After a recent bout of philanthropy, Curtis had spent a couple of enjoyable days pleasantly drunk and generally seeing the good in things. Waking sober on a fine summer morning, he was struck by the desire to see this feeling extended further. He took a short walk and grabbed a coffee from a favourite local bakery, before wandering into the streets to meet the early birds.

"Good morning,

Given recent events and occasionally baseless voices of skepticism, I've decided to present the community with a unique opportunity."

He had a warm sip of his cappuccino while the naturally optimistic and open-minded murmurs rippled round the crowd. 

"Aside from adopting Grin-08's initiative for 5 man crews to any, and the free start-up on night-shift crews of the same nature, I am offering one lucky individual a full fledged position under me in Pioneer Square. What does this really mean? I hear you ask. Well, I'll tell you. 

The person selected will be given full auth under me in Pioneer Square. That's a full 30 occupancy HQ. My total support. My protection and my tutelage. This auth will be given every opportunity and afforded all the breaks a mobster can get, in an effort to see them blossom into a Captain I and my city can be proud of."

As expected, a round of enthusiastic and completely cynicism-free murmurs did the rounds in the crowd. Enthusiasm was almost boundless as the gathering waited to hear the requirements for this magnificent opportunity.

"And what are the requirements for this magnificent opportunity I hear you ask. Well, it's very simple. I'd like anyone who wishes to become a full fledged and completely supported crew leader, under me, in my very own district, to simply come forward and present their case.

You can be a brand new arrival from the old country, fresh through Ellis Island, or you can be the child of an ancient lineage. I don't mind. I am happy to deliver step by step tutelage for anyone new.

I will expect any candidate to have a willingness to develop all aspects of their character. I will harbour no shrinking violets here. You must be bold enough, willing to develop a street presence and ready to learn the other skills and diplomacy that go to becoming an effective leader. I stress, I do not expect the candidate to have all facets of themselves complete upon entry. Every skill can be honed over time. I will happily provide support and guidance in everything we do. But you must show some spark. At the very least, the initiative and gumption to get up here and present your case for this golden opportunity."

He had another large swig of his hot drink and looked at the chin-rubbing observers.

"I'll be here to listen to any and all who wish to state their case."

One of Curtis' bodyguards made his way through the crowd with a chair from the coffee shop and set it down. The Big Bald C sat down on it and began to peruse a paper that had also been delivered. 

This sounds like a great opportunity, but how many days until someone is chosen? Could someone who has been in this life of ours for only three days be given the shot as well or will people like myself be left in the dust for those of proper age who have proven seniority?

I believe someone new like myself coming out here already proves that I should be looked into, but I understand if that won't be the case for this. Just would like some clarification.

“Good points you raise Schedar.

I’m happy to wait for someone to age if they prove themselves as the strongest candidate.

I will not put a deadline on this. Ideally I’d like to see the new crew up in less than ten days. I will allow longer if necessary.”

So you're saying there is a chance? I consider myself quite the risk taker, and others would consider me of the adventurous sort. I'm a pisces but I don't let that define me and I've had much of my family line call themselves mafioso, so I guess what I am trying to say without much fanfare...

Taking off his hat, he throws it to the floor. Expecting a bit of a rush from those all around, it was a bit of a dull moment but nothing that couldn't be rectified by complete obliviousness.

...that I throw my hat into the ring.

Is there anything you'd require of me? Any questions? Skills or feats of strength that need to be done? It takes a fearless man to be the first to jump into the unknown and I hope that it shines through into your decision.

For Bleach it had been a long night, not drinking with his friends as he'd envisaged, but making sure a shipment had reached it's destination without hassle.  Now on his way back to his apartment, he'd overheard the speech by Curtis.

"I, for one, find this to be a very interesting opportunity for someone to rise from the masses.  Too much has been said negatively recently about several of the current crewleaders and Godfathers, yet this is another initiative being offered to those who possibly feel overlooked when the naming of new outfits takes place.  It follows on well from Grin-08's 5-man crew program, and to me shows that we have people in charge who are willing to try something different.

"Of course, I fully expect there to be a minority who will be looking at this suspiciously, but as my papa used to say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"...although perhaps Curtis is in the right place at the right time to attempt to do just that?

"I just want to wish the successful candidate the best of fortunes."

I agree with Bleach this is a great initiative and should give the new members of our world something to work towards.

Kudos Curtis

however I regretfullyu announce my decision not to put my name forward as, well, i'm far too fucking lazy.

good luck all

although I have to say the title reminds me of a dodgy ad..........

Skorpeon walks onto the streets and listens to Curtis make his speech. He nodded and smiled as he liked the idea that Curtis was bringing to light.

"I applaud you Don Curtis. You are out here giving new chances out there to new mobsters to show what they can do!" he said. "Good man!"

While I personally would have no need for such an apprenticeship (my own ancestors having already studied the art of leadership under the tutelage of great crimelords such as LudariusCane and Shannon-Whelan) I would definitely recommend that someone with serious intentions take advantage of this opportunity.  Emphasis on the word serious.  Curtis is a man about his business.  He does not suffer fools, and while his style may come off as abrasive to some of the more sensitive mobsters out there (aka all of you), he is one of the last remaining true Bosses of our era.  Anyone can reach the rank of 'Boss', can claim the mantel of 'crewleader', but there's very few Bosses left in this world.  Boss is a term I don't toss around lightly.  Curtis fits the mold.  There's a lot about how to be a mobster and a true Boss/Leader in This Thing of Ours that can be learned from this man if you have the stomach for it.  I hope to see somebody worthy step up to the plate. 

