[She sits in the chair--first with her legs crossed at the ankle, swept to one side--which is then quickly rearranged. Old habits do die hard. Feet on the floor, that's better. Ignoring any papers or books on the desk, she makes sure that she is looking at Rowantree.
Sincerely,] I'm glad to see you restored.
[To the office, to health: both at once.]
What can I help you with?
[Whatever this is, or will be, that's her intention. Help.]
[ There'd been the slightest glance over at her repositioning, noting it, a glance up at her face in time to catch her sincerity and gladness. It's acknowledged nonverbally, a subtle second nod. Passing discomfort.
But there is refuge in getting to the point. ]
I suggested to Commander Flint that we take better stock of those in our Company who are affiliated with the Chantry, [ is a more direct entry into the conversation than he's given any of the Templars he has hauled into his office thus far. Her involvement smooths some of the way, both those years ago when the Abomination was still fresh in everyone's memory, and that day on the road to Val Chevin.
He collects pen and paper, writing something down while he continues, ] Given how frequently and insidiously those so aligned have done us damage.
[Brother Gideon's face comes to mind before Tiffany can put the thought of him away. But that was something else. She nods, as much to dislodge the thought as to show tentative agreement.]
There is some sense in that. How did the Commander suggest this be handled?
[ —spoken after a beat of thought. 'Alright. Keep me informed.' ]
I've begun interviewing those of our number with past and present ties to the Chantry or the Templar Order. The reason I've asked you to meet with me is to continue.
[ —without hesitation. And rather than wait for her to query him further, he adds, ]
What led to Naegle's death are tactics employed by Madame Fitcher. Sabotage, forgery, deceit, monitoring our communications and exploiting them. In order to move a Chantry Mother to act against us, to have deployed a unit of Templars, it's reasonable to assume of her some considerable influence, if not wilful ignorance on their side.
Influential, or simply inflammatory--though then that brings up the question of motive, which we'd find difficult to answer at present. I suppose I see reason in the conclusion. But, please-- [a little wave of her hand, as if to push that aside for the moment.] --what information can I give you?
[ The actual nature of Serafina Fitcher and her motivations are as obscured to them all as the veil she clearly had to maintain to carry out her operations. There is the tiniest tip of Marcus' head to acknowledge that there is much they do not know, at present—
Not to be dissuaded from the current task, which he launches into without pause. ]
We'll start with the name and rank of whomever tasked you to attend to Riftwatch, and those you report back to currently.
I did present my credentials to Riftwatch, when I first arrived. I met with the Scoutmaster and explained my purpose.
[--Firmly, calmly. And as there's nothing to hide, she does then go on:]
My original orders were from Seeker Albright. I work with and report to Riftwatch, for matters that pertain most immediately to Riftwatch. I keep Seeker Albright and Lord Seeker Marchand informed through regular correspondence.
[ He nods to this first part, but maintains a direct and expectation focus nonetheless. He then looks down to write as she answers him. He has yet to lift the pen off the page with his follow up— ]
Is the Scoutmaster privy to your correspondence, before it's sent?
If she asked, she would be. [Which is a nice way of saying the much simpler no.] So far in my time with Riftwatch, it's not been requested of me. Or been an issue.
[There's the smallest hesitation, and then--Seeker of Truth, after all--she feels compelled to add:] The parts relevant to Riftwatch could be shared. There are certain secrets kept by my order.
[ And he continues to write, making note of her answer. He does not appear displeased, surprised, or really at all responsive to her generousity nor her safeguardng of organisational secrets.
But he does stop and consider the page, and then her. He'd had an objective and he doggedly wishes to pursue it, but— ]
Will you write them, asking about Fitcher?
[ More of a question of her next moves, than a request. ]
I've told them about its members. Nothing terribly extensive--I haven't copied down anyone's records--just simple information gleaned from meetings and from my impressions. Affiliations, when I learn them. I've told them about the work that Riftwatch does--the missions that have been undertaken, both those that I have been apart of, and those that have had reports filed, publicly.
[She looks down at the desktop for a half second.]
I've told them what I was able to find out about Felix Naegle. And his death. I'll tell them about your suspicion--that it was connected to the work of Madame Fitcher.
[ He writes as she speaks, quick shorthanded notes for the sake of his own memory, a sense of record. It slows when she speaks more specifically of Naegle, and then stops at the rest. A churn of misgiving.
Another mark, written down. ]
Have you encountered it before? [ And back up at her. ] Say Fitcher was trusted by the Chantry. Say they knew she was in Riftwatch while she concealed her affiliations from us. In your time as a Seeker, have you known of such practices?
