Isabella sat in her office at the Ivory Tower and sent @Calimero_DiGrazia to bring her @Jewel & @Tenkai - both had recently proven themselves worthy of a little extra respect and responsibility and so she meant to put them to work.

Dressed in a pair of slacks and white shirt with a red tie, she paced around her round office at the apex of the Lighthouse as she waited.  Smoking a small cigar she contemplated how she'd put forth the challenge and what she might expect of each of them in order to consider their efforts successful.  

She knew she would ask this of two more people... but who those other people would be, she did not yet know.  Tenkai and Jewel were the test, a proof of concept.  She hoped they would prove successful in their efforts and validate her mentor's words.

She looked to the door as it opened and people began to enter.

As Tenkai realized he was in with big boys of the family, he knew he made his family proud, now was the time to work harder , show thar he can do it , and make a respectful example of what hard work is, he also realized by the boss asking for his presence he had earned her respect. 

He looked around , seeing how big her office really was , he gasped in awe, as his hair sort of flipped around his shoulder when he turned his, he then turned to look at her ,and gave a respectful smile .

"Ma'am, ypu wanted to see me?" He asked, feeling a bit nervous.

Calimero knew that it was going to be an important meeting with Isabella as she sent him to go retrieve Jewel and Tenkai. She had filled him in slightly, but he was still interested to hear what she had to say and talk to them about. He also hoped that this meeting would not startle or put any anxiety on Tenkai and Jewel.

As he made his way around the HQ he eventually spotted Tenkai sitting at a table reading a book. He seemed to be quite deep in the words he was reading on the page. With one quick motion Calimero bumped his chair and said, "Follow me."

In another room he eventually found Jewel as she was talking with a few other Ivory Tower members. With Tenkai just behind him he waved over at Jewel to follow them. It was now just a matter of making his way over to where Isabella's office was. They made their way up the stairs and eventually came to the door. Just before he opened it he turned to them...

"Just do your best to listen and ask questions once you are given the opportunity to do so." With that he turned back to the door.

He opened it with Tenkai and Jewel slowly following him into the room...

As always I was a bucket of nerves, when the Don called for..I had hoped I did not screw up. I walked in the door. I said.

" I got word you wanted to see me, and I came right away."

"Thank you for coming, please, sit."  She motioned to some chairs.

"As ranking members of this operation, I don't have to tell you that there are certain expectations I have for both of you."  She smiled.  "I'm happy to say that you both have met or exceeded those expectations to begin with and so... you're here today to take on a new role in the family."

She reaches into her desk and pulls out a small black box and offers one to Jewel and one to Tenkai.  "A small token of my appreciation."  Each mobster was gifted a gold ring with a solitaire ruby set into it.  "A small status symbol - a physical notation of my trust that you would and will bleed for this family again in the future... but also a reminder, that you are guardians of not only our mission, but of the future."

She leans back in her leather chair.  "In the next few days I want you to form a gang from members of this family... associates or made men, your choice.  Anyone can be in your gang but me or my hands.  Each of you will pick up to six members of the crew to fill your ranks.  You will each pick a unique name for your gang and whatever else you like to help create... pride in your small group.  These mobsters will be answerable to you & you will answer to me ABOUT them.  If I have an issue with one of your gang members, short of something requiring a walk with fishes... I'll be asking you to come in and speak with me about it.  I will also consult with you on who we give a button to and when - their participation in your gang will not only reflect upon them and their place in this family... but you as well."

"Going forward you will work with them to achieve goals, help them to learn new things, take news from me down to them and make sure they're doing everything they need to do in order to keep me and Godfather Salvatore happy.  Do well and you will be rewarded with bodyguards, money, and perks... fail me, and I'll find someone more capable of meeting my needs."

She looked from one to the other.  "So that's it in a very small nutshell but I'm sure we have a lot more to discuss... let's start with any initial questions you might have."

As he sat down quickly and quietly , as she offered , he folded his hands in his lap, giving her, his full attention ,he knew this was no game to mess around , she maybe goodie and fun, but he did well to know the difference between business and pleasure , and he knew well to know, there was a time and place for everything .

