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Hi, this is the second episode of Buffy Season 9 by me. I hope you enjoy reading it. If you have feedback, please post it here; both positive comments and constructive criticism are welcome 
Buffy Episode 9.2 168. Crisis
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They belong to Fox Studios and Joss Whedon. This work is fictional and is only for my and others entertainment. Therefore no infringement is intended. I do not intend to make a profit from this work. However I own all characters that have not previously appeared/been mentioned on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I can do whatever I like with them. Therefore any unauthorised usage of these characters is not permitted.
ACT I
Open on Buffy in Faith's room. She is sorting through some of Faith's clothes. She looks tired. Willow opens the door slightly.
Willow: Buffy?
Buffy looks round quickly.
Buffy: Hi.
Willow: I didn't think you'd be in here.
Buffy turns back to folding Faith's clothes.
Buffy: Gotta be done sometime. I don't have anything better to be doing right now anyway.
Willow looks sad. She walks over to Buffy and sits on the bed next to her.
Willow: Well yeah. But I mean it's only been two weeks since?since it happened. No one's really talked about it. Maybe if we did wouldn't end up here. Again. Might make it easier.
Buffy: Right now I find this kind of thing less difficult. I don't really know what to say. I've been here before?we all have, but?it just feels so surreal, you know? What with everything else going on with Dawn, so many people leaving?talking to Angel.
Willow: Have you invited him to the funeral?
Buffy: Well we hadn't arranged it then and-
Willow: Buffy, I think he'd wanna come. Spike too.
Buffy: That would be part of the reason why I didn't invite them.
Willow: I get that it'd be hard seeing them again. But without meaning to sound harsh, this isn't about you. It's about Faith. She was important to a lot of people, not just us. I don't think it'd be right to not tell them.
Buffy: You're right. Faith was in Angel's mind?probably taken a piece of him with her. And anyway I guess seeing him-?uh, seeing them again would probably be best anyway. Got some time to get ready at least.
Willow: Yeah. Another two weeks.
Buffy: I wish it could have been sooner, but apparently a lot of other people lost someone first.
Willow: Well like you said at least we can prepare.
Buffy: Yeah. I just think she'd be happier if she could rest, for good.
Willow: At least Dawn'll still be here.
Buffy: Mm-hmm?
Willow: You're gonna miss her huh?
Buffy: This house already feels empty. Soon it'll just be four of left when Dawn goes. I don't think I can cope with the silence.
Willow: Well I'm not going anywhere. You're not either right?
Buffy: Nope. We're not done here.
Buffy and Willow smile at each other. Xander looks in through the door.
Xander: Not interrupting anything am I?
Buffy: No I was just finishing. What's up?
Xander: I was just into town with Kelly, wondered if Willow wanted to come.
Willow: Oh right, yeah.
Buffy: What do you need to do?
Willow: I'm gonna see one of my professors at the college in Lincoln. Hopefully I'll be able to do my PHD there this year.
Buffy: Oh, cool. Good luck.
Willow: Thanks.
Buffy nods. Willow and Xander walk out. Buffy looks at the shirt of Faith's she was folding. She folds it once more in two and puts it on to the pile with the others. She gets up and walks out.
Opening credits.
Starring:
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR - Buffy Summers
NICHOLAS BRENDAN - Xander Harris
MICHELLE TRACHTENBURG - Dawn Summers
KATIE HOLMES - Kelly Rivers
ALYSON HANNIGAN - Willow Rosenberg
Guest Starring:
MARC BLUCAS - Riley
IAN McKELLAN - Webber
CAROLINE CHIKIZIE - Lauren
CHARLOTTE LUCAS - Vicky
COLIN SALMON - Terry
Open on Buffy walking into the living room. She sees Xander's car drive out. Dawn appears from the corridor.
Dawn: Thought you might not be coming down this morning.
Buffy: Oh I was just sorting some stuff out.
Dawn: Faith's room huh?
Buffy: Yeah.
There is a pause.
Dawn: What's gonna happen to all her stuff? I mean?she didn't say what she wanted to happen to it.
Buffy: It's complicated. I guess we'll have to see.
Dawn nods.
Dawn: Hey, you still coming with me for the interview thing?
Buffy: Yep, hadn't forgotten.
Dawn: Great. But remember you don't have to come in or anything just-
Buffy: Don't worry, I'm not gonna be the embarrassing sister who keeps checking to see you're ok. Cos you will be.
