This chapter (and the next one) weren't part of my original outline. Rather, this subplot came about in order to address a number of plot threads- chiefly, the fates of the captured Wandenreich Quincy after the events of "Back in Black". One of the reasons for this is because of the continuing feedback from RG-Guest, who's helped inspire me to strive for stronger character and story continuity.
Edit: Okay, I meant to post this sooner, but things have been kind of crazy for me. First off, I was in a traffic accent- I was hit by another car that was speeding down the center (I'm fine, but my car was totaled). Unfortunately, I learned yesterday that my mom's husband (who's been having off-and-on health problems) stopped breathing while in the hospital (not in ICU, so he only being checked every 2 hrs), and is unresponsive after being revived.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XXXVI:
"Judgment, Part 1"
Soul Society...
Central Chamber, Gotei Council...
Inside the council chambers, twelve Captains, as well as two Lieutenants- Chojiro Sasakibe of the 1st and Isane Kotetsu of the 13th- commanding the fourteen active Divisions- representing the Second to the Fourteenth- were gathered around the large circular table.
"We have now addressed the formal matters of this session." Captain Byakuya Kuchiki started, casting his gaze across the table. "Before we adjourn, I would first ask- now, before the full committee- if there are any in attendance who would now like to take this moment to present any concerns they might have that had not been dressed during the course of the proceedings?"
"Yes." Kensei Muguruma started. "I think everyone here can agree that something must be done about the Wandenreich Quincy that we're currently holding prisoner." The Commander of the Ninth Division, with all his piercings and his short white hair, coolly stated to the others.
"He's right, we can't just hold them indefinitely." Toshiro Hitsugaya added. "Right now, we have close to forty of these people as our prisoners- including several high-ranking Officers and Officials- and all stuck in a form of limbo, while we figure out what to do with them."
"That's all well and good to say," Shinji chimed in. "But what do we do with them?" The Captain of the Fifth Division went on. "More to the point, what can we do with them?"
"Well, the answer to that depends..." Szayel interjected slyly, the light glinting off his glasses.
"On what?" Shunsui asked, adjusting his hat.
"On a number of things, really." The Octavio Espada answered coolly. "To start, in just what sense are we all speaking here." He continued. "Are we talking about this legally, or ethically?"
"Why, what does it matter?" Captain Sanjin Komamura inquired.
"Quite a bit, actually." Szayel countered smoothly. "Legally speaking, all those Quincys that we have locked away, they have no formal status or standing here- they are personae non statum." He explained to the others seated at the table. "And as such, they would therefor be exempt from the legal protections that you or I would be entitled to, were we in their place."
"A Hollow perspective, if I ever I heard one." The wolfish Captain chimed in cynically.
"Just what are you suggesting?" Jushiro Ukitake asked cautiously.
"I'm not suggesting anything, Ukitake-san." Szayel answered. "I'm simply offering some context for the situation. After all, legally-speaking, the argument could easily be made that the prisoners have no claim to any form of protection or representation." He continued. "And with no such obligations, we would be well within our rights to simply have them all summarily executed."
With the exception of the ever-composed Byakuya, everyone visibly perked up at this.
"No! We're civilized people!" Ukitake countered emphatically. "I am an Officer and a Gentleman, and I refuse to entertain such a barbaric notion as the one you're suggesting!"
"Really now, Captain, such passion." The pink-haired Arrancar countered with a smile.
"Inter arma enim, silent leges." Shinji quipped with a smile.
"Cicero." Rose spoke up. "In times of war, law falls silent." He clarified for the others.
"As I said before, I'm not suggesting anything," Szayel resumed. "I am simply offering you a possible solution- one of many." He explained amiably, relaxing into his chair. "But if I do seem prejudiced, it's only because these people- if they had been allowed- would have thought nothing of having my kind enslaved and, to say nothing of seeing Soul Society razed to the ground."
Nelliel shook her head. "These people, and this Wandenreich kingdom, they're a threat to everyone and everything that I care about." The woman lamented. "There's a part of me that would like nothing more than to see them suffer the fates they would have inflicted on us... And yet, there's also a part of me that realizes that the only way we can really win is by showing that we're better then them."
