Something Ventured Something Gained

Story by: CN Winters and Susan Carr

Written by: CN Winters

Directed by: CN Winters and Susan Carr

Produced by: CN Winters and Susan Carr

Edited by: Spikeme4Now and Kate

Sound Department: Steff

Art Director: Chris Cook

Artists: Chris Cook, David Zahir, Chantal, Mytryk, Cynthia Taz, CN Winters Special guest star: Raye Birk as Mr. Marshall and Stephanie March as Bonnie, the real estate agent

Teaser

Fade In

INT.

Vacant Building – Day

Cleveland

Willow, Giles, Faith and Kennedy

followed their real estate agent as

she led them through an empty

building. They talked as they walked

along the empty corridors that

looked abandoned for some time.

The expanse of the building was

huge at three stories high,

containing a staircase and an

elevator within.

"You mentioned you're starting a

school, correct?" the agent asked

Giles.

"Yes. More like a vocational academy."

"The location is perfect then. Close to downtown, but not too close, and it does have a wonderful view of the lake," she added.

"It does," Willow added, "which makes me wonder why the asking price is so low."

"Yes, well…" the agent stammered. "Opportunities like this rarely happen. The seller is experiencing some…shall we say…financial difficulties."

"I see," Willow replied, her eyes narrowing as she looked over the agent.

"Hey," Faith interjected. "Their loss is our gain. Right?"

"It might appear so," Giles said.

"Come, let me show you the kitchen facilities," the agent said, moving up the stairs to the second floor.

"I don't know about you, Brat, but this is getting old real fast," Faith said to Kennedy.

"Wanna thumb wrestle? You know, Slayer style," she added with a cocky grin.

"Yeah, cool," Kennedy replied. The two quickly moved ahead down the corridor and found an empty office. By the time the remainder of the group caught up, the two were sparring. The agent’s face paled at the scene.

"Oh," Willow exclaimed, slightly embarrassed, "ignore them. They’re just practicing."

"Good Lord!" the agent said. "Practicing for what? They look like they’re going to kill each other!"

"Ah, no," Giles said. "One of the things we teach is the martial arts…self defense and such. Faith and Kennedy are our two best instructors."

"I see," the agent said, watching the fighting pair.

"What do you know about this building?" Willow asked, hoping to distract the agent.

"It seems like it's been vacant for a while now."

"Well, it has had its share of owners in the last few years," the agent admitted. "Not sure why, but some folks seem to think it's haunted, if you can believe such a thing. Personally, I don't believe in ghosts and I've never seen anything happen any time I've shown it. But there have been freak occurrences out here."

"Freak?" Willow asked.

The agent nodded but didn't add more.

"Such as?" Giles prompted.

Faith called a time out by gesturing with her hands and nodding toward the trio. "This sounds interesting. Come on," she said as the two of them walked closer.

"Well, they say the first owner went

insane and committed suicide," the

agent began. "I don't think an unstable

person can blame a building on his

problems and I think that's how the

urban legend got started. The second

owner just disappeared – no one ever

heard from him again and the business

closed. The third owner was killed by a

pack of animals one night. Now, that I

admit was a bit odd – since it happened

here." Quickly, the agent made up for it.

"Not HERE in the building but in the

city. And the most recent death was a homeless man that was using the place for shelter. But as I said they’re all just urban legends and I'm sure you and your daughter will be quite happy here," she added as she pointed to Willow. Giles smiled. "She's not my daughter."

"Oh, I'm sorry," the agent quickly apologized. "You two seem so close and with the age factor, I just assumed you were family and not a couple." Giles and Willow paused a moment before they both got wide eyed. "No, we're just

friends," Willow said, shaking her head. "We're not, you know, together. We're just, together."

"Old friends," Giles added. "Business associates, actually."

"Well it shows," the agent explained. "You two seem quite familiar with each other." Giles and Willow both gave a cautious smile and began to look around.

"How many students will you have, Mr. Giles?" the agent asked.

"Oh, a few," Giles said, seemingly distracted by the size of the kitchen. "Goodness, this is a nice space. Andrew will be pleased."

"Andrew?"

"Yes, our…" Giles stopped, trying to figure out exactly what Andrew was.

"Our house mother." Willow smirked.

"Oh, I see," the agent said. "Yes, the kitchen has full facilities. It does need work. I don’t think anyone has used it for years, but I’m sure he’ll make do."

"Oh, he doesn’t lack imagination I can assure you," Giles chuckled.

"What’s upstairs?" Faith asked.

"Yeah," Kennedy said with a grin. "Let’s see the bedrooms."

"Well, there are no bedrooms, you know, it’s zoned for commercial use. But you can check with the building inspector as to what kind of modifications you can make. Come this way," the agent gestured as she left the room.

Willow gave her lover an exasperated look and got a smirk in response, before they continued to stroll through the rest of the floor.

The rest of the second story was filled with empty offices, all of them dirty and bleak. Doors hung askew, much of the linoleum was cracked and would have to be replaced with carpeting. Many windows were cracked, broken or missing entirely. The place reeked of mold and mildew.

"It has possibilities," the agent said. "But nothing that a little paint and polish can’t fix. The third and final floor upstairs is more of the same, but the rooms are larger. Care to take a look?"

"Certainly," Giles said, motioning for the agent to lead the way. As the group entered the top floor they found a large room off to the left. Willow nudged Kennedy as she pointed out the grin on Giles’ face and the wideness of his eyes.

"Library," she whispered conspiratorially to the brunette. The emptiness of the room only emphasized the space. There was more than enough room for shelves, research tables and computers.

"Perhaps the rest of the space on this floor can be used for classrooms?" the agent suggested.

"Perhaps, perhaps," Giles said. "Are there building plans available, for this and the other building we’re interested in next door? We should have our architect review them if possible."

"Of course, I’ll be happy to check on them," she answered. "If they're available, I’ll have a messenger deliver them to your hotel this afternoon."

"Splendid," Giles said. "I think we’ve seen everything, then."

"Well as I said, this building, although it has a colorful history, really sounds like what you’re looking for if I’m not mistaken," the agent added.

Willow began to stroll around, taking it all in.

"So," Willow ventured with a knowing grin. "A

suicide, a disappearance and an animal

attack...What do you think Giles?

"You up for it?" Faith asked with a smirk. They both turned to Giles who had a growing

smile on his face.

"We'll take it."

Act One

Fade In

INT.

Watchers Council – Day

Cleveland

Willow, Kennedy, Andrew and Robin

each directed contractors and

delivery people around the newly

purchased building. One man in

particular entered, his deep voice

booming above the bustle.

"Hey! I got an order for an Andrew

Wells?" he shouted over the

commotion.

Darting over quickly, Andrew announced himself. "That would be me."

"Shipment from Offices Unlimited. Ten oversized dry erase boards. Sign here please," he said handing over a delivery confirmation form.

"Fantastic! Big boards! Bring 'em on in and I’ll show you where to go," Andrew instructed as he scribbled his name.

The man nodded and walked to the door to retrieve Andrew’s shipment, passing Kennedy who was making her way over to Willow. Kennedy found her girlfriend lying on the floor under a large ‘L’ shaped desk; recognizable only by the jeans she wore. Kennedy smiled before she spoke, looking down at the redhead who lay mixed in various cables and wires going to six computer terminals.

"I’d know those legs anywhere," the brunette teased, giving a kick to the foot that stuck out underneath.

"Hey Kennedy! How goes it?" Willow called out from under the desk, unable to rise.

"Looking for Faith. Have you seen her?"

Willow slowly wiggled herself out from under the immense desk and dusted herself off after she was upright. "She hasn’t come back yet?" she asked, brushing some dust from her hair as she spoke.

"No," Kennedy answered, plucking a few bits of sawdust from her lover’s hair before starting to play with it. Willow gently swatted her hand away with a soft smile. "Think she ‘took the money and ran’?" Kennedy added.

"No," Willow said firmly. "She told me she had some errands to see to but she’ll be back. I’m sure."

"And Giles?"

"Looking into a company car," Willow explained. "How’d the meeting with your weapons dealer go?" she asked as she nodded for Kennedy to follow her. The two of them walked behind the terminals to a small enclosure about the size of a large broom closest. There sat another larger computer with an array of wires coming from it. Kennedy checked it out as she began to speak.

"Should have seen his face," she said with a chuckle. "I don’t think he gets many requests for 20 crossbows, 10 maces, 15 swords and 30 quarter staffs. But I think he bought the Renaissance Faire story I told him."

"Good. Discretion is the better part of valor," Willow teased.

"Well," Kennedy said, looking outside the small room to the host of human bodies moving about, "it’s hard to be discrete with this many people coming in and out of here."

"It’s only temporary. Once we’re set up it will be different." Willow paused and put her finger over a large button on the server that stood before her. "Wish me luck," she said, closing her eyes and pressing the button. An array of lights filled up the faceplate and she motioned Kennedy back out to the office area. "Now for the real test," she told her as she sat down and began to boot up one of the computers.

"Delivery for a Giles 'slash' Rosenberg," a woman said making her way into the center of the room.

"I’m Rosenberg."

The woman walked over with a clipboard. "Sign here, please."

"What am I signing?" Willow asked as she took the pen.

"Not sure. Big overseas media delivery."

"Oh! Giles’s library! Great!" Willow said as she hurriedly signed her name and handed the registry back to the woman.

"I’ll grab Vi and Rona to start unloading. Third floor, right?" Kennedy asked, just to be sure.

"Yep. Thanks, Sweetie," Willow answered with a grin.

