Hi, this is the ninth 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 9.9 175. The Dark Interior
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 the stream near the Summers' house, at night. Buffy suddenly falls into frame, as she hits the ground. A vampire leans over her. Buffy flips up and kicks the vamp in the face. The vamp is hardly phased however and rushes towards her. They fall into the stream. Buffy tries to kick the vamp, but he catches her leg and flips her into the water. Buffy rolls to avoid the vamps downward punch. Buffy looks startled at the vamp's strength. She back flips on to the shore kicking it in the face as she does so. The vamp looks angry and steps towards her as Buffy takes out her stake. The vamp suddenly stops and frowns. It looks at its stomach and starts clutching its stomach in pain. Buffy looks puzzled. The vamp growls. Buffy realises this is her chance and flings the stake towards the vamp. However the stake lands on the opposite shore. The vamp dusted before the stake hit it. Buffy frowns as the vamp's dust is washed away down the stream.
Cut to a woman in a laboratory, wearing a lab coat. She is staring into a microscope.
Woman: Oh my god. Kevin!
A man rushes over.
Kevin: Christine?
Christine: I've done it!
Kevin: What? Y-you can't be serious!
Christine: No have a look!
Kevin looks into the microscope. After a few second he looks up. A smile forms on his face.
Kevin: How?the hell did you-
Christine: I'll write down the formula later. Right now you need to ring Julia Flint. Tell her we need to arrange a meeting with Buffy Summers as soon as possible!
Kevin: Right. I'll go now. Well done!
Kevin walks off hurriedly. Christine takes a pipette and takes a few drops from the sample under the microscope. She squeezes the drops into a test tube. She holds it up and smiles.
Christine: This is going to change everything.
Opening credits.
Starring:
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR - Buffy Summers
NICHOLAS BRENDAN - Xander Harris
ALYSON HANNIGAN - Willow Rosenberg
MICHELLE TRACHTENBURG - Dawn Summers
KATIE HOLMES - Kelly Rivers
ANNA PAQUIN - Golda Lawowich
ANTHONY STEWART HEAD - Rupert Giles
Guest Starring:
CELIA IMRIE - Julia
JUDI DENCH - Christine
MICHELLE YEOH - Vanessa
JUDE LAW - Joe
EWAN McGREGOR - Nathan
Cut to Buffy opening the back door. Dawn and Giles are sat at the table. Giles stands up.
Giles: Buffy, welcome back.
Buffy: Hey.
Dawn notices Buffy's wet clothes.
Dawn: The vampires are hiding in the stream now huh?
Buffy: Oh, not exactly. He ended up in there though.
Buffy looks uneasy.
Giles: You all right?
Buffy: Yeah, just kinda thrown.
Giles: Why?
Buffy: Do vampires usually self-destruct?
Dawn: You mean like explode?
Buffy: No he just dusted before I had the chance to do the honours.
Dawn: Oh. Helpful.
Giles: Well, uh, yes but this kind of thing is very unusual in the vampire world.
Buffy: Yeah. And this guy was like super strong too. Maybe that had something to do with it.
Giles: Perhaps. I suppose if it had taken some kind of drug it could have had that effect.
Buffy: I dunno. He looked perfectly normal beforehand. As normal as vampires can be.
Dawn: Didn't Angel tell us about that vampire who got his heart removed?
Buffy: I almost forgot about that. Maybe it's a big craze now.
Giles: Not exactly the wisest choice for a vampire to make though. I'll uh give Julia a ring, see if she's seen anything like this.
Buffy: Right. I'll look out for any others next time I go patrolling.
Giles: Maybe you shouldn't go on your own next time?
Buffy: I woulda asked Golda or Kelly but?
Dawn: Things are still kinda awkward.
Buffy: Right.
Giles: Ah. You, uh, think differently of them?
Buffy: No. Not exactly. I mean Golda was just defending herself. Besides, if that guy's death's anyone's fault it's mine.
Dawn: Buffy you can't blame yourself for everyone who dies because of the Slayer Spell. Think about the number of people who've lived because of it.
Buffy: I know. And I'm not gonna start with the self-guilt trip. I just hope she knows that we don't blame her.
