Dinelas had cleaned up quite nicely, she is what one might call a short stack standing at four foot seven inches,the rest of her features were balanced and rounded . In her twenties, she is a vision of youthful beauty, a down right looker. It had been several years since Mr. Gotti had directed her from the street into his new HQ. It was complete and the crew was working together well. Their favorite pastime, of course gambling, one might say the whole crew was addicted to gambling. Don StripheGotti was often found at the dice table, while his companion was often found counting cards at the blackjack table.

This is where Dinelas was found when a message boy came to her and whispered something in her ear. She normally went when Don StripheGotti called never leaving to him wait, but she was on a winning streak at this table , knowing him better than most she knew he would have expected her to . So she played one more hand before she went to his office upstairs. She place her bet one hundred thousand dollars on the table, go big or go home right she thought to herself. The dealer shuffled the cards as she stared transfixed by fan of cards, he had her cut the deck as was usual. Then he placed one card face down in front of her and did the same for himself and one face up placed just over each of their the face down cards . She lifted the edge of the face down card keeping in check any emotional cues as to what kind of hand it may be. Her word was quick but with her usual whimsical tune to it,“stand” the dealer took another card and busted. She took her winnings and left the table sauntering up the stairs to the Don's office.

When she arrived she knocked upon hearing his voice give her a verbal entry she entered the room. “ I apologize for keeping you waiting Papi , but I had to play one more hand I was on a good streak.” He smiled as she entered ” Grab the drink tray on your way over here kitten.”, the Don instructed her. She grabbed the tray from the bar just a few steps from the entry. As she carried the tray over to his desk he stood and walked to the bar reaching into the cupboard he grabbed a few cherries,” Pour us a drink kitten, I have a job I need you for.”, he popped a cherry into his mouth and strolled back to his desk taking a seat in over stuffed captains chair. “ You know could have asked me to bring those over too” She chided him playfully. He first handed her a good deal of cash stating that is was to be used to fund the job at hand.

“ What job would that be ? I am just your girl not even really a part of the crew. “ She looked to him curiously, usually he just wanted her to look good and play cards making money. She started pouring them each a shot as she listened. “ Apparently the Coppers have been coming down hard across all the cities. Many Associates and Made alike have been thrown in the hoosegow.” He paused a moment as she handed one of the shot glasses to him. He took the glass and continued,” They even have gotten a couple upper structure within this crime syndicate of ours. As you know this is bad for business, so I need you to go and arrange their flight if you understand me.” He threw down the shot clearing his throat audibly after it slid down. “ I understand perfectly, but why have me do this?” She was confused he normally did not ask her to do jobs. He smiled at her, “My Outlaw, they will not suspect you are arranging this , you are just a dame. The coppers are dimwitted, and won't think a woman will pull it and definitely won't be watching you like any one of my other men.” She swallowed her shot, wincing slightly at the burn in her nostrils. “ Consider it arranged , I 'll make sure that those in the Big House will be out for the party.”

She left his office went down stairs and began searching the casino for a couple of the lower ranked members of the crew to help her pull this job.

HighPitchEric strolls down the street getting his morning exercise, the sunny LV sun making him perspire.  He overhears something that tweaks his interest and stops.  He clears the phlegm from his throat and begins to speak, his odd and high pitched voice startling the other passerbys.

HMMM AN INTERESTING POINT YOU BRING UP.  WHAT IS MOST BENEFICIAL TO SOMEBODY IN THIS THING OF OURS?  FIGHT OR FLIGHT?  BOTH ARE VERY NATURAL, AND IMPORTANT INSTINCTS

With the phlegm build-up in his throat, it sounds like he is saying "instingks" instead of "instincts".

ONCE BULLETS START FLYING, SOME MAY FLEE (FLIGHT INSTEINCT) AND OTHERS MIGHT GRAB THEIR FIREARMS AND START FIRING BACK (FIGHT INSTINCT)  WHICH ONE IS RIGHT YOU ASK?  WELL, I WOULD ASK A DIFERENT QUESTION... IS EITHER OF THEM WRONG?  WOULDN'T IT DEPEND ON THE SITUATION?

