Mazzio in Bananaland [Attn: Potenza]

[Oneida]

[FONT=&quot]“Tell me, what is man’s greatest invention?” asked Heraclio Asturias to his college intern.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Uh, I’m not sure,” replied the intern.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Surely you must have some idea. I’m just asking for your opinion,” replied Heraclio.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Clothes?” replied the intern. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Heraclio paused. His finished fixing his bow tie and looked down at it. He then looked up again at the mirror and examined himself more. After two minutes of awkward silence, he turned to his intern.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Clothes? For my whole life I knew in my heart it was air conditioning, but without clothes…” he paused “so many ugly people would rape the eyes of our innocent civilians.” [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The intern laughed a bit, considering the situation comical. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“I’m sorry? I fail to see the humor; you make a good point…clothes. Yes, clothes indeed. It’s a good thing they’re teaching you well in our colleges, brings joy to my heart,” stated Heraclio “at the same time, however, you bring pain and shame to my family by exposing my father as a liar. Even worse, he lied to me for my entire life. I’m not sure how I feel about that Mr…”[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Santillian, Carlos Santillian,” replied the intern.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Carlos? What a stereotypically Frescanian name. At least you’re not one of those native folks; you’d be dirtying up the place with your person. I like my office to be clean, Mr. Santillian,” stated Heraclio. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“It’s easy to see that, sir,” said Carlos.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Why thank you dear lad! Unfortunately, my window hasn’t a beautiful view to match my office. I want a taller building…quickly! Show me your knowledge and tell me why my building cannot be taller!” shouted Heraclio.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Because there is a city ordinance that no buildings can be built taller than the Virgin Mary on top of the Presidential Palace!” responded Carlos.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“How impressive. Damn fools built the municipality building on the hill with the palace…if this building was lower in the valley, I could have a taller building, nicer view…” said Heraclio.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Then there was a knock on the door, the intern quickly asked who it was and the response was from a Secretary. Heraclio gave the okay for the door to be opened.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Mr. Asturias…” the secretary began to say.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Mr. City Planner of Heredia Heralcio Asturias of GANA, ma’am,” stated Heraclio. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Of course, my apologies. The representative from the Mazzio Corporation has just landed in Casales International, we have a car there to pick him up and he should be shortly,” stated the Secretary. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Fantastic!” exclaimed the City Planner, rising from his chair and slamming his hands on his desk. “Today! Today we begin work on this city’s greatest project! Quickly Mr. Santillian, go down to the cafeteria and inform the cooks of our esteemed guest. I want nothing but the finest of meals this magnificent city can offer!”[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Yes sir!” replied Carlos, as he bolted out of the room. Heraclio’s eyes darted to the Secretary.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Go on now, you have secretary things to do,” Heraclio stated “you’re looking quite…curvy today.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The secretary faked a smile and walked out.[/FONT]

 

[Potenza]

Giorgio Grasso brushed a speck of dust that caught his eye on his coat sleeve. His plane had just landed at Casales International, and so his trip to Puerto Clave had reached its first stage. As Vice President of the Mazzio Corporation, he had been assigned the task of overseeing the possible deal of assisting in the modernization and construction of a network of railways across the country and especially around the capitol. It was part of Leopoldo Mazzio's grand scheme of expanding his business (if not influence) outside the Grand Duchy. The president and CEO tended to take care of these matters himself, but as Mazzio was away in Ivernia handling similar adventures there, Grasso was entrusted with handling the company's quest into what some called "bananaland."

In his late 40's and with dark hair and a slim build, bearing what was considered in Potenza to be handsome features, Grasso had entered the Mazzio Corporation with a Master's Degree in Business and Economy from the ancient and prestigious University of Turin. He had worked his way up over time, until one day he attended a department meeting with Mazzio himself in attendance. It was in the midst of this meeting that, to the surprise of the rest of his department, Grasso dared to correct Mazzio on a factoid. He was later summoned to a private room, where he saw Mazzio seated in a chair with a redheaded woman beside him. Shrills went up Grasso's neck and he was certain that his time at the company was over...but to his surprise, Mazzio greeted him quite warmly. He told him that he admired people who weren't afraid to speak their mind to superiors when they perceived the company's future and prospects were at stake, and so he offered Grasso a position on his personal board. One thing he added: "Don't forget, however, where you are, and where I am. If you overstep the bounds of decency, you can consider your life over." There was a hidden double meaning in those words that told Grasso it was best to heed this advice.

