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Title: Nautical Mile Summary: Mulder leaves William and Scully. November 11, 2001 The bow of the ship cuts like a sharpened knife into the steely blue water of the sea, slicing it into two waves of equal size peeling off into opposite directions. The great ship steams out of the harbor nearing the one-mile marker on its way out into the open sea. He stares intently at the marker. The distinct red and white buoy bobs up and down in the rough, white- caps. He has seen that marker many times before. As a boy, his father would take him on deep sea fishing trips out of this same harbor, an adventure for "just the boys." And every time they would leave the harbor, his father would point out that very same buoy and tell him how it marked off a nautical mile. Then, his father would explain to him the difference between a land mile and a nautical mile. It's funny, but until seeing this buoy again, Mulder had never given any thought to the story, not even since his father's death. Standing at the railing of the ship's bow, he leans on his elbows, allowing the wind to whip at his face. He continues his squinted stare at the marker and wistfully recalls these times with his father as some of the best they ever had. These fishing trips were joyful. His father talked to him about the world, and he talked to his father. Upon returning from their special voyages, he felt such a strong connection that would endure for months, a father to his only son. Of course, these trips occurred were before his sister, Samantha, was taken. After her disappearance, there would be no more fishing trips for Mulder and his father. His father would tell him no more stories of the world. And Mulder would never again feel connected with his father in that special way. And ever since his sister's disappearance, Mulder has never felt at home on a boat without consuming large amounts of Dramamine. He would be okay as long as he can keep his eye on the horizon. A tear of nostalgia forms in his eye, stinging from the force of the wind. He struggles to keep his eyes open, watching as the distance widens between the ship and the marker. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out his sunglasses and places them on his face. They bring his eyes immediate relief. His thoughts immediately return to the one-mile marker, and he watches it move further and further away. The ship must now be at least one and a quarter nautical miles away from shore. The growing distance causes his thoughts to turn to himself. He is leaving Scully and his own son. He must leave William in order to protect him. He doesn't want to leave, but he must. And as hard as it was to do, Scully helped him leave. There is a horrible emptiness deep in his gut. He is abandoning his family. But he is also doing what he has to do to protect his family. Isn't that what a father is supposed to do? In essence, isn't that what his own father did? Bill Mulder didn't physically leave his family, but he emotionally abandoned them. Bill Mulder would never speak of the night his sister disappeared, suspending the wounds in time so that they would never be allowed to heal. However now, standing on this boat, Mulder can't help but feel that history is somehow repeating itself. He is standing in his father's shoes. Being forced to make a choice. In a flash of resolution, he is finally able to understand his father. The reason his father never spoke of that night again was to protect his family. A warm feeling peace spreads within him. While he will never agree with his father's methods, at least he can now respect his motive. And for the first time, Fox Mulder is finally able to forgive his father, and the forgiveness feels good. But will William ever be able to forgive him? At this moment on this ship, he vows to do things differently than his father. He swears he will return for William and Scully and reunite their family. And he swears his will take his son on many a fishing trip out of this harbor, a father and his only son. He will show William that one-mile marker and explain the difference between a land mile and a nautical mile. They will talk and solve the world's problems, and Scully will come along, too. And he will tell William stories of his namesake and the sacrifices his Grandfather Mulder made to protect his family. ~fin~ |
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Title: First Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile." Scully's Apartment Dana Scully glances at the clock across the room. Red, digital numerals flash 6:45 p.m. The clock tells her she has only 15 minutes in which to finish William's bath. It's such a pity to rush because bath time is one of her favorite times of the day to share with her baby. Smiling as she looks down at his face, she supports his head as he lies in the basin of warm water. The look of contentment on his face tells her that this is one of his favorite times of the day, too. Concentrating on the task at hand, she rinses his small body. Then, she scoops him up in a warm, hooded towel. "Sweetheart, I promise we'll have more tub time tomorrow," she coos as she kisses the top of his damp, terry cloth covered head and carries him to her bedroom. Placing him on the changing table, she continues to talk to him as she towels him dry. "Let's get you into some warm pajamas," she says as she diapers him and puts on his blue sleeper. Again, she glances at the clock on the nightstand near her bed to see how she's doing. 6:52 p.m. She fastens the last snaps on his sleeper and reaches into a drawer below the table and pulls out a fresh, clean blanket. Wrapping William in the soft sheet of fleece, she picks him up and walks back toward the living room. He smells of fresh baby soap. "Are you hungry?" she asks him, already knowing the answer to her question. William is always hungry, and she is glad because her breasts feel full and tender. She sits down into the rocking chair. With William in one arm, she reaches underneath her blouse and frees her breast. She offers it to William, who gratefully accepts by latching onto her nipple. She readjusts her arm to a more comfortable position and slowly begins to rock the chair, as she watches her son eat. His little cheeks work hard to express his dinner, giving her tender breast immediate relief. She loves the way he looks up into her eyes while he's feeding. Never before has she experienced such a feeling of complete and unconditional love. She only wishes Mulder could be here with her to experience it, too. The clock now reads exactly 7:00 p.m., and the phone rings. She reaches for the phone on the table to her right with her free hand. "Hello," she answers into the receiver. "Hi. I'm here just like I said I would be," Mulder announces. "How are my two most favorite people in the world?" He is standing, huddled inside a phone booth at a transit station. "We're doing fine," she answers with a look of contentment on her face. "Now that we hear your voice," she finishes her thought. "Your son is here eating his dinner," she reports, still looking down into William's wide eyes. "I can hear him," Mulder laughs at his son's little suckling noises coming through the receiver. "Sounds as if he's still eating like there's no tomorrow." "Oh, yes," Scully says softly, rubbing a finger against the softness of William's cheek. "He must get his healthy appetite from you," Mulder jokes. "I don't know about that. I think he's a breast man just like his father," she retorts. "I certainly hope so," he replies with an even bigger smile on his face. Changing the subject, Mulder asks in all seriousness, "I take it that I've not come up missing?" "No, not yet," she answers. "So far, I've been able to stall off any questions." But she doesn't know how much longer she will be able to do it, and her voice conveys her fear. She knows the calls from Mulder will cease once his disappearance becomes known. It will be too dangerous for them to maintain contact. She dreads the arrival of that day and knows it is coming closer. "Who's asking questions?" he wants to know. "Skinner and John Doggett," she answers. "What about Kersh?" he continues. "Luckily, I haven't seen Kersh this week," she replies. "He's had to keep a low profile since, well, you know." Scully is referring to the X File investigation into Kersh's activities. She is becoming nervous at the possibility that someone could be listening in on her conversation, and Mulder immediately picks up on her concern. "Did you call the exterminators?" he asks, referring to the Lone Gunmen's routine sweep of her apartment for bugs. "Yes," she responds somewhat relieved at his gentle reminder that it is unlikely her phone is bugged. "They do an excellent job." "Can you give me some idea of where you are?" she asks, believing that she already knows the answer to her question. "You know I can't do that," he answers with sadness in his voice. "I'm afraid you would change your mind and come looking for me. And I'm even more afraid I wouldn't try and stop you." He pauses for emphasis. "We both know that is impossible at this time." A long silence between them is deafening. "This is so hard," she finally breaks in. "I mean, I just got you back," she admits to him, as well as to herself. "Will you at least tell me if you are alright?" she pleads, hoping he is able to give her some information. "After my Yankees lost the pennant, I'm in mourning," he sounds even sadder. "And I hope you and William are, too. After all, we are a Yankees household, right?" "Right, we are very blue, aren't we William?" she answers trying her best to keep the conversation light. If she doesn't, she's afraid she will start to cry. She needs to be strong for Mulder. She has William, Mulder is alone. She switches the babe over to her other breast. "Be serious for just a moment. Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm okay," he answers. "I was a little green behind the gills for a couple of days, but I'm fine now." Scully immediately catches the reference to his propensity to seasickness. He must have been at sea for a couple of days. And he made a point to mention the Yankees. Perhaps he took a boat to New York. At least that is what she chooses to believe, as she needs to have a picture of him in her mind. "Are you okay, Scully?" he echoes her question back to her, his voice filled with such tenderness. "I miss you," she answers softly, rocking William as his eyelids slowly lower until he is fast asleep. "Me, too," he answers without missing a beat. "Do you think we made the right decision?" she asks, continuing to rock William very slowly. "I think we made the only decision we could," he answers reassuringly. "He's safe, and that is all that matters." After a pause, she asks, "When will I hear from you, again?" She can feel their time together slipping away. For some reason, she believes it may be easier if she is the one to end the call. Perhaps it would make her feel that she is in control of something that is so much out of her control. "How about tomorrow? Same time?" he answers her question with a more questions. "Let's make it half an hour later, okay?" she asks, remembering the promise she made to their slumbering son. "I wouldn't want to miss your call." "Sure. Half an hour later it is," Mulder responds. "Give William a kiss from his old man." "I will," she reassures him. He continues, "I'm counting the days until I can kiss you again. I love you." "I love you," she responds. And she quietly disconnects the call. She continues to rock her sleeping baby for another moment, as her eyes fill with tears. Having to keep her feelings to herself was harder than she thought. Knowing they are doing the right thing doesn't make the separation from Mulder any easier. If felt good to be able to release her tears of sadness. After a while, she stands up from the rocker and carries William to her bedroom. Rather than put him in his crib, she bolsters Mulder's side of her bed with cushions and lays William down. Then, she climbs into bed with him and cuddles him close. Tonight, she simply doesn't want to sleep alone. ~fin~ |
