When Sunnydale's shores are invaded by an ancient, demonic threat from beneath the waves, and its citizens begin to undergo a horrible transformation, the Council of Watchers' response is immediate -- and unequivocal. Kill the creatures. Kill them all. But there are mysteries upon mysteries here, and Buffy is sure that the Council is hiding something. When she refuses to cooperate, the Council turns its attention southward, to another Slayer who may be more willing to execute their plans. That the Watchers Council can be both pragmatic and ruthless is not in doubt. The wetworks team they despatched first to capture and later to kill the errant Faith provides ample proof of that. But the assassination squad that should have taken Faith out failed to complete their assignment, leaving the rogue Slayer alive and apparently repentant in a Los Angeles jail. Desperate times require desperate measures. But is it wise of the Council to try to use her now?