John Blacksmith cracked his neck as he tried to figure out what he was doing staking out some gentleman's club. Granted even by English standards it seemed to be an extremely old one but compared to his last assignment monitoring the Hellfire Club he couldn't figure out what MI5s fascination was with it. Scotland Yard maybe as they had seen a couple of young girls come in and out but nothing up their alley. He looked over at the rest of his team Greg Caldwell and Ben Johnson who seemed to struggling as he was to remain interested in what they were doing.

Suddenly the shockwave of an explosion rocked the van sending John and the other two men inside bracing themselves as everything went tumbling around them. Their professionalism saw them recover quickly with Ben getting out of the van whilst John leaned over the shoulder of Greg who had been monitoring the video feed. "Did you see an external cause?"

"No. There was no one on the street and there was no signs of a trail from a missile. And I don't think it was a gas leak, the entire second floor is gone. "

"Shit. Call it in then start up the engine." He got out and raced to join Ben who had stopped well short of the debris zone.

"Jesus John. Someone did a real number on these guys. The bosses aren't going to be too happy about this, they were both hoping for some intel."

"Yeah well nothing we can do about it now. Come on we have to scamper before the civvies start turning up with their cell."

"Right, besides I doubt they were friendly to the cause." Ben turned to his long time friend. "Hail Hydra."

Trying not to role his eyes at his more zealous colleague, John grabbed him by the arm. "Yeah, hail Hydra. Now come on."

Several hours later.

Travers stretched his arms. Even on a private plane he had never found the flight across the Atlantic a comfortable one. Waiting till his security confirmed the area was secure he got up and out of the plane. He knew the refuelling wouldn't take long but he wasn't going to remain cooped up on the plane, especially with what he expected had happened to the headquarters.

He had been informed the hanger saw enough usage to warrant its own small waiting area and even a small conference room for those passing through like himself. And he definitely wanted to use their phone as he doubted that it was a problem with the one on the plane that was stopping him from getting through to anyone back in London.

Stepping inside he took notice of the two business men waiting as one of his staff walked up to a young blonde woman sitting at the desk to ask her where the room was.

"I can help you with that."

He turned around to find one of the 'business men' standing up. "Or if you wish we can talk in here. We won't be disturbed. Your men can even keep their sidearms" Hearing a noise behind him Travers turned back to the desk to see the young lady holding a badge in her left hand, her right nearly out of view as it hovered below the counter.

Looking at his guards and staff he nodded at them to relax then took a seat opposite the two agents. As he got himself comfortable he scrutinized the two men, automatically identifying the speaker as the senior of the two with his assistant or possibly bodyguard. Neither matched the description Roberts had given him but for some reason the assistant looked vaguely familiar.

"I suppose I can give you a couple of minutes but that is all. I have several rather important calls to make. Mr ...?"

"It's Agent actually, but you knew that already. Agent Coulson. And as you have the ability to make calls on the jet I can only assume you wish to try and reach your headquarters on another line. Unfortunately I can confirm it has been destroyed. For what it is worth you have my condolences."

Travers sat there silently as it sunk in, simply bowing his head in acknowledgment. "We have taken a blow yes but this not the first time our organisation... "

Agent Coulson held up his hand. "I'm sorry I don't mean to interrupt. Well actually I do but your organisation no longer exists. It has become a bunch of life rafts, trying to keep each other in sight whilst aiming for shore. We know that shore is Sunnydale and want to help you all get there."

Slowly getting up Coulson reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. "If any of your people get into trouble in transit call this number. Head of our LA office is Agent Mills he'll be your main contact. He's originally from your side of the pond so I think you'll like him."

Standing up Travers took the card, no reason to be discourteous. "Your offer of assistance is appreciated but as you can see we are perfectly capable of moving around ourselves"

"It's not for you." Travers looked at Agent Coulson's assistant, surprised an underling would have the audacity to speak. "It is for the Potentials and the ones bringing them over." The 'assistant' stood up and took a step forward. "You do have someone bringing them over right? I couldn't help but notice there doesn't appear to be any with you." He took another step forward, physically and morally looking down at the head Watcher. "Or were you too busy saving your own necks?"

