The Prince and his Children
Part 1 – Dreams and Nightmares
Chapter 3 – 1st Draw - Hiring AI
Disclaimer: Joss, you left your toys out. I do not own the characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Angel. And I have received no profit from the writing of this story. It is for entertainment purposes.
Summery: Crossover with Angel - S6/S3 - Buffy is dead, Faith is in jail, the Scoobies are devastated, and AI is barely holding it together - And now the Council has gotten involved - Oh dear! This will be an epic (or at least that's what I have planned) so quite a few pairings.
A/N: I would like to thank my co-author, Lisa Collins, as well as my beta readers Amanda Brown, D.M. Evans, and HonorH. Chapter 3 was loaded on July 15 2003. Imzadi – Actually, Valyn is a combination of Valen (yes, B5) and Talyn (Farscape). But I will have to say, not a huge fan of Trek (I don't hate it, just not thrilled by it, especially of late). As for Lindsey, well, you'll have to wait and see. (Additional author note at the end)
Chapter 3 – 1st Draw - Hiring AI
"I just can't believe what the two of you did!" Wesley had been ranting the whole way home, and he didn't show any signs of letting up now that the ride was over. He, Cordy, and Gunn got out of the car and headed into hotel. "When visions come, we answer them and help people, even if the people are male strippers at their place of employment. We do not, I repeat, do not stop to take in the scenery," here a pause, and a pointed look at Cordelia, "and further, we do not decide to apply, and show your, how was it you put it, oh yes, your 'manly charm.'"
"Hey, English, were it not for my LARGE manly charm, we wouldn't have gotten in back, and found where the Juh-han,"
"Zhe-hangie!"
"Whatever, their stupid sacrificial altar. So thank my manly charms."
"I gotta say Gunn, I so did not picture you as the speedo type – you always struck me as the boxer type", said Cordy, "and I can't believe I just said that out loud."
"Ok, number one,"Gunn said, "I thought you said you weren't looking"
"I wasn't, Wes told me how impressed he was with the colors, and your manly charms"
"WHAT?? I did not!"
"Number 2," Gunn continued as though he were not interrupted, "I am not embarrassed to strut my stuff – I seem to remember Angel telling me how you were embarrassed to show him a certain outfit that a director wanted you to wear." Here Cordelia's cheeks slightly reddened, and Gunn continued "And finally, I don't – check your former employer's bottom drawer, where he keeps his leather pants – why do you think it didn't quite fit right?" Cordy looked stunned. "As for you English, first, I seem to remember you getting involved with a certain Virginia, and second, if I ever catch you trying to watch me undress, you'll ass better start moving fast."
Wesley pushed the door open to the Hyperion. "Gunn, for the last time, I am not interested in your ass, and never have been. As you quite correctly stated, I was involved with a Virginia, not a Vince or even an Elton John - I am not and never have been gay"
Suddenly a new voice was heard. "Well, you have to admit, that one incident at the Academy struck everyone as being very queer, although I do know quite a few other people who were involved as well."
All 3 people turned their heads to this new voice "Hello Wes, it's good to see you" said Weatherby.
Wesley went from casual boss to defensive protector in the blink of an eye "What the hell are you doing here Weatherby? You are not going to go after Angel, or something even stupider like kill Faith while she's in jail, just to prove your worth!"
"No, fortunately he is not. No, he's here as my bodyguard," replied a deeper voice. Wesley's face turned completely white when he saw who the new speaker was "Hello Wesley, it's been a long time," said Quentin Travers as he came into the light.
"Get the hell out of my business" said Wes.
"Your business? I'm not here concerning you; I need to talk to Angel, as I want to hire Angel Investigation"
"What?" asked Wesley.
"You know these guys, Wes?" asked Gunn quietly.
"They are from the Council of Watchers"
"When Wes was Buffy's Watcher, he worked for these guys, and then they fired his ass" said Cordy.
Wesley shot her a glare, and then turned back to Quentin "What are you talking about?"
"You heard me Wesley – the Council of Watchers would like to hire AI – now where is your employer?"
Now it was Wesley's turn to surprise Quentin "actually, Quentin, I am the boss around here."
"Excuse me?"
"I am the boss of Angel Investigations – the big cheese, the head honcho. If you want to hire us, you talk to me," Wesley answered.
Quentin blinked, and nodded his head. "Well, congratulations. I was not aware of that. Well then, may we step into your office, and discuss the issue of the Council hiring Angel Investigations?"
"Of course." Quentin motioned to Weatherby to follow him. Wesley did likewise to Cordy and Gunn, when Quentin stopped Wesley.
"I'd rather just discuss this with you" said Quentin.
"Well, at some point they will need to know, and besides "at this point, Wesley nodded towards Weatherby.
"Of course. Weatherby, please wait here. I will be fine." And with that, Quentin walked in to the office alone, followed only by Wesley.
Wesley turned and shut the door, contemplating his next remark – he didn't trust Quentin, and yet he knew that in a direct assault, physically or mentally, he would lose. 'Still' Wesley mused to himself 'one can use British politeness as misdirection'
"I must say, I am surprised my father didn't report to you about the change in the situation here at Angel Investigations. I spoke to him on his birthday and told him about Angel's decision and the change in my status"
"Ahh, well, that would explain it – you see, your father decided to take retirement this year, just prior to his birthday. We still speak occasionally, of course, but unfortunately Council keeps me rather busy, so I don't get to talk to him as often as both of us like"
Quentin's words struck a chord, and Wesley knew that British need for decorum had been served, but that its uses as misdirection had failed miserably. Wesley knew it was best to cut his losses, and simply acknowledge his weaker position.
He took a chair, and offered one to Quentin.
