I got this scene in my head from the episode, 'The Man Who Cried Wolf, S3E. What would have happened had Diego approached the discussion he had with de Soto slightly differently?
I hope you'll let me know your thoughts by leaving a review.
I don't own any of the character rights.
It's science, I am telling you!
Diego de la Vega entered the tavern with an elegant stride, accompanied by his father. As always, he let his gaze wander around the room in search of a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in the world. Unfortunately, he didn't see her. Most likely, she was busy in the kitchen. His attention was, however, suddenly drawn to Ignacio de Soto, who beckoned him with an irritated frown. Diego suppressed a smile as he suspected why the Alcalde was so displeased.
"Why didn't you publish my article in the newspaper? I thought I had made its importance clear enough," De Soto began, uttering in an accusatory tone as soon as the alcalde noticed he had managed to capture the don's attention.
In his thoughts, Diego's unfiltered response flashed by. Because it's pure nonsense, based on speculation and false assumptions. But he kept that remark to himself and replied regretfully, "Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough space in the newspaper this week. It's quite an extensive article."
De Soto snorted contemptuously. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Diego. With pursed lips and a quivering moustache of frustration, he muttered, "I understand. There was no space. There was room for all sorts of other nonsense, but not for my scientific study on criminal typologies."
"I'm afraid that personal prejudices based on physical characteristics cannot be considered seriously scientific. You suggest that men with long noses are pickpockets and men with narrow earlobes are deceivers is downright ridiculous."
De Soto's nostrils widened slightly. "No, no, no. Don Diego, you misunderstand the point. The science of phrenology is about a very complex study on criminal identification."
Diego managed to suppress his surprise that de Soto genuinely believed those ridiculous ideas were based on actual science. The same could not be said for his irritation. "Alcalde, how can you seriously think that everyone with an above-average nose is a criminal?"
"Again, you misunderstand." De Soto started to lose his patience as Diego refused to admit the meaning of this new science that could mean a lot in crime solving.
Don Alejandro, who had been listening all this time but had not yet said anything and had read the previously mentioned article, decided to come to his son's aid. "Excuse me, alcalde. I've read your article, and I have to agree with Diego. You can't judge someone based on physical characteristics. Just because this study mainly focuses on men, does it mean that women can't be criminals by definition? Because..." he quickly continued when he saw de Soto wanting to interrupt him, "history knows enough women with a criminal past to rule out that possibility."
The Alcalde shrugged contemptuously and waved his hand. "Women."
"Alcalde, my father certainly has a point," began Diego, his voice filled with calm determination. "Do you remember Eve? Her name is still associated with sin and committing the first known crime in human history. She was a woman."
Somewhere out of Diego's view, Victoria perked up her ears because she had heard half of the conversation and now heard the word 'woman' and a woman's name from her best friend's mouth.
De Soto furrowed his brow, confused by this unexpected reference to religion. He seemed momentarily taken aback by these words, but quickly regained his composure and shook his head.
Diego continued giving more recent examples. "There have been female murderers, thieves, and even pirates. Surely, you must have heard of Maria Ursula de Barrios or Rachel Wall."
"Don Diego, you're trying to divert attention from my science. But I stand fully behind my theory." De Soto refused to give in.
Alejandro snorted indignantly. "Your so-called scientific proof reminds me more of a medieval witch hunt when an innocent woman could be condemned without a fair trial because, for example, she had a rare form of a birthmark. I hope we live in more civilized and modern times."
De Soto, now heavily irritated that his highly praised scientific study, on which he had spent several weeks studying, was being torn apart so easily, responded vehemently. "You really don't understand. This study is based on careful research, measurements, and thorough documentation. It had nothing to do with blind assumptions, as they got made during that time."
Don Alejandro wanted to say something, but his son stopped him.
Diego uttered. "Alright, let's say there is some truth in this science. Might I suggest we test it? You choose a random resident of Los Angeles, and I will test your theory on him to see if he arouses criminal suspicions. When it turns out you're right, I'll admit I was wrong and print your article."
De Soto stood up, straightened his jacket, and nodded. "Very well. You'll see that I am right. You may test my theory..." De Soto started to grin. "on Zorro. You all claim he is a hero and incapable of real crime. If he is as innocent as you all claim, prove it." He placed a few pesos on the table. "I eagerly await your findings."
After De Soto had left the tavern, Victoria approached the table where Diego and don Alejandro were sitting. She had eavesdropped on the men ever since the conversation had involved women, and started to place the dishes on a tray. "I heard that. Don Diego, I doubt it was a clever move." Victoria began to say. De Soto was always so fixated on Zorro, and she feared for the safety of her hero every day. The more attention de Soto showed to Zorro, the more terrified she became. "You do realize you can point out things about Zorro de Soto isn't aware of."
Diego smiled friendly. "Don't worry, Victoria. I will not reveal anything de Soto doesn't already know. I only have to make de Soto stop believing in that nonsense he claims is a science. Since that is all it is, it shouldn't be that hard." Diego mesmerized. "I think that, besides a test subject, I might also need a control subject."
Don Alejandro did express his concern by saying. "Be careful, son. The way I see it, you can accuse random folks of anything. That entire horrible science, as he calls it, is just a modern kind of witch hunt. Any man has some of those characteristics. We don't want the Alcalde arresting someone who had done nothing wrong just because he has a wrong eyebrow or funny ears."
"Exactly. The control subject must be someone whose integrity raises no questions by de Soto. Victoria, can I have a cup of coffee, por favor?"
.
Upon his return to the hacienda, Diego apologized to his father, saying he wanted to start working on his new project.
"Be careful," his father warned him again. "The Alcalde won't be willing to admit he is wrong. That whole theory is obviously utter nonsense. I've known men in the army with continuous eyebrows for whom I would vouch. And so-called noble gentlemen who weren't worth a centavo."
"You're right, father. It's all based on prejudice." Diego walked to the bookshelf and, after brief consideration, he picked up a book from the top shelf. "I want to make it clear to the alcalde that it is a ridiculous idea. I will do as he has asked and search for characters in Zorro's appearance. As I said in the tavern, I also need a control subject. And don't you agree de Soto is cut out for that part?"
Alejandro started to grin. "The only man in the pueblo whose integrity our esteemed alcalde won't dare to question."
.
.