I of course do not have the rights to any of the characters within this story. Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and Twentieth Century Fox hold all copyrights. I've used them to expand my creativity and have a little fun. This story is based on the conspiracy and is not a stand alone, although its filled with humorous situations that a lot of us Shippers would have loved to truly see.
Part 1
It was 3:17 in the morning and Dana Scully could not sleep. At 7:30 A.M. or in a little over four hours she was to appear at a review hearing before a panel of her superiors. Once again she was threatened by the possibility of reassignment, censure or worse yet dismissal from the FBI. She had been in this position before, but not like this. This time Mulder had gone too far and despite her convictions she was a willing participant in breaking rules in the search for the truth.
I had started simple enough. A case had been assigned to them regarding the murder of a Noble Prize winning scientist, Dr. Oseleck. He had been attending a conference in NYC as a guest speaker. There had been no previous threats so security had been laxed. It was over quickly and the assailant was gone. No one was able to give a clear description of the guilty one except for one factor, he had long dark hair. As it was now an international crime, the FBI was called in and who better to investigate but Mulder and Scully. They had also been assigned a new agent Mark Johnson to assist them. It would be a learning exercise for him as it was his first case.
Dr. Oseleck's briefcase revealed documents eluding to a US Government agency paying him for secret research on genetic material. Mulder insisted on seizing the documents, placing them in the trunk of their car. They had headed back to DC and on the way had stopped at a rest stop:
"Nature calls", says Mulder as he parks the car. He pulls off his sunglasses off and tosses them onto the dashboard.
"I'm going to get a drink, does either one of you want anything?" asks Scully.
"Nothing for me Agent Scully", says Agent Johnson from the backseat.
"You know what I like", says Mulder getting out of the car.
"What, no money?" asks Scully
"Its your turn to buy," says Mulder heading toward the men's room.
Scully entered the convenience store and walked up to the cold drinks section. She chose a Coke and an iced tea and headed toward the counter. She grabbed a bag of fat free pretzels and dug in her pocket for money. She glanced out the window and saw a long haired man talking to Johnson, she frowned at the sight.
"Will this be all mame'?" asks the teenager clerk as he adds up her total.
"Add this on," Mulder says as he tosses a bag of sunflower seeds on the counter.
"Why don't you just buy a 50lb. bag of those. They sell them at any petstore," says Scully.
"Are you suggesting that I belong in a cage Scully?" asks Mulder.
Scully just rolls her eyes as they head for the door.
There is a huge commotion outside and everyone is assembled around their car. Mulder and Scully push through the crowd and are shocked to find Mark Johnson dead, shot in the head once. All four doors and the trunk are wide open.
"We were only gone five or six minutes" mumbles Mulder. "What the hell happened?" "Did anyone see anything?" He turns around gazing out at the crowd. "Did anyone see anyone approach this man, Special Agent Mark Johnson of the FBI?" No one responded.
"I saw Mark talking to a long haired scruffy looking guy" says Scully. "I thought it odd, but I figured maybe he was asking directions or an opinion on cars or something."
"This was no robbery Scully, this was a hit. But why?" asks Mulder. "Wait the evidence!" He dashes to the back of the car. "Gone!" He slams his fist on the trunk. "Every time we get a step closer to finding out a piece of the puzzle it just disappears."
"Well there is no point in me doing the autopsy," says Scully. "The cause of death is obvious, the reason remains a mystery." She reaches for her phone to call A.D. Skinner with the news. "Skinner is going to really reprimand us for this one" she says. Just then her phone rings. And believe it or not its Skinner on the phone.
"Sir, I was just calling you. Agent Mulder and I have run into a problem."
"Tell him its definitely an X-File" says Mulder coming up beside her.
Scully gives him a look. "Sir, there has been a hit on Agent Johnson and he is dead."
Skinner on the phone: "Do you know who the hell killed him? For Christs sakes he was on his very first case. I entrusted you with his final training and this is what happened?"
"No we don't know who did it. Agent Mulder and I feel horrible Sir and we have no explanation for what has happened. We only know that there was a man that talked to him shortly before the hit and he is not here now. No, no one saw him but me."
"Where were you and Mulder when this happened" asks Skinner.
"I was in the convenience store. Mulder was in the bathroom."
"So one of you was buying food and the other was in the can. How could you be so careless?" Skinner continues on. "What happened was totally unacceptable Agent Scully. I want to see you and Agent Mulder tomorrow at 7:30 A.M.. Be prepared to appear before a review board with a detailed report prepared. This is a high profiled case that we can't afford to mess up on. An international figure is dead and now due to your and Agent Mulder's irresponsibility a fellow agent is dead. I just talked to the local PD about some documents that you seized from the NY crime scene. What did you find out?"
"The documents contain some disturbing information Sir, unfortunately we no longer have those papers in our possession", says Scully.
"What do you mean you don't have them" says Skinner.
"Apparently after the hit on Agent Johnson the papers were stolen by the attacker" says Scully.
"What? This is the ultimate Agent Scully. This is really going to add some extra fuel to the fire at tomorrow's review. I can't predict what the outcome will be tomorrow, but expect the worst. The least you two can expect is reassignment with the X-Files being closed to you for the indefinite future. I can only predict that you will be placed in field offices as far apart as possible and please advise Agent Mulder that there is NO X-FILE here and it would be in both your best interests if he did not refer to any topic relating to aliens, UFOs or government conspiracies." Skinner hangs up.
