Date: 26 Jul 1998 22:24:39 GMT Subject: One Sweet Day 1/3 Title: One Sweet Day (1/?) Author: Stephanie Jewell E-mail: jewellfam@msn.com Rating: PG Category: XRA Date: Timespan: a few years after The End, and before the movie Spoilers: the End, and a little bit of the movie Keywords: MSR Summary: Mulder and Scully meet again in the hospital where they both work after they leave the X-Files. Distribution: Anywhere as long as my name, disclaimer, and e-mail are on here. Disclaimer: Don't belong to me. Never will. Wish they were, but they're not. Don't sue. All I own is a computer and some textbooks. Don't really own the textbooks, but you can have them anyway. Really. Take them. Please. Also, "One Sweet Day" belongs to Mariah Carey. "My Heart Will Go On" belongs to Celine Dion. "At the Beginning" is sung by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. I didn't try to take them, only borrowed them. See? They aren't even scratched. Author's Note: This idea kind of struck me out of the blue. What if Mulder and Scully met unknowingly after a break-up? What would happen? I'd like to thank my friends Shannon, Britni, and Michelle for their support and suggestions during this story. I'd also like to give a big thanks to the inventor of the spell checker on my computer for saving me from messy typing. However, this is my first try at fanfic, so send me any thoughts. Thanks! Enjoy! WARNING: This turns out VERY shippy, so if you are opposed to that, bail out now! xXx One Sweet Day (1/?) By Stephanie Jewell sculder77@hotmail.com ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL FEBRUARY 12, 2001 12:07 PM "Doctor Starueg?" the young intern called out to the petite chestnut haired woman in front of him. She had long brownish-red hair that had a tad more brown than red. She was short in stature. A five-one, five-two maybe. Scully continued walking, the words not registering in her mind. She still wasn't used to her new name. She wasn't really sure why she had had it changed. She had always assumed that she wanted to rid herself of the last bit of paranoia that she'd had since she had quit the X-Files. "Doctor Starueg?" the intern called again, breaking into her thoughts. "Yes. Can I help you?" "There's a man here looking for a Dana Katherine Scully. I told him that no one works here by that name, but he--" "What does he look like?" Scully asked sharply, the fear evident in her voice. "Well," the intern answered confusedly, "about early fifties, Caucasian, large build, bald." "I'll speak to him." Scully approached the man. "Sir?" He turned around to stare at her. "It's good to see you again Agent Scully." Scully smiled and shook her head. "Starueg, sir. Doctor Melissa Starueg. Would you like to talk in my office, sir?" "I'd love to. And, Doctor? Drop the sir," Assistant Director Skinner replied with a smile. They went down the hall to her office and sat down. "So what brings you out here to St. Anne's?" "Scully...sorry. I'm afraid that I'm having trouble getting used to your new name. Do you mind if I still call you Scully?" At the shaking of her head he continued. "Anyway, Scully, have you seen Agent Mulder in the last year or so?" Scully frowned. "No, why?" "Well, I've been keeping an eye on both of you since you've left the Bureau, for safety measures. However, it seems that I have lost track of Agent Mulder. Which, frankly, worries me." "I'm afraid that I haven't, but I'll call and let you know if I hear anything." ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL MARCH 20, 2001 9:14 AM Weeks passed and Skinner's visit faded from Scully's mind. Suddenly, an announcement blared through the halls. "Doctor Starueg, please report to the outpatient wind ASAP. Room 9. Doctor Starueg, please report to outpatient ASAP." Scully hurried down the stairs and through the halls to outpatient. A nurse met her at the entrance. "This way Doctor Starueg. It seems that an outpatient has gone into a seizure. The psychologist, Doctor Samuel Spielder, was talking to her when it started. He insists that he has everything under control, but we insisted that you come down. Doctor Spielder?" the nurse called out to a gentleman that was kneeling next to a woman in the middle of a seizure. "Yes, Lisa? Ah. You must be Doctor Starueg, I assume?" The man turned around and looked at her. His hair and mustache were starting to turn gray. His lean build was that of a runner, or maybe a swimmer. That voice. No, Scully thought to herself, it's not him. You know that you have been fooled many a time before. But his looks. No! She turned her attention back to what he was saying. "It seems that you're the expert here, Doctor Starueg. Am I doing anything incorrectly, Doc?" "I'm afraid that I can't think of anything at the moment. You're doing fine. Well if that's all, I'll be going. Have a good day Doctor." Scully turned around and started walking towards the door. She was just