Out loud, Sam said to the young teenaged-looking woman.
"The Deputy Mayor???"
"That's Deputy Mayor F. William Mulder, the artist formerly
known as Agent Fox Mulder," Al, as usual, appeared
unannounced, scaring the bejesus out of Sam, as usual.
"They've changed things a bit down in the dungeon." Al
looked Special Agent Jerilyn Starkweather up and down.
"Man, what is this, "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day?""
"What?" Sam said aloud.
"Jesus, Doggett, what's with you?" Starkweather was openly
staring at him, her feline eyes studying him, unnerving Sam
greatly. "You'd think YOU were with Ben last night at
Hooters drinking, not me."
"Ben?"
"Benjamin Starkweather, Al whacked his hand-held console.
It squealed until it produced the information he needed.
"That's her husband."
"Husband?" Sam said incredulously.
"Ahhh. I see we've graduated to multi-syllables, good job."
Starkweather quipped. "I thought you were being the
responsible agent, studying case files while doing
laundry."
"Sa ---am!" Al hissed. "Make an excuse, get to somewhere
private so I can brief you before these G-women think
you're completely loco."
"Um, excuse me," Sam turned to leave.
"Where are you going Agent Doggett?" Scully asked.
"Um... the bathroom."
"That's creative," Al groaned as the glowing door opened up
behind him. He stepped inside, "Meet you in the john," he
said before he disappeared.
Sam smiled wanly at Scully and Starkweather and rushed out
the door. Starkweather turned to Scully and said "My first
day back after having the snot beat out of me and my
partner has a major case of the weirds. Lovely."
"Today is June 16, 2002, and you are..." Al whipped out the
console, "FBI Special Agent John Doggett" Sam interjected, and
looked in the mirror to see a man with copper hair, an
honest, stern face with dazzling blue eyes. "I'm supposed
to get Mulder back on the X-files."
Al shook his head. Most of the time these days, Sam could
figure out with relative ease who he was. Al's briefing
lately was just one of those protocols. "Not quite."
"So what is Do--am I doing back on the X-Files? I thought I
changed history earlier. And what happened to Mulder?"
"Hell if I know." Al shook his head, "Ziggy's a smart-ass computer,
but she ain't no Einstein. As far as our researchers can tell, our
project only goes as far as the human race. Mars...or
wherever E.T. comes from...is just a little bit out of our
district. As to what you're doing back in the X-Files, we
dunno. Ziggy says all the cases are under Military lock and
key." Al gawked "Military?" Then out in the air. "Goushie,
you sure this is right?"
"Why would the military have FBI cases?"
"Who knows?" Al shrugged. "Apparently a few good men are
taking a newfound interest in little green ones. As for
Mulder..." Al punched a few buttons into the console, it
flashed different colors and whirred, and Al's eyes
widened.
"They're gray" Sam couldn't help himself.
"One leap on the x-files, and suddenly you're quoting
Mulderisms. This is weird. Ziggy's got a death date on him
about a year ago. Huh...musta been one of those clerical
errors, or something. I guess he pissed the wrong people
off down at the courthouse. Anyway, according to our FBI
files, he bowed outta the FBI after an incident involving
alien oil, and fills the Deputy Mayor position down at the
courthouse."
"Have you been able to get anything from this Doggett guy?"
"No. He's more skeptical than Scully ever was when she was
there. Remember that agent who paid us a visit your last
leap?"
Sam nodded. "That was him? Sam nodded toward the
reflection. "Then why does he not know what's going on?"
"He hasn't been there yet, at least to him. Remember?"
"Any idea at all as to what I'm supposed to do here? Maybe
the court records have something."
"Let's see here..." Al punched a few buttons into the
console, which lit up and squealed. "Hey! That's great!
Scully's got a kid now! Her and Mulder must have been busy
bunnies. I guess doctors can be wrong."
"Anything on Starkweather?"
"Ziggy says..."...again a punch of a few buttons
"Starkweather the daughter of Admiral Bailey--I know that
guy Sam. His wife's a Senator. He's a bit of a nutcase, but
a nice guy. "She was something of a child prodigy, but
she's 28, an ex-Airman, married to Ben Starkweather...works
at Carter, Spangle and Adams law firm...and...uh oh! Is
found dead in a few days...and *Mulder* is found--guilty--
of his murder. Mulder?" Al sat there looking at the console
making sure he hadn't read it wrong.
"Mulder!" Sam gawked "That can't be right...he may piss
people off, but I just don't see him murdering anyone."
"I'm with you. Spooky spends too much energy hunting E.T.'s
and being a horses ass to plan a murder."
"Go see what you can find out from Doggett. I'll try and
find out what I can from his partners."
"You do that. Hang in there, Sam. I'll get back to you as
soon as I find anything."
Before Sam could say anything, Al was gone to see if the
subject could offer any information.
Assistant Director Skinner's Office
June 16, 2001
9:15 AM
Starkweather let herself into Skinner's office without
knocking. She didn't even acknowledge Skinner, so hot was
her wrath. "Who the hell do you think you are?" she
demanded her spouse.
"Agent Starkweather," Skinner growled.
"Jerilyn," Ben spoke calmly. "This is official business.
Don't get your pantyhose in a wad."
"Well, if this business if official, I strongly recommend
you refrain from using inappropriate phrases and to address
me with the respect a federal agent deserves, Counselor."
Ben scowled. Jerilyn, self-proclaimed queen of nicknaming,
ever since their dating days, had called him 'Counselor' as
a term of endearment. Now, it sounded obscene.
"For Christ's sake, Jerilyn," Ben leapt out of his seat and
turned to face his wife, his swarthy, handsome face twisted
in anger. "As usual, you're blowing this out of fucking
proportion. I need that goddamned file to prove that the
oil rig was in gross violation of the Environmental
Protection Act. Without it, I'm dead in the water."
"Other people are going to be dead if that file become
public domain."
"Jesus, Jerilyn!" Ben and Jerilyn were nose to nose now.
"Will you lay off the "tough bitch FBI" crap! It's just
another FBI file!"
"The hell it is! It's not just another FBI file. It's an X-
File. An extremely sensitive X-File, you dumb, arrogant
shit!"
Skinner had enough. "STARKWEATHER!" he snapped.
Both Ben and Jerilyn faced him. "WHAT?" they snapped in
unison.
Skinner groaned and tossed his glasses on his desk. He
rubbed his temples as he asked as nicely as his temper
would allow, "Would you two sit down? I have questions I
need answered before I decide if that information can be
released or not."
Like two bickering children pleading with their father,
Starkweather and Starkweather overlapped each other:
"Oh come on, Assistant Director! Sir you can not be
seriously considering... That information CAN NOT be
released!" Jerilyn cried.
"Sir, with all due respect, I need those files! Several men
were killed on that rig, many more lives are at stake. I
need those files to close them down!"
"SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!!!!!" Skinner roared.
Meekly, husband and wife sat down.
"Thank you." Skinner said civilly.
