The View From Lower Down

  This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . You both exit the lift. "ENTER!" You both step forward. A large Underground logo emblazons the floor "I'M GLAD BOTH OF YOU ARE HERE. NOW, WHO WANTS TO GO FIRST?" You and the stranger look at each other. "You can go first if you want; I'm in no hurry," he says, "Thanks. I hope it goes well for you." "No, you can go first. I need to psych myself up before I speak to him first."

This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . It's a long lift journey, but nevertheless, you decide that it would be best if you stood in silence. Fortunately, the stranger seems to agree; so he doesn't initiate conversation either. Eventually, the lift stops. You both get out.

  This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . "So, are you here on business?" you ask politely. "In a manner of speaking, yes." replies the stranger. He's obviously not comfortable talking about it, so you decide not to push the matter. However, he initiates conversation. "So do you work for them? The Movement?" "I used to. I got out several years ago because it was getting too intense." Of course, it was more complicated than that; but you don't want to open that can of worms.  "So why are you here now?" "I've got something I need sorting. I still have an in with Macavity because we worked together for so long." "So what did you-" Fortunately, the lift stops. You both get out.

This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . You call your old boss. "I need a word about something I need doing." "OK. 10:00, usual place. There's going to be another client there; check him with the usual password and let him in." CLICK He never was one for pleasantries.  You go to your old workplace at the appropriate time. Nothing's changed, but that doesn't surprise you.  TheFrog001, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons You go to the entrance, which looks to any passer-by to just be a normal lift. A man is standing there looking confused. You realise that he must be the other client, so you test him. "Did the 3:15 arrive on time?" "It did, but my luggage was unattended." You've never understood the nonsensical phrases employed by the Underground. "You must be Macavity's client. Follow me." The stranger follows you into the lift, and you start typing out the complex sequence of button pre

This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here .   "I'll go and talk to my old boss, maybe he'll be able to help." "Is that really in his wheelhouse?" "Everything's in his wheelhouse dear, but I'm sure he can work something out even if it isn't." "OK. I have to get back to work anyway." Go to visit your Boss

This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here .   "I'll help you set up an online dating profile," you suggest. "Mum, no one does online dating any more; you can't just meet someone on Tinder like you and Dad did. Do you have any other ideas?" " I'll go and talk to my old boss, maybe he'll be able to help. "

  This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . "Boy, if you think that's exciting you're never going to get a girlfriend." you say.  "Will you stop going on about this? I don’t need a girlfriend!" replies Chris. "You're in your late 20's; you need to meet someone and move out so you can move on with your life." "So what do you suggest I do?" he asks. " I'll help you set up an online dating profile. " " I'll go and talk to my old boss, maybe he'll be able to help. "

  This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here .   "Why's it exciting?" you ask. "Well, mainly because of the mystery. We don't know what it does, so it might revolutionise technology as we know it. Isn't it interesting?" You're constantly confused by your son's definition of the word interesting. "But won't not knowing what it does make it rather difficult to repair it?" you ask. "Ah, now that's the other exciting part; we found the patent, and it was never properly filed." His definition of the word exciting seems a little ambiguous as well, but you keep listening anyway. "We found the remains of the guy who created it and we're bringing him back to life to explain what it's used for." This sounds scientifically impossible, but you let it slide. "So once we've found out what it does, we'll be able to rebuild it! Isn't it exciting?" " Boy, i

  This is part of an interactive adventure. To return to the start,  click here . It's 2085. You're Deirdre Lipton, a retired hitwoman from the London Mafia. Your son Chris has just arrived home from work. It's something to do with science at the university, but you're not sure exactly what. "Hi Mum! I'm home!" says Chris. You offer him a cup of tea. "Oh, yes please." When you come back with the tea, you notice that Chris looks more animated than usual. "How was your day?" you ask. "Great actually, we found this old machine in the wall;  we’re going to try to rebuild it. Isn't it exciting?" It doesn't sound particularly exciting. What do you say? " Why's it exciting? " " Boy, if you think that's exciting you're never going to get a girlfriend. "