Friday night. A night when people should have been out dancing in jazz halls, or conducting hostile take overs in other cities. Yet Marietta Rossi, Godmother of the Motor City, had called a last minute meeting for all of the leaders of the various Seven Crime Cities. The meeting was to be held in one of her favorite secret conference rooms, set in an old building on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan.

She was late, she knew. This did not stop her from slowly exiting the car, stepping into a puddle and taking a moment to reflect on the weather. Stopping on the bottom, stone step leading towards the abandoned building, she gives a faint smile, allowing the droplets of water to roll down her head, shoulders, and drench the fabric of her pale pink dress for a moment. It feels fresh. New. Fall was coming; change was in the air.

"Rain, on the evening I'm supposed to be here announcing something important," Marietta laughs, glancing at Rourke and Gabe before gesturing them both to follow her inside the building. She strides up the rest of the stairs, confidently, not pausing outside of the dark, wooden doors. Not hesitating as she walked up to the conference table, taking a seat among America's best, brightest and most influential mobsters. And brandon_heat. As Rourke and Gabe took a seat to her Right and Left, Marietta remained standing at the head of the conference table, placing her palms down on the shiny, wooden surface.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the Godmother of Detroit said to the table as they continued to murmur greetings and salutations to one another. She smiled patiently, waiting for silence among the Godfathers and Godmothers, Leaders and Captain. When at last the final words had been spoken, faces turned towards Marietta and she felt her shoulders automatically straighten in confidence as she took her seat.

"My apologies for the last minute invitation, but I have important matters to discuss. It is about Detroit, of course, but as it is a decision that will inevitably impact all of your business as well, I felt it prudent to make the announcement directly, rather than send it via messenger."

People exchanged looks. Marietta narrowed her eyes at Harold as he began to whisper to LilWayne, sitting next to him. Clearing her throat loudly, she continued the speech she had gone over in her mind for days and nights.

"Detroit is the newest city to our fair 'trade', as we all know. And since it's initial reception into our 'world', and thus the initial creation of my own business, it has been a thriving place where all men and women have been free to come and go as they please. I'm a fairly laid back woman, I'm sure we can all agree."

A snicker from her right distracted her. Marietta expertly ignored Rourke, per usual, and flashed a smile with renewed vigor towards the various Consiglieres, Dons and Godpersons.

"As I get older, however, I find that my time becomes more limited. Because of this, Detroit has not been the sparkling star in the sky that I have always considered it to be, and it hasn't been for a few weeks now, I realize. I know, I know, I should be enjoying my old age just like the rest of them- yet I have never been a woman who has rested on her laurels, nor a woman who could be told 'no'. I do my best to be here for Detroit, every day. Sadly, the older I get the slower I get. And it is starting to impact the way I run my city."

"People continue to demand too much of me, and it needs to stop. I am constantly met with angry correspondence and conversations, about how I never answered a question that someone left with my secretary from over a week ago. It all becomes... too much. Perhaps this new, younger generation forgets that I outrank them. Perhaps they depend too much upon my kind nature to forgive them their unspeakable words they say to me. Either way, I've decided that from now on a few things will change. I will not sit at my desk every day to be met with abuse."

"I will no longer do business matters in the coffee shops- barring important matters such as war. The only only people who can contact me with business in the coffee shops are my own Captains. From now on, you will have to send me a letter if you wish to contact me about important matters."

"To make things easy, you can all relate to your crews that I no longer fund businesses outside of Detroit. That those who wish to discuss financial matters with me can instead do so with Rourke or Gabriel. My time is far too precious to deal with outrageous demands and comments from the public."

"Important matters will be dealt with first. If, however, I do not respond to your (or your family's) inquiries within two days, and you (or they) gripe to me about how I never got back to you on an issue, I will not hesitate to rain fire and brimstone down upon you. I'm done with people taking advantage of me, and this stops here."

"If you mail me socially, expect that I will not get back to you for at least three days. This is the risk you run for contacting an extremely busy woman, in her business as well as personal life. Again I will do my best to get back to you, but if I do not- that's just how it is going to be."

"If I am not around, as always, I have my faithful Right and Left Hands Rourke McRourkerson and Gabriel Mancini, who are more than happy to assist you in whatever you may need."

At this point Marietta takes a breath, before getting to the most important point of all. That's right. Important shit.

