Wambli (Part 3) - Part Four of The Letter Series

"What do you want from me? What's this about, Krycek?"

"All in good time."

Episode 6x10-S.R. 819

*****

Lincoln, SD

Kim Gaffney wasn't the first person in Lincoln to notice the handsome stranger, but she was the first to talk to him.

Being part owner of Suzy's Place, the only restaurant in the area that didn't serve alcohol or have sawdust on the floors, she felt obligated to introduce herself to the stranger, especially since Lucas had asked her to. He was worried about the man, as he was any unknown person that roamed into town. She knew it had something to do with Ian and Sara's mysterious disappearance, but being South Dakota bred and born, she could see no real danger in the situation. He was not the only stranger to accidentally find their little town and stay a while; Ian and Sara had done the exact same thing more than four years ago.

With a menu in hand, she walked over to the table, casually patting down her short blonde hair in the process. No reason she had to look like a hick or something, was there? Smiling brightly, she said, "Hi! Welcome to Lincoln." She handed him the menu, which he took from her with a smile of his own. She felt her heart jump into her throat. "Can I get you some water or something?"

"Ah, no thanks," he leaned a bit closer, eyeing her name tag, "Kim. Not right now."

"Okay, I'll be back in a moment to take your order." Giving him another smile, she turned away and went back into the kitchen, where Suzy was waiting.

"Well?" the brunette asked excitedly. "Is he as cute up close as he is from a distance?"

"Better!" Kim gushed. "And his smile is to die for!" She picked up a serving tray full of hot food and prepared to take it out to other waiting customers. "I think I'm going to like getting to know this guy."

"I can't believe Lucas actually asked you to talk to him."

Kim snorted. "That just proves he doesn't want me. Which is fine by me!" Suzy would know she was lying. Kim had spent the last year trying to get Lucas LittleElk's attention, but the young deputy seemed completely oblivious. Now, another handsome man had come into town, and Kim was ready to focus her attention elsewhere. 'Who knows,' she thought to herself. 'Maybe he's the man of my dreams.'

With a grin, she set out to finish her shift, hoping the stranger would still be there when she was done.

************************************************************

"Are you two the parents?"

Episode 5x07-Emily

*****

Alex Krycek had spotted the young waitress' interest immediately, and knew he could easily use it to his advantage. In a town this small, everyone was probably aware of the location of the Mulder, or should he say Zweifel, children. Unfortunately, a small town would also be very aware of strangers, which was why he had to befriend someone fast. A lovely single woman would be perfect, especially one that worked in the only diner in town. She probably knew all the gossip.

Lincoln had impressed him so far. Not the town itself, really, but the fact that it had apparently held Mulder and Scully's interest for four years intrigued him. And it did have a certain class to it, despite the 'middle-of-nowhere' feel. He saw how the residents, both white and red, seemed comfortable with each other, not afraid to look each other in the eye and smile as they passed each other on the street. And more than one old man in a pickup truck had waved to him as he had passed them in his car on the way here. He had a feeling it was like that throughout most of the state; on the minor highways, anyway.

He had just finished a passable Chicken Fried Steak when the blonde came out of the kitchen, her apron off. She gave him a shy glance, then headed slowly toward the front door. He hid his smile behind his cup of coffee, then made eye contact with her. She smiled and walked over to the table.

"You off?" he asked.

"Yes." She stood next to the table, her fingers playing with her purse.

"Good. That means you can sit and talk to me for a while." He nodded to the chair across from him.

She sat, looking at him coyly. "About what?"

"Oh, I don't know. You. Me. Lincoln."

She nodded. "Okay. My name's Kim, but you know that already. What's yours?"

"Tony," he told her, holding out his hand. "Tony Stewart."

"Hi, Tony," she said with a smile as she took his hand in a warm clasp. Her skin was smooth and soft, surprising for a waitress. "How do you like Lincoln?"

"I like it. I was lucky to find it."

"Yes, you were. It's not really on any well-traveled routes. How did you?"

Her expression was curious, but wary, too. Ah, so she's not your typical dumb blonde, he thought. Nothing to worry about. "I was heading to the reservation. I heard that one of my favorite movies had been filmed there, and I thought, since I was nearby, I'd check it out. I came out to the area originally to see Mt. Rushmore."

She smiled again. "That's how everyone comes out to the area. You must be talking about 'Thunderheart'. That was a great movie. I know a lot of people who were extras in it."

"Really? Tell me about them?" With that line, Alex knew he had her. Hook, line and sinker.

******

"Is it easier to go on believing the lie?"

Episode 4x24-Gethsemane

*****

Parkview Apartments

Number 12

Dr. Megan Northam went home that evening with what felt like a huge weight on her shoulders. Not only was she becoming more and more concerned for Diana Fowley and Dana Scully, who she had been in search of all day, but she was also beginning to question her work more that she had ever done before. The things Dana Scully had said to her yesterday, combined with what Fox Mulder had told her about Dawn, the eagle, not wanting to return to the Center, all combined in Megan's head, confusing her and making her more stressed that she had been since she graduated from medical school.

As she unlocked the door to her apartment, she began to wonder what she should do. She truly wanted to help Dawn, but more than that, she wanted to find Diana and Dana; she needed to know that the women were all right. Yet, despite her position in the Center as Nihm Supervisor, no one had answered her questions; they had either truly not known the whereabouts of the two women, or they were very good at keeping secrets. Even the janitorial staff, who seemed to know all that was going out throughout Ft. Marlene, hadn't known anything. She had tried to contact Mr. Spender, but as usual, the man was impossible to reach.

Agent Mulder had left not long after their discussion earlier, saying he was going to get the assistance of some friends to help in the search, and that he would contact her later. She had nervously given him her phone number, but had relaxed when he, in return, had given her a brilliant smile. He reminded her so much of her husband, it was almost frightening.

She stood in the foyer of her apartment and let her eyes sweep the room. All the lights were off, and it was very still. Obviously, her 'better' half had not gotten home, yet. With a sigh, she moved towards the bathroom, taking off her clothes as she went, starting with the hated low-heeled pumps. She still wished she could wear sneakers with her skirts and dresses. Once in the bathroom, she started up the water to fill the bathtub, making sure it was nice and hot. What she needed to relax, she knew, was a nice, hot bubble bath. Within minutes, that was where she found herself, surrounded by foamy, white suds and near sleep.

The sound of the front door opening woke her from her slumber. Had she remembered to lock the door? she asked herself. Was the person or persons who had taken Diana and Dana coming to get her? She was about to jump out of the tub and find something to defend herself with when she heard someone whistling a familiar tune from the general direction of the kitchen. With a relieved sigh, she leaned back again and closed her eyes.

After a few busy sounding noises, including the sound of the refrigerator opening and closing, the whistling stopped. There were footsteps coming down the hall toward the open door to the bathroom, but Megan refused to open her eyes just yet.

The steps stopped, and a deep voice asked, "Long day?"

Megan opened one eye to look at the man in the doorway. "Way too long," she confirmed.

"Want to talk about it?" her husband continued, his rich, English accent sending shivers up her spine, despite the hot water she was submerged in.

"No," she said simply. "I just want to forget about it... for tonight, anyway."

"All right," he said. "I'll make you dinner." He turned to head back into the kitchen.

"Jeremy!" Megan called out. "I have a better idea."

He turned to her, his dark eyebrows raised in question. "What?"

She lifted a hand out of the water and stretched it toward him, her arm covered in suds. "Join me?"

With a smile, he began to unbutton his shirt.

******

"Don't try and threaten me, Mulder. I've watched presidents die."

Episode 2x08-One Breath

*****

Mulder had to wait until after dark.

He had spent the day holed up in Byers and Langley's apartment, alone for the most part, though Katie did join him later. She wasn't the best company, however, because she spent the majority of the two hours she was there writing on her computer. Mulder contented himself by reading over her shoulder. She hadn't seemed bothered by this; Mulder guessed Frohike did it all the time.

Wambli was no conversationalist, either. She simply sat on her perch (an overturned, 5 gallon pail), and preened or slept, occasionally stretching her wings out as if she was making sure they were still there. Around five o'clock that evening, Mulder gave her a piece of raw chicken, which she devoured in minutes, leaving the long leg bone, but eating

everything else. She slept for a long while after that.

The guys, meanwhile, were out in search of answers. Mulder had wanted to go with them, but was reminded by Byers that most of their contacts knew who he was, and the fewer people that knew Fox Mulder was still alive, the better. So, he had twiddled his thumbs for several hours, praying either the Gunmen or Northam were learning something about his wife's whereabouts.

It was almost 10 o'clock when Byers and the others returned. They all wore tired, sad faces, and Mulder knew without asking that they had found nothing. No trace. But then, why should they find anything? Mulder thought. They were looking for two women who were supposedly dead. He knew who he needed to talk to. He needed to talk to Cancer Man. But he had no idea how to find the bastard. And when Megan called shortly after the boys returned, she told him she was having no luck, and could she please go home and try again in the morning?

So, Mulder's next move was one he hadn't wanted to make, but felt he had no choice anymore. Just before midnight, he found himself knocking on the apartment door belonging to a certain Assistant Director of the FBI.

Skinner was still awake, and he didn't seem at all surprised to see Mulder standing at his door. But when the older man, without a word, stepped back and motioned towards the living room, inviting Mulder inside, the younger man felt a wave of relief flow through him. He hadn't really known what to expect of the man whom he had neither seen nor spoken to in over five years.

Skinner closed the door behind him. "I was wondering if you would show up."

Mulder turned to face him. "How did you know I was in town?"

"Rumor," the AD said with a smirk. "I have a friend of a friend of a friend who works at Ft. Marlene. He was absolutely convinced he saw Fox Mulder there the other day. No one believed him, of course. Except me." Skinner had been one of only two people who had known the truth behind the car explosions that had supposedly killed Mulder and Scully,

outside of the men behind the set up. Margaret Scully had been the other. It was a secret that had created a solid friendship between the two years ago. Skinner had seen every

new letter and baby picture the 'Zweifel's' had sent right along with Maggie. He was truly happy for the couple, even if he was a bit jealous of Mulder.

"So," Skinner continued. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Mulder moved over to the sofa and sat perched on the edge. "It's a long story, sir." Even Skinner seemed a bit startled by the automatic 'sir' Mulder added; it was an obvious sign

of respect on Mulder's part, even if Skinner was more of a friend now than a superior. "But only one thing is important, now."

"What?"

"Scully is missing. Along with Diana Fowley."

"Fowley?!" Skinner shook his head. "How is it I'm not shocked by you telling me about two 'dead' women having gone missing?" His voice was sharp and sarcastic. "What about your kids?" He had long since become attached to the little dark-haired boy and baby girl, though he had only seen them in pictures.

"They're fine. Safe." Mulder sighed. "People we trust are looking after them, and so far, we think their existence is still a secret." He met Skinner's eyes with his own. "But Cancer Man knows. And I think that's who has Scully and Diana. I need to find him."

"Mulder," Skinner began to pace. "I haven't had any contact with that man in years, thank God. I don't know where he is."

"But I bet you know someone who does," Mulder said with confidence.

Skinner took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "I might," he said softly. "I just might."

************************************************************

"Hey, Scully? What are you wearing?"

Episode 3x12-War of the Coprophages

*****

Scully didn't usually remember her dreams, but during her first night in the old cabin, she dreamed a dream with perfect clarity. It was probably because it was more of a memory than an actual dream. A recent memory. A happy memory. She dreamt of a night not so long ago, less than a year, when she and Mulder had celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.

She and Diana had not spoken to each other much since Scully had mentioned Paul Ricardo's name. Scully had plugged in the old clock radio that had 'generously' been given them by their captors, found the only station the thing was able to pick up, then settled on the couch, keeping all thoughts and feelings to herself. Diana had paced, but she too had

eventually sat down. The station told them they were somewhere in Western Kentucky, but not much more. They had eaten, and once darkness had fallen, retired to their individual bedrooms, all with very little spoken between them.

Nightshirts had been provided, but Scully had simply laughed at the idea of stripping down and becoming unprepared for a possible escape. Instead, she had slipped off her shoes and

laid down on the bed, on top of the covers. She had tried to control her breathing, paying close attention to the movements of the guards outside, and occasionally noticing the music coming from the radio she had left on through the half open door of her bedroom. It had taken hours to fall asleep.

