Title: Blessed Union of Souls I: Not the Doctor 06/11
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Category: SRA
Rating: R for language
Spoilers: Through Season Five
Keywords: M/S UST
Summary: A man from Scully's past returns, asking for her and Mulder's help to
stop the development of a deadly biological weapon. But will the case bring
Mulder and Scully closer together, or tear them apart?
Disclaimer: The X-Files, Dana Scully, Fox Mulder, and all other characters
associated with the series are the property of Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen
Productions, and the Fox Network. Characters are used without permission and no
profit is being made.
*****
"Not the Doctor"
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 6
I don't want to be the filler if the void is solely yours
I don't want to be your glass of single malt whiskey
Hidden in the bottom drawer
Scully made her way down the hallway toward the Assistant Director's office at a
brisk pace, her heart and mind full of dread. Something was wrong. There was no
doubt in her mind that it had to do with Mulder. Her stomach had become one
enormous knot on the drive over as all of the possibilities played through her
mind.
*Why does Skinner want to speak to me in person? Why can't he tell me over the
phone? Is the news that bad? Have they located Mulder? Did he expect--want--me
to chase after him? Damn it, this is why I insist he doesn't go off on his own.
He knows what kind of trouble he can get into when I'm not there to cover his
ass. And now something's happened to him. Again. Is he lying in a hospital
somewhere, unconscious, hurt? I've got to get to him, to help him, before it's
too la--
*Stop it, Dana,* she mentally chided herself. *You've got to stop thinking like
this. You don't even know for sure that Mulder is the reason Skinner's calling
you in here.* The idea almost brought a smile to her lips. *All right, in all
likelihood he _is_ the reason. But, still, you have to remain in control. Don't
overreact before you have all the facts. If you let these thoughts take over,
then you'll be of no use to Mulder--or yourself.*
With newfound resolve, Scully held her chin high as she calmly approached the
desk of Skinner's administrative assistant.
The generally chipper woman had a somber expression on her face. "Good morning,
Agent Scully," she said, her greeting pleasant, though not accompanied with her
usually warm smile. "The Assistant Director is waiting for you. Please go right
in."
*Oh, God, something's wrong. He's badly injured--or worse.* Panic threatening to
overwhelm her, Scully suddenly had the urge to grab this woman by the collar and
shake her to demand what she knew regarding her partner's whereabouts. But she
fought to maintain her composure--a battle that was relatively easily won,
resulting in her putting on her usual calm facade. "Thank you," she replied
coolly, nodding her head in thanks. Walking confidently toward Skinner's office,
Scully rapped loudly on his door.
"Come in," she heard him call out.
Grasping the doorknob in her hand, Scully stopped a moment. She took a deep
breath to center herself before opening the door. Walking inside the spacious
office, she saw Skinner sitting behind his desk, his attention focused on some
papers in front of him. She approached his desk and waited quietly, hands
clasped in front of her, as he finished reading the typed page before him.
Scribbling his signature, he capped his pen and placed it down on his desk. When
she was finally greeted by the unsmiling face of the Assistant Director, Scully
suddenly felt like a little girl standing before her father, awaiting a
reprimand for her latest misdeed.
"Please sit down, Agent Scully," Skinner said, indicating one of the two chairs
before his desk.
As she seated herself, Scully could not resist the urge to glance over at the
empty chair to her right, the absence of her partner almost palpable.
Skinner sat with his hands clasped over the file on his desk, staring at her for
several long moments, regarding her. An enormous scowl adorned his face. Scully
felt his eyes boring into her, and she desired nothing more at that moment than
to disappear.
She was again reminded of her childhood, of trying to sink into the huge leather
chair Ahab always sat her in before announcing her punishment as he silently
paced his study. He had wanted to try to let the enormity of her actions sink in
before he lectured her. At least Skinner was sitting down. Although with the
glare he was giving her, shewas not sure which tactic was worse.
Well, it was not as though she had anything to hide. She had done nothing wrong.
With newfound certitude, Scully crossed her legs and sat up straight in her
chair.
