Brisbane had been expecting this topic to arise, though the sheer directness of the question caught him unawares. Putting down his wine glass and turned to face Franco, looking him directly in the eye.
"I appreciate your directness Senor Franco and naturally you are correct, our reputation was earned working for anyone willing to pay which includes the Outcasts. I admit we do carry cardamine despite my personal revulsion to the drug."
His face began to tighten, the kind look and charming smile had given way to a sterner, colder visage. The eloquence faded into blunt impassioned words.
"But I have never, nor will I ever, carry living cargo. The practice is barbaric and shameful to the entire Human race. I am no saint Senor, I am aware that I carry tools of destruction and decay on a daily basis so long as they are tools that must be used, consciously, physically, by someone, by choice, I sleep soundly. I will not allow any pilot under my banner to carry Slaves, nor Wildlife. I don't even permit them to carry Furs, nothing that requires the harming of a living creature will grace the holds stamped with my logo so do not insult me by insinuating that I am sub-Human trader of flesh."
Brisbane broke eye contact for a moment, taking a slow deep breath to compose himself he met Franco's eyes once more with a kinder face and eloquent tongue.
"I apologise Senor, it is a valid question though one that causes me a great deal anguish. Others of my trade have no issue with transporting Slaves, they see them no differently than crates of ore, as simply another commodity to sell. I cannot abide by that, in fact I seek to cease the practice altogether, a little naive perhaps given my rationale but it is my goal nonetheless."
He gazed around at the table looking slightly distraught but wearing an honest smile.
"It's quite ridiculous really, a smuggler trying to abolish slavery."
Chuckling despite of himself he sipped at the wine hoping his little joke had lightened the mood. Just in case he ran through the floor plan of the villa in his head and prepared to run for his life.
