Chapter Three: The Meeting

[Buffy Summers]

The group had now assembled in the compound conference room: Faith and Giles, Gwen and Gunn, and Andrew were seated around the table as Dawn and Connor came into the room and took two seats together, followed closely by Wood, Spike and Illyria. Willow wheeled Kennedy into the room in a wheelchair, followed by an orderly pushing Xander. Finally Angel arrived, taking a seat directly opposite from Buffy, allowing them to begin.


:: Buffy stood up, and placing both hands on the table before her, began to speak. ::

"Thank you all for coming. Xander, Kennedy - good to see you both up and around again."

:: She smiled. ::

"Angel, perhaps first we should make the introductions of our respective teams - for those that have not met yet?"

:: Buffy gestured to each person in turn as she said their name. ::

"Faith - slayer. Giles - watcher. My sister, Dawn. Uh Wood: calvary. Willow - witch. Kennedy - slayer. Xander - watcher in training. Oh, and Andrew. He's a - Andrew."

:: Buffy nodded to Angel, who took over from her. ::


Angel nonchalantly ran throught the names of what was left of his companions...

"Right, Buffy, okay - Gwen - your basic mercentary with the whole electricity thing you witnessed. Gunn - all around demon hunter. Connor...uh...my son. Goes to Stanford. Spike - pain in the ass as most of you know. And Illyria - former god who happens to be inhabiting Fred's body. Right, now can we get to why we're all here?"


:: Buffy took a deep breath, glanced down at her notes on the table, then picked up a control panel. She punched a few buttons. ::

"Allright. This facility is one of three prototypes, with one in Tuscany and another in the north of England. As you can see - "

:: She pushed another button and a holographic image appeared in the center of the table, showing scenes from the compound. ::

" - we have envisioned these as training centers. New slayers are collected and brought here to improve their skills. We have state of the art medical facilities - as some of you witnessed - housing, a variety of combat training areas, and even schools for the younger girls."

:: She paused as scenes of young slayers training and living at the centers played. ::

"My team has been involved in assisting the setup and discovery of new girls thus far. But I believe we can do more."

:: Buffy pressed another button on the remote, and the images stopped. She set the control down on the table. ::

"What happened out there yesterday is proof of the need for an integrated force to fight demons. One that would actually seek them out actively and destroy pockets all over the world. This would not be limited to just slayers. Magick, those with special gifts, others - anyone that can help us."

:: Buffy sat down in her chair. ::

"And that's where you all come in. Each of you have special abilities that would be a great asset in teaching those new to us how to hone and control their powers, and eventually to join us in our fight. Instead of waiting for the next time they come for us, we will come for them."

:: She banged her fist on the table for emphasis. ::

"Each of you will have to make your own choice if you want to go along with me. For some of you it will be easy to see where you will fit - Willow, with magickal instruction, Faith and Kennedy with the slayers of course, and Giles and Wesley - wait, where is Wesley? I didn't see him at the battle..."

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles saw the pain shoot across the faces of the group from LA, he then turned and saw Faith, she still looked sad by the death of her one time watcher. He leant in closer to the table.::

Buffy: 'Buffy, i'm afraid that Wesley died before the fight.'

::Giles sat back in his chair, knowing now that it would be easier for someone to say something now he had said that he had passed.::

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow gasped, at what Giles had just said. Wesley. Although she had played a part in annoying him when he turned up in Sunnydale, she could tell, from the last time they met, he had changed, grown up. And now he was gone::

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn saw the grimace on everyone's faces when they were reminded of Wes's death::


"Yeah Wes would have really loved that brawl. When we first met five years ago he wouldn't have lasted a second in that fight, but he really toughened up.....but I could still take him, haha"

:Gunn found it less painful to laugh a little about Wes and think about some of the good times::

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria quickly shot an angry look to Gunn who was laughing, She didn't find it the time to be laughing::

(human emotion so foul.)

::Illyria frowned as she stood at the back of the room looking annoyed with the whole proccess of being there, She made it a point to be involved in everything in memory of Wesley, he would have wanted her to stay on the side of good::

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy felt as if she'd been kicked in the stomach. She may not have accepted him as her Watcher, but he had still been through a lot with them. She looked down at her lap for a moment, nodded, then regained her composure. She continued speaking, this time her voice softer than before. ::

"We've brought in someone already to take care of some special cases."

:: She nodded to David, who was stationed at the door. ::

"Show him in."

A face familiar to many of them then entered the conference room - someone they had not seen in a long time, and would not have expected to see there. But all the same, Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne was back.

[Mesektet Ra]

"Spike - pain in the ass as most of you know."

"Oh, you bleeding ponce, I should"-

The room went silent.

He turned his head, and saw Oz, a face he hadn't seen in a long while.

He choked on his words. "Oh." He waved, sheepish. "Hi."

[Cordelia]

She watched as the smallish looking young man walked through the door

Buffy: What's so special about him? He's not very intimidating.

