Part 10
Mulder and Scully have both showered. They grab their bags and head downstairs. When they get to the main lobby they approach the desk where the same strange man is standing. "We're not going to be able to stay for the brunch, but we wondered if we could just get a coffee and danish or something," says Mulder.
"I'm glad that I caught you before you left Mr. & Mrs. Mulder. Apparently your credit card was rejected" the man says.
"What? Thats impossible. Its a card through the Bureau. I'm authorized up to $5000 and its not maxed out I can assure you", says Mulder.
"Well actually Sir, the problem is not with the credit line. Once it was rejected the message came up on my machine to seize the card. Please don't make this more difficult than it is and give me your card", says the man.
"Great, just great the bureau must have canceled my credit card for revenge of this trip", says Mulder turning to Scully as he gets his wallet out.
The man takes the credit card and then says, "I'll need another credit card Sir."
"Give me your bureau card Scully," says Mulder.
"Mulder, I never was assigned a card... I don't even have a desk remember?" says Scully.
"Okay, I'll have to use my personal credit card", says Mulder rolling his eyes. He hands over another credit card to the man.
"I'm sorry Sir, we don't take Discover. We only take Master Card, Visa and American Express."
"I don't have any of those", says Mulder. "Scully, do you have...", Mulder turns to Scully looking slightly embarrassed.
"Here is my American Express card", says Scully handing it to him.
Mulder takes it and turns to the man. He hands it to him as he says, "Never leave home without it."
The slip prints out and the man hands the slip to Scully to sign. "Five hundred dollars for one night! We had no hot water and no heat, we were forced to share a bed which I can tell you is against Bureau policy. We arrived late and are leaving before the check in time. We are not partaking in the brunch and we didn't even get mints on our pillows", says Scully angrily.
"I'm sorry but thats the going rate for a honeymoon suite at this time of the year", says the man.
"Honeymoon Suite, you've got to be kidding me, " says Mulder. "Where was the champagne, strawberries and whip cream? There obviously was no Jacuzzi so where do you come up with a price like that?"
"I can understand your confusion Sir. But this is not the United States and that room is our most popular room in the castle. It is well known for its authenticity of the period. Our decorators were quite specific in choosing the furnishings and fixtures when the castle was first purchased."
"When was that, 1066?" asks Scully signing the slip in disgust.
They turn away and head into the banquet hall. The food hasn't been set up yet as its only about 8:30 A.M. They see a waitress wiping off the long tables that surround the room.
"Excuse me, could you tell me where we get a coffee and a danish or something? We aren't going to make the brunch so we need something for the road", says Scully approaching her.
"Sure", says the waitress glancing over her shoulder. "We've got cheese, cherry or blueberry danish. Which one would you like?"
"I'll take blueberry. Mulder what do you want?", asks Scully turning around.
"Cherry", says Mulder looking around at the tapestries on display above them.
The waitress turns around and finally focuses on them. She looks closely and says, "Your're that guy from that FBI show aren't you...You're Chris Owens!"
"Umm..actually no I'm Fox Mulder and I am an FBI agent but a real one", says Mulder looking slightly bored.
"Oh, sorry about the mistake", says the waitress heading to the kitchen.
"Who is Chris Owens", asks Scully.
"I have no idea", says Mulder. "I think he's on that show with that David guy that the waitress at Copperfields was talking about."
"Sci-fi? Well you know I've never seen it", says Scully.
The waitress comes back with their danish and coffee. The agents then walk out the front door of the castle and wait at the front door for a cab. After ten minutes a cab arrives and Mulder instructs him to take them to the airport.
They get in and on the way the cabbie decides to give them a quick tour of London after he hears that they had to cut their "vacation" short. He passes London Tower, the Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. A few minutes later he stops at a traffic light in front of Harrods department store. Mulder is looking out the window when he gets an idea. "Hey pal, pull over here. I want to go in and look for a tie. I need a souvenir." He opens up the door to get out. "I want to see if they have an alien tie. They've got everything here Scully." Scully rolls her eyes. "Thats okay, I won't be long", says Mulder jumping out.
He goes inside and passes the mens department and goes directly to the jewelry counter. A sales clerk approaches him immediately and says," Can I help you find something special Sir?"
"I'm not sure what I want. I just want it to be something really special," says Mulder. "The woman that I have been secretly in love with for seven years has finally told me that she loves me and we are now officially dating. I feel like I'm King of the World right now and I want something to give to her to tell her how happy I am that she is in my life."
"How about a diamond", asks the salesclerk hopefully.
"Well yes, eventually I want to go that path. But... I don't want to scare her yet. She has always had a problem getting close to people and I just want her to realize that I'm ready to commit to her on her terms", says Mulder looking in the case that he is near.
"When is her birthday?"
"Its February 23rd", says Mulder immediately.
"I can tell you like this girl, you remembered the day", says the clerk.
"Believe me I remember everything about her", says Mulder grinning.
"Well in that case you know a lot of her interests. How about a charm bracelet with charms depicting things that you both hold dear to you."
"Thats a great idea. Do you have everything in gold", asks Mulder.
"Of course", says the clerk.
Twenty minutes later Mulder sprints out of the store. He has a bag in his hand as he gets into the cab. "Did you find what you wanted", asks Scully.
"Yes, I did", says Mulder pulling a tie out of the bag with gray-green alien faces and ufos on it."