"Rourke, Gabriel and myself know that we are more than capable of running the city on our own, as we have done so for years now. However, after we have discussed this at various lengths, we have decided that it wouldn't hurt to have an extra helping hand. Someone who is capable, responsible and intelligent enough to help us should we not always be here to run the workings of Detroit. We have selected an individual we think is more than fit for this job; and with their help, we truly believe that Detroit can once again be the thriving place of business it has always been."

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce the fact that PedroRourke is no longer one of my Captains. He will now be Detroit's first Under Boss in almost six months. When my upper structure is not around to answer questions or take care of business, he and his upper structure are more than capable to do so. Consider him now one of Detroit's top tier; for in the coming weeks he will be helping and assisting in major parts of the Detroit business. While I would love to detail what exactly that is, I am sure you all know we love to maintain our business secrets from one another."

Many of the other leaders chuckle, for it is true. Though they meet today, their business are theirs alone, and no one knows the details of everything quite like they.

"So from now on when you think of Detroit, or have a concern about Detroit- do not feel as if you can only come to Rourke, Gabriel or myself. Pedro, with my blessing, will become a bigger part of Detroit's inner workings- now and in the future."

"Once again, thank you all for meeting me here. I'll be sure to contact you in the future with any more news we may have."

Marietta nodded graciously towards the people who had taken time out of their day to meet with her, and sat- waiting to field and questions or comments that may arise.

Following Marietta's speech, Pedro stood to address the gathering of the representatives of the seven cities.

In this way of life, we are always on the lookout on ways to improve upon our business opportunities. I have had the great opportunity as a Captain of Detroit, and I am honored to be given this chance to assist Detroit in expanding its business ventures to ensure protection and prosperity in this great city.

With a small gesture, a man standing behind Pedro walks over and hands Marietta an envelope.

A small gesture, and a symbol for our prosperous future.

Jacques takes a quick look around the table in front of him and notices the silence. Rather then wait and hope that someone will ask the same question as he had in mind, he decides, with a nervous clearing of his throat and a scuffle forward, to ask his question.

"Good evening Madame Rossi, may I first thank you for taking the time to inform us all of these changes and to extend my congratulations to PedroRourke, a man that I am positive will keep up the already high standards that Detroit have managed to achieve."

Jacques pauses to hear the approving grunts and half words around the table.

"I do full-heartedly agree that a woman that has achieved so much, deserves the chance to be able to spend her time in a more, lets say, relaxing manner. However, a part of your speech has confused me slightly. You have stated that if a person wanted to discuss financial matters, that they can discuss such problems with either Rourke or Gabriel. However, what happens when it comes to the time when a person must make the financial payment, rather then discuss it? Do we carry on making payments to yourself, or do we now make financial payments with Rourke and Gabriel?"

Realising his place, Jacques quickly becomes quiet and steps back into the semi shadows.

Van sits in New Orleans Cash Money HQ on the phone talking to his Bodyguards to deliver a message to PedroRourke since he is banned from entering Detroit's streets.

Van's Bodyguards pulls up in limo to hand a letter to PedroRourke

Dear PedroRourke,

     I'm sorry I'm not there to congratulate you in person for certain reasons. I'm happy to see you got promoted and I know you will do amazing like I have seen so far.  I'm sorry this letter will be short but I'm pretty much speechless about this man. Congratulations once again.

Sincerely ,

Van_Wilder

Van's bodyguards get back into the limo but before the head back to New Orleans they all congratulate Mr.PedroRourke

I think this is the way it should be the Godmother shouldn't be the one to have to deal with the daily workings of the city. It should be delegated and handled accordingly. Freeing up the Godmother to handle more pertinent and time consuming matters. That immediately need her or her right hands attention.

The position you are in is precious and so is your time like you said. I have known of leaders who would not talk to small time civilians before, and your path of success is leading you towards a historic legacy. This is a good plan, with your top structure outlined and plans for the city.

Kates smiles warmly to her mother and her friend.

I, for one, am thrilled to see this. A Godmother should be able to enjoy the fruits of her labors, without the hassle of business unworthy of her time.

And, PedroRourke, a thousand congratulations to you on your new position in Detroit. You've been a Captain of Detroit for longer than I've truly been a part of this thing. Your friendship and loyalty is a large part of the foundation of Detroit, and I know that in the Godmother's absence it will be in good hands.

Cernobog Nods with Agreement, and says "I agree"

"Detroit has always been a wonderful city and I feel Marietta has worked hard for too long, with little time to enjoy herself and relax, fair play if you run a city you should expect to be working your ass off, however I feel with this anouncement less people will approach you with garbage mails, visits etc."

