Chapter 6
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Richard Wilkins was preparing for the debate with president Bush and senator Kerry. He was also putting in his private miniature golf course, it helped him relax while he answered questions likely to be asked. Faith, his adopted daughter, was helping him on both counts. They were interrupted by Wilkins' employee, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.
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Wesley: I'm sorry to interrupt sir, but this is important.
Wilkins: What is it Wesley?
Wesley: I have reason to believe that Charles Gunn and Winifred Burkle plan to betray you.
Wilkins: How do they plan to betray me?
Wesley: I don't have all the details, but they know you are keeping something valuable in the Nezzla Caves.
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The reaction on Wilkins' face suggested to Wesley that he was correct, and something valuable was in these caves.
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Wilkins: Nothing to worry about, humans can't cross the barrier.
Wesley: They're planning to kill a Nezzla and wear its skin.
Wilkins: That's clever, it might actually work.
Wesley: I don't need to know what you're keeping in there, but whatever it is they pan to steal it and sell its contents to the highest bidder.
Wilkins: Interesting. How exactly did you learn of this betrayal?
Wesley: They asked if I wanted out, if I wanted to make my fortune and flee.
Wilkins: I thought they were you're friends, why are you betraying them?
Wesley: I have my reasons.
Faith: It's because they're screwing isn't it. It's pretty obvious.
Wilkins: Faith, please watch your language.
Faith: Sorry.
Wilkins: But you're not wrong, I told them they had to attend the mandatory class on sexual harassment. But it seems you'd rather they die than be together, because you love her too.
Wesley: I want to give Fred one last chance to walk away, and you can kill Gunn any way you prefer. Even if she takes my offer, I know she'll hate me for the rest of her life. But she'll be alive to hate me.
Wilkins: Okay Wesley, I'll let you give her one chance to walk away when the time comes. But I doubt they'll go down without a fight.
Wesley: Indeed. I'd like some Preggothian demons to help me.
Wilkins: I can make that happen, they are ferocious demons aren't they. I can't guarantee that Mr Gunn will have an open casket funeral. And if Mrs Burkle refuses to walk away...
Wesley: I can live with that.
Wilkins: Okay, let's do it.
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Charles Gunn and Winifred Burkle killed one of Wilkins' Nezzla demons and took its skin. Gunn put on the dead demons' skin to walk through the barrier. Whatever Wilkins was storing in this cave was apparently important enough enough to have a lot of security. Fred waited outside for Gunn, until Wesley arrived with at least 12 Preggothian demons. He forced her inside and began trying to persuade her to walk away. Gunn soon arrived with the box. He saw Wesley, and Fred was being held by some Preggothian demons.
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Gunn: Wes, what's going on?
Wesley: Wilkins knows you two are betraying him, and this proves it.
Gunn: And you are apparently betraying me and Fred.
Wesley: Wilkins agreed to give Fred one last chance to walk away. Out of curiousity what's in the box?
Gunn: I don't know, haven't had a chance to open it yet.
Fred: So this is it I guess.
Wesley: I supposse it is.
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With that Wesley,Gunn, and Fred all threw dust at the Pregothian demons. The dust killed them instantly, they were dead before they hit the ground. With that the three of them walked away with their new treasure. The plan had worked. Whatever this was, they had kept Wilkins from using it.
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Wesley brought the box to Rupert Giles. Giles had been his handler on this operation, and it had been successful.
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Giles: Where are your friends?
Wesley: They went into hiding, I honestly don't know where they are.
Giles: That's probably for the best, Wilkins will want to retaliate.
Wesley: No doubt.
Giles: Were you able to do this without collateral damage?
Wesley: There were some close calls, but no civilian deaths.
Giles: Yes, I heard about your run in with Buffy.
Wesley: Do you believe she can be trusted?
Giles: She made a mistake. But the truth is part of me is grateful. Had she not done this, my wife would not be alive.
Wesley: We could all be tempted with that particular weakness. This weapon, whatever it is, was Wilkins' back up plan in case he loses the election. But unlike our government, I don't know how to rig an election.
Giles: Yes, terrifying that he could actually win. What happens then, God only knows.