‘One step at a time Hope…  Just one step at a time.  How do you enjoy life if you’re always trying to run off to the next thing?’  Her mother’s words floated through her mind as the young Don sat at her desk.  As was typical anymore, Hope was hard at work…  Figuring, planning, talking to people…  So much that went into being a Leader in this new era.  And yet her mother’s words brought a chuckle from her…  It was a sad chuckle, but a chuckle nonetheless.  To those that had known her, it would have been a welcome sound.  “I’m trying Mama…”  She murmured softly as she sat by herself.  Things had been insane and hectic the last few days.  Hope had to be flexible, and she had to be adaptable to each situation.  Roll with the punches and figure out things as she went.  And so far she felt like they were doing well.

Today was a new day, and an exciting one at that.  Today, Hope and her little fledgling city were ready to expand.  She felt her heart race and beat hard in her chest as she thought of what she had decided to do.  With much deliberation and thought, Hope had determined who she was going to be sending to Pasadena to take up residence and begin building a presence in their sister district.  Hope had chosen a young woman who had found herself near and dear to her heart.  The decision she was about to put into motion scared her to death.  The woman that was going to be taking up her own mantle and building her own family was none other than her beloved Left Hand…  Criseria.

As scary as the idea of sending Criseria off was, Hope knew it was the right thing for their city.  The two women worked so well, so seamlessly together and Criseria had been such an incredible confidant and voice of reason already…  Not to mention a vigilant sentry and guard.  Hope owed her life to this woman many times over and yet even if she longed to keep her within these walls with her, she couldn’t do so in good conscience.  She knew that the woman would do well, and the honor was well deserved if she wanted it.  Hope knew that if she didn’t grow, she wouldn’t make it too long in this thing of theirs…  And her little family was filling fast.  She had to expand if she could, and her beloved Left Hand would be spectacular to start just that. 

With that thought in her mind, she heard the firm short knocks at her door as the lovely woman made her way within.  “Afternoon Hope, you called?”  Hope smiled warmly and beckoned her within.

“Good afternoon to you as well Criseria…  Please come in and sit down.  TM should be right behind you.”  And as she finished her statement, the young man poked his head in as well, shooting an inquiring glance at their young Don.  “Please, come in and sit down…  Both of you.  We have some important business to discuss.”  Once they were seated, albeit maybe not comfortable, Hope nodded as if she had decided something.  “As you know…  Space in Downtown is getting just a little tight lately.  I’m going to need some help.”

Criseria nodded without hesitation, her eyes focusing upon those of her Crew Leader’s.  Hope was vexed by something, and Criseria picked up on it immediately.  “Of course, Hope.  Anything you need.”  A quick glance was shot at TM from the young woman and he gave a curt nod as well, giving his silent agreement.  Hope felt her heart swell but also the familiar feeling of panic rise.  Was she doing the right thing?  Yes.  They had to grow, and these two would do well. 

“I need someone in Pasadena to be there and draw in more that would choose to live here in our fair city.  I need someone I can trust…  Which is why I called the both of you here.”  She paused to take a deep breath before revealing something she had been holding in her hand this whole time.  It was a small, unassuming keyring with a couple keys upon it.  “The Headquarters is modest, but you’ll find it is on a reasonable little plot and will have room to expand should you need it.”  She smiled warmly to the woman before her before turning her gaze upon TM, who looked mildly puzzled, but mostly pleased.  “And I need someone to go with her…  I believe that you would be perfect for the task and request you to accompany Criseria and help her to expand our beautiful little family.”  Another quick, cleansing breath was taken.  Easy Hope.  You had this.  You could lead.  But she smiled to them both.  “As long as you’re alright with this?”  It was now that she would invite reply, but one would highly doubt she’d accept a rejection very well without a very good reason.

Criseria <3

Tm-Scarface  <3

Criseria was there in the headquarters when she received a summons to Hope's office. As she was heading there she thought this time it seemed odd, a bit more important considering the look of the gangster that came to retrieve her. She was glad to find when she entered the office that Don Hope was smiling warmly and asked her to sit.  She had also invited the Grandson of Don TM into this meeting, TM-Scarface who was already making a good name for himself around the headquarters. This definitely was not a typical meeting.  

