After a decent meal in Chicago with Monet, Rusty had stopped back in to the "Ask-A-Godfather" business that Godfather Roman had set up. Hearing Roman's reply to his question, it sparked an idea in his mind to bring the question to the public as to get a wider answer base. Stepping out of the taxi he'd taken into downtown, Rusty looks around and sees a few familiar faces mulling about. Excellent, he thinks to himself, stepping up on a curb and beginning to speak.

This speech is directed towards those who are thinking about entering the life that we all lead. One of deception, skull-duggery, and cleverness. I am of course referring to this Thing of Ours. Word of advise from someone who's family has been around these shores for a bit of time now, don't get in over your head. There is only one way out once you choose the life style that we've all chosen, and that is in a wooden box. That being said, for those naive or willing enough to take the risk, wouldn't it be nice to have a heads up as to what will be needed to succeed?

Rusty looks around, smiling at a few friends of his that had shown up for the speech. Puffing his cigar, he clears his throat and continues nervously.

Recently I visited a business that Godfather Roman has set up in his home city of Chicago "Ask-A-Godfather". Quite a nice setup he has in there, if I don't say so myself. Anyhow, I got to thinking while listening to the other questions being asked, instead of asking questions to better further myself, what can I get from him that will enable those thinking of joining this Thing of Ours a heads up? I decided to ask Roman, "What characteristic or skill-set do you think is most advantageous for a life of crime? I've heard many different angles, ranging from having a close-knit group of friends to trust, having a superb Defense, shrouding yourself with BG's, loyalty, wit, being crafty with your gun... Of course, all of these have their advantages, but which do you think would MOST help someone that is joining the life of crime?"

Pausing for a moment to let the crowd mull on this question, Rusty stubs out his cigar and shares with his audience what the Godfather had to say on the subject.

After a moment or two of contemplation, Roman replied "Well Rusty, the examples you gave to me can all contribute to a long life, however it all starts at one place. Finding a family that is stable and can provide you protection is an absolute key in longevity. Too often people fall victim to the crews that "member whore" without really evaluating what the family is about. If I were looking for a family to join, I would be asking questions such as, "Where does your family stand in comparison to other families in the 8 cities?", "Does your family have any allies?", or "What are your policies on war?" Finding a crew that is intelligent and politically savvy will allow you the time to become whatever you desire."

Shuffling on his feet, the fear of being the center of attention for too long begins to set in, and Rusty finalizes his speech.

So, the same question now goes out to all of you. What skill-set or attribute do you think would most benefit the youngsters that come to our shores these days? There's a whole array of options to choose from, maybe you think it's one of the ones I mentioned to the Godfather, or maybe you agree completely with him. Or maybe between the two of us we missed an important quality that you think is even more beneficial than any of the ones previously mentioned! Please, feel free to discuss and debate this, I look forward to the answers the public can provide.

Simplicity walked up to the man before her. She didn't see much of a crowd or anyone having the guts to respond. Cocking an eyebrow she was a bit surprised that no one had made their way over or responded. Typically, she was never the first there. Shrugging it off she smiled at him and answered his question.

"Well, to be quite honest with you. I would have to agree with Roman's answer. Now I'm not being biased as some may think. I'm not just siding with him because he's my Godfather, but it's the truth."

Thinking back to when she first arrived here she had quite a few people come to her asking if she wanted a home. Yet, she wanted to look around and see what was really out there for her.

"You see, I started out working for Kimble. He didn't have to send anyone after me because I went to him. Yes, I talked to the others who had spoke to me, but he was the one I decided would be best for me. Many of you could say I chose him because my bloodline has worked with him before or perhaps because I have many friends in his family. Granted, I do, but that wasn't the only reasons. As you can see he offered good protection, he works well with everyone else and has made himself into an extremely respected Crew Leader amongst the cities."

