Dr. Lance Sweets (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lifetothefullest) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
hadriel2017-10-28 03:57 pm
lifetothefullest) wrote in hadriel2017-10-28 03:57 pm
007 [Video]
[Like the last few posts that have occurred, this is also clearly in regards to the Null's latest announcement; however, Lance is trying a different tactic, because he's doing his best to avoid getting kicked out of seeing their list. So he's wording this very carefully, and that's purposefully obvious in his tone; it's also probably pretty obvious in how intent his stare is, and in how he's casually fiddling with his FBI badge in view of the screen.
He's really hoping the Null aren't too good with subtle body language, and that the people here aren't as generally bad at it as he's concerned they are.]
In light of recent occurrences, I'd like to remind everyone that I'm a psychologist, and I have an office in the clinic should anyone wish to speak confidentially. Additionally, although I prefer to work with individuals, group meetings are also possible.
[Aka the Clinic is available for anyone who wants to have private conversations about all of this going on, and Lance will be lurking there himself both to participate and keep watch on things.]
[[ooc: Feel free to jump right to action threads, to do multi-person threads, threadjack on the network or in person, etc!]]
He's really hoping the Null aren't too good with subtle body language, and that the people here aren't as generally bad at it as he's concerned they are.]
In light of recent occurrences, I'd like to remind everyone that I'm a psychologist, and I have an office in the clinic should anyone wish to speak confidentially. Additionally, although I prefer to work with individuals, group meetings are also possible.
[Aka the Clinic is available for anyone who wants to have private conversations about all of this going on, and Lance will be lurking there himself both to participate and keep watch on things.]
[[ooc: Feel free to jump right to action threads, to do multi-person threads, threadjack on the network or in person, etc!]]
[Action]
[Lance recognizes him from his post, although they haven't actually met yet and so he's a little more professional about the greeting than he would normally be; he stands up, from where he'd been sitting in one of the chairs in his office, and turns to face Matt. He's already figured out that Matt is blind--not that it takes a lot of skill to discern that--so he follows that up with a little additional information just in case.]
There's a free chair about five feet ahead of you and slightly right, if you'd like to sit.
[The two chairs face each other, separated by a small table.]
[Action]
He makes his way to the seat easily, too easily for someone with no sight, navigating to it, stepping easily around the small table and taking a seat.]
I appreciate it. [A pause and he adds,] I don't think we've met before. Matt Murdock.
[Action]
He nods as well--even though that's probably pretty pointless--at Matt's introduction.]
I don't think we have. Dr. Lance Sweets; it's nice to meet you. Which name do you prefer to go by?
[People here come from such different cultures that he finds it best to ask.]
[Action]
[If it makes Lance feel better, Matt is fully aware he's nodded, can hear the movement.]
Good to meet you too, Doctor. Very generous of you to offer up your services at such a stressful time. I imagine it's going to be appreciated too, by a lot of people.
[A pause, and Matt leans forward.] I'm going to assume it's not a surprise, but I'm not not exactly here for therapy.
[Action]
He appreciates the sentiment expressed, though, and return to his own seat.]
Thank you. And I had presumed you weren't, judging by your post, but completely ruling it out would've been a mistake.
[And on that note--]
Did you have something in specific you wanted to discuss? I had actually hoped you might contact me, because I still have access to the post; I can provide any additional names that are added as long as I do, to add to your list.
[Action]
One of the first things they teach in law school, don't assume. But I'm definitely not.
[Granted, if you ask anyone who knows him, he could probably use it. But that is beside the point, and now is not the time.
His eyebrows lift faintly at what Lance has to say, and he nods.]
You're good, Doc. Basically read my mind right there. That's one reason exactly. [He looks almost relieved actually. He'd been hoping for exactly that.] With the careful wording of your announcement, I was hoping that was the case. Clever, by the way. [Matt can appreciate clever, and careful.]
I figured I'd wind up blocked off the minute I opened my mouth, but I don't regret that. But it would be best to have someone who can still access their communications.
