From: ephemeral@ephemeralfic.org Date: 8 Mar 2005 15:43:23 -0000 Subject: I Was Thinking About You (1/2) PG13 MSR/Casefile by Katie Phillips by Katie Phillips Source: direct Reply To: xfstories@yahoo.com Title: I Was Thinking About You by Katie Phillips Posted: February 2005 Disclaimer: I know they're not mine, but that doesn't mean I can't take them out to play every once in a while, does it? Rating: PG13 Feedback: Makes me smile. Send it to xfstories@yahoo.com Archive: Sure but please let me know where first. Keywords: MSR, casefile Spoilers/summary: This story stays true to The X-Files series up through Mulder and Scully's disagreement over Diana Fowley. At that point, I take our two heroes on a different journey--one that is guaranteed to be 99.9% sallie-safe. Many thanks to sallie for her support and wonderful beta work. +++ Lone Gunmen's Apartment MULDER: Scully, you're making this personal. SCULLY: Because it is personal, Mulder. Because without the FBI, personal interest is all that I have. And if you take that away, then there is no reason for me to continue. (MULDER watches her as she walks past him and out of the office.) +++++ Fox Mulder's Office 1 Hour Later Dana Scully slammed the files onto Mulder's desk, still fuming over his lack of ability to see what she herself saw so clearly. How could a man who preached not trusting anyone, believe Diana Fowley so completely, so easily? Scully felt a wave of jealousy sweep over her as she realized the basis of Mulder's trust. He had feelings for Diana--strong feelings--that Scully knew for sure. What she didn't know was whether or not Mulder had acted on those feelings, or was planning on doing so in the future. Determined to push the entire matter from her mind, Scully set about gathering together the files she'd need to research over the coming weekend. She was stuffing the last one unceremoniously into her briefcase when she heard footsteps. She raised her head, ready to continue her battle with Mulder, but shut her mouth abruptly at the sight of Diana Fowley in the doorway. "Agent Scully." Fowley said in her normal cool, reserved tone of voice. "Mulder isn't here," Scully replied, a bit more curtly than she intended. "I'm not looking for Fox. It was you I wanted to speak to, Agent Scully." Diana entered the room and approached Scully. "Me?" Although feeling cornered, Scully managed not to take a step back. Diana smiled at her. "I thought it would be a good idea to clear the air between us." When Scully remained silent, she continued. "I wanted you to know that although Fox and I are involved personally, I won't stand in your way if you choose to help him pursue his interests with the X-files." Diana paused to let her words sink in, trying not to smile as she watched Scully attempt to keep her emotions under control. "I know you two are close. I imagine you've taken Samantha's place in his heart." She was about to continue when Scully abruptly moved towards the door. "I'm late for a meeting," Scully mumbled before pushing past Diana in her rush to leave the office. She managed to get halfway down the hall before the import of Diana's words fully sank in. Diana smiled and waved cheerfully at Scully's back as she practically ran towards the elevator. She had been right. Scully's feelings for Mulder were deeper than most people thought, deeper than even Mulder knew. The first part of her plan had gone off without a hitch. She walked behind Mulder's desk and sat down, wondering whether the rest would go so smoothly. Her thoughts were interrupted a few minutes later by the ding of the elevator bell. Diana looked up, half expecting to see Dana Scully come back to put up a fight. It wasn't Scully who approached the office however, but her partner. "Diana, what are you doing here?" Mulder stopped after entering his office, to look around. "I'm looking for Scully." Diana rose from the chair and walked over to Mulder, gently taking his hand in hers. "You look upset, Fox. Is there something wrong?" Mulder snorted and looked at Diana, the pain evident in his eyes. "I was a jerk, as usual--really made a mess of things. I need to talk to Scully and make sure she's okay. That *we're* okay." Diana nodded her head slowly as if finally understanding something. "That explains Agent Scully's sour mood when I arrived here. She muttered something about a long hot bath and a glass of wine before leaving. "Diana gave Mulder's hand a squeeze. "My suggestion to you, is to give her the space she needs to calm down. She doesn't strike me as the kind of woman who would be shy about confronting you if she's unhappy. Let her do it on her terms, Mulder. She'll appreciate the thought." Mulder looked over at the door and then sighed. "I guess you're right. I do have a tendency to beat things to death." "Good. Now why don't we go grab a beer and you can tell me all about it." +++++ FBI Parking Garage Scully cursed herself silently, not believing that she'd fled Mulder's office so quickly that she'd forgotten to take her cars keys. She paced back and forth in front of her car for several minutes, stalling the inevitable trip back to the basement. The last thing she wanted to do was run into Diana Fowley again. Finally she gathered up her nerve, and went back into the building. To her immense relief the office was empty. Not wanting to take any chances, she grabbed her keys and headed for the stairwell, hoping to avoid meeting anyone in the elevator. She reached the parking garage and opened the door, only to stop dead in her tracks at what she saw. Fifty feet in front of her walked Diana Fowley, her arm linked casually through Mulder's. +++++ Sunday Afternoon Lone Gunmen's Apartment Mulder knocked and waited while Frohike unbolted and unlocked the door, and swung it open. "Hello, my friend. What brings you here this fine Sunday afternoon?" Frohike stepped aside and let Mulder pass. "I thought you and the delectable Agent Scully would be busy following up leads on that boy Gibson." "Scully?" Mulder stopped and looked at his friend. "I haven't seen her since she left here." He turned, about to enter the room, when Frohike stopped him with a hand on his arm. "What do you mean you haven't seen her? Haven't you begged her for forgiveness for being such a total and complete jerk to the other day?" Mulder remained silent, only staring at his friend. "You do realize Mulder, that you were way out of line, even for you, when it came to Diana. You totally refused to consider any of the facts Scully presented you with." "She was making it personal between Diana and herself." Mulder's tone was becoming defensive. "Jesus Mulder, it is personal! Can't you see that?" Langley had come over to join in the conversation. "Diana is encroaching on Scully's territory, and Scully is trying her best to defend it." Mulder glared at him. "You make it sound like the two of them are fighting over me. That Scully thinks of me as...as..." "More than a partner?" Frohike shook his head and clapped Mulder on the back as realization slowly crossed over Mulder's face. "How can you be so smart but so incredibly stupid at the same time?" "I gotta go." Mulder turned and left without another word. ++++++ Eighteen Months Later Assistant Director Walter Skinner's Office Monday 9 AM Skinner looked up from his desk and nodded at Mulder. "Thank you for coming up here so fast, Agent Mulder. Have a seat." He