CHAPTER NINETEEN:

We need a Plan C…

Buffy was worried. She had gone to Angel's yesterday evening to check on Faith and to see if Michael was still hanging around. When she got there was no sign of either of them. Angel was just waking up and he had no idea where they were and he hadn't heard anything.

Buffy tried to tell herself that maybe Faith was with Michael and they were off somewhere together as she tried to push the visual imagery of what they were probably doing with and to each other from her mind.

Faith is still a Slayer… She can take care of herself, Buffy thought.

Even trying to reassure herself she still couldn't help but worry. It wasn't until the next day when everyone gathered at the school to meet and there was still no sign of Faith or Michael that her concern started to ramp up. She expressed her concerns and worries to Giles.

"I'm sure everything is alright…" he said while cleaning his glasses.

Giles continued, "Michael will keep an eye out for Faith… I'm sure they are just…ummm…discussing things over."

"I hope you're right Giles… I think I'll hang out at Angel's to see if Faith shows up there." Buffy said still not feeling any further at ease about Faith's whereabouts.

"Well let me know if you hear or find out anything." Giles replied trying to mask his own concern.

oOoOo

A portal formed in the abandoned warehouse and suddenly two people appeared. Faith and Michael turned and looked at each other as they regained their senses.

"That's such a rush! It's hard to believe that we just moved between worlds and dimensions!" Faith said showing her youthful excitement.

Michael shook his head at seeing her excitement, "Hmmm… If you think that is a rush… You would probably get off on doing a drop in an orbital drop pod." he said looking at her.

"You mean…like drop from space?" Faith said with a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Michael nodded to show her he wasn't joking.

"You…you dropped from space to a planet? That sounds like a rush and a half." Faith said still with some disbelief even though she'd seen the video.

"Well most of the time I had to worry about getting blown out of the sky by the Covenant… But it had its moments." he replied.

Michael's reply brought a rush of stark realism back to Faith as she remembered what he'd been through.

"Oh… Sorry I didn't mean anything by it."

"No sweat… I always thought you had the mentality if not the physical strength to put ODST's to shame."

Faith got a puzzled look on her face, "ODSTs? Who are they?"

"Orbital Drop Shock Troopers… UNSC Special Forces… They would have loved to have someone like you…" Michael replied.

"I've never been much of a team player if you ever noticed…" Faith said shrugging.

Faith became more aware of her surroundings and slightly disgusted look came to her face, "What's with us ending up in this dump?"

"It doesn't look like much now, but in a few years this dump eventually becomes our base… For ease of moving between the different dimensions, we use this as our main targeting reference point… For now I'm hiding out here." Michael replied.

Faith looked around at the condition of the abandoned building shaking her head with the disgusted look still on her face, "You're living here… You're kidding right?" she said.

Michael shook his head, "I've got a room cleaned up in the basement… It's not too bad… I've been in worse places." he said.

"Yeah… I can imagine… Just don't ask me to spend the night here." Faith said.

They both looked at each other and laughed.

Michael removed his helmet and looked at Faith. The last couple of days had been great, but he still had a part of his mind screaming warnings to remind him that this was not his Faith and not his time line. As he looked into her face and those eyes, he was finding that being with her, he was losing focus and it was hard not to just lose himself here with her right now. She'd already asked why he couldn't stay.

It would be so easy to just stay and start again…

He logically knew the reasons he couldn't stay, but logic always seemed to leave the room for him when Faith was added to the equation. He gave his mind an internal shake to refocus himself on his objectives and he looked at Faith seriously. "I need you to head back to Angel's. Just keep your head down until graduation day and work with Giles and Buffy to get ready." he said.

Faith saw the serious look on Michael's face and she got a little concerned. "What are you going to be up to?" she asked.

"I've got to go and put on a show for the Mayor and make it look like I'm taking care of his needs." he replied.

"Will I see you again soon? I've got some 'needs' that need some taking care of too you know" Faith said with a mischievous smile and look.

Michael smiled at Faith and reached out to touch her hair with his armored glove hand, "I'll be by to see you soon… I'll be keeping a watch to make sure you're safe."

Faith took his hand and held it up against her face, "Don't wait too long…"

Faith paused for a moment almost awkwardly and then continued, "Michael… I know who you are and what you can do, but…take care of yourself will you? I…I don't want to lose you." she said with an almost sad smile.

Michael leaned in and looked again deep into her eyes, "Whatever happens… Always remember that I love you… You were and are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I have never regretted a single moment being with you."

