Loyalty. I think we all have different ideas on what that means and what it should hold for ones life. Loyalty is the idea of being in support of another's life. I think loyalty is a concept that seeks to say one should seek the best interest of the one with whom they are loyal to. It's a certain type of dedication to another's well being.

you can be loyal to a person, an idea, a collection of people, or even to loyalty itself. To me the greatest expression of loyalty is that which places the life of another over yourself. For an example when curiosity had died I would have traded spots with her if at all that was possible. When loyalty reached me as a right hand I surrendered myself to the belief that if any of the made men in Deces crew were in danger I would spend my time to keep them safe, whatever action or lack there of that calls for. 

To me, I fashion myself with being under those who carry the same banner of take a bullet loyalty. That is to say if you had taken a shot either curiosity or deces, there's a chance you would hit me.

Why would people choose this? We spend our own lives here in these suits. It takes time from our friends and family, it takes time from events or other things we could be doing so why would we trade our lives, everything we work for in the blink of an eye for another?

perhaps it is a certain breed of people. Those who hold the realization that this is a fleeting life. That eventually we all die by the hand of another. So they resign their being for the support of another their growth and benefit. Their own desires are set aside and placed second to those whom they show loyalty too. 

Even I question how loyal I really am. If I was told to pull the trigger against friends so close to my heart, those like insta, lady fighter, koehlers blood, Singers sons, with full knowledge of how much they put into this life, Could I do it? Forgiveness I think would come from their children but would I be able to forgive myself. And if the only reason I choose not to shoot is due to the difficulty it would be to forgive myself, I would be compelled to ask, am I more loyal to the friendship or that idea of being loyal? 

Their is another form, possibly greater, still, of loyalty I believe. Those who spend countless hours in the post office and visiting drug dealers all to donate their prized earnings to the crew. It is an  consistent manifestation of ones dedication to another.  It is the literal transfer of ones life for another by their own choices. By donating and by tributing, the security of ones own bodyguards of knowledge of drugs lessens. 

As great as it is to donate money, one can still hold a disloyal stance. Whereas prestige is who they are loyal to. Riding through the ranks to be recognized boldly. Can you ever really know ones truest intentions? Even myself, one could, and perhaps one will, make the argument that my loyalty lies not to deces or Chicago when I speak these words, but only to myself to be recognized by the streets. 

So why did I come out? Well I hope i can say that with such a change in our world, I think it's a call to reevaluate loyalty. If you had stayed this far maybe you could speak on one of these questions I will put forth. If asked by any of the gathered, I will explain what loyalty means to me or respond those who speak or ask anything. Here are my questions I pose. 

1. What is the highest form of loyalty to you?

2. What does it mean to be loyal to your friends, family, or city?

3. Are you more loyal to yourself, your leader, friends, or an idea?

4. Outside of you, who is someone you have seen show great loyalty?

again you do not need to speak on all four but as I do hope that you would speak on at least one. 

The highest form of loyalty to me? Not ship jumping would definitely be one. When things get hard that you stick them out as best as you can. Your city goes to war? You offer up everything you have in your skill set. If you can shoot? Find a target on the opposite side. If you can protect someone, immediately try and get yourself paired up with someone in hopes that they may make it through the war even if you do not. And I don't mean find your friends or best buddies. I mean stay on your side of the war and even if you have to be paired up with an individual that you have no respect for then you keep your eye on the bigger picture.

Loyalty to me is not running at the first sight of things going bad. You won't always agree with your leader but sticking it out, discussing solutions or just being able to be honest. Perhaps my version of loyalty is skewed but you don't always have to take a bullet loyal. Let's be fair, during a war there is always a chance you are taking a bullet anyways.

Loyalty is through the good stuff and the bad stuff in my opinion. People who have it, you will know they do. People that don't, well those people are a bit shadier. They may say what you want to hear whenever they think you want to hear it. So if you choose to be a part of a family, be there. Do everything you can for that family that you chose. Be honest.

