The four friends discuss Buffy's behavior

Back at the motel where they'd rented rooms before heading to meet Buffy, Giles, Xander, Willow, and Kennedy sat around a small table in one of the rooms, looks of concern on their faces.

"Something is definitely going on here!" exclaimed Xander.

"Yes, well, I think that's clear" added Giles. "The question is, what, exactly, is happening. Willow?"

"I don't know Giles, I didn't sense any magic over at Buffy's, and as far as I can tell, there are no major spells in effect anywhere in Stepford. But, I haven't really scanned too deeply or cast any major detection spells or anything."

"Maybe she's been drugged" Kennedy chimed in. "I mean, Xander, wasn't your first reaction that she was stoned?"

"Yeah, something like that. But who could get to Buffy. I mean, she's The Slayer, right? No offense, Kennedy."

"None taken, this time. So, Giles, what's the plan?"

"Well, rushing in never seems to work. I think our best bet would be to observe Buffy - she did say she was getting married soon and that we're invited to the wedding, so our presence should not arouse suspicions."

"We should probably look around town and see if anything strange os going on."

"Good thinking, Wil. We can probably do some fo that tonight. I'd imagine you and Kennedy will want to go together, so I'll just hang with Giles here and see what we can come up with."

"Indeed, Xander, I, um, appreciate the offer of assistance. I'm sure that given what we've already dealt with this shouldn't be too difficult, but please, everyone be careful."

"No problem, Giles. Hey, Willow, why don't we head downtown tonight, I saw soem flyers for a club located there. Maybe taking a look at the nightlife can give us some idea about this town."

Everyone agreed to this course of action, and so Willow and Kennedy headed for the club, while Giles and Xander began doing what researcht hey could on Stepford's past and present conditions.