Curtis had been walking around the streets and listening to the various discussions and stories being put forth. He noticed that there was an incredible lack of real discussion and an absolute wash of stories being told. A little dismayed he'd contributed to the only real discussion he could see taking place and was left alone in the square with little but a cup of coffee and his thoughts. He began to wonder about the directions people were heading in and what really mattered to them. Feeling a little out of touch he decided to speak up.

" You're all gonna die! "

After a short rumble of curiosity, he looked at the freshly turned faces surrounding him.

"I thought that might get your attention. Of course, you are all going to die, not immediately perhaps, but you will. No one escapes that punchline. That being the case, you must then ask yourself, what is the point of your life? When it all comes to an end and you are watching the curtain fall on your last performance, what will comfort you when you go?

Our lives are all fleeting and the only meaning we give them is what we create in them. I've been very fortunate with my life. I've had wonderful friends, I've had wonderful adversaries. I've had interesting challenges and stimulating passions. I've loved and killed with fire in my heart and for all my mistakes, I wouldn't trade a day of it. I'm very fortunate in that respect but as well as good fortune, I have always had the balls to go out and grab hold of the life I wanted."

Taking a quick sip of his coffee, he watched the thoughtful expressions on people's faces as they considered their own lives.

"So, I'm curious to hear from you all. What is it you want to do before your number is called? When you feel death's warm embrace, what do you want to have achieved with your life to give you comfort as you go?"

Sitting on a bench, he continued to enjoy his coffee and waited to hear what people had to say on the subject.

From reading the letters left behind from my relatives, I can tell they died knowing they were doing what they were taught to do. From as far back as my ancestors go my first known relative was given an opportunity by a great man. This great man instilled some values into my bloodline that has been instilled in my bloodline to never be forgotten. This great man went above and beyond to make sure a fresh bloodline like mine at the time was taught and given the opportunities to enjoy our world. Every corner of this world was explored and taught with great detail, care and passion.

From that point forward my ancestors and I only know one thing, and that is to "pay it forward" so to speak. Giving opportunities and knowledge to the new and fresh bloodlines or even restoring knowledge and faith in the older bloodlines helping them to renew themselves and to help guide them on their journey. In my opinion their isn't many things much more rewarding than watching somebody fresh off the boat be guided with your help from a Civilian and helping them emerge to a valued, high quality mobster.

Whenever I meet the graveyard, I will pass forward into the afterlife looking down on these young-bucks with pride as they carry on a little piece of my bloodline guiding them in the back of their head.

"I don't have much of an ancestry to call upon, history has quite literally taught me nothing.

"I don't particularly intend on doing the whole wife and kids thing either. I know it's good to keep up appearances, but that's just not me. It'll be doubtful I have a son.

"This all means I walk these streets with fresh and appreciative eyes. My loyalty and sacrifices will not know any other cause.

"It means every achievement, every success and every failure comes with its own unique celebration and lesson. I'm grateful for every coin I earn and bullet I dodge."

Louis smiles, glad that he's been prompted to consider his feelings on such matters.

"So, Godfather Curtis, mi scusi, as I'm not able to answer your wise query because by the time I know, I'll already be dead."

I don't think there is a true reason for this life, a true meaning and purpose of life, and at times I can't think of any of these myself. So, I just stand by my principles and defend what I see is worthy to defend. If I have to die for that, so be it. I couldn't live with myself otherwise.

Thus, I think the meaning of my life is: Standing up for my beliefs and opinions.

I am here for it all bossman.

If I didn't want that, I would never have chosen this life when I could've easily become a pen-pusher up at city hall. I want people to whisper under their breath as I enter the room. I want my peers to respect me and know who I am. 

I want to teach and help mold the next generation of mobsters coming off the boat, I want to be able to protect those that I care for, both physically and financially. 

I won't sugar coat it any more than I already have boss,  I want what you have. 

Chris walks out of his hotel and appraises the jabronis standing in awe of Curtis, like the sun shone out of his ass or something. Chris was glad that his old friend still had that kind of magnetic charm. Just like Hulk Hogan, old, decrepit, wrinkly as hell, but still a firm fan favourite. Taking his sunglasses off, Chris waits for the others to finish their 'little person' speeches, before he addresses the Godfather and the assembled masses.

