I do not own Hellsing nor do I have any interests in it save for pleasure.


Authors Note: Italics are thoughts. "Are Projected thoughts"



In the Beginning REV


Only dim light stretched from the desk lamp across to her silent form. She stood looking out one of the windows on the West wall. The calm was refreshing. The view was beautiful. Across the formal garden lay the open area of grass called the greens, past there was the woods. The woods hid the more 'interesting' part of the estate, where people learned to fight and kill the undead, and hopefully survive. All of her hard work was paying off, it was working. The scant men they had left had adapted to the new system of teams. More important they were living.

"I love the logistics, creating the teams, making sure it works on paper". Allowing herself a small sigh she murmured "There is so much more I want to get done." Her voice had risen just above a whisper. "I just need time and men!" She hissed. She hated the rest of the paperwork, though she would not complain about that. All too often she felt chained to that damned desk. It was huge.

"All's quiet on the western front?" A proper, cultured male voice asked.

"Save for the occasional hedgehog Walter, yes." Seras returned. After thinking a moment she turned and looked at the gentleman that stood behind and to her right. "Walter, do you know how much I appreciate your help? If not for you we would all be in a bad spot."

"I thank you for the complement Miss Victoria; however you have worked hard for Hellsing. At times I would say too hard." Walter contemplated the young vampire. "You are pale." He said disapprovingly. "Are you ready for dinner?"

"Yes Walter, thank you." Seras watched him turn and exit the room. The Angel of Death was a well deserved moniker. Walter had to be seventy plus, but was willing to come out of 'retirement'. He was still blindingly fast with his wires. Every time Seras saw him using them she was impressed. Lately that was something that happened all too often!

"Dinner is served." Walter announced with a tray in his hands and a smirk.

"Thank you. You know I don't expect you to serve me dinner. I do know where the kitchen is." Seras shook her head.

"I am quite aware of that, Miss Victoria however, it amuses me." Walter set down the tray on a coffee table. On it was a single cut crystal decanter and a glass. "Shall I pour?" He asked pulling a napkin from his waistcoat pocket.

"Sure, I guess so, if you like." Seras went and sat near the table. "Walter," she took the glass from him "when are you going to start calling me Seras all the time not just occasionally? We are friends, you are not the butler, and I would rather you did." She drank a glass and poured herself another for emphasis.

"I honestly didn't know. Habit I guess." Walter said "Partially 'Commander Victoria' is for the men. They hear me refer to you that way and it encourages them to remain respectful of you and your position as their leader. In more private settings I will use Seras, if you prefer."

"I do." Seras said as both her and Walter looked into the fire. Both were expectantly awaiting this chapter at Hellsing to end. To have Sir Integra return. Each one was content for their reasons. Each one was also sad because they had become close. Seras and Walter found that they were able to work very well together as a command team. There was some dread in both Walter and Seras. One was still missing, Alucard. Also they were nervous about how She would react to the changes. Would Integra change them back? There was something else that they worried about. Neither spoke of it but both felt it for the other. Was Integra going to treat them the same way that she did when last here?

Seras knew that she would not be able to stomach Sir Integra making Walter a butler again only to serve her whims. He was so much younger now in how he acted and fought. If Sir Integra began to degrade Walter in any way Seras did not know what she would do and that could be a bad thing, a very bad thing. Walter's weapons were incredible, better than ever before. Seeing Walter serving tea would be like a slap in the face to him in Seras' eyes. I am stronger now. With Walter's aid and encouragement I have learned more of my vampiric powers in these last few weeks than Master ever taught. I do especially love my familiar, my Hell Cat! Granted Seras generally found her abilities the first time because she or someone else was in serious danger, but it worked. Not only did Seras drink her daily ration of blood; she also hunted on occasion. Seras was very careful of whom she drank from and she never killed, well the first time and once or twice more but she could not help those times. Alucard had taken quite a bit of the blood stores when he left, and now it was harder to get. Seras was certain Walter knew about her hunting he knew everything, but he didn't mention it nor did he seem upset about it. Walter was so much more than he had been, and he was so much more alive. No Seras knew that there was no way that she would stand for Sir Integra being unkind to Walter or ordering him about as if he was a…a…dog. Aside being an absolute wealth of knowledge that she went to regularly, Walter was the Angel of Death and Seras was going to make sure that Sir Integra remembered that, no matter what! Seras smiled, currently it was not a pleasant thing to gaze on for most. It showed how frighteningly similar she could be to her sire. Not just sharp fangs, all of her teeth were sharp. It was not a look she had tried to create, it just happened.

