It had been a tumultuous week to say the least…  Chicago had gone through another rough patch and Ellie found herself in her office scribbling away as she planned and worked out how to navigate these times.  It was her goal to keep her beloved family safe and by golly she was going to do it one way or another.  At a time such as this, growth and healing were high on her mind. It was time to choose another to step out and begin their own family to aid in the growth of their fair city.  Going over her beloved family members, she had a number that stood out to her as ready to step out and take their own place.  But it was one that stood out most of all.  He was new to her family, but certainly not new to her.  Would he be the one to take this next step?  The young ferret mulled over it for a moment and also who she would send with him for she couldn’t send him alone. 

Remembering conversations she’d had already, she nodded as she quietly made up her mind.  Two more names came to her mind.  A pair that had earned their place twenty times over and that she was highly proud to call her own.  Now was not a time to second guess herself or those she sought to take council with.  It was a time for action so it was that she quickly sent for three of her number.  Taking a few moments to compose herself, she thought of how she was to go about this. 

It took next to no time at all before Scofield walked into her office.  His gaze swept the office in a trained manner and Ellie churred lightly to him.  She always did like this man and his attention to detail.  He would be perfect.  Right behind him came the lovely Lucia and just behind her, Frank-Cali.  Her heart warmed at the sight of them as well and she moved to the edge of her desk, inviting them to sit down with a good natured chitter.  Whether or not they did, she would present them each with a paw written note and give them a moment to read it.

I’ve called you three in here today because it’s come time to expand our city.  It is my hope and desire that you three come together to build the next family here in Chicago, right here in the Loop with me.  I have an idea or two for location but I thought I would leave the ultimate decision up to you three.

She looked between the three, trying to gauge their reactions.  Excitement?  Acceptance?  She didn’t see anything that concerned her from the three.  Even so she tried to squash the flutter in her own chest.  They had this well in hand and would walk into a bright future together.  Her whiskers twitched in anticipation of their responses as she gently slid blueprints of a couple buildings toward them before wandering back to her side of the desk but still watching them fairly closely.   

Michael's eyes lifted and settled on Ellie warmly. It may be a bit unorthodox to have a Ferret as acting Godfather Chairman of a city, but it was also a bit strange to operate a crew from the setting of a Penitentiary, which is exactly what he planned on doing. He turned to Lucia and Frank-Cali, sending them each encouraging glances before bringing his attention back toward their beloved Leader.

I'm honored that you have enough faith in me to work beside you. 

His eyes averted back to the note she had passed him as he remembered the long rough road that had been his experience in Chicago thus far. It had been challenging at times, especially after losing two crew leaders in a short amount of time, but hard work and perseverance, and a feeling of loyalty had kept Michael going through the worst of times.

Losing Rubix the way they did also sent a feeling of great loss rippling through Chicago, and Michael knew Ellie had felt it worst. He would stand beside her and support her in her quest to rebuild, and as his eyes came back to rest on hers, she knew it.