crystal; closed to diplomacy

[altusimperius]

FORM: crystal
SENDER: Benedict
RECIPIENT: members of Diplomacy
NOTES:

[posh and softspoken, guess who it is:]

In light of our most recent Rifter's arrival, maybe we ought to, um. Encourage a certain degree of etiquette, both for those receiving sending crystals for the first time, and for those greeting a new member.

It can be very confusing and isolating, coming here. When one didn't intend to, presumably when one doesn't even know what our world is or what they're doing here. People say stupid things on both sides of the crystal, and they get heated.

I don't have a solution, but it's something I've been thinking about. And would like to talk through, if you'll humor me.

Comments

[sprent]

I perceived a misunderstanding, between somebody who is new to this place, and others who have been living here in tents for months following the destruction of half the Gallows. We aren't at our best right now, Byerly, but I wouldn't say anything has been ruined by this, or that calmer conversations are now out of reach.

[altusimperius]

My hope is that we can try to show our best even at our worst. At least going forward. What’s done is done.

[sprent]

Of course we'll try. I — just think that what happened wasn't malicious.

[altusimperius]

Perhaps not. Probably not. But intentions don’t always align with feelings,

[he clears his throat uncomfortably,]

as we know.

[bouchonne]

I wouldn't say that, either. I was being sardonic.

[sprent]

Ah, I didn't catch that.

[bouchonne]

Oh. Apologies.

No, the issue is that I think that people should be doing better. It's an organization comprised, theoretically, of adults, after all.

[sprent]

We're at war. We've been attacked, recently. We have lost people. We're doing the best we can.

[bouchonne]

Oh, I’m well aware of the circumstances. You certainly needn’t tell me.

But I must fundamentally disagree with the assertion that we are, in fact, doing the best we can.

[sprent]

Then we'll have to disagree with each other and leave it there.

But the next time you publicly encourage all of Riftwatch to fight amongst ourselves for entertainment, I will think back to what you've said today.

[bouchonne]

That's quite different.

[sprent]

(She's just going to — turn her crystal off.)