They shared one last kiss and Faith headed off back to Angel's place…

oOoOo

It was late afternoon and Buffy was still waiting around Angel's to see if Faith showed up. It was hard for Buffy to concentrate and it took a lot of effort on her part to sit still and not pace around the house worrying.

Buffy was just trying to figure out what to do if Faith didn't show up, when she heard a voice.

"Hey B… How's it hanging?" Faith said smiling as she walked in through the door.

"What the…! Where the hell have you been?!" Buffy said with an angry tone.

"Whoa B… What's gotten with you?" Faith said defensively as she was taken by surprise by her fellow Slayer's outburst.

"What's gotten with me?!You disappear for over a day with no word of where you are…we were worried that something happened! Where were you?" Buffy said still angry.

"Chill out B… I was with Michael… So no problems… Everything is fine." Faith replied again trying to calm Buffy down. She was her typical nonchalant self in her response, but inside she was actually happy to see that Buffy had been worried about her. Faith promised to herself that she would work to make amends to Buffy for everything she'd done.

"You couldn't tell us where you were… You and Michael run off so you guys can have some slap and tickle time and leave us here to worry with no word!" Buffy said still angry at being forced to worry.

"Hey… I didn't even know where we were going until Michael took me there…and for the record there was no slapping and tickling… Though spanking may have been involved." Faith said getting a mischievous smile.

Buffy looked at Faith and sighed, "Really? Can you stop it for one moment and realize that I was worried about you when you disappeared and there was no word."

Faith could see how concerned Buffy was about her and this sobered her up, "I'm sorry Buffy… Like I said I had no idea where Michael was taking me and it wasn't like I could pick up a phone and call…and no it wasn't because of any shackles." Faith said with a joking smile but with a sincere tone.

Buffy sighed again shaking her head, "So where were you two?" she asked.

Faith looked at Buffy, "Honestly… If I told you… You wouldn't believe me." Faith said.

"Go ahead and try me." Buffy replied remaining unconvinced.

Faith went ahead and told Buffy how Michael had taken her to an alternate Earth in another dimension and that she had been in an alien built installation. Faith also related everything she had found out about Michael to Buffy and that Faith felt that despite Giles's reservations they could trust Michael to do the right thing.

Buffy just looked at Faith as she finished up her story. Faith couldn't help but see the stunned and confused look on Buffy's face.

Buffy took a moment and looked around the house and then back at Faith and then said, "You're right… I don't believe it."

Faith just smiled at Buffy, "I told ya so B…"

oOoOo

Mayor Wilkins had a confused frown on his face. He was perplexed about what was happening. It appeared that his ascension plans were on track and there had been no further interference from Buffy and her group even with the apparent defection of Faith from his side with all her knowledge of his plans. This would seem to indicate that the robot was keeping its side of the bargain in guaranteeing no interference with his ascension plans, but it didn't feel right. It was all too easy now.

There were also the reports from the people and vampires that the Mayor had tasked to keep an eye on Faith. Two days ago Faith had gone to Angel's place after leaving the high school and then nothing—no movement or sightings. Then today one of the Mayor's assistants reports seeing Faith entering Angel's house—when she had never been seen leaving. Wilkins had been at first going to chalk this up to the incompetence of who was following Faith previously, but something that this report said bothered him. This report stated that Faith appeared quite happy and smiling when she entered Angel's house. Considering that only several days ago that Faith was extremely sad and angry over the apparent killing of a man she had met and apparently had deep feelings for—this was a remarkable turnaround in mood and behavior.

There was something going on behind the scenes that the Mayor wasn't aware of and this bothered him. Wilkins still couldn't help but think about the lack of information over the death of this Michael fellow of Faith's. A body or a sighting of him alive should have turned up by now. There was something there, but the Mayor couldn't quite connect the dots. This would require more thought…

oOoOo

Giles was working alone late in the school library. With Wesley gone, it had been a load off his mind and his stress levels had gone down somewhat.

At least there is one less thing to worry about, he thought.

Giles had managed to go through some contacts he still had with the Watchers to find out what happened. He had learned that somehow Wesley had found out that Michael was the robot and his connection with Faith in the future. The Watchers Council thought by putting Faith "into protective custody" that they would have some leverage over Michael and make him dance to their tune. Giles was no novice and was aware of (and had used himself) some of the tactics that the Watchers had used to achieve their ends. He was aware that sometimes that the Watchers crossed into that grey area to serve the "greater good" as they justified it. He understood their reasoning but even this smacked of going too far. Giles was aware of the threat that Michael had made against the Watchers and he believed that the Spartan was more than capable of carrying out his threat.