Kennedy gave Willow a quick peck on the cheek before leaving to round up her helpers. After watching her leave, Willow went back behind the computer desk again. She double clicked the mouse and found the results she’d hoped for.

"Yes! I am the techie goddess, " she hissed triumphantly.

"Booted up and ready to play?"

Startled, Willow blushed at being overheard and looked over to see Robin and Andrew approaching.

"Oh – ah, no. No play. Strictly for

business use," she told them firmly.

"Not even a few rounds of Quake III?"

Robin asked.

"Oh that would be so cool," Andrew

added. "You on one end, Robin; me on

the other. We could do battle in the

same room and not even see each

other unless we turned around. I call

dibs on that one," Andrew pointed.

"No dibs. No computer games," Willow emphasized.

Andrew gave a defeated sigh.

"Willow’s the I.T. department here so what she says goes," Wood conceded to Willow, who went back to checking the rest of the computers. He then whispered to Andrew,

"You. Me. Here. Midnight sharp."

"You’re on. I’ll bring the software. You bring the Cheetos," Andrew added conspiratorially.

"Anyway," Robin said in a louder voice, walking over to Willow as Andrew followed. "I called that list of interior contractors – they should be dropping off plans for the second floor living quarters."

"That’s great…but slightly unnerving," Willow frowned.

"Why?" Wood asked with a confused look.

"Everything seems to be going according to plan. A-and I’m not used to that." Wood chuckled. "Well, if it will make you feel better I think the plumbing in this place is going to be a major and costly undertaking. More than what we first expected."

"See?" Willow nodded. "Now that makes me feel better. A little angst is a good thing," she added with a grin.

At that moment, Giles and Faith made their way inside, talking to each other as they approached the group, finishing their conversation.

"From the line?" Faith asked.

"Zero to 60 in 5 seconds," Giles answered.

"Damn!" she said with a laugh as they closed the distance to see Willow.

"Good news," Willow told him. "Your library made it safe and sound…well I think it did. I mean I haven’t seen it yet a-and perhaps Olivia forgot a few things but the point is the girls are unloading the truck as we speak."

"Excellent!" Giles said with a pleased grin on his face.

"Cool, but not as cool as Giles’s new wheels. You guys gotta come check this out," Faith said, pitching a thumb outside.

Willow got a concerned look on her face but rose and followed the gang who were heading outside.

Cut To

EXT.

Watchers Council – Moments Later

Cleveland

Once there, they found Kennedy,

Rona and Vi had all taken a break to

get a closer look at the car and they

turned around as everyone came

over.

"Is this sweet or what?" Rona asked.

"I will say this for the Brits, they’ve

got great taste in cars," she added,

giving Giles a playful chuck on the

shoulder, making the Watcher smile

proudly.

Willow’s mouth dropped as she

looked at the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante that was parked before her.

"Oh yeah," she began sarcastically. "It’s a beauty alright, but Giles, how the HELL are we supposed to fit everybody in there? Is this like a clown car? Can we load body after body inside?"

"Well, it does have four seats," he pointed out.

Willow peered in the back before turning to Giles. "You call those seats?"

"Look, I realize it’s not exactly what we discussed but-."

"Not exactly?" Willow exclaimed. "It’s not even close! We talked about an Avalanche or a-a-an Explorer or even a Grand Cherokee. Hell, even a minivan would do fine and you bring me….this!"

"It was a steal," Giles defended himself.

"A steal, huh?" Willow asked. "Do I want to know how much you paid for this…this…

useless mid-life crisis mobile?"

"Probably not," Giles muttered.

"Then it has to go back, Giles," Willow told him. The entire group moaned about it.

"Who are you now? James Bond?" she asked Giles.

Before he could answer Faith spoke up.

"Oh, come on. It’s a classic, man. Besides, he can’t just walk back in and say ‘I changed my mind’. And we need a car that conveys that we’re the bomb – top of the world. This car says status. This car says power. This car-."

"Is going back," Willow finished. The group groaned again, but this time Willow added, "Unless Giles wants to pay for it from his 100,000 dollar advance for the year.

Willow turned to the Watcher and waited for his answer.

"Well, I would…" Giles told her with hesitation.

"But?" Willow asked.

"The $100,000 wouldn’t cover it," he said softly.

Willow made an exasperated sound. "A steal you say?"

Faith threw her hands up in the air. "So Giles bought us a car he thought was cool. What’s the big, Will?" she said as she strolled up the building’s steps and leaned in the doorframe. "It’s not any different than you and your ‘must haves’," she pointed out.

"What are you talking about?"

Willow asked, honestly confused.

"All that computer crap in there,"

Faith countered, nodding toward the

building. "Besides you and the geek

wonder…" she said pointing to

Andrew, "who the Hell is gonna use

that stuff?"

"I think Faith makes an excellent

point," Giles concurred. "I know I’ll

never bloody well use it."

"No…it’s not the same," Willow told them. "I NEED that equipment."

"Hey, I don’t know much about computers, okay?" Faith began. "But I took a few classes during my brief incarceration and I know that you can fit tons of information on one computer. You don’t need five of ‘em all connected in order to do that. Or the 50 more that are sittin’ upstairs."

"Yes, I do. I need-." Willow stopped herself. "Look, I don’t have to explain my actions to you-."

"But Giles does?" Faith challenged. "What are you now? His keeper?"

"You know what Faith-."

Suddenly everyone began arguing at once, except for Kennedy, Rona and Vi who looked on in wonder. Well, at least Rona and Vi did. Kennedy began to shake her head and when voices rose even more, enough was enough. She put her fingers in her mouth and whistled, getting everyone’s attention.

"You know it still astounds me, even to this day, to see what money does to people," Kennedy began. They all looked guiltily at each other but said nothing. "Now you all have to make a choice – right here, right now. Are you gonna let a couple hundred

grand come between years of friendship and the desire to stop the evil in the world…

Or are you all gonna bicker about who bought what and why?"

"I just think it’s a sweet car," Faith said.

"I’m not saying it’s not," Willow retorted firmly. "That’s not the point." A few seconds later everyone was yelling at each other again about who was right, who was wrong. Their voices mingled together as they fought over who was going to pay for it and if they should even pay for it or send it back. This time Kennedy didn’t bother to whistle.

"Heyyyyyy!" she yelled, making them all stop. "Willow, you got your computers. Giles, you keep the car. Faith you can keep your cycle. As for-."

"Cycle?" Willow asked. "What cycle?"

"That cycle," Kennedy pointed behind them.

"This is your motorcycle?" Willow asked Faith.

Slowly, Giles and Willow walked over

to examine it.

"Dreamy, huh?" the older Slayer

asked rhetorically. "It’s an Indian

Chief. Top of the line cruiser -

Powerplus 100 cubic-inch , 45degree, V-Twin engine and man does

it ride like a dream. And just like

Giles I got it at a steal. Just under 25

grand. I hated the wheel covers so I

had it customized, hence the errands

today."

"You paid a quarter of your yearly salary on something you can only ride four months outta twelve?" Willow asked.

"Well they did throw in a cool jacket for free," Faith argued. "Bet Giles can’t say that." Willow then turned to Giles. "You realize this is the same woman who’s defending YOUR purchase."

"Well it is her money to do with as she pleases, Willow," Giles answered. "To paraphrase her – ‘we’re not her keepers’."

"Yeah, well, she used her own money too, Giles, not the Watcher’s account to buy it," Willow countered.

"If we’re going to be important we have to look important. We need a vehicle that conveys what Faith mentioned – style, grace, power," Giles insisted.

"Funny. I see – pretentious, expensive and impractical when I look at it."

"You all have valid points," Kennedy chimed in when she felt another heated debate about to arise. "But like I said, don’t forget what’s important here…Willow, can the Council afford this car in its budget?"

"That’s not the point-." Willow began to argue.

"Sweetie, that’s not what I asked. Can it afford it? Because if it can then Giles and everyone here worked pretty damn hard to get this pretentious, overpriced car." Kennedy then turned to the watcher. "No offense Giles, but my father owns one. I see pretentious too when I look at it but you’ve got a point. People do see him as the big shot, software guru so it makes sense. However, I see Willow’s desire for something that we all could use. I think we should compromise, is all."

"What do you suggest?" Giles asked honestly.

Kennedy turned to Willow. "If the Council has the funds I say we keep it. But I also think you should go out and buy a car that we can use as a group – something bigger like you mentioned. Faith’s bike was her choice with her money and she can’t be faulted for that. She’s the one who has to find something else to drive in the snow. So there’s no sense getting vexed over it. And as for your computers – put one in every damn room if you like."

"I just need them for the Watcher’s training program I’m making," Willow said shooting a look to Faith, as she explained her reasoning. "I don’t need them in every room just the classrooms and lower reception area," she added.

"Think it’s possible?" Kennedy asked. "We keep the car and you keep your computers. They are both needed on some level."

"I’m with Brat on this one," Faith nodded.

"Me too," Wood added.

"Me three," Andrew rang in. "If anyone cares."

"Well, all the money doesn’t mean much if we can’t get along," Willow answered Kennedy before turning to Giles. "I’m sorry, Giles. Keep the car."

"No Willow," he told her. "I’m sorry. It was…an impulse purchase. I’ll see about returning it."

"No," Willow began. "Kennedy and Faith have a point. We have to look important sometimes and a car like this…it will come in handy. We’ve got the funds so don’t worry about it."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah but no. I-I’m okay," Willow confessed. "I’m sure I’ll feel much better when we have a car we can all use," Willow said, ending with a smile.

