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Alexandra Huxley Home | Butterfly Ops Home | Previous [Celestial Light, Chapter 17] | Next Chapter
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Butterfly Ops
Chapter One

Author's Note: If you've come to this page directly, you may want to take a detour to the Butterfly Ops Homepage first. From there you can read Celestial Light, the prequel that explains how we've gotten to where we are. If you've already read Celestial Light, then never mind. :)

The sun was peeking over the horizon when Buffy woke up. She turned to Riley. "Are you awake?"

"No."

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss his chest. "I like waking up with you."

"I like sleeping with you," he mumbled, refusing to open his eyes. "Emphasis on sleeping ."

"Please?" she asked, pulling down the covers, not leaving him much of a choice. "Come for a run with me. Then we can go out to breakfast. I promise I'll make it worth your while."

Several hours later, sitting in an office with Jessica Cain and a man she had just been introduced to, Buffy was glad she had persisted. In fact, she knew that at this very moment Riley was probably still lying naked in their bed, completely content -- most likely sound asleep again, not having anything he needed to do until he met up with Graham at lunchtime. And she was stuck here.

She forced herself to chase those thoughts out of her head as Jessica stopped making small talk with the man. At least he was nice to look at. More pretty than handsome with his jet-black hair and deep blue eyes, he was in his mid- to late- thirties, and, if the body underneath the sports coat and tie was any indication, he tended toward the athletic. A fact he confirmed by mentioning how great the hiking and canoeing was in the park they were about to discuss.

"How long have you been curator of the museum, Mr. Dunne?" she asked.

"Harry. Please." He settled back into his chair. "Six years."

"Harry has amassed an incredible collection in the time he's been there," Jessica added. "The artifacts from the indigenous cultures alone are beyond compare. Amazing for someone so young."

"Jess is one of my biggest fans. She's been incredibly supportive of our work." Harry's voice was a little smug. "So -- Buffy, was it?"

Buffy nodded, ignoring the faint mocking tone. By now she had gotten used to the condescending reaction, and, depending on the situation, she sometimes even played it up.

"How long have you been in this line of work?" Harry asked, glancing at Jessica before turning back to Buffy. "Forgive me for saying so, but you weren't exactly what we had expected."

Now that was irritating. Not that in twenty years of slaying she hadn't gotten used to that reaction as well; but from Jessica and her boy toy? Please. Not feeling a need to defend herself, she said, "I get that a lot."

She wasn't surprised, though, when Jessica pushed the issue, saying, "As I mentioned to Mr. Angel-"

"Angel," Buffy corrected.

The other woman seemed a little flustered by the interruption. "Excuse me?"

Buffy knew there was no reason to be quite so nit-picky, and she really had tried to form her own opinion of this woman, but even after the brief time they had spent together, she'd decided she really didn't like Jessica any more than Angel, Riley, or Graham did. So, although she should probably just let it go -- "He just goes by Angel. No 'Mr.'"

Jessica looked at Buffy coldly before continuing. "Very well. As I mentioned to Angel, Mr. Miller can be very difficult. And, having spent his entire career in the military, he's used to people following orders. Will you be able to manage someone like that?"

The words 'bite me' came to mind. "I'm not really concerned about it. I've worked with him before."

With obvious surprise, Harry asked, "With Finn, too?" He and Jessica seemed to be deliberately avoiding the use of Graham's and Riley's official titles. Probably did the same thing in person, thinking that it would throw the "career" military men off their game. Little did they know that neither man could have cared less.

"Yes. Him, too." Buffy couldn't help but add, "Intimately." Well, o.k. She probably could have helped it if she had actually tried.

After a fairly long pause, Jessica said, "Interesting. Angel hadn't mentioned that."

"No. He wouldn't have." Could we say 'understatement'?

Jessica leaned forward a little as her eyes went down to the manila folder lying open on her desk. "And what exactly was your experience with them?"

Buffy met Jessica's gaze with a steely one of her own. If Miss Ambassador was looking for details, she so wasn't going to find them here. "Sorry," Buffy said. "It's classified."

