Tyrion wandered through the quiet streets and into the open square that was a familiar bustle of activity. Ordering a coffee from his familiar corner café, he drank and enjoyed the scene. Something had been gnawing at him for a while now, something he had become increasingly concerned with. Rolling a cigarette he thought for a moment then decided to address what was on his mind.

Hello again. I have been coming to these streets since the day I arrived on these shores. As my forefathers did in the old days. I have seen a different situation here than the ones old journals have described from the past. Its becoming an increasing concern of mine. I'll explain…

Pulling an old journal from his jacket pocket he flicked through a few pages, before looking at the crowd.

My forefathers existed a long time ago, when Society was clearly different in its values and laws. There was a huge emphasis placed on public appearances. Mobsters of all levels were constantly putting forward opinion, discussing current events, making suggestions and just about any other form of public presentation they could think of. The world, according to these accounts, was a mass of bustling life. The journals talk about the importance each leader from that period placed on an ability to speak publicly.

Now I may hear you say that these same principals hold true today. That there are still people striving to make their voice heard, develop their speech and forge a reputation for themselves in these streets. That may be so but there appears to be a fundamental difference between then and now. Those leaders lead by example.

The leaders back then knew the importance of speech and they also knew the main powers at the time would not tolerate silence. There are several accounts in these pages of leaders being taken down by the governing powers for their silence alone. Such was the importance of speech in those times. This aspect of leaders speaking is sorely lacking in today's world.

Just look around you. How many of these leaders do you see starting discussions of their own and getting involved in the debates of others? Hardly any if truth be told. Gwarble and precious few others being visibly noticeable exceptions. Outside of them what do we have? Not enough. It's just not good enough.

Taking a long final drag on his cigarette he drops it to the ground and twists it under the fine leather shoe -Aphrodite- bought for him. Blowing out a long plume of smoke into the afternoon air, he looks back at the gathered crowd.

You might ask "what does it matter?", you may say "Some leaders have their own styles", you may say all kinds of things but look at the emergent patterns in front of you. All leaders lead by example. Whether that example be a good one or a bad one, it sets the tone for their family and thus the precedent for behaviour. Silent leaders build silent crews, silent crews become silent cities and here we have arrived at this moment we share right now. Two thirds of the country, silent. It is simply unacceptable.

I love diversity, I love new lives, the enthusiasm of untested bloodlines, I love debate and conversation. I am happy to see any promising mobster be given their chance to lead. But for the love of all we cherish in this thing of hours, speak up, talk, show yourself in public. Silence commands no respect. Not from me and not from those who's opinions matter most.

Speak up. If you never say a word, who will care when you die?

Taking a seat at the café, he orders another coffee and waits to see what people have to say on the matter.

Domnizon, sitting at a table beside Tyrion's, nodded her head in agreement as he spoke.  She also hung her head in shame.

Tyrion, I could not agree more.  My family journals also speak of a time in which people were more outspoken, including them.  This was many many years ago, however, and my family line has been in the homeland.  I am only the third generation to return to this new type of Society, and here's what I've come to realize.

Dom pauses to take a sip of her coffee and light a cigarette before going on.....

First of all, in all the generation lines that are present in this thing of ours, bonds & cliques have formed that are damn near impossible to penetrate.  And that's great.  Bonding with your family is always important and I'm not knocking that.  However, getting into the clique can prove to be difficult at times.  And when one sits back and watches the same family lines become right, left, and leaders over and over, it can be discouraging.  Not that I'm knocking the fact that one has to have one he or she can trust in order to run a tight ship, but sometimes a risk needs to be taken.

Secondly, this is the first topic I have felt the urge to actually reply to in quite some time. I am ashamed of my family line, we have always been outspoken.  Myself, however, I have been pretty quiet.   I don't have much to say about what goes on out here most of the time.  The fact that what really goes on around here is no longer brought out to the streets or the public is also a major cause of this drought.  Most people don't know why a war happened until after it's happened.  According to my family journals, wars were formed on the streets at one time.  The closed doors policy has eliminated that, and frankly, I'm okay with that.  I'm only a soldier, not a leader.  Leaders should be doing business behind closed doors.

