From: MKyndbuds@aol.com Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 22:21:42 -0600 Subject: xfc: Keep Hope Alive 1/1 MSR, D Source: xfc Reply To: Here is Episode One, titled "Keep Hope Alive" This is in the catagory of story, rated PG-13 Brief description: The aftermath of "This is Not Happening"...approximately three days after Mulder is discovered, presumably dead. ARCHIVING: OK to Gossamer, Ephemeral. Otherwise just let me know. Thanks, Danielle, aka Scully2927 Scene One: Scully's House Scully is sitting on her couch, wrapped in a blanket, smoking a cigarette. Shot of the ashtray, filled completely with cigarette butts. Scully is visibly upset, her eyes are bloodshot, with dark circles under them. Her face is pale and thin. She is crying. She takes a drag of her cigarette, focus on her hand shaking. A picture of Mulder sits on the table next to the ash tray. The only light in the room comes from one single candle, which has almost burned out. There is a knock on the door. Scully is startled. She stands up very slowly, but expectantly. She inches her way to the door. Another knock. DOGGETT: Agent Scully? Scully opens the door. Doggett enters. SCULLY: Oh, it's you. DOGGETT: Sorry. I know I'm somewhat intruding. SCULLY: What can I do for you, Agent Doggett? The two sit down at Scully's kitchen table. Scully lights another cigarette. DOGGETT: That can't be good for the baby. Scully remains silent. DOGGETT: God, Scully, you look awful. SCULLY: How did you expect me to look? DOGGETT: Taking this rather hard, aren't you? SCULLY: Wouldn't you if you lost your partner, best friend, and the love of your life? DOGGETT: Well, of course. But I didn't come her to console you. I have news. SCULLY: No news is good news, Agent Doggett. DOGGETT: I wouldn't exactly say that. I was just over at St. Jude's downtown. They have Mulder. He's alive. SCULLY: Stares at Doggett incredulously. What? DOGGETT: I tell you no lies. As it turns out, when we brought him to the morgue in Oregon, presumably dead, he was merely unconscious. His heart rate and number of breaths were very low, that's why no one could tell. The coroner couldn't understand why rigor mortis wasn't setting in. That's when he realized that Mulder was still alive. SCULLY: You're playing with me. DOGGETT: Scully, I couldn't be more serious. SCULLY: Why didn't anybody tell me? DOGGETT: Believe it or not, I didn't even find out until about two hours ago. The doctors in Oregon hadn't told anyone here. Not until Mulder was flown here. I tried to call you, but both your phones are off the hook. SCULLY: Unbelievable. So could I go see him? DOGGETT: I was coming to bring you there. I knew you'd want to the minute I told you. SCULLY: Just give me a few minutes, I'll be ready. DOGGETT: Sure, no problem. Takes the cigarette out of Scully's hand. I don't think you'll be needing this anymore. SCULLY: Smiles, guilty expression. Well, what can I say? Scene Two: St. Jude's Hospital, ICU Scully and Doggett are in the waiting room, thumbing through magazines. Dr. Whitcomb enters through a double door. Scully and Doggett stand up. DR. WHITCOMB: Hello, Agent Doggett. We've been waiting for you. This must be Agent Scully. Dr. Scott Whitcomb. SCULLY: It's a pleasure, sir. Shakes Whitcomb's hand. WHITCOMB: Well, you'll be happy to know that Agent Mulder's heart rate has increased slightly in the last hour. He's also regained a little color to his skin. SCULLY: Is he conscious? DOGGETT: Oh, that's the part I forgot to tell you. WHITCOMB: No, unfortunately, Agent Mulder is in a coma. SCULLY: For how long? WHITCOMB: Ever since he was found. It's hard to tell how long he might be under. It could be days or years. DOGGETT: Don't worry, Scully, I'm sure it won't be long. SCULLY: Can I see him? WHITCOMB: Certainly. Whitcomb leads the agents into the room where Mulder is. Mulder is hooked up to a life-support system, and a heart monitor slowly beeps. Mulder's eyes are shut, and he looks to be sleeping peacefully. Scully approaches the