relieved that she had handled the situation so well, considering the shock that she had received back there. "Hey, Doc!" Doctor Spielder called out to her, freezing her in her tracks. Scully slowly turned around. "Is this show of mental agility turning you on at all?" Doctor Spielder smiled. Scully turned away and quickly hurried out of the room, trying to hide the pain that was clearly etched on her face. She strode towards her office ready for a good, long cry. Mulder frowned. Sure, Doctor Starueg's appearance had come as a bit of a surprise. But hell, he thought. It wasn't like She was the only petit, good-looking woman in the world. There was one thing that confused him though. That teasing comment he had made. Most women rewarded him with a smile, or a glare, Doctor Starueg however, looked as though she wanted to cry. Mulder sat back on his heels and thought. Why did that question get to her? ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL MARCH 20, 2001 11:13 AM This is boring, Scully thought, as she flipped on her radio. "Knock, knock." Scully groaned and put her head in her hands. Her day was just getting better and better." "Who is it?" she called out glumly. "Dean Koontz." "Oh, that is SO original. Really." "Okay, it's Doctor Spielder. May I please come in?" "Go right ahead." He entered the room and looked around. He waited silently for her to speak while exchanging his weight from foot to foot. When she didn't attempt to break the silence, Mulder knew that he had to make the first move. This was sure to be painful for him, because she reminded him so much of Her. "Nice room." When the silence persisted he continued. "Look I'm sorry about the comment back there. I guess it's just a habit of mind to joke around like that. You know what they say, 'Old habits die-hard'. Look, have you had any lunch? No? Come on, get up. I'll treat you to a sandwich. Okay?" Scully smiled and nodded. He helped her to her feet and led her out the door. They left the hospital and walked down the street to Melissa's Deli. "So," Mulder started, as they say down at the table. "Tell me something about yourself." Scully frowned. Should she tell him the truth, or something made up? Probably something made up, she thought reasonably. "Well, I'm a Navy brat, middle child. I went to med. school at Berkley. I've tried various types of medicine, but it seems that I always come back to ER." Okay. That could be due to the fact that it reminded her a little of pathology, which would forever remain her favorite. "What about you?" "Pretty much same a s you. Major in psychology at Oxford. I tried private practice, but I enjoy this hectic climate better, I guess." They continued chatting, and when they were finished with lunch, they headed back to the hospital. THE LONEGUNMEN'S HEADQUARTERS MARCH 20, 2001 10:30 PM Scully glanced around, and then knocked on the door of the Gunmen's hangout. The door peeked open, showing an exuberant Frohike. "My dear Agent Scully! Oh, I'm sorry. I mean Doctor Starueg. Come in. Come in." Scully stepped into the darkened room. "Now, what can I do for you, my dear?" "I was wondering if I could get some information on a colleague of mine, Doctor Samuel Spielder, the psychologist. Could you do a background check on him for me?" Laughter bubbled forth from the little bald headed man. "Anything for you, my dear." He turned to the computer, punched a few keys, turned back to her, and started citing her information. "Full name Samuel Daniel Spielder. Born in 1961 in Chilmark, Massachusetts. Schooled at Oxford with a major in Psychology. Graduated in 1986. Was in Johnson & Spielder's Psychology Services. Worked at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Then, moved here and began working for St Anne's Hospital. No complaints, no arrests, no speeding tickets. He's as clean as a whistle, Dana," he finished, taking a deep breath. He gave her a dazzling smile. "Anything else?" Scully frowned in concentration. "No, I don't think so Frohike. I think that that'll be it for the day. Thanks." Scully promptly turned and headed out of the door. Frohike turned back to the computer, grinning at the first piece of information located on the screen: LEGALLY CHANGED FROM FOX WILLIAM MULDER. THE LONEGUNMEN'S HEADQUARTERS MARCH 20, 2001 11:31 PM Mulder frowned. Did he really want to do this? Sure, he did. He stepped up and knocked on the door. Frohike peeked out. "Busy night," he mumbled to himself, then more clearly, "Hey, Mulder. Long time, no see. What can I do for you?" "Well," Mulder said stammering, "I need you to run a background check on someone, a Doctor Melissa Starueg." Frohike quickly turned to the computer, so that Mulder wouldn't see the smile that threatened to break into a heartwarming laugh. "Full name Melissa Emily Starueg. Born in 1964. Father was in the Navy. She's tried cardiology, occupational medicine, and emergency medicine. At the