Agent Starkweather," Skinner began. "Did you have any
foreknowledge of your husband's involvement with this case
against the oil company?"
"Sir," Jerilyn struggled for control. "As of last night, I
knew my husband was prosecuting an oil company for
negligance. I had no idea that it was THIS oil company
until you called me."
"Is that true?" he asked Ben.
"Absolutely." Ben agreed. "For the most part," he glowered
at Jerilyn. "We keep our work separate from home life,
since we both have issues of confidentially with our
respected jobs."
"Then how did you make the connection?"
"Simple detective work, really," Ben said modestly.
"Through my research I discovered that the sole survivors
of the explosion was the former Agent Mulder and the
current Agent John Doggett, who, as it so happens, is my
wife's partner. I merely put two and two together."
"And how will having this case file assist with your
prosecution?"
"After I thoroughly investigate the FBI's findings, I plan
on subpoenaing Agent Doggett and Deputy Mayor Mulder to
testify."
"NO!" Jerilyn leapt out of her case. "Ben you can't!"
"Agent Starkweather, you're out of line," Skinner growled.
But once again, Skinner was ignored as Starkweather versus
Starkweather, Round Two, ensued.
"Jerilyn, they are the only ones who know what really
happened out there!"
"They risked their lives out there. Mulder lost his job
because he was out there! Putting them on the stand,
ordering them to reveal information that almost killed them
once already would be potentially life-threatening to them,
not mention that their careers would be ruined! Mulder can
kiss being Deputy Mayor goodbye and Doggett would lose
every chance he has of succeeding Skinner!"
"Agent Starkweather, Mr. Starkweather..." Skinner tried
futilely to retake the conversation.
"But what about the lives lost on that rig! What about the
biological hazard that's still floating around the debris
out in the Gulf? Over thirty men are dead because of this
company's irresponsibility plus all of the sea life that
was destroyed? How can we honor their deaths if we can't
bring their murderers to justice. Jerilyn, you told me once
that it was your job to catch the bad guys and it was my
job to put them away. Why are you fighting against me from
doing my job? I thought you were after the truth?"
"I am after the truth," Jerilyn fumed. "I'm fighting you
because you have no fucking clue about the true nature of
what happened out there! I read the file! Ben, you'd do
more damage dragging Mulder and Doggett into this!" Jerilyn
began pacing. "We don't know exactly what happened. But new
information has been brought to light that WE need to
investigate. This is so much bigger than you realize.
"Agent Starkweather, sit down," Skinner stood up.
"But the only thing solid we GOT on them is their
environmental irresponsibility! It doesn't matter HOW we
put them away, just as long as they go! Help me, Jerilyn."
"I won't help you by condemning Doggett and Mulder to
death."
"I thought you hated Mulder."
"Just because I don't like him doesn't mean I want him
dead! Besides, he saved my sorry ass! Is that how you want
to repay the man who rescued your wife? By making him a
sitting duck? You make me sick."
"Put a sock in it, Agent Starkweather!" Skinner yelled.
Jerilyn finally shut up. "That's enough from you. You may
return to work, agent." His voice was flint.
Jerilyn said curtly. "Yes sir." She hissed at Ben, "This
isn't over."
"See you at home, pumpkin," Ben responded snidely.
"Agent Starkweather, you are dismissed," Skinner barked
like a drill sergeant. Jerilyn turned on her heel and left,
even more enraged than before. "And you-" Skinner said to
Ben as soon as Jerilyn shut the door. "-have no call to be
invading my office, giving ME commands. Extradition order
or not, I don't have to give you a damn thing if it
endangers national security, especially after the way you
just spoke to one of my top agents."
"She's not just an agent, she's my wife."
"All the more reason, you cocky little shit." Skinner said.
"I don't give a damn who you work for or who you're married
to. Bring all the court orders you want, I'll find a way to
block them all, that is a promise."
"Sir," Ben said. "If I win this case, Mulder's name is
cleared and he can get reinstated, did you even think of
that?"
"I have no use for dead agents." Besides, after Mulder
failing the fitness requirements when his mysterious
ailments started up, there was no way Kersh was going to
let him back in. But Skinner kept that to himself.
Ben stood up. "Thank you for your time sir," he said
curtly. "My wife spoke highly of you. She said you were a
reasonable, sensible man."
"I am a reasonable, sensible man. That's why your attempts
to scare me won't work just like your attempts to butter me
up with your marriage contacts didn't scare me earlier."
"I will get that file."
"Not if I have a say about it."
"Actually," Ben said pleasantly, checking his watch. "After
this interview, you probably don't. I have a ten-thirty
appointment with Deputy Director Kersh. Have a good
morning." And Ben took his leave.
When Ben left, Skinner put his glasses on and dialed his
phone. "The Deputy Mayor please."
"May I ask who's calling?" A perky voice chirped.
"Tell him it's Assistant Director Skinner and it's
important."
A minute passed before he heard the familiar sardonic
greeting. "Hey Skin-man."
"Mulder, what's your schedule like? We need to talk, we
have a major problem."
"Problems? At the FBI. No way."
"Mulder, don't push my buttons today. I have legal papers
in front of me ordering to release the oil rig X-File into
public domain for a legal battle."
"I have a City Council meeting at one. Give me a half hour
to finish up some paperwork and phone calls and I'll be
there."
"Good," Skinner grunted, hung up, then picked up the phone
and dialed again.
"Scully."
"Scully, I need to see you and Agent Doggett in my office
in thirty minutes. We have a major situation on our hands."
"Do we want to include Starkweather?"
"No. Don't be late." He hung up on more time, then picked
up one last time that morning to tell Kimberly to hold all
calls.
"Yes sir."
Skinner hung up the phone for good now. "Good God..."
In Skinner's office, Sam sat next to Scully, completely
bewildered. He still didn't know a thing about Doggett's
life, except that once he had a little boy, but Sam didn't
even know how the boy died. And now he had been rushed up
to Skinner's office about a "situation."
This leap just keeps getting better and better Sam
groaned to himself as they waited for Mulder. Al, where
are you? Help me out buddy he silently implored his
holographic friend.
Mulder burst through the door. "Sorry I'm late," he
apologized breezily. "Traffic was a bitch."
"Have a seat Mulder, I'll bring you all up to speed."
Skinner said. Mulder eyed Sam, sitting next to Scully, for
a minute before taking a seat. Skinner groaned. After the
nice little domestic spat he witnessed between the
Starkweathers, he had no desire to be a referee in a
pissing contest between Doggett and Mulder.
And of course, Sam had no idea why he received such a dirty
look from Mulder. Now what did I do? Sam wondered.
"Here's the situation, well, more of a clusterfuck."
Skinner lapsed into his Marine-lingo. "Agent Starkweather's
husband is prosecuting the oil rig company for
environmental violations...
What oil rig? Sam wondered. AL!!!!!!!
"... He wants us to release the X-File, he wants to
subpoena Mulder and Doggett. He's up in Kirsch's office
right now, pleading his case."
