Reporting For Duty-Hellsing

[Linx]

As he opens his mouth to speak, he notes the demons movement, eyes locking onto him as he spins to face the demon fully, lowering himself into a crouch, before registering that he wasn't under attack. He sighs, shaking his head as he straightens, facing Integra once more. "My apologies. Sudden movements have always boded ill for me, and I tend to react before thinking." he says by way of apology, offering her a low bow. He frowned lightly as Sebastian looked as if he would pocket the item meant for Integra, but declined to make any comment on it, focusing instead on Integra and her explanation. "Ahh, I see. I've seen magic like that on my world, though it is rare, even there. I'm surprised to see it utilized here." he says, smiling lightly.

"I shall be glad to participate in any of your tests Sir Integra, truthfully told, I've begun feeling restless. I've seen naught but destruction since I've arrived, and have had no opportunity to intervene, or use my weapons, and I feel the edge leaving my fingers. I desire very much to brush up on them, to provide you my absolute best to use as you see fit." he says bowing again shortly. He rises, dusting off the old courtesies as he spoke once more. "If it is to your convenience Sir Integra, I shall not occupy you any further and shall get myself situated where I can, unless I might have lodgings here, and become acquainted with the manor. I shall await further orders or summons as you see fit, and respond immediately." he says, awaiting her orders.

[Stranger]

"Of course. There are plenty of rooms that aren't being used for anything other than empty spaces. There are also living quarters outside of the mansion alongside the Iscariot members. I doubt you'll wish to do that," Integra pause for just a moment then continued after clearing her throat, "Meet with the rest of the manor. Seras Victoria holds the position of my 'general' of sorts. She leads the Wild Geese here. Heinkel Wolfe is the leader of the Iscariot forces. Sebastian is my butler. And Joann D'Arc you will probably not meet unless it's under special circumstances.

"I must warn you not to intrude upon the tomb within the Hellsing yard, that is her residing space and she will kill any who intrude upon her living area without being introduced personally by myself. Breakfast is ready by five in the morning. Lunch is served at your request between eleven and one. Dinner is served to all at six. You may dine with the Wild Geese or with the Iscariot and refugee's depending on if you want warm food or poor mans soup."

"You are dismissed unless you have any further questions."

[sebastian]

Sebastian raised his eyebrows at Tyrion's sudden reaction, he was just about to draw a knife and begin his duty as a protector. However, his gaze softened a moment later at the explanation as the elf dropped his defensive stance. He supposed he should have warned the guy before getting that insect, but it was too late to do anything about it. When Integra spoke about each important individual who resided in the manor, he felt a new jab of interest when she mentioned Joann. Most likely, he would be meeting her himself before long; and he was quite looking forward to that meeting. The way Integra spoke of Joann was a genuine warning, not just some attempt at humor. This Joann was dangerous... And she resided in that tomb he'd seen on the night he'd rebuilt the mansion. It had been out of respect for the dead spirits that he had left the thing untouched. And now he learned spirits didn't reside there; but another one of Integra's pawns... Fascinating...

He said nothing as the meeting seemed to wrap up; and waited for Integra to dismiss Tyrion. Once the dismissal was given, he walked back around the desk and went to go hold the door open for him. "Normally, I would escort a guest to his or her room. But I have a feeling you aren't interested in an escort by a demon. Your room is located on the second floor; the fifth door on the left as you enter the main hallway. It has been properly cleaned an organized, and awaits its resident. If there is anything the room seems to be missing, or if you have a request, please don't hesitate to ask me; I will provide at once." He bowed again as he waited for Tyrion to exit. Once he was gone, Sebastian intended to return to Integra's side and ask her what she thought of the newest recruit. Of course he was intrigued by the elf, some being who went around hunting foul creatures such a demons all his life... The butler wasn't sure if they'd be able to get along at all, but he would have to try to stay on friendly terms as ordered. Hopefully, there would be no problems between them; but he wouldn't be the cause of those problems if they did exist.

[Linx]

He nods as she warns him away from the domain of Joann, wondering idly about her capabilities that she was so highly valued by Sir Integra. As she finishes speaking he replies. "No questions Sir Integra. I shall acquaint myself with the grounds and the people therein as your orders stand and await your summons for testing." he says offering her a low bow before straightening, taking in the additional information provided by Sebastian. He flicks his eyes over to the demon, "Thank you." he says, his words clipped as he replies politely, deeming it prudent that he at least become neutral towards the demon. He begins to turn before pausing and addressing Sir Integra once more.

