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The Yoko Factor (March 18, 2000) Written by: Doug Petrie | ||
| Teaser | ||
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INT. COLONEL MCNAMARA'S QUARTERS - DAY Colonel McNamara is in the middle of delivering a report via vidscreen hookup to a bunch of government agency types in suits. The spokesman for the group, MR. WARD, is quizzing the colonel.
And the men?
These are exceptional boys. Their capture ratio just keeps increasing, they're keeping it together. Morale's a problem… The death of Professor Walsh, the escape of the prototype… Controlling the HST's is getting harder -- we have serious overcrowding in the containment areas.
Quite a mess.
Not my mess, sir. I'm just holding the fort 'til you figure out what you wanna do with the place.
Well, that's the purpose of these evaluations. And we appreciate your good work in this crisis period. (a dig) The incident with Finn was unfortunate…
Fell in with the bad crowd. Quite frankly, I don't think he was ever the soldier you all hoped he was. Boy thinks too much.
Never the less, we want him back. The government has invested a substantial --
We'll catch up with him. My feeling is that he won't stray too far from the girl.
Yes, Buffy Summers. Our databanks don't have very much on her.
She's just a girl.
This would the 'girl' who broke into the complex, liberated Finn and an HST, and walked you out of the place at gunpoint? (checks his file) Oh no. I'm wrong. Crossbow-point.
You want me to bring her in, I'd be --
No. Any action against her would send Finn over the edge. We're still hoping he'll come --
He's a deserter.
He's a resource. And I doubt very much he's going to present a real danger to the Initiative just because he's gone swoony for some young radical. She is, as you say, just a girl. INT. ADAM'S LAIR - DAY Spike walks around Adam, gesturing. Adam stands stock-still, inserting disk after disk into his zip drive and watching the vampire pace back and forth.
She's a lot more than that. The Slayer's dangerous, is all I'm saying.
Yes, she makes things interesting.
No, see, you're not getting it, Mr. Bits. You're gonna be interestingly dead. Little Miss Tiny's got a habit of bolixing up the plans of every would-be unstoppable badass who steps foot in this town.
Then we must ascertain the nature of this variable.
Yeah, well, I was told there wouldn't be any math. (then) Just wanted you to know, when the Big Ugly goes down, Slayer's gonna be right in the thick of it. You ready for that? Adam turns to look at Spike, a small smile on his lips.
I'm counting on it. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One | ||
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INT. ADAM'S LAIR - DAY Picking up where we left off. A MATCH flares and Spike lights a cigarette. As Adam now moves through the space.
Two slayers…
That's right.
And you killed them both…
Yeah. Well, not at the same time, but, yeah, I killed the hell out of 'em. Adam stops and studies Spike.
Yet you fear this one.
(bristling) Watch it, mate. I don't fear anything. I just know my enemies.
Do you? Then why haven't you killed this slayer yet?
Because… (searching) Stinking rotten luck is why. (then) On top of that now I got this buggering chip in my head.
Yes. Your behavior modification circuitry. I know what you feel…
(scoffing) Not likely.
You feel smothered. Trapped like an animal, pure in its ferocity, unable to actualize the urges within… Clinging to one truth like a flame struggling to burn within an enclosed glass… That a beast this powerful cannot be contained. Inevitably it will break free and savage the land again… I will make you whole again. Make you savage. Spike stares at Adam for a beat, genuinely mesmerized.
Wow. I mean, yeah. I get why the demons all fall in line with you. You're like Tony Robbins is he was a big, scary Frankenstein-looking… You're exactly like Tony Robbins.
I will restore you to what you once were… Spike arches an eyebrow at the notion.
When I have the Slayer how and where I want her.
(sigh) Easier said. She's crafty. She and her little friends.
Friends…
Yeah. There's your… whatcha call it - variable. This slayer's got pals. You want her evening the odds in a scrape, you don't want her slayerettes mucking about.
Take them away from her.
Yeah, that's a plan. She's working solo, she won't have a chance to come after us when the wild rumpus begins. Plus it'll make her miserable, and I never get tired of that. Spike thinks, plans.
Oh yeah. Leave them to me.
You can't hurt them. What can you do to make sure they're out of the picture?
Not a blessed thing. They're gonna do it for me. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Buffy's room. Night. Buffy enters, looking worn and weary from her trip to L.A. She flips on the light. Sees Willow's still-made bed. Sighs. Sets down her bag, goes to her own bed, lies down. Eyes wide open.
You know if she's back yet? INT. BURNT-OUT SCHOOL - NIGHT Riley sits in his makeshift home in the Sunnydale High ruins. Xander arrives with a knapsack.
L.A. woman? (shakes his head) Haven't heard from her. She'll probably come here first thing, though. And… who's your buddy? He tosses Riley the knapsack. Riley catches it.
So you don't have to be G.I. Joe while your civvies are gettin' washed… Riley pulls a pair of hideous multi-colored weight lifter pants from the knapsack.
Try those on, you'll feel like a new man. Riley nods, hiding his opinion of the pants.
Would this man have a bright red nose and big floppy feet? Off Xander's look:
Sorry, that's the cabin fever talking. I'm grateful. Really.
Okay. So, how you holding up otherwise?
I've been trained to survive harsher conditions. All I really need's a sharpened stick, half a canteen of water and… (sighs) … Room service and Spectravision. Don't love doing the survival bit.
