Following an incident this morning I was left pondering the expectations of both our current leadership group and the community as a whole. The incident in question was an individual voicing his own expectations for the future of the world around us. That expectation was of war, chaos, back-stabbing and death.

My thoughts have been as to whether this way of thinking is universal, and that despite the calm and diplomatic climate, everyone believes that they are just gearing up to slay the other. For myself at least, it's not quite how I see things. 

It was my understanding that we're not just building war strength or wealth, but we're growing, too. Growing as a community group, enforcing the idea that we can offer a period of stability and enlightenment, with a goal of opening the docks to more potential workers and removing the lock downs on our districts and cities.

The best use of this time of peace is to teach and grow, increase the size our community and become greater in number. We're preparing the new faces of this world for the days ahead and hopefully many years of walking this life. 

I don't know what everyone else's expectations were for these long days, but I want us to be known as the ones that allowed the world to swell, for cities and district to become populated again and to leave behind a legacy of new blood. 

As he ventured around, he paused for a moment to listen to the words of the Philly Don as he addressed the crowd. Lighting a cigarette, he raised his head, blowing a few plumes of smoke into the air before deciding to take a moment of his time to speak with the respectable leader on the topic he had on his mind.

Signore Mezzo, a pleasure to see you again.

The words you have said, they are warming and paint the picture of what many would perceive as an ideal world. We have seen many big name gangsters fall in recent times, something which this world has always had to endure. Sometimes it happens with reason, other times the actions appear random and done for personal gain rather than the overall growth of many.

Whilst I stand by your beliefs on this matter, I also understand that there will be people who thrive on the more chaotic side of things.

With that being said, I see it as both sides standing up for the future they inspire for. For those who want peace, there are times where they need to handle situations that may appear to counter that peace.

As long as the people who fight for peace are 100% dedicated to that cause and the people around them also abide to that way of thinking, peace can be achieved. It cannot be done without bloodshed in some form though as there will always be those who seek to lower themselves and give in to the seduction of violence, power or old grudges.

Ciao Signore Mikk, good to see you again, too. Thanks for coming out here.

You are correct, there are those who thrive on the more chaotic and destructive aspects of this life. Personally, I don't see the point in making a grab for power if there is no reason to. And if you do, don't slack putting the work in to lead.

I don't expect that will ever be the case in our situation, though.

Presently there is balance, it'll take only a couple of individuals to try and tip those scales though, and we'll all be at risk of falling off. Strong relationships can be made to try and prevent this, but who knows.

I just feel we are close to a breakthrough in terms of the potential to grow and open up new territories. That should be our common goal, more people, more space, more potential. Live or die, my fear is any sudden instability that could disrupt the progress and set our children back months again. 

A good topic to bring up, Signore Mezzo.

Those that thrive in chaos will leave a world worse than how they found it - dead stop. I don't subscribe to that.  Reading the old journals of my ancestors along with my own experiences, I've come to accept that some people can't be satisfied regardless of the situations that our world takes us to; some just live to complain, offering no solution other than spinning the wheel with people's lives.

As we approach three months since the May War, I recall a time when stability was sought after - rather desperately. As we've progressed since that time, that complaint has now shifted to the same tired fallback of stagnation - an amusing declaration after these same people are surprised that we are able to work with each other instead of against.   Offering themselves as a catalyst to spark a destructive event that seems to have no over-arching goal after the smoke has cleared.

I'm not alone in saying that what you've mentioned - a breakthrough in the potential to open up new avenues and growth -  is the endgame for many of us.  If that can be achieved in the time we have here, I'll wear that badge with pride.

You ask an interesting question and I have given my expectations some thought.

What do I expect during these long days?

I expect creativity. In some cities we see this a great deal. In other cities it just simply feels like they are copying some of our more creative community brains. But when you think about how stale things can become during peace you often hope that there will be sparks that come with that. Something that really gets interesting for those of us that aren't new and aren't being pushed to be seen in top spots. There needs to be something that keeps our focus and attention or are we to end up with just so much boredom that we fall asleep and forget to wake again?

I expect to see our community flourish in more than one area. I believe Jack that you have done such a great job at inspiring more conversations and seeing them through that they have begun to take more of a hold in our streets. Our streets are no longer just for stories and the occasional auth. We are seeing more to it. There is more meat added to the bone for all individuals to find something to interest them.