waited until Mulder settled himself before sliding a file folder in his direction. Mulder opened it and began flipping through the pages as Skinner continued. "I received this from our Chicago office. Apparently a fisherman was pulled out of Lake Michigan about 25 miles from the city. He was covered with burns of some sort." Mulder frowned as he looked at the picture. He looked up at Skinner speculatively, but remained silent." "If I'm not mistaken, the burns are similar to the ones you and Agent Scully observed in relation to the Piper Maru, out in California." Skinner paused, noticing that Mulder still grimaced slightly at the mention of his former partner's name, even though it had been nearly 18 months since she had requested a transfer from the X-files. Not for the first time, Skinner wondered what had happened between the two partners. "I'm sending you out there to take a look. The agents from the Chicago office and local authorities will be there to assist you." "Are you saying you think that somehow these burns are UFO related?" Mulder looked up at the Assistant Director in surprise. "Not at all. I want you to establish that there isn't some sort of health risk out there and find out whether or not we have a killer on our hands." Mulder nodded. "I'll want to take a look at the body." "I'll contact the field office and have them put together a pathology team to work with you." "Thank you Sir. I'll leave right away." Mulder rose and was heading toward the door when Skinner called out to him. "Mulder?" Mulder turned back in anticipation of Skinner's question. "Is there anyone you'd like me to send out there with you?" Mulder smirked. "I'll be fine, Sir. Besides, you know that partners and I don't mix." ++++++ Tuesday Chicago Field Office, FBI 3:30 PM "Thank you for getting out here so quickly Agent Mulder." Agent Bradley pumped his hand enthusiastically. "I have no idea what we have on our hands here, and I'd appreciate any help you could give us." "Happy to help out." Mulder smiled as he eased his hand out of Bradley's grip. This was Bradley's first major case, and he appreciated how much the agent wanted it solved quickly. "I'll want access to all your files and to the body." Bradley motioned for Mulder to follow him down the hallway. "We have a conference room all set up for your use. Everything we have on the case is in there, and we're in the process of having the body shipped here from the local ME's office. We even requested a pathologist to come in and take a look..." Bradley's words were cut off by the sound of high heels on linoleum. He and Mulder both looked up to see two women coming around the corner. One was tall and blonde, and one petite, with red hair. The red head stopped mid-conversation, her eyes widening momentarily in recognition, before her professional mask slipped back into place. Mulder managed to shut his mouth as she approached him, hand extended. "Agent Mulder." Mulder grasped the offered hand and shook it, trying to ignore the feelings that flooded over him. "Agent Scully." Bradley looked at each agent, perplexed. "You two know each other?" Scully forced a smile. "I spent several years in DC..." "Of course," Bradley interrupted, sparing Scully having to make any further explanations. "I'm Agent Bradley. I'm heading up this investigation. It's a pleasure to meet you, Agent Scully." He shook her hand and then turned his attention to the blonde agent who was watching the proceedings with great interest. "And you are?" "Agent Henderson." The blonde agent extended her hand first to Bradley then to Mulder. "Lona Henderson. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Her gaze took in both men but lingered a bit longer, Scully noticed, on Mulder. Eager to get things started, Bradley took Scully's arm and began to lead her down the hall. "This way Agent Scully. I'd like to show you where you'll be able to examine the body." Scully shot a quick glance at her female companion, before allowing herself to be led away. "First major case," Mulder explained, chuckling at the sight of Scully being led off so unceremoniously. "Guess he's a bit anxious about getting it solved ASAP." He turned his attention back to Henderson who was watching him closely. "So you knew Dana when she was back in DC?" she asked, as Mulder began walking towards the conference room. "Yeah. You could say that." Henderson stopped walking, causing Mulder to stop as well. "You look familiar to me." Her eyes squinted as she studied his face. "Got it." She gave him a cocky smile. "Dana's got your picture sitting on her mantel at home. It was taken at some sort of official FBI function. You're both dressed up." Mulder smiled weakly and continued walking, remembering the event well. It was one of the few times he had been able to hold Scully in his arms, as they'd danced beneath the lights of a huge Christmas tree. "So were you her boyfriend, or what?" "Partners. She and I were partners." Mulder opened the door and waited for Henderson to pass through. She looked disappointed. "Dang it. I was hoping for a little insight into the private life of Dana Scully. I've been her assistant for over a year now and I know next-to-nothing about her." She paused and looked over the conference table. "However, I do have a theory or two about her abrupt departure from Washington." She gave Mulder an evil smile. "Maybe I'll run them by you and get your expert opinion." Mulder ignored the comment, instead turning his attention to the files on the table. "I think we should begin with a thorough background check of the victim." +++++ Tuesday Chicago FBI Field Office Autopsy Bay 4:30 PM Scully pulled on a lab coat and began to organize her equipment on the small metal tray, trying to keep herself focused on the case and not her former partner. Normally she would have accused him of arranging for her to consult on this case, but the look on his face when she turned the corner, told her that he had been as surprised to see her as she had been to see him. She was, however, not surprised when he ambled through the doors of the autopsy bay. He looked as nervous as she felt, but like her, tried to act as if it had been only hours since they had last seen each other, instead of more than a year. "Hey." Mulder walked over to his former partner, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms in a bear hug. "Hey." Scully barely looked up, instead concentrating on arranging her instruments. "Do you mind if I take a peek at the body?" "Not at all, only it's not here yet." Scully stated the obvious, waving a hand at the spot where the body should be. Mulder nodded. "Gives us a moment to catch up." Scully forced a smile and finally looked up at Mulder. "Where's Agent Fowley? I thought this type of case would be right up her alley." "Diana? Why would she be here?" "I was under the impression that she was going to be your partner when you got reinstated on the X-files." Mulder frowned. "I don't have a partner--haven't had one since you left, and as far as Diana is concerned, she left Washington months ago." He paused at the confused look that had swept over Scully's face. "I don't understand," she whispered as if to herself. "She told me..." Scully's words were cut off by the abrupt entrance of the victim being pushed through the swinging doors on a gurney. Scully gave Mulder a long look as if trying to figure