[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Yoko Factor at buffyology.com.]
CU on a wide-screen monitor. MR. WARD, white-haired, dark suit, sits behind a large desk, cloaked in shadow. The reflection of COLONEL McNAMARA can be seen in the glass of the monitor.
And the men?
McNAMARA
These are exceptional boys. Their capture ratio just keeps increasing. They're keeping it together. Morale's a problem. The death of Professor Walsh, the escape of the prototype... controlling the HSTs is getting harder. We have serious overcrowding in the containment areas.
As he speaks, pan away from the monitor to the colonel. He stands alone in the command and control center of the Initiative. There is a large map of the world on one wall.
Quite a mess.
McNAMARA
It's not my mess, sir. I'm just holding the fort while you figure out what you want to do with the place.
This incident with Finn was unfortunate.
McNAMARA
Fell in with a bad crowd. Quite frankly, I don't think he was ever the soldier that you all hoped he was. Boy thinks too much.
Nevertheless, we want him back. The government's invested a sub--
McNAMARA
We'll catch up to him. My feeling is... he won't stray too far from the girl.
Ward puts on reading glasses and consults a folder on his desk.
Yes... Buffy Summers. Our databanks don't have much on her.
McNAMARA
She's just a girl.
SPIKE paces the room before ADAM, clearly not happy.
She's a lot more than that. The Slayer's dangerous is all I'm saying.
Adam stands before a bank of computers and monitors. He slides a diskette into the drive slot in his chest.
Yes. She makes things interesting.
No. See, you're not getting it, Mr. Bits. You're going to be interestingly dead. Little Miss Tiny's got a habit of bollixing up the plans of every would-be unstoppable bad-ass who sets foot in this town. Just want you to know, when the Big Ugly goes down, the Slayer's going to be right in the thick of it. You ready for that?
I'm counting on it.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume. CU: a Zippo lighter in Spike's hand. He flips the lid open and strikes the flame, then brings the lighter up to the cigarette in his mouth.
Two Slayers.
That's right.
Spike sits on an old beat-up couch with Adam looming over him.
And you killed them both?
Yeah. I killed the hell out of them.
Yet you fear this one?
Hey, watch it, mate. I don't fear anything. Just know my enemies.
Do you? Then why haven't you killed this Slayer yet?
Because... stinking, rotten luck is why. On top of that, now I got this buggering chip up my head.
Yes. Your behavior modification circuitry. I know what you feel.
Not likely.
Adam stands in front of him.
You feel smothered. Trapped like an animal. Pure in its ferocity, unable to actualize the urges within, clinging to one truth like a flame struggling to burn within an enclosed glass. That a beast this powerful cannot be contained. Inevitably it will break free and savage the land again. I will make you whole again. Make you savage.
Moved, Spike has to blink back tears.
Wow. I mean, yeah. I get why the demons all fall in line with you. You're like Tony Robbins. If he was a big, scary Frankenstein-looking-- (reconsiders) You're exactly like Tony Robbins.
I will restore you to what you once were. When I have the Slayer... how and where I want her.
Easier said. She's crafty. Her and her little friends.
Friends?
There's your-- what do you call it?-- variable. The Slayer's got pals. You want her evening the odds in a fight, you don't want the Slayerettes mucking about.
Take them away from her.
Spike perks up at that idea.
Now there's a plan. She's working solo, she won't have a chance to come after us when the wild rumpus begins. (chuckles) Plus, it will make her miserable and I never get tired of that. (beat) Yeah. Leave 'em to me.
You can't hurt them. What can you do to make sure they're out of the picture?
Not a blessed thing. They're going to do it for me.
The room is dark. The door opens and BUFFY enters and switches on the light. She's just back from Los Angeles. She notices Willow's bed hasn't been slept in. Tired, she crosses the room and lies down on her bed with a forlorn look on her face.
Establishing.
Amid the debris, a lone lantern augments the streams of moonlight shining through holes in the ceiling and illuminating RILEY's small campsite.
XANDER sits with Riley, a backpack on his shoulder.
Do you know if she's back yet?
L.A. Woman? Haven't heard from her. She'll probably come here first thing, though. Hey, who's your buddy?
Xander swings the backpack from his shoulder and tosses it to Riley.
So you don't have to be G.I. Joe while your civvies are getting washed.
Riley pulls out a pair of baggy pants with a blue and white confetti pattern.
Try those on. You'll feel like a new man.
Would this man have a bright red nose and big floppy feet? (off Xander's look) Hey, I'm sorry. That's the cabin fever talking.
Xander looks the place over.
