Drieza walked out in front of the New York City town hall and took a drag from his cigarette, a sorrowful look on his face that he was the one that had to come to the community with this message.

“Today is a sad day, but a necessary one. Let us start with Bollix.”

Drieza took a sip of his cup and made a sour face.

“Bollix, like the others today, is considered a friend and very important part to the demise of the former regime. He was, in so little words, a beast. Bollix was rewarded fairly after the war for his efforts, and rightfully so.

However, it was his decision to authorize Enzo to be a crewleader in a city he earned. As everyone knows by now Enzo went on to kill Godfather Big Si of Detroit and a few of New York Dons before dying himself. While Enzo made a statement that no one from the west coast would be in line of fire, it was an act of war to the rest of the country all the same. Enzo’s actions do not come without repercussions. If Enzo thought his behavior wouldn’t fall back on someone else, he was highly mistaken in that notion. He didn’t assume someone else would be accountable, and maybe Bollix wouldn’t have, but there was a weird exchange between Bollix and CartoonHead, which did nothing but deepen suspicion that Bollix might’ve known this sort of action was coming beforehand.

Regardless of that exchange though, Enzo made a choice, and the repercussions of that decision fell back onto the man who took accountability to authorize him. These things are situational, and in this case, it was decided that Bollix would be removed because of Enzo. This would be retribution for Detroit’s loss and strengthen the New York and Philly alliance with them.”

Drieza took another swig from his cup, and a long drag from his cigarette. He threw the cig on the ground and grinded it with the heel of his boot.

“Now we make our way to Optimus, who I don’t even have to refuse to say a bad thing about, because there’s nothing bad to say about him to begin with. I would call him a friend as well.

Optimus is one the few last survivors of the previous regime. When the war was finished, many of the survivors felt that Optimus should’ve died with the regime, and truthfully, he sadly should have because the aggressors in the last war didn’t feel like Optimus was on their side or helping with their efforts. Should this issue have been handled 110 days ago? Yes. Did the issue get handled 110 days later? Yes.

Sometimes it takes loss to put your mistakes into perspective. After Godfather Big Si and the loss of the New York Dons, it put perspective on our mistake and one that we sought out to fix.

I represented Queens and BigRaga represented Brooklyn in a sit-down discussion with Dean and Geralt from Los Angeles. Hour later we walked out of that conversation in agreement that Optimus and Bollix would die. The message was then passed along to Detroit and an extended invitation for them to join our efforts.

Optimus was a good man. During the war against the regime, many felt that he was sitting on the fence and letting it play out without lending a helping hand. We tried to move on from it, but the thought of it never truly left us alone. We are human and maybe that’s a flaw in us, but that was always the genuine feelings about the situation. When letting it continue to boil over, it was something always discussed, and those discussions thankfully end with his death today and we can move on from it.”

Drieza poured out his cup with two hands and looked at the ground with a mourning manner.

“Today’s fallen should be respected. For whom they are and what they contributed towards the death of a regime and their part in the start for growth of a new era. They were not enemies. They were friends held accountable. One a mistake for not being forthcoming with how we felt after the previous war ended. The other made a choice and that choice had fallback. That’s no reason to slander anyone, especially given the quality of men that Optimus and Bollix were. I hope that everyone finds their way to pay the proper respect they deserve at their funerals.

Yes, these decisions are situational. Not every rogue ends with accountability or a reflection on perspective, but this one did. That’s as transparent as I can be about what happened today. And I leave the community today with discussion and reflection of their own on today’s events.”

I stood in the back of the crowd, smoke curling from my cigar like a prayer no one would ever answer. I didn’t clap. Didn’t sneer. Just watched and listened.

"Accountability", I muttered, low enough to be mistaken for the wind. Bitter thing, but it keeps the streets clean.

Still, I’ll give credit where it’s due. Been a long time since anyone’s had the backbone to step out here and speak their piece. The streets have been quiet, too quiet, and seeing someone still willing to face the noise, that counts for something.

I flicked the ash, turned from City Hall, and vanished into the fog.