Giles: I'll uh, have a word with her. I'd like to hear about Jim as well. It's been a while since I heard anything about him or Golda.
Buffy: Right.
Dawn: What about Kelly? And Xander for that matter.
Giles: Xander only acted in self-defence?and Kelly was under the influence of the drug Webber was using on her.
Buffy: I know, really I do. I just don't like that they kept it from everyone.
Giles: It's only natural. If you hid something for long enough, then maybe it won't matter anymore. That's part of the reason I didn't tell you about Ben.
Buffy: Yeah?
Giles: I think the main issue right now is convincing the others that we're not blaming them.
Dawn: Especially Kelly. She looked pretty broken up after she heard.
Buffy: Right. I will. I should probably have a word with Willow too. She said she's ill but I'm not so sure.
Giles: You mean the magic?
Buffy: Maybe. What I do know is that that spell took something out of her. Maybe she's losing control or something. And I don't think any of us wanna revisit that again.
Dawn: No way.
Giles: I agree. Still, it's almost 1 now. We should probably wait until tomorrow. I'll ring Julia in the morning as well.
Buffy: Ok. I, uh, think I'm gonna have a shower before going to bed.
Dawn: Ok.
Giles: G'night.
Buffy: Night.
Buffy smiles and walks into the hall. She frowns again as she heads up the stairs.
Cut to Willow standing looking outside her window in the morning. There is a knock at the door.
Willow: Uh, come in.
Willow turns round as Golda enters.
Willow: Oh, hi.
Golda: Hey. I hope you don't mind me paying you a visit.
Willow: No, no it's fine. I was just thinking about stuff.
Golda: Yeah I've been doing a lot of that lately.
Willow: Right. You know-
Golda: Uh, we don't have to talk about me.
Willow: You sure? Cause, Golda no one blames you-
Golda: Thanks. And I believe you. I just, don't wanna have to deal with that again right now, you know?
Willow: I know.
Golda smiles.
Golda: Besides me and Mr. Giles had a talk?I think I'm ok now.
Willow: Good.
Golda: But, uh, I actually wondered how you were doing.
Willow: Me? Oh, I'm fine.
Golda: Yeah that's what I thought you'd say.
Willow: No, i-it's true. See, I'm standing. And me looking out the window should definitely be interpreted as me thinking about taking a walk.
Golda: Well that's good. But last night-
Willow: Last night, I was bad I know. And yeah that spell was bad an' all, but it was three days ago now. I think I'm finally better. You don't' have to worry, ok?
Golda: Yeah I do. Cause I still have the feeling you're not telling me something. Or anyone for that matter.
Willow pauses.
Golda: Look, you can tell me to go to hell if you want I-
Willow: No, no?you're right. There is something. It's just?personal.
Golda: I get it.
Willow: I'd tell you?I'd tell everyone. But I can't right now. And the one person I did tell?well it almost went very wrong.
Golda: I see. Well I hope it sorts itself out.
Willow: So do I. But, anyway, thanks for being concerned.
Golda: Any time.
Willow: You know, a walk certainly sounds good. Wanna go before lunch?
Golda: Oh, yeah that'd be great.
Willow: Great!
Willow smiles and she and Golda walk out.
Cut to Kelly lying in her and Xander's bed facing the wall. Xander opens the door behind her. He sighs as he sees her lying.
Xander: You gonna stay in the bed forever?
Kelly: Maybe I'll set a record.
Xander walks over and sits on the bed next to her.
Xander: No one blames you.
Kelly: Yeah they do. Drugs or whatever don't matter Xander. I still killed the guy.
Xander: Someone had to do it.
Kelly looks up at him.
Kelly: Would you?
Xander: If I had to?maybe.
Kelly: No you wouldn't.
Xander: I did it before.
Kelly: By mistake. You haven't got it in you.
Xander: Neither do you, not anymore.
Kelly: The blade didn't slip Xander. I remember every single second when I was in that room, and you know I think maybe deep down, beyond whatever crap he was filling me full of, that's what I wanted. For him to die in front of me.
Xander: I can't believe that.
Kelly: I can't help but believe it. And you know, with just you and me knowing, maybe I could have coped. But now?I'm not so sure.
