In a dimly lit corner of the local speakeasy, Nicola has been deep in thought for some time. Despite the fact that there was not a wrinkle on her face, a faint crease between her eyebrows had appeared as she considered whatever it was that had been on her mind, staring at the glass before her in deep deliberation. Finally, she looks up, a small smile playing across her face. Since there is nothing she enjoys more than a healthy discussion, her smile had been the signal of her decision to stand before her fellow mobsters and ask them to answer her question, in the best way they could. Swiftly draining the remainder of the whiskey in front of her, she stands, and begins to address those around her.

Friends, fellow mafiosi, yet again I approach you with a question intended to bring our opinions, differences and debates out into the open.

What is it that keeps so many of our children continuing with the life of crime lived by their fathers, mothers, grandparents? Is it from reading the journals they once wrote, and wishing to experience the same thrills they did from activities not strictly adherent to the letter of the law? Is it from pressures to follow in their footsteps, to continue family traditions which span generations? Or is the choice to partake in a life of crime entirely one of your own making? And if so, what is it that makes you continue on in our world? Is it the rush of ending the life of a person who has offended you? The joy of torching down a business, or performing a truck heist? The quick profits that can be made from a well executed drug trade?

On a personal level, it is a question I can answer very easily; my family is my favourite thing about our way of life. Knowing that even as just one small part of the organism that is a family, I can help my brothers and sisters whenever possible, is what brings me satisfaction as a mobster. Everything I do here adds up to that.

From bringing the Pickpocketing conundrum back into our streets, I understand how diverse and interesting the opinions and preferences can be, from one mobster to another, and I ask you, please, to share your thoughts on the matter.

Nicola smiles, and sits back down in her corner, waiting to hear the thoughts of those around her.

I agree with what you have said there, there are many different reasons why peoples children return, one thing you haven't mentioned though is vengeance. Someone kills your Mum/Dad then lets face it, you're going to be pissed and want to end the person who killed your parent.

For me though, like you, it is the family that I had met as a young boy during poker games between my father and his associates that brought me to this way of life. The money they had, the clothes they wore, the cigars they smoked, the whiskey they drank, the respect they had from people as they walked down the street. How could anybody NOT want a life like that?

Then when my father passed in one of Vegas' many wars at the time, his good friend Animal(GRHS) approached me at the funeral and offered me a home, a job, an opportunity to be just like him and my father so I jumped at it. Now I wouldn't dream of looking back. I have made some of the greatest friends a guy could dream of and I am happier than I have ever been. I already know my son is destined to follow me here, should see his eyes light up when its my turn to host the poker night, its just like looking at myself 30 years ago

What is it that keeps so many of our children continuing with the life of crime lived by their fathers, mothers, grandparents? Is it from reading the journals they once wrote, and wishing to experience the same thrills they did from activities not strictly adherent to the letter of the law? Is it from pressures to follow in their footsteps, to continue family traditions which span generations? Or is the choice to partake in a life of crime entirely one of your own making? And if so, what is it that makes you continue on in our world? Is it the rush of ending the life of a person who has offended you? The joy of torching down a business, or performing a truck heist? The quick profits that can be made from a well executed drug trade?

Fozzie finishes the fine Cuban cigar he was smoking before addressing the question Nicola so eloquently posed.

You know, for me it was actually none of the above. One word really, Family. Sure, I love the life I lead, the rush of all the criminal activities I partake in each day is something a normal civilian life could never replicate, but much much more than that, the family and friends I have in this life are exactly what made me follow my fathers footsteps.

I grew to respect and admire those around him when he was part of this thing of ours, when he died I knew I had no choice but to follow in his footsteps if I wanted to continue to be around those same people. Everyone talks about the riches this life brings, I care very little for money, having a family that you can depend on is priceless to me and I already know that just like WankBack's kid, mine will follow in my footsteps the day I'm laid to rest.

resting against a lamppost he listens to what has been said before him, he thinks for a while before adding his own piece

I have to admit, this is not something that has occurred to me before. I never questioned as to why I live the life I lead, I just know that it is something that my father did before me, as his father did before him and so on. I'm sure at some point my forefathers had some grand ideals or plans. But for me it's just who I am, I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Striphe was sitting just outside of the Las Vegas casino, losing a few hundred G's in the process but he was now a bit buzzed just waiting for a lady to walk by so he could have some fun this afternoon. He was wearing sunglasses and a fine pressed suit.. the sun was hot today with not a cloud in the sky as he rolled up his sleeves and put his arms comfortably up on the bench

A tough question to answer of course.. why do we want to live this criminal life so bad that we keep coming back.

I mean do I enjoy the long hours, constant danger of death and the fun of knowing the man or woman your talking to is most likely plotting to kill you while smiling to your face. Every man has a different answer to that question, but that human nature that drives us to the top keeps me coming back. Yeah I love gambling, some of my old friends and the excitement from shooting a gun at my enemy and watching him drop, but the urge to succeed and do better than my father and do things different have kept me coming back over and over, or so the scripts say.

Watching friends and people from the past grow is always nice too.. I mean it has happened countless times where the young thug you helped out when he was down and out is now a big man on the block and you know you did something great for our world. Choices and consequences can also lead to how long you live around here, I mean you fuck up daily and never live past a week and it gets hard to stay dedicated.. but you live a while, make some friends, save some money up and get your mind right and it can be hard to give up.. always to the point of craziness (you all know what I mean..no sleep, food etc simply to bust your ass and get that next promotion or next kill)

Hell what am I sayin' - I simply love the women, gambling and killing my enemies if I get the chance.

Nicola has been sat in her corner, listening to, and carefully considering, the responses her question had recieved. She takes a cigarette from a small silver case on the table next to her drink, and lights it, inhaling deeply, before beginning to speak.

Gentlemen, thank you for the responses that you've given to my question - I truly appreciate it.

She smiles warmly to the four who had joined the conversation.

I can see that, for those of us who have added thoughts to this conversation, family really seems to be the key, and I agree, because it is such a huge part of why I am here. And I know that one day, when I am dead and burried, my own daughter too will take her place amongst us. From reading the journals of my ma and grandma, and so on, I've discovered that my bloodline has always been attracted for the same reasons as well - it's something that hasn't changed for some time amonst us.

I don't know why, but I never thought of vengence as a motive WankBack! It seems such an obvious one now that you have pointed it out, and I entirely agree that it is surely a big reason why our way of life runs in so many families.

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, and I hope we get to hear those of more of us.

Nicola signals to the bartender for another drink.