Dawn: Yeah?I hope.
Buffy: Dawn you got this far, you can go the rest of the way.
Dawn: You know how it'll totally be your fault if I don't get accepted now.
Buffy: Oh, um, well actually I think it's really unlikely you'll get in. Maybe even improbable.
Dawn smiles.
Buffy: Want some lunch before we go?
Dawn: Sure.
Buffy smiles as she walks through with Dawn into the kitchen. Cut to Xander's car pulling up next to the university. Willow opens the back door and gets out. She looks in through the passenger seat window.
Willow: I'll see you guys later.
Xander: Ok. Hoper it goes well for ya.
Kelly: Yeah good luck.
Willow: Thanks. Have fun.
Willow walks towards the university. Kelly looks at Xander. He is frowning.
Kelly: You ok?
Xander: What? Oh, yeah I'll be ok. Just need to time to get used to certain people not being here anymore.
Kelly nods.
Kelly: I know what you mean.
She places her hand on his arm. He puts his hand on hers.
Kelly: So you wanna do something?
Xander: Like go out somewhere for lunch?
Kelly: Sure. If was there somewhere to go.
Xander: Hey Lincoln's not that bad. We could try that new place. You never, could be nice.
Kelly: Hmm, ok.
Xander: Hope it's not as expensive as the last one though.
Kelly: If it is you're paying.
She smiles at Xander who smiles back. They drive off towards the centre of town.
Cut to Willow walking up some stairs in the university. She looks around and walks towards a door with "Professor Webber". She knocks. A man of about 50 opens it and smiles.
Man/Professor Webber: Hello, can I help you?
Willow: Hi, I'm Willow. Willow Rosenberg. We spoke on the phone yesterday.
Professor Webber: (smiling) Oh yes, hello, come in.
Willow smiles and walks in.
Professor Webber: Uh, please take a seat.
Willow and professor Webber sit down. Professor Webber starts looking through some papers. Willow sits patiently.
Professor Webber: (without looking up) Right. Hmm, interesting.
Willow raises her eyebrows hopefully. Professor Webber nods to himself and looks up.
Professor Webber: Well Miss Rosenberg your CV is, uh, excellent. I must say I'm very impressed.
Willow: Really? Good?and thanks, cause well I thought maybe some stuff from two years ago might be a little, uh, deterring for you.
Professor Webber: Hmm?well, there is one thing.
Willow: Oh. Well see that year was-
Professor Webber: Oh, no that's fine. You picked up well. No, I wanted to ask something concerning that you were initially offered places at some of the world's top universities. You could have got into Oxford if you wanted. Yet you chose the small, largely unknown town of Sunnydale for your first three-year course. And now you come to Lincoln, which is hardly leading in excellence. Why?
Willow: I guess, I, uh, I just like being near home.
Professor Webber: Really? But uh, Sunnydale's in California, and now you're in England.
Willow: Well that wasn't exactly my choice to leave; I mean there wasn't much of a university left by the time?uh-
Professor Webber: Ah don't worry about what you say. Every university has its faults.
Willow: Probably not as many as Sunnydale.
Professor Webber: Well I suppose I should be grateful you've decided to come here rather than somewhere with a much larger profile. I look forward to supervising you.
Willow: You mean you're letting me do it?
Professor Webber: Of course! Turning you down would be a crime.
Willow: Oh, great! Should I come in on Monday or-
Professor Webber: Yes, that'll do fine.
Willow: Ok. See you then! And thanks again!
Professor Webber: Bye!
Willow walks away smiling. Professor Webber smiles to himself. He walks over to his desk and starts sorting through some other papers. The camera slowly zooms in on the papers he was looking at before. There is a profile on Willow, and a newspaper report on Sunnydale. On the profile it clearly says "advanced magic-user, approach with caution".
Cut to Buffy and Dawn getting off the bus outside the school. Dawn and Buffy walk up towards the steps.
Buffy: I don't think I really need to say it, but good luck.
Dawn: Thanks. And yeah you do need to say cos apparently this guy is tough to please.
Buffy: Well you're good at pleasing?um?
Dawn raises an eyebrow.
Buffy: You know what, I'm gonna go.
Dawn: Right. See you later. Will you be around or-
Buffy: Yeah, uh I'll be back here at about 5 ok?
