"I thought we might try the stands on the edge of the sector this way. I don't eat outside of the Hotel often but I've had these a few times and they're pretty good. That way we can each pick what we like." Hands still in his pockets, he shrugs and smiles. "Something nice and normal for a change. Unless you're planning on ordering sea prunes. Then I might have to seriously re-think this entire relationship."

They're on one of the walkways that criss-crosses the sector, but most of the travel in this part of the city utilizes the series of canals that runs through it. Erskine wasn't lying--he hasn't spent much time in this sector. It's beautiful, though. Peaceful. It reminds him, not surprisingly, of Venice. It's the kind of place that one could spend a lazy afternoon just enjoying the atmosphere, seeing the sights, and spending time with friends.

For once, it feels like that word might actually apply to the two of them.

"Do you want to take a boat over there?" he asks suddenly, looking over at Raine. "I still haven't done that. Walking in this sector feels a bit like cheating, doesn't it?"