something out, shook her head as if to clear it, and then turned her attention to the body. "So Mulder, what's your interest in George O'Reilly?" Mulder noticed that Scully had slipped back into professional mode as she snapped on her latex gloves and prepared to turn on her tape recorder. "From everything I've seen, he seems to be nothing more than a guy who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up getting himself killed in some freak boating accident." Mulder walked around Scully impatiently, silently urging her to hurry up and remove the sheet covering O'Reilly so he could get a look at the body. "That's what it may have looked like at first. The burns seemed a bit unusual, so Skinner asked me to have a look--most likely to get me out of his hair for a day or two." Scully glanced over her shoulder at Mulder. "What does Skinner think it might be?" "I'll fill you in on everything after your examination." "After?" "I don't want to prejudice your findings." Mulder smiled at the glare Scully sent his way as she switched on the recorder. "I'll begin with the external examination..." Scully peeled back the sheet and gasped at the extent of damage done to O'Reilly's skin. "Look familiar?" Mulder whispered in her ear. "I thought you didn't want to influence me." Scully ignored Mulder's smirk. "If you're going to stay here throughout the entire procedure, why don't you make yourself useful and take the pictures." ++++++ The Syndicate Office, NYC Later that day "This is not good, not good at all." The man sitting in the armchair muttered the sentence like a mantra. "How could one get through without us knowing about it?" "They've developed new technology." The Cigarette Smoking Man took a long drag before continuing. "Technology that will be in our hands within the next 48 to 72 hours." The door to the room swung open and Alex Krycek sauntered in, stopping in front of the older man. "A complication seems to have arisen." "Don't keep us in suspense, Alex." Spender put out this cigarette and stared up at Krycek. "Somehow Fox Mulder has been called in to investigate the death of George O'Reilly. The FBI thinks it's either some sort of freak accident or possibly a bizarre murder, but Mulder will put the pieces together before too long." "Then we must distract him." The Smoking Man pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. "I already have. The FBI wanted a forensic specialist brought it. I made to sure to find the perfect one." Spender's eyes lit up as he flipped open his lighter. "Agent Scully? Clever Alex, very clever." "What if she wants to help him?" The man in the chair rose and walked towards Krycek. "What if she encourages him to look deeper into the matter?" "Simple," Spender stated. "We kill him." +++++ Chicago Hilton 8:30 PM That Evening Scully leaned back and rubbed her hands over her face trying to clear her head. She sat crossed legged on her bed surrounded by notes and photographs of the victim, but still she found it difficult to focus on anything other than what Mulder had told her about Diana Fowley. Surely she had been right in leaving Washington when she did. Diana had gone out of her way to tell her that she and Mulder were in a physical relationship. Scully could tolerate many of Mulder's more bizarre behaviors, even being ditched periodically, but she knew there was no way she could have stood by and watched Diana Fowley bask in the glow of being Fox Mulder's lover. What if she had been wrong? She shook her head trying to dislodge the thought. If she had been wrong, surely Mulder would have sought her out during the weekend she had holed up in her apartment trying to figure out her next move. He would have gotten to her and either argued with her further, or apologized long before she had made her way to Skinner's office and asked for an immediate transfer. No, she couldn't have been wrong. Scully was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of knocking at her door. Glancing at the clock, she noticed the time and remembered, vaguely, telling Lona that she would go over to her room for dinner. That had been nearly two hours ago, and Lona was most likely at her door demanding food. Without a thought to the old Knicks t-shirt and sweatpants she was wearing, Scully threw open the door, an apology on her lips, only to have her mouth drop open when she saw Mulder standing there. "Catch you at a bad time Scully?" Mulder tried his best to hide the amused look on his face. "No...no...not at all," Scully managed before stepping back and letting him in. "I was just going over my autopsy report. I want to come up with some answers or at least some sort of theory before the meeting tomorrow morning." "As luck would have it, I'm looking for some answers too." Mulder watched Scully hesitate, and then close the door. She stood in front of him, eyebrows raised in question, waiting for him to continue. "I need to know something." "Mulder, I think we should be concentrating on this case right now and not some event from our past." Scully tried to turn away, but Mulder stopped her by placing his hands on her shoulders and forcing her to look at him. "Scully, did you think that Diana Fowley and I were involved?" Scully looked down at the ground and gave a small nod. "Why?" Scully wanted to avoid the question until she looked up and saw the sadness in Mulder's eyes. "She told me so." "What? When?" The sadness was replaced by a look of astonishment. "In your office, right after our run-in at the Gunmen's place. She told me not to worry, that even though you two were involved, she wouldn't get in the way of my helping you out when it came to doing your own investigations on the X- files." Mulder gave her a little shake. "And you believed her?" Scully jerked away from him, the anger that had been pent up for the past eighteen months beginning to bubble to the surface. "Why wouldn't I believe her? That night I saw the two of you leaving the Bureau together." Mulder's shoulders slumped a bit at that. "You had all weekend and most of Monday morning to make sure that things were all right between us, but you never even called. Are you telling me you weren't with her?" "I was, but it's not what you think." Sadness returned to Mulder's face, as he realized how well Diana had played him. "Speaking of thinking, even Gibson knew about the two of you. Remember how he said you were thinking about one of us but that you didn't want him to say which one? I know now it had to be her." "Scully...." Mulder moved toward her again, but stopped at the sound of someone banging on the door. "Dana, it's Lona. Let me in!" Scully gave Mulder one more frustrated look and threw the door open, trying desperately to get her emotions under control. If Lona noticed anything amiss, she wisely chose to say nothing. "Another body was found about 10 miles away from the first. I thought you and Agent Mulder would like to check out the crime scene." "We would," Mulder said, moving towards the door. "Or at least *I* would.'" He looked over at Scully, who sighed and nodded. "I'll bring my car around and meet you ladies out front in five minutes." He was almost out the door before he turned and looked at Scully. "You were wrong, I was thinking about you." Lona watched Mulder go down the hall before turning toward Scully. "Tell me again how there's nothing between the two of you." "Shut up, Lona." Scully