Before I start, I'm sure the pedants amongst you will notice that I actually only have 8 members. And, if you're really going to be a total dick about it (which would be an incredibly rare occurrence to find such a being upon the streets, right?) I suppose I only truthfully have 7 and myself, but just forget that and stick with me for now and all will become apparent.

Petey pauses to dab at his brow before continuing a little more authoritatively than before.

Some of you may have noticed that one of my dear fellows was gunned down last night. This was no two-bit thief either, this was a Made Man; nearly, but not quite, at the envy-inducing level of a Capo like myself, someone for whom the books had been opened and a man who had, for all intents and purposes, made his bones within my organisation. I am of course, talking about the late Mr Happy, who you will probably know better as Ragnarok.

Now, just for the avoidance of doubt, Ragnarok acquired himself a pair of the finest cement shoes by attempting (unsuccessfully) to gun down, the now also deceased, Aislin. Why, you might be asking yourself, would a rather inconsequential, albeit dashingly handsome and occasionally entertaining, Capo from Las Vegas be shining a spotlight on the embarrassing and potentially fatal failure of one of his former men of honour?

Simple, because Ragnarok acted like a gangster.

Petey stops to let that sink in and hopes not to catch a bullet before he finishes speaking. 

Why was he acting like a gangster? Because the part I've omitted from this was the motivation behind Ragnarok's decision to try to clip Aislin - there was an anonymous source offering $25,000,000 for her head. 25 million dollars! This is not chump change, but a significant sum of money which is more than most people actually achieve in our business. 

Sure, there is a rather visible egg stain on my face because of his decision, which I wouldn't be surprised to find taking pride of place in the speech of whoever eulogises me, but objectively I don't find fault in his thinking. It makes me look foolish for believing he could abide by my rules (which are v.comprehensive btw) but how could I be mad at someone for going for the gold? He saw an opportunity to make a big score and he tried to seize it with both hands. Bravo, Ragnarok. Props to you for trying and not just settling for being an anonymous, irrelevant nobody. Our world would be a much more enjoyable place if more people tried to make something of themselves rather than doing nothing and saying nothing before quickly being forgotten.

Therefore, despite the mistakes I've so evidently made, and the fact he's currently chowing down on a bullet-sandwich, I'm still classing myself as having 9 members, or 8 if you're ascribing to the dickery mentioned earlier, as this man, Ragnarok, was a gangster and he will be recognised as a man from the Palace, even in death.

Rest well, Rago.

In fact, thinking about it, scratch all of that, I actually have at least 10 members - TheMollusk is worth at least 2 of any normal member all day long.

*walks around the desolate morning streets to see a guy orating his soul on an emptied crate of oranges*

Hmm what's that guy about, is he some lost drunk guy who is foretelling a prophecy or something*

After hearing the words he walks up to the man, and gives him his sympathies for losing a member of his family and congratulates him for being proud of them through thick and thin. 

I heard some rumors about CL's without backbone or something, I guess those people should be around this part of town more often!

walks away whistling and off to another adventure

"Before I start"..i have to say, I've not really noticed how many members of your organisation you have under you, 7, 8 or 9 I cant say ive taken an acute interest. so, glad we have cleared that up ill move on.

Im struggling to, firstly understand the relevance of your organisational numbers vs the actual content of your little speech here? I have to say its a little bit lost on me and yes I have really listened to what you have said.

Secondly why you have come out into the streets, a place that is open to every Tom, Dick and Harry to discuss such a matter. If you're that concerned by whatever it is (im still struggling to understand the logic) why not approach the people involved, keep it in house? The masses don't need to be privy to such info.

This a speech of all kinds of mixed messages; I initially thought it might have been a sad ploy to save face on what one of your members has done, a kinda public plea, a face saving exercise, even a fance sitting one. If this is the intent, ive no clue why you brought it out to the general populous, why not address the crime organisation in question on a  personal level?   This brings me back to my original dilemma, what the hell does this have to do with the numbers that you currently hold in your HQ?

Listening further on;

Sure, there is a rather visible egg stain on my face because of his decision, which I wouldn't be surprised to find taking pride of place in the speech of whoever eulogises me, but objectively I don't find fault in his thinking. It makes me look foolish for believing he could abide by my rules (which are v.comprehensive btw) but how could I be mad at someone for going for the gold? He saw an opportunity to make a big score and he tried to seize it with both hands. Bravo, Ragnarok. Props to you for trying and not just settling for being an anonymous, irrelevant nobody.

so, from being worried about being killed for his actions to condoning them, im at a huge loss as to your actual point and why its in the public eye. From the local obits and peoples quiet whispers, the majority know what happened and in what order they did. And what the hell this has to do with your numbers of your crew?