But, as post-Apocalypse splendor goes…
I've done wonders with the place. Still. The sooner Buffy's back, the better I'll feel.
You and me both, big guy.
I take it you're not an Angel fan, either.
It's not like I hate the guy. Just, you know, the guts part of him.
Can't blame you. But, to be fair: It's not him you hate, it's the curse. Xander looks away.
Right?
What did Buffy tell you?
About Angel? Everything. More than I wanted to know, sometimes. She loved him. He turned evil. He killed people. She cured him. He left.
"And they all lived happily ever after." Did she happen to mention what turned him evil?
He was cursed. Some kind of gypsy thing. And then… I dunno. Hundred years passed or the moon hit a certain phase or…
One moment's happiness.
What about it?
It's his trigger. Angel's an okay guy - so long as he's mopey and sad and brooding. But give him even one second of pure, real pleasure…
And that sets him off.
Only in a big old kill-your- friends kind of way. And you know what makes Angel happiest? Give you a hint: it's not crème brulee.
Buffy. Xander nods.
Sex. With Buffy.
Hate to be the one to tell ya.
(numb) Yeah, me too. (beat) Well, that explains a lot of things I wish weren't explained.
Hey, but that's ancient history, buddy.
And she went running to L.A. to bone up on her history.
No, I'm sure it's boneless. She just needs to make sure that everything's okay. She's probably back already.
Maybe.
You'll feel better when you see her. Riley just looks off into space, ignoring Xander.
Guess we'll see. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Giles is alone in his apartment, quietly, soulfully playing the guitar. Lynrd Skynrd's "Freebird."
(singing) …if I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me… For I must be travellin' on now, 'Cause there's too many places I've got to see… but if I stayed here with you girl, thing's just wouldn't be the same… 'cause I'm as free as a bird na-a- aaAAHHH!!! He recoils as if from a snake. Reverse angle reveals SPIKE standing there, looking on curiously.
I think it was my childlike conviction that you couldn't get more pathetic that makes this so depressing.
(grimacing) Please, come in. Spike heads for the fridge. Giles follows.
You know, for someone who's got "Watcher" on his resume, you might want to cast an eye to the front door every now and again. Never know who'll barge in. Spike sticks his head in the fridge, rummaging, pushing aside a couple of items …
What do you want? Spike finds, pulls out one last stray blood packet.
Ah. Knew I left one. Buffy around?
Why? Spike tosses the blood pack in the microwave. Presses the power button. Drums his fingers while he waits.
Need to speak with the lady of the house. Be a pet and give her a message for me, would you? Tell her I just might have something she just might want.
And what would this something be?
Information - highly classified. Not cheap word-on-the street prattle, either. I'm talking about the good stuff now. Giles folds his arms, glaring:
Thrill me.
It's nothing I know. What, you think I'd come running over, saying "I've got a secret, beat me 'til I talk?" (shakes his head) There's files. In the Initiative, I'm pretty sure I know where. Ding! The microwave goes off.
Files. Spike busies himself selecting a mug.
Yeah. Secrets. Mission statements, design schematics… All of Maggie Walsh's dirty laundry, which I guess would include lots of tidbits about --
Adam.
Well, yeah. Say someone was to risk his life and limb -- well, limb, anyway -- to obtain said files, might be worth a little something…
At this point, a cynical person would think you were offering just what we need when we need it most.
That person'd be right, Rupert. Supply and demand. You've got a beastie to kill, I need the dosh. And it won't be cheap this time. Spike drains the mug of blood in one long gulp, starts to leave. Giles closes the door on him, blocking his exit.
What do you want?
Year's supply of blood, guaranteed protection, merry bushels of cash and - most important - a guarantee that I'm not to be in any way slain.
Done.
With a smile and a nod from you? Sorry - not close to good enough. This deal's with the Slayer.
I'll tell her.
Oh, you'll tell her. Great comfort, that. What makes you think she'll listen to you?
Because. There should be more, but Giles can't think of it.
Very convincing.
I am her Watcher.
Think you're neglecting the past tense there, Rupert. Besides, she barely listened when you were in charge. I've seen the way she treats you. Giles tries acting brave, but Spike's struck a chord. Giles nonchalantly uncorks some twelve year-old scotch, pours himself a neat glass.
Yes? A-and how's that?
Very much like a retired librarian. Look. I've got what she wants - long as she has what I want. Pass the word. She knows where to find me. Spike exits. Giles regards his drink.
I'll think about it. He takes a sip. INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT We pan down from the lights stringing across Tara's room walls to find Tara studying next semester's course catalog while Willow plays with a KITTEN.
I keep thinking, okay, that's the cutest thing ever, and then she does something cuter and completely resets the whole scale.
Did you see her yawn earlier?
Yes! I thought I was going to die. (to kitten) I love you, Miss Kitty Fantastico.
We've got to get her a real name.
It's so cool she's all ours-- yours. That she's yours is cool.
She can be ours if you want. Willow looks at Tara, moved. A little embarrassed by all the emotion, Tara turns her attention back to the course catalog.
You still need an elective. How about sophomore level psych?
Oh. Kind of psyched-out after Professor Walsh. Maybe something fun like drama. I could be dramatic. (to kitten) You cannot have more catnip! You have a catnip problem. Tara beams.
Definitely drama.
I haven't even dealt with the housing forms yet. Have you done anything? I hear there's some off- campus places that are way cool for, you know, a group to go in on.
Oh. I figured you'd be dorming it up with Buffy again.
