Minutes of the OSI-S meeting...
Where: OSI-S meeting
MJ sat, waiting for the room to fill with people. An unhappy young woman handed out the itinerary to everyone.
Clive took the itinerary and slouched his way into a chair. He had been very careful to be on time.
Gregory was there on time, and peered in. "This the right-- ah, yes." He headed on in the rest of the way and took a seat.
Eddie was also on his way in, accompanied by a quiet girl with a notepad and pencil.
Yansa took an itenerary and settled with Gregory.
Rachel slipped in, nodded to everyone, and collected her paper.
Carmen headed in, and glanced around before taking a seat.
"We'll give the others a few minutes." said MJ, glancing at his watch
Tamara walked in, glancing around before taking a paper and settling by Carmen. It wasn't her department, but she thought she might as well see what was going on.
"Hm," Yansa said, studying the paper. "Interesting."
Carmen waved to Tamara. It was nt' her department either- but she'd been asked to attend
Tony was also on his way in there, mostly because it kinda was his business what Servator was up to.
Clive glanced around, and realized that he knew barely any of these people at all.
Kit wandered in, muttering. "God I hate these things- hope this doesn't take too long." He collected a paper and settled.
MJ glanced at his watch. Vito must still be doing that thing MJ asked him to do. "Well, is this everyone that chose to attend?"
"Looks like it," Kit said.
"Vito's out doing something for me, but he should be here soon. Paula, make sure you take attendence too." said MJ
Paula sighed, and did that
"First item." said MJ "We need to make sure every slayer in training has a servitor. We need to address if their are any issues with the current assignments."
Gregory chuckled. "I'm not currently assigned to anyone, but I just transferred here."
"You're assigned to Ming Xi." said MJ "I've been training her since her original servitor was reassigned, so you'll find her very well prepared."
"I'm no longer playing that gig," Kit said. "I've been transfered to teaching magic class - unless we have an overflow of potentials or anything, good luck to you."
Gregory nodded. "Alright, then. I'd like to have a copy of her file, if possible?"
"Well, we have you on the list." said MJ, who then handed a file over to Gregory
Gregory snagged it and started perusing.
"Okay, so The Slayer has Vito Marchese, I have India Cohen, the other slayer, Gregory has Ming, Clive has Kayla... I really wish the others were here." MJ would be sure to repremand the people that didn't attend the meeting
"Wesley has Gwen, Narcissa has Buffy... Martin has Morrigan, and Catherine has Dave." MJ went over the list
Eddie eyed Kit a moment at the mention of India.
Kit didn't twitch, but he didn't exactly look happy, either. Of course, that could have been because he hated meetings.
Clive was torn between boredom and extreme discomfort. On the one hand, he wanted to do his job, but he felt like everyone was sizing him up and silently judging him.
Vito headed in and took a seat near Anna. He waved briefly at MJ and looked around to see who else was there. Not long after, Morrigan arrived, and then Hunter and Faith.
David showed up, rather unhappily. He hated meetings, and this wasn't even his organization.
"What the hell are they doing here?" Kit asked.
"Alright. Those without current assignments will be addressed later in the meeting. Now, any questions, comments, or objections?"
Eddie commented amusedly, "Being late?"
"They want to help." said MJ
"Then tell them to join the right team," Kit said, folding his arms. "I get enough of being called a 'watcher' as it is. Eff that old school organization - what is this, the middle ages?"
Hunter didn't react to this outburst, he simply looked at MJ. Faith looked annoyed, but didn't even look at Kit.
"We lost a lot of staff last year.' MJ added
"And?" Kit said.
"Does that mean we should just open up the doors, come on in and spy on us, welcome to the inner workings of the OSI , let's throw you a party?"
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Clive muttered.
"Well, I'm out then." said David "I don't like meetings anyway."
David got up to head out, because yes, he hated meetings. "I still want that raise, Hunter."
"Feel free to come back when you're working for the right team, kiddo," Kit called.
"Is it always this hostile around here?" Yansa asked.
Eddie simply smiled. Ah, the great diplomatic efforts of the Servator division. His lady friend just continued to take notes.
Tony muttered to Yansa, "No, just him."
"Ok, let's move ahead. Several members of the American Watcher's COuncil wish to assist us in our efforts." said MJ
Hunter was still giving Kit's outburst all the attention it deserved.
"Why?" Rachel asked.
"After all this time of not working together - it does seem a bit... unsual."
Rachel wasn't ready to hop on the Kit train of hate, but she wasn't ready to buy into this just yet.
"Hunter, explain what's going down." said MJ
"Because we can accomplish more by sharing information and working together than we can by reinventing the wheel tima and again," Hunter said. "Duplication of effort can cost lives. I've had a lot of trouble okaying any of this with the Council, but we're here and willing to help."
"Translation: We have better resources than they do, and they want to mooch," Kit said.
Paula snickered. She quickly straightened up, and went back to taking minutes
"Yeah, Mr. Bothwell, we're all about the mooching," Hunter said, clearly amused. "MJ, if this is the official OSI position regarding the Council, then we'll leave."
"Okay, sure, but why now? What do you think we're holding back from you? More important, maybe there's a reason for it. It's not like you don't have state secrets too," Clive offered.
"Not to be perpetuating the stereotype of the ignorant American, but I would be mildly curious as to why they are needing to train their Potential here in America I would admit that I am curious as well," Eddie inquired.
"It does seem like the awful amount of trouble for to be coming over from United Kingdoms. Is there something we should know about that would cost-justify the decision of the British for to be spending money on rooming and boarding and such that we must clearly be missing for us to be so suspicious?" Eddie concluded.
Clive nodded gratefully to Eddie. "Yeah, what he said."
"Apparently, they have something in books about Sunnydale in 1998." said MJ "They had three Potentials here last year at this time, they now have one... and sometimes they have Hunter's daughter."
