Southeastern Michigan is flat, almost concave; here was a world with a z-axis. - Robin Sloan

These days, the phone only carries bad news. It’s all “your student loan is past due” and “your uncle Chris is in the hospital.” If it’s anything fun or exciting, like an invitation to a party or a secret project in the works, it will come through the internet.

That's almost cute: Don't forget your ruler on your first day at cult! But where is 'down below'?

"It was tall, made of pale blue light, a creature with long arms and long legs and the shadow of a smile, and above it all, eyes that shone bluer still than its body. "What do you seek in this place?" the shade asked plainly."