Chapter 403

Buffy hadn't seen much modern technology in Pylea. Some televisions, a gambling casino, all designed to keep the workers down. Since the Covenant kept her here Buffy had experienced torture that was likely invented during the Spanish Inquiition on Earth. She was tempted to talk, maybe give up the rebels in exchange for her freeom. Even though she sympathized with the rebellion, they were fighting against oppression, but the pain offerred her a temptation to surrender. Perhaps she could give Silas' goons a false location. That could avoid more pain, and she wouldn't betray Groo. Then another thought occurred to Buffy. When she didn't return Groo might've moved his camp. It was entirely possible that Buffy could no longer give up the rebels' location even if she wanted too. This should've comforted Buffy. But with all this pain the thought that she could no longer save herself made her future look very bleak. Then Barshon came to see Buffy again. He seemed a bit nicer than Silas, more squeamish about this torture. But then maybe this was Pylea's version of good cop bad cop.

Buffy: How long have I been here?

Barshon: Less than a day.

Buffy: Are you kidding? Feels like a lot longer.

Barshon: I can help you.

Buffy: I don't know anything about the rebellion.

Barshon: I think you're lying. I believe you can get in touch with the Groosalag. And I need to talk with him. If I may be blunt, Silas will never accept peace, or give you his piece of the Chalice. He is too stubborn, I'm more pragmatic. I am willing to egotiate with the rebels, give you the piece of the Chalice. But I cannot do that while Silas remains in power.

Buffy: What do you want from me?

Barshon: I will help you escape, if you agree to set up a meeting between him and me.

Buffy: I will do what I can.

Barshon: I supposse I have to trust you. The only way this plan will work is if you pretend to take me hostage. This will keep my cover intact. But I need to remain alive to give you the Chalice.

Buffy: Understood. But I should probably give you a scar, just to keep your cover intact.