Chapter 98: The I in Team
Five hooded commandos hold taser rifles. They are moving stealthily, but with purpose, tracking something.
At the edge of the clearing, the first commando silently gestures for his team to spread out and for two of the men to move in. They comply, first using trees as cover, then, with a nod, charging into the brush.
It's quiet. Then – taser fire and sounds of a scuffle. Suddenly, both commandos are hurled back out - alive, but winded, a little beaten up. The others take in that sight for a beat, when their target flies out of the woods, flips in the air and lands on its feet.
It's Buffy. She moves quickly, taking advantage of the stunned commandos. One fires his taser at her, she uses another as a shield - he goes down. In a flash, she deftly takes out another. As she turns to face the First Commando...
"Lights!" Professor Walsh says.
Buffy can hear the distant echoes of "Lights!" and result in nearby Humvee headlights being switched on. The illumination momentarily blinds Buffy as Professor Walsh appears, silhouetted.
Professor Walsh steps into the beam, "Took a patrol team forty-two minutes to track you, and you neutralized them in twenty-eight seconds... You're as good as Riley said."
One of the commandos hurled out helps the other to his feet. They remove their hoods: It's Graham, and an unhappy Forrest. The First Commando removes his ski-mask - Riley.
Buffy glances at Riley, basking in Professor Walsh's favorable impression. "I was just lucky."
"I see. Well, still..." Professor Walsh says as she walks away. "Very impressive."
Buffy, disappointed that Professor Walsh took her comment to heart, looks at Riley, who looks back at her with pride. "I was being modest with the "luck" thing. You got that, right?"
Riley grins, "Got it."
Graham and Forrest pass by. Forrest doesn't say a word.
"Awesome, Buffy." Graham says.
Riley puts his arm around his girl and they walk off. "See? You're a hit."
Professor Walsh makes some notes. She glances up and watches Riley and Buffy walk off together. She looks as cold as ice, holding the look for a good long while.
The next day at Payson's P4 Buffy and Willow are sitting in the alcove, sipping coffee drinks. Willow listens patiently as Buffy regales her.
"...so then Professor Walsh says something like "You're as amazing as Riley said" and later Riley told me she couldn't stop talking about the move I made when I used one of the commando guys as a shield to block a taser blast - that's like twelve-thousand volts, took the guy almost two hours to recover." Buffy says as she takes a sip. "And how was your night?"
"Like a normal person's. Light on the action-packed. Hope tonight's plans aren't too much of a letdown for you, excitement-wise." Willow says. "You remember about tonight, right?"
"Here. The gang. You kidding? I'm so there. I miss you guys. We haven't spent any time together lately." Buffy says.
"You've been busy. Fighting armies and stuff. Not to mention other distractions of a more romantic—" Willow says.
"Look, Riley just walked in." Buffy says.
Riley is at the bar.
"You want to let him know you're here?" Willow asks.
"Nah, I'm just enjoying a good stare. Tell me more about your night." Buffy says.
"Well, spent most of it at Xander's, teaching Anya to play poker." Willow says.
"Well that sounds fun." Buffy says.
Willow sighs, "Yeah, except for the Anya part and the poker part."
"Will, I think you're gonna have to get used to - oh! A twinkie? That's his lunch? He is so gonna be punished." Buffy says.
"Everyone's gettin' spanked but me." Willow says.
"What?" Buffy asks.
"Nothing." Willow says.
Later in a side room of Lowell House, Riley and Buffy are locked in an intense embrace, kissing deeply. They break. Riley looks deep in her eyes. Their voices are soft and intimate.
"We don't have to do this." Riley says.
"I know." Buffy says.
"If you're not ready. I mean, if you'd rather wait..." Riley says.
"I'm ready. I want to do it." Buffy says.
Riley looks at her, brushes a strand of hair from her eyes and offers her a warm, comforting smile. "Okay."
They turn to face the large mirror. Riley pushes a hidden button and the thin green line of light passes over their faces.
"Retinal scan accepted. New retinal scan recorded: Halliwell, Payson."
The mirror slides open and they step into the elevator.
Buffy and Riley step into the elevator.
"Remind me to ask Professor Walsh how she keeps her secret underground elevators so sparkling white." Buffy says.
The door slides shut and they ride down. Riley watches Buffy as she, nervously, takes in her surroundings.
"You're going to do fine." Riley says as Buffy nods. "Just a tour."
