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  This author's e-mail has changed to: patfiler@hotmail.com
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Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 12:23:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Submit After The Run, Parts 1,2,3,4, and 5,6,7,8.
Source: direct


After the Run: Part 1: We Don't Work There Anymore.

Author: Pattie

Summary: A.D. Skinner and A.D. Kersh call in a favor from

Mulder as he's at the most happy time in his life. Will he
help them?

Archive: Gossamer and any other nice home. Please tell me.

Disclaimers: All characters, references to original Myth-Arc 
and the X-Files title belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions 
and Fox Studios. However, CC DID leave things unfinished, so
this follow-up series to Journey to the Distant Shore is the
next step in my endeavour to tie up loose ends. 


There was never any doubt in their minds that this would be the 
best place to settle down and raise a family, especially now that 
William was going to have a baby brother or sister.  Dana Scully 
was four four months pregnant and delighted to be expecting again.  
They had opted for a small, civil ceremony at a courthouse rather 
than a traditional church wedding given the circumstances under 
which William was conceived and born, and their exile from the 
F.B.I. It was better for them to stay as low-profile as possible 
until the whole Colonization process was either done with or 
prevented.

Armed with the information needed to fend off the pending doom, the

best experts in the country were recruited for the task of 
manufacturing and distributing the Purity vaccine.  As for the 
mining and delivery of magnetite, that was going smoothly as well.  
Whether it had to be hand-delivered or distributed into the air, 
there was going to be an eradication of the menacing aliens, come
hell or high water. There were no excuses. There was definitely no
choice; no diplomacy could be expected to do the job!  There were 
ways, means, and people to do it. Effectively. No debating
Consortium or deals with the devil.

Life was quiet in West Tisbury.  The winters could sometimes bring
quite nasty snowstorms, the summers torrents of rain, but there were
many days and weeks of lovely weather for the little family to enjoy
to the fullest.  Walks with William in the parks were especially 
relaxing to Scully and Mulder after a long day.  Scully would 
eventually be teaching at medical school and Mulder was already 
instructing potential profilers in the fine art of Criminal 
Psychology.  The salary was enough to keep them quite well in the 
old house where once Bill Mulder lived after divorcing Fox's 
mother, Teena.

This summer morning, during a well-deserved vacation, the last thing 
Fox Mulder expected was for anyone but Maggie Scully to call. He 
had taken to answering the telephone with "Hello" rather than "Mulder" 
since relocating, as Scully had suggested.  What a difficult habit 
to adopt after so many years...

He was in the kitchen grabbing some juice for William when the 
phone rang.  "Hello?"

"It's Skinner.  I need to speak with you.  I need a favor."

"Walter, I'm on summer vacation, Dana's having a baby in five 
months, I'm in the middle of playing games with William, and 
right now, I see no need to be speaking to anyone at your workplace..." 
Mulder didn't want to be rude, but felt an urgent need to have 
all ties with the Bureau cut permanently, even if Walter Skinner was a
friend and ally.

"This is a criminal case. Strictly mainstream.  We had hiring cuts
and early retirements.  Now I am very short-handed here..."

"I appreciate that, Walter, and I don't mean to be ungrateful,
but you know why we aren't there, why we will not go back there, 
and what will have to happen if we think of going back there. I
have to go.  Scully is at an appointment and William is waiting.
Take care."

Skinner could understand Mulder's concerns for his family's
safety.  They HAD done their part in allowing William and 
themselves to have blood samples for antibodies taken, and they 
needed to feel secure in order to raise their family.  Still, he 
missed the dedication these two agents had had in the past, 
especially the workaholic Mulder of the X-Files. He resolved to 
call again later to find out if anything had changed Mulder's mind. 
The times were tough as far as manpower was concerned.  To top it 
off, kidnappings and senseless acts of violence had been escalating
in the past two years.  "Please reconsider," he whispered.  Files
to be signed were never in short supply for assistant directors
these days, so he returned to his forms. It pained him that
Mulder dismissed his call so tersely.  Before Walter could put 
pen to paper again, he had to think of some way to communicate 
withthe man. "Criminal cases.  Mainstream.  Who am I kidding?"  
There seemed a lot more to it than that.

As Mulder put William down for a mid-morning nap, he went over the
words Skinner had used.  "Needs a favor.  Well, old Spooky doesn't
mainstream, and the X-Files are gone, history, not there, defunct.
There was more in the voice than in the words.  No... I will not
do any more than I have done. We have the magnecite, the 
antibodies, no more sacrifices. This is my life now.  I have paid 
my dues."

Dana Scully Mulder pulled up to the house and carried a shopping 
bag into the house.  "Hey, William nappping already?"

"Uh, yeah.  He just closed his eyes.  How was the doctor's visit?"

"The ususal. Healthy weight gain, uterus growing well, and a very
little person has an audible heartbeat. Mother and child very
healthy.  And... I bought a mobile.  Boats, whales, and anchors."

"No buffaloes?"

"No buffaloes!  What would make you think of them now?"

"Uh, never mind me.  I had a rather cryptic call this morning. 
Skinner. He claimed he wanted me to do some mainstream work again, 
in crime. Short-handed."

Scully sat on the sofa and put her feet up.  Already she was
                                        
busy," she said. "Anything else is already taken care of in all
the evidence, the blood samples, and we are off-limits."  She 
sighed. Mulder remained quiet.  "You did tell him you weren't 
interested, right?"

"Yes, I did just that.  I dunno, Scully, he just seemed to be 
holding something back.  I can't endanger us anymore and I won't.  
We have our world right here, with another adorable uber 
Scully-Mulder on the way," he patted her abdomen.  "This is our 
reward for all we've done well, and I am not going back to 
Washington."

Scully closed her eyes for a moment.  "You're not even curious that
he may have wanted you for something, mainstream or not?"


"No." Mulder took Scully's hands in his and said, "I promised to
give you a life free from freaks, monsters, slime, aliens, and
hidden agendas.  You once asked me if I ever wanted a normal life.
Now I have one with you."


"You are curious," she couldn't suppress a grin.

"Do not answer the phone if a Washington area code is on the 
display."

"Well, I guess you have made up your mind.  I'll put this in the
nursery and grab a tea. Want some?" Scully rose with the bag as 
Mulder took it from her.

"I'll put this away for you.  Maybe you should just let me make 
the tea. Get those pretty ankles back down to normal."

"You know I hate inactivity," she quipped.

"Well, then... " Mulder had that look.

"I think I'll pass on the activity until tonight, okay?"

"I always honor rainchecks!  Service with a smile.  Our room.  Tonight."

As Mulder left the room, Scully thought of any possible reasons Skinner
might want Mulder to even think of working for the F.B.I. again.  There
was no reason for Mulder to entertain the idea.  She had had her fill ofthe Bureau as well. Washington, Maryland, any and all offices. She hadnever seen Mulder more fulfilled and happy before he brought her out 
here. "No more thinking about the place," she said under her breath. 
"No more."


Late that morning, Kersh was on the phone to Skinner.  "Walter, we 
can't do it without the man.  Did you give anything away over the 
phone?"

"All I said was that we were short-handed and we needed him in crime. 
That I needed a favor."

"Maybe I should give him a call," Kersh offered. "There has to be a way 
to get him here without upsetting Scully right now."

"And maybe they deserve their own lives back, Alvin.  I know it's hard 
to coordinate the entire plan, but it must be done without Mulder and 
Scully. They've done their part and gone beyond their share.  We're almost 
ready to implement the details as we agreed upon. Leave him alone."

"Look, Walter. There are a couple of things he has knowledge of more 
than we do.  Isn't this his function?"

Skinner thought for a moment.  "I think he meant what he said.  It was 
pretty clear to me he wanted no more to do with this on a professional
basis. Let him be. I might add he is functioning very well as a husband 
and father.  He has his new job and he is very happy."

"So what do we do?"

"We carry on, Alvin. We have to do this for them."

   

As Scully  scrubbed down William's high chair after lunch, the child
played contentedly with building blocks on the kitchen floor.

"Well, are you making Mummy a big tower?  I bet you are!"  He was a

delightfully imaginative child and could sometimes play on his own
until his parents were through with their immediate chores. His
tower toppled and he just laughed, proceeding to make some sort of
fence or enclosure. "Mahmee... la la la..."

"Yes, it is a lot of work building things! You are a hard worker!"

Scully put the cloth in the sink and sat to finish her coffee.

