Was Giovanni ever specifically named or mentioned? If not, couldn't Reaper simply step into his previous role as one of the seven? It would make the most sense while allowing her to start in the RP as soon as possible. 

As for a collab, if a time is worked out some evening where everyone else (or most everyone else) can make it, I'll do my utmost to attend as well, though my schedule of late has had to be pretty flexible.