[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The I In Team at buffyology.com.]
CU on WILLOW: her eyes are closed and she chants calmly.
I implore you, Neisa, blessed Goddess of Chance and Fortune, heed my call. Send to me the heart I desire.
Pull back slowly to reveal she holds five playing cards. It's a poker game with XANDER and ANYA.
You know, magick at the poker table qualifies as cheating.
That wasn't magick. I was praying. Two please.
He deals her two cards.
Five
An, I keep telling you: four's the max and only if you have an ace.
Okay, four.
Let's see the ace.
Three. What a stupid game. All these rules just to win little plastic disks.
Chips. They're called chips. They represent money. Since none of us has any money it represents money. But that's going to change once my merchandise hits the street.
He indicates a large stack of boxes behind him. Willow takes the bait.
What'cha got in the boxes? Drugs? (stern) It's not drugs, is it, Xander?
Not drugs.
He gets up and goes to the work bench and grabs one of the boxes.
You are looking at the new local distributor for Boost Bars. 'The natural food bar that provides a nutritional energy boost for active, health-conscious people.' Want one?
No, thanks. Those things usually taste... kind of tasteless. And then leave a bad after-tastelessness.
Well, don't let the healthy scare you. Check out these ingredients. (points at label) See? Loaded with fatty goodness.
Come on, somebody bet already. I got three 'K' cards.
Willow and Xander look at her then exchange a glance. They fold their cards. Anya smiles happily and begins sliding the pot of chips to her already-heaping stack. Xander starts to gather the cards up to shuffle.
Wish the Buff could've made it. This three-hand poker is not quite the game.
Guess she's out with Riley. You know how it is with a spanking- new boyfriend.
Yes, we've enjoyed spanking.
The cards explode from Xander's hands. Gaping, he's about to say something to Anya but doesn't seem able to talk. He hurriedly changes the subject.
Well... the thing is, I think Riley is okay in an oafish kind of way but am I the only one with a big floating question mark over his head about this Initiative thing?
Well, they do seem to fall into the 'good guy' camp. I mean they are anti-demon. (off Anya's look) But probably pro ex-demon.
Maybe. I choose to feel threatened.
And why not? There's still heaps we don't know about these commandos. What exactly are they up to?
Several of the Initiative commandos prowl through the trees and bushes in a low crouch on maneuvers. They're all wearing dark ski masks and are armed with plasma rifles. The lead commando silently motions them forward and three of them disappear into a tall stretch of bushes.
The sound of intense fighting comes from the underbrush and one of the commandos flies out of the bushes and lands nearly 40 feet away, unconscious. BUFFY leaps out of the bushes and engages two more commandos. She trades punches and kicks with the soldiers, incapacitating one and holding the other in front of her as a shield when a third commando shoots a plasma blast at her. The blast takes him out and Buffy drops him to the ground, unconscious.
Buffy assumes a fighting stance as the lead commando charges her. They are about to engage when a commanding voice stops them.
Lights!
The brights of a humvee parked up on a hillside bathes the clearing with harsh light. Out of the glare walks MAGGIE WALSH, college professor and Director of the Initiative. The lead commando removes his mask to reveal RILEY FINN. Walsh stands in front of Buffy and regards her with a neutral expression.
It took the patrol team 42 minutes to track you and you neutralized them in 28 seconds.
I was just lucky.
I see. Well... still. Very impressive.
Walsh turns and heads off. Buffy watches her leave as Riley steps up to her.
I was just being modest with the whole lucky thing. You got that, right?
I got it.
The rest of the commandos stagger to their feet and remove their masks. GRAHAM MILLER passes Buffy on the right.
Awesome, Buffy.
FORREST GATES walks past her on the left, not nearly so enthusiastic or complimentary. He glares at her, then walks off without saying a word.
See? You're a hit. Everybody loves you.
He puts an arm around her and they follow the team back to base.
Walsh in the BG stands beside the humvee, watching Buffy closely, a thoughtful and wary expression on her face.
Opening credit sequence.
Willow and Buffy sit at a table across from each other drinking mochachinos. Buffy is animated and excited as she tells Willow about the previous night's nocturnal activities. Willow is patiently listening although it's obvious she's not all that interested.
So then Professor Walsh said that I was just as amazing as Riley had said. And later, he told me that she couldn't stop talking about this move I made where I used one of the commandos as a shield to block a taser blast. It was like twelve-thousand volts. It took the guy almost two hours to recover.
Huh.
How was your night?
Like a normal person's. Light on the action-pack. Hope tonight's not too much of a let-down for you, excitement-wise. (beat) You do remember about tonight, right?
Bronze. The gang. Are you kidding? I wouldn't be anywhere else. I miss you guys. We haven't been able to spend that much time together lately.
You've been busy. Fighting armies and stuff. Not to mention other distractions from a romantic--
Buffy's no longer paying attention.
Riley just walked in.
Willow looks over her shoulder at Riley who is at the lunch counter perusing the fruit bowl.
Do you want to let him know you're here?
