"Regulations are clear on how you should be addressed, sir," Rizok replied, ignoring Hudson's frustration.
Hudson's rolled his eyes but didn't push the issue further. He knew the military cared a lot about discipline and hierarchy, and Tal'Qamar was effectively a military dictatorship now. If Rizok insisted on maintaining a formal relationship between the two of them, then that was reasonable.
"Fine. Let's just get going," Hudson's acquiesced before realizing he had forgotten an important detail. "Oh, before we go, you should change into something less… conspicuous. It'll make things much easier for me if everyone who looks at you doesn't immediately realize you're a member of the military."
Rizok looked down at his armored uniform and the sword sheathed at his waist. "Understood sir. I'll make the necessary adjustments."
Hudson's watched as Rizok retreated into a small room to change. This wasn't the first time they had done this, and Hudson's had eventually decided to keep a spare change of lizardkin clothes for Rizok. Ever since General Nasrith took control of the government, the citizens of Tal'Qamar had been acting rather cautiously around the military. It didn't help that many of the people Hudson's was acquainted with were criminals.
It wasn't long before Rizok returned wearing a simple shawl over a nondescript tunic, his sword nowhere to be seen. Hudson's gave the soldier a quick once over before nodding in approval. "Alright, now we can get going."
The two of them made their way out of the house and stepped out onto the streets of Tal'Qamar. Nowadays, Hudson's always felt a hint of unease whenever he exited his home; not because the city was any more dangerous than it usually was, but because of the large number of soldiers who lived near his house. The military didn't have any standardized uniform, but they all wore cloaks over their armor that was a particular shade of crimson forbidden for civilians and non-military personnel to wear.
Hudson's couldn't help but note that the crimson was the same color as General Nasrith's scales…
It had been several years since Hudson's had managed to become a [Cultist] and ceased being a lowly [Street Urchin], but he still sometimes felt a hint of dread whenever he saw a guard.
Now I'm technically a member of the government… how times change.
Hudson's continued to look around for several moments before he began making his way to the Adventurer's Guild. They were on the western side of the large oasis Tal'Qamar had been built around while Hudson's new home was near the barracks to the north. This meant that he had plenty of time to take in the results of General Nasrith's takeover.
Although the changes weren't quite as drastic as he would have expected, they were still obvious to a Tal'Qamari native. The streets were still crowded with vendors and shoppers, children still darted in and out of alleys, and people still went about their business, but Hudson's could notice a few stark differences.
A quick glance was enough to confirm that the military was patrolling the streets far more than the city guard ever had. Hudson's also noticed a human [Seamstress] that he knew to be a worshiper of Rayya was no longer wearing the pendant common to members of her faith. Given her cautious glances at the passing soldiers and the general subdued atmosphere, it was obvious that the people of Tal'Qamar were still adjusting to the new regime.
"So, how much longer do you think things are going to stay like this?" Hudson's quietly asked Rizok.
"I wouldn't know, sir," Rizok replied, his gaze fixed forward.
"Really? It seems like you would have a better understanding of the military and the General's plans than I would," Hudson's insisted. He needed to learn everything that he could about Tal Qamar's new political situation if he wanted to come out ahead.
Rizok was silent for a long moment before he eventually replied. "You are mistaken, sir. You likely know far more about this city than I do. I can only tell you that General Nasrith will maintain a heightened security state in the city until the citizens fully accept their new leadership"
Hudson's was startled by the lizardkin's response. That was the longest he had ever heard Rizok speak, and his words carried a distinct tone of bitterness.
"Aren't you a native of Tal'Qamar?" Hudson's asked hesitantly. "You should know this city just as well as I do."
"Merchant Lord Raqasor hardly ever allowed us to stay in the city for more than a few months at a time," said Rizok, his voice now carrying a hint of resignation. "This will likely be my longest posting in Tal'Qamar since I joined the military more than fifteen years ago. I likely know the sands and roads leaving the city better than I know the actual streets of my home."
Hudson's had already known that Raqasor had sold off the military's services as mercenaries, but he hadn't really thought about how that must feel from the perspective of the soldiers.
"Well then, I guess you'll get the chance to have some new experiences," Hudson's said, attempting to lighten the mood. "If there's anything that you don't understand about Tal'Qamar, feel free to ask."
He would very much prefer to be on the good side of the person who would be both protecting his life and reporting his activities to High Command.
Hudson's was surprised when Rizok glanced at him thoughtfully and decided to immediately take him up on the offer. "There is one thing, sir. I've noticed that there are certain alleyways that everyone seems to be avoiding and that you quickly glance at when we pass by."
"Ah… you're a tad more perceptive than I expected, Rizok," Hudson's said hesitantly, feeling slightly embarrassed at being called out. "It's just a habit of mine, checking the markings on the walls to see which crew's territory I'm in. Some of them are worse than others, but I don't need to worry too much now that I think about it. They're probably all keeping their heads down after the new government took over and trying to avoid crackdowns."