PV-2 Paths Taken

Freight Workers and.....wait, what? Sorry. The name you said was too long to jot down.

'Nuova Volsinii Freight Workers and Truckers Mutual Aid Association'...we need to study the workers' unions in Victoria and Columbia.

If we want to fight back against the famiglie' threats, we first need to unite amongst ourselves. There's strength in numbers.

The shipping industry is the lifeblood of every city. To date, the famiglie have established control of this industry in every other city in Siracusa.

We can't let that happen here.

In Nuova Volsinii, trucking is not controlled by gangsters. The shipping industry belongs to the drivers and every other upstanding citizen of Nuova Volsinii.

But, why me?

I used to be a truck driver for Sommer's grocery store, albeit a good one.

In Volsinii, there are only a few government employees who haven't accepted bribes from the famiglie—you could count them on two hands.

That's because...

I'm sorry, Eirene. I privately looked into your and Sommer's past. I know about that tragic incident, and I truly apologize.

I was thinking, if you simply hate the Famiglia that set fire to your supermarket, you could have easily accepted help from another family to carry out your revenge...

But you didn't do that.

It's just a little speculation on my part. Forgive me if I offend you.

Thank you... Judge Lavinia.

Eirene, regardless of whether you are the best choice to head the Truckers' Union, I believe you are a kind woman.

Please give this invitation some serious consideration, okay?

...

Signorina Lavazza, please wait a moment. Judge Lavinia is still holding court. She will come see you when she is finished.

A—Alright. No rush.

Those documents you're holding, are they for Judge Lavinia? I'll give them to her.

No! At least, not yet. I'll give them to her in a little while.

May I ask you, that case the judge is handling, is it some dispute between the corporations or that car crash that happened last night?

Neither.

Strictly speaking, it's not a trial, but an appeal that even Judge Lavinia might not be able to handle.

The main litigant is a Nuova Volsinii civilian, but it's a unique situation.

Judge Lavinia is the Supreme Justice of Nuova Volsinii. What kind of case would she not... can I go listen in?

Of course. You can sit and listen to the proceedings while you wait for the judge.

...I'll contact the Montelupe municipal government right away and ask them to help us catch the culprit.

In the meanwhile, we will apply for Nuova Volsinii to take jurisdiction of this case.

Do you think you'll be able to do it?

...

I'll do everything I can. This isn't the first change of venue request we've submitted this year.

But all your previous requests were denied, right?

...Even if they deny our request, I'll push hard to ensure my colleagues in Montelupe conduct a fair trial, so that the murderer is punished.

Fair?

Judge Lavinia, we all know what's going to happen if you do that.

They'll say it was my big brother who got drunk in the bar and started this. They'll claim the mafiosi were acting in self-defense, when a terrible accident occurred.

You know that's not what happened!

He went on a business trip to Montelupe because of Carnevale and somehow offended the mafiosi there. They beat him to death in a dirty alley...

Your Honor, I heard the mafiosi have already taken the judges and court workers out to dinner. You're telling me you can make sure there's a fair trial?

I—

My brother was a good man. He never did a bad deed in his life. We were among the first citizens to apply to live in Nuova Volsinii. Everyone loved my brother.

I am very sorry.

You don't need to be sorry. This sort of thing happens in Siracusa all the time, does it not?

Your Honor, I want revenge.

I'm going to do this my way, by a method that is tried and true in our beloved Siracusa. I'm going to sell my possessions and hire an assassin or go seek refuge with another rival Famiglia that holds a grudge against them.

But if I do that, will I be violating Nuova Volsinii's laws?

Will you pass judgment on me? Will Nuova Volsinii banish me forever?

Yes, as required by the New Urban Management Act.

Nuova Volsinii's laws are very strict and very effective. However, they only apply within Nuova Volsinii's borders.

Don't you find that to be funny?

...

I know it sounds cruel, but that's how the laws were written. Nuova Volsinii is a very special place, and its laws are what make it special, but they are also its greatest shortcoming.

But please believe me. I will do everything I can to help you.

No, Your Honor, my brother was wrongfully killed...

I want to... revoke my Nuova Volsinii citizenship and return to Montelupe.

...

How could this have happened?

*sigh* There is nothing we can do about it.

Nuova Volsinii is a special city. The New Urban Management Act, both in its content and its applicability, conflicts with Siracusa's historical traditions.

In a sense, it is completely alien to the country as a whole. This is precisely why the law must stand.

This is not the first time we've seen something like this happen this year. Sorry, I should not tell you these things.

No. Thank you for sharing this with me.

Eirene, the union can't help me fix this.