"Where is Agent Mulder?" Skinner asked plainly.
So much for beating around the bush. "He hasn't arrived at work yet."
"I realize that. Are you expecting him?"
"Well, sir, it *is* a work day, and we *are* in the middle of a case."
The frown on Skinner's face deepened, and when he spoke again, he made no
attempt to hide the ire in his voice. "Do you know where he is?"
Scully glanced at her watch. "I assume either at home, or en route."
"When was the last time you saw or spoke with Agent Mulder?"
"Last night, around five, when I left the office. Sir, if I may be so bold, why
are you asking me all these questions about Agent Mulder?"
Skinner took a deep breath as he sat back in his chair. "I'm afraid Agent Mulder
is in a bit of trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
"You probably haven't heard yet, since it hasn't been released to the press, but
Peter Andraven was found dead in his office early this morning. The local police
have ruled it murder."
Scully's eyes widened, but she quickly reined in her shock. "What does this have
to do with Mulder?"
Skinner sighed, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose--a sure
fire sign that he was not a happy camper. "The police have in custody a video
tape from a surveillance camera that places Agent Mulder at the murder scene--
apparently engaged in quite a heated argument with Andraven."
Scully shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh, it gets better," Skinner continued, replacing his glasses. "The murder
weapon was a sig sauer. Ballistics isn't back yet, but there is a very good
chance that it was Agent Mulder's gun."
Her eyes slowly slid closed.
"The police have a warrant for his arrest. When the detectives could not locate
Agent Mulder at home or in the office, they came to me. They naturally wanted to
speak to his partner, figuring you would have the best chance of knowing where
he might be. Actually, they wanted to bring you in for questioning as well, but
I insisted that I speak to you instead."
"May I ask why you went to such trouble on my behalf, sir?"
"As employees of the Justice Department, we have a responsibility to this
country to uphold the law. That does not mean, however, that we are above it.
And the Bureau generally takes care of its own. My agents are my responsibility,
and I do not appreciate local law enforcement telling me otherwise. Without just
cause, I see no need for you to be subject to their interrogations."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your intervention."
"Well, don't be so quick to thank me. Just because I saved you the trouble of
being hauled down to a Virginia precinct doesn't mean that I'm letting you off
the hook before I know what the hell is going on." His rage growing, Skinner
stood and began to walk the floor behind his desk. "Agent Scully, where were you
last night between the hours of eight and ten P.M.?"
She looked at his face. "I- I was at a restaurant in Maryland--Tufano's--from
about seven until well after nine."
"Are there witnesses that can verify your story? Someone with you?"
"I was alone, but the maitre `d and waiter will probably remember me," she
replied. *How the hell could they not notice the poor loser waiting hours alone
at a table, only to be stood up by her date?*
"Tufano's, you said? That little Italian place off of Northern?"
Even the A.D. had heard of it? Scully felt the color rising in her cheeks. "Yes,
sir."
If Skinner noticed her flush, he made no indication. "I'd say that's well over
an hour-and-a-half's drive from Andraven's lab."
"Yes. But why are you asking me--?" She stopped abruptly. "I'm a suspect as well,
aren't I?"
"Given your relationship to Agent Mulder--the fact that you two have worked
closely together for the past six years, and that you both were deeply involved
in the Andraven investigation--they no doubt want to peg you either as an
accomplice or an accessory. But while all of the evidence seems to point to
Agent Mulder, there is nothing tying you to the crime.
"I've overseen both you and Agent Mulder for several years now. While there have
been times when your methods have been a little . . . unconventional . . . you
two have done your jobs, and done them well. You are both highly skilled
investigators that I am proud to have working for me. So, with the exception of
a few certain indiscretions--" Scully realized immediately that he was referring
particularly to Mulder's outburst at the courthouse-- "I have been quite
satisfied with your work."
"Th-thank you, sir. Agent Mulder and I have likewise appreciated all of the
support and assistance you have provided us over the years."
