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Initiative	By : wright99 Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 9187 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
Disclaimer: sex, violence, and squemish themes

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The Initiative, Part 11

-1-
" Feeling a little better?" Willow asks, squeezing Faith's hand. She feels like they've been sitting there for hours, though it's only been minutes. They've held each other, trying to comfort each other, and cried on each other's shoulder.
Their world has turned upside down, then exploded on them. Nothing, nothing they knew before, believed before, is real. They can't trust what they know, because it may have been planted in their minds by a project they only now know as The Initiative. It's hard for them to believe that this morning, everything was normal, all was right with the world. They had families, friends, they had a future.
What did they have now?
Willow turns to Faith, who's sitting next to her. She feels how distant she seems; as if to retreat from the grim reality that's become their lives. Though the alley is dark, she can make out Faith's face. There is an almost blank quality to it. Faith stares in front of herself.
" Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess," Faith answers, sounding distracted. She turns to Willow, and she smiles a tiny smile. " Sorry, guess I'm just thinking." She squeezes Willow's hand back, and sighs. " I guess I kinda went postal in there."
" Hmmm� well, they sorta had it coming," Willow replies, " Buffy said some bad things to you. And what's with the 'tude with Angel? When does he get to tell us how to feel or what to feel, huh?"
" Hey, cut 'em a break," Faith smiles. It's not a happy grin.
" Huh?"
" After all, he did send you out lookin' for me, right?"
" How'd you know that?" Willow looks at her, surprised.
" Didn't til you told me, Red." Faith nods at her," But I had a feelin� after I blew up at you, figured you might retreat� but here you come, with that silly story, trying to make me feel better."
" Hey, that's a true story! I mean, that's a real story, I didn't make it up or anything."
" Relax, Red, it worked. I feel better, " Faith scoots closer," not because of your story, but because you came out lookin' for me, whatever the reason." She slides her arm around Willow's shoulder. "C'mere, you!"
Faith draws Willow into a tender kiss. It lasts a long time, each trying to say what they don't have words for in the kiss. Finally it breaks, and Willow leans her head on Faith's shoulder.
" God, if you really left, if you disappeared, I don't know what I would've done," Willow says, mumbling into Faith's neck.
" Fat chance, Red. Yeah, I stormed outta there. I had to, I had to get away from that. But �" Faith holds Willow's face in her hands, leaning close, " I can't see a future without you in it. I don't care what they did to us, this� this I feel? I know that's real. It's pretty much the only real thing I got, and I'm not letting it go. Not without a fight, you can bet!"
"Really?" Willow stares deeply into her eyes. " I love you so much Faith, I � I need you so much. I don't feel real without you. I don't� god�" She starts to cry, clinging to Faith.
" Hey� hey!" Faith holds her, rubbing her back, " don't get blubbery on me." But she holds her close, nonetheless." Ok, maybe a little blubbery." Faith feels her own tears start to fall. " I love you Red, with everything I got."
They hold each other awhile, just gathering comfort and strength from holding each other.
" What're we going to do, Faith? I mean� with our lives? Where we going to go?"

" Geeze, Red, gimme awhile to figure it out, 'K?" Faith looks amused, " still not big on the future plans yet. Right now, I'm just knowing, gotta get away from here� once we get Oz outta that place."
" You think we can? Bust him out?"
" Gotta try, baby. I can't just stand by and let them make him into some lab rat or something."
" You think he might have like� rat DNA in him? He kind of looks a little�"
" Hey! That's my cousin you're insulting!"
" No, he's not. That's just another false memory."
" No� it's not the same, Red. I mean, yeah, I know they put it there, but it's more than that. To me. He's family. I can't just let him twist. I gotta try and help him." Faith looks at her. " He's family� can you accept that?"
Willow can't resist. She starts to ponder�and ponder, and ponder, pushing it 'til Faith loses patience.
"Well?" Faith sounds a wee bit irritated.
" Huh? Oh� Oz� right� let me think about it�"
" Stop it!" Faith pinches her.
" OW! Ok, ok, he's family. Got it, " but Willow won't leave it alone. " I'm telling you, however, if he starts gnawing the furniture and leaving little piles in the corner�"

" He's out. I'll boot him myself. I mean� yuck!" Faith makes a face, and then laughs.
It's like music to Willow's ears. She feels a strong warmth flow through her body, hearing Faith laugh. She hugs her tightly, kissing her neck.
" What's that for?" Faith grins, hugging her back. " Not objecting mind you."
" I love you!" Willow starts nibbling on her ear. Her hand slips under Faith's blouse.
" Hey� geeze, Red, get a grip. We're like in an alley� and anyone could come along�" Faith starts to pant a little.
" So? Like, who cares what anyone thinks?" Willow slides onto Faith's lap, pushing her crotch towards Faith's. " Hmmm� I can tell someone's interested." She starts to wiggle against Faith.

" Uhh � ok, enough, Girl!" Faith pushes her, gently, away. " loving it. Believe me, I'm loving it. But we got other stuff to do right now."
" Like what?" Willow breathes, turned on. She starts to rub against Faith.
" Shit� like� we gotta go back inside, and make nice with the others, " Faith feels a now familiar hardening going on.
" Fuck them, " Willow says, her voice definitely sultry, " better, fuck me!" She starts to play with Faith's buttons.
" Stop! Not kidding!" Faith grabs Willow's wrists. " This is important, girlfriend. We really need to � hey� that's so not fair!"
Willow, her hands trapped, has gotten creative, leaning over and sucking on Faith's breasts through her shirt. Faith lets her head drop back.
" Well� maybe it can wait for a little while�"

