A New Battle

[Cortona]

President Massimo Emilio D’Annunzio was sitting in his office reviewing the newspaper. D’Annunzio is a well known man; he had occupied the office of President four times now. He had served three full terms and this was his fourth. He liked the role of the President, the Senate liked him as a President, and so it worked out. He wasn’t the best public speaker. His speeches were conservative, he didn’t send chills down people’s backs, in fact, his speeches were rather boring. He was the opposite of his counterpart in the position of Prime Minister. Capriani was great at public speaking and could convince people that the sky was green instead of blue.

However, it wasn’t D’Annunzio’s ability in front of a camera that had made him a successful politician. He had a habit of not making promises unless he intended to keep them, he was a honest man. His relationship with the Senate was strong, he worked well with it. That quality made him extremely important to Prime Minister Capriani, who was no longer on good terms with either branch. However, D’Annunzio and Capriani differed on foreign policy. D’Annunzio favored neutrality from any alliance, but he believed that close relationships with multiple nations and signing defense agreements were necessary to the survival of the nation. Capriani differed, believing that such actions would cause Cortona to gain more enemies then allies.

A knock on the door drew the attention of D’Annunzio, he quickly got up and answered it. It was Lt. Colonel Moretti. He exchanged greetings with D’Annunzio, before sitting down with him.

“I am sorry for not alerting you that I was coming, but this matter couldn’t wait,” Moretti explained.

“What is it?” D’Annunzio asked.

“We have renewed interests in the Canal Zone. It seems that we’ve been able to link multiple Mafia operatives to the area; we think it is where their HQ is,” Morretti answered.

“Do you know where in particular?” D’Annunzio asked.

“No, but we’re going to find out,” Moretti said, handing D’Annunzio a file.

“What is this?” D’Annunzio asked.

“Resolution P73R56. Parliament passed it in a secret session, we don’t want the mafia knowing of our presence,” Moretti said.

“What are its details?” D’Annunzio asked.

“Passing a majority of the new Defense Initiative requested by the Defense Minister, it also grants us the right to tap telephone calls of people we find suspicious. I know you may not like it, but it’s something that will benefit us all in the long run,” Moretti answered.

“Did the Prime Minister sign this?” D’Annunzio asked.

“You know the common procedure, bills usually go to you first, that way-,” Moretti was interrupted.

“I’ve been doing this for years; I know why bills come to me first. Also, I find this bill to be necessary, if your beliefs are true and we may indeed have found the leader of that ungodly organization, I’ll do my part to make sure the proper measures are taken,” D’Annunzio answered, pulling out a pen and signing his signature on the bill.

“I thank you, the bill will go to Prime Minister Capriani immediately,” Moretti stated, smiling then rising from his seat.

When Moretti walked out, D’Annunzio looked out the window of his office, sighed and said to himself “A nation that sacrifices a little liberty for some security gains neither and loses both. Let us pray that this is not the case.”

(OOC: If anyone reads my news reports, you may see "President De Gasperi" I decided to change the name to Massimo Emilio D'Annunzio)

 

[Cortona]

The helicopter touched ground and powered down as Lt Colonel Moretti stepped out. He was wearing a long overcoat; it was rather cold in the Canal Zone. He was happy when he left the Canal Zone to join the military, but now he was back and widely considered the only one capable of doing his job. The Canal Zone is a territory of Cortona, not a Region. Territories lack certain privileges that Regions get, because of that, relations between Firenze and Città di Miracolo have been very strained. There were complicated politics behind the Canal Zone’s status.

