27/2/2025 Kick Recap - "Doesn't Matter Now, Does It?"

Lang grabs his unemployment cheque from the bank (16k), and meets CJ at the University Track Field to chat. CJ tells Lang that the Faceless contacted her last night and joked about them using their personal vehicles to meet and move Cassie around. They note in that Cassie doesn't matter anymore, giving CJ the impression that they are aware of her death. Lang jokes about someone close to them working for their organization, and then tells CJ that the Faceless is full of empty threats. CJ argues that Norman Bones has real threats, but Lang doesn't believe it. CJ wants to have a funeral for Cassie, Lang isn't sure who will give them money for it. Lang agrees to tell the North about her death, but he's not eager to. Lang needs an Underboss, CJ suggests Bubbles since he's capable. Lang goes through different details that he wants in his Underboss, ultimately missing Martin for being best fit. Max calls to meet, so Lang heads over to the Liquid Library.

Max takes Lang into his office and shows him a briefcase with a glock and a deagle in it. Max offers Lang this new business opportunity, suggesting that he ask for a "taxi ride to the fire station" or a "limo ride to the fire station" should he ever need equipment. Lang jokes about seeing the rest of the Liquid Library's secret rooms some time, but Max notes that they've been locked down for a while. Luciano calls to pass along more information: Flores is a deputy Marshall, the cameras are being placed daily, and they last 6 hours. The Marshall's are commanded by a Director Weiss, the other two Marshall's are in the ICU at the moment. Lang thanks Luciano for the information, and they both agree to keep cops out of Cypress for now.

Lang heads back to the Nest and calls Skipper for the first Underboss Interview. Lang tells Skipper the purpose of the interview, with hopes that someone from the crew surprises him by being a good fit for the role. He begins the questioning, Skipper does a decent job at mentioning purpose, authority, and the serious tone required. CJ calls to see if Lang wants to hit Paleto with Martin, Lang is surprised he's around, but he's down to join last minute. Lang continues the interview with Skipper, discussing the differences between someone who has the mindset for growth, and someone who wants to take on new responsibility. Skipper is certainly interested, he wants to help keep the crew organized since he notices the waste of supplies. Lang thanks him for the interview, and sends him to join the heist.

Lang calls Liya to the Nest, next. Liya arrives and Lang begins the questions, finding Liya is very similar to himself. Liya is excited to take on this role, and thinks she's very fit for the job, but tries to be real with Lang about how necessary the job is. Lang gives her a few hypotheticals, and they both joke about being too cut-throat. Lang tells her that she reminds him of Harry Brown, in the way that she makes Lang spiral. Liya thinks that the role might be best for someone else, and Lang thanks her for the interview, calling Sofia next.

Sofia arrives and Lang gives her the same break down, she discusses hope for building systems for the crew that allow them to shine in different ways. Lang and Sofia discuss how the North has grown, and how everyone seems to be more comfortable speaking directly with Lang now. Lang thanks Sofia and calls Bubbles up for his interview. Bubbles is disappointed in his time as captain, noting that he should have been more stern. He takes blame for most of the 404 dying, and feels like a failure because of it. Bubbles wants to be Underboss, but also doesn't think they need one. Lang gives Bubbles a few hypotheticals, including examples of when to kill people and when not to. Bubbles likes the idea that his opinion would be informative or clash with Lang, in a reasonable manner. Lang thanks Bubbles and calls Larry next.

-
Larry doesn't want the job, but is charismatic enough for the interview. Larry knows how the city operates, and knows what would work best for Lang, but Lang isn't sure he'll actually do the job. Larry acknowledges that he's been distant with the group intentionally, but working with the Knox family has actually been refreshing since it's been like leading a mini group. Larry asks why Lang is bald, and Lang claims it's only from stress. Larry thinks he's locked in for the role, but Lang reminds him that he'll follow up. He wants to interview CJ, but she's busy in a chase. Lang make small talk with Hank instead.

CJ is finally free, Lang calls her up to the Nest for the interview. CJ is reluctant to take on the role, mostly because she believes it isn't needed, but answers the questions with intention. Lang hits her with the hypotheticals and CJ seems to pass with a reasonable and strategic mindset. She would want clarification of what power she would have and if making decisions without Lang would be necessary, unlike their current arrangement where she waits for him to be awake and discuss things. Lang thanks her for the interview, still unsure if he's found the right choice.

Bruce texts Lang about two new amazing engines he's made, Lang calls upset that he was scammed on the last one, but Bruce argues that it was a manufacturer issue. Lang wants to hear about these new engines, so Bruce calls him down to the Tuner shop to check them out. Bruce puts one of the new engines in Lang's Turismo2, Lang takes it for a test drive and loves how zippy it is. Lang wants the engine for a decent price, but Bruce is selling it for 800k. Skipper and the boys pull up to Tuner, Lang tries to get their opinion and thinks that they can open some engines by getting boxes through BET and boosting.

Lang calls Tony to see how much BET he can get, Tony jokes about how busy he is these days, being the Lang from 5 years ago. Jonah has a black card, so CJ finds a time for a Fleeca. CJ wants to have the crew meeting while they can, so they agree to meet by the track field. Liya calls about shooting in Cypress, Lang pulls up, but CJ already has Tyluh Knox down in her car. Larry pulls up with the rest of the Knox's telling Lang that they're doing drive-by shootings on the Besties. Lang and Liya join them for a drive-by, shooting down a few Besties on their block. Lang drives them to the hospital, and then takes Liya to the meeting.

Lang begins the meeting trying to gather everyone's BET, but they need some to start their own boosts. Lang gets enough to buy one box, and then gets frustrated that they have to wait for Larry and Sofia, so he leaves to pick Sofia up. James Kelly from the Lumber Company calls to say his shipment of equipment is ready for today, Lang might pick it up tomorrow. Lang and Sofia return to the meeting and Lang notices Martin is there, but Saab is the only one not around today. Arush calls to tell Lang about setting up Cypress Road Blocks for the police, Lang agrees. Lang tells everyone about the magazines being used up, and wants people to be more mindful of what they take. He wants kickups in the box every friday, or at least by monday before he wakes up. Lang has a rifle deal coming up, and reminds everyone to stop getting caught lacking - they should be taking jobs more seriously. Lang tells them about the different equipment connections they have, and if they want to get their own equipment they can. Lang tells them about a doctor in the sewer who sells tourniquets, everyone is surprised, but interested. Lastly, he tells them that Cassie is dead, there aren't any questions. Lang moves on to cameras and Marshall observations, reminding everyone to kill cops in Cypress.

Lang makes an ammo order through Larry, discovering that they are out of deagle mags. Lang chats with Larry in the studio about a secret: Larry tells Lang that he's working with Arush, Lang promises to keep the secret and heads to bed.