text: > Go downward
  The house is even bigger than you initially thought; this level is not a basement. Standing at the foot of the stairs, the door leading to the basement proper is in front of you  [Footnote 2], while fully-fledged rooms lie in the other cardinal directions. Another, smaller room lies to the northwest.
  
  > Footnote 2
  [Footnote 2]
  That is, to the south.
  
  > open the door with the autokey
  You'll have to be more specific; which door do you want to unlock?
  
  > open door
  (with the autokey.)
  You'll have to be more specific; which door do you want to unlock?
  
  > Go south
  You make it part of the way down the steps, but encounter an impenetrable blockade of toppled boxes, probably brought down by the shaking you felt earlier. Disheartened, you turn back.
  
  > go to the northwest
  That door is locked.
  
  > Yes
  Okay [Footnote 3].
  
  You manage to unlock the door with the autokey.
  
  This room looks as if it hasn't seen use any time in the recent past. It is sparsely furnished, containing little more than a dresser, bed, and nightstand. The only exit is southeast.
  
  Some luggage has been tucked away by the door.
  
  On the nightstand is a memo pad.
  
  > look at the memo
  A blank pad of paper. There is a visible tear where the top sheet was torn off.
  
  > Scan pad
  The scanner enhances some vague indentations on the pad and reveals a message:
  
  thnx for last night. wont say more here.
  got your note @ rustys. left note 4 u
  in hall. cant find my book so used codeword. talk later. IEU
  
  [The document "Memo" has been added to your DataStore.]
  
  > Open luggage
  You look through the luggage. You find several changes of clothes and a slightly larger selection of female undergarments, as well as other sundries and personal hygiene products. Deciding that nothing of historical interest is there, you re-close the bags.
  
  > SCAN
  As if mocking you, the scanner contradicts your hypothesis by indicating numerous small traces that the room has been occupied; signs of recent dusting, uneven settling of the bedsprings, and evidence that the notepad on the nightstand was recently moved.
  
  > look under the bed
  You find nothing of interest.
  Something blocks the light for a second, and you turn to look. Nothing. Hm. This place is starting to get to you.
  
  > open the dresser
  (the dresser drawers)
  You open the dresser drawers.
  
  > look in the dresser
  (the dresser)
  There is nothing on the dresser.
  
  > go east
  As an architectural feature, the den declined in popularity during this part of the century, but this house seems to have one nonetheless. From your historical research, you know that a den is a sort of cross between a study and a family room. This room shows signs of wear; stains and worn patches of carpet suggest heavy use. Behind one recliner, the woodgrain paneling of the wall is scratched and scored from frequent collisions. One wall is covered in bookshelves. A well-stocked wet bar adorns a second. Couches and armchairs form a conversation area in the middle of the room. The western wall is open, leading back to the stairway.
  
  On the bar are four glasses (empty) and some bottles.
  
  A video game system sits before the video screen.
  
  You can also see a video screen and a video disc player (empty) here.
  
  > Examine bar
  This is an area of the room used for mixing drinks and storing alcoholic beverages. At one time, it had a water hook-up, but this has been disconnected.
  
  > go west
  That door is locked.
  
  You manage to unlock the door with the autokey.
  
  The small office is furnished much as you'd expect for an office of this period. There is a bookshelf along one wall, furnished more with office supplies than with books. The only exit is east.
  
  You can see a computer here.
  
  > Interface computer
  Attempting to interface...
  Interface established.
  Examining device...
  Selecting protocol...
  Compatible protocol found.
  Device: Personal Computer. Manufacturer: Lewellen Personal Machines.
  
  Searching for relevant data...
  
  Press the number of your selection, 1-2, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Two relevant documents found:
  1     Account Worksheet
  2     Electronic Mailbox
  
  > 1
  Mortgage            3078.42
  Gas
  James              432.20
  Katia              150.78
  Julia & Jim        107.66
  Utilities           1210.59
  Food                1590.67
  Allowance-Julia      400.00
  Allowance-Jim        250.00
  PVR repair           130.00
  Internet             100.00
  Mobile Phones        660.00
  Phone                500.00
  Car repair          4300.00
  Doctor               800.00
  James - other       3000.00
  Other               1069.93
  
  [The document "Account Sheet" has been added to your DataStore.]
  
  Press the number of your selection, 1-2, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Two relevant documents found:
  1     Account Worksheet
  2     Electronic Mailbox
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 2 Arcotech       Re: Shelter performance
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Mr. Wallace,
  
  In response to your inquiry, Arcotech shelters are designed to withstand most conventional attacks and fallout resulting from nuclear attacks. However, no consumer shelter can provide total protection. In the unlikely event that a nuclear strike occurs sufficiently close that your shelter would be within the cratered area, our level of protection would fail. Please keep in mind, however, that the chances of a nuclear strike close to your home are miniscule.
  
