Alice had begun to think Sanctuary the strangest place she had ever seen. It was certainly less congenial than Wonderland, and though she did find the ideas of Futureworld enticing, the perceived realities were somewhat sterile.

Not, Alice thought, that there was anything wrong with sterility when it came to beasts like Bumby, or surgical suites, but in a home it left something to be desired. "Honestly," she said aloud as she emerged from the lift onto the ground level. "I'd even be glad to see the Cat in this--"

Goodness. Alice took a step back out of the way of the oncoming snakewoman. She smiled to herself to find that Futureworld had improved on the Queen. "I daresay the tail suits you better than the tentacles. Are you late, Your Majesty?" Even if they hadn't parted on the best of terms, it was almost reassuring to see her.