Deimna walks out of her house on a hot summer's day and takes a stroll to a local soda stand. She buys herself an ice cold cola and joins a group of other Mafiosi seated at the outdoor patio, also enjoying a beverage in the heat of the day.

Good afternoon gentlemen and ladies.. Quite an usually hot day we are having today isn't it?

The other patrons nod in agreement and one wipes his brow.

You know I've been thinking about something that worries me about some people within this thing of ours. You men have a moment to hear me out and give your opinion?

Her companions all answer "yes", more than willing to take a longer break from their crimes of the day to join in on what could be an interesting debate.

Thank you. Well my concern is simple, I think. Many members of La Costa Nostra have friends, relatives or even spouses with allegiances to crews other than their own. I have witnessed a few instances when these relationships outside one's crew are held above their crew's well being. Usually they are removed from their crew swiftly. But how can we know when bringing a stranger in off the streets where their alliances will ultimately be? How do we explain to people that by being a part of the mafia one must be willing to shoot the man or woman they share their bed with if needed for the well being of their crew?

I know for me personally, I would never marry someone that would put any doubt on my loyalty to my crew. Unfortunately my only blood relative has since passed on, so I don't have any issues there. I do however have people I would consider friends in crews throughout our crime world, but each and every one of them (I hope)  realizes my boss comes first. I know there are many who think as I do however the ones who don't quite understand our way of life seem to stand out more. I am not sure how to help these people grow into what they could be, if only they grasped this one concept.

Deimna takes a sip of her cola and waits for the gentlemen's and ladies' opinions on the matter.

Family is first, now and always. Friends and relatives in other crews are an important part of building alliances and strong people to rely on. However, if for some reason we were to war with said crew. I'd have no problem with shooting someone I call a friend. They know this, and I expect the exact same in return.

It has to be done. You enter a family offering and expected to give your loyalty. To death. I stand by this. My family line has proved it in the past and is always willing to prove it again if/when needed.

As for spouses, the person we share our bed with. It's a touch decision. That's why you should never marry outside of your current family. You guys heard of that Shakespeare play? Romeo and Juliet? However romantic it may be, it leads to a lot of bloodshed and death. That is what happens when two people from opposing families break that bond of loyalty to their family.

As Deimna is one of her good friends in this world of ours, of course Angel had to stop and listen to her speech. Afterwards, she walks up to Deimna, and tells her, 

Hon I completely agree, because although you are one of my closest friends, if it ever came a choice between you or my family, I would not hesitate to choose my family, as they are most important to me, and they made me who I am today. They are where my loyalties lie.

She gives her friend a hug, and they make arrangements to have lunch together.

Jono You hit it right on the button.

wiping the sweat from his brow

I would have to agree Deimna! Family is always first, no matter what.  Otherwise, all the time, money, and trust, that you and your family members put in, together, was for nothing. Especially, if they're off telling the enemy what city you're in just to help a friend out.

But we've all seen bonds like this formed around this thing of ours and very rarely they're broken.

I can say that's hell-of loyalty, just a convict in interest.

wipes his other brow, notices the Feds in the bushes, puts his arm around Deimna and smiles for the picture

then Marley leaves just as quickly as he spoke

When I first started in this thing of ours, I swore my allegiance to my family first.  Sure I have friends in other crews, even a blood relative hiding in the midst but if it comes down to the wire, I would protect my crew first.  Even though I am blonde, thats one thing I would never ditz out on.

My father chanted about being for friendships and alliances, but he also put his priorities in order when the time came. Proudly dying baring the tattoo "Putting FAMILY Before Friends and You In The Dirt."

Family first, no matter what.

Family first, family always.

Friendships are a vital part of this thing of ours, ensuring business deals and cross city agreements can be put in place and retained requires relationships to be developed and nurtured. Without the friendships and mutual trust that many of the cities have for each other, we would live in a world of chaos. However, when it comes to the crunch, there is no debate. It's always family first.... or at least always should be.

Anybody who would marry outside the family is running a terrible risk and shouldn't do that, unless those cities have a very tight alliance.

It's always family first or you may end up causing your own death and the death of the one you love.

Jimmy, drinking his cola listens to what Deimna has to say and starts thinking of his own friends and relatives...

"Sure, i have bloodlines here too, no wife but relatives anyhow... and we're in the same family, but if this were'nt the case, well then i've signed the rules in my family. In this thing of ours we sign rules, and understand what it means. There is no excuse for not standing by our leaders. No excuse, you sign... you obey and thats that. If you dont like it, then you dont belong in the family. This is all i have to say at this moment."

Jimmy turns and looks at the feds taking picture... gives his biggest smile and shows his middle finger for the papers... who said we could'nt be respectable and arrogant at the same time?

pullling his handkerchief from his pocket, he wipes the sweat from his face, and muscles his way into some shade before finding the spot to make his point.

I agree with what my great friend says in her initial speech.  In theory, it sounds like everybody gets it.  Everybody seems to understand the importance of family vs. friendships with those in other families.  In practice, it is often times quite different.  We've all had family members, and even descendants who have failed to do what needed to be done because of a friendship or greater relationship with somebody from a different family. 

Uh oh.  I feel a hypothetical coming on.  So, Mafioso A from X family marries Mafiosa B from Y family.  X and Y go to war.  Do you really believe A will shoot B?  Doubtful.  And you can all come out here and say if you were in that position you absoluately would shoot your own wife or husband, but until you actually have him or her in the sights of your gun, you have no clue what you would do.  

Bottom line is that I agree with CrazyNine.  You definitely run a horrible risk to marry outside the family.

I would say this - I imagine most of your best friends are those you sweat with, bleed with and live with every day.  But it's inevitable that you will make friends in other families.  And if you think it would be easy to shoot those friends in a war, you are kidding yourself.  Some have the fortitude to do it.  Others do not.  I guess we know who would win that war. 

Jimmy looks at WillHayes from across the street... looks up at the hot sun, and heads for the spot near Will in the shade drinking his soda...

Mr. WillHayes is right about this one... a lot of friends we make end up in another family on one time or another. We have to be minded for this priorily, because eventualy... we will have to shoot one of them for sure. So... this being said... always focus on your own family. And if somebody dies? Well... he shoul've chosen your family. My ancestors werent always happy with the family's decisions in the past... but always stood beside them, every one of them actualy. After the war... their is life, new family's... yeah we work hard to get to where we want. We invest a lot of cash, and a hell of a lot of time making new friends. Getting respected in this thins of ours, but here there is no place for a heart. Unless it's within the family. My finger may get a little numb, i wont lie... but it will do it's job i guarantee!

CrazyNine... it is risky, it is why i say here there is no place for a heart. But eventualy, everyones heart softens. Even mine, as hard it may seem. I havent been around in this family for a long time, but i am already making new friends here. I pray God i wont have to shoot one, even though i think that i will have to eventualy. Like my father was told when he drew his last breath... "Sorry... but this is our way of life!" My father smiled at this just before he died!

Good luck to you all, dear friends. If i shoot one some day, i just want you to know that i am always happy you are my friend. And if you shoot me, i wont hold a grudge. Can't say i wont shoot back though if you miss hehe...

-Jimmy!