Returning to Duty [Closed, Social, Squad 12, NDE]

[Deleted]

Name: Returning to Duty.

Participants: Ken'ichi Shihoin, Aramis Tezuka, Squad 12 members

Location: Squad 12 Barracks

Difficulty Level: N/A, Social

Threat Level: NDE

Plotline: In the late 1960s, the Shihoin clan was sundered by the actions of the traitorous Hiroshi Shihoin, and culminating with the ruinous Shihoin-Kawada conflict and the Kasumi'Oji rebellion. Caught up in the fallout of this conflict, then Vice Captain of Squad 3 Ken'ichi Shihoin confronted his father in his study. The fateful conclusion of that encounter left Ken'ichi comatose via the effects of his father's venomous zanpakutou. With the fall of Hiroshi, Ken'ichi's coma lifted and he spent many long months being interrogated by Central 46.

Cleared of all charges and wrongdoing pertaining to the rebellion, Ken'ichi petitions for reinstatement in the Gotei 13. With his skill and expertise in the realms of science, his first assignment is to report to Aramis Tezuka, Captain of Squad 12 as the new Lieutenant of the Science Division.

Starts: Once Aramis makes his first introductory post.

[Aramis Tezuka]

One would think that with all of the things that went on in Squad 12-- the numerous experiments, the countless investigations from the 7th Division, the squad members showing up and leaving for one reason or another, the constant attacks on Soul Society and more meetings than Aramis had time for, let alone any cares about, and to say nothing of his own research and work, that Aramis Tezuka would be a man worked to the brink, and hanging on his last threads of sanity. But somehow, although he didn't typically openly show it, Aramis seemed to thrive in this environment. No matter what happened, he'd almost always find a few minutes to check up on experiments and even if he never went out of his way to address his subordinates, or check on their well-being outside of work, he at least seemed to remember all of their names. He may not have been the warmest, cuddliest Captain in the Gotei 13, but he looked out for his, and nobody could doubt that the 12th Division and its well-being was his #1 priority.

Which led him to today, where he would finally have a ranking officer capable of sharing some of his workload. An up-and-coming prodigy of the Shihoin clan that had been recommended to his Vice Captain position. There were some details about a coma, and some Central 46 interrogations necessitating the interview. In truth, Aramis would rather have not had to bother with the interview, but given the circumstances it was unavoidable. As much as he would have liked to ensure that Ken'ichi was simply a new member of the division, perform some honorary "Welcome Vice Captain, now get on with your duties" Aramis had to make sure this wasn't a Shihoin or Central 46 plant in the division. Aramis did take information security in his division very seriously, and while he knew that Sozen had leveraged his position to plant a few Kuchiki's in his division in the past, Aramis had never let them climb particularly high. Well.... nothing for it now, but to wait for his new Vice Captain to arrive.

Aramis was in his usual place-- his office, which doubled as his personal laboratory in the heart of Squad 12. An expansive office, that actually changed very little, despite Squad 12 itself having its research facilities rearranged on a fairly regular basis to benefit one experiment or another. The office was surprisingly poorly lit, with only a few lab tables with spotlights, numerous computers and screens around the room. Aramis's office was broken into two parts, divided by a raised floor, leaving the back of the office slightly higher than the front, by about one step. The front of the office was essentially converted into a laboratory, with several instruments around a pair of lab tables and work benches. The back was more traditional and better lit than the front, encompassing a fairly massive desk, which Aramis was seated behind, reviewing paperwork. The Captain adjusted his glasses as he studied some paperwork, before signing off on it, and setting it aside. His ears, well trained to pick up even the slightest sounds detected the approach of someone nearing his office.

"Come in." He stated clearly towards the door, and flipped a switch behind his desk. Outside his office, the pair of double doors leading towards his office swung open of their own accord.

[Deleted]

Walking lightly through the corridors of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute on the way to his new captain's office, Ken'ichi marveled at the array of technological paraphernalia that Squad 12 had managed to amass, and the vast quantities of haphazardly labeled boxes and reams of paper that lay scattered in various storage rooms. Ken'ichi shook his head, glad that he was not the one who would have to digitize hundreds of years of modern Shinigami research, and thousands of years of archaic pseudo-science that preceded it.

