A warm breeze blows in from across the Detroit River, the Sun shining brilliantly overhead. A pair of grackles take wing, sleek and black, avian shadows, flying into the wind, feathers and dark bills, nothing but specks in a moments time. The city has seen loss, it has seen rebirth. It stands testament to a spirit of eternal strength. Bending to the will of God on high, never breaking.

People mill about, peripatetic in their mourning, somnambulistically going about their business. Dazed and shaken, but with a renewed sense of hope. One leader has fallen, another taken her place. Cogs in some great machine. Perpetual and omnipresent, Detroit rolls on. An juggernaut, unstoppable despite of her loss, head held high, never looking back. Vigilant.

Their time in Lincoln Park cut short, the next thing smoking out of Chicago tore into the sky, an arrow let fly from Jumong's mythical bow, screaming and streaming, intended target: Detroit.

News travels fast, bad news like wildfire. The Douglas DC-2 kept pace, touching down in the Motor City in record time. Holden never felt comfortable flying but circumstances dictated they must. He bent low and touched the tarmac as soon as they exited and were back on terra firma, silent prayer sent up for traveling mercies. Her car was already waiting, driver flashing the lights and reving the big block 12, a song of desperation. A squeeze, a quick kiss, the car door swept open and swallowed her away. He stood there hat in hands watching her fade, stood there until there was nothing to see but tail lights. The city needed her more at the moment. The city was in extremely capable hands.

Probabilities and chance. Kismet. Fate. Call it what you want. He had told her she would be the next Don, an honor that instead had passed to himself. On the midway at the carnival he again told her she would be the next, and this time he wasn't mistaken. A shooting star. Everything had changed in the blink of an eye. Kates was now the newest Don, a Captain of Detroit leading a family of her own. He knew her well enough to know that she was the perfect woman for the job, hell she was the perfect woman period. Movement in the periphery caught his eye. A pair of grackles fighting the wind, bodies at thirty degree angles, shearing through, unyielding. He watched them pass by, unaware or uncaring of his presence. Together against the odds. Something told him they'd make out okay.

He pulled his hat back on and tugged the brim down low, watching them leave in the same direction she did. A smile played across his face, words escaped his lips..

"I always knew you had it in you Kates. I couldn't be happier for you, I certainly couldn't be prouder of you."

The one bright spot in these tragic events is that Kates has a new suit. Congratulations on both promotions!

Congrats all the best in this new venture

Congrats Kates on your promotion.

Red joined The Judge silently on the street. She smiled at his smile, Red saw the romance blossoming between the two of them, had spoken a few words with each side about the other.

She's perfect for the job.

She announced that she was with him, keeping his pace even though his legs were much longer then hers. Red looked at The Judge and smiled once again. She hoped that she didn't budge into a private moment.

I've only talked to the doll a few times, but even from that, you can tell she shines greatness. If you see her, which I'm sure you will before I do, give her my congratulations.

Red nods her head.

Now I must be off to fine a good price for this coke.

Telkin walks up to Kates and shakes her hand, kissing the top of it lightly.

"Congratulations Kates, you look excellent in that bold suit. Even though we are all mourning the loss of Hydro, we can be comforted that someone like you is taking her place."

Congratulations Kates

As he fanned himself trying to deal with the stifling heat of the day DJ still couldn't help but think about what an honour and a privilege it is for him to live and work in Detroit. Such boundless opportunity and oh so many dedicated, hard-working mafiosos all working in concert to help make this thing of ours all that it can be. Although there are doubtless those that would differ, Detroit, to DJ at least, was without equal within the seven cities. Even with all it's power and history New york seemed a dull second when compared to the endless bright stars emblazoning the Detroit scene.

At times it can be overwhelming to be a part of something like the Detroit experience. For those used to being a big fish in a small pond Detroit must indeed seem to be an ocean set to engulf them. It doesn't take long though before you realize that all those hands stretching out in your direction aren't looking to push you down or to take from you; quite the contrary, this city is overflowing with helpful people and those who will happily share all the blessing that have been heaped upon them here. If Detroit isn't the greatest place on earth then there must be some nirvana to which I have yet to travel.

While not really knowing Kates or much about her she must be something pretty special to be chosen as a Captian by someone as wise and worldly as Marietta.

Somehow DJ couldn't contain the excitement and energy which is Detroit anymore and despite not really knowing the women he felt compelled to blurt out a truly heartfelt congratulations, though somehow his usually silver tounge chose this moment to leave him as he sputtered out his words...

Congratulations, i, um, don't know what else to say...um...congratulations Kates, ... yeah, thanks...

and with that DJ tried to melt back into the background

Marietta,

I am sorry for the tragedy that has struck Detroit so hard today. Such a loss is hard to overcome.

With that said, I believe you have made an excellent first step with the appointment of Kates. I've had the pleasure of speaking to her a few times in the past, and she strikes me as an excellent choice for Crew Leader.

Good luck to Detroit, may the future be even brighter than the past,

even thought i don't know you congratulations on your new job and i pray you do well. Salut!

Congratulations Ms. Kates!!

Congratulations Kates! PHB

With bad comes good and vice versa. Congratulations Kates, I'm sure you will do a great job in Detroit!

Way to go Kates!

Hope ya do great gal

Congratz Kates!

Congratulations Kates, you have the potential to be a great Captain, I'm sure you will do Marietta (a dirty minds make the comment dirty) and Detroit proud.

Rhuarc

Bows before Marietta and Kates...

Good luck to you both.. I will always be in the shadows..

Zumori. steps back into the darkness of the alley

Congratulations Don Kates and best luck with your new family..