This is Nuova Volsinii. Its laws bend for no one.

...

Signorina Lavazza, Judge Lavinia is handling the paperwork for this case. I'll go talk to her. You wait for me here.

...

...

Judge Lavinia, are you doing OK?

I'm fine. Where's Eirene? Didn't you say she's been waiting for me for a while now?

That's weird. She was just here.

Did she tell you anything new? Did she find the missing truck?

(Shakes head)

Knowing her, she probably discovered some new evidence all of a sudden and rushed out without saying goodbye. She'll get in touch with us soon.

By the way, the police station just called.

That Certaldo guy you were asking them to find...they located him.

...

Boss, you stuffed those vinyl records in your suitcase... aren't you afraid they'll get scratched?

Like I got a choice!

I don't like Siracusan smooth jazz. Sounds nice and fancy at first, but it might as well be tails brushin' the dirt while a pack of wolves gnaw at each other.

Carnevale, parades, concerts... there's gonna be music everywhere. I just wanna see some old friends, I ain't out to get my ears violated.

Old friends? You mean your people are going too?

We used to go all the time. Now the Siracusans are throwin' another theme party, after all these years, I mean, they definitely gonna show up.

Hey, Texas! You say you ain't into it, but you got your bags packed quicker than I did!

I didn't have much to pack.

We won't stay very long. We'll be back as soon as it's over.

Sounds like you sure somethin's definitely goin' wrong this time.

Look, Zaaro lost his game, your deal's null n' void.

You n' Siracusa, n' those old friends, they run some games I got no interest in, but everything that needed seein' to, got seen to.

The Last Texas ain't nothin' no more. You don't got no high hopes for Siracusa, so what's it matter to you if it gets better or worse?

...

You don't wanna say? Or you dunno?

Forget it. I mean, I'm sayin' you can stay in Lungmen to watch the house.

...

Lappland.

Where you headed?

The Trucker Camp.

Uh... never heard of it.

500 Viale Alito, Torino.

It's very far from here, on the farthest plate. It's not surprising that you've never been there.

Tough day, huh?

Uhuh...

You're the gloomiest customer I've picked up since arriving in Nuova Volsinii.

Why are you so sad? The Carnevale parade is just a few days away. Everyone is happy about their new lives in this new city, no?

...

Speaking of which, I love this new city.

Look at these festively decorated streets, the wonderful parties, and the carefully prepared food. There are no famiglia around, and it hardly ever rains. The air, and our tails, are always dry.

Signorina, could we cut the chatter? I don't really feel like talking right now.

What is it that's got you so upset? Let's chat about it. Maybe I can help you?

...

I made some mistakes. No, I should say, I failed to do some things. Or rather, I trusted the wrong people... In any case, I let people down.

Whatever. There's no way to solve my problems anyway.

No no no, in Siracusa, no problems are unsolvable.

If you can't untangle the rope, you can just cut it. If you can't unlock the chest, you can smash the lock with a hammer. There is a solution for every problem.

Many times, all you need to do is change your perspective and screw up your courage. Then you'll find that all the problems will resolve themselves.

Are you speaking from experience?

More than you can imagine.

After all, before becoming a taxi driver, my main job was helping my best friend solve problems.

Now that was someone who knew how to get into trouble, tsk.

Claiming to be able to 'solve' problems—it sounds just like something the famiglie would do.

Then you've got me all wrong.

This is a new place; the old ways do not apply. Believe me.

Look, everyone's full of energy, everyone's full of love, and also, everyone's wearing a festive mask. How fun.

Sometimes I really wonder, what are hiding behind these masks?

I don't understand what you're saying.

It's simple—wearing a mask 'imposed' on you can make it hard to breathe.

Many times, you actually know what to do; the answer is right there, crystal clear. It's just that for various reasons, we refuse to face it.

But if it could make things easier for yourself... then why not?

....Sorry, but could you stop for a second?

I'm not going to the Trucker Camp. I want to go somewhere else.

Your wish is my command.

Your timing is impeccable, Demetri. I just opened a bottle of wine.

Did you do it?

What?

Don't play dumb with me!

That car accident that has left Leon fighting for his life. Don't tell me you know nothing about it!

Calm down, Demetri. You followed Bernardo all those years, yet it seems his wisdom never rubbed off on you.

I don't like being accused of something I didn't do, and more importantly, I don't like it when a man who needs something from me carries himself like that.

Tell me everything you know.

No, no, no. That accident? I don't know any more about it than you do.

But I want to tell you a story, a story I don't tell very often, a very personal story. So, please pipe down and listen well, alright?

...

