A bemused Anton looks approvingly at the busy Streets, then has his bodyguards assemble a podium for him to stand and address the waiting crowds... 

"So far, so normal: some people are killed, then someone rogues, kills a couple of high-ranking members of the ruling regime's structure, then dies, and a disgruntled son comes back with a list of grievances and allegations.

So far: so good.  With all due respect to the victims of the rogue, and whilst their loss is felt, the excitement and action felt by the rulers of this thing is invigorating.  It feels the well-oiled machine match-fit.

So, now, to the accusations.  

WHAT IS SAID

It is said that Grin-08 keeps a "purge list."  That him and his friends and allies kill people at a certain age as a matter of policy.  That people are monitored and killed as a matter of course.  That people leave this life because they are sickened by the alleged purges.

WHAT IS TRUE 

I know that the above is not true.  I know it to be false, in fact.

What is true is what Grin-08 has said.  Chicago is much like the foreign legion: your past doesn't have to define or inform your present or your future.  I command a crew of ten, half of whom are Made.  Like me, they all have a past.  Like me, they all have a home.

And, like me, they saw an opportunity and grasped it.  And, like me, their fate is determined by their conduct.  Not their age, not their lineage: their conduct.

My family journals contain historical accounts of being in, or close to, the upper structure of several regimes.  In one, the leader of said regime received intelligence that two members of a bloodline traditionally at odds with the regime leader were growing in prominence.  What happened?  Two cities were wiped out.  A pre-emptive strike?  Perhaps.  Purging?  Nobody said so at the time.  Sure, people grumbled about the take-down, but nobody alleged purgring or bloodlining.

Why didn't they?  Well, basically, because the leader in Question wasn't related to Grin-08 or Curtis.  You see, the allegations of purging aren't really allegations of purging.

Let me explain.

WHAT IS MEANT

As anyone who has been at, or close to, the top will know, getting there is exhilaratingly hard work: I'd argue equal parts luck, daring, politics, military prowess and ruthlessness.

Most people aren't cut out for it.  I know I'm not.  But some people are, and when they get to the top, they want to stay there.

Now, the people alleging purging are not cut out for getting to the top, let alone staying there.  The people alleging purging are my equivalents in other regimes: middle managers.  The beneficiaries of successful networking.  Worker bees, not leaders. 

They could, if they wanted, enjoy the same status in this life as me.  But they don't want it.

THEY DON'T WANT IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIKE THIS REGIME.

THEY ALLEGE PURGING, NOT BECAUSE IT HAPPENS, BUT BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIKE THE LEADING AND GUIDING LIGHTS OF THIS REGIME.

The people they want on top (they know they won't be leading the next regime) will act in the exact same manner as the leaders of this regime will, when this regime falls, as it will, one day.

To recap - those alleging purging could, easily, lead their own crews under the current regime.  They choose not to.  They choose to complain, and hope that someone else does something about it. 

They are captains of their own impotence. 

Softly, softly, spanking a flaccid monkey, they hope for a successful outcome.  And they get frustrated when it doesn't come.  So, slap, slap, slap, they make noise.  But nothing comes. 

And they will continue to allege and complain.  

POSTSCRIPT 

I've talked about Grin-08 more than any other leader, simply because I know him and have worked closely with him.  I have seen people being chances at leadership, having earned it, and others being removed because they earned death.  

And check this out.  Consulting my historical journals, my ancestors got to know his when a deadly rival of his was in power.  What did ancestral Grin do?  Much like he does now.  Enjoy life.  Get to know people.  Maintain his solid reputation.  Conduct himself with dignity, poise and respect and wait for his moment.  

That's what a leader does.  And that's why he commands my respect.

And that, Wood, is why you do not.  

Your name does not indicate your solidity.  You're balsa wood.  The type of wood that if thrown at an enemy, sails upwards, and then falls to the ground.  Like a pretty flower.  Useless Wood.  Stupid Wood.  Wood that floats on water but supports nothing.

