Arts and Crafts (Social)

[Connor Greaves]

Ever since his battle with that wretched Saika happened, Connor has been looking over his shoulder more and more. A random enemy managing to break through their walls, past their defenses, and wandered so deep in their territory. The Seireitei was large. Unbelievably so. If someone of his caliber was capable of doing so, who knows who else managed to get in their home. What else might have gotten into their home. Lurking around, hiding in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. Waiting for their chance to strike down as many Soul Reapers as they can.

Connor found himself unwilling to wait on an unseen enemy to act. Connor needed to seek out others to try and solve this issue he has been having. This fear that has been creeping up and down his spine. That final moment of that Saika, being dragged back through the Gates of Hell themselves. The laughing. Oh the laughing. All his limbs cut off, being dragged against the tile by the chains he wore, and all he did was laugh at it. That thing knew no fear. It cared not that it was dragged into the bowels of Hell, but only that he did not get to see his 'boy'. Whatever that meant.

Connor zoned out for a few minutes as the memories of that night played back on loop, before he bumped into something, snapping him out of his stupor. After taking a look around him, he found that he had reached his destination. The Thirteenth Division. After his incident, Connor had made a report on what happened, and a formal request for an investigation into the inner workings of the Twelfth Division. He was 'regretfully informed' that there was not enough information to go off of, and that an internal investigation might take place, but one crazed Hellion would not necessitate an investigation just yet.

And with that, he could no longer afford to trust the First Division. Connor was on edge from this. He was jumping at shadows, and he was carrying his equipment at all times, be it his Zanpakuto or otherwise. He could not trust the Second either. They were the stealth force, and not to mention run by a noble house for generations. Who knows what backroom deals they might be in. He refused to trust the Sixth for the same reason. Two entire Divisions run on generational influence, and an entire branch of their military. If they wanted something, or someone to be silenced, they more than had the influence to make it happen.

Was that line of thought irrational? He doubted it, but he would not find fault in someone calling him a conspiracy theorist at this point. He was paranoid right now, from both the Hellion, and something else. Truth be told, he had heard of what happened in the Thirteenth. What happened to the former Vice Captain. A Vizard Vice Captain. Or at least, that was how the rumor mill spun it. A bounty was placed on her head for siding with hollows, so that was how the story twisted her into being.

Whether or not she actually was, was still up in the air, and the upper ranks have remained silent on the matter. The rumors around what really happened have shaken the Soul Society something fierce. But, at the same time, he felt that he might be able to trust this Captain the most. Captain Ludwig, or the Thirteenth Division, was one of the more well regarded Captains, and he hoped that was true. A few days ago he had requested a meeting with the man, and was told to meet him here today. He was nervous. The man outranked him, and he was sure he was left a little bit unhinged from seeing Hell, and the voices in his head.

Connor was dressed in his best uniform, with his Vice Captain badge tied to his left arm. His mask was something he had made for this meeting. He had heard the good Captain was a fan of cartoons, so he had decided to put something together for the occasion. He received odd looks, but he was mostly left alone once they saw his badge. After interacting with one or two Thirteenth Division members, he was directed to the office of Ludwig. The layout was similar to the Ninth, but he wanted to make sure. It would be a rather awkward conversation conversation if he stumbled into the wrong room.

Knocking on the paper doors, something he still has yet to get used to, he awaits for permission to come in. Upon reviving that permission, he would enter into the room, sliding the doors shut behind him. On his face was a custom made Steamboat Willy mask made out of wood, with ears and everything. "Hello there Captain. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, I apologize for taking up your time, but I feel it was necessary." Connor said to the man, standing at attention. If he was offered a seat, he would take it graciously, but he did not know this man personally, so he would play it safe. Or, as safe as he could with the mask he was wearing.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Ludwig sighed to himself as he sat in his office, attempting to draw but admittedly getting distracted. He hadn't heard back about his ideas or plans for his squad from nearly anyone he'd mentioned them to. This didn't forebode well if he were honest and truth be told it concerned him the longer it went on without any returned comments or concerns. Still if nothing else he was starting to shift the gears of the squad in the direction he was hoping for. It was just going to take a bit longer for things to finally settle into place and get everything set up. Afterall an entire division change wasn't something that was terribly easy on anyone. Himself included.