So, "Bravo" to him for trying to shoot a capo that sits within a GodFather crew simply because 25million was put on their head? There are plenty of other ways within this world to not be an irrelevant nobody, shooting at a hit list for no other reason than greed, is not one of those. Ill pose you question;

If he has successfully killed the capo, would you still have been applauding him and say Bravo for him "going for the gold".

For the last time today ill ask you again, what does this have to do with anything regarding members that you house within your HQ walls?

It's in the public eye because I thought it was an interesting topic; two reputable mobsters are gunned down amidst talk of contracts and millions of dollars - worth exploring, right? And given there is such a dearth of anything else worthwhile to take an interest in that the public eye may as well be closed, I think that is reason enough all by itself. However, partly for thoroughness, and partly because I'm just that 10-membered type of a guy, I'll address the remainder of your concerns.

Why shouldn't I come here and discuss something that is public record, especially when it is interesting? Anyone can take a glance at the obituaries and the people involved have evidently already been approached as this happened two days ago and both protagonists occupy plots in the local cemetery. So, I'm not sure why that should dissuade me from making this appearance. 

Your next point is essentially the same as the previous one, which I think I've just covered, albeit this time you've included multiple mentions of face-saving and fance-sitting, neither of which I'm engaged in. I also don't think what I've said provides any mixed messages; Ragnarok went for the big payday and I commended him for having the danglers to go for it. Obviously the fact that one of my Made Men decided to disregard my rules is a source of personal concern, but what self-respecting gangster wouldn't decide to chance their hand at making a fortune? Only an unambitious one and who wants that type of character in their employ?

Moving on, and thank you for repeating verbatim what I said right back to me just in case I was in any doubt as to my own words, but I don't think I said I was worried about being killed for what he did, rather that it was a possibility and I'm sure it is. Personally, I think greed is one of the primary motivators for our society and not something to be sniffed at because it is one that has encouraged many to achieve things. I also agree that there are ways for people not to be irrelevant; I just don't see many people exercising them. Taking a chance is one way to do that and the success or failure of the chance-taking endeavor isn't really the determining factor for me, rather the doing of it that deserves respect. 

Finally, the link to my members which appears to be troubling you was related to the fact that one of them has died and thus wouldn't ordinarily be included in a typical member count. I was using my member count as something of a metaphor for the understanding of Ragnarok's behaviour in trying to claim the $25,000,000 bounty. I did actually draw that conclusion towards the end of my speech, but I would imagine you were too busily jotting down what I was saying word for word to hear me.

Anyway, I hope that helps to clarify a few things for you. 

And a hearty thank you to old Toby for getting it. 

Clarification, ok yeah ill give you that but still a huge piece of pointless  inane drivel, nonetheless.  I still dont understand or support your view point on your member basically taking on rogue actions and the fact the YOU never took the shot on him, it was left to someone outside of your district to do it further raises questions, IMO.

Why shouldn't I come here and discuss something that is public record, especially when it is interesting?

You can, by all means, tell me your hitmens names, that's also an interest subject. The point I was making was this; its better conduct to maybe approach the opposing crime syndicate to air any laundry out, hell even an apology before you come out into the streets. Hell you might have already, but my point still stands. But there are something's that just need stay where they lie, IMO.

 Ragnarok went for the big payday and I commended him for having the danglers to go for it. Obviously the fact that one of my Made Men decided to disregard my rules is a source of personal concern, but what self-respecting gangster wouldn't decide to chance their hand at making a fortune? Only an unambitious one and who wants that type of character in their employ?

Let me get this right, you're openly condoning your (ex)members, or 9th(ish) members, or whatever your original point was, actions? am I hearing you correct on this? So, every other gangster in this thing of ours who chose to holster their gun isn't self respecting? We are all yellow bellies and cowards for not going for "the big payday" and the rest of us are unemployable because we chose to not get involved and shoot this capo, simply because of the payday.....

listen, I get it, its 25mill, a lot of people here could have done with said cash, a lot of people would have been successful in completing this but I can go out on a limb and say their crew leaders wouldn't be so public in condoning their dead members rouging actions.