A long time ago, I had a 'fratello'.

We had a great relationship. We grew up together, sharing some of the dumbest moments of our youth. However, over time, a rift started to grow between us.

I started learning to manage the family business and understanding the rules of Siracusa, but my fratello, sadly, wasn't interested in any of that.

He was interested in Victorian literature, Leithanian music, and Siracusan plays. He spent most of his time in those silly theaters.

The year I first took over the family business, I found his corpse in our parking lot.

When I found him, I was enraged. I knew he was offending people, saying stupid things. I could have taken revenge, but I let it go.

Do you know why?

Because you're a cold-blooded mafioso?

Haha, I take no offense to your crudeness... but that's not quite the right answer.

It's simple. Far too many people misunderstand the meaning of famiglia.

Mafiosi are not 'duty-bound' to each other. They invest in each other and must work hard to protect those investments. Those with a common purpose and the determination to stand together can truly call themselves mafiosi.

The moment my fratello chose a different path, he was no longer an associate of my famiglia.

What are you trying to say?

I do not like to debate with other people. Business is all about finding mutual understanding.

If you truly care about avenging your fratello, you should go to City Hall and ask for their help. Here, with me, it's strictly business.

Well, that's about all the time I have now. My calendar is all booked up. I have to go meet a client.

...

I will handle the matter with Leon. It has nothing to do with you.

Don't let me catch you stepping over the line.

You're a tough woman to meet, Signorina Lavazza.

If memory serves, I've sent several invitations to you in the past. Even getting you to show up here today was a big surprise.

...

I know why you're here.

You want to hand over the truck that caused the accident, along with its cargo, to me.

Yes. That's correct.

Transferring your own issue into an issue between the famiglie. That's smart.

And that is why... I have to say no.

But, Alberto, why?

This thing has nothing to do with Famiglia Saluzzo.

I'm sure you know that City Hall has been watching us closely, ever since the thing in Volsinii. Why would we want to poke the bear now?

But this is a rare opportunity for you, no?

In just a year's time, almost every major district in Nuova Volsinii will have a Venezia Trucking sales center or repair station.

But if you have evidence that shows they are smuggling contraband, you can negotiate with them, or you could hand it over to City Hall, to smooth things over.

Whichever option you choose, it will work out well for you. Am I wrong?

All you need to do is ensure that the Truckers' Union does not get involved with the events that occurred last night. That shouldn't be too hard for you.

Why did you choose the Saluzzos?

I beg your pardon?

The Medicis' investment firm, the Leotis' pharmacies, the Genoveses' sugar mills, the Roccas' steel factories... There are countless families that have entered Nuova Volsinii by way of their front businesses.

You have many different options.

To me, they're all the same.

Us truck drivers just want to find new lives in this new city. We can't make sense of it all, nor do we care to. We do not care what happened in the Grey Hall, which famiglie have gotten stronger, which have gotten weaker, etc.

Which is why my answer is so important to you.

...

I grew up in Sicilia. I haven't seen my parents since I was a child.

The manager of a supermarket took me in when I was about 10 years old. He already had a daughter, but he treated me like his second one.

A little over a year ago, one of the smaller, local famiglie set fire to our supermarket, over a very minor dispute. As a result, my little sister contracted Oripathy.

Later, I heard that small famiglia was completely wiped out by another larger famiglia that had entered Sicilia, simply because they refused to cede their territory. That larger famiglia's name? Saluzzo.

That is the only connection we have to the famiglie. That's why, when I got desperate, I thought of the Saluzzos.

...

I only have one small request.

Tell me.

I hope that in the future, the Truckers' Union will be able to do some favors for Saluzzo Vino, favors that only the union can provide.

...

No—no no no. I—I think you've got us wrong.

You get a bargaining chip, and in return, you help us solve a problem. That sounds like a fair trade, right?

The Truckers' Union will no longer have any dealings with Famiglia Venezia, and it won't establish any kind of relationship with Famiglia Saluzzo. You can't...

You're running short on time, Signorina Lavazza.

...

You just told me a Siracusan story, a good story at that.

So, when you choose to solve things the Siracusan way, you must remember: the minute you take a seat at that table, many things are out of your control.

Signor Saluzzo.

Speak.

Tomorrow, I'll show you where we've stashed the truck.

We're almost there. The Port of Nuova Volsinii is straight ahead.

Whoa!

What's wrong, Noemi? You've been here before.

Do you ever get a funny feeling when you come here?

What?

What I mean is, every time I come here, I don't know where I should stand. I always feel like I'm in the way...

Noemi, we are very busy today. I wanted you to wait in the office. You're the one who insisted on following me here.