"An apt summation, Lady Nelliel." Szayel offered respectfully. "And if this is the sentiment of the rest of this council, then it would seem our concerns extend to the ethical considerations." He added with a gesture of his gloved hand. "In that case, it would appear we have some work ahead of us."
"Indeed." Toshiro Hitsugaya added. "We'll need to start setting up court... and preparing the 'accused' for trial in the near future." The young Captain went on.
"I don't suppose anyone here has any thoughts they might wish to share with the rest of us, perhaps even some insight into the matter that could of help?" Shunsui inquired.
Shinji gave a slight chuckle, flashing a broad toothy smile. "Funny you should ask." The blonde-haired man started, lacing his slender fingers together. "There happens to be a number of presidencies for just this sort of situation in the Living Realm's recent history." He explained. "I would suggest that we look to these instances in order to form the basis for the forthcoming trials."
"You're suggesting a War Crimes tribunal?" Toshiro inquired, his time spent masquerading as a high school student in Karakura making his familiar recent historical events.
The gangly blonde Vizard promptly nodded, still smiling characteristically. "Well, from their actions alone, I'd say they've all more than earned the title of POW."
Soifon nodded in agreement with the assessment. "As far as I'm concerned, in lieu of their invasion of Karakura, this Wandenreich has already declared a defacto state of war against us."
"In that case, then..." Rose started. "The charges against them should reflect that."
Byakuya cleared his throat. "Perhaps, for now, at least, it would be best to conclude this session, so as that we might take some time to reflect on this matter, and how best to proceed."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The following day...
Once more, the assembled commanders of the Elite Court Guard found themselves seated around the large table located within the Central Chamber- now the Gotei Council.
"But what are we to charge them with?" Lieutenant Sasakibe asked. "And more importantly, how do we decided who is to be charged with what, exactly?" He asked the others.
"He's right," Captain Sajin Komamura began. "To start with, are we to make a distinction between the Soldiers following orders and the Officers giving the orders?" The wolf-like man asked.
"And to that end," Captain Hitsugaya spoke up. "Just how much do we consider 'following orders' as a mitigating factor when it comes to matter of their sentencing?"
"The trial cannot be allowed to seen as nothing more than a kangaroo court." Ukitake protested to the other Officers gathered in attendance. "If there is no legitimate legal basis, than any authority we might have would quickly ebb away- and we'd be seen as no better than those we defeated."
"We don't want it to be argued that the charges might be ex-post facto." Shinji answered, speaking up, alerting the others "Rather than sensationalism, we should instead focus on what we can prove- firstly, establishing a larger, shared guilt amongst the accused- charges that could, potentially speaking, be applied to each and every one of them on the docket."
"Well, to begin with..." Shunsui picked up. "We have the grounds to charge them with 'Conspiracy to Commit Acts of Aggression', as well as 'Carrying out Acts of Aggression." He reasoned.
"And then, of course, that leads us to Crimes against Peace..." Kensei interjected, resting his chin on his knuckles as he addressed the others. "...and to the Stability of the Realms."
Szayel nodded at this. "Let's not forget the other matter at hand." He spoke up. "Aside from just the war crimes, there's also the wider implications of what they were planning- mass enslavement, forced conscription, and so on..." The pink-haired Arrancar went on. "We can't overlook that."
"Surely then," Soifon started. "Such acts would fall under... 'Crimes Against Sentient Life'?"
"Interesting." Shinji nodded thoughtfully, looking to the Black-Ops Captain. "Certainly a reasonable enough extrapolation of the real-world charge of 'Crimes Against Humanity'."
"Then we have four principle charges..." Toshiro spoke up. "First, Participation in a Common Plan or Conspiracy to Commit Acts of Aggression; second, Carrying out Acts of Aggression against the Peace and to the Stability of the Realms." The young Captain went on. "Third, Violating the Articles of War; and fourth, Crimes against Sentient Life."
"We're going to need to decide who among the prisoners will charged," Isane Kotetsu interjected, from her seat at the table. "And which of the four charges that they'll be facing."
"Why?" Kenpachi asked idly, shifting in his chair. "The way I see it, they're all guilty." The imposing man remarked dismissively, punctuating the statement with a yawn.