"Then tomorrow we’ll go shopping–together," Giles told her firmly. " A-and we’ll find something that you think is practical. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Willow nodded.

"Awwww," Faith sighed with a smirk as she came down the steps to join them. "Does everyone love each other again?" she chuckled.

Willow and Giles both tried not to smile.

"You, my dear, are a smart ass," Giles retorted with a smile.

"Why thank you," she said with a grin and wink. "Now let’s get those books of yours unloaded so you Watcher types can start work."

Fade In

INT.

Library of the Watchers Council – Day

Cleveland

The next morning the group assembled in the library and they organized items they found.

"Okay," Andrew said, "Spell books in that pile over there and Demony stuff on the shelves, right?"

"Yes and in alphabetical order if you would," Giles added. Faith looked at the cover of one book. "This one is definitely for the demon pile," she muttered.

"Oooh! Can I see?" Andrew asked, heading over. He looked at the cover and opened it up, thumbing through the pages. "It’s a spell book actually," he said. Willow turned and caught a look at the cover. "My God!" She took it from Andrew and began to thumb through it. "It was in England! I must have left it there last summer."

"What is it?" Giles asked.

"It’s one of Tara’s spell books," Willow told him. "One her mother gave to her, and her mother before her a-and so on and so forth. It’s probably over a century old. I couldn’t find it for my duffle bag – you know the day of the big battle? A-and I thought I lost it. Then when Sunnydale fell into itself I REALLY thought I lost it. But," Willow ended with a sigh before adding, "This is just…wonderful! Oh, I have to call Olivia and thank her tomorrow."

"Looks like she did a thorough sweep of the cottage," Giles smiled.

"It’s a shame it didn’t work out for you, Giles. With Olivia, I mean," Willow told him.

"Well, I try not to dwell on it," he said with a grin. "A-and we did part as friends. I can’t blame her for not wanting to be a part of this kind of life. It’s not an easy road to walk and a bit insane at times."

"And yet here we all are," Faith added to Robin as she put another book on the shelf and they shared a smile.

"If you don’t mind me asking," Giles prefaced himself to Willow. "Do you ever hear from Oz?"

"An email on occasion. He was in Europe last time he wrote."

"I could make a joke about werewolves in London here but I won’t," Giles added cautiously.

"Paris," she told him with a grin. "A-and no wolfiness to speak of. He still takes his herbs and meditates. Seems I really am the catalyst, or at least high stress levels are."

Faith tapped Kennedy on the shoulder. "So tell me, Brat. Is that true?"

"What?"

"Will’s got the power to turn people into wild, uncontrollable animals?" Faith added a sexy snarl and a snap of her teeth which made Kennedy chuckle.

Willow overheard the conversation and turned around to face them. "Don’t answer that question," she called over.

"I’ll never tell." Ken answered Faith with a coy grin. "But you can use your imagination."

A small silence filled the room when Robin spoke up, "Do you really think that this life is all that insane? I know I've got a biased opinion and all. But I’ve been in it since I can remember. I was raised by a Slayer and then a Watcher."

"The life might not be insane but we all sure are," Faith quipped.

"How do you figure?" Robin asked.

"Well, look at us. We’re a group of felons out to save the world," she explained.

"That’s not really true," Robin protested.

"Okay – show of hands. Who here has NOT committed a major crime at some point in their lives?"

Robin confidently raised his hand, as did Kennedy. The others, however, looked around nervously at each other.

"Oh come on, really?" Wood asked, finding it hard to believe that he and Kennedy were the only ones.

"Murder two. 25 to life. For the record." Faith told him. "And as for Giles I know he killed at least one guy in college."

"Yes…Let’s bring that up as often as possible."

"And Will?" Faith prompted

"I flayed a guy alive a-and tried to destroy the world."

"See? Not to mention a bit of creative bookkeeping with the old Watchers Council’s funds that would put her away for quite awhile. Of course it would be one of those ritzy, high-class prisons but still a prison just the same," Faith added. "And if I’m not mistaken," she went on, pointing to Andrew. "Weren’t you an accessory to felonious assault, murder and grand theft? Oh, not to mention the slice and dice of your old buddy, Jonathan?"

"I don’t really talk about my dark side," Andrew retorted. Willow harrumphed. "You wouldn’t know dark if it came up and bit you in the behind, Andrew."

"Hey, I have dark here! I have things I regret. I know what I did to Jonathan. And you think I don’t feel responsible for what happened to Buffy and Tara? I do. "

"Let’s drop this discussion right now," Willow told him, before going back through the books at her feet.

"Okay, but you should know that I’m sorry. I never said that before but I am. If I had turned in Warren, changed my evil ways sooner, he never would have been at Buffy’s house that day. He never would have shot anyone and -."

"I said drop it," Willow said before filling her arms with books and leaving the room. Kennedy scolded Andrew with her eyes before coming toe to toe with him. "Smooth move. Don’t you ever take a hint?"

"She needs to know I’m sorry," Andrew argued. "I’m partly to blame for her losing the love of her life – her soul mate - and I think-."

Kennedy gave him a disgusted look and stormed out of the room. "Where are you going?" he called out.

"Poor choice of words," Giles told him.

"What did I say?"

Faith leaned over and gave him a light smack behind the head. "Yo dude, think! Love of her life? Brat’s been trying her damnedest to fill that position."

"Oh…" Andrew muttered more to himself than anyone.

"Why don’t we take a break?" Robin suggested to ease the tension in the room.

"Grab lunch?"

"Excellent idea," Giles answered, setting down the book he was holding as they all left the room.

Cut to

INT.

Willow’s Coven Room - Watchers Council – Moments Later

Cleveland

Kennedy walked downstairs to the first level and found Willow in her coven room. Half of it was drywalled; the other half unfinished, the brick still visible. Willow sat on the floor looking at the books she brought with her as Kennedy crept inside.

"Although not intentional," Kennedy began, "Andrew can be a real ass sometimes." Willow didn’t bother to look up. "Yeah he can."

"You okay?" Kennedy asked as she moved closer and took a seat on the floor beside Willow.

"I’m fine," Willow answered, still not looking over.

"Really?" Kennedy said, leaning over to look at Willow’s face. "Because you’re grinding your teeth and your forehead is making those funny looking waves like whenever you’re upset."

Willow gave a slight grin. "You recognized that, huh?" Kennedy paused and ran her hand down Willow’s back but the redhead still refused to make eye contact.

"You wanna talk about it?" Kennedy asked.

"No. Not really," Willow answered as she continued to organize her books. Kennedy looked a bit nervous and unsure so she decided to remove her hand.

"Willow?"

"Hmm?" she asked absently.

Kennedy paused for just a moment and then took a deep breath.

"I love you," she declared softly.

Willow ignored the books and finally looked at Kennedy with a mix of shock and contentment on her face.

"I know I haven’t said it before," Kennedy continued, now being the one unable to make eye contact. "I had lots of chances but, I’m saying it now. Sure there’s been other girls but it’s not the same. I mean I just look at you sometimes and i-it’s like I can’t control myself. It’s intense and urgent and…And I think your babble inflection is contagious now so I’ll shut up," Kennedy finished with a chuckle before looking up to see Willow’s reaction.

Willow gave her a soft smile. "I love you, too."

"You don’t have to say it just

because I did," Kennedy told her.

"I know that," Willow replied with a

growing smile. "But it’s nice to say."

"Well, it’s nice to hear," Kennedy

said, leaning over and kissing her

softly on the lips. "And try not to be

too upset with Andrew. He’s trying."

"I know," Willow sighed. "Really I do

but…I didn’t want to go there."

"Yes and he wouldn’t give up. I get it," Kennedy told her with a grin. "But that’s just Andrew."

Willow smiled too and looked past Kennedy to the doorway.

"We’re getting lunch," Faith said, poking her head inside. "You girls wanna come?

We’re not above duct-taping Andrew’s mouth shut, just so you know," she added with a smile. Kennedy and Willow both chuckled as Kennedy nodded for them to follow the dark haired Slayer.

Fade In

INT.

Computer area of the Watchers Council – Afternoon

Cleveland

A while later the group sat around Willow’s computer terminal on the first floor, eating pizza and drinking pop. Wood fed Faith a slice while Giles and Willow each had their noses buried in some books.

"I think I found it," Willow said as she got up, taking the book to Giles.

"Found what?" Andrew asked.

"It’s a spell – kinda like the ‘find a potential Slayers spell’. But only this one locates potential Watchers."

"Potential Watchers?" Ken asked.

"Yeah," Willow answered. "From what Giles and I have managed to uncover, Watchers are not only linked genetically-slash-generationally, each family has special powers - or mystical skills you could call them."

"Giles is a mystical being, huh?" Faith teased.

"Well no, not like that," Willow said with a chuckle. "But it isn’t just anyone that can be a Watcher, just like it isn’t anyone who can be a Slayer. See what I mean? Giles has near total recall. He can remember volumes and volumes of text or conversations from years past. Not everyone can do that."

"You can," Kennedy pointed out.

"Well, I can’t say I’m anything like Giles, but there are a few areas I excel in. I mean, I’ll admit to picking up most languages quickly yeah, except for Latin," she ended with a mumble of frustration. "But when it comes to formulating spells a-and deciphering computer codes and such I can do those things pretty well, but Giles is phenomenal in the demonology department. I can't claim to have near his skill." Giles finished reading the book and handed it back over. "I believe you might be onto something here."