Don Curtis,

  I would also like to throw my hat into the ring of potential candidates.  The opportunity you have presented has struck so many cords and it was as if you had tailored the offer directly in my direction.  While I'm comfortable talking in the Streets and have been participating in contests as of lately, there are absolutely areas of my experience in dire need of the mentoring you describe.  I'm an extremely loyal person, having never turned my back on a leader and stayed the course always until the bitter end and would not even consider requesting consideration without first obtaining my CL's absolutely permission and support.  The excitement that comes with such a tremendous opportunity invigorated me into stepping out in front of the crowd and simply state "Hey, Look at me!".

  Regardless of the outcome, it is truly impressive the you providing this selfless opportunity to one lucky individual and may their opportunity flourish into something as equally impressive as your leadership in Seattle has been.

Thanks for your consideration,

Columbo

Curtis returned to the streets to make the MASSIVELY anticipated announcement. As expected, people could barely be held back as they desperately clamored for answers. After making his way past the applicants and the bystander who had the expression of a man caught in a private thought, Curtis turned to face the gathering. 

"I'm very happy to come here tonight and announce the applicant that will be given the opportunity of full auth under my command, in Pioneer Square, in our beautiful city of Seattle. This will come will all the benefits one could wish for and even leave you able to call Rangnarok, your pal. 

I've never been one for drama so I'll simply say Schedar has won."

Few squeals of excitement from the gathering and one distinct 'Fucking hell'.

"It needs to be stated that Columbo put forward a fine case for his selection but I feel he will be a much better asset to New York than he would sitting under me. Likewise Wheeler's application was stellar but he is already well on the way to becoming a natural leader in our Waterfront district. I'd like to than these gentlemen for having the balls and tenacity required to get up and take that chance. Rest assured I will do what I can to help you both on your way."

He turned to Schedar.

"And as for you! You will need to come and see me in my offices in Pioneer Square, there we shall discuss the first of many things and see whether you become an asset or an asshole."

He smiled and clapped the young Wise Guy on the shoulder.  

Thirty-three percent. That was the odds give or take of him winning in a three man race if all things were equal, but Schedar knew deep down inside that long odds were well worth going after if you believe it to be a just cause and what is more just than that of running your own operation in any of the most powerful cities in this world?

Hearing that Monday would be the day of reckoning-- he made sure that he would make it to the front of the line waiting for Curtis to say who he had chosen to win the competition of sorts. Sleeping it off a bit, he woke up to see Selena congratulating the winner and heard his name being the one mentioned.

I.. it was me? I missed it?

Smiling and pretending he had all of the confidence in the world that it was going to be him. He patted himself proudly on the back and walked over towards Wheeler and Columbo who both had given him quite the scare with their own applications.

It was a tight race, but I guess my constant sitting outside of Curtis' house and staring at him was really that driving force that sent me over the edge. Good luck to both of you on your upcoming adventures.

With that, he ran towards the city of Seattle. There was a lot of planning to be done today.

Smeagol slowly crawled out to where he heard people talking and looked around from his hidey hole.  Whispering under his breath he said "HAHAHAH these dummies have chosen my precious... Hmmm, if they insist."

Smeagol stands and screams quickly "Congrats Schedar!" and crawls back away to his shadow.
 

Columbo watched as Schedar came running over.  From the giant grin on his face and the excitement in his eyes, there was no doubt he had received the authorization that Curtis had offered to one lucky individual.  While a little envious of the boon that @Shedar had just received, he wanted to take the high road and be happy for the newest crew leader in Seattle.

Grabbing @Shedar's hand in a firm grip, Columbo was a little surprised when the new crew leader stepped in and hugged him.  They had hardly known each other, but obviously he was overcome with excitement, so the hug was returned.

As quick as it all happened, @Shedar raced off to a car and with one final wave, headed off into the sunset and hopefully a long tenure in Seattle.

As Columbo turned, he instinctively placed his hand on his right hip, then lowered his head.  "That asshole just stole my wallet!"

This is a great opportunity for someone, not many of the older bloodlines actually set out to teach those of us newer to the shores.  That said this is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is not Made and has not already taken an oath or laid down intent to be loyal with a family.  Or even  for a person already within the grand city of Seattle. 

Once you take that oath you are part of that family till death, not till a better opportunity arises. You are loyal to your oath, not the people you gave it to. If you are truly loyal to your word ( the oath), this makes you loyal to the family you took it with as you took the oath ( gave your word) with them. You are only as good your bond and your bond is only as good as your word. If your word is only good for opportunity and not  the ideology of what loyalty is,  how loyal are you really.

I think this is a great opportunity for people to try and make a name for themselves in this thing of ours etc etc. Thank you for opening up a city where I'm hoping to see many new leaders try and take the reigns as first time crew leaders and really stand out etc etc. I myself the great SpikesKegel may even one day take you up on that offer if I'm feeling froggy enough etc etc. 

Welcome back to being a leader Shedar.