It was a dark and stormy night.  Well, okay, not that dark.  And not really stormy.  Okay, it was the afternoon and was never fucking sunnier.  You got a problem with that? Didn’t think so.

SpaceMountain was standing in front of his headquarters, scanning the building as he lightly fanned himself with his fedora.  It had been quite a ride, hadn’t it?  But he would no longer meander aimlessly through the halls of the building, perhaps looking for another under-the-desk session with the beautiful Miss Sital.  No, the ticket to Charleston was in his pocket.  One-way.  He’d hop on the plane at LAX, putting his dream and cardigan to rest.

Heading up the winding stairs to his office, he spotted Miss Sital picking up a guy, probably for some fellatio in the back of his pick-up truck.  He cleared his throat and cut his eyes at the potential brief suitor, who promptly took the hint and scrammed.  Swallow looked at him with wide eyes.

“God...what do you think made him move so fast?” She drew her eyebrows together suddenly over her concerned gaze. “Oh God, did I do something to scare him off?  Do you think he saw my gun?”  As the woman checked her hiding spot, incidentally flashing SM and the whole street a good amount of thigh, the Godfather gently took her arm and led her up the stairs and into his office.

“Miss Sital, if I could just have a few words with you.”  The woman took a seat on the leather sofa adjacent to his desk, as he walked over to his favorite reclining chair and sat down.  One of the many office assistants walked in and refilled the water pitcher sitting on the side table nearest to Miss Sital.  A few moments later, the assistants were quickly ushered out of the office by LucidDreamer with him immediately closing the door upon his exit.

“Now, Miss Sital, it’s time to get down to business.”  The lady released a frustrated sigh and began to unbutton her blouse.  The Godfather stopped her, shaking his head in amazement.  “Not that kind of business.”  She straightened her skirt at the bottom and buttoned her blouse up to her collarbone, her famously ample bust still straining at the shirt’s front.  “Now, Swallow...the reason I want to talk to you is...well, I’ll be going away.” Swallow’s lack of reaction prompted him to clear his throat and continue. “Uh, I’ll be going away for a long time.  Like, forever.”

“There have been many things in my life that have made it great.  I’ve made tons of money, made many friends and helped develop a bond between the guys out here in Los Angeles.  I’ve witnessed a few good friends reach the pinnacle of their careers and I’ve also seen many of them perish.  Friends like Hoopi, RichardEnnebocks, Robert_Guiscard, they helped me build my empire from the ground up.  Then, a guy like Gwarble, who has built his own empire in Philadelphia, has been a brother to me since the start.  I couldn’t have made it without the help from these guys.  But enough of my rambling, I’m going to be taking a nice long permanent vacation to Charleston, South Carolina.  I’ve had a summer home there for years and it seems like a good move at my age.  My grandkids are around more and I’d like to get to know them better, instead of them being afraid of ol’ Pop-pop.”

Swallow’s eyes filled with tears.  LucidDreamer was already bawling in the corner.  The girl took a deep, shuddering breath and flung her arms around the Godfather’s neck.

“W-we’re g-gonna mi-miss yoouuuu!” Her tears flowed down her cheeks, smearing on SpaceMountain’s coat.  He sighed, thinking of the dry cleaning bill he’d be facing with all that makeup that was undoubtedly being washed off with her tears.  Nevertheless, he patted her on the back consolingly.  “It’ll be all right, Swallow.  You can still write.  Just don’t send any of that explicit stuff.  Don’t want my wife reading them.”

After several more minutes of crying, Swallow dried her tears with a handkerchief as SpaceMountain rose to his feet, placing his hat on his head.  “And you might want to go ahead and call up DonPardo to congratulate him.  He’ll be taking over my operations here in Los Angeles.”

The woman nodded, a smile stretching tautly across her face.  SpaceMountain nodded to both of his Hands in farewell, then opened the office door and left for the final time.  Slapping a secretary’s butt on the way out, he began to dream of Charleston once more.