bed and touches Mulder's face. She kneels down so that she is level with him. WHITCOMB: You know, sometimes talking to people in comas helps. They can often remember every word said to them. SCULLY: Hi. It's me. How are you? God, you had me so scared. I thought you were gone. I was ready to die too. I just didn't know what I would do with myself. I was trying to convince myself that it wasn't true. But it's not. Thank God, it's not. DOGGETT: Agent Scully, we should probably be heading out. SCULLY: We just got here. DOGGETT: I know, but Dr. Whitcomb has work to do. SCULLY: Gets up slowly. Mulder, I promise I'll be back. Very soon. WHITCOMB: I appreciate your understanding, agents. SCULLY: When can I come back? WHITCOMB: Visiting hours are nine to eight every day. I'm sure Agent Mulder will look forward to seeing you. DOGGETT: Sarcastically. Sure he will. Scully gives Doggett a mean look. Scene Three: FBI Headquarters, Washington D.C. It is approximately two weeks later, and Doggett, Skinner, and Scully are in the elevator, heading toward the exit. DOGGETT: So, what are your plans for tonight, Scully? SKINNER: Yeah, Agent Doggett and I were thinking about going up to Tom's Bar, having a few drinks, shootin' some pool, you know, relaxing for a while. Would you like to join us? SCULLY: Actually, I would, but I was going to see Mulder first. DOGGETT: You see him every single day, Scully. For the past two weeks it's all you've been doing. SCULLY: Yes. And? DOGGETT: What kind of gratification can you gain from talking to a vegetable? SCULLY: I'll have you know, Agent Doggett, that Mulder's condition is improving. DOGGETT: What, is he more ripe? SKINNER: Cool it down, Doggett. SCULLY: You don't even know Mulder. You have no right to say those things about him. DOGGETT: Sarcastically. Well, pardon me. The elevator opens, and Scully walks hastily out in front of the two men. SKINNER: See you tonight, Scully! SCULLY: Glancing at Doggett, who is smiling menacingly. Don't count on it. Scene Four: St. Jude's Scully is walking down the hallway toward Mulder's room. She is immediately met by Nurse Hawkins, who is very excited. HAWKINS: Agent Scully! We've been waiting for you! SCULLY: Me? Nothing out of the ordinary today. HAWKINS: Oh, but you're wrong. Agent Mulder woke up today. SCULLY: In utter disbelief. No- HAWKINS: Yes, he did. About seven hours ago. He's been calling for you ever since. SCULLY: Oh my god, that's wonderful! Hawkins and Scully arrive at Mulder's room. HAWKINS: Here he is. MULDER: Scully? HAWKINS: Pats Mulder's shoulder. See, I told you she would be here. SCULLY: Mulder! Oh, I can't believe it! Scully bends down and hugs Mulder, then runs her hand down his face. SCULLY: It's a miracle. MULDER: I am so happy to see you. SCULLY: Likewise! Likewise. I still can't believe you're OK! MULDER: Neither can I. SCULLY: You have to tell me everything! Everything! Starts crying. She hugs Mulder even tighter, crying onto his shoulder. MULDER: Scully, why are you crying? Why are you crying, Scully? Scene Five: St. Jude's It is about an hour later. Scully is seated on the edge of Mulder's bed. Mulder is sitting up, sipping a glass of orange juice. SCULLY: So you have to tell me what happened to you. MULDER: I would, I really would, but I honestly don't remember anything. SCULLY: Nothing at all? MULDER: Nothing. All I remember is waking up here. Not a thing before. In fact, I had mild amnesia. It took them two hours this morning to get me to remember my name. SCULLY: That's really strange. MULDER: I'm sure it was done on purpose. I don't think my abductors would want me to know about anything. SCULLY: Well, I don't know if you had any connection to Patricia Hosey, but she was one of the abductees. I spoke with her earlier this week, and she is slowly beginning to remember things. Not very much right now, but she said she remembers seeing you. MULDER: Really? SCULLY: Yes. And a few other details that Agent Doggett says I'm not to discuss. MULDER: Who is this Doggett