"Mulder, he is really mad" says Scully. "We have to report tomorrow morning for a disciplinarian hearing and it does not sound good for us or the X-Files."
"Damn it, they're doing it again. Anything to sweep this whole thing under the rug." says Mulder storming over to a bench where he sits down.
Scully approaches and sits down next to him. "We have to discuss this Mulder. We have to straighten out the story or we are going to have the same problem that we had with that vampire thing."
"Yeah, well I can't think right now" says Mulder.
The police have arrived and they have brought a towtruck with them.
"What do you mean we can't take our car. Its evidence?" asks Mulder. "How the hell are we going to get home."
"Rent a cab", says a police officer dusting the door for prints. "Or its even cheaper to rent a limo if you have far to go." He motions to Scully and winking at Mulder.
"I'll go make a couple of calls and see if I can round something up" says Mulder. "Make sure we get the results of any forensic evidence."
Scully stands there and waits. She notices that the police aren't being very careful about the procedure that they are following.
Mulder appears a short time later. "That guy was right. Its cheaper to rent a limo for the rest of the trip to DC. Cabs charge per mile and limos are a flat rate for so many hours. Besides, lets go in style Scully the government is footing the tab" grins Mulder.
"Mulder! We are very near losing our jobs, our entire careers! How can you be so calm?"
"It will work out Scully. It always does" says Mulder softly
They sit on the bench waiting for the limo. Fifteen minutes later it arrives and they climb in.
"Hey Scully, they've got it well stocked" says Mulder pulling a champagne bottle out the mini bar.
"We're on duty Mulder. Its against department policy for two opposite sex agents to be drinking while on duty. Especially in a limosine" says Scully giving him a look. Mulder waves the bottle in front of her face. "Oh what the hell, wheres the corkscrew" she says. Mulder opens the bottle and pours her a glass.
Scully opens a drawer beneath the tv set and scans the videos inside. "Well we can't watch any movies, there aren't any above an R rating. I guess they didn't know you were coming Mulder" Scully says as she shuts the drawer.
"Very funny Scully. Seriously is that what you think of me?"
"I don't know Mulder what to think of you. You don't talk enough to me to give me an opinion" says Scully as she gulps her glass of champagne down.
"That hurts Scully. I talk to you more than anyone else I know. As I have told you before, I trust only you."
"Yeah Mulder, you trust me with your alien conspiracy theories, but as for really talking about non work related topics you give me nothing."
"And how much do you talk about regarding yourself?" he replies.
"I don't want to argue Mulder" says Scully turning away.
"You're really worried about tomorrow aren't you?" asks Mulder.
"Mulder, we have never been so close to permanently losing the X-Files. When I first started this assignment as your partner I never thought I would become so dedicated to a cause that I didn't totally believe in. But you have helped me to want to believe and I don't want to lose the X-Files .........or you."
At this point the bottle is quite empty and Scully lets her emotions flow and she openly weeps. Something that she rarely lets her partner see. Mulder puts his arm around her and pulls her to his chest.
"You won't lose me Scully, because they can take the X-Files away from us, they can try to reassign us, but we have seen too much and been through too much together to let it go. As I have told you before, you are my touchstone and I won't let it happen, because I won't lose you." He kisses the top of her head as they drive into Georgetown. Its 10:30 P.M..
And now six hours later Scully lays in her bed staring at the clock. Its now 4:30 A.M., only three hours away from the hearing. She jumps a foot when she hears her phone ring.
"Scully" she mumbles.
"Scully its me" says Mulder. "I got the hearing put off for 72 hours. We are booked on a flight for Moscow for 8:30 so get packing."
"Mulder, how did you get Skinner to agree to postpone this?" she asks.
"Just meet me at my apartment for 7:00" he says.
Scully hangs up and stares at the phone.
Part 2
At 6:45 A.M. Scully knocks on the door of Apartment #42. There is no answer. She knocks again and glances at her watch. Once again no answer. She sighs and readjusts the weight of the heavy travel bag on her shoulder to reach into her pocket for her keychain. The door quickly opens.
"Oh good, you're early! We can pick up breakfast on the way to the airport", says Mulder as he ushers Scully into the apartment. He finishes buttoning his shirt.
"Mulder, I just don't understand how you got Skinner to postpone the hearing", says Scully. "He was really angry last night."
"Its my persuasive personality Scully. I told Skinner that we had new information regarding the location of those documents and when he heard that he was putty in my hands", says Mulder as he picks up his travel bag off the couch and leads Scully out the door.
They pull into a nearby McDonalds drive through. "Do you want an egg McMuffin Scully?" asks Mulder.
"No, just coffee", says Scully.
"Oh come on! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Besides we aren't going to get anything decent on the plane", says Mulder.
"I'm not clogging my arteries just because you want to", replies Scully.
"Yeah, well its delicious and I'm eating it anyway", says Mulder paying the clerk and grabbing their order.
Soon they arrive at the airport and at the security check Mulder flashes his badge and gun, Scully does the same.
Once on the plane they store their bags in an overhead compartment and take their seats. Mulder offers Scully the window seat. "We stop in London and then onto Moscow", says Mulder.
At this time a little old lady comes down the aisle glancing up at the seat numbers. She stops at in front of the agents and glances at the aisle seat next to Mulder. "I guess this is my seat next to you handsome," she beams and plops down into the seat. She has a huge shopping bag full of souvenirs. "I just had the most wonderful trip to Washington D.C. I bought so many things I had no room left in my luggage. She attempts to push the shopping bag between her and Mulders feet. Mulder turns to Scully and makes a face (Dreamland). Scully just raises her eyebrows.