"Took a tour of Washington D.C. with my parents once when I was eight. I got lost in the Smithsonian." Buffy says.
"Then it's a good thing we have the buddy system." Riley says as he takes her hand. The elevator comes to a stop. Riley looks at Buffy, indicating the microphone panel near the door. "That panel - Say something into it."
Buffy crosses to it, is about to speak, then stops. "My mind's a blank."
"New vocal code recorded and encrypted. Special Clearance – Halliwell, Payson. Identity number nine, one, four, two, three."
The elevator doors open.
They step out onto the landing. Buffy moves to the railing, transfixed. Riley sidles up next to her, enjoying her reaction. She senses his presence, but doesn't look at him. "My god... You said it was big. You told me. But you never said it was... HUGE."
"Don't like to brag." Riley says.
Buffy takes his arm, caresses it. "I had no idea, this is incredible. Not that I thought this was some, I don't know, fly-by-night operation... Unless it is. I mean, if you guys fly. At night. With those jetpack things. Have you got those?"
"Can't really talk about it." Riley says.
"It's unreal." Buffy says as she turns to him and they smile at each other, lean in to kiss...
"So. You like our little operation?" Professor Walsh says.
"Yeah. It's very... clean." Buffy says.
Professor Walsh nods, "Welcome to the Initiative." She hands Buffy a badge. "Your Visitor's pass. And I've assembled some reading material for you. Help bring you up to speed." She gives her a small stack of stapled pages.
"Oh. And here I was thinking I'd never get homework from you again." Buffy says.
"Oh, you can't take that home with you. Classified material. Highly sensitive. When you're through reading these pages, you'll have to eat them." Professor Walsh says.
Buffy looks up at Professor Walsh's stoic expression.
"She's joking." Riley says.
Buffy looks at Professor Walsh for confirmation.
"Don't worry; it doesn't happen often. Shall we?" Professor Walsh says as she leads Buffy and Riley to the lip of the operating theatre.
"Much of our hands on research with the HSTs is performed here. We call this the Pit." Professor Walsh says.
Buffy looks down at a couple of muscle-bound warrior demons at two examining stations. Each are significantly restrained and flanked by two armed guards as scientists work on them. "What do you call those?"
"Tough. Took eight of us to bring those two down." Riley says.
"They'll be under our control soon enough." Professor Walsh says. "Dr. Angleman..."
Dr. Angleman is down in the pit, giving instructions to a lab assistant, he looks up, offers a slight wave, then turns his focus on one of the Warrior Demons shackled to a table.
"He's head of our science team, a leader in the field of xenomorphic behavior modification." Professor Walsh says.
"Behavior modification?" Buffy asks.
Professor Walsh nods, "We've made significant advancements reconditioning the sub-terrestrials. Bringing them to a point where they no longer pose a harmful threat."
"I've seen." Buffy says as Professor Walsh looks at her, sharply. "On the Discovery Channel. With gorillas. Or sharks. They made them all nice, you never saw that?" She walks over to the armory. "What's over here?"
Buffy moves past, taking in the impressive arsenal, like a kid in a candy shop. As Professor Walsh speaks Buffy spots something on the rolling stand of a nearby monitor and picks it up - a gray earpiece with a tiny lens. Behind her, on the monitor, Buffy's face appears with a fisheye effect from different angles as she moves it around.
"The armory. You'll have to be cleared for use on each of these weapons. The more advanced arsenal can be complicated, but I'm certain, in no time, you'll pick that up." Professor Walsh says as she notices Buffy's holding the earpiece. "Don't pick that up."
"What is it?" Buffy asks.
Professor Walsh takes the earpiece from her, a little annoyed. "Roughly twenty-thousand dollars."
Riley steps in to smooth over everything. "It's a prototype for a COM-CAM... Communications camera. Soon to be standard issue. Gives us a direct com-link to Control when we're out in the field."
"Also monitors the heart-rate of the wearer. A valuable tool for research in stress and combat conditioning." Professor Walsh says. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you the HST containment area." She moves off.
Buffy gives Riley an oops look. He shakes his head: It's okay. They follow.
Short time later Professor Walsh, Buffy and Riley arrive where they started.
"Now, there's just a few other things to give you—" Professor Walsh says.
Buffy glances to her left. "Um, what's in there?"
Professor Walsh looks to see where Buffy is looking.
A woman in a lab coat is standing at a steel door which has a small window and a red light above it. She runs her security card through a card swipe, a loud BUZZ sounds and she enters.
