It felt different, being away from the city, from the masses of mortals, away from life. Down here, there was only concrete, stainless steel, heavy unbreakable glass.
SL-27 was built to contain, to hide, to keep everything that was undesirable away from the rest of the world. The mortals who were stationed here were hand-picked by National Security and every single one of them would keep every single one of the secrets that were created down here safe. Forever.
It was too bad they had to be replaced so regularly. No matter how gently the New God treated them; even the sturdiest mind couldn't withstand his careful ministrations for too long.
Cool dispassionate blue eyes had been watching the slowly decomposing Horseman in her cell, watching and waiting for a special moment. At least, she wasn't going to get bloody goo all over his boots again.
And then her smile faltered.
And then the wailing started.
A thin smile touched National Security's lips.
Stepping into the cell, he circled the writhing and cursing Horseman. Slowly, deliberately, crushing a few teeth under his foot. Almost nonchalantly he pulled the leather strap from his back pocket and slapped War across the mouth with it before he looped it around her neck and, pulling it tight, dragged her up, onto her knees.
"What's wrong? Don't feel like smiling for me anymore? Smile for your horse, at least, hm?"