Optimus is one the few last survivors of the previous regime. When the war was finished, many of the survivors felt that Optimus should’ve died with the regime, and truthfully, he sadly should have because the aggressors in the last war didn’t feel like Optimus was on their side or helping with their efforts. Should this issue have been handled 110 days ago? Yes. Did the issue get handled 110 days later? Yes.

Not only did he survive but many others did too. And as you stated he was part of the last regime and nor did he assist with the aggressors. So clearly everything was peachy keen moving forward as he took GF, authed Maddy and well over three months past by. You gave a very weak fabrication to todays events. If there was any truth to it, Maddy would be dead. But we know Dean holds the keys to that one. 

As for Bollix, you said it he was a beast. And that is the only reason he was gunned down. He is the very reason you exist today. 

Such a bore. 

Bollix isn't worth commenting much on really; that's just funny, but my understanding is that he spoke out of turn, which yeah that's dumb of him. Though to my knowledge, he did not know anything about what Enzo was doing. But eh. Good. No love lost. 

Speaking from someone of ancestry of the Defensive side of that war last summer, Opti did 0 for us during that. We almost shot him in the middle of it a few times. However, to decide now after how ever many days that his fence sitting was cause for his death seems odd/weak.

My understanding is that Optimus was given a list of his members by Dean, asking about them, and Opti didn't kill his members, claiming them to be friends. 

Did you hear that Flappy, a list!?!

Does that sound familiar to anyone in the class? 

Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with any of this. Be brutal. But at the same time, the spin on this could have been a bit better... and for others, not you Sir Drieza, don't be hypocrites.

Additionally, it should've been Dean coming here, not you Sir Drieza. It's his city. He let you guys help him incinerate a crew... Was it the east coast's call or his? Either way, Dean should have enough back bone to speak on behalf of his own city, rather than rely on Big Balls Drieza. But alas, he's just along for the ride until he's deemed useless or a liability too maybe. I don't wanna beee your monkey wrenchhh. 

I agree with Flappy on one thing. Optimus is not the only one that should have come down. 

I do not think Bollix knew anything that was going to happen with Enzo as he would not have allowed it to happen.. that is the only part of this I can comment on. 

Natasha overheard something very idiotic in the streets and wanted to make sure the idiot comrade was corrected...

"Bollix was the very reason you exist today? Are you fucking kidding me? Perhaps you should do some research on the sisters from Ukraine."

No need to do any research Natasha. I was gambling and watching.  If I am an idiot in anyway it's thinking this regime is any better than the former.  Surely you must agree this speech is a perfect example of idiocy. 

One thing for certain is every regime has cracks. Carry on.

Bollix was a beast, not our savior. I took your statement entirely as a joke, because there's nothing else it could've been. That's a disservice to everyone else who sacrificed themselves to accomplish one goal. Katerina, Mez, Simon, Zelio, Darwin, TomJoad, Dean, and many more that I either forgot or won't name drop, and that's not including all the individuals behind the scenes. 

And I cringe whenever you call this era a "regime". The past regime is THEE regime, if you ask me personally. They have cemented their place in the history books to have the right to be respected with that name. Whether or not you think that history is good or bad. 

We are individual cities with our own alliances and decision making. Discussions are had and no one is pushing or pressuring the other to do something against their will. I implore you to find a new name for this era, because it's far from a regime. 

And Spike, I am only the voice here to be transparent as I can be. As we know my ancestors don't mind being the voice behind the decision. A speech in itself is a privilege, and not a guarantee. As Queens Underboss, I have full authority to make this announcement. That's the only reason needed.

This was a coordinated and mutual decision. And personally, I stand behind the reflection that letting Optimus live 110 days was a mistake that was overdue. I will own it and I wasn't the only one to feel that way. My ancestors' have had no issue just saying "Because I wanted to", but in this case, as much as I would like for it be that simple and I can save my breath, it's not. I counted the days out loud sometimes to how long we were letting Optimus live, and it's either generosity or stupidity, but that number was a surprising 110. 

I mean as much as I like hearing you speak, I still think it's about Dean's city... His responsibility. 