"Not necessarily." Shunsui responded calmly. "From what I can tell, just over half of those prisoners are nothing more than grounds troops- just common soldiers, who happened to be serving on the other side in a conflict." The scruffy-faced swordsman observed casually. "The only 'crime' they're guilty of is following orders, the same as any proper soldier- the same as us, were we in their place."
Jushiro nodded at this. "In any conflict, final responsibility rests not upon the shoulders of the common Ashigaru, but rather, on those of the Daimyo they serve." The fellow Captain reasoned.
"In that case..." Szayel began. "We'll need to start compiling dossiers for the prisoners: and that means conducting one-on-one interviews, carrying out psychological evaluations and personality assessments, subjecting them to intelligence tests, and so on." The Arrancar offered. "Beyond that, we'll also need to agree on who exactly will be presiding over this affair, and- in turn- thereby will be passing judgment on and deciding the final fates of the Quincy prisoners."
Captain Byakuya Kuchiki had been calmly sipping tea from an ornate cup held in his hand when he looked up from the decorative vessel. "Then, in that case," the dark-haired noble started as he set the cup down. "It would seem that his Council has its work cut out for it."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Detainment Center...
Main POW Holding Area...
Lieutenant Lisa Yadomaru's braided ponytail shifted as she walked, making her way down a long corridor, flanked by security staff. The dull grayish-silver passageway was illuminated from above by rows of fluorescent lights.
Just ahead of her, there was a heavy reinforced door. Beyond it, was the larger of two cell blocks that housed the majority of the Quincys that had been taken prisoner directly in the aftermath of their failed attempt to capture Karakura City- which they had planned to use as a 'beachhead' for launching future attacks against Soul Society, as part of their 1000 years-old Blood War.
Given what they'd learned of these people, in particular the clearly Germanic nature of their kingdom and the glaring similarities between their Wandenreich and its most obvious real world analogue, many had taken to mockingly referring to the event as Gefallensterne Nachte.
Aka, 'The Night of Fallen (Failed) Stars'.
Upon her arrival, the doorway opened to her and she ventured through the entryway. Beyond it, was a long two-story chamber: The left was dominated by two rows of identical prison cells, with the ones on the upper level linked by a metal walkway that ran the length. The rest of the chamber, complete with its high ceiling, was wide open, with high windows lining the entirety of the wall.
Lisa reached up to adjust her smart-looking oval glasses, before approaching a specific cell. Under her arm, was nestled a tan folder- full of various documents, with the name "R. Accutrone" visible on the front.
Elsewhere...
A fair-skinned man, with blonde hair and blue eyes, looked up from the desk- away from the book that he was reading- listening as the door to his side opened up. The rectangular room that he found himself in was only about 10 ft x 20 ft squared in size, with a 12 ft ceiling overhead.
He'd been alerted to the now familiar series of mechanical clicks from the door to his right, indicating that someone was in the process of unlocking it- he had a visitor. He marked his place in the book and closed it, before rising to receive whoever it was. He had learned, during his months spent in captivity, that Shinigami kept strict schedules: he (along with the rest of those housed with him) were woken up at 0600, with breakfast served at 0630, he would then return to his cell.
After cleaning his cell (which was inspected at 0730), they were largely left to their own devices- with the time between 0800-1600 usually allotted for supervised recreation these days. Sometimes he spoke with the others prisoners, though mostly he kept to himself. Dinner was served at 1730, after which he and the others would be returned to their cells at 1800, with lights out 2000.
Unscheduled visits were not a common occurrence...
The metal door slid open, revealing the figure of a tall slender man. His face bore a dour expression, as well as numerous markings- three narrow vertical lines running down the right side of his face, as well as a blue-gray stripe across the bridge of his nose and upper left cheek, with the numbers "69" situated just below it. His hair was spiky and dark, with his narrow dark eyes set below thin dark brows.
There appeared to be others with him, standing just outside, though he couldn't make out any details of them, as they were within the darkness of the corridor outside.
The Shinigami seemed to briefly glance to his white uniform jacket, draped over the back of his chair, before returning his gaze to the Quincy. "I am Shuhei Hisagi, Co-Lieutenant of the Ninth Division of the Elite Court Guard Forces of the Seireitei." He introduced in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Are you Commander-General Yohanez Van Leitner?" He continued steadily.
