CHAPTER 28

Xander’s forced laughter filled the room. “That Willow. She’s always been such a kidder.” He looked at Willow pleadingly. “You are kidding, right, Wills?”

Willow shook her head, and Buffy wanted to cry. They weren’t even sure they could beat Adam – with two Slayers. How were they supposed to beat Adam and his evil brother?

“Can you tell anything about the other hybrid?” Graham asked. He moved closer to Willow, peering at the diagrams. “I didn’t understand all of Ry’s notes. Is this one part demon, too?”

Buffy wasn’t ready for another round of “Name that Monster.” “Does it really matter?” she asked. She grabbed the file and tossed it onto the counter. “Demon or not, we have to kill it. I say we stick to the plan. Me and Faith, plus our witchy handlers.”

“Buffy,” Giles began, and Buffy closed her eyes. She hated that sound of resigned tolerance in his voice, “we don’t have a plan. We have, at best, a vague idea of what might help us defeat Adam. We have yet to consider a course of action.”

“Right.” A shamed blushed suffused her face. Retrieving the file folder, Buffy handed it to Graham. “Sorry, guys. We’ve let the Slayer out to play once too often lately. I’m all ready for some demon killing.” She bounced on her toes, really wishing Faith were around. Sparring was sounding better and better.

***

Willow could tell Buffy and the Slayer were about to explode. Giving Graham and Giles a small smile and nod, she stood and stretched. “I need a break, guys. See if you can figure out what those markings mean. Buffy and I will be back in a bit.” She grabbed Buffy’s hand and pulled her quickly out of the room.

They ran into Joyce and Anya immediately.

“Hello, girls. Planning session over?” Joyce raised an eyebrow at them over the pile of clothes and towels she was folding.

“No,” Buffy answered and Willow flicked a glance at Buffy. Her girlfriend’s voice had been too flat, too controlled.

Joyce’s eyebrow climbed higher. “I see.” She regarded them steadily. “Should I plan on another grocery and food run? More sugar and snacks for a research party?”

Willow wasn’t sure how to answer. They were more than likely stuck at the safe house for a few more days. With the new information to study and Faith still not back, their options were limited. She didn’t want to say that, however. Buffy nearly vibrated with tension, and Willow didn’t want to push her.

“Xander and Graham are in the kitchen with Giles,” Willow finally said. “There’s some new information we need to consider before we go after Adam.”

“Oh for God sake, Willow, spit it out.” Anya set a stack of towels on the couch. “The sooner you tell us what’s going on, the sooner I can take my Xander home and have orgasms.” She flounced past them and into the kitchen. “I’ll ask Xander myself. He can’t ever keep secrets from me.”

Face burning, Willow stared fixedly at the wall behind Joyce. “Um…”

“She certainly has a way of phrasing things, doesn’t she?” Joyce winked when Willow looked her way. “Did you two need something?”

Buffy still stood silently at her side. Willow took a deep breath. They didn’t have time for both of them to freak. She took another breath, and her mind started to sluggishly churn. Joyce needed to do a grocery run. Buffy needed something to do. It wasn’t her best plan, but it was a plan. “Mrs. Summers, can you make a grocery list? Maybe Buffy and I can run to the store.”

“Are you sure, Willow?” Joyce didn’t look happy at the suggestion. “Adam is still out there looking for us. Shouldn’t you and Buffy be in the kitchen helping find some answers?” She moved toward them. “After all this time, I know where I stand. Head Cook and Team Mom. Saving the world isn’t in my job description.”

“Right. My bad.” Willow bit her lip and looked at Buffy. She was still tense, rocking on her heels and restlessly scanning the room.

A warm and insistent hand pressed into Willow’s lower back. “Girls, maybe I wasn’t clear enough. I’m tired of living in the Council’s vacation home. Let’s get into the kitchen and find a way to get rid of Adam. As good as Mr. Giles is, he needs the two of you to help him figure this out.”

***

Faith chanced a look over her shoulder as she ran. Fuck. Buffy’s ex was still there. He even seemed to be closing the gap. She reached deeper, breaking the last of the bonds holding the Slayer in check. Her speed increased immediately. “Eat my dust, Big Boy,” Faith muttered to herself.

