Thanks again Lillian Dashwood for editing help! Before anyone asks, yes Alucard will appear in future chapters, just not yet. Constructive criticism is appreciated.
Durga
Chapter Two
- The Empress
People say time flies when you are having fun, and, when you aren't, it's exactly the opposite. Every minute seems an eternity, a never-ending torture you want over.
The latter was exactly the situation for Sir Elspeth Hellsing. Not even the finest Earl Grey tea nor the countless cigars could keep the Hellsing's attention span focused after hours of endless babbling of her so called 'equals'.
Dear God in Heaven, won't he ever shut up? Elspeth thought, twitching her lips in disapproval. She clearly wasn't enjoying Sir Callaghan's speech about the Japanese market. There was almost no Japan left after China had bombed the heathen island, and she didn't deem that small spot lost in the Pacific as the Empire's primary concern. Quite the opposite. Couldn't they see that? For a minute, she contemplated throwing the teacup at his head, breaking the delicate china on his skin, but decided against it. The poor object didn't deserve such a fate.
The Round Table meeting had started two hours ago, and Elspeth had found all the topics incredibly boring. Politics, Economics, Arts, Protocol. For most of the issues addressed, she had thought a solution beforehand, already dispatching people to solve it. Better to let her handle this and not these bureaucrats who dared to call themselves knights was her policy.
Inwardly, Elspeth feared the country would sink further and further until it crumble into nothingness, increasing the damage provoked by the national crisis that had started ten years ago when the countries of the United Kingdom became one sole State. Arrogant though she may be, she was also devoted, heart and soul, to her nation.
For the sake of her image, she put up her best straight posture only broken by the smug smile on lips. It was the smile of someone who knew a secret that no one else aware of. Only a few would dare to question her knowledge, and most feared the consequences. Elspeth Hellsing might not be popular nor well liked by the aristocrats; however she was respected and feared.
Elspeth had inherited the looks and the attitude of her rest of the female predecessors who followed Integral Hellsing's steps. The line had been exclusively female since her reign. Every single one had had long platinum blonde hair,azure eyes, great height and a tan skin that--with the passing generations--was becoming less noticeable. The use of male clothing had become a family tradition. Elspeth was currently dressed with a one piece black pansuit, a tad more feminine looking for her liking but that was the current trend.
The Court, let alone the general public, weren't sure of the situation of the birth of the powerful line that was supposed to secretly control the country's events.
They had no other choice but to believe what they were told: artificial insemination of a surrogate mother, followed by the raising the child in secret by special trainers. Just like Sir Integral's heir, who had appeared decades after her premature death in the battlefield. However, the nobles whispered between each other about a less orthodox method. They gossiped of clones of the original Integral, in an attempt to explain the eerie physical likeness. Elspeth knew the theories and allowed them to spread. Let them continue their little detective game as long it didn't affect her position. That would keep them entertained whilst she protected their necks during the nights.
"Sir Elspeth," the aged man who was sitting at her left spoke, not daring to meet her eyes. "What's your response to the lack of results regarding the incident in the museum?"
The Hellsing turned to look at him carefully. "My steward is taking the matter in his own hands. As you all know, he used to be one of the MI-5's most brilliant agents."
Someone from her right snorted. "That's not enough. We want results, Elspeth."
Anger ignited inside her blue eyes for such an interruption. She loathed to have her duty questioned. Everything should be under her direction to make it right for once.
"As do I, Sir Wilson," she replied, her tone was deadly calm, suppressing any visible fury. "But I haven't seen any advance in stopping the devaluation of the sterling pound," she added, crushing her cigar on the ashtray.
Her smile deepened when Wilson opened his mouth to talk then closed it at once. Pompous fool. Soon, he'll be replaced by someone more efficient and quiet. She made a mental note to oversee that subject later, disliking any questioning of her judgment.
"Anyone else here have more complaints about my abilities?" she asked while her gaze trailed one by one over members' faces around the circle. They all inclined their heads and shook them, resigned. "Good, let's proceed then…"
A transparent image appeared on the air, in front of Elspeth. It was a shattered statue made of some dark material. It had rubies and emeralds incrusted as decoration. Even in such a demolished state, and with it's details blurred by time, the statue was visibly a man.
"What's that, Sir Elsepth?" was the uttered inquiring spoken by most of the rest of the knights.
"Soma," was Elspeth's reply. She leaned into her padded chair, platinum hair covering half of her face. Noticing the general puzzlement, she elaborated, "The Hindu god of the moon. My steward found it in the remains of that Malaysian sorcerer who attacked the Embassy of India a week before the museum incident." She paused, inspecting with scrutiny the figure for a moment, "Apparently, he sent his Bajang to retrieve that… The large lizard caused many… disasters in his path…"
The images shifted from the pieces of the statute to half demolished houses.
"But why?!" one of them stood, younger than most in the room, rushed and passionate in his speech.