grabbed some clothes and headed for the bathroom to change. "Well, if you don't want him, can I have him?" Lona teased, enjoying how nervous Scully got whenever Mulder's name was mentioned. Scully didn't answer but did give her a dirty look when she reappeared. "Whatever was between us is dead and buried, Lona." Scully grabbed her weapon and slipped it into the holster. "Let's go." Lona only smiled, hoping she'd be around to witness the resurrection. I Was Thinking About You - Part Two By Katie Phillips Lake Michigan That Night, 9:25 PM "Looks like the same sort of burns to me, Scully." Mulder peered down at the man partially covered by a blue tarp. "Me too, Dana," Lona confirmed, snapping a picture of the body. "You still haven't told me what you think killed these men." "Radiation." Mulder answered for her. Scully gave him a look but said nothing. "No kidding. Is that what you're going to tell Bradley?" Lona glanced over toward Bradley as he interviewed the fishermen who had discovered the body. "Shouldn't we be taking some sort of precautions, or aren't these bodies still 'hot'"? "The officers who discovered the bodies, checked them for radiation and found them to be clean." Scully sighed "I'm not sure what I'm going to tell Bradley. I'd like to examine this second body first and then do a little research before coming to any official conclusions." Scully stood up stretching her back. "Good, you work on that while I get on the phone and run this guy and George O'Reilly by the Gunmen. Maybe they can help us find a link between these two men." Mulder pulled the tarp back over the victim. "Do you think we're dealing with a serial killer here, Agent Mulder? Or some sort of radiation leak?" Lona look fascinated. "I would say more along the lines of a leak some sort, but not of any material with which we're familiar." "What did he mean by that?" Lona asked Scully, after Mulder had returned to his car. "Trust me, you don't want to know." ++++++ Chicago Field Office Autopsy Bay 2:37 AM Scully rolled her shoulders in a feeble attempt to get the kinks out. It didn't work. She promised herself a long soak in the tub as a reward, while she finished stitching together the Y- incision she'd made. She was so tired that she barely looked up when the door opened. Lona had gone to run the tox screens, which meant it had to be Mulder. He paused at the sight of her bent over the body, the familiar visual strongly reminiscent of all the cases they had worked on in the past. "How are you holding up?" He walked over and offered her one of the cups of coffee he held in his hand. "I'm fine, just a bit out of practice. Most of the autopsies I do in St. Louis are performed during business hours." She pointed with her chin to the counter where Mulder placed her coffee. "Thanks. Did you and the Gunmen find your smoking gun?" Mulder sipped his coffee, wondering when he stopped being queasy about seeing dead people sliced open and stitched up in front of him. "They're working on it. They hope to have some answers for us by early tomorrow afternoon." Scully covered up the body, pulled off her gloves and threw them in the receptacle, before taking a sip of coffee and sighing in bliss. "But, you already have a theory, don't you Mulder?" Mulder smiled at her. "I think there's a ship down there-- something similar to what was pulled out of the Pacific. You have to admit that the radiation burns are the same." Scully took another sip of coffee and thought for a moment before answering. "The burns are almost identical. I'm having Lona run tissue samples and compare them to those I took off the bodies out in California." She put down her coffee and took off her lab coat, throwing it into the laundry basket. "But I see no signs of the black oil on either of those victims --not on their person nor on their clothes." "Maybe it washed off somehow?" "Could be, but oil isn't water soluble. I'd expect there to be some sort of residual oil somewhere on them." "Or maybe the alien technology we're dealing with here is different, or has changed somehow." Scully could tell that Mulder was winding up to go into a detailed theory about the various types of aliens and their means of transport, so she cut him off by placing a gentle hand on his arm. The gesture got his attention immediately. "As much as I would like to discuss these many theories with you Mulder, I really need to get some sleep. You and I have a ten o'clock meeting with Bradley and I still have to update my field journal." "Okay, let's go. I've got the car out front." Mulder wanted to pursue the conversation they had begun several hours earlier, but knew it was useless when Scully fell asleep within seconds of leaving the field office. He smiled as they stopped at a light, leaning over to push a piece of hair behind her ear and gently stroke her cheek. He knew that this case was his best chance to convince Scully to let him back into her life, and he prayed that he wouldn't blow the opportunity. +++++++ Lake Michigan 4:47 AM The non-descript craft moved slowly across the surface of the lake, dragging a small device behind it. In the cabin, Alex Krycek stared at the computer screen, hoping to get a glimpse of the craft that lay beneath the water. Finally after several long minutes, he spotted something, or thought he spotted something, about fifty feet from a deserted stretch of shore, sixty five feet beneath the surface. "Stop the boat," he ordered, never taking his eyes from the screen. "I want a diver down there now." Within minutes, he heard the splashes of not one but two divers, as they entered the water and proceeded to make their way toward the unknown object. Krycek watched in fascination as they appeared on his screen and swam closer to the mysterious shape. The divers were within feet of the object when a sudden brightness filled the screen. It faded quickly, leaving the bodies of the two divers floating helplessly in the water nearby. "Get them up," Krycek barked, already knowing what he would find when they pulled the divers from the water. There would be two more bodies matching those found on shore. "Get them up and burn them." He walked over to the control panel and picked up the ship-to- shore phone. "We have a problem. You'll need to send in the special team." Krycek replaced the phone, knowing that he was running out of time. +++++++ Chicago Field Office Conference Room 10:12 AM the following morning The agents gathered around the conference table looked a bit worse for wear as Agent Bradley questioned them on what they had found so far. Unfortunately, for a man who was eager to solve the first case assigned to him, he got more questions than answers. Luckily for him, Mulder had refrained from posing his alien spaceship theory, only speculating that something under the water was the source of the radiation. For her part, Scully did confirm that the burns had been from a quick flash of radiation. She compared the two victims to people exposed to the first atomic bombs during World War Two. Mulder found it interesting that she did not mention the previous X-file case involving similar burns. Scully didn't mention a possible connection because Lona was still in the process of comparing the various tissue samples and running tests on the victims. "Looks like we're getting nowhere fast," Bradley stated, trying not to let his disappointment show too