From: "Diana Alexander" Subject: Replacement for Starting Over Together Date sent: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 05:58:25 -0500 Disclaimers: Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are the property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, and Fox Broadcasting. That's all that belongs to anyone other than me for now. Dawn James, Gary Dante, Selena Kilpatrick and Jason Brandt are mine, all mine, thank goodness. Rating: PG-13 Classification: SARC Summary: In the aftermath of the alien attacks (ID4) on the cities of Washington and Atlanta there are four survivors who have to join together in order to fight their way through it. * * * * * Starting Over Together By: Diana Alexander (diana.mulder@usa.net) * * * * * July 2, 1999 Washington D.C. 5:26 p.m. The loud boom shook the room housing the X-files division. Fox Mulder tipped over in his chair and Dana Scully held on to the desk, her fingers turning white and she bit her lower lip. Just as swiftly as it had began the shaking stopped. After a moment, they stared at each other in amazement. Mulder rose from the floor, and motioned to her. "Let's find out what just happened?" "I'm not sure I want to, Mulder." The lights had gone off about a half hour ago, and the hallways were shrouded in darkness. It was only the ever-present guiding hand from Mulder that kept her from totally losing her slender control over her panic. The elevators were obviously not working, so they took the stairs. Once they got to the first floor, they could look out over the reckage of what once was Washington D.C. Mulder glanced up toward the sky when he saw it. Fifteen miles wide, it was what he had always hoped to see and prayed he never would. For the first time ever, that thought filled him with fear and he turned to see his fear reflected on Scully's face. Trying to keep his voice from shaking, he told her, "See, Scully. I told you there were aliens." She nodded vaguely, feeling disoriented and afraid. "Yeah, Mulder. What you didn't say was that they were going to come and destroy our planet." She looked back at him with frightened azure eyes. "What are we going to do now?" Mulder looked at her intensely. Here they were, the only two people possibly left alive in this disaster and he had to be the strong one. He wasn't used to being the strong one. She was always there when he needed someone to lean on, and now he knew that he had to return the favor, even if he was nearly as panicked as she was. "I'm not really sure, Scully. All I can think to do is to try to find whoever's alive and we all band together and find a safe place." "What if there is no such thing?" Her panic was growing. "What if, after all this," she gestured to the utter distruction and disorder that was Washington. "we die anyway?" He frowned. "We'll have to take our chances, Scully. I'm afraid that for both our sakes, you're going to have to take a leap of faith with me again. If we go, we go together. Promise?" She felt suddenly reassured by his presence and met his intense green gaze, "Promise." * * * * * Atlanta, GA 8:55 p.m Dawn James crawled out from underneath the wreckage that was once called Underground Atlanta. She worked at a booth there, an act of love. Running the Tara booth was a rare pastime she indulged herself in, allowing her utter obession with Southern history run full circle. A professor at GSU, she taught the history of the Civil War. Looking around her, she couldn't help but think that the devastation she stood facing now rivaled Atlanta appearance back when Sherman burned it. she thought wistfully as she gazed at the distruction. She turned and walked down what was previously Peachtree Street, noticing that the once endless strings of traffic lights were missing, even as her thoughts turned inward. Gary Dante was an individual, strong of heart and of body. An avid writer and soccer player, she had been one of his biggest fans during their high school years. She still remembered what he had told her the day prior to graduation. * * * * * June 15, 1989 Stone Mountain, GA 2:55 p.m. Dawn watched for her favorite soccer player. He was unmistakable amongst the others. For one, his height made him the tallest player on the team, standing a full six foot. He was much taller than she was, but they were the best of friends. At times she wished it were more, but if friends was what he needed, that's what she would give him. "Hey, Jase!" she called out. "Seen Gary around?" "Oh, yeah, Dawna." The team member's fond nickname for their favorite and most dedicated manager. "He's talking to Coach Akins. Over there," he pointed to a grove of trees. Looking harder, she could just see his blond hair glinting in the sunshine. Running toward the trees, her long black hair streaming behind her, she waited patiently in the shadows while Gary finished talking to the coach. Then she called out to him. "Gary?" he glanced up and she walked over to him and back to his car. "Can you spare a moment?" "Sure." "Just wanted to wish you good luck...with the soccer and psychology. I'm sure it'll come in handy. You could always read me like a book." "It didn't take much to tell me that you were obsessed with Confederate history, Dawn. Just a good listener." "Yeah, well, it's Dad's fault. He made me a rebel to the bone. Damned proud of it too." "Oooh..." His blue eyes grew wide in mock amazement. "Did you just curse?" "Nah, Gary, you just imagined it. Anyway, thanks for that and for the support of my writing as well." He came up and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Dawna, let me tell you something. When you're frustrated or angry, don't throw anything. Reach for your pen and paper; you have a gift. Express yourself in words, not actions." "You don't know how much that means to me to hear it from you." "Why? I'm not a good writer." "Don't sell yourself short, Gary. You are, and you're a great person." "You don't know what that means to me to hear that from *you*." They had waved goodbye and she hadn't seen him again...until her sophomore year in college, but that was another story... * * * * * Atlanta, GA 9:05 p.m. Gary shivered, running a hand through his reckless blond hair. Looking around Atlanta, he realized that Dawna was right so long ago when she had told him if you don't acknowledge history, it comes back to haunt you later. The image of tiny Dawn James was painted in his mind...long black hair, blue eyes, Irish temper, 5'4 maybe, intelligent. That was when he saw her. Just ahead of him, a small woman was running down the reckage of Peachtree Street, showing an athletic stamina that hinted at either track or soccer....or both. Sprinting to catch up with