-2-

Back inside the Bronze, Angel is hovering over Buffy. He's managed to get a damp towel and a bowel of ice from the bartender, and he gently places a homemade ice pack to her face. Buffy is sitting up now, still groggy from the fight with Faith.
" Is it bad?" She grimaces, holding the ice pack to her face. She looks at Angel hopefully.
" It�s gonna be a pretty nasty bruise, " Angel doesn't lie like he should have. " She hit you pretty dead on."
" Where is she?" Buffy mumbles a little, her mouth already starting to swell. "This so isn't over. I'm gonna pound her into the ground�"
" Buffy," Angel says, his face somber.
" What?" Buffy looks at him. " Oh, c'mon. Don't even give me that look. The bitch has it coming�"
Angel looks down and away from her.
" God, what? You don't think she has payback coming� after this?" Buffy points at her face. " Whose side are you on?"
" There are sides now, Buffy?", Angel looks up at her. " I thought we all were friends?"
" Excuse me? Were you there? Or, maybe she wasn't insulting you, or me� maybe I just was hearing things? Is that it, Angel? I'm delusional now? Is that what you think? Maybe you do! I mean, I really don't know what you think, or what you feel� or even, who you are?"
Angel looks at his hands. " Me either, Buffy. I don't know who I am, either. But I do know one thing."
" I suppose this is the part where you tell me you love me?" Buffy doesn't sound like she believes it.
" I do," Angel says simply.
" Yeah, sure you do." Buffy nurses her cheek, turning away.
" I know that when I'm with you, Buffy, I feel better about myself. I know that I want to try to be the person you want me to be. When you're out patrolling, I worry about you. That someone or something will hurt you� or worse. I know when I can't be with you, it hurts. It's like part of me is missing. The good part of me." He sighs, feeling tired, and old. " I dunno, Buffy. Maybe you're right. Maybe it isn't love. But when I think of a future, and you're not being a part of it? It all seems gray and bleak� it seems so empty�"
During his speech, Buffy has turned back towards him. Her eyes are starting to tear up.
"Angel," She says softly, placing her hand on his thigh, " I just don't know. I don't know anything anymore. What am I? Human, freak? Both? Neither? Something else, something worse? How can you love me Angel, knowing what I am? There's no 'me' here, Angel. Just some construct of some warped experiment. I might really be a monster."
" Buffy, you can't fake who you really are, " Angel says, putting his hand on hers, " Yeah, maybe what we ' know' isn't real, maybe it's all a fake. But I've watched you, seen you in action Buffy. I've seen how you lead with your heart, putting your friends and those you love, before anything. I've seen how tender and sensitive you can be. I've seen you miserable when you think you're buddy, Will, is all upset and out of sorts. " Angel turns his face to hers, " you've seen the thing I become� not talking the vampire� that creature� and look at you. Are you running away from me in horror? Do you think I'm horrible?"
" Of course not� that thing� that's not you !" Buffy declares.
" So what makes you think that you're not what you are , right here and now?"
Buffy's lip starts to tremble, and the tears start to pour out of her visible eye. Angel reaches over, putting an arm around her. She leans into him, crying softly.
" Oh god, Angel. I'm so scared. I don't know what's going to happen to us,� She looks up at him. " There's going to be an us? There has to be an us!"
" There's going to be an us, Buffy, " Angel says quietly, stroking her hair. " We're not going to let them come between us, any of us."
Buffy clings to him, letting the tears out. She sniffles a little, and looks up, her face sad. " I really blew it, didn't I?"
Angel looks puzzled.
" With Will� and Faith. I really � oh god�I didn't mean any of that stuff. I was just so confused, and hurting. Angry, god I was so angry. What they lied to us about, all of it. And I took it out on her. God, she must really� they must really�"

" Hate you?" A voice calls from the entry to the alcove. " Naw, I don't think so. What about you, Will? You hate her?"
" Heck no!!!" Willow pipes up, " Ok, not doing cartwheels you called my girlfriend a murdering slut, but hey� she did call you a psycho-cheerleader. Only Cordy's a psycho cheerleader!"
Buffy blushes, and looks down," I'm so sorry� I didn't mean any of that crap I said�"
" Oh, yeah, you did. But I get it, B. I really do. I can really understand the anger and rage you're feeling. Being betrayed? Oh yeah, I so get it," Faith's nostrils are flaring, " You needed someone to lash out at� and so did I. I'm sorry, too. Mostly, because I let those � " Faith can't think of a word to express her hatred of the Initiative," � do that to me, to us. Cuz, Kids? We're all we got. Us. Well, and Oz I guess if we can bust him out."
" Ahem," Willow coughs.
" What?"
" Cordy too."
" Oh man, Red. I thought you were kidding about her!" She sees Willow's resolve face, and sighs. " Ok, Cordy too, God help us."
"What's the deal with you and Cordy, Will?" Buffy asks, " Not like you're bosom buddies�er� are you?"
" She's one of us, Buffy! How can you even ask that?" Willow looks surprised. " After what they did? You want to let them make her into some science project?"
" No, I guess not, " Buffy says without much conviction. " I know the memories of her, and all that, is bogus. But God, she's acted like such a snot before�"
" Really, Buffy, she's not that way. She's just kinda lonely, I think," Willow says.
" Can we get back to the point?" Angel asks, a little impatient at the side tracking. " Thing is, whatever happens, the four of us? We've got to stick together."
" No arguments here, Fang." Faith nods.
Angel shoots her a look, Faith shrugs.
" Gimme a break, Angel. It's still all new to me, too!"
Buffy mutters something behind her jury rigged ice pack.
" Sorry, B. Did you say something there?" Faith turns to her." How's that face doing?"
" I said," Buffy repeats, louder, her voice sounding a little mushy, " that maybe if you paid attention once in awhile, you'd know what's the what. Try using your ears instead of your fists once in awhile."
" You're done now?" Faith asks
" Yeah"
" Nothing else to say. You're sure?"
" Yeah," Buffy repeats, a little irritated.
" Wanted to be sure. Didn't want to interrupt or nothing."
" The point, Faith?"
" Just wondering if you wanted me to give you a matching bruise on the other side?"
Buffy looks at the others, as if to say, " See what I mean?"
" Faith�" Willow begins.
" What, you too?"
" Not 'me too', " Willow frowns," but weren't you saying out there we need to try to get along? I mean, if we're going to rescue Oz."
" Yeah, but why does f� Angel, or Buffy figure they're in charge, or something? Times change, and so has this group. This is my idea�"
" If we're just going to bicker about stuff�" Angel sits by Buffy, " maybe we should just forget it."
" So much for one for all, and all that stuff, " Willow says morosely, sitting down away from the rest.
They sit for awhile, no one speaking, just staring at each other. Finally Angel stands up again, and speaks.
" Look, Faith. Sorry, I wasn't trying to come off as boss. I just thought we were getting off track." He shrugs. " This is your party. What do you want to do?"
" I figure, we gotta get inside that place, find Oz, and if she's there, Cordelia, and break them out. Problem is, I don't have a clue about that place. We need to talk to someone who has the inside info. That means�" She looks around at the rest of them, " Giles."
" I don't want to talk to him!" Buffy leans over on her knees, holding the pack to the face.
" He's part of this. He's� he's not even a librarian. He's some kind of doctor or something, " Willow says, remembering being on the couch, and Giles tending to her. " I think. God, I hope. I was naked under that blanket!!!!"
" Faith's right. He's really our only hope. Without him , we really don't have anything." Angel says, but his expression is glum.
" But why would he help us?" Willow asks, " he's � one of them. For all we know, he'll just tell them what we're up to."
" He did tell us� about us. I mean, he didn't have to tell us that, did he?" Buffy seems to be warming to the idea, " not saying I love him for it, but � he must've had a reason. Maybe he will help us."
" Maybe we should talk to your mom, Buffy?" Willow says, "she seemed� well, on our side. Maybe�"
" No!" Buffy shakes her head violently, " don't want her in this!"
" Buff, you mom was ready to charge in� she wants to help, " Faith says.
" Stop calling her that!" Buffy says, angrily, " she's not my mom! I don't have a mom! She's nothing, and she can't help!"
" Buffy," Angel says, walking over, putting his hands on her shoulders, " she really cares about you."
" She could talk to Mr. Giles. He seems to be kind of � well�" Willow grins, " � kinda � you know�"
" Huh?" Buffy looks lost.
" He's got a thing for your mom, B." Faith says, smirking.
" What? Giles� and my � I mean, Mrs. Summers? A thing? � god, that's just� eeew" Buffy makes a face." They're like� old."
"Still, she could talk him into helping�" Willow says, " I'm not saying she has to like, have sex with him or anything. That's just gross." She shudders.
Buffy groans, not from her wounds. " God, Will � that's just� sick!"

