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One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Tue Oct 22, 2024 1:26 pm
ALASTAIR EISFLUCH | Grandmaster
The sun was still a distant memory from the night before as this impromptu meeting of the Higher Circle was called to order, a scattering of distant rays over the horizon perhaps the only inclination that it was even close to morning yet. But this development could not wait a moment, though, as the latest news from Africa had arrived first in Alastair's ear only a few minutes prior yet he knew it would be public news by midday. He did not quite know what to make of it all yet, but the report came from someone he had no reason to doubt and had been corroborated to some extent by Vandenreich agents in the field.
The Gotei United was, as of this moment, no more.
The Grandmaster's office had been slightly redesigned to host a gathering like this, Alastair's desk now forming the centrepiece of a larger circular table at which there were five currently empty chairs. Three were equally spaced apart and facing towards the one at the furthest point from the door, behind which the Grandmaster currently stood and pondered. The last was close to the Grandmasters own, but left purposefully vacant. The space for an adviser who was not present. He had considered removing the chair, but that was an admission that she would not return, and Alastair would not compromise on that goal just as Cyrus had before him.
Even though he had been woken recently in response to this news, and rushed here at a breakneck pace that had momentarily left a scorching trail across the night sky, there was no sign of a lack of composure from the Grandmaster as he awaited the arrival of the Directors. His orange gaze was as even as ever, uniform neatly pressed and properly adorned with badges of office and other ceremonial artefacts. If their hand was to be forced then he would face it head-on, as he had every crisis before this one.
The Crowned Star | END POST
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Tue Oct 22, 2024 2:10 pm
Calliope R. SchwarzmannDirector, Albedochiffren
To say this past month was hectic was to say that World War IV had been a schoolyard brawl. From learning of the decision to "rebrand," to the incident in China, to now this. Calliope was, at the very least, handling this better than others. She had done her best to quarantine the news when it came across her desk. Gag orders were being strictly enforced. A few administrative staff were even in solitary until this meeting was over. There was no need for mass panic.
Calliope handed a second datapad off to an assistant that was not allowed entrance to the room. She then opened her primary one—the same one she had visited this room prior with. Like Alastair, her uniform was neatly pressed. The mark of a Director was clearly visible, and she placed the officer's cap in front of her own set place at the table. The Albedochiffren Director did not bow—the uniform wasn't quite designed for that. She took her seat with the same aloof grace she sat down to dinner with. Tapping her ear to disconnect the audio from her earpiece, Calliope acknowledged Alastair. "Grandmaster. I didn't quite expect this to be the circumstance that brought us together again."
End Transmission
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Tue Oct 22, 2024 10:30 pm
Emil Grey
As soon as his personal assistant had imparted to him the news whilst he was in the mire of work, the order to any available personnel within the city were to keep discreet watch of the populace and peacefully intervene if a fuss began was put in place - there was to be no panicking in this city if he could help it. Fortunately gag orders and other controls of information were already in place - once again he felt forever blessed to have one such as Director Schawrzmann at the helm of her own branch, meant less loose ends and tidier handling.
Quite a few things were on their plate, quite a few things were changing - truly were interesting times they lived in. Was this going to be the loose screw that throws the whole machine one would call 'normal' into complete disarray? Either way, he had made his path to the Grandmaster's quarters short and unknowable to a passer's gaze.
Like a ghost, the door would gently open with his touch, having disengaged his helmet and any of it's communicative or recording functions long before he had even made contact with the building. He did not wear that kind smile today, rather his expression was as close to truth as it'd ever been - his gaze icy and his face an unreadable mist. Silently, he acknowledged the room with a slight nod of the head - it appeared all of them were not here yet.
"Good morning Grandmaster, Director Schwarzmann," He didn't even play his tone up, a smooth frosty breeze of a voice would come from him, the well suited man whom didn't look he he'd already been working overclock came to sit down in his own place, eyes gazing the remaining seats, "I see Director Armstrong has not arrived yet..."
Ah, he hadn't given up on her after all this time. If he were playing the role of a typical man, he would have played a slight smile on his face, but this situation hardly called for such sentiments. Their very existence may be in peril.
The Curtains Rise | END
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Wed Oct 23, 2024 8:31 am
HELLE ARMSTRONG
She moved like a snail underwater, each step an effort without worth. Her heels clicked, before stopping as her hand rose and pulled open the door to enter the Grandmaster's office. Everyone within would be greeted by a woman who has seen better days.
Impromptu meetings are what they are, but one shouldn't expect immaculate personal care from someone who's days and nights are endless. As the overseer of every general mission and operation, Helle's days are nothing but work orders, resource management, and soldier upkeep. Do not allow her busybody personality to confuse you though. She has people in place to handle as much as necessary, but with so much going on, one mistake could lead to disaster, and thus it is her prerogative to keep a careful eye on everything.
That means multiple days working 24-hour shifts and multiple mishaps of her office being her primary home. It's no wonder that her hair looks messily put together, her clothing disheveled in some fashion, and her green eyes dull with bags underneath. However, despite that, she still appears present for this startling situation they now find themselves in because if what she has heard is true, her headache's only going to worsen. It might even reach mind splitting proportions.