Branches whipped against her arms and face. She was nearing the outskirts of town, though. Faith checked her stride. Even the clueless residents of Sunnydale would notice if she flew through town with Slayer speed engaged. Breathing heavily, Faith planned her route to the safe house. If the other Marines were still skulking through the alleys, Main Street-

Her thoughts ended abruptly as a hurtling body knocked her to the ground.

“What the fuck?” she asked. Grappling with the muscled arms trying to pin her hands to her sides, Faith managed to get her knees under her. She bucked back, slamming her head into soft tissue.

The smell of copper filled the air. Blood.

“Bitch!” Faith took grim satisfaction from the pain in the deep voice. Satisfaction didn’t last. The body pressed into her back shifted and rough hands gripped her shoulders.

Faith lofted into the air before slamming into a tree. Shocked and gasping for air, she stared at Buffy’s ex.

Handsome face twisted in a mocking smile, he stalked toward her. “I asked you a question.” Before Faith could recover, he drove a fist into her stomach. “Who are you?”

If she’d been able to breathe, Faith might have answered him. Doubled over, retching from lack of oxygen, she simply shook her head.

The Slayer was still close to the surface. Roaring in defiance, she ignored the pain and dove at her tormentor. He wasn’t quite fast enough. They crashed to the ground a second time. This time, Faith had the upper hand. Scrambling to her feet, Faith slammed a booted foot into Finn’s side. A hoarse shout and the crackle of breaking bones filled the air.

Faith kicked him again, letting her Slayer senses scan her prey. Nothing. Not even a tiny blip on the Slayer radar. “Better question, asshole. What are you?”

Finn didn’t answer, and Faith prepared herself for a little interrogation. She never got the chance. Multiple footsteps sounded behind her. Reinforcements.

“Next time, Big Boy, you and me are finishing this conversation.” With one last farewell kick, Faith took off. To hell with the fine people of Sunnydale. They’d find a way to explain away her super speed, just like they explained away the vampire attacks and high mortality rate. Faith streaked down Main Street, intent on reaching the Scoobies.

Caution replaced her flight instinct as Faith neared the safe house. On the far side of downtown Sunnydale, Faith wound through side streets and neighborhoods, still at breakneck speed. If the troops had managed to track her progress, they were well hidden.

Jumping over backyard fences and crawling through some bushes, Faith peered into the safe house’s backyard. Nothing moved. The Slayer whispered a suggestion, and Faith tilted her head back, sniffing deeply. Garbage, fuel, no gun oil. No Marines.

Faith gave a soundless sigh, relaxing a little, and walked through the gate into the yard.

***

Buffy stiffened. “Mom-“

“Mom, nothing.” Joyce grabbed her by the arm, spinning her around. “Grow up, Buffy. I get this is hard. I wouldn’t want your job, but it’s not about you. It never has been.”

The Slayer growled; she didn’t like being challenged. Buffy didn’t, either. “I don’t see you taking on Adam,” she snapped.

“No, and you won’t.” Joyce wasn’t backing down. “I’m not the Slayer. You are. I thought you’d gotten over the ‘Woe is Me’ party a long time ago. There are a lot of people depending on us. On you! You may be on the front lines, but the rest of us are still here. We just do all those little things you don’t like to be bothered with.”

Yanking away, Buffy stalked across the room. No matter how much the Slayer howled in her head, Buffy knew her mother was right. “Sorry, Mom.” The words sounded stiff; although, Buffy meant them.

“Don’t be sorry, Buffy.” Joyce’s voice moved away. “Be in the kitchen, helping out.”

The kitchen door thumped softly as it swung closed behind her.

“You OK, Buffy?” Willow asked.

Buffy spun on her heel. “Been better,” she admitted with a wry smile. Walking to Willow, she took her hand, entwining their fingers. “Sorry for earlier – and for making you stand here for the Mom and Buffy Show.”

“It’s fine, Buffy.” Buffy raised an eyebrow a la Joyce, and Willow giggled. “Well, I could do with a little less of Rambo Buffy.”

“Me, too.” Shrugging, Buffy pulled Willow toward the kitchen. “Remind me to ask Faith how she handles the Slayer so well. I mean, she was ready to go at me in the bar, but only after I went after her. Until then, she was just trying to talk you into getting out of the way.”

She paused, one hand on the kitchen door.

“Buffy?” Willow leaned into her.

