Central Wandenreich

[TherosAestas]

The sea wench sat silently amongst her peers, her eyes glued to her own pile of snacks. The realization that she hadn't announced her arrival set in, but why would she have to when she’d made it there before Adonai. Cold glass pressed into her fingers as she slowly turned the pendant nestled at the base of her throat. So many words had been said around her but much of it had gone in one ear and out the other.

”Next, Ryker’s excursion to Hueco Mundo revealed that the Shinigami have a vested interest in certain Arrancar there.”

Her unfocused gaze suddenly shifted, peering at the doctor over her snacks, her pupils dilating violently until the vivid teal of her eyes was nearly consumed. Emi? She had no reason to think he would have been there hunting for Emillia, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d come in contact with her. If he had encountered her, what had he done to her? Was she even still alive? Her thoughts swirled, coalescing into an image of her heart's singular obsession, Emillia.

The soft ting of her nails against the pendant grounded her, if only a little. A buttery soft pastry met her lips as her free hand moved on its own accord. She did what she so often does and consumed, the flakes melting on her tongue in an explosion of flavors. Though her eyes remained on the doctor as if trying to peek inside his mind, she paid attention now to every word that fell from Adonai’s lips. An exchange program with the shinigami? How… cute.

The phantom murmurs of a voice she would only hear in her memories now crawled across her skin. They would recognize you, cariño. Her eyes darted around herself, hoping for a glimpse of her but there was none. Her grip on the pendant tightened dangerously until she felt the glass fracture. As silence fell around them, her gaze settled on Adonai.

”How will you decide who gets to go with the shinigami? Will it be the Sternritter you trust most or can we volunteer?”

​

 

[Souris]

Ryker enthralled by his haul of snacks didn't make any largely notable acknowledgements of the Sternritter who entered, but he did at the least give them each a nod or half handed salute with just a pair of fingers. His focus was honed on refueling and also hanging onto his thoughts on the already developing events. That being said, even if he was more free of hand and mind, he wasn't necessarily that close to the other ranking members. It was not out of any predisposed opinions or a lack of interest in a more in-depth connection, he just simply spent a majority of his time off site. And that time that he did spend within the kingdom was likely spent within the medical sector. His drive to understand the inner workings of the races and his surgical practices took precedence over any familiarities among cohorts.

By the time the varying officers and established figures made their way into the meeting hall, Ryker had already wholly decimated his selection of treats. As he patted away the debris of such a feast from around his mouth, the meeting had begun to move. The Emperor extended grace to those not present but drove the discussion forward even in their absence. He relayed his intentions for an amicable parlay with the commander-in-chief of the Shinigami, a long standing intention finally coming to a head. The idea of a peaceful interaction was certainly more boring than the contrary, but one that Ryker understood. There was no real reason to contest them, they had nothing of true value, and that which could be desire could simply be within the slated negotiations. From every metric seen in recent years, they were by no means an award winning team.

Adonai continued in his exposition, establishing a set of rules to follow, a reference at Josef's findings, and additional words of warning. From there the floor was left open to his trusted numbers. The first utterance came from one of the newer addition to their cause.
​

"How will you decide who gets to go with the Shinigami? Will it be the Sternritter you trust most, or can we volunteer?"​

A valid inquiry. Whoever were to be sent in this exchange, were it to be humored, would need to be of a particular character. Reserved enough not to endanger the agreements in place but also dutiful enough to still have the Wandenreich's best interests at heart. Ryker had no weight in this and simply allowed their leader to engage with that question. The vacancy of words that would come after Cordelia was answered bridged his moment to speak.
​

"Heard, heard, heard... Peace first and foremost! Honestly, it's more of a service to them than even for us, if I'm being real." He said with a shrug and a goofy ass smirk plastered on his face. "From what I am seeing, our neighbors aren't in the best shape. The desert is just rubble with no one wearing a crown, and the Shinigami are still struggling to figure out how to stay on the same page. Honestly, I think we have a rather strong hand in negotiations."​

The surgeon leaned back in his seat, relaxing his posture with an upwards gaze. His fingers flicking about between each other as his hands rested on his stomach.
​

"But even if that's the case, we can't be caught slacking. I've got some eyes in Hueco Mundo and this liaison would give us some insight on the reaper side of things. But there are still variables, and that shit could get messy quick. Before my detour today, I was on the cusp of developing a way for us to keep some leverage even if we made ourselves known. A drug of sorts that would mask our genetic information from examination after bodily material separates from the body. The issue was—it lacked a stabilizing agent and a way to consistently ensure it scrubbed just right... but I think I know how to fix that up now."​

Ryker's eyes scanned the room and then returned to his absent stare at the ceiling.
​

"Give me a few days and I can get our ranks an anonymity upgrade, as well as comprehensive notes on both Shinigami and Arrancar physiology."​

This serum was a breakthrough lacking the cherry on top, something he found the answer to thanks to Emillia. Albeit not a one to one fix, her contribution birthed inspiration. In just a few passing suns, Ryker will have granted the Quincy yet another edge, removing a powerful tool from their opposition - biological examination. No blood, hair, or discarded limb would provide any meaningful data for the minds of the Seireitei to work with. The clarity to the innerworkings of the faction from the shadows will remain enshrouded so long as conflict is averted and lips remained sealed. Afterall, knowledge was the ultimate weapon.