They take off and the old lady has now introduced herself as Mrs. Shelby and she had been visiting her grandchildren in Baltimore and was now returning home to England. She proceeds to pull her large photo collection out of her purse and goes through each photo. "And this is my little Rebecca, she is two and her brother Ryan is four." After fifteen minutes Mulder is about to strangle the woman. Finally she changes the subject and says, "I'm sorry for being so one sided in this conversation. Do you two have any children? I bet those little ones must have lovely hair just like their mother" she motions to Scully.
"Ah, neither of us have any children", Mulder says.
"Oh I know you two are on your honeymoon! London is so romantic of a location for a honeymoon, except for Paris of course. And let me tell you there is plenty of time for children, they will come quickly enough."
At this point Scully's mind wanders to the conversation between Mulder and Mrs. Shelby. She sighs and looks down when children are discussed. Its hard to hear others talking about children when she knows she can't have any. "Mrs. Shelby, we aren't married. We are FBI partners working on a case", says Scully.
"Oh, I just assumed, attractive couple that look like they obviously have eyes for one another. They don't allow relationships with jobs like that do they? Well, don't worry I won't tell a soul", says Mrs. Shelby.
Scully looks at her watch and tries to calculate how many hours they are going to be on this plane with this annoying, matchmaking woman. Its not that she wouldn't mind it if Mulder had eyes for her, but she was embarrassed when others noticed their close friendship and mistook it for something else. He was her closest friend and she wanted it to happen because of his interest in her and nothing said by an acquaintance. She wanted the real thing and she was willing to wait, although the wait was getting harder to deal with.
At this point the stewardess passes out the refreshments. "Oh boy, peanuts", says Mulder. "And a granola bar, a mini candy bar and two cheese and crackers. I hope I don't indigestion from all this rich food." Scully smiles and slowly opens her cheese and crackers. "How much layover do we have in London", asks Scully.
"Unfortunately we have three hours. We arrive around six o'clock and our next flight doesn't leave until 9 o'clock," says Mulder.
"Well, I guess we will need to get something to eat at six, so I was thinking that my Dad told me about this great quaint little restaurant that maybe we could try out", says Scully.
"Sounds good", replies Mulder as a pretty blond stewardess comes up to take their drink requests.
Mrs. Shelby asks for a tomato juice and then the stewardess gives Mulder a dazzling smile and asks what he wants. "Iced tea if you've got any", he beams.
"I've got anything you want", says the stewardess passing him a Nestea.
Scully looking annoyed interrupts and says, "Can I please have a rootbeer?" The stewardess reluctantly passes her the rootbeer. "Can I get you anything else?" she asks again sweetly.
Mrs. Shelby speaks up at this point, "Listen here Missy, you stop flirting with this here young man. He is here with his future wife on a nice little trip and you have no business messing with something that has already been decided on by forces out of our control. Fox and Dana are in love so just butt out!"
The stewardess turns away in embarrassment, Mulder's mouth is hanging open as he stares at Mrs. Shelby. He glances over at Scully and she has her head in a magazine, her face is red as her hair.
"Mrs. Shelby, how did you know our first names? I thought I introduced us as Agents Mulder and Scully", asks Mulder.
Mrs. Shelby looks a little embarrassed and looks around before she whispers, "I usually don't tell anyone this, but I'm psychic."
"You can see into people's future?" asks Mulder.
"Yes, I have had this gift since I was a child and sometimes I even help Scotland Yard occasionally."
"Just stay away from Phoebe Green", says Mulder. "Trust me." But anyway Mrs.
Shelby, you say that Scully here and I are going to get married?"
Scully is reading her magazine but glances out of the corner of her eye to hear what Mrs. Shelby says. She would never admit to Mulder that she believed in psychic fortunetellers, but it would be fun to hear what she had to say. She held her breath and crossed her fingers as the old lady said, "Yes, you will be. It may not be right away. There is an aura around you two that cannot be broken, and I feel that you have shared much in the six....no seven years that you have known each other. Soon you will share everything, for that is your destiny..
Part 3
Its just about noontime and lunch is about to be served. Mrs. Shelby is crocheting an afghan for a new grandson. Mulder has rented earphones to watch the movie and Scully has fallen asleep, her head falling over to rest on Mulder's shoulder. The movie has ended and Mulder sticks the earphones in the front seatpocket.
"Scully?" He lightly caresses her cheek. Her eyes immediately fly open and she suddenly realizes where she is. She sits up straight and yawns.
"Time to put that tray table down. We have a four course meal waiting", says Mulder.
A male flight attendant serves them their lunch, a half of soggy grinder, some cookies and an orange juice. "Oh boy, this was really worth the trip", says Mulder staring at his tray.
"So Mulder, do you have any theories of why Agent Johnson was killed? And what may I ask is in Moscow?" asks Scully taking a bite of her grinder.
"I think its Cancer Man of course. Who else would be behind covering up the continuing saga of experimentation on alien DNA?" asks Mulder leaning over and wiping the mustard from the corner of Scully's mouth. Scully quickly grabs a napkin and repeats the motion looking embarrassed.
