatthissettlesourlawsuitnot theirs,justours,sowedonthavetopayforthe trademarksuittogoforward.Assumethatthey generateoneDiaBolicalscaleideaeverysix monthsSuzannefoundherselfnoddingalong, especiallyatthislastone.Well,youmakethose assumptionsandyouknowwhatcomesoutofit?

Suzanneletthenumbersdancebehindherown eyelids.Shedfollowedalltherelevantfinancials Suzannehadbeenexpectingalotofthings,but closelyforyears,socloselythattheywereas thiswasntoneofthem.Itwasloopy.Daffy.Not justweird,butinconceivable.Asthoughhedsaid, familiarashermonthlytakehomeandmortgage Isentyouourplanstocarveyourportraitonthe paymentshadbeen,backwhenshehadastraight moonssurfacewithagreenlaser.Butshewasa jobandastraightlife. pro.Shekeptherfacestillandneutral,andcalmly Well,youdmakeLesterandPerryverywealthy, swallowedhercappuccino. shesaid.Aftertheyvestedout,theydbeableto liveofftheinterestalone. Isee. AndtherearetherearepeopleatDisneywho feellikethisideaissodangerousthatitdoesnt evenwarrantdiscussion.Thatitshouldbe suppressed. Sammynoddedjudiciously.Hissidekicklooked alarmed.Yup.Andforus?

Well,assumingyourlastquarterlystatementwas accurate

Guignolclearedhisthroat.Thatstheconsensus, Wewerealittleconservative,Sammysaid.The hesaid. othermannoddedreflexively. Andnormally,Idsay,hey,sure,theconsensus. Thatsgreat.ButIlltellyou,Idrewupthese numbersbecauseIwascurious,Imacuriousguy. Iliketothinklaterally,trystuffthatmightseem sillyatfirst.Seewhereitgoes.Ivehadpretty goodinstincts. GuignolandSuzannesnortedatthesametime. Andanimperfectrecord,Sammysaid.Suzanne didntwanttolikehim,buttherewassomething forthrightabouthimthatshecouldnthelp warmingto.Therewasnosubtletyorschemingin thisguy.Whateverhewanted,youcouldseeit rightonhisface.Maybehewasapsycho,buthe Youwereveryconservative,shethought.DiaBs makingyouafortuneandyoudidntwantto advertisethattothecompetition. Assumingthat,well,youguysearnbackyour investmentin,what,18months? Ifigureayear.But18monthswouldbegood. Ifyouvesttheguysoutoverthreeyears,that means 100percentROI,plusorminus200percent, Sammysaid.Forlessmoneythanwellendup spendingonourendofthelawsuit. Guignolwasgogglingatthemboth.Sammydrank

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/274 hisThaiicedtea,slurpingnoisily.Hesignalledfor andcharminginhisengineerscoveralls.Thekids anotherone. boysandgirls,Suzannenotedapprovingly Andyousentmethesefinancialsonapostcard? continuedtoworkoverthebikes,buttheywere clearlywatchingwhatFranciswasupto. Therewassomequestionaboutwhethertheyd beerasedbeforeIcouldshowthemtoanyone,and Francis,pleasemeetSammyandhiscolleague, IknewtherewasnowayIdbegiventhechanceto Herve.TheyrehereforastoryImworkingon. recreatethemindependently.Itseemedprudentto Gentlemen,Francisistheclosestthingwehaveto amayoraroundhere. haveabackupcopy. Francisshookhandsallaround,butSammys Abackupcopyinmyhands? attentionwasrivetedonthebicycles. Well,atleastIknewyouwouldntgiveitup withoutafight.Sammyshruggedandofferedher Francispickedoneupwithtwofingersandhanded ittohim.Likeit?Wegotthedesignfromashop asunnysmile. inLiberia,butwemadeourownlocal Wedbettergorescuethatpostcardfromthe improvements.Thetrickisgettingthestiffenerto basketbeforeLesterdevelopsadomesticinstinct stayliquidlongenoughtogetthefabricstretched andtakesoutthetrash,then,Suzannesaid, outintherightproportion. pushingawayfromthetable.Shaynabroughtthe billandSammypaidit,overtippingbyafactorof Sammytooktheframefromhimandspunitin ten,whichendearedhimfurthertoSuzanne.She onehandlikeabaton.Andthewheels? couldntabiderichpeoplewhostiffedonthetip. Mostlywedosolids,whichstayintruelonger. Weusethecarbonstiffeneronaprecutroundof Suzannewalkedthemthroughtheshantytown, watchingtheirreactionsclosely.Shelikedtotake canvasordenim,thenfitastandardtire.Theygo outoftrueafterawhile.Youjustapplysome newpeoplehere.Shedwitnesseditsbirthand solventtothemandtheygosoftagainandyoure growth,thengoneawayduringitsadolescence, truethemwithacompassandapairoftailors andnowshegottoenjoyitsmaturity.Crowdsof shears,thenrestiffenthem.Yougetmaybefive kidsranscreechingandplayingthroughthe streets,adultsnoddedatthemfromtheirwindows, yearsofhardridingoutofawheelthatway. wiresandplumbingandantennascrowdedthe skiesabovethem.Thewallsshimmeredwith muralsandgraffitiandmosaics. Sammyseyeswereroundassaucers.Hetookone oftheprofferedwheelsandspunitbetween opposingfingertips.Then,grinning,hepickedup anotherwheelandthebikeframeandbeganto Sammytreateditlikehehadhisthemepark, jugglethem,onetwothree,hoopla!Francis seemingtotakeineverydetailwitha lookedamused,ratherthanpissedgivingup connoisseurseye;Guignolwasmorenervous, drinkhadsoftenedhistemper.Hiskidsstopped clearlyfeelingunsafeamidthecheerful lawlessness.TheycameuponFrancisandagang workingandlaughed.Sammylaughedtoo.He ofhiskids,buildingbicyclesoutofstiffenedfabric transferredthewheelstohislefthand,thentossed theframehightheair,spunaroundandcaughtit andstrongmonofilamentrecycledfrompacking andthenhandeditallbacktoFrancis.Thekids crates. clappedandhetookabow. MsChurch,Francissaidgravely.Hedgivenup Ididntknowyouhaditinyou,Guignolsaid, drinking,maybeforgood,andhewascleareyed pattinghimontheshoulder.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/275 Sammy,sweatingandgrinninglikeafool,said, Yeah,itsnotsomethingIgetalotofchancesto doaroundtheoffice.Butdidyouseethat?Itwas lightenoughtojuggle!Imean,howexcitingisall this?Heswepthisarmaroundhishead. Betweenthesewageandthemanufacturingand allthesekidsHebrokeoff.Whatdoyoudo abouteducation,Suzanne? Lotsofkidsbusintothelocalschools,orride. Butlotsmorehomeschoolthesedays.Wedont getaveryhighcaliberofpublicschoolaround here. Mightthathavesomethingtodowithallthe residentswhodontpaypropertytax?Guignol saidpointedly. Lesterstraightenedupfromhiskeyboardand wipedhispalmsandturnedtofacethem.Heknew whotheywerebasedonhisearlierconversation withSuzanne,buthealsoclearlyrecognized Sammy. You!hesaid.YouworkforDisney? Sammyblushedandlookedaway. LesterturnedtoSuzanne.Thisguyusedtocome up,what,twice,threetimesaweek. Sammynoddedandmumbledsomething.Lester reachedoutandsnappedofftheAC,fillingthe roomwitheeriesilenceandstiflingheat.What wasthat? Imagreatbelieverincompetitiveintelligence.

Suzannenodded.Imsureitdoes,shesaid.But YouworkforDisney? ithasmoretodowiththeoverallqualityofpublic TheybothworkforDisney,Lester,Suzanne educationinthisstate.47thinthenationfor said.ThisisSammyandHerve.Hervedoesnt funding. domuchtalking,shementallyadded,butheseems TheywereatherandLestersplacenow.Sheled tobeincharge. themthroughthefrontdoorandpickedupthe Thatsright,Sammysaid,seemingtocometo trashcannexttothelittletablewhereshesorted himselfatlast.Anditsanhonortoformallymeet themailafterpickingitupfromherPOboxata youatlast.IruntheDiaBprogram.Iseeyourea littlestripmalldowntheroad. fan.Ivereadquiteabitaboutyou,ofcourse, Therewasthepostcard.Shehandeditsilentlyto thankstoMsChurchhere. Sammy,whohelditforamoment,thenreluctantly passedittoGuignol.Youdbetterhangontoit, Lestershandsclosedandopened,closedand hesaid,andshesensedthattherewassomething opened.Youwere,what,youweresneaking aroundhere? biggergoingonthere. HaveImentionedthatImagreatfanofyour NowwegoseeLester,Suzannesaid. work?Notjusttheride,either.ThisDiaBolical, Hewasbehindthebuildinginhislittleworkshop, well,its hackingDiaBolical.Therewerefivedifferent Whatareyoudoinghere? DiaBsrunningaroundhim,chuggingand humming.Thesmellofgoopandfuserandheat Suzannehadexpectedsomethinglikethis.Lester filledtheroom,andanairconditionerlikeajet wasntlikePerry,hewouldntgooffthedeepend enginelaboredtokeepthingscool.Still,itwasa withthisguy,buthewasntgoingtobehisbest fewdegreeswarmerinsidethanout. buddy,either.Still,someoneneededtointervene Lester,Suzanneshoutedovertheairconditioner beforethismelteddownaltogether. din,wehavevisitors. Lester,shesaid,puttingherhandonhiswarm

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/276 shoulder.Doyouwanttoshowtheseguyswhat youreworkingon? Heblewairthroughhisnoseacoupletimes,then settleddown.Heevensmiled. Afterasecond,hehissedlikeateakettle,then slappedhisknee.

NowLesterssmilewasmoregenuine.Helovedit whenpeopleappreciatedhiswork.Youfiguredit Thisone,hesaid,pointingtoaDiaBolical,Ive out? gotitrunninganexperimentalfirmwarethatletsit YoureprintingDiaBs! printouthollowcomponents.Theyrealotlighter Notthewholething,Lestersaid.Alotofthe andtheydontlastaslong.Buttheyrealsoway logicneedsanFPGAburner.Andwecantdo lessconsumptiveongoop.Yougetabouttentimes someoftheconductiveelements,either.Butyeah, asmuchprintingoutofthem. about90percentoftheDiaBcanbeprintedina

Suzannenotedthatthisbitofnewsturnedbothof DiaB. theDisneyexecsalittlegreen.Theymadealotof Suzannehadntheardaboutthisone,thoughshe moneysellinggoop,sheknew. rememberedearlierattempts,backinthegolden Thisone,Lestercontinued,pattingaDiaBthat NewWorkdays,thedreamofselfreplicating wasopentotheelements,itsimpslounginginits machines.Nowshelookedclose,leaninginnext guts,wemixsomeseriousepoxyinwithit,some toSammy,socloseshecouldfeelhiswarmbreath. carbonfibers.Theprintoutsarepractically Therewassomething,well,spookyabouttheimps indestructible.Therearesomekidsaroundhere buildingamachineusinganotheroneofthe whovebeenusingittoprintpartsforbicycles machines. Thosewereprintedonthis?Sammysaid. WeranintoFrancisandhisgang,Suzanne explained. Its,what,itslikeitsalive,andreproducing itself,Sammysaid.

