Labcoats and Cigarettes

Nanao kept her distance, shooting the odd glance at the man and his tablet from her place on the hill. She knew the signs of concentration well enough and had no wish to disturb him. Besides, it was always interesting to watch this one in particular work. He was diligent in a way she couldn’t quite help but approve of, wishing some of her own division’s lower seats might take a leaf out of his book. 

She almost jumped at his comment, half scared at being scolded for staring by a lower seat, only to watch him draw out a cigarette and light it, clearly oblivious to her attention. Relieved, she adjusted her glasses and offered a hasty nod at his comment, nose wrinkling at the stagnant waft of cigarette smoke, but glad he was willing to explore this a little further. Giving up now felt counterproductive after coming so far. 

“Of course” she stepped off the rubble, cocking her head the smile, warming to it slighty. It was  a pleasant look on him, almost handsome “I’d rather not return to the Seireitei empty handed”

It was another twenty or so minutes of walking before they reached one of the entrances to the catacombs. Akon intermittently typed on his tablet, alternating between research on history of the area and monitoring some of the more involved projects back at the SRDI. Rin was, it appeared, going through sugar withdrawals during the candy shortage caused by the 11th’s lieutenant. He made a mental note to fully integrate a positive-feedback loop in his associate to mitigate the effect.

“I wonder if the 11th squad is worth the amount of headaches they cause,” he said idly. Small talk wasn’t his usual comfort, but Nanao had been politely silent as he worked, and it would only be polite to someone technically his superior to at least attempt to engage in conversation. At least, that’s the reason he decided on.

“Yes, childish. Exactly. It’s as if she does it just to spite me–” Mayuri’s eyes slid from the ceiling to the screen Akon stared at, had been staring at since before their conversation began. Mayuri frowned, rolled his eyes. 

Where before the screen’s contents paled in importance to his most pressing need, now it contained a distraction. 

“Are the barometers calibrated? The pressure shouldn’t be such a low number for the range you set. Double check those buffoons calculated the subject’s bone density correctly too. That would interfere with your numbers,” He flicked his wrist in annoyance, attention swapping like flicking a switch. “Anyway, as I was saying, it’s as if she knows just what to do to drive me mad. Is she deliberately disobeying my orders? Or is it unintentional? I can’t decide which is worse, negligence or an act of spite. But she’s not stupid so it must be intentional.”

“It is a low pressure, but the subject’s bones were treated with a nitric base to ensure stability throughout the testing, so the number isn’t outside of an expected range.” Yet, was of course, unspoken, and even as he said it Akon began the process of sending a message. After all, it was better to be safe than sorry when working with Mayuri.

It also served as a momentary distraction before his captain’s voice once again changed pitch, indicating the return of the previous topic.

“Spite is a terrible reason to do something,” Akon said, putting a new cigarette in his mouth and slowly blowing out a long string of smoke. “Especially if the offending actions have been clearly explained in ways that a child could understand.”

12: What’s something that makes them laugh every single time? Be specific!

Akon very, very rarely laughs. The most you might get out of him is a more bemused half-smile or maybe, maybe a chuckle. There are two things that will always bring that out: pulling a prank on Mayuri in such a way that his captain doesn't even realize what happened, and watching young Nemu/Nemuri as she discovers new and exciting things in life. The second one is less laughter, and more just... almost happiness. Almost.

1: What’s the lie your character says most often?

Akon rarely, if ever, directly lies. Lying by omission, however, is the bread and butter of the SRDI. Each time some of the less-than-moral actions they have taken comes to light, and he is asked how they could do such a thing, he opts to remain silent than to give the true answer:

If their actions disturbed you, imagine the horrifying circumstance you were unaware of that lead to them being approved.

23: What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn’t / don’t even remember?

Akon was instrumental to Mayuri in Nemuri Project, being one of the only people still in Soul Society with the intellect necessary to produce results. As such, he bears some, albeit minor, responsibility in the creation and life of Nemu. As such, he knows exactly how strong, durable, and resilient she is at the molecular level.

So when she grew older, and Mayuri's mistreatment of her grew more and more egregious, he was fully aware that her ultimate safety was never in question. That did not, however, stop him from wondering how much responsibility her well-being he was neglecting by allowing it to continue unopposed.

3. How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?

Honestly neither is likely to be aware of Akon's emotions. Akon may not always be aware of Akon's emotions. That shit is buried under layers, my friend.

19. What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?

That person would be Urahara. Akon would likely do his best to ignore everything the man said. When that would inevitably fail, he would probably end up smoking through all the cigarettes he had in rapid succession while trying to come up with any conceivable way of destroying one of them. It wouldn’t matter which at this point.

32. If they committed one petty crime / misdemeanor, what would it be? Why?

Speeding. Akon has absolutely no time for your ridiculously tempered motor vehicle restrictions.