Now here he was, in a place that most in Potenza considere a third world country, preparing to meet with several prominent people to begin what was hoped to be a profitable investment. He was greeted by some government staff, who were friendly enough, and taken by car to the meeting place. Grasso kept to himself, saying nothing unless spoken to or asked a question. He took time to "enjoy" the sights of the city, including what seemed like a prominent Virgin Mary over the presidential palace.

"Wouldn't the Cornaro House enjoy seeing one of those above the grand duke's palace?" he pondered to himself sarcastically.

 

[Oneida]

[FONT=&quot]Giorgio Grasso’s car pulled up to City Hall in Heredia. The government buildings of Heredia were built on top of a small plateau in the city. The area was almost exclusively reserved for the wealthy and high ranking government officials. Heredia’s temperature was sporadic. When the plane landed, in the early morning hours, it would be cool, comfortable in the city. By now, nearly 12:00 pm, the sun had unleashed its repressive heat. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Heraclio Asturias was standing outside city hall, watching as Grasso’s car pulled up, his college intern was standing by his side. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Boy, you can watch history be made,” Asturias said as he walked forward. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]One of the attendants to the building opened the car door for Grasso and Asturias kept a comfortable distance so the man could step out of the car. Asturias was overwhelmed by the smile that was fighting for control of his face when he laid eyes on Grasso. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Mr. Grasso, I must apologize,” Asturias stated, pronouncing ‘Grasso’ as ‘Hrasso’ “You come at a time when the youths plague our fine republic with sadness. April is the last month of summer, and then it rains a lot. They whine about that. Why, even Carlos up there whines. Do you know what it’s like to work with a whiny college boy? Hell on Earth.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Despite Asturias’ flamboyant personality, he surprised many by speaking fluent Tiburan, but still managing to fail to pronounce Grasso correctly, a task even Carlos could accomplish. Asturias continued his conversation with Grasso as they walked up the stairs, into city hall. They entered his office and the three, the third being Carlos, sat down on a beautiful set of wooden couches with green cushions. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Mr. Grasso,” Asturias began “today, history begins. I am already aware of your activities across this country, how Mazzio’s influence here is increasing. I want a proper introduction. My name is Mr. City Planner of Heredia Heralcio Asturias of GANA, the same party as our protector, President Reldón Vicario. You and I are fated to be here today to discuss the modernization of this fantastic city to be a modern marvel to the world. I want to work together with you.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Asturias’ disposition changed drastically. He stared at Carlos; it was a stare that even the Devil would back down to. Carlos looked panicked. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“That was the signal! Get the damn wine, we’re behind schedule now!” Asturias less than quietly said, in Frescanian, to Carlos. Carlos dashed for a bottle of water covered in a white handkerchief, Asturias grabbed it, gave Carlos one last stare, and then turned to Grasso with a huge smile as he unwrapped the bottle. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“For us,” he said, in Tiburan, as he revealed a bottle of Veritas. There were three wine glasses on the table and Asturias filled two of them. He picked one up and grave it to Grasso, set the bottle down and then picked up his own glass. Carlos looked puzzled, Asturias sensed this.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“You can’t handle your alcohol, you think you can, but you can’t. Be lucky I don’t insult you by bringing in cas juice,” he said in Spanish. He then turned to Grasso and leaned back in the couch.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Tell me, Mr. Grasso, before we begin, what is man’s greatest invention?” Asturias asked.[/FONT]

 

[Potenza]

Grasso stepped out into the noonday heat, compelling him to reach into his jacket and take out a small handkerchief wiping some sweat that already was developing on his brow. In front of him was the city planner, whom he identified from the report given him back in Treviso. The city planner was the first to speak:

"Mr. [Hrasso], I must apologize. You come at a time when the youths plague our fine republic with sadness. April is the last month of summer, and then it rains a lot. They whine about that. Why, even Carlos up there whines. Do you know what it’s like to work with a whiny college boy? Hell on Earth."

The Potenzan visibly winced at the mispronunciation of his name, which he had assumed would never happen given even those not familiar with the accent usually got the "g" right. Nonetheless, he quickly recovered, ignoring it for now (or rather, hoping someone would gently correct him), and offered the city planner a polite smile and calm tone:

"It gets heated in some parts of Potenza as well," he said quietly, wiping his brow as he came up the steps to join the two men, "we are no strangers to heat, though I will admit your nation is already impressive in this regard already."

After a moment the three men were inside, Grasso found himself on a lovely couch with comfortable cushions, and the blow of air eased the sensation of the heat from outside (even though the brief change of temperature only brought more sweat). Once again, the representative of "bananaland" was the first to speak:

"Mr. Grasso, today, history begins. I am already aware of your activities across this country, how Mazzio’s influence here is increasing. I want a proper introduction. My name is Mr. City Planner of Heredia Heralcio Asturias of GANA, the same party as our protector, President Reldón Vicario. You and I are fated to be here today to discuss the modernization of this fantastic city to be a modern marvel to the world. I want to work together with you."

