If Ten expected Rene to leap to his feet and raise an outraged objection to the plan he was disappointed. For one thing Rene did not share the common prejudices against the race, his only experience with them being their kindness back on New Concordia and for another, he really didn’t think he could have leapt to his feet. “I’m alright,” he assured Solae. “He most certainly isn’t alright,” Criestia interjected fussily as she followed them into the room fussily adjusting something on her data pad. “He was very lucky not to be killed!” “Well here I sit still alive,” Rene rejoined, “And I don't have time to spend a month in a surgical ward.” Criestia threw up her hands in defeat. Rene found it difficult to keep his eyes off Solae in her gossamer gown. She was heart stopping lovely and seemed like a Fairy Queen out of fable rather than a mortal woman. He felt ridiculously out of place in the simple hospital gown that he was wearing. He cleared his throat when he realised that silence had stretched. “You can’t seriously think that recruiting Syshin is a goo…” Ten began but Rene held up his hand to silence the man. “What I think doesn't really matter compared to the Duchess’ wish,” he said with a quiet sternness to his voice. Ten had been a help, but he was getting somewhat above himself in so openly questioning Solae’s orders. “But for what it is worth, no Syshin has ever fired a weapon at me or tried to drag Solae off into slavery, unlike a rather large number of humans at this point.” “I’m also afraid that General Bhast hasn’t departed with her ship, she is currently hiring local mercenaries to track you down. I don’t know if you have time to go shopping through the local slave markets…” “I can help you,” came a voice from the doorway. All eyes swiveled to the the door, though Rene’s side tightened painfully and he had to turn his chair in order to see the speaker. Rosaria stood in the doorway dressed in a sober black jumpsuit that wasn’t quite skin tight. Swirls of patterned embroidery broke up the lines of her body and gave the impression she was wearing several layers. The bruises on her body were not visible which, now that Rene thought about it, was probably the point. “Mistress Rosaria…,” Ten began but she held up a hand in unconscious imitation of Rene a few moments before. “I have extensive knowledge of Mistress Thorne’s operations, she showed them to me herself,” the girl elaborated. She made a slight curtsey towards Solae in a fair imitation of Imperial Court fashion. “I have decided not to return to her, and she will not be pleased. If you agree to take me with you, I am willing to help you find the slaves you desire.” “The people,” Rene corrected. Rosaria looked up with a hint of irritation on her face, but quickly smoothed it over. “The people you desire then,” she amended.