inbox.

[assistente]

written correspondence preferred. please don't leave complaints here.

Comments

[assistente]

[There is nothing like papers, when it comes to a stress that can simultaneously produce a kind of comfort. Pamphlets and leaflets are ordered. Copies of papers can be read and then filed. Forms need creating and ordering. And all of them introduce a sort of menial necessity that Salvio thrives on, so he accepts these from Poppell with the glassy eyes of a man piloted by instinct. Already he is beginning to sort and consider.]

I did not know that, about Bastien. No. I-- What? The-- office's suggestions, do you mean? I will, um. I will investigate. And--and write something for you. Some suggestions. Yes. On behalf of Base Operations and-- and Riftwatch.

Yes. This is... very good.

[sulahnan]

Yeah but if you only give her stuff you know she likes, she's not likely to get anything new, right?

[katabasis]

[If there is a slightly baffled shift in the lines of his face - that is certainly a word that can technically, in the very basic grammatical sense, be applied to a window -, then the change is very slight indeed.]

Well. [Sounds like realizing he's put his foot in something he doesn't actually have any desire to get all over his boot despite having steeped there of his own volition.] I’ll leave you to it then.

[assistente]

Well. I. Yes, that is-- That is a fair point. It is just that I-- do not wish to presume, or offend, or--

[And then abruptly he turns around and opens the cupboard again and gets out a slim volume, hand-bound. Its cover proclaims its title: BUTTERFLIES OF THE FREE MARCHES. Just as abruptly, he adds it to the stack and pushes it all closer to Athessa, then takes a step back.

There.]

You may distribute them to the sister as-- as you see fit. I will not interfere or, um. Yes. Just--as you will.

And thank you.

[assistente]

[Salvio--having first realized that he has said 1) too much and 2) too much in a way that does not necessarily make complete and total sense, and thus revealed some part of himself to a man who mildly terrifies him--is now realizing that it might have been better if he were never born, or at least if he had never made the series of decisions (or lack thereof) that brought him to Kirkwall. He is no longer looking at the wall but is staring sort of through it, confronting this paralyzing void.]

Yes. Um. Thank-- Thank you, Commander.

Very good.

[sulahnan]

[ The push is just enough to rock her back on her heels, but not enough to make her lose balance. It's mostly a show, anyway, like oof look at all this reading material but it's all in good fun. Athessa smiles and bobs her head in acknowledgement. ]

Thank you, Seneschal. I'm sure the Sister will appreciate your choices.

[ At that she actually does leave, because the longer she stays here the more likely it is that Sister Sara will be toddling off through the halls again. ]

[heirring]

[For all that she is currently in the process of doing rather desperate mental calculations - perhaps she might borrow some money from Lady Asgard after all - and is quite used to ignoring the particulars of the Seneschal's humming and hawwing, that last bit seems to penetrate. She sits up slightly straighter.]

Do you really think so?

[assistente]

Hm? [He looks up, absently, and then back down again.] Oh--yes. Of course.

[With more conviction, as again he looks up at her--] Yes, I really think so. It would lead Riftwatch in a direction--or at least, it would help to lead Riftwatch in a direction that I... well, not I, alone, but--

I think it would be good for us. It would establish us as something more. A--participant, upon a larger stage. Not concerned only with the current affairs--which are certainly, um, of greatest concern, but--concerned with more diverse issues. A wider scope.

It would speak well of us even to think in this direction. And I would be very proud to-- to recommend it, Poppell. Truly.

[heirring]

[Were Miss Wysteria Poppell the type of young lady prone to pleased tears, this might be the sort of thing to cause some distant prickling of them. Luckily for everyone involved, she is not and her rapid blinking is rather of the more bug eyed and incandescently self satisfied quality. Her smile is quite automatic, bursting forth like the sun through storm clouds as she reaches across the desk to clasp one of his hands in both of hers.]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say so, Seneschal Pizzicagnolo! Truly, I have always thought we were quite like minded, but it is the height of reassurance to find one's thoughts regarding a previously private endeavor mirrored by a person with a proper view of the broader picture and whose opinion is so respected. I swear to you, I am quite dedicated to the whole idea and I look forward to taking into account all your suggestions for the project.

[assistente]

I, well, [as he looks with some despair to where his hand is clasped between hers, an irrevocable grip, with no escape,] yes, we-- or, you--

[Helplessly,] Yes.

[Maybe agreement will be enough. And: are they like minded? Well, they are, actually. A little. Not in all things. Poppell is an unknowable mystery in so many ways. But in this endeavor, to be thinking toward the broader picture, as she says--it is encouraging, exactly the sort of thing that should be encouraged--]

Yes. I am glad to hear it, Poppell. And I agree. And I will be happy to-- make suggestions. As they are required. Or--merited.

And... now I will return to work? [Maybe?]

[heirring]

[She looks down at her hands, or rather at his hand in them, and then beyond even that point to the assortment of work currently being sandwiched under their forearms.]

Oh! Yes of course! I wouldn't dream of delaying you any longer, Seneschal. [Mercifully, Salvio is released.] But of course I'll leave you with some of the papers for your review. Here also, a copy of my solicitor's address and information, should anything untoward happen to me. Should you require anything additional, you need only ask.

[She is shoving all the other various and sundry documentation back into the folio while rising to her feet.]

And of course this will not reflect on my availability here in this office. I swear to not let this or any other project infringe on my work for Base Operations. And once more - I am ever so grateful for your willingness to listen to the proposal. It speaks well to Riftwatch's enterprising instinct, I think—

[et cetera, et cetera, until she has collected all her bits and bobs and made her retreat all the way to the office's door.]