In Walters's eyes Seras had transformed almost overnight. Yes she did have problems the first two or three nights expecting her Master, no her Sire to return or Integra. Seras had been expecting someone to come and take the reins. Nobody did, nobody else could then. Seras had to. She had already looked for the men and removed their Hellsing patches so they would get better medical care that night. Those she could Seras brought back to the house. Fortunately Walter had some friends who were protecting him. Seras found him and got him out of hospital after a week almost two. Seras took the organization and transformed it. They still did their job but now differently. Seras having so few men, and having been trained in only one style of command that is what she used. They now used 10 man strike teams. They were in and out quickly and quietly. Their uniforms had no identifying patches or anything. Generally they wore street clothes to blend in if they needed to, which they did. The men had been used to the smaller teams with their previous assignments in the Military or law enforcement and were happy to go back to them; Integra's style baffled them. They did respect Seras as their leader until Walter was healthy and on the scene again. It was subtle and she just shrugged it off as them being glad to see Walter up and around. Walter had to reinforce her as their Commander. It did not take long, but it was necessary. Walter shuddered to think how Integra might treat Seras upon return. She never liked Seras, and tolerated her only because of Alucard. Alucard, he was another problem entirely! Seras' new strength could be seen as a threat by Integra. That would give Integra an excuse to destroy Seras, or worse. He had the mental image of Seras treated the same as Alucard being bound into the dungeon. Seras would not survive long. Walter knew he had to find a way to make sure that didn't happen. He felt a loyalty to the young Nosferatu that was nearly paternal.

"So why is I may call you Walter and not have to worry about the respect issue?" Seras asked looking hard at him. Walter never had to answer that question, to his relief. The front gate called up that a royal car was arriving. "It must be Sir Integra." Seras smiled "After all, the Queen said that this person was our leader." For the first time since the Incognito episode Seras looked like her old self, the "Police Girl" Walter remembered, it made him smile.

"It will be good to have her back." Walter half lied "I am sure she will be impressed with all that you have done." He said in measured tones that Seras didn't hear.

"I hope so."Seras said nervously smoothing her skirt and top. "I put everything back where I found it. I hope she doesn't mind my using her office!"

"Not at all, do not worry I will worry enough for both of us." Walter soothed her. "Everything is spot on as she likes it." He sighed "With Alucard AWOL the state of her office will be the least of her worries."

"He still won't, or can't, answer, if he even cares." Seras grimaced.

The two turned towards the door to the office when they heard the front door open. Each noted to themselves that the walk sounded a bit odd, smaller steps; but Integra had been cooped up in that tiny cell for quite a while, they each reasoned on their own.

As the door to the office opened Seras almost said "Welcome home Sir Integra." But she could not, the words never got past her throat. They were presented with a petite silhouette in front of them who had on a very well fitted suit which was cut in with the waist. It wore two or three inch heels. It also wore a skirt. That was not Sir Integra!

Walter and Seras looked at one another in utter shock. Both blinked a few times before looking back at the woman in the door. She stepped toward them allowing them to get a better look at her as she entered the pool of light. She wore smart black leather pumps, flesh toned stockings, dark blue pinstriped suit skirt with the matching fitted double breasted suit jacket both very well tailored, a feminine gold watch, a small diamond ring on her right hand, a white blouse with a jade dragon brooch at her throat, slender pale neck, her black hair was pulled back into a tight braid the end of which swung near her waist and a pixyish face with bright green eyes. On her everything was remarkably symmetrical, she wore very little make-up.

"Hello, are you Commander Walter Dornez and Commander Seras Victoria?" The lady asked with a soft alto.

"Yes, we are Ms.?" Walter answered.

"Sophia Ashton, Blaze works too. I thought you were expecting me. At least that is what Her Majesty led me to believe." Confusion and nervousness was evident in the woman's voice.

"Oh yes Ms. Ashton please forgive our manners. Do come in and sit down, will you?" Walter said offering her a seat near the fire. "Her Majesty did not reveal your name to us. I am forced to confess we were expecting Sir Integra."

"Oh crud." Blaze said as she sat down. "She did it to me again."

"Pardon?" Walter asked raising his eyebrows at both her words and tone.

"Oh it's nothing for either of you to worry about." The woman shrugged shaking her head. "I swear She loves to do this to me."


