Plot hole?

[Paul]

I believe it's mentioned a few times in the book that although the experience of Chew-Z can last for centuries in the mind of the user, in the real world this experience will only last a minute or two. If so, how is this enough time for Leo Bulero to decide Barnie Mayerson hasn't followed the plan, and then fly to Mars to meet him as he wakes up?

[Jeni]

It's been a while since I read this, but (and correct me if I'm wrong) if the drug makes you feel like centuries have passed in the space of a few minutes, how is that not enough time to analyze a situation and make a decision?

[Paul]

Because Leo Bulero is making the decision, and he's not under the drug. But then this is PKD, so for all I know everyone's hallucinating for the entire duration of the book. Actually it's making my head hurt trying to think about it now.

[Jeni]

I'll have to read it again, then! I love PKD, so that won't be a trial. :) Sorry I wasn't more helpful.

[Kaninkolo]

E-therapy maybe..? The advanced brainfuction may be the cause to assess the situation faster and I recall that Bulero was held hostage for a while before drugged, so there is always that time. But as you mentioned, PKD is a master of mindfuck, and Chew-Z has some interesting effects (the "ghosts", or maybe that was a hallucination too) on it's own, so this might all be an layered hallucination. Great book none the less!