Warning signals were going off in Travers' head as he tried to remember where he had seen this face before. It was a long time ago in an old file with black and white photos. Which made no sense as the man was only... Ah.

The Watcher looked over to Agent Coulson who just shrugged his shoulders. "My colleague here has a point."

"Our ways are not for you or your colleague here to judge Agent Coulson and I have no inclination to explain them to you or Captain Rogers here." He turned towards the almost mythological American war hero. "My father was the liaison for the Council with the OSS. He always doubted the story of your demise."

"I did what I had to do." Steve took another half step forward, right into what he knew the limey would consider his personal space. "And I would be willing to do it again. But I'm not here to talk about me. I'm here because we know about your history with the team already in Sunnydale. I'm here to remind you that you are only being allowed in to help them. If I...if we...hear anything to the contrary then we'll be throwing you out to face the Bringers on your own."

The following silence was only broken when Coulson cleared his throat. "What my colleague is saying is that we have a working relationship with Miss Summers and her people. As well as with Miss Lehane who I am sure you know is already there." Slowly he reached into the inner pocket of his jacket. "Here are the contact details for the head of our LA office Agent Mills if you need anything. He was from your side of the pond originally so I'm sure you'll get along."

"But the refueling ..."

"Already taken care of."

Travers' eyes narrowed at this but said nothing. He did not even a offer a handshake just gave a simple "gentlemen" as he turned on his heels and walked out the door.

As they watched the plan take off Steve turned to the senior agent. "So was it worth it," Coulson looked over to Steve. "Making them land to have that chat."

"The Director thought it was important for them to remember that others have a stake in this fight." The two made their way back to the car. "We've got our first I.D on one of the Bringers. Whatever they go through messes with their DNA and fingerprints but their dental remains the same. We I.D the rest we get a picture on the type of people being recruited. By tracking their movements eventually we'll we get an idea on where they meet. Possibly even find more of them."

A voice that appeared in the back of Steve's head as got into the car, one that sounded suspiciously like Faith, told him it wouldn't be that easy. He hated to admit it but Faith basically ordering him to stay behind still stung on more levels then he wanted to think about.

"You alright there Cap?"

"Five by five. Okay then let's go, you got an address?."

"Others are handling that. The Boss has got another assignment for you. You're going up to Westchister. Someone Fury wants you to meet. "

"He found a supernatural expert? Another Watcher?"

Without looking away from the wheel Coulson handed him a tablet. "Actually an expert on genetics who has turned his family's home into a private boarding school. We also believe him to believe a mutant with telepathic abilities and the students to be likewise.

Frowning Steve looked at the intelligence in front of him "And your worried what he might be teaching them? As much as I hate to say it but considering some of the powers these mutants are supposed to have keeping some of them separated as they learn to control there abilities may not be a bad thing. Even if it smacks of segregation." Finding out about the civil rights had been one of the highlights of his look into what had happened since he had been gone. Gabe had been largely silent on what he had faced back home but Steve had no doubt that it wasn't pleasant.

"Only to an extent. There haven't been any unusual incidents reported in the surrounding area and one of the most vocal opponents of the Mutant Registration Act; Dr Grey, seems to live there on at least semi-permanent bases. On the other hand he has also visited Erik Lehnsherr, aka Magneto, regularly in prison. "

As they started to pull away from the terminal they watched the Watcher's plane take off. "Did you think the life raft metaphor was too much? I had this whole thing planned out in my head about light houses and the coast guard."

Smiling slightly at Coulson's comment Steve put on his seatbelt. "It was perfect, so back to HQ?"

"Back to HQ."

He had been awoken from ice, fought mutated vampires in storm drains, and now was about to meet a paraplegic physic in his home / boarding school / secret base. God he wished Bucky was around to talk too to make sense of all this. He would even settle for Howard, as for Peggy... Leaning back in his seat the memory of his visit to her weight heavily on his mind.

"Everything alright sir? We're about 4 minutes out from the entrance."

He nodded his head and straightened his shoulders. Despite Faith's's teasing to the contrary even he needed to remind himself not to slouch occasionally. The fact the gate was open and they were able to drive straight through did nothing to lift the feeling that their entry had been noted.

As they came up to the school Steve could help but feel better that the building was being used as such. The idea of a building of this size being used by just one family seemed excessive. By the time they pulled up to see stop there was a white haired African American woman waiting for them midway down the stairs.

