Bollix shares a laugh with StripheGotti as they walk up from the basement of the boss's 15,000 square foot palace.

All meetings with StripheGotti took place in the basement or in backyard. It's the only place the boss could be sure there was nobody listening in on the conversation. Bollix didn't see this day coming. He'd made it quite clear to his boss when first becoming an associate: becoming a made member of a family was something of significance. Bollix was firm believer in the idea that having the distinction of being a made man was something that had to be earned. An associate's past should have no bearing on his or her future with a family. So long as loyalty is shown and hard work is completed, there should nothing to stop someone from moving up the ranks.

It came as a bit of a surprise to Bollix when his boss called him over to this home. He had only been there on few occasions--running errands or making deliveries. However, it became abundantly clear that something was different this time when sinslikeskeletons__ showed up to pick him up at his home. Generally, when a boss's hand shows up to speak to you directly, there's usually either good news, or bad news--nothing in between. Bollix could only thing of his screw ups as an associate when sinslikeskeletons__ honked outside the front door.

The drive felt like an eternity. Bollix knew the road to the boss's home well. Or at least he thought he did. He didn't recall every bump he felt this time. He noticed every road sign this time. This drive was most definitely different. The boss's spouse greeted them at the front door. Bollix and sinslikeskeletons__ were directed to the basement, "StripheGotti and Faye are waiting for you downstairs. Let me know if you boys need anything." Bollix swallowed the lump in his throat and proceeded down the steps.

There they stood. StripheGotti, Faye, sinslikeskeletons__, and the other made members of the The Gotti Empire, stood around a small table lit with a single candle and accompanied by a card with a saint on it.

StripheGotti read the oath to Bollix.

Just like that it was over. Bollix, with a freshly pricked finger and some slight burns in his palms, was a made man of The Gotti Empire.

After pouring a double shot for Bollix, it was Sin's turn for promotion to Made. She held out her trigger finger letting @StripheGottti slice a knife into her finger tip, whilst swearing into the beloved family she had, as if for military service. 

It was almost a dejavu moment, as she was a third generation gangster. Finally, she thought, exhaling all the air she was holding in. 

She slapped Bollix on the back in a congratulatory manner. She couldn't imagine getting promoted in front of a group of such fine people she trusted so much. Thank you all, I can't wait to see what the Gotti Empire does next. 

Grins and raises his glass as he winks. 

You've worked your ass off to get here. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, I've seen it as has everyone else here. You deserve that pin. Congratulations

Bollix struggles to pour himself a drink. It's been a rough few days starting off his new journey as a made member of this life of ours.

"Salud, my companions," Bollix throws back a double shot of bootleg scotch to drown the stress.

Bollix's first few days as a made man has been particularly rough. More specifically, having to deal with the embarrassment of organizing crimes amongst his former associate and now fellow members of his family and the members of other Las Vegas families--just to fail everyone.

Lucky, he's been able to succeed here and there, leading successful art heists with Mokus and StripheGotti. While most of his jobs have been complete and utter failures, he still hasn't looked like a fool in front of some of the heads of the city--yet.

Bollix, remembering what he did wrong and how to do it right next time, pours another double, and throws it back--hoping to forget.

As StripheGotti sat down in a plush leather chair, he checked his watch for the time as he took a drink of liquor from a glass. His watch glistened in the light as he set the glass down and picked up a cigar as he listened to Bollix reenacted his organized crimes, laughing a bit as he remembered a few of the failures and when they had to get the hell out of there because the law was comin

Ahh my friend Bollix, we all will have our good days and bad days in this business but at the end of the day we have family. We live in a world where you can pave your own path and the sky is the limit when you stick to your principles. 

Striphe stood up and walked over shaking hands with BigDaddy182 and giving a nudge on the shoulder to sinslikeskeletons__ as he offered them both one of his fine cigars

We are trying to build something here and it is never easy, I mean we grab homeless people off the streets, bring them into the life of crime and we have to learn to trust each other somehow and some of them have a rap sheet a mile long. All while battling enemies who hide and plot in the shadows. I am proud to share these cigars with you all, and this life of crime which we signed up knowing there is only one way out.