Then, she had dreamed of the night from last September.

She had been five months along with Marisa that night, but that had only made it that much more special. Fox was spending the night at Mary's, and Mulder had gone all out for the 'party'. The party with only two people on the invite, her husband and herself. The kitchen had been filled with candlelight, and late blooming flowers from her own garden peeked out from every nook and cranny, making the room smell wonderful. They had an exquisite dinner together. And they had danced. In fact, it was probably the music coming from the radio in the cabin's living room that had brought about the dream in the first place.

Specifically, one certain song. The last song they had danced to that night.

*Every time out eyes meet, this feeling inside me, is almost more than I can take.*

*Baby, when you touch me, I can feel how much you love me, and it just blows me away.*

It had been the end of a very warm day in mid September. Summer was hanging on tight, trying it's hardest to not give up its grip to autumn, and the crickets were still singing loud and clear as they moved together, barefoot, on the back porch, the music reaching them through the sliding screen doors from the stereo in the living room.

*I've never been this close to anyone, or anything. I can hear your thoughts. I can see your dreams.*

It hadn't taken much for both of them to become highly aroused, despite the bulge that was their child insinuating itself between them. Mulder had sported an impressive bulge of his own long before the song was over. Without one word, he had backed away from her, grasped her hand, and lead her into the house.

*I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better.*

*I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever.*

*Every little thing that you do, baby, I'm amazed by you.*

They hadn't even made it upstairs to the bedroom. Mulder had easily dispensed of her denim dress and his jeans, and she had removed his shirt with little trouble. The couch had

become their immediate destination, though if she hadn't been pregnant, the floor would have been their first choice. Or the kitchen table.

*The smell of your skin. The taste of your kiss. The way you whisper in the dark.*

*Your hair all around me, baby, you surround me. Touch every place in my heart.*

Mulder had stretched out on his back. His lean frame was too long for the sofa, so he had bent his knees up, bracing his feet on one of the armrests, laying his head against the other. Scully had straddled him, her buttocks sliding against his hairy thighs. She had leaned over him, kissing him hard, while bringing her wet center down to his hard length, which was standing ready for her.

*And though it feels like the first time, every time, I want to spend the whole night in your eyes.*

As her tongue slid into his mouth, his penis slid into her body. With a contented sigh, she had sat upright, and slowly she had begun to ride him. He had kept his hands tight on her hips, helping her to raise and lower her body over him, though they occasionally strayed up her ribcage to fondle her breasts, which had been super sensitive due to the baby.

*I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better.*

She had one hand on the back of the couch, the other resting on his arm as it moved up and down with her movements. Her grip on the sofa tightened as Mulder began to talk to her. He loved to talk to her during sex, because he knew that he could make her go over with words alone if he so desired. "That's it, babe. Just like that. God, you are so beautiful, do you know that? Especially when you're all flushed like you are now. Ready and willing to come for me."

*I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever.*

She clearly remembered looking into the glorious hazel depths of his eyes as she felt the slow, wonderful ache in her body grow. Oh, how she wished it could last forever, that feeling! But at the same time, she so wanted to reach its pinnacle. She wanted to fly!

And Mulder was so good at making her fly.

*Every little thing that you do, baby, I'm amazed by you.*

When Scully woke to her first morning in the old cabin in God-Knows-Where Kentucky, she had a smile on her face. But the smile quickly faded when she remembered where she was.

When she stood and entered the living room, she found Diana already there. Scully didn't bother with a single 'good morning' or 'did you sleep well?' She simply looked at the other woman and said, "We need to get out of here. Tonight."

******

"You don't believe in ghosts?"

"That surprises you?"

Episode 6x08-How the Ghosts Stole Christmas

*****

J. Edgar Hoover Building

6:30 A.M.

When special agents Monroe and O'Neil met each other by accident on the way to their basement office, they both teased each other about how early they were arriving to work. The fact was, they both wanted to figure out what exactly was going on with the Zweifel's and Ft. Marlene, and were anxious to get on it, even if they had only run into dead ends so far.

They were still laughing and joking with each other when they arrived at the office. Justin was the first one to notice that the door was not only unlocked, but half open. With a warning glance to his partner, he drew his gun and shoved the door open the rest of the way with his shoulder. Cat had her weapon out and ready behind them. The sight they found, however, stopped them in their tracks.

A man was sitting at Cat's desk, his feet propped up on the desk blotter, chewing on a pencil and looking like he had not a care in the world. He wore a T-shirt under his leather

jacket, and work boots with his jeans. His face displayed several days growth of beard, and his hair, though short, was mussed. At first glance, he looked as if he had no business even being in the FBI building, unless it was as a tourist. Yet, both agents knew right away that behind that desk was where he belonged. It had been, after all, his desk first.

"Mulder?" Cat whispered behind him. Justin felt a shiver run up his back. Though he had learned earlier in the week the man was still alive, seeing him there, behind that desk,

still made him feel as if he was seeing a ghost. Movement out of the corner of his eye made him turn his head. AD Skinner was leaning against Justin's own desk, his hip resting against the corner.

"What's the matter, Monroe?" Fox Mulder asked from his reclined seat, twirling the pencil in his hands. Reading his mind. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Mulder?" Cat said again, a little louder this time. Her body had relaxed slightly, now that the shock was wearing off. She had returned her gun to its holster and was looking at her former partner expectantly.

"I like what you've done with the place, Cat," Mulder said as he finally sat upright, letting his feet drop to the floor. The 'I WANT TO BELIEVE' poster still hung in the corner, and there were still several books and pictures that had been there since Mulder and Scully had moved back in after Jeffrey Spender's death. But there were many changes as well, including several personal photos of family and friends displayed on the two desks; O'Neil and Monroe actually had lives outside of this office. Prominently displayed on the wall behind the main desk was a picture of the two agents who had made the X Files famous: Special Agents Mulder and Scully, dressed in their professional clothing of choice, stood side-by-side, looking seriously at the camera.

"How did you get in here?" Justin asked, feeling more than a little silly at having been caught so off guard. "There are security cameras everywhere. Someone would have seen you."

"We know where all the cameras are," Skinner said quietly.

"And the ones that are hidden even from Skinner...Well, let's just say that the people that control them already know about me, so..." Mulder shrugged dramatically.

"Why are you here?" Cat asked, her voice still rough. Justin could tell, though she was trying to remain calm and collected, that she what she really wanted to do was run over to Mulder and hug him. She had spent more than a year working with the man, learning from him, and while she had long ago given up on any chance of a romantic relationship with him, she had considered him a friend. Justin felt a surge of jealousy at the thought. Though he, obviously, had no interest in Cat sexually, he still considered her 'his'.

"We need some information," Skinner said. Justin looked at his boss, and suddenly realized how odd it was that he could be jealous of Mulder, but not of Skinner, who had been quietly dating his partner for the last few months. He didn't really understand it, but knew he didn't have time to analyze it right now.

"Information?" he said in response to Skinner's statement. "Such as?"

Skinner looked over at Mulder, and the younger man stood from his seat. "Scully is missing."

"What?!" Justin asked sharply. "We just saw her a few days ago!"

"Yep," Mulder agreed. "And you lead someone else to Lincoln who saw her, too."

"Who?" Cat asked, folding her arms in an attempt to stay focused.

"A spook by the name of Sam Colter. Know him?" He paused while Cat and Justin looked at each other, recognition in their eyes. "Not that it matters," Mulder continued. "He's dead."

"But he didn't die before he alerted others to the fact that Scully was alive," Skinner added.

"Did these *others* take Scully?" Justin heard himself ask. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she were dead, really dead. It would be his fault. Indirectly, he knew, but

still his fault. Colter had followed him.

"No," Mulder said softly. "She ran. But she got cornered here in DC when she came looking for me." He paused again. "I think our old friend CGB took her, probably thinking he

could either trade her for his own life, or maybe even in some strange way, to protect her." He took a step closer to the two younger agents. "I need to know where he is. He and

I need to have a little discussion."

"What makes you think we know?" Cat asked, becoming slightly defensive.

Mulder didn't look at her. Instead, he smiled at Justin. "You can answer that, can't you, Monroe?"

Justin knew without a doubt he wouldn't be able to lie to this man. Though he was a couple of inches taller, and much huskier, than Mulder, the man intimidated him like no other.

Always had. "I don't know where he lives," he said, his voice quiet. "But I think I know how to reach him."

"Justin?" Cat's voice was incredulous.

"Aw, don't worry, Cat," Mulder said with a smile as he backed away from them. "Spender always finds someone to keep under his thumb. For a long time, it used to be Skinner. I

don't hold it against him, either."

"Gee, thanks," Skinner muttered.

"So, Monroe," Mulder continued. "You gonna work with us?"

"Of course," Justin said. He wouldn't look at his partner, but he could feel her accusing gaze on him. "But only for Scully's sake," he continued. "And the sake of your children."

"That's all that matters, Monroe." Mulder's smile faded and his eyes became hard. "They are all that matters."

*****

"I just want you to think. Think of Mulder when you met him. Think of the promise in the life in front of him. Think of him now. And then try and stand there in front of me, look

me in the eye, and tell me Mulder wouldn't bust his ass trying to save you."

"I'm thinking, Agent Scully. I'm always thinking."

Episode 7x04-The Sixth Extinction-Amor Fati

*****

Somewhere in Western Kentucky

It was nearing sunset at the old cabin, but neither Scully nor Diana were preparing to sleep. They had worked out a plan earlier in the day, talking softly to one another,

usually with the water in the faucet running at the same time. The running water acted as coverage for their voices in case they were being bugged, and soft words were used

instead of whispers, which could be picked up by surveillance equipment much easier. Then, they had both sat back and waited for nightfall.

Their guards never entered the building or tried to communicate at all, but they were a constant presence outside. Both of the women knew their routine already; they knew when the guard changed, how many there were at certain times, and where they liked to stop and rest from their pacing. They had also learned how many times, and at what times, they checked into their base, which they believed was nearby, but not too close. They were prepared to escape. Now they just had to wait until it was dark.

The radio was playing again and Scully was sitting on the couch, her head back, trying to doze and rest up for what she knew would be a long night. Diana sat quietly next to her. The air in the room was charged; it had been all day. But Scully felt the tension increase dramatically, and she opened her eyes, knowing Diana was about to say something. Mulder had worked with her long and hard during the last five years, helping her to read her own, natural intuition. He believed she was, and always had been, an empath. It was what made her such a good doctor.

Diana finally spoke. "How did Fox know about Paul?"

Scully turned her head and looked at her. "You're kidding, right?"

Diana met her eyes with her own, and they were dead serious.

"He was an FBI agent, Fowley. He wasn't so blinded by love or passion that he couldn't see through you."

Diana winced and turned away. "I never wanted to keep it from him."

Scully just laughed, not believing the woman one bit. Paul Ricardo had been one of the many ghosts from Mulder's past; he was the last ghost Mulder had finally told her about, nearly three years into their marriage. She hadn't been surprised Mulder had kept the story from her; after all, he hadn't even told her about the fact that he and Diana had been married until just before their own wedding. But now they kept no secrets from each other.

Paul Ricardo had been a fellow agent and profiler. He and Mulder had started a good, solid friendship soon after Mulder had started with Violent Crimes, not knowing at the time that the man and Diana had been lovers several months earlier. When Diana had been assigned to DC, she had immediately started a romance with Mulder. But her feelings

for Paul hadn't died, either, and the two had started seeing each other secretly, both apparently feeling no guilt about deceiving their friend Mulder. Mulder had been totally

oblivious to the whole affair...at that time.

When he and Diana married, Mulder believed she had tried to stay away from Paul. But apparently, it hadn't worked. She and Mulder spent their days re-establishing the X Files, and Mulder's obsession with them grew. As did his suspicion about his wife and his friend. But Mulder believed deeply in marriage, and he was determined to make it work. He was also too afraid to confront Diana with what he knew because he feared it would make her leave him. And he was terrified of being alone. So, he ignored what he knew, and focused on the X Files. Then, the baby had happened.

