From: "Scully eXtremis" Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 14:24:04 +1100 Subject: Submission to Fanfict FIRSTLY!! Reply to Scully_Mulder_FighttheFuture@yahoo.com Mind's Eye: Hidden Suspicions "Mulder! For the last time, no, that was not an unexplained happening, and it was not a little coincidental! That man who was lost in the Baltimore woods had a case of amnesia. No, he did not have any metallic implants or any recollection of aliens, or a white light, or of government conspirators, or any other of that extra terrestrial related things that you believe in!" "But what about when?" "Mulder!" Scully just about wanted to rip her hair out at Mulder. He had been so damn frustrating lately, especially with the latest case that they had been assigned to. And Assistant Director Skinner had especially directed them to it. The case had involved a series of related occasions; people with their minds wiped clean of any memory it may once have contained. Every single thought that had once flowed through their minds had merged into one question. Who they were. They had no remembrance of the past, or what the Future may have held. Or for that matter, even who they were? Usually they would disembark in unexpectant places, wandering aimlessly until revealed to the world, lost in the abundance of possibilities and questions, all ending in hopelessness and confusion. Yesterday, the fourth victim had been turned in unexpectantly. Scully had been woken from her sleep at 4:37am in the morning (yes, she remembered the exact time, and if she racked her brain hard enough, maybe even the exact seconds too.) by a phone call, (that irritating mobile!): "Hey Scully.." The familiar voice sounded on the other line, with a hint of anticipation and eagerness in his tone. "Mulder?," Only Mulder. Of course. He would be the only one excited and awake at 4:40am in the morning. "This better be important, or else I'm going to file a complaint about this.." "Oh Scully, don't be so serious! It's not that early in the morning, take a look, the sun is already rising." Mulder almost sounded like he was eager to let her in on something, but holding off for the big one. Scully, as groggy enough as she was, rolled of the bed covers and started for the window. As she drew back the blinds, she almost rolled her eyes. "Oh," she said with annoyance in her voice, "I take it that you mean that vague hint of crimson that is peaking over the horizon?" "What day is it?" Mulder asked. "Mulder, its Friday." Scully stated, not believing that Mulder could be that forgetful. "Well, that's what you think with your scientific rations, but my out there theories predict that it is St Patrick's Day. At around 11:00pm in the morning, you are going to call me on the phone, and ask me to come and pick you up from your Mom's house. Because you've had too much to drink, and won't be able to walk down the stairs without singing aloud and falling on your face. Dr enigma Scully, tell me this is true?" Mulder was walking around his apartment, kicking furniture whilst waiting for Scully's reply. "Mulder, you're smiling, already anticipating me aren't you? I can here it in your voice." "Ok Scully, but that's not the point. So at least you are now out of the bed. Get dressed and hurry down to the Bureau. I'll meet you there." The click of the phone indicated that Mulder was already on his way. By the time she had arrived, it was about 5:21am, and Mulder was already there. A smile crept across his face as he saw her flustered figure striding towards him. Yet however bewildered she may have been towards Mulder's theories, and beliefs, she was always there for him, willing to listen. No matter how abstract it seemed. After all, having been with him for five years now with the FBI, she had come to understand him in a way that no one else ever had. They had a special relationship that no one else had, and Mulder was grateful that he had Scully. He would do anything for her, even give up his life. He walked over to her, and began guiding her towards the Federal Building. "Alright Scully, now I'm sure you have been waiting for this. Yet again, much like the other victims we have had in on this case before, a forth one has turned up. He is similar to the others, in the way that he has no memory or any recognition of his identity. But have you noticed Scully that along with all the similarities discovered these people are all-important personal? Ie: The first one was a recruited officer from the Navy. The second was a member from the Federal Board of Justice. The third one was a Sailor, and the most recent one an air pilot. He was found in Baltimore, wandering aimlessly in the forests. A local Sheriff picked him up in his Ute, and sent him to the headquarters. Eventually he found his way in the hands of the Bureau. Scully, I think there's a pattern here. Look, see for yourself." Mulder pulled out from his pocket a fold out tourist map of the United States of America. "Here, in Boston was where the first one was found," He pointed to the marking on the Map. " And the second one was found here in New York. Then the third one was found in Philadelphia, and then last but not least, the most recent one in Baltimore. Scully, they are following a pattern along the coast, due South West." "Mulder, are you saying that perhaps there will be another one in Washington? But what if this is the last one?" Scully looked at the map, tracing the path with her finger. "Well, as it just happens, I did some background information on all four of the victims.." "You mean you have already seen the one from Baltimore? Mulder, How long have you been awake?" Scully passed him a sly look. "Well,..I couldn't really get to sleep, and I couldn't help thinking that this may have happened before, as I was almost certain I had come across it as an X-file. So I popped down to my office, and checked the Federal Service Computer Database for any matching cases with similarities. Scully, I think we have a recurrence here. Five years ago, when we only began on the X-files, the Bizarre Affair Division had to handle a similar case. Except that instead of four victims, there were five." Mulder waited for her to catch on to his point "Are you saying that we have yet a fifth one to account for?" Scully faced Mulder, and looked at him directly. He had a gleam in his eyes, which meant there was yet another twist to his tale. "And, not only that, but..well?" Mulder's voice trailed of in the distance as he avoided eye contact with Scully. "Yes?" Scully shot at him. "Ok Scully, I just wanted your opinion on this one, but I think you better come see for yourself." Mulder began heading in the general direction of the Custody Unit, before Scully collared him. "Mulder, must I remind you that we have a board meeting with the Assistant Director, or have you already lost yourself within the world of unknown possibilities?" Scully folded her arms across her chest, looking at Mulder. He shrugged. Mulder and Scully reached the Bureau, and headed straight for the Assistant Director's office. Whilst remaining seated waiting, Mulder began wondering about there reason for being here. "Scully, what exactly is the purpose of our visit?" Mulder inquired. "Skinner wants an update report on the Amnesia case for the record." Scully paused before adding on to her conclusion. "Oh, and he mentioned the fact that we would be assigned two other agents to work with us Mulder. Special Agents Lyle Walker and Calista Byrnes." Scully smiled upon seeing Mulder's reaction. She knew without a doubt that Mulder felt, insulted perhaps? On being assigned with other Agents. Mulder was the type of Agent who preferred working alone. "Assistant Director Skinner will see you into his office now." Skinner's sectary gestured the Agents through the door. As they entered the door, they were met by the presence of two other Agents. Mulder presumed that they were the Agents to be assigned with them. He couldn't quite work out exactly why he needed outside help. Outside. That wasn't exactly the right way to place it, but that's what it seemed. Perhaps it was that for so long he had been seen as an odd Agent, that anyone else new to his presence felt on the outside. True, but then there was Scully. "Agents Mulder and Scully, please have a seat." Skinner's resonating tone brought Mulder to his senses. Skinner was what his title said, their Assistant Director. But it hadn't always been that way. Skinner was a friend yet at times the foe. He could wheel and deal, pulling the strings in Mulder's favour, always saving his ass, yet risking his own authority. "As you have probably been informed, you will be teamed up with Agents Byrnes and Walker." Mulder leant over to Scully and spoke softly in her ear. "Doesn't that name not remind you of the Phantom, Ghost who Walks?" Scully looked wide at Mulder, attempting to conceal her laughter. "Mulder!" She elbowed him, whilst turning around to take a look at Agent Lyle Walker. He was smiling at her when she placed her eyes on him. He was a tad shorter than Mulder, but more stocky. With blue eyes, and an odd shade of blonde hair,?well actually Scully couldn't exactly label it as any colour. His smile was seductive, but it lacked something. Or it was overly done. Whatever, Scully couldn't place her finger on that either. "Agent Mulder, if you wouldn't mind sharing your comments upon this issue with us?" Skinner looked sternly upon Mulder. Skinner knew Mulder as the maverick Agent, going against the rules, and protecting the Truth at any costs, revealing the lies. Mulder passed a cough before continuing. Seriously Mulder. Scully rolled her eyes towards the ceiling, trying to be excluded from this discussion. Maybe if I close my eyes, I'll drift away from here, and?Nope. It's doesn't work like that any more. It might have in primary school, but not in the FBI. "I was just saying that I was keen to get back on track with the case." Mulder looked directly at the Assistant Director, as to emphasis the point. Skinner nodded towards Mulder. "If you would like to inform me about details, then I'll let you get back to the Investigation." Skinner replied. Mulder cleared his throat before beginning. Scully sat there solemnly, vaguely nodding her head every now and again, staring straight passed the Assistant Director. She couldn't exactly make out words, but she heard voices droning on in the background. "Agent Scully?" Scully wasn't quite sure whether or not she heard something vaguely recognisable. Was that Mulder voice? This scene seemed too familiar to her. A dozen times had Mulder and she sat in the very same chairs reporting their theories and investigative conclusions to the Assistant Director. Scully decided to awake to the conversation. Agent Scully? Do you have anything to add to this report?" Skinner raised his eyebrows towards her. "Well I think that just about sums it up." Scully blinked her eyes slowly. "Dana?" No, she still hadn't quite come around from her dreaming. "Hey Dana?" "What?" She turned around and realised that Mulder and Byrnes had gone with Skinner for an insight board meeting with the other Directors of the FBI. "Are you around up there?" Walker indicated to her head. Scully lolled her head around, until she placed her focus on Walker. He was looking at her meaningful, just?watching. Scully turned away, to distract herself, wondering when Mulder had left, and how long she had not being paying attention. She picked up Skinners plaque, turning it over in her hands. When was the last time Scully had seen one with the words Special Agent Dana Scully engraved on it? Come to think of it, she really didn't belong to an office. Always drifting around Mulder's cluttered space which was spilling over with manilla folders, files, papers, filing cabinets, photos tacked into the wall anywhere there was a free space. The 'I WANT TO BELIEVE' poster. Scully smiled at that. It was basically Mulder intentions. But then her smile slowly turned into a frown. All of Mulder's work had been burned to the ground. Gone forever, all of the entire X-files that she and Mulder had ever investigated. They brought back many memories to her. Then she realised that Walker still hadn't removed his eyes from her. She could feel them prickling along her neck. Maybe this wasn't a very good idea leaving me alone with him. She turned around again and sat facing him. I swear that that seductive smile has been glued to his face. Maybe I could peel it off, and it might reveal something a little more mundane. "Sorry? Did you want to say something?" Scully raised her eyebrows towards Walker. "How long have I been sitting here after Mulder left?" She glanced around the room. "Uh, hmmmm. Can't quite recall. But then, I'm sure we all drift off every now and again. Say Dana.." Scully cut in before he could continue. "No please, you can call me Scully." "I wouldn't feel proper without addressing someone by their correct name, besides, Dana is a beautiful name. You should be recognised by it more widely." Walker moved a little closer. Oh Jesus Christ. Scully muttered to herself. I can't believe this. Is he implying something here? I sincerely hope not, for his sake. Scully pulled away from her chair and stood up to walk around to the other side of the room. She could feel his eyes following her, like at trained missile following the target point. Scully shuddered. Where is Mulder? "So. What is your division?" Walker's voice reached Scully, but she tried to block it out. "I work on the X-files with Agent Fox Mulder, investigating the paranormal, unexplained phenomenon." Scully turned around to face him. "Spooky Fox Mulder?" Walker asked with a hint of Mockery in his voice. "Yes, if that's what his reputation is around here. But if that's the way it is, then I must what they call Mrs Spooky. I've heard that one around." Scully folded her arms across her chest. Walker was beginning to irritate her. Walker looked away from her, as if to not crumple his reputation. Scully smiled. The door