"Portland is a compromise, sir. The city houses most of the resettled human population of the former state of Oregon. Most of the buildings continue to provide for their needs. The High Prince’s Council considers this a reasonable arrangement, for the norms provide an important work force in the industries necessary to maintain the city as a contact point between Tir Taimgire and the rest of the world. However, since the recent trade agreements with the city-state of Seattle, Portland’s usefulness is declining. One day, the human presence may be eliminated completely, but for now the city remains a necessary evil."