Since they had married, Mulder had let Diana know how much he wanted children, but Diana wanted to wait. Her career was her focus, now, she told him, and he respected her wishes. But he continued to hint every now and then. He desperately wanted a chance to be the father his own father had never been. He knew he could be a wonderful dad. And having children just might make up for his past losses.

When Diana got pregnant, Mulder didn't find out right away. She didn't tell him. And he knew why; the baby wasn't his. He and Diana had used protection every time they were

together, and while it was a fact that their methods weren't 100% foolproof, he knew the baby was Paul's. When Mulder discovered her secret, he set out to confront her. He didn't

mind if the baby wasn't his, but she was his wife, and he refused to share her or the child with another man. She would have to promise never to see Paul again, and to pretend the baby was his. But before he could tell her he knew her little secret, she had an abortion. That had been the final rip to his already shredded heart. He had watched from his car as she and Paul left the clinic together, relief evident on their faces.

Mulder had never told her he knew. About Paul. About the baby. He had become completely absorbed in his work. It was his coldness that had finally driven Diana to Europe. And he

couldn't say that he was anything but relived, despite the pain of being abandoned once again. He had told Scully that he often thought of the baby that hadn't been born. About

its potential. How he could have loved it, no matter that it wasn't his.

He had told her this the night she had miscarried. And as she lay in his arms in the hospital bed, she had cried for him, for her own baby, and for the baby that might have

been.

"Why did you do it?" she said softly to the woman next to her. "I know you loved him. Why did you hurt him so?" She turned her ice blue gaze on Diana. "First cheating on him, then taking away the baby, then leaving him. Not even trying to talk to him, to get him to open up to you. He would have, if you had tried. But you didn't. You gave up, just like that, and left."

All color had drained from the other woman's face. "He knew about the baby?"

Scully simply nodded. "He hated himself for not facing you with the facts, but after the abortion, I don't think he really cared anymore." She didn't tell Diana that she was

more of a cause of Mulder's obsession than Samantha's abduction was. Searching for his sister was simply his way to cope with a past he never wanted to repeat.

"It wasn't his," Diana whispered. It was an excuse.

"He knew that!" Scully snapped. "It didn't matter. You were his wife. You were supposed to love him, in sickness and in health, 'till death do you part. To *honor* and *cherish*. Not break, then leave the broken pieces behind."

"If I hadn't, you wouldn't have been able to pick up those pieces, would you?" Diana's voice sounded sad.

Scully gave a short laugh. "I didn't. He picked himself up on his own. Quite well, too, I might add." She stood from her seat on the sofa. "But I saw the cracks. Cracks that are

still there, though they are hard to see, now. I've helped heal them somewhat, and the children have helped even more. But they're still there, Diana. Because of you."

She watched as the other woman stiffened, preparing to become defensive. "I never..."

She stopped suddenly as Scully's body began convulsing. Her eyes glazed over, and her body began quivering wildly. She fell to the floor as her knees gave out, but the twitching

continued.

"Scully?" Diana asked as she stood. "Scully?" she said louder. Then she ran over to the woman on the floor, grabbing her, trying to still her quivering body. "Help!" she screamed, panic filling her voice. "My God! Help!"

One of the guards rushed into the cabin. "What the hell?" he mumbled as he saw what was happening. "Chuck! Get in here!"

"Please!" Diana yelled. "Get a doctor!"

"What happened?" the man asked as he kneeled next to the two women. The redhead's eyes were open, but sightless. Saliva flowed freely out of her open mouth. Chuck came in the door behind him, his expression confused.

"I don't know," Diana gasped. "We were talking. Arguing. She stood up, and the she just started seizing." She turned her tear-filled eyes to the men. "Please. You have to help her."

Chuck stepped in close, reaching for the radio at his hip. He raised to his mouth.

"Don't let her die."

At Diana's words, the world tilted for Chuck. The seizing woman had suddenly grabbed his leg and pulled it out from under him. At the same time, the brunette reached over and

plucked his companion's gun from its holster and, using its butt, cracked him on the back of the head.

Scully swung up and around the man she had knocked down, clasping her fists together and bringing them down hard of the back of the man's head. The fall, combined with her swift attack, knocked him out.

Both women stood panting as they watched the two men on the floor, waiting for any sign of movement.

"Nice job," Diana said. "You even had me fooled for a moment."

Scully winced as she wiped saliva from her chin. "I've seen enough in my time that it wasn't too hard to fake." She looked over at her 'partner'. "Now, let's tie these guys up

and get the hell out of here. We only have two hours before they're due for their check-in."

******

"It's not the finally detailed insanity you've come to expect from me..."

Episode 3x06- 2Shy

*****

The Four Musketeers, as Cat had so quaintly named them ("I get to be Aramis," Justin had declared), found CGB Spender just after midnight. Monroe had made contact with the man

earlier in the day and had scheduled to meet with him in a secluded warehouse in Alexandria at 10 P.M. Justin had waited, with the others hiding just outside, but the old man never arrived. At 11, the quartet headed home, but not before discovering a car sitting near the back of the warehouse. The driver, a frightened looking young man, told

them he had let his boss out an hour earlier.

"What's your boss’s name?" Mulder had asked him.

"Hell if I know!" the kid had exclaimed. He pointed them in the direction the old man had gone, which was away from the warehouse, and the four began to head in that direction. It

had taking more than an hour to find him. Mulder was shocked by what he saw.

The infamous, all-powerful Cigarette-Smoking Man was sitting on an old crate, in the middle of an alleyway, smoking and mumbling to himself. Cautiously, Mulder approached him.

The man's eyes, dull with age and fatigue, raised to meet his as he walked forward. "Mulder?" Spender whispered.

Mulder stopped in front of the man, nodding his head in response to the weak question.

"But you can't be here. You're dead."

Mulder felt his brow furrow in confusion. "I know. You killed me, remember?"

"No, no!" the old man argued. "I would never kill you! You're my son!"

Mulder heard the sounds of nervous shifting coming from the people behind him. Mulder felt his own face heat at the words; not in embarrassment, but in anger. "No, I'm not," he

said simply, keeping his voice neutral.

CSM laughed. "Oh, you poor boy. All I ever wanted for you was power and respect, the same things I had. But you had neither for so many years. But you have it now, don't you?

Power in your little county in Indian Country. Respect from all the people under your care." He squinted his eyes. "But how is that possible, if you're dead?"

Mulder turned to look at Skinner, and the AD gave him a shrug in return.

"He's crazy," Cat whispered.

"I AM NOT CRAZY!!!!!!" The old man jumped up from his seat at Cat's words, dropping his cigarette to the ground. His face had turned crimson as he screamed. "YOU KNOW NOTHING, LITTLE GIRL!"

Mulder automatically put his hand on the old man's shoulder. "Hey, easy. Just chill." He used a soothing voice, knowing instinctively that the man would listen to him. He also knew

Cat was right in her assessment. Cancer Man had lost control of his mind.

"I'm not dead," Mulder continued as the old man sat back down. "Remember? You helped me get away. With Scully."

"Scully?" The man squinted up at him. "Is she here? She shouldn't be here! They'll kill her!" He stood again. "The children! You must protect the children!"

"They are protected," Mulder continued. "They are very safe." Again, he pushed the man down on the crate. "But I need to know where Scully is."

"No," CSM said, shaking his head wildly. "She's safe. I had her and Diana taken to a safe place."

"But *I* need to be the one to keep her safe!" Mulder demanded. "I need her with me."

"They won't allow that," the old man said. "Not if you're to take my place. They don't want you together. They never have." He began laughing again. "Together, you were unstoppable. Together, nothing could destroy you." He looked up into Mulder's eyes. "Aren't you glad I picked her?" He giggled maniacally. "I thought she would control you. I never imagined she was the other part of you."

Mulder leaned back. "I will never take your place," he said with conviction.

"Then they will kill you, too."

Mulder stood silent for a moment. "Where's my wife?"

CSM just looked up at him, a small smile on his weathered face. But he didn't say a word.

"I know."

Mulder and the others turned at the sound of the voice. The young driver stood there, still nervous, but trying to be brave. "I drove them there," he said.

"Where?" Mulder asked, just as the CSM shouted, "Quiet, boy!"

The kid looked at CSM with agitation, but then answered Mulder's question. "Kentucky. A little town called Willow Ridge."

"SHUT UP!!!!!" CSM had risen again. This time, Mulder didn't gently push him down. Instead, he shoved him hard.

"Sit down!" He turned back to the driver. "You'll tell us how to get there?"

The boy nodded and gave them a quick set of directions. With one final look at the subdued man next to him, Mulder turned away. He told the driver as he left, "See that he gets to a hospital, would you?" Then, he turned and walked away, ignoring the screams emanating from the man behind him.

"MULDER!!!!"

************************************************************

"You think you can hold me?"

Episode 5x09-Kitsunegari

*****

It took them less than 45 minutes to hike to the nearest town, but it was one of the longest 45 minutes of Scully's life. Clouds had settled in thick over the countryside, making the late August night chilly...and dark. Too dark. Though they stuck to the main road, they quickly dived into the bushes whenever a vehicle came by, which fortunately wasn't very often. Scully still feared capture at any moment, and the fact that she didn't trust her traveling companion did not in any way ease her tension.

The discussion they had had earlier, combined with her 'seizure', had brought about a raging migraine, and Scully feared it was bad enough that she would not be at her best

if cornered. Which meant she had to put a small amount of faith in Diana, something she was loathe to do.

When they reached the little town called Willow Ridge, they set out to find a vehicle of their own. But the little rural community was even smaller than Lincoln, and the only car

they found was sitting on cement blocks. "You want to drive, or shall I?" Diana had asked her with a small smirk. Scully had simply responded with a glare.

The sound of a motor caused them to duck behind the small service station they were next to. An old pickup truck chugged up to the little house next to the station. Its driver, who had to be at least half a century older than the 30-year-old truck he was driving, got out and shuffled into the house. A couple of Black and Tan Coonhounds jumped out from the back and plopped themselves down on the porch in front of the door.

"God," Diana whispered. "Why did I have this sudden image of 'Deliverance'?"

Scully had to stifle a laugh. Biting her lip, she moved forward toward the truck. Diana grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"What are you doing? Those dogs aren't going to just ignore you!"

"Maybe they don't have to," Scully said, pulling away from the taller woman. As she neared the house, Diana's prediction came true. Both dogs immediately got to their feet and began baying at her, tails wagging, tongues lolling. Scully smiled at them, keeping her hands out away from her sides, fingers spread. "Hi, guys!" The tail wagging sped up.

The old man appeared in the door, telling his dogs to hush. "Can I help you, missy?" His expression was wary.

Scully smiled at him. "Hi. I am so sorry to bother you this late, but my car broke down just down the road. My friend and I," she turned and nodded her head at Diana, who had slowly followed her, "we were on our way to a friend's place and kinda got lost. Boy, were we glad to find you." She laughed softly, keeping her expression open and as honest as possible.

"Don't you city folk got cell-phones or something?"

Scully felt a real laugh emanate from her chest. "Well, I'm not exactly city-folk. I'm from South Dakota. In fact, this area reminds me a lot of home. My home town is a little bigger than this, though." She looked about her with appreciation.

Slowly, the old man smiled. "Most places are a lot bigger than Willow Ridge, but we got ourselves a post office, so that makes us a town."

"I'm surprised more people don't live out here. It's beautiful." Scully hoped she wasn't lying. After all, she hadn't seen any of the countryside in daylight.

"Yeah, well, it's still no place for your car to quit in the middle of the night." He sighed. "I could let you borrow my phone, but we don't have any mechanics or nothin' nearby, so I don't know as that would do you any good. You'd just have to wait until morning for them to come."

"Oh, I can't do that!" Scully said in a distressed voice. "My kids will be expecting me tonight!" She turned to Diana. "I told you we shouldn't have gone out on our own! Now, my

baby girl is going to be crying all night because she misses her mommy!"

"Your kids in Owensboro?"

Scully nodded. "Yes. They're with my husband. We thought it would be nice to leave them with the guys for the day and have some 'girl' time together." She crossed her arms and

did a very good impression of a pout.

The old man bit his lip, thinking. Then he smiled. "I'll tell you what. Why don't you borrow my truck? You all can bring it back in the morning when you come to pick up your car."

"Oh, we couldn't do that," Scully said. "We can't just take your truck."

