Chapter 332
Giles agreed to a meeting between his group and the soldiers. Riley's team had recently saved Buffy, but neither group was completely sure they could trust the other. Hence neither group came to the "Magick Shop" full force. Giles brought Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Tara. Mcnamara brought Riley, Forrest, Graham, and Samantha. Giles didn't feel the need to mention that they'd given Spike assylum in exchange for information. These two groups weren't at war, but neither were they allies. This meeting was an informal gathering, a way to relieve tensions. Things were awkward between the two groups. Xander, half-jokingly, suggested a game of laser-tag. Giles and Colonel Mcnamara liked this idea. Better that they fight it out in a local arcade than in battle. Giles and Mcnamara watched as the eight others went inside the arena. They made a bet, the loser paid for the games. Giles forgot that Mcnamara's team had firearms training, while Buffy's team didn't. Buffy's team lost, Mcnamara privately hoped this exhibition could intimidate her team. But for now they all seemed to be having fun together. As per the bet, Giles also had to pay for pizza for everyone afterwords. He kept the receipt, hoping the council would reimbure him. At any rate, this was a small price to pay for eased tensions.