They stood on the balcony of a wooden chalet overlooking Lake Michigan, somewhere between Chicago and Milwaukee. Marie had arranged the place to accomodate for the meeting of the city-leads. The day had been busy enough, but all of them understood the need to get together quickly and decide on the future for organised crime in America.

After raising their glasses they were silent for a moment as they remembered the intensity of recent times. The meeting had been efficient and smooth as they already agreed on the general direction they wanted this country to go in. It was just about hammering down on some details.

“You already have an idea about who you’ll send to organise Las Vegas?” Marie asked Jasmine after a moment, since it was agreed upon that Seattle would spearhead rebuilding attempts in America’s playground. Jasmine told how her candidate would be a fitting match for the city.

To their right others were focusing on the east coast more. “Let’s bring our candidates and meet in New York soon.” Suggested Spaceman. “That will be a good chance to scout for smart locations to run our business from.” Hope enthusiastically agreed and after matching their agendas, she continued about how New York’s harbour would bring excellent opportunities for increased profits to the both of their cities.

After a while Dar joined them on the balcony, bringing a fresh round of drinks. He had brought a spicy rum for the occasion, smuggled in from Canada. Garnished with some mint leaves and a cinnamon stick the drink was ideal for nights like this. While handing Marie hers, Dar expressed his enthusiasm for the times to come.

“It’ll be great to see how the Chicago operations branch out into Detroit. I’m confident that with your people running things there yet another city will flourish.” They briefly talked about the additional plans and chances of offering opportunity of leadership to fresh faces the FBN wouldn’t yet recognize. In agreement over it’s potential, they agreed to quickly follow up on that to make sure it would create the intended effect.

“Okay, thank you all for meeting here today.” Dar spoke up more loudly. “Our joints efforts and ease of communication makes me feel enthusiastic about times to come. People might understandably feel uncertain after recent events, so we don’t need to go out there and promise peace and prosperity. We don’t need to rally support from those who already work with us. We don’t need to convince sceptics that we are legit. Our actions going forward will show our worth. I already know that worth and am confident going forward together with all of you.”

Dar raises his glass and nods appreciatively to the others.

“Now if you excuse me. Some of the associates downstairs have been talking about going to a popular bar in Chicago. I’m eager to join them there tonight, so some of us will drive back south shortly. I’ll be there if any of you are up for another drink or a chat about the tomorrow that knocks on our door.”

Gavin and Tara stood on the street below, each one leaning on one side of a lamppost. Above them- above everyone, really- were the leaders of the various cities, gathered to discuss the future. A side effect of their visit was no doubt to stimulate the economy, as thousands of bodyguards were making their way in and out of various speakeasies and brothels. At one point, one of the men above them raised his voiced. Tara cocked her head and listened, while Gavin focused on smoking his cigarette. 

Tara strained her ears, catching a few words of  "Our actions going forward will show our worth."

After a few more moments, the louder voice had faded back into the din of conversation. Tara pushed herself off the lamppost and Gavin followed, speaking up to his sister.

"Probably a good idea. Don't think that conversation was meant for you, despite the balcony. What'd ya hear?"

Tara, pensive, glanced at her brother.

"It would seem like the current group of leaders is focused on measuring their ideas by their actions, rather by their words."

Gavin chuckled softly to himself.

"Don't they all?"

Tara shrugged before she replied.

"I've lost track of the number of times a man or woman has stepped out into the streets and stated that things were now different. Mostly, things stay the same; the only thing that changes are the names of the people in charge. Think about how many people have worn a bold suit... dozens? Hundreds? Thousands? How many of them have actually taken actions that impacted the world? How many tried something new?"

Gavin shrugged, staying silent. He wasn't much of a history buff, but he had developed a powerful thirst in the last few minutes. Tara grinned as she headed toward a speakeasy.

"I get it. You're bored. I guess I'll just say this: I look forward to seeing whether the current crop of leaders live up to their own lofty goals."

Gavin clapped her on the shoulder.

"Well, sister, I'll drink to that."

"... you'll drink to anything."

"So not the point..."

With a smirk, he pushed open the door to the speakeasy.