The birds were chirping, the sun was shining and there was a slight breeze swirling around. The day was perfect. If Freeman could choose to relive one day; this would be it. No problems, no worries and nothing in particular to do. Well, nothing difficult to do. He looked down to check his watch.

"A couple of minutes late. Hope it's nothing serious." said Freeman to himself.

Freeman bent down to retrieve today's newspaper that he just recently read in full figuring he could do the word jumble to pass the time. As he placed the paper in his lap he began to hear a pair of footsteps loud footsteps getting closer. He placed the newspaper to the side and got up off of the bench.

"Nice of you to make it." said Freeman.

"Apologies sir. There was an accident on the way here." said the driver.

"Don't worry about it Mikey but you can make it up by doing me a favor. In my trunk there's a brown leather briefcase; I want you to take it and put it in your guy's car. Got it?" said Freeman as he tossed the keys towards Mikey.

Mikey managed to somehow drop the keys but he was quick to retrieve them off of the floor and then he left without a word. Both Freeman and Diogenis looked at him walk away for a bit before taking a seat on the bench.

"That kid is such a goddamn clutz. I wouldn't be surprised if you told me he's the one that caused the accident." chuckled Freeman.

"I'm relieved to say it wasn't him. He's a good kid, trustworthy. That's the only thing that matters to me." said Diogenis.

"What's the emergency?" asked Diogenis.

"Emergency?" said Freeman.

"Yeah. When they called me they said it was urgent. It's not?" said Diogenis.

Freeman didn't answer, instead he stared at what was right in front of him.

"Tell me, old friend, what do you see." said Freeman.

"Is this some riddle? I see trees, grass, kids playing, vendors selling treats, mothers strolling their newborns around." said Diogenis.

"Exactly. All of this adds up to what I see. I see peace. For a while now there's been constant fighting and I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Who knows if it's actually real but I choose to believe it is. I choose to believe we are now living in an era of peace." said Freeman.

"Are you sure about that?" said Diogenis.

"Ever the skeptic." said a smiling Freeman.

"You brought me out here to tell me your idealistic views?" said Diogenis.

"No, of course not. I brought you here because peace brings opportunity and an opportunity is what you have earned." said Freeman.

"Excuse me?" said Diogenis.

"In the briefcase that is being transferred to your car as we speak contains all the money you'll need for this new venture and a set of keys to your new HQ which is just down the road from me. Congratulations my friend." said Freeman.

They both rose from their seat and exchanged a handshake. In the distance, Mikey could be heard starting up the car that brought them here. Diogenis composed himself before saying his goodbye.

"This is a great honor that you give me Freeman. When I came to work for you, I didn't expect things to move this way but now, here we are."

"I want to assure you that I will do my best to reward the trust you place in me. Hard work and loyalty are the two most important things that i will bring to your table." 

"We will make our businesses bloom and Pasadena prosper again so that Roman and Los Angeles can be proud for us. Maybe I will finally manage to make my boat idea true. Who knows!"

He shook Freeman's hand one more time, gave him a nod and left.

Diogenis walked towards the car. Mikey has already left the suitcase in the trunk and had the car ready. As he opened the door to get in, he took a last look at Freeman. Good times he thought and he got in the car and headed off.

A few minutes later, he was there. The place looked terrible. It stayed unused for a long time and it showed. Nothing that can't be fixed with a group of people and some paint, he thought and stepped inside.

The space looked really big while empty. He turned his head to the right. This is where the bar should go. Maybe a few tables there and a couch over there. he stopped. I am terrible at this he thought. I will have to find someone that has creativity and imagination. Tomorrow this place needs to start taking shape. 

He stepped out, turned around and looked at the entrance. Good thing that right above the door, there was enough space to hold the sign.

"The Cynicists"

ShoNuff went to the Western Union to send a telegram to his friend Diogenis. The telegram read.

Congratulations Diogenis on your new venture with The Cynicists.  I am sorry that things didn’t work out where I would be able to take this journey with you.

You are a good man.  I remember and appreciate all the conversations and the advice I received from you.

I wish you the very best and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you bring to Pasadena.

Your friend,

ShoNuff

Bubbles was already in LA when she heard about the good news out of Pasadena. She hailed a cab immediately and told the driver to take her to the new HQ of Diogenis, which the driver did promptly. Getting out of the cab she made her way inside and found the man of the hour. It took a couple of elbows to get through the crowd but nonetheless she made it without hesitation. 