Dawn: Ok. Bye.
Dawn walks into the building. Buffy looks after her and then turns around.
Cut to Dawn inside the school. She walks up a corridor and then into a waiting area. She sits down next to another, older girl.
Girl: Going to Harvard?
Dawn: Uh, yeah?how'd you know?
Girl: Well I am so I was hoping I wasn't the only one.
Dawn smiles.
Dawn: Nope, you're not. I'm Dawn by the way.
Girl: I'm Lauren.
Dawn: Oh right, I uh don't think I've seen you around school.
Lauren: No I've actually just come here to get the interview. I lived further north before.
Dawn: Right.
A girl walks past. She smiles slightly at Dawn and walks down the stairs.
Dawn: So, why Harvard?
Lauren: Well you know it's got a great reputation.
Dawn: Sure.
Lauren: And I dunno, just seems a good choice. You?
Dawn: Same really. I mean I hate to be so far from home but-
Lauren: But?you sound American.
Dawn: Yeah I am originally. We moved here last year. From Sunnydale, California.
Lauren: Oh, really? You live near hear?
Dawn: Yeah just outside the town.
Lauren: It's nice aint it?
Dawn: Yeah it is. I guess it'd be good to be back in the US yeah.
Lauren: Right. I know sometimes I wish I could go back home.
Dawn smiles sympathetically.
Dawn: Uh listen you're probably going in before me, I just need to go to the bathroom. Could you make sure no one steals my seat?
Lauren: Good as done.
Dawn: Thanks.
Dawn gets up and walks towards a nearby door. A girl walks out. Dawn bumps into her.
Dawn: Oh, sorry!
Girl: No it's fine, my fault.
The girl smiles and carries on walking. Dawn walks through the door. Lauren looks after her and then gets a mobile phone from her bag. She dials a number and puts the phone to here ear.
Lauren: (to phone) Yeah it's her.
Lauren gets up and walks towards the door.
Cut to Kelly and Xander waiting in a queue outside a restaurant. A waitress comes out.
Waitress: I'm afraid it'll be at least 30 minutes until we have a table free, but if you'd like to wait at the bar you can.
Xander looks at Kelly.
Xander: You wanna wait?
Kelly: Uh?I guess. Though I dunno if I'll have time to go into town at this rate.
Xander: Hey, I can stay here if you wanna go in.
Kelly: Are you sure?
Xander: Yeah. Probably be waiting about another two hours if I went too.
The waitress looks a little annoyed. Xander notices and looks embarrassed.
Xander: Have fun in town.
Kelly: Will do.
They kiss. Kelly walks away.
Xander: (to waitress) So, uh, where's your excellent?um?nice bar?
The waitress raises an eye but smiles slightly.
Waitress: Follow me.
Xander smiles awkwardly and follows. Cut to Kelly walking along the street nearby. The camera moves across the road to show a man walk out of a shop. He watches Kelly walk down the opposite side of the street.
Man: (to a phone) The target has appeared.
Cut to Xander at the bar. A woman sits down next to him.
Woman: Half an hour waiting for a meal. Didn't think it'd be that bad.
Xander smiles slightly.
Xander: Yeah, it's pretty bad.
Woman: Hmm, American. You know I love your accent.
Xander: Thanks.
Xander smiles and takes a sip from his drink.
Woman: I'm Vicky by the way.
Xander: I'm Xander.
They smile at each other.
Xander: Hope I'm not here too long or I might not be able to drive home.
Vicky: I know it's so tempting to just?carry on. Especially when you're on your own. Though, drinking together's not so bad either.
Vicky edges a little closer. Xander looks uncomfortable.
Xander: Right. So it's a good job my girlfriend's gonna be back soon.
Vicky's smile fades. She moves back. Xander smiles a little and gets up.
Xander: I'm gonna go to the bathroom. I'll be?right back.
[I}Vicky smiles a little too widely. Xander walks away. Vicky gets out a cigarette and stares darkly after him. She picks up her phone and dials a number before putting the phone to her ear.[/I]
Vicky: (to the phone) What now?
Cut to Buffy staring at some shoes in a shop window.
Buffy: Who thinks of these prices? Can't they be a little realistic?
A man is stood behind Buffy. She sees his reflection in the glass and turns around.
Buffy: Oh sorry, I'm in the way.
Man: It's fine, I'm not shopping.
