From: parothed@merle.acns.nwu.edu (Rebecca McGill) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: "trust1.4ever" NOTES AND APOLOGIES Date: 11 Oct 1995 23:52:25 GMT For those of you who were able to read this story to the end and for those of you who tried, I apologize. For some reason, my computer (and the llibrary's computer) kept inserting capital letters instead of quotation marks, apostrophes, etc. I don't know why, it never did that last year. I tried using Clarisworks, and Microsoft Word, (which I used last year.) I don't quite understand. I hope you were able to muddle through and read the story. I like this story very much, and I hope it wasn't too hard to get through. All comments, criticisms, etc, are appreciated by e-mail. Thanks!! =========================================================================== From: parothed@merle.acns.nwu.edu (Rebecca McGill) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW STORY "trust1.4ever" 1/4 (minus gibberish) Date: 11 Oct 1995 23:40:52 GMT AUTHORUS NOTE: The following is the end result of a collaboration between Matt and myself that started in the spring of last year and an example of how poor communication can really drag things out. We lost touch over the summer, but we are back on track, and are finally ready to post this story. Keep in mind that it was actually written before the season finale and all similarities are merely coincidence. I hope you enjoy! :) Rebecca Characters...not mine...Ten-Thirteen...Chris Carter...donUt sue me. RTRUST1.4EVERS By Matt Peters and Rebecca McGill April 7, 1998 10:00 AM The heavens were weeping. Tiny droplets fell from the darkened skies to the earth below, dancing across the umbrellas of the mourners. An elderly priest read from his leather-bound bible to the small, black-garbed crowd before him. Groundskeepers in coveralls worked hastily to erect a tent to cover the people and the wooden casket at their center. A young, solemn-faced woman stood closest to the coffin, at the end opposite the priest. She did not hear the words of the aging father, did not feel the icy cold raindrops on her skin, nor did she even see the other mourners. She stared blankly at the casket, studying the flowers arranged on top. She did not notice that the ceremony was over until someone wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder. RDana, honey, letUs get out of this cold. You donUt need to be sick.S Margaret ScullyUs warm words briefly brought her daughter out of her dark world. Scully looked up and glanced at the sea of faces that watched her with concern. Her mother. Assistant Director Skinner. Langley. Byers. Frohike. She recognized other several agents who had come to pay their respects. To Mulder. RGive me a minute, Mom.S Margaret nodded sadly, then took a last look at the casket before starting back to her car. Soon, the rest of the crowd dissipated. When they were gone, Scully stood alone with Fox MulderUs casket and a white-haired lady. Scully cleared her throat after a pause, then approached the woman. RMrs. Mulder?S The older lady turned from the casket to look at the red-haired woman. She looked more than her years, beaten by the blows life had dealt her. Her eyes were damp. RYouUre Dana.S Scully nodded. Mrs. Mulder reached out to touch the younger womanUs cheek. RFox always told me how beautiful you were.S A sob erupted from the old womanUs throat, and fresh tears sprung to her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Scully, clinging to her for dear life. RHe was the only one I had left and now heUs gone.S Scully forced her own tears back, trying to be strong for MulderUs mother. RIUll find out who did this, Mrs. Mulder. I promise you.S ****************************************************************** 12:30 PM The wake was at Margaret ScullyUs house. Fellow agents and old friends swapped their favorite Mulder stories over cold cuts and fruit salad. Dana sat by herself in the corner, glaring at those who seemed to be enjoying themselves. RHypocrites!S she muttered under her breath. Agents who had taunted and laughed at her partner when he was alive now tried to pass themselves off as close friends. Scully sipped her bourbon and her gaze drifted. It met that of Walter Skinner. He sat alone on the opposite side of the room, his expression a mirror of ScullyUs. She knew that Skinner truly had respected Mulder and he was one of the few who had a right to be there. Scully held his stare another moment, and he rose slowly, ready to talk to her. She quickly dropped her eyes as she finished her drink, then jumped up and ran out of the house. Skinner sighed and sat back down, obviously frustrated. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. When he put them back on, Margaret was standing beside him. She rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. RWalter, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?S Her face was warm and sympathetic. Skinner was unable to resist her, but did not want to anyway. RSure.S A faint smile flashed on his face as he followed Margaret out of the noisy room. ****************************************************************** April 9, 1998 9:00 AM Scully stood in the doorway to the basement office, her eyes wandering around the tiny room. Mulder had a funny way of decorating things, she thought to herself, feeling less lonely when he was in her head. She smiled in spite of the reason she was here. She had been ordered to to take two weeks to recover from the death of her partner, but she knew she would never recover. She felt that there was no reason to put something off Ttil tomorrow when it would hurt just as much as today. She would pack his things now. Scully sighed and tossed her coat onto a box of files and slid behind MulderUs cluttered desk. Everything from RNational EnquirerS clippings to chewed pencils were strewn end to end. She leaned back in the chair and kicked off her shoes as she lifted a folder from the top of the heap. It was the case that had led to MulderUs death. Suddenly, the memory came rushing back to her. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold it off, and succeeded. She took a deep breath to cleanse herself, but ended up with lungs full of cigarette smoke. Her eyes jerked open, and she rose to her feet. She glared at the man who leaned against the doorframe, taking a drag from the butt he held between his fingers. RIUm surprised to see you in today, Agent Scully.S The man made no effort to come inside. He surveyed the woman, who had her hands on her hips and her back as straight as an arrow. RWhat do you want? Come to confess to the murder of a federal agent?S Scully smirked. RI assure you that I have nothing to do with the death of Agent Mulder.S He dropped the cigarette to the floor and stamped it out. Scully laughed bitterly. RI trust you about as far as I can throw you.S The man smiled coldly. RWhile IUm sure youUre stronger than you look, IUm not as light as I was when I was youUre age.S A angry scowl crossed ScullyUs face. RIUm in no mood to put up with your lies. Why donUt you crawl back into whatever conspiratorial hole you came from?S She sat back down and got busy shifting the mess on MulderUs desk. RAnd do the world a favor. Never attempt to tell a joke again.S His answer was a grunt. The man started to leave, then stopped and turned. RIUm not so sure Agent Mulder is dead. He seems to have possessed you. Sounds like an X-file to me.S Scully held her tongue until the door latched shut and she heard his footsteps trail off. RBastard,S she called out, pounding her fist on the desk. ****************************************************************** 7:30 PM A pile of magazines slid to the floor and scattered at ScullyUs feet as she pulled another box from the top shelf. She set the box down and gathered the magazines into a neat stack. Then, with a sigh of disgust, she noticed their pornographic content and promptly tossed them into the nearest garbage can. Although she had spent every night since MulderUs death in his apartment, today was the first time she had gone exploring. She was determined to find something about Mr. X that could help her solve her partnerUs murder. After her discussion with Cancerman, she had thought of nothing else. She left the office immediately and returned to the apartment. She had changed out of her tailored suit into a pair of MulderUs old sweatpants and one of his favorite t-shirts. Her hair was pulled back with an elastic band, and she wore thick, woolly socks to protect her feet from the hard, cold floors. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand before digging into the new box she had found shoved in the back corner. It wasnUt large, about twice the size of a shoe box, and had masking tape wrapped around it. Carefully, Scully opened it, hoping that sheUd find some kind of clue. The first thing that caught her eye was a snapshot of two young children, who she recognized as Fox and Samantha. It was obviously taken a few years before SamanthaUs disappearance, for Fox looked about eight. Scully studied the picture, noting the familiar light in MulderUs eyes. She placed it back in the box and pulled out a folded white paper. She unfolded it gently and discovered that it was a picture of herself, bound and gagged in Duane BarryUs trunk. So many years had passed, but it still dredged up an uneasy feeling when she remembered how Mulder had blamed himself for her kidnapping. She shook her head and dropped the picture into the box. It was time for a break. Shoving the box aside, Scully stood up and made her way to the bathroom. She decided a hot bath was exactly what she needed. Moments later, she was immersed in the steaming water, MulderUs spicy shower gel easing her senses. Her body and mind began to relax, and her eyes closed. The guard she had been able to keep up since she awoke in the hospital melted away. Her thoughts drifted to the events that brought about MulderUs death. ****************************************************************** =========================================================================== From: parothed@merle.acns.nwu.edu (Rebecca McGill) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: "trust1.4ever" 2/4 Date: 11 Oct 1995 23:43:45 GMT INSERT STANDARD DISCLAIMER HERE!!! HereUs part two. I hope youUre still reading! RTrust1.4everS by Rebecca McGill and Matt Peters March 31, 1998 9:30 AM It wasnUt until they were in the air that Scully was told the details of the case. She sat rigid in the airplane seat, wishing her overly-calm partner would skip his story and get to the reason they were on their way to Nowheresville, U.S.A. Only two hours earlier, she had entered the basement office expecting a day of paperwork and cleaning up sunflower seed shells. RI think SkinnerUs just getting tired of seeing us,S Mulder remarked as he opened the folder in his lap. He was comfortable, with his head against the back of the seat and his jacket and tie long gone. RThereUs not much to this one.S He handed the folder to his anxious colleague. ScullyUs eyes flew over the pages. RWhere in the hell is WidowUs Hollow?S RSoutheast California,S came the answer. RThere have been over one-hundred reports of strange lights in the last two weeks. Some people even went as far as to swear seeing UFOs.S RSounds like fun to me,S Scully muttered sarcastically, shaking her head. Mulder mumbled something