From: ephemeral@ephemeralfic.org
Date: 28 Aug 2005 19:30:37 -0000
Subject: How to Avoid Seminars Without Really Trying IV by Kathy Foote
Source: direct

Reply To: kmfoote@charter.net


Title: How to Avoid Seminars Without Really Trying IV
Date: August 22, 2005 
Author: Kathy Foote
Spoilers: None
Summary: Even Skinner can't get Mulder and Scully to the 
seminar 
Rating: PG
Category: M/S/Sk Friendship, Adventure, mild violence
Disclaimer:  Fox and Carter own the characters.  I don't make 
any money off this (who would pay me anyway), but I sure do 
LOVE playing with them for a while.
Archive:  Sure thing, I'd be honored, but it would be nice if you 
dropped me a note letting me know.
Acknowledgements: This is for Emmy who insists that I keep 
writing (you can quit poking me now).  Thanks to my Mom for 
all her incredible help and to Vickie Moseley for her amazing 
beta work.  They are both instrumental to the quality of the 
story.
Note: This is not sequel to my earlier stories of the same name.  
It is merely another story in, what has become a series of stories 
with a common theme.  If you interested in reading the previous 
stories, they can be found at: http://x-files.bytewright.com.

Feedback should be sent to kmfoote@charter.net.


How to Avoid Seminars Without Really Trying IV 

Assistant Director Skinner's Office
9:15 am

"Agents Mulder and Scully are here."

Assistant Director Skinner looked at the intercom on his desk as 
the announcement from Kim, his secretary, was heard.  
Reaching over, he pressed the Talk button.  "Thanks.  Please 
send them in."

Seconds later, the office door opened and the agents entered.  
Skinner watched his troublesome agents as they made their way 
across the room and took their usual seats in front of his desk.  
Agent Mulder...immaculately dressed as usual in his tailored 
charcoal Armani suit, brilliant investigator, superior 
intelligence, believed in everything.  Agent Scully...likewise 
dressed in her navy blue 'power' suit, as Skinner thought of it, 
equally brilliant investigator, medical doctor, believed in 
Mulder.  They both had a knack of finding trouble wherever 
they went, which of course, is what brought them here today.

"You wanted to see us, sir?"

Scully's question shook Skinner from his thoughts.  "Yes, 
agents, I did.  You may have heard that the annual FBI 
Symposium on Investigative Techniques is being held in 
Portland, Oregon this year."  Mulder began to squirm at the 
mention of the word 'symposium'.  Skinner noticed his sudden 
change in posture, but continued.  "I have been requested to 
give the keynote speech at this year's meeting."

Scully spoke up first.  "Congratulations, sir.  The Investigative 
Symposium is probably the largest gathering of FBI agents in 
the country.  That's quite an honor "

"Um, yeah...sir...congratulations," Mulder managed to 
stammer out, still unsure of what this had to do with him and 
Scully.  "What does this have to do with us?"  He was dreading 
the answer even before he posed the question.

"The Symposium begins two weeks from Monday and...well," 
Skinner paused, struggling with the best way to say this.  
Finally, he clasped his hands together, placed them on his desk, 
and looked straight at his agents deciding on the direct 
approach.  "As you know, you two have managed to avoid 
every seminar that the FBI has sent you to for the last two years.  
Since it is a requirement for FBI agents to attend at least one of 
these events every year, you will be accompanying me to the 
Symposium in Portland."  There, he had said it.  He took a 
breath and leaned back in his chair, waiting for the fireworks.

Mulder looked stunned and just stared at him.  "But, sir, we're 
working on a case."

"I'm quite confident you and Agent Scully will wrap up that 
case within the next two weeks.  If not, I don't think a few days 
away from it will jeopardize its resolution."

Mulder decided to try a different tack.  "But, sir..."

"Look," he interrupted Mulder with a hand in the air, "this is not 
an option.  You and Agent Scully will be attending this seminar.  
I'll have Kim make all the arrangements.  And Mulder?"  
Skinner fixed the agent with a steely stare, which made him 
somewhat nervous.  "Don't even think of trying to get out this.  I 
will accept no excuse."  He continued to hold his stare for a few 
more moments to make his point.  He then broke eye contact, 
reached for the folder at the top of the stack, flipped it open, 
and began reading.  Without even looking up, he dismissed the 
pair.  "That will be all, Agents."

They were silent all the way back to the basement.  Mulder 
went straight to his desk and sat heavily in his chair with an 
exasperated sigh.  "Why me?" he asked as he looked to Scully 
for some kind of answer.

Her answer was a raised eyebrow.  "Me?"

"Us...I meant, why us?  I can't believe we are being chaperoned 
by the Assistant Director."

"Oh, come on, Mulder.  You know it's a requirement to attend 
regular seminars.  We haven't been to one in a long time.  
Besides, maybe it won't be that bad.  I'm sure the 
accommodations arranged by Kim will be a step above our 
usual."

"There has got to be a way to get out of it."  Suddenly, an idea 
formed in his head and his eyes lit up as he looked at Scully.  
"I've got it!  Maybe your mother could come down with 
something.  I don't mean life threatening or anything like that, 
but something that would require us to stay in town."

"I can see where that would help me, but not 
you...Mmmm...maybe that's not a bad idea.  I could stay here, 
while you and Skinner went to..."

"Forget it, Scully!  Forget I said anything.  If I have to go, so 
do you."  He looked at her using his best sad puppy look.  
"Please, Scully, don't make me go by myself to Portland."

She gave him a brilliant smile.  "You wouldn't be alone.  You'd 
be with Skinner."

"You know what I mean."

"Face it, Mulder, there is no way out of this.  You should just 
make the best of it."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah, right.  Come on, let's get back to this 
case."


DoubleTree Hotel, Portland, OR
2 weeks later

Despite Mulder's best efforts, he had been unable to come up 
with any viable excuse to get out of the seminar.  Scully had 
begun looking forward to it and some of her enthusiasm was 
beginning to rub off onto Mulder.  It wasn't as if someone they 
didn't like was accompanying them.  In the last few years, they 
had formed a friendship with Skinner and when they weren't 
working, they actually enjoyed each other's company.  Of 
course at work, he was the quintessential boss, bellowing orders 
and keeping a tight rein on them.
 
Mulder and Scully met Skinner at the airport ticket counter.  
They were booked on one of the few non-stop flights from DC 
to Portland.  That was a mixed blessing.  At least they wouldn't 
have to make a connection, but 4 hours in the air, without any 
break, was hard; especially post 9-11.  No longer were 
passengers allowed to 'get up and move about the cabin' as they 
were once encouraged.  Now they were required to stay in their 
seats.  Mulder had been dreading the thought, until they got 
their boarding passes.  Skinner's secretary must have good 
connections; because she booked them all in exit row seats; 
Mulder and Scully on the two-seat side and Skinner in the seat 
across the aisle.

