Laboratory 5 : Department of Arcane Research and Development

[Magni Prime]

Returning to his lab area, Charles is pleasantly surprised by the discovery there. The crystals he had left to grow with shimigami resonance are quite large. So large, in fact, that they have destroyed his saturation chamber. No problems there, the crystals are all large and thick- easy to work with. As he lightly touches them, one minor surprise, they glow faintly upon touch. The question becomes whether they do that for all, or just for him. After all, it was his energy used to augment the growth cycle. For now, Charles just decides to stay quiet. Why divulge this when no need yet exists?

As he begins to break down the crystals into manageable pieces, portions of what he has been through flit through his mind. Not just the project here, but ramifications of his past. In his notebook are some extensive notes on the vaizards on Earth. When he was at the mercy of the Arrancar, he struck a deal . . . to further study those vaizards. Now that such a target has arrived, will those two come calling to continue the research? For a moment Charles freezes, realizing that a small part of him hopes they do. He has a shikai now, and is more able to defend himself. Proven in battle and science, he is no match in a fight with the Arrancar, but his mind saved him before. He doesn't know what is more interesting- that they may come for him, or that he wants them to on some level.  

[Magni Prime]

Once packed and ready for hollow testing, Charles decides to move to a nearby terminal. After some previous experiences in the labs, he knows basically how to find an interface and does so without much trouble. Turns out, he has a section of the system set aside for his use. Without a moment to pause, he immediately begins to input data, files upon files of information form over time. Reiatsu, Shimigami, his basics for the 'alpha state' theory, Vaizard information, everything. Only after all the data is in does the man realize he has stood there for long enough for his legs to ache, and the idea of security. What if his files are read? Breached? With a shrug, Charles realizes to worry at this point is useless. Who knows what redundant systems to prevent deletion Maxi has in place?

Another shock comes when Charles is notified of . . . orders? Evidently there is a small matter of a quick-release scabbard keyed by reiatsu. "Oh? This should be easy!" Closing the interface, he moves back to his lab, and wastes no time in creating a small clamp. Testing on a pseudo-blade, he fine tunes the clamp to be firm, but not in any way damaging. Next comes the release mechanism. A simple solonoid catch will serve that purpose- and then the sensor. For several moments that little catch causes him to pause.

"Hmmm . . . OH!" Several systems here in the labs are able to measure reiatsu, so that issue is solved. By placing the sensor towards the body, it would only measure the owner of the blade. Once calibrated, a switch can be set to release the blade upon a certain mark. A quick search of the adjoining supply rooms proves fruitful as several such devices are available. Before long, his prototype is ready, and Charles fine tunes the device, a quick-release for Zanpaktou . . . possibly a lock to prevent others from removing the blade prematurely. Constructing a second, he makes every attempt to hide the mechanism, creating a sleek and compact item.

Once done with the commission, Charles smiles darkly, and develops a few extra ideas. Redesigning the clamp into a pair of small motors, the release becomes an ejector mechanism, and using his newly attuned crystals, Charles hopes that they will only allow his specific reiatsu to open the device. Hours pass as he again fine-tunes the device to be a slim addition to his scabbard, custom-designing it. He also replaces his sword off of his belt, and onto his customary bandoleer. Now, rather than being on his hip, the weapon rests handle down on his back. Several tests happen smoothly as he places his right hand behind his hip on the handle, and pulses his energy. The resulting kick creates an upward arc with his blade faster than he could do on his own. A nasty surprise, an iaijutsu-enhancer. Charles smiles darkly, loving this idea.

Sheathing his blade again, he takes the requested quick-release weapon holster down to the main lobby, and sets it in a box labeled 'Captain: project complete' and moves to a terminal to write a quick message warning Maxi of the minor project's completion.  

