"He isn't eating," Don pointed out.
"I'll guarantee you he has, though. I've never known Hector to miss a meal. No. Hector may be a fool and a dupe, and power-hungry to boot, but he's not a cruel man, or a deranged one."
"No?" Alis said. "I dare you to ask him what's in the meat loaf."
"All right." Bendy got up. "I'll ask to see the kitchen—to compliment the chef. Want to come?"
"No, thanks. I might be mean to Father again."
She and Don watched Doc Bendy go to the improvised throne and talk to Civek. The king laughed and stood up and he and Bendy crossed the room. They went through a door behind the line of servers.
Don pushed his plate away. "You've certainly spoiled my appetite."
"I'm sorry," Alis said. "Maybe it's hereditary. Look at Father in that idiot hat. Sir Osbert! Honestly, Don, if we ever get back to Earth I'm going to get out of Superior as fast as I can. What's it like in Washington?"
"Dull," he said. "Humid in the summer. And when you've exhausted the national monuments there's nothing to do."
"Nothing? Don't tell me you don't have a girl friend back there. No, don't tell me—I don't want to know. Oh, Don, what a terribly boring place this must be for you."