Part 31
Scully continues to cry for several minutes before her hold on Mulder loosens. "Is he dead", she asks him.
"I don't know. I punched him and we wrestled for the gun. It went off and all I know is I'm not the one that got shot." Mulder helps Scully to her feet and reaches down to pick up Smith's flashlight . He illuminates the space surrounding them and Mulder is not surprised to see no sign of Smith or Mulder's gun.
"He is gone", says Scully flatly.
"He may be gone, but he did get hit", says Mulder pointing to a small pool of blood on the floor of the cave followed by a trail. He takes Scully by the hand and follows the trail to the entrance of the cave. They exit out into the cool fresh air of the night. The moonlight is refreshing to their eyes. Mulder fights a sudden wave of dizziness as he bends over in pain. Scully grabs him by the upper arm.
"Mulder, sit down and give me the flashlight. I need to check that wound." Mulder hands her the flashlight and sits down. He cringes as she gently runs her fingers over the wound. "You don't have a concussion. I can tell, but you are going to need a lot of rest."
"I won't be getting any rest until we at least reach our campsite", says Mulder slowly rising to his feet. "Theres no telling where Smith may be and I'd feel safer if we could at least have your gun."
"We can't get there tonight Mulder, we crossed the river and we can't chance that in the dark", says Scully looking up at him. Mulder takes the flashlight from her.
"We'll have to walk down river a bit to find a narrower part. The best thing for us is to cross tonight Scully. We are defenseless out here in the open and I would rather take my chances swimming the river than taking the chance that Smith would try to harm you again. He reaches over and caresses her cheek. "It nearly killed me to hear that sonva *itch forcing himself on you. If I had a clear shot I would have sent a bullet right through his heart."
"And the bureau would have had you dismissed and I would be visiting you in jail for thirty years to life", says Scully.
"At least you could say that I had stopped running. I wouldn't be able to do many laps in a jail cell", says Mulder jokingly. "Seriously though Scully nothing would stop me from seeking vengeance on your behalf, even if it led to me going to jail. You have been there for me since the beginning and I know you'll be there with me until the end, whatever that means I don't know. All I know is that I love you."
Scully smiles. "I don't know if I ever told you, but when you were in Tunguska, Russia I refused to tell anyone where you were. I was called to testify before a Senatorial hearing and I refused to answer that question. They put me in confinement because they thought it would break me down. It didn't and seeing you walking into that room made it worth every minute I spent in that cell."
Mulder nods and then smiles at her. He leans down and gives her a gentle and passionate kiss that Scully returns with eagerness. Both agents think to themselves how they thought they would never see each other again.
They finally break away from the kiss with breathlessness. "Come on Scully, we've got to find that alternate crossing before we run into Smith again." He puts one arm around Scully's shoulders and she puts her arm around his waist as they walk along the river bank.
Part 32
About an hour later Mulder and Scully discover a point of the river where they can cross by stepping on rocks. Mulder extends his hand to Scully and they start to cross. Three quarters across Scully's foot slips on one of the slimy rocks and she falls. Mulder helps her to her feet. "Are you all right?"
"Mulder, I'm fine. My a** broke my fall." She smiles at him and motions that they should continue. Once across they stand on the riverbank a moment to get their bearings.
"Which way Scully?" asks Mulder looking in both directions.
"You're the Indian guide. You tell me", says pulling on her wet clothes.
"Something tells me to go right", says Mulder turning in that direction.
"I think its left", says Scully.
"I thought you trusted me", says Mulder.
"I do but the river is flowing downstream Mulder and look", she points to an object on the bank. Its the fish pole she had lost the other day. "That could have come from only one direction. So lets go." She turns to the left and starts walking.
"You must think you are pretty smart", says Mulder catching up to her.
"I just look for the logical explanation of things", says Scully. "If the fish pole hadn't been there I wouldn't have been sure what direction to go in Mulder. We got lucky I guess."
"So you are saying it was fate, a random moment in time that allowed that fish pole to land where it did. That would mean that some force, some supernatural or paranormal force caused this to happen in order that we would find it and become aware of where we were?", asks Mulder.
"Like I said Mulder, we got lucky", says Scully giving him a look. Mulder silently laughs to himself and is glad that their new relationship isn't changing Scully's rational way of looking at unexplained phenomena. Although the few surprises that she had come up with on this trip had been very well received by him."
Half an hour later they arrive at their campsite and are surprised to see a campfire glowing. They approach cautiously and stop about ten yards to observe. Scully and Mulder turn to look at each other at the same time. Scully's mouth hangs open and Mulder wears an amused expression. They walk toward the campfire and the two people sitting on a log toasting marshmallows.
"Sir?", asks Scully. "What are you doing here?", asks Scully looking at Skinner and Kate who are bundled up next to each other.
Skinner jumps to his feet, his marshmallow falling into the fire. "Agents! Ah Ms. Smith here told me where your campsite was and she offered to guide me out here. We became concerned when we realized that you weren't here.
