Light sighed and placed his tools down. He thought about digging his metaphorical heels in, but it wasn’t like their schedule was jam-packed with job opportunities. His current to-do list for the day included pottering around in the engine room with a cheap beer and a diluted drug bowl. He checked Wurvel House’s web presence quickly but couldn’t see any particular promotion. That didn’t necessarily mean anything though.

He slopped out from under the dash and got up. “Fine! Let’s travel all the way over there and learn about their new menu. I can always bring back takeout.”
[hr]
They took public transport, since short term docking fees were extortionate pretty much anywhere. Light sulked most of the way but did take in interest in the view from the window as they left their urban conurbation and headed towards another.

Bakaran Parkside was a community on the north face of a large mountain range overlooking the city. A diverse range of buildings nestled into copses of old-growth trees. A steady stream of flyers went to and fro, landing on pads surrounded by lush vegetation. It was hot and humid despite the late hour.

The building that housed Wurvel House had been a particularly grand residence Chekeri once. It boasted six integral trees adorned with a maze of platforms and towers. However, it had evidently fallen on hard times. Both wings had been sold off to businesses, its front garden paved for parking and the back terraces overgrown with weeds. The restaurant occupied about 1/3rd of the west wing. A garish yellow sign with a symbol of the Wurvel bird protruded from the roof.

Light looked sceptically around as they alighted from the taxi. Two scruffy Chekeri fought over scraps on the front steps.

“Well this looks…quaint.” Light said.

Upon approaching the entrance, they’d find Wurvel house to be bustling with patrons. Inside was a claustrophobic space full of twists and turns. Diners squatted sociably together in synthetic ‘nests’ dug into the floor. Large platters of succulent roast Wurvel, a prey bird, along with their eggs, steamed vegetables and fried breads descended from the ceiling.

“Ok, tough guy. Who are we looking for?” Light asked as they shouldered their way into the lobby area. No one came to seat them. The chatter was deafening.