I would say I am more loyal to my leader. First and foremost, I want to keep them alive during a war and I aim to help out in any way I can while I am living. I can't see how you can be loyal to multiple people because when push comes to shove you may have to choose only one. I am sure my friends would understand regardless of the circumstance and if they don't, they aren't my friends.

Sarah made her way through the crowd. She was entranced at BrotherHec's speech and questions. Smiling, a gentleman helped her step on the soapbox. Her camel peacoat and matching  hat that she borrowed from her sister Mercedes hid her slender starved figure. She remembers an image of her father, a welder and mechanic, that worked on tractors when they lived on a farm in Ohio. That gave her the courage to speak.

"Before I can go into what the highest form of loyalty is,  I have to go into what loyalty is in it's most extreme rudimentary form, the rawest elements. It would be equivalent to a dog that would do what you wanted without question. It is a form of control where you're pretty much at the mercy of the person controlling you. For me that is not the highest form of loyalty. That is a form of loyalty I do not want in my life...ever. "

She looks up at the crowd, the low muffled conversations halted. She continued.

"So the highest form of loyalty is something I can't go in-depth yet until I explain the most extreme position of control and suboordination. Maybe that subordination comes out of fear, like when faced with punishment or death. Maybe it comes out of guilt, such as when my crewmates are suffering while working, I think to myself, well I feel bad because they have to do this, so I should too. Then there is...well, we're all in this together. It's the we're all in this together types that my highest form of loyalty stems from. My loyalty comes from a sense of unity and working as one cohesive unit, where the person in a position of power has no more control than the level of understanding he has of the people that work for him. With that understanding comes the wisdom that you are equally as loyal to them as they are to you.

So to reiterate. The rawest form of loyalty is let's say someone has a dog. The dog will do exactly what it is that you tell it to do, even if you beat it up, it will still come back to you. No matter what it will do what you want. That is loyalty I like to call unconcious loyalty. Where yes, it's a great dog. It's a great thing to have that no matter what, someone or something will always be there for you...but at the cost of what? There is always this excuse...well it's a dog...it's just a Goomba..or it's just a Wiseguy. It's should know it's place. It's the you should know your place types that make me feel the most uncomfortable, the ones I avoid for then I know they are not here as leaders but for control.

Sarah gently steps off the soapbox, the welcoming crisp air of the fall season. She can't wait to come home to Detroit to have dinner with her family.

As Bjorn left after hearing the words spoken by don Roboakheart in his message to NY and the rest of the country he went his way. Not too far from the main square he got to a smaller clearing where he saw a man, he wasn't sure who he was, standing on a soapbox as well. He seemed very spirited and had gained a few listeners as well. Curious what this was all about he decided to walk within hearing distance and caught a few last pieces of the speech and listening to the 2 voices from the crowd that apparently reacted towards the original speech. 

Hearing them talk about highest form of loyalty, dog loyalty and what not he started to think about his own thoughts on the subject taking into account what he read in his father's journals. As he gave it a bit more thought he decided to push a few puny ones out of the way to make himself get to the front of the crowd, standing as high as the last person on the soapbox he cleared his throat and asked if he could speak.

I do not think there are gradations in loyalty, maybe some loyalties are easier to hold than others that i agree to. But in the end for me loyalty boils down to the people you feel would be acting in your best interests as well. Originally when you a new in this land this is very difficult. Families have already been set up, loyalties have been set in stone and connections and friendships have already been built. Now you might be allow to join a family within a very limited role and need to show your worthiness and ability to work hard, show respect and be valuable to the family. This is very often than not rewarded, when you find your way higher in the family more tasks and information come your way and by making choices you show your responsibility and motivation to the family. This for me is a more concrete description of loyalty. It as dusty described is not unwaivered at times, maybe you do not possess all the knowledge in order to judge decision or orders given to your family leader or his/her hands but you can try to see if these choices are logical. By deciding whether these are in your view in the best interest of the people that you share your life with you can show true potential and value add. This feedback can be very valuable for the leader you serve, but depending on circumstances can be ignored (they might know more, have a bigger picture etc,). But I believe by not only being willing and cooperative but also critical and value adding to your family they can become aware you are here for them and look out for their best interest from the station and knowledge you possess. This i would see as the early stages of loyalty formation.