42. If invited to a TED Talk, what topic would they present on? What would the title of their presentation be?

"Hello, and welcome to my TED Talk, Security and Information: A Deeper Look Into the Benefits of Covert Information Gathering of Everyone You Meet."

"There is a rather personal and, some might say, intimate undertone to the explanation of this particular rating."

"The fact that their subjective attractiveness apparently relies on their propensity to explain exactly what actions were taken in detail is interesting enough on its own, but to then put yourself in the position of the project being worked upon speaks of a desire to be the center of this individual's direct attention and desire. Further affirming that it would end in death or lack of consciousness speaks to a very... specific aphrodisiac for you."

"Potentially irrelevant. What is their job? Far too much leeway in such a statement, and it does nothing to indicate any more about the individual. What if their job is so mundane it physically pains you to acknowledge it? What if it is inconsequential and superfluous? What if they are 11th division?

"Selling organs on the black market is entirely unethical. Why, we could use those organs for a plethora of experiments, studies, and tests which would be far more beneficial than the meager sum gained from a black market deal."

"Only basing this on the overall environmental impact of various possible applicants is certainly one means of measurement, I suppose."

"Although unless empirical evidence exists to back up this claim, it does little more than act as conjecture, and can easily fall into subjective confirmation-bias on the part of the observer. It is best to maintain a more specific constant to mathematically measure against than have a more nebulous idea of 'disaster risks', for example."

@labcoatsandcigarettes​

“And then she started crying–you’ve heard her cry. It’s the most horrid sound on earth. I would have driven a pike through my ears but she was already clinging to me.” Mayuri throws his hands up, flexes his fingers as he recounts the memory. 

“And she was screaming ‘sorry’ over and over again when I was right there,” He continues, voice rising in pitch. “I heard her the first time! You know how I much I hate loud things, but there she goes, screaming it like I’m deaf. I’m a saint for showing so much restraint don’t you think? Akon?” Mayuri freezes, head tilting to look at his lieutenant.

The experiments had, for some reason, not delivered the desired result. Normally this would not perturb Akon in any way, as such is the way of science and advancement. After all, if everything went perfectly the first time then the challenge of advancement would fail to be fulfilling.

At least, that’s what he told himself as he made his way through his fifth cigarette that evening. Or was it morning? He couldn’t remember, his mind occupied by the infuriatingly incorrect numbers that stared back at him from his computer screen. The captains voice in his ear only added to the mental strain.

“Of course, sir. It is ridiculous that Nemuri act in such a juvenile manor,” he deadpanned, his eyes still on the screen in front of him.

To call the list extensive would be an understatement, they offered that many nonsense procedures and that was just the simple ones. On one hand was Izuru terribly surprised with the 12th’s reputation and on the other…well…no there really wasn’t an other hand. The description of the functions of Akon’s horns left him more perplexed even as he stated ‘currently’ and implied an array of functions it was a more interesting explanation than Izuru expected.

Though the last bit, I am Squad 12? Izuru didn’t mean to and it was unclear if Akon meant it as a joke but without warning the blonde let out a laugh. It wasn’t long or boisterous short and dry but it was genuine none the less.

“Well far be it from me to call you a liar then you were actually serious about that.” That being the offer of a ‘body modification existing and that being available for those outside of the 12th, that being said…Izuru still found this whole proposition rather unwise still when had they laughed last?

Maybe they’d cut Akon a break…maybe.

“So exactly what would this test entail I take that formula and then what? Just stay awake, I assume you’ll or someone will be observing the side effects how invasive is that going to be?”

Were they seriously considering this…oh boy. Learn to say no Izuru…

“We would monitor you for an initial time of 12 hours, as most of the more severe side-effects would take place during that time. After that you would not require direct monitoring by the SRDI, but we would recommend keeping someone with you as often as possible in order to be an active help were anything to go wrong.”

“We will continue to monitor you for the duration of the test, of course. We have enough cameras to effectively provide that support. Again, once the recommended time limit has completed I would strongly suggest finding somewhere you can safely and comfortably sleep for an extended period of time.”

Akon tapped his chin in thought, eyes staring vaguely in Izuru’s direction as he worked through his own mental checklists.

“The general application, at this stage, would be for situations that demanded rigorous ‘crunch time’, to borrow the common colloquialism. Extended use for generalized tasks and everyday life is not recommended. But for the busy lieutenant-on-the-go needing to catch up on the paperwork constantly shoved onto them...”

Akon left the sentence hanging, giving his comrade a significant look.

“quite sure” 

Nanao picked her way through the half ruined street, kicking away the odd peices of debris as she attempted to catch up with Akon. Her research was solid. That was one thing she was certain of. This doubt hidden behind a show of faith, irked her slightly. Just who did he think he was talking to? 