much. "I appreciate all the long hours you've all been putting in. I'm going to contact the EPA and get their take on the situation. If we can narrow down the affected area, maybe they can close off, or at least restrict entry to that part of the lake." Bradley ended the meeting and the agents had begun to rise, when Mulder beckoned to Scully. "Got a minute, Scully?" "Sure, you go ahead Lona and see if you can get hold of the lab in DC and have them put a rush on those tests. I'll be here finishing up my report." Mulder waited, fidgeting only slightly, until he and Scully were alone in the room. "Let me guess Mulder, you and the Three Stooges came up with something." Mulder grinned at her and opened up a folder, pulling out and unfolding a large map. "Look here, Scully." He pointed to a map that showed a series of markings all over the upper mid-west. "These marks indicate UFO sightings over the past thirty days." He prodded the map with one finger in the area of Lake Michigan. "There were significant sightings over Lake Michigan four days ago." He turned and gave Scully a look of expectation. "Okay, so there were sightings. What does that have to do with our two victims?" "I did some checking into both men. They were members of the local chapter of MUFON." He pointed at the map again. "Obviously they went looking for something, and what they found got them killed." Scully said nothing, but bit her lower lip and was waiting for Mulder to continue, when the conference door opened and Agent Bradley walked in. Inwardly Scully groaned at being caught looking at such bizarre evidence, but Mulder did nothing to hide the map. "Agents, I've got some good news... I think." Bradley positioned himself in front of Mulder. "I just got off the phone with the EPA. Because of our work on this case, they believe the situation is something better handled by their branch of the government. They are taking over the case immediately." Mulder and Scully exchanged looks and Scully couldn't help but notice Mulder's shoulders slump ever so slightly. "I saw Agent Henderson in the hallway and told her she can head back to St. Louis at her earliest convenience." He looked over at Mulder. "That goes for you too, Agent Mulder. Sorry to bring you all the way out here for nothing. We do appreciate your willingness to help though." He stuck out his hand and pumped Mulder's enthusiastically. Bradley walked over to Scully then, but didn't extend his hand to her. "Unfortunately for you Agent Scully, the EPA would like you to summarize your findings and present them at a meeting later today. I guess you'll have to stick around." "Not a problem." Scully said forcing a small smile. She hoped her face didn't show the disappointment she was feeling at not being able to find the time to settle things between Mulder and herself. "Thanks again, Agents." Bradley turned and promptly left the room. Mulder waited until he was gone before turning to Scully. "They got to him, or at least they got to the EPA." "What are you talking about, Mulder?" Scully said automatically, even though she was quite sure what he was going to say. "They're covering this up Scully. We have to hurry out there or there'll be nothing left to find." Scully sighed and crossed her arms in front of her. "It's over Mulder." She continued quickly when she saw the look of disappointment on his face. "And even if it wasn't, you heard Agent Bradley, I have to meet with the EPA later today." Mulder gave her his best puppy-dog look and she rolled her eyes. "Even if I didn't have to meet with them, my boss won't look the other way as I go traipsing all over Illinois looking for alien spacecraft." She sighed again. "It's over Mulder." Mulder shrugged and started to gather up his papers. "I guess I'll have to go it alone. Maybe the Gunmen can help me." Scully stood looking at him, realizing his mind was already figuring out a way to get to the ship, or whatever it was, before it disappeared. To her, it seemed like he had already forgotten her. He was halfway out the door when he stopped in his tracks and turned back around. Placing his stack of folders on the corner of the conference table, he walked over to Scully, and before she knew what hit her, had given her a long, deep kiss. "I *will call* you, Scully." He grinned at her and left. Mulder found himself smiling all the way down to the parking garage. It wasn't every day you could shock Dana Scully, and he found he was quite pleased with himself for doing so. The kiss hadn't been half bad either. He could only imagine how enjoyable it would have been if she hadn't been shocked into immobility. He was still chuckling to himself as he climbed into his rental car, got out his cell phone, and quickly punched in the Gunmen's number. "Hey it's me,turn off the machine." "It's off." Frohike sounded a bit annoyed but then softened. "Is the delectable Agent Scully with you?" "The delectable Agent Scully is stuck having to report what she found to the EPA." Mulder backed out of his parking space. "The EPA? What do they have to do with UFO's?" "Nothing, but they have a lot to do with covering them up. I'm going in alone Frohike, and I'm going to need your help finding this ship." "I think we can help you, my friend. We picked up a lot of activity just north of you on Lake Michigan. Must be the feds trying to clean up the mess." +++++ Scully spent the next several hours summarizing her data and trying to figure out the meaning behind Mulder's kiss. It wasn't that she minded it--not at all--she only wished she had recovered in time to kiss him back. Glancing at her watch, Scully noticed it was well past noon--a fact that was emphasized by her growling stomach. Switching off her laptop, she got up and decided to head down to the cafeteria. She waited patiently as two men got out of the elevator. One of them was talking on his cell phone a bit too loudly. "I don't care. Find the vessel and get it out of there. If anyone sees you, take care of them. We'll blame it on the radiation." The man seemed to be completely preoccupied with giving his orders, and appeared not to notice Scully waiting to enter the elevator. By the time he had snapped his phone shut, she was in the elevator heading toward the lobby to find a cab. The Coast Of Lake Michigan The Next Day, 11:55 AM Mulder was surprised to find a stretch of deserted coast so close to Chicago. The land along the water was filled with long grass and loads of debris, and he assumed it must be a favorite spot for hunters when the ducks were in season. There were no ducks around right now, however. In fact, the area held an eerie quiet as he crept closer to the water's edge. Positioning himself behind a fallen tree, he hoped his dark jeans and leather jacket would help hide him, as he brought his binoculars up to his eyes and slowly surveyed the horizon. The Gunmen had been right, about 75 yards off shore, Mulder spotted several small motorboats circling an area as if to guard it. He looked harder, and spotted what appeared to be divers, occasionally breaking through the surface of the water. They didn't dress like any kind of diver he had seen before however, wearing suits that seemed more suitable for navigating the depths of the ocean, rather than a fresh water lake. Mulder was so absorbed in watching the divers that he didn't notice a man in one of the larger boats turn and scan the