"Pedro has worked hard too and I am glad to hear he is making his way up there with the best in detroit and would like to say congratulations and best wishes to you and your wonderful city."

Wet, tired and hung-over, I begin to realise why El_Nino interupted my sleep, everyone who is anyone is here today. My head pounding, I take out my hip flask and take a swig, grimacing as the whiskey runs down my throat and warms up my stomach. I shake my head vigorously, drawing looks from around the room, give a quick smile, nod to a few familiar faces and slide my flask back into my suit pocket.

I turn and whisper to El_Nino. "Sorry for shouting, if I'd have missed this my balls would have been on the menu."

El_Nino shows no sign he's heard, the consumate professional, he just sits and monitors the room, the man can read people like they were comic books, I can see him taking mental notes as he scans across the table.

Eventually the Godmother speaks, she informs us things are going to change, among other things announcing PedroRourke as the cities Under Boss. I can't say I'm surprised, the man is a legend around Detroit, leading The Retributes to the pinacle of success, his operations had been noted the world over.

Once GodMother Marietta has concluded her speech, PedroRourke stands and addresses the room. I listen intently, he graciously accepts his new role and hands over a packed envelope, a gift of some considerable value, a token of his success and commitment to Detroit. The room applauds and breaks out into a cluster of conversations. I head over to PedroRourke.

I extend my hand towards PedroRourke. "Congratulations Pedro, you know my thoughts on this appointment: About time! You've lead from the front and earned your place as Under Boss. Didn't have to make me look so bad though you shite, I've got a pounding head-ache and must stink of booze, you're sporting a new suit, hair emaculate and is that a new pair of shoes?!"

I give PedroRourke a wink, shake his hand and pat him on the shoulder.

"Congratulations again mate, well deserved!"

Grassboy walks intently down the street to hear what the big bucks were talking about earlier, while he was trying to ease drop, which didn't work i might add... So thats what was going on, thats marvelous news! Grassboy spots Pedro walking down the street, lots of people in tow, and he decides to run over and talk to him... Pedro i would just like to give you my best Congratulations and also letting you know that you have my vote... Grassboy smiles, puts on his vote for pedro badge and then joggs off to the east

Death-Knight stands up from the table

PedroRourke.... What can I say mate. You have done nothing but do wonders for Detroit ever since you set up there. You are nothing but a hard working leader and you deserve this promotion more then anything my friend. You have been a great friend to me in the time we have known each other and it makes me so happy and proud that you have become the first offical Under Boss of Detroit.

I for one know that Detroit is a very busy city spending much of my life working there, and now it has an Under Boss aswell makes me happy to see the city still wishes to keep growing and keeping things busy as Godmother Marietta said, She is growing older and slower but nevertheless we love her for what she has done for Detroit.

Detroit will always be apart of me somehow. Even when I am running New Orleans. Detroit has made a major impact of this thing of ours and I am happy that Detroit has loyal, responsible and hard working mobsters like yourself Pedro. You are not only a great man but a great friend aswell and you have my Congratulations on your fantastic promotion.

Death-Knight grabs hold of Pedros hand and pulls him towards him and gives him a big hug Congratulations Pedro.

Shaking her head towards Pedro, the Godmother graciously accepts the envelope from his associate before grinning towards her Don.

"Thank you, I truly appreciate it. I foresee many great things for Detroit in the coming weeks, and I know that with your extra help everything we have dreamed can be achieved."

Turning, Marietta nods towards the man she recognized as a Right Hand for a Las Vegas syndicate, giving him a brief smile before responding to his question.

"My apologies, I do see how that was confusing. When I made reference to financial matters, I- at the time- was getting ahead of myself. From now on I no longer do loans for low ranking mobsters- and I only do them for people within Detroit."

"As far as my city paying the taxes of other cities- for now I will still be sending the payments weekly, until such a time in the future when I will pass that portion of the city's business on to one of my esteemed upper tier: Rourke, Gabriel or Pedro."

"In regard to the Detroit Shooting Tax, please continue to send all payments to my accountant directly. All questions can be directed towards Rourke or Gabriel, and in the future, Pedro once he is trained on the process."

"Eventually all financial matters will be dealt with by one of these three men and not myself directly; however I felt a smooth transition would benefit us all, rather than mix things up and confuse everyone. Thank you for asking this question, Monsieur, and giving me the opportunity to clarify."