"Grandmaster. Directors," She grumbled as she slumped her way to her seat and sat down.
Her eyes briefly swept over the area, making note of the extra seat, but too tired to actually ponder it long enough to put one and one together. She's here for one thing, and that's to quantified how fucked this situation is.
END POST | BOW
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:59 am
ALASTAIR EISFLUCH | Grandmaster
Alastair met the gaze of each of his Directors as they filed into the room, offering a greeting to each that was little more than a simple nod and yet conveyed the respect he had for their timely arrival. Only once Helle had finally sank into her seat did he allow himself that same luxury, settling on the edge of his own like it was a perch he might launch from but for now he remained in place.
"We first noted a marked drop in Gotei activity two days ago. During that time, to our knowledge, the Shinigami around the Africa Hole have not been replaced or reinforced as they usually might. I had originally planned to send a team over today to discuss this development with our Gotei counterparts, in case something untoward had occurred. That will no longer be necessary."
"Earlier this morning, moments before I called this meeting of the Higher Circle, I spoke to Captain Elyss Kishimoto herself. Something has happened within Soul Society, a disaster of a previously unthinkable scale, and the Gotei United has been disbanded. Transport between Earth and Soul Society also seems to have been impacted, leaving many of the former Gotei members stranded."
He let the weight of his words wash over the rest of them like a wave. It was unlikely that this was their first time hearing it, but there could be no doubt of its legitimacy now. In an instant, the scale had shifted. The balance was no longer there and both the opportunity and the peril that wrought were laid bare.
"Ms Kishimoto was light on details beyond that, though. She has not been known to mince words, but I believe her omissions are a sign that she does not know exactly what has occurred on the other side either. Director Grey, you may delegate a squad to spearhead a discreet investigation on this matter, but our priority right now is Earth. Director Armstrong, Director Schwarzmann, we will need to reallocate a substantial amount of our fighting strength from other locations to Africa before our efforts there are turned to nought whilst also maintaining a presence in other hot spots. It will spread us thin, so we will have to prioritise and make hard decisions, but I am trusting in you both to handle those."
Once more his eyes darted around the room, looking for questions or insight or signs of doubt. This was not a matter they could afford to be divided on, so he would do what he could to humour them each in turn.
The Crowned Star | END POST
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Thu Oct 24, 2024 8:01 pm
Calliope R. SchwarzmannDirector, Albedochiffren
A disaster in the Soul Society? Oh, my. Who would have thought that possible with all of these Shinigami trying to play hero in the World of the Living. It was going to be a bad few weeks as the world adjusted. But after that? It would be this group's time to shine. Calliope opened her datapad as Alastair began to distribute immediate orders. She needed specific bylaws and subsections, and she was no supercomputer. "Director Armstrong, I'll leave the exact details on the troop movement to your discretion. With the Grandmaster's approval, I will have the Albedochiffren utilize a portion of the emergency budget and act under Emergency Response Protocol Fifteen to commandeer and/or purchase civilian transport to assist the Sternritter."
Tilting the datapad back down, Calliope gazed at Alastair. This next question was not something the other directors could answer but could provide insight. "How tight are our lips going to be? Gag orders have already been issued and are being strictly enforced. However, that is but a band-aid on this situation. Rumors are already circulating on social media, to which Director Grey can surely attest. It will only be a matter of time before we will need to issue a public statement." She had other thoughts too—how trustworthy were Elyss Kishimoto's words was one. But she would see if the Director of the Todgestalten would state such a fact first. There was another thought that needed to be worded carefully. It was the concern she had about everything, even beyond the situation sitting in front of her.
End Transmission
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Thu Oct 24, 2024 11:24 pm
Emil Grey
A silent greeting was given to the Sternritter Director - merely a gesture of good will amongst colleagues. Ah, when was the last time he'd actually performed work without his face covered? There was little reason to hide it now, lest he wanted to stoke discomfort here. He'd seen the report of the lapse in activity amongst the slew of responsibilities, he hardly would have needed a summons to know something had gone terribly awry; the Grandmaster's word only served to confirm his suspicions.
He had been silently taking note as the explanation commenced, expression ghostly and unchanging. The situation was far more grave than initially anticipated; surely it had been a catastrophe of some sort, but to disband outright? That did not bode well in the slightest.
"Of course. I will organize an investigative unit once this meeting concludes," His answer came out far more like an automated response than him giving reassurances, his mind clearly at work as he considered how to introduce his own concerns for this development, "Yes Director Schwarzmann, the only way to quell rumors or panic at this stage would be to act quickly and put out a statement with appropriate information for the public."
Of course this didn't mean to tell them everything, just enough that they would understand the situation and not spread a snowball's rumor - he'd imagine other parties would have the same concern as he, but nowhere near the self control he possessed.
"I must raise a concern, however. Rather, I will be to the point; If the Gotei United, the Gotei that has decided to turn a blind eye to our active role, what will become of us? This level of cooperation is only thanks to the will of the Captain Commander; how are we to be so certain whatever emerges from it's ashes will be of the same quality, the same interests?"
