A/N: Thanks for the reviews everyone. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
State Plaza Hotel, Washington D.C, 0930hrs
Willow quickly sat up panting and got out of her bed. She started walking around her room in a panic making sure to look around just to make sure that she really was in the hotel room.
"That couldn't have been real" said Willow to herself, "no way was that real"
Panting heavily she ran over to the window and looked out to a sunny day in Washington D.C. She saw no tent city, nothing smoking anywhere, no scorch marks on the streets, and everything seemed normal. Closing her eyes, she slowly turned back which was when she heard a tone from her phone that indicated she had some messages. Picking it up, she saw that there were a few messages from Cassie, with the latest one coming in only fifteen minutes ago.
Cassie: Sorry Willow, need rain check for lunch today. Dinner alright? Messaged you a few times earlier but I guess you're too tired.
Willow was surprised when she read the message from Cassie, "Lunch? I thought she was busy today" she said to herself, "I know we're supposed to be going tomorrow"
Willow then looked at the date on her phone, "A day? How the heck did I lose a day" she exclaimed. She knew that it was the fifth when she went to sleep but she had woken up on the seventh. Willow knew she had to send a reply to Cassie but didn't want to call her in case she noticed the troubled tone in her voice.
Willow: Sure. Dinner tonight sounds good.
Willow breathed in deeply before sending the message. She didn't 'see' Cassie in her nightmare but she wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing. It was so real that whenever she closed her eyes, she'd see the General's head get twisted back with a crack and Daniel, the President and Dawn lying on the White House floor dead. She thought about Colonel Carter and her decayed corpse that lay iin the corner of her lab after Willow herself murdered her.
"No not me, it was Anubis" Willow told herself, "Can that guy still be alive, I'd thought he would be dead, floating in space"
"How about the others" she thought to herself, "Daniel, Teal'c and the Colonel. Are they alright? Is the General alright? I know it was just a nightmare but why is there a pain in my heart"
Willow wanted to be sure that everything was alright so she called Colonel Carter on her secure cell. After the phone rang a few times, someone connected the call.
"Sam's phone" said a man's voice, the same man that Willow and Cassie basically detested
"Who's this?" asked Willow who was surprised that someone else would answer the Colonel's secure phone
"This is Pete, who's this" said the cop
"This is Captain Rosenberg, I need to talk to Colonel Carter" said Willow
"She's busy" said the cop.
Willow could tell from his voice that he was lying to her, she knew that he was jealous of the length of time the Colonel spent with SG1 and, from what Daniel told her a couple of days ago, he wasn't happy that Colonel Carter had gone to Sunnydale to help rescue Willow and then to D.C without telling him.
"Look Peter" said Willow, "I need to talk to Colonel Carter, its urgent"
"I told you not to call me Peter" he whispered angrily, "anyway, she's not at home. Call back later"
"Gotcha you creep" thought Willow to herself, "Why else would you whisper if she wasn't there close by"
"I know she's there" said Willow angrily, "she'd never leave home without this particular phone, and does she even know you picked up her secure line? I'm guessing no, or else you wouldn't be whispering right now. So give her the phone because what I have to say is classified. You understand the meaning of classified don't you? You know, it's the need to know stuff that you really don't need to know"
"You listen to me you little shit" whispered Pete, "When I get married to her, I'm going to make sure that you never get invited to the engagement party, the wedding or the reception"
"Now you listen to me, you worthless piece of garbage" replied Willow as she lost all pretence of niceness, "first of all, as IF she'd marry you and secondly, all I have to do is contact the General and tell him that you violated national security by even answering the Colonel's secure phone. So either you let me talk to her now, or else I make the call and the next thing you know you'll be on the way to Leavenworth"
"Pete?" Willow heard the Colonel's voice as she shouted, "Why are you answering my phone? I told you so many times not to do that"
"Sorry babe" said Pete as he turned away from the phone, "it kept on ringing so I thought I'd help you out since you were busy and answer it"
"I told you Pete" said the Colonel as she took the phone away from him, "you shouldn't answer this phone at all. If it keeps on ringing and I'm not there just let it go to voice mail, if I'm busy, call me and I'll pick it up. You could get me into trouble you know that"
"Sorry honey" said Pete
"Carter" said the Colonel as she answered the phone
"Hi Colonel, its Willow. I'm sorry to bother you but I just needed to know if you, Daniel, Teal'c and the General were alright"
"What do you mean" asked the Colonel as she went into another room and closed the door behind her
"I had one of the most vivid nightmares ever ma'am" said Willow shuddering
"Willow" said the Colonel, "Like you said, it was only a nightmare"
"I know ma'am" said Willow, "I can't explain it but I lost a whole day; during my nightmare, I lost the entirety of yesterday. I wasn't even awake yesterday ma'am"
"What was your nightmare about Willow?" said the Colonel with concern in her voice
"In my nightmare, all of you died ma'am" said Willow as she physically shivered while even thinking about it again, "Everyone in the mountain was massacred, the Prometheus was destroyed; it crashed into the Academy, Colorado Springs burned, D.C burned, everything burned. I saw your body lying decayed in your lab, Teal'c died off-world along with Bratac and his son, Ry'ac; along with the rest of the rebel Jaffa. I even saw the General and Daniel die right in front of my eyes" she continued as her voice broke, "it was the Goa'uld ma'am. It was Anubis who did it all. I can't help but have a bad feeling he's still alive"
Willow felt her heart beating a million times a minute as the line went quiet, it was as if the Colonel was wondering if she was crazy and needed to see Dr. Mackenzie, the base shrink. What she failed to mention was that in the nightmare, Willow herself was Anubis.