Stepping quietly up to the door of his captain's personal study, Ken'ichi recalled what he knew of this young new captain.

Young indeed. Why the lad was barely a pup in his third, or was it fifth decade of life, but apparently brilliant no less. Else how else would he have attained captaincy of the most prestigious institute in all of Soul Society?

'Most Prestigious Institute'....In Ken'ichi's mind at least.

A poet, or artist or something. Definitely an intellectual. This One wonders what his fields of study are? Please tell Ken'ichi it is fields - plural, and not field, singular...

Musing to himself has he approached the door, Ken'ichi was only marginally surprised when the door swung open of it's own accord.

Curious. And efficient.

Looking upon the spartan but efficient design of his captains office, Ken'ichi nodded in approval at the various computer screens displaying a variety of data, and the numerous lab tables. Clicking his tongue as he spied the youthful, green haired captain sitting behind a massive desk, Ken'ichi's heart quickened a beat. The boy's hair and eyes were an unusual shade of olive green. A pair of thin-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of a pixie-small nose that looked ever so slightly upturned. As expected, his captain wore the traditional shihakusho and haori, however Ken'ichi's astute observation quickly noted the gloved left hand and extended sleeve that covered all skin on that side.

Not expecting his captain to be beautiful, Ken'ichi's mouth watered at the thought of what may lay in store as the two get acquainted. Waiting at the threshold of the office for a brief moment, lost in Aramis' beauty, Ken'ichi momentarily forgot that his captain had already welcomed him in, and so stood waiting awkwardly for an invite. Never could it be said that Ken'ichi's noble upbringing did not instill some measure of ceremony and decorum, despite his rebellious nature. Remembering his invitation, Ken'ichi awkwardly quickened his pace and crossed through the laboratory that served as the front half of Aramis' office and approached his desk.

Ken'ichi's appearance would be shocking to his captain, for calling his manner of dress "atypical" would be an understatement. It would be more accurate to call a crocodile a semi-aquatic land-shark than it would be to use the word atypical in respect to Ken'ichi's attire. Garish. Ecclectic. Insane even. But not merely atypical.

What would otherwise be a clashing array of oranges, yellows, and iridescent pinks merges into a highly eccentric yet surprisingly dignified outfit. Appearing to be in his mid-late 20s, or perhaps early 30s, Ken'ichi wore a mantle of some unidentified orange material atop a pale, lemon labcoat that reflected the poor lighting of the room. Curiously, the labcoat itself faded into pinkish hues in the shadows where light did not touch.

A green and blue satin sash, cinched at the waist supported his zanpakutou, the hilt of which is adorned with an oval sapphire inset in a gold-plated kashira (pommel). Instead of a menku, a second oval sapphire, larger than the first adorned the black, cloth-wrapped tsuka. Most curiously, Aramis would note that the tsuba of Ken'ichi's blade was circular, and decorated in gold-leaf filigree. Several intricately carved golden feathers spiraled outward in a shuriken pattern from the central point, evoking a sense of ostentatious wealth.

An expensive golden bracelet accented with turquoise and a brass pendulum hung from his right wrist, swaying back and forth as Ken'ichi bowed ceremoniously at his approach. Beneath his garish outerwear, Ken'ichi at least wore the traditional shihakusho uniform of all other shinigami, and came with his squad 12 lieutenant's badge affixed in its proper position on his right arm.

"Ken'ichi Shihoin; former third seat of Squad 2, fukutaichou of Squad 3, and son of the late traitorous Hiroshi Shihoin reporting for reassignment to Squad 12, as it's new fukutaichou. Err.... I believe the word is Lieutenant these days?"

It was clear however, that despite Ken'ichi's formal entrance, and tone that a rebellious streak existed just beneath the surface of his outward noble demeanor. A demeanor that was shattered almost instantly when Ken'ichi abruptly continued.

"Taichou? Might This One request that we dispense with the formalities, and get straight to the business of determining how best to reconstruct our membership, and modernize Squad 12 to prevent further incursions from unwanted 'guests'?"