Mulder had been preparing notes for his next inclusion of students, 
and came into the kitchen for a coffee.


"Well, I see William is keeping you and baby company." He filled a
mug and sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in the glow on Scully's
face. "I've never seen you looking so fulfilled since the day you
visited me in the hospital when you were carrying William."

"I feel quite happy, Mulder. And guess what?  This little marvel
kicked, well it really was a flutter, but I felt the first movement 

about five minutes ago!"

Mulder put his hand to her abdomen gently, waiting to feel a "flutter".
"Hmm, asleep, I guess."

"You wait. They'll get more frequent over time, and before you know
it, you'll be saying ouch in the night and blaming me. Besides..."

The phone rang and Mulder was up in a shot. "I told him no," he 
repeated.  "Hello?"  There was no name or number displayed, so he
took a chance on the caller being Scully's mother, or the College.

"Don't hang up on me," Kersh's voice pleaded.  "I think Walter
told you he needs a favor.  We need a favor."

"I am retired from the Bureau and very happy to be so.  There are
students ready to become profilers, and there is a baby waiting
to be born with me present this time, so if you'll..."

"Hang on... I want to ask if you'll do this one thing for us."

"Well I have politely said no, and I do mean that."

Scully picked up the extension on the desk in the livingroom.

"Look, Mulder,  This is a favor not only to us, but to the plan."

Scully broke in.  "Now, wait a minute, Sir. My husband told you he
was distancing himself from the Bureau forever and he meant it.
There is nothing you can say to either of us to persuade us to..."

"Gibson Praise..."

That got to Mulder.  "What about him? He had better be safe or..."

"Calm down, he's safe," Kersh said with great composure. "He's
contacted us."

Scully's mouth dropped and Mulder's curiosity got the better of him.
"About what?"

"Can you be here tomorrow at 3:00, at the Happy Burger on Fifth?"

"Call me back in ten minutes. This affects the three of us in this
house, and I always consult with Scully."  Mulder hung up abruptly,
and Scully followed. "It's so nice to have fans after all those
years in the mold and mildew section."

"I can't think of anything off-hand they'd need us for," said
Scully.

"Maybe they ran into a glitch; maybe it's great news and I left
something out.  Maybe something they should know about. We
were pretty thorough, though."

"I thought so. Whether you decide to meet with Kersh or not, I'm 
with you all the way.  You know that."

"Just tomorrow afternoon, and that's it.  I think you and William
should stay here. No sense changing his normal routine for my
meeting.  My very brief meeting."


Part 2: I Don't Believe You!
2:49 p.m.,  
The Happy Burger, 
Fifth Street, Washington, D.C.

 
Assistant Director Alvin Kersh waited pensively for former Agent Fox 
Mulder to enter the fast food restaurant. He checked to see if anyone had 
followed him. Even though this was his coffee break, any agent in the 
fight against the Colonization plan knew enough to guard their privacy 
strictly and thoroughly.
 
Clad in a black leather jacket over pale blue tee shirt and jeans, Fox 
Mulder walked straight over to Kersh's table. "I see Washington's finest 
eatery hasn't changed at all. You look tired, Kersh."
 
"Yes, I do, Sir. I'm only in town for coffee, so would you please be 

brief? What's this I hear about our friend?"

Kersh sipped his coffee and signalled the waitress to bring Mulder a cup.
 
"He found a massive deposit that no one in the geology field thought 
possible. The only thing is, our government has a treaty with the Navajo
 not to venture onto their reserve for any resources. We must convince 
them that we meanno disrespect. We need you to persuade them that this will 
save them as well from the threat they impose."
 
"Do you think for one minute I want to go anywhere further away from my 
wife and children than I am now? You've got me wrong." Mulder could feel 
his own anger mounting and hadn't had that feeling in over a year. It was 
overwhelming. He waved off the waitress who was about to bring his  coffee 
and stood abruptly. "I'm not an F.B.I. errand boy", he whispered, teeth 
clenched. "This meeting is over."
 
"We can't protect you forever," Kersh warned him. "Or them."
 
"There's nobody on us," Mulder confidently stated.
 
"You think you've been this safe on your own? We've had men out in West 
Tisbury since last June."
 
"The wedding," Mulder said. "We were tailed since the wedding? It's not 
us you need to watch out for!" 

"The three, or four, of you can't afford not to have us there. Think 
about what I said, and talk it over with Scully. My coffee break is over. 
Monthly fiscal report meeting in fifteen minutes."
 
Kersh left Mulder standing in the aisle of the burger joint wondering 
how he could broach the subject of surveillance to Scully, let alone a trip 
to restricted Navajo territory again. He had almost lost his life the last 
time. 

"Damn!" he muttered, slamming the door of the restaurant when he hurriedout. 
Mulder had no idea how he was going to tell Scully of Kersh's proposition. 
She had had a precarious first pregnancy. After all the in-vitro treatments, 
the negative tests, the thoughts of giving up ever having a child, William 
was conceived, yet Scully's pregnancy was a tumultuous one. Somewhere inside 
Mulder felt he was partly to blame, for his abduction occurred just before 
she was told of that pregnancy. Now, with William safe with them and another 
child soon to arrive, Scully would be stressed again and without Mulder for 
who knows how long. A day, even weeks away from her!
 
Mulder slammed the car door as soon as he got home. "Yeah, sure. I say I'm
going away to deal with the "same old same old" just as if it was my 
daily routine," he thought. "Then I get all the reasons why this would kill me,
us, the future... it's a trap... and everything changes." 

Scully was bathing William as Mulder dropped his jacket on the armchair 
and sat down. 

"That you, Mulder?"


"Yeah. Everything go okay here?"
 
"I'm bathing William. I'll be there in a couple of minutes. Roast for 
supper, just for you."

 
"We need to talk," Mulder answered back. "After supper?"
 
Scully rinsed William's hair and her thoughts seemed to drift off-task 
for a brief moment. She couldn't afford to worry right now! There was a child 
in the tub and he was hungry. "We've had a good bath! Yes we have. Okay, let's
 get all dried off and dressed for Daddy!"
 
"Da-da-dee!" William squealed.
 
"Yes, Daddy!" 

Mulder went in to kitchen and broke out the sunflower seeds. "This is mylife," 
he told himself. "This might be in danger, too... " Now, his mind was weighing 
the pros and cons of doing that 'favor' for his former employers. He had to 
admit that the Navajo did look upon him favorably the times he had dealt with 
them, and they had saved his life. Their evidence was invaluable. Scully 
carried William into the kitchen and kissed Mulder. "We missed Daddy, didn't 
we, William?"
 
Mulder kissed William and then kissed Scully again. He patted her belly 
and said, "That goes for you, too."
 
"How'd it go with Kersh?" Scully let William down to play.

"We're just never free of them, are we? We give; they take. We leave; 
they follow. I told him I had no more to give, that WE had no more to give. 

Then he played his ace."

"What is it? We are all right, aren't we?"

"I'll tell you after supper," he said . "Promise. Right now, I just want to 
change and maybe make a call."
 
"If you're keeping something from me, I think I have the right to know, 
Mulder. After all, there are no secrets between us."

 
"Oh, it's no secret. No surprise, either. I did hear something 
displeasing... let me go up and get into some fresh clothes." He kissed Scully 
again and made a silly face for William. "Lookin'great, sport! Keep that train 
moving!"
 
No amount of hot water and suds could wash the granddaddy of all 
headaches out of Mulder's head. Tense shoulder muscles only aggravated the pain. 
There was definitely the possibility this was a trap. After all, Jeffrey had 
told Scully either Mulder or Willaim had to die in the aliens' eyes. William
was 100 per cent human all right, but his immunity to the virus that Scully 
had been exposed to-- a virus that harbored aliens ready to grow and enslave 
human hosts-- was an asset to humans and catastrophic to the plans THEY had 
for this planet. If Mulder were to die, who was to say that William and 
Scully would not be next? 

The former agent dialed the Washington office, using a direct line where
Skinner could be reached. There was no answer. Right, Skinner would be 
home at this time, so he dialed his residence.
 
"Skinner."
 
"Walter, it's Fox Mulder. First of all, I'm really pissed off you have 
had us watched. Secondly, I smell a rat. Maybe a little gray or big 
shapeshifting rat, because Gibson Praise would have called ME, not any 
of you. He knows where we are and he wouldn't hesitate to get a hold of 
me if he found something of use. How do I know I'm not being set up for 
about the fiftieth time?"
 
