Maria had been somewhat quiet on the streets in recent times, but, upon hearing the news that one of her nearest and dearest had finally reached the esteemed rank of Godfather Chairman of Chicago, she felt as though a speech may be in order.

She set out to the steps of Chicago town hall, which was located in The Loop, the area of the city controlled by DoctorBoom, and scanned the area. She saw many faces she knew; as news of DoctorBoom defeating the incumbant Godfather had filtered through the city, people had made their way out to congratulate him on the achievement. She cleared her through and prepared to speak, knowing that her voice would carry and reach the ears of those in the know.

"As I am sure many of you know, Chicago has been blessed today with a new Godfather Chairman. The sun shines a little brighter on our city today; it's a day that I have been looking forward to celebrating for a very long time. I want to express my heartfelt congratulations and complete and utter pride in DoctorBoom out here in public, for all to hear. 

My mother knew DoctorBoom, in his earliest days in this world. She took him in to her family, and he managed to survive the attack that claimed her life. As I grew up, I was lucky to know the good Doctor, and my mother spoke most highly of him. Highly enough, indeed, that when my mother was murdered, my sister looked to DoctorBoom in his new home in Detroit for her start in the world. And she again spoke highly enough that I sought the Doctor out and joined his new crew when I first arrived on these shores, and haven't regretted my decision for a single second.

This man comes from a bloodline of leaders, a bloodline of men brave enough to take a stand and make a decision. I know I speak for more than myself in Chicago when I say that he has lead us through good times and bad with his head held high and with the good for Chicago in his heart. He has laid much on the line for our city, and I believe lost plenty to keep us all alive, to keep us all together, to keep us all moving forward.

Chicago could have no finer Godfather Chairman than DoctorBoom, and I am proud to serve under him.

Congratulations, my friend and brother. Long live Chicago under your leadership, we are truly blessed to have you."

Maria catches sight of DoctorBoom across the street and walks across to him, pulling him into a tight hug and kissing him on the cheek, before presenting him with the magnum of champagne that she had been carrying with her.

As Luca heard the loving speech given by Maria, Luca couldn't help but reflect on his own relationship with DoctorBoom...

"Godfather DoctorBoom, there isn't enough thanks in the world to do what you've done for me. Taking me under your wing and trusting me with your life and the lives around us, is truly a great honor. You are a magnificent leader and a grateful friend. I am happy to have served along side you in the recent takedowns. I am happy that you are at the helm to continue leading us forward. You have done a great job leading so far, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for many days to come."

Luca took out a flask and took a swing from it. The warm bourbon was indeed the best way to celebrate this glorious occasion. 

Mr Boom, its with one of the greatest pleasures in the world that i congratulate you on your new position. I have pretty much been here from the beginning. We started this out friendly, we knew each other,  our lines have  worked in the same circles  in the past and i always admired from a far. But its only in this life that i can say we have become friends, its been a true honor to work along side you and achieve what we have, against all odds, most times.

You have pushed us all along, promising a brighter future and you delivered on that promise. Im the person i am today because of the faith that you've shown in me, when, lets be honest, most wouldn't even look at me. for that, ill be forever thankful, much more than i can ever tell you. I know first hand what you have gave up for me and the sacrifices that you have made, ill be forever in your debt. 

You really are a breath of fresh air to this place and im in this for the long run... Congrats my friend, so very well deserved.

Paul had heard earlier that day of DoctorBoom's accomplishment. Delighted, he rushed to The Loop to congratulate the man himself. Arriving at Chicago city hall, he caught the end of Maria's speech, as well as those of the assembled well-wishers. When it was time, he cleared his throat to add his own voice.

"Ah, DoctorBoom. I'm so pleased to have shared this journey with you. If I remember correctly, I was the very first person to step foot in your headquarters all the way back in Black Bottom, Detroit, upon their opening. Since then, we've grown and grown together, and we have brought Chicago back to its rightful place as the forefront of our great world.

