Operation story: IS-5

Operation

Story

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Characters
Croissant Exusiai Lavinia Leontuzzo Sora Texas Alberto Bernardo Caterina (Giovanna) Demetri Rubio Wallach Loyal Mafioso Radical Mafioso Saluzzo Mafioso
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6

Before operation

“

Wallach is infuriated at Texas's decision. Lavinia proposes a meeting with Bernardo, intending to question him about his decision.

”

<Background 1>
[Wallach is having a talk with Texas.]
Wallach	Though I considered the possibility that Leontuzzo was trying to pull a fast one on me behind my back, my suspicions were confirmed the moment I saw you. You're the real deal, a flesh-and-blood Texas.
Texas	......
Wallach	Allow me to introduce myself. I am Wallach of Famiglia Rossati.
Texas	You're Columbian?
Wallach	Of course. Most associates of Famiglia Rossati are. So, how did you enjoy prison life here?
Texas	There was nothing special about it.
Wallach	Strange. Logically, you never should've spent so long in jail in the first place. Just what was Bellone thinking?
Texas	Is there something unusual about obeying the law?
Wallach	The law? What do the courts here in Siracusa have to do with the so-called law? Look at it this way. In most Siracusan cities, standing trial and going to jail is a common coming-of-age ritual for a young mafioso. After that, his famiglia associates go pick him up, like a warrior returning home triumphant. Everything on the surface here is meaningless to those who live by the underworld's ways.
Texas	What's your point?
Wallach	You grew up in Columbia. Do I need to spell it out for you? "A complete joke." There's no other way to say it. But that's why we were able to establish ourselves here so easily.
Texas	Do you enjoy talking politics?
Wallach	You obviously don't. To be honest with you, I'm not a fan either. I'll get to the point then. Why aren't you dead.
Texas	None of your business.
Wallach	Fine. Let me ask you a different question then. Why did you come back?
Texas	Didn't Leontuzzo tell you already? I owe the Bellones a favor.
Wallach	So, let me get this straight. You knew the Bellones wanted to bring you back to deal with us Rossatis, but you still went along with it.
Texas	I didn't know that until I got here, but... you could say that.
Wallach	Your bluntness makes me wonder if there's something wrong with me, last of the Texases. Are you going to tell me you forgot the Texas name used to rule all of Columbia's famiglie, large and small? That your grandfather, Salvadore, was the lodestar for every associate of every famiglia in Columbia?!
Texas	...... What the Texases left behind... has nothing to do with me.
Wallach	Nothing to do with you?!
Wallach smashes his fist into the coffee table next to him, and fresh blood begins to seep from his fingers. He does not seem to realize it.
Wallach	You are Cellinia Texas! The granddaughter of Salvadore! As long as you live, those things have everything to do with you! The mere mention of your name at a Rossati table forces us to change the way we do things! Texas was our pride! Do you know how much effort Giovanna put in to reunite the remaining Columbian famiglie so that Salvadore's blood and sweat would not go to waste? Do you have any idea what it was like to finally give in to Signora Sicilia, traveling thousands of miles to go from Columbia to Siracusa? In order to survive, we even gave up the technology to build a nomadic city, basically letting Siracusa construct a new one for free– That was all because of the fall of Texas. It left us no choice but to accept this reality. And now you, the last Texas, deign to set foot here like you own the damned place. Claiming that you have nothing to do with all this, that you're just here to pay off a debt. You even go so far as to stand against us! You owe the Bellones? That you're even alive means you owe a much bigger debt to the Columbian famiglie!
Texas	I might owe Giovanna an explanation, but I don't owe a thing to the Columbians. After I settle my accounts with the Bellones, I'm leaving Siracusa.
