“...looks like we didn't account for Cardamine being dangerous not only as a drug, but as a chemical substance. Or maybe fire safety measures weren't up to par. But I understand now why you want to step down,” Tommy said.
"To be honest, we're not completely certain that the Cardamine was the reason for the intensity of the chemical burn in the warehouse. Although I am quite certain that it did not help," Lachlan said, "But the cause of the fire is immaterial when we are faced with your first point: how many of my workers are addicted to Cardamine. As you mentioned, I would much rather have pure Cardamine for our workers instead of that Stabiline sludge that Cryer pedals; but now we have nothing. So as soon as we conclude our business here, it will be imperative that we secure as much Cardamine as possible to make sure our Irregulars on New London do not start withdrawal...or worse."
Lachlan could feel himself becoming agitated, which simply would not do. He needed to remain calm and professional, especially at such a critical moment. Pausing to take another sip of wine to calm himself, he cleared his throat and continued:
"Regardless, leadership needs to be sorted and stable before we take on an operation of that size. So, I'll ask again: who's up for the task?" Lachlan asked.
The Frenchman piped up first: "The loss of cardamine is truly horrible, but are you sure this is our only option? Naturally, we accept if this is what you want, but it will be hard to go on without you."
Lachlan nodded. "I know it might seem sudden, but I am sure. And not to worry, I will still be here to help lead and guide as my time permits."
Vaako thought for a moment before responding again. "I know myself well enough, thanks to the experience of being over forty, and I am aware that I am a good transport captain, but that's all. I would not be viable as the leader of the whole Irregulars so I stand aside, only metaphorically, of course," he said before taking a sip of his own drink.
"And I completely respect that," Lachlan said before turning to Tommy and Mel. "How about it, you two? What do you say?"
![[Image: O85Djka.png]](https://i.imgur.com/O85Djka.png)