crystal;

[tender]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Derrica
RECIPIENT: @ everyone
NOTES: company is coming.

[ A muted clearing of the throat, a distant rustle of paper. Then Derrica's voice comes over the crystal, light but firm. ]

If I could have everyone's attention for a moment, there is a very urgent matter to make you aware of.

I've had a letter to the Project Haven office informing me that a Chantry Mother will be arriving and staying some time in the Gallows. She is charged with gathering information on how Riftwatch operates, and intends to conduct interviews until she is satisfied she's reached an understanding as to how we approach our work.

[ As calmly as she states this news, it is apparent what they might consider this visitor to be: an impending problem. ]

I know there are many among us, even among our leadership, who enjoy an argument. And I know it will be difficult to refrain from engaging this visitor when she may try to provoke any of us she comes across. But this is not the time to do so. We cannot try to debate this woman, or sway her to acknowledge our views. It is important this visit proceeds as smoothly as possible. If she finds reason, Mother Pleasance could bring the Chantry's scrutiny down on us in a far more serious capacity. Winning an argument with her isn't worth risking such a thing.

[ Again, the minor rustle of papers. An exhale of breath that stops just short of qualifying as a sigh. ]

Beyond that, there is no reason to allow her knowledge of certain aspects of our work. I believe the Division Heads will go over specifics in the coming hours, but I can tell you that much of Research's work should not be spoken of. Experiments involving the anchors and lyrium, our work regarding the Gates, the artifacts and other items in the basement [ delicately avoiding the words possessed Averesch relations ] and the gun Wysteria built should never be mentioned to her, regardless of what questions the Mother puts to you or interest she shows.

If she is to question you regarding those who support our work, or any of the resources available to us, simply tell her you don't know, or refer her to your Division Head. Don't tell her about our access to the Crossroads, or our eluvians, or give any names of those we count as allies.

And it may sound like a small thing in comparison, but don't share with her any details about each other. She may wish to speak of the people you work alongside, and those questions should be deferred as politely as possible.

Rifters, she may press you for information about the world you arrived from. Be aware of how the Chantry perceives you. If you must share information with her, choose topics of little importance. Don't speak to her of magic or religions in your world, or anything that could be misconstrued as heretical. [ which, admittedly, could be most things, so Derrica adds, ] If you cannot avoid saying nothing, speaking of food or weather is likely the easiest route to take.

Mother Pleasance is seeking information as to our work here, and I don't think she'll be content to leave empty-handed. The Division Heads will go over safe topics more thoroughly, but it is our thinking that we might safely share our commitment to stopping Corypheus and the Venatori. If she presses for answers as to how we are going about it, we might tell her non-specifically about our work in identifying Venatori spies, preventing their sabotage or attacks. If she wishes to speak of Research Division's work, give her very general answers about the ARRIVED system and [ a beat, looking at a list. ] germ theory.

[ ok. ]

It is also safe to speak of such things as bicycles, or attempts to cleanse red lyrium and their work in seeking information to help us kill Corypheus' dragon.

If you are just trying to derail a conversation with her, I would recommend speaking of entertainment like Les Chats, or something similarly harmless. If you find yourself with no ideas as to what you might say, defer her to me, or to your Division Head. Excuse yourself and claim urgent work.

We believe she will be arriving in a few days time, so if there is anything you need to do to prepare yourselves, do it now, please. And I've been speaking at length, so if you've questions now, please. I am happy to answer.

[ ooc / get your assignments here! this doc contains a run down of each division briefing and a list of who has been designated a wrangler and who has been designated as DNI, along with info and assignments specific to each category. questions to the plot post please! ]

Comments

private.

[elegiaque]

I'm leaving Guilfoyle aboard with Florent, and I'm leaving very specific and strict instructions, but I think I should recommend that someone check on Florent every now and again. It's usually fine and I've made it abundantly clear that Guilfoyle doesn't have my bleeding heart and will toss him into the sea if he breaks the no sex parties rule, but as the cat who'll be away from an incredibly slutty mouse, I do think it's worth —

Florent is probably slightly more social than Mother Pleasance is going to find charming, directly on the Gallows' porch. Just something to add to your long list of things to be mindful about. Let me know if smuggling some of my grandfather's wine cellar discreetly to your office would help.

private.

[tender]

I'll look in on him. But I believe the Division Heads intend to enlist him anyway, so he might not have enough time to get into trouble.

[ a pause. ]

The wine would be helpful, but maybe not until she's gone.

private.