As she spoke, he listened, he was kind of curious as to what she meant by their own gang , he gently took the box , as she handed it to him , he opened it , and felt in awe , at how much he had been working , he didn't realize , to him he enjoyed doing his work, to was more fun than working , and with the ring he realized he had worked harder than he thought , and with the new profound promotion and being able to have his own gang, he looked up and with a new profound respect .

"I do have one question , what do you mean by our gang , it sounds really like a good opportunity , and I would like to know, how we can get started working it and if we can have your Calimero_DiGrazia to show us how to get started if that is alright with you? " Tenkai asked , softly spoken , with the upmost respect

"Well, basically it's what it sounds like.  You would be leading six other members of this crew.  You would ensure they are adhering to our standards in the crew, in the streets, and in all the places mobsters mingle.  Whether it's monitoring their behavior and advising me of their errors... or giving them helpful advice... sometimes it'll be reminding them to pay their taxes to me, or to file their reports in a timely fashion.  Generally making sure they represent The Ivory Tower in an honorable way among our peers."  

"You would advise them and help them learn the ropes in this thing of ours - when and if they need it.  From time to time I may have tasks that require you and your gang to work as a team... in those times you'd be responsible to lead them in those tasks.  You'd be responsible for inspiring them to stay motivated and participating."

"For all purposes I'm asking you to be a part of this Crew's leadership.  The hierarchy would be such... Godfather Salvatore and his hands above us all... then me, followed by my hands, then each of you above your gangs.  Now, when it comes to learning the ropes of leadership... Padre, that's where you come in.  I'd like you to help me by overseeing the gang leaders directly and giving them advice on how to mentor and lead their groups effectively.  You know the hearts of men better than anyone I know - I KNOW you will be able to give these young leaders wise council and be a friendly ear for them in times of frustration."

She looks back to Jewel and Tenkai, "I expect you both to act like leaders in front of the rest of our community.  Speak only about family matters WITH family.  Act with integrity.  Walk away from conflict and come seeking advise from myself or my hands if you need.  Remember that cool minds, especially when confronted with worrisome things, prevail.  I NEED you both to work hard... but I promise the rewards are greatly worth it.  This is a stepping stone for leadership here in this thing of ours.  Many who have served as Gang Leaders have gone on to be hands or lead crews of their own.  I KNOW both of you could easily be destined for such things down the line too."  

He nodded, and was glad that she just confirmed what he thought she meant, he smiled, bowing his head in respect, he was more than ready to do so, and he knew he could do the job, with the advice of his boss, and her hands, he will do great, he would have to tread lightly though but he would do what is asked of him, he was very excited.

"Yes, Ma'am, I actually already have a list of six names, I had them in mind, when you had said something about this, just let me know when you want those list of names, and I will get us started on the right path, and work hard, and make you all proud, I am very thankful for the job, and I hope in due time, you will see, that I am having fun, it doesn't feel like work, it more like feels like a life that I know in which I can be happy, and do what you ask of me." He said, as he took the ring out of the box, and put it on his first middle finger, showing that he accepted.

He looked between his boss and Jewel, he smiled, with his lips closed, as he was done, he put the the box in his jacket pocket, and folded his hands back together, waiting for her request of when he could get started.

I about fainted when I was listening to the Don, was I hearing her right? She wanted me to lead a somewhat mini crew. I sure hope I was up to this challenge, but I would do my best for Don Isabella, well and Godfather Sal, and Don Marie too, well everyone! Then I saw it, a most beautiful piece, in a box...almost felt like a proposal of sorts. I did keep composure, but inside I was practically jumping all over the place. On the outside it is all serious and the ability to hold composure.

" Thank you Don, I most honored for this you have placed on Tenkai and I. I do not know at this point, who exactly, but I most assuredly will confer with Tenkai on this matter, and will come to an agreement."

I did not know whether to put the ring on now or what, but I could not wait to see what was in store for us. I had not done this before, and we were a new crew, but already it felt like a true family.

