Title: A Fair Exchange.
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
"How could you? How could you choose HIM over ME?"
"Not too long ago, I would have been the one asking that question."
Buffy recoiled slightly at the rebuke. Angel remained where he was, standing by the bookcase in his office. They had been meeting on 'school business' for several minutes when she finally stopped beating around the bush and now the fight was on.
"Is that why you did it? Because you're still jealous? I thought we had this talk already. God, between you and Spike. I really should have locked you two in a room and let you fight it out."
"Why didn't you tell me that he tried to rape you?"
The question catches Buffy off guard and she shifts uncomfortably before answering, "It wasn't important. I took care of it."
"Buffy, you're important to me. You know you could have asked me for help."
"I didn't want your help all right? It was me that started it and it was me that ended it. Spike and I helped each other, we needed each other then."
"What made you need him more then the others?"
"He saw me for what I was. A woman not a slayer, the good and the bad. And he loved me for it. That's why I...why I loved him. He was in my heart. And I suppose he still is, just like you." She looked up at him with a hopeful gaze.
Angel said nothing, he wore a blank look on his face.
"Isn't that why you fell for Cordelia? Because she was there?"
"That was different. Cordelia didn't-"
"She didn't what? She didn't try to win your heart? To make you fall in love with her? Tell me what she didn't do Angel." Buffy's voice was cracking.
The souled vampire didn't respond and looked away rather face her.
"That's history now Angel, you and Spike are the past. I'm with someone that makes me happy. He gives me what I need what I want in a relationship." She paused and then continued, "A future maybe with the white pickett fence after all."
Angel looked uncomfortable hearing that, sensing this Buffy pressed on "So why did pick Xander over me?"
-Elsewhere-
The incessant ringing of the cell phone seemed even louder in the darkness. Grumbling at being woken up, Alex turned on the lamp beside his bed and squinted. He located the cell phone on the nearby dresser and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Good evening, Alexander. I trust you are feeling well?"
"General Claxton."
On the other end of the call, a man in his fifties, wearing the uniform of a US army general leaned back in his chair. He was seated at a circular table in a fairly modern looking conference room. Around the table where several other people, some dressed in uniforms, others wore suits and civilian clothing.
"It's good to hear from you general." Alex's voice came through the speakerphone loud and crystal clear. "But, I take it this isn't a checkup call."
"You are correct Alexander, I have with me someone who is somewhat concerned about the methods applied by yourself and Cole in taking over this situation.
There was a pause and then Cole's voice came through the speaker, "I take it this someone is who is familiar with this mission?"
A female voice answered him, "Actually Mr. Rayne and Mr. Harris, I am not. I was just assigned this to this position within the last month."
"To who am I speaking to?"
The blonde woman in her thirties smiled at the uncertainty in his voice, "Dr. Victoria Berns. Senior project consultant."
"You've GOT to be shitting me. ANOTHER REMF?"
Dr. Berns frowned, "Mr. Rayne and Mr. Harris, I am fully qualified for this post. And I am extremely displeased to read of your violent and combative nature towards Ms. Summers and her companions in the reports filed by Agent Finn. I do believe a less aggressive, more open-handed policy would have yielded better results in this matter."
There was a pause before Cole spoke, "Dr. I'm gonna go out on a limb and make some guesses about you, your life and your career thus far, do you mind?"
A little surprised, she answered, "No not at all."
"Good, here's what I get from you. You're probably in your early to mid thirties, grew up on and went to college on the West coast. You went to school on someone else's dollar, probably your father's. Majored in political science, psychology and some other class. You've never worked at a blue-collar job in your life. You're likely pro-choice, anti-gun, all for suing tobacco companies, against spanking children and probably turning an interesting shade of red right about now. Am I right?
Through clenched teeth, Dr. Berns hissed a reply, "Is there a point Mr. Rayne."
"I'll take that as a yes. And my point is this; you have NO idea what the hell is going on here. You probably think this situation could EASILY be resolved by holding hands and singing as well as government funding. Well here's a clue lady, this situation is one GIANT cluster-fuck and you want to give the people RESPONSIBLE for creating this screw-up MORE opportunities and more power? Sheesh. General Claxton?"
"Yes Cole?"
"The project is proceeding as scheduled, I trust that the people and items requested are on their way?"
"Yes, they will begin arriving sometime this week."
"Good, thank you General."
"I do have one question, I am aware that Alexander has taken a job at a nearby local store in addition to his new duties."
Cole leaned back on the bed, his features changing and becoming that of Alex before he answered, "Yes. I have. What of it?"
"May I inquire as to why you are doing this Mr. Harris? Surely you are not in need of funding."
"It's personal Claxton. Goodnight"
"Goodbye Alexander."