Scully folded her hands as if in prayer. Sam leaned back
into the sofa and tried to piece together the puzzle pieces
he just received Some oil rig was an X-file,
Starkweather's husband is a lawyer trying to prosecute this
company who wants their secrets protected.... "Should we
be concerned for Starkweather's safety?" he asked.
"Agent Starkweather was not with the X-Files at that time,
I'm more concerned for yours and Mulder's safety," Skinner
said curtly.
"Not Agent Starkweather, sir. Her husband," Sam stood up.
"Look, if I'm right," and I hope I am because I am
completely guessing here "Ben is brand new to law, he
landed a big case that he thinks will make him big, but
he's in over his head. If there are people out there who
wants to keep this quiet, wouldn't they go after the
prosecutor rather than us?"
"Sir," Scully spoke up for the first time. "He has a
point."
"Duly taken," Skinner agreed.
Sam had a brainstorm. "Sir, let me run back to the office
quick to get the file. I'll bring it up and we can go
through it word by word... so, uh, we can create a coherent
argument why this can't be used in a public trial... the
trial is going to be open to media, I assume?"
"A young, cocky lawyer wouldn't have it any other way."
Mulder said dryly.
Sam excused himself and made his narrow escape. Hopefully,
he would have time to at least skim through the file so he
could have a minimal clue on what everyone was talking
about and maybe figure out why Benjamin Starkweather was
going to be murdered and how Mulder was about to be framed
and also hopefully find a way to stop it...
When Sam left, Mulder turned to Scully and said "Is it just
me or is the Puppy-Man successfully shed his charming
Southern-New York hybrid accent in favor of the bland
Indianan nuances?"
Scully sighed. "He's having a rough day, Mulder. Let him
be."
Sam fairly raced down the hall to the elevator. With a
little luck, if he could find a way to stop the x-file from
becoming part of the testimony, he could stop the murder
from happening, getv the x-files would as back to normal as
the x-files got, and get out of there.
"Al!" He hissed into the air in the elevator. Thankfully,
Al appeared.
"Mulder gave me a dirty look earlier. All I did was sit."
"Next to Scully?" Sam nodded sheepishly.
"That explains it. That, and he sees you as Doggett,
remember?"
"What's the deal with the oil rig?"
"On Mulder and Doggett's official final case together.
Apparently, they were the sole survivors on an oil rig that
had been tainted with oil that harbored alien DNA. During
the invasion of the body snatchers, there was a giant
explosion that Mulder was blamed for. The explosion
destroyed the oil rig, and he was 86'ed from the FBI as a
result."
"Doggett got Mulder fired?"
"No...no...that's what I thought to, Sam, but as much as
Mulder and Doggett piss on each other, Doggett insists that
Mulder took the fall for him.
"So that explains why Mulder's not on the x-files anymore."
Sam was now in the office, Starkweather was busying herself
with filing the report on their last case.
"Not entirely, but there will be time for the rundown
later. Right now, there's more important things to worry
about."
"And what's that?"
"Unless you do something *FAST* the case is going to go to
court, and a lot of people are going to be killed, and the
idiot Director Kersch will close the door on the x-files
for good."
"The case report for Scotland--? Doggett, are you ok?"
Starkweather answered questioningly.
"I'm--uh--fine. Case report--hey, do you think you can get
the files for me on the last case Mulder and I worked on,
the one with the oil rig? I can't seem to remember where I
put it." Sam feigned rummaging through the files.
In light of what the day was, Starkweather decided to
forego the usual snide remarks.
"When Scully came in, you would have thought *she* was the
one gone for a month. What was that all about?"
Starkweather handed him the file.
Gone for a month?
"She got in a fight with a big bad alien bounty hunter and
almost got herself killed. Mulder was in the area and
rescued her." Al prompted.
"Just--uh--happy to see her, that's all. Sam was growing
uneasy with Starkweather's suspicious glances averted in
his direction. In a flash, he had for the second time that
hour, a brainstorm. "You think you can stop your husband
from taking the case?"
"Look, I'm watching your back, Doggett. My idiot lawyer
husband is not going to run you and Mulder through the mud
if I have anything to do with it."
"I'm not worried about Dog--me or Mulder. I'm only worried
for him. He's a fresh prosecutor, which makes him a prime
target for a big oil company like the one we're working
with."
"Yeah, he'll be fish food." Al butted in.
"I think you've been reading too many John Grisham books
lately." She snorted and inadvertently went back to her
typing.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Sam said, and with
that, was on his way back to Skinner's office.
Starkweather looked up from her typing when Sam left,
absently nibbling a pen cap. Al hovered about her,
lingering for a bit. Despite her massive accolades and
credentials, she looked so sweet and young, too young to
handle all the insanity that was being thrown at her. "Kid,
I know you can't hear me," Al said, "but we're doing
everything we can so you and Benny can get old and wrinkly
together, okay? You just hang in there."
Starkweather turned her head suddenly and stared wide eyed
into the void where the hologram only Sam was supposed to
see was standing.
"Kid?" Al said nervously. "You CAN'T hear me, right?"
"Hello?" Starkweather stood up, her voice trembling but a
hair. "Is somebody down here?" She walked "through" Al and
to the door, looking out. "I CAN hear you..." she turned
back around and looked around the apparently empty office.
"Where are you?"
Oh crap Al thought as he punched the keys on his
console that opened the door to leave the hologram room.
Getting out of here he thought as he disappeared.
He decided he better do some more research into the
enigmatic creature he was leaving behind....
*********************************
Back to the future
Al slammed the door of his office, shrugged off his garish
coat and tore off his tie. He booted up his computer and
connected to Ziggy's mainframe. He punched in a few
commands and Ziggy started surfing. "Come on, come on..."
he muttered as Ziggy combed through millions and millions
of files.
"Search completed. Downloading now," Ziggy's snotty voice
purred out of Al's computer speakers.
"Thank you sweetheart," Al always felt silly flirting with
a computer, but Sam, before his maiden leap, had insisted
how important it was to maintain Ziggy's ego.
"Download complete. Shall I start reading now Admiral?"
"Please," Al said, leaning back in his chair.
Ziggy began to drone "Admiral, did you forget to unformat
your brainwaves from Mulder's?"
"Yeah - no, oh geez, we didn't!" Al sat up. "Cripes, it's a
good thing Mulder wasn't around when I was, he'd see me and
everyone would think he's batty than he already is. But,
hey, Ziggy, how does that explain Agent Starkweather
hearing me? And why didn't she hear me the first time I
dropped in?"
"Because there is an 65.5% chance that Fox Mulder and
Jerilyn Bailey Starkweather may be blood relatives."
"WHAT????" Al spluttered. "How??"
"As of right now, there is only one inconclusive DNA test
on blood samples taken from the murder scene and from the
last person to see Benjamin Starkweather alive. There is no
further concrete documented evidence on that unfortunately,
since Fox Mulder is still slated to be killed once he's
arrested and now Jerilyn Bailey Starkweather will be killed
three days afterwards."