Perhaps His room was to far below ground Seras reasoned. Integra's office could work. Miss Sophia 'Blaze' Ashton did not seem to mind. She had left the estate that night after a short meeting with Seras and Walter. Both wondered if Miss Ashton was going to return. Seras had a pair of Alucard's shades in her hand. Slowly Seras began her nightly ritual of sending out her senses. she was becoming more careful with the energy she used. She had learned what she hoped would be more effective ways of doing this. "Master Alucard answer me please you are needed here!" Why the Hell doesn't he answer? Seras shook her head becoming more and more angry with him.

Well, Police Girl that was you.

Seras after doing her nightly call to Alucard was doing a normal patrol. The new woman Ms. Ashton was very interesting. Seras felt bad but, she had to admit she was glad it wasn't Sir Integra who arrived.

"You Monster Demon from Hell!" Came loudly from behind her "Ah sen' ye back tae its eternal fires!" Seras jumped to the right just barely escaping the bayonets.

"My Whipping Boy!" She grinned "Come to play? Still want to stick me with your … bay-o-net?" Seras winked at him.

"Harlot! I would ne'er! I am ae man o' God!" He tossed four bayonet in his next volley.

"Oh Whipping Boy!" Seras leapt to a higher perch. "Your thoughts and words betray you!" Seras said in a sing song voice as she made as if to get behind Anderson with a jump over his head. She giggled when Anderson blushed red as he turned to not allow the young fledgling his back. "As does your scent!" Seras laughed merely using the new perch as a spring board, and pounced on Anderson, taking him by surprise.

What? was all he could think before Anderson hit the ground hard and it knocked the air from him paralyzing him for a moment or two. He came around just in time to feel her tearing open the wound she had given him last time. Anderson also slowly realized the position they were in Seras had moved from sitting on his chest and slid down; now she was straddling him as if they we in the act of….

"NO!" He struck up at her but she had moved.

"As long as I wear your mark you will wear mine!" Seras hissed at Anderson. Then she giggled. "You aren't badly built Whipping Boy. I'll leave you intact this time I enjoyed you so much and you are so tasty!" Seras growled as she disappeared into the night.

Anderson watched dazed as Seras licked his blood from her lips in a seductive and suggestive manner. Then she disappeared into the night. Whit just happened? Anderson was bleeding from his throat again he realized. She did affect him in ways he did not care to admit. Tha' wee lass is could be more dangerous tae me than 'er master. Anderson shook his head gingerly. This he would have to pray on this, for quite some time.


What is it about Anderson that makes me act so……aggressive? Granted winding him up and letting him spin is funny to watch and easy enough to do. I have seen Master do it plenty before. Seras was musing walking in the dungeons of Helsing House. I can't think about Whipping boy without My Sire who should still be here, hang him! I am still angry! "Ten minutes ten bloody minutes that is all he spared." Seras was not aware she was yelling. "Ten bloody minutes!"

"Miss Victoria, Seras! What is going on?" Walter asked as he came down the hall quickly.

"Hmm? Walter I am sorry I disturbed you." Seras sighed blushing.

"Who spared the ten bloody minuets?" Walter asked soothingly as he steered her to her own room. "Alucard?"

"Yes. He came to me briefly after disposing of Incognito" Seras shuddered. "He looked like nothing had happened. He sounded like nothing happened. He was just…him. Ten…Bloody…Minutes! Then he was gone. Now he will not even answer me." Small blood tears began to form in her eyes; Seras shook her head and sighed.

"I see." Walter could think of nothing else to say. He knew that the relationship between Master and Fledgling or now Sire and Childe was a very private one. He did not pry. Walter sat as quiet company with her this was not an odd occurrence. Walter did feel something strange after a moment. It came from outside the room. He stood and quietly looked out the door. There was nothing there but he still felt an anomaly.

"I feel it to" Seras whispered. After another moment it was gone. "Strange." Walter just nodded in assent.


Sophia "Blaze" Ashton sat in her Mobile Office jokingly named MO she was in front of a large Victorian Manor that had been converted to a library, it needed repair work after That Night. Being a Project Manager, a specialist in refurbishing construction, this type of project was her first love. Other things, other projects were taking up too much time now. She had to give this site to an assistant. The assistant knew the site and loved it as much as she did they were as dedicated and able, Sophia had given the majority of the day-to-day to them already, she had no other choice. She showed up every day for a time to go over and, keep up with things, inspect, and speak to her crew. She was on-call; she could still say that this was her site. That was no more and she hated it, this felt like giving up and this was not a character trait of hers. She did not understand why the Queen was so insistent that she be the head of the new Her Royal Majesties Special Threat Response. Surely she had plenty of others more qualified for this position? What does She really know? The addition of this Hellsing was going to be very interesting. Seras seems nice, just as long as she keeps her fangs to herself.