"There's a lot of activity here requiring our attention. Also, it would certainly make sense to train our Potentials near both living Slayers, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Bothwell?" Hunter asked.
"Hunter's daughter, who shares every bit of information that she gets." MJ sighed "Look, why can't we just be one organization?"
"Not really," Kit said. "It'd make more sense for your archaic organization to give it the fuck up, turn over your potentials to some place where they'd get decent not-from-the-middle-ages training, and put your resources to some good use."
"But that's just my opinion."
"And when you run OSI, I'll give that my full consideration," Hunter said. "Until then, I'll just deal members of OSI who don't think they are the be-all and end-all of Slayerdom."
Kit pshed. "Isn't that what you 'watchers' have been thinking for years?"
"Oh my gosh. Argue outside so I can finish the meeting." said MJ "Because I have food arriving in an hour, and I'm sure everyone is hungry."
"I have nothing further to say on the topic," Hunter said. "We're willing to help, if our help is wanted. And we're willing to leave if it's not. That's the bottom line."
"I'll pass on the food," Kit said. "And hey, if you guys want Watchers watching you- that's your business. Keep them the hell out of my way. If my portion of needing to be here is over, I'll be going now."
Kit headed on out the door.
"Ok, while you're here, Hunter. What are we doing about your daughter? Is she with us, or what?" asked MJ "And if you want to leave Kit, you can." MJ sighed
"I have a question," Yansa said.
"Yes?" asked MJ
"Rebecca has some enhanced abilities, but is not a true Potential. I'm working with re on some training issues, and if you would like to work with her as well, then she can work for and with both organizations, as far as I'm concerned."
"I'm sorry that we're not sticking to the itenerary." he added
"I would like to know if anyone has considered that there be some sort of liason between the OSI and Watcher's council," Yansa said. "This is not my area of concern - but it would seem that their are some legitimate issues on both sides of the coin. Perhaps there should be a netural party go-between, to avoid future conflicts?"
"Thank you." said MJ "And yes. Someone other than Kit, please."
"Someone other than Kit covers a lot of bases," Tamara muttered to Tony.
"I'd be amenable to that," Hunter said.
Rachel raised her hand. "Actually, as I am currently without a potential, I wouldn't mind working on this."
Wesley very sheepishly walked in through the door. "Sorry, there was an emergency."
"Great!" MJ smiled "And you'll be working with Rebecca too. Thank you." he nodded to Wesley, and made sure he got a program
"Oh, I know Becky- she's a nice girl," Rachel said. "I didn't know she was your daughter."
Yansa eyed the man who walked in late, a slightly amused expression on her face.
What Wesley wanted to ask was what he had missed, but figured that he could ask someone after the meeting. Right now it might be rude.
Hunter smiled and nodded at Rachel. "She certainly keeps me busy," he said.
"Alright... everyone. I'm going to require a report to be emailed to me weekly. It's an easy form, and it just lets everyone know that you aren't slacking off. That's everyone with assignments. It will only take five minutes, I swear."
Clive busied himself reading through the file again. There wasn't much to it, and it kept him busy enough to keep his mouth shut.
"Yes, sir," Gregory answered.
Cigarette dangling from her lips, Narcissa walked in, looking almost ridiculous in a pinstriped black suit, with her blood red hair, dark lipstick, and lip ring.
Rachel eyed the new Servator, raising a brow.
"And, we'll need alternate assignments, just in case people start disappearing again- of course, with the weekly reports, it iwll be easier to find out who is missing, and who has gone on an extended vacation."
"For the people that just arrived, do you have any problems with your assignments, and we'll be working with the watchers council." said MJ "Rachel is the liason."
"Yeah, I have a problem." Narcissa raised her hand, smirking a bit.
"Yes, what is it?" asked MJ
Clive looked up and nearly died laughing. "You forgot that next week was the costume show?"\
Paula snickerd. This meeting was fun
Wesley's eyes widened a little when MJ said that they would be working with the Watcher's Council. "Why exactly are we working with them now?"
Narcissa looked at Clive and kindly gave him the universal gesture for 'jerkoff'. "Sod off, ass."
"Just the American branch of the British Watcher's council." said MJ "Kit's already argued this, but if you must... go ahead."
"Well, before we get all distracted, my problem was... and I don't know how to put this any differently..." arcissa shrugged with a puff of her cig. "My Slayer's a bit of a poof."
"Well, what did he say so that I won't repeat any arguments," Wesley snapped.
"It's item IV, but we skipped ahead of schedule for that bit of discussion." MJ added
Tamara stiffled a laugh, glad that Initiative meetings weren't quite this crazy.
"Not now, sweetheart. Like the man says, we're in a meeting." Clive grinned.
Narcissa gave Clive a dagger-filled look that could have killed a family of four. "Bloody hell you callin' sweetheart?"
Tony pondered the merits of bringing clowns to their next meeting.
"Oh, i wasn't serious, but I needed something sorta civil." Clive winked.
"Ok, Narcissa, Clive, this is NOT a high school class, but I will give you both crappy assignments if you keep this up. Would you like to both clean up Lowell hall?" MJ sounded annoyed
Hunter kept his eyes on MJ. If this was how the OSI treated their own, he certainly couldn't expect much better.
"This is a meeting. We're adults, now please, act like it." MJ added
"What item is this on the agenda?" Yansa muttered quietly to Gregory.
"Sorry sir." Clive stifled a grin, with difficulty.
Gregory murmured to Yansa, "This is the part where we convince the British man that we're easily duped, because in his country, they would just execute these pathetic fools instead of giving them government funding."
"Sorry, sir." Narcissa nodded to MJ, then grinned. "Course, cleaning the hall might be a better assignment than Buffy."
"Do you wish to change your assignment?" asked MJ
"I'd frankly rather blow my bloody head off. But only do it if you can find her someone good." Narcissa hated to admit it, but she felt bad for the girl. "She needs someone patient, like me, who isn't gonna choke her on the first day."