We haven't really talked about it. I used to just assume we'd be roomies through grad school and into little old ladyhood -- you know, cheating at Bingo together and forgetting to take our pills.
But…
(shrugs) But, I don't know. It hardly feels like we're roommates now. She's all busy with Riley, and I'm gone a lot too. And when we are there together, it's just Slayer business talk and feeding Amy the rat. I guess I should ask her… Willow pets Miss Kitty Fantastico and looks a little worried. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - DAY There's a knock on Buffy's door. Buffy opens it - to find Riley standing there. She's a little taken aback.
Riley. Hi.
Hi. I got a little tired of sitting around waiting, so…
… You joined the circus? Cut back to show Riley is dressed in the brightly-colored pants Xander left him earlier.
(entering) Xander took my clothes to clean 'em. Left me these. Does he hate me in some way I don't know about yet? I think I would've attracted less attention in my uniform. Buffy shuts the door behind him. A beat.
Is it okay for you to be here?
You tell me.
I mean, with a whole government branch hunting you down and all.
I'm good. He reaches around to the small of his back and pulls out a walkie-talkie.
Took me awhile, but I patched into their frequency. Can't sneak up on a guy if he's listening in.
You're the trickiest.
Why they hired me. Beat. Buffy turns away, adjusts some papers, needlessly.
Are you okay?
Yeah. I'm fine, it's just … Angel kind of upset me.
How?
It's not that interesting.
Got my attention.
He spun my head a little. I assure you: not of the big.
You don't want to talk about it.
Deconstructing Angel really can wait. I want to get out there and patrol. Find Adam. Talk about it later?
It's the pants, isn't it? It's okay. I couldn't take me seriously in these things either.
Riley, it's not that big of a deal.
Tell you what, why don't I get out of your face. You had a long trip.
You don't have to go.
It's okay. Besides… (re: pants) I gotta re-charge them every two hours or they go dead on me.
Okay, then… see ya. He gives her a smile and lets himself out. INT. BUFFY'S DORM HALLWAY - DAY Riley steps out of Buffy's room into the hallway. His smile evaporates. He looks hurt and pissed. Leaves. INT. CRYPT - DAY Xander hands Spike a khaki bundle of clothing. Anya sits down on the crypt slab behind them, drinking a milk shake, looking colossally bored.
Here. You shoulda just kept the ensemble from the last time sneaking into the Initiative. I'm not a clothing delivery service.
(to Spike) Well he is, kind of. He did Riley yesterday. Spike discovers something in the middle of the clothing bundle: a small but deadly-looking gun.
Oh, hello. This is just… swell. He points it around, posing a bit.
Gotta say, liking this quite a lot. Kind of changes the balance of pow-ARRR! He has come around and pointed it at Xander and immediately staggers with pain, clutching his head.
Come on, you've got to be kidding!
Wow. The chip in your head means you can't even point a gun. How humiliating.
Gun doesn't work anyway. It's a fake.
Can't even point a decorative gun.
Give it up for American chipmanship.
It doesn't work? What about self defense? I'm taking a risk here, you know. These Initiative prats aren't keen on letting a fellow pop in and have a bit of a rummage- around. Not twice, anyway.
Can I tell you how much I really don't care?
Attitude. We'll see how far that takes you at boot camp. Hey, s'pose you'll get a tough-as-nails drill sergeant who's only hard on the men 'cause he's trying to keep 'em alive when the bullets start flying? I love that stuff.
Boot camp? Yeah, like I'd go there.
Oh, you changed your mind? Not gonna join? Anya jumps up, goes to Xander. Smacks him on the arm.
You're joining the army?!
(to Anya) Okay, one: ow. Two. (to Spike) Where'd you get that idea? And three: (to Anya) Ow! I am not joining the army. Anya sits back down.
Well, good. Stopped that nonsense just in time.
I was never-- (to Spike) Who told you this?
Your little girlie-mates were talking… something about being "all you can be" or "all you can be." Having a laugh… I figured you were signing up. Say, you got anything larger in the toy gun line?
All I can… can you believe that? Like I'm some useless lunk. It happens that I'm good at lots of things! I help with all kinds of… stuff… I have… skills, and strategems, I'm very… (to Anya) Help me out.
(helpful, to Spike) He's a viking in the sack.
(barely listening) T'rific. (examining clothes) You didn't have these cleaned after the last time, did you?
(to Anya) This is so like them lately. It's all about them and the college life. You know what college is? It's high school without the actual going to class. Well, high school was sort of like that too but the point is, I'm the one working hard to earn a living and it's a huge joke to them. (mocking) "Xander got fired from Starbucks." "Xander got fired from the phone sex place…"
They look down on you.
(agreeing) And they hate you…
But they don't look down on me.
It was just a laugh. Don't have to go insane over it.
Is anybody talking to you?
Sir, no, Sir. Spike smiles, Xander glares. EXT. CAVE - DAY Buffy appears, searching. She comes upon a cave entrance. Draws a blaster. Takes a step forward. Hears a twig snap. She whirls, comes face to face with… FORREST.
Don't shoot. Buffy hesitates a long moment before putting the blaster down.
Give me a reason not to.
You killing humans, now?
Not yet. Beating you senseless should do just fine.
I could have a patrol here in under a minute - So here's a plan: you go your way, and I'll go mine. A tense beat as she considers. Then Buffy steps toward the cave. Forrest does too. Both stop to glare at one another.