No. Just enjoying a good stare. Tell me about your night.
Well, spent most of it at Xander's teaching Anya to play poker.
That sounds like fun.
Yeah. Except the Anya part and the poker part.
Will, I think you better get used to-- a Twinkie? That's his lunch? Oh, he is so gonna be punished.
Everyone's getting spanked but me.
Buffy's eyes go wide with shock.
What?
Nothing.
Willow smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.
The door opens and GILES steps inside. Lying on top of a stone crypt, SPIKE raises his head at the sound.
He throws off his ratty blanket and gets up.
Hey! Wipe your feet when you enter a person's home.
Oh, yes. Careless of me. Tracking mud all over your... mud.
I admit it's a bit of a fixer-upper. Needs a woman's touch. (pointed) Care to have a crack at it?
While I'd loved to go on trading jabs with you, Spike, perhaps I'll come to the point. As much as it pains me to say it, I owe you a debt of gratitude for the help you provided me in my recent... metamorphosis.
Stuff the gratitude. You owe me more than that, mate.
Giles pulls out a small roll of cash and hands it to him.
Three hundred. Count it if you'd like.
Spike snatches the money out of Giles hand and starts counting.
I'll do that.
Giles looks the place over while Spike counts.
Thinking about your affliction and your newfound discovery that you can fight only demons, it occurs to me that-- (chuckles) I realize this is completely against your nature-- but has it occurred to you that there may be a higher purpose--
You made me lose count. What are you still doing here?
Talking to myself, apparently.
Well piss off, then. This bit of business wraps up any I got with you and your Slayerettes. From here on, I want nothing to do with the lot of you.
Your choosing to remain in Sunnydale might make that a little difficult.
Well, you and yours will just have to show a little restraint is all. Get out.
Without saying a word, Giles turns and heads for the door.
And I don't want you crawling back here knocking on my door, pleading for help the second Teen Witch's magick goes all wonky or little Xander cuts a new tooth. We're through. You got it?
Giles opens the door and Spike dodges the sunlight. Giles pauses on the threshold; his feelings might be a little hurt.
Honeymoon is over.
Giles leaves without a word.
CU on Buffy, standing close to Riley and looking up into his eyes.
You don't have to do this.
I know.
I mean, if you'd rather wait...
I'm ready. I want to.
Riley smiles down at her. Pull back as they turn and step in front of a floor-to- ceiling mirror set into the wall. Riley opens a tiny hidden panel beside the mirror and pushes a button. Buffy stands facing the mirror as an optical sensor scans her body, taking her biometric data and storing her retinal pattern into memory.
New retinal scan recorded. Summers, Buffy.
The mirror slides to one side to reveal the white interior of an elevator. Riley steps inside first and Buffy follows.
The elevator door opens and Riley leads Buffy by hand onto a catwalk overlooking the main chamber. Below, scientists and soldiers bustle about the vast complex in a quiet but determined manner. Scientists study several demons strapped to surgical tables in the sunken lab area.
My god. You said it was big. You told me but you never said it was huge!
I don't like to brag.
Buffy turns to him like a kid on Christmas morning and he grins.
I had no idea. This is incredible. But not that I thought it was some fly-by-night operation. (excited) Unless it is! I mean, can you guys fly? At night? With those jet-pack things? Do you have those?
I can't really talk about it.
This is unreal.
They look into each other's eyes and Riley leans down, about to kiss her.
So you like our little operation?
They turn to find Walsh standing behind them on the catwalk.
Yes. It's very... clean.
Walsh approaches and hands her a small plastic clip-on badge and a briefing folder.
Your visitor's pass. And I've assembled some reading material to bring you up to speed.
Buffy clips the pass to her leather jacket and takes the papers Walsh offers her.
Oh. And I thought I was never going to get homework from you again.
You can't take that home. That's classified material. Highly sensitive. When you're through reading those pages you'll have to eat them.
Buffy just stares at her, speechless. She looks up at Riley.
She's joking.
Don't worry. It doesn't happen very often. Shall we?
Buffy and Riley follow her lead.
Moments later, they've made their way down the metal staircase and Walsh leads them toward the large sunken area in the center of the complex where scientific research is being conducted. They stop at the metal railing and look down.
Much of our hands-on research with the HST's is performed here. We call this the Pit.
Buffy sees a pair of green squid-faced demons lying on two tables. Scrub-clad techs work on them, taking various readings and conducting tests.
And what do you call those?
Tough. It took eight of us to bring those two down.
They'll be under our control soon enough. (calls down) Doctor Angleman!
A man in a white lab coat, ANGLEMAN, looks up in acknowledgement.
Head of our science team. He's a leader in the field of xenomorphic behavior modification.
Behavior modification?
We've made significant advances in reconditioning the sub- terrestrials, bringing them to a point where they no longer pose a threat.
So I've seen.
Walsh and Riley look sharply at her and she quickly tries to cover.
On the Discovery Channel. With gorillas and sharks. They made them all nice. You haven't seen it?
Walsh doesn't seem convinced. Trying to change the subject, Buffy points across the complex.