Forward of him. To make such a request without first waiting for his captain to acknowledge him. Shocking as that may be, the suddenly produced bouquet of crimson roses, neatly wrapped in a bow and its accompanying box of expensive chocolates from the human world would be more so. Materializing these gifts as if from hammer-space, Ken'ichi offered them to Aramis as he bowed even deeper, while holding his gaze level with Aramis'.

"My dear. Ken'ichi shall endeavor to fill your days with these gifts and more, should you accept him as your fukutaichou...err, Lieutenant. And, should you just say the words, This One would sweep you off your feet, and lift every worry, stress, and burden from your delicate shoulders."

Pausing awkwardly, and awaiting his captain's response, Ken'ichi continued.

"Too soon?"

[Aramis Tezuka]

The first thing Aramis did as Ken'ichi entered the room was size the Shihoin up. Visually. Sensory. Demeanor. Aramis wasn't much of a fashion expert at all (and was definitely in the wrong division for fashion anyways), but it seemed to him that Ken'ichi had picked a number of colors in his outfit that clashed tremendously. Not that that mattered, it did suggest a personality type that would fit in well in the 12th division. Reiatsu.... low, but there was something about it. It didn't seem naturally low, but rather suppressed. The sort of type that focused on unleashing their power through their release. There was a certain social awkwardness in how he presented himself, but once Ken'ichi got rolling it seemed he flowed into speech naturally enough. Just a bit of a slow starter as it would appear.

After Ken'ichi had finished his introduction and statements to Aramis, the Captain did not immediately reply. Even the sudden procurement of the chocolates and roses seemed to have gone completely disregarded by Aramis. Bespectacled eyes gazed at Ken'ichi impassively. There was no emotion betrayed by the eyes of Aramis Tezuka. Aramis reached into his desk and pulled out a block of a strange, orange sponge-like substance and took a bite out of it. He chewed quietly, never taking his eyes off of Ken'ichi, swallowed and then sighed, having apparently finished his preliminary examination of Ken'ichi.

"Use whatever terminology you deem appropriate. As long as it's understandable. Formalities are not a primary focus here. Agreed. Too soon." Aramis replied, answering each of Ken'ichi's statements one after the other. "I've reviewed your paperwork. You'll do here. Don't care about your father. Shihoin name is one like any other here. Kuchiki's, Kasumi'Oji, Kawada, Tezuka, Haruno. Families do not matter in these walls. Complicate things. I have no interest in nobility politics. They're messy and cause as much harm as help. While you are on duty, you will be the Squad 12 Vice Captain and I expect you to put the needs of the division above needs of your family. What your priorities are when you are off duty is none of my concern." Aramis stated. "Acceptable?" He had not taken the chocolates or the roses.

Presuming that Ken'ichi would find this arrangement agreeable (and even if he didn't), Aramis moved on to the next point. "You speak as if you have ideas. Speak then. This division stands for the free exchange of knowledge and ideas. Theoretical or practical is irrelevant. I consider it the division under the most freedom in the Seireitei." Aramis then murmured in a quieter tone, almost under his breath, but loud enough that Ken'ichi could hear him. "Others disagree at that. Feel that certain level of morality or ethics need to stand. Disagree on this point, but certain concessions must be made all the same." He noted. He then patiently awaited Ken'ichi's answer to explain his ideas.

[Deleted]

Chuckling silently to himself, Ken'ichi waited for his captain's measured response, and was not disappointed. Well, maybe a little. The fact that Aramis did not accept his gracious offer of fine wine, and dinner stung a little, but with barely a flicker of emotion washing over his face to betray the sting, Ken'ichi considered his words.

Ideas? Ideas?! Oh yes, ideas! Now what were they again?

Gathering his thoughts rapidly, Ken'ichi's mind shifted through his various trains of thought as swiftly as changing tabs on a computer. Discarding several of the most obvious answers under the educated assumption that Aramis had already considered, and rejected those ideas for various reasons, Ken'ichi latched onto the ideas that would be most telling. Noting as he did, the orange sponge-like substance that Aramis was consuming with mild amusement.