Dom pauses again to take a drag of her smoke and drink some coffee.  This was the most she's ever said in public.....

Lastly and most importantly, people do not know how to say something without insulting smo-joe over there.  Turns out smo-joe is a somebody and a city ends up wiped out.  Okay so that was an exagggeration, but you get my point.  People simply do not know how to speak in public anymore. 

It is a sad state of affairs, I agree.  Perhaps I'm apart of the problem, seeing as this has been my longest address in public since my return to these shores.  In any case, I am happy that you brought this up.  And, I agree with you and vow to do anything I can to help change it.

Dom raises her coffee cup in a toast towards Tyrion and sits back in her chair.

I am ashamed of my family line, we have always been outspoken.

I meant to say

I HAVE shamed my family line, we have always been outspoken.

Turning to the smoking Dominzon, Tyrion smiles.

Hello Dominzon. Thanks for what you had to say, it was very interesting. I am glad you have decided to speak. No need to feel you have shamed the family line if you elect to be more vocal from now on.

You did mention the established cliques and the difficulty people have in breaking those. I agree that such groups of well connected bloodlines do exist and their loyalty to one another has proven a strong foundation for longevity in the past. Its only natural that their families would be inclined to continue a winning habit. Patterns like this are present in all forms of successful business. However, our society does need diversity. Our own Godfather Deimne made a valiant at such diversity with the creation of the Las Vegas project. To install families into an open city that had no prior connection to established powers. The idea was to provide a fresh perspective and a body of new voices that were not influenced or guided by the powers we currently know. The idea was working well until Kerrupt's spectacular death. Now Richard is left to do his level best to build that town. I would like to see more such auths in the future to help the general variety of our society and practices. Hey, at least Richard shows up and speaks once in a while, however bizarre the news may be...

And lastly, your point about Joe-shmo over there. It has been made clear by me and many other leaders and respected public voices. It isn't so much what you say, its how you say it. You can address almost any subject in the streets if you think enough about what you will say before you do it. Its all in the wording and the proper use of respect. The difference between saying "I have a question about this idea and if it will benefit our way of life" or "This sucks, you guys are dumb, I could do better". One will almost certainly yield an informative answer, the other will (if you are not lucky enough to be ignored) yield a swift departure. We are all open to discussion of any notion put into the streets but also we are the Mafia. Cosa Nostra is build and maintained with the showing of respect as one of its foundational laws. The general rule of thumb being, if you can't speak respectfully, don't speak at all. Go find someone that knows how to speak respectfully and learn from them in private before risking your life and the honour of your family. Its really not hard to learn.

Given the amount of help and advice available to any mobster at any rank in any crew in the country, there really is no excuse not to learn.

Domnizon smiles and nods.

I will make more of an effort to make my point of view more publically known.  And I agree with you, it is not that hard to learn.  Look at SINGER, that's a success story right there.  When I first came to these shores, it was hard to tell what he was doing or saying or attempting to say.  But with some time, patience, and effort on his parts, he has worked his way into his own HQ and I applaud him for that.    Perhaps he is a true symbol of what being outspoken will do for you. 

I couldn't agree with you more Tyrion. My journals read almost identically to yours, with a few minor differences of course but that's simply because of difference in opinions i'm sure.

With the amount of families we do have out there, I must admit that it is awfully silent. Granted telling stories in social gatherings in the street are a great way to entertain one another, but to hear thoughts, opinions, and ideas are much more attractive and/or appealing. I for one love hearing what a boss has to say about an event or the future. You learn more about them and it gives those youngsters looking for a family to join a better understanding of whom they may want to work for.

Yes people do run things differently, but that's all the more reason to have those discussions in the streets. Not only is it informative but it's also good for the world we live in. Lead by example and not by hearsay. Thank you for addressing this issue, I myself was thinking about the same topic.

