Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in posting this part... I needed to concentrate on Real Life for a little while.

Chapter summary: What's up with this cult?






Several hours later, under cover of darkness, Xander made his way to the edge of the compound. Ignoring the memories of the discussion leading up to this – which had been friendly, if a little heated – he concentrated on getting as close as humanly possible He couldn't afford distraction right now.

He walked softly. Getting caught was the last thing on his agenda tonight. As it was, he knew he'd catch hell when he got back, chiefly because Willow was less than pleased that he'd opposed her coming along as back-up. Buffy… well, he'd worry about that later.

He spared a glance back to where Spike waited… silent and hiding. Much as he disliked Spike, Xander didn't particularly want him dusted – right now, anyway. If they had zats, he had a feeling they could do more than stun a vampire with that first shot. Of course, if they had zats, then they might have staff weapons, and he had no doubt one shot from a staff would be the end of Spike. Even though the presence of the weapons was more theory and conjecture than fact, he didn't want to test that theory on the only person who could lead the others here.

Crouched near the wall, his focus on the entrance gate, Xander spared a moment to be thankful that he'd thought to detour and grab the night-vision goggles when he'd "requisitioned" the dynamite for graduation. Granted, at the time, C-4 would have been more effective – and less trouble to carry out of the base – but it would have taken longer to access than he'd had at the time. Precisely because it's easier to conceal than the dynamite, Xander thought. I'm probably going to wish that I had some soon though… big boom in a relatively small package. Tonight's just recon, but if they are what I think they are…

As Xander watched various members of the "congregation" head through the gate – either into the complex or out on business – he started to realize that there was definitely something to set this apart from your run of the mill cult.

Where are the teenagers? Most of the cults that have sprung up around here in the past have drawn in high school and college kids, drop-outs and runaways… but these… The youngest here is at least twenty-four, either from a working background or a grad student. There… that one looks like he should be in a three-piece suit instead of… whatever that is that he's wearing. These are academics and professionals… but there is a look. Maybe… hope and desperation for some. But the guards are cold – professionals, yes… but I don't think they're here for the same reason as the scholars and the businessmen.

And… am I imagining things… or are most of these people paired up?

Shaking off the strangeness of the situation for the moment, Xander focused on the symbols inscribed above the gate. He didn't want to risk getting too close tonight; this was just some basic recon to get an idea of the leader's identity. Concentrating on the symbols – without blocking out everything around him – Xander went over them in his mind, mentally drawing them again and again until he felt he knew every nuance. They meant something, and he wanted them researched.

Inch by inch, he slid closer to the entrance, sinking into the deep grass and avoiding the light. I hope there aren't any snakes out here… or snakeheads. He paused when those outside the gate looked up, all focused on the figure standing on the wall.

Of course, he thought, they could just be startled by her taste in clothes… or her lack of them. I think I've seen string bikinis that conceal more than that. The fabric doesn't really count if it's see-through, after all.

Xander froze when he heard someone coming a little too close for comfort, hoping that Spike was listening to what she was saying. It looked like the mortal part of this duo might be a bit busy avoiding capture to pay attention to teacher.

Shit. This is definitely NOT good. All but holding his breath, he listened as the steps came closer. He couldn't hear any voices aside from hers, but that was not necessarily a good thing. Xander stopped himself from breathing a sigh of relief when the person passed him by, obviously focused more on the scantily-clad woman than on anyone who might have been lurking in the shadows. Xander could see the reason, of course – the outfit was most certainly worthy of close attention – but that didn't stop him from being grateful that no one had yet seen him.

He couldn't hear everything, but she spoke of love… and children? That doesn't sound like a Goa'uld, he thought, but something about this just isn't right. The looks on the guards' faces were far from comforting. Well, they're certainly not interested in love and kids.. so why are they here? And why is there a fascination with children when there aren't any children? Come on, lady, give me a name. Give me a name and I can go crack open a book.

Listening, watching… he saw what he'd been suspecting all along. As she coaxed her believers to give voice to their faith, her eyes began to glow. And her name, he learned… was Ishtar.



It hadn't taken him long to sneak back up the road to where Spike had camouflaged himself, surprising the vampire by grabbing his arm and all but dragging him down the street… back toward the center of town and The Magic Box. Once he was certain they were out of sight of everyone in the compound, Xander broke into a run, staying in the shadows… as invisible as possible with the dark clothing – and having removed the night-vision goggles. At this point, he could see well enough by way of the streetlights… and if anyone had noticed them, the goggles would have been suspicious, at the least.

Confused, and more than a little annoyed, Spike followed. I don't know what the bloody Hell's going on around here tonight…cults, Xander acting like he's spent the last decade and more in the military… and that woman wasn't human. Oh, what the hell? At least I'm not bored.

Slipping quietly through the door to The Magic Box, Xander waived off the questions from Willow, Giles and Dawn. He had to catch his breath first. "I need to make a phone call," he said. The nod from Giles gave him the go-ahead, while at the same time silently asking after Buffy. "Wait a second," Xander whispered as he dialed the number burned in his memory.

"I'm trying to reach General Hammond or Colonel O'Neill. It's urgent. In a meeting and unavailable? Damn. Ok… write this down and show it to Hammond or O'Neill ASAP. Do you understand? The message is as follows: Omega – Zero – Four – Niner – One – Tango. Snake in Sunnydale. Contact Harris at the following." Xander then gave the phone number and address for The Magic Box. "Repeat that back to me… that was not a request, Airman. Repeat it back… now. Thank you."

Hanging up the phone, Xander turned around to face the rest of the Scoobies, looking into the eyes of the Slayer. On one hand, she looked rather upset. On the other, the open letter in her right hand and the fact that she wasn't trying to kill him made him think that the part of her familiar with tactical matters understood the reason for Xander's actions. While she wasn't too fond of them, she seemed to be accepting them… and waiting for an explanation.

Looking at him, she held out her left hand, holding a padlock that was still attached to… something. "Hey, Xander," she said, "I think your storage unit might need a new door."



Part XI