"Research area. Very restricted for security reasons." Professor Walsh says.
Buffy watches as Professor Walsh removes her visitor badge and hands her a card with a magnetic strip and a sleek black pager.
"Your security card and pager..." Professor Walsh says.
"Oh, hey, I was thinking about getting one of these—" Buffy says.
"We're the only ones with the number. That's the way it stays." Professor Walsh says.
Buffy nods, "Right."
"Lose either one and there's hell to pay. And down here we mean that literally." Professor Walsh says holding out her hand. "Again, welcome to the team."
Buffy shakes her hand, and Professor Walsh walks off. Buffy shares a pleased and excited look with Riley, then holds up her new pager to admire it.
That evening at Payson's P4 Xander is near the bar, chatting up a lovely, well-built, young girl, Suzi.
"Suzi, is it? I can tell you work out. Obviously take good care of yourself. So I think I know what you need." Xander says as he holds up a chocolate bar. ""Honey Nut Yogurt Crunch" - Welcome to carbo-load country. Just a measly buck-fifty..."
Willow and Anya are in the alcove watching Xander and the girl. They see the girl shake her head and walk away.
"Okay, another no sale, but he's doing better." Willow says.
"She didn't throw a drink in his face..." Anya says.
"He's on a roll." Willow says as she checks her watch and cranes to look toward the entrance as Xander returns to the table, now eating the unsold bar.
"Xander, you haven't been paying any attention to me tonight – just peddling those processed food bricks. I don't know why." Anya says.
"Let me put it in a way you'll understand... Sell bars, make money, take Anya nice places, buy pretty things." Xander says.
"That does make sense. All right, I support you. Go sell more." Anya says.
"This was the only one I had on me. Besides, it's getting late. Maybe we should go." Xander says.
"Go? You can't go. Buffy hasn't gotten here yet." Willow says.
"Face it, Will, she's almost an hour late. Probably off living the life of Riley. I don't think she's coming." Xander says.
Willow shakes her head, "She is. She told me she was looking forward to quality time with just us." She spots Buffy. "See? Here she comes. With Riley. And some other guys."
Buffy is walking towards them with Riley, Forrest, Graham and a couple of other guys in tow. Anya appears particularly uncomfortable. "Hey, all. Sorry about the late-itude."
"Late? Really? Huh, hadn't noticed." Xander says.
"Hope you don't mind us tagging along." Riley says.
"No, no, of course not. The more, the... more." Willow says.
"This is Forrest, Graham, that's Tuck and he's Mason. We're going to get some drinks. Anybody wanting?" Riley asks.
"Coke, please. Tell them I sent you. You'll get the owner's discount." Buffy says.
Willow shakes her head, "I'm good."
"Owner's discount?" Riley asks.
"Well they would be on the house. Then we found out between myself, my friends and my family. We were losing a little bit of money. So now my friends and my family get the owner's discount. In another words you're paying what the item costs the club." Buffy says. "For example a coke would be two bucks. The club pays a dollar for the same item. We make about a dollar mark up on soft drinks before taxes."
Riley nods and he and his friends look expectantly at Anya.
Feeling anxious, Anya stands, indicating Xander. "We're going away. To dance. Over there."
"We are?" Xander asks.
Anya pulls Xander toward the dance floor as Riley and the boys move off, leaving Willow and Buffy alone.
"Anya seems a bit on edge." Buffy says.
"She's a little antsy around commando-types. Ex-demon issues." Willow says.
"Oh. Riley and his friends were throwing a little impromptu celebration in my honor. Made it, like, impossible, not to invite them." Buffy says.
"That's neat about the celebrating but... this was just supposed to be, you know... us. The Scooby core. I'd have understood if Piper, Phoebe and Paige would have been invited. I mean, I could've invited someone else if I knew it was going to be an open free-for-all." Willow says.
"Sorry. Didn't realize it was such a big deal. My total bad." Buffy says. "Who did you want to invite?"
"What?" Willow asks, caught off-guard.
"You said you wanted to invite someone." Buffy says.
"No, not- No one. I mean, I meant a hypothetical someone. Which is to say no one." Willow says. "What are we celebrating?"
"I'm in! The Initiative! Professor Walsh gave me the grand tour – and we're talking Grand as in Canyon. You'd never believe the size of it." Buffy says.