Donttellmethisneveroccurredtoyou,Lester Lesternodded.Yeah,itsnotperfect,though.The said. epoxyclogsuptheworksandtheimpsreallydont Honestly?No.Itneverdid.MrBanks,youhavea likeit.Ionlygettwoorthreedaysoutofaprinter uniquelytwisted,fuckedupimagination,andIsay afterIconvertit.Imworkingonchangingthemix thatwiththewarmestadmiration. tofixthat,though. Guignolleanedin,too,staringatit. Afterall,Guignolnotedsourly,itsnotasifyou ItssoobviousnowthatIseeit,hesaid. havetopayfornewDiaBswhenyoubreakone. Yeah,allthereallygreatideasarelikethat, Lestersmilednastilyathim.Exactly,hesaid. Lestersaid. Wevegotagreatresearchsubsidyaroundhere. SammystraightenedupandshookLestershand. Guignollookedaway,lipspursed. Thankyouforthetour,Lester.Youhavemanaged Thisone,Lestersaid,choosingnottonotice, tosimultaneouslyimpressanddepressme.You thisoneistherealizationofanageoldproject. areonesharpmotherfucker. Hepointedtothetablenexttoit,whereitsimps LesterpreenedandSuzannesuppressedagiggle. werecarefullyfittingtogethersomeveryfine Sammyheldhishanduplikehewasbeingsworn parts. in.Imdeadserious,man.Thisisamazing.I Sammyleanedinclose,inspectingtheirwork.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/277 mean,wemanagesomeprettyoutofthebox thinkingatDisney,right?Wemaynotbeas nimbleassomelittlewhackedoutcoop,butfor whoweareIthinkwedoagoodjob. usedtotheidea,anditwasgrowingonher.

Guignollookedgrim.Itsnotafirmofferitsa chancetoopenadialogue,anegotiation.Talkthe possibilityover.Agoodnegotiationisonewhere Butyou,man,youblowusoutofthewater.This webothstartbysayingwhatwewantandworkit stuffisjustcrazy,likeitcamedownfromMars. overuntilwegettothepointwherewereleftwith Likeitsfromthefuture.Heshookhishead.Its whatwebothneed. humbling,youknow. Lesterwipedtearsfromhiseyes.Idontthink

Guignollookedmorethoughtfulthanhehadto thatyougrasptheabsurdityofthissituation, thispoint.HeandLesterstaredatSammy,wearing fellas.Forstarters,Perrywillnevergoforit.I similarexpressionsofbemusement. meannever.Suzannewonderedaboutthat.And Letsgointotheapartment,Suzannesaid.We wonderedwhetheritmattered.Thetwohadhardly saidawordtoeachotherinmonths. cansitdownandhaveachat. Theytroopedupthestairstogether.Guignol expressedadmirationfortheweirdjunksculptures thatadornedeachlanding,madebyalocal craftswomanandinstalledbythelandlord.They sataroundthelivingroomandLesterpourediced coffeeoutofapitcherinthefridge,droppingin icecubesmoldedtolooklikelegos. Theyrattledtheirdrinksandlooked uncomfortablyatoneanother.Suzannelongedto whipouthercomputerandtakenotes,oratleasta pad,oracamera,butsherestrainedhimself. GuignollookedsignificantlyatSammy. Whatsmore,therestoftherideswillnever, never,nevergoinforit.Thatsalsoforsure. Finally,whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?Me gotoworkforyou?Usgotoworkforyou?What willyoudo,stickMickeyintheride?Hesalready intheride,everynowandagain,asyouwell know.YougoingtomovemeuptoOrlando?

Sammywaggledhisheadfromsidetoside.I haveadeepappreciationforhowweirdthisis, Lester.Totellyouthetruth,Ihaventthought muchaboutyourrideorthislittletown.Asfaras Imconcerned,wecouldjustbuyitandthenturn aroundandsellitbacktotheresidentsforone Lester,Imjustgoingtosayit.Wouldyousell yourbusinesstous?Theride,DiaBolical,allofit? dollarwewouldntwanttoownoroperateanyof thisstuff,theliabilityistoohuge.Likewisethe Wecouldmakeyouavery,veryrichman.You otherrides.Wedontcareaboutwhatyoudid andPerry.Youwouldhavethefreedomtogoon yesterdaywecareaboutwhatyouregoingtodo doingwhatyouredoing,butwedputitinour tomorrow. productionchain,massmarketthehelloutofit, getitintoplacesyouveneverseen.Atitspeak, Listen,youreasmartguy.Youmakestuffthat NewWorkwhichyouwereonlyasmallpartof, wecantdreamof,thatwelacktheinstitutional remembertouched20percentofAmericans.90 imaginationtodreamof.Weneedthat.Whatthe percentofAmericanshavebeentoaDisneypark. hellisthepointoffightingyou,suingyou,when WereabiggertouristdrawthanallofGreat wecanputyouonthepayroll?Andyouknow Britain.Wecangiveyourideaslegs. what?Evenifwethrowanidioticsumofmoneyat you,evenifyounevermakeanythingforus,were Lesterbegantochuckle,thenlaugh,thenhewas doubledover,thumpinghisthighs.Suzanneshook stillaheadofthegameifyoustopmakingstuff herhead.Injustafewshortmoments,shedgotten againstus.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/278 Imputtingmycardsonthetablehere.Iknow yourpartnerisgoingtobeevenharderto convince,too.Noneofthisisgoingtobeeasy.I dontcareabouteasy.Icareaboutwhatsright. Imsickofbeinginchargeofsabotagingpeople whomakeawesomestuff.Arentyousickofbeing sabotaged?Wouldntyouliketocomeworksome placewherewellshovelmoneyandresourcesat yourprojectsandkeepthewolvesatbay? Suzannewasimpressed.Thiswasntthesameguy whomRatToothedFreddyhadsavaged.Itwasnt thesameguythatDeathWaitshaddescribed.He hadcomealongway.EvenGuignolwhom,she suspected,neededtobesoldontheideaalmostas muchasLesterwasnoddingalongbytheendof it. youwant?Itllsuremakeaninterestingstory. Hegoggledather. Kidding,shesaid,thinking,Itwouldindeed makeaninterestingstory,though.Butwhereare yougoingfromhere?Areyougoingtostayhere forever? PerrywouldnevergoforitLestersaid,then stopped. YouandPerry,Lester,howlongdoyouthink thatsgoingtolast. DontyougoallYokoonme,Suzanne.Wevegot oneofthosearoundherealready

IdontlikethisYokojoke,Lester.Ineverdid. HildadoesntwanttodrivePerryawayfromyou. Lesterwasntthough:Yourewastingyourtime, Shewantstomaketherideswork.Anditsounds mister.Thatsallthereistoit.Iamnotgoingtogo likethatswhatPerrywants,too.Whatswrong withthemdoingthat?Especiallyifyoucanget andworkforagiggleescapedhislips thematonofmoneytosupportit? Disney.Itsjust Lesterstaredather,openmouthed.Honey Sammyheldhishandsupinpartialsurrender. OK,OK.Iwontpushyoutoday.Thinkaboutit. Talkitoverwithyourbuddy.Imapatientguy. Guignolsnorted.Idontwanttoleanonyou here. Thinkaboutit,Lester.Yourmostimportant virtueisyourexpansiveimagination.Useit.

Shewatchedthissinkin.Itdidsinkin.Lester listenedtoher,whichsurprisedhereverynowand Theytooktheirleave,thoughSuzannefoundout again.Mostrelationshipsseemedtobe laterthattheydtakenaspinaroundtheridebefore negotiationsorpossiblycompetitions.WithLester leaving.Everyonewentontheride. itwasaconversation. Lestershookhisheadatthedoorbehindthem. Canyoubelievethat? Suzannesmiledandsqueezedhishand.Youre funnyaboutthis,youknowthat?Normally,when youencounteranewidea,youliketoplaywithit, thinkitthrough,seewhatyoucanmakeofit.With this,yourenotevenwillingtonoodlewithit. Youcantseriouslythinkthatthisisagoodidea Idontknow.ItsnotthedumbestideaIveever heard.Becomeamillionaire,gettodowhatever Sammywasgladhewasdriving.Themood Guignolwasin,hedhavewreckedthecar.That wasnottheplan,Sammy,hesaid.Theplanwas togetthedata,talkitover Thefirstcasualtyofanybattleisthebattleplan, Sammysaid,threadingthemthroughthepressof touristbussesandcommutercars. Ithoughtthefirstcasualtywasthetruth. Shegavehimahugthatseemedtogoonforever.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/279 Theydspenttoolongattheride,thengottenstuck intheafternoonrushhouroutofMiami.That too.Look,Improposingtospendatenthofthe profitsfromtheDiaBonthisventure.Inanyother circumstance,Iwoulddoitwithapurchaseorder. Theonlyreasonitsabigdealis Thatitcarriesenoughlegalliabilitytodestroy thecompany.Sammy,didntyoulistento Hackelberg? ThereasonIstillworkatDisneyisthatitsthe kindofcompanywherethelawyersdontalways settheagenda. Guignoldrummedhishandsonthedashboard. Sammypulledoverandgassedup.Atthenext pumpwasaminivanwithKansasplates.Dadwas adumpyKoreanguy,Momwasadumpywhite midwesternerwithacountryandwesterndenim jacket,andthebackseatwasfilledwithvibrating children,twogirlsandaboy.Thekidswere screamingandfighting,thegirlstryingtodrawon theboysfacewithcandyflavoredlipstickand kiddiemascara,theboysquirmingmightilyand lashingoutatthemwithhisgameboy. DadandMomwerehavingtheirownheated discussionasDadgassedup,Sammy eavesdroppedenoughtohearthattheywere fightingoverDadschoiceoftakingthetollroads insteadofthecheaper,sloweralternativeroute. Thekidswereshoutingsoloud,though eyebrows.Oncehewasbackinthecar,hesaid, Youknow,itsriskydoinganything.Butriskiest ofallisdoingnothing. Guignolshookhisheadandpulledouthis computer. Hespentalotoftimelookingatthenumbers whileSammyfoughttraffic.Finallyheclosedhis computer,puthisheadbackandshuthiseyes. Sammydroveon. Youthinkthisllwork?Guignolsaid. Whichpart? Youthinkifyoubuytheseguysout Oh,thatpart.Sure,yeah,slamdunk.Theyre cheap.LikeIsay,wecouldmakebackthewhole nutjustbysettlingthelawsuit.Thehardpartis goingtobeconvincingthemtosell. AndHackelberg. Thatsyourjob,notmine. Guignolslidtheseatbacksoitwasflatasabed. WakemewhenwehitOrlando. IttookITthreedaystogetSammyhiscomputer back.Hissecretarymanagedasbestasshecould, buthewasntabletodomuchwithoutit.

