Just Say No

"For generations," Urquhart began with strained patience, "philosophers, poets, mystics, and your odd physicist have dreamed about alternatives to linear and determinate ontologies."

"Bah," Weinburger said.

"You don't really exist, sir," Urquhart told him, whereupon Weinburger vanished with a satisfying —pop— like the sound of a defective lightbulb. Urquhart carried on.

"With the creation of interactive electronics and virtual environments, all that hyper-cyber-what-you-will, we stand at last on the threshold of true Alternative Realities."

"Drugs," someone down at the end of the table muttered, but clammed up when Urquhart shot him a lightly menacing glance.