But as post-apocalypse splendor goes...
I've done wonders with the place.
Yeah.
Still... the sooner Buffy gets back, the better I'll feel.
Riley sits down on his sleeping bag, his back against the soot-covered wall.
You and me both, big guy.
I take it you're not an Angel fan either?
Well, it's not like I hate the guy. Just, you know, the guts part of him.
Can't blame you. But to be fair, it's not him you hate. It's the curse.
Xander doesn't respond.
Right?
What did Buffy tell you?
He sits down on the cooler.
On Angel? Everything. More than I wanted to know sometimes. She loved him. He turned evil. He killed people. She cured him. He left. Interesting little curse.
One moment's happiness.
What do you mean?
You know, it's his trigger. Angel's an okay guy if he's mopey and sad and brooding but if you give him even one second of pure, real pleasure...
And that sets him off?
Only in the big old "kill your friends" kind of way. And you know what makes Angel happiest? I'll give you a hint. It not creme bruleé.
Buffy. (Xander nods) Sex... with Buffy.
Xander's jaw drops as he realizes Riley didn't know about that part of the curse.
She... kind of left that part out, huh?
Yeah, she did. That explains a lot of things that I wish weren't explained.
Hey, man. That's all ancient history.
She went running to L.A. to bone up on her history.
No! I'm sure it's boneless. She just needs to make sure everything's okay. She's probably back already.
Maybe.
You'll feel a lot better when you see her.
I guess we'll see.
GILES sits on the sofa playing guitar and singing Freebird.
If I leave here tomorrow Would you still remember me? Well I must be traveling on now There's too many places I've got to see. And if I stay here with you girl, Things just couldn't be the same 'Cause I'm as free as bird now--
He gasps and jumps up from the couch when he sees Spike standing across the room. The vampire heads for the kitchen.
You know, for someone who's got "Watcher" on his résumé, you might want to cast an eye to the front door every now and again.
What do you want?
Spike takes a blood bag out of the fridge.
Ah. Knew I left one. Buffy around?
Why?
Spike pops the plastic bag into the microwave and turns it on.
I need to speak to the lady of the house. Hey, be a pet and give her a message for me, would you? Tell her I just might have something she just might want.
And what might that something be?
Information. Highly classified. Not cheap word-on-the-street prattle either. I'm talking about the good stuff now.
Unimpressed, Giles crosses his arms.
Thrill me.
It's nothing I know. What, you think I'd come running over saying "I've got a secret, beat me till I talk?" There's files in the Initiative. I'm pretty sure I know where.
Giles' interest is peaked. The microwave beeps and Spike takes out his warm blood.
Files?
Yeah. Secrets.
He bites open a corner of the bag, grabs a coffee mug and pours the blood into it.
Mission statements, design schematics. All of Maggie Walsh's dirty laundry, which I guess would include lots of tidbits about--
Adam.
Well, yeah. Say someone were to risk his life and limb-- well, limb anyway-- to obtain said files. It might be worth a little something.
At this point, a cynical person might think that you're offering just what we need when we need it most.
That person'd be right, Rupert. Supply and demand. And it won't be cheap this time.
What do you want?
Hmm... year supply of blood, guaranteed protection, merry bushels of cash and-- most important-- a guarantee that I'm not to be in any way slain.
Done.
With a smile and a nod from you? Sorry. Not close to good enough. This deal's with the Slayer.
I'll tell her.
Oh, you'll tell her! Great comfort that. What makes you think she'll listen to you?
Because...
Very convincing.
I'm her Watcher.
I think you're neglecting the past tense there, Rupert. Besides, she barely listened to you when you were in charge. I've seen the way she treats you.
Spike's words hit too close to home. He's right and Giles knows it. He pours himself a drink.
Oh, yes? And how's that?
Very much like a retired librarian. Look, I've got what she wants as long as she has what I want.
He heads for the door.
Spread the word. She knows where to find me.
I'll think about it.
The front door closes as Giles brings the glass to his lips.
WILLOW sits on the bed playing with a small black and white kitten. TARA looks though the UC Sunnydale course selection booklet.
Oh! I keep thinking okay, that's the cutest thing ever and then she does something cuter and completely resets the whole scale.
Did you see her yawn earlier?
Yes! I thought I was going to die.
She picks up the kitten and looks into its eyes.
Oh, I love you, Miss Kitty Fantastico!
We've got to get her a real name.
It's so cool that she's ours. (beat) Uh, yours. That she's yours is cool.
She can be ours if you want.
Willow smiles happily.
You still need an elective. How about... sophomore level psychology?