moment, she is working in the field of emergency medicine. No complaints, arrests, or tickets. Clean as a whistle, Mulder. What were you looking for?" Mulder rubbed a hand across his face. "I don't know." "Anything else?" "No," Mulder sighed wearily as he headed out the door. "Thanks again, Frohike. I owe you one." He called over his shoulder as he let himself out. As soon as the door closed, Frohike exploded with all of the laughter that was pitted up inside of him. He smiled at the print on the screen: LEGALLY CHANGED FROM DANA KATHERINE SCULLY. His grin widened. This was too good to be true. SCULLY'S APARTMENT APRIL 16, 2001 9:03 PM Over the following weeks Mulder and Scully went out with each other a couple of times, never knowing the other's true identity. To them the other person brought up bittersweet memories of another time. They'd go out for a meal, catch a movie, or just talk. Scully once again began to look forward to the coming of the next day. It was after one of these dates that Mulder was walking Scully to her door. He leaned towards her conspiratually, whispering, "Do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life, Doctor Starueg?" "Well," Scully started, quelling her pain and not missing a beat, "there has been no scientific proof; however, I have witnessed some things that would lead me to believe the contrary." Mulder leaned towards her, briefly touching his lips to hers. Suddenly, he jerked away as if he had just touched fire. "I...I'm sorry. I can't do this," he cried, as he started to pace nervously. "I feel like I'm betraying someone. I'm sorry." Scully smiled knowingly at him. "I'm feeling the same way. Who do you feel like you're betraying?" "An old colleague. A friend. My BEST friend. I never told her how I felt, and then, I guess, we just drifted apart." "Well, good night. Friends?" He gave her an absent smile. "Of course." Mulder left, leaving Scully still standing in the corridor. She quickly stepped into her apartment, closing the door behind her. She put her head down on the kitchen table, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. This happened every time that she tried to have a close personal relationship with a guy. For as much as she tried, she could never escape Them. The memories of Him. SCULLY'S APARTMENT APRIL 17, 2001 5:57 AM Scully blinked her eyes a couple times, trying to rid herself of the sleep that plagued them. She started her usual morning routine of getting up, putting the coffee on, and getting a shower. As she stepped out of the shower, the song playing from her radio finally registered in her head. LOVE CAN TOUCH US ONE TIME AND LAST FOR A LIFETIME, AND NEVER LET GO TILL WE'RE GONE. LOVE WAS WHEN I LOVED YOU, ONE TRUE TIME I HOLD TO. IN MY LIFE WE'LL ALWAYS GO ON. Oh, God, she thought. How true that was. After a time, she had learned to classify her life as before Mulder, Mulder, and after Mulder. "Why, oh why, did we have to have that fight?" she moaned into her hands. Of course. The belief system, priorities, life, all of the above. She remembered it perfectly. She had been infuriated over Mulder's insistence to risk his life for the x-files while not even trying to see her perspective. He'd told her that if his ditching and secret keeping hurt her that much, that if she didn't believe in his case to just leave. And against everything that felt right, she did...and regretted it every moment of her life. NEAR, FAR, WHEREVER YOU ARE, I BELIEVE THAT THE HEART DOES GO ON. ONCE MORE, YOU OPEN THE DOOR AND YOU'RE HERE IN MY HEART, AND MY HEART WILL GO ON AND ON. YOU'RE HERE, THERE'S NOTHING I FEAR, AND I KNOW THAT MY HEART WILL GO ON. WE'LL STAY FOREVER THIS WAY, YOU ARE SAFE IN MY HEART, AND MY HEART WILL GO ON AND ON. Scully sank onto the bed. She was not going to cry. She was not going to cry. She quickly started to cross to the radio to turn it off. However, before she got there, another song started. SORRY I NEVER TOLD YOU ALL I WANTED TO SAY NOW IT'S TOO LATE TO HOLD YOU 'CAUSE YOU'VE FLOWN AWAY SO FAR AWAY Scully let her head fall into her awaiting hands. This was starting to get a little too much. Lord knows, she was not prone to sobbing, but all of the memories, good and bad, were just flooding back to quickly. If only she'd told him... NEVER HAD I IMAGINED LIVING WITHOUT YOUR SMILE FEELING AND KNOWING YOU HEAR ME IT KEEPS MY ALIVE ALIVE Scully felt the first set of tears starting to slide down her cheeks. She missed him so much. AND I KNOW YOU'RE SHINING DOWN ON MY FROM HEAVEN LIKE SO MANY FRIENDS WE'VE LOST ALONG THE WAY AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY WE'LL BE TOGETHER ONE SWEET DAY DARLING I NEVER SHOWED YOU ASSUMED YOU'D ALWAYS BE THERE TOOK YOUR PRESENCE FOR GRANTED BUT I ALWAYS CARED AND I MISS THE LOVE WE SHARED God knows that's true, she thought angrily. AND I KNOW YOU'RE SHINING DOWN ON ME FROM HEAVEN LIKE SO MANY FRIENDS WE'VE LOST