[ She did give an oath -- Richard forgets himself in his acknowledgement, and opens his mouth to assure her, only to catch on the doubt of Averesch’s awareness, and further still in recognition that Wysteria -- inevitably -- has much more to say. ]

Is it paranoia? [ He waits to ask. ]

Individuals or entities deliberately exerting influence over Rifts is a more logical explanation than a random evolution of the phenomenon, and has less dire implications than widespread, worsening destabilization as an inevitable progression of the root cause never being resolved.

[ A doom spiral. ]

Personally I think it’s an appealing possibility. Manageable.