"Then I'll train her." said MJ "You no longer have that assignment, Narcissa."
"Next item, or do we have more questions?" asked MJ
"Sister, I take it back. Nice dodge." Clive nodded sympathetically.
"You still haven't explained why we're working with the Watcher's Council to me," Wesley reminded MJ. "Are we doing that bad that we need help?"
Narcissa gave a slight wink to Clive, then subconciously moved closer to Wesley, pretty much her only comrade so far.
"How bad can Buffy be?" Rachel said. "Poor girl. MJ, you already have your hands full- I can take her if nothing else."
"We lost several servitors and potentials last year." began MJ "Two members of the American Branch of the British Watchers council agreed to help us. They do not have approval from the British end, and will be working through a liason. We'll need to work together this year if we're going to survive."
"Thank you, Rachel." said MJ "If she's too much of a problem, I'll train her. She whines, but you learn to ignore it."
Wesley sighed. It wasn't as if anything MJ said was wrong. "I take it Kit didn't take the news very well."
"He did not." said MJ "But... we lost a lot of people last year. This year, I want all of us to work together. Perhaps we'll do better."
"You gotta speak her language," Clive chimed in.
Wesley stayed silent, but it was obvious that he didn't like this idea one bit. He'd have to talk to Kit later about this.
"Alright, now, all of the Potentials and slayers are required to attend 11 am training in the SUnnydale High School Gym. They need to all work together as a team, and they all seem to be progressing nicely."
"Look... I really don't mean to be disrespectful... but I don't see how this affects me." Narcissa tried to sound as sweet as she could. "I'm here to do a job. Get me a decent Slayer, tell me how to train her... and you all can handle the behind-the-scenes crap. It's getting a bit tense in here for me, and I'm gonna split before I say something quite a few of us will regret."
"Resurrections nonwithstanding, there's still only one Slayer," Gregory pointed out.
"It's not my job to tell you how to train your Potential." said MJ "It's your job to train her the best way that you can. Since you no longer have one, you'll be assigned to something else. Please, be patient, and I will get to that." MJ never wanted to hold a meeting again
"Unless you want to keep Buffy." added MJ "She's gone through several watchers, one of whom died."
"I know... look." Narcissa felt as though she drained the rest of her cig in one long drag. "Fine. I'll stick with her. But I swear... I deserve a raise or something."
"Well, one and a half, technically," Rachel said. "We're still not sure what's going on with INdia..."
"Playing with the dead doesn't count," Gregory said. "Or it shouldn't."
Yansa nodded her agreement. "Shame on Mr. Bothwell for that one. And well, a few other ones, I'm sure."
Eddie was just enjoying the meeting.
"We'll see about your raise when it's time for a performance review." said MJ
"Now, the two slayer issue has never happened before. I propose that we have them patrol and train together, so that they can work as a team.. since she's here, and all. Do we know anything ele about the situation?"
"Alright. I'll stick with the brat for now." Cissa sighed, then looked at MJ with a sympathetic look. "But for now... I honestly have to be somewhere. Consider it research... but I swear I'll brief you when it's done. Can you leave a summary of what I miss in my mailbox or something?"
MJ nodded. "I expect an email in my box first thing in the morning."
"I'm sure Kit probably knows more about it, but..." Rachel just shrugged slightly.
"Well, does it affect the current Slayer any?" asked MJ
Narcissa smiled respectfully, then gave Wes a friendly peck on the cheek, before scuttling out with another wink to Clive.
Clive grinned after she left. "That was fun. back to business, I suppose."
Wesley needed to talk to Narcissa, but that would have to wait. "What else do we need to go over?"
"Aren't you married?" Rachel said to Wes, tsking.
"Yes...she's just...friendly." Damnit, not them, too. "Can we please get back to the meeting?"
"It's on the iteniary." said MJ "If you need to go do 'research', then go ahead. I expect a report in the mrning."
Hunter hid a smirk.
"He looks like he needs a good dose of sass in his life," observed Clive. "You picked a good one for that, i bet."
If one more person mentioned Wesley's personal life, then he just might hit them. "Let's stick with OSI business right now."
"I'd appreciate business. If I wanted gossip, I'd listen to my sister," Tony commented.
"Right, so is the current slayer affected by India's ressurection?" asked MJ
Tony looked to Vito.
"Heyyy," Tamara said, and poked Tony.
Carmen grinned. "This is a very interesting meeting."
"Her strength is diminished slightly," Vito said. "Not enough to be a serious issue, but it's noticeable to her, and to me."
"They might be splitting the power that makes a slayer," Wesley offered.
"Is that dangerous?" Yansa said.
"I think it is." MJ frowned "Any suggestions from anyone?"
"What can be done? It's not like we can send India back where she came from." Wesley frowned. "Maybe they should be monitered for right now. Hopefully nothing will cause the line to be split further."
"There is a clear tactical advantage to two Slayers, even if they are slightly less than at full capacity," Tony commented.
"Is just the strength weakened, or has her healing capacity slowed down as well?" Wesley asked.
"Haven't had to check the healing ability recently," Vito said. "So I'm not certain."
"We could, of course, have them both tested," Eddie suggested politely.
"That's something worth keeping an eye out for. A little less strength is one thing, but less healing could mean the difference between life and death."
"We could." MJ said "I'll bring India in tomorrow."
Wesley looked at Eddie. "How would you suggest that we 'test' this?"
"A little less strength can make that difference, as well," Vito said.
Eddie shrugged. "Strength, dexterity, endurance, recovery time -- all easily tested."
"Oh, I'm starting Saturday training sessions for the potentials and slayers." said MJ "And Servitors meet once a month to discuss training and related things."
"Those are all good ideas," Wesley agreed. He still didn't know exactly how this whole 'work with the council' thing would work out. He left England because he *didn't* want to work with them.
"Okay, now, the high school." MJ began "And the training academy, now, some of the students that were enrolled have not been attending. Are we going to follow up on that? We need more staff, preferably OSI-S staff, in the high school, and in the training academy."