ALONG THE WAY AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY WE'LL BE TOGETHER ONE SWEET DAY ALTHOUGH THE SUN WILL SHINE THE SAME I'LL ALWAYS LOOK TO A BRIGHTER DAY LORD I KNOW WHEN I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP YOU WILL ALWAYS LISTEN AS I PRAY Please listen.... AND I KNOW YOU'RE SHINING DOWN ON ME FROM HEAVEN LIKE SO MANY FRIENDS WE'VE LOST ALONG THE WAY AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY WE'LL BE TOGETHER ONE SWEET DAY AND I KNOW YOU'RE SHINING DOWN ON MY FROM HEAVEN LIKE SO MANY FRIENDS WE'VE LOST ALONG THE WAY AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY WE'LL BE TOGETHER ONE SWEET DAY SORRY I NEVER TOLD YOU ALL THAT I WANTED TO SAY Scully sank to her knees cradling her head. It was going to be an interminable day. xXx END PART 1/3 xXx One Sweet Day (2/3) By Stephanie Jewell Sculder77@hotmail.com ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL APRIL 17, 2001 10:27 AM "Doctor Starueg!" God this day is never going to end, Scully thought miserably to herself. "Yes?" she questioned to the intern. "Doctor Starueg," the intern said breathlessly, "someone just came in with a bullet wound that required a transfusion. We weren't able to discover the lady's blood type, so we administered type O-. However, her body is trying to rid itself of the blood. It is not accepting type O- blood. You're needed right away." Scully sprinted down the hall with the intern following close behind. "What happened?" "She started going into a seizure, it might turn into a stroke." "Shit," Scully grumbled as she entered the room. "I want a sample of blood taken, and every single test you can think of run on it immediately, including DNA. Stop the transfusion, just try to stop the overflow of blood." She slowly dragged herself out of the room in a daze. "Doctor Starueg? Will you be okay?" Scully just nodded and continued walking, missing the glances that the other doctors exchanged. Oh, my God, Scully thought. She had always imagined that she would never have to deal with UFOs, retroviruses, and government conspiracies ever again. Especially, aliens. And this was getting weird enough to be almost called an alien. Well come on, Scully figured, anything that doesn't have blood type A, B, AB, or O, can't possibly be a normal human. At least she doesn't have green blood. She sighed. The day could only get better from there. ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL APRIL 17, 2001 10:38 AM Mulder frowned as he heard the news. A woman with a mysterious blood type had shown up at the hospital. Hmmm...could it be? No. He hadn't encountered anything worthy of a x-file in a year. But maybe...forget it. I'll just go down there and see for myself. Mulder entered the chaotic room stunned. The large room was being used as a command center it seemed. The crowd seemed to notice that Doctor Starueg seemed ready to talk. "Okay," she started. "As you have all heard, we have encountered an unknown blood type. However, I want this to be kept a secret, this does not leave this floor. I don't even want it to leave this room. Now, the results of several tests have been run." She paused to look down at the common, or uncommon, yet somewhat horrifying results on the papers in front of her. "It seems that the blood type has different bases, then what we are used to. It includes cytosine, adenine, and four other nitrogenous bases that we have yet to identify. However, let's not jump to any hasty conclusions here." Mulder stared at her entranced. It seemed just like the olden days. Scully spouting out her scientific data. He forming his conclusion. Her talking about practicability. But this wasn't Scully. Was it? No, of course not. Sure there's the familiarity and the background. Her manner. Her charm. But it WASN'T her. That in itself was impossible. Sure, he could believe in aliens, UFOs, moth men, government conspiracies, vampires, and any other paranormal or mythical creatures and cover-ups. But not this, not when it involved Scully. Suddenly he snapped back into what old colleagues liked to call "Spooky Mode". What type of creature was this? A new alien? A lost species? Suddenly, he remembered something. "Doctor Starueg?" he called out, leaning back against the wall, "Was there any evidence of DNA branching? Was there any inspection of the body?" Scully stared at him. How could he know about that? Only a limited number of people knew about the branched DNA. How should she answer? Okay. So there was evidence of DNA branching, but there was no way to know if it had been developed naturally or manually. And what about the other question? He couldn't be insinuating that there was anything on, or in, the body. Hmm. "Doctor Spielder, what do you base these questions on?" "Personal experience." "Age- uhm, Doctor. Do you have any idea what you are suggesting?" She wasn't about to say it, was she? Mulder thought to