Harry took up the case, deliberately breaking the icy stare between the two women as he decided to change the subject. "There are physical demands as well," he said. "You'll probably be out in the Park for a few weeks at least. The only modes of travel are foot, bike, and boat. And probably not even bike, because you still have to carry all your gear."

"Considering you'll be accompanying Miller's team, you'll also most likely be the only woman," Jessica added. "Will that make you uncomfortable?" As she spoke, she picked an almost nonexistent piece of lint off of her perfectly tailored suit. "If so, it might be better if Angel were the one going in."

Though that was barely worth a response, it clearly begged for one. "As I'm sure he's already said, Angel won't be leaving L.A." With the sweetest, sacchiariniest smile she could summon, Buffy turned to Harry. "And I have absolutely no qualms about either the physical demands or the atmosphere. I can handle myself." This part of the conversation was so over. "Could we discuss what my role is on this job?"

After another hour of listening to Jessica and Harry speak in mostly empty circles, it was clear to Buffy that Riley had been right. There was no purpose for her presence other than to serve as a thorn in Graham's side while at the same time reminding Graham and Riley that Jessica had enough pull to make things difficult.

Not that that's what was said, of course. Instead, there was a lot about the case and how the U.S. government's "crack team" was wasting time making unreasonable demands. There were also some subtle insinuations about Graham and Riley's effectiveness. Nothing outright -- Jessica had enough political experience to stay on the right side of slander; damaging enough, however, that someone who didn't know either man might have some serious questions about their capabilities.

In fact, that seemed to be one of the primary objectives of this meeting. The other seemed to be an audition of sorts. The thinly veiled attempts to ferret out her exact qualifications -- far beyond the boundaries of the Angel Investigations press kit -- amused Buffy.

She wasn't exactly thrilled, however, when Harry led her into the conference room, guiding her by the elbow in an overly familiar way and holding her chair out as she sat down. Or when he moved his chair close and rested his hand next to hers as people started to filter in, leaning in closely to whisper names as everyone took their seats. He obviously wanted it to look like a much more intimate relationship than it actually was. To appear like a united front?

Regardless, Buffy was perilously close to laying him flat and she was glad when everyone's attention was drawn to the door as Riley and Graham walked in, followed by a third man who must be Bobby Sprague, the soldier they'd chosen to lead the team into the Park.

She sat back in her chair, surprised at the effect of seeing them in full dress, badges and patches adorning the uniforms, pins flashing in the light as they sat down. Even she was impressed and, well, kind of turned on. It didn't help at all that she flashed on the memory of Riley pleading as he lay beneath her, only hours before.

Although she was the only one privy to that vision, it appeared she wasn't the only one, um, visioning, despite everyone else in here being representatives from the enemy camp. The presence the three commanded made the men in suits shift in their seats as they straightened their ties; the few women in the room self-consciously put their hands to their hair as they checked to make sure every strand was in place.

Buffy had to admit, it was odd to see Riley and Graham this way -- as hardened soldiers with blood on their hands and carnage in their eyes. Men who gave more orders than they followed, deciding issues of life and death, unquestionably and unapologetically. They definitely had the potential to be scary -- as would anyone with the Initiative on their resume. She tried to keep her smile from showing, though. If any of these people had ever seen Riley or Graham with a fourteen-year-old kid, or, heaven forbid, doing that dancing thing in the end zone of a touch football game, they'd have a hard time taking this whole situation seriously.

Considering the twinkle in Riley's eye, he was clearly having a hard time taking it seriously himself. He actually seemed to be very deliberately not looking at her for fear that he might lose it entirely, which would be no good given that the control of this entire meeting depended on image. Over breakfast he had told her to expect fifteen, maybe twenty people, most of whom were completely unnecessary and were probably secretaries and accountants pulled into service to make Riley and Graham uncomfortable; throw them off with a show of force. It wasn't working.

"Are we waiting for someone?" Graham asked, ignoring everyone else as he addressed Jessica.

