[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Primeval at buffyology.com.]
Establishing.
BUFFY makes her way through the rubble of the old library and into Riley's campsite.
Riley?
She turns around and calls down the empty corridor.
Riley!
RILEY stands before in ADAM in his lair.
Your thoughts are troubled...
Adam walks across the chamber to stand before Riley.
...in turmoil. I understand, brother. We have a lot to discuss.
Riley opens his mouth but for some reason he can't talk.
Speak.
What have you done to me?
Nothing. It was Mother. Your Professor Walsh. She implanted the behavior modifier.
A chip in my head. She really did it.
Actually, the chip is here. (indicates Riley's shoulder) Tied directly into your central nervous system through the thoracic nerve. This is phase one of your preparation. It lay dormant until the time came. I simply activated it, brother.
Stop calling me that. I'm not your brother. You're a botched science experiment and I'm a human being who's going to do everything in his power to--
Sit.
Riley sits without hesitation.
You have no power. Not yet. Once you forget your old life and embrace your destiny as I have, you will know power you've never dreamed of. I think you're going to like it.
Riley glares at Adam, unable to even speak out against him.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume. Adam paces before Riley.
Demons cling to old ways and ancient feuds and they're hopeless with technology. Unworthy.
Not really wanting a lecture right now.
Adam continues, ignoring him.
Disappointed by demon-kind, we turned to humans. Smart, adaptive. But emotional and weak. Blind. But there's imperfection everywhere. Something must be done. Who will deliver us?
Adam stops, looking down at Riley.
Mother. She saw our future, yours and mine. She saw that you were necessary. She saw the role that you will play by my side. Stand up.
Riley rises to his feet and Adam puts his hands on Riley's shoulders.
You see, we are brothers after all.
Warms the cockles of my non-beating heart, seeing you lads together.
Adam turns to find SPIKE leaning against the wall of the cave, smiling.
I didn't send for you, Spike.
Yeah, well. I'm not much the "being sent for" type. I'm much more the "I did my part now get this chip out of my head" kinda guy.
Spike regards Riley.
Slightly stiffer than usual.
He raises a hand in front of Riley's face and snaps his fingers; no reaction.
Subtle but I like it. What's with him?
Spike starts poking Riley in the chest causing him to sway back and forth.
I activated his chip.
Oh. So it's chips all around, is it? Someone must have bought the party pack.
You'll get yours removed when the Slayer is where I want her.
She's separated from her friends. They want nothing to do with her. She's all alone.
Spike sits down and relaxes on a beat-up sofa.
That's how I want her. Where I want her is down in the Initiative. She will ensure that as many demons die as humans. She will achieve maximum carnage before she's too weak to go on.
No! You can't--
Stop talking.
Riley stops immediately.
Right. The Initiative. But getting her there, that's what the bleedin' disks are for, isn't it? Well, the little witch gives her the info and pop, Alice heads back down the rabbit hole.
The witch?
Willow. About so high. Perky. Good with math. Natural choice.
Her friend?
Right.
One of the friends from whom you so efficiently separated her.
Damn right I did. You should've seen 'em. They won't be talking to each other for a long, long-- (realizes) Hang on. I think I might have detected a small flaw.
So you failed.
Hey, you're supposed to be so smart. You let me plan this thing.
Adam stares at him.
Okay, let's not quibble about who failed who. The important thing is making sure the Slayer is where we want--
Adam points to the door.
Go.
Gone.
He ducks out but stops and turns back to Adam.
So we'll do this chip thing when I get back?
Adam glares at him and Spike bolts.
GILES comes downstairs in his robe to answer the door. He's suffering miserably from a tremendous hangover. He opens the door to find WILLOW and TARA standing on the stoop. Willow looks a bit uncomfortable.
Hey.
Hello. (beat) Oh, pardon the robe. Bit of a late start.
Right.
I hope you're feeling all right, Mr. Giles.
Oh, yes. Quite well, thank you. Yes, I'll probably have a brisk jog later on. (to Willow) Did you want something?
I forgot my laptop and the disks.
Oh, please, please... come in.
Willow goes to the desk and gathers her things.
Will you be working here? You know, typing, talking... because that would be fine.
No. That's okay.
She slips the laptop into her bag and moves to the door.
Got 'em.
Willow stops at the doorway and faces him again.
So... see ya.
Right! Yes, well, good luck with that.
Willow seems near tears as she nods.
Okay. Bye.
Bye.
They leave and Giles closes his door and presses a wet towel against the back of his neck.
Buffy sits down on the floor and leans against her bed. She's exhausted. After a moment, she stands up and walks over to Willow's nightstand. She picks up a small framed photo and looks at it: Buffy, Willow and Xander, juniors in high school, lying on a grassy lawn, smiling and happy together.
She sadly puts the picture down and lifts the phone receiver to her ear about to dial. She decides against it and puts it back down. Pausing for a moment, she opens her bag to fill it with weapons. She bends down and removes a wicked- looking battle axe from beneath the bed.
XANDER lies awake in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Xander?
ANYA descends the stairs, looking for him.
You said you wanted to check the board at the unemployment office this morning.
Xander glances at her but says nothing. Anya lifts the covers, then lets them fall back.
You can't go like that. They won't even interview you if you're naked.
I'm not going. There's never anything good. (sighs) Maybe I should join the Army.
Don't they make you get up really early in the morning?