McCall steps out me the shadows, light spilling across his steely countenance revealing it for all to see. For a moment you can see the shadow of pain, like the man has just survived a terrible ordeal, but just for a moment, and then its gone, once more replade with the 1000 yard stare of a man who has seen it all.
Whilst its true that in days of yore more was made of leaders and public speaking, its also true that also came to the streets and complained that many leaders never did. The two in hand in hand like Laurel and Hardy. There have always been four types of leader in this world. Those who lead from the front, who innovate and initiate change and leave the world different than when they arrived. There are the coattail leaders who stand on the gen of greatness and say great idea so there grand kids can say my family had a hand in that. There are those who speak words of wisdom only when the mood takes them and whilst they contribute nothing to history they add much to the here and now. Finally we have the silent masses, those who say nothing, do less and leave no mark when they pass. Three months later you struggle to recall their name or the city they lived in. My kind has always been vocal, its just our nature, when we have something to say we say it, and to hell with anything else. But that isn't for everyone.
Sure we all have a role to play in this game we call life. Some aren't suited to the role destiny has chosen for them. The mark of true greatness though is to identify the opportunity, seize it with both hands, and say 'This is my time to shine. This is my time to make a difference.' too many of us put off making our mark until the right time, and then suddenly they realise the right time was 20 years ago and they missed their chance. Ask yourself honestly- if Deime authed you tomorrow, would you truely make your mark? Carpe diem my friends.

Seize the moment indeed. Sylvestro Carollo nods his head in agreement. Powerful words Mr. McCall. They imply not only a willingness to do so but the ablity to see the moment when it presents itself. It is a profound way to say what needed to be said about the recent missed opportunities. However, let me address leadership as it relates to a street presence. I hold the view that if Omerta is being observed we would have no way of knowing just how active any leader is in his or her own HQ. That being the case most of us would be in no position to comment on the effectiveness of any leader based on their prowess in the streets. This is a complete reversal of my ancestors stance on this very issue. Might makes right and since when did a big mouth win wars. That said, I would like to hear more, the silence is deafening at times. And nothing would be better than to see the most powerful and most dangerous men and women out here mixing it up and catching the opportunities that do arise.

Listening to the mobsters speak he is drawn by Robert and Silvestro's words.

Robert, while I agree that those types of people always exist in our community, I do not agree tat its acceptable for a leader not to be vocal. Silvestro, you make the point about omerta, omerta isn't the issue here at all. People using omerta as a get-out clause for not speaking in public (especially when we remember 'public' only means the mafioso community we are part of and does not include to John. Q Tax payer) is utterly unacceptable. Its a pathetic excuse. "I do all my work in my own HQ" get a grip. You are a leader! You are supposed to represent your family and your city to the community of mobsters that you are a part of. I'm not saying leaders need to be constantly inspirational, innovative or even interesting. I'm just saying they need to be seen.

Omerta is the refusal to share information about one's family and its business. Omerta does not mean an inability to speak about anything at all.

You must also accept that our world is massively dependant on our words. More so than in any other realm of existence, in this life we find ourselves in, words are all we have. If you are a leader with no words, what are you? You might be the all-singing all-dancing magic-man inside your own HQ but outside that you are nothing. Worthless. Pointless. Why should the rest of our community care if you live or die?

Gianluca steps up and clears his throat before speaking

I agree with you that our leaders should be more vocal as they are who wo look up to and aspire to be like, but as you mentioned about Omerta we don't know what goes on in every HQ so we cannot say how they lead their crews? Maybe outside their crew they aren't really that concerned about what the masses think. I am not saying I agree with this but just adding something different to the debate.

Another thing maybe that they get trusted members of the crew to speak in public on their behalf as lets face it everything a we say on these streets is a representation of our leader and what our leader has taught us.

Marco stops and listens to what has been said first by Tyrion and then his fellow mobsters, you have a very valid point here Tyrion and one i agree needs to be addressed.

Personally i like to hear what leaders have to say and what their opinions are on certain things and for those like myself who are relatively new to these shores it gives us an insight into how one should carry himself both in the streets and as a whole, i know people may not agree with what everyone has to say but is that not what makes things interesting?. As a RHM i suppose it could be said that i should take a bit more responsibility when it comes to representing my family and New Orleans as a whole in the streets and as such your words have been duly noted, so i guess from now on i will be coming to the streets on a regular basis to air my views on certain matters.

This is a very pertinent discussion.  My own view is that leaders should have a presence on the streets, especially in matters that occur in a public arena - high profile deaths for example.  If one does not explain one's actions, theories will fill the void.