shore. Nor did he notice when Alex Krycek picked up his radio and spoke into it. Several minutes later, he started at the sound of the grass rustling behind him. Before he could move, he was felled by a sharp blow to his head. Mulder thought he heard the person who hit him speaking into a radio. "I found one. Should I dispose of him?" While there wasn't time for the response to register before he lost consciousness, the name Alex Krycek popped into his head just before everything went black. "Take him to the woods, shoot him and then we'll drop him next to the vessel. The radiation should take care of the rest." +++++ Chicago Hilton A Short Time Later Scully was surprised that she was able to return to her hotel room and change her clothes within 15 minutes. As she tugged her second boot on, she grabbed her cell phone, and after thinking for a moment or two, dialed a number she might well have forgotten. "Turn off the tape." It came out a bit terser than she'd intended. "It's off. Agent Scully is that you?" She felt relieved to hear Byers' familiar calm voice on the phone. "Yeah, it's me. I think Mulder's in trouble--big trouble. You need to tell me where to find him. NOW!" +++++ Shore of Lake Michigan Mulder opened one eye and immediately closed it again, as the pain overcame him. He could feel himself on the edge of consciousness, barely aware of the fact that his hands had been bound tightly behind him, and that he was laying on the ground, his nose in the dirt. He thought he heard footsteps and the sound of a gun cocking. It was followed by the sound of a single shot and the image of Scully's face floating in front of his, as his world dissolved and disappeared. +++++ County General Hospital Chicago Two Days Later Mulder opened his eyes and tried very hard to focus at the face looking down at him. He blinked once and then twice, before the features stopped swimming around, and he was able to recognize them. He tried to smile when he realized who it was. "Walter, nice to see you man." Walter Skinner looked down and frowned at his renegade agent. "Glad to see you're finally awake, Agent Mulder. You had us pretty worried." "Us?" Mulder tried to sit up and look around the room wondering if Scully was there too. Seeing no one besides Skinner, he sank back down on his pillows. Skinner felt a wave of pity for Mulder. No matter how big a jerk he was, there was no doubting his feelings for his former partner. " Agent Scully's not here." "Oh." Mulder tried not to sound too disappointed. "What happened? Last I remember I was about to get a bullet through the back of my head. I even heard the gunshot." "You don't know what happened?" Skinner's surprise was evident. Mulder shook his head 'no.' "Somehow Agent Scully found out that you might be in danger, figured out where you were, and shot the soldier just as he was about to execute you." Mulder's eyes grew huge. "No kidding. She kill him?" "No, put a bullet through his shoulder. He was taken into police custody but mysteriously disappeared last night." Mulder snorted, not surprised at this piece of news. "So if Scully saved me, where is she now?" "She got called back to St. Louis. AD Thompson was not too happy when he found out she was running around the shores of Lake Michigan instead of presenting her report to the EPA. I believe her meeting with OPR is sometime tomorrow morning." "I have to get out of here." Mulder sat up and began to swing his legs over the side of the bed. "What, are you crazy?" Skinner glared at Mulder but it did little good. "I'm going to be at that meeting tomorrow." +++++ St Louis Field Office AD Thompson's Office 10 AM The Following Day "Under the circumstances Agent Scully, I think you'll see that we have no choice but to put you on paid administrative leave for the next 10 days. By that time, we should have enough information to either prove or disprove your rather 'unique' theory about the government covering up whatever it was out on that lake. " Scully rose, smoothed out her skirt, and left Thompson's office, relieved that he had gone so easy on her. It would be a blemish on her record, but considering that blemish saved Mulder's life, it was well worth it. She was heading down the hall toward the elevator when she spotted a familiar figure walking somewhat gingerly toward her. "Mulder?" Mulder stopped and waited for her to get to him. "Surprise," he said softly, trying to act as if his head didn't feel like it was going to fall off his shoulders. "What the hell are you doing here? You should be under doctor's care." Scully took his arm, and was surprised to feel him lean on her almost immediately. "I checked myself out of the hospital, against doctor's orders, figuring that since you saved my life, I should help you out with your boss." Scully gave him a long look, showing him exactly what she thought of his idea. "Then I figured after that, I'd let my own personal physician take care of me." "I appreciate the thought, I really do Mulder." Scully pushed the button for the elevator. "But you're a little late. Thompson read me the riot act, and then told me he would look into my theory about the government's conspiracy to hide whatever was in the lake..." "You told him it was a UFO?" "No, I told him that whatever is out there, the government shouldn't be trying to execute people to cover it up." She helped Mulder onto the elevator. "What did he do to you? Slap on the wrist?" Mulder leaned against the side of the elevator and shut his eyes. "Unfortunately I don't work for Walter Skinner any more. Ten days paid administrative leave." Mulder's eyes snapped open. "So you got a ten day paid vacation?" Scully glared at him again. "It goes on my permanent record, Mulder." She smiled then. "And we both know how exemplary that was up until now." The elevator doors opened. "Come on Mulder, my apartment is close by. Why don't we head over there? You can get some rest and then we can catch up." +++++ The Syndicate's Office NYC Later That Day Alex Krycek walked into room and looked around briefly before spotting The Smoking Man and heading toward him. He stood in front of Spender and waited for him to light his cigarette. "We were able to get to the vessel." "And it's condition?" The old man took a long drag and blew the smoke in Krycek's direction. "Better than we expected. The occupants of the vessel appeared to have died in the crash but they were taken, along with their ship, to our underground facility in Nevada for further study." "And the radioactive material?" "It's been mixed in with the by-products of several nuclear power plants." "Excellent. What of Mulder?" Spender seemed particularly interested in Mulder's fate. "Oh, he showed up at the site, just as we knew he would. He was captured and was almost executed but his beloved ex-partner showed up to save the day." "Really?" Spender hoped his response sounded casual. "Shot our guy right through the soldier. They took him into police custody, but we removed him and brought him to Nevada." "And Mulder?" "He's recovering under the watchful eye of Agent Scully." "So our two favorite agents have mended their fences. Most interesting. Perhaps Agent Scully can be of use to us in the future." The Smoking Man snubbed out his cigarette thoughtfully. "Are you thinking of pairing them up again?" Krycek was amazed. Mulder alone was bad enough. "The best way to get to him is