Oh, yeah. Never mind.
He pulls the covers over his head and Anya yanks them back down again.
Are you still upset about that fight you had with your friends? It was hours ago. Get over it.
Anya, you-- forget it.
So they all think you're a lost directionless loser with no plans for his future. Pfft!
Anya, you can't "pfft" that stuff away.
Why not?
I don't know. Because I think maybe they're right.
Anya looks at him tenderly, then lies down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
So what if they are? You're a good person and a good boyfriend and... and I'm in love with you. Whatever they think of you. It shouldn't matter.
Yeah. Yeah, it doesn't matter.
Buffy enters, her bag hanging from her shoulder and the battle axe at the ready. She spins around as some loose pebbles tumble down the wall. She continues until
she reaches a narrow passage which leads to Adam's base. The sofa and computers are still there but the chamber is deserted.
Adam. Where are you?
A steel door in a circular frame rolls to one side as Adam and Riley enter the subterranean lab.
This is where it will all happen.
The portal closes behind Riley and he follows Adam into a laboratory with operating tables lining both sides of the chamber.
Where the new race begins.
Where are we?
In the Initiative. There are areas no one knew about, beyond those that needed to. Mother kept her secrets well. (to Walsh) Didn't you?
Professor MAGGIE WALSH crosses slowly in front of them. She is a shadow of her former self. Her skin is mottled and sickly, her eyes covered in milky-white cataracts. Thick tubes run from her chest and circle behind her neck into a small device which seems to be circulating her blood. She stares blankly forward, expressionless. She's a zombie; a reanimated corpse.
Professor Walsh?
No response.
This is all how she planned it. Except she thought she would be alive.
Walsh hands a bedpan to another zombie in a white lab coat. Riley realizes it's DR. ANGLEMAN, also an undead zombie.
Are you-- is that want you're going to do to me?
They're just workers. You know your destiny is much greater.
The zombies step away from the table and the figure lying on it suddenly sits up. It is another cyborg-demon like Adam but with a familiar face.
Forrest. Oh, god.
FORREST GATES turns to Riley. Metal implants line his temples where his head has been cut apart and sewn back together, combined with demon parts. His lower teeth are jagged and feral; animal teeth.
God has nothing to do with it.
Buffy leaves, having found no trace of Adam. She senses something and spins, battle axe ready.
Spike emerges from the shadows, hands raised.
Easy, Sheriff. Watch where you point that thing.
What are you doing here?
Looking for a little weekend getaway place. Shove off.
Spike heads deeper into the cave.
Adam's been using these caves.
What?
I found his lair.
Oh, cripes. That's all I need. Running into that goon...
Yeah, well Adam's cleared out of here so whatever he's planning is about to go down.
Look at little Nancy Drew. What about those disks I nabbed? They ought to tell you something.
Willow has the disks.
Well, I'd get on that. Can't ignore valuable information just 'cause you two birds fell out, now can you?
Buffy stares at him, the realization dawning: how could he have known about her fight with Willow?
Right.
Well, you do what you want. No worry of mine now, is it?
Buffy turns with renewed purpose and hurries out.
Willow sits on the bed working on her laptop.
Maybe you should rest. Clear your head?
Tara sits down next to her.
Can't. Not now.
The encryption algorithm still crisscrosses the screen.
I think I'm onto something. I've been assuming that the cipher text was encrypted with an asymmetric algorithm. Then it hit me: a hexigonic key pattern.
The computer beeps and Tara points to the screen.
Hey, look! You did it!
I didn't. I haven't even finished typing in the new code.
Legible text scrolls across the screen.
Something's doing it.
Must be programmed to self-decrypt at a certain point. That is so annoying. It's like somebody blurting out the answer to a riddle just when you've-- (without enthusiasm) I mean, yippee! We have the information.
I don't know if "yippee" is the right response either. Read that.
The phone rings and Tara goes to answer it as Willow reads the screen.
Hello? Yeah, she's right-- I mean... let me check.
Tara puts the receiver against her shoulder and looks at Willow.
It's Buffy.
Riley sits in a large, steel lab apparatus. He's not restrained but his arms and feet are planted on the rests as if he were.
Professor Walsh.
The Walsh zombie stands at the small worktable beside him, filling a long syringe with an amber liquid.
Professor Walsh, it's Riley Finn. Can you hear me?
No reaction at all.
She's dead.
Forrest crosses in front of Riley and stands next to Walsh.
Artificially reanimated with basic to moderate brain activity. Mommy can hear you but she's still a walking corpse.
So are you.
Got that wrong. I'm surging with life and strength. Adam made me to be nearly as bad as he is.
He jabs a clawed fist through the air. His right arm is muscular, yellow and scaly-- a demon arm grafted in place. It's also slightly longer than his left one.
Really looking forward to trying out your girl again.
I'm sorry, Forrest.
Don't be. This is the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm free of all my weaknesses, my doubts. He's going to fix you up, too. Soon as we got some choice parts. Then you and me will be back on the same side. Moving toward a new future.
I'll never let that happen.
You don't get it, brother. You don't have a choice. Your will belongs to us now.
No. That's not true.
Forrest leans his hands on the armrests of Riley's chair, looking him straight in the eye.
Then why don't you get out of that chair and walk out of here?
You can't control my--
Riley... be a good boy.