incomprehensible, then reclined his seat and closed his eyes. RWould you mind giving me a nudge when we touch down? TNudie CutiesU was on the XXXtacy channel last night and I didnUt get much sleep.S With an exasperated sigh, Scully elbowed him sharply in the ribs. ROw!S Mulder cried. RIs that good?S she asked innocently. A grin tugged at the corners of MulderUs mouth, but he said nothing. Scully turned away from him before her smile spread. ***************************************************************** 2:15 PM Sheriff Rowson was an ancient man. His face could have been carved from a dried apple core, and his hair was white with few blond strands left. He was shadowed by the enormous cowboy hat he wore, but sharp blue eyes shined out from under the brim. He took a hard look at the two, well-tailored agents in front of him before moving. He rose slowly to his feet and offered a welcoming smile and hand. RGood afternoon, Agent Scully, Agent Mulder. Welcome to our little burg. What do you think about it so far?S Mulder returned the older manUs smile with one of his own. RAndy Griffith never had it so good.S Scully cleared her throat and shot her partner a warning look. There was no use in insulting the town sheriff on the first day. RItUs charming, Sheriff. Now about the lights...S RTo be honest with you, I donUt know what the hellUs going on.S Rowson picked up a thick folder from his desk and handed it to Scully. RMost of the people just talked about weird flashes of light up along the ridge. A few ranchers close to the mountains even complained of missing cattle and horses.S Scully skimmed the file an glanced at Mulder, her eyes slightly annoyed. RNo one saw anything else? Just lights?S the sheriff shook his head. RDid anyone mention strange burn marks in their pastures? Power failures of some sort?S Mulder was desperately trying to find something that would counter ScullyUs obvious belief that the trip had been a waste. RNo one reported anything like that to me.S Rowson lifted his hat up and ran a hand over his fine white hair. RBut youUre free to question them all again. Just because they didnUt report it to me doesnUt mean they didnUt see anything.S Interviewing all of the witnesses was part of their itinerary anyway. Scully pulled a sheet of note paper from the folder she held. It was slightly rumpled and about thirty names and addresses were scrawled on it. She sighed, knowing that she had a very long day ahead of her. ****************************************************************** 11:20 PM RYou shouldnUt be complaining. YouUre the one who made up the rule in the first place.S Scully led Mulder down the narrow sidewalk along their motel. Mulder carried two suitcases and carry-ons, but Scully held only the key to her room. It was late and they spoke in hushed voices. RThe rule was whoever picked the motel carried the luggage.S Mulder stopped behind Scully as she unlocked the door to her room. RI said that assuming youUd packed clothes, not Stonehenge.S Scully smiled, but could not think of a response. She held open the door for him, then immediately kicked off her shoes and removed her blazer. RIUm just glad you carried it. IUm exhausted.S She flopped down on the bed and wiggled her feet. RItUs too bad Reeboks arenUt in the BureauUs dress code.S Mulder had set down the bags and now watched his partner, an amused grin on his face. RI admit today wasnUt the greatest, but...S RMulder, all those people saw was lightning.S Scully rolled onto her stomach and propped her chin on her fist. RWeUre not needed here.S RWhat about the missing livestock?S Mulder rubbed the back of his neck and stifled a yawn. RMaybe a mountain lion. Maybe they all just felt the urge to be free. Probably just a couple of thieves.S A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. RWhen is our flight out tomorrow?S RNot until three-fifteen. We can go out and look around in the morning.S His last statement was almost a question and Scully nodded. Mulder frowned and sighed. He seemed to deflate. He took his suitcase and turned to the door. RGood night, Scully,S he said, his voice low. RGood night,S she responded. She watched as he started to leave, his chin down and his shoulders sagging. RMulder?S The man paused and turned back. RYeah?S RThere are still little green men out there. WeUll get them another day,S Scully said softly. She waited for him to smile before she did. He did. RGray men, Scully. Remember that.S He left, letting the door shut behind him. Scully was silent a moment before she stretched her arms and stood up. She pulled her blouse out of her waistband, yawning as she did. She was beat, but even though she would never admit it to her partner, she thought these wild goose chases were better than paperwork. At least she got out of the dreary office for a change. Yawning again, Scully decided to go straight to bed. When she went to get her nightshirt out of her suitcase, she discovered MulderUs carry-on next to hers. She smiled and rolled her eyes, not sure whether he was being absent-minded or slyly trying to get into her room later. She slung it over her shoulder. She knocked lightly on the door of his room and found that it was open. She pushed it in, holding MulderUs bag in her outstretched hand. RIt seems that despite all your chivalry, you managed to forget something,S she announced with a wry smile. Suddenly, she stopped and the expression faded into a scowl. Mulder sat on the bed, dressed as he was before. When Scully walked in, he had been in the middle of a serious conversation with a tall, black man in a trench coat. Both turned surprised eyes on her, the strangerUs look angry where MulderUs was worried. RI didnUt mean to