"Which ones aren't attending?"
MJ produced a list for Wesley (which has random names on it.. like Marcie Ross, Amy Madison... etc)
Wesley looked over it. "Is there even a way to force them to attend this?"
"Short of breaking their little legs - probably not," Rachel said.
"Well, someone should watch them." said MJ "Which is why I wanted to start a mentoring program. Apparently, a student at the school is becoming very dangerous with dark magiics. I want to avoid that in the future."
"It's a good idea, but it's hard to force most teenagers to do anything that they don't want to do." Wesley shook his head. "Do we have anyone available to work there?"
"Well, I volunteered Carmen." said MJ "I'm not sure why she's still a student, and the school needs a new librarian. We do have staff that is not really doing anything." said MJ "I also volunteer them."
"I'm working on that," Yansa said. "I don't know if you're aware of this, but I've been asked to council some of the students at the Academy..."
"I wasn't." said MJ "But that's one less thing for me to worry about. That's wonderful."
"Those with supernatural abilities that might get out of hand," she continued. "I just started that this week- my first apointment was with Michael Czajak."
"He's very good frends with Anna." said MJ "And he's a star student in my training class."
"Wasn't there a student who was threatening to set the town on fire or something?" Wesley mostly only knew what his students were saying at the high school about that. "What are we going to do about him?"
"That is a good question- that's a sticky situation there, because he's the Mayor's ward," Rachel said.
"David- the young employee of the Watchers council, actually is the Mayor's assistant" said MJ "Perhaps someone could contact him?"
"That might be a good idea. For all we know, the Mayor might be completely in the dark about his ward," Wesley offered.
"Yeah, and I might be dressed in REALLY convincing drag," Clive quipped. "I don't think so, man."
"I said that it was a possibility, not a probability," Wesley said.
Carmen sat quietly, trying to think of a way to stay in school longer. She didn't want to work at the high school.
"Fair enough." Clive nodded.
"Well, Someone needs to contact him." said MJ "Who volunteers?"
"I'll get back to that then," began MJ "A Dr.Martin Jones has expressed interest in becoming the vice prinicipal of the high school, so that can be taken off the list."
"Do we know anything about him?" Wesley asked.
"He's a physicist that's worked with the OSI in the past." said MJ "We'll just have to keep him out of the science lab."
"Hm- interesting," Rachel said. "It'll be good to have a vice principal again."
"Alright. At least it's someone known to us," Wesley said with a nod.
"I'm just glad I don't have to do it." confessed MJ "I'm way too busy as it is."
"If you're at the school." added MJ "Watch out for strange events... right now, at least one teacher a week is disappearing."
"Does anyone know anything about that? That's disconcerting, to say the least." Wesley didn't want to disappear.
"That doesn't sound good," Yansa said.
"I still have some credits to finish." said Carmen "So, I need college for the rest of the year." she didn't want to disappear either
Tamara wondered if it was because the pay was bad, but didn't say anything. She also hoped the food would arrive soon.
Someone knocked at the door with the food.
Vito got up and opened the door, and helped get the food to where it needed to be.
"We don't know what's happening." said MJ "Most of the teachers who left also abandoned homes and families."
"If you need someone onsite, my schedule's open," Clive spoke up. "I don't know how the hell I'ma gonna get a handle on this McCaine chick if I'm still on TA duty."
"You'll find a way." said MJ "We're short on staff, so everyone has to multitask. If that means that you can't spend one last year in college with your boyfriend, then that's a sacrifice you have to make. If you have to head straight from one job to the other- another sacrifice."
Tamara headed over ot get some food. "Don't look at me- I shouldn't be near young people. I don't have that kind of patience."
"Hey! I don't --" Clive trailed off. "Yeah, I get it. Find time to make time."
"Don't worry." said MJ "I won't call you to work at the school."
Carmen grumbled, and got food. She'd be in a worse mood, but she was currently ghost free
"I'll email everyone the minutes." said MJ, grabbing food. "I want to thank you all for attending. This was my first meeting."
"YOu did great," Rachel assured him.
"You did," Vito agreed.
"You did very well," Wesley told him. Especially considering that everyone seemed to want to know his personal life, but he kept that part to himself.
Clive nodded. "You done good."
"It needs some work, but I imagine you will improve," Eddie commented matter-of-factly.
"Thanks." said MJ "I hope that I do improve..."
Eddie snagged himself a few edibles, while his assistant snagged a cookie.
"Good intention is more important than perfect rhetoric," Eddie advised.
Paula grabbed food too.
"Tamara, I don''t want to work in the school." said Carmen, frowning "Lots of ghosts there- but they have all left me here."
Tony rubbed Carmen's shoulder, frowning slightly.
Wesley headed out.
"Yeah... it's creepy there. What do you mean, they've left you here?" Tamara asked.
Yansa helped herself to some food from the buffet. "Well, it certainly is interesting here."
"I mean.. the ghosts are gone in here." said Carmen "All of them. It's very nice."
"Hm, maybe they're ghost proofing the buildings these days," Tamara said.
"I want that at home." said Carmen
"I agree," Gregory commented, "although it does need some work."
"Maybe we should ask MJ about it?" Tamara suggested.
Clive stood up, stretching. "What's next on our improv schedule?"
"Stand up comedy?" Rachel suggested.
"Two hookers walk into a bar, then get over a fight over whose pole it is." Clive laughed. "short notice, sorry."
Eddie's assistant commented, in a quiet voice, "Aside from 'watch out for strange events', has anyone attempted to find out more about the people who are going missing in an attempt to track down what's causing the problem, or is this currently a 'wait and see' scenario?"
Rachel chuckled.
"Investigation would probably be a good idea," Vito said. "We should probably look into that in depth."
Tony nodded. "Keep us briefed, too -- we don't like it when we find out that something's wrong AFTER the demon has started wrecking the town."
