You Meddlesome Kids

[obi_wanmanshow]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Obi-Wan Kenobi
RECIPIENT: EVERYBODY
WHAT: Obi-Wan applies the time-honored Jedi technique of stirring the shit in hopes of producing results
WHEN: Mid-Drakonis-ish
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: For some context or in person action, have This closed log all about Gavin's recent life choices, and this somewhat related open log by Aragorn.

I am a little new here, and perhaps I've missed something important, but is it common practice to lock up innocent people, for no reason? I was given to understand that this organization, this Inquisition, is meant to stand as some kind of bastion for all, a saving grace in the face of sure doom. Or is that just pretty words, to hide the truth?

[He pauses, just for a moment, but despite the lack of visual information, it has all the laser-like focus of a nun's stern disapproval. You have been found wanting, young inquisition. Shame on you.]

Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, for those who might not have heard, seems to have decided that it is appropriate for her to act as judge, jury, and-- well, a law unto herself, concerning the behavior of Rifters. I wonder, with everything else that's happened since my arrival here, if she thinks no one has noticed.

[He means, perhaps, the issue with Anders, among other things. A good strategist knows how to use their shield; the timing wasn't the only suspect thing about all this, but it certainly seemed like a factor, to him.]

I'll get to the point: Galadriel should be freed if she's done nothing, or if she, or anyone else [Not to name names, Gavin Ashara] has done significant wrong, there should be a fair trial, open to public scrutiny. What happened here is, in my opinion, inexcusable.

Comments

[thelastking]

[The disapproval in this man's tone matches the disapproval in his heart. Aragorn cannot stop himself from voicing his concerns about this, especially since it hits far too close to home.]

...Galadriel deserves none of this. [His tone is quiet but fierce.] The Seeker cares not for justice if she believes that jailing the innocent is proper.

[tactical_alert]

Surely if one only needed to be innocent to be placed in the dungeons, the cells would be far fuller.

[obi_wanmanshow]

That remains to be seen. If she has done wrong, we'll need to be prepared to address that-- but just the same, I'm with you.

Calm yourself, my friend. Acting in anger and fear will do no good.

[tactical_alert]

Who would you care to place in charge of the unwritten laws regarding Rifters? Sister Nightingale, Ser Cullen, Lady Montilyet?

I suppose if you wanted to make a barbaric spectacle of it, a trial could be open to the public. [Tch, whoever heard of deliberately public trials? Honestly.]

But if it will help to clear the air on the matter as to what Galadriel has done, on what grounds she has apparently been jailed, I will speak to Seeker Pentaghast, if you would like. [Trust him, he's the less reactionary of the two. He could get Aleron to do it, though, just to be extra sure.]

[obi_wanmanshow]

If dignity is more important to you than that the proceedings be just, you may criticize the idea of transparency all you like. Just the same, I'm sure we can all agree on written rules, fair to all, and not laid down from a group that has no input at all from the concerned parties.

[It's like being in a civics classroom with you, he swears.]

And yes, if you would, please. And since you're so forthcoming, and helpful, if the answer elucidates all this, I think you should also deliver a public announcement, to put this issue to rest.

[arlathvhen]

[ On one hand, Beleth really doesn't want to end up in hot water herself. Imprisoned or straight up murdered or whatever else they do to dissenting elves around here. Buuut he has a point, one that Beleth has already spoken about. ]

...Some of us sent a formal letter to the advisers, asking what were Lady Galadriel's crimes, and asking for her release. The letter we got in response only told us it was 'for the good of the Inquistion'.

I think...it would benefit everyone if Lady Galadriel were to be officially, openly charged for whatever crimes Seeker Cassandra has felt she committed. I think it would...ah, clear the air, so to speak.

[thelastking]

'For the good of the Inquisition?'

[It's hard enough for him to believe that Galadriel still sits within a cell but to hear of Seeker's response--]

The Seeker cannot be trusted to do right by others if that was truly her response.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Wait ... wait, that elven woman mage is still imprisoned?

[Now that was a disturbing bit of news. One that did not do well for mages, elves, or anyone else who had reason to dissent with the Inquisition. Namely the Wardens.]

Has there been no charges brought? I do not believe Sister Leliana or Commander Cullen would allow such a thing to happen without there being a proper, and open, investigation to the matter.

[She has utter faith in the both of them to be thorough.]

[thelastking]

There's no fairness to be had in this Inquisition.

[The faith she has them is a faith he lacks in them. That much should be telling.]

Galadriel's imprisonment is proof of that.

[wickedchase]

I do find it a curious thing. I'd inquired with Madame Seeker privately, but was told simply not to be concerned about it and that it was for a reason. Alas, I was not told what that specific reason was.