"Mulder, I saw no reference to the word alien in that report. I saw only results of tests on genetic material from test subjects", says Scully. "I hadn't told you this but Skinner didn't want you to say anything regarding your usual theories at the hearing. Which reminds me, I should check my messages as soon as I get to London and call my mother. I was so rushed this morning I forgot to call her."
Mulder shakes his head. "Scully, you saw those documents! I feel like a scratched record, with all that you have seen you can honestly say that the same nameless government men are not involved with this? The same men that have continuously prevented us from finding the truth and have murdered my father, mother and your sister? The same men behind your abduction, cancer and lies involving the whereabouts of my sister? How many times have they tried to have us killed to stop us with our endless pursuit?"
"Of course I agree that they are involved, but as usual there is always a scientific explanation for the unexplained," says Scully.
"Here I thought you would finally see the light. Thats so you Scully", says Mulder shaking his head looking the other way.
"I don't want to argue with you Mulder", says Scully laying her hand over Mulder's.
Mulder stares at it, but she doesn't remove it.
"I support you in finding the truth, but I need to see hard evidence before I can accept something so argumentative. Now you haven't told me what is in Moscow." She removes her hand and looks toward her lap.
Mulder waits until the food trays have been removed before he speaks. "It seems Dr. Oseleck was from a small Russian town east of Moscow. Coincidentally the same town that reported numerous UFO sightings throughout the sixties and seventies. Rumor has it the sightings have resumed. My theory is that like our own US Government, the Russians have also been using alien technology to enhance their own weapons systems. The technology slowed with the end of the cold war, but with the announcement of the resignation of President Yelsin it seems that those who want to assume control want to build up their stock of weapons again. I feel testing has resumed and we need to find out how this fits into our own government project. As we know Krycek is a Russian and he has proved that he is a double crosser working for Cancer Man and the FBI. He's possibly doing the same thing in Russia as well."
Scully rolls her eyes as Mulder continues. "But I have other news Scully to help this seem more plausible. With the assistance of the Lone Gunmen I hacked into the NYPD's computers and it seems the ballistics test on the bullets that killed Oseleck and Johnson matched."
Scully has now become more interested. "It was the same killer", she says.
"It goes further, he was careless. He left prints at the scene. I got those off the computer too and ran them through the FBI database and behold, there was a match", says Mulder.
"Well whose were they?" asks Scully.
"None other than Alex Krycek", says Mulder.
"So Krycek killed Dr. Oseleck for the documents but didn't get them?" asks Scully.
"My theory was that Dr. Oseleck tried to blackmail someone, possibly whoever is ahead of the project now. Most likely Cancer Man. No one gets away with that so he sent Krycek to get rid of him. He hadn't counted on Oseleck carrying the incriminating evidence around with him, but we got in the way of his finding out. I bet he was a bystander the whole time while we combed over and seized those papers. He followed us to that convenience store and took advantage of the perfect situation when we both left the vehicle. We would of recognized Krycek close up, even with a disguise, but poor Johnson would have had no clue who he was. He didn't have a chance. Dr. Oseleck worked for a major corporation in Moscow and I want to check out if anyone else knew what he was working on. I have a feeling we are going to find something to connect him to this whole ongoing mystery."
"Mulder, who is taking care of your fish?" asks Scully.
"What?" asks Mulder.
"Your fish, who is taking care of them for you?" repeats Scully.
"Theres an old couple down the hallway. I've been having them do it I'm not around. I'm talking case material here and you want to know about my fish? Why?"
"I just felt we needed a break thats all" says Scully. "Can you do me a favor Mulder, can we not talk about the case until we get to Moscow? Its been forever since I have been on a vacation and lets see its 1:00 P.M., with the time difference we have eight hours until we take off for Moscow and a couple of hours after that until we land. For once can we just sit back and enjoy ourselves. It seems like life is flying by and I just want to be a tourist for a couple of hours. Could you just humor me and agree to this for me?" asks Scully.
"Jobs getting to you huh Scully? I can understand you are stressed out and I understand. I want to find the answers too. Skinners on your back and he gets after you more than me because you are there as a interpreter, whatever it is you want to call it regarding my... our work." says Mulder grinning.
"Scully glares and says, "I am not stressed. I just want some time off."
"Hey, I'm just kidding. Okay, I agree we need to stop being workaholics. But you know me, it will be hard. I am driven when it comes to this quest and you will have to remind me. But I promise to try. I already agreed to the dinner. That was a good idea. Is it dress up or casual? Because I didn't really bring anything spectacular seeing we were going to Russia I figured I didn't need any of my suits or god forbid, a tuxedo."
Scully smiles and says, "Its casual, what you have on is fine." She glances at the black pants, white t-shirt with black vest he has on. She glances down and looks at her black pants suit and thinks to herself that maybe she can change in the bathroom at the airport. She has just the thing to wear. I look too professional she thinks. I have to put on something a little more daring. I'll make some excuse why I am changing.
Mrs. Shelby has gone to the restroom and left behind her crocheting. Mulder picks it up and says, " I never could understand how women could do this without looking and not mess up. With everything that is available out there in stores, why would anyone want to take the time to make something so complicated?"
"Its the thought that counts", says Scully fingering the handiwork. "She wants to feel like shes made something for her grandchild. Something that can be held onto for years to come and put into a hope chest for some other child to use."
"Did you have a hope chest growing up Scully?" asks Mulder.
"Yes I did Mulder. I kept all sort of things in it. My memories from my childhood and newer things that people had given me for the future."
