Why Not Join Us?

"... Is that so hard to believe?" Ayse asked with a snicker.

Baloo didn't reply. His mind had sputtered to a halt. All mental gears were either stalling or suffering cracks against those blockading thoughts. 

"I'm not saying that slavery doesn't exist, otherwise you wouldn't be in your situation," Ayse added. "But so long as someone is savvy enough, they can create a business plan to hide their use of slavery. 

"And don't think that people aren't willing to break the law, especially when they can benefit so much from doing it! That's why some people become outlaws in the first place. And there are arguably more common people breaking the law than there are outlaws in the universe. Never underestimate the power of greed and self-serving! It's one of the strongest forces of the universe!"

Ayse removed his hand from Baloo's neck and shoulder. But Baloo remained hunched over. His mind felt too heavy to lift back up.