Now recently these streets have been shaken by many big events, including the demise of several godfathers. Some of these are said to have been part of an elite group controlling the lands with their own interests, some simply had been sworn into loyalty or decide to stay in support of the families they had been part of, or fight on where part of their city had been destroyed. I believe strongly in line with the actions of my father and things I am convinced he believed in that the people you respect greatly, due to their actions, responsibility taking and general impression to you are easier to stay loyal to. Why? Well that is not too complex as one could think of, you like them and are looking towards their best interest. However one always needs to be weary whether this motivation of selflessness is indeed mutual. The moment any doubts occur ones determination to protect these people and working relationships waiver and without proper information and reapproachment can dissolve completely. Yet it is the motivation and expect mutuality of trust that i believe is a key driver whether one, goomba, wiseguy, capo or even godfather is deciding in their actions which person or family they will support in their goals for the future. Whether this is a choice that brings you a better future or not, that is not always a choice you get to have...

Being loyal to multiple i think is still possible Dusty. However, I am curious that if that loyalty did come to push and shove, what would happen to him who did not push back. For example, two friends go to war. You are loyal to both of your friends. Do you pick a side? You have no choice. Either you pick friend A's side or friend B's or you pick the neutral side and in that you are still picking a side. You are helping neither one. Friendship is not always based on understanding as well. If a friend can not understand why you did not support them in a war or a pick pocketing contest, that does not show a lack of friendship as much as it does an understanding of the others position. 

Dusty, you speak about the possibility of your loyalty being skewed. I think you, from how you speak about going to war even if you disagree with certain beliefs or actions of your crew leader a high form of loyalty. You are loyal to their vision. To who they are. Perhaps even loyal to what you hope to do with them in the future in building up a city. This is all very exciting as it speaks of the truth of who you are as a person. Who you are seems to be someone that will go into the last ounce of blood is poured out for the hope of a better tomorrow for you and your friends. I highly commend you on that loyalty. 

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Sarah, i hope that you will continue to speak as your thoughts are very intriguing. I am personally having trouble understanding the analogy you are using in the idea of a dog even being beaten by its owner standing by its side. I dont believe one could fully say that a dog is actually loyal. To be loyal is a conscious choice. One who weighs the options. A dog who stands by its owner is an animal that has no clear way to recognize the good and bad in moral situations. So i am asking for help on your explanation. How loyal should one be if the rawest most pure form is one who stands by the other even in the case of abuse? I would question whether or not that is actually loyalty. There may and most likely are other factors that would play into that stance. 

When you say that it is equivalent to that of a dog that would do what you desire without question, to me that is not loyalty as much as it is slavery. Do you think i am wrong though? Am i missing something?

You and i definitely see eye to eye and even would hope to change the utilitarian view of leadership. The idea that i would use you for my benefit. You are just this so you are an expense i can have. I can justify losing you because i mean more. Certain truths are held to it. A man who has to care for an entire family versus one man who may be causing a ruckus. What kind of a leader would leave his people to be hurt and killed just to save his own neck? If i am right Socrates talks about these types of friendships. It is a call to watch who of those in your life are only your friends because of what they can use you for. I know certainly well that my ancestors suffered a great deal as when they went into forms of leadership their mailbox would be continually flooded by new and promised friends. The naivety that those people cared was apparent often in all of my mothers and fathers journals. 

Anyway i do think you and i agree i was just hoping for a further explanation Sarah on the density of loyalty. I appreciate your time. It does not go unnoticed. Have a great day! 

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Bjorn, i admired your father and his efforts to go out fighting for what he believed in. To what our main focus here is, loyalty. You spoke about your unbelief of gradations of loyalty. In other words you disagree with the thought of there being degrees of an idea. I would question why. I think in almost every belief and almost every feeling there is a degree. In every choice we make there is a thought or motive behind it and that is often strengthened or lessened. With something like loyalty it would be a no brainer that there would be levels to such a thing.