"I’d have to adapt it, of course. I mean, I don’t need it picking up you since we know you’re a Watcher, but this might come in handy for rounding up the folks we’ll need to oversee all of these Slayers."

"Think you can do it?" Giles asked. Willow just quirked an eyebrow. "Stupid question to ask of the woman who activated all the potential Slayers in the world. I guess the real question is how long will it take?"

"Hmm…I’ve got an idea right now but if it goes kapoof it might take more research, maybe a couple of days. I’ll get my supplies set up out here."

"Splendid," Giles answered as Willow walked away, going to her coven room. "Oh!

Speaking of which, did you research those coordinates Willow gave you Andrew?"

"Oh yeah," he said, pulling out a piece of paper. "Seems the Slayer in the States with the most demon activity surrounding her lives in the south side of Chicago."

"Great!" Robin exclaimed, "Well, not great. I’m sure she’s been scared witless but you know…when do we leave?"

"I’m still trying to narrow in on the location," Andrew added, "but I should have it ready in the next day or two. From that point you and Faith can just hop a plane."

"Na ah, no flights, no background checks," Faith told him. "We gotta drive, remember?"

"Oh riiight," Andrew answered. "I keep forgetting, you’re a wanted prison escapee. Damn cops. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just tell them you’re reformed?"

"Somehow I doubt they’ll buy my story," Faith told them before mimicking a conversation with an arresting officer. "I pull for the good guys now."

"Yeah, and although true, they might not take you as the most credible source," Robin teased.

"Ya think?" Faith asked with a teasing grin.

"I gotta feelin’," Robin retorted with a smile.

Fade In

INT.

Computer area of the Watchers Council - Moments Later

Cleveland

Giles, Robin, Faith, Andrew and Kennedy sat by the computer terminals in a semicircle. Willow, was seated in the center of the room. The area was mostly empty, but a few half packed boxes were scattered around. Willow set up three candles along with a few other various items before taking a seat in the center.

"Now I don’t know if this will work but let’s give it a shot," she said looking back at them before squaring her shoulders.

"Goddess of Knowledge, Goddess of Change

We call upon thee Katalyst to guide us.

Lead us to those we seek.

Lead us to those who seek.

Knowledge is power.

Let knowledge be our guide."

As Willow finished, a ball of bright energy floated through the air, hovering around inside the building. After a few moments nothing else seemed to be happening with the glowing light.

"Damn," Willow sighed.

"Why’s it just sitting there?" Kennedy asked.

"I’m bored," Andrew piped in. "Episode One bored." Ignoring Andrew, Willow continued to watch the light bounce in front of all of them.

"It must be a bust," she decided. "I goofed it somehow. Or-or it’s picking up on Giles maybe." She rose from the circle and

started toward the group. "Looks like

the long shot didn’t pay off. I’ll have

to hit the books some more."

At that point, the light darted from

its hovering position, streaking

across the room until it shattered

around Willow, the force of it

knocking her back a few steps.

"That was a helluva thing," Kennedy remarked before shaking it off and

racing to Willow’s side.

Act Two

Fade In

INT.

Computer Areas - Watchers Council Day

Cleveland

The group looked on wide-eyed at what just happened and Willow began to ramble.

"I must have done it wrong or something. O-or maybe it should have gone to Giles or maybe…"

When Willow trailed off Faith spoke.

"Or maybe you’re a Watcher?" the Slayer offered when no one said anything. Giles looked on with a growing smile.

"B-But I’m not," Willow insisted to the group. "I’m not even Watcher-y. I have no sense of discipline, no sense of authority, no Watcher family history a-and I hate tweed…This can’t be right."

"Breathe, Will," Kennedy told her as she watched Willow wringing her hands together, nervously.

"This is so cool," Andrew said coming over. "Congratulations!"

"Congratu-? No, no congratulations. I-I’m not supposed to be a Watcher. I’m here to help Giles with research a-and re-build the Watchers Council. I’m a Wiccan who’s studying the magical arts a-and dedicating her life to its tenets. I don’t-."

"Yeah but weren’t you once Jewish and driving stick, too?" Faith threw in.

"Driving Sti-? Oh!" Willow began

slightly confused but then

understanding the euphemism.

"That’s not the point," she added.

"Yeah it is. People change, Will,"

Faith added. "You’re just changing

some more."

"I’m tired of change. I’m sick of

change a-and if I change anymore

I’m, I’m…Giles, help me out here?"

Giles still smiled. "Do you want me to say I’m disappointed? I could if you like."

"Please?" Willow begged with a nervous smile.

Giles’ smile grew even wider. "I’m terribly horrified by this news."

"Could you at least ACT despondent while you’re lying to me?" Willow quipped. Giles gave a light chuckle and came over putting a hand on each of her shoulders.

"You’ll make a fine Watcher, Willow. I have no doubt of that, even if you do. And t-to be perfectly honest I’m not surprised. I think it was more than coincidence alone that pulled you into the Slayer’s circle. I think this is proof."

"Meaning?" Willow prompted.

"You can’t escape your destiny and every thing that happens to us, everyone we meet – it all comes about for a reason. Your friendship with Buffy, your need to continue her work even after high school or even you taking on the leadership role prior to her resurrection…all that had a deeper meaning and I think we’ve discovered why."

Willow gave a deep sigh and closed her eyes briefly. "I’m just…overwhelmed right now," she conceded.

"As you should be," Giles told her. "It’s a big responsibility but it isn’t something that you can’t rise above. I know you can handle the challenges that lay ahead."

"Besides, Will," Faith joked as she hopped from her stool and pitched a thumb toward Kennedy. "You’ve been getting plenty of experience lately in Slayer watching. Lotssss of experience," she added with a chuckle.

Kennedy pouted her lips as she tried not to smirk and upset Willow any more.

"Don’t you have someplace to be?" Willow asked Faith, her eyes narrowing. "I’m pretty sure there’s a scared girl out there who’s probably in danger right now."

"Yeah, great idea," Robin stepped in before tensions could rise any further. "What do you say, Faith? Ready to hit the highway? Andrew can give us the location once he's cornered it?"

Faith gave Willow an apologetic smile and then nodded at her lover. "Yeah big guy, let’s get goin’. Later all!"

With Andrew following them out of the room, the couple left. Kennedy approached Willow and ran her hand slowly up and down her arm.

"Hey, Will," Kennedy said softly. "It’ll be okay. I mean, a Watcher. That’s the coolest thing. I loved my Watcher. He was closer to me than my own father." Willow looked into Kennedy’s soft brown eyes and gave her a slight smile. "I know, Sweetie. I’m…I just don’t know. It’s too much. I, I need to think." Kennedy nodded as both she and Giles watched Willow rush from the room toward her coven space.

"Giles?" Kennedy’s voice held the unasked question and Giles understood, giving her a firm nod.

"She’ll be fine, dear," he said. "She’s one of the strongest persons I’ve ever known."

"You really love her, huh?"

Giles smiled. "I’ve known her since she was a child on the verge of womanhood. I’ve watched her grow from a shy, insecure teenager into the powerful woman she is today. So, yes, I think it’s safe to say I love her."

"Will you talk to her? I think she needs you more than me at the moment."

"She does need you, Kennedy," Giles stressed.

"Oh, I know she does," Kennedy nodded. "But with this kind of stuff, I’m not the greatest. All action-girl here, you know. Besides, chances are I’ll say something dumb and make her feel worse by accident. So, please, talk to her?"

"A-Alright," Giles said and left the room. Kennedy began to clean up from lunch, her expression thoughtful

Cut To

INT.

Willow’s Coven area of the Watchers Council – Moments later

Cleveland

"May I come in?"

Willow heard Giles’ voice and turned around.

He began to walk inside despite not receiving an answer, taking in the décor of the room. "It doesn’t look like very much right now but it’s going to be lovely for the coven."

"What coven?" Willow harrumphed as she put more books on the shelf before her.

"Have you forgotten already? I have a new destiny now."

"Is that what’s troubling you? You feel your Wiccan life will be effected by your Watcher duties?"

"Well, isn’t it obvious Giles? I have to make a choice."

"Says who?" Giles countered. He watched Willow give a deep sigh and take a seat on one of the benches she had near the far wall of the coven room. Quietly he walked over, taking a seat beside her. "May I tell you a story?"

"Is this gonna be one of those ‘black magic, when I was ‘Ripper’ stories? Because to be honest, I’m not sure if hearing about your former evil deeds is gonna cheer me up," she asked.

"Another time perhaps," he answered with a crooked grin. "No, i-it’s not about me. It is about an English Watcher though – one of the first English Watchers on record, in fact. He was a wizard as well as a Watcher."

"A wizard Watcher?"

"Well, I don’t know if it’s a true story

but, as I said, the council deemed it

as factual – one of the many

Watcher’s history lessons we

learned. Should I go on?"

"Sure." Willow shrugged.

"Well, this Watcher was a wizard. A

very powerful one and he was given

a charge. But even for all his magical

skills he wasn’t able to foresee her

death. She was killed by a vampire

and her death haunted him

profoundly. He -."

"I thought this was supposed to cheer me up? So far it’s pretty depressing."

"I’m getting there," Giles told her. "A-Anyway, after his Slayer was killed he focused all his energy on improving his magics, being a better person, trying his best to help people. That focus eventually became an art; a skill – it gave him the ability to envision the future. Not long after he found a young man – a peasant. He saw great things for him with the right guidance. And he made it his personal goal t-to oversee the young man in every step of his life. You see, the wizard was no longer a Watcher in the strict sense but he still had the heart of one – that never left. So in reality he never ceased being a Watcher. He also never stopped using magic and he found a way to merge the two."