We in Las Vegas are a mixed bunch; some of our guys work hard, earn well, train people - but are useless with words - or even worse than useless.  I've had to talk to these guys, and ask them to keep low profiles in the streets and coffee shops.  Some of my other guys are eloquent wordsmiths, poetic.  Ironically, the ones who are not so great with words, or protocol, are often very enthusiastic!  It is tempering that enthusiasm with experience that is vital.

Tyrion acknowledges Gianluca, Marco and Richard's contributions.

While I see the point you might make about various crew members, it is not the common working mobster that this is directed at. I don't expect every mobster to speak. Some will, some won't, for a plethora of different reasons. I have members in my crew that barely say a word but their work behind the scenes makes them no less valuable to me. But then, they have no desire to lead. A leader is the figurehead of their family, as such they should be a known entity in the streets. If they would rather have their lesser members speaking for them then maybe their lesser members should be the leader instead?

I have always been a firm believer in leaving a mark whilst I am here. I would consider it a failure if after I die nobody remembers that I ever existed, because what would have been the point in the first place? I may as well have saved myself the time, money and effort, stayed in school and remained a civilian. Instead, I joined this business and was fortunate enough to rise to the formidable position that I now hold and I endeavour to make my mark day in and day out.

I believe that our thing would benefit significantly if many others adopted a similar philosophy, but alas I fear it will never be so. We have many bloodlines that have been born and raised in only the most peaceful and prosperous of times. Since Marietta gained the top position way back when, we've been living in an era where mediocrity is tolerated, laziness is rewarded and inadequacy goes unpunished. This trend was set, our standards dipped and nobody has yet rectified the situation.

What we have at the moment is a far cry from the ruthless era that Tyrion has read about in these journals. Part of the problem is that many of the bloodlines roaming our streets cannot trace their heritage back to the old country and actually don't know anything else other than what the past few years have created. Peace, longevity, stability. It is difficult to fathom without some inside knowledge of what it used to be like just how much the world has changed and what may have been considered abhorrent way back when is considered acceptable in our modern times.

Are peace, longevity and stability such terrible things? Of course not, but they have come at a cost. That cost has been a decline in standards and an acceptability of a lesser calibre of mobster. Tyrion is right when he says that leaders got culled for silence, stupidity, mistakes and a whole lot of other infractions that some leaders commit on a daily basis.

As I am one of those people whose father ran a family, whose grandfather ran a family and so on, I can appreciate that it must appear some times that the old guard are just looking out for themselves, but it really isn't the case. I never once requested the nod, it was always given to me and I only accept it when it is in the best interest of the family for me to do so. Without sounding horribly arrogant, the failing isn't mine that I stand out, it is the average quality of the masses that make me shine all the brighter.

I have to disagree with you Domnizon if you don't feel that wars are caused in the Streets. The last significant conflict was evidenced in many discussions and a lot of senior people recognised the tensions and dangers. Just because nobody is kicking down doors and shouting 'I'm going to kill you', doesn't mean that they aren't making those same overtures; they are just doing so in a more intelligent manner. If most people don't know what is going on and I agree that they probably don't, this is again a problem with our handholding society. Most of these people don't deserve to hold the positions and ranks that they do, because they lack the experience, ability and understanding to recognise the danger signs all around them.

I will tell you now that when people list the great names of yesteryear, they don't ever talk about Mr Anonymous who was a demon within his own HQ - they talk about the people who had an impact on the world.

After hearing the indigenous call to the streets speech led by Tyrion, Alfonse approached the crowd listening as each person made their voices heard.

"Tyrion, I understand where your coming from and I too agree, that a leader should be a leader in every sense of the word. Someone who's willing and able to convey thoughts, ideas and topics for debate as well as being the head figure to which all under them aspire to be. There will always be success and failure in one's bloodline. Some more successful than others. Others failing more times than they are able to succeed. This is the nature the beast. Failure however, comes in many ways and is not only in the eyes of the beholder but is also seen through the eyes of ones peers. Reflecting back on Godfather Deimne's vision for Las Vegas, there we saw numerous failures for different reasons. Mr. Kuklinski not being one of them (Hats off). I myself was a forerunner at the time for the task. Unfortunately, the man chosen ahead of me failed himself, the leaders who put their faith in him and LasVegas as a whole by breaking strict rules and policy's which are subsequently no longer in place today. A prime example of how things evolve and change leaving behind a success or a failure.