"What do you keep in it now" asks Mulder quietly.
"Now? Now I keep copies of old case files in it" says Scully looking away.
"Oh" says Mulder.
Part 1
It was 3:17 in the morning and Dana Scully could not sleep. At 7:30 A.M. or in a little over four hours she was to appear at a review hearing before a panel of her superiors. Once again she was threatened by the possibility of reassignment, censure or worse yet dismissal from the FBI. She had been in this position before, but not like this. This time Mulder had gone too far and despite her convictions she was a willing participant in breaking rules in the search for the truth.
I had started simple enough. A case had been assigned to them regarding the murder of a Noble Prize winning scientist, Dr. Oseleck. He had been attending a conference in NYC as a guest speaker. There had been no previous threats so security had been laxed. It was over quickly and the assailant was gone. No one was able to give a clear description of the guilty one except for one factor, he had long dark hair. As it was now an international crime, the FBI was called in and who better to investigate but Mulder and Scully. They had also been assigned a new agent Mark Johnson to assist them. It would be a learning exercise for him as it was his first case.
Dr. Oseleck's briefcase revealed documents eluding to a US Government agency paying him for secret research on genetic material. Mulder insisted on seizing the documents, placing them in the trunk of their car. They had headed back to DC and on the way had stopped at a rest stop:
"Nature calls", says Mulder as he parks the car. He pulls off his sunglasses off and tosses them onto the dashboard.
"I'm going to get a drink, does either one of you want anything?" asks Scully.
"Nothing for me Agent Scully", says Agent Johnson from the backseat.
"You know what I like", says Mulder getting out of the car.
"What, no money?" asks Scully
"Its your turn to buy," says Mulder heading toward the men's room.
Scully entered the convenience store and walked up to the cold drinks section. She chose a Coke and an iced tea and headed toward the counter. She grabbed a bag of fat free pretzels and dug in her pocket for money. She glanced out the window and saw a long haired man talking to Johnson, she frowned at the sight.
"Will this be all mame'?" asks the teenager clerk as he adds up her total.
"Add this on," Mulder says as he tosses a bag of sunflower seeds on the counter.
"Why don't you just buy a 50lb. bag of those. They sell them at any petstore," says Scully.
"Are you suggesting that I belong in a cage Scully?" asks Mulder.
Scully just rolls her eyes as they head for the door.
There is a huge commotion outside and everyone is assembled around their car. Mulder and Scully push through the crowd and are shocked to find Mark Johnson dead, shot in the head once. All four doors and the trunk are wide open.
"We were only gone five or six minutes" mumbles Mulder. "What the hell happened?" "Did anyone see anything?" He turns around gazing out at the crowd. "Did anyone see anyone approach this man, Special Agent Mark Johnson of the FBI?" No one responded.
"I saw Mark talking to a long haired scruffy looking guy" says Scully. "I thought it odd, but I figured maybe he was asking directions or an opinion on cars or something."
"This was no robbery Scully, this was a hit. But why?" asks Mulder. "Wait the evidence!" He dashes to the back of the car. "Gone!" He slams his fist on the trunk. "Every time we get a step closer to finding out a piece of the puzzle it just disappears."
"Well there is no point in me doing the autopsy," says Scully. "The cause of death is obvious, the reason remains a mystery." She reaches for her phone to call A.D. Skinner with the news. "Skinner is going to really reprimand us for this one" she says. Just then her phone rings. And believe it or not its Skinner on the phone.
"Sir, I was just calling you. Agent Mulder and I have run into a problem."
"Tell him its definitely an X-File" says Mulder coming up beside her.
Scully gives him a look. "Sir, there has been a hit on Agent Johnson and he is dead."
Skinner on the phone: "Do you know who the hell killed him? For Christs sakes he was on his very first case. I entrusted you with his final training and this is what happened?"
"No we don't know who did it. Agent Mulder and I feel horrible Sir and we have no explanation for what has happened. We only know that there was a man that talked to him shortly before the hit and he is not here now. No, no one saw him but me."
"Where were you and Mulder when this happened" asks Skinner.
"I was in the convenience store. Mulder was in the bathroom."
"So one of you was buying food and the other was in the can. How could you be so careless?" Skinner continues on. "What happened was totally unacceptable Agent Scully. I want to see you and Agent Mulder tomorrow at 7:30 A.M.. Be prepared to appear before a review board with a detailed report prepared. This is a high profiled case that we can't afford to mess up on. An international figure is dead and now due to your and Agent Mulder's irresponsibility a fellow agent is dead. I just talked to the local PD about some documents that you seized from the NY crime scene. What did you find out?"
"The documents contain some disturbing information Sir, unfortunately we no longer have those papers in our possession", says Scully.
"What do you mean you don't have them" says Skinner.
"Apparently after the hit on Agent Johnson the papers were stolen by the attacker" says Scully.
"What? This is the ultimate Agent Scully. This is really going to add some extra fuel to the fire at tomorrow's review. I can't predict what the outcome will be tomorrow, but expect the worst. The least you two can expect is reassignment with the X-Files being closed to you for the indefinite future. I can only predict that you will be placed in field offices as far apart as possible and please advise Agent Mulder that there is NO X-FILE here and it would be in both your best interests if he did not refer to any topic relating to aliens, UFOs or government conspiracies." Skinner hangs up.
"Mulder, he is really mad" says Scully. "We have to report tomorrow morning for a disciplinarian hearing and it does not sound good for us or the X-Files."