"Good.  Get out there then, launch your gangs, and I'll see you both soon for your first test run of these new gangs."  Isabella smiled at both and dismissed them to go meet with their gangs.

Tenkai feeling excited about it all , he got up, and made sure jewel had everything , and bowed his respects to the boss had her hand man , as he then picked up jewel and picked her up on his back, he heard her give out a slight gasp, he couldn't tell if she is was screaming or laughing .

"You better hang on spider monkey. " he said holding on to her legs gently but tightly .

As the door was open for them, he ran through the halls cheering, ducking and weaving through the halls , he laughed as everyone turned to look, moving a little faster than normal speed, ran some more , as people waved , looking at them .

"Hey guys , haha ." he laughed , cheering as he was enjoying his new promotions, he had waited for too long for this , as did jewel, and the needed to enjoy the moment for a second .

"Are you excited jewel ?" he smiled, looking at her from the corner of his eye .

"Yeseses." ( with the bouncing I could not get out a full syllable) I was scared to death, but  I was taught to look it in the face and laugh. Or was that something else? This surely would be interesting, to say the least. It might be the ride of my life. I was hoping to make everyone proud, especially my family that has passed before me. Phew! I hope I am ready for this, but here goes nothing.

Isabella, dead pan tone of voice, turns to Calimero_DiGrazia and asks, "Padre... did we just put the woman who rides piggy back and the guy who uses a nickname like 'spider monkey'... in charge of our first two gangs?"  She picks up her drink and looks in it. 

"Find Stephen and ask him what the fuck he's letting them spike my coffee with these days and tell them to down grade it to top shelf coke.  It might keep me saner."  Then, she smirked.

Calimero put his hand in his face as he himself was also contemplating what Isabella just asked him. It was quite the odd pair, but he had high hopes that they would accomplish great things for the Ivory Tower and the future. Although he wasn't sure if they wouldn't cause him a headache or two, it was exciting to see them get their own chance at leading a few people....

"Well, Isabella I think that we will just have to hope for the best. I think we made a good selection, but yes the whole piggy back and spider monkey thing does make you do a double take at the options we chose." It wasn't the norm at all, but they had motivation which was a huge factor in success.

He patted Isabella on the shoulder as he knew they both were a mixture of concerned and confident in the future.

"I think I might have to join you with spiking my drinks though. I'll go find Stephen." They chuckled together.

He looked at Isabella and smiled reassuringly as was part of his job as her right hand no matter how they felt or what was happening...

He laughed at jewel, heating his boss and her padre cracking jokes, he then ran past the people in thr halls, having a bit of fun, as he stopped, slowly, infront of the gang structure head quaters he set her down gently, and laughed.

"Enjoy that did you?" He smiled, and entered the office, taking his desk, in one of the back offices, almost as big as their boss's office.

As entered he sat down looking uo at the ceiling of what do now, he loved it too much.

After Tenkai let me down, I about fell down, but upon standing, I went to my office, to check it out. There was a shark on the door, as real looking as it could be, coming at you when you open the door. Opening the door, the walls look like the clear and bluest oceans, filled with sea life. Of course this is an office, so there is not sea life in here on the walls, but a fish aquarium, with a variety of sea life, one saltwater and one fresh water.

I do have a most beautiful cherry wood desk, and my chair, but also couches for others to be comfortable in this room. It is great when you can work with a desk top, hard surface (and not stab my leg when the writing utencils poke through papers). It is as much of an ocean view as these times could provide. Who knew what years from now how decor can be done .

Tenkai could hear jewel in her office now and again , he had his bodyguards making run after run for him , he was going through ideas to make this work , he wanted to come up with an idea that would make people interested , parties , donation comps , probably games and such, maybe strategies out in the streets .

He was on a roll , after probably drinking cups of tea , his hair a bit disheveled, wearing his pajamas , he barely wears , although now he remembers he was the only one in the gang offices, for now , seeing as how jewel was in upperstructure , thr boss's right hand woman , he couldn't be more proud of her .