A disturbance behind him had put Alem on alert, and his right hand was opened and ready to defend himself if necessary. His eyes looked behind, noting the exit blocked. The man who was silent before had chosen to act and reveal part of his arsenal, as well as offer words to him. Hoping Alem would be able to challenge them, he had held his tongue and looked back at him. Aseela had grown nervous, prompting him to place a hand at her side to calm her. His companion had settled herself down, and with her fear under control it was now a matter of what would happen next. As the man turned, Alem returned his eyes to Ryoko and awaited her action. The wall had been released behind him, but still the young man did not turn his back. He was confident, but not stupid enough to allow them an opening if he could avoid it. To his relief she had only managed to make a threat on his life, immediately following her comrade afterward. He had taken a good long look at those two, and only after he was certain they had left the area Alem looked around to the curious faces. [b]“Should they return and disturb you, find me.”[/b] He requested of those who had watched and listened. No response was necessary, the people had known Alem would help them if able, and so should trouble come they would call on him if necessary. Turning around with Aseela, he would return to Asahina, clothing in hand. Stepping inside to the backroom where he had left her, he would surrender the clothing. It was crude, but would do well in hiding her and, most importantly, keeping her decent until she could find clothing of her own at a later time. He knew of a few vendors who sold clothing that might be able to help her find something special, and for little cost. Leaving Asahina to change, he would stand outside of the room in question. Those two that came to these slums were still fresh in his mind. [b]“Two people were looking for you. One was named Ryoko – they are a part of the ‘Empire’ that has taken root here. Were you part of them once?”[/b] He asked quietly. To help Asahina, information was vital. --- [i]‘The girl is a silly one …but appears harmless enough.’[/i] Okal quietly examined the strange party. This group being down here did mean they were trustworthy enough to know of him and what he dealt in, but something told him that perhaps he should remain cautious of them in case they were, well, terrible at keeping secrets. The camel-loving girl brought the small man to smile. It was difficult to find honest men and women these days, but at least the girl had hope for something in the future. [b]“I’ll be more than happy to let you ride my camel, but I must warn you …he is a bit …difficult.”[/b] The warning was sound, and his camel could be a pain in the rear in certain circumstances. There was rarely a quick getaway with him, and were it not for his strong back and ability to carry his merchandise he might have decided to eat him. Yes, really. Looking to Osa as she spoke, Okal stroked his beard and listened well. From Osa to Ace, the honest merchant (but not really) nodded his head in a manner that suggested wisdom and great experience listening. This boy was curious, but the blonde girl, and the small Chinese girl beside her, had yet to say much of anything. They all wanted the same thing, quite obviously together on the journey ahead. The man that Osa had been tending to in the back room brought some concern, but he would not have been down here if there wasn’t some mutual dislike of the Empire. [b]“You are wise to enlist me to aid you – I am no friend to this ‘Empire’ and would be more than happy to see them gone. I can ask around for this pitch-black girl you are looking for, I only need a little time.”[/b] Okal made it his business to know everything and anything he could. Information was a powerful tool and only a fool would ignore its boons. Between these young people, Okal never would have guessed they would understand the meaning of it. Most of them were all about swords, explosions and other obnoxious means of enforcing their will. [b]“As for the palace, I have a man or two inside, but signaling them is a risk I won’t take unless absolutely necessary. I will need to know what this is for, and some payment.”[/b] [b]“Payment?”[/b] Rika cut in, arms folded. [b]“I thought you weren’t a friend to the Empire?”[/b] [b]“I am not, but risks are …risky, no?”[/b] Okal shrugged his shoulders. [b]“You appear an intelligent woman. Surely you understand that it would be of great risk to contact my men for just anything. I would only do it if there was more to gain from it than lose.”[/b] Rika knew he was making a good point. Encountering him like this was already an easy access to the inner circles throughout this place, risking it wouldn’t help them. [b]“Fair enough. What’s your price?”[/b] [b]“Owe me. Anything I need you to do, you do it. Leave without doing so and …let’s just say you’ll end up like my last snitch.”[/b] Okal looked her in the eye, proving how serious he was. It was just then that Lin, who was being patient and silent, decided to speak out. [b]“What’s a snitch?”[/b] [b]“Hm?”[/b] Okal looked at Lin. [b]“You know, someone who lets their tongue get a little too loose with the wrong crowd. You see, I had to see to it that a rat was ‘dealt with’ before I arrived here. He was yammering to the Empire and I need to keep control of the streets.”[/b] Lin blinked. [b]“Wait, rats can talk on this world?”[/b] Okal was at a loss of words. Rika quickly cut in and cleared her throat. [b]“Anyway …these guys are exhausted, so you and I can talk about this privately. Ace, be clear about what you want. I don’t want to owe him for nothing.”[/b]