"Exit row seats!" exclaimed Mulder, as he showed his boarding 
pass to Scully.  "At least the flight will be comfortable."

Scully knew how uncomfortable airline seats could be for 
someone of Mulder's height.  Of course, she had plenty of room 
and usually ended up sharing part of her space with him.  

The flight from Washington to Portland had been uneventful.  
Scully read from her book and napped.  Mulder and Skinner 
discussed the upcoming football season and exchanged 
predictions of their beloved Redskins' chances.  All in all, it 
was a very pleasant flight.  Upon arrival, they took a taxi to the 
hotel.

The Symposium was taking place at the Double Tree Hotel in 
Portland.  The hotel was very nice; the lobby furnished with 
comfortable looking leather sofas and several straight-backed 
chairs.  The lobby itself was three stories high, affording a view 
of the second and third stories where the conference rooms 
were.  The rooms were in the hotel tower, which were 
accessible by three glass elevators that disappeared into the 
lobby ceiling.  A restaurant and bar could be seen just off the 
lobby.  Along the far wall was a sign announcing the Annual 
FBI Symposium and a long registration table.  

The trio made their way to the long wooden counter to check in 
to their hotel rooms.  "We have reservations.  The name's 
Skinner."

The pretty young blond smiled at the group and retrieved the 
room details.  "Yes sir, Mr. Skinner.  We have three rooms; two 
connecting rooms on the 12th floor and...it looks like you rated 
a suite, Mr. Skinner.  Your room is on the 15th floor.  Please 
sign in and I'll need a credit card."  Skinner took care of all 
the arrangements.  The desk clerk gave out the keys and the 
complimentary chocolate chip cookies.

Mulder immediately took a big bite of the warm cookie.  
"Mmmm, that's good.  I'm starving.  That little bag of pretzels 
from the plane just doesn't keep you satisfied very long."

"I agree, Agent Mulder.  Why don't we all get settled into our 
rooms and then get some dinner?  Let's meet in my 
room...1565...in...an hour.  How's that sound?"

"Can you hold out that long, Mulder?" Scully queried.

Mulder shoved the last bite of his cookie into his mouth.  He 
looked a little unsure, but then finally nodded his head.  "I 
guess so.  One hour and then we eat."

Scully took pity on him and handed him her chocolate cookie.  
"Here...I'm on a diet."

He took the offered cookie with a huge smile on his face.  "I 
love you, Scully.  You know that."

She merely rolled her eyes, "That's your stomach talking."

Skinner interrupted their semi-private conversation.  "Come on, 
let's get freshened up, so we can get dinner."  With that, they 
moved to the bank of elevators, Mulder happily munching on 
his second cookie.


Skinner's Suite - Double Tree Hotel 
30 minutes later

Skinner's suite was expansive.  It actually consisted of a living 
room, bedroom, dining area, and a kitchen.  There was a large 
balcony that ran outside the entire length of the room.  One 
could enter the balcony from the living room or the bedroom.  
He walked in and immediately opened the curtains, being 
rewarded with a magnificent view of Mt. Hood.  It was a 
beautiful sight, a single peak tinted orange by the setting sun.  
He stepped onto the balcony and for a moment, enjoyed the 
view and the peace and quiet.

He unpacked his suitcase and hung his suits in the large walk-in 
closet.  He was thinking about changing for dinner, when there 
was a knock on his front door.  He looked at his watch and saw 
that it had only been 30 minutes since he left his agents to 
unpack.  He was irritated that he hadn't had a chance to change 
or freshen up.  He had said an hour, not 30 minutes.

"Mulder, can you tell time?" he snarled, as he threw open the 
door.

He found himself face to face with a security guard holding a 
gun in his gloved hand.  The gun was leveled at Skinner's chest.  
In his other hand, he carried a duffel bag.  "Back up, Mr. 
Skinner," he stated quietly, motioning with the gun.  The guard 
followed him into the room, matching each backward step.

Skinner studied the guard's face.  He thought the man looked 
familiar, but he couldn't place him.  He wracked his brain, 
trying to remember who the man was.  "What's this about?" 
Skinner inquired.  

The guard only glared at him.  Obviously, he was not going to 
impart any information.  Skinner stared at the man, silently 
weighing his options.  The guy was smart; not giving away any 
clues and staying for enough away that Skinner could not make 
a move.
 
"Move!  To the dining table!" he ordered, again motioning with 
the gun.  "Let's start with your gun...on the table.  Slow and 
easy."  The guard shifted his aim, so that his gun was pointed 
directly at Skinner's head, who carefully removed his weapon 
and laid it on the table.  "Very nice.  Now, everything else; 
empty your pockets."

When his pockets were emptied, the guard told him to take a 
chair, step back from the table a few steps, and sit down.  
Skinner complied with his demands, seeing no other alternative 
at this time.  Once he was seated, the guard placed his duffel 
bag on the table and picked up the handcuffs.  He moved behind 
Skinner, keeping his gun pointed at him the entire time. 

"Who are you?" Skinner tried again.

"Hands behind your back," was the reply.  Obviously, this guy 
wasn't going to divulge any information until he was ready.  
Skinner brought his hands together behind the chair, where they 
were immediately cuffed together.  Before Skinner could ask 
another question, a strip of cloth was pulled between his teeth 
and tied behind his head.

Skinner kept an eye on the guy as he came back around into his 
view.  The man slid his gun into the waist of his slacks, opened 
his duffel bag, and placed Skinner's gun inside.  He began 
searching through the contents from Skinner's pockets, 
apparently looking for something in particular.  He finally held 
up his prize, with a satisfied "a-ha" and then slid it into his 
pocket.  Skinner recognized the item as his handcuff keys.

Pulling out a chair and placing it so that it faced Skinner's 
chair, the man took a seat.

"What's this about?" he asked, mimicking Skinner's earlier 
question.  "You'll find out soon enough," he said, answering his 
own question.  "Who am I?  Frankly, I'm disappointed that you 
don't recognize me _S_A_C_ Skinner.   I mean we did work 
together once.  Well, I guess we didn't work together; I worked 
for you."

