Chapter 448
Buffy followed Cassie's instructions to Rondell's house, to the weak spot in the basement. Riley and the Initiative doctors were nearby, ready to give Faith any medical attention she might need. Riley agreed with Buffy's assesment that it was best for one person to enter covertly. They were watching the internet broadcast. This was definitely a show trial. If it was simply about killing Faith they would've done this already. Instead they were accussing Faith of complicity in many deaths. Cordelia Chase, Marcie Ross, Billy Fordham, Anne, Syed Ali, several psych patients at Sunnydale hospital, Dawn Summers. Like the old Soviet show trials they were trying to demonstrate guilt, not just to the observers, but to themselves. The knights of the sun were trying to justify their actions to themselves. Images of the deaths were broadcast to the world. aith wasn't even allowed to speak in her own defense. Even if it was a live broadcast they seemed like they were getting ready to execute their prisoner. Rondell pronounced Faith guilty and sentanced her to death. He dunked Faith's head in the sink full of water. Rondell was a bit of a sadist. He liked to see the mighty slayer fight for something as basic as human breath. As he was doing this Buffy snuck up behind him and knocked him unconsciouss. She'd already knocked the others out. Faith was unconsciouss. Buffy tried giving her CPR. Nothing yet. Then Buffy felt new strength come. This came all at once, almost knocked Buffy down. Buffy didn't know what this was, but she wanted to use her new strength to good use. Buffy tried to give Faith CPR again. This time it worked. Faith opened her eyes. Buffy was relieved that she had saved her friend.