"That's really, again I say, neat. So, what do you mean, exactly - You've joined them?" Willow says.
"No. Not exactly. It just means now when I patrol, I'll have a heavily armed team backing me up. Plus, boyfriend going to work with me, a big extra perk." Buffy says.
"Buffy, do you really think this is a good idea? Does Piper agree with you on this? I mean, don't you think you're rushing things a little? Willow asks.
"I thought you liked Riley." Buffy says.
"Not with Riley. With the Initiative. There's a bunch of stuff about them we still don't know." Willow says.
Buffy nods, "I know that… Like, what?"
"Like, what's their ultimate agenda? I mean, okay, they neuter vampires and demons - then, what? They going to reintegrate them into society? Get them jobs as bagboys at Walmart?" Willow says.
"Does Walmart have bagboys?" Buffy asks.
"Plus, don't forget, there's that whole three-fourteen thing Ethan told Giles about." Willow says.
"And I always say a man who worships chaos and tries to kill you is a man you can trust." Buffy says.
"Bad info or not, Buffy, I think you should be asking some questions before you go off to enlist." Willow says. "By the way you didn't answer about Piper."
Buffy sighs, "I talked to Piper beforehand. I'm not to let them know I'm a witch. But she thinks it's a good idea. You know having backup for patrols." Her pager BEEPS five times. As she looks down at it, other BEEPS are heard emanating from the bar.
"When did you get a pager?" Willow asks. "What's going—"
The commandos make their way to the exit as Riley comes over.
"That's our cue. Mother wants us." Riley says.
Buffy looks at Willow, apologetically. "Will..."
"I know. Talk later." Willow says.
Buffy nods, and heads out with Riley. Willow watches them go hearing, "So, what's the big emergency?"
Later in the briefing room of the Initiative. Professor Walsh is going over the Polgara demon that is to be captured.
"This is your objective: Sub-T-67119 demon-class, Polgara species." Professor Walsh says. "Though visual confirmation has not yet been made, we're confident of the target's approximate position as it leaves behind a distinct protein marker. Dr. Angleman will brief you on its defenses."
Angleman steps forward and flips a clear overlay onto the illustration, now showing long pointed shafts of bone sticking out of the ends of the demon's arms, under its palms. "When threatened, bone skewers jut from the creature's forearms during battle. It's imperative, when ensnaring it, not to damage its arms. That's all you really need to—"
"Question." Buffy says.
Angleman stops. Had he heard right?
"Payson." Professor Walsh says.
The commandos look at each other, a little confused.
"Why exactly can't we damage this Polka thing's arms? Not that I want to. Just, in my experience, when you're fighting for your life, body parts get damaged. And better its bits than mine." Buffy says. "Or ours."
Everyone's stunned for a moment.
Dr. Angleman looks helplessly at Professor Walsh, then back to Buffy. "We wish to study the physiology of every sub-terrestrial's natural defenses. Part of the research we do here. Now—" Buffy raises her hand again. "Yes?"
The commandos turn toward Buffy.
"What do they want?" Buffy asks.
"Want?" Dr. Angleman asks.
"Why are they here? Sacrifices, treasure - or are they just gettin' rampage-y? 'Cause it's easier to predict their responses if –" Buffy says.
"They're not sentient. Just destructive, I believe..." Dr. Angleman says as he looks at Professor Walsh for help.
"They do have keen eyesight, though. I'd think you'd want to be suited up for this." Professor Walsh says.
"Oh, you mean, the camouflage and stuff. Thought about it, but on me, it's gonna look all Private Benjamin. Don't worry. I've patrolled in this blouse lots of times." Buffy says.
Professor Walsh looks at Riley, who offers an embarrassed smile. "Well why don't we just give Dr. Angleman our attention." Buffy's arm shoots up. "And save all questions until the end."
Buffy lowers it again.
"Actually, I'm finished." Dr. Angleman says.
"Oh. Well, then, Agent Finn, deploy the teams." Professor Walsh says.
Riley steps forward, "Okay, listen up. We'll be going in a four squad set-up. Team leaders: Gates, Taggart, Stavros... Alpha Team, you're with me."
"Report to TLs for assignments and weapon requisitions. Reminder: this is a zap and trap, people - capture, not a kill. Any questions?" Professor Walsh says regretting the moment she says it, she looks Buffy and says, wearily, "Payson."
Moments later Buffy manages to pull Riley a side out of earshot of everyone else. "Just thought you might like to know. I can't use my powers around these guys."
