A loud knocking on her door dragged her out of half formed nightmares that made up what little sleep she had managed to get. Moving slowly she crossed to the door to see Eric waiting for her. "Breakfast will be in the dining room in half an hour. They would appreciate it if you weren't late." A small sympathetic smile flickered on his face when she grimaced and mumbled something rude. "I know, but you want to make a good impression don't you?"

Still groggy she made her way to the large dining room half an hour later. The others at the table tried to engage her in conversation. Single syllable answers were all they received for their trouble. After a small breakfast she looked up and asked, "Ok, when and where do I begin?"

"With Ms. Tillvers. She will be asking you about Council history and the past Slayers. From there you will go to Mr. Alliston and current events. Mr. Etherton will be evaluating your weapons skills and I shall be doing the final interview and follow-up." Travers replied.

She walked into Ms. Tillvers office and sat down when invited. Nervously she smoothed her skirt down and waited until the woman began. Two hours later she was shaking with reaction as she stood. "Well Miss Summers, I must say that was the worst performance I have ever seen from a Slayer." She stopped, although it looked like she would have liked to go on at great length about Buffy's shortcomings.

The interview with Mr. Alliston did not go much better. Her mind blanked every time he asked a question. After another eternity she was allowed to stand and leave for lunch. Shaking her head slightly in disgust she made her way once more to the dining room. Conversations stopped when she walked into the room. Only a couple of the younger members even tried to talk with her.

At long last Mr. Etherton rose and said, "Miss Summers, if you will follow me we can begin your combat evaluations." Silently she rose and followed him down into one of the basement areas. He motioned to a stack of workout clothes, "Please suit up and return as soon as you are ready." He motioned to a side door, "You may change in there."

Several minutes later she emerged and the combat began. Carefully she held back, making sure she never hit him too hard. 'Just like sparing with Riley,' she thought. 'I have to be so careful.' Brief flashes of fighting with Spike or Faith danced through her mind and only a last minute pull-back on a kick kept her from slamming Etherton into the wall.

After twenty minutes Etherton pause, breathing hard. "You are quite unorthodox, but very good. Give me a couple of minutes to get into the protective gear and I'll see how you do when you don't have to hold back." He moved to a heavily padded suit on the wall and began putting it on. When he had finished he turned and said, "Ok, let's see how you are."

She started slowly, building her intensity until she was working at three quarters her normal power. She saw him starting to sweat and heard numerous grunts as she pounded and kicked away at him. "Excellent. Good job!" She smiled in pleasure as he continued, "You may get dressed now. Thank you for a good workout."

She was feeling better as Etherton led her to Travers office high in the building. Travers glanced up as she entered. "I imagine you are thirsty after the combat testing. Please help yourself to the water on the side table." He waited while she filled a glass and downed most of it before he continued, "Please sit, Miss Summers." He paused for long moments before continuing, "I must say I expected better from Rupert Giles. He was quite the promising young watcher in his day. Sadly, it does not show in your performance." Buffy drew a deep breath, ready to fire back at him. He glanced at her sharply, "Please don't bother to say anything yet. Even with your lack of skill and discipline I believe we can make a place for you here. You will have to work hard and apply yourself, but I believe it can work."

Stung she started to snap back at him until Spike's voice spoke in her head. "Easy luv, that's just what he wants. Do something else, surprise him." She took a slow breath and began quietly, "With all respect sir, wouldn't it be better for me to continue my watch over the hell mouth?"

"No, I'm afraid that is no longer an option. You see there are too many difficult spots world wide and only one Slayer. We have to use your talents more effectively than we have been." He steepled his fingers and glanced at her over the top of them. "I am afraid the only way would be for you to be based here in London."

Buffy fought to hide her fear and disappointment as she responded, "May I have a couple of days to return and think it over? I am very seriously thinking of accepting, but my sister Dawn will need some convincing."

Travers quickly masked the look of skepticism that passed over his face as he replied, "By all means. We want you to return enthusiastic and happy. I have an offer packet that I will be sending back with you. Inside it will be all the information I have given you on pay and benefits. There's even a bit for relocation costs that should help make the move easier. I'll send someone to take you to the airport tomorrow morning. You'll need to be ready by 4AM."

Buffy nodded soundlessly and took the thick manila envelope from him. "Thanks."

She stood and swayed as the room spun. Her eyes tried desperately to focus as Travers commented, "You didn't really think we'd just let you go did you? We can't possibly allow two rogue slayers to run free. I am afraid the Initiative, oh yes we kept an eye on them, weren't the only ones working on mind altering technology. I am sorry, truly I am. I had wished you would return to us willingly. We'll talk again soon my dear." Blackness washed over her then. She didn't even feel herself hit the floor.