About to unleash a torrent of ideas, Ken'ichi's mind finished processing Aramis's comments pertaining to his lineage, having already relegated that information to 'low priority' in favor of responding to the more pressing matter of modernizing Squad 12.

Does not care about my lineage. Well that is a relief! Last thing This One wants is for him to expect me to pull strings with the nobility, given how little Ken'ichi wants to deal with his family. Especially, after dear old Father's betrayal. Filing that away for later.
...

"Aye Taichou. Ken'ichi's ancestry and lineage is of little importance to him. This One would be much happier if noble politics never entered his life again. As to ideas. Yes, This One has many. However most are of a pragmatic level, such as digitization of records, and upgrading our software and security measures. Our use of reiatsu-based surveillance beetles is in dire need of replacing. Too easily detected by anyone with even half-decent sensory capabilities. Might I suggest graphene-based nanobots? More pressing however, is our distinct lack of officers - both seated and unseated.

Recruitment should therefore be our first priority, however as This One also notes a lack of willing research subjects, might Ken'ichi suggest that new recruits be given an indemnity waiver to sign as part of their recruitment package. An offer of full medical at Squad expense in the event of sudden loss of extremities or burns during the fulfillment of research, but also include a hidden clause buried somewhere in the paperwork, in which new recruits consent to experimentation on an 'as needed' basis. That should cover consent and liability issues.

To wit, This One thinks that other squads have been taking advantage of our generosity for far too long, and see Squad 12 as a tool to be used and exploited. Might Ken'ichi suggest a small system wide glitch that shuts down all technology in the Sereitei, and necessitating our involvement to fix - so as to remind other squads of how valuable we are, which in turn would elevate our interest in the eyes of prospective Academy graduates.

Furthermore, might This One suggest we recruit some of the most brilliant minds from the Human World to join the ranks of Soul Society. Such minds would naturally gravitate to the ranks of Squad 12, in which we could take advantage of their most profound excellence, which is being wasted on Earth due to the climate of anti-intellectualism present therein. This One hopes his Taichou does not mind that he studied up on the latest political situations on Earth in the days preceding his reassignment. And by recruit, yes This One implies the premature cessation of their earthly lives through "accidental" causes.

Finally, as to the security of Soul Society. This One notes that in his absence, the Sereitei has experienced numerous repeat attacks outlining multiple points of vulnerability that are being exploited. As the other squads are obviously incapable of reacting swiftly to such incursions, might This One suggest we add electronic surveillance to the walls of Sereitei and also throughout the Rukongai and the wilderness as an advance detection system. Such electronic surveillance would necessitate micronization, which Ken'ichi is willing to assist with.

Finally, This One's personal expertise lies in the realm of physics. In particular, This One knows a great deal about the varied quantum signatures of various spiritual races, and should be able to assist in fine tuning such surveillance devices to immediately detect reiatsu signatures of hollows, arrancar, akki, and the various spiritually aware human tribes at a distance of at least 300 feet from each device."

After rapidly listing his most pressing ideas with little pause between topics, Ken'ichi paused to await Aramis' reply. At some point during this spiel, the flowers and chocolates having disappeared back from whence they came with little conscious thought on Ken'ichi's part. Aramis will note that such action was almost reflexive in nature, as if it had been practiced many times in the past.

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis observed Ken'ichi to pick up notes on the Vice Captain's thought process. Quirks he might have when contemplating and thinking. Aramis was taking the full measure of his Vice Captain, beyond his flirtatious tendencies. He wanted to see what Ken'ichi was capable of. In any other division that would have meant a fight. Aramis didn't care about that here. Certainly, his Vice Captain needed to have a certain level of strength to keep others in line, but raw fighting power wasn't something that the Captain valued as highly in this division as rational thinking, ambition and creativity. There were thirteen divisions in Soul Society, and if every single one of them vied for being the strongest, like Squad 7, 10 and 11 did, everything else important would get dropped by the wayside. Thank goodness, Squad 6 was finally under someone who wasn't obsessed with raw power. Granted-- Aramis owed Sozen Kuchiki a little. He had served in the Sixth for a time, and picked up some very useful Interrogation tips while he served under Sozen Kuchiki. Furthermore, Sozen had offered some very generous donations to Squad 12 in exchange for the division looking into certain research projects, which furthered more than just Sozen's own political agendas. But Aramis wasn't a hypocrite. He wasn't lying when he said he had no interest in noble politiks. The only reason he had accepted that arrangement with Sozen was because it furthered Squad 12's research. If there had been no merit in Sozen's request from a scientific standpoint, Aramis would have turned him down, regardless of what was offered. Thankfully, it had, and Squad 12 had enjoyed the considerable resources of the Kuchiki family for a time.

