Edilyn had been packing up Dusty's belongings. Stumbling across a box she opened it up. Finding a stack of papers she looked through them. They were her mother's speeches. The one at the top looked unfinished with a note, "Rob said I'd find better inspiration for this and to wait." So she began reading the last speech that her mother had been writing, as she continued to read she was inspired. Not even a few hours ago she had read the last few thoughts her mother had and now picking up the pen she felt something click. Writing it down before she took it to the streets. Her mother's final speech she would deliver in her memory.

After perfecting it as best as she could Edilyn found a spot and began addressing the people.

Often we hear of people talk about great people or places. I reckon this is all down to personal perceptions of those things.

But if you had to define greatness what would it be?

Is it that someone could manage to survive for a long time in our world? Is it that they can skate by with little work put in? Is it the things they do? Perhaps they were brave enough to try something new? Dared to be different?

Can they speak well in the streets? Weave stories that can touch your heart strings (for those that have them)? Or spark a discussion that is passionate and brings people around?

Maybe they are the best in their skill set? Their money they can tribute to your family makes you swoon with lust for more? Their gun frightens those around them?

Edilyn paused momentarily, as if she had forgotten where she was going with the speech. Suddenly she began to speak again.

My mother watched greatness last night. To some it would not be great, but to others, a city that banded together? That made a decision together and followed through with it? That is something to be admired. People will hate it of course, they may even hate the people at the top that made the decision but New York didn't settle. To me this is greatness.

It's not about how big your gun is. If you can speak the best in the streets or if you can hate so much it skews your thoughts about someone. Greatness is action. To be brave enough to follow through with something others may not like. To dare to be different. New York was great. The people in it all helped to achieve that greatness under Godfather RobOakheart.

So what is it that is so great to you?

if you had to define greatness what would it be? you say?

Bender lights up a cigar and puffs generous amounts of smoke indiscriminately into other people's air space

I'd have to say me, Bender... what do you mean 'you, what?' I'm saying I'm the definition of greatness.

What allows me to feel so entitled to proclaim this? nothing, that's what makes me great. everyone else has to do things, or be places at certain times, I just need to show up, babeh!

Well Edilyn, I think we share a similar belief. I too witnessed greatness last night, it was also in the midst of battle much like you speak of, only it was greatness in the togetherness of the defending forces. We banded together quickly after some bodies fell and we managed to fight back against an admittedly tough foe and emerge victorious; perhaps the strength in numbers weighed too heavily in our favour in the end, however I like to think it was more than that and was simply down to the determination of all involved to come out of it alive.

We seen many people running back and forth for many hours throughout the night working tirelessly to ensure that people were kept alive where necessary, often heads can drop after a few hours into battle but last night was certainly something else in the sense that people maintained the same commitment all night long.

Sure, its not unique for a war, its actually what you hope to expect; but we all know things dont always go this way and wars can often be lost because of it. So Yes, last night I feel was indeed greatness.

I hadn't even considered that to be honest Edilyn, so thank you for coming out there today and making this sleepy head of mine realise how much last night has meant to me.

Hearing of a discussion taking place on a nearby street corner from a local thug he was trying to schmooze, Lucius wanders over, sensing bigger game in the jungle. He was wondering whether he could manoeuvre the situation in some way that allowed him to secure the earning rights of everyone involved for the next 25-30 years, but after listening for a few minutes, he decided that was unlikely. With a sigh, he decided to just address the questions asked instead.

Well, I guess I'm in that other school of thought that defines greatness as something other than getting oneself and ones entire family wiped off the map. To me, that isn't greatness. In fact, it isn't even close to approaching the allotment where greatness very seldom visits once every other week to water his vegetables. 

Greatness, in this context, would have been actually waking up this morning with all of their interests in tact, their family not resting beneath recently churned earth and a real and lasting peace having been secured for their operations. That didn't happen and instead we are where we are with a lot of good people dead and nobody with a whole lot to show for it. I'd probably class it is a shame rather than great, really. 

Vicious strolls out into the street all beautiful and in black.

Well, meaningless words as usual, for really a meaningless reign... with many meaningless people... and no change was ever made.