There was a polite smile on her face but she did not stretch out a hand. "Good morning my name is Orono Munro. I am a teacher her at Xavier's School for the Gifted how can we help you today. Mr ..."

Stepping forward he put on what he hoped was a disarming smile. "Rogers, Steve Rogers and this is Agent Sirico from SHIELD. I would like to speak to Professor Xavier please."

The hand was accepted even if the smile wasn't returned. "May I ask what it is concerning?"

Her accent was American but Steve could pick a hint of something underneath. And up close he wasn't so sure her hair colour was by choice.

He had debated with himself on the best way of approaching this. The blunt truth seemed to be the best option. If Fury wanted a spy he should have sent someone else. "Personally I'm here because I've been told the professor may be able to help with a problem." Steve took a deep breath. "But I'm also here because my boss knows this place is not just a school. He wants a read on what you really do here, what your group hopes to accomplish." 'And if you're a threat' was left unsaid but from the look on Miss Munroe's face the implications were understood.

As she lead Steve through the converted mansion he couldn't help but take in his surroundings. He could hear movement and voices but there were no students. Were they in classes or was the place in lockdown?

"It's awfully quiet in hear for a school."

"The seniors have PE, juniors are in class."

He was lead into a spacious study. Professor Xavier was in front of his desk, a woman with short red head by his side that SHIELD's file put as Dr Jean Grey.

"What ever concerns they may have had about his visit the smile on the Professor's face did seem to be genuine. Pushing a button on his chair the paraplegic moved his chair forward "Captain Rogers I must say it is an unexpected honour to meet you. Welcome to my home, I'm afraid all I have on hand is some water but I can have someone bring tea or coffee if you prefer." Reaching down for the out strechead hand Steve tried to hide his surprise that he had immediately been recognised without giving his name. Even the few times he had used it outside of SHIELD everyone assumed he had been named after himself. Some would give a double take when they see him walk past them, even ask if they knew him from somewhere or were a friend of their sons. One had even asked if he was related to Steve Rogers. But then again the man's abilities and background maybe he shouldn't have been. "Water is fine thank you."

Steve settled into the only proper guest chair there seemed to be in the study with Dr Grey sitting in a fold out chair. Considering there were more of them stacked against the wall he assumed that the room doubled as a class room. As he got comfortable the Professor wheeled himself to the other side of the desk. "I have heard rumors over the years of attempts to replicate your treatment. Everything from rebuilding Dr Reinstein's chamber to a pill regime given to soldiers. I'm afraid to say I don't believe many of the participants were given the same chance to give consent that you were."

Sighing Steve nodded his head. "After what happened with Schmidt, the Red Skull, he was always worried about his work falling into the wrongs hands. It's why he never wrote it down." All he had wanted to do was to be able to successfully stand up to a bully, any bully, and the Nazis seemed to be the worst of them.

Professor Xavier leaned forward. "Forgive me for saying this but as much I'd love to hear your story I sense you are not here for pleasantries."

"No I'm not unfortunately. Thank you." He looked up as Ms Munro placed a glass of water in front of him. Taking a breath Steve opened a file. "As I mentioned to Miss Munroe..." he indicated over his shoulder to where she was now standing by the door..."SHIELD sent me. Probably hoping that I'd seem less threatening then one of their senior agents. And also because I don't have many secrets to spill. Not current ones anyway." He leant forward. "Look I know you have no reason to trust us. And to be honest I'm not sure I would in your shoes. But I know Fury's not the type to going to send in troops after a bunch of kids unless he thinks he absolutely has to. He may even be able to turn away anyone else from doing the same."

The Professor studied him for a minute then sighed. "I do not need to use my abillities to see you are being genuine. But you must understand my first priority, our first priority (indicating to his two teachers), is the safety of my students. To provide them a safe place away from persecution where they can learn to control their abilities. Maybe even learn ways to do good with them to the betterment the of all.

Taking a sip of his water Steve looked at his Dr Gey and then over his shoulder at Ms Munro before putting his glass down and looking back "Tell me something then. How many of the people that you're putting out into the field started as students here? I may be playing catch up but even I can understand some of the comparisons that could be made."

