In the underground bunker, in the observation room, an almost tangible, oppressive silence fell — after the two helicopters sent to retake the captured aircraft carrier were shot down, and more than thirty soldiers, including the pilots, perished without even managing to approach the target. Even though it all happened in a mere ten seconds, every officer present froze in place — the soldiers' screams and the thunder of explosions still rang clearly in their ears, as though the echo refused to die.
But shock quickly gave way to frantic activity: the officers pulled themselves together and began feverishly trying to determine exactly what had destroyed the helicopters — and with what. Alex, seated beside Integra, had connected to Britain's entire security system the moment he arrived at headquarters — including every satellite used by the British military.
Leaning his shoulder lightly against Integra's, he showed her frame by frame on his phone screen exactly how both helicopters had been taken down. Integra made no comment on the fact that Alex had so easily and quickly breached an entire country's security system — she simply memorized it silently for later.
Right now she was simply watching Alex's phone screen and, frame by frame, saw how Rip van Winkle had destroyed both helicopters with a single musket shot. The bullet fired from her magical weapon altered its trajectory in flight and struck multiple targets simultaneously.
Integra tapped the screen with her finger, zooming in on a frame — and with a glance signaled to Alex that she wanted to hear his assessment of this vampire's capabilities. Walter also leaned in closer — to listen and analyze what Alex would say, already mentally calculating possible countermeasures.
Alex nodded and began explaining in a low voice: Rip van Winkle's power did not stem from her vampiric nature — all her strength lay in the magical musket created by the Major and the Doctor. The weapon fired special magical bullets capable of changing trajectory mid-flight, splitting apart, and striking dozens of targets at once.
Integra heard what she wanted and gave a short nod — already thinking about how such a threat could be countered. Alex, meanwhile, was mentally calculating: it would be nice to acquire that musket after the battle — rework it and later give it to Rika. He was certain: Rika would appreciate such a gift.
While Alex and Integra quietly discussed Rip van Winkle's abilities, the officers continued noisily trying to understand what exactly had shot down the helicopters they themselves had sent.
"Were the helicopters taken out by ship-mounted guns?" one of the senior officers asked, seated at the table and staring demandingly at his subordinates.
"No, sir. The carrier's guns were not used. Something else brought down our aircraft," a junior officer replied, eyes fixed on his monitor.
"Was anyone left alive? Did any of the SAS survive?" another senior officer asked, slamming his palm on the table.
"Impossible to tell, sir. A fire is spreading across the sea surface — it's blocking our view," the junior officer reported, still unsuccessfully attempting to reestablish contact with anyone who might have survived.
Once again the headquarters erupted in noise and arguments. Senior officers shouted at one another — but in reality each was simply trying to cover his own back and find someone to blame for the failed mission. None of them intended to admit that they were the ones who had ordered the carrier's recovery — and that the SAS members sent had died precisely because of their decision.
Watching this circus, Alex grimaced in disgust — he could clearly see the true thoughts of these "senior officers" who pretended to want to take action while in fact only searching for ways to avoid responsibility. Integra also saw the entire farce — but her face remained cold and impassive. She merely clenched her thin cigar slightly tighter between her teeth.
Only Shelby Penwood felt genuine guilt — for not having stopped the operation the moment Integra appeared. After all, he too had been present at the Round Table meeting convened by the Queen. He had heard and seen Millennium declare war on Britain.
Clenching his fists, Penwood thought: he should have immediately ordered the operation canceled the instant he saw the Nazi symbol on the carrier's deck — and simply waited for Integra, who could have dealt with the vampires who had seized the British ship. Soon even Integra began to lose patience listening to officers who were already preparing to launch yet another suicidal operation.
"Farce…" Integra murmured quietly, folding her hands under her chin.
"What did you say?" a senior officer snapped, looking at her with disapproval.
"I merely said that all of this is a farce," Integra replied, pronouncing each word slowly and clearly, staring straight at the senior officers.
"What exactly are you implying, Lady Integra?" Penwood asked, deciding to intervene and genuinely wanting to hear her opinion.
