I sat on the bench looking off into the ocean he was fixated on how alive the ocean look when the sun was setting in the horizon.  My toes start playing in the sand as I've always done since a boy.  It made me think back to that time of a little more innocence and maybe a little more naive about the life.  My father always told me that family always came first and nothing else.  That was one thing my father always made sure I knew.  

"Die for your family, son.  Your only purpose in this thing of ours is to protect them.  To fight for them.  Bleed for them.  Die for them."

Since hearing that I knew I would do anything for them.  I was bred to honor my family no matter what.  I would take a bullet for my family.  No matter how little or how big my family is.  That's the one thing that will never change because at the end of the day is all family members always come first.  

Pulling out my flask and takes a drink as the sun almost sets on LA.  It'll be getting dark soon and the gambling den was still waiting for me. Quickly I put his shoes on real quick and headed for the car.  

On the way to the den in my car with my driver/bodyguard at the wheel, I wondered if other people...no, other honorable men felt the same about their families.  Or has this thing of ours that was once plentiful in this subject matter, now another lost pillar of honor in our society?  

I made it to the den.  The driver parked in the front on the street.  I got out and walk into the alley's side down which lead to a basement.  After doing the secret knock the let me in and when I got inside I saw everyone there.  It took me back a second to see this place thriving as it should at this time of night.   It was quite a site.  

I decided to see what other people valued in their family.  So I stood on top of my chair in the den and asked out loud.

"Excuse me everyone!  I'm sorry to interrupt the fun.  Since my parents death,  It's been 30 years, god rest their soul and I'll miss them with all my heart.  But you know, I was thinking today and was just wondering what might all of you the most valued about your families you are with.  What makes you want to be with them?  I'm interested in listening to all the different reasons."

"....Before you all answer I'd like to make a toast.  I took the liberty in ordering you all drinks ahead of time before I got here so if you would raise your glasses please?  Thank you.  To all that you honor.  All that you love.  May it stay with you forever, until the heavens above.  Saloon."

Fist takes a sip of his drink and cringed from the liquor before hopping down to sit on his seat and finish the rest.

Shaking my head at my obvious grammar mistakes on the napkin.

By not answering are you saying that you yourself have no family values?  No honor?  

Mike the Bear stood up and raised his glass in toast "Thank you Mr. Pain for bringing up a topic that is very close to my heart.  As a man who has lost loved ones before, I understand the importance of family. 

When I first joined my crew I was surprised at the level of acceptance and inclusion. As an orphan I was never accepted by any group before or included. I think that is what I love best about the Entangled Elements and what has inspired so much loyalty in me towards them. From the first introduction onward, I was treated like family and not just some hired schlub. When I had a problem I was never afraid to bring it to the leadership. When I had questions they were answered and expanded upon to make sure I understood the how and the why.

Now I'm approaching two weeks as an Entangled Element and have seen how they handle drama, disputes and training. I look forward to when I can bring others into our family so they can feel the same sense of belonging that I was blessed to receive. I am proud to be able to count so many good people like: AB, AS, Fish, Cassidy, Woltzz, Boss Tell and all the others as mia famiglia.

In our line of work it is dangerous to trust and more dangerous to let our guard down. But when I am with my family in our HQ I can relax and be at peace with the people I love. I know they will always have my back no matter what comes and I will always have theirs.

So, Saluti! Per la famiglia! 

After taking a slug Mike sits back down and waits to see who will speak next.