Michael laid both hands on the edge of his desk, pushing back slowly while leaning back in the chair with a prolonged sigh. The growing stack of papers could wait. He had been burning both ends of the candle as of late, and his body and mind were beginning to let him know. He lifted himself from the chair, raising one hand to rub the back of his neck while slowly making his way across the room to pour a much needed whiskey.

Operations inside the prison and outside in the newly built Headquarters were running very smoothly, with several guards and local police firmly in his pocket. He lifted the goblet of rich potent liquid to his lips and downed it in one eager gulp. There was something else pressing on his mind; something he had been waiting for the right time to bring up. His piercing eyes closed, feeling that welcome burning sensation make its way through his midsection. He poured one more, chasing the last. then headed to the door, grabbing his overcoat and scarf from the coat-rack.

He proceeded to direct his driver towards the speak-easy; a place where many of his fellow mafioso/mafiosa brothers and sisters would meet on a daily basis. They would discuss all manner of business that would not be appropriate in a less discrete atmosphere. Having the driver pull up to the entrance, Michael had two of his more trusted bodyguards follow him inside. After a few minutes exchanging pleasantries with a few familiar faces, he cleared his throat and prepared to speak, as several stopped talking, curious of what he had to say.

"I see quite a few familiar faces, although up to this point I have watched from the sidelines, listening to what everyone else has to say. That being said, I did more than listen. I took advice, even if it was not pointed toward me directly. I learned about 'this thing of ours' listening to wise men and women in settings just like this. I took guidance, and learned from it. I made mistakes, sure, but I learned from those as well."

Michael took a brief pause to look around the room, making eye contact with a few of those people that had helped shape his young life, nodding to each of them in respect.

"I am now in a position to pay that knowledge forward to a new young group of associates, and I plan to do just that. They could very well be future leaders themselves one day. I believe that teaching those fresh off the boat the meaning of what we do, and the respect behind our organisation will only strengthen us as a whole, and give fewer chances for ignorant mistakes that can easily cost them their very lives."

 Michael paused once again, this time taking a cigarette from an engraved silver case that was discretely nestled inside his overcoat. He lit it and drew in, then held it a few seconds before letting it slowly curl out of his mouth and nose. 

"Now sometimes, those new to 'this thing of ours' happen to step off the boat at very unfortunate times, like in the middle of violent war. Of course, they have a certain level of protection that we all recognize, at least for a little while, or until some family takes them in, but I'm guessing they might not get the same level of investment from those that are otherwise busy and possibly exhausted by hours or even days of fighting and managing their current members."

He stopped one last time to puff on the neglected smoke resting between his fingers before finishing what he had not meant to be a long-winded speech.

"I know we're separated by cities and districts, but I think there are certain things we can all come to an agreement on, like a solution to a situation like I have mentioned here. I'm eager to hear everyone's thoughts on this matter."

Ronin was sitting in the corner of the speakeasy by himself, enjoying a brief moment of peace and quiet. It seemed he never got those things anymore. A young friend of his, Scofield, moved into the center of the room and started speaking. Ronin sat in his shadowy corner, listening quietly - he seemed to be missing something here. He stood up and swept silently towards the center of the room.

"I'm sorry Scofield, but I am confused. Perhaps your topic was meant to be implied? 

"I know we're separated by cities and districts, but I think there are certain things we can all come to an agreement on, like a solution to a situation like I have mentioned here. I'm eager to hear everyone's thoughts on this matter."

What situation, exactly? I don't recall you mentioning a situation...you just stated that you were now in a position to share your knowledge, and intended to do so. I applaud you for this, but on what matter exactly were you hoping to hear everyone's thoughts? 

Robert took a sip of his drink. A recognizable taste - as of late, he could find "Walker" everywhere. This gave him a sense of home anywhere in the country, despite the fact that he really didn't travel much anymore. He put out his own cigarette, that had been idly burning for a while.

Taking a moment to process the information he muttered to himself for a while before making himself heard.

"Dear friend, It is a valid point indeed. Those new faces often get the short end of the stick during busier times, when higher issues are at stake. Many times, it is hard to give due attention to the future when the present's survival is jeopardized."

Robert took another sip of his glass before proceeding. He knew what he meant, but his mind was often confusing to others.

"I believe the way to see this through is focused on two things - delegation and standardization. If we have people dedicated to sponsoring the younglings that actually discuss what should be presented to them and develop their skills when showing them the ropes, the issue will be minimized in a certain way."

Robert wasn't too used to speaking out in public, so he swiftly lit a cigarette to keep himself in his usual well-mannered grip. He turned back into his attentive state in order to listen to what others might have to say about the matter.