Because preparing the aircraft for ramming the carrier would take a full fifteen hours, time dragged on unbearably slowly — as though every minute stretched into eternity. After a brief lunch at the restaurant, Alex and the others returned to HellSing Manor to complete the final preparations.
Integra saw no point in remaining at the Security Service headquarters any longer, listening to the endless squabbling of old officers who, after yet another failure, would once again shift blame onto one another just to keep their own seats.
Alex, for his part, could barely tolerate such places — his patience ran out far too quickly, and he already felt irritation beginning to boil inside him.
Upon returning to the manor, Alex immediately went to check on his people — to find out how preparations for the defense were progressing. The moment he began recounting what had happened at Security Service headquarters, Chris clapped him on the shoulder with an understanding, almost sympathetic expression.
After all, before Chris joined the guild Alex had created, he had remained in his original world — the one where the zombie apocalypse had escalated into a full-scale invasion by an army of demons.
And Chris too had dealt with arguing old men who accomplished nothing — merely continued to argue, shifting responsibility and covering their own backs. In the end Chris had simply thrown the table out the window and left — with Leon and Pierce following right behind him.
While Alex chatted with the guys, he began explaining what was really happening. As soon as he finished describing the captured carrier — a light, tense silence fell over the room.
"It's a trap," Ghost said, arms folded across his chest, leaning back against the wall.
"No shit it's a trap. From the moment they seized it, they've been sitting still three hundred kilometers offshore — just defending. Even the dumbest guy in our group would realize it's a trap," Jake added lazily, rocking back and forth on his chair.
"Hey, I can hear you, you know," Lutz shouted, pointing a finger at Jake.
"No one was talking about you, Lutz. But props for being self-aware about your limits," Mao smirked, leaning his elbows on the table.
"You…" Lutz began, gritting his teeth.
"Alright, enough bickering, guys. We don't have time for this… Alex, as I understand it — the moment this trap snaps shut, everything begins. Or rather, better to put it another way… It's already begun. And that trap is set specifically to lure out your vampire girlfriend," Lehm said, lighting a cigarette.
"Exactly. No matter how clever the Major is or how grandiose his plans — he and his army can't do anything against Carmilla. To her they're just food… But sometimes the most primitive bait trap turns out to be the most effective. Only the Major doesn't know that he and his army are walking into a trap too," Alex replied, chuckling lightly.
"Yeah, yeah, you're the evil genius who can out-chess every evil genius combined. Have you already told your new wife about this? Aren't you afraid that woman with the ice-cold face will rip something off you?" Jake asked lazily, waving a hand.
"I'll tell her when the plane takes off. All you guys need to do is hold the manor. And make sure Seras doesn't get hurt. I'll play all the other cards myself. I don't like holding back in situations like this — but Sauron is way too vigilant and still isn't ready to step onto the stage, so I have to act with extreme caution," Alex said, lighting a cigarette.
"Sauron? Isn't that the evil eye by the volcano — or did I mix something up?" R asked in a puzzled tone.
"For God's sake, just watch the movie. Alright, I'm going — Integra isn't exactly the patient type," Alex said, heading for the door.
"Henpecked," Soap coughed quietly.
"That's the power of love, Johnny. A lonely mutt like you wouldn't understand," Alex replied lazily, waving a hand as he left the room.
When Alex uttered those final words before leaving — Soap coughed slightly at being called a lonely mutt. Ghost, standing nearby, merely gave Soap a blank look and followed Alex out. The guys took turns patting Soap on the shoulder, trying not to burst out laughing.
But seeing the others' faces, Soap was on the verge — especially when R demonstratively flashed his wedding ring on his ring finger. That was the last straw — Soap felt like punching someone.
Meanwhile Alex walked unhurriedly toward Integra's office — wondering how to occupy himself in the remaining time. He stopped by a window and looked outside. He understood: tomorrow London would erupt in flames. But he had already prepared everything — now all that remained was to wait.
The only thing Alex wanted to avoid after the events in London — was Chuck noticing that nothing had happened in London. And that was the one thing he wanted to prevent — because his plan to confront Chuck had not yet entered its final stage.
But Alex thought: Chuck was currently so engrossed in his role as "the brother hiding from an enraged sister thirsty for revenge" that he probably wouldn't even pay attention to what happened in London. Hoping his calculation was correct, Alex sighed and continued on his way to Integra's office.
