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

[elegiaque]

Well, that all depends on where you fall philosophically, spiritually, magically and your capacity for deluded optimism and which theory of the nature of rifters you think most compelling.

[ashing]

I was asking you.

[elegiaque]

In every way that matters, they're dead.

( she says it bluntly, but not coldly,

it doesn't sound like something she (personally) feels nothing about. )

[ashing]

Realist, then.

[elegiaque]

None of us are guaranteed any amount of time.

[ashing]

No, but a few less outside influences might help.

[elegiaque]

Best we win at least one of these wars, then.