Well, Skinner was glad the non-stop monologue was over. "It's not a trap, 
Mulder. He went to Doggett with this because he felt he'd be endangering 
you. He knows Scully is pregnant. I have no idea how he knows, but he does."
 
"Where is he, then?" Mulder's tone was angry, demanding. "Is he safe?" 

"Yes, Mulder. He's safe. I cannot tell you where he is. That would 
endanger both of you at the same time. We can't risk that now. I do not 
want to say anymore over the landline."
 
"No more calls here, then. After that code-speaking Kersh told me what 
the group has in mind, I don't want to hear any more. And get the flies 
off of our butts. Assign them to homeland security or fertilizer detail." 
Mulder hung up and his headache was already starting to go away. "Those 
sons of bitches!" He pulled his pants and shirt on and headed downstairs 
for supper. Everything was ready when he got to the kitchen.
 
After the evening meal, William was soon off to bed and Fox read his 
favorite story. "So, when the wolf was killed by the woodsman, Little 
Red Riding Hood and Grandma were safe and sound. Yeah, that's a very 
good ending, little guy!" William's eyes were already fluttering, 
fluttering, open, closed, then down for the count went the toddler. Closing 
the book, Mulder bent down and kissed his son good night. "Ah, you are so 
special.
 
Sweet dreams, son. We'll build a castle tomorrow." 

Scully was waiting in the livingroom, reading up on the latest in comfort 
measures for laboring mothers. "Made it right to the end of 
the book this time? I guess he missed his Daddy."
 
"You're right. And is that a picture of a guy running a paint roller 
along a very pregnant lady's back?"
 
A smile graced Scully's face. "Well, it's a massage device. It helps the 
mother relax during the first stage of labor. So tell me, what happened 
in Washington that put you off of roast?"
 
Actually, I think it was the headache after Washington that put my 
appetite off-kilter, Scully." He massaged his temples for a bit, then 
continued. "I was told Gibson Praise found this mother lode of magnetite on 
a Navajo reservation and that they needed me to negotiate with them to get 
in to mine it."
 
"And... somehow I think you don't believe them. Anyway, Gibson would 
have contacted you himself, right?"
 
"Exactly! Now, to add insult to insult, we've been "watched over" ever 
so lovingly since the wedding by the Bureau! On top of that, since things 

didn't add up, I called Skinner after my shower. He said Gibson Praise told 
Doggett instead of me because he didn't want to endanger us. He knew  you 
were going to have another baby." 

"That doesn't make sense either, because he can sense when the aliens 
are around. Is Gibson safe?" Scully's voice betrayed her increasing 
worry. "He would have come directly to us!"

"Calm dowm. Apparently he is safe. The question is: Why me? Is it 
because the Navajo trust me? Or is it a trap set up by the infiltrators?" 

Scully shook her head. "If they want you, William, or me dead, they just 
might be setting you up. But you're right, we have to stay calm. I can call 
Monica and see what she has to say..." 

"Maybe I'd better call Doggett instead. If he did hear from Gibson 
Praise, he'd tell me. He knows better than to go to anyone else 
first."
 
"That's right. Now, about that headache... just put your head in my lap, yes, 
like so, and let me work those shoulders loose."
 
"You're right. I never let things get to me like this before. Why now?"
 
"Well, because you're now a loving husband, father, and father-to-be. 
And you know that what worries you worries me. It always has. I need 
you relaxed and here for the special event. Now, just close your eyes 
and tell your wife once again about that heavenly glow on her face... "
 
"The one that lights up miles of darkness and years of loneliness... " 
Mulder added. "It was worth waiting for and fighting for, and it still 
is." 

"Uh, uh, uh. Relax. No talk about fighting. Just light and happy things."
 
His body was gradually relaxing, but his mind was still running on all 
cylinders. Just what the hell was up? They knew he wouldn't let this 
alone. His curiosity was both a gift and a curse. Perhaps his friends 
were counting on it; perhaps the aliens were baiting him.

 

Part 3: I Believe If You Believe



8:30 a.m. E.S.T.,
West Tisbury, Mass.
Mulder Residence.


Dana Scully Mulder picked up 18-month-old William and held him up 
for Fox to kiss good-bye.  "We won't be long.  We just need to get 
a few things at the fruit market and I thought William might like 
the outing, seeing as you have some things to do."

Mulder kissed his wife passionately.  "You two have a safe drive.
Maybe we'll all go for a picnic around noon.  Well, I guess we'll 
see.  Depends on how my calls go.  Be good for Mommy, sport."

"Take it easy, okay?  No sense getting all wound up until you 
have the facts.  Be careful..."

As soon as Scully had William out the door, Mulder looked up 
Doggett's cell number and dialed.

"Yeah, Doggett."

"Hey, it's Fox Mulder.  What are you up to?"

"Going up to Westbury to wiretap some auto theft ring." He was 
driving, Monica Reyes was with him, and they were at a standstill 
behind a 30 car pile-up. "I think we can talk for a while.  I'm 
stuck behinda long line-up.  What's up?"

"I was told Gibson Praise contacted you.  Why didn't you tell 
us?"

"Now hold on, we haven't heard from him!  Who told you this?"

"Skinner and Kersh... Oh, now I see... Uh, thanks... "


"Wait!" Doggett urged him.  "I do have some news so let me tell 
you, all right?"

Mulder drummed his fingers on his Dad's desk. "All right."

"Does the name Jeremiah Smith ring a bell?"

"Clearly!  Where can I get a hold of him!"  Maybe that trip to 
D.C. wasn't a loss after all, he thought.

"He was in contact with Gibson. Look, maybe Monica can get a 
replacement partner in for this one, and I can come out there 
later today.  That okay with you?"

"I'm counting on it, actually.  Look, John, I have a feeling 
someone is playing games at the Bureau."

"Wouldn't doubt it.  But this much I know for sure: it's not 
Skinner or Kersh.  I'll get back to you, okay?  Looks like 
things  might be moving again. Oh, I heard about your comeback 
to Kersh.  Great line, but I think a bit premature."

"Sorry.  You know, with the baby coming and the new job... 
and finding out we've been watched... "

"Now you know we couldn't tell you that, Mulder."

"Yeah, I guess not.  Ole Spooky has a hot-head and a stubborn 
streak."

"A mile long," Doggett replied.  "Call you later." Beep.  
"Monica?"

"I'll call and see if Beckett's doing anything.  She's always 
good for a few stories... "

Mulder made himself a coffee and paced the kitchen for a few 
moments. "Jeremiah.  His rebel forces... Where is he, anyway?  
Couldn't he call me? Heck, he could find me in nanoseconds... "
As Mulder was contemplating all the whys and wherefors, he  felt
he was not alone in the kitchen.  William and his mother had just 
departed, so who or what was he sensing? He turned slowly to find
A presence he hadn't seen in years.  He looked as if he had not 
aged or changed in any way.

"So, Mr.  Mulder, we meet again. I must say you've gone through
many changes since we last spoke."

"Speak of the devil... "


"Your God and his opposite have nothing to do with me. I'm here
because I am on your side.  It was not my intention to contact you

after I spoke with the others. I am sorry if this has caused you 
any distress."

"There's been a lot going on, Jeremiah.  All of it has impacted on
Scully, our son, and me directly. Why the hell... "

"My friend, we have no time to argue or soothe your ego.  My forces 
are aware of everything you've been through.  I was even at your 
trial.  The matter at hand is the mining of the magnecite found
in massive quantities on the Navajo Reserve.  We are opposing the
Colonization of your planet, and we mean to help.  But don't you 
also want to have a part in this?  All your life has depended on
finding the truth, knowing what happened to your sister, and
cleaning up your government's deception about their infiltration.
You have the chance now, along with your friends at the F.B.I.,
to help save yourselves and your people.  The vaccine alone will 
not be enough to save you. We want to help you save yourselves."

"So, when do we get started, and how long eill it take?  Jeremiah, 
we have a baby coming in a few months, and I intend to be here to 
see it be born... "

"You will, my friend.  All you need to do is speak with the people
on the reservation. We, too, value their pride, their special role
in this part of the world, and their oneness with the Earth. They
respect it a lot more than your so-called "civilized" nations."

"That's true, that's is true.  When I agree to this, IF I agree 
to this, will you do something for me?"