Take the word love for instance. We often say we love chocolate, we love this book, we love, money and so on. We use that same word for those we care about. I love my friends and family and the woman i will marry. The word love has degrees as well. The greeks, used the word in three ways, phila -> A brotherly love, eros -> A romantic love, and agape -> A sacrificial love. Could it not be so then that the greatest word for humanity, in love, be likened to the greatest word for the mafia, in that it would have measures or gradations? 

What i mean to say is this, over time loyalty increases. Bjorn my ancestors have never held the honor of working with your ancestors. I have seen you around and think highly of your blood. If in the next life i had a son who joined your crew or you mine he may not be loyal to the other in the immediate first month of working. Through time, and not necessarily time, but what happens in it, those conversations and wars to be fought, that loyalty would increase to the stage of willing to die for. To surrender ones being for the other because they care about that persons belief and wants more.

Perhaps i am wrong. So i ask you to respond. I do thank you for speaking out. It is not a remark i expected hearing at all. Good to meed you, finally.

BrotherHec, I think we may have to disagree on the multiple loyalties. You believe it possible, but I do not.

Let's assume that your crew leader is not your friend (just for an example), but you have two close friends in City A and City B. Your crew leader is in City C. Now when something happens that causes tension and all three cities are somehow involved, could you be loyal to your friends and to your leader? In a situation like this you would either prove you cannot be trusted and branded as such just to help your friend or one of your friends. Or you remain by your crew leaders side and maybe upset your friends.

Things like this is what I mean by push comes to shove. I mean if all your friends are in one spot and one of them is the head of your family then perhaps you can loyal to multiple people but the odds that everyone you know is in the exact same spot are usually slim for anyone. If that happens, then you are a very lucky person.

Personally my leader will always trump my friends. It is the way my loyalty is. It may not be the way everyone else's is and that is okay since we can't all be the same people. You have however, hit the nail on the head with the fact that I will put everything I have into the family I am in. I do want to see a brighter tomorrow and will doing my best to see that through.

This discussion has been great because I have gotten to see other people's views. Although I may not completely agree I can better understand some how some things are thought about.

Dear BrotherHec,

 
I read what you wrote me, I apologize for the delay, my "typewriter broke" so I couldn't press the letter "T". I was surprised how often I use the letter T now that  I can't press my key.

 
You asked, How loyal should one be if the rawest most pure form is one who stands by the other even in the case of abuse? I would question whether or not that is actually loyalty.

 
Well..hmm. My mother...my mother served in the military, and when I describe the training process in it's rawest and most purest form like a dog, as soldier, when your commanding officer tells you to shoot someone, or tells you to do something, or let's say...you know, your direct officer is telling you to do a task...you do it. You don't question why or you don't ask questions, you just do it...and I guess thats where I was coming from. I was coming from a place where; especially if you're in training, you're new, you come across from a place of I'm new, I shouldn't question anything...and..the fact the you participate, the very fact that you joined an organization, wether it be a company, or wether it be an organization, or this thing of ours, and you have somebody over you that is telling you to do something, especially if you are a lower ranking member, you don't really have much of a choice as far as...making any decisions of wether or not you can do something. Even the very act of saying no to someone and pointing an issue out to the superior officer would than likely get you killed or reprimanded...and alot of the justification for that commanding officer is oh well...I have every right to do that because thats the way it is, and thats the way it's always been, and if you were to question that, you would question the very nature of this thing of ours...and the actuality is....is that loyalty? 

 
You're refering to my analogy in the streets earlier regarding the dog analogy as slavery and I agree. I'm focused on if a superior officer tells you to shoot someone, and the target has a look of terror in their eyes, they don't want to be shot...and you have to do it right away because you can't think, you just act. You have to do it because it's your job. It's your job to be a hitter, you don't question why...and thats what I mean by unwaivering, raw, unconcious loyalty...where you're trained to the ideology of whatever this thing of ours represents, to the point where you will unquestionably do what is told.

