"This is it," Lina gestured towards the brick structure. "Anyone have any suggestions?"

"I can unlock the doors once we get in," Gonzalez said. "Getting inside without being noticed is a different story."

"Let's just go in and get her by force," Montag suggested. "These scum don't deserve to live. This barbaric practice has gone on in this country for long enough."

"Becoming fugitives seems like an excellent plan," Iris remarked.

"I have an idea," Derik commented. "I'll go in as a prospective customer and find out the layout of the interior."

"That's a good start I suppose. We'll wait at that cafe on the corner while we wait for you to get back." Lina began to walk away. "Good luck!"

Derik approached the front door brushing his suit and straightening out his tie. He was a little anxious about having to look somewhat professional after so long. Every wrinkle in the suit was becoming ever more apparent to him as he entered the establishment. Hopefully, he could manage.

As Derik entered the building a man dressed in fine linen was quick to usher him in. "Welcome! Welcome! What can I interest you in today?"

Derik took a moment to collect himself. "Yes, I've come looking for a particular type of merchandise."

"Whatever it is, I assure you we will have something to meet your tastes. Our selection of slaves is quite vast, and they are returnable within 3 months of purchase."

The man began to lead him through rows of cages. The people inside looked up at Derik as he passed by.

Derik thought about how to ask where Anne Tessier was being held. Flat out giving the name could be a little suspicious so he didn't want to risk it. He opted to just ask general questions that matched her description, hoping to find her eventually.

After they had passed a dozen or so cages Derik decided to ask the man, "Your selection certainly is vast, but I am in the market for a beast woman in particular."

"Ah, I understand. I'm sure that is something quite exotic for you." He led him around another corner. "This is the section you desire, feel free to browse and ask me any questions."

Derik walked through the hall, there were offshoots from the hall that were lined with cages. The entrances were labeled with wooden signs. Derik traveled down the entire hall, most of the signs read "debtors". He took a peek down the debtors portion and found most of the slaves to be children sold off by their parents for a tidy sum. Derik began searching the few rows that were left. These "prisoner" rows contained a much larger variety of people. There was an assortment of both captured civilians and soldiers. Towards the end of the second row he searches, Derik found his target. A woman with the features of a fox lazily bounced a small ball against the far wall of the cell. Derik was slightly confused as to why she was grouped so far at the back, returning to the slaver to communicate his choice.

The man pointed to the cage, "Are you sure? This one is a little unruly."

"Yes, I'm certain."

The woman was dragged out back to the front and Derik moved over to the counter facing the man.

"I am required to disclose that this one has come from a life of crime. She had been bounced between owners in the past."

"I rarely lose track of my property. I keep a close eye on all my possessions, trust me."

"Well, I won't be one to judge the taste of my customers." He jotted a few notes on a piece of paper. "I think 20 silver deni would be fair considering her form and temperament. The refund is void if you lose her."

"Glad to do business with you," Derik placed the money on the counter and took the chain in his hands.

"Thank you for your business. I wasn't aware you could take slaves into Corsia, did the council pass a new law after the formation of the federation?"

Derik thought up a lie on the spot. "Uh, yeh you can bring in a slave through customs if it's for personal use."

"Interesting. Have a nice day sir." The slaver gave a farewell as Derik exited the building.

Derik took the chain and led the woman out into the open street. He noted he would definitely have to sail to Corsia sometime if they had clothes with pockets. It had started to become crowded. Derik joined the flow of people moving up the road.

"You should really stop pulling on that chain so hard. I'm going to file a complaint against you," Tessier said.

Derik didn't respond as he continued to lead the woman over to the restaurant.

"Wow," she spoke. "I thought you Corsians were brutes, but this is a nice change of pace. Treating me to a nice meal before asking me to service you. You know how to get to the heart of a woman. Could really do to at least ask my name first."

Derik approached the table that the group sat around. He gave an audible cough to catch their attention.

"I thought you were going to get the interior layout of the house," Lina commented. "But I see you've gone and gotten her out without us. What kind of daring plan did you enact to bust her out?"

"I... bought her?" Derik was confused at the question.

"What?"

"I exchanged money for goods and services? Or is this not how it works here?" Derik elaborated.

"I thought we were trying to avoid supporting the practice of slavery?" Montag replied.

"Look, I was just being efficient with our time," Derik responded.

Lina spoke up, "What's done is done." She motioned for them to take a seat. Lina looked toward the woman, "Are you Anne Tessier?"

"It depends who's asking."

"I'll get right to the chase. We are looking to raid the vault in the dunes near the Baliskar capital of Dinar. We would greatly appreciate your help in this matter." Lina followed up her offer by placing a purse on the table.

"You certainly make an attractive offer sweetie. I assume I get my take of the loot as well?"

"That can be arranged."

"Get me out of these chains and you have yourself a deal."