"I can't mention that, there is absolutely no way that could be true" thought Willow to herself
"Willow" said the Colonel softly, "I know it seemed real, but it was just a nightmare. All of us are alright. I talked to Daniel and General O'Neill earlier today, and received a scheduled check-in from Teal'c on Chulak and he's doing alright. As you can hear, I'm alive and safe as well and far as we know Anubis is dead and gone"
"I know ma'am" said Willow as she slowly sat on the bed, "it's just that I can't shake this weird feeling that something bad is coming. Plus I've got no explanation about the missing day"
"After a nightmare like that, I would be surprised if you didn't feel weird" said the Colonel, "but just remember that it was a nightmare. You're safe, all of us are safe. Don't worry too much about it. As for the missing day, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't wake up at all yesterday especially after the ordeal you had. Or maybe you did wake up but you just don't remember because you were too tired?"
"You're right ma'am" replied Willow, "maybe that's what happened"
"And anyway, it's supposed to be your day off so go out to a museum or something, that's an order Captain" said the Colonel
"Yes ma'am" said Willow as she managed a smile
"We'll see you soon Willow" said the Colonel, "SG1 has been put on downtime for two days so relax as much as you can, cause we'll be busy working on where to start retrofitting the Ancient shield systems on base when you come back"
"Yes ma'am" replied Willow
Oval Office, White House, 1100hrs
"So gentlemen" said the President as he faced Generals O'Neill and Hammond, "are we in agreement of what to do about these people?"
"Yes Sir" said General Hammond
"Sir?" asked General O'Neill, "What about Captain Rosenberg's request to have Faith Lehane join the SGC?"
"I leave that up to you Jack" said the President, "we've all gone through her background and personally with her stint in prison over the killing of the Deputy Mayor of Sunnydale, I'm obliged to deny full disclosure"
"I see" said General O'Neill
"Jack" interrupted General Hammond, "does Willow trust Faith, and her character?"
"Yes Sir" said General O'Neill
"In that case" said the President, "you should talk this over with her, and then decide on how you want to proceed"
"Jack, if Miss Lehane joining the SGC blows up in our faces" said General Hammond, "then Willow's integrity will be at stake. We won't be able to trust her judgement on matters such as this anymore"
"But if you do decide to let her join the SGC, then you'll have our full support" said the President, "and her file will also be the same as Captain Rosenberg's, Presidential Eyes Only"
"Thank you Sirs" said General O'Neill as he got up, "I guess this means I'll be meeting with Red now"
"Good luck, Jack" said the President
"Sirs" said General O'Neill as he saluted General Hammond and the President before he left the Oval Office
NID Headquarters, Washington D.C, 1100hrs
After taking a shower and freshening up, Willow took a cab all the way to the NID Headquarters. She had wanted to ensure that Dawn, Buffy and the others were alright.
Willow took the elevator to the secured fifth floor of the building where they had extra rooms for prisoners and anyone who had to be questioned for the sake of national security. As she went thourgh the secured doors, she walked towards Agent Barret's office.
"Afternoon Agent Barret" said Willow
"Afternoon Captain" he replied, "This is a surprise, I wasn't expecting you today"
"Sorry about the surprise visit" said Willow, "but I would like to talk to a couple of my friends if that's alright with you?"