"Well, it is kinda cute", says Scully reaching over and touching it.
"I found something else that I couldn't resist buying", says Mulder pulling a little wrapped box out of the bag. He hands it to her and leans bag smiling.
"What is this? Oh Mulder, you shouldn't have bought me anything. That store is outrageous in their prices. Everyone knows that", says Scully staring at the box.
"Nothings too expensive for my little scientist", says Mulder. "Go ahead and open it."
Scully's hand shakes as she opens it. She is actually relieved that its not a diamond ring. In one way she wants one, but she wants to date Mulder properly and not rush into the biggest decision of their lives. She pulls out a beautiful gold charm bracelet and starts looking at the individual charms. She starts to cry. On the bracelet are the following charms: an amethyst cross, an alien face, a microscope, a ufo, a doctors symbol, a sunflower, the number seven, a souvenir charm of London, and two gold disks each one having their name, birthday and badge number on it.
"Mulder, you sentimental goofball", says Scully. "This is the most beautiful gift that you could have ever gotten me." She has tears running down her cheeks and her eyes are all red.
"Don't cry Scully", says Mulder choking up. "I just wanted to give ya something to remind you of this trip when we get home."
Mulder puts the bracelet on Scully's wrist and leans down and gives her a long deep kiss. The cabbie finally interrupts and says, "Thats the most beautiful thing I have heard all day, but the clock is running. You still want to go to the airport?"
"Thats where we're headed", says Mulder putting his arm around Scully.
The cab pulls into traffic again.
Part 11
Its about 10:00 A.M. when the cab pulls up to the airport and the agents get out. Mulder pays the cabbie and then they head into the airport. Mulder stops an off duty ticket agent and asks him where they could get a chartered flight. The agent directs them to another terminal and then leaves them.
"Looks like there is a chance that we can get our own plane Scully. That way we don't have to wait another six hours", says Mulder looking at his watch. "First we will be sure that we can hire the plane and then we will have to cancel our tickets to Moscow."
The agents head to the chartered plane area and sure enough they are able to hire an individual to fly them to Moscow. Unfortunately its going to run them about $4,000 as the pilot has to fly back alone.
"Mulder! How can we put this on a travel reimbursement form? We aren't even sure if we still have our jobs", says Scully as Mulder signs the contract.
"We're going to have hard evidence when we get home Scully. There is no way that Skinner is going to be able to argue with us on the validity of this trip", says Mulder smiling. He opens his wallet and hands a credit card to the agent.
"Sir, I am sorry we don't accept Discover. Only Visa, Mastercard and American Express", says the agent.
"Not again! Even Harrod's accepts Discover," says Mulder. He turns to Scully who is already holding her American Express out. She has a look on her face that expresses not anger but amusement at the situation.
After the paperwork has been settled the agents cancel their flight to Moscow. Mulder decides to take the plunge and give Skinner a call to report their movements. He sends Scully off to pick up some snacks for the plane ride as this time there is no food included at all. She walks over to a nearby deli and purchases sandwiches and drinks. After she goes into another store and picks up some candybars, sunflower seeds, and a couple of magazines.
When she gets back Mulder is still on the phone. The conversation between him and Skinner is heated and people are staring as they walk by. "I know Sir, it was inappropriate for me to do this, but I will have the proof that you need. No, Scully was not part of this. I asked her to come with me because I needed her medical expertise on this. We have about thirty-four hours left before we have to be back. I just wanted to warn you Sir that Krycek has threatened your life. You may want to be sure that you have some extra security around you for the next day and a half."
"Agent Mulder, I appreciate your concern, but in no way will your warning help damper the fact that you purposely went against your direct superior by not showing up for that hearing. You have dragged your partner into this as well and you are not showing any respect for her by jeopardizing her career as well as your own. What ever "proof " you have discovered better be good or your days at the FBI are through", says Skinner.
Skinner hangs up and at that moment the door to his office opens and the CSM enters. He lights up a Morley sits down in front of Skinners desk and says, "Do you know where they are?"
Skinner answers, "No."
"It would be best for you to be truthful. You hold the lives of those three crackpot friends of Mulder's in your hands and don't forget you're next if plans don't proceed in the way that they should. Now let me ask you again. Where are Agents Mulder and Scully?" He inhales on his cigarette, stares at it and then exhales it across Skinner's desk.
"London. They're on their way back to the US. They had some flight delay problems. They missed their flight and they're chartering a plane from London to Washington", says Skinner firmly.
"I hope this information is correct Skinner or there is going to be a lot of unfortunate eliminations occurring within the next thirty-three and three quarter hours." CSM looks at his watch. He gets up and smashes out his cigarette in the ashtray on Skinners desk and slips out the side door.
Meanwhile after hanging up with Skinner Mulder is confronted by Scully. "Did you tell him of our plans Mulder?"
"Yes, but it was hard convincing him that what we were doing was right. He seems to be distant like he had someone there sitting there or he was expecting someone any minute. I don't think he was confident that it was a secure line. He tried to convince me to cancel the charter flight and come straight home."
"Well, I don't find that hard to believe. Skinner wants us to go by the book and he is not going to change anytime soon", says Scully. "Should we head over to the gate now?
"Yeah we better. The pilot was going to just fuel up and check over the plane before we could board. Do you get everything we'll need?" asks Mulder.