But indeed, it seemed Ken'ichi could talk. That was something found Aramis had picked up in a lot of people in his division. Many of them loved to talk and go over things. Aramis himself preferred to keep things short and to the point. He would occasionally wax philosophical or go on longer tangents, but for the most part, he kept his own responses as brief as possible, to save time. After-all..... The thought of his left arm crossed his mind. Time was an important resource. Even if you lived as long as a Shinigami, you didn't truly live forever. Everyone still died someday, and Aramis had a lot to do before that happened. A truly incomprehensible amount of things to do.

"Digitization of records is already done. Employ both physical and digital copies, and arranged back-up servers. Division is thorough to ensure knowledge is preserved. Security measures and software improvements always subject of note, constantly working to improve both. Not personally, but some officer usually has an idea. Free to talk to said officers if that is your priority." Aramis replied curtly to Ken'ichi's first discussion. "As far as surveillance, interesting thought. Developed optic lens for this purpose as well. Found reasonable use by third division, and some other divisions. Recently acquired individual from Squad 7 willing to assist in data collection." Aramis added, before addressing Ken'ichi's next topics, specifically recruitment.

To his first suggestion, Aramis shook his head. "Including clause like that in waiver is risky, and not beneficial in long term. True-- would likely see short term increase in potential research subjects. However. Would very quickly thereafter lose prospective officers to research experiments. Officers may not enjoy being deceived-- will transfer out. May spread word of this to other officers. Thereby, long term reduction in officers. Will also have to risk stigma and likely experience fewer transfers, and fewer voluntary subjects out of disdain. Besides which. Even if goes according to plan, will still result in net loss for division. More test subjects, yes, but fewer researchers. Consider the number of officers is higher priority than test subjects. Besides. Scarcity of test subjects encourages division to be more careful with test subjects provided, and by extension will prompt more test subjects to participate in research. Hmm. Point to consider-- if looking for more test subjects, should prioritize research directly beneficial to test subject. Enhancement research, example. Former Captain of division, Captain Sayuri, developed experimental procedures to bring out full power of Shinigami, including Bankai, for limited time. Was considering reviewing and restoring project at behest of Squad 7 officer. Will have to arrange very public test if successful to demonstrate increase in power. May work well for promoting materials." Aramis considered. "Overall. Agree recruitment can be made priority. Disagree on tricking new officers. Does not help us long term."

As Ken'ichi suggested the system-wide glitch Aramis paused, apparently seriously contemplating the idea. "...Interesting. Do not agree, but idea has merit. System-wide glitch across Soul Society. Poor idea. May weaken Soul Society at inopportune time, purely by accident and poor circumstance. Soul Society has too many enemies presently to risk it. Furthermore. May shake faith in Squad 12 technology, rather than strengthen it. That said. Not completely unworkable. Micro-glitches at specific points over longer period of time may be more useful. Will take idea under consideration, and discuss with other officers. Will have to be careful. Idea is effectively sabotage. Could have serious repercussions if someone finds out. Risks vs benefits will need to be weighed." Aramis was pleased by the suggestion however and it improved his opinion of his Vice Captain considerably. It showed that Ken'ichi was willing to take such risks, and be willing to pursue dirtier tactics for the division. Not that he'd explicitly say so. Aramis didn't waste breathe on needless praise. It was something his division had slowly accumulated to, and many of the division could pick up when the Captain was pleased with them even if he didn't say anything at all now.