"Just as not all children who go to a military academy go on to join the military any student who comes here is more then welcome to make their own way in the world."

Steve studied the Professor for a second before nodding his head in consent. "I'll let the Director know but there is a second reason why I'm here." He opened the file and took out a picture of a Bringer and put it down on the desk. "We call them Bringers. Their acolytes of something called the First."

As Professor Xavier picked up the picture Dr Grey came around the desk to look as well. Behind him Steve could also here Ms Munro hesitantly make her way forward. "The First what?"

"The First Evil. To be clear it's not a mutant that has gone off the deep end but, but well could be exactly what he or it says it is."

Taking the picture from the Professor Dr Grey looked like she thought Steve wa joking, which he couldn't really blame her. "Surely this must be some kind of a joke."

The Professor looked up at the Doctor and for a second Steve could have sworn he saw something flicker across the Professor's face. "I may be a man of science Jean, but I still recognise that there are forces out there beyond our understanding or control. Never forget that." The Professor looked across his desk at Steve, "I take you believe this First is somehow controlling them, that they have not develpoed an internal way to compensate for their loss of physical sight." Do you know who he was?

"His name was James Matthews, joined a gang called The Foot in his teens. Served time for receiving stolen goods." He looked at the Professor and then around at the others. "Not only do we think this thing has the ability to help these things see but it can also appear as the deceased, people you care about."

"The perfect way to recruit to a cult." He picked up the picture and studied it for a long second before sighing and putting it down. "I've got no idea what could cause this, or how to possible undo what has been done. I'm sorry young man but I don't know how I can help you any further. And off the top of my head I can't think who could but if I do I assure you I'll make what enquiries I can. The fact that it is only projecting and has not personally become involved suggests to me it must be restrained from doing so or is physically weak . It may not even be in this dimension. "

Steve nodded in acceptance. "To be honest part of me knew it was a long shot. But unfortunately the people whose expertise it is have just been hit hard." He looked at the Professor and then at the others. "There is no way of knowing how much it knows of about your kind. Maybe even this place."

"I have an idea."

They all looked at Jean. "I'm like the professor. If you can find some way to capture one. I might be able to communicate with it."

"No! Absolutely not. To do what it can do it must atleast have a telepathic ability. There is no telling what could happen if you manage to link with this First. It may even be able to control you."

"The Professor is the expert on this best we follow his advice. But there may come a time when we have no choice."

Reaching into his pocket Steve pulled out a card and made to hand it over to the Professor before stopping to also pull out a pen. Putting it face down on the table he wrote a number on the back. "If you think of anything directly related to what we are dealing with call this number. It belongs to my ... partner Faith whose on the front lines of all this. Anything else call me."

He put out his hand. "It has been a pleasure meeting you Professor. For what it's worth I like what you're trying to do here."

"Please call me Charles and I hope you don't mind if I call you Steve."

"Not all." He turned to the other two "Mam."

"Jean"

"Orro or Storm"

As Orro escorted him out Charles sent a message to the rest of the X-men. By the time she got back the rest of the team had gathered. The mood was apprehensive, even the Professor seemed tense which was enough to have her worried. "Jean check the jet, we will give it a couple of nights and then if I sense the area is clear I'm sendng you after Logan. I want him back here not only to help to defend the school but there is no telling how something like this First will use his memory loss against him." "Do you really think we're under survelliance?" "Full time? Unlikly, but it is possible that they will put us under it for the next couple of days to see what we do after Steve's visit. I would wait longer but somehow I don't think we have the time."

Sunnydale

Buffy was nervous, she couldn't help it. There could be no power speech this time, no negotiating. The Watcher's Council was all but destroyed and what was left was turning up on her door step. These were people who either had no experience in desperation, or had not had to deal with it for so long their tweed probably hadn't been stitched or woven or whatever yet. And she knew what desperation could make people do. Plus there was the knowledge that SHILED was hanging around somewhere in the background. Sighing she straightened up as she saw the plane come in, keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of Bringers.

The plan door opened and the Watcher's came down, looking annoyingly prissy despite their long journey. Though there was a couple that looked decidedly less stuffy then the rest. She didn't even know they weren't allowed to wear ties.

