PORTOFIRO

For the people of Portofiro, the stars receded; austerity remained their orbit.

PORTOFIRO COULD HAVE SHARED IN THE PEOPLE'S GLORY, HAD NESTOR NOT SPREAD-EAGLED FOR FOREIGN BANKERS.

A few months, at most, after EMTERR offered Portofiro the chance to develop their own space program -- and the funds to do so.

Portofiro would've become one of the Big Boys of the Developed World.

"You once told me that you loved Portofiro. Well, I overheard you shouting that you did."

"Opera business, yes. I don't believe they will have sent you back to Portofiro for my benefit."

"Please, we're in Portofiro. Domestic abuse is a standard proletarian pastime."

"No. I am... going to get out of Portofiro. I am going to pretend I never saw you and I beg you to do the same. Beg."

"He's still in Portofiro? I'm surprised. This isn't his element." She looks away, thoughtful. "Though I'm not sure what is."

"He guessed Tesoro would make his move here, in Portofiro, outside the Empire's light." He drops to a whisper once more. "That's why he decided to play a trick on him."

The old man sways slightly as he studies you. Far below, the rooftops of Portofiro glitter in the morning light.

"So he traveled to Portofiro to prepare for the treaty talks, posing as his assistant."

"Nice try. The real Dante's rotting in a secret EMTERR jail, right here in Portofiro."