Oscar hears of the news after a passerby mistakes him as a trash recepticle and tosses the morning paper in his can. Oscar reads the headline of SpaceMountain stepping down and frowns. It is the only expression he has

SpaceMountain, this is bittersweet news. On one hand I will be sorry to see you leave this Life of Crime, but on the other hand it is great to see you go out on your own accord retiring to a more relaxing lifestyle with dignity. You were a true gentleman and always a pleasure to speak with in the Los Angeles speakeasies. Your style and sense of humor will always be appreciated and rememered fondly. If I can make one suggestion before you part ways with This Thing of Ours is that you sample a taste of SwallowSital before you leave and allow me to watch. I'll pose as a laundry hamper in the corner and no one will be the wiser.

Enjoy your retirement Godfather and best of luck to DonPardo, a great man in his own right.

Oscar's unibrow furrows into an even deeper frown

Now SCRAM!!!

Tears of joy, by the way, that's all.

I've said this elsewhere, but I'll say it again. We had an absolute blast along the way and achieved everything you wanted to achieve. You, along with our friends, removed the most powerful regime the game has seen and you took some of the biggest shots we've seen too. You ran an exemplary city and the sheer loyalty of your members is testament to that.

Personally, you were one of a couple of people that kept me and my father interested in this place and for that I thank you. It was a pleasure taking the journey by your side, some of the best fun I've had around here and that's saying something. Glad to have been a part of your run, it was a joy to see.

Ultimately, in years to come, this thing of ours is all about the legacy. You've left yourself a fucker of a legacy and the story will echo on and on. You've earned this, enjoy the sunshine squire.

SpaceMountain, this is certainly a shock, and following such an eventful few weeks, establishing a dominance over the country, I guess it shouldn't be.  You've pretty much done it all.

As I've said elsewhere, you've had a big influence over the man that I am today.  My ancestors proudly died fighting alongside you, and I would proudly do the same.  So enjoy your retirement, and, though DonPardo could never match your wit, I'm sure he will rival your ability.  Congrats to all.

Indeed, this is quite a shock to wake up to this morning. SpaceMountain, you have had a fantastic regime throughout your time in New York and as the Godfather of Los Angeles. It is always sad to see a leader of such caliber leave our shores, but the decision is entirely yours and I can respect that. You leave your city well taken care of and in capable hands with DonPardo and company.

I expected to see you around here for many generations SM, but I'm sorry it will not be so. Enjoy your retirement Mr. Mountain, you have certainly earned it.

SpaceMountain, I am shocked with this announcement. I have looked up to you for a while now, and seeing you leave is not good. I respect all that you have done and I want to pay my respects to you Godfather.


Also, Congratulations Godfather Pardo.

SpaceMountain, Congrats on leaving this thing of ours on your terms.  You've definitely earned a simple comfortable life in retirement.

DonPardo, Congrats on the promotion.  May your tenure be as successful as SpaceMountain's! 

Its such so shocking to see this, after all you've done SpaceMountain and now that I think deeply about this, you've had one heck of a ride, its both sad and depressing to see you go but nevertheless, I hope you enjoy your retirement and the rest of your life. You've given this thing of ours something to think about. Of all the great things you've done for your city and for these 8 cities.

Marianu shakes his head and smiles, he never had the chance to know him but he obviously had proved to Marianu and everyone else he was a great man, may he live a good, long life.

"Congratulations to you DonPardo, no doubt you'll do great things for LA."

Godfather SpaceMountain... my bloodline has been here long enough to have seen you as a young gangster making his way up the ladder. You have been throughout many wars... and yet, you came out strong. Although it saddens me to watch you leave, i wish you a happy retirement. God Knows as all of us here in LA that it was greatly earned. May your name remain in our memories and choosing DonPrado as the new godfather is a wise choice. Happy retirement Godfather SpaceMountain!

-Jack!

Very Bittersweet indeed my ancestor started in LA.

SpaceMountain the man who conquered the mafia world and brought down a New York dynasty and left standing as opposed to on his back.  An amazing feet.  Perhaps he'll be most remembered for taking care of his crew chiefs even the brand new ones I think that will go down as the secret to his success.

Enjoy the grandkids my friend. I hear Charleston is a nice place. I wish you peace and relaxation.

Thank you for this opportnity, I will do everything in my power to make you proud. LA has lost a great leader today but I assure you, you left it in good hands.