Xander: We'll help you. I'll help you. Just don't give up-
Kelly: I can't give up. I have a job to do like everyone else here. I'm just saying that things aren't gonna be easy as they were. Things are bad. And they're not just gonna go away because you want them to.
Xander frowns. Kelly gets up.
Kelly: Guess we should go downstairs.
Xander nods and follows Kelly. They both look apprehensive.
Cut to Kelly and Xander walking into the kitchen. Everyone else is stood around or sat at the table.
Buffy: Guys hey.
Xander: Hey. Something up?
Giles: Uh, yes actually. I was just on the phone with Julia.
Dawn: You sounded pretty friendly.
Giles frowns slightly.
Giles: Well we're uh, old friends.
Buffy: Would that be Anya's version of "friend" or something else?
Giles: Must I have slept with every woman my own age?
There is a pause. Buffy screws up her face.
Buffy: And with that unfortunately in mind, let's move on.
Giles: Uh, yes. As I was saying, I was speaking to Julia. She wants us to come in to Darkley, there's some good news apparently.
Buffy: Oh. Ok then. Now?
Giles: Uh yes I said it'd be all right.
Buffy: Yeah it should be. Right guys?
Xander: Ok with us.
Willow: Yeah.
Buffy: Great.
There is a pause.
Buffy: But uh, before we do I just wanna say something. I, uh, know the tape revealed a lot of stuff. No one's proud of it.
Everyone looks uncomfortable.
Buffy: Maybe we should have found out about some of it another way. But it doesn't change the fact that we now know. And I think it won't be an issue if we don't make it one. Ok?
Golda: I think you're right.
Xander: Yeah. Kelly?
Kelly: I uh, I guess.
Buffy: Ok, good.
Buffy smiles at the others slightly.
Buffy: Uh Giles, this thing with Julia. Dangerous?
Giles: I shouldn't think so.
Buffy: Ok. Then let's go.
Everyone nods. There is still a fairly awkward atmosphere.
Cut to Giles, Dawn, Buffy and Willow getting out of his car in Darkley. Xander, Golda and Kelly get out of Xander's.
Dawn: Why would Julia be at the post office?
Giles: She said near the post office.
Dawn: Well the derelict building next to it doesn't look too promising.
Julia walks out of the door of the building Dawn was looking at.
Dawn: Never mind.
Julia: Ah, good you're all here.
Giles: Yes.
Buffy: So what's up?
Julia: Well, if you'll follow me inside I'd like to introduce you all to someone.
Buffy: Oh. Ok.
Buffy looks at Giles as they follow Julia. Giles looks clueless. Cut to Julia walking down a corridor. The building resembles a prison.
Buffy: Uh, Julia where exactly are we going? I mean this doesn't exactly look like the friendliest of places.
Joyce: Well it's a research centre you see.
Willow: Research for what?
Woman OS: Vampires.
Julia stops and everyone turns to see Christine smiling from a nearby doorway. Julia smiles.
Julia: Christine, hello.
Christine: Julia it's good to see you. And you must be Buffy yes?
Buffy: Right.
Christine: As you may have guessed I'm Christine. Christine Sinclair. I uh run this centre.
Buffy: Oh, that's?big.
Christine: Very.
Buffy: But uh, I still don't get why we're here.
Julia: I thought it best I let you explain Christine.
Christine: Ah of course, everyone come in here.
Everyone walks in to a lab room.
Christine: Now uh, this may seem a little unbelievable, but I think I may have found an immunization for becoming a vampire.
There is a pause. Everyone but Julia frowns.
Golda: What? How?
Giles: Yes, uh Ms. Sinclair-
Christine: Christine.
Giles: Uh, Christine, I really don't see how something like this would be possible. I mean the process of a person becoming a vampire is supernatural rather than simply physical.
Christine: Exactly, and that's why there's been pretty much zero success before now. You see the demon's soul is a constant presence within the bloodstream of a vampire. Similar to infections like AIDS for instance.
Xander: And just as deadly.
Christine: Yes unfortunately so. A human soul is no contest for the strength of a demon's presence in the body. However there are certain substances that reverse this effect. The blood of a certain demon, named Mora. Heard of it?
Buffy: Uh, no, never.