opened, as voices rolled across the air. Mulder strode in, with a look that said I'm going to need you to help convince the panel Scully. That wasn't the first time she had seen that expression across his face. Mulder ushered Scully to his side, as the Assistant Director spoke to Walker and Byrnes. "So how it go?" Scully spoke in a hushed voice. "So how was your little snooze?" Mulder said sarcastically. "Ok, well I think that we need to get down to the Custody Unit for some Interviews Scully and Agents Walker and Byrnes will follow us shortly. No really, when did you come round?" "Mulder, I don't even want to talk about it." Scully passed a sly look towards Walker. Mulder walked fast, as Scully struggled to keep the pace. People watched them hurry by. Whenever agents saw Agent Spooky taking Scully around anywhere, they knew that he had hit a new theory and something was going down. Mulder and Scully headed straight for the Custody Unit. Scully's mind was racing with possibilities about the case, as well as trying to determine some logical answers to all the questions, which had presented themselves. "Id, division and the purpose of your visit." A Registrar guard spoke in an authoritative voice. "Special Agent Fox Mulder, with Special Agent Dana Scully. We are from the FBI X-files Division on unexplained phenomenon and we are here to see the latest questionnaire, Ivory Nelson" Mulder stared directly at the guard, as he stood recording all the information, when he slowly raised his head towards Scully. "Ma'am, did you say that your ID is Dana Scully?" Scully looked at him with hidden confusion and curiosity. "Yes, is there are problem?" "No, it's just that someone was asking after you." Scully frowned her brow in concern. "May I ask whom?" The Guard shook his head. "I'm sorry, I couldn't say. He was a man, about the height of... your partner I'd say. Strong looking guy, deep voice with a controlled tone, blue eyes, brown hair?" "Sounds like your type Scully." Mulder said trying to hide a smile. Scully elbowed him into silence. "Ow." He said quietly, rubbing the place where Scully had touched him. "There was something about that man though. Something I couldn't exactly say, or pinpoint. It was like, well, to be honest, I felt like he could see right through me crystal clear, if you know what I mean." "You mean like Telepathic or a mind reader?" Scully queried. "Yeah, something like that maybe. Anyway, it was that he held some kind of aura about him," The guard smiled. "Well, be on the look out for him." "Thankyou." Scully dismissed Mulder from the entrance, and began walking down the corridor. "Mulder, who do you think could be looking for me, and why?" Mulder looked at Scully, and thought to himself. "Hmm, Skinner maybe. But maybe not, because otherwise the guard would have pointed out the fact that he was bald, burly and wears glasses and the fact that he?" "Mulder, we don't want to be caught saying things about the Assistant Director, especially being that I can see a smile creeping across your face. I can only anticipate what you were going to say." Scully smiled at Mulder, but quickly returned her focus towards the point of their being here. She had often had to force herself to learn how to turn away from a situation, where she would fall adrift. Especially when they involved Mulder. Mulder. When she had first met him in his basement office within the Bureau, with the words "No one down here but the FBI's most unwanted?", she had remembered that the look he had given her with his eyes. They hid a story, of hidden lies that were burning into him. Desperation for the truth that he would never find. Of coming so close to the answers only to be taken back to nothing. Darkness. But now she saw something else. Something that she herself could no allow to surface to her mind? "Scully?" Mulder waved his hand in front of her face, as if waking her from a daydream. "Where were you?" "Oh thinking." Scully replied, not paying attention to the responses. "About what?" Mulder placed his hands on his hips. "Scully, you know that day dreaming is not categorised as official FBI Business!" Mulder gave her a knowing look. After all, that was the second time in one day. Scully blushed slightly at the comment, when she looked at Mulder. No Mulder, it isn't Official FBI Business, especially when you are thinking about things that?oh Mulder. Scully slumped her shoulders, and sighed, shaking her head. When she raised her eyes, the gaze of a man met them. Tall, dark hair, blue eyes, strong figure?was this not the exact description that the guard had given her? And he was right to. Something was not right. There was an un-balanced frequency wave here. He did have this?aura about him. "You must be Special Agent Dana Scully and Fox Mulder." The man smiled at Scully then took to Mulder. "Special Agent Gyde Saunders here, and I am to direct you to the latest person who was taken." Saunders turned and began walking down the corridor expecting Mulder and Scully to follow in pursuit. Scully raised her eyebrows at Mulder, and he shrugged his shoulders in return. Scully sat at a hard cold desk, sitting on an incredibly uncomfortable chair, shifting every now and then. She stared aimlessly through the one way glass, watching the latest amnesia victim, Ivory Nelson, who sat answering questions given to him by the board. "Do you know what your name is?" "No." "Do you know what day it is?" "No." "Do you know where you are?" Ivory looking concerned, circled his eyes around the room, glancing at the glass window, then returning them towards the man whom sat opposite him. "I believe that I am in some kind of solitary confinement, being held here for some unknown reason." The opening of a door startled Scully, as she was Agent Walker stride in, followed by Byrnes. He smiled at her, before placing himself beside her. Scully rolled her eyes, turning her gaze towards Mulder. He leant over her, and beckoned her over to the wall, where a map of the United States was pinned upon the wall. "Scully, look at this. I was thinking about how the pattern is following the coastline, and check this for size. The previous five began from Montreal, which is more inland, and then they follow on through Valleyfield, St Johnsbury, Vermont and Rochester. Now I know these aren't as well known places as the other latest ones, but I believe that what ever was happening, only began as a small thing, occurring in smaller places. As you can see, after five years, they can continue down the line, reconnecting with Baltimore, which was where the first on Scully, do you think that it is possible that this amnesia can be given to someone by another being? Or forced upon someone in this case?" "Amnesia is not something you can give to another, it is usually due to a inflicted head injury. Besides Mulder, who would want to forcefully drive someone to the state of amnesia?" Scully said at Mulder as a matter-of-factly, and Mulder shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, but this isn't your usual case of amnesia. Did you notice that this ability is very direct? How can someone's total mind be wiped from them Dr Scully?" "Only in extreme cases have peoples memories been removed by a chemical reaction in the brain, but over time the thoughts and memories do seep back." Scully stated, challenging Mulder's theories, then turned around to sit back in her seat. "Are you a Medical Doctor?" Walker turned to face her. Scully responded slowly to the question, as if no one had ever asked her that for a long time. "Yes. A graduate from Quantico." Scully turned back to face the question panel. "Where do you live?" " I can not recall." "Do you remember what happened before you were wandering in the woods?" "No." "Can you remember anything at all?" Ivory, looked again towards the one way glass, and stopped his gaze directly at it. Scully was almost half-asleep when she realised that Ivory was looking directly at her. He can see me. She shifted uncomfortably, yet enable to break her glance. "Dana, what is it?" Walker asked, looking out through the glass. "He can see me." Scully said, a little unsure. "How can he see you?" Mulder asked, walking over from the wall, looking through at Ivory. "He knows where I am, he can sense me. Even I can feel it Mulder. This is weird." Ivory slowly lifted himself out of the chair and began walking towards the glass, in the direction of Scully. "Excuse me, would you answer the question?" Paying no heed to the man who had sat opposite him, he looked directly at Scully, knowing she was there by unknown means. "Dana Scully." He mouthed the words, and then slowly collapsed to the floor. "Mulder! Omigod?" Scully almost jumped out of her seat. "He...he mouthed my name!" Mulder placed a hand on Scully's arm, as her heart raced pounding. "Can you be sure?" Mulder looked over; Walker sat out of his chair peering over the glass before racing into the next room barking orders. "Mulder?I, there is something is going on here. He knew where I was, Mulder, he even knew my name! This isn't right." Scully began to try and control the panic that had begun to sound in her voice. "Its ok Scully, I'm sure this was just a coincidence." Mulder held her hand reassuringly. Nothing Vanishes without a trace In the car on the way to Georgetown, Scully sat in silence. Thunder cracked through the car, followed by the blindness of the lightening that rippled across the black above. She sat trying to recall the events that had happened, when her silence was broken by Mulder's voice. "Scully?" Mulder hesitated. "Yes?" She looked at her partner, while he was trying to keep his eyes ahead on the road, as the rain continued trickling down the windscreen. "What happened today, well there are some things that I haven't told you, which are related to this case yet." Scully now focused her full attention upon Mulder, just as the car pulled up to her apartment. Mulder hopped out of the car to open the door for Scully. The rain pounded against his body, dripping from his jacket as he hurried Scully up the stairs. As they began for the elevator, Mulder spoke again. "Well, as I told you, I had run some background history on all of the ten victims. I had their Identities confirmed, their residence, family, all the usual, but then I searched for something else, something that had to be related to all of them." As Mulder and Scully stepped out of the elevator, and reached the apartment, Scully gave Mulder a questioning look. "And I found it. The connection." Mulder took a deep breath before continuing, as Scully continued to let her curiosity grow. Mulder looked away from Scully, avoiding her eyes, as he gazed towards the floor. "They have all claimed to be alien abductees in the past." When Mulder returned to look at Scully, she gave him a disbelieved look. "Mulder?I" She was about to go on when Mulder interrupted. "But it doesn't finish there." Scully's attention was yet again broken. "There was something else that I didn't tell you,?" "Mulder, how many things haven't you told me?" "No, I think this is the last one." Mulder gave Scully a 'I'm sorry, never do it again' look. "An event which has also occurred effectively making all these victims connected is this. Each victim passed out when held for questioning." "Much like today?" Scully spoke her thoughts aloud. "There is an order of gender that each victim will be. I can already predict the next one will be female. However it is happening, it is following an order beginning from 1. Every third person after will be female. Ike Munrow, Victoria Ashton and Iris Norton. Except that the first one wasn't female. It was a man, who also claimed to be an alien abductee. But before he was abducted, or any abnormal activity began to occur, he had been terminally ill with brain tumours. After the amnesia took place, he began to hallucinate; his brain development was phenomenal. He began to grow extra tissue connecting to the separated sections of his brain. He disappeared, and no one knows what happened to him after he had been returned to Montreal. Basically he vanished off the face of this earth." "But Mulder, passing out may not be an exact connection. Yes, I can see the similarities, but they could be coincidental. I'm sure that every week, people turn up lost with memory shortage." "Scully, these people were different." "In what way exactly?" Scully looked at Mulder, and realised that something was troubling him. "Mulder?" There was a silence again, as the rain pounded against the building. Mulder slowly raised his eyes towards Scully, and held them there for awhile. Scully felt a tension flare between them. But something was bothering Mulder and it hurt her to see him this way. She took a step towards him, and he slowly responded. "Scully, just before each victim passed out, they? they spoke a name. The same name of the next person along the line of victims." Mulder dropped his head. "Mulder?are you saying?" Scully looked at Mulder. He nodded his head lightly as he watched her recognising the fact. She turned around to face away from him, to hide her feelings about this, as her throat became tight. She could not, would not accept it, even though it was most likely undeniable. "Scully?" Her eyes were clouding with tears, as she tried to the blink them away, unable to acknowledge the thought of loosing?everything. She couldn't allow Mulder to see herself in this state. Scully who was secure and strong. Scully, who had joined the FBI because of the percentage lack in female agents. From Quantico as a Medical doctor, to The X-files, she had seen and experienced of what most field agents could only dream of. But all of this amounted to nothing. The only thing that mattered at that very moment was Mulder. Turning around to face Mulder, she embraced him, burying her head in his chest. "Oh Mulder." He stroked her head lightly, then rested his head against hers. "I'm sorry Scully." For awhile, time seemed to stand still. Scully did not want to let ago of her partner. If she did, she