I’d been waiting to see my name in the obituary list from the very first moment I contacted New York, I was quite surprised I lasted as long as I did, by the second day naively I almost believed my anonymity would remain seeing as I’d received multiple assurances from my confidents. I’d began to think I’d actually get another opportunity to achieve some conclusion to my personal vendetta against Chicago and its affiliates, alas the truth always reveals itself given enough time, this is something I never should have doubted.

Having sat in the realms of Chicago for a period without much in the way of achievement, looking at different routes I could choose, making acquaintances that may benefit me in the future, checking to see if I could find a breach, anything that I could build on would suffice, just something for me to infect would be as good a way to put it as I can imagine. That was the basis of this grand scheme, one in a long line of embarrassing schemes that had materialized and collapsed, only this one would be done from within, I’d realised some time ago that the best way to do as much damage as possible would be from the inside, now I just needed an opportunity.

It came unexpectedly in the way of an old friend, AlabamaWorley, who’d just received conformation that the opportunity had arisen to set up in Chicago having tirelessly looked after the affairs of The Jester. Imagine my surprise when I was offered the opportunity to help support and become part of the hierarchy of a new family in Chicago, I had to stifle my enthusiasm, to the point that I protested, humbly declined and then eventually accepted, as if I was doing the favour, brilliant, access had arrived.

So there I was sitting in the Chicago hit room, I couldn’t even speak, I thought my words would instantly give me away, my allegiance would become transparent and that would be that, goodnight and goodbye. Only it didn’t quite work out that way, I kept up my pretences, paid my tributes and waited, waited and waited. It was a nightmare, exchanging pleasantries on a daily basis with people I considered to be stealing my oxygen, I couldn’t always keep it up, sometimes my discipline would desert me and the venom would come forth, it raised a few eyebrows no doubt and when I openly questioned the Los Angeles debacle I thought again that was it, playing the devil’s advocate was too difficult, something would have to give, it was becoming too obvious my belief in my own subterfuge was outweighing my actual talent.

One thing never wavered, Alabama’s trust was all encompassing, the belief in my ability wasn’t a commodity that could be traded or shaken by a few questionable actions, the faith had always been rewarded, never in all my time had I chosen to betray a friendship that spanned generations of a bloodline, it was one taboo which even I had the good sense to refrain from breaking. However desperate times call for desperate measures, I felt I was beginning to coast and any window of opportunity was dissipating. Things can change extremely quickly in this world though, when dealing with humans, even those of a subterranean disposition, through other’s actions opportunity can present itself in the most unexpected ways, I happened on the end of a conversation regarding the removal of New York, my mind raced, piecing things together, seeking confirmation that this wasn’t a mirage and was in fact the opportunity I’d been waiting for.

I didn’t particularly care for New York, it had long been out manoeuvred and outclassed by it’s counterpart, while one city was playing chess the other was frozen, indecisive until the final moments, in hindsight it was dead before I even made the approach, subconsciously I may have known this but beggars can’t be choosers and although they didn’t have the leadership when it mattered, they had serious armouries and protection which I hoped to manipulate into at least benefiting me before it finally fell. Unfortunately what I alluded to only moments ago still proved true, the leadership couldn’t even use my information and materialize it into an effective counter strike, I remember a time when forewarned meant forearmed, you morons.

The rest as they say is history, what’s done is done, I dug my own grave. I’d told my conscience that if I achieved my dreams that it’d all be worth it, my dear friends would be dead but I’d call it collateral damage and somehow deal with it, only things don’t always go to plan, in this case I gambled and lost it all, from this there is no redemption and only now am I becoming to realise it, I just hope that my damage isn’t all consuming and Alabama’s blood isn’t on my father’s hands as I fear it may well be for all the wrong reasons.

I don’t know what’s next for me, I’m in need of some serious introspection, you ought to just hope that I don’t do it while I’m in your family. 

Yours truly,

The rat that is Dash.

Wow. A speech truly as worthless as the man who delivered it. How could a man so pathetically obsessed think that honorable leaders like those in New York would believe him when he went to them? Any leader would consider the source before jumping to war and when the source isn't worth consideration? Well you have an attempt to betray as feeble as the one laid out here.

Never heard of you.

I remember when Dash became a hand in the city of Chicago and I couldn't help but react to it. I remember talking to Godfather Roman about it, expressing my discontent about the situation. It was well known to us that your bloodline could not be trusted.

Yet, contrary to most people's beliefs that Chicago constantly bloodline hunts everyone, Dash was given the chance to redeem his reputation, working alongside Alabama. It was mostly for Alabama that Dash was given a chance. I hate to say, because we never advocate stifling anyone unnecessarily here, but I wish Dash had never received that chance.

We have seen a few times that people are capable of changing their reputations, but it is people like you, that ruin it for everyone else. You couldn't look past your petty little grudge towards Chicago, even in order to help the guy that was willing to give a true opportunity. If you can't let go of this bitter dislike towards Chicago and the things that you believe have happened to you in the past, why should we let go? I don't think we should anymore.