"There is one thing actually Sir Integra. From what I've seen on this world, a common weapon employed by military forces are things made of metal that fire small projectiles. I have no knowledge of these things, and my only ranged weaponry is a set of hand crossbows. It would be appreciated deeply if you can tell me where I can learn more about them and familiarize myself with them. I wish to maintain proficiency in the use of all weapons that I might be of the most value to you." he says, wondering what the weapons were even called. "Additionally, if there is any place here I might be able to practice with my own weapons, I would request access to them at late hours. The sunlight is rather harmful to our race, though I have adapted somewhat. It is still quite bright and stings my eyes. I would use them at night not only to spare myself the added discomfort, but because my presence has often made others uncomfortable on my world, and I do not wish to cause problems within your organization." he continues, explaining briefly one of his races natural disadvantages. Bright sunlight stung his eyes painfully and lessened his ability to fight or do anything. Prolonged exposure had often made him dizzy and light headed in the past, and he had no wish to repeat the experience. Assuming nothing further came to her mind for him, he would depart with his questions answered to the extent of her desire, leaving her with the butler as he set out to familiarize himself with his new home.

[Stranger]

Integra listened to his rather long questions before she took a awkward pause between him not speaking before she even said a word making sure he was truly finished. She returned to her seat repositioning it back behind her desk so that she was back to her original spot. She took the news paper from the left side and set it in front of her.

"Speak with Seras. She's often in the dungeons or with her men training them. She handles most of the firearms training and details to weapons. You may train with them or with her depending on the time of day.

"There's a place behind the mansion that's considering the training grounds which you can set up and practice with your weapons when ever you wish. Keep the noise level down unless given permission to yell in agony as much as you wish," Integra opened the news paper and began looking through the articles.

[sebastian]

Once Tyrion had turned to leave; those crimson eyes never left his back. He still wasn't quite sure what to think of the elf. He seemed like he could turn out to be a powerful pawn for Integra, if only he could learn to deal with the fact he'd be working with some of nature's foulest creatures. The Butler pictured a chess board in his head; trying to work out who would be who from what he knew so far of the Hellsing Manor and its occupants. Of course, Integra would be the king; while Joann would likely have become the queen. Seras... Perhaps a bishop? He knew nothing of Heinkel Wolfe yet, but from his position as the Iscariot Leader; he would likely have been a knight. Tyrion... Maybe he would be the rook... So then... What would he be in Integra's game, as her contacted demon butler? A pawn? It was a rather amusing thought to work out his position. It was possible he could have been the second bishop... The butler mentally shook his head. He would learn in time what role he played in Integra's game. But for now, he'd focus on his duties.

The moment the elf had left the room, he proceeded swiftly to the door to close it without a sound. He came to stand on the opposite side of Integra's desk, looking at the back of the paper she was holding up as if he could see right through it. "Master, may I ask what you think of Tyrion? To be quite frank, I'm not sure if he is to be trusted; but it could just be my own defensiveness in return for his open hostility." He leaned over to take her now empty tea cup and the pitcher; replacing those upon the silver platter with which he had brought them in a she waited for her reply.

[Stranger]

Integra leaned back in her chair and continued looking through the news paper before remotely showing interest in what was going on around her. She was still registering her own thought process before Sebastian asked her. No, she didn't trust him, but that was something natural to her, she trusted no one that she couldn't control or that had shown they could be trusted. Instead she would keep a close watch on him through Sebastian or Seras depending on who he was close to.

And then she paused and set the news paper down thinking up through her fog before coming to terms with herself, "No, I do no trust him. However, I can use someone of his talents. He is very skilled in what he does, even if he's behind the times of modern weaponry. It's also good to have someone able in alchemy and runic magic as I do not use mine for combat purposes. What intrigues me is how jumpy he is. That may be a problem if he cannot trust any of those who I send alongside him. If he dislikes you, he'll dislike Seras. He wont get the chance to have a heart to heart with Joann.

"However, I believe in time he'll open up," Integra finished closing the newspaper and turning it over to the back. She looked to Sebastian before noting his concern, "What's on your mind?"

[sebastian]

He nodded slightly as he listened; retrieving a clean handkerchief from another of his seemingly endless pockets. As she was speaking, he focused on removing some of the dust which had settled upon the surface of the desk. It was rather irritating. Even with the all the mansion windows closed, filth still managed to find its way into the building from the apocalyptic zone in which it resided. Some dirt would never be truly gone... He was relieved to find that she didn't trust Tyrion either, and was in complete agreement with her about his skills being useful. He certainly had some impressive tricks up his sleeves, who knew what else he could do. "I don't believe we could gain his trust if we showed him none in return. That's just the natural way of any intelligent being; human, elf, and demon alike." He sighed in resignation as he carefully worked his way to the other side of her desk; folding the cloth over itself neatly as spots gathered the filth. "I will do what I can to reach better terms with him, but I believe it will be wasted effort."

