Vinge, Vernor - Rainbows End.pdf - Masterbatingphysics.com

The saurian shrugged and there was the sound of ginkgoes creaking against its
shoulders. "My guess is I'm way, way down. That's how it is with most affiliances. But I can
pay real money for each answer I pipe upwards." The creature named a number; it was
enough to ride the freefall every day for a year. A payoff certificate floated in the air between
them, showing the named amount and a bonus schedule. Juan had played his share of fin-
ance games. "I get twice that or no deal." Then he noticed the subrights section. The numbers
were not visible. That could be because anyone he recruited would get a lot more.
"Done!" said the Lizard, before Juan could correct his bid upward. And Juan was sure it
was smiling! "... Okay, what do you want?" And what makes you think a dwit like me can sup-
ply it ? "You're at Fairmont High, aren't you?" "You already know that."
"It's a strange place, isn't it?" When Juan did not reply, the critter said. "Trust me, it is
strange. Most schools, even charter schools, don't schedule Adult Education students in with
the children." "Yeah, the vocational track. The old farts don't like it. We don't like it."
"Well, the task from my upstream affiliate is to snoop around, mainly among these old
guys. Make friends with them."
Yecco. But Juan glanced at the payoff certificate again. It tested valid. The payoff adjudic-
ation was more complicated than he wanted to read, but it was backed by Bank of America.
"Who in particular?" "Ah, that's the problem. Whoever is at the top of my affiliance is coy.
We're just collecting information. Basically, some of these senior citizens used to be big
shots."
"If they were so big, how come they're in our classes now?" It was just the question the
kids asked at school.
"Lots of reasons, Juan. Some of them are just lonely. Some of them are up to their ears in
debt, and have to figure how to make a living in the current economy. Some of them aren't
good for much but a healthy body and lots of old memories. They can be very bitter."
"Unh, how do I make friends with people like that?"
"If you want the money, you figure out a way. Anyway, here are the search criteria." The
Big Lizard shipped him a document. He browsed through the top layer.
"This covers a lot of ground." Retired San Diego politicians, bioscientists, parents of per-
sons currently in such job categories...