interrupt.S Scully took an awkward step back, irritated by the strangerUs hostile stare. She set the bag on the floor, her eyes never leaving MulderUs. RItUs okay,S Mulder assured her. He held a yellow folder in his hands. He glanced at the other man, who had fallen silent, then back to his partner. RWeUll talk later.S Scully just nodded absently and left as quickly as she had come. ****************************************************************** April 1, 1998 12:45 AM There was a light tapping on ScullyUs door about an hour later. She tightened the belt on her bathrobe and smoothed her hair, still damp from the shower. The knock came again, and she stood on tiptoe to see through the peephole. MulderUs hazel eyes peered back at her. She frowned and cracked open the door, leaving the chain in place. RWhat do you want?S she whispered harshly. RLet me in,S Mulder begged. RIUm going to bed,S she huffed. RScully...S The door closed, then reopened just enough to let Mulder be uncomfortable as he slipped in. He locked the door behind him. RWe need to talk.S RHmph,S Scully muttered, sitting down on the bed. She picked up the cable guide and flipped through it. Mulder paced nervously, then put his hands on his hips. RWhatUs the matter with you?S RNothing.S Scully turned a page. RHey, TFire In the SkyU is on tonight.S RDana.S He knelt down next to her, his eyes wide. She dropped the cable guide. RI donUt like him, Mulder. Every time he feeds you Tvaluable informationU we wind up to our necks in trouble. I donUt want to hear anything that he told you.S She crossed her arms. RHow can you trust him?S The first answer was a shy smile. Mulder rested a hand on her shoulder. RYou are the only one I trust. You know that.S After a moment, Scully nodded. RYou trust me. Listen to me.S Scully backed against the headboard and tucked her feet beneath her robe. RGo ahead,S she muttered reluctantly. Mulder playfully tugged a damp strand of her hair as he sat down next to her on the bed. He cleared his throat and looked her in the eye. RAccording to the documents X gave me, there was a second crash near Roswell in 1948.S He paused and let his eyes drift. RThat craft was not nearly as damaged as the first. Government scientists and engineers studied it for years. In 1955, they made the first attempt to reconstruct it. TheyUve never stopped trying.S ScullyUs eyes were wide with disbelief. RWhy would they do that?S Mulder threw his hands in the air. RWho knows? Maybe theyUre bored. Maybe theyUre trying to improve space ravel. What they are doing is creating panic in the general public.S He rubbed his chin. RThose lights in the mountains are being caused by UTFOs - Unidentified Terrestrial Flying Objects - being built by a local research facility.S His eyes were lit with obsession. RI - weUve got to get in there.S ***************************************************************** 8:30 AM The gravel road desert like the rest of the town, but strangely seemed more forlorn and barren. There was little vegetation, only parched, flat land with tough stalks of brown grass. There was no sign of human or animal life. XUs directions were precise. Exactly three miles on the road, they passed the first notice: RPrivate Property, Keep Off.S The next, which came a mile later, read RRestricted Area - Military Personnel Only.S Soon, the outline of a building appeared on the dawn-streaked horizon. With it came the final sign, warning, RAuthorized Use of Deadly Force.S Scully felt her stomach quiver. The fake IDs X had provided got Mulder and Scully through the front gate and the swarm of special forces officers that greeted them. One of the officers had gone in search of his superior and had left them alone in the narrow, stark white corridor. Mulder spotted the doorway that, according to the secret file, led to the basement where the UTFOs were constructed. He caught ScullyUs attention wordlessly, then nodded to the door. She shook her head, but he had no intention of waiting on the person in charge. Scully hesitated, then followed her partner to the stairwell. RItUs got to be here, Scully.S Mulder's whisper echoed off the cement walls as they descended to the basement. RWhat do you expect to find?S Scully asked plaintively, her voice soft in his ear. They reached the bottom and turned down another white hallway. Mulder stopped in front of the only door. It was exactly where Mr. X had said it would be. He reached for the doorknob, then glanced at Scully before turning it. RYou can still get out if you want.S ScullyUs jaw tightened. RIf youUre staying, IUm staying,S she stated firmly. She brushed his hand from the knob and opened it herself. What they saw was nothing they ever would have imagined. The machinery, the hisses and roars of engines, the dozens of technicians in lab coats, even the rounded aircraft in the center of the room, were all things they had expected. The unexpected was the dark-suited man who stood among a small group of scientists. Deep Throat. Mulder and Scully were frozen in shock, staring at the man they thought had died years ago. As if he sensed their presence, Deep ThroatUs gaze rose from those surrounding him to the two agents in the doorway. RGet out of here now!S came his urgent shout. All of the white-coats turned, eyes wide with surprise. One rushed off to sound the alarm. Soon, a piecing wail echoed through the large basement. Guards began to rush into the room from all sides. Mulder couldnUt think. He had been in dangerous situations before, but an instinct told him this was the worse then any previous encounter. For a moment, his desire for answers battled his concern for Scully and his own safety. Scully did not debate. Despite the