"Come here Ivan!"

Ivan walked across the room to where Curtis was. He'd just hung up the phone and was pouring a couple of impolitely large brandies. He picked up the brim full tumblers and thrust one into Ivan's hand. Ivan looked at it with a raised eyebrow and then at Curtis. Curtis looked back at him raised his glass.

"What? You mad Russian bastard, don't look at it funny, you know you put down glasses like that all the time! Lets toast the dead and drink. Lord knows its been a long enough night. Now lets drink and go. I need to meet Barry, Guevara and Batiatus in Manhattan."

The two men sank the drinks and a couple more for good measure. Curtis took Ivan down into the street and into a car and The_Stig drove them to the neighboring district. On arrival they all headed into Batiatus Ludus offices and into the bar where the others were making good speed into some exotic imported liquors.

"There they are! The usual sense of strict discipline and formal decorum has been preserved I see. Marvelous stuff. Ok lets do this."

Curtis waved and the Crew Leaders and assorted hands all got up and weaved their way out into the street. Just down the block was another park facing, grand fronted building with a regal feel about it. As the group approached the doors were opened by coated doormen. Above the doorway was a purple silk cloth covering the lintel stone. Curtis brought the slightly staggering group to a halt and turned to Ivan.

"IvanRomanov. You have excelled at this thing of ours and fast made yourself known to us here as an invaluable asset to our city. You have answered every call, used your initiative, followed orders and behaved with respect and dignity at all times. When pushed into the breach you have risen to the challenge and performed admirably. The respect you have earned from we gathered here, is well warranted. 

Ivan, my friend, our friend. I am giving you the nod now, to start your own family here in Manhattan. You will work for Batiatus and be a part of our larger family as we all grow together."

Curtis put an arm around Ivan and gestured up at the building. One of the doormen pulled a chord beside him and the silk veil fell away revealing the engraved block above the door.

.

The Plant

A Division of Factory

. 

"Congratulations to you! I wish you the very best of luck. Now I am sure Barry and your new Godfather Batiatus would also like to share a few words and welcome you to his fine district."

Curtis embraced Ivan then took a step back and shook the hands of Barry and Batiatus before making his way down the steps to where The_Stig, Babadook and Guevara were sharing out some of the bottles they'd taken from Chris_Vaughn's hotel earlier that day. 

Barry warmly shook Ivan's hand.

"I wouldn't have put you forward for this task if I didn't think you were both ready and capable. You've been a welcome presence in my family and your contribution to it has been all I could ever ask for. Your dedication to New York has been seen you quickly rise through the ranks, making your bones and now here you stand, spreading the Factory family's influence still further in Manhattan. I'm proud of what you've accomplished and excited to see what will come next. Congratulations, Ivan."

After a brief embrace and a quiet word in the man's ear about the most profitable books he knew about that the family should get a piece of the action in, he stepped back and let Batiatus take the floor.

A man with a Gladiator's heart, IvanRomanov will make for a most welcome addition to the district of Manhattan and the storied House of Batiatus. Manhattan promises many glories, and IvanRomanov has seized opportunity by the balls while lesser men stand holding cock. Let us share wine, Ivan. I shall send my house slave Bearderus to fetch for us our finest jug in celebration of Godfather Curtis's glorious news. May The House of IvanRomanov stand strong. Glory to The Plant.

Ivan returned the handshakes with his former crew leader, and his Godfather Chairman. He turned and gave Batiatus a grin and a hard handshake followed with a lean in hug. Ivan thought it was a manly enough time to do this gesture. 

Curtis, thank you for the opportunity. I understand I will not be working directly under you anymore but for another great man. I only hope I can bring the same work ethic to the city as a whole and continue to impress you. I sincerely am so grateful for this opportunity. To my former leader Barry, I am happy I was able to work under you and give you all the support I could offer. I hope to spread the values that were instilled on me. 

Batiatus, this is probably one of the greatest opportunities ever asked of me. And it's going to be an honor serving along side you in building Manhattan into something once again. 

Ivan awaits for the finest jug to be brought back by the house slave known as Bearderus.

Guevara despised Manhattan, every square mile of it. He despised the overwhelming inequality of wealth between upper-midtown and East Harlem and the way in which it led to a vicious cycle of the ghetto-isation of the poor. He hated the vulgar, ostentatious displays of the the city's social elite which reached a crashing intensity around Broadway. Most of all, he hated the skycrapers; ugly, monolithic monuments to the to the dizzying vacuousness of capitalism.

