"Well, I asked two questions. The first, if the rumors were true, being that rumors usually have a bit of truth in them, and the second, if, as uou say, you could put a particular fellow on ice, is it within your capabilities to bag him instead?

"I'm really not sure what information you are looking for, but I'm happy to try to help."

The elf perks up without taking her eyes off the very sexy dwarf, "Oh I know the answer, he wants to know who our boss is."

“The one in heat is right.”

"Oh, we are with the Peoples Protection Association. We are always recruiting, if you're interested."

"Peoples Protection Association? What exactly do you do?"

"Well, I don't know if you have noticed, but there's a bit of an unlawful element here in this town..." Mia raises his eyebrows and casts meaningful glances around the room.
"We protect the people and their property from unscrupulous types."

"I see. And is this purely a defensive measure?"

"Ah, you are suggesting addressing the problem at its source, no? This brings me back to my question to you - this man you are to meet, who is not your master, who you could remove from this world at your whim, is it within your capabilities to capture him rather than kill him?"

"Probably.  But why would we?   Asreelm introduced us to him just as he introduced you to us.  Should we kidnap or kill you just because he introduces us to someone else tomorrow and they desire it?"

“Speaks is right why would We?First you don’t seem to have the means to hire us for a job like that and second...  Asreelm said we are both working towards the ruin of Phese.  Both would include you in case you are too slow to understand.”  He nods his head in the direction of their mutual acquaintance. “Now,  I can just move on from this city so I don’t much care, but if we were to listen to them, well, we should just all walk away from our current affairs.”

"I can answer both of those questions with ease. You would find my ransom to be paltry indeed. His, however..."

"ah.  I see.  You think we work for merely mercenary reasons.   I don't think you meant to be insulting, so I will overlook that.   If more information is not forthcoming, then I believe this discussion is at an end."  <looks at Batri and Sitra>  "At least for me..."

“My friend is correct.  Answer our questions or leave.”

Neizayya puffs up her cheeks and exhales loudly, "I love a good brawl as much as the next girl, but I really don't want to hurt that beautiful face." she says as she looks dreamily at Speaks, "So help me out Mia, does it really matter if they know who we work for?"

She points to her arm, covered in tattoos that give up her gang affiliation, "These aren't some fish of the boat. Pretty sure they aren't confused about who we are."

Mia looks over at Neizaaya, "Well they certainly seem to be, or, as i had assumed, dismissed it as irrelevant. But if you are looking for a name, Viper is all you will get. I'm certainly not in the habit of guiding strangers through our organization. If that is enough to satiate you enough to continue thos conversation, so be it, and perhaps this meeting will bear fruit. If not, I will bid you all good day."

The elf leans in close to Speaks, "I really hope we don't have to fight, unless...that's what you're in to, cuz I could be into that, too."

"Perhaps if you two could give us a moment alone to discuss what you have told us?   We will let you know  if it is for us."

Batri sighs, “Do we need private?  We were told that neither their nor our benefactors are good for the city.  Now I don’t care, this place can rot, but, since some of us care about the greater good, maybe we would all be better off betraying our employers and doing ‘good’.  Honestly, I’m sick of all this petty bullshit snd getting involved in other peoples squabbles.”

"Well that would cut through a lot of politics in the most direct way possible."

"greater good?" Mia glances over at Neizayaa to see if she can clarify. "what do you mean?"

She rolls her eyes and looks back at Speaks, "Read the room, Mia. Don't ruin his for me." she winks at the dwarf.

Mia narrows his eyes and stares at Neizaaya

"What!? She's gorgeous, look at her. I think I might have a chance here unless you go mucking it up with your "Nice shop you have here, be shame if it all burned down" speech."

Mia arches an eyebrow. "Okay. Fine. I'm in. 'Greater Good,' it is. So, what's the caper?"

As everyone stays silent, Mia looks from one person to the next, finally saying, "What? Was it something I said?"