himself. She didn't almost say, "Agent", did she? Well, there was one way to find out. If this didn't work, he'd just look a little more weird and mysterious. No harm there. "Of course I do, Doctor Scully," he replied, taking in the tightening of the lips and the paling of her face. He'd finally found her. Scully gulped. This wasn't supposed to happen. She gulped again, finally realizing that she had a room full of people staring at her forehead. "Lets take a brief break so we can digest all of the information presented. Doctor Spielder, can you please come up here?" She waited while Mulder made his way to her. Then, with out blinking shhe looked him straight in the eye and said the two words that she never thought she would have a chance to say again. "Agent Mulder." He was stunned. It WAS her. He silently pulled her over to a secluded corner of the room. He opened his mouth a couple of times, trying to force a sound out of his mouth. Finally one came. "Scully?" "Mulder?" she whispered, her eyes wide apart from shock. They mutually gravitated towards each other, collapsing in each other's arms, oblivious to the growing number of staring eyes around them. "Mulder?" she repeated into his chest. "Oh, my God. It's really you," she cried, burying her head deep into his shoulder. She was crying, actually crying. It was surprising considering that she could count the number of times that she'd cried in front of Mulder on one hand. She murmured into his shoulder, "I missed you so much. You know it's sad. I can barely even remember what that stupid fight was even about anymore. I've always regretted it." Mulder smiled into her hair. "Really?" he asked, raising his chin and placing it on top of her auburn head. "Does that mean that I'm forgiven?" He was rewarded with a faint nod. "You know, I've thought about that fight every waking moment of my life. I've felt so bad. I've wondered where you were, what you were doing... who you were with." He tipped her head up so that he could look into her eyes. "I missed you," he whispered, claiming her lips in a kiss so sweet that it rivaled that of even that of the sweetest taste, smell, sent, and vision combined and multiplied ten times. Scully pulled away and smiled up at Mulder. "You know, I should have made the connection between Fox Mulder and Samuel Spielder. Maybe I did, but I just didn't want to bring pain to myself for believing once again." "Scully?" "Hmm?" "That night by your apartment. When we almost kissed. Who did you feel that you were betraying?" Scully abruptly turned her head, avoiding his penetrating stare. She instead found an interesting tile on the floor. "Well...you." She hastily closed her mouth and continued counting the miniscule stains on the floor. She finally looked up and smiled at him. "Actually, Spielder was quite creative Mulder, I always knew that you wanted to be Steven Spielburg." "Yeah, well, Starueg, isn't that bad yourself. Starbuck and Quequeg, right? Thought so." A long silence surrounded them. Scully finally broke it. "So, what do we do know?" Mulder thought, "I guess we do what we do best. Let's gather our information and analyze it. Then we can find out what alien we're dealing with." Her answer was an elbow in the ribs and her retreating form. "Doctor? I'm afraid that it's too late. She's gone." A heavy silence descended over the room. Scully closed her eyes. "Set up a room as an autopsy bay for me." One of the startled doctors spoke up. "Would you like some help, Doctor Starueg?" she inquired worriedly. "No, thank you. I've had a little bit of experience with it. I'll be fine. Notify me of any other cases that are reported. Also, please find me the file on this woman." ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL APRIL 17, 2001 12:47 PM They had been at it for hours, with little learned. Lady X had left this realm leaving behind a body that Scully once again had the honor to "explore". So far they had discovered branched DNA, no implants, no leftover genetic material from experiments or any other activities, and lots and lots of mysteries. Even Scully had to admit it, Lady X's exterior appeared human, but the interior barely had a resemblance. There was no respiratory system, thus making it seem that she had no need for oxygen or any other gas. There also was a unique version of the digestive system. It seemed that there was one organ that manages to create every enzyme and other chemicals, and one organ for digestion. And this was only half of it. Scully sighed. She was not looking forward to reporting this to Mulder or any of the other doctors, because this looked real enough to almost make her believe. However, there was always that constant worry that one of the MIB's would come and steal the body away. Well here goes nothing, she thought as she left the room, ready to report her results to the assembled team. ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL APRIL 17, 2001 2:56 PM She took a deep breath, trying to prepare herself for what was sure to be another enlightening moment with Mulder. Weren't they great? She says one thing. He takes it to mean that the Earth was being invaded by the beings from Independence Day. She takes it to mean that more tests need to be done and that there is a reasonable explanation. They argue it and nothing comes out of it. Well, here we go again, she thought as she stepped into the boardroom. She nodded to the specially chosen assembly clustered around the small table. She mustered up her courage and then proceeded to relate her findings. "Next off, we need to decide who is going to head this investigation. I suggest Doctor Spielder and myself. Any objections?" "Why would you recommend that team, Doctor Starueg?" Doctor Simpson asked curiously, with a predatorial gleam in his eye. It was well known that Simpson liked to consider himself highly important and the best of the best, so it was no surprise to anyone that he'd attempt to challenge her authority. "Personal experience," she replied calmly. "And you expect me to believe that you've dealt with unknown blood types, and maybe life forms before?" "Yes." "Prove it." Scully calmly walked over to the phone, punching a well- memorized number onto the keypad. "Assistant Director Walter Skinner, please." "Scully," Mulder hissed, leaping from his chair, uncaring of who heard her true name. "Stop! He can't find out about me!" "Mulder," she sighed patiently, "he's on our side." She promptly returned to the phone. "Do you mind if I put you on speaker, sir?" A second after the consent came she turned back to Simpson. "All yours." Simpson snidely cleared his throat. "If you would please state your name and position." Scully almost laughed. It actually sounded like Simpson was planning on grilling A.D. Skinner. "Assistant Director Walter Skinner of the Federal Bureau of Investigation." Simpson noticeably paled at the words, but nevertheless continued nonpulsed. "And your relationship with Doctor Starueg and Doctor Spielder?" "Who?" Skinner asked confused. "Let me speak to them." "All yours," Simpson smirked. Scully started first, "Doctor Melissa Starueg, sir. You came to see me awhile back regarding a certain...matter," Scully stated, glancing over at Mulder. "Okay," Skinner apologized, "Sorry, it was the name. Now who is the other person Doctor Starueg?" "Uhmm...my name is Doctor Samuel Spielder. I'm a psychologist..." "Stop. I know who you are. Now, what seems to be the problem?" "Well, sir," Scully interjected quickly so that Simpson wouldn't open his mouth, "I'd...We'd really appreciate it if you could come out to the hospital as soon as possible. There's a matter that regards some files that I remember that you had." "Certainly, I'm leaving now. Leave instructions for me at the front desk." Scully spoke up, but the dial tone was the only thing that met her ear. "Okay," she said after she had phoned the front desk and had settled back into a more comfortable position. "I guess we just have to wait." ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL APRIL 17, 2001 3:41 PM Assistant Director Walter Skinner sauntered into the boardroom as if he was on top of the world. He nodded to the group, and then asked to speak to Mulder and Scully in private. "First off, if either of you calls me sir one more time I will pound you into next Tuesday. Second, your names are Starueg and Spielder, correct? Okay. Third, what the hell is this all about?" Mulder nodded at Scully to start first. "Well, si-Skinner. A woman was brought in that needed a transfusion. However, her body wouldn't accept the O- blood, and she died. I performed the autopsy and discovered that her body systems are quite different from ours. However, I don't feel like going into the details at the moment. Doctor Simpson, who believes that he is the King of Doctors, is challenging Mulder's and my right to lead this investigation. That is why we asked you to come down." "I see," Skinner said slowly. "Mulder? Any theories yet?" "Skinner, this is the first time that we have discovered this type of 'species'. However, we have to take into consideration that They might have discovered them first, and attempt to take the body. Although it may not help, I would ask for an around the clock watch on the body. Also, we might be talking about a totally undiscovered race of aliens. In that case, we need to find out if they are friendly and if..." "Mulder," Skinner warned. "Let's just take this one step at a time. "Has an autopsy report been written?" "Yes." "Then lets go met the other doctors and their 'King'." They walked into the boardroom in silence. "Who is Doctor Simpson?" Skinner asked coldly. "I am," stated Simpson, as he coldly appraised Skinner who had uninvitedly stepped into his kingdom and interrupted his reign. "And why don't you believe that Doctors...Starueg