by Avalon (avalon99@telusplanet.net)
http://members.dencity.com/avalon_online
Skinner, Scully, R, 7/12
ODYSSEY VII
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
THE ODYSSEY. SICKBAY.
Victoria emerges again from the bathroom, still looking green. She joins Scully, Skinner, and Henderson who fall silent then resume their conversation.
SCULLY:
We should decide what our priorities are.
SKINNER:
We need to warn Washington. Where is the radio
room located?
HENDERSON:
Near the bridge. I could show you if...
SKINNER:
Just tell me.
HENDERSON:
You'll never make it. Josef will have it well-
guarded. Besides, how do you expect to get there?
You've been shot.
SCULLY:
He's not going anywhere. I am.
SKINNER:
No, you're not.
VICTORIA:
What are you talking about? (They all look at
her.)
HENDERSON:
We're deciding what to do. They're going to try to
get to the radio room.
SKINNER:
Tonight.
VICTORIA:
But Walter - Josef said he'd let us all go when he
gets what he wants.
SCULLY:
And you believed him?
VICTORIA:
I...I'm not sure.
SCULLY:
(To Skinner) You're in no shape to go. And
neither is Henderson. I'm the only choice.
SKINNER:
Damn it, Scu...Doctor Kimble, you're needed here.
I'll go.
SCULLY:
You've been shot -- Walter. If your last attempt
was anything to go by, you'll get about three steps
then fall on your face.
SKINNER:
I'm feeling much better now.
VICTORIA:
(To Scully) I could go with him.
A pause while they all look at her.
VICTORIA:
Look, I'm know I'm not the bravest person,
but I want to get out of this as much as the
rest of you. I can help.
SCULLY:
No.
HENDERSON:
Why not? She could help him. Besides, the
Captain needs you. So does that terrorist who's been
shot. I have a feeling he's the only thing keeping any of us
alive right now.
They all look at Scully. Outnumbered, she frowns then gives in.
SCULLY:
For the record, I still think this is a mistake.
SKINNER:
Noted, Doctor. Now, let's start going over some
details. Henderson...?
* * *
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
ODYSSEY CRUISE-LINES OFFICE. CROOKED ISLAND.
Mulder leaves the hospital then tries to find more information regarding the Odyssey and his attack, but is stonewalled by everyone, including the local police. Finally, in frustration, he books a flight back to Washington, in order to call in some old debts.
* * *
WEDNESDAY LATE AFTERNOON.
WASHINGTON DC. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SKINNER'S OFFICE.
Mulder, looking tired and frustrated, leans on the desk while speaking to Skinner's secretary.
MULDER:
I'm looking for Agent Scully, and I got a message
that the Assistant Director wanted to see me.
KIMBERLEY:
He did. But you missed both him and Agent Scully.
MULDER:
What do you mean?
KIMBERLEY:
They've gone to the Caribbean.
MULDER:
(Blinks) Together?
KIMBERLEY:
The Assistant Director followed her to Nassau on
Monday.
MULDER:
Er...why?
KIMBERLEY:
Apparently they were looking for you, Agent
Mulder.
MULDER:
Looking for me. Uh huh. (Sighs heavily). Could
you please book me on the next flight back to
Nassau?
KIMBERLEY:
Hold on.
She dials a number, makes the request, then waits a few moments.
KIMBERLEY:
(Into the telephone) I see. Thank you. (She
hangs up the phone and turns to Mulder). I'm
sorry, but most of the airports in the Caribbean
are in the process of shutting down.
MULDER:
Why?
KIMBERLEY:
There's a hurricane moving in.
* * *
WEDNESDAY LATE EVENING
THE ODYSSEY. SICKBAY.
Night has fallen and the storm continues to toss the ship. Skinner is slowly pulling on his shoes while Scully watches him, a frown on her face.
SCULLY:
Is that painkiller working yet?