"Please," the old codger insisted. "I don't want to think of them kids going to bed cryin'."

"Thank you, so much. How much do we owe you?"

"Nothin'! Nothin' at all," he exclaimed as he ushered them to the pickup. Scully slipped into the driver's seat as Diana hopped in the passenger door.

"Can I have your phone number in case we can't make it right away in the morning?" Scully asked.

The old man recited his number, then warned them, "Just drive careful. She can be temperamental."

"Oh, I will!" Scully gushed, starting up the motor. "Thank you again!"

Diana, in the passenger seat, looked at her with an astounded expression as they drove off. "I can't believe that! He didn't even ask for your name! He trusted you, just like that!"

"There's proof that there still are honest people in the world," Scully said with a smile.

"Yeah, well you showed him. Stealing his truck right from under his nose."

"I am not stealing his truck," Scully argued. "We'll drop it off in the first town we get to, call him and tell him where it is, and then we'll steal a car. From someone we don't have to talk to, of course."

Diana looked at her for a while in silence. Then, she suddenly began to laugh.

Scully couldn't help it; she laughed, too.

******

"I found his story compelling. But then again, I believe the Warren Commission."

Episode 4x16-Unrequited

*****

Near Willow Ridge, Kentucky

7:29 A.M.

When Mulder and the others got to Willow Ridge, it was overcast and chilly. It hadn't started raining yet, but the clouds looked ready to open up at any moment. The kid that

had given them directions had done a good job and they found the cabin almost immediately. Unfortunately, it was abandoned.

Or so they thought.

Once they entered the little building, they heard music. Cat walked over to the little clock radio sitting on an old table by the front door. It was playing a local country music station, and it had been turned up quite loud. But there was no sign of anyone around. It was obvious the radio had been forgotten, probably in someone's haste to leave.

"Look around," Mulder said, his voice gruff. "Maybe they left something behind that will tell us where they were taken."

The four of them split up and began searching. Mulder wandered into one of the two small bedrooms, not quite sure why he felt the need to look there first. The bed had been slept on. On, not in. The covers were still in place, but they were mussed and the pillow had the dent from someone's head on it. A pair of folded, flannel pajamas sat on the old dresser, untouched. So they had been here at least one night, he thought. Had they been moved, or had they gotten away? That was the question. He turned to leave when a flash of light on metal caught his eye. He walked over to the small table that sat next to the bed. His breath caught in his throat the minute he saw what lay there.

Scully's cross.

She never took it off, and the chain wasn't broken, so she must have left it there for him to find. She had known he would eventually find the cabin, and she had decided to leave him the only message she could. Quickly, he scooped up the tiny chain and pendant, then walked back out into the main room.

"They got away," he said without preamble.

Justin looked up from his search of the few kitchen counters. "How do you know?"

Mulder simply held up the necklace. "If they had been moved, she wouldn't have had time to take this off and leave it in there. She might have left it out here somewhere, but she

didn't. They planned to get away, and apparently, they succeeded."

"So where would they go from here?" Cat asked, watching as Mulder untangled the necklace and put it around his own neck.

"Good question," Mulder said softly. "They would have to find a way out, first."

"Willow Ridge," Skinner said. "The next closest town is over 20 miles away."

"Let's check out Willow Ridge, then," Justin remarked.

When they reached the tiny village three miles up the road, it began to rain. The town consisted of a post office, a small market, two bars and a gas station. There was little

to no traffic, and the only person out and about in the rain was the old man that ran the gas station. He was watching the four of them approach in their two cars with a curious

and wary expression on his face. Mulder pulled into the station and stepped out of the car, Skinner following close behind.

"Mornin'," Mulder said with a nod as he joined the man underneath the overhang in front of the station.

"Mornin'," the old man replied. "You all look a little lost."

Mulder smiled. "Well, not really. We're actually looking..." He was interrupted as the phone just inside the station began to ring.

"Excuse me," the old man said with a grimace. He stepped inside and answered the phone. Mulder and Skinner waited with hidden impatience as Cat and Monroe joined them under

the overhang. Mulder felt his leg twitch in nervous anticipation; he was nearly tapping his foot, for crying out loud!

Finally, the old man hung up the phone and came back outside, his brow furrowed with worry. "Sorry about that. Now, what can I do for you?"

Mulder sighed. "We're looking for a couple of women who might have passed through here recently..." Again, he was interrupted, this time by the old man himself.

"A red-head?" he asked.

Mulder felt his heart began to beat faster. "Yes! Have you seen her? She might have been traveling with..."

"A tall brunette," the old man finished. "Yeah, they came through last night around 8 o'clock. I let 'em borrow my pickup because their car had broke down."

"Where...?"

"In fact, that was just the red-head on the phone," he said, interrupting Mulder yet again. But this time, Mulder didn't mind.

"Just now?"

The old man nodded. "She told me they couldn't get the truck back to me. She said I would have to pick it up." He shook his head. "You guys aren't cops, are you? 'Cause she sounded like she was in trouble or something."

"No, no! We aren't cops," Mulder said, lying through his teeth. "The red-head is my wife. And I think she and the woman she's with are just a little lost." He smiled disarmingly at the old man. "Did she say where you could retrieve your truck?"

************************************************************

"Mulder, it's me."

"Where are you, Scully?"

Episode (insert episode number and name here.)

*****

Outside Kansas City, Missouri

8:45 P.M.

Scully and Diana made it to the Missouri River before they finally agreed to stay over at a rest stop and sleep. They had swiped a car from the same parking lot they had left the old man's pickup. It was a nondescript, gray Lexus, and with a little Kentucky mud wiped on the license plates, it was easy to miss. They took turns driving, arguing about everything from where to go, what and how to eat, and what radio station they should listen to. Sometimes, it seemed like they argued just for the hell of it.

Scully won the debate about where to go. She wanted to go home. South Dakota. She wanted to know her children were okay, and she knew that whoever was looking for her, whoever Spender was trying to 'protect' her from, would never believe she would go back there. It was the last argument that finally won Diana over. Or maybe it was the fact that

Scully wasn't about to take no for an answer.

By the time they reached Kansas City, their gas was incredibly low, they were hungry and tired, and their voices were sore from the constant exchange of insults. Yet, they never once considered going their separate ways. Like it or not, they knew they needed each other...for now.

Scully did her best to ignore the fact that most of their 'discussions' were mere banter; they never really fought. And she was not about to admit that she was almost having fun.

The sun had just set, leaving the western sky painted in fiery colors of magenta and burnt orange. Though they were armed with the weapons stolen from their former guards, they

still made sure the doors were locked before reclining the car seats back. But Scully still cracked her window. She loved to listen to the crickets at night; they were one of the many reasons she loved summer more than all the other seasons. She was nearly asleep when Diana spoke.

"How old are your children?"

Scully opened her eyes to see the colors in the west had changed to a dark cobalt intermixed with slashes of plum and lilac. "Fox is four. Marisa is almost seven months."

"Only seven months?" Diana asked. "She is still a baby." Scully knew Diana was thinking about what Scully had said to the old man about her baby girl missing her. "Do you really think she's crying herself to sleep?"

Scully was silent for a while. "Maybe. But she's probably adjusted to being apart from us better than Fox. He never stopped asking for his father after Mulder left. I can only imagine how bad he feels now that both of us are gone." She sighed. "Neither of us have been away from them this long before."

"Really? You never went on business trips or the like?"

Scully shook her head, though she was positive Diana couldn't see her. "Nope. Our business was in town. We had no need to go anywhere further than Rapid City."

"Yet, Mulder left to help Dawn."

It wasn't a question, so Scully didn't answer.

"Why?"

"Why do you think?" she said softly. "It was an X-File." She couldn't stop the sadness that weighed down her voice.

"I'm sorry."

Diana's simple reply nearly brought tears to Scully's eyes.

She felt herself drift off into sleep. She didn't know how long she slept before the flash of headlights bouncing off the side mirror woke her, and she immediately brought her

seat back into its upright position. Diana also woke and sat upright. Two cars were pulling into the rest stop behind them.

"What time is it?" Diana mumbled, still half asleep.

Scully glanced at her watch, pressing the dial to make it glow. "Almost 3 A.M." She felt stiff and sore, and she did not feel rested.

"I don't know if I like the idea of two cars pulling into an isolated rest stop in tandem like that," Diana whispered.

"Neither do I," Scully breathed back. "Let's get away from the car." Grabbing her stolen weapon, she stepped out of the car and made her way toward the back of the small building that housed the restrooms. Diana followed, her own confiscated weapon in hand. They tried to avoid the lights as much as possible, but the area was well lit, and they knew that whoever was in the vehicles had most likely spotted them. But hopefully, the people wouldn't be able to identify them.

"Who do you think they are?" Diana asked as they ducked behind the building.

"Probably just college kids on a road trip or something." Scully began fervently hoping this was true.

They stood silent as they heard car doors open and slam shut again. Indistinct voices could be heard. Diana peeked around the corner, and immediately jerked her head back. "They're armed!" she hissed.

"What?!"

"I could swear that one of them had a gun!"

Scully felt her adrenaline level increase substantially, and she breathed in deep. "The rest of Spender's men, maybe. How did they find us?"

Diana shrugged.

It was silent for a long moment. Then, the sound of a toilet being flushed on the other side of the wall could be heard. Then another. Both women felt relief pour through them. They

were just travelers stopping for a break; Diana had most likely imagined a gun. Even if they were Spender's men, it was obvious they didn't know Scully and Diana were there.

They listened carefully as more talking could be heard. Scully felt a chill run up her back. She blamed it on the coolness and humidity of the night, but then she heard what sounded like a footstep coming from around the other corner of the building. Quickly and quietly, she moved over to the other corner, her gun ready.

A tall man, nothing but shadow, walked past her, heading for the bare lot that sat behind the rest stop. The lights from the front of the building flashed off the pistol in his right hand. Instinctively, Scully raised her gun.

"Stop right there," she demanded, using her best cop voice. "And raise your hands slowly."

The man had stopped short at the first sound of her voice, and was now raising his hands. But before Scully could do or say anything else, he dropped his gun to the ground and spoke.

"You wouldn't shoot an unarmed man, would ya, copper?"

Scully's entire body seemed to go limp, as she too dropped her gun to the ground. "Oh, my God!" Her body began to move toward the man, who had turned to face her, bringing his

raised arms out to meet her. "Mulder?!"

She buried her face in his chest and reveled in the feeling of his arms around her. She heard more voices coming from behind her, but she didn't care who else was there. "How did you find us?" Her voice was muffled because she refused to pull away from him.

"By accident!" Mulder said, his voice full of laughter. "We only stopped because Skinner and Monroe had to pee!"

Scully finally backed away from him. "Skinner?" She turned to see her former boss standing next to Cat O'Neil. Justin stood a short way behind them, a huge grin on his face.

Scully smiled back. "I still don't understand." She looked up at her husband, who had one arm wrapped firmly around her waist.

"We met up with an old man in Willow Ridge. He got a phone call while we were there. It appears two women 'borrowed' his truck, but couldn't return it. They left it in Central City, which was east. But I guessed they were heading for South Dakota. So, we went west." He shook his head. "It was pure coincidence we stopped here. The car in the lot made us wonder, and when I thought I heard a noise out there..." He nodded his head toward the lot behind them and shrugged.

"Where's Charlie?" Scully asked suddenly.

"With Wambli." Mulder glanced at Diana, who had been standing quietly in the shadow of the building. "We're not through with that mess, yet."

"Well, this mission is accomplished," O'Neil said. "Let's get the hell out of here."

"And go where?" Skinner asked.

"Home," Mulder and Scully said together. But then they looked at each other, thinking. "We can't, can we?" Scully said softly.

Mulder sighed. "Not yet."

"Well, then. I guess it's back to DC. Let's finish this."

"How?" Justin asked.

"We'll find a way," Mulder responded. He waited as the others, including a very silent Diana, turned in the dark to go back to the cars. Then he turned to face his wife. "Let's

not leave each other's sight until this is over, deal?" His whisper was husky, filled with both relief and amusement.

