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[lady_of_books]

[Via Bananaphone; Illuminati filter]I do not wish to sound alarmist, but I appear to have misplaced a folder of records holding information that could be compromising if the seals on it are breached. This would require skill, as any mistake in opening the seals will result in the prompt destruction of the folder's contents. However, such a feat is

Comments

[So filtered]

[the_rotator]

Ise-san, I know we're all under a great deal of stress, but if you'll forgive me, misplacing such an item does not sound like you at all.

[So filtered right back]

[lady_of_books]

You would be correct in that estimation, Kuchiki-kun. I have been very pressed lately, which is partly blame for my late visit to the Archive, but...

I suppose I was merely trying to remain optimistic. This is not a matter I could take to the Twelfth. I have sent a few of my trusted seated officers to look, on the pretext that the folder contains important division documentary, but I have no wish to make this issue public in any way. Requesting aid from those who would know the true import of the records seemed wisest.

[Filtered]

[the_rotator]

That's smart thinking. If someone does have the file and does not yet know what it contains, it would be imprudent to alert them. Yet it seems difficult to imagine that its disappearance is a coincidence. Did you happen to meet anyone on your return trip from the Archive?

[Filtered]

[lady_of_books]

It was very late, and I was using flash-step for most of the trip. I do not think I saw anyone other than the night watchmen posted along the way.

If it has become lost in the Archive itself, that is a more troublesome situation.

[filtered, filtered]

[god_of_games]

[Serious captain is suddenly serious.]

Accompany me this afternoon; we'll retrace your steps and actions.

[filtered, filtered]

[lady_of_books]

[And flustered vice-captain is flustered.]

Thank you, sir. I think that would be both wise and prudent. A clearer picture may emerge if there is another mind to do the thinking in addition to mine.

... Truly, I would be grateful.

[filtered, filtered]

[god_of_games]

[I'm sure she can hear the eyebrow waggle.]

You can always show me just how grateful later.

[filtered, filtered]

[lady_of_books]

[I'm sure he can hear the frost forming.]

Perhaps by not emptying your newest stash of spirits down the drain, sir? Hiding them in the kitchens was at least novel. I was getting weary of tripping over sake jars in the records rooms.

{Filtered}

[frozen_clouds]

I can take a few hours off to help look for it. I know this is important.

{Filtered}

[lady_of_books]

As long as you can do it in a discreet way, Isane-san. Multiple high-seated officers hunting for a single file folder might seem excessive. Thank you.

However, if you happen to receive anyone coming in to have kidou burns treated, it might be useful to take note of such occurrences. Most of the seals would be harmful to an inexpert handler trying to access the records.

[filter]

[howls_at_stars]

Haven't seen anything in my travels today, but I'll let you know if anything turns up. Holler if you need an extra pair of eyes; I should be done with my paperwork relatively early today.

[filter]

[lady_of_books]

You at least have the advantage of freer movement, Abarai-san. You are a more plausible sight in many places than most of our officers--and I mean this in a strictly positive sense.

I am inclined to believe that deliberate theft is the more likely conclusion. I have now retraced my movements, and the folder has yet to reappear at the division.

[filter]

[bewerethecat]

If it's theft we're talking about, do you have a suspect in mind?

[filter]

[lady_of_books]

The next logical step would be to start an investigation into the librarians, Shihouin-san. I am in the Archive often, so generally I am left to my own devices, but it is not inconceivable someone would have been through my papers, at least superficially.

[filter]

[bewerethecat]

I see.

If you're there often, I'm going to guess you're familiar with the usual duty rotations. Were there any unfamiliar faces or any changes from the norm at all?

[filter]

[lady_of_books]

I am looking into it as we speak. There have been two new additions to the library duty rosters in the last month. My fifth seat in assisting me--and yes, I trust her implicitly, as far as I would trust anyone in these circumstances.