Scene #1136: New Duties

Owner	Pose
Taro	Taro has referred to himself as monster on more than one occasion, but he's also proven to be a polite one. He's also proven to be a punctual one whenever possible, as shown by his rapping twice on the door to his Master's office before letting himself in. He stands in the doorway for a moment, in case Integra isn't ready for him yet, then (unless she's preferred him kneeling every time) offers a deep bow. Time and a tailor's deft hand have provided a Hellsing uniform that finally fits the android - the standard men's was too broad in the shoulders among other places, and the women's while closer to size was not a proper fit either. He's also improved in the art of tying a tie, and it no longer looks like Nine's done it for him. "Master Hellsing." He'll walk forward to approach her desk, a rolled-up map in one hand, one of those curious datapads of his in the other.
Sir Integra	"Taro." Integra gives a polite nod. She didn't make the android wait; such a thing would serve no useful purpose. Neither does she make him kneel. So long as he follows the usual etiquette for military soldiers, she's not truly concerned what he does. Ceremony is important, but so long as he wasn't going out of his way to make the other members of the organisation feel uncomfortable, everything else will fall into place, given time. "You may sit. I trust you are adapting ... reasonably?"
Taro	Taro by all reports has not deliberately been making anyone uncomfortable. The occasional unintentional mishap, yes, but that's to be expected. "I continue to find that I understand humanity less than I thought I did." He takes the offered seat, resting the map and pad on the front edge of her desk. "Still, I am observing and learning, and trying to not cause unnecessary friction."
Sir Integra	"Understanding people is an art which can take a lifetime to master." Integra says, nodding her head faintly. Looking down at the map, she raises an eyebrow, and leans forwards. Gloved hands net together, and she looks over them at the uniformed android. "Am I to take it you've brought a proposal with you, Taro?"
Taro	Taro opts to not mention the incident involving Christmas Crackers. It's unworthy of her attention. Instead, he simply nods and goes on to answer her question. "I have. In going through the reports, It's plain that silver is an essential commodity for Hellsing and that in the course of operations, we use large quantities of it. That said silver requires certain...specialized treatment...in order to be used further narrows the amount available. While we could source more locally, it seems that the relative price here on your Earth's commodity exchanges is high. Thus, I believe it would be better import it from elsewhere, preferably far outside the normal supply chain." A pause. "If I may...?"
Sir Integra	Integra gives a faint nod of her head again; though she doesn't actually say anything else. She lets her eyes drift over the map, briefly, but mostly she's focused on Taro. It is interesting that he'd bring this proposal to her under his own initiative; it isn't the sort of issue she'd expected him to take an interest in. But it is appreciated that he has.
Taro	As long as he is here, he may as well make himself useful. In making himself useful, he can build a mutually beneficial relationship. A mutually beneficial relationship is preferable to some of the alternatives he's had with past masters. The map is rolled out across the top of her desk. Said map appears to be a section of the Great Ocean, though at a glance it doesn't appear to be all that close to the section that Integra's Great Britain has settled. "There are active silver shipping operations in this area, I've found," Taro explains, tapping a square on the map. "Another Earth's, its time period appears to be relatively earlier than your own. They appear to run routine if slow-moving convoys of trade goods between its ports - wind powered sailng ships. They appear to have far mined more silver than they could possibly use anywhere in their empire, and so I see no reason to not relieve them of a shipment of it."
Sir Integra	Integra considers the plan laid out before her. It seems, on the face of it, sensible enough. But there are certain considerations which have to be made - if life were that easy, after all, it wouldn't be the Multiverse. "I agree, in theory." She says, "But I need to know more about this country. How are are they of the wider Multiverse? Will attacking them risk causing them to side with the Union for protection, or have they already got an agreement like that in place?"
Taro	"They call themselves the 'Imperio Espanol'. My observations indicate that they are at least somewhat aware of the Multiverse. While they are still relying on wind and ocean current driven vessels, they have adopted more modern firearms among other small conveniences. Given their close proximinity to other Union-allied territories, I am assuming that they are at least friendly toward them if not formally aligned themselves." A pause, before Taro continues, "Also, I intend for this to be a small raid, not an invastion. Piracy and privateering is a risk to all on the open ocean, regardless of the flag one is flying."
Sir Integra	Integra nods her head slowly. The woman has to consider the possible wider ramifications. Thus far at least, the rest of the Multiverse has been perfectly happy to ignore her little corner, in favor of whatever end-of-the-world scenario happens to be fashionable this month. That is a situation she is loathe to change. But silver IS a rare commodity, and Hellsing does use a vast amount of it. The potential gains probably outweigh the dangers. "I see." She says, pursing her lips in thought. "Privateering can't become the backbone of our resource acquisition strategy... but it is a worthwhile addition. You can take a dozen men and air support, if needed. I'd prefer it if Hellsing uniforms remain distanced from the action, though. If possible, try and utilize Confederate elite assistance. Your friend, Nine, should be able to shake up some archaic merchants with delusions of relevance."
Taro	Taro is not in the habit of smiling, and even now all he gives is a hint of one, mostly around the eyes. "I'd already intended to not use the Hellsing name in this. Nine and I are known to make trouble in odd places, and I would rather let any Union Elites that may come to interfere assume that this is another instance of that. Between he and I, I believe that we have the resources needed to carry it out." A small, graceful shrug. "Nine and his pet could use the exercise anyway. Though I would and do appreciate keeping the men and air support on standby for unforseen circumstances."