"There is no point sitting here bickering. While you stage this farce and accomplish nothing meaningful — blood continues to flow," Integra said in a calm, even tone, looking Penwood directly in the eyes.
"How would you like to proceed, Lady Integra?" Penwood asked, calmly meeting her gaze.
"It is already obvious that this is the work of vampires. Therefore — HellSing will handle it. And so, with your permission, Sir Penwood, we are taking this matter into our own hands and will act at our discretion," Alex said calmly, folding his hands on the table.
Penwood shifted his gaze to Alex — who, despite all the chaos, looked utterly composed. Penwood could not help noting: every time he saw Alex, he seemed different. Their first meeting had been at HellSing Manor — when Alex crashed through a third-floor window straight into the meeting hall, dealt with a vampire and ghouls single-handedly.
The second was at the Round Table meeting, where Penwood had witnessed his methods. And now the third — Alex had appeared again alongside Integra. Each time he seemed like a different person. When Alex declared that this was HellSing's matter, all the senior officers immediately tried to dissuade Penwood.
But Penwood stopped looking at Alex — who, despite his youth, looked like someone who had been through far more than an old man like himself. Penwood turned his gaze to Integra — wanting to see her reaction.
"My husband's words are HellSing's words, Sir Penwood," Integra calmly confirmed.
"Very well… Very well, Integra. Gentlemen — silence… From this moment forward, HellSing is granted full freedom of action," Penwood said, slightly surprised by Integra's reference to "husband," but quickly regaining composure.
"Thank you," Integra replied, rising from her seat.
"And before we leave, Sir Penwood — allow me to say one thing," Alex said, lifting Alessa into his arms.
"I'm listening, Sir Voldigoad," Penwood replied, raising his eyes to him.
"Gather your courage and give orders like an admiral should. You are in charge here — not them. Order them to stop sending people to their deaths. And try ramming the carrier with a drone. It's important… Ah, yes. Good luck," Alex said in a calm, even tone.
When Alex finished speaking — the senior officers already had their mouths open to begin berating him, but Penwood raised a hand — signaling they should be quiet. Seeing this, Alex gave a faint smile and approached Integra to leave. As he drew near — she gave the slightest hint of a smile at the corner of her lips and exited the observation room together with him.
Penwood watched them go — and reflected on Alex's words. Because when Alex spoke them — he had not been rude or scolding. He had given advice. Clenching his fists, Penwood realized: he really did need to stop being a coward and a pushover who trembled at every unfavorable turn.
With a sigh, he immediately ordered all current operations canceled — recall the personnel and avoid unnecessary deaths. Penwood didn't fully understand why Alex had suggested using drones to ram the carrier — but decided to follow the advice.
Alex carried Alessa in his arms and walked beside Integra — Walter followed behind, a faint smile playing on his lips. Walter had never once doubted Alex's leadership qualities during all the time he had been at HellSing — and those final words to Penwood only confirmed his opinion.
Integra too was pleased with Alex's conduct in the situation. This had been her small test — to see how he would behave in such a place. And Alex had not disappointed her expectations.
"Walter, what do you think?" Integra asked, walking slowly down the bunker corridor.
"Well… Undoubtedly — this is a trap. And time is currently on our side," Walter replied, sharing his opinion.
"And what do you think, my husband?" Integra asked, turning her head toward Alex.
"Regarding Walter's words that it's a trap — I completely agree. But as for time being on our side — no. Time never favors those who believe it does… Right, my little princess?" Alex said, smiling faintly and pressing his cheek to Alessa's. She gave a short nod in response.
"I understand your point. But we cannot simply do nothing. A ghost ship like the Eagle is far too dangerous to leave unchecked," Integra said, nodding and bringing a thin cigar to her lips.
Alex smiled, continuing to walk beside Integra and thinking through the next steps. He clearly understood: for Millennium's invasion to begin — Alucard and he himself would have to leave London. Otherwise the Major might take a different course of action.
