When Credits came to the streets recently, he asked what people cared about these days and it got me thinking. He touched upon comparisons from old age to modern day and the difference in expectations between those ages. For a short while I mulled over this and went back to old journals, reading what I could and trying to find answers to some of the questions that had popped into my mind. Why things were so different, why people spoke more, why people actually had some passion back then.

I wondered did we have a greater calibre of Mobster back then? At first I thought yes, they definitely had more about them and brought more of a presence to the world, but then I thought of Godfather-Chairman Duplicity and all the work I had watched her put in to get to that point in her career as a mobster and I couldn't find a journal to back up the amount of work anyone had put in back then to compare with it on a regular basis. We often see people hit that benchmark of Godfather and people often comment that it is easier to hit that rank now compared to older times but looking back I think people took up a life of crime as a recreational pastime, rather than make a career out of it. Sure, people spoke in the streets more but did they put in endless hours every day? Did they rack up an insane amount of kills in order to take on those who stood in their way? Perhaps for their age they did but as we know, the times have changed and now hitting upwards of 10 targets a day and putting in 10+ hours a day is a standard set by most. It also takes a lot more work to kill a Don or Godfather with an insane amount of bodyguards, back in the day people couldn't get that kind of security. What's required from us in order to get to where we want to be is massive in comparison to times of old.

Then suddenly this brought me back to what Credits was asking "What do people even care about?"

 And a little fella by the name of Jabba summed it up for me. 

"Living." He said.

It was so simple yet so true. Living is what drives so many of the so called "mobsters" within this world now and part of me understands why this is high in the list of priorities. People spend an insane amount of time to get to where they are and if there's a way to protect that, then more often than not they will do it. Whether that means sacrificing their morals, their Mafia code of silence or their loyalty doesn't seem to bother these people, so long as their own skins are saved.

Again, part of me completely understands it, it takes a lot of work to get to a respectable position within this world, people want to protect their investment in whatever way they can.  We see that frequently with Right Hands betraying their own leaders, Dons betraying their Godfathers, Made+ guys jumping ship instead of fighting it out and even Crew Leader's allowing the deaths of their own members by the hands of others.

All of what I just mentioned is a regular occurrence in this day and age, all of you listening will have witnessed it happen and it seems as if it's now become the norm, an acceptable way to go about things. People choose life, not loyalty. They are more prepared to sacrifice a life's worth of respect and dedication to a specific person and family than they are to die while enforcing the rules they signed up to when they joined, or the oaths they took when making their bones. Reading over past journals once more, I find that this sort of thing was looked down upon, people often lost respect for bloodlines committing these acts of betrayal and it most definitely wasn't the norm, it wasn't acceptable.

There's been a fair amount of talk in a drop of standards over the years and this seems to correlate with the amount of work put in to get a "cannon" or be in a respectable position. The higher people get, the lower the standards become, priorities change and this is when we see the betrayal I spoke about before. As well as this the addition of credits, the god currency, also comes in to play. Each life literally becomes an investment due to coughing up hard cash in exchange for these highly sought after credits. People are less willing to stick their neck on the line because of them and that also creates problems when it comes to morals, omerta and loyalty. Suddenly what's important changes and this is where the problem lies with the current state of things. At least in my opinion.

Living is now the priority of most, this is what so many people care about above all else and I wonder if this will change any time soon or if it can be changed at all?

Choose loyalty, not life. 

Rust.

Loyalty in this world? The vast majority of people who walk these shores couldn't tell you what loyalty was even with the assistance of an encyclopedia. For every actual loyal person, there are a handful or more ship jumpers and liars who feign loyalty, but only care about their own meaningless lives.

*Tips Hat*

For every actual loyal person, there are a handful or more ship jumpers and liars who feign loyalty, but only care about their own meaningless lives.

Cactus, to some degree we all have to look out for ourselves first. Until it truly comes to a choice of me versus my leader. For example, in a war you and your leader are left standing only one bullet proof vest (pro shot) that is a decision that has to be made. In my mind set for your Leader and take your chances. How ever beyond that, loyalty is about bringing in money, a little respect and notoriety for your family and keeping yourself alive so you can continue to do those things. 

Like I said earlier, loyalty is a two way street. If you want me to work my ass off for you and sacrifice for you, I better feel that you are willing to step up for me till the bitter end as well. 

*smiles and looks on*

Dungster was just done with his afternoon choirs and making his way to his favorite bakery when he heard a man speaking across the street. He sounded like a calm storm, speaking of something more than just another made-up story. He walked closer and listened to every word Rusty had spoken. For Dungster, being new around these streets, felt disappointed about the turn of events that happened.

"It does hurt but it's sadly true, much has been said but nobody has yet to learn."

He tried to approach Rusty closer but he made sure that Rusty felt the respect in every actions Dungster made.

He tapped Rusty's shoulder to get his attention then stepped back.

"Mi remembered what ma comrades told me before, Live to fight another day fo' there's no honor in dying. Perhaps, some of the people think this way and accept revenge as their piece. But then Mi'd rather die fighting for loyalty, than die fighting for honor."