Oh. Kinda psyched out since Professor Walsh. Maybe something fun like drama. I could be dramatic.
Willow picks the kitten up again.
You cannot have more catnip! You have a catnip problem!
Definitely drama.
I haven't even dealt with the housing situation yet. Have you done anything? I hear there some off-campus places that are way cool for groups to, you know, go in on.
Oh, I just figured you'd be dorming it up with Buffy again.
Well, we haven't really talked about it. I used to assume we'd be roomies through grad school, well into little old-ladyhood. You know, cheating at bingo together and forgetting to take our pills.
But?
But... I don't know. It hardly feels like we're roomies now. I mean, she's busy with Riley and I'm gone a lot, too. I guess I should ask her.
A knock on Buffy's door. She opens it to find Riley.
Riley.
I got a little tired of sitting around waiting so...
Buffy looks his pants and grins.
You joined the circus?
Xander took my clothes to clean them and left me these. Does he hate me in some way I don't know about yet? I think I would've attracted less attention in my uniform.
Is it okay for you to be here?
You tell me.
I just meant with a government branch hunting you down and all.
I'm good.
He reaches into his back pocket and takes out a small cell phone which sprouts wires. He clicks it on and a garbled voice emanates from the speaker.
And it took me a while, but I patched into their frequency. Can't sneak up on a guy if he's listening in.
You're the sneakiest.
Why they hired me.
Feeling awkward, Buffy walks across the room, putting distance between them.
You okay?
Yeah. I just... Angel kind of upset me.
How?
It's not that interesting.
Got my attention.
He just spun my head a little.
You don't want to talk about it.
It's just deconstructing Angel can wait. Right now, I just want to get out there and patrol and find Adam. We can talk about it later.
Riley is hurt by her evasiveness but tries to cover it.
It's the pants, isn't it? It's okay. I couldn't take me seriously in these things either.
Riley, it's not that big a deal.
Tell you what, why don't I get out of your face? You had a long trip.
Look, you don't have to go.
It's okay. (forced smile) Besides... (re: pants) I have to recharge them every two hours or they go dead on me.
Okay.
He turns and quietly leaves her alone.
Xander and ANYA enter the crypt. He carries a bundle of clothing for Spike.
Here. You should've just saved the ensemble from the last time we snuck into the Initiative. I'm not a clothing delivery service.
Well, he is, kinda. He did Riley yesterday.
Xander shoots her a withering look as Spike looks through the bundle and finds a small pistol.
Hello. This is just... swell.
He aims the gun at the wall.
Gotta say... liking this quite a lot.
He swings the barrel around toward Xander who watches, unconcerned.
Kinda changes the balances of pow-- ow!
He drops the gun and clutches his forehead as a searing bolt of pain rockets through his head. Frustrated, he stalks across the crypt.
Oh, come on! You got to be kidding?
Wow. That chip in your head means you can't even point a gun. How humiliating.
Doesn't work anyway. It's a fake.
Can't even point a decorative gun?
Give it up for a American chipmanship.
It doesn't work? What about self-defense? I'm taking a risk here, you know?
Can I tell you how much I really don't care?
Attitude. See how far that'll take you in boot camp. (off Xander's look) Say, I hope you get one of those toughs-as-nails drill sergeants who's only hard on the men because he's trying to keep them alive when the bullets start flying. I love that stuff.
Anya looks at Xander, perplexed.
Boot camp? Yeah. Like I'd go there.
What, you changed your mind? Not going to join?
Anya hits Xander hard in the chest.
You're joining the Army?
Okay, one: ow. (to Spike) Two: where'd you get that idea? (to Anya) Three: ow! I'm not joining the Army!
Oh, good. Stopped that nonsense just in time.
I was never-- (to Spike) Who'd you hear this from?
Spike examines the fake gun and seems to take little interest in the subject.
Oh, your girlie-mates were talking. Something about being all you can be-- or all you can be-- and having laugh. Figured you were signing up. Say, have you got anything larger in the toy gun line?
He holds out the gun to him but Xander isn't paying him any attention. He begins pacing.
"All I can--" Can you believe this? Like I'm some sort of useless lunk. It happens I'm good at a lot of things. I help out with all kinds of... stuff. I have skills and stratagems. I'm very... (to Anya) Help me out.
He's a Viking in the sack.
Terrific. (re: clothes) You didn't have these cleaned after the last time, did you?
Xander doesn't even hear him.
This is so like them lately. It's all about them and the college life. Well, you know what college is? It's high school only without the actual going to class. Well, high school was kinda like that, too. But the point is, I'm out there working hard to make a living. It's nothing but a huge joke to them. Xander got fired from Starbucks. Xander got fired from that phone-sex line.