The Canal Zone had every requirement to officially become a Region, and the people of the Canal Zone wanted to be a Region, but Firenze would hear nothing of it. Why? Because a Region has rights that protect it from a Federal takeover, but a territory does not, a territory is under direct control of Firenze. The Ragno-Valentini Canal was the true issue, Firenze wanted as much control over it as possible, if the Canal Zone became a Region then controlling the Canal would become difficult. All of this would be okay, if it wasn’t for the fact that Firenze installs the leaders it wants in the Canal Zone. To combat these bad relations, Prime Minister Mohammed started the “tolerant neighbors” policy, which made Firenze loosen its grip on the Zone. That loosened grip, which is followed to this day, is why Moretti was here. Firenze law wasn’t always followed here; it was as if the Zone was a completely different nation, for this reason, the Mafia flocked here.

Or, at least, Moretti was convinced the mafia was hiding here, they’ve been searching the mainland for fifty years and failed to find the leaders, higher ups yes, but not leaders. Moretti was the head of the Gendarmerie operations in the Canal Zone. He needed to maintain a low profile, Capriani preferred the people don’t discover the Gendarmerie’s presence, it would cause problems.

--

Haider Al-Abadi was sitting in his office, reviewing numerous crime reports when a man walked into his office. Al-Abadi looked up from his files and looked at the man, someone he hadn’t ever seen before. He was about to speak before interrupted by the man.

“Hello, Chief Al-Abadi, I am Lt Colonel Vito Moretti of the Canal Gendarmerie,” Moretti said, putting his hand out, Al-Abadi stood and shook it.

“I’ve been expecting you for quite some time,” Al-Abadi said, smiling “I’m glad you’re here.”

“As am I,” Moretti answered “I look forward to working with you to rid the Zone of this mafia.”

“It’s about time Firenze shows some attention, but that’s a discussion for another time. Please, have a seat,” Al-Abadi said.

“My men will remain in constant communication with the police, is there anyone you’re keeping an eye on?” Moretti asked.

“A few dozens, all of them sell drugs-,” Al-Abadi was interrupted.

“I mean in the police force,” Moretti said.

“I must say, I’m insulted, everyone in this police force is doing what is best for the Canal Zone, I can guarantee you personally,” Al-Abadi answered.

“I didn’t mean to insult. You have to understand, we need to be very careful, the mafia has a habit of corrupting people,” Moretti answered.

“I’m aware of the mafia’s powers, we’ll share whatever information we have,” Al-Abadi said.

“That’s all I ask, I don’t want to be here anymore then you want me to be,” Moretti answered.

“Then let’s get this done quickly, shall we?” Al-Abadi asked.

“Of course, Chief, good day,” Moretti said, leaving.

Al-Abadi leaned back in his chair, he didn’t trust the puppets of Firenze, but what choice did he have?

 

[Cortona]

Pietro Calvino was walking down the hall with speed. The Calvino name was well known in the Canal Zone, he was suspected to be behind the Buzzi Crime Family; however the police had no evidence to support this claim. The Buzzi Crime Family has harassed Mafia activity for decades, the two are bitter rivals. Due to the recent events, the Mafia thought it necessary to contact Pietro and speak with him. Pietro had always wanted to speak with the Leader of the Mafia, a man or woman who doesn’t show themselves to anyone. Only the Mafia Elite know who the Leader is. In fact, they don’t even know the title he goes by, so most default his title to “Leader.” Pietro came to a room, and two mafia operatives opened the doors, he walked in to see a desk with a TV on it. Pietro sat down in the chair. When he did, the TV was turned on and a figure was there, smoking a cigarette, his face was in the shadows, Pietro could see nothing of it.

“I was under the impression I’d be meeting you face to face,” Pietro said.

“An unnecessary risk,” the man replied.

“I assume you’re the man who runs this club,” Pietro stated.

“Yes, I believe they call me ‘Leader’ so I suppose you can do the same,” the Leader said.

“I want a name,” Pietro demanded.

“I want things too,” the Leader answered.

“What?”

“Answers, Information, and most of all, cooperation,” the Leader stated.

“Cooperation?” Pietro asked.

“Yes,” the Leader answered

“With who?” Pietro asked.

“You,” the Leader answered.