was sure that she would loose him. Mulder was the most important thing to her, and she could not bare loosing the recognition of him. Of his habits, and personality. Or that dopey grin that always crept across his face at times. Or the way he refused to accept defeat, no matter what the odds. Or at times like this when he was always there for her. It was at times like these that had lead her to the thought that she had deeper feelings for Mulder than she really thought or expected. The actual concept of loosing him scared her the most. He was too precious to her. Of all the things they had been through together. It was those things that had brought them close together. But how close is too close? She felt Mulder lightly kiss her on the head. She closed her eyes, her mind and let the world fly by. When she awoke to her senses, she slowly let go and looked into Mulder's eyes. Something had stirred her, deep inside her. As she reflected her feelings upon Mulder, she could feel the same immense feelings flowing back from him. Yes, he was the most valuable thing to her, to her life. She loved him more than anything or anyone. And the realisation hit her, as that thought flowed through her mind, that she had loved him for a very long time. She wanted nothing more than to tell him, but she faltered. She could not tell him, and yet wondered why. It was probably easier to have feelings for someone else and tell them so, but it would feel cheap. Her feelings for Mulder were too much a part, to involved with her day to day life that she took for granted. Never considering that one day she would not have the chance to tell him, which for so long she had hidden from even herself. She wanted to reach out and touch him, to hold him closer, but yet afraid of a non-returned venture. The thoughts burned through her mind, growing with each passing minute. She could not hold it back any more; it was bursting out of her, from being held in constraint. "Mulder,..I?" But the phone sitting on the coffee table interrupted her. It felt as though the fire, which had been coursing through her, had been put out, as a wave of calmness came over her. She knew that the moment was over, regretting silently to herself, she picked up the receiver. "Scully." Silence. Then the other line clicked. Scully ended the call then thought in silence for a minute, wondering. "Who was that Scully?" And remembered that Mulder was there. "No one." She said half to Mulder, then half to herself. "Scully, I think it's getting late, I'd better go." Mulder began walking to the door. Perhaps it was best that he left now, before anything did happen. She was too revealed, too exposed to the other nature raging inside her that was taking over her mind. If she let it go, it would have changed the whole percept of their relation ship. As partners, and as FBI Agents. And as friends. "If you come up with anything else Mulder, then give me a call. I'll be here." She said dazed. "Scully, you take care of yourself, ok?" Mulder spoke softly. He looked forlorn at her one last time, before he closed the door. Mulder drove back to Arlington; he couldn't help but think about Scully and what had happened back there. It was a similar scene that had happened when they were chasing the truth through Cornfields and Bee Swarms. When the Bombing in Dallas had blown and the truth be known from Dr Kurtzweil, Mulder knew that he had stumbled on to something big. Something that maybe even he hadn't anticipated. But what had happened also was someone was trying to divide him from Scully. Someone anonymous, from outside the FBI. A secret agenda. In the Hallway of Scully's apartment, he had come on to something close with her. Something that he had never anticipated or explored physically before. But it was always there, and was always thinking about it. He doubted that Scully had any idea of the feelings he had for her. So it remained in his mind, hidden from the world. If only he could tell her. Tell her what? That he loved her more that anything in the whole world and that he was willing to die for her. She had almost died because of Mulder's desperate crusades, seeking the truth. Chasing Phantom Tanker trucks in the Middle of Nowhere, was Scully conclusion to it all. But because of him, she had been to hell and back, nearly to the ends of the Earth. Tonight, she seemed so fragile so different from her conservative form, Mulder didn't want to let go of her. His soul was slipping through his fingers every time he saw Scully like that. It made him want her more. To kiss her tenderly on the lips, emitting is entire life in her hands as the Earth rolled by or to touch her fiery red hair, curling it through his fingers,? Mulder could not imagine life without her. His feelings caused him pain when he though about loosing her. And it was true. Scully had saved him, a thousand times over, with her goddamn strict rationalism and science. If not for her, where would he be? Maybe earlier on when Scully was assigned to the X-files to debunk his work, it would have been easier to have a quick affair, to avoid all this, which had built up over time. He decided to distract himself from the thoughts of Scully, by thinking of the latest case, playing the moments in his mind over and over again. Something was missing though. There was a bigger picture here. Perhaps this wasn't all coincidental, as Scully had stated. What if someone was purposely wiping people's minds? Given that there was no explanation as to why someone would be erasing the minds of others. What was it that he was missing? Then another thing hit him. It had seemed odd at the time that when scanning the reports of all the victims their name initials seem to be telling him something. Using words or letters he could remember, he tried making anagrams, much like M.F.Luder. He began to use the victims names, when he realised that the first six and half people made up IM YOUR VANISHING, except that the last one and a half made up MIN. The first two didn't quite make sense. IM YOUR VANISHING MIN? Scully. Mulder sat in silent as he let the truth sink in. She was to be the next person. But how could he be so sure? It was surely a mistake. Thought it was true, she was an alien abductee. Hesitantly, he added Scully's initials to the Anagram. IM YOUR VANISIHING MINDS. Damnit. But that was a bunch of bogus. It made no sense. What about that FBI Agent, what was his name? Agent Gyde Saunders? Scully was right. He did have something queer about him. Mulder turned the car around and began heading back to wards the Bureau. When Mulder reached the entrance of the building, surpassing security, he couldn't help but think to check the Federal Service Database, just to do a run on Gyde Saunders. Whilst doing so, he ran into Walker. "Spo?Buddy. What are you doing here so late? And why are you so wet?" Walker looked at Mulder oddly, taking notice of his wet over coat. Mulder passed him a casual look. Oh Brother. "Oh I come here whenever is suits me, and if you hadn't noticed it's raining." Mulder shrugged passed him, into the Federal Research compound. "You working on the case? 'Cause if you are, I could give you a hand if you'd like." Walker called after him. "Sure, if you want to." A thought crept across Mulder's mind. Perhaps the first victim with phenomenal brain development was different to the others. Maybe there was some connection between him and all the others. Walker slumped in the chair beside him. "Tea, coffee?" He asked. ID: PASSWORD: F-O-X M-U-L-D-E-R T-R-S-T N-O-1 Mulder clicked on the identity personal, to commence a search. Beginning with a set of Saunders fingerprints, accessed thorough the FBI Agent Database, he began a search through the Citizen section. Nothing. Mulder attempted the Criminal section. And yet nothing again. He tried the Military and the Government and both turned up the same response. He was almost out of ideas when the Health and Welfare Database showed up a match. As an X-file. That match was the answer to Mulder's question. MATCH SHOWED 100% responded to Ike Munrow. The same person who had been the first victim. Mulder began reading the file, which stated the cause of Ike's brain development. The Brain tissue development had reached the sternum, causing the brain to merge into one whole section, instead of two divisions. Apparently, this sort of development could lead to enhanced abilities and capabilities. Some suggestions included Mind control, Telepathy, the ability to read one's mind?and the list went on. The one that caught Mulder's Interest was Mind control. Though the most unlikely hood of occurring, it enabled the enhanced mind to control another's mind. Possibly even being able to cause a chemical reaction turning the mind into a state of amnesia. But maybe this still isn't the bigger picture here. Perhaps there is something else to the story that no one has predicted yet. Whatever that it may chance upon, health and state of mind seem to be the issue here. "Hey Fox, what do you think of Dana?" Walker up fronted with the question that had been on his mind since he had first laid eyes on Scully. "You mean in what sense?" The question caught Mulder's attention, as he swivelled around in his chair. "Well, as a woman, you know? Isn't she something?" Walker smiled. Mulder turned around to face the computer screen. "Most people think that, and she is amazing, which is why I'm lucky to have her as my partner, but as regulations within the FBI?" Walker cut Mulder short. "Yeah yeah, I know. Ever wish Dana was more than a partner to you though?" Walker inquired, pushing further. "We're as close as anyone can get without being romantics." Mulder shut himself off from the topic. Yes, several times he had crossed that path before? in his mind, but that alone. "Ever picture a girl like her and a guy like me?" "No." Mulder interrupted abruptly. "So don't go hitting on her. It's a total turn off." Mulder suddenly noticed himself becoming protective of Scully. He tried to block it from his mind. "Hey, don't get defensive Buddy, just asking." Walker shrugged his shoulders before returning to his screen Checking all of the victims records, each one seemed to correspond to a similar feature. Beginning with normal features: regular medical and dental examinations, the occasional mishap, but then it commenced. Some began with psychiatric problems seeking medical help, others excluded this. Then there was the unaccountable time loss, which presumably was the abduction. The follow up included some claiming the truth, whilst others as mundane as Scully, refused to accept the Truth, trying to produce rational explanations. Females all stated the loss of their ability to produce children. Everyone was found to have a metal implant shallow beneath the skin, which explicated as a catalogue device, all inevitably being removed. Health Problems increased here onwards, leading to life threatening. All ending with miraculous recovery. Then the next event was the allergic reaction to a bee sting. Submitted to a Hospital (which records remain unknown) and then yet again, another period of unaccountable time loss. With Scully's case, she had been placed in a frozen cyst, within the interior of a spaceship. Was that an explanation which applied for the others? Had they too been exposed to the plague, yet to have been emitted the vaccine? Was the Secret Agenda within the Government erasing it's tracks by wiping peoples memory, because they had seen too much? But what exactly had the victims or Scully seen that made them important? Was it what they had seen before being placed in the cyst? If so, then why couldn't Scully explain it? Following after the reports of time loss, most people had psychotic episodes. Was it then that the memories return? Turning them with fear? But how is it that Saunders is directly involved with a Secret Agenda? Perhaps posing as an FBI agent, but he could impose his thoughts across any sane mind to pass security or gain access to anything. Too many questions. Mulder shook his head. But then how long afterwards was it that Saunders came after the following victim? It could be incalculable. And why would the victim be willing to accept a stranger into view? Being capable of controlling ones mind may create a scenario of being some else. Some one close. "Listen, I'll be back in a minute." Mulder quickly exited the room. Of all the discoveries he had made, he didn't think that Walker was ready to accept them. After all, he had nearly called him Spooky. Perhaps he perceived Mulder as Alien brainwashed as all the other Agents did. Mulder reached within is jacket and pulled out his phone, quickly punching in the numbers for Scully's phone. "Scully." "Scully, it's me. Listen I know what is causing all of the related cases of amnesia. Scully, you have to listen to me. Don't answer the door to anyone." Mulder's tone was urgent. "Mulder, but what if it's you?" Scully asked. "Look, I'll tell you if I'm coming. But forget that for now. Look, I've been doing some research and I've discovered some things. Scully, all of these people have exactly identical Medical Files. Each beginning with an abduction, implants, the removal, cancer or a terminally ill disease, each ending with a miraculous recovery. Then the next part begins with an allergic reaction to a bee sting, an unknown destination that is presumably supposed to be the hospital. Then another time loss, which was when they were placed in a frozen cyst. Each exposed to the cure, and lived. But now someone is trying to destroy evidence because they have been exposed to too much Scully." Mulder finished on an exasperated tone. "But Mulder, why did they choose me? You've seen far more than I have." "That may be so, but I'm the one who generates the crap for them to hide the conspiracies behind. Scully, you may have seen more vital things than I." "Like what exactly?" Scully asked puzzled. "What did you see before being placed in the Cyst Scully?" "Mulder ? I, I don't remember.." Scully fumbled. "Think