Interstellar Hub. Central Galactic Republic, capital Kingstown.
It had long functioned as a named hub of the stellar realm.
Whether the central plaza of the capital or a tavern down some alley, everywhere bustled with guests from all across the stars.
“Boss! Business is good today, huh? Bet the takings are nice.”
“It’s peak season. If you can’t make money ‘this season,’ what are you even doing?”
“True… The security corps must be run ragged, too. Outsiders are pouring in like a flood.”
“It’s only for a bit. Give it a week or two and they’ll all get mass-expelled again. We’ve gotta rake it in before the season ends.”
“Tsk, tsk. If it were me, I’d go find another hub rather than get chased out like that. Aren’t our laws stricter than elsewhere?”
“Mister, you know one thing but not two. So the law’s a bit strict—so what! Low entry hurdle, developed society. Among hubs you can access from the 50s floors, nothing beats this ‘Kingstown.’ Everywhere else is lawless badlands.”
At the lizard server’s sharp retort, the laborer at the next seat…