"WHAT???" Al spluttered again. "When did THAT happen?"
"A few moments ago, history was inadventdently changed
after Fox Mulder's conversation with Jerilyn a few moments
ago."
"Aw, great!!! Mulder! You numbskull!!! Whadd'ya say to
her!!!!" he shouted vainly. "This is one chick you don't
wanna piss off!!!"
"Admiral," Ziggy said pleasantly. "I would suggest you
return to the aid of Dr. Beckett, he's trying to break up
the fight as we speak."
Just then Goushie burst through the door, "Al, I'm to
bother you, but we need you in the imaging chamber, we're
having problems with Mr. Doggett." He scurried out again.
Al stood calmly in his office, chewing on his cigar. "This
is why I'm losing my hair," he concluded.
Doggett would have to simmer for just a bit.
Al was all set to go help Sam, but was derailed by Goushie.
"No, Al, you gotta go talk to Doggett now!"
"B-b-but," Al stammered as Goushie bodily dragged him away
going into the hologram room.
"No, man, he hurt himself, you gotta go talk to him."
"Hurt himself, how?"
"He busted through the two-way mirror! Cut up his-um, Sam's
head, he's getting stitched up. Man, you gotta deal with
him now, before he runs! He's only stayin' put 'cause
security's pointing a gun at him while the doc is sewing
him up!"
"God damn stupid Marines!" Al swore and ran down the hall
as fast as his little Italian legs could carry him.
Doggett was getting more than a little irritated with the
man.
He sensed that there were things being kept from him.
Doggett kept his tone steadily angry. The agent knew from
experience it did no good to allow his anger and confusion
to get the better of him.
Al was looking down at the folder he came in with.
"With all due respect, sir, but where the fuck do you think
you get off? You want me to give you information on a
classified case, when I have no idea where I am, why you're
holding me, or who you are."
"I can't tell that. If I told you, the implications of
doing so might change everyone in this building, not to
mention everyone around you. Believe me Agent Doggett, we
are not holding you captive, but it is in
your best interest, and in the best interest of everyone
else concerned that you stay put." Al's tone was calm and
commanding.
"Can you at least tell me who you are?"
"That, I can do. I am Admiral Calavici." Al extended a hand
in greeting.
"Aw, Christ! A seaman." Doggett grumbled under his breath
and grudgingly accepted the handshake.
"What, the Marines have a problem with the Navy?"
"No, not at all, we love the Navy," Doggett quipped, "subs
make great sandwiches. I caught that movie, too, Admiral."
"Are Horses ass lessons involved in FBI training, Doggett?"
Doggett came back with something Mulder said to him a few
months ago.
"Naw," Doggett drawled "just comes with the territory. If
that is all, can I please get my clothes and leave? Like I
said, I have business to attend to. I wasn't kidding when I
said shit was about to hit the fan."
"You don't wanna do that, Agent Doggett."
"Why the hell not? Would you please stop giving me the
runaround and tell me what is going on here?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"In my line of work, believe me...I think I would."
Fed up with the man at the desk who was apparently not
cooperating, Doggett bolted up from his chair, and for the first time,
he noticed a reflection in the mirror that was not his own.
In the Plexiglas of the observation mirror staring back at
him was a tall young man with broad shoulders, dark hair
with a white streak descending from the beginnings of a
receding hairline, five o'clock stubble grazing a
pronounced chin. He thought for an instant that Mulder was
watching the whole thing on the other side of the
observation mirror.
"That's a neat trick, Mulder, getting an actor to do a
mirror routine with me. Or did you get Langley to rig up a
computer composite of somebody else's face with motion
detectors? I'm impressed."
"It's not a trick, Agent Doggett. As much as it looks like
it, Mulder didn't do this. It would be a lot easier for all
concerned if you would please tell us what that case is all
about that you were working on last. You would be helping a
lot of people. The sooner you help us, the sooner we will
let you get back home. Can you tell me how it is that you
were instated into the x-files?"
"I was assigned to the x-files in may last year to find the
division founder, Fox Mulder. After his death and res--
recovery, my partner, Dana Scully, tried to get him
reinstated, but because of his poor health, he failed the
physical requirements set by the Bureau, and Assistant
Director Walter Skinner recruited the addition of Dr.
Jerilyn Starkweather, who was instated after a resurgence
of x-file cases. About a month ago, Agent Starkweather was
attacked as a direct result of our last case, and by
coincidence, Scully's former partner was in the vacinity,
and came to her aid.
"What do you mean *death*?" Al queried. He thought that was
just a clerical error.
"I was a pall bearer for his funeral, Admiral. We found 'im
dead in the woods of Oregon after an exhaustive six-month
search." Doggett found it odd that this man was accepting
everything he had just said.
Al stormed into the First Aid room. The medic was almost
finished up with her work on Doggett-in-Sam's body's
injury.
"Alright, muy macho man," Al barked. "You and me gotta
talk. If you don't cooperate with us right now, both Mulder
and Starkweather will be sleeping with the fishes..."
"I was just told that I am in the year 2011 in *ROSWELL*
NM." Doggett began incredulously. "Within the laws of
physics, it is impossible to be transported instantaneously
through space in a matter of seconds. Let
alone time. For arguments' sake. If I were to say that this
were all possible, how is it that my actions effect what
hasn't even happened yet. With all due respect and games aside,
why the fuck would I wanna believe
someone who's holding me hostage, Popeye?"
"Because, Sherlock, there's a great big gun still pointed
at your head right now, and you just broke our observation
mirror, that's why. This was completely unnecessary. We are
only holding you hostage for your own protection. Jesus,
Doggett! You're more stubborn than Mulder ever was! If
you would trust us just a little, none of this would hafta
happen."
"I can't affoard to trust anyone in my line of work."
"Listen, Doggett. As against you as you obviously think I
am, I'm on your side. I'm trying to help your future
situation here, I'm trying to save your partner's life,
and I'm trying to save Mr. TrustNoOne himself. Me,
Dr. Becket, and all the other employees involved in this
venture are risking our lives
--our futures--our entire existances--for
you and the rest of the Scooby gang down in that x-file
dungeon. If it were up to me, your ass would be grass right now,
but it's not up to me."
"Tell me, please." Doggett implored. "I'm all ears. Who is
it up to, Admiral?" Doggett interrogated.
"It's up to Him." Al pointed his cigar emphatically upward.
"So, it's up to Him, huh?" Doggett echoed incredulously.
"It's up to Him that the x-files office stay open. Tell me
this then. Was it up to Him to take Luke? Was it up to Him
to take Mulder and leave me with the x-files? Was all that,
and every other tragedy you and Dr. Becket couldn't stop up
to Him, too?"
"Look, life is pain. Anyone who says otherwise is either
stupid or trying to sell you something. I can't tell you
how many times I've laid awake at night asking the same
goddamn questions myself, but if you wanna find the
Truth that's out there, Doggett, you're going to have to
trust me. Any more damage from you, and I swear to God
I'll have you sedated." Al said, leaving the room, making
his way to the imaging chamber.