"Scully, I know that the Andraven case really got to Mulder," Skinner said, his
tone lessening a degree in severity as he came around to the front of his desk
and leaned against it. "I know that he has a penchant for becoming emotionally
involved in certain cases, and that sometimes he gets reckless. Usually, though,
you seem able to keep him in line. Now, I'm not trying to lay blame here. I just
want to ask you--off the record--in your professional opinion, do you think that
being pulled off of this case proved too much for him?"
"I'd like to think that I know Agent Mulder as well as I know myself, sir. And
while he was no doubt upset at having to back off of the Andraven case, I did
not judge him to be at the point of obsession. He was able to get past it, and
to focus on our current investigation."
"So, you do not believe him to be involved in Andraven's murder?"
She did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second. "No," she replied, looking
him straight in the eye. "Absolutely not. I do not think Agent Mulder capable of
killing Andraven. As much as he wanted to see Andraven punished for his crimes,
he did not believe in taking matters into his own hands. Rather, I think he was
framed."
"I hope you honestly believe those words, Scully, and that you're not just
giving me lip service."
"Sir?"
"I know, probably better than anyone, much of what you and Mulder have been
through since being partnered together. I know the losses you have both incurred
while working for the X-Files. And I know that it has brought you both closer
together--as partners, and as friends. As much as you care about him, though, it
is not in either of your best interests for you to protect him."
"Sir, I swear to you that until I came into your office this morning, I knew
nothing of this crime. Nor do I know where Agent Mulder is right now."
Skinner nodded, his belief in her sentiments apparent. "There is no doubt in my
mind that from here on out the police will have you under constant surveillance.
Therefore, I suggest that if he contacts you, you appraise him of the situation
and propose that he turn himself in. I hope I don't have to remind you that if
you try to warn him, or cover for him, that you can be charged with aiding and
abetting.
"I'll be honest with you, Scully: the evidence against Mulder is pretty damning.
Right now, they have nothing concrete to link you to the crime. I may have been
able to forestall your being questioned, but if you try to protect Mulder, then
I will not be able to intervene. You've got a bright future in the Bureau,
Scully. I'd hate to see you lose your badge or go to jail for a transgression of
which I honestly believe you had no knowledge."
"While I appreciate your vote of confidence, sir, I would hope that your support
applies to Agent Mulder as well. As I've said, I don't believe he did it. It is,
in all likelihood, a set up. I'd like to try to prove Agent Mulder's innocence.
If I can have your permission to perform the autopsy on Andraven's body, then
I--"
"Absolutely not. You are not to look at the body, nor are you to become involved
in the investigation of his murder."
"With all due respect, sir, you can't honestly expect me to just sit back and do
nothing while my partner is being wrongfully accused of murder."
"That's exactly what I expect you to do, Agent Scully."
"But, sir--"
"No buts, Scully. Look, I understand that you want to help Mulder. But if you
take part in the investigation, you will hurt not only Mulder but also yourself.
You know as well as I do that Liles' death was no suicide, and that Andraven may
have ordered him killed to safeguard himself and his company. He's in all
likelihood being protected--from high places. Now, I don't know who killed him,
but it's obviously someone who wants to get your partner out of the way in the
process. If you get involved in this case, then you'll only be putting another
nail in Mulder's coffin. They'll be watching you, and could go as far as
accusing you of tampering with evidence."
"But, if, as you suggest, Andraven knew someone on the inside, then his killer
could as well. Who's to say they aren't controlling the police to doctor the
evidence themselves in order to frame Mulder?"
"I don't plan to allow the local cops to work this alone. I will put some of my
best men and women on this case, Scully. But *you* are to steer clear of this
investigation."
"But, sir, he's my *partner*."
"I know that in the past you've gone to great lengths, putting yourself on the
line to protect him. But if you hear from Mulder--if you learn of his location--
do not go chasing after him. I want you to notify me immediately. I do not want
you to inadvertently implicate yourself. This is no small matter, Scully. This
isn't merely about your reputation. If they manage to involve you in this murder
charge, then we're talking about your badge, your career, not to mention your
freedom. Are you prepared to go to jail for this? You might think this is a
noble cause, but I don't think it's worth throwing your life away. While I do
believe that both you and Mulder are innocent of any wrongdoing, I only have so
much influence in the Bureau. There is only so far I can go to protect you. Do I
make myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir."