"Damn it, they're doing it again. Anything to sweep this whole thing under the rug." says Mulder storming over to a bench where he sits down.
Scully approaches and sits down next to him. "We have to discuss this Mulder. We have to straighten out the story or we are going to have the same problem that we had with that vampire thing."
"Yeah, well I can't think right now" says Mulder.
The police have arrived and they have brought a towtruck with them.
"What do you mean we can't take our car. Its evidence?" asks Mulder. "How the hell are we going to get home."
"Rent a cab", says a police officer dusting the door for prints. "Or its even cheaper to rent a limo if you have far to go." He motions to Scully and winking at Mulder.
"I'll go make a couple of calls and see if I can round something up" says Mulder. "Make sure we get the results of any forensic evidence."
Scully stands there and waits. She notices that the police aren't being very careful about the procedure that they are following.
Mulder appears a short time later. "That guy was right. Its cheaper to rent a limo for the rest of the trip to DC. Cabs charge per mile and limos are a flat rate for so many hours. Besides, lets go in style Scully the government is footing the tab" grins Mulder.
"Mulder! We are very near losing our jobs, our entire careers! How can you be so calm?"
"It will work out Scully. It always does" says Mulder softly
They sit on the bench waiting for the limo. Fifteen minutes later it arrives and they climb in.
"Hey Scully, they've got it well stocked" says Mulder pulling a champagne bottle out the mini bar.
"We're on duty Mulder. Its against department policy for two opposite sex agents to be drinking while on duty. Especially in a limosine" says Scully giving him a look. Mulder waves the bottle in front of her face. "Oh what the hell, wheres the corkscrew" she says. Mulder opens the bottle and pours her a glass.
Scully opens a drawer beneath the tv set and scans the videos inside. "Well we can't watch any movies, there aren't any above an R rating. I guess they didn't know you were coming Mulder" Scully says as she shuts the drawer.
"Very funny Scully. Seriously is that what you think of me?"
"I don't know Mulder what to think of you. You don't talk enough to me to give me an opinion" says Scully as she gulps her glass of champagne down.
"That hurts Scully. I talk to you more than anyone else I know. As I have told you before, I trust only you."
"Yeah Mulder, you trust me with your alien conspiracy theories, but as for really talking about non work related topics you give me nothing."
"And how much do you talk about regarding yourself?" he replies.
"I don't want to argue Mulder" says Scully turning away.
"You're really worried about tomorrow aren't you?" asks Mulder.
"Mulder, we have never been so close to permanently losing the X-Files. When I first started this assignment as your partner I never thought I would become so dedicated to a cause that I didn't totally believe in. But you have helped me to want to believe and I don't want to lose the X-Files .........or you."
At this point the bottle is quite empty and Scully lets her emotions flow and she openly weeps. Something that she rarely lets her partner see. Mulder puts his arm around her and pulls her to his chest.
"You won't lose me Scully, because they can take the X-Files away from us, they can try to reassign us, but we have seen too much and been through too much together to let it go. As I have told you before, you are my touchstone and I won't let it happen, because I won't lose you." He kisses the top of her head as they drive into Georgetown. Its 10:30 P.M..
And now six hours later Scully lays in her bed staring at the clock. Its now 4:30 A.M., only three hours away from the hearing. She jumps a foot when she hears her phone ring.
"Scully" she mumbles.
"Scully its me" says Mulder. "I got the hearing put off for 72 hours. We are booked on a flight for Moscow for 8:30 so get packing."
"Mulder, how did you get Skinner to agree to postpone this?" she asks.
"Just meet me at my apartment for 7:00" he says.
Scully hangs up and stares at the phone.
Part 2
At 6:45 A.M. Scully knocks on the door of Apartment #42. There is no answer. She knocks again and glances at her watch. Once again no answer. She sighs and readjusts the weight of the heavy travel bag on her shoulder to reach into her pocket for her keychain. The door quickly opens.
"Oh good, you're early! We can pick up breakfast on the way to the airport", says Mulder as he ushers Scully into the apartment. He finishes buttoning his shirt.
"Mulder, I just don't understand how you got Skinner to postpone the hearing", says Scully. "He was really angry last night."
"Its my persuasive personality Scully. I told Skinner that we had new information regarding the location of those documents and when he heard that he was putty in my hands", says Mulder as he picks up his travel bag off the couch and leads Scully out the door.
They pull into a nearby McDonalds drive through. "Do you want an egg McMuffin Scully?" asks Mulder.
"No, just coffee", says Scully.
"Oh come on! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Besides we aren't going to get anything decent on the plane", says Mulder.
"I'm not clogging my arteries just because you want to", replies Scully.
"Yeah, well its delicious and I'm eating it anyway", says Mulder paying the clerk and grabbing their order.
Soon they arrive at the airport and at the security check Mulder flashes his badge and gun, Scully does the same.
Once on the plane they store their bags in an overhead compartment and take their seats. Mulder offers Scully the window seat. "We stop in London and then onto Moscow", says Mulder.
At this time a little old lady comes down the aisle glancing up at the seat numbers. She stops at in front of the agents and glances at the aisle seat next to Mulder. "I guess this is my seat next to you handsome," she beams and plops down into the seat. She has a huge shopping bag full of souvenirs. "I just had the most wonderful trip to Washington D.C. I bought so many things I had no room left in my luggage. She attempts to push the shopping bag between her and Mulders feet. Mulder turns to Scully and makes a face (Dreamland). Scully just raises her eyebrows.