Cheers, Cupcake, darling. 

Does a little waltz with himself in the street before leaving. 

The context you are speaking would be great leadership specifically which is not what I believe we seen from New York. They opened fire on a force they knew they couldn't overcome and put the entire city at risk that resulted in everyone's death. I feel this is the exact opposite of what you call it. Did it take courage to start pulling those triggers? A little bit sure, but we can say that for anyone committing suicide as well, it takes courage to put a gun to your head and pull the trigger not knowing what exactly happens beyond death. Maybe New York was doomed anyways, who knows but what is known is that every soul that was loyal to them that wanted to grow was shuttered away when those first few bullets flew. The leaders hid behind their men and women until everyone of them that hadn't been sleeping was killed, I don't consider this great. Fighting a losing battle disposing of all your people is a lot like killing off all the associates of a family when you have successfully wiped clean their upper structure, there is no sense in it other than you caused a little bit of damage to your enemies. New York accepted terms of peace to save their own skin and then destroyed it and everything they had, if you wanted anything remotely to great and courageous you would have fought to the death instead of accepting a peace agreement. Shooting down a leader prior to shooting at Chicago was also something that confused me greatly unless that leader was against your plans. 

Why does my speech have to equate to all events that happened in the last twenty four hours? Are we so narrow sighted that is all we can see?

Perhaps we should look past that and really delve on what makes people great. Whether it is themselves or their city. Expand your thinking beyond possibly being salty at one specific event. I think there is more to greatness then the last twenty four hour actions or reactions. I will always believe that New York as a whole under RobOakheart was great.

Did it take balls for them to pull triggers? I am sure it did but I am looking past that and into so much more. New York was never like the cities that are still standing. They chose to be different. They chose to follow a different path. You can be mad about it, or upset. Claim that change never happened but change did happen. The fact it may not remain, well that is yet to be seen isn't it?

A bond between people that helped shaped certain things will always be a great thing in my eyes.

Greatness isn't about who is alive or dead, or who won or lost. I'm sure both sides of this conflict felt they did great things, as each side had to band together and show unity in the face of a conflict. 

The brotherhood and sisterhood you gain when your in the weeds and loved one's are falling is what I see as the definition of greatness. People who risk their ass to save a family member, who do as their leaders wish with no hesitation or fear. Knowing a bullet could be waiting for them around the corner. When people band together for a goal to honor their fallen leaders, and not run from a fight that may require death or requires sure death. That there is greatness. 

Life is not everything, each one of us has many children willing to follow in the parent's footsteps. I think it's more important to die with honor and integrity than to live as a coward and seek life above all things.

New York banded together for what was certainly a losing battle, we knew it and you knew it. There was only two choices that needed to be made last night, were to go down fighting kicking and screaming, or to die in their sleep by Chicago assassins in the coming days. The New york leaders made that choice, and I can assure you they don't regret it in the slightest. You decided to put your city at risk to join the winning side through lies and deceit, JaxTeller paid that price with his life because of it.

The only city I have seen that has stuck together and shown true greatness is Chicago. While the original war was taking place, NY crew leaders were looking out for themselves. That city did not unite under their Godfather; instead entire crews sat out of the action or participated as minimally as possible. Meanwhile, every Godfather, crew leader, hand, all the way down to the earners and gangsters in Chicago stayed united. They all worked together and they all fought. They could have wiped New York but instead they decided to give this new way of thinking a chance and to offer peace. 

How exactly did New York show greatness? As soon as their Godfather was gone they reverted to the old ways. Spreading rumors and sending anonymous messages to try and get CH to turn on each other, using civilians to send secret messages about bounties they would pay for the death of Chicago CLs, turning on their own in NY before turning again on CH and ending up getting themselves and all of their families killed. NY fell apart even before the death of their godfather and that's to be considered greatness? That's to be considered something different? 

NY under Godfather Rob may have had some moments of greatness. But New York after Godfather Rob was nothing but a dishonor to him and what he was trying to achieve. Nothing but bloodthirsty paranoid people.  Greatness is the unity that was seen in the city of Chicago. 