I personally believe that there is no reward in risks untaken, I feel I have left marks here and there only by doing what I believe benefits those around me, however small or large they may be. With no intentions on leaving a mark, often marks are left and I consider those extensions of myself as a person. Its not to boast about or even seek recognition as much as it is just being who I am. Being thankful for the home I have, the opportunities I've been given and striving daily to better myself for the sake of my family, my city and my Godfather, Iota.

For anyone with little to no bloodline from these shores who have yet to form their own bonds here on these shores I say to them: Get involved. Be a part of something greater than yourself and let who you are be known. Proceed to this with caution and avoid foolish behavior. Respect must be given - before it can be earned. By being a success to yourself first, you may then be seen as successful to others."   

After replacing his hat atop his head, Alfonse nodded to those in attendance and respectfully excused himself to finish other obligations. 

A man steps out of the shadow puffing on a large cuban cigar dressed immaculately in a sharp pin stripe suit. 

My bloodline returned to these streets after a very long period of staying on the right side of the law. I was driven back into the life of crime by an unfortunate incident in the small bakery that my family had set up meaning that I had to provide for all my relatives but no means to do so. I stepped back into this life with nothing but the shirt on my back and came to the streets and announced my presence. 

I was shocked and dismayed to see that silence had fallen upon many a crew leader, whilst my great great grandfather had many ties to individuals bloodlines who had never left this life of crime, I came in fresh faced and alone. People need to stand up and be heard, stand up and be counted. Everyone has an opinion to give on this life of ours. Everyone has a tale of crimes to tell. Everyone has a voice. 

I strongly believe that the crew leaders should be the driving force behind this society of ours. Leading my example and showing their crew members how to respectfully come out into the streets and introduce themselves to the world. Be not afraid of being hot down in flames for it's better to die trying than not try at all.

The shadowy figure stubs his Cuban out on the floor and heads off into the darkness

walks out of a cafe after hearing some intriguing thoughts in the street.

Yes you'll all have too excuse me, it's time for my tri-monthly visit to the streets. You speak of a warning Tyrion and of the leaders in the past. Well that's exactly where they are in the past. Look around the cities, there is nothing here that compares to the times that went before us. Oh and if anyone thinks I'm lauding up the past I'm not. This time is now, that time was then, some people liked it that we, others like it this way.

Yes as leaders we are here to set an example, but I am an ageing Don while you young pups are only just reaching middle age. Now I know that my family are not outspoken, and you know what I couldn't give a damn what you, your dog and your abnormally small left testicle think.

You want things to be as they were, sure drag us all back into the dark ages. But if you think that coming out here and using fancy words to coat up a warning about being mute is gonna make a difference your sorely wrong.

Yes Gwarble works hard with the paper, yes there are those who speak on a regular business. But our society also needs the quiet ones, those behind the scenes just completing their own family business.

I am a Don, but I am not and never will be here for your entertainment. Us mutes led our families in our HQ's, we talk with them individually. I couldn't give a flying fuck what anyone outside of Chicago thinks of me, because they are nothing to do with me.

My family are my priority and I will spend as much time as I possibly have with them, not out here singing some song and dance just to please the masses.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've been out in the sun long enough and am starting to burn, see you guys some time round October.

Dante,

If you had paid attention you would have seen that I don't want a return to the old days. I was merely using an aspect of that life that was beneficial to the community as a possible solution to issues that are present in our current one.

Also you will have noted that at no point did I mention a single name nor point a finger in any direction at anything other than what I believe to be an emergent problem with possible long term repercussions. Yet for some reason you have taken it upon yourself to assume this was a personal attack on you. You might also notice that I have retained my composure throughout this discussion and shown an appropriate level of respect to all of the participants. Seeing as you abandoned all concern for respectful conduct when you embarked on your outburst, allow me to respond in a slightly less refrained manner...

Who the FUCK do you think you are? Wind your neck in you pathetic snivelling excuse for a leader and show me some god damn respect! You speak to me once more, with anything other than fucking reverential terms and I promise you one thing. Make no mistake about this.