The difference between the military and this thing of ours is if a commanding officer orders you to do something that is against the law or unjustified, or extreme, you have the right to disobey.  

Maybe there is this spark of consciousness in you..cuz' for one, the value of your own life, to the value of the person you're ordered to shoot at, is greater, and at the same time you try to emotionally distance yourself from the person you are ordered to shoot...and you think of the incentives like umm..okay..I will get rewards for this, I will get experiences from doing this...it will be easier for me incase something else happens, it will be easier for me to defend my family. It will be easier for me to defend my crew. All these justifications as far as how they relate to loyalty come from a sense of...how do I benefit from this? Is it an unconscious benefit? Whatever, every person's motive is different.

When you mention slavery, the sad part is there is alot of parallels within an organization and the members within the organization. You can't leave. Even in today's society, the depression that we live in...I guess it's a form of paid slavery, you can't leave your job, especially ay minimum wage. You have to feed your family, you can't leave or you'll get shot. But eventually, like in the things I outlined before since we're all in this together, the loyalty comes from that. 

 
Sarah
      
 

The Major heard a guy talking to a crowd and approached it, the things the man were saying felt deep. It's as if he were questioning life itself,  he himself had a lot of deep thoughts on this, the word "Loyalty" meant a lot and it wasn't something easy to explain. 

People started voicing their opinions one by one. Everyone had slightly different views but yet at the same time all were the same. There was a pattern here... People felt loyalty to something or someone no matter what. Hoping his voice would be heard too, he started speaking after BrotherHec gave his speech and asked some key questions:

1) "What is the highest form of loyalty?" Well as you can guess, it's quite difficult to explain. See, for The Major it was more important the explanation of HOW it got to that point of highest loyalty. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat and explained:

I think once you get to the point of being so loyal that you are willing to sacrifice your life and everything you have for someone or something, that is the absolutely highest point of loyalty. But what matters is that you are doing it happily and proudly, not because someone forced you to. That to me, is the peak of loyalty ladies and gentlemen.

2) "What does it mean to be loyal to your friends, family or city?"

For me, it is more than just donating to my boss, helping family members with lawyers and bailouts out of jail whenever they need to, or doing a job when ordered to. For me, it means I feel as if each person in my crew or city is part of myself too, and that I would be willing to do anything to help them get on their feet, out of trouble or just anything to help them period. And same as I explained earlier, if I get to the point of willing to sacrifice even my own life for them, then that means I am absolutely devoted to that group, person or ideology.

As for the third question, with the information I've given, I think it's safe to say it is self explanatory. It would be a waste of time to basically say the same thing again.

As for the fourth, in my short time being part of the mafia, I can't seem to know anyone in particular who has this kind of loyalty. However, I do hope someone is out there sharing my thoughts and we will cross paths...

After a sudden stop, The Major's facial expression changes dramatically from focused to sad in a heartbeat. Memories of past betrayals as a child cloud his mind and he decides to turn around and leave. People seemed confused at first, but then they understand the way he felt at that moment. After all, everyone had their own opinions about it.

As Bjorn was listening to brotherhec, whom he felt had taken this subject to a healthy debate with many people sharing their opinions as well he felt touched about the praise brotherhec addressed to his late father. As he focused on some part of his speech and combining it with some of the words spoken by the_major he decided to address those parts for he felt his previous speech had maybe not fully gotten his point across

You spoke about your unbelief of gradations of loyalty. In other words you disagree with the thought of there being degrees of an idea. I would question why. I think in almost every belief and almost every feeling there is a degree. In every choice we make there is a thought or motive behind it and that is often strengthened or lessened. With something like loyalty it would be a no brainer that there would be levels to such a thing.