Christine: That's not surprising they're quite rare. I only have one vial's worth currently. But uh, anyway, I believe injecting their blood into humans would actually counter the affects of the vampire's presence.
Giles: But uh, there's no telling who is and who isn't a potential target. Immunisation on such a wide scale would be unrealistic I'd have thought.
Christine: Well yes, as I said unfortunately the Mora demon is rare and therefore there would only be enough for a handful of individuals; to begin with. Yourselves for instance.
Buffy looks at Christine.
Christine: It would certainly make your lives easier.
Buffy: I?I dunno. Are you sure it's safe?
Christine: Well I have to make final checks obviously. But eventually?I see no reason why it can't be perfected.
Julia: Buffy I'm no scientist but I've seen Christine's results. They're very promising.
Giles: I'd like to have a look at them myself if I may.
Christine: Oh, of course. They're in the lab downstairs. I'll uh go down and prepare some for you.
Giles: Right.
Christine smiles and walks away. Buffy looks at Giles.
Buffy: You don't look to enthusiastic about this.
Julia: Well Giles is a natural pessimist.
Giles: Uh, no I didn't say that this would be a bad idea. I just think it's worth seeing it for ourselves first. I mean this goes against everything supernatural I can think of.
Willow: Yeah. Sounds too good to be true in a way.
Buffy: Well I'm not ruling anything out. Yet. It could be pretty handy. And the single women who insist on walking down dark alleys at night would be thrilled.
Willow smiles.
Julia: Well shall we go to the lab?
Buffy: Yeah, sure.
They start walking along the corridor. Cut to everyone walking into the lobby of the building.
Julia: We'll take the elevator down.
Golda turns to Kelly as they walk up to the elevator followed by Xander. Julia presses a button on the elevator.
Golda: So what do you think of this?
Kelly: Uh, it sounds good, I guess. But like Giles said, this might not be as good as it seems.
The elevator doors open. Fire bursts out as an explosion occurs below. Everyone looks shocked as the floor begins to give way. Willow quickly mutters something and a shield appears around them. However debris still flies everywhere as the floor collapses below, in flames.

Buffy Episode 9.9 175. The Dark Interior
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 the stream near the Summers' house, at night. Buffy suddenly falls into frame, as she hits the ground. A vampire leans over her. Buffy flips up and kicks the vamp in the face. The vamp is hardly phased however and rushes towards her. They fall into the stream. Buffy tries to kick the vamp, but he catches her leg and flips her into the water. Buffy rolls to avoid the vamps downward punch. Buffy looks startled at the vamp's strength. She back flips on to the shore kicking it in the face as she does so. The vamp looks angry and steps towards her as Buffy takes out her stake. The vamp suddenly stops and frowns. It looks at its stomach and starts clutching its stomach in pain. Buffy looks puzzled. The vamp growls. Buffy realises this is her chance and flings the stake towards the vamp. However the stake lands on the opposite shore. The vamp dusted before the stake hit it. Buffy frowns as the vamp's dust is washed away down the stream.
Cut to a woman in a laboratory, wearing a lab coat. She is staring into a microscope.
Woman: Oh my god. Kevin!
A man rushes over.
Kevin: Christine?
Christine: I've done it!
Kevin: What? Y-you can't be serious!
Christine: No have a look!
Kevin looks into the microscope. After a few second he looks up. A smile forms on his face.
Kevin: How?the hell did you-
Christine: I'll write down the formula later. Right now you need to ring Julia Flint. Tell her we need to arrange a meeting with Buffy Summers as soon as possible!
Kevin: Right. I'll go now. Well done!
Kevin walks off hurriedly. Christine takes a pipette and takes a few drops from the sample under the microscope. She squeezes the drops into a test tube. She holds it up and smiles.
Christine: This is going to change everything.
Opening credits.
Starring:
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR - Buffy Summers
NICHOLAS BRENDAN - Xander Harris
ALYSON HANNIGAN - Willow Rosenberg
MICHELLE TRACHTENBURG - Dawn Summers
KATIE HOLMES - Kelly Rivers
ANNA PAQUIN - Golda Lawowich
ANTHONY STEWART HEAD - Rupert Giles
Guest Starring:
CELIA IMRIE - Julia
JUDI DENCH - Christine
MICHELLE YEOH - Vanessa
JUDE LAW - Joe
EWAN McGREGOR - Nathan
Cut to Buffy opening the back door. Dawn and Giles are sat at the table. Giles stands up.
