The shuttle dropped them off at the Regency. It was as good a destination as any to get a feel for the place—perhaps more so than any.

Despite the recent bombings in other Regencies, the place was packed. Men, women, children, all came here for entertainment. Spatial management allowed connecting rooms that were in fact in different worlds. The more exotic ones attracted curious onlookers who stood at the windows. In other spots, you could sit for a quiet read or watch a holofilm of your choice. Some rooms were specifically designed for families, with games for all ages that everyone could enjoy together. While the upper levels were closed to the public and reserved for administrative work.

The two women made their way through the crowd, heading for the restaurant. They’d heard good things about this one, and how it had a breathtaking view over the jungles of Almyrha.

“A bar might have worked better,” commented Mrill.

Val shrugged. “I’m hungry. Can’t get food in a bar. At least nothing worthy of being called food.”

They stepped into the establishment and paused at the door to stare through the large windowed walls that ran around the room.

Trees lined the view as far as the eye could see. But it was as if they sat at the top of a building, looking down at the jungle. In the distance, they could see snow-peaked mountains. The sky had purple clouds with yellow and green and red birds flying by, which made for a colorful display.

“Well, they didn’t lie,” muttered Val.

“Quite stunning, is it not?” asked a voice.

Val shook herself out of her daze and focused on the smiling man who had spoken. He wore the white and black suit of an employee.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Can’t deny it.”

The host nodded. “It is always the first thing guests focus on. Understandably so. Now, if I may ask, do you have a reservation?”

“Afraid not. Is that a problem?”

“Not at all. We have plenty of room today. Not always the case, but today has been slow. Please follow me and I will find you ladies a table.”

As they walked, Val glanced at the man.

“You say today is slower than usual. Is it because of the Qevahri?”

“Oh, they’ve been here for a while now, but I suppose that’s a factor. It’s not just today after all, we’ve had fewer customers for some weeks.”

“Hmm. But the Regency is packed. And I don’t see any Qevahri in the streets. I don’t understand.”

“Ah! You’re not from Rimzana, I take it?”

“Afraid not.”

The man chuckled as he led them to a table and motioned for them to sit.

“I can see how it might be confusing. It’s not about fear or tension or anything like that. If anything, the Qevahri have liberated us.”

“Really?”

“There’s been a bustle of activity ever since their arrival, with the creation of many new businesses. So, you see, it’s just that we have a lot more competition now. The Regency remains a popular attraction, but even here there are now five restaurants when before we were one of only two. Now we mainly get tourists, and there have been fewer since this whole mess started.”

“Oh. I see. But where are the Qevahri? I had expected to see soldiers everywhere.”

The host shrugged. “They’re not the intrusive type. You might spot some of their priests once in a while, but for the most part, they stay away and let the local authorities handle local affairs. Which, to be fair, isn’t much different from before. The Imperials were everywhere, but they only stepped in when there were issues within our forces—or if our leaders couldn’t decide what to do. But look at me blabbering on and on, while you ladies are dying of hunger! So, tell me, what can I get you?”

Val chuckled as she went through the menu and picked her dishes. Mrill followed suit, and the man headed off to process their order.

“Satisfied?” asked the Vron with her usual blank expression.

“Yes and no. I mean, it answers a lot of my questions, but...”

“What?”

“If the Qevahri wanted this planet so much, why are they hiding?”

“Hiding? Val. This is a big world. Just because we don’t see them here doesn’t mean they’re hiding. They’re likely busy elsewhere.”

“I suppose so.”

A few minutes later, a waiter brought their food and they dug in.