Whenhegotitbackatlast,heeagerlydownloaded hisbacklogofmail.Itbeggaredtheimagination. YoukeepthatupandwerenotgoingtoDisney Evenafterautofilteringit,therewerehundredsof World! newmessages,thingshehadtopayrealattention to.Whenhewasdealingwiththisstuffinlittle Itwasthemagicsentence,thelitmustestfor spurtseveryfewminutesalldaylong,itdidnt Disneyscurrency.Asitroseandfell,sodidthe efficacyofthethreat.IfSammycould,hedtakea seemlikemuch,butitsurepiledup. videooftheresulteverytimethiswasuttered. Heenlistedhissecretarytohelphimwithsorting andresponding.Afteranhoursheforwardedone ThekidslookedatDadandshrugged.Who cares?theeldestsistersaid,andgrabbedtheboy backtohimwithaboldredflag. again. SammyturnedtoGuignolandwaggledhis ItwasfromFreddy.Hegotaninstantheadache, thefeelinghalfwaybetweenamigraineandthe feelingafteryoubangyourheadagainstthecorner

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/280 ofatable. ::Sammy,Imdisappointedinyou.Ithoughtwe werefriends.WhydoIhavetolearnaboutyour bizarreplantobuyoutGibbonsandBanksfrom strangers.Idohopeyoullgivemeacommenton thestory? HedleftthefinancialswithGuignol,whohad beendiscreetlyshowingthemaroundtotherestof theexecutivecommitteeincloseddoor,offsite meetings.Oneofthemmusthaveblabbed,though ormaybeitwasaleakatLestersend. Hetastedhislunchandbileashisstomach twisted.Itwasntfair.Hehadarealchanceof makingthishappenanditwouldbeasourceof genuinegoodforallconcerned. HegothalfwaythroughcallingGuignolsnumber, thenputthephonedown.Hedidntknowwhoto call.Hedputhimselfinanunwinnableposition. AshecontemplatedthearticlethatFreddywould probablywrite,herealizedthathewouldalmost certainlylosehisjoboverthis,too.Maybeendup onthewrongendofalawsuit.Man,thatseemed tobehisnaturalstateatDisney.Maybehewasin thewrongjob. Freddyfoundoutaboutthebuyoutoffer. Oh. Yeah. SoImgonnabeinsearchofemployment.AllI everwantedtodowascomeupwithcoolideas andexecutethem Shushnow.Freddyfoundoutaboutthis,huh? Notsurprising.Hesgotaknackforit.Itsjust abouthisonlyvirtue. Urgh. However,itsalsohisgreatestfailing.Ivegiven thisalotofthought,sincemylastruninwithRat ToothedFreddy. Youcallhimthattohisface? Notyet.ButIlookforwardtoit.Tellyouwhat, givemeanhourtotalktosomepeoplehere,and Illgetbacktoyou. Anhour?Anhour? Hellkeepyousquirmingforatleastthatlong. Helovestomakepeoplesquirm.Itsgood journalismshakesloosesomenew developments.

Hegroanedandthumpedhimselfontheforehead. Anhour? Allhewantedtodowashavegoodideasandmake Haveyougotachoice? themhappen. Basically,hewantedtobeLester. Thenheknewwhohehadtocall. MsChurch? Werebacktothat,huh?Thatsprobablynota goodsign. Suzannethen. Sammy,yousoundlikeyoureabouttopopa testicle.Spititout. DoyouthinkIcouldgetajobwithLester? Yourenotjoking,areyou? Anhour,then.

SuzannedidntknockonLestersdoor.Lester wouldfallintoplace,oncePerrywasin. Shefoundhimworkingtheride,Hildabackinthe maintenancebay,tweakingsomeoftherobots.His armwasoutofthecast,butitwasnoticeably thinnerthanhisgoodleftarm,weakandpaleand flabby. Hello,Suzanne.Hewasformal,likehealways wasthesedays,anditsaddenedher,butshe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/281 pressedon. Perry,weneedtoshutdownforawhile,its urgent. Suzanne,thisisabusytime,wejustcantshut down Shethumpedherhandonhislemonadestand counter.Cutitout,Perry.Ihaveneverbeenan alarmist,youknowthat.Iunderstandintimately whatitmeanstoshutthisplacedown.Look,I knowthatthingshaventbeensogoodbetweenus, betweenanyofus,foralongtime.ButIamyour dearfriend,andyouaremine,nomatterwhats goingonatthissecond,andImtellingyouthat youneedtoshutthisdownandweneedtotalk. Doit,Perry. Guignol,thepostcardandthefunnycircumstances oftheirvisitthephonecall. Soheresthething.Hewantstobuyyouguys out.Hedoesntwanttherideorthetown.Hejust wantsIdontknowthecreativity.ThePRwin. Hewantspeace.Andtherealnewsis,hesovera barrel.Freddysforcinghishand.Ifwecanmake thatproblemgoaway,wecanaskforanything. Hildasjawhungslack.Youhavetobekidding Perryshushedher.Suzanne,whyareyouhere? WhyarentyoutalkingtoLesteraboutthis?Why hasntLestertalkedtomeaboutthis.Imean,just whatthefuckisgoingon?

Shewinced.IdidnttalktoLesterbecauseI Hegaveheralong,consideringlook. thoughthedbeeasiertosellonthisthanyouare. ThisisagoldenopportunityandIthoughtthatyou Please? wouldbeconflictedashellaboutitandIthought Helookedatthelittlequeueoffourorfivepeople, ifItalkedtoyoufirst,wecouldgetpastthat.I pretendingnottoeavesdrop,waitingtheirturn. dontreallyhaveadoginthisfight,exceptthatI wantallpartiestoendupnothatingeachother. Sorry,folks,youheardthelady.Family emergency.Um,hereHerummagedunderthe Thatswhereyoureheadednowyouremelting downinslowmotion.Howlongsinceyouand counter,cameupwithscrapsofpaper.Mrs Lesterhadaconversationtogether,letaloneareal Torrencestearoomacrossthestreettheymake meal?Howlongsinceweallsataroundand thebestcappuccinointhehood,andthepastries laughed?Everygoodthingcomestosomekindof areallbakedfresh.Onme,OK? end,andthenthereallygoodthingscometoa Comeon,Suzannesaid.Timesshort. beginningagain. Sheaccompaniedhimtothemaintenancebayand YoutwoweretheNewWork.Lotsofpeoplegot theypulledthedoorsshutbehindthem.Hilda blisteringlyrichoffofNewWork,butnotyou. lookedupfromherrobot,wipingherhandsonher Heresachanceforyoutogetwhatyoudeserve shorts.Shewasreallylovely,andthelookonher forachange.Yousolvethisandyoucansolveit, facewhenshesawPerrywaspureadoration. andnotjustforyou,butforthatDeathkid,you Suzannesheartwelledupforthetwoofthem, cangethimjusticethatthecourtswilltakefifteen suchaperfectpictureofyounglove. yearstodeliver. ThenHildasawSuzanne,andherexpressiongrew Perryscowled.Idontcareaboutmoney guarded,tense.PerrytookHildashand. Yes,thatsadmirable.Ihaveoneotherthing;Ive Whatsthisabout,Suzanne?hesaid. beensavingitforlast,waitingtoseeifyoudcome upwithitonyourown. Letmegivethistoyouinoneshot,OK?They nodded.Sheranitdownforthem.Sammyand

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/282 What? Whyistimeoftheessence? BecauseFreddysgoingtooutthisdirtball Andhowdowesolvethat? Hildagrinned.Oh,thispartIlike. Suzannelaughed.Yeah. What?Perrysaid. Freddysgoodatintelligencegathering,buthes notsogoodatdistinguishingtruthfromfiction.In myview,thispresentsafascinatingopportunity. Dependingonwhatweleaktohimandhow,we canturnhiminto Alaughingstock? Apuddleofdeliquescedorganmeat. Perrybegantolaugh.Youresayingthatyou thinkthatweshoulddothisdealforspite? Yeah,thatsthesizeofit,Suzannesaid. Iloveit,hesaid. Yes,hesaid. LandonKettlewell,thevoiceontheotherside said.Sammyknewthename,ofcourse.Buthe hadntbeenexpectingacallfromhim. Hello,MrKettlewell. Theboyshaveaskedmetonegotiatethisdealfor them.Itmakessenseitllbehardtomakethis happenwithoutmycontributions.Ihopeyou agree. Itdoesmakesense,Sammysaid noncommittally.Thiswasntthebestdayofhis life.Thegiraffesweremovingoff,butaflockof craneswaswheelingoverheadinquietsplendor. Illtellyouwherewereat.Weregoingtodoa dealwithyou,afairone.Butaconditionofthe dealisthatwearegoingtodestroyFreddy. What? Weregoingtoleakhimbadintelonthedeal. Lotsofit.Givehimawholestory.Waituntilhe publishesit,andthen

Hildalaughedtoo.Suzanneextendedherhandto Sammysatdownontheroof.Thiswasgoingtobe Perryandheshookit.ThensheshookwithHilda. alongconversation. LetsgofindLester. Bythetimethecallcame,Sammywasreadyto explode.Hegotinagolfcartandheadedtothe AnimalKingdomLodge,whichbackedontothe safariparkportionoftheAnimalKingdom.He snuckhimselfontotheroofofthegrandhotel, whichhadacommandingviewoftheartificial savanna.Hewatchedafamilyofgiraffesgraze, usingthezoomonhisphonetoresolvethe hypnoticpatternsofthelittlecalf.Itcalmedhim. Butthesoundofhisphoneringingstartledhimso muchhenearlydidahalfgainerofftheroof. Hearthammering,heansweredit. IsthisSammy? Perrygroundhisteethandsqueezedhisbeer.The ideaofdoingthisinabiggrouphadseemedlikea goodidea.DirtyMaxswascertainlyfullof camaraderie,thesmellofroastingmeatandthe chatterofnearlyahundredvoices.HeheardHilda laughingatsomethingLestersaidtoher,andthere wereKettlewellandhiskids,fingersandfaces stickywithsauce. Lesterhadsetuptheprojectorandtheydhung sheetsoveroneofthemuralsforascreen,and broughtoutabunchofwirelessspeakersthat theydscatteredaroundthecourtyard.Itlooked, smelled,sounded,andtastedlikeacarnival. ButPerrycouldntmeetanyoneseye.Hejust

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/283 wantedtogohomeandgetunderthecovers.They Francis,thisisSammy.Francishadabottleof wereabouttodestroyFreddy,whichhadalso waterandaplateofribs,soheextendedafriendly seemedlikeahellofalarkatthetime,butnow elbow. Perry.ItwasSammy,upfromOrlando,wearing Wevemetshowedhimthebicyclefactory. theclassicMickeygivesthefingerbootlegtee. Sammyvisiblycalmedhimself.Thatsright,you Canyougetfiredforthat?Perrypointed. did.Amazing,justamazing. Sammyshookhishead.Actually,itsofficial.I hadthemproducedlastyeartheyreabigseller. Ifyoucantbeatem...HereHeduginthe backpackhecarriedandpulledoutanother.You looklikealarge,right? AllthisisonSammy,Perrysaid,pointingatthe hugebarbecuesmoker,thecrowdsofsticky fingeredgorgers.HestheDisneyguy. Hencetheshirts,huh?