They look down on you.
And they hate you.
But they don't look down on me.
Hey, it was just a laugh. There's no need to go insane over it.
Xander glares menacingly at him.
Is anybody talking to you?
Sir, no sir.
Buffy patrols, approaching the entrance to a cave. She carries an Initiative plasma gun at the ready and spins around as FORREST GATES jumps out onto the path behind her. They level their weapons at each other.
Don't shoot.
Give me a reason not to?
You're killing humans now?
Not yet. (lowers gun) Beating you senseless should do just fine.
I can have a patrol here in under a minute. So here's the plan: you go you're way, I'll go mine.
Buffy turns and continues toward the cave. Forrest starts to follow but stops when she looks back at him.
I'm checking out that cave.
My orders exactly.
Alone?
We're spread a little thin, so yeah. Family's tearing apart.
Family. What kind of family are you? Corleones?
She turns and enters the cave.
Buffy steps inside followed closely by Forrest.
We weren't until you showed up.
What? No girls in the club?
You think you're the first girlfriend Riley's ever had? Such a big head on that skinny little body. No. You're just the first one to get him to commit treason. Riley had a career and a future till he met you. And yeah, I got a problem with that.
A future? A future doing what? Illegal experiments? Torture? Murder? I guess killing someone isn't really a problem for you.
Less and less. And why don't you get the hell out of here before I--
He takes a threatening step toward her.
Touch me and you'll find out what Slayer strength is like.
I think it's about time you showed me then.
Yes.
They both turn toward the voice to find Adam standing in the shadows of the cavern, watching them.
I think that would be interesting.
Resume. Forrest and Buffy stare at Adam for a beat, taking in his nightmarish appearance.
Then Buffy charges forward raising her weapon. Adam knocks it from her grip with a casual swipe. She attacks with a series of body blows that don't even faze him. Forrest rushes to her aid but Adam knocks him to the ground.
Get out of here!
Buffy backhands Adam in the head to absolutely no effect. He picks her up by the neck and throws her forty feet across the cave. She slams into the rock wall and drops to the ground, dazed. Adam turns his attention to Forrest and the razor- sharp skewer shoots out of his arm.
Not moving.
He raises his plasma rifle and fires it at Adam, point blank. Adam's body goes rigid as the intense energy burst rockets through his body... and then dissipates. Adam turns to Forrest, energized and rejuvenated. Rather than kill him, the blast has made him stronger.
Thank you.
Buffy struggles to her knees.
Go! Get out!
But Forrest pays her no mind and charges Adam. The demonoid cyborg meets him with the skewer, shoving it through his chest and out his back.
No!
Forrest quickly goes limp and, with his free arm, Adam hurls Forrest's corpse into Buffy, knocking her to the ground. Adam bends down and picks up Forrest's blaster.
Oh, god.
Buffy rolls Forrest's body off of her and gets to her feet just as Adam fires the weapon. The plasma charge hits her full force and sends her slamming backward into a boulder. She drops to her knees and struggles for consciousness. With her last ounce of strength, she gets to her feet and bolts for the cave entrance. Adam tracks her with the gun and fires another blast. It barely misses her, blowing apart a huge chunk of the cave wall.
Buffy stumbles out of the cave; her legs don't seem to work right. She continues to pick up speed as she runs down the hill. She risks a quick glance over her shoulder, desperate to escape.
As she watches for Adam behind her, she stumbles over the edge of a steep slope and loses her footing, tumbling down the incline. She stops at the bottom when her head impacts with a large rock jutting out of the ground.
Spike approaches Giles' front door. He pauses for a moment, takes a couple of deep breaths, prepping himself, and rushes into the apartment.
I think I lost the buggers.
Willow stands up from behind Giles' desk.
Any luck with the disks?
He removes several computer disks from the pocket of his flak jacket and hands them to her.
Took what they had. Should be something useful on one of them.
Hope so.
Willow sits down at her laptop with Tara looking over her shoulder. She slides the first disk into the computer.
What are we looking for?
Anything about Adam.
Giles sits at the bar and pours himself a another drink. He doesn't sound completely sober.
Were there any problems getting in and out?
No. I mean, a couple of them made me on the way out but I took care of 'em.
Gave them a good running-away-from, then did you?
Spike shoots him a withering look.
Well, yeah. When do I get paid?
When Willow tells me you've brought us something useful.
Spike turns his attention to Willow. He notices the subtle but intimate way that Tara strokes a lock of Willow's hair. He raises a thoughtful eyebrow, taking note of this, then he steps up behind Giles.
