derrica. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tender) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
therookery2023-03-07 11:00 pm
tender) wrote in therookery2023-03-07 11:00 pm
Entry tags:
crystal;
[ 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! ]
private.
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.
[ 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.
private.
private.
If there is something I can do in return, you'll tell me?
private.
( (affectionate)
she's really warmed up to wysteria, lately. )
private.
[ it's always something ]]
private.
private.
private.
( it sounds like an honest question, rather than a leading one; she audibly has no idea what the answer might be.
after a beat, )
I thought, if you wanted to talk about that to someone you don't - have to impress. Since I don't know and I'm not in charge of you.
private.
A hesitation, less about Gwenaëlle specifically than it is about wariness generally. Perhaps a similar instinct to Tony hesitating to answer a question put to him earlier this afternoon. ]
That's kind. [ sincere. ] I don't know the answer. I think there are some things that will have to change if she stays too long. We've some solutions to immediate difficulties but...
[ A trailing sigh. She cannot ask Marcus and Matthias and Kostos to stay where they've been assigned forever. ]
private.
( untenable, longer term — for a hundred reasons. that makes sense.
after a moment, )
You're doing a good job, though.
private.
Thank you.
[ Gwenaëlle doesn't flatter. Derrica knows this. ]
There is something you can do for me, if this situation goes on longer than a week.
private.
What is it?
private.
private.
I'd thought, you know, if this does drag on, I thought I'd offer Rowntree and Matthias the use of my grandfather's guest-rooms if they need a break. Well, Julius's old room, for Rowntree, we've never done anything with it, and his blondes have visited that home often enough it wouldn't draw any notice the way they'd stand out at de Fonce's.
And I can make sure Hardie's not in Matthias's path, if he comes.
private.
[ Whatever she had put forth among the Division Heads, she hates that they are relegated to that house. ]
Would you offer, to Kostos? I know it's an imposition and he may say no regardless.
private.
( is 75% a joke. )
private.
[ some measure of real relief. ]
I promise I'll do my part to make sure you don't have to make the offer.
private.
( gwenaëlle please. )
No, I mean, I think you're going to do a good job. People will appreciate that.
private.
[ Assuming that a fracture in their relationship with the Chantry will create fractures within the Inquisition. ]
I think it's possible. I do.
private.
( more than a platitude — a lever. )
I still think we should have declawed the Chantry when they were still scrambling around trying to find their own collective new arse, but failing that.
private.
I don't think we can bring her around to liking us. But I think we can present ourselves as trustworthy allies, with some harmless eccentricities.
private.
( of course it's personal, constantine; it's her entire fucking life. )
They shouldn't need to like us. I don't like most of the people here. It's just—
( an annoyed noise, not at derrica, )
Of course we can, I just wish you didn't have to waste your time on it. I hope it goes swiftly.
private.
[ It is infuriating. She understands. ]
I do, I promise. It's hardly begun and I'm tired of it. But once it's over, we will drink. And you will show me your boat.
private.
She's a good boat.
private.
private.
private.
private.
private.
private.
private.
private.