Exactly. Perrytookitfromhim,helditup.Shrugging,he putdownhisbeerandskinnedhistee,thenpulled Sowhatstherumpus,exactly?Francisasked. Itsallbeenhushhusharoundhereforasolid ontheMickeyflipsthebird.Helookeddownat week. hischest.Itsastatement. HaveyouandLestergivenanythoughttowhere Ithinkwereabouttofindout,Perrysaid, noddingatthegiganticscreen,whichrippledin youregoingtorelocate,after? thesultryFloridanightbreeze,obscuredby Perrydrewinadeepbreath.IthinkLesterwants blowingcloudsoffragrantsmoke.Itwaslitup tocometoOrlando.ButImgoingtogoto now,showingCNNfn,twopanracialanchors Wisconsin.Madison. talkingsilentlyintothenight. Yourewhatnow? Thespeakerspoppedtolifeandgraduallythe Perryhadntsaidanythingaboutthistoanyone exceptHilda.SomethingaboutthisDisneyexec,it madehimwanttospillthebeans.Icantgoalong withthis.Imgoingtobowout.Dosomething new.Ivebeeninthisshitholeforwhatfeelslike mywholelifenow. Sammylookedpoleaxed.Perry,thatwasntthe deal Yeah,Iknow.Butthinkaboutthis:doyouwant methereifIhateit,resentit?Besides,itsalittle lateinthedaytobackout. Sammyreeled.Christalmighty.Well,atleast yourenotgoingtoendupmyemployee. Franciswhohadanuncannyknackforfiguring outtherightmomenttostepintoaconversation sidledover.Niceshirt,Perry. crowdnoisesdimmed.Peoplemovedtowardthe screen,allexceptFrancisandPerryandSammy, whohungback,silentlywatchingthescreen. guestontheshowisFreddyNiedbalski,a technologyreporterforthenotoriousBritish technologypublicationTechStink.Freddyhas agreedtocomeonCountdowntobreakastory thatwillgoliveonTechStinkswebsiteinabout tenminutes.Thecamerazoomedouttoshow Freddy,sittingbesidetheanchordeskinan armchair.Hispaunchwasmorepronouncedthanit hadbeenwhenPerryhadseenhiminMadison, andtherewassomethingwrongwithhismakeup, acolormismatchthatmadehimlooklikehed slatheredhimselfwithManTan.Still,hewas grinningevillyandlookinglikehecouldbarely containhimself.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/284 Thankyou,TaniaLuz,itsapleasure. Now,takeusthroughthestory.Youvebeen coveringitforalongtime,haventyou? Ohyes.ThisisaboutthesocalledNewWork cult,anditsaftermath.Ivebrokenaseriesof scandalsinvolvingthesecharactersovertheyears weirdsex,funnymoney,sweatshoplabor.These arethepeoplewhospentallthatmoneyinthe NewWorkbubble,andthenwentontofoundan honesttoGodslumthattheycharacterizedasa livinglaboratory.outcamethesarcastic fingerquotesbut,asnearasanyonecanwork outwasmoreofahumansubjectexperimentgone mad.Theypulledoffthesebizarrestuntswiththe helpofsomeofthelargestinvestmentfundsonthe planet. Perrylookedaroundattherevellers.Theywere chortling,pointingateachother,muggingforthe camera.FreddyswordsmadePerry uncomfortablemaybetherewassomethingto whathesaid.ButtherewasFrancis,unofficial mayoroftheshantytown,smilingalongwiththe rest.Theyhadntbeenperfect,buttheydleftthe worldabetterplacethantheydfoundit. Therearemanypersonalitiesinthisstory,but tonightsinstallmenthastwomainplayers:a venturecapitalistnamedLandonKettlewellanda DisneyParksseniorvicepresidentcalledSammy Page.Technically,thesetwohateeachothersguts SammyandKettlewelltoastedeachother throughthebarbecuesmoke.Buttheyvebeen chumminguptooneanotherlatelyasthey brokeredanimprobabledealtoshafteveryoneelse inthesordidmess. Adealthatyouvegotdetailsonforustonight? Exactly.Mysourceshaveturnedupreliable memosandotherintelligenceindicatingthatthe investorsbehindtheshantytownareabouttotake overDisneyParks.Itallstemsfromalawsuitthat wasbroughtonbehalfofasyndicateofoperators ofbizarre,trademarkinfringingridesthatwere raidedoffthebacksofcomplaintsfromDisney Parks.Theseraids,andasubsequentandvery suspiciousbeatingofanexDisneyParkemployee, ledtothecreationofaninvestmentsyndicateto fundamonsterlawsuitagainstDisneyParks,one thatcouldtakethecompanydown. Theinvestmentsyndicatefoundanunlikelyally inthepersonofSammyPage,theseniorVPfrom DisneyParks,whoworkedwiththemtopush throughaplanwheretheywouldsettlethelawsuit inexchangeforacontrollinginterestinDisney Parks. Theanchorslookedsuitablyimpressed.Around thescreen,thepartiershadgonequiet,eventhe kids,mesmerizedbyFreddysgianthead,eyes rollingwithironyandmeanhumor. Andthatsjustforstarters.Thedealrequired securingthecooperationofthebeatenupex Disneyemployee,whogoesbythenameofDeath Waitsno,really!andherequiredthathebe madeavicepresidentofthenewcompanyaswell, runningtheFantasylandsectionoftheFlorida park.Inthenewstructure,thetwofoundersofthe NewWorkscam,PerryGibbonsandLesterBanks aretooverseetheDisneyficationoftheactivist ridesaroundthecountry,sellingouttheir comrades,whosignedovercontroloftheir volunteerbuiltenterprisesaspartoftheearlier lawsuit. Themaleanchorshookhishead.Ifthisistrue, itsthestrangestturninAmericancorporate history. Ohyes,Freddysaid.Thesepeoplearelike somekindofpoison,adiseasethataffectsthe judgementofallthosearoundthem Ifitstrue,themaleanchorcontinued,asif Freddyhadntspoken.Butisit?Ournextguest deniesallofthis,andclaimsthatMrNiedbalski hashisfactsallwrong.TjanLeeTangisthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/285 chairmanofMassachusettsRideTheorists,a nonprofitthatoperatesthreeofthespinoffrides inNewEngland.HeisinourBostonstudios. Welcome,MrTang. Theannouncerssmiledandnodded. Wethinkthisisaprettygoodwin.Theridesgo on.Theshantytowngoeson.LesterandPerryget todogreatworkinaheavilyresourcedlab environment.

Freddysexpressionwaspriceless:amixtureof rawterrorandcontempt.Hetriedtocoverit,but TaniaLuzturnedtoFreddy.Itseemsthatyour onlysucceededinlookingconstipated.Onthe storyisindispute.Doyouhavefurther otherhalfofthesplitscreen,Tjanbeamedsunnily comment? atthem. Freddysquirmed.Astreakofsweatcutthrough Hithere!hesaid.Greetingsfromtheblustery hispancakemakeupasthecameracameinfora Northeast. closeup.Well,ifthisistrue,Idwanttoknow MrTang,youveheardwhatourguesthastosay whyDisneywouldmakesuchagenerousoffer aboutthelatestdevelopmentsintheextraordinary Generous?Tjansaid.Hesnorted.Wewere storyoftheridesyouhelpedcreate.Doyouhave askingforeightbillioninpunitivedamages.They anycomment? gotoffeasy! Icertainlydo.Freddy,oldbuddy,youvebeen had.WhomeveryourleakwasinDisney,hewas puttingyouon.Thereisnotonesinglewordof truthtoanythingyouhadtosay.Hegrinned wickedly.Sowhatelseisnew? FreddyopenedhismouthandTjanheldupone hand.No,wait,letmefinish.Iknowitsyour schticktocomeafterusthisway,youvebeenatit foryears.Ithinkitsbecauseyouhavean unrequitedcrushonSuzanneChurch. Freddyactedlikehehadntheard.Unlessthe termsofthissocalleddealarepublishedand subjecttoscrutiny Wepostedthemaboutfiveminutesago.You couldhavejustaskedus,youknow. Freddyseyesbuggedout.Wehavenowayof knowingwhetherwhatthismanissayingistrue