Wallach	You think we'll take your word for it? Your very existence shakes the foundations of Famiglia Rossati.
Texas	...... Where's Giovanna?
Wallach	What?
Texas	I'm asking, why are you here? Instead of Giovanna?
Wallach	I speak for her.
Texas	She wouldn't, for example, grovel at Signora Sicilia's feet. Same as she wouldn't send a representative to meet me.
Wallach	You think you know her so well?
Texas	Judging from your expression, looks like I'm right.
Wallach	...... Hah... Isn't that unlucky. Turns out I'm the one who doesn't know enough about the legendary Texas. I always thought I was a pretty good actor.
Texas	You're not bad. But, you speak eloquently and at great lengths about Siracusa, as if you've seen through the country for what it is. It feels... very familiar to me. I wouldn't keep doing that, if I were you.
Wallach	Why not?
Texas	Because it proves... you don't understand this place well enough.
Wallach	......
Texas	But, you are right about one thing. Now that I'm back, I should go have a chat with Giovanna.
Wallach	You won't be seeing her.
[Several mafiosi reveal themselves behind Texas.]
Wallach	Sorry about this, last of the Texases. You're too much like a Siracusan. No, you are a Siracusan, through and through. So I cannot let you see the Donna. You'll shake her. And you'll shake others too. You'll bring ruin to a great many things. So, please turn back. Go close the deal you have with the Bellones, and then crawl back wherever you came from. You're free to do what you want from here. But, I'll ask you to bear one thing in mind. Famiglia Rossati does not welcome you.
Texas stands up and walks to the door. Unconsciously, the would-be assassins part and make way for her. She looks around, reading anger, bewilderment, disgust, confusion, and other emotions in the eyes of the Columbians. That is what her surname brings to the table. Texas. She lets out a sigh and exits the room.
<Background 2>
[Lavinia opens the door and enters.]
Demetri	What an unexpected guest.
Lavinia	I want to see Bernardo.
Demetri	I've already warned you several times before not to call the Don by his first name, Signorina Lavinia.
Lavinia	You know where he is, don't you?
Demetri	Give me one reason why I should tell you.
Lavinia	If standing here listening to you mock me from your position as the big winner is enough to get you to tell me, I'll gladly play along.
Demetri	The big winner, huh...? Whatever. It's not like you knowing will do any harm. The Don already left for the Saluzzo mansion. You won't be able to see him. If you want to stir up trouble in his household, that's on you. But if the Don has decided to open discussions with the Saluzzos, I suggest you don't stick your head where it doesn't belong.
Lavinia	...... Don't need to tell me twice.
[Lavinia starts to walk away...]
Demetri	One more thing, Signorina Lavinia.
[...but turns back after Demetri calls him.]
Demetri	I don't care what you think about me. But, I hope you do remember this. Leon is a made man in this famiglia, and he was the first to deviate from our path. We are all one famiglia, and a famiglia ought to stick together.
Lavinia	Your path? That's a nice euphemism for craven ambition.
Demetri	Heh.
[Lavinia leaves.]
<Background 3>
A droplet of rain strikes the ridge of her eye socket and rolls down like a teardrop. Never in her life has Lavinia experienced rain so frigid and biting in Siracusa. But she promptly wipes away the streaks. It's too soon for that.
[Lavinia makes a call toward Texas.]
Texas	Who is it?
Lavinia	I'm looking for Penguin Logistics.
Texas	That's me.
Lavinia	Do you have time right now?
Texas	I have a moment.
Lavinia	What services does your business offer?
Texas	We deliver letters, messages, goods, and... people. Rain or shine.
Lavinia	Perfect. I have a job for you.
<Background 4>
[Sora returns.]
Exusiai	Oh, Sora, you went to Caterina's place after all?
Sora	There are tons of resources here, and Miss Caterina even left her notes in a lot of these scripts. She's really passionate about her job, huh? *sigh*...