I wouldn't go hunting you to kill you all the time, however if I was a city leader, I wouldn't want you in my city. I would make sure that everyone around you knew what kind of person you are. If you were capable of betraying your bestie, imagine someone you barely know? What would you be prepared to do to them?

That saddest part of this was that it was all for what? We had some losses, lost some good people, but we still stand and we stand strong. It will take a lot more then a shitty rat to end what we have built.

Aquila just for the record, your blood line will be forever banned from my city. If any of your chrildren decide to come back to our life of crime, they will be banned as well.

We lost good people for some pitty non sense called you.

Peice of shit.

It is hard to understand what you attempted to achieve by drawing attention to what you did. You've taken a huge shit, rubbed it all over yourself and then stood beneath an enormous spotlight. Your sins are about as grave as those you can commit within MafiaReturns. You not only betrayed your crewleader, you betrayed your crewleader after she rewarded you with a position of trust and responsibility. You betrayed her to a foreign city, as a Boss of Chicago. Inexcusable.

I have to ask myself, how much longer we can fall behind the shield of 'bloodline hunting is wrong'. If some piece of shit like Dash can't forget old grudges and acts exactly like his ancestor did, why do we make a distinction? He speaks the same, he feels the same, and he acts the same. Perhaps we should treat him the same. Perhaps he should continue to feel the repercussions of harbouring grudges from father to son.

I don't see how anyone could tolerate you now. Who would want you? Not only are you prepared to toss away lifelong friendships to attempt to settle your petty scores against Chicago, you couldn't even deliver. You fucked a true friend and couldn't even convince those you sought out that you had the goods. I'd be embarrassed. I wouldn't discuss this in public, I'd want it buried. I'd be ashamed of myself and if I didn't have the morals for that, I'd be fucking horrified at what a terrible failure I was. I can't see what you could possibly offer any family.

The bottom line from all this is something that seems to have been lost. Chicago is a strong city and a few loose bricks aren't going to bring it down, when the members are prepared to fight and die defending it. Our allies are prepared to fight and die beside us. I don't see the point in marinating in this hatred, clearly it isn't getting our enemies anywhere.

It is wearisome that people are prepared to go to such lengths to attempt to bring Chicago down, despite the complete lack of success they have; for the moment seemingly inevitable. Whilst those bitter individuals attempt to worm their way back into our foundations, the rest of us will continue to concern ourselves with our families and our business. That is what we do here. We don't dwell on the past, we identify what needs to be done, and then we fucking get on with it.

~C~

Simplicity couldn't help, but over hear a man speaking. He seemed mighty proud of being a traitor to a city. Raising her eyebrow she walked towards the speaker and listened. It wasn't long till Simplicity's smirk was shining on her face. She waited for him to finish and others to respond before she spoke.

"It down right amuses me that you would come to the streets and tell us this. If you were smart at all you would of kept this to yourself. Why? So you could attempt to penetrate another family or city. Yet, here you are making a huge fool of yourself. What do you think you'll accomplish from this? Oh, hey guys, look what I did to Chicago. They are such fools! Ahahahaha!"

Shaking her head she laughed at her comment. Then staring at him straight in the eyes she continued.

"Yes, you hurt Chicago so bad. So bad that we're crumbling from the inside. Oh please help us! Don't make me laugh!"

"What did you expect? Friends trust people, that is a given. You did nothing special there. You got into the hit squad room, oh shit son...you got a decent gun and you can get into any city's hit squad room. Congratulations on that achievement, kiddo. You did nothing great. You did nothing amazing. You did nothing besides screwing yourself royally. Good job there!"

"What you can expect is for every city to remember this. You will be just another man earning some petty cash for your boss and going no where. Being a nobody. Sounds like a good life right? Damn straight because that is all you'll be seeing."

"You want to be remembered? Well, you can't do that now, but if you could this is how you do it...work hard for your family, offer your assitance in any way you can, speak up for your city, put yourself on the line for your city, earn money for your city (and lots of it), be a friend to those around you, respect those around you, not just your city, but others, and most of all, trust. That is what we believe in here in Chicago and that is why you were able to earn it. Don't worry about that though. You won't be seeing any of it for a long time if ever. Good luck because you will need it if you ever wish to survive around here anymore."

Simplicity turned around, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and then walked off with the rest.

Many times, many times I have laughed,snickered and mocked to an extent, people that are surprised by events here on our shores.

Now I need to take a look in the mirror

What you did was so incomprehensible it's hard to even comment on anymore, though again it must be reiterated that Chicago stands strong, and will do so for a long long time. A little rat wont bring this great city down.

I see this speech a tad differntly to most, I see it as a selfish need to release a burden from your shoulders, this has played on your mind for some time and finally,in your eyes, you are releasing that burden.

