"I don't wear it on me. Besides, it's -- he's sent me a message, before. Through someone."

Derek, actually. Through Derek. And Buffy fidgeted at the memory. "The General's not interested in talking to anyone, I don't think. But I believe...and I've been told that if anyone's got a chance, it's me. It's not a chance I want to waste. What you can do, Katara. What you're capable of? It's...amazing. Spectacular. Not to mention the fact that you are, yourself, an impressive young woman."

This speech came with so many echoes of so many speeches given to young, fresh Slayers. Found around the world. And Buffy Summers sitting there, trying to sell her Organization to them. Sisterhood and World-saving.

"I would be happy. No. I would honoured to have you with us on this. Whatever it turns out to be. I won't lie to you. It's pretty much still at the drawing board stage, right now. I don't know if we should be trying to bribe him or coerce him into some kind of joint move against the Malnosso or maybe even just trade what I have for more information. But I want help. Other opinions. Other voices. Other people."

Because bandying these strategies alone, in her own brain, had been maddening.