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Title: Second Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile" and "First Contact," in that order. Scully's Apartment Tonight, Dana Scully is better prepared. She arrived home early, has already eaten dinner, and even had time to clear away the dishes. William had his bath a short time ago and is now nursing before he goes down for the night. She softly hums "All The Pretty Ponies" to her son, keeping time to the music with the rocking of her chair. "Babe of mine," she says softly to her son. "You are the only one in the whole world who appreciates my limited musical talents." Her heart swells, "It must be love." She returns to humming the refrain. Right on schedule, the phone rings. "Hello," she answers. "Hi. It's your favorite pizza man," Mulder announces. This time, he is calling from a payphone outside of a convenience store. "You are NOT my favorite pizza man," she corrects him. "But you are, indeed, my favorite man." "Better be careful. You wouldn't want the OTHER man in your life to hear you," he quips. "If you're talking about the exterminator, it's all clear," she declares lightly. "Actually, I was referring to our son, but I'm glad to hear it's all clear," he responds. "William is here with me now, feeding. He already knows I'm in love with him," she says, gazing into her son's eyes. "I'm in love with him, too," Mulder concurs. "How is he doing?" "He is such a good baby, aren't you?" she smiles at him as he continues to feed. "He's happy and healthy and beautiful. We are truly blessed." "I'm twice blessed," Mulder confesses. "Because you are as wonderful and beautiful as he is." After a short pause, he continues, "How was your day?" "It was fine. I spent some time preparing to teach my classes at Quantico today," she begins. "I must be getting older because the students are looking younger and younger as the years go by." Changing the tempo of the conversation, she continues, "I discovered something today I want to share with you. You are somewhat of a folk hero among some of the trainees. There are actually some that are intrigued with the paranormal. I was to surprised to find that I am highly regarded because I was the long-standing partner of the folk hero." "Wow," Mulder utters. "A folk hero, huh? I always thought I was a legend only in my own mind," he chuckles. "I'm telling you this because you should be flattered," she explains. "You never thought anyone was paying attention to your work, but some were. And you are the reason some of these young men and women joined the Bureau." "Hey, don't blame me for that," he deadpans, making it clear he no longer holds the Bureau in high esteem. "These young people are fresh and idealistic, like we were when we were at the Academy. Can you remember how exciting it was to be a young Agent?" she offers. "You mean before I became old and jaded?" he retorts shifting his weight onto his other foot. "You're not old," she informs him. "And yes," she pauses for emphasis. "Before you became jaded." "I don't think you understand. I didn't become jaded," he explains. "I've always been like this. Keep expectations low, and you'll never be disappointed. That's my philosophy." "But if you follow that philosophy, can you ever truly be happy?" she asks. "I'm happy when I'm with you," he answers in self- defense. "I'm always happy when I'm with you. You are my better half," he murmurs, bringing the receiver closer to his mouth. "I don't know if I'm your better half, but I know what you mean. I feel the same way about you," she shares. "I miss you so much." She pauses to collect her thoughts before continuing on. "I don't know how much longer I'm willing to be away from you." Mulder swallows hard past the lump in his throat. "We decided that I need to throw them off base, to find out what they know in order to protect our son," he explains his reasons again. "In order to do that, I need to be on my own. It's too dangerous for you and William to be with me, now." "It's no good this way. Can't you see that?" she implores. "When you were returned from your abduction, you promised me you would never leave me again." "But you agreed that I should leave," he interrupts her, sounding a bit exasperated. "Well, I've discovered that I can't go through with it. I don't want to be separated from you ever again," she pleads. "I need for you to keep your promise to me." Leaning against the booth, Mulder grabs his forehead with his hand. In an even tone, he begins, "We've been over and over this. I will not ever let them to do you and to William what they did to me. You don't understand. It can never be allowed to happen because you couldn't survive it," he is adamant in his conviction. In a monotone, he continues, "The thought of them doing their tests on an infant? I can't even go there and neither can you." "Then, we don't let them. Look," Scully replies calmly, gently rocking a dozing William. "I don't want to argue with you. I'm merely suggesting that there has to be another way to find out what we need to know and still be able to protect our child, without having to be apart." She swallows hard, "We all belong together." "Mulder, please," she begs, afraid of what he will say next. "I'm not telling you how I feel so that I can be punished by receiving no contact from you. Your motivation to protect the baby and me is admirable. It is flawless and pure. But I don't agree with your methods. You've got to believe there is a better way!" There. She has done it again. Diffused his misplaced passion. Short-circuited his fury with heartfelt logic. And tears pool in his eyes as he stands alone in the dark deserted parking lot. "I can't think of a better way at this moment, but I'll make you a deal. If you can, I'm all ears," he offers. "I want to believe there is a way I can be with you and the baby. But it's no good for me if your lives are in danger." Very tenderly, Scully says, "I share your desire to protect our son at all costs. But for me, my life is incomplete without you by my side. And your son needs you, too." Tears form in her eyes, as well. "You once told me that I make you a whole person," she says, swallowing down a sob. "Well, you make me a whole person, too. I can't do this alone." "I didn't intend to be away from you and William for very long," he whispers. "It's already been too long," she replies. "It's already been almost all of his life." Her last remark hit him blindside, and it takes a moment for him to gather his thoughts. "You said it last night, Scully. This is so hard," he says taking in a deep breath and shaking his head. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. To walk away from you and my child... that is not who I am. It's what my father would have done," his voice is trembling. "And this is obviously very hard for you, too." "You're not your father," she reminds him. "In the past, you protected me by running away. But you can't do that anymore because things have changed." He knows she is speaking the truth. She is speaking from her heart. "William has changed everything, Mulder. He needs us as much as we need him. He needs both of us." A silence permeates the airwaves. "Mulder, please come home," she pleads, continuing to rock her sleeping baby. "I don't know if that's a good idea. But maybe there is a way for you and William to join me," he concedes. Once he says the words, a great weight feels as if it has been lifted from his chest. "That is, if you can leave." "I will do anything, go anywhere to be with you," she quietly sobs. And a smile comes across her face. "Okay. Let me make some arrangements, and I will call you again tomorrow night," he says. "I love you," she sobs. "And I love you," he replies. "Good night." "Good night," she whispers, and she disconnects the call. She brings her sleeping son up to her neck and holds him tight, gently kissing him on the side of his head. She closes her eyes and takes in a deep, cleansing breath of relief. And she gently rocks the chair back and forth, into the night. ~fin~ |
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Title: Third Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile," "First Contact," and "Second Contact" in that order. Scully's Apartment The day has been an endless one. Anxiety is not a typical feeling to be found in Dana Scully's emotional repertoire, but she has been anxious ever since she hung up the telephone last night. On the one hand, she is almost giddy at the prospect of being reunited with Mulder. But on the other, she is frightened that he will change his mind, that he will somehow convince himself that his presence is an unacceptable threat to her life and to the life of their son, under any circumstances. Torn, she doesn't know what to believe. She still can't understand why the aliens didn't want William. And yet, he has already exhibited signs of evolution beyond the human species. Mulder had been the one to point it out. William never cries because he has no need to. She always knows what her baby needs. So does Mulder. And after days of arguing, Mulder was finally able to convince that this of knowing what his needs goes far beyond a mother's intuition. Mulder is certain that it is a form of telephathy. She truly is torn. And she fears that if she is torn, then so is Mulder. She prays that he will decide to work through their fears together, but he had been so adamant on the phone. She tries to prepare herself for anything and has already put William down for the night. At precisely 7:30 p.m., the phone rings. "Hello," she answers. "Hi," Mulder responds. "I'm going to ask you right off the bat. Did the Exterminators come today?" "Yes. They left about an hour ago," she