It's been a while Boogie-'s conscious told him. They didn't have to say it but the look of lost hope in their eyes said everything that needed to be said. The people missed him. The people needed him. It was only right to give the people what they wanted.

He autographed the nearest boob and stood on a soap box.

In this life we live? There's no guarantee that you'll wake up the next morning. Shit, there's no guarantee you'll even make it across the street after this speech. I believe the highest form of soap opera, barbershop, high school gossip skills are used when a rogue is present, or when a city falls. There used to be a time...pardon me but that seems to be a theme these day, "tHeRe UsEd tO bE a TiMe!"....but there used to be a time where the victor would deliver either between the most witty or uptight, and even some cases, most comedic speeches for the sake of one thing: telling the world a watered down version of why a city filled with organized crime was now the newest graveyard of this thing of ours.

Every syndicate or household of power operates differently. Some go by the code and keep things within "the family." Some others go by the books and deem many as unworthy of information due to rank/relationship. Some can't wait to tell the world. And some? Well some just don't give a fuck about giving a speech. Why? Because waking up the next day and seeing them walk down the street says more than any speech could ever say.

So I come to you. People of the streets. Do you think clean up/war speeches are outdated or do you believe we should still be receiving them?

TM finds himself sitting humbly on a park bench, just lighting a cigar as he takes the first few puffs. His appreciation of its rich flavour broken by someone speaking on top of a soapbox. TM gets up to give the young man a piece of his mind when he notices its Boogie-. His once hostile demeanour calming out as he begins to listen to the words spoken. Humbly and happily puffing away until the discussion grows quiet giving him a chance to speak, chucking away his cigar only then.

“Firstly allow me compliment yourself Boogie- this is a good issue to bring to the table for discussion. As you already mentioned, the practice of the post conflict explaination dates back to the very beginning. I always found it a nice touch, to read an epic sonnet of victory or to ponder the tale of your demise. History is written by the victors, so while what is stated might not be actual fact. I think the whole process adds another depth to conflict. As-we’ll as a perfect outlet for the sons and daughters of both sides to discuss with each-other afterwards. Anything that can arouse activity out of the masses is a good thing in my books. And moving forward I hope to see a tradition dating back way past the first time my bloodline walked this shores, continue on and thrive.”

TM steps down from the soap box he hastily supplanted Boogie- from to state his personal opinions. The old school mafioso in wait to see what others in the beloved community would have to say about the topic at hand. An eagerness moving over him and anticipation on what the others might say. He humbly returns to his seat on the bench eager to listen.

"I've always taught those in my Family that we're not owed an explanation and so, we should not expect one.  Unless you're above someone who's doing the shooting in this thing of ours, then you probably got no legs to stand on when out in the streets expecting the reasons behind someone else's actions."  She shrugs. 

"That being said, I do think it's respectful of both those who fought along side of you, and of the dead (though their descendants might not feel so in the moment), to at least come out with some manner of statement for your actions.  You can't control how the general public will react to your words, but I do think that saying something does express that you actually give a damn about the larger community."

BumbleBee was standing in the corner listening to the various opinions about the topic at hand. This topic is something he had heard little convos about here and there. But none had brought it forward to the forefront like Boogie-. Bee always believed in listening before speaking, so he stood there and listened deeply to what was being. He took a deep puff of his cigar as he saw TM speak about the olden days and the tradition of La Cosa Nostra. Then he heard Frankie-Messina speak passionately about her view. Once Frankie was done speaking, BumbleeBee tipped his hat to the young lady and took center stage. Before he started speaking, he had a swig from his whiskey flask. 

As you can probably tell from my paint job, make and model, Im old fashioned. I believe in streets being the center of conversation, I believe in streets being the record, echo and vision of our past, present and future. With all that said I must echo TM's words here a bit. Its always been tradition for the victor to step forth and give a speech of sorts about the war or takedown that had taken place. Very rarely do the attacked get that opportunity, more often than not, usually the attackers get that honor. An explanation pacifies the questions and concerns of the masses, allows the families of the dead closure in a way, and gives us perspective into the decision. 