Actually,youdo.LikeIsay,itsallonline.The Hereswhatsreallyhappening.LesterBanksand dealsaresigned.Securitiesfilingsand PerryGibbonshavetakenjobswithDisneyParks everything. aspartofastraightforwarddeal.Theyregoingto Freddygotupoutofhisseat.Wouldyoushutup doresearchanddevelopmentthere,andDisneyis andletmefinish?hescreamed. settlingitsongoinglawsuitwithuswithaseventy Sorry,sorry,Tjansaidwithachuckle.Hewas milliondollarcashsettlement.Halfgoestothe enjoyingthiswaytoomuch.Goon. investors.Someoftheremainderwillgotobuy theunderlyingtitlestotheshantytownandput AndwhataboutDeathWaits?Hesbeenapawn theminatrusttobemanagedbyacooperativeof allalonginthisgameyouveplayedwithother residents.Therestisgoingintoanothertrustthat peopleslives.Whathappenstohimasyouallget willbedisbursedingrantstopeopleoperating rich? ridesaroundthecountry.Theresanonmonetary Tjanshrugged.Hegotalargecashsettlement partofthedeal,too:allridesgetaperpetual, too.Heseemedprettyhappyaboutit worldwidelicenseonallDisneytrademarksfor Freddywasshaking.Youcantjustselloffyour useintherides.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/286 lawsuit downstairsandputtheminthetrunk,thenhe Wewerelookingtogetcompensatedforbadacts. drovetojustalittlewaysnorthoftherideand calledHildatoletherknowhewasreadytogo. Wegotcompensatedforthem,andwedidit withouttyingupthepubliccourts.Everybody Shedidntsayawordwhenshegotinthecar,and wins.Hecockedhishead.Exceptyou,of neitherdidhe,allthewaytoMiamiairport.He course. tookhisfriskingandsecondaryscreeninginstoic silence,andoncetheywereseatedontheChicago Thiswasafuckingambush,Freddysaid, flight,heputhisheaddownonHildasshoulder pointinghisfingersatthetwocoiffedand andshestrokedhishairuntilhefellasleep. groomedanchors,whoshiedawaydramatically, makinghimlookevencrazier.Hestormedoffthe stage,cursing,everywordtransmittedbyhisstill runningwirelessmic.Heshoutedataninvisible securityguardtogetoutofhisway.Thenthey heardhimmakeaphonecall,presumablytohis editor,shoutingathimtokillthearticle,nearly weepinginfrustration.TheanchorsandTjan pastedonunconvincingpokerfaces,butaround theBBQpit,itwasallhowlsoflaughter,which turnedtoshriekswhenFreddyfinallyfiguredout thathewasstillonalivemic. PerryandSammylockedeyesandgrinned.Perry tickedalittlesaluteoffhisforeheadatSammyand heftedhistee.Thenheturnedonhisheeland walkedoffintothenight,thefragrantsmellofthe barbecuesmokeandthesoundofthepartybehind him. Heparkedhiscarathomeandtrudgedupthe stairs.Hildahadpackedhersuitcasethatmorning. Hehadalotmorethanasuitcasesworthofstuff aroundtheapartment,butashethrewafewt shirtsincludinghisnewfakebootlegMickeytee andsomeunderwearinabag,hesuddenly realizedthathedidntcareaboutanyofit. Thenhehappeneduponthebaseballglove.The cloudofoldleathersmellitemittedwhenhe pickeditupmadetearsspringintohiseyes.He hadntcriedthroughanyofthisprocess,though, andhewasntabouttostartnow.Hewipedhis eyeswithhisforearmandreverentlysettheglove intohisbagandshutit.Hecarriedbothbags Epilogue LesterwasinhisworkshopwhenPerrycameto seehim.Hehadtheyogamatoutandhewas goingthroughtheslowexercisesthathis physiotherapisthadassignedtohim,stretchinghis crumblingbonesandshrinkingmuscles,tryingto keepitalltogether.Hedfiredthreephysios,but Suzannekeptfindinghimnewones,and(because shelovedhim)prettierones. Hewasdownonallfours,hisassstuckwayupin theair,whenPerrycamethroughthedoor.He lookedbackthroughhisanklesandsquintedatthe upsidedownworld.Perrysexpressionwas carefullyneutral,thesameupsidedownasit wouldberightsideup.Hegruntedandwent downtohisknees,whichcrackledlikepopcorn. Thatdoesntsoundgood,Perryremarked mildly. Funnyman,Lestersaid.Getoverhereandhelp meup,willyou? Perrywentdowninacrouchbeforehim.There wassomethingfunnyabouthiseye,thewholeside ofhishead.Hesmelledalittlesweatyandalittle gamy,butthefacewastheoneLesterknewso well.Perryheldouthisstrong,leatheryhands,and afteramoment,LestergraspedthemandletPerry draghimtohisfeet. Theystoodfacingoneanotherforan uncomfortablemoment,handsclaspedtogether.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/287 ThenPerryflunghisarmswideandshouted, HereIam! Lestercuthimoff.Notbadlikethepeopleyou seeonTV,huh?Notbadlikethedyingones.The fatkinshadoverwhelmedthenationshospitalsin Lesterlaughedandembracedhisoldfriend,not successivewavesofsickeneddisintegrating seenorheardfromtheselast15years. skeletonswhosebrittlebonesandruinedjoints hadoutstrippedanyonesabilitytocopewith Lestersworkshophadasofawhereheentertained them.Theonlythingthatkeptthecrisisfrom visitorsandtookhisafternoonnap.Normally,hed boilingoverentirelywasthefastmortalitythat followedonthefirstsymptomsdifficulty usehiscanetocrossfromhisworkbenchtothe digesting,persistentstiffness.Onceyoucouldnt sofa,butseeingPerrythrewhimforsuchaloop keepdownhighcalorieslurry,youjuststarvedto thathecompletelyforgotuntilhewasapaceor death. twoawayfromitandthenhefoundhimself flailingforsupportashishipsstartedtogiveway. Notlikethem,Perryagreed.Hehadabitof Perrycaughthimundertheshouldersandpropped limp,Lestersaw,andhisoldbrokenarmhung himup.Lesterfeltarushofshamecolorhis slightlystiffathisside. cheeks. ImdoingOK,Lestersaid.Youwouldnt Steadythere,cowboy,Perrysaid. believethemedicalbills,ofcourse. Sorry,sorry,Lestermuttered. DontletFreddyknowyouvegotthesickness, Perryloweredhimtothesofa,thenlookedaround. Perrysaid.Hedlovethatstory'fatkinspioneer Yougotanythingtodrink?Water?Ididntreally paystheprice expectthebuswouldtakeaslongasitdid. Freddy!Man,Ihaventthoughtofthatshitheelin Christ,adecade,atleast.Ishestillalive? YouretakingthebusaroundBurbank?Lester said.Christ,Perry,thisisLosAngeles.Even homelesspeopledrivecars. Perryshrugged.Mightbe.Idthinkthatifhed keeledoversomeonewouldhaveaskedmetopitch Perrylookedawayandshookhishead.Thebusis intocharterabustogopissonhisgrave. cheaper.Lesterpursedhislips.Yougotanything Lesterlaughedhard,sohardhehurthischestand todrink? hadtosagbackintothesofa,doingdeepyoga breathinguntilhisribsfeltbetter. Inthefridge,Lestersaid,pointingtoasetof nestedclaypotevaporativecoolers.Perrygrinned Perrysatdownoppositehimonthesofawitha atthejuryriggedcoolerandrummagedaroundin bottleofLestersspecialthricedistilledflatwater itsmouthforawhile.Anything,youknow, inatorpedoshapedbottle.Suzanne?heasked. buzzy?Guarana?Caffeine,even? Good,Lestersaid.Spendsabouthalfhertime Lestergaveanapologeticshrug.Notme,not hereandhalfontheroad.Writing,still. anymore.Nothinggoesintomybodywithout Whatssheontonow? oversightbyateamofveryexpensive Cooking,ifyoucanbelieveit.Molecular nutritionists. gastronomyfoodhackerswhousecentrifugesto Youdontlooksobad,Perrysaid.Maybea clarifytheirconsomme.Shesaysshesnevereaten littleskinny better.Lastweekitwassomekidwhodwrittena

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/288 geneticalgorithmtoevolvecustomprintable moleculesthatcanbridgetwounharmonius flavorstomakethemtastegoodtogetherlike, whatdoyouneedtoaddtochocolateandsardines tomakethemfreakindelicious? factories. Donttheyrecognizeyou?

Me?Naw,itsbeenalongtimesinceIgot recognized.Imjusttheguy,youknow,hes handy,keepstohimself.Probablygoingtobe Istheresuchamolecule? movingonsoon.Goodwithmoney,alwayshasa Suzannesaysthereis.Shesaidthattheymistedit quietsuggestionfortweakinganideatomakeit intoherfacewithavaporizerwhilesheatea returnalittlehigherontheinvestment. sardineonaslabofdarkchocolateandittasted Thatsyou,allright.Allexceptthekeepsto betterthananythingshedeverhadbefore. himselfpart. OK,thatsjustwrong,Perrysaid.Thetwoof themweregrinningateachotherlikefools. Alittleolder,alittlewiser.Bettertokeepyour mouthshutandbethoughtafoolthantoopenit Lestercouldntbelievehowgooditfelttobeinthe andremovealldoubt. sameroomasPerryagainafteralltheseyears.His Thankyou,MisterTwain.YouandHuckbeenon oldfriendwasmucholderthanthelasttimetheyd theriverawhilethen? seeneachother.Therewasalotofgreyinhis shorthair,andhishairlinewasalothigheruphis NoHuck,hesaid.Hissmilegotsad, forehead.Hisknuckleswereswollenandwrinkled, heartbreakinglysad.ThiswasntthePerryLester knew.Lesterwasntthesameperson,either.They andhisfacehaddeeplines,makinghimlook werebothbroken.Perrywasalone,though carved.Hehadtheleatheryskinofaroadside gregariousPerry,alwaysmakingfriends.Alone. homelessperson,andtherewerelittlescarsall overhisarmsandafewonhisthroat. So,howlongareyoustaying? HowsHilda?Lesterasked. Imjustpassingthrough,buddy.Iwokeupin Perrylookedaway.ThatsanameIhaventheard BurbankthismorningandIthought,Shit, LestersinBurbank,Ishouldsayhello.ButIgot inawhile,hesaid. placestogo. Yowch.Sorry. Comeon,man,stayawhile.Wevegotaguest No,thatsOK.Igetemailblastsfromherevery cottageoutback,alittlemotherinlawapartment. nowandagain.Sheschipperandscrappyas Therearefruittrees,too. always.Fightingthegoodfight.Fatkinsstuffagain Livingthedream,huh?Hesounded sameaswhenImether.Funnyhowthatfight unexpectedlybitter. nevergetsold. Lesterwasembarrassedforhiswealth.Disneyhad thrownsomuchstockathiminthebeginningand OK,wereeven,Perrysaid.Oneoneonthe Suzannehadsoldmostofitandwiselyinvestedit fauxpasmasterstournament. inabunchofmicrofunds;addtothatthemoney Theychattedaboutinconsenquetalitiesforawhile, shewasrakinginfromtheaffiliatesitesherJunior storiesaboutLesterslifeastheclosetedgeniusat Woodchuckskidreportersshedtrainedandset DisneyLabs,Perryslifeontheroad,getting upinbusinessran,andtheyneverhadtoworry itinerantandseasonalworkatlittlemicro aboutathing. Hardyharhar,Lestersaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/289 Well,apartfromdying.Andworkinghere.As soonasthewordswereoutofhismouth,he wishedhecouldtakethemback.Heneverleton thathewasnthappyattheMouse,andthedying thingwell,Suzanneandhelikedtopretendthat medicalsciencewouldcurewhatithadbrought. Perry,though,hejustnoddedasifhissuspicions wereconfirmed.MustbehardonSuzanne. thereport.Youtrytogetanexperimentalservice runningandnoonewillreconfigurethefirewall. Turntheplacearound?Hesnorted.Itslike turningaroundabattleshipbytappingitonthe nosewithatoothpick. Ihateworkingwithassholes.

