Chapter Twenty Two: AX's Decision and Hellsing's Pledge

-Present Day, September 5-

Terri was waiting for everything to be arranged at the safe house, so she was still in Sir Integra's mansion for the time being. When we have been strategizing for an ideal travel group, Terri wasn't allowed to be in the room with us, which I thought was a little redundant.

Today, I will find out who will be traveling with me on my Jumpstarts. I knew that Alucard was obligated to stay with Sir Integra, so he was probably not coming along. Hawkens had given back my Jumpstart badge after he had coded it; it was a small, thick rectangle that had a complex swirling design etched into it. The pin was removed to stop anyone else from trying to code it to themselves, a technique called "Over Write," which has given the GCP a hard time before. It now hung on a cord around my neck for the time being.

I entered the sitting room on the second floor and smiled at Sister Blanchett as she sipped her tea gracefully. Honestly, only Characters can be graceful in their actions. So I guess there was a way to point me out in a crowd. I sat down and waited for Officer Scott and Hawkens to arrive. Alucard stood on Sir Integra's left side as she fiddled with an unlit cigar, her head bowed down as she read over a letter or something on her desk.

Walter opened the door and entered the room followed by Officer Scott and Hawkens who was going over the form that was shipped along with my Jumpstart badge. A moment of silence passed before Hawkens glanced at everyone.

"It would seem that no one from the AX Agency has offered to take part in the Jumpstart traveling." I felt my eyes bug out at that phrase. Sister Blanchett set down her teacup and glanced at Lady Caterina surprised. "May we have an explanation?"

"The Rozen Kreuz have doubled their efforts in slowing us down, unfortunately we have our own crisis to deal with." Lady Caterina held up her hand to stop Hawkens from cutting her off. "We are not claiming to have nothing to do with the issue, it's just we are low on our own manpower. However, I can clear the way for her in a political manner. I have great contacts with those on other Plains that have Vatican connections. I need more time, that's all."

"Very well then, can Hellsing explain why there was only one applicant from this Plain? I would've thought that Ms. Summers had friends teaming to help her in her quest." Okay now this was starting to get interesting. Who was the one person who offered to be with me?

"With Millennium focused on Ms. Summers and the Hellsing Organization, I can only afford to send out one agent. You have my word that he will not only protect her from Millennium, but also from those on other Plains who wish to bring her harm." Alucard gazed at his master in surprise. "It also is better to have a smaller team, in need of a quick Jumpstart to escape, it would be best if they worked in a pair."

"But I was under the assumption that Alucard was your trump card. If he leaves you, then who will you rely on to protect you if Millennium attacks here?" I stared at Sir Integra as Officer Scott casually jotted down notes.

"Alucard is one of our finest agents, however Ms. Summers' safety is our most primary concern. She is able to defend herself now, but an extra pair of eyes will be necessary for her to complete her quest. Alucard has been with her on every one of her missions during her stay here, no one else truly knows her fighting style better. I also have a fully equipped entourage of bodyguards in the mansion at all times, so I will be fine."

I glanced at Walter, who seemed undisturbed at the thought of Alucard being away from Sir Integra. I remembered how Walter had claimed to be Hellsing's top agent in his youth, which put me at ease. Sir Integra stood from her desk and she placed the cigar back in her case.

"Remember when Ms. Summers was having her avatar created, how I told you that we of the Hellsing Organization never back down from a challenge." At Hawkens affirmative, Sir Integra continued. "Ms. Summers has been an active member of the Hellsing Organization since her arrival, and do not think for a moment that I will let one of my own wander into a death trap. The Major wants her, and he's never getting her, and I will make sure of it. She has been ordered to continue the search for her friends, and so she must, and Hellsing will be there every step of the way. That was what we agreed to do, no matter what the cost."

Hawkens handed Officer Scott the form to which she signed and left the room. He rubbed the back of his head and seemed thoughtful.

"You have authorization to Jumpstart in three days. Good luck to you all."

A/N: And that's Book One, ladies and gentlemen. You now have to wait until Book Two to see how this one continues. Reminder to all that anyone who reviews this story will be given a shout out. I will add a "chapter" in this story when I start posting Book Two, stating all of those who had reviewed. If you want a little publicity then come on and review.

And to those who wanted the Trinity Blood villains to show up, trust me, they'll be back.