Tales of a Dysfunctional Corsair Mafia Family

[Moretti]

[font=viner hand itc]Moretti Family Yacht in Crete Orbit,
5 January, 803 - Fifteen Years Ago

"There is something that makes men different from animals. Do you know what it is?" Taddeo Moretti asked suddenly, looking out the wide windows that afforded a view of Crete and the Malvada. He poured Ottavio Bussolari, his son-in-law, a glass of wine. Ottavio had been his relation for just over three months now, but they did not know each other very well - a situation Taddeo wanted to fix in the coming months, as Ottavio's navigation instruments company was a very important asset to the family, and he sought to keep in the family, rather than Ottavio's.

Ottavio took the glass thoughtfully, barely able to conceal his apprehension. "We're capable of spaceflight?"

Taddeo glanced over at Ottavio and laughed wheezily.
Ottavio waited politely for a few moments, but when the old man did not cease in his mirth, a puzzled expression spread across his face.

Taddeo quieted after another moment. "Ever the engineer, Ottavio," he chuckled. "That," he said, "is what I like about you. That is why you marry my daughter."

Ottavio didn't know how to take this.

"So," Taddeo continued, "the difference between humans and animals..." he trailed off, leaning back in his chair with the wineglass to his lips.

Ottavio thought for a moment, and his brow furrowed. "There's... quite a few."

Taddeo took a sip of his wine, and then swallowed, savoring it. He nodded as he placed the glass on the table between them. "Yes, there are many," he affirmed, "but the biggest, most important difference..." he leaned forward, "... is reproduction."

His son-in-law looked even more confused now.

"You see, all animals - and plants - are made with one thing in mind. Re-pro-duction." He stated this word proudly and slowly. "They grow up, survive, make other animals, and then they die. Everything in nature is geared toward continuing its... family." He paused here. "Humans are... higher. Yes, yes, we have the same... reproductive urges, but there is something else past that. If you have a wife, a child, and you have a nice home, are you content?"

Ottavio shook his head a little.

"Thank you for being truthful with me, it touches my heart deeply," Taddeo stated solemnly. Again, Ottavio had no idea how to take this.

The older man continued on regardless. "So... we humans, we desire... power, fame, exultation, you could say. Something to... distinguish ourselves from the rest of our race. Men are instinctively drawn to mastering others." He waved his hand vaguely. "You see what I have done. I have built a family - a powerful family - and I am the father of the family. We are all powerful, and we always strive for more. Why? It is human nature, it is only natural." He smiled. "But you, Ottavio Bussolari, you have inherited your father's company, you have continued the production of your navigation instruments and systems, but what have you done? You have not expanded your power or your reach since you inherited your company. So which are you? Animal or man?" he asked pointedly.

Ottavio was confused, and insulted. "What?"

"Are you around here just to make love to my beautiful daughter all the time like an animal, or are you a man, you want to do something for yourself... for your family? Are you going to make sure your name does not fade into obscurity like those of many others who never rise above animalism?"

Ottavio saw where Taddeo was going. "I... want it."

"Eh?"

"I want to make the name Bussolari great."

Taddeo laughed again. "You? How are you going to do this, eh? I do not think you can."

Taddeo's son-in-law was about to respond when the older man continued. "But, fortunately, you are no longer just a Bussolari. You are a Moretti, in our family. That means," he pointed at the young man, smiling, "You are my family. You have my help. And greatness is just the beginning, eh? We are not animals."

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