Croissant	Stop sighin', won'tcha? Everybody knows yer actin' thingy ain't just another way of chasin' Texas. Leastwise, you don't want it to be.
Sora	Right. But, finding her is still our top priority... After all, Lappland is back in Siracusa, and she's been doing some pretty crazy stuff.
Exusiai	If you think about, it makes perfect sense. It always feels like she's there, wherever Texas shows up.
Sora	Do you think she's doing it to help Texas?
Croissant	Lookin' at the scoreboard, Texas sure as sunshine got her name cleared. But ain't that kinda strange, whichever way ya look at it?
Sora	Yes. I'm sure she has her own goals.
Croissant	Gaaah, I don't have what it takes to deal with that woman. Anyways, she ain't no friend of Texas, don't take a genius to know that much. But her attitude ain't much like an enemy, neither. End of the day, I just can't figure out for the life of me what it is she wants outta Texas.
Exusiai	But, the mille-feuille she gave me earlier was really good.
Croissant	Don't wanna hear nothin' outta that hungry mouth of yours.
Exusiai	It's kind of like how I used to look at Mostima. I couldn't figure her out, but after I gradually stopped thinking about her, she actually started to make sense to me. I feel like it's the same with Lappland. For people like her, there's no point trying to guess at what they're thinking. It's better to just accept what they say at face value. Only if every word they say is true can you start to figure if they're ultimately trying to weave truths into a lie.
Sora	Hmm...
Croissant	Time for me to get some chow. Exusiai, you watch over things, okay?
Exusiai	You got it~
[Caterina opens the door and enters.]
Caterina	Sora, are you practicing your lines again?
Sora	Oh, hi there, Miss Caterina. We're about to start our performance of Act II of "La Morte di Texas," so I have to step it up.
Caterina	Oh, I completely forgot. Time sure has a way of sneaking up on you. Exusiai, would you like some pizza?
Exusiai	Sure would!
Sora	By the way, Miss Caterina, since you're the playwright, you'll be coming to watch the show, right?
Caterina	Hmm... I actually wanted to tell you that I'm going away for a while.
Sora	Huh? For how long?
Caterina	Well... It shouldn't be too long, if everything goes as planned. Don't worry, it's nothing major. Something happened back home, and as the eldest daughter, I have to go back and get everything under control.
Exusiai	Being a big sister is hard work, isn't it?
Caterina	Haha. It's not so bad. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure what to do for the climax of Act III. *sigh*... Maybe I can find some inspiration back home this time.
Sora	Alright...
Caterina	Come on, don't look at me like that. We just won't be seeing each other for a bit. I should still be able to find the time to come watch Act II. Who knows, maybe I'll surprise you backstage and invite you out.
Sora	Really?
Caterina	After all, I rarely get to make new friends, and I wouldn't want to miss the performance of a script I wrote myself.
Sora	Right. That settles it then. If you're coming by, you have to let me know!
Caterina	Of course! I'm off then. Goodbye.
Sora	Bye bye~
Exusiai	See you later~
<Background 5>
Wallach	Donna, you didn't bring any luggage?
Giovanna	After we're done here, I have to head back to finish my script. What's there for me to bring?
Wallach	Alright.
Giovanna	How have the Saluzzos and Bellones been reacting?
Wallach	The Saluzzos invited Leontuzzo to a banquet, and the old wolf Bernardo agreed to it. That banquet may end up very interesting, and everyone has eyes on it now. Should we respond in any way?
Giovanna	...... Wallach, help me make some travel plans. I'm going to go watch the opening performance of "La Morte di Texas" Act II.
Wallach	Is the script you wrote that important to you?
Giovanna	Of course. It is the product of my painstaking labor. Also, didn't you just ask how we were going to respond? That is my response, seeing how Bernardo Bellone is about to step away from his own theater. Naturally, I, Giovanna Rossati, ought to return.