I could've gone straight to the Slayer, you know? I cut you in, let you pretend you're actually in charge. Now you've got to wait for Red's permission to finish the deal?
Giles seethes into his drink.
As soon as we see what's on the disks.
The laptop starts making garbled electronic noises.
It looks like gibberish.
Gibberish?
They're encrypted.
Oh, wonderful.
Giles steps away from the bar and disappears down the hall. On the laptop, random characters crisscross the screen.
Can you fix them?
Crack a government encryption code on my laptop? Easy as really difficult pie. Why?
You're not exactly the whiz these days, either. God, I'm never going to get paid.
Willow shifts uncomfortably in her chair.
I am a whiz.
She is a whiz.
If ever a whiz there was. I just need some time.
No. I just heard you weren't... your mates said you weren't playing with computers so much. (re: Tara) Into the new thing.
What new thing?
You know, you two. The whole Wicca thing.
They were talking about that?
Can we get back to business here? I've got a deal at stake.
Willow ignores him.
What did they say?
Talking about, you know, it's a phase. You'll get over it.
What? Who said that? Was it Buffy? (to Tara) 'Cause you know what she means by that.
No, she was defending you. Because Xander said you were just being trendy.
Trendy?
I don't know what they were going on about. A person wants be a witch, that's their business.
Willow shakes her head, hurt.
I knew Buffy was freaked.
You should talk to her because I'm sure she--
Pressing business, ladies. (re: computer screen) Don't want to get sidetracked. Still got your monsters to fight.
A particularly ugly demon steps too close to the glass wall of its cell and is zapped by a charge of electricity. It screams in pain. The place is filled with demons, every cell occupied, some with more than one. The noise of their constant growling and snarling fills the facility. Colonel McNamara enters with one of his LIEUTENANTs.
Cell capacity maxed out three days ago, sir. We keep up this pace, there'll be nowhere left to contain the hostiles.
McNAMARA
They're animals, lieutenant. We pack them in until we're out of room and then we pack them in some more.
They're going to start tearing each other apart, sir.
McNAMARA
I have no problem with that scenario.
They pass a cell with two demons clawing at each other's throats.
The command center is alive and bustling with activity. McNamara and the lieutenant enter and their attention is immediately drawn to an officer receiving an urgent distress call from a squad in the field.
Back-up team! Request immediate back-up, over! They're tearing us apart over here! Two men down! From out of nowhere! Mayday! Repeat! Mayday!
Riley sits on his sleeping bag amid the ruins of Sunnydale High, eating soup from a can. He puts it down as the distress call comes over the improvised radio nearby.
Team Epsilon requesting immediate back-up! We're in the alley behind the school building! Where the hell is-- fall back! Fall back! It's coming--
The transmission abruptly cuts off. Riley gathers up his combat gear and heads out.
Riley runs down an empty street and ducks into a side alley just as an Initiative soldier shoots across the alley and slams into the wall. He falls to the pavement in front of Riley, unconscious.
At the sound of fighting further down the alley, he raises his flashlight, illuminating a dark figure in a long black coat. The vampire ANGEL whirls around to confront Riley.
Resume. Angel stands in the midst of three more unconscious commandos. Riley lowers the flashlight.
Riley Finn.
I know you?
We have a friend in common.
Angel.
Angel takes a step forward, glancing down at the commandos on the ground.
Welcoming committee your idea?
Way I heard it, you were all peaceable now. You didn't by any chance go and lose that pesky soul again, did you?
Don't push me, boy.
Riley's hatred quietly smolders.
Now what possibly could've happened with Buffy that would make you lose your soul?
Angel approaches Riley.
That'd be between me and her.
Riley steps forward to meet Angel, his ASP baton extending in one smooth motion.
Where do you think you're going?
Going to see an old girlfriend.
Oh, you really think I'm going to let that happen?
You think you're going to stop me?
I surely do.
Angel throws a right cross at Riley but he deflects the blow and whips the baton into Angel's face. The fight is on, both of them trading a series of vicious blows and kicks. Angel flips Riley through the air and he sails across the alley into a pile of trash. He scrambles up onto the loading dock and retrieves his baton. Angel leaps forty feet through the air and lands on the dock before Riley can get to his feet.
The battle rages on; both combatants seem evenly matched. But in the end, Riley is no match for a 240-year-old master vampire.
Angel seizes Riley by his flak jacket and slams him hard against the wall, then wraps his hands around Riley's throat. As Riley is forced down under Angel's irresistible strength, he pulls a taser from his jacket and shoves it into Angel's chest. The shock blows him back off of Riley and sends him reeling to the pavement. Riley leaps to his feet and goes after him.