What's over there?
Walsh leads them to an area closed off by a chain-link fence. Inside are large caches of guns and equipment of all types. There is one commando on duty inside.
The armory. You'll have to be cleared for use on each of these weapons.
Buffy's attention has already wandered and she steps up to a table behind Walsh and Riley. She picks up a small electronic device lying in an open case. As she squints at the tip, the image on the monitor behind her moves and we see a close-
up of Buffy's eye. Walsh doesn't notice Buffy's lapse and continues with her explanation of the armory.
The more advanced arsenal can be complicated but I'm certain in time you'll pick that up. (notices Buffy) Don't pick that up.
Walsh walks to her and quickly takes the device from her.
What is it?
About twenty-thousand dollars.
It's a prototype for a com-cam. (re: monitor) Communications camera. Soon to be standard issue. Gives us a direct comlink to Control when we're out in the field.
Also monitors the heart rate of the wearer. A valuable tool for research in stress in combat conditions. If you'll follow me, I'll show you the HST containment area.
Walsh walks off and Buffy looks to Riley mouthing 'sorry.' Riley shakes his head with a smile, telling her not to worry as they follow.
Later. The tour comes to an end. Walsh stops to face Buffy.
We have a few more things to give you.
Buffy points to the door leading to the high-security lab.
What's in there?
Research area. Very restricted for security reasons. Here is your security card and your pager.
She accepts the items from Walsh and studies the pager.
Been thinking about getting one of these.
We're the only ones with the number and it stays that way.
Right.
Lose either one of them and there's hell to pay and down here we mean that literally. (offers her hand) Again, welcome to the team.
Willow and TARA sit on the sofa, talking. Tara holds a clear purple-pink crystal in her hands.
This is so cool. Wow. I've been trying to find a Doll's Eye crystal my entire life. Well, since June, anyway. Where'd you get it?
It was my grandma's, I think. I found it a long time ago in my attic. (hesitant) I want you to have it.
Oh, no, Tara. That's really sweet. I can't. It's like a family heirloom. I just wouldn't feel comfortable.
Tara looks a little hurt but she puts the crystal away. Willow notices her reaction.
But if you wanted to try out some spells with it some time, I wouldn't say no.
Maybe tonight. I mean, if you're not doing something you could... come over and we could do something.
Tonight... that sounds really nice but tonight I already have plans with people. Other.
Oh. That's okay. Another time.
Absolutely. It's just tonight, it's kind of a specific crowd. You might feel out of place.
Tara doesn't say anything but gathers up her things to leave.
I better get to class.
Willow stands up with her, afraid she's offended Tara.
Well, I'll see ya later. Okay?
Tara just nods and walks off.
Walsh approaches the metal security door and zips her key card through the security lock. The door opens and she steps inside, continuing down the corridor and enters Room 314.
Walsh closes the door behind her. Dr. Angleman washes his hands at a sink. He turns to face her as he dries them.
How did the tour go?
I'm not sure. She's unpredictable.
She's an unnecessary risk.
Possibly. How's our baby doing today?
Walsh points to a sheet-covered form on lab table in the center of the room.
Adjusting nicely. Reflexes, motor-functions... all off the charts.
That's what I like to hear. (to subject) Almost time to wake up, Adam...
She pulls the sheet back to reveal ADAM. Only his chest and head visible. He doesn't look like a normal man. His brown hair is neatly trimmed, but more than half his face is covered in dark green lizard-like scales and bio-mechanical implants. His chest is also a hodge-podge of different types of bestial skin and scales and machinery. There are large scars and suture marks where the varied body types are joined together. This creature, Adam, is part human, part demon and part machine. The suggestion of a modern-day Frankenstein is obvious.
This unnatural creation is unconscious and hooked to several monitoring devices and IV lines which monitor its vital signs and adjust the chemical flow rates accordingly.
... and take your first look at the world. I know you're going to make me proud.
Willow and Anya sit at a table. Willow checks her watch, probably not for the first time. Xander approaches, unwrapping a Boost Bar and taking a bite.
Xander, you haven't been paying any attention to me tonight, just peddling those processed food bricks. I don't know why.
Well, let me put it in a way you'll understand. Sell bars. Make money. Take Anya nice places. Buy pretty things.
That does make sense. All right, I support you. Go sell more.
Well this was the only one I had on me. Besides, it's getting late. Maybe we should go.
Go? You can't go. Buffy hasn't gotten here yet.
Let's face it, Will. She's over an hour late. She's probably out living the life of Riley. I don't think she's coming.
She is! She said she was looking forward to spending quality time with just us. (brightens) See? Here she comes.
Buffy walks into the Bronze followed by Riley, Graham, Forrest and two other guys.
With Riley... and some other guys.
Buffy and the young men reach their table.
Hi, all. Sorry about the late-itude.
Late? Really? Huh. Hadn't noticed.
Hope you don't mind us tagging along.
No. No, of course not. The more the... more.
This is Graham. This is Forrest. That's Kevin. And that's Jay in the back.