Skinner's eye widened as he realized the identity of the man.  
Richard Logan.  He hadn't heard anything about him since he 
was booted out of the bureau.  He was an agent that had once 
worked under Skinner.  Unfortunately, Logan was not a good 
agent.  Skinner never could understand how he had graduated 
from Quantico, but guessed that he had slipped through the 
cracks or had everyone around him fooled.  That is, except 
Skinner.  Logan was arrogant, fought with other agents, thought 
he was right about everything and rarely was, etc.  He blamed 
everyone else for his mistakes.  Skinner had written him up 
several times and finally had him fired.  Logan made 
threatening remarks to Skinner when he was being escorted out, 
but he hadn't heard anything from him in ten years.  He 
assumed he was just blowing steam.  Apparently not.

"I see you remember me," Logan said with an evil grin, "Good!  
I bet you're wondering how I knew you would be here?  You 
know, I've kept track of your career since 1995.  I still have 
some friends at the bureau."  Of course, Skinner could not 
respond, being gagged as he was, but his eyes spoke volumes.  
They spoke of anger, betrayal, and hatred.

Logan was about to continue, when there was a knock at the 
door.  Skinner knew it had to Mulder and Scully.  He could hear 
them having a conversation on the other side of the door.  In his 
current situation, there was no way to warn them.  They would 
walk right into the same trap as him.

Logan moved to the door and opened it slightly, staying hidden 
behind the door.  They assumed they were expected to come in, 
which they did.  Mulder saw the view out the balcony and let 
out a low whistle.  "Nice digs, sir.  Our rooms face the office 
building next door."  They scanned the room and saw Skinner 
bound to a chair.  Suddenly, the door slammed behind them.  
They spun around to see a security guard covering them with a 
gun.

"Well, well, well...if it isn't Spooky and the missus.  You," 
pointing the gun in Scully's direction, "take your weapon out 
and toss it over here."

Mulder and Scully exchanged a glance that spoke volumes.  
What should we do?  Can we take him?

"Now!" he shouted, which broke their psychic conversation.  
She reached behind her back for her gun.  Logan moved the gun 
so it was pointed directly at Mulder's chest.  "Careful now.  
Somebody could get hurt."  She carefully removed the gun with 
her fingers around the butt and threw it on the floor at his feet.

"Now you, Spooky.  Let's have your weapon."  Mulder did 
exactly as he was told; this guy, whoever he was, was holding 
all the cards, at least right now.  He tossed his gun on the floor 
next to Scully's gun.

"Any more?" he asked.  They both shook their heads.  "Oh 
really?  Take off those jackets, throw them on the ground, and 
turn around."  They complied with his demand, revealing no 
more visible weapons.

"Pull up those pants; let me see your ankles."  Mulder gave him 
an irritated look, but then reached and lifted the pant leg on the 
left, revealing nothing.  "Now the other one."  He lifted the 
right leg exposing the holster beneath.

"Do you _think_ I'm _stupid!" Logan shouted.  Mulder was 
going to respond, but thought it might not be a healthy idea, so 
he reached down, removed the gun and holster, and tossed it 
with the others.  "That's one mistake.  You had better be careful, 
because you don't get many more."

Mulder glanced over at Skinner.  He was gagged, but his eyes 
screamed a mixture of apology and anger.  "You okay, sir?"  
Skinner gave a slight nod indicating that he was unharmed.

"Forget about him!" Logan screamed, drawing their attention 
back to him.  "You two.  Move over there and sit on the couch."  
Not wanting to anger him further, they did as they were told.  
After they sat on the couch, Logan picked up their weapons and 
deposited them in his duffel bag, with Skinner's gun.

While Logan stashed their weapons, Mulder quickly looked at 
Scully and found that she was looking at him.  Her face was full 
of questions.  Questions that neither of them had answers for.  
Mulder gave her a small shake of his head, indicating he didn't 
know what was happening, but he was going to try and find out.

"So, you obviously know who we are, but we're at a loss as to 
your identity.  Who are you and what do you want?  Surely this 
isn't about the towels we were planning to steal."

"Very funny, smart ass. You won't be laughing for very long," 
Logan said as he sat down again at the table.  "You want to 
know what I want?  I'll tell you.  Payback!"

"Payback?" Mulder asked quizzically.  "For what?"

"Skinner took away my career, my family, my future and now 
he'll pay for that.  I have some special plans for the AD and now 
that you two showed up, you can help me out.  We're all going 
to take a little trip to my cabin, where we can continue this 
discussion undisturbed."

Logan grabbed his duffel bag and carried it over to where the 
Agents' had dropped their jackets.  With one hand pointing the 
gun in their direction, he searched through the pockets in their 
jackets, removing two sets of handcuffs.  These were added to 
his growing stash in the duffel bag.  "Stand up and empty your 
pockets on the coffee table."

"I don't have any other pockets," Scully replied.  He looked a 
little irritated at that, but could plainly see she was wearing a 
skirt with no pockets and a blouse.

"Fine," he replied, "but you do, Mulder.  Get to it."

Mulder stood and dumped everything from his pockets on the 
coffee table and sat back down.  Richard rummaged through the 
pile and retrieved his set of keys, which included his handcuff 
key.  That was all he was interested in.

Logan thought about the unexpected situation he now found 
himself in.  He had wanted to snatch only Skinner.  Now he had 
these other two agents to deal with.  He wasn't sure how he was 
going to get them all to the van he had downstairs at the 
delivery entrance.  He couldn't very well cover them all on the 
journey to the van.  He couldn't handcuff them either; what if he 
ran into someone; that would look suspicious.  He had stuff that 
would knock them out, but how would he get them downstairs 
if they were unconscious?  He couldn't knock them out until 
they got to the van.  No, he had to somehow occupy them until 
they got downstairs.  That gave him an idea.

He stood up and addressed no one in particular, "Time to go."  
He picked up his duffel bag and swung the gun until it was 
again aimed at Mulder and Scully.  "Get up.  We're leaving."

Mulder and Scully exchanged a look and then resignedly stood 
up.  "Where are you taking us?" queried Scully.

"And what about him?" asked Mulder, pointing at Skinner.

"Oh, don't worry, Mulder, he's coming with us.  Hell, he's the 
guest of honor."  Logan moved to stand behind Skinner, 
keeping his gun pointed at the group.  He reached into his 
pocket and retrieved Skinner's keys.  "Here," he said, pitching 
the keys in Mulder's direction, which he deftly caught.  "Get 
around here and un-cuff him."

Mulder moved behind Skinner and, using the key, unlocked one 
side of the handcuffs.  Skinner let out a painful grunt as he 
pulled his hands in front of him and began to massage his sore 
wrists.  Before he could straighten up, Logan brought the butt of 
his gun down sharply on Mulder's head, rendering him 
unconscious.