“Dio! Congratulations on your new opportunity. Freeman couldn’t have picked a better person for the job and I wish you all the best on your newest adventure. If ever you shall need anything I’ll be just a phone call away.”

 Bubbles walked over to him and have him a hug and leaned in whispering into his ear.

”Oh and there’s a gift from me on the way, will give you many hours of jumping fun.”

Menrva stepped timidly into her friend Diogenis' new office and gazed at the newly decorated room. He was sitting on a green chair looking at today's newspaper. Taking a few more steps towards him, she knocked gently onto the wood of the oak table, after noticing that he was looking at her, she said:

"Hello, Dio. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this great moment in your life, I know how hard you've struggled and demonstrated your courage to deserve this honor. I believe this is only the beginning for you and you still have a lot more to offer this world."

After those words, she handed over a box from a famous local jewelry store. Diogenis opened the gift and found inside a beautiful gold watch.

Smiling, he thanked her and then gave her a hug and invited her to have some of his good wine while they talked about his plans.

Congrats Mr. Diogenis, Don Freeman could not have chosen a better man for the job then yourself. Our families go back many generations and it is great to see that we get this opportunity to work together on this level.

I have only one request, I'd love to have some lunch in Detroit some time. Maybe we can go to the Muscle Loungs, it's one of my favorite places. After that we can share some time at the temple of Diogenis. I've yet to go, but figured if we went together it would be a great time.

Once again congrats and thank you for all you do and will do as a leader in our wonderful city. 

TM sits in the courtyard of his own headquarters, news reaching him of Pasadena’s expansion he can’t help but smile, although he did not know Diogenes that well. TM felt that the new sighs moment in the spotlight was a good as time as ever for a formal introduction. Finishing off his breakfast he sets about his routine getting ready for he day. His first stop instead of the Babylon as usual would be the newly erected headquarters of Diogenes in Pasadena. The trip from one district to the next in the city of angels always a joyous trip. His bright mood only shining brighter as he notices a group of familiar faces who had come to co gratulate the man as-well. He couldn’t help but lament on the old saying that great minds think alike, exiting his vehicle he makes his way to the group. Finding the man of the hour TM shakes Diogenes’s hand sliding an envelope into his coat with the other before he speaks.

“I just wanted to come by and offer you my congratulations personally. In words so truthfully spoken by our godfather, I too am looking forward to working with yourself and in turn looking forward to getting to know you better. I expect great things from your family, and greater things for the district you call home. We are all looking at you now sir, with all the confidences in the world. And I’m know this goes without saying but I am certain you will make our fine city proud. I wish you the best of fortunes, and you have my assistance if required. Anyways I’m rambling I’ll let you get back to your celebrations, congratulations again.”

A smirk comes over TM’s face as he steps back after the hand shake. Pride in his gaze but also anticipation to witness  another chapter of greatness in the city of Los Angeles unfold, again eager to do his own part for his colleagues to whom he admired greatly. Smile shining bright as he sets his eyes towards the future and can only look towards it positively.

Insomnia was stuck in traffic cursing and pounding against the steering wheel. He was late as usual to the party and quickly realizing why he never drove around town anymore. It was out of the norm for him to be without his personal driver or bodyguards at his side but today was a special day. It was announced prior that his friend Diogenis had recently setup his own organization in Los Angeles, Insomnia was already in town leaving one of RomanReign's establishments that he would often visit while downtown. 

The car pulls into a gravel driveway before stopping and parking next to some ugly yellow looking vehicle. From the looks of it, it seemed to be TM's car. 

"Yuck I can't believe the things he spends his money on."

Insomnia shakes his head smiling before knocking on the headquarters door. He hears someone running around inside, stomping against the floor before hearing the door unlock, it was Diogenis with open arms hugging him.

"Hey! You made it!"

Insomnia pats Diogenis on the back grinning while following him inside to see the new headquarters. 

"Phew pretty sweet place you got going here, how much did it set you back? I'm totally digging the marble floors!"

Realizing he was rambling on and already late Insomnia takes a seat on the couch before cutting to the chase. 

"I wanted to stop by today and congratulate you on your success. I've always heard such great things about you from mutual friends of ours and I couldn't be any happier seeing Freeman chose you to run things alongside him in Pasadena. I wish you the best of luck in your journeys and just know if you ever need anything to give me a call."

Standing up from the couch Insomnia searches inside of his jacket, pulling out and revealing a bottle of scotch. With a grin he nods his head while handing it to Diogenis as a gift.

"Congratulations again my friend, take care of yourself!"