[Act 1] [Scene 18] [Potential Allies]

[thirtythr33]

While taking a break from finding the supplies needed for the journey to Mirandola, Ferran finds an opportunity to speak to Giacomo in his study. He looks up to Ferran from the ledger he is poring over. "I don't suppose want to sign onto the Armada, do you? A competent sailor would be a welcome addition and the pay is... decent."

[Benedict]

"You know señor Giacomo that there are many things to be taken care off and so limited time. So please, forgive my directness, as I don't want to be wasting your precious time. Don Claudio is in peril and we must make everything to remedy that, as well as strengthening the Acerbi household for the coming crisis.

Maestro Lucio hinted that there might be something uncanny regarding your honored father's condition, and I have no reason to discredit such a learned man. Hence we must travel in all haste to Mirandola to find answers.

However leaving the household with fewer fighting men is one thing that concerns me much. I'll explain my reasoning.

Rocco's gang has been a thorn in your side so far. As we speak they are headless, I am sure you have heard of Rocco's demise. It's only a matter of time before someone steps up in the hierarchy to fill that gap.

What I propose is this: Have me sent to them before I leave for Mirandola and try win them on our, meaning the Acerbis, side.

Given the fact that there is an unseen adversary at play here aiming at your father, there is a possibility that he is doing exactly the same thing. This is a game of strategy here, and leaving one asset for our foes without even trying to win it for ourselves seems... wrong. Especially when the stakes are so high."

Ferran makes a measured pause to have his words stick and gauge Giacomo's reaction to all this, but speaks again before Giacomo seizes the opportunity to cut him off.

"I hope you understand that I came to respect your household and your family as individuals for the little time I've been honored to stay with you.

In all honesty, abandoning your household now for a place in the armada is a wasted opportunity for the Acerbis and a thoughtless act on my part. Not to mention that there are things greater than a decent pay. You understand this is not a matter of coin, rather of loyalty instead."

[thirtythr33]

Giocomo wait for Ferran to say his piece before giving a long consideration. Finally he says "As I recall the day I met you, you accused Blasio of having links to organised crime and you almost came to blows over it. One Master Gatti; a smuggler and slaver, you attested. Yet not a week later you propose that the Acerbi family begin doing business with low-life extortionists and racketeers. Why such a sudden and dramatic change of heart?"

[Benedict]

"Again I ask your pardon señor. No, it is not exactly as you say it.

I accused señor Blasio of being a villain, which turned out to be true. As far as I know he forced himself on that girl - Francesca - against her wishes. Francessca who is part of your household. Blasio used his influence over Rocco's gang to cover his crimes against house Acerbi. As if this wasn't enough, he used Rocco against your brother. Thankfully we survived without a scratch - thanks to Rocco's pride and temper.

As for his dealings with that lecherous Gatti, Blasio put forth a convincing explanation - war against the empire. A thing that you already knew, and one that I can accept, given Venice's dire situation. Even if that means to deal with barbarous heathen slavers.

What I propose is exactly the same as the alliance with Gatti. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Its the most sensible thing to do with war at our doorstep.

I am not proposing to do business with the gang. I propose to keep them within arms reach with the promise of gold, where your enemies won't be able to use the gang against your house. And God willing, when the war is over, you can dispense justice on these villains."

[thirtythr33]

"Why wait? Every day being associated with them would be another day for them to betray whatever little trust we put in them. If they are so mercenary to work with the man who just gutted leader, there is no doubt they would sell us out at the first opportunity." Giocomo stands from his chair and continues talking.

"To be found linked to them would alienate us from our allies on the Council of the Forty and potentially losing our good standing with Duke Gritti would be disastrous." He turns away from Ferran and addresses an offhand comment to the bookcase: "The Lord knows, I am already getting enough backlash for what happened between Marco and Blasio."

He turns back to Ferran, apparently having made up his mind. "No, we should wield the legal power of the Venician government where we can, or else hire reputable mercenaries otherwise. We are the victims here and have nothing to hide."

He pauses a few moments and continues. "I have a counter proposal for you." There is a second pause as he gathers his thoughts. "You accompany my brother to Mirandola as planned. During your absence, I will speak to Duke Gritti and appraise him of the situation and your proposal to infiltrate the organisation. I'll attempt to have The Council approve an undercover informant document, granting you immunity to any minor crimes that are necessary for the greater good of bringing down the racket. Your goal, once you return, would be to identify as many gang members or potential witnesses as possible, as well as to find out how their operations can be stopped."

He folds his arms in front of his chest. "This being on the understanding that you give regular reports to myself or the Duke and once you gather enough incriminating evidence to take down the gang, you turn the job over to the State. The city's police will round them up and throw the offenders into jail, or else have them serve hard labor at the oar." He grins at the thought. "Being in the official employ of the Council would entitle you to financial compensation of course. And even In the worst case scenario, the proposal might be blocked by some council members but not without revealing their intentions in the process."

[Benedict]

Ferran waits for Giacomo to finish his proposal, pauses a bit more in consideration, then replies.

"I expected as much of you señor Giacomo, and truth is, I am glad I was right.

What you propose is even better than what I have thought. I agree to your course of action and I'm willing to see to this task, both for you and the city."
Ferran flashes one of his customary grins, then he turns serious.

"One thing to consider though, even if I'm sure you've already thought about it.

I have a feeling that your enemy sits in the Council too. If my feeling is right, should you announce your plan to the council your enemy will be alerted to your disposition. Doing so before our return will place unnecessary risk on you. So please, by all means arrange it with Duke Gritti, but wait for our return before you bring it to the Council."

[thirtythr33]

"Very well, I'll have it ready for your return." The tone Giacomo uses makes it clear that he is dismissing Ferran.