He fell silent as she put down her newspaper, thinking he might have said something she didn't want to hear. But that didn't seem to be her problem. On the contrary, she unexpectedly asked him her own question about what was on his mind. He straightened up from his dusting as he folded the still fairly clean handkerchief and laid it gingerly on the cart; as if he feared getting the small amount of dust on his perfectly white gloves. The mahogany desk seemed to have its own gloss now. He paused, then proceeded to answer. "Nothing really, master. At least, nothing important. I was merely thinking of this entire war situation which you and your organization are now mixed up in. It reminds me of a game called chess; I'm sure you know what that is. You have your army, the enemy has theirs. Now the game has begun. I suppose you could say that I feel a fierce loyalty to the safety of the king." A strange smile passed over his features; not really sarcastic or bemused, as usual. He was being entirely serious, but the very thought of his comparison was laughable to himself. He was sure Integra would find it so as well. "Any pawns who lack that loyalty will be felled by those who possess it; even if the conflict runs within the ranks of the same side." There were multiple hints and meanings within those words, but he would let her figure those out for herself.

[Stranger]

Integra folded the newspaper in half and set it in the center of her desk. She didn't comment further on the elf just simply nodding to him when he finished there. She continued to listen on however to his explanation of chess which made her raise her brow slightly questioning him within her own head to some small degree. However, she was aware of what he was hinting at.

"Only on my orders," Integra said to him with a strict gaze. She wasn't finished however, "I have a limited number of spaces I can move with my pawns before my true power can be unleashed. Even then, only three pairs of my big names are expendable. The queen and king are not. But even a pawn is as powerful as a Knight or Rook in the right position. I have eyes on every one of my members. I do not trust anyone I cannot control, however, I have respect for them and understand they will be there if I need them."

[sebastian]

He tipped his head in acknowledgement of her first reply, a slight smile returning to his face. "Of course, my lord... I act on your orders alone, and that will not change." When she mentioned the three pairs, he found himself wondering who those were. As for the king and queen, of course neither one of those were expendable; but it sounded as if she wasn't referring to herself as either the king or queen. But then, who filled those positions; if Integra was merely the single force which moved them about the playing field? And she did have a point about the pawns. Pawns, they were expendable; but they still had their uses... And if they played all the way across the board... A lost one could take its place in some versions of the game... "Then I can assume you trust me?" He didn't have doubts about it; but he wanted to hear her say the words herself.

He was entirely under her jurisdiction after all. He was her loyal guard dog, the one bound by contract to never leave her side; no matter how impossible or cruel treatment was. He himself was actually quite pleased so far with her treatment, she wasn't a cruel lord in any way. She was strict, yes; and she had her expectations. But it was that sort of personality which made him so determined to play his part perfectly. The butler reached out to take up a stack of papers into his hands from one side of the desk, aligning the papers before replacing them neatly at a corner. He took a moment to sweep his gaze around the office; there really wasn't anything more cleaning related for him to do here. She had caught on one of the hidden meanings behind his words; but there were still others... It would be interesting to see if she picked up anything else from his rather cryptic words. Unless Integra had more of her own words for him, then there was really no reason for him to lurk in her office any longer.

[Stranger]

"Of course Sebastian," she said standing up and pushing her chair neatly back behind her desk before walking to the window to look down at the regenerators all in mid training. "But you are no pawn for me to use. You are like the front man one has set up to ruin the game of chess and kick over the board as one is about to lose. You are the one who tips the balance when there is nothing left."

[sebastian]

It seemed that, to Integra, he wasn't one of the playing pieces on the board. He was there to observe the game, and to offer a word of advice or to point out a possible move the the master who was playing the game. And should his master be at the verge of losing; it was up to him make sure the game went no further... He was there to guarantee her the win, or no one would win. Cheating an opponent might have said. He was the final line of defense. Should she lose Joann and Seras, her best players on the field; then he would be the one to ensure she remained unharmed, to unsure her victory; no matter how much of a disadvantage they were at. Those thoughts merely brought a smirk to his face.

She played her game in an almost childish way... She had built up an impenetrable wall between herself and her enemies. It only made her soul that much more desirable. He could wait as long as necessary until that day came... The demon bowed to her as she gazed out of the window. "I will be by your side until the very end; my lord. You will emerge victorious from the game, it is my duty to make sure of it..." He straightened up again, and turned to pick up his platter with the empty teacup and pitcher. "Unless there is anything else you require of me, master; I should take my leave so I may prepare lunch on time." He would await her dismissal before leaving the room.

((It seems as if this thread is coming to a close.))

[Stranger]

"No Sebastian. That'll be all," Integra simply said. It was a beautiful day, she was thinking of having tea in the garden at five, perhaps even lunch now. Maybe. It all depended on what direction she would walk today. Her game of chess was very brutal, she would use her pawns wisely and when the game tilted in the favor of the enemy and the King and Queen were all but annihilated that would indeed be the time Sebastian would step in and spork her foe through the head. Integra smiled at the thought.

[Yes, it does seem that way.]