MJ sat, waiting for the room to fill with people. An unhappy young woman handed out the itinerary to everyone.
Clive took the itinerary and slouched his way into a chair. He had been very careful to be on time.
Gregory was there on time, and peered in. "This the right-- ah, yes." He headed on in the rest of the way and took a seat.
Eddie was also on his way in, accompanied by a quiet girl with a notepad and pencil.
Yansa took an itenerary and settled with Gregory.
Rachel slipped in, nodded to everyone, and collected her paper.
Carmen headed in, and glanced around before taking a seat.
"We'll give the others a few minutes." said MJ, glancing at his watch
Tamara walked in, glancing around before taking a paper and settling by Carmen. It wasn't her department, but she thought she might as well see what was going on.
"Hm," Yansa said, studying the paper. "Interesting."
Carmen waved to Tamara. It was nt' her department either- but she'd been asked to attend
Tony was also on his way in there, mostly because it kinda was his business what Servator was up to.
Clive glanced around, and realized that he knew barely any of these people at all.
Kit wandered in, muttering. "God I hate these things- hope this doesn't take too long." He collected a paper and settled.
MJ glanced at his watch. Vito must still be doing that thing MJ asked him to do. "Well, is this everyone that chose to attend?"
"Looks like it," Kit said.
"Vito's out doing something for me, but he should be here soon. Paula, make sure you take attendence too." said MJ
Paula sighed, and did that
"First item." said MJ "We need to make sure every slayer in training has a servitor. We need to address if their are any issues with the current assignments."
Gregory chuckled. "I'm not currently assigned to anyone, but I just transferred here."
"You're assigned to Ming Xi." said MJ "I've been training her since her original servitor was reassigned, so you'll find her very well prepared."
"I'm no longer playing that gig," Kit said. "I've been transfered to teaching magic class - unless we have an overflow of potentials or anything, good luck to you."
Gregory nodded. "Alright, then. I'd like to have a copy of her file, if possible?"
"Well, we have you on the list." said MJ, who then handed a file over to Gregory
Gregory snagged it and started perusing.
"Okay, so The Slayer has Vito Marchese, I have India Cohen, the other slayer, Gregory has Ming, Clive has Kayla... I really wish the others were here." MJ would be sure to repremand the people that didn't attend the meeting
"Wesley has Gwen, Narcissa has Buffy... Martin has Morrigan, and Catherine has Dave." MJ went over the list
Eddie eyed Kit a moment at the mention of India.
Kit didn't twitch, but he didn't exactly look happy, either. Of course, that could have been because he hated meetings.
Clive was torn between boredom and extreme discomfort. On the one hand, he wanted to do his job, but he felt like everyone was sizing him up and silently judging him.
Vito headed in and took a seat near Anna. He waved briefly at MJ and looked around to see who else was there. Not long after, Morrigan arrived, and then Hunter and Faith.
David showed up, rather unhappily. He hated meetings, and this wasn't even his organization.
"What the hell are they doing here?" Kit asked.
"Alright. Those without current assignments will be addressed later in the meeting. Now, any questions, comments, or objections?"
Eddie commented amusedly, "Being late?"
"They want to help." said MJ
"Then tell them to join the right team," Kit said, folding his arms. "I get enough of being called a 'watcher' as it is. Eff that old school organization - what is this, the middle ages?"
Hunter didn't react to this outburst, he simply looked at MJ. Faith looked annoyed, but didn't even look at Kit.
"We lost a lot of staff last year.' MJ added
"And?" Kit said.
"Does that mean we should just open up the doors, come on in and spy on us, welcome to the inner workings of the OSI , let's throw you a party?"
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Clive muttered.
"Well, I'm out then." said David "I don't like meetings anyway."
David got up to head out, because yes, he hated meetings. "I still want that raise, Hunter."
"Feel free to come back when you're working for the right team, kiddo," Kit called.
"Is it always this hostile around here?" Yansa asked.
Eddie simply smiled. Ah, the great diplomatic efforts of the Servator division. His lady friend just continued to take notes.
Tony muttered to Yansa, "No, just him."
"Ok, let's move ahead. Several members of the American Watcher's COuncil wish to assist us in our efforts." said MJ
Hunter was still giving Kit's outburst all the attention it deserved.
"Why?" Rachel asked.
"After all this time of not working together - it does seem a bit... unsual."
Rachel wasn't ready to hop on the Kit train of hate, but she wasn't ready to buy into this just yet.
"Hunter, explain what's going down." said MJ
"Because we can accomplish more by sharing information and working together than we can by reinventing the wheel tima and again," Hunter said. "Duplication of effort can cost lives. I've had a lot of trouble okaying any of this with the Council, but we're here and willing to help."
"Translation: We have better resources than they do, and they want to mooch," Kit said.
Paula snickered. She quickly straightened up, and went back to taking minutes
"Yeah, Mr. Bothwell, we're all about the mooching," Hunter said, clearly amused. "MJ, if this is the official OSI position regarding the Council, then we'll leave."
"Okay, sure, but why now? What do you think we're holding back from you? More important, maybe there's a reason for it. It's not like you don't have state secrets too," Clive offered.
"Not to be perpetuating the stereotype of the ignorant American, but I would be mildly curious as to why they are needing to train their Potential here in America I would admit that I am curious as well," Eddie inquired.
"It does seem like the awful amount of trouble for to be coming over from United Kingdoms. Is there something we should know about that would cost-justify the decision of the British for to be spending money on rooming and boarding and such that we must clearly be missing for us to be so suspicious?" Eddie concluded.
Clive nodded gratefully to Eddie. "Yeah, what he said."
"Apparently, they have something in books about Sunnydale in 1998." said MJ "They had three Potentials here last year at this time, they now have one... and sometimes they have Hunter's daughter."
"There's a lot of activity here requiring our attention. Also, it would certainly make sense to train our Potentials near both living Slayers, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Bothwell?" Hunter asked.
