Chapter 5

Riley crouched down behind a tree outside the home of Buffy Summers; the rest of his team had taken up position around the house as they prepared to enter. Riley lifted his night vision glasses and swept them across the house. Six heat signatures showed up clearly in the living room of the home. Signaling the others he silently moved forward crouching under the window, slowly he inched up to take a quick look inside.

Buffy sat casually on the sofa with Dawn cuddled up beside her. Strangely she could sense the men outside; she knew they were there, watching and waiting. Anya had taken Willow and Tara to Arashmahar to retrieve the book of Dasnmahel. Buffy had been against the idea; however, Anya was adamant that D'Hoffran would not release it to them unless he was sure that it would be protected.

Buffy flicked her eyes around the room. Her mother was sitting across from her, chatting easily with Giles. Her only sign of nerves, if anyone paid attention, was the fierce clench of her hands. Buffy had wanted Joyce to leave the house, but she had insisted that she wanted to go with her girls. Joyce had been adamant, rejecting all arguments that were put forward, and in the end Buffy relented, although fear clutched her heart at the thought of what may happen to her mother.

Giles, Xander and Oz also lounged in the room seemingly unaffected by the mounting tension. Giles however had not cleaned his glasses once, a sure sign that Ripper was close to the surface. Oz remained his quiet monosyllabic self, yet Buffy was sure that the hairs on his neck were standing up as he discretely sniffed the air. When his eyes locked with Buffy's, he silently confirmed her belief that the enemy was waiting just outside their walls. Even though Xander goofed and joked with no hint of nervousness betraying his voice, Buffy did not fail to notice, that he had positioned himself close to Joyce shielding her from the open doorway and any possible danger. Xander had promised Buffy that Joyce would be his priority; he would make sure she remained safe at all costs.

Dawn was the only one in the group who was truly relaxed, and Buffy marveled at how the girl's faith in Spike was unwavering. As far as Dawn was concerned as soon as they found Spike, she would be safe from those who wanted to hurt her.

Buffy took a deep breathe as she saw Oz tense inperceptively. A loud crash came from the front door, and she could here the sound of breaking glass before the world around them became smoky and chaotic.

A violent slap woke Spike, and the twisted face of Riley Finn staring down at him. "Guess what 17?" he leaned in close, "Got your girl." Spike tried to quell the rage boiling within him. Graham had let him in on Buffy's plan earlier that evening, and he now struggled to keep it together long enough for the Slayer to put it into action.

Riley laughed as he watched the vampires struggle for control. "Got me some bonuses to," he smirked reaching down he casually presses a rigid finger onto one of Spike's healing wounds. "Not only did I get your little girl and her sister, but I got their mother too." He bent to whisper in Spike's ear, "I wonder what she'd be willing to do to keep her daughters safe."

Backing away Riley began to play idly with the instrument tray once more. "You know that saying 'like mother like daughter' well guess I get to find out if it's true or not." Riley rubbed his crotch in anticipation before sighing, "I really wish I could stay and chat, but sorry, I've got new friends to play with." Walking over to the door Riley opened a small panel flicking a few switches, "But you can watch if you like."

Spike watched as the three of the walls around him became opaque giving him a perfect view of the smaller rooms, which circled his, two to a wall. Each was empty save for a sole occupant unconscious on the floor.

"I wonder who they'll start with first?" Riley wondered casually, "Did you know that the redheaded boy is a werewolf? I know science will just love digging into him. Personally I want to start with the girls; I do so love it when they scream." Opening the door Riley left Spike to stare at his would be rescuers.

Buffy woke slowly her head felt fuzzy as she tried to sit up. Looking around she saw the stark white walls of her prison, but turning to the last wall, her eyes widened as she noticed the clear wall facing into a room full of instruments. What had gained her rapt attention was the gurney in the centre of the other room on which a pale body lay. 'Spike!' Buffy let her eyes roam across his body, 'Naked Spike,' ignoring the tingling sensation that perusing the naked vampire's firm body gave her. Buffy tried to catalogue the extent of his injuries.

