Scully: Sir, gentleman, (voice quivers slightly) I'm sorry for our prolonged absence. Please excuse our transgression. I assure you that it won't happen again (she apologizes to A.D. Kersh and the group of men as she glances around the room at them and then at Mulder where her stare lingers momentarily as she lowers herself into a chair next to Skinner).

Kersh: Agent Scully, the length of your jaunt to search for Agent Mulder had lead us to believe that you had decided to disregard the importance of this council. Therefore, we have decided that due to the inability of you and your partner to appear on time together for this vital meeting--which has now ceased its discussion, that as a consequence you and Agent Mulder take a leave of absence for a week to realize the seriousness of punctuality (he sneers authoritatively as his eyes burn condescendingly into Scully's).

Scully realizing that sympathy is scare among the men before her and that understanding is utterly impossible, lowers her eyes to the table and bites her lip in order to force back a wave of nausea that has accompanied her sudden anger and resentment.

Mulder: (Jolts enraged from his chair knocking it to floor with a loud crash; everyone jumps in surprise and turns toward him) Sir! You have unjustly assumed the situation! You have no business releasing Agent Scully on the account that I was the one that arrived late! She was here. You know she was here, hell you're the one that fucking sent her to look for me!

Kersh and Skinner: Agent Mulder!

Kersh: (Stands up) Agent Mulder, restrain yourself immediately or your punishment will be increased.

Mulder: My punishment! Punishment for what crime?! The rashness of your decision is based on ignorance. You haven't even offered us a chance to explain ourselves goddammit!

Kersh: Your personal rashness is leading you deeper and deeper into a peril, Agent Mulder. I suggest for your own benefit you walk out that door and return here in a week with a clearer vision of your actions and their consequences. Agent Scully's release is for not returning in due time. Your partnership involves communication to each other and to me. It seems-- Mulder: (stares indignantly at Kersh) A.D. Kersh, is hypocrisy a major priority of our "*just"* system of government?! Or is it just a personal favorite of yours?

Scully: (Snapping out of idleness due to her contemplation of her sentence, she rises to her feet with shared indignation as well as fear for her partner's job) Mulder! Stop now! Let's go!

Scully quickly pushes back her chair and walks toward Mulder motioning for his arm and the direction of the door. Mulder glares at Kersh, his jaw clenching, his fists tight at his sides. He apprehends then moves toward Scully as she leads them toward the door. They move tensely out of the room and into the lobby area of the individual office. Mulder begins laughing abruptly and absurdly.

Scully: Mulder, have you gone over the edge?! You're stark raving mad! C'mon before they decide to throw a white coat on you again (she pulls him out of the office into the incandescent hallway toward the elevator).

Mulder: They didn't take our guns or our badges, Scully (chuckles roughly). They must be getting out of practice, but somehow that seems impossible. What is this the second? -- the third time we've been dismissed in the past few years? They're fucking with us again, Scully.

Scully: (Ducking into the elevator and away from the stares of the other FBI agents, she pulls Mulder in) Calm down, Mulder. Just settle down. You're overworking yourself.

The elevator door closes. They are alone in the elevator. Scully pushes the button for the basement floor. Mulder lets out an exasperated sigh as he slumps against the elevator's left corner wall.

Mulder: Tell me, Scully, are we two very unlucky people stuck in a dimension aimed to destroy us. Or are we two very confused people stuck in an alternate universe full of ironies that appear differently to only us...or is it just me?

The elevator reaches the basement floor, signals its arrival, then opens its doors. Mulder and Scully exit it in silence. She waits to respond until they have reached the "privacy" of their office. Mulder routinely pulls out his keys in a weary motion, lifts them to the door and unlocks it. They enter, crossing to their respective work areas. Mulder tosses the keys onto his desk and sits sullenly in his chair. Scully crosses over to him, stands before him momentarily then lowers herself to a crouch, reaching for his hand.

Scully: Mulder, the world has become a mystery to me...more than it ever has. Somehow though, you're the one thing that makes sense to me. You're a man on a mission. A rebel with a cause. And worst of all, a threat to the largest establishment of lies ever created. you are the "Chosen One," Mulder. From what or whom, that I don't know, but of all the people I have encountered you are the most zealous. And for that you have been targeted, it's a fault you've unconsciously developed, yet it is a strength that guides you. You have shown me so much. Not only of the world...but of myself. For that, you have become all I have to will for. You say my honesty is part of your strength, *you are* my strength (she casts her eyes to his). Mulder, in all honesty, I don't really give a damn anymore about protocol, I guess I've lost my faith in its abilities. I'm sick of the games, we both our. We've played by their rules...to an extent anyway, but now it's time to turn the tables. And this time failure is an option that only they will have to face.