This isn't to help Alabama at all

It will be far too soon, if our paths never crossed agin.

Jessica listens to theses words with mouth agape, not quite believing what she is hearing and feels compelled to open her mouth in the streets.

What you have done can never be forgiven and to abuse Alabama's trust as well as the late Clarence and indeed my own will not be forgotten. Ensure your kin never contacts any of us. You are forever dead to us.

Jessica shakes her head once more and rushes off to the store for carrots.

Brutus applauds Aquila's brave speech.

What a beautiful speech Aquila. When we crafted your plan and kept in close contact, my respect for you grew to such great heights. May you forever be remembered as a hero. You have my utmost respect, and I'm sure when we work together to bring down Roman you will be just as heroic. 

Bismarck I can only concur with your statement, you’ll find no disagreement here, just as I’ll find no love on your boat, perhaps my obsessive and desperate nature did serve to blind me to my own untrustworthy status to New York, at the time it wasn’t something I had the luxury to consider, I had to go with my instincts which I think we can both agree aren’t something to celebrate. The channels used were the most direct if not the most familiar, it was a balancing act I suppose and another mistake, had I gone the route of the competent and vastly experienced city HSL or Under boss things may have transpired differently. Something I will say though is information was verified, I’m led to believe it came from multiple sources though I have no way of proving any truth in this, nor do I wish to.

Katarina your discontent proved to be well founded along with that of numerous others, I imagine that doesn’t give you much satisfaction though all the same. In regards to Chicago bloodline hunting to the point of saying it doesn’t occur constantly isn’t very fair, I was never of the opinion that it was some despotic hellhole were the same bloodlines bore the punishment of death continuously but that doesn’t mean there aren’t occurrences, similarly I believe there are fates worse than death, such as what you touched upon in regards to not giving opportunity in the first place, I think this is much more of a common theme, people being phased out or finding many doors closed, I believe that to be the more common form of bloodline hunting. Either way I’m accepting of what happens next, I’m not naïve enough to think I have much of a future without having to go the path of complete anonymity, if you hunt I will seek to evade.

As for what I did to my “bestie“, it’s the lowest of the low, I know that, I didn’t know I was capable of doing it though until it actually happened, it’s one of those scenarios you don’t give much real thought to and just because I’ve now done it doesn’t mean I’ve developed a taste for it, if anything my almost complete failure to use it to my advantage demonstrates its lack of validity. A hard lesson to learn admittedly.

Premeir, I’d expect nothing less from you, I will take heed from your words though, if your city does become a future abode you’ll have absolutely no idea that it is the case, much like everything else really. I’ll be honest and say you’re one of the people I hoped to see fall, that’s not a surprising statement I know, disliking you is almost the popular choice but I will say this, your own vast idiocy helps motivate mine. When Sho’s shot was a confirmed miss my heart sank, though I suppose with the protection buffer between the both of you being laughably near on a thousand I shouldn’t have pondered anything else.

Chuckle, I understand it’s difficult to appreciate why I’d come out in a public forum to air such dirty laundry, it was an unnecessary act and one with little benefit to my own future. The easiest route would have been to slip away relatively quiet with only a handful of individuals knowing of my deviance, only I think it’s obvious by now that I do not take the easiest of paths. This is my penance, I am indeed embarrassed, thoroughly shamed and any other superlatives that can be mustered and rightly so, I’m deserving of this cringe worthy spectacle I’ve brought before you. I’m here to take full responsibility and hopefully appease some of the hurt I’ve caused in certain quarters and maybe it is to simply admonish those who’ve considered making the same choices and similar mistakes.

Simplicity if I was in any way, shape of form smart I wouldn’t have taken this role in the first place, so it’s a little late to be considering what a public relations disaster I’ve opened up for myself don’t you think? I seem to have come across in my earlier speech as if I were gloating or proud of the information I’ve related, this just isn’t the case and couldn’t be further from the truth, more so I was trying to convey and explain with a sense of realism what I’d done and in the context that I’d done it, certainly nothing to boast about.

I think it’s probably a damning verdict and something I should really consider when the likes of Brutus attempt to latch on to my cause, I don’t think at this point, it’d be possible to sink much further without the cement shoes I’m destined for. For what it’s worth I acted alone, probably because it’s the only way to go when you see what there is to work with when it comes to treachery, many idiots. I don’t have the benefits of trusting others and now I have to forge a path without the benefit of trust from others, this is the price that I must pay, I wonder, could you?

Well whatever it is, a rotten apple like dash,, ain't gonna do shit to Chicago. Well, It's because of Roman, whatever obstacles that comes into the city's way will be overcomed . a clear proof of this would be the war. Despite the leak, Chicago did not let that stop us and we fought our hardest and under the guidance of Roman, we won. So a little rat like you may cause some harm, but the amount will never be  enough to cause any devastating results.

Such happy memories