The zombie looks at him with colorless dead eyes and Forrest steps back as she approaches. She lays a lifeless hand on Riley's wrist and plunges the syringe into his arm.
Buffy walks across the open campus, oblivious to the students milling around her. She stops as the rest of the gang arrives, each from a different direction: Xander, Giles and Willow. No one says anything for a long awkward beat. Finally, Buffy looks at Xander.
Where's Anya?
Oddly, Anya decided not to join us despite all the fun we had at our last meeting.
And I don't think Tara felt welcome.
Why? Because of the things we said? (Willow nods) Will, who told you that we were talking behind your back, specifically?
Well, I-- Spike, specifically. But--
And who told you that we thought you'd be better off joining the Army?
That's not... exactly what he said.
Buffy looks to Giles.
Spike can be very convincing when... (sighs) I'm very stupid.
He played us. He wanted us to fight to split us up. (beat) That's where it came from. The stuff we said the other night.
Of course. Well, piffle. Let's move on.
I'm moving.
Me, too.
Good. Great.
It's obvious that none of them intend to move on at all.
So... why do you think Spike made with the head games?
He's all dressed up with no one to bite. He's gotta get his ya-yas somehow.
I think it was more than that. I think it was Adam.
Spike's working for Adam? After all we've done-- nah, I can't even act surprised.
I just went to Adam's lair and he was gone but Spike just happened to be there and he made this big noise about getting the information off those encrypted disks.
Oh, I decrypted them.
Buffy blinks in surprise.
Well, they decrypted themselves but I almost had it.
What did they say?
Bunch of stuff we already knew about 314. But it also said there's some final phase where Adam manufactures a bunch of creepy cyber-demonoids like him. There's a special lab in the Initiative but it didn't say where.
Adam fed Spike those disks. It has to be. He wanted me to know about his evil-guy assembly line. (to Willow) This lab-- it's in the Initiative?
Hidden somewhere.
Well, give the demon his due. He thought this one out.
What do you mean?
You know how overcrowded the containment cells have been at the Initiative? Those demons were just too easy to catch. It's like they wanted in that place.
The Trojan Horse.
Adam's going to make sure the demons attack the Initiative from the inside.
Demons versus soldiers. Massacre, massacre.
And Adam has a neat pile of body parts to start assembling his army. Diabolical yet... gross.
Does anybody else miss the Mayor-I-just-want-to-be-a-big- snake?
I've got to shut him down, Giles. His final phase is about to start.
We need to warn the Initiative.
They're not going to listen to me.
Riley?
He's a deserter. He got some bad news anyway and kinda took off.
Xander raises his hand.
Okay, I'm confused again. Adam has this evil plan. Why is he so anxious for you to know about it?
He wants me there. Probably figures I'll even the kill ratio.
He's not worried you might kill... oh, say... him?
No. He's really not.
Adam gazes up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
She's coming. I can feel it.
He turns around to face Spike who stands next to Riley.
Good on you. Got a chunk of prognosticating demon in there, eh? Now if you'll just get this chip out of my cranium, I'll be out of your way. And mind the hairline. I don't fancy fussing with a comb-over once I've resumed my killing ways.
Riley watches them silently, unable to talk. Adam doesn't move.
Come on, we had a deal.
When she's here.
Spike sighs impatiently, annoyed with Adam's constant delays.
Giles looks down at the supplies they've gathered on the coffee table.
There's certainly no lack of supplies. I only wish I knew which ones would kill Adam.
Willow goes through an old book while Xander watches over her shoulder and Buffy sits on the floor, sharpening a stake the size of a baseball bat.
According to Riley, his power source is a uranium core embedded somewhere inside his chest, probably near the spine.
Great. So we just ask him to lie down quietly while we do some exploratory surgery.
What about magick? Some kind of... I don't know... uranium- extracting spell? (off their look) I know. I'm reaching.
Perhaps a paralyzing spell?
Giles grabs a book from the top of his bookshelf.
Only I can't perform the incantation to this.
Right, don't you have to speak it in Sumerian or something?
I do speak Sumerian. But it's not that. Only an experienced witch can incant it and you have to be within striking distance of the subject.
See what you get for taking French instead of Sumerian?
What was I thinking?
So no problem! All we need is combo Buffy. Her with Slayer strength, Giles' multi-lingual know-how and Willow's witchy power.
Everyone stares at him.
Yeah, don't tell me. I'm just full of helpful suggestions.
As a matter of fact, you are.
Now everyone stares at Giles.
Establishing.
Establishing.
Buffy steps through the front door, leading Xander, Giles and Willow inside. Xander and Giles carry loaded shoulder bags.
Nervous?
No way. I'm full of that good old kamikaze spirit.
They follow Buffy through the large living room and into the hallway where the mirror/elevator is located.
Xander, just because this is never going to work, there's no need to be negative.
The Enjoining spell isn't powerful enough to defeat Adam?
It's very powerful. It's also extraordinarily dangerous.
Buffy stands before the mirror.
Game faces, guys. We're going in.
She lashes out with a powerful kick and the mirror shatters to reveal an empty elevator shaft.
Buffy and Willow hang in rappel harnesses and slowly descend, walking the wall of the shaft.
How you doing?
Super. What was I thinking, using stairs all this time?
Okay.
Buffy is silent for a moment, then looks at Willow again.
Will--
No, really, Buffy. It's not as scary as I thought.