responds. "We're clear of any infestation." "Good. I've been thinking a lot since we spoke last night," he begins. Tonight, he is standing at a payphone in a train station. Scully takes in a deep breath to steel herself for what he is about to say. "I want you to think long and hard. If you come to me, you'll be going underground. You know what that means," he speaks slowly for emphasis. "I don't know when you will be able to contact your family." "I have thought about this. I've thought of nothing else for days," she interrupts him. "You and the baby are my family now. And my mom will understand. After all, she was a Navy wife." A little smile reaches the corner of Mulder's mouth, and he takes in a deep breath. "Then okay. We'll need help to pull this off, so I contacted Walter." Mulder is not about to use Skinner's full name over the phone, even if the bug sweep did turn up nothing. "He's already in so much trouble that he was more than willing to help arrange passage for you and the baby. You will be hearing from him soon. He will also come up with something to throw off any questions which may come about." Scully lets out a big sigh. "Thank you. I know how hard this decision was for you to make. But you made the right one." "It feels right," he responds. "I need to ask you to do one thing for me," he adds. "Anything," she answers. "I don't want you to tell ANYONE about our plans." He pauses, not looking forward to saying what he needs to say. "I'm talking specifically about John." "Why would you say that," Scully is very surprised at his request. "Because you trust him, but I don't," he answers. There, he had finally said it. "I do trust him," she protests. "He's never been anything less than straight up." "I know you think I just don't like the guy," Mulder tries to explain. "But that's truly not the case. The fact is, while you went underground with Monica to have the baby, it became apparent just how infiltrated the Bureau is with these transformer- like, mutant Agents. And John was in contact with them." "If you're talking about Knowle, I already know about him," she answers. "John was set up." "Maybe he was and maybe he wasn't, but I'm not going to take any chances," he insists. "You've got to promise me you won't say anything. Walter already knows how I feel and promised to do the same." He pauses and then continues. "If you can't promise to do this for me, then the deal is off. I will not put you and the baby in any more jeopardy." Without hesitation, she assures him, "Yes, I promise." At that moment, there is a light knock at the door. "Hold on," she says. "There's someone at the door." She walks over and looks through the peephole. It is Skinner. She opens the door. "Please. Come in," she says, ushering him into her living room. "I'm on the phone with Mulder." "Mulder. Walter is here," she announces. "Okay," he answers. "I'll let him take it from here. And I'll see you and William very soon. I love you." "I love you, too," she answers and disconnects the call. Turning her attention to Skinner, she asks, "Would you like to sit down?" He nods in the affirmative and follows her to the sofa. Reaching into his inside jacket pocket, he pulls out an envelope. "I have train tickets and transfers for you and William. Your final destination is Montreal," he explains. "Well, I was close," she smiles. "I pictured him somewhere on the East Coast." "There are also passports, credit cards, cash, and other identification for the two of you." He hands her another, thicker envelope. "Katherine and Max Luder, Jr.," she reads from the passports. "We're from New Mexico. Roswell, I suppose? Is this Mulder's idea of a joke?" "Well." Skinner grins. "This is from the same man who gave you the names of Rob and Laura Petrie the last time you went undercover. At least you have the comfort of knowing that he never changes." She nods in agreement. "I know I don't have to ask you this, but you know better than the average citizen what going underground entails." His eyes become very thin. "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, with a baby and all?" Thoughtfully, she puts her hands together in front of her and looks up into his eyes. "I thank you so much for your friendship and your concern. But I have given this a lot of thought. I've tried being separated from Mulder. But after his return from being abducted, it doesn't work. We need to be together. Our son needs to have his parents together." "I understand," Skinner nods. "And I will do anything in my power to help you and Mulder and the baby. I'd be happy to get word to your mother as to your safety. You know, I can't tell her your whereabouts and neither can you." "Yes, I know," she has a forlorn look on her face. "Please explain to her why I couldn't say goodbye." "I will," he shakes his head in agreement. "Well, I'd better let you pack. I will be here at 5:00 a.m. sharp to pick you up. Don't worry about your apartment. I'll take care of it while you're away." And he offers her a steady, fatherly hand on her shoulder. She places her hand on top of his and gives it an acknowledging squeeze. "I don't know what we would do without you, Sir," her eyes glisten with tears. "We all owe you so much, already." Skinner returns the squeeze to her hand and says, "And I owe you and Mulder so much that the debt can never be repaid." He composes himself and deliberately changes the subject, "I'll see you early tomorrow morning." And he walks toward the front door. "Good night, Sir," she says. "Good night, Scully." She locks the door behind him, and quickly gathers her thoughts. She needs to pack and get a little sleep before William wakes for his 3 a.m. feeding. This has been a long day, and it will be an even longer night. However, just the thought of being reunited with Mulder energizes her will and her strengthens her spirit. ~fin~ |
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Title: Fourth Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to Nautical Mile, First Contact, Second Contact, and Third Contact, in that order. "Contact" was never meant to be a series, but was gladly made so by reader requests. November 16, 2001 The window is frosted with condensation from the cool, autumn air. Staring through the hazy glass, the passing autumn countryside is picturesque this time of the year in the Northeast. Dana Scully has been looking out the window for quite some time and her senses have been overly saturated with the hues of red and gold. After awhile, her mind drifts to thoughts of Mulder, and the plan that was instantly put into action for reunification. Skinner had safely delivered her and William to Boston this morning at the South train station, and she and William are well on their way to the next connection in Vermont. The constant vibration of the train cars rolling over the tracks has lulled William to sleep in the infant seat next to her. With one hand place lightly on her sleeping son, she continues staring out the window and thinks about this morning. The 8-hour drive with Skinner was, for the most part, quiet and deliberate. But there was one part of their conversation she will never forget. "I am to be your only contact, until you reach Mulder. Mulder was adamant about this, and I believe his instincts are correct. If you need ANYTHING, contact me, here." And he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a piece of paper with a telephone number scrawled on it. "Is that understood?" Taking the piece of paper from him, she nodded her head, yes. "And if you'll reach inside the glove compartment, there is a clean cell phone for you to use," he pointed to the glove box. "You are risking so much by helping us, Sir," she said with such warmth. I don't know how to thank you for what you're doing." "Thanks isn't necessary," he replies, aware of the tight time schedule yet keeping the speed of the car just under the limit. "I'm already in so deep, the risk is minimal, I can assure you." "Yes, but you're 'in so deep' because of us," she counters. "Mulder and I both know that." "This is far bigger than any of us," he replies. "None of us stands a chance without Mulder. And Mulder doesn't stand a chance without you." "And neither Mulder, nor I... nor William, stands a chance without you," she says, gently placing her hand on his shoulder so as not to startle him. "I know you don't need gratitude, but I need to make mine known. Please accept it." "I will," he conceded graciously, always touched by her sentiments. Then, a moment later, he chuckled under his breath. "Mulder told me pretty much the same thing. I think you two have been partners too long. You're starting to sound like one another." "Yes," she smiled. "Spooky, isn't it?" she laughs. Her consciousness fades back to the present. Having been on the road for some 14 hours, she is both tired and restless. She leans her head against the window and lets the vibration on her head lull her into a quiet state of mind. She allows her mind to drift to thoughts of Mulder. Since their acknowledgment of the truth, the truth about William... the truth about themselves, the protective wall she had steeled around her for so many years collapsed, much like the falling of the Berlin Wall. They should all be together by tomorrow, and her body reacts to the anticipation. She aches for him, longs for his touch and his warm presence. So integrated is he into her mind, body, and soul that the ridiculousness of his journey without her and William now seems so apparent. Indulging herself a dreamy thought of lying in bed next to Mulder, holding each other, all wrapped up in one another's arms and legs... the wonderful thought is interrupted by the announcement that the train is quickly nearing her destination in Vermont. "Just one more connection into Montreal, and then on to the city of Quebec," she tells herself. She begins to gather her things and looks over at William, who is still sleeping. Within minutes, the train arrives, and she enters the station to locate her next connection. Once she reaches the platform, she discovers her train to Montreal has been delayed, so she decides to wait in the coffee shop and have something to drink. Scully enters the shop and takes a seat at a booth, placing William's infant seat next her. But as she turns her head, something catches her attention out of the corner of her eye. There, sitting at the counter, is a man. "Oh, my God," she tells herself, looking at the man more intensely. "It can't be." So, she takes a harder look, and sitting at the counter, talking to the waitress is Alex Kryeck! She quickly turns her head away, picks up William, and quietly slips out of the coffee shop. As she turns the corner out the door, the baby begins to cry. "No, not now sweetie. Not now!" she pleads in a whisper to her son. Thinking very quickly and walking just as fast, she finds her way to a deserted train platform and secretes herself in a corner. Scully takes a seat on the ground and puts a crying William to her breast. The baby is immediately quieted upon taking his nourishment. And with one hand, she fumbles in her bag for the cell phone and the piece of paper Skinner had given her. Finding them, she nimbly punches in the number. "Yes," Skinner answers the phone. "Sir?" she begins, trying to keep her voice down. "I've run into a situation." "What's wrong," he asks, taking his queue from the tone of her voice. "Your not going to believe this," she pauses for a second. "But Alex Krycek is here!" "What?" Skinner responds in disbelief? "He's dead. I know that better than anyone." "I know, but it's true!" she espouses. "I saw him with my own eyes." "Or it could be someone who looks like Krycek. But it doesn't sound good." He pauses for a moment and then, continues. "I'm coming back up there," he announces. "And here is what I want you to do." Scully listens very intently to his every word. Then, she disconnects the phone call and disconnects William from her breast. He immediately begins to cry, so places his pacifier in his mouth. "Sorry, honey," she whispers to her baby. "We'll finish dinner soon. But I need to get us out of here." With William in tow, she makes her way from the platform to the front of the station, looking all the while to see if Krycek is following her. The adrenaline is pumping through her veins as she hails a cab. Hiding behind the side of the cab that is furthest away from the station, she climbs in the back seat of the cab with William and gives the driver instruction. They are then whisked away into the night. ~fin~ |