Dungster's gas mask started to build some moist on it's lens. He placed his fist at this heart and bowed before Rusty before me made his way.

TLM chuckles softly, listening and nodding along to Credit's words as he remembered some of his past quite well. Truth was, Credits was right about a lot of things. Times were changing, however the days people remember fondly are often exaggerated. 

"Jabba was well to point that out, Credits. And I agree with him in some regards, as I do with you, in others... Living, however, seems to be the most important thing in our current day and age. People will kill to just live a few more days... However I will point out something, and it's not without worries for what I'm about to say."

TLM took a few steps towards credits, leaning in to hopefully keep his voice within a certain radius. "I don't think Loyalty is completely the right word for it. Yes, it may appear to be loyalty and I'm sure there are those who are die hard loyalists, but I would wager to say that Fear is another thing that keeps people in line these days. People are more Fearful of what is to happen if they aren't loyal."

Odd looks are given to TLM, and he began to feel a bit uneasy. "You know, I don't mean EVERYONE is afraid. I just mean that with all the wars, and all the takedowns... I can understand that people are afraid for what they say, and who they say it to. I have nothing against the Godmother of Chicago, hell, I respect her greatly for what she has accomplished, and I would make another wager to say that I consider her somewhat of a friend (as much as a Reporter and Godmother can be). And while many may be loyal to the cause, and apart of the great Alliance, it seems that many more outside of those circles are more afraid than anything else. Even those who are plotting their little attacks, or trying to build up their weapons and armies to do 'something', whoever they may be, are probably more afraid of what is to come."

TLM looks around again, but focuses back on Credits. "Loyalty is definitely a factor for those of us who are apart of the Alliance, as well as those of us who believe in the cause, but for those who aren't and don't.... Well, Fear is a strong motivator for becoming Loyal."

Thetowndrunk sits on his ass and sips from his bottle in the paperbag.  No one seems to want to be around him because he smells so bad - but the statement piques his interest.

"I would agree with you Rusty.  The fact of the matter is that no matter how long a generation's life is - the bloodlines always seem to spend insane amounts time on these shores.  What's the point of being a spectacular marksman if you can't put it to good use for your family?  So you can brag?  Oh right - we talked about that and that's not cool either.  The fact is we all die at some point.  But - the reputation of your bloodline lives on.  People always remember the rogues.  The stigma doesn't disappear quickly.  People also always remember the people who stood tall and fought with all their might - and that reputation will live on too.  I would also be obliged that wars are bound to happen - and one of the most exciting times in this thing of ours.  I don't know why people would want to avoid it."

Thetowndrunk gets up and stumbles off to the bathroom.

Fortunately, Laughing_Man, I am not he who you call Credits, I am Rusty.

However, moving on to your points, I think the fear of losing ones life outweighs the fear of repercussions for not being loyal in this day and age. You see this speech isn't just about loyalty, it's about why it is quickly becoming the norm for people to commit the betrayals I touched upon earlier.

I think Thetowndrunk has touched upon something that's important here. These betrayals are ultimately fruitless if one is to save their own skin, as in the end we all meet our maker. In a community that is fairly small, it's a strange thing to risk that reputation in order to live for a little while longer. On the other side of that argument though, will a reputation truly be tarnished if this newer breed of mobster are accepting these betrayals as a way of life?

Ahhh Rusty good to see you well and bringing up another topic that we can all share our thoughts on glad to see that you took notice of those diary's that Credits gave you.

More importantly you managed to read them, Though i must say Thetowndrunk pretty much sums it up in a nut shell. While these betrayals have become a thing of the norm it is never forgotten it may be forgiven by a select few but most remember these things.

Now a point i will go over is a last stand made by one Ladyfighter she was fighting and continued the fight against insurmountable odds people still talk about that last stand to this day. It was one reason that many sort out the kin of her as they knew she would stand and fight now on the flip side if one is knowen to jump ship soon as bullets go flying people will take note of that and remember that i still hear people talking about bloodlines that jump ship.

I get that times have started to change to a degree but i would hope that our values dont.

I can say honestly that when I join a crew, I pledge my life to that crew. I vow to only serve them until the day I die unless something happens to them and I have to take up residence elsewhere. If they have enough faith in me to take me into their crew, and then trust me enough to give me my button, then they have my unwavering loyalty to the end, that's for sure.

I would fight to the death for any crew leader that is willing to take me in and deal with my somewhat bad attitude at times. I would especially fight to the death for someone that trusted me and believed in me enough to give me my own crew to lead, or someone that made me their Hand, etc. My mother was that way too. Brooklyn was going down but she still fought to the end. I'm proud of her and I'm glad to know she showed her support of Voodoo through it all, fighting by his side til the end.

The people that jump ship are obviously putting up a front at all times. They pledge their loyalty to their leader, shit hits the fan, then they leave that crew and pledge their loyalty instantly to another crew leader and don't even look back at the previous crew they just left! Like, really? You don't care? You would rather save yourself than fight for your leader that took you in and gave you your button and gave you friendship and trusted you? To me, their whole bloodline is then tainted. There's no coming back from that in my eyes. 