What the hell is going on here?"
"Nice to see you again Kate", says Mulder giving a little wave. Kate gives an embarrassed wave back and blushes. "Sir, we may have a bigger problem", says Mulder stepping nearer to Skinner.
"Mulder, you look like crap. What happened to you?" Mulder looks down at his scratched up arms and legs and realizes for the first time that his shirt is torn.
"I had an encounter with Bigfoot", replies Mulder.
"Not that BS again Mulder! Thats why I am out here to collect you and Agent Scully. The bureau isn't going to pay for anymore of these little excursions that you two decide to take. From now on when you come across a potential case you are to write me a report and together we will present it to the committee."
"What!", exclaims Mulder. "Thats horse manure! I am not going to be led around like a little kid being told what I can do and what I can't do."
"Mulder", says Scully reaching for his hand. "Lets talk this out rationally. This is not the place to be making career altering statements." She makes a motion to the forest in general. "I'm sure Assistant Director Skinner will discuss this with us in an open and rational manner once we get back to DC."
"I don't want to talk about in DC. I want to get it over now", yells Mulder looking from Scully to Skinner. "Was this your decision Sir? Were you the one to decide to finally put me in my place?"
"It came from the top Mulder. I had no choice. As your direct superior it was my responsibility, my job to inform you of their decision. You don't have any options. Your choice is either to conform to the bureau's rules or resign."
"Than I resign", yells Mulder pulling away from a shocked Scully and crawling into their tent.
Part 33
Scully turns to look at Skinner. "Why now? Why after seven years of allowing us the freedom of investigating are you treating us like this? The X-Files have been taken away from us several times, but you always helped us in finding a way to continue Mulder's....our quest." Her blue eyes flash in distrust. "I don't believe you when you say that your hands were tied. You are an Assistant Director. You have some weight and if you aren't using it, its not because you can't, its because you won't. You won't risk your career or reputation in helping us anymore. I'm not going to speak about myself. I'm not looking for any glory and neither is Agent Mulder, but Agent Mulder has gone beyond the call of duty for you. He has risked his life on more than one occasion to save you and this is what you give him in return." Scully storms off and to Skinner's surprise she crawls into the tent that Mulder had gone into a moment before.
Skinner sighs and thinks to himself how the agents are wrong. They don't know the whole story regarding his loyalty to them. How he had been protecting them for seven years and now when they were closer to the truth than ever before it was necessary for him to cut ties. He didn't want to admit it, but the best thing for Agent Mulder would be to resign. It may just save his life in the end. Agent Scully too. That chip in her neck was a weapon against herself and if Mulder backed off everyone would be safer." He turns to Kate who is staring at him.
"I'm sorry you had to be a witness to that exchange", apologizes Skinner. "I had some bad news to give them and I should have known not to give them that news here. It wouldn't have made any difference, they are both hotheaded and stubborn. I shouldn't have expected their reaction to be any different in DC. Actually it could have been worse, if I had told them in DC they would have more things to throw at me. My stapler on my desk may have turned into a lethal weapon." He smiles at Kate.
"Its okay Walter. I understand what you are going through. Being someone's boss is a hard job. Some people can't handle taking orders and its not easy when one of your most admired employees strikes back at you."
"They have a right to be angry.", says Skinner. "Because they are right. I am a coward who can't stand up to those that hold the power. Kate I don't want to trouble you with all of this, but the American people are living a lie. There are high government officials that make decisions for our country.. for our planet that aren't always in the people's interest. I don't have all of the details, but one factor is this. That Agent Mulder lives for the pursuit of finding the truth of this lie and if he doesn't stop...if I don't stop him he is going to be killed. They have done everything to stop him. Killed his father, lied about the abduction of his sister and recently his mother died under suspicious circumstances."
"Oh my God", says Kate with wide eyes. "This sounds like a made for television movie."
"You know if we all survive this, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I have a friend in Hollywood. Well, thats not important. Agent Scully has suffered for her partnership with Mulder. She was once used as a mole. She had been placed with him for a reason, but as the months and years have gone by her loyalty has shifted from the bureau to loyalty solely to Agent Mulder. She protects him and with good reason. He found the cure for her cancer that this group had given her. She was given that cancer to make him believe that something larger was going on here than alien life here on earth."
Kate continues to stare at him. "Aliens? And you are angry that those two are looking into Bigfoot on their free time? Walter, are you sure you haven't had a nervous breakdown? This all sounds so Sci-Fi. I'm wondering if I should walk away from all this. This is too weird for me."
"I like you Kate. Its been so enlightening having someone to talk to. Someone to listen to me and not judge me, but I'll have to admit that you are taking a risk by even being here with me. There are men after me too. Men that seek to control me. They've done it in the past and they will continue to do this in the future, until its all over and only God knows when that will be.