Wood that is to an erection what a negative attitude and complaining is to erotica.

Son, you're a gigantic fucking loser.  

Nope, and people are in fact leaving this world due to the purging of loyal followers.  When actions and intent are meaningless, why bother?

Looks like Anton is on one of his rants... 

Bye.

Absolutely uncalled-for to attack Grins one through six like this Anton.

My dearest and simplest friend Anton , 

I'm very sorry to have upset you like this. I realise now that you could not possibly have been leveling these insults at Grin's ancestors. In my absentmindedness I forgot that your forefathers were serving time at the pleasure of city hall for swindling a small amount of money, and so would never have met the early Grins. 

It was thoughtless of me to remind you of this painful time in your bloodline's history and I hope you will accept my apologies. I sought only to defend my friend Grin-08 's storied family line. 

Tad has heard that Anton was going on and on again on a new street corner. It seemed as if the man was constantly moving to new street corners to shout about something. Although he had no interest in it and was about to be on his way he heard Anton begin to have a short back and forth with somebody after finishing his initial speech. That was when he heard it...

"My mail role on these Streets is to make dickheads look ridiculous. You have meant I can finish early." - Anton 

"Now I assume that you meant 'main' role. I know we have discussed the difficulty of 'WORDS' in the past when you brought it up though. Moving on from that...it is great to see you finally being honest with yourself! Perhaps the ghosts have finally stopped appearing to you and telling you all that nonsense about being the 'leader' of the streets." He smiled and gave Anton a good clap hoping others would join in.....they did not.

"Although, I would say that if you do still hear those words being whispered in your ears by the dead....then you should probably make sure you understand what leadership is. Specifically in regards to the streets since 'making dickheads look ridiculous' does not fall under that position." He shook his head with worry that anyone would believe that is their 'mail' role and somehow also believe they were leading the streets. 

"As for the speech you just gave. I missed most of it and honestly I don't have much care about the topic of 'purging vs not purging'. It gets a bit boring to hear the same things said back and forth in a giant argumentative circle. Well, that is all. I bid you a good day and hope the ghosts have truly departed from your mind."

TadKnackered - what kind of sadsack turns up to a speech and then claims not to listen to it? 

Like, how much have I upset you?  You literally follow me around, listen to what I say, then claim you didn't listen, and that you care so little, that you simply must comment.

Son, have some self respect.

Anton, do you always finish early as a mail role?

Tad was confused by all his incorrect statements and odd inquiries...

"Upset me? Far from the truth. I am a Doctor that is concerned for a man who sees and hears dead people. You are the one who has consistently sent me letters in an upset tone. Why, not that long ago you were mailing me telling me that I was a 'dickhead' due to my mere presence on the streets." He was wondering if Anton also suffered from paranoia.

"I clearly listened to the part where you admitted your actual main role here on the streets which was not to lead them. Then I told you that I did not listen to anything you had to say before. Is that more understandable for you? I know you struggle with words so perhaps you are struggling a bit more than usual today." 

@TadKackered, oh, you decided to listen?  Good.

Son, I don't struggle with words, particularly not yours.  You're simply a parasitical insect, feeding on the fame and good name of a superior being.

I don't blame you, son, I'd want a piece of my action if I was you.  But, thankfully, I'm not you.

You're you.  And I'm me.  Anton.  Leader of the Streets.  Leader of the second biggest crew in the most important district of one of the most important cities in this thing.

Tad chuckled at how quickly Anton became upset and began to use name calling, the tool of children to go after him...

"A superior being? Oh no....are you suffering from some sort of god complex now as well? I am glad that you are at least able to differentiate between who we both are though. It is a step....in the right direction? Perhaps." He jotted down a few notes on his pad.

"A 'parasitical insect'? Good to know that somebody of such importance knows how to carry himself while conversing with others in leadership. I'm sure everyone is so in awe of that crew of yours with how big and special it is." 