Let's disregard the event's of this past week. 

What's is the definition of greatness as a Mobster? Why do you think you are great? or your leader great? Let's talk about the requirements to being a great soldier, CL, GF or whatever role a person has. Or what are some qualities of a person in this world in general that makes them great or stand out from the rest?

Erica was minding her business in the streets when she over heard a group of people. What were they doing she wondered to herself. Quickly she made her way over to group, her curiosity got to her. She made she to stand in the back though, didn't want to draw too much attention to herself. Intently she listened as everyone expressed their thoughts, that was until things began to go quiet.

She wiggled her way to the front and began to chime in.

If I may say a few words Edilyn about this topic you have presented to the lot of us. I have stood here and listened to everyone speak up. Greatness doesn't come around often, when it does it opens up your eyes. I know you are speaking of just New York so I will express somethings about that. Now Godfather Rob that you speak of I did not personally know, though my mother was acquainted with him. She would tell me how much she enjoyed his vision for the world and for a while things seemed well. His idea along with the others Godfather Gato and Godfather Nakamura was one that would have been great. Was it great, I'm not 100% convinced on that. It was definitely different though a nice change of pace.

Do I know what it was like out there in New York, I don't so it is hard for me to see things from your angle. That is the great thing about it though, greatness doesn't have to be something that everyone enjoys. Greatness can be whatever you want to believe it is, that right there is what is great about this world.

Erica paused for a moment to make sure people were still listening to her and that she wasn't just standing here talking to herself. Glancing around she noticed eyes still locked onto her so she continued.

Ok, so into my next serious of thoughts. I would without question have to agree with Slash. If we are talking about "Greatness" within the last 24 hours what we saw from Chicago and company was great. How quick they reacted and the dedication they all put in to see the attackers fall.

Will also have to back BobbyMunson, it's funny how quick you are to jump at someone for speaking opposite or not in your context. You clearly brought up the fact that your mother "watched greatness last night." I would believe that would have been in the last 24 hours no? Now I do understand that what you are talking about is not just about the last 24 hours but more so the last couple month under Godfather Robs reign. That being said though what are you to expect, not everyone is going to pull out every bit of detail from what you are talking about.

Especially after the events of last night that are still in everyone's head. If you didn't want people expressing what played out last night then why bring it up?

Erica pauses once again before finishing her thought.

I do understand the thought that were trying to get across here, not just generally the events of last night but in fact the entirety of your mothers life whilst she was in New York and for her it may have been great. For myself though, greatness resides in Chicago.

What is greatness?

For me greatness in this world means doing, or being a part of something, that is remembered by people for a long time. Somebody, or some persons, who did something or achieved something  that was exceptional and rare. Something that commanded attention, fear, or respect. Something above average. Something great. 

Is it someone that can survive a long time in this world?

I don't think so. An action worthy of remembrance or greatness only takes a moment.

Can they speak well in the streets? 

I would say its highley likely. The streets are what make this life of ours unique. Those that can organically  inspire people to contribute to the streets, or provide something that gives people a reason to reguarly join a crowd of  entertained on-lookers, will have a much better and more deserved chance of achieving "greatness".

Do i think New Yorks action in the last 24 hours warrant 'greatness'?

No.

Did the late 'pillars', god rest their soul, achieve something new,special or unique that warramts 'greatness'?

Well, it did work, there was an increase in presence, that can't be denied. Was it something great, i personally don't think so. For me it just seemed like people handing out brownies to anyone that attended rather than inspiring anyone to want to do it for themselves. It worked, but it won't be something logged in my family journals as a notewothy period or anyones great achievement .

So from what i can work out here from what i have seen posted and described, is the community started building together establishing itself, just to end up turning people against each other and doing as much damage as possible on their way out.   After NY not backing Rob and turning on themselves decided a suicide mission was a great idea and screw the people who worked for them.   To me that doesn't seem great it seems wasteful.

After listening to all the discussions that have been left up and about it was my turn to agree and state from the crowd. 

In the events that had transpired.. and towards the meaning of "Greatness" is very vast.. To me i see that greatness is the ability to do or inspire good, positive things out of seemingly impossible situations or ideals. 

