Cassi stood next to the window in her office, staring out at the city as she sipped her coffee. Her thoughts were racing as she watched the people on the street. Some days it was still hard to believe this was all real. She had fallen in love with New Orleans from the minute they had set up in it. She turned from the window, a smile on her face. Today was an extremely special day. Her beloved Godfather was celebrating a year of his life in this thing of ours.

She walked over to her desk and picked up a piece of paper, mentally going through the checklist. Everything had to be perfect. She finished the list and her coffee, setting both the paper and the cup on her desk. Then she picked up the other piece of paper. Her speech. She was sure it wouldn't do him justice. How do you put feelings into words? How can you properly articulate just how much you admire and respect and adore someone? How very proud you are of them and all their hard work, achievements and accomplishments? She wasn't sure, but she had done her damnedest to do so.

She read over the speech, even though she didn't really need to, she had memorized it long before this day, knew it by heart as well as she knew her own name. She was sure she didn't even have to write it down, but she was worried about the emotion that might overcome her once the day came. Taking a deep breath, she folded the paper and reached for her coat, slipping it into the inside pocket. She slid her coat on just as the knock came to her door. She knew it was her most trusted bodyguard Ramone, she could always count on him to keep her on track. Smiling she walked to the door, opened it and slid her arm through his waiting arm and he escorted her down to the streets.

Good day fellow mobsters. I stand before you today to honor a truly wonderful and amazing man. Someone who has supported and fought hard for his city. Someone who has survived and thrived through anything that has come his way. Someone who I can count on, who the people of New Orleans can count on, through thick and thin. Someone who has shown us the true meaning of leadership, courage and family.

Who would have thought one year ago today, that we'd be standing here, celebrating Godfather Steak's birthday? Nothing in this life is guaranteed, especially the capability of such longevity. But I can tell you, as my bloodline has stood by him since the day he set up, that it is well deserved. He has turned New Orleans into such an amazing city that I am extremely proud to call home. He has raised up such a wonderful city of people that I am extremely proud to call my family. And he has been such a fine leader that I am extremely proud to call my Godfather.

Phil, it has been an honor, a privilege and something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world, having the opportunity to work so closely with you. I have watched you grow into someone who, even yourself never imagined and it has been extraordinary. The hard work you've put in, the sleepless nights, the endless mails (I think he gets more than me!), the tragedies and the triumphs. What you give to your city and your people is nothing short of amazing. You set standards and expectations. You give praise and leadership. You encourage unity and loyalty. Thank you for setting the example that you do.

Cassi smiled as she cleared her throat.

Who knew that a one year old Steak could be so good?! I want to thank you all for coming out and welcome you to enjoy the festivities that we have planned for this occasion! Unfortunately, the Godfathers one year has fallen on the day that we celebrate what the gods call Vday Massacre, so we have planned for all events to take place on Monday February 18th, which will be explained in a complete layout speech of all events. However, I do encourage everyone to feel free to share their fondest memories of Phil over the last year here. I'm sure he would enjoy hearing what an impact he has made on everyone as a whole! Godfather Steak, congratulations to you on such a huge milestone! I'm so proud to be a part of your family and a part of New Orleans!

Happy birthday Phil! Not many people can survive and amount to what you are today sir, And for that we honor you with cake!

Mudkip brings out a 'We <3 Phil_Steak Cake' and sets it down somewhere and wanders off into the night

Awhile back, you took me in off the streets. You didnt have a clue who I was, nor did I know you. From a lowly street thug, to a made man within your crew, and now, a Captain in your city. Your dedication, and the standard you set for this city inspires me to work harder each day. You expect nothing but the best, so each of us strives for that. While we dont always achieve it, it remains our goal. Youve always been there to offer words of wisdom and support when we need it. That's the true measure of a great leader, its not how big his gun is, nor how much money he can stow away, but how he leads, and how he inspires people.

Congrats on this special day, its been a true honor to play a small part in your massive success!

congrats pal, really well done.

Phil what can I say? Except....


Meow.


And it's been my honor. And I love you and our city and all you have done for us. Happy Birthday my friend, my boss, my guiding light.

Thank You and Congratulations. Raises her glass and smiles Here's to another year of awesomeness.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I like my Phil_Steal juicy, wiz wit. 