"Yes. I've got sandwiches, drinks, snacks and reading material", says Scully patting the bag. "Yes, I got stuff you'll like. I got you sunflower seeds and this scandal sheet. Its even got an article on the front saying that Jerry Springer is an alien that is doing experiments on his guests.
Mulder grins. "Now thats entertainment Scully. What kind of sandwiches did you buy?"
"No, I didn't buy liverwurst. After that Tooms guy I'll never touch the stuff again", says Scully making a face. "I got us both turkey and I bought you......" she smiles at him and opens the bag.
"If theres iced tea in there I know that Mrs. Shelby was telling the truth," says Mulder.
Scully pulls out iced tea. "We have a winner", says Scully blushing.
Mulder leans down and gives her a kiss. "Perfection", he says.
They head to the terminal and the pilot meets them at the gate.
"Hello, we're all ready to take off so if you want to board and strap yourselves in I'll get permission for takeoff", he says.
Scully and Mulder does as he asks. Shortly thereafter they takeoff and are airborne. The agents enjoy their reading material and snacks. After being airborne for about two hours Mulder laughs out loud. Scully turns to him and says, "What?"
"I just got a great idea. I wouldn't believe that I would be telling you this twenty-four hours ago, but now what the hell. I think when we get back to DC we should apply for membership to an organization", says Mulder still grinning.
"What organization", asks Scully leaning forward with a quizzing look on her face.
"The Mile High Club", says Mulder leaning toward her looking her directly in the eye.
"Mulder! Our first time is not going to be on an airplane. The pilot could put it on automatic and come back here, besides he could have the intercom on and would hear everything", says Scully flushing. She looks away.
"Oh come on Scully, maybe we could be making that guys day", says Mulder leaning over and kissing her cheek. He finally wins her over and she turns her head into a kiss. After a few minutes the agents are getting hot and heavy. Mulder has removed his jacket and button down shirt.
Scully says, "I can't believe we are doing this."
He unbuttons Scully's shirt and then mumbles, "Believe it Scully. Besides as I've said you always keep me guessing."
Scully says, "Just shut up and kiss me." She wraps her arms around Mulder and pulls him down into the airplane seat.
Just then theres a severe case of turbulence. "Wow this feels amazing", says Mulder leaning up and looking around.
"I agree, so lets continue", says Scully pulling him down again.
All of a sudden it gets really quiet. Scully pulls away from Mulder's kisses and says, "Mulder, why did it get so quiet so quick?"
Mulder cocks his head to the side and listens.
"Mulder, you've got that look on your face", says Scully with alarmed eyes.
"What look", says Mulder pretending to be calm.
"That scared look. The look when you found that bomb in the soda machine in Dallas."
"I think the engine stopped Scully", says Mulder sitting up and running his hand through his hair.
Just then the pilot comes on the speaker. "Folks the engine has stopped. Please stop what you are doing and buckle up. I'm going to try to coast in, but its going to be rough. We're going to lose altitude fast and theres only thick woods below us. So hold tight and pray."
"Oh my God Mulder! We're going to die", say Scully her eyes wide with fright. She buttons up her shirt (if she dies she doesn't want to be found half undressed).
They buckle up and Scully clutches the cross around her neck and starts saying Hail Marys as the plane starts into a nosedive. Mulder reaches over and interlaces his fingers with Scully's. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses it. Scully's eyes are tearing as she continues in her prayers to God to spare her and Mulder's life. We've been though so much together, now we have found happiness please don't take it away she thinks silently.
Mulder isn't doing so well himself. He's feeling very sick as the plane continues to fall faster and faster. He wishes he hadn't ate everything that he had ate. If they were to die he didn't want Scully's last memory of him to be one of him vomiting all over himself. He starts to tear up as well as he thinks that if Scully dies it will be his fault. If they hadn't come on this trip they may have been out of their jobs, but they would be safe in DC. Most likely living their separate lives in separate apartments, but alive. Was finding love for those brief moments worth losing their lives. He didn't know. But finding out that Scully returned his feelings before he died was the best thing that he could hope for.
The ground was clearly in sight now and it was rapidly approaching. Scully now has started to sob and Mulder removes his hand from hers and puts it around her instead. As the ground appears closer and closer Mulder trying to sound not panicked screams, "Scully, if we get out of this alive....marry me."
Scully barely blubbers a loud, "Yes!" before the plane crashes...........
Part 12
Mulder opens his eyes to the sounds of birds chirping. His head feels like its about to explode. His hand reaches for his forehead coming away with blood on it. He groans and rolls to his side and finally sits up cringing in pain. He opens his eyes and it takes several moments for his vision to adjust to normal. There is wreckage everywhere. The plane had completely broken apart. His immediate concern is Scully. He looks around and sees her foot sticking out from underneath some paneling. He attempts to stand up but he falls to his knees from the dizziness. He crawls over to her and throws the paneling to the side. She is unconscious. He pulls her into his lap and strokes her hair. He touches her neck for a pulse and is relieved when he feels a beat. "Scully", he says softly. "Wake up." After a few minutes Scully starts to shake her head back and forth.
"Dad I'm sorry, I'm not ready to leave yet. I'm in love with the most wonderful man in the world and our work is not yet done. I love you and I'll see you soon", Scully says and then her body jerks. Her eyes open and she sees Mulder holding her, his eyes full of love and concern. "Oh Mulder, you're okay?" she asks. She reaches up and runs her hand through his hair. She looks worried when she sees the blood on her hand.