"That, my friend," she placed her hand on her chin, rubbing idly, "Is the mystery we must solve together..." Elspeth shot the youngling a piercing gaze, "Sit down."
The young knight complied, Elspeph heard his resigned sigh, better for the youth to know their place. But even as he sat, he continued to speak.
"I don't mean to be rude, but this immense wave of attacks against our holy lands are starting to pique the public's curiosity. Especially after those assaults on the Falkland Islands…" he started to say, eyeing the Hellsing warily.
"Britain no longer cares for the Islands. They became their own nation more than a century ago, after all," she pointed out as holograms of the destroyed buildings vanished, replaced by photographs of an army of skeletons chasing the insular people. The majority were carrying XX century style firearms. Others were holding swords with flags of different countries. Blood was dripping from their pale jaws after they lunged for the screaming victims, devouring them. "Although, there's still close ties between the two countries and this strike was an insult to our honour."
Several knights winced at the cannibalistic spectacle, weak of hearts, minds and stomachs Elspeth figured out, disappointed. She bent down to the desk, clapping to turn off the holographic item. The images disappeared upon her commands to the viewers' relief.
"Not only did those Argentinian dogs who fought us long ago rise from the grave, but also several of the oldest inhabitants of the islands… The Dutch and Spanish colonists. "
"What is coming on, Elspeth?" a knight asked, wiping away the drops of sweat trailing down his face with a handkerchief. "This madness can't continue…"
"Obviously not. The losses would be great if it's not stopped at time," the Hellsing pursed her lips, forming a rather sardonic smirk. "It's too soon to give a final statement about who or what is causing all this violence."
"In other words, you don't know. Or do you, Hellsing?"
She glanced over her shoulder, watching Wilson with neutrality, not giving the bastard the pleasure of seeing her angry. "No, it means that it's too soon to jump to a conclusion, or is your hearing failing due to your age, Wilson? Or perhaps it's your memory?"
Elspeth was satisfied when the knight glared at her, bristled by the taunt. It merely took a couple of seconds before the man looked away, unable to hold her piercing stare.
"In the case that of any of you have forgotten, gentlemen," she said coolly, "It's I who leads this Table. Your bloody existence depends of my very whims along with the fate of this country…" Her tone was dangerous, borderline a hiss. Misogyny apparently had not disappeared with the passing of the ages. "It's my linage who avoided this island's being blown up during the Fourth World War! Without my protection, how long do you think this place will remain in one piece before the undead menace, uhmm?"
An awkward silence followed her heated speech. No one dared to meet her azure eyes, nor to speak anymore. Some were aggravated, biting their own tongues to resist the temptation of insulting her, while the rest were pale, scared by the display. She was contented with that, pleased to make note that the illusion of power and equality was that. An illusion without a solid base in reality.
Elspeth rose then, saluting with a flourished bow, false respect on her part. "I hope I was clear enough in this matter. The meeting is over. I have urgent matters to attend. Dismissed, gentlemen. The next one is scheduled for next week, same hour. May God and Her Majesty be with you. Amen"
They didn't respond, still taken aback for her speech, she assumed. A bat of an eyelash and they were gone, molecular tele-transportation being the easiest way to travel. And the laziest. Even if the knights weren't inside the office anymore, the penetrating smell of their nervous sweat lingered, filling her sensitive nostrils. Disgusted, she wrinkled her nose while making her way out of the room.
As she walked towards the library, Elspeth couldn't help but wonder which one of them would try to 'overthrow' her this time. There usually was one or two per generation, greedy enough to seek to amass personal power and replace the Hellsing as head of the Table, to try his luck. Poor sods the lot of them. None succeed so far. Minor annoyances that usually made excellent 'examples' for the remaining members who fancied with the same idea.
Foolish, power-hungry little men. So unlike Islans or Penwood, now they had deserved their knighthoods and praise. Granted, she yearned for power but not for selfish means, quite the opposite. She wanted power to protect her people better, to maintain this island safe and cleaned of menaces. Never for her own desires, which is why it didn't corrupt her.
To the new knights' credit, some were as dedicated as she, but Elspeth became more paranoid, mistrustful and self-confident with the passing of time, therefore the chances she would admit that were minimal.
Pushing such ponderings away, Elspeth entered the library. The room was probably one of the greater areas of the Mansion. It was divided in sections: the restricted one-the one only a Hellsing could gain access-, the old one-filled with books, a disappearing device in the new century-, and the new one-composed only with computer banks and virtual data. Usually, no one bothered to go to the old section anymore, to very few the idea of reading books was enticing. Only she and a couple of eccentric minds who wondered about the old days.
The lights were on. She wasn't alone in the section. Blue eyes started to search around, watching the countless bookcases to fall finally on a female figure dressed in a yellow uniform, picking up several volumes to her right.
"Captain Victoria," she greeted, surprised by her presence. It was most unusual to have Seras separated from her men.