  We hope that your concerns have been addressed in a timely and useful manner. Please contact us if you have further concerns.
  
  Arcotech, Inc.
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 3 Litefoot, inc  Klien account
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  James,
  
  Good work on the Klien account. We'll be closing in a few weeks. Frieda wants you look over the notes for the Monaco deal, but there's no rush.
  
  There's a little buzz about a possible government contract. Think LT-739 will be ready in two weeks?
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 4 Support Dept   Ticket 201893456
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear Customer,
  
  This is an automated message to inform you that your PR-1029 Personal Video Recorder has been received by our returns department. Since your digital recorder is still under warranty, a repaired unit will be sent to your home free of charge within the next three business days.
  
  Thank you.
  
  This is an AUTOMATED RESPONSE. Please DO NOT respond to this message.
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 5 Rick738        You gotta see this! 51934
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Hey Freddie,
  
  I found a site last night that you've GOTTA see! They have the HOTTEST young girls anywhere on the net! I know how much you like this stuff, so check it out!
  
  [LINK]
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 6 Optitron BioTe Support: Incident ticket 31821
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear customer,
  
  The following technical support information is being sent in response to your message entitled: "Eye recharge fails", dated 5/11. If you believe this message has been sent in error, please contact abuse@optitron-biotechnics.usa
  
  Dear Mr. Wallace,
  Though recharge failures are rare, they do occur. Please be sure to clean the optic unit and charger receptacle thoroughly, as directed by your user manual. We find that over 90% of recharging difficulties are due to dirty contacts or charger misuse. If the problem persists, it may point to battery exhaustion. Though Optitron LZ-model storage units generally last at least 10 years, excessive wear and environmental conditions can shorten their lifetimes. Since your unit is over six years old, there is a small service charge for replacing the power unit. This charge covers installation of a new power cell, unit cleaning, and re-alignment.
  
  Please consider upgrading your prosthesis to the new LZ100-model, which adds the following enhancements:
  *Compatible with M-VIDEO 7 image capture devices
  *Improved resolution and focus
  *New long-life power cell, capable of storing power for 72 hours of
  use
  *High-speed recharge: battery can be charged to capacity in under 2 hours
  *Power-saving mode: engages when eyes are closed to conserve power *In-place recharger: the prosthesis can be charged without removal *Increased comfort and durability
  *New life-like cosmetic lens: prosthesis is undetectable under casual examination
  
  We hope this information has been useful in solving your problem. Please cite this incident number (31821) your response if you wish to update your support issue.
  
  Sincerely,
  Camphor Tryst
  Support Department, Optitron BioTech
  
  > go to the north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 7 ezcash019      MAKE MONEY FAST!!
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Hi friend,
  
  Do you like money? Sure -- we all do! Do you want a way to get more of it without working? Then read on, friend!
  A year ago, I was flat broke, but then I found out about this TESTED, PROVEN system, and now I've got more money than you can shake a monkey at!
  
  This is completely SAFE and LEGAL! You will be ritcher than God!
  
  Just go to this web address to find out how you can have the money start rolling in!
  
  [LINK]
  