guy anyway? SCULLY: My new partner. MULDER: What a jack-ass. SCULLY: You mean you know him? MULDER: No, I heard him speaking a few times. While I was under. He doesn't treat you very well, does he? SCULLY: He's all right, really he is. He's nothing like you, though. And for some strange reason he was pretty convinced you weren't going to wake up. MULDER: Just wait till I meet this son of a bitch. SCULLY: And just what do you plan on doing to him? MULDER: I'm gonna tell him that you are the best partner any agent could have, and he better treat you right or I'll have him abducted too. SCULLY: Well, I appreciate the compliment, but maybe you'd better be nice. You know, he's kind of like I was when we were first put together. Remember how you were always such a believer in everything, and I was always the skeptic? MULDER: Oh, yes. SCULLY: Well, with Doggett and I, the roles are reversed. I'm the believer now, he's the skeptic. MULDER: You mean to say you actually believe now? SCULLY: How could I not? You're all the proof I need. Scully kisses Mulder on the cheek. MULDER: Glancing at the clock. Oh, no, it's eight. SCULLY: Parting is such sweet sorrow, lest we say goodbye till it be morrow. MULDER: I can't wait. Scene Six: Mulder's House It is now a week later, and Mulder has been released from the hospital. He and Scully are entering his front door, arm in arm. MULDER: It's just as I left it. SCULLY: But of course! MULDER: I can't believe you paid the rent here all these months. SCULLY: Not only that, I came here once a week and dusted and vacuumed. Had to keep the place clean, you know? MULDER: That's amazing. Anybody else would've sold off my furniture and rented this place out already. You were just sure I was coming back, weren't you? SCULLY: I never gave up for a second. MULDER: Wrapping his arms around Scully. I knew you wouldn't. But how did you know? SCULLY: I could just-feel it. It was really this incredible feeling that never left me. Agent Reyes felt it too. And I had dreams about you, and saw visions of you. All the time. MULDER: I thought about you all the time. SCULLY: And what did you think? MULDER: I thought about how I couldn't wait to see you again. It kept me going. It really did. Scully kisses Mulder on the cheek and hugs him tighter. MULDER: Well, I guess now would be the time to tell you. SCULLY: Tell me what? MULDER: Oh God, something I've been wanting to say for a long time. SCULLY: Go on, go on. MULDER: Scully, I've been in love with you since the very day I met you. I didn't want to say anything-anything that might put our jobs in jeopardy. And-and I didn't want you to be upset and not want to stay my partner. SCULLY: Mulder, my god, all this time? MULDER: Yes. Since day one. And I don't know how you feel, or even what you're going to say, but I knew I had to tell you. Scully, I love you. Scully stares into Mulder's eyes, for a long time. Mulder begins to look slightly disappointed. Suddenly, Scully grabs Mulder's face and kisses him, for a while. She pulls away from him, then violently kisses him again. When they are finished, Scully smiles at Mulder. SCULLY: I love you too. They begin to kiss again, slowly removing each other's clothes. Scene shows them in bed, having sex. Time progresses, and camera focuses on a candle that is close to burning out. The time is 3:32 a.m. Mulder and Scully are laying in the bed, cuddled up to each other. Scully is almost asleep. Mulder is running his fingers through her hair. MULDER: I must be dreaming. This can't be real. SCULLY: Oh, it's real all right. MULDER: I can't believe I waited so long. SCULLY: It was well worth the wait. MULDER: I love you. Scene Seven: Mulder's House It is now 11:00 a.m. Wind is blowing through the window and rustling the curtains. Mulder and Scully are asleep together. The phone rings three times. Mulder groggily reaches over and grabs the receiver. MULDER: Hello? DOGGETT: Hello, Mulder? MULDER: Yeah. DOGGETT: Yeah, this is Agent Doggett. Is Scully there by any chance? MULDER: Well, actually, she is. Hang on a sec. Scully wakes up upon hearing Mulder's voice. MULDER: Putting his hand over the receiver. It's Doggett. SCULLY: What does he want? Takes the phone. This is Scully. DOGGETT: Well good morning, Scully. SCULLY: Same to you, Agent Doggett. What can I do for you? DOGGETT: How did I know I would find you there? SCULLY: Lucky guess? DOGGETT: Well, seeing as you weren't answering either of your phones, I figured it would be the place. SCULLY: Well, isn't it something to be proud of. DOGGETT: Listen, Scully, is there any way you can make it in today? SCULLY: Skinner gave me the day off. DOGGETT: I realize this, but we've a small emergency. SCULLY: What would this be? DOGGETT: Patricia Hosey, I'm sure you know who she is. She is insisting on talking to you. She says she knows more about her abduction and wants to tell you. And only you. She won't say a word to me. SCULLY: I wonder why that is. DOGGETT: Well, I don't want to upset her, and this could be vital information to our case. Could you possibly come down here, just for a little while, and speak to her? SCULLY: Well, I suppose. DOGGETT: I know this is a major inconvenience. But I think Mulder will live. SCULLY: Very funny, Agent Doggett. I'll be there shortly. Scully hands the phone to Mulder, who hangs it up. She stands up and begins getting dressed. MULDER: Leaving so soon? SCULLY: I got called in to work, someone who really needs to speak to me. MULDER: Sure, whatever. It's just Doggett being his usual jack-ass self. SCULLY: Well, this may be important. I have to go. MULDER: You're coming back, aren't you? SCULLY: Why wouldn't I? MULDER: Excellent. SCULLY: On second thought-Doggett doesn't know where you live, does he? MULDER: Well I should hope not! SCULLY: Then he doesn't know how long it takes me to get there from here. Climbs on the bed and straddles Mulder. MULDER: So what are you saying, then? SCULLY: What am I saying? I think you know what I'm saying, Spooky. Kisses Mulder, as he wraps the blanket around her. Scene Eight: Mulder's House Mulder and Scully are once again laying on the bed, breathing heavily. MULDER: What kind of treatment is this for someone who just came out of a coma? The doctor told me not to do anything strenuous. SCULLY: I haven't even started with you yet. There is a knock on the door. MULDER: Sitting up. Was that a knock? SCULLY: I don't know. I didn't hear anything. The knock again, then the front door opens. Agent Doggett and Skinner walk in. DOGGETT: Agent Mulder? SCULLY: Oh, crap! Quickly hides under the covers. Mulder quickly dresses in a t-shirt and sweats. Doggett and Skinner enter Mulder's bedroom. DOGGETT: That'll teach you to lock your doors, Mulder. MULDER: Standing up. And how can I help you? SKINNER: Is Scully here? MULDER: She just left. DOGGETT: Picking up a set of keys on the nighttable. Without her keys? MULDER: Well, she just walked up to the-gas station. DOGGETT: To get what, gas? Scully laughs from under the covers. Skinner walks up to the bed and lifts the covers up slightly. SKINNER: Well look what we have here. SCULLY: Hi, Skinner. SKINNER: What in the world is happening here? Or do I have to ask? DOGGETT: Agent Scully, you were supposed to be at the office a while ago. Mrs. Hosey is getting rather impatient. SCULLY: I know, and I'm sorry. I just got a little- DOGGETT: Distracted? Are you ready to go now? SCULLY: Yes, just give me a few minutes, if you would. SKINNER: Sure thing, Scully. You and Mulder can finish your-shenanigans later. DOGGETT: We'll be outside. Doggett and Skinner head for the front door. Mulder follows them. Skinner turns around and sees the scared look on Mulder's face. SKINNER: Relax, Mulder. We all saw it coming eventually. Mulder smiles uneasily. The three head outside, and Skinner gets in the car. MULDER: Agent Doggett? DOGGETT: Turning around. Yes? MULDER: I don't think we've officially met. Fox Mulder. DOGGETT: John Doggett. Shakes Mulder's hand. It's so nice to meet you after hearing