.I will walk into your city and fucking bury you in it!
.

Singer smiles at Dominizon

Thank you friend i appreciate your words.

Singer closes his eyes and begins to speak.

Well i dont think anyone would be against me speaking and if they are i apologize. If me not coming out to the streets bothers anyone in anyway let me first aplogize i wish not to upset you my brothers and sisters. Secondly i think it is also improtant to say that in all honesty nothing is really worth coming to the streets anymore. Look around what do we have? The same old stories just repeated in a different manner. My problem is that nothing is truthfully new or exciting. Besides that when the ball does get rolling what happens is people begin to say things that arent even needed. Many people misintrepret what others are saying and get offended very easily. Now if we are supposed to be setting examples for the future then i see your point maybe we should be a little more open and talk about things.

Singer takes a sip of his water and thinks for a moment then continues.

If i find something interesting or if i come up with a reason to debate then surely i promise i will be there in the streets. Tyrion i look up to you as a friend and brother and i just want to thank you for encouraging us all to get a little more active.

Singer waves goodbye and heads back to St. Louis.

Well that's exactly where they are in the past. Look around the cities, there is nothing here that compares to the times that went before us. Oh and if anyone thinks I'm lauding up the past I'm not. This time is now, that time was then, some people liked it that we, others like it this way.

Tyrion never suggested that all things should return to how they were in the past, he never suggested anything even close to it. However, when we speak of progress and moving forward, it should always be with the aim of improving on what has come before. In the case of our leaders and their ability, interest and execution of making a presence felt on our streets... I don't think anyone will disagree that it has not improved and has become a large step backward rather than progress. He's not saying we need to return to how things were in the past, but to suggest that we shouldn't aim for better here and now when we know and have seen that it can be better is just lazy, ignorant or dumb.

Yes as leaders we are here to set an example, but I am an ageing Don while you young pups are only just reaching middle age. Now I know that my family are not outspoken, and you know what I couldn't give a damn what you, your dog and your abnormally small left testicle think.

I'm the OLDEST of all us oldies. Yet I still care for what is said and what is done here in this thing of ours. While I really don't give much concern to what anyone outside of my city thinks of me or my city, I also don't go around insulting others who take the time and effort to make observations and comment on this thing of ours. I sure as hell wouldn't step out on the streets and insult an upstanding leader in such a blatent and ignorant manner. I'd strongly suggest that you should take the same view!

You agree that leaders are here to set an example. Coming out here and setting a terrible example in the manner you have isn't the way they should do it!

You want things to be as they were, sure drag us all back into the dark ages. But if you think that coming out here and using fancy words to coat up a warning about being mute is gonna make a difference your sorely wrong.

Yes. Obviously. Seeking to improve things and get the streets, the heart beat of our world, into a state of decent discussion and debate will obviously drag us back to the dark ages.... ??? My only observation, if you think that coming out here and using blatent insults and personal attacks to coat up a reduntant, incorrect and self serving argument will make a difference, you're sorely wrong!

Us mutes led our families in our HQ's, we talk with them individually. I couldn't give a flying fuck what anyone outside of Chicago thinks of me, because they are nothing to do with me.

You seem to suggest that talking to your family is all it takes to be considered a 'leader'. That isn't even close to being true. To be a leader in our world means that you, surprisingly, LEAD! You are expected to be the best of the best and do ANYTHING to help your family. Of course you talk to your family, that's a given. But if you want to be a successful leader, you need the ability to be able to communicate with our world as a whole. If when you finally do make an appearance on a street corner and all you can manage is to insult and piss off people... that's a horrible failure in leadership.

If you don't give a flying fuck what anyone outside of Chicago thinks of you, why would you come out here and insult them? If you don't care what anyone outside of Chicago thinks of you, you're ignoring the thoughts and opinions of a lot of very powerful mafiosi who could, if they saw fit, end your life on a whim. Especially if you take to insulting them or their good friends in public as you have.

If this is the best that a 'leader' can manage, leaving both myself and Tyrion incrediably pissed off, it shows just what a failing it is to have leaders who can't, don't or won't speak more often. Your entire speach leaves just two words in mind. Fail and Epic.