Chapter Twenty: GCSU Intervenes

We all stared at Hawkens as he made it clear that I was to no longer be an active part of the investigation. I was in shock, he actually expected me to just throw in the towel simply because I got one of my friends back?

I made to stand up, but Terri gripped my hands tightly and her eyes were begging me to not fight him. However I knew that if I didn't speak my mind, then I'd be whisked away back to the Material Plain and possibly never find Sean, Richard, or Amy. Officer Scott seemed annoyed by Hawkens request.

"Your enemy has made it clear that Characters and Non-Characters alike are the targets, any living person as your servant said. It is obvious that these young women aren't safe here anymore."

"I was under the assumption that the GCP were the ones in charge of the investigation." Lady Caterina seemed to not like Hawkens as much as I do. "In such case, do you not need their authorization to remove the girl under the Hellsing Organization's care?"

"We are, but in this case." Officer Scott glared at Hawkens to stop him from cutting her off. "We don't have enough units to keep peace on all the Plains and stop Millennium's rampage. We can't have a unit on standby if she's going to have to Jumpstart from place to place from now on."

"Jumpstart?" I never felt more stupid asking a simple question. Everyone just stared at me like I had grown an extra head or something. Flushing, I looked at the floor and found the navy and maroon rug very interesting.

"This now makes Ms. Summers a double-edged sword." Hawkens took over the conversation. "As easy it is for her to Jumpstart, it'll make it hard for Millennium to find her. However, there's the problem of when they do find her, which Plain will have to be decimated by Ghouls in order for them to hinder her actions. As we speak, a vote is being conducted by the Chancellors of the Global Coalition Government to see if whether or not Ms. Summers will be allowed to continue in her quest to save all of her friends, or if she'll be transferred to a GCSU safe house and placed in our custody."

Walter entered the room, startling everyone. I never noticed that he had left; I was too focussed on Terri. In Walter's hand was an unopened envelope, and he seemed unsure of how to proceed. Sir Integra seemed on edge as everyone waited. Officer Scott glanced over Walter's arm and visibly paled.

"It's addressed to the girl." Everyone's eyes flicked to me with uncertainty. Hawkens cheery attitude disappeared immediately as him and Officer Scott made eye contact. Walter handed me the envelope slowly. I almost wanted to ask it was going to eat my hand or something, but I felt just as apprehensive as everyone else. I gently opened the envelope and noticed a formal letter and a strange item inside. I pulled out the letter first, and I felt my jaw drop as I read.

Dear Ms. Kiara Summers:

We are pleased to inform you of the results of a decision that was pressed on us a week prior. As it stands, it is widely believed that your current mission is considered: still active. We wish to express that it would be wise to consider a travel group to aid you in your Jumpstart travels.

You are to continue your work with Officer Kim Scott of the Global Coalition Police, Rossolue Division and Global Coalition Suppression Unit, Unit Three Co-ordinator Edward Hawkens in your retrieval mission. You are to be reminded of your obligation to speak to your GCSU contact on a fifteen day period at all times. Any loss of contact may be penalized with the loss of your Jumpstarting privileges.

We have enclosed a Jumpstart badge, and a form which must be completed by your GCSU contact and witnessed by your GCP contact.

Good luck,

Jane Kingsley,

Chancellor of Foreign Affairs

"Well then, Ms. Summers, what is their decision?" As an answer, I shook out the strange object, my Jumpstart badge and held it for her to see.

"It looks like I have a green light to continue my search for Sean and the others." Terri seemed elated, and Hawkens turned to her in a daze.

"It is safer for you to go back to the Material Plain, Ms. Nash. I'm afraid that you are not going to be part of the retrieval mission." Terri surprised him by smiling and nodding, her relief evident.

"I don't think I'd have the capability or skills to be a part of the team. Does this mean that I get to go home now?" Officer Scott seemed sorrowful, and she shook her head.

"I'm afraid that you'll have to be placed in a safe house, but if you'd like, I can arrange for you to talk on the phone with your parents right now though." Terri nodded, hopeful, and stood up, and I watched her leave with Officer Scott.

After over two months of not seeing or speaking to her parents, maybe her folks will actually be there for her when she really needs them. After all, people don't really miss things until they're gone. Hawkens glanced at my letter and snatched my Jumpstart badge from my hands.

Before I could say anything, he pricked my hand with a pointed edge on the back of the badge and I froze as the thing began to glow. He explained to everyone else that the badges were coded to the DNA of the one supposed to use it, so if someone tried to use the badge now, it would send off a warning that someone stole my badge. It also will inform the GCP when and where I Jumpstart. I felt excitement rush through me; I only had to find Sean, Richard, and Amy, and if I was lucky I would stop Millennium in their tracks.

A/N: Don't be fooled, it's not the end yet! And aren't you happy that I gave you another long chapter today. As much as Hawkens is a jerk, he still has a strict job right?