Buffy: Oh. Comparing company prices? Cos I gotta tell ya if they're less than this I'll-
Man: I need to speak with you, Buffy.
Buffy frowns.
Buffy: How do you know my name?
Man: Listen I'm Terry a friend of Riley's-
Buffy: Riley? Is he ok? Slayer trouble or-
Terry: He's?well I don't know how he is. Or where. And it's not Slayer related this time. It's?something bigger.
Buffy: Bigger? I?I didn't think there could be much bigger.
Terry: Buffy you're in danger.
Buffy: So I've been told.
Terry: It's different this time. Riley went missing when he tried to contact you about this last month.
Buffy looks shocked.
Terry: He was trying to tell you that you're being tracked down by a terrorist organisation. They're prepared to go to any lengths in order to find whoever they want as hostages.
Buffy: Me?
Terry: Not just you. Your friends too.
Buffy looks worried.
Terry VO: Right now they're probably being tracked down.
Cut to Willow walking out of the college. Professor Webber looks out of his window speaking into a phone.
Terry VO: We don't know how many there are.
Cut to Kelly walking down the street. Another man joins the one who was on the phone before. They continue to follow her.
Terry VO: And we don't know what kind of technology they have at their disposal.
Cut to Dawn returning to the waiting room. Lauren smiles.
Terry VO: But what we do know is that they need you because they know how important you are to the government.
Cut to Xander sit back down. Vicky smiles and slips her phone into her handbag.
Terry: We have to go now. Do you know where any of your friends are?
Buffy: Dawn. She's at the school.
Terry: She's too obvious. They'll expect you to go after her. I think they'll try and get someone who you think can handle themselves in danger.
Buffy: Willow. And Kelly! They're in Lincoln.
Terry: Let's go.
Buffy: What about Riley? Is he-
Terry: We think he's already been captured. But if we hurry we'll find out for sure.
Buffy nods.
Terry: We can use my car.
Cut to Kelly walking down the street. A hand is placed on her shoulder. Kelly jumps. She looks at the figure and smiles with relief.[/I]
Kelly: God you made me jump! You didn't wait at the restaurant?
The camera moves round to show Xander.
Xander: I thought we could find somewhere better.
Kelly smiles. She and Xander walk off. Xander looks forward and smiles darkly.
Buffy Episode 9.2 168. Crisis
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They belong to Fox Studios and Joss Whedon. This work is fictional and is only for my and others entertainment. Therefore no infringement is intended. I do not intend to make a profit from this work. However I own all characters that have not previously appeared/been mentioned on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I can do whatever I like with them. Therefore any unauthorised usage of these characters is not permitted.
ACT I
Open on Buffy in Faith's room. She is sorting through some of Faith's clothes. She looks tired. Willow opens the door slightly.
Willow: Buffy?
Buffy looks round quickly.
Buffy: Hi.
Willow: I didn't think you'd be in here.
Buffy turns back to folding Faith's clothes.
Buffy: Gotta be done sometime. I don't have anything better to be doing right now anyway.
Willow looks sad. She walks over to Buffy and sits on the bed next to her.
Willow: Well yeah. But I mean it's only been two weeks since?since it happened. No one's really talked about it. Maybe if we did wouldn't end up here. Again. Might make it easier.
Buffy: Right now I find this kind of thing less difficult. I don't really know what to say. I've been here before?we all have, but?it just feels so surreal, you know? What with everything else going on with Dawn, so many people leaving?talking to Angel.
Willow: Have you invited him to the funeral?
Buffy: Well we hadn't arranged it then and-
Willow: Buffy, I think he'd wanna come. Spike too.
Buffy: That would be part of the reason why I didn't invite them.
Willow: I get that it'd be hard seeing them again. But without meaning to sound harsh, this isn't about you. It's about Faith. She was important to a lot of people, not just us. I don't think it'd be right to not tell them.
Buffy: You're right. Faith was in Angel's mind?probably taken a piece of him with her. And anyway I guess seeing him-?uh, seeing them again would probably be best anyway. Got some time to get ready at least.
Willow: Yeah. Another two weeks.
Buffy: I wish it could have been sooner, but apparently a lot of other people lost someone first.
Willow: Well like you said at least we can prepare.
Buffy: Yeah. I just think she'd be happier if she could rest, for good.
Willow: At least Dawn'll still be here.
Buffy: Mm-hmm?