It certainly makes trusting and feeling safe with the Inquisition's decisions something to be confident in. [His tone is incredibly dry, because no, no it does not.]

[thelastking]

Yet, we are told by their supporters to blindly trust in this Inquisition when they withhold any information regarding the plight of one of our own.

[He's certainly isn't impressed with any of this.]

[trouvaille]

( impatiently, accent orlesian-- )

What are you talking about?

[obi_wanmanshow]

I've believe I've been fairly straightforward.

[make_my_mark]

Has Cassandra been named the new leader of the Inquisition?

As I understand it-- the Anders that everyone's been talking about was tried by the ruler of his city, and the Inquisition is deferring to that judgement. Is that what's happened here and no one was informed?

[obi_wanmanshow]

No, the lady Galadriel is a rifter-- she has not come to us fait accompli, the way this man, Anders, did. The worst I can find are unsubstantiated rumors that if she were arrested and held, surely something must have happened.

...And I honestly couldn't begin to give an opinion on the Inquisition leadership. [he lied, lyingly, like a liar] So far as I know, it's only that she has the respect of her peers and the willingness to act decisively.

[aggregiopavali]

[Fenris' response is preceded by a chuckle.]

You definitely must be new here. We've been locking up innocents for Ages. [Spoken like a true former slave.]

[obi_wanmanshow]

Then the Ages are a better example of what not to do.

[Having been close friends with a few former slaves in his time, Obi-Wan understands just how deep the rabbithole of tradition can run. And yet, hope, that bastard emotion, is still what he relies on most.]

We can do better.

[gatheringstorm]

[The issue with Anders has definitely snared the bulk of Korrin's attention for a while, but this message is an effective awakening.]

I agree, there should be far more transparency about this than has taken place. If there's a concern, we should all know about it. If not, then why the hell is this happening when we have Corypheus and his forces to deal with? It's not as though we're lacking in a to-do list.

[obi_wanmanshow]

A fair point.

There are likely going to be more Rifters as time passes. We need to be able to trust that we'll be dealt with fairly.

[chainlightning]

Perhaps not for the Inquisition, no, but for Thedas? Yes.

[ :c hi Obi-Wan ]

Slaves are common in Tevinter, especially. Mages under the rule of the Chantry are -- or were, I suppose -- put in Circles, kept away from others; some, I hear, are perfectly nice places, but others are... horrible. Mages under the Qun are shackled, their mouths sown shut. Elves are treated as second-class citizens, if not worse.

Cassandra has a good heart, or that's my understanding of her, from when we've talked. But I think she's also used to what she sees as normal, and- maybe a bit rash. [ "maybe a bit" see also "definitely a lot" ]

And fear drives people to do awful things. I'm sure that much is true across all worlds.

[obi_wanmanshow]

My old Jedi master would always say, Fear is a path to the Dark Side. I don't mean to imply that the Seeker isn't a good person-- but she is misguided, in this. And very stubborn.

[Wow, now there's an understatement.]

I think perhaps, we shouldn't treat a slave-holding state as permission to do as we liked. Is that so radical?

[keeperofmagi]

I am not at liberty to say, but I assure you, there is good reason.

This is an army, Ser, and we must protect our people. She has not been harmed. But we will not stand idly by when we perceive threats to the Inquisition, or the people of Thedas.

It is not a matter of discussion, or something to be put to a vote.

[obi_wanmanshow]

No? You fail to understand-- so long as there are free people, there will be discussion, and people will come to their own consensus.

Whether or not you're part of that discussion, is up to you.

[failedfirst]

Welcome to Thedas, where humans rule supreme and any who cross them are considered dangers to all and imprisoned or executed.

[obi_wanmanshow]

Ah, now here's the attitude that will see all that changed.

[That's some cheerful-ass sarcasm, right there. Bless you, Vellana.]

[lifeofendurance]

[Aleron is unmoved by this random expression of outrage. But part of it sticks out to him, the 'decided that it is appropriate for her to act...' bit.]

I fail to see where the problem lies. It is entirely appropriate and within the scope of her duties to act as the point of justice when she has rooted out a source of danger to Thedas.

[obi_wanmanshow]

To Thedas. [Really.] All of it?

[Really?]

That's quite remarkable.

[Obi-Wan's tone is the Hissing Wastes on a particularly arid day.]

After all, by all accounts, she's been so helpful to the cause, up until... I wonder what she can have done, to present such a threat?

[perseverances]

Ser-

[Cullen offers a quiet, frustrated sigh before he continues, because he's been listening to everything going on and frankly, these people have no idea what exactly happened and right now, he couldn't care less.]