Mulder: (Leaning down to her level, clasping both of his hands over hers) Scully, you're not only a miracle, you're an angel. Of all the paradoxes and ironies in this damn world...you're the one I'm thankful for (his somberness from moments ago fade into a smile). Scully, my dear, you and I have an establishment to conquer (rises to his feet with renewed ambition and strength. With her hands still in his, she does the same).

Scully: (Echoing his ambitious tone) Yes, I do believe you are correct, Agent Mulder. It's time for you and me to hold the winning hand...all the stacked cards will be displayed and concealment of them will be made impossible.

Mulder: Scully, you make the best metaphors. The power in your words is turning me on (beams erotically).... Like they say, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Yet, that probably isn't the way we'll win this battle, Scully.

Scully: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. You know what else they say, Mulder? (He nods unknowingly.) They say, "Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire." Mulder: They're right. Damn, I hate generalizations. So, where to start? Any suggestions, Scully?

They release their grasp from one another as he moves to get her chair and moves it next to his desk. He motions for her to sit and she does so. He walks around to his chair and does the same.

Scully: (Looks down at her hands in her lap and fumbles with the hem of her blazer) Well, Mulder, I'd say we've got another unexplained pregnancy on our hands.

Mulder: (Jerks his head up instantly remembering her confession) Oh, Scully. Oh, Scully (he repeats with a sympathetic tone). Do you have any idea?...(his eyes soften to accommodate his rising empathy). Any recollection of anything...anything at all that seemed...seemed-- Scully: (Continues to stare downward) Anything strange? Or paranormal? Actually, yes. I-I...uhhh, have a faint recollection. It's so hard to explain, Mulder. It's more of a feeling. A while ago--I'm unable to recall how long ago, I had a vision, yet it seemed more of a waking dream-- I don't know, I...I can't distinguish exactly what it was. I was walking through a large mass of white fog or clouds. I felt out of place yet strangely placid. Then I think there was a glint of light among the clouds...it seemed as if birds--doves fluttered, but I didn't see it, I only heard a rustle and then a breeze. I had a strange feeling they were doves, I don't know why, it was more of a sensational idea that overcame me. Now, it seems as if it's only a symbolic memory. I still haven't been able to figure out the meaning or anything else for that matter. How did I possibly become impregnated in the first place?! (Looks up pained, yet feigns a smile) In all of my humility, Mulder, (forces a small grunt of a chuckle) I checked my frying pans.

Mulder: (Reaches for her hand again, flashing a quick, wary smile) Scully, what I've been attempting to tell you might offer an explanation, or a piece of one anyway...(lowers his eyes, stares at the gold cross around her neck). About two years ago, when you discovered your daughter (holding back her name as if not to pain Scully's ears with the sound of her shortly beloved daughter's forename), I went to the convalescent home in which her surrogate mother lived. There, among other things, I found viles containing live human embryos. Several were indicated as yours by a label. I took three of them, but on the way out Kresge cut me off, put his gun to my head and took the viles from me. Then Dr. Calderon appeared, as he assailed on Kresge, I managed to get one of the viles and got my ass out of there. Ever since I've had the vile...I kept it safe, but I didn't know what to do.... Scully, you've been through so much...I-I didn't want -- oh hell Scully, I damn stupid. You have every right to scorn me. I had no right to keep that from you (sags his shoulders and drops his head in deep remorse for his past actions, he appears to wilt).

Scully: (Breaking her intent silence as she sits mildly incredulous of her partner's confession) Mulder, you're used to taking the burdens of others and lifting them to your own shoulders (rises from her chair, moves toward Mulder, extending her arms around his hunched body, she cradles him). I understand. All that you've been through, has made you into your own scapegoat. Please, Mulder, don't feel that you have to go through anything alone or that you have to protect me from the truth. We do that together, right? We have for so long.

As they had earlier, Mulder and Scully embrace each other in an entwine that can withstand time, pressing it to the outer limits of acknowledgment and worry. They sit together, reconciling silently all the misfortunes and trespasses they have placed upon one another in their history together.

Mulder: (Raising his chin from the crown of her head, speaks with a hoarse tone) So, it's possible there's a fairly plausible explanation to your pregnancy. Most likely pernicious, but not extraterrestrial-oriented or monster-oriented. I dread, to think what you were subjected to this time. (Anger rises in his voice) Scully, when I get a hold of the bastards that touched you--even set an eye on you, every fucking one of them involved--I'll pass a vengeance on them even the devil can't condone.