 Taking a chance is one way to do that and the success or failure of the chance-taking endeavor isn't really the determining factor for me, rather the doing of it that deserves respect. 

I strangely agree with half of this statement, however once again, you've showed "respect" for rags doing this?  that's hotbed of contention right there.

Mr. Perttits, you are one of a rare breed of old school mobsters who still understands the nature of our business. Thank you for coming out here to try to resuscitate the old ethos and to remind everyone why we got into this business. It's not to make friends and drink coffee. We're in it for the money and the power. This concept is lost on nearly everyone these days.

As you acknowledged, rules were broken, and that is not what is being commended here. What is being commended is the ambition, not the action.

*Willie tips his fedora and wanders off, back to his dusty old corner in the alley*

You're welcome as always Peter. Congratulations on achieving the rank Capo by the way. I can only expect you will make an equally wonderful Boss.

Well, insta, there isn't really much mystery about why I didn't take the shot - despite my best efforts, I can't actually shoot people in my sleep, therefore, someone else stepped up and took the shot in my absence. Do you have any further questions about that aspect of it or can we agree that this isn't really one for Scooby Doo to take a look at?

How does your point of approaching the people involved and offering them an apology prior to coming the streets still stand...if I've already actually approached them and apologised prior to coming to the streets? Which I have, incidentally, but I'm sure there isn't a valid point anywhere in that line of thinking, regardless.

I also disagree that dirty laundry is being aired as I don't think it is particularly sensitive information I'm discussing here. Hell, according to you I haven't revealed anything the majority of people didn't already know about anyway, so where's the fire?  

I believe Willie has kindly clarified what my intentions were, so I'm not sure I have a whole lot more to add on that. 

PeterPerttits there is plenty more that one can say, Its become pretty apparent from your speaking here that the point you tried making was a lot more than an ethos and a way of thinking. If that was the intention of this,  you would have approached it in a completely way. Countless times i have pointed out where you have condoned him, rags, for what he is done. Not once have you made reference to the idea of this style of glory grabbing.

You have, on a good few occasions applauded HIM for HIS actions, not for the actions that you think people should take and those that you think make people demand respect. The topic all the way through this has been the actions of that man, the 9th(ish) member of YOUR crew. Actions you have "applauded" about HIM and what he chose to do.

Even in his obituaries...what was you quoted saying; "You reached, you tumbled. Cant blame a guy for trying" that in its self shows support for HIS actions, not those of an ideology of how you think gangsters of this world should behave.  You cant get away from it, all you are doing is glorifying his actions. Is this something that we should expect from you and your district going forward? Is this a behavioral pattern that we should come to expect from you and you'll gladly support it?

if this is the case, i should draw your and your crews attention to the current crop on the hitlist, seems that you and your guys have some food for thought, no? 

You just aren't getting it, insta.

I'll have another crack at explaining what I mean.

The point I'm attempting to make is that trying to do things outside of the "build, earn, die" paradigm isn't actually as terrible a thing as people would seemingly have you believe. It makes the world a more unpredictable, dynamic and entertaining place to live. Those actions don't always leave your Don smelling of roses, as here, but that's par for the course of being a boss and certainly not reason enough not to try. People should be pushing boundaries, being ambitious and generally doing whatever they can get away with. What did you come into this life for? I did it for money and power so I could walk around like a big shot and not have to take anyone else's say so. If I was just about the money, $25,000,000 might well be very tempting. If it was just about surviving quietly, I would never have left Detroit. 

You seem to think I'm saying "WELL IN RAGNAROK, WISH YOU HAD KILLED EVERY FUCKER DIE! DIE! DIE!" which isn't the case and if you had been listening to me, you have known I praised him for acting like a gangster. hat I've been saying is that the claiming of a $25,000,000 bounty is a very mafia-like act and bravo to him for having the nuts to actually try. That's the type of thought process that should be encouraged because we could actually use more gangsters and less monotony around here - even if that doesn't leave me as someone's leader, in this instance me, on particularly safe ground. I therefore place your assertion of having not "made reference to this style of glory grabbing" which is patently untrue as that the whole point, in the 'wrong' pile along with your previously incorrect accusations of 'fance-sitting'  and 'not killing people in my sleep'.

And, looking at the hitlist, a whole host of people should have food for thought, not just me or my fine gents. Why? Because that's an awful lot of money - enough to make a new life somewhere for someone. Personally, I've already stated what my goals are and getting shot for collection a $25,000,000 bounty doesn't get me any closer to them. Does it for you?