“Looks like I’ll get a chance to ask sooner than I thought.” Buffy looked over her shoulder, meeting Willow’s eyes. “Faith’s back.”

CHAPTER 29

Pushing open the kitchen door, Buffy looked at Faith. “What the hell happened to you?” Faith was sweat soaked, dirty, and battered.

Faith looked at her, one eyebrow climbing. “Hi, B. You look good. You’re welcome for getting the troops out of the way so X-man and Graham could get back with the info.”

“Oops. Sorry, Faith.” Buffy relaxed. Faith couldn’t be badly hurt if she was this cocky. “Thanks for letting Xander and Graham come back with the info.” She waited a beat then added, “Want to explain the ‘I just got my ass kicked’ look?”

“I ran into your ex.” Hand on her side, Faith stretched and winced. “Boy’s wicked fast and has a hell of a punch. Remind me not to make fun of the Marine commercials anymore.”

Something didn’t make sense. “You ran into Riley?” Buffy asked. No way could Riley do that kind of damage. They’d patrolled and sparred enough. He’d never even laid a hand on Buffy unless she’d let him.

“Big beefy guy who freaked when you kissed Red at the Bronze?” Faith commented.

“That’s him.” Buffy didn’t look at anyone except Faith. She and Willow may have outed themselves earlier, but they hadn’t made any announcements about how long their strange relationship had been going on.

She’d forgotten one thing, though.

Xander’s head shot up. “Buffy kissed Willow? When? And why wasn’t I there?”

“Xander!” Anya’s shrill voice interrupted. “You are with me. That means you should not be enjoying thoughts of other women. Besides, if Buffy kisses Willow, they wouldn’t want you there. That makes them lesbians.”

Willow’s giggles broke the pained silence. “Actually, Anya,” she said, stepping around Buffy and taking a seat on a stool, “Buffy and I would be considered bisexual.”

If Buffy hadn’t been so embarrassed, she might have marveled at Willow’s sudden self-possession.

Before Anya could reply, Willow went on, addressing Faith, “Do you think it was all the time in the coma that let Riley get to you?”

Faith shook her head immediately. “No. Once Blondie did her magic, I’ve been back to normal. He got me even with the Slayer running things.”

The words rang hollowly in Buffy’s ears. No. This couldn’t be happening. Not again. Springing across the kitchen, she snatched the folder on Adam and the other monster from the table. Ignoring the people crowding the kitchen, Buffy peered at the diagram of the Professor’s other creation. Nothing. “Tara, were there any notes on testing? Maybe responses to drugs or battle simulations?” she demanded, giving up on the file.

“Y-Yes. How di-did you know?” Tara stuttered, shrinking back from Buffy’s sudden aggression.

“Damn it, why me?” Buffy shouted, slamming the file onto the table. “I mean, I may be a Slayer, but that doesn’t mean I’m some kind of demon magnet, right?” She turned to Willow. “Angel, Ford, Riley. I swear, if you turn into an evil demon, I’m going celibate.”

***

Fighting a laugh, Willow stared at Buffy. The hazel eyes were dark and shadowed, her soft lips pursed. Whatever had Buffy making vows of celibacy, it wasn’t at all funny. “Um…’k. I promise not to go Evil, Buffy.” Running Buffy’s actions through her mind, Willow tried to put the pieces together.

Graham beat her to the punch. “Why do you think Ry’s a demon?” he asked, voice angry. “He was on those drugs, just like the rest of us. He didn’t have a choice about what he did.”

Buffy spun to face Graham. “You were there when the Professor did all those tests. How many times did Riley, did any of you, even get close to me in a fight?”

Eyes wide, Willow realized what Buffy was thinking – Riley was Professor Walsh’s newest hybrid. She took a step toward Buffy as Graham responded to Buffy’s strident question.

“None.” The word was quiet, reluctantly drawn from Graham. “That doesn’t mean-“

“You’re right. It doesn’t mean anything.” Willow watched Buffy scan the room. Her girlfriend had everyone’s attention. “I could be wrong.” Buffy’s lips twisted bitterly. “I’d like to be wrong. I just don’t think I am.”

Giles broke the tense silence when he walked over and retrieved the file Buffy had thrown onto the counter. “Right or wrong, it doesn’t change our plan.” He looked expectantly at Buffy.