Scully. Think back to when you were taken away from your apartment Hallway, when I called the paramedics. Except they didn't come. Someone else intercepted. And then there was a gunshot,?" "Mulder, I don't know. Something like?it's coming. I can remember being disorientated. I was on an aircraft of some sort, yet everything look disfigured. I was seeing the world through a glass coffin. I felt like I was watching myself, at my own funeral. But that's as far as it goes. I was unconscious." Scully stopped. "Wait, something? I ? Omigod?omi?" "Scully?" Mulder had stopped breathing. "Mulder?it's like..nothing I've ever imagined. I.. can't explain it.." Scully began fading. "Try Scully." Mulder said urgently. "I can't?it's too..I don't know Mulder. I can remember beings of a kind, placing me in the Cyst and I was naked, revealed to them. I felt sick. And then liquid began to seep in. My whole world was slipping from me, and I was cold. Icy needles ran up my spine, as I screamed out silently. I was sure they knew what I felt, but it seemed as though they had committed the process a thousand times Mulder. I was sure I would never see anything, I was dying. The tube through my mouth was suffocating me, stealing the last drop of life from me. And as the water began to creep above my neck, I froze with fear,?Mulder I ?I can't?" Scully took a deep breath. " I don't want to talk about it right now. It was as though my worst fears were multiplied a thousand times over, I just couldn't do it." "Scully, just stay where you are, I'm coming over." Mulder clicked the phone off. Then quickly redialling Skinners Number, he began to wait till the Assistant Director received the phone. "Assistant Director's Office, how may I help you." The Sectary spoke as though she had said the same line over and over again. Bland and boring. "Listen, I must talk to Assistant Director Now!" Mulder's tone was urgent. "Please hold." Mulder impatiently began walking fast towards his car. "Skinner here." The familiar voice sounded on the other line. "Listen, I need a S.W.A.T team at Scully's apartment Georgetown, immediately! Don't ask questions. You know me well. And if you don't want to lose a valuable Agent then I suggest you hurry." Before Skinner could reply, Mulder ended the Call. Scully held her head in her hands, repeating the scenes over and over again. The only sound that could be heard was the echoing of the rain, trickling down the window. Squeezing her eyes tight, as if to block out the pain, her hands clenched tight. Then the light seeped through, and the water flowed out. She heard a voice in all the darkness of death, and Mulder was there. But that was as far as it went. A silent thought entered her mind. She opened her eyes, and tilted her head, as if ready for the anticipated arrival. A fist pounded against the door and then a voice sounded through. "Scully, are you there?" But something was not right. It was dreadfully wrong. Hesitantly, she backed away from the door, but as if compelled by some unseen force, regretfully she edged closer to the door. "Scully, open up, it Mulder." Mulder? But how could it be, he had only just? And then her mind was gone. Thoughts were clouded by a voice. 'Reach for the door.' Scully placed her hand on the door, slowly turning the handle, forgetting to peek through the hole into the outside. As the door creaked open, it revealed a dark figure in the doorway. Lightening blinded the room reflecting a brilliant flash, enhancing the figure through the doorway. Thunder boomed in an echoing call, as the ground shuddered. Scully's eyes opened with fear, as she buckled over. Holding her stance, she remained with two feet firmly on the floor. But her mind was not with her. It did not recognise the figure with in her reach. "Mulder?" Mulder's image crept towards her, as she took a step back. Silently the door closed behind him, cutting off all escape. But there was no need for escape, because after all, it was Mulder. "Scully, what's wrong?" the voice asked. Scully felt her whole mind, as though the person standing opposite her could read her every thought. She was seduced into believing a lie, betraying Mulder's line "Trust no one". But at the moment she felt miles away from anyone. She was stranded alone. "You?you told me not to answer the door to anyone." Scully spoke without any hesitation. But it was not her words. They were forceful. Her mind was fighting against a power, which was sweeping over her. She felt on the edge of reality, lost in the darkness. "Who?are.." But she was not in reach of finishing. Images of what had happened to her back in the Cyst came flowing to her, as if re-occurring for the second time. She shrouded against then, clenching her fists and holding her head. And yet her mind was finally opened to the world. And all the answers to everything that the victims before her had experienced. Scully knew she was about to have taken from her essence of life. Helpless. She closed her eyes to shutting out her vision, as she let her mind flow. And then she opened her mind to one thought, the last thought she would ever remember? Mulder. And then an invisible hand reached in, taking away from her everything that was of her worth. Slipping from her grasp forever, her life stolen before it had endured to the end. "MULDER?!!!" Scully screamed out, as if she could reach him. A tear streamed down her face, as she accepted defeat and fell to the floor. And her life as Scully ended, as she vanished from the world she knew. Denial is Temptation I awoke to the darkness of my mind. Knowing Nothing, Feeling Nothing. As I opened my eyes, I found I was looking into the eyes of a man. They were dark, filled with fear. I reached out and touched the tears that were falling from his face. "Scully! Talk to me Scully!" I could not understand what he meant. "Scully! Can you hear me?" I withdrew my hand, and closed my eyes to return to the peacefulness of my mind. Only to be awoken again by the man who was shaking my body. "Say something Damnit!" "I?" I didn't know what to say. I had nothing to say. I knew not who I was, or where I was, or how I came to being here. "Scully?!" Or exactly why this person had taken so much interest into me, or who he was. "Who are you?" I felt as though I was adrift in a calm river, flowing to a cross section that would take me to an unexplored place, changing me forever. "Scully?" He looked at me, as though almost anticipating my response. "Yes, you keep saying that but what does it mean?" I asked. "Do you remember?anything?" He asked desperately. I thought about it, but my mind was empty, of all personal thoughts. "About what?" The man's head slumped forward as he rested it against my shoulder. I was lost. I slowly sat up, resting the man's head onto my lap, as I gently stroked his forehead. I sat there for awhile watching his chest rise and fall. His hair was dark and soft, and his eyes, though closed were beautiful. But they were sad. I could not think or understand why. They told a story of lies and deceit. Of frustration and anger, but mostly now of sadness and regret. His skin felt smooth under my touch, slightly damp due to perspiration. I ran my eyes along the soft contours of his face until I reached his lips. They were lightly, pressed together and somehow I felt myself wondering more about him. "Who are you?" I asked gently. He slowly opened his eyes, and raised his body until he sat facing me. **** Mulder screeched the car down the road, almost missing the turn up to Scully's apartment. He jingled the car door handle; violently pounding against it which refused to budge. Thunder and Lightening continued to reach across the sky in an on going saga. "C'mon Damnit!!!" The door burst open, the rain twice as hard as before as Mulder leapt out of the door, sprinting to the elevator. As he reached the Hallway, he saw dark man walking down the corridor, but his mind clouded over, unable to recognise the figure. 'There's something familiar about that ?.' "MULDER?.!!!" He heard Scully's voice pierce the air. It woke his responses, as he tore down the hall to her door. Not attempting to knock, he rammed his body hard against the door, as it splinted off the hinges and fell open. "SCULLAAAYY!!" Mulder yelled through the apartment only to be met by silence. It was dark, every object illuminated by the faint light seeping in though the doorway. 'I was once again running through the desolate cornfields in the cold night, as the Helicopters preyed upon me. Scully was behind me, failing to persist my speed. I was loosing her.' Fear crept over him, as he anticipated what had happened. Not a single object was out of place, which displayed no sign of a struggle. There was no forced entry. Not until he had broken the door down. Then he stopped. His heart shattered. There Scully lay, deathly still upon the floor. Mulder ran to her body. "Scully!" He picked up her limp figure and began shaking her. "Scully!" But there was no response. "Damnit Scully! Wake up!" Mulder was falling to pieces. If she was gone, due to his selfish quests, then he would be over. Scully was a part of him that he had simply just accepted that she'd always be there with her science and explanations to bring him back round to reality. Tears began to fall from Mulder's face. He couldn't loose her. Not now. How could he have let this happen? He shouldn't have left before. Mulder closed his eyes. Many times before had he lost her, too many times. Then there was a movement beneath him. Scully's body slightly squirmed beneath him, as if trying to escape from someone Her eyelids slowly opened to a new world. She was born into the unknown, to be met by a man of whom trusted her with his whole life. Mulder felt a hand touch his face, and he looked down to see Scully. His heart almost jumped out of his throat as he struggled to breathe or make any sense. "Scully! Talk to me Scully!" She stared straight at him with the most empty expression he had ever seen. "Scully can you hear me?" She was not there any more. Her life had taken from her, her every essence that made her who she was. Afraid perhaps, she withdrew her hand from him, and drifted back to the abyss of her mind. "Say something Damnit!" Mulder was frightened of loosing her again. He shook her back into the world. "I?" "Scully?!" It had happened to her. Just like the others. Gone. Everything just gone. She was lost forever, never to be the same person again. Mulder would never know the Scully he had once known. "Who are you?" That question was like a knife right through his heart. No, this can't be happening. "Scully?" Mulder's tone was desperately searching for recognition of anything, though at the back of his mind he anticipated responses would end to nothing. "Yes, you keep saying that but what does it mean?" She opened her eyes innocently. Mulder looked down into them, as deep blue as the oceans upon the horizon. He blinked blandly, as if to awaken himself. Below him, Scully appeared so vulnerable. So open to the world. She knew Nothing. Absolutely nothing. "Do you remember?anything?" "About what?" Her voice sounded hollow as it reached through the room, echoing a thousand times back towards Mulder. He slumped his head forward, resting it upon her shoulder. He was defeated. Things would be different from now on. How was he going to explain the concept of anything to her? How was he going to explain this to the Assistant Director? It was as though nothing mattered any more. Like a one way conversation. Scully lifted his head onto her lap and began to gently stroke his head. 'It was a blissful where I was. Yet horribly wrong. The situation could advance on me, and because I love her too much, it would be too wrong. She has no idea of the affects this has on me.' "Who are you?" Scully's voice sounded, as it awoke him from his daze. Mulder could not handle it any more and sat up to move away from her. "My name is Fox Mulder. Scully I?" Fox began. Scully knotted her eyebrows. Something was troubling him. It was hard for him to say anything at all. "Is that who I am? Scully?" She inquired, tilting her head to one side, as if listening. "Ok. I'm sorry Scully. There's too much for you to know here. If I get to fast for you, remind me to stop ok?" Scully nodded slowly as Fox fumbled with his shoelaces, trying to pinpoint a place to begin. "So. Your name is Dana Katherine Scully. You were born on," He hesitated. "..Scully, do you mind if I don't begin with that sort of stuff?" Fox looked up at her. There was a longing in his eyes, a lost connection. "Fox, .." Scully began. Mulder smiled. "What?" Scully looked at him curiously. "Oh nothing, it's just that you used to call me Mulder." He looked at her, with an expression that seemed to show old memories that were coursing through his mind. It was as though they were back in the Basement of the Federal Building, Mulder's office, being introduced for the first time. Except the fact that there was an uneven balance here. For a moment, the rain pelting upon the windows were all that could be heard. Mulder turned his head towards the window. "Ok Mulder. Let me get something straight. Why do I not remember who you are?" Scully looked at him directly. That had a reaction. He refused to look up at her. "Mulder?" When he raised his eyes towards Scully, there were tears along the rims of them. She reached out for his hand. "Who was I to you? What is causing your pain? I can see it in your eyes Mulder, hear it in your voice." She looked down at the floor. "Scully I?" His throat tightened as he struggled to continue. Scully moved over to him and took him in her arms. Mulder held her close to him and buried his head in her shoulder. "I'm sorry." She whispered. He pulled away from her and began to tell his story. "Scully, I met you five years ago. No, I'll have to begin further from there." He took a breath. "In this world it is filled with chaos, it is a cruel, cynical place." Mulder took a breath. "Mulder, I believe I already know that." Scully looked at him as a matter-of-fact. He looked towards at her with a queer expression. "Scully, how much exactly do you know? Or maybe, what don't you know?" Scully looked around the room, then focused her eyes upon Mulder. "Where am I? I believe this is an apartment of such, but that's about it." Scully shrugged her shoulders. "This is where you live." Mulder continued to watch her. "I have no memories of my family, of where I have worked?did I have a job?" Scully looked into Mulder's eyes for a sign of any thing that she may remember. He smiled. "As I was saying, five years ago, I met you at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, hence the FBI. You were a trained Medical Doctor from Quantico, assigned with me to work on the X-files Division for cases of unexplained phenomenon. You were assigned to debunk my work of the paranormal on orders of our Government. The men, who assigned you to this, were of an unknown Secret Agenda, working against me. Your were to reign me in, to Shut me Down. However, you refuted these orders. You became the partner of 'Spooky' Mulder?" "And why is it that you earned your self that title?" Scully frowned her eyebrows at him. "I'm a key figure in an ongoing government Charade. An annoyance to my superiors, a joke to my peers. They call me 'Spooky'. Spooky Mulder, whose sister was abducted by aliens when he was just a kid. Who now chases little green men with a badge and a gun, shouting to the heavens and anyone else who'll listen, that the fix is in. That our Government's hip to the Truth and a part of a conspiracy. That the sky is falling, and when it hits, it's going to be the shit storm of all time." Mulder waited for a response. Scully looked at him with a sympathetic expression. 