Reaching the office, Alex entered without knocking. The moment he appeared — Integra raised her gaze to him.
"Are you finished?" she asked, setting her pen aside.
"Pretty much. We just went over the manor's defense one more time — just in case," Alex replied, removing his jacket and tossing it over the edge of the sofa.
"I see. Anything else you want to say?" Integra asked, nodding slightly and looking him straight in the eyes.
"You mean the reward for how I handled the negotiations? Can I cash it in now?" Alex asked with a faint smile, loosening his tie and placing it on top of the jacket.
"That's not what I meant… But if you want your reward — come and take it yourself. I'm not getting up from this desk just for that," Integra replied, still looking him in the eyes.
Alex smiled faintly, walked over to Integra's desk and calmly circled it. Integra swiveled her chair — turning to face him. Without losing his smile, Alex leaned down and kissed Integra on the lips himself. Integra had no objection to maintaining her cold demeanor in their relationship — but she also didn't stop Alex from taking the initiative when the time and place were right.
Even if their relationship had only progressed to a new level yesterday evening. A couple of seconds after the kiss began, Integra calmly placed her palm on Alex's face and pushed him back — signaling that was enough. Alex only chuckled quietly when Integra turned away. Still chuckling, he walked over to the sofa and simply lay down on it.
Stretching out, Alex put his hands behind his head and thought about Seras and Alessa — who were currently spending time together. Of all the women in HellSing, Seras was the kindest — and it was obvious she enjoyed being around Alessa. Thinking about what to do next, Alex chose the simplest option — just sleep.
"And while I remember, my wife," Alex said, turning slightly onto his side while lying on the sofa.
"What is it, my husband?" Integra asked, raising her gaze to him again.
"You should get some rest — not keep acting the way you usually do. The plane will be ready in about twelve hours. And after that we head back to Security Service headquarters — and for that you need a clear head," Alex said, looking at Integra.
"I'm fine. I've rested enough," Integra replied calmly, lowering her gaze.
"Alright, as you wish. I've done everything I could. Wake me when it's time to leave. I have plans for that plane and the carrier too," Alex said, rolling onto his side.
"I'm not your alarm clock," Integra replied in a cold tone, staring at Alex's back.
"You're my wife — and that's enough. When Carmilla takes off — I'll tell you everything. For now — sweet dreams. See you in about ten hours," Alex said in a sleepy voice and instantly fell asleep.
Seeing Alex simply fall asleep — without explaining any of his plans — Integra merely exhaled through her nose, feeling mild irritation at his secrecy once again. But she quickly suppressed the feeling and continued working on her documents. Unconsciously, Integra began writing on the paper a little more quietly than usual — as though it came naturally to her.
She continued working, paying no attention to the time — until there was a light knock at the office door. Integra looked up — the doors opened, and Walter entered, wheeling a cart in front of him with tea and light snacks. Seeing the sleeping Alex, Walter's expression didn't change — he simply wheeled the cart to Integra's desk and calmly poured tea.
Integra took the cup, took a sip — and her gaze smoothly shifted to the sleeping Alex. Walter, of course, noticed that Integra's gaze was fixed on Alex — but made no comment, maintaining his professional smile.
Time continued to pass slowly. While Integra worked — the sun had already set, and night had fallen. The office was lit only by the dim glow of a desk lamp. Setting her pen aside, Integra looked at the clock and realized: it was time to wake Alex.
She calmly rose from her seat and walked over to the sofa where he slept. Already thinking about waking him in her usual way — dumping him on the floor — Integra lowered her leg and sat on the edge of the sofa. She looked at Alex, who was sleeping on his back. Integra thoughtfully ran her fingers through his hair — touched his cheek and neck.
She gently stroked his cheek — until she felt his arms wrap around her waist. Feeling this, Integra froze for a moment — sensing the warmth of his palms.
"If you're already awake — then get up. And stop hugging me," Integra said calmly, though she didn't remove Alex's arms.
"At least you didn't dump me off the sofa — that's progress," Alex replied, continuing to hold Integra around the waist.
"I still can. So move and get up — before I really do throw you off the sofa," Integra said, still looking down at him.