"The Deputy Mayor???"
"That's Deputy Mayor F. William Mulder, the artist formerly
known as Agent Fox Mulder," Al, as usual, appeared
unannounced, scaring the bejesus out of Sam, as usual.
"They've changed things a bit down in the dungeon." Al
looked Special Agent Jerilyn Starkweather up and down.
"Man, what is this, "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day?""
"What?" Sam said aloud.
"Jesus, Doggett, what's with you?" Starkweather was openly
staring at him, her feline eyes studying him, unnerving Sam
greatly. "You'd think YOU were with Ben last night at
Hooters drinking, not me."
"Ben?"
"Benjamin Starkweather, Al whacked his hand-held console.
It squealed until it produced the information he needed.
"That's her husband."
"Husband?" Sam said incredulously.
"Ahhh. I see we've graduated to multi-syllables, good job."
Starkweather quipped. "I thought you were being the
responsible agent, studying case files while doing
laundry."
"Sa ---am!" Al hissed. "Make an excuse, get to somewhere
private so I can brief you before these G-women think
you're completely loco."
"Um, excuse me," Sam turned to leave.
"Where are you going Agent Doggett?" Scully asked.
"Um... the bathroom."
"That's creative," Al groaned as the glowing door opened up
behind him. He stepped inside, "Meet you in the john," he
said before he disappeared.
Sam smiled wanly at Scully and Starkweather and rushed out
the door. Starkweather turned to Scully and said "My first
day back after having the snot beat out of me and my
partner has a major case of the weirds. Lovely."
"Today is June 16, 2002, and you are..." Al whipped out the
console, "FBI Special Agent John Doggett" Sam interjected, and
looked in the mirror to see a man with copper hair, an
honest, stern face with dazzling blue eyes. "I'm supposed
to get Mulder back on the X-files."
Al shook his head. Most of the time these days, Sam could
figure out with relative ease who he was. Al's briefing
lately was just one of those protocols. "Not quite."
"So what is Do--am I doing back on the X-Files? I thought I
changed history earlier. And what happened to Mulder?"
"Hell if I know." Al shook his head, "Ziggy's a smart-ass computer,
but she ain't no Einstein. As far as our researchers can tell, our
project only goes as far as the human race. Mars...or
wherever E.T. comes from...is just a little bit out of our
district. As to what you're doing back in the X-Files, we
dunno. Ziggy says all the cases are under Military lock and
key." Al gawked "Military?" Then out in the air. "Goushie,
you sure this is right?"
"Why would the military have FBI cases?"
"Who knows?" Al shrugged. "Apparently a few good men are
taking a newfound interest in little green ones. As for
Mulder..." Al punched a few buttons into the console, it
flashed different colors and whirred, and Al's eyes
widened.
"They're gray" Sam couldn't help himself.
"One leap on the x-files, and suddenly you're quoting
Mulderisms. This is weird. Ziggy's got a death date on him
about a year ago. Huh...musta been one of those clerical
errors, or something. I guess he pissed the wrong people
off down at the courthouse. Anyway, according to our FBI
files, he bowed outta the FBI after an incident involving
alien oil, and fills the Deputy Mayor position down at the
courthouse."
"Have you been able to get anything from this Doggett guy?"
"No. He's more skeptical than Scully ever was when she was
there. Remember that agent who paid us a visit your last
leap?"
Sam nodded. "That was him? Sam nodded toward the
reflection. "Then why does he not know what's going on?"
"He hasn't been there yet, at least to him. Remember?"
"Any idea at all as to what I'm supposed to do here? Maybe
the court records have something."
"Let's see here..." Al punched a few buttons into the
console, which lit up and squealed. "Hey! That's great!
Scully's got a kid now! Her and Mulder must have been busy
bunnies. I guess doctors can be wrong."
"Anything on Starkweather?"
"Ziggy says..."...again a punch of a few buttons
"Starkweather the daughter of Admiral Bailey--I know that
guy Sam. His wife's a Senator. He's a bit of a nutcase, but
a nice guy. "She was something of a child prodigy, but
she's 28, an ex-Airman, married to Ben Starkweather...works
at Carter, Spangle and Adams law firm...and...uh oh! Is
found dead in a few days...and *Mulder* is found--guilty--
of his murder. Mulder?" Al sat there looking at the console
making sure he hadn't read it wrong.
"Mulder!" Sam gawked "That can't be right...he may piss
people off, but I just don't see him murdering anyone."
"I'm with you. Spooky spends too much energy hunting E.T.'s
and being a horses ass to plan a murder."
"Go see what you can find out from Doggett. I'll try and
find out what I can from his partners."
"You do that. Hang in there, Sam. I'll get back to you as
soon as I find anything."
Before Sam could say anything, Al was gone to see if the
subject could offer any information.
Assistant Director Skinner's Office
June 16, 2001
9:15 AM
Starkweather let herself into Skinner's office without
knocking. She didn't even acknowledge Skinner, so hot was
her wrath. "Who the hell do you think you are?" she
demanded her spouse.
"Agent Starkweather," Skinner growled.
"Jerilyn," Ben spoke calmly. "This is official business.
Don't get your pantyhose in a wad."
"Well, if this business if official, I strongly recommend
you refrain from using inappropriate phrases and to address
me with the respect a federal agent deserves, Counselor."
Ben scowled. Jerilyn, self-proclaimed queen of nicknaming,
ever since their dating days, had called him 'Counselor' as
a term of endearment. Now, it sounded obscene.
"For Christ's sake, Jerilyn," Ben leapt out of his seat and
turned to face his wife, his swarthy, handsome face twisted
in anger. "As usual, you're blowing this out of fucking
proportion. I need that goddamned file to prove that the
oil rig was in gross violation of the Environmental
Protection Act. Without it, I'm dead in the water."
"Other people are going to be dead if that file become
public domain."
"Jesus, Jerilyn!" Ben and Jerilyn were nose to nose now.
"Will you lay off the "tough bitch FBI" crap! It's just
another FBI file!"
"The hell it is! It's not just another FBI file. It's an X-
File. An extremely sensitive X-File, you dumb, arrogant
shit!"
Skinner had enough. "STARKWEATHER!" he snapped.
Both Ben and Jerilyn faced him. "WHAT?" they snapped in
unison.
Skinner groaned and tossed his glasses on his desk. He
rubbed his temples as he asked as nicely as his temper
would allow, "Would you two sit down? I have questions I
need answered before I decide if that information can be
released or not."
Like two bickering children pleading with their father,
Starkweather and Starkweather overlapped each other:
"Oh come on, Assistant Director! Sir you can not be
seriously considering... That information CAN NOT be
released!" Jerilyn cried.
"Sir, with all due respect, I need those files! Several men
were killed on that rig, many more lives are at stake. I
need those files to close them down!"
"SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!!!!!" Skinner roared.
Meekly, husband and wife sat down.
"Thank you." Skinner said civilly.