Theyrenotassholes,thatsthething,Perry. Theyresomereallysmartpeople.Theyrenice. Nowthatwashittingthenailonthehead.You Wehavethemoverfordinner.Theyrefuntoeat alwayswereaperceptivesonofabitch. lunchwith.Thethingis,everysingleoneofthem Sheneversaidfatkinswasgoodforyou.Shejust feelsthesamewayIdo.Theyallhavecoolshit reportedthestory.Thepeoplewhoblameher theywanttodo,buttheycantdoit. ThiswastheelephantintheroomwheneverLester Why? andSuzannetalkedabouthishealth.Betweenthe twoofthem,theydpopularizedfatkins,sent millionswingingtoRussiafortheclinics,fuelled thecreationoftheclinicsintheUSandMexico. Buttheyneverspokeofit.Never.NowPerrywas talkingaboutit,stilltalking: theFDA,thedoctors.Thatswhatwepaythem for.ThewayIseeit,youreavictim,theirvictim. Lestercouldntsayanything.Wordsstoppered themselvesupinhismouthlikeacork.Finally,he managedtochokeout,Changethesubject,OK? Perrylookeddown.Sorry.Imoutofpractice withpeople. Ihopeyoullstaywithus,hesaid,thinkingI hopeyouleavesoonandnevercomeback. Youmissit,huh? Sometimes. Yousaidworkinghere Workinghere.Theysaidthattheywantedmeto comeinandhelpthemturntheplacearound,help themreinventthemselves.Benimble.Shakethings up.Butitslikewrestlingatarbaby.Youpush, yougetstuck.Youargueforsomethingbetterand theytellyoutowriteareport,thennoonereads Itslikeanemergentproperty.Onceyougetalot ofpeopleunderoneroof,theemergentproperty seemstobecrap.Nomatterhowgreatthepeople are,nomatterhowwonderfultheirindividual ideasare,theneteffectisshit. Remindsmeofreliabilitycalculation.Likeifyou taketwocomponentsthatare90percentreliable andusetheminadesign,theoutcomeis90 percentof90percent81percent.Keepadding 90percentreliablecomponentsandyoullhave somethingthatexplodesbeforeyougetitoutof thefactory. Maybepeoplearelikethat.Ifyoure90percent nonbogusandtenpercentbogus,andyouwork withsomeoneelsewhos90percentnonbogus, youendupwithateamthats81percentnon bogus. Ilikethatmodel.Itmakesintuitivesense.But fuckme,itsdepressing.Itsaysthatallwedois magnifyeachothersflaws. Well,maybethatsthecase.Maybeflawsare multiplicative. Sowhatarevirtues? Additive,maybe.Ashallowercurve. Thatdbeaninterestingresearchproject,ifyou

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/290 couldcomeupwithsomequantitative measurements. Sowhatdoyoudoaroundhereallday? Lesterblushed. What? Imbuildingbiggermechanicalcomputers, mostly.Iprintthemoutusingthenewvolumetrics andhaveresearchassistantsassemblethem. Theressomethingsoothingaboutthem.Ihavean Apple][+clonerunningentirelyonphysicalgates madeoutofextrudedplasticskulls.Ittakesupan entirebuildingoutononeofthelotsandwhen youplayPongonit,thesoundofthejawsclacking islikelisteningtocorpsebeetlesskeletonizingan elephant. intimate. Perrycouldntbringhimselftofeelenviousof Lesterhavingachauffeuredcar,thoughitwas clearthatLesterwasembarrassedbytheluxury.It wastoomuchlikeaninvalidssubsidytofeel excessive. Kap,Lestersaid,stirringinthenestofpaper andpartsandemptyhealthfoodpackagesthat hedmadeofthebackseat. Kapriellookedoverhisshoulderatthem.Home now?Hebarelyhadanaccent,butwhenhe turnedhishead,Perrysawthatoneearhadbeen badlymangled,leavingbehindamisshapenfistof scar.

No,Lestersaid.Letseatouttonight.How IthinkIdliketoseethat,Perrysaid,laughinga aboutMussoandFrank? little. MsSuzannesays Thatcanbearranged,Lestersaid. Theywerelikegearsthathadonceemergedfroma millwithperfectlypreciseteeth,gearsthatcould meshandspinagainsteachother,transferring energy. Wedontneedtotellher,Lestersaid. Perryspokeinalowvoice,Lester,Idontneed anythingspecial.Dontmakeyourselfsick

Perry,buddy,shutthefuckup,OK?Icanhavea steakandabeerandabigassdesserteverynow Theywerelikegearsthathadbeenillusedin andagain.Purifiedmedicatedfatkinschowgets machines,apartfromeachother,untiltheirprecise old.Mycolonisntgoingtofalloutofmyasshole teethhadbeenchippedandbent,sothattheyno interrorifIsendacheeseburgerdownthere. longermeshed. TheyparkedbehindMussoandFrankandletthe Theywerelikegears,connectedtooneanother andmismatched,clunkingandskipping,but runningstill,runningstill.

valetparkthetowncar.Kaprielwentovertothe WalkofFametotakepicturesoftheroboticmovie starsdoingacrobaticbuskingacts,andtheywent intothedarkcaveoftherestaurant,alldarkwood, darkcarpets,picturesofmoviestarsonthewalls. PerryandLesterrodeinthebackofthecompany Themaitredgavethemalook,tiltedhishead, car,thedriveranoldArmenianwhodfled lookedagain.Calmly,Lesterproducedahundred Azerbaijan,whomLesterintroducedasKapriel.It dollarbillandsliditacrossthepodium. seemedthatLesterandKaprielwereoldfriends, WedlikeOrsonWellesstable,please,hesaid. whichmadesense,sinceLestercouldntdrive Themaitredanelderly,elegantMexicanwitha himself,andinLosAngeles,youdidntgo anywhereexceptbycar.Therelationshipbetween precisespadebeardnoddedaffably.Giveme fiveminutes,gentlemen.Wouldyoucaretohavea amanandhisdriverwouldbenecessarily

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/291 drinkinthebar? Whatshernamestable.Anyonewhowantsto knowwhatstardomlookslikecanfindoutand noonebecomesastarbyaccident.

TheysatatthelongcounterandPerryordereda Scotchandsoda.Lesterorderedwater,then switchedhisordertobeer,thennonalcoholic Youthink?Perrysaid.Imean,wewerecelebs, beer,thenbeeragain.Sorry,hesaidtothe kindof,forawhilethere waitress.Justhavinganindecisivekindofnight,I Areyousayingthatthathappenedbyaccident? guess. Ineversetouttogetfamous PerrytriedtofigureoutifLesterhadbeen Youtookpartinanationalmovement,Perry.You showingoffwiththecnote,anddecidedthathe practicallyfoundedit.Whatdidyouthinkwas hadntbeen.HedjustgonenativeinLA,anda goingtohappen hundredforthemaitredwhenyoureinahurry cantbemuchforaseniorexec. Youresayingthatwewerejustattentionwhores Lestersippedgingerlyathisbeer.Ilikethis place,hesaid,wavingthebottleatthecelebrity No,Perry,no.Wewerentjustattentionwhores. caricaturesliningthewalls.Itsperfect Wewereattentionwhoresandwebuiltandran Hollyweirdkitsch.Celebritieswhousuallyeatout coolshit.Theresnothingwrongwithbeingan insomeultramodernplacecomehere.Theycome attentionwhore.Itsanattentioneconomy.If becausetheyvealwayscometositinOrson youregoingtobeaworkingstiff,youshouldpick Wellessbooth. adecentcurrencytogetpaidin.Butyoucantsit thereandtellmethatitdidntfeelgood,didntfeel Howsthefood? greattohaveallthosepeoplelookinguptous, Dependsonwhatyouorder.Thegoodstuffis followingusintobattle,throwingthemselvesatus great.Youdownforsteaks? Imdownforwhatever,Perrysaid.Lesterwasin Perryhelduphishands.Hisfriendwaslooking hismediumhere,lettingthewaiterunfoldhis morealivethanhehadatanytimesincePerryhad napkinandlayitoverhislapwithouttakingany beenusheredintohisworkshop.Hesatupstraight, specialnoticeoftheoldman. andtheoldglintofmischiefandgoodhumorwas Thefoodwasdelicious,andtheyevengotto glimpseacelebrity,thoughneitherPerrynor Lesterknewwhotheyoungwomanwas,norwhat shewasfamousfor.Shewassurroundedby childrenwhocameoverfromothertablesseeking autographs,andmorethanonepatronsnappeda semisubtlephotoofher. Poorgirl,Perrysaidwithfeeling. Itsacareerdecisionhere.Youdecidetobecome famousbecauseyouwantthatkindoflife. Sometimesyouevenkidyourselfthatitlllast foreverthatinthirtyyears,theyllcomeinto MussoandFrankandaskforMiss inhiseye. Isurrender,buddy,youreright.Theyordered desserts,heavydiplomatpuddingsbread puddingmadewithcakeandcherries,andLester dugin,aftermakingPerryswearnottobreathea wordofittoSuzanne.Heatewithsuchvisible pleasurethatPerryfeltlikeavoyeur. Howlongdidyousayyouwereintownfor? Imjustpassingthrough,Perrysaid.Hehad onlyplannedonmaybeseeingLesterlongenough forlunchorsomething.Nowitseemedaforegone conclusionthathedbeputupintheguest

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/292 cottage.Hethoughtaboutgettingbackonthe road.TherewasalittleganginOregonthatmade noveltyschoolsupplies,theywerealwaysramping upfortheirbusyseasonatthistimeofyear.They weregoodpeopletoworkfor. Comeon,whereyougottobe?Stayaweek.Ill putyouonthepayrollasaconsultant.Youcan givelunchhourtalkstotheR&Dteam,whatever youwant. hillsonseveralacresoflandandthengrownand grownassuccessivegenerationsofownershad addedextensions,seismicretrofitting,andnew floors.

Perryfoundthepantriesfilledwithhightech MREs,eachnutritionallybalancedandfortifiedin wayscalculatedtomakeLesterashealthyas possible.Finally,hefoundasmallcupboard clearlydevotedtoSuzanneseating,withboxesof Lester,youjustgotthroughtellingmehowmuch breakfastcerealand,wayintheback,alittlebag ofOreos.Hemunchedthoughtfullyonthecookies youhateyourjob whiledrinkingmoreoftheflat,thricedistilled Thatsthebeautyofcontractingyoudontstick water. aroundlongenoughtohateit,andyouneverhave HeheardLestertotterintoabathroomonthefloor toworryabouttheorgchart.Comeon,pal above,andcalledGoodmorning,upanarrow, Illthinkaboutit. windingstaircase. Lesterfellasleeponthecarridehome,and Lestergroanedbackathim,asoundthatPerry KaprieldidntmindifPerrydidntwanttochat,so hadntheardinyears,thattheatricalohmyshit hejustrolledhiswindowsdownandwatchedthe itsanotherdaysound. LAlightsscreampastastheyhitthepremium Heclompeddownthestairswithhiscane,wearing lanesonthecrosstownfreeways,headingto apairofboxershortsandrubberslippers.Hewas LestersplaceinTopangaCanyon.Whenthey arrived,Lesterrousedhimselfheavily,clutchedhis gaunt,thehaironhissunkenchestgonewirygrey, stomach,thenracedforthehouse.Kaprielshook andtheskinaroundhistorsosagged.Fromthe hisheadandrolledhiseyes,thenshowedPerryto neckdown,helookedahundredyearsold.Perry lookedaway. thefrontdoorandshookhishand. Morning,bro,Lestersaid,andtookavacuum sealedpouchoutofamedicalwhiteboxoverthe Inthemorning,heprowledLesterandSuzannes sink,toreitopen,addedpurifiedwater,andputit placelikeaburglar.Theguesthousehadonce inthemicrowave.Thesmellwaslikewet servedasLestersworkshopandithadthetelltale cardboardinadumpster.Perrywrinkledhisnose. leavingsofabusyinventordrawersandtubsof Tastesbetterthanitsmells.Orlooks,Lester parts,amoldycoffeecupinadeskdrawer,pens said.Veryeasyonthedigestion.WhichIneed. andtoysandunreadpostalspaminpiles.Whatit Neverletmepigoutlikethatagain,OK? didnthavewasakitchen,soPerryhelpedhimself Hecollapsedheavilyintoastoolandclosedhis tothekeythatLesterhadlefthimwiththenight sunkeneyes.Withoutopeningthem,hesaid,So, beforeandwanderedaroundthebighouse, areyouin? lookingforthekitchen. Itturnedouttobeonthesecondfloor,abitof weirdarchitecturaldesignthatwascharacteristic oftheplace,whichhadstartedasashackinthe AmIin? Yougoingtocomeonboardasmyconsultant?