"Fine, fine," Alex replied, releasing Integra and stretching lightly.
Getting up, Alex habitually leaned down and gently kissed Integra on the cheek — the same way he did with his other wives. Feeling the warmth on her cheek, Integra froze for a moment — her heart skipped a short beat. She looked at Alex — he calmly dressed as though everything was perfectly normal.
Feeling the pleasant warmth on her cheek, Integra thought: that gesture was rather nice. When Alex had fully dressed — he stretched lightly and looked at Integra — who had been watching him the entire time. Shrugging slightly, Alex's entire demeanor signaled: ready to go. Looking at him for another moment — Integra took her cloak and left the office together with him.
"I hope Alessa doesn't get used to sleeping in a coffin," Alex said, walking beside Integra down the corridor.
"Why bring that up now?" Integra asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Because Alessa is currently sleeping with Seras — in her coffin," Alex replied, yawning lightly and trying to fully wake up.
"I see no problem with that. If she likes it — I'll simply ask Walter to order another specially made coffin for sleeping," Integra said, expression unchanged.
Alex looked at Integra and shook his head slightly — he saw no reason why Alessa shouldn't sleep in a coffin. All his daughters had their own preferences — and sleeping in a coffin wasn't that big a deal. If Alessa asked for such a bed — Alex wouldn't mind personally making one for her, as long as his little princess was happy.
Seeing that Alex didn't pursue the topic — Integra thought: she should tell Walter to place a special order — just in case. Leaving the manor, Alex saw Walter and Ugo — already prepared for departure. He noticed Alucard's coffin, which had been placed on the roof of the car.
Alex knew: she always took it with her when going somewhere far. After all, she used it not only as a place to sleep and store things — but also as a reminder of who she was and where she came from. Nodding to Walter and Ugo, Alex helped Integra into the car — then got in himself.
"Beautiful night tonight — isn't it, Carmilla?" Alex said, settling into the car.
"A truly beautiful night for hunting, my dear," Carmilla replied with a light smile, baring her vampire fangs.
"Enough flirting here," Integra said in a cold tone.
"Don't be jealous, my mistress. He'll belong to you by day — and to me by night. Fair division of our man," Alucard answered with a provocative smile.
"Shut up, Alucard — before I rip your tongue out," Integra said in an icy tone.
In response Alucard only laughed quietly at Integra's threat — showing she had no intention of backing down on this matter. Alex pretended he wasn't even there. After all, he had long since learned the main rule: when women argue — don't try to play peacemaker. Otherwise you become everyone's enemy.
Stretching his legs forward slightly, Alex closed his eyes — to simply relax during the drive to the military airfield. But the moment he relaxed — he felt someone stroking his legs. And Alex knew perfectly well: it wasn't Integra. Opening one eye, he saw Alucard once again sliding her foot along his leg. And she was doing it demonstratively — not only to provoke a reaction from him, but also to continue irritating Integra.
Alex once again wondered: why did Alucard's personality toward him differ so much from her counterpart in the original timeline? He even thought — it was because Alucard was now a woman with whom he had a relationship.
Integra watched Alucard's actions with a cold gaze — showing neither irritation nor jealousy. Only a cold, evaluating look — to which Alucard responded with provocation. Alex was caught in the middle of it all — and simply remained silent.
Soon the car arrived at the military airfield. It stopped beside a remote hangar — where lights were on and voices could be heard. Getting out of the car, Alex, Integra, and Alucard headed inside. Entering the hangar, Alex saw bustle: many people were moving about and continuing their work.
When they appeared — the scientist Alex had made the deal with regarding the aircraft approached them. Being a tactful man, the scientist asked no questions about who would fly the plane — he simply said they were finishing the final preparations and refueling the machine.
Integra gave a short nod with a cold gaze — making it clear she had no intention of talking. The scientist swallowed slightly under her stare — to which Alex gave a barely noticeable wave of his hand, signaling: not his fault, better to leave. The scientist immediately nodded and retreated farther away — to avoid being near Integra.
Once the scientist left — Alex, Integra, and Alucard stepped outside to the car. Alex lit a cigarette and leaned against the vehicle — gazing at the moon. Integra stood beside him smoking a thin cigar — arms folded across her chest, methodically tapping her finger. Finishing his cigarette, Alex flicked the butt away and, without a word, walked off — leaving everyone standing by the car. A couple of minutes later he returned, holding an iron chain in his hand.
