fandomhigh | Friday Ethics Class #2, 8-10am

Tara looks excited, as students trickle in, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet.

"Okay, we've got a lot to get through today. Two announcements to start:

First, Teacher's Assistants have been chosen. I have a carrot - Major K! - and a stick - Angelus. If you're having trouble grasping a concept, talk to Major K!. He'll guide you through the thinking. If you think you've got a hold on it, talk to Angelus. He'll challenge your thinking, give you the opportunity to clarify your position.

Second, and related to the latter - this class is not an easy A. At some point in this course you will find yourself challenged and confronted. For many of you, that will be today. If you walk out of this classroom before class is over, and without checking it with me, I may be understandably upset. However, I recognise that if you get angry or upset, you may need some time alone, or away from the group. To that end, I present to you the ~~Emo Closet~~ Time Out Room." She walks to the back of the classroom and opens the door to what previously was a supply cabinet. Inside is what looks very much like a white padded room. "This room is soundproofed. You can cry, scream and punch things all you want, and I will not penalise you for leaving the class or the discussion. Major K! or I will come to check on anyone who goes to the ~~Emo Closet~~ Time Out Room, in case you need help or support. Feel free to tell us to leave you alone.

Now, we've got our first debate to hear, a discussion topic to... um, discuss, and your first out of class assignment. ~~Which you are going to kill, or at least seriously maim, me for giving you.~~

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Beka whirled to face Tara. "Is that what you think this is about? Pain?"

"I think it's about pain," Tara nods. "And anger. And fear."

"It's not about pain, Tara," Beka snarled. "I want a vampire to bite me. Remember?"

"It's about anger. It's about freedom. It's about fucking Logan Echolls and the grin on his face at the right to control Parker. And I fucking hate Parker. I like Logan. Seeing someone I like treat this like a big joke? That's what it's about. It's about learning things about people I wish I didn't know. And about wishing I could tell them it's not what they think. Because it's not. It's just not."

"I remember," Tara nods again, staying very, very still in the face of Beka's anger.

"But they still have their freedom. Parker and Logan have safewords. Parker can say no. She can 'run away'. She can refuse. Nothing can take that ability away from her, short of something possessing her and using her body as a puppet. And that's what this assignment is going to teach people. Not slavery, Beka. Free will. But you have to test it, to realise you have it."

Beka sighed, then, more exhausted than angry. "I know. That's why I'm here instead of the Principal's office. Thing is, Tara, I've seen it live. I'm afraid I'll make Buffy like it. I don't want her to."

She held out a hand to Tara. "Don't be afraid of me. I wouldn't ever hurt you."

Tara reached up to take her hand. "I know you wouldn't, Beka. And most people don't believe slaves can like it. They look at a slave, and assume that if the slave doesn't fight back or run away it's because they have no free will. They're just a puppet, a rag doll, an object. Being treated like an object doesn't make it so, Beka. And these students are never going to understand that, and get past their prejudices, without a little taste."

Beka helped Tara up. "I'm glad. I wouldn't. I hit walls or sparring partners. Not teachers. And not friends."

A look of desperation flashed across her face. "Some choose to like it. Because it's better than fighting or running. Be a Nietzschean concubine or spend your days hoping you don't get eaten by invading Magog?"

She ran a hand through her bangs and blew out a long sigh. "I get it. I get the point. I'll do what I can to help make it...." Tara's quiet acceptance drew her gaze back to her face. "Why did you pick me for Buffy?"

"Thank you, Beka." Tara replied sincerely, holding her gaze. "We do what we have to do to survive. Is it better to find a way to be happy about it? And do we have the right to criticise those who make that choice?"

With a wry smile, she turned her attention to Beka's question. "Buffy... Buffy's a friend of mine. She's a hero, old style. Puts her life on the line for people every day, but in many ways she's a slave to her own destiny. I wanted her as a slave for two reasons: first, because I wanted her to have a chance to let someone else be responsible; and second, because I wanted to remind her that slavery doesn't mean you lose yourself.

As for why I picked you? Buffy wouldn't let a man dominate her. And you're the only female I can think of who is strong enough, and compassionate enough to make her feel safe."

Beka sighed. "No. It's not wrong. It's hard not to resent them for taking the easy way out. For not fighting. But even when we fight we take our joy where we can get it."

So drained, she leaned against the padded wall, arms crossed over her chest. "You want Buffy to learn that she doesn't have to do it all, and that if she lets someone else care for her, it won't mean she isn't Buffy. Translation: you want me to get her over Angelus. There's an irony to that, you realize."

Slowly, Tara shakes her head. "No, Beka. This isn't about Angelus. This Buffy comes from an earlier timeline than the Buffy I knew, but my Buffy... she had to grow up so fast. Take on so many responsibilities. I just want to give her someone to take care of her. Even if it's only for sixteen hours."

"All right. I've been where she is. Fuck. I am who she is." Beka shook her head, and after a minute she began to laugh quietly. "Heroing again."

"Again," Tara agrees, a little sorrowfully. "But Buffy might let you help her. And I don't think you'd let anyone help you. Not in this way. Not after what you told me this morning."

"I have some friends I go to. ~~You may have met Cally.~~ ~~And Angelus's BFF.~~ They help me think clearer. The rest? No. ~~I like a good cuddle as much as the next girl, don't get me wrong.~~ But I'll do what I can for Buffy."

She lifted her chin and looked Tara in the eye. "Understand. I'm doing this for Buffy. Because you asked. And because I believe in the lesson. I will not tolerate Angelus or anyone else mocking her. "

"Understood," Tara replied, meeting Beka's eyes. "And thank you."

Beka nodded. "I would've come out, eventually. I would've done this. Because I'm stubborn that way, and proud. ~~I'd never let Angelus, Callisto, Bel, Phoebe, Chiana see me broken. Angry yes, broken no.~~ But thank you for telling me why."

Tara nods, accepting Beka's words. "Ready to face the music?"

"Give me a minute alone?"

"Of course." Tara leaves, and shuts the door quietly behind her, drawing a deep breath before returning to the class.

Friday Ethics Class #2, 8-10am

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