[classic swim]

I miss summer already. My electric bill’s cheap as it’s ever been right now, but for the next several months it’ll be through the roof with shitty weather and shower water that gets arctic cold in a second.

Chapter Three: Tierra Robada. Just outside of Fierro. Toreno was a CIA operative. Observing and neutralizing Latin American threats was his only course of concern with the drug trade in the state of San Andreas. “We’re fighting a WAR out there!” With the most intense sitdown of your life, Toreno made it clear you’re someone he’s depending on. That your help would be immeasurable for yourself and (you think) your country. Cesar helped you hijack an agency truck. He didn’t really know what it was for. Neither did you. “You know, I try to set bad people on other bad people, and sometimes, I let good guys die. He's your brother, but to me, he's just collateral.” Toreno promised that with great training and initiative on your end, he’d guarantee your brother Sweet an early release from prison. Beyond that, he’s also protecting Sweet from any harms way on the inside. Tenpenny’s previous threats suddenly became null and void. You had to prepare yourself for jobs you’ve never came close to doing ever before... You were assigned to the ends of the desert, protecting cargo from mercenaries. Your next task was buying an abandoned air strip. What for? ... YOU WERE LEARNING HOW TO FLY! That’s right. Toreno made you into a fully trained pilot! Men in black started peeping their nose in. At this point, what COULD’NT you take care of? Long way from home, huh, Carl?

PIER 69 Loco Syndicate meeting was underway at the San Fierro pier. You were with Cesar just down the road. Sniper rifle in hand. Rifas had added certain protection. Triads arrived to help you with the assault on the roof! Still pissed you off seeing Ryder roll with the purple like it’s nothing. And to even dab up the dude who’s been treating you like a bitch. You were ready to clap these fools. You picked off Rifa one by one. Toreno saw the bodies on the roof from his chopper and bailed. You had to carry on the attack centerfield. ”MENDEZ! I see you, Rifa motherfucker!” Cesar outcried. T-Bone was done. You gave Ryder a swift mercy kill. Homie always wanted to be with the water. - - - - - - - - - - - - “Man, I got homies I used to run with that turn their back on me, over THIS. Fucking Ryder, man. That was my homie. And I killed him!” “Fucking midget deserved it, eh. Little asshole tried to bang your sister, you know that?” Woozie made a surprise visit just to remind you that there’s still unfinished business regarding your former friend’s crack factory. Triads were gracious enough to help you with that as well. Yep. Smoke’s yay connection from Fierro was done. An attempt was made on Toreno. Later that evening, a disturbing, James Woods esque robo-call... “THIS IS A FRIEND OF YOURS. I’VE GOT SOME INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR BROTHER. COME TO MY RANCH AND I’LL EXPLAIN.” - - - - - - - - End of Chapter Two

You were done fuckin’ around as the errand boy for the enemy. It was time to take action. Cesar gave you a silencer just for the job. “Nah, you fucked up. ... you ass-selling, yay-pushing, piece of shit trash.” Ice Cold Killa, CJ. With Jizzy out the picture, now you were gearing to take down the rest of the Syndicate.

This was your ace in the hole. Pretty soon, you’d be leaving Smoke several hundred thousands out of pocket in his crack venture. Jizzy & T-Bone were having a 1-1. Mendez didn’t give you too much attention. But one thing was for sure. Dude did not like you at all. Wouldn’t be long before you’d be called upon to help out Toreno. These two weren’t so friendly to any new insiders, and for good reason. Lot of money and product was riding on this. Mike had all the precise connections in order... Mendez had Rifa making sure shit was getting out there. You could sorta handle Toreno. It was T-Bone you had to be cautious around. *Around this time was where you heard Loc’s interview with Lazlow on WCTR* While Big Smoke was out there parading himself as that fool’s manager, Toreno brought you to Smoke’s crack factory. This whole time... just around the corner from the chop-shop! - - - - - - - - C.R.A.S.H. finally made it to your garage. Tenpenny had yet another guy who needed silencing. This time, it was some reporter back in Los Santos. This was only a brief visit. You tried not to think about what existed before. Just aimed to get the job done and head back to SF, which you did.