Movement from the far wall caught her eye, and Buffy realized that both Xander and Oz were in similar cells across from her. Pressing her body against the cool wall, Buffy strained to look around the inner room, noting that Giles and her mother in their rooms against another wall. Buffy assumed that Dawn was being held in a room beside her. All the Scoobies seemed to be transfixed at the sight of Spike's bruised and battered form.

Buffy knew that they needed to wait for a signal from Graham before they could put their plan into action; however, this didn't stop her from inspecting every inch of her cell, looking for any weaknesses that could be used as a means of escape. In the rooms beside her, each of the Scoobies were doing the same, all except Dawn who stood pressed against the wall, her eyes trained on the face of her protector as she silently willed him to wake up and look at her.

Spike could feel Dawn through their connection, scratching at the corners of his mind, trying to find a way to him. Keeping his eyes shut tight, he concentrated on keeping the barrier between their minds firmly in place. If he allowed Dawn free access to his mind, she would know how much pain he was still in, and that could cause her to concentrate more on him than keeping herself safe.

When Graham had snuck him in some more of the powerful, drug-laced blood earlier he had filled Spike in on the Slayer's plans. Spike had been non-to pleased when he discovered that not only Dawn but Joyce would be bought in as well. Graham had assured him that the whelp would watch out for Joyce and he himself would protect Dawn with his life. He had also informed Spike that while he was supposed to be feeding him blood that held a powerful drug that would leave him conscious but unable to move, instead he had switched it with a packet that had been infused with powerful healing drugs.

The only downside to this plan Spike saw was that he needed to remain deathly still, so those watching him weren't alerted to the fact that the blood had been switched.

Graham stood in the small infirmary staring at the drug cabinet, in his hand he held the small vials that contained the drugs The Initiative was planning on using on the captured Slayer and her friends. Glancing up at the small camera in the corner, he saw that the light was still red meaning he still had some time. Quickly he moved to the sink, opening the vials and pouring the contents out, and then roughly he pulled the small silver drain from its position and dropped the vials into the pipe before replacing it. Allowing only side glance towards the camera to check the color, he moved swiftly across the room and sat on a nearby gurney, making it just as the light turned green and the door to the infirmary opened.

A white coated man walked into the room closely followed by Riley Finn, who seemed startled to see him there, "Graham man what are you doing here?"

Graham let an annoyed look cross his face, "Came to see if one of the Doc's could strap this up for me." He held his bruised wrist up for the two men's inspection. "Hostile 17 managed to grab me when I was giving him that blood you sent down. It's not broken but hurts like a bitch."

The doctor moved forward carefully inspecting the bruised skin, "I'll just wrap that for you and give you a couple of pain killers, nothing too strong, just enough to take the edge off the pain."

Riley watched as the doctor strapped Graham's wrist, "So do you feel up to interrogating our new guests?"

Graham nodded his assent.

The doctor moved across to the drug cabinet retrieving the vials from inside; Graham held his breath as he inspected the contents before handing them to Riley. "Here you go Agent Finn."

Graham arose from the gurney and walked casually to stand beside Finn, "So what you got there, Ri?"

Riley carefully placed the vials on a tray as the doctor bought over six syringes. "Just a little something to loosen their tongues." His eyes glinted maliciously as he watched the doctor fill each syringe with the clear liquid.

"Cool, anything to make our job easier." Graham shrugged knowing that the vials originally held a drug similar to what was meant for Spike. Instead of incapacitating them though, these new vials now contained a harmless mixture of vitamins that would give Riley's intended victims a quick boost of energy.

Calmly he followed Riley down towards the cells, his eyes slowly taking in his surroundings as he searched for signs of a trap.

Buffy was so intent on finding a way out that she had her back to the door when it silently opened. Sensing another presence in the room, she turned in time to see Riley enter the room, a syringe held loosely in his hand.

"Well hello Buffy, fancy meeting you here." Riley sprang forward plunging the syringe into her upper arm.

Buffy's mind raced as she felt the sharp needle pierce her skin. Keeping in mind Graham's description of the effects of the drug she was supposed to have been given, Buffy let her body go limp as she slumped to the floor, knowing that the others would do the same.

Riley grinned as he watched the petite blonde fall, making no move to catch her, and enjoyed the sound of her body hitting the hard floor with a loud thud. Glancing towards the other rooms he watched as the others fell. He wanted to interrogate each of his captives in turn, reveling in the fact that the drug remained in effect until the antidote was given, allowing him all the time in the world.