​

 

[dem0nzlust]

Once the others soon started to arrive to the meeting room, Wolfgang took note of each ones heart beats, the rhythm of their breathing, and the sounds of their foot steps to determine who was arriving before they properly entered. He also took note on the ones who were absent from the meeting as well before settling down into his seat swirling the contents of whine in the cup patiently with the meeting finally about to start. Once Adonai dismissed his notion he smiled big content curious on what this meeting was going to entail and how things would change for them going forward after this day on. He took in the fragrance of the beverage before him a small smile crept on his lips appreciating the fine craftsmanship to make such a high-end drink then focused his full attention sternly on the Emperor.

The meeting seemed to jump straight into the thick of things which Wolfgang didn't mind. Although, there have been small talk about how they would run into the shinigami eventually,
but to think that the official meeting between the leaders would be happening so soon. Shifting forward in his seat he contemplated on what this would mean, and knowing what it was the Emperor hoped to get from them. From there he commented on the discovery of the shinigami weak points of their anatomy listening intently then begin to already formulate ways to fit this perfectly in the training regiment. Knowing now was not the time to add any insights or thoughts Wolfgang simply nodded affirming he understood the Emperor's wishes as he continued to listen on full of intrigue on what other topics were going to be addressed.

This topic in particular seemed to peak more then the others, because the very fact the issue of clashing people of interest would cause problematic concerns in any future incursions the Jagdarmee would be sent on. On the other hand the opposite could be assumed too if the two forces shared a common target they wished to be eliminated their was possibility on the shinigami joining resources for a more successful mission with lower casualty rate. Again, this thinking all depended on how the meeting went between the two leaders and what type of relationship be established with one another. Wolfgang put a little more thought into this thinking of how this world was in dire need of being cleansed and each factions roles in helping bring the world in the true vision of their Sovereign God, The Soul King. This is why those who worshipped the The Soul King under his regimen saw Adonai as more then just their Emperor, being extension to their god making him something akin to an demi-god in their eyes. Soon the meeting came to its conclusion even with the news of exchange opportunity between both sides, but one thing troubled Wolfgang the most that slightly contradicted in his head.

"Your highness, you mentioned you will have our best of interest in mind and that I know holds true. Though I must ask if we come across high priority target or resource that is important for our cause, and small 'misunderstanding' happens between the shinigami, wouldn't us conceding that in turn hinder your personal goals?" He paused to let the Emperor have a chance to properly think on it before asking a minor question. "As far not attacking hollows goes, exempt for self-defense do you wish for us to not assist shinigami who may be engaged with them? And are we not to interfere if we see mundane humans or even spiritually gifted humans being attacked?"

After Wolfgang asked about his inquiries for the future coexistence with the shinigami, he knew that eventually the request of continuing to concede to the shinigami would eventually grate on somes patience eventually. If this was not managed with proper insight could very well lead to conflict in the future. Relaxing into a more casual posture he clasped his fingers together then leaned his chin on it curious what the others had to say, and what wisdom the Emperor would share on answering each one of their concerns and questions.​

 

[Nobody]

The last to arrive were the trio of siblings, Josef showing no hint of paying their arrival any mind while Simon's eyes cut towards Fred. Like himself, Fred was a soldier, evident enough by his Schrift, yet to Simon he did not behave as a Soldier, did not embody what it meant to be a soldier. Despite his disapproval of such a man holding such a Schrift he does not question it, for to do so would be to question their Emeperor. The meeting finally begins, much to the glee of both Josef and Simon, but for two different reasons. Josef is thankful, believing they can end this pointless gathering soon while Simon is ever grateful to be under the presence of the Emperor, eager to hear what he has to tell them; and he seems to have much to say.

Simon shows concern at news of this meeting, and hopes their Emperor will not go alone. He does not trust the Shinigami. Especially after hearing first contact was made with hostilities. As the Emperor continues to speak Simon shows himself growing more frustrated hearing a discovery was made by this uncouth man across from him. He stares daggers at Josef who's eyes are half lidded in a dismissive manner, appearing bored and uninterested in what is being said. Being bound to their home while they have endured peace for a time, something he should be thankful for...Simon was in the end, a soldier. With no enemy to fight, no war to win could he be of any use to their leader?