Don Hope had always known Criseria would do anything for this family and this city. As she started explaining how she wanted to send Criseria to open the headquarters in Pasadena. Criseria's heart just started to race and she got a bit nervous. This was a big step in any mafioso's life, a true honor, and for the Don to have that much faith in her was humbling and yet such a proud moment. 

Criseria takes a deep breath and steadies herself. "Don Hope, This is an amazing privilege and opportunity, one that I will humbly accept. As you know I would do anything to help and assist you, this city, and our family. I will not let your faith in me be in vain. I am looking forward to working closely with you in order to make this city prosperous once again." 

Criseria smiled and then looked over at TM-Scarface awaiting his reply to helping her in such a major step.  

Summed by the Don herself, TM figured this was an imposibility figured that the day he would get called up he would be about half the age of his grandfather if not more. Things in this life took time and a lot of trust to build,  in an instant your respectable persona dashed but by something said and or done. These are the thoughts running through the young mobsters head as he stands outside the offices of Don Hope_ anleased look overtaking the shakeout dressed mobster as his eye catches the arrival of the fetching Criseria. It would appear she was the main focus of the meeting as the doors open and he follows in behind her to greet Don Hope_ with the utmost warmest of hand shakes before he retire she to his seat upon invitation by the don listening to her words.

puzzler gaze strikes his face. Sent out to Pasadena was this really what this was all about. A look of beaming pride overtakes the mobsters face as he looks over at Criseria, a woman whom his grandfather had trusted greatly and put a lot of stock into. The judgment of such a character seemingly paying off in the long run. But even still he knew his grandfather would be smiling down on this moment as he is. But even still it was a big step for him aswell, the warm feelings and smile fade into a look of seriousness before he nods.

”How could I refuse such an offer? To do so would be insulting to the integrity of this city and yourself Don Hope_, the refusal is not the act of a friend, and I have been anything but the most loyal to you and this city. I consider it a personal honour you’ve chosen me to stand by Criseria’s side. And I’m sure few moments from now when you see the beloved district of Pasedena thriving again, you’ll know you made he right choice with us.”

To her utmost delight and near overwhelming relief, both of the young mobsters seemed to favor this plan.  Hope nodded, her eyes glittering with eagerness and pride in the two before her.  Criseria had fought valiantly by her side through the war, and knew that she would thrive in building her own family and by extension their fair city.  And the young TM-Scarface before her...  She knew that he was smart, quick witted, resourceful...  Everything that his Grandfather before him was... Even if this thought did send a jolt through her.  Was he everything his Grandfather was?  Certainly she had held a lot of trust in his Grandfather in his time, and yet he had proved...  Less than trustworthy.  Not that Hope would ever utter these words even upon her dying day.  The secret side of TM was an aspect that she would take to the grave.  The only stories Hope ever told of TM showed him in a brilliant light...  Building him up more than any she spoke of before.  She had loved TM... And now here was his Grandson walking in his footsteps.  Only time would tell if he would fare as well, or make it as far...  Perhaps even farther.  

For now, however, the lead would be taken by her beloved Left Hand.  At her acceptance to this plan, Hope rose once more and gently took up the keys before handing them over to the young woman before her.  She couldn't help the way she beamed at her, as she handed over the small keyring.  "I very much look forward to seeing the magic you two work in Pasadena...  Together we will make this city glorious once more.  With you two working at my side, how could we not?"  Hope wasn't typically well known for her physical signs of affection...  But these days, they seemed to get more and more prevalent.  But only in quiet places and secret rooms.  She moved around the desk to gently pull Criseria into a hug, brief as it were.  "I know you will do brilliant, and make this city proud.  What is needed most now is a sanctuary, and this is just what we will offer them.  Now go...  Preparations have been made for your arrival.  I'm certain you will find the place satisfactory...  Please do not hesitate to call upon me for anything. I will be in touch soon and often.  We do not fly alone."  A small smile played across her lips as she made the play on her family's name as she encouraged and sent the newly appointed pair on their way to begin to build up in their neighboring District.  One could only hope that the future of LA was truly as bright as it looked right that moment.