Handling Buffy roughly he laid her body out flat, running his hands across her skin as he did. Pulling her shirt up Riley grabbed one of her breasts, twisting her nipple violently, "Hmmm do you like that Buffy?" Smiling lecherously he covered her body with his, grinding his hips into her as he bit through the fabric of her top

Buffy resisted the urge to kick him in the balls. 'God what had she ever seen in this creep.' Swallowing her revulsion, Buffy willed herself to stay still under Riley's ministrations.

"As much as I'd like to stay and play some more, I thought I'd start with little sis first." Licking Buffy up the side of her face, he chuckled as she spasmed beneath him "Oh Buf, don't be like that, you'll get your turn. It's just; she's so young and innocent and you're…well to be honest you're not." Giving her a quick kiss he sprung up "But you can watch if you like." Riley pressed a button near the door causing the wall between their cells to turn opaque just like the other one.

Buffy saw Dawn pacing the room; she had jumped back startled when she noticed the wall change. Buffy could see here lips moving as she called out to her, but no sound penetrated the room though. Helpless, she watched as the door to Dawn's room opened.

Dawn watched nervously as the large commando swaggered into the room, twirling a small syringe absently between his fingers. She began backing away nervously, "What did you do to my sister?" Dawn questioned. Even though she knew the plan, Dawn felt small fingers of fear dance up her spine. 'What if Graham didn't get the vials switched? What if everyone really was incapacitated?'

Riley watched the fear spread through the young girl in front of him; he could feel his arousal wash over him as he thought about it. Coming to a decision he carefully placed the syringe on the top of the small keypad near the door.

Slowly he began to prowl around the small cell, his eyes never leaving the young girl. "So Dawn, that's your name right? Can I call you Dawnie?" Riley slowly moved towards the terrified young girl. "You've lead us on a bit of chase haven't you? I was starting to get very annoyed." Riley stepped forward suddenly, giving a short laugh as Dawn stepped quickly away from him.

"Aww Dawnie, don't be like that. There's no need to be frightened; I mean I'm not a bad man." He moved in closer, forcing Dawn into a corner of the room. "But you're a bad girl aren't you?" leaning in close he pressed his body against hers before whispering in her ear, "Only bad girls would hang out with vampires." He ran one finger along the bare flesh of her arm, "I think someone needs to be punished."

Dawn watched in horror as he moved his hand to his belt, unbuckling it slowly before moving to the buttons on his military fatigues. Swallowing her revulsion Dawn looked at him coyly she peaked up at him from beneath her long lashes, "Pl…Please don't hurt me."

Riley pulled back slightly, "Oh it's going to hurt a lot, believe…ughh you bitch!" He doubled over as Dawn's knee connected solidly with his swollen cock.

Shoving with all her strength, Dawn managed to push him away far enough to dodge around him, making her way to the door. She screamed in frustration as rough hands grabbed her around the waist flinging her to the floor. Dawn felt light headed as spots danced before her eyes, her head aching from where it had hit the hard floor. Riley's large body pinned her to the ground as she tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

"That hurt, you little bitch!" Riley pulled back far enough to send a hard fist into the side of her head, before reaching down to finish unfastening his pants. So intent on his goal he didn't register the loud thud that came from the clear glass wall.

When Buffy saw Riley begin to attack Dawn she had jumped to her feet, beginning her frantic attempts for escape. Scanning the other rooms, she noticed the others were also on their feet, struggling against their captors who remained in the cells.

Her eyes flew to Spike who remained motionless in the centre room. Suddenly his naked form sprung from the gurney in one fluid movement. Buffy marveled at the strength radiating from his battered body, as she watched him hurling himself against the wall separating him from Dawn, using his entire body as a battering ram.

She frowned puzzled when he stopped his frantic movements and turned his head towards the door. Following the path of his gaze, she saw the door open to admit Graham, who immediately began punching keys on the pad beside the door. The wall before her began to vibrate slightly before it began its silent ascent into the ceiling.