I'm not really sure why this ideal is fading away; why some people would rather save themselves than fight alongside their leader. It doesn't really seem worth it to me to taint my image and mark myself as a traitor of sorts, but I'm sure other people see it as a better idea. 

For me, the only way out of a crew is in a body bag.

Forrest had been in his office as of late attending to business and had not had adequate chance to venture out to his beloved streets. There had been a plethora of activity since he had last walked the streets and he was itching to reply and share his thoughts on the various topics being discussed. 

Firstly, Rusty I'd like to say that you raise a very interesting point and it's nice to see you're not too busy to grace our fair streets with your presence given your busy schedule. 

For me personally, loyalty is paramount, of utmost importance. The only two things you have in this life for definite, are your loyalties and your word. To break either of them, in my mind, is unthinkable. 

Perhaps you're right and times have shifted, perhaps people feel that they should put self-preservation first. To me, these people are worthless, once you become Made, you make an unbreakable vow to back your leader and your family to your last breath. Anybody who does this, in my opinion is vermin.

It's also important in my opinion to look at it from the flip side. What self respecting crew leader would take in somebody, a man or woman of supposed honour, who has already turned their back on their family. Broken the highest level of trust. To me, it shows to me immediately (If i were to run my own organisation) that they do not deserve a place in my family. How could you ever trust somebody with such a lack of morals and respect? 

Perhaps people will describe me as old fashioned, or short sighted, but to be totally honest.. I don't care.

Once you're made, you're made for life. It's as simple as that, cowards and deserters should be shot. And then shot again for good measure.. 

Forrest takes a swig from his hipflask and continues down the boulevard to continue sharing his thoughts. 

I'm fairly certain that I'm not wrong when I say that most people are looking to survive as long as they can. Some have underlying goals and objectives that don't quite fit with the ideal of ''going down with the ship''. The rewards for dying for/with your leader aren't exactly huge, aside from the fulfillment of some romantic and heroic ideals such as loyalty and honor, and a bit of prestige. This is because someone who does the expected isn't a hero, but just someone who ''does it right''. 

I think above all it is families encouraging desertion. After all, there wouldn't be ship-jumping if nobody would let them jump to another 'ship'! There are, as always, exceptional/special cases when it comes to ship-jumping, but I think we can all agree that it is a distasteful and dishonorable practice. I think that we would do good to lay more blame on the leaders who take in these deserters, rather than just the deserter him- or herself. 

To extend slightly on what Salazar has said, I think people see this, incorrectly, as a very black and white scenario and that everyone should die with their leader because we're told "they should". In reality, many actual mobsters moved on to work for another boss when their previous boss died and families amalgamated previous regimes into their own in order to develop. Capable people are hard to come by and friends of ours are friends of ours regardless of family. 

I find this whole "noble warrior" status we have invented and afford prestige towards to be rather unseemly. The mafia, above everything else, is a business and I don't think there is much business acumen being shown by people who toss their lives away, often needlessly. On top of that, I can't remember the last boss I came across who actually had their members swear an oath of undying loyalty to the family and it's Don even beyond the death of the same. Seems a bit nuts to me.

After listening for most of the conversation, Illamo shifted from the dark corner of the room, stood up and shared his thoughts.

Everyone is made different. It all boils down on how they are raised and what fundamentals they hold dear to. Some have goals to achieve in life and will not rest in peace as long as it's not achieved. I don't judge those who do not show any loyalty, as they have their rights and they will have to bear that decision as long as they live. But I do reserve a special form of respect to those who show true loyalty. 

Personally, I choose loyalty over living. Like some companions who have spoken before me, I'm old school. I value words and much rather meet my end as a man who kept his word, than fleeing to save my own skin. 

I share with you folks a part of poem that I hold so dearly, "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1854).

Does your word include loyalty to a corpse, Ilammo? 

You'll never get to see your boss' corpse if you died first would you :')

That's my view. I respect everyone's view and was just displaying mine :)

If you have a good leader, why would you want to see your Boss's Corpse?

I lost Sovereign - and I was devastated. I did not jump ship - I wasn't in town when the war started, and I was spared. I feel the same way about KevinOwens - He's a fine leader, and has dedicated his life to serving his crew - as I have dedicated mine, to serving him. And if the day comes,  when war strikes again, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with him, and I will give him my bullet proof vest. I will take my chances. 

R2D2 had heard about a lovely speech being presented in the streets and she decided to see what all the fuss was about so to speak. When the voices began to die down, R2D2 decided that she had an opinion on the subject.

"Great topic Rusty! I am a person who believes that loyalty transcends even death. Even after we all perish from this life and our ancestors arrive on these shores. Our tie, the oath that we once spoke to each other is still warranted. The only thing that could sever those ties is direct betrayal. Once I give someone my loyalty, it is theirs for all time".