And what Alex could not fail to notice — was how many disguised vampires were present: in the main observation hall, among the regular officers, and among the soldiers patrolling the corridors.
Continuing down the bunker corridor, two armed soldiers passed by — and Alessa looked at them with her dark eyes, perfectly aware that they were vampires. She raised her gaze to Alex — he gave her a slight wink, signaling: not the time to mention it.
"May I ask, Master Alexander — why did you ask Sir Penwood to ram the Eagle with drones?" Walter asked, looking at Alex.
"To irritate the vampires. If Penwood isn't stupid — he won't send a group of drones all at once, but one by one. Because…" Alex began with a faint smile.
"They won't attack on their own. But they also won't ignore a threat. If anyone gets too close — they will defend themselves. As though deliberately playing the role of fortress defenders. Oceanic castle walls and an endless moat of water — correct? And those magical bullets that effortlessly destroy anyone who approaches," Integra continued, picking up Alex's words.
"If the carrier is a fortress, then it's a fortress they cannot escape from. And if they cannot escape — the only option is to board it. Or bomb it until the ship sinks. And if we're lucky — one drone will be enough to breach the hull. And stage a Titanic scene. Or would that already be the vampire version of Titanic?" Alex said, nodding slightly in time with his words.
"We shouldn't wait and rely on luck. Boarding remains a viable option. Now we need to figure out how to transport Alucard and Seras to this steel fortress in the middle of the sea? Another warship?" Integra asked, stopping in the middle of the corridor.
"Immediately — no. You might as well ask for an inflatable boat so Seras could row with oars. Even Somali pirates aren't pathetic enough to storm a fully armed aircraft carrier," Alex replied, giving Integra a blank stare.
Hearing Alex's comment, Integra's eyelid twitched — and she clenched the cigar in her hand so hard it snapped in half. Without thinking long, Integra raised her leg and kicked Alex in the knee for his insolence.
Despite having confirmed a relationship that had very quickly progressed to another level, Integra had no intention of tolerating Alex being cheeky in a place like this. But before her foot reached its target — Alex stepped back and rolled his eyes.
Walter saw this — and his lips curved in the faintest smile: at the interaction between Alex and Integra, at how they finished each other's sentences — and still managed to argue.
"A ship is out. Then perhaps an aircraft? Or an air drop?" Integra asked, taking out a new cigar.
"No. Surface-to-air missiles — they won't even let us get close, let alone land. Unless we use a sufficient number of decoy anti-missile targets to cover the aircraft's approach?" Walter suggested, recalling one suitable option after all the discussion.
"Also no. Don't forget, Walter — magical bullets. The only way to board is to blind that musket bitch. But that will be difficult too. What do you think, Carmilla?" Alex said, rubbing his chin.
The moment Alex finished speaking, a light feminine laugh echoed in the corridor — and the shadow behind him began to expand, covered in red eyes and something resembling writhing centipedes. The shadow grew until it covered part of the wall and ceiling — and from it slowly emerged Alucard's hand in a white glove.
She leisurely stepped out of the shadow, trailing her fingers across Alex's shoulder. Fully materializing, Alucard wrapped her arms around his shoulders and narrowed her eyes slightly at Integra with a faintly provocative smile. Still smiling, she ran her fingers along Alex's neck, leaning slightly forward, while her other hand stroked Alessa's hair.
Integra saw the gesture — but not a single muscle twitched on her face. The only one no one paid attention to was Seras: she tumbled out of the shadow on the ceiling and landed on her backside with an expression as though she didn't understand where she was or how she had gotten there.
Seeing Seras, Alex extended a hand to help her up. Seras immediately grabbed his palm and straightened her skirt, which had once again ridden up. Once again Seras mentally complained to herself that the skirt was too short — and had already thought more than once about asking for trousers instead.
"You need to find a way to get me onto a ship in the middle of the sea — and avoid missile fire and magical bullets? Is it really that difficult?" Alucard asked, still leaning on Alex, standing behind him.
"No. There is perhaps only one aircraft with a fuselage capable of executing such a mad idea," Walter replied with a smile, recalling a suitable option after all the discussion.