Willow saw Buffy frown in confusion. “Remember…the plan,” she enunciated for Buffy’s benefit, flicking her glance toward Tara and Faith.

“The plan,” Buffy mimicked. The wheels were turning, and Willow waited for Buffy to make the connection. “Oh!” Cheeks pink, Buffy looked at Tara. “That plan.”

***

Faith watched the byplay with irritation. If they had a plan, why the hell were they hanging out in the kitchen? “You gonna fill me in on this plan, B? Or did you want to move here permanently?”

Buffy’s blush was unexpected – as was the almost fearful look she shot Tara.

“B?” Faith gripped the edge of the table. “We’re going after Adam, right? That’s what the plan’s for?”

“Yes, it is.” It wasn’t Buffy who answered. Tara smiled slightly, blonde hair creeping forward to obscure part of her face. “Why don’t I tell you about that while I take a look at those ribs?”

Eyes bouncing between a strangely silent Buffy and Tara, Faith considered that. “Nah.” She was a Slayer. She’d heal. The thing with Adam was more important than getting Tara to magically heal some cuts and a few bruised ribs.

“You need to be completely healed if you and Buffy are going after Adam.” Faith looked up at Joyce, leaning against the counter by the sink. “Let Tara take care of you,” Joyce continued. She was smiling, but Faith didn’t get the impression her words were a suggestion.

“Mrs. S-“ she started to object. It was just some bruises.

“Please, Faith,” Joyce pleaded.

Squirming under the piercing hazel stare, Faith tried one last time. “Waste of fucking time, if ya’ ask me.”

One blonde eyebrow rose.

Faith clamped her lips shut, head nodding almost automatically.

“Thank you, honey.” Joyce’s smile was far gentler this time. “Why don’t you and Tara use one of the bedrooms while the rest of the gang talks strategy?”

“You’re welcome,” Faith muttered. She followed Tara out of the kitchen. “Blondie, what’s really going on? B ain’t calling the cops on me, is she?” It was the only reason she’d found for the strange way the Scoobies had acted.

Tara turned, blue eyes wide with horror. “Goddess, no!” She took Faith’s hand and pulled her down the hall, talking the entire way. “Buffy’s been pr-pretty wound up today from the S-Slayer and the way we ha-have to go after Adam.”

“What’s B’s Slayer got to do with anything? I thought Red got those drugs out of Buffy’s system?” Faith dug in her heels, halting their progress in the hallway. “Spill, Blondie. I ain’t taking another step until you help me understand.”

Dropping Faith’s hand, Tara turned. She was bright red as she stared into Faith’s eyes resolutely. “I’ll tell you.”

Faith snorted. Yeah, right.

She didn’t expect the fiery blue eyes that glared up at her. “I said I would tell you. I will. Just…” Tara’s rare show of aggression faded away, replaced by a bright blush. “…not out here.”

“Whatever, Blondie.” Faith pushed past her and into the first bedroom. She was too tired to argue. “Just make it fast, would you? If we’re going after Adam, I don’t want to be the last one out the door.” Dropping onto the bed, Faith lay back, letting her legs and feet hang off the edge. “What’s the plan that has you and B all redfaced?”

Tara didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she walked to the opposite side of the bed by Faith’s head, gently touching her temples. “Relax, Faith,” she said softly. “I need you to relax and lower your shields.”

“You gonna do the healing now?” Faith asked, already sinking into a trance state. Tara’s temple massage had her almost boneless. Warmth tingled under her skin.

She heard Tara’s slow, deliberate breaths and the bed dipped as Tara knelt next to her. The fingers trailed away from her temples, stroking softly down her face to her neck.

It felt so good, Faith didn’t question the action. When Tara’s lips followed the path of her fingers, though, relaxation disappeared. Faith sat up abruptly. “What the fuck’s going on, Blondie?” she demanded. Eyes snapping open, she glared at Tara.

Deep blue eyes glittered in the dim room. “I’m trying to explain the plan, Faith.”

“The plan includes you coming on to me?” Faith chuckled. “Never saw that coming.” She scooted to the end of the bed. “Never mind about the ribs, T. They feel better.” Maybe Tara had gotten to them before she made her moves.

“Faith.” Tara’s voice reached out, stopping Faith before she stood.