through her, Alex. We may need that leverage some day in the future." +++++ Scully's apartment St Louis 36 Hours Later Mulder rolled over and opened his eyes, only to find himself lying in a dark room. He rolled back onto his pillow and let his eyes adjust to the light as he tried to remember exactly where he was. Then he remembered, he was in Scully's apartment. She had brought him there immediately after they left the St Louis field office, filled him with some soup and then promptly put him in her bed, assuring him that they would have plenty of time to talk once he was done with his nap. Mulder pulled back the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling a bit dizzy at the sudden movement. He glanced down at his boxer-clad body, realizing that he had been so eager to get to St Louis that he had neglected to bring along his clothes. Looking around for something with which to cover himself, he grabbed Scully's terrycloth robe and attempted to wrap it around his considerably larger body. He failed miserably, leaving a good six-inch gap in the front. Sighing in resignation, Mulder stumbled out of the bedroom into the living room. Pausing a moment to look around, he smiled when he saw the same furniture that had graced Scully's living room back in DC. His smile grew broader when he spotted her curled up on the sofa, her nose in a medical journal. "Don't you ever read smut like normal women, Scully?" Mulder teased as he walked into the room. Scully looked up and chuckled at his outfit. "Sorry to disappoint you Mulder." She got up and went over to several bags sitting against a wall. "I noticed that you were traveling pretty light. I went out and got you some sweats. I called your hotel in Chicago and they're shipping the rest of your clothes. They should be here by the day after tomorrow." Mulder examined the clothes in the bag, digging out a pair of black sweats. Ditching Scully's robe, he pulled on the sweat pants. "Thanks. Does this mean," he waved a hand in the direction of the bags, "that you're going to let me stay here?" "I can hardly have you running around St Louis in nothing more than a pair of boxers. You'd drive the women crazy." Mulder raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Don't suppose you have anything to eat in this place?" Scully snorted. "Good sign that your appetite is back. Come on into the kitchen; I'll see what I can find." Mulder nodded and followed her, looking out the window on his way. "How long did I sleep, Scully? Five, six hours?" "Try closer to 16." She smiled at his look of surprise. "I told you that you needed rest." She opened up the refrigerator. "I've got turkey, ham or leftover lasagna." "Lasagna?" Mulder could feel his mouth starting to water. "Set me up with some of that." Scully brought out the pan and dug a large hunk of lasagna out, placing it on a plate and sticking in the microwave. She pushed the start button and turned to face Mulder. "Did you mean it when you said you were thinking about me?" Mulder blinked, unsure for a moment what Scully was talking about. Realization dawned and he smiled at her. "Yeah, I was thinking about you. It's been only you for a very long time." Scully nodded and frowned as she absorbed this piece of information. "Get yourself a drink Mulder, this is just about done." She took out the lasagna and placed it on her kitchen table, sitting down across from Mulder and watching him as he dug into his food with great gusto. "It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that I don't understand." Mulder stopped chewing long enough to raise an eyebrow in question. "I know what I saw Mulder. She was hanging all over you from the moment she came back. You'd have to be blind not to see that she was after you." This comment drew a shrug from Mulder. "Come on Mulder even you're not that blind. On top of all of that, she told me herself you two were involved. When you didn't try to contact me after our fight, I had no reason not to believe her." "God that was good, Scully." Mulder dabbed at his mouth with a napkin and took a long drink of iced tea. "I *was* blind, Scully. I don't think I put all the pieces together when it came to Diana until right this minute." Scully gave him a cool look. "Really. I mean, I know she wasn't crazy about the idea of us reconciling our differences, but when she suggested that I give you some space after our fight, I truly thought she was trying to help." Scully snorted. "She told you not to call me?" Her voice seemed to rise an octave as her anger increased. "She said that she had run into you in my office and that you were pretty steamed up--told me to let you cool down a couple of days before I talked to you." Scully got up from the table, grabbed Mulder's plate and practically threw it into the sink. "I hate being made a fool of Mulder, especially by her." Mulder came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, gently spinning her around to face him. "Well, as I see it Scully, we have two choices. To fret over the past eighteen months, or to try to make up for lost time." This time when Mulder bent over to kiss her, Scully was ready for it. More than ready, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him closer as his mouth explored hers. They finally separated, and she smiled at him when he wobbled a bit. "Guess you're not quite up to this yet, Mulder." He chuckled. "I hate to admit it Scully, but I'm tired again." "Not a problem, I'll stretch out on the sofa after I tuck you into bed." She led the way into her bedroom. "Scully?" Mulder's voice was so timid that Scully thought something was wrong. "Are you okay, Mulder?" Her hand automatically felt his forehead. "Never been better." He smiled shyly at her. "I was only hoping that you could sleep in here, too. I know I'll sleep better with you here." Scully gave him a long look as if weighing the consequences carefully. "I promise I won't even think about misbehaving." Scully smiled, wondering if she could make the same promise as she looked at the half-naked man standing by her bed. Scully didn't answer, instead pulling down the covers and scrambling to her side of the bed. Mulder joined her, and pulled up the covers, falling into a deep sleep almost immediately. Over the next few days, Mulder and Scully spent many hours talking and getting to know one another again. As Mulder's physical health improved, so did the amount of physical contact between them. Scully was eager to consummate their relationship, but knew the dangers of pushing Mulder too far too soon. Mulder, being Mulder, was more than happy to push the envelope. On the fourth night, Scully had run out to the store to pick up a few things for the apartment and some dinner. Mulder took advantage of her absence to dig out her best china and candles, and create a very romantic scene. When Scully opened the door, she was greeted by the soft glow of candlelight and the strains of her favorite composer. She smiled as she brought the parcels into the kitchen and began to unload the groceries. Her smile grew when she saw Mulder standing in the doorway wearing a work shirt and a pair of worn jeans. Jeans which, in a moment of weakness after two glasses of wine, she had told Mulder once, definitely flattered his figure. "Hey." Mulder's voice seemed a bit deeper as he drank her in with his eyes. "Hey. This looks wonderful, Mulder. Let me