I'm checking out that cave.
My orders exactly.
Alone?
We're spread a little thin right now, so yeah. Family's tearing apart-
Family? Last time I dropped by you put a gun to my head. What kind of family are you guys? The Corleones? They enter the cave. INT. CAVE - DAY Proceed, Forrest growing more angry, frustrated.
Weren't until you showed up.
What, no girls in the club?
You think you're the first girlfriend Riley's ever had? There's one big head on that skinny little body -- no, you're just the first one ever got him to commit treason. Riley had a career. He had a future 'til he met you and yeah, I got a problem with that.
A future? A future doing what? Illegal experiments? Torture? Murder? I guess killing someone isn't a problem for you.
Less and less. Now why don't you get the hell out of here before I -- Forrest grabs her shoulder - pissing her off. She shakes him off, interrupting his threat.
Touch me again you'll find out what Slayer-strength is like.
Think it's about time you showed me, then. They both hear a voice.
Yes. They turn to see the cave entrance is blocked - by ADAM.
I think that would be interesting. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two | ||
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INT. CAVE - DAY Right where we left off. Adam stands looming over Buffy and Forrest. All three frozen, poised before the action starts. The peace doesn't last. Adam prepares to skewer Forrest. Buffy leaps across the cave and grabs Adam's skewering arm just as the blade juts out, throwing off his aim. Buffy and Adam square off. Without looking back, Buffy grabs Forrest by the shirt, bunching it up in her fist and shoves him back hard, toward the entrance of the cave.
Get out of here.
Not moving. Buffy strikes at Adam with all she's got. He doesn't move. He knocks her back.
(to Forrest) GO! Adam turns to see Forrest aiming the blaster right at him. The sight is interesting to him. Forrest FIRES - at point blank range. Electric energy courses through Adam's entire frame, rippling blue shock waves around his body, making his whole form violently VIBRATE. Buffy watches from the ground. Finally it stops - the last ray of energy wriggles into Adam's chest plate - energy absorbed. Adam rights himself. Buffy runs toward Adam.
Thank you. With one lightning-fast thrust, Adam IMPALES Forrest. Buffy rushes Adam. Adam throws the dead body of Forrest onto Buffy. Buffy hits the ground, momentarily pinned by the dead weight - face to face with dead Forrest. Adam picks up Forrest's dropped blaster. Buffy throws Forrest's body off her, sees: Adam aiming right at her - opening fire. He hits her, sends her into the wall. Buffy runs, blaster fire scattering around her. She runs from the cave. EXT. CAVE - DAY Buffy runs. Hits the ground. Gets up, now limping, running, off into the woods. EXT. WOODS - DAY Buffy runs, then staggers to relative safety. A small trickle of blood splattered on her forehead. She looks back to see if Adam's following behind her. She keeps going, barely conscious. She trips, tumbling down a small embankment, and WACK - hits her head on a stone. She is out cold. We hold on her unconscious face. EXT. GILES' COURTYARD - NIGHT Spike walks up to Giles' door, dressed in his Initiative outfit. Finishing a cigarette, he takes his time sucking in one last drag. Tosses the butt away. Then, like an actor preparing to go onstage, takes a big deep breath, "rehearsing," and bursts in - INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Spike enters, out of fake breath. Shuts the door behind him, looks out the window.
Think I lost the buggers. Willow is there with Tara. She approaches Spike as Giles looks on, pouring himself another drink. The discerning eye might notice that Giles is a little tipsy.
Any luck with the disk? Spike pulls about four of them out of his jacket, fumbles them to Will.
Took what they had. Should be something useful on one of 'em.
Hope so… She moves to the computer, Tara at her side.
What are we looking for?
Anything about Adam.
(to Spike) No problems getting in and out?
No. I mean, a couple of 'em made me on the way out, but I took care of them.
Gave them a good running-away- from, did you?
Well, yeah. When do I get paid?
When Willow tells me you've brought us something useful. Spike glances over at Willow and Tara, sees Tara absently run her hand up the back of Willow's hair as they study the screen. Spike gets an idea. Says to Giles, aside:
I coulda gone straight to the slayer, you know. I cut you in, let you pretend you're actually in charge. Now you gotta wait for Red's permission to finish the deal? Giles tries not to show how the dig affects him. Replies, icily:
As soon as we see what's on the discs --
It looks like gibberish.
(moving to them) Gibberish?
Or possibly gobbledygook. It's not words, anyway…
They're encrypted.
Wonderful. He retires to the room down the hall as Spike peers at the computer screen. Sure enough, a seemingly random pattern of numbers and letters shows on the screen. Spike wasn't actually expecting this himself.
Well, why did… can you fix them?
Crack a government encryption code on my laptop? Easy as really difficult pie.
You're not exactly the whiz these days either. God, I'm never getting paid.
I am a whiz!
She is a whiz.
(grumbly) If ever a whiz there was… I just need some time.
No, I just heard you weren't… your mates said you weren't playing with computers so much. Into the new thing.
What new thing?
You know: you two, the whole… wicca thing.
They were talking about that?
Can we get back to business here? I got a deal at stake.
What'd they say?
Talking about, you know, it's a phase, you'll get over it.
What? Who said that?
Maybe we should focus on the gobbledygook…
Was it Buffy? (to Tara) 'Cause you know what she means by that…
She was defending you. 'Cause Xander said you were just being trendy.
Trendy?
