"I could do a lot if I had the right equipment," Tony says dryly. "Decent equipment is pretty hard to come by around here. The level of tech is definitely not what we're used to." It's practically medieval here, Howard. It's such a struggle.

"Yeah, it's where a lot of the foreigners are staying. There's an entrance in every sector of the city. I can take you there and get you a room. Anton's a good guy." But good luck getting anything out of him. It's not that Anton isn't trying to be helpful - Tony just doesn't think he has the information that Tony wants to know. If only one of those magic-scientists that China had mentioned would show up...!

But bringing up the Hotel reminds Tony that if he's going to take Howard into the city... he's going to have to tell him about Gene. It would not be good if they ran into each other unexpectedly. God— he's going to have to warn Gene, too. That's not a conversation he's looking forward to.

"Um... there's something else you should know, too," he says, looking away. "About this place. We're not... the only ones from our world." There's a long, uncomfortable pause. "...Gene's here too."