It was all too strange for them to have disbanded over a conflict, "I must hazard a guess that something has happened to, or involving the Captain Commander. Why else would it disband?"
The Curtains Rise | END
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Sat Oct 26, 2024 6:05 am
ALASTAIR EISFLUCH | Grandmaster
Nodding along to Calliope's request for approval on a change to the budget, Alastair turned to address Emil first. He had not had as much face-to-face time with the Todgestalten Director as the other two, but it did seem that such meetings were less preferable to the mercurial man anyway. Still, they had a level head on their shoulders and, in a time like this, there was little more that he could ask for.
"There is little point in maintaining a facade of ignorance whilst we are also doing everything we can to prevent this from becoming another crisis. I have given you each your own duties, it is my own as Grandmaster to inform the people of what has happened and what we are doing. I will address the public here in the City of Lights and the members of the Vandenreich across the globe at midday. There is only so much that we can share at this time, and this will certainly only feed people's suspicions, but I will not have it said that we were flatfooted in our response."
Blazing a path forward. That was what he had promised to Cyrus, so he would not allow himself to falter once that road was paved before him. In the future, Alastair wondered if he might regret that he had not spoken to former Gotei officials much since his ascension to Grandmaster, but this was not a time for pointless reflection. There was so much more that he had to achieve first before he could earn that luxury.
"The Gotei United was not something that the loss of one individual could dismantle, even someone as prolific as Captain Commander Murasaki. So we will work on the assumption that whatever comes in its wake will not hold us in the same regard, which is why we must make the most of this opportunity they have created for us. As part of my address, I intend to offer every member of the Gotei currently on Earth a temporary place within the Vandenreich. They were passionate enough about Earth to spend much of their time here, and we already have Shinigami amongst our number, so perhaps they will bolster our manpower and help to fill the void that has been created."
The Crowned Star | END POST
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Sat Oct 26, 2024 1:50 pm
HELLE ARMSTRONG
"It is likely Miss Kishimoto will return to us in greater detail once she understands the situation herself. She has always provided straightforward and precise information with my men," Helle mentioned after everyone had chimed in with their main concerns.
She, herself, could feel the eventual great strain that her shoulders will bear during this situation. Her men are always on the frontline, whether by providing support for the other divisions or running their own missions. She will have to dictate their movement carefully now. With the Gotei United's help, it was easy to patrol Africa. Without them, she will have to send only their best for the constantly under distress zone, which will only weaken their presence everywhere else on the world.
...But that is only a band aid for their biggest concern. There is a reason they worked with the Gotei United as they had, a necessity for their partnership.
"We must take great care to not overdo ourselves. The balance of the worlds is up to us to maintain now. I will require every Shinigami amidst our ranks. It is probably best to make sure every squad we send out has one among them, and if you'll allow, Grandmaster, I will send envoys to gather up as many Shinigami that remain from the Gotei United who wish to assist us.
Her dull eyes turned to Emil.
"We cannot control whether whatever happens in Soul Society is of our benefit. The Grandmaster is correct. We must bolster our ability to ready ourselves for whatever comes of this."
Her lips tightened as she slowly turned her gaze to Alastair. A soft glow emitted from her gaze as she slowly raised her hand.
"I have yet to finalize the report, but there is still Jefferson City and the events that transpired. I doubt they will sit idly as the Gotei's influence falters. With that said, with permission, I will relay information that mustn't leave this room."
END POST | BOW
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Re: One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]
Sat Oct 26, 2024 4:10 pm
Calliope R. SchwarzmannDirector, Albedochiffren
On the one hand, Calliope despised the idea of having Shinigami joining the Vandenreich en masse—even if it were only a temporary position. On the other hand, it just shifted her goals that much closer. The Vandenreich would, and should, be in control of the planet's spiritual issues. With Shinigami in the ranks? That would mean the so-called "balance" could be maintained. She was already drafting an order on the "forcible requisitioning" of several methods of transportation when Helle spoke up.
"I have no objections to the Sternritter taking the combat-ready Shinigami," Calliope lied. "However, I do have an objection to them taking all Shinigami. Such an influx will require additional personnel to fill a rise in paperwork—among other tasks. I would request that the Albedochiffren be given some of the lesser-able Shinigami—those who lack a Zanpakutō, those who have physical disabilities, etc.—to assist in processing the incoming... refugee doesn't sound right, but it is the most apt word. They would have greater knowledge of the culture and could notify a properly-trained Todgestalten evaluator of any... discrepancies from these so-called refugees." Even though such a task might fall under Director Grey's purview, the first contact many had wasn't with the Sternritter or the Todgestalten. It was the Albedochiffren-hired civilians. She had to protect her own branch, but more than that she saw an opportunity to lessen the low-level grunt work that would allow the Todgestalten to not waste resources. It was just a bonus that it helped strengthen her position. But the Sternritter Director had something more important to add to the conversation. She would argue her point later as she dimmed the datapad so it would seem as though she wasn't taking notes.
End Transmission
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