"Ja. I am Yohanez Van Leitner." He replied with a nod. "And I am, or perhaps it would more correct to say was, Field Commander of all Soldat forces for the Wandenreich." Van Leitner was dressed in a pair of white military trousers and black boots, with a gray dress-shirt and black tie.
"Then, Commander-General Van Leitner," Shuhei started evenly, taking a step forward and holding up a tan folder. "Then, by my authority, as an Officer of the Elite Court Guard, I now hereby present you with the formal documentation of the Charges that you presently stand accused of."
"Charges?" Van Leitner asked, arching a brow as he received the folder. "What Charges?"
"As the overall Commander of the Soldat forces, you were involved in planning and carrying out of the invasion of Karakura City." The Shinigami replied. "You stand accused of the following Charges..."
He cleared his throat. "Count one, Involvement in Planning Acts of Aggression Against the Peace and the Stability of the Realms; Count two, Staging and Carrying out Acts of Aggression; and Count three, Violating the Articles of War." Hisagi recounted, coolly from memory
In a different cell...
Meninas McAllon looked up in confusion, away from the folder in her hands, toward the black-robed figure presently standing before her. "What's going on here, what is this?"
A woman stood before, with storm-cloud blue eyes and wavy strawberry-blonde hair that framed her face and spilled down to her waist in the back. She was dressed in a full-length black woman's kimono, with the open front showcasing her massive breasts. A thin gold chain hung from her neck, hooped at one end and vanishing down into the 'valley' of her cleavage.
It wasn't often that a woman of Meninas' bountifulness felt so thoroughly out of her depth...
The pink-haired Quincy recognized the woman as a Lieutenant, thanks to the characters on the badge adorning the front of the obi sash tied around her waist. "It's really quite simple, Major McAllon." The gorgeous Shinigami explained, the faint hint of a smile visible on her pink lips.
"The folder you've been presented with- inside of it, is contained all of the specific details relating to the War Crimes Tribunal that you'll be brought before, as well as all relevant information pertaining to the charges you'll be facing." Rangiku explained to the curvy Sternritter, brushing a hand through her caramel tresses. "I recommend that you take some time to review it."
"As it is," Rangiku continued. "You are charged with two counts: Committing Acts of Aggression and Crimes Against the Peace and Stability of the Realms, and Violating the Articles of War."
The woman's green eyes grew wide. "W-wait, I don't understand..." She protested. "W-what's going to happen to me?!" Meninas frantically asked the other woman, the Sternritter seemingly unable to fully grasp the extent of the situation she now found herself in.
She regarded the Quincy, dressed in her frilly uniform. "It's not my place to say." The busty Lieutenant replied after a moment. "That's a matter for the Tribunal to decide."
Yet another cell...
"I don't believe this!" Candice exclaimed. "This is bullshit!" The blonde cursed.
"Now, now, Miss Catnip." Yumichika admonished with a sly smile. "You really must control yourself, after all, such outbursts really are most unbecoming." The purple-haired continued. "I take it then, that you intend to contest the charges against you?" He inquired, fully knowing the response.
"Of course!" Candice snapped, before folding her arms across her chest. "I- I can't believe this crap!" She exclaimed, turning away from him in a huff, to glare at the wall.
The Fourth Seat Officer had hardly been shocked by the 'brusque' reception he'd received from the ill-tempered woman. Not that he could really blame her. The majority of the Quincy prisoners were either Sternritters or Soldat Troopers, plus a handful of key Wandenreich authorities and support personnel.
The reactions of the Sternritter captives were particular noteworthy- ranging from grim resignation, to stubborn defiance, to outright hostility. And this was hardly surprising, when considering they were the elite fighting force of their kingdom, so a certain degree of pride and/or arrogance was really only to be expected of them. As such, to be taken prisoner- by their ancient sworn enemy, no less- then rendered helpless must have come as a particularly grievous insult for many of them.