"Mulder!" Scully screamed.  She began to run toward his fallen 
body when Logan pointed the gun in her direction, stopping her 
in her tracks.

Skinner leaped out of his chair and spun around to see Mulder 
on the floor in a heap.  Using his freed hands, he removed the 
gag, and turned toward Logan.  "You son-of a-bitch!  What the 
hell did you that for?"

"I needed something to keep you occupied until we get 
downstairs.  _You_ get to help him", tipping his head in 
Mulder's direction, "and _I'll_ help Agent Scully."

"Please, let me take a look at him.  He's hurt," pleaded Scully.  
She could see blood trickling from behind his ear, dripping on 
to the collar of his white shirt.

"He'll live."  He heaved his duffel bag over his shoulder and 
moved forward to take hold of Scully's arm.  He pressed the gun 
he held in his other hand into her side to ensure her cooperation.  
He turned back to ordered Skinner.  "Pick him up!"

He pushed Scully toward the front door.  "Come on.  I haven't 
got all day."

Skinner bent over and seized one of Mulder's arms and put it 
over his shoulder.  He straightened up, bringing the unconscious 
man to his feet.   Skinner put an arm around his waist to keep 
him from falling and began to shuffle forward toward the door.

"We're going to take the service elevator down to the basement.  
If we should run into anyone, I would suggest you tell them that 
he has had too much to drink or some other bullshit.  If anyone 
gets suspicious or tries to stop us, Scully gets it first, then 
you.  Now, open that door and let's get out of here."

Logan shoved Scully toward the service elevator down the hall.  
He was constantly scanning the hallway, hoping no one would 
see their small parade.  He was anxious to get to the safety of 
his van.  "Hurry!" he growled and he roughly pushed Scully 
forward, toward the waiting elevator doors.

Scully's mind was a whirl.  She was worried about Mulder.  She 
looked around anxiously, hoping to see someone who could 
help them and, at the same time, terrified that they would.  What 
does this lunatic want?  She had to calm down and start thinking 
like an FBI agent, if they were to have any chance to get out of 
this.  Unfortunately, there wasn't much she could do right now 
with a gun stuck in her side.  She would have to be prepared 
when an opportunity presented itself.

Several steps behind them, Skinner was struggling to keep 
Mulder upright.  The man was dead weight.  His muscles were 
beginning to scream in agony from the stress being put upon 
them.  Skinner shook his head to clear his thoughts.  He had to 
think of a way to get him and his agents out of this.  
Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do right now with 
his hands full of Mulder.  He would have to be prepared when 
an opportunity presented itself.

Finally, they reached the elevator.  "Push the button," Logan 
ordered.  Scully pushed the down button and the doors opened 
immediately.  Logan pushed Scully to the far corner, away from 
the floor buttons.  Skinner dragged his burden through the door.  
When they were all aboard, Logan yelled for Skinner to push 
the basement button.

When the elevator doors opened in the basement, they were 
faced with a large darkened room.  During the day, this area 
was probably bustling with activity.  Now, it was very quiet and 
completely void of any other people.  Logan sighed with relief.  
He had planned to make the snatch at night, because he knew 
how deserted this area would be after hours, but one can never 
be sure.  There was always the chance of an unexpected late 
night delivery.

Not wanting to push his luck, he hustled the group toward the 
nondescript white panel van parked in the corner of the loading 
dock.  When they reached the van, Logan pulled out a set of 
keys and had Scully unlock the back doors.  When they were 
open, he backed up a few steps with Scully.

"Put him inside," he told Skinner.  He laid Mulder down in the 
back of the van and then stood up straight stretching his abused 
muscles.  He couldn't believe the relief of putting him down.  
The man may be lean, but he was muscular and weighed a ton.

Logan pulled a set of cuffs from his duffel bag and pitched them 
to Skinner.  "Cuff him."  Skinner attached a cuff to one hand 
and was prepared to cuff the other, when Logan's voice stopped 
him.  "Behind the back.  Cuff his hands behind his back."  
Skinner carefully rolled him onto his stomach and, pulling his 
hands behind his back, cuffed them together.

"Good.  Now, turn around, face the inside of the van, and put 
your hands behind your back." Logan demanded.  He did as 
requested.  Logan finally released his grip on Scully and shoved 
her forward.  "Put that cuff back on his hand."

After cuffing Skinner, Scully spun around to face their captor.  
"Now what?" she demanded, clearly irritated.

"It's your turn."  He pulled out the final set of cuffs and used 
them on Scully.  He ordered them to climb up into the van and 
then slammed the doors.  He looked around the loading dock 
one more time to ensure he was still alone.  Now that he had 
them secured and loaded into the van, it was time to take the 
show on the road. 

Once the door to the van had shut, Skinner let out a long sigh, 
ending with a whispered "Dammit!"  He couldn't believe what 
has just happened.  They had just checked into their hotel, 
preparing for a nice relaxing dinner after having flown across 
the country, and now, here they were, handcuffed in the back of 
a van being taken god knows where by a lunatic bent on 
revenge.


Somewhere in Oregon
9:30 pm

"Scully, you okay?" Skinner whispered.

"Yes, sir, but I'm worried about Mulder.  He took a hard hit to 
the head and he still hasn't shown any sign of regaining 
consciousness."  

As if Mulder knew they were talking about him, he began to 
stir.

"Mulder?" she asked in a quiet voice.  "Mulder.  Are you all 
right?"

He could hear someone calling his name very quietly, as if from 
a distance.  His head was pounding.  He tried to raise his hand 
to his head, but found that he could not move them.  He tried to 
move his hands and realized they were cuffed behind his back.  
He could feel the metal of cuffs dig into his wrists.  Why were 
his hands cuffed?  "Scu...ully?"

"Shhhhh!" they shushed in unison.

She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "Calm down, 
Mulder.  You need to keep quiet.  Do you remember what 
happened?"

He opened his eyes and could just make out the shadow that 
was talking to him.  He blinked his eyes several times and was 
now able to recognize the shadow as Scully.

"I...remember un-cuffing Skinner and then...nothing.  What did 
I miss?"

"That guard knocked you out and now he has kidnapped us.  
We're in a white panel van going...I don't know where we're 
going," she replied.

Mulder finally managed to maneuver into a semi-sitting 
position next to Scully.  He could make out another shadow, 
which he assumed was his boss.  He glanced around the interior 
of the van.  There were no windows, except for the front 
windows, which let in very little.  It was obviously dark outside.  
He couldn't see his watch, so he didn't know how much time 
had elapsed.  There was a metal grate between the back cargo 
space and the passenger compartment.  He could hear music 
coming from the front, but he couldn't tell if it was the radio or 
some recording.  From his position, he couldn't see anything, 
let alone determine the direction in which they were traveling.