With a snarl of rage, Angel's head snaps up, his eyes yellow and feral, his fangs glistening. Standing over him, Riley tries to hit him with the taser again but Angel catches his wrist, wrenching it from his grasp, and drives a fist into his abdomen. He lifts Riley high over his head and hurls him across the alley, sending him crashing into a stack of storage drums. Riley tumbles to the ground, dazed. Before he can recover, Angel picks him up and tosses him across the alley again. He lands on a pile of metal conduits with a sickening thud.
At the sound of an approaching vehicle, Angel scales the side of the warehouse and disappears into the night. Riley staggers to his feet as a humvee rounds the corner. He barely manages to duck down a narrow passage and out of sight before headlights sweep the alley.
Buffy enters looking like hell and removes her jacket as she steps up to the mirror on the wall. Ugly bruises have formed around the gash on her forehead and she winces as she touches it gingerly.
A knock on her door and she opens it to find Angel. She reacts with shocked surprise.
Angel.
Hi. Can I come in?
I guess.
He hesitates, her invitation not quite clear enough.
I need a little more than that.
Oh... come in.
He walks inside and she closes the door. He turns to face her and she notices the blood on his temple and his split lip.
You're hurt.
You, too.
I'll live. (beat) You want to tell me who ran your face into that doorknob?
Not really. It's not world-in-peril stuff.
Let me guess. You thought of something else really hurtful to say and, well, you couldn't tell me on the phone because the funniest part is that look on my face--
Buffy, please. I really don't have a lot of time.
She notes the urgency in his voice.
What's going on?
The door bursts open and Riley enters, steadying himself against Willow's desk. He aims his Beretta at Angel, cocking the hammer.
I told you you weren't coming near her.
Buffy takes in his battered appearance and puts it together with Angel's injuries. She goes nuclear.
You've got to be kidding me! This is why you came?
No. This was an accident.
Running a car into a tree is an accident! Running your fist into somebody's face is a plan! Please, explain this to me!
Angel doesn't answer, merely looks murderously at Riley.
Put that gun down.
It's pretty much all I got left so I'm thinking not. (to Buffy) He attacked four of my men, Buffy. I think he's up to his old tricks.
He won't hurt anybody. (to Angel) Tell him.
Angel moves toward Riley.
Might hurt you.
Please try.
Some threat. You can barely stand.
Riley shoves the gun in Angel's face.
Trigger finger feels okay.
You actually sleep with this guy?
While his head's turned, Riley punches him in the face. Angel returns the favor, nearly bringing Riley to his knees.
Buffy has had quite enough. Her voice is full of venomous fury.
Okay, stop it!
She steps between them and shoves them apart. Riley slams back against Willow's desk and Angel flips onto her bed.
Okay, that's enough! I see one more display of testosterone poisoning and I will personally put you both in the hospital!
She glances back and forth between them. Riley looks like he still wants to shoot Angel.
Anybody think I'm exaggerating?
He started--
Buffy points a warning finger at him and he shuts up. She shoots him a withering look and walks over to Riley.
Riley.
I'm sorry. (holsters gun) Just wanted to know that you were safe.
I need to talk to Angel for a minute.
What?
Riley, please.
He looks over at Angel who sits on the bed, eyeing him.
I'm not leaving this room. I mean it.
Buffy looks over her shoulder and indicates Angel should accompany her into the hall. Angel follows her out, a smirk on his face as he passes Riley. The door closes, leaving Riley all alone.
Not moving a muscle.
Buffy rounds on Angel.
Okay. I come to see you, to help you, and you treat me like I'm just... your ex.
Well, technically--
Shut up! And then you order me out of your city and then you come here and start pounding on my boyfriend? I would really like to know what the hell you are trying to do!
I was trying to make things better.
She stares at him in shocked silence for a moment. When she sees that he's actually sincere, she can't help but laugh. The humor isn't lost on Angel and he joins in with a chuckle.
Well... it's going pretty good, don't you think?
Swell.
You know... (serious) I couldn't leave it like that... the way I spoke to you. I came to apologize. I had no right.
And Riley?
I got jumped by some soldiers. He came in in the middle and wasn't real forthcoming with the benefit of the doubt.
Put yourself in his place.
I get it.
Look... you weren't entirely wrong, what you said in L.A. We don't live in each other's worlds anymore. I had no right to barge in on yours and make judgments.
I'm still sorry.
Thank you.
