Addie hopped up on a pile of pallets that sat on the dock next to the lake.  It was a place that was well know to those who spend much of their time running around with the more criminally-minded members of society.  In her short time on these shores she had seen a few debate break out on the streets.  She had listen, pondered, and considered most of what had been spoken for an against various matters that pertained to their way of life.  However, she had never been one to bring such a debate forward.  It wasn't that she was against such tings, she just rarely felt she had anything new to offer.  That had changed, for today she had something weighing on her mind that she had never seen discussed in the streets.  Clearing her throat to gain the attention of those nearby, she raised her topic.

"Loyalty.  Is it a one-way street or does it go both ways?"

"I think it is obvious in our way of things that loyalty to one's crew and city -- including those who lead these organizations -- is a necessity and should be valued.  It is in many ways a foundation and structure that allows us the many lucrative opportunities that this life has to offer.  My question is this: 'Is this the only form of loyalty that matters or is there also a loyalty expected from a crew or city leader towards their respected people?  If there is, does this loyalty extend to the collective as a whole or should it be given to each individual under that command structure?"

Addie leaned back against the brick wall of the building that the pallets sat against an eagerly awaited the thoughts and opinions of others.

Jester liked debates.  He listened to the crickets chirping around him and he was honestly kind of surprised.  Jester juggled some flaming sticks and took a drag of his smoke before sidling up next to Addiemoretti.

"Thank you kindly for starting a topic Addie.  I am looking forward to hearing what others have to say about the subject.  I think that loyalty is something different to each gangster here."

Jester readjusted his outfit and did 3 reverse handsprings before jumping back up on the soapbox to continue with what he had to say.

"I think that it's easy to say something like "I'm loyal to my city.... or my godfather... or my crew leader... But honestly, in this chaotic world those lines often seem to get crossed and all too often it brings in a question of someone's loyalty."

Jester walks through the crowd and pulls a quarter out from behind a goomba's ear and flips it to him.

"The simple fact is this - you can only be loyal, and I mean blindly loyal for better or worse in this world to one person other than yourself.  After that, there's a good chance that you might make things a little complicated for yourself.  So, pick that person carefully.  Make sure their ideals are like yours - and I'll bet that you find that loyalty returned."

Jester tosses his smoke away and performs a card trick before riding his unicycle off into the crowd.

Gunnar was walking down the street before seeing his buddy Jester and someone else he hadn't yet met talking about loyalty. Gunnar loved debates, and having his opinion heard so he couldn't resist, plus this was an easy one for him

"Oy, I agree with me man Jester, partially at least. Me family has been loyal always to the ones who takes them in, and put their faith in them. So Aye, loyalty should be set primarily in one person. But, if you are truly loyal, that persons interests are now your own. Their loyalties are are now yours as well."

Gunnar paused briefly to light a cigarette. 

"For myself, i expect nothing from those that hold my loyalty. They've already shown me what i needed to see, or i would not have made the decision to follow them."

Thomas smiled as the young moll Addie questioned the growing crowd, even nodded along as the clowning Jester made his comments... However, a more familiar face in the crowd had him hand back and listen. Gunnar spoke, and it brought an even wider smile to the gangster's face.

Stepping forward, he slipped an arm around Gunnar...

"To me, I would have to say that yes... Yes there is a loyalty that should be passed back down as well. Hell, Gunnar here just assured himself a seat at my table, but I also invite those who don't fully see eye to eye with me and the way I work, or the way our businesses are run. If you're a part of the family? We have a loyalty in return to help protect you and insure you are healthily taken care of. Ask your questions. Challenge us to think about how we do things. Give us your input, ESPECIALLY when asked for!" He chuckled. "Just, don't cross the boundaries between respect and disrespect... Remember, there is still a hierarchy."

He clapped Gunnar's back before continuing a bit.

"You see, I'm of sound belief that it is the duty of a family to protect it's assets. And you, the good, LOYAL, members of the organization? Well, you're more than just an asset. You're the only reason we can build the empires we do. You're more important. So sure, you might need a good swift kick in the arse occasionally. And if you break the trust, well, there are consequences. But prove your loyalty? I can assure you I will prove mine. I know I don't speak for everyone, but I know I speak for myself and for the organization I help coordinate."

Thomas stepped away and back into the crowd, lighting a cigarette and looking around for the next person to make their comments.

Desiderio twirled an unlit cigar between his thumb and index finger as he listened to what the other mafiosi had to say about the topic brought forward by AddieMoretti . He was glad to hear that the consensus seemed to be that loyalty was a thing that went both ways. Thomas_OMalley seemed to be done with his two cents on the matter. Desiderio took the spark of the cherry off his smoke as a cue to speak up. The unlit cigar was slipped back into his suit jacket before he began.

"There are very few things given in this life that don't have price upon them. I have journals of mafiosi that have walked these streets dating back for less than many others here, but each of these journals tells the lives of men loyal till death or departure to the old country. They were loyal not only to their crew leaders but to their cities and at times members of crews or districts that they oversaw themselves. What do we have in this life if we cannot trust those that we get so close as to call family? Loyalty is something that has to be given and received to exist. Anyone willing to follow those that don't have their own back more than once must have some sort of head trauma."

The subject must have been something he held a passion for because he popped a button off while straightening his jacket. The Sicilian was unphased as he continued on.

"If one's actions in life do not show their stance on loyalty, then how can they expect to receive it from others? There have been leaders that watch their Godfathers die and say not a word as they step forward and take orders from their attackers. How do you expect the ones behind you to step up when you need them and have your back? If you are leading in this life then I think you owe to those that give you that power by existing the favor of having a little character. Sometimes a long life isn't one worth living if your blood's trust is washed down the drain for a few more days behind the gun."

Content with Thomas's lead, Desiderio lit his cigar as he stepped back amongst his peers.