Sorry Curtis, but the Rock disagrees. You see, simple fact of the matter is this, The Rock plans to live for ever. Just like you, the Rock has had his fair share of jabronis looking to knock the Rock off the top, and one by one the Rock has laid the smackdown on their candy asses. One by one the Rock has taken them to the learning tree. Picked out a nice switch. Snapped it off. Shined it up real good, turned that sumbitch sideways, and stuck it straight up their candy asses. The Rock has gone toe to toe with some of the sickest freaks Mafia land has to offer, and just like all of them, when Death glides up Know Your Role boulevard, hangs a left on Jabroni Drive, stops outside the Brahma Bull's HQ, raises a bony hand to knock the door, the Rock will slap the taste out of his mouth and check his candy ass into the smackdown hotel with the rest of the Jabronis.

At the end of the day, when all is said and done, the Rock will carry on doing what he does best. Laying the smacketh down on candy asses. I am the People's Champ, the Bramha Bull, The Jabroni beating, pie eating, Trail blazing, eyebrow raising, ever living, smackdown giving, kick Death's ass from now to Thanksgiving. Holy Grail, have a drink, The Rock's now immortal while his enemies stink! Accept no imitations, The Rock!

Honestly, I don't have one precise reason for living or one certain goal. I go into every day like it is both my first and my last. I try to achieve as much as I can at any certain time. I don't come into my day thinking about the far off chance of becoming a Don. I spend every day building and working on making as much progress as I can, both as a crew member and an individual. I would love to be a great, powerful player who will be remembered for his merit and amazing power, but I do not aim to be this. I don't aim for this, because I don't know if this is my calling. Maybe I need to just stay a small player who silently helps my family grow, and if it comes down to it takes a bullet for the family.

In resolution, I wish to live my life to the fullest, and rise to the fullest potential I can by helping the people around me.

Hopefully I'll die in a blaze of glory, guns blazing and my enemies falling as my pistol sings its lovely song. That's a lovely dream to have, but the reality of it is really simple. I'll be sleeping and some asshole will walk into my house and put two in my skull. I'm sure I'll not even receive a beautiful reason as to why I was dying.

*DonShaw takes a quick think " my ancestry is none im the first of my line but before i go i will make the Shaw name legendary and when i do go i know that it wont be quite and there will be alot of blood and i will pass all my knowledge down to the younger generations so they know how to deal with this life"

 I wanna look back on myself and hopefully see a sight of glory.. With a legendary past that will be remembered. Basically go down   With a gold thrown. I feel there are a few purposes to this life. As it is limited... So for sure looking back on your character and seeing how much you accomplished is something I always wanted..  "I wanna go down as the one of the Greatest." even possibly a god in some peoples eyes.. I am not power hungry just simply wanna be remembered for a Legendary life..

~Johnny Insane

I dont know or think I ever will know. But if I had a guess it is to be a true warrior. If you picked the warrior universe well your living in it. 

What do I want to achieve? 

Well, to be completely honest I feel I already have achieved enough. When I entered this life as a young buck full of piss and vinegar. The fame, the fortune, the women, and nice cars. All of those things look nice to a kid. So that's what I set my sights on, being successful. Through the years with everything I have seen happen. I learned to appreciate life a little bit more. 

KTI pauses for a moment.

Anyway, I am starting to ramble.... So here I am, working in a city that is growing by the day with some of the greatest people I know.. A city my father died in. A city I grew up in. A city I will most definitely die in. Not only do I get to work and live here.. I got to travel to new places, Philly.. Where I started out with the occasional trip to New York. 

As far as achieving things before I punch out.. It'll sound cliche but I feel I have already accomplished plenty in my life. Could I do more? Maybe, depends on when the reaper decides to show up. If I were to die tonight, I would die a happy man. This life is too short to be miserable. 

KTI then bids a farewell to the respected individuals at this gathering. KTI walks off down the street.