The great emperor begins outlining his plans and his restrictions to their people, much of which went ignored by Josef who had no intention of engaging with others to begin with. With everything being said that needed saying it seemed now was the time for any questions or input on the matters put forth.
​

”How will you decide who gets to go with the shinigami? Will it be the Sternritter you trust most or can we volunteer?”​

"Tch"

Josef sucks his teeth, the woman's stupid question prolonging this meeting further than he would like. Ryker begins rambling on as he does, causing Josef's eyes to narrow even further in annoyance. The more people spoke the more he was forced to sit there, indulging in their stupidity. Every word spoken was a waste of breath and a waste of his precious time.
​

"Your highness, you mentioned you will have our best of interest in mind and that I know holds true. Though I must ask if we come across high priority target or resource that is important for our cause, and small 'misunderstanding' happens between the shinigami, wouldn't us conceding that in turn hinder your personal goals?" He paused to let the Emperor have a chance to properly think on it before asking a minor question. "As far not attacking hollows goes, exempt for self-defense do you wish for us to not assist shinigami who may be engaged with them? And are we not to interfere if we see mundane humans or even spiritually gifted humans being attacked?"​

BAM!

Josef's hands slam against the table as if to silence everyone, his aggravation nearing its peak from yet another pointless question as far as he was concerned. "Are we done here? Can I-" Before he could finish another nuisance presents itself in the form of Simon raising his hand.

"Sir. You mentioned a meeting with the Commander of the Shinigami. Not to speak out of place but, I hope you don't intend on going to such a meeting alone. While you crave peace, the Shinigami seem ignorant to such a notion."

While others spoke of the exchange, the restrictions placed on them and other matters, what was at the forefront of Simon's mind was their Emperor's safety. He does not question his strength or ability, but rather cannot trust what schemes, tricks and traps the Shinigami might employ. He speaks up hoping their lord had intentions of bringing a guard at least, and further hoping that he would be chosen for such a role. He stares towards the Emperor, seemingly oblivious to the murderous gaze of Josef who is now standing, hands on the table. Was this some game they were all in on? Collaborating together to waste his time and annoy him?!

His fingers begin to curl, dragging along the table before furling into his palm, nails digging into the soft flesh as his hands slightly shook. "Is. That. ALL?" He does not hide his frustration, each word spoken short and barbed shooting equally sharp glances across the room, his gaze saying the answer had better be "yes".​

 

[Elk]

It wasn’t shocking to hear that there was a peace treaty in the making, while the Elbecks were ready for war, making armor pieces for the army, and preparing clothing as well, they held major contracts for generations. As for what Fred thought about the whole peace situation, he welcomed it but was cautious of the Shinigami. As for the secrets of Shinigami anatomy, he was quick to shift his eyes over to Josef, Wolfgang then Ryker, he was eager to learn of this secret. Allow him to think of how to better dispose of the Shinigami should a war ever come.


as the emperor continued his speech, talking of an exchange program, one that he would wish to not be chosen. Though his eyes shifted over Kristina as her eyes glimmered, no doubt it was the thought of being the one to be sent over there. She was too much of a wild card to be even sent anywhere without strict super vision. Yet still he remained silent for the time being he would remain silent throughout the different people talking

Her hand rested on her glass of whiskey, each person that talked had her take a small sip, eyes shifting between the ones that spoke, till Josef's hands slammed against the ground. Her head shifted up along with her hand as she drank the last of her whiskey before gently setting the cup down.


"Aside from one of the Shinigami following me, there isn’t much to report, on my end."


Her eyes shifted down to look at the bottle resting by her chair, before shifting her gaze over to Josef, hand raising her empty glass up once more before setting it down.

“Ooo, IF we are doing volunteers! I WOULD LOVE TO GO!”


Her voice boomed with excitement as she looked towards Cordelia then towards the Emperor, practically bouncing out of her chair at the thought of entering a new realm, along with meeting new people.


Fred's hand was over his eyes while his head shifted down, while Amanda leaned back in her chair, arms crossed watching the table, for what everyone else will do. Till Fred lifted his head and looked over to the Emperor.


"Your Majesty, where exactly will you be meeting their Captain Commander?"


The logistics of entering the Shinigami realm is what he had a bit of a fear of. They, or at least he, didn’t know much about them, what were their defences like, would this be a trap of some sort? A lot can be done in 10 days. He had hoped it would be a more neutral ground like the World of the Living. Where the Shinigami didn’t exactly have the stronger hand in case something were to happen.

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