"What do you need a chain for?" Integra asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Because someone else is flying with Carmilla. He's going on the plane," Alex replied, nodding slightly behind himself.
Integra, Alucard, and Walter shifted their gaze behind Alex — and saw a child about ten years old in a school uniform. He looked very strongly like a child version of Alex — only with an even lazier expression, as though he simply wanted to sleep.
After examining the mini-copy of Alex from head to toe — Integra shifted her gaze to Alex himself, waiting for an explanation. Alucard lightly sniffed the scent wafting from the mini-version of Alex — detecting a completely different aroma than from Alex's own body. Even Walter removed his monocle, wiped it lightly, and put it back on — thinking he must have imagined it.
"Meet Mini Me. And he's flying with Carmilla — on the plane," Alex said, pointing at his ten-year-old copy.
"Explain," Integra said, looking Alex straight in the eyes.
"I want that musket. And Mini Me will take it and bring it to me. I love rare weapons — and I'll never let something like that go to waste. Never. Plus it's part of the plan. Right, Mini Me?" Alex said, patting his mini-copy on the head.
"Get off me and stop calling me that. I'm not Mini Me — you're the damn original. And anyway — are you seriously letting me fly with your Dracula girlfriend in the same plane? There's only one seat. Are you suggesting I fly on her lap?" Mini Me said, kicking Alex in the leg.
"Did I say anything about you flying in the plane? I said — on the plane. Otherwise why would I look for a strong enough chain?" Alex replied, lightly shaking the iron chain in his hands.
"How I hate myself," Mini Me said, slapping his forehead with his palm.
"I hate myself too. At least we have that in common, Mini Me," Alex said, chuckling lightly.
The clone stared at Alex as though he wanted to attack him — to which Alex responded with a blank stare, clearly showing: he didn't care, and his words were completely serious. The clone sighed wearily, squatted down — his entire demeanor showing he wanted to do nothing — then simply collapsed onto the ground and sprawled out.
Integra, Alucard, and Walter watched all of this with different expressions. Integra analyzed what was happening, Alucard was genuinely amused by the situation, and Walter tried to return to his professional demeanor as the perfect butler. The entire farce with Alex's clone continued — until a man emerged from the hangar and announced that the plane was ready for departure.
Alex calmly lifted his mini-copy by the collar and carried him into the hangar. Alex's clone didn't resist at all — merely hung limply in Alex's hands. Entering the hangar, Alex dropped his copy onto the floor — and jumped onto the plane.
He wrapped the chain around the plane's wing — and tied the other end around his clone. And all of this happened in full view of everyone present. And everyone unanimously thought: what the hell is Alex doing — and why is he tying a child to the wing of a plane? Finishing all the preparations, Alex looked down at his clone from above.
"Stop lying there — get up already. You know what to do," Alex said, kicking his clone lightly.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Grab the musket and make another gift for the cat. I'm not stupid — I got it the first time," Mini Me replied in a lazy tone, getting up from the floor and jumping onto the plane's wing.
"Good boy. And you understand…" Alex began, looking at his clone.
"I'm not promising anything. She's your girlfriend, original. Not mine," the clone interrupted, lazily waving a hand.
Alex only rolled his eyes and returned to Integra — who had been watching and listening to the entire conversation between Alex and his clone the whole time. Despite there being no important details in their exchange — Integra quickly realized: the musket was merely cover for Alex's real plans.
Before leaving — Alex looked at Alucard. She was already sitting in the pilot's seat with a light smile — one that showed her anticipation of the impending slaughter. Alucard felt Alex's gaze on her and sharply turned her head. Alex gave a slight wave — before walking away.
And at that very moment a voice sounded in Alucard's head — Alex explaining everything to her. In that instant her eyes widened — and she began laughing quietly, until she burst into loud laughter — after learning Alex's plan. And she liked this plan very much. Alex heard Alucard's laughter — until he left the hangar. Sitting in the back seat of the car beside Integra — Alex closed his eyes to relax.
"I'm waiting for your explanation. What are you planning?" Integra said, looking at Alex.
"Carmilla and I need to leave London. And it's important," Alex replied, opening his eyes.
