For the best part of two years, our world was controlled via coffee shop allegiances and acquaintances. These were stronger than the bonds of city or family and trumped everything else. Funerals were filled more often with murderous Dons wearing shit-eating grins, offering half-hearted thanks to their victim for their service than they were with genuine mourners giving eulogies. Some of you may hear me say that and think, "big deal" or some other dismissive smart-ass remark, and to a degree I can understand why. To varying levels, this type of control has been the case at other times in our history. However, we had never witnessed before such a prolonged period of organized slaughter of crews' own members without explanation, with such scant regard for the fallout it created and a complete refusal to change by those calling the shots to preserve their position. 

This created the type of toxic shitfest which I can't recall the like of. The widespread revulsion for the behaviour of the leaders led to an alliance of otherwise disparate groups of people, who were ultimately successful in seizing control for themselves. Thereafter, we enjoyed a nice honeymoon period where principles and consequences didn't really align, so very few difficult decisions needed to be made and people pretty much got left to themselves. The simple fact that those in charge, Detroit's own SimonTheSwanHunter amongst them, weren't the other guys and weren't widely adopting their tactics was enough to create a better environment almost by default.

This brings us to today and at some point taking over and just being in power isn't enough. I'm not calling for more activity or more Street conversations, although it certainly wouldn't hurt, I'm saying that we have to be better. We have to decide whether we stand for something or whether we don't. I fundamentally disagree with people flouting family, and this behaviour needs to be stamped out before it can take root again. It must be a two-way street. I, as the leader of a crew, must place my family above all others. You, as a member of a crew, must defend your family before all others. If we, together, don't buy into that idea, then we'll end up right back in Burgerhouseland with the only difference being different grudges being pursued. 

So let's be better before we start to get worse. All of us. Join a crew - for real. Take the oath - for real. Family first. Mean it. Don't scheme in a coffee shop. Don't clue in a buddy in Vegas. Just be part of the family you've chosen to join, make it into something worthwhile and see where it goes. At least if you die, you'll have died as a man and not lived being a complete shitbag. There's a lot more to be said for that than some of you seem to think. 

I listened from the shadows near the edge of the crowd, smoke and rain blurring the faces but not the words. LittleSi’s voice cut through the air like truth always does, sharp and unashamed. Every sentence carried the weight of a man who’d seen both sides of the grave and still chose to lead.

When he finished, I stepped forward just enough for the light to catch the edge of my coat.

“Well said,” I murmured. “The streets needed to hear that. Too many forget what family means until it’s gone. You’re right, Si… it’s time we start meaning it again.”

I flicked the ash from my cigar into the puddles, watching the ripples fade. “The dead are listening too, and they agree.”

I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said here LittleSi. I think we could all benefit from there being a bit more integrity around here. Too many people seem to have forgotten what family actually means. The shift you’re talking about, putting real value back into belonging, loyalty, and accountability is exactly what’s needed if we want this new era to be worth something.

We’ve seen what happens when ambition outpaces principle, and it’s ugly. If we want to avoid falling back into that chaos, then “family first” can’t just be a motto; it has to be a standard. Joining a crew should mean something again, not just be a convenience

Count me in for building something better.

Hear hear. 

And while perhaps not in line with the city whip, very disappointed to see how the removal of Chicago played out. To see one person sell out their entire city for their own survival is absolutely wild and a long way from where we should be. This place should be pretty simple. 

If you want to work with your coffee shop allegiances.. join them. If you're harbouring likely terrorists in your family that you're not prepared to defend.. remove them. If you can't stand up for your family.. stand down (or go down swinging). If your family won't stand up for you.. understand why, change and make them want to. 

Of course, none of that is straightforward and easier to say than to do. An honest conversation is probably a good place to start. Assume the best and if you get burnt, at least you'll know for the future. 

As Natasha continued to navigate the deadly gulag, she took a quick turn down another street. She overheard the young kin of SimonTheSwanHunter discussing how simply being in power, is no longer enough for community. She wholeheartedly agreed with this thought. Along with that, the concept of family must come first must not be overlooked. This is often not the case with a few on these shores.

"Comrade LittleSi, I cannot agree with you more. This is the exact reason of why I have revived my distant kin's Associate Comrade Program. Joining a criminal organization and taking an oath is something that is no longer valued in my opinion. That is why the gulag is currently being ran in the ACP. Hopefully more comrades hear and understand your message comrade LittleSi. Bravo comrade."

This is as good as any place to both support, whilst offering useful criticism, to a member of my city (though not crew), WhiteRabbit.

WR kindly offers (by way of a tattoo)

Feel free to mob mail me if you need anything. 

Now, I thought "great, he can give me $8m so I can hire some help.  What a great guy."

Let's just say I'm still waiting.

Should he stump up?

Props to LittleSi for a place to SAFELY challenge others, and ourselves.

Feeling free to contact him doesn’t mean that he is obligated to your request. I could mail him and ask him to jump off the nearest bridge, but it doesn’t mean he’s required to do it.  His choice of words were made in good faith. No for someone to attempt to take advantage of him. There will be no 8m paid for your bodyguards. I have spoken and that is law. 

Could we have a sit-down about another matter, SlimRagnarok?