Agent Starkweather," Skinner began. "Did you have any
foreknowledge of your husband's involvement with this case
against the oil company?"
"Sir," Jerilyn struggled for control. "As of last night, I
knew my husband was prosecuting an oil company for
negligance. I had no idea that it was THIS oil company
until you called me."
"Is that true?" he asked Ben.
"Absolutely." Ben agreed. "For the most part," he glowered
at Jerilyn. "We keep our work separate from home life,
since we both have issues of confidentially with our
respected jobs."
"Then how did you make the connection?"
"Simple detective work, really," Ben said modestly.
"Through my research I discovered that the sole survivors
of the explosion was the former Agent Mulder and the
current Agent John Doggett, who, as it so happens, is my
wife's partner. I merely put two and two together."
"And how will having this case file assist with your
prosecution?"
"After I thoroughly investigate the FBI's findings, I plan
on subpoenaing Agent Doggett and Deputy Mayor Mulder to
testify."
"NO!" Jerilyn leapt out of her case. "Ben you can't!"
"Agent Starkweather, you're out of line," Skinner growled.
But once again, Skinner was ignored as Starkweather versus
Starkweather, Round Two, ensued.
"Jerilyn, they are the only ones who know what really
happened out there!"
"They risked their lives out there. Mulder lost his job
because he was out there! Putting them on the stand,
ordering them to reveal information that almost killed them
once already would be potentially life-threatening to them,
not mention that their careers would be ruined! Mulder can
kiss being Deputy Mayor goodbye and Doggett would lose
every chance he has of succeeding Skinner!"
"Agent Starkweather, Mr. Starkweather..." Skinner tried
futilely to retake the conversation.
"But what about the lives lost on that rig! What about the
biological hazard that's still floating around the debris
out in the Gulf? Over thirty men are dead because of this
company's irresponsibility plus all of the sea life that
was destroyed? How can we honor their deaths if we can't
bring their murderers to justice. Jerilyn, you told me once
that it was your job to catch the bad guys and it was my
job to put them away. Why are you fighting against me from
doing my job? I thought you were after the truth?"
"I am after the truth," Jerilyn fumed. "I'm fighting you
because you have no fucking clue about the true nature of
what happened out there! I read the file! Ben, you'd do
more damage dragging Mulder and Doggett into this!" Jerilyn
began pacing. "We don't know exactly what happened. But new
information has been brought to light that WE need to
investigate. This is so much bigger than you realize.
"Agent Starkweather, sit down," Skinner stood up.
"But the only thing solid we GOT on them is their
environmental irresponsibility! It doesn't matter HOW we
put them away, just as long as they go! Help me, Jerilyn."
"I won't help you by condemning Doggett and Mulder to
death."
"I thought you hated Mulder."
"Just because I don't like him doesn't mean I want him
dead! Besides, he saved my sorry ass! Is that how you want
to repay the man who rescued your wife? By making him a
sitting duck? You make me sick."
"Put a sock in it, Agent Starkweather!" Skinner yelled.
Jerilyn finally shut up. "That's enough from you. You may
return to work, agent." His voice was flint.
Jerilyn said curtly. "Yes sir." She hissed at Ben, "This
isn't over."
"See you at home, pumpkin," Ben responded snidely.
"Agent Starkweather, you are dismissed," Skinner barked
like a drill sergeant. Jerilyn turned on her heel and left,
even more enraged than before. "And you-" Skinner said to
Ben as soon as Jerilyn shut the door. "-have no call to be
invading my office, giving ME commands. Extradition order
or not, I don't have to give you a damn thing if it
endangers national security, especially after the way you
just spoke to one of my top agents."
"She's not just an agent, she's my wife."
"All the more reason, you cocky little shit." Skinner said.
"I don't give a damn who you work for or who you're married
to. Bring all the court orders you want, I'll find a way to
block them all, that is a promise."
"Sir," Ben said. "If I win this case, Mulder's name is
cleared and he can get reinstated, did you even think of
that?"
"I have no use for dead agents." Besides, after Mulder
failing the fitness requirements when his mysterious
ailments started up, there was no way Kersh was going to
let him back in. But Skinner kept that to himself.
Ben stood up. "Thank you for your time sir," he said
curtly. "My wife spoke highly of you. She said you were a
reasonable, sensible man."
"I am a reasonable, sensible man. That's why your attempts
to scare me won't work just like your attempts to butter me
up with your marriage contacts didn't scare me earlier."
"I will get that file."
"Not if I have a say about it."
"Actually," Ben said pleasantly, checking his watch. "After
this interview, you probably don't. I have a ten-thirty
appointment with Deputy Director Kersh. Have a good
morning." And Ben took his leave.
When Ben left, Skinner put his glasses on and dialed his
phone. "The Deputy Mayor please."
"May I ask who's calling?" A perky voice chirped.
"Tell him it's Assistant Director Skinner and it's
important."
A minute passed before he heard the familiar sardonic
greeting. "Hey Skin-man."
"Mulder, what's your schedule like? We need to talk, we
have a major problem."
"Problems? At the FBI. No way."
"Mulder, don't push my buttons today. I have legal papers
in front of me ordering to release the oil rig X-File into
public domain for a legal battle."
"I have a City Council meeting at one. Give me a half hour
to finish up some paperwork and phone calls and I'll be
there."
"Good," Skinner grunted, hung up, then picked up the phone
and dialed again.
"Scully."
"Scully, I need to see you and Agent Doggett in my office
in thirty minutes. We have a major situation on our hands."
"Do we want to include Starkweather?"
"No. Don't be late." He hung up on more time, then picked
up one last time that morning to tell Kimberly to hold all
calls.
"Yes sir."
Skinner hung up the phone for good now. "Good God..."
In Skinner's office, Sam sat next to Scully, completely
bewildered. He still didn't know a thing about Doggett's
life, except that once he had a little boy, but Sam didn't
even know how the boy died. And now he had been rushed up
to Skinner's office about a "situation."
This leap just keeps getting better and better Sam
groaned to himself as they waited for Mulder. Al, where
are you? Help me out buddy he silently implored his
holographic friend.
Mulder burst through the door. "Sorry I'm late," he
apologized breezily. "Traffic was a bitch."
"Have a seat Mulder, I'll bring you all up to speed."
Skinner said. Mulder eyed Sam, sitting next to Scully, for
a minute before taking a seat. Skinner groaned. After the
nice little domestic spat he witnessed between the
Starkweathers, he had no desire to be a referee in a
pissing contest between Doggett and Mulder.
And of course, Sam had no idea why he received such a dirty
look from Mulder. Now what did I do? Sam wondered.
"Here's the situation, well, more of a clusterfuck."
Skinner lapsed into his Marine-lingo. "Agent Starkweather's
husband is prosecuting the oil rig company for
environmental violations...
What oil rig? Sam wondered. AL!!!!!!!
"... He wants us to release the X-File, he wants to
subpoena Mulder and Doggett. He's up in Kirsch's office
right now, pleading his case."