Tenpenny called. Usually, the requests of C.R.A.S.H. involved needing to stick someone six feet under. This time, you just needed to send in a framing tip. “Aye, motherfucker. The code of the streets is that I don’t snitch.” “Carl! He’s a D.A. !” ... Just a quick run ‘n done. Nothing more. - - - - - - - - Cesar called. You knew Ballas were coming in from Santos to Fierro, but you had to ID the main suppliers. The two of you went to scope out a meeting at the little country town you were just at before. You weren’t so sure about this, but you knew you were in good company. You both made it to the spot. Been awhile since you last saw shermhead Ryder. He rolls with the Ballas now, whilst playing Smoke’s representative. This vato cat Cesar, without hesitation, identified as T-Bone Mendez. T-Bone led the San Fierro Rifa. T-Bone had caused problems for Aztecas before. Neither of you knew the dude in the suit. Other than him having that creepy aura. That right there was a stone cold pimp. You took your photographs and went on. Triads helped you identify the rest. In order of left to right: Mike Toreno, Jizzy B, T-Bone This trio made up the Loco Syndicate. If you were gonna take this organization apart, you had to start with the weakest link. Only the hottest bitches and the coldest cats went down to speak with Jizzy at the Pleasure Dome. You offered your humble services. Jizzy gave off a few simple jobs that a dumb muscle like yourself could pull off. In just little time at all, you became Jizzy B’s trusted partner.

CHINATOWN WARS Woozie rang. He wants you to meet him over at his betting shop to discuss some business. Once you arrive, trusted bodyguard Guppy informs you that Woozie is indeed blind. That racing you both did back there? Miraculous sensibility. They don’t call him the “lucky mole” for nothing! You process the information very maturely. Woozie reveals himself as the leader of the Mountain Cloud Boys branch of the San Fierro Triads. He’s had trouble maintaining control with the presence of a rival criminal organization in the city. Da Nang Boys were a Vietnamese gang led by the ruthless Snakehead. They dealt in smuggling, as well as human trafficking. Da Nang were proving themselves to be a problem when they wiped out the Blood Feather Triads. Ran Fa Li of the Red Gecko Tong was also dealing with an attempt on his life. You talk yourself into helping these guys by any means necessary. You drove a decoy all across Chiliad to ensure Ran Fa Li would leave Chinatown without fear of anyone after him. You even sneak onto Nang ship to plant a bug. You’re making generous efforts, but there’s still a fair bit of stress. Wu Zi Mu himself comes clean to you about his condition: “I’m blind.” ”NO SHIT.” You dealt with Da Nang once and for all by going back to their boat, slaying Snakehead, and freeing all refugees. The enriched experience was fairly different from clearing Ballas crack dens and taking over street corners. “Thanks, my friend. Your help and friendship has been invaluable to me. I’ll call you in a week or so and invite you to my new spot.” Congratulations, Mr. Johnson. You are now a sworn friend of the Triads.

You’re getting there, CJ. Don’t you worry. - - - - - - - - On top of the garage, you also bought Zero’s shop that he put up for sale. Zero was having one nasty squabble with Berkley ever since he beat him in the science fair! “Curse you, Berkley! Curse you!” You both used those RC planes to your advantage. It was with your help in the miniature battle of wits that Zero reigned as the ultimate RC champion! - - - - - - - - The garage itself was coming along even nicer! People around SF knew it was the place to go. You wanted an additional hustle to help keep local police off your back... That’s when you bought the car lot just down the street! You and Cesar put in the work to make sure only the finest cars made it to the showroom. ... Now sometimes, that meant stealing cars from a different dealership... But hey! Work is work! Eventually, you and your compadre made it to the import/export business. In spite of you making a modest name for yourself, it didn’t do a whole lot to help ease the pain. “Moms, Sweet, Smoke - - I just can’t let that go.” Like you said before. Everything will be handled when it’s time. But you knew this was a family effort. And you knew loved ones still had your back no matter what. As much as you missed both Brian and Sweet... Cesar was the one brother right in front of you. And you were grateful for that. You couldn’t think of anyone else that you’d be doing this type of shit with.