I may still be in training, but I can help out. Maybe I can even crack the case.

Well, I only started in this job three months before you. Neither of us is all that experienced.

Papa wants me to settle into this job quickly. It's a decent profession, and serving as a police officer means I'll be able to protect my family's pizzeria.

OK. OK. You already said all of that stuff to us on your first day on the job. Come on, kid. Don't you have any tact at all?

Uhh... hehe.

Alright. Let's get back to work.

There are a total of fifty-six repair stations across the city's twelve plates, and the other officers are checking them one by one. We've already dispatched a unit to the Trucker Camp as well.

The Port of Nuova Volsinii is the last place left. Almost all of the box trucks conduct business at this port.

But finding one truck in this huge place? It's searching for a needle in a haystack!

A fitting analogy, but a bit exaggerated. We've got to get a move on, or we'll be here past sundown.

Let's start here. You go east, and I'll go west. Remember, we're looking for trucks with any signs of damage. Don't overlook a single dent, ding, scrape, or scratch.

Got it!

Signs of damage... signs of damage...

How are there this many trucks in this city?

This isn't right. If someone had been in an accident, why would they stash the damaged truck in such a conspicuous place?

Wait. What are those tarps covering up over there?

Have you found anything on your end?

Not yet. What's wrong? Did you get lost already? I told you to have your coffee this morning.

I don't drink coffee. It's too bitter.

Not when you dunk in a donut or two...

C'mon, let's stay focused on the task at hand. I know the truck we're looking for is hidden around here somewhere! Get over here, quickly!

You hid the truck in the Port of Nuova Volsinii?

My guy picked up the goods here. He was only halfway out of the city when the accident happened.

It happened so suddenly. He was too afraid to drive the truck over to Famiglia Venezia, or back to the Trucker Camp.

The truck's cabin got all busted up. The damage was far too noticeable, so he had to turn back. He drove back to this port, the place he knows best.

Where exactly is the truck?

Over there.

That's...

The place where all the floats are parked.

Floats?

These giant floats are modeled after the mythical beasts from Siracusan legends. They're going to be the big surprise of the Carnevale. City Hall spent nearly six months preparing them.

They will lead the Carnevale parade across the central avenue and through the entire city. Under the gaze of all the citizens, they will bring the festive atmosphere to its peak.

The port officials have covered them with a tarp, so as not to ruin the surprise.

The driver hid the truck under the tarp?

Yes. Sommer disguised it as one of the floats.

I'm not sure exactly which truck it is. Wait for me here. I'll go talk to the dispatcher.

...

Why are all the floats moving all of a sudden?

Signorina Lavazza, are you going to check each and every float? You don't think that's a bit much?

No. I'm not going to...

—

—

What's going on?

Noemi, tell the workers to put out the fire, now!

I'm on it! Wait. Look at that float. Doesn't it look like it's been in an accident?

You mean, this is the truck we've been looking for, the one that hit the Acting Mayor?

That fire is getting out of control. If we wait for them to put it out, there'll be nothing left.

You think this fire was accidental?

I just think... hiding the truck among the parade floats, then setting it on fire, all just to destroy the evidence? That's both too complicated and blatant.

Or maybe... that's what they want.

It's a message, a provocation.

What a huge fire... It's hard to make out whose likeness the burned wolf was modeled after.

You? Me? Zaaro or Agnese?

Not any one of us.

Humans can never imagine something beyond their cognition, and they are too fragile, always cowed by fear...

Perhaps to them, all 'uncivilized' lifeforms are like this—baring their teeth and full of menace.

Regardless of how they created that image, they clearly put a lot of effort into it. It's a shame that it was burned like this.

...

Your wolf pup isn't around. There's no need to act so benevolent.

She doesn't know your identity, nor the truth behind the conflict, yet she almost helped you win this round of the game.

There's no more shameless Signora dei Lupi than you, Caesar.

No.

Projekt Red, my dear girl, her hunting skills were subpar, much less so under the influence of humans.

Victory was far beyond her grasp.

Zaaro's Fang was not killed by her. Agnese's Fang has been weakened, but still lives.

And you, Vargo.

In the first round of the game, your wolf pup hid all too well. Red couldn't even pick up his scent.

...

I remember you once told me that this was the most satisfying choice you've made among our countless rounds of games.

Is your wolf pup lying low, waiting for the others to fight to the death so it can jump out of hiding and claim victory?

The wilderness has always been this way, has it not?

*sigh* Vargo, do you really think the others can't see through your disguise?

What if I already know where your wolf pup is hiding?

—