"I've got a hard head Scully. Does anything hurt?" asks Mulder.
"My right ankle does. I hate to say it but I think its either broken or sprained", says Scully. "Help me up and I will give it a try."
Mulder shakily gets up and pulls Scully up against him. She winces in pain and sits down again. She runs her hands over her ankle and says, "I think its only a sprain, but its going to swell. I can't walk on this. How is the pilot?"
Mulder walks to the front of the wreckage. He sees the pilot who has been totally squashed in the accident. He then pokes around in the wreckage and finds their luggage and lastly Scully's purse which has had all its contents spread around. He finds as many things of hers as he can scooping them into the purse. He finds a picture wallet and being nosy looks in it. He finds pictures of her parents, sister Melissa and her two brothers. He continues to flip and finds the picture of Emily and lastly in the back he finds a candid profile photo of himself. It had been taken in their office. He had been sitting at his desk, feet up and staring at his "I Want to Believe" poster. He flips it over and reads the date 7/98 and the notation "I believe I love you". He puts the photo back into the wallet and walks back to Scully.
"Hes dead Scully and the controls are destroyed. I don't think the radio will even work. We're stuck out here in the middle of nowhere. I found our belongings, but we can't carry everything." he places their bags next to her.
"Mulder, what are we going to do? We've got a little under thirty-one hours left. We don't know where we are, we have no substantial food or water and look at me. I'm a cripple", says Scully sitting on the ground. "We don't even know what country we are in." She pulls her bag and purse toward her. "Theres still some candy bars left and half a bottle of spring water. We should bring at least one of our cellphones. I don't know if we can use them though. I'll bring this sweater. Mulder, did you bring a sweater or sweatshirt?" She ties her sweater around her waist and stuffs the candy, water and cellphone into her purse and slings it around her neck.
"Yeah I did," says Mulder digging in his bag. "We've got to start walking Scully", says Mulder pulling up Scully.
"Mulder, I can't walk", says Scully her eyes tearing up.
"You don't have to", says Mulder turning his back and leaning down. "Get on."
"You can't carry me piggyback the whole way. It could be miles before we find anyone!", says Scully.
"Let me be the judge of that", says Mulder. "Now get on and lets go."
Scully bites her lip and steps up to Mulder putting her arms around his neck. He leans back and grabs under her knees picking her up. He starts walking. "Well we still aren't in Moscow so what do you want to talk about?"
"I just want to express how relieved I am that we are still alive Mulder", says Scully kissing him under the ear and snuggling closer. "My prayers were answered."
"I was serious about what I said before we crashed Scully. I don't want you to think that I want to forget about it now that we are okay", says Mulder.
"I know and I said 'Yes' Mulder", says Scully. "How can we do this without the Bureau splitting us up?"
"Well, lets think", says Mulder. "First step we can move in together. Your apartment or mine?"
"Mine, yours is too dark and dreary. Theres too many bad memories there", says Scully. "Both us have been almost killed there several times."
"Well, you've been attacked a few times in your apartment too", says Mulder.
"Yes, but I've got my own G-Man there now to protect me", says Scully whispering in his ear.
The agents walk for about an hour and half before Mulder has to stop to rest. They sit down and lean against a large boulder. Its about 2:30 now and the sun is high in the sky. Scully opens up the bottle of water and passes it to Mulder. He refuses it and says, "Go ahead. I'll have some later."
"Mulder, I don't want a repeat performance of our "cruise"" says Scully pushing the water into his hand. "You are using a lot of moisture by carrying me. You need it so drink it." She wins him over and he takes a couple of deep gulps.
"You know Scully, I always fantasized about going camping with you since that night we stayed in the forest with those moss men. Remember when I said that a way to get warm would be to climb naked into a sleeping bag with another naked person and you said that if it rained sleeping bags maybe I would get lucky. I have to ask you, if by a miracle that happened were you trying to tell me that you would have fulfilled that fantasy."
Scully smiles and says, "You'll never know!"
The agents rest a while more and then continue on. They stop again in two hours and decide that they need to turn in for the night. Unfortunately they have nothing to start a fire. The only thing they can do is snuggle up to each other beside a large fallen tree. "You know Scully, this seems really familiar like deja vu"
"Hmm... it does", says Scully. "Look at the stars Mulder, its beautiful out here tonight." she looks up at the sky.
"Not as beautiful as you", he says leaning down to kiss her.
"Mulder, theres no sleeping bag, but I want to fulfill your fantasy tonight", says Scully pressing into him.
"Are you sure Scully", says Mulder looking surprised but hopeful.
"I haven't been more positive of anything before", says Scully.
The intensity of the situation increases and finally all of the sexual tension is finally eliminated during the course of the evening.
***************************************
Meanwhile Byers, Frohike and Langley are seated around a round table with their hands tied.
"Where are we", asks Langley.
"I don't know but Mulder better know what he's doing endangering us like this", says Frohike. "He better be treating the scrumptious Agent Scully good too because I'll kick his a** if he doesn't"
"Guys I think we have a chance to escape", says Byers.
"How can we?" asks Langley we're all tied up and we've got a goon guarding us on the other side of this door.
"Because....I'm free", says Byers holding up his hands. It had taken five hours of listening to his pals to finally work the knots out of his bonds.
He jumps up and starts to untie Frohike.