'Mulder, that's sounds like the type of recited speech you may have spoken when you were drinking to much whisky." She let go of his hand. "It was. And it basically summarises what's going down. But you were different. You didn't listen to the bogus crap that everyone else did. Though you never agreed with me with my out there theories, you and your scientific explanations, you always trusted me. You were my Partner in the X-files, always there to pull me out of trouble and follow me along with my crusades. Numerous times you saved my life Scully, you've even shot me in the shoulder." He rubbed his shoulder as if the whole event was re-occurring in his mind. "Really? Why would I be so irrational? Did you deserved it?" Scully laughed, awakening the solemn mood that was set around the apartment. "Yeah, I did. I was behaving like a maniac. Someone had contaminated my water system, which was meddling my mind. Scully, you don't know how important you are to me." Mulder paused as he thought. "If you hadn't come round to reality, I don't know what I would have done." Scully frowned yet again. "What's bothering you?" Mulder looked at her. "Mulder, have we ever been involved together before?" She asked up front, yet shyly hiding her curiosity. Mulder went quiet for a moment. He was tempted to say something about that. But she was so innocent; he could not lie to her. Oh Scully, if only you knew. Mulder's senses were opened to him, in the Street below he heard the voices of many men, shouting orders to each other with strict direction, as their footsteps could be heard echoing across the road. Within minutes, the voices filled the Hallway invading the still privacy. There was a loud knock upon the door, before anyone realised it was open. "Agent Mulder!" Mulder turned his head towards the doorway. There was a voice, stern with authority that had been shaped over the years due to events that were revealed and justified. Of a strength that had been built. Assistant Director Skinner's frame appeared as a silhouette against the outside light. "This better not be a useless cause. The Bureau will hold you with disregard if you have brought out a S.W.A.T team here for some?" Skinner was interrupted by the urgency of Mulder's statement. "We have got to find that man!" Mulder's anger was burning for revenge. "After all he has done." Mulder stood up, placing his hands upon his hips. "What has he done, and who is the suspect? Who are you naming?" Skinner looked around the room, then his eyes landed on Scully, who was still sitting upon the floor. "Mulder, in the hearing that you gave the Board of Directors, we found you claims hard to justify." He took a step towards Mulder. "Well here is your proof." Mulder voice began to break, as he indicated to Scully. When she heard her own name sounding in the room, she began to rise from the floor. "What do you mean? If there is something you aren't telling me..." Skinner paused, and looked at Scully. Through his eyes, she seemed perfectly normal, except for the object that she was not supporting Mulder's claims. "He took them from her. All of her thoughts, her memories, her mind!" Mulder threw his hands up in the air before bring them hard to his sides. "The culprit is one of our very own men within the FBI. Special Agent Gyde Saunders." Mulder dropped his head stubbornly, as he waited for Skinner to reply. Skinner gave a disbelieving look at the sullen figure of Mulder, as he found the concept hard to grasp. Scully looked towards the Assistant Director and then back towards Mulder. She was totally oblivious to the conversation. She was more confused than before, being revealed to so many people. "Agent Scully, is this true?" Skinner tried to make eye contact with Scully. "Do you remember anything?" "What Agent Mulder spoke of, though I cannot recall any of the events, his statements I believe are true." Scully held the Assistant Director's gaze. "I can recall the most basic objects within life, yet I could not recite to you my personal history, family, or who even you are." Scully looked towards Mulder before continuing. "At the moment, the only person in this room whom I know is Mulder. But that is only because I awoke to him first." Skinner considered all that Scully had said. A figure emerged through the doorway, followed by another. Dressed in FBI attire, Mulder recognised the people immediately. "What is Agents Walker and Byrnes doing here at this moment?" Mulder whispered in a harsh protective tone towards the Assistant Director. "Agent Mulder, you can't allow them to be overlooking the fact that Scully is unaware of who they are. It could lead her into misinterpretations. The situation could advance on her unexpectantly. Don't assume anything." Skinner glanced towards Walker suspiciously. His face was beaming with a confused smile, as he boldly strode across towards the Assistant Director Even broader still was the smile that was growing on his face as Scully came into his view. "What's all the commotion about? I was called up here, no questions asked." He shook his head, but his grin only grew wider as he saw Scully's eyes on him in a peculiar manner. "Hello Dana, would you mind filling me in?" Walker came round towards Scully, just as Skinner decided against that idea, collaring him. "Why don't you go downstairs and find out if the S.W.A.T Team have discovered anything in regards to the suspect." Skinner raised his eyebrows towards Walker, as he casually began his excuses. "Well, sure, but they already decided to inform you in person." Walker looked once more towards Scully before stepping aside. Skinner continued his inquiries with Mulder despite the intrusion. "Agent Mulder, what exactly have you witnessed? Did you see anyone?" Skinner folded his arms across his chest, while contemplating the fact that it could be one hell of a long night. "I saw a man." Mulder began. He ran his hands through his hair, which was slick due to the rain. "Yes." Byrnes nodded her head in contemplation, her voice with a high manner of speaking. "I believe I also saw a man, but then suddenly it was as though I hadn't seen him at all." She looked back towards Mulder, who began in reply. "My mind clouded over, not due my own cause, but because of some self inflicted occurrence which I presume was caused by Agent Saunders. Then I heard Scully scream out my name. After I had forced in an entry, I found her lying on the floor. However, nothing was out of placed. Nor was there a sign of a forced entry. Of course I cannot prove that now." Mulder indicated towards the door. Just as he did so a S.W.A.T team man walked through the door, brushing off the droplets of water which clung to his jacket, whilst being careful not to knock anything on his way in. "Sir," He began towards Skinner. "We have seen a figure of a man, which could fit the figure and description of whom Special Agent Mulder spoke of, but he vanished before a trace could be established. However, we have received a call from Mrs. Scully, inquiring about Special Agent Dana Scully. She was worried that something had happened." The man waited for a reply, edging curiously at the situation, attempting to pick up any details that he could whilst being given the chance. "St. Patrick's Day." Mulder mumbled. "What did you say?" Skinner asked. "St. Patrick's Day. It totally slipped my mind. Every year, on this day, due to Scully's Catholic Religious relations, her family celebrates St. Patrick's Day. Mostly likely that this occasion is the first time Scully has missed her family gathering, Mrs. Scully was wondering what had happened." Mulder raised his eyes to Scully, and then back to the Assistant Director. "Sir, if you'd take this into consideration, I believe that taking Dana to this function would be a good idea. You shouldn't have her doing things out of the ordinary, depending upon how public you would like this issue to be." Walker looked towards the Assistant Director for support. Mulder retorted to himself. 'Dana', then with haste, he turned away from the discussion as to hide the facial expression he was making. "Agent Walker, you have a point that I agree with." Skinner nodded, rustling his jacket. "Would you not need someone to help inform her with details involving family background?" Byrnes strode into the conversation, from observing objects within Scully's apartment. Walker began nodding vigorously in agreement. "Agent Mulder," Skinner turned away, ignoring Walker. "I would advise that you attend the St. Patrick's Day gathering with Scully, as you are the one with the most knowledge about her relations." Mulder turned towards Skinner, before checking the time on his watch. "Scully, we'd better be leaving pretty soon." Mulder nodded towards the doorway, before siding Scully next to him. Mulder grinned at her. "Alright, what this time?" Scully cocked her head to one side, questioning Mulder's expression whilst passing him a wry smile trying to hide her nervousness. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about being awoken in the morning at about 3 am, requiring a ride from a drunk Scully. Who can't even take a step out the front door without waking the neighbourhood due to the most ridiculous singing, before being cut short from falling over from the front steps." "I would never do that!" Scully elbowed him hard in the side, before striding triumphantly through into the Hallway. Mulder doubled over laughing, holding his side. "Oh Scully?" Behind the Mind Scully stepped outside, to be met by the fresh cool breeze, sprinkling the light rain upon her face. A veil of mist that drifted gently with the breeze lightly covered the road beyond. It was a scene of the ocean, the foam of the breakers furling above the deep blue waters. Scully breathed deeply, taking in the cool air. Mulder soon was standing idly by her side, letting her enjoy the moment. Of which were few, which she had experienced. Without a word, she followed Mulder, letting him lead her to the unknown. "Are you feeling ok?" Mulder asked without passing a glance behind him, believing in his instinct. Scully shook her head slightly in a gesture that spoke 'no'. She felt weak, and afraid. "I'm..ok." Her words were slurred. Mulder turned around, to see Scully shyly staring at the ground, slightly buckling without conscious recognition that she was doing so. "Scully?" Mulder grinned slightly. It was a tad amusing for him to see Scully so slighted. Her bold strong, fearless personality and essence had deserted her, leaving her in the wilderness. As the car pulled up to the supposedly familiar surroundings belonging to Scully's lifetime childhood, Mulder decided to sit in silence for a moment watching the olive green balloons drifting gently to the breeze. "Scully, how do you wish me to go about this?" Mulder asked. There was silence. "I don't know exactly, there will be no doubt, that if you decide to tell me everything straight handed, I will stumble across something unexpected. I don't know Mulder. Perhaps on the way in, just point out my family members. Perhaps I could attempt to get drunk rather swiftly, so as my memory has a reason to evade me?" Scully smiled slightly at the thought, looking at her partner. "Nice try Scully. Look, what ever happens, happens." Mulder shrugged his shoulders before hopping out the car. As they reached the doorway, Mulder halted Scully again. "First things first. Your mother's name is Margaret Scully. She is about?hm..about the same height as yourself and has dark black short hair. Your brother Bill will also be here. He's well?" Mulder paused, as he remembered the last time he had faced Bill. He was almost certain that he would be able to predict the expression on Bill's face when he'd see Mulder walk in through the front door. He turned back to Scully, blocking those thoughts from his mind. "You are open and loving to all of them, usually embracing them. Due to your Catholic religious relations, I am almost certain to be expecting Father McCue to be here tonight, but that's not the point. Just in case. There isn't much else I can say. Try to bluff your way through it if you can." Mulder gave a sigh. Scully hesitated before knocking upon the door. She could here voices and music coming from within the house, before the sound of door being unlatched registered. Then