Credits nodded as Stone briefed him on recent events. The latest from the street was another family had started operating out of South Side, Chicago, headed by Visas, a known face in the underworld. She joined other recent expansions from the likes of Eredin in The Loop and a-true-soprano out of Detroit. All these names were known to Credits and many had lineages dotted with famous names whom he remembered spoken about when he was building his own reputation years before.

Stone continued to tell him about the mixed reception greeting the appointment of the recent, and not so recent Dons, from within the families. Apparently there was discontent about who was being given the nod and who wasn't. Credits grunted at this, nothing new really, but as he glanced at the names he'd noted down in front of him, perhaps there was some merit in the grievance. He hadn't omitted his own name from scrutiny either.

"What do you make of it, Stone?" He asked, leaning back in his chair.

"People like to complain" His captain answered, stoic as ever.

"Thanks" Credits said with a nod, not being grateful in the slightest and indicating the meeting was concluded. Stone left without a word. 

When he was alone, he continued to wonder about the appointments across the country. Old names pretty much, some who hadn't done a great deal of note it had to be said, at least from what he had seen, prior to being given approval. Perhaps they had impressed their Dons, he mused, cynically. More likely though, he knew, the Dons wanted a firm hand on the tiller, even if those fingerprints looked remarkably similar to the ones who had only recently been navigating the ship. 

He sighed. It wasn't good enough, this same old routine. He had benefited from the authorisation merry-go-round as much as anyone, his own name still carrying some weight and that had likely contributed to his own lofty position, but he thought he might be able to change the paradigm. 

He picked up the receiver on his desk and summoned Razor, Stone, Tommy_Slippers and Rusty to his office.

"I want you to put the word out to your boys on the street. We've got prime real estate available in Bella Vista and we're prepared to offer it to anyone who can show they deserve it, at a decent price."

"How much are we talkin'? Asked Rusty, ever conscious of the family purse strings. The filthy scrounger.

"Whatever price the city surveyor puts on it. Plus a weekly contribution to the Philly Business Regeneration Fund, say two hundred and fifty large."

"But...but..that's so cheap..." Rusty stammered, the dollar signs in his eyes fading with despair.

"It's not about the money, Rust. It's about giving people a shot who'll do something with it. This authorisation merry-go-round we are all riding on stopped being fun awhile ago and now it is just making me sick. I want to see a change and I'm in a position to make it a reality."

"Could ride the log flume instead?" Offered Slippers, as moronic as ever. They all ignored him.

"What about the other Dons?" Said Razor, voicing the question on all of their minds.

"If the other Dons have plans for their people then I'm not looking to step on any toes. That's their business. But, if they already have something in mind that doesn't include that member, then where's the harm?" Credits asked, spreading his arms "as long as they have the nod from their boss to move over here, I don't see a problem with it. It should be a win, win."

"You offering this to anyone, even....?" said Stone, tilting his head towards Slippers.

"Anyone who's done something to deserve it. Someone who's got something they can point to and go 'voila, motherfucker, here's what I've done and here's what I'm going to do'; that's who I want to reward." 

They fell silent at that and as the seconds dragged on, Credits took that as a good sign he had gotten his message across.

"Right then, get to it. Put the word out.. lets see if anyone is interested."

A very commendable move, signore Credits. You are literally creating the land of opportunity. Bella Vista could potentially become a very diverse and prosperous district following the results of your applications for ownership of the real estate. Judging by the word on the street, the criteria to be met is also to be admired. 

I wish whoever hold the position the best of fortune, and that your district only grows stronger through your actions here today. 

Thank you both for your kind words and warm reception. Judging from the mails I've received, there appears to be interest in this venture, which I'm pleased to witness.

However, just to save me time in processing your mails, can you please make sure you comply with the requirements I've outlined here previously? This is an initiative to bring some life to this thing of ours and pitched at those people who are going to bring something different to our streets and have something they are trying to achieve but have been unable to up to now. 

As an aside, the easiest way to talk yourself out of consideration is to tell me the things your ancestors have achieved as that is actually the complete opposite to what this is about.

Can't wait to see Uncle Joe rise from the 'hospital' again to lead! His family can't be held down, even in death he arises to don a bold suit. Or maybe we'll see the return of a grand linage like Whorable. That would be another hoot indeed.