At the other side of the Bronze, in a corner table, a couple is watching the group. They both look worried, especially the woman, but the man smiles, even if briefly.
" Well, it seems at least they're talking to each other now, " Giles pats Joyce Summers on the hand. " I was rather worried they'd avoid each other. This is good. When Faith walked out, I was somewhat worried. But they seem to have made it up."
" What do you think they're talking about?" Joyce asks.
" About what happened, and us�all of us. Not too happy with us, I suspect."
" Well, we turned their world upside down. I don't think they're going to be very happy with anything, especially us." Joyce peers intently to get a closer look. " that's one heck of a shiner Faith gave her. Think Buffy's going to be ok?"
" Buffy will be fine. She's pretty self-reliant. A black eye won't put her off too much."
" Maybe I should go check, " Joyce starts to stand up. Giles restrains her.
" No, we agreed. We have to give them some room. They have to come to us. They need time to figure this out."
" Easy for you, Rupert. They're just experiments to you. But that's my daughter over there�" Joyce looks unhappy.
Giles reddens a little. "They're more than ' experiments ' Joyce. I've grown quite fond of them. All of them."
Something in his voice makes Joyce look at him. Her expression softens.
" You really are, aren't you?" She murmurs softly.
" I'm not proud of my part in all of this. But I plan on making it up to them, the best I can. I promise, Joyce, I won't let anything happen to them!"
" I know, Rupert, " Joyce covers his hand with hers. " You're a good man. But what are we going to do now?"
" We wait, hard as it is, until they come to us, " Giles says, " then we help them every way we can."

" So, we're agreed then? We're going to see Buffy's� Mrs. Summers, and persuade her to help us with Giles?" Faith asks the group.
Everyone nods, except Buffy. She looks upset.
" Buffy?" Willow moves to Buffy.
" Yeah, whatever, " Buffy mutters, not looking at Willow.
" Guys? Maybe we should think of something else?" Willow looks up at the rest of them, " maybe we shouldn't involve Mrs. Summers."
" No, they're right, Will. We need to � get her to sound out Giles. Don't know about you, but I'm not wanting to wind up in some cage in some lab somewhere, " Buffy lowers her voice, " I just can't believe I was stupid enough to trust her� any of them�"
" Buffy, she was really worried about you, when you ran off from the Mansion. She sent me after you, to be sure you're ok, " Angels says.
" If she's so damned worried, why isn't she here?" Buffy replies, angrily. "Why isn't she looking for me? I don't think she gives a rat's butt."
" Buffy, maybe she knows you needed some space�" Faith starts.
" What do you know about it, anyway? You don't have parents. Or didn�t� whatever. If she was so worried about me, she'd be looking for me, wanting� why isn't she looking for me? Because, she's one of them, that's why. She doesn't care� she doesn't give a damn�" She stands up suddenly, " I'll be back. " She starts to walk towards the back.
" Buffy�" Angel starts after her.
" God, Angel, I've got to pee, ok? Too many mochas. Is that ok? Or do you wanna watch that too?" Buffy turns and walks away.
" Man, she's pissed, " Faith observes, as Buffy retreats. " Sorry, didn't mean a pun there."
Angel also watches her retreat. " Willow?" he says.
" You want me to�" She points towards the back.
" Yeah, I think she might need� someone."
Willow gets up, and follows Buffy out.

" Where's she going?" Joyce says, seeing Buffy heading for the back, " She looks upset." She gets up. " I've got to go�"
" Joyce, no!" Giles says, holding her arm. " Willow's following, see? She'll be all right."
" I hate you!" Joyce murmurs as she sits down.
" Yes, I imagine you do. But it�s for the best� for both of you."

Buffy sits in the stall, trying to regain her cool. She doesn't even know why she got so upset, but her emotions are all over the map. She's nothing to me. I don't care about her. Why do I let her do this to me?
" Buffy?" Willow voice calls out," you ok?"
" Go away, Will. I'm just peeing? What's with you people?" Buffy growls. She flushes the toilet to add to the lie, then lets herself out of the stall, going over to the sinks. " I'm not like 6, you know!" She splashes water on her face.
" Sorry, Buff. I just was worried, " Willow says, moving to the sinks. " You were awfully upset."
" Gee, why would I be upset, Will?" Buffy says sarcastically, not looking at her. " Let's see. My whole life's been made a lie, my mom turns out to be my keeper� oh, and I'm some kind of freak� for reals. Yeah, I'm just skipping through the daisies here, Will."
" I know, Buffy, " Willow reaches over, rubbing Buffy's back. " believe me, I know."
Buffy turns to her. " I guess you do, don't you?" She says, softly. " It's bad for you too, knowing your parents�aren't. God, how could they do this, Will? What kind of people are they? It's just so� cold."
Willow just squeezes her shoulder.
" The worst thing, Will? I can't � I don't know how to not think of her as mom. I try to think of her as ' Mrs. Summers', but it doesn't work. She's mom� at least, that's what everything inside screams at me. But it's all so much garbage. I hate that I can't just � damn!" She grips the sink, and bites her lip, to keep from crying.
" If it helps, Buffy, I think she really cares about you," Willow says, " I think she does love you."
" Don't. I mean, I know you're trying to help, but don't. How could she love me, and lie to me like every day? God, that's not love�"
" Buffy, I think they were all lied to. I saw how they reacted to the news. I think they believed what they said," Willow comes over, putting her arm on Buffy's shoulders. " I think maybe at first, your � mom � didn't care so much. Just trying to help� but I think she really loves you now� I really do. I've seen how she treats you, how she looks at you. I think she really thinks of you as her daughter."
" I wish I could believe you, Will," Buffy murmurs," I want to believe you. But� " She shakes her head slowly.
" Buffy maybe we just need to concentrate on the now, and the what's coming, and forget what's past. We can't like, change it. We can only go on from here. Know what I mean? I think that's what we gotta do. Make our lives mean something now, and walk away from here�and all the crap."
They stand there for awhile, Willow comforting Buffy, and in a strange way, drawing comfort from her.
" Will?" Buffy's voice is soft.
" Yeah, Buffy?"
" I know� the whole best friends thing? It's just a � false memory. But� really�I'd like us to be friends." She turns and looks Willow straight in the eye. " it's too crazy, without you, you know?"
Willow can't help the warm feeling inside, or the big grin on her face.
" I'd like that. I'd like that a whole lot, " Willow hugs her. " What would I do without my bestest bud, anyway?"
The two girls hug, each trying to fight off a serious case of the happy weepies, and failing miserably. Finally, they break apart, each smiling.
" I guess we should get back, huh?" Buffy says, looking in the mirror. " God, I got cry face." She splashes some more cold water on her face, and dries off. " I guess I'm just gonna have to go with it."
" Don't sweat it, Buff. Don't think they'll notice too much. Not with that shiner you got."
" Damn, do me a favor? Put a leash on that girlfriend of yours. Man, she can hit!" She inspects her face again, looking at the darkening bruise. " I'm gonna look like elephant girl!"
" Yeah, aren't you glad she's on your side?" Willow says, as they walk out of the bathroom.
Buffy makes a noise, and looks at Will to see if she's for real.

