“We didn’t get a chance to do anything, somebody beat us to it.” Nova sighed as the meeting hall filled with the other members of the mafia. Nova knew a few of them but otherwise, she had no clue who half the people in the room were, and honestly, she didn't care. 

“I knew I shouldn’t have let you all go to Luigi’s, I should have made you all come back here after the mission,” Freddie grumbled as he dragged a drunken Chadwick behind him. Freddie was Chadwick’s older brother, they looked similar except Freddie was 6,1 and had his mother’s hazel eyes, and his father’s handsome chiseled features. You could tell they were brothers by the way they acted and their hair color but other than that they looked like night and day next to each other. 

“And you! What have you gotten us into now young lady!?” Freddie yelled, turning on Nova as he reached the group. 

“Calm down mom I haven't done anything yet.” Nova scoffed as Fletcher and Malorie laughed. 

“What am I going to do with you kids.” Freddie sighed to himself as he pulled Chadwick away from Ruby, who looked like she was about to punt him across the room. 

“Nova, what's going on?” Amy asked as she approached the group with Barnaby close behind her. 

“For the millionth time, this isn’t my fault. I haven't done anything yet.” Nova huffed, rolling her eyes. 

“She’s right this wasn't us. Well, this time at least.” Alfred chuckled joining the group. 

“Well, then what’s going on?” Barnaby asked craning his neck to try and see the makeshift stage at the front of the room. They had an official stage but thanks to Chadwick and Chris there wasn't one anymore, so they had to use a bunch of wood planks on top of crates. 

“Sorry I'm late, Chris made me clean and wax his car. Luckily I was able to find a few dozen scented candles and now his car smells like Strawberry Shimmer and is covered in pink wax. Did I miss anything?” Edward asked as he ran up to them. 

“Nope, nothing’s happened yet.” Amy sighed as Barnaby put a calming hand on her shoulder. Nova knew Amy liked Barnaby but neither of the two had the guts to say anything to the other. 

“Who’s that !?” Malorie asked, pointing to the stage as Valentina walked across it. 

“And that’s the somebody who beat us to Soren,” Nova whispered as the room went quiet. 

“Oh boy. Here we go.” Ed groaned as Chris climbed up onto the stage and stormed over to Valentina. Chris might have towered over her height wise but it was Chris who looked small and meek on the stage compared to Valentina. 

“Who are you?” Chris spat trying to intimidate her, but even Nova could tell any attempt he made would be useless. 

“I am Valentina Dietrich, the new mafia boss. And you are? Let me guess nobody important.” Valentina smirked in amusement as Chris’s face turned bright red with rage. 

“I am Chris Foster, Second In command,” Chris said smugly. 

“Ah yes! That brings me to our first order of business, replacing you…. Christopher was it? You have been relieved of your duty’s.” Valentina smirked as Chris’s face somehow got even redder. 

“He looks like a firetruck,” Fletcher whispered trying to hold back a laughing fit. 

“The name’s Chris, and you can’t do this!” Chris growled at her, Valentina just waved him off. 

“Last I checked Christopher I can do whatever I want, I don’t want you as second in command so you won't be second in command,” Valentina said coldly. 

“I won't stand for this!” Chris shouted. The way he was acting reminded Nova of a little kid throwing a temper tantrum over not being allowed to get a piece of candy or something they wanted. 

“Then sit down!” Alfred shouted, earning himself a few chuckles from other members and the breaking point of the trainees laughing fits. 

“Better yet leave,” Valentina said as the room went dead silent with her words.“If any of you disgusting cowards aren't ready to pledge your loyalty to a new leader then be my guest and follow this bumbling prick out the door,” Valentina said flatly as she looked out at the crowd. Nobody moved for a minute, everything was completely still like time was frozen. Then slowly one by one the older and most previously loyal soldiers walked up to the stage and joined Chris. 

“Barnaby no!” Amy gasped as she grabbed onto his arm and stopped him from walking forward. 

“Amy, you know I hate mafia work. This could be my only chance to escape all of it.” Barnaby whispered as he glanced over at the stage. 

