Roxie, I have nothing to hide, I just have no desire to sit in the street and bat things back and forth to someone that will already have their mind made up before I speak.

I spent quite some time earlier discussing points with a person that insisted I was attacking purely for bloodlining reasons, bloodlining is an action I absolutely cannot stand. I hate it with a passion, that and disrespect at funerals are two things I've never been able to tolerate. So for someone to clam bloodlining as being a reason for me to attack was extremely surprising to me. But still, I sat there and spoke to the person and explained my own reasons, whether they wished to take that on board or not I guess is nothing to do with me. In the end I dont feel they could see my point of view, but thats no great shock when your family has just died. Which is again why I prefer such conversations in private. As I said before, its unlikely I will change the mind set of anyone that wants, or deserves as some have put it, an answer.

As those who have approached me can vouch, I've spent time with each of them to discuss anything they wish to discuss and gave a full understanding of why we took the actions we did.

Disorder respectfully listens to Slash's speech and thanks him quietly for it. Then, after walking past the unfortunate Kid suffering from crippling blindness to the obvious, he walks up to Falcon and looking him squarely in the eyes, slaps him hard across the face.

"Don't come out here and start shit with your own leader you fucking plank. Sort yourself out!"

Turning round he listens to SisterMaryJane do her level best to retain her patience and explain the obvious to the brick wall that was JimmyPerello. Disorder had started listening and been irritated but as time went on, he'd become impressed at Jimmy's ability to go miles out of his way in order to avoid the point. Every step of the way performing more and more impressive acts of blinkered stupidity in order to avoid what he was being told. Disorder went over to him and put a friendly hand on his shoulder.

"You know, I thought I'd be angry but I'm not even mad now. I'm impressed. Well done."

Heading away from the group he stopped for a moment and took a respectful knee at the foot of SisterMaryJane's habit.

"You may claim to have many habits that aren't very nun-like but holy fucking shit sister, you sure and shit have the patience of one!"

Standing he made a quick sign of genuflection, winked and wandered off.

So you expect us to brag about and explain our criminal activities in public?

She scratches her head.

Slash has already said to approach him in private to discuss the matter. This is how he chooses to show respect for those he killed rather than deface them publicly. Why would anyone want to discuss their criminal activities in public? 

It's not "manning up". It's catering to the public. Maybe in the future when there is a newspaper in place there will be interviews with leaders after a war trying to get down to the nitty gritty, but until then I cannot see the reason a city leader would stand on a street corner, in a bar, in a park, or outside of their business discussing the deaths of so many. 

Imagine this, if you were a leader would you talk about the things you do that are against the law in a place where the law may hear? Would you do this in a place where your enemies are present? Would you do this in a manner that could put those who helped you and supported you at risk? I would hope not.

What happens in my back yard isn't my neighbour's business and that's how it should be here. Slash is being kind enough to offer and spend time explaining his reasons behind closed doors like a professional rather than with flashing lights and cameras rolling. That's more than some have offered in the past, not so long ago an entire city was taken by a Spanish Flu. Bella Vista once fell to a bus fire. Would you rather these bullshit excuses for explanations become the normagain? At least there will be the explanations you are demanding, they just won't be true. 

Think about it. Use your brain. Listen to comments in this discussion other than your own. 

Who in their right mind would go around talking about such dark things in public!?! 

She looks at Disorder with tired eyes.

Patience you say? It's wearing thin. People just don't get it. We're not politicians. This isn't the world of legitimate business. We're the residents of the underworld.

A low rumble is heard in the distance while the community is discussing the recent disappearance of Detroit. A few people hear it, some turn and look while others continue to speak loudly in other's direction.

The rumble becomes louder until it's undeniably a box truck headed to the general direction of the crowd.

The truck reads "WARBLEY'S TISSUES". The driver's side door opens, and LaceyGodreaux steps out, adjusting her skirt as her feet contact the cold winter streets.

"I got word that these were needed here."

Lacey clears her throat.

"As many have said here today: This is not a political society. This is not the United Nations. This is not Sunday Brunch. This is not the Knights of the Round Table. This isn't even officially a grouping of Gangsters set out for the same goal. There is no hand holding required in this thing of ours. What Slash did was admirable and solely up to his discretion. It is his prerogative to give as little information as he wishes. 

The number one goal is to make sure your team doesn't need as many of these as the other team."

Lacey motions back to the tissue truck.

"Nothing less, nothing more. Feel free to take what you need to get through this. And for the god damn last time, Tim Tams are a cookie, no one is being oppressed, and the street activity is NOT at an all time low."

