Some time ago….

When Stefania had learned of her mother’s death, she knew immediately that she couldn’t continue in the quiet life that she had been living in New York. Her mother had known better than to try and convince her never to join the life of crime; it hadn’t worked for her after all, and if Stefania took any traits from her mother it was her stubbornness. But she had tried to shield Stefania from some of the dangers and so her death and the death of all of their friends and family had hit the young girl like a ton of bricks.

Her mother had made one request, which she’d left in one of her many journals – that if Stefania did decide to pick up the life her mother had lived, she move out west and get a fresh start somewhere new. Somewhere that her ancestors had never been; where no one would know her and she’d be able to work her way to making a name for herself. So, with the small amount of cash her mother had left behind for her, she decided to move to Los Angeles.

A few weeks later

Stefania had found her place in a crew and had been working hard, but all hard work deserved a break. She’d been coming out to the docks for a while now, kicking back and watching the ships come in, merchandise being loaded and unloaded. She’d even managed to swipe a few things, selling for an easy profit. In fact, it had become a regular routine of hers now – come to the docks, find a sailor to smoke a few cigarettes with, find the best merchandise and then make her move. The docks seemed relatively untouched by the local crews, though she assumed much of that was because of the heavy oversight by the local government. The docks were one of the most important sources of revenue for Los Angeles…if she could find a way to tap into that well…it would be hugely profitable for her and her family. 

Present Day

The mayor had called this meeting; that alone was enough to annoy her. As if she hadn’t spent weeks lining his pockets already, the last thing she needed was whatever headache he was going to bring her today. At least she’d chosen one of her favorite restaurants to meet at – the least she could do was get a decent meal to make up for listening to the annoying man go on and on. But of course, she couldn’t let me know how much he bored her – she doubt he’d take too kindly to that. So when Sal pulled the car door open for her, she had a charming smile ready to go. Stepping out, she was wearing an expensive black dress with a large brimmed white and black hat. Her men had already cleared out the restaurant and ensured it’s safety – the mayor was the only person inside, waiting for her.

“Mr. Cryer, a pleasure as always.” She extended her hand, which the mayor took, bringing the back of it to his lips. She had to fight not to grimace. “The pleasure is all mine. Please, sit.” He pulled out a chair for her, which Stefania gracefully slid into.

“I’m a busy woman Mr. Cryer. Please, tell me what was so urgent that we had to meet today.” Stefania was never one to beat around the bush. She wanted to get in and get out so she could go about her day.

“Well, we need to talk about this business of yours….the ship captains are starting to line up outside my office…” There was wine, which Stefania gratefully took and sipped from. Here would come the long conversation about fees, percentages and the…methods…used to enforce the new rules she’d imposed on the docks.  She made a mental note to talk to some of her men later about getting rid of some of the more....troublesome captains. She wasn't about to let anyone stand in her way, not when she was doing so well. 

The meeting with the mayor had taken hours. Most of it was completely pointless but Stefania had to play the game; she’d learned that a long time ago. When she walked out of the restaurant she’d negotiated some new…earnings…for dear Mr. Cryer, but she’d also managed to receive some of the names of those giving her business the most resistance. Too many people underestimated what some simple diplomacy could do in the long run. As frustrating as these meetings could be, the mayor had left with the feeling that his pockets would be a little better lined and Stefania had left with vital information. Both sides were happy.

She used the car ride back to the headquarters to come up with a plan of attack. She needed a show of strength up front to put an end to this before it caused more of a problem; after all, if she hadn’t moved on the docks when she did, another crew would’ve seized the opportunity sooner or later. These Captains simply needed to understand that. She would offer them protection and all they had to do was play by her rules.

When she arrived at her headquarters, she sent out runners to gather a few of her crew, including Ifi_Degatoth, Inara, and Butterface. Time to get to work.

*Ifi received word that his boss expected him back at HQ for a job. He quickly finished the drug run he was currently engaged with and then caught a taxi back to HQ. Upon arriving he quickly made his way through HQ to his bosses office and knocked on her door.