[Andy]

:: When they'd mentioned Wesley, Angel thought about the last time he had seen Wes. He was quiet for a moment. Then he heard the door open, and a young man walked in. He remembered him. Oz. He looked up at him. ::

"Hello Oz."

:: He didn't expect to see him. Angel sat back in his chair, still staring up at Oz. ::

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz walked in looking fairly relaxed. He'd always been the sort to try and keep cool, and since he had returned to complete his studies with the monks he had become more at ease with all situations of life.::

All: "Hey."

::He looked around knowing many of the faces, some were new to him, though he attempted to make eye contact with each of them. His eyes came to rest on Willow for a moment as he approached the table and gave her a soft smile. It had been a long time. He had made peace with the things he'd learned the last time he was in Sunnydale and found that Willow had fallen for a young woman at college. He spotted an empty seat on the farside of the table and sat down.::

[Faith]

:: With tears in her eyes from the news of Wesley's death she frowned at Kennedy's remark on Oz biting her tounge and resisting the urge to hug Oz and settled for a wave ::

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz waved back at Dawn. He'd over heard the sad news of Wesley while he was in the hallway. He hadn't known the guy very well, but it was sad to hear in anycase. He took no offence at Kennedy's remarks, since at first look he knew he didn't really appear to be anything other than a short guy with sort of wacky hair. He glanced at Buffy to see if she wanted him to explain who he was now, or if she wanted to go through anything else first.::

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander nodded towards Oz::

''Hi man''

::Then turned back towards the group and looked to Buffy::

Buffy: ''What I wanna know, is what am I gonna do to help? I don't really have any outstanding qualities to pass on''

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy nodded at Oz. ::

"If you wish to say a bit about yourself, go ahead."

:: Turning to Xander. ::

"You've been making real progress Xander, as a Watcher. Others could learn from you...if you are willing."

[Creature of the Night]

Buffy: Well, yeah, of course I'm willing, won't be able to demonstrate till I get out of this thing though!''

::He chuckled as he tapped his wheelchair::

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz smiled at Xander.::

Xander: "Hey."

::Oz was characteristically low on words. Though he wondered about Xander's eye patch. He then nodded at Buffy.::

All: "For those of you who don't know me, I'm a werewolf and have spent the past 4 years learning how to control the animal."

::He then looked back to Buffy, having said all he felt compelled to about his qualifications.::

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander looked towards Oz as he explained what he had been doing the past four years::

Oz: ''How have you been getting on?''

[Cordelia]

Kennedy looked at the short man again. There was something about him that felt off - the way he looked at Willow. She recognized at once that there was something there. She felt her girlfriend tense up beside her when he walked into the room and she couldn't let that go.

Buffy: A werewolf? Isn't that dangerous? Do you think maybe you can find us help that we won't have to worry about EATING us someday?

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander gave Kennedy a sharp look at what she said::

Kennedy:''What do you think he's been doing the past four years? He's been training to stop himself from eating us!''

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles scanned the room, mentally accessing each of the people in there. Mentally cataloging each persons abilities. This group of people were the Elite. They had strength of body and character.
Giles realised more then ever, his time as Watcher was coming to an end. He had no more to teach the men and women. His body was telling him he was no longer fit for these battles.::

All: 'As much as its nice to see Oz again, im sure there are more important matters then pleasantries.'

::Giles looked at the faces of the group, noticing indignant looks back. Suddenly a sharp pain rushed through his body. He managed to hide the yelp of pain by coughing, but a look of intense pain shot across his face, he hoped that no one recognized it. This battle had done more damage then he realised.::

[Faith]

:: Xander's comment hit home with Dawn too, sure she could fight but not like a Slayer, she had done a lot of the book stuff too and was getting good at but sensed this was not the time to air her thoughts on her insecurities ::

All: "Giles is right, we have more important things to discuss....besides Oz would never eat his friends"

:: she glared at Kennedy, her fondness for the girl at that time vanishing, Oz was her friend and friends stick up for each other ::

[Creature of the Night]

(What the hell's going on with Giles?)

::Xander looked over at Giles. He had noticed the look of pain over his face, which slightly threw him, but he knew Giles was tough. He then looked over the entire room::

All: Giles is right, we've got more important things to do than discuss whether Oz is going to turn us into a nutritious meal, though he obviously won't''

::He laughed slightly again::

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew remained quiet during the entire exchange. He had never met Oz, but he knew everything about him through anecdotes the main Scoobies would tell. He tapped his fingers on the desk in pure boredom and let out a very loud and noticable yawn in order to say 'Hey, can we get the show on the road, please?'. ::

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow sat in her seat in silence, she was not sure what to say. She was staring at Oz as he came in and sat down, allot of people where talking, but she could not hear what they were saying, she just continued to stare at Oz. She slowly looked away from Oz and turned her gaze to Buffy, she met her eyes. ("How could she not have told me. Warned me.")::

[Creative Name]

::Wood sat silently looking around studying the unfamiliar faces that were just introduced. He could tell the news about Wesley was a tough a subject and him not really knowing the guy had no right to say anything in the somber moment. Finally Buffy thought it best to move on and introduced a new face some little white boy in need of a comb but, Wood knew that he wouldn't be here if she didn't think that he could help their cause.::

Kennedy: "Buffy wouldn't have brought him here if he wasn't useful and, if she felt he didn't have complete control."