And next time... I'll apologize by phone. (Buffy smiles) Things are pretty tense around here.
Buffy sighs, exhausted.
They really are.
Can I do anything?
Honestly... I think the best thing you can do right now is--
Okay.
It means a lot that you came.
Angel looks at her for a moment, taking her in, then starts off down the hall. He stops and turns back to her.
Oh... and Riley?
Yeah?
I don't like him.
Buffy smiles.
Thank you.
Angel turns back down the hall and walks out of Buffy's life... again. Buffy lingers for a moment, then returns to her room.
She opens the door and Riley turns to face her, still very much upset.
Adam sits before his computer bank. As before, he is interfaced with the computer through a cable connected to a port in the side of his head. A door opens and he looks over as Spike enters the chamber. The vampire is back in his usual attire and swigs a can of beer.
Now that... was fun!
You were successful?
Easier than I'd thought it'd be, too.
You're sure?
Feel it in my bones. It's called the Yoko Factor.
Spike lights a cigarette as Adam stares at him blankly.
Don't tell me you've never heard of the Beatles?
Adam disconnects the cable and closes his face plate.
I have. I like Helter Skelter.
What a surprise. The point is, they were once a real powerful group. It's not a stretch to say they ruled the world. And when they broke up everyone blamed Yoko but the fact is, the group split itself apart. She just happened to be there. And you know how it is with kids. They go off to college, they grow apart. Way of the world.
So you separated the Slayer from her friends. I'm pleased.
Adam turns his gaze downward, lost in thought.
Well... since we've got all our ducks in a row and not talking to each other, guess it's time for the grand plan, huh? You know, the one where I get the chipectomy. You got everything you need, right?
No. There's one more thing.
Buffy approaches Riley and smiles at him.
How bad are you hurt?
Don't know yet. Night's still young.
Riley, I have to tell you something.
Figured.
Maybe you want to sit down.
I'm fine.
Riley, I--
Wait. Me first.
Buffy blinks in surprise.
Buffy... I feel like we've gotten really close. At least I thought we had. I don't know much about Angel or your relationship with him...but all I ask is, if you're going to break my heart, do it fast.
Buffy looks up at him, frowning.
What? You think that Angel and I...
Didn't you?
No. Of course not. How can you even ask me that?
I don't know. Xander said--
Xander? Oh, he's the deadest man in Deadonia.
No. It's not his fault. I prodded and he explained how Angel went bad. The... trigger.
Oh.
And after that, I went a little nuts! You know? I mean, on the one hand, I should believe in us. But on the other... sometimes things happen between exes and when I saw that he was bad...
He's not bad.
Seriously? That's a good day? Well, there you go. Even when he's good he's all Mr. Billowy Coat King of Pain and girls really--
Riley, stop.
She takes his hand and they sit down on her bed.
See? Nuts.
Have I ever given you any reason to feel that you can't trust me?
No.
Then why with the crazy?
He looks into her eyes.
Because I'm so in love with you I can't think straight.
Her eyes start to glisten with tears.
Tell me about it.
He hugs her and she closes her eyes as she holds him tight. After a moment, she pulls away.
Riley. I still have to tell you something. And there's no easy way--
Just say it.
Forrest is dead.
Riley takes this news like a body blow and leans his elbows on his knees, resting his face in his hands.
I'm so sorry. There was a fight. Adam killed him. I barely got away. I know that there's nothing I can say that's going to make this better. But we will find this thing and destroy it.
I have to go.
Are you sure?
I have to go now.
He takes his flak jacket off Willow's chair and leaves.
Willow is still working at her laptop but is having no luck with the encryption code.
It's still encrypted.
Buffy and Tara stand over her shoulder.
Well, Willow's working really hard on it.
Okay, well, how long before you... un-crypt it?
Hours. Days maybe. Anyone suggesting months would not be accused of crazy talk.
Giles stands in the kitchen pouring himself a drink, more inebriated than ever.
What ever happened to Latin? At least when that made no sense, the church approved.
I can't just wait around, Will. The disk is no good to me unless you crack it soon.
Willow gives Buffy a withering look behind her back. Xander and Anya sulk in the living room; neither one thrilled to be there.
Hey! We worked really hard getting that. Xander delivered clothing.
Church approved.
Sorry, you guys, but we're on a clock here. Okay, Adam was at that cave so maybe he was there for a reason? I can go back, scope it out, track him if I have to.
Right. And then maybe you'll get lucky and he'll still be there and he can rip your arms off for you? (stern) Buffy, you can't go back alone.
You never train with me anymore. He's going to kick your ass.
Giles?