That however brings us back to what Ludwig was pondering over currently. Without a captain Ludwig had reached out to Squad 9's resident vice captain. Ludwig admittedly wasn't the most knowledgeable on the man in question. Hell he only knew his first name was Connor, and that was it. In all fairness though Ludwig hadn't exactly been super present in the recent times and when he was it was incredibly brief. So a vice captain he knew next to nothing about and without much time to really look into them just meant he'd learn what he could about them from their meeting today. Still this was. . . going to be hard to say the least.

Until now he'd reached out to various squads he figured would have a genuine interest in the squads new changes to come. And if they supported him then all the better given he could make the transition faster and far more easily than alone. Especially if he got assistance from them. Not to mention he could get their leadership on speaking terms with him which meant that the teamwork aspect of the various squads would get better right? That was the hope anyway. But Squad 9 was all about information. Information that truthfully Ludwig wasn't sure he'd have access to or be able to assist them with. Sure he could take them to and from a spot once his squad got proficient with the Dangai and the new routes Ludwig had made or found. But even still. . . They were a more home body sort of squad. And hell they even managed the hell butterflies that helped ensure others knew where they were going through the Dangai. So there was a lot of uncertainty for Ludwig with regards to this squad.

Still that only meant that if Ludwig could start forging connections between them that he'd be able to figure out something he could help them with or aid them in later on. Which ultimately was the goal for him. The squads though independent of one another would operate best, in his mind, if they spoke and shared information between one another readily. Especially information and the occasional resource that was important to a particular squads duties. Thus no matter what Ludwig needed to ensure he could forge some kind of connection between squad 13 and squad 9. If only to have them be on speaking terms.

That would be decided in time however. For now he was simply waiting for Connor to show up. With a quick glance to his desk he had it pretty clean for once, to help ensure Connor could see him at it as opposed to the piles of paperwork that'd be stacked there. In addition he had some snacks and a pot of water ready so he could make tea for his guest. It might not have been his preference but most in the Soul Society seemed to enjoy it and he had a few flavors at hand to help make sure everyone had something they enjoyed. The rest of his office however was still covered in various art pieces. Some were paintings at various stages on several easels around the room.

His bookshelves had a couple piles of sketchs as well as sketchbooks making themselves at home amongst other less noteworthy books. The remainder of any office space was simply filled up by the desk itself and two chairs. The wall space holding up pieces of art that Ludwig had drawn, painted, or otherwise created via various mediums. A lot were simply well defined sketches while a few were complete and showed off a single cabin on a hill with a forest surrounding it. Each one however showed a different aspect of weather or time of day making the same picture have a very different feel.

While Ludwig was in the middle of his last once over he heard Connor knocking on his door and quickly got up. "Come in!" Once he saw Connor he had to admit he was surprised for a very obvious and very surprisingly on point reason. He wore a mask. But not just any mask it was an old OLD cartoon character that was his mask. And one that he recognized as Mickie but from an episode where he was driving a steam boat. Without even thinking about it Ludwig just started chuckling before going into a full on laughing fit as he'd never had someone so seriously walk in his office with such a ridiculous article of clothing. Mind you it wasn't a mocking laugh he just couldn't believe it. For a couple minutes Ludwig couldn't help but just continue to laugh before he sort of composed himself and extended a hand out.

"W-Welcome Connor ha! Sorry hmmph Sorry I just. . . I can't help but laugh at your mask. P-please don't take it the wrong way but you seem so on edge and yet it's such a polar opposite expression. HAhha! Oh lord give me a moment I'll calm down shortly. Hehehe, in the meantime please take a seat. If you h-ha-have a preference in tea let ... mmee hehehe let me know. I'll make it if I have it. Hahahaha! Ludwig sat down at his desk and just continued to laugh for another couple minutes before he finally actively genuinely tried to stop laughing. He couldn't help but enjoy laughing given it had been so long since he had last laughed.