"Good." Skinner got up and walked back to his desk, where he reseated himself.
"In the meantime, I expect a progress report on your current case by the end of
the week." He picked up his pen and began to scan the form in front of him.
"That's all."
Without another word, Scully rose and headed for the door.
*****
Scully stomped into the office, slamming the door behind her. *Damn you, Mulder!
Damn you for putting me into this position in the first place!* She began to
fervently pace the room, fighting the urge to break things. *Talk about being
between a rock and a hard place. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. . . . If I
sit back and do nothing, then your name may never be cleared. It'll look like
you're fleeing, and your actions will be used against you. But if I do go after
you, there's a very good chance that I'll lose everything. All those years of
working my ass off--first in med school, then the academy, in the Bureau, as
your partner on the X-Files. If I lose my badge, it will all have been for
nothing.
*All that we've endured. . . . Lord, I've lost so much already. It may have been
my choice, but others gave their lives without ever knowing the sacrifices they
made. And why? For your--no, *our*--godforsaken quest for the Truth. That's
right. Your quest has become my own. You may have fought to reopen the X-Files,
but they've become my life as well. And if I were to lose the work, then what do
I have? If that were to happen, then there'd be nothing left. . . . Nothing but
you.*
Scully continued pacing, her hands balled into fists. *In the long run that may
not even mean much. Apparently, you don't feel the same way I do. I thought,
after the night of the storm, that you might feel the same way about me as I do
for you. But now I'm not so sure. If you preferred following a case we were
forbidden to pursue without even telling me, then what does that say about what
you think of me? You obviously don't view me as an equal. I'm just your partner
when it's convenient. When you need justification for your work. Or someone to
bail your sorry ass out of trouble. I thought you had changed, Mulder. I thought
we were past this. That we had come to respect one another. To trust one another
completely, to share everything when it came to work. Apparently, I was wrong .
. . you really can't teach an old dog new tricks.
*It's my own fault, really. I've put up with your ways for so long. You'd ditch
me, and I'd go running after you. I'd be so relieved that you were all right
that I'd never even let you know what your thoughtlessness had put me through. I
would just give in to my relief, thanking heaven for bringing you back to me in
one piece. But perhaps I should've instead told you how much I hate it when you
go off on your wild goose chases, leaving me out of the loop, to hold the fort,
until you decide you need rescuing. Perhaps it's time to finally tell you how
sick and tired I am of playing second-fiddle. Either we're in this together, as
equals, or else--*
Scully stopped pacing, and turned to face his desk, her eyes stopping on his "I
Want to Believe" poster, the one she had gotten to replace the original that was
destroyed when their office was burned down. *Or else what, Dana? Or else you'll
quit? You'll walk away from the X-Files and Fox Mulder and never look back? If
push came to shove, are you willing--are you capable--of doing that? Can you go
on without the work, without Mulder?*
With a wry grin, Scully knew the answer was painfully obvious. *Face facts:
despite his aggravating ways, you love him. He's your partner, your best friend--
and also something else. Your feelings go much deeper than those of camaraderie
or friendship. The truth is, you want more. And until you find out if he feels
the same way, you can't let this go.*
Turning away, she wrapped her arms around herself. *If you're ever to have a
chance at happiness--if Mulder is ever to be a part of that equation--then you
have to let him know what's going on and you have to get him out of this mess.
Because, no matter how much you tell yourself that he deserves what's happening
to him because of his reckless and insensitive behavior, you'd never be able to
live with yourself if you allowed him to throw away everything you and he have
worked so hard for without at least trying to save him--from whomever's framing
him, and from himself. Even if it means that you lose everything in the
process.*
With a weary sigh, Scully pulled out her cell-phone and dialed a number.
*Special Agent Scully to the rescue once again.*
"_Lone Gunman_."
"Hi, Byers. It's Scully. I need your help. . . ."
