Mikhail steps out in the streets only after a short while. It seems he's been out here making these speeches a little often lately and this one was going to be more difficult than the last...

"Comrades, it is not easy coming out today to discuss the removal of New York. The truth of the matter is, I had the utmost respect for the city and Don Billy_Mastrosimone. The city he had built after the Great War was to be rivaled with some of the best in our history. The streets and their local business districts couldn't be matched with their activity. Along with that, Billy's own investment scheme made their city millions of dollars and if not, billions. Yes, billions. The whole city had talent that started from the top, that went all the way down to lowest rank of thug.

The city echoed brilliance and it showed.

My actions on New York were not easy decisions to make. The decision to remove them wasn't even decided until approximately 65 minutes before our hitters took their shots. The people I work with and those I surround myself with, can attest to this. This is so far the hardest and may be the hardest decision I'll ever have to make. Even more so before the Great War."

He takes a brief second to remember the fine city of New York.

"Ever since the Great War I have worked tirelessly in my attempt to keep our nation safe and running smoothly. This is my own lineage's first time to ever be in the position I am in. I say this because over the span of my generations here, I have seen some superb things, and then some down right disgusting things. Due to this, I remain to be as diplomatic as possible as I continue to keep things running smoothly. Let it first be known I am not someone who believes in the art of "purging", nor am I someone who bloodlines people on the basis of their past history. I am currently working along side some of my forefather's enemies. I have always been a firm believer that once someone dies, their past should remain in their past.

I am only saying this so nothing gets misconstrued on my reasoning to remove New York.

Back to my point though, I had been given information from numerous sources on a certain high ranking member in New York. This information stated this person was actively scheming to remove my comrades and I. Actively planning to bring down what we have built across this nation. I will not get into any details on the information but know that I do not go around actively gunning people down for my own agenda. When I brought this information to the late Billy, he said he would handle it. All he needed was my confident word in the matter and he would take action against said member in his city. As time went by, I got a little nervous. Did this member get tipped off and are they now going to act before they originally could and harm my members? 

So I approached Billy again asking what happened.

His remarks to me afterwards earned him my utmost most respect. He explained that he believes even after my information that this said member was up to no harm and he had earned a highly ranked spot in his city with their hard work and loyalty. He vouched for said member. I countered with my points again that this person is actively attempting to be the detrimental factor to what we have built for the past couple months. They are playing nice and will continue to do so until they see the right chance to complete their plan. Billy continued to vouch for his member. Billy went on further to explain he knew where he stood in our world. How I am extremely close friends with every other city leader and he was the odd man out. And if this was the time to end him I could find him in Los Angeles. 

After he said this to me, I reconsidered my entire approach to him. This was a man who was willing to vouch his whole city for this one member. That was someone who I could admire. That was someone I wanted to continue to work with. I wanted to work along side someone who had similar standards as me and not be afraid to push back."

Mikhail takes another second to recollect his thoughts...

"So I left the conversation at that. I knew where Billy stood on the matter and I knew nothing was going to change that. If Billy was going to stand by his member and not only vouch for them but to put his whole city on the line, I knew he had it under control. 

However... word started to get around that something was bound to happen. The only people who knew I spoke to Billy on this matter are people who wouldn't go sharing any information as they know as sensitive as this is, it'll make matters worse. Little birds were starting to ask their comrades about if they knew of anything going down. As soon as I heard this, this screamed that Billy had put his people on notice to me. I had already dropped the subject with my inner circle. This matter was considered closed... up until we heard things may be going down.

Now this didn't mean to me that New York was actively getting ready to make a move against me, but it meant that Billy had told his inner circle and that someone from their side got spooked. Some of the little birds reaching out to other people, asking what is going on is what primarily drove me to my decision. If the city of New York now knew they were put on notice, what was going to stop any of them from harming my city? It was only a matter of time."

He looks around for someone to chime in with their opinion on things turned out yesterday.

Pete listens intently on the big man's speech, hanging his head in remembrance of his family and the rest of those lost in New York. After Mikhail finishes and looks to the crowd The Slip speaks up.

"Thank you for being transparent in this manner Mikhail, though many lives were lost, I can only hope that we can all move past this unfortunate manner, as you said there was much lost in this, businesses, pride, connections.. These things can all be rebuilt.  Though I'm concerned how this can effect the new blood that can be discouraged from returning as in the span of a few days three whole cities were obliterated. I understand that you did what you had to do, and I can only speak for myself when I say that I hold no ill will for it.  However, people who are not as accustomed to Our Life could see this as a reason to not return and that is concerning for someone who wants to see the future of This Thing of Ours be as prosperous as I know it can be."