[Tiffany meets his eye--not in challenge, but trying to be open. Her attention to his note-taking has been brief, conducted in her periphery. Whatever she might be thinking, whatever she's gleaned from that observation, she tries to keep out of her face. In a way this is like playing cards, which she's never been good at. This version is easier because she isn't bluffing. Blanking would be a better word for it. Trying to keep up without putting up her guard.]
Before coming to Riftwatch, I was training Seekers. My greatest talents are in instruction, and so my time in the field has been limited, until now. I'm a good teacher--I think I'm a good teacher--because I was, and am, a good student. I learned from other Seekers.
I know that the Chantry isn't immune to engaging with that sort of duplicitousness. No organization is. It shouldn't be tolerated, but it wouldn't be without precedence. I also know that there are people unaffiliated with the Chantry who would choose to affiliate themselves, for their own reasons, and bend its strength to their own purposes.
You don't need to protect the Chantry's reputation with me,
[ a more narrowed look across to her as he adds, ]
if that's what you're doing. Do they or do they not plant spies or saboteurs where spies and saboteurs want placing? In your experience, as a Seeker of truths.
[Steady, she repeats,] It shouldn't be tolerated, but it wouldn't be without precedence.
My point was only that Riftwatch might not have been the only organization used in this. And that we should remain cautious until we have both evidence and a deeper understanding.
[ Dissatisfaction flickers through his expression, but seemingly content enough with it to leave it there, to write something down with the distracted air of someone busy paraphrasing, only half listening to the things she is saying as he scratches pen across paper. ]
In your reporting [ he continues, blithely moving past her words ] have you offered any remarks to your handler that we'd interpret as critical of Riftwatch?
[ The look back up at her is a little sharp along the lines of his not appreciating her attempted correction. ]
As you say, we operate beyond external oversight. That to some, this is concerning. In your reporting [ a conscious repetition ] have you offered them anything to given reason to concern?
Thank you for the clarification. I haven't, that I am aware of, given any particular critique. I have reported my observations: the leaders of Riftwatch are interested in doing a kind of good particular to this organization. Its members are interested in the same. There is, sometimes, disharmony, but generally a path is found with this joint interest in mind. Methods often employed by its members might not follow tradition or expectations, for good or for ill in equal parts. I have reported that the embracing of certain people who might otherwise be ostracized or cast off from other organizations is, generally, a strength of this organization. I have reported that a lack of funding creates challenges that are sometimes insurmountable, and work against Riftwatch's efforts. I have reported a lack of respect that can create similar challenges.
I may have made other comments in passing, but I believe that to be an accurate account. Occasionally Seeker Albright and Lord Seeker Marchand write for additional information or further opinions and I provide them when requested.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-08-01 01:22 am (UTC)Sincerely,] I'm glad to see you restored.
[To the office, to health: both at once.]
What can I help you with?
[Whatever this is, or will be, that's her intention. Help.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-01 11:31 am (UTC)But there is refuge in getting to the point. ]
I suggested to Commander Flint that we take better stock of those in our Company who are affiliated with the Chantry, [ is a more direct entry into the conversation than he's given any of the Templars he has hauled into his office thus far. Her involvement smooths some of the way, both those years ago when the Abomination was still fresh in everyone's memory, and that day on the road to Val Chevin.
He collects pen and paper, writing something down while he continues, ] Given how frequently and insidiously those so aligned have done us damage.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-02 04:16 am (UTC)There is some sense in that. How did the Commander suggest this be handled?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-02 01:40 pm (UTC)[ —spoken after a beat of thought. 'Alright. Keep me informed.' ]
I've begun interviewing those of our number with past and present ties to the Chantry or the Templar Order. The reason I've asked you to meet with me is to continue.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 12:01 am (UTC)Well. [Still pleasant.] I would be happy to assist with giving any information that I am aware of. May I ask a question of you first?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 12:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 04:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-08-04 11:58 am (UTC)[ —without hesitation. And rather than wait for her to query him further, he adds, ]
What led to Naegle's death are tactics employed by Madame Fitcher. Sabotage, forgery, deceit, monitoring our communications and exploiting them. In order to move a Chantry Mother to act against us, to have deployed a unit of Templars, it's reasonable to assume of her some considerable influence, if not wilful ignorance on their side.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-05 04:10 am (UTC)Influential, or simply inflammatory--though then that brings up the question of motive, which we'd find difficult to answer at present. I suppose I see reason in the conclusion. But, please-- [a little wave of her hand, as if to push that aside for the moment.] --what information can I give you?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-08 07:14 am (UTC)Not to be dissuaded from the current task, which he launches into without pause. ]
We'll start with the name and rank of whomever tasked you to attend to Riftwatch, and those you report back to currently.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-09 03:34 am (UTC)[--Firmly, calmly. And as there's nothing to hide, she does then go on:]
My original orders were from Seeker Albright. I work with and report to Riftwatch, for matters that pertain most immediately to Riftwatch. I keep Seeker Albright and Lord Seeker Marchand informed through regular correspondence.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-09 08:57 am (UTC)Is the Scoutmaster privy to your correspondence, before it's sent?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-10 04:24 am (UTC)[There's the smallest hesitation, and then--Seeker of Truth, after all--she feels compelled to add:] The parts relevant to Riftwatch could be shared. There are certain secrets kept by my order.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-12 10:01 am (UTC)But he does stop and consider the page, and then her. He'd had an objective and he doggedly wishes to pursue it, but— ]
Will you write them, asking about Fitcher?
