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They're in the way, Capone.

What's going on? Feels like the whole plate is shaking...

It came from the direction of the port—

Hey, that way—

That's our landship... right?

A balloon escapes the thread that bound it and rises into the air for a dozen seconds, until it comes to an abrupt end when it meets a corner at the top of a massive object.

It is a custom-built cargo landship.

A massive vehicle that travels from city to city, its enormous, resilient hull able to protect massive amounts of cargo from Catastrophes and hazardous terrain. It is not an object that one would expect to see inside a city.

But it has forced its way into Nuova Volsinii by brute force, its tracks crushing the ground underneath it, sending gravel flying. It tears buildings apart like paper as it brushes past them, and the resultant rubble falls from the sky like a rain of stone.

It shows no sign of stopping even as it enters the square, casually brushing aside the trucks that surrounded the courthouse, while mafioso and truck drivers alike scatter, fleeing for their lives.

Finally, slowly, the landship comes to a rumbling halt.

That was when they noticed that there are ribbons and balloons all over this behemoth of steel, meant to roam the wilderness. It is here for the festival.

Ciao!

*cough* *cough* Why so serious, wolf pups? It's Carnevale! A time to celebrate and party!

Be it admonishment or taunt, all could hear the voice coming from the deck of the landship.

The White Wolf removes her mask. No one can take their eyes off her.

Beams from spotlights sweep away the darkness around her. The tactful night breeze brushes open the bright red on her shoulder.

The best tailor in Siracusa has weaved roses and blood into the dress of the White Wolf, equally at home on stage or in the wilds.

Seemingly satisfied at the reaction of the audience of mafioso and truck drivers, Lappland delivers her brightest smile, and takes a graceful bow.

Shall we dance? Fall behind, lose your tail.

Well, why are you standing there like a bunch of statues? The least you could do is blow a kiss or two.

This is the final stop of the night of wonders. What are you doing, if you're not welcoming the parade with the grandest show of them all?

Oh, I see! Most of you are still empty-handed!

My bad, my bad. A game has got to be fair, and a performance has got to be grand. Thankfully, someone has prepared the props ahead of time—

Music begins to play, and Lappland puts her foot forward to the rhythm. Acting like she owns the place, she kicks box after box off the deck; all the while, she never stops talking.

The boxes break apart in mid-air, sending their contents scattered across the plaza—Arts units, guns, staves, crossbows, Originium explosives...

It is a rain of weapons that falls everywhere. All one has to do is stretch out their hand to pick up the raindrops.

Don't be shy, don't be shy! It's what you've been waiting for, what you've been looking for, isn't it?

No rush, no hurry! There's plenty for everybody!

The night is young, Nuova Volsinii!

The White Wolf of Saluzzo has hijacked our landship...

Is this Alberto's doing? No, the use of the landship was a last-minute decision. Alberto hasn't shown any sign of intervening, other than the two of us butting heads on the matter of the Truckers' Union.

What is that Lappland thinking? She's not doing this just for fun, is she?

Still can't get through to Gambino.

You better pray he's still alive.

Uh...

No need to be anxious.

Lappland just spared us the effort of delivering the weapons to the square. Other than the commotion being a little bigger than expected, things are going largely according to plan.

I'm going to the docks. Lappland is just one Lupo. Even if something did happen at the Nuova Volsinii port, there will be enough time to deal with it.

You take care of things here at Court Square. Get the guys from adjacent districts to come over towards Court Square. Take inventory and make sure the goods are delivered properly.

The city's brain and heart is what's really important. Once that's under control, everything else will fall into place.

You got it.

I had the boys clear a path that takes you away from the parade and cops, so that you can get to the Nuova Volsinii port in the shortest amount of time.

The route has been sent to your terminal.

I'm on my way—

Capone?

Wasn't easy to get you out of the shadows, boss.

Is betrayal a proud Sicilian tradition too?

Who are you wagging your tail to? City Hall? Saluzzo? Or one of the other famiglie that's trying to take advantage of the situation in the city?

Oh, just putting you in touch with somebody who wanted to meet you.

Antonio hears footsteps behind him. He turns around and sees the familiar figure at the end of the alley, walking slowly towards him.

As for your question...

You weren't such a bad boss, you know. Temperamental, but sharp. I actually felt pretty guilty when that crazy Lappland came knockin'.

Glad I don't feel that way now. Thanks for that one.

The famiglie got a hundred ways to deal with enemies and traitors. Cut their tongues, slit their throats, bury 'em alive with their families...

We're villains through and through, and there ain't much we wouldn't do... but no famiglia would raise a hand against honest folk who pay their protection money.

What?

Times may change, but there's some rules in Siracusa that never do.

I guess, when all's said and done, you're still a Bolívarian, Antonio.

That was quick.

You need to get your news faster.

I was waiting nearby all this time.

Still, thank you.

If you wanna thank someone, thank Lappland. Not that I got any clue what she's planning.

...If I get a chance.

Need a hand?

You can go.

Ingrid...

Texas stands on the roof of one of the administrative buildings.

She had came here from the courthouse's rooftop. The night wind rustles her clothes. She tries to keep herself pressed against the fence as she moves towards her mark, ignoring the commotion on the ground.

That landship... it's registered with Venezia Trucking.

They secretly brought an entire ship's full of weapons...

It's no longer a secret.

Lappland's actions threaten to cause the situation to spiral out of control.

Maybe that's what she wants... never expect an attention-seeking lone wolf to act rationally.

It's not me that Lappland is after this time. I'm concerned that she might not stop at this.

She once said that all of Siracusa is her enemy.

Go, Texas.

But you'll be by yourself...

Not much we can do here, trapped in the courthouse. The best we can do is to neutralize potential risks as best as we can.

Both Venezia and the Truckers' Union are here for me. That's why I must stay... besides, I can't really move like you do.

I don't think Eirene intends to do anything to me, for the time being at least.

As for Lappland...

Leave her to me.

The landship's tore up the ground, the square is in mayhem, and the courthouse door is blocked...

How will you get to her?

Texas suddenly misses her friends at Penguin Logistics.

Croissant would bash a path through the chaotic crowd with her shield. Exusiai would probably come up with something even more outlandish.

Texas takes one look to estimate a direction.

She takes a deep breath, and takes a leap of faith.

(Claps)

What a dramatic entrance, Texas!

What, not happy that I stole the show?

Why would I be, when you're so eager to come and see me?

Did you break your leg? Do you need a doctor?

Well, it's not like a doctor could get here in this mess. Just find a place and sit down.

Sit where?

You've turned the deck into a... stage?

Did you seriously get this costume custom-made just for this?

It's the Carnevale, after all.