Once he was calmed down however he sighed happily and smiled at Connor. "Thank you for that. Truly. Things of late haven't exactly been . . . that lighthearted so it's good to see something that is. But with that said let's move onto why I asked for you to talk with me. So I imagine by this point it's spread around that I intend to change the purpose of Squad 13, hopefully for the better. We will still be the managers and overseers of the Dangai and the Senkaimon, which our operations with that are improving believe it or not. But in addition I intend to have our Squad oversee the supplies and resources of the Gotei 13."

"From my time as captain I've noticed we've recieved most of our goods from the noble houses. Which admittedly means we are fairly well stocked but ultimately they also hold the ability to stop us from getting a resource if they are displeased. In addition certain resources need to be procured from the 3 worlds that they do not currently have access to or are unwilling to get. Not to mention even when we do get supplies we have no stores for it so we are constantly only just at enough to keep us afloat. This needs to be changed. We as a military force cannot depend so heavily, if at all, on the good graces of noble houses and their fickle temperments. Thus I intend to change this by making the Gotei self sufficient. And if there is something we desire from the noble houses we can purchase it with revenue we generate or that is designated to us from Squad 8."[/color]

Ludwig coughed for a moment having talked for a bit longer than he intended. He'd gone too much into the weeds again and mentally slapped himself for it. He didn't know Connor and thus wanted to ensure he was to the point but clear about his reasons and what the goal was. Thus he took a moment to pause for him to think and pour out some water into a cup with a raspberry tea bag. Then put in a few sugar cubes since he was a man of sweet things and tea would be no exception. Once done he let it stew before looking back at Connor.

"I'm sorry I went on for a bit there. What I'm doing is trying to set up a supply chain for the squads to use. Including a chain where Squad 13 can get resources normally not available for purchase. I do not intend to steal I intend to have my squad members find the source like say I don't know. . . A particular metal from the human world is needed. We will go find a supplier and set up a contract or mine it out if it's special for one reason or another. I simply feel like we rely on the Noble houses too much and it deters us from necessary change and opportunities that could otherwise be available to us."

"Thus I want to start with out resources and supplies available. If this works well. . . then we'll see where we go from there. Between this plan of mine and our specialization of the dangai I wanted to talk about if there is anything we, Squad 13, could do to aid or help Squad 9 in it's goals and responsibilities. We work seperately currently but if we can help one another we may be able to do more than we could alone. And if nothing else I'd like to think there is a long term gain somewhere even if today we only start talks between the leadership of both squads. I guess this was not terribly summarized either my apologies. However what are your thoughts on this and, if anything, what can we do to help Squad 9?"

While Ludwig was smiling and looking Connor dead in the eye holes of his mask, he had to admit he was nervous. He had spoken a bit much already. More than he intended but it was hard not to when this idea wasn't terribly simple in application or in after effects. Especially if Ludwig started to gain backing in his idea and goals. This could very well get him some enemies from the noble houses. But regardless of the consequences he had to try and see how far he got. Even if he only managed to generate a supply chain for his squad it was something at least. The real question though was would Connor find something that would aid his squad or were they so opposite of one another that Ludwig simply wouldn't be able to do much of anything to help them. It would all depend on Connor's answer.

[Connor Greaves]

Well. There went his self-esteem. The moment the man laid eyes upon him, he broke into a giggling fit, that turned into full blown raucous laughter, and he could see the tears of joy welling in his eyes, as he continued to laugh. Connor could feel the tension drain from his shoulders, as they returned to a more relaxed position. After a couple of seconds, Connor joined the captain, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation. He supposed that first impressions were a success, as he laughed along with the cartoonist.

This continued on for a few more minutes, but eventually the artist managed to gather himself long enough to offer him a seat and tea. He graciously accepted the offered seat, making himself comfortable. While the Captain continued to reign in his laughter, the Lieutenant could not help but take a look around the office. It was a rather clean working space, and he felt his respect for the man grow. He was down to earth, and hard working, so it would seem.

"Forgive me, but I am unfamiliar with tea. I prefer soda myself, but if you have a preference in tea, I would not object." He said, a chuckle still audible in his voice. This interaction was nice. He could still feel a smile tugging on his lips, and was grateful that his mask had managed to garner such a reaction. Being able to bring happiness from his creations was fulfilling, to say the least. It was not every day that he managed to make someone have such a wholesome response to his workmanship. Connor could not help but like this guy, based on this first impression at least.

