Calpernia feels real fondness curdle in her gut. She will make use of this girl; she will bring her to her full potential. "For now, I just need Riftwatch to know," Calpernia says. "I'm sure command will make whatever decisions they will-- but the people are more important."

Lower case P, but whatever. It would benefit Calpernia (and so it will benefit Tertulla, whom Calpernia will nurture) if her profile was known before she left this cell, if her propaganda was already alive and well at home base. She'll need to consolidate power, and the easiest way to do that is with a rumor mill under her thumb.

"What do they have you doing here, little mouse?"

(After she says it, Calpernia reflects that she may be laying on it a little thick with the pet names.)