"I have no problems" he said, "But you should know that all interactions with them will be recorded"
"I understand' said Willow
"So who do you need to see first" asked the Agent
"Dawn Summers" replied Willow
Dawn's Quarters, NID Headquarters
Dawn was just lying down on the NID supplied bed when she heard the door being unlocked. She got up slowly as she saw the door open and Willow walk in.
Willow: "Thanks"
Willow looked at the younger Summers sister as the memory of Anhur aiming the staff weapon at her head flashed through her memory. The sudden flash of the memory made her cringe slightly.
"What do you want?" said Dawn as she walked towards Willow
Willow: "Dawn…."
"Don't you dare say my name anymore Willow!" shouted Dawn, "I already told you that I hate you and I don't wanna see you anymore. Take the hint and leave me and the others alone" she continued as she slowly walked towards Willow.
Willow couldn't take it anymore, she quickly walked the few steps forward, closing the distance between them and hugged Dawn tightly.
Willow: "Oh God, you're alright. I don't care what you think about me, I don't care if you hate me, and I don't care if you never want to see me again. I'm just glad that you're alright. You're my Dawnie…. Even if you hate my guts, you'll always be my Dawnie"
Dawn was stood stunned as Willow hugged her tight but she couldn't bring herself to return the hug. It was then that she felt something wet falling onto her shoulder.
"Willow?" said Dawn softly
Willow hugged her even tighter before letting her go and wiping her eyes. She then softly held both of her shoulders as she looked into Dawn's eyes.
Willow: "I'm doing everything I can to help you and the others Dawnie. But I'm telling you the truth; it may be really bad for Buffy and the others. I just want to know something, if given the chance; if I could convince my superiors to have you stay with me instead of going to prison, would you take that offer?
"No" said Dawn as she looked away, "I don't want to stay with you, not now; not ever"
Willow: "Dawnie, if you go to prison; then your future is effectively over. Please think about this"
"You should have thought about that before you turned on us Willow" said Dawn softly, still stunned at the hug she had received from her
Willow: "I have to go now Dawnie. I know I hurt you, especially since I left without saying goodbye but I know that getting out of Sunnydale was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. If I had stayed I think I would have got out of control. I'm happy where I am now; I hope that one day I could show you what I do for my job. But you have to understand that it's classified for a reason"
"Willow, I don't want to hear it and don't call me Dawnie anymore" said Dawn, "you lost the right to call me that"
Dawn saw the hurt in Willow's eyes as she said that, but she really didn't care anymore.
Willow: "Dawn, there are reasons why my work will remain classified for the immediate future, and that's because it saves lives. That's what I do Dawn, in my own way I'm helping to save millions of lives. I hope that someday you and Buffy could understand that"
"You should go Willow" said Dawn
Willow: "I'll come back Dawn. Even if I have to sit on the bed next to you without talking, I'll still come back. Just promise me one thing, talk to Buffy about what I said; you staying with me."
Dawn didn't give a reply to Willow as she just walked back to her bed and lay down.
Willow: "Bye Dawn. I really am glad you're alright"
Willow then knocked on the door and was let out by Agent Barret.
Once outside and the door to Dawn's room was locked, Agent Barret asked Willow, "What was that all about Captain?"
"I just had a bad dream" said Willow cryptically as she smiled at a confused Agent Barret, "I'd like to talk to Buffy now please"
Buffy's Quarters, NID HQ
Buffy, like Dawn, was simply lying on her NID issued bed in a tank top and grey sweatpants simply looking up at the ceiling. She turned her head when she saw the doors to her quarters open and Willow walk in, but she made no move to get up. Upon seeing Willow she turned her head back up to the ceiling.
"What do you want Willow?" asked Buffy, "Come to visit so that you could rub my failures into my face? Or did you come for some kind of forgiveness from me? Hoping that I'd understand why you betrayed me and the work I was trying to do"
Willow took a chair from a corner and set in next to Buffy's bed before taking a seat
Willow: "I don't need to ask for forgiveness from you Buffy. I know I didn't do anything wrong, but that's not why I'm here"
"Why did you do it Willow?" asked Buffy
Willow: "Why did I do what?"
"Leave" said Buffy as she sat up and faced Willow, "Why did you leave, really?"
Willow: "Because of you"
As Willow 'said' that, she saw a brief glimpse of hurt in Buffy's eyes.
