"No," Albert answered. "Technology."
Lyris didn't pretend to understand. Mira opened her mouth as if to ask another question, then closed it again. Ragna simply folded her arms, staring at the buildings like they might start walking.
Ward gestured forward. "Command wants you to get a proper briefing, but before that, the boss thought you three might be hungry."
Albert shot him a look. "I didn't say hungry. I said hospitality is important."
"Same thing," Ward replied.
Albert sighed, but didn't deny it.
They continued walking, moving past a second row of structures. The layout was neat—too neat for them. Straight roads. Marked lanes. Small hanging signs with numbers. Cables running overhead on poles. Smoke rising from exhaust vents. Workers in uniforms moved with purpose.
It felt alive, but not in the way towns felt alive. There were no children running around, no stray chickens, no villagers yelling at livestock. Everything was controlled and strangely uniform.
