"Not as obvious as some," said Erik honestly, thinking of the nameless woman in her Renaissance gown. "But I've been here long enough that new faces tend to stand out."

He grinned and added, "And you'd hardly be the first to get the ten-cent tour and decide you needed a drink to help you process." At last, Max returned with his drink, and he lifted it in his companion's direction before belatedly remembering it was a futile gesture. "Cheers," he said instead, "and welcome to the Nexus."