Kurgan sits back in the shadows listening to what is being said a sinister smile lights up his face as Chris_Vaughn speaks Kurgan turns to one of his bodyguards and whispers in his ear. The bodyguard nods and follows Chris.

Is that So Chris? THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE

I'd like to think that death will come and take my hand, and that we'll speak as old friends as we take however long we need to to pass into the afterlife.  I'd like to think I'll get a glimpse of the whole world, frozen in time like a speck of dust in amber, and that I can observe what the earth was doing at the moment of my passing.  

I'd like to think that I died loved, that there were people who came after me, who would remember my name, even if it faded into nothing after time.  I'd like to think that something I made, or wrote or drew or painted was passed down with love, even if the knowledge of who created it was lost along the way. 

I'd like to think that the moments I considered spent well really were, and that the times I considered wasted still made my life and the lives of others worth while. I hope I left more joy that heartache, and filled more hearts with lone than hate. 

Ultimately, I'd like to think that my life was balanced, and that I was able to bless others, enjoy my time, and die quietly, satisfied that I took what little dirt we're all given at birth and made a garden.

That's what I'd like to think. 

TLWolf listened to Curtis words before he sits down on the bench, It was interesting words from a respective Leader. What he said was true, gangsters have been focusing on less important things, and discussions were somehow about small things. He walks closer to the gathering and speaks to Curtis saying:

" I have been in this neighbourhood for quite few months now, and my bloodline goes back to four or five years, and as you said, we all will die one day. Maybe tonight, Maybe tomorrow, maybe after a month or two. You never know. What should you or me or anyone else do to feel that they have not wasted their time. I think the answer is: Kill, Kill & Kill. That is when you feel you have done something, Be a Victor & Distinguish yourself. Many here live peaceful lives and they do not resist when their time come. What have they achieved ? Just living their lives, day after day, selling drugs, stealing and jailbreaking. I Think our time and lives deserve being more than a deer easily hunted by a hunter "

TLWolf moves then to a near bench to have a cigarette and waits to list what would everyone else say.

Blackbeard was walking a long the streets when he bumped in to Curtis, Curtis was already busy talking to some other people. They all seemed to be listening to what he was saying so Blackbeard presumed it was worth opening his ears to, after a few minutes went past of Blackbeard listening he chimed in when it went quiet for a second.

I personally think, that this life that we lead, typically there is only one way most people like to live it. Trying to achieve something in this world of ours.

I mean, who goes throuh life wanting to be poor, have no friends, no excitement, no job, power, respect and all the things a normal person would want.

As for myself, well I think any man as well as myself would be kidding themselves if they said they wanted to be a nobody around here and go by unoticed.

While it's not entirely unheard, it's a very rare situation, some people just want to roll around the streets and alleys trying to wind people up, or anger them.

Anyway I think I was getting off point there, sorry.. While I havent achieved everything Id like to, Im wirh Kill-The-Irishman. If fate came for me, I would not be sad in the current time, I would just work harder next time, if there was one. There's always room for imporovement, right!?

Misti thanks the Barrista for his coffee and pays with a very generous tip.  He pours half of it in a sink and pulls out his flask to fill it back up.  Most people wouldn't think of drinking black coffee with whisky - but the bitter burn feels very familiar to Misti.

He walks over to the gathering started by Curtis, listens to some speeches and thinks about the question before him.

"I would like to think that once in the history of this life of ours there will be perfection.  It will last forever and the rule of that gangster will be long.  Respected always, fierce at times and benevolent when needed.  THAT is the reason I am here.  It won't be me - but I can leave logs for my son, grandson and so on and soforth down the line.  One day - my blood may be that guy.  He may not, as well - but that will always be the goal in this line of ancestry.  For now - the goal is to keep my eyes and ears open, take in as much of this life as I can, and serve my leader and my city with unwavering loyalty.

Misti takes two long pulls of his hardcore spiked coffee and waits to see what other mobsters have to say.

Wandering through the streets pickpocketing passerbyers and checking trash for any valuables, Jank overheard the Godfather of one of his favorite places speaking. Flashing back to the fond memories of Brooklyn and the crazy jazz musicians scattered across that place, Jank smiled as he listened. Intrigued by the question Jank felt the need to toss his 2 cents in, just in case someone was listening.