Willow: "I knew that if I had stayed in Sunnydale with you and the gang, I would have had to use my magic continuously to keep up with you, and to help you. When I did the spell that resouled Angel, I felt something. It was like a magical high. And every time since then, I've wanted a high through magic. I knew that the last time, when I had caused you guy's pain, was the last straw. Buffy, I caused you all physical pain and I liked it, I liked the rush of it. Do you have any idea what that was like? I had to get out, or else I think I would have gone out of control again. I wanted to be my own person Buffy, and I got my chance in Colorado, no magic just a normal life"
"With brand new powers" said Buffy, "powers that could have helped us"
Willow: "That's just it, Buff. It's like you see me as some sort of a weapon to be used against your enemies. Is that all I am to you? Have I always been just a weapon to you? Would I go back to just being your friend if I lost all my powers?"
"Tell me the truth then Willow" said Buffy, "aren't the military using your powers as weapons now?"
Willow closed her eyes as she thought about all the times she used her powers.
Willow: "It's true I've had to use my powers Buffy. But that's because I wanted to, not because I was ordered to by someone or because I felt I had an obligation to. I did it to protect the ones close to me those very rare times I'm deployed overseas, but Buffy, they accept me for who I am. They like me for me. There's a reason why the job I do is classified, I just wish you could have trusted me"
"Leave me alone Willow" said Buffy softly
Willow leaned forward and reached for Buffy's hands. Once she got them, she squeezed lightly
Willow: "Despite everything that happened these past few days, I still love all of you. Especially you Buffy, you are my best friend no matter what you say, even if you disown me or disavow my existence, you'll be my best friend. But I also have a duty to the work I'm doing and to this country, and that means keeping the secrets that I'm honour bound by the Air Force to keep, and that beats everything else. I've found my place in the world Buff, and I hope that one day you'll see it that way too"
Willow leaned forward and gave Buffy a kiss on her forehead before getting up from her chair and walking towards the door.
Willow: "Take care of yourself Buffy. Let these guys know if you need anything"
"Goodbye Willow" said Buffy softly, "Please don't come back anymore"
Willow knocked on the door again and was let out by Agent Barret.
"That was touching Captain" he said, "but the others are asleep. This Rupert Giles fellow has been pacing around his room for some time until he went to sleep, same with this Tara person, Mr. Harris and Joshua. The latter has been particularly mouthy"
"Yeah, that guy is a bit too much" said Willow, "the creep violated my mind so I placed a block on him using his psychic powers. At least until he's out of here. How's Faith doing?"
"One second" said Agent Barret as he checked the video feed, "Yeah, looks like she's fast asleep as well. I don't blame her; she's been doing workouts almost every hour on the hour"
"In that case, I'll be off then Agent Barret" said Willow, "Thanks for letting me see them"
"It's a pleasure Captain" he replied, "and please next time just call me Malcolm"
"Sure Malcolm" smiled Willow, "As long as you call me Willow"
"It's a deal then, Willow" said Agent Barret as Willow turned and walked into the elevator
Willow then took the elevator all the way down to the lobby when she received a call on her secure line.
"Rosenberg" she said as the line connected
"Hiya Red" said General O'Neill, "Whatcha doin'?"
"Hi Sir" said Willow just as the memory of Anubis twisting his neck in the nightmare flashed before her eyes, making her cringe. "I'm leaving the NID headquarters now; I just came by to talk to my friends"
"Stay in that area Red" he replied, "I'll meet you and then we'll go for lunch, my treat"
"Alright Sir" said Willow, "So I take it that you have you made a decision Sir? Regarding my friends I mean"
"Yes" said General O'Neill, "but I'd like to talk to you about Faith Lehane first"
"Alright Sir" she replied
"Meet me at the Korner Café" said the General, "I'll be there in fifteen minutes"
"I read you five by five Sir" said Willow as she smiled and disconnected the line
The Korner Café, 1140hrs
"HI Sir" said Willow as she stood up from her seat at the table
"Red" said General O'Neill as he nodded at the young red head
After they had made their drink and food orders, General O'Neill got straight down to business.
"Red" he said, "We've come to a decision about what to do with your friends. I'm sorry but they'll have to do prison sentences, especially Buffy, Giles and Dawn"
"I see" said Willow, "how long are they looking at sir?"
