Tales From The Basement

You're not really sure of how much help you're going to get from Ben given that he's probably just as reclusive as you, probably more so.

You head to the backyard to look for him, but he's nowhere to be found. You do see his girlfriend Moon Shadow meditating in the garden though. For being a filthy hippy she's very pretty. In some ways you can see why Ben gave up his potentially lucrative job in the government for her. Though you don't think Moon Shadow had it in mind that he'd become a paranoid survivalist nut that indulged in every conspiracy theory known under the sun.

You ask her where he is.

"Hey Moon Shadow, sorry to bother you, but do you know where Ben is?"

Moon Shadow stops her meditation to address you.

"No worries Suzy. I am just happy to see you! You spend far too much time inside that dark basement hiding out from the world much like Ben does in his bunker. The both of you should embrace all the beauty it has to offer!"
"Uh, sure. So do you know where Ben is?"
"Sadly no. I haven't seen him for a couple days, but I'm sure he'll return to me soon. He always has!"
"A couple days? Where did he go?"
"Oh he's working on his underground bunker as always. He really gets caught up in it; though I try to tell him that it's completely unnecessary, but I understand his intentions to protect all of us are good. It is my hope that he will someday come to his senses and we will leave this place. The aura and karma here areÂ…well very fucked up."

Never having been in Ben's bunker you ask where it is.

"Dunno, he hides it really well and keeps switching the entrance. In fact I haven't ever been inside it; I've always slept up here beneath the majestic stars."
"Hmm, I think I've seen you and Tommy on the couch in the living room a few times."
"Well Tommy gets cold sometimes and he wants his mommy with him, would you have me deny that right?"
"I suppose not. So where's Tommy then?"
"He's been spending time with his father, so he's also down in the bunker. It's good for them to bond and it allows me to get back in touch with the cosmos."

At this point you're getting exasperated.

"How the hell can Ben move the damn entrance around and hide it so well in just this backyard?" you ask.
"I'm afraid I do not know the answer to your questions. You will have to ask him yourself. All I can tell you that if you truly wish to find him, you will do so, but I am wondering if you should not stay here and meditate with me so that you may calm yourself and perhaps find another path."