Naturally, he tried to avoid the island whenever possible, but today was a day for exceptions; and Guevara was happy to make one. After a brief embrace and a flamboyant cheek kiss that Romanov looked distinctly uncomfortable with, Che smiled warmly and pressed a cigar into his brother's hand.

"собрат! I am more pleased than I can say to see you elevated to this position; you are a fine addition to this thing we are building here, but just as importantly - I will no longer have to fly the flag of Marxist-Leninist thought alone. Ваше здоровье!"

Dear Ivan...I know Che over there is very happy! Even the House of Batiatus is going crazy! Specially that ButtStallion! 

But Commi's in Manhattan??? You taking down Capitalism from the heart of capital of the world markets!!! What!?!?! 

All jokes aside though! You've worked hard for this shot! I wish you the best as you move forward, trying to down all capitalist ideals and replacing them with socialists/communist ideals! Ah!!! Che would be proud!!! 

Grats Ivan! 

The Rock congratulates you Don Romanov. Although we have had very little interaction, the Great one has heard nothing but good about you and your work for Godfather Curtis. Even Guevara is happy about this appointment, and as he is never, ever happy, that speaks volumes about the kind of man you are. Why do they all insist on calling you Che though Eddie? The Rock was always down for a little Latino Heat with the mamacitas. Anyway, the Rock digresses.

The Brahma Bull, the pie eating jabroni beating accept no imitations, most electrifying man in all of mafia-land is sure that you will make your mark in Manhattan, and keep that jabroni Battyanus in line, some one has to after all!

Congratulations Ivan..I'm not the least bit surprised and I'm very happy for you..i know from having been crew mates with you how hard you work, and have experienced first hand your dedication in helping others understand and prosper in this world of ours..Well done my friend..

Congratulations Ivan!! You brought me into this great city, showed me the ropes and taught me nearly everything i know, it's fucking awesome to see you be given this opportunity. You're a great man, your hard work and your principles are inspiring and i'm sure you are going to be an excellent leader.  I wish you all the best and i look forward to watching Manhattan continue to thrive!

He stumbled out of The Smackdown Hotel, head pounding from a long night of listening to Chris_Vaughn practice catch phrases into the mirror as Ragnarok cleaned and oiled his guns. It was an annoying thing to do, but Chris swore by it. When he heard about the celebration taking place, he took his guns, holstered them, and strolled out to the streets. Upon his arrival, most of the important folks within the city had said their piece.

Oh Ivan, I stand here with our peers, friends, and associates to offer to heart felt congratulations as well. Until recently, we where strangers within the same city, only offer a nod of our heads towards one another as respect would call for. That started to change when we sat down for a drink one day. We shared our thoughts, opinions, and stories of our lives. My outlook on you changed, and I'm proud to stand beside you.

Most people are afraid of the commies, but not I. I know you posses the warriors heart and soul. You'll do what you have to in order to protected our blessed city and those who call it home. If you're ever in need friend, I'm always here to help. Later, once these ceremonies are conducted, join me at The Smackdown Hotel for some of the finest vodak we can take from Chris_Vaughns storage cabinet.

He offered his respect to the dignitarys attending the event, then stumbled off to stuff his engorged face somewhere.

WkWkWk! Russian in Manhattan?  Sounds great! Congrats Ivan its been a hard work tho, Well done! Goodluck buddy as you take your journey in Manhattan! Best of luck! WkWkWk!

Cheers! *Bounceback!*

*Zeitgeist shows up a little late to the party, his speech a little slurred and his walk far from well directed*

Comrade! Our lines have been close for a while now and it always brings me joy to see you thriving. I am confident you will be an asset to the city of New York as well as cementing the roots of organized crime in Manhattan.

*Zeitgeist stumbles, a small bottle of Vodka escapes from his jacket pocket and crashes to the floor; pausing for a moment, staring down at the shattered glass extremely disappointed*

You need anything old friend you just need to ask.

*Zeitgest reaches into his other pocket withdrawing another bottle the label obscurred by his hand, taking a long sip, wipes his hand across his face looking over at Ivan and saying*

Nazdrovia.

IvanRomanov walks out into the streets hearing his closest comrade give him nice words of congratulations and other comments.

Comrades, I never expected so many of you to come out to these streets and congratulate me on my new endeavor. It means a lot to me.

Ryu walks up to IvanRomanov and shakes his hand.

"It is quite an achievement you have accomplished here, and you truly do deserve it. Manhattan is looking wonderful with you as an addition towards it. Congratulations my friend, and I look forward to bright future in Manhattan".

Ryu pops open a Champagne bottle and hands Ivan and all the New York leaders and Hands a glass and pours them a drink to celebrate this day for Manhattan.