"Then lead the way, Walter. We need to resolve this problem as quickly as possible," Integra said calmly.
Walter nodded and walked ahead — toward the elevator. Everyone followed. As they moved down the corridor — a provocative smile continued to play on Alucard's face: she held Alex's arm, walking beside him. Integra, walking alongside, saw all of this — but maintained complete calm.
She saw no reason for jealousy or any other emotional display: Alex already belonged to her completely. Seeing that Integra did not react to the provocation, Alucard's smile only widened. She became curious: how much could Integra ignore — and how far would she allow things to go?
The only one who did not get involved in any of this was Seras. And only because she was still in shock from finding herself in the British government's underground bunker. The reason was simple: it was Seras's first time traveling through shadows — and it had caused her considerable discomfort.
Reaching the elevator, the entire group ascended to the underground parking — to get into the car and head to the government research division. Already in the car, Walter explained which aircraft he had in mind, who its creator was — and why Integra's influence was required to negotiate. Having listened to the explanation, Integra gave a short nod — indicating she would handle it.
While the car moved through London's streets — Alessa sat on Seras's lap, and Seras was very happy the girl didn't mind. Alex sat beside Integra — feeling Alucard continue to stroke him with her foot, slowly sliding it up his leg. All this time a smile played on Alucard's face — she propped her cheek on her fist, leisurely moving her foot higher along Alex's leg.
Alex himself was looking at his phone — and occasionally pinched Alucard's toe when her foot rose too high and moved where it shouldn't. He had become so accustomed to such gestures that he simply ignored them and acted on instinct.
After all, Alucard was far from the first woman to behave this way with him. Seeing there was no reaction — Alucard simply placed her feet on his lap. Alex decided to use her feet as a stand for his phone. Seeing this, Alucard laughed quietly.
"Integra, how much do you think your government would pay me if I offered to improve their security system?" Alex asked, running his finger across the phone screen.
"Why do you ask? Short on money? Shall I write you a check?" Integra replied, turning her gaze from the window to him.
"I managed it in five seconds — full control of all Britain's systems. As for money — I'm already rich. I'm simply curious how much your government would be willing to pay," Alex replied, lazily leaning back against Alucard's legs.
"You did WHAT?!" Seras exclaimed, hearing Alex's words.
"All satellites, all communication services and everything similar — currently under my control. And why are you so surprised? I hacked all of America's databases out of boredom — simply because I could. Look here… These are Britain's classified files… And this is a live satellite feed… See — that's HellSing Manor," Alex said, turning the phone screen toward Seras.
Seeing the screen, Seras froze — staring at it with her mouth open. She couldn't believe her eyes. Seras's mouth opened and closed — she tried to find words, but only inarticulate sounds came out. Alucard merely glanced at Alex's phone screen out of the corner of her eye — and smirked.
Integra pondered Alex's words — but decided not to attach too much importance to them for now. She felt: Alex had no intention of doing anything that could endanger Britain. Seeing Seras's reaction, Alex chuckled lightly and once again used Alucard's feet as a phone stand.
Soon the car arrived in another part of London — at a remote military airfield. Passing the checkpoint without issue, everyone followed Walter. Soon he led the group to a separate hangar.
Entering, Alex saw the aircraft Walter had mentioned and examined it carefully. He narrowed his eyes slightly — and felt the urge to obtain detailed data on this machine. Alex paused for a moment — took several photos: after all, this aircraft existed in a single copy. After inspecting the machine, he set Alessa down — so Seras could watch her while Alucard, as usual, vanished back into the shadows, finding the whole thing too boring.
Seras had no objection to spending time with Alessa — and without ceremony took the girl by the hand, suggesting they inspect the aircraft from all sides. Catching up with Integra and Walter, Alex hoped: four gremlins wouldn't suddenly appear and decide to steal the machine.
Meanwhile Walter entered the office and opened the doors for Integra — letting her go first. Following Integra inside, Alex saw an elderly man with disheveled gray hair and glasses on his nose — wearing a lab coat. He was seated at a desk, head bent over blueprints.