Mulder and Scully have both showered. They grab their bags and head downstairs. When they get to the main lobby they approach the desk where the same strange man is standing. "We're not going to be able to stay for the brunch, but we wondered if we could just get a coffee and danish or something," says Mulder.
"I'm glad that I caught you before you left Mr. & Mrs. Mulder. Apparently your credit card was rejected" the man says.
"What? Thats impossible. Its a card through the Bureau. I'm authorized up to $5000 and its not maxed out I can assure you", says Mulder.
"Well actually Sir, the problem is not with the credit line. Once it was rejected the message came up on my machine to seize the card. Please don't make this more difficult than it is and give me your card", says the man.
"Great, just great the bureau must have canceled my credit card for revenge of this trip", says Mulder turning to Scully as he gets his wallet out.
The man takes the credit card and then says, "I'll need another credit card Sir."
"Give me your bureau card Scully," says Mulder.
"Mulder, I never was assigned a card... I don't even have a desk remember?" says Scully.
"Okay, I'll have to use my personal credit card", says Mulder rolling his eyes. He hands over another credit card to the man.
"I'm sorry Sir, we don't take Discover. We only take Master Card, Visa and American Express."
"I don't have any of those", says Mulder. "Scully, do you have...", Mulder turns to Scully looking slightly embarrassed.
"Here is my American Express card", says Scully handing it to him.
Mulder takes it and turns to the man. He hands it to him as he says, "Never leave home without it."
The slip prints out and the man hands the slip to Scully to sign. "Five hundred dollars for one night! We had no hot water and no heat, we were forced to share a bed which I can tell you is against Bureau policy. We arrived late and are leaving before the check in time. We are not partaking in the brunch and we didn't even get mints on our pillows", says Scully angrily.
"I'm sorry but thats the going rate for a honeymoon suite at this time of the year", says the man.
"Honeymoon Suite, you've got to be kidding me, " says Mulder. "Where was the champagne, strawberries and whip cream? There obviously was no Jacuzzi so where do you come up with a price like that?"
"I can understand your confusion Sir. But this is not the United States and that room is our most popular room in the castle. It is well known for its authenticity of the period. Our decorators were quite specific in choosing the furnishings and fixtures when the castle was first purchased."
"When was that, 1066?" asks Scully signing the slip in disgust.
They turn away and head into the banquet hall. The food hasn't been set up yet as its only about 8:30 A.M. They see a waitress wiping off the long tables that surround the room.
"Excuse me, could you tell me where we get a coffee and a danish or something? We aren't going to make the brunch so we need something for the road", says Scully approaching her.
"Sure", says the waitress glancing over her shoulder. "We've got cheese, cherry or blueberry danish. Which one would you like?"
"I'll take blueberry. Mulder what do you want?", asks Scully turning around.
"Cherry", says Mulder looking around at the tapestries on display above them.
The waitress turns around and finally focuses on them. She looks closely and says, "Your're that guy from that FBI show aren't you...You're Chris Owens!"
"Umm..actually no I'm Fox Mulder and I am an FBI agent but a real one", says Mulder looking slightly bored.
"Oh, sorry about the mistake", says the waitress heading to the kitchen.
"Who is Chris Owens", asks Scully.
"I have no idea", says Mulder. "I think he's on that show with that David guy that the waitress at Copperfields was talking about."
"Sci-fi? Well you know I've never seen it", says Scully.
The waitress comes back with their danish and coffee. The agents then walk out the front door of the castle and wait at the front door for a cab. After ten minutes a cab arrives and Mulder instructs him to take them to the airport.
They get in and on the way the cabbie decides to give them a quick tour of London after he hears that they had to cut their "vacation" short. He passes London Tower, the Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. A few minutes later he stops at a traffic light in front of Harrods department store. Mulder is looking out the window when he gets an idea. "Hey pal, pull over here. I want to go in and look for a tie. I need a souvenir." He opens up the door to get out. "I want to see if they have an alien tie. They've got everything here Scully." Scully rolls her eyes. "Thats okay, I won't be long", says Mulder jumping out.
He goes inside and passes the mens department and goes directly to the jewelry counter. A sales clerk approaches him immediately and says," Can I help you find something special Sir?"
"I'm not sure what I want. I just want it to be something really special," says Mulder. "The woman that I have been secretly in love with for seven years has finally told me that she loves me and we are now officially dating. I feel like I'm King of the World right now and I want something to give to her to tell her how happy I am that she is in my life."
"How about a diamond", asks the salesclerk hopefully.
"Well yes, eventually I want to go that path. But... I don't want to scare her yet. She has always had a problem getting close to people and I just want her to realize that I'm ready to commit to her on her terms", says Mulder looking in the case that he is near.
"When is her birthday?"
"Its February 23rd", says Mulder immediately.
"I can tell you like this girl, you remembered the day", says the clerk.
"Believe me I remember everything about her", says Mulder grinning.
"Well in that case you know a lot of her interests. How about a charm bracelet with charms depicting things that you both hold dear to you."
"Thats a great idea. Do you have everything in gold", asks Mulder.
"Of course", says the clerk.
Twenty minutes later Mulder sprints out of the store. He has a bag in his hand as he gets into the cab. "Did you find what you wanted", asks Scully.
"Yes, I did", says Mulder pulling a tie out of the bag with gray-green alien faces and ufos on it."
