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specialize in neuroeconomics and I intend to do original research on how and why investors in the stock market appear to act irrationally and not in their best economic interests. I believe that, at times, they don’t make rational decisions and that those decisions are influenced by Wall Street propaganda, to their determent. I’m conducting experiments in my laboratory here on campus with rats, birds, rabbits, primates, and other mammals to determine how they handle risk and why.  I’d like to invite all of you to my research laboratory. I’ve got a couple of horses there that always need some exercise that you’re welcome to ride any time.” 
         Snookie looked at Ike, puzzled at what possible good it would be for an economist to study birds and rabbits.
         “I’m sure we’ll all take you up on your offer, Mr. Pendleton.  I, for one, am fascinated with what rats and horses may have to do with the economy.  Mr. Brammon, how about you?”
         Bob Brammon specialized in quantitative analysis and was working on a high-speed computer trading project. 
         “I’m doing my thesis on trading systems using super high-speed computers to maximize profits from minute price anomalies. Although these systems are legal, the problem is that the technology that’s being developed is at the expense of those on the other side of the transaction – namely, the retail customer.”
        “How about you, Ms. Baxter?”
         “Well, I’m thinking of doing my thesis on risk and return, specifically on how investors evaluate risk and measure return. At present, I haven’t decided on the scope of my studies or the specific topics that I’ll cover and how much original research will be required.”
         Carlos whispered to Ike, “See, I told you.  All work and no play.”
         Harry now realized that when Snookie spoke, her words were effortlessly chosen and arranged in such an order that the tone and atmosphere created an effect she wanted to have on this group of young men, who were now at the height of their sexual hormone activity.
         It’ll be a while before they’ll learn of her awesome intellectual power, the range of her skills, her dedication to each task and her vicious competitive spirit.
        “Mr. Thompson, would you please share with the class your reason for being here?”
         Larry Thompson was the son of a successful steel company executive.
         “For my PhD thesis, I’ll be focusing on a portion of the field of economics and compiling facts for investors that I intend publish annually. It will show investors how to use the data, as well.”
        “Let me know if you need some help,” Snookie said matter-of-factly.  Larry smiled nervously. 
         “Alright,” said Harry.  “Now that we know each other, I want you to know that you’ve all been personally selected for this special workshop by me, because you each have a particular special talent that we are going to need to accomplish our goal.”
         “What’s the goal?” asked Carlos.
         “I’m glad you asked,” said Harry.  "You – all of you – and I … we’re going to save the world.”

 
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
    THE LONGEST RIDE
     
     
     
    Carlos picked up his iPhone, but he had no signal.  It looked like his Wi-Fi was still working, so he sent a “WhatsApp” text to Bob.
         Dude, are you safe?
         Carlos could see that the message had been received right away.  Bob texted back: Barely.  Almost got caught in a bank war.
         You still downtown?
         Yes.
         Meet me outside your office in an hour.  We’ve got to get to the airport.
         Carlos finished packing.  He packed as if he didn’t know whether or not he would ever come back to his apartment.  His carry-on bag contained his laptop, a stash of dollars and euros, gold coins, his passport, and a folder with important papers.  Once the packing