Giles: Buffy, welcome back.
Buffy: Hey.
Dawn notices Buffy's wet clothes.
Dawn: The vampires are hiding in the stream now huh?
Buffy: Oh, not exactly. He ended up in there though.
Buffy looks uneasy.
Giles: You all right?
Buffy: Yeah, just kinda thrown.
Giles: Why?
Buffy: Do vampires usually self-destruct?
Dawn: You mean like explode?
Buffy: No he just dusted before I had the chance to do the honours.
Dawn: Oh. Helpful.
Giles: Well, uh, yes but this kind of thing is very unusual in the vampire world.
Buffy: Yeah. And this guy was like super strong too. Maybe that had something to do with it.
Giles: Perhaps. I suppose if it had taken some kind of drug it could have had that effect.
Buffy: I dunno. He looked perfectly normal beforehand. As normal as vampires can be.
Dawn: Didn't Angel tell us about that vampire who got his heart removed?
Buffy: I almost forgot about that. Maybe it's a big craze now.
Giles: Not exactly the wisest choice for a vampire to make though. I'll uh give Julia a ring, see if she's seen anything like this.
Buffy: Right. I'll look out for any others next time I go patrolling.
Giles: Maybe you shouldn't go on your own next time?
Buffy: I woulda asked Golda or Kelly but?
Dawn: Things are still kinda awkward.
Buffy: Right.
Giles: Ah. You, uh, think differently of them?
Buffy: No. Not exactly. I mean Golda was just defending herself. Besides, if that guy's death's anyone's fault it's mine.
Dawn: Buffy you can't blame yourself for everyone who dies because of the Slayer Spell. Think about the number of people who've lived because of it.
Buffy: I know. And I'm not gonna start with the self-guilt trip. I just hope she knows that we don't blame her.
Giles: I'll uh, have a word with her. I'd like to hear about Jim as well. It's been a while since I heard anything about him or Golda.
Buffy: Right.
Dawn: What about Kelly? And Xander for that matter.
Giles: Xander only acted in self-defence?and Kelly was under the influence of the drug Webber was using on her.
Buffy: I know, really I do. I just don't like that they kept it from everyone.
Giles: It's only natural. If you hid something for long enough, then maybe it won't matter anymore. That's part of the reason I didn't tell you about Ben.
Buffy: Yeah?
Giles: I think the main issue right now is convincing the others that we're not blaming them.
Dawn: Especially Kelly. She looked pretty broken up after she heard.
Buffy: Right. I will. I should probably have a word with Willow too. She said she's ill but I'm not so sure.
Giles: You mean the magic?
Buffy: Maybe. What I do know is that that spell took something out of her. Maybe she's losing control or something. And I don't think any of us wanna revisit that again.
Dawn: No way.
Giles: I agree. Still, it's almost 1 now. We should probably wait until tomorrow. I'll ring Julia in the morning as well.
Buffy: Ok. I, uh, think I'm gonna have a shower before going to bed.
Dawn: Ok.
Giles: G'night.
Buffy: Night.
Buffy smiles and walks into the hall. She frowns again as she heads up the stairs.
Cut to Willow standing looking outside her window in the morning. There is a knock at the door.
Willow: Uh, come in.
Willow turns round as Golda enters.
Willow: Oh, hi.
Golda: Hey. I hope you don't mind me paying you a visit.
Willow: No, no it's fine. I was just thinking about stuff.
Golda: Yeah I've been doing a lot of that lately.
Willow: Right. You know-
Golda: Uh, we don't have to talk about me.
Willow: You sure? Cause, Golda no one blames you-
Golda: Thanks. And I believe you. I just, don't wanna have to deal with that again right now, you know?
Willow: I know.
Golda smiles.
Golda: Besides me and Mr. Giles had a talk?I think I'm ok now.
Willow: Good.
Golda: But, uh, I actually wondered how you were doing.
Willow: Me? Oh, I'm fine.