How are you doing?
We're going to go grab some drinks. Anybody want anything?
Coke, please.
I'm good.
No.
They look to Anya.
We're going away. To dance. Over there.
She stands up and takes Xander's arm.
We are?
Anya drags Xander away while Riley and the guys head over to the bar. Buffy takes Anya's stool across from Willow.
Anya seems a bit on edge.
She's a little angsty around commando-types. Ex-demon issues.
Oh. You know, I didn't think that you would mind. Riley and the guys were throwing a little impromptu celebration in my honor and made it like impossible to not invite them.
Oh. That's neat about the celebrating. I just thought this was supposed to be, you know, just us. Just the Scooby Corps, you know. I mean, I could have invited somebody else if I knew it was an open free-for-all.
I'm sorry. I had no idea. My total bad. (grins) So who did you want to invite?
What?
You said you wanted to invite someone.
No. Not-- no one. I meant a hypothetical someone, which is to say no one. 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.
That's really... again I say 'neat.' So what do you mean exactly? You've joined them?
No, not exactly. It just means that when I patrol I'll have a heavily armed team backing me up. (smiles) Plus, boyfriend going to work with me: big extra perk.
Buffy, do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, don't you think you're rushing things a little?
I thought you liked Riley?
Not with Riley. With the Initiative. I mean, there's a bunch of stuff about them we still don't know.
I know that. (beat) Like what?
Well, what's their ultimate agenda? I mean, okay, yeah, they neuter vampires and demons. But then what? Are they going to reintegrate them into society? Get them jobs as bag-boys at Wal- Mart?
Does Wal-Mart have bag-boys?
Plus, don't forget that '314' thing that Ethan told Giles about.
Well, a man that worships chaos and tries to kill you is a man you can trust.
Well, bad info or not, I just think there's certain questions you should ask before you go off and enlist.
Buffy's pager starts beeping urgently. As she reaches into her bag to pull it out, five more beepers go off at the bar: Riley and his men.
That's us. Let's go.
When did you get a pager? What's going--
Riley steps over to get Buffy.
That's our cue. Mother wants us.
Will...
I know. Talk later.
Buffy heads out with Riley and the others, leaving Willow all alone.
So what's the big emergency?
An overhead projector displays the image of a demon on a large white screen before the assembled commandos who are all decked out in full camouflage battle gear. Buffy is seated among them, dressed in the pink halter with plunging neckline that she wore to the Bronze. She stands out among the broad-shouldered men quite distinctly.
This is your objective: Sub-T 67119, Demon class, Polgara species. 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.
She takes a seat as Dr. Angleman steps up to the projector and overlays a second transparent page over the first. The new slide adds long, sharp lances projecting from the wrists of the demon.
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 know.
Alone amidst the commandos, Buffy raises her hand.
Question.
Dr. Angleman doesn't seem sure how to respond, unaccustomed to questions. He glances at Walsh who stands up again.
Buffy?
Why exactly can't we damage this polka-thing's arms? Not that I want to, it's just in my experience when fighting for your life, body parts get damaged and better its bits than mine. Or... ours.
We wish to study the physiology of every subterrestrial's natural defenses. It's part of the research we do here. Uh, yes?
We see that Buffy has her hand raised again.
What do they want?
Want?
Why are they here? Sacrifices, treasure or they just getting rampagy? I find it's easier to predict their responses if I know--
She's starting to get curious looks from the troops.
They're not sentient. Just destructive, I believe.
They do have keen eyesight, however. You might want to be suited up for this.
Oh, you mean the camo and stuff? I thought about it but, I mean, it's going to look all Private Benjamin.
This gets chuckles from some of the commandos.
Don't worry. I've patrolled in this halter many times.
Even more laughs. Walsh is not pleased by the lack of decorum. As Buffy raises her hand yet again, Walsh cuts her off.
Why don't we give our attention to Dr. Angleman and save all questions until the end?
Actually, I'm finished.
Oh. Well, Agent Finn, deploy the teams.
All business, Riley walks out in front of the group.
Okay, listen up. We'll be going in a four squad set-up. Team Leaders: Gates, Taggart, and Stavros. Alpha Team, you're with me.
Report to TLs for assignment and weapons requisitions. Reminder: this is a zap-n-trap, people. Capture not a kill. Any questions? (resigned) Buffy.
Willow stands before Tara's dorm room door as Tara opens it.
Willow?
A funny thing happened with my prior social engagement. Pretty much ended when a friend of mine went off to do something with another crowd she hangs out with. Irony is kind of ironic that way. (hopeful) Anyway, I know it's late but I thought maybe... I mean, if you still wanted to... do something?
Tara smiles and opens the door wider to let her in.
A wooded area. Alpha Team patrols and Buffy is with them. She walks beside Riley, three other commandos behind them. She wears a jacket over her halter top and looks a little glum.
So I guess she hates me now.
What?
Professor Walsh. Questions: an Initiative faux pas, yes?
It's... a little unusual. She's just not used to it. Maybe because you barely ever opened your mouth in her classroom. But I know she likes you. In fact, she liked you before I did.