Now was what all that transpired great? No.    Was what one would call that happend great? Not entirely.

Was what the expected end result great?  Well.. that was a mixed opinion.. I would hope that everyone that done what they could conspire it as great..  But for the actions that i'd witnessed.. that our forefathers experienced.. was not great indeed. 

Greatness is always independently opinionated.. but unless it is for the greater good of all.. I can't say that what had happend Towards NY was not great.. if anything it seemed a bit more lop-sided and crude. 
 

Kevin had been standing in the back of the crowd listening to some really interesting speeches from well renown family leaders and some more newer faces to this society. He was amazed by the amount of bullshit and kiss ass speeches he saw in here, knowing his father Bjorn_Ironside and his grandfather K_W would turn in their graves if anyone would have told them.

Dear all mobsters across the country,

Many of you have been in some form of dialogue with my father or grandfather in private conversations or more recently public conversations. Some of you have been their friend, some of you pretended to be and some of you openly have said you were not a fan of my ancestors or myself (although i'm still young and fresh, )*cough* LuciusSweet, cry baby, *cough*.

By now some of you probably will call me salty, but honestly I am not. I have been enjoying a lot the life of a gangster and the journals of my father and grandfather have had passages of doubt, stress and fear but overall they shown a great enjoyment and honor they got from their experiences and the people they shared their experiences with. However there is 1 common feature among them that in this public discussion is so blatantly clear that I have decided to leave the life of crime and will never allow any of my kin to rejoin it.

In above conversation the key theme was greatness, the first speaker took the position of having NY as an example of what she saw as greatness. Whether that was a good example or not was something to be discussed. However most of the contributions made later have been so misinformed and so off topic that it just made my skin crawl. Also the insinuation that the late Mr Syndicate was killed for not being agreeing to a plan of NY to attack CH was completely incorrect. I will now tell a story I have read in my father's journals that will explain you better how the decision of himself in the past have been formed.

After a short spell as an associate of the Gato family residing in Manhattan my father had written a business proposition to Don RobOakheart to be building an operation in the previously disorganized area of the Bronx. This was a request publicly made and open to any contenders with a maximum of 2 HQ to be set up in the district. After sending this application and waiting for several days my father was told by RobOakheart his proposal was deemed favorable and in the absense of any other proposal it had been an easy choice for the don and godfather Gato to allow my father to start up a small base of operations. Shortly after this he was allowed to expand his operations when godfather Gato had been moving his operations to Detroit for trouble had stirred in that city. Building his operations with faithful and loyal men my father grew stronger and more confident in both leading his operation and voicing his opinions. After a longer term he became good business partners with Don RobOakheart and Don PresidentDonaldTrump for they had been leading the other districts in NY. When Don RobOakheart took the role of Godfather and had to slim down his operations a new Don was having his hq, however this Don was often away on business and during leadership meetings often was sending a delegate or was more observant rather than decisive and contributing. When the godfather announced his retirement to his fellow crime bosses in NY a shock was felt, but we knew he had been needing it and desiring his retirement and we agreed to lead as equals after his retirement. When some unpleasantries had happened around godfather Senza and Godfather Gato had died (as explained by Don Kurgan as being a big mistake by godfather deces!) our Godfather asked us all to join forces with him and get rid of leadership in CH. The Celtic legacy society fought bravely and only accepted a truce when the conditions offered to them had been fair (previous truces where heads of NY leaders were requested had been repeatedly declined) so that godfather RobOakhearts hopes of having his captains and district heads build the city could be kept alive. Yet when new conversations started the previously less active crime leader don Syndicate started to assume the mantle and position the godfather had held. Knowing that also during the war where the godfather had been killed this Don had been leaking information directly and indirectly by his trusted member mouseycop and did not participate at all to the horror of most of his other trustees it became clear he was not the man that would be allow to have any role in the future of New York. After disposing of this person, unfortunately the shot meant for mrs mouseycop faltered and a period of uncertainty broke out. During this time various communications have been received by NY leadership their days were numbered and seeing mrs mouseycop being invited into CH despite being communicated as to be hunted it became clear this was going to end badly. Looking at the options the entire leadership team of NY agree unanimously that a move vs CH would be preferred over awaiting our deaths by their hands in a moment of slumber. All of New York now actively took up arms, all members, associates and youngsters committed themselves to their leader's cause and did not falter and even their kin with fresh grief immediately contacted the still remaining leaders to try and find a way they could help. Heck even in my current life many of the kin came to me asking me when I could fill my fathers shoes so that could be in my potentially future organization.