He steps out of the kitchen, drink in hand, and leans against the wall.
Sorry. Was that a bit honest? Terribly sorry.
So she doesn't go alone. Giles, weapons all around.
You're not going, Xander. (off his look) You'd get hurt.
Oh. Okay. You and Willow go do the superpower thing. I'll stay behind and putt around the Batcave with crusty old Alfred here.
Her jerks his thumb at Giles.
Ah, no. I am no Alfred, sir. No, you forget: Alfred had a job.
Willow is not going either. I'm doing it alone.
Willow steps closer, facing off with Buffy. Tara slips past Giles and disappears down the hall.
Oh, great. And then when you have your new no arms we can all say, "Gee, it's a good thing we weren't there getting in the way of that!"
Anya gets up from the couch and follows Tara.
Right! Maybe we can help in other ways? (to Buffy) Want some fighting pants, Buff? I can get ya some new fighting pants!
You guys, this isn't helping.
Oh, wow! We're already getting in the way. We're pretty good at this, Xander, huh?
Right. I'm so good at it you might have to ship me off to the Army to get me out of the way!
The Army?
You didn't think I knew about that, did you? You two talking about me behind my back.
Willow frowns at him, confused.
Us talking about you? How about you telling Riley every last detail of my life with Angel?
And besides, when is there any "us two"? You two are the two who are the two. I'm the other one.
Uh-huh. But maybe that all changes when I'm doing sit-ups over at Fort Dix?
Giles almost chokes on his drink.
Fort Dix?
He bursts out in a wheezing laugh.
Are you drunk?
Yes. Quite a bit, actually.
Well, stop it! (to Xander and Willow) This is stupid.
Stupid? So you finally have the guts to say it to my face?
I didn't say you were stupid! So... stop being an idiot and let me fix this!
Xander rolls his eyes at her and turns away.
Okay, I need you. I need both of you. All the time! Just... not now. Adam is very dangerous.
Wait. How do you need me, really?
You're... good with the computer stuff. Usually. And there's the witch stuff.
Witch stuff? What exactly do you mean by "witch stuff"?
You guys, what is happening? This is crazy!
Oh, no it's not. It's all finally making perfect sense and I'm not going to miss a moment of it.
He sets his drink down and tries to sit but topples to the floor instead.
Anya sitting on the closed lid of the toilet while Tara leans against the side of the tub. They can hear the muffled argument from the living room.
You think this will go on for a while?
Hard to say.
Long beat, silence.
Nice bathroom.
I like the tile.
Giles stumbles toward the stairs, taking off his glasses.
And if I did join the Army, I'd be great! You know why? 'Cause they might give me a job that couldn't be done by any well- trained border collie.
That's it. I'm going to bed.
He struggles to pull his sweater over his head as he stomps up the stairs. Willow stands beside Xander.
No, you'd do wonderful in the Army. Hey, do you think the umbilical cord between you and Anya can stretch that far?
I knew it! I knew you hated her!
Giles' sweater drops down from the loft above and falls on Xander, covering his face. He yanks it off his head.
Look, I'm not the one being judgmental here. I'll leave that territory to you and Buffy.
Judgmental? If I was anymore open-minded about the choices you two make, my whole brain would fall out!
Oh! And superior. Don't forget that. (to Buffy) Just because you're better than us doesn't mean that you can be all superior!
You guys, stop this! What happened to you today?
It's not today! Buffy, things have been wrong for a while. Don't you see that?
What do you mean wrong?
Well, they certainly haven't been right since Tara. We have to face it. You can't handle Tara being my girlfriend.
No! It was bad before that. Since you two went off to college and forgot about me! Just left me in the basement to-- (to Willow; shocked) Tara's your girlfriend?
Bloody hell!
Enough! All I know is you want to help, right? Be part of the team?
Willow and Xander shake their heads, grumbling.
I don't know anymore.
Really not wanted...
No! No, you said you wanted to go. So let's go! All of us. We'll walk into that cave with you two attacking me and the funny drunk drooling on my shoe! Hey! Hey, maybe that's the secret way of killing Adam!
Buffy...
Buffy is hurt and angry.
Is that it? Is that how you can help? (beat) You're not answering me! How can you possibly help?
They say nothing and avert their eyes. She regards them silently for a moment.
So. I guess I'm starting to understand why there's no ancient prophecy about a Chosen One... and her friends.
She rushes to the door grabbing her jacket as she goes.
If I need help, I'll go to someone I can count on.
She slams the door, leaving them behind.
Adam turns as the door opens.
I've been waiting for you.
Reveal Riley.
And now I'm here.