I didn't see why they were going on. Person wants to be a witch, that's their business.
I knew Buffy was freaked.
You should talk to her, 'cause I'm sure…
Pressing business, ladies. Let's not get sidetracked. Still got your monsters to fight. He smiles to himself, satisfied at his work, as Willow gloweringly turns her attention to the computer. INT. INITIATIVE - NIGHT A DEMON smashes himself right into the front of his plexiglass Initiative cell. Setting off electric sparks. McNamara and a young LIEUTENANT stride by. We see that some cells contain more than one demon. The inmates are restless.
Cell capacity's maxed out three days ago, sir. We keep up this pace, there'll be nowhere left to contain the Hostiles.
They're animals, Lieutenant. We'll pack them in until we're out of room - then pack them in some more.
They're going to start tearing each other apart, Sir.
I have no problem with that scenario. They turn a corner, and enter: INT. INITIATIVE COMMUNICATION CENTER - NIGHT Inside the Communications Center, it's a busy hive of activity. Two rows of Initiative Soldiers sit tuned into tape-recording radios. Each operator wears a headset and takes notes. McNamara and the Lieutenant enter to the cacophony of static, radio reports and jargon.
Gamma Team en route to home base, repeat en route to home base, three hostiles bagged and tagged, over.
Team Alpha deploying search procedure Tango Minor, estimated time of departure thirty oh-six hundred… And suddenly a SQUAWK of static fills the room. One report comes in loud and clear, louder than the others. Urgent, fractured, desperate:
… backup, request immediate backup, over. Colonel McNamara motions to the nearest radio operator, who turns a knob. The room is filled with the sound of one report.
… tearing us apart out here … two men down … from out of nowhere … mayday, repeat… CUT TO: INT. BURNT-OUT SCHOOL - NIGHT Riley, forking food out of the can like Mad Max, stops cold. He listens in to the Initiative transmission on his walkie-talkie. It's the same broadcast McNamara heard, continuing…
… Mayday. Team Epsilon requests immediate backup we're in the alley near the school building… Riley grabs the walkie, tuning it in as the sound dies out.
… where the hell is … back, fall back … it's coming this -- SQUAWK! The walkie emits another ear-piercing screech - and goes dead. Riley grabs gear and weaponry - then bolts. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Riley runs into an alley at night - skids to a stop - just in time to see a COMMANDO get slammed into the brick wall beside him. Nose broken on impact, the big muscular guy goes slumping to the ground - out cold. Game face on, Riley steps into the alley. Whips out a flashlight and shines it. Riley's P.O.V.: Standing inside the alley, surrounded by four unconscious Initiative Commandos, is a guy with his back turned to us. He senses Riley. Whirls to face us. CLOSE-UP: It's ANGEL. Angel sees Riley. CLOSE-UP: And Riley sees Angel… BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three | ||
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EXT. WOODS - NIGHT We are in the woods. It's quiet. Peaceful. Somewhere, far away we can hear the sound of a babbling brook. Night sounds begin to filter in. An owl far away. Night birds chirping. Camera lazily pans across trees, leaves and branches, and comes to rest upon… Buffy. Her eyelids open. She wakes up. Just lies there a moment, not moving. Then suddenly BOLTS UPRIGHT with a gasping intake of air. She gets her bearings. Stands. Instant pain nearly makes her knees buckle beneath her. She grabs a tree trunk for support. She takes one small, painful step and we CUT TO: EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Pacing one another like two old gunfighters, Angel and Riley square off in the alley, the bodies of four prone commandos lying around them.
Riley Finn.
I know you?
We have a friend in common.
(realizes) Angel.
The welcoming committee your idea? Riley looks down at one of the soldiers -- Angel has broken his nose and a lot of blood has poured out of it.
Way I heard it, you were all peaceable now. You didn't by any chance go and lose that pesky soul again, did you?
Don't push me, boy.
(contained rage) Now what could possibly have happened with Buffy that would make you lose your soul?
(can't resist) That'd be between me and her. He moves to go.
Where do you think you're going?
See an old girlfriend.
You think I'm gonna let that happen?
You think you're gonna stop me?
I surely do. Angel rushes Riley, who's blocking the only way out. Riley THWIPS out his telescoping metal baton to its full length. Sidesteps the attack and CRACKS Angel hard in the back of the skull. Angel whips around and full-body smashes into Riley, sending the two of them plowing back into a load of garbage cans. Angel pins Riley, punches him square in the face. Once - twice - then pulls back for the final blow when Riley grabs a bottle lying nearby and smashes it into the side of Angel's face. Angel recoils. Riley gets to his feet. Readies the baton for another strike. Angel, still covering his eyes from the bottle-smash, lashes out backhanded and hits the baton flying out of Riley's hand. Riley punches Angel. Which only makes him mad. Angel grabs Riley and rushes him hard into the brick wall. Head-butts him. Riley's hands fall to his sides, lifeless. Angel just holds him there an instant. Riley grabs a small, hand-held taser off his belt and jams it up under Angel's chin. ZAP! It sends out a sharp jolt of electricity, blasting Angel back away from Riley. Angel staggers back, getting his bearings. Riley presses the attack. Punches Angel in the stomach. Angel doubles over, his face hidden. Riley goes in for another shot when Angel whips his head back up - in full VAMP-FACE. Angel punches Riley. Riley, wobbling, manages to punch Angel back. Punch-drunk, he fumbles for his sidearm … Angel hits Riley so hard he goes flying back. Angel walks over to him, taking his time, no more playing around, ready to finish this when: We hear approaching Humvees, lights heading towards us. Angel takes off over a wall. Riley rises, also takes off, though much slower -- he barely limps off as the Humvees arrive. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Buffy's door creaks open. She edges herself in and closes the door behind her, leaning on it for support. Head still wounded. She checks herself in the mirror. Then: TIME CUT TO: Buffy, now cradling the phone between shoulder and cheek, finishes bandaging her wounded arm.