Hearing people enter, the man looked up and raised an eyebrow slightly. Walter immediately introduced Integra — and explained the reason for their visit, as well as what they required. Hearing Walter's request, the man adjusted his glasses and folded his arms across his chest — looking at Integra and Alex.
"EXP-14LIE is an experimental top-tier aircraft. The British Army Technical Bureau acquired two American SR-71 Blackbirds several years ago. I rebuilt the two aircraft into one. Truth be told, only the outer skin remains from the American SR-71. The internals required serious work — so now it's an entirely different machine. Originally it was a two-seat reconnaissance aircraft. Now — a single-seat high-speed aircraft capable of easily breaking speed records. So that's how it is… And now I ask once again: who exactly are you people? And what is this HellSing organization?" the scientist said, not missing the chance to boast about his creation.
Integra raised her gaze to Walter — signaling him to explain again and stop wasting time. Walter was about to begin speaking — when Alex calmly raised a hand, indicating he would handle it himself.
Seeing the gesture, Walter bowed and stepped back — standing behind Alex and Integra. The scientist shifted his gaze to Alex — adjusting his glasses slightly. Alex, expression unchanged, reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled out a folder of blueprints from his inventory — placing it in front of himself.
Integra looked at Alex with interest — curious to see which approach he would choose in such negotiations. She would have simply ordered and demanded in this situation — and the scientist would have had no right to refuse due to her status.
"As a man I perfectly understand: you treasure your creation — into which you poured so much effort and labor. And now people like us come and demand your work for our mission. And from our side we should already be grateful that you haven't cursed us out and thrown us out," Alex began, placing his hand on the folder of blueprints.
"Yes, you're right, young man," the scientist replied, nodding and folding his arms across his chest.
"And at the same time we urgently need this aircraft right now. Yet — I believe one should not take something for free. Therefore I propose a deal," Alex continued, tapping the folder with his finger.
"A deal? I'm listening attentively," the scientist said, leaning forward.
"In this folder are blueprints for military drones that are several generations ahead of the most advanced American drones… I will give you this folder with all the blueprints — and you give us your aircraft. I consider this a fair exchange in our current situation. We are not insisting on charity — therefore this is an honest trade," Alex said with a calm smile.
"Then let me take a look…" the scientist said, reaching for the folder.
"I should remind you: our time is not unlimited. And I need an answer now. I assure you — these blueprints are indeed a worthy price for your aircraft," Alex added with a smile, not allowing the scientist to touch the folder.
Seeing Alex's position, the scientist pondered for a moment — folded his hands under his chin and narrowed his eyes, looking at the folder under Alex's hand. Understanding that a little motivation was needed for a decision, Alex calmly opened the folder and pulled out one of the pages — handing it to the scientist.
He took the sheet and began reading quickly. What Alex had given him included part of the specifications for a military drone. Seeing the scientist immersed in reading, Alex gave a faint smile: this blueprint for a military drone would not significantly impact the global stage overall. After all, Alex had obtained these blueprints from a world where a zombie apocalypse had occurred — when he and his group had infiltrated the underground complex of the Evil corporation.
There they used far more advanced drones — to control zombie hordes while control over all the zombies had not yet been taken by Davoth's demons. Integra calmly watched all of this — not interfering in the conversation and slowly smoking her cigar. Seeing how Alex conducted the negotiations, she was genuinely pleased inside — though she did not show it on her face. Walter gave a slight nod — seeing how Alex behaved.
If Walter was accustomed to Integra conducting negotiations in her own style — always aggressively — then Alex behaved calmly, offering something of equal value. Walter understood: not every situation called for aggression — sometimes a different approach was needed. And so Walter mentally gave Alex a high mark.
"What do you say, Doctor? As you understand — my wife could simply demand your aircraft, and you would have no right to refuse. But I do not consider such methods acceptable. Therefore we take your aircraft — and you take the drone blueprints," Alex said calmly, interlacing his fingers.