Congrats, and clearly saying "NO" (to Phil_Steak) means YES :)

"Whooooo LEAP YEAR BABY" Sinfest yells excitedly then realizes hes acting like a child. He straightens his tie and coat then states "Congratulations sir on living for a full cycle of movement around the sun. New Orleans is a pretty chill place to be and we have you to thank for that. Thanks man and lets hope for awhile longer, Cheers." Sinfest then hails a cab and heads on back to his family's headquarters.

Happy birthday, Phillip Steak - you're a true brother and an upstanding boss!

It's been an honour to support you and develop New Orleans with you over the past many months - you've provided me with great opportunities, trust, advice and lasting friendship. Here's to the ending of a memorable and successful year, and the commencing of a new one!

Vaticus, why does Old Man Steak keep yelling at me when my baseball lands in his yard?  And, why does he keep talking about "when I was your age?"  And, shouldn't someone take his driver licence away?  And, it scares me when he puts his teeth in a glass.  And, why is it when he visits our HQ he has to sleep in my room, and I have to sleep on the couch?  And, why does he keep talking about how much better the music was when he was a kid?  I mean, it was three guys beating a hollow log with rocks and someone else blowing a ram's horn!

I mean, c'mon folks, Phil's OLD!  How old is he?

Phil Steak is so old . . .

. . . His first profile picture is on a cave painting in France!
. . . Aug 04, '4000 BC 22:13:30 You witnessed Phil_Steak WACK Abel!
. . . He purchased his first HQ from Native Americans with beads!
. . . The first fortification he attcked was Hadrian's Wall!
. . . The first drug he sold was a Flintstone Vitamin to Fred himself!
. . . He voted for James Buchannan!
. . . He lost his virginity to Joan of Arc!
. . . He attended opening night of Othello - at the Globe Theatre!
. . . His first V-Day massacre involved the stoning of St. Valentine!
. . . He taught Ben Franklin how to fly a kite!
. . . His first bicycle was built by Wilbur Wright!
. . . His first mobmail was sent with smoke signals!
. . . His first organized crime was with Promethius - Raid Fire From the Gods!

I'm off to go find some birthday cake now.

Happy Birthday Phil!

Happy Birthday God-Father Phil,

I wish you the best and look forward to continued success in all you goals.

oh wow...whats not to say..well firstly...congratulations...im so very happy for you...many havent even sur-come to a year  of work in this thing of our..but on a personal stand point..thank you...you and cassi have brought me in this thing of ours alil under a year ago(different character,same name) and taught me soooo much.you devoted countless hours into teaching a complete hard on noob the just of things...and you are the one person(s) who when i act up..well ya yell and get me back on track...i quite honestly don think i woulnd be here nor made it this far..without you..i thank you my Brother,Friend, & Godfather...it is an honor to be among you and i look forward to the months ahead....

Happy Birthday Godfather Phill. All the best.

Congrats! Cheers!

Soprano raises his glass

Happy 1 year anniversary!

From only working in New Orleans for the past couple months I have hugely loved my place in your city Phil_Steak. Working under you and Vaticus, and representing the fine city of New Orleans has been a great ordeal. I am proud to work for the city and am proud of you good sir.

Congratulations Phil_Steak!

Anna steps out from the shadows to add a few words about her Godfather.

Phil_Steak, when I came to these shores, the only thing I had was your name, written on a scrap of paper and found in the diaries of a distant relative. You took me into your crew, gave me immeasurable help and guidance, and I've had a fantastic time under your leadership. Thank you for taking me in and giving me a chance to prove myself. Here's to another year of success for both you and for New Orleans!

Happy Birthday and you will always be my hero!!

Here's to the next year!!!

Roksana sits back thinking on her long journey to where she is today and how much Godfather Phil_Steak had to do with that. Looking back through all her relatives' diaries, she sees that he has been there to help from the beginning. 

What can I say? Thank you for chasing me around mafia land? Grins mischievously

You've always been a good friend, an even better Crew Leader, and an awesome Godfather. Thank you for bringing me in and helping my bloodline with this thing of ours. I will never forget everything you've done for me. 

Have a wonderful birthday! 

Congratulations Godfather Phil_Steak. You've achieved something that not many other people have been able to. Achieve the rank of Godfather, lead a very succesful city, and live for a year. All of these things that very few can say they achieved in their lifetime.

Castelli raises his bottle of whiskey.

To you Godfather Phil_Steak! Congratulations again!