LaceyGodreaux takes a tissue from the truck and removes the gum from her mouth before tossing it away in a trash can.

With all due respect to everyone here these streets belong to us.  We are the ones who work it 24/7.

"We, you say? Not sure I've seen you out here before. Just hit Slash up privately like the others."

Slash clears his throat before approaching the public

I wont bore you all with any nonsense and I'll get straight to the point. As everyone has seen, last night Detroit was removed. Primarily this decision was made by Vegas, but was made with the support of other cities. For those looking to point fingers and call people names, feel free to aim them at me.

Sorry did I not understand what he was talking about.

 Maybe in the future when there is a newspaper in place there will be interviews with leaders

We had one of the best journalist around that just met her demise and wondering why????

am not asking you to come out here divulge your sources.   Just what was the cause of the implement threat?  Did you hear they were thinking about taking you out?  Was there a death threat on one of your members, placed on the hit list?  There’s no self incrimination here.

I apologize for my overreacting intrigued mind and may have over stepped my bounds.

Axel the streets are ours but we have  the respect not to approach a Don unless invited to.

I spoke with Don Slash privately, as he INVITED all of us to do. I agree that what he has done is the proper way to handle things. My lineage, ALSO, agrees. I thank you, Don Slash, for debriefing me so that I understood the reasoning behind my line's demise. For the others so worried about him NOT coming forward publicly with all of the information? I implore you, speak with the man, privately. Things become a lot more clear.

It's okay to be angry, but I do think privately is the best way to explain this.

I'd like to begin by thanking Don Slash for coming out and speaking in the streets. In the past, entire cities- dozens of people- have been wiped out without a single sentence of explanation. I commend Don Slash for making this appearance.

I know many of you are hoping I'll be going into some sort of detail on the reasoning, but frankly I wont be. Why? Because it makes no difference. Anything I say would be hated on by those that didnt want to see Detroit die, regardless of how real the threat was or not, everyone already has their own thoughts and opinions and my words wouldn't change that, but please feel free to approach me direct for an explanation if you so wish, my door is always open and I'm more than happy to chat with people about the choices we made.

I would argue that at least some explanation as to why would have been beneficial here. You're right that "it makes no difference" in the sense of the people who are dead are still dead- but I think it certainly makes a difference. You don't need to air every bit of dirty laundry, of course. But shouldn't you be interested in explaining why? Las Vegas just decided to remove one of the more active cities and, I assume, you had good reasons to act. If you have these good reasons, wouldn't sharing them only build your case/reputation?

Saying "Detroit was removed for these reasons (even vague ones)" > "Detroit was removed for reasons. Ask me if you're interested".

Not only would it benefit Las Vegas to demonstrate that they acted with good judgment to provide more information, but it would also benefit everyone else. Perhaps some people are bold enough to approach you and ask for an explanation, but many will let the issue drop because they don't want to approach a Don who just extinguished a city to ask him why he did it. Wouldn't it be better for everyone to know, even vaguely, the reasons why this happened to ensure that they don't do them again? 

Before I finish, I'd also like to remind those of you with strong opinions on this subject, despite what someone on another corner thinks, you are more than free to air your thoughts and opinions provided its done so respectfully. Think the move was wrong? Thats fine. I have no qualms about anyone speaking up against the move.

I sincerely applaud you for this statement. However, it's hard to respectfully disagree when there's nothing to disagree on. No one can respectfully disagree on your reason why, because you have not provided a reason. You profess to be okay with people thinking that the move was wrong and speaking up about it here... but how can that discussion even happen? 

****

Slash

As I already stated I'm available for anyone to chat to me if they simply want to come along to argue over reasons. I find doing so publicly to be quite petty and pointless though.

I agree that this is pointless in the sense that no amount of rhetoric can possibly change what has happened. But surely it could either lead people to respect Las Vegas for their correct decision- if, of course, that decision was correct. As I stated earlier, this could also help other existing cities- as well as future leaders- avoid these mistakes so they could avoid a similar reaction from Las Vegas and Chicago. You seemed to imply that this move was made regrettably; if you truly regret having to act, then why not take every step you can to ensure that no one else puts you in this position again and publicly state what Detroit did that caused this? That would seem to be far from pointless.

****

 SisterMaryJane

DESERVE? No, you do not deserve an answer. You did not put any effort into the removal of Detroit. You do not deserve a damn thing. 

...