"Hunter's daughter, who shares every bit of information that she gets." MJ sighed "Look, why can't we just be one organization?"
"Not really," Kit said. "It'd make more sense for your archaic organization to give it the fuck up, turn over your potentials to some place where they'd get decent not-from-the-middle-ages training, and put your resources to some good use."
"But that's just my opinion."
"And when you run OSI, I'll give that my full consideration," Hunter said. "Until then, I'll just deal members of OSI who don't think they are the be-all and end-all of Slayerdom."
Kit pshed. "Isn't that what you 'watchers' have been thinking for years?"
"Oh my gosh. Argue outside so I can finish the meeting." said MJ "Because I have food arriving in an hour, and I'm sure everyone is hungry."
"I have nothing further to say on the topic," Hunter said. "We're willing to help, if our help is wanted. And we're willing to leave if it's not. That's the bottom line."
"I'll pass on the food," Kit said. "And hey, if you guys want Watchers watching you- that's your business. Keep them the hell out of my way. If my portion of needing to be here is over, I'll be going now."
Kit headed on out the door.
"Ok, while you're here, Hunter. What are we doing about your daughter? Is she with us, or what?" asked MJ "And if you want to leave Kit, you can." MJ sighed
"I have a question," Yansa said.
"Yes?" asked MJ
"Rebecca has some enhanced abilities, but is not a true Potential. I'm working with re on some training issues, and if you would like to work with her as well, then she can work for and with both organizations, as far as I'm concerned."
"I'm sorry that we're not sticking to the itenerary." he added
"I would like to know if anyone has considered that there be some sort of liason between the OSI and Watcher's council," Yansa said. "This is not my area of concern - but it would seem that their are some legitimate issues on both sides of the coin. Perhaps there should be a netural party go-between, to avoid future conflicts?"
"Thank you." said MJ "And yes. Someone other than Kit, please."
"Someone other than Kit covers a lot of bases," Tamara muttered to Tony.
"I'd be amenable to that," Hunter said.
Rachel raised her hand. "Actually, as I am currently without a potential, I wouldn't mind working on this."
Wesley very sheepishly walked in through the door. "Sorry, there was an emergency."
"Great!" MJ smiled "And you'll be working with Rebecca too. Thank you." he nodded to Wesley, and made sure he got a program
"Oh, I know Becky- she's a nice girl," Rachel said. "I didn't know she was your daughter."
Yansa eyed the man who walked in late, a slightly amused expression on her face.
What Wesley wanted to ask was what he had missed, but figured that he could ask someone after the meeting. Right now it might be rude.
Hunter smiled and nodded at Rachel. "She certainly keeps me busy," he said.
"Alright... everyone. I'm going to require a report to be emailed to me weekly. It's an easy form, and it just lets everyone know that you aren't slacking off. That's everyone with assignments. It will only take five minutes, I swear."
Clive busied himself reading through the file again. There wasn't much to it, and it kept him busy enough to keep his mouth shut.
"Yes, sir," Gregory answered.
Cigarette dangling from her lips, Narcissa walked in, looking almost ridiculous in a pinstriped black suit, with her blood red hair, dark lipstick, and lip ring.
Rachel eyed the new Servator, raising a brow.
"And, we'll need alternate assignments, just in case people start disappearing again- of course, with the weekly reports, it iwll be easier to find out who is missing, and who has gone on an extended vacation."
"For the people that just arrived, do you have any problems with your assignments, and we'll be working with the watchers council." said MJ "Rachel is the liason."
"Yeah, I have a problem." Narcissa raised her hand, smirking a bit.
"Yes, what is it?" asked MJ
Clive looked up and nearly died laughing. "You forgot that next week was the costume show?"\
Paula snickerd. This meeting was fun
Wesley's eyes widened a little when MJ said that they would be working with the Watcher's Council. "Why exactly are we working with them now?"
Narcissa looked at Clive and kindly gave him the universal gesture for 'jerkoff'. "Sod off, ass."
"Just the American branch of the British Watcher's council." said MJ "Kit's already argued this, but if you must... go ahead."
"Well, before we get all distracted, my problem was... and I don't know how to put this any differently..." arcissa shrugged with a puff of her cig. "My Slayer's a bit of a poof."
"Well, what did he say so that I won't repeat any arguments," Wesley snapped.
"It's item IV, but we skipped ahead of schedule for that bit of discussion." MJ added
Tamara stiffled a laugh, glad that Initiative meetings weren't quite this crazy.
"Not now, sweetheart. Like the man says, we're in a meeting." Clive grinned.
Narcissa gave Clive a dagger-filled look that could have killed a family of four. "Bloody hell you callin' sweetheart?"
Tony pondered the merits of bringing clowns to their next meeting.
"Oh, i wasn't serious, but I needed something sorta civil." Clive winked.
"Ok, Narcissa, Clive, this is NOT a high school class, but I will give you both crappy assignments if you keep this up. Would you like to both clean up Lowell hall?" MJ sounded annoyed
Hunter kept his eyes on MJ. If this was how the OSI treated their own, he certainly couldn't expect much better.
"This is a meeting. We're adults, now please, act like it." MJ added
"What item is this on the agenda?" Yansa muttered quietly to Gregory.
"Sorry sir." Clive stifled a grin, with difficulty.
Gregory murmured to Yansa, "This is the part where we convince the British man that we're easily duped, because in his country, they would just execute these pathetic fools instead of giving them government funding."
"Sorry, sir." Narcissa nodded to MJ, then grinned. "Course, cleaning the hall might be a better assignment than Buffy."
"Do you wish to change your assignment?" asked MJ
"I'd frankly rather blow my bloody head off. But only do it if you can find her someone good." Narcissa hated to admit it, but she felt bad for the girl. "She needs someone patient, like me, who isn't gonna choke her on the first day."
"Then I'll train her." said MJ "You no longer have that assignment, Narcissa."