Everyone: "So let get on with this."

[Lyri]

::Gwen studied the new comer, the small red-headed man.::

Another freak to add to the club. ::She tried to stifle a giggle.

::Looking around, she could tell the news about Wesley had shocked Buffy, and Willow, and most of the others, for that matter. But Buffy was moving on, getting back to business.::

::Gwen cleared her throat.::

Buffy: "Whatever it is you're doing here, with these girls...I'm in."

::She saw the suprised looks Angel and Gunn were throwing her way, and she sighed.::

Angel and Gunn: "Look, I know I'm not exactly Miss Team-Spirit, and I know I usually run when things get bad like this. I don't know what made me fight last night, but I did. And I saw those girls fight. And they were incredible."

::She turned to look at their leader.::

Buffy: "I don't exactly know what it is you want me to do. I'm not a great fighter, but I can hold my own. Yeah, I've got my power, but it's not one I can share, or teach anybody. But whatever it is you think I can do...I'm yours."

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria listened to Gwen talk she slowly took a seat tired of standing her stomach was still hurting here from the battle and that hammer she was sure she had a few things broken in the shells form. She watched the smallish man and the witch stare at each other like wesley would stare at her or rather her form. Illyria feared that her human disliking was becomming less which was true she grew angry at the thought of these halfbreeds and human kind fighting and loosing. She didn't want them to die, Illyria blammed Wesley for this sudden change of heart. Not like she loved the human race just she had learned to tolerate them since the fight::

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn heard everyone talking about getting back to business and was a little bit irratated::

"I don't know about you guys but this is the first time in a while where I feel good. Can't we just chill for a little while. I mean it's not like some big bad beasty is gonna come knocking on that door anytime soon"

:: Gunn always is up for fighiting demons but he was phyiscally and mentally drained still from the fight. He didn't mean it to sound like he wasn't on board but he just wanted to rest for a couple of days::

" I mean I love mixing it up with demons as much as the next guy, but I need to relax for a day or two"

[Cordelia]

Kennedy glared at the handsome Principal

Wood: As if you were so tolerant of fighting on the side of a vampire.

Spike: No offense or anything...just trying to make a point.

She gripped the side of her wheelchair and pulled herself up. She turned and looked at Willow

Willow: Why am I sensing there's something you're not telling me here...

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles was really starting to get annoyed by the room. His feelings of them all being adult was quickly dissipating. The childish bickering was adding to the pain. Irritation taking hold. Standing abruptly, Giles faced everyone::

All: ' STOP! Look at you all. Bickering amongst yourselves like Teenagers.'

Xander: 'Before you say anything, i know most of them are.' spitting at Xander before some funny comment.

back to All: 'But they are also an Army. Has this past year taught none of you anything. This is the conference room. All personal irritations and distractions are left at the door.'

::Giles couldn't take it anymore, he walked across the room and exited. He headed towards the medical quarters. There must be something for the pain.::

[Lyri]

::Gwen watched as Giles left. He looked hurt and she figured she'd missed something during the fight.

::Everyone was silent after the older man walked out, they all looked as though they were in shock.::

Buffy: "Maybe you should explain what's going on...?"

[Buffy Summers]

Gwen: "Good to have you on the team."

All: "As I said, I need to know who is in, and then we can get started. There will be time for rest later."

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria looked to the small blonde chick who was speaking and nodded before sighing::

"Wesley would want to be in the trainning for the fight so for him i'm in."

::Illyria looked back down to the table and continued to zone out::

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz made no replies to anything else, he agreed that now was not the time to dig up the past. This meeting was about moving forward. From the response to him of the dark haired young woman he was guessing that she was currently involved with Willow. In the back of his mind he wondered where the sweet blonde girl, Tara had gone. Oz made a consious effort not to look right at Willow a second time during the meeting, it was not what was needed. Perhaps later there would be time to catch up, let her know he was okay with things, that he cared and just wanted to be her friend and see her happy.::

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow was just staring at Buffy, even when Giles started shouting she just stared at Buffy, ("She wouldn’t have brought him here if he wasn't needed") She convinced herself. She slowly let her gaze drift from Buffy, but who could she look at now, she did not want to look at Oz, not because of feelings, but because she feared for him, last time she saw him he was having trouble looking at her without becoming the wolf. And she could not look at Kennedy, she still had not answered her question, and there was too much to explain now. So she just stared down at her hands::

[Cordelia]

Kennedy looked at Willow staring at her hands and she felt her heart sink. She fell back into her chair feeling defeated.