Golda: Yeah that's what I thought you'd say.
Willow: No, i-it's true. See, I'm standing. And me looking out the window should definitely be interpreted as me thinking about taking a walk.
Golda: Well that's good. But last night-
Willow: Last night, I was bad I know. And yeah that spell was bad an' all, but it was three days ago now. I think I'm finally better. You don't' have to worry, ok?
Golda: Yeah I do. Cause I still have the feeling you're not telling me something. Or anyone for that matter.
Willow pauses.
Golda: Look, you can tell me to go to hell if you want I-
Willow: No, no?you're right. There is something. It's just?personal.
Golda: I get it.
Willow: I'd tell you?I'd tell everyone. But I can't right now. And the one person I did tell?well it almost went very wrong.
Golda: I see. Well I hope it sorts itself out.
Willow: So do I. But, anyway, thanks for being concerned.
Golda: Any time.
Willow: You know, a walk certainly sounds good. Wanna go before lunch?
Golda: Oh, yeah that'd be great.
Willow: Great!
Willow smiles and she and Golda walk out.
Cut to Kelly lying in her and Xander's bed facing the wall. Xander opens the door behind her. He sighs as he sees her lying.
Xander: You gonna stay in the bed forever?
Kelly: Maybe I'll set a record.
Xander walks over and sits on the bed next to her.
Xander: No one blames you.
Kelly: Yeah they do. Drugs or whatever don't matter Xander. I still killed the guy.
Xander: Someone had to do it.
Kelly looks up at him.
Kelly: Would you?
Xander: If I had to?maybe.
Kelly: No you wouldn't.
Xander: I did it before.
Kelly: By mistake. You haven't got it in you.
Xander: Neither do you, not anymore.
Kelly: The blade didn't slip Xander. I remember every single second when I was in that room, and you know I think maybe deep down, beyond whatever crap he was filling me full of, that's what I wanted. For him to die in front of me.
Xander: I can't believe that.
Kelly: I can't help but believe it. And you know, with just you and me knowing, maybe I could have coped. But now?I'm not so sure.
Xander: We'll help you. I'll help you. Just don't give up-
Kelly: I can't give up. I have a job to do like everyone else here. I'm just saying that things aren't gonna be easy as they were. Things are bad. And they're not just gonna go away because you want them to.
Xander frowns. Kelly gets up.
Kelly: Guess we should go downstairs.
Xander nods and follows Kelly. They both look apprehensive.
Cut to Kelly and Xander walking into the kitchen. Everyone else is stood around or sat at the table.
Buffy: Guys hey.
Xander: Hey. Something up?
Giles: Uh, yes actually. I was just on the phone with Julia.
Dawn: You sounded pretty friendly.
Giles frowns slightly.
Giles: Well we're uh, old friends.
Buffy: Would that be Anya's version of "friend" or something else?
Giles: Must I have slept with every woman my own age?
There is a pause. Buffy screws up her face.
Buffy: And with that unfortunately in mind, let's move on.
Giles: Uh, yes. As I was saying, I was speaking to Julia. She wants us to come in to Darkley, there's some good news apparently.
Buffy: Oh. Ok then. Now?
Giles: Uh yes I said it'd be all right.
Buffy: Yeah it should be. Right guys?
Xander: Ok with us.
Willow: Yeah.
Buffy: Great.
There is a pause.
Buffy: But uh, before we do I just wanna say something. I, uh, know the tape revealed a lot of stuff. No one's proud of it.
Everyone looks uncomfortable.
Buffy: Maybe we should have found out about some of it another way. But it doesn't change the fact that we now know. And I think it won't be an issue if we don't make it one. Ok?
Golda: I think you're right.
Xander: Yeah. Kelly?
Kelly: I uh, I guess.
Buffy: Ok, good.
Buffy smiles at the others slightly.
Buffy: Uh Giles, this thing with Julia. Dangerous?
Giles: I shouldn't think so.
Buffy: Ok. Then let's go.
Everyone nods. There is still a fairly awkward atmosphere.
Cut to Giles, Dawn, Buffy and Willow getting out of his car in Darkley. Xander, Golda and Kelly get out of Xander's.
Dawn: Why would Julia be at the post office?
