"No, but that's a good idea. We might be able to find something that will stain."

"Food, I suppose, but that depends on how often it restocks."

"Both of the restaurants I found were stocked and the food was fresh."

"That's promising, though it might just meant they're too far for routine supply runs from any pockets of civilization."

He nods.

"It's difficult to tell. This place may actually be infinite. Though, finding both you and the settlement suggests that the people are deposited at least somewhat close to each other."

"If it's infinite, yes. If it's merely very large it could be that it's just eating a lot of people."

"And with how many worlds we suspect there are, it could be taking no more than one or two from each. Not enough to gain attention in most of them."

"The IKEA I went into itself isn't a casualty?"

"I don't know. The IKEA on my world has been connected to this place for several years. But, the one you went into was open to the public. So either it's new or it hasn't been eating people."

"And we haven't met anyone who was also eaten by the same one."

"Hopefully the people in the settlement will know more."

"Hopefully."

Nothing eventful happens the rest of the way to the settlement. 

The settlement is surrounded by a wall of furniture, several items thick with the outside carefully placed so there are no footholds. 

There's a gate of sorts that's blocked only by a single bookcase, but the lead to the gate is narrow and surrounded by walls, so only one person can approach at a time. 

"Do we call out or wait for them to notice or knock, do you suppose?" she murmurs to Kyoya.

Kyoya shrugs and then goes up and knocks. 

"Who's that?" a voice shouts.

"We're new."

There's muffled grumbling and a shout of "Don't just sit there! Come help me."

The bookcase is moved aside. 

Behind the bookcase there are two women. One is middle aged and scowling, though it doesn't seem to be directed at them in particular. The other one is younger and rocking back and forth on her heels.

There are a dozen other people inside the settlement. Some are sleeping. Two are playing chess. Others sit around having quiet conversations or eating.

"Hi. I'm Miranda."

"I'm Kyoya."

The woman waves them in.

"I'd welcome you, but I'm not going to pretend any of us actually want to be here. And before you ask, no none of us know where we are, or what this place is, or how to get out."

"What's the food rationing situation?"

"The restaurants round here fill up fast enough that there's no any problems. Except when they don't, then things get tight."

"How often does that happen?"

She shrugs.

"Every three or four months. It ain't regular."