"Go on," Integra said, folding her arms across her chest.
"At the very beginning of our discussion about how to get Carmilla and Seras onto the carrier — Walter and I said it was a trap…" Alex began, tapping his finger on his knee.
"Short and to the point," Integra interrupted.
"In two words. The carrier is one big trap. Because only you have the weapon capable of stopping the entire Millennium invasion — the moment they appear. The Major knows perfectly well: the instant a vampire appears on radar — you'll immediately order it killed. And if a vampire seizes the carrier — and that vampire is part of Millennium — then you'll immediately start thinking: why and for what purpose did they do this. And here your direct and cold-blooded nature comes into play, my dear wife," Alex said, poking Integra on the nose.
"So all of this was planned from the very beginning — and you understood the entire plan but said nothing," Integra said, swatting Alex's hand away from her face.
"If you're playing chess against someone — you need to let your opponent feel like they're winning the game. You, my dear Integra, play chess aggressively. Your queen is Carmilla. And you send her out to kill every piece on the board — without even thinking, leaving yourself undefended. And the Major exploited that vulnerability. From the very beginning he set traps for you — but not to kill the King on the chessboard, but the Queen. But don't worry — you have me. And I've already prepared everything for this chess game. And I really love shaking chessboards. And that's why my clone flew along with Carmilla," Alex said calmly, taking Integra's hand.
"Why didn't you tell me right away?" Integra asked, squeezing Alex's hand hard enough.
"Because you would have acted in your usual manner again. Started acting aggressively. I've watched you from the first moment we met. I know how you act — I know how you'll behave in any given situation. I know all of it. And that's why I only guided you — instead of telling you the whole truth. And before you get angry and say I was moving you like a piece — I'll say right now: no. I would never betray — and I would never treat someone I love that way. Neither you, nor Carmilla, nor Seras — are pieces on this chessboard. So don't get mad," Alex said, continuing to hold Integra's hand gently.
Integra squeezed Alex's hand tighter — and did not deny his words. After all, she had always acted aggressively — because her opponents had always been vampires and old men who put obstacles in her way while she upheld HellSing's status. She did not refute Alex's words about her aggressive nature — and had no intention of denying them.
Raising her gaze to Alex — she looked into his eyes and saw only calm — the gaze of a man who knew exactly what he was doing and how he was doing it. And the only thing that interested Integra at that moment — was how long ago Alex had figured out the Major's plans and begun preparing for them, and how much time it had taken him to unravel them.
But at the same time she felt relieved that a man like Alex was by her side. Walter, sitting in the front seat beside Ugo, was no less surprised — at what he had just heard.
But he became fully convinced: this was exactly how Alex had managed to accomplish all the work that the Control Bureau had been unable to handle for so many years. After all, strength was one thing — but knowing how to use your brain was something else entirely.
"This is the last time… Never deceive me again. I'm not the kind of woman who tolerates being lied to. Do you understand me?" Integra said, grabbing Alex by the tie.
"I know, I know. And for the record — I didn't lie. I just told part of the truth — that's completely different," Alex replied, chuckling lightly.
"I made myself clear!" Integra said, yanking his tie toward her.
"Of course, my dear wife. Now let go of my tie — or you can kiss me, since you're so close," Alex said with a faint smile.
Integra's hand gripping Alex's tie loosened for a moment — but she tightened it again and pulled his face closer — clearly showing that he still belonged to her. Integra's lips touched Alex's in a short kiss. And with that gesture Integra herself showed: she acknowledged defeat in this game — because Alex really had outplayed her.
Integra wasn't angry — she only felt a brief flash of irritation at Alex hiding his plans from her once again. And even now he hadn't told her everything. Stopping the kiss — Integra released Alex's tie and neatly tucked it back into his jacket. Adjusting Alex's tie and jacket — Integra looked into his eyes — signaling: now he had to explain the Major's plan in detail, what she had missed, and what she hadn't understood.
Alex perfectly understood that look from Integra — and glanced out the window to see where they were driving and whether he had enough time to explain everything before the car reached government headquarters. Seeing there was enough time — Alex turned his head and began explaining everything to Integra — omitting certain details. Integra noticed — but ignored it. She only squeezed his hand tighter.