End Chapter 6
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Category: SRA
Rating: R for language
Spoilers: Through Season Five
Keywords: M/S UST
Summary: A man from Scully's past returns, asking for her and Mulder's help to
stop the development of a deadly biological weapon. But will the case bring
Mulder and Scully closer together, or tear them apart?
Disclaimer: The X-Files, Dana Scully, Fox Mulder, and all other characters
associated with the series are the property of Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen
Productions, and the Fox Network. Characters are used without permission and no
profit is being made.
*****
"Not the Doctor"
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 6
I don't want to be the filler if the void is solely yours
I don't want to be your glass of single malt whiskey
Hidden in the bottom drawer
Scully made her way down the hallway toward the Assistant Director's office at a
brisk pace, her heart and mind full of dread. Something was wrong. There was no
doubt in her mind that it had to do with Mulder. Her stomach had become one
enormous knot on the drive over as all of the possibilities played through her
mind.
*Why does Skinner want to speak to me in person? Why can't he tell me over the
phone? Is the news that bad? Have they located Mulder? Did he expect--want--me
to chase after him? Damn it, this is why I insist he doesn't go off on his own.
He knows what kind of trouble he can get into when I'm not there to cover his
ass. And now something's happened to him. Again. Is he lying in a hospital
somewhere, unconscious, hurt? I've got to get to him, to help him, before it's
too la--
*Stop it, Dana,* she mentally chided herself. *You've got to stop thinking like
this. You don't even know for sure that Mulder is the reason Skinner's calling
you in here.* The idea almost brought a smile to her lips. *All right, in all
likelihood he _is_ the reason. But, still, you have to remain in control. Don't
overreact before you have all the facts. If you let these thoughts take over,
then you'll be of no use to Mulder--or yourself.*
With newfound resolve, Scully held her chin high as she calmly approached the
desk of Skinner's administrative assistant.
The generally chipper woman had a somber expression on her face. "Good morning,
Agent Scully," she said, her greeting pleasant, though not accompanied with her
usually warm smile. "The Assistant Director is waiting for you. Please go right
in."
*Oh, God, something's wrong. He's badly injured--or worse.* Panic threatening to
overwhelm her, Scully suddenly had the urge to grab this woman by the collar and
shake her to demand what she knew regarding her partner's whereabouts. But she
fought to maintain her composure--a battle that was relatively easily won,
resulting in her putting on her usual calm facade. "Thank you," she replied
coolly, nodding her head in thanks. Walking confidently toward Skinner's office,
Scully rapped loudly on his door.
"Come in," she heard him call out.
Grasping the doorknob in her hand, Scully stopped a moment. She took a deep
breath to center herself before opening the door. Walking inside the spacious
office, she saw Skinner sitting behind his desk, his attention focused on some
papers in front of him. She approached his desk and waited quietly, hands
clasped in front of her, as he finished reading the typed page before him.
Scribbling his signature, he capped his pen and placed it down on his desk. When
she was finally greeted by the unsmiling face of the Assistant Director, Scully
suddenly felt like a little girl standing before her father, awaiting a
reprimand for her latest misdeed.
"Please sit down, Agent Scully," Skinner said, indicating one of the two chairs
before his desk.
As she seated herself, Scully could not resist the urge to glance over at the
empty chair to her right, the absence of her partner almost palpable.
Skinner sat with his hands clasped over the file on his desk, staring at her for
several long moments, regarding her. An enormous scowl adorned his face. Scully
felt his eyes boring into her, and she desired nothing more at that moment than
to disappear.
She was again reminded of her childhood, of trying to sink into the huge leather
chair Ahab always sat her in before announcing her punishment as he silently
paced his study. He had wanted to try to let the enormity of her actions sink in
before he lectured her. At least Skinner was sitting down. Although with the
glare he was giving her, shewas not sure which tactic was worse.
Well, it was not as though she had anything to hide. She had done nothing wrong.
With newfound certitude, Scully crossed her legs and sat up straight in her
chair.
"Where is Agent Mulder?" Skinner asked plainly.