No. That's not what I was going to say.
Willow looks over at her and Buffy hesitates, glancing down the shaft.
I just... I'm sorry. I hate that things have been so strained between all of us.
It's not your fault. Spike stirred up trouble.
Yeah, but I think trouble was stir-uppable. I think we all sort of drifted apart this year, don't you?
Maybe a little. But you know, first year of college... it's hard to keep the old high school gang together.
But I want it together. Will, I miss you. And Giles and Xander. And it's my fault. I've been so wrapped up in my own stuff, I've been a bad friend.
You're the Slayer, Buffy. Your stuff is pretty crucial.
I mean Riley and... Riley, mostly.
Well, I haven't been Miss Available, either. I kept secrets. I hid things from everyone.
That's not your fault. Will, you were going through something huge.
Willow's emotion pours forth.
I wanted to tell you but I was so scared!
Tears brim in Buffy's eyes.
You can tell me anything. I love you. You're my best friend.
Buffy reaches out with her free hand and clasps Willow's hand in hers.
Me, too. I love you, too.
They hug each other then start to descend much faster.
Falling now!
But they're close to the bottom and land safely on their feet on top of the elevator. They hug again, holding each other tightly.
Let's promise to never not-talk again.
I promise, I promise.
Xander slides down and lands right between them. They quickly include him in the hug, sandwiching him between them.
Xander!
Oh, wonderful Xander!
You know we love you, right?
We totally do!
Xander glances at both of them, stunned.
Oh, god, we're going to die, aren't we?
No. We just missed you.
As they continue to hug him, a big smile spreads across his face. He looks up the shaft at Giles.
Giles, hurry up! You definitely want to get down here for this!
Moments later, they all stand on the elevator. Xander slides a prybar between the doors to the floor above the elevator.
Okay. We stick together and everything should be fine. Everybody ready?
Xander and Giles pull the doors apart.
Let's--
The doors open to reveal a half-dozen Initiative commandos, weapons raised and cocked.
--do this.
CU: a black-and-white security monitor. Buffy is escorted by three commandos.
It's Must See TV.
Spike takes a pull on his cigarette.
Bait's been taken. Trap's all set. The Slayer has landed. So... one chip-ectomy please.
Adam ignores him and continues to watch the monitor.
Hello! Paging Dr. Owe Me One.
She's not alone.
Spike looks at the monitor again. Willow, Xander and Giles pass by the camera.
You failed me again.
Well, that's one way of looking at it.
What's the other way?
Spike looks over his shoulder, then takes off, running. Adam makes no move to stop him. As Spike reaches the doorway, Forrest steps in, catching him by the throat with his claw.
C'mon! It's not like I wasn't trying! That's worth something, isn't it?
I suppose, yes. I will honor our agreement and remove your chip. (to Forrest) Take his head off.
Forrest growls and slams Spike against a control panel wrapping both hands around the vampire's neck. Spike struggles but Forrest is too strong. He manages to raise his cigarette and grind it into Forrest's left eye. Forrest grunts in pain and Spike shoves him off and escapes into the lab. Forrest moves to give chase.
Let him go. There's nowhere left to run.
CU: Forrest. He's extremely angry; his left eye has turned into a white dead orb.
Soldiers hold Buffy and the others at gunpoint while COLONEL McNAMARA searches Giles' bag.
Colonel--
McNAMARA
Shut up. You got some nerve, lady.
You have to listen to me.
McNAMARA
You think you and your friends can just keep waltzing into a government installation, brandishing weapons like...
He takes out a large pear-shaped object with strange markings carved into it. He looks it over curiously.
McNAMARA
Like...
It's a gourd.
It's a magick gourd.
McNAMARA
What kind of freaks are you people?
Adam is here, colonel. In the Initiative.
McNamara steps closer to her.
McNAMARA
Nice try.
Those overcrowded containment cells of yours? Courtesy of Adam. He's pulling a Trojan Horse on you. He's just waiting--
McNAMARA
Every inch of this installation is under constant twenty-four hour surveillance!
Including the secret lab?
McNAMARA
Including everything!
He gives her a stern look for a moment, then turns to Buffy.
McNAMARA
What secret lab?
The one Adam's been using. The one built for the final stage of the 314 project. (off his look) And you have no idea what I'm talking about.
McNAMARA
I know everything that goes on around here. A tick on a mouse couldn't get in without my knowing it. And if Adam wants to try, we're ready for him.
Jolly good. How exactly do you plan to get close enough to Adam to remove his power source?
Buffy raises her eyebrows, questioning the colonel.
McNAMARA
Hit him simultaneously with multiple taser blasters. Incapacitate him with as much voltage as we can muster.
Great plan. That's right up there with "duck and cover."
I've seen Adam hit with taser blasts. He feeds on it. And now you're going to provide him with an all-you-can-eat buffet?
McNAMARA
You telling me my business?
This is not your business. It's mine. You, the Initiative, the boys in the Pentagon, you're all in way over your heads, messing with primeval forces you have absolutely no comprehension of.
McNAMARA
And you do?
I'm the Slayer. You're playing on my turf.
McNAMARA
Up there, maybe. But down here, I'm the one who's in control.
All the lights snap off and the emergency lights kick in half a second later. A SOLDIER sitting in front of a control panel speaks up.
Sir. The power grid's down. Back-up's not responding.