Scully folded her hands as if in prayer. Sam leaned back
into the sofa and tried to piece together the puzzle pieces
he just received Some oil rig was an X-file,
Starkweather's husband is a lawyer trying to prosecute this
company who wants their secrets protected.... "Should we
be concerned for Starkweather's safety?" he asked.
"Agent Starkweather was not with the X-Files at that time,
I'm more concerned for yours and Mulder's safety," Skinner
said curtly.
"Not Agent Starkweather, sir. Her husband," Sam stood up.
"Look, if I'm right," and I hope I am because I am
completely guessing here "Ben is brand new to law, he
landed a big case that he thinks will make him big, but
he's in over his head. If there are people out there who
wants to keep this quiet, wouldn't they go after the
prosecutor rather than us?"
"Sir," Scully spoke up for the first time. "He has a
point."
"Duly taken," Skinner agreed.
Sam had a brainstorm. "Sir, let me run back to the office
quick to get the file. I'll bring it up and we can go
through it word by word... so, uh, we can create a coherent
argument why this can't be used in a public trial... the
trial is going to be open to media, I assume?"
"A young, cocky lawyer wouldn't have it any other way."
Mulder said dryly.
Sam excused himself and made his narrow escape. Hopefully,
he would have time to at least skim through the file so he
could have a minimal clue on what everyone was talking
about and maybe figure out why Benjamin Starkweather was
going to be murdered and how Mulder was about to be framed
and also hopefully find a way to stop it...
When Sam left, Mulder turned to Scully and said "Is it just
me or is the Puppy-Man successfully shed his charming
Southern-New York hybrid accent in favor of the bland
Indianan nuances?"
Scully sighed. "He's having a rough day, Mulder. Let him
be."
Sam fairly raced down the hall to the elevator. With a
little luck, if he could find a way to stop the x-file from
becoming part of the testimony, he could stop the murder
from happening, getv the x-files would as back to normal as
the x-files got, and get out of there.
"Al!" He hissed into the air in the elevator. Thankfully,
Al appeared.
"Mulder gave me a dirty look earlier. All I did was sit."
"Next to Scully?" Sam nodded sheepishly.
"That explains it. That, and he sees you as Doggett,
remember?"
"What's the deal with the oil rig?"
"On Mulder and Doggett's official final case together.
Apparently, they were the sole survivors on an oil rig that
had been tainted with oil that harbored alien DNA. During
the invasion of the body snatchers, there was a giant
explosion that Mulder was blamed for. The explosion
destroyed the oil rig, and he was 86'ed from the FBI as a
result."
"Doggett got Mulder fired?"
"No...no...that's what I thought to, Sam, but as much as
Mulder and Doggett piss on each other, Doggett insists that
Mulder took the fall for him.
"So that explains why Mulder's not on the x-files anymore."
Sam was now in the office, Starkweather was busying herself
with filing the report on their last case.
"Not entirely, but there will be time for the rundown
later. Right now, there's more important things to worry
about."
"And what's that?"
"Unless you do something *FAST* the case is going to go to
court, and a lot of people are going to be killed, and the
idiot Director Kersch will close the door on the x-files
for good."
"The case report for Scotland--? Doggett, are you ok?"
Starkweather answered questioningly.
"I'm--uh--fine. Case report--hey, do you think you can get
the files for me on the last case Mulder and I worked on,
the one with the oil rig? I can't seem to remember where I
put it." Sam feigned rummaging through the files.
In light of what the day was, Starkweather decided to
forego the usual snide remarks.
"When Scully came in, you would have thought *she* was the
one gone for a month. What was that all about?"
Starkweather handed him the file.
Gone for a month?
"She got in a fight with a big bad alien bounty hunter and
almost got herself killed. Mulder was in the area and
rescued her." Al prompted.
"Just--uh--happy to see her, that's all. Sam was growing
uneasy with Starkweather's suspicious glances averted in
his direction. In a flash, he had for the second time that
hour, a brainstorm. "You think you can stop your husband
from taking the case?"
"Look, I'm watching your back, Doggett. My idiot lawyer
husband is not going to run you and Mulder through the mud
if I have anything to do with it."
"I'm not worried about Dog--me or Mulder. I'm only worried
for him. He's a fresh prosecutor, which makes him a prime
target for a big oil company like the one we're working
with."
"Yeah, he'll be fish food." Al butted in.
"I think you've been reading too many John Grisham books
lately." She snorted and inadvertently went back to her
typing.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Sam said, and with
that, was on his way back to Skinner's office.
Starkweather looked up from her typing when Sam left,
absently nibbling a pen cap. Al hovered about her,
lingering for a bit. Despite her massive accolades and
credentials, she looked so sweet and young, too young to
handle all the insanity that was being thrown at her. "Kid,
I know you can't hear me," Al said, "but we're doing
everything we can so you and Benny can get old and wrinkly
together, okay? You just hang in there."
Starkweather turned her head suddenly and stared wide eyed
into the void where the hologram only Sam was supposed to
see was standing.
"Kid?" Al said nervously. "You CAN'T hear me, right?"
"Hello?" Starkweather stood up, her voice trembling but a
hair. "Is somebody down here?" She walked "through" Al and
to the door, looking out. "I CAN hear you..." she turned
back around and looked around the apparently empty office.
"Where are you?"
Oh crap Al thought as he punched the keys on his
console that opened the door to leave the hologram room.
Getting out of here he thought as he disappeared.
He decided he better do some more research into the
enigmatic creature he was leaving behind....
*********************************
Back to the future
Al slammed the door of his office, shrugged off his garish
coat and tore off his tie. He booted up his computer and
connected to Ziggy's mainframe. He punched in a few
commands and Ziggy started surfing. "Come on, come on..."
he muttered as Ziggy combed through millions and millions
of files.
"Search completed. Downloading now," Ziggy's snotty voice
purred out of Al's computer speakers.
"Thank you sweetheart," Al always felt silly flirting with
a computer, but Sam, before his maiden leap, had insisted
how important it was to maintain Ziggy's ego.
"Download complete. Shall I start reading now Admiral?"
"Please," Al said, leaning back in his chair.
Ziggy began to drone "Admiral, did you forget to unformat
your brainwaves from Mulder's?"
"Yeah - no, oh geez, we didn't!" Al sat up. "Cripes, it's a
good thing Mulder wasn't around when I was, he'd see me and
everyone would think he's batty than he already is. But,
hey, Ziggy, how does that explain Agent Starkweather
hearing me? And why didn't she hear me the first time I
dropped in?"
"Because there is an 65.5% chance that Fox Mulder and
Jerilyn Bailey Starkweather may be blood relatives."
"WHAT????" Al spluttered. "How??"
"As of right now, there is only one inconclusive DNA test
on blood samples taken from the murder scene and from the
last person to see Benjamin Starkweather alive. There is no
further concrete documented evidence on that unfortunately,
since Fox Mulder is still slated to be killed once he's
arrested and now Jerilyn Bailey Starkweather will be killed
three days afterwards."
"WHAT???" Al spluttered again. "When did THAT happen?"