More names, or any other details or offers they might make would be great. I'll play the mouthpiece to keep you off their radar, if you're willing to pass on the information. I think it's best to do it off the network, too.
[Action]
[He doesn't know of any lawyers here, and although it's not exactly the same field Lance works in it's one he's familiar with through his own job. Familiarity is hard to come by here, so it's noteworthy.
Lance brightens a little, both at the agreement and the compliments, sitting up a little straighter.]
Great. That works, then, and I agree; I'm not completely sure how much the Null can see on the network, but it's best to be careful considering the consequences.
[He thinks about it for a moment, before suggesting--]
It would probably be simplest to just send you a message about something seemingly unrelated whenever there is new information, and just know that it means to meet.
[Action]
[Laws in general seem, well, absent. Though for the most part the place mostly seems to hold it together. Somehow. This could change that, however, depending on who and how many people decide to take the Null up on their offer.
But okay. This is excellent. This guy is definitely quick on his feet. It's a solid idea, too.]
A code word, that can be worked into an otherwise mundane message. That sounds perfect. There's enough coming and going from the clinic that my presence shouldn't raise any red flags, I assume? Or should we arrange somewhere else to meet?
[Because if this is to work they need to make sure that any of the Null or their agents watching don't put it together and cut Lance off communication too.]
[Action]
[The lack of a court system is... Kind of a problem, but also probably for the best in regards to what they have to work with here. Lance trusts pretty much no one in this place to have that kind of authority.
It's really nice being on the same page with someone rather than there being a lot of back and forth explaining, which Lance really appreciates. As far as Matt's questions go, he has an idea.]
Since I'll message you directly, and therefore no one but the gods and Null might hear it, would you be alright with just pretending you're seeing me for counseling? That would easily explain meeting here, even at odd hours, although if you don't want to come to the clinic I've already established being willing to meet other places.
[So the excuse will still be believable; Lance meets with several people at their apartments rather than the clinic, mostly for privacy reasons.]
[Action]
[Really. Any of his friends back home would buy it. Normally he just goes to confession. But there's not a lot of church here either. But this is a good system. Takes care of both the setting up of a rendezvous and the actual meeting itself in one neat little package.]
Thanks, Doctor. I'm hoping this doesn't wind up putting you at risk too. If we're careful, I don't think it will.
[Matt doesn't want to see anyone put into danger who doesn't need to be.]
There was one other thing.
[Action]
[So it'll be up to Matt how he wants to handle it if anyone asks him, but Lance has a great excuse not to confirm or deny anything himself.]
If it does we'll end up having a larger problem, which is lack of information.
[Since Lance isn't aware of who might still have access and be trustworthy. But that's an issue for later, and he focuses on the last part of what Matt said.]
What is that?
[Action]
[Not the best for actual mental health, but hey. For subterfuge? A+]
There is that. Information is important, but lives are more important -- yours included, Doctor.
[But Matt has some faith in this system working decently well enough. And they'll cross that bridge when they come to it. Hopefully there are others who are keeping their outrage quiet in order to hear what more might be said.]
This place, the clinic. If something is going to go down, it's the most important spot in the city. And it needs to be kept safe. I was talking with someone else who worked here -- Will. Sounded like a real good kid. He was hesitant to come here at risk of putting others in danger. Last thing we need is for doctors or patients to avoid coming here out of that sort of altruism. I was thinking we post a guard, continuous if we can manage it. Anyone you know or trust?
[Action]
My friend Booth would agree wholeheartedly.
[He's also Catholic, and also loves not talking about feelings. It's a bit of a problem.
He goes more serious again at the next comment, and appreciates that Matt cares especially since they barely know each other. It's a nice change from usual, here.
And his concerns about the clinic are definitely valid, although Lance has to hesitate for what's probably a noticeable length of time before he can actually answer. He's also being cautious about how he responds, not because of anything about Matt, but because things are... Complicated.]
Henry is trustworthy, but I think he's likely too busy with the Guard organization itself. Curufin is on the list, so that might be an issue for his safety, but I believe he genuinely opposes the Null and will protect anyone who's threatened.