"I can tell you my bloodline did not always follow this path. It was most likely what always led to a negative outcome for my bloodline. I was never able to reach my goals that I had set. Friends are good to have, but when you allow yourself to follow them to the ends of the Earth you end up forgetting about yourself. Trust, loyalty, and friendship are all great. Yet, if you forget about yourself in the process then you will just be living for them which will get you killed."

"From choosing a good family and a great city to work for I have been able to achieve many goals of mine that I thought almost impossible to reach. So like I said before I have to agree with Roman's answer. Without a good family you're nothing. I can only hope someone new might come along and read this!"

Nodding at those that seemed to of gathered around listening to her response she once again smiled towards Ryan. It was a silent 'thank you' for bringing this to the streets.

As Simplicity nodded and headed back into the crowd, Alabama flashed her a warm smile as their paths crossed

I too must follow in Simplicity's footsteps and agree with Roman. Much like Simplicity, when I started out in this life I had a desire to join a family that would give me stability, but also give me the chance to prove my worth and aim for my goals. However, the path I took to get where I wanted was slightly different. Having identified The_Jester's family as the one I felt would best suit me, I waited around at the dock waiting for a sponsor from the family to appear so I could approach them, surprisingly none were around. After a long spell of waiting a friend of my fathers approached and asked if I would like to seek shelter in their home, until such time as I could join the family of my choosing. I appreciated this gesture and to this day have never forgot that. I was welcomed into the HQ of a New York family despite them knowing I would only be there for a temporary basis.

It wasn't then long before I managed to get word to Chicago that I wanted to come home and was soon where I wanted to be. As with Simplicity, I think its fair to say that thus far my choice has been vindicated by my success, a lot of my goals have been met and hopefully in time the goals that remain will also be completed.

Family in this thing of ours is everything. If you don't find a family that suits your needs, often you will struggle. A family must always work together and work for one another, in time personal goals will be completed.

Well rusty I think the conversation you had with Roman and the replies you have received all ready have pretty much summed up the attributes this world craves and offers.

However in this thing of ours it simply has to be a two way system. Entering this world is a daunting task more so for the fresh off the boat, for a lack of a better term. If  I was to offer a few words it would be that, it’s not what only a crew can offer you its also what you can offer them. When the decision is made to enter this world you need to be asking your self a few questions before you go about asking other members of this world.

“What aspirations do I have?”

“How do I achieve them?”

“Are my aspirations even reachable?”

For me aspirations are a must and are the very foundation and rational of why we become who we are. Not matter if we consciously accept this or not, it sits in the back of the mind and in turn it becomes us, or for most it does.

These questions tie in nicely with Romans comments and also mine that it has to be a two way system for it to be of a continued success and indeed achieve a great sense of longevity within the walls of mafia. I mean let’s be to the point you never know if a CL is filling your head with propaganda, that information you will only find with time and experience. If you find this to be the situation then it’s always wise to refer back to your aspirations and those questions that sit deep in the back of the head and see if the crew or in fact this life at all sits in side those questions.  

So in essence another big bit of advice id offer is to be true to yourself, if a crew is not fulfilling your fantasies there are always options, there is always a way out. Ok this process must consist of the correct and honourable procedures but most CL’s will honour your decision.

Well, in my humble opinion, there are two things that will allow you to survive thse shores and progress as far as possible. The first is a very real characteristic, or ambition: to be respectful. First and foremost, to those who outrank you and bypass you in ability, it is necessary to be respectful and polite to those who are your betters. But it is not only those you must be respectful to, but also those others who are currently lower than you. You can never know when they will pass you in ability, rank, or power. So be respectful to all, and you guarantee yourself friends, and acquaintances that are less likely to turn a gun on you.

The second, very important, thing to do is to surround yourself with a family that you both trust and respect, and who trust and respect you. In times of duress, these people will be the makers and breakers of you, and if you are with a tight knit family, you can band together and have higher hopes of solving problems.

These two are really the main things that will see you alive. Other things further your chances, but do not give the same protection as friendship.