"If you think that's an offputting example of the requirements of your work, you got to remember that half my job is gravedigging and cleaning up after monster attacks. Real bloody work. Real fragrant, too." Dan laughs. "I don't understand the details, but it is nice to just be able to remove the tech when it's not in your service."

The idea of spinnerets growing in reminds Dan of the Rig's shock collars, and he scratches the scar on the back of his neck out of memory for how it felt, how he never felt like he was unaware of its presence.

"You patent all that? Are patents still a thing in Nueva York?"