commotion, she stepped forward, her face fiery with anger. RWhatUs going on here?S she yelled at Deep Throat, who stood fifteen feet away. RI saw you die!S Guards surrounded her, pinning her arms and pulling her closer to Deep Throat. RScully!S Mulder was dazed no longer. He burst from the doorway, determined to get to her. He shoved his way through the maddened crowd that engulfed him. Scully twisted, trying to see her partner, fighting the strong arms that trapped her. A single shot rang out, hushing the crowd. Scully turned just in time to see Mulder crumpled to the floor. RMulder, no!S she screamed. A sob caught in her throat. RIUm sorry Agent Scully,S Deep Throat told her from behind. Scully felt a swift blow to her skull, and her world went black. ****************************************************************** =========================================================================== From: parothed@merle.acns.nwu.edu (Rebecca McGill) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: "trust1.4ever" 3/4 Date: 11 Oct 1995 23:46:05 GMT These are not my characters, but I love to write about them! Thank you Chris Carter, for creating them. DonUt sue me! RTrust1.4everS by Matt Peters and Rebecca McGill Part 3 of 4... April 9, 1998 8:45 PM Scully laid on MulderUs bed, wrapped in his bathrobe and snuggled against the pillows. Her hair and skin were still damp from the bath. Her cheeks were stained with fresh tears. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping that she would be able to sleep. The phone rang, interrupting her attempt to drift off. With a tiny groan, she reached for the nightstand phone. RHello?S RAgent Scully, itUs Frohike.S Scully swallowed, cursing Mulder for ever exposing her to the man. ROh, hi,S she managed, obviously not pleased. RIUm sorry to bother you at home, but I didnUt think you would want me to wait until morning.S The man cleared his throat. RWe did some checks into that WidowUs Hollow place.S Scully felt her heart lurch. RGo on.S Her attention was caught and she was no longer tired. RAccording to the directions you gave us, the building is located at 2436 DevilUs Run Road.S Frohike knew she was listening and the meek tone he began with was replaced by a more confident one. RItUs the only thing out on that road.S RAnd...S RJust three weeks ago, an ad in the local paper was offering an abandoned warehouse for rent at that same address.S Frohike lowered his throat again, trying to be dramatic. RThe owner said he rented it to a man the week before MulderUs, uh, the week before you got there.S There was an uncomfortable silence. RThe rent was paid in cash and the warehouse was empty the day after you were there.S Scully let the words sink in, and her brow darkened. RThey set us up,S she said softly. RWhat did you say? I didnUt hear you.S Frohike lost his cool, and his voice trembled. RThose bastards set us up and they will pay,S came the stiff reply. ****************************************************************** April 10, 1998 11:30 AM Walter Skinner leaned back in his cushioned leather chair as he sipped his mug of coffee. He let the piping liquid course through his body, easing away the tension and bringing his tired body back to life. He inhaled the steam rising from the mug before setting it back down on his desk. His pen returned to the paperwork facing him. The door to his office flew open wildly and the gust sent the papers into the air. Agent Dana Scully marched in, looking no less than a raging fire bent on destroying everything in its path. Before he could react, she was in front of him. The door slammed shut. RAgent Scully, what is the meaning of this?S Skinner was on his feet, red anger creeping up his face. RI want answers now, Skinner. I want you to tell me who was behind this whole thing.S Her eyes glowed, wide and alert. Every muscle was taut. She was a lioness ready to attack her prey. RIf youUre talking about Agent Mulder - R ROf course IUm talking about Mulder,S Scully spat. RWho planned it out?S RI know no more about the events leading to Agent MulderUs death than you do.S SkinnerUs voice was stiff, but loud. Scully only replied louder. RUDeny everything,U is it? I know thatUs the rule, but are there no exceptions when it comes to the murder of one of your top agents? One of your friends?S RI had nothing to do with what happened out there.S SkinnerUs fists were balled at his sides. RYou gave us the case! You sent us out there! As far as IUm concerned, youUre just as responsible for MulderUs death as Cancerman and the other bastards who did this.S Scully leaned in so her face was inches from SkinnerUs. RYou helped kill him.S SkinnerUs mouth straightened into a tight, white line. His eyes fell from the agentUs face to his desk top, and he slowly lowered himself back into his chair. RGet out,S he ordered quietly. RI know youUre grieving for your partner, but I donUt want to see you until youUve cooled off.S Scully backed away from his desk, now slightly calmer. RIUm not going to let this go unnoticeed. IUm going to tell the whole world how the U.S. government conspires to kill one of its own agents.S She smirked. RI will get out, but you will not see me back here.S She headed for the door. RI quit.S She was gone with her final statement. Skinner grimaced, then pulled a folded slip of stationary from his top desk drawer. He picked up the phone as he unfolded the paper. He dialed quickly, then waited for the call to be answered. RHello, Margaret? ItUs Walter.S His voice was soft and hurting. RYou said I could call if I ever needed to talk.S He hesitated. RCould we meet for lunch?S ****************************************************************** 12:20 PM Forty-five minutes