her, he knew. Her long hair was tossed back into a careless braid, as always. He reached out and grabbed her shoulder. Then was knocked off his feet when she spun and kicked him. He groaned, shaking his head, trying to ward off the dizziness that assailed him. "Dammit, Dawna!" her head snapped up at the old nickname. "It's Gary! Why did you have to use karate on me? Your kick *without* karate has scarred me bad enough!" Her face relaxed into a grin. "Sorry, Gary. You should know better than to grab me like that. I didn't know what kind of vermin might have managed to escape this. Just us, huh?" She reached down a hand to help him up, then picked her sachel up off the ground. "Always." he met her gaze. "Us against them; sure feels familiar, doesn't it, Dawn?" "Oh, yeah. So what do you think we should do, in light of Sherman's reinvasion?" He chuckled. "Try and find anyone alive, maybe travel north...head toward D.C. maybe." "Sounds like a plan." They walked off into the city night, holding on to a last prayer of hope. * * * * * Washington D.C. 9:34 p.m. Fox Mulder was still somewhat shaken. Dana Scully sat beside him, in complete shock. Her mother was dead, joining her father in the afterlife. He reached out and brushed a strand of reddish hair from her forehead. "Scully?" "Yeah, Mulder?" "Do you think you'll be okay?" "Yeah, I'll be fine." "Sure you will, Scully. What now?" She thought hard about their options. There was no more Bureau, so there was nothing holding them here. She looked up at him, "Atlanta was probably another city hit, as well as Boston. What do you say? North or South?" "South. If my mom *is* dead, I don't want to face it now. Maybe we'll run into others along the way." "Maybe." Her voice sounded dead. "Maybe not." That was when Mulder knew. Knew that he could no longer deny that he had feelings for his red- headed partner, knew that if at any time she needed to hear it, it was now. Reaching out, he tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. "Scully...Dana?" She jolted and tried to depend on the shields she had kept on her emotions for so long, but found that it was no longer working. There as nothing that could keep them apart now. They were dead, those who had caused them to be separated in the first place. She couldn't have stood being separated from him again, so she had hid the feelings behind the platonic friendship and partnership they shared. "Mulder.. I..I don't know what to say." Her fear was reflected in her eyes, along with the love he had always hoped to see. He pulled her to him in an embrace born of love, fear and desperation. "Dana," he buried his face in her hair, "I have loved you for so long, but I was so afraid, so afraid they would steal you from me like they did the last time." She tilted her head up to look at him, knowing that her love was reflected in her eyes and was finally unafraid of letting him see. "Mulder, I think I might have loved you all along." The life was back in her eyes as she grinned mischievously. "Maybe." He found himself returning the grin, knowing that they could go on from here, "Just maybe?" "Yeah." She turned her mind to more serious matters. "What do you say we bust into some stores that are still standing and get some more comfortable clothes. I do *not* plan on walking all the way down to Atlanta wearing *this*." "That's a bad thing?" "A very bad thing. Come on, Mulder, let's go." She pulled his arm and he followed willingly, thinking * * * * * July 3, 1999 Cherokee, GA 12:00 p.m. The noonday sun beat down on them as Dawn and Gary raced toward the last standing structure in the small town. The top of the building was somewhat ragged, but it still stood, completely abandoned. she couldn't help but think as she raced inside. "Hey, Dawn, what's this? A shopping spree?" "Yeah!" She turned to face him. "Listen, Gary, I have some things in this satchel, but I don't have any clothes other than what's on my back. I suggest we take advantage of this situation before anything else happens. Agreed?" "Agreed." He wandered off down an isle of the store, leaving her there alone. Dawn sighed to herself. That was when she slipped off herself to find clothing to last her for however much longer it took, her only regrets was that the people and friends she had met in Atlanta had been so skeptical that they weren't even trying to get out. She shook her head as a single tear slid down her dusty, dirt-ravaged face. * * * * * July 3, 1999 outside Fredricksburg, Va 9:45 a.m. Fox Mulder was amazed by the woman he chose to love. Scully could have given up hours ago, but she had trudged on behind him, and sometimes leading him. But now that they were on the outskirt of Fredricksburg, she collapsed against him, and he easily caught her. She looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Mulder. I just can't walk anymore." "That's all right, Scully." He wandered off the road, while she sat down in the grass to rest a moment against a tree. It was a matter of moments when he returned, holding a motorcycle helmet. She raised an eyebrow at him. "What is that?" "Hey, come on, Scully! I just found our break. It was an abandoned motorcycle with a full tank of gas. Should get us closer to Atlanta faster than walking anyway. Helmet or not?" She grinned. "Not." It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. "Sensible, logical Dana Scully going on a motorcycle with no helmet. Ooh, aren't you a wild child." She tossed her red hair over her shoulder and walked over to where he now held the motorcycle. "You betcha. Wanna find out just how wild?" "Not yet. I still have to get us to Atlanta, remember?" She slid on the motorcycle behind him. "Just consider yourself lucky that I'm letting you drive this thing. Let's go, Mulder." Mulder found himself desperately trying to keep his attention on the road as she wrapped her arms around him from behind and laughed. It was a totally carefree, fun-loving laugh that he had never heard before in his entire association with her. Just to keep it that way he sped it up a little. He heard it again. "Mulder! Mulder, slow down!" "No. I'm enjoying this too much." "Oooh, it might just get a little too hot to handle, hmmm?" "I'll take my chances." He couldn't resist the grin that spread across his face. Dana Scully was opening like a flower now, and he was enjoying every second of it. * * * * * Cherokee, Ga 12:30 p.m. Gary was finished. He was searching through the entire store for Dawn. He noticed that all pairs of size eight jeans in every shade and brand left were gone. The thought suddenly hit him of where she would be. Dawn had always been a bookworm and music fanatic. She probably was carrying both a Walkman and