-3-

" What in hell?" Buffy stares in the alcove.
The girls received quite a shock when they returned from the bathroom. Standing in the alcove with Angel and Faith were Joyce Summers and Rupert Giles. All four had serious expressions on their faces.
" What's she doing here?" Buffy's face is grim, almost hostile. She's staring at Joyce.
" Buffy," Willow begins, but Buffy cuts her off.
" No. I want to know what's going on here. Why are you here? Either of you?" Her tone is chilly, her gaze pointedly fixed on her mother.
" Buffy, honey, we just�"
" Never mind, changed my mind. Don't want to hear it," Buffy turns to go. " When these� people are gone, let me know, ok? Don't particularly want to be around them right now."
" Buffy, " Angel walks over to Buffy, " things have changed. We need to talk to them."
" Buffy, we just got word. The Initiative is being closed. The Government has pulled funding," Giles speaks for the first time. " We wanted to give you time to sort things out, but time's short. Maggie must have anticipated this, and is already in the process of transferring her work to a secret location. My informant inside called me, telling me that everything will be moved out by tomorrow night. We no longer have the luxury of time. We have to plan our strategy now."
"Alright, I know why you're here, Giles. But why is she here?" Buffy nods towards Joyce.
" Buffy," Joyce sounds genuinely hurt, " I just want to do whatever I can to help�"
" I don't want you here. I don't want you anywhere around me. Please leave." Buffy's tone is hard and cold.
" Buffy, stop acting like a child. Joyce is only here to help, " Giles says, his tone firm. " I know we can use all the help we can muster."
" Fine. Then I'll go." Buffy turns around, and starts to leave.
" Buffy. We don't have time for your crappy little fit, " Faith says, her tone harsh, " quit acting like a spoiled brat, and sit the fuck down!"
Buffy flips Faith the bird over her shoulder as she walks away. Willow, distressed, runs and blocks her way.
" Buffy, remember what we talked about in the bathroom. Don't do this!"
" Move, Will. I don't want to have to move you, " Buffy says, warning her, " those were pretty words, but only words."
" No, wait. Buffy, wait. I'll go, " Joyce stands up, " They need you more than they need me."
" Joyce, stay, " Giles says.
" No, this is too important� to all of them. I'll help however I can, but I'll stay out of the way, " Joyce says, collecting her purse.
" Maybe we should tell her�" Giles is cut off by Joyce, quickly.
" No! She can't know� not now. You promised me, Rupert!"
" I think that's a mistake, Joyce."
" It really doesn't matter now, does it? Just� try to keep her safe" Joyce speaks up louder. " I'm going now, Buffy. You can come back." Joyce exits out of the alcove. For a moment, the mother and daughter pause, looking at each other. Then Joyce is gone.
All eyes on her, Buffy comes back and sits in one of the empty chairs. Faith and Giles are frowning disapprovingly at her, but for vastly different reasons.
" Fine, if the drama queen here is done, lets get this done, " Faith says, her tone disgusted.
" You don't know�" Buffy begins, but Faith shuts her down.
" And I don't wanna hear it. You've already wasted enough time. Time to get to work."
After a brief silence, they get down to the planning.

-4-

Midnight in Sunnydale finds Faith standing in front of the little run down bungalow she's sort of called home since coming here. She's standing, looking at the place, which looks deserted. Standing next to her is Willow.
Faith sighs, and starts down the sidewalk leading to the front door.
" I still don't see why we couldn't do this tomorrow," Willow says, shivering a little. " Not like it's going to run away or anything."
" Don't know 'bout you, Red, " Faith turns back to her," but once we break out Oz, I wanna get as far away from this place as fast as I can. Don't wanna wait for the last minute to get mine and Oz's stuff." She frowns, "I'm really getting to hate this place."
In the reflected light from the streetlamp, Faith's face looks particularly pale and wan. Willow is shocked at how bad she looks suddenly.
" Are you sure your ok? You don't look so good, Faith, " Willow says, concerned.
" I'm fine, Red. Just need to rest a bit. Once we're done here, we'll get some rest, Ok?"
" 'K " Willow says, not sounding too convinced.
Faith walks up to the door, key in hand. She's about to unlock the door when she pauses, listening. Satisfied, she unlocks the door and goes inside. Willow follows her in.
Faith flips on the lights, then curses.
"Shit!"
The place has been ransacked. Things have been tossed everywhere, a lot of stuff broken. Over in the corner, she runs her hand mournfully over the bass drum on the drum set. It's been destroyed, the skins torn or cut.
" Damn!! What the hell happened here?" Faith growls, looking around.
" Vandals you think?" Willow asks, nervously. She's afraid they might still be around.
" Naw� someone was looking for something, " Faith says, noting the search was thorough, and there was no graffiti on the walls. " I'm thinking, Initiative. They musta tossed the place when they grabbed Oz."
" Maybe we should leave. Maybe they'll be coming back, " Willow is still nervous.
" Naw. Those motherfuckers aint comin back," Faith almost growls. She walks around, her anger growing. She finally kicks over a table in frustration and anger. Willow jumps.

" Don't do that!" Willow barks at her.
" Let's just get the crap and go. Faster the better. C'mon, " Faith indicates they should go to the bedroom.
They start packing up the stuff silently, both of them on edge. They get it about done when Faith stops suddenly.
" Dammit. I nearly forgot�" She hurries out of the room, as if her butt were on fire.
" Faith? Faith! What? What is it?" Willow follows after her.
Faith is frantically digging under her sofa, looking for something. She looks as if she's lost the Lost Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Each second not finding what she's looking for makes her more frantic. Finally, she stops, and pulls something out from under the sofa. She smiles in triumph.
" Got it! The bastards didn't find it!" Faith is all smiles.
"What's so important that you're nearly having a cow over it?" Willow is puzzled and somewhat irritated.
Faith blushes suddenly. " Sorry, just I really � I saved what I could to get this, and I � well�" She walks over to Willow, and hands it to her. " I was gonna give it to you for your birthday, at your party� but, since that probably isn't gonna happen now�" She shrugs.
Willow opens the box. Inside is a small, delicate looking gold ring. Inset was a very small diamond. She gazes at it. Then she looks up at Faith, questioningly. Faith grins, a little embarrassed.
" I kinda was gonna ask you � well, to be my girlfriend. For reals. Announce to everyone, ya know? Make it official. " She shrugs again, blushing. " Kinda dumb, huh?"
She's almost knocked over when Willow rushes to her , and hugs her fiercely. " You dummy. It's the sweetest, bestest thing anyone's ever done for me." Willow hugs her tighter. " It's beautiful, like you!" She whispers. Then she's kissing Faith all over her face. " I love you so much!"
" Whoa, down girl," Faith chuckles, pleased Willow's so pleased with the gift. " Don't think I can go another round with you right now."
Breaking the hug, Willow hands her the box, then puts out her hand, waggling her fingers.
" Put it on me, go on!" She demands, but is all smiles.
" Ok, " Faith takes the ring, and slips it on Willow's right ring finger.
" No, not that one, the other one!" Willow insists.
" But that means�" Faith looks at her.
" I'm yours. Forever. Don't you get that?" Willow says softly.
" You're sure?" Faith asks.
" Never about anything more, " Willow says, firmly.
Faith takes the ring off right hand, and slips it on her left ring finger. She brings Willow's hand to her lips, and kisses the ring finger gently.
" I love you, forever, baby, " Faith says.
" Love me now," Willow says softly, her voice low and throaty. " I need to feel you inside me baby."
" Honey, we really need to get finished and out of here. We got so much to do�"
" All work and no play � makes you stupid�" Willow giggles. " Let's see if I can convince you."
She kneels down in front of Faith, unbuttoning her jeans.
" Red, honey, no� not now, " Faith says.
" Shhhh, " Willow reaches in, and pulls out Faith's penis. It's already getting hard. "Hmmm� you don't look like you need much convincing." She giggles. She takes the shaft in her hand, and leans over, kissing the head.
Faith feels her heart start to pound in her chest. Her breathing becomes heavier as Willow places the head of her penis in her mouth. Then suddenly her head is pounding, and the corners of her vision are getting dark�
" Baby� stop� please, " Faith says faintly, suddenly very dizzy. It's hard to breathe. Things are getting dimmer, harder to see. What's wrong with the lights in here?
" Let me do this�" Willow says, looking up. Suddenly she stops. Faith's face is white. " Faith, what is it?"