Giles sighed and thought how complicated everything was now. At least the plan to confront the Mayor was going along and all the groups were getting organized and the weapons were coming together. Xander was gathering the explosives and they should be delivered the day before the graduation ceremony. Michael had told Giles and Xander what types of explosives and chemicals should be obtained and where they should be placed for the maximum effect. This seemed perfectly understandable and logical since Michael had the most experience blowing things up. Michael also said he would handle the final wiring and the detonator for the explosives.

Giles was reviewing again the plan in his head and making sure he had covered off everything on his side. It was at this moment that the phone on the library counter rang. He made his way over and picked up the phone.

"Hello…" Giles said as he picked up the phone.

There was a pause and then a voice spoke, "Giles… Get down now!"

"What? Who is this?" Giles said confused.

"No time to explain… Remember Plan B… Get on the floor now!"

Giles's eyes widened at the mention of "Plan B" and realized who was calling him, Michael! What's going on? he thought as he suddenly took the caller's advice and dove to the floor behind the library counter.

As Giles hit the floor there was a load deafening roar of gunfire and bullets shredded through the library. The rapid fire didn't last very long but the shots tore through the walls and windows. Bullets were flying everywhere. Several rounds tore through the library counter where Giles had dived behind and he was covered in wood splinters and fragments, but he was unhurt. Just as suddenly as the shooting started it stopped. Giles waited for what like seemed an eternity and then raised his head and looked around. He finally stood up and looked at the shot up library. He pulled his bent glasses from his face and looked at them and then started cleaning them while still looking at the destruction of his library…

oOoOo

The Mayor was entering his office after a late night city council meeting. He had been informed by the police chief about the shooting at the high school. There was only one "creature" that would shoot up the library. The Mayor was trying to figure out what was going on as he reached for the light switch.

"I would prefer if you left the overhead lights off…" a voice in the dark said.

The Mayor was startled as he recognized the voice, "Can I at least go to my desk and turn on the lamp there?" he asked.

"Go ahead and make yourself comfortable." the voice said.

As the Mayor moved to his desk, sat down and turned on his desk light, he saw movement in the shadows as the huge robot came out of the corner further into the office and stood in front of the Mayor's desk."I was wondering when I would hear from you again… I take it you were the one responsible for the incident at the school tonight." the Mayor said not displaying any emotion and trying not to reveal anything.

"Like I said… I would look after your security and take care of your interests until your day… They were starting to plan something and I sent a message for them to back off." the robot said.

"What were they planning against me?" the Mayor asked questioningly.

"No need to worry about it… I'll manage it. If they don't back off I'll escalate my response then." the robot responded.

The Mayor arched an eyebrow wondering what the robot would consider an "escalated response".

"Okay… You continue doing what you need to do to protect my interests and I'll hand the staff over to you as we agreed." The Mayor responded not giving away his thoughts and plans.

"Agreed… Just remember Mr. Mayor… If you try and double cross me, you won't like the consequences… I'll get upset and you don't want to see me get upset. It won't matter if you are human or demon." the robot said.

The Mayor watched the robot leave his office. After the robot had left, Wilkins spent some time replaying the conversation in his mind. He'd been in politics long enough to realize when someone was playing him.

There's no way in hell you're getting that staff," the Mayor thought.

oOoOo

As Michael left city hall, he had a small video window up in his helmet display. He was replaying his conversation with the Mayor. He was also reviewing the Mayor's bio sensor readings from the conversation.

Michael sighed as he reviewed the video and sensor readings, Damn it! He's not buying it… He knows I'm playing him… I don't think he's made all the connections, but he's not dumb by any stretch of the imagination, he thought.

Michael had burned through a magazine to try and convince the Mayor of his "good intentions" and apparently it hadn't done him any good. He was pretty certain that the Mayor would try for the double cross, but the problem was knowing when and where the double cross would occur. Michael was planning—and hoping—on the double cross to occur at the exchange during the ascension ceremony, but that was a flimsy assumption like his flimsy "Plan B". Michael knew he needed to have a "Plan C" ready in case everything went to hell in a hand basket. He was still formulating his plan, but he knew that "Plan C" would probably involve a lot of shooting and bigger explosions.

oOoOo

It was much later in the night when Giles finally arrived home. He was tired from trying to do some of the clean-up from Michael's unexpected visit and the resulting police investigation. Giles had acted oblivious and surprised about who would want to shoot up a school library. He attributed the "incident" to local gangs and the Sunnydale police department in its regular display of incompetence quickly accepted the explanation and quickly closed and taped off the library as a crime scene.