Elspeth could tell that she had startled Seras for the officer almost dropped the books she was carrying.
"Sir Hellsing!" Seras Victoria saluted, turning around to face her. "My apologies, Sir. I didn't… feel you."
She should polish her senses more. My presence shouldn't have gone unnoticed.
But, her requests would fall in deaf ears. The Hellsing knew Seras would rather not display her power unless needed in battle. She could be so much more, but cherished her humanity above all. Remarkable attitude, though foolish.
Gesturing for Seras to come closer, Elspeth smiled at her, a rather conspiratorial grin. "It's alright, Seras. At ease. I've told you many times to put aside formalities whilst in private."
The subordinate relaxed the straightened stance of her shoulders and sat down, tossing the books on the table.
"What are we facing? Do you have any idea? I've made some… research of my own, but I'm at loss…"
"I see you have been occupying yourself," Elspeth scanned the titles of the chosen lecture material. "You never cared for vampire lore, Seras…"
"And I don't," Seras replied, leaning on the chair, looking distressed. "I don't need books to explain me about what I am… But… I want to know what those things are…"
"I wouldn't expect less from you, Seras," the Hellsing complimented. All the aggression that she had on the Meeting was gone, and her muscles relaxed. "You're one of the few beings as dedicated as I am."
"You should give those men a rest," Seras suggested, "I don't mean to be disrespectful. I know your work is better than whatever disaster they may cause. But, you are burying yourself with work again. Not everything is your responsibility."
"You have your faults too, Seras. However, I won't bring your fledgling into the conversation," Elspeth shot back while sitting down, "You're avoiding your responsibilities with him. When was the last time you trained that boy?"
The Captain's eyes glowed, offended, "That's personal, it's not the same."
"I know it's private, but so is my role within the Round Table," Elsepth explained to her soldier, "I have no personal life beyond my duty, as it should be…"
Seras closed her mouth, gazing at the table for a while, "I'm just worried… I hate to see you this stressed. You're my friend or almost."
"Your concern is greatly appreciated… You have been my confidant for a long time, and you know this is not the best of my days."
Seras looked up at her boss, smiling, "Queen cranky again?"
"Shut it, you pretentious, little bint. Or I should call you police girl from now on?"
Seras laughed, and Elspeth was glad she did. It had been a while since either of them had been extremely joyful.
"That nickname, God, the good old times," Seras commented, her eyes acquired a dreamy expression before it faltered. "And the not so good ones," she added darkly, her tone a quiet whisper.
Elspeth caught the reference at once, "I suppose you'll want a free day next week…" She knew of course of what date was, the anniversary of Pip Bernadette's death.
"If there's no emergencies, yes…" Seras bit her bottom lip, shooting Elspeth something akin to a mischievous look. "And you should take one of those… The country won't sink because you kick back and relax for twenty four hours."
"You don't know that," Elspeth scoffed, rejecting the mere idea of a free day. "Besides, I do participate leisure activities…"
"Are any of those 'unrelated' to improving yourself for the nation?"
Elspeth pondered her words and frowned, "Fine, you stated a valid point. I'll put consider it after we've stoped this wave of attacks. And don't give me that gleeful look, Seras. You haven't convinced me yet."
"That would be such a feat, wouldn't it?"
Seras rose, flashing Elspeth a fanged smile. "Trying to make the stubborn Hellsing change her mind."
"Don't speak of me about being bull headed, that's a flaw in your character too…" Really, the one who was desperately clinging to what was left of her human side had the gall to call her stubborn?
"Guilty as charged."
Seras smiled sheepishly, visually not bothered in the least by the remark. "Oh, before I forget, the new vehicles you ordered arrived this morning. I may go and check on them before Peter does. You remember last month's incident for sure."
Elspeth nodded, lounging in the chair. Peter was a walking danger, but she had faith that the boy would end up becoming an asset in time. "Indeed, he lost control of the car he was driving and crashed it into the ones parked. My insurance agent had a fit."
"Yes, I doubt the insurance will cover that again. Better to prevent than to cure. In any case, you're better at this research stuff that I am… Your Latin is far better," Seras beamed, saluting respectfully. "Seras Victoria leaves for her duty, Sir!"
"Dismissed, Captain. Try not to drive into the woods. I'm fond of the trees," Elspeth said with a throaty chuckle, for a second she could swear Seras dared to shoot her a dirty look. Must have been her imagination.
Alone once more, Elspeth glanced at the selection of volumes Seras had gathered. She already knew about vampire species probably better than anyone, therefore such books wouldn't offer new knowledge. Her attention was captured by an ancient tome that belonged to her mother.
The Rig Veda. I remember some of the verses mother used to recite to me. Beautiful, for a heathen book.
Enthralled, the Hellsing snagged it from the pile, settling down to read. Her sixth sense told her that the information could be useful one day. If not, well she could gloat to Seras' face that the workaholic had done something unrelated to her duty at last.