At the same time — three hundred kilometers from England's shores — the captured aircraft carrier stood motionless. This ship had been seized under the command of the vampire Rip van Winkle — who wielded a magical musket whose bullets struck any target without fail. At that moment the hum of guns surrounded the carrier — operating nonstop.
Rip van Winkle herself was singing her favorite operatic song about the hunter — which helped her concentrate and control the magical musket. And the reason for this was that unmanned drones were flying toward the carrier one after another — intending to ram the ship.
Just as Alex had requested — Penwood had carried out the request and began sending drones one by one — without even knowing why it was necessary. The soldiers under Rip van Winkle's command barely had time to reload and aim the guns — to shoot down each successive drone heading toward the carrier.
And all this time they heard the song Rip van Winkle was singing. And when the last drone was shot down — the soldiers halted the guns, awaiting the next order. But at that very moment the operatic song Rip van Winkle had been singing suddenly stopped.
Rip van Winkle herself stared into the dark sky — studded with stars and bright moonlight. Her eyes widened in fear in that instant — as though a real monster was heading their way.
"What's happening?… What?… It's him! He's coming here!" Rip van Winkle shouted in terror, eyes wide with fear, staring into the sky.
Her voice crackled over the soldiers' radios — who couldn't understand what she was talking about. But in that same moment they saw on radar a very fast-moving object — approaching at supersonic speed. And while the soldiers wondered how to stop the aircraft — Rip van Winkle herself felt fear gripping her heart so tightly that her hands and legs trembled — and she couldn't stand up from the carrier's deck.
"He's approaching! He!… He!… The Herald of Madness. On a black steel steed — and death follows in his wake. He's racing straight here!" Rip van Winkle said in a panicked tone, trying to reload her musket.
At the same time high in the sky a modified SR-71 Blackbird streaked at tremendous speed. On the nose of the aircraft stood Alex's clone — who had taken his normal appearance. And in the pilot's seat sat Alucard — calmly folding her arms and hugging her knees, smiling widely and baring sharp fangs.
When the plane reached the required point — Alucard pushed the control stick forward — forcing the machine into a steep dive straight downward at enormous speed. Alex's clone, standing on the aircraft's nose, merely turned his head and yawned lightly. Despite the plane diving downward at tremendous speed — Alex's clone didn't even flinch, continuing to stand on the nose with arms folded across his chest.
When the plane reached the necessary point — the carrier's guns opened fire to shoot down the machine. Seeing they were being shot at — a plain black sword appeared in the clone's hands, with which he began deflecting every bullet flying toward them. After all, the carrier's guns posed no threat. What Alex's clone was waiting for — was a shot from the musket that Rip van Winkle was supposed to fire.
Alex's clone saw Rip van Winkle — who was lying on the carrier's deck and aiming her musket in their direction. The clone's eyes narrowed slightly — when he tilted his head to the side, awaiting the shot. And at that moment Rip van Winkle fired from the musket — and the magical bullet, which always changed trajectory in flight, flew toward the diving plane.
Alex's clone smiled faintly — and immediately deflected the flying bullet, which changed trajectory again and returned. Alex's clone kept deflecting the magical bullet — while Alucard herself removed the restrictions on her powers — right before the plane collided with the carrier's deck.
Rip van Winkle began to grow nervous because her magical bullet couldn't reach its target — and someone or something deflected it every time the bullet returned to strike the diving plane. Because Alex's clone was distracted deflecting the magical bullet — the carrier's guns finally hit the diving plane, and it immediately caught fire.
And now the burning plane — like a meteor — fell downward, gaining even greater speed. And right before the plane collided with the carrier's deck — Alex's clone simply leaped aside, unwilling to play the role of ram. The plane crashed into the carrier's deck at tremendous speed — and an explosion immediately erupted. Bright flames lit up the night sky. But for someone this was not merely a collision between plane and ship — for them it was the harbinger of death.
To be continued...
(Yeah, I know I promised in this chapter, we were supposed to kill Rip Van and all that. But you already know the answer. Some things, as usual, aren't meant to be. As for the war, that'll take some work, because a lot of things will be happening at once. I'm talking about the fall of London, the attack on the Hellsing estate, and all that. But I'll figure something out and figure out how to do it. Now I'll go get something to eat. Peace, love, and Alex never steals anything.)
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