"This guy seems to know us, especially you, sir, but I've never 
seen him before.  I take it he used to work at the bureau?"

"His name is Richard Logan," Skinner said in a hushed voice.  
"He was an agent under my command when I was an SAC in 
the Chicago office.  He was the worst agent I have ever had the 
displeasure of working with.  He was arrogant, always thought 
he was right, rubbed everyone the wrong way, made more 
enemies than friends."

"Gee, sounds a lot like me," Mulder interjected.  Obviously 
trying a little humor to lighten the situation.

"Maybe, Agent Mulder, but unlike you, he was not very smart 
and was almost always wrong.  No one wanted to work with 
him.  I finally had to fire him.  He did not take it well, to say 
the least.  Accused me of having a grudge against him, afraid of 
his talents, etc.  He threatened me when they escorted him from 
the field office.  That was 10 years ago and I haven't heard 
anything about him since."
 
"Well, he obviously has kept tabs on you, sir," Scully remarked.

"Yeah and he must still have contacts within the bureau," added 
Mulder, "because he sure knows who we are.  How else would 
he have known you were going to be here this week?"

"I'm sorry, you agents got caught up in this.  If I hadn't made 
you come to this seminar..."

"That's enough of that, sir," Mulder interrupted. "We're here 
now.  Let's see if we can figure a way out of this, before he 
wreaks his revenge.  The man is obviously an angry and 
unstable individual.  Unfortunately, the odds aren't in our favor.  
He has all the weapons and it will be hard to make any kind of a 
move all trussed up like this."

Suddenly, the van slowed down.  It felt like it exited what they 
assumed was a highway and turned right onto another paved 
road.  It seemed likely they were nearing their destination.

"I think our best chance will be to try and take him when he 
opens the doors," Skinner suggested.

"I'm not so sure, sir," Scully countered. "He is likely to be very 
cautious when he opens the doors to the van.  It might not be 
our best opportunity.  Maybe it would be best to wait until we 
are all out of the van."

"I have an idea," announced Mulder.  "He doesn't know I woke 
up.  I could pretend to be unconscious.  That way, Logan would 
have to get me out of the van, which would leave him 
vulnerable and give you an opening or he would have to un-cuff 
you, sir, and make you get me out of the van.  Either way, that 
might give us the opening we are looking for."

"I agree," said Scully.

"Me too," added Skinner. 

Having made their plans, they rode in silence, contemplating 
their chances.

After a short while, the van made a left turn, this time onto a 
rough road.  The road was obviously unpaved; made of dirt and 
full of potholes.  The trio was bounced around the back of the 
van until it came to an abrupt stop.

"Get ready," Mulder whispered, lying down in his original 
position, as he if he had never regained consciousness.

They heard the front door open and could feel the van shift, as 
Logan exited the van.  Skinner and Scully were alert; ready to 
attack as soon as the moment was right.

Logan opened the back doors of the van and then stepped back.  
In his left hand was his duffel bag and in his right was his 
weapon, pointed directly at them.  "All right, everybody out," 
he shouted.  Skinner climbed out first, followed closely by 
Scully.  Logan waited for Mulder to come out, but he had not 
moved.  "Come on, Mulder, get the hell out here!" he yelled, as 
he took a step toward the van.

"He's still unconscious," stated Skinner.  "He hasn't moved 
since you hit him.  I think you might have really hurt him."

Logan gestured to his right with the gun.  "You two move over 
there."  Skinner and Scully moved to the right and took several 
steps away from the van.

Logan looked into the van and could see Mulder lying exactly 
where he put him originally.  He must have hit him pretty hard, 
he thought to himself, for him to still be out.  Logan leaned into 
the opening of the van and yelled, "Get up!"  Mulder let out a 
moan and stirred slightly.  "Oh, for God's sake.  I don't have 
time for this shit," Logan said disgustedly.  He jabbed Mulder's 
leg with the gun barrel, prepared to yell again, when Mulder 
made his move.

Mulder kicked his legs out straight catching Logan in the gut 
and gun arm.  The gun went flying out of his grip, as Logan 
went down hard onto the ground, the duffel bag still clutched in 
his left hand.  Scully immediately dropped to the ground to get 
her cuffed hands from behind her back, while Mulder struggled 
to do the same thing while in the back of the van.  Skinner 
dropped on top of Logan in an attempt to pin him to the ground 
until his agents were able to get their hands free.

Logan was not a small man and was able to buck the AD off the 
top of him.  He quickly opened his bag looking for another 
weapon.  Scully had managed to get her hands in front of her 
and was going for Logan's original weapon, lying on the ground 
several feet away.  It was a race to see who could get to a 
weapon first.  Skinner assessed the situation and decided to try 
slowing Logan down by ramming into him.  He ran toward him 
and lowered his head for attack.  Just before he reached him, 
Logan pulled his weapon from the bag, side stepped Skinner, 
and brought the gun down on his head.  Skinner dropped like a 
sack of wet cement.  When Scully reached the other weapon, 
Logan had already regained control.  His weapon was pointed at 
the unmoving AD.

"Drop it!" he called out to Scully.  She hesitated for only a 
moment before disgustedly tossing the gun aside.  He turned his 
attention back to the van.  "Get the hell out of that van right 
now, Mulder, or he gets it.  MOVE!"  Mulder had gotten his 
cuffed hands in front of him, but it was too late; the altercation 
was over.  He stepped out of the van with his cuffed hands held 
up in front of him.

Logan's face was red with anger.  "You will all pay for that," he 
bellowed.

"Oh, yeah," answered Mulder, "you planning on killing us 
twice?"

Logan glared at Mulder, the hand holding the gun to Skinner's 
head trembling with rage.  He took a deep breath to calm 
himself.  He brought the gun up so that it was now pointed at 
Mulder and Scully.  "Don't...tempt...me," he said menacingly, 
punctuating each word with the barrel of the gun.  "You make 
one more stupid move like that and we're going to be one 
redhead short.  GOT ME!!"  He continued to stare at them, 
breathing heavily, until he was able to calm himself.

Skinner started to stir.  Logan snatched up his bag and quickly 
stepped away from the fallen man, before he could attempt any 
more treachery.  "Get him into the cabin," he ordered.

