A man’s recollection of installing fibre optics over two decades ago. The age of plaster, wood and wiring. A turning point,  where the upgrade becomes the down turn in the visceral experience. A paradox of immersion and enhancement against desensitisation. From tools of education to technology deployed to minimise the extinction of a foe. UAVs and the (lingering) dilemma of the ‘office operator’ having to delete and then dwell on the aftermath of their (remote) actions. From ennui to emotional impact in extreme. Another Faustian pact.