Diskman in that backpack of hers. He had picked up one himself to hold all the stuff he'd swiped from shelves. As he was wandering through the store, he heard a loud voice call out to him, "Hey, Gary? Anne Rice while we're here? They've even got 'Interview with a Vampire'. Not my speed, of course, but..." Snitching that pickup on the way up there was the best idea he had had so far, he admitted to himself. Dawn had ridden in the back, letting her long black hair wave in the breeze. the fleeting thought left him as she hit him with a thousand pound book dead in the center of his chest. After he got his breath back, he noticed she was laughing at him. She was doubled over laughing, obviously enjoying herself at his expense, she was bent over double. He glared at her, his blue eyes narrowing. "Come on, Gary, lighten up. Listen, we're going to have a long trip ahead of us if my littlest quirk gets you all in a huff." Slowly, Gary admitted that he had to agree with her. He had enjoyed getting a rise out of her Irish temper back when they were in high school, and she was a tiger on the soccer field. his mind reminded him as the memory of the time she had *really* lost her temper hit him. It had been a long day and she was on the verge of throwing a temper tantrum just for the hell of it. He had told her, ever so gently that before she had to ask him before she could have a temper because he was the master of the universe. It had happened so fast. She was up in his face, her eyes blazing a thunderstorm gray so deep they almost appeared black as she yelled at him that she could lose her temper whenever she damn well pleased. When he decided to once again remind her that he was 'the master of the universe' she had thrown back at him, "In your wildest dreams, Gary." just before she had slammed the classroom door in his face. Shocking himself back to the present, he grinned at her. "Well, then Dawn....or should I call you--" "Don't." ***** Cherokee, GA 12:27 pm Scully was holding on to Mulder as tight as she could. Despite her light air, she completely and totally devastated. Her entire belief system had been shattered in a matter of moments. Everyone she ever cared about - except Mulder - was dead. Her beloved science was wrong, and the truth was staring her in the eyes. It was strange though, that with the collapse of her belief system, she found herself feeling lighter, as though her rigid beliefs had held her to the ground. she thought to herself. Meanwhile, Mulder himself had been lost in thought for the last 15 miles of their journey. All along he had believed in the existance of extraterristrial life and finally he was proven right. Although he felt a small measure of pleasure at showing everyone that he knew what he was talking about all the time, he didn't think it was worth the price that was paid. Unfortunately, it was impossible to shield her from that. Mulder knew that although she was giving the appearance of holding up well, he knew that she was on the verge of collapse inside. Everything she had held close to her heart was gone - except him. That made him feel deliriously pleased. He was more pleased that his feelings for her were returned in full than that he was right about the existance of extraterriestial life. Glancing up, he saw that one last building in the small Georgian town still stood: a Wal-Mart of all things. Scully was asleep against his back when he stopped the bike. He paused for a moment, savoring the sensation before he awoke her. "Scully?" "Hmmm? Where are we, Mulder?" "Wal-mart." She laughed. "I should have known." She swung off the motorcycle and ran a hand through her wild red hair. Mulder knew that she had never looked as beautiful as she had in that moment, trying to tame her hair while amusement and freedom danced in her eyes. He followed behind her into the store when he heard a sudden shout. "Gary! Get off me!" Mulder ran in the direction of the voice and could not believe what he saw. A man, nearly as tall as he was, had a petite woman pinned beneath him. As he watched, the man grinned at the woman and told her, "Spooky, I've finally got you where I want you..." The scream shattered his eardrums. "Don't call me 'Spooky' you vampire-loving son of a bitch." She brought her knee up and connected. The man rolled helplessly to one side and she rose from the floor, straightening her clothing. "Listen, Lestat, when are you ever going to learn not to mess with me? And not to call me by the destable nickname? I thought you knew me better." Scully arrived at Mulder's side just as he began to laugh. "What?" she asked him. "You just missed all the fun." Dawn flung her mane of black hair over her shoulder and turned. Seeing the two standing there, her eyes widened into a blue-gray mask of embarassment. Flustered, she felt her face color. "I'm terribly sorry about all that, I--" "Never mind." Scully walked forward. "I would have done the same thing." The girl grinned. "Hi. I'm Dawn James." "Dana Scully. Oh, yeah, he's just ol' Fox Mulder. Nothing important." The two laughed. Mulder looked as though he was about to say something, then apparently thought better of it and shut his mouth. Dawn spoke again. "If he could talk, he would tell you that I'm a bitch and that his name is Gary Dante. He's a professional skeptic." Scully laughed. "I'm sure we'll all get along great." she gestured toward her partner. "He's a professional believer." "Yeah, well, so am I. I wish they had listened to me. I never wanted anything to happen; I just wanted them safe. Now everyone's dead. I've known Gary since I was a junior in high school. Now the pain in the ass is the only thing I have left. Other than my beliefs. But I know they forgive me." There was a strangled voice from the floor. "Dawna, why do you always have to carry the weight? It wasn't your fault, so there's nothing to forgive. It not your fault." "I know." Her voice was quiet. She reached a hand down to help Gary up. He gazed into her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. "Blue again?" "Blue again. Clear skies for now. Just don't call me 'Spooky'. You know it hurts." She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Gary was the only one who had done that. Turning, she found herself gazing into a pair of hazel eyes. "Hey, I know how that feels. Must of felt good to get him back for that." Her tone was resentful. "How would you know how it feels to be called that? It's not my fault I'm psychic, that I'm a believer." "I wouldn't know about being psychic, but I do know how it feels to be called that and to be shunned for believing." Dana smiled, "Fox 'Spooky' Mulder, the best psychoanalyst in the VCS. Or at least before