you wonder why i have said there are no varying degrees in loyalty, and discuss loyalty builds over time. I would point out that i do not see loyalty as a feature that can be strong or less strong but as a point in time when you are willing to give your all for the person or cause you are loyal to. In line what the_major said, loyalty is an absolute thing and cannot be just half of what would be completely self-less in the preservation of another's life or cause. I do believe it takes time, good experiences, rewards and social interaction for leaders to have their members become loyal. But does it mean prior to achieving loyalty the associates are not loyal, no but i wouldn't call it loyalty, i would call it duty. They chosen to be on a path with a leader they like for as far as they know. When joining they get a sponsor and some contact with the leader, depending on the leadership style they report to the family head or the RH or LH. I do not expect them to be immediately loyal to me as a family head or even a hand, but they are to do their duties and hard work to become trusted members. The moment they are trusted they will be fed more information and given bigger responsibilities around that time they will have a better understanding of their leader and around that moment they will decide on loyalty only. 

I hope this makes sense to some of you.

Regarding Sarah's analogy of the army, I do not think many recruits are loyal, but they are committed to do their duty, this is rather a less intense form of support the life of 1 person, but more likely the support of a certain cause, mostly the protection of one's country or territory versus an aggressor. Or in case the army they serve they are aggressing against another country or territory due to a specific reason whether this one is justified or not. In case the soldier is unhappy or even counter this argument he cannot 'get out' as has been mentioned but his commitment to obey orders is ever present and he will do so. However he will most likely stay within the confinements or orders, not aid and improve the violence or ways of winning the war on his own initiative that a believer (loyalist) would act on.

Looking forward to your comments

Sarah has been writing alot of letters lately, as it is her nature that when a subject of interest comes to her attention, she analyzes is thouroughly.

She overheard the words of The_Major and wanted to point out observations she had. Stalking the local directories she sent him a letter too.

Dear Major,

You mentioned this earlier,

I think once you get to the point of being so loyal that you are willing to sacrifice your life and everything you have for someone or something, that is the absolutely highest point of loyalty. But what matters is that you are doing it happily and proudly, not because someone forced you to. That to me, is the peak of loyalty ladies and gentlemen.

I think there is a difference between loyalty and misplaced loyalty. Misplaced loyalty is loyalty that can be towards a person or organization where that loyalty is not acknowledged or respected; is betrayed or taken advantage of. It can also mean loyalty to a malignant or misguided cause.

You can be happily loyal to an organization that is incredibly violent and corrupt...and if you're tuned into that ideology where you are wiing to sacrifice and do anything for that group, let's say it's a type of fascist organization or terrorist group if you will, or a threat to humanity...that's the highest form of loyalty through the perception of that person...but the question is that is it really loyalty or unconscious blind cult-like following mentality. Of course they will be happy to do it, they're indoctrinated to in this example. Let's say you have a cult leader and the follower is ordered to kill himself or kill someone else...is that loyalty? Uhh Yeah, it's loyalty but as I reiterated in my first point, it's something I don't agree with because it stems from fear or subordination.

You can still do an order happily and willingly yet still be under control or do it from fear, opposed to a loyalty that stems from a sense of teamwork and through a comaraderie of working together. You don't necessarily have to be happy to work together or for someone you're loyal to. It could be something everyone doesn't want to do, but we all still do it..and loyalty grows from something like that because you respect a person that is working there with you; alongside with you, that has survived with you through the good and the bad. As for somebody who is in a leadership position wether or not has come to power through experiences or through sheer nespotism or delegation of authority through a higher ranking member, you can be loyal to somebody that doesn't have any experience...and just happens to be a very smooth talking and manipulative person. You can loyal to a person like that without even realizing that what or who you are being loyal to may not be of best interest to you or the common good...and that's where I feel is a bit different from the highest point of loyalty and therefore I would have to disagree. I don't think that's the highest form of loyalty.

Just because you take an extreme, with or without happiness, doesn't make it the highest form of something. Like just because you sacrifice yourself for another person really depends on the situation. Just like a jealous lover, a woman who shoots another woman over a man doesn't mean it's the highest form of love either. I think that's more of an unconscious raw emotion.