SOME PEOPLE REACT WITH ONE OR THE OTHER.  IT IS JUST THEIR NATURE.  THEIR INSTINCTS MAY TELL THEM TO FIGHT WHEN THE WISE THING TO DO IS RUN THE OTHER WAY, AND VICE VERSA.

ANYWAY, KUDOS OR BRINGING THIS TOPIC TO THE STREETS AND I TOO AM INTERESTED TO HEAR WHAT OTHERS THINK

HighPitchEric tips his fedora hat and leans on the post of a nearby street light enjoying the weather and awaiting others' opinions on the matter.

Mikhail heard the screechy voice of his friend Eric from hundreds of feet away. It was quite noticeable, nobody else had the high pitch he did. His friend was unique that way and Mikhail enjoyed it. The simple things Eric did would make him laugh; grocery shopping, eating. You name it. It was all funny to Mikhail.

As Mikhail walked closer, he heard his comrade speaking about fight or flight. Knowing Eric, he was typically a fighter. He always wanted to make sure he did what he wanted. Especially when it came to food. He always wanted his Milky Ways and Twinkies, no matter who said what.

You know sometimes its hard to decide what to do. Just like my high pitched friend said, it depends on the situation. While neither can be wrong, you should just go with your gut and do what you feel is right. And I think others shouldn't judge one another on these actions. Like Eric, I'm interested to see what others have to say about this.

Mikhail takes out his flask which contained his home made vodka and passed it to Eric as they both leaned up against the street light post. 

 The crowd inside the casino was  having a good time, oblivious to anything outside the doors.  Music filled the air of the casino as waitresses weaved through the crowd  to deliver drinks.

Shaking the dice in her hand she paused and lifted her hand to her lips and blew gently on the dice in her hand. Dinelas had always done, superstition maybe, but she had always done it.  A small crowd had formed around her watching with a jubilant air.Thump the dice hit the table, everyone watched with anticipation as to what the outcome... the dice danced down the table first one stopped it was a  six, her face became flushed as her anticipation rose watching the second die come to a stop. It teetered a moment then stop on a five. She had won again rolling a Yo, the crowd erupted into shouts of congratulations with excited gusto as the dealer slide her her winnings.

Mavrik was back at the HQ wasting away his spare time, this is how most of the family did it, by playing some blackjack. Sipping on a glass whiskey and losing his money to Elkmik, suddenly the phone rang. “Ring, Ring.’ Now, the phone does not ring much in the HQ unless it is an emergency. Mavrik jumps up out of his chair to answer it right after he says “blackjack, pay up!” “It is about damn time I won a hand.”

Grabbing the phone Mavrik answers “Hello, who is this?” This is Striphe, “I am sending a driver to pick you up, is Elkmik and Allesandra there?” “Yes sir, Elkmik is here Allesandra is not, she mentioned she would be back and that she had to take care of some business.” Striphe says, “That’s fine when you get here report to DinelasSthero she will fill you in, and get ahold of Allesandra.” Mavrik replies, “Will do Boss!”
Hanging up the phone, Mavrik stands there thinking to himself, this must be something big. Sitting over at the table Elkmik is waiting to take some more of Mavrik’s money, like he always does. He says “you ready for another losing streak Mav?”

Still standing next to the phone Mavrik says “No brother the Boss needs us, a driver is on his way.” “Do you know where Allesandra went?”  Elkmik says, “Do we know what is going on Mav?” “I don’t, Boss just said to get there right away, report to DinelasSthero and to find Allesandra.” Elkmik says, “I don’t but I will send out some guys to track her down.”

Mavrik start’s to get ready and advises Elkmik to do so also. This might be a long night tonight. Mavrik pours a shot for Elkmik and himself. They both cheer each other and down the hatch the whiskey goes. A few mins later there is a knock on the door.  Opening the door Mavrik looks puzzled he sees a man dressed in a security uniform. The young man looks down at a piece of paper in his hand and says “I am here to pick up Allesandra, Elkmik and Mavrik.” Looking a bit nervous and sweating the young man says, “an, um, also, anyone else who is available.”

