Zoe's Office Hours - July 15

[bigdamndean]

Zoe was in her office, enjoying the quiet morning. The town had seemed more silent than usual as she'd made her way over from her apartment, but for the moment, she was taking that as a sign that she might be able to spend the afternoon working peacefully.

The door was open for anyone who might need her though.

Comments

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn knocked on Dean Washburn's door, whiteboards in hand and marker uncapped.

Dean Washburn? We may have a problem.

[bigdamndean]

Zoe looked up at the knock and gave Dawn a concerned look. "What kind of problem?" she tried to ask, bringing her hand up to her throat when there was just silence. That was at least the beginning of an answer to her question.

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn nodded as she saw the Dean begin to understand.

It's like that everywhere. I'm probably wrong, but if this is what I think it is, people are in danger.

Then she added Of dying, just in case that wasn't clear.

[bigdamndean]

Zoe grabbed a pad of paper to respond. Dying from what? Have you seen something like this happen before?

[lilpunkinbelly]

The Gentlemen. In Sunnydale, they stole hearts from inside people. And I haven't seen them, but I've heard.

She really, really hoped she and Xander were wrong.

[bigdamndean]

Zoe was hoping she was wrong too, but she couldn't exactly take a chance.

Is there a way to know whether or not these Gentlemen are here? Do you know what they might look like?

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn thought about that and shook her head. All I heard was something about scary, creepy, floaty, and straight jackets. Losing voices was the first step, though. So people can't scream or call for help.

[bigdamndean]

Lovely. Zoe frowned and went back to writing. I assume the other students at the camp have lost their voices as well?

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn didn't bother with the whiteboard, and nodded a lot instead.

[bigdamndean]

I think it's hit the people in town too. How do we get rid of these guys, if it's them?

[lilpunkinbelly]

Last time, Buffy had to scream really loud. I don't know if that will work here, though.

[bigdamndean]

That's when it occurred to Zoe that the students would want to get involved in finding the answer to this. I'm sure we can find a solution to whatever's happening, and I'll keep that one in mind. In the meantime, if you can, pass a message along to the students that they should stay at the campsite, for safety. It was probably too late to keep them from scattering, but it couldn't hurt to try.

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn nodded, even as she wondered how she was supposed to do that. I think a lot of people have already left, though.

[bigdamndean]

Zoe frowned, hoping Braca would be more help than she was expecting him to be. I figured as much. I appreciate you coming and telling me about these guys. Is there anything else you know that might be helpful?

[lilpunkinbelly]

Dawn shook her head, then remembered what Xander had said and wrote quickly.

There's a box that has everyone's voices in it. It has to be broken before the scream will work.

[bigdamndean]

Zoe nodded, storing that information away as well.

Thank you. You should probably get back to camp. And be careful!