Agent Scully talk about you nonstop. MULDER: Well, that was none of my doing. So how are the X-Files? DOGGETT: In what regard, Mulder? MULDER: Well, how are you liking them? How is it working out for you? DOGGETT: Just fine, so far. MULDER: Finding out some interesting things, aye? DOGGETT: Quietly. Actually, to tell you the truth, Mulder, most of it's scaring the lifeblood out of me. MULDER: Well, that can't be good. DOGGETT: Sometimes I wonder why I'm still on the X-Files. I could still be in homicide, where I was a better performer. It's quite hard living up to your reputation, Mulder. Everybody expects me to bring in the chow like you did. Some of them even say I'm not crazy enough to be doing it. Or maybe it's how Scully always puts it-I don't believe. Doggett abruptly walks away. Scully comes out the front door. She notices the upset expression on Mulder's face. SCULLY: What's the matter? MULDER: That Doggett. There's something I just don't like about him. SCULLY: Kisses Mulder's cheek. Well, we'll talk about it when I get back. MULDER: If you get back. If Doggett doesn't keep you there all day and night. SCULLY: He won't. I promise. See you later. Scene Nine: FBI Headquarters Scully and Doggett enter Scully's office, where Patricia Hosey is sitting. She turns to face the two agents. HOSEY: I thought you weren't coming, Agent Scully. DOGGETT: Agent Scully was otherwise engaged. I'm sure she is quite apologetic for her tardiness. SCULLY: Yes, Mrs. Hosey, I'm sorry for the delay. Shakes Hosey's hand. What's going on? I hear you need to speak to me specifically. HOSEY: Yes, actually, I do. Alone, if you don't mind. DOGGETT: Looking slightly tipped. Sure thing. I'll just be in my office. Leaves the room. HOSEY: Leaning toward Scully and talking quietly. He's a bad man. SCULLY: Who? HOSEY: Agent Doggett. I know things about him. SCULLY: Mrs. Hosey, whatever do you mean? HOSEY: I saw him. I saw him on the ship. SCULLY: What? HOSEY: Remember how I was telling you about how I am slowly remembering things? Maybe I was just delirious, but I think I saw Agent Doggett. In the room where they were doing tests on me. And Agent Mulder. SCULLY: Wait a minute. You saw Agent Doggett on the ship? Well, how many times? What was he doing? HOSEY: I don't know yet. That part hasn't come back to me yet. But I remember seeing him walking toward me, in a white coat, putting on gloves. And then someone gave me a shot and I fell asleep. I was always getting put to sleep. I was hardly ever awake. SCULLY: So this is why you wouldn't talk to Agent Doggett. HOSEY: Oh no, I would never say a word to him. I think he was trying to kill us. I think he was trying to kill Mulder. SCULLY: But that's preposterous. HOSEY: No! You have to believe me! Mulder-does he remember anything yet? SCULLY: No, not to my knowledge. HOSEY: But he will. And he will recognize Doggett too. SCULLY: What about the others? In the refuge? HOSEY: I don't know about them. They might know too. You should find them. SCULLY: How? HOSEY: Go back to Oregon. I'm sure they're still there. Scene Ten: Mulder's House Scully gets out of Doggett's car and begins walking toward the front door. Mulder watches from his window and opens the curtains just as Scully enters. He quickly lights two candles at the kitchen table and starts the stereo. Scully walks into the kitchen. MULDER: Good evening, fair lady. SCULLY: Smiling uneasily. Hello, Mulder. MULDER: Something's wrong. I can tell. SCULLY: No, it's really nothing. MULDER: Something to do with work? SCULLY: Yes. MULDER: Well, what? SCULLY: I'm not allowed to disclose that information. MULDER: Who said so, Doggett? SCULLY: Yes, and you know this. We are not authorized to discuss our cases with those not within the bureau. MULDER: Scully, I'm in the bureau. SCULLY: Not right now, Mulder. And you're not even sure of your return. I could be in serious trouble if my co-workers knew I was talking to you. MULDER: Supposing I went back? SCULLY: I know, it sounds a little fishy to me