But Faith doesn't answer. She just makes a gurgling sound, her eyes roll up into her head, and collapses to the floor, unconscious.
Willow, scared now, moves over to her, cradling her head in her lap. " Faith honey, wake up�I'm sorry� wake up!" She rubs Faith's face with her hands, rocking back and forth. She starts to cry.
" Please, baby! Wake up!"

-5-

Faith does wake up. Her eyes pop open suddenly, and she's disoriented. The lights are dim, and she's lying on a cot. She starts to sit up, feeling paranoid. She doesn't recognize this place.
A pair of strong hands push her back down, and Buffy is leaning over her.
" What the hell?" Faith says, pushing back against Buffy. " Where the hell am I?" She struggles some more, " let me up, dammit!!"
" No, you're still weak. Just settle back for awhile."
" Where am I? What�s going on? Where's Red?" Faith looks around, " What did you do with her?"
" Slow down! Geeze, you're just full of questions, " Buffy chuckles, " When you passed out, Willow called me, and I came over with Angel and Giles and collected her and you, and brought you to a safe place. We can't go back to the Chase mansion. Giles thinks it might be bugged."
" Huh? Bugged? Well, go figure. Guess money can't buy everything," Faith shakes her head. " Wait�that means that � they could've overheard what happened?"
" Maybe, we don't know. That's why we're here, hiding out until we go a-raiding" Buffy smiles. "Now settle back, you're still kinda out of it."
" Where's Red? I gotta see her!" Faith struggles to get up, and notices an IV tube attached to her arm, " What the fucks this?"
" Just a feeding tube. God, what's wrong with you? It's full of protein solution to build your strength back up. When did you last eat, dope?"
" You're sure?" Faith looks at the hanging bottle suspiciously, " this isn't another Frankenstein experiment or something, is it?"
" Faith�" Buffy's voice gets edgy.
" Ok, ok� but I gotta see Red! She must be scared to death. Where is she?"
"Resting � now. She wouldn't leave your side. I had to almost throw her out of here, and put her to bed. Let her rest�"
" Is she ok?" Faith almost growls.
Buffy gives her a sidelong glance, and a small smile plays at her lips. " You really care about her, don't you?"
" Yeah, what about it?" She gets defensive.
" Nothing," Buffy's expression softens. " She's ok."
Faith, for the first time, notices the large bruise on the side of Buffy's face. She colors. " I did that?"
Buffy touches her face. " Yeah, you and that damned right of yours. Not planning on any repeats, are you?" Buffy arches a brow.
" Sorry, " Faith says.
" Yeah, right, you just got lucky, is all."
" Oh, really?" Faith grins, " just let me get my strength back, and we'll see 'bout that, Blondie."
Giles walks in, smiling at the girl's bantering.
" Well, someone seems to be feeling better, " He says, walking over to the bed, " I think we'll hold off on that boxing match awhile though, don't you think?"
Both girls blush.
" So, let's take a look at you." He takes Faith's wrist in his hand, and using his watch, checks her pulse.
" What's going on here?" Faith says, " Since when does being a librarian give you a right to paw the girls, huh?"
" Just another little lie they told us, Faith, " Buffy's voice has a deprecating note, " seems Giles here isn't a librarian, or a Watcher� if such a thing exists. He's a medical researcher, with a M.D."
" Well, aint that just convenient?" Faith smirks." Did you actually see the diploma, B? I'm thinking he's just getting a rush here, fondling the merchandise". Faith chuckles.
" Amusing. Very amusing, " Giles frowns, " but you're a lucky young woman. If it hadn't been for Willow's quick action, you could be very ill � or dead right now, Faith. You can't go around not eating. Your body was starving."
Faith shrugs, " I got busy. Seems somebody kinda messed up my world, know what I mean?" She looks pointedly at Giles.
" This isn�t just from yesterday. You've been doing this for awhile. When was the last time you actually sat down and ate a full meal, Faith?"
" Told ya, I been busy. My life's crazy sometimes. Wonder why that is?"
Giles pulls out a penlight, and checks her eyes. He then takes the stethoscope draped around his neck, and starts to pull up Faith's blouse.
" Hey, watch it buster!" Faith says, grabbing the end of the stethoscope from him. She slides it up under her blouse, over her heart." I'll do that thanks."
" Oh for god's sake, Faith. I'm a doctor!" Giles protests, but doesn't force the issue.
" Yeah, you say," Faith still holds the stethoscope.
Giles opens the bag he was carrying, and pulls out a BP cuff. He puts it around Faith's arm and pumps it up.
After taking the reading, he smiles. " Well, you seem to back to some semblance of normal."
She looks at him suspiciously. Doesn't he know about � junior? She looks at Buffy, who winks at her. Ok, what's that about?
" I'm serious, Faith. You need to make time to eat. You're a strong young woman, but you can't go on just nerves and anger forever. I want you to make time to eat regularly. Starting now. Feeling hungry?"

