Count Zero (Sprawl, #2)

by William Gibson

what’s the matrix? If she’s a deck, and Danbala’s a program, what’s cyberspace?” “The world,” Lucas said.

“Remember what I told you,” Lucas said, his eyes narrowed against the grit. “The man is far more than he seems. Even if he were nothing more than what he seems, you would owe him a degree of respect. If you want to be a cowboy, you’re about to meet a landmark in the trade.”