"No sense sitting here." Sophia mumbled as she got out and put on her hard hat. The guys on her first site had swiped it one day and printed on it permanently BOSS in big bold letters. They did it out of respect she loved the hard hat and the memory. Sophia called her crew together; they all knew what was going to happen. Some would go permanently to the new operation over the next few weeks; others would rotate in and out of the new operation she was building. She knew that as far as all of the men were concerned they were all on-call for her, for either construction or other things.

"We are all he Boss." Mac her Project Assistant said calmly.

"All right all. Mac is taking over here. She has my full confidence and you know it. This is now her site." Sophia almost choked on the last five words. "I will personally kick, up and down the Thames, the arse of any one questioning her authority. You Blokes got that?"

"Yes Boss!" They all answered in unison.

"Boss." Mac said. "This will always be your site. I am fine with that. That you trust me with it is an honor. When this job is done I will get my site, and still working for you it will be interesting. We all know that you will show up just to harass us and to let us have the inside track on any new project!" There were affirmative noises made all around Blaze.

"Thank you, all of you." They all stood around waiting for what would come next. Everyone knew about it something like a ritual, they liked it. Only she could say it, no Englishwoman would say it and any other American could be doing an impression of Guy Fawkes in a hurry. "Get your Limey Asses back to work!" She barked to them. There were no hurt feelings but the crew went back solemnly. This scene was repeated again and again. At the end of the days she had one construction site left and she worked it, hard.


Seras had gone to the highest point on Hellsing House. From there Seras did her nightly ritual to try and contact her missing sire, to find him. "Master Alucard, my Sire please answer me"! Seras nearly screamed mentally.

Yelling are we? I'm not ready Police Girl, not yet.


Sophia returned to Hellsing. It had been a long and painful day. "Damn this place is dark and oppressive." She growled. Tons of paperwork never put her in a good mood. "The new project is going to have the least amount of paperwork I can get away with! We all going digital!" Sophia stopped in front of the house after having to show Hellsing ID to the gate guard to prove who she was. Already grumpy that only made things worse.

"Well she has returned at least." Walter stood in front at the door with the new butler Thomas. He was getting the final run down of his duties. This made Walter happy. Walter was taken aback by what pulled up, both her appearance and that of her vehicle. He showed no sign of surprise; happily neither did the young butler. "Oh my word, what happened to you?" Was all he said.

"Rope failed, fifty Kilo's of pre-mix fell with the pallet, lots of injured, no fatalities, lots of paperwork, that's all." Sophia shrugged and cocked her head to one side. "I need to make a note on something just a second." All of this was said as she stood on the driver's side running board barely over the front of the SUV. Sophia leaned back and dove into the vehicle. Muttering about 'that hiding note book.

"Well then." Walter said blinking. Sophia's appearance was rather comical to Walter. She and her vehicle were covered in grey mud. It is a small wonder that the gate guard needed ID from her. She did not look like or sound like the same woman they met last night. Fifty Kilograms of falling anything in any form however is no joking matter. "Are you well, are you injured? We have facilities here." Walter said when her head popped up again.

"No clue. Where can I put MO"

"Moe?"

"Sorry, Mobile Office MO." Sophia patted the top of the now gray SUV. She jumped down and came around to talk "Also if there is a hose I can use to get some of this off before it sets up, Bloody rain. Pardon me." She looked calmly at Walter.

"Oh Wow what happened to you?" Seras asked coming out drinking her dinner. "Glad you came back." Seras smiled. Both Walter and Seras saw the Project Manager, the new head of Hellsing flinch. Both knew she would have to adapt, how quickly she was able to do so was the question.

"Seras, why don't you go and ask one of the maids to draw a bath?" It would seem Ms. Aston has had an eventful day no need to make it worse. Walter asked smoothly while stepping to break the line of sight between Sophia and the blood.

"Great idea!" Seras said and ran off.

"Jim can park your vehicle." Walter continued.

"Umm it's better to just let me do it he'll get filthy in there. I really need to clean it out." Sophia looked a little embarrassed.

"Not at all, Jim won't mind, He loves vehicles of any sort, and the staff can clean up MO for you." Walter said as he turned and led Sophia into the house. He missed the look of panic that crossed Sophia's face but the SUV was moving one direction and she in another. Sophia swallowed and hoped for the best. "A young lady, Marie I believe she said her name was, sent over some clothing this morning. You can relax, bathe and change while I have dinner laid out for you." By now they were at the door of the room made up for Sophia. Last night she had out right refused Integra's room She refused to spent that night there even.