Grasso had to hide a smirk at the phrase "you and I are fated," as if they were predestined by God to bring about the salvation of mankind. In Grasso's own mind, he was here to serve the will of the Mazzio Corporation, in the hopes of increasing business outside of Potenza. Puerto Clave would provide (MazzioCo hoped) cheap labor and easy profits.

An awkward moment occurred between Asturias and the younger gentleman, which Grasso only caught bits of, given the closeness of Spanish with Tiburan. What it turned out to be was a command to bring some wine, which Asturias graciously poured for them. Once again, Grasso had to hide his emotions, as he recognized the Veritas brand: it was a mediocre wine popular among the middle class of Potenza. It was perfect if you weren't wealthy enough for the good stuff, but didn't want what the homeless of San Salvo guzzled on. All the same, it was decent quality, and Grasso sipped it quietly. It was certainly not what Mazzio would have given Asturias, had the locations been revered.

It was then that a strange question was popped Grasso's way:

"Tell me, Mr. Grasso, before we begin, what is man’s greatest invention?"

Grasso almost choked on his wine, but - as he had before - quickly recovered. The question seemed strange for a meeting that was set to discuss the future of rail lines in this country. Grasso pondered his answer for a moment...trains? Was this a trick question? Perhaps he should think of something to throw out quickly...then it came to him...

"Clothes, perhaps?" He sipped his wine, "After all, without clothes, the less appealing among us would be committing daily sins."

 

[Oneida]

[FONT=&quot]Heraclio Asturias leaned back and sighed. “So it’s true,” he whispered to himself. After a brief pause, he smiled and lifted up his head. “I suppose you’re correct! Coincidently, ever since I was a young lad, my father would tell me the necessity of clothing. I’ve seen some of God’s creatures on this planet look so ridiculous without clothing. Have you seen a sloth, Mr. Grasso, in real life? Strange things without some kind of clothing, it really separates us from the animals.”[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]

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[FONT=&quot]Heraclio stood up from his couch and walked over to a cabinet behind his desk. He pulled out a file and a rolled up piece of paper. He walked over to the table and handed the file to Grasso and unrolled the map. The map was of Heredia, excessively detailed. There was an orange line leading directly through the center of the city. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]“Mr. Grasso, what you’re looking at is the beginning of Heredia’s subway system. It’s the second largest project in the history of the city. The first was building the capital district, no small task. Well, I suppose it’s actually the third. At one point in time, somebody hiked through these mountains, arrived here, and decided to build a city here. I suppose that was our biggest project. Whatever, it’s not all that important really. The point is, Heredia needs a subway. We have the manpower, but we lack other essential, that’s why you’re here,” Asturias explained. [/FONT] [FONT=&quot]

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[FONT=&quot]“Eventually, we want 5 separate lines, connecting to other rail stations that will connect the entire nation, revolutionizing our transportation system. The current goal is this line, what we’re calling the Capital Line,” Asturias said. “This line will be the longest of them and dig a trench right through the center of the city along the busiest road. It’s a complicated task. It needs to be built in the safest, fastest, and cheapest way.”[/FONT]

 

[Potenza]

For perhaps the third or fourth time since he had arrived at the building, Grasso had to hide his emotions - this time, some disgust and anxiety. The good people of Puerto Clave had a map, and they had lines on that map...but otherwise, they didn't really seem to have any proper goal or plan in regards to their new railway. MazzioCo was used to that, of course...many times when they went to a city or a town, the local politicians had elaborate plans that could never work, or would prove more complicated than necessary, and it was up to the company to make things far easier and directed. In a foreign country, the corporation couldn't afford to waste time and invest funds that would be better spent elsewhere. The stockholders demanded some level of intelligence.

"Tell me something," Grasso began, "where are your industries located? Where are your highest rates of travel? While we focus around Heredia, we can begin lines to focus on your industries. That way, products and services will be able to bring them to your major commercial hubs, and where your ports can send your exports. This will increase the rate and improve business dramatically, I'm sure."

Grasso began to motion his finger around the map, continuing to speak:

"Now, the Capital Line will not be an issue. We can begin construction as soon as possible. We can even expand it, if you so desire, to all the major governmental and business areas. Of course," Grasso turned, eyeing Asturias rather intently, "we will require labor from your country, provided easily and...affordably. It will, of course, help with employment in the area, and the Mazzio Corporation will monitor all activity and make certain that all operations are properly run."