Upon arrival, they'd had their Quincy powers sealed (via reishi-inhibiting shackles). For someone as prideful as Candice, the entire ordeal must have seemed intolerable. Especially, since the leggy blonde had ended up sporting not just a less than fetching energy-sealing metal collar around her slim neck, but had also had a pair of sealing cuffs shackled to her wrists.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Twelfth Division HQ...
Captains Kensei Muguruma, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Nelliel-Tu Obberschank, Jushiro Ukitake, and Soifon were gathered in a room within the heart of the Research & Development Division. Szayel Grantz stood in the back, a remote in hand. The three Shinigami, Vizard, and Espada were seated- watching as black-and-white footage played on the screen before them...
A tall man stood at a lectern, speaking. He was dressed in a dark three-piece suit and tie, his dark hair was slicked back a pair of glasses adorned his clean-shaven face...
"...The very idea that states commit crimes is a fiction. Crimes are always committed only by persons. Men who exercise great power cannot be allowed to shift their responsibility on to the fictional 'State', which cannot be produced for trial, cannot testify, and cannot be sentenced."
"Nor can they shield themselves behind loyalty and duty. To swear an oath of inviolable fidelity and absolute obedience is nothing less than an abdication of personal intelligence and moral responsibility. One need only think of the millions of lives sacrificed- in the name of 'reasserting the rule of law'- by these men, who acted with savagery and accepted no restraints, legal or moral."
"Fascinating..." Ukitake mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Indeed." Szayel replied, pausing the video and setting the remote down. "I thought you all might find this footage that I gathered insightful." The Octavio remarked. "Especially, as the five of you have been chosen as the presiding officials for the forthcoming tribunal." He continued with a smile. "I must say, all things considered, that I don't envy your position."
"Yes, well," Kensei started, rubbing his chin. "Thankfully, the Lieutenants and the senior-most Seated Officers will be seeing to the more practical hands-on aspects of the case." The Vizard Captain casually remarked with a slight smile, leaning back into his chair.
Nelliel nodded at this. "One of my own Lieutenants, Lisa Yadomaru, is assigned to one of the Quincy prisoners as a legal liaison." The former Tercera commented.
"I still have some concerns regarding some of the more dangerous prisoners." Toshiro Hitsugaya spoke in a serious tone. "In particular, the man Cang Du, and the Woman Bambietta Basterbein." The young Captain elaborated. "I can't envision either of those two willingly allowing themselves to be brought before the tribunal and meekly accepting our judgments."
"I wouldn't worry about that too much." Soifon interjected. "With the inhibitors on them, they're hardly any great threat to us." She added coolly. "One way or another, they will face judgment."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Detainment Center, Debriefing...
After much initial discussion among the Captains, the specific charges put forth against each of the Quincy prisoners had been decided upon and finalized...
A man was seated at a table. He was of average height, with a stocky build, and had dark brown hair and muddy brown eyes, with a clean-shaven face. "Why am I here?"
"Baldur Krebbz..." Lieutenant Zhao Shengcai (or simply 'Shenkai' as he was commonly known) began, addressing the man seated across the table from him. "As the Under-Commander of the Wandenreich's elite Jägerdarmee, you served under the late Commander Opie Quilge- and that makes you the highest ranking surviving Officer of the Hunter Corps." The slender man stated calmly.
"As the second-in-command to Quilge, we realize that you would not have been directly involved in the planning of the invasion..." Lieutenant Shenkai continued. "That fact, combined with your limited direct involvement in the conflict, is why it was decided that you would not be charged with the First and Third Counts." He paused. "However, as a Jägerdarmee, you stand charged with the Second and Fourth Counts: Participation in Acts of Aggression, and Crimes Against Sentient Life."
"I've reviewed the charges against me." Krebbz replied dryly. "The first is clear enough. But, in regard to the second... On what grounds am I being charged with 'Crimes Against Sentient Life'?"
"I should think the answer to that was obvious." Shenkai answered. "We know that one of the primary functions of the Jägerdarmee is the capture of Hollows- to be forcibly conscripted as a fighting force." He stated coolly to the other man. "In other words, the exploitation of other living, thinking beings."
"But, they're Hollows." The Quincy protested emphatically, leaning forward. "You speak of them as if they were people, like you and I!" He exclaimed. "But they're not- they're monsters!"