Manhattan was especially busy with intrigue when word spread of their favorite neighbor Philadelphia having an Authorisation Merry-Go-Round. Those around The Agency were especially intrigued by this news, and begin reinvesting the companies wealth into Bella Vista properties in preparation. The_Joker's Store, The BV Barber shop, and even the Apple Store were needing some fresh makeovers, and perhaps even some new lots were in need of buying out. Oddly enough everyone in the Agency was excited, save for one man, TheAgent himself.

In his office he sat, staring at the note his assistant gave him hours before. Surrounding him are some of his equal-partners and colleagues. As they begin to step into the light, a light bulb bursts above their head, blacking out the room save for the small lamp on TheAgent's desk. Alas, they are shrouded in darkness ((for the time being ;) )). TheAgent sighs, thoughts racing through his head.

"This is Fate..." TheAgent says to himself. "It has to be."

"Why would you say that, Agent?" a female voice speaks up.

"Why else would an opportunity like this just, appear out of nowhere? My heritage is in Bella Vista, Hell..." TheAgent stops for a moment, reflecting on his childhood and the photos he still keeps. After collecting himself he returns to his story, "...and when my family fled from the Great Spring Riots, they had always prayed to God that our Family could return to our roots. Don't get me wrong, guys and er- uh- gals, I love Manhattan, it has been so good to me." He pauses, thinking about the good times he's had with Orsik, Kingpitt, Chong, Rayna and the whole gang.  

"But it's time for my family name to return to our home. Whether that's in this life, or the next." The room turned into whispers, everyone speaking at once. TheAgent stood up and looked around the room.

"I'm with you Agent. This is a fanta---aaaaaaaaaaaaaa-----stic idea." A male voice sings.

"I agree! Lets just hope we can appease the right people!" A female cheers, "And not get killed...!"

"Oh shush you! We just need to garner the praise of the people! Invest time and energy into the local businesses, get to know some of the Philadelphia hierarchy, and-" Another male says.

"Wait." TheAgent interjects. The crowd falls silent. TheAgent begins his speech. "I remember a time long ago before the Spring Riots, to when New York and Philadelphia were sibling cities. A time, when the 3 hour delayed trip was something you looked forward to! A trip to the local Apple Store, or even my Uncles old Barbershop... There was always something to see there. That's what really matters."

"Sir..." Another male speaks up, one of the other assistants. 

"What is it? Speak up?" TheAgent replies.

"Well, sir... we've already started doing that. Your other partners were way ahead of you. In planning."

The room falls silent once more, and everyone turns to TheAgent. There is a nervous chill throughout the air, as all eyes are on Agent's, who in turn bursts into laughter. The crowd begins laughing too, but awkwardly at first. Finally TheAgent speaks.

"Well Good! That is why I'm glad we work as a team!" TheAgent exclaims.



----


Hours later TheAgent, along with one of his personal assistants, ride along in a black car destined for Bella Vista. With them are plans for new businesses, remodels and construction, and even some educational programs for the youth, but most importantly with them was their Dreams and Desires to make Bella Vista even better.

Arriving at The Headquarters of Christopher Phillips Industries, TheAgent and his assistant exit the car and head up the front steps. They keep their files with them at their side, and TheAgent turns to his p.a.

"How do I look? Do I look like I know what I'm doing?" TheAgent asks, offering a nervous smile.

"Yes," the p.a. replies, as she raises a hand to comb his hair back. "You'll do amazing. Just remember that you have a wonderful family who supports you in your dreams, as well as an Agency who will always be there."

TheAgent smiles and adjusts his tie. He knocks on the great doors to Christopher Phillips Industries.

Rusty had listened to Credits and had felt a little disheartened that they weren't going to be benefiting from this financially. However, Rusty knew that Credits had the districts best interests at heart and knew that creating a busier Philadelphia was more important for everyone, especially those who were tasked with making the business district a busier place. This was all about rebuilding Philly and creating an environment that everyone wanted to be a part of.

Rusty knew that there would be some who would jump at the chance to run their own syndicate out in Philly and it was a perfect opportunity for those within the other districts and cities to spread their influence and create a bigger network. In Rusty's eyes it was a win win for everyone who wanted to participate.

I would like to welcome SammyGato to the Bella Vista fold.

Sammy satisfies the criteria I've outlined earlier and has a bright vision for the future about what he plans to achieve here.

I hope this is the first of many to come. 

If you are interested in taking this opportunity, make sure you're compliant and then drop me a line.

Excellent decision sir and congratulations towards you Sammy.
I'm pretty sure you will do fine in Bella Vista!