act20mini

Formal renegotiations with the Kazimierzians regarding the specifics will take place after the Red Wine Championship. We won't let them put unreasonable terms into the contract this time...

Anyway, that's all about the truckload of wine. Don't ask questions, and don't think too much about it. It's all in the past now.

Eirene...

I know what you're trying to say.

I don't need it. We don't need it. It's all done.

Don't worry, I'll find a way. Things will get better for drivers at the AST...

For the Truckers' Union.

For a long time afterwards, what Eirene recalls most vividly about those two negotiations is not anything that her counterpart said, but the strange confidence that she had.

She believed—

That things would solve themselves if they were put out in the open, as long as rules and boundaries were upheld, even without having to rely on those forces that she was loathe to involve.

Not now, I don't have time for you—

Eirene impatiently waves away the Lupo deliveryman behind her and turns to face the smartly-dressed Kuranta.

She is anxious yet helpless, unsure what to do with her raised hand.

B-But we couldn't possibly pay such an amount!

And what do you mean, you'll end our partnership if we don't accept...?

Didn't we say the other day...?

Our agreement that day was based on the circumstances before that day. Our demands today are based on the changes that will occur after today.

His tone was calm, impassive, as though he was simply stating an indisputable fact, and was kind enough to explain it again for Eirene's sake.

We will not intervene with the assignment of responsibility for the traffic accident, nor do we intend to influence the judgment of the relevant authorities.

But the destruction of the goods is the outcome, and nothing can change that.

Not to mention the poisoning...

As fate would have it... it was supposed to be our wine that the conductor in question last sampled, yet a Lupo claims that he had asked someone to deliver it.

And the vehicle that delivered the samples under suspicion happened to be the one that caused the accident involving the truck delivering our wine...

The AST's drivers have nothing to do with the poisoning!

Of course, I fully believe that. At least, I do, from a traffic perspective.

<i>...Traffic perspective?</i>

Regardless of whether the rider violated traffic laws, his actions objectively impacted the non-delivery of our goods.

He created a high-risk environment at a critical juncture, the result of which was that the contract was not fulfilled according to agreement.

So you're going after someone who did not commit any actual violations?

'Going after' is such a strong phrase. I said nothing of the sort.

We are simply assessing the associated liabilities in accordance with the law.

The Kuranta pauses, then continues.

The portions of damages that insurance does not cover must, of course, be borne by the liable parties.

Business is business, Commissioner Eirene. I beg your understanding.

Business?! This is highway robbery!

Ah, we regret that you see it as such.

I assure you, our company is most disappointed in this turn of events.

Meanwhile, we invite any interested drivers to pick up a pamphlet in hopes of future cooperation.

We continue to welcome rational choices.

W-Wait! Eirene! Say something! There's no way I can deal with what's on this piece of paper myself!

I guess I'll have to go to—

No!

Then what do you suggest I do? If you didn't sign that partnership agreement with these foreigners, that crash would never have happened, and Gianni wouldn't be lying in a hospital bed right now!

I...

I know you just want to help us make money, but those Kazimierzians are going to sue me!

I've never even SEEN that much money my entire life! How am I supposed to pay it?

You said that regulations would protect the Truckers' Union, no, the AST's drivers once we were part of the municipal system!

I shouldn't have to deal with this on my own, right?

I know, I'll find a way...

Well, either you do that, or...

Or I go and talk to that Bellone associate behind you.

Eirene reflexively opens her mouth to say 'no', as she had done so many times whenever this subject is broached, but no words come out.

She sees a few drivers standing around the Kuranta in the distance, the same typical smile plastered over his face as always.

The man stands there, patiently holding a pamphlet, sometimes nodding and sometimes replying softly, looking more like a counselor listening to someone's troubles, than a salesman trying to advertise something.

The drivers listen to the Kuranta's explanations with perplexed expressions on their faces, while casting subtle, searching glances at Eirene.

Don't worry, I'll find a way... I will...

It has been a long time since Eirene last drove a truck to work. It has been a long time since she drove a truck on the new city's roads.

Parking spaces are always at a premium at the city hall, where the Agenzia per la Sicurezza dei Trasporti's offices are located.

Visitors from local businesses, guests from foreign trade associations, drivers of the AST, colleagues from other departments... vehicles of all shapes and sizes come and go.

There is no space for a truck.

In the afternoon, when Eirene is driving her truck out of the camp, she overhears the other drivers discussing the pamphlets that the Kazimierzian representative brought, some with excitement, others with suspicion.

They talk about the number of fines this quarter, the profits of each job, and their children potentially getting to work for a winery, a pharmacy, or a vehicle factory.

The pamphlets paint a picturesque future, not so different from what she saw when she chose the foreigners in order to reject the famiglie.

But she knows that they also represent other things.

Eirene continues to drive for a long time. As the colors of dusk fill the sky, she dials a certain number on her terminal.

Lavinia? It's me, Eirene... I'm coming over to the courthouse right now.

I need to talk to you. It's important.