[ More of a question of her next moves, than a request. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-12 11:33 pm (UTC)[She gives a little shrug.]
They don't. But we will have their help to add strength to our own investigations.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-16 07:32 am (UTC)What else has gone reported to your handlers? The parts relevant to Riftwatch, [ to clarify, in a slanted glance up and across at her. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-18 09:38 pm (UTC)[She looks down at the desktop for a half second.]
I've told them what I was able to find out about Felix Naegle. And his death. I'll tell them about your suspicion--that it was connected to the work of Madame Fitcher.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-23 10:39 am (UTC)Another mark, written down. ]
Have you encountered it before? [ And back up at her. ] Say Fitcher was trusted by the Chantry. Say they knew she was in Riftwatch while she concealed her affiliations from us. In your time as a Seeker, have you known of such practices?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-23 10:06 pm (UTC)[Tiffany meets his eye--not in challenge, but trying to be open. Her attention to his note-taking has been brief, conducted in her periphery. Whatever she might be thinking, whatever she's gleaned from that observation, she tries to keep out of her face. In a way this is like playing cards, which she's never been good at. This version is easier because she isn't bluffing. Blanking would be a better word for it. Trying to keep up without putting up her guard.]
Before coming to Riftwatch, I was training Seekers. My greatest talents are in instruction, and so my time in the field has been limited, until now. I'm a good teacher--I think I'm a good teacher--because I was, and am, a good student. I learned from other Seekers.
I know that the Chantry isn't immune to engaging with that sort of duplicitousness. No organization is. It shouldn't be tolerated, but it wouldn't be without precedence. I also know that there are people unaffiliated with the Chantry who would choose to affiliate themselves, for their own reasons, and bend its strength to their own purposes.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-25 08:26 am (UTC)[ a more narrowed look across to her as he adds, ]
if that's what you're doing. Do they or do they not plant spies or saboteurs where spies and saboteurs want placing? In your experience, as a Seeker of truths.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-26 04:06 am (UTC)My point was only that Riftwatch might not have been the only organization used in this. And that we should remain cautious until we have both evidence and a deeper understanding.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-27 05:12 am (UTC)In your reporting [ he continues, blithely moving past her words ] have you offered any remarks to your handler that we'd interpret as critical of Riftwatch?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-29 06:24 pm (UTC)Critical of or critical to?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-30 11:27 pm (UTC)[ The look back up at her is a little sharp along the lines of his not appreciating her attempted correction. ]
As you say, we operate beyond external oversight. That to some, this is concerning. In your reporting [ a conscious repetition ] have you offered them anything to given reason to concern?
no subject
Date: 2022-09-02 12:35 am (UTC)Thank you for the clarification. I haven't, that I am aware of, given any particular critique. I have reported my observations: the leaders of Riftwatch are interested in doing a kind of good particular to this organization. Its members are interested in the same. There is, sometimes, disharmony, but generally a path is found with this joint interest in mind. Methods often employed by its members might not follow tradition or expectations, for good or for ill in equal parts. I have reported that the embracing of certain people who might otherwise be ostracized or cast off from other organizations is, generally, a strength of this organization. I have reported that a lack of funding creates challenges that are sometimes insurmountable, and work against Riftwatch's efforts. I have reported a lack of respect that can create similar challenges.
I may have made other comments in passing, but I believe that to be an accurate account. Occasionally Seeker Albright and Lord Seeker Marchand write for additional information or further opinions and I provide them when requested.
digs up notif from the depths
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