(recorded) Hello?
Xander, it's Buffy.
(recorded) Hel-lo?
Xander?
(recorded) Ah, just kidding, this is an answering machine. At the tone, leave a message. Beep!
Xander, call me. I think we need to get the gang together. Buffy, feeling a little humiliated that she fell for Xander's trick, hangs up. CUT TO: Buffy on the phone, trying again …
Hi. This is Tara. Please leave a message. Beep!
Hi, uh, Tara? It's Buffy. I'm looking for Willow. If you see her, would you tell her? I - it's pretty important. Thanks. Buffy hangs up slowly. Another CUT and:
… for Rupert Giles and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Beep!
Giles. It's me. Just … call me. Buffy hangs up. Looks at the phone, feeling lost and alone. Where is everybody? A long beat, then a knock at the door interrupts her solitude. Buffy opens the door to find ANGEL standing there, holding himself up against the door frame, looking a little beat-up from his Riley encounter. Buffy's thrown, both by his unannounced arrival and his dishevelled appearance. Not to mention the fact that seeing him brings up all the pain of their last meeting.
Angel…
Hey. Can I come in?
I guess. An awkward beat.
Need a little more than that, Buffy. Buffy gets it.
Oh. Come in. He enters. Buffy stands a good distance from him, hurt, uncomfortable. Still, she can't hide her concern for him.
You hurt?
I'll live.
Want to tell me who ran you into that doorknob?
Not really. It's not world in peril stuff.
Let me guess. You thought of something else really hurtful to say and it was just too good to do it over the phone. 'Cause the funniest part is the look on my face --
Buffy, please. I don't have a lot of time.
Why not? What's going -- He's just about to spit it out when they hear a voice.
I told you you weren't coming near her. Buffy and Angel part, revealing Riley, standing unsteadily, a PISTOL aimed right at Angel's hand. He's shaking, clearly exhausted from the fight with Angel and the dash to Buffy's place - but he's holding it together through sheer force of will. He will not go down without (more of) a fight.
I meant it. Buffy takes in this tableau. Boyfriend and Ex on either side of her - staring daggers at each other. Gets it.
You've got to be kidding me. (glares at Angel) This is why you came?
No. It was an accident-
Running your car into a tree is an accident. Running your fist into somebody's face is a plan. You wanna explain this to me?
(to Riley) Put that gun down.
It's pretty much all I got left, so I'm thinking not. He attacked four of my men, Buffy. He's up to his old tricks. Now it dawns on Buffy that Riley thinks Angel's gone bad. Her tone softens.
Oh… Riley - he's not. He isn't bad now. He won't hurt anybody. Angel, tell him…
(to Riley) Might hurt you.
Please try.
Some threat. You can barely stand.
Trigger finger feels okay.
(to Buffy) You actually sleep with this guy? Riley can't contain himself. He launches at Angel, gets in a brutal punch. Angel returns in kind. Next thing they know, Buffy's clocking one across the jaw, then the other - sending them reeling apart.
Stop it!
Ow!
Ow!
That's enough! I see any more displays of testosterone poisoning, I will personally put you both in the hospital. Anybody think I'm exaggerating?
He started it --
(points - don't you dare) NNH! He stops. The boys look equal parts sullen and contrite.
Riley… Angel watches as Buffy goes to Riley first. She stands close with him, makes eye contact, touches his cheek, speaks tenderly.
I'm sorry, I just wanted to know you were safe.
I need to talk to Angel for a minute.
What?
Riley, please. Riley looks at Angel. Angel shrugs his shoulders. Riley turns back to Buffy.
I'm not leaving this room. I mean it.
Okay. She simply turns to the door and walks out. Angel follows, giving Riley a smirk. They're gone. Riley just stands there, folds his arms, speaks to himself.
Not moving a muscle… INT. BUFFY'S DORM HALLWAY - NIGHT Angel joins Buffy in the hall. Buffy's fuming.
Okay. I come to see you, to help you and you treat me like I'm just… your ex-
Well, technically --
Shut up. (he clams up) Then you order me out of your city - and then you come here and start pounding on my boyfriend?! What is this? I'd really like to know: What the hell are you trying to do?
I was trying to make things better. A beat as Buffy takes this in. And Angel realizes how it sounded. They both get the absurdity of it, and they can't help but laugh.
It's going pretty well, don't you think?
Swell. Although you might want to think about fire. Burning things - always effective. The tension of the fight diffused. Buffy leans against the wall. They regard each other more calmly. Then-
I couldn't leave it like that. The way I spoke to you… I came to apologize. I had no right. Buffy takes this in.
I… and Riley?
I got jumped by some soldiers. He came in in the middle. Wasn't real forthcoming with the benefit of the doubt.
Put yourself in his place.
I get it. Now Buffy sucks it up.
Look, I… you weren't entirely wrong, what you said in L.A. We don't live in each other's worlds anymore. I can't just barge in on yours and make judgments. Angel takes this in. Nods.