“You know what, Carl? You are a fucking idiot! Your whole life, you've wanted somethin' for nothing. Now you've GOT something, and you don't know what to do with it. We'll make it good enough! We'll help, right?” It’s with this pep talk from your sister that you decide to make the best chop-shop out from this shithole that you possibly can. But first, you had to round some of Truth’s guys together. First step was Dwaine and Jethro. Dwaine & Jethro (real good mechanics!) used to have their own boatyard down in Vice City. Then it was bought off by the Vercetti family. Mr. Vercetti is unavailable for comment. The next step was stopping by Zero and his RC shop. Zero was great with technology, but he himself was in a bit of a bind. You all just sleep on it for now and focus on building up this garage to the best of your ability.

ARE YOU GOING TO SAN FIERRO? You finally got the dough rounded up for Truth’s weed haul. You were ready to just get the payment done with. Suddenly, you both heard the sounds of a chopper from afar. There was no time. The two of you had to do the unthinkable. You spent that night torching the whole marijuana farm before Flint County’s finest could get to it. You went aboard the Mothership with whatever remaining stash, and bolted to your newly acquired property in SF. You were anxious to finally see what Fierro was like. Bit more quiet than Santos. But at long last, civilization! You went inside the property to see what you were dealing with... “...MOTHERFUCKER!”

There was an episode of Jail: Las Vegas where some Italian with an Elvis accent said “you’re a cracka” and the cop got mad and put him back in the detox tank. I wanna find that episode.

You were mostly to terms with this new rip ‘n run lifestyle of yours. It was the antics of that crazy bitch that was beginning to wear thin. But there was someone “new” in the picture. Some knew him as Fido. You knew him as Claude. Quiet white boy looked just like the type to bomb a Fish Factory, so you let it go. The three of you went off for some competitive racing. Needless to say, again - - you left them all in the dust. Claude grants you the deed to his garage down in San Fierro, so he and Catalina can embark on Liberty City. What will ever come of the silent drifter’s escapades? What new-aged type of War on Media will it spawn? This story isn’t about that mute asshole.

Tonight, 12:30 AM Bloodthirsty pregnant women and creepy babies are surrounding Kirie.

Tenpenny got a big ol purple dick for a bong... and a steep purchase of weed that needs heading down Fierro way. Tenpenny’s footing you the bill. Conspiracy nut straight from Woodstock who goes by The Truth. Far out. Between taking a combine harvester from a group of survivalists... *And all the country stickup fun/kinky sex with Catalina* You’re just hoping to get that financial arrangement with Truth ironed out ASAP.

You’re completely new to this countryside, and you’re in desperate need of some cash. Cesar sends you over to his cousin. Catalina... feisty one! The two of you commit some stickup jobs. Whether it be robbing small town banks... Or stealing gas station tankers... You and Catalina hit it off quickly! - - - - - - - - Cesar clues you in on some outskirt racing far better than out in Los Santos. The two of you meet one guarded individual. Rather strange! The man politely introduces himself as Wu Zi Mu! Or, Woozie, for short. Woozie takes some time to acknowledge what your horsepower’s like. Needless to say... you’ve won this race. Woozie...greatly honoring his opponent... hands you his card. Should you ever find yourself in San Fierro. You honor this, and head on your way.

Chapter Two: Carl Johnson... stranded out in Mount Chiliad. No sign of Bigfoot. Nonetheless, you’re off on a exciting mission up on the mountain. A former cop went into Witness Protection, and is seeking justice against Tenpenny. You haven’t been caught in the mix with the FBI before. Once that’s done, Frank can sleep a little easier. How fortunate. • Cesar calls from Los Santos. Not only have Ballas ran your folks outta town; Cesar’s Aztecas are also dead or in hiding from the Vagos. • Sweet calls from the prison hospital. He’s in no shape for you to be setting him off. All you can do is tell him to hang in there. Cesar and Kendl are safely on route to meet you over at the trailer on Angel Pine. “We already know who the fucking bad guys are, man. Your stinking Grove Street brother, Smoke... and those chota pigs, TENPENNY AND PULASKI! Smoke? He’s a pusher, man.” - - - - - - - - Meanwhile, in Los Santos... Big Smoke’s the top drug kingpin put into work by Tenpenny. Smoke overseas the entire operation. • Twice a week, Smoke has several tons of yay roll out from San Fierro, back to LS. • In addition to the Ballas and Vagos backing him, Smoke will be building up a false public image in the following months as the charitable Grove Street Families leader. - - - - - - - - For now, you gotta let the hood shit go and accept Kendl & Cesar as the closest in your circle.