Spike had felt a rush of fear from Dawn course through his body. Letting his eyes spring open he watched as the soldier threw his girl to the floor. When he saw his fist connect with her pretty face, he could contain himself no longer. Springing up Spike had hurtled towards the barrier that separated him from the one living being he would willingly die for.

Sensing the 'good' tin soldier just outside his door Spike calmed himself long enough to bark at him as soon as he crossed the threshold, "Get it open soldier boy."

Frantically punching in the numbers he had managed to steal from Professor Walsh's office, Graham breathed a sigh of relief as the dividing walls began to slide upwards.

Spike anxiously watched as the wall began to rise. Hunkering down he rolled his body through the gap as soon as he could, scraping his raw wounds against the sharp base as he did. Spike leapt to his feet; grabbing the oblivious commando by the throat and hurled him off Dawn. "Get your hands of my girl?"

Riley began to struggle, clawing desperately at the hand around his throat, which was cutting off his air supply. Seeing Graham out of the corner of his eye, he desperately tried to call for help, but his movements stilled momentarily as he watched his brother in arms assisting the captives.

Spike chuckled at the soldier's look of disbelief. "Sorry he's on my side." With a violent movement he tossed Riley across the room before moving back towards him game face to the fore.

Dawn managed to scramble to her feet rushing from the room and straight into Joyce's arms. Buffy arrived close behind. "Giles, you and the others get mom and Dawn out of here." She caught Dawn's arm as her brand new little sis started to protest, "I'll bring him out I promise."

"No we're staying together." Joyce said forcefully

Buffy stared at her mother startled, "But it's not safe."

"Buffy, what's not safe is splitting up." Joyce moved towards the surgical tray, picking up a large knife that Riley had left there earlier from his little torture session. "I want to stay by your side." A determined look crossed her face as Joyce waved the knife menacingly in Riley's direction.

Buffy took a step back shocked by the hardness in her mother's gaze as she watched fallen commando. "Mum please, I can't do this if I'm worried about the two of you."

Joyce began to waver, her eyes skirting around the room before locking with Spike's.

"I'd appreciate it if you could watch the niblet a mite longer, Joyce." Spike said in a tone that everyone knew was a definite command despite it being worded as a polite request.

Dawn whimpered in protest, snuggling closer to the battered vampire. "Come on Lil Bit, I won't be far behind. I promise." Spike dropped a small kiss on her forehead before pushing her towards the Slayer's mum.

Joyce watched in silence, taking note of Spike's tenderness towards the young girl. She also noticed Buffy's protective stance towards the group, having unconsciously placed herself between the Commando and the others in the room. She nodded curtly, "Ok, but you have 10 minutes. If you're not out by then, I'm coming back in."

Giles took the opportunity to step forward. "I'd like to stay and assist you. If I may Buffy?" he cast a threatening glance towards Riley. "There are a few things I would like to ask this young man."

Riley cowered on the floor at the look the unassuming man gave him; his eyes darted around the room looking for a way to escape, a weapon, anything.

Spike also eyed the watcher closely; he had always suspected that darkness lay hidden beneath the stuffy British exterior. He had heard tales of a time when the quiet man had been known as Ripper, and he guessed that he would be coming to the fore before they left.

Graham interrupted the small group, "Look I can get everyone out of here, but I can't risk coming back in to get anyone that's left behind."

"S'ok boy, I can track Dawn out of this place easy." Spike was anxious for his Bit and the Slayer's mum to be far away from this place.

Graham nodded before letting his military training take control. "Ok, Mrs. Summers, Dawn, come with me." He hefted a rifle up into his hands before passing it to Xander, "Keep this hidden as best you can until we need it." Turning to Oz he assessed how best to utilize the werewolf's abilities. "Buffy said that you can bring your wolf out in small amounts."

Oz shrugged, "Yeah."

Graham thought for a moment. "Can you sense people coming?" he waited for Oz's nod of assent. "Can you tell how many there are?"

Oz thought for a moment, "Pretty close."

"Alright then, let's move." Graham turned to the others, "I've set some surprises up; I'll give you 10 minutes after we get out before I set them off. That'll give you another 5 minutes. You need to be out by then otherwise you're not getting out."

"We understand." Buffy gave him a half smile, "Now get out of here." She waited until they left before turning back to the fallen soldier, "Now what to do with you."