And so it happens again. Forgive me Godfather, but you are turning into one of the disgusting things you say your forefather's witnessed. You are against bloodlining and purging except when you aren't. Your paranoia has grown to such an extent that you level whole cities on a whim, just because you are worried that one man may make a move against you. Forgive me again Godfather, but when was the last time that any Rogue has accomplished anything of note in this world? You say you are a diplomat first and foremost, and that your aim is for a peaceful safe society, one that runs smoothly, yet all you seem interested is death and mayhem. Anyone who isn't in your city is fair game. I do applaud you for trying at least to bring meaning back to the rank of Made man, but were members of our society can be gunned down in the street like dogs for defending themselves against petty thieves, then all you do is drive people away from our very way of life.

As a boy I used to love standing down at the docks and watching the ships from the old country come in, loaded to capacity with new blood to these shores. I went down there today, and the boats are half empty. One of the Dock Worker's told me that it started shortly after the Great War, and it gets worse every time there is war on our streets. My Grandfather knew weeks ago that New York's days were numbered. He knew that his own City would go soon. Who is next Godfather? Seattle? Detroit? 

But you are right about one thing, your particular brand of shotgun diplomacy may well bring peace and quiet to our streets, because if you continue in the vain in which you are, LV may be the only inhabited city left, the rest deciding that things are actually better in the old Country. A man in your position has the ability to create something great, something that people will talk about with fondness for generations to come, but all you seem interested in is becoming the next Mr Evil Man, Anita, Curtis or Satanta. 

I know, that in all likelihood this little outburst will probably spell the end of my wretched existence, but do you know what, that is preferable than living under this yoke of tyranny and oppression, wondering which of my friends and business associates will die next, because its only a matter of time before the paranoia will rise again.

Hello, Operator? Can you put me through to Editor-in-chief CoconutRandy at Coconut Chronicle HQ, please. Tell him it is Intern Grinbini. Yes, I'll hold. Oh. Erm. I see. Hm. Wait! Tell him his nephew Montague is on the line.

Hello, boss! Intern Grinbini here. I think I have-...No, I don't know if the mountain men have issued a ransom yet. I actually called to sa-...of course...I'm sure he would make a soup creamy enough to please his mother, yes, but boss...BOSS! Listen! I've got a lead. No, really. I think this might be linked to the other matter too. Yes, the vanishing. It has happened again on the Streets. People were talking to Godfather Mikhail and all of a sudden...poof! They disappeared! I know, it is quite peculiar! Yes. Yes. Yes, boss I understand. Two sugars, alright. Ok. I'll be right there. Bye. 

Business is business, Godfather, and your actions have allowed business to continue. Preserving the sanctity of our way of life is essential to success.

Dominic is in the large crowd around the Chairman. "Godfather," shouts Dominic. "I realize that you were trying to keep peace, but why did you not just kill the upper authority and hitters?"

It´s not in my place to say this, but im a free man. 
when i was young i was afraid of war, my father assured me that since there had been so much bloodshed in the last war, people wouldnt want to engage it for a while. short time after he died in a takedown, i wont even acknowledge it as a war. but before this he told me that when i grow up i understand this: Luis_Patangeli didnt die of dissloyalty. Luis died because he had been taking down everyone he was unsure of, if they were on his side or not. 
this made others retcognize that if even the smallest change like a crew leader in the city which he trusted would die, they knew not to trust Luis, because he had a trust issue. 
So a war was waged against Detroit, following day people saw that with PH weakened he would certainly be careful and possibly attempt to re-establish his control over the cities. this was their moment to secure their future. 

So tell me Mikhail, after the Great war, what has been different? this latest action just reflected the same story of Luis. if you hadnt done anything and risked your city for peace, maybe then they would have trusted you to the bone?
as you said yourself, that it didnt mean that NY were getting ready to make a move on you. but only the idea that his crewmembers were afraid, was enough.
so tell me whenever there comes a change (the CL/GF you trust die) who is to say that they arent even more afraid of a takedown now that you have displayed mistrust?
 

Again, it might not be my place to say this, but i am a free man. 

Dominic is in the large crowd around the Chairman. "Godfather," shouts Dominic. "I realize that you were trying to keep peace, but why did you not just kill the upper authority and hitters?"

Unfortunantely Dominic in times of war when there are still hitters about that could cause damage anyone from that city remains a target due to being a potential pro shooter, once the hitters were taken out those remaining who are active fall under the protection order issued by Godfather Mikhail, hope this clears up the situation for you.