THE GREEN SABRE Now was the time. Grove Street was ready for a full scale war against the Ballas. After so much shit hit the fan, you’ve finally earned your brother’s respect back home. Sweet wants everyone to meet at the Mulholland Intersection. Suddenly... you get a call from Cesar. Says you gotta meet him under the freeway and it’s urgent. You aim to make a quick detour. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. Just some Ballas scoping the place out. But then... (...) “That’s the muthaphuckin Green Sabre!” Not only were Big Smoke and Ryder complicit in the death of your moms; C.R.A.S.H. was leading them on. The turning point of your story was the realization that your childhood friends sold you out. Cesar, in that moment, cemented himself as a loyal friend to the very end. “I owe you, Ces.” But there was no time for that. You had to warn Sweet! By the time you made it to the intersection, your bro was already banged up bad. Sweet warns you to leave as he’s bleeding out on the pavement, but fuck that. It was time to fill some Ballas with lead. The maddest you’ve ever been: “I’M TAKING YOU ALL DOWN, BITCHES!” In a blaze of vengeance, you cap every last motherfucker wearing purple. Before you could even blink, you were apprehended by law enforcement. You wake up with a bag over your head. Tenpenny’s taken you to fuck-knows-where, AWAY from the city. You’re told that Sweet’s in custody being treated for his wounds. “Homies for life? Street loyalty? That’s all bullshit, Carl. Didn’t you learn that when you ran out of town just ‘cause you let Brian die? HUH? Eddie, I can’t deal with this guy! He’s an idiot!” You’re warned to stay the fuck away from both C.R.A.S.H. and Smoke in LS, lest you want Sweet to be in any danger on the inside. In the meantime, they got a little job for you to take care of in this unmarked territory... - - - - - - - - End of Chapter One

Say ghostrek, what’s your opinion on that Filet-O-Fish?

Did you see Rap Cat on the way over?

REUNITING THE FAMILIES Taking turf back is one thing. Stopping dope pushers is another. But something was unfinished between Seville Boulevard Families and Temple Drive Families. To put a stop to the Ballas, you had to band together with the split-off sets. Cruising your way down the Jefferson Motel... Most of you feeling nervous about the meeting. Sweet’s not. Getting all Grove Street sets back together was crucial. Sweet’s first to enter the motel. Just in the nick of time... Los Santos PD decide to SWAT the meet. Smoke & Ryder bail out. YOU had to fight off Five-O in that musty old motel just to save Sweet. The Johnson boys rejoice and take it to the rooftop. Again, nick of time... Your homies eventually come back to the rescue. But the ride was far from over just yet! LSPD was determined to stop your shit! (...) (...) “Shit! That’s going to be a hell of a story to tell when we passin’ the blunt!” Meeting might not have been a success, but Grove Street boys live another day.

The important one, mi hermano.

“Senseless killing right, but a boyfriend from the south side wrong?” Sweet can’t make sense of Kendl wanting to date in the Varrio. You join the car show down in Unity Station just to meet the ese for yourself. Cesar Vialpando: Leader of Varrios Los Aztecas Cesar takes an immediate liking to you and your wheels. Jose? He thinks you can fuck off, pendejo. But that’s where Cesar steps in to defend your place. Cesar makes it known that he loves your sister and honors her. The two of you shake off on it. He calls you up later for some beers and some good street racing. This is ‘92, baby. Low-riders were less expensive and what every dude from the hood wanted to tune out. It’s a good thing for you to trust Cesar on his word. Especially with Kendl happy. Aztecas are generally neutral - to - negative with you. But the GSF and VLA at least know how awful LSV are in comparison.