Heh, im all for an aggressive style, im all for pushing boundaries and taking risks, of course i am. But my dear Pete, do you no think its prudent that a crew leader, like you are has publicly backed his rogue member both in the streets and in his obituary? Can you not see that people looking outside in will see you glorifying shooting at other peoples members on the hit list?

You're long enough in the tooth to understand the effects of such a public show of support for actions that will more than likely piss off 90% of our leadership? You're glorifying the actions of rogue, while its something this world cant get away from, its not an action that we take kindly too.  

You seem to think I'm saying "WELL IN RAGNAROK, WISH YOU HAD KILLED EVERY FUCKER DIE! DIE! DIE!"

Not in so many words, but you've blatantly showed no remorse for his actions, the opposite in fact. weather it start from an ideology or not.  OK, look at it like this; 

so you have admitted that you support this style and aggression and this ideology, that people should take shots at the hit list for gluttony and greed and then your member goes and does the exact thing that you think is a way of not being a bottom feeder and you've supported him countless times, can you see where im going with this? 

Can you see why im pushing it you that while this maybe an ideology of yours, you have still openly supported what he done. That then leads on to everything that ive said previously to this and going forward it believes me to think that while hits go up, you would openly support, maybe encourage your members to take shots because "they can start a whole new life with it" 

regardless of all this, im happy we know where your logic and your obviously "high regard" for rules within your HQ stand. 

P.s. Your tits arent that pert and with time they will get even less pert. good day. 

Please.

You've been ratcheting up the drama with each passing reply. First of all I wasn't making any sense and I was just telling people things they already knew. Then I was airing highly sensitive information without having gone through the proper channels first and now I'm advocating a war on everybody and global anarchy? Nonsense. Have a word with yourself and stop being ridiculous.

If I wanted my crew to start shooting at people to claim the bounties, they would be. Hell, I'd be doing it there with them. Only, I'm not. They're not. Why? Because you're wrong and I'm not actually encouraging them. I'm trying to achieve my own goals and I don't see how my getting the other half of Ragnarok's bullet-sandwich helps me to achieve them.

It would have been easier for me if Ragnarok didn't shoot at anyone and followed the BED paradigm because that helps leaders like me get fat and rich without doing a whole lot. He didn't. I will bear the consequences of that. I spoke to those concerned and offered my apologies and thanks as appropriate. But, I'm not going to be pissing all over him because he acted like a gangster as that is the business we are in - he acted like a man, he tried and he failed. He got shot for his efforts and that, as far as I'm concerned anyway, is that.

Acting like a gangster doesn't necessarily have to be through claiming bounties on the hitlist, nor have I said to my guys "hey quick, there is $25,000,000 up for grabs, you should shoot at Genesis and collect" because as per my previous point, how does that help me? If they break the rules, they'll be punished, just like Ragnarok. I'd still respect them for having the proverbial's in attempting it though, which is the point of this whole thing.

So why would 90% of our leadership be pissed off by my saying these things? I don't think they will be - I doubt they will leap from one misguided conclusion to the next like you have done. People should be acting like gangsters, I'm sure they know that too. Where are we again and why are you here? 

Hogan hears a debate of one he never heard before. The excitement within him overflows. He had nothing to do with this excitement except flex and speak in that voice that would give him a sore throat the next morning. This debate was one he had not found himself on one side or the other on rather he found himself trying to place himself in that situation. With the intention of trying to understand the motives for speaking on such a daring action by the 9th member of the Perv Palace, The Hulkster began to question PeterPertitts.

Hogan Flexes.

WELL YOU KNOW SOMETHING BROTHER, I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING WHY YOU ARE CONDONING THIS ACT AS WELL! SEE DUDE I LISTENED TO YOU AND INSTA SPEAK ON THE ISSUE AT HAND AND TOBY CHIME IN WITH HIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOU ORIGINALLY SPEAKING ABOUT HOW MANY MEMBERS YOU HAVE BROTHER BUT THAT JUST DOESN'T DO IT FOR ME AMIGO!

Hogan flexes some more.