We are fucking criminals, murderers, cheat, scoundrels. Not one of us has gotten where we are because we are nice, law abiding citizens. This isn't shit we talk about on a street corner. This is shit we address behind closed doors to those who feel they need to approach us about it. It's not a requirement to tell the world why we removed someone or a city, really, it's not. People just think it is.

...

Have we really come to the point where we share our kills and reasons behind it like recipes in a sewing circle? 

 SisterMaryJane, I respectfully disagree with your declarations here.

Your argument is a common one: essentially, you're saying that because we're criminals we shouldn't have any expectations for our behavior that we need to follow. I disagree. You're right: we're all in the world of organized crime. People making your argument tend to focus on the "criminal" aspect while ignoring the "organized" part: we have a structure and society with rules, expectations, and a general set of guidelines as to How Things Are Handled. No, we're not nice, law abiding citizens. But we're supposed to follow our own customs. The streets exist for us to have these types of discussions. Is it not fair that, as members of organized crime syndicates, that the businessmen around our country at least get a cursory explanation of why an entire city is wiped out- to know why they were so bad for business? 

****

Slash

Roxie, I have nothing to hide, I just have no desire to sit in the street and bat things back and forth to someone that will already have their mind made up before I speak.

Undoubtedly, you'd have people who just had their fathers and mothers killed who would whine and bitch and complain no matter what you said. But is that really your target audience here? I mean, it's possible that you could win those people over by sharing the facts of the matter. Who knows? I also don't think you need to bat things back and forth. Providing an explanation here and saying your piece doesn't mean you've condemned yourself to eternally arguing with people who disagree with you. It also seems like you're rejecting the possibility of people who truly don't know what to think about what happened. You mentioned yourself that this was a decision that you somewhat regretted- no doubt you have people in the other five cities who feel the same way? Without a public statement as to why, rumors could fester. But providing good reason ensures that others who are feeling regret or confusion could be confident in the prudence of your actions when your reasons are known. 

****

he walks up to Falcon and looking him squarely in the eyes, slaps him hard across the face.

"Don't come out here and start shit with your own leader you fucking plank. Sort yourself out!"

You're not in the ring, Disorder; you're in the streets. Perhaps this is the sort of thing Slash would prefer to handle in private? It would certain seem to go against Slash's statement that "you are more than free to air your thoughts and opinions provided its done so respectfully". Perhaps you interpreted Falcon's comments as disrespectful when he expressed his belief that an answer was deserved and then expressed skepticism at seeing an honest answer happen. 

****

Heroin

At the end of the day we are of Omerta. Code of silence.

We're all criminals here. Omerta isn't threatened unless you're sharing private information about your family. If speaking at all about things even somewhat related to our work breaks Omerta... then why do the streets even exist?

****

SisterMaryJane

It's not "manning up". It's catering to the public. Maybe in the future when there is a newspaper in place there will be interviews with leaders after a war trying to get down to the nitty gritty, but until then I cannot see the reason a city leader would stand on a street corner, in a bar, in a park, or outside of their business discussing the deaths of so many. 

Because we're not a pack of rabid dogs. We're a bunch of organized crime operations. Las Vegas may have been entirely correct to act in this way; they certainly persuaded Chicago that this was the case. Perhaps Don Slash will make a more thorough explanation in the upcoming crewleader meeting. I don't know. But the reason why is that if Las Vegas acted correctly, then everyone in our world should applaud them for it and trust that Las Vegas and Chicago are full of leaders who make decisions that are good for our business. The lack of an explanation could lead to a regrettable situation in which the majority of people don't know why an entire city got wiped out, and instead are fed misinformation by rumors. Or start to question whether the men and women involved in this takedown used good judgment.

Again, I know that Don Slash has offered to explain his reasons to people privately. I'm curious how many people will take him up on that offer. Personally, I believe that Don Slash is a man of his word, but I also believe that most people will be too afraid to ask for this explanation. Why would they be afraid? Because Las Vegas just destroyed a city and no one officially knows why. Isn't that a reason to err on the side of caution and silence when dealing with these individuals, unless you understand the good reasons behind their actions?

Imagine this, if you were a leader would you talk about the things you do that are against the law in a place where the law may hear? Would you do this in a place where your enemies are present? Would you do this in a manner that could put those who helped you and supported you at risk? I would hope not.

Has anyone even heard a single word from the law out here? These are our streets where appropriate business can be discussed. You can disagree over what counts as "appropriate", but if you're disagreeing with the fact that people can at all speak about our way of life... then, again, why do the streets even exist? 