They take off and the old lady has now introduced herself as Mrs. Shelby and she had been visiting her grandchildren in Baltimore and was now returning home to England. She proceeds to pull her large photo collection out of her purse and goes through each photo. "And this is my little Rebecca, she is two and her brother Ryan is four." After fifteen minutes Mulder is about to strangle the woman. Finally she changes the subject and says, "I'm sorry for being so one sided in this conversation. Do you two have any children? I bet those little ones must have lovely hair just like their mother" she motions to Scully.
"Ah, neither of us have any children", Mulder says.
"Oh I know you two are on your honeymoon! London is so romantic of a location for a honeymoon, except for Paris of course. And let me tell you there is plenty of time for children, they will come quickly enough."
At this point Scully's mind wanders to the conversation between Mulder and Mrs. Shelby. She sighs and looks down when children are discussed. Its hard to hear others talking about children when she knows she can't have any. "Mrs. Shelby, we aren't married. We are FBI partners working on a case", says Scully.
"Oh, I just assumed, attractive couple that look like they obviously have eyes for one another. They don't allow relationships with jobs like that do they? Well, don't worry I won't tell a soul", says Mrs. Shelby.
Scully looks at her watch and tries to calculate how many hours they are going to be on this plane with this annoying, matchmaking woman. Its not that she wouldn't mind it if Mulder had eyes for her, but she was embarrassed when others noticed their close friendship and mistook it for something else. He was her closest friend and she wanted it to happen because of his interest in her and nothing said by an acquaintance. She wanted the real thing and she was willing to wait, although the wait was getting harder to deal with.
At this point the stewardess passes out the refreshments. "Oh boy, peanuts", says Mulder. "And a granola bar, a mini candy bar and two cheese and crackers. I hope I don't indigestion from all this rich food." Scully smiles and slowly opens her cheese and crackers. "How much layover do we have in London", asks Scully.
"Unfortunately we have three hours. We arrive around six o'clock and our next flight doesn't leave until 9 o'clock," says Mulder.
"Well, I guess we will need to get something to eat at six, so I was thinking that my Dad told me about this great quaint little restaurant that maybe we could try out", says Scully.
"Sounds good", replies Mulder as a pretty blond stewardess comes up to take their drink requests.
Mrs. Shelby asks for a tomato juice and then the stewardess gives Mulder a dazzling smile and asks what he wants. "Iced tea if you've got any", he beams.
"I've got anything you want", says the stewardess passing him a Nestea.
Scully looking annoyed interrupts and says, "Can I please have a rootbeer?" The stewardess reluctantly passes her the rootbeer. "Can I get you anything else?" she asks again sweetly.
Mrs. Shelby speaks up at this point, "Listen here Missy, you stop flirting with this here young man. He is here with his future wife on a nice little trip and you have no business messing with something that has already been decided on by forces out of our control. Fox and Dana are in love so just butt out!"
The stewardess turns away in embarrassment, Mulder's mouth is hanging open as he stares at Mrs. Shelby. He glances over at Scully and she has her head in a magazine, her face is red as her hair.
"Mrs. Shelby, how did you know our first names? I thought I introduced us as Agents Mulder and Scully", asks Mulder.
Mrs. Shelby looks a little embarrassed and looks around before she whispers, "I usually don't tell anyone this, but I'm psychic."
"You can see into people's future?" asks Mulder.
"Yes, I have had this gift since I was a child and sometimes I even help Scotland Yard occasionally."
"Just stay away from Phoebe Green", says Mulder. "Trust me." But anyway Mrs.
Shelby, you say that Scully here and I are going to get married?"
Scully is reading her magazine but glances out of the corner of her eye to hear what Mrs. Shelby says. She would never admit to Mulder that she believed in psychic fortunetellers, but it would be fun to hear what she had to say. She held her breath and crossed her fingers as the old lady said, "Yes, you will be. It may not be right away. There is an aura around you two that cannot be broken, and I feel that you have shared much in the six....no seven years that you have known each other. Soon you will share everything, for that is your destiny..
Part 3
Its just about noontime and lunch is about to be served. Mrs. Shelby is crocheting an afghan for a new grandson. Mulder has rented earphones to watch the movie and Scully has fallen asleep, her head falling over to rest on Mulder's shoulder. The movie has ended and Mulder sticks the earphones in the front seatpocket.
"Scully?" He lightly caresses her cheek. Her eyes immediately fly open and she suddenly realizes where she is. She sits up straight and yawns.
"Time to put that tray table down. We have a four course meal waiting", says Mulder.
A male flight attendant serves them their lunch, a half of soggy grinder, some cookies and an orange juice. "Oh boy, this was really worth the trip", says Mulder staring at his tray.
"So Mulder, do you have any theories of why Agent Johnson was killed? And what may I ask is in Moscow?" asks Scully taking a bite of her grinder.
"I think its Cancer Man of course. Who else would be behind covering up the continuing saga of experimentation on alien DNA?" asks Mulder leaning over and wiping the mustard from the corner of Scully's mouth. Scully quickly grabs a napkin and repeats the motion looking embarrassed.
"Mulder, I saw no reference to the word alien in that report. I saw only results of tests on genetic material from test subjects", says Scully. "I hadn't told you this but Skinner didn't want you to say anything regarding your usual theories at the hearing. Which reminds me, I should check my messages as soon as I get to London and call my mother. I was so rushed this morning I forgot to call her."
