"The Truth Shall Set You Free" by Debbie McLaughlin (DM3567@aol.com)

Rating:  PG
Classification:  S
Spoilers:  WARNING- Spoilers for One Breath and through Season 4.

Note:  Any and all feedback can be sent to me at DM3567@aol.com.  

Disclaimer:  All characters seen or mentioned on the X Files belong to Chris
Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and FOX Network and are used without
permission.  No copyright infringement is intended and no money is be made
from this venture.

Summary:  Mrs. Scully decides to tell Mulder her own version of the truth.

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by Debbie McLaughlin


June 5, 1997
1:30 PM
FBI Building, Washington DC

     Fox Mulder wandered down the walkway outside the FBI building.  He had
taken a longer lunch than usual but it wasn't a problem.  There were no cases
pending and Scully had left early to take care of some personal business.

     It was one of those picture perfect days in the nation's capital and
Special Agent Fox Mulder was soaking it all in.  As he approached the
fountain outside the FBI building he was shocked to see Margaret Scully
sitting on a bench smoking a cigarette.

     The last time he had seen her here her daughter had been abducted and he
had no idea where to find her.  With increasing concern Mulder approached the
woman he had come to think of as his surrogate mother.  

     "Mrs. Scully?"

     She never even flinched.  "Hello Fox," she said taking another drag of
her cigarette and stubbing it out.  It was almost as if she had been
expecting him.

     "Mrs. Scully is everything alright?"

     She looked up at him.  Her heart was in a state of turmoil.  She loved
her daughter and she loved the boyish man before her who she thought of as a
son, but presently she was mad as hell at both of them.

     "I suppose that would depend on which answer you want."

     "I want the truth Mrs. Scully.  That's all I've ever wanted,"  he
replied sitting down next to her.

     She laughed at his answer and Fox Mulder found that he did not like the
sound very much at all.

     "The truth.  Yes that was always your quest.  And now it has become
Dana's as well."

     "Mrs. Scully has something happened?  Is Scully alright?"

     "Fox have you ever thought about what would happen once you discovered
the truth?"

     "It's my job to expose the truth,"  he said running his hands through
his hair.  "It's what I was meant to do."

     "I have no doubt that you're correct.  But that wasn't my question.
 What happens when you obtain the holy grail?  What then?"

     "I don't know," he replied.  "Expose it I guess."

     "Whether it was good or bad, as long as it was the truth?"

     "Yes.  People deserve to know truth regardless of the consequences."

     "I'm glad you feel that way Fox.  Because I've discovered some truths of
my own.  And I believe you deserve to know about them regardless of the
consequences."  She had turned to face him and he immediately knew which side
of the gene pool provided Scully with the withering stare she was so famous
for.

     "First and foremost," she continued, "my daughter has cancer and it is
killing her."

     "Mrs. Scully . . ."

     "No Fox," she cut in, "this is the truth and you need to hear it.  The
funny thing about the truth is that it's completely impartial.  It can't be
disregarded simply because we dislike the message."

     "Regardless of what Dana has told you or not told you she is dying.  The
cancer has metastasized and has moved into her bloodstream.  Short of a
miracle, she does not have long to live.  At this point, God has no answer
for her, science has no answer and neither do you Fox."

     "I had no idea things were that bad.  But Mrs. Scully we can't give up
hope.  The last time she pulled through and she can do it again."

     Mrs. Scully continued without missing a beat.  Mulder was not even sure
if she had heard him.  "We almost lost her once before and I thought you had
learned something from that.  Melissa told me about your conversation the
night before Dana came out of the coma.  When the nurse told me you had sat
with Dana all night I was sure that you had finally faced the truth.  But now
I realize how wrong I was.  Perhaps if we had not been there when you came to
see Dana.  But we were and I think that gave you the excuse you needed to
ignore your feelings and continue on as you always had.  Partners.  Friends.
 And at the slightest hint of anything beyond that, you both retreated into
your protective shells until it felt safe again."

     "Fox," she said softening, "I know how much your sister meant to you and
I know how desperately you want to know what happened to her.  But the truth
of the past is blinding you to the truth of the present."

     At the mention of his sister, Mulder sighed and rubbed his hands across
his face.  He slumped back against the bench they sat on.  It seemed he would
never finish reliving this particular horror.

     "The answers are not in the past or in the future.  They are in the
present.  I understand that in some respects it is easier to seek the elusive
answers of the past than it is to grieve the loss and live for today.  But
soon you will have lost two important women in your life and I'm afraid at
that point the grief may overcome you."

     "Reliving what happened when your sister was taken will never change it.
 I understand that at twelve it would have been difficult for you to express
your true feelings to your sister.  And when she was taken it became
impossible.  But God has given you another chance.  He has given you Dana.
 You're older and wiser this time.  You have the blessing of experience that
you did not have 23 years ago."

     "You need to tell Dana how you feel, not just for her but for yourself
as well.  She needs your love and support and you need to give it.  Don't let
Dana be taken like Samantha before you have the opportunity to face the truth
you have created together."

     Margaret Scully stood and looked down at Mulder.  "The truth is Fox I
don't know who I feel more sorry for, you or Dana.  She is losing her life
and you are losing your life line."  She paused.  "Think about what I've said
Fox.  Today is more important than yesterday or tomorrow will ever be."

     She kissed the top of his head and walked away.

     Mulder remained where he was for a very long time with Mrs. Scully's
words ringing in his ears.  When he finally rose from his seat he had a new
determination about him.  He had very little time and a great deal of work to
do.