"That's a good attitude to have," Nick says, his own gaze following the alien's upwards. He's been underground a number of times on cases, but never in a place the size of Hadriel. Even the Vaults weren't entire cities; however, they were often just as cruel in their own way.

"Giant bats came in with me. The folks running this joint claim they have no control over what goes in and out of the city when we're pulled here. Don't know if that's true or not, but I wouldn't put it past them bring those monsters in on purpose. The 'gods' have a use for us, after all."

He doesn't sound happy about that last bit, contempt cutting an undercurrent in his voice. No one liked being used -- certainly not an individual who was more machine than man, who was used to being treated like a thing.