Now caught up, she clambered up a small pile of rubble and looked to the horizon, trying to get her bearings. She couldn’t deny the area was utterly deserted, with the only reiatsu she could sense, her’s and Akon’s.  If their targets were hiding, then they’d done it well. 

“looks like there’s nothing up ahead either”

She turned to Akon, her confusion obvious. Something felt off here, although that didn’t help her work out the next steps. There was no way she was ready to coceed defeat just yet. 

“perhaps we should search the ruins? maybe look for cellars or anywhere else they could be hiding?”

Akon nodded absently, his eyes returning to the tablet in his hands and scanning more words. While initially intrigued at the prospect of clandestine activities that could harbor as-of-yet undocumented results, and the prospect of who he would be travelling with, the apparent truth of banality now staring him in the face made him wonder if the trip had been worth it at all. The back of his mind churned with deadlines and schedules being re-organized, chastising the foolish decision to delay them on what was appearing to  be a pointless venture.

Then again, if he was already delaying them, why not push it further? He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, breathing in the calming nicotine.

“According to some older reports, there should be subterranean catacombs from the old cistern and well that was used. If anything is going to be alive around it, then that’s the most likely place to find it.”

“Correct!” She praises. there’s no reason to lie about her reasoning behind approaching him, “it is not often that a good mind is what makes one a threat. There are countless whom have been assimilated into a noble family precisely because of their intellect. But the Gotei has less interest in those of scientific mind. It is a military organization, and free creative thought is a detriment to their idea of a good, loyal, soldier.”

Where the nobles collected intellectuals like cute little competition animals to further and better their own interests – the Shihoin, for example, are rather infamous for their collection of bright minds – the Gotei despised anyone with the capacity to think beyond their control. How can one learn to obey if one has already instead learned to think for oneself? It was something she enjoyed about many of the members within the maggots nest, even if a majority of the thoughts the inmates possessed were not worth her time.

“However, you aren’t correct about why I’m here, little one. I’m ashamed to say my conviction is for something much less interesting than my experiments.” It’s no matter. She is not shy about her arrest. Rather, she’s frustrated that it’s for something so simple and avoidable. She was naïve, and she paid the tax.

This boy too, playing with a way for souls to escape the confines of their reishi bodies and return to a kishi world is not an idea the Gotei would ever permit. It is a threat to the very fabric of the reality they have created. If souls – rukongai souls – could escape the militaristic rule they exist under and flee to the living world, it would only be a matter of time before revolution.

“What is you name?”

He listens to her, still wary but with growing curiosity. She isn’t speaking or acting like the threats he has come to know in this space. At least not an obvious one. She speaks distain towards the Gotei freely and easily, and Akon reminds himself that there is no punishment in here for that. After all, they are already branded as traitors or dangers. What was a bit of treason more?

Still, when someone approaches with charisma and flowery words, it rarely stops at the surface level. Even at his young age, he had learned that lesson.

"Why are ya askin' me, yer senior, 'ta hold yer stuff? Why don't ya get some minions 'ta help ya out?" And yet, she's automatically reached for the specimens he's doling out and expertly re-arranging them in her little arms. She is surprisingly gentle with the delicate glassware, mindful of the long hours that has gone into collecting specific data.  Her voice might be full of complaints, but she is more helpful than she pretends to be.

“Thank you, senior officer. Also these.”

Akon hands over two more vials and a clipboard, barely making eye contact. His right hand is furiously scribbling on a small notepad still sitting on the desk as he delicately moves the arm of the small figure in front of him, electrical pulses showing on the monitor in front of them.

@desk-work-expert

Want: Three things they would do to your character if they were alone. (Putting Akon and I on the spot here, eh? :P )

“An interesting question. Is there a particular answer you are looking for, or is it simple curiosity?”

1 - I would like to talk to you. It’s an activity I so rarely get to indulge in due to constant and hectic schedules, and even more rare to engage with someone else intelligent enough to keep up. We could compare philosophical ideals and viewpoints, moralistic stances, and complain about the mountain of work our respective captains throw onto us.

2 - I would like to do a complete and thorough set of experiments and assessments on your Kido abilities. While there may be other, similarly strong kido users in the Gotei-13, to have reached the rank of Lieutenant with no Zanpakuto to speak of speaks volumes to your abilities, control, and endurance in that area. Research that could potentially unlock doors into further knowledge of the art.

3 - Were you to consent, I would like to study you, personally, as well. Fully and completely, in every metric and medium. You are someone that has caught my attention, and managed to hold onto a small part of it throughout the prior-mentioned mountain of work I find myself often buried under. To go over every inch, every scent and taste, every electrical impulse and hormonal response. To study is to know, and when I desire to know something I desire to know it in the most complete way possible.