Mulder looked at the cabin in front of them, partially obscured 
by trees.  Funny, he had not noticed it before in all the 
excitement.  The cabin was a wooden structure that had 
obviously seen better days.  It probably had not seen a coat of 
paint since it was originally built.  There were three steps 
leading up to a large covered porch that spanned the front of the 
building.  Logan had opened the front door of the cabin and 
switched on a light.

Mulder and Scully stepped forward and each taking hold of an 
arm, they managed to get Skinner to his feet.  He was unsteady 
and slightly disoriented, but they were able to guide him into 
the door of the cabin.


Logan's Cabin
Midnight

The inside of the cabin was sparse.  There was a worn couch, a 
rickety coffee table, and a dining table with four chairs in the 
corner.  There was a door on the far side of the room, which 
Mulder assumed led to a bedroom and a kitchen that was 
separated from the main room by a low counter.

Logan positioned himself by the dining table, so he could keep 
a watchful eye on the trio.  Mulder and Scully laid Skinner on 
the couch and Scully examined the cut on his scalp.  "I need 
something to clean the wound," she told Logan.

"Tough.  You think I care?  It won't matter in a little while 
anyway," Logan answered back.

Mulder and Scully exchanged a worried look.  They didn't like 
what that last statement implied, but then again, what were they 
expecting, a friendly fish fry?  Scully blotted the bleeding gash 
with the sleeve of her blouse.

"How does it look?" croaked Skinner, his eyes squeezed tightly 
shut.

"It's not too deep," she said quietly.  "It will probably need 
stitches if we get out of here.  I mean, _when_ we get out of 
here," she corrected herself.  Skinner opened his eyes at her 
comment and looked at his two agents.  His eyes were full of 
apology, but he saw no recrimination on their face; only 
concern.

"Enough chit-chat," Logan exclaimed, interrupting their private 
conversation.  "Let's get this play started."  He pulled one of 
the chairs away from the dining table and placed it in the center 
of the room.  "Bring him over here."

Scully stood up and faced Logan.  "He's hurt.  He shouldn't be 
moved."

"I told you once...I...don't...care.  Now get him up and into 
this chair before someone else gets hurt."

Skinner was struggling to get up from his reclining position.  
"It's okay, Agent Scully.  Just help me to my feet."  They knew 
they had to play along until they could figure out a way out of 
this.   They wouldn't stand a chance if any of them were injured 
further.  They helped him to his feet, but he shrugged off their 
help, as he moved to sit in the chair.

Logan pulled a rope from inside his bag and used it to secure 
Skinner to the chair.  He then dragged one of the other chairs 
from the table and positioned it opposite Skinner.  "You two 
have a seat on that couch, while I have a little talk with my old 
_friend_ Skinner."  He only had eyes for Skinner; eyes that 
were full of hatred.

"So, what's this all about, Logan?" asked Skinner.

Logan laughed maniacally.  "What's this all about?  Surely you 
haven't forgotten what you did to me.  You ruined my _LIFE_!  
Did you know my wife left me after I was fired?  I lost my 
house, my wife, my _friends_, all because of you."  He leaned 
in close to Skinner's face.  "Did you know that I've exacted 
small pieces of revenge over the years?"

Skinner made no comment and showed no emotion as Logan 
continued to ramble on.

"Yeah, I have," Logan continued with an evil grin on his face.  
"Do you remember Agent Rains?  Car accident?  It's hard to 
stop when you have no brakes."  Skinner showed his first 
emotion, which was one of shock.  Logan's smile grew bigger.  
"Now you're getting the picture.  What about Agent Findley?  I 
believe his death is still unsolved.  Not anymore."

Skinner showed his second emotion, which was rage.  He was 
having trouble controlling himself.  He couldn't believe this 
man was killing FBI agents as payback against him.

"In fact," Logan added, interrupting Skinner's thoughts, "I might 
just kill your two precious agents over there.  They are 
obviously favorites of yours.  That would be devastating, 
wouldn't it?"

Skinner knew what Logan was trying to do and he would not let 
Mulder and Scully die as some psycho's revenge.  He laughed 
incredulously, "Favorites?  Those two loose cannons?"  He tried 
to control his laughter, as he continued, "You'd be doing me a 
favor.  Ridding me of two thorns in my side."

Skinner's laughter only angered Logan.  "Shut up!" he screamed 
as he struck Skinner in the jaw with his fist.

Mulder and Scully sat quietly listening to the conversation.  
They both knew what Skinner was trying to do.  They were 
constantly analyzing the situation, looking for any possible 
weakness or avenue of attack, but at this point, it was best to 
stay out of it and let Skinner make his move.

Logan stood up from his chair and began to pace.  He was 
extremely irritated with Skinner.  He grabbed the lapels of 
Skinner's shirt and yelled in his face, "You're lying!  You're 
just trying to save their necks."

Skinner continued to bait Logan.  "I have been looking for a 
way to get rid of them for years.  If it weren't for the higher 
powers, they would be long gone."

Logan stopped and stared into Skinner's face, trying to 
determine if the man was lying.  He could see no signs of 
deception; the man spoke the truth.  He sat back down and 
thought about this.  It looked like Skinner didn't like his two 
agents; any more than he liked Logan.  He wasn't about to do 
Skinner any favors, that's for sure.  However, the agents 
appeared to care about him.  The red head seemed very 
concerned about the cut on his head.  Logan decided that even if 
he didn't like the agents much, he would still take their deaths 
badly.  He knew the AD felt responsible for all the agents under 
his command, whether he liked them personally or not.  Well, 
everybody except him.  Logan knew Skinner never cared for 
him personally or professionally.  

Logan was deep in thought when he heard movement on the 
couch.  He jumped from the chair, bringing the hand that still 
held the gun up, aiming at the origin of the sound.  Mulder had 
shifted himself to a more comfortable position.  Sitting on the 
worn couch was like sitting on a cloth-covered rock.  "Sorry to 
disturb you," Mulder apologized, "but my ass was going to 
sleep."

Logan blinked and shook his head, as if he had just awakened 
from a dream.  At the mention of sleep, Logan looked at his 
watch. It was 2:00 in the morning and suddenly, Logan felt very 
tired.  In fact, he was exhausted and needed to sleep.  He would 
have to wait and finish this in the morning.  What would he do 
about them?  He didn't trust them.  He decided it would be best 
to sedate them while he got a few hours sleep.  He would sleep 
better knowing they were not only restrained, but also 
incapacitated.  He reached into his bag and retrieved a handful 
of syringes that were pre-filled with Chloral Hydrate.  

Scully immediately noticed the syringes in his hand   "What are 
those?" she asked.

"Oh, just a little something to make you sleep.  I think everyone 
could use some sleep right now, don't you?" Logan replied.

