One Sun Rises, Another Sets [Vandenreich Leadership]

Time was certainly of the essence, the pale man thankful the young Grandmaster understood and followed along with that concern of his. Whatever was going on in the heavens was far past their understanding, but at the very least they had a reliable messenger; he was hardly the petty sort to question the validity of information off of one's position in this existence, if Captain Kishimoto were a reliable source trusted even by his colleagues assembled within this room, then he had little reason to think otherwise of her word.

His gaze turned to the rather exhausted looking Sternritter Director - he made certain not to make his sense of pitying known, but treating the young woman to some relaxing endeavor alongside a wellness gift was on his mind; the load had clearly taken the most toll upon her and they could hardly afford any of them burning out from stress.

"Of course Director Armstrong - that is the most pressing topic on my mind at the moment; preparing for the longer term. Between the actors who orchestrated Jefferson, and now this... Yes, the decision to invite the stranded to have temporary sanctuary in exchange for works is appealing - however I will have to structure and put far more focus into the vetting process. An incredible quantity of people not previously beholden to us, from another world entirely at that, will be brought right into our heart; if incredible care is not taken into ensuring each and every one of them is well intentioned and who they say they are, it could spell a disastrous security threat - I trust none present here have not forgotten about the bombing."

He had his own questionable parties to attend to, his concern not toward what they are but who they are: the quality of individual coming in. His icy gaze would look over to Calliope, his lips parting once more,

"The delegation of Shinigami already present to assisting will be, tight. If the Grandmaster so approves, I would prefer if we could send a small squadron of properly trustworthy individuals with the assistance of an Arrancar through the Garganta in order to discreetly collect information on what is occurring on the other side. Though I have faith in the Captain's word on the matter, we cannot guarantee that she would have the full picture anytime soon. Time is of the essence, the more we know now is the more we can put toward longer term stability and self preservative methods."

He said his piece, he would be still for the information that Director Armstrong wished to provide.

"I have already given you permission to put together a squad for that task, Director Grey, I trust that you will choose the most capable personnel to get the job done discreetly."

His response was curt to Emil, a passing remark of approval as he mused on the proposals offered by Helle and Calliope. Though he had no idea how successful the impulsive recruitment drive would be, Alastair could not ignore the advice his Todgestalten Director had been kind enough to vocalise. He was not the type to doubt the abilities of his closest advisors, but it was still reassuring to know that they were on the same wavelength.

"I do not believe that many of the Shinigami currently present on Earth will lack a Zanpakuto. Furthermore, those who lack such weaponry are commonly the initiates of the Gotei. I do not imagine that many of those would make acceptable additions to the Albedochiffren, especially at a time when the efficiency at which we can process information must be at its highest, so I am in favour of any former Gotei members who accept our offer being assigned to the Sternritter under Director Armstrong's purview. To balance the books, Sternritter personnel who are not currently fit for combat duties will be temporarily reassigned to the Albedochiffren to operate as Director Schwarzmann has outlined. Naturally, it will also be the duty of the Todegestalten to monitor these Shinigami. Even in a time of crisis such as this, we cannot simply expect them to seamlessly integrate with the Vandenreich."

Alastair settled back into his chair at that response, content that it would be sufficient to appease the three of them without ruffling too many feathers. His gaze turned to Helle specifically, finally offering her a nod before inviting her to offer what information she had gleaned.

"You may begin, Director."

Helle did not bother addressing anyone else in the room about the issues they brought up. The issues they face will never have the perfect resolution, so there is no point in trying to perfect them. Her attention is only on what she can control right now, and as she rose, her presence started to fill the room. Ambient reishi flowed towards her as she turned and stepped to the far wall, placing a hand forward as Reishi shaped itself into a glowing blue bookcase that stretched along the entire wall.

