It was a thursday night in the loop. Uncle Joe had stopped for a drink at little D'Angelos. Things were in motion. The family would be hitting the mattresses. Uncle Joe had seen his fair share of clan warring growing up in Sicily and it was no different in the states. Uncle Joe himself had survived many gangland shootings over the years. As Joe sat there drinking he knew it would be bloody, he knew he would lose friends and family but he also knew that they would win. The take down began later that night. Uncle Joe met with everyone involved and the plan was set in motion. Over the course of several hours their would be rivals were hunted down and removed, some while they slept and dreamed of their better futures.

In this life things were about connections, loyalty, family and a desire to improve the world around you. Uncle Joe had come to realize this a very long time ago and spent the majority of his life building something special with various criminals around the nation that he had bonded with over much time working together.

When the dust had settled there was much to accomplish. The rebuilding of our thing needed to happen. A meeting was to be held with all the top mafiosi in the country and the various territories would be discussed. 

A few nights later, Uncle Joe Ligambi was making his way home to begin packing after his big meeting with his niece and reigning Capo di tutti capi, Godmother Marie_Lucania and the rest of the commission. During the meeting, Uncle Joe had been given permission to move from Chicago and set up shop in Las Vegas with his family. The local criminal element had been growing in Vegas for some time and Marie_Lucania needed someone she could trust to move down there and tame the unguided street gangs and keep the money coming in from the Casinos.

Uncle Joe reflected on his life along his walk home. Joe had a strong presence in this thing of ours.

From Joe’s start on the streets long ago to present day he had always looked to provide legitimate and traditional services to his fellow goodfellas in the neighborhood. Whether it be loan sharking, running numbers or bookmaking, Uncle Joe knew to cover it. Joe saw the potential in everything to make a dime and he liked to have his hands in many cookie jars. Las Vegas was a hot spot for tourism and with his gambling prowess the move just made sense. Uncle Joe could turn the little desert town into a thriving getaway destination for civilians and friends of ours alike.

Uncle Joe continued down the street thinking to himself...

Thinking about the amazing woman he had to thank for this opportunity. Joe owed a lot to his Godmother for allowing him and his crew to operate in Vegas and Uncle Joe knew how to show his loyalty to his friends.

A few days had passed and Uncle Joe along with his men had made their way west to the city of sin. As Uncle Joe made his way through the heavily populated town he approached his shop and new head quarters Salumeria Biellese, he was relieved to see his friends there waiting to greet him instead of a hit team, because in this thing of ours, you never knew what to expect…

Uncle Joe made his way into his office with his friends and associates and sat down to speak with them.

“Family is everything to me guys. You can tell that much from how I operate. I’ve grown up with the majority of you and I know you're all intelligent and hard working individuals. I also know that you know not to fuck up…”

Uncle Joe paused for a brief second before speaking again.

“There's a great peace with the other families and organizations among the various territories and I want it to be known here in this office today that if any of you betray this peace, it will be paid in blood.”

Letting his words weigh on those in attendance, Uncle Joe reached for a Cigar.

“This is a time to focus on business and growth, not war and old vendettas. More and more aspiring criminals are coming into the streets in need of protection and guidance from men of honor such as ourselves. We can't run them off with bullshit.”

Puffing on his Cigar Uncle Joe was't quite finished with his little sit down yet.

"Godmother Marie is my fratello in crimine. We will always owe our allegiance to her. This thing of ours is something special and there's a chain of command that must always be followed. Don Salvatore_Luciano , his wife Godmother Marie and I have worked our entire lives to strengthen the bonds of our city with the other families among the territories. As I said, its a time for growth and expanding operations.

Uncle Joe, sitting in his chair asked for a moment alone with his little brother Carmine_Ligambi.

Sitting there alone in his office with Little Carmine, Uncle Joe wanted to let him know that he was going to be helping expand the family and would be starting his own crew with two very capable up and comers in the family, RichardKuklinski and StJames. Uncle Joe knew that at the end of the day the blood that ran through their veins was the same and that the bond the two brothers shared could not be broken. 