Kate gets up and tosses the blanket to the side. She reaches for his hand. "I've only known you a very short time Walter, but I can see the man that you are. I want to get to know you better, but only if you would like to." She squeezes his hand and smiles.
Skinner is surprised at the strength of this woman. He sees some qualities in her that reminds him of another. "You are amazing Kate. Are you sure you don't have any relatives named Scully in your family tree. Up until now I only knew one woman with backbone like that. What you said was so caring. Yes, I would really like to get to know you better." Skinner leans down and gives her a peck on the cheek.
Scully continues to cry for several minutes before her hold on Mulder loosens. "Is he dead", she asks him.
"I don't know. I punched him and we wrestled for the gun. It went off and all I know is I'm not the one that got shot." Mulder helps Scully to her feet and reaches down to pick up Smith's flashlight . He illuminates the space surrounding them and Mulder is not surprised to see no sign of Smith or Mulder's gun.
"He is gone", says Scully flatly.
"He may be gone, but he did get hit", says Mulder pointing to a small pool of blood on the floor of the cave followed by a trail. He takes Scully by the hand and follows the trail to the entrance of the cave. They exit out into the cool fresh air of the night. The moonlight is refreshing to their eyes. Mulder fights a sudden wave of dizziness as he bends over in pain. Scully grabs him by the upper arm.
"Mulder, sit down and give me the flashlight. I need to check that wound." Mulder hands her the flashlight and sits down. He cringes as she gently runs her fingers over the wound. "You don't have a concussion. I can tell, but you are going to need a lot of rest."
"I won't be getting any rest until we at least reach our campsite", says Mulder slowly rising to his feet. "Theres no telling where Smith may be and I'd feel safer if we could at least have your gun."
"We can't get there tonight Mulder, we crossed the river and we can't chance that in the dark", says Scully looking up at him. Mulder takes the flashlight from her.
"We'll have to walk down river a bit to find a narrower part. The best thing for us is to cross tonight Scully. We are defenseless out here in the open and I would rather take my chances swimming the river than taking the chance that Smith would try to harm you again. He reaches over and caresses her cheek. "It nearly killed me to hear that sonva *itch forcing himself on you. If I had a clear shot I would have sent a bullet right through his heart."
"And the bureau would have had you dismissed and I would be visiting you in jail for thirty years to life", says Scully.
"At least you could say that I had stopped running. I wouldn't be able to do many laps in a jail cell", says Mulder jokingly. "Seriously though Scully nothing would stop me from seeking vengeance on your behalf, even if it led to me going to jail. You have been there for me since the beginning and I know you'll be there with me until the end, whatever that means I don't know. All I know is that I love you."
Scully smiles. "I don't know if I ever told you, but when you were in Tunguska, Russia I refused to tell anyone where you were. I was called to testify before a Senatorial hearing and I refused to answer that question. They put me in confinement because they thought it would break me down. It didn't and seeing you walking into that room made it worth every minute I spent in that cell."
Mulder nods and then smiles at her. He leans down and gives her a gentle and passionate kiss that Scully returns with eagerness. Both agents think to themselves how they thought they would never see each other again.
They finally break away from the kiss with breathlessness. "Come on Scully, we've got to find that alternate crossing before we run into Smith again." He puts one arm around Scully's shoulders and she puts her arm around his waist as they walk along the river bank.
Part 32
About an hour later Mulder and Scully discover a point of the river where they can cross by stepping on rocks. Mulder extends his hand to Scully and they start to cross. Three quarters across Scully's foot slips on one of the slimy rocks and she falls. Mulder helps her to her feet. "Are you all right?"
"Mulder, I'm fine. My a** broke my fall." She smiles at him and motions that they should continue. Once across they stand on the riverbank a moment to get their bearings.
"Which way Scully?" asks Mulder looking in both directions.
"You're the Indian guide. You tell me", says pulling on her wet clothes.
"Something tells me to go right", says Mulder turning in that direction.
"I think its left", says Scully.
"I thought you trusted me", says Mulder.
"I do but the river is flowing downstream Mulder and look", she points to an object on the bank. Its the fish pole she had lost the other day. "That could have come from only one direction. So lets go." She turns to the left and starts walking.
"You must think you are pretty smart", says Mulder catching up to her.
"I just look for the logical explanation of things", says Scully. "If the fish pole hadn't been there I wouldn't have been sure what direction to go in Mulder. We got lucky I guess."
"So you are saying it was fate, a random moment in time that allowed that fish pole to land where it did. That would mean that some force, some supernatural or paranormal force caused this to happen in order that we would find it and become aware of where we were?", asks Mulder.
"Like I said Mulder, we got lucky", says Scully giving him a look. Mulder silently laughs to himself and is glad that their new relationship isn't changing Scully's rational way of looking at unexplained phenomena. Although the few surprises that she had come up with on this trip had been very well received by him."
Half an hour later they arrive at their campsite and are surprised to see a campfire glowing. They approach cautiously and stop about ten yards to observe. Scully and Mulder