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/293 Youwereseriousaboutthat,huh? Perry,theycantfireme.IfIquit,Ilosemy healthbennies,whichmeansIllbebrokeina month.Whichputsusatanimpasse.Impast feelingguiltyaboutdoingnothingmuchallday long,butthatdoesntmeanImnotbored. Youmakeitsoundsoattractive. Yougotsomethingbettertodo? Imin. Suzannecamehomeaweeklaterandfoundthem sittingupinthelivingroom.Theydpushedallthe furnitureupagainstthewallsandcoveredthefloor withboardgameboards,laidedgetoedgeor overlapping.Theyhadtokens,cardsandmoney fromseveralofthegameslaidoutaroundtherims ofthegames. Whattheblisteringfuck?shesaidgood naturedly.LesterhadtoldherthatPerrywas around,soshedbeenpreparedforsomethingodd, butthiswasprettyamazing,evenso.Lesterheld upahandforsilenceandrolledtwodice.They skitteredacrossthefloor,oneofthemslipping throughtheheatinggrating. Caucusrace!Perryyelled,andtookalaparound theworld.Lesterstruggledtohisfeet,then floppedbackdown. Idisbelieve,hesaid,takinguptwotensided 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,likethemanshedsharedher bedwithalltheseyears. Perryheldouthishandtoherandsheyankedhim intoalong,hardhug. Itsgoodtohaveyouback,Perry,shesaid,once shedkissedbothhischeeks.

Threepoints,Perrysaid.Onefornotgoinginto Itsfantastictoseeyou,Suzanne,hesaid.He wasthinnerthansheremembered,withsnowon thegrating,twoforgoingintothegrating. theroof,buthewasstillhandsomeasapirate. Ithoughtwesaiditwastwopointsfornotgoing Wemissedyou.Tellmeeverythingyouvebeen intothegrating,andonefordroppingit? upto. Letscallit1.5pointsforeach. Itsnotinteresting,hesaid.Really. Gentlemen,Suzannesaid,IbelieveIaskeda Ifindthatdifficulttobelieve. question?Towit,Whattheblisteringfuck Calvinball,Lestersaid.LikeintheoldCalvin Sohetoldthemstoriesfromtheroad,andthey wereinterestinginakindofmicrocosmsortof andHobbesstrips.Therulesare,therulescan way.Storiesaboutinterestingcharactershedmet, neverbethesametwice. improbablemealshedeaten,badworking Andyouresupposedtowearamask,Perrysaid. conditions,memorablerideshitched. Butwekeptsteppingonthepieces. Sothatsit?Suzannesaid.Thatswhatyouve Noperipheralvision,Lestersaid.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/294 done? ItswhatIdo,hesaid. Lestersmedical

Lestersmedicalnothing.Youtwogettogetheron this,youcouldmakesomuchmoney,wecould Andyourehappy? buyLesterhisownhospital.Besides,Lester Imnotsad,hesaid. wontlastlongnomatterwhathappens.Shedidnt Sheshookherheadinvoluntarily.Perrystiffened. sayit,butthereitwas.Shedcometogripswith therealityyearsago,whenhissymptomsfirst Whatswrongwithnotsad? appearedwhenallthefatkinssymptomsbegan Theresnothingwrongwithit,Perry.Imshe toappear.Nowshecouldthinkofitwithout faltered,searchedforthewords.Rememberwhen gettingthathitchinherchestthatshedgottenat Ifirstmetyou,metbothofyou,inthatghostmall? first.Nowshecouldgoawayforaweektowork onastorywithoutweepingeverynight,then Youwerentjusthappy,youwerehysterical. dryinghereyesandcallingLestertomakesurehe RemembertheBoogieWoogieElmos?Thecar wasstillalive. theydrove? Perrylookedaway.Yeah,hesaidsoftly.There wasahitchinhisvoice. AllImsayingis,itdoesnthavetobethisway. Youcould Couldwhat?hesaid.Hesoundedangry,butshe thoughtthathewasjustupset.Icouldgowork forDisney,sitinaworkshopalldaymakingcrap noonecaresabout?Bethewageslavefortheend ofmydays,acagedmonkeyforsomecorporate sultanszoo?ThephrasewasLesters,and SuzanneknewthenthatPerryandLesterhadbeen talkingaboutit. Imnotsayingyouneedtodothistothe exclusionofeverythingelse,orforeverthereis noforeverforLesterbutyoutwowouldhaveto beinsanenottotryit.Lookatthisboardgame thingyouvedone Calvinball,Perrysaid. Calvinball.Right.Youweremadeforthis.You twomakeeachotherbetter.Perry,letsbehonest here.Youdonthaveanythingbettertodo. Sheheldherbreath.Ithadbeenyearssinceshed spokentoPerry,yearssinceshedhadtherightto saythingslikethattohim.Onceuponatime,she wouldnthavethoughttwice,butnow

Lester,leaningheavilyagainstheronthesofa (theydpusheditbackintotheroom,movingaside Letmesleeponit,Perrysaid. piecesoftheCalvinballgame),madeawarning Whichmeantno,ofcourse.Perrydidntsleepon soundandgaveherkneeasqueeze.Aha, things.Hedecidedtodothings.Sometimeshe definitelyterritorytheydcoveredbeforethen. decidedwrong,buthedneverhadtrouble Youtwohavesomeofthefinestentrepreneurial deciding. instinctsIveeverencountered,shesaid.Perry Thatnight,Lesterrubbedherback,thewayhe snorted. alwaysdidwhenshecamebackfromtheroad, Whatsmore,Iveneverseenyouhappierthan usingthehandcreamshekeptonherendtable. youwerebackwhenIfirstmetyou,makingstuff Hishandshadoncebeensostrong,mechanics forthesheerjoyofitandsellingittocollectors. hands,stubbyfingeredpistonshecoulddrive Doyouknowhowmanycollectorswouldponyup tirelesslyintotheknotsinherback.Nowthey foranoriginalGibbons/Bankstoday?Youtwo smoothedandpetted,arub,notamassage.Every couldjustdothatforever

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/295 timeshecamehome,itwasgentler,somehow moreloving.Butshemissedhermassages. Sometimesshethoughtsheshouldtellhimnotto botheranymore,butshewasafraidofwhatit wouldmeantoendthisritualandhowmany moreritualswouldendinitswake. Itwasthebriefestbackrubyetandthenheslid underthecoverswithher.Sheheldhimforalong time,spooninghimfrombehind,herfaceinthe napeofhisneck,kissinghiscollarbonetheway heliked,andhemoanedsoftly. Iloveyou,Suzanne,hesaid. Whatbroughtthaton? Itsjustgoodtohaveyouhome,hesaid. Maybehesjustafraidofhimself.Hesbeenon therunforalongtime.Youhavetoaskyourself, whatsherunningfrom?Itseemstomethathes spenthiswholelifetryingtoavoidhavingtolook himselfintheeye. Lestersighedandshesqueezedhimtight.Howd wegetsoscrewedup? Oh,baby,shesaid,werenotscrewedup.Were justpeoplewhowanttodothings,bigthings.Any timeyouwanttomakeadifference,youfacethe possibilitythatyoull,youknow,makea difference.Itsaconsequenceofdoingthingswith consequences. Gak,hesaid.YoualwaysgetsoZenkoanwhen youreontheroad.

Youseemtohavebeentakingprettygoodcareof Givesmetimetoreflect.Wereyoureading? yourselfwhileIwasaway,gettinginsomePerry time. WasIreading?Suzanne,Ireadyourposts wheneverIfeellonely.Itskindoflikehavingyou ItookhimtoMussoandFrank,hesaid.Iate homewithme. likeapig. Andyoupaidtheprice,didntyou? Yeah.Fordays. Servesyouright.ThatPerryissuchabad influenceonmyboy. Illmisshim. Youthinkhellgo,then? Youknowhewill. Oh,honey. Somewoundsdontheal,hesaid.Iguess. Imsureitsnotthat,Suzannesaid.Heloves you.Ibetthisisthebestweekheshadinyears. Sowhywouldnthewanttostay?Lestersvoice cameoutinthepetulantnearsobshehadonly everheardwhenhewasinextremephysicalpain. Itwasavoicesheheardmoreandmoreoften lately. Youresweet. Didyoureallyeatsardinesonsorbettoast? Dontknockit.Itsbetterthanitsounds.Lots better. Youcankeepit. ListentoMrMussoandFrankboy,youvegot nobusinesscriticizinganyoneelsesfood choices. Heheavedahappysigh.Iloveyou,Suzanne Church. Youreagoodman,LesterBanks.

Perrymetthematthebreakfasttablethenext morningasSuzannewasfiddlingwiththe espressomachine,steamingsoymilkforherlatte. HeworeapairofLesterssloppydrawstringpants andatshirtforamotorcycleshopinKansasCity thatwasspottedwitholdmotoroilstains.