With a smile, Scully nodded. "Deal." She held out her hand for Mulder to shake on their 'deal'. Mulder looked at it for a moment, then took it firmly in his. But instead of shaking

it, he used his grip to drag her toward him, bringing his free arm down around her waist and pulling her tight against him. She went willingly, turning her face upward. He released her hand and cupped her cheek, then lowered his own face to meet hers.

The days of tension, the lack of sleep, the confusion about her relationship with Diana...all her worries faded away underneath the ministrations of his lips and tongue. Scully eagerly matched him in his attempt to swallow her whole, standing on tiptoe and pressing the full length of her body against him. When he finally pulled away, she was literally breathless.

"Soon," Mulder whispered, shifting uncomfortably away from her. He cleared his throat, glanced warily toward the parking lot, and tried to adjust himself through his jeans. Scully giggled. "Yeah, you can laugh. It's not your problem."

"Oh, but it will be," Scully said with a smile. She bent down to pick up the discarded weapons, then she turned away from him and headed for the others. With an exasperated

sigh, he followed.

******

"You know what would really be fun?"

Episode 6x05-Dreamland II

*****

4:37A.M.

When her husband arrived home from a late day at work, Megan had already been asleep in bed. And Jeremy hadn't awakened her. It was obvious from the stress lines on her brow that she had had a hard day, and he felt she needed her sleep. So he quickly showered, changed into a pair of pajama bottoms (Megan slept in the shirt that matched), and joined her in bed, his own exhausted body falling asleep almost instantly.

However, shortly after 4 AM, he woke up to find his wife standing at the bedroom window, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, head resting on the frame. She looked lost and lonely, like a frightened little girl. That was one of the things he adored most about her, her ability to be childlike, even in the most mature circumstances. But tonight, it worried him. She was thinking. Had been thinking for several days now, and she refused to discuss it with him. He knew it had to be something to do with her work, but that was about the only thing he did know. Whatever it was, it was slowly tearing her apart, and that made him angry. Quietly, he slipped out of bed and walked toward her.

He felt her jump as he slid his arms around her, but then her body relaxed and she leaned back into his embrace. He was silent for a long moment, and when he finally did speak, it was with a whisper. "Please, Meg. Tell me what's wrong."

Megan seemed to recognize the fervent plea in his voice, and she turned to face him. "I've been thinking," she replied softly.

"About?"

"About Taryn and Carmen and...Wambli."

"Your animals?"

"That's just it. They're not *my* animals." She pulled away from him slightly and turned back to look out the window. "Oh, how I wish they were."

Jeremy was startled by her last statement. He knew she cared a great deal about the animals from Project Nihm, but he also knew she kept herself apart from them emotionally. She was a scientist and they were her subjects. That was the way it had always been. He wondered what had happened to change her perspective. "If they were yours, what would you do?"

She didn't even hesitate. "Let them go."

Shocked, Jeremy grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him again. "What?!"

She gave him a sad smile. "I'd let them go. I'd leave them alone to pursue their own lives. To let them live the way they want to live. Like Wambli did so many years ago."

"But they have the minds of children," Jeremy argued. Though not an expert on her work, he knew enough about what she had accomplished to argue with her. "Would you just let a group of children loose to live on their own?"

Megan laughed. "Oh, Jeremy. Some may have the minds of human children, but some are smarter than me! And even those that aren't still think like the animals they are. Mature, adult animals that can learn and adapt just like others of their kind. Wambli did. She may be able to think like a human, but she has spent the last ten years living like the eagle she

is." She moved away from him, walking back toward the bed. "Why are we doing this to them anyway? Because we can? That's the most arrogant, egotistical, pompous reason in the world!"

She's really getting worked up now, he thought as she turned to face him, her eyes flashing in the dim moonlight streaming from the window. "You really mean it, don't you?"

he asked, his voice rough.

"Yes," she said with a solid voice. "Yes, I do." Then she grimaced. "Do you hate me?"

Jeremy smiled. The little girl was back. "Are you kidding? I don't think I've ever been more proud of you."

She smiled. "Really?"

"Really." He walked up to her, grasping her shoulders again. He bent his head and buried his face in her hair, breathing in her scent as if it was an intoxicating drug. His lips found the sensitive spot beneath her ear. Her pulsed jumped and began to quicken, so he touched his tongue to the same spot and was rewarded with a deep moan. He smiled and began to unbutton the pajama top.

"You worked so late," she said, her voice more air than anything. "I thought you'd be exhausted."

"I am," he mumbled. "But I can't sleep. And obviously, neither can you. I'm sure we can solve that problem with some invigorating, physical activity." His large hands cupped her bare breasts under the now opened shirt. "You know. Tire us out."

Megan leaned her head back as he let his lips create a wet trail down her throat, across her collarbone, and down to her right breast. "I could never tire of this," she sighed. She groaned again as he wrapped his lips around her nipple and swirled it around his mouth with his tongue. "Jeremy." Her voice was barely audible as she breathed his name. Slowly, he brought the shirt down over her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor behind her, and then gently pressed her back two steps until she ran into the bed. All without taking her nipple from his mouth.

When he finally came up for air, he pushed her onto the bed. He leaned over her, giving her a quick kiss, then slid her panties off. He then began lavish attention on her other

breast, caressing the already peaked nipple. She was unable to lie still underneath him, and her wriggles and moans were driving him slowly over the edge. But he became determined

to see her go over first. With a patience born from his absolute love and consideration for his partner, he began to work his way oh-so-slowly down her body. He stopped and paid

special attention to her bottom rib. Then he moved down to her belly button, making her giggle with delight. He then let his mouth trail leisurely across her lower abdomen, stopping only when he reached the beginning of her curls.

With slow deliberation, he kneeled on the floor beside the bed and spread her knees with his hands. She was trembling with anticipation and making small gasping noises. Finally, one of the noises became intelligible as a word. "Please."

With a wicked grin, Jeremy lowered his head and kissed her. She nearly jumped off the bed. He laughed softly, then began using his lips, his tongue, and his teeth to drive her mad. She was gripping his hair with two iron fists, trying to push him away and bring him closer to her at the same time, but he managed to keep her from distracting him from his

ministrations. She was shouting now, alternately yelling out his name and God's all on the same breath. Just as he felt her body start to vibrate with the beginnings of her orgasm,

he pulled back.

"No!!!!" Her shout was followed by a whimper. "Jeremeeeeeeeeee."

Without pause, he stood, pulled down his pajama bottoms, leaned over her and slipped inside of her. "Yes!" she responded, and quickly brought her legs up, knees bent, gripping his hips tightly with her thighs as he thrust in and out wildly.

Her orgasm came in the form of an explosion, the aftershocks of which Jeremy felt flow through her again and again. With a grimace and a groan, he followed, spilling himself into

her with a forcefulness that astounded him.

It was a long while before they could drag themselves completely on the bed and under the covers. But before she fell into the sound sleep he knew was beckoning both of them, he whispered, "I love you, Megan. And whatever you decide, I'll back you all the way."

Megan Northam fell asleep with a smile on her face.

*****

"See, you're a patriot again."

Episode 5x15-Travelers

*****

It was nearly 7 in the morning when the phone woke Megan. She rarely slept past 6, but due to certain events earlier that morning, her exhausted body wanted more sleep. With a groan, she reached for the receiver, pulling it lazily to her ear. Jeremy shifted in the bed behind her. "Hello?" she asked, still half asleep.

"Dr. Northam?"

Megan felt her eyes pop open and she pushed herself up on her elbow. "Mr. Mulder?"

"Yeah. Look, sorry if I woke you. But I just wanted you to know that we found what we were looking for."

"Both of them?" she asked. She had noticed that Mulder wasn't using names, and though she doubted very much that her phone was tapped, she followed his example.

"Yes." There was relief in his voice. So much that Megan knew she didn't have to ask if Diana and Dana were unharmed.

"That is wonderful news," she said with a smile. Then she braced herself and said, "Mr. Mulder. We need to meet. Now that this problem is solved, I think it's time we set out to

solve the other one. The one that brought you back in the first place."

"I couldn't agree more, Doctor. We better not discuss any more over the phone, but you can bet someone will be contacting you before the day is out to set up a meeting."

"That sounds good. The sooner the better, Mr. Mulder. I want this over with."

"Ditto," the former agent said, then hung up without another word.

Megan put the phone back into its cradle and flopped down on the bed. "Work?" Jeremy asked.

She nodded. "I better get ready for it. It very well may be my last day at Ft. Marlene."

************************************************************

"They've taken revenge for their mistreatment."

Episode 2x11-Excelsius Dei

*****

Mulder sent Charlie to give Dr. Northam the message on where to meet that evening. He was the only member of the troop that was still pretty much unknown to the men of the

Consortium. He came back looking like he had just run the Gauntlet. "Hey! You alright?" Mulder had asked him upon his return to the Gunmen's apartment.

"Uh, yeah," Charlie had mumbled. "Fuckin' traffic is screwy in this town, you know that?!"

Mulder had given Scully a wry smile. Poor Charlie. He really wanted to go back to South Dakota. "I know exactly what you mean, Yellow Hawk."

The 'party' began around midnight at the old warehouse that used to house The Lone Gunmen when they had been younger and more paranoid. And party was the only term Mulder could think of to call the gathering. Everyone and their dog was there, it seemed. Except, there were no dogs.

Byers and Langley. Frohike and Katie, who was still hoping to get great story material out of this. Skinner. Diana. Charlie. Cat and Monroe. Scully and himself. Even Dr. Northam came with a 'date', her husband Jeremy, who had refused to let Megan go to some secret meeting alone. And, of course, sitting quietly on her bucket in the back of the room, was the cause of the meeting: Wambli.

Once they had reached the warehouse, Mulder had detached the leash from her jesses, leaving her free to roam about the warehouse. She looked at him for a while, her brown eyes unreadable, then began to preen. She had no need to go anywhere. Besides, it was obvious she wasn't about to miss this meeting for the world.

Northam appeared nervous when she entered the building and saw all the people. But once she spied the eagle, she seemed to relax. Mulder guessed that she felt that if Wambli could trust all these people, then she could, too. After she introduced her husband, Mulder introduced everyone she didn't already know. Then Mulder attempted to get down to business.

"You said we needed to finish this, Dr. Northam. You know a way out of this mess? A way for Wambli to stay free?" The eagle had stopped her preening and was watching them

intently.

"Yes. I do." Megan took a deep breath. "I've already got a start on it."

"On what?" Scully asked.

"Letting them *all* go."

Despite the number of people in the room, it was so silent you could hear a feather drop.

Northam sighed. "I've already disabled the chips from all our test subjects. I covered it up by telling everyone it was a routine check to make sure the chips still worked as tracking devices. Word of Dawn's escape and return is all around, and everyone figured I was just paranoid that someone else might escape." She folded her arms. "It will take some doing, but with a little help, we can get all of them out of there tomorrow night. They can decide where to go from there." She looked at Byers. "You guys are good with computers, right? You can help get some of them out of the country."

No one responded for a moment. Charlie was the first one to speak up. "That won't work. Wambli didn't have a chip, but she was still worried they would hunt her down after they

found out she was alive. They're too persistent."

Megan shook her head. "They wanted Wambli because she has the virus. But if we release the others, cure Wambli, and destroy the last remaining vials of DNA, the Project will be

sunk. It would take too much time, effort, and money to get it going again."

"Cure Wambli?" Scully asked.

"The vaccine," Mulder explained to her. "It should be able to rid her of the virus."

"Speaking of," Cat spoke up, pulling a vial filled with an amber colored liquid out of her pocket. "I picked it up today. Not even Justin knows where I got it."

Again, Mulder and Scully looked at each other, speaking with their eyes alone. "Let's do it," Scully said softly.

Megan pulled her purse from her shoulder and dug through it, pulling out a syringe and needle. "I came prepared," she said when she spied everyone's odd looks. "I knew someone

would have that vaccine Mr. Mulder told me about." She was blushing slightly.

Scully took the syringe from her and then took the vile from Cat. She looked at Mulder. "One cc?"

He shrugged. "Maybe even less. It only took about two for you, and this stuff is more potent."

Scully nodded and drew up less than a quarter of a milliliter of the gold-colored liquid. Then she walked over to the eagle.

