Great chapter as usual. Just a question though - wasn't quite sure how Angel fits the Machiavellian image you set for him.

Author's Response: Thank you. The Machiavellian definition I looked up went like this: using clever trickery, amoral methods, and expediency to achieve a desired goal So I thought it fit okay. Make sense? Glad you enjoyed and hope you continue to do so. BFN

Just to give you the thumbs up (liked it) because I read and reviewed before. :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the pretty thumbs, cordykitten. Always appreciated, pet.

Interesting chapter! Spike needs to stay with Buffy! I hope she can protect him from the upcoming evil.....

Author's Response: Thank you. I think we're all in agreement that Spike should stay with Buffy. You'll have to wait and see, though! *grins* Hope you keep enjoying. BFN

If this chapter was meant to be chilling and morose, you suceeded admirably. Is there going to be a ray of hope shown soon? Thank you for an engrossing update. Will be watching...

Author's Response: Hi, gaillee Yep, meant to be dark and angsty. Light is starting to peek over the horizon so hope the rays reach soon (another chapter or so shuold do it). Hope you continue to enjoy. BFN

The plot thickens. I hope Buffy can protect Spike from Angel.

Author's Response: Me too! In fact, I'm counting on it!

So let me get this stright - Angel is not angelus but was Spike's last master? He then returned him to the Initiative and sent someone to buy him again? And the Initiative is after the Watchers Council? What to try and control the Slayer line maybe? A lot happen in this chapter hope you can clear it up a bit in the next! Still love your story please write more soon! Thanks!

Author's Response: Right. Angelus was a customer at the establishment of Spike's last owner. He got him sent to the auction where Angel had intended to acquire him. Yep, Initiative is after control of Watcher's Council. Not telling you why! LOL Glad to know you're enjoying. Thanks for the review. BFN.

Why, that was a good one!? I intensely hope Angel gets his ass kicked severely by a healed and pissed off Spike when the occasion arrives. What with all the threads closing in, I´d prefer faster bonding between the heroes, that´s going to be important for survival.
Very dark set up, does it remain that way? I hope there will be some kind of silver stripe on the horizon, because this seems to be loaded with angst so far.

Author's Response: The cloud has a silver lining but I'm not sure how long it will be for the skies to clear. Thanks for reading and reviewing, sweetie. BFN.

I really like this fic and your style wth both Buffy and Spike in this. I'm dying for more updates on this.

A definate MUST READ fic and should be passed around to all my Spuffy friends

Author's Response: Thank you! Am so happy that you are enjoying so far. the next chappie is now up. BFN.

Really enjoyable update. The way you can make such a surreal situation seem so gritty and starkly realistic is very well done. I can also tell that while the overarching questions of 'what price dignity' and 'what (if indeed there is one) is the difference between being human and humane' will remain with me, I'll be following the very personal journeys of both Spike and Buffy throughout this piece. Looking forward to your next instalment. 8-)

Author's Response: Thank you, katakata! You wouldn't believe the hours I spend putting combinations of cause and effect together - and you saw it straight away. Dignity is something that I find our society values less and less (together with tolerance sometimes). And being human certainly doesn't mean that you are humane. Oh, don't worry, their jouyrneys are definitely gonna be personal too! I loved your review. Please read warning at start of next chapter though. BFN.

Spike's agitation and humiliation were well realized, and you did an excellent job getting them through the crisis of the cock ring with some dignity. Buffy's reaction to Spike's plight is well written, and is setting the stage in their new partnership.

Willow working on research in the background is already an interesting plot device. I'm interested in an explanation for government trained sex slaves, too. This was another taut, sharply written chapter.

Author's Response: Thank you! I have found, in life, that if you take away someone's dignity you are likely to have made yourself and enemy. Not something Buffy would want to do, especially in such a delicate situation. I felt sorry for her having to deal with it - but couldn't resist it either! Thanks for reviewing. Please read the warning at the beginning of the next chapter carefully. Bye, sweetie.

Just came across your fic and love it! Looking forward to more!

Author's Response: Thank you! Glad that you like and don't forget to read the warning next week. BFN.

I just found this story and am completely hooked. I can't wait to see where you are taking it. I love this 'nicer' version of Buffy. Looking forward to much more.

Author's Response: Thank you, Taylormaid! really good of you to review as well and I'm so glad you are liking - especially nicer Buffy! More next Monday but do read warning. BFN.

I wanted to read the chapter yesterday but I got sidetracked by "I know you" :) Reading here now. ~ Oh Willow can't withstand a challenge :) I'm sure she'll be able to find something hidden. ~ *grin* So Buffy didn't do her homework and got caught *g* Spike really had rough times.. it will take some time to accommodate again to be treated normal. Uh-huh.. Spike is having a nightmare it seems! Thanks for the new chapter :)

Author's Response: Haven't you read that before? It's one of my favourites "I Know You". I'm hoping that Willow can come up with some juicy info here - she'd better! Do read the warning at start of next chapter - don't want anyone offended unnecessarily. Thanks, as always, for your lovely review. Bye, sweetie. xxx