“Ha! The Mafia, the greatest threat to my family, the greatest ass on the block, the largest fucker here, is asking for my cooperation? You’ve got to be shitting me. What could possibly be so problematic that you’d need my help?” Pietro asked.

“You don’t know?” the Leader asked.

“Know what?” Pietro asked.

“Your lack of information is…frightening. I implore you fix that, you can start here,” the Leader asked.

“What the hell do you know about my intelligence methods?” Pietro asked.

“A lot,” the Leader answered.

Pietro was angry, this man didn’t speak much, it was like prying answers. After a moment of silence, the Leader spoke.

“I don’t need your help; however, it would lessen the stress of things. The majority of my operatives aren’t in the Canal Zone, and brining them back wouldn’t be a good idea in light of recent events,” the Leader said.

“What events?” Pietro asked.

“Moretti’s team,” the Leader said.

“Who the fuck is Moretti?” Pietro asked.

“A man, a quite decorated man. Has a house in Firenze, a wife, two boy kids, one 12 the other 19. I know where Moretti works, I know why he’s here,” the Leader said.

“Why do you care?” Pietro asked.

“Moretti is a new, thought provoking threat,” the Leader answered.

“A new player to the field is nothing, no crime family can get a stance in this place,” Pietro said.

“He’s not part of a crime family, he’s leading the Gendarmerie that just landed here,” the Leader said.

“The Gendarmerie!? They can’t operate here, the tensions between here and Firenze are high enough! A military force like this will only worsen it!” Pietro said.

“They’re here covertly, they did a good job apparently, you didn’t know they were here,” the Leader said.

“How did you?” Pietro asked.

“Not important, what is, though, is that they must be stopped, immediately. First, we expose them, then the public cries that they are here, there will be problems in Firenze. When Firenze makes their decision, we either celebrate our victory or prepare for war,” the Leader said.

“Where do I come in?” Pietro asked.

“You have the manpower I need, your men are…skilled, well, skilled enough to take out the Gendarmerie,” the Leader said.

“I hope you have a plan,” Pietro said.

“I always do,” the Leader said.

 

[Cortona]

The two men were walking up the walkway to some random lady’s house. When they arrived, they knocked on the door. A woman answered, and she smiled and asked how she could help.

“We’re offering a free mold inspection,” one man said.
“Oh, okay, come in,” the lady said.

As soon as the lady turned around, the man pulled out a silenced pistol and shot her, she fell to the floor. He looked at the other man and told him to get the case out of the car. When he returned, the two went to the back of the house and to a balcony. From that balcony, they got a clear view of a school playground, it was recess. The Leader had ordered a rather unethical move, but the two men agreed that it was necessary.

“Look for Al-Abadi’s kid. Once you see the brat, take the shot,” the man commanded.

Five minutes later, the trigger was pulled and screams from the playground arose.

“Got him?” one asked.
“Got him,” the shooter replied.
“Let’s go,” commanded one.

The two men packed up the gun and left.

---
Streets of Napoli

Italo Moretti was walking in the parking deck. Despite being the Lieutenant Colonel’s son, he didn’t bring much attention to himself. The parking deck was empty, no one else in sight, no cameras, it was perfect. Moretti walked up to his car, he realized the doors were open. He heard a noise and looked behind him. There was a man, dressed in a black suit, who had a pistol pointed at Moretti’s face.

“Get in, he wants you alive, unfortunate for you,” the man said. M

Moretti raised his hands and got into the back of the car. There, another man in a suit was who also had a gun. He hit the gun across Moretti’s face and knocked him out. They then started the car and left.

---
South Napoli Mall, Napoli

Veronica Moretti was with her younger son, Carlo. He was only 6. The mall was crowded, surprisingly. Veronica was looking at clothes and, for a split second, took her eyes off Carlo. When she looked back, he was gone; Veronica screamed and panicked, catching the attention of the entire mall. Mall cops were on the scene, but no one could say they saw the boy.