later, Scully was in the parking garage. Her heels smacked angrily on the pavement as she crossed to her car. The fifth level was nearly empty, with only a few scattered autos and no one else in sight. As soon as she left SkinnerUs office, and returned to the basement, Scully had proceeded to download most of the casefiles she and Mulder had worked on. She had searched the cabinets for any documents that might help her charge of conspiracy. Any paper that might hold some worth was stuffed into her briefcase. Now, the briefcase was balanced awkwardly on top of a box of her desk items as Scully fumbled for her keys. In the end, all three - briefcase, box, and keys - hit the pavement after the startling shout. RAgent Scully, wait!S Alex Krychek was making his way across to her, his jacket flapping as he walked. Scully scowled. It had been a long time since sheUd seen him. He had been reinstated last year after a lengthy trial found him innocent of treason, but she and Mulder had avoided him completely. She said nothing, but bent to retrieve her keys. When she looked back up, the barrel of KrycekUs gun was in her face. RWe canUt have you going public on us now, Dana.S Scully was frozen, her eyes locked with his. RItUs too bad because, when Mulder wasnUt around, I actually liked you.S The young man smirked as his trigger finger began to move. Scully braced herself. The tiny explosion came, but not from KrychekUs gun. His chest bloomed with a crimson flower and he fell to the ground, dead. ScullyUs eyes widened in surprise and she spun around in the direction of the shot. Mr. X stood a few yards behind her, gun in hand, but at his side. He was silent as he let Scully get a grip on the situation at hand. After a brief moment, he took a few steps to her. RAgent Scully...S Scully felt her heart pounding in her head. Krychek was no longer a threat, but no she was in a new trap. She was certain X had someting to do with MulderUs death and in her mind, he was as deadly as Krychek. XUs voice boomed across the empty garage. RI want to help you. You must come with me.S The man came closer. RYou killed Krychek just like you killed Mulder,S Scully stated flatly. RIs this an everyday thing?S Fiery anger began to replace her fear. RI just saved your life, Agent Scully!S X reminded her sharply. His brow creased, but he still came closer. RStay away from me!S Scully demanded. She grabbed KrychekUs gun from the pavement and promptly shot X in the shoulder. His weapon clattered to the ground as he staggered back against a wall. His stare never left Scully. RI came to help you,S he stated in a strained voice. Ignoring him, Scully unlocked her car and hastily tossed her belongings inside. Without a glance back, she jumped into the driversU seat and roared away. ***************************************************************** 9:05 PM It was several hours before Scully finally decided it was safe for her to stop the car. She had made it to a small town in the bottom of North Carolina before she forced herself to get some rest and clear her head. She had checked into a tiny, but pleasant motel under the name of Katherine Fox and grabbed a bite to eat. Now she sat on the stiff bed, staring at the television and seeing nothing. She was going crazy and had to talk to someone. After a momentUs hesitation, she dialed her motherUs number. RHello?S Margaret ScullyUs warm voice gave Dana relief with a single word. RMom, itUs Dana.S Scully flipped off the TV and leaned back against the headboard. RDana, where are you? Walter said you quit and no one has seen you for hours.S Scully could imagine her motherUs concerned face and felt guilty for all the pain her mother had suffered since Dana had joined the FBI. RIUm safe, for now.S RWhatUs going on?S RI donUt know.S Scully sighed, not wanting to continue. RI canUt talk about it. IUll be fine.S There was a long silence before either spoke. RDana, I know things have been rough these past two weeks, but it will get better.S Scully shook her head, though she knew her mom couldnUt see. RI donUt know anything anymore,S she said sadly. RYou loved him so much.S The statement seemed to come from ScullyUs own conscience rather than her mother. RWe all miss him. I do, Walter does...S MargaretUs voice trailed off. Scully cleared her throat. RI just need to take a break for awhile. >From everything.S RI understand. Just know that I love you, and IUm here whenever you need me.S RI know that, Mom,S Scully replied, smiling gently. RI love you, too. There is not enough time in the universe to thank you for all that youUve done for me.S There was another pause. RTell Walter IUm sorry I blew up at him.S RHe knows, Honey.S RGoodnight, Mom.S RGoodnight, Dana.S Scully hung up the phone slowly, and closed her eyes. ****************************************************************** 9:15 PM Hundreds of miles away, another phone rang. It sounded twice before it was answered. The man held the receiver in one hand and a half-burnt cigarette in the other. He grunted a greeting. RKrychekUs dead,S stated the flat voice from the other end. RI know. IUve got someone tracking Scully.S The man stubbed out his cigarette after one last drag. His typically relaxed features were tense and twitching. RYou had Krychek taking care of her before. Hell of a lot of good he did.S The man shifted in his leather chair, bending to shield his face from the desk lamp illuminating the room. He said nothing. RDid you find out anything about California?S asked the voice. RZero.S There was a pause. RIt wasnUt me. I didnUt kill Mulder.S RI donUt care who killed him. But I donUt want Disciple Scully pointing any fingers at us. It wasnUt us out there, but someone knows that