"Next item, or do we have more questions?" asked MJ
"Sister, I take it back. Nice dodge." Clive nodded sympathetically.
"You still haven't explained why we're working with the Watcher's Council to me," Wesley reminded MJ. "Are we doing that bad that we need help?"
Narcissa gave a slight wink to Clive, then subconciously moved closer to Wesley, pretty much her only comrade so far.
"How bad can Buffy be?" Rachel said. "Poor girl. MJ, you already have your hands full- I can take her if nothing else."
"We lost several servitors and potentials last year." began MJ "Two members of the American Branch of the British Watchers council agreed to help us. They do not have approval from the British end, and will be working through a liason. We'll need to work together this year if we're going to survive."
"Thank you, Rachel." said MJ "If she's too much of a problem, I'll train her. She whines, but you learn to ignore it."
Wesley sighed. It wasn't as if anything MJ said was wrong. "I take it Kit didn't take the news very well."
"He did not." said MJ "But... we lost a lot of people last year. This year, I want all of us to work together. Perhaps we'll do better."
"You gotta speak her language," Clive chimed in.
Wesley stayed silent, but it was obvious that he didn't like this idea one bit. He'd have to talk to Kit later about this.
"Alright, now, all of the Potentials and slayers are required to attend 11 am training in the SUnnydale High School Gym. They need to all work together as a team, and they all seem to be progressing nicely."
"Look... I really don't mean to be disrespectful... but I don't see how this affects me." Narcissa tried to sound as sweet as she could. "I'm here to do a job. Get me a decent Slayer, tell me how to train her... and you all can handle the behind-the-scenes crap. It's getting a bit tense in here for me, and I'm gonna split before I say something quite a few of us will regret."
"Resurrections nonwithstanding, there's still only one Slayer," Gregory pointed out.
"It's not my job to tell you how to train your Potential." said MJ "It's your job to train her the best way that you can. Since you no longer have one, you'll be assigned to something else. Please, be patient, and I will get to that." MJ never wanted to hold a meeting again
"Unless you want to keep Buffy." added MJ "She's gone through several watchers, one of whom died."
"I know... look." Narcissa felt as though she drained the rest of her cig in one long drag. "Fine. I'll stick with her. But I swear... I deserve a raise or something."
"Well, one and a half, technically," Rachel said. "We're still not sure what's going on with INdia..."
"Playing with the dead doesn't count," Gregory said. "Or it shouldn't."
Yansa nodded her agreement. "Shame on Mr. Bothwell for that one. And well, a few other ones, I'm sure."
Eddie was just enjoying the meeting.
"We'll see about your raise when it's time for a performance review." said MJ
"Now, the two slayer issue has never happened before. I propose that we have them patrol and train together, so that they can work as a team.. since she's here, and all. Do we know anything ele about the situation?"
"Alright. I'll stick with the brat for now." Cissa sighed, then looked at MJ with a sympathetic look. "But for now... I honestly have to be somewhere. Consider it research... but I swear I'll brief you when it's done. Can you leave a summary of what I miss in my mailbox or something?"
MJ nodded. "I expect an email in my box first thing in the morning."
"I'm sure Kit probably knows more about it, but..." Rachel just shrugged slightly.
"Well, does it affect the current Slayer any?" asked MJ
Narcissa smiled respectfully, then gave Wes a friendly peck on the cheek, before scuttling out with another wink to Clive.
Clive grinned after she left. "That was fun. back to business, I suppose."
Wesley needed to talk to Narcissa, but that would have to wait. "What else do we need to go over?"
"Aren't you married?" Rachel said to Wes, tsking.
"Yes...she's just...friendly." Damnit, not them, too. "Can we please get back to the meeting?"
"It's on the iteniary." said MJ "If you need to go do 'research', then go ahead. I expect a report in the mrning."
Hunter hid a smirk.
"He looks like he needs a good dose of sass in his life," observed Clive. "You picked a good one for that, i bet."
If one more person mentioned Wesley's personal life, then he just might hit them. "Let's stick with OSI business right now."
"I'd appreciate business. If I wanted gossip, I'd listen to my sister," Tony commented.
"Right, so is the current slayer affected by India's ressurection?" asked MJ
Tony looked to Vito.
"Heyyy," Tamara said, and poked Tony.
Carmen grinned. "This is a very interesting meeting."
"Her strength is diminished slightly," Vito said. "Not enough to be a serious issue, but it's noticeable to her, and to me."
"They might be splitting the power that makes a slayer," Wesley offered.
"Is that dangerous?" Yansa said.
"I think it is." MJ frowned "Any suggestions from anyone?"
"What can be done? It's not like we can send India back where she came from." Wesley frowned. "Maybe they should be monitered for right now. Hopefully nothing will cause the line to be split further."
"There is a clear tactical advantage to two Slayers, even if they are slightly less than at full capacity," Tony commented.
"Is just the strength weakened, or has her healing capacity slowed down as well?" Wesley asked.
"Haven't had to check the healing ability recently," Vito said. "So I'm not certain."
"We could, of course, have them both tested," Eddie suggested politely.
"That's something worth keeping an eye out for. A little less strength is one thing, but less healing could mean the difference between life and death."
"We could." MJ said "I'll bring India in tomorrow."
Wesley looked at Eddie. "How would you suggest that we 'test' this?"
"A little less strength can make that difference, as well," Vito said.
Eddie shrugged. "Strength, dexterity, endurance, recovery time -- all easily tested."
"Oh, I'm starting Saturday training sessions for the potentials and slayers." said MJ "And Servitors meet once a month to discuss training and related things."
"Those are all good ideas," Wesley agreed. He still didn't know exactly how this whole 'work with the council' thing would work out. He left England because he *didn't* want to work with them.
"Okay, now, the high school." MJ began "And the training academy, now, some of the students that were enrolled have not been attending. Are we going to follow up on that? We need more staff, preferably OSI-S staff, in the high school, and in the training academy."
