Story by CN Winters and Zahir al Daoud

Written by CN Winters (additional writing by Susan Carr)

Produced and Directed by CN Winters 

Edited by Susan Carr

Sound by CSR

Art Direction by Robert Kidman and CN Winters

Artists – Robert Kidman and CN Winters

A van pulled up to the curb where Kennedy waited with Skye and the remaining members of her team. The window of the van went to down to show Faith sitting behind the wheel.

"Heard the hero needs a lift," she said proudly.

Kennedy turned to Marie and pointed to Skye. "Watch her," she said as she stood up and made her way over to Faith who was now getting out of the van.

As Faith closed the door she turned to see Kennedy standing in front of her. Kennedy just looked at Faith for a long moment.

"What?" the older slayer finally asked.

The tiniest of grins came to Kennedy’s face. "You wanna spar this week…if you’ve got time?" she asked.

Faith began to smile but pushed it down. "I’d like that," she replied.

Kennedy nodded and began to turn but Faith put a hand on her arm. Kennedy looked down and noticed it before looking back at Faith.

"This is kinda how the mess started last time," Kennedy remarked casually.

As Faith pulled Kennedy into a hug she said, "Come ‘er."

Almost cautiously, Kennedy put her arms around and rested her chin on Faith’s shoulder.

"I’m sorry Ken," Faith told her sincerely.

"I know," was Kennedy’s only reply. She pulled away and motioned to the van. "Let’s get the gang loaded, okay?"

"Aye. Aye, Captain," Faith said saluting.

Willow leaned over the railing, looking at the lights of the city spread out below her. The witch’s red hair unfurled behind her in the cold wind. Her face was expressionless.

"Ma’am?"

Slowly, Willow turned her head to see one of the council’s clean-up crew members behind her in the doorway yet she said nothing.

"We though you should know we’re just about finished here," he told her.

She nodded and began to walk back inside. "The secretary…"

"She’s in critical condition. She’s lost a lot of blood."

"Will she be okay?" Willow asked as they walked back into the office.

"We’ve got her started on a transfusion so we’re hoping we got here quick enough. Only time will tell." When Willow said nothing he asked, "Would you like a ride back to the council, Ma’am?"

"She can ride with me," a voice said from the doorway.

Willow and the crew member turned to see Rowena standing there. He simply nodded and left the room as he made his way around Rowena. Alone on the deck neither woman said anything nor moved toward each other.

"So who found it?" Willow finally asked.

"Ken. Not far from here actually so…you were close. I made the announcement over the radio but-."

"I was too busy dealing with the dead and dying here," Willow said coldly.

Rowena took two strides forward. "Marissa made a bad call," she said gingerly.

"A bad call? That’s it? Three people are dead and another might be…See this?" Willow said tugging at her shirt. "See these dark spots? It’s other people’s blood; blood that shouldn’t be here."

"Willow, tensions were high and-" Rowena wasn’t able to finish the thought.

"Don’t stand there and defend them," Willow warned waving her finger.

"I’m not," Rowena answered. "Marissa is suspended indefinitely at this point."

Willow turned her back on Rowena. "I need to ask you something and I need an answer." Rowena said nothing. "Do you still support the black ops squad? I gotta know."

"What they did tonight? No. What they might need to do someday in the future? Yes."

Willow shook her head and her bottom lip began to shake as she kept her back still turned from Rowena.

"I want to put it to a vote again," she said.

"The council has already voted on this issue," Rowena said diplomatically as possible. "The black ops squad needs to stay in place and…"

Willow turned around to face Rowena and she had tears in her eyes as well as some running down her cheeks. The sight stopped Rowena from continuing.

"I thought that’s what you would say," Willow replied.

"This isn’t personal Will," Rowena answered in a shaking voice.

"But it is," Willow replied. "It’s personal for those people that died here tonight, for their families that will never see them again. It’s personal for the slayers who should be slayers and not killers…A-And it’s personal to me…to us..."

Willow began to walk past Rowena and the watcher called out, "Hey…"

Willow stopped and shook her head before facing Rowena.

"I-I can’t do this anymore. I thought I could but I-I can’t."

"Willow, you can’t leave the council," Rowena answered concerned.

"I’m not," Willow replied. "I’m leaving you."

Rowena opened her mouth to speak but Willow didn’t wait for a reply. She simply continued on her journey from the room.