Willow: You're gonna miss her huh?
Buffy: This house already feels empty. Soon it'll just be four of left when Dawn goes. I don't think I can cope with the silence.
Willow: Well I'm not going anywhere. You're not either right?
Buffy: Nope. We're not done here.
Buffy and Willow smile at each other. Xander looks in through the door.
Xander: Not interrupting anything am I?
Buffy: No I was just finishing. What's up?
Xander: I was just into town with Kelly, wondered if Willow wanted to come.
Willow: Oh right, yeah.
Buffy: What do you need to do?
Willow: I'm gonna see one of my professors at the college in Lincoln. Hopefully I'll be able to do my PHD there this year.
Buffy: Oh, cool. Good luck.
Willow: Thanks.
Buffy nods. Willow and Xander walk out. Buffy looks at the shirt of Faith's she was folding. She folds it once more in two and puts it on to the pile with the others. She gets up and walks out.
Opening credits.
Starring:
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR - Buffy Summers
NICHOLAS BRENDAN - Xander Harris
MICHELLE TRACHTENBURG - Dawn Summers
KATIE HOLMES - Kelly Rivers
ALYSON HANNIGAN - Willow Rosenberg
Guest Starring:
MARC BLUCAS - Riley
IAN McKELLAN - Webber
CAROLINE CHIKIZIE - Lauren
CHARLOTTE LUCAS - Vicky
COLIN SALMON - Terry
Open on Buffy walking into the living room. She sees Xander's car drive out. Dawn appears from the corridor.
Dawn: Thought you might not be coming down this morning.
Buffy: Oh I was just sorting some stuff out.
Dawn: Faith's room huh?
Buffy: Yeah.
There is a pause.
Dawn: What's gonna happen to all her stuff? I mean?she didn't say what she wanted to happen to it.
Buffy: It's complicated. I guess we'll have to see.
Dawn nods.
Dawn: Hey, you still coming with me for the interview thing?
Buffy: Yep, hadn't forgotten.
Dawn: Great. But remember you don't have to come in or anything just-
Buffy: Don't worry, I'm not gonna be the embarrassing sister who keeps checking to see you're ok. Cos you will be.
Dawn: Yeah?I hope.
Buffy: Dawn you got this far, you can go the rest of the way.
Dawn: You know how it'll totally be your fault if I don't get accepted now.
Buffy: Oh, um, well actually I think it's really unlikely you'll get in. Maybe even improbable.
Dawn smiles.
Buffy: Want some lunch before we go?
Dawn: Sure.
Buffy smiles as she walks through with Dawn into the kitchen. Cut to Xander's car pulling up next to the university. Willow opens the back door and gets out. She looks in through the passenger seat window.
Willow: I'll see you guys later.
Xander: Ok. Hoper it goes well for ya.
Kelly: Yeah good luck.
Willow: Thanks. Have fun.
Willow walks towards the university. Kelly looks at Xander. He is frowning.
Kelly: You ok?
Xander: What? Oh, yeah I'll be ok. Just need to time to get used to certain people not being here anymore.
Kelly nods.
Kelly: I know what you mean.
She places her hand on his arm. He puts his hand on hers.
Kelly: So you wanna do something?
Xander: Like go out somewhere for lunch?
Kelly: Sure. If was there somewhere to go.
Xander: Hey Lincoln's not that bad. We could try that new place. You never, could be nice.
Kelly: Hmm, ok.
Xander: Hope it's not as expensive as the last one though.
Kelly: If it is you're paying.
She smiles at Xander who smiles back. They drive off towards the centre of town.
Cut to Willow walking up some stairs in the university. She looks around and walks towards a door with "Professor Webber". She knocks. A man of about 50 opens it and smiles.
Man/Professor Webber: Hello, can I help you?
Willow: Hi, I'm Willow. Willow Rosenberg. We spoke on the phone yesterday.
Professor Webber: (smiling) Oh yes, hello, come in.
Willow smiles and walks in.
Professor Webber: Uh, please take a seat.
Willow and professor Webber sit down. Professor Webber starts looking through some papers. Willow sits patiently.
Professor Webber: (without looking up) Right. Hmm, interesting.
Willow raises her eyebrows hopefully. Professor Webber nods to himself and looks up.
Professor Webber: Well Miss Rosenberg your CV is, uh, excellent. I must say I'm very impressed.