With everything pressing said and done, Joe invited the men back into the office.

"Crack open a bottle boys. It's time to have a toast and celebrate. I imagine we'll see some familiar faces stop by in the next few days."

Uncle Joe raised his glass to the sky.

"To this thing of ours and one hundred years of crime." 

As Uncle Joe and his friends toasted and shared some laughs he couldn't help but look back on a life well lived. One full of hard work and dedication that saw him through to this very moment. 

Marie stepped into Joe's office.  The Godmother was donning a nice baby bump by this point and had taken to wearing dresses and skirts almost exclusively these days.  Today was no exception, she had bought a new outfit just for this occasion -- a simple black skirt with a white layered- fringed shirt.  She came in carrying a bottle of very expensive whiskey with a bow tied around the neck.

She was greeted warmly by her Uncle Joe, and Marie kissed his cheeks in the traditional Sicilian manner.  "Congratulations Joe!   I am so excited to see what you are capable of doing here in Las Vegas.  It is the perfect city for you.  You will do an amazing job here."  She presented him the bottle of Whiskey.

Sal had heard Joe was moving to LV and that Marie was going to be stopping by. He couldn't travel with her cause he had business elsewhere but he had hopped a flight and headed to Sin City. 

Getting off the plane he headed to the LV headquarters. His car pulled up and at first, the guards gave him trouble until they saw who he was and then waved him threw.

He got out of the car and headed up to Joe's office. He said hello the to members of Joe's family but walked right up to the man's office. 

"Joe my friend how are you doing? I brought you a present," he says pulling out a fine Cuban Cigar and handing it to him. 

Sal walked over and kissed his wife before turning to Joe

"Shall we?" he said holding up his own Cigar. 

Upper structure made the toast, Vincent awaited. It was a matter of respect. Other wiseguys in the room waited they re turn to congratulate the respected Mafioso...

"come here you" bopth man hug, and strong hug had a meaning: he would be officially closer to Joseph_Ligambi, in LA, as it was the sister city and,under the eyes of Sal and GF Marie, everyone smilled and cheered again:

"Cent´anni!"

Las Vegas was a cash machine. And the crime syndicate was getting it all...

"UNCLE JOSEPH LIGAMBI! I'll be damned." Elyan smiled.

"It's good to see you getting your chance again. I've watched what you do, and it never ceases to amaze me the calibre of men you bring up in this thing of ours. TRUE men of honor. And Godmother Marie is completely correct. Vegas is the -perfect- setting for your betting operation."

He bowed to the man in respect.

"Congratulations on getting another chance at this. I know, with everything that I am, that you will do amazing things. God bless, Mr. Ligambi."

He offered his hand to shake Joe's, then would tip his hat and leave.

Celebrating their new move to Vegas, Uncle Joe and his crew mates were surprised when in came Marie_Lucania, Joe's niece and very pregnant Godmother of Chicago. He was very surprised to see that she had made the trip all the way out west to Vegas just to congratulate him and bring him a fine bottle of of Whiskey. She certainly knew his preference by this point.

Uncle Joe made his way toward her and shared a familiar embrace and a kiss on each other's cheeks as was customary of them. 

"Marie my heart. I can't believe you came all the way out here to Vegas as pregnant as you are just to see me. It warms my old tiny heart. I'm so glad to have you and the little bambino to be here. I do hope you'll stay a few days and enjoy the city with your dear Uncle Joe."

Marie smiled and just started to reply when in walked her soon to be Godfather husband, Don Salvatore_Luciano of Detroit. Her eyes, as well as Uncle Joe's lit up.  Marie quickly made her way towards her husband as Uncle Joe stood firm and smiled at the love the two shared. It truly made their Uncle Joe happy.

Marie and Salvatore kissed as they took each others hands and made their way back to Joe. 

"Sal my boy, it's been awhile" Joe said.