Giles sighed as he opened the door and turned on the light. He was startled by the sight of Michael sitting on his sofa. Michael had his helmet off and appeared very relaxed—he even had a drink in his hand.

Giles got very angry and moved quickly into his place after slamming his door. He quickly moved to face the sitting Spartan.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Giles demanded angrily.

"Hey… Calm down… Have a drink… Then sit down and relax…" Michael responded to Giles looking somewhat somber.

"Don't tell me what to do…and stop making yourself at bloody home in my place!" Giles responded still angry as he actually did go and pour himself a drink and then sat down next to the Spartan on the sofa. Giles heard his sofa creak from all the weight on it and he wondered when it was going to break.

"So are you going to tell me why you had to turn my library into a war zone?" Giles asked finally starting to calm down after having a sip of his drink.

"Hey… I did tell you to get down at least…" Michael said with a smirk.

Giles glared at Michael and he knew not to push it any further.

"Okay… I have two reasons for tonight's event… The first reason was to put on a show for the Mayor. Try to convince him that the robot was still out there and was looking after things…" Michael responded.

Giles looked at Michael and could start to see the reasoning behind the "attack", "Did the Mayor buy it?" Giles asked still a little bit angry.

"No… Unfortunately the Mayor is a smart politician. He knows that he is being played. He just hasn't connected all the dots yet… Our goal is to keep him from connecting all the dots until it is too late for him." Michael replied.

"But if he knows you are 'playing him' as you say, how do you know that he will still honor his deal and bring the staff to the graduation ceremony to hand over?' Giles asked.

"I can't say with one hundred percent certainty that he will bring the staff, but at the same time he can't ignore my presence… He has to bring the staff to the ceremony to appear to be the honest broker up until he tries to kill me." Michael replied in matter of fact tone.

"Kill you? You really expect he would try that?" Giles said grasping what Michael had told him.

"Yup… Knowing his personality… I figure that there is a greater than 75% chance that he will try to double-cross me and attempt to destroy the 'robot' rather than hand over the staff. I would actually be really surprised if he didn't try it." Michael said again in that same matter of fact tone as he took a sip from his drink.

Giles sat back and took in everything that Michael had said and could see that the Spartan was playing at a different level than they were all used to. He took another drink as he let what Michael had told him settle into his thoughts.

"Does Faith know that the Mayor will try and kill you?" Giles asked somberly.

"No…and she doesn't need to know." Michael said forcefully.

Giles paused and finally spoke, "You said there were two reasons for shooting up my library?"

"Yes… With the library now considered a crime scene by the police. Access is now restricted and we can setup our equipment in the library without worrying about some innocent bystander stumbling on everything." Michael said.

"Oh… I see." Giles said understanding where Michael's thought process was going.

"So we continue on with "Plan B" as outlined?" Giles asked.

"We're beyond that now… We are on to 'Plan C' now." Michael said smiling.

Giles shuddered involuntary as he saw Michael smile. "Do I dare ask what 'Plan C' is?" Giles asked hesitantly.

Michael outlined his modifications to his "Plan B" and what everyone's new roles were to be. Michael then handed a list to Giles. "I need you and Xander to pick up these items, assemble and place them as instructed."

Giles looked at the list of items and instructions and his eyes widened in shock, "You're joking?" was all that Giles could say.

Michael just looked at Giles and continued smiling, "Everything has been arranged for pickup… Just make sure you follow the instructions and we'll make a really nice earth shattering KA-BOOM when the time comes."

oOoOo

Michael left Giles in a somewhat stunned stated, but considering the nights' events and what he had told him about what the new plan was, he seemed to take it very well. Michael made his way over to Angel's place and took up his over watch position. He'd promised Faith that he would keep an eye on her and here he was—again—keeping an eye on the house, quickly spotting where the Mayor's watcher was setup.

Michael switched his helmet display over to thermal imaging and scanned the house. He got three body signatures, two were normal human body temperatures and one was lower than normal. He could see one of the normal and the below normal signatures on the main floor of the house—he assumed those signatures were Buffy and Angel. The other normal signature was on the second floor—that had to be Faith. From the scan it looked like she was sleeping in one of the upstairs bedrooms. His mind drifted back to the last two days and what they had shared together. He found himself wishing he was there with her right now, but then reality seeped in and he had to remember that he had no place here. He needed to get back to his time line and his window of opportunity was closing.

Michael kept watch on the house to make sure there were no unwanted visitors. As it got closer to dawn, he quietly headed off back towards the warehouse to grab a couple of hours of rest. The days were counting down and he didn't have much time left…