Part 10
The image of the disappearing Senkaimon clicks off and the screen goes dark. Next to it, another screen displays schematics, formulas and assorted esotery. The figures of various different creatures and souls flash across yet another screen above, and next to it, another screen displays images of the swords of each of the subjects no longer in frame. And next to that, data scrolls across a screen featuring various pictures and diagrams of the Senkaimon.
A pair of long and spindle-fingered hands types briskly at a complicated keyboard. Offset by a level of the console, a second, similar pair of inhuman hands types at another keyboard. In the background of a brightly lit room, the sound of variously shaped figures milling about is overcast by two women conferring in serious tones.
"He faced down three Sternritters. And that was nine years ago. All survivors were accounted for. She doesn't appear to be a Sternritter, this Quincy. What's more…she did what Liltotto Lamperd couldn't…Rudbornn might order a tactical retreat, but I suspect he'd only surrender if the alternative were a more costly defeat." The first speaker finishes with a voice like a contemplative sea in the eye of a storm.
"Reviewing memory…" The second speaker begins robotically, then shifts into a meek and sensible, personable voice. "I see…her buttons…from the Jagdarmee. She was one of the Quincy soldiers from the occupation. Hmm…she kept a low profile. No identifiable details to spot her amongst the other Soldat."
"That outfit…more like a Shihakusho than a Quincy uniform. Not one of ours though. Nor from the Gotei 13 [Thirteen Court Guard Squads of the Shinigami]."
"She travelled using Schatten. I don't know where she came from or where she went."
"You don't see her anywhere?"
"Sciencia doesn't work that way. I don't know where to look except the starting point. I have to look through all the space and time in Hueco Mundo…"
"I'm proud of you, Roka. A decade ago you would have been ready to die for not having prepared a report before entering my presence. Now you can tell me no."
"Thank you, My Lady."
"Hmm…A Soldat that uses Schatten? That threatens Rudbornn more than a Sternritter? And those Heilig Pfeil…Their energy was dark. That technique looked like Licht Regen, but the arrows were…different." If voices could frown, Queen Tier Halibel's voice could freeze. "And that technique. It looked like a Cero."
Keys on several keyboards continue to clatter while the conversation plays.
"Yes, it did. Analysing…I don't recognise it. Closest profile…hmm. Strange…"
"Hmm?"
"That technique…the closest Reiatsu profile would be… the Getsuga Tenshou of Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Kurosaki? That Deputy Shinigami boy?"
"Yes. Well…" Roka pauses thoughtfully. "What is it, Roka?" "Souls age much faster in the World of the Living. To his cohort…Kurosaki is a man."
"Hmm… It's fleeting. Some Shinigami live lifetimes with less blood than…"
The recording scratches to a halt, squeals as it rewinds, and then begins again. "My Lady Halibel! Begging your pardon, I have urgent news concerning the Second Espada, Rudbornn Chelute!"
As the recording plays, the key clatter stops. "Prepare a specimen room." A cold and inquisitorious voice speaks with authority and anticipation. The speaker is a strange, grim figure. Upon the torso of a man is a head mostly made up of a mask in the likeness of a bird's face. The upper left quadrant of the face is the face of a man, with a pinpoint pupil, three blue diamonds tattooed above the brow, silver hair combed upward into a crest, and four needles protruding from his face. The torso has no apparent legs and instead hovers around where legs would hold it. Four, rather than two long and lanky, skeletal arms attach at the shoulders, with the long, thin, talon-like hands that had tapped upon the keys. He wears a modified white Shihakusho tailored to his torso, with a short poncho under which his arms might fold and disappear. When he speaks, his voice is both smooth and raspy, velvet and cold honey. "We will be hosting a visit from another Quincy."