Buffy: So when do we find this evil and how do we kill it?

[Mesektet Ra]

Spike looked at Buffy, locking their eyes. He was silent for a moment.

"I'm yours. You know that."

He smiled at her, heartfelt and full of longing. He held her gaze for a moment longer, and looked to the side. "That is...if you can use me."

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander looked around the room, a little brought down that Giles had just yelled at him::

(Wow, I've never seen Giles go all Vesuvius on us before, something really must be wrong)

::but then shook those thoughts out of his head at Buffy's comment::

''Well, I'm with you guys, whatever help I can be with one eye and one leg''

[buffetofsporks]

::Andrew raised his hand. ::

Group: It's an honor to be working with such a respectable group of ... um, people.

:: He stood up and got a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. ::

Group: Uh, I wrote something down earlier just in case we were gonna have another one of these things. (reading) Uh, to Anya, first and foremost. Uh, inspiration, uhh, yeah. (trying to read his writing) Umm, oh, to the fine city of Sunnydale. Without you, none of us would be here. Uhh ...

:: Andrew squinted at the sheet of paper. ::

Group: Um, I wrote some other stuff down but it was on the way to the fight and I was nervous. But you get the idea ...

:: He sat down. ::

Group: I guess I'm in.

[Black Eye Guy]

:: ("This is stupid, we are adults") She looked up from her hands, she turned to Kennedy first and smiled at her, and reached out her hand to hers, which was resting on the wheel of her chair. She then looked to Buffy::

Buffy: "Of course I'm in."

::Then she looked to Oz and, she smiled. Then quickly turned her attention back to Buffy::

[Faith]

:: smiles weakly at Andrew's speech, no matter how tense things were he was always making a joke, even if he didn't know it ::

Buffy: "No choice for me, i'm in"

[VisionGuy]

::Connor didn't know most of these people but he knew that they were gathered here to do some good.He didn't have to go back to school for a while because the semester is over and if he was going to do something over the break,why not help fight the forces of darkness.He also wanted to keep an eye on Dawn.Connor looked at Angel for a moment then turned to Buffy.

Buffy:"Count me in."

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn looked around and saw everyone saying that they were in. He already knew that he was in. He has always been in. He just said those things before out of exhaustion.::

"Well I am in for sure. I owe it to my sister, to Cordy, to Fred, and to Wes. Besides I haven't killed nearly enough demons this year."

[Anita Blake]

::Faith who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the fight almost felt like smiling. It had been a long time since she had seen Oz and with everyone in the same room, it was almost like Sunnydale again. That had been what she had most missed in prison::

To All: "Well, you're not going to get rid of me that easily. Of course I'm in. I didn't really get to kill enough baddies earlier. I spent most of my time trying to keep Xander from getting himself killed. Which granted isn't that hard because...well, let's face it, He's a demon-magnet."

::Smiling at Xander she turned to Oz::

Oz: "It's good to see ya man. We could always use more people on our side."

::Turning to the rest of the room, she slowly let her gaze fall on Kennedy for a moment before going on taking in all the occupants of the room::

All: "Let's not get into any personal crap right now. We have time for that later. When we can clear the air and get to know those we don't. But, right now, let's just listen to what Buffy has to tell us."

(Hell, I don't even sound like myself anymore. I sound almost...grown-up.)

::Shivering slightly, she turned her attention to Buffy::

(How scary.)

Buffy: "So. Is it the end of the world again, or what?"

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz noticed Willow glance over and smile, he also noticed her holding the dark haired girl in the wheelchair's hand, confirming his assumption. He nodded and gave her a small smile back and turned back the to group.::

Buffy: "I'm in, clearly."

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy held Willow's gaze for a moment, then flashed a smile at the group. ::

"Thanks, guys."

:: She opened a folder that was in front of her on the table, and took a deep breath. ::

"Allright, here's what we've got. A large conclave of vampires have holed up in Canada, just across the Washington border in Vancouver. Not normally unusual, but vamps from all over the world seem to be congregating there, following a new leader - much like we've learned they did with the Master."

:: Buffy nodded towards Spike. ::

"This group is up to something, and they pose a greater than normal threat. I vote we take them out."

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander looked around the room waiting for anyone to prevent him from making a witty comment. No one did::

Buffy: ''I think we should at least wait a while. We took some rather nasty hits back in the alley. I for one don't really want to lose another eye, or leg, or both''

(Hmmmm, not all that witty, maybe I'm losing my touch)

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy nodded. ::

"Exactly. We'll need to to plan this one carefully - that will give those of us who need it time to heal. If we are agreed - Gunn, when you are able, I want you to run point with me on this one. And Spike, I definitely want you to go along - you'll be able to tell us if something out of the ordinary is happening up there."

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander nodded in agreement::

Buffy: ''Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to find Giles and see if he's OK, and if he is, I'm gonna hit him. No one shouts at me without a reason!''