Have a good afternoon, Seneschal.

[It's a very sincere wish, made as she clutches the folio to her chest with both hands.]

Note

[okayimin]

Seneschal Salvio,

Enchanter Issac has requested that I obtain permission from you for a mural to be painted in the infirmary. As I have not the slightest idea how to go about this, I will rely on your opinions on the matter. The Enchanter recommended some manner of flowers that hold significant meaning.

Respectfully,
Sister Sara

[assistente]

Sister Sara,

Your request is appreciated, and has been processed and approved. A space of 60 to 100 feet has been allotted for this mural.

The list of those completing the work should be submitted prior to its work so appropriate notations might be made in Riftwatch records and the ledger. The list of supplies needed can be submitted to the Base Operations office and will be approved within the usual timeline. Appropriate funds will be allotted.

Likewise the subject of the mural should be submitted prior to its work; "...some manner of flowers that hold significant meaning", would be acceptable.

The office of Base Operations looks forward to the completion of this work.

I hope that this response finds you will. Forgive me for the personal inclusion.

-- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE

[nonvenomous]

Seneschal,

I’ve recently transitioned into the Research division, and will soon be departing on a mission to document some unusual phenomena within the purview of Project Felandaris. I have been tasked with compiling detailed records of our observations and findings, both during the mission itself and in longer form after it. I was told to inquire with you directly about the acquisition of a stock of paper to this end.

- Richard Dickerson

[assistente]

Dickerson,

Base Operations has a ready supply of paper in our storeroom. There is a requisition form that is available in our office and must be completed to secure a stock in advance of a mission.

The normal processing time for such a request is 1-2 days. Expedition of stock requests are possible with approval and clearance.

In light of your unfamiliarity with the process, this office has begun the form on your behalf. Its finalization for submission is dependent upon: certain details, your signature.

Your compliance with this process and your work are greatly appreciated.

- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

ant haven when

[nonvenomous]

Seneschal,

Thank you for the clarification. A processing delay of 1-2 days won’t have any adverse effect on this request. I will pay your office a visit tomorrow to settle the details and provide my signature.

- Richard Dickerson

ant haven NOW

[assistente]

Dickerson,

Your compliance with the requirement and respect for the processing time is appreciated.

- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

[which he already said so there's no point in sending the same thing again, except to acknowledge that deep and genuine appreciation. If more people followed procedures, the world would be better and more ordered. And filled with more forms, but that's not a bad thing. This philosophy explains the state of the Base Operations office, which is very filled with paper, most of them forms.]

(some days later) a~aaaant haa~aaven noooO~OW

[nonvenomous]

Seneschal,

I’m sorry to report that I was transporting the stock of paper I recently requisitioned during the abomination calamity, and lost the entirety of the stock to the flames.

Attached please find a new form, which I have already taken the liberty of filling out and signing.

I apologize for the bother.

- Richard Dickerson

pls daniel we cant keep doing this

[assistente]

Dickerson,

Thank you for your efficiency in attaching the necessary requisition form prior to the request of this office. Your request will be filled within the usual 1-2 days of processing. While this office cannot make any guarantee, the efficiency of your request will allow us to expedite its processing more easily.

No apology is necessary. The regrettable tragedy of the incident has had a long lasting affect upon us all.

- Seneschal Salvio Pizzicagnolo

action?? inasmuch as it ever is with skull

[skulltasm]

[ One day in Salvio's office, after a reasonably lengthy lull... ]

DO YOU FANCY YOURSELF A SUBSCRIBER OF CONSEQUENTIALIST ETHICS, SALLY? OR ARE YOU A DEONTOLOGICAL MORALIST?

good.

[assistente]

Um.

[Salvio's pen scratching comes to a stop. His eyes unfocus on the page as he turns the words over in his mind--then glances over at the Skull. Not that he will get much help from looking at it, but.]

A subscriber of... Er, I am--not familiar with 'deontology'. Consequentialism would be--the ethics of consequences?

[skulltasm]

NO, NO. VIRTUE ETHICS! DEONTOLOGISM SUGGESTS THAT THE MORALITY OF AN ACTION DEPENDS ON THE ACTION ITSELF. A GOOD DEED IS INHERENTLY GOOD. BUT CONSEQUENTIALISTS ARGUE THAT THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS! IF THE OUTCOME IS GOOD, THEN THE ACTION IS GOOD.

[ All of this would be a lot easier to withstand if it weren't for Skull's voice. An assault of philosophy, egad. ]

[assistente]

Morality of an action....

[He trails off as he starts to take notes in the margins, wading through the miasma of these concepts. After a moment of debate--]

A good deed is inherently good, I think. Um. Personally. But for a large organization, such as, er, Riftwatch, or the Inquisition--it becomes more difficult to untangle. So to speak.

Why do you ask?

[skulltasm]

JUST MUSING.

[ Skull bobs idly in the verdant liquid, too slowly to even cause bubbles. ]

YOU KNOW, SOME PHILOSOPHERS ARGUE THAT THE INTENT BEHIND AN ACTION IS WHAT DICTATES THE MORALITY OF IT ALL. FOR EXAMPLE, IF ONE TRIES TO BETTER THEMSELVES FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN THE RECOGNITION, THEN THEIR NOBLE DEEDS ARE TAINTED BY SELFISHNESS.

[assistente]

Hm.

[Salvio sits back in chair a little as he turns this over.]

I would... agree with that, I think. Though a noble deed, even if done for a selfish reason... it would still carry a benefit, yes?