Chapter 387
Buffy's group, and the refugees, had been captured by the rebels. They were taken to the rebel camp as hostages. The orders were to take them alive, let their leader question these unknowns. When asked who their leader was, Buffy immediately stepped forward. It was partly instinct, trying to protect the others. Buffy was brought to see the leader in private, the others stayed silent while she was away. The rebels called this leader "Groo." Buffy had heard that the leader of the rebellion went by the title "Groosalag." Buffy didn't know if the person she was talking top was the leader of the rebellion, or merely of this camp. She decided not to ask.
Groo: So, you're the leader of those people.
Buffy: For now.
Groo: Do you side with us, or the Covenant?
Buffy: Neither, I'm just visiting Pylea.
Groo: You have a funny idea for a vacation.
Buffy: I need something, a piece of a chalice. The Chalice of life. Ever heard of it?
Groo: No, but it sounds like something the Covenant would keep. They hoard treausures while the people starve.
Buffy: In my world, a madman is trying to wipe out all life, all dimensions. Yours, mine, every other one. I've been told that the Chalice of life is all that can stop him. I wish you the best of luck in your rebellion, but I can't get involved. I need the Chalice and I have little time.
Groo: What you are saying might be true. If so, both sides are in danger of being wiped out. But how do I know you're not a Covenant spy, making all this up?
Buffy: Is there anything I can say to make you trust me?
Groo: Trust is not my strong suit. Tell you what, I'll give you leave to go to see Silas. As leader of the Covenant he rules Pylea. He might be reasonable enough to give you the Chalice. Then you and your friends can return home. The refugees we'll help, if they fight for us. But, for now, your friends stay here. If you sell us out to Silas, we'll assume they're also spies, and we'll execute them.