Scanning the books that flicked in and out of existence, her glowing emeralds bouncing almost maniacally between them all, her hand reached out and grabbed one in particular. As she took it, the bookcase slowly faded as she returned back to the table and placed the book down, opening it with no page in mind, illegible scribbles glowing on its blue pages.

"Königreich," She whispered, conjuring her powers to materialize a holographic image of the item that had appeared in Jefferson, the heart shaped object spinning slowly.

"Uriel, as was reported, is what the organization who laid siege to Jefferson City was after. I searched through my expansive library for information about it and discovered something interesting. Some of you may not know this, but my Spirit Weapon, Serathiel, is of similar origin to Uriel, a tool created during the early days of Quincy kind."

She paused to let that information sink in and allow for any questions.

Seeing as no one seemed to have anything they wished to question her about; she'd continue on with her explanation.

"From my research, I assume there were at least eight items created that hold the same capabilities of Sarathiel and this Uriel item. Searching for names of similar theming, it seems that Christianity played a very specific role in the creation of these tools, each one seemingly named after an Archangel."

She flicked her hand over the book, briefly changing the hologram through different shapes that appeared blurry until the hologram changed into Sarathiel, her spear.

"Dormant, my weapon took the form of a saber. However, whenever I fed it enough Reishi, it would transform, similar to Uriel. Our men reported that it appeared as a rock until the citizens of Jefferson City was fed to it, where it transformed into a heart-like object with a heartbeat."

The image changed to Uriel.

"It is safe to assume that every object has a similar cost for its use, and if this strange group aims to capture the other relics, they may attempt to activate them through similar means."

And that means that innocent people are in danger of being killed for the awakening of these ancient Quincy relics. Helle would look at everyone once more.

"The Gotei United destabilizing will not go unnoticed for long, and with Soul Society's eyes off Earth for the time being, I fear they will begin to move aggressively which is why I am bringing this up now."

Alastair listened quite intently as Helle began her debriefing of the situation at Jefferson. In truth, though it was certainly an important topic and worthy of far more detailed discussion, he wished that this had been brought to his attention before today. But they were busy people and stretched thinner by events outside their control, so he could hardly blame her for seizing this opportunity to address them all. It was another plate that they would have to spin amid the pandemonium.

"Thank you, Director. What we will need to bear in mind is the reach that this group can operate at, and if we can determine the location of any of these other artefacts that are likely still dormant. Director Grey, I want a detailed report on this group compiled with urgency. Why they want what they want and how they are doing it. Director Armstrong, if you have any more details to share that might aid in the hunt for these mysterious objects then ensure that it is compiled into a brief that can be assigned to members of the Albedochiffren."

Looking between the trio, he allowed them a few moments to compile any further thoughts or questions on his orders. There would be a time for unpacking what to do about Jefferson moving forward, but today was about something somehow even bigger.

Quite the unexpected turnabout, the revelations that Director Armstrong had brought to the discussion table could spell both trouble, but possible advancement for them. If they could get their hands on this technology, they'd certainly be able to bulk defenses for whatever may come of the Shinigami now that the United's policy is at threat of being replaced with more of the same from prior. The Gotei had far, far longer been an institution that could not be trusted than one whom could be worked alongside; to say this age was short was hardly a surprise to the Grey - his family had those times in good memory as one of the least affected by both genocides.

"I am to assume the others of these items are most likely slumbering elsewhere," He calculated calmly, "In which case, efforts to discover them would be favorable for the long run. We have not a clue of this organization's intent - we only know of what they're willing to sacrifice. I am certain it goes without saying to anyone here, how acceptable that grotesque level of sacrifice is."

As for the Grandmaster's command, his icy blue gaze would move over to witness his fiery own, "Of course Grandmaster - however due to recent events I am looking into overhauling the structure of the Todgestalten so to improve it's function. We have had multiple incidents of peculiar movements or behavior amongst our ranks - I am intent on combing through our existing lot to ensure any introductions of external forces will go smoothly. I have already had the work of assembling up-to-date agent details done; it's simply a matter of organizing them."