too. But I have to do what Skinner tells me. MULDER: You said Doggett was the one who told you. SCULLY: He and Skinner. I'm sorry, Fox. MULDER: But it looks like it's really troubling you. SCULLY: Don't worry about it. I'm sure it's nothing. MULDER: Well, all right. How about some dinner? I spent all day cooking it. You took longer than I thought you would. SCULLY: I had to go to a last-minute meeting. MULDER: I made stuffed chicken. Three-cheese. I hope you like chicken. SCULLY: It's my favorite meat. I thought you knew that. Scully and Mulder sit down at the table. They begin eating silently. MULDER: Will you be staying tonight? SCULLY: Of course. I thought that was the plan. MULDER: Well, sure, just wanted to double check. Scully looks down at her plate thoughtfully. SCULLY: God, Mulder, I wish I could tell you. MULDER: So why don't you? SCULLY: I just have a bad feeling that there would be repercussions if I did. MULDER: Who is going to know? It's me, you and God. SCULLY: I-I can't. MULDER: What if I told you I wanted to come back to the X-Files? SCULLY: I would say that-it might not be a good idea. MULDER: Why? SCULLY: I can't tell you that. But if I were you, I would consider laying low for a while. MULDER: Scully, you're starting to spook me out. SCULLY: Maybe I should go. Starts to stand up. MULDER: No, no! Stay! Please? I would like it very much if you stayed. SCULLY: Sits back down. All right, I'll stay. I'll stay. MULDER: Scully, am I in danger? SCULLY: I don't know. I don't know. We might all be in danger. The world can be a dangerous place. MULDER: Scully- SCULLY: Sighs. I don't think Agent Doggett would appreciate it if you came back. MULDER: I knew it! Something's really awry with that guy. SCULLY: It could be more than you know. It could be more than any of us knows. Camera focuses on the window, then outside. Shot of a man dressed in black, looking at Mulder's window with a pair of binoculars. Scully walks up to the window, looks out for a second, then shuts the curtains. Scene Eleven: FBI Headquarters Scully and Doggett are seated in their office. Doggett is fingering through some files, and Scully is essentially staring out into space. Doggett suddenly turns in Scully's direction. DOGGETT: How's Mulder doing? SCULLY: He's fine. Why do you ask? DOGGETT: Just curious. After what happened to him, of course I'm going to wonder how he is. SCULLY: He's doing just fine. DOGGETT: Thinking about coming back? SCULLY: Maybe, maybe not. DOGGETT: What's that supposed to mean? SCULLY: Just what I said, Agent Doggett. DOGGETT: I think he'd be insane to take the X-Files on again. Don't you think enough's happened to him as it is? SCULLY: That's a matter of opinion, Agent Doggett. DOGGETT: Well, you know company policy. No fraternizing. Laughs. SCULLY: Can we stick to business here? DOGGETT: Certainly. I'm sorry. So when is Mulder coming back? SCULLY: I just told you, there are no definite plans. DOGGETT: It appears that there are. SCULLY: I think maybe you doubt the validity of my statements, Agent Doggett. Now I would appreciate it if you would please allow me to finish my work. DOGGETT: Well excuse me! So sorry for trying to make small talk. Geez, you've gotten to that bitchy stage in your pregnancy. SCULLY: I would be happy to take this up with Assistant Director Skinner if you so desire to persist. DOGGETT: All right, all right. I was just trying to get your goat. Scully turns away, disgusted, and opens her legal pad of notes. Shot of the page dated March 19, labeled "Patricia Hosey." Scully shuts the notebook and tucks it under a few papers in her bottom desk drawer. Shot of Doggett, appearing hard at work. Scully stares at him. Voice of Patricia Hosey echoing in Scully's head: "He's a bad man." Voice of Mulder: "Scully, you're starting to spook me out." --END- To find out what happens next, please read Episode 2: Betrayed I would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions you may have. Please email me at Scully2927@aol.com. Thanks!