Library
(Giles is sitting, reading a book. He looks up as Buffy enters the library)
BUFFY
Hey Giles.
(She moves closer to him.)
GILES
Ah Buffy, how did last night's patrol go? Did our new friend Spike put in an appearance?
BUFFY
Nope, the peroxide one was a no-show. It was pretty much a vamp free night. Though I did kill something furry.
GILES
Furry?
BUFFY
Y'know, like Chewbacca? From Star Wars?
GILES
I'm not unaware of popular culture.
BUFFY
(smiling) Your secret's safe with me.
GILES
(Checking watch) You're early today. Where are Xander and Willow for that matter?
BUFFY
(Shrugs) I didn't have a class this morning. Just thought I'd swing by. Will's helping Xander study.
(They stop talking as two strangers, who are obviously not students, enter the library. They start to examine the library with disinterest.)
FIRST GUY
I preferred the gym.
SECOND GUY
Yeah know what you mean. Too many books here.
BUFFY
Now there's a surprise, being a library and all.
(The two strangers turn and look at Buffy appraisingly. Giles gets up and moves forward.)
GILES
Can I help you?
FIRST GUY
We're alright buddy. (To Buffy) Say kid, how'd you like to be on TV?
BUFFY
Me? On TV? How?
SECOND GUY
We're filming a new quiz show live. We call it "Student Challenge"
FIRST GUY
There will be good prizes, plus your school gets money for hosting the contest.
BUFFY
Sure I'm in. What do I have to do?
FIRST GUY
Well the details will be up soon. Just say Rob picked ya and you'll be fine.
(The two men leave, having concluded their business)
BUFFY
Cool. I'm going to be on TV.
GILES
Are you sure that's such a good idea?
BUFFY
(Looking at him) Oh no I recognise that look. It's the Buffy can't have fun because she's the slayer face.
GILES
What if demonic activity was to occur during the programme? You would be forced to reveal your secret identity.
BUFFY
Giles let me tell you something about the average demon. Most of them are publicity shy. Cause they know that if the world woke up to them, they'd lose their cushy meal ticket. And… (Buffy pauses as if she remembers something) Oh god I got to run and cut, I mean cut and run. I promised Xander I'd rescue him from study.
(Buffy exits hurriedly while Giles watches)
GILES
If I thought it would stop her, I'd forbid her to go.
School Canteen
(We see the familiar threesome of Buffy, Willow and Xander sitting at a table)
XANDER
You're going to be on TV?
BUFFY
Yep.
XANDER
You're going to be on TV?
BUFFY
Why is that so difficult to believe?
XANDER
Sorry Buffster, it's just that we're not used to the networks showing an interest in anything other than the high teen death statistics.
WILLOW
Sunnydale has the record for the USA.
XANDER
Now there's one record I'd like to lose.
CORDELIA (V.O.)
Apart from being a general loser you mean?
(The camera pans to include Cordelia and the Cordettes.)
XANDER
Cordelia. It's as good to see you as it ever is.
CORDELIA
Tres funny Harris. I just thought I'd let you take a look at the newest soon to be TV star.
XANDER
Yeah? Well take a number and get in line Cordy. Buffy's going on the programme.
CORDELIA
(To Buffy) You? On TV?
BUFFY
Uh huh.
CORDELIA
Well I suppose that Springer is proof they let anyone on TV.
XANDER
If you two have a cat-fight, I know who I'm betting on.
CORDELIA
Oh please, I have no intentions of fulfilling your sordid fantasies.
(She turns and walks out with her Cordettes)
XANDER
I have a fantasy she gets eaten alive by rats. Is that sordid?
WILLOW
No, just really disturbing.
XANDER
Thanks Will, disturbing in this town is kinda normal.
Chinese Restaurant Kitchen
(We see a Chinese waiter come in, he is obviously looking for someone. We also see a Chinese chef. This is not the person the waiter is looking for.)
CHINESE WAITER
Seen Jade?
CHINESE CHEF
No, why?
CHINESE WAITER
She hasn't taken table two's order out to them yet.
CHINESE CHEF
You know what Jade's like.
CHINESE WAITER
Yeah, the rich spoilt brat daughter of the restaurant owner. That kid needs a cold sharp shock.
Car Boot
(We see the Chinese girl, Jade, bound and gagged in a cramped space. She is very terrified. The view twists round to…
The Car Inside
We see Spike driving. He is also fiddling with the radio, unable to settle on one channel. He seems to be irritated by the music. He stops on one channel as it starts to play the Beatles' "Run For Your Life". Not unaware of the irony of some of the lyrics he lets it play. He starts to grin as he drives)
AUTHOR NOTES
Well here we go. Slightly experimental as I haven't written in script format before. Do tell me what you think so far.
The next instalment should hopefully be up by the end of the next week.
Acathala