"Thank you. I'll see you for dinner then." Sophia smiled and closed the door behind her.


Life just got much more interesting for the staff. Walter was glad that his new duties disallowed his former butler duties, save bringing Seras her blood. Hmm… expects us to dine together, I'll call to the kitchen we'll eat in the dining room I think. Walter called the kitchen and began to walk towards the dining room and then shook his head. Working with her was looking to be very interesting indeed. Somehow in all of that mess and masculine outfit you knew she was a woman with not a doubt. Any man could, and did wear that in the trenches; on her it looked good. Humph. Stop that old boy she is your new boss. Also she must have a gentleman in her life. Big and muscular type I bet. A flash of how that type would look trapped in his wires was fast enough through Walter's mind he didn't even register it. I guess this could be a sign the potion is working. Noticing she is very much a female.

"Is she ok? " Seras asked

"I'm not sure. I really do not think she knows yet herself." Walter looked at Seras "Will you be able to handle watching as we eat? I am under the impression that we are to have a meeting."

"Ok sure. Why not meet after dinner?" Seras wondered out loud. "As far as I could tell Integra would have never allowed her dinner to be interrupted." She shrugged.

"Yes, well she is not Integra." Walter said then grinned. "I simply cannot see Integra in Jeans, work boots, and a button down oxford, sporting a hard hat. Much less all of that and then covered in cement." He chuckled at the mental image.

"Too true that!" Seras giggled briefly at the image flashing through her mind. She looked at Walter as they walked slowly down the hall. Two months ago she would have never heard such things from him. If she did or reacted to one of Alucard's comments over much, he looked at her sternly. "I tried to contact Alucard again tonight."

"The way you say that, you had no luck." Walter rolled his eyes. "We should have Lo-Jacked him!"

Seras Stopped and stared at Walter open mouthed. When Walter smirked she shook her head and giggled again. Walter is now sharing his humor with me it is amazing, I love it though. Seras felt like they were equals and not just because of what the Queen had said. Walter had always been polite and warmish, but she always felt as if he was judging her and she always came up short. Not anymore. Seras did know one thing, Whatever happened in that room between the Queen and Walter has changed him. She knew he was drinking some odd stuff. Seras could smell it on him. Walter healed faster and there were many of other new things as well. Walter never said anything to her and she never asked. There was no point, but Seras still kept an eye on him and sometimes worried.

"I'll go to the office and retrieve the most current information on Hellsing." Seras said. "Ya know Walter, to Ms. Ashton's credit, she didn't lose it when she realized she was face to face with a vampire. It is one thing to know about us, quite another to meet one, in semi dark."

"Ya, know? Try starting with Walter." Again he absently said.

"Ok sorry" Seras opened her eyes very wide in shock.

"Seras, what is it?" Walter asked concerned.

"No Way!"

"What?"

"No woman gets out of a warm bath that fast!" After saying that, Seras ran off to the office. Walter shook his head, laughed, and walked a bit quicker.

Walter and Seras were standing in the hall in front of the Dining Room door as Sophia walked up to them.

It is much easier to recognize her as the woman we met last night now. Her clothing is very well suited to her and her setting. It isn't for the office but for the evening, perfect. Walter observed. A dark green skirt that was longer, fuller and rippled as she walked. Her top was a deep blue jumper, it looked like cashmere. The most eye catching part was her hair. She was wearing it loose. The braid they had seen was enough to let you know that her hair was very long, but loose it went to just above her hip bone. It shone and cascaded down her body. A few tendrils of hair in the front and the rest down her back.

"Oh wow!" Seras gasped. Sophia looked a bit pink. "Your Hair is amazing! I have always wanted to grow my hair out like that, but it never works." Seras looked at Sophia and said. "Your hair looks like umm…. black velvet."

An apt description it must feel like silk. Walter agreed whole heartedly but said nothing not losing his composure.

"Thank you Seras that is really sweet of you to say." Sophia smiled, wanting to change the subject. "Oh, who do I tell that if an irate French woman shows up maybe or maybe not in a maid's uniform…?" Sophia stopped as the doors opened with apparently the irate French woman in a maid's uniform entering.

"Mistress!"

"Never mind there she is." Sophia looked at the woman closing in on them. "Oui, Marie?"