Wambli watched her come without moving a muscle. As Scully squatted in front of her, she asked, "You're not going to claw my eyes out or anything, are you?" All she received as a reply was a barely visible blink. Scully leaned forward and pressed the needle against the bird's chest, just to the right of her keel bone. She took a deep breath, stuck the needle in, somewhat surprised by the tough skin she had to pass in order to do so, pulled the plunger back to insure she was not in a vein, and injected the vaccine.

Wambli never twitched.

After Scully removed the needle, she stood and backed away from the bird. Everyone held their breath.

For a long moment, nothing happened. Then Wambli fluffed her feathers out, shaking her whole body. She spread her wings and fanned her tail feathers, arched her neck and opened her mouth. She appeared to be gagging. At first, Mulder thought she was coughing up a pellet, something he had seen her do several times since he had met her. But what came out of Wambli's mouth wasn't a ball of undigested fur and feather. It was black. It was oily. And it was dead.

The eagle coughed a few more times, then shook herself even harder. She immediately began to wipe her beak on her perch, as if she was disgusted with the substance still clinging to her mouth and wanted it gone. Mulder grabbed a towel and went over to help her clean herself. She stood still as he wiped her beak clean, then she hopped off her perch and ambled over to the industrial sink in one corner of the room, her talons clicking on the cement floor. Justin, who just happened to be standing next to the sink, watched her, wide-eyed, as she unfolded her wings and used both them and her powerful legs to jump onto the counter.

"Hey, Monroe," Mulder called over to him. "She wants water. Plug up..." Before Mulder could finish, Wambli had picked up the plug for the bottom of the sink with her mouth,

dropped it into the drain, and turned the faucet on with a flip of her head. Water poured out in spurts, but soon flowed freely. "Never mind."

"That was...interesting," Langley said with a grimace. He looked warily at the puddle of black goo on the floor.

"You guys were infected with that?" Frohike asked Mulder and Scully in amazement.

"Cool!" Katie said with a smile.

Wambli's sink had finally filled and she had turned off the water. With a giant splash, she jumped into the big white sink and began to bathe, splashing water everywhere. Both

Monroe and Cat had to move quickly out of the way of the flying water. Megan and Byers laughed.

Charlie turned to look at Mulder. "Now what?"

"Now, we help Megan free the others."

******

"Mulder, this is not reality. This is a hallucination. It has to be. And either I am having it, or you are having it, or we are having it together."

Episode 6x21-Field Trip

*****

Charles Geoffrey Bertram Spender sat alone and lonely in a tiny, worn motel room just outside of New York City. He sat on the edge of his bed in the dark, the .44 Magnum he had stolen resting beside him. The sound of the heavy traffic outside his window did not distract him from his contemplation, which had been ongoing for several hours now. He had been studying the truth inside him intently, and so far, he had come up with only one conclusion.

He was going mad.

He remembered little of his conversation with Mulder the other night, but he did remember the hospital afterward. He remembered seeing C.C. Carter, the new man 'in charge', talking to his doctor, their expressions serious. And he clearly remembered the dark look Carter had given him before walking away.

It hadn't been hard to slip out of the hospital. All he had to do was pretend to be asleep, and they left him alone as they waited for someone to pick him up and prepare him for

transfer to a mental institution. He knew quite well he would never arrive at the institution. Not alive anyway. So he had left and come here.

He was still lucid like that occasionally, but those times were becoming fewer and fewer, and he was afraid that soon he would never return from that confused world his mind visited. And he couldn't go there yet. Nor could he die. No. Not yet.

He had a job to do first. Mulder had refused his request to take his place, which was not a surprise. If he had been in his right mind when he decided to make the request, he would

never have believed it was possible. Now, Mulder was out to find Scully. And then, no doubt, the two of them would help that damn eagle. And they would succeed, he was sure. But the Consortium wouldn't stand for that. They had signed their death warrants by coming back into circulation. They would not stand a chance...unless...

With a sigh, he checked the ammunition in the weapon. It was fully loaded and ready for action. He would never have believed five years ago that it would come to this. He wished just once more that he could have seen Mulder and Scully's children before the end arrived, but that was not to be. He hoped Krycek would hear the news of what he was

about to do, and tell Mulder as soon as possible. The children would be safe. And their parents as well.

He stood, swaying on his feet ever so slightly. After he secured his balance, he headed for the door, tucking the gun, and several more rounds of ammunition, in his jacket pocket. He left the little room without one glance backwards.

It was only about ten blocks to his destination. Not an extraordinarily long way to walk, but tiring to an old, sick man such as himself. But he arrived still upright, and as long as he could see and pull a trigger, he would be fine. He entered the street level door of the old townhouse and made his way up the stairs. A young man armed with a gun of his own met him at the top. "Sir, you shouldn't be here." He actually sounded concerned. For him. Imagine that.

"Get out of here, boy," he rasped. "You have much better things to do with your life than playing guard dog to men such as these." He shoved the man toward the stairs and continued on past him. He reached the door he was aiming for and entered without knocking.

Fourteen men, including Carter, sat about the room. The New Consortium. They thought they were so powerful. So wonderful. They were nothing. For most of his life, he had held more power than they, and he had been a peon during most of that time. He carefully closed the door behind him, locking it.

"Well, well, well," Carter said with a wry smile. "Look who's here. We were just talking about you."

"I'm sure you were," Spender said with his patented evil smile. "As I'm sure many people will be talking about all of us in the days to come."

Carter's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Spender never stopped smiling. "Gentlemen, we are about to make history."

Without pause, he pulled out the gun in his pocket and began shooting at the men around him, starting with Carter.

They yelled. They screamed. They pleaded. But Spender just laughed, reloading the gun when he needed to and firing away. There was a pounding on the door behind him and sirens could be heard in the distance, but he ignored it all. Finally, there was only one bullet left.

Still smiling, CGB Spender brought the mouth of the pistol up against the back of his ear. "This is for you, Mulder," he whispered. Then, he pulled the trigger.

When the NYPD S.W.A.T. team broke down the door to the meeting room, silence greeted them. And the smell of blood. Twelve men lay dead, including the man who had allegedly caused the tragedy. The three that still lived would all die within a day. The media had a field day with what was termed the 'Town House Massacre'. No one knew why it had happened; what the gunman's motive had been. And no one would ever know.

It was the last cover-up the Consortium would ever be a part of.

************************************************************

"Dog eats dogcatcher. The story's all over the news this morning. It's sort of uplifting."

Episode 6x16-Alpha

*****

24 Hours Later

When Mulder and Scully arrived back at Byers and Langley's apartment, they were too exhausted to even talk. But they didn't need to. As one being, they entered Byers' bedroom and collapsed on the bed, fully clothed, and were asleep in minutes. It had been a very long night.

After meeting with the others the night before, Megan had gone back to Ft. Marlene to tell the twenty-four test subjects, including The Lady, who had been born there, that they could leave if they desired. Using the computer hookups that allowed them to communicate (the two parrots and the three chimps were able to 'speak' for themselves), they all told her they wanted to leave and continued to tell her where they would like to go. Some requests she had to refuse (Carmen wanted to go to Florida, but Megan had to explain to

her that there were no wild tigers in Florida), but before she left, she knew where to send them all.

All day yesterday, the Gunmen, Cat and Monroe, with Megan's assistance, made arrangements to have several high-priced animals shipped to various locations around the world. The crates that they were to be shipped in were rigged to allow the animal to escape once they reached their destination. The 'person' that was to meet the animals at their final stop did not exist; once there, the animal would most likely be left at the location and though they would be watched, the longer the wait, the less observant the watcher. It wouldn't be hard for the animals to release themselves and head out into their new home. All tags, leg bands and collars would be removed; there would be no way anyone would be able to tell they had ever been captives.

The Lady was to be released with both her mother, Taryn, and her father, an untested 150 pound male simply called Lobo. They had chosen, like Wambli, to go to South Dakota, in

hopes of reviving the long decimated wolf population there. They would have to be very careful not to be discovered until their population increased. Taryn would teach The Lady

all about living in the wild, then send her off to find a mate of her own, hoping she would come back to the Black Hills with him to raise their pups. Charlie was ecstatic when he found out about her decision, and promised that the Lakota tribe would do its best to support them when they were discovered. He planned to escort the three wolves and Wambli back home himself.

At midnight last night, Mulder and the others broke into Ft. Marlene for the last time. By 5 AM, after several excruciatingly tense hours, all the animals had been loaded onto cargo planes that would take them to their new freedom, with prayers and best wishes sent along with them. Megan had left the airport with tears of exhaustion, happiness and worry on her face. Her husband had led her away, practically carrying her drooping body to the car. The Gunmen, not quite as run-down, also left together; they would drop off Frohike at his place, then head back to the apartment. With Charlie gone, Langly had his bed back, but

Byers offered to take the couch and let Mulder and Scully have his bed. "Provided all you do is sleep in it," he had added.

"Prude," Mulder had huffed back, but he really had no argument. Sleep was about all he could do right now.

Cat, Monroe and Skinner had all stayed out of the direct action at Mulder's request; he refused to see their careers sunk if they got caught. But Diana had stayed to help, quietly but efficiently doing everything that was asked of her. Mulder had caught himself watching her more than once, confused and wary about her presence. Amazingly enough, she and Scully had appeared to get along quite well, and he often came upon them bickering like two sisters. However, as soon as Diana became aware of his presence, she stilled and

became quite again. She almost seemed contrite around him, as if she wanted to ask him to forgive her, but couldn't. Scully must have told her that he knew her secret. He wasn't about to tell her he had forgiven her long ago. The day he held his newborn baby boy in his arms, as a matter of fact.

When they had finished at the airport, Scully asked her, "What will you do now?"

Diana had shrugged. "I'll find something. I still remember how to be a lawyer; maybe I'll try my hand at that again." With sad eyes she had looked at Mulder. "Fox, I just want to

remind you what a lucky man you are."

Mulder, who had automatically gone on the defensive when she turned to him, asked, "You mean because I'm still alive and kicking after all the hell I've lived through?" His voice

had held an edge of sarcasm.

"No," Diana said with a smile. "Because you have the most wonderful thing in the world."

Mulder had furrowed his brow, silently asking what she meant.

"You have people who love you. Unconditionally. Friends. Family. Scully." She tilted her head. "Don't take that gift for granted. It's not as common as one might think." With

that, she had turned and left them alone.

Now, he slept hard, his whole being wanting nothing more than rest. Somehow, he had moved over and wrapped himself around Scully in his sleep, and when he woke several hours

later to the ringing of the phone, he tried his hardest to ignore it and buried his face in her hair. One of the guys must have answered, because for a long time it was silent. Then he heard voices. Scully made a soft noise and shifted slightly. A loud knock on the bedroom door roused them both immediately, and they jerked upright.

Byers peeked in. "Sorry guys, but Skinner needs to talk to you." His face was serious. "He has news I think you should hear."

With heavy sighs, they pulled themselves off the bed. Mulder ran his fingers through his hair, knowing it was probably standing on end. Scully's, though mussed, still looked fine

after she shook it out a bit. It was one of the advantages of long hair. They followed Byers back into the living room, where both Skinner and Cat stood waiting.

"Don't suppose you heard the news?" the AD asked without preamble.

"Not unless they started broadcasting in my dreams," Mulder grumbled.

"Spender's dead. As are fourteen of his cohorts."

"What?!" Scully said, wide awake now.

"You're sure this time?" Mulder asked wryly.

Skinner grimaced and nodded his head. "I saw his body myself. He shot himself. But not until he killed every last one of the other men in the room."

Mulder and Scully stood still in shock. The truth was slowly sinking in. "The Consortium?"

"Is dead," Skinner confirmed. "Their henchmen are still out there, but they won't cause problems. After all, the men that sign their paychecks are gone."

Everyone in the room was silent for a long moment. A silence filled with disbelief and amazement. Then Skinner picked up a folder sitting on one of the desks.

"We found this in Spender's old apartment." He handed it to Mulder, but explained the contents as he did so. "It's full of documents. Stocks. Bonds. Other notes of great monitory value. It's all been transferred to a trust fund. Twenty-one million dollars. All in the names of Fox Samuel Mulder and Marisa Ann Mulder."

Scully's mouth fell open. "Twenty-one million?!"

Skinner nodded, his face grim but his eyes bright. "It appears that your children are his heirs."