we exist. If she starts talking, everyone will know. And we canUt have that happening.S The man reached for another cigarette, his hand shaking slightly. RIt wonUt. IUll take care of her.S ****************************************************************** =========================================================================== From: parothed@merle.acns.nwu.edu (Rebecca McGill) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: "trust1.4ever" 4/4 Date: 11 Oct 1995 23:48:45 GMT STANDARD DISCLAIMER WOULD GO HERE IF I HAD TIME. Finally, hereUs the conclusion, 4/4. Hope you have enjoyed so far. RTrust1.4everS by Rebecca McGill and Matt Peters April 11, 1998 1:20 AM Scully was curled up under the covers. Her exhaustion had finally won out. Minutes after she had hung up with her mother, she had changed into her nightshirt and tucked her gun under the pillow. Then she collapsed on the bed and fell fast asleep. A scratching noise followed by a RclickS at the door snapped Scully out of her slumber. Someone was coming in and there was not so much as a deadbolt to slow him down. Scully felt her muscles freeze instinctively as the door creaked open, letting light from the street knife through the pitch-black room. It momentarily silohetted the figure before the door was closed. Quickly, Scully closed her eyes and slid her hand under the pillow. The figure tiptoed to the bed, as if trying not to wake the woman. Carefully, he leaned close to her face. RScully?S His answer was a sharp knee in the stomach followed by a powerful shove that sent him staggering back to the opposite wall. Scully jumped to her feet, her gun aimed in the direction of her would-be assailant. RDonUt move!S she ordered, fumbling to turn on the lamp. Finally, she hit it, and soft light flooded the room. Scully peered across the room. RScully, itUs me.S The figure lowered the arm he had used to shield his eyes from the imposing light. RItUs Mulder.S Scully could see clearly now, but she still held her gun out, fighting to keep it from shaking. RMulderUs dead,S she stated flatly. RWho are you?S RIt was all a set-up, Scully. I wasnUt shot. I was hit with a stun gun from behind.S MulderUs eyes were wide and truthful. He took a step closer to her, his hands spread in front of him. RThatUs a lie,S Scully hissed. She backed against the wall, her heart pounding, half-hopeful, half-scared. RDeep Throat and X planned the whole thing. They wanted me to join them. They made it look like I was killed,S Mulder explained. RScully, please. Put the gun down.S Tears began to well up in ScullyUs eyes. She knew in her heart it was Mulder. He was dressed in faded jeans and a rumpled t-shirt that hung loosely on his frame. There were dark shadows under his eyes and stubble on his chin. His eyes were soft and patient and held her stare. It was definitely Mulder. The gun dropped onto the bed. Taking a sharp breath, Scully jumped from the bed to the floor into MulderUs arms. RWhy didnUt you come to me sooner?S Scully asked, her words muffled by his shoulder. RGod, IUve missed you,S Mulder exclaimed, holding her as if he would never again let go. He pressed his lips against her neck. RIUve missed you, too.S Her tears flowed freely, mingling with his, and she squeezed him tighter. RWhy is all this happening now?S RYou never threatened to go public before,S Mulder replied, brushing his thumb across her cheek. At that, Scully backed out of his grip. RThis is all crazy! Krychek tried to kill me, then X killed him. Then X came after me and ...S Her words were a tangled rush. RI shot him.S RI know all about it. HeUs okay, heUll be fine.S Mulder smoothed her hair back. RHe was just trying to warn you. ThatUs why IUm here.S RWarn me about what?S Scully cocked an eyebrow and frowned. She perched on the edge of the bed, unconsciously tugging at the bottom of her white t-shirt so it didnUt ride up. She looked at him expectantly. Mulder ran a hand through his already-touseled hair. RYou canUt take what you know to the press. Not WidowUs Hollow or any other X-file weUve ever had.S RI have proof, Mulder. I can prove that they really are constructing the UTFOs. Not in WidowUs Hollow, but in other labs around the country. ItUs rock-solid truth, and people must know.S Scully was insistent. RYou - we - were waiting for something like this to happen. I found what we wanted all along.S Her eyes were wide and excited. Mulder shook his head. RIUm here to stop you.S He sat down on the bed to face her. ScullyUs mouth was open slightly as she searched his face intently. RI donUt understand.S RCrossing into the underground, Tdying,U allowed me to have the answers.S Mulder sighed and his gaze dropped from her eyes to the bedspread. RAll of those years, I searched for the truth, and in one moment, everything I ever wanted to know was at my fingertips.S He paused to clear his throat. Scully noticed his damp cheeks for the first time, but remained silent. RAnd now, IUve realized that I canUt tell everyone like I wanted to before. ItUs for the best.S The last statement was flat. RWhat do you mean TitUs for the best?!US Scully demanded. She forced his chin up so she could see his face. RAll of those years...S RWhat do you think would happen if tommorrow morning the president went on television and said, TMy fellow Americans, I want to tell you that we have been hiding EBEs since 1942. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are friendly and like to eat strawberry ice cream, while others are huge and scary and we canUt control them.U In a word, Scully, anarchy. Widespread panic.S Mulder leaned back against the wall, exhausted. Scully was quiet as she considered his words. She didnUt look at him. RSo what happens now?S Mulder straightened up. RCancerman and those like him will continue to do what they want, regardless of the risk to the public. They will try to cover it up. Agents assigned to the X-files, if any, will continue to investigate and get frustrated. I, along with the people I now work with, will try and stop Cancerman and protect the public.S RBut you wonUt warn the public about the danger theyUre facing,S Scully stated with a scowl. Mulder pulled her around to face him. RI know what happened to you those three months you were missing.S His voice was a whisper and his eyes were pained. RIt horrified me and I wonUt tell you.S There was an uncomfortable silence that Scully broke. RWhat about Samantha?S Gone was the mistrust and skepticism. Her question was soft. RSamantha is okay.S A faint smile stretched across MulderUs lips. RSheUs living well. One day IUll go see her.S Another silence. RYou never finished my other question,S Scully said, gazing at the door. RWhat happens to me?S Mulder studied her profile. RYou go back to the Bureau. Forget all this. Be a great pathologist. Make a ton of money. Get married. Have kids. Be happy.S The response was a bitter laugh. RI quit the Bureau.S Scully rose to her feet and walked to look out the window. RAre you still dead?S RYup.S Mulder went to stand by her. RUnfortunately, this is the first and last time I get to haunt you.S All traces of humor left his face. Scully leaned against him, pressing her cheek against his chest. RI canUt lose you again. ThereUs nothing left for me without you.S Her arms circled his waist. RI wonUt let you go, Fox Mulder.S His lips brushed the top of her head. RI canUt stay. It took less than a second for the decision to be made. RThen IUm coming with you.S ****************************************************************** 5:15 AM The dark sedan slid into the motel parking lot unnoticed. It stopped, and the driver got out, staring in wonder at the scene before him. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth. Red lights flashed over the small crowd that had gathered to watch the firefighters and police officers pick apart the badly-burnt motel room. The couple from the room next door stood by the ambulance, dirty, but safe. The fire had only claimed one victim. The driver of the sedan stepped closer to the crowd when he recognized the car in front of the scorched room. He flashed a badge to an officer standing on the sidelines. RWhat happened here?S the driver asked nonchalantly. He watched as two medical technicians wheeled a sheet-covered gurney out of what used to be the doorway. The younger man scratched his chin. RWeUre not quite sure. There was some kind of explosion. The fire chief wonUt make a full report until later today,S he informed him in a thick, Southern accent. The driver nodded towards the gurney, which was now being loaded into an ambulance. RAny idea who that is?S RShe was burned up pretty badly, poor girl, but according to the identification we found in the room, her name is Dana Scully.S The officer pursed his lips. RStrange, though, because the clerk said she checked in with the name of TKatherine Fox.US He shook his head. RWho knows? ItUs a shame.S The older man nodded, and silently lit another cigarette. After a drag, he took a last look at the scorched building and left. There was a faint grin on his face as he started the car and drove back in the direction from which he had come. ****************************************************************** April 13, 1998 6:30 AM The sun was just beginning to appear on the horizon. Streaks of rose, lavender and gray filled the sky over the water. Palm trees were silohetted against the pastel backdrop. Her eyes opened slowly, and she gazed at the beautiful scenery just out the window. She let out a peaceful sigh and watched for a moment before she realized she was moving. She tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea swept over her. She moaned softly, then closed her eyes and laid back on the cushion. There was a rustle of paper and someone moved behind her. RDana? Are you awake?S A gentle hand stroked her cheek. RMulder, where are we?S Scully peered at him, obviously disoriented. RWeUre in Florida. ItUs time you and I have a little vacation.S Mulder smiled at her warmly. He shifted his weight on the seat so she would have more room. RDying takes a lot out of you.S RBut I thought...S ScullyUs voice trailed off as she glanced around the large passenger van in which they rode. A slow grin crept over her face as she remembered the events of the last forty-eight hours. She hadnUt dreamt them. RIt worked.S Mulder nodded and handed her the folded newspaper he had been reading. RYouUre one of us now.S It was her obituary, her death dated two days ago. It was short and simple, with a a copy of her badge picture beside it. ScullyUs eyes skimmed it, then returned to MulderUs face. RNo turning back now,S she remarked, carefully sitting up. RThereUs no need to.S Mulder studied her face for a moment, then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. RWeUll be fine. I promise.S Scully responded by leaning her head against his chest. RI trust you.S She smiled and began to drift off again. Mulder soon followed her. Deep Throat twisted in the driversUseat to get a better look at the two new recruits. He smiled and shook his head before turning back to the road. Mr. X glanced over his bandaged shoulder, then rolled his eyes at the sight of the sleeping pair. Still, despite the sarcasm, X knew that nothing, not even death, kept Mulder and Scully from each other and their pursuit of truth. Le Fin ..? So what did you think?? E-mail all comments! See notes following... :)Rebecca