---
Città di miracolo Police Headquarters, Città di Miracolo

Lt. Colonel Moretti bashed the doors open into the office of Haider Al-Abadi. Al-Abadi was sobbing, and he turned his attention to Moretti.

“My kids were kidnapped,” Moretti said stuttering.
“Mine was killed,” Al-Abadi replied, quietly.
“Dear god,” Moretti answered.
“They killed my wife, Vito, now they killed him. An innocent little child, killed, at a fucking school,” Al-Abadi said.
“They?” Moretti asked.
“Who do you think? The fucking Mafia. it’s your fucking fault, if you didn’t come here they wouldn’t be so violent. You killed my kid!” Al-Abadi screamed.
“I’m here to stop this, you’re not the only one effected here, they took my kids, I want to end this just as much as you do! Don’t blame me for something I couldn’t have stopped,” Moretti screamed back.

Al-Abadi plunged back into his seat with his hands over his face.

“I can’t do it anymore,” he finally said.
“What?” Moretti asked.
“This job, I’m sick of being a victim. They tear me to shreds, my men to shreds, my family to shreds and I can’t so much as put a fucking dent into their operation,” Al-Abadi said.
“You can’t quit. This is our responsibility now, we’re here to stop this from happening to anyone else, we need to stand strong. I promise you we’ll find the killers of your son,” Moretti said.
“Revenge won’t bring anyone back,” Al-Abadi said.
“Perhaps not, but it’ll bring us closer, please, stay on the force, help me to help everyone,” Moretti said.

Al-Abadi looked at him and nodded.

 

[Cortona]

The Leader was sitting in the office room. Espionage missions against the Gendarmerie weren’t easy; the bastards were trained for decades on how to fight the mafia. Moretti presented the single greatest threat to the Mafia; the Leader knew it more than anyone else. Recently, the Leader learned that the Gendarmerie has began wire taps, phone calls being monitored with the aid of Telephone companies, that we’re probably given one hell of an incentive. The leader had ordered the mafia in the Canal Zone to use e-mail, something the Gendarmerie was too stupid to look at. He had also warned the Regional Commanders in the mainland.

More importantly, the Leader found out three Gendarmerie operatives’ locations, he has sent men to deal with them. Starting firefights is essential, it’ll set an example. The Leader took out a cigarette; he looked at it, and figured he’d start up his old habit once again.

If the Gendarmerie is monitoring telephone calls, they are most likely monitoring bank transactions. The Leader knew his account was secure, he knew he wasn’t on any hit list. He knew he was, he needed to make sure they stopped making bank deposits and withdrawals. These men were actually too important to lose to the Gendarmerie.

A man came to the door and ran the doorbell, he slipped an envelope into the mail slot. The Leader took it and read it. The three Gendarmerie members were killed. However, four of the six Mafia members were killed, one captured, and the other got out alive, a loss, perhaps, but not a total loss.

---
Firenze, Cortona

“Mr. Prime Minister, I need to speak with you,” D’Annunzio said. Capriani welcomed him in.
“Massimo, it’s good to see you again, it’s been a while,” Capriani answered.
“Yes, Sal, it has. I have a concern that I think you need to hear,” D’Annunzio said.
“Go head,” Capriani answered.
“Seven people dead, I fear violence will increase, drastically,” D’Annunzio said.
“It’s good; it means we’ve got them. These strange behaviors coming out of the Mafia are proof of this,” Capriani said.
“You understand the capabilities of the Mafia?” D’Annunzio asked.
“Of course, I get briefed on it every day,” Capriani answered.
“You weren’t in politics, in the 70s, you didn’t see Mohammed when he went after the Mafia,” D’Annunzio said.
“What are you saying?” Capriani asked.
“They’ll do what they must. If you think it’s unethical, they’ll do it. They’ve kidnapped children, I have every doubt that Moretti’s kids are alive. I believe they’re long gone,” D’Annunzio said.
“You should show optimism,” Capriani said.
“Optimism? That’s your solution? Just be optimistic?” D’Annunzio said.
“No, I’m working on it, however I don’t need people going around saying its hopeless,” Capriani said, clearly annoyed.
“I’m being realistic, Sal. They’ll do what they must, they don’t answer to the people like we do, this will end with tragedy, whoever leads the Mafia isn’t dumb. He’ll do things we’d never guess. I warn you, there will be causalities, there will be civil unrest. When that happens, you’ll need to convince Parliament to rally behind the cause and go in this full force. The little Gendarmerie detachment you sent won’t do anything,” D’Annunzio said.
“I believe you have other things to do,” Capriani said.
“Just, be ready, Mr. Prime Minister,” D’Annunzio said, getting up and walking out.