He tries typing commands into his keyboard but nothing happens.
We're locked in.
Adam sits in front of a large control panel, looking at a monitor showing the demon containment cells. As he flips switches, the lights go out in the containment area. His clawed finger hovers over a final switch as he watches a
female SCIENTIST and a second SOLDIER entering the containment corridor. He smiles with anticipation.
This will be interesting.
He flips the switch.
The cell doors start to slide open. One demon, crawling across the ceiling, sees its cell opening and drops down like a cat. Vampires and demons of all types start pouring out, snarling with hunger and rage.
What's going on?
I don't know.
The demons charge them.
Go!
They try and make a break for it but it's too late. The demons overcome them and drag them both to the ground. First blood is shed.
McNamara listens to reports of the carnage while Buffy and the others look on.
Containment area's been breached. Hostiles are loose.
McNAMARA
How many?
The commando looks up at him, worried.
All of them, sir.
It's Adam.
McNamara straightens and faces her.
Look, I'm the only one that can stop him now. Just let me handle this. Get your people out of here.
He ignores her. Instead, he turns to his men.
McNAMARA
All right, you men follow me. We've got to take the armory now.
Colonel--
McNamara doesn't even glance her way as leaves the room. On his way out, he addresses one of his men and points to Buffy and her friends.
McNAMARA
These people are under arrest, do you understand?
Yes, sir!
The rest of the commandos follow the colonel out. When they're gone, the guard starts to rise from his chair. With one swift kick, Buffy makes quick work of him. As a second soldier charges her, Buffy grabs the barrel of his rifle and uses it to swing him full force into the wall. She uses the man's own gun to drive him to the floor, unconscious.
We've got to find Adam.
On it.
While Giles re-packs their gear, Willow takes a seat at the main computer terminal.
Buffy, the Enjoining spell is extremely touchy. It's volatile. We can't risk it being interrupted. We need a place that's close to you and quiet.
Xander looks down at the monitors and takes note of the tremendous battle being waged throughout the complex.
Quiet?
An unprecedented battle between humankind and the demonic forces of the underworld.
There is carnage everywhere. Demons, vampires, scientists and soldiers all prey on each other. The soldiers' weaponry takes a heavy toll on the demons, their bodies litter the complex. However the humans begin to falter under the sheer number of vampires and demons. One by one, they fall prey to the vicious creatures and scream in agony as they are ripped to pieces.
Spike stands in the middle of the battle, enjoying the chaos. Finally, he can no longer resist joining in. His behavior chip won't allow him to harm the humans but he nevertheless wades into the fray and carves a swath of destruction, killing every vampire and demon he comes into contact with.
The soldiers take note of Spike but take no action against him once they realize he's fighting so effectively against their enemy.
A tremendous explosion rocks the compound as a scientist tries to climb out of the Pit. He struggles to the top rail but several scaly tentacles wrap around him, dragging him back down screaming to his death.
Willow works feverishly at the computer while Xander covers the doors with a plasma rifle.
How we doing, Will?
Done.
Her fingers dance across the keyboard.
Hold on. According to this, there are airducts and electrical conduits all running into there.
She points to an area on the screen.
So?
So there's no "there" there. Look.
Buffy looks more closely at the blank area Willow indicates.
It's Adam.
Are you sure?
Right behind 314. (to Willow) Can you unlock it?
I don't have to. All the locks in the Initiative have been disengaged. Except for the exits.
Demon open house.
Great. So we know we're going to 314. Now all we have to do is get there.
The battle rages on. So many demons and soldiers are fighting, there's no way to tell if either side is winning. GRAHAM MILLER runs into frame. He raises his M-16 and starts picking off demons on the other side of the Pit with quick well- aimed bursts.
Buffy, Xander, Willow and Giles burst from a door on the far side of the compound.. Buffy leads the way, running interference, and drops a vampire in their path without breaking stride. Xander backs her up with the rifle as she
continues to clear a path. A demon lunges at her and she breaks its knee with a devastating kick. As it drops, she follows through with a swinging roundhouse kick to its face. They don't stop. Explosions rage all around them. Another vampire blocks their way and Buffy sends it to the ground. Buffy sees a vampire attack one of the Initiative soldiers and lashes out, kicking it off the hapless young man and slamming it backward into a parked humvee. She looks up to see a hulking, fur-covered demon charging her from the shadows. At the last second, Buffy ducks and Xander fires the blaster. The plasma charge hits the creature and sends it writhing to the floor. Buffy picks herself up and continues across the complex as the others follow.
Buffy weaves a path for the others as they enter a fenced-off area. The battle is just as intense here. A horned demon punches a soldier, sending him flying across the room to land in a crumpled heap. The demon turns around just in time to take Buffy's backhand across the face. As the creature falls, Buffy suddenly finds herself in Graham's line of fire. She turns, ready to duck for cover and finds Willow behind her.
Willow, down!
She tackles Willow to the floor just as Graham unleashes a volley of rounds in their direction. The firing stops as a demon seizes him from behind. He struggles desperately as it takes him down.
Come on!
Buffy quickly jumps to her feet and Giles pulls Willow up. Xander covers their rear as they reach the steel security door leading into the 314 project area. Buffy rushes through the unlocked door, followed closely by Willow and Giles. As Xander reaches the entrance, a vampire rushes him. He stops and takes aim, then drops the vampire with a blast from his rifle.