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Title: Fifth Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to Fourth Contact and a prequel to Sixth Contact. St. Albans, Vermont Right on schedule, William stirs and whimpers to signal to his mother that it's time for his 6 a.m. feeding. Dana Scully brings her infant son into her bed and nurses him in the light of dawn. She had feared the impromptu journey with a newborn would be a difficult one, but William has been an angel. And she shows her heartfelt gratitude to her son by giving him soft kisses on the top of his head. In the middle of one of these kisses, her cell phone rings, and she reaches over and unplugs it from the re-charger. "Hello," she answers. "Hi," Mulder speaks. "I received word that you encountered a situation." "Yes," she responds, happy to hear from him. "There's been a change in plans." She speaks very carefully, but her voice contains obvious disappointment. "Yes, there has. I, too, am very disappointed," he admits to her. "But the important thing is for you to arrive safely." "How's my son?" he asks. "Traveling with him has got to be difficult." "He's an absolute angel," she responds, gazing back into her son's eyes. "The perfect traveling companion," she embellishes. "I can't talk long this time, but I needed to hear your voice," he says. "Me, too," she responds. "I'm glad you called." "Can't wait to see you," he regrets having to end the call. "Be safe. And remember," he pauses. "I love you." "I love you," she echoes. "Bye." And she disconnects the call. By 7:30, Scully manages to feed and dress William. Then, she takes a quick shower, repacks their belongings, and orders some breakfast from room service. While she is eating her meal, there is a light wrap at her door. She looks out the peephole and sees that it is Skinner. Upon opening the door, she says, "Come in. Thank you for coming." "I got here as quickly as I could," he says as he sits a black travel bag on the floor. Then, he proceeds to takes off his coat and joins her at the table. "There were a few loose ends to take care of in D.C." "What kind of loose ends?" Then, changing the subject in midstream, she asks, "Would you like some coffee?" as she pours herself a cup. "Yes, please, I'd love some," he answers. Taking a warm cup from her, he continues. "John Doggett was asking lots of questions, as usual. He asks about you and wants to know why you haven't returned his calls. I told him you and the baby went to spend some time with your mother." "I know Mulder doesn't trust Agent Doggett," she confides. "But I don't feel that way. He's never given me a reason not to trust him." "Nor I," Skinner concurs. "But I think that Mulder is coming from the point of view that Doggett doesn't appreciate his theories on extra-terrestrials. You know they don't see eye to eye. And Mulder feels his resistance to the theory may put your life in danger. He just doesn't want to take any chances." Skinner pauses for a moment and looks up at Scully. "I can't blame Mulder for not wanting to take any chances. At any rate, John Doggett is the least of our problems right now." "Krycek?" she answers an unasked question. "Yes," he agrees. "I killed Alex Krycek. Mulder was a witness. What you saw yesterday was either an alien clone or a replicant. But either way, we've got trouble." "Or you killed an alien clone or a replicant," she suggests. "An autopsy was never performed on Krycek's body. It disappeared before that could happen." "Yes, this definitely puts a new light on my situation," Skinner agrees. He continues, "Mulder and I talked last night after you called. We decided to completely change plans. I'm going to drive you and the baby to Mulder." And he reaches down for the bag he brought with him. "I took the liberty of bringing you a wig. Your red hair is far too distinguishing a feature. How would you like to be a blonde?" he asks, handing her the wig. "I was blonde as a child," she looks at the shoulder length style of the wig. And she goes into the bathroom to put it on. After a few minutes, she comes back out. Skinner is amazed at the transformation. She looks like a different person. "Are you all packed?" he asks. "We need to get going, as we have another long drive ahead of us." "Yes," she responds. "I'll take the bags," he suggests. "You go and get William." In fewer than five minutes, the car is packed and they are ready to go. Skinner drives the rental car out of the parking lot and onto the main road. But unbeknownst to Walter Skinner, he had been followed to the motel by Alex Krycek, who had been sitting in a car in the parking lot, waiting for them to leave. Krycek follows their car up the Interstate. ~fin~ |
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Title: Sixth Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile" and my evolving Contact Series. Somewhere on the Interstate Dana Scully crouches down in the backseat of the rental car, discreetly nursing her infant son. A.D. Skinner has been driving all day, allowing time for only the briefest of stops. They have a lot of ground to cover in so little time. Unbeknownst to them, Alex Krycek continues to tail them on their journey. At one point earlier in the day, Krycek almost lost his targets but managed to catch up with them on the Interstate. The sun is beginning to set in the Western sky. Glancing in his rear view mirror, he sees that Scully is dozing. She can certainly use the rest. Skinner increases the speed on the speed control, and after driving another 100 miles, he decides to stop for the night. He pulls into a small motel, just inside the Canadian border. Scully and William remain sleeping in the backseat of the car while Skinner walks into the rental office to register for two adjacent rooms. He returns to the car with a packet under his arm, and when he takes the driver's seat and closes the car door, the sound jars Scully awake. "Where are we?" she mumbles, disoriented from sleep. "We're going to stay here for the night," he replies. "Did we make it into Canada?" she asks. "We're just inside the border, less than a mile. We'll make it to Quebec City some time tomorrow," he reassures his Agent and friend. Krycek, parked in a parking lot across the street, observes Skinner drive the car to the far end of the motel parking lot. Then, he continues to watch as Skinner unlocks room number 7 for a blonde Scully and her baby. Carrying two dark bags, Skinner follows them into their room, closing the door behind him. Once inside, Skinner places the bags near the closet and reaches inside his jacket, pulling out a thick overnight envelope. He opens the envelope and empties the contents into his hand. "The Gunmen sent you a passport with another picture. You're now officially a blonde, Mrs. Luder," Skinner hands her the passport. Reaching deeper into the envelope, he pulls out a smaller box and a letter-size envelope. "And here's something to make the change a little more permanent," he continues, handing her a box of L'Oreal hair color. Scully smiles. "They think of everything, don't they?" Skinner quickly opens the letter and begins to read it to himself. Then, he chuckles. "Frohike says that it's a good thing you're not near him. He says he doesn't think his heart could take seeing his ultimate fantasy... a blonde Dana Scully." Walter Skinner cracks a smile. Scully rolls her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief. She is, however, flattered. Melvin has always been such an admirer. Skinner continues to read from the letter, "Langly picked out a hair color that most closely matches his." Scully smirks. "I'm sure Mulder will be thrilled to find out that I am a Langly look-a-like." She waits a moment while Skinner reads on, and she asks, "Does he say anything else?" With a sudden somber look on his face he answers, "Yes. He says that John Doggett is hanging around them and asking lots of questions. It seems that my absence is making his inquiries more intense." Scully returns the somber look. She so strongly disagrees with Mulder's insistence on keeping Agents Doggett and Reyes in the dark. But Mulder is vehement in his distrust of Agent Doggett. She wonders how much of it is resentment rather than distrust, now that John has the X-Files. Then, reading on, Skinner chuckles again. "It seems you have some competition with Frohike. He says he doesn't mind Doggett hanging around because it means he gets to see more of the 'soulful' Agent Reyes." "That's okay," Scully smiles. "I happily bequeath my Goddess of the Gunmen status to Monica." She turns her attention to a sleeping William, lying bolstered with pillows on the bed. She feels so distant from the Gunmen's sophomoric follies. She's a new mother, separated from the man she loves, and on the run for her life and the life of her child. Taking a deep breath, she decides her life is now so damn serious and that she might do well to appreciate their light-hearted fun. It does feel good to laugh. She thinks of Mulder... he can always make her laugh. "That's all they have to say," he says as he folds the sheets of paper and stuff them back into the envelope. Taking the short wig off her head, she asks, "Would you mind watching William for awhile? I think I would like to color my hair tonight. This wig is hot and itchy." "I'd be glad to," he