 

[Cortona]

Moretti came into Haider Al-Abadi’s office. He threw down a report onto his desk. Haider looked at it, “what is this?”

“You know we’re wiring tapping in the Canal Zone?” Moretti asked.
“Yes,” Al-Abadi replied.
“Telephone companies that serviced the area we’re informed to give us a report on calls. We started wiring tapping on Wednesday. Since Wednesday, calls have dropped nearly 16%,” Moretti said.
“Do you think they know?” Haider asked.
“How else do you explain it? Calls dropping as we begin to wire tap. They know we’re wiring tapping, Haider, they know,” Moretti said.
“What do you suggest we do?” Haider asked.
“I know what you’ll do,” Moretti said.
“What?” Haider replied, puzzled.
“We began wiring tapping Monday, not Wednesday. We informed your department we we’re doing it Wednesday. Your department has been infiltrated. Who knows for how long, point is it is,” Moretti said.
“What do you want me to do?” Haider said, with a straight face.
“Relinquish your position,” Moretti demanded.

Haider rose from his desk. He was furious.

“How dare you accuse me of this!” Haider yelled.
“You had no idea that your department was filled with the Mafia, hell for all I know you’re with the Mafia!” Moretti yelled back.

The yelling from the office drew the attention of the entire building. People were listening, and eventually a man walked in and went into the office. As the man walked in, he drew the attention of the feuding people.

“What?” Haider asked.
“We’ve got a problem,” the man said.
--
The second explosion rocked the Church. Fire trucks arrived on the scene rather slowly; the flames encompassed the entire church. The firefighters knew there was an attack, especially when they received a report of yet another church being attacked. Soon after that second one, another was attacked, and then a fourth. Nearly 120 people were confirmed dead with others significantly burned. One thing that all four churches had in common was…they were all Catholic.

Soon after the fires ceased, riots broke out all over the city. Catholics began retaliating, throwing things at Muslim Churches, fully convinced that it was a Muslim terrorist attack. The riots broke into fights as Muslims came out to defend their churches. Police were quickly on the scene, but the riots were too huge and too many, the police were overwhelmed.

Within three hours, the riots received national attention. They broke out all over the country as Catholics accused Muslims of Terrorism and Muslims backlash claiming the Catholics were again being oppressive. In barely a day the nation was in uproar. It became so bad that Prime Minister Capriani flew down to the Canal Zone and would make a speech the next day, hopefully to ease the stress.
--
A young Ahmad Radhi was walking with the Leader.
“It’s happening very fast, I didn’t expect such a fast reaction,” Radhi said.
“The religious tensions in this country are huge, quiet but still huge. I needed this chaos,” the Leader said.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Radhi asked.
“Positive. You’ve received significant enough training. My life’s ambition rests in you, Ahmad, don’t fail me. Don’t hesitate, do what you need to do,” the Leader said.
“I won’t fail you. I will succeed,” Radhi said.
“Good, I knew I could trust you,” the Leader said.