After what were obviously some of the Council's pet henchman came down the stairs and spread. The man of the hour made his presence known, "Miss Summers it is good to see that you are still standing."

Playing up the ditzy blond routine Buffy gave him her best smile. "Why Mr Travers I think that is the nicest thing you have ever said to me, I may even start to blush." Dropping the act she looked around again, trying to see any risks. "As much as I would like to share false pleasantries we should get moving." She looked at the group coming down the stairs behind him. "And I see you made the effort to save as many Potentials as possible. What did you have to make room for the books? Do you have a flying library onboard?"

At the sound of a buzzing noise they all looked up to see a drone flying overhead. "Oh don't mind that, that is just Willow keep an eye on us. Come on I guess it is best we get moving. "

Former Chase mansion

Faith felt strangely calm as she waited for the convoy to arrive. She knew she should be feeling nervous but all she wanted was for them to just arrive already to get down to business.

Flashback
There was an awkward silence as they waited for last checks on the Quinjet to be completed. "Any last minute pearls of wisdom?"

"Prepare as best you can but remember even we need sleep."

"Why do I have the feeling that is not as simple as it sounds."

"Guess you can consider that a second pearl." He looked at the Slayer. "You've got this Faith. Who ever you were before you're not her now. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."

The Slayer looked up at him, her lips dry. She couldn't help but think that if this had been a movie this would be when he would lean in for a kiss. "I'm sorry about how I spoke earlier. I'm not saying I'm wrong cause if this goes FUBAR people are going to need someone who knows what thete doing and to rally behind."

"So no pressure then."

She chuckled. "Yeah no pressure then."

-
See the gate open she stood up straight and made her way down to the front of her steps. Hearing steps behind her she felt the others come down to join her. The sound of glasses being cleaned put Giles on her right which meant Xander was Willow on her left.

"Well this should be fun. What's the bet it is the same crew that came when Glory showed up and then skedaddled back to merry old England?"

"Those were mainly Travers' assistants, there should also be some more senior members here if not all of them. And try to remember Xander they have no where left to go back to this time. We have to make this work so please try to keep the snark to a minimum."

"I'm not going to make a promise I can't keep."

Travers was everything Faith had been expecting. Unfit, well dressed, and giving off an air of smug superiority. Unfolding her hands she put on her best polite smile and offered him her hand. "Mr Travers I presume welcome to Sunnydale."

"Miss Lehane." He then turned to Giles. "Rupert now that we can talk face to face there have been some developments that I need to discuss with you privately." For the first time he recognised Willow & Xander's existence. "I'm sure your acquaintances are capable of explaining to my people atleast the basics of the situation whilst we catch up."

Slamming her car door Buffy gave him a look that had sent vampires running. "And they're not acquaintances they're part of the team. Something I thought I made clear last time you were here. And B if you wanted someone to carry your bags you should have brought your butler. Did you even bother to give your staff time off or did you just leave them to die?"

She held up her hand."You know what don't bother answering. While you've been sipping tea on your private jet Xander & Willow has been busy making this place liveable and safe. Whatever you have to say in front of Giles you say in front of all of us including Faith."

Faith held in a snort. Who needed snark when you could go straight to the drawing of lines? Unsurprisingly it was Xander who tried to bring the peace . "That's okay B, from the looks of half them I'm surprised they were able to lift their bags to the car. Besides they're not actually staying here are they? I thought it was just the girls and some are staying at mine."

The Slayer didn't try to hide her smirk. "No they're not. There is not enough rooms and I doubt their willing to top and tail." She came up to Xander and put a hand up on his shoulder "Xander here has offered his place as has Giles. And as they have the most practical experience they'll be staying here as well as many field watchers as we can fit. As for the rest, well I think Faith can point you in the direction of a motel if you can't find your own accommodation."

That comment startled Faith for a second, as did the look that flickered across Buffy's face. Was that guilt? "Nah that would be too cruel. Besides this lot look like they would have trouble dealing with some of the cockroaches that lived there." GodDamn it now she was making with the snark! There are a couple of better places, the room service may not be up to their usual standards but there a bit more secure." Giles cleared his throat nervously. "Well know we have got the ... pleasantries out of the way of does anyone want a cup of tea?"

Trying not to groan Faith pinched her nose. Oh yeah this was going to be swell.