Transparency is saying that Opti wasn't being a "team player," didn't fall in line as was wanted by your current collective. 

I don't contest that maybe you should've killed him 110 days ago, but there's clearly an omission of why now. And I see no body refuting my statement about Opti being given a list to play clean up from, which was to point out a certain hypocrisy etc from current LV. 

Either way, murder away. It's what I would do too. 

We are individual cities with our own alliances and decision making. Discussions are had and no one is pushing or pressuring the other to do something against their will. I implore you to find a new name for this era, because it's far from a regime. 

Now this statement is another joke. I just came across more evidence proving otherwise. And I will take to my grave what I know.  So back to my original call that you are speaking for a regime. One which is not any better than the previous. 

Let's purge a crew to accommodate the queen of tricks and treats. No need to say anymore. Your speech lacked what this was really about. And by the way, why are you still hanging onto the list? 

From my father’s journal, which was on the defensive side of the previous war, it was clear that Optimus did absolutely nothing to help them.

Okay, you’re letting him live for 110 days.
He’s doing a solid job with Dean and the rest of L.A. to get the city restored.
He’s setting up a new crew that seems to be doing well. In other words, he’s known during his lifetime that he’s done a solid job for the current leaders in charge.

The way I see it, you’ve just been looking for an explanation to justify what you chose to do. And I think several people have rightly cast doubt on whether that was a good enough reason.

I can understand why you’re choosing to do what you’re doing. It’s a political game, and you want to control the narrative. But I, for one, don’t buy this explanation.

110 days of kindness, one day of consequence.

Sadly that’s the business we’re all in, whether people like to dress it up as politics or poetry. The streets don’t run on fairness, they run on timing, accountability, and a touch of irony. If you’re still clutching pearls over lists, regimes, or invisible strings, maybe you’ve mistaken a crime syndicate for a book club.

Mourn the fallen and remember nobody ever gets shot for no reason, but no reason ever sounds good enough once the shooting’s done.

Nike had a busy weekend and was still on the drink, he doesn't like people getting hurt and wants everyone to be friends.

An explanation in this sense presents information intended to make something clear, to some it may provide clarity and to others it may not.

Nike swigs some more and looks at his age...

It just tickles me pink to have Jer's presence here at this growing New York gathering. Where in the hell is LA? This here is the extent of the narrative. 

Here is the beginning of the new narrative. We watched and lived the last three seasons

But it's not really new. It's one of our famous episodes titled, "Wash, Rinse and repeat." BUT there is a fun twist to this one. In other words it will not be as boring as the last three seasons. I'm going to write this prediction down and place it in my vault signed and dated. 

Drieza can be very creative. His head had to be hanging between his legs when he delivered this shite speech. I would bank on it. 

Technically there is no good or bad regime. It's all dependent upon if they are a fan of oppression or growth. 

Now back to the New York gathering. Where is LA? I know where Madd's head is. And Dean just gave up wanting to be the ruler of his city. There's really not much else to say. The lack of speaks for itself. This is the epitome of loyalty betrayal. And Maddy of all people who had kins removed in the same fashion. You as Opti's Captain did not call an internal meeting over the loss of Opti. But then again why would you when you knew he was going to be killed. It's no surprise why you get no respect.  I wonder which way the wind will blow on your next kins run.

Thanks for joining the NY gathering Kristoff. Something about that Bjourn blood I cannot shake right now. Anyhow, never underestimate me. 

However, sometimes in our line of work, things have to be done that are good for business and bad for friendships.

So Bjornsies, you are confirming that perhaps Opti was put in a situation where he would have to kill friends? Like perhaps being presented with a list by Dean? Perhaps even being pressured to commit the P word?!

Doesn't sound like conspiracy to me... sounds like you are helping reaffirm fact. Thank you for your honesty. That line in itself could sum up the entire speech. 

I see no one actually refuting anything stated with any fact, and I still see an absent Dean, which makes him look more guilty of being a list maker and owner of a sub-city that answers to a higher power in another city... or perhaps the real question is... Did Dean make the list or did someone from NY feed it to him?