"Yeah, well, I never touch the stuff.  Got a TV around here?  I'll 
just watch a little late-night Sci-Fi till I get sleepy," Mulder 
offered.

Logan gave Mulder an annoyed look.  "No TV here...this'll 
have to do."  He threw three of the syringes into Scully's lap.  
"Here you go, Doc.  You get to help me out."

Scully held up her cuffed hands.  "I can't very well give shots 
wearing these."

Logan pondered this for a moment.  He pulled the keys from his 
pocket and pitched them to Scully.  She undid one cuff.  She 
started to undo the other cuff, but Logan's voice interrupted her, 
"That's enough.  Throw those keys back over here."  Scully 
complied.

He moved so he could see what Scully was doing.  She 
removed the first syringe from its package.  She undid Mulder's 
right cuff and pushed the sleeve up to reveal the inside of his 
elbow.  She looked up at him.  Her eyes said she was sorry and 
his said he understood.  "Do you have any alcohol to swab his 
arm with?" she asked Logan.  "I don't want the injection site to 
get infected."

Logan scoffed at her request.  "I think that's the least of his 
worries.  Get on with it."
 
She depressed the plunger, injecting the contents of the syringe 
into his arm.  She removed the needle and watched him as his 
eyes became unfocused, his head lolling back against the couch.

"Good.  Now him," ordered Logan, pointing at Skinner.

Scully had a bit of a problem getting to Skinner's arm. Of 
course, Logan wouldn't remove his cuffs, but she managed to 
reach a vein without too much trouble.

"Now you."

Scully returned to the couch and took her spot next to Mulder.  
She rolled up her sleeve and injected the contents of the third 
syringe into her own body.  She threw the empty syringe onto 
the table with the other two and laid her head back against 
couch, losing her battle with consciousness.

Logan looked around the room and everyone was sleeping like 
babies.  He snatched the empty syringes off the table and put 
them in his duffel, which he took with him into the bedroom 
with him and prepared to go to sleep.  He figured the drug 
should keep them out for about 5 hours.  He would set his alarm 
for 7:00 am.  He lay down, but as tired as he was, he didn't fall 
asleep immediately.  He was thinking about the morning and 
how sweet his revenge would be after all the years of waiting.  
Finally, he fell asleep.


Logan's Cabin
6:30 am

Mulder was the first to awaken.  He felt as though he was 
encased in cotton.  He was very comfortable where he was, but 
had a feeling that he needed to get up.  He tried to open his 
eyes, but his mind was slow to respond.  He kept trying and 
finally his eyes fluttered open.  His vision was initially 
blurred, but cleared up as he blinked his eyes several times.  He 
felt something warm against his side and turned his head in that 
direction.  He saw Scully leaning against him, her head lying on 
his shoulder.  Further away, he could see Skinner, strapped to 
the chair.

Suddenly, his mind cleared and he remembered what had 
happened.  He quickly looked at his watch and realized that he 
had been out a little over 4 hours.  He did not see Logan, so he 
assumed he was asleep in the bedroom.  He figured Logan 
would be waking soon, so this would be their only chance.

As quietly as he could, he tried waking Scully.  
"Scully...Scully," he quietly whispered into her ear.  When she 
began to rouse, he placed his hand over her mouth, shushing her 
before she could make any noise.  "Scully, it's me.  You've got 
to wake up."  His words were working, because her eyes slowly 
opened.  She was somewhat dazed, but she did seem to 
recognize him.  "Come on, we have to get out of here before 
Logan wakes up."  That did the trick.

"Where's Logan?" she quietly asked.

"Asleep...I think.  Let's get Skinner and get out of here."

They quietly moved next to Skinner.  Mulder went to work 
untying the rope holding Skinner to the chair while Scully 
attempted to wake him up.  "Sir?" she said quietly, as she gently 
shook his shoulders.  He was quick to awaken and his eyes 
opened almost immediately.  "Sir, we have to get out of here.  
This may be our only chance."  Skinner nodded in 
understanding.

They helped Skinner up from the chair and started across the 
room, when they heard the alarm go off in the other room.  
"Shit!!" they cried in unison and moved quickly to the front 
door.

Logan thought he heard movement in the other room, so he 
grabbed his gun and rushed through the door.  He arrived just in 
time to see Mulder throw open the front door to the cabin.  
Scully ran through it, followed closely by Skinner, with Mulder 
bringing up the rear.  Logan pointed his gun toward the group 
and fired.

Mulder felt the pain immediately as the bullet entered his right 
leg just above the back of the knee, dropping him in his tracks.  
Scully and Skinner heard the shot, but continued running.  
When they reached the tree line, they realized Mulder was not 
with them.  They turned to see him lying on the front porch, 
with his hands wrapped around his leg, just above the knee.  
Behind him, Logan stepped out onto the porch.
 
"Stupid bastard!" he snarled at Mulder and rewarded him with a 
kick to the chin.  Mulder fell back onto the porch, his hands 
slipping from their grip on his leg.  He lay there not moving.  
Logan moved forward to point his gun at Mulder's head.  
"Skinner!  Scully!" he yelled, "Get back here right now or I'll 
shoot him...again."

Scully stepped into the clearing and walked slowly toward the 
cabin.  She stopped at the foot of the steps.  Logan moved the 
gun, changing targets from Mulder's head to Scully.  "Skinner!" 
he yelled again, louder than the first time, "I'll shoot Scully 
first if you don't show yourself.  I'm not going to ask again."

Scully noticed that Mulder's eyes were open and he was looking 
right at her.  She knew immediately that he was planning 
something.  This would be their last chance; they would not get 
another. 

Skinner stepped out of his hiding place in the trees and into 
Logan's sight.  "Get up here.  I'm ready to end this...NOW!"

Skinner walked toward the cabin.  He couldn't see an 
alternative.  Logan would shoot his agents.  Unfortunately, he 
might shoot them anyway, but every moment he could keep 
them alive, there was hope.

Scully watched Mulder mouth a countdown...3...2...1.  He 
swung his arms out, catching Logan behind the knees and 
dropping him to the porch.  Scully also dropped to the ground at 
the same time.  The gun went off, but the aim was altered and 
the bullet hit nothing.  Mulder moved like lightning and seized 
Logan's wrist to wrestle the gun away.  Logan still had his 
finger on the trigger and it went off again.  Mulder managed to 
get on top of Logan and slammed his wrist down onto the porch 
several times, until he finally released the weapon and it popped 
free.