After operation

“

The heads of the two famiglie decide to join forces. For the first time during her years in Siracusa, Texas scores a kill that she deems worthwhile. Lavinia is unable to find the answer she seeks.

”

<Background 3>
Quartiere Saluzzo
[While walking through the streets...]
Bernardo	Leon. I've never been one to tell you what to do. I've always hoped you'd come to your own decisions about everything. You've done well, all these years.
Leontuzzo	If you really think that, then why...
Why did you suddenly decide to act now? Why are you telling me this? Why... did you betray Lavinia? Countless questions swirl around Leontuzzo's mind, but none of them leave his lips. What he just saw and heard seems to contradict his cognition. He suddenly feels as if the man before him is not his father. He's like a stranger.
Bernardo	Because this is the best, and only chance.
Leontuzzo	What do you mean by that?
Bernardo	You'll find out soon enough.
[Rubio walks by.]
Rubio	Signor Bernardo, Signor Leontuzzo, it's a pleasure to see you.
Bernardo	Hmm? You're not one of Saluzzo's associates.
Leontuzzo	Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare, Rubio. Why are you...?
Rubio	My dipartimento is catering tonight's banquet. I'll be cooking, personally.
Bernardo	Oh? I've heard that in Volsinii, no event worth its salt can be held without the endorsement of il Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare.
Rubio	You speak too highly of me. I'm just hoping to make food that satisfies the fine men and women of every famiglia.
Bernardo	Yet another reason to look forward to tonight's banquet.
<Background 6>
[A car stops by and Lavinia came out.]
Lavinia	You came.
Texas	Where is he right now?
Lavinia	He went to the Saluzzo mansion.
Texas	Okay.
[Lavinia stands beside Texas.]
Lavinia	You're not going to ask why?
Texas	I can tell that Bernardo is very important to you.
Lavinia	...... When I became a judge, he didn't ask me to abuse my position to protect the famiglia backing me, like all the other judges. He let me do what I wanted to do. Leon, too. As the Bellone boss in this city, he respects my work and the brand of justice I seek to uphold. Even if I rule against the Bellones, he sees it as strictly business. In his words, my justice is more effective than blind violence. I don't object to his understanding of justice. He even spends some of his spare time reading law literature. Even so, as a judge, I still have to come face-to-face with the injustices that constantly plague this city. The power struggles between the famiglie, their oppression of the common folk, and the silent rage of the masses... The more I tried to uphold justice, the more difficult I realized my path was. I used to comfort myself that "at least I'm not the tool of some famiglia." But how could that be true? My hands are already dirty. I just didn't want to want to admit it. It's impossible not to get your hands dirty. Even if this seems silly to you... The promise Bernardo made to me was the only reason I was able to remain a judge in Siracusa.
Texas	Promise?
Lavinia	He once told me that after Famiglia Bellone emerged victorious, he would carve out a piece of land in Siracusa. There, the law I placed my faith in would no longer rely on pure power, where the justice I sought could truly be realized. He's hoped I could be patient until that day comes. Every time I start to think I can't bear it anymore, I think of his promise. Tell me, if all of this was a lie, then what purpose has my life had for the past ten years?
Texas	I think... given his power and status, he wouldn't need to lie to you like that.
Lavinia	Right? That's why–
Saluzzo Mafioso	Who is it? Huh? You're–
Lavinia	I am Judge Lavinia. I would like to speak with Don Alberto regarding the murder of Carracci.
Saluzzo Mafioso	Your Honor... The Don is entertaining an honored guest right now and doesn't have time to...
Lavinia	By honored guest, do you mean Bernardo Bellone?
Saluzzo Mafioso	......
Lavinia	Please inform the two dons that this matter is of great importance. I will not leave until I see them.
<Background 1>
Rubio	Please try this one. I learned it from a Leithanian chef.
Bernardo	...... Not bad, not bad.