Mulder shakes his head. "Scully, you saw those documents! I feel like a scratched record, with all that you have seen you can honestly say that the same nameless government men are not involved with this? The same men that have continuously prevented us from finding the truth and have murdered my father, mother and your sister? The same men behind your abduction, cancer and lies involving the whereabouts of my sister? How many times have they tried to have us killed to stop us with our endless pursuit?"
"Of course I agree that they are involved, but as usual there is always a scientific explanation for the unexplained," says Scully.
"Here I thought you would finally see the light. Thats so you Scully", says Mulder shaking his head looking the other way.
"I don't want to argue with you Mulder", says Scully laying her hand over Mulder's.
Mulder stares at it, but she doesn't remove it.
"I support you in finding the truth, but I need to see hard evidence before I can accept something so argumentative. Now you haven't told me what is in Moscow." She removes her hand and looks toward her lap.
Mulder waits until the food trays have been removed before he speaks. "It seems Dr. Oseleck was from a small Russian town east of Moscow. Coincidentally the same town that reported numerous UFO sightings throughout the sixties and seventies. Rumor has it the sightings have resumed. My theory is that like our own US Government, the Russians have also been using alien technology to enhance their own weapons systems. The technology slowed with the end of the cold war, but with the announcement of the resignation of President Yelsin it seems that those who want to assume control want to build up their stock of weapons again. I feel testing has resumed and we need to find out how this fits into our own government project. As we know Krycek is a Russian and he has proved that he is a double crosser working for Cancer Man and the FBI. He's possibly doing the same thing in Russia as well."
Scully rolls her eyes as Mulder continues. "But I have other news Scully to help this seem more plausible. With the assistance of the Lone Gunmen I hacked into the NYPD's computers and it seems the ballistics test on the bullets that killed Oseleck and Johnson matched."
Scully has now become more interested. "It was the same killer", she says.
"It goes further, he was careless. He left prints at the scene. I got those off the computer too and ran them through the FBI database and behold, there was a match", says Mulder.
"Well whose were they?" asks Scully.
"None other than Alex Krycek", says Mulder.
"So Krycek killed Dr. Oseleck for the documents but didn't get them?" asks Scully.
"My theory was that Dr. Oseleck tried to blackmail someone, possibly whoever is ahead of the project now. Most likely Cancer Man. No one gets away with that so he sent Krycek to get rid of him. He hadn't counted on Oseleck carrying the incriminating evidence around with him, but we got in the way of his finding out. I bet he was a bystander the whole time while we combed over and seized those papers. He followed us to that convenience store and took advantage of the perfect situation when we both left the vehicle. We would of recognized Krycek close up, even with a disguise, but poor Johnson would have had no clue who he was. He didn't have a chance. Dr. Oseleck worked for a major corporation in Moscow and I want to check out if anyone else knew what he was working on. I have a feeling we are going to find something to connect him to this whole ongoing mystery."
"Mulder, who is taking care of your fish?" asks Scully.
"What?" asks Mulder.
"Your fish, who is taking care of them for you?" repeats Scully.
"Theres an old couple down the hallway. I've been having them do it I'm not around. I'm talking case material here and you want to know about my fish? Why?"
"I just felt we needed a break thats all" says Scully. "Can you do me a favor Mulder, can we not talk about the case until we get to Moscow? Its been forever since I have been on a vacation and lets see its 1:00 P.M., with the time difference we have eight hours until we take off for Moscow and a couple of hours after that until we land. For once can we just sit back and enjoy ourselves. It seems like life is flying by and I just want to be a tourist for a couple of hours. Could you just humor me and agree to this for me?" asks Scully.
"Jobs getting to you huh Scully? I can understand you are stressed out and I understand. I want to find the answers too. Skinners on your back and he gets after you more than me because you are there as a interpreter, whatever it is you want to call it regarding my... our work." says Mulder grinning.
"Scully glares and says, "I am not stressed. I just want some time off."
"Hey, I'm just kidding. Okay, I agree we need to stop being workaholics. But you know me, it will be hard. I am driven when it comes to this quest and you will have to remind me. But I promise to try. I already agreed to the dinner. That was a good idea. Is it dress up or casual? Because I didn't really bring anything spectacular seeing we were going to Russia I figured I didn't need any of my suits or god forbid, a tuxedo."
Scully smiles and says, "Its casual, what you have on is fine." She glances at the black pants, white t-shirt with black vest he has on. She glances down and looks at her black pants suit and thinks to herself that maybe she can change in the bathroom at the airport. She has just the thing to wear. I look too professional she thinks. I have to put on something a little more daring. I'll make some excuse why I am changing.
Mrs. Shelby has gone to the restroom and left behind her crocheting. Mulder picks it up and says, " I never could understand how women could do this without looking and not mess up. With everything that is available out there in stores, why would anyone want to take the time to make something so complicated?"
"Its the thought that counts", says Scully fingering the handiwork. "She wants to feel like shes made something for her grandchild. Something that can be held onto for years to come and put into a hope chest for some other child to use."
"Did you have a hope chest growing up Scully?" asks Mulder.
"Yes I did Mulder. I kept all sort of things in it. My memories from my childhood and newer things that people had given me for the future."
"What do you keep in it now" asks Mulder quietly.
"Now? Now I keep copies of old case files in it" says Scully looking away.
"Oh" says Mulder.