I was not made but knew enough to say there was no rogue and we now got one damn fine fiction writer. Ain't that right Mikhail? I don't know the idiot who praised you for your glorious transparency, but I got plenty of room on the special needs bus.

New York was in the process of making some changes that didn't involve any other city when we were taken out. Billy was respected by his entire family. No one on his family would have done anything to tarnish his image (which going rogue would do.) It appears that this take-down was more about having Billy wack a player they wished to bloodline to keep their hands clean or not about a rogue at all. These types of false rumors are the same thing that got LA wiped not too long ago. This could have been about Princess wanting to expand to New York as she praised Mikhail for his help stating she couldn't have done it without him.

It is a shame that you are that petty and selfish. 

Man up and give us the real reason Mikhail. It's obvious Princess wanted NY and you helped her get it. You are, in fact, doing the same thing Luis did. Using other cities like you did New York not long ago to help take down a city and then turning on the ones that helped you. 

There was no rogue. There wasn't talk of a rogue in New York. This is expanding your influence into all corners. Putting your comrades in charge of the cities. I called it as well. I said just yesterday New York would be next. We felt it yet we do not act on gut feelings and rumors. We were having fun building New York. No one was looking for trouble. Of course, with the likes of you around, we don't have to look. You manifest it out of thin air.

You are now just what you professed you didn't want to be. A Luis incarnate.

Mikhail addresses those who have given their opinion on the subject...

"Pete, all I can say is that people need to learn that murder is a thing in this life. Disagreements can't always end in people leaving upset. Actions speak louder than words and sometimes they are needed."

He turns to the fresh off the boat Gangster.

"Young Neil, your comments here today will not get you removed from Las Vegas. You didn't slander anyone. You merely added comments and asked a few questions. That is something everyone should be entitled to.

I don't know how long you've been here but there have been quite a few rogues in the recent past that have decimated cities. I'm talking regimes have fallen because of them. One person with a gun and proper training can do extreme damage. I mean I did just lose a leader in my district to a rogue. And that is something that will not happen again. Do whatever you want to me personally, but touch my ranking members and I will end you. And fortunately for you, you currently reside and work in Las Vegas. So that extent will go to you if you reach our ranks.

Do you have information on New York's bidding because I sure didn't. This was a very abrupt operation to say the least. This whole operation could have been prevented in a couple different ways. Like I originally said, I stopped any further actions until word got back to me that paranoia started on their side. I have a city to protect.

I have only been at the top for approximately two months. Its quite hard to compare me to someone like Curtis or Disorder who had their operations up for months at a time and there was a direct correlation of our population not returning to Ellis Island. My great, great, great, great grandfather was one of them."

As he finished his last comments to Neil, he noticed a man on a telephone calling CoconutRandy. Something about people vanishing...

"All I can say is speak to city hall about these missing comments. I had nothing to do with them. This would be a good story though for Randy..."

He turned to Dominic to answer him but after hearing Isorin's response to the young comrade, he felt it was enough. He turned to the man proclaiming himself as a free man...

"You are indeed a free man. You do not work for the state...

I would like to remind you though, Philly did not wage war against the Motor City. The Motor City attacked certain people after a purge event across the nation. Something that I did not have a part of, even though I worked directly under the late Don Wayne. That is something many people can attest to. I was not seen when that was taking place. 

And again, multiple cities reacted when Detroit attacked high ranking members across the nation, including myself... 

I do not know exactly how the late Luis handled his business. I was a Right Hand for Wayne and I just did what I was told. I was not in those discussions. I will say that trust is a powerful tool in our world. I simply could not trust said member in New York with what was presented to me. I take the protection of my city very seriously.

Your question on change of CL or GF, I think thats up to them to decide. Just like I acted in the Great War."

He turns lastly to the short bus driver...

"I find it hilarious that anyone would think the reason I would remove a city like New York and Billy, who I had the utmost respect for, to give it to Princess because Los Angeles wanted to expand. Los Angeles has plenty of space for its internal growth. Princess merely thanked me for the opportunity I gave her. Just like all the other city leaders before her. Don't get words twisted on a false pretense."

Slow claps for Mikhail and replies

So much bullshit all in one place. Congrats!

Mikhail realized he left out poor Sandy...

"Instead of giving you a proper response, I just want to thank you for your applause. It means a lot to me."

"As a rule of thumb, I don't generally find myself saying much in post-war discussions or so-called 'explanations' in the Streets. In my experience, most people seem to only complain about the reasons given, though a few do occasionally come to share their appreciation for the information provided. However, I honestly think these speeches can become a waste of time - time that is very precious and limited when you're in any respected role in this world. 