Publius my friend. My only comment is having to do with Slash and offering to explain, privately. There is no reason to be afraid to inquire upon the situation. Unless of course you mean to be an asshole when speaking to him.

I asked, and I was given an explanation that satisfied me for the loss of my lineage. Do I wish things could have been different, certainly, but they aren't and I feel Las Vegas was completely justified. As I said in a previous message...

I implore you, speak with the man, privately. Things become a lot more clear.

He and Las Vegas had their reasons, and paranoia may have played into it slightly. However, based off of information granted, I might have acted in the same way had things been the other way around.

An explanation here would be beneficial to who? To you? To the next of kin? Of course it would, it would give them a public forum to cry out why life is unfair and why the reasons were wrong, unjustified, why we are paranoid and all of the other shit that comes with a take down. The reason for things being done this way have already been explained. We wanted to remove that sort of situation and in a sense we have, but it has been replaced with another one. Sharing the details behind the takedown isn't an issue, several people at several times within this discussion have stated that Slash is available to do just that but as far as helping our case/reputation? I'm not sure I follow your meaning? Those involved in the takedown knew the reasoning, as do many of the surrounding leaders in the rest of the cities. Whether your privvy to that information would depend on how well informed/high up the food chain you are and whether or not you have spoke to Slash.

You say many wouldn't want to aproach a Don, yet we have plenty here doing just that and Slash has reported to me that he has had no shortage of people asking for these reasons, so while the reason won't be shouted out in a public forum such as our streets, it is available to those who simply go and ASK SLASH. It's really quite simple.

The discussion again can be held with Don Slash, or any of the other involved parties. We don't need to come to the streets to exchange a battle of words all the time, ya know? This can be done in private as well. Just ASK SLASH.

In terms of respecting Vegas for the decision, while we value our reputation as a well organised and very close unit over here, we also won't lose too much sleep if a few people who are ignorant to the reasons for why this went on try to call it a bad decision or feel like they don't respect us. That is their issue, not ours. While we did truly regret what went on, is it down to us to inform everyone on the do's and don'ts of our world? Common sense will usually prevail. Let us settle for that for now.

While I agree, the streets are definitely the forum for such subjects if leaders choose to do so, in this instance you have been offered an alternative. I feel like there is an answer trending here. ASK SLASH.

Pubilus, I don't take you for a fool and you seem to be knowledgeable on how things go around here, you know as well as I that there are always sour grapes, people just can't accept the reasons why their parents have died. I appreciate that with the absence of a reason here we have left things open to rumour, but I won't accept ignorance out here as a reason for talking shit. Either people will seek out the reasoning by ASKING SLASH, or they won't. It's entirely up to them and as I have stated elsewhere today, rumours are rife throughout this place, it really isn't anything new. 

Disorder slapped that guy for being a retard and ultimately calling his own leader a liar. A reason as good as any if you ask me and if you're not then you definitely should be.

We seem to be caught up on this whole thing of Vegas acting correctly or not, I feel that is a matter of perspective. Clearly to Vegas and Chicago this was a correct decision, I'm aware that other cities felt similarly and at that point I really don't mind who feels we acted wrongly, particularly if they do not seek out the reasons by ASKING SLASH and coming to their own conclusions.

Las Vegas destroyed a city and people do know why, it just appears you don't. ASK SLASH.

I would like to say that I do appreciate you coming out here and asking these questions but it's clear a lot of what you mention or ask boils down to people approaching Slash for the explanation. If they care enough they will, other wise they'll come to their own conclusions, which is entirely up to them of course.

FitzChivalry

I attempted to offer an explanation as to why an explanation would be beneficial to both the leaders of Las Vegas/Chicago and those who were simple bystanders in this conflict. To repeat, the public offering of good reasons would show other leaders and individuals that Las Vegas/Chicago acted with good judgment and would decrease the likelihood of rumors and misinformation spreading that this was simply an act of paranoia or a power grab. I would also believe that this would be beneficial to the bystanders in every city, since everyone would know what actions led to the destruction of Detroit and could take steps to avoid them. 

but as far as helping our case/reputation? I'm not sure I follow your meaning?

In the sense that a good explanation here would leave people capable of rational thinking say "Ah, Vegas DID have good reasons" like Mr. Gregory who commented above- the people who would whine and bitch would whine and bitch regardless. 