SEE THE REASON THIS IS SO DIFFICULT IS I THINK ON ONE HAND YOU ARE SAYING GOOD WORK FOR TAKING A CHANCE AND GOING FOR THE GOLD BUT THE ISSUE LIES HEREIN BROTHER. THE ACTION THAT WAS TAKEN PUT NOT JUST YOU AT RISK AMIGO BUT YOUR MEMBERS AS WELL! RAGNAROK WAS NOT AS WELL RANKED IN THE MAFIA COMMUNITY AS THE ASILIN WAS AND IN AN UNFORTUNATE SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES JEOPARDIZED YOUR LIFE AS WELL AS YOUR TWO MADE MEN AND THE OTHER FEW MEMBERS YOU HAVE!

Hogan stares and points.

 I AM LOOKING TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU ARE CREDITING THIS MAN ON AN ACTION THAT WAS TAKEN NOT OUT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF YOUR FAMILY OR FOR YOURSELF THAT MATTER BUT FOR HIMSELF? I GET THAT WE ARENT HERE TO DRINK COFFEE AND MAKE FRIENDS AS SOMEONE SO ILLUSTRIOUSLY PUT IT, BUT TO OVERLOOK THE GREED I THINK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Hogan scratches the mustache and begins to rip the shirt.

AS A PERSONAL OPINION I THINK IT WAS FANTASTIC THAT HE WENT FOR MONEY, BUT WHAT WOULD IT HAVE COST EVERYONE ELSE IN THE LONG RUN? A MADE MAN IN YOUR FAMILY WHO IS A VOCAL FIGURE TRIED TO TAKE THE LIFE OF SOMEONE WHO WAS ALIVE A LOT LONGER, WORKED A LOT HARDER, WAS MORE VOCAL, AND WAS NOT JUST A FIGURE IN ONE FAMILY BUT IN A GODFATHER FAMILY NO LESS. TO APPROVE OF THE ACT OF ATTEMPTING TO TAKE THIS LIFE IS TO SOME EXTENT NOT CARE ABOUT THE MEANING OF MADE. THE ISSUES OF LOYALTY. THE IDEA THAT THIS WAS NOT A SMART MOVE, EVEN THOUGH RAGNAROK IS A VERY SMART MAN, IT WAS IN ITSELF SELFISH AND DANGEROUS, AND YOU APPROVE OF IT. 

Hogan starts swinging his shirt around that was ripped and tosses it on the face of toby before continuing. 

AGAIN BROTHER I AM JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND BECAUSE IT IS HARD FOR ME TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THE IDEA OF ONE LEADER WAS OK WITH HIS EX-MEMBER OR MEMBER TO TAKE A SHOT ON SOMEONE WHO WAS DILIGENT IN THEIR CREW. IT WAS NOT AMBITIOUS IT WAS GREEDY. IT WAS NOT THROUGH HARD WORK HE TOOK THE SHOT AND IT WAS NOT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE FAMILY OF THE PERV PALACE. IN APPROVING OF THIS ACT I THINK YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF IN A SITUATION THAT WILL SEE YOU STAYING WITH 9ISH MEMBERS OR A FULL CROWD OF PEOPLE WHO WILL ONLY LOOK FOR THEIR OWN GAIN COMPADRE.

Hogan realizes that his loud screams maybe to much for anyone man to receive. He decided to sum up his entire theatrical showcase with a simple sentence. 

YET MY BLOODLINE IS NEWISH TO THIS WORLD AND I HOPE YOU CAN ACTUALLY HELP ME UNDERSTAND, I SUPPOSE, ON WHY A LEADER WOULD CONDONE THE ACT OF SHOOTING AT ANOTHER LEADERS MEMBER! MAYBE I AM WRONG BROTHER BUT CONDONING THE REASON FOR THE SHOOTING IS CONDONING THE SHOOTING ITSELF! 

Hogan flexes with Insta and Toby as he most politely awaits the reply of a debate that will only further his experience in this world...

Why are you here and not sitting behind a desk?

Seriously, I highly doubt anyone took note to how many crew members you are overseeing until you brought it to the streets.  No disrespect intended.

 As for Ragnarok he was indeed within his rights to take a shot at the 25 mil hit list that was posted anonymously. Who in hell could fault him for doing his job? Certainly not the one who wanted Aislin dead.  And it sure wasn't her family finding fault  because Aislin's CL popped that ass. To say that was pathetic is an understatement, but if anyone had any brains they could add 1 + 1 and call it a day.

I'd advise your peeps learn how to respond to job boards as they do not but no point in it now. Spikes has given LV freedom so I'd watch your back.