"The president will be recommending terms for each person for not longer than five years; at least a year of jail time with the rest on probation. He factored in the fact that you said they helped save the world a few times as well" said the General as he looked at Willow's downcast face, "Red, what they did was illegal. There has to be some prison time included, especially when they threatened national security and your life"
"Are they looking at minimum security or one of the super-max facilities" asked Willow
"The President will recommend minimum security as long as they don't cause any trouble" said the General, "the first sign of trouble, all of them will be locked into a super-max facility with very limited visitation rights and any deals will be off. They will spend the entirety of their terms in prison, no probation"
"But no matter what, they'll be stamped as convicts for the rest of their lives" said Willow to herself
"Unfortunately yes" said the General, "They made a choice Red, they knew what the repercussions would be but they did it anyway. Now they have to pay the price"
"Sir" said Willow as she looked up at the General, "would it be possible to make a deal for Dawn Summers?"
"Why Red?" asked the General confused
"She's still a child to me Sir, even if she's already 21" replied Willow
"She's an adult Red, and old enough to know what she did was wrong" said the General
"Sir, if she goes to prison, even if it is minimum security, then her future is effectively over. She can say goodbye to getting a good education or even a good job when she's older" said Willow
"Don't tell me you're thinking what I think you're thinking" said the General as he rubbed his temples
"No sir, I'm not saying that she joins the SGC" said Willow smiling, "all I'm asking is that you at least consider sending her to the Academy"
"You're joking right?" said the General, "she's committed a Federal crime, Red. I don't think even the President's recommendation can get her into the Academy"
"Or she can stay with me, and I'll watch over her" said Willow, "She can get admitted into the University of Colorado at the Springs and complete her degree"
"I thought you said she hates your guts" said the General smiling
"Oh she does" said Willow, "but maybe, just maybe, I can get her sister to convince her to take up that offer"
"Red" said the General as he leaned forward, "I gotta tell you that you're putting yourself on the line here if you're going to bat for Dawn Summers and Faith Lehane"
"I know I'm risking my integrity Sir" said Willow, "but Dawn has the potential to be a genius. She can be just like Daniel and Colonel Carter rolled into one, if given the chance. Also, I feel like I abandoned her the day I left Sunnydale and appeared at the SGC. I can't abandon her now, not without offering her this choice"
"Oh for cryin' out loud" said the General as Willow grinned at him, "I'll call the President. Gimme a second"
"Thanks Sir" said Willow smiling as the General walked to a quiet corner of the café to talk to the President.
As she waiting for the General to finish talking to the President, their food and drinks had come. As she was taking a sip of her coffee, Willow saw the General close his flip phone and walk towards her.
"Well, apparently the President agrees with you Red" said the General, "about her going to University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, not the Academy. But she'll be on probation with a curfew and a subcutaneous transmitter for the whole five years of her sentence, and she has to be staying with you. If she doesn't agree then she'll be staying with her sister for two years in jail and the rest spent on probation"
"Thanks Sir" grinned Willow, "what happens to Sunnydale Sir?"
"What do you mean?" asked the General
"Sir, remember I told you about the dimensional portal called the Hellmouth under Sunnydale?" asked Willow, "it attracts all sorts of things like vampires and demons and other bad stuff?"
"Oh yeah" said the General, "You're concerned about its protection?"
"Yes Sir" said Willow, "for all their faults, Buffy and the gang were the only ones keeping those things at bay Sir"
"Well the President authorized the creation of a new Bureau of Paranormal Investigation and Research complete with civilian oversight, something like what the idiots over at the IOA do" said the General, "It will be under the complete jurisdiction of the NID. A select few from the organization such as the administrator will have security clearance but not as high as you or I. This department won't know about the SGC or Homeworld Security and they will not be allowed to interfere in our operations on Earth or off-world. But we'll be still working with Agent Barret and any other NID agents who have the necessary security clearance"
"I see" said Willow, "Sir, I know some people who may be perfect for this but you won't like it"
"I have a feeling I won't Red" said the General smiling, "So spill"
"Well I have an old 'friend' from high school who's doing good work in L.A. with Angel, a vampire with a soul and his team" said Willow as the General interrupted her
"Hold on a second" said the General disbelievingly, "did you just say vampire with a soul?"
