Nicoletta nodded grimly at the words Mel said. Humans didn't seem to realize they were the most dangerous animals. They saw the invading 'aliens' as evil and horrible just because they were newcomers, and because they looked different. Nicoletta had discovered that, had the humans reacted with peace, compromises could have been reached in trades. But physical differences were frowned upon about as much as being poor nowadays.

As Gerard bit deeply into one of his own sandwiches, Isla glanced his way with a bit of an eyeroll and turned her attention fully on Mel. "Well, let's answer those questions in accordance to importance, shall we?" She smiled a bit, picking up one of her glasses and studying the clear, ruby contents. "We understand that lone slaves have families. After all, doesn't everyone? And it's terrible to know they've been torn apart just for the sake of a little money, then degraded by having numbers painted onto their faces as if they're items, rather than human beings or living, feeling creatures. Unfortunately, for the time being, we can't do anything about what family you have out there, hopefully safe. It's far too early, and people will begin to notice if we move too quickly. I can promise you, however, that you will see your family again. Our home is very large, Mel. When we find them, we'll bring them in with us. It's not illegal, after all, to take in a slave without buying them specifically from an auction. Most people are just too clean and stuffy to do such things." She shook her head and sipped her wine.

Gerard turned his attention to Mel now. "We're different because we have a sense of right and wrong." He said then. "We recently came to be unable to ignore the injustice those of little money or status have been forced to deal with. We do need to have someone else, however. Someone that, at one time, has been within the order of chaos that is the slavery ring. You've dealt with it many, many times I'm sure. We do try to lead a normal enough life, but you, both of you, must understand something." He and Isla stared at both Mel and Nicoletta. The girl steeled herself.

"We, and a group of others like us, have formed a group henceforth unnamed. We gather in the underground chambers, the entrance of which is in our back yard. Nicoletta, you've seen the entrance." She nodded. "Plans have been set in motion, but we need more than just well-known adults and their willing family members. We need younger ones, and we need one that's been inside." Isla looked at Mel. "Of course your family is terribly important to us, and we'll at the same time do well to find and bring them off the streets and away from the worry of being captured and separated. This is, however, regardless of whether you accept our offer to join us or not. But we do hope you will."

Nicoletta stared at Mel for a moment. Her words were lost, and she couldn't speak in reply.