Day Two

England, two days later:

“Boss?”

“Mmmph? What, what is it, Andrew?”

“Up late last night?”

“Just resting my eyes. But since you ask, yes. The situation in Karachi didn’t resolve itself till nearly one thirty. Is there a reason you’re annoying me?”

“There’s a phone call. I think you want to be awake for it.”

“You’re my secretary…”

“Personal aide…”

“…whatever… You can surely screen…”

“It’s Matthew Santos.”

“Oh. Ummph. Give me a moment, then put it through.”

Andrew retreated to his desk and watched Giles rub his eyes, shake his head and take three rapid breaths followed by three slow ones. Then at a nod from the other man he pressed a button on his own intercom.

“Putting you through now.”

He watched through the open office door, his fingers drumming on the ‘Swear Box’ an old charity collecting box adapted for the purpose. On top, around the slot for putting money in, it said: “Penalty 50p for each offence.”

On one side it said:

• No references to:
  • Comic books.
  • Television programs after 1990.
  • Dungeons and Dragons.
  • Tolkien or other works of modern fantasy.

On the other it said:

• No references to:
  • Monty Python or any of the group’s other TV series.
  • Blackadder. (Especially references to Baldric and/or Cunning Plans)
  • Pop music from before 1990 but especially:
    • The Who.
    • The Bay City Rollers.

Rupert Giles was nothing if not a fair employer.

Through the door he heard:

“Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I am Chairman of the Council.”

“Not entirely. There are people I report to and must consult. But for day to day purposes I am in charge, yes.”

“Indeed.”

“Well, yes.”

“You will understand, sir, that our organization in general and myself in particular have reason to wary of the involvement of the US Government in our concerns.”

“Well, yes sir. I do understand that.”

“Indeed.”

“I would be willing to make myself available. When would be convenient?”

“Yes, certainly. Yes, I’d like that. Shall we say Tuesday then? Is there a number where I can call back to confirm the arrangements? Yes. Yes. Got that.”

“I look forward to it. Till then.”

And then he hung up and leaned back in his chair, staring out of the window at the Cotswold countryside.

“Andrew!”

“Do you want the full Council or just the Inner Circle?”

“Just the Scoobies to start with. And get hold of the Archivist for me and then see what you can do about getting me on a flight to Houston tomorrow.”