[elegiaque]

He needs much less time than you'd think, but that ought to help. Guilfoyle's going to do his best, but he's one man whose knees aren't what they once were, you know.

And I'll set aside a case for when I'm allowed back in the building. You can come drink it on the boat, if you like.

private.

[tender]

I'd like that. We should hope her visit is brief, so we needn't find out whether or not Florent's sort of trouble is charming to our visitor or not.

private.

[elegiaque]

Fingers crossed.

I realise this might sound incredible, ( ruefully ) but I actually don't enjoy arguing, so I'm grateful for both of us I'm not there to do it anyway. If there's anything I can do to help that doesn't involve making your job actively harder, I'm happy to.

private.

[tender]

I believe you. And I promise, I don't think there's anything you or anyone else can do to make this harder. I think it's just going to be difficult. And stressful.

[ Regardless of what kind of Chantry Mother arrives. ]

The wine is really enough, for now. But I might have something to ask later on, if she stays longer than a week.

[notathreat]

Is she gonna be able to access the crystals?

[tender]

No, we won't be giving her a crystal. So we only need mind where we speak on them, that she can't overhear what's being said as a response.

[exequy]

Why now?

[tender]

Why at this exact moment? I'm not sure.

The incident that drew their attention happened last year.

[ashing]

And how do they perceive us? Seeing as I need to be aware.

[tender]

As demons. Or spirits.

[ One more weighted than the other. ]

There was a negotiation some years ago, and they agreed to acknowledge the idea that Rifters aren't demons, and support them in having the same legal rights as someone native to Thedas but what's negotiated in a treaty doesn't mean every Chantry Mother's mind was changed.

[ashing]

Well, glad to hear they agreed to acknowledge the idea.

[As dry and sarcastic as that string of words deserves.]

So what happens if the Mother decides we are demons?

[tender]

She may already think Rifters are demons. Her superiors may think that as well. It doesn't matter, that's already been negotiated.

[ and may be re-addressed in the future, as all accords must be. it only matters that it is approached favorably, to which point— ]

What is important to avoid is giving them opportunity and proof enough to condemn our organization as dangerous.

[ashing]

Humour me with the specifics, for a minute.

[tender]

[ A beat, considering. ]

In the immediate sense? Nothing right away. It will make our dealings with the Chantry and Inquisition much harder. And if the Chantry denounces us, then it will alienate most of the south. It may loose us our place here in the Gallows.

[ So, not a small thing. But Derrica continues. ]

And later, when Corypheus is no longer a threat, the question of Circles will be subject to negotiation again. They could use evidence against us then, to say that Rifters should be locked away.

[elegiaque]

Rifters come out of the same hole as demons, talking heresies and impossibilities, and most people in Thedas will only ever be perceiving you through third hand rumours about the same. Think somewhere between necessary evil and tomorrow's problem.

( #helping )

[ashing]

Necessary evil'd imply we're bringing something to the table. All I've seen so far, we're just bodies taking up beds and using up food.

[And talking heresies and asking awkward questions, just like she says.]

[elegiaque]

Look down at your hands for me.

[ashing]

[A beat.]

Take it you're about to tell me something about my new green jewellery. Unless five fingers is a surprise around here.

[fairforce]

Aside from duties assigned by our Division Heads, is there anything that we generally might do to help prepare?

[tender]

I'm going to turn down one of the guest chambers for her. And I think we should be sure that the Chantry here has been cleaned, and looks hospitable. I could use help with either of those things.

[fairforce]

Consider the Chantry cleaned. It will be a nice break for me. If you tell me which guest chamber you're planning to use, I'll come up after the Chantry is in order and see if anything else is needed?

give me this thread

[tender]

I think the room to the left of the landing, facing Kirkwall. I'll leave a door open, so you can find your way in.

ur wish my command

[fairforce]

Wonderful. I'll get to work and see you shortly.

[And, shortly--a few hours, maybe, because Tiffany is nothing if not thorough, and finds genuine enjoyment in cleaning besides--she does appear in the open doorway. Without her armor, without a tunic or cloak emblazoned with the mark of the Seeker Order, she looks smaller, plainer. Her hair is tied back in a simple sensible braid and she's tied a kerchief over her head to keep the rest of it from her face.]

Do you like oranges?

[Yes, there is work to do. But she has two oranges, and when she sees Derrica, she holds them out, a friendly peace offering. There's a broom tucked in the crook of her other arm, and a dustpan looped around her wrist by a leather cord, like an impractical reticule.]

I passed by the kitchens and there were extras.