Buffy opens the door and the others follow her in.
Okay, it should be over here.
Buffy and Willow hurry to the far corner and push a shelf loaded with chemicals aside. Buffy feels along the wall until she finds the door seam. With a click and a
hiss, the doors swing open. A diffuse white light washes over her from within. She turns to face the others.
Once I'm in, barricade the door behind me.
Willow nods. Buffy looks to Giles.
Is this place okay to be magick central?
Giles stands by the door, looking out through the small window, watching the corridor. He gives the room a quick once-over.
It should do.
As long as we don't get blowed up or nothin'.
What're the odds of that?
As if punctuating his words, another explosion shakes the facility.
How long before the ritual kicks in?
Giles starts the spell preparation.
Five minutes, give or take.
I'll move fast then.
She turns to go but Xander stops her.
Buffy, I still don't like you going in alone.
Buffy looks at her best friends and smiles warmly.
I won't be.
She turns and disappears down the corridor. Willow closes the doors after her and rolls the shelf back in place. Meanwhile, Giles and Xander start barricading the outer door.
Buffy emerges onto a catwalk overlooking the secret lab. She sees Riley below her. He appears to be alone.
Riley!
She climbs down a short metal ladder and hurries to his side.
Are you hurt?
He looks at her but doesn't say anything.
Say something.
It's obvious that he's trying and Buffy grows concerned. Riley's eyes move to something behind her. She turns and sees the Walsh and Angleman zombies standing motionless on the other side of the room.
What is this? Why won't you talk to me?
He can't.
Buffy spins around as Adam enters the lab. The portal closes behind him as approaches her.
He's not programmed to. He's part of the final phase now. As you were supposed to be.
Sorry. I don't jump through hoops on command. I've never really been one to tow the line.
Adam considers her for a moment.
Oh. (to Forrest) Kill her.
Forrest steps up behind her and wraps an arm around her neck. Buffy struggles against his hold but can't free herself.
I thought you'd never ask.
Adam exits the lab, leaving Buffy to Forrest. The Walsh zombie picks up a surgical saw and switches it on. The spinning blade whines as she slowly approaches Buffy.
Resume. Buffy struggles against Forrest as Walsh closes in with the surgical saw. Buffy kicks out with both feet and knocks her backward. Walsh stumbles against a table and falls to the floor as Buffy swings Forrest around, freeing herself. A glass beaker falls off the shelf and shatters close to the edge of the lab table near Riley's right arm. Riley looks down at the broken glass.
Willow, Xander and Giles sit in a circle on the floor. Giles lights four candles in the circle.
Overhead POV of the circle: as the camera spins slowly, Willow starts the incantation.
The power of the Slayer and all who wield it.
Last to Ancient First, we invoke thee.
Grant us thy domain of primal strength.
Accept us and the powers we possess.
Link us mind and heart with spirit joined.
Let the hand encompass us. Do thy will.
Buffy punches Forrest in the face, then tries to hit him with a backhand. He catches her arm, grabs the back of her neck and shoves her hard to the floor. Her face crashes into a rolling surgical tray on the way down and she lands on her back. Buffy kicks up to her feet again and attacks. She fights with all her power but Forrest is too much for her. He's beating her badly.
Riley watches, desperate to help but unable to.
Buffy!
Forrest looks over his shoulder at Riley.
Shut up! Watch me kill your girlfriend, Finn. That's an order.
Forrest goes after Buffy again.
Riley struggles against his programming to move his arm to the pieces of glass. His fingers slowly lift from the armrest and begin to move toward the counter. Riley glances up at the fight just as Forrest kicks Buffy across the floor again. Riley finally manages to wrap his fist around a jagged shard of glass. His hand suddenly shoots upward as he buries the glass shard in his chest. Pain etches his face as he makes a diagonal incision
Willow sets a stack of Tarot cards beside her and takes the first one off the top.
Spiritus... spirit.
She sets the card down on the floor in front of her, then picks the next card, handing it to Xander.
Animus... heart.
He sets the card down in front of him. Willow hands the next one to Giles.
Sophus... mind.
As he sets his card down, Willow picks the fourth card.
And Manus... the hand.
Riley drops the shard and reaches into the wound with his fingers. He closes his eyes, his face a mask of pain, as he feels for the chip under his skin.
Forrest smashes Buffy across the face with a backhand and she falls forward against one of the operating tables. He grabs her and flips her onto her back on top of the table, then brings a hammerfist down at her face. Buffy catches his arm and kicks him on the side of his head. This only enrages him further and he yanks her off the table. She hits the floor hard.
Forrest lifts Buffy off the floor and raises her high over his head. She reaches up for a thick electrical cable hanging from the ceiling and rips it in two, releasing a burst of sparks.
We enjoin that we may inhabit the vessel, The hand, daughter of Sineya, First of the Ones.
Forrest slams Buffy down on a lab table and she struggles as he presses a forearm across her throat. The Walsh and Angleman zombies move in. Walsh grabs one of Buffy's arms and Angleman takes hold of her kicking legs.
Riley finds the chip and rips it out of his chest. Through tears of pain, he looks at the small microchip in his gore-smeared fingers.
Forrest glares down at Buffy.
Is that it? Is that all you got?
No!
Forrest looks up and the zombies release Buffy, turning toward Riley.
She's got me!
