I don't know why you think this is a side trek. You know nothing of how many the ships are how much slaves  are we talking about or what type of security. It is a logical step to try and gather information before going and attacking them.<br/>Attacking the ship in the  port is more then foolish. Her the authorities are on the Cynis side and it will be very hard to sneak THAT many slaves. I wasn't going to meddle in your decision, but  I think this is something your characters know.