Mulder had been scanning the documents, both the original and the copies. "It's all here," he whispered. "And all real." He looked at Scully. "Mulder. He put their last name as Mulder."

"I guess Spender knew that after he finished his job, you two would no longer be required to keep yourselves hidden. It looks like you can legally become Fox Mulder again." He

looked at Scully. "And you..." He paused, his eyebrows raised in question.

"Dana Mulder sounds wonderful to me," she said with a smile, then looked at her husband. "Though I'll bet you all the granite in the Black Hills that he'll keep calling me Scully."

Mulder flushed slightly, then closed the folder. "Was Krycek one of those that were killed?"

Skinner eyes turned dark once more. "No. In fact, when I discovered he wasn't there, I got worried. One of the guards, who had been locked out of the room by Spender just

before the shooting, told me the old man had sent Krycek on a job." He paused. "In Lincoln, South Dakota."

******

"I'd ask, sir, before you tell me that it's not my business, that you do everything you can to get them back on the X-Files. Far worse can happen. And it will."

Episode 6x12-One Son

*****

The flight to Rapid City took forever, or so it seemed to Scully. Especially after the delay in Minneapolis. She had nearly gone insane waiting in the loud, busy airport, and was about to suggest renting a car and driving the rest of the way (it was only about ten hours by car) when their flight was called. Less than an hour later, they were at the tiny Rapid City airport, which was quite busy this time of the year. Labor Day was just around the corner, the last big weekend of the summer, and the variety of people Mulder and Scully had to wade through to get out of the building was proof Mt. Rushmore was still a big lure.

Alicia Chase and Nick Remington met them at the gate. Mulder had called them, asking them if the children, who had been left under their unofficial protection, were okay. Remington had told them they were perfectly fine, that they missed their parents, but were safe and secure. How would they know that if they were both here? Scully thought angrily.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded. "Why aren't one of you with the kids?"

Nick raised his hands, palms out, in an effort to stop her tirade before it caused attention. "It's okay!" he said. "Charlie is with them. He sent me to come pick you guys up."

The four of them quickly made their way down to the first floor and out the door. The day was sunny and clear, the wind blowing strong from the south. The Black Hills were clearly visible to the west, as were several large, white thunderheads that were quickly building above them. Scully, who usually loved to stare at the ancient mountains, didn't even give them a second glance. She needed to get home. She needed to see her children.

They headed southeast on Highway 44, speeding as much as it was safe to do so on the curvy road. There had been rain in the last few days, though it came too late in the year to

make the prairie green again. The hay fields were looking good though, and the ranchers were bound to get a good late summer crop. Calves that had been smaller than Mulder's dog Grizz only a few short months ago were now almost as big as their mothers. Breeding and Bangs vaccinating would be starting soon, and the spring calves would be sold at auction in a couple of months. As Scully stared out at the land surrounding her, she thought of these things. Of how life continued on, not caring what was going on elsewhere in the world. And she wondered if all the Nihm 'survivors' had made it to their new homes. If Charlie was with the children, then that meant both the wolves and Wambli had been returned to the wild.

She felt Mulder squeeze her hand and she looked at him sitting next to her in the back of the Bu-car. "Almost there," he whispered.

"So," Agent Chase said from the driver’s seat. "I understand you guys are among the living again."

"Yeah," Mulder said. He didn't offer any more information.

Alicia sighed. "I wonder what the people of Lincoln will think of that."

Scully heard the words, but they didn't make sense for a moment. When their meaning hit her, she faced Mulder again. His jaw was clenched and he was staring out his window. But

he never let go of her hand.

When they pulled into the little town, heading straight for Susan's house, they were not surprised to see everyone they passed eye the car with curiosity. Some of the people even

stopped what they were doing and began to follow the car when they recognized the people in the back seat, knowing where they were going. Scully didn't care if the entire U.S. Army followed them, as long as they reached their destination.

Finally, they pulled up in front of Susan's house. Scully let go of Mulder's hand and slipped out. Just as she closed the car door behind her, three laughing little boys ran around the corner of the house, chasing each other. One of them was her son.

"Fox!"

The little boy stopped and stared. Then, with a grin as big as the sky, he rushed toward her, his little legs pumping madly. "Mama! Dadeeeeee!" She scooped him up and spun him

around, right into Mulder's arms, and the three of them laughed and cried together for a long time.

The few townspeople that had followed the car to Susan's smiled at the sight, as did Nick and Alicia, but neither Mulder nor Scully noticed their audience. "Where's your sister?" Scully finally asked.

"She's with Tony and Susan," Fox said with a smile, his tiny white teeth flashing.

"Who's Tony?" Mulder asked, his eyes growing dark.

"Susan's new boyfred."

Boyfred? "You mean, boyfriend?" Scully asked.

"Yeah!" Fox said brightly. "He told me he liked Kim first, but Lucas didn't like him, so he made friends with Susan instead."

Mulder met Scully's worried gaze from over their son's head. "Fox," Mulder said softly. "Where's Charlie?"

"He's back there, too," the little boy said, pointing a stubby finger toward the backyard. "He doesn't like Tony too much." For the first time since they had arrived, the little boy frowned.

Mulder and Scully began to walk toward the back of the house, where Susan kept several sets of playground equipment for the children. There were about seven kids, including the

two boys who had been playing with Fox, running about the yard. Mary was walking an infant child, Barb's from the look of it, up and down the porch attached to the back of the

house. And Susan was sitting at the picnic table with Charlie. Both were watching a man standing at the head of the table carrying a baby.

Marisa.

Charlie spotted them first, and he stood, a smile on his face. "It's about damn time!"

"Charlie!" Susan reprimanded.

"Sorry," Charlie said to her before looking at the couple again. But their attention had drifted away from him to the man holding their daughter.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Alex Krycek said with a smile. "Look who's here," he said to the little girl in his arms. Marisa turned her blue eyes toward her parents, and recognition flooded them. She reached her arms out toward them, tears filling her eyes. Mulder rushed forward and grabbed her, pulling her tightly into his arms. He backed up to stand next to Scully and Fox, glaring at the man in front of him. Krycek just laughed. "Relax, Mulder. She's fine."

Mulder kissed his daughter on her cheek as Scully leaned against him, bringing her forehead against her little girl's arm. She was fighting hard to control the tears brimming in her eyes.

"Why are you here, Krycek?" Mulder growled.

"Krycek?" Susan asked, confusion filling her voice.

"You know him?" Charlie asked.

"Unfortunately," Mulder mumbled. He directed his words at Krycek. "Well?"

"The old man sent me," Krycek said, his eyes serious. "He wanted me to protect them."

Mulder stared at him for a long moment, and when Scully looked up she saw what she knew Mulder was seeing. Truth. Alex Krycek was actually telling the truth.

"The old man can no longer tell you what to do, Krycek. I assume you know that?"

The former double agent nodded. "I do."

"Then get the hell out of here. I never want to see your face near my family again."

Krycek stood there for a moment. Then he turned to the woman behind him. "Susan. It's been fun, but I gotta go. Sheriff's orders."

Susan, her brow furrowed, looked back and forth between Krycek and Mulder, but didn't say a word. With a smile, Krycek left, giving a little wave to the other kids as he rounded the corner of the house. Scully leaned against Mulder again, relief flooding through her. She set Fox down, his weight tiring her, but then had to take Marisa from Mulder when the baby reached for her.

"Would someone like to explain to me what is going on?" Susan demanded.

"It's a long story," Scully said, then turned as Nick came up behind them.

"Well, now that that problem is solved, I've got another one for you."

"What?" Mulder asked, rubbing his hand across his face. He reached for Fox, who was tugging on the leg of his jeans, demanding to be picked up.

"Cat and Monroe called me this morning, just after you guys left DC. It appears that the FBI wants both of you back."

"What?!" Both Scully and Mulder spoke in unison.

"They want you both back on the X-Files."

************************************************************

"Unlike you, Mulder, I would like to have a life."

Episode 1x04-The Jersey Devil

*****

Mulder glanced at his watch, squinting his eyes in order to read the numbers in the dim light coming from the glass doors behind him. It was almost midnight. The Witching Hour.

He smiled. There were no witches around here. Or gouls. Or goblins. Or monsters. Except for the human kind, of course. They were, unfortunately, everywhere.

He wondered if Krycek had left the state, yet. Though he truly believed the man had done nothing but watch over his children as ordered during his absence, he wasn't going to kid himself into believing Krycek was one of the good guys. While he felt relieved to know Diana was most likely free of the seduction of evil, and more than relieved to know Cancer

Man was dead, Krycek still proved that there was the possibility of evil invading this heaven on earth he called home. He would never forget that possibility.

His thoughts drifted to the afternoon and evening that had just passed. The people of Lincoln had been more than a little shocked by the news that their Sheriff was not who he

said he was. Or their town pediatrician. But, they had seemed to accept the odd situation with typical South Dakota aplomb. When Mulder, Scully and the children stopped by the

Sheriff's office, Lucas had been ready to hand over the reins to his boss once again. When Mulder refused, the deputy had been shocked and saddened. "Ian Zweifel doesn't exist anymore," Mulder had said. "Therefore, how can he be Sheriff?" The reunited family had then driven home.

The old house had been cleaned since Mulder had been there last, most likely by neighbors and friends from town. And as Scully started to get the kids settled and replace all the

pictures and mementos she had left at Susan's, Mulder drove to Kate's house to pick up the pets. The cats had immediately run upstairs to hide until things calmed down, but the four dogs rushed from person to person, barking and dancing about the house in their excitement. Even the horses had begun nickering from their pasture in the back, understandably agitated by the commotion coming from the house, which had been much too quiet for the last several days.

Finally, around sunset, things quieted down. The phone stopped ringing, and the kids fell asleep. Mulder spent more than an hour on the phone with Skinner and Cat, and Scully

called her mother to tell her the news. Both Skinner and Maggie Scully were making plans to come out to Lincoln to visit; they were both very anxious to finally meet the children. Mulder warned them the Gunmen would probably want to visit soon, as well.

Scully hadn't said a word about returning to DC, but he knew she had no desire to do so. Less than one week ago, she had thought her quiet, happy, NORMAL life was over. Now that she was home, she was anxious to start over, as Dana Mulder. She had already talked to Al Rosenberg, and her boss wanted her back, no matter what her name was. She had left the X-Files, of her own accord, over six years ago. She had no interest in going back.

Mulder, however, hadn't left because he wanted to go, even if he had been considering it for several months before his 'death' five years ago. He had missed it.

Scully had gone upstairs to bed almost two hours ago, not saying a word, but looking at him with sad understanding in her eyes. She knew he missed it. She knew he was seriously

considering going back.

He sighed, leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Would he really be happy working in the Bureau again? Facing the questions and the derision from the other people? Missing

his children and his wife? Ah, there was the rub. After Scully had left the X-Files for a new job in Spokane, he hadn't been as passionate about his work. Though he had enjoyed working with Cat, the cases he had investigated had all been more or less mundane. Mysterious, yes. But nothing had seemed to be as exciting without Scully by his side. It

was like eating a baked potato without salt. Fulfilling, but tasteless. He smiled, wondering what Scully would think being likened to salt.

But was his life here any more exciting? Arresting drunks and breaking up bar fights. Pulling over speeders. Making himself visible at every public event. Not exactly the high

life.

Feeling welcomed by every family in the area. Having all the children in town look up to him, including his own. Not having to look over his shoulder every second of every day.

Waking up every morning to Scully's perfect form beside him. Leaving for work every morning with sloppy, loving kisses from his children. Driving away from his house, knowing that no matter how the day went, he would get to come home to that house in the evening.

He stood suddenly. Grizz and Ricky raised their heads and watched him as he stepped off the porch and walked out into the yard. When he kept walking, they both jumped up to

follow him. The grass had lost some of its lushness in the days he had been gone; the rain they had received hadn't been enough for it and he hadn't been able to water it. But the gardens had been watered a couple of times, most likely by Barb, and the flowers were thriving. He moved past the little shed where Scully kept her gardening equipment and

continued on to the post and rail fence that separated the horse pasture from the yard.