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn hears Buffy's plan and is excited::

Buffy " I am able whenever you need me. I feel a second wind coming on. Besides I still haven't dusted nearly enough vamps this year. So whenever you need me.....I'm game"

[VisionGuy]

::Connor heard Gunn mention Cordy and he just realized that she wasn't in the alley or in the conference room.He didn't know if she was still in a coma or if she had woken up.He decided to ask about her anyway.

"Where is Cordy?Shouldn't she be here for this?"

[Faith]

:: Dawn held her breath as Connor mentioned Cordelia's name. It had not occured to her that he might have known her, she snuck a glance at him, unsure as to whether she should tell him seeing as they had shared some truths. She lowered her voice to a whisper.

Connor: "She's gone Connor...she..she died"

[VisionGuy]

::Connor couldn't believe what Dawn had told him.He felt like someone had just stabbed him in the heart.His eyes started welling up with tears.He felt as if he had run out of breath.

Dawn:"She's dead?When did this happen?"

[Faith]

:: Dawn met Connors eyes and saw the pain in them::

Connor: "I can't really say I wasn't in LA at the time, but others were."

[VisionGuy]

::Connor didn't know what to say.Somehow he felt resposible.He wished he could have been able to protect her.He felt devastated by the news but he knew that right now,he had some work to do.Buffy,Angel,and the others needed his help and he was going to give them his undivided attention.

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn heard Conor talking to Dawn about Cordelia and didn't know what to tell him::

Connor " I think it's best you ask Angel that Connor. He has all the details if you want them"

[VisionGuy]

::Connor looked at Angel who had a hurt expression on his face.He had loved Cordelia also and Connor was sure that if Angel could've saved her,he would have.

Gunn:"Thanks.I'm okay."

::Connor figured the least he knew about Cordy's death the better.He didn't want to get into it.It would only make him hurt more.

[Black Eye Guy]

:: Willow herd Cordelias name mentioned, although they were not really friends they had leaned to tolerate each other, but her death was a real shock.::

Buffy: "What about the rest of us, what do you want us to do?"

[Mesektet Ra]

And Spike, I definitely want you to go along - you'll be able to tell us if something out of the ordinary is happening up there."

Spike nodded at Buffy. "Whatever you need, I'm your man."

He couldn't help the little tingle of worth at the back of his neck. He reached up and rubbed it, trying for nonchalant. [She's with someone now], he reminded himself, with a twinge of sadness. [She has no room for me.]

Spike tried not to let the sadness in his heart be apparent on his face as he listened to the others speak.

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles had made it all the way back to his room without falling down. The pain was worse then when he had been impaled by a javelin a few years ago. He felt foolish for the way he had left the conference. He knew it was almost as childish as the bickering, but he had to leave. He couldnt keel over infront of everyone.
He slowly lifted off his sweater, to look in the mirror. His entire rightside had been badly hit against a wall during the fight, and now it was a huge bruise.::

'Im getting too old for this.'

[Anita Blake]

::Faith felt a familiar rush flow through her at the thought of another battle. Grinning, she leaned back in her chair::

Buffy: "I'm definitely in. Sounds more fun that just hanging around here, that's for sure."

::hearing Xander's plan to go after Giles, she felt a need to go with him::

(Giles, comforted me when I need it and he didn't have to. He needs help now, and I'm going to be there for him...)

Xander: "I'll go with you. I'm worried about Giles. Being British all of this stomping around and yelling is very out of character."

::Standing up from her chair, she went over to Xander's wheel chair thinking to push him out of the room. She had noticed how tired he looked. He was brave and a good fighter, but he was still human afterall and the battle had taken a lot out of him::

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew turned towards Buffy. ::

Buffy: "How many slayers are we looking at here? Um, we were hit pretty hard last night. (Andrew shifted in his chair) Oh, if you want, we could send in the new 'recruits' ... Break them in or whatever. Get them in the field, you know?"

:: Andrew enjoyed this part. He loved to delegate responsibilities and organize the information. Being a watcher-in-training was what he was meant to do ... Of course, only if you exclude being a Jedi warrior ... That's still in the works. ::

[Lyri]

::Gwen looked at Andrew as he mentioned taking the 'new' recruits with them to Canada. She glanced at Buffy.::

Buffy: "How many vampires are we talking about here? I've never killed a vampire in my life, so I could probably use some training before we go. I mean, i can handle my own with the hand to hand, just ask Angel."

::She winked at the vampire, but it didn't make what she said any less true. She was a good fighter, but vampires were a whole different ball game that she hadn't played before.

::She needed to learn, fast.::

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander noticed Faith reaching out to help, and raised a hand in protest::

Faith: ''I'm fine, thanks''

::He grinned and began to wheel himself from the room::

[Anita Blake]

::Faith backed off grinning::

Xander: "Well, alright Wheels but if you break something else, I'm warning you that I might have to say 'I told you so.'"

