Small town U.S.A.

The 'Xhul determine that the capital of the great imperial power is "Washington", so Xhul'gar decides that he should visit that place to learn more about its civilization.

"Washington" is found on a map, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It's very big, nearly 70,000 square miles, no doubt befitting its status as the world's most prominent capital. Xhul'gar decides to travel to its geographic center; reason suggests the seat of government power is probably near the middle of so vast a metropolis. So in the guise of Khalid Ali, he arrives near the Columbia River in Washington state, near the small town of White Hills.

He is surprised to find himself not in a thriving metropolis, but in a fruit orchard. That was certainly unexpected. The sky is dark, so Khalid carefully picks his way through the soggy ground towards nearby lights.