  Why are you waiting? Start making money now!
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 8 Cameron White  Fwd: Your American Duty
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Can you believe this shit?
  >In these times of trial, every American Citizen must do his part
  >to ensure a safe and prosperous future for your country. If the >enemies of freedom are to be defeated, we must be able to meet
  >their vile atrocities with whatever force necessary.
  >Many traitors and cowards have tried to claim that this war is >unnecessary, and have avoided their patriotic duty by claiming >cowardly "conscientious objector" status.
  >If the US is to arise victorious from this war, such cowards and >traitors must be stopped. Every man in this country has a patriotic >duty to serve in the armed forces during this conflict. DON'T WAIT
  >to be drafted. ENLIST TODAY
  >For the army we fight is a dangerous foe, with armies to spare.
  >Back at home, the brave women of the united states have a duty to >their country as well. Arms and equipment manufacturers all over
  >the country are hiring laborers to ensure that our boys abroad have >what they need to win this conflict.
  >But the women of this country have yet a more important duty to our >future. As wives and mothers they must help raise our youth to >understand the importance of the war we fight, and to help rebuild >our population in hope of the day when freedom again reigns
  >supreme.
  >The militant lesbian conspiracy has attempted GENOCIDE by fooling
  >the female population into shirking their duty to produce a new >generation of Americans to carry on the fight. It is the duty of >EVERY woman, regardless of age, income, or sexual "preference" to >contribute their genetic material to future generations by bearing
  >as many children as they are physically capable. Birth rates in the >US have been steadily declining for almost a century, and our enemies >KNOW IT! They want to watch us die out!
  >Selfish traitors claim that we are trying to "oppress" womankind by >"enslaving" them to their biology. These traitors ignore the fact that >they play the most important role in our future. Before shipping out to
  >defend our great nation, every man should make arrangements to ensure >that his DNA is preserved in future generations by impregnating his >spouse or lover, and by making regular contributions to sperm banks. >The future of our country is in your hands. Put aside your selfishness >and do what's right!
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (office)---
  Page: 9 Arcotech       Re: Shelter capacity
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Mr. Wallace, Thank you for your concern. According to our records, your ArcoTech shelter is designed to provide living facilities for four persons for thirty years. Because we realize that unforeseen circumstances might increase the number of persons occupying the shelter (births, inability to turn away unprepared neighbors), all our shelters provide some leeway. In the situation described, the addition of another person might decrease shelter comfort and efficiency, but should not seriously endanger you or your family. If it becomes necessary to occupy your shelter, you should implement stricter rationing than normal to ensure that supplies are not over-taxed. Because air and water availability are your most pressing concerns, we recommend you install the Arcotech Supplementary Life Support System, which will reduce the load on the main system to increase shelter comfort if it is made to provide for more occupants.
  
  We hope that your concerns have been addressed in a timely and useful manner. Please contact us if you have further concerns.
  
  Arcotech, Inc.
  
  > Research lt-739
  No relevant entry found.
  
  > Research arcotech
  Arcotech (Arcotech Home Survival Technologies)
  Manufacturer of blast and survival shelters for private homes during the twenty-first century. The company made enormous profits during the years leading up to the intercontinental war at the middle of the century as interest in survival shelters grew to a height unprecedented since the "Cold War" of the third quarter of the twentieth century. Although their products were generally considered the highest quality available during their time, the shelters were not capable of withstanding the more powerful nuclear and quantum weapons used during the war, and the company eventually declared bankruptcy. Their product lines were eventually bought by Amalgamated Industries, inc.
  
  No shelters built during this period are currently known to exist.
  
  Source: Seventy Days: The Rise and Fall of the Global Megacorps
  
  SEE ALSO: Amalgamated Industries
  
  > Research amalgamated
  Manufacturing megacorporation of the North American Continent. Following the trans-continental war of the twenty-first century, Amalgamated Industries bought over 90% of the manufacturing companies in the western hemisphere. It was one of the companies involved in the events of the Seventy Days, and collapsed soon afterward.
  
  Source: Seventy Days: The Rise and Fall of the Global Megacorps
  
  SEE ALSO: Historical Period: The Seventy Days
  
  > Research seventy
  Historical Period: The Seventy Days
  Term used to describe the period from September to November of the old-calendar year 2102. Reconstruction after the wars of the previous century left most of the world in the debt of seventeen megacorporations. On September 12, 2102 (old date), the megacorporations foreclosed on the collective nations of the world, and assumed legal control of the planet. They were met with little resistance from world populations, who had grown dissatisfied with the national governments. Though their leadership was able to provide rapid improvement of living conditions for many inhabitants, the task of managing an entire planet proved too much for the megacorporations, who soon discovered that the world as a whole could not be run profitably. After several administrative fiascoes, the most notable of which involved the firing and eviction from Earth of the entire population of Canada, the corporate consortium itself declared bankruptcy exactly 70 days after its inception, thrusting the world into anarchy.
  
  The United Earth Directorate quickly arose to fill the infrastructure created by the consortium, becoming the first true one-world government.
  
  Source: Seventy Days: The Rise and Fall of the Global Megacorps
  
  > Examine books
  Nothing of note; a few books on computer operation and general chemistry references.
  
  > STATUS
  StreamDive Console: Standard Research Version
  Status: Operational
  Temporal Capacitor charge: 84%
  Manifest:
  interface chip
  scan chip
  library chip
  DataStore chip
  dive chip
  Temporal shield is inactive
  
  > Go northwest
  This room looks as if it hasn't seen use any time in the recent past. It is sparsely furnished, containing little more than a dresser, bed, and nightstand. The only exit is southeast.
  
  Some luggage has been tucked away by the door.
  
  On the nightstand is a memo pad.
  
  > Go north
  You get the impression that this bathroom has become a waystation for things that we