::Following Xander into the hall she looks around. Turning to the left she starts walking towards Giles' room::

Xander: "Come on, slow-poke. I figure Giles as about a 5 minute head start, and even if he is hurt, he's pretty spry for an old fellow. I'm guessing he was heading in the direction of his room, so forward we go."

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz sat and watched as Xander and Faith left to see what happened with Giles. It had been an odd outburst from, as Oz recalled, a normally pretty level tempered person.::

(Of course it's been four years, and clearly a lot has changed. Hell, Sunnydale doesn't even exist anymore. I just hope this isn't a sign of trouble to come within the group. Usually there's plenty to deal with just fighting demons. We all obviously have plenty of inner demons to deal with too. To have conflict amongst us is taxing.)

::Oz's mind was busy though looking at him he just appeared serious and focused.::

[Creative Name]

::Wood gripped the arm of his seat at Kennedy's remark. He wanted to say something, he wanted to say something real bad but Giles was right this wasn't the place or the time, so he held his tounge. Her being afraid or a warewolf she'd had no formor contact or knowledge of and him not exactly feeling buddy buddy with the vamp who killed his mother were two different things.::

"Count me in too." He said as everyone else was verifying their wanting to be here.

::He said quietly as another of his crews friends was mentioned as being dead. He knew that it must be alot for everyone to take on in such a small amount of time. When Andrew mentioned the slayers Wood's mind leapt to the girl he had been fighting side by side with. He wondered if she had made it alright. He would have to wait until later though until then it was best for him not to dwell on it to much.::

Buffy: "And I'll go where ever you need me."

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy smiled to herself. She didn't know what she had been worrying about - she had been afraid that they would reject her. But they were her friends - somehow even the ones she just met. She should have known better.

Giles' outburst worried her - but she knew he could take care of himself. He would be getting annoyed at Xander in no time.

She fielded the questions everyone was asking of her. ::

"Willow - I could really use you training young witches. Apart from your skills of course, you have experience in...the personal issues...they could be going though. And of course we'll need to find the ones to bring to the centers, and others to help instruct them."

"Wood and Kennedy - I can use you training the slayers. You guys got to know the drill with the potentials."

"Now, to the situation at hand. We're still gathering intelligence, but we're talking at least thirty vamps there at a time. Once we have a better idea, we can select from the girls we've already been training who to take. Until then, the rest of us will prepare. And Gwen - I saw you out there the other day - you'll do just fine. Whatever you don't know already, there's plenty of us here to teach you."

[Black Eye Guy]

Buffy: "Training young Witches, that’s new. I like it. I can probably find witches in local Wicca meetings, although there mostly filled with posers, but I'm sure I can find some. And Giles should know other people to train them, maybe the Coven in England?"

::Willow loved the idea of training new witches, (Teaching them to develop their powers, work on spells and control their magick, and if we need a large amount of power it will be close at hand.)::

[Faith]

:: shifting in her seat Dawn raised her hand slightly ::

Buffy: "What did you have in mind for me?

:: Although she had been part of the group for a while now she didn't really have anything that she felt she could teach others about ::

[Lyri]

::Gwen watched as the youngest girl, Dawn, asked what Buffy and the others had in mind for her. She got the feeling that Dawn was feeling a little useless.::

Like me.

::She looked around the room at all of the other people. Everyone seemed to have something to offer. The vampires, the slayers. Willow was a witch, hell, even Gunn had a job.

::She looked down at her hands, as the electricity began to build. Gwen had been pretty drained during the battle, but her power had returned completely. But she couldn't understand what she had to offer.::

"How am I going to help them?"

::It took her a few seconds before she realized she had spoken aloud.::

[Creature of the Night]

::xander wheeled himself forward to follow Faith, even though he was obviously tired. But then, he wouldn't show it. Of course, there was a possibility Faith may noice, but it was small, and he didn't want to be a liability::

Faith: OK, never call me Wheels again, or I'll....I'll

::And at this point he realised he could do nothing. He was absolutely useless in a wheelchair::

[Anita Blake]

::In response to Xander's "threat" Faith grinned::

Xander: "Watcha gonna do about it....Wheels?"

::Grinning like a maniac she danced slightly in front of Xander's wheelchair, but making sure she was out of his way, and not within his reach::

(Poor guy. I hope he knows we still need him and he can still be useful. Buffy and Willow would be the first ones to tell him that. They probably will. I'll talk to them later about it.)

::Turning around she noticed that they had reached Giles' door. Looking at Xander, she took a deep breath, suddenly feeling nervous::

Xander: "Well, here goes nothing..."

::She lifts her hand and raps and Giles' door::

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander raised a questioning eyebrow when Faith danced in front of him. Kinda weird, it was something he would have done in her position::

Faith: OK, stop dancing, please!

::And as she rapped on Xander's door, he flinched::

Faith: If he shout's at me, can I have permission to find something and throw it?

[Anita Blake]

::Glancing at Xander she shrugged::

Xander: "Sure have at it. I mean, you got to have some way to defend yourself..."