" Starved, could eat a horse. " Faith makes a face. " I won't have to eat a horse, will I?"
" No," Giles almost chuckles, " but I'll have Angel bring in some breakfast for you." He gets up. " After, we can start finalize our plans for the raid this evening."
" Breakfast? Evening? How long have I been out?" Faith looks worried.
" Well, it's mid-morning, Faith."
" Shit!" She starts to pull at the IV needle. " I gotta get outta here. I gotta get my stuff!"
" Here, don't do that!" Giles grumbles. He comes over and removes the hook-up. " you can make things worse that way."
" Don't worry, Faith. We got your stuff. We got it last night," Buffy assures her.
" Everything? You got everything?"
" Pretty sure, yeah."
" Eat breakfast� both of you, " He includes Buffy, " then I want to see both of you." Collecting his bag, he leaves the room.
" I think he's going for the job of mother hen, " Buffy cracks when Giles is gone. " He's been fussing over you all night."
" Fussing?" Faith can't keep her eyes from looking down at her crotch.
" Don't sweat it, Faith. I don't think he knows your little secret. Willow pretty much made sure he didn't get a chance to do a full examination, and I sure didn't tell him." She pats Faith's thigh.
" That's just what I'd need, " Faith grumbles. " I hate being a freak."
"We all do, Faith, " Buffy smirks. " At least, yours is right out front there."
" B, for god's sake!"
" Hey, don't get all testy, " Buffy grins, "from what Willow told me, you got nothing to be embarrassed about."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Faith looks at her with some wariness.
" Just that horses would be envious," Buffy giggles. Faith blushes furiously.
" Can we talk about something other than my dick?"
"Hmmm� I guess, " Buffy looks at her, " but one of these days, when all this crap is over? Gonna wanna peek."
" Geeze, B!!!! What the hell's with you? You got a boyfriend� with his own penis attached."
" Yeah, " Buffy says, sounding a little displeased, " When he's not too busy with everything else in the world."
" What?"
" Sorry," Buffy complains," just lately, with everything going on? Been kinda � dry, you know?"
" You mean Angel and you haven't�?"
" Oh, yeah, we have� but not lately. And I'm feeling kinda� itchy."
" Sorry, B. Not a backscratcher, here, " Faith makes a face. " I'm a one girl girl."
" Yeah, I kinda figured. Lucky Will, " Buffy sighs. " Too bad. Coulda been fun. I heard about you�"
" What?" Faith is getting a little alarmed.
" That you're like the energizer bunny. You just keep coming and coming�" Buffy giggles.
" Geeze!!! Is nothing sacred ? Do you guys talk about everything?" Faith is blushing furiously, somewhat upset.
" Hey!" Another voice is heard as Willow pops a sleepy looking face in the door. " you're awake!" She comes over to Faith, and sits on the bed. She looks at Buffy accusingly. " Why didn't you come get me?"
" Well, for one thing, you were nearly asleep on your feet when I forced you to get some rest. And she just woke up� and Giles had to do the doctor thing."
" And� you're girlfriend here was trying to seduce me!" Faith growls.
" Huh?" Willow looks at Buffy.
" Faith was paranoid that Giles knew about her little secret, and I was just reassuring her it wasn't so!" Buffy says, a little defensively.
" Hmmm�" Willow frowns, then grins. " Not so little." She giggles.
" Yeah, so you say. But I can't be sure, never have seen it, " Buffy says, " I mean, not like you're the most experienced girl in the world, Will."
" You didn't tell her about Halloween?" Faith looks at Willow, who blushes.
" What? What do you mean?" Buffy looks at Faith, then at Willow." What's she talking about?"
A little revenge would taste sweet right now, Faith thinks to herself. Teach her to talk about our sex life with Buffy.
" She didn't say? When the weirdness was going down, Willow became her costume."
" Yeah, she mentioned something about that, " Buffy remembers that led to the fight they had just before all the craziness started happening. " So?"
" She didn't mention the � after-effect?" Faith is grinning broadly now. Oh, this is too good.
" Huh?" Buffy doesn't get it.
" Faith! That's a secret!!!" Willow is squirming on the bed.
" What? Were all girlfriends here, right?" Faith looks at Buffy, " no secrets, right?"
" Spill it, Faith!" Buffy urges, sensing something juicy.
" Noooo," Willow squeaks.
" Maybe I shouldn't," Faith teases Buffy. " Some things should be private!" She looks pointedly at Willow.
Willow gets a rueful look on her face. She crosses her arms over her chest.
" Fine, go ahead, tell her." Willow says, " I guess I got it coming."
"What're you talking about?" Buffy butts in, eagerly, " What's the big secret?"
" Naw, some things shouldn't be talked about, " Faith smiles, feeling all noble and holy.
" Geeze, not like I was gonna go spreading it around, " Buffy says, disappointed. " I can keep a secret!"
" Oh, no. I'm not living with this ' I'm better than you are' tude! " Willow says. " Thing is, Buff, " Willow turns to Buffy.
" Yeah? Yeah?"
" Red! You don't have to do this!" Faith protests.
" Oh, yeah I do, " Willow turns back to Buffy, " thing is, Buff. I remember everything from that night. I mean, everything!"
Buffy's brow furrows. " I don't get it."
" Draw her a map, Red."
" I remember being a hooker, and all the things that it takes to be one!" Willow blushes, " So, when you say I'm not the most experienced girl in the world? Maybe not, but I'm up there!"
Buffy's eyes are wide. " Everything? EVERYTHING!!??!!??"
" Uh-huh," Willow nods, feeling a little pleased with herself.
" I mean�"
" Boys and girls, Buff, " Willow is loving Buffy's awe.
"And she�" indicating Faith.
" Large, Very large, bordering on huge, " Willow giggles. " John Holmes aint got nothing on her!"
" I gotta see this!" Buffy's flushed. She's definitely got the warm wiggles.
" Hey, remember me? Recovering patient?" Faith is blushing, embarrassed that once again her appendage has become the subject of such interest. " Not exactly up for company!"
" Aw, c'mon baby," Willow slides up the bed a little, placing her hand on Faith's inner thigh. " What's a little peek gonna hurt? Not like we're gonna do anything."
" Why don�t I buy that one?" Faith looks downright unhappy. " No way, not happening!"
" Sweetie, " Willow coos, " I promise. Just a peek. And anyway," her voice is sly, " I know you find Buffy cute."
" I so don't!" Faith protests.
" Oh, I know you do!" Willow insists, " heck, I find her cute!"
" Hey!" Buffy's blushing now, but not hating this.
" Just think of the possibilities," Willow giggles. Her hand wanders over to Faith's crotch, gently squeezing, " I'm thinking the idea isn't all that unpleasant to you."
Damn, I hate that thing. Can't EVEN deny things!
" So, what do you say, honey?" Willow motions for Buffy to come over. " Just a lil peek?"

" Who's ready to eat?" Angel calls out from the doorway. He's holding a couple of trays of food.
All three women, startled, turn around and look at him. Willow and Buffy start giggling hysterically.
" What?" Angel looks puzzled, " what did I say?"
" Don't ask. Believe me, " Faith says, scootching away from the other girls. " you don't wanna know."

-6-

Elsewhere in Sunnydale, deep under the Initiative labs on UC Sunnydale, two people are not having such a good time of it.
These are the holding cells, where the ' problem' experiments are put until their fate is determined. In one cell, Xander Harris, captured in the raid on Sunnydale on Halloween is pacing back and forth. He looks upset and angry. In the cell next to him, Daniel Osborne, a.k.a "Oz" is squatting on the floor, chained to heavy eyebolts in the floor. He looks exhausted and confused, his eyes carrying a blank expression.
" Let me the fuck outta here!" Xander, pounding the bars, yells out like he has since he's been captured. " I don't belong in here!"
" Shut up, Xander. They're not letting you out, so just shut up, " Oz mumbles in his general direction, " they haven't listened to you up til now, why do you keep yelling."
" Shut up, freak. Just because you've given up, doesn't mean I have. I'm getting outta here."
" In your dreams, dog breath. Walsh knows what you did, betrayed her. She's not gonna let you go."
" Looks who's calling who ' dog breath', wolf boy. You freaks are all alike, you think you're something special. You are, like those kids that ride the 'special' bus, ya know?"
" Gee, clever, Xander. You think that up all by yourself, or did you have help with that?"
" Shut up, hairball. I'm getting outta here, and when I do, I'm laughing my ass off when they start cutting you into dog burgers." Xander starts yelling again. " HEY!! What's your PROBLEM? There's been a mistake here! I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN WITH THE ANIMALS!"
Oz just makes a disgusted noise and turns his head away.
Two guards fully armed with cattle prods, tasers and trank dart pistols, come through the door to the cells. They walk over to Xander's cage, and unlock the door.
" It's about fucking time, " Xander says, sounding triumphant. "What took you mooks so long to let me out?"
The guards look at him, and laugh.
" Get real. You're not being let out. We're moving you� you and wolf boy here� to the new facilities. So, shut up and put these on�" the guard, Baker, holds out a pair of manacles.
" What the hell? I don't belong in here! I'm a human, like you guys. I'm one of you guys! What's the deal. I demand to see Dr. Walsh!"
" She's not here, and these are her instructions, asshole. Now get to it�" he takes a cattle prod, and taps the side against his palm, " or are you needing some persuasion?"
" You're not getting away with this! I'm gonna report you, the lot of you. Holding me like this!" He turns on the other one, " what's your name, rank and serial number, soldier?"
" God, your boss, and fuck you," the other soldier, named Fox, taps the end of the cattle prod against Xander's side. Xander jerks up. " Now shut the fuck up, mutant, and get in the chains."
" Mutant?" Oz says, " did you call him mutant?"