Riley rushes forward and rips the tubes out of the zombies' chests shoving them aside as they fall to the floor, truly dead once again.
Look who's come off the bench.
Forrest lets Buffy go and starts to round the table toward Riley. Buffy lashes out with a hard kick to his face which sends him stumbling back against the wall. She hops off the table and rushes over to Riley.
I need to get to Adam like now. Are you able?
Go.
Buffy runs out after Adam as Riley faces Forrest. The cyber-demonoid straightens and growls at him. Riley charges and Forrest flips him high over his head. Riley lands on his feet and quickly turns and grabs Forrest from behind. Forrest immediately slams an elbow back into his face and turns on him, grabbing Riley's arm and flipping him onto his back. Riley hits the floor hard and tries to roll back to his feet. Before he can stand, Forrest plants a boot against his chest and sends him tumbling backward.
Colonel McNamara leads a fresh contingent of soldiers onto the battlefield. He has a drawn sidearm and fires several shots at a demon up on a catwalk. The creature tumbles over the railing and falls to the ground below. McNamara surveys the battle and realizes his men are in over their heads.
McNAMARA
Fall back! Fall back!
They start to retreat, laying down covering fire. McNamara points to the Pit.
McNAMARA
Watch the flank! Lock down that Pit!
Adam watches the monitors with satisfaction.
Fun, isn't it?
Adam turns around to find Buffy standing in the doorway.
I do appreciate violence.
Good.
Buffy charges Adam and leaps into the air. Adam intercepts her with a hard punch to her midsection and she flies back, tumbling across the floor. She springs to her feet and hits him with a hard front kick to the stomach. She follows through with a
left hook, then a right-left combo to his face. She snaps a backhand against his face. After absorbing all her blows, Adam doesn't appear to be bothered by her attack at all. He seizes her arm and runs her face-first into a control panel. He swings her around and she hits the floor, rolling into the wall.
Adam advances on her, the skewer slides out of his arm. Buffy leaps to her feet and side-steps his thrust. She grabs his arm and breaks the skewer over her knee. She hits him in the face with a right hook and he stumbles backward.
Broke your arm.
Got another.
He looks down at his other arm as a metal panel unlocks and slides open. A steel plate envelops his clawed hand, and from that, a six-barreled minigun/grenade launcher combination emerges.
Buffy's eyes widen in shock.
I've been upgrading.
Buffy dives across the room as Adam raises his arm and fires the gun. The rounds spit out of the gun and tattoo the wall inches from Buffy's feet. She leaps into the air, vaulting over a control panel, and drops down behind it, out of sight.
The spell nearly complete, Willow raises her voice in supplication.
We implore thee. Admit us. Bring us to the vessel. Take us now!
Willow, Xander and Giles are hit by the magick. Their heads jerk upward to the ceiling. Their energy rises out of them and shoots down the corridor toward their friend.
The power descends on Buffy as she hides behind the control panel. She arches back as the energy slams into her. At the same moment, Adam shoots a grenade into the control panel and it shatters in a fiery explosion.
The smoke begins to clear. Adam stares at the shattered remains of the control panel. For a long moment, nothing moves. Then Buffy rises from the rubble, unharmed. Her eyes flash a glowing orange.
You can't last much longer.
Buffy regards Adam calmly. Her voice is no longer her own; it is the combined voices of Willow, Xander and Giles, speaking in perfect unison.
We can. We are forever.
Adam lowers his gun and gazes at her curiously.
CU on Buffy: her pupils have shrunk to tiny pinpoints, her irises orange surrounded by yellow. Her expression is calm, serene. She looks at Adam and starts speaking in Sumerian.
Sha me-en-den. Gesh-toog me-en-den. Zee me-en-den. Oo-khush- ta me-ool-lee-a ba-ab-tum-mu-de-en.
Interesting.
Adam raises the minigun again and fires at her, point blank. Hundreds of rounds impact harmlessly against an invisible barrier six inches in front of Buffy, leaving her untouched. The air ripples like raindrops on water.
Im-a-sheng-ab.
For the first time in his life, Adam feels fear.
Very... interesting.
A demon tries to smash it's way into the lab. Willow, Xander and Giles, in their trance, are oblivious to the danger.
Riley and Forrest are still fighting. Riley holds his own-- barely-- but takes a severe beating. Forrest isn't even winded.
What are you making me do this for?
Forrest marches toward him as Riley tries to rise to his knees.
Not that I'm not enjoying myself.
He plants a boot in Riley's chest and kicks him hard. Riley slides across the floor and bowls over a group of heavy metal canisters. He lifts his head and sees Forrest coming after him.
But Adam's not going to like it if I--
Riley stands up with one of the canisters in his hands and swings it hard at Forrest's head. Forrest reels from the blow and Riley slams the canister into his
head again. He shoves the tank against Forrest's chest and the valve snaps off as Riley drives him back to the other end of the chamber. Riley smashes the canister into Forrest's head several more times before Forrest wraps his arm around it and throws Riley to the floor. Riley quickly gets to his feet and dashes to the other side of the lab as Forrest raises the tank over his head. Riley dives on top of one of the metal tables and takes it down on its side with him, shielding himself.
Forrest looks up and notes the word FLAMMABLE on the side of the canister. The open valve releases gas and an exposed electrical cable spits sparks over his head. The cable sparks again and the canister explodes, ripping Forrest to pieces in an angry fireball.