Really?
Told me so herself.
Maybe I should get her a present or something--
Buffy. Can we talk about this later? There's a dangerous hostile out here and since I don't have your reflexes, I kinda need to focus.
Right. Right.
They walk in silence for about 3 seconds.
What do you mean she liked me before you did? You didn't like me?
Beta Team. They're stationed within a cluster of bushes. Graham scans the area with NVGs; Forrest stands beside him. Forrest is not happy.
It just isn't right.
He made you team leader, didn't he?
That's not the point. I've always been Riley's second in command. Instead he picks a girl.
His girl.
Whatever! Three guesses on what that boy is thinking with.
Maybe he just wanted to give you a chance to get out from under his shadow?
Hey! I'm not under anybody's shadow.
It was a joke, man. Don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm just saying--
He spots movement through the NVGs.
Hang on. Got something.
Target?
Negative.
Graham passes the goggles to Forrest.
Night vision POV: Spike walks through the cemetery carrying a sack of groceries.
Hello, Hostile 17.
Graham turns to the soldiers behind him.
You two: standard flanking. Go.
Spike. Behind him, one of the commandos rushes out of the trees carrying a heavy net. He's about to throw the net on Spike when the vampire suddenly spins around and catches it in his fist. He swings the commando around by the net and slams him into a nearby tree. The second commando charges and aims his taser rifle. Spike throws his grocery bag in the guy's face sending him to the ground. Even acting in self-defense causes the chip implant to send jolts of pain through Spike's head and he flinches as he turns and flees into the woods.
Graham. He shoulders a scoped rifle and calmly tracks Spike. He pulls the trigger and Spike stumbles as the dart hits him in the shoulder. He recovers and disappears into the night.
Alert Control and Alpha Team. We've tagged Hostile 17 with a tracer and we're in pursuit.
Buffy and Alpha Team are now stationed in a clearing. A cell phone beeps on one of the soldiers. He answers it and hands it off to Riley.
Sir. Graham's on the talkie for you. Reception's not too good.
This is Alpha Team, go ahead.
Graham's voice is garbled. Riley moves further out into the clearing trying to get better reception.
Say again, Beta Team. You're breaking up.
Suddenly the Polgara demon attacks from the tree line. Buffy shouts a warning to Riley but not before the demon shoves him hard to the ground. Buffy rushes forward as the Polgara steps over Riley to finish him off. She delivers a kick to its face, stunning it momentarily.
The scene drops into slow motion as Buffy engages the demon and Riley extends his ASP baton and does the same. Their blows, kicks and jabs form a violent ballet as we
Buffy and Riley rush into frame, kissing passionately, their hands caressing each other as Riley undoes Buffy's halter straps. She lifts his t-shirt off over his head and he kneels before her, removing her boots.
Buffy trails kisses down Riley's chest, moving lower and lower as he continues to remove her clothing. She falls back onto his bed as Riley moves between her legs and lowers himself down on top of her. They make love to each other, passion building as they continue to kiss deeply.
Buffy and Riley fight the Polgara which is amazingly resilient. Riley delivers vicious blows to its head and spine, however the creature is barely stunned. Buffy's kicks and punches buy the commandos valuable time in which to ready their weapons for a combined assault on the demon.
Suddenly two wicked-looking spikes shoot from its wrists, nearly taking Buffy's head off. She ducks, rolls and kicks the creature backward just far enough for the soldiers to get a clear shot. They fire their taser rifles in unison. The combined electrical current paralyzes the demon long enough for them to ensnare it in a net. Buffy delivers a final tremendous kick to its head and knocks it out.
As the other soldiers wrap things up, Buffy walks up to Riley, breathing heavily.
So... what do you want to do now?
Riley and Buffy continue to make love. Slow overhead pull-back to
A grainy black-and-white overhead shot of Riley's room shows the couple in the throes of passion. Pull back to reveal a surveillance monitor. A label on the monitor reads FINN.
Two more monitors to either side of it feature similar shots of currently empty dorm rooms. One is labeled GATES, the other MILLER. A control panel becomes visible under the row of monitors and a reel-to-reel tape recorder spins... recording.
Pull back farther to reveal Professor Walsh. She stares at the monitor, watching Riley and Buffy's sexual encounter, her face an emotionless mask.
Giles pours tea in the kitchen.
I don't know how many more ways I can say 'I'm not interested.'
Xander and Anya sit on the couch in the living room. Several boxes of Boost Bars are stacked on the coffee table.
Try one! Check these flavors. Cherry Berry. Maple Walnut. Oh, Almond Licorice.
Eww.
Anya, we don't say 'eww' in front of potential customers.
Just skip this part and tell him you want money to buy me pretty things. He'll understand.
Very well. Maple Walnut.
An excellent choice.
He takes one out of a box and hands it to Giles who takes a bite. He looks like he's just taken a bite out of dead rat.
Please leave my home now.
He drops the Boost Bar on the coffee table like it's infected with Ebola and searches for something to spit in. Trying to save the sale, Xander grabs another bar from a different box.
