The FredEx driver rang the bell of _Bob's Back Country Machine Shop._ He anxiously tapped his foot as he waited for someone, anyone, to respond - he'd even give the crate to the janitor. Though he doubted such a fine establishment had a janitor. He was sure he heard noises, scrabbling and mewling, occasionally emanating from inside. The door swung open and the young man caught himself blinking at the individual who answered it. Ragged beard, once white lab coat stained a multitude of disgusting colors, and thick glasses, he looked like the poster boy for mad-scientists monthly, not Bob the backwoods machinist.

It was an hour before lunch and the quaint bar was empty. The bartender, busy taking inventory of the liquor, only dimly recognized the sound of the bells over the door that announced someone had entered. He turned to watch a dark haired man in an impressive suit, one that really didn't fit into his bar, trudge towards him and slump onto the closest stool.

"I'm sorry, sir, we really don't open for another hour."

The man frowned and loosened the tie around his neck. His face began to change immediately - he grew older, white streaks appeared in his hair until there was no black left, and a short white beard grew out in seconds. When the bartender met the man's now vibrant sky-blue eyes he took a step back. "Just pour me a drink, Dionysus - something strong."

The 'tender smirked, but he reached for a bottle and slapped down two shot glasses on the bar. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen, Zeus."

The stray mongrel looked up from his prize trashcan towards the shadowy depths of the alley. It laid its ears back and let out a rumbling bass growl. Red-orange eyes flashed in the darkness. The dog slowly backed away before it turned tail and fled outright towards the light and activity of the street.

Hanging off a ladder, penlight held in his mouth, Nick plugged in the fiber optic lines as fast as he could. With each click, a satisfying green light winked to life next to the cable. Suddenly, his whole world lurched sharply. The young man instinctively grabbed for the ladder with his free hand, dropping the cables in the process.

"Faster, Nick!" Remy shouted over the com.

"Your nah helhing!" he yelled back around the penlight.

Yuri shouldered his way into the tent. "M'lord," the archer said by way of greeting. The young noble looked up from the map and into dark eyes of his sergeant.

"No matter how long I look, it never changes."

The weathered archer shrugged. "Then stop looking. We cannot stop the horde any more than we can move mountains, but we will make them pay in blood and flesh before they clear the pass."

Nikolai's eyes grew wide. "Move mountains..." he muttered and turned back tot he map.

The young man took off his shirt and turned to show his back and the...thing to the doctor. "I'm really worried, and it sorta hurts - what is it, doc?"

"Whoa, weird!" Nick whimpered and shook his head as the other leaned in for a closer look.

"Let's see it," Nick said.

Gwen sighed. "Is that really necessary? I mean you can see the readings just like everyone else."

"So I'm old fashioned." Nick replied and shrugged. "Every sensor and spectrum can tell me its out there, but there's only one spectrum I care about. Humor me, light the old hulk up." The _Alexa's_ floodlights switched on, just three more pinpoints of light lost amidst the stars.

Gwen let out a low whistle as a smile spread across Nick's lips. "Now, wasn't that worth it?"