I remember you talked so fondly of your grandchildren and Charleston. I know that they will make you happy, and that you will live a wonderful retirement.

Those left in Los Angeles and all throughout this Thing of Ours will remember the contributions you left. Enjoy watching your grandchildren grow!

Natalia wipes a few tears as she reads the news. Putting the paper down, she pours more coffee and lights a cigarette, her mind wandering through her ancestors' diary entries about this great man and his family line. Stubbing out her cigarette and pulling out her stationary she pens a letter to SpaceMountain

Sir, our family lines have been friends and enemies over generations. But you have always been thought of with respect even as an enemy. It takes quite a man to do that. And you yourself were known by the last two generations of my family as an enemy but the respect they held for you as a Godfather and your workings in our world was immense. You have left a great hole here but even a bigger legacy. May all you wish for be given to you in your new life and stand tall knowing you truly made your mark

Natalia

My dear Spacey, how will i manage without you!?

You have been like a brother to me for a long time and i will miss you dearly. The legacy you have left behind will not be forgotten for a very long time. What you accomplished is what most of us can only dream of.

Enjoy your retirement pal.

Diablos looks down at the floor and sighs. He then looks up at where the monument of SpaceMountain stood and nodded his head.

"Space, I don't know what to say. You acted like a...friend....no...brother...no. Father. A father to me man. It pains me to see you go on your retirement so early and I am gutted my friend. However you did indeed complete many things."

Diablos sighs and wipes the tear from his face.

"Look at me, I'm fucking crying because of you. I'm supposed to be a Crew Leader around here.. not a man reduced to tears but I can't express the words to describe what you meant to me and the whole of Los Angeles. We will be forever in your debt and you will NEVER and I mean NEVER be forgotten Space."

Diablos takes his tissue from his pocket and wipes his nose.

"I will certainly make sure that you won't be forgotten either. You achieved so much in this life and you said to me so many times you couldn't of done it without us however it wouldn't of happened without you there either. You never once took the praise you deserved as Godfather. You were absolutely amazing."

Diablos hangs his head in memory of SpaceMountain.

"You did what you aimed to do. I was here along side you all the way to the end and to be apart of your goals is fantastic. You will always have a place inside my ancestors history. You will be missed and only memories of you will continue to keep me strong and marching on in your name."

Diablos wipes his tear away once again.

"I will miss you....father. Enjoy your retirement and please write soon."

Diablos turns around to walk away before quickly turning back.

"Oh and.. I suppose I'll look after DonPardo and bottle feed him now you're no longer around."

Touches Diablos from on the shoulder.

Come, lets go back to the HQ and have a drink, today has been a very hard day.

Looks at the Spacemountain monument.

GRHS Whats a man.

Teddy who was standing next to Diablos couldn't help but laugh at his sadness.  He longed to see Diablos cry like the little girl he was because he has been set a flame many times by that man.  But when he realized what was going on.  Teddy too began to feel a little empty inside knowing that Godfather SpaceMountain was going away forever.

Goodbye Godfather.  We've only just met but you were truely a man's man in this thing.  I feel cheated that we never got to talk more than we did.  I suppose that's my own fault.  But I just want to thank you for your dedication, work ethics, protection and always sticking up for me but above all I would like to thank you for making that bastard Diablos cry.  That makes me SOOOO happy.  Good bye and good luck.  It was nice knowing you. Truly.

Probably the coolest way to retire! Never knew Miss Sital is always ready to get down with the business.

Nevertheless, Have a safe trip on Charleston Spacemountain! I might said this over and over again: You deserved it! because, well, you deserved it.

heh... The only surprise to me is that it took him so little to actually pop one in his own head. Yeah, yeah, he's trying to play it as he's "going away" and allt hat crap. The truth is that he is such a pussy that he couldn't stand the fact that many people hate him and that one day he would be betrayed the way he betrayed many of the people that considered him friends over at the old PH and NY.

zxcvb (imaginative name, by the way),  all I heard there was......

"wah, he beat my faves, wah, I hate it that he left on his own terms, wah, boo hoo, sob, sniffle"