"The Minister," one of the younger women finally said after Jessica took her time answering. "Of Natural Resources."

Buffy noticed the woman flinch after receiving a deathly glare from Jessica. The flinch was followed by an involuntary glance to Riley who gave the woman a quick, warm smile in return. Ahh -- someone on the inside. So that was how Riley had known there would be so many people at this meeting.

Graham nodded and settled into his chair, relaxed and comfortable as could possibly be.

"So how've you been, Jess?" Riley said, leaning back. "You make this trip from Ottawa just to see us?"

There was a hint of a smile on his face, probably because he knew that Jessica had had no choice in the matter. Graham had told Buffy that Riley not only talked the Minister into coming to this meeting, but also into holding the meeting in Toronto -- neutral ground. It had apparently completely pissed Jessica off.

Jessica gave Riley a cool smile. She was saved from answering by the Minister's arrival.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear to Buffy that the woman Riley and Graham had on the inside was the Minister's personal assistant -- which explained how Riley had gotten to the Minister -- and that Miss P.A. had been helping get their message across. She'd been doing a good job; there seemed to be very little resistance. In fact, almost every one of Graham's requests was agreed to without hesitation.

By the end of the day, the extraneous people had disappeared and the details had been mostly hammered out. Two teams of eight would go into the Park and they would be allowed some weapons, including tasers and pistols; no blasters, but enough firepower to make Graham happy. Each team would be assigned two guides, one of whom would be Harry; Buffy would also be going along for the ride. Graham and Riley would have access to the complete records from the case as well as permission to contact all the people who had been involved, including the policemen who conducted the interviews. A few more minor things and the meeting was over. Finally.

Except that as everyone was standing up, Jessica had to go and add, "Oh, there is one other thing."

Buffy could feel the chill come over the room the moment the words were out. She was not at all looking forward to what the 'one other thing' was.

"I spoke with a friend down in Washington," Jessica continued as she gathered her papers. "General Cutting? I believe you know him? Report to him, in fact."

Riley's and Graham's eyes were unreadable. Buffy sat back against the table, watching and waiting.

"He agreed with me that this was a very delicate operation." Jessica squared off all the edges and rapped the papers sharply against the table. "One in which -- no offense intended, Major Sprague -- we would all feel much more comfortable if it were led by someone with a little more experience."

That didn't sound good. So not good. Graham seemed to agree, given the ice in his voice as he asked, "Who exactly did you have in mind?"

Jessica smiled sweetly and turned to Riley. "Mr. Finn, I do believe you'd be ideal for this situation."

Buffy didn't realize her mouth had dropped open until Graham had started talking: "Absolutely not. You know the deal, Jessica. Sprague is handling-"

"Sorry, Graham," Jessica said, still looking at Riley. "Deal is already done. Riley goes in or everything we discussed today is off the table."

"That's completely unacceptable," Graham snapped.

Finally turning to look at Graham, Jessica replied, "You don't really have a choice in the matter."

Graham was clearly at a loss for words. Riley hadn't said anything, but instead was leaning back against the wall, watching the exchange. Buffy knew she shouldn't say anything -- she was supposed to be on Jessica's side, but -- "I'd prefer to work with Sprague. I'm not sure if Riley and I-"

Jessica cut her off without as much as a glance. "Ms. Summers, this is not your concern."

You wanna bet? Buffy started to say something, only to be cut off again, this time by Riley as he said, "Agreed."

Buffy whirled around to see Riley's eyes locked onto Jessica's. He had, unfortunately, meant the 'agreed' part since he was saying, "We'll need you to send over everything you have concerning the investigation. And let the police know that we'll be meeting with them tomorrow."

"They're expecting you at nine," Jessica said, sounding way too pleased with herself. "And the files will be at your hotel tonight." She turned to leave the room, Harry two steps behind. Her hand on the door, she stopped, "I'd like Ms. Summers to accompany you as you proceed."

Riley didn't bother to hide his smile. "That won't be a problem,"

"Good." With a curt nod to Riley and Graham, Jessica headed to the doorway. She left with the parting words, "Ms. Summers, we'll speak again tomorrow. It's been a pleasure meeting with you."