Alberto	Times have really changed, Bernardo. In the old days, whenever we wanted something, it was all: "I must have it, and I'll kill anyone who gets in my way." But now? I need to find officials or businessmen who are on good terms with me, and ask them to get it for me. Be discreet about it too. Wouldn't want news to get out. Ridiculous. Isn't that right, Rubio?
Rubio	Ah... Anything you desire, can be yours, Don Alberto. For one to be called upon to get what you want is his honor.
Alberto	Hah.
Bernardo	Segretario Rubio, you must've been plenty lucky yourself to fill that position.
Rubio	I didn't have that kind of luck, which is why I had to go about it this way. I'm just a clown, currying favor with the bosses.
Alberto	Heh. Look at this guy, always talking himself down. The fact that you're even here today is enough to prove your worth.
Rubio	You're right, Don Alberto.
Alberto	Alright, Bernardo. We've spent enough time exchanging pleasantries, so let's get down to business. You want to do what the Dodici Famiglie have always wanted to do, but never had the guts–take her down. And sure. You have my support. But you've only just muddied the waters. If you really want to overthrow her, you're a long way away. The fact that you even dared to come to this dinner shows that the cards are still in your hand. So tell me, what exactly do you plan to do?
Bernardo	...... Alberto, what do you think about Famiglia Rossati?
Alberto	Rossati? They've got ambition.
Bernardo	Famiglia Rossati isn't alive today just because Giovanna's standing up as Salvadore's successor. Someone must think the legacy of the Texas name–old Salvadore's knack for unification, was an invaluable asset.
Alberto	If you ask me, it's a liability. Charisma this, charisma that. In the end, money is what talks. It's the only thing that'll get anyone to give a damn about you.
Bernardo	You're right. And also wrong. From where we stand, there are always methods of convincing people. And to be fair, I do somewhat admire Giovanna. While the Texas legacy did make for a liability, she took it up willingly, and managed to make it her own... It's true that the Rossatis have depended on the wealth and connections they've accumulated. But, they've gone too far.
Alberto	In what way?
Bernardo	Do you really think she wants to hand over the key to the new city to either of our famiglie?
Alberto	......
Bernardo	We've been jostling for power here, but the Rossatis haven't shown the slightest interest in participating, as if they're not even here in our world. But, they are the same Rossatis that took up Salvadore's legacy. They handed over the technology to build that city to Siracusa. Do you really think they're bystanders in all this? To a new city built to commemorate Salvadore? A new city that could change the trajectory of Siracusa?
Alberto	You mind putting it in plain Siracusan for me?
Bernardo	How could I possibly be more direct, Alberto? The Dodici Famiglie have been battling here in Volsinii. And to her, this is nothing more than a beast-fighting exhibition.
[A mafioso approaches Alberto.]
Loyal Mafioso	Don Alberto... (*whispers*)
Alberto	Hmm? Judge Lavinia, and Cellinia? They want to see me and Bernardo? What's the meaning of this, Bernardo?
Bernardo	They're not with me.
Alberto	Oh? The Saluzzos have never been anything but hospitable to our guests. But, to those who are not guests–
Bernardo	You can deal with them according to the Saluzzo way.
Leontuzzo	......
Alberto	Haha, alright then. You heard the man?
Loyal Mafioso	Yes, Don Alberto.
[The mafioso leaves.]
Alberto	Bernardo, I know you enjoy chatting about plans, and the future. But I like more practical topics, myself.
Bernardo	Because you know those like the back of your hand. The people know the Saluzzos never place a bet lightly. But few remember that when a Saluzzo does place a bet, he doesn't let it go lightly either.
Alberto	Heh. Rubio, the rest is not meant for your ears.
Rubio	I get it–
Bernardo	Segretario Rubio, do you have any interest in opera?
Rubio	Oh... I sometimes go, when I have the time.
Bernardo	Perfect. Take this.
Rubio	This is... a ticket to "La Morte di Texas" Act II?
Bernardo	Yes. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in, feel free to go check it out.
Alberto	I told you, Bernardo. The time for pleasantries is over.
Bernardo	I'd also like to invite all Saluzzos and their associates to enjoy the show together.
Alberto	What are you talking about?
<Background 2>