So much for beating around the bush. "He hasn't arrived at work yet."
"I realize that. Are you expecting him?"
"Well, sir, it *is* a work day, and we *are* in the middle of a case."
The frown on Skinner's face deepened, and when he spoke again, he made no
attempt to hide the ire in his voice. "Do you know where he is?"
Scully glanced at her watch. "I assume either at home, or en route."
"When was the last time you saw or spoke with Agent Mulder?"
"Last night, around five, when I left the office. Sir, if I may be so bold, why
are you asking me all these questions about Agent Mulder?"
Skinner took a deep breath as he sat back in his chair. "I'm afraid Agent Mulder
is in a bit of trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
"You probably haven't heard yet, since it hasn't been released to the press, but
Peter Andraven was found dead in his office early this morning. The local police
have ruled it murder."
Scully's eyes widened, but she quickly reined in her shock. "What does this have
to do with Mulder?"
Skinner sighed, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose--a sure
fire sign that he was not a happy camper. "The police have in custody a video
tape from a surveillance camera that places Agent Mulder at the murder scene--
apparently engaged in quite a heated argument with Andraven."
Scully shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh, it gets better," Skinner continued, replacing his glasses. "The murder
weapon was a sig sauer. Ballistics isn't back yet, but there is a very good
chance that it was Agent Mulder's gun."
Her eyes slowly slid closed.
"The police have a warrant for his arrest. When the detectives could not locate
Agent Mulder at home or in the office, they came to me. They naturally wanted to
speak to his partner, figuring you would have the best chance of knowing where
he might be. Actually, they wanted to bring you in for questioning as well, but
I insisted that I speak to you instead."
"May I ask why you went to such trouble on my behalf, sir?"
"As employees of the Justice Department, we have a responsibility to this
country to uphold the law. That does not mean, however, that we are above it.
And the Bureau generally takes care of its own. My agents are my responsibility,
and I do not appreciate local law enforcement telling me otherwise. Without just
cause, I see no need for you to be subject to their interrogations."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your intervention."
"Well, don't be so quick to thank me. Just because I saved you the trouble of
being hauled down to a Virginia precinct doesn't mean that I'm letting you off
the hook before I know what the hell is going on." His rage growing, Skinner
stood and began to walk the floor behind his desk. "Agent Scully, where were you
last night between the hours of eight and ten P.M.?"
She looked at his face. "I- I was at a restaurant in Maryland--Tufano's--from
about seven until well after nine."
"Are there witnesses that can verify your story? Someone with you?"
"I was alone, but the maitre `d and waiter will probably remember me," she
replied. *How the hell could they not notice the poor loser waiting hours alone
at a table, only to be stood up by her date?*
"Tufano's, you said? That little Italian place off of Northern?"
Even the A.D. had heard of it? Scully felt the color rising in her cheeks. "Yes,
sir."
If Skinner noticed her flush, he made no indication. "I'd say that's well over
an hour-and-a-half's drive from Andraven's lab."
"Yes. But why are you asking me--?" She stopped abruptly. "I'm a suspect as well,
aren't I?"
"Given your relationship to Agent Mulder--the fact that you two have worked
closely together for the past six years, and that you both were deeply involved
in the Andraven investigation--they no doubt want to peg you either as an
accomplice or an accessory. But while all of the evidence seems to point to
Agent Mulder, there is nothing tying you to the crime.
"I've overseen both you and Agent Mulder for several years now. While there have
been times when your methods have been a little . . . unconventional . . . you
two have done your jobs, and done them well. You are both highly skilled
investigators that I am proud to have working for me. So, with the exception of
a few certain indiscretions--" Scully realized immediately that he was referring
particularly to Mulder's outburst at the courthouse-- "I have been quite
satisfied with your work."
"Th-thank you, sir. Agent Mulder and I have likewise appreciated all of the
support and assistance you have provided us over the years."