Washington was shattered. Before the Bureau was destroyed." "My hero." She smiled. "Word travels fast among the rarest of believers." "Although, I'm honored, Ms. James, do we all come to the conclusion that it would be best to out of here." "Yes, Mulder." Dawn smiled. "I heard over a transistor radio that everyone was flocking to Area 51. I've always wanted to go there. What about y'all?" "I'm game." Mulder smiled. "Scully?" "Might as well. Grab some Snapple, would you?" Mulder laughed. Dawn turned to her companion. "Well, Gary? It's all up to you." "There's no better place to go from here. I just want a definite plan, that was all. A definite direction to take." "Forever logical. You should never have become the psychologist." "Maybe." His voice was quiet. "Jessie's gone." "Yes, Gary. I'm sorry. I know how much you loved her." "She depended on me." Dawn fixed him with a stare. "We need to get going. We can deal with this later. Would you get the tea for them?" She glared at him as he opened his mouth as if to speak, then shut it and walked off. "Oh, God, I have such a headache. I need a break from him. I--" As she started to black out, she called out, "Stargazer!" Scully caught her when she fell. "Mulder, she's had to take on all the stress of this journey. She needs a break." "And we need to find another vehicle. I believe I saw a Chevy truck in the parking lot, abandoned." "Check it out. I'll take care of her." He nodded and walked out of the store. * * * * * July 3, 1999 somewhere in Oregon 1:50 p.m. Selena Kilpatrick gazed up into the afternoon sunshine penetrating through the trees. Shaking her head, she rose slowly to her feet, "Oh, god, where am I?" Her dark brown eyes flew wide open as she remembered. Searching deep within herself, she reassured herself. "Okay, Stargazer, okay. She's fine. I would know if Dawn hadn't made it out in time. She knew!" She steadied her breathing. Two days ago, she had gotten certain signs that Dawn had told her to look out for. Packing as fast as she could, she had run for her cabin in the middle of the forest. Dawn had been right. Then she saw her, standing there. Dawn had a small smile on her face, looking unbelievably mischievous. It wasn't abnormal for Selena to see her in her astral state. In fact, she was the only one who could. "Lucky." "Yes. I've got da luck of da irish. No one listened to me, Stargazer." "I know." "I have to go soon. You alright?" She nodded. "Did anyone from back home survive?" "Just me. And Gary." "Dammit!" She flung the backback to the ground. "Of all of the people to..." Dawn shook her head. "What's the use? We're on our way, 'Gazer. Meet us in Nevada." Then she was gone. Walking over to where she had once stood, Selena stared up through the curtain of tree branches, holding her backpack in one hand. "That's a promise I intend to keep." She began walking away. ***** July 3, 1999 Cherokee, GA 1:21 p.m. Mulder hefted the last bundle into the back of the truck. He met Gary's eyes as Dana jumped into the back and sat down beside the bike. They had decided to keep it. "Gary?" He lifted his eyes from Dawn's silent form. "Yeah?" "Does the name Stargazer mean anything? She said it right before she passed out." Gary closed his eyes and slammed his fist against the tailgate of the S-10. "Why me? Oh, God, why?" Opening his eyes, he met Mulder's puzzled gaze. "We were all seniors together. It was me, Dawn, Jason, and Selena. That's Stargazer. Her real name is Selena Kilpatrick." Mulder listened as Gary told the story. Senior year was when Dawn had seen this coming. "Mr. Mulder, you have to understand. Dawn is a kind of prophet, and the psychic runs in her family. We were all skeptics, or so I thought. Jason didn't really believe it, and neither did I. But Selena listened, looked Dawn in the eye and told us that she wasn't lying. Dawn cannot lie and maintain a steady gaze with the person she's talking to." He closed his eyes. "When I first saw that thing and felt the building shake and collapse, I thought one thing." "Which was?" He seemed to be talking more to himself than Mulder at the moment. "I'm sorry, Dawn. I'm sorry for laughing, for not believing, for calling you a liar. You knew all along and no one listened. I prayed for her safety." He met Mulder's gaze honestly. "Just because she saw it doesn't mean she was able to prevent it." Meanwhile, Dawn was lost in a nightmare of her own making.... She had met her before; it had been ten years. It was one of her ancestors; a proud Rebel woman living in Atlanta in Sherman's time. Or was it herself? It certainly felt that way, doubling the overwhelming emotion she'd felt during her frenzied run through the ruins of Atlanta. That was when she realized the truth. She was this woman, expecting to find her husband and child in the wreckage. She was expecting to find Gary dead in the streets. The woman turned to her and just stared at her. Long black hair flowed down her back and her eyes were crystalline. Then she spoke with a slow, old-fashioned Southern drawl... "Girl, you did what you could. That was my warning." "But I--" "They listened. They didn't believe, but they listened. You will find Jason. You have found Gary and Selena. They listened. Ease your heart, sister. The war has only begun, here." The woman pressed her hand to her chest. "You will have to admit things that are troubling, but the truth. And it will set you free." The woman laughed. Dawn sat up suddenly with a gasp. There was a hand holding her down. Turning her head, she met Dana's eyes. "Where are we?" Dana laughed. "Um, I think we're in Arkansas. Why?" "Houston!" She looked suddenly at Dana. "Don't ask any questions; we have to go to Houston." "All right," she laid a hand on Dawn's arm. "Gary?" "Yeah?" "Houston, Texas." "That's the next stop, Ms. Scully. I'll tell your partner." * * * * * Houston, TX 12:45 p.m. Jason Brandt ran a hand through his sandy brown hair. Houston had been blasted less than a day and he had so far to find anyone left alive in this disaster. He couldn't help but remember Dawn's stories. Stories of the destruction of Atlanta in the Civil War. None of them had been alive then to see this distruction, but he knew what it was like to arrive back home and find everything gone. Houston was no more, nothing left standing. His gray eyes narrowed in fear and suspicion at the sound of a pickup driving through the town. He had always thought that his height was a liability, now it seemed like a damn good advantage. He took off running down the street just as Dawn cursed. Swinging herself out of the pickup, she let most of the impact fall upon her knees. The thought crossed her mind as she took off running. She forced the