 

[Cortona]

Capriani was in his limo, driving to the site of the speech. The Executive Protection Service was frantic to secure the area on such short notice; they had no choice but to tap into Città di Miracolo’s police force. Capriani thought about the recent events. If this was indeed the Mafia, then they were stepping up their game, and that was frightening, regardless, things needed to get done and the Mafia needed to be defeated. That was the goal of Capriani.
--
A crowd did gather in the stadium, it wasn’t a large crowd, but it was a crowd nonetheless. Policemen, Gendarmerie, and EPS Agents were keeping order, breaking up any fights, which there weren’t many. Counter snipers were placed all around. The level of security in the area was absolutely amazing for the amount of time they had. Moretti was still worried, he was always worried though.

Haider Al-Abadi was asked to stand next to the Prime Minister during the speech, because he is doing so much to end the Mafia. Haider graciously agreed and thought it to be a honor. Haider had high hopes for this speech, he hoped Capriani could end the violence and cease religious tensions. He knew the Mafia was laughing at them.
--
Massimo E. D’Annunzio was sitting in his office chair, watching the news coverage of the speech. He had Capriani had been fighting on policy later; the disagreements were getting larger and larger. D’Annunzio wished that Capriani would listen, but he wouldn’t. D’Annunzio was a military man; he knew how to fight an enemy. The speech began and D’Annunzio listened with great interest.
--
Capriani started off with talking about the history of the religious tensions, how far we’ve come since then. He talked about the accomplishments of both Muslims and Catholics. The crowd wasn’t cheering, Capriani felt awkward as a result of it, but he continued on.

”It is important for us to remember. We aren’t Muslim Cortonans, we aren’t Catholic Cortonans, and we are Cortonans. Muslims did not attack these churches; it was the Mafia which has officially been named by the Government as a domestic terrorist group. If we give up, if we fear them, if we look the other way, we are giving into terrorism, we are allowing organized crime. This country will do no such thing! Today, I announce that by the end of my time as Prime Minister, the Mafia will be in shambles, their leaders captured, their money exhausted, and their members brought to justice! I promise this to all Cortonans!”

Capriani had raised his hands as people were cheering. Capriani had done it again, convinced people to fight for what is right, despite all the miseries that have occurred. For this small group, he felt he had corrected the wrongs and they would go off to fix the Canal Zone.

And then there was a popping noise, too small for anyone to hear at first. Then, another, and the crowd grew silent as they looked and saw their Prime Minister. The grimace on his face, as he fell onto the podium, trying to stand up, was horrifying.

Haider looked over in absolute horror. He attempted to get in front of the Prime Minister, but he was too late. Another bullet came into Capriani’s head, squirting blood all over Haider, who attempted to help the Prime Minister. The fourth bullet came and hit Haider in the chest; he too fell next to the Prime Minister. EPS Agents stormed the stage as screams and tears from the crowd came. It was as though hell had just came to Cortona.

Counter snipers frantically looked for the sniper, and they found him. One sniper shot a bullet into his leg, to stop him from retreating. He was quickly subdued, Capriani was taken out of the stadium and loaded onto a helicopter and immediately flown to a hospital.

When they arrived at the hospital, the doctors took one quick look and couldn’t handle it. He was rushed into surgery, but only to prove what everyone had known.

On April 17, 2010, 12:56 AM, Prime Minister Sal Capriani died.
--
D’Annunzio was watching as the horror occurred. His office was frantic, the phones were ringing nonstop. D’Annunzio was in a daze, just watching as people tried to get his attention. Someone finally got his attention and said that they needed to get back to Firenze immediately.

D’Annunzio got onto the plane and it took off. He still wouldn’t speak a word, traumatized by what had just happened. A woman sat next to him. D’Annunzio recognized her and looked to her.

“Massimo, I am the highest ranking member of a Judiciary on this plane. It’s time,” she said.

D’Annunzio nodded and stood. She pulled out a bible and recited the pledge. Only 1 hour after Capriani’s death, D’Annunzio sat back down in his seat, assuming the role of Prime Minister of Cortona.