"Well, it is kinda cute", says Scully reaching over and touching it.
"I found something else that I couldn't resist buying", says Mulder pulling a little wrapped box out of the bag. He hands it to her and leans bag smiling.
"What is this? Oh Mulder, you shouldn't have bought me anything. That store is outrageous in their prices. Everyone knows that", says Scully staring at the box.
"Nothings too expensive for my little scientist", says Mulder. "Go ahead and open it."
Scully's hand shakes as she opens it. She is actually relieved that its not a diamond ring. In one way she wants one, but she wants to date Mulder properly and not rush into the biggest decision of their lives. She pulls out a beautiful gold charm bracelet and starts looking at the individual charms. She starts to cry. On the bracelet are the following charms: an amethyst cross, an alien face, a microscope, a ufo, a doctors symbol, a sunflower, the number seven, a souvenir charm of London, and two gold disks each one having their name, birthday and badge number on it.
"Mulder, you sentimental goofball", says Scully. "This is the most beautiful gift that you could have ever gotten me." She has tears running down her cheeks and her eyes are all red.
"Don't cry Scully", says Mulder choking up. "I just wanted to give ya something to remind you of this trip when we get home."
Mulder puts the bracelet on Scully's wrist and leans down and gives her a long deep kiss. The cabbie finally interrupts and says, "Thats the most beautiful thing I have heard all day, but the clock is running. You still want to go to the airport?"
"Thats where we're headed", says Mulder putting his arm around Scully.
The cab pulls into traffic again.
Part 11
Its about 10:00 A.M. when the cab pulls up to the airport and the agents get out. Mulder pays the cabbie and then they head into the airport. Mulder stops an off duty ticket agent and asks him where they could get a chartered flight. The agent directs them to another terminal and then leaves them.
"Looks like there is a chance that we can get our own plane Scully. That way we don't have to wait another six hours", says Mulder looking at his watch. "First we will be sure that we can hire the plane and then we will have to cancel our tickets to Moscow."
The agents head to the chartered plane area and sure enough they are able to hire an individual to fly them to Moscow. Unfortunately its going to run them about $4,000 as the pilot has to fly back alone.
"Mulder! How can we put this on a travel reimbursement form? We aren't even sure if we still have our jobs", says Scully as Mulder signs the contract.
"We're going to have hard evidence when we get home Scully. There is no way that Skinner is going to be able to argue with us on the validity of this trip", says Mulder smiling. He opens his wallet and hands a credit card to the agent.
"Sir, I am sorry we don't accept Discover. Only Visa, Mastercard and American Express", says the agent.
"Not again! Even Harrod's accepts Discover," says Mulder. He turns to Scully who is already holding her American Express out. She has a look on her face that expresses not anger but amusement at the situation.
After the paperwork has been settled the agents cancel their flight to Moscow. Mulder decides to take the plunge and give Skinner a call to report their movements. He sends Scully off to pick up some snacks for the plane ride as this time there is no food included at all. She walks over to a nearby deli and purchases sandwiches and drinks. After she goes into another store and picks up some candybars, sunflower seeds, and a couple of magazines.
When she gets back Mulder is still on the phone. The conversation between him and Skinner is heated and people are staring as they walk by. "I know Sir, it was inappropriate for me to do this, but I will have the proof that you need. No, Scully was not part of this. I asked her to come with me because I needed her medical expertise on this. We have about thirty-four hours left before we have to be back. I just wanted to warn you Sir that Krycek has threatened your life. You may want to be sure that you have some extra security around you for the next day and a half."
"Agent Mulder, I appreciate your concern, but in no way will your warning help damper the fact that you purposely went against your direct superior by not showing up for that hearing. You have dragged your partner into this as well and you are not showing any respect for her by jeopardizing her career as well as your own. What ever "proof " you have discovered better be good or your days at the FBI are through", says Skinner.
Skinner hangs up and at that moment the door to his office opens and the CSM enters. He lights up a Morley sits down in front of Skinners desk and says, "Do you know where they are?"
Skinner answers, "No."
"It would be best for you to be truthful. You hold the lives of those three crackpot friends of Mulder's in your hands and don't forget you're next if plans don't proceed in the way that they should. Now let me ask you again. Where are Agents Mulder and Scully?" He inhales on his cigarette, stares at it and then exhales it across Skinner's desk.
"London. They're on their way back to the US. They had some flight delay problems. They missed their flight and they're chartering a plane from London to Washington", says Skinner firmly.
"I hope this information is correct Skinner or there is going to be a lot of unfortunate eliminations occurring within the next thirty-three and three quarter hours." CSM looks at his watch. He gets up and smashes out his cigarette in the ashtray on Skinners desk and slips out the side door.
Meanwhile after hanging up with Skinner Mulder is confronted by Scully. "Did you tell him of our plans Mulder?"
"Yes, but it was hard convincing him that what we were doing was right. He seems to be distant like he had someone there sitting there or he was expecting someone any minute. I don't think he was confident that it was a secure line. He tried to convince me to cancel the charter flight and come straight home."
"Well, I don't find that hard to believe. Skinner wants us to go by the book and he is not going to change anytime soon", says Scully. "Should we head over to the gate now?
"Yeah we better. The pilot was going to just fuel up and check over the plane before we could board. Do you get everything we'll need?" asks Mulder.