"Mistress." The French maid at that point began to light into Sophia who stood there nonplused she did occasionally blinked or raised an eyebrow.

What the? Seras understood none of what was said. By the look on Walter's face as the eyebrow went up on several occasions she was glad for that. The tone of voice she knew very well it was upset, worried, irritated, and glad and relieved at the same time.

Well that was colorful and imaginative to say the least. Walter thought even understanding little of the conversation as she was speaking so fast.

"Hello Marie." Sophia just stood there and let the woman go. This happened until rather suddenly Sophia spoke up. "Marie?"

"Oui Mistress?"

"You're fired." Both Seras and Walter stood there aghast at the coldness in the woman's voice.

"Bien Sur Mistress. Alors, la liste et ton vêtements? Unless the plumbing here is indestructible." Now Walter and Seras were truly confused, this maid didn't even pause.

Sophia sighed "Oui, á gauche bleu, three cracked ribs low, tweaked my hip. Ma chamber up the stairs á gauche, trois porte á droit. et c'est ma porte. Now can I have my dinner and meeting?" She gestured towards Walter and Seras who were now amused and shocked by the display.

"Oui Mistress!" Marie turned around and had gotten to the third stair when she stopped and looked back. "Mistress?"

"Oui Marie?"

"There is a bruise on your left side or your left side is a bruise?"

"My left side is a bruise."

"Hmph…la petite fou, was heard three times as she went up the stair.

"Shall we?" Walter held the door open for the ladies and they all went in.

"Ok question?" Seras asked.

"Answer" Sophia replied.

"La petite fou?"

"The little fool." Sophia and Walter said in unison. Each smiled at the other.

"So is that…normal?" Seras asked.

"Which part?"

"Ummm all of it?" Seras said to cover all of the bases.

"Well actually yes." Sophia shrugged. "She's my "lady's maid" I think the term is. She looks after me and my stuff. I can do for myself but, oh well." Sophia shrugged. "She does make life easier." Sophia shrugged again. "This food looks and smells wonderful!"

"I'm glad." Walter smiled he held the chair for Sophia and Seras. She seemed surprised as my holding her chair, must not be common in the circles she runs in, odd.

"I know it looks a bit odd, the way Marie and I are." Sophia paused and took a bite of vegetable. "Recently we've been in apartments which afford more privacy. When I worry her, or when she 'Can't believe what I've done this time'" Sophia said imitating Marie. "She lite's into me in French I actually think it's funny that here you have a French Lady's Maid teaching an American Project Manager to be an English Lady." She ate a bit more, then continued "Any way she tears in to me until I can't handle it or I hear a phrase I want to remember I tell her she's fired and life goes on. This food is fantastic. Sorry I'm going on about this." Sophia looked embarrassed.

"Not at all, not at all. Will we witness this ritual, often?" Walter asked both amused and horrified at the prospect.

"Oh no!" Sophia smiled. "Tonight she'll realize what she did in public no less and want to die. I'll reassure her that to me it's just like every other time; I'm not mad, she's not fired by any stretch of the imagination, I'll ask her about one of the more interesting phrases and life will go on." Sophia laughed "I will be the only witness to this ritual here." Sophia smiled and shook her head. "Providing of course I don't do something absolutely heinous in her eyes. If I do, get out the ear plugs!" Sophia giggled

I like Sophia, Seras decided she is fun. It sounds weird but I can see us becoming good friends and she liked the idea. I wonder how long Marie has worked for Sophia.

How does a Construction Project Manager get into the position to have a trained Lady's maid? Walter was deciding if Sophia was as she seemed or, if like himself, she would rather be underestimated. Sophia had poise, but was unaccustomed to basic gentlemanly ways, she moves well, but she is definitely in construction: Why is the Queen so sure that Miss Aston belongs here? She will bare closer observation, much closer. Not that Walter minded.

"Oh..." Suddenly Blaze closed her eyes and looked as if an unpleasant idea had surfaced or if she had bit into something bad.

"Is there something wrong with your fish? No bones I trust?" Walter was concerned.

"No, no the fish is perfect!" Sophia assured. Walter relaxed "I just realized that now Marie is going to watch me like a hungry hawk circling the bluest oasis during mating season!" Sophia sighed "Marie will let me know every little social faux pas I make so I never do it again. Oh no," Sophia's eyes went completely open "I must hide my jeans! I know it's just a matter of time but…" Sophia looked completly unhappy, Seras looked sympathetic and Walter was amused but did not look it. "Well," Sophia smirked and wiggled her eyebrows a bit "When she gets like this all of the buttons come to the surface." Sophia giggled. "This actually could be some fun" She smiled and continued to eat.