and Spielder should head the investigation?" Simpson scowled. HE was supposed to be the one interrogating. "BECAUSE I've been in medicine longer than they have. Plus, Doctor Spielder is a PSYCHOLOGIST," he sneered, trying to belittle them. "Do you even know anything about them?" "Yeah, they're little rookies compared to me." "They are only a few years younger than you are. Yet, as you said they have had far less 'experience' than you have. Why do you think that is?" "They flunked a few times." "Oh, I can assure you that these two did nothing even close to flunking. These are the two best investigators in unknown beings that I have ever seen. At one time, they could practically be called experts." "Is that so sir?" Mulder asked curiously. "Yes, it is. Now shut up and don't call me sir again." Mulder quickly saluted and zipped his mouth. "I am officially announcing that Doctor Spielder and Doctor Starueg have complete authority over this case. I also am to be reported to each day." "But-" Simpson started. He was quickly silenced by a look from Skinner. "Okay," Mulder started. "To start off, we need to retrieve the files of Lady X, who has now been identified as Christine Hamilton. We also need to review the files of any recorded relatives of hers." "And the point IS?" Simpson asked rudely, still trying to take authority. "To discover if they might have the same abnormalities as her." "Are there any other questions? Okay, good. We'll be in Doctor Starueg's office." "Mulder?" Skinner called out. "We need to talk about job opportunities when this is all over for Scully and you." Mulder and Scully nodded and continued down the hall. ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL (same place still) APRIL 17, 2001 6:04 PM Scully looked up from the file that she had been poring over. It was amazing. Christine Hamilton seemed to have avoided doctors and blood tests all together. Somehow. That was probably the reason that she hadn't been discovered until now. It was amazing. She also couldn't find any record of birth. It seemed that she was single and had two siblings who went unmentioned in the file. She sighed. They seemed to be getting nowhere. She needed a break. Quietly, so as not to interrupt Mulder's concentration, she stole out the door. She thought that she was almost home safe when she heard a voice. "Doctor Starueg!" She sighed again. She was thinking about petitioning for a button that yelled, "Doctor Starueg!" at the rate things were going. "What?" she sighed wearily. "A Mitchell Hamilton has just come in asking about his sister. What should I do with him?" Scully's mood magically perked up instantly. "Send him into my office. Thank you." "Mulder?" she called out as she entered the office. "We have a lead." xXx End (2/3) One Sweet Day (3/3) xXx ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL SCULLY'S OFFICE APRIL 17, 2001 6:11 PM Scully's mood was easily improved by the time that their guest had arrived at her office. They didn't have everything all planned out, unfortunately. So, they would have to hope that Mitchell Hamilton didn't know about the Consortium. They were quietly debating their options when a knock at the door interrupted them. Scully stood up to greet their guest. "Mr. Hamilton, I presume?" The man nodded stiffly. "Where's my sister?" "If you would sit down sir, we'd like to ask you a couple of questions." Hamilton guardedly sat. "What's this all about?" "Your sister was shot. Were you aware of this?" "Yes." "Were you aware of any health problems or abnormalities that your sister might possess?" "No," Hamilton said fakely, trying not to visibly stiffen. "I think YOU know," Mulder inserted. He was quickly shot by a hostile look from Scully, but, nevertheless, continued. "Is there anything that you'd like to inform us of, Mr. Hamilton? About your sister, or maybe even yourself? How about where you are from? Or- what you are. I think that would be a good start. Don't you, Scully?" "Mulder," she sighed. "I thought we were going to be diplomatic." She turned to Hamilton. "I can assure you, Mr. Hamilton, that anything that you inform us of will not leave this room. We've had experience with cases such as your sister's-" she shot a look at Mulder, "and I suspect yourselves. Let me better introduce us. This is Doctor Spielder and I'm Doctor Starueg." "You lie," Hamilton stated stonily. Mulder and Scully could only exchange confused looks. "How about a deal? I've heard about you, so I know that you are no threat to me. In fact, I think that you could help me. You fight for the side of good, as do I. However, I think that it would be easier to fight the future if we joined forces against the upcoming war-. You know what? I don't feel safe in this room. Meet me here." He handed them a card, staring pointedly at Mulder. "Remember Mr. Mulder: One alone cannot fight the future, but with help, can conquer all." He then turned