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

assumed that he was already part of Bertie's scheme for the
unlimited. Juan smiled weakly, and tried to seem knowing
and secretive.


11
 Fast Times at Fairmont High
by Vernor Vinge


Bertie stopped at the corner of the lawn, where the junior
high abutted the driveway and the elementary school. The
eighth graders carefully kept off the little kidsтАЩ territory; you
don't mess with fifth graders.
Along the driveway, cars were pulling up for students.
Down by the bikestand, others were departing on bikes and
unicycles. Everyone seemed to be laughing and talking and
planning.
At the corner of the lawn, Juan and Bertie were all alone
for a moment. In fact, it was Juan all alone. For an instant, he
considered turning off the consensus that made Bertie seem
so visibly here. Caray, why not turn it all off: There. The sun
was still bright and warm, the day still full of springtime.
Bertie was gone, but there was still the other kids, mainly
down by the bikestand. Of course, now the fancy towers of
Fairmont School were the ordinary wood buildings of the old
horse yard and the plascrete of the new school, all brown and
gray against the tans and greens of the hills around.
But he hadn't bothered to down the audio link, and out of
the thin air, there was Bertie's voice, finally acknowledging
Juan's existence. тАЬSo, have you decided who you're gonna
team with for the local project?тАЭ
The question shocked Juan into bringing back full imagery.
Bertie had turned back to face him, and was grinning with
good humorтАФa gaze that might have fooled anyone who
didn't really know him. тАЬLook, Bertie, I'm really sorry you
can't be on a local team out here. Mr. Alcalde is a mutha for
sticking you with the Andersen crowd. ButтАФтАЭ Inspiration
struck. тАЬYou could fly out here for the exam! See, you could
12
 Fast Times at Fairmont High
by Vernor Vinge


stay at my house. We'd whack that local exam dead!тАЭ
Suddenly a big problem was a great opportunity. If I can just
sell Ma on this.
But Bertie dismissed the idea with an offhand wave. тАЬHey,
don't worry about it. I can put up with those Andersen guys.
And in the meantime, I bet I can help you with the local