Riley nods, "I understand. You don't want to be exposed as a witch. I don't want you to be exposed either. So keep your powers as a back up. Only use them if you feel you have no other choice."
Later in the woods Riley, Buffy and the other three members of their team move through the woods, quietly.
Buffy, wearing all sorts of gear over her clothes, looks at Riley. "So I guess she hates me now."
"What?" Riley asks.
"Professor Walsh. The questions. An Initiative faux pas, yes?" Buffy asks.
"It's... a little unusual. She's just not used to it. Maybe 'cause you barely ever opened your mouth in her classroom. But I know she likes you. In fact, she liked you before I did." Riley says.
"Really?" Buffy asks.
Riley nods, "Told me so herself."
Buffy takes that in as they march on. "You think maybe I should get her a present or some—"
"Buffy, can we talk about this later? There's a dangerous Hostile out here and since I don't have your reflexes, I kind of need to focus." Riley says.
"Right. Right." Buffy says. "What do you mean Professor Walsh liked me before you did? You didn't like me?"
Riley keeps marching.
Moments later Riley and Buffy's team are now staked out. Riley is scanning the woods with binoculars, when Mason comes over, carrying a small, sleek walkie-talkie.
"Graham's on the talkie for you. Reception's not too good." Mason says.
Riley takes the walkie-talkie and speaks into it. "This is Alpha Team, go ahead."
Graham's voice comes over, tinny and garbled. "Yeah, we... a sighting… Hostile... tagged... and are in..."
Riley steps away from the others, trying to get a better signal. "Say again, Beta team. You're breaking—"
Suddenly there is a loud roar.
"Riley!" Buffy says as Riley turns in time to see the Polgara demon charging him. Before he can react, it slams into him hard, knocking him to the ground and sending the walkie-talkie flying. The demon moves in on him and is about to strike again.
Buffy flies in with a kick to the Polgara's head, knocking it back. She looks over at Riley. Recovering, he looks at her, then whips out his telescoping wand.
The Polgara demon roars. Buffy and Riley rush it... They battle the creature together. Mason and Tuck move in with netting as the third commando aims a taser rifle at the demon, trying to get a clear shot.
The demon takes some hits from Riley, then swats him away. Riley turns to see the demon grab Buffy, lift her off the ground, her feet dangling in the air...
Riley's baton comes down hard on the demon's arm and it drops Buffy, who immediately pummels the demon's torso with sharp punches...
In the midst of the fighting, the demon raises its arms and the famed skewering bones jut out. It swipes and jabs at Buffy, who barely manages to dodge the skewers at every turn...
Riley hits the ground and rolls out of the way, grabs his own taser and addresses the third commando. "Conner! On my mark!"
Buffy kicks the Polgara in the gut with both feet and falls onto her back...
"Now!" Riley says as he and Conner fire.
The demon is blasted by the two tasers, dazing it. Mason and Tuck throw the net over it, enraging the beast. It ROARS...
Buffy jumps to her feet and delivers a final blow, knocking the Polgara out.
The other commandos truss up their capture. Riley crosses to Buffy, both of them sweaty and breathing hard. After a moment, she looks at him.
"So... what do you want to do now?" Buffy asks.
Later in Riley's room at Lowell House, Buffy and Riley come together, in an embrace of raw passion and kiss as if there's no tomorrow. Her hands go to his face. He nuzzles her neck...
Buffy pries her shoes off with her feet as Riley's hands slip under her shirt, forcing it up, as he caresses her back...
Buffy unbuttons Riley's shirt. Pulls up his t-shirt and kisses his chest. As she has her way with him, Riley opens his arms, holding them out, away from his body...
Riley spins Buffy around - he holds her from behind. As his hands move all over her body, she closes her eyes, lost in the pleasurable sensation.
Then, deftly, he pulls her shirt off, over her head. His head drops down to her bare shoulders...
Buffy, now naked, falls back onto the bed. Riley, also naked, moves in above her, staring deeply into her eyes. He lowers himself to kiss her.
Buffy lets out a soft MOAN as they roll over in bed - putting her on top now...
Buffy and Riley balls-out making love - Family-Hour Style - their naked torsos pressed together, kissing passionately.
The next morning light streams across Buffy's face. Suddenly her eyes snap open, panicked. She rolls over and sees Riley's there, lying next to her, awake.