"If it is not outside of my race's values or my ability... "

"Jeffery Spender... "

"I will restore your brother's appearance.  He has sustained some
permanent damage, but he will have his normal appearance.  Anything
else is not possible.  Years of psychological and physical damage
have occurred and is irreversible, although you may be able to help
him emotionally.  I urge you to forge a bond with your sibling. He
railed against your biological father."

"I've been given a lot to think about... " Mulder sipped his now
cold coffee.  "Can you stay until John Doggett arrives today?"

"My friend, I have many things to do.  I will be here when he 
arrives. We will discuss all I have said here and that which I 
told him. "And you will most likely be here to see your child born."

"Most likely?" Mulder laughed.  "I want an iron-clad guarantee!"

"The odds are never 100 per cent.  Look forward to your new child.
I am needed elsewhere at this time.  My people, as you would say, 
are discussing strategy and I must be with them.  Take care."

The man walked out the front door, but when Mulder looked up and
down the neighborhood, there was no sign of him.

Mulder decided to make a lunch for Scully as she was becoming more
easily tired and tended to nap when William went for an afternoon
snooze.  He peered into to refrigerator, grabbed some bread, 
tomatoes, bacon and lettuce. "BLT's and TLC. And it looks like 
we're gonna need some of that.  Let's see, chopped up roast for 
William, baby carrots, boiled, and maybe I can still find that... 
nope.  Someone ate the jelly mold.  Must've been Scully."

"Yeah. I had cravings."

"Hi. Say, would you like to see what I've learned from my
beautiful wife?"

"You're making lunch, I gather.  Yes, let's test out your 
practical part of the courses.  William and I got overly 
enthusiastic and bought a whole lot of peaches, so I guess 
it's peach pie after supper.  So?"

"Yeah, I did call Doggett.  And Jeremiah Smilth popped in.  
Doggett is coming out here today,   and Jeremiah says the story 
bout the reservation find is legit.  He says his people won't pull 
influence on them.  It has to be me.  And if all goes well, which he 
says it will, I shouldn't be out there very long.  Just a few words 
with the Navajo elders.  So, what else did you and William do?"

"Worried about you. Well, at least I did. Are you sure of all this?"

"Well, as you said, we have to test the practical part.  So... uh,
yes, I am going to the reservation. And you... you are going to put 
your feet up, even if it's on a kitchen chair. That swelling is not
a good sign, Scully."

"No, it's not.  But I shouldn't have walked all through the mall."

"You what?"

"Well, I wanted to get some stamps and they were at the opposite 
end of the mall.  Don't worry.  I've been watching my salt intake.  
I AM worried about your new gung-ho attitude toward this 
involvement with the resistance, Mulder. I think I should have 
a talk with Jeremiah and Doggett myself, and I mean it."

"I think they'll put your fears to rest.  How about a nice, 
hot BLT for lunch?"

"Just what I want!  You spoil me, you know?"

Mulder stopped slicing tomatoes and walked to his wife.  "What 
other woman would I ever want to spoil as much as you?"  As he 
kissed her, Scully's eyes welled up with tears.

"Hey," he whispered. "That's not the most tender line I've 
ever given you.  What's wrong?  We'll all be safe, really!"

"I guess it's just there's always a risk in everything you do, 
and I can't help worrying.  I think I feel those mothering 
hormones more strongly toward you as well as the children."

He held her head to his chest.  "I'm very glad that you do.  
Because you just wouldn't be the real Scully without that 
motherly thing you feel for me.  Not to mention that other 
thing."

"So get my lunch, Mister! I'll stop the tears, get William 
ready for lunch and we can arrange to set Doggett up in the 
guestroom if he's staying.  I believe if you believe, okay?"

"Sure?"

"Positive. We are a team.  All the way."

As they embraced and smiled, William ran through the kitchen 
shouting "Mushy!!! Mushy hugs!!!"

"Lovey hugs," Dana Scully Mulder corrected him.  "Lovey hugs! 
And some for William. Always." Bending over ever so gingerly,
she planted a kiss on William's face.




Part 4: Jeremiah Isn't A Bullfrog


It was a short hop from Connecticutt to West Tisbury, however John 
Doggett made sure Monica Reyes' replacement partner had arrived 
before travelling to Mulder's home.  He opted for a taxi rather than 
a rental car, arriving at Mulder's doorstep at 2:55 that afternoon.

Dana was resting with her feet up, reading a medical periodical 
when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Mulder called out as he ran down from their 
bedroom. "No need to get up. And welcome to our humble abode, 
Doggett.

"This really is New England.  So, where's the little dynamo?"
 
"He naps at this time," Scully informed him.  "So, I think we'd 
better keep our voices down, okay?"

"No problem.  When Luke was that age... well, that's still a 
tough subject."

"You ought to talk to someone," Scully urged him.  She put the 
periodical on the coffee table and sat up.  "Monica's a good
listener, you know."

"Yeah.  Talk don't bring back the dead.  So, are we gonna
talk kids or talk business?"

"Sit down.  I'll get you a coffee." Mulder took the man's 
suitcase and placed it beside the stairway. "I expect
Jeremiah Smith to show up as well."

"Jeremiah Smith. So just where is the man of the hour?"


"He'll show up.  I told him you were coming out and he'll be
here.  He just seems to know when he's needed."

"I see.  So he "pops" in?"  Doggett still had problems with the

concept that even an alien would know where and when to appear.

"Yes," Scully replied.  "He just does."

As she was saying those very words, the alien rebel known as 
Jeremiah Smith walked into the livingroom from the kitchen.  
"I just do.  Mr. Doggett, nice to see you again."  He and 
Doggett shook hands.

"Yeah.  So, let me get this straight: Your guys won't interfere 
to help us with the Navajo, but you are against the 
Colonization?"

"Yes. We believe in as little interference as possible."

"Oh, like the Prime Directive on Star Trek? C'mon, you've been 
chasing these guys all over the galaxy and you give us that 
crap?"

"They have a moral code just as most of us have," Mulder informed 
Doggett. "And just be thankful they do, because the shapeshifters 
and the grays do not.  The grays would put their D.N.A. into 
anyone they can to act as a host to carry out their agenda, to 
gestate them and act for them.  Doggett, if you had seen Scully 
in the Antarctica... "

"I've been given a clear mental picture," Doggett admitted.

"We really don't have time to be arguing and going over all 
this," said Scully.  "I think we need to work out negotiations 
between the Navajo and the scientists, get the mining going and 
the whole process into action.  Now, Mulder has agreed to speak 
with the Navaho. But there is always the element of risk, and 
this time it is too high for our liking.  There is a family 
involved here.  Our family.  John, I am asking you to go with 
Mulder to the reservation to speak with Albert Hostein's son. 
This is the only way to get the magnetite. They have known for 
centuries that this is vital to preventing Colonization, but 
they believe that Mulder is the only man they should deal with.  
The only person. This data goes back thousands of years, and I
have the files and book to prove it."

"Well, who am I to argue with the scientist who once said I 
should try looking into the extreme possibilities?  How much 
danger would Mulder be in, Jeremiah?"

"I cannot be certain of anyting right now. I DO know that the 
enemies are not that concerned as they think of the Anasazi 
writings as mere legend and nonsense.  They do not see him as 
a threat as far as this is concerned, as they have no idea 
what Mulder will be doing. However, they know of your 
respective immunity to the virus."

Scully was crestfallen.  "We're not safe, then!  All these 
months... "

"Whoa!"  Doggett made an effort to reassure the mother-to-be. 
"You have been safe for all this time.  There's no reason to 
think you will be in danger now.  We are watching, and you 
know that"

"As we are," Smith said with a soothing voice. "You've all survived

for this long with or without our help.  All we ask is just one more
step that Mr.  Mulder must do on his own, and then you are forever 
free of the conspiracies, deceptions, and ghosts of the past.  
Without these things behind you, can you ever feel truly at peace
with yourselves?  With each other?"

Scully brushed her hair aside.  "Boy, that's heady stuff. I seldom
think of blaming Mulder's quest for any personal losses."


"You almost sound as if you're black-mailing me, and I won't have it! 
Now I'm beginning to sound like my father arguing with Mom all those 
years ago.


"It's there, though. You remember it, deep down.  When the night is
full of the dreams... I apologize for my honesty... "

"Look," Doggett whispered.  "There's no sense in getting all worked
up. William's taking a nap, and this is about the only time we 
have to get things straightened out. Now, Mulder, I'm willing to go
out to the reservation with you. If it's the only thing left for
you to do before you have this child and teach your classes, would
you just do it?  The rest of us would like to live without the year
2012 hanging over our heads, too!"