Walter and Seras just looked at each other. They were both reminded of someone they both knew all too well. Seras looked at Sophia.

"I have the files here covering pretty much every aspect of Hellsing. What do you want me to start with Ms.…Ma'am…?" Seras fumbled.

Sophia looked at her. "You are Command correct?"

"Yes" Seras looked nervous.

"Then in business you call me Blaze. Not Ms. Blaze or anything like that. Just Blaze, alright? Both of you." Her voice got sharp.

"Yes of course." Both Walter and Seras said in unison taken back a bit.

"Oh yikes, I am so sorry!" Sophia winced. "I had no right to get upset and snap at you two. Really bad day, no major injuries though." Sophia thanked God "But lot's of paperwork, planning on going digital." Sophia shook her head. "You would think I would be used to this. I have to remind myself that you don't know me from Eve." Sophia groaned "That sounded so vain." She was blushing bright red. "In the industry we all know about one another, at least by rep. Our paths cross at some time. People ask about the new wires, new pipes, new PM they have and word gets around. Even if I have never met you I have some idea about you and how you work." Sophia offered as an explanation and shrugged. "I have no idea how you go about things here. For what it's worth on my projects APM's, Command, and all I prefer that we just use names, first names, your call, your preference. Especially in this job I want and need us to work well together. The crew needs to see us being comfortable around one another. You two are obviously close friends, which helps your crew feel better."

I never thought of that before. Seras nodded. I guess that is why she is here. Seras mused. "Ok Blaze, I'm Seras. No nick names here my old unit called me kitten but…"

"Walter is most likely for the best as my nick name is long and not intended to inspire… warmth in others." He smiled as Seras rolled her eyes.

"Ok what's that?" Sophia noticed the reaction and raised her eye brow.

"The Angel of Death"

"Impressive moniker, I'm quite sure you earned that one the hard way. For one like that you would have to." Sophia smiled at him but her eyes were haunted by something, something big. "Privately call me Sophia please."

"So how did you get Blaze?" Seras asked. It was an innocent question. But by the look on Sophia's reaction it wasn't.

"Oh…well…I…" Sophia looked at her food a bit upset. "EEEEK! Damn! I can't even finish a good dinner!" Sophia pulled a cell phone from under her jumper and waist band of her skirt, Sophia stood as she yelled "Marie! Jump! Please be a P, please be a P" She muttered as she answered the phone. "WWW?" Sophia was quickly pulling her hair up. "Right, yes, Hellsing Lid one tic." The door to the Dining Room opened and a dark bag came sailing in. Sophia caught it and stepped towards the attached lavatory. "Pardon me a moment." She said as she went in. "We have a situation do either of you want to come with?" was heard through the door. "Do you have quick transport of your own?"

"Yes!" Walter and Seras answered.

"I have transport I just need to either follow your 'copter or need an address." Seras said quickly as she ran from the room.

"Hey, if you can follow the 'copter then do it. The 'copter is rigged so it can take two." Sophia said coming in the room. She sat back in her seat and pulled on boots that weren't there a second ago. " You should know it's an interesting ride." Sophia said to Walter as she pulled on a coat.

"That sounds intriguing, after you?" Walter noticed that she looked woefully unarmed, but then him and his wires. As they ran up the stairs Walter wondered how she knew where the roof helipad was.

As they went out the door Sophia was confronted by Seras and her Harkonnen. "Tiens BFG." Sophia handed each of them and ear com. "We are on channel Z. Here is our ride Walter." A line was dropped from the helicopter and hit with a metallic thump. As it came up a bit Sophia put her foot in a metal stirrup and clipped a line around her then to the pole in front of her. Walter followed suit. They were almost nose to nose now. The pole was just under the helicopter keeping the tension where it needed to be.

"Are your weapons on site?" Walter asked.

"You could say that." Sophia smiled and nodded at him.

"What are they if I may ask? We keep nearly all standard and a few unique sizes of ammunition. We also have unique loads."

"No worries, don't bother." Sophia shrugged. "I don't have a gun on this side of the pond. None of the crew has guns either." Walter looked at her in shock. "I carry a few daggers and the like we all do"

"You and your crew are going into this virtually unarmed?" Walter was getting a bit nervous.

"Walter, do you have any idea just how lethal a construction site really is? " Sophia's smile got bigger.