"So who was this Watcher guy?"

Giles gave a small grin. "His name was Merlin."

"THE Merlin? King Arthur’s Merlin?"

"One in the same," Giles nodded.

Willow chuckled and slapped Giles’ arm playfully. "Oh! You’re making that up!"

"I kid you not. Merlin WAS a Watcher but he was also the most powerful Wizard the world had ever known. H-He used his magical skills to assist Arthur in everything from t-the king’s battle plans to his love life. Sadly, Arthur didn’t always heed Merlin’s warnings but as the Watcher he was destined to be, Merlin stayed at his side until the end."

"So you’re saying I don’t have to choose. Is that it?"

"Precisely! I’m not saying it will be easy. Your time will be sparse and it will be a difficult road to juggle both. But in the end, there truly isn’t anything that says you must choose. And I’m not remiss in saying that Merlin has finally found some competition in the magical spectrum. If anyone can do both Willow, it’s you." Willow tried not to grin. "Are you sure you’re not just saying this to make me feel better?"

"No Willow, I assure you I’m not," he insisted. "I just don’t want you to close the door to all the possibilities of what you might become. As Faith mentioned, people change. But it’s not always a bad thing. And as I told you, I think you’d make an excellent Watcher and Coven leader. But the decision is ultimately yours – just keep your mind open."

"I will, Giles," Willow nodded.

"That’s all I can ask," he added with a grin as he patted her knee and walked away. Willow watched him, considering his words. "Hey Giles," she called out as he nearly cleared the coven’s threshold.

"Yes?" he asked, turning around.

Willow gave him a small grin. "Thanks," she said sincerely.

"You’re very welcome." Giles grinned and continued on his way Cut To

INT.

Apartment/Flat – Morning

London, England

There was a knock on a studio apartment door. From the nearby couch a young woman in her mid-twenties placed the book and paper work she had in her hands down on the coffee table before her. She rose hesitantly and made her way over. She looked out the peephole and saw a delivery person out front. Making sure the security chain across the top was secure she unlocked the door and opened it slightly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Rowena Allister?"

"Who’s asking?"

"Lexigram. I have a telegram for Rowena Allister. Can you sign for it?" he asked, pushing the clipboard through the small opening. The woman took off the letter and scribbled an indecipherable signature before handing the ledger back to him.

"Have a nice day ma’am," he said with a nod and briskly walked away. She closed the door, making sure to relock it before opening the envelope. Making her way back to the sofa she read the notice inside.

Rowena Allister:

The council has assembled. Your presence is needed. Confirm Immediately.

Phone 441717300666.

She took the letter to the phone and dialed. She paused a moment before announcing, "Rowena Allister calling for James Tyrell." She folded the letter back up as she rested the phone on her shoulder. "…Yes, James. I’ll be there." Fade To

EXT.

Street in Chicago, IL. – Early Evening

Faith and Robin sat in Giles’ Aston Martin, watching the activity on the ghetto looking street as they staked out the address that Andrew phoned to them. Faith turned to Wood who sat in the driver’s seat. "Think we stick out like a sore thumb here?" she asked, waving at the cars that surrounded them.

"That thought did cross my mind, yes." He grinned. "Surprised the cops haven’t patrolled by here wondering what we’re up to."

Faith settled back into the seat. "Hell, I’m surprised no one’s walked up yet looking to score a little. I dated a guy once who had a car like this. Porsche, actually. Couldn’t go anywhere without someone looking to buy drugs."

"So what happened?" Robin asked.

"To the car?"

Robin chuckled. "No, the guy."

"Oh, him. Just another joker. Eventually I had to face up to my destiny as a loser

magnet."

"Well, that’s comforting," Robin quipped.

"Sorry, but it’s true. You seem like a great guy Robin but…"

"But what?"

"I gotta admit I’m waiting for the other foot to drop."

"You mean shoe," he told her.

"Foot. Shoe. Whatever. Point is, one day you’re either gonna wake up and realize you’re wasting your time with me or I’m gonna find out I’m wrong and you’re not unlike all the other guys."

"That’s a helluva way to live."

"That’s how I’ve managed to survive. Get a little and get gone. Start playing with that emotion stuff and you’ll get burned."

"I’m not out to burn you, Faith. I told you, I think you’re a remarkable woman. And I know you’ve got walls but I’ve got something all those other ‘jokers’ don’t." Faith grinned. "And what’s that?"

"Perseverance. Loyalty-."

"Don’t forget pretty," Faith joked.

"That too." He nodded with a serious look before cracking a grin. Faith just chuckled and looked back out the window when she saw a girl walking down the street with an older man. Her face grew more serious as she examined them. It fit the description that Andrew had given them and Faith nodded out the window toward the approaching pair.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Good call," he said, opening his

door. "Let’s check it out."

The man and young lady had

already entered the house before

Robin and Faith could greet them so

they walked up to the porch.

"Let me do the talking here," Robin told her.

"Why you?" Faith grinned, teasing him.

"I’ve got the people skills. Former principal and all that."

"Go for it, Ace," she answered patting him on the back. Robin knocked on the door and after a few moments the man they saw earlier opened it. "Yes?"

"My name’s Robin Wood and I’d like the opportunity to-."

"Whatever you’re selling I’m not buying," the man said curtly.

"I’m not selling anything, sir. I’d like to have a few moments of your time to discuss your daughter’s education. We run a boarding school of sorts that teaches girls the skills they need in the world today."

"Look pal," the man answered again. "Does it look like I can afford a boarding school?

Go away."

He began to close the door but Faith put her foot inside, stopping him.

"Let’s cut the BS," she told him. "Your daughter’s been experiencing some pretty strange things lately, hasn’t she? Stuff you might have seen but can’t even believe." The man suddenly looked nervous. "Who are you?"

"Like he said, we run a school. Your daughter isn’t the only one that’s seen some freaky shi-stuff in her life. It’s hard to believe. I remember the first time I saw a demon. My mom said I was nuts. Then she drank a fifth and passed out. Point is, someone came to me soon after, looked after me and I’m alive today because of it. We’re offering your family the same help, free of charge." Faith paused a moment and motioned to Robin. "The card," she told him.

Robin reached into his pocket and handed his business card to the man.

"Now," Faith continued as the man examined the card. "We’re here for both you and your daughter. But since our help isn’t wanted at the moment we’ll move along. We’ve got a lot more stops to make and more families who need our assistance. Give us a call if you change your mind."

Faith removed her foot and nodded for Robin to follow her as she started toward the porch steps. Without argument, Robin followed her lead.

"I didn’t believe her at first," the man called out, making Faith and Robin stop and turn to face him. "But the other night we went to the movies and…we haven’t told anyone what happened."

"Whatever it was, chances are no one would believe you if you did," Faith told him straightforwardly. "But we would. We’ll help if you let us."

The man opened his door wider and motioned for them to step inside as he walked into the recesses of his home. Faith simply smirked at Robin.

"Don’t gloat," he whispered to her. "You might have gotten us in but I’m still prettier." Cut To

INT.

VideoHut

Cleveland – Night

Willow and Giles walked into the

video store taking a look around. The

place was well lit but vacant of any

customers. The clerk nodded a hello

to them as they made their way

over.

"Hi. I’m Willow Rosenberg and this is

my associate, Rupert Giles. Would

you happen to know how we could

get in touch with Gregory Marshall,

the owner?"

"Well, I’m Greg Marshall. Is there a

problem?"

"Not at all," Giles said reassuringly. "We’ve done some checking and we noticed that you were once a Watcher with the council. I’m a Watcher myself and we’ve begun a council here in America."

"Is that so?" he said, sounding interested.

Giles and Willow both grinned at each other optimistically.

"Yes," Giles told him. "In fact we’re looking to recruit Watchers who can oversee Slayers and your skills as a former Watcher could be of great use to us."

"I’m not a Watcher anymore. I own my own shop as you can see." Marshall moved around the counter, taking some video boxes with him.

"I realize that," Giles said with a nod, "but things have changed since you were last with the council. According to the records we’ve uncovered you were assigned a potential from 1984 to 1989. But you left the fold in 1989, is that correct?"

"Yes, I did," he told them reluctantly, trying to make himself look busy by adding and straightening out some videos. "She was killed by a group of vampires. I walked away from the job after that."

"I’m sorry to hear about your loss. That had to be awful," Giles told him.

"It was," he answered with sadness in his

voice. "I couldn’t do it again. To train a girl

and watch her fall… It was too hard."

"As I said things have changed. My

associate, Ms. Rosenberg, is a powerful

Wiccan and she preformed a spell that

activated all the potential Slayers. Now all

the girls that might have the power do

have the power. There is no longer a

Chosen One but a Chosen Many. We’re

looking for these girls as well as potential

Watchers to look after them."

"Many? Well I’ll be," he said with a slight grin. "So you want me to Watch again?"

"That’s what we’re hoping," Willow added. "We need people who are interested in rebuilding the council to fit the needs of today and-."

"Rebuild?" Marshall asked.

"Yes," Willow told him. "Something called the First Evil attacked the Watchers and Potentials of the world, trying to eliminate the line. Mr. Giles, his Slayer Buffy Summers and myself averted the threat but we need to rebuild the council now. The attack was a brutal one and we know of only two experienced Watchers left in the world - Mr. Giles and our contact in England named Mr. Robson. We’ve had no communication with anyone else."

"Everyone else is gone?"

"It appears so," Giles added.

"No offense, but what did you avert? Sounds like this First came out the winner."