Yeah, Sweetie. The pleasure's all yours. Buffy looked up as Harry took her hand and shook it, lingering a bit before letting go.

"I'm looking forward to working with you," he said, barely acknowledging the others as he left.

Riley, not being a fool, knew he was in trouble. Once Jessica and Harry were gone, he sat down across from Buffy. "Seems like you've made a friend."

As if that were the issue here. Buffy dropped to her seat. "Why are you doing this?"

"You have to ask?" Though Graham's question was addressed to Buffy, he was glaring at Riley.

"You knew it was a possibility." Riley kept his voice even. "Jessica already talked to Cutting. We didn't really have a choice. Besides, it's my turn."

"I could be in D.C. a few hours from now," Graham urged, his hands on the table as he leaned forward. "Talk some sense into him."

Riley snorted. "Talk some sense into the General? Tell me the last time we ever changed his mind."

It seemed to be a no-brainer because Graham didn't even hesitate. "Argentina. Last year."

Leaning back in his chair, Riley said, "Only because Annie was in the hospital. Even he's not that much of an asshole. Besides, three vampires. Wasn't exactly a big deal."

"Sir," Sprague said with a warning glance at Buffy. She supposed she shouldn't be annoyed; to him she was just a civilian working for the enemy. He probably had no idea that she could actually tear his head off if she wanted to. Lucky for him, Buffy could care less at the moment.

On the other hand, Riley was treading on thin ice, smiling and saying to Sprague, "Almost forgot you were there." He gestured towards the other soldier. "Buffy, this is Bobby Sprague. He's been with us since Belize."

"A long time." Buffy reached over to shake Sprague's hand. Or should we say, "Certainly long enough to be leading the team all on his own."

Riley gave a bitter laugh. "Do we really have to do this?" He stood up, muttering, "Forty years old and you two are still watching over me."

So not true, Buffy was about to say. Except that it was, kind of. She decided it would probably be best not to respond at all.

Graham, on the other hand, spat back, "With reason."

His eyes cold, Riley barely even glanced at Buffy. "It was sixteen years ago. A lot has changed."

"Yeah," Graham snapped. "But somehow you suddenly have no problem going into the field. Think it has anything to do with the fact that Buffy'll be there?"

Holding his hands out, Riley said, "You want to just have this out here? Or should we wait 'til O'Hara's?"

If anyone loved a good fight, it was Buffy. However, this didn't seem the best time or place. "Aren't you guys a little out of practice? I thought you had desk jobs."

Neither of them responded at first. Then Graham finally broke the stare between them and looked at Buffy. "It happens a few times a year. We trade off." His eyes hardened. "I'm sure you've noticed that Riley's picked up a few souvenirs since you last saw him."

She assumed Graham meant the scars covering Riley's body. The ones she could only have seen if she'd had the chance to observe him naked. Well, it wasn't as though the fact that she and Riley were sleeping together was any big secret. "But your kids..." she said to Riley, deciding not to respond to Graham. "How do you go out there knowing what could happen?"

A veil dropped over his eyes and she felt cut off; as though she were suddenly just another one of Jessica's not-to-be-trusted crew.

"I'm not dead yet," he said. "Is this discussion over? We have things to do." He turned his back on them and headed to the door.

Shrugging apologetically, Sprague jumped to his feet and followed Riley out of the room, leaving Buffy and Graham alone.

Graham stared at Buffy for a second and then looked away. "See why I hate her?"

Oh, yes. Except... "When you say 'her' you do mean Jessica, right? I mean, we're mostly past the me-hating-you-for-taking-Riley-away and you-hating-me-for-the-way-things-ended thing, aren't we?"

The grin he flashed her didn't quite meet his eyes. "Let's go."

~ End of Chapter 1 ~

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Alexandra Huxley Home | Butterfly Ops Home | Previous [Celestial Light, Chapter 17] | Next Chapter
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Posted November 26, 2003; updated June 10, 2004