Bee takes a moment and has a puff of his cigar. 

Needless to say, an explanation isn't always presented and you can take that back eras. There have always been moments in the history of La Cosa Nostra, when the attackers just didnt speak about the conflict. Always made people wonder...was it just a power move? Hate? Pride? Did someone say something wrong? What the FUCK Happened!?!? Tons of cherries being popped and no conversation makes people wonder, I understand. However when I look through some old journals of old conversations in the streets, a different picture starts to rise. Usually the attackers have very specific points about the move, its usually something that didnt sit well with the leaders and they make a decision to correct things as they see fit. Thats usually a violation of La Cosa Nostra, and the head honchos fix it as they see fit. 

Bee takes a step back and looks at the people listening. 

Now there are moments, and my ancestors spoke about these moments when I was little. Every once in a while you have to make a decision, but its really hard. Its tough, because the people you are bringing down are actually really close friends. And sometimes its not even their fault, but the leadership in many ways is a reflection of the people that serve under it. Sometimes its just as simple as the organization deviating from the principals of the leadership and they go a stray...and decisions have to be made. Those are the ones where the victors actually are bummed deep down inside too. They do what needs to be done for the continuity of La Cosa Nostra. At moments like these the victors dont really come in on a high horse, with a guns blazing parade. Its times like that, when they just wanna attend a friends funeral and go mourn in their offices. And ive always thought of conflicts that aren't explained to be an extension of that mourning. Its a form of respect, to hide deficiencies of a fallen friend in a way. Now if the takedown was a violation, you best believe there would be speeches and counter arguments, but not on a day when a friend falls, all cause of someone elses mistakes. That is indeed a sad day for both the sides.  

Bee has another swig of his whiskey and takes a puff of his cigar. 

As far as my perspective on the matter. We work in a business where we do what we are told. The bosses discuss plans of action we as the soldiers, Capos, Buttonmen implement. That is simply how La Cosa Nostra works. An explanation by the highest authority is a privilege and not a right. Hell, in our line of work the only thing your entitled to is a bullet at the end....and even that comes with no last words at times. This is the circumference of our entitlement in La Cosa Nostra.  

Bee drops the rest of his cigar and puts it out with his shoe. 

We aren't entitled to anything. If the attackers speak, awesome! We get a perspective. If they choose not to, I am sure they are within their means not to. I will always promote and appreciate an explanation, but its definitely not a given. Its generally the classy thing to do. Sometimes though, its classier not to air out all the dirty laundry. 

Bee takes a swig of his whiskey flask as he tips his hat to the crowd and takes a seat at the corner. 

Baker listens and waits for everyone to finish before expressing his own opinion.  He remembers a lot about wars and what happens after from what his father told him growing up.  

"I agree with both sides.  An explanation of war can be nice some times depending on where you sit.  Some might say it is "respectful" to come out with an explanation but I don't think I necessarily agree with that.  Respect can be shown at a funeral.  If two cities went to war and I wasn't involved it's nice occasionally to hear in the streets why it happened.  That way I know who was involved rather than just guessing and being in the dark. That may not be smart though for the cities to come out and directly say they were involved, and other times it may be.  There's been times where I have been involved in shooting/war and it was nice to hear the explanation so I knew why we were killing."

"Let's make one thing clear though an explanation is never required.  Nobody should get mad when one is not given.  Most of the time you can figure out why without an explanation.  It was either good for business, or the decision was made to keep the family safe?  Because at the end of the day the most important thing is keeping the family safe.  Lastly, what i do know is someone will always complain either way.  If a explanation is given for war there will be someone who complains about it.  If there isn't an explanation given for war there will be someone who complains about there not being an explanation.  Nobody forced anyone into this line of work we all signed up on our own knowing the risks. When we signed up we knew how dangerous this business is and death is always a possibility.  There for there should never be any complaining when an explanation of war is given or not given."