Sir Integra	"Then consider it done." Integra says, and leans back in her chair. With the issue settled, she swivels her chair around. Taro may be forgiven for believing that this is the end of the meeting - after all, she's said all that needs to be said on the subject. However, there is something else, and the woman clears her throat delicately. "There is one other thing, Taro. I've been considering your... studies. It seems to me that there is an important hole in them."
Taro	Taro gives a small nod, and once she turns her chair to face the windows, he moves to roll up the map once more. "I'll inform you of the specific date and time once it's been set." Settled, but not yet dismissed, it appears. Though she cannot see it (at least not directly, though it may reflect in the windows), he pauses, canting his head slightly to one side in question. "Is there?"
Sir Integra	"Yes." Again, Integra's hands come together as she thinks. She isn't a woman prone to explaining herself; or speaking all that much, when the matter isn't urgent or heated. "You're finding it difficult to understand what motivates us. When you judge that you have appropriate time available, you are to study the Bible. All published variants are acceptable, but you are to start with the King James translation commonly used by the Church of England. A firm grounding in our theology will assist your... assimilation into our organization."
Taro	Taro waits patiently for Integra to continue, folding his gloved hands one atop the other on the edge of the desk. Once she's explained the gap in his education, he's silent for a long moment before responding. "I see." A shorter pause. "This would be the version that was placed in my desk drawer in my assigned quarters, yes?"
Sir Integra	Integra still doesn't turn her chair back, but there is a faint smile on her lips. "That is the one, yes."
Taro	"Mm." Taro's expression has resumed that faintly dour frown that he normally sports as he looks at the back of Integra's chair. The book was of course noticed when he moved in, and he has already taken a glance through its pages. Still, while treated with respect it has also gone mostly untouched. "I expect that I will have questions regarding the interpretation of it..."
Sir Integra	Integra nods her head, "I expect you will." She says, "I will be interested to hear what you make of the differences between the various texts... but if you do have any questions, you should feel free to schedule a meeting with myself or one of the Bishops."
Taro	"Then I will do so, Master." Agreeable, if not exactly enthusiastic in tone. Knowledge -is- knowledge, after all, and if it would help to explain at least a few peculiarities of human behavior... "Given the season, perhaps I should begin with the books related to the Christmas holiday."
Sir Integra	"I agree, that would be wise." Integra says, with faint - but noticeable - amusement in her voice. "Twelve more days, and then we'll be celebrating. You are, of course, welcome to celebrate with me. I tend to try and give as many personnel as possible the day off."
Taro	"If you would like my company." Which probably means yes. "Do you plan to go anywhere that day, or will you be celebrating the holiday here?" The tower is certainly festive enough, with all the decorations put up at the beginning of the month.
Sir Integra	"I will be here." Integra says, though she doesn't elaborate any further on this. The fact is, she's going to be on her own. She's not cruel enough to order Ms. Green to stay with her - she has a family to go to. But without Walter ... Integra has nobody else at all. Well. Except the chef. "There will be turkey."
Taro	"Mm." Taro's gaze grows distant for a moment. Perhaps he's checking his schedule. "The only celebration I need to attend in Neo Arcadia is the New Year festival." Pause. "I hope you will not be offended if I prepare a pot of tea or bring a bottle of wine to the Christmas table."
Sir Integra	"Bring whatever you like." Integra says, "Christmas is the one day of the year I try not to do any work. With luck, God will see fit to grant me ONE day of rest."
Taro	"Isn't the day after Christmas also a holiday here?" Taro inquires. There is one noted on the local calendar, though just why there is a day of celebration for boxes he's not sure.
Sir Integra	"Not for me." The tone in Integra's voice indicates that this might not be a very happy subject. Tradition is important; but so is the self-imposed duty she has taken on for herself.
Taro	"I see." He seems to have found a sore point. Taro's brow furrows a bit as he considers the wisdom of pressing it further. He by all rights needs to understand the woman to which he's enslaved himself, to better serve her. Yet he's not eager to offend or upset her either. He chooses a mostly neutral answer. "Then I will adjust my schedule accordingly." Followed by, "Is New Year's also a holiday for you?"
Sir Integra	"As I said. I get one day off a year." Integra tries not to simmer in it - the situation is entirely down to her own doing, after all. "But you may take all the time off you need, Taro. Your position here is ... flexible. Especially when it comes to preexisting duties."
Taro	Taro's brow furrows further, an expression not of anger but of concern. Is that healthy for her? Still, he nods. "Then I will be in Neo Arcadia to celebrate the new year. It's a secular holiday, but one of the most important ones there. You are welcome to accompany me, if you like. The fireworks display is spectacular, if I may say so."
Sir Integra	"We'll see. I shall try to fit it in my schedule." Even as she says this, though, the phone rings, and she has to turn around to pick it up. "Speak." She says, and... presumably someone else does.
Taro	Taro falls silent as the phone rings, and he remains politely seated while Integra answers it. That is, for at least the first few minutes. As time ticks on and it becomes clear that this is becoming an extended conversation, he stands up, retrieves his map, and quietly shows himself out. While he's not been properly dismissed, sitting there is an inefficient use of his time. Surely she will understand that.