 

[Cortona]

The weather was perfect. Crowds had gathered all the way from Rossetto Mansion to the National Cemetery. Four men dressed in traditional clothes emerged from the Mansion carrying a casket that held the body of Capriani. The casket was draped with the Cortonan Flag. Behind the casket holders walked the family of Capriani. Following them came Prime Ministers D’Annunzio, Lombroso, and Lanzo. Following them were friends of Capriani, military officials, and several other officials.

The Executive Protection Service had the city more or less on lock down; they were frantic to make sure no riots would arise during Capriani’s funeral. Thankfully, things were uneventful. The streets of Firenze were silent aside from the tears from the people.

After about 20 minutes, the funeral party reached the Cemetery. Capriani’s casket was lowered into his grave as thousands looked upon it. Flowers were thrown into Capriani’s grave and then it was filled. Another flower was put on Capriani’s grave by his wife. Priests said prayers and the funeral were officially brought to a close. After the funeral, Capriani returned to Rossetto Mansion and their family departed the building. After the funeral, the nation’s attention was turned to the trial of Ahmad Radhi, Capriani’s assassin.

--
All 9 of the Constitutional Court Judges were sitting in their seats. Before them was Ahmad Radhi, perhaps the most hated man in Cortona. The room was hushed and the trial began.

“Mr. Ahmad Radhi, do you plead guilty to the assassination of Prime Minister Capriani? The judge asked, right away.

“I killed him,” Radhi answered.

“Why?” the Judge asked.

“I was ordered to,” Radhi answered.

“By the Mafia?” the Judge asked.

“Yes, the Mafia,” Radhi answered.

“Who in particular came to you to tell you to kill Capriani?” the Judge asked.

“The Leader,” Radhi answered.

“So there is one leader?” the Judge asked.

“Yes, he’s been our leader for about 12 years now,” Radhi answered.

“What is his name?” the Judge answered.

“You and I both know I cannot answer that question,” Radhi stated.

“I suggest, for your sake, that you do,” the Judge answered.
“Why? Even if you knew who he was, even if you captured him, there are many men ready to take his place at a moment’s notice. So there’s no benefit for you. There’s no benefit for me because I’m going to spend my life in prison anyway, even if I do get out, the Mafia will have me killed instantly,” Radhi explained.

“You’re facing the death penalty, Mr. Radhi,” the judge said “So, if what you say is true, you’re dead either way, why not leave this world knowing you did at least one good thing with your life?”

“I’m going down in the history books as a murderer, an infamous fiend, what’s one little trinket of knowledge that won’t help you at all?” Radhi asked.

“It’s your call, Radhi,” the Judge said.

“I relinquish the stand,” Radhi said, going back to his seat.

Several lawyers came to debate over Radhi’s sentence. The death penalty wasn’t issued on many other murders, but the Court didn’t care. The trial went on for several hours before the Constitutional Court finally ruled that Ahmad Radhi killed the Prime Minister of Cortona and thus will receive the Death Penalty.

 

[Cortona]

Haider was sitting on his front porch. Luckily, he wasn’t paralyzed from the assassin; it was just hard for him to walk. Haider was looking at the setting sun over Città di Miracolo. He was deep in thought over what had just happened to him. He still had the clothes that were drenched in his own blood and the blood of Capriani. He wanted to keep it as a “motivation.” The sounds of a military helicopter overhead and gun fire stopped his train of thought. Haider struggled to stand, taking one last glance at the newspaper; the headline read “40 more Mafia operatives taken into custody!”

Haider stepped into his car and was driven to a building in Milan, a suburb of the city. He stepped out of the car and walked up to a white house, a very nice house. A woman opened the door before Haider had even got there, she hurried him in. Haider sat down at a round dinner table, before him was ham, mashed potatoes, and corn. He looked across from him and saw another plate with the same meal. He sighed, leaned back in his chair, and rests his cane on the wall.