If it is inexcusable to you, then perhaps you haven't been here long enough to understand that Seeker Pentaghast has every right to do what she did if she believes that there is a threat to the Inquisition as a whole. We are not here to make everyone happy. We are here to protect Thedas from the threats as a whole.

The Lady Galadriel was questioned by Seeker Pentaghast and was proven to be a potential threat. Until such time is necessary, she will be imprisoned.

If you have any other concerns, I suggest you bring them to the Advisers privately before you continue to stir destructive dissension.

[thelastking]

Who are you?

[He's geniunely curious.]

Do you speak for the Inquisition?

[arachnophobe]

OKAY BUT HEY LET'S LET ANDERS WALK FREE THAT'S REAL FUCKIN' NEAT!

[His magical two silvers in all this.]

i snorted my drink, thanks.

[obi_wanmanshow]

[Holy shit, dude.]

[byblow]

What's a jury?

[ Asking the important questions. ]

not really here

[lifeofendurance]

[Al's very curious about that as well. Is it an execution squad? Inquiring Seekers want to know.]

[dragondowner]

Yeah, this whole thing just sounds...[He makes a high-pitched sound in the back of his throat, the sort of sound you make when you're uncomfortable agreeing but don't want to come out and actually disagree because you're tiny and can't take a punch.]---eeeeeh--Lowlanders are weird.

[That's philosophical, right?]

Don't know why they didn't just throw her to the hold beast? [Totes not a Sarlacc pit, toooootes not.] I mean, everybody knows that the hold beast only eats guilty people. Unless it's hungry.

[arlathvhen]

We don't have a hold beast...?

We could use Doghren.

private to obi-wan;

[foxsays]

Don't you think it would have perhaps been wiser to speak to at least some us rifters before you decided to make such a public statement that does actually involve all of us so named? Or even, I don't know, courteous?

[Please ignore the frantic background wheezing about PR in the distance.]

[private]

[obi_wanmanshow]

I was given to understand that as a group, the Rifters have no particular leadership or notable organization. Is that incorrect? I don't claim to speak for all of us, only myself.

[He didn't ask you, but then do you ask him?]

I apologize.

[harthad_uluithiad]

[ Hi Obi-wan, have a miserable, desperate hobbit. Sam has obviously been crying, his voice still anguished and his words interrupted by hiccups and sniffles. ]

She hasn't done nothing! She's done nothing at all! It's - it's the Lady Galadriel!

[ A pause as he sobs. ]

She's - it's not right, her being locked up! I've seen it, that cell, it's cold and dark and horrible! She don't belong there, not her. She don't belong anywhere near a place like that.

Please, you must help! You must free her!

[rowancrowned]

[ ... an odd form of address, and without the usual lilting accent the dalish have. ]

Why do you call her lady?

[rowancrowned]

[ second time using his crystal, so there is a pause once he starts broadcasting to obi-wan, just to make sure it catches what he says: ]

The lady is a cousin of mine. If you might be willing to hold yourselves for a few days, despite your discomfort, I would ask that I have a chance to solve this matter before you move. Is this agreeable to you?

[ he is far and polite of tone throughout, but not carefree- he cares about this. ]

i just want them to bro-nod, just once ok

[obi_wanmanshow]

I'm sorry-- Perhaps some introductions are in order.

[Since we're being so refreshingly polite and calm, for once today.]

I am Obi-wan Kenobi, Master Jedi of the Order of Jedi Knights. An you are?

[wontforgetyou]

Figures just when I start thinking that maybe this is a place where they'll not lock you up...

[Apparently he was wrong - and not at all happy about that fact, something that he doesn't even bother to try and keep out of his voice.]

Look, I wasn't here when it happened, but they've not said anything at all as to why she's been imprisoned?

[thelastking]

[Aragorn chose to answer on behalf of the original poster behind this message. Considering his ties with Galadriel, there's no surprise that he would come to her defense.]

Nothing other than she's a threat to the Inquisition. Such a claim is a lie.

[theproperglove]

( It is messages like this that has Josephine disliking the sending crystals, and for all her misgivings with Cassandra's actions of late, she can't not step in to the woman's defense, at least in the interest of showing a united front. )

Cassandra has not been acting independently. As Commander Cullen has suggested, if you have any particular issues to address, please bring it to the advisors through the proper channels.

If there is anything you'd wish to discuss personally ( and here she seems to deflate a bit, her voice quieting ) my door is always open.

[eolasemah]

[As the chatter dwindles and eventually falls into a lull, a small but oddly authoritative voice chimes in over the moment of quiet.]

The elves will not forget this, be certain of that.

[obi_wanmanshow]

I must caution you against rash action. No one needs to forget anything, but there can be no progress made through acts of vengeance.