Now many of you will attest the attack of NY to paranoia, but looking at the fact mrs Mouseycop is now the LHM of Don Kurgan who assumed the mantle of CH city leadership it is clear this was reality. The city of NY would have been attacked within a very short time frame and even every slightly well-informed mobster knew about this. Condemning them as rogues, paranoid men and women or even calling them butchers of their own members is unjust and not called for. They made a choice that they felt was the spirit of their city and even lines of communication to the kin of the late godfather had been strung who had been requested for his opinion had he been in their shoes to honor his legacy. This decision was without doubt what all of NY wanted or wished for.

Now I can start calling out names of leaders or trusted members of other cities that have called themselves friends of NY or even came here to judge it and rule it as cowardly or self-destructive but that is being salty which I have refused to be.

Yet there is a topic I wish to point out to, a speech my father had been preparing and had been asking the late godfathers Rob and Gato to give him some inputs on. Yet the original idea of making it an open discussion is no longer something I wish to do. I will give my opinion about it, an opinion that have made me decide to remove any of my kin coming back to this world.

In this thread many people appoint greatness to the way CH handled themselves after being attacked by NY. Yet how can leaders be great if all the steps they took to leadership had been of a big level of cowardliness and fence sitting? The 'great' godfathers of CH, Senza and Deces they are only alive because their previous leader mrs Curiosity decided to be disloyal to her godfather Doctorboom. Had they fought for their city like my grandfather K_W, godfather GentlemenJackDiamond, Don Miss_Niki, Godfather Kawir, Don Flowerpower and Boss Khorne they never had been alive now. Or alternatively the war waged by Godfathers RobOakheart and Godfather Gato would not have been victorious and we would never had this type of society. Also Don Kurgan has come from this group of persons that took their stance against loyalty for self-preservation. 

How can people that make this kind of choice and account their strength and position to betrayal and disloyalty??? It is simple, this world is not driven by current leadership or the shape of the society as @Severodvinsk put it. Apologies i'm not sure if that is a he or a she, but this person puts the finger on the issue this society has. This society has been driven for ages by the allegiances between very long lasting lines of ancestry and they control the overall interests of this society. Any new lines that work hard, make honorable choices are rendered insignificant because these 'old lines' just discard them by finding themselves superior, due to their superior knowledge, superior contacts and superior ways of functioning as a mobster. This my dear listeners is the reason why this society will never have a fresh breath of air, a new way of leadership because these old alliances, old connections between kinship prevent any progress. During the war of NV vs CH, the other cities had their chance to pick the side of david and murder goliath to give this society a chance to continue the open character it was given. Based on these old friendships by maybe not all family leads but surely their advisors they all decided to support Goliath. 

In conclusion, this society is forever flawed and will remain flawed for this is the way the society has chosen to function and in my view does not feel the need or desire to change it ways. Arrividerci!!

You still owe me $211,000, Kevin. Rest well.

Izzy hears all of the people talk and decides to say something 

"The things I have learnt from the speeches I have heard"

"firstly it seems unless you lie down hand in your gun and take death in the easiest way possible you are a rouge or stupid even though I had nothing to do with it, this has happened countless times before and its nothing new it depends on you wanting to be friends with the people that killed you after"

"History is written by the winners so this makes you great if you win"

"Treachery is fine as long as you are on the winning side its seen as they took a great risk helping us"

This is all from the speeches that have gone before me read and interpret it yourselves I was on no ones side I was a fence sitter but opinions are like ass holes we all have one.

Izzy picks up his guitar and grabs the bottle of jd from Slash and gulps it down