I'm still sorry.
Thank you.
And next time I'll apologize by phone. They both smile. Two old soldiers.
Things seem pretty tense around here.
They really are.
Anything I can do?
Honestly, I think the best thing right now --
Okay. Beat.
It means a lot that you came. They look at each other warmly for a beat. Finally, a feeling of peace between them. Then Angel turns, limping a little, down the hallway. Buffy watches. Angel stops. Turns back.
Oh. And… Riley?
Yeah.
(nods) I don't like him. A beat. Buffy smiles.
Thanks. Angel backs off again and Buffy watches him go. Then looks back to her dorm room. The smile vanishes. She takes a heavy breath and heads back inside. We see her enter the room, Riley inside, awaiting her nervously. INT. ADAM'S LAIR - NIGHT Spike enters the cave, finishing off a can of beer, crushing it in his grip and tossing it aside.
That was fun. And I'm no stranger to a good night out. De-flowered a virgin Princess once. Killed a Minister mid-sermon. Even saw the Sex Pistols back in '76. But this … He rummages through his pockets, comes up with a pack of smokes, pulls one out of his teeth.
… this was really special.
You were successful.
Easier than I thought it'd be, too.
You're sure?
Feel it in my bones. It's … call it the Yoko factor. (off Adam's blank stare) Don't tell me you never heard of The Beatles?
I have. I like Helter Skelter.
What a surprise. Point is, they were once a real, powerful group. Not a stretch to say they ruled the world. And when they broke up, everyone blamed Yoko. But the fact is, the group split itself apart. She just happened to be there. And you know how it is with kids -- they go to college, they grow apart. Way of the world. Adam takes this in.
So you've separated the Slayer from her friends.
Do I have to explain about Yoko again?
I get it. I'm pleased.
So, since we've got all our ducks in a row… and not talking to each other, guess it's time for the grand plan. You know, the one where I get the chipectomy. You got everything you need, right?
No. Spike looks at him quizzically.
There's one more thing. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four | ||
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INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Riley stand in mid-embrace. Buffy's face is buried up against Riley's chest. But we can see Riley's face - he's deeply worried. They part.
How bad are you hurt?
Not sure yet. The night's still young.
I have something to tell you.
Figured.
Maybe you should sit down.
I'm fine.
Riley…
Wait. Me, first. Buffy… I feel like we've gotten really close. At least, I thought we had. I don't know much about Angel, or your relationship with him. But all I ask is, if you're gonna break my heart? Do it fast.
What? You think… that Angel and I…
Didn't you?
Of course not. I'd never do that to you.
So - nothing?
Nothing. Riley. How can you even ask that? Riley knows she's telling the truth. Feels like an asshole.
I don't know. Xander said-
(fuming) Xander. He is the deadest man in Deadonia-
(cutting her off) No. It wasn't his fault. I prodded, and he explained how Angel went bad. The trigger-
Oh.
(rambling) And, after that, I went a little nuts, you know? I mean, on the one hand, I should believe in us. But, on the other, sometimes things just happen between ex's and then I saw he was bad-
He wasn't bad.
Seriously? That's a "good" day? (off her nod) Well there you go. Even when he's good he's all Mr. Billowy Coat King of Pain and girls really- Buffy takes Riley's hand, stopping him.
Riley. Stop. She pulls him with her to the bed. They sit.
See? Nuts.
Have I ever given you reason to feel you couldn't trust me?
No.
Then why with the crazy? Riley meets Buffy's eyes. Vulnerable. He's laying it all out on the table and he knows it.
Because I'm so in love with you I can't think straight. Buffy takes this in, blown away. She touches his face tenderly.
Tell me about it. A beat. Riley lets loose a shaky breath of relief and pulls Buffy close. They hug for a long time, feeling the intensity of the moment. Of their love. Then a shadow crosses Buffy's features as she remembers… Forrest.
Ry… She pulls back and Riley can immediately see that something is very wrong.
I still have to tell you something. And - there's no way to…
Just say it.
Forrest is dead. Beat. Riley is too stunned to speak.
I'm so sorry… There was a fight. Adam killed him. I barely got away. Riley softly moans, holds his head in his hands. We cannot see his face.
I know nothing I say can make things better. But I swear to you, we will find and destroy this thing. Right now you need time. Take what you need, I can…
I have to go. Riley's head comes back up. There's no tears, no expression of any kind. A blank stare.
Are you sure? You…
Have to go now. And just like that, he gets up and leaves. Closes the door behind him - gone. Buffy takes this in. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT The familiar sight of a war room session held in Giles' apartment. Spread out around the couch by the fireplace, everyone looks tense - sitting clustered in mini-factions: Xander and Anya on a chair, Willow and Tara at the computer, Giles in the kitchen area where he cracks the seal on a new bottle of scotch and pours himself yet another drink. Buffy looks over Willow's shoulder, scanning the computer screen, which is again filled with unintelligible characters.
It's all weird and jumbley.
It's still encrypted.
Willow's been working really hard on it, though.
Okay. So how long before you… uncrypt it?
Hours. Days, maybe. Anyone suggesting months would not be accused of crazy talk. Giles is drunkenly in a mood of false cheer that he retains throughout much of the scene:
(too loud) Whatever happened to Latin? At least when that made no sense, the church approved.
