Curious. Given the graveness of the situation that had them summon us here, and the consequences to them all should we fail, I'm surprised that they aren't being rather more open about it.

[One point for the Crystal Exarch, she supposes.]

I certainly can't see what the point of dissembling is, when the future of one's world is at stake... unless, of course, even those who would wish to talk freely with us are being compelled to silence by some other means. It could be simple coercion, but it might even be some form of binding spell. It wouldn't be unprecedented, in my experience.