That’s a very clear and fair question you ask here, Conn. However what you describe as the assumed answer is still a bit abstract. It’s probably true, but saying nothing substantial. I hope people, and especially those who lead us, dare to come out here and that they’ll give a real goal that they strive for. It’s gonna be tricky though, because people rather discuss the past than the future. It’s easier to review what happened and form an opinion about that. It’s tougher for people to show what they stand for considering things that are yet to be achieved. Showing colours is a beautiful thing, but it creates expectations that need to be catered too, otherwise people might be seen as lacking efforts, a failure or possibly a fraud.

Let’s take myself for example. I strive to be a worthy addition to The Flood family in Las Vegas. I hope to be efficient in the time I spend in this life. At this point I have no ambitions for a higher office, but I simply want to be there for my family whether it are peaceful or chaotic times. That’s already something I can be hold to, but it’s still pretty abstract. And any claim regarding that statement can probably be easy swept aside using a different interpretation.

So let’s make it more concrete. If I spend a few hours a week with my criminal family, it enables me to easily make a few million a week. Given that my boss protects me and has a better overview of all operational needs and costs, it makes sense that I pay a fair amount of tributes to aid the family.

That’s a practical example of saying what I strive for while I am here. Something which I think and hope that says something about who I am. If I fail to do so, I really fail to be who I want to be in this place. Saying this now, but failing to contribute to my family would result in a pretty awkward loss of face. Communicating a goal really asks for commitment. That’s not something to be afraid of, it makes sense to commit and put forth the effort.

In a recent discussion Don Bonkers mentioned it was likely that leaders are busy with their legacies. That they think about what they will leave behind. In another debate I overheard Mr. Disorder mentioned this:
 

“Most groups taking the mantle of control, by force or circumstance, will try to project a given vision and do all they can to maintain it for as long as possible. We are seeing that quite clearly, in a positive sense with the current crop of leaders.”
 

Now I recognize how leaders are working together and maintain a pretty stable society. But without being rude, it are simply the circumstances we find ourselves in and together we maintain that. I haven’t really picked up on a shared vision the current leadership works towards. It’s obvious they work together, but towards what end and for what reasons is yet unclear to me.

So yeah, a pretty interesting question, Conn. Thank you for asking it out here. I’m curious whether people come up with real goals that they strive for. A question like this really allows for an insight in whether we just go along with how life turns out to be or whether we are actively shaping our own futures.

I think each one of our minds is very different. I want to do the best I can  for my crew, my family. Fame is nice; money is great as well. All I can do is not give up and give it my all. That's what I love about life, and this world of ours.

I'm fairly simple with my goal to achieve. I plan to enjoy my day.

Phedre smiles and wanders off to go look at the snow that made everything beautiful around her.

"Everybody wants to be known for one reason or another, everyone wants to achieve that something that will put their stamp in the books and have their kin recognised for it.

Without trying to sound too big-headed, there isn't much to achieve. Most of my goals involved my family and city, ensuring we are all in a happy place and enjoy being where we are. We all strive to reach that one high rank of Godfather and live a long and as happy life as we can, it just helps being surrounded by great people from known bloodlines."

"For me there is a lot I want to achieve in this lifetime, it may not be what others want to achieve but they are not me"

"I would like to survive for as long as I can, I want to learn all there is to learn of this life and then be able to write some meaningful memoirs for my children. I want to do my best for my Family and be there for them at all times"

"and finally I would like to be remembered even if that is only a small few but certainly I would like to know in my grave that a couple of mourners will miss me" 

Been there, done that, met those legends. Stuff like that...

Seeing fellow Summerlin business opportunist Conn out addressing the masses, Axel made his way over and joined the gathering group. He wanted to pull his friend aside at some point to talk about a dinner reservation at the nifty and highly exclusive 'Aria' on The Strip, but before that, Axel chimed in on the discussion taking place.

"I've never really thought beyond the day in front of me. I have goals and ambitions, plans I'd like to see come to pass and certain people I'd like to meet and rub shoulders with. But, I never truly look beyond what's happening right now, in the garden created by the God's. This garden for me is my home in Summerlin, the Garden of Eden as it's known to some."

"We work, we play, we do what we have to so we can keep this life ticking over. I'm not one for sentiments or romance, so you won't hear me speak of a wife, kids, or anything to build a legacy around or for. I life for the moment and for the boss, Don Slash."

Axel dug his hands into his trouser pockets, shuffling about. He forgot which side he left his cigarette tin.

"When I first arrived, I was chasing nightmares..."

The right. He removed it, flicked it open, lit a smoke, took a puff then continued. He still had these recurring dreams, yet the whisky and whatever else he'd began to dabble in kept them at bay more and more. He lit the cigarette subconsciously to push them down further, as it was filled with chopped up marijuana.

After a deep inhale, and a quicker exhale, Axel pushed on.

"I wouldn't say I'm now chasing dreams, but at least I've found some good businessman I can work amongst. Some good souls. My skills are being utilized and for what it's worth I feel a part of something."

Axel took another puff of the joint, then blew the smoke off to his right side, away from the crowd.

"God's hand works through all things. I let him do what he does. If I look too far ahead or too far behind, I believe that's when fear takes a man. I'm content to live in the moment, and see what comes to pass."

A little more relaxed, casual, and very much present, Axel took a seat down next to Conn, and right where WoonDa was also standing. After another quick pull on the cigarette sized joint, it was then offered in the area of both men, whom he'd come to know as 'some good souls' whilst working out his karma under Don Slash. Not necessarily good in action, as all men and women he worked with and amongst did things against the lawful grain, it was more so good in character to what Axel believed to be so.

Dear Axel, in my eyes your a standing legend. It might be a reincarnation of some sort... I do know that others will say I am licking your hairy nipples, being enjoynted with some smoke, but I am not. You always know best how to say simple things in long words. It's like smoking a 12 leafs joint like a 20 leafs one, and vice versa just after. Ways and paths of God(s) are mysterious... Trading souls is not very religious but, whatever, biz as usual...not. As a very simple man who likes music, I don't put wax on my words: carpe diem is one of my favorite sayings. Loving or not the present (I do, not only coz of actual geopolitics but first and foremost my entourage), future we will think about later, when time comes.

Axel realised WoonDa was probably just as high as he was. He nodded along as he listened, believing he knew exactly what his fratello was saying. He took another toke then held the joint out away from his body again.

"Exactly what I was thinking. Carpe fuckin' diem."

Amen.

Conn, when the day comes where i no longer stand i wish to be remembered by the ones who stayed by me this long. Also, the ones who only shortly knew me. So i guess in all i want to achieve making a difference in this world worth remembering.