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/296 Bomdia,hesaid,andchuckedLesteronthe shoulder.Hewascarryinghimselfwithacertain stiffness,andSuzannethought,Hereitcomes; hesgoingtosaygoodbye.PerryGibbons,you bastard. Morning,Lestersaid,brittleandchipper. PerrydugaroundonSuzannesnonmedicated foodshelfforawhileandcameupwithabagel forthetoasterandajarofpeanutbutter.Noone saidanythingwhilehedugaroundforthebig breadknife,foundthecuttingboard,toastedthe bagel,spreadpeanutbutter,andtookabite. SuzanneandLesterjustcontinuedtoeat,in uncomfortablesilence.Tellhim,Suzanneurged silently.Getitoverwith,damnyou. Imin,Perrysaid,aroundamouthfulofbagel, lookingaway. Suzannesawthathehadpurplebagsunderhis eyes,likehehadntsleptawinkallnight. Imstaying.Ifyoullhaveme.Letsmakesome stuff. Heputthebageldownandswallowed.Helooked backatLesterandthetwooldcomradeslocked eyesforalongmoment. Lestersmiled.Allright!Hedancedashuffling step,mindfulofhissorehips.Allright,buddy, fuckinA!Yeah! cryingtoo.Shegavehimahug,andfelttheways thathisbodyhadchangedsinceshedheldhim backinFlorida,backinsomeforgottentime.He wasthicker,butstillsolid,andhesmelledthe same.Sheputherlipsclosetohisearand whispered,Youreagoodman,PerryGibbons. Lestergavehisnoticethatmorning.Thoughitwas 8PMinTehranwhenLestercalled,Sammywasat hisdesk. Whyareyoutellingmethis,Lester? ItsaysinmycontractthatIhavetogivemy noticetoyou,specifically. WhythehelldidIputthatthere?Sammys voicesoundedfarawaynotjustinIran.It soundedlikehehadtravelledthroughtime,too. Politics,Ithink,hesaid. Hardtoremember.Probablywantedtobesure thatsomeonelikeWienerwouldntconvinceyou toquit,switchcompanies,andhireyouagain. Notmuchriskofthatnow,Lestersaid.Lets faceit,Sammy,Idontactuallydoanythingforthe company. Nope.Thatsright.Werenotverygoodat makinguseofpeoplelikeyou.

Nope. Suzannetriedtofadethen,tobackoutoftheroom Well,emailmeyourpaperworkandIllshoveit andletthemdotheirthing,butLestercaughther around.Howmuchnoticeareyousupposedto armanddrewherintoanembrace,tuggingonher give? armwithastrengthshedforgottenhehad. Threemonths. Hegaveherahardkiss.Iloveyou,Suzanne Yowch.Whatever.Justpackupandgohome. Church,hesaid.Youremysavior. Gardeningleave. Perrymadeahappysoundbehindher. IthadbeentwoyearssinceLesterdhadany Iloveyou,too,Lester,shesaid,squeezinghis contactwithSammy,butitwasclearthatrunning skinny,brittleback. Iranianopshadmellowedhimout.Hardertoget intotroublewithwomenthere,anyway. LesterletgoofherandsheturnedtofacePerry. Tearsprickedhiseyes,andshefoundthatshewas

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/297 HowsIrantreatingyou? Calvinballgamethatstillcoveredthelivingroom floorandsteppedintoapairofslippers.Sheslid TheMiddleEastoperationissomethingelse, boy.Youdlikeithere.Thepostwartownsalllook openthebackdoorandhittheswitchforthe likeyoursquattercitythecraziestbuildingsyou yardsfloodlight.Thelastthingshewantedtodo eversaw.TheylovetheDiaBsthoughwegetthe wastripintothepool. mostfantasticdesignsthroughthefanchannels.... Shepickedherwaycarefullydowntheflagstones Hetrailedoff.Then,withanoteofsuspicion: thatledtotheworkshop,wherethelightsburned Whatareyougoingtodonow? merrilyinthenight.Therewasnomoontonight, Ah.Nosenseinfakingit.PerryandIaregoingto andthestarswerelaidoutlikeabagofsynthetic diamondsarrayedonapieceofblackvelourina gointobusinesstogether.Makingkinetic streetmarketstall. sculptures.Liketheolddays. Noway!PerryGibbons?Youtwoareback together?Christ,werealldoomed.Hewas laughing.Sculptureslikethattoastrobot?And hewantstogointobusiness?Ithoughthewas somekindofCommie. Lesterhadarushofremembrance,theemotional memoryofhowmuchhedhatedthismanand everythinghestoodfor.Whathadhappenedto himovertheyearsthathecountedthissneak,this thug,ashiscolleague?Whathadhesoldwhenhe soldout? PerryGibbons,Lestersaid,anddrewina breath.PerryGibbonsisthesharpest entrepreneurIveevermet.Hecanthelpbutmake businesses.Hesanartistwhoanticipatesthe marketayearaheadofthecurve.Hecouldbea richmanahundredtimesoverifhechose. Commie?Page,yourenotfittokeephisbooks. Shepeeredthroughthewindowbeforeshewent aroundtothedoor,thejournalistinherwantingto fixanimageofthemomentinhermindbeforeshe movedinanddisturbedit.Thatwastheproblem withbeingareportereverythingchangedthe instantyoustartedreportingonit.Bynow,there wasntapersonalivewhodidntknowwhatit meanstobeinthepresenceofareporter.Shewas arovingPanopticon. Thesceneinsidetheworkshopwaseerie.Perry andLesterstoodnexttoeachother,cheekbyjowl, hunchedoversomethingontheworkbench.Perry hadacomputeropeninfrontofhim,andhewas typing,Lesterholdingsomethingoutofsight.

Howmanytimeshadsheseenthistableau?How manyafternoonshadshespentintheworkshopin Florida,watchingthemhackarobot,builda sculpture,turnoutthelatesttoyforTjans amusement,Kettlewellsenrichment?Thepostures Thelinewentquiet,theeeriesilenceofanet wereidenticalthoughtheirbodieshadchanged, connectionwithnopacketsroutingonit. thehairthinnerandgrayer.Likesomeonehad Goodbye,Lester,Sammysaidatlength. frozenoneofthoseinnocentmomentsintimefor Lesterwantedtoapologize.Hewantednottowant adecade,thenretoucheditwithwizeningmakeup andhairdye. toapologize.Heswallowedtheapologyand disconnectedtheline. Shemusthavemadeanoise,becauseLester lookedupormaybeitwasjusttheuncanny, semipsychicbondbetweenanoldmarriedcouple. Whenitwastimeforbed,Suzanneshutherlid Hegrinnedatherlikehewastenyearsoldandshe andputthecomputerdownbesidethesofa.She grinnedbackandwentaroundtothedoor. steppedcarefullyaroundthepiecesofthe

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/298 Hello,boys,shesaid.Theystraightenedup,both ofthemunconsciouslycradlingtheirlowbacks, andshesuppressedagrin.Mylittleboys,all grownup. Lestersqueezedhershoulderwithuncontained excitement.

TheLesterbotlobbedonetoPerrybot,butPerry botflubbedthetoss.Theballmadearesounding Darling!Lestersaid.Comehere,havealook! gongsoundasitbouncedoffofPerrybots Heputhisarmoverhershouldersandwalkedher carapace,andPerrybotwobbled. tothebench,leaningonheralittle. Suzannewinced,butLesterandPerryboth dissolvedingalesoflaughter.Shewatchedthe Itwasinpieces,butshecouldseewhereitwas Perrybottrytogetitselfreoriented,aligningits going:apairoffamiliarboxyshapes,twoof torsotofaceLesterbotandshesawthatitwas Lestersmechanicalcomputers,theircolacan funny,veryfunny,likeaparticularlygreatcartoon. registersspillingawayinalongdaisychainof wormgearsandrotatingshafts.Onefigurewas bigandroundshoulderedlikeavintage refrigerator.Theotherwascockeyed,halfitsgears sethigherthantheotherhalf.Eachhadasingle, starkmechanicalarmextendedbeforeit,andatthe endofeacharmwasafamiliarcrackedand fragrantbaseballglove. LesterputaballintooneoftheglovesandPerry hammeredawayatthekeyboard.Very,very slowly,theslopeshoulderedrobotdrewits mechanicalarmbackWeusedoneoftheopen sourceprosthesticplans,Lesterwhisperedinthe tensemoment.Thenitlobbedasoftunderhand tosstothelopsidedone. Theballarcedthroughtheairandtheotherbot repositioneditsarminaseriesofclatteringjerks. ItseemedtoSuzannethattheballwouldmissthe gloveandbounceoffoftherobotscarapace,and shewinced.Then,attheverylastsecond,the robotrepositioneditsarmwithonemorefastjerk, andtheballfellintothepocket. Amomentlater,thelopsidedbotPerry,itwas Perry,thatwaseasytoseetossedtheballtothe roundshoulderedone,whowasclearlyherLester, asshedfirstknownhim.Lesterbotcaughtthe ballwithasimilarseriesofjerksandreturnedthe volley. Itwasmagictowatchtherobotsplaytheirgame ofcatch.Suzannewasmesmerized,mouthopen. Theydothatonpurpose? Notexactlybuttheresnowaytheyregoingto beperfect,sowebuiltinabunchofstuffthat wouldmakeitfunnierwhenithappened.Itisnow officiallyafeature,notabug.Perryglowedwith pride. Isntitbadforthemtogetbeanedwitha baseball?sheaskedasLestercarefullyhanded theballtoPerrybot,wholobbedittoLesterbot again. Well,yeah.Butitskindofanartisticstatement, Perrysaid,lookingawayfromthemboth.About thewaythatfriendshipsalwayswearyoudown, likeupperandlowermolarsgrindingawayateach other. Lestersqueezedheragain.Overtime,theyll knockeachotherapart. TearsprickedatSuzanneseyes.Sheblinkedthem away.Guys,thisisgreat.Hervoicecracked,but shedidntcare.Lestersqueezedhertighter. Cometobedsoon,hon,shesaidtoLester.Im goingawayagaintomorrowafternoonNew York,arestaurantopening. Illberightup,Lestersaid,andkissedthetopof herhead.Shedforgottenthathewasthattall.He didntstandallthewayup. Shewenttobed,butshecouldntsleep.She

DOCTOROW/MAKERS/299 crossedtothewindowanddrewbackthecurtain andlookedoutatthebackyardthescummy swimmingpoolshekeptforgettingtodo somethingabout,theheavygrapefruitandlemon trees,theshed.Perrystoodontheshedsstoop, lookingupatthenightsky.Shepulledthecurtains aroundherselfaninstantbeforehelookedupat her. Theireyesmetandhenoddedslowly. Thankyou,shemouthedsilently. Heblewherakiss,stuckoutafoot,andthen bowedslightlyoverhisoutstretchedleg. Sheletthecurtainfallbackintoplaceandwent backtobed.Lesterclimbedintobedwithhera fewminuteslaterandspoonedupagainstherback, hisfaceburiedinherneck. Shefellasleepalmostinstantly. makerswholetmeholdtheirskateboardswhile theyweldedthekillerrobots. Andthanks,ofcourse,toAliceandPoesy,who arethereasonforallofit.

Acknowledgements:
ThankstoAndrewLeonardandSalonfor publishingthiswhenitwasThemepunks. ThankstoPatrickNielsenHayden,IreneGallo, PabloDefendini,JustinGolenbock,LizGorinksy, TomDohertyandthemanywonderfulpeopleat Torfortheirgoodworkputtingthisbookintothe world. LikewisethankstoSarahHodgson,AliceMoss andVictoriaBarnsleyatHarperCollinsformaking thisbookhappenintheUK. Thankstomyagents,RussellGalen,DannyBaror andJustinManask. Thankstomymother,DrRoslynDoctorow,who remainsthesharpestprooferinthebusiness. ThankstomybusinesspartnersatBoingBoing, thestaffofMAKE:Magazine,andtoallthe