"Full agreement on brilliant minds from Human World. Main concern would be XCution, and Uzaki Enterprises. Uzaki Enterprises has positive relations with Soul Society, despite Captain Commander's disdain of organization. Will not want to break said relations. Must be careful, and cede some minds to them. XCution is different. Very dangerous. Could, and may expose Shinigami involvement, and would put investigations upon all divisions if new Pluses join ranks and inform Shinigami that Gotei 13 was involved in their deaths. That said. XCution is presently under new leadership. Will need to make contact with them shortly, and gauge new leadership's temperament. May be possible to arrange mutually beneficial alliance with them." Aramis noted.

When Ken'ichi brought up Soul Society's defenses, Aramis nodded. "Full approval granted. Feel free to coordinate with Squad 6 on this matter. They are in charge of reconstruction. Can discuss nature of reconstruction. Currently lack funding for full integration of effective defense system beyond our own Division Barracks, but have implemented multiple security measures here, including electrified floors, defense turrets, several generators keyed to Shinigami reiatsu, capable of suppressing reiatsu power of any non-Shinigami. Testing has proven effective against Hollows, and small handful of Arrancar captives. Unfortunately have not yet been able to experiment capabilities on Vandenreich." Aramis noted.

Ken'ichi's physics specialty did not inherently interest Aramis more than usual. It was useful to know of course, but it wasn't an area of expertise the Squad was especially lacking in. Still. It wasn't a negative. It was just... a quality. One that would help Aramis determine where Ken'ichi might be needed and what to expect from him. "Have not yet been attacked by Hell denizens, and XCution presently lacks way to attack Soul Society. Uzaki Enterprises is not an enemy. Prioritize defense against Arrancar and Quincy forces. Specifically Vandenreich if possible to narrow it down. Encourage you to reach out to one Quincy, Asmokon. Husband of former Captain Hotaru. Has agreed to assist Soul Society, may be useful for experimentation purposes, and detection systems should be harmless enough to garner agreement." Aramis responded.

"Initial assessment curious. Any further observations or suggestions, Vice Captain?" Aramis inquired.

[Deleted]

Ken'ichi scratched his head thoughtfully for a few moments, pondering whether there was any further suggestions he might have for Squad 12 reconstruction and improvement.

"Not presently Taichou. This One will keep you informed as to any new suggestions that Ken'ichi may have in the future. As to surveillance, This One will do as you suggest and focus efforts on improving Arrancar and Quincy detection. Ken'ichi will take opportunity to seek out some of the best minds that might be of interest and create a list. Also, This One suggests we scout out the Rukongai for minds of previously deceased minds of interest who might be dwelling there. With luck, they have not yet reincarnated within the World of the Living.”

Ken’ichi paused, and mentally checked off each of the issues he had mentioned and to which Aramis had responded. After a few brief moments, his expression brightened.

”Actually, there is one more thing. Ken’ichi was getting a tour around Squad 12 earlier and noted a distinct lack of available laboratory space. This One also noted that we have many curious, yet obsolete ‘specimens’ in the basement that we are struggling to dispose of, and to which we have been suffering great losses in the eradication of. This One notes a poor use of available resources in this endeavour.

Why send our own talented minds to dispose of unwanted experiments when we have a perfectly suitable pool of raw strength in our fellow Gotei 13 members? Ken’ichi feels that underutilizing the aptitude of other Squads is a gross miscalculation, when we could better solve our problems by making use of this untapped resource.

Might This One suggest something kind of Arena-style gauntlet...A test of Strength if you will, and invite the strongest and most powerful persons of the Gotei 13 to participate to earn glory, renown, and a sizeable ryo prize at the end. From our perspective, we would merely be paying that money in restitution and funeral costs for our deceased clean up operatives anyway. If advertized correctly, This One is certain we would have the entirety of Squad 11 froth at the mouth to test themselves, let alone other hot headed individuals from the other squads.

Win-win I’d you ask me. We get rid of problematic experiments that have long outlived their curiosity....the Laser-equipped tyrannosaur for example, reclaim much needed laboratory space, and other squads would do it almost for free....just to obtain the glory. And if they die, or are maimed....more research subjects."