Willow: Really? Good?and thanks, cause well I thought maybe some stuff from two years ago might be a little, uh, deterring for you.
Professor Webber: Hmm?well, there is one thing.
Willow: Oh. Well see that year was-
Professor Webber: Oh, no that's fine. You picked up well. No, I wanted to ask something concerning that you were initially offered places at some of the world's top universities. You could have got into Oxford if you wanted. Yet you chose the small, largely unknown town of Sunnydale for your first three-year course. And now you come to Lincoln, which is hardly leading in excellence. Why?
Willow: I guess, I, uh, I just like being near home.
Professor Webber: Really? But uh, Sunnydale's in California, and now you're in England.
Willow: Well that wasn't exactly my choice to leave; I mean there wasn't much of a university left by the time?uh-
Professor Webber: Ah don't worry about what you say. Every university has its faults.
Willow: Probably not as many as Sunnydale.
Professor Webber: Well I suppose I should be grateful you've decided to come here rather than somewhere with a much larger profile. I look forward to supervising you.
Willow: You mean you're letting me do it?
Professor Webber: Of course! Turning you down would be a crime.
Willow: Oh, great! Should I come in on Monday or-
Professor Webber: Yes, that'll do fine.
Willow: Ok. See you then! And thanks again!
Professor Webber: Bye!
Willow walks away smiling. Professor Webber smiles to himself. He walks over to his desk and starts sorting through some other papers. The camera slowly zooms in on the papers he was looking at before. There is a profile on Willow, and a newspaper report on Sunnydale. On the profile it clearly says "advanced magic-user, approach with caution".
Cut to Buffy and Dawn getting off the bus outside the school. Dawn and Buffy walk up towards the steps.
Buffy: I don't think I really need to say it, but good luck.
Dawn: Thanks. And yeah you do need to say cos apparently this guy is tough to please.
Buffy: Well you're good at pleasing?um?
Dawn raises an eyebrow.
Buffy: You know what, I'm gonna go.
Dawn: Right. See you later. Will you be around or-
Buffy: Yeah, uh I'll be back here at about 5 ok?
Dawn: Ok. Bye.
Dawn walks into the building. Buffy looks after her and then turns around.
Cut to Dawn inside the school. She walks up a corridor and then into a waiting area. She sits down next to another, older girl.
Girl: Going to Harvard?
Dawn: Uh, yeah?how'd you know?
Girl: Well I am so I was hoping I wasn't the only one.
Dawn smiles.
Dawn: Nope, you're not. I'm Dawn by the way.
Girl: I'm Lauren.
Dawn: Oh right, I uh don't think I've seen you around school.
Lauren: No I've actually just come here to get the interview. I lived further north before.
Dawn: Right.
A girl walks past. She smiles slightly at Dawn and walks down the stairs.
Dawn: So, why Harvard?
Lauren: Well you know it's got a great reputation.
Dawn: Sure.
Lauren: And I dunno, just seems a good choice. You?
Dawn: Same really. I mean I hate to be so far from home but-
Lauren: But?you sound American.
Dawn: Yeah I am originally. We moved here last year. From Sunnydale, California.
Lauren: Oh, really? You live near hear?
Dawn: Yeah just outside the town.
Lauren: It's nice aint it?
Dawn: Yeah it is. I guess it'd be good to be back in the US yeah.
Lauren: Right. I know sometimes I wish I could go back home.
Dawn smiles sympathetically.
Dawn: Uh listen you're probably going in before me, I just need to go to the bathroom. Could you make sure no one steals my seat?
Lauren: Good as done.
Dawn: Thanks.
Dawn gets up and walks towards a nearby door. A girl walks out. Dawn bumps into her.
Dawn: Oh, sorry!
Girl: No it's fine, my fault.
The girl smiles and carries on walking. Dawn walks through the door. Lauren looks after her and then gets a mobile phone from her bag. She dials a number and puts the phone to here ear.
Lauren: (to phone) Yeah it's her.
Lauren gets up and walks towards the door.
Cut to Kelly and Xander waiting in a queue outside a restaurant. A waitress comes out.
Waitress: I'm afraid it'll be at least 30 minutes until we have a table free, but if you'd like to wait at the bar you can.
Xander looks at Kelly.
Xander: You wanna wait?
Kelly: Uh?I guess. Though I dunno if I'll have time to go into town at this rate.
