[Opinions always have the risk of hitting him the wrong way, and triggering a bit of unwarranted spite and sharpness. But for now, at least, Emet-Selch is only curious for her perspective, as though this were some sort of hypothetical problem to solve between them, rather than anything personal.

(Of course it's personal.)]

You're quite right about that, I believe... if competent candidates for leadership roles were easy to come by, there would be far less pressure on those few dutiful souls to remain at their task past all point of health or reason. To abandon something important, with nothing to replace it--

[He cuts himself off, sighing heavily.]

Ideally, there would be confidants to share one's pain. But what if there weren't? No one else who believed, or understood, or was simply capable- how does one manage on their own?

[What if one was disinclined towards accepting emotional assistance regardless.

Solve his problems for him, Tataru.]