Ken'ichi waited patiently for Aramis' response, obvious excitement mounting on his face at the prospect of a potential solution to their myriad space problems. His mind raced with a multitude of scenarios and plans as to how to enact such a brilliant use of manpower. The attrition that may result in other squad ranks barely registering a blip in his calculations. Acceptable losses and all that. Closing his eyes for a moment, Ken’ichi compartmentalized these thoughts to run in the background as he awaited Aramis’ reply with interest.

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis nodded. He didn't expect everything upfront and center. Ken'ichi would create ideas as he worked along. Of that Aramis was certain. The notion to search Rukongai for previous deceased minds of interest earned him an approving nod. "Excellent suggestion. Will make a motion to approve it immediately following this meeting." That wouldn't be too hard to do at all, to set up a warrant. While the Gotei did place a decent amount of focus on protecting the Rukongai from Hollow attacks it did a far worse job shielding them from their own. Something Aramis exploited when he could.

As far as Ken'ichi's idea of clearing up laboratory space, Aramis gave another nod. "Concur. Advise you to take rounds of the division and speak with officers, to confirm which experiments are outdated and needless clutter. I will make arrangements to reach out to Captains of other divisions to see if they are interested in assisting in this development." He replied. "Or at least willing to devote their own subordinates to doing so." Aramis pondered for a little while. "Will also have to set up suitable testing ground. One of the larger lab areas, possibly. Will also need to herd said experiments to the laboratory. Will require resources, but you are correct. It will free up space, both literally and design-wise. Can gain information on other divisions at the same time." He added. "Always useful, both for preventative measures and to augment strengths of divisions. Seeing abilities in action may encourage new experimentation in any case. Inspiration comes from curious places."

Aramis adjusted his glasses. "Looking forward to working with you, Vice Captain Ken'ichi Shihoin. Encourage you to familiarize yourself with officers of the division." Aramis drew up a piece of paper and quickly began scribbling something out on it, before handing it over his desk to Ken'ichi. "Warrant to conduct your search of Rukongai for recruitment. Permit you to use your judgement to determine qualified candidates. Note this is for recruitment, not test subjects." He added. "Will begin to arrange matters with other Captains shortly. In the interim, please look into, or delegate task of looking into unnecessary experiments for purging." He stated. "I am expecting great things from you. Please do not disappoint me."

[Deleted]

Ken'ichi took the warrant that Aramis had drafted and bowed formally. "Understood Taichou. Permission granted to locate potential recruits only, not test subjects. If there is nothing further Taichou, This One shall take his leave and begin making the necessary arrangements post haste."

Ken'ichi bowed once more, and waited for Aramis motion of dismissal before turning, and leaving the premises. Outside the door, Aramis could overhear Ken'ichi sigh. "It's too bad. He was cute, in that boyish schoolkid kind of way.'

---

Over the next few days, Ken'ichi made good on Aramis' requests, and diligently and efficiently delegated tasks and collected information, compiling a detailed list of outdated experiments that were in dire need of being expunged. At the same time, he set about surveying the 'Basement' where the most dangerous of such experiments were housed personally, and save for a few close calls with some of the most 'adventurous' and enthusiastically hungry experiments, he was satisfied that the other squads could easily handle clean-up of this area under a guise of a competition of strength.

As he worked, Ken'ichi made certain to commit the layout of the Squad 12 barracks, and the labyrinthine halls of the SRDI to memory, while simultaneously claiming a moderately sized laboratory for his own purposes, setting up a futon mattress on a wooden frame in one corner, with a simple concertina partition to act as a privacy screen. Ken'ichi cared little for personal luxuries like a private room, and instead chose to transform his personal laboratory into his domicile and workspace combined.

"And with that achieved, the next goal is to head out into the Rukongai looking for brilliant minds with sufficient reiryoku that we could recruit for our purposes. This One thinks it best to undertake this task personally, as most of the officers have minimal combat experience, and the Rukongai can be dangerous to the ill prepared. Alas, this will take some considerable time, so where to begin first....."

Looking over a map of the Rukongai and its various districts, Ken'ichi spent several long moments before deciding on a location to begin his search. "Here is as good as any place. Right Suigin, dear?"