A Cup of Tea and a Cup of Coffee

Shen Jiutai runs into Xiao Li on the streets of Washtown and convinces her to share a drink and discuss things.
((Due to incompetence on Shay’s part, most of the conversation was lost))

After settling down and relaxing, Shen is able to draw from Xiao Li the story of how she was sold at age 10 to a remote mining colony on a rim moon.

After a few weeks, the owner pulled Xaio Li and another young girl (Karin) up to the Manor House. He proceeded to get the other girl pregnant, then accidentally kill her in hopes of bringing about a miscarriage.

His attentions then turned to the young Xaio Li, who repelled him sufficiently to be banished back to the mines, where she taught herself to hack the equipment.

During the conversation it is revealed that Shen's mother has sent two of her sisters off to live as indentured servants, where they are happy and well cared for.

((our story continues…))

Xiao Li Marshal, “I was topside when an ore processor blew. Put a hole in the wall, straight to where a shuttle was parked.”

Shen Jiutai smirks

Xiao Li Marshal, “Hotwired the door, hacked the entry sequence and got the hell out.”

Shen Jiutai nods her hear in approval, “I must say, I'd a never known you had that in you... I'm impressed.” Shen Jiutai finishes her cup and sets it down.

Xiao Li Marshal, “Do you know why I didn't tell you this before? Why I hide my brand?”

Shen Jiutai, “Why?”

Xiao Li Marshal, “Because I don't want people treating me like a slave, or like I've ever BEEN a slave.”

Shen Jiutai, “With the attitude you pitch around?” Shay Jiutai laughs.

Xiao Li Marshal, “I'm a human being. Always have been, always will be. No mark or bill of sale is gonna change that.”

Shen Jiutai, “I get that, and I'm glad we could talk this out... I just wanted you to know that I wasn't plannin on sending those two off to some remote mining moon... there are good families that treat their servants well.”

Xiao Li Marshal, “My worst experiences happened when I was working in a rich man's house, Shen. Forgive me if I ain't too keen on sendin' someone else there.”

Shen Jiutai, “I understand that.. I really do... It's just that not everyone's the same, is all... and I wasn't suggesting on throwing them on the open market...”

Xiao Li Marshal, “Hm.”

Shen Jiutai, “Now that I know what this all means to you, I won't make that kind of suggestion again...”

Xiao Li Marshal, “Good.”

Shen Jiutai, “As for cooking that damned parrot, however...” Shen Jiutai giggles.

Xiao Li Marshal snickers. "Don't let me stop ya."

Shen Jiutai: “Thanks for your time, I'm glad we did this...”

Xiao Li Marshal nods.