(This is too much fun...)

::Hearing no movement inside the room, Faith sighs::

Door: "Giles, its me...and Xander. If you don't open this door, I'll knock it down."

::Pausing for a moment she realized that she hadn't sounded all that convincing::

Door: "And I can do it too! I'm strong and that door doesn't look very sturdy..."

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander grinned slightly at Faith's comment, then shouted::

Door: She'll do it Giles! Really, she will, she's crazy!!

[Cordelia]

:: Kennedy regained her strength and pulled herself out of the wheelchair. She kicked it against the wall, furious at the fact that she had previously been confined to it. She felt strength course through her body knowing that she had been pretty much healed. ::

Wood: Where should we gather them? Maybe you should take the newbies and I'll take the more experienced. I'm not sure the newbies will appreciate me yet.

:: She smirked knowing all too well how bitchy she had been. Slayer or no slayer, the brat lives on. ::

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow jumped as Kennedy kicked her wheelchair against the wall, she had gotten her strength back, obviously, but Willow could also tell 'magickally', ever since the activation spell, she had a connection with the Slayers, she could sense them, feel them, and she just felt Kennedy's power return::

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria looked about the room and groaned before making her way out the door walking down the hall she was bored with the whole process and had heard enough what she could do to help she did not know so she walked exploring her surroundings::

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy knew it was going to take a while to get everyone settled and feeling comfortable. ::

"Gwen, I'm sure growing up with the abilities you did was difficult - there are others who could benefit from your experience. But we need you out there on our team fighting the creepy crawlies.

Kennedy, we've been using classrooms in the east wing with the slayers, and outside on the training grounds when we can. Tomorrow, I'll have someone give you and Wood a tour. And the others, of course.

As for you missy..."

:: She gestured at Dawn. ::

"...you've still got a lot to learn. We all do. This is a place for us all to learn and share what we know. And be a base for our operations. We'll also need to seek out and find those we want to bring in to train."

:: She paused for a second, then stood and started to gather her papers. ::

"Why don't we stop for now, this has been a lot to absorb. We can pick things up again tomorrow - I think everyone could use a rest."

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles heard the commotion at his door, he quickly grabbed a sweater and tried to put it on. The pain in his side spiked causing him to keel over. With a huge slam to the floor he managed one word before he fell unconcious::

(Quietly) "Help".

[Mesektet Ra]

Spike, who had only spoken when spoken to, was one of the first to leave the conference room in a flush.

[Have to leave, have to...be away. Away from her.]

he didn't realize his feelings for Buffy were so...apparent. He thought he had put her past him - both he and Angel had come to the same conclusion. Buffy didn't need them - not that way - anymore.

And yet, the very sight of her sent warmth through his cold body, and he swore he could almost feel his heart beat.

[Damn. Not this bloody song again.]

He screwed his face up, pissed at himself for letting his emotions to override him again. He felt like a child; like he hadn't learned a thing in his hundred of years of unlife.

He raced up the stairs to his room, opened the door, and slammed it shut.

Alone again.

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz nodded when Buffy ajourned and stood up, heading for the exit. He would have talked to Willow, but had decided perhaps now was not the time.::

(The best thing would probably be to just let her come to you when she's ready to deal with you. Until then, smile and keep out of her business.)

::It was a little weird just walking out without even a wave or smile to Willow, but he didn't want to provoke a fight with her new girlfriend, or upset her. Oz went looking for his room.::

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander heard the slam against the floor on the other side of the door and he turned to Faith with a worried look on his face::

Faith: ''That don't sound good. I think you're gonna have to bust the door down after all''

[Buffy Summers]

:: She saw Oz leaving, and she hurried to the hallway to catch up with him. ::

"Hell Oz, wait up a second."

[Anita Blake]

::Faith had heard the sound but also Giles' whispered plea::

(Oh no...)

Xander: "I think your right...back up for a sec."

::Backing up a few steps and making sure Xander was out of the way, she rushed the door, slamming her shoulder into it. The door gave way with an audible splintering sound::

Giles: "Giles!"

::Seeing him lying on the floor she rushed over. Turning him over on his back, she noticed his breathing was shallow::

(Damn it. Don't do this to me now Giles...)

::Turning to Xander::

Xander: "Stay here with him, I'm going to go get help."

::Without waiting for an answer, she jumped up and ran out of the room in search of one of the doctors::

(Please God, let him be allright.)

[Creature of the Night]

(Oh yeah, just leave me with the unconcious English dude)

::But nevertheless, Xander stayed. He waited for Faith to come back with help, though he thought he should have gone. He was the one with wheels, after all!::

[Anita Blake]

::Faith, rushing down the hallways, noticed the remarkable lack of people in white med-coats compared to earlier::

(Where the hell did they all go?)

::Finally spotting an open door she recognized as the medical room Xander had been in earlier, she rushed inside. Seeing the doctors she grabbed the closest one::

Doctor: "Medical emergency! Help! Grab your equipment and a stretcher and lets get going! Hurry up!"

