The Winter Table

[Mikhail]

Mik paid attention to the reactions of the different factions present as Xixin spoke. The Russian families, of course, were the most pissed. 

I mean this was Russia, right? Their native homeland. They had hooks and power and position that went back over a century- it wasn't like Orgasmic  Crime didnt exist back in the Soviet days. 

So to have Triads and Yakuza- foreignors- seated at the table with Mordvinovs and Stoyas and everyone in between....well, he could see how they might feel a mite bit put out.

Well Pops was Solntsevskaya Bratva. A name that had commanded fear and respect at one time. Peolle not to be fucked with. Now, it was just a lingering memory that old timers and semi retired players reminisced about.

Nothing lasted forever. And while he was Russian, he never particularly derived any sense of identity from that. Once his family was gone, so was his tribe.

But you know, that kind of thing never really hurt Mik. Just one less thing to worry about. Of nothing, he could be part of everything. 

Roman and Rodian Mordvinov better learn that soon. Of all the Russian families, they seemed to be the most put out about the new players in the game.

Not that Mik felt a desire to give them some advice. Nah. Way he saw it, if you were too stupid to put your umbrella up, you deserved whatever fell on your head. Besides, he was sure they'd not like his telling them their business.

But it might mean he start casually positioning himself to be a....let's say helper, should someone else decide to take over. Mordvinov's biggest claim to fame were the pills that only they made. Vlad Perov's stuff was priceless. And rare. And somehow,  Mordvinov had gotten ahold of their source.

But you dont build an empire on one product. A lesson they didn't seem to get. So maybe Mik finds out the source. And maybe Mik sells that source to someone. And maybe aside from a nice paycheck- and pills!- , Mik also gains another favor.

Favors were the real currency, here. It might seem contradictory, but in the Orange Crime world, honor and obligation were its backbone. When they did what they did, the need for trust was even higher.

And then- of course- Kane spoke. Yeah, clearly, it was sour grapes on Mik's part. Because god, but he was beautiful. In just so so many ways. And for all of Mik's disinterest and dismissal, he still found himself drawn to the man.

The proposal was....daring. No. Brilliant. A neutral ground. A place where they could ply their trade honestly. 

No, he totally got it. And if he wasn't careful, he might just end up living here. He loved his place. But it was just a place. He didn't care about possessions,- at least so that they were part of his identity- so people often assumed he was poor, or just scraping by. 

Not close by a long shot. He did very well for himself. He just didn't care. He could walk away from anything and while he might miss his jacket or his jute ropes or some of his toys, he knew he'd be fine without them. The Lady giveth and the Lady taketh away.

When all was said and done, the room erupted in quiet talk. Who would be the first? After watching for awhile, he decided to break the ice. People were unsure as to whether this was on the up and up. 

Mik didn't have power in the conventional sense. But his reputation was as good. And Kane's proposal just tickled so many of Mik's fancies.

He noted where the man sat, careful not to be the first or most eager. Dick riding was a thing- and pathetic. But maybe  if Kane saw him as an ally...

Flagging a server for a Long Island and shotgunning the remainder of his champagne, he made his way toward, Kane, smile broad on his face. And relaxed as he sat down. "Gotta say, it's a good idea. Actually put a little organizing in Organized Crime."

His eye wandered, only occasionally making contact with Kane's. "Clever to blind then with the obvious."  And then he raised an eyebrow will giving him a wicked grin. "It will be too late before they realize what has happened.

And he raised his glass in salute, meaning it.