"Well, the First’s goal was to fill the world with demons," Willow told him. "It didn’t happen because of the Slayer spell. We had a small army of Slayers that did battle in the hellmouth at Sunnydale which caused its collapse."

"I knew it!" Marshall smiled. "You know, when I heard about the Sunnydale earthquake something told me it was more."

"Much more," Giles added, "And now we’re in a position where we need to rebuild and face the evil that still exists in the world."

"So," Willow asked, "Will you help us and bring your knowledge to our council?"

"The idea is certainly a righteous one, but I’m afraid I can’t help." Willow and Giles both looked at him, obviously confused.

"May I ask why not?" Giles prodded.

"Like I said, it’s too much on the heart and besides, I like my life now. I’m not making millions of dollars but I provide a service, set my own hours. It’s a good life. I did my stint with trying to save the world."

"Mr. Marshall-," Giles tried to begin.

"Mr. Giles, the answer is no. But thank you for the offer." Willow gave a defeated sigh as Giles reached into his pocket and handed him a business card. "If you change your mind don’t

hesitate to call," he told him.

"Thank you," Mr. Marshall said politely. "Sorry I can’t be of help."

Giles didn’t reply. He simply nodded Willow

toward the door and they both left quietly. Once

gone, Mr. Marshall walked behind the counter

and opened up the register. He placed the

business card inside the tray before closing it

back up.

Looking over to the front door to see that they

were gone for good, Marshall walked over to

another door that looked like an office. He slowly opened it to reveal a vampire feeding on a woman. The vampire looked up at the disturbance with mild annoyance and a growl.

"We’ve got trouble," Marshall told him in a concerned voice. Act Three

Fade In

INT.

Slayers’ Quarters – Late Afternoon

Cleveland

"Come on over Rachel," Faith said, motioning over the young woman who had made the trip from Chicago. "You’ve already seen the Watchers’ side. So this is where you’ll be staying and training."

The building next to the large headquarters looked equally as enormous with high ceilings and a host of different equipment that lined the walls. They continued to walk until they reached another door. Faith went inside first and pointed out the living quarters where a few of the Slayers were at a table playing cards. Kennedy was closest and seated at a desk, writing something down.

"This is Kennedy." Faith told Rachel. The sound of her name spoken made Kennedy look up.

"Hey! You’re back!" she said with a smile.

"Yeah, just got in," Faith told her. "I took Rachel here next door already to meet Giles and Company."

"I was just putting together the patrolling schedule for this week. Maybe you can give me a hand later," Kennedy replied.

"Sure thing. Oh sorry, this is Rachel,"

Faith said in introduction. "Rachel,

Kennedy is like my lieutenant. She

oversees all the girls here –

particularly one redheaded witch

you’ve already met," she added.

Kennedy chuckled and offered her

hand, giving a brief shake. "Nice to

meet you Rachel and don’t mind

Faith. She likes to jab me whenever

she can for dating Willow."

"So you’re like, a lesbian?" Rachel asked.

"No." Kennedy said firmly shaking her head. "I am lesbian. There’s no ‘like’ about it. But don’t worry, it’s not contagious."

Rachel gave a brief laugh and quickly stopped herself. "I’m sorry."

"Don’t be. I’m not."

"No," Rachel replied quickly with a nervous smile still on her face. "I mean for laughing. I wasn’t laughing at you I just…forgive me. This is all just a bit overwhelming."

"I spent a year running for my life. Most of us here have so we can relate to

‘overwhelming’. Trust me. You’re in good company."

Faith put her hand on Kennedy’s shoulder. "Think you can show her around and get her settled in?"

"Not a problem," Kennedy answered before turning to Rachel. "Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour and introduce you to the other gals here in the barracks." Faith paused a moment. She watched as Kennedy led Rachel to Rona and Vi at the card table before turning her back to leave the room.

Cut To

INT.

Watchers Headquarters – Moments Later

Cleveland

Giles watched as Faith made her way inside. "Rachel getting settled in?" he asked.

"Yeah," she told him. "Brat’s showing her around." She walked closer and saw Giles going through the mail with a smile on his face. "What cha readin’?"

"Oh, a postcard from Buffy," he told her with a grin.

"And how's her Royal Highness doin’?"

"Faith," Giles reprimanded.

"Sorry, sorry," she said in a bored tone.

"If you’re truly interested she was in Disney World last week."

"So she’s off to the Magic Kingdom while we’re busting our asses trying to save the real world. Good for her," Faith jibed.

"Please, Faith, " Giles began. "We all know you feel a slight resentment toward Buffy for not coming along but-."

"Good then," Faith interrupted. "Let’s drop it." Something caught her attention on the desk and she picked it up. "What’s

this?" she asked as she started to

thumb through what looked like a

catalogue.

"You’re quite inquisitive today," he

remarked.

"Nah, just bored and waiting for

sundown so we can patrol," she

answered.

"Those are the plans we have to

choose from," Giles told her. "…for

the living quarters we’re putting upstairs," he added in clarification.

"You mean we might actually have real ‘apartments’ someday instead of dingy rooms with just a mattress?" she asked with a

smirk.

"I know these aren’t the best living

conditions at the moment," Giles

agreed. "But with time we’ll get there."

"Hell, anything is better than an 8x8

cell," she replied as she continued to

flip through the book. "Now this isn’t

bad," she said showing him the

picture. "A TV, a bar and two comfy

chairs. Who needs anything more?"

"You’re a woman of simple needs, Faith," Giles complimented.

"So which one did you like?" she asked.

He thumbed through the brochure and turned it around to show her.

"Oh man, a fireplace too! Talk about

your bachelor pad Giles! Bring the

ladies up for a nightcap, put on some

soft music and woo ‘em by the fire with

that sexy British accent?"

Faith laughed as Giles blushed.

"No, that is not why I like it," he

insisted. Faith just smirked and nodded.

"It is not. I’m far too busy to complicate

myself with a love interest. This room,

it’s like my cottage in England," he

added.

"Sure it is," she teased over exaggerating the sentence.

"I-It is so. ..Y-You can ask Willow. She’s been there. She’ll tell you." Faith looked as if she was considering more jabbing but let it go. "Speaking of Red…" she replied, letting the sentence hang.

"She’s in her coven room. She’s located 3 more potential Watchers and two more Slayer girls since you’ve been gone. Andrew is narrowing down locations and descriptions again so next week we might send you and Wood on separate journeys."

"That’s cool! More the merrier. By the way, I stopped in for a snack when we got back. Andrew was bitching about slaving over the hot stove but he also said the Watcher guy here in town wouldn’t join."

"No," Giles sighed. "He wouldn’t."

"He came down with a case of Buffy-itis, huh?" Faith chuckled but held up her hands before Giles could argue. "Okay, I’ll drop it. But seriously, that’s too bad. Someone that close who won’t lend a hand, it’s a shame."

"Well, I left our card. Maybe he’ll reconsider and look us up," Giles replied optimistically.

Cut To

INT.

Darkened Apartment with the blinds down – Early Evening

Cleveland

"I say we go there now!" a vampire demanded rising to his feet. The room, filled with eight vampires, seemed divided with half supporting him and the other half shaking their hands and heads in disagreement.

"The sun hasn’t set yet, moron," another vamp answered. "Besides, why walk into the den when we can just take the Slayers out one by one? They do patrol the streets, right? I say we watch ‘em, we hunt ‘em and when the time’s right, we jump

‘em."

The two sides began to argue with each other until a third vamp stood up. "Marshall," he announced over the conflicting

voice. "You’ve guided us plenty of

times. What do you think we should

do?"

"You’re all scared. I realize that. But I

don’t think jumping a group of

Slayers is the best way to go."

"Then what do you suggest?" a vamp

sitting on the sofa asked.

"You know the best way to kill a

serpent don’t you boys?"

"Cut off its head," one of them said with a chuckle and made a chopping noise.

"Exactly. Cut off the head and the body dies. The Slayers are just the bodies but the Watchers are the heads – the minds."

"So how do we do it?"

Marshall gave a sinister grin. "Fear not, my brothers. I have a plan." Cut To

INT.

Slayer’s Quarters – Evening

Cleveland

"It’s well known that an army travels on its stomach so eat up youngins. There’s plenty here so keep passing the plates," Andrew told the group of young women. They had gathered in the training area and wheeled out the drop down tables with benches that they kept stored on the far wall.

Faith stood up and addressed the group.

"Here’s the low down," she began. "Everyone is going out tonight on patrol. We’ll be going in two groups. Rachel, you’ll be going in my group just so you know. Kennedy will head the other group. We’re gonna do a sweep tonight from the east and the west. I’ll be taking the east side and Kennedy will have the west. It’ll be dark soon so enjoy your meal but do it quickly. We’ll pass along the roster so everyone knows her place, okay?" The group nodded and voiced their understanding. "Good, now eat up." Before Faith sat back down she tugged on Andrew’s sleeve as he continued to pass more dishes around. "Hey, are those cheesy potatoes?" she asked.

"Why yes they are twice baked and I even fried the bacon that’s on top myself – no artificial bits for our girls."

"Cool dude," she said with a smile. "You really go all out! I don’t care what Willow and Giles say about you. I know the truth." Faith put a forkful of potatoes in her mouth.

"Say? What? What do they say?" Andrew asked with a hurried, concerned voice.

"Lighten up, Spaz. I’m just teasin’ ya," Faith said with a chuckle. "But really, thanks for the extra effort."

"Ah, thank you… you’re a peach."

