Acceptable Casualties
17 January 2002
Note: The story picks up just at the end of Checkpoint.
The Council had compiled the file from its extensive collection of ancient documents and artifacts, archaeological clues about the various myths and the cults that Glory had inspired, and a well ordered catalog of references to Glory or to beings known to have associated with her. Quintin Travers outlined the general details of the information the Watcher's Council had collected on Glory, at times calling on his fellow Council members to provide details within their field of specialization. Then he answered questions, most of them from Giles and Buffy. Through it all, he was at his most amiable and charming, no longer the insufferable autocrat now that Buffy had cut him down to size. But he could not answer the most pressing questions. How could Glory be defeated? What were her weaknesses? Was there any cure for Tara's madness? He seemed frank, forthright and regretful, but he simply didn't have that information.
"I'm afraid that's all we have right now. We've put maximum priority on this. If we find out anything more, we'll send it along straight away."
He handed a thick folder to Giles. "Here's the file." He held out his hand. "Good to have you back on the team, Giles."
Giles shook his hand without enthusiasm. "Delighted," he answered icily.
The Watcher's Council delegation left the magic shop. In the car, the delegation was silent until one of Quintin's assistant's said, "I don't understand. I thought we came here to run this operation."
Quintin showed mild irritation. "We did, but the situation has changed. We need Buffy, and she knows it. We'll have to adjust."
"We need someone on the inside. We should have planted a mole in the group a long time ago."
Quintin thought for a moment, then said, "We do have someone on the inside. Giles. He works for us now."
------
"Giles, you should know that I of all people appreciate the bond between slayer and watcher. I'm not asking you to betray any confidences. I just want you to keep us informed."
"It sounds like you want a little bit more than that."
"Giles, you know I respect the work you've done here with Buffy. You're a good man, one of the best. I'm behind you one hundred percent."
"Yes I remember. I had a lot of time to ponder that after I was sacked, you know."
"Let's not allow an unfortunate misunderstanding to get in the way of doing what needs to be done."
"Hmm, well you see Quintin, I'm more worried about the Council getting in the way of what needs to be done."
Quintin sighed. "I give up. We'll play it your way. God help us if you can't pull this off." He opened his briefcase and pulled out a small box. "By the way, I have something for you. Sort of a welcome back gift, you might say. Here." He handed it to Giles.
Giles opened it. Inside was a cell phone and some accessories. "Well, how thoughtful," he said. "Thank you."
Quintin grinned. "I have an ulterior motive, of course. It's equipped with direct lines to the Council. We'll have someone on duty around the clock until this is over. Anytime, day or night, just call and we'll get you what you need. And if we find out anything that might help, we'll let you know right away. Promise me you'll have this with you 24 and 7."
"Of course. I appreciate this Quintin."
------
Quintin listened as the conversation at the Magic Box was played back a second time.
Giles' voice was telling Buffy, "You'll fail. You'll die. We all will."
Quintin nodded and signaled for the technician to stop the playback. "When did this come in?" he asked.
The technician consulted his notes and his clock. "Less than twenty minutes ago."
The Council had been reluctant to tap phones and plant listening devices. The risk of discovery was deemed unacceptable. But the transmitter in Giles' cell phone? Brilliant.
"Giles never had a firm grip on her," Quintin said to the man behind him. "She won't listen to him this time." He sighed. "It's almost understandable, really. Her own sister. But once again, Buffy's not thinking of the big picture."
The man, the leader of the Council strike team, was dressed in a black military clothing with no insignia. "Glory has the Key now. She can complete the ritual. Unless she's stopped."
"She's a hell god. Stopping her won't be easy."
"There's another option."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." After a short pause, Quintin added. "Of course, we must be prepared for every eventuality."
"The team is ready to move on your orders. Do you have a location for us yet?"
"No. But they'll probably assemble at the magic box before they head out to find Glory. It's under surveillance. You'll be informed."