"Yes. I've got sandwiches, drinks, snacks and reading material", says Scully patting the bag. "Yes, I got stuff you'll like. I got you sunflower seeds and this scandal sheet. Its even got an article on the front saying that Jerry Springer is an alien that is doing experiments on his guests.
Mulder grins. "Now thats entertainment Scully. What kind of sandwiches did you buy?"
"No, I didn't buy liverwurst. After that Tooms guy I'll never touch the stuff again", says Scully making a face. "I got us both turkey and I bought you......" she smiles at him and opens the bag.
"If theres iced tea in there I know that Mrs. Shelby was telling the truth," says Mulder.
Scully pulls out iced tea. "We have a winner", says Scully blushing.
Mulder leans down and gives her a kiss. "Perfection", he says.
They head to the terminal and the pilot meets them at the gate.
"Hello, we're all ready to take off so if you want to board and strap yourselves in I'll get permission for takeoff", he says.
Scully and Mulder does as he asks. Shortly thereafter they takeoff and are airborne. The agents enjoy their reading material and snacks. After being airborne for about two hours Mulder laughs out loud. Scully turns to him and says, "What?"
"I just got a great idea. I wouldn't believe that I would be telling you this twenty-four hours ago, but now what the hell. I think when we get back to DC we should apply for membership to an organization", says Mulder still grinning.
"What organization", asks Scully leaning forward with a quizzing look on her face.
"The Mile High Club", says Mulder leaning toward her looking her directly in the eye.
"Mulder! Our first time is not going to be on an airplane. The pilot could put it on automatic and come back here, besides he could have the intercom on and would hear everything", says Scully flushing. She looks away.
"Oh come on Scully, maybe we could be making that guys day", says Mulder leaning over and kissing her cheek. He finally wins her over and she turns her head into a kiss. After a few minutes the agents are getting hot and heavy. Mulder has removed his jacket and button down shirt.
Scully says, "I can't believe we are doing this."
He unbuttons Scully's shirt and then mumbles, "Believe it Scully. Besides as I've said you always keep me guessing."
Scully says, "Just shut up and kiss me." She wraps her arms around Mulder and pulls him down into the airplane seat.
Just then theres a severe case of turbulence. "Wow this feels amazing", says Mulder leaning up and looking around.
"I agree, so lets continue", says Scully pulling him down again.
All of a sudden it gets really quiet. Scully pulls away from Mulder's kisses and says, "Mulder, why did it get so quiet so quick?"
Mulder cocks his head to the side and listens.
"Mulder, you've got that look on your face", says Scully with alarmed eyes.
"What look", says Mulder pretending to be calm.
"That scared look. The look when you found that bomb in the soda machine in Dallas."
"I think the engine stopped Scully", says Mulder sitting up and running his hand through his hair.
Just then the pilot comes on the speaker. "Folks the engine has stopped. Please stop what you are doing and buckle up. I'm going to try to coast in, but its going to be rough. We're going to lose altitude fast and theres only thick woods below us. So hold tight and pray."
"Oh my God Mulder! We're going to die", say Scully her eyes wide with fright. She buttons up her shirt (if she dies she doesn't want to be found half undressed).
They buckle up and Scully clutches the cross around her neck and starts saying Hail Marys as the plane starts into a nosedive. Mulder reaches over and interlaces his fingers with Scully's. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses it. Scully's eyes are tearing as she continues in her prayers to God to spare her and Mulder's life. We've been though so much together, now we have found happiness please don't take it away she thinks silently.
Mulder isn't doing so well himself. He's feeling very sick as the plane continues to fall faster and faster. He wishes he hadn't ate everything that he had ate. If they were to die he didn't want Scully's last memory of him to be one of him vomiting all over himself. He starts to tear up as well as he thinks that if Scully dies it will be his fault. If they hadn't come on this trip they may have been out of their jobs, but they would be safe in DC. Most likely living their separate lives in separate apartments, but alive. Was finding love for those brief moments worth losing their lives. He didn't know. But finding out that Scully returned his feelings before he died was the best thing that he could hope for.
The ground was clearly in sight now and it was rapidly approaching. Scully now has started to sob and Mulder removes his hand from hers and puts it around her instead. As the ground appears closer and closer Mulder trying to sound not panicked screams, "Scully, if we get out of this alive....marry me."
Scully barely blubbers a loud, "Yes!" before the plane crashes...........
Part 12
Mulder opens his eyes to the sounds of birds chirping. His head feels like its about to explode. His hand reaches for his forehead coming away with blood on it. He groans and rolls to his side and finally sits up cringing in pain. He opens his eyes and it takes several moments for his vision to adjust to normal. There is wreckage everywhere. The plane had completely broken apart. His immediate concern is Scully. He looks around and sees her foot sticking out from underneath some paneling. He attempts to stand up but he falls to his knees from the dizziness. He crawls over to her and throws the paneling to the side. She is unconscious. He pulls her into his lap and strokes her hair. He touches her neck for a pulse and is relieved when he feels a beat. "Scully", he says softly. "Wake up." After a few minutes Scully starts to shake her head back and forth.
"Dad I'm sorry, I'm not ready to leave yet. I'm in love with the most wonderful man in the world and our work is not yet done. I love you and I'll see you soon", Scully says and then her body jerks. Her eyes open and she sees Mulder holding her, his eyes full of love and concern. "Oh Mulder, you're okay?" she asks. She reaches up and runs her hand through his hair. She looks worried when she sees the blood on her hand.