Not long after, the laughter simmered down. The man was grateful for the amusement, but his wording hinted at rough times. I could sympathize, but not much more than that. He quickly transitioned into the meat of the conversation, and the reason for the meeting. He wanted to change the duties of his squad? That was an option? Connor tilted his head in confusion, the prospect of switching duties leaving him feeling rather befuddled.

In addition to their role as the ones who maintain the Senkaimon and Dangai, a perilous task in and of itself, he wanted to expand into the role procuring resources and materials. Ludwig wanted to break away from being funded by the nobles. Connor was grateful his face was covered, because he was sure his jaw went slack at that notion. Connor hated the nobles with a passion, and he would happily jump at any opportunity to break away from the leash they had on the Soul Society. But, the Captain was a dangerous game, given how their military was structured.

Connor went and took one of the offered cups, and started fixing himself some tea as well. He decided to go with the familiar sounding green tea, mimicking the captain and adding a hefty amount of sugar to his concoction. Connor tilted his mask to the side, and drank deep from his cup. It was... alright. It was smooth, but he could not really see the appeal of it. It was rather earthy. Humble, if he had to describe it. It did not burn, like cola or beer, and that was half of the appeal for Connor.

Ludwig apologized for his longwinded explanation, and Connor could not help but chuckle. "You are passionate about both your squad and the Soul Society as a whole, Captain. It is a commendable quality for someone in a position of leadership." Connor let him continue speaking after that, letting him finishing his thoughts. Connor himself used to frequent the world of the living quite often when he was first starting out as a Soul Reaper. He took on as many missions as he possibly could, just to get out of this place. And every time he left, he was given a shopping list by his fellow squad members.

Setting up a division to venture to the living world for materials and goods would be something everyone would use, and while it would not stop people from asking those on missions to pick up items, it would cut it down greatly. This was also a potential opportunity for Squad Nine. With more frequent runs to the other worlds, Squad Nine could set up more transmitters for communication on earth. That would mean better communication between their people out on missions, earlier hollow detection, and quicker rescue missions for their people in conflict.

Connor took one more sip from his cup, draining the last of its contents, before placing it back onto the desk. He readjusted his mask, cleared his throat, and spoke up. "The potential boon this would grant not only Squad Nine, but for Soul Society as a whole, is hard to place into words. This direction you wish to take your Squad would allow Squad Nine to setup relay stations in the living world, maned and maintained as a group effort, because of how frequented their locations would be." Connor could feel his head buzzing with all the potential opportunities this could afford them.


Connor leaned back, trying to put his thoughts into words. "These stations could have a sizable group of Soul Reapers housed at all times, gathering materials when requested, and picked up every few days. But, if you want to break away from the Noble Houses, I doubt this will be enough." He told him, sad to have to put a dower mood onto the topic. "If you wish for us as a whole to break away from their grasp, we would need to set up infrastructure here, not constantly importing goods from another world. It is a good first step, and one that I would be all for, but it is a short term solution."

Ever since Connor escaped the Rukongai, he had been eager to figure out why it was it such an unruly state. He could not find any meaningful answers. He chalked it up to laziness, and the procrastination of the Central Forty Six. He would blame Nobles, but he had no real proof. "How difficult would it be to set up mining towns here in the Rukongai? Gather resources here? The souls that live here need no food to eat, but they might be swayed at the offer of a good meal and drink, or even the prospect of better living conditions."

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Ludwig was surprised by Connor for a number of reasons. For one thing he seemed in full support of the idea. Even the notion of the squads aiding one another with the production of relay stations. Something Ludwig admittedly hadn't seriously considered until now. Which truthfully wasn't a bad prospect at all. But there was a lot of details and work that would need to be managed with that also. Still the prospective gains for everyone, as Connor put it, would be immense and hard to describe. Thus Ludwig would need to talk more with him on this later on. As it could be something he could ask Squad 3 about or Squad 6 about later on.