Tribute


Authors Note: I personally was not there. This story is not an eye witness recounting of the disaster. This is not necessarily in the time line. I just wanted to post it as a tribute to all who lost their lives; if we forget, they died in vain. I as I am sure all of you remember this day all too well.

Blaze woke feeling weird. She could not put her finger on it. Something just felt wrong. There was an upset. She tried to put her finger on it as she walked to her office. The idea of breakfast almost made her throw up. The staff that past by her saw a very confused woman.

She sat on her desk and thought. Jolene stuck her head in. "Boss meeting?"

"Huh? Oh right." Blaze walked down the hall to the meeting room. When she got there every one saw her confusion. "Walter what is today?"

"Monday eleven September …"He stopped it looked as though Blaze had been hit. Her eyes went wide.

"Everyone will excuse me." She walked out of the room. People remembered she was an American. The evil that had been done had shocked and horrified the world but for an American it was personal.

"Do we stay here?"

"Until we hear otherwise, yes." Walter answered.

Blaze walked in a few minutes later she wore jeans and a plain white t-shirt and Teva's. Over her heart it simply read 'In Remembrance of our Fallen Heroes 9/11/01' her eyes were haunted. "I wear this shirt one day a year, every year. I'm sorry all maybe later but I have a few demons to fight."

"Boss do you want to talk about it. We all would be happy to listen." She blinked at the people in the room. They were friends.

"I was there." Everyone got real quiet. "I was in New York City. I was going to finally meet some people face to face for the first time. E-mails and all that. They all had their offices in the World Trade Center Tower Two." She paused to take a deep breath. "I had flown in the night before." Now she shook her head and looked at her hands. When she looked up there were tears. "None of them survived." Now the tears slid down her cheek. "The panic, the fear, the sorrow, people throwing themselves from the windows not willing to allow others to dictate their way of death. Things showered down paper stuffing from furniture, and body parts." She shook her head "One very clear memory I have was when I was watching the first tower burn. "Thank God they are in Tower Two."

Then we all heard the plane I just thought NO! The fireball, it was horrible. We were being pushed back more and more. Then the collapse we all ran. We ran until we got far enough away or the force of the cloud carried the threw us to the ground." She sighed and wiped away the tears.

"I also remember the Brave Heroes that my shirt speaks of. These men and women charged into the mouth of Hell its self hoping that they might save one live, even just one life. Saving one life was so important to them that it was worth risking their own. Too many died." Another deep breath. "All of them were racing to their fire engines, ambulances,

True Story: I heard of one woman who was a medical professional. She threw her kit on her back, grabbed her rollerblades and went. After the collapse she and some other doctors and medical people snuck past the blockades. After the gray cloud of the fall they just knew that there were going to be people who would need help. As we know now there was only layers of ash and dead bodies

There are also miraculous things that happened."

True story to the best of my memory: A blind man who was fairly high up was trapped he knew he would not make it; he kept sending his beloved Seeing Eye dog away. The Dog did not agree. He kept at his master to not give up and die. The man with his dog escaped. Then the dog ran back in. He brought out more people. The owner and rescue personnel tried to stop him but again he went in. He then brought out more. The man held on to his dog who disobeyed his master and ran in again. The building collapsed. Soon after, out came a fireman with other people the fireman was carrying the dog, it looked dead. They put this brave dog on a gurney and it still responded to his master's voice. "He came for me and saved my life. He led me out." The fireman said. The dog suffered burns all over his body but he lived. He is the first dog to be recognized by the City of New York for his courage and service. He was given a medal.

Blaze and everyone else was quiet. "Too many died who should not have. These people were not warriors they were not combatants on the field of battle they were civilians. That's why when we are talking about terrorists one person is too many. This is why I hunt any and all terrorists If Five Years Ago Today they could do what they did, if we do not stop them here, before they get there plan underway…." Blaze shrugged.

"Also let us not forget the men and women in the armed forces who put their lives on the line Twenty four hours a day on foreign soil to provide to us the ability to live as we please. They are fighting for our freedom."

True I did lose a favorite on-line cribbage partner but that's it.

I do own and wear the shirt.

I do remember seeing the second tower hit on live on TV and all the rest that we all saw.

Last Personal note: There is one thing that the terrorists from 9/ 11/01 did not realize. They believed that their act would fracture the country and that we would tear our selves apart. They were sorely mistaken. As Americans we may seem to fight amongst ourselves all the time but if you hit or hurt us. We will come together. We will hunt you. We will get you. We can and usually do become Rat Bastards. We are proud of it.