the realisation hit Mulder. He had forgotten to tell Scully some vital information, but the door swung open. Sounds burst out into the night air, startling Scully, as she looked at the person who stood before. "Mom I.." Scully recognised through the descriptions from the figure Mulder gave her. "Dana! I was worried that something had happened to you." Showing her concern, Margaret looked at Scully, before embracing her. "I'm sorry, but there was an incident at the Bureau regarding the latest case?." Scully's muffled voice trailed on as she saw a man walking towards the door, which she presumed was her brother. "Dana! How's my little sis?" He gave a wide grin at her, before throwing his arms around her. "Happy St. Patrick's Day." Scully replied, not knowing what else to say. Mrs Scully looked at Mulder, and smiled. "Hello Fox. Please, come in." Mulder trailed in behind them, noticing the exact expression he had predicted upon Bill's face, before walking into the main living room. The whole household was adorned with green decorations; so much so, Mulder couldn't remember anything being this green before. Green tablecloths upon tables, cutlery, candles, plates, furniture, food (hmm, don't know about that one), all the same colour. People were standing or sitting around the house, socialising, drinking a green beverage of a kind. He watched warily as Bill lead Scully over to a table. "So. How's work?" Bill eyed Scully with a cheeky know all look. Scully began to explain to him about the amnesia cases, as much as she could remember from clues she had picked up, but began to cut off as she noticed Bill's disinterest. "What was the drama the held you up?" He handed Scully a drink. She stared into the green liquid, swirling it up in the cup. "I can't remember." She said honestly. "Your funny Dana." Bill smiled, as did Scully, and they decided to drop the topic. "Now don't have too much to drink ok?" Bill nodded towards the glass Scully was holding idly in her hand. "Spare me the lecture. I've already had one from Mulder, which was why I decided to bring him along, to save him the trip up here." Bill followed Mulder with his eyes, as Mrs Scully stood talking to him. People were hustling and bustling around the place, a sudden laughter bursting out every now and then. Scully felt as though things weren't as bad as she had predicted. "Where's Dad?" She looked up at Bill, with wonder. "Dana, how many glasses have you had to drink?" Bill gave Scully a mundane look, before he noticed Mulder pricking up the conversation with a hint of anticipation in his eye. "What? I'm serious. I haven't even had a glass to drink." Scully saw Mulder coming towards her. For the last thirty minutes Mulder had been eaves dropping the conversation, ready to come and rescue Scully at any time. At the moment as he was heading towards her, he had not the faintest idea for his reasons, but she had hit a wrong note. "Hey there." Mulder thought how corny he must have seemed at this moment. He decided that to act stupid, was the only way to cover up a bad situation. He would be kicking himself forever after though. He threw his arm around Scully, and began prattling on about useless nonsense, laughing at his own corny jokes. "Mulder?" Scully cut him short. "Are you feeling ok?" She eyed him suspiciously, unaware of anything. "If you'd excuse me." Bill curtly left the conversation. "You are excused." Mulder quietly hissed, cursing himself at the same time. He gave a protruding sigh "What the hell is the matter with you?" Scully pushed him away. "Scully, come with me." He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her down the hallway. "There was something I didn't tell you!" He slipped passed people that were walking by. "I was meant to, but you had already knocked on the door. Your father has passed away, a couple of years ago." Mulder shook his head. "Oh." Scully went quiet. "So I guess now I'm not the only one mentally kicking myself now." Mulder turned around and began up the hallway. "Well, are you going to rejoin the party?" He looked back behind him. "Not at the moment. I think I'd like to look around." Mulder nodded, before heading off. Scully found herself sitting in a room by herself. She was half wishing that Mulder was here to explain all these things to her. It was as though she was living someone else's life, filling all the empty spaces, and yet wondering blindly at the same time. "Hey there." Scully looked around, to see Mulder coming through the door. "Thought I might find you here." He gave her a wide grin, before plonking himself beside her. "This is weird Mulder." Said Scully, aimlessly looking around the room. "Now that isn't the first time you've said that, as far as I'm concerned." He said, before being quiet. Scully looked at him, bewildered. She had only met him for the first time on her terms in the last twenty-four hours, and it was already as though she believed she knew him. It was sad to think about loosing what was once there, never to be gained again. "Mulder, did any of the victims like myself, ever have their memory returned?" Scully looked directly at him. Mulder sat there in silence, trying to remember. It seemed like years ago, and miles away that there was a case existing that he had once worked on with Scully, involving all that ..whatever it was. But in actual fact it was only a couple of hours ago. And he had been only minutes behind. Just minutes. "Mulder?" Scully was tempted to shake him. He was not there at the moment. "No." Mulder couldn't bring him to believe the word he had spoken. It seemed harsh. No. Just a simple word. Scully sat there in the room, which was shadowed by the darkness. She could see the outline of Mulder sitting on the bed, dazed off somewhere in his mind. Her mind was concentrating, willing everything to return to her. She was straining hard, trying to remember what everything had been like, and what she may have said in moments like these. Then she noticed that his dark eyes were on her. She recalled her first moments when she came into the world, as she knew it. Lying in the darkness of her mind, to be woken to a voice, shouting a name. Scully. But it brought back no memories to her. She held her head in her hands. How lost Mulder appeared to her when she looked into his eyes the time before. What was it? What had there been before? The lost connection she had seen. It was still there. His dark eyes filled with desperation, as he shook her in vain. As if doing that, to bring every thing back. She felt a hand touch her arm, gently pulling her away from her thoughts. She slowly raised her eyes to meet Mulder's. Something stirred deep within her, layers under her mind. She couldn't place exactly what it was, but the more she tried, the more it slipped away. She felt the whole world coming to a halt. Who was Mulder? Did she really believe that she knew? For all it was worth, this could be a lie. Anyone could tell her anything, leading her to believe in something false. How could she know? It was a lie she was lead to believe that led her to her downfall. She had not doubt in that. Anger was building inside her, furling around, as it grew, coursing through her body. She returned her look into Mulder's eyes, seeing him for the first time. And then she knew. She could feel Mulder's grip tightening on her, and inexplicable tension was building. Her mind opened up to him, and she knew for the first time, the reasons behind Mulder's sadness. Light burst into the room, as the door swung open, and she knew the thoughts were gone. Mulder and Scully turned around to face the intruder, to see Bill facing them. Uneasiness filled the room, as there was a moment of silence. "Dana." Bill began, startled. "Mom's been looking for you all over the place for you." Scully nodded quietly, and then exited the room. Mulder sat there for a moment, and then began to get up. "What the hell is the matter with her?" Bill demanded towards Mulder. "What do you mean?" Mulder began casually. "Don't give me that crap. Something is not right, and I would like to know." Mulder looked at Bill, and then headed towards the hallway. "You know, don't you?" Bill caught up to Mulder. "She isn't herself, and she seems to have a bad lack of memory!" Mulder turned to face Bill, caught up in his thoughts. "What happened to her?" "You seem to have proof to assert and justify your claims?" Mulder said, questioning Bill accusations. "She seemed so out of it, so lost, confused. She thought her Father was alive for Christsakes!" Bill stood in front of Mulder, blocking him as to emphasis the point. "What right have you, that allows you to believe that I should earn such criticism?" Mulder said solemnly, looking straight into Bill's eyes. Bill stopped short as he saw Scully standing behind Mulder, who was not yet aware of her presence. She gave him a disdainful look of betrayal and realisation, for she had witnessed the whole scenario. "Dana I?" Bill moved towards her, as she took a step towards Mulder, as Mulder spun around to face her. "I should have seen it before." She looked up at Mulder sadly. "Mulder, I'd like to leave now ok?" She walked out of the hallway willingly, leaving Bill to stare dumbfounded and angrily at Mulder, as he too, followed after Scully. As the car travelled along the road, the white lines flowing over and over through the eyes of Scully, as she sat watching the, letting the silence sink in. "Mulder, I'm sorry." She said at last. Mulder shook his head. "It's ok Scully." And then the silence returned, as Scully followed the lines along the road again. Scully walked along the corridor, unable to raise her face from staring down at the floor, as she listened to the quiet footsteps of Mulder, who was lagging behind her. What a bastard Bill had been. And yet she barely knew him. However, it's true what they say, first impressions last. Regretfully, she repeated the whole scene in her mind. Until she returned to the darkness in her bedroom. "Scully?" Mulder called after her, before she realised she had passed her apartment door. She slowly turned around, to face Mulder. She looked up at him finally, seeing the distress within him, that was as equal in comparison with her own. There were many loose ends left open, unfinished. "It's hard for me you know, to see people again for the first time, only to realise the reality of it all, and what they are really like deep inside. I may never know what they were, what may once have been Mulder, but I know now, and my judgement remains unsettled upon everyone." Scully concluded her thoughts aloud. Mulder returned his gaze towards her. "I was once again standing in the hallway, yet now Scully's not my own. And for the second time, she was gone from me, signing her self into resignment of all the problems yet to be faced. And it was at these times that I wanted nothing more than to hold her closer, to feel her heart against mine, beating to the same rhythm of earthly existence. Again I found my self wondering the realms of reality, to reach out to Scully, to tell her how I feel. But she knows. I can see it in her eyes." Mulder moved towards her, until he could feel her cool breath breathing slightly. She was afraid. He embraced her, engulfing all of her fears, as they melted away. He ran his fingers through her red hair; it seemed to burn like fire within his grip. Scully pulled away slightly, enough to let all the events sink in to her. Her mind was whirring, willing her to remain where she was. It was changing, the locked doors behind her, bursting at the seams. Something was adrift, and it was pulling her along. She reached up and touched his face, as his hand tightened on her neck. He dipped his head down, to meet hers, grazing her lips. Scully dared to breathe, as a wave of calmness washed over her. Their lips met. The whole world slipped away from beneath her, as she kissed him harder. Something from deep with in her erupted. A powerful surge of energy came forth and gripped her mind, and over came her. She felt feint, yet again as her mind was taken from her grasp. Scully felt herself falling from Mulder as they came apart. "Mulder.." She managed to whisper, through short breaths. Finally she collapsed in his arms. "Dana!" Mulder quickly turn his head towards the voice that seemed to erupt from nowhere. "You sorry son of a bitch!" Bill came charging down the hallway, slowing down towards where Mulder was looming over the limp body of Scully, who lay deathly still upon the floor. "What the hell have you done to her?" Bill flared angrily. "Too many times you have taken her from me, and this will be the last!" He shouted. Bill raised his fist towards Mulder, but Mulder swiftly moving to one side, effectively knocking Bill from his balance, as he let his anger flow. "No. You don't get it do you?" Mulder said advancing towards Bill. "And you never will." Those were the last words that Bill heard, before he was knocked out by a sharp blow from Mulder. With a soft thud, he fell to the floor. Mulder immediately leaped to Scully's side, yet again experiencing the thought of whether she would awaken or not. And for the second time, I awoke, only to find myself staring into the dark eyes of man. Yet this time, it was not into the unknown. "Mulder." He awoke to the sound of his own voice, spoken by the woman of whom it had been pressed deeply into the ends of her mind for so long. "Scully?" An unexplained tension flared, long forgotten, repressed from my memories. Acting on some unseen force, not thinking just committing on impulsion. Scully reached up for Mulder, as he felt for her. And for the second time as he lent over her, grazing her lips, he was awoken by the sound of the elevator doors bursting open. "Scully down!" Mulder forcefully pressed Scully to the ground, as he recognised the emerging figure of the Assistant Director. "Breathe!" Mulder began performing Expired Air Resuscitation upon Scully, in order to hide the real picture. He pressed his lips against hers, holding her head back