(to Will re: disk) I can't just wait around, Will. That disk is no good to me unless you crack it soon- Willow obviously fumes at this. Is about to say something but Anya cuts her off with-
Hey! We worked hard getting that! Xander delivered clothing.
"The church approved." He chuckles to himself, retroactively appreciating his joke.
Sorry everyone, but we're on a clock here. Adam was at that cave. Maybe he was there for a reason. I can go back, scope it out, track him if I have to…
(false enthusiasm) Right! And maybe you'll get lucky and he'll still be there and he can rip your arms off for you! Buffy, you can't go back alone.
(cheerful smile) You never train with me anymore. Adam's gonna kick your ass.
Giles?!
Sorry! Didn't mean to be so honest. Terribly sorry.
So she doesn't go alone. Giles, weapons all around--
You're not coming, Xander. You'd get hurt. It'll be easier for me if I'm not worrying about protecting you.
Oh. Okay. You and Willow go do the superpower thing. I'll stay behind and putter around the batcave (indicates Giles) with crusty old Alfred here. Giles, still working at being chipper, pours another drink.
Ahh. I am no Alfred, sir. You forget - Alfred had a job.
Willow stays behind too. I'll do it alone.
Great. And then, when you've got your new no arms, we'll all say, gee, it's a good thing we weren't there getting in the way of that! Tara and Anya make eye contact, uncomfortable. Tara slowly gets up and leaves her spot next to Willow, moving quietly toward the kitchen area.
Right, and maybe we can help in other ways. Need some fightin' pants, Buff? I could go get you some fightin' pants.
Guys, you're just making this harder.
Wow. We're already getting in the way. We're good at this, huh, Xander?
Right. I'm so good at it you might have to ship me off to the army to get me out of the way. Now, unnoticed, Anya leaves Xander's side and also heads toward the kitchen…
The army?
You didn't know I knew about that, did you? You two talking about me behind my back.
Us talking about you? How about you telling Riley every last detail of my life with Angel--
(to Buffy) Besides - when is there any "us two?" (to Xander/Buffy) You two are the two who are the two. I'm the other one.
Uh-huh. But maybe that all changes when I'm doing sit-ups at Fort Dix.
(thinks it's a dirty joke) Fort Dix. Heh heh…
(to Giles) Are you drunk?
(happily) Quite a bit, actually!
Well, stop it. (to Willow and Xander) This is stupid.
Stupid. So you finally have the guts to say it to my face…
I don't think you're stupid, Xander, so stop being an idiot and help me fix things. I need both of you. I need you all the time, just not now. Adam is dangerous--
Wait. How do you need me? Really.
I need you a lot. You're great, with, with the computer. Usually.
Right you are. And I'm great with the pacing and the saying of "hmmmmm" and "ahhhhh," and "Good Lord!"
(ignoring him) And you got the witch-stuff… that's…
(exploding) Witch stuff?! What do you mean by witch stuff?!
What is happening? This is crazy.
No it's not! It's all finally making perfect sense and I'm not going to miss a moment of it. Giles moves to sit down and misses the chair. He FALLS OUT OF FRAME. INT. GILES' BATHROOM - NIGHT Tara and Anya hide out together, waiting for the storm to blow over.
You think this'll go on awhile?
Hard to say. A beat. Tara looks around, searching for something to say.
Nice bathroom.
Like the tile. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Giles is back on his feet and the argument is really rolling now:
And if I did join the army I'd be great. You know why? Because maybe they'd give me a job that couldn't be done by any well- trained Border Collie.
That's it. I'm going to bed! Giles heads for the stairs, unbuttoning his shirt as he goes.
Sure, you'd be wonderful in the army -- you think the umbilical cord between you and Anya would stretch that far?
I knew it. I knew you hated her. Giles' shirt sails over the banister and lands on Xander's head.
Hey, I'm not the one being judgmental, here. I'll leave that territory to you and Buffy.
Judgmental? If I was any more open minded about the choices you two make my whole brain would fall out.
Oh. And superior. Don't forget that. Just because you're better than us doesn't mean you can be all superior.
Guys, stop this. What happened to you today?
It's not today. Buffy, everything's been wrong for a while. Don't you see that?
Willow, what do you mean things have been wrong? Things don't have to be wrong, do they?
Buffy, things haven't been right since Tara. We have to face it. You can't handle Tara being my girlfriend.
No, it was bad before that. Since you two went off to college and forgot about me, just left me in the basement to -- (suddenly, quietly) Tara's your girlfriend?
Bloody hell! Buffy has had it. Here she comes:
Enough. All I know is that you want to help, right? Be part of the team?
No. You said you wanted to go. So let's go. All of us. We'll walk into that cave with you two attacking me and the funny drunk drooling on my shoes. Maybe that's the secret way to kill Adam.
Buffy--
Is that it? Is that how you can help? You're not answering. Go on. How can you possibly help? They all freeze, stunned by what Buffy just said. After a horrible beat:
So… (steeling herself) So I guess I'm on my own. And you know what? I'm starting to get why there's no ancient prophesy about a Chosen One and Friends. She heads out, calling back.
If I need help, I'll go to someone I can count on. She leaves, closing the door behind her. DISSOLVE TO: INT. ADAM'S LAIR - NIGHT Adam stands in his lair, waiting. A lone figure, cast in shadow and seen from behind, enters.
I've been waiting for you. Reverse angle reveals: it's Riley.
And now I'm here. TITLE CARD: TO BE CONTINUED… BLACK OUT.
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