After the line went dead, Dr. Berns exploded. "That is the most arrogant egotistical bastard I have ever heard. I cannot believe that he would be entrusted with this mission when he is not even capable of carrying on a civil conversation with his superiors."
The general and the others around the table watched her rant with faint amusement. When it was over, Claxton leaned back and addressed the still upset woman.
"Dr. Berns," She looked over at him, "Are you familiar with the history behind this project and behind the events of the Sunnydale hellmouth and Los Angles?"
"I have read accounts summarizing what occurred and the individuals involved."
"But not the reports generated by this office and those of the Watcher's council?"
"No, Sir."
"I suggest you do so at the earliest opportunity. Pay particular attention to the events describing the battle with the 'First Evil'."
"With all due respect, General Claxton, I am very well informed about that time. And about the spell used by the Slayer."
"And what did you think of the spell and the decision to use it?"
"I thought it was a brilliant stroke of genius. The Slayer created an army with which she defeated both the creatures known as Turok-han and the priests known as 'Harbringers'. She also empowered the potential slayers around the world to be able to defend themselves against demons."
The general nodded, "You do realize Dr. Berns that Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg were college dropouts that struggled to hold a job like yourself? That the second most experienced slayer is both a high school dropout and an ex-con? And that their principal advisor in all this, Rupert Giles, dropped out of college and participated in activities that best described as vulgar?"
"Not to be rude General but what is your point?"
Claxton took a deep breath before answering, "I was taught to use a gun at a fairly early age, Dr. Berns. I learned to respect its power and to control it. The actions of Summers and her friends have created a dangerous shift in the world. While for the most part, the girls empowered by the spell are good citizen types; there is a fairly significant portion that is at best unreliable. Indeed, we have field several reports of newly created slayers engaged in acts that are immoral and criminal."
"Rogue slayers."
"Correct, indeed it is because of them that we became aware of Cole and his abilities. He has proven instrumental in controlling and reducing the rogue slayer problem. To date there have been 20 rogue slayers, all dealt with in part because of Cole."
"You mean he subdues them and you rehabilitate or kill them."
"No doctor, while there is a facility where a few of the former rogues are being rehabbed, most of them are deceased. As I have said before, Cole has been very useful in this aspect."
The meaning of his words was not lost on her. "You sent a killer into their midst."
"No I sent three very good men on a mission that is instrumental to the survival of this planet. Men who are loyal, trustworthy and will see that this mission is completed."
"You believe that this Alexander Harris is capable of carrying out this mission? He is a civilian after all with limited skills."
"On the contrary doctor, according to our reports as well as those of Agent Finn, Harris maybe the most qualified of them all."
There was a lull as she pondered the General's words. Claxton took pity on the woman, "I'll have the write-ups as well as the video taped interviews with both Alexander Harris and Cole Rayne sent to you. I suggest you watch the interviews and read the reports before you return here."
Dr. Victoria Berns nodded in agreement.
-Cleveland-
"Hey Amy, come on in. I was just getting ready to go out."
"Thank you, Queen C."
Cordelia frowned a little, "We're not in high school anymore Amy and I'm not the bitch queen anymore."
"Yeah, it looks like Buffy has that well covered."
The two former cheerleaders smiled at that, "but anyway, Amy, you don't have to call me that anymore."
"Okay compromise time, QC?"
"I don't know."
"Oh how about Flamingo Legs?"
Memories of Amy's ten-year-old birthday party flashed through Cordelia's mind followed by a look of horror on her face.
"Okay QC it is."
They both laughed.
"So where are you going?"
"Umm Well I was going to pick up Xan, er Alex from work."
"Alex," Amy's voice grew soft as she spoke. "He's a really good guy. Isn't he?"
Cordelia stopped playing with her hair and turned around to focus on the other woman as she continued talking. "I can't believe that he would have turned out like that. I mean I always thought he and Willow would be married and having lots of kids or whatever. Not... living like this. No offense Cordelia."
The former seer sat down opposite Amy and answered, "No I didn't think it would end up like this either. I thought Willow would dump Oz and live out her childhood dream. Or that Buffy would finally let him in, I never dreamed she would choose another vampire over him or that he would end up with Anya."
Amy's voice was quiet and a little unsteady; "He talked about her a little. She was trying so hard to be human, so hard to be normal again. He really loved her with all of his heart. When he talks about her, you can feel how much he loved her. How much he misses her. On the way here, every time a love song came on, he looked like he was about to cry. Sometimes he did, you know, tears just sliding down his cheeks."
Cordelia looked at the other woman and saw the tears in her eyes, tears she felt in her eyes too. Tears that had welled up out of sympathy and grief yet refused to fall.