"My mail role on these Streets is to make dickheads look ridiculous. You have meant I can finish early." - Anton

"Quite interesting that you continue on with this false idea of 'leading' the streets when you yourself have already admitted to your main role being 'to make dickheads look ridiculous'. That is your role. 'He who makes dickheads look ridiculous'. Which you do only once in a blue moon it would seem. Should think about changing your main role to something you can do more often."

TadKnackered

That is your role. 'He who makes dickheads look ridiculous'. Which you do only once in a blue moon it would seem. Should think about changing your main role to something you can do more often.

Son, I'm doing it right now.  You aren't so much into the business of purging as into the business of Plankton.  

You don't impress me much.  

Gael, I'm quite certain you've taken leave of your senses. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you the chance to apologise for your grossly misjudged comments.  

"Another delusion, Anton? Quite sad that you suffer from many of them apparently. You've done nothing in this conversation besides make yourself look upset in front of the masses as you threw around names like a child. You re-shared a quote of what I said....yet missed the point entirely. You rarely do it and in this case you are still not doing it." He shook his head thinking of how the ghosts must be whispering in his ear again.

"Who ever said that I was 'in the business of purging'? The plankton business? Is that what you do with all the free time you have when you're unable to make dickheads look ridiculous? I'm not sure why else such a niche business would be the first to come to mind for you. Also...who ever said that I cared if I impressed you? Your opinion of me means absolutely nothing. Especially with how you carry yourself in conversations with others who hold rank in this world....and I do not just mean myself. Your ancestors acted in a very similar manner as well it would seem, from what people tell me and what I hear on the street corners." He yawned as the conversation began to bore him with how easily Anton had become upset rather than continuing on with any sort of real debate or discussion.

"I fear I've kept you too long from your very large crew though and I'll let you go on to most likely argue with others and throw childish insults their way. Good day sir."

It's okay Curtis.. The softie in me forgives Gael. Perhaps they you can bring forth some tips for me that will aid me and Tetley since we are so useless.

I'm fully aware of Anton and his antagonistic tactics and it may take my squishy mind a little time to process how I feel at my Right Hand being lablled a "parasitical insect".  Might I suggest shouting it a bit louder Anton?

I feel though, that the Dr can hold his own without the need for me to start crying at every opportunity which I see is lacking in others.

Consigiliere Gimpanzee,

Unfortunately, and I believe that it is a bloodline grudge, TadKnackered takes a lot of time and effort to interject into my speeches.  He is rarely respectful and arrives armed with an agenda.

I should ignore him.  But he, like I, seem to enjoy the showmanship of Streets jousting.  I would never complain about his antics, though they are annoying.

However, I am old school, and if you would like me to desist for responding to him, I will of course comply.

With respect,

Anton, Leader of The Streets. 

"I would find those to be very charged accusations Anton, if it were not for the fact that I do not care what your opinion is of me. I've never known or interacted with your bloodline. The same goes for my ancestors. As far as it is concerned, you are a stranger to me who I have only seen as you put it.....attempting to 'make dickheads look ridiculous' on the streets. Although I would say that many times those people were not dickheads and just people you disagreed with." He sighed.

"I do believe that my crew leader was quite clear in his statement. He is not looking to cry about any of your antics and leaves me to handle conversations myself. You state that I rarely come with respect. I'd love for you to find any instance in which I was more disrespectful than "you're a dickhead, son." or "parasitical insect". All I have done is discuss your consistent statements of being 'leader' of the streets along with a few other topics that have been actively discussed." He paused for a moment thinking about the man's statement as a whole.

"The only factual thing that you pointed out is that I have interjected into your speeches before. On other occasions I interjected as you attempted to derail other conversations or competitions. It does not take much effort to get involved in a conversation though. Not sure how you can think of leading the streets if you think this has taken effort...."

"Armed with an agenda? What would that be? To discuss what the facts truly are? That does not seem like an terrible agenda to me. If anything it seems like one of the main purposes that the streets serve." Tad shrugged.