stamina of martial arts training and soccer practice into her motions. Jason was running out of strength when he heard the voice. "Dammit, Jase." It was near tears. "Jase, stop. Please. It's Dawn." He stopped and turned around, bending double. Looking up, he saw her face. "Dawna?" "This ain't no damned ghost you're looking at." A weak smile flitted across her fatigued features. "Don't I ever stop chasing after you, Jason? I thought that ended at the finish of soccer season senior year. Guess not, huh?" "Guess not." She smiled and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Listen, Jase, we've got a truck, with a old friend and two potential new friends. Need a ride?" "Who?" "Gary." "Did anyone else from the group survive?" "I hate to tell you this, Jase. We all survived. Me, you, Gary, and Selena. She's waiting for us in Nevada." She grinned at him. "Hey, when we get to Nevada, I'll challenge you to a soccer game. One on one, with Gary keeping score." The fatigued look in his eyes brightened slightly, "Hey, you're on! I'll still kick your ass, Dawn." "In your wildest dreams." She gave him a boost into the back of the truck. "Now rest." She climbed in behind him and brushed a strand of brown hair out of his eyes. "I think we're all going to need it." * * * * * Later that night, Dawn awoke to stare at a perfectly clear sky. All the stars were in place, the moon was full, staring back at her. Everything was just as it should be. And it enraged her. "Why, God? Why? After all that's happened, how dare they not have changed in some elemental way? The whole planet has almost been destroyed and the stars still shine and the moon's still dares to be full and staring down at me. How dare you!" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "How dare you? How dare you be so perfect, like nothing ever happened and everything's changed except you. Why?" "Dawn?" Gary's voice floated through the abyss she had allowed herself to sink into. "Gary? Oh, god, why me? Why us?" She stared unseeingly at the clear sky. "I mean, why were we the only ones to survive this? Is this some kind of karma or something?" "I don't know why, Dawn. It may be just a streak of strange luck that we all survived. Or maybe it is fate. Maybe we're meant to be the ones to teach the new generation about the dangers of this. The dangers of being skeptical." "Gary, I never wanted to be right. I never wanted the prophecy to come true. Never. You know that, don't you?" She pleaded with him with her eyes. "Don't you?" Gary pulled her close to him. He was afraid to admit to himself that how he felt toward her was more than friendship; more than the carefully structured banter that they had cultivated over the years. It had never been easy for them, and it still wouldn't be, no matter what happened. "Dawn." He tapped her chin, making her look him in the eyes. She was an eye-contact person, and wouldn't believe him unless she was looking him in the eye. She stared at him defiantly as always as he told her, "No one wanted this to happen, and no one could prevent it. You yourself said that you didn't know when it was coming, but to be prepared. How could you stop something that you didn't know was coming?" "I suppose I couldn't." The rational part of Dawn took over at that point. "So you're saying that I'm getting upset over nothing? Again?" "I'm not saying *that*. I'm just saying that although you knew about it, you couldn't stop it. The government couldn't stop either, if it had known about it in advance." She laughed. "Gary, you and I both know that the government is so wrapped up in its own little conspiracies to even pay attention to the signs. I betcha they thought these were going to be peaceful aliens. I never believed that load of bullshit. Get me down underground, where I can be protected." He laughed softly and pulled her even closer, trying to ignore the peace that swept over him. "Yeah, you were always right, even before all this happened." "Sure, fine, whatever." She drifted off to sleep in his arms and he just held her, gazing up into the sky. Maybe Dawn was right, about the injustice of it all. Everything was gone, and still the moon shone down on them, basking them in soft light, and the stars still stayed up there in that clear black velvet sky. When he was sure she was asleep, he started to drift off. But before he did, you could hear him whisper, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for giving me another chance with her. I know I probably don't deserve her, but you allowed me to have her. And I thank you." He was asleep within three minutes. * * * * * July 3, 1999 9:12 p.m. Jasper, NV Selena Kilpatrick felt her eyes dropping wearily as she drove along the neverending highway. She had found the bike somewhere on the outskirts of Spartian, CA and had driven constantly ever since. she thought fleetingly, loving the feel of her long hair blowing out behind her. Once upon a time, she and Gary Dante were lovers. Dancing the nights away during college, one day he came to her and told her it was over. They had a godawful fight and he left her. But before he did, she told him with steely eyes, "I was never what you wanted, was I? It was the one you couldn't have...the one you're truly in love with. It was Dawn, wasn't it, you bastard?!" Gary gazed at her. "How did you know? How did you know that? She doesn't even know that." "Gary, I may be stupid, but I'm not blind. I saw it back in high school. Back when you refused to believe that she might be right. Dawn never lies, and you know it. And when she's right, you son of a bitch, you're going to want to get down off your pedistal, go down upon your knees and beg her for forgiveness. Mark my words, Gary Dante." "I want to believe, Stargazer, but I can't. Not yet." He met her fiery gaze intently. "She was the bravest, the most sensitive, and the most intelligent woman I'd ever met. I wanted to get her out of my mind forever, Gazer. You were so much like her..." "But I wasn't her. I never will be. One day, you will have to face the fact that no one can replace her, no matter how hard you try. Goodbye, Gary. I don't ever want to see you again; not until you tell her how you feel." He'd walked out that door and never turned back. Shaking her head to clear the memory that had sprung so clearly to her mind, she looked around. She had stopped the bike just outside the only structure left in the small town. The remains of Jasper, NV, was like those of many towns, with most of it shattered save one small cafe. Dragging her exhausted body off of the bike, she stumbled into the diner and curled up in one of the booths. Within moments, she was fast asleep and she began to dream of a