If you're here to complain about this information being shared with you, take a moment to step back and remember this information is not a right, it is a privilege. I know it's something that happens more often than not in the history of This Thing of Ours, but that still doesn't make it your right to know the inner-workings of those in power. We are Mafioso, not civilians nor politicians. We live in a society where you earn your right to sensitive information. Our very way of life is built on sensitive information and using it to our advantage to suit our needs and that of our family, city and allies by extension. That is the Mafia, no...? This information should not be free. It should be earned.

With that in mind, it is still the prerogative of the leadership to share such information if they so choose - which is what has happened here. The GF-C of Las Vegas has taken time out of his day to come out here and extend a peaceful offering to those related to the fallen and everyone else gathered here, and all you can do is complain about that? So even though this sort of explanation is not a God-given right but in fact a courtesy offered by Godfather-Chairman Mikhail, you're here to complain that the handouts you received simply don't satisfy you? Unbelievable.

Consider this for a moment... If you spent more time actually networking and forming bonds across our good country (much like all the standing Godfathers have done), you would be able to actually challenge the information Mikhail has chosen to share with you with fact. Those complaining seem to disagree plenty but have nothing of substance to actually share - just that Mikhail is a big bad wolf. Though I have no reason to doubt the reasons given, I can't personally attest to the information being factually true - I am also not in-the-know. But honestly, I don't think it matters.

Mikhail is in charge and he wouldn't wage war unless it was necessary. Obviously. We all know the sort of issues that follow too many takedowns. Mikhail's bloodline is no different, it's been around long enough to know too much bloodshed will only lead to an eventual doom for him and those he cares about. Naturally, he doesn't want to meet his maker anymore than anyone else. If he thought he could guarantee he and his people could survive without another takedown, do you really think he'd be shipping people off in coffins? Why would he add more enemies to his list unnecessarily..? He can just sit there and get fat off the profit now, it's a right he's earned. He doesn't need the stress of war or takedowns, call them what you will.

I can assure you, a man in his position already has plenty of enemies, it's unlikely he's going to be adding more to the list on a whim. He acted on the intel he was passed, the same way he has done his entire life - and it got him this far so why would he suddenly U-turn on his intuition and intel? It's clearly served him well.

Anyone who has ever been in a similar position knows for a fact that the entire role is a balancing act. Too much shooting, people want you dead. Not enough shooting, people want you dead. All he's done here is act as best he could in the best interest of the multitude of people around him who rely on him to make yet-another-one of them shitty decisions. I'm sure when you're the face that takes the punches and that sort of information hits your desk, you don't think 'Fuck yeah! We goin' shootin'!' The reaction is more likely to be "For fuck sake, can't people just relax and enjoy how good life is right now?"

With that said, if you really wanted to know for sure that this sort of information is true and you don't feel you can trust the word of Mikhail or other Leaders, why don't you make an effort and find out for yourself? The information is out there. This sort of information is shared between a minority of our world who work tirelessly round the clock to ensure they keep the best connections for the greatest chance of safety, longevity and security of those around them. If you want to be someone who hears of the goings-on first-hand, someone privy to that information, in-the-know and have the comfort of being sure you can trust the things you're being told, stop being lazy. Go out and earn the right to know you can trust the words being told to you. You're coming to the Streets asking for sensitive information and even when you're fortunate enough to be given an explanation as to why the well-established Leaders of our world have invested time, effort and resources into doing their duty in making difficult, strategic moves in favour of those they swore to protect - you're here complaining about it. If you had earned that sort of information by way of communicating with people you trust, you wouldn't need to complain. You could simply relax and not have to bleed your own paranoia into the questioning and fact-less disagreement of this statement.

In conclusion, you do not know whether this information shared with you is true or false, that's your real issue. Nobody who is here to complain knows it to be false. You've not gone out and earned the information to prove this statement false. You just seem to be unhappy that it's a shitty outcome. You're right, it is a shitty outcome for everyone. Those alive now have more enemies, those who are here to complain are most upset and surprised that Mafioso actually resort to shooting each other sometimes and not forgetting of course, it was the worst outcome for those who passed paying the ultimate price. However, this is a price they agreed to when they signed up to this crazy life. No one gets out alive, we're all just trying get out last.

Anyway... I'm starting to see the appeal to getting involved in these discussions after all."