The warmth was back; the tingling beneath her skin grew.

“I promised to explain the plan. Why won’t you let me explain?” Tara asked.

CHAPTER 30

Faith looked back at Tara, noticing the way her blue eyes had darkened. Tara’s white teeth worried on her full bottom lip nervously. “T, look…” Under normal circumstances, they would have already been horizontal. “This ain’t the time.”

“It is the time, Faith.” Tara pulled her legs up, sitting Indian style. “Sit down, Faith.”

Scowling, Faith shook her head. What the hell was going on?

“Please,” Tara added. She held out a beckoning hand. “I’m not playing games, I promise. This is important.”

Reluctantly perching on the edge of the bed, Faith waited for Tara to continue.

“I…I’m sorry for surp-prising you like that.” Tara ducked her head, and Faith was sure her face was beet red. “It d-didn’t work the way I thought it would.”

Ah, hell. Rushing to reassure Tara, Faith put a hand gently under Tara’s chin, pulling it up. “Hey, T. Any other time, I’da been right there with you.” She smiled. “Noticed you right away, when B and Red dragged me along.” Running her thumb across the soft lips, Faith shrugged. “I ain’t saying no, T. Just…not right now.”

The warmth she’d felt during the healing was still there. In fact, it was growing; the heat pulsed with each heartbeat.

Smiling crookedly, Tara kissed Faith’s thumb.

The gentle warming under her skin became an inferno with that single act.

“T?” Faith asked, nearly panting. “What’s going on?”

“Like I told you,” Tara responded softly, “this is part of the plan.” She sucked Faith’s thumb into her mouth, swirling her tongue around it.

No way. Fucking Tara was not part of The Plan. Faith still wasn’t clear on what, exactly, the plan was. She was crystal clear on the fact she wasn’t screwing Tara with B and the Scoobs giggling about it in the kitchen. Yanking her hand away she sprang from the bed, intending to tell Buffy and Company what they could do with their plan. It didn’t happen that way.

Two steps across the room, Faith froze.

“Come back to bed, Faith.” Tara’s voice wasn’t loud or demanding. It simply seemed to wrap around Faith, working in conjunction with the ephemeral hands stroking over Faith’s body. “I won’t pressure you. Let me explain why this, why we are supposed to happen.”

Faith didn’t have a choice. She turned without thought and plodded back to the bed. “We’re supposed to happen,” she echoed. Happen? Like a car wreck? “T, I know the Scoobs think I’m a whore, but I don’t really just hop into bed with anyone.” They had to meet at least a few requirements.

“I know that, sweetie.” Tara’s hand gripped Faith’s.

Trying to concentrate, Faith shook her head and pulled at the collar of her shirt. It was so hot in here. “They all know you brought me in here to fuck, don’t they?” Envisioning the smirk on Xander’s face and the sanctimonious look on Buffy’s had her grinding her teeth.

“Easy, sweetie.” Tara pulled on their joined hands, and Faith found herself lying almost entirely on top of the other girl. “They don’t matter. What’s going on between us…that’s all that matters.”

It wasn’t that easy. Faith stiffened. “Damn it, Blondie. Why you?” She meant to force Tara to tell her what was going on. Instead, the words came out almost a plea.

“We’re connected, Faith. From the healing.” Leaning up, Tara kissed her softly. “This will strengthen the bond so you and your Slayer can stay in control when you face Adam.”

As soon as Tara said the words, Faith felt the Slayer uncoil deep inside. She tensed, readying for a fight. She didn’t understand what Tara was saying. Bond or no bond, Faith vowed not to let the Slayer loose on Tara.

The invisible hands stopped the sensual caress, beginning a massage of the tight muscles at the back of her neck.

“Don’t worry, Faith. You won’t hurt me,” Tara murmured. “I’m not a threat. Trust me.”

Trust? Hell no. Faith tried to pull away. Tara’s tightened grip and the Slayer’s sudden refusal held her in place. “Talk, Blondie.” Starting to panic, Faith kept herself still, senses stretched to their limits. One wrong move by her Slayer, and she’d find a way – any way – to protect Tara.

“Your Slayer…all Slayers, probably, need a stabilizing influence. Someone who can help you keep the primal forces of the Slayer in check.” Tara locked her eyes onto Faith’s.