Scully quickly got to her feet and went to find the gun that had 
been discarded the previous night.  She ran toward the van 
where she had last seen it.  She frantically searched the ground 
behind the van.  With the low light of dawn, she was having 
difficulty trying to find the weapon.  At last, she found it.  She 
seized the gun and ran back to the porch. 

Mulder snatched the gun, but before he could use it, Logan's fist 
connected with Mulder's already sore jaw.  The blow knocked 
Mulder off balance, but he kept his grip on the gun.  Logan was 
now trying to wrestle the gun from Mulder's hands.

"Freeze!" Scully shouted as she raised her weapon to point at 
the tangled pair.  "Logan, let him go!"  Logan paid no attention 
to Scully's demands.  He was so focused on getting control of 
the gun.

BANG!

Suddenly, there was no movement on the porch.  The moment 
seemed to be frozen in time.  Skinner looked at Scully, but she 
shook her head indicating that she had not fired the shot; it had 
come from the porch.  Scully began to advance toward the 
porch, her gun still aimed at the pair.

As if in slow motion, Logan slowly slumped to the side, having 
taken the bullet in the chest.  As soon as the weight was off him, 
Mulder moved backwards away from the fallen man, raising his 
gun to keep him covered in case he tried anything else.  Scully 
raced onto the porch.  She glanced at Mulder, who nodded that 
he was okay, and then she knelt down to check out Logan.  She 
couldn't find a pulse and he wasn't breathing.  The bullet had 
obviously struck the heart.

Skinner stepped up onto the porch.  "How's Logan?" he asked 
Scully.

"He's dead," Scully conveyed to the group.

Mulder and Skinner let out simultaneous sighs of relief.  Mulder 
dropped the gun and returned his hands to his throbbing leg, 
gasping as they made contact.

At the sound, Skinner turned to his fallen agent.  "How are you 
feeling, Mulder?"

He thought about the question for a moment.  How was he?  He 
was in quite a bit of pain right now, but that would pass.  They 
were virtually 'circling the drain' a little while ago but now 
it's over; we're alive.  "Actually, sir, I'm feeling pretty damn 
good right now."  

"Umm, Scully?" Mulder asked, "Could you find the handcuff 
keys?"

She searched through Logan's pockets and retrieved the set of 
keys.  She stood up and released Skinner from his cuffs first.  
Skinner grimaced as he moved his arms back and forth, trying 
to get the circulation flowing again.  He had been handcuffed 
for almost twelve hours.  Scully undid the cuff still hooked to 
her hand and gave them to Skinner.  Scully knelt next to Mulder 
to check him out.  He was sitting up against a post, gripping his 
leg between his hands, moaning.  Now that the adrenaline was 
wearing off, he was really feeling the wound in his leg.  She 
gently took hold of his wrists and raised his hands, so she could 
remove his handcuffs.
 
"Thanks."

"No problem, partner.  Now, let me have a look at that leg."  
His pants were soaked with blood and there was a small tear 
about four inches above the kneecap.  "Sorry about this," she 
apologized, before she ripped the fabric apart, exposing the exit 
wound.  Mulder winced, although she wasn't sure if it was from 
pain or the destruction of his pants.  It appeared the round had 
gone straight through the muscle of his right leg, missing the 
bone.  It was still bleeding though.

"Sir, can you look in the house for something I can use to apply 
pressure to this wound?  Towels...a sheet...anything."

"Sure, Scully.  Be right back," he replied, and then ran into the 
house.  He headed to the bedroom first.  The room contained a 
twin-sized bed.  Next to the bed was a bedside table and on the 
table was a phone.  He couldn't believe his eyes.  He picked up 
the receiver and was relieved to hear the sound of a dial tone.  
He thought about pulling the sheets from the bed, but that 
would be a last resort.  There was a smaller room off the main 
bedroom, which turned out to be a bathroom.  He found a stack 
of towels in a cabinet behind the door.

He returned to the porch and handed the towels to Scully.  "Do 
you need any help?" he offered.

"No, thank you, sir, I've got it," she replied.

"In that case, there is a phone inside.  I'm going to get us some 
help out here."

She was beyond relief.  A little while ago, they were facing 
certain death and now, help was on the way.  She placed towels 
on the top and bottom of her partner's leg and used another 
towel to secure the bandages in place.
 
Skinner placed a call to 9-1-1.  When the operator answered, he 
explained that he was a federal agent who had been abducted 
from his hotel in Portland.  He had a wounded agent and their 
captor was dead.  He requested police, paramedics, and the 
coroner.  He had no idea where he was, but the 911 operator 
knew their exact location and assured him that the police and 
ambulances were on the way.


Portland General Hospital.
Later that evening

Mulder was sound asleep in his hospital bed.  Scully was in her 
usual position; seated at his side.  The bullet wound to his leg 
wasn't too bad; however, he did have a slight concussion, a golf 
ball sized lump on the back of his head with four stitches, and 
his jaw was turning a lovely shade of purple.

The door opened and in walked Skinner.  He was sporting a 
bandage that covered the five stitches it took to close the gash 
on his head.  He noticed the sleeping agent and kept his voice 
low.  "How's he doing?" he asked Scully.

"He's doing great, sir," she whispered in reply.  "He's going to 
have a headache and a limp for a while, but considering where 
the situation was headed...well, we're pretty lucky to be alive."

"Yeah, I'd say we owe him our lives, but don't tell him I said 
that."

"You're welcome," mumbled Mulder.

They both turned at the sound of the voice to see that Mulder 
was awake.

"You faker!  Why didn't you tell us you were awake?" scolded 
Scully.

"And miss out on all the glowing compliments?" Mulder 
answered with a smile, "Not likely." 

Skinner had just returned from a briefing at the local office.  
They had been looking for him and his missing agents.  When 
he didn't turn up for the keynote speech that morning, they 
checked his room and found he hadn't slept there.  They found 
Mulder's stuff on the coffee table and checked his and Scully's 
room.  Again, no one had slept there.  The local FBI office was 
notified and a search was underway, however they had no clues 
as to their whereabouts.

"You know, sir, you put on a pretty good act back there at the 
cabin.  If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were 
serious about not liking us," Mulder stated.

Skinner gave them a serious poker-face look.  "Who said I was 
acting, agents?"

They both stared at him with a stunned look on their face.  
Surely, he wasn't serious?

After he had let them suffer enough, he broke into a broad 
smile.  "Seriously, agents, I'm sorry about getting you into this 
situation in the first place.  I promise, the next time I take 
you to a seminar..."
 
"Whoa!" Mulder interrupted, raising his hands like a traffic cop.  
"Please don't do us any favors.  No offense, sir, but Scully and 
I get into trouble just fine by ourselves."


The End