"We'll  leave tomorrow," Mulder decided.  "Scully and I have set up
the guest room for you.  Let's arrange for a flight out there and 
get in touch with the elders."

"Let's make is as early and as quick as possible."  Doggett urged 
Mulder.  "I don't want the aliens in the F.B.I. to get suspicious.  
I've been asked a lot of pointed questions these past couple of 
years."

"Well, we certainly appreciate the risks you and the others have been
taking on our account," Scully said.  "Look, why don't you get 
settled, we'll have a good dinner, make an early night of it and try 
to relax. Besides, I make a mean peach pie.  Jeremiah, you're more than 
welcome to stay... Where'd he go?"

Jeremiah seemed to have disappeared.

"That's one of his habits he just can't give up," Mulder smiled. "I
guess it's natural for him."

"I'D like to see Fox Mulder read a beadtime story.  Now THAT would be 
one thing I'd really find spooky..."

"He's a natural," Scully interjected.  "Why he's put me asleep many a 
time... "

"And you were such a non-believer."  With a finger he put a point on
an invisible scoreboard.

"Well, William's up. You just make yourself at home, John.  Mulder, 
maybe he'd like some coffee or tea. Coming, William!" Scully eased
herself up from the sofa and went upstairs.

"She's loking a lot better this time around," Doggett observed.


"Well, this time there was no alien messing with the eggs.  You
should have seen her face when she read the pregnancy test.  I'd
give anything to see that look again."

"Maybe you will."

"So, are you thinking of remarrying and... whatever?"

"Marriage and kids?  That's going to take a lot of work.  I've barely
come to terms with the truth about Luke.  But Monica is helping me. She
seems to be free, somewhat interested.  This just isn't the time for 
me."

"Well, when the times comes, let her know as quickly as possible. I 
learned that the hard way.  Even if you've been burned or dumped, it 
is worth another shot with someone new."

"Maybe. Hey! There's the little guy now! Come here, you!"


"Unky Doggie!"  William ran to hug Doggett.


"That's Uncle John," Scully admonished him.

"Like father like son," Doggett joked.  "You're a big guy, William. 
Are you all wide awake now?"

"Yeah.  Gotta run!" The child zoomed out of the room to get some 
toys.


"He sure has a lot of energy," Mulder admitted. "I hope you'll be okay
for a day or so."

"Oh, I think I will.  I worked almost to the end with William.  Besides,
 
I can ask my Mom out here anytime.  She said she'd be here at the drop
of a hat if I needed her."

"Wish she were my Mom."

"No, Mulder.  I think you wish your Mom were here."

I do,  So, coffee?  Tea?"

"Sure. Just let me put my stuff in your guest room. I think I can 
find it."

"Okay," Mulder said.  "You're too used to those motels... "

"Tell me about it.  I can't sleep without neon lights going off and 
on outside my window." Doggett headed upstairs with his bag.

"Well," Scully mused.  "I guess Jeremiah isn't a bullfrog anymore."





Fulfill the Prophecy.



The flight into Albuquerque was relatively uneventful. Fox Mulder read
up on the Navajo and Anasazi and made some mental notes to prepare
himself for the task at hand: securing the co-operationof the Navajo
for mining rights to the magnetite. John Doggett made an effort to
understand the prophecies stated in the book, but was not certain he
fathomed any of the events that Mulder said had led to this day.


As Mulder knew the way to the reserve well, he drove the rental car to
the home of Eric Hosteen, son of the late Albert Hosteen.  As Doggett
flipped the pages of Scully's book on the ancient people, he came
across a piece of paper that had some translations and the key to the
pronunciation of a special phrase.

"So, what's this got to so with the mining rights?..."

"We,, there's a custom set out in the prophecy that I must utter those
words with the correct pronunciation and tone of voice to the elders,
as I represent


those who will fight in the big battle, as told in the Anasazi
accounts. Loosely translated, they mean that I am there to fulfill the
prophecy, and that I am asking that the key to the weapon be given to
those of us who have come to defend."

"A savior."

"Not really," Mulder continued. "A symbol, sign, go-between,
facilitator, I guess."

"Must be nice having such an honour."

"Not when you miss your wife and son and you really miss many of your
loved ones. In my search for The Truth, I found that the Truth hurs a
thousand times over.  Even the ones you love who are still living are 
paying a price. This is it for my quest. And this is where we stop."

As the car pulled to a stop in front of the Hosteen house, Eric was
fixing his motorcycle.  He turned and said to an elderly man in the
Navajo tongue, "He's here, as you said he would be."

Mulder and Doggett approached young Hosteen and each shook his hand.
'Oky, Eric.  Let's get on with this so I can see my wife and child."

Eric led the two men into the house and the elderly man followed.

"We have much to do to prepare you.  Tonight, you will meet with the
elders and tell them what you haveto say.  You remember the Meeting
House, Mr.  Mulder."

"Yes, I do, Eric.  It was where your father took me during my recovery
from the fire. Reic here found me, John, and they saved my life."

John Doggett felt quite out of place. "I, uh, I read the files that
you wrote after Scully came out here looking for you. It was quite a
report.  Look, I have to ask about Gibson."

Eric put a pot of coffee on the stove. "Gibson told us you were on
your way out here. He is well and safe. He cannot be here with us, but
he says the aliens are unaware of what is to occur. They believe they
have control.  Thier mission is their only concern. They are unaware
of this magnetite deposit."

"They must know of its power," Mulder reminded him. "They destroyed
the pueblo where Spender was hiding."

"They destroyed the one who told you the truth and they thought they
had destroyed you and Agent Scully. That was thier goal at the time.
They believe that you will never know what to do with it, how to use

it to destroy them. Gibson and the resistance aliens are keeping them
busy in their thought and their control of the governments. Will you 
have coffee with me and my uncle and then we will prepare for the 
ceremony?"

The Meeting House was already full of elders and thier future
successors when Mulder, Doggett, Eric Hosteen and his uncle arrived
there after dark.

"We could smell you coning, G-man," one said,

To which Mulder replied, "Yes, but I changed to Sport Scent."

"I don't understand," a befuddled Dogget whispered to Mulder.

"An old joke.  I'll tell you later." Mulder took a seat at one of
several tables that the Meeting House had set up. "I'm ready.  The
magnetite location is needed by those whoare fighting back. "I
understand you know where it is."

An elder stood, He was in full ceremonial dress. "It is first your
duty to utter the words that the ancestors said we would hear."

Mulder recited a long phrase in the language of the Anasazi.

"you could almost be one of us," the elder remarked, smiling broadly. 
"Fifteen miles north-east of this place, you will find and impressive
source of what your people call 'magnetite',  My fellow elders have
received a request, and we will sign two copies of it. This form will
be returned by your friend to the men who will need it in the
up-coming battle."

"That, Mr. Doggett, is all I came here for." Mulder shook hands with
several of the men.  The elders lined up to sign the agreement.

"Short but sweet, Mulder. So, we take this paper... "

"No," Mulder corrected him, "YOU take this paper and I go back to

Scully and William. I have a family, a neew baby to look forward to,
and a job."

Later that night, Mulder and Doggett were sitting at Eric Hosteen's
kitchen table before retiring for the night, and Doggett brought up a

taboo subject.  "When this is all over and done with, you should
consider going back to the Bureau."

"Or, I should consider shooting you for suggesting that,  John.
Seriously, I enjoy my new life."

"There are no surprises, no mysteries.  No weird things to
investigate. Nothing drove you more than the need to know!"

"There are surprises every day I look at Scully, her ever growing
belly, and William. Even the birds in the trees surprise me now. I am
not the old Mulder, the old "Spooky" who wanted to chase down leads
for his sister, all the while following flukemen, gender-switching
cult members, genies, and fat-sucking goons. I am a family man and I
am happy now investigating what it's like to have a nornmal family."

"You're sure of that. I can see it. But you are a born profiler and
investigator. Well-educated and with keen instincts... "

"And that is why I chose to teach. I can pass on those skills to young
people ready to enforce the laws of the land.  That fulfills my need
to work, and there is always something new on the horizon.  The newer
techniques are things I need to keep up on. That is my investigation. 
My job now is to pass on the skills and practical use of the new 
techniques.  I never had a normal family life.  Scully and William 
have given me that and so much more."

"So, that's a 'no'.  Well, I can tell Skinner I tried."