[Magni Prime]

While digging through the system, Charles stumbles upon something far more interesting than an email server. His eyes widen as 'surveillance' flashes onto the screen as he navigates. Without hesitation, he moves to open that file, and is surprised slightly as a verification system asks for identity. "Takena, Charles . . . third seat, squad twelve." Evidently that was enough. Maxi is a clever one, likely having set this up in advance when he named Charles the third seat. Well, third seat "A" anyway. That little addendum sticks in his throat poorly. Still, his peer is of little consequence for now. Tadashi is more interested in power than mind, just as Charles wants the mind more than physical power.

A whole set of files lay in wait here. Most are directed at labs, a reasonable precaution. Still, a few files are named for people, evidently set up for security and perhaps a little blackmail later on if neccessary. While he did not care that such a file exists for himself, his eyes perk up at the file for 'DeMarco, Dominik' and he opens that.

Before his eyes, a set of feeds open, giving a fair amount of information on his previous 'savior.' Back in the woods, he was abandoned to the Arrancar by DeMarco, and such is not a sting he has forgotten. Instead, he notes a certain familiarity with the lieutenant. More than he would think proper, almost intimate. Certainly nothing he can act upon, but the body language, the insubordination she tolerates from him, the way he manipulates her emotionally and taunts her. Charles drinks it all in, learning about his subject. Just to gain more access to the situation, he tries to open a new window on the lieutenant, only to be denied access. "Hmmm . . . only subordinates, ne? Fair enough."

While not able to watch what Victoria has had up her sleeve, Charles can see what those of lower rank are up to. For now, he is more than content to study this odd interaction between Victoria and DeMarco. Certainly this is something he can use to his advantage . . . if it is what he thinks.  

[Magni Prime]

(( posting to prove I still exist and check in on this area daily, just don't know how to go on from here. ))  

[Magni Prime]

Rifling through the files, watching and absorbing as much information as the system will let him, Charles learns of DeMarco. True, his focus is on the interaction between him and Victoria, but overall knowledge is fine as well. As he sifts, a new file opens. Being so intent on reading them all, Charles notices almost immediately, and attempts to open it . . . and is blocked.

Frowning in confusion, Charles wonders why he suddenly cannot access a file that he could not but a moment ago. "What is going on?" Minutes pass, and he is unrelenting . . . he attempts to subvert the security, and ultimately fails. Staring intently at the screen, Charles won't take 'no' for an answer. All this time navigating has given him a decent understanding of both how to run the system, and how to try and exploit it. Everything he has is now concentrated on this screen, on breaking into or working around the security. The more he tries, the better he becomes, but not enough. Frustrated and confused as to why he cannot see the file, he finally sees why and nearly explodes in fury.

The file names have changed. No longer reading 'Dominic DeMarco,' the addition to his name provides a title. The subject of these files is now 3rd seat C. Furious beyond words, the shimigami glares at the screen with the intensity of which even he didn't think possible. Now Dominic is not his subordinate, a position that gave Charles a measure of revenge. Now he is a peer. What's worse, three 3rd seats? The situation is intolerable. The reason for twin seats was the differential between him and Tadashi. Charles had the brains, Tadashi has the brawn. Now Dominic is here and could likely offer both. In one move, his rival and abandoner has likely shot past him, and Charles won't stand for that at all.

Much as he disagrees with Tadashi, this might very well provide the first opportunity to agree on something. Still fuming, he minimizes the window of Dominic, unwilling to close that bit of information. Instead he pulls up a system locator on Squad 12 members. Hardly foolproof, the system only offers the most likely place to find a person. For some reason, no location is offered for Tadashi. Throwing up his hands in anger, Charles walks away from the screen and begins to pace through the lab.

"Dammit!!! First time I need that idiot, and he is unfindable! Despite my knowledge of Hado, there is no finding spell I know . . . and don't have a hell butterfly handy . . . I won't let him beat me- I refuse to let Dominic beat ME!!!" Fury flowing through him, Charles is oblivious to what goes on around him. The interface closes due to inactivity, and his reiatsu flares as memories of betrayal and danger flash through him. The thought of three 3rd seats in a single squad is intolerable. More than likely a reconing is coming. If Charles could contact Tadashi, he could perhaps make a deal to keep Dominic below the two of them. Left with no idea where he is or how to find him, seat B might as well be in Hueco Mundo. Seat A is feeling less than secure in his position, and this uncertainty only fuels the anger further.  