The next was that Connor flat out told him he was thinking too short term. That while a good starting point he needed to consider further on and made mention of the Rukongai. Which he also had to admit was a thought he'd rolled around in his head but wasn't certain how much he could do with them. Truthfully he wasn't even certain what all supplies or resources there were around here. And yet who would know best of any and all resources? The plus of the Rukongai. Only they would be able to consider and seriously aid them in this endeavor which would require Ludwig to consider them more as well and see what all he could do with them. Definitely something he'd need considerably more thought on.

Still if nothing else Ludwig was impressed by Connors input and suggestions. They weren't unreasonable, in his opinion, and they would aid them significantly. With a small nod and a few gulps of his tea he continued to consider Connor's words. There was genuinely a lot of merit in them. Merit that required equal care and thought on his end for a response. After a couple minutes of silence and with their teas gone Ludwig finally spoke though his initial commentary likely would throw off Connor. "Do you have a preference on soda? I've got coca cola here given I make a personal trip every once in awhile to get "supplies" haha. Still I must admit that surprised me given how many individuals here take after the japanese influence. It's nice to see I'm not the only one with different tastes."

With a moment of waiting he hear Connor out, if he even wanted something. If not Ludwig would simply pull out a vanilla coke from his drawer and grab a couple packets of rice crackers. He had to admit that despite being a sweets individual he had a weakness for the rice crackers. Salty but not over the top. With a solid crunch that was easily heard in his near silent office despite all the hustle and bustle outside the door. Add in his preference in soda? And it was something he admittedly took great pleasure in even if it was sometimes. . . bending the rules to just leave and go get his personal stash of supplies. Still that was the benefit of being the captain responsible for the dangai. He could leave and get things on a whim, without permission. Still this was yet another attempt at time for him to consider things a bit more. The topic was weighty and he needed to be careful about how he approached this, even if Connor was willing to aid him.

Eventually though he had to continue on and give an answer, he wasn't about to smooth over the useful commentary from Connor. "I'll admit I hadn't considered the idea of relay stations. However this would allow us to make strides in area's we hadn't previously considered. Such as responding in major cities far more readily than previously has been possible. And it gives us a place that our substitue shinigami could work out of and patrol from. In addition to another venue of work that could do something more specific to the area to make their tasks easier to accomplish. I will be considering this far more seriously now that you have brought this idea to my attention. And if you have any specific ideas regarding them please let me know. If I can get squad 3 or 6 involved we could have several test stations set up. Or perhaps I can have Squad 8 aid us in purchasing a building from a major city? With the use of gigai's this could work rather well. . ."

Ludwig lost himself in thought for a moment. Especially as he neared the end of his commentary. But quickly realized he'd started returning to his mind and put a pin in that train of thought. Looking back at Connor however he continued speaking this time far more focused on him. "I've also not seriously considered the Rukongai until you've brought it up. The reason being I'm uncertain how much of any infastructure that exists there isn't already owned by the noble houses already. Let alone the impacts that may occur from the Gotei attempting to generate their own infastructure that would be in direct competition with the nobles. In truth it may not be a venue we can look into until we've gotten the short term test of the relay stations and transporting resources from the human world or even Hueco Mundo, given we can travel there now thanks to our research into the Dangai. But if ever there was a next step this would likely be just the step we need. However we'll need the former to show some level of use and return that will help persuade other squads to push for infastructure in the Rukongai."

"In addition we must still consider the growth of the Soul Society's personnel. We may not be able to really support an infastructure to ensure the various hollows and other species such as rampant beast-clan that may attack them. Or even, and heaven forbid, persuaded plus that were bribed by the nobles. All of this said I still believe this to be a worthwhile idea but we need to reduce our loss of individuals and increase our resources before we can look more seriously into this. With that said if you have specific ideas do not hesitate to let me know. Whether thats here and now or later on feel free to inform me. I'm more than willing to listen and can use all the feedback possible. These are not small goals afterall and I alone cannot make them a reality. Are there any other ideas or concerns you have with the current goals or ideas? If not I'd also like your opinion on one other thing. Something . . . potentially more . . . controversial. If you have the time to spare of course. I don't want to keep you from your duties any longer than strictly necessary."