"Yes. Well, I'm beat.  We can go to the airport tomorrow morning, and
be at our own homes by dinner time."

"Sounds good to me."  Doggett put an empty cup into the sink. "Good
night, Mulder."

"Goodnight, John." Mulder stayed seated at the table as John went to

bed. He sipped his cold coffee thoughtfully. "I have everything I
could ever want.  Now, I just hope we can save it all."  That said, he
stood and put the cup into the sink, turned out the light, and headed
off to bed.


 
Part 6: In the Here and Now
                                


Mulder-Scully Residence, 
West Tisbury, Massechusettes.



William had a great time playing with a new Tonka Truck his 
grandmother had given him for his birthday.  He was hauling a 
stuffed cuddly he referred to as 'icky', which was, loosely 
translated, actually 'Trixie',after a friend down the street. A 
three-year-old girl who he just adored. Oh, he had other cuddly 
toys, but none as soft and huggable as this little dog.

Dana Scully-Mulder was now six months pregnant and beginning to 
feel uncomfortable when trying to sit and dine.  She would laugh 
it off when something fell onto her clothing and joke, "Can't dress 
me up and take me anywhere", or, "This material is highly 
absorbent andmakes it easier for my skin to reap the benefits 
of oatmeal... "

When the phone rang, she expected to hear that Fox had been delayed 
at work by exams and would be home by bedtime.  However, this was
no such call.

"Hello."

"Dana!"  It was Monica Reyes.  "I hope I'm not catching you at a 
bad time... "

"No, actually.  I was just watching William play a bit and grabbing 
a couple of pillows for my legs.  It's great to hear from you.  
I've been thinking about you."

"Well, I have some very good news.  You will never guess.  This is 
so good that I'd like to send you an email about it because it is 
that good, and we don't want to share, if you get my drift."

"Indeed I do. Can I share it with my loving husband?"

"Yes, and that is a MUST!  You know, I think this might just make 
your day!" Monica was smiling as she looked over to Doggett, who 
was busy filing a report on video copyright fraud.

"I do look forward to good news," Doggett played along.

"So, I will send you the good news immediately and while you and
your hubby celebrate, John and I will be so happy to have made 
your day!"

"This sounds really good," Scully commented.  "Is it about new 
'medical' breakthroughs in disease prevention, by any chance?"

"Why, yes.  Gotta go.  Have an email to send.  Bye, Dana."

"See you soon, Monica.  Thanksgiving is coming up, and the 
invitation still stands."

"Gearing up for it.  Bye now."

"Bye."  Scully put down the phone and went over to the antique desk
Mulder's father had left at the house.  She opened their email 
account and sat on the couch chatting to William as he was playing.  
It wasn't long before the 'ding' arrived, heralding the arrival of a 
new email. She read it immediately and her face lit up like a Christmas 
tree. A big Christmas tree like the one in New York's Central Park.  
How she just couldn't wait to spring this one on Mulder!

She grabbed a small plate of cookies and poured some milk for 
William and herself.  The little one inside of her was now kicking 
more and especially active at night. "God bless you," she said to 
the big unborn child.

Mulder arrived home at the usual time, 8:00 p.m. William was in 
bed, and the couple had Irish stew for supper.  She just seemed to 
be so happy she looked as though she was going to burst. "And 
just what is that little smirk I see, Mommy?"

"Oh, a little email that came for the two of us from Monica 
Reyes."

"She twisted Doggetts arm and got him to marry her?"

"No. Even better than that."

"Are you going to talk dirty?"

"This is the best news since we found you alive and well in the 
prison. Mulder, I want to let you read it and get the same satisfaction 
as I did. It has to do with our antibodies and that's all I will reveal. 
Now, get thee to that monitor!"


"Yes, Ma'am!"  Mulder hoped it was about a delivery system for the 
anti-viral. He quickly opened the mail and went to the one sent from 
Reyes. "Hey Scully! Everyone who gets a 'flu shot this year gets 
the anti-viral without knowing! Mandatory 'flu shots for everyone 
between ages 2 and the very elderly will be required beginning this 
Thursday, with no exceptions.  They're going to call for the worst 
season ever with an expecially virulent strain of influenza ready 
to hit North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia... well, at last 
we've found the delivery system!"

Scully brought Mulder a slice of cake.  "Yes, and the next question is:
How do we distribute the magnetite, how much is needed, and when can we 
all go on with our lives--hopefully long past 2012."

"We can find out, Dr. Scully.  I have some sources... "

She leaned over to hug her husband. "I know you do.  And I know you miss 
working at the F.B.I. and you know it, too.  So, why are you in such 
denial? Mulder, there's been a lot of pain, you were horribly set up and 
so was I.  But YOU were the one who finally got them on your side, Skinner, 
Kersh, me, Reyes, Doggett. You found evidence no one could imagine 
finding,explained some seemingly inexplicable things, and 
convinced the most skeptical people in the Bureau to believe!"


"Maybe your brother Bill, someday, too."

"Don't joke about this.  I see the gleam in your eye when you 
speak of "that  basement office". Last night, you dreamed about 
kicking the file cabinet and you ended up on the floor of our 
bedroom."

"All right, I admit it.  I miss my disorganized file cabinet.  
But I love this cake, and I would miss you and William a lot 
more than that job."

"I have a few fond memories of it myself," Scully admitted. "You 
know, I met you... "

"And you got to slice and dice... and see some very gruesome, 
slimy, liver-sucking... "


"Not really a good time to say that, Mulder."

"Sorry.  I forgot about the nausea.  What did the doctor say, 
anyway?"

"Our baby and I are fine, Mulder. Some women have morning sickness 
more than others. He said we are growing well and there's nothing to 
worry about. In three more months, we'll be in the labor room.  This 
time, I want no unwelcome on-lookers, if you know what I mean."


Another email came up on the screen.  Mulder opened it immediately 
as it was from Walter Skinner.

"Skinner?"

"Yeah.  I think I could use a coffee along with this cake. Maybe 
it's just the same news Monica gave us."

"Well, open it up and find out.  I'll put William to bed and make 
some fresh coffee. After this cup, I'm afraid I'm past my limit."

Mulder waited as Scully took William upstairs and read a story to him.
Good news or bad, he owed it to his life partner to share it with her. 
He decided they could read the email together. "I'll make the coffee!" 
He shouted up the stairs. "The email can wait."

As Fox placed the coffee grounds in the filter he thought of the years 
he'd spent tracking down his sister, all the false leads, the alien 
chasing, the losses he and Scully had endured over the years. "It's a 
wonder I wasn't put in a straight jacket years ago," he thought.  He 
filled the coffeemaker with water and pressed the 'brew' button.  As he 
looked out the kitchen window at the dark, moonless night sky, he felt 
torn between two worlds. He wanted to give Scully and their children a 
peaceful homelife.  By the very nature of the work, F.B.I. life was 
often the cause of widows, widowers, and orphans.  Even dealing with drug
dealers could mean one less husband or wife going home from the field. Then, 
there was the issue of the alien shadow government within the F.B.I.  The 

thought of that made him angry. On the other hand, if he hadn't found out 
about it, who would have?  Would that person have endured what he and 
Scully had endured?  Would they have had the same outcome?

"All tired out and went down without a fight," Scully declared, as she 
poured coffee into the mugs.  "Well... Hey, where are you?"

"Oh, somewhere between here and there.  I like it here better.  Let's 
see what ole Walter has to say."

The message was short and direct.  "Magnetite spraying to start this 
fall as fruitfly control in U.S. and Canada, parts or Europe and Asia.  
There will be nighttime spraying in countries not currently harvesting 
fruit and vegetables due to season and climate.  Tell your friends to 
get their shots."


Mulder turned and rose to kiss Scully.  "Call your mother and tell her 
to get immunized, okay?"

"You bet."

"That's my girl.  Looks like we have a long future right on our 
doorstep."

"I like seeing you smile, Mulder.  You've had me worried for a few 
months."

"Well, I am about to become a father again.  I have to look out for 
our brood."  He hugged her tightly and smiled. "I haven't felt 
this hopeful in a long time. It's a great feeling."

"You don't know how long I've been praying for all this," she beamed. 
"I feel like everything is falling into place so nicely.  All it took 
was a bit of faith."

"You're right.  Now, I just need to ckeck for a few emails from the 
college, then I want to massage your ankles."

"I'll leave you to your mail. I think I'll soak in the tub and count 
my blessings.  You are number one, of course."