The tingle was back. Faith closed her eyes and shuddered.

Heart hammering, Faith heard Tara go on. “Think back to Willie’s. Buffy didn’t attack Willow like you thought she would.” Tara’s lips nibbled delicately on Faith’s neck while her hands worked on releasing her belt. “Buffy’s Slayer recognized Willow.”

Faith’s Slayer was pushing for more freedom. “So…” Faith tried to make sense of the explanation, ignoring her body and the Slayer. “You can help with the Slayer.”

“Yes.” Warm fingers undid the button on Faith’s jeans. The zipper hissed down.

The air seared her throat as Faith gasped. “Tara…how…” It was so hard to think. Sweat slicked her skin, beaded her upper lip. Why are we in bed together? she wanted to ask. It came out as, “Why this?”

“Why not?” Hands slipped under Faith’s shirt, unerringly heading for her breasts. “I mean, I guess I could strengthen the bond if we meditated together.” Tara rubbed her thumbs over and around Faith’s nipples. “Isn’t this more fun?”

***

“You…you think we should go check on them?” Buffy whispered in Willow’s ear. It had sounded good when Tara had made the offer. Now that she was alone with Faith, though, Buffy was regretting the whole thing. What if Faith hurt Tara?

“No.” Willow’s answer was firm. “Buffy, Tara said she’d be fine. Remember? They already have a bond from the healing.”

It helped a little. Buffy leaned her head against Willow’s shoulder and looked at Giles, Graham, and Xander clustered around a rough-drawn map of the Initiative base.

“There’s a tunnel entrance here.” Graham pointed to a spot at the edge of the campus.

“Sorry, guys,” Buffy joined in reluctantly. “If you’re talking about the sewer entrance, it’s blocked off now. There was a rockslide a few weeks ago. It’s covered in several feet of rocks.” If things hadn’t been so grim, she would have laughed at the three pairs of puppy dog eyes looking at her. “That leaves just the elevator access.”

Xander shook his head. “I hope you’re wrong, Buff.”

“Why?” Buffy looked at him in confusion. “It’s a way in. Isn’t that what we need?” She reached for Willow’s hand. “We go in; we find Adam and Riley; we kick their asses.”

He simply looked back at her, and Buffy wondered just when Xander had learned Giles’ patented disappointed grimace.

“OK, so if that’s not the plan, what is?” she mumbled sullenly.

“It’s not a bad plan, Buffy,” Xander rushed to reassure. “We just can’t go in like that. Think about it. Tiny little box. One door.”

When he put it like that…”I guess we could try to clear the sewer entrance.” Buffy remembered the seemingly endless pile of boulders she and Riley had discovered on patrol. “Two Slayers can move a lot of rock.”

“Can I ask a question?” Joyce asked from the island where she had mounds of sandwich makings laid out.

“Sure, Mom.” Right now, Buffy would even let Anya join in. They needed new ideas.

Joyce finished cutting the bread in front of her while the gang at the table watched and waited. “How did Professor Walsh get in and out of the Initiative?”

That was it? That was the big question? Buffy rolled her eyes. “Mom, the professor used the entrance through Lowell House. The elevator we can’t use.”

“Really?” There was an edge to Joyce’s voice, and Buffy winced. Her mother must have seen the eye roll. “Because I’m wondering how your professor managed to build a secret monster in her lab with no one the wiser. Wouldn’t there have been supplies and equipment she’d need that the rest of the troops couldn’t see?”

After a moment’s silence, Willow’s voice filled the room. “I don’t know about you guys, but I feel stupid.”

“I always feel that way, Will. This time…”Xander rubbed his neck. “Gotta say, this is worse than usual. Mrs. Summers, maybe I should make the sandwiches and you should be sitting here.”

Joyce chuckled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, honey. I think I’ll pass. Team Mom is enough for me.” Winking, she told him, “Just don’t forget that moms sometimes know more than just how to fold towels, OK?”

***

“Graham, are there blueprints to the base?” Willow jumped up, heading for the living room and her laptop before he could answer. They’d been so stupid and wasted so much time. Mind racing, she returned to the kitchen and set up her computer. “Well? Are there blueprints?”

“Probably.” At Willow’s glare, he said more firmly, “Yes. I just don’t know where we’d find them.”

Willow did. She was typing even before he fell silent.

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