"Well, I am sorry to hear that. But it's entirely understandable – we certainly don't have time to enjoy many of the pleasures life has to offer, and we are only a small operation. For you the stress and excitement must be quite overwhelming." Quentin smiled and nodded. "So, what brings you to LA, and what specifically do you want with Angel Investigations?"
"As I said, I wish to hire you, and the rest of Angel Investigations."
"Really? Nothing else?"
"Well, it's not for a specific case mind you – I'd like to put you on retainer."
"Excuse me? Quentin, what is this all about?"
"Well, I am sure you are at least aware of some of the goings on in Sunnydale –"
"I assume you mean Buffy's death" Wesley interrupted
"Yes, that being the major one, but not in point of fact, the only. Are you aware that Rupert Giles has been rehired by the Council?"
"Really?" Wesley managed to hide the shock from his face and voice.
"Oh yes. You see, during Buffy's search for information about Glory, she came to us for information. We of course had more than her, but were not quite willing to part with it without some guarantees. We came to an understanding, part of which included Giles's re-instatement"
Here Wesley saw an opening, and took it "You mean she saw how useless you were without the Slayer, and made certain demands"
"Oh come now, do you really think I'd let the situation get that out of control?"
"Miss Summers made a habit of taking situations out of your control."
"Impressive – I am glad to see that your mind is still rather sharp. You always did have good analytical abilities. I am very glad to see that you see the patterns much quicker than you use to. Working at Angel Investigations has been good for you." Here he leveled a gaze at Wesley, and Wes knew his point had been made. "In any case, the real situation does indeed involve picking up the pieces left over from Buffy's quitting of the Council, and the subsequent impact. As a result of that debacle, a number of people, especially the top level wizards, warlocks, mages, managers, and other senior staff quit or were axed. And the number of new recruits dropped off dramatically. With Buffy's return to the Council, this situation was of course remedied, but she was not around long enough for her presence to make any significant impact. As such, we've started outsourcing and merging with other groups. For example, we are currently in some major negotiations to bring a group formerly known as the Initiative under our command. They were a part of the US military involved in paranormal activities. I am sure you also remember the Knights of Byzantium from your studies? Well, we have managed to make contact with the remnants of them, and have started integrating them into us. I must say, I know we have commonly been accused of being stuffy, and old-fashioned, but the Knights, now there is a group that really does not modernize. They attempted to take Miss Summers and her friends on horses, while she was riding in a mobile home – not the brightest of moves. Still, considering, they did quite well"
"Quentin, if I may, please get to the point"
"Of course, of course. As I said, we've had to outsource and what not, and as part of the effort to rebuild the Council, I'd like to put Angel Investigation on retainer"
Wesley realized that while he could not prevent Quentin from becoming involved in their affairs, he could and would do his best to insure that Quentin would not outright control Angel Investigations. "Well, if you do intend to hire us, and put us on retainer, I want complete understanding for both of us written up in a legally and magically binding contract."
"Of course. As a matter of convenience, I have one in fact written up with me."
"I'd rather use one that Angel Investigations has written up."
"As you wish."
Wesley stood up and opened the door. "Cordelia, could you please get a legal pad, and a standard MB-01 contract please? And then come in here."
"Weatherby, would you accompany Ms. Chase in here?"
Realizing what Quentin was doing, Wesley also nodded to Gunn, indicating he should join them.
A half an hour later, the contract was complete. On the whole, Wesley was rather pleased with what they got. The order of business was carefully laid out, with apocalypses at the top, followed by Cordelia's visions, and then a specified list of varying Council activities and potential cases and clients, with Wesley being the final arbiter when there was conflict, although the Council could dock some or all of the retainer depending on the situation, which they agreed on a sum of $35,000 a month.
In addition, he had gotten a guarantee of protection for Angel, assuming he never lost his soul. And ultimately, the Council would not control Angel Investigations, although the condition that Quentin had demanded for Angel's safety and AI's autonomy did make Wesley nervous – Quentin would appoint a liaison, of his choice, to join Angel Investigations.
Quentin started packing his stuff up. "Wesley," he said, "the first thing we would like you to do – We know that Angel has kept tabs on Faith – We'd like an assessment of her – mental stability, slaying abilities, that kind of thing."
"You want to put her on active duty again," Wesley asked.
"Well, we have Hellmouths in Sunnydale, Cleveland, Inverness, Tunguska, others and no active slayer guarding any of them – a dangerous combination. If you can get her ready to be active again, and also can get her out of jail - legally would definitely be preferred as it would help alleviate certain matters."
"Quentin, I am wondering, what do you plan on doing if she is not stable enough to be reactivated? And for that matter "here Wes broke off, and looked at Weatherby "who is to be our liaison?"
"Well, hopefully we won't have to deal with the first, so let's not discuss that. As for the 2nd question, no, Weatherby is not the liaison. Actually, your liaison is a very recent addition to the roster, although you have in fact, met him. – Lindsey McDonald. Come Weatherby." And with that, Quentin Traver and Weatherby left the three members of Angel Investigation standing with their mouths open looking on, wondering just what they had gotten themselves into.
Author's note Pt. 2 – 1st, I was hoping to have part 2 done before I posted this chapter, but its not done, and as such, chapters 4-6 will probably take a little longer than I expect. I will tell everyone this – chapter 4 will involve Angel, Riley, and Sam Finn. Chapter 5 will involve Faith, and Chapter 6 – I have it figured out, but it's a little complex. I have been told that Quentin doesn't seem to be voiced correctly – More is going on than meets the eye. Also, if there is anything that doesn't quite make sense, please let me know. BTW, Imzadi, I didn't want to reveal what was coming this chapter. But, as you can see, Lindsey will be around.