The man nodded.
17 January 2002
Note: The story picks up just at the end of Checkpoint.
The Council had compiled the file from its extensive collection of ancient documents and artifacts, archaeological clues about the various myths and the cults that Glory had inspired, and a well ordered catalog of references to Glory or to beings known to have associated with her. Quintin Travers outlined the general details of the information the Watcher's Council had collected on Glory, at times calling on his fellow Council members to provide details within their field of specialization. Then he answered questions, most of them from Giles and Buffy. Through it all, he was at his most amiable and charming, no longer the insufferable autocrat now that Buffy had cut him down to size. But he could not answer the most pressing questions. How could Glory be defeated? What were her weaknesses? Was there any cure for Tara's madness? He seemed frank, forthright and regretful, but he simply didn't have that information.
"I'm afraid that's all we have right now. We've put maximum priority on this. If we find out anything more, we'll send it along straight away."
He handed a thick folder to Giles. "Here's the file." He held out his hand. "Good to have you back on the team, Giles."
Giles shook his hand without enthusiasm. "Delighted," he answered icily.
The Watcher's Council delegation left the magic shop. In the car, the delegation was silent until one of Quintin's assistant's said, "I don't understand. I thought we came here to run this operation."
Quintin showed mild irritation. "We did, but the situation has changed. We need Buffy, and she knows it. We'll have to adjust."
"We need someone on the inside. We should have planted a mole in the group a long time ago."
Quintin thought for a moment, then said, "We do have someone on the inside. Giles. He works for us now."
------
"Giles, you should know that I of all people appreciate the bond between slayer and watcher. I'm not asking you to betray any confidences. I just want you to keep us informed."
"It sounds like you want a little bit more than that."
"Giles, you know I respect the work you've done here with Buffy. You're a good man, one of the best. I'm behind you one hundred percent."
"Yes I remember. I had a lot of time to ponder that after I was sacked, you know."
"Let's not allow an unfortunate misunderstanding to get in the way of doing what needs to be done."
"Hmm, well you see Quintin, I'm more worried about the Council getting in the way of what needs to be done."
Quintin sighed. "I give up. We'll play it your way. God help us if you can't pull this off." He opened his briefcase and pulled out a small box. "By the way, I have something for you. Sort of a welcome back gift, you might say. Here." He handed it to Giles.
Giles opened it. Inside was a cell phone and some accessories. "Well, how thoughtful," he said. "Thank you."
Quintin grinned. "I have an ulterior motive, of course. It's equipped with direct lines to the Council. We'll have someone on duty around the clock until this is over. Anytime, day or night, just call and we'll get you what you need. And if we find out anything that might help, we'll let you know right away. Promise me you'll have this with you 24 and 7."
"Of course. I appreciate this Quintin."
------
Quintin listened as the conversation at the Magic Box was played back a second time.
Giles' voice was telling Buffy, "You'll fail. You'll die. We all will."
Quintin nodded and signaled for the technician to stop the playback. "When did this come in?" he asked.
The technician consulted his notes and his clock. "Less than twenty minutes ago."
The Council had been reluctant to tap phones and plant listening devices. The risk of discovery was deemed unacceptable. But the transmitter in Giles' cell phone? Brilliant.
"Giles never had a firm grip on her," Quintin said to the man behind him. "She won't listen to him this time." He sighed. "It's almost understandable, really. Her own sister. But once again, Buffy's not thinking of the big picture."
The man, the leader of the Council strike team, was dressed in a black military clothing with no insignia. "Glory has the Key now. She can complete the ritual. Unless she's stopped."
"She's a hell god. Stopping her won't be easy."
"There's another option."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." After a short pause, Quintin added. "Of course, we must be prepared for every eventuality."
"The team is ready to move on your orders. Do you have a location for us yet?"
"No. But they'll probably assemble at the magic box before they head out to find Glory. It's under surveillance. You'll be informed."
The man nodded.