"A few moments ago, history was inadventdently changed
after Fox Mulder's conversation with Jerilyn a few moments
ago."
"Aw, great!!! Mulder! You numbskull!!! Whadd'ya say to
her!!!!" he shouted vainly. "This is one chick you don't
wanna piss off!!!"
"Admiral," Ziggy said pleasantly. "I would suggest you
return to the aid of Dr. Beckett, he's trying to break up
the fight as we speak."
Just then Goushie burst through the door, "Al, I'm to
bother you, but we need you in the imaging chamber, we're
having problems with Mr. Doggett." He scurried out again.
Al stood calmly in his office, chewing on his cigar. "This
is why I'm losing my hair," he concluded.
Doggett would have to simmer for just a bit.
Al was all set to go help Sam, but was derailed by Goushie.
"No, Al, you gotta go talk to Doggett now!"
"B-b-but," Al stammered as Goushie bodily dragged him away
going into the hologram room.
"No, man, he hurt himself, you gotta go talk to him."
"Hurt himself, how?"
"He busted through the two-way mirror! Cut up his-um, Sam's
head, he's getting stitched up. Man, you gotta deal with
him now, before he runs! He's only stayin' put 'cause
security's pointing a gun at him while the doc is sewing
him up!"
"God damn stupid Marines!" Al swore and ran down the hall
as fast as his little Italian legs could carry him.
Doggett was getting more than a little irritated with the
man.
He sensed that there were things being kept from him.
Doggett kept his tone steadily angry. The agent knew from
experience it did no good to allow his anger and confusion
to get the better of him.
Al was looking down at the folder he came in with.
"With all due respect, sir, but where the fuck do you think
you get off? You want me to give you information on a
classified case, when I have no idea where I am, why you're
holding me, or who you are."
"I can't tell that. If I told you, the implications of
doing so might change everyone in this building, not to
mention everyone around you. Believe me Agent Doggett, we
are not holding you captive, but it is in
your best interest, and in the best interest of everyone
else concerned that you stay put." Al's tone was calm and
commanding.
"Can you at least tell me who you are?"
"That, I can do. I am Admiral Calavici." Al extended a hand
in greeting.
"Aw, Christ! A seaman." Doggett grumbled under his breath
and grudgingly accepted the handshake.
"What, the Marines have a problem with the Navy?"
"No, not at all, we love the Navy," Doggett quipped, "subs
make great sandwiches. I caught that movie, too, Admiral."
"Are Horses ass lessons involved in FBI training, Doggett?"
Doggett came back with something Mulder said to him a few
months ago.
"Naw," Doggett drawled "just comes with the territory. If
that is all, can I please get my clothes and leave? Like I
said, I have business to attend to. I wasn't kidding when I
said shit was about to hit the fan."
"You don't wanna do that, Agent Doggett."
"Why the hell not? Would you please stop giving me the
runaround and tell me what is going on here?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"In my line of work, believe me...I think I would."
Fed up with the man at the desk who was apparently not
cooperating, Doggett bolted up from his chair, and for the first time,
he noticed a reflection in the mirror that was not his own.
In the Plexiglas of the observation mirror staring back at
him was a tall young man with broad shoulders, dark hair
with a white streak descending from the beginnings of a
receding hairline, five o'clock stubble grazing a
pronounced chin. He thought for an instant that Mulder was
watching the whole thing on the other side of the
observation mirror.
"That's a neat trick, Mulder, getting an actor to do a
mirror routine with me. Or did you get Langley to rig up a
computer composite of somebody else's face with motion
detectors? I'm impressed."
"It's not a trick, Agent Doggett. As much as it looks like
it, Mulder didn't do this. It would be a lot easier for all
concerned if you would please tell us what that case is all
about that you were working on last. You would be helping a
lot of people. The sooner you help us, the sooner we will
let you get back home. Can you tell me how it is that you
were instated into the x-files?"
"I was assigned to the x-files in may last year to find the
division founder, Fox Mulder. After his death and res--
recovery, my partner, Dana Scully, tried to get him
reinstated, but because of his poor health, he failed the
physical requirements set by the Bureau, and Assistant
Director Walter Skinner recruited the addition of Dr.
Jerilyn Starkweather, who was instated after a resurgence
of x-file cases. About a month ago, Agent Starkweather was
attacked as a direct result of our last case, and by
coincidence, Scully's former partner was in the vacinity,
and came to her aid.
"What do you mean *death*?" Al queried. He thought that was
just a clerical error.
"I was a pall bearer for his funeral, Admiral. We found 'im
dead in the woods of Oregon after an exhaustive six-month
search." Doggett found it odd that this man was accepting
everything he had just said.
Al stormed into the First Aid room. The medic was almost
finished up with her work on Doggett-in-Sam's body's
injury.
"Alright, muy macho man," Al barked. "You and me gotta
talk. If you don't cooperate with us right now, both Mulder
and Starkweather will be sleeping with the fishes..."
"I was just told that I am in the year 2011 in *ROSWELL*
NM." Doggett began incredulously. "Within the laws of
physics, it is impossible to be transported instantaneously
through space in a matter of seconds. Let
alone time. For arguments' sake. If I were to say that this
were all possible, how is it that my actions effect what
hasn't even happened yet. With all due respect and games aside,
why the fuck would I wanna believe
someone who's holding me hostage, Popeye?"
"Because, Sherlock, there's a great big gun still pointed
at your head right now, and you just broke our observation
mirror, that's why. This was completely unnecessary. We are
only holding you hostage for your own protection. Jesus,
Doggett! You're more stubborn than Mulder ever was! If
you would trust us just a little, none of this would hafta
happen."
"I can't affoard to trust anyone in my line of work."
"Listen, Doggett. As against you as you obviously think I
am, I'm on your side. I'm trying to help your future
situation here, I'm trying to save your partner's life,
and I'm trying to save Mr. TrustNoOne himself. Me,
Dr. Becket, and all the other employees involved in this
venture are risking our lives
--our futures--our entire existances--for
you and the rest of the Scooby gang down in that x-file
dungeon. If it were up to me, your ass would be grass right now,
but it's not up to me."
"Tell me, please." Doggett implored. "I'm all ears. Who is
it up to, Admiral?" Doggett interrogated.
"It's up to Him." Al pointed his cigar emphatically upward.
"So, it's up to Him, huh?" Doggett echoed incredulously.
"It's up to Him that the x-files office stay open. Tell me
this then. Was it up to Him to take Luke? Was it up to Him
to take Mulder and leave me with the x-files? Was all that,
and every other tragedy you and Dr. Becket couldn't stop up
to Him, too?"
"Look, life is pain. Anyone who says otherwise is either
stupid or trying to sell you something. I can't tell you
how many times I've laid awake at night asking the same
goddamn questions myself, but if you wanna find the
Truth that's out there, Doggett, you're going to have to
trust me. Any more damage from you, and I swear to God
I'll have you sedated." Al said, leaving the room, making
his way to the imaging chamber.