"Sometimes I think I was a curse... "

"What has happened has happened.  Let's make a promise to each other 
to live in the here and now, okay?"

"The here and now?  Where's the mystery, the excitement, the 
thrill... "

Scully pointed to her abdomen. "Right here, and right upstairs. And 
right behind those beautiful eyes of yours. See you in a while." She 
was half-way up the stairs when he called to her.

"Scully?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I live you. Here, now, and forever."


Part 7: I Believe in You

Mulder-Scully Home,
West Tisbury, Massechusettes.
6:00 p.m. Saturday Evening,
Thanksgiving Weekend.


John Doggett and Monica Reyes for dinner in West Tisbury.  There 
was  a time when Mulder would shudder at the very thought.  Now, 
all four of them were the best of friends.  They had seen one 
another through some very hard times.  Doggett was a believer 
after all he had seen, after all he had read, and after all the 

things that had happened those fateful days of Mulder's trial 
and escape.

The table was set for the very best Thanksgiving dinner Scully had
planned. Maggie Scully had even convinced Bill to venture out with
his wife and children.  After all, William was his nephew, she had
emphasized, and Bill had a duty to be as good an uncle as he, his 
sisters, and brother had known.

Holding a glass of wine high, he offered a toast as Mulder carved
the turkey, "To my sister, truly a miracle worker, and her husband,
who, I must admit, hasn't let her down. And, to my nephew and his 
little brother or sister as yet to be born.  Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone echoed. Settling down to the turkey, mashed 
potatoes, brussels sprouts, cornbread and pumpkin pie, all made sure
to show the hostess she had made a splendid feast.

Over coffee, Scully raised her cup. "I'd like to propose a toast to
the warmth of family and friends."

"To the warmth of family and friends!"

Maggie was ever so curious as to the identity of her unborn 
grandchild. "Dana, honey. I asked this the last time, and I'll 
ask it again: boy or girl?"

"It's a surprise, Mom." Scully smiled and popped a chocolate into 
her mouth. "And I assure you, it is human."

Bill didn't seem to like that remark.  "Well, why WOULDN'T it be, 
Dana! Are you still all wrapped up in that alien... "

"Shut up Bill!"  This came calmly and sternly by one Dana 
Katherine Scully-Mulder, who had never in her life ever told Bill 
to 'shut up.'

"I'll have to back her up on that one," her mother said with a 
straight face. "Bill, you will also just have to live with the 
fact that your sister is happy with Fox.  End of row."

"I'm hoping for a girl," Fox interjected. "And I hope she's as 
pretty as her mother."

"You might want another boy," Monica added.

"Or twins," said Doggett. This remark had everyone doing a 
second take. "Just a thought.  After all, it does happen, and, 

well... "

"I do feel that big.  However, the last ultrasound says one 
very healthy baby. Only three weeks to go, give or take a 

couple. Anyone want some ice cream?"

"After all that? No, thank you," said Bill's wife.

"Ditto," Reyes and Doggett said together.

"Well, now that the kids are down, I'd be glad to stay here 
and watch them if anyone wants to walk the meal off," 
Maggie offered. "And Bill here can help his Mom and wife with 
the dishes."

"Well?" Fox asked Scully, Doggett, and Reyes.

"Yeah. Mulder.  I think your wife needs the fresh air.  And 
I know Monica loves the landscape out here.  Let's go.  We 
can talk."

"I'm all for it," Scully smiled.  "Could you get my coat?" 
she asked Fox. "I just want to thank my Mom."  Scully walked 
carefully into the kitchen.

"We have word," Doggett whispered.

"Good news?" He donned a jacket and held Scully's fall coat.

"I think you'll both be pleased." Doggett went to grab his 
jacket and Monica joined him. "Why do I get the feeling Bill 
Scully isn't quite enamored with Fox?"

"Must be the Navy."

"That's right. Coming from an old Marine, why am I surprised? 
I think he's just been overprotective for so long, being the 
eldest male in the family."


Scully returned and Fox helped her with her coat. "Okay, all 
ready to go."

The four of them walked a while before Monica Reyes broke the 
silence. "You know, it's odd how the director, five senior 
Bureau members, sixteen Interpol agents, and twelve associates 
of well-known world leaders just took ill, collapsed, and 
disappeared, right in front of their colleagues' eyes these 
past few weeks."

"Really?" Scully thought it odd.  She hadn't anticipated what 
she was about to hear next.

"Magnetite," Doggett replied. "They were walk-ins.  We're 
trying to find out what they did with the people they were 

impersonating. My guess is they met the same fate as Knowle 
Rohrer and all the others."

"Sounds promising--I mean about the aliens. I hear the fruit 
fly population suffered a tremendous drop," Mulder remarked, 
smiling wryly.

"Yes," Scully said with a smile. "Supersoldiers, walk-ins and 
aliens just disappearing. Marvelously well-executed. I think 
some congratulations are in order to the men and women who 
made this all possible, including those scientists and 
resistance aliens who put it all into action."

Monica hugged John Doggett spontaneously.  He didn't flinch. 
"Yeah, we all have a lot to be thankful for. And you'll be 
glad to hear several ships were seen high-tailing it out of 
here. Unofficially seen, of course."

"Of course," echoed Mulder. "And I gather they were filled 
to the limit with passengers."

"Well, we didn't get the passenger list," Monica cracked, 
"but we can hope that was the case!"

"So what happens next?  Who makes the decisions that need to 
go into effect to undo the damage?" Mulder inquired.

"There's a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on Monday,"
Doggett informed him. "There's also an all-departments meeting 
at the F.B.I.on Wednesday, if you'd like to attend, and the 

White House and several other governments will be regrouping 
to take a look at the situation."

"Maybe we should drop in on the Bureau," Scully suggested, 
kicking away long-dead leaves. "For old-times sake?"

"I don't THINK so!" Mulder was appalled. "After all that's 
taken place I'd rather be here and I'd rather you were safely 
here with me.  I have had enough of the F.B.I. for a lifetime!"

"Mulder, that's not you speaking.  Tell me it's not," Scully 
whispered. "You built up seniority there.  You saved the damn 
place, even if it DID bite you in the ass.  Admit it just 
this once: Fox Mulder wants to go back to work for the 
F.B.I."

"No," Mulder said softly. "No."

Scully looked at Monica and shrugged. There was a long silence 
that none of them dared to break. It was a long, quiet walk 
back to the house.

Margaret Scully had coffee ready in the livingroom when they 
returned. Bill and his wife had retired to one of the spare 
rooms.  "Well, I thought since it was nippy out there, you 
could use something to warm you up."  She saw the looks on 
their faces. "What is it?"


"I think we're all just tired, that's all Mom."

"All right. Well, help yourselves.  I'm going upstairs to 
soak for awhile and then to bed."

"Goodnight Mom."

"Thanks, Mrs.  Scully!"

"Monica, it's Margaret, remember?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  Well, I'm taking John down to see my parents
tomorrow. We promised to have a turkey dinner with them. I 
think I'll turn in, okay?"

"Yeah, good night," Scully answered. "John? How about a 
coffee?"

"Well, I guess I can handle one coffee before I turn in."

Fox motioned for Dana to sit down and he poured Doggett's 
coffee, and one for himself. "Look, I really appreciate the 
thought, and I know I've been a pain, but I think this career 
change has been good for me."

"It wasn't your choice," Doggett said.  He got up and went to 
the coat closet, looking for something he had hidden carefully 
when he arrived. "When someone like you says something like 
that, I have only one thing to say. Doggett unrolled Mulder's 
"I WANT TO BELIEVE" poster.

"This was the only thing they left in the office when they 
closed it for the last time."

Fox wanted to tear it up, and Scully knew it. "That was a 
gift to replace the old one. Don't you dare tear it up!" 
She glared at him until she was certain the poster was safe.

"You keep it, John." Mulder appeared resigned from any notion 
of ever investigating paranormal phenomena again.  "My job with 
all the paranormal investigations, U.F.O.s and the unexplained 
is done."

Scully was good and angry at that statement.  "So, you think just
because you found out Samantha was dead, we saved the world and 
Eugene Tooms doesn't eat liver anymore there aren't any unsolved 
cases being sent in to the F.B.I.? They were there decades before 
you were even thought of, and I am surprised you want us to 
believe you are no longer interested. That is unadulterated 
crap!"

"C'mon, Scully. We both wanted a normal life. We have one now. 
It's time to turn it all over to someone else, if they ever 
decide to re-open the X-Files."