Riley looks at her and smiles affectionately. "Hey." He reaches over and strokes her hair as she gives him a relieved smile. "What's the matter? Weren't expecting to see me?"
Buffy moves in so they're nose to nose. "I never know what to expect." They kiss, lovingly. Then an electronic chirping is heard. Buffy breaks from the kiss, looking around. "Your robot bird sounds hungry."
Riley reaches over the end table, picks up his watch and shuts off the alarm. Then reaches for a pill bottle. "Reminder to take my vitamins."
"You're kidding?" Buffy asks as he pours out a capsule and swallows it. Then settles back down to cuddling on the bed. "You're quite the regimental soldier."
"I am how they trained me." Riley says.
"They? Who "they?"" Buffy asks.
"You know, the government. Plucked me out of Special Ops training for this." Riley says.
"What did they tell you it was for?" Buffy asks.
"Didn't. You learn in the military to follow orders, not ask questions." Riley says.
"I don't understand. Aren't you curious about all this science and research stuff they're doing?" Buffy asks.
Riley shakes his head, "I know all I need to know. We're doing good here. Protecting the public. Removing the Sub-terrestrial threat... it's work worth doing."
"What's three-fourteen?" Buffy asks.
Riley eyes her, draws breath to answer and his phone rings. Without another word, he answers it. "Riley."
"We have a situation. You're needed." Professor Walsh says.
"On my way." Riley says as he hangs up and starts dressing.
"What is it?" Buffy asks.
Riley shrugs, "Don't know."
"You're really not one for asking questions, are you?" Buffy asks.
Riley shrugs and smiles at her. "I'll leave that to you."
Later Buffy walks into the Manor to find Piper sitting in the living room waiting.
"Hi." Buffy says.
"Out all night, huh?" Piper asks.
Buffy smiles, "Yep."
"I'm not going to ask what you were doing, Buffy. You're an adult." Piper says. "Willow called though. You bailed on her last night?"
"Initiative." Buffy says. "Sent me and Riley's team after a demon."
"Okay." Piper says. "You didn't…"
"No Piper, I did it old school. No powers." Buffy says. "I also explained to Riley that I wouldn't and he understood."
"Good." Piper says.
"I guess I better go call Willow back." Buffy says and heads upstairs.
Piper shakes her head as Phoebe walks in from the kitchen.
"Well?" Phoebe asks.
"Well part of the night she was chasing demons. The other part I think she and Riley…" Piper says.
"I just hope he treated her right." Phoebe says.
"After Parker, so do I." Piper says.
Upstairs in her room, Buffy's on the phone. "Sorry, about bailing on you guys at the club..."
"Yeah, that's... I'm... Don't... worry about it." Willow says.
"'kay." Buffy says as her pager BEEPS. She glances at the message.
"Was that the pager I heard?" Willow asks. "They keep you hopping, don't they?"
"Yeah. Gotta go. See you." Buffy says as she hangs up.
Later in the Initiative, Professor Walsh walks as Buffy trails behind her. "It's a small job, reconnaissance. Probably a waste of a Slayer's abilities, but my boys are on assignment, and –"
"No, it's fine. I'm up for some action." Buffy says.
"I doubt you'll get any on this one." Professor Walsh says as they come to a table with a map. "We've had readings of a Class 3 sub-terrestrial moving through the sewer tunnels here." She points at the map. "Just on the north edge of town."
"Class 3?" Buffy asks.
"Low level threat. Minimal aggression, meager defenses. They barely read on our scanners, and very occasionally turn out to be raccoons." Professor Walsh says as she hands Buffy a blaster, a modified, souped-up-taser rifle.
"Wow. You're not crazy about raccoons, huh?" Buffy says.
"We always take precautions." Professor Walsh says as she fits Buffy with the com-cam. "All I need is for you to get a visual on the thing. This'll feed us the image and I can advise you from there. I don't want to put you in any unnecessary danger."
"Hey, danger is my birthright." Buffy says. "You know, Professor Walsh, there's still some things about all this that I'm not clear on."
"Well, when you get back we'll have a talk. All right." Professor Walsh says.
Buffy nods, "Good, okay. When I get back. Uh, am I supposed to salute you?"
Professor Walsh shakes her head, "No."
"'Kay." Buffy says and heads out.