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
"How could you? How could you choose HIM over ME?"
"Not too long ago, I would have been the one asking that question."
Buffy recoiled slightly at the rebuke. Angel remained where he was, standing by the bookcase in his office. They had been meeting on 'school business' for several minutes when she finally stopped beating around the bush and now the fight was on.
"Is that why you did it? Because you're still jealous? I thought we had this talk already. God, between you and Spike. I really should have locked you two in a room and let you fight it out."
"Why didn't you tell me that he tried to rape you?"
The question catches Buffy off guard and she shifts uncomfortably before answering, "It wasn't important. I took care of it."
"Buffy, you're important to me. You know you could have asked me for help."
"I didn't want your help all right? It was me that started it and it was me that ended it. Spike and I helped each other, we needed each other then."
"What made you need him more then the others?"
"He saw me for what I was. A woman not a slayer, the good and the bad. And he loved me for it. That's why I...why I loved him. He was in my heart. And I suppose he still is, just like you." She looked up at him with a hopeful gaze.
Angel said nothing, he wore a blank look on his face.
"Isn't that why you fell for Cordelia? Because she was there?"
"That was different. Cordelia didn't-"
"She didn't what? She didn't try to win your heart? To make you fall in love with her? Tell me what she didn't do Angel." Buffy's voice was cracking.
The souled vampire didn't respond and looked away rather face her.
"That's history now Angel, you and Spike are the past. I'm with someone that makes me happy. He gives me what I need what I want in a relationship." She paused and then continued, "A future maybe with the white pickett fence after all."
Angel looked uncomfortable hearing that, sensing this Buffy pressed on "So why did pick Xander over me?"
-Elsewhere-
The incessant ringing of the cell phone seemed even louder in the darkness. Grumbling at being woken up, Alex turned on the lamp beside his bed and squinted. He located the cell phone on the nearby dresser and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Good evening, Alexander. I trust you are feeling well?"
"General Claxton."
On the other end of the call, a man in his fifties, wearing the uniform of a US army general leaned back in his chair. He was seated at a circular table in a fairly modern looking conference room. Around the table where several other people, some dressed in uniforms, others wore suits and civilian clothing.
"It's good to hear from you general." Alex's voice came through the speakerphone loud and crystal clear. "But, I take it this isn't a checkup call."
"You are correct Alexander, I have with me someone who is somewhat concerned about the methods applied by yourself and Cole in taking over this situation.
There was a pause and then Cole's voice came through the speaker, "I take it this someone is who is familiar with this mission?"
A female voice answered him, "Actually Mr. Rayne and Mr. Harris, I am not. I was just assigned this to this position within the last month."
"To who am I speaking to?"
The blonde woman in her thirties smiled at the uncertainty in his voice, "Dr. Victoria Berns. Senior project consultant."
"You've GOT to be shitting me. ANOTHER REMF?"
Dr. Berns frowned, "Mr. Rayne and Mr. Harris, I am fully qualified for this post. And I am extremely displeased to read of your violent and combative nature towards Ms. Summers and her companions in the reports filed by Agent Finn. I do believe a less aggressive, more open-handed policy would have yielded better results in this matter."
There was a pause before Cole spoke, "Dr. I'm gonna go out on a limb and make some guesses about you, your life and your career thus far, do you mind?"
A little surprised, she answered, "No not at all."
"Good, here's what I get from you. You're probably in your early to mid thirties, grew up on and went to college on the West coast. You went to school on someone else's dollar, probably your father's. Majored in political science, psychology and some other class. You've never worked at a blue-collar job in your life. You're likely pro-choice, anti-gun, all for suing tobacco companies, against spanking children and probably turning an interesting shade of red right about now. Am I right?
Through clenched teeth, Dr. Berns hissed a reply, "Is there a point Mr. Rayne."
"I'll take that as a yes. And my point is this; you have NO idea what the hell is going on here. You probably think this situation could EASILY be resolved by holding hands and singing as well as government funding. Well here's a clue lady, this situation is one GIANT cluster-fuck and you want to give the people RESPONSIBLE for creating this screw-up MORE opportunities and more power? Sheesh. General Claxton?"
"Yes Cole?"
"The project is proceeding as scheduled, I trust that the people and items requested are on their way?"
"Yes, they will begin arriving sometime this week."
"Good, thank you General."
"I do have one question, I am aware that Alexander has taken a job at a nearby local store in addition to his new duties."
Cole leaned back on the bed, his features changing and becoming that of Alex before he answered, "Yes. I have. What of it?"
"May I inquire as to why you are doing this Mr. Harris? Surely you are not in need of funding."
"It's personal Claxton. Goodnight"
"Goodbye Alexander."