"Scully, I know that the Andraven case really got to Mulder," Skinner said, his
tone lessening a degree in severity as he came around to the front of his desk
and leaned against it. "I know that he has a penchant for becoming emotionally
involved in certain cases, and that sometimes he gets reckless. Usually, though,
you seem able to keep him in line. Now, I'm not trying to lay blame here. I just
want to ask you--off the record--in your professional opinion, do you think that
being pulled off of this case proved too much for him?"
"I'd like to think that I know Agent Mulder as well as I know myself, sir. And
while he was no doubt upset at having to back off of the Andraven case, I did
not judge him to be at the point of obsession. He was able to get past it, and
to focus on our current investigation."
"So, you do not believe him to be involved in Andraven's murder?"
She did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second. "No," she replied, looking
him straight in the eye. "Absolutely not. I do not think Agent Mulder capable of
killing Andraven. As much as he wanted to see Andraven punished for his crimes,
he did not believe in taking matters into his own hands. Rather, I think he was
framed."
"I hope you honestly believe those words, Scully, and that you're not just
giving me lip service."
"Sir?"
"I know, probably better than anyone, much of what you and Mulder have been
through since being partnered together. I know the losses you have both incurred
while working for the X-Files. And I know that it has brought you both closer
together--as partners, and as friends. As much as you care about him, though, it
is not in either of your best interests for you to protect him."
"Sir, I swear to you that until I came into your office this morning, I knew
nothing of this crime. Nor do I know where Agent Mulder is right now."
Skinner nodded, his belief in her sentiments apparent. "There is no doubt in my
mind that from here on out the police will have you under constant surveillance.
Therefore, I suggest that if he contacts you, you appraise him of the situation
and propose that he turn himself in. I hope I don't have to remind you that if
you try to warn him, or cover for him, that you can be charged with aiding and
abetting.
"I'll be honest with you, Scully: the evidence against Mulder is pretty damning.
Right now, they have nothing concrete to link you to the crime. I may have been
able to forestall your being questioned, but if you try to protect Mulder, then
I will not be able to intervene. You've got a bright future in the Bureau,
Scully. I'd hate to see you lose your badge or go to jail for a transgression of
which I honestly believe you had no knowledge."
"While I appreciate your vote of confidence, sir, I would hope that your support
applies to Agent Mulder as well. As I've said, I don't believe he did it. It is,
in all likelihood, a set up. I'd like to try to prove Agent Mulder's innocence.
If I can have your permission to perform the autopsy on Andraven's body, then
I--"
"Absolutely not. You are not to look at the body, nor are you to become involved
in the investigation of his murder."
"With all due respect, sir, you can't honestly expect me to just sit back and do
nothing while my partner is being wrongfully accused of murder."
"That's exactly what I expect you to do, Agent Scully."
"But, sir--"
"No buts, Scully. Look, I understand that you want to help Mulder. But if you
take part in the investigation, you will hurt not only Mulder but also yourself.
You know as well as I do that Liles' death was no suicide, and that Andraven may
have ordered him killed to safeguard himself and his company. He's in all
likelihood being protected--from high places. Now, I don't know who killed him,
but it's obviously someone who wants to get your partner out of the way in the
process. If you get involved in this case, then you'll only be putting another
nail in Mulder's coffin. They'll be watching you, and could go as far as
accusing you of tampering with evidence."
"But, if, as you suggest, Andraven knew someone on the inside, then his killer
could as well. Who's to say they aren't controlling the police to doctor the
evidence themselves in order to frame Mulder?"
"I don't plan to allow the local cops to work this alone. I will put some of my
best men and women on this case, Scully. But *you* are to steer clear of this
investigation."
"But, sir, he's my *partner*."
"I know that in the past you've gone to great lengths, putting yourself on the
line to protect him. But if you hear from Mulder--if you learn of his location--
do not go chasing after him. I want you to notify me immediately. I do not want
you to inadvertently implicate yourself. This is no small matter, Scully. This
isn't merely about your reputation. If they manage to involve you in this murder
charge, then we're talking about your badge, your career, not to mention your
freedom. Are you prepared to go to jail for this? You might think this is a
noble cause, but I don't think it's worth throwing your life away. While I do
believe that both you and Mulder are innocent of any wrongdoing, I only have so
much influence in the Bureau. There is only so far I can go to protect you. Do I
make myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir."