Later in a sewer tunnel, Buffy moves down it, armed and ready. She comes to a point where the sewer segues off into a grotto-like area and takes note of a large puddle of water in front of her when she hears a snarling noise and raspy breathing. She squints into the black as
Two demons - the warrior demons from the Pit - emerge slowly from the darkness, wielding large battle-axes.
"Professor Walsh, are you getting this? That possible HST - make it a definite. And he's brought a friend. They're—" Buffy says as she hesitates, squinting at the demons, remembering seeing them in the Initiative.
Buffy's eyes narrow in seething anger. The demons continue moving in on her. She raises her blaster and fires - it sputters with sparks and shocks her. She flings it away...
Buffy shakes the sting off her hands...
SHUNK! A metal gate slams down, behind her, sealing the tunnel, trapping her with the two demons. She looks around. No escape. With the com cam taping her every move she doesn't know if she should flame out or not.
The demons split off to surround her. Buffy counters. She makes the first move and rushes Warrior Demon #1.
FIGHT. FIGHT. FIGHT. Buffy taking the worst of it, barely able to fend them off.
The two demons charge at Buffy with their axes raised and hit Buffy knocking the com-cam off.
Buffy continues to battle the two Warrior Demons. Much with the kicking and the punching and the hitting... Now that the com-cam has been knocked off her head. She decides to risk it. She powers up a fireball and throws it at Warrior Demon #1 and vanquishes it.
Warrior Demon #2 comes after Buffy again. She powers up another fireball and throws it vanquishing the second Warrior Demon.
In the Initiative Professor Walsh is standing by the monitors, signs papers on a clipboard as Riley comes up.
"Regret to report Hostile 17 is still at large. I've left Beta team to comb the area, but the tracer's—" Riley says.
"Riley. Something's happened. I... I don't know what to say... It's... It's about Payson." Professor Walsh says.
Riley's blood runs cold. "Buffy?"
Professor Walsh nods, "Two of our hostiles broke free and escaped into the tunnels. She went after them on her own. She's dead, Riley."
Riley is reeling from that bit of news, "What?"
"I did everything I could to stop her. Told her to wait for a back-up team. She kept insisting she didn't need any team, she could handle it herself." Professor Walsh says as she moves to put a comforting hand on his shoulder, then thinks better of it. Not her style. "I'm so, so sorry."
"I-I don't understand. How could this happen?" Riley asks.
"I know how much you cared for her. She was a very, very special girl..." Professor Walsh says.
Meanwhile, behind Professor Walsh, as she talks, the dark and blurred image on the monitors sways a moment and swings around to point at the lovely face of Buffy - on ALL FIVE MONITORS. As Buffy reattaches a loose connection...
"I was just beginning to... I didn't understand at first. But she had something." Professor Walsh says.
Riley looks up and past Professor Walsh and sees Buffy on the monitors - his expression of grief and shock slowly shifting to confusion. Professor Walsh is oblivious.
"I don't know... maybe I could've stopped her. It's hard not to blame myself—" Professor Walsh says.
Audio on the monitors POPS ON.
"Hello, Professor Walsh..." Buffy says as Professor Walsh's face drops and she slowly turns to see... "That simple little recon you asked me to do? Wasn't a raccoon. Turns out it was me trapped in a sewer with a faulty weapon and two of your pet demons on my hands. If you think that's enough to kill me you really don't know what a Slayer is. Trust me when I say you're gonna find out."
The monitor images swings away as Buffy smashes the camera against the stone wall. The monitors turn to snow.
Professor Walsh slowly turns back to Riley, who looks at her with a death glare. She shakes her head, slightly, somehow trying to deny the obvious. Before she can croak out a word, Riley turns on his heels and walks away. "Riley... Agent Finn, I order you to stop! Agent Finn! RILEY!"
At Giles apartment, Piper, Phoebe, Paige, Giles, Spike and Xander are there.
"It'll be dark soon. I think it would be wise for you to leave San Francisco. Giles says.
"I'm not going anywhere. Not until those bastards undo whatever they did to me. Put me back the way I was." Spike says.
"Sure, just explain to the nice scientist guys that you really miss torturing and killing innocent people." Xander says.
"Think that'll work?" Spike asks.
"Spike, Lord knows why I'm telling you this, but it's for your own good. As long as the Initiative's in operation, it's not safe for you here." Giles says.
"Correction." Buffy says as they all turn to see Buffy standing behind them, having entered surreptitiously from the back. "It's not safe for any of us."
"What happened?" Piper asks.
"They tried to have me killed." Buffy says.