"I think they will," Doggett said matter-of-factly. "There were 
some things left in the files that proved quite interesting.  And 
until the day they shut us down there were reports of all sorts of 
things being addressed to either you personally, or Scully. 
Someone believes in you."

"That comes about fifteen years too late, John.  There are other 

people just as curious and just as qualified who can do the job."

"All right.  Have it your way.  I've said what I wanted to say. 

I have a turkey dinner to attend tomorrow with Monica.  Good night." 
He went up the stairs and left the pair to ponder their discussion.

"Good night, John. Mulder, I don't believe a word you said, and 
I think I need to get another partner when I go back to work."

"YOU want to go back to work at the Bureau?" The strangest look 
came over Fox Mulder's face.  "This is a nightmare.  I just know 
I'm going to wake up, but when?" By now, his face was in his hands 
and he was questionning his own sanity. "This can't be April First.  
I know your mother and William and everyone else are upstairs 
sleeping off the turkey dinner, so it must be Thanksgiving.  
Scully, are you crazy?"

"No, far from it. I think you've been running away.  I see the 
job offers from the Bureau you've been throwing away lately. You're 
going to have to learn to empty the wastebasket before I get to it.  
This past week Skinner called, and asked if we were getting our mail.  
Then his secretary called to make sure she had our proper address. 
Finally, I got to thinking: You gave me the child I wanted and a 
family life.  Why can't we have that family life in Washington? 
They need a good forensic pathologist, and I happen to know an 
excellent profiler."

"Don't do that for me," Mulder begged her. "Stay out here with me, 
for me, for us."

"I can stay with you anywhere.  You KNOW that. All I ask is that 
you consider the possibilities.  I want to believe you can do 
that. I believe in you."

Mulder tenderly patted her belly, then snuggled with her on the 
couch.  Tenderly kissing her warm lips, he replied, "I've 
corrupted you."

"Definitely. Shut up Mulder, and kiss me."





Part 8: Epilogue



It wasn't unusual for the occasional registered letter arrive at 
the house.  There was always some piece of correspondance from 
the College, a notice of the Medical License Review, and matters 
involving the Estate of William Mulder.  The man had planned 
well for a son who was not even his own.  Perhaps he foresaw that 

the future would be rocky at best, and feared it would be deadly.

This letter, despite the fact that such pieces of mail were not 

unexpected, was viewed with caution, concern, perhaps even distrust--
if the couple were to admit it.

The turmoil this pair had been through for years on end was fading 
from memory ever so slowly, and old wounds, while occasionally felt, 
were no longer as painful or consuming.  Still, certain names, 
situations and locations stirred the pot and rekindled the embers of 
fear held dormant in their minds.  One such location was their 
former place of employment.

Fox William Mulder arrived home dog tired from a day of lectures, 
editing a book due for publication, (esential to keep his tenure at 
the college), and traffic headaches.  He checked the mailbox as 
Scully was often too busy now, with William and newborn daughter 
Meg.  (Meg, after Margaret Scully. It was Fox's idea). He slit 
open the envelope marked "Registered" and scanned the letterhead 
and text.

"Yeah, it's just great to have friends who never give up on you," 
he mumbled.

"That you?"  Scully was folding towels and trying to teach William 
about being patient.  "No, honey.  You can have a drink with supper.  
Supper is soon."

"Thirsty now!  Juice!"  The toddler demanded.

"Okay, that means you go sit in the chair over there for a 
minute."


Little William stomped off to his chair and made the biggest 
pout he could muster.

"Yeah, I just got in. Get a load of this latest joke from the 
office of Walter!"

Scully decided the laundry would take over dinner hour, so she set 
it aside, turned down a burner, and joined her husband in the 
livingroom. "Is he still sending the office joke memos?  Mulder, 
some of them are really in bad taste..." 

"No. Scully, we have another request to accept reinstatement with 
full seniority and benefits back at the Bureau.  I said to him no, 
no, no. Time and time again, I refused this and so did you. The 
last time we talked about it, you know what I said. I know you 
think I secretly can't wait to get back there, but I already 
have better things to do."

"Well, it seems we are the type of people they want. William, 
stop whining! One more minute."

"Couldn't they set their sights higher?" Mulder quipped. 
"They're desperate. They really are."

"We were pretty good agents.  And we did have the highest 
apprehension and conviction rate in the entire Bureau, Hon."

"Mainstreaming it, we really did.  But, I am not thinking about 
going from place to place anymore following leads and staying 
in motels all over the country. And don't bother even thinking 
desk job. As William says, 'Eeeew!'"

"Well, I still have my medical license, and Quantico could use 
a good instructor in Forensic Medicine.  You could teach profiling 
right there with me, and we could have a house not too far from 
there.  We could at least think about it." Scully rubbed Mulder's 
shoulder as he sat at his father's old desk.  "You KNOW the Director 
and even the President said we could have any reward we wanted on 
top of the dinner, the Medals of Honor, and the rubber chicken 
eat-and-speak circuit.  Will you just think about it?  For the girl 
who was sent to spy on you, the one who believed you from the 
beginning. and the one who loves you?"

"Would you really want to go back there, too?  Because this family 
is together for good now. William and Meg need us."

"We can do that and work for the F.B.I. Please, just think long 
and hard about this. Now, I have supper just about ready and William 
in a time out. See if the rest of the mail is anything better." 
Scully set off for the kitchen to leave Mulder mulling over his 
true wishes and the past few years of pain.  He was good at what 
he had done, and Scully was an expert in her field.  Together they 
were a formidable team.  It was just the memories of all the pain and 
suffering she had undergone while being his partner in the field 
that were fuelling his misgivings.

What if they were needed in the field again?  Would someone get 
hurt again? Would the children lose a mother or a father? How 
about re-opening the X-Files?  Would some unexplained freak of nature 
harm the kids?  What about THEIR reputations?  "Spooky's Kids". 
What a label.

In the days ahead, Mulder grew more moody and restless, finding 
little distraction in his work and even less sleep. Scully, too, 
was having her memories of a job well done, the challenges each new 
case brought, and the situations that had put her in jeopardy.  
It wasn't the F.B.I. that had had her kidnapped, and they were not 
to blame for their infiltration. The prospect of the peace and quiet 
out there in West Tisbury was so appealing, so conducive to raising 
healthy, happy children.  Yet, there was a calling that she had 
answered many years ago, and it was still strong-- medicine.  
She knew her calling for that was as strong as her husband's calling 
for investigations--paranormal and otherwise. Then, there was the 
issue of Jeffery Spender, Mulder's half-brother. His face had been 
reconstructed, and his skills were hardly proven at the F.B.I., 
yet he had managed an above average entrance scrutiny.  His academy 
grades were in the top twentieth percentile. He ought to have his 
job back, Mulder decided.

It was four months before they came to any concrete decision. The 

pros and cons were talked over at supper, breast-feedings, even 
over the phone when Fox was between classrooms full of idealistic  

young Criminal Psych. majors.  Scully decided that she could have a 
short work schedule and give the children more attention.  She 

could have her mother sit with them until they were both in school.  
Mulder decided, with some negotiating with Skinner and the others 
involved, that he could profile from a desk.  Some day, perhaps he 
and Scully would have another office together and be a team again.  
For now. the proposal they sent to the F.B.I. would fit into their 
lives nicely.

The Mulders searched out realtors who could find them a 
reasonably-priced house in Alexandria.  While they did have to 
haggle considerably, a deal was worked out to Fox and Dana's 
satisfaction.  The house in West Tisbury would serve as a retreat 
for the Mulder family.

As the car was loaded up with carseats, books, toys, snacks and 
cassettes, Mulder turned to Scully, who already had her seatbelt 
fastened.  "Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?"

"I am absolutely positive, and I want nothing more than a normal 
life with the man I love, the kids I love, and the jobs we love.  
Are you ready, guys?"

Meg gurgled and trilled, and William called out, "Drive, Daddy!  
Vroom!"

Mulder smiled warmly and kissed Scully on the cheek. "I'll take 
that as a yes."

As they drove down the road, a female robin happily fed her brood 
outside the kitchen window of the Mulder estate. Fragrant flowers 
seemed to be waving "good-bye" to the family. A pure white dove 
peerched atop the rail on the front porch of the empty house.  Only 
she knew what sign this was.  Her gentle cooing said it was a 
good omen.

                        
                                     END

Pattie