With a final statement to speak, he would put the subject at rest, "You all will be hearing of my revisions in the coming days."

"Eight, if what I've read is correct. Serathiel is the last of these super weapons created, but that does not rule in the fact that minor relics of smaller use may exist," Helle responded, turning her head to Calliope. "If what I've read is correct, the location of these eight relics is tied to Quincy sanctuaries and Noble families. Serathiel was given to me when I was studying in a sanctuary, and it was awakened in the second sanctuary I studied in. From what I've learned, only the most trusted were allowed access to them."

She paused, looking to Emil. For a second, she acknowledged his need for restructuring his ranks. There has been a lot of security issues around the world. She wouldn't be surprised if Soul Society's downfall came from an inside agent. However, she focused back on her thoughts and continued with her briefing.

"Unfortunately, I cannot give you Serathiel. Its awakening has dissolved its material form, but I have access to information that may help with our searches. Locating more of these Sanctuaries will give us clues. The 5 tribes of Quincy, despite being of the same race, weren't exactly keen on sharing their secrets between one another, so I only have pilgrimage notes and vague directions."

"The actions of our forebears remain mysterious, but I have every faith that we will determine where these other relics lie and prevent them from falling into nefarious hands. Though perhaps we should focus more on the recovery of this Uriel. We cannot allow it to vanish off the grid, especially if its powers are anything akin to Serathiel."

He did not need to reiterate the point any further, each of them knew now what was at stake and what would need to be done moving forward. But Alastair did have more to burden them with, and if it was not now then it would only cause further grief. With a nod to Helle, her briefing was over and control of the table passed back to him.

"There is something else that I wish to make you all aware of. It is a topic I have discussed at length with Director Schwarzmann but I am moving the timeline up once more. You are correct to also be looking inward Director Grey, as I will be using this midday address to announce to the world that the Vandenreich will be changing. That we will no longer be called the Vandenreich, first and foremost."

The display changed now to a new logo, minimalist in its design and certainly taking reference to that of the Vandenreich's current one but also something new entirely. Wahrender.

"If we are to become the world's premier spiritual security force then it makes little sense to refer to ourselves as a walled empire. That is what I intend for Wahrender to be. It will involve an expansion of our civilian arm, to allow each of your divisions to focus on matters of true import without having to worry about politics and police work. There will be time to discuss the intimate details of this process in the coming weeks, but I intend to strike whilst the proverbial iron is still hot."

The mysteries of their ancestors' works... Yes, Emil was quite familiar with the concept. His own family had their ties, but even that relation was rather fuzzy; the custom of keeping secrets and fragmenting knowledge was quite alive and well in his blood. In all earnesty he never had quarrel with it; he wouldn't trust half his relatives with a complete collection of their ancestral songs and skills, neither would they he. Regardless, it is a matter he would attempt with them for information on these relics, perhaps the elders would know of something...

But then the young Grandmaster had something to announce, intrigue colored the ice of his gaze. No longer called the Vandenreich? Well that was a rather promising sight - even he couldn't help but retain his family's distaste in the name, resembling the kingdom of a foolish man that brought calamity unto their lands a millennium ago. If the meeting were more of a casual affair, he would have played a smile to the decision on the name; thoroughly divorced from their rotting ages and closer to their present mission, he recognized his native tongue well, while being recognizable to those not of their flock. A good choice.

"I am quite glad we are on the same page of shifting image, Grandmaster," His smooth voice would comment, and thus he did wish to bring up a plan he had on his mind for quite a while, but it was never quite the right time to declare it, "I too had an additional adjustment in naming in mind for quite the moment. 'Todgestalten', meaningless to most but rather ill in appearance to those who understand... I had a name adjustments in the cards alongside restructuring. There is a common understanding that our division has more of a poor reputation amongst other members, and they have right to feel so given recent affairs. I wish to tidy this up."