Xander: Hey, I can stay here if you wanna go in.
Kelly: Are you sure?
Xander: Yeah. Probably be waiting about another two hours if I went too.
The waitress looks a little annoyed. Xander notices and looks embarrassed.
Xander: Have fun in town.
Kelly: Will do.
They kiss. Kelly walks away.
Xander: (to waitress) So, uh, where's your excellent?um?nice bar?
The waitress raises an eye but smiles slightly.
Waitress: Follow me.
Xander smiles awkwardly and follows. Cut to Kelly walking along the street nearby. The camera moves across the road to show a man walk out of a shop. He watches Kelly walk down the opposite side of the street.
Man: (to a phone) The target has appeared.
Cut to Xander at the bar. A woman sits down next to him.
Woman: Half an hour waiting for a meal. Didn't think it'd be that bad.
Xander smiles slightly.
Xander: Yeah, it's pretty bad.
Woman: Hmm, American. You know I love your accent.
Xander: Thanks.
Xander smiles and takes a sip from his drink.
Woman: I'm Vicky by the way.
Xander: I'm Xander.
They smile at each other.
Xander: Hope I'm not here too long or I might not be able to drive home.
Vicky: I know it's so tempting to just?carry on. Especially when you're on your own. Though, drinking together's not so bad either.
Vicky edges a little closer. Xander looks uncomfortable.
Xander: Right. So it's a good job my girlfriend's gonna be back soon.
Vicky's smile fades. She moves back. Xander smiles a little and gets up.
Xander: I'm gonna go to the bathroom. I'll be?right back.
[I}Vicky smiles a little too widely. Xander walks away. Vicky gets out a cigarette and stares darkly after him. She picks up her phone and dials a number before putting the phone to her ear.[/I]
Vicky: (to the phone) What now?
Cut to Buffy staring at some shoes in a shop window.
Buffy: Who thinks of these prices? Can't they be a little realistic?
A man is stood behind Buffy. She sees his reflection in the glass and turns around.
Buffy: Oh sorry, I'm in the way.
Man: It's fine, I'm not shopping.
Buffy: Oh. Comparing company prices? Cos I gotta tell ya if they're less than this I'll-
Man: I need to speak with you, Buffy.
Buffy frowns.
Buffy: How do you know my name?
Man: Listen I'm Terry a friend of Riley's-
Buffy: Riley? Is he ok? Slayer trouble or-
Terry: He's?well I don't know how he is. Or where. And it's not Slayer related this time. It's?something bigger.
Buffy: Bigger? I?I didn't think there could be much bigger.
Terry: Buffy you're in danger.
Buffy: So I've been told.
Terry: It's different this time. Riley went missing when he tried to contact you about this last month.
Buffy looks shocked.
Terry: He was trying to tell you that you're being tracked down by a terrorist organisation. They're prepared to go to any lengths in order to find whoever they want as hostages.
Buffy: Me?
Terry: Not just you. Your friends too.
Buffy looks worried.
Terry VO: Right now they're probably being tracked down.
Cut to Willow walking out of the college. Professor Webber looks out of his window speaking into a phone.
Terry VO: We don't know how many there are.
Cut to Kelly walking down the street. Another man joins the one who was on the phone before. They continue to follow her.
Terry VO: And we don't know what kind of technology they have at their disposal.
Cut to Dawn returning to the waiting room. Lauren smiles.
Terry VO: But what we do know is that they need you because they know how important you are to the government.
Cut to Xander sit back down. Vicky smiles and slips her phone into her handbag.
Terry: We have to go now. Do you know where any of your friends are?
Buffy: Dawn. She's at the school.
Terry: She's too obvious. They'll expect you to go after her. I think they'll try and get someone who you think can handle themselves in danger.
Buffy: Willow. And Kelly! They're in Lincoln.
Terry: Let's go.
Buffy: What about Riley? Is he-
Terry: We think he's already been captured. But if we hurry we'll find out for sure.
Buffy nods.
Terry: We can use my car.
Cut to Kelly walking down the street. A hand is placed on her shoulder. Kelly jumps. She looks at the figure and smiles with relief.[/I]
Kelly: God you made me jump! You didn't wait at the restaurant?
The camera moves round to show Xander.
Xander: I thought we could find somewhere better.
Kelly smiles. She and Xander walk off. Xander looks forward and smiles darkly.
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