act38side

Sommer slumps over on the ground cradling his head, watching Lyudmila leave.

If he hadn't helped the Venezias transport their goods without telling Eirene, if that car accident hadn't happened, if he hadn't asked Eirene for help, if he had managed to break free from his chains earlier and make it to the port in time...

He's the reason why this incident happened, but now the one standing in court awaiting trial is his best friend, and his... daughter.

He gropes around in a pocket for a business card. He doesn't know who stuck it in the gaps of his campervan door.

The card only has an address on it—'Terza Zona Porto'.

Eirene, I know you outsmart me in most cases...

But this time, I know I can help you out for sure...

He stands up and leaves the campground alone.

Eirene Lavazza. Identity matches registered information.

The blaze at Zona Porto yesterday caused serious property damage, put the lives of dozens of workers at the port at risk, and gravely threatened the public safety of Nuova Volsinii.

Carnevale is right around the corner, and this incident will immeasurably affect public opinion.

The court has examined the evidence submitted by the police, and found that the great wolf parade float, the source of the fire, has obvious traces of arson.

The vehicle was from the Truckers' Union. The police reviewed the trucks' shift schedules and found out it was not deployed at that time, and should not have been in Porto Nuova Volsinii.

You, head of the Truckers' Union, also just happened to be at the scene of the crime—

Signorina Lavazza, you are our prime suspect. You have every right to defend yourself.

Your Honor, I'm happy to tell you everything I know.

Eirene calmly explains how yesterday's fire had no links to any one from the Truckers' Union.

But the judge's expression becomes even gloomier.

The judge can't help her, even if he wants to.

Of course. As long as the real culprit doesn't show up, her attempt to defend herself will be for naught.

*sigh* Woe, the poor lady! Don't you want to help her out, Texas?

You could stand up and vouch for her, etcetera. The court might be lenient on her if it's you.

I know what you're thinking, Lappland.

Nuova Volsinii's laws absolutely cannot be trampled upon or scorned like that. They strove to make these rules a reality.

Then I fear you can only sit back and watch everything unfold, or...

Lappland sends Texas a provocative look, eager to try something.

<i>I</i> could care less for your boring rules. Want me to help you out?

*ahem* Please hold on. The court has just received a supplementary list of new witnesses who would like to provide testimony.

Uh... A-Alberto Saluzzo?

What's wrong, Your Honor? As a legal citizen who has completed his identity registration in total compliance with the New Urban Management Act, surely my testimony will be valid in court?

O-Of course. Please proceed to state your testimony for the record.

Signor Saluzzo, are you intending to provide evidence to the court to prove that Eirene was indeed related to the fire?

Alberto does not answer. His gaze falls on the opposite site of the witness box. Venezia Junior and the other Venezias are sitting on the left side of the audience.

Alberto's eyes turn to the seat behind Venezia Junior—there sits his own daughter, the banished Saluzzo.

She crosses her legs, grins, and waves to him as if no one else is in the room.

Next to her is Texas.

(Ciao.)

Texas, my dear father is watching us. Stop being so reserved and wave along.

Signore? Signor Saluzzo? Please continue with your testimony.

Hmph.

I was there as well, and I can attest that Signorina Lavazza did not start the fire.

Terza Zona... should be here...

Sommer?

The boss made us wait here for you.

Come. He wants to see you.

Are you from the Venezias? Or the Saluzzos? Or the Medicis...?

Tch.

This'll help Eirene, right?

Right up ahead.

The container in that corner. Just open the door and go in.

Alright.

Eirene. I'm sorry for not telling you, but I already made arrangements for Guri.

You know how I kept asking for more shifts and saved quite a bit of cash. It should at least be enough to pay for two years of Oripathy treatment and her school fees.

The school isn't too far from our camp, so it'll be easier to look after her this way too.

I did take you in at the start, but compared with all the help you've given us all these years it's hard to say who has helped the other more. Eirene, it's not fair they've got a spotlight on you now.

It's time you think about yourself too, haha.

I wanna say I've never been much of an idealist. After all, I've seen enough in this life, I know very well what I can do or can't...

I'm just a tiny supermarket owner and driver who hopes we can all live a peaceful life... this is also why I was willing to follow you here.

The shop's no more, but we can always move to a new place and figure out a new way of life. There's no need to waste our time on those guys who ruined our lives. Everyone gets their share of bad luck, so there's no need to blame anyone.

We just have to stay far away from the troubles.

Fortunately, you helped us all find a good spot.

I bet Guri will like it here.

I guarantee you my testimony is absolutely true. As I said earlier, she was with me the whole time from yesterday before noon until the fire happened at the port.

Two Saluzzo Vino vineyards will soon welcome our first harvest. I hope the Truckers' Union will allocate a fleet to help transport our fresh grapes.

This is why we were at the port to check things out. My employees can vouch for us as well.

(Sounds of agreement)

In other words, Signorina Lavazza has a strong alibi.

(Claps) Magnifico.

My astute padre has tied the Truckers' Union to the Saluzzos.

That poor driver will have to do his bidding in future.

I don't think it'll end just like that.

The truck came from your union. We checked the shipping schedule and it wasn't slated with any arrangements for the last two days. So why did it show up at the port and become one of the floats?

Signorina Lavazza, even if you truly did not start the fire, as the head of your union it is your responsibility to explain the illegal usage of this car.

I can testify for Signorina Lavazza on that point.

Signor Venezia?

Your Honor, please take a look at the customs declaration form in the supplementary evidence you received earlier. The truck was transporting tires for Venezia Trucking.

This is it. Go in.

He's waiting.

The shipping container door lies ajar, and all Sommer can see is a faint light flickering inside the dark interior.

So, who on Terra is helping me... and Eirene?

Enough questions, vecchio.

Go in and you'll find out at once.

You want to help that driver, and so do we. That's all you need to know.

Sommer puts his hand on the door, and hesitates.

Can you guarantee—

There is no one available to answer him. The mafiosi already left, leaving him on his own.

Eirene, I don't have brains or guts like yours.

Which is why I was so surprised but also worried when you promised Judge Lavinia and Mayor Leontuzzo you'd be the head of the union.

It meant we were going to get into tons of trouble... and sure enough we did.

But back then you told me what we were starting wasn't actually a 'union' to help city hall handle the famiglie, but an 'association' to provide mutual aid to anyone in a similar situation as us.

You always say I was the one who took you in, but we all know it was you who gave me another chance at life.

I'm not saying we're even now, I owe you so much.

Eirene, if a day comes where I can help you out, I won't hesitate at all.

I don't want Guri to think her papa as an ungrateful person.

I tried to be a good role model for her.

Signor Venezia, I'm sure you're clear what your statement means, right?

Signor Saluzzo claims he submitted testimony out of his responsibility as a citizen, but this incident actually involves Venezia Trucking.

The demand for our vehicles here has spiked in the last two months because of Carnevale, and we had to order an impromptu shipment of automotive consumables from the other cities.

This newly-arrived batch of goods has already cleared custom, and the Truckers' Union was helping us do a last-mile delivery. It was an impromptu request, which is why they haven't updated this job to their schedule.

Signorina Lavazza, do correct me if I got anything wrong.