and quickly left, giving them a final nod. "Mul-?" "I have no clue, Scully. I never told him my real name." COLLINS INN ROOM 267 APRIL 17, 2001 8:58 PM "Do you think he'll show, Mulder?" "I don't know. He seemed like he really wanted to help us. Then again, you can look back at everybody else that has ever wanted to help us and-" "I get your point. What do you think he was talking about back in the office? It was awfully cryptic to me." "I know what you mean, Scully? Here's the door. Ready?" "Come in." "Mulder?" Scully whispered to him. "We didn't even knock. Let me guess. He has ESP?" "Yes," came from with in. Scully cautiously opened the door, ready to draw her gun if need be. "You came." "Of course," Mulder stated. "Let's begin. My kind is from a distant planet that has absolutely nothing to do with our deal so don't ask. We are, as you call them, Mr. Mulder," he paused, noting Mulder's shocked expression at the mention of his name, "extraterrestrial beings. I've heard about you and your partner here, Doctor Scully--" "How do you know our names?" Scully queried suspiciously. "I'm an alien, aren't I? Couldn't extrasensory perception be involved? You know-like telepathy?" "I guess-" "Good, now here's what I called you here about. The war is approaching, and sides must be chosen. However, --" "What war?" Mulder once again interjected in an interesting combination of worriedness, confusion, and excitement. "The one to begin the annihilation of the human race. However, my race benefits more from the human race than the other. So, we have been secretly trying to thwart their efforts. However, if we were to be discovered, it would be our end." "How do you plan to stop them?" "That will be discussed later, Mr. Mulder. Now, you and Ms. Scully must join sides. I think now would be a good time to fully introduce yourselves, don't you think?" "I thought you said that you'd heard about us?" "I've just heard your names in passing, and the fact that you fight for the truth. So?" "Fine. We were FBI agents until our offices were torched. After that, we had a fight and broke up. I quit, and then I had heard that Mulder quit. Some friends of ours set us up with new names, backgrounds, and any type of papers that we might need. However, we met again a couple of weeks ago at the hospital. It wasn't until your sister's death, however, that we discovered the identities of one another. Do you need any background on our experiences at the FBI?" "I'm afraid not. As I said, your reputations precede you in many circles. Including mine. Now, that you have come clean with me, or at least partly clean we can continue. The first thing that we need to do, is get you back into the Bureau. Do you have any objections?" "No," Mulder and Scully said simultaneously. "Good. It's going to take a little longer to get the X-Files back, but we will. Now, lets see what we can do. I'll contact you at a later date." Scully realized that there was one question left unasked, "What are your motives here on Earth?" "Ms. Scully, we're refugees. We just want to live." Federal Bureau of Investigation April 18, 2001 9:05 "That's all?" Skinner questioned Mulder and Scully incredulously. "Is there anything else that you can tell me?" "No, sir. The rest has a smokescreen," Scully replied. "Very well. I know how you treat your contacts, so I'll let it pass. Now, about new jobs." "We have jobs, sir." "Not with the Bureau. However, I would like you to come back. It might take awhile before we can get the X-Files back. I can try to get you partnered again though. Also, I'll try to send any- interesting- cases your way. Is that okay? Actually, I jumped ahead. Do you want to come back to the Bureau?" Mulder and Scully looked at each other for a few moments and then Mulder nodded. "Sir, we'd be delighted to come back. The hospital was becoming a little old anyway." Skinner nodded and made a half smile. "Good. Report to me Monday. Dismissed." Ten minutes later they were standing in the Bureau's parking lot. Finally Scully broached the subject that was on both of their minds. "Mulder, I'm really happy that we're back in the Bureau, but what about us?" Mulder sighed and turned around. He really wanted this job with the Bureau, but not if it meant losing her. But how could he tell her this? "Scul- Dana. You know how much I want this job, but not if it means that I don't have you. You're my life. That was why I left in the first place. Without you I'm nothing, you have to know that. So, no matter what, we're sticking together." He leaned his head down toward her, murmurring, "Always." "Forever," she whispered, sealing the pact with a kiss. XXx That's all for now folks. If I get some good feedback, I might write a sequel. Who knows. Anyways, PLEASE write to me. Once again: sculder77@hotmail.com . Thanks. XXx Visit my webpage. Scully's Short People Brigade: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/4681