[But aside from them, he's hesitant to list anyone else. He'd like to say Nick, but with what he knows about the issues in the Guard he isn't sure if that would put Nick in a difficult position; same problem with Glacius. So he can only really suggest one more person--]
I can also keep a watch, though; I'm an FBI agent.
[Action]
If nothing else, Matt trusts what the other man has said. There's been no deception in him that Matt can discern, heart rate and breathing not changing, voice steady.]
The list is growing. I landed myself on it. I think if we count out those on the list entirely, it'd limit us. If someone is capable and willing, I think we have to go with what we have.
[FBI psychologist. All right. Matt takes a moment to digest that. This guy is very clearly smart, if he's capable of some fighting too, more's the better.]
I'm willing and able to help as well. [He's aware that may sound strange coming from a blind man.]
[Action]
He's silent while Matt is, also taking the moment to think about the situation, although he's more trying to figure out the logistics of setting up a guard at the clinic and trying to mentally check off who works there who might be able to assist in some way or another.
Matt's last comment is a little surprising, but considering how many people here have magic or other weird powers he's inclined to believe that's the explanation, or else he might just be a really good fighter and not need to see. Lance can shoot blind and he knows several other agents who can, so it's not difficult to believe Matt might be able to defend himself in another--or the same--way.]
That would also give you a very good excuse to be around often.
[Which is an added benefit.]
[Action]
[So he'll certainly take his shifts. And he's got the names that Lance has provided in the back of his mind, will see about speaking to them. At the moment, maybe it's overreaction, but there's no telling how this will play out. Matt is of the mind that they're better safe than sorry.]
This isn't.... [Okay how to describe this exactly.] This isn't the first time I've dealt with threats like this, with murderers and monsters who thought they could get away with using innocent people's lives for their own gain. I'm used to fighting.
[And then, since this guy is FBI.] The other thing to consider -- how do we deal if someone takes the Null up on their offer? Like I said, not much in the way of courts here. Maybe that's premature to be concerned with, but...
[Action]
[All of this is a little too familiar to him, in several different ways, and he's not pleased with any of it. Matt's last question is one he doesn't have any answer to, but has thought about often himself.]
I don't know, because right now there are very few individuals I would consider to have both the experience and temperament suitable to handle such an issue, and several who are not but hold positions of social influence here.
[And so if the ball got rolling on the matter, so to speak, he's very concerned about the wrong people ending up controlling and deciding on consequences and how to enforce them. But they also can't just do nothing either, so it's a complicated mess.]
[Action]
[...well okay bloodshed is fine so long as it stops short of death.] So maybe thinking about it in advance can't hurt.
[Even if there's likely no good, simple answer. A faint sigh.] It's probably hypocritical as hell for me to say, but vigilante justice could be a disaster. I know how easy it is for that path to feel like righteousness and instead be blurring the line between morality if not outright crossing it.
[Action]
It home we dealt with a serial killer once who truly believed he was doing good, only he kept justifying more and more 'collateral damage' as he went along and his scale of who he considered deserving of death kept shifting.
[With, surely unsurprisingly, disastrous results. So Lance is very sensitive to this particular issue and mindset when he sees it starting up, which also ties back into his issues with Guard, actually.]
Preventing anything from getting to that point, at least any more than it already has, should be a priority.
[Action]
But somehow he'd kept from that path, god or grace or whatever the reason.]
Agreed. We've all functioned down here together remarkably well, but it feels tenuous somehow. Especially right now.
If something does happen, there is going to be a need for calm, rational voices. I think you're one of the more reasonable I've heard in this place, Doctor. [Matt has pretty decent judgment most of the time, so he's trusting his instincts on this one.]
[Action]
I appreciate that, but I'm not sure many here are going to listen to me.
[He really does appreciate the sentiment, though. But the people who do listen to what Lance tries to tell them are the people he's least concerned about being an issue here, when and if things start to go really wrong.]