2nd Ashan, 718
"I think we are at the point where we can talk about numbers," Faith said to Alissa, her bodyguard and friend. Alissa knew that she didn't need to answer, just listen and then nod along here and there, making the odd noise of understanding. That was what she did. "I have the lists from the census, the dockworkers and all the information we've been able to gather together. I think we're looking at between six and eight hundred people missing." She sighed and pressed her fingers together, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Yestertrial we pulled out one hundred and eighty seven people who are alive, and two hundred and twelve who were dead. Up to a few moments ago, we have fifty two people who have not been identified, forty nine of whom are dead, three are unconscious." Lists, logic, facts. Those were what Faith dealt in - and could deal with.
Considering it, she frowned, "that means that on trial one we were on a less than half survivors rate. It's likely, highly probable, that the ratio of survivors to victims will lessen as the time goes on." Alissa looked at her and frowned. "They'd all be corpses if no one was helping, wouldn't they?" Faith frowned at the biqaj and considered her words. "Yes. And that we have saved one soul is good, but it is not a reason to be complacent. Because as much as every soul saved is a victory, every body we pull who has died from dehydration or has slowly bled out, they are a defeat and a failure. We must measure both." Faith did not understand the need to focus on the positive outcome only - to deny the negatives was to ignore the possibility to learn, the chance to grow in skill. She could only conclude that the tendency to highlight success was born of a fear of failure.
It was not something she was afraid of. Faith would rather fail while trying than ever consider not attempting to do her best. That was her bottom line. So, she moved over to her desk and she got a quill and parchment. Dipping the nib into the ink, she started to write.
Considering it, she frowned, "that means that on trial one we were on a less than half survivors rate. It's likely, highly probable, that the ratio of survivors to victims will lessen as the time goes on." Alissa looked at her and frowned. "They'd all be corpses if no one was helping, wouldn't they?" Faith frowned at the biqaj and considered her words. "Yes. And that we have saved one soul is good, but it is not a reason to be complacent. Because as much as every soul saved is a victory, every body we pull who has died from dehydration or has slowly bled out, they are a defeat and a failure. We must measure both." Faith did not understand the need to focus on the positive outcome only - to deny the negatives was to ignore the possibility to learn, the chance to grow in skill. She could only conclude that the tendency to highlight success was born of a fear of failure.
It was not something she was afraid of. Faith would rather fail while trying than ever consider not attempting to do her best. That was her bottom line. So, she moved over to her desk and she got a quill and parchment. Dipping the nib into the ink, she started to write.
To: The Chancellor of the University in Scalvoris, Chancellor of Viden Academy,
From: Faith Augustin
Re: Scalvoris Docks Collapse / Relief Effort.
As you are both aware, Scalvoris has suffered a major disaster in terms of the collapse of a large section of its docks, with a residential area suffering many losses. I have been tasked with coordinating the relief effort in my role as Council Member for Welfare on the Scalvoris Council. Thus, I am writing to ask for your assistance. The two universities have excellent facilities, outstanding equipment and the best minds on Idalos. I would ask that you send them - staff and students. If both of the Institutes of Technology were to close for two trials and all staff and student to come here, it would make an enormous difference.
We are still pulling survivors from the rubble. That will not last long.
The people of Scalvoris will be grateful for whatever you can send. Medics, engineers, strong arms and backs - all are welcome here.
With thanks.
Faith Augustin.
From: Faith Augustin
Re: Scalvoris Docks Collapse / Relief Effort.
As you are both aware, Scalvoris has suffered a major disaster in terms of the collapse of a large section of its docks, with a residential area suffering many losses. I have been tasked with coordinating the relief effort in my role as Council Member for Welfare on the Scalvoris Council. Thus, I am writing to ask for your assistance. The two universities have excellent facilities, outstanding equipment and the best minds on Idalos. I would ask that you send them - staff and students. If both of the Institutes of Technology were to close for two trials and all staff and student to come here, it would make an enormous difference.
We are still pulling survivors from the rubble. That will not last long.
The people of Scalvoris will be grateful for whatever you can send. Medics, engineers, strong arms and backs - all are welcome here.
With thanks.
Faith Augustin.
Research: Collating numbers
Research: Checking that lists match