"Good." Skinner got up and walked back to his desk, where he reseated himself.
"In the meantime, I expect a progress report on your current case by the end of
the week." He picked up his pen and began to scan the form in front of him.
"That's all."
Without another word, Scully rose and headed for the door.
*****
Scully stomped into the office, slamming the door behind her. *Damn you, Mulder!
Damn you for putting me into this position in the first place!* She began to
fervently pace the room, fighting the urge to break things. *Talk about being
between a rock and a hard place. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. . . . If I
sit back and do nothing, then your name may never be cleared. It'll look like
you're fleeing, and your actions will be used against you. But if I do go after
you, there's a very good chance that I'll lose everything. All those years of
working my ass off--first in med school, then the academy, in the Bureau, as
your partner on the X-Files. If I lose my badge, it will all have been for
nothing.
*All that we've endured. . . . Lord, I've lost so much already. It may have been
my choice, but others gave their lives without ever knowing the sacrifices they
made. And why? For your--no, *our*--godforsaken quest for the Truth. That's
right. Your quest has become my own. You may have fought to reopen the X-Files,
but they've become my life as well. And if I were to lose the work, then what do
I have? If that were to happen, then there'd be nothing left. . . . Nothing but
you.*
Scully continued pacing, her hands balled into fists. *In the long run that may
not even mean much. Apparently, you don't feel the same way I do. I thought,
after the night of the storm, that you might feel the same way about me as I do
for you. But now I'm not so sure. If you preferred following a case we were
forbidden to pursue without even telling me, then what does that say about what
you think of me? You obviously don't view me as an equal. I'm just your partner
when it's convenient. When you need justification for your work. Or someone to
bail your sorry ass out of trouble. I thought you had changed, Mulder. I thought
we were past this. That we had come to respect one another. To trust one another
completely, to share everything when it came to work. Apparently, I was wrong .
. . you really can't teach an old dog new tricks.
*It's my own fault, really. I've put up with your ways for so long. You'd ditch
me, and I'd go running after you. I'd be so relieved that you were all right
that I'd never even let you know what your thoughtlessness had put me through. I
would just give in to my relief, thanking heaven for bringing you back to me in
one piece. But perhaps I should've instead told you how much I hate it when you
go off on your wild goose chases, leaving me out of the loop, to hold the fort,
until you decide you need rescuing. Perhaps it's time to finally tell you how
sick and tired I am of playing second-fiddle. Either we're in this together, as
equals, or else--*
Scully stopped pacing, and turned to face his desk, her eyes stopping on his "I
Want to Believe" poster, the one she had gotten to replace the original that was
destroyed when their office was burned down. *Or else what, Dana? Or else you'll
quit? You'll walk away from the X-Files and Fox Mulder and never look back? If
push came to shove, are you willing--are you capable--of doing that? Can you go
on without the work, without Mulder?*
With a wry grin, Scully knew the answer was painfully obvious. *Face facts:
despite his aggravating ways, you love him. He's your partner, your best friend--
and also something else. Your feelings go much deeper than those of camaraderie
or friendship. The truth is, you want more. And until you find out if he feels
the same way, you can't let this go.*
Turning away, she wrapped her arms around herself. *If you're ever to have a
chance at happiness--if Mulder is ever to be a part of that equation--then you
have to let him know what's going on and you have to get him out of this mess.
Because, no matter how much you tell yourself that he deserves what's happening
to him because of his reckless and insensitive behavior, you'd never be able to
live with yourself if you allowed him to throw away everything you and he have
worked so hard for without at least trying to save him--from whomever's framing
him, and from himself. Even if it means that you lose everything in the
process.*
With a weary sigh, Scully pulled out her cell-phone and dialed a number.
*Special Agent Scully to the rescue once again.*
"_Lone Gunman_."
"Hi, Byers. It's Scully. I need your help. . . ."
End Chapter 6
*****