Skinner climbs tentatively to his feet and puts some weight on his left leg.
SKINNER:
No. (He sits back down, looking a little pale.)
SCULLY:
Give it a few more minutes.
Victoria emerges from the galley carefully holding a steaming cup of coffee.
VICTORIA:
Should I take this out now?
SKINNER:
Yes. Be careful.
Victoria exits and the muffled sound of voices in the hallway can be heard. Skinner climbs to his feet once more. Cautiously keeping most of his weight on his uninjured leg, he takes a few hobbling steps forward.
SCULLY:
Well?
SKINNER:
Just don't ask me to dance a polka.
SCULLY:
Could you, if I did?
Skinner shoots her a look, then takes a few more careful steps.
HENDERSON:
How long will it take?
SCULLY:
It's a fairly strong sedative. Just a few
minutes.
Victoria re-emerges.
SCULLY:
Well?
VICTORIA:
He drank it all.
Good. (Walks over to Skinner. Quietly.) Are you sure
about this?
SKINNER:
We don't have a choice.
SCULLY:
No. About taking her with you.
SKINNER:
Why?
SCULLY:
I just have a feeling...
SKINNER:
(Brusquely) It'll be fine. (To Victoria) Ready?
VICTORIA:
As I'll ever be.
SKINNER:
Let's go.
SCULLY:
If you're not back in an hour I'm coming after you.
(She moves to stand near the door.)
SKINNER:
If we're not back in an hour, we're already dead.
Scully does not say anything. He hobbles to the door, opens it a crack then eases through it, vanishing from sight. After a moment, he returns, slipping Heinrich's handgun into his waistband. He meets Scully's eyes.
SCULLY:
(Softly) Be careful.
He gives her a faint smile then sets off down the corridor, followed closely by Victoria. Scully watches them until they disappear from sight, then moves back into the room, the door closing quietly behind her.
* * *
WEDNESDAY LATE EVENING
THE ODYSSEY. MAIN DECK.
Skinner and Victoria reach the deserted deck of the Odyssey and take cover behind a lifeboat. The storm has increased in magnitude. Sheets of rain lash at them, soaking them both, and lightning illuminates the ship at regular intervals.
VICTORIA:
(Shouting to be heard over the wind) Which way is the
radio room?
SKINNER:
Over there. (Gestures toward the bow.) Henderson said
it's near the bridge. (He staggers a little as the
ship rolls. Victoria supports him and he manages to
remain standing.)
VICTORIA:
Are you okay?
SKINNER:
I'm fine. Let's go. (He gathers himself, preparing to
move out from the shelter of the lifeboat.)
* * *
WEDNESDAY LATE EVENING
THE ODYSSEY. SICKBAY.
Scully is pacing anxiously. She checks her watch, for the seventh time since Skinner and Victoria have left.
HENDERSON:
(Reassuringly) They'll be fine.
SCULLY:
Of course they will.
But she does not stop pacing. Henderson shifts a little in his bed and winces. Scully crosses to his side.
SCULLY:
How's the leg? Do you need another painkiller?
HENDERSON:
No, I'm fine.
Scully nods then resumes pacing. After several more minutes, she goes to the door and opens it a crack.
HENDERSON:
What are you doing?
SCULLY:
Something's not right. I'm going to check that
the guard's still unconscious. Back in a minute.
HENDERSON:
Doctor. (She pauses.) Be careful.
She smiles slightly then eases out the door, closing it noiselessly behind her. Once in the corridor, she takes a step forward then freezes as she realizes that the terrorist's chair is empty. Frowning, she takes another step. Without warning, someone seizes her from behind, one hand going up to cover her mouth, stifling her involuntary cry. Struggling, she is dragged from the corridor into a cabin across from sickbay and thrown headlong on the floor. Heinrich locks the door behind him, then moves to stand over her.
HEINRICH:
Ready for a little fun, Doctor?
TO BE CONTINUED