Chapter 307: An Exchange of Services (1/2)
As they got closer to the group, it became readily apparent that there was some kind of disturbance. Pretty soon, they could hear raised voices from the crowd.
”But what are we supposed to do? We don't have underground homes like you lot. This attack cost us everything!”
It appeared that they were surrounding a small delegation of Asani guards, who were in turn protecting a single individual dressed in white robes. Mike guessed that he was some kind of representative from the government.
”While I regret that circumstances have led to your impoverishment, I'm afraid it is out of my hands. Did you not receive the stipend set aside for reconstruction efforts?” The Asani bureaucrat replied dryly.
The leader of the small mob of humanoids shot back. ”That was a pittance! Barely enough to cover the cost of debris removal! Most of us lost not only our homes, but our livelihoods as well. What do you intend to do about that?”
The functionary sighed, clearly fed up with their complaints. ”Once again, you have our condolences, but you have to understand, the Elders have no obligation to help you. Were you not informed of the dangers of living on this island when you chose to emigrate? Besides, even the Asani civilians will have to devote themselves to rebuilding for the next few weeks. And they will not be getting any financial assistance from the government.”
His callous response started a new wave of grumbling from the dissenters, but they didn't say anything to counter his words. Gradually, the crowd began to disperse when it became clear that nothing was to be gained from continuing. They were leaving in an orderly manner, but Mike could hear quite a few angry mutters as they did so.
In truth, he could understand both sides of the conflict. The local government likely had bigger things to worry about than the financial ruin of a small portion of their citizens, and that assumed they even treated non-Asani as citizens in the first place. On the other hand, the wingless people had lost their houses and livelihoods in the attack, leaving them homeless and destitute. If the government couldn't help them, they really didn't have anywhere else to turn.
”So, what are you thinking?” Morris asked quietly while watching the crowd leave. ”Planning on helping them?”
”It occurred to me, but I decided to hold off on making a decision. While jumping in during a major crisis is one thing, intervening in civil affairs of an independent country for my own satisfaction is a little much.”
[Of course, if they are willing to pay me for my efforts, it would be a different story.]
”Going shopping?” Tal asked, indicating the stalls that were lining the square.
”That's the plan.” He replied cheerfully before leading them in that direction.
Over the next hour or so, they wandered the area, exploring what the merchants had for sale. While the goods were quite diverse, it was quickly apparent that they were mostly catered to reconstruction efforts. The few sellers with other products were strangely reticent when they inquired about them. It didn't take him long to realize that they were being treated prejudicially because of their race.
After the third time that a merchant refused to sell them anything for suspicious reasons, Mike called a halt to their shopping efforts and brought them over to a bench in the center of the square to reconvene and discuss the matter.
”We're not getting anywhere with this. Does anyone have another idea?” He asked the group.
”Well,” Morris replied after a few seconds of thought, ”there is nothing to stop us from just leaving.”
Mike sighed. ”Yeah, I know, but the Asani have access to technology that I think could come in handy. I am not sure exactly what, but I have a feeling that there is something here we will need in the future.”
”That would be in line with your previous encounters.” Tal added in the ancient language of her people. ”Considering the pattern of your adventures so far, we are probably here for some reason.”
After a brief translation, Morris continued. ”If that's the case, then we need to either find a vendor willing to work with us or consider some other alternative.”
”Talk to the humans.” Sera added quietly. It was the first time she'd spoken since meeting, and he could tell that she was still processing what had happened.
”There don't appear to be any human merchants working right now…” He replied, a little hesitantly.
”Of course not.” She shot back, a little of her usual fire creeping into her voice. ”They don't have the luxury of acting like nothing serious happened right after a major disaster. But I bet you can find someone willing to trade with you. Especially if you can leverage your assistance in whatever reconstruction effort they need.”
”Works for me. At the very least, talking to them can net us some more information.” Mike commented before the group separated to make some inquiries.
He made sure to bring Lily with him, in order to keep her out of trouble, and moved to talk to a pair of humans that were standing in front of a collapsed building, looking at it with an air of defeated hopelessness.
As he got closer, he used Appraise and determined that they were a married couple with the Merchant class and titles related to business. He guessed they were likely shopkeepers of some kind who had lost their store in the disaster. Unsurprisingly, they seemed to be having a hard time deciding what to do with the pile of rubble in front of them.
”Excuse me, do you mind if I ask you something?”
The man glanced up and looked blankly at him for a few seconds before answering. ”Ah…yeah. What do you need, lad?”
”We're actually visitors to the island, and we were hoping to find someplace to buy a few souvenirs before leaving.”
He knew his statement wasn't particularly believable considering the circumstances, but he hoped that a combination of shock and their presence there would compensate. Thankfully, both of them seemed too deeply affected by the incident to really notice.