"This is East District Cafeteria One. There are five cafeterias in all—"
"Besides the cafeterias, there are six upscale restaurants and a banquet hall. You can explore them yourself later."
"This is the weapons preparation room. It has weapons from all kinds of Alternate Universes. You can buy them with money—"
"What we bring back from missions is converted into US dollars too, though renminbi is starting to replace the dollar. You can pay by scanning a code as well."
"Can you buy high-level weapons with money too?" Xu Yuan asked.
"Good question. High-level items are generally priced in Merit Points."
"And the very best things can't be bought even with Merit Points. Only trades are accepted," Joaquin said.
He pointed toward a large room filled with drifting music and continued:
"That's the bar. A great place to relax, but fights break out there a lot, so be careful."
"The Returner mission hall is to the east. It's a little far, so we won't go there now."
"Then what are we doing now?" Xu Yuan asked.
"Eating—team dinner tonight. We're celebrating a completed mission and everyone coming back safe. My treat," Joaquin said.
"I really am hungry. Which cafeteria?"
"We're going to a restaurant. Sara and Marcelo are probably already waiting."
"Then let's go."
Xu Yuan followed Joaquin toward the restaurant, eager to get there.
It had been ages since he had eaten food from Earth.
A meal sounded good.
As they approached the restaurant, the surroundings grew more elaborate. Neon lights dotted the walls, softening the grim atmosphere, and little trees laden with fruit even lined the path.
"Sea Tide Restaurant. Southeast Asian food, with dishes for southern Chinese tastes too. They have squab, roast goose, braised dishes, beef brisket, and Sichuan-Chongqing Hot Pot."
Joaquin spoke as they walked.