Don Salvatore extended his hand to Uncle Joe and the two shared a firm handshake, a handshake that signified the bond and respect the two men had for one another. Much like Marie, Uncle Joe had also taught the young Luciano a thing or two over their years working together. 

The three began chatting and Salvatore pulled out a authentic Cuban Cigar. One of Uncle Joe's biggest weaknesses. 

As Joe stood there holding his Cigar he motioned towards the brand new bottle of fine whiskey Marie had brought him. 

"I think that this here cigar would go awfully well with a couple drinks, wouldn't you say Sally boy?" Sal nodded.

The two men made their way towards the bottle and glasses when another familiar face walked in Joe's office.  It was Don Vincent_Mancini of Los Angeles. The three men had gone way back together. It was another pleasant surprise that evening for Uncle Joe.

Uncle Joe had been responsible for the nickname that Vincent so proudly held. Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" Mancini. It was no doubt that Vinny Gorgeous belonged in Los Angeles among the rich and famous movie stars. He looked liked one, from the good looks to the way he dressed. The young Don of LA was impressive.

Accompanying Vincent was one of his caporegimes from LA, Elyan. A young man Joe had heard nothing but good things about. 

Uncle Joe and Salvatore greeted the two and Joe grabbed four glasses. Salvatore reached into his breast pocket and pulled out two more Cuban cigars. If anything Don Salvatore was always prepared.

The four men of honor made their way out to the balcony to keep the Cigar smoke away from the mother to be Godmother Marie. Uncle Joe had some things to say. 

"I appreciate you all coming out here to wish me well and experience what Las Vegas has to offer. I look forward to continuing our business relationships with all of you. This is a new territory over here for our thing and together we can all make some money. Aside from that this weather out here is amazing. I hope you'll all stay a few days and enjoy yourselves. Sal, I already asked Marie. I think you two should take a few days and live it up. Everything's on Uncle Joe while you're here gentleman." 

The four men stood outside on the balcony talking and joking, enjoying their fine Cuban Cigars and delicious whiskey that Marie had brought. Uncle Joe was happy, happy for the friends he had around him and happy for the opportunities that lay before him. Life was going to be good in the city of sin.

Joe Ligambi, a name known well in my line. 

I know you to be a man who always makes an effort of 110% in his endeavours. I sincerely hope that you and your family become well rooted to Las Vegas and that your continued efforts are known far and wide. Looking forward to a future with good old Uncle Joe.

Saluti, signore. 

Tara and Gavin were standing near Jack Mezzo, glancing up at Joseph Ligambi on the balcony. 

"I met him in a business deal, Tara. He's a good man; Vegas is in excellent hands."

"Well, I don't think you should just shout at him from the street. It'd be rude to disrupt his party."

Gavin shrugged.

"Well, Jack can pass on the message for me, I'm sure."

Jack finally managed to travel to Las Vegas. It was a really hectic week and obligations made it hard for him to be there for his friend.
Upon landing on Las Vegas' airport, Jack got into a taxi and asked the driver to take him to Ligambi's main office. The driver need no more details. Seems Joe was already adapting nicely over here.

It did not take long to get to the offices. A really nice building, suitable for the well respected Ligambi name. Jack went on a well know underground liquor store, just one block away, where he got a bottle of champagne. He did not need to be inspected while entering, since everyone already knew that Jack had a heavily respected relationship with Joe. He took the bottle and went on the Ligambi HQ.

"Shhhh.. Don't tell him anything", Jack said and approached Joe's main office, after greeting the associates.

*POP* , sounded the opening of the champagne bottle and Jack stormed in Joe's office only to see Joe aiming at him with 2 revolvers.

After a brief second, Joe lowered his guns and grinned.

"You bastard!", Joe said and laughed.
"Congratulations my friend! Sorry If I startled you.. However, it's just what I was hoping for!", Jack said and laughed as well.

Jack poured champagne on two of the finest glasses Joe had in his office and they had a really nice conversation, as they had a lot to catch up.