A Business Proposal

[*Cellopoly]

A letter arrives at the Prison and is handed to the Nearest Mercykiller by a meticulously dressed and heavily armed Erinyes. Once it is handed over, she promptly turns and makes her way back into the street

To Whom It May Concern whether it be the holder of this note or a superior.

IÂ’d like the opportunity to sit and discuss the options of purchasing prisoners from your Faction so that I may bring them under my ownership. Whether these prisoners are incarcerated in your Debtors prison or any other wing would be a matter for discussion. My intent would be to return these prisoners as Slaves to Nessus where I have access to the local slave markets. I have legal right within the city to purchase, move, and trade and own slaves within this city and all documentation can be supplied. This may be a fitting punishment for many, a means to free up space in your walls and a good supply of hard income for your faction. All transactions would be completely legal and above board.

If this sounds like something you would like to pursue, please contact me at my place of business in the Lower Ward.

Mila

An address is supplied with the letter.

[*Taurus Daggerknight]

Dace looks over the letter and frowns, penning a response soon after.

Mila,

I have reviewed your proposal, and will discuss it with my superiors.

I would however like to hear how you or your contacts in Nesus intend to ensure that punishment is carried out as fits the condemned's crime without error- be that error the condemned's escape or leniency at the hands of a "client' . Additionally, what measures would be taken to ensure that the condemned is not- in their servitude- punished beyond their crime? As you may be aware, it is part of our mandate that punishment fits a crime, no more or less.

I should also point out that even IF the notion of this business proposal is entertained, no third party will ever have jurisdiction over which prisoners are dispatched, nor would any promises of a quota be made. Our prisoners are judged and punished in accordance to their crimes, not to mercantile contracts, so bear in mind that whatever talks are to be had, that part will not be open for discussion.

Sincerely,

Justice Dace Andor

After responding, Dace takes the proposal to Factor Charae's office to discuss the matter.

[*Cellopoly]

It doesnÂ’t take long for another letter to be hand delivered. As earlier it is via the same Erinyes as before

Justice Andor

Thank you for your quick reply to my query. Understand that my intent here is not based on punishment or justice. I am merely trying to widen a supply chain for a legitimate business. As you may be aware, it is common practice in many societies, from Planar to Prime, to sell those convicted of offences against the ruling powers, into slavery. Many houses and business people, such as myself, would join in auction to acquire these people. The punishment of slavery being their sentence. My reaching out to you is to ensure I am a part of that process (should it already exist) or to try to create that process as it exists elsewhere.

Understand, I do not harm my slaves as I dislike dealing in damaged goods. I, however, offer no guarantees of what may happen to them once sold to another. Like livestock sold to a farmer, what happens to them is his business, not mine. I simply will not buy them back if damaged too much. My reputation on the quality of my merchandise is very important.

As for promises of quota or jurisdiction over who may be purchased. I expect none of these. It is a simple matter. You only need offer what you think is suitable, and I decide to purchase or not.

I understand that if this is not a suitable practice for you, personally, I only ask that it be considered by the decision makers in your Faction. IÂ’m sure some sort of suitable compromise can be found. A monthly auction on the prison grounds might go a long way as crime deterrent to the general public.

Mila

[*Taurus Daggerknight]

Mila,

I have spoken to my superiors about the matter.

As we do not view our prisoners as products and as this arrangment will in no way punish towards perfection, we must decline your proposal.

Sincerely,

Justice Dace Andor

[*Cellopoly]

No reply is given to the denial of the offer. It is assumed it was expected is accepted.

Three days later Mila arrives at the Debtors Prison with her Erinyes guard in tow. She enteres the public area and makes her way to the receiving desk. She places a list of five names on the counter along with a small bag of high value coins. She smiled at the guard.

“This amount is to pay off the debts of these five female prisoners. You’ll find the amounts owing, with accumulated interest, are correct. Included are the permissions, signed and notarized, from the families of these prisoners to pay the debts on their behalf. Please take your time verifying this. I can wait.”

She then patiently waited for the five women named on the list to be released. If they were released without incident, she would quietly escort them out.