Her icy blue eyes blinked as she listened to  these humans debate loyalty. Loyalty wolves knew this concept well, better than most humans. A wolf knows being loyal is respecting the trust another has given you. The wolf gives their loyalty to the pack, for they know they are the   strength of the pack and   the pack is the strength of the wolf.

Dusty, i am terribly sorry it has taken me longer than expected to come back to you. Sometimes life outside my beautiful suit can get a bit chaotic and as one of the greatest right hands of all time i find myself preoccupied serving the Whispering Shores. That aside i do not disagree wtih you and even find your loyalty to be a very good and wholesome type. Your friends, if they aren't in your crew, are not your family. They are not the ones who will fight by your side. It is most necessary for one to first find loyalty to their leader as they are not being lead by anyone but that singular person. 

It to is a great topic. I think it is interesting to hear one a member of new york says or a person from los Angeles and how the two opinions on the same topic differ. It is great to hear sons of infamous and notorious fathers and mothers speak out about what the concept of loyalty means to them. That has been my absolute favorite part. Thank you for your compliment! 

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Sarah, your mind is phenomenal. I am blown away with your words and how you chose to respond. You have most confidently cleared up the difficulty i had in understanding the dog concept. 

Obedience is of loyalty. One can not be loyal to someone without being obedient, would you agree with this? Outside of loyalties to friendships, loyalty to a superior is one that is truly marked by obedience. I think however loyalty is not of obedience. One can be loyal as a crew leader is to his made man but not obedient to them. Why do i bring this up? 

I brought this forth because my thought is, loyalty is a choice made, as is obedience. We choose to commit our lives to others. To care for them and provide for them. If one chooses to not take a shot from a superior are they still loyal or have they just disobeyed? I think one can still be loyal but disagree with the thought their leader held. 

If this is the case that means loyalty is tied to the person. If loyalty is tied to the person there is no way that it could be tied to every idea they had as often many of our ideas mislead us. If they are loyal to the person just because they are their superior are they only loyal due to rank? If this was the case are they even loyal at all or are they obedient to commands given? 

I do hope you have time to answer as with you and Dusty and others i am certainly enjoying our transaction of thought.

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The Major. I certainly recall my first ancestor working with you and laughing. Oh how i wish i could live in that time era with him and see the things the two of you spoke about. Have you ever seen where he lived? That beautiful Brazilian heaven? 

Alas, this is no time for side conversations, perhaps we can carry this on privately, brother. I am curious if you would not mind to share with me a little about your first response. You exclaimed the highest form, as you believe there are levels to loyalty that is one who is willing to give their life for another. 

As a father and mother give their life to a child to have a better future. As the Christ gave his life for the eternal salvation of mankind so one friend gives his life to another. Lays it down so they may have life. What then is it that would draw you to such a deep level of loyalty? What then, Major, would bring you to the point of friendship that you would have laid your life out for another? 

You have not seen anyone show any of that loyalty in your experience here. Have you not seen yourself show that same loyalty to your crew leader or friends? I would feel, if the journal entries of my ancestor were correct, you are the very type of person who exemplifies loyalty and does it well. 

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Bjorn, as i listened to you speak, i found myself realizing that loyalty to you is that in fact an all in all. It is almost a state of being. Either one is or is not there is no in between for you. In the building of being loyal one is not yet loyal they are just growing in relationship to the one whom they will eventually be loyal to. Now that i understand i must press further to better understand you as a person. 

What is loyalty at its core for you? If there is just one point that one is that then are all forms of loyalty equal or are some forms of loyalty greater than others? My loyalty to lay my life down as the Major spoke about greater than another who is willing to do whatever they command except for that one brief action. 

If then there are different forms of loyalty how could you say one is finally loyal? 

I am deeply interested in your words as this is an idea i have yet to wrap my mind around but really am enjoying your perspective sir. 

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Harley, i just wish to say that i wholeheartedly agree that one is the product of their choices. Soley that? No. Additions of others complete that product. Regardless your statement is true. What you do with your time here now and where you invest your life is what you will reap and benefit in the future. Even your children children will gain from.