Loyal Mafioso	It's time to go. This is a private party.
Lavinia	...... And what if I told you I must see the dons today?
Loyal Mafioso	The Saluzzos have a particular way of showing hospitality to unwelcome guests.
[A group of mafiosi joins the loyal mafioso.]
Lavinia	I'm sorry, Cellinia.
Texas	This is what I'm here for, isn't it?
[Texas unsheathes her swords.]
Loyal Mafioso	You dare pull your sword on a Saluzzo? Cellinia, last of the Texases, are you outta your mind?
Texas	Flip that one around.
To kill, not for the sake of killing, but for an honest and sincere hope–since her return to Siracusa, this is the fight that has felt the least empty to her. That is what Texas thinks.
<Background 1>
Bernardo	My theater manager informed me that Famiglia Rossati has reserved a VIP box for tomorrow night's show.
Alberto	Oh? Haha, staging a hit in a theater? Is that how the esteemed artistic director of Compagnia dell'alba operates?
Bernardo	It's just sprinkling the dressing of truth onto a play.
Alberto	But, there is one thing I still have doubts about. Giovanna has heavies from Columbia among her associates. Especially her boss in this city, Wallach. I've heard rumors of his methods. How are you sure we'll be able to bring her down together?
Radical Mafioso	Don Alberto... (*whispers*)
Alberto	Haha, sounds like fun. Bernardo, the judge and that Texas... very much want to see us. They've already wounded some of my soldiers. They are both close friends of yours, Bellone. Care to explain?
Bernardo	...... The associates of Famiglia Saluzzo have always been known for their bloodlust and combativeness. Alberto, if the Rossatis came to attack your home... What do you think their chances would be?
Alberto	Zilch. They wouldn't stand a chance.
Bernardo	Cellinia will be the blade that runs through the heart of Famiglia Rossati.
Alberto	Oh?
Bernardo	Where Rossati soldiers can't go, Cellinia can. So, what are you worried about? Can the Rossatis stop her?
<Background 2>
[Texas easily slashes down the mafiosi surrounding her and Lavinia, incapacitating them, before pointing her swords to the last one.]
Texas	I remember you.
Loyal Mafioso	I thought you totally gave up on this place, like you never even lived here.
Texas	My time with the Saluzzos wasn't so bad.
Loyal Mafioso	Then, you gotta know what it is you're doing.
Texas	I do.
[Texas knocks the mafioso out.]
Lavinia	Texas, you...
Looking at the unconscious mafiosi strewn around her, Lavinia can't help but be briefly lost for words. Even with all this, Texas was still holding back. She thought she had seen it all in her time dealing with the famiglie, but this is still beyond her comprehension.
Lavinia	I'm glad I'm on your side.
Texas	Unfortunately, it looks like this is as far as we'll get.
Lavinia	Huh?
[Leontuzzo shows up.]
Lavinia	Leon?!
Leontuzzo	Lavinia... you shouldn't have come.
Lavinia	I have to ask Bernardo something, face-to-face.
Leontuzzo	The assassination of the boss of Famiglia Rossati has already been decided. Saluzzo and Bellone will join forces.
Lavinia	That's the decision they made?
Leontuzzo	It was our decision.
Lavinia	...... Where is he?
Leontuzzo	Dinner just ended. My father is upstairs. You can see him, but nothing will change.
Along the way, Lavinia keeps running over a million different things to say. There are too many questions she wants to ask Bernardo. She imagines the countless arguments she'd have with him, as well as their outcomes. She thinks she has mustered enough anger. However, when she steps through the door, the scene she encounters shakes her to the core.
Bernardo sits upright in a luxurious chair. In his hand rests a legal codex adorned with thorns. The very same as the one she holds in her hands. He lowers his head and rubs the tome lightly with his palms, as if completely unaware–of the thorns digging into his hands, of the bright blood trickling down. Her chaotic thoughts all freeze in this moment. In the end, thousands of words condense into one–
Lavinia	Why?
[After a pause...]
Bernardo	The game is over, Lavinia.
That sentence alone is already enough for her. Only a few moments of silence pass, but she is already sapped of all her strength. Lavinia turns to leave and does not look back, frightened of the tears about to roll from her eyes. Bernardo remains in place, uttering not a single word as a few drops of his blood dye the floor.