--

Pietro Calvino had arrived at his destination. He got out of his car and took off his sunglasses. He was happy to hear that the Leader finally wanted to meet him face to face, after about a week and a half of absolute silence. Calvino was enraged however. The murder of a Prime Minister was going too far, he had a lot of words for the Leader.

Calvino looked up and walked into the house. ”Nice House,” he thought as he entered. He stood in the hallway, looking around and began to step forward. There was a good smell coming from a room all the way at the end, he decided to go check it out. He turned the corner and flipped. There, at a round table, sat an injured Haider Al-Abadi, Chief of Police, a man whose been hunting him for decades. It was a trap.

“You son of a bitch!” Calvino screamed, whipping out a pistol. “I swear to god I’ll blow your fucking brains out!”

Haider looked at the gun, he saw Pietro aim. “I wouldn’t,” Haider said, calmly.

“Why not?” Pietro asked.

“Well, they’re a good reason,” Haider said.

As soon as he said it, men came from everywhere, pointing guns at Pietro. “Killing me may give you a millisecond of satisfaction, because you’ll be killed instantly. Then we’ll be joined in hell for eternity.” Haider said.

“Hell?” Pietro asked, Haider nodded “Finally caught me, you bastard, you’ll pay, the Bruzzi Family won’t take this lightly. Fuckin’ lucky that bullet didn’t kill you.”

“Hell, a place of eternal damnation, a place where the sinful go to spend all eternity suffering,” Haider said “that is where you and me are going.”

“Why?” Pietro asked, concerned.

“You came here to meet the man who runs the Mafia, you’re meeting him,” Haider stated, as the men lowered their guns.

Pietro stared, unable to respond, could it be that Haider Al-Abadi, one of the most respected men in the Canal Zone was the worst terrorist the nation’s seen in years?

“Always a step ahead, no clues left, no traces, unlimited sources of knowledge, full knowledge of the Bruzzi Family’s activity, full knowledge of the Gendarmerie’s activity, full knowledge of the police, why? We knew where the police were stepping, we knew what clues they’d be after, we knew how to eliminate those clues, we are the police,” Haider said “Nothing that I didn’t want known was ever known, of course I needed to sacrifice a few minor parts, but that was the cost.”

“You kidnapped Moretti’s family, killed your own son, killed your wife earlier on, and you show no remorse for it, no regret, no care?” Pietro barked, angered by the heartless Leader.

“I didn’t do what was ethical, Pietro, that would ended the Mafia. I did what had to be done, I suffered, sure, but my ultimate goal was achieved. The ends justify the means, Pietro,” Haider stated.

“Killing Capriani?” Pietro asked.

“42 years ago, I was ordered to kill two people. These two people owned a business, a rather large business; this business was a…generous donor to the Mafia. They decided their days of donation had come to an end and parted ways. You don’t get off that easily. I was 19 years old when I did it, killed my first person. Those people so happened to be daddy and mommy Capriani. Sal was nothing really, working for Rizzo, had not any idea of his parents’ shady dealings. When that man became so popular, such an anti-mafia campaign, and even and ascendance to being Prime Minister, I needed to kill him. I ended the Capriani Family and I’m damn proud of it,” Haider said.

“You’re a monster, you’re not a crime lord, you’re a terrorist,” Pietro said.

“A few people need to die for the greater good of things, Pietro,” Haider stated.

“Greater good? What the hell are you talking about?” Pietro yelled.

“People need to realize the darker side of society, need to amass themselves against it, realize corruption is so wide spread. Businesses, Politics, all corrupted. People need to stop hating each other, Muslims and Catholics; they need someone to unify them in hatred of a common enemy. I am that enemy,” Haider said.

“You’re insane, what makes you think I won’t turn you in?” Pietro asked.

“I know you won’t,” Haider answered.

One of the men raised a gun and shot Pietro in the head. Pietro fell dead and Haider sighed, looking down at the meal he was provided. He then walked out of the dining room and out of the house.