All the Buffy 'verse good guys behave with amazing recklessness for bystanders' safety, on occasion, but when the people doing so are a government agency (sworn to protect the populace and all that) it is unforgivable (as well as being a sign of really poor organisation *g*) That scene always bugged me. I needed to let Spike voice my frustration with it.

I'm glad you enjoyed Xander. I really enjoyed writing him in this chapter. You know the answer to your question, by now.

And thank you for pointing out that line. I was pleased with it too.