You say many wouldn't want to aproach a Don, yet we have plenty here doing just that and Slash has reported to me that he has had no shortage of people asking for these reasons, so while the reason won't be shouted out in a public forum such as our streets, it is available to those who simply go and ASK SLASH. It's really quite simple.

I have no doubt that some people have approached Don Slash. What I wanted to propose was that a single public explanation on the record would be far more effective than a multitude of private conversations- and spread this worthwhile information to every individual, rather than the smaller number who chose to accept Don Slash's invitation.

While we did truly regret what went on, is it down to us to inform everyone on the do's and don'ts of our world? Common sense will usually prevail. Let us settle for that for now.

Common sense will usually prevail, but if you do "truly regret" what happened with Detroit, why not make every effort to avoid such situations in the future? Perhaps someone out there right now would put you in a similar situation that Detroit did; I assume that in feeling regret, you'd rather not see a repeat of what happened. While you could absolutely say that if someone is worried about repeating Detroit's mistakes they should ASK SLASH (if I could presume your emphasis), my point is that I'd think true regret would lead to an announcement of "Please don't do X,Y, and Z", which would seemingly be more effective in preventing a similar situation down the road. 

While I agree, the streets are definitely the forum for such subjects if leaders choose to do so, in this instance you have been offered an alternative. I feel like there is an answer trending here. ASK SLASH.

An alternative has been presented,  yes. I'm respectfully asking the leaders of Las Vegas to consider why this alternative may be inferior. 

Pubilus, I don't take you for a fool and you seem to be knowledgeable on how things go around here

Thank you! I have a great deal of respect for you as well.

Las Vegas destroyed a city and people do know why, it just appears you don't. ASK SLASH.

I have asked Slash. Perhaps I should have mentioned that earlier and saved you from having to repeatedly recommend that course of action to me. I wasn't discussing anything, I think, that would have been cleared up by speaking to Don Slash. Instead, I wanted to suggest that the very act of asking Slash was far less effective than a public announcement. I don't really expect to have the leaders of Las Vegas slap their forwards and realize that I'm correct, but I wanted to at least do my best to persuade you and them- and anyone else reading- that a public explanation is imperfect, as it leads to salty, sour grapes- but to acknowledge that any speech or private discussion lack thereof would lead to the same grapes. And if that's the case, then a public explanation is still superior. 

I would like to say that I do appreciate you coming out here and asking these questions but it's clear a lot of what you mention or ask boils down to people approaching Slash for the explanation. If they care enough they will, other wise they'll come to their own conclusions, which is entirely up to them of course.

 Thank you. I appreciate you answering them. 

Do what you like, DurdleDurdle. If I was trying to hide things do you think I would enter into discussions with anyone? 

Whether people disagree with actions taken or not isn't really an issue. It's the petty squabbling I was looking to avoid, not the information itself. You speak like someone that knows nothing about me.

The hit posted on Tellurium was certainly nothing to do with Vegas, Vegas gave money to Tellurium to aide in buying it off, unlike Detroit we didn't add tax onto our money, instead we gave it as a gift. Detroit on the other hand offered a Loan with added tax. Coupled with the information sent to Tellurium that it was Detroit who created the hit, then its understandable that Philly chose not to take the option of a loan from DT.

Also I will add to Telluriums credit, the gift was repaid. This is how things work when you respect people though. She had no obligation to repay it, yet she did.

So yeah.. I look forward to your released information that will shock the world. 

Durdle could you expand some please? You mention that tax was added due to a 'fear of going public' and that other cities would 'see it as an excuse'....what was the fear in this being in the public domain and what action did you perceive other cities would take from such a......generous....suggestion?

Slash just came here and did the thing DT feared most - made it transparent and clear and in the public domain - no issues with that and I think the reason is - and I will be careful not to speak for Slash but only myself we were comfortable with the chat, the negotiations, the offer and did not feel it meant anything more than a very nice gesture - as Slash now knows though I always repay my debts, it is a basic respect thing to be honest.

So how can one city see this gesture as something easy that they have chosen to do and another apply taxes and talk about the fear of such an action. Does that not say more about the 2 cities and their own security in this world of ours than the recipient?

There are many ways to conduct business deals, most can be and should be easy...

Tell, I think the point is that if someone believes that people are looking for a reason to remove them, then they will take the appropriate precautions. I have not been privy to the ins and outs of this agreement, however it does sound wise that a tax be slapped on it to ensure it appears as a genuine business transaction, not a shady agreement that could be perceived as an alliance. 

Truth is, if you appear half-competent, then you've got a target on your back from the get go, and any action you take will be used against you.