Cut To

INT.

Watchers Council – Moments Later

Cleveland

Willow walked out of her coven room holding a piece of paper in her hand. She found Giles and Wood eating at the computer terminals.

"I think I’ve narrowed down locations a bit more in the Slayer hunt," she told them as she walked over.

"Did you eat yet?" Giles asked.

"Uh, oh no, not yet but I’ll get something later. One of the girls isn’t far from here. Detroit, actually. I don’t have a specific location yet but we’ll get it narrowed down." Willow paused and looked around. "Where are the girls?"

"Mess hall or the mock mess hall," Wood offered.

"Oh," Willow said sounding a bit defeated, which prompted Giles and Wood to examine Willow for a moment. "It’s nothing. I just hoped I’d get to see my girlfriend sometime today."

"Well, Andrew does have the food over there," Giles said rising and taking the paper from Willow, "I think you’ve worked hard enough for one day. Why don’t you join her?"

Cut To

INT.

Slayers’ Quarters – Evening

Cleveland

Willow peeked her head inside the entrance and smiled.

"Room for one more?" she called over.

Vi, who was seated next to Kennedy,

motioned the group to slide down a

little, giving Willow space next to

Kennedy at the end of the table.

Andrew walked over and put down a

plate and some silverware. "Here

you go, milady," he said politely.

"What can I get you?" he asked.

"Hmm…" Willow looked over at

everyone’s plates. "Let’s see –

chicken, potatoes and green beans

please."

"Coming right up," he told her as he walked around the table to fetch the items for her.

"How goes the search?" Kennedy asked. "I missed you at lunch."

"Yeah, I’m sorry. I wanted to try to narrow things in a bit more, which I did. One of them lives in Detroit – Slayers I mean. Figured Faith could maybe ride out next week once I get a location on her."

"Works for me," Faith said. "Only thing is can Brat tear herself away from you long enough to sleep in the barracks and watch the girls while I’m gone? You know we’re talking a whole day, maybe even two days."

A couple of the girls chuckled across from Willow and Kennedy, which prompted Kennedy to look at the list. A wicked grin crossed her face. "Oh look! The laughing hyena’s are in my group. I can make them do laps tonight while they patrol." Both girls let out an exasperated sigh. "Be careful what you find amusing ladies," she warned.

"Ken, Sweetie, be nice," Willow said with a grin.

"I am being nice," Kennedy answered. "I could have thrown in 20 push ups for every block they run around."

"So food and then patrol, huh? Think it will be a long night?" Willow asked.

"Hmm, that depends. Something special waiting for me when I get home?"

"Maybe," Willow retorted with a coy smile.

"Maybe I’ll make ‘em all do laps to speed things up," Kennedy offered.

"No." Willow chuckled. "Then all of them would be resentful," she added.

"Got that right," Vi said moving her head forward to look past Kennedy to make eye contact with Willow.

Faith stood up. "Okay girls. Let’s roll!" A few girls complained that they weren’t finished but Faith just shrugged. "Hey, you’re in the Army now, Sweetcheeks. Get used to it."

The table squeaked and clattered as the girls rose to fall into positions. Kennedy wiped her mouth and leaned down kissing Willow on the hand. "Be back in a flash."

"Promise?" Willow asked hopefully.

"Oh yeah," Kennedy smirked. "I promise."

Cut To

INT.

Watchers Council – Night

Cleveland

Giles, Willow and Wood sat at the computer terminal looking at a series of maps as Andrew carted away the dirty dishes.

"Okay," Willow said, "If I have the latitude and longitude correct then that means that we’re looking at Lincoln Park, Michigan. The spell did reflect that it was ‘park like’ in nature."

"Yeah, but look here – there’s also an Allen Park not far from Detroit and pretty near Lincoln Park," Wood pointed out.

"Where?" Willow asked, growing concerned.

"Right here," he showed her as he pointed.

"Damn it. What’s with all the ‘Parks’ in Michigan and why can’t this be easier?"

"Nothing worthwhile is easy," Giles quipped.

Willow opened her mouth to reply but they all heard a knock at the door and made their way over.

Giles opened it first as Willow and Wood looked on.

"Hello Mr. Giles. It’s Mr. Marshall. We spoke the other night about-."

"Oh yes," Giles said anxiously.

"Have you reconsidered?"

"Well, I thought you should know

that we are not alone," he said

pointing to the six men that stood

behind him. "We’d like to come in if we could but we don’t want to intrude without an invitation."

"Oh no. I’m sorry," Giles said quickly. "Where are my manners? Please come in everyone. Make yourselves at home."

Mr. Marshall gave Giles a full smile as he walked across the threshold. Once everyone was inside, Giles closed the door.

"So you’re all Watchers too?" Willow asked.

"Well, no," Marshall answered, his face turning into vamp form. "But we’re all alike." Suddenly the other men morphed as well. Shocked, Willow, Giles and Wood found themselves trying to move away from the eight vampires that began to circle them. Act Four

Fade In

INT.

Watchers Council – Moments Later

Cleveland

Giles turned to Willow as the group of vampires stalked around them in a circle. "I thought you did a protection spell?" he

asked nervously.

"Yeah, but it doesn’t work when you invite

them in," she countered, stressing the last

three words sarcastically.

Giles pointed to Marshall, "Well how was I

to know he-."

"Don’t worry," Marshall interrupted them

with a sneer, turning their attention back to

him. "In the spirit of Watcher camaraderie

we’re going to make this as painless as possible for you."

"So you were turned?" Giles said as he casually looked around, hoping to buy some time to formulate a plan of escape. "Sired by the vampire that killed your Slayer, I presume?"

"What can I say?" Marshall shrugged casually. "He killed her and then made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. But here’s the problem now. I’ve been overseeing…well watching if you will," he said with a caustic grin, "this nest. I’ve been giving tips to help fight any foe that might come along. As a result we’ve owned this area for years. In fact, we had one of the owners of this very building over for dinner one night."

The vamps in Marshall’s clan gave a chuckle as he continued. "With you and your girls here that poses a big problem for us," Marshall told him. "So it’s nothing personal. It’s strictly business and a matter of survival. It’s you or us. Sorry to say but you’re coming out on the losing end."

The group heard a commotion and turned to the service elevator. Andrew quickly exited pushing the serving dolly to gather more dirty dishes. He looked up after his hasty exit and froze.

"Um, Sorry," he told them waving his hand. "Just ignore me." Using the distraction, Giles grabbed Willow and Robin and he pushed through the circle running toward Andrew. The vamps gave pursuit but Andrew darted forward with the cart, sending it into the two closest vamps, giving the trio the chance to escape. Quickly, Andrew backed up to join the others.

"Enough of this!" one of the vampires shouted and rushed forward.

"Repel!" Willow shouted.

The vampire flew back about six feet and landed on his backside, shaking his head.

"I can only do this for so long," she whispered to her partners.

"Where are the girls, Andrew?" Giles asked.

"Patrolling. They left about 15 minutes ago, a half an hour tops," he answered.

"Which means we’ll have to wait before the cavalry gets here," Robin replied. The group continued to walk backwards slowly as the vampires spread themselves out and started to advance forward.

"Okay," Giles nodded. "We fight then. Andrew, you have to get over to the radio and get the groups back. Willow, Robin and myself will hold them off while you make the call. Understood?"

"Okay Mr. Giles," Andrew said excitedly, keeping his voice down as not to be overheard. "But, uh, hold them off with what exactly?" Giles looked over at the far wall behind the creeping vampires that tried to circle them again. He spotted a few bits of lumber left over from the day’s construction.

"Back there," he said with a slight nod, trying not to attract too much attention.

"We’ve got to get over there."

"No we don’t," Willow answered

before taking a step forward.

A couple of vampires snickered at

Willow’s confident demeanor and

continued their approach. Willow turned to the trio of men behind her. "Duck," she told them calmly.

Before the vampires had a chance to react, lumber came hurtling toward them at lightening speed as Giles, Robin and Andrew all took to the ground to avoid also getting impaled. Some slices went straight through the vampires, missing their hearts, but two pieces hit their targets and both vampires exploded into instant dust. The ones not hit began to cower and look behind them searching for more. With a wave of her hand, Willow stopped the wood in mid flight and several pieces fell directly in front of her and her partners on the floor. Not wasting a moment of the vampire’s fear and confusion, the team took their weapons and raced over to the reception station where the radio sat.

"Get up!" Marshall yelled to his demons. "Get them!" The vampires looked uncertain for a moment and Willow grabbed Giles and Robin with her left and right hands. Andrew reached over the reception area and picked up the radio.

"Make a ring around Andrew," she ordered.

"A ring?" Robin asked.

"Andrew, lean against my back! Robin, Giles join hands!" Putting the wooden shards in their waistbands, Willow, Giles and Robin regrouped and stood still encasing Andrew while Willow began to chant. The vampires raced forward but came to a halt when they hit the unseen barrier.

"We can’t touch them," one of the vampires told Marshall.

"Keep pushing," he said with a sure grin. "She can’t hold us back forever." Frantically, Andrew pushed the radio button and spoke.

"Calling all Slayers! Calling all Slayers! 911! Vamps in the Headquarters! Repeat! We have vampires in the headquarters! Report back immediately! Over?" Cut To

EXT.

City Street – Same Time

Cleveland

"Willow!"

Kennedy felt the sting of the vampire’s backhand against her cheek immediately after her lover’s name frantically passed her lips. The slap barely moved Kennedy’s head and she pushed him into the wall before whipping out a stake from her waistband. She dusted him without a second thought and reached for the radio as she watched Vi tangle with a second vampire.