The concussion slams Riley backward against the wall. He's shaken but unharmed.
Adam empties the minigun but nothing penetrates the mystical barrier. Adam loads another grenade and fires. Buffy holds up her hand and the grenade stops dead in the air, suspended inches from her face. She waves her hand and the explosive instantly scatters and transforms into three white doves. Stunned, Adam watches, speechless, as the birds fly away.
He raises the gun toward Buffy again. She raises her palm, moves it in a circular motion and Adam's minigun closes and retracts back into his gauntlet. Growing more confused by the moment, Adam looks down at his empty hand.
Forgetting his weapons, Adam strides toward Buffy as she calmly walks forward to meet him. He swings at her but Buffy weaves and ducks all his blows without
even moving her feet. She catches one of his arms, then the other, crossing them at the wrists, and holds them with one hand as she jackhammers her other fist into his face. He frees his arms and swings at her. She deflects the blow and shoves him backward before kicking him ferociously. He topples backward into the control panel and falls to his knees. Buffy advances on him and he raises an arm to defend himself. She grabs his wrist and wraps her other hand around his throat.
But how can you... ?
You could never hope to grasp the source of our power.
Buffy picks him up by the throat and tosses him into the air. Adam bounces off the control panel landing in a heap on the floor. Buffy drags him to his feet and swings him around and into the wall. She jumps into the air and kicks him in the chest so fast she lands six blows before dropping to her feet.
Adam slams up against the wall and Buffy drives her fist into his chest, plunging it deep into his body. He grabs her arm but is powerless to stop her. She yanks her arm out, a small glowing device grasped in her fist: Adam's uranium power core.
But yours is right here.
Adam slips sideways, and with one final uncomprehending look at Buffy, he dies.
Buffy stares at the power core as Riley rushes into the room. He sees Adam's corpse on the floor and turns to Buffy.
Buffy...?
She doesn't seem to notice he's there. She opens her palm and the core slowly rises into the air.
As she chants in Sumerian again, the air around the core starts to shimmer, then, with the sound of twisting metal, the device crumples inward on itself. It shrinks and, with a flash of light, disappears.
Riley slowly approaches her as she stares at the now-empty space in front of her. He touches her chin and looks into her orange eyes. She finally seems to notice him and slumps forward into his arms.
The others slump forward as well, released from the spell.
Wow. That was--
The barricade on the door suddenly gives way and the demon bounds in, ready to pounce on them. They are helpless to defend themselves but Spike runs in after the beast and snaps its neck with a twist.
Nasty sort of fellow. Lucky for you blighters I was here, eh?
Yes. Thank you. Although your heroism is slightly muted by the fact that you were helping Adam to start a war that would kill us all.
Spike's smile evaporates.
You probably just saved us so we wouldn't stake you right here.
Well, yeah. (a beat) Did it work?
They just look at each other then start to get to their feet. Seeing that none of them are reaching for a stake, Spike starts grinning again.
Well, then everything's all right. We all get to be not staked- through-the-heart. Good work, team.
Buffy and Riley push the shelf of chemicals aside and step into the room. She's back to normal and smiling warmly.
Buffy!
Willow hugs her tight.
Wasn't it amazing?
You were great.
We were great.
Riley points in the direction of the battle.
We still got men out there.
Well, let's go save 'em, by gum!
Everyone ignores Spike and looks to Buffy.
You guys get to the exits, get them open. (to Riley) You organize the soldiers and pull them back. I'll take point.
Buffy heads for the door and everybody falls in behind her.
Are you up to this?
I am.
A demon suddenly appears in the doorway. Without breaking stride, Buffy hammers it to the floor.
MR. WARD sits in a darkened chamber around a conference table with several other dour-looking men in dark suits and military uniforms.
It was an experiment. The Initiative represented the government's interest in not only controlling the otherworldly menace but in harnessing its power for our own military purposes. (beat) The considered opinion of this Council is that the experiment... has failed.
Scene in slow-motion. The battle rages on with Buffy in the thick of it.
Once the prototype took control of the complex, our soldiers suffered a forty percent casualty rate.
As Buffy clears a path, Riley signals to Graham and the rest of the soldiers. They make their way to the exits.
And it seems that it was only through the actions of a deserter and a group of civilian insurrectionists that our losses were not total. I trust the irony of that is not lost on any of us?
In the elevator shaft, Xander helps Willow down to the top of the elevator. The commandos enter the shaft behind her and begin climbing the rappel lines.
McNamara runs into the command center, weapon ready. He finds the room empty and hurries to one of the control panels.
Maggie
Walsh's
vision
was
brilliant
but
ultimately
unsupportable.
A fur-covered demon runs into the room behind McNamara. He turns, firing several shots at it. Unfazed, the demon charges and McNamara screams as it leaps on him.
The demons cannot be harnessed. Cannot be controlled.
The battle is over. Dead humans and demons litter the complex. The remaining demons and vampires feed on the dead.
It is therefore our recommendation that this project be terminated and all records concerning it expunged. Our soldiers will be debriefed, standard confidentiality clause. We will monitor the civilians and the usual measures prepared should they try to go public. (beat) I don't think they will.
CU: a black-and-white monitor shows the aftermath of the battle.
The Initiative itself will be filled in with concrete. Burn it down, gentlemen. Burn it down and salt the earth.
The picture on the monitor cuts to snow.