It's the gritty texture, isn't it? Maybe you're more a Cherry Berry fellow.
A sudden desperate pounding on the door. Giles, still suffering from Boost crap in his mouth, heads for the door when, without warning, it bursts open and Spike dashes inside. He holds a tarp over his head as protection from the sunlight.
Close the door!
Spike? You may want to give up these morning jogs.
Soldiers boys are out in force. I've been trying to keep them off my scent. Run them in circles but they keep coming.
And how is this our concern? Seeing as how you've expressed the desire to have nothing more to do with us.
Spike said that? (to Spike) That hurts.
All right. What do you want me to say? I need help. (to Giles) And no cheek from you.
Spike shrugs his coat off.
Look! The buggers shot me. In the back.
Giles is unmoved.
Remind me. Why should I help you?
Because you do that. You're the goody-good guys. You're the bloody freaking cavalry.
No, you can come up with a better answer than that. Why should I help you?
Oh! Because I helped you. When you turned into that Fyarl demon, I helped you, didn't I?
And that was out of the evilness of your heart?
Oh, hell no. I made you pay me-- (realizes) You right bastard.
He digs out money from his coat pocket and slams it into Giles' palm.
That's all that's left. I spent the rest on blood and smokes, which I'll never see again. (to Xander and Anya) Oh, come on! Circle the wagons. Tend to the wounded here. No time for layabouts.
Buffy sleeps blissfully. She wakes and slowly realizes where she is. Panicked, she sits up, looking for Riley but he's right there next to her, looking at her lovingly. She relaxes and then smiles, loving the fact that the guy is still there for once when she wakes up the morning after.
Hey. What's the matter? Weren't expecting to see me?
I never know what to expect.
They lazily begin kissing but an electronic chirping interrupts.
Your robot bird sounds hungry.
It's just a reminder to take my vitamins.
He rolls over and grabs a medicine bottle on his nightstand as the chirping stops.
You're kidding.
He downs the pills with a glass of water and turns back to her.
Sorry.
Quite the regimental soldier.
I am how they trained me.
They? Who they?
You know, the government. Plucked me out of Special Ops training for this.
What did they tell you it was for?
They didn't. In the military you learn to follow orders. Not ask questions.
I don't understand. Aren't you curious about all the science and research stuff they're doing?
I know all I need to know. We're doing good here. Protecting the public. Removing the subterrestrial threat. It's work worth doing.
A comfortable silence descends on them, then Buffy turns serious.
What's 314?
Riley seems surprised by the question but before he can say anything, his phone rings.
Riley.
We have a situation. You're needed.
On my way.
He hangs up, gets out of bed and starts dressing.
What is it?
Don't know.
You're really not one for asking questions, are you?
I'll leave that to you.
Riley walks across the floor in full gear when he glances at the door to the high security area and stops. He recalls Buffy's words and walks over and peers through the small wired-glass window. Down the corridor he can see the door marked 314.
Lose your way, agent?
Embarrassed, he turns to face Walsh.
No, ma'am.
I've instructed Beta Team to suspend pursuit of Hostile 17 until your arrival. I didn't want any slip-ups. That's why I'm putting you in charge. (hands him a map) You'll rendezvous with them at these coordinates.
He acknowledges with a nod and starts to head off.
Riley. Make me proud.
Yes, ma'am.
Dr. Angleman, in surgical scrubs, finishes a procedure as Walsh enters.
I think we've got a situation.
The Slayer?
She's becoming a liability.
We knew that was a danger. Does she know about the project?
She knows it exists. She already holds too much influence over Riley-- over Agent Finn.
We move to the contingency scenario?
Right away.
That's too bad. She could have been a powerful ally.
I know.
And Finn will take it hard.
That's why sooner is better.
All during this scene, Angleman has been working on something and now he lifts a severed arm off the Polgara demon. He takes it over to Adam, who lies on a another table several feet away.
It's better.
Spike lies on his belly while Giles stands over him, wearing latex gloves, exploring the wound with a pair of long tweezers. Xander and Anya are on either side of him with flashlights providing illumination.
Ow! Watch it. That hurts.
It doesn't appear to be a bullet. It's too deeply embedded to be a tranquilizer dart.
Also not tranquil.
Some sort of... illumination emanating from it. It's blinking.
I don't care if it's playing Rockin' the Casbah on the bloody Jew's harp, just get it out of me!
Anya, there's a bottle of Cognac in the cabinet next to the sink. Can you get it for me?
What? You're going to get snockered now?
It's not for me, you prat. If I'm going to operate on you, then I need you anesthetized. It's going to take some time.
We don't have any. That blinking thing. My pseudo-soldier memory bank tells me that's a tracer.
A what?
A what?
It's like a homing beacon. And if commando guys are reading the signal, they're coming home.
Anya returns with the bottle and offers it to Spike. He grabs it and takes a healthy swig.
Well, we need to buy some time. It's in deep and I'm no surgeon.