::Racing back in the hallway with a few medical personell on her heels she had to slow down a little so they could keep up with her::

(Let us be on time)

[David]

[ David arrives at Giles' room, several doctor's in tow. He notices the splintered door and waves the others inside. Standing in the hallway, he looks on, running a hand through his light brown hair. Seeing Faith, he explains. ]

"We saw you brake the door down on the surveillance cameras - we knew something was wrong."

[ One of the doctors who had been bent over Giles, looked up at David. "He's going to be okay, but we need to get him down to the medical center." One of those that had followed Faith had brought a stretcher, which Giles was presently loaded upon. They began to wheel the unconcious Giles out of the room, an iv bag of fluids attached to his arm, and an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. ]

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow was still sitting at the table with Kennedy beside her, the others had started to leave, Buffy had run out after Oz, ("I'll have to talk to him in a little while") she turned to Kennedy::

Kennedy: "Hey do you wanna go back to our room, you haven’t really had a chance to properly rest?"

[Anita Blake]

::Faith watched silently as they loaded Giles up on the stretcher. As they were wheeling him out the door she turned to David::

David: "I still don't know how I feel about the whole 'big-brother-watching-over-me-thing' but I guess it is helpful sometimes. Thanks."

::Looking over at Xander who had moved himself out of the way when the medics had come in she smiled::

Xander: "Hell of a day, huh?"

::Turning back to David, she saw that the medics had left with Giles, and she knew she could do nothing for him now::

David: "He's going to be ok...right?"

[VisionGuy]

:: Connor didn't know what to do. He wasn't sure what he could contribute to the group. Everyone else looked like they belonged but Connor was just unsure of what to do and where to go. He looked at Dawn who was sitting right next to him. Somehow, he felt like he had some connection with her. Like they weren't that different after all.

Dawn:: "If you want,we can both train together.I mean, there might be some things I could teach you about combat. Maybe there are some things you can teach me. Like where can we get something to eat."

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria walked through the compound halls looking in rooms, and at the strange people in the white lab coats walking around looking at papers, she silently walked into a small room with a cot in the corner she didn't see any sign of anyone being there before so she sat on the cot and looked at the wall::

(These humans wont stop until they rid this world of evil though many of their kind dies in the battle)

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander smiled back::

Faith: ''Just another day at the office''

::He looked at Giles, then at Faith::

Faith: ''He'll be fine. He's English, and they're made of strong stuff down there''

[Cordelia]

Willow: Well if we go back to the room - properly resting wasn't exactly what I had in mind...

:: She gave Willow a wickedly evil grin and her eyes danced as they met the Witch's ::

As she exited the room, she noticed Buffy stop the small blonde werewolf-guy and then quickly turned back to Willow

Willow: Why don't you head up to the room and I'll meet you there in a few...There's something I need to talk to Buffy about first.

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow smiled at Kennedy::

Kennedy: "Ok, I'll head up::

::She turned and started walking back towards their room, she reached the corridor, when she changed her mind. ("I should check on Giles")::

[Cordelia]

Kennedy approached Buffy talking to the werewolf. She forced a smile on her face and joined the two.

Buffy: I'm sorry about my outburst during the meeting, I just felt a little on edge with all that's being going on with people trying to end the world and my life lately...

Oz: I'm Kennedy, one of the recently activated slayers.

She extends her hand

Oz: So how do you know Buffy and the gang?

[Anita Blake]

::Turning to look at Giles one last time she sighed::

Xander: "Yeah, I guess your right. I'm just...worried a little bit. That's all."

(Good grief, I'm starting sound all, sympathetic and weepy. Get a hold of yourself girl!)

Xander: "Hey, what say you about going to find out what happened in the meeting after we left? We should probably find B or maybe Red and get the low-down..."

[Winifred Burkle]

::Oz turned around when Buffy called out to him and stepped toward her a bit.::

Buffy: "Yeah?"

::Then the Willow's dark haired girlfriend appeared. Oz smiled slightly at her and accepted her hand in greeting.::

Kennedy: "Hey, Oz, I went to high school in Sunnydale."

[Creature of the Night]

::Xander chanced another look at Giles before turning back to Faith::

Faith: ''Yeah, I think we should. I need to sort myself out, find out what I need to do''

::And he began to slowly move off::

[Faith]

:: Connor didn't know what to do. He wasn't sure what he could contribute to the group. Everyone else looked like they belonged but Connor was just unsure of what to do and where to go. He looked at Dawn who was sitting right next to him. Somehow, he felt like he had some connection with her. Like they weren't that different after all.

Dawn:: "If you want,we can both train together.I mean, there might be some things I could teach you about combat. Maybe there are some things you can teach me. Like where can we get something to eat."

:: Dawn watched as the others left the room, she had still not told Buffy that Connor was Angel's son. She smiled at him as he spoke ::

Connor: "That sounds like a fair trade to me"