Inaffidabili Negoziati (Negoiation Group)

[Velia Walsh]

Wait, what was that? It almost seemed like he'd been preparing to disapprove regardless of what she'd said. What could that mean, though, she wondered.

Nonetheless, I must ensure that we get our desired results. Anslem is counting on me.

"Strategically, perhaps, he is not worth much. However, what of the rest of your errand boys? What would they do upon learning that they aren't even worth the time to rescue, and that you'd much more readily kill them than to give in to a rival?"

"To be frank, you're not only trading for the errand boy, but for your appearance in the eyes of your underlings, as well. As you put it, either way, you'll be cutting off both of your legs. I'm certain the Innocenzos have contacts in other countries; Italia cannot be their sole source of income. Therefore, this is not so unreasonable a demand."

She remained professional, giving a neutral appearance throughout, save for a slight shrug upon mentioning that his underlings would hate him if they found out that he'd sacrificed Panas. Truly, she didn't care if they thought that or not. All the better if they did, in fact. But he no doubt would...

[Samir Sorge]

Samir resisted the urge to laugh in the girl's face. As if there are not thousands of orphans in the festering wounds of Europe who would not happily risk death for a warm bed and a good meal! Panas had indeed been on of these. He smiled a little, as if your capo would not put his gun in your mouth if it suited him! He hid a smirk behind another drink, but the Innocenzos were supposed to have a reputation for merciful acts weren't they? As undeserved as it truly was.

I would hate to see your pretty face scarred though, he thought as he smiled politely at her, ready to continue his facade. It so nicely matches your idealism.

"Well, appearance is everything is it not?" The words could sound facetious, but he did have a serious look in his face once again. "Yes a rebellion is not something we would appreciate."

He sat a little forward, "so I may have something to give you in the way of compensation. We have a lovely little girl for an underling, she is as important to us as Panas, true, but given the measures we have so far gone to for just an errand boy I think I can argue she is important to us as well."

"Let us keep our contacts in Italia, and we'll let her be your eternal hostage, not too unlike what the Japanese did with their daimyo would it? The families of the lords were always kept hostage by the Emperor during a war to ensure fidelity. We promise to keep our contacts limited, and you can forever hold her against us."

[Velia Walsh]

That look in his eyes. What was he planning? He wasn't lying when he said she was important to them, but the type of importance seemed... Off. As if she was important in the sense a pawn was important to playing Chess. Necessary and crucial, but expendable.

Nonetheless, if they agreed to keep out of Italia, despite keeping contacts with their clients, it would be a blow. Their business would falter, as their clientel would be forced to come to them, and, eventually, the Liberatores could wrench them from their hands. Velia knew that this would be a good option in the long run, despite the disturbing feeling she felt emanating from Samir.

"She's clearly not very important to you if you'd so willingly trade her off as a bargaining chip. Still, I suppose your terms are acceptable. You may keep your contacts in Italia, so long as no agent of the Innocenzos, no any one person hired by the Innocenzos or in any other manner connected to them, physically steps foot in Italia's borders, present or future. In exchange, we will grant you the safe return of Panas, your errand boy, and take one other girl from you as insurance. Is this agreed?"

[Samir Sorge]

Samir briefly considered if he should push the ruse by asking for a hostage of their own. He decided against it however, he could not risk the negotiations taking a wrong turn and despite the other negotiator's apparent reserve, she had accepted the offer. As prudent it would be perhaps to have some insurance for after the blast, there were other ways to arrange that.

It'll be utter chaos after all, after the explosion he mused, glancing between the Liberatore capo and his female underling. He supposed Allen at least insist they make an effort to recover Berraby.

"Signora is too kind, what do you suggest for the exchange point?" he asked smoothly.

[Anslem Aslem]

Anslem was exceedingly thankful Veila was the one speaking because he had a feeling he would have punched that smug look off the Arab's face by now if he was the one speaking. Still he couldn't detect anything beneath that facade of charm other than arrogance and perhaps a sterile viciousness. He glanced at Allen, wondering if he had come up with this idea of giving a small girl to their enemies or if it had been this smiling charlatan's plot.

Well...I suppose I will have to find her a place. If he could make her a Liberatore, perhaps he could one day use her against the very people who had sacrificed her. She may not be another Masque, but he keep her from Beyond and the other sexual predators in the group until he could see if she was worth the bother, if not he give her to one of their brothels. Those with no true use otherwise could always lie on their backs and earn some cash that way.

"Suggest the Ghibelline Warehouse on main street in La Piazza, at 10 tonight," he whispered lowly to his negotiator. It was often sued by the Liberatores and it was open and well lit, a good place to handle soemthing so potentially dangerous.