"Sometimes from the fickle whims of nature - though that is more often rescue and relief. It is hard to predict such things well enough to have time to act before they hit."

He stares into his tea for a moment. "Most often from each other."

Sorrow contaminates his smile. "I'm sure you know how it is. Some group wants something the other has and doesn't want to obtain it through civilized means like trade, negotiation or perhaps wager a good game of Fireflight. Or sometimes they simply hate the other group for reasons that defy logic. When they act on this, it is our job to protect the innocents they will harm."

A sigh. "We do a great deal of negotiation and mediation...but sometimes..."