"Yes sir"
"That can happen?" he asked
"Yes Sir" replied Willow, "Angel was cursed with his soul after he killed a gypsy woman a very long time ago. Her clan cursed him by giving him back his soul"
"How is that a curse?" asked the General
"Sir" said Willow, "when he had no soul, he was the most evil vampire ever in recorded history. He called himself Angelus and murdered many people throughout Europe. But once he got his soul back, he was forced to live forever with the guilt over all the people he had killed when he was Angelus. Well he did became Angelus again and killed people, until I just managed to re-soul him again"
"You did it again?" said the General surprised
"Yes sir" she said
"So you think they'll be willing to work for the U.S. Government?" asked the General
"I don't think they'll want to talk to me since Angel is Buffy's ex" said Willow as she looked at the face of a confused General O'Neill, "Long story Sir, but yes a vampire slayer and a vampire with a soul were in a relationship"
"Huh" said the General smiling, "Who'd have thought"
"Give me their numbers will you" he said, "I'll have Davis call them to meet up with whoever is going to be put in charge of the department"
"Will it be based in Sunnydale Sir?" asked Willow
"Yep, that's where you said was most important so it will be headquartered there" said the General, "but they would be working over the entire country, which is where these potentials come into play"
"Sir?" said Willow confused
"The ones who are old enough will be given proper training in unarmed combat and weapons" said the General, "everyone, even the minor potentials will be given a subcutaneous transmitter that's not keyed into the SGC and Homeworld security frequencies. The Department will use it for tracking and deployment of potentials wherever they're needed thourgh the use of resources that would be provided by the Air Force, and eventually the other branches of the military"
"I see" said Willow, "may I suggest that Buffy be used as a consultant for the training of the potentials, she is the most experienced Slayer out there"
"I'll take that under advisement" said the General, "we're still going through the details but hopefully we'll have it up and running within a week"
"How about Giles sir?" asked Willow
"Same five year sentence, two year jail time and the rest on probation, as Buffy" said the General, "we've also been in contact with the British embassy and they know what's going on with him. After his sentence, he'll be deported back to England and barred from entering the U.S. But based on how the new department works here, the British may be willing to have a branch in London where Giles' expertise could be useful"
"Xander and Tara, Sir?" asked Willow
"According to your report" said the General, "you said that Xander didn't know about what they were planning to do, but he was still one of the people holding you in the room where we found you against your will"
"I know Sir" said Willow
"He'll spend a year in minimum security and another year on probation" said the General, "and it would be two years minimum security and three years probation for Tara as well, since she is one of the people who played an active role in holding you using her powers. It would be the same for Joshua as well"
"I see" said Willow quietly
The General noticed Willow's downcast mood and tried to reassure her once again, "Look Red, they did this to themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong and now they have to deal with the consequences"
"I know Sir" said Willow, "I was so angry at them that I wished they would spend the rest of their lives in jail, now I'm not sure. I feel even worse now, I mean I know I shouldn't be, especially after what they did but…"
"They're still your friends" said the General
"Yes Sir" said Willow as she silently sipped her coffee.
"This is something that needs to happen Red" said the General, "they kidnapped and held prisoner one of the officers who are vital to the SGC and to SG1, they broke into some of the most secured databases in the country, need I go on? To be honest with you? I think that they're getting off pretty light."
"Now my next question is about Faith Lehane" continued the General as he sipped his coffee, "we've done a background check on her and we know about her prison time in California for the murder of Sunnydale's deputy mayor"
"I see" said Willow
"The President is unwilling to give her full disclosure about the program" he continued, "but he left the final decision up to me. I want to discuss Miss Lehane with you before I make a final decision. The President already gave me his assurance that if I do decide to read Miss Lehane into what we do, he'll support that decision a hundred percent"
"So you would like for me to try and convince you?" said Willow
"Yep" said the General
"Sir" said Willow, "everything that happened to Faith since she showed up in Sunnydale is the fault of my friends and I"
"What do you mean?" asked the General
"I was jealous Sir" said Willow, "I was jealous of how much time Buffy and Faith were spending together as the slayers, that I never made her feel welcome in Sunnydale. I made it about me instead of trying to know her better. She tried to gain our trust but in many ways we had betrayed her, and I can never forgive myself for playing a part in that. I think in some way she was trying to tell us that she wasn't a bad person, but we always say her as the evil one, the one who was out of place, the one who wouldn't amount to much; the dark slayer. It was partly my fault she accidentally killed that man Sir, and until now, I haven't been able to make any amends."
