"It's down to you, that choice. Probably one of the most important you'll make here. You gotta get to know people, find someone you like 'n trust. Contracts aren't always sexual, but usually they are. And they're three months at a time, unless you opt for longer or something permanent, which I don't recommend. After three months, you choose whether you want to sign again with the same person or go with someone else."

Unlike Mustang, Vrenille shares a smile with the clerk, totally shameless and unabashed. If the man liked what he saw (or what he heard) from them in the changing room, Vrenille is happy to let him carry the mental image with him through the day. Besides, he's looking after them well, and Vrenille appreciates the good service.

"The Down," he says, as he watches Mustang try the shoes, "is the lower, subterranean part of the city. It's where the public housing for Submissives is. You wanna move outta there, you're probably gonna need a contract to make it happen. The Down's gritty 'n grimy 'n high-crime. But there's a community centre and a free clinic run by LIERs--other people who been dragged to this place. Some people prefer it to the Up, all depends what you're used to, I guess."

And with that, he rises from his seat, looking towards the last piece of apparel they need to find.