Buffy enters and closes the door behind her. The room is empty and she sees that Willow's bed is just as undisturbed as her own. She goes to her desk to put down her bag and takes off her jacket. The door opens behind her and Willow walks in.
Oh, hi.
Hey. Out all night, huh?
You, too.
Yeah.
They're silent for a moment and Willow fidgets with something in her hand. It's the Doll's Eye crystal she had refused to take from Tara the day previous. She walks to her side of the room and sets it on top of her dresser.
Sorry about bailing on you guys at the Bronze.
That's okay. I... don't worry about it.
Okay.
Buffy's pager goes off and she retrieves it from her bag.
Wow, they really keep you hopping, don't they?
Yeah. I gotta go. I'll see ya?
After Buffy's gone, the phone rings and she answers it.
Hello?
With Giles.
Willow. You're there at last. We have a problem. Where's Buffy?
Just left. Beeped away by her new buds. You want me to go after her?
No, no. It's your help I need, actually.
Really? What do you want me to do?
Buffy walks with Walsh.
It's a small job. Reconnaissance. Probably a waste of a Slayer's abilities but my boys are on assignment so I--
No. It's okay. I'm up for some action.
I doubt you'll get any on this one.
Walsh points to a map.
We have a reading of a Class Three subterrestrial moving through the sewer tunnels just on the edge of town.
Class Three?
It's a low-level threat. Minimal aggression. Meager defenses.
A soldier hands Walsh a plasma rifle and Walsh hands it to Buffy.
They barely show up on the scanner and occasionally turn out to be raccoons.
Wow. You're not crazy about raccoons, huh?
We always take precautions. All we need you to do is get a visual on this thing. (re: com-cam) This will feed me back an image and I can advise you from there. I don't want to put you in any unnecessary danger.
Oh, that's okay. Danger's my birthright. (beat) Sorry, Professor Walsh, there's still some stuff about all this that I'm not clear on.
Well, when you get back we can have a talk.
Good. Okay. When I get back. (beat) Am I supposed to salute you?
No.
Okay.
Xander and Anya still provide light for Giles as he continues to work on the wound. Willow has arrived and stands to one side, holding her spellbook in one arm and the Doll's Eye crystal in her palm.
"Tropo, strato, meso, aero, iono, exo..."
So how is this supposed to work again?
If she succeeds her spell will ionize the atmosphere around us thereby disrupting the tracer's signal. Buys us time.
"Elements are brought to bear. Wind, earth, and water churn amidst the fire. Let the air be burned."
Suddenly every light bulb in the apartment explodes and there's a bright flash of light that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
Did it work? Is the atmosphere ionized?
Everyone's hair stands straight up on end.
I'd venture yes.
Riley joins up with Beta Team. Forrest is on point with the tracer receiver beeping in his hand.
What do you mean, the signal's whacked?
I mean the blips a blob. Some kind of interference messing with the tracer.
Try to lock it down. We headed in the right general direction?
They stop as Forrest tries to get a bearing.
I think so. It's going to put us in populated areas.
Okay, then. We change into civvies and then move out. Maybe something will turn up.
Buffy emerges from a sewer tunnel into a large central chamber. She's armed with the plasma rifle and wears the com-cam hooked over her left ear. She hears a deep growling coming from the shadows.
Professor Walsh, are you getting this? Possible HST. Make it a definite.
A green squid-faced demon steps out in the open. It wears ragged robes and carries a long battle axe. A second demon steps out with it, also armed with a battle axe.
And he's brought along a friend. They seem--
Buffy suddenly flashes back to her tour at the Initiative and remembers seeing these two demons in the Pit. Buffy aims the rifle at them and pulls the trigger. The weapon short-circuits with a burst of sparks and Buffy drops it the ground.
She turns to flee the way she came but a barred gate drops into place, blocking her escape and trapping her with the demons.
Buffy engages the demons, alternating punches and kicks, trying to keep one demon off her long enough to pummel the other.
Walsh stands in front of the Ops panel, watching the monitors. She calmly takes a sip from her coffee mug as the fight rages.
Com-cam POV: Buffy's hands grab the handle of one demon's axe and wrestles with it. The other demon attacks and swings its axe down toward the screen. The picture suddenly drops to the ground showing a close up of the sewer floor. The BPM drops from 145... 109... 73... 37... 1... -?- in less than a second and the heart rhythm flatlines with a steady monotonous tone.
Walsh glances around but she is the only person who knows what's happened. She calmly takes another sip from her mug.
Beta Team. The team, now in street clothes, walks down the sidewalk of a residential street.
Talk to me, Forrest.
Signal's somewhere in this neighborhood. Estimate within a two- block radius.
Giles digs into Spike's wound with the tweezers while Anya holds the flashlight for him. She, Xander and Willow nervously munch on Boost Bars.
It feels and looks like the ionizing spell is wearing off.
Giles?
I've got it. I've got it!
He holds up the tweezers to reveal a two-inch dart with a blinking red light on the blunt end.
Back to Beta Team. They're getting closer.