"Unfortunately for you, Under-Commander Krebbz," Shekai started coolly. "Soul Society and the Shinigami do not share that view." He replied pointedly.
In another room...
Lieutenant Chojiro Sasakibe, acting Commander of the First Division, wordlessly cast his gaze across the length of a rectangular table, toward the figure of a man.
He had short sandy-brow hair (parted neatly on the side) and angular features, and dull green eyes set behind a pair of wire-frame glasses resting on the bridge of his slender nose. He was dressed in a white double-breasted officer's jacket and trousers (tucked into a pair of boots). The patch on his arm depicted the five-point Quincy Star, except with the addition of a crossed quill and key (forming an "X") across the front of the emblem. Aside from this, the man appeared largely unremarkable.
He glanced down at the file before him: On it, was a photograph of the very man before him, with the name "Joachim Schneider" visible on it. Below that, read the title "Chief Director of Strategic, Tactical, & Operational Intelligence." The Lieutenant looked back to him...
"Director Schneider," the white-haired man started. "By now, I take it you will have looked over the file you were presented the other day?" Sasakibe inquired, gloved fingers laced together.
He nodded at this. "Yes, most thoroughly, Lieutenant." Schneider replied. "If I understand correctly, I stand accused of participation in 'Planning Aggression and Crimes Against Peace', as well as 'Violating the Articles of War'?" The Quincy asked in a calm steady tone.
The Shinigami responded with a simple nod.
"As you know, I am not a commander of troops." He remarked. "I am a desk-bound Officer, I head the special branch of the Wandenreich military that handles intelligence-gathering." Schneider explained to the Shinigami. "My 'weapon' has always been information... so I have an eye for details."
"Tell me something, then," Schneider continued, adjusting his glasses. "What exactly will happen to me, should I be found guilty of the charges against me?"
"That depends..." Lieutenant Sasakibe replied. "There's still the inquest to be carried out, and you will of course have the opportunity to present your case." He explained. "Once all of the relevant facts have been gathered and carefully considered, then a final decision will be rendered."
Schneider adjusted his glassed and smiled wryly. "And then, I am to be executed, correct?"
Elsewhere...
Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu opened up the file before her, which contained a photograph of the woman presently seated across the table. Below the picture, was the name "Roxanne Whitaker (λ)", followed by the rank listing of "Sternritter Company Leader" under that.
The woman had sharp medium blue eyes and a fair complexion, and a main of reddish-orange hair- the long tresses formed into ringlets in the back, while bangs framed her elegant features in front. From her outward appearance, she looked to be between her late 20s to mid 30s. Her Wandenreich Uniform was composed of a white blazer-like jacket (with silver edging), over a gray dress-shirt and black tie, along with matching trousers (with a silver stripe along the side of each leg) tucked into black boots.
"Company Leader Whitaker," Isane began, addressing the female Quincy. "Before we continue, do you understand the charges that have been brought against you?"
"I do." She answered. "Because of my participation in the Invasion, I have been accused of 'Aggression and Crimes Against the Peace', and thereby violating the Articles of War."
When the Shinigami confirmed this, she continued. "Well then, in that case, Lieutenant," she resumed. "Perhaps you might do me the courtesy of enlightening me." Whitaker continued. "Just what exactly is it that's expected of me now?" The redhead asked.
Isane gave a confused looked. "What do you mean?"
The redhead relaxed a bit. "I'm a captured enemy combatant. And, more than that, I'm a Quincy- so I have no reason to expect you Shinigami to be sympathetic towards me." She replied calmly. "Whatever happens now, it will be entirely by your people's choice. I'm merely an observer."
"I assure you, this isn't a show trial." The Lieutenant countered.
"No, of course not." Whitaker answered back glibly. "Though, you Shinigami would certainly be well within your rights to hold one." She went on. "After all, you've more than earned the right."
(- End of Chapter XXXVI... -)
For anyone wondering, the legal precedents cited by the characters are from the Nuremberg Trials (1945-1948). The charges issues against the Quincy- and the reasoning behind them- are pretty much verbatim with the historical charges. Also, none of the original Quincy are directly based on any specific historical figures, though I did borrow a few of their (first) names for some of them.