"I've got a hard head Scully. Does anything hurt?" asks Mulder.
"My right ankle does. I hate to say it but I think its either broken or sprained", says Scully. "Help me up and I will give it a try."
Mulder shakily gets up and pulls Scully up against him. She winces in pain and sits down again. She runs her hands over her ankle and says, "I think its only a sprain, but its going to swell. I can't walk on this. How is the pilot?"
Mulder walks to the front of the wreckage. He sees the pilot who has been totally squashed in the accident. He then pokes around in the wreckage and finds their luggage and lastly Scully's purse which has had all its contents spread around. He finds as many things of hers as he can scooping them into the purse. He finds a picture wallet and being nosy looks in it. He finds pictures of her parents, sister Melissa and her two brothers. He continues to flip and finds the picture of Emily and lastly in the back he finds a candid profile photo of himself. It had been taken in their office. He had been sitting at his desk, feet up and staring at his "I Want to Believe" poster. He flips it over and reads the date 7/98 and the notation "I believe I love you". He puts the photo back into the wallet and walks back to Scully.
"Hes dead Scully and the controls are destroyed. I don't think the radio will even work. We're stuck out here in the middle of nowhere. I found our belongings, but we can't carry everything." he places their bags next to her.
"Mulder, what are we going to do? We've got a little under thirty-one hours left. We don't know where we are, we have no substantial food or water and look at me. I'm a cripple", says Scully sitting on the ground. "We don't even know what country we are in." She pulls her bag and purse toward her. "Theres still some candy bars left and half a bottle of spring water. We should bring at least one of our cellphones. I don't know if we can use them though. I'll bring this sweater. Mulder, did you bring a sweater or sweatshirt?" She ties her sweater around her waist and stuffs the candy, water and cellphone into her purse and slings it around her neck.
"Yeah I did," says Mulder digging in his bag. "We've got to start walking Scully", says Mulder pulling up Scully.
"Mulder, I can't walk", says Scully her eyes tearing up.
"You don't have to", says Mulder turning his back and leaning down. "Get on."
"You can't carry me piggyback the whole way. It could be miles before we find anyone!", says Scully.
"Let me be the judge of that", says Mulder. "Now get on and lets go."
Scully bites her lip and steps up to Mulder putting her arms around his neck. He leans back and grabs under her knees picking her up. He starts walking. "Well we still aren't in Moscow so what do you want to talk about?"
"I just want to express how relieved I am that we are still alive Mulder", says Scully kissing him under the ear and snuggling closer. "My prayers were answered."
"I was serious about what I said before we crashed Scully. I don't want you to think that I want to forget about it now that we are okay", says Mulder.
"I know and I said 'Yes' Mulder", says Scully. "How can we do this without the Bureau splitting us up?"
"Well, lets think", says Mulder. "First step we can move in together. Your apartment or mine?"
"Mine, yours is too dark and dreary. Theres too many bad memories there", says Scully. "Both us have been almost killed there several times."
"Well, you've been attacked a few times in your apartment too", says Mulder.
"Yes, but I've got my own G-Man there now to protect me", says Scully whispering in his ear.
The agents walk for about an hour and half before Mulder has to stop to rest. They sit down and lean against a large boulder. Its about 2:30 now and the sun is high in the sky. Scully opens up the bottle of water and passes it to Mulder. He refuses it and says, "Go ahead. I'll have some later."
"Mulder, I don't want a repeat performance of our "cruise"" says Scully pushing the water into his hand. "You are using a lot of moisture by carrying me. You need it so drink it." She wins him over and he takes a couple of deep gulps.
"You know Scully, I always fantasized about going camping with you since that night we stayed in the forest with those moss men. Remember when I said that a way to get warm would be to climb naked into a sleeping bag with another naked person and you said that if it rained sleeping bags maybe I would get lucky. I have to ask you, if by a miracle that happened were you trying to tell me that you would have fulfilled that fantasy."
Scully smiles and says, "You'll never know!"
The agents rest a while more and then continue on. They stop again in two hours and decide that they need to turn in for the night. Unfortunately they have nothing to start a fire. The only thing they can do is snuggle up to each other beside a large fallen tree. "You know Scully, this seems really familiar like deja vu"
"Hmm... it does", says Scully. "Look at the stars Mulder, its beautiful out here tonight." she looks up at the sky.
"Not as beautiful as you", he says leaning down to kiss her.
"Mulder, theres no sleeping bag, but I want to fulfill your fantasy tonight", says Scully pressing into him.
"Are you sure Scully", says Mulder looking surprised but hopeful.
"I haven't been more positive of anything before", says Scully.
The intensity of the situation increases and finally all of the sexual tension is finally eliminated during the course of the evening.
***************************************
Meanwhile Byers, Frohike and Langley are seated around a round table with their hands tied.
"Where are we", asks Langley.
"I don't know but Mulder better know what he's doing endangering us like this", says Frohike. "He better be treating the scrumptious Agent Scully good too because I'll kick his a** if he doesn't"
"Guys I think we have a chance to escape", says Byers.
"How can we?" asks Langley we're all tied up and we've got a goon guarding us on the other side of this door.
"Because....I'm free", says Byers holding up his hands. It had taken five hours of listening to his pals to finally work the knots out of his bonds.
He jumps up and starts to untie Frohike.