"Which ones aren't attending?"
MJ produced a list for Wesley (which has random names on it.. like Marcie Ross, Amy Madison... etc)
Wesley looked over it. "Is there even a way to force them to attend this?"
"Short of breaking their little legs - probably not," Rachel said.
"Well, someone should watch them." said MJ "Which is why I wanted to start a mentoring program. Apparently, a student at the school is becoming very dangerous with dark magiics. I want to avoid that in the future."
"It's a good idea, but it's hard to force most teenagers to do anything that they don't want to do." Wesley shook his head. "Do we have anyone available to work there?"
"Well, I volunteered Carmen." said MJ "I'm not sure why she's still a student, and the school needs a new librarian. We do have staff that is not really doing anything." said MJ "I also volunteer them."
"I'm working on that," Yansa said. "I don't know if you're aware of this, but I've been asked to council some of the students at the Academy..."
"I wasn't." said MJ "But that's one less thing for me to worry about. That's wonderful."
"Those with supernatural abilities that might get out of hand," she continued. "I just started that this week- my first apointment was with Michael Czajak."
"He's very good frends with Anna." said MJ "And he's a star student in my training class."
"Wasn't there a student who was threatening to set the town on fire or something?" Wesley mostly only knew what his students were saying at the high school about that. "What are we going to do about him?"
"That is a good question- that's a sticky situation there, because he's the Mayor's ward," Rachel said.
"David- the young employee of the Watchers council, actually is the Mayor's assistant" said MJ "Perhaps someone could contact him?"
"That might be a good idea. For all we know, the Mayor might be completely in the dark about his ward," Wesley offered.
"Yeah, and I might be dressed in REALLY convincing drag," Clive quipped. "I don't think so, man."
"I said that it was a possibility, not a probability," Wesley said.
Carmen sat quietly, trying to think of a way to stay in school longer. She didn't want to work at the high school.
"Fair enough." Clive nodded.
"Well, Someone needs to contact him." said MJ "Who volunteers?"
"I'll get back to that then," began MJ "A Dr.Martin Jones has expressed interest in becoming the vice prinicipal of the high school, so that can be taken off the list."
"Do we know anything about him?" Wesley asked.
"He's a physicist that's worked with the OSI in the past." said MJ "We'll just have to keep him out of the science lab."
"Hm- interesting," Rachel said. "It'll be good to have a vice principal again."
"Alright. At least it's someone known to us," Wesley said with a nod.
"I'm just glad I don't have to do it." confessed MJ "I'm way too busy as it is."
"If you're at the school." added MJ "Watch out for strange events... right now, at least one teacher a week is disappearing."
"Does anyone know anything about that? That's disconcerting, to say the least." Wesley didn't want to disappear.
"That doesn't sound good," Yansa said.
"I still have some credits to finish." said Carmen "So, I need college for the rest of the year." she didn't want to disappear either
Tamara wondered if it was because the pay was bad, but didn't say anything. She also hoped the food would arrive soon.
Someone knocked at the door with the food.
Vito got up and opened the door, and helped get the food to where it needed to be.
"We don't know what's happening." said MJ "Most of the teachers who left also abandoned homes and families."
"If you need someone onsite, my schedule's open," Clive spoke up. "I don't know how the hell I'ma gonna get a handle on this McCaine chick if I'm still on TA duty."
"You'll find a way." said MJ "We're short on staff, so everyone has to multitask. If that means that you can't spend one last year in college with your boyfriend, then that's a sacrifice you have to make. If you have to head straight from one job to the other- another sacrifice."
Tamara headed over ot get some food. "Don't look at me- I shouldn't be near young people. I don't have that kind of patience."
"Hey! I don't --" Clive trailed off. "Yeah, I get it. Find time to make time."
"Don't worry." said MJ "I won't call you to work at the school."
Carmen grumbled, and got food. She'd be in a worse mood, but she was currently ghost free
"I'll email everyone the minutes." said MJ, grabbing food. "I want to thank you all for attending. This was my first meeting."
"YOu did great," Rachel assured him.
"You did," Vito agreed.
"You did very well," Wesley told him. Especially considering that everyone seemed to want to know his personal life, but he kept that part to himself.
Clive nodded. "You done good."
"It needs some work, but I imagine you will improve," Eddie commented matter-of-factly.
"Thanks." said MJ "I hope that I do improve..."
Eddie snagged himself a few edibles, while his assistant snagged a cookie.
"Good intention is more important than perfect rhetoric," Eddie advised.
Paula grabbed food too.
"Tamara, I don''t want to work in the school." said Carmen, frowning "Lots of ghosts there- but they have all left me here."
Tony rubbed Carmen's shoulder, frowning slightly.
Wesley headed out.
"Yeah... it's creepy there. What do you mean, they've left you here?" Tamara asked.
Yansa helped herself to some food from the buffet. "Well, it certainly is interesting here."
"I mean.. the ghosts are gone in here." said Carmen "All of them. It's very nice."
"Hm, maybe they're ghost proofing the buildings these days," Tamara said.
"I want that at home." said Carmen
"I agree," Gregory commented, "although it does need some work."
"Maybe we should ask MJ about it?" Tamara suggested.
Clive stood up, stretching. "What's next on our improv schedule?"
"Stand up comedy?" Rachel suggested.
"Two hookers walk into a bar, then get over a fight over whose pole it is." Clive laughed. "short notice, sorry."
Eddie's assistant commented, in a quiet voice, "Aside from 'watch out for strange events', has anyone attempted to find out more about the people who are going missing in an attempt to track down what's causing the problem, or is this currently a 'wait and see' scenario?"
Rachel chuckled.
"Investigation would probably be a good idea," Vito said. "We should probably look into that in depth."
Tony nodded. "Keep us briefed, too -- we don't like it when we find out that something's wrong AFTER the demon has started wrecking the town."