Scully: Mulder, for your sake, I can't allow you to do that. I know our justice system is anything but just, yet having you behind bars for the rest of our lives would still mean they win. I won't make an ultimatum to my death, but until I do, I won't rest until I know in my heart that you've met true happiness and despite what you say, Mulder...I'll know.

Mulder: Scully, you as well as the other women in your family are so down to earth and caring, I'll never know how any of you ever got stuck in the same boat as me....Melissa once told me that no matter what I did, no matter how long I carried out my search for the people that placed destruction on you, it would never bring you back. She then reassured me that everyone involved had an equal horror coming their way. Scully, I'm one of those people. Even if I inadvertently did it, it still doesn't excuse the action. My redemption is long past gone. On the other hand though, Scully, if there is a God in Heaven, He must not think of me as a lost cause after all. You've been my savior since the day I met you. My salvation is tangible, if nothing else.

Scully: (Blushes a smile) Yeah, I've saved your ass a couple of times, but it doesn't make me a saint. Mulder, back to planning our scheme. So, when shall we regain our renegade status?

Mulder: (His eyes dart suddenly around, remembering where they are) Shit! Scully, how about them Knicks?! (He frantically motions to the smoke detectors and air vents.)

Scully: (Understanding his sudden awareness) Just great, Mulder, just great. You know what? I'm suddenly feeling the overpowering desire for fresh air. Since now we have a week to waste time, how about a walk?

Mulder: Anything you want, my little partner in crime, anything you want (he reiterates for truthful emphasis as he checks his watch). How about I treat you to a nice lunch downtown?

Scully: (Pushes herself to her feet, then moves toward her table, turning her back to Mulder.) You've been getting away with a lot of monickers and hypocorisms today, Mulder. I should come up with a couple for you. And yes, lunch would be great. I could probably eat enough chicken salad croissants to feed a small French nation.

Mulder puts on his coat that he had cast aside earlier. He then fumbles around for his keys on his disheveled desk. He finds them and plunges them in to his pocket as he throws a couple of files into his briefcase and closes it. Scully drapes her coat over her arm as she collects her purse and her briefcase. Together they move out of their office like schoolkids on their way out to recess. Mulder, pulls out his keys again, locks the door, then turns to leave, following Scully out of their haven of isolation.

Mulder: So, enough croissants to feed a small French nation, huh? I guess that means no more bee pollen yogurt for you Dr. Scully.

Scully: Hey, at least I don't discard sunflower shells left and right like a damn squirrel high off acorns. Besides, poopyhead, adjusting to accommodate junior and myself isn't going to be easy.

They have reached the elevator. Scully pushes the button for the ground level floor. Then turns toward her partner with a glance of silent retort.

Mulder: Poopyhead? (Laughs) I remember that one, Mrs. Petrie.

The elevator dings and the doors open. They advance inside to meet a few fellow agents. The air of gossip lingers in the air as the agents already occupying the elevator become suspiciously quiet. Scully reaches past one of them to push the button for ground level. Everyone stands in unnerving silence until the elevator reopens to the ground floor. Mulder and Scully shift out into the lobby, passing polite, quaint smiles at the other agents. They head toward the employee parking lot.

Mulder: Isn't it great to be so popular around here? (Sarcasm edges into his voice) You can just feel the recognition and love in the air. Almost like springtime, Scully.

Scully: Yeah, almost (tosses him a slight grimace). So, what did you have in mind as far as lunch goes?

Mulder: Chez Artiste? Is that okay?

Scully: A dinner theater in the middle of the day? Okay, sure. It's on you anyway. Glad to see you don't have an interest in casual cuisine today.

Mulder: We're all about changes today, Scully. I might even order myself a nice rack of lamb and the finest Chianti they offer. Just for the hell of it.

They have now reached the employee parking lot. They part to go toward the directions of their cars.

Scully: Are, you sure they're open this early in the day, Mulder? (Turns back to address him from a distance as she searches for her keys as she nears her car.)

Mulder: No, but we'll find out when we get there, won't we? You said French. Why not suck up the rest of this weeks salary on a decent meal? Hell, the spiders in my apartment have more food in their webs than I've got in my damn refrigerator and cupboards combine. Unless of course, you'd rather opt for Chinese takeout...we can do that too.

Scully: Forty-two's the number, Mulder. I'll be there (unlocks her door and opens it). You order it, and I'll pick it up on my way over. I have to run some errands first. The usual's fine for me (shouts back as she lowers herself into the car).