You have been an extremely close and unwavering friend to my line in recent times, and in particular to the entire district of North Side since our move here. You have demonstrated the traits of a true leader; one who is fiercely protective of those whose lives are entrusted to him, and who will do anything to defend them, regardless of the size of the threat. You have proven that time and time again.

Today is just the start. I have every confidence that together, we will continue to grow, and we will as a city go from strength to strength. This city of Chicago is something I am truly proud and humbled to be a part of.

Congratulations again Doctor."

Paul stepped forward to firmly shake the hand of the new Godfather Chairman of Chicago.

Although he had not had extensive interactions with DoctorBoom, Keats had quietly exchanged a few words in passing with him on a few occasions. Respectfully approaching and shaking the new Godfather's hand, Keats speaks steadily.

Congratulations, sir. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish with the opportunity.

Bowing his head, Keats returns to the crowd.

People often stare at me. Not in a sly surreptitious way either. Even here at city hall there is nothing that could distract a curious few. Some time ago I became reconciled with the fact that it is not me but my beard that is the object of fascination. To them I am a mere means of conveyance, transporting the beard from here to there. The built-in audience that it produces is a splendid bonus.

"Boom time ladies and gentlemen. The Boom times are upon us. Prosperity and freedom are calling you. Answer that call. It is opportunity. Taste it and see that it is good. Seize it and hold it close. Be bold."

"Believe."

I can see it in their eyes. They get it. They are free to aspire to greatness again. The chains are gone. I should probably break camp and move on now but I need to speak with an old friend first. The crowd parts and a path is established and an opening presents itself.

"Godfather, I am forever grateful to you - taking me in and by example teaching me what it takes to make a difference in this world. The courage needed to stand for what is right and just. The dedication to detail. The business acumen to succeed. But that which sets you apart is your dogged pursuit of excellence. And through that pursuit we all benefit now."

"Today we honor you Godfather, and celebrate your accomplishments. We celebrate victory. We celebrate Chicago. We celebrate life."

Congratulations DoctorBoom. I've know you for quite some time now, and I know what a magnificent job you can do when you put your mind towards it. 

I congratulate you and I congratulate all of Chicago on your great success. I know you'll continue to grow yourself and your city and I look forward to seeing your continued success.

Having arrived at The Loop with a basket dangling from her arms, Crystalize was beaming brightly as she slipped her way through the crowds until she made her way to where she was aiming. Catching just the end of the lovely Maria’s speech, waiting her turn to congratulate the Doctor. Her smile only grew as she spoke to him.

“You deserve this Boom! So glad to see you taking this amazing step to your rightful place as the true head of Chicago. I’m proud to be a part of this great city and have the ability to witness you take this step. I’m excited for what the future holds to us and I wish you all the best!”

She held out the basket again, uncovering the deliciously fresh brownies that she made specially for him.

Neo had made it a point to make a stop in Chicago on way to the casino's in Las Vegas. Vegas had nothing pressing that needed his immediate attention, so he had planned on stopping by to celebrate with his friend DoctorBoom. In his hand was a rather large paper bag and some cigarettes. He lit a cigarette and walked up to Boom with the paper bag. Grabbing two beers out of that bag he opened both and handed one to Boom. 

"Congratz on Godfather-Chairman my friend. I cant think of anyone in the windy city better suited for this than you"

Bobby tips his hat to Maria and DoctorBoom

Congratulations my friend. 

Congratzz 

Congrats Godfather

I know I am a bit late to the party here - trying to organize a new family can be time consuming. But I wanted to be sure to come out here and say something at some point, and here I finally am.

Boom, for the last few generations our lines have worked together in some way. We have a mutual respect and admiration for one another the likes of which I have not seen very often in my time on these shores. We push each other to be great, to be elite. To go beyond what is expected of us as leaders and as men. I cannot stress just how proud of you I am for what you have become over the past month. A friend, a leader, a man for his people. 

Congratulations and well done, Chicago will be in fine hands for a long time my friend.