Hellsing: Resurrection (WIP)

Chapter 30: Operation Filth

Rain tapped against the tall windows in slow, steady rhythms, but the room was still. Integra leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, the glow of her cigar burning bright for a moment as she drew in a long, measured breath. Smoke rolled from her lips, drifting upward in a lazy spiral before she reached forward and crushed the ember out in the ashtray with a soft hiss. Across from her, Seras stood straight and focused, hands folded behind her back. Alucard stood just beside her, posture relaxed but eyes sharp, a faint grin playing at the edge of his mouth.

Integra's fingers lingered on the rim of the ashtray, the last coil of smoke fading into the warm air. She looked up slowly, eyes settling on the two figures in front of her. The room held its breath for a moment, the only sound the soft tick of the mantle clock and the rain beyond the glass. Then she spoke, voice smooth and cool. "They'll land in about 45 minutes."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth as she leaned back slightly in her chair, arms resting on the armrests like she was settling into something familiar. "Seems the Americans have gotten their hands on their own little freaks. And we've been asked to show them the ropes."

Alucard let out a low, amused laugh, barely more than a breath. It rolled from his chest like smoke, quiet and dry, the sound of someone thoroughly entertained by the absurdity of it all.

Seras glanced over at him, then back to Integra, her brow lightly furrowed. "Didn't we just help them with a vampire problem?" she asked, her voice soft but skeptical. "When did they end up with their own?"

Integra nodded once, slow and deliberate, eyes still on Seras. "They were... motivated," she said, the word carrying a dry weight. She tapped a finger against the edge of the ashtray, the faint sound sharp in the quiet. "Apparently having to call us left a mark. Now the Roswell Division has three freaks of their own. Their very own supernatural assets, handpicked and stamped with a flag."

Alucard's grin widened, just enough to show teeth. His eyes gleamed under the brim of his hat as he tilted his head slightly, the way a predator might when something curious wandered too close. "And what exactly," he said, voice low and amused, "are these little American freaks?"

Integra leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepling lightly as she spoke. "Two vampires. One werewolf." Her tone was even, almost bored, but the faint smirk returned. "I was reassured they're well trained. Proper soldiers, not strays. Supposedly disciplined." She let the words hang for a beat, her eyebrow lifting just enough to show what she thought of that reassurance.

Integra's eyes flicked briefly to Seras, the corner of her mouth pulling just a little more into a knowing smirk. "These ones weren't pulled off the street," she said, gesturing slightly toward Seras with the tilt of her head. "They're not fresh to the supernatural world." She paused, then added with a hint of dry amusement, "But they are new to being allowed to be."

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk as she met Alucard's eyes. "Which is why we've been called in. Again." Her voice carried a sharper edge now, the kind that came from too many favors asked and too few thanks given. "They want Hellsing to show them how to be professional freaks." The words dripped with irony, her smirk returning. "Apparently, we're the gold standard."

Alucard's grin widened, full of teeth now, pleased in that dark, feral way of his, like someone had just invited him to a particularly interesting hunt. Beside him, Seras gave a small nod, her expression more focused, almost eager, "I'll make sure they're in tip-top shape by the end of it," she said. "Or at least not embarrassing themselves."

Integra reached to the side and slid a thick manila folder across her desk, the edges worn, corners creased. She flipped it open with a practiced motion, the pages inside were neatly arranged reports, satellite photos, strange markings circled in red ink. She motioned toward the folder, then to them without a word at first.