Okay, we want to keep the hostile contained, so no one is to make a move without my--
Wait. Signal's cleared up. (points across the street) There.
Let's go!
The team sets off in the direction of the signal.
Giles hands Xander the tweezers and the transmitter.
Go!
Xander dashes down the hallway and skids around the corner.
Forrest suddenly stops.
What?
It's on the move.
Heading?
Straight at us. Forty meters and closing. Moving fast.
In broad daylight?
Look alive people. Weapons at the ready.
They unsling their backpacks and unzip them, weapons within easy reach.
Twenty-five meters... twenty... fifteen.
Where?
To the left. Ten meters... five!
Anyone?
I got nothing.
This doesn't make sense. It went right past us.
They all look around in confusion. Riley notices a storm drain.
Flushed. The tracer's been flushed.
CU: the com-cam lying on the dirty sewer floor. Buffy and the demons continue fighting.
Buffy fights for her life. These demons are a formidable match indeed but she's holding her own against them. One of the demons wraps her up in an bear hug and holds her while the other one raises it's battle axe and prepares to strike. At the last second, Buffy reverses the hold, twisting out of it and pulling the demon in front of her. He takes the blow from his partner's axe full in the chest and drops like a stone.
Now there's only one and Buffy continues to fight furiously. She grapples for the axe and wrenches it from the creatures grasp only to have it fly out of her own grip. It comes to rest in the corner, submerged in a brackish pool of water. The demon lumbers after it.
Noticing the still-sparking plasma rifle on the floor, Buffy quickly grabs it and tosses it into the water with the demon who is instantly electrocuted. The creature keels over dead and quiet descends in the tunnels once more.
Riley walks to Walsh to report in. She stands with her back to him at the monitor station. At the sound of his voice she turns to face him. She looks shaken, upset.
Regret to report Hostile 17 is still at large. I left Beta Team to comb the area but the tracer's--
Riley, something's happened. I don't know what to say. It's about Buffy.
Buffy?
Two of our hostiles broke free and escaped into the tunnels. She went after them on her own. (beat) She's dead, Riley.
What?
I did everything I could to stop her. I told her to wait for a back- up team. She kept insisting she didn't need any team. She could handle it by herself. I'm so, so sorry.
Riley struggles to reign in his emotions.
I don't understand.
Behind Walsh, the com-cam image on the monitors suddenly starts to move.
I know what she meant to you.
How could this happen?
She was a very, very special girl.
On the monitors, Buffy steps into frame. Her expression is flat, neutral, but we can see a seething anger in her eyes.
I didn't understand at first but she had something. I don't know... maybe I could have stopped her.
Startled, Riley sees Buffy's face on the monitors.
It's hard not to blame myself.
Buffy begins to speak and as realization dawns on Walsh, she turns to the monitors, the color draining from her face.
Professor Walsh. That simple little recon you sent me on... wasn't a raccoon. Turns out it was me trapped in the sewers with a faulty weapon and two of your pet demons. If you think that's enough to kill me, you really don't know what a Slayer is. (beat) Trust me when I say you're going to find out.
Walsh is speechless. Buffy stands up and walks off camera. The image suddenly pitches to the floor and the screens turn to static snow.
Walsh slowly turns to face Riley who is just now realizing what has happened. His grief slowly turns to boiling anger as he comes to grips with the fact that his mentor tried to murder his lover and then lie to him about it.
Riley...
Without a word he turns his back on her and walks away.
Agent Finn. I order you to stop! Agent Finn! RILEY!
Walsh is left standing very much alone in the vast Initiative complex.
Giles removes his latex gloves. Spike sits on the edge of the desk, putting his t- shirt back on, careful of his wounded shoulder.
It will be dark soon. I think it will be wise for you to leave Sunnydale.
I'm not going anywhere. Not until those bastards undo whatever they did to me. Put me back the way I was.
Sure. Just explain to the nice scientist guys that you really miss killing and torturing innocent people.
Do you think that would work?
Spike-- lord knows why I'm telling you this-- it's for your own good. As long as the Initiative is in operation, it's not safe for you here.
Buffy enters, a grave expression on her face.
No. It's not safe for any of us.
The lab is dimly lit. Walsh approaches the table where Adam lies sleeping. He/it is wearing commando pants and boots. There is a computerized mechanism attached to his chest over his heart. Walsh speaks in a soft, menacing tone.
So. All right. Fine. If she wants a fight, we'll give her one. Won't we, Adam? I've worked too long. Too long to let some little bitch threaten this project. Threaten me. She has no idea who she's dealing with. Once she's gone, Riley will come around. He'll understand. It's for the greater good. He'll see that. And if he doesn't... well, first things first. Remove the complication and when she least expects it--
A long sharp spear suddenly bursts from her chest, impaling her. Shocked, she looks down at it, then looks over her shoulder. Adam is awake and standing behind her.
Adam... ?
Walsh falls to the floor, dead. Adam raises his arm-- the arm of a Polgara demon, complete with razor-sharp bone lance. Adam looks down at Walsh's body.
Mommy.