Giles: She said near the post office.
Dawn: Well the derelict building next to it doesn't look too promising.
Julia walks out of the door of the building Dawn was looking at.
Dawn: Never mind.
Julia: Ah, good you're all here.
Giles: Yes.
Buffy: So what's up?
Julia: Well, if you'll follow me inside I'd like to introduce you all to someone.
Buffy: Oh. Ok.
Buffy looks at Giles as they follow Julia. Giles looks clueless. Cut to Julia walking down a corridor. The building resembles a prison.
Buffy: Uh, Julia where exactly are we going? I mean this doesn't exactly look like the friendliest of places.
Joyce: Well it's a research centre you see.
Willow: Research for what?
Woman OS: Vampires.
Julia stops and everyone turns to see Christine smiling from a nearby doorway. Julia smiles.
Julia: Christine, hello.
Christine: Julia it's good to see you. And you must be Buffy yes?
Buffy: Right.
Christine: As you may have guessed I'm Christine. Christine Sinclair. I uh run this centre.
Buffy: Oh, that's?big.
Christine: Very.
Buffy: But uh, I still don't get why we're here.
Julia: I thought it best I let you explain Christine.
Christine: Ah of course, everyone come in here.
Everyone walks in to a lab room.
Christine: Now uh, this may seem a little unbelievable, but I think I may have found an immunization for becoming a vampire.
There is a pause. Everyone but Julia frowns.
Golda: What? How?
Giles: Yes, uh Ms. Sinclair-
Christine: Christine.
Giles: Uh, Christine, I really don't see how something like this would be possible. I mean the process of a person becoming a vampire is supernatural rather than simply physical.
Christine: Exactly, and that's why there's been pretty much zero success before now. You see the demon's soul is a constant presence within the bloodstream of a vampire. Similar to infections like AIDS for instance.
Xander: And just as deadly.
Christine: Yes unfortunately so. A human soul is no contest for the strength of a demon's presence in the body. However there are certain substances that reverse this effect. The blood of a certain demon, named Mora. Heard of it?
Buffy: Uh, no, never.
Christine: That's not surprising they're quite rare. I only have one vial's worth currently. But uh, anyway, I believe injecting their blood into humans would actually counter the affects of the vampire's presence.
Giles: But uh, there's no telling who is and who isn't a potential target. Immunisation on such a wide scale would be unrealistic I'd have thought.
Christine: Well yes, as I said unfortunately the Mora demon is rare and therefore there would only be enough for a handful of individuals; to begin with. Yourselves for instance.
Buffy looks at Christine.
Christine: It would certainly make your lives easier.
Buffy: I?I dunno. Are you sure it's safe?
Christine: Well I have to make final checks obviously. But eventually?I see no reason why it can't be perfected.
Julia: Buffy I'm no scientist but I've seen Christine's results. They're very promising.
Giles: I'd like to have a look at them myself if I may.
Christine: Oh, of course. They're in the lab downstairs. I'll uh go down and prepare some for you.
Giles: Right.
Christine smiles and walks away. Buffy looks at Giles.
Buffy: You don't look to enthusiastic about this.
Julia: Well Giles is a natural pessimist.
Giles: Uh, no I didn't say that this would be a bad idea. I just think it's worth seeing it for ourselves first. I mean this goes against everything supernatural I can think of.
Willow: Yeah. Sounds too good to be true in a way.
Buffy: Well I'm not ruling anything out. Yet. It could be pretty handy. And the single women who insist on walking down dark alleys at night would be thrilled.
Willow smiles.
Julia: Well shall we go to the lab?
Buffy: Yeah, sure.
They start walking along the corridor. Cut to everyone walking into the lobby of the building.
Julia: We'll take the elevator down.
Golda turns to Kelly as they walk up to the elevator followed by Xander. Julia presses a button on the elevator.
Golda: So what do you think of this?
Kelly: Uh, it sounds good, I guess. But like Giles said, this might not be as good as it seems.
The elevator doors open. Fire bursts out as an explosion occurs below. Everyone looks shocked as the floor begins to give way. Willow quickly mutters something and a shield appears around them. However debris still flies everywhere as the floor collapses below, in flames.
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