"Vernor Vinge - Fast Times at Fairmont High" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vinge Vernor)

to fool us with implants or drugs.тАЭ
8
 Fast Times at Fairmont High
by Vernor Vinge


No one raised a question about this, but Juan could see the
flicker of communications lasers glinting off dust in the air,
muttered conversation and private imagery being exchanged.
The Alcalde ignored it all. тАЬLet me describe the second of the
concurrent exams, and then you'll be free to go. We call this
exam a тАШlocalтАЩ project: You may use your own computing
resources and even a local network. However, your team
members must work physically together. Remote presence is
not allowed. External supportтАФcontact with the global netтАФis
not permitted.тАЭ
тАЬDamn,тАЭ said Bertie, totally dipped. тАЬOf all the artificial,
unworkable, idioticтАФтАЭ
тАЬSo we can't collaborate, Bertie.тАЭ
тАЬWe'll see about that!тАЭ Bertie bounced to his feet and
waved for recognition.
тАЬAh, Mr. Todd?тАЭ
тАЬYes, sir.тАЭ Bertie's public voice was meek and agreeable.
тАЬAs you know, I'm a commuter student. I have lots of friends
here, people I know as well as anyone. But of course, almost
none of that is face to face since I live in Chicago. How can
we handle my situation? I'd really hate to be excused from
this important part of the finals just because I lack a physical
presence here in San Diego. I'd be happy to accept a limited
link, and do my best even with that handicap.тАЭ
Mr. Alcalde nodded. тАЬThere will be no need, Mr. Todd. You
are at a disadvantage, and we'll take that into account. We've
negotiated a collaboration with the Andersen Academy at
Saint Charles. They will тАЬтАФ


9
 Fast Times at Fairmont High
by Vernor Vinge


Andersen Academy at Saint Charles? Oh, in Illinois, a short
automobile drive for Bertie. The Andersen people had long
experience with team projects ... back into prehistory in fact,
the twentieth century. In principle they were far superior to
Fairmont, but their academy was really more like a senior
high school. Their students were seventeen, eighteen years
old. Poor Bertie.
Juan picked up the thread of Mr. Alcalde's speech:тАФ"They
will be happy to accomodate you.тАЭ Glimmer of a smile. тАЬIn