put this food in a serving dish and then we can eat." "Will it keep?" Mulder walked into the kitchen looking like a lion about to pounce on its prey. "I have a special appetizer in mind." Scully opened her mouth to answer but was promptly silenced by Mulder's eager mouth. The way in which he kissed her, while grinding his hips into her, was proof enough that Mulder had recovered quite fully. His hands were working their way towards the buttons on her shirt when he was interrupted by the sharp chirp of Scully's phone. "Leave it," Mulder said between nibbles on her neck. Scully tried to ignore the phone but pushed Mulder away when the sound of her superior boomed over her answering machine. She grabbed the phone before he had finished his first sentence. "Hello.... Yes, sir. Sorry, I was just coming in the door when the phone rang.... Six?" Mulder watched Scully's body language closely as she spoke. Her whole demeanor seemed to deflate as the conversation continued. "Tonight? I thought I was on leave until next Monday. Yes Sir.... I understand Sir.... I'll be there." Scully tried her hardest not to slam down the phone. "I have to go to Seattle. Tonight." She straightened up and did her best not to cry. "Apparently some guy has gone berserk out there. Killed six people so far and the local PD are stumped. They need someone who can do all the autopsies quickly and thoroughly." "Let me guess, you're just the agent for the job." Mulder shifted his weight, feeling his arousal dwindling. "No offense Scully, but why you?" "I have no idea. Someone out there recommended me for the job. Thompson said that under the circumstances, he would be willing to overlook my lack of protocol if I help them out." "Sounds like a pretty good deal, Scully." "Except for the fact that I'd rather be here with you. Who knows how long I'll be stuck out in Seattle...." Scully looked like she might cry, causing Mulder to gather her into his arms. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere. We're only a few hours away by plane. We can work this out." Scully nodded, trying to convince herself it was true. +++++ AD Skinner's Office Washington DC 9 Weeks Later "Have a seat, Agent Mulder." Skinner gestured to the chairs in front of his desk before taking a seat himself. "I wanted to have a word with you about your last assignment." Mulder stared straight ahead as Skinner continued. "I know you haven't wanted to work with a partner since Agent Scully left, but I'm no longer willing to put your life in danger just because you're stubborn." "Sir, I wasn't expecting to find three people in that warehouse..." Skinner stopped Mulder's protest with a look. "I'm quite aware of that fact, just as I'm also aware of the fact that you almost got yourself killed. Again. That's twice in the last three months. You need a partner Agent Mulder. I'm making it one of my top priorities." Mulder looked a Skinner for a long moment and then rose to leave. "Guess I'd better clean up my office a bit." "Perhaps you'll consider requisitioning your new partner a desk." Skinner retorted. +++++ Fox Mulder's Office Two Days Later Mulder stared at his newly acquired desk, remembering the many times he and Scully had talked about getting one for her. He had always intended to do so, but somehow never got around to it. Seems like that was true of so many things when it came to Scully. He was full of good intentions, but never seemed able to follow through when the situation arose. Mulder pushed the thoughts of the night when Scully had to leave him in St. Louis to the back of his mind. The case out in Seattle had taken weeks to resolve, and when it was finally over, Scully had been sent out to Arizona on another bizarre investigation. At first they had spoken every day, but as they became inevitably involved in their respective caseloads, the calls became more sporadic, as did their plans to get together. Mulder shook his head as if to clear it, focusing on the new partner that was supposed to be arriving sometime during the day. Skinner was tied up in meetings and had only left word that he should behave himself when his partner arrived. "Like I would do anything else?" Mulder said to himself as he leaned back in his chair and launched another pencil at the ceiling. "I'll be Mr. Diplomacy himself." Mulder stopped talking when he heard the ding of the elevator. Eager not to be caught goofing off, he clicked on his monitor and stared at it, hoping that he'd seem totally engrossed in what was displayed on the screen. He resisted the urge to look up when he heard the clack of what he thought was high heels approaching. It wasn't until Mulder felt a presence looming over him, that he turned his attention to his visitor. His mouth dropped opened at what he saw. "Scully, what are you doing here?" Mulder jumped to his feet and gave his former partner a huge bear hug. "You should have called. I've got a new partner starting today so I actually have to hang around the office and look productive....God you look good! How long are you in town?" Mulder stopped speaking when he realized he was rambling and that Scully looked like she was about to laugh out loud. "Hello to you too, Mulder." Scully looked around the office. "See you finally got another desk." Mulder shrugged. "Skinner's idea. He is determined that I don't make a mess of things." He plopped back down in his chair. "Oh, I see." Scully walked around the desk and perched near him. "Do you think getting a partner after all this time will be hard on you Mulder? Are you going to trust this one more than you did me?" Mulder had the decency to look abashed at this comment. "Let's say I hope I learned from my many mistakes with you, Scully." "Let's hope so. From what I've heard, your new partner won't put up with a lot of crap." "You know who I'm getting?" Mulder's eyes grew huge, as he studied her face looking for clues. "I'm I going to be happy about it?" "I hope so. A lot of people pulled a lot of strings to get you the perfect match." "The perfect match? Come on Scully, we both know that only one person fits that description...." Mulder's voice trailed off as the pieces fell into place. "Wait a minute...You?" "Yup, me. If that's okay." Mulder didn't answer. Instead, he jumped from his chair, pulling Scully into his arms and swinging her around. "God, I could kiss you," he said, his face beaming. "I intend to hold you to that thought Mulder. Later." Scully stepped out of his embrace. "Skinner gave me the next couple of days off to settle back into things and get my affairs in order." She dragged one finger along the new desk before digging a small piece of paper out of her jacket pocket and handing it to Mulder. "I'm going to go--got a big date tonight. My young man is coming by my new apartment to help me break it in. I want to make sure everything is perfect." She gave Mulder a smoldering look. "I hope he won't keep me waiting. I've already waited too long." Mulder glanced down at the paper in his hand and saw an address. He smiled as Scully gave him a wink and left his office. He wanted to get her something special to commemorate the occasion. Thinking of the perfect thing, he picked up the phone and dialed. "Hello Angela? Fox Mulder....I'm fine, thank you. I need you to do something for me. I've got a new partner coming and I wanted to have her name added to our office door...." End of story...