[Magni Prime]

(( I beg to differ. The post is valid due to assumptions made by the character. He saw footage, and looked up the training dummy. He assumes victory, and thus reacted accordingly. Jumping to conclusions based on paranoia and anger. Will DeMarco get it? I cannot say . . . but Charles is rattled by the possibility. ))  

[Magni Prime]

Ages seem to pass, and finally the rage subsides enough to think. Charles regains his sanity, only to find himself making plans to even the playing field. In the only combat scenario he had against another shimigami, extra tools made a massive difference. Tadashi brought explosives into the game, and nearly won on several occasions. A nasty surprise- exactly the kind of thing Charles will need. Racing back to the interface, he re-logs in and pulls up information on basic explosives. Compact, relatively light, and mid-range. Perfect.

Charles' mind begins to race as he dives once again into his work, quickly coming to the conclusion that the force would be far deadlier if directed. Like a popping balloon. Energy can go in all directions to minimal effect, or be channeled to create more power with the same payload. He devises three separate models of the same explosive . . . two are in the shape of a can, one with a convex flat side. The final is a simple ball, each large enough to fit comfortably in a single hand.

Determining just where the supplies he needs might be located, Charles practices his flash step to acquire his needs expediently. Proximity triggers, remote triggers, transmitter, compounds, everything is soon in his labs. For a time dwarfing his rage-state, he works hard on creating 11 small explosives. When he finishes with their creation, he moves on to another related idea. Pockets in his shihaksho can carry most of these things, likely along his waist to compliment his bandoleer. Still, for quick deploy, he recently finished the idea of a quick-release zanpaktou clasp. Repurposing that to arm-mounted holsters for his charges is a simple task. In the process of an hour and a half, he has made a few new surprises.

Only when he tries on the clasps does another thought hit him. Casting kido might accidentally trigger the catch, so he calibrates the release to be very specific, and the idea of combining kido with tech appeals to him. Two and two connect in his mind, for he has a very specific tool tuned to his own reiatsu already . . . Aitourensa! Pausing as his mind moves at a dizzying speed, he draws his weapon and lovingly runs his fingers across the length of blade and handle. Eyes wide with possibilities, he begins to design in his mind something that would be a signature move- a special that none seem to have even considered before . . . something that nobody could duplicate. Ever.

A sadistic smile crosses his face as he gently replaces his blade, and begins to sketch his designs in his book. This is too secret for even the automated systems to be trusted. His face a mask of evil glee, Charles begins to fuse sorcery and science through the foci of his mind and spirit. Oddly enough, a sense of curiosity and approval seems to emanate from the recesses of his mind. Normally quiet, Aitourensa seems to like the idea of being given an 'upgrade' . . .  

[Magni Prime]

"Dammit . . ." Again and again, Charles tries to find a system to combine his sword's abilities with some kido spells. Convinced there is a way, he wants to let that little ace in the hole be a shock to his next combatant. Something in him says that there will be a fight coming to determine seating. With five third seats currently in this squad, a reckoning is coming. Still, despite his passion for the idea, the technology doesn't seem cooperative. Simply too many kido variables, the reiatsu would be unstable.

In the meantime, another idea begins to form, and with reluctance Charles moves on. Shredding his notes on the kido-zan unit, he wonders about something a great deal simpler . . . a decoy. Moving back to his terminal nearby, he works on devising a way to emit a signal like a reiatsu signature. If he coudl do that, then that would serve as a nice little trick for distracting others. Let them think they have him cornered while he sets up a trap or five. That thought brings the smile back to Charles, as he devises the unit, and some notes form on other projects to be put into motion soon.