The three equines lifted their heads from their grazing and began to move toward him. Feisty, being nearly white, was easily visible in the dark, but Poker and Peanut were dark

shapes that only took form as they neared the fenceline. The two horses stretched their heads over the top rail of the fence and nuzzled him, searching for carrots or some other

snack to steal. Peanut stuck her head through the rails, also trying to nuzzle him. Mulder pushed her little head away softly; at her height, a nuzzle from her resembled a grope at his crotch.

He gave a quick stroke on the muzzles of all three, then backed away from the fence, leaning his head back to look at the stars.

They were still out there. The aliens. Still waiting for their chance to grab the Earth away from her current inhabitants. They had been quiet for years now, but he knew they were still there. Finding himself in a position with the Government would give him the ability to be of help if the dreaded invasion occurred. It would give him some power. Maybe even more than before since it was obvious more than one person wanted him back. And the fascination he still felt about the paranormal was there. It had just been lying dormant for years.

Pros. Cons. Should he? Could he? He wasn't about to give up his family, that he was certain of. But could he have a good relationship with them living so far away? Could he handle it? Could Scully?

With a groan, he rubbed his aching head and turned back toward the house. Leaving the big dogs outside, he closed up, checking locks and turning off lights, a routine that had him wondering if he could give it up. With Samson and Delilah watching him with wide brown eyes, he climbed the stairs, looked in on his sleeping children, and entered his bedroom.

All the lights were off in the room, but the light in the adjoining bathroom was on, the door opened just slightly, allowing a small bit of light to escape into the room. With

that light, Mulder was able to see his wife. She was curled in a chair by the window, staring out it. He realized that she had most likely seen him when he had crossed the yard to visit the horses. He walked toward her. "Scully..."

Without turning to face him, she said, "I'll understand if you go back, Mulder." Her voice was solid, steady. But he knew it so well that he heard the slight roughness in its texture. She had been crying recently. He felt his own throat tighten. "We'll work it out," she continued. "I'll work only half the year, or for a few months at a time. The rest of the time, we could live with you in DC." She still hadn't faced him, yet.

"No." His voice sounded sharp to his ears, and it must have to hers, as well, because she swiveled her head around to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise. He cleared his throat. "I don't want them to grow up there. I want them to grow up here."

"Without their father?" She raised her eyebrow in typical Scully fashion.

"I'd come home often enough," he stated, noticing almost immediately how her eyes darkened at his words, even in the dim light of the room. She might say she was all for him

returning to the X-Files, but she was really having a very hard time with it. "Why are you letting me even consider this?!" he demanded.

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean? Isn't it what you want?"

"How do you know that for sure, Scully?" he argued. "Have I seemed unhappy in the last five years? Do you think I've been so miserable in this normal life that I would jump at

the chance to go back?"

"You did with Wambli, didn't you?" she argued back. "You didn't have to think long and hard about that."

"You're wrong," he snapped. "I did think long and hard. But I knew it would be temporary. I knew I would be coming back home." He ran his fingers through his hair, frustration

evident in his whole being. "This is different. This may be the rest of our lives, here."

"So what do you want me to do this time?" Scully asked. "Tell you not to go? Tell you not to leave us?" She shook her head. "Isn't that a little like telling an eagle not to fly?"

"No." Mulder stepped even closer to her. "Charlie told me the only reason eagles fly is to find food, shelter and a mate. If they have all that right where they are, they are more than content." He grasped her hand and pulled her up to stand facing him. "I have all I need right here. I don't need to fly."

He watched as tears formed in her eyes. "You may not need to. But you want to. I can see it in your eyes." She shook her head. "If I asked you to stay, you would eventually regret it. And then you'd blame me..." She raised her voice as Mulder tried to interrupt her, denying her words. "...even if it was unconsciously."

"Remember the cabin in Hayden Lake? Remember what you told me about the time you left DC? You said that if I had asked you to stay, you would have. You were upset that I hadn't

asked you to stay." His words were rushed. "All you have to do is ask."

She looked at him, her blue eyes large and luminous. "Why didn't you?"

Mulder felt his brows furrow. "Because I wanted you to be happy. Because I didn't want to be the one deciding your life for you."

"Exactly."

Mulder closed his eyes and tightened his grip on her hands. "Scully," he whispered.

"It's your choice, Mulder. Whatever you decide, I'll always love you. And I'll always be here for you."

He pulled away from her, the pros and cons running through his head again. Would he regret it if he stayed? Or would he regret it if he left?

He dropped his head suddenly, his chin nearly hitting his chest, his eyes closed. Silently, he pulled into himself, searching. Searching not his mind. Or even his heart. Searching his soul. What he found there gave him his answer, as he knew it would. With a sigh, he lifted his head and turned to Scully.

"You're right. It has to be my choice. And I've made it."

******

"But you saved me! As difficult and frustrating as it's been sometimes, your God-damned strict rationalism and science have saved me a thousand times over! You kept me honest. You made me a whole person. I owe you everything, Scully, and you owe me nothing.

"I don't know if I want to do this alone. I don't even know if I can. And if I quit now, they win."

*****

Four months later

2 P.M.

Dr. Dana Mulder left Lincoln around Noon and headed west on Highway 44. The roads were clear, which was a good thing this time of year. Though it was cold today, on this last day of the year, the previous days had been mild, the day after Christmas even reaching 60 degrees, melting any snow and ice that had still been on the roads since the last storm. Once she had arrived in Rapid, she had turned south on Highway 79 until she reached a point just past the small ranching community of Hermosa. There was more snow out here,

at the foot of the mountains. She turned west again, on Highway 36, heading directly into the tree-filled island known as the Black Hills.

She had traversed the familiar route into Custer State Park carefully, mindful of the ice that could be found on the curves of the roadway, and other places that didn't get much

sun during the day. There was no sun today. If fact, the northern sky appeared dark, and snow was in the forecast. Scully couldn't believe she was doing this, driving up here, on New Year's Eve, with a snow storm on the way. But here she was. Almost there.

Her mother had come out to spend Christmas in Lincoln, and when she discovered Scully's plans, she had insisted that she stay on past the New Year to watch the kids. After all, it had literally been months since her daughter and son-in-law had been able to spend some time alone together. Even during their 5th wedding anniversary last September, they had been surrounded by people: Skinner, the Gunmen, and nearly the entire population of McCloud County. Maggie felt they deserved the time spent alone.

Especially with another new baby on the way.

Scully felt her right hand drift down to her belly, which was just beginning to show signs of her pregnancy. After Mulder had turned down the offer from the FBI, they had decided to try conceiving another child with the six ova left, knowing the longer they were kept frozen, they less likely they were to be viable. Neither had held out much hope of it working, but they had given it a shot. They had made arrangements to have the ova sent to a specialist in Rapid from the clinic in Arizona where both Fox and Marisa had been conceived. Scully had gone on hormone therapy, and Mulder had spent one more afternoon in a little sterile room at the clinic, doing 'his half of the job', cell-phone in one hand, his privates in the other. Scully had, of course, been on the other end of the line at the time, as she had been every other time he had done his part. A week later, Scully had the fertilized ova implanted. A week after that, they were celebrating. Quietly. Neither forgot about her miscarriage years before.

After Mulder's decision to stay in Lincoln, the McCloud County Council had named Fox Mulder as interim Sheriff. That November, he ran uncontested in the election. His only problem had been convincing the people to call him either Sheriff or Mulder, NOT Fox. "That's my son's name," he told them. He had worked over Christmas this year so that his two deputies, including the newly engaged Lucas, could spend it with their families. Everyone in town was preparing for Lucas and Kim's upcoming nuptials, which were scheduled for early May.

Cat O'Neil and Justin Monroe, their partnership and friendship having survived Justin's slight betrayal, continued to keep both Mulder and Scully in the loop when it came to the X-Files, often calling to ask for advice or assistance. Mulder never had to leave home to help them. He never wanted to.

Alicia Chase was still an agent with the Rapid City Field Office, but Remington had been promoted to SAC, and had moved to Denver. Since he was still Chase's superior, he still had contact with her quite often. More so than a SAC should have with one of his agents, Scully thought. She wondered when Alicia would figure it out.

Dr. Megan Northam, having quit her job at Ft. Marlene before she was fired, was now working at Iowa State University where she was helping to create cures for many serious animal diseases, including Laminitis in horses and Feline Leukemia. Jeremy, it appeared, had been thrilled to get away from the east coast. Scully wondered how he liked the isolation of the prairie in Ames.

The names Diana Fowley and Alex Krycek were never mentioned. In fact, they were rarely even thought of. They had no bearing on the lives she and Mulder lived now. And as for

the name of CGB Spender...well. That was something that was thought about but never discussed. Not yet, anyway.

Life was good. And, if she made it to her destination in one piece, it would get even better. Nearing the town of Custer, Scully turned off onto an old gravel road, following it past

several granite peaks, a few lovely meadows still covered in snow, and several houses. She soon came upon her husband's Blazer, which was parked in the snow on the side of the

road. Carefully, she parked her car next to it and got out. She had never been here in the winter before, and she glared at the footprints that lead from the truck up the snow-covered trail that passed the meeting place. With a sigh of exasperation, she began to trudge through the ankle deep snow to the Rock.

Mulder was sitting on top of the boulders, casually looking off to the north, flicking the shells from his sunflower seeds off the steep side. Scully stopped behind him, hands on her hips. "There better be a good reason you had me meet you here, Mulder," she told him, knowing he was aware of her presence, even though he hadn't yet turned to face her.

"It's cold. It's going to be dark soon. And there's a storm on the way in."

"I know," he said with a smile as he stood and turned to look down at her. "Southern Hills are supposed to get up to 15 inches."

"And that's a good thing?" Scully asked, eyebrows raised.

Still grinning, Mulder climbed down from his perch. "Yep." He bent over her and gave her a quick kiss, then started walking back to their vehicles, leaving the lingering taste of salt, seeds and himself on her lips.

"Where are you going?" she demanded, slowly following him.

"To move your car," he said. "We wouldn't want it to be buried, then plowed under now, would we?"

"We're just going to leave my car?" she asked.

His only reply was another grin. Then, he reached out his hand. "Keys."

Scully tossed him her keys, then watched as he got in the car. "I'll be right back. Wait in the Blazer."

She climbed into the passenger side of the Blazer and folded her arms around herself. Noticing that he had left the keys in the ignition, she reached over and started it, turning

the heater on high. The clouds were getting thicker, and she was getting more and more nervous. But, she knew that whatever Mulder had planned, he would protect her from the

weather. Still, it was a long drive home.

Mulder appeared, walking, from up the road. He got in and, without a word, backed out the truck and turned it up the road...the opposite direction from Custer, and therefore home. "Mulder?"

"Hmmm?"

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

"Mulder. This road leads into the Park."

"Yep."

"As I recall, it ends up joining with Needles Highway."

"Right."

"Which is closed during the winter. Except for snowmobiles."

"We're not going that far," he said softly.

Scully looked out her window, watching nervously as the snow began to fall. "Mulder. We're going to be stuck up here."

"Yep."

She shot him a sharp look, realization dawning. He may not have planned the snow, but he was glad it was falling. When he slowed and pulled onto a faint trail (she was not about to call it a road), she realized why. Sitting at the end of the trail was a small cabin, smoke already coming from its chimney. Scully knew without asking that it would be warm inside. She knew that there would be plenty of wood for the fire, and plenty to eat in the pantry. She shook her head and smiled. "Mulder."

"Happy New Year, Scully."

As they left the Blazer and headed for the cabin, neither of them noticed the silent creature observing them from the branch of an old oak tree. Wise brown eyes watched as the woman picked up some snow, created a ball with it, and threw it at her mate. He laughingly deflected it, then grabbed her swiftly, but carefully, around the waist, kissing her until her whole body seemed to go limp. "Cheater," she said breathlessly when he let up. Then, with a smile, she pulled away and entered the cabin. He was right on her heels.

Though she wasn't physically capable, Wambli smiled. Then, shaking off the snow that had already accumulated on her head, she spread her wings and launched herself into the air. She would need to find shelter before the snow started to fall in earnest. No worries, she thought. She was well insulated from the cold, and her belly was full. By the time the storm was over, the only thing that would be bothering her would be inactivity.

As she soared away from the little cabin waiting to be buried in the snow, she knew the couple there would not be having that problem any time soon.

THE END

How do you define normal?