She goes in to look around.

There's a bunch of food inside, mostly unprocessed, mostly grains. Also, weapons, sets of clothes, and a bunch of strange, random objects.

More signs: 'ACCEPTING HARD METAL OR BARTER ONLY.' 'THIEVES WILL BE SHOT.' 'THERE IS MORE SECURITY THAN YOU THINK THERE IS. DON'T TRY ANYTHING STUPID.' 'LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC? INQUIRE WITH THE GUY WEARING RED HAT'

Two security guys look her over suspiciously as she enters but don't try to touch her or anything.

She'll try asking the person in charge what sorts of barter they accept.

A bulky and serious woman in a gaudy red hat replies. "Things for things. Things for services rendered if you've got anything useful at the moment like doctorin', sewin', carpentry, fixin' guns."

"I... have sewn a few things."

An eyebrow is raised. "That tone of voice does not sound promising. Unless you made that dress yourself?"

"I didn't. What sewing do you need done?"

"We're putting ceramic and metal plates into heavy jackets. Stops bullets, sometimes. I don't think I wanna hire you. But that's a nice dress. If you're willing to trade it out for a simpler one you could get a couple of other things too. Otherwise, you might have better luck finding work on your back, somewhere else."

"What sort of other things could I trade it for?"

"Loaf of bread and a full canteen, a nice pocket knife, box of matches, bottle of booze, tea kettle. Half a dozen bars of soap. A chair or something. Miscellaneous other things. What do you want?"

"...A knife might be helpful but so would a full canteen. Full of water, I take it?"

"Yes. Hopefully it rains in the next day or two, for everyone's sake. That dress can't really get you a knife worth the name and a canteen."

"A canteen and a loaf of bread, you said. Could it be a canteen and something other than bread?"

"...What are you expecting, prime rib? Grains are nice and dense and keep well, most everything else has already been eaten. Oh, we have some dry beans. And a few onions."

"If it has to be food I suppose grains are fine."

"Ah, I misunderstood. Full canteen, name your price for what else. You're sure you don't have anything else? Old wedding ring? Sentiment doesn't do any good if you starve. News from other parts of the city might be worth a little bit."

"...I saw the docks recently."

"Hmm. Got a headcount, or any names? Count of ships still there?"

Explaining what information she has without revealing it might be impossible. Probably not worth trying.

"...The way was blocked and they weren't allowing anyone past, as far as I know. And the people manning the barricade I saw were armed."

"Hokay. So you didn't actually get into the docks. That's still worth a little. I'll give ya three canteen refills here, all clean water, or something on that scale if you answer two more questions. Did they shoot first or ask questions first? And did you see or hear any ongoing fighting in the area?"

"They warned us away first. I didn't see or hear any fighting."

"Okay... God, what a mess this place's turned into." She sighs. "So, whaddaya want?"

She almost asks for water.

She doesn't.

"Tell me what I can expect. Tell me how long this is going to take, who the people are who are most likely to win it..."

"I've never been in a falling city before. I think something like half the city is gonna die over a couple of weeks. We don't produce enough food, we manufacture stuff and trade finished goods for food, but nobody will come here to trade while there's pirates and fire. The pirates have the docks right now, they're looting and taking slaves. The competent ones'll leave after a while once the easy pickings are gone, some idiots will stay and keep making trouble until something kills them. The former ruling class is holed up in the very top of the city - not sure if the pirates or the helots will get them or if they'll stay safe. The helots are really fucking angry and want blood, freedom, and safety in that order. Everyone else is starting to realize it's every man for himself and making strongholds, gathering weapons... Like us. Who even wins in something like this?"

"...Could someone get out of here as a slave?"