pretending to breath into her. She coughed back, and sat up in alarm. "Mulder??" She was still uninformed of the situation. "Scully, can you breathe?" Mulder spoke with false alarm in his voice. "What happened here?" Skinner asked, eyeing the situation as he hastily strode over. "Omigod Mulder! What happened to Bill?" Scully exclaimed in alarm as she saw Bill lying sprawled along the ground. "Sir, call an ambulance immediately, and inform them we have an unconscious person down!" Mulder picked up Scully. "Due to what?" Skinner demanded as he reached for his cell phone. "An unexplained phenomenon." He began leading Scully towards the elevator. "Where are you going?" Skinner called after them. "We've got a suspect to chase!" Mulder yelled, before pushing Scully back into the elevator, hiding the smile across his face. "Scully! What happened?" Mulder was frantic, and practically shook Scully. "I don't know Mulder." Scully looked at Mulder coyly. "I believe however, that in the universe of unseen forces?" Scully began. "Quit with the Science trash, do you know?" Mulder cocked his head to one side. Scully smiled at him sheepishly. "Mulder, where ever I was, it has gone. You have unlocked my mind?" But before Scully could finish her sentence, Mulder wrapped his arms around her, and pressed his lips against hers. Startled, Scully accepted him, returning the kiss, holding closer to him. Erotic passion seamed through her mind, as she began to realise that this was her every desire, to be with Mulder, and yet somehow it wasn't right. She pulled away from him, and bit her lower lip in deep thought. "Scully?" Mulder lifted her face to stare into her eyes. "Mulder..I can't do this." Immediately she saw the affect of her words take place within Mulder, she could see it. "Mulder, I don't mean?" He turned away from her, unable to bare this any more. He wanted nothing than to be with her. And now she was turning him away. He felt her hand touch his face, but yet it seemed cold. And awkward. He turned to look at her, and saw the pain in her, which she had given to him. And a sudden anger came from him. The silent type that is unseen yet the most dangerous. He feared to speak at all. And Scully recognized it immediately, withdrawing her hand at the same time. She lowered her head to the ground, and silently prayed that the elevator would reach the ground faster. It seemed like hours. Finally the ping sounded, and the doors slid open. Revealing something Scully was dreading. Walker looked up from the manilla folder, which he seemed to be studying, and gave one of those sleazy grins every time he saw Scully. She just about felt like punching it out, whilst she regretted his presence more on Mulder's behalf than her own. 'Where the hell is Byrnes?' She thought to herself. 'At least that woman has twice as much commonsense than Walker.' Scully felt queasy in the stomach, and feared for Mulder. How could she have been so stupid? "It's amazing how I always seem to catch you the right moment!" Walker began, basically ignoring Mulder, paying all his attentions to Scully. "I have some news that may interest you, but first, if you wouldn't mind, I think that you should head to the Bureau, where Agent Byrnes is. There, I'll show you what I've discovered." On the way to the Bureau, there was nothing but dead silence. Even from Walker. Funny that, Scully thought to herself. Even Walker could feel the bad vibes, and couldn't come up with anything even vaguely corny to say. Mulder continued to look straight ahead at the road, totally oblivious to anything. Walker or Scully could have been doing the limbo for all he cared, and he wouldn't have even realised it. He had never felt so drained away in his whole life. Not even when he was close to death due to his desperate crusades. He would bury himself under his work in order to hide his distress, but it would do him no good. Scully would always find him. God though, he was so angry. And incredibly hurt. Walker sat there in silence, rather confused at the whole situation. Everything was quiet. Far too quiet for his liking. Yet Scully did have nice legs?but that's not the point. Scully flashed a quick glance at her partner, before turning back to her thoughts, wondering exactly where this case could lead to now, and how Bill was doing. Bill! God! She had been so distracted, that it had totally slipped her mind. When the Agents reached the Headquarters, they were met by the Assistant Director, who gave Mulder a stern glance. "Agent Mulder and Scully, I'd like a word with you. Would you please step into my office." Skinner turned around and gestured for them to head through the door. Only yesterday, or the day before that, had Mulder stepped into this office to have a discussion with the review panel, and yet so much had happened in between. "Now I'd like some answers as to why Captain Bill Scully, was knocked unconscious." Skinner passed looks from Mulder to Scully. "Agent Mulder, don't try to deny anything that showed up on the ballistic reports." Mulder retorted showing his ignorance. "He was being an arsehole." Mulder threw his eyes around the room. "How does that give you a reason to knock him out?" Skinner was growing more concerned towards Mulder's attitude than towards anything else. "You wouldn't understand." Mulder looked disdainfully towards the Assistant Director. Scully felt sorry for Mulder, as he really didn't have much support in this discussion. "Though there wasn't exactly a rightful cause for Mulder's behaviour," Scully cut in "Bill did deserve what was coming for him." Scully looked directly towards Skinner, in attempt to protect Mulder, as she was as much involved with his feelings as he was. "And you were a suspect?" Skinner questioned. "Well not exactly, but that's not the point. Bill misinterpreted the situation." Scully took a deep breath before continuing. "I collapsed on the floor, due to my memory re-elapse, and Bill came in halfway through the event, blaming Mulder for unduly reasons because he was the only person left standing. I believe that the moment became heated, and well the rest speaks for itself." Scully dared not to look towards Mulder. "So let me get this straight. You can now recall everything, can you not? How did this occur?" asked Skinner. Scully sat in her chair, unable to think of a reason. "I can not recall." Scully spoke coolly. "Then I will have to take all these statements on notice. You are excused Agent Scully. Agent Mulder, would you remain behind." Scully stood up to walk out of the door, feeling her neck prickle up. As soon as she had left, Mulder predicted what was install for him. "What are your reasons?" Skinner began. "I don't know. I'm having a bad day." Mulder shrugged. Outside the room, Walker sat next to Byrnes, watching Scully pacing backwards and forwards, with her head towards the ground in deep thought. She stopped abruptly, looking up to see Mulder slide through the door. Walker and Byrnes stood up, waiting for words to be spoken, but when there was none, they began to continue where they had left off, heading towards the computer laboratories. "What exactly are you going to show us?" Scully asked. "You'll see when the time is right." Walker said teasing. Byrnes opened the door, leading them to a room. "As you had discovered the previous identity of Gyde Saunders, aka Ike Munrow, we ran a check on some background information. We discovered that before Gyde was admitted to Hospital for being terminally ill or requiring psychiatric treatment, the hour before he claims he was abducted, he was attacked within his lodge, situated up near the Montreal woodlands by men in dark suits, and dragged 2 miles along the ground into the forest and left to die." Byrnes explained. "Now, after being isolated and left to perish, people who believe in spirits and souls, always claiming how the gate way to heaven feels, you know?" Walker gestured. "Those people would say, that Gyde's spirit left his body though he was not dead yet, and it was believed that during that time he was abducted. Now don't take me wrong, but I don't believe in this sort of stuff, but this is what we turned up." Walker looked at Byrnes, who handed the papers over to Mulder and Scully. "It was also thought that when his spirit returned to his body, it had enhanced it's form, adapting to the changed conditions within his body, thus being able to travel in and out at times of choosing." Mulder cut in. "Also being able to confuse the minds of others, as they were unaware and unable to have these same abilities." Mulder looked up from the papers. "Let me get something straight." Scully said, a bit bemused by these suggestions. "Are you also saying that now Gyde's soul is out for revenge? Why abductees like himself? Is he trying to take away the pain, causing other people more at the same time because they cannot remember anything?" Scully folded her arms over her chest, placing the papers on the table. "No, perhaps not." Byrnes said. "Maybe this goes back farther than we think. Perhaps he is doing some one's dirty work for them, erasing evidence of the truth." Mulder began. "But have you noticed that he is always taking his victims back to the forest?" Walker pointed out. "Why not me?" Scully asked. "I don't believe that this is the case you have just stated. His mind control abilities are not due to the fact that he was abducted whilst having an out of body experience. It was his reversed brain development." She shook her head. "Whatever the truth maybe, let me tell you this. Every past victim I have interviewed within the past twenty-four hours seems to be disturbed. And it ties up with you Scully. You are the only one who has broken out of the loop. But that isn't all. They now speak of another name, and I'm in no doubt that we ought to find this man. It proved right last time, and we must find him before the next time it's too late." Byrnes pulled out a map. "Where is the nearest forest woodlands from here?" She asked. Scully suddenly felt her mind being torn apart. She felt nauseated as though she was going to fall over. Her hand shot out for Mulder, as Walker came from behind to grab her. "Dana?" He looked frightened at her. Mulder rushed to her side. "Samuel East. You will find him in the Virginia Forests, along the western side. The sun is setting already, and time is passing us by. He needs my help." Scully closed her eyes briefly, and then opened them. Surprised at her own words, not belonging to her. One is the Loneliest Number "Dana? Dana?" Walker gently shook Scully. "What happened?" He looked wide-eyed at her "I don't know, but you were right Mulder. These things, messages, what ever they are, they are very direct. What division does Saunders work within?" She sat upright, and looked up at Byrnes. "I'm not sure exactly, he could be anywhere within the compound." Byrnes stated. "He was here." Said Scully defiantly. "How do you know?" Mulder asked. "I don't, but I could feel him. There is something not right here. I know when he is around. I believe that I ?that I can read his mind, if that's the right sense to place it." She picked her self up from the floor and sprinted out the door. Walker looked at Mulder for answers, but he was as stumped as Walker was. "When Scully arrives back, or whenever you next see her Mulder, inform her that she'll be needing to prepare her self for a trip to the forest, as I'll inform the Assistant Director of our whereabouts." Byrnes also walked out the door, heading for Skinner's office. Walker looked at Mulder once more. "Are you feeling ok buddy? You don't seem to be speaking much today." Walker said. "I've had a bad day, I'm sure I'll sleep it off." Mulder began for the door. "If you think that'll do it then." He sighed, following off after Mulder. Mulder decided to waste his anger away in the basketball courts. As he pounded the ball down along the court, heaving it into the air at the steel ring, he'd unconsciously told himself that he couldn't be bothered, and only pushed himself further and further until he was exhausted, feeling as though he could collapse at any minute. He imagined he was back in the hallway of Scully's apartment, and she had collapsed for the second time. He seriously had believed that time she would be gone forever. But when her eyes opened and she awoke again to her former self, Mulder almost leaped out of his mind. It was like experiencing a Nightmare for real. The sound of the basketball bouncing upon the gravel of the court could not be heard, as Mulder thought hard to himself. 'What was it, what was the key, that had brought Scully back? Was there something that perhaps could not be taken away from her, something so embedded within her deeply, that the reaches of the darkness could not touch it, rather hide it.' Mulder pounded the ball harder. 