" Oh yeah. Didn't you know? Old Xander here? He's one of you� but a failed one."
" Really?" Oz half smiles. " Well, aint that a hoot and a half?"
" I'm NOT ONE OF THEM!" Xander yells. " I'm no fucking freak!"
" Shut the fuck up, " Fox, tired of hearing him, hits him with a taser blast. Xander jerks and falls on the ground in convulsions. " God, a wimp, too!" He kicks him.
" Well, get him back on his feet," Baker says," We gotta get going. We're behind already, and the Lt. Commander's having a cow." He unlocks Oz's cell, and enters it.
Fox puts a manacle belt on Xander, and secures him to it. He lifts him up, and starts pushing him out the door.
" Ok, freak, " Baker addresses Oz, " if I unlock you, are you gonna try anything funny? Cuz otherwise, I gotta trank you."
Oz shakes his head slowly. " No, not gonna do anything. Kinda dead anyway, right?"
" Hey, I dunno. All I know is, I'm supposed to get you to the new place, and I don't any crap from you. So if you try anything, I'll break your neck."
" Told you, not gonna do nothing, " Oz sounds defeated. " Though, kinda wish you'd just break my neck, and get it over with."
He unlocks the chains. Oz just sits there, not moving.
" Get up, don't have time to baby you."
Oz stands up, fully naked. It's evident he's cold and scared by the way his manhood has retreated. He stands still, as if his mind is 1000 miles away.
" Here," Baker throws a bundle at him, " Put these on."
Oz doesn't react, just letting the bundle drop to the floor.
" Hurry up, asshole. We don't have all night." He brandishes the cattle prod.
Oz grabs the clothing, and puts it on. The pants are too long, and the shirt is a couple of sizes too big, but it's better than being au naturel. He stands, arms out ready to be cuffed.
Baker puts the manacle belt on him, then secures his hands in the cuffs. He motions towards the exit door.
" Man, just kill me, ok? Don't make me go there� please? Tell them I tried to escape or something. Please, I'm begging you man, just kill me!"
" I can't. I'm sorry, but I've got my orders, and they're to keep you alive." Baker prods him with the cattle prod. Oz jumps, and moves forward.
Oz makes it to the exit, then seems to galvanize. He turns on the soldier, charging at him. But the soldier expected this, and has his trank pistol ready. He shoots a dart in Oz. Oz stops, looks at the dart, then at the soldier, and drops to the floor.
" Idiot," Baker grumbles. He lifts the now prone Oz, and throws him on his shoulder in a fireman's carry. " I told you, I got to deliver you alive."
He walks out, grumbling.

-7-

Lt. Commander Riley smiles.
He's walking around the staging area, inspecting the trucks and supplies. Despite some glitches, things are mostly secured, and the schedule is nearly on time. While he's not admitting it, he's proud of how his group has handled the emergency transfer. Nodding at the men, giving a word of encouragement here and there, he walks over to one of his second in commands.

" Johnson, report, " He barks.
" Sir! Code Orange is near completion. All scientific equipment and computers have been loaded and secured. The paper files have been shredded, per your instructions. My men report we're just waiting on the refrigeration trucks to load and secure the core samples."
" ETA?"
" 23:30 hours, sir!"
" That's cutting it close, Johnson"
" Sorry sir, no choice. You wanted it to be a cover op, and we needed to delay packing this until after normal security was relieved, to prevent suspicion. But don't worry, we have plenty of soldiers at the ready, and all will be ready by Zero Hundred hours."
" You're sure? I don't want any screw ups."
" I'm sure, sir. I oversaw the pre-loading myself. All is at the ready. All we need are for the trucks to arrive."
" Good work, Johnson."

" Thank you, sir."
" What's the status on the prisoners?"
" I sent Baker and Fox to bring them up from their cells. We have a nice little armored truck all ready for them."
" Good. What about Anne?"
" Who?" Johnson, for the first time, looks puzzled.
" Anne. Anne Price? The robot?"
" Oh, " Johnson replies. " Actually, sir, we just kind of left it there. Figured Dr. Walsh had all she wanted from it�"
" No, that won't do, Johnson! We need the 'bot for further study. Get a couple of men to secure it, and load it with the rest of the equipment."
" Yes, sir, Lt. Commander." He hurries off to carry out Riley's orders.
Riley starts towards the transports when his cell phone rings. Picking it out of his pocket, he checks the caller ID and answers.
" Good evening, Dr. Walsh, " He says into the phone, " how can I help you?"
" Hello, Riley. Well, it's official. The Government has cut us off."
" I'm sorry to hear that, Dr. Walsh."
" Frankly, Riley? It's a relief. No more bureaucrats, no more committees. In our new facilities, we'll have the freedom and the resources to bring the dream to fruition." Maggie Walsh sounds almost ebullient. " It's like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders."
" Well, I'm glad you're pleased, Dr. Walsh," Riley replies, non-commitally.
" Things didn't work out as planned, Riley. But that's not always a bad thing, " Dr. Walsh is a little surprised at Riley's tone. " So, tell me, Riley. How are things back there? How's the operation progressing?"
" Ma'am. The first loads of equipment have been sent along. We're loading up the last of it now. I'm just about to send out the second convoy of trucks. All that remains are the core samples, and the prisoners. Because of security, we had to delay on the refrigeration trucks for the samples, so that won't be leaving until near midnight. I figure it's best to transport our 'guests' at the same time."
" Excellent, Riley. I'm glad to hear things are running smoothly. The sooner we get to the new facilities, the better. The project has been delayed too long as is. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing must get in the way of our continuing the project. Understood?"
" Yes, Ma'am."
" See to it things continue to run on schedule. I should be back tomorrow evening at the latest. I want to see significant progress on my return."
" Yes, Ma'am!"
" Riley," Dr. Walsh's tone softens, " have you thought about what we discussed?"
" I'm still considering it, ma'am" Riley replies.
" I really hope you'll decide to join me, Riley. I'm quite fond of you, and you've proven to be a valuable member of the team. I know it's not the military, but with you and Sam considering a family, it might be time to make a change. And I promise you, the compensation will be more than adequate."
" Thank you, Dr. Walsh."
" We'll discuss this more on my return. I promise you, anyone you want to bring aboard will be welcome, and you'll have complete control of security." Sensing this is making him uncomfortable, Maggie changes the subject. " Have you started planning for securing the others?"
" Ma'am?" Riley isn't sure what Dr. Walsh is referring to.
" The others. The experiments in the field. I can't just leave them in Sunnydale. They'll need to be rounded up and brought to the new facility. Reprogrammed if necessary."
" I have some preliminary ideas for the operation, ma'am. But I'd like to discuss them in person with you on your return."
" Good. I'm glad to see your thinking ahead. We'll discuss it on my return. Is there anything else to report, Riley?"
" No ma'am"
"Very well. I'll see you tomorrow evening. Keep a tight lid on things until I return."
" Done and done, Dr. Walsh."
" See you soon, Riley. Good bye."
" Good bye, Dr. Walsh."
Riley stands for a moment, looking at the cell phone in his hand. He's somewhat conflicted. On the one hand, Dr. Walsh has treated him and his troops well. She hasn't asked them to do anything particularly illegal or outrageous. She's respected his opinion, and given him latitude to accomplish tasks the best way he saw fit. If she were military, she'd make a hell of a C.O., Riley thinks to himself.
But her experiments, the things he's heard, have given him a major case of the wiggins. He's not sure he wants to sign on for something like this. This wasn't what he joined the service for. It's too� messy. It's not clean, like fighting an enemy. This borders on the weird; mad scientist territory. It's ok while he's just assigned to it. He's a soldier; he goes where he's told. But to quit the military�.
But she might do some good. Maybe eliminate the need for people to die in wars. But then he saw pictures of the 'subjects', and they look like people.
He knows he has to figure it out, and come to a decision. Soon.
But it's hard, it�s just plain hard.

