Hodak leaned over the counter and waved the clerk closer.
"So you know where we're from, do you?" His voice was a friendly growl and he got a curt nod in reply.
"Then you know we came here for sanctuary,"
Hodak said. "How do we get it?"
"Your entry permit is provisional; permanent party status depends on how you adjust to our rules."
"This is the only place left to us," Hodak added a whine to his voice. "We're not about to start trouble and wear out our welcome." Switching to a hoarse whisper, he added, "Look, man, we need a place to put our stuff, and then we want to look around. Maybe we can find action in our kind of work that'll build up our credits. We've talked it over." He thumbed to include his companions. "We're available, and we can't afford to be choosy. The Inner Region doesn't mean a thing to us. Know what I mean?"
"Sure."
The clerk repeated his grin-scowl, snickered, and slapped Hodak on the shoulder.
"What's the word on living accommodations under the dome?" Adari cut in.
"Gotta register for permanent quarters, and you'll need a permit to build a place of your own. They're almost impossible to get. Try for 'temporary' until you know your way around. Good place to start is the Condor over on Con-man Slash."
"How do we get there?" Kumiko asked.