"So you're making this about you again?" asked the General
"No… yes… I don't know Sir" said Willow as she looked down at her fingers on the table, "I know what it's like not to always have someone I could depend on when I was a child Sir. My parents weren't always there for me; they concentrated more on their careers than they did on me. But my childhood isn't as bad as hers. I know you did a deep background check on her so I won't go through the details Sir. I can only use myself as an example"
"Alright" said the General nodding
"Before joining the SGC" whispered Willow, "everything I did was for Buffy. I worshipped her; been that way since the first time I met her. I would have done anything she asked without any restraint or regard for the consequences"
"I take it you're talking about your magic?" asked the General
"Yes, using magic is like using a drug. I liked the feelings I got when using it, it was getting to be so that I think I would have done anything to gain more knowledge about it, especially dark magic which is the most addictive of them all. Then I used dark magic and hurt my friends without knowing, and what happened after that is history. I made the wish that made me end up at the SGC, I met all of you, learned about everything that is out there and that we're not alone in the galaxy, graduated from the Academy and now I'm part of the SGC's premier team"
"Well, there is that" said the General smiling
"Sir, I think Faith deserves that same opportunity" said Willow, "she needs people who can look out for her and catch her when she falls. She needs something that is structured to keep her feet on the ground and make her feel needed for something greater than herself. Sir, the SGC employees civilians as consultants, she would be perfect as a civilian trainer for the new recruits or she could even go off world with one of the SG teams. As a slayer she has enhanced strength, reflexes, speed, agility, stamina, healing and she is an excellent hand to hand combatant, and a quick learner in using different weapons. Sir, I bet you that she could give Teal'c or any of the marines on base a run for their money"
"I'd like to see the guys in SG3 go against her" said the General,
"Please Sir, I'm just asking that she be given a chance" said Willow, "I'll take full responsibility for her"
"Alright Red" said the General, "I hope you can handle her"
"Oh, I think I can" said Willow smirking
"We'll inform her this evening then" said the General, "I'll call Davis and ask him to set up the Non-Disclosure forms for Faith. I'll inform the President that I've recommended full disclosure to her"
"Thank you Sir" said Willow, "If its alright with you, I'd like to leave the best for last"
"What do you mean?" asked the General
"I'd like to show her the F-302 and the Prometheus before showing her the Stargate sir" said Willow
"A bit unorthodox don't you think?" asked the General
"Yes" said Willow smiling, "but then again, like I said, the best should be saved for last"
"Alright then" said the General, "I'll inform Nellis Control that you'll be going on a recon mission with a new trainee to look through the debris of Anubis' ship tomorrow. I'll also inform Colonel Pendergast that you'll be conducting a fly-by before the Prometheus is due to depart to Tolana again to search for any survivors"
"Thank you Sir" said Willow
"Now let's finish up so that you can go to your room and relax" said the General, "It's going to be a very long day for you"
Conference Room, NID Headquarters, 1900hrs
Willow, in her dress blues, was waiting inside one of the three conference rooms at the NID. General O'Neill had called Cordelia about participating in the new program but she could only make it to D.C in the evening. Willow guessed that maybe the delay was so that Angel would be able to accompany her to NID headquarters. The General had offered them the use of one of the Pentagon jets to fly to and from D.C and she was secretly glad that she had accepted the offer. I had been some time since Willow had met up with Cordelia.
Suddenly Willow's phone beeped; she had received a message.
Cassie: Hey Willow, still on for dinner?
Willow: Sure. 2130hrs sounds ok? Have a couple of meetings with General O'Neill
Cassie: Oh! You're with Uncle Jack? Ask him to come along too.
Willow: I'll ask him Cass. Someone's coming, we'll see you tonight then
Cassie: Alright. See ya
She put her phone back into the bag she was carrying once she heard the door open; she quickly stood up as Major Davis and General O'Neill walked into the room, followed by another NID agent she didn't recognize.
"Good evening Sirs" said Willow as she saluted both her superior officers
"Good evening Captain" said the Major as he returned the salute
"Hiya Red" said the General, "sorry to call you in so late"
"That's fine Sir" said Willow
"Captain" said the Major, "This is Agent Reed of the NID, and he'll be the one working with Miss Chase on the new program General O'Neill told you about.
"Nice to meet you Captain" said Agent Reed, "I was briefed on your abilities, and I must say that it's pretty amazing. Why aren't you participating in this program as well?"