'Had I not crossed the path to her, in a means that had never been explored before, had I not kissed her, would she have continued waking to the world of the unknown day after day? If only I had not.." Anger began to build inside Mulder, as he felt betrayed, yet with out understanding. He had no reason to show his ignorance towards anyone, except for his own selfish conquests. He was not only destroying himself, but he was taking Scully along. Mulder kicked the ball hard across the court, watching it sail through the air, before turning away. He had searched for Scully when he had been at the Bureau, not terribly hard though, as he was still coming to terms with what had happened a couple of hours ago. It was as though the moment she spoke those words "Mulder..I can't do this." his whole world was taken from beneath him, leaving him out in the open to re-establish is way of life. Perhaps he didn't have feelings for her in a way that he expected? Too much had happened in one day, and it probably made him feel crazy, or over active. Either way, he felt as though he was lying to himself. To live a lie you believe in, to labour a lie, is like..is like?.what? Mulder shook his head. He slumped upon the sofa within his living room Mulder could remember the time when Scully had told him she had cancer, and when she had stayed in the Holy Cross-Memorial Hospital Hospital, and how frail she appeared. And when he held her, it broke him to believe that he may never see her the next day after, as he had per usually done. And for so many things they had been through together, he laughed to himself sadly as he remembered the last time he had spent time with her in a forest. "I'm cold Scully," He'd said. "Did you know that the quickest way to get warm is to get naked in a sleeping bag with someone else?" Or something along those lines. "Well, if it rains sleeping bags Mulder, you might get lucky." Cheap one Mulder, you're sounding just as bad as Walker does, he told himself. He decided to give Scully a call, just to let her know that she had to prepare herself for a trip to the forest, where he had spent so much of his time chasing the truth and the lies, just for some answers. And he noticed that the red light was on, which meant that someone had left a message on his machine. Mulder pressed the button. "Mulder? It's me. Listen, I have something to tell you, ". Scully sounded as though she was having trouble with something. "After I left the room today, I went to visit Ivory Nelson, and I discovered something strange Mulder. It's like I can communicate with him telepathically. I don't know how to explain it. But that's not all" There was a pause. "Call me." The phone message finished. Mulder sat for a moment, before picking up the phone and dialling Scully's number. After several tries, he let the phone ring on, receiving no answer, and decided that Walker would have told Scully anyway about the field trip. Could it be possible that Scully could read any other person's mind? Mulder couldn't imagine Scully being that evasive, as she had respect for people's privacy. Mulder slowly let himself fall into a dark sleep along the black sofa, as the night passed by. Scully woke with a start. Ever since she had her memory taken away from her, she always had the same re-occurring dream over and over again. It began in the forest; rows of native pine trees rolling on for eternity, as the world was still and quiet. A silent weapon for a quiet war. A mind against a mind. Mulder was there. But it was him that she was fending for. Fighting for. Dark hands were sweeping across his mind, taking him from her as she had been from him, and she was fighting against her will. But against whom? It was a dark dream, never leaving her alone, until she awoke suddenly. Voices in her head. Scully was tired of having to face the day, with Mulder being left behind some dark illusion. She felt responsible for his destructiveness which she could see coming from deep inside him. And it hurt her even more when he refused to face her. She felt her throat tighten, and restrained herself from crying. It was too much for her, and perhaps a trip to the forest would do her good. Yet again, it was one of those solemn trips along the highway; Scully following the division lines with her eyes over again, curving out at intersections. Mulder, keeping his utter concentration upon the road. Byrnes and Walker sat quietly in the back, trying to come up with a conversation. Scully had to admit they weren't doing so badly. They had managed to get a few words out of Mulder, mostly yes, no, or I don't know. Scully had even spoken a few sentences. She was fed up with his ignorance. What the hell was wrong with him? She could not display her attitude as widely as he was, it was as though he had a sign pinned to him saying 'The world is full of peace, love, and understanding and then there's shit. But I'll be leaving soon.' Scully sighed, before flicking on the radio channel. 'One is the loneliest number to love or do, Two can be as bad as one, It's the loneliest number since the number one. No is the saddest experience, you'll ever know. Yes it's the saddest experience you'll ever know. 'Cause one is the loneliest number that you'll ever know. One is the loneliest number, even worse than two. Yeah. Scully moved uncomfortably in her seat, listening to the song, the words, the sounds, wishing it would turn to the next song, which predicability could be just as fitting. It's just no good any more since you went away, No one spend my time just making a rhymes of yesterday One is the loneliest number, One is the loneliest number, One is the loneliest number, Since you went away? Since you went away? Mulder moved for the radio and flicked it off, abruptly turning the car back to silence. Though such a simple action, it moved Scully, it hurt her. And it made her want to flare out at Mulder. She hated him. She loved him no; she hated him, what's the difference? Why did it have to be so hard? Byrnes peered out the car window before calling to Mulder to halt. "Agent Mulder, I do believe that this is the western side of the state Virginian Forests." Walker and Scully hopped out of the doors out onto the road, feeling the slight chill in the air. "I hope you all brought your hiking boots!" Mulder said in a cheerful tone, as he stooped to the ground for inspection. "Scully, you sense anything?" Walker cocked his head in her direction. "Sorry to say so, but this is going to be like searching for a needle in a hay stack. Where do we begin? We have not barely enough information to be even vaguely considering searching, and yet here we are chasing ghosts." Scully looked around out into the endless pine trees. Byrnes peered out, to the horizon. "You're right, this will do us no good." And yet again, Scully found herself being taken aback by the wave of dizziness, it's sweeping hand reaching for her mind. She held her head. "He's close, I can feel him." Scully reeled back in alarm. "And he's not alone. But neither is aware of the other, just reaching a destination by some unseen force." Scully opened her eyes, scaling the shadows. "Where exactly?" Mulder's voice sounded hollow. "Hard to say exactly, perhaps seven miles that way." Scully pointed to the direction of the sun, as it finally lay to rest. "Mulder, keep an eye on Scully." Byrnes called back, as she and Walker began heading through the forest. "What?!" Scully exclaimed, as she realised she had said that a bit too loud for her liking. Mulder turned to look at her, as she looked back, before trudging her way through the forest. For what seemed like hours of walking, and silence, Scully decided to strike up a conversation. "Mulder?" She hesitated. "What?" Mulder snapped back. She could feel him staring her down from behind. "Mulder, I need to talk to you. I'd like some answers." "On what exactly?" He said shallowly. Scully grew more anxious. She had already anticipated his lack of self-control. "Mulder, when were in the elevator, I didn't mean to, no what I meant to say is. Wait. Just let me rephrase this." Scully took a deep breath, knowing that Mulder was purposely trying to make her feel as uncomfortable as possible, pushing his hurt feelings onto her. "Mulder, what happened to you? Why are you being so ignorant towards me?" She turned around to face him. "Scully, how can I spell it out to you? The moment I burst into your apartment the night your mind was taken from you, to see you sprawled across the floor, I knew that things would never be the same. I was alone, and I was afraid. But I was afraid for you." Mulder closed his eyes, as if picturing the whole scene. "And you had vanished. Leaving me with nothing." Mulder looked into her eyes. "It pained me to see you that way?" "Mulder! I was there, you know." Scully interrupted, trying to bring him to the point. "But when you fell for the second time, it was as though I was there, with you. And I knew that for the last time, had you not awoken, I would be gone. You had taken me with you." Mulder paused. "But that was only because I cared for you, far more than any words can express. You had me." "And what do you know of my feelings on this issue? I'm just as involved in this as you are?!" Scully took a step forward, holding her stance. "Ever since I told you,.." She paused, her throat tightening. "That I couldn't go through with it, it was a lie! And I have been labouring a lie against you, and against myself!, and if only you knew how I.." "You showed no insight whatsoever, on how you affected me Scully. I thought that I could see you, and I died that night because of you." Mulder looked into her eyes. "Mulder! Don't do this to me, don't!" Scully's eyes were edging with tears. "I can't do this without you, and if you refuse to end showing your ignorance continuously as you have been, then I don't believe I can be with you here, now, or ever after." Scully flared out at Mulder, her final showdown, bursting with hurt and anger, striking him across the face. And the whole world ceased in silence. Mulder did not move an inch, as he watched Scully turn away from him. But acting on impulsion, he reached out and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her forcefully towards him, passionately kissing her on the lips, as he embraced her. Through her tears, she let go of herself, falling back upon Mulder reaching for him, as she had so wanted to do for a long time. She pushed against him, kissing him harder, over and over, as though there was no tomorrow as they fell to the ground in a heap, struggling over each other in a wild sprawl. She ran her hand through his hair, as their worlds merged into one. Possessed by the other, reunited, in the earthly knowledge of existence, against the forces of time. Mulder seductively kissed her lightly upon the neck, as she lay their in the grassing, holding to him close. She held his face in her hands, staring deeply into his eyes, before embracing into yet another fiery kiss. Then suddenly, unexpectantly, they both halted, feeling the force of a mind, rip through them both, discretely searching. Scully buried her head in Mulder's chest to block out the pain, as she felt Mulder grip tightly to her. Until she realised what was happening. Mulder was slipping from her. His mind was being taken. Scully willed herself against the pain, blocking it out, as she extended her own mind into that of the other, fighting. And then she knew that this moment was already set. She had foreseen it coming, every night. It was the same dream, except now it was too surreal. 'And among the darkness, there was a light. Another mind within the struggle, to protect the unseen. It called to me, telling me to find Mulder, to bring him back before he left the earthly existence, as he was the only person that could save me, as I had to him. And I knew that my job was finished here, that I surrendered to the battle, despite my own judgement.' It was dark where I was, and I knew now what Scully had experienced. The hopelessness against the power. To know your fate was set before you, and there was nothing you could do to better it. It was there that I knew I would die. Not of my physical state, but of my mental state, where I would go, I knew not. All that I could think of was the feeling of being deceived, but not due to anyone's cause. And then there was a mind, the shadow had been lifted. A strong secure feeling had reached me, I was sure it was Scully. I tried to reach it, but within moments it had left me. And I felt myself slip away, blinded by a brilliant white light.' "Mulder!" There was a voice. "Mulder!" And I knew that I must leave the place where I was, to return. A hand reached out and pulled me, thrusting me into the earthly body, and I knew who it was. It was not Scully, but rather the other female whom I had known that day, and yet I found myself in a state of confusion. "Forget what you have seen, for your eye's are deceitful, Trust no one and Deny everything. "Mulder!!" And I opened my eyes. "Jesus Mulder!" Scully exclaimed. She forced me to sit up right, and began placing her hands against my forehead, and then my throat, checking for the pulsating rhythm. "Scully, your hands are cold!" Mulder exclaimed, before pulling her closer to him. "What happened?" Scully asked with concern. Mulder smiled. "You were there." And then he knotted his eyebrows. "And so was someone else." He said thoughtfully. "Byrnes?" Scully said suddenly. "Who is that Scully?" Mulder looked at her with surprise. "I don't know Mulder, it just came to mind. Speaking of which, I do not believe that my abilities are there any more Mulder. They're gone. Oh Darn! Now I can't read your mind any more, things were getting interesting." Scully she said before raising her face to peer deep into Mulder's eyes. "I'm sorry Mulder." She said softly. He smiled before kissing her gently on the lips. "Mulder, can you hear something?" Scully said abruptly, straining her head forward. Mulder stopped short to listen for a sound. "There is a voice.." He began, listening harder. "Agent Walker!" Scully exclaimed. "It totally slipped my mind." Scully turned, as Mulder began walking in the direction where the voice was coming from, imagining Walker flailing aimlessly through the forest. "C'mon Scully, we've got to go find him!" Mulder called back. "Mulder!," Scully hissed, chasing after him. "Mulder! How many times do you think that we would get the opportunity to leave Walker here, alone in the forest by himself? After all he has done, I think her deserves a bit of solitary confinement." Scully said coyly, remembering all the sleazy passes he had made at her. Mulder smiled in return. "One is the loneliest number to love or do, Two can be as bad as one, but personally I think that's crap." Mulder said aloud thoughtfully frowning, as she playfully hit him. Drawing him closer she gave him a long hard kiss, grabbing his hand tightly, pulling him along after her. "That's not how it goes." Then she frowned. "Mulder, Nothing Vanishes without a trace." http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Picture/6294 Scully eXtremis or http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dreamworld/9162 - fanFiction Site