Elkmik and Mavrik walk out, closing the door behind him. Elkmik tells the driver “This is it for now, Allesandra will meet us there.” Turning toward Mavrik and saying “I also put the word out for anyone else who was available.” They both get into the car and Mavrik tell’s the driver, “Step on it!”

Cassafrass happened to be making a transaction on the corner when she heard the distinct voice of her friend HighPitchEric speaking just a few feet away. Out of curiosity she finished up her deal and walked over, listening intently. When he finished, she applauded before speaking herself.

I believe you are right my friend. The correct question is why not both. I know of myself, if a threat is directed towards me, I usually go for the flight instinct. However, if someone is going after someone close to me, my first instinct is fight. Do NOT mess with the people I care for, or that mama bear pops out. But I think either reaction is fine, depending on the circumstance. Sometimes action is necessary.

Cassafrass gives her friend a quick high five before getting back to business.

Growing bored with dice as it was not her usual game of choice she gathered her winnings and pushed her way through the crowd that had been cheering her on.  As she strolled past the crap tables and various other gambling goings on she began to think out the job at hand. To do this widespread Big house clean up would take some careful planning. It would be nice to have it all sprung at once. She snickered to herself wouldn't that be an excellent headline. Crime syndicates across the nation stage a nation wide jail bust.  Lost in her thoughts she continued her way through the crowd  on her way to the bar, gambling was thirsty work.

alessandra had driven to her boyfriends house, finally sorting out the relationship once and for all. She didn't need him, just as he didn't need her either. Their voices rose above the sacred silence. A glance, touch and one small comment stirred a hurricane of harsh and horsed insults. Her boyfriends face brightened, just a tone lighter than her own crimson. This was no longer 'he said, she said.' Blood was bound to be spilled, feelings hurt. alessandra thought she should just leave and be the bigger guy. As she stormed out of the house after a very heated conversation, she walked to her car. They were never even that strong together to begin with, and now they'll never be as strong as they once were. But alessandra refused to let her boyfriend flood her thoughts.

She hopped into the drivers seat and turned the engine off. She cleared her throat and took off her heels to change into something more comfortable. Whatever game was to be thrown at her, she knew herself she wasn't accustomed to losing. And family was first before everything, so she drove to the HQ to see what elkmik and Mavrik are up to. Last time she left they were playing blackjack. She was never really joining in with their sessions but maybe soon someone can teach her. 

When she reached the estate, she noticed that none of their cars were in the driveway. Hmmm, she thought. But suddenly a young man knocked on the window on her side. She jumped, almost knocking herself out. "WHAT THE FUCK YOU SCARED ME MAN!" The young man looked terrified honestly, like he saw his worst nightmare. alessandra apologized and asked him what his deal was. He held a note, and he put it up to window for alessandra to see. Her eyebrows were raised, curiosity filled her mind. She looked closer and saw what the note said. "Me also?" The man nodded. alessandra thanked the man and smiled. She reversed out of the driveway then turned left for the open road. 

As the car engine sung to the lone roads, alessandra relished the roaring winds that twirled in her long black hair and whistled in her ears. It sure felt like winter was coming. She reaches the meeting point and starts heading out of the car, almost tripping in a rush. 

As Dinelas continued through the  smoke filled room with  chimes and chings echoing  through the air distracted her more than her wandering thoughts on the job she was planning. As her thoughts wandered she felt a slight tug at her handbag. She instinctively turned, lifting her elbow and made contact with the would be purse snatchers breastbone, it would have been his jaw but she was short. Nonetheless it knocked the wind out him as slightly crumpled towards the impact. She the grabbed by shoulders and pulled him down with as much strength as her small frame could muster till his face came in contact with her knee.  "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to touch a lady's handbag." She asked with a whimsical tone to her voice.