“Even me?” Amy asked, trying to keep her tears from flowing. “Please stay! I can’t do this without you.” Amy whispered as she hugged him and buried her head in his chest. 

“If I get killed I'm blaming you and coming back from the dead to kill you too.” Barnaby sighed as Amy smiled and kissed him. 

“I love you!” Barnaby said out of shock as Amy broke this kiss and laughed. 

“About time you two.” Alfred laughed as he patted Barnaby on the shoulder. 

“Is that everyone?” Valentina called out. Everyone left in the crowd said nothing. “I’ll take that as a yes. Now as for the rest of you…” Valentina said, turning to face the group on the stage. “Get out!” 

“gladly.” Chris scoffed as he led the group off the stage and over to the doors. 

“Ed let's go!” Chris snapped at him as he pointed to his side. 

“No,” Ed said, shaking his head. 

“Edward Daren Foster this is not up for debate,” Chris growled pointing to his side again. 

“You're absolutely right it’s not. I can’t follow you this time Chris. I’m done being your lap dog.” Ed said as he crossed his arms. Even though he wasn't crying Nova could tell this broke his heart. 

“Fine, traitor. And to think I ever called you my brother. You're not my brother, you're a stupid selfish piece of shit!” Chris screamed as he spit in Ed’s face. Ed didn't flinch as his brother's spit hit him in the face. Chris glared at them as he turned and stormed out of the building. 

“Just imagine the look on his face when he finds out you covered his car in scented candle wax,” Alfred said, placing a hand on his shoulder as Ed laughed and whipped the spit off his face. 

“Alright as for the rest of you,” Valentina shouted, getting everyone’s attention. “Tonight has been a lot for everyone. I say we all get some rest and continue this meeting at 10 am sharp. Please each of you send your file to Isabella tonight before 9 o’clock. I’ll assign new roles at tomorrow's meeting. You're all dismissed.” Valentina said as she walked off stage. 

“Where's Rigby? I haven't seen him at all during the meeting.” Amy said as she looked around the crowd that was beginning to file out of the building. 

“At the med bay, where I was supposed to go get him a while ago.” Alfred cringed realizing how much trouble he was in. 

“Come on, I’ll go with you.” Nova sighed as she started to walk out of the building. 

“He’s gonna kill me.” Alfred chuckled nervously as they quickly walked to the med bay. 

“He’s not gonna kill you but you're definitely not getting anything you want tonight,” Nova said as Alfred sighed in defeat. 

“Wow, getting cock blocked by your husband, the lowest of blows.” Alfred huffed as they walked into Rigby’s room. 

“Alfred Stefen Reynolds! Where the hell have you been?!” Rigby scolded him as soon as they walked into the room. 

“I'm sorry! I was following orders and then there was a meeting and I’m sorry! Please forgive me Rig’s!” Alfred begged as he started to kiss Rigby. 

“Stop it! Stop being cute and apologetic! I’m trying to be angry with you!” Rigby huffed as he pushed Alfred away from him. 

“But I really am sorry Duckling.” Alfred pouted giving Rigby puppy dog eyes. 

“Oh fine! I forgive you just stop.” Rigby sighed giving into him. Alfred smiled as he kissed him again. 

“Are you alright though?” Alfred asked as the laughter in his voice was replaced with concern. 

“I’m alright, Shaun got me fixed up pretty quickly. He said I’m good to go.” Rigby sighed, jumping down from the examination table. 

“Welp, I'm gonna head out,” Nova said as she walked over to the door. She felt uncomfortable standing in there and now that she knew Rigby was alright that was her cue to leave. 

“If you're leaving, head back to the apartments and stay there pipsqueak. You've had enough adventure for today.” Alfred jokingly scolded her. 

“No promises, I've got a prior engagement to deal with.” Nova huffed as she ran out of the room before Alfred could yell at her or escort her anywhere. Nova quickly ran out of the med bay and into the garage and quickly hopped onto her bike. Nova quickly drove off before anyone could catch her, she knew Alfred would be angry with her once she got back but she would just have to deal with him later, Besides he couldn’t catch her anyway.