After the line went dead, Dr. Berns exploded. "That is the most arrogant egotistical bastard I have ever heard. I cannot believe that he would be entrusted with this mission when he is not even capable of carrying on a civil conversation with his superiors."
The general and the others around the table watched her rant with faint amusement. When it was over, Claxton leaned back and addressed the still upset woman.
"Dr. Berns," She looked over at him, "Are you familiar with the history behind this project and behind the events of the Sunnydale hellmouth and Los Angles?"
"I have read accounts summarizing what occurred and the individuals involved."
"But not the reports generated by this office and those of the Watcher's council?"
"No, Sir."
"I suggest you do so at the earliest opportunity. Pay particular attention to the events describing the battle with the 'First Evil'."
"With all due respect, General Claxton, I am very well informed about that time. And about the spell used by the Slayer."
"And what did you think of the spell and the decision to use it?"
"I thought it was a brilliant stroke of genius. The Slayer created an army with which she defeated both the creatures known as Turok-han and the priests known as 'Harbringers'. She also empowered the potential slayers around the world to be able to defend themselves against demons."
The general nodded, "You do realize Dr. Berns that Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg were college dropouts that struggled to hold a job like yourself? That the second most experienced slayer is both a high school dropout and an ex-con? And that their principal advisor in all this, Rupert Giles, dropped out of college and participated in activities that best described as vulgar?"
"Not to be rude General but what is your point?"
Claxton took a deep breath before answering, "I was taught to use a gun at a fairly early age, Dr. Berns. I learned to respect its power and to control it. The actions of Summers and her friends have created a dangerous shift in the world. While for the most part, the girls empowered by the spell are good citizen types; there is a fairly significant portion that is at best unreliable. Indeed, we have field several reports of newly created slayers engaged in acts that are immoral and criminal."
"Rogue slayers."
"Correct, indeed it is because of them that we became aware of Cole and his abilities. He has proven instrumental in controlling and reducing the rogue slayer problem. To date there have been 20 rogue slayers, all dealt with in part because of Cole."
"You mean he subdues them and you rehabilitate or kill them."
"No doctor, while there is a facility where a few of the former rogues are being rehabbed, most of them are deceased. As I have said before, Cole has been very useful in this aspect."
The meaning of his words was not lost on her. "You sent a killer into their midst."
"No I sent three very good men on a mission that is instrumental to the survival of this planet. Men who are loyal, trustworthy and will see that this mission is completed."
"You believe that this Alexander Harris is capable of carrying out this mission? He is a civilian after all with limited skills."
"On the contrary doctor, according to our reports as well as those of Agent Finn, Harris maybe the most qualified of them all."
There was a lull as she pondered the General's words. Claxton took pity on the woman, "I'll have the write-ups as well as the video taped interviews with both Alexander Harris and Cole Rayne sent to you. I suggest you watch the interviews and read the reports before you return here."
Dr. Victoria Berns nodded in agreement.
-Cleveland-
"Hey Amy, come on in. I was just getting ready to go out."
"Thank you, Queen C."
Cordelia frowned a little, "We're not in high school anymore Amy and I'm not the bitch queen anymore."
"Yeah, it looks like Buffy has that well covered."
The two former cheerleaders smiled at that, "but anyway, Amy, you don't have to call me that anymore."
"Okay compromise time, QC?"
"I don't know."
"Oh how about Flamingo Legs?"
Memories of Amy's ten-year-old birthday party flashed through Cordelia's mind followed by a look of horror on her face.
"Okay QC it is."
They both laughed.
"So where are you going?"
"Umm Well I was going to pick up Xan, er Alex from work."
"Alex," Amy's voice grew soft as she spoke. "He's a really good guy. Isn't he?"
Cordelia stopped playing with her hair and turned around to focus on the other woman as she continued talking. "I can't believe that he would have turned out like that. I mean I always thought he and Willow would be married and having lots of kids or whatever. Not... living like this. No offense Cordelia."
The former seer sat down opposite Amy and answered, "No I didn't think it would end up like this either. I thought Willow would dump Oz and live out her childhood dream. Or that Buffy would finally let him in, I never dreamed she would choose another vampire over him or that he would end up with Anya."
Amy's voice was quiet and a little unsteady; "He talked about her a little. She was trying so hard to be human, so hard to be normal again. He really loved her with all of his heart. When he talks about her, you can feel how much he loved her. How much he misses her. On the way here, every time a love song came on, he looked like he was about to cry. Sometimes he did, you know, tears just sliding down his cheeks."
Cordelia looked at the other woman and saw the tears in her eyes, tears she felt in her eyes too. Tears that had welled up out of sympathy and grief yet refused to fall.