Dinelas left him there wondering what had just happened to him,as he watch slid into a stool at the bar and ordered a double shot of bourbon. A messenger came up to her as she received her drink, informing her that  DonStriphe had sent for some men to come and met her. Oh nice,  I can sit here and enjoy a few drinks then while I wait  she thought as she downed her drink  then lifted her glass in the air towards the bartender indicating she wanted another before placing it down on the table.

<em>Looks at HighPitchEric and MikhailKomarov and Cassafrass with a confused look</em>

<em>Laughs a bit.. </em>

I mean we all want to be active and express our opinions in the streets but we should at least listen to the speech I would think.. as this speech is a story and has nothing to do with any type of discussion...

<em>Lights a cigar and goes back to the story</em>

Sighs and shoots his editor in the head

Hearing a gun shot she looks up and sees her  companion shoot his editor. Dinelas then  ordered two double shots with a smile on her face shaking her head , he did say he was going to shoot that oaf if he messed up again she thought as she  sauntered   to her companions side.

HighPitchEric ponders the wise words being said by everybody, honored not only to be included in a conversation with such important mob figures, but to have a Right Hand Man of another Family agree with him as well. Mind blown. He smiles and claps his sweaty palms together gleefully and then tips his hat respectfully to MikhailKomarov

He then turns to Cassafrass and smiles.

YOU TOOK WHAT I WAS TRYING TO EXPRESS AND SAID IT 100 TIMES BETTER THAN I EVER COULD HAVE MOMMY. CHEERS!

BUT HERE IS A DIFFERENT SPIN, (AND FORGIVE ME IF I AM STRAYING TOO FAR FROM THE ORIGINAL TOPIC AT HAND) BUT WHAT IF YOUR LEADER, DURING A TIME OF WAR, ORDERS YOU TO DO SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW WILL LEAD TO CERTAIN DEATH? YOUR LEADER IS ORDERING YOU TO FIGHT, BUT YOUR INSTINCTS ARE SCREAMING "FLIGHT". WHAT DO YOU DO THEN? PERSONALLY FOR ME I WOULD FOLLOW MY INSTINCTS AND LEAN TOWARDS FLIGHT. MAYBE THAT MAKES ME A COWARD BUT AT LEAST I WOULD BE AN ALIVE COWARD!

ANYWAY THAT IS JUST MY OPINION. IM NOT SAYING ANYONE ELSE IS RIGHT OR WRONG WITH THEIRS.

She walks down to the dead body blood pooled around it like a halo. The corners of her mouth curled in a slight smile, as she kicked the body." yep defiantly time for a new editor." A small gleam sparked in  her eyes as she  strolled  back to Don Striphe  he took his arm in hers and they left the crime scene before he coppers arrived.

elkmik had been sitting at the dice table all day long. His luck had been terrible that day, and he had lost several thousands of dollars at the dice table. As he grew more anxious with his growing debt, he decided to go for one last bet, double or nothing. He felt his whole body shaking at the thought of his one last bet, so he grabbed his pockets looking for a cigarette, trying to calm his nerves. He'd probably been fiddling with his lighter for half a minute before managing to ignite a flame.

The cigarette started lighting up as he filled his lungs with the first drag. He finally felt a slight stress relief as he blew out the first cloud of smoke. Attempting to feign calmness, he gently waved the smoke away from his face with his free hand. As the smoke started to clear, he saw a tall figure approaching. It was one of StripheGotti's security guards. elkmik felt his heart racing, as he thought it spelled bad news. In fact, he already imagined himself swimming.

He tried desperately to come up with a good excuse for his debt, but fell short before the guard stood just next to him, looking down. Without a word, the guard handed him a scrap of paper. He took another drag before reading it. elkmik felt a sigh of relief as the piece of paper contained a hit order on someone else's life, not himself. Perhaps it was implicit that if elkmik didn't follow through with the order, he'd find himself in the same situation as the guy mentioned in the letter.

elkmik knew better than to defy StripheGotti's orders. Determined to save his own life, and at the same time come into his boss' good graces, he quickly scurried towards to exit to find DinelasSthero. He was not going to let down his boss.