long time ago... * * * * * March 16, 1988 Pine Mountain, GA 8:29 p.m. Selena and Dawn sat facing each other in the campfire's light. It was a little over a week until Dawn's birthday, and they had snuck off to Pine Mountain for a little time to themselves before all the chaos. Dawn looked suddenly up at her, her black hair framing her face eeriely and began to speak. "Selena. Stargazer, there is a prophecy that has been lingering over this country since its beginnings. Even the Native Americans knew of this prophecy, it's so old. It tells of a time of evil where six people combine to protect the people. First, the three will meet and form part of the circle before the fourth comes. I figure by estimation that it will be a year separating the meetings. Forming the cross of protection. Ten years will pass with no events foreshadowing the arrival." "Of what?" "I'm not sure at this time, 'Gazer. But it will be seen as the ultimate evil." She gestured with her hands in a motion of helplessness. "I can't help you there. Then the last two pieces of the circle will fall into place." "Why are you telling me this? Are we--" Selena gazed up at her in shock as Dawn solemnly nodded. "Yes, it's you and me and Jason. The others will be found later. One will be coming next year." "It's almost here, and we're the protectors. I'm not sure I can do this, Dawn. I'm not sure." "That's why I'm telling you now, Gazer. I can only help you so far," she shrugged. "and to tell you the truth I'm scared too." She had met Dawn's eyes intently, shocking her. "I'm a big believer in fate, you know that." "Yes." "Well, if it's fate that this is going to be us. Then I know that fate can guide the way. That's all we need." "Thank you for understanding." "Hey, we're sisters, right?" She reached around the campfire to lay a hand on hers. "Always." * * * * * Radford, UT 10:13 p.m. Gary still held Dawn in his arms. Selena wasn't the only one thinking of that night so long ago when she'd made him face the facts. He was never a person of the heart; he wasn't denying that. He was more intellectual than anything. But knowing that he had to face Gazer in a matter of hours, made him determined. Dawn slowly awoke. Pushing her wild black hair out of her eyes, she turned to look at Gary. His eyes were distant, although he appeared to be looking at the stars as she had been a few nights before. She tried to pull away from him, but his arms stayed her. Irritated, she glared up at him. "Gary, let me go. I have to braid this mess." She gestured to her hair. "No. Leave it." She didn't argue with him, and leaned back. Although she enjoying this immensely, she knew that it would have to cease soon. "Did Selena ever tell you why we hated each other so much?" "No. That was something she never disclosed. Although we were like sisters, we had our secrets and respected them. There are some things about me she'll never know. Why? Do you want to talk about it?" "Well, it concerned you." He ignored her sharp look of surprise. "You see, Dawna, we were lovers back in college. We were together for about six months when I realized that she wasn't what I was looking for. The night we broke up, she told me off." Dawn chuckled softly. "I suppose from your tone of voice that this was a bad thing." "No. It was a good thing. She saw through me like I was made of transparent tape. She saw the truth all along, and told me so." He tilted her face up to meet his. "It was you." "Me?" Dawn's heart skipped a beat. These were the words she never expected to hear from him. She had to resist the temptation to pinch herself to make certain that this wasn't some fevered dream brought on by sleeping in his arms. "Yeah, I was just scared to admit it. Smart in things requiring books and learning, stupid in things of the heart." He leaned down and kissed her. Dawn's head spun around in circles as the kiss seemed to last forever. When it ended, her mind was still dazed. |Why now?| |Because she made me promise...| She heard his laughter echo through her head. |Not impossible, Dawn. She was right, you know. I wanted to get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness the moment you were right. I wanted to believe, but....| She finished the statement. |Your logical mind could not except what it could not see. I know.| |You know me too well. Rest, Dawna, you're going to need it.| And as she drifted off into dream, both of their hearts and minds were tons lighter than they had been before that night. * * * * * July 4, 1999 Jasper, NV 1:16 a.m. Selena awoke in a panic. She had heard something outside. Peeking over the edge of the booth she fell asleep in, she saw the pickup truck pull up behind her small motorcycle and stop. She recognized the driver the instant he walked around the truck to open the door for the unfamiliar woman. Running outside the diner, she called out his name, "Jason! Jason, you're all right." Turning, he picked her up in his arms and swung her around in a circle. |Of course I am, Gazer. You wouldn't expect otherwise from me, would you?| |Knew you weren't dead, but I didn't know how you were. Houston is too far away from Portland to tell. You had me worried, you damn macho man.| She hit him on the head. |But I'm glad you're all right. Are these the two?| |Yeah, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. They're from Washington, DC.| She smiled and pulled herself from his arms. They had had an instant connection that could never be explained, but neither one of them were complaining. Peeking in the back of the truck, she saw Dawn curled up in Gary's arms. Tapping her on the head, she called out quietly, "Dawn... Oh, Dawn..Time to wake up and smell the coffee, oh Dawn..." |Dammit, Gazer, can't you just let me sleep? Wha? Gazer?| She jolted up and stared at Selena. "Here already?" She turned to the guy still laying passed out in the back of the truck. "Come on, Gary, time to get out of this truck. Gary..." Grinning at Selena, she stood up in the back of the truck. Shifting from one foot to the other, she sucessfully managed to make the truck rock from side to side. |Dawna, Dawna, there's a damned earthquake!| |No, that's me, you idiot. Get up.| |Do I haveta?| |Yeah, you haveta. Unless you want to face Gazer's wrath...| |Faced it once, don't wanna face it again.| He allowed her to help him up, and he jumped out of the truck and onto the ground. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he lifted her out of the truck and onto the ground. Then she hit him. |Don't think that because I love you and everything that I'm going to let you get away with treating me like I'm made of porcelain. Come on, let's go.