Cut To

EXT.

City Street – Same Time

Cleveland

Faith had the girls observing Rona take down the lone vampire they had found who was struggling with a victim

moments before. Now he found

himself struggling to survive the

Slayer before him.

"See that?" Faith told them, pointing

to the melee. "See how her feet are

spread? Her stance?"

Andrew’s hysterical voice filled the

radio on Faith’s hip and she only

managed to catch the tail end of the

transmission with Andrew saying,

‘We have vampires in the

headquarters! Report back immediately! Over?’

Faith shouted over to Rona. "Take him down now! We’ve got trouble at the council!" Rona gave a nod and promptly flipped him over her head. He landed on his back, totally disoriented, and she staked him, turning him to dust.

"Copy that. Team One heading home," Faith said into the radio before turning to her team. "Haul ass girls! Now!" she added as she ran down the street and they all followed her lead.

Cut To

EXT.

City Street – Same Time

Cleveland

Kennedy’s hand was shaking as she gripped the radio and heard Faith’s confirmation. She took a deep breath before she pressed the button and said, "Team Two heading home."

Not wasting a second longer Kennedy reattached the radio and ran up to the vampire that Vi battled. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned to face her now.

"Two girls at once," he said with a confident chuckle. "Kinky." Kennedy’s response was a stake through the heart that came so fast he didn’t have time to block it.

"We gotta get home! Now!" Kennedy told the group before she took off in a sprint.

Cut To

INT.

Watchers Council – Moments Later

Cleveland

"They’re on the way," Andrew told the group, "Now what?" The vampires were now putting their whole bodies into the barrier and getting closer and closer by the second. Giles gave Willow a look of concern.

"You’re getting weak," he whispered to her, taking in her appearance. Her breathing was labored and she had beads of sweat forming on her forehead and upper lip. "Let it fall when you see the best chance to throw them off," he added. Willow watched as three of the remaining five vampires jumped simultaneously toward them, shoulders first. When she dropped the barrier unexpectedly, gravity worked to the Watcher’s advantage and all three vampires tumbled to the ground. Willow also crumpled to the floor but from exhaustion.

Robin and Giles didn’t miss a step and both men jumped, each one staking a vampire before they could even stand. The third, however, rolled and jumped back up to his feet.

Marshall stood back and watched with a smirk as one of his vampires closed in on Robin’s neck as he knelt in the pile of dust he and Giles had created. The smile faded though when he watched Andrew come up from behind and strike him through the back, a burst of dust scattering all over Robin.

"Hey! I got one!" Andrew exclaimed proudly.

Excited in his prowess, Andrew didn’t notice the other vampire who had worked behind him. With a deep growl, the vampire grabbed Andrew by the arms and tossed him effortlessly into the wall behind them.

Robin looked over to see Giles trying to keep the vampire he battled away from his neck and he raced over to help. Willow turned around to see Andrew slumped on the floor unconscious and she wobbled, trying to get upright.

"Here little lady," the vampire that

tossed Andrew snickered. "Let me

give you a hand," he added,

grabbing her by the hair and pulling

her the rest of the way up.

Willow still appeared dazed and

drained.

"Bet Witch tastes delicious," he

taunted and bared his fangs.

Willow reached behind her back and swung her arm around quickly buried a stake in his heart.

The vampire looked down at the wood sticking out of his chest as she stepped back.

"Yummy, but you’ll never know," she quipped, losing her helpless façade.

"What the…?"

He never finished the sentence and Willow caught the stake before it landed in the dust that now lay at her feet. She looked over to see Robin doing his best to toss the remaining vampire off Giles and she knew it was only a matter of time before they had the upper hand. Instead of distracting her partners by interfering, Willow instead came eye to eye with Marshall.

She moved closer to him with grace and determination. Her steps were leisurely and Marshall looked nervously around him.

"Didn’t quite go the way you planned, did it?" she asked him.

"I’m a powerful vamp, little girl," he told her, "You do not want to tangle with me. I’ve led this crew for decades now."

"What crew? I don’t see any crew," she told him as she moved closer. Behind her Willow heard the unmistakable sounds of a vamp being dusted and knew that Giles and Robin had won their fight. "All I see is the last vamp in a nest about to meet an overdue end," Willow added.

"How dare you talk to me like that," Marshall said trying to act indignant and bold yet failing. "Who do you think you are?"

Willow let go of the stake she was holding but it didn’t drop to the floor. Instead it shot up and hovered next to her head for a moment as if taking aim on Marshall of its own accord.

"Who am I?" Willow remarked, pausing a moment as if she was deeply considering the question.

Suddenly the wood flew through the air and Marshall gripped the end of the stake positioned over his heart. He smirked in defiance but a moment later his hand dropped to reveal the wood buried deeply within him. He looked back at Willow with a stare of disbelief.

"I’m a Watcher," she told him proudly just before he exploded into dust. Willow let out a deep sigh of relief and turned to see Giles and Robin helping Andrew to his feet. He looked groggy although he was standing upright now. At that moment, Kennedy and Faith both burst through the front door scanning the immense room.

"Where are they?" Faith asked, trying to get her breath.

Kennedy rushed past Faith and ran over to Willow. She pulled the redhead into her arms. "Are you okay? Is everybody alright?"

"Everything’s fine, Sweetie. We took

care of it. It was easy actually," Willow

exaggerated trying to reassured

Kennedy.

"Yo

u call that easy?" Robin asked. Faith walked deeper into the room and

bent on one knee to look at the dust.

"W

icked," Faith replied. "Looks like you guys don’t need Slayers anymore.

Maybe I’ll retire, too."

"Hardly," Robin told her. "I don’t want to go through that again anytime soon."

"Speaking of which," Giles added. "We need a new rule. At least one experienced Slayer should stay behind each evening."

"You got my vote," Andrew said clutching his head. "Oww, I can feel the earth rotating. I think I need to lay down someplace. Quick."

Kennedy turned to Willow. "How did they get in? Your protection spell didn’t take?"

"Oh it took alright but it does little good when Giles invites them in," she explained.

"I didn’t know he’d been turned," Giles argued. "He was a Watcher for heaven’s sake."

Before Willow could reply the other Slayers had finally caught up and rushed inside. As they looked around, Faith walked over to Robin and began to dust his shoulders off.

"I think you’re a good catch Ace," she told Robin. "But right now you reek pretty bad," she added with a chuckle.

"You mean vamp dust isn’t an aphrodisiac?"

"Vamp slaying, most definitely," Faith answered. "But vamp dust? Nah, that’s just gross."

"Hmm, give me 15 minutes and meet me upstairs," Robin instructed with grinned.

"You’re on," Faith smiled back and watched him walk away for a moment before turning to the troops. "Okay ladies," she announced to the Slayers. "Since the Watchers felt the need to act like Slayers tonight that means you’re all on dustpan duty. So get your brooms and clean up this mess. Move it out." Giles walked over to where Kennedy and Willow were standing. "You okay?" Willow asked the Watcher.

"Yes, I’ll be fine," he said with a grin.

"You’re in awfully good spirits for almost getting killed tonight." Giles smiled and paused a moment. "I overheard what you told Marshall. Did you mean it?"

"The Watcher thing?" Willow asked just to be sure. Giles simply nodded. "Yeah, I do," she continued. "I’ve been thinking about everything and what you said. It’s not gonna be easy but yeah…I want to be a Watcher, Giles. I mean, that’s if you’d teach me."

"I would be honored." Giles smiled. "But I think Faith is right. Let’s get cleaned up and…then we can talk shop…tomorrow."

"Goodnight Giles," Willow told him as he began to walk away.

"Goodnight ladies," Giles told Willow and Kennedy before starting on his way up the stairs.

Willow turned to Kennedy and grinned sheepishly. Kennedy returned the smile and moved closer into Willow’s embrace.

"Got yourself some vamps tonight, eh?" Kennedy smirked at Willow.

"Yeah, a couple," Willow said modestly, enjoying the closeness. "You?"

"Uh huh," Kennedy replied. "You know…I’m wondering…"

"What’s that?" Willow asked.

"That old hungry and horny deal Faith was telling me about that comes after Slayage…"

"What about it?" Willow smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes.

"I’m wondering if it’s true for Watchers as well as Slayers?" Kennedy mused.

"Hmmm," Willow said, hugging Kennedy even closer. "Could be. I think it’s definitely worth researching."

"Oh yeah," Kennedy said. "Research. I know you’re really good at that."

"Um hmm," Willow nodded. "And I know you’re really good at action so I think we make a good team."

"Yep," Kennedy laughed taking Willow’s hand and pulling her along. "Watchers and Slayers. Together, we’re invincible."

Willow laughed and followed Kennedy as they both raced up the stairs.

Fade In

INT.

Tunnel looking Dwelling – Night

Cleveland

"So?" A deep, masculine voice called from one of the dark corners. "Is it done?" The real estate agent who showed the

Watchers their newly purchased building

stepped out of the shadows into a small

area of light, nodding. "Yes. Their school

will be opening right where you’ve

requested. They loved the sale’s pitch."

"I bet they did. You’ve done well Bonnie.

Once our plans are firmly in place and

victory is at hand I will see personally that

you get your reward."

"Thank you, sir," she bowed politely. "I’m

happy to serve."

"I promise your loyalty to the Presidium will not be forgotten, my dear. You are truly one of the finest among humans."

The realtor simply flashed a devious grin.

Fade to Black

End of Something Ventured, Something Gained