Mulder: Alright, Scully. Be there in no less than an hour or I'll probably end up huntin' for bug treats or gnawing on a limb (he warns with a toothy grin as he unlocks his own car and opens the door).

They both shut their doors simultaneously. Scully starts her car, backs up, then swings her car toward the exit hill. Mulder does the same and follows her out of the Bureau parking garage. They part in opposite directions at the first stop light.

March 4, 2000
1:26 p.m.
Alexandria, Virginia
2360 Hegal Place
Apartment #42

Scully knocks on Mulder's apartment door, shifting the warm, paper-bagged bundle to her left side as she slides the plastic grocery bag to hang around her wrist. She pulls the strap of her purse back over her shoulder. Mulder quickly opens the door and ushers Scully in, offering to take the heat-seeping bag from her arms. She gives it to him and begins to shrug out of her coat.

Scully: I hope to God that this child is normal. Already, I'm developing ridiculous cravings for disgusting combinations, I normally would retch at (holds out the plastic grocery bag containing a half gallon of triple chocolate fudge ice cream and a small jar of hot tamales).

Mulder: (Takes the bag from her and glances at its contents) Mmmm...looks like one hell of a sundae (grins sarcastically).

Scully: I stopped by the grocery store to purchase my fourth home pregnancy test and suddenly felt the desire for that lovely concoction (confesses in a casual tone as she sets her purse and her coat on the couch).

Mulder: Scully! Your fourth one!? When did you find out you were pregnant? Have you gone to any other doctors (asks with concern as his earlier shock begins to fade)?

Scully: (Sighs forlornly as she drops onto the couch) Yes, I went to a specialist. Mulder, at first, I thought I was letting my imagination get away with me...I still think I might be.... Yet, aside from the fact that I haven't menstruated in over a two and a half months--which I had chalked up to stress, I had an overwhelming instinct that it was life inside of me...not the rebirth of a destructive killer. I suspected it could have been a dormant side effect from my cancer or the treatment. Then I thought about Antarctica...my abductions--kidnappings...I still can't come to any definite memories. Two days ago I decided to schedule an appointment to see my gynecologist. Then after work I bought three pregnancy tests. Two tested positive, the other negative. I got into the office yesterday, had a routine exam, an ultrasound, and then some blood work. I tested it as well as my doctor. She verified the pregnancy. I found no traces of any narcotics, opiates, or intoxicants...nothing at all. Nor have I found trace evidence anywhere in my apartment, car, anywhere...I've checked everywhere and anywhere I could think of. What confounds me more than the actual medical proof showing it impossible for me to conceive a child, has been defied, is that somehow, without my knowledge or awareness, I was impregnated.

Mulder: Scully, you uhhh...haven't been...uhh have you-- Scully: No, my sex life has come comparatively close to that of a nun's, Mulder (lowers her head in embarrassed shame).

Mulder: Scully that's it! (Sets the bag on the coffee table.)

Scully: What?

Mulder: Maybe the millennium hype is true (he moves to her side with a solemn, sincere expression), and the Second Coming or Armageddon is upon us. Immaculate Conception...Scully, you could be the Second Mother of Christ! (Scully glares at him skeptically) I'm not mocking you...I'm serious.

Scully: Immaculate Conception! Mulder, no. No, that's insane (shakes her head in disbelief)! No. Even for all the possibilities, that seems by far the most bizarre. Mulder, Mary was a virgin! I'm a thirty-six year old woman of the Twenty-first Century, we can think better of that. Do you honestly think that I would be chosen to carry the Son of God?! Mulder! It's inconceivable--uhh (grunts in disgust at her own accidental pun). Above all else, not only have I been skeptical of the existence of God, I've drifted away from the church as well. Of all people, especially Catholics...I'd be at the bottom of that list, Mulder.

Mulder: (Reaches his hand out to her chest where her gold cross lies delicately along her collarbone, he takes it in his fingers, tracing it lightly) You're my one in five-billion and if that doesn't qualify as astronomical or ethereal, then I don't believe anything does. Scully, you're my savior, why couldn't that make you eligible to possibly be the world's bearer of a Savior? I know I don't always place my faith in the idea of God, but in all that we've seen, Scully, we know there are things bigger and more complex than science can explain...I've--we have been trying to prove it. Who am I to say that it's not possible.

Scully looks away from his soft gaze as she moves to the edge of the couch, reaching for the paper bag. She pulls the cartons of food out, placing them side by side on the coffee table. She bites her lower lip gently as she stares off toward the window*.