THE NEXT AFTERNOON, Jason found Cyril at his desk pecking away at his keyboard. As expected, Cyril was reluctant to join him in the game and was convinced only when Jason said again that he intended to stage a demonstration at the next partners' meeting.
He sat Cyril on the couch, explained the basic portal commands, and placed the helmet on Cyril's head. Jason then rushed back to the helmet in his own office and joined Cyril in the entry room of the game. Cyril's avatar had dutifully remained seated with eyes closed.
"You can open your eyes now, Cyril."
Cyril did and teetered back against his chair.
"Give it a second," Jason said. "You'll get oriented. Try standing up."
Cyril pushed himself up, lurched to one side, then shuffled forward. "For Christ's sake, Jason. This is someone els