"I love my current job" said Willow smiling
"She's a vital part of one of the teams conducting deep space radar telemetry at Cheyenne Mountain" said the General smiling, "She's unpoachable"
"Anything I can say to change your mind?" asked the Agent excitedly
"Nope, sorry" said Willow smiling, "Deep space radar telemetry is my calling I'm afraid"
Just then, the door opened once again and another Agent led in Cordelia and Angel.
"Miss Chase, Mr. Angel" said Major Davis, "My name is Major Paul Davis and I'm with the Pentagon. Welcome to the headquarters of the NID"
"Nice to meet you" said Cordelia with a smile which vanished once she saw Willow
"You've already met Captain Rosenberg" said Major Davis as he motioned to everyone in the room, "That is General Jack O'Neill from NORAD, he's Captain Rosenberg's supervisor and this is Agent Reed, he'll be working with you and Mr. Angel in getting the new program started up"
"I'm so excited to meet you Mr. Angel" said Agent Reed who looked more like an excited schoolboy than anything else, "I've read your brief from Captain Rosenberg, is it true that you're a vampire with a soul"
"Just call me Angel" he replied as he made a quick glance at Willow, "And the answer is Yes"
"Willow" said Cordelia as she walked towards her
"Hi Cordelia" said Willow smiling, "How're you…."
Before Willow could finish what she was trying to say and before anyone could react, Cordelia slapped her hard across her face.
"Cordelia!" said Angel
"Hey!" shouted the General as he moved towards Willow
"I'm alright Sir" said Willow as she rubbed her cheek before turning to Cordelia, "What was that for?"
"That was for what you did to Buffy and the others, Willow" said Cordelia as she connected with another hard slap across her face leaving everyone stunned, "and that was for what you did to Angel"
"Cordelia!" shouted Angel as he stepped towards her, "that's enough"
"I've wanted to do that since Angel came back and told us what you did to him, and then you get Buffy and the others arrested" said Cordelia
"General O'Neill, Sir" said Willow as she stared down Cordelia with her hands to her side squeezed into fists, "permission to be excused"
"Granted" said the General as he followed her out of the room staring at Cordelia the whole time. Just before he closed the door, he turned around to Major Davis.
"Paul, start the briefing. I'll go with Captain Rosenberg and talk with Miss Lehane about that job offer"
"Yes sir" said Major Davis. He then turned around to face Angel and Cordelia and motioned them to take a seat.
"Red!" Shouted the General as he ran after Willow
"Sorry about that Sir" said Willow as she stopped and turned around to face the General
"Why are you sorry?" asked the General, "Miss Chase was adamant that she meet with you since it's been a long time since you two saw each other. I had no idea, she'd do that"
"It's alright Sir" said Willow, "should we go and talk with Faith now?"
"Yea, we can do that" said the General
Willow: "Sir, may I suggest not verbally mentioning the 302's, the Prometheus or the Stargates while Angel is here"
O'Neill: "Why?"
Willow: "Vampires, even those that have souls, have excellent hearing"
O'Neill: "Ah alright, in that case, we don't mention it"
"Oh" said Willow as she faced the General, "Cassie suggested that we should meet up for dinner"
"Sweet" he replied
Faith's Quarters, NID HQ, 1925hrs
"Faith?" said Willow as she knocked on her door, "You decent?"
"For now" she said smiling as Willow walked into the room, followed closely by General O'Neill
Once Faith saw the General, she stood up and went into a defensive posture. Willow could sense that she was scared and nervous about having two officers in the same room with her. Faith trusted Willow, but not this other stranger with her.
"Faith" said Willow trying to calm her down, "it's alright. This is my Commanding Officer, General Jack O'Neill. The one I told you about. Remember you also saw him standing next to me when you were laid out at the ambulance outside the Slayer Council HQ?"
Faith then looked at Willow in wide eyed shock; which was when Willow realized she made a big mistake.
"How come your voice came back?" asked Faith, "did you lie to me about your vocal chords being severed?"
"No, she didn't" said the General, "Lie I mean"
"It's a long story Faith" said Willow, "my voice is back but it'll take months to go back to normal"
"You said you'd be honest with me" said Faith
"I am being honest with you Faith" said Willow, "I'm asking you to trust me and take a big leap of….. faith"
Willow could sense the General smiling behind her.
"Then how?" asked Faith
"How about we all take a seat?" said the General as they walked towards the small round table in the room and sat down on the uncomfortable chairs.
"Miss Lehane, before we can talk about anything else; I'd like to ask you a question" asked the General as Willow gave Faith a toothy grin, "How'd you like a job working with us?"
TBC