VIPCreditsGrin Grinbini jumps as the Godfather turns his attention upon the fledgling reporter, as he puts the phone down to Coconut Chronicle HQ. As he tried not to wilt under Comrade Chairman's gaze, he listened like the model sycophant, nodding profusely.

"Understood, Comrade Chairman, sir," Intern Grinbini spluttered. "You're right, restored Editor-in-chief CoconutRandy would like this story! Bust it wide open, you could say. Ha! Anyway...I'll make a note of what you said right now, though...nothing...to...do....with...them...see!"

Grinbini pulled out his recently purchased notebook and flicked it open to a page headed "Mysterious Vanishings". He quickly scribbled a line through Mikhail's name and flashed him the page as proof.

Mysterious Vanishings

Task: Discover the truth behind the disappearance of possible cyborg, Xanxus.

 

Leads

Under market value paid (only $1,000,000) by Xanxus for rescinded vote to Destro.

Xanxus goes missing.

Blinding light concealed Princess; removed light.

Respondents to Mikhail's thread vanish.

 

Suspects

1. The Man

2. Mikhail (Nov 7th - Mikhail: 'I had nothing to do with them.')

3. Destro

4. Motor City magnate SeanCallan 

"All taken care of, sir! No harm done!" He slowly backed away, closing his notebook. He had questioned whether he was cut out for street work, but the pounding in his heart told him this was what he was put on this Earth to do. He was meant to be an Intern. His nerves may be shot and his head hurt from trying to unravel the mysteries yet he realised that he felt...alive. He took a deep breath, exiting the streets. Maybe some further time spent watching JaVale_McGee crush competition on the basketball court would let him clear his head.

Coconut Randy, newly-appointed editor-in-chief of The Coconut Chronicle - slams the phone down and yells through the corridors of his Vegas mansion: 

"Monty! Ready the car! We leave at once!"

It is minutes before the newspaperman realizes his nephew Montague is not there. No, he is in Arkansas becoming soup. He would have to ready his own car, as if he was poor again, like the days in which he and Monty would hitch rides down lonesome Californian highways. Truckers in the dog days of their long-haul journeys would slow down and let the pair squeeze right into the cab, sharing Coca-Cola's, stories and laughs. Randy would ask, Where ya headin'? And the trucker would say something light and whimsical like, Oh not too far. He would then say, How much? And Randy would say, What? And though the rest is filed away in a police report, those were halcyon days, before Monty was whisked away under the spell of a syphilitic Eastern-European food-warlock. 

By the time he snaps back to reality, he is on site at the The Streets. His intern VIPCreditsGrin is waiting for him.

"What have we got, Grinbini? More dissapearances? Interesting. Yes, very interesting. Do we have any witnesses? Do we know what they said before the vanishings? Who dragged them away? Was it the government? Damn that public office!!! I've heard word that the harty is all mixed up into this somehow. Walk with me, new Monty.

Destro wins 40 million dollars in a competition run by an emissary of The Soviet State. Shortly after, his android Xanxus of Sumerlin short-circuits and is caught sending money to him in the public eye. Not long later, the Xanxus-bot vanishes. Destro then appears in the streets publicly flaunting a meeting with recently deceased Billy_Mastrosimone over loans and interest rates. Why does he do that? Could it be vanity? Could it be to say, I am one step ahead of you, foolish world? 

So, Destro is sitting on 40 mill - possibly now grown by anything between 100 to 1,000 percent -  without any crewleading machines (that we know of) to do his evil bidding. How does he now get funds to the remaining sleeper cells he has scattered across the country? Direct bank transfers are traceable. Enter: the harty, sitting on over 400 million dollars and rising as we speak. But how does one make sure the harty goes to an intended recipient? It is a public gambling venture, open to all. Well, what if everyone besides your intended recipient has...disappeared?

I don't know how, I don't yet know the breadth of the shady characters involved, and I don't know how high this goes, Grinbini, but I have done a lot of amphetamines this morning and I intend to find out."

Mickey is glancing over current news and not so long ago newsAll Mickey can think of is what goes in the wash comes out.

Mikhail was challenged on this takedown and is now burning in hell  

Best thing that now The Big Apple lived through the war and now soon will flourish and be fine again thanks to many of us good ones living in New York this war, we are all happy over surviving this last armageddon and will truly make sure to do our best to make The Apple great again.

Mister Wolf, I wish you all the best in rebuilding such a great city, my great uncle and namesake was taken from us in this takedown, I eagerly await the coming days for what those in charge have planned

We will, we will truly build it up and I will surely have in mind what you says about your ppor uncle, never fun to hear such but to honor jim I assure you we will make both The BIG Apple and Chicago great again.