| He turned red as everyone began to laugh at him. "Hey, sis, it looks like you caught him red-handed and red-faced this time?" Selena said as they all collaped at tables in the diner. Without any warning, music filled the air. Apparently from an ancient jukebox that was in the corner. It was tango music. Fox grinned. He had always wanted to tango with Dana, but was afraid that she'd tell him no, or that if he were the last man on earth, she wouldn't tango with him. But the last few days had led him beyond that fear and he rose to walk over to her. "Dana, m'love, would you care to tango?" His voice was tinged with amusement, and she met his dancing green eyes, matching his look. Reaching her hand up to his, she replied, "Well I don't have a rose, but if you can do without, of course." He lifted her out of the chair and they slowly began the dance. Watching with more than passing attention, the four felt the underlying crackle of tension in the room. It was a crackle of tension that they had all felt at the moment of connection. Thoughts passed from mind to mind as they watched the dancers. |This is going to tear her beliefs to shreds, Gary.| |I know, but it's necessary. He can calm her, make her see the light as she made him see it before. It's the only way.| |Y'all face it, it's fate, like I've always said. Fate controls everything, why fight it?| |True, but it should have happened a long time ago, if what Fox and Dana told me is right. They've been working together for what? A little over 7 years?| |There is a time and place for everything, Jason.| Dawn's nonsensical voice quieted them as they watched. Dana began to relax, enjoying herself. She hadn't danced in years and never dreamed that she would be in her partner's arms when she did it. The dance went smoothly, every move coordinated, everything in perfect unison as always. Then the connection was formed. The instant she felt it, she felt confused and whole all at the same time. The shield of shock came crumbling down around her ankles and she realized that her system of beliefs had totally been shattered. She wouldn't want to be connected to anyone except Fox, but it went against all she believed in. She froze. |Dana? What's wrong?| The ability to speak to her this way amazed Fox, but he wasn't taking anything for granted. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the four glance at each other and walk out subtlely. She stood and stared at him. |Everything is gone, Fox. Everything. Everything I believed in has just been shattered. I wanted to believe in something, but now there's nothing left to believe in...| He pulled her close and made her look into his eyes. |Do you believe in us?| |Fox, I--| |I believe in us. I believe in this. Love is the key, Dana. That's the truth I've been searching for. Do you believe in us. Cause Dana, I believe, and I believe stronger in this than I have ever believed before.| |I believe in us.| |Do you believe that what we have is worth fighting for? Because I'll be damned if I let somebody take this away. This is the *only* thing worth fighting for. Are we worth fighting for, Dana?| |Yes. I'm just having trouble adjusting to this, to us. There are so many changes.| |Trust in us, and we'll find the way. I don't care how long it takes us to get there, as long as we're together. Are you with me, Dana?| |All the way.| * * * * * July 4, 1999 Jasper, NV 1:35 a.m. The four of them walked out into the remains of the darkened streets of Jasper. Dawn walked into the center of the road and stared up at the sky, and the others surrounded. They spoke quietly amongst themselves while Fox and Dana worked things out in the diner. Selena was the first to speak. "Dawn, why did we leave them alone? They're going to need help dealing with this. They don't know anything about it. She's probably going to need us to explain it to her? Why did you just leave her?" "Because first they must handle the facts between themselves before we can assist them in any way. Fox knows the way. And he'll be searching for the truth as well. I talked to him a couple of times on this journey. He's not going to stop until he has the truth, whether it's about his sister Samantha, or what happened to his father, or this connection between him and Dana. We've got to trust them to make the right decision before they come to us for help." "I guess you're right. I'm just...." "Overworrying again, 'Lena. Take it easy." Jason wrapped his arm around her waist her pulled her against his side. "It'll be alright, no matter what. We'll make it through." He met her gaze steadily. "No matter what." Changing the topic, Jason turned to Dawn and Gary. "So tell me, you two, what was the connection like? It's been such a long time for me and Gazer here..." Dawn began to pull her hair into little braids and didn't meet his eyes and Gary colored slightly. "So who is going to tell me about it?" Finally, Dawn met his eyes with hers, "I will. Although I'm not sure whether it was the kiss we shared or the connection or a combination of the two, but I felt like I was drunk. The world was spinning around me and I was standing still." "You've been drunk?" Gary looked at her with wide eyes and had to duck to avoid the swing she made at him. "Yes, one Friday night, I went home and drank over five glasses of Chardonnay. I was in bad shape Saturday and Sunday. And I've been known to join in on St. Patrick's Day festivities." None of the group watched Fox and Dana approach as they listened to Dawn defend herself. "Now only if it's good whisky. I can't get drunk on bad whisky because I can't drink that much of it. But some good whisky, I can do that all night." Dana's voice came from behind her. "You don't know anything about good Irish whisky until you've partied with us. Right, Fox?" Fox could remember a couple of times when he had been called upon to bring a very drunk Dana Scully home in the seven years they had been partnered. "Oh, definitely." Selena crossed over to her, and looked Dana in the eye. "Are you okay with this? I mean, I'm sure this has got to be hard for you to accept." She smiled sheepishly. "It was for me for a while." She shook her head, "I'll be fine. I really will. This is just going to take some time to get used to." "Unfortunately that's time that we don't have at this point in time," Dawn pointed out quietly. "The final confrontation is happening soon and we have to be there." She looked up to see everyone staring at her. "Hey, don't ask me how I know that! You know I don't!" Selena put a soothing hand on her shoulder. |We know you don't, Dawna. Take it easy on yourself for once.