Well y'see I derive from Sicilian gypsy types. The overall message of these crazy spiritual fuckos is to enjoy life and be yaself. I always said if I was to be reincarnated as a fairy, I'd be one of them mischievous ones. Somethin' about the thrill just attracted me to the nature of our business. Whatever happens, happens. I'd like to make a name of myself like yaself, but if'n I was to die today I could say I walked with honor amongst my fellow thieves. And I think that's worth something.

Jank reaches for a cigarette before heading off. 

Onikage has been listening carefully to all that has been said while enjoying a gulp or two from a small, silver flask and chain-smoking a few cigarettes. Snapping out of the day dream about it all Onikage decides it's his time to say his piece.  

Clearing his throat with another slug of whatever liquid that is contained within the flask Onikage stands straight and speaks aloud.

"I have no ancestry, none whatsoever!" Onikage begins, which turns a few heads.  "YET!" someone interrupts from nearby followed by a few scattered laughs.

Onikage smiles while dusting off some fallen ash from his sleeve " YES! Perhaps I will get wacked soon enough and someone else will have to follow in my footsteps but before that happens I would like to leave with a name I can be proud of.  You see....I have been reluctant to speak before you all.  I was the new guy in town, the Virgin but now I realise I'm not any more." Onikage puts a new cigarette in his mouth and lights it quickly off the last one.  Smoke bellows from him as he continues 

“You see I've been taught very well and have worked very hard since setting foot on these shores a short time ago. I've always tried to perfect myself within any path I've ever chosen to follow, it's the Japanese way and I have been rewarded for it.  I understand its just not the work done but also a persons experience or reputation that counts around these streets and that is why I am respectful to the children out there - because their ancestors, many of them numerous and go back many years.  I understand they've already made and learnt from their mistakes, already proven themselves in battle and already know the secrets in the streets!  Today…. I'm just happy to make few new friends, limit my enemies to and try to make a quick buck while acting as Chris_Vaughn's Left Hand and wiping his candy ass for him every now and then.

I would delusions of grandeur to think anything else at the moment. Until I've spent considerable more time in the streets making money, tailoring, serving the electric company honourably, passing up a few dollars to Chris and gaining a decent reputation, I can only see the day after.

What will happen is what will happen and life will never go as planned so I don't fully plan it. I take one day at a time and only ever be micro ambitious, complete a small thing well then move to another, then complete that well and so forth.  Take tiny bites and just grow and grow.  I do however, much like Chris, DO want to live forever, and perhaps one day I'll be the new Curtis, who knows" Onikage finishes with a chuckle.

The Oriental man stands proud stamps on his finished cigarette, putting it out, nods respectfully to Curtis and then moves over to a nearby wall and props himself up against it waiting for someone else's insight to the whole conversation.

Aislin was walking down the mean streets when she heard Godfather Charimen Curtis say, " You're all gonna die! " her interest was piqued. She swaggered up to the gathering individuals and listened intently at what Godfather Chairman Curtis had to say.

Oh this should be interesting she thought to herself, after a few minutes or maybe even hours. Time seemed to stand still at this moment, Godfather Chairmen Curtis's speech came to a close, his question bounces around in Aislin's head. She takes out a smoke and ponders it a moment. After the others had given there answer Aislin takes one last drag on her cigarette, clears her throat and says...

"Well, we are all going to die, that is a fact indeed. We were not meant to stay because, if we were. The world as we know it, wouldn't change and we need change, in order to build a better tomorrow." Aislin pauses gathering her thoughts.

"Hmm what I want before death holds me in its cold clasp...I think what any of us wants.To be respected, to be feared, to be loved. To be great! We all want to carve out a name for ourselves, we want  the world to know us, to see us. But Sadly, only a few of us will ever be remembered. Thousands come and only a few are remembered. That is the way that the world works. Now, what I want is infinitesimal in the grand scheme of things. I focus on what the world needs and that my friend is another story, for another time.

Aislin voice drops off and she stubs out the last of her cigarette on the bottom of her shoe and flicks it. She sends the crowd a soft smile and wave as she takes her leave.