"Fine. Better than outright theft. The aircraft is yours now… And one last question: where did you get such blueprints?" the scientist asked, sighing slightly and rising from his desk.
"I developed them myself… And one last thing: there is room for improvements in the blueprints. But that now depends solely on you and your team," Alex replied, continuing to smile and handing the folder to the scientist.
"Understood… Then I will prepare everything for handover. But that will take time," the scientist said, taking the folder from Alex's hands.
"How much time is needed for preparation?" Integra asked, deciding to intervene.
"About two days for full flight preparation. Everything needs to be checked — we have only conducted test launches. For the pilot's safety everything must be rechecked…" the scientist began, thinking slightly.
"The aircraft will not be piloted by a human. She will not be threatened by anything that would threaten an ordinary person. All that is needed — is for the aircraft to deliver her to the target and do so quickly — under fire," Integra interrupted, raising her hand.
"I don't understand what you mean — and what your words 'not human' imply. But if that's what you say — still a minimum of 16–18 hours to check primary systems, skin integrity, and refueling," the scientist replied, shaking his head slightly.
"I give you 15 hours — so everything is ready. That is an order," Integra said, her entire demeanor making it clear: discussion was over.
"But…" the scientist began, watching as Integra simply walked away.
"Good luck, my friend. I myself have trouble arguing with her — let alone you. In 15 hours we will return," Alex said, patting the scientist on the shoulder.
The scientist watched the departing group of three — and wearily pinched the bridge of his nose because of what had just happened in his office. No matter how much he wanted to complain — he had no choice.
Looking at the folder of blueprints he had received in exchange for his aircraft, the scientist sighed and decided to get to work — to prepare the machine for flight. Leaving the scientist's office, Alex, Integra, and Walter collected Seras and Alessa — who had spent all that time inspecting the aircraft.
Back in the car, Alex suggested having lunch at the nearest restaurant — but Integra immediately rejected the idea and named a different address. Alex merely shrugged and closed his eyes — while the car continued moving forward.
"You don't regret trading such blueprints for an aircraft that ultimately won't last long?" Integra asked, wanting to hear Alex's reaction.
"Those blueprints I gave that scientist — are only a tiny fraction of what I have. They are merely military drones — nothing more. You saw the robots unloading trucks with the equipment you ordered. And that is far more advanced technology," Alex replied, opening his eyes.
"So you gave him garbage?" Integra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No. Those blueprints are useful — but they won't shake the global stage. After all, human greed and ambition know no bounds," Alex said, shaking his head slightly to loosen his neck.
"Understood. You thought ahead. Good decision. And you handled those negotiations well," Integra said, giving a slight nod.
"If you want to praise me — better give a reward," Alex replied with a faint smile.
"Not now. Tonight," Integra answered, not refusing his words.
Alex smiled faintly and shifted his attention to Seras — who was busy playing with Alessa. Alex was pleased to watch Alessa spend time with Seras. And Seras herself had no objection to spending time with the girl.
Alex leaned slightly forward — to see what Seras and Alessa were doing — and saw they were once again playing a children's intellectual game in which Seras had still never managed to win against Alessa. Alex couldn't help asking Seras: why did she play if she couldn't win? To which Seras blushed slightly and proudly answered that she had won once.
But her pride quickly turned to embarrassment — when Integra reminded Seras that she had lost to a seven-year-old child. Seeing Seras lower her head in embarrassment, Alex chuckled lightly and stroked Seras's hair — causing her to smile again. Alex decided to join their game — while the car headed toward the restaurant.
To be continued...
(Of course, I could jump straight to the battle against Rip-Wan. But how can I just skip moments? I actually thought the plane would be flying towards the aircraft carrier by this chapter. But I'm so busy today that I simply don't have time. So, as usual, we'll stop here. Anyway, regarding the chapter on the 6th, there probably won't be one. After all, I'm leaving. Yeah, I know, it's sad to hear that. But I also need to rest on my birthday. But I'll always be with you, in spirit. Yeah. Anyway, as always, peace, love, and friendship are magic. No.)
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