-8-

" Why're we here again?" Roberts, holding a laser rifle, asks his companion.
" Are you questioning orders now?" Thomas, older and a little more experienced, grumbles. " The Lt. Commander wanted this area secured, and that's what we're here for."
" Well, it's dumb duty," Roberts grumbles, " I mean, what's going to happen here? I think he's punishing us for being late back from leave last week, if you want my opinion."
" I really don't, " Thompson answers, looking around. " Stay sharp."
The two guards are stationed at the entrance to the Community Clinic located on UC Sunnydale campus. It's the cover building for The Initiative, located below. As a precaution, Riley has assigned guards to the building, though he's not expecting any real trouble here.
A van pulls up in front of the clinic. The guards, alert, move to intercept it.

" Halt! This is a secure area. State your business!" Robert barks at the driver.
" You moron. That's Dr. Giles," Thompson approaches the driver, smiling. " Good evening, Dr. Giles. How can we help you?"
" Good evening," Giles says pleasantly, " I've been sent by Lt. Commander Riley to pick up the prisoners."
Thompson's brow furrows. " That's odd. According to our orders, the prisoners are supposed to be picked up in a military transport. He never mentioned you, Dr. Giles."
" I spoke with the Lt. Commander. I told him that a military vehicle driving around the UC Sunnydale campus late at night might arouse suspicions. He agreed, and decided to send an unmarked van. And me, since I would hardly raise any questions if stopped by campus security."
" I'm sorry, sir. But I haven't been informed of any change," Thompson replies, turning to Roberts. " have there been any updates in our orders?"
" No, none," Roberts replies. He raises his rifle, pointing it at Giles. " I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to step out from the van."
" Oh, for god's sake, man!" Thompson puts his hand on the barrel of Robert's gun, forcing it down. " he's on our side, you idiot." He turns to Dr. Giles, apologetically." Sorry, sir. Roberts can be a little gung ho, if you catch my drift."
" Of course, no bother at all, " Giles says, taking off his glasses to clean them.
" But sir, I will have to ask you to step out from the van. I need to call the Lt. Commander to confirm the change in orders."
" Of course," Giles replies mildly, replacing his glasses to his face.
At that moment, the side of the van slides open, and four figures, dressed entirely in black, explode out of the van, rushing the soldiers. They surround them, pointing state of the art blaster rifles at them. It happens so quickly, the two guards are caught unawares.
" What's going on?" Thompson, seeing two rifles pointed at him, growls at Giles.
" I'm afraid, old chap, it's time for you to take a bit of a nap," Giles raises a trank pistol at the guard, and fires. The bloom of the dart appears in his chest, and he looks at Giles, then collapses to the pavement.
The other guard tries to pull out his two way, to call for help, but the business end of a rifle in the neck convinces him to abandon that effort.
" You too, friend," Giles says, aiming and firing at the second guard, who soon joins his companion on the sidewalk.
Two of the figures pull out gaffer's tape, and use it to tie up the now unconscious guards. Giles exits from the truck, and walks over to the group.
" Well, that went swimmingly, I think," He smiles, looking down at the guards. " Rather like taking treacle from an infant."
" Don't get too cocky, Giles, " One of the figures pulls up a mask, revealing Faith. " We don't have Oz or Cordelia, yet. No telling what's down there." She nods towards the clinic.
" It's mostly deserted, Faith. Most of the equipment has been moved."
" So how do we even know if Oz and Cordy are down there?" Willow doffing her mask, pipes up.
" They wanted to keep the prisoners til last, for security. Less chance of escape," He glances at his watch." We really don't have much time for discussion. According to my informant, the guards will be here any minute to retrieve the prisoners. We have to get in, and get them out before anyone else shows up." He turns to Angel. " Secure these fellows inside, then come back and stay with the van. Keep the motor running. We'll probably want to make a quick getaway." He turns to the others. " the rest of you, follow me."
Giles, followed by Faith, Willow and Buffy, starts up the stairs.
" Who exactly put him in charge?" Faith whispers to Willow. " This was my plan, as I remember."
" Faith, c'mon. Giles knows the place, we don't. He has the key cards to bypass security. And he has the guy inside giving him the scoop. Don't get all territorial now, 'k?" Buffy grins at her. " Anyway, I think he needs to feel in charge, ya know?"
" Still," Faith grumbles, " this was my idea. I wanted to bust Oz out."
" It's ok, baby, " Willow rubs her back, " we know."
Faith grins ruefully, " Ok, I'm being a baby about it. But it was my plan!"
" Shhh. Quiet, hurry up!" Buffy says, rushing a little to catch up with Giles.
" Watcher's pet!" Faith cracks quietly.
They catch up to Giles at the back of the Clinic, in one of empty examination rooms. He seems to be scanning the wall for something.
" It's here somewhere," He mutters, running his hand along the wall. Suddenly, he smiles, and pulls on one of the tiles, twisting it.
The wall opens up, revealing an elevator behind it. Giles steps up to the card reader mounted by the elevator doors.
" Stay back," He warns, sliding the card in the reader.
"Well, isn't this just so James Bond-y?" Buffy whispers. The other two chuckle.
" Be quiet!" Giles hisses at them.
An impersonal female voice comes over the speaker.
" Giles, Rupert. Prepare for retinal scan."
" What?" Faith whispers. " They're going to look up his ass? Gross!"
" No� retinal� eye!" Willow whispers, giggling.
A beam of light comes down the wall, hitting Giles and going down his entire body.
" Identity confirmed."
The doors to the elevator open.
" Whoa, pretty tight!" Faith says, grinning.
The four board the elevator. Giles hits a button, and they begin to descend.
" This is cool. Can we get one of these?" Buffy says, looking around the elevator. " be neat not to have to climb the stairs every day!"
" Ok, be serious. Once we reach the Initiative, we need to focus. The cells are located down the hall from the elevator, to the left. Be watchful, as there might still be guards present."
" Voice Verification required. Please verify voice I.D within 20 seconds." The impersonal voice comes over the elevator speaker.
Giles steps to a grill located in the wall of the elevator , speaking into it.
" Giles, Rupert." He says simply.
" Voice ID confirmed."
" What was that for?" Buffy asks.
" This is a secure elevator. If I didn't pass the voice ID, or if they'd removed my clearance, the elevator would release a knock out gas into the car."
" Oh."
" You're telling us that now? What if they'd pulled you clearance?" Faith complains.
" We'd be in dream land, I suppose, " Giles shrugs. " Good thing they didn't."
" Next time, we take the stairs, ok?"
The car comes to a halt. Giles pauses before hitting the door button.
" Everyone ready?"

The others nod their assent. He pushes the button.
And they're faced by two soldiers, pointing blaster rifles at them.
" Well, look what we've got here!"

to be continued.
- 10
- 11
- 12
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Initiative