I expect activity. We are in a time of peace, I want to see people around and caring. Whether that is inactive leaders taking more iniative, or members doing things that make them happy. I want to see people. Not just someone's best friend/pal but if you are thriving for new leaders, new blood, I want to see them around here or there. It is very inspiring as a member to see people doing their best for their city or community as a whole.

These are just a few of my expectations as a member of this community. I am sure I have plenty more for myself alone, as well as in regards to what it is I expected out of our time of peace and stability.

I have to say, well said Mister Mezzo. As previously stated the way things are now is much different than I've seen in previous times. In a way I think it has a chance to set a precedent in our modern era. The peace and prosperity across our land is one that has been a long time coming. In fact we are now seeing the emergence of a new district in the fair city of Detroit. To my knowledge, this has not occurred organically for quite some time. Is this simply the calm before the storm, or rather how things will be? Personally I'm leaning towards the latter in not only my thoughts, but also my hopes. I expect to see respect, and restraint in the future. If things happen to continue down the same path that they are.
I'd love to talk about this more, but I have to bet back and feed Sven his carrot puree. He gets really cranky when he doesn't get it on time.

As I was walking down the Streets, I noticed Don Mezzo speaking with a few folks. I stopped to listen ....

The question was about the future. What could, could not or may happen. Will history repeat itself? Are we in a new era? Those around, from Godfather down to Thug, were stating good opinions. I waited for a pause in the conversation to say my piece.

"As our line of chosen profession dictates, war, chaos, back-stabbing and death are a part of it. I can, in some ways, respect that. I would also like to believe that, as things stand now, we are better then we were. I do my best now, to bring up the younger generation wanting to prosper instead of perish." I waited for my nerves to settle a bit, then pressed on, "Mr. Tyki was right saying that 'sometimes, bloodshed is involved', but we should be able to limit the amount of blood. Whole cities should not fall due to the actions of a few."

I looked back on what was said...

"Godfather Spaceman made a good point, 'As we approach three months since the May War, I recall a time when stability was sought after - rather desperately. As we've progressed since that time, that complaint has now shifted to the same tired fallback of stagnation...' that feeling comes from their belief that they can not advance. Mr. Tyki mentioned, '... our common goal, more people, more space, more potential.' I feel it is on us to quench that stagnation with more opportunity. Open more areas, give people a chance to run small crews in your areas, with the understanding that, they represent you and you will guide them, or end them. Again, our chosen profession."

"Kizira's three expectations should be ours as well." I tipped my hat towards her," And Boss Kristoff is correct, from what I here, in that it have been a long time coming." I figured I said what I wanted to, "I tend to get drunk after work and sometimes speak out of line. I thank you all of the chance to say a few things."

I stepped back to have a cigarette.

Leticia walked down the street, she saw some crowded gather around. Listens A don of Philly talked  about what we are expecting on these long days ? Some others gave their Opinion too. Leticia Steps forward and speaks up about her opinion.

“Thank you for bring up this interesting topic Don Mezzo”, She bows herself.

This is very interesting topic for her because she almost died bored because only do routine activity almost everyday.

“Life is Like A wheel, sometimes it is too calm sometimes It is too chaos. War, chaos, Back-stabbing and death are parts of the system of life . We can’t avoid it. But I agree, on this calm and diplomatic climate is the time to teach and grow. This is time for CL and upper to be more creative so they could build bond and know every member of their family further, also help family to grow up stronger. This is also the time for Cl and Upper to show that they are the true leader.  “

Killian chose to stand and listen as Jack spoke about recent events, and then continued to listen as a few other people spoke their mind. Finally, after a long while, he took his back off the wall and spoke up.

"Aye, peace should always be preferable. Teaching and learning, growing and living. We should live our lives to leave an impact. No one lives forever, but our actions can have ripple effects far into the future. I, for one, enjoy the peace. Is it a false peace? I don't know, and quite frankly I don't want to know. I'd rather be blissfully unaware and instead grow and learn."

He sighed lightly . "Brutality should be avoided at all costs, in my opinion. There can be too much regret found in the permanence of death and in being the dealing hand."