| Gary pulled her back against him and Selena watched him approvingly as he ran his hands through her hair, braiding it. That relaxed her as much as his words. |I'll never *not* believe you again. If you say we need to go, then so be it. We'll leave in a minute.| After they had packed everything up, Selena sat in the back with Dana and Dawn and the guys rode up front. As the miles started passing by, separating them from the remains of that little hick town, Selena began to remember something she thought long in her past... * * * * * July 20, 1989 Hartsford International Airport 4:25 p.m. Selena ran frantically through the doors of the Atlanta airport, desperately searching for Jason. He had told her to meet him at the airport, but she didn't know where he was. In desperation, she reached out with her mind, calling |Jason! Jason, where are you? I'm here.| |Gate 76, Lena.| He was standing against the wall when she got there. He didn't need to tell her in anyway what he was thinking. His entire posture screamed, "Where have you been? I've been waiting on you." "Tell me why." She looked him in the eye. "I can't stay here with you forever, Lena. You know that. I'd love to; I need to. But I can't." He pulled her close. |Gazer, promise you'll never forget me. I need to hear it now.| |How could I forget you? You're always in my mind. I'll never forget you. I'll never give up on you.| They called his plane, and their eyes met for the last time. |We'll meet again, Jase. Don't worry about it. We'll be fine.| |That's reassuring, Lena. You just don't know how much.| He sat her down on the floor, ran a finger tenderly along her cheekbone before he turned and walked away. She walked over to the glass and watched him board. A single tear slid down her cheek. |I'll never forget you, Jason. Take care of yourself in Texas.| |I can still hear you, you know. I always take care of myself. I'm just worried about you, Lena.| |I'll be fine.| |You always are. I love you, now and forever.| |Never ending.| And as she turned slowly away from the glass, she knew that somehow, someway, she would be fine. She had to be. * * * * * July 4, 1999 Selena slowly came back to herself. She was surprised to feel tears slipping down her face. The memory was still so clear, but he was here. She had been in his arms less than an hour ago. She felt an arm on her shoulder. Turning, she met Dawn's worried gaze. |Sis, are you okay?| |Yeah, just remembering about Jason.| |When he left?| she questioned understandingly. |Yeah,| the sigh echoed through Dawn's mind. |It's just so unbelievable. He's back.| |I know the feeling. Trust me, I know the feeling.| |You should know. At least I had him for a little while before all this happened. You didn't even have him before all this happened, but I did.| |Yeah? Well, at least I didn't have the pain of having to let him go and suffer without him.| Dawn's first punch came without warning and knocked her on her back. Dana opened one eye and glared at them, although they paid her little or no attention. Sighing in resignation, she rolled on her side and went back to sleep. Unbeknownst to her and the guys up in the front of the truck, the two friends fought all the way to Area 51. * * * * * July 4, 1999 Area 51 5:26 p.m. After entering the place that everyone knew existed and no one would admit to it existing, Gary suddenly heard the fighting begin again. Off and on since they had left what remained of that little hick town, Dawn and Selena had been fighting for reasons unknown. Fox was asleep, his head against the window, his dark hair hanging in his eyes. Gary shook his head, Turning, he banged on the back window, hoping that it would stop the duo as it had a couple of hours ago. It didn't. |Jase, stop the truck.| |We're almost there, Gary. Why?| |I'm not going into Area 51 with those two in theback fighting. Any idea of why they're fighting?| |Yeah, actually.| |Care to enlighten me? Inquiring minds want to know.| |Well, it goes back to me and Selena in high school. We got to know each other...very well before all this happened. You and Dawn haven't. Not really. Not in that aspect, and Selena's memory of my departure caused her to lash out at Dawn whose temper went off and...| |I understand.| Gary frowned. |But it has to be stopped. Dawn wouldn't want to make an impression that way, not when she was in control of her temper once again.| |I know.| He stopped the truck. |Let's go get them, Gary. Don't wake Mulder up.| |I won't.| They slid stealthily out of the truck, leaving Mulder asleep. Standing on either side of the truck, they watched the girls fight. |On the count of three.| |1| |2| |3!| They simultaneously lunged for the girls. Jason swept Selena up in his arms, while she fought him. |Jason!!!! Put me down! I wasn't finished with her yet.| |We have to get into the city...|His voice slowly began to sooth her shattered temper. |Please, 'Lena. Why are you two fighting over something so stupid?| |I was mad and I was aggrivated, and... would you believe that I couldn't really tell you?| His humorous tone acted as a balm to her shattered nerves. |Yes, with you and Dawn, I would.| Across the truck, a similar scene was taking place. Gary pulled Dawn to him as she kicked and screamed like the banshee of her Irish legends. |I'm not finished yet!!! I've got to get her for that comment. I have to...| He leaned over her and kissed her. The world spun around her again, and when he let her slide to the ground, she looked up at him with a dazed look on her face. |Gary, why was I fighting?| |I don't know... will you stop now?| |Uh-huh. Will you kiss me again?| |Uh-huh.| They just stood there, looking ridiculous to the eyes of the duo on the other side. Gary was over six foot tall and Dawn was barely five two, but there they stood, kissing. |As much as I hate to say this, you two, we have to get on the road.| |Spoilsport!!| Dawn just withdrew from his arms, looking up at him. |He's right, Gary. Let's go. We can do this later.| |But Dawna...| She smiled up at him mysteriously. |We'll have time for more of this... later.| Getting into the truck, they drove to Area 51 and stopped. Getting out amongst the hordes of people, they seemed to fit right in. Only they would know the truth. And as the President finished his speech and let the fighters into war, they stood underneath together and watched the fireworks. Dana looked up at Fox. |Looks like we're starting over again, Fox. Here we can have a chance to be together....| |At least we're starting over together, Dana. By your side, I will always stand.| The six didn't know why they were there at the time or where it would lead them, but one thing was for certain. As long as they were together they could survive anything. But this wasn't the end for them...on the contrary, it was only the beginning. * * * * *