answers. "Let me take my bag into my room, and I will be back for the baby." Krycek, still seated in his car, watches as Skinner leave Scully's room and unlocks the door to room number eight, next to Scully's room. Several hours pass. Skinner has gone to his room and turned in for the night. A fresh, light blonde Scully gives William a bath, feeds him, and puts him to bed. She lies down in the bed beside her sleeping baby, when her cell phone rings. "Hello?" she answers. "Hi," Mulder replies. "How are you, Katherine?" She is caught slightly off guard and thinks she had better get used to her new name. "I'm fine. A little tired tonight, but fine. And you?" "I'll be a lot better when you're with me. How far did you get today?" Mulder is calling from a phone booth in the back of a coffee shop. "We made good progress. We should arrive in Quebec City tomorrow." "I'll be here waiting for your arrival. How is little Max?" "He's just perfect. A perfect little angel," she proudly reports. "But you knew that." "He gets that from you. I KNOW he doesn't get it from me," Mulder quips. Changing the tone of the conversation, she asks, "Can I talk to you about something?" "Sure," he answers. "Anything." "We've learned that John is doing a lot of poking around. He knows something's up," she carefully begins. "I spent a lot of time working with him while you were gone. You don't know him as well as I do. He's a thorough investigator, almost as thorough as someone else I know. He may very well put us in more danger by not knowing what is going on. I strongly believe you should rethink your insistence on not telling him what is going on." After a silent pause, he asks, "Why can't this guy just mind his own damn business?" She chuckles, silently under her breath, "Why? That never stopped you." "Are you comparing me to him? Because if you are, we are nothing alike," he strongly protests. "When it comes to asking questions and not stopping until the answers are found, you two are more alike than you know," she suggests. "The word I would use to describe each of you in search of answers is 'unrelenting.' I'd rather have that kind of power working for us rather than against us, wouldn't you?" "Power?" he asks with surprise at her word choice. "Yes," she reiterates. "You two are both so driven during an investigation, forces to be reckoned with . . . an intense power." "You can be pretty intense on a case," he tries to deflect her line of thinking. "Hmmmmm," she contemplates his statement. "I'm a serious investigator, but not like you. You live, eat, sleep, and breathe a case that you really want to solve. John does the same thing. I'm warning you, we will not be able to shake him loose. I'm only suggesting that you, of all people, should be able to understand that. He would do anything for us. So would Monica." Mulder thinks to himself that John Doggett would do anything for Scully. There is a brief silence on the phone. "Can I ask you something else?" she cautiously continues. "Well, that depends on what it is. Are we going to keep talking about John?" he painfully asks. "Why are you so resentful of him? It's not like you," she insists. "Well," Mulder hesitates. "Honestly," he hesitates some more. "He has my job, and he has about six months of my life," he hesitates yet again. "Six months of your life? I don't understand," she coaxes him to continue. He finally just comes out and says it. "He has six months of my life... with you. With you when you were carrying our son. That time should have been ours, some of the most precious time of our lives. And it's gone. I know he was there for you. And," he swallows hard. "And I wasn't." Scully's heart breaks for him. He understandably carries residual damage from his abduction, the doubts and insecurities, the feelings of loss. She knows these feelings all too well. She, too, carries the internal scars from her abduction. "You know I don't feel that way about you. Can you just accept what I have to say?" she asks. "I always respect what you have to say," Mulder says rather humbly. "How about I agree to consider what you've said tonight? I mean, I'll seriously think about it." "That's good," she says, satisfied that she made some inroad into his rigid thinking. And she thinks it is strange because Mulder's thinking is never rigid, except when it comes to John. If she didn't know better, she might think he is jealous of John, for other reason. And then the thought occurs to her that maybe he is. Not because they had been physically intimate. Mulder knows better than that. But they had begun to get close, as partners do. And rather easily too, unlike her partnership with Mulder. It had taken years and years of building up and tearing down walls for she and Mulder to let one another in. And even longer for them to stay emotionally close, as their partnership had been plagued with fits and starts. It had been just as much her fault, as it was Mulder's. But when both their walls finally collapsed, they fell together so hard that they vowed that they would never be apart again. "Well, I should let you get some rest," he changes the subject. "I can't wait to see you and little Max." "We can't wait to see you, either," she replies. "I'll call you as soon as we get into town." "I love you," he pauses and continues, "Katherine." She smiles. Determined to let him know that her heart belongs only to him, she asks him, "Do you want to know something?" "What?" he asks. "I love you... only you," she declares. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" A broad smile comes across his face. "Yes, I understand," he says softly. "I feel the same way about you." He reaches down the opening of his shirt and claps the cross Scully had given him before he left in between his fingers. Savoring this moment between them he reluctantly adds, "Good night." "Good night," Scully echoes, shutting her phone to the off position. Krycek has checked into room number six, next to hers. Standing next to the common wall with listening equipment, he had heard every word of her conversation with Mulder. And thanks to Scully's slip, he has learned they are headed for Quebec City to reunite with Fox Mulder. ~fin~ |
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Title: Seventh Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile" and my evolving Contact Series. En route to Quebec City "Please leave a message at the tone." Dana Scully listens impatiently to the digital female voice through her receiver. "It's me. I'm just checking in. Call me." She disconnects her cell phone and looks at A.D. Skinner from the passenger seat. He can tell by the look on her face that she is anxious to be reunited with Mulder. "He's probably in the shower," Skinner offers in a reassuring tone. "Yes, you're probably right," she smiles. "I guess it shows that I'm a little nervous about our reunion." "I'm surprised to hear that," he replies. "You two have known each other for so long." "But a lot has happened in the last year," she sighs, looking back at William who sits in his infant seat behind her. "I mean, we've not had time to process everything." She pauses. "We need time together; we need a lot of time." Skinner puts a strong hand on her arm. His touch is calming. "If it helps at all, I know one thing. Mulder loves you. He always has. You two have been through so much together. You belong together." She smiles and leans back into her seat. "Exactly," she sighs. About An 1 And 1/2 Hours Later "Please leave a message at the tone." The mechanical voice is irritating to Scully's ear. "We're almost there. Give me a call," she speaks into the receiver. She disconnects the phone and says to Skinner, "Okay, now, I'm worried." "Me, too," he agrees. "I don't care what Mulder says, I want you to call Doggett and Reyes... now." Without hesitation, she dials John Doggett's number and proceeds to tell him everything. Au Petit Hotel 3 "Yesterday, Mulder gave me the address of this hotel as our meeting place," Skinner says as he parks the car across the street. "You wait here," Skinner advises. "I'm going inside. You wait here with the baby until I know everything is clear." She nods her head and Skinner exits the vehicle. Scully anxiously watches him, as he walks into the lobby. Then, just at that moment, the back car door sings opens. In a split second, Alex Krycek is sitting in the back seat next to William with a gun drawn to the back of Scully's head. She looks at him out of the corner of her eye with a look of utter horror on her face. "Surprised to see me?" he asks. "What are you doing here?" she answers his question with one of her own. She can hear that William is beginning to fuss. "I was told you were dead!" "Well, obviously, I'm very much alive," he responds. "I'm going to take you to see Mulder," he adds. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says indignantly. Krycek reaches into his pocket, pulling out a piece of jewelry. He suspends from his fingers a silver cross on a long chain and brings it into her line of vision. "Do you recognize this?" he asks. "You gave this to him, didn't you?" The look of horror on Scully's face turns to one of sheer anger. "Where is he?" she demands to know the answer to her question. "He's alive. But if you don't cooperate with me, he won't be for much longer," Krycek answers. "I'll take you to him," Krycek repeats, as he motions her out of the car. "Go get your baby." She runs around to the car to William and scoops him up out of the car seat. Meanwhile, Krycek is collecting the bags out of the back seat of the car. "Let's take my car," he says and points to another car with the barrel of his gun. "How do I know it's you?" she asks, walking in front of him. "I mean, you were dead," she insists. "That wasn't me," he explains. "It was a replicant." "I don't believe you!" she snarls at him, turning around to see if she can find Skinner. "How do I know that you're not a replicant?" "You have no choice but to believe me. I have Mulder," he returns the snarl. "And if you're waiting for Skinner... Well, let's just say he's been sent on a wild goose chase," Krycek smirks. "Now, let's go," he orders, again motioning her to get into his car. Within moments, they speed away from the hotel. Adrenaline pumps though Scully's veins, as she sits in the passenger seat next to her nemesis. Holding William oh so close, she fears for her life and the life of her baby... and for Mulder. She prays that he is okay. "How did you find us?" she asks. "You didn't think the blonde get up would throw me off for long did you?" he laughs. "So, that was you in Boston! How did you find out where I was going?" she wants to know. "You told me everything," he smiles. "I've been following you. I needed to find Mulder, and the fastest way to find Mulder is to follow you." "Where are you taking us? Why?" she asks. "You are all in danger," he responds with his steely eyes still focused on the road. "We are all in danger. Everything will soon become all too apparent." "You're not going to try and convince me again of an alien invasion?" she asks. "We've all but proven that the military is producing super soldiers, not extraterrestrial life!" "As much as Mulder and I don't see eye to eye, at least we can agree on the same reality," he states, matter-of-factly. "You, on the other hand, remain a skeptic. Your refusal to accept the obvious truth will not serve you well in the future. I guess you need to see it to believe it. And so you shall." She gives him a hard stare. "Why do you think the military is producing super soldiers?" he glares intensely back at her. "Our military is producing the soldiers to fight the aliens. The super soldiers are immune to the alien virus!" "And how do I know that you are not an alien or a replicant?" she asks. "I assure you that I am as human as you are," he responds. Storage Facility Krycek parks the car in a dark alley behind a storage facility that appears to be abandoned. "Out of the car," he orders. He must have sensed her terror, because he immediately adds, "I'm taking you to Mulder." With William held tightly in her arms, she leads the way to a door at the rear of the building. Krycek opens the door and directs her inside. He flips a switch and turns on the lights. It takes a moment for Scully's eyes to adjust to the harsh light in the large warehouse. Then, in the corner of the room, she sees a form on the floor. "Oh, my God," she says to herself. She sees Mulder, lying on his side on the stark, concrete flooring. Holding William close to her with both hands, she runs to Mulder's side. Rolling him over onto his back, she finds that he has been beaten to a pulp. "You bastard!" she yells at Krycek, her voice echoing through the large empty space. "He didn't give me much of a choice," Kryeck shouts back. "He tried to kill me." She reaches down to feel the side of his neck for a pulse and is relieved to find one. He is breathing; he's alive. "Mulder?" she calls to him, but there is no response. She opens one eyelid and then, the other. "His left pupil is dilated; his pulse is weak. He needs immediate medical attention!" she announces, frightened to find him in this condition. "I know. That's why I brought you to him," he coldly responds. "You're a doctor, aren't you? Fix him." "He needs to be x-rayed. He may even need surgery. He could have a skull fracture or internal bleeding," she says, as she continues to examine him with one hand. "He needs to be in a hospital." "No hospital. Do the best you can with him, okay?" Krycek insists. "Would you like me to hold the baby so that you can take care of him?" She whips her head around, locking her eyes with his. "If you EVER touch a hair on this baby's head, I will kill you with my bare hands, do you understand me?" "Yes, I believe you would," he swallows, nodding his head in the affirmative. "You're damn right I will," she responds back, and then turns her attention back to Mulder. "I'm going to get a few things, but I won't be far, so don't try anything," he warns her. "Do you need anything?" "I need my medical bag from the car," she responds. "And some blankets. Lots of them." "He's so cold," she says softly, brushing his hair away from his face. Soon after Krycek walks out of the room, she hears him pull the door shut and lock it behind him. With one hand, she opens the diaper bag and pulls out another baby blanket for William. She wraps it around him and props him up against her bags, up off the cold concrete flooring. With both of her hands now free, she places them along each side of Mulder's face. He's grown a beard. "Mulder," she whispers. "Can you hear me? Please?" Mulder begins to mumble something incoherently, as his head slightly stirs. But his eyes still remain closed. He is bleeding from a cut on his left temple, and his entire left cheek is bruised and swollen. Blood trickles from the corner of his mouth. Scully carefully opens his mouth to take a closer look and finds from the odd way it opens, his jaw is probably broken. But she is relieved to find that the blood is coming from a cut on the inside of Mulder's left cheek. Within a few moments, Krycek returns with her bag, blankets, and some other things. She immediately grabs two of the blankets from him and spreads them onto the ground next to Mulder. "I'm almost certain he's in shock. Help me get him off this cold floor," she orders. Together, they lift his limp body onto the blankets. It is at this time, she notices Mulder's left arm flopping at a funny angle. "Damn!" she says under her breath. "His shoulder appears to be dislocated. What the hell did you do to him?" "I told you. He was trying to kill me," he glares up at Scully. "I was trying to get him to cooperate. He put up quite a fight." As angry as she is, she knows she needs to keep herself in check. She needs cooperation from this son of a bitch if she is to help Mulder. "We need to manipulate the arm back into the shoulder socket," she says. "I suppose we should do it while he's out." Grabbing another blanket, she takes it in her hands at a diagonal and twirls it around and around until it becomes a long piece of material. "It will be easier to do this if he's in a sitting position. Let's get him up," she says. Together, they push Mulder into a sitting position. His head slumps forward. Scully takes the rolled blanket around his upper torso, near the shoulder level. "Keep holding him up," she instructs Krycek. Feeling the protruding bone with her hands, she takes the ends of the blanket around to his back, at just the right angle. And she gives it one sharp pull. Then, she goes back to inspect the dislocation. "Damn," she says. "I'm not strong enough to put his arm back in place." She looks at Kryceck. "You're going to have to do it." He gives her a look indicating he doesn't want to. "Look, you dislocated his arm. You're going to help me put it back into place," she informs him. "Let's trade places." She goes around and sits at Mulder's left side, supporting his limp body. "Take the ends of the blanket at the same angle where I was standing," she instructs him. He does as he is told. "A little more over this way," she directs him a little more to the left, as she adjusts the make shift strap over his injured arm. "Now, on the count of three, give it one, hard pull," she instructs him. "One, two, three!" Krycek yanks the blanket hard, and Scully can feel Mulder's shoulder pop back into place. "Okay," she nods. "I think we did it. Of course, I won't know for sure until he comes to." Removing the wrapped blanket from around his torso, she says, "Come over here and hold him up. I need to make a sling so that he doesn't re-injure the arm." Again, Krycek does as he is told. He holds Mulder upright while Scully stabilizes his arm with the blanket. Once she is finished, they gently lie Mulder back down. "I brought you something to eat and drink," Krycek breaks the silence. "I know you new mothers need to keep up your strength." "Do you honestly think I would ever take anything offered by you?" she glares at him. "It's not poisoned. Here, I'll show you," he says as he unwraps a sandwich and takes a bite. He then hands the remainder to her, along with a sealed bottle of water. "You don't understand, do you?" he asks, still chewing. "The Rebellion needs you three alive, especially the baby. And the baby needs you; so, eat." "Needs us three? Then, why did you try and kill Mulder?" she asks. "Like I said," he responds. "He didn't leave me much choice." "Mulder needs to be in a hospital tonight," she warns. "His pulse is thready. He's in shock and needs the kind of care I can't provide for him here." "Sorry, no hospital. It's too dangerous," he replies firmly. Scully and Krycek sit on the floor in silence next to Mulder and William. He waits there until she finally eats the sandwich and drinks the contents of bottled water. "I'll show you where the lavatories are. You should get ready for the night," he says, standing up. Scully picks up William and follows Krycek to the restroom. He waits for Scully and the baby outside in a hallway and walks them back to where Mulder is lying. He is carrying more blankets and two thick down quilts. Tossing them on the ground near Mulder's body, he tells her, "I will be very close by. So, don't try anything. Get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." And he walks away, turning out the light behind him. As soon as Krycek leaves the room, she checks on Mulder again. There has been no change. His skin is very cool and his pulse is weak but steady. She covers him with one of the down quilts. Then, she brings a cooing William to her breast and feeds him, all the while gently stroking the right side of Mulder's face. After a time, she switches William to her other breast. After he's finished feeding, she then changes his diapers, bundles him in a warm bunting, and snuggles him next to his father. Then, she reaches into her medical bag and takes out some antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. In the dim light, provided by the moon through windows near the top of the building, she cleans the deep cut on Mulder's face as best she can, and applies the ointment. Then, she closes her eyes, and she prays. Knowing she's done all she can for him, she next arranges the extra bedding next to Mulder's right side and cuddles up to his long, still body with William in between them. She covers herself with the other down quilt and kisses the top of her baby's head. Then, she leans over and gently kisses Mulder's bearded cheek, offering her body to him for warmth. "We're here," she whispers in his ear. "We've come such a long way to be with you again. You've got to come back to us." The trip to Canada has been a long one. She tries to stay awake, but soon the welcome presence of Mulder and their baby next to her body beckons her to sleep. In The Middle Of The Night Scully is awakened to find that Mulder is convulsing next to her. She quickly grabs William, and places him out of harm's way, away from his thrashing father. The seizure is a violent one. She holds him down in an attempt to keep him from re-injuring his arm. Finally, the seizure subsides. She believes it lasted about two minutes, although it seemed much longer. A few minutes later, he starts to convulse again. The second seizure doesn't last as long as the first, but it is just as violent. In the next two hours, Mulder suffers four more seizures, each one of slightly lesser duration. Scully is becoming more and more concerned. Seizures of this magnitude suggest that the brain has sustained some damage or bleeding. Tears begin to form in her eyes as she reviews the medical possibilities in her head. None of them are positive. Thankfully, an hour passes with no additional seizures. She and William snuggle close to Mulder's side as she closes her eyes and continues to pray for the man she loves. 6:00 a.m. Mulder stirs and opens his eyes, surprised to find he is lying in a strange place, next to a blonde Scully and his infant son. "Scully?" he asks quietly so as not to wake the baby. She opens her eyes, only to find Mulder sitting up over her. "Scully, where are we?" he asks, looking down at her with a look of confusion on his face. "Mulder," she cries extemporaneously. "You need to lie still." And she gently guides him back down to a lying position. Stroking his hair, she asks, "What is the last thing you remember?" "I was supposed to meet you at the hotel, and then, Krycek," he drifts off into thought. "Yes, Krycek," she urges him to continue. Reverting to doctor mode, she looks closely at Mulder's face and is astounded to find that the bruising and swelling are gone. The deep cut on his temple is completely healed! "Mulder, listen to me," she says gently. "You were in serious condition last night. You have a concussion and suffered violent seizures. You were in shock, your shoulder is dislocated, and I believe your jaw is broken," she looks at him with her eyes wide in disbelief. He moves his arms. "What are you talking about? My arms are fine." He looks into her eyes, confused by what she is saying. "My jaw is fine." She sits up and looks into his eyes. "Your left pupil is... uh, was dilated," she stumbles over her own words, as she stares into his left pupil. "Oh, my God. Your pupils are normal!" She catches herself in her enthusiasm. Mulder obviously doesn't remember anything she is telling him, not at all surprising to her considering he's suffered a head injury. "I'm so happy you're okay," she tries to explain herself. "But how? I know what I saw last," she says. She mirrors the look of confusion on his face. At that moment, Krycek walks into the room. "Yes, you know what you saw. And I am your witness because I saw it, too," he bellows to Scully from across the room. "Krycek!" Mulder scrambles to his feet. "I'm going to kill you!" Krycek instantly pulls a gun on Mulder. "Sit down, Mulder. I'm really getting tired of you!" Krycek admonishes his long time adversary. At the sight of the gun pointed near Scully and the baby, Mulder immediately begins to back down. "Agent Scully," Krycek shouts sharply, his voice echoing through the room. "Last night, Mulder was circling the drain. Don't you find it strange that he is somehow miraculously healed?" She doesn't answer. Both she and Mulder continue to stare at him. "And now that you have seen it with your own eyes, in your most rational, skeptical mind, just how do you think it occurred?" He smiles. ~fin~ |
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Title: Eighth Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile" and my evolving Contact Series. Quebec City Airport Walter Skinner impatiently glances at his watch for the third time in fifteen minutes. Thoughts of the past 24 hours fill his head as he stares off in space. How could he have left Scully and the baby alone in the car, out in the open, unprotected? She and Mulder had trusted him to protect their child, and he had clearly breached that trust. He hadn't been able to sleep a wink all night, as his waking thoughts remain focused on finding them. How could he have failed them, again? He had lost Mulder when he was abducted in Oregon, and he was nearly consumed by the guilt. Even after Mulder was returned, it did not come without a high price to his dear friends and confidants. He can't believe that it could happen again to Mulder, to Scully, and... he can barely form the thought... to the baby. He stands near the gait with tears glistening in his eyes, waiting for the flight from Kennedy to arrive. This strong, stoic form of a man feels like crumbling inside. Finally, the plane taxis to the gate, and the passengers begin to de-board. The commotion of the arrival startles Skinner to his senses, and he quickly pulls himself together. Agents Doggett and Reyes walk into the terminal, travel bags in hand, and immediately spot the Assistant Director. "Do you have any further news?" Doggett asks the A.D. upon approaching him. "No, I'm afraid not," Skinner grimaces, shaking his head in the negative. "Have you reconsidered bringing in local law enforcement?" Reyes asks as gingerly as possible. Skinner swallows hard to clear his tightening throat. "I really don't want to do that. Not now." The three FBI Agents begin the long walk toward the terminal exit. "May I ask, why not?" Reyes gently persists. "Because there's something I didn't tell you on the phone," he answers and stops walking so that he can speak directly. Looking the Agents directly in the eye, he continues with a dramatic pause, "Alex Krycek is involved with the disappearance of all three." "Krycek?" Doggett asks with astonishment. "Yes," he replies in quiet tones. "Dana saw him at the train station en route to Canada." "But Krycek is dead," Reyes utters. "We all know that." "It may not be Krycek. It could be a replicant," Skinner explains. "A super soldier," Doggett adds. "Yes," Skinner slowly shakes his head. The three stand there in silence for a moment, until Skinner begins to walk again, toward the terminal exit. Finally, Reyes breaks the silence. "Where do we start? I mean, do we have anything to go on?" "Back at the hotel," Skinner dryly replies. "Where Mulder was supposed to meet us, yesterday." He pauses and then, continues, "I wasn't able to find anything last night, but we've got to start somewhere. It's the last place all three were seen." And the Agents exit the airport terminal as the automatic doors close behind them. Storage Facility Dana Scully leans her tired body up against the cold concrete wall, nursing William. Fox Mulder is leaning next to her, holding her in his arms. "That was decent of Krycek to give you some privacy," Mulder says sarcastically under his breath. He reaches over and gently stokes the hair on his son's head. "Oh, Mulder," Scully answers, as she looks into his eyes. "I can't believe we're all here, together. And that you're okay." Her voice begins to quiver, as she is having a hard time keeping her composure. "I thought I was going to lose you... again." Mulder is very aware that they are stealing precious moments alone and responds by gently taking her hand in his. "I'm here, Scully," he reassures, as he gently lays a kiss on the side of her face. "And I promise... I'm okay." Sensing Krycek will be returning soon, he quickly changes the subject. "Do you have your cell phone?" "No," she responds. "He took it from me when he brought us here." "Why do you want her phone?" Krycek's voice echoes from the other side of the room. "Do you need to call someone?" Scully quickly covers herself and William with a blanket. As Krycek walks closer to them, he continues, "I've been thinking about calling someone, myself. And I think I will." He pulls out Scully's cell phone from his pocket and scrolls through her previous calls. Then, he waits while the phone rings. "Skinner?" he speaks intensely into the phone. "You do know who this is, don't you?" Krycek sneers. He is toying with the Assistant Director, enjoying this moment of playing a ghost from the A.D's past. Mulder and Scully hold onto one another and the baby who is softly cooing in his parent's arms. Why is Krycek calling Skinner? What does he have up his sleeve now? They are left to imagine Skinner's response, as they can only hear one side of the conversation. "Oh, I can assure you, it's me. I'm very much alive," Krycek pauses to listen to Skinner. "They're all fine," he responds. "And they will remain so, as long as you do exactly what I tell you. Understand?" Then, Alex Krycek proceeds to give Skinner directions to the storage facility. "You come alone," Krycek reiterates his precise demands. "Or I guarantee you that one of these three will die." And he shuts the phone off. Glaring at Mulder and Scully, he offers on this. "There is something I want the Assistant Director to see." Near the storage facility Agents Doggett and Reyes follow A.D. Skinner's rental car to a parking lot just 100 yards north of the location given by Krycek. Upon parking, they exit their respective vehicles for one last meeting. "Let's test this mike one last time," Doggett requests. "It's working just fine," he reports after a couple of rapid tests. "Okay," Skinner begins. "You'll be able to hear what's going on inside the facility, but you won't be able to communicate with me... at least not until we can overpower Krycek. It is for that reason that you two need to stay back, unless you hear shots fired or I call you in for any other reason." He looks both of them in the eyes. "Are we clear?" "Yes," they both nod. "Alright, then I'm going in." And the A.D. gets back into his car and drives the remaining distance to the facility. Skinner parks his car near the exit described by Krycek. He walks up to the door and pounds on it with the back of his fist, four sharp raps as instructed. Instantly, the door opens. Skinner is grabbed by the arm of his trench coat and yanked inside. "It's so nice of you to come," Krycek whispers in his ear. He whips Skinner into a choke-hold and has a gun pointed to his head. Then, he turns him around and tells him to put his hands on the wall and pats him down, looking for a weapon. "Very good, Skinner. You did it just like I told you," Krycek grins. "Now, I'm sure there are some people you would love to see." And he motions to Skinner with his gun to enter into a larger room. Upon entering, he immediately spies Mulder, Scully, and the baby in the corner. Relieved to see them all alive, Skinner asks, "Are you alright?" "Yeah, we're fine," Mulder nods as they all stare intently at one another. "Okay, enough of the reunion," Krycek announces from behind Skinner. He motions for the man to walk over to his friends. As soon as Skinner slowly seats himself on the other side of Scully, Krycek begins his oratory. "You may be wondering why I called this meeting. I need to show you something. You all need to witness something, simultaneously," he pauses. "Only then will each of recognize the magnitude of the cause." He switches tone, "But first, allow me to review." He reaches down and rolls up the sleeve to his LEFT arm. "You all know, I lost my arm in Tunguska. It's a documented fact. But as you can see, it has been miraculously restored." The three hostages look closely at this arm as Krycek wiggles his fingers. It looks completely normal. "I don't believe you're Krycek," Mulder says with fire in his eyes. "I watched you die." "It's true," Krycek answers back. "Skinner shot me. But I didn't die," he pauses for emphasis. "I was healed, my life was restored to me." The three look at him in utter disbelief. Krycek chuckles. "I knew you wouldn't believe me, but I assure you that I am Alex Krycek." Then, he looks over at Mulder and Scully. Off Scully, he says, "Suppose you tell the Assistant Director about the condition in which you found Mulder yesterday." Scully takes in a deep breath. "Yesterday, when William and I arrived, I found Mulder here, unconscious and in serious condition," she says as she points to the floor next to her. "He had been severely beaten and suffered fractures to his skull and his jaw. His shoulder was dislocated, and he was in shock. Although I can't prove it, I believe his brain was hemorrhaging because his blood pressure was low and his left pupil was dilated." She swallows, and continues, "He also had a huge gash on his temple and multiple bruises about the face and on his upper body. At one point in the middle of the night, he began to have grand mal seizures, clusters of them, indicating massive brain damage." Skinner looks at Mulder who appears to be in perfect physical health. He studies his face. There is not a mark on him! Scully continues, "When he woke this morning, he had no memory of the previous day and was in perfect condition, as we see him now." Mulder looks at Scully in awe. He is finding it hard to believe that Scully would play into Krycek's mind games, but Scully stands firm. Krycek is amused. "How does it feel to be the only one who believes?" he asks Scully. "These other two don't believe your magnificent tale, but I do because I witnessed it, too. Mulder was miraculously healed this morning, just as I was healed." "Scully," Mulder says in a low tone. "Maybe you were drugged." Scully flashes a look at Krycek. "Maybe I was. You did insist that I eat that sandwich!" "I did NOT drug you, Agent Scully. But then, why would you believe me? It's easier not to believe in the miracle. This is why I have you all together, now. I'm going to prove to you the miracle of healing. You are all together, you are all drug free," Krycek sounds most convincing. "I have wracked my brain trying to figure out a way to show you that I am on your side. No tricks. You will witness the miracle, together. If we are all to survive, you must believe! You must believe in the miracle, as I do." And with that, Krycek brings the barrel of the gun to his left thigh and fires! ~fin~ |
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Title: Ninth Contact Summary: This story is post-S8, and a sequel to "Nautical Mile" and my evolving Contact Series. Storage Facility "Scully," Mulder pauses and wraps his other arm around Scully's shoulder to steel her for what he is about to say. "It's not me. It's William!" Scully's jaw drops, as the amazement on her face is mirrored in Mulder's. "What are you talking about?" Doggett asks Mulder. "You expect me to believe your kid is responsible for healing Krycek?" "And me," Mulder adds. "But how?" Skinner asks. After everything Krycek has done to Skinner, he just can't bring himself to believe him. Mulder takes in a deep breath while holding his son close to his chest. "Like Jonathan Smith. He has the ability to heal. Have you noticed he never cries or is in distress? He may fuss a little, but this baby has never really cries. He is perfect." "How can that be? He's the child of two mortal parents?" Reyes joins in the discussion, although she suddenly recalls conversations with Scully about how she noticed some strange things about her baby... little things, but strange nevertheless. And William is a remarkably GOOD baby. "Mulder," Krycek calls out. "I knew you would figure it out, eventually. Since your abduction, you too have acquired the power to heal, although not at William's level. As your son, he has evolved far beyond your abilities to the Christ level of healing. And that is why he is both wanted and feared by the alien rebels. He has the ability to heal those who are on the side of right. And that is the ultimate threat to those who are on the side of wrong." "You? On the side of right?" Mulder mocks. "Then, why were you saved? There is nothing right or noble about you, Krycek!" "That is where you are mistaken. I am on the side of right. I always have been. I was inducted into the Resistance just as you were, Mulder," Krycek tries to explain. "No, you are a self serving son of bitch! You killed my father, and you are responsible for the death of Scully's sister!" Mulder does not mince words. "I was a double agent. It was my job to feed information back to the Resistance. I did not kill your father, Mulder. I protected you. The night your father died, they had followed you into your father's house. They were there to kill you! It was the same with Scully's sister." He takes a deep breath. "Yes. It was Scully who was supposed to be killed. Both Bill Mulder and Scully's sister were sacrificed for the cause. It was either them or you," he stares at Mulder and Scully. "No one has the right to decide who should live and who should die," Mulder sneers. "It wasn't their decision," he answers. "The men who killed your father and Scully's sister were only following orders." "Following orders from whom?" Scully wants to know. Skinner interjects with an insight of his own, "From C.B. Spender." Krycek nods his head. "That's right. And I made sure that son of bitch would never again be able to fuel the alien contest for possession of our planet. I killed the Smoking Man." "So, what's your plan now, Krycek?" Skinner asks in disdain. "You want us to believe that William is the Christ child. Then, what?" "No, he's not the Christ child, but he has evolved to the Christ state," Krycek tries to explain. "The entire human race is destined to evolve to the Christ state of consciousness. He is the first." "And they can't allow this evolution to happen," Reyes surmises. "If what Krycek says is true, they can't fight an enemy who won't die." "To defeat us, they've tried to evolve to this healing state, but haven't succeeded. They've tried cloning, introducing human and other species of alien DNA into their own species, and genetically engineering super soldiers... who they can make to resemble anyone they choose. The cyber fighters are their latest attempt to be invincible. " John Doggett is shaking his head. "You know, I've come a long way since joining The X-Files. I've witnessed the existence of super soldiers, first hand. I now believe our government is involved. But I'm sorry. I still can't buy this alien crap." "You don't have to," Scully says as a matter of fact. "But you cannot deny that my son is in danger. You have never been able to give me a plausible reason why." "Because they're afraid of him," Reyes extemporaneously adds. "Yes, they are," Krycek nods his head. "William can stop their mission to dominate the human race, plus they want what they don't have. They have no choice but to experiment on him and destroy him. And they will further experiment on and destroy both of you, too," he continues while looking directly and Scully and Mulder, "because you are an equal threat to their cause." Mulder and Scully do not understand. Krycek answers their silent question. "The two of you can create more children who possess this extraordinary power." More of the missing pieces to the puzzle are falling into place, and it shows on their faces. "Are you really going to trust what this maniac has to say?" Skinner asks the two in utter disbelief. Krycek interrupts by saying to the group, "Take all the time you need to sort this out." He then walks away to another far corner of the room. Mulder moves to the center of the group. He holds his sleeping son and gently strokes along the baby's soft cheek with his finger. He's always felt he has a kind of telepathy with his son, but he thought it was natural. Maybe it is something more. And something is telling him that Krycek is telling the truth, this time. Could it be he is receiving this confirmation from his son? Mulder raises his eyes to meet A.D. Skinner and flatly says, "I believe him." "How can you say that, Mulder? After everything he's done to you and Scully? And to Skinner?" Doggett comes to the A.D.'s defense. "I didn't say I trust him. I said I believe him," Mulder clarifies. "There's a difference." "I'm having a hard time believing that we are some kind of a Holy Trinity, but I do know we are a threat to an alien race and are in constant danger. I don't think we have any choice but to trust him," Scully adds. "I know this sounds insane, but in order to survive, I also believe Krycek must join forces with us." Skinner and Doggett look at Scully as if she's lost her mind. "Krycek could have killed me or kidnapped me before I gave birth," Scully reminds her friends. "And he didn't." She pauses. "Why?" "Because you're necessary," Reyes answers. "He needs you for something." Skinner looks at Scully. "How do you know he's not trying to win our trust, so he can use us for his own agenda?" "Right now, if his agenda is to stay alive, then I'm with him," Scully answers, to the surprise of all, except Mulder. After a time, Krycek approaches the group. "You want us to trust you," Mulder begins, "but you have our weapons. You threaten us with our own weapons." "Which are useless, don't you see?" Krycek responds. "We can't die." And Krycek hands the guns back to Skinner, Doggett, and Reyes. "We can't die," Krycek continues. "But we must make certain that they do." Epilogue The unlikely ally of Alex Krycek joins Mulder and Scully on their long sojourn to protect their son and the planet, with Skinner, Reyes, and Doggett rounding out their small, self- formed unit. Aliens have infiltrated Earth's general population, and their presence is now commonplace, as reported on all the world's news wires. Not even John Doggett would dare to deny their existence. Over the past several weeks, outbreaks of mutant strains of the alien retro virus have occurred on every continent. The world's governments and militaries have all been infiltrated by the alien agenda. Mulder and Scully contacted the Lone Gunmen, as well as Scully's family and that of Albert Hostein. The next phase of their mission is to reunite all their loved ones at a nearby Canadian destination. Each trusted member of the party has been given a code phrase that must be given to Skinner upon arrival. "Trust in William" Once they group is all assembled, the next stop will be Iceland, as it is where a massive alien craft reportedly lies dormant underneath the ice. Mulder and Skinner have commandeered an ice-cutting vessel to make the seaward journey. Once in Iceland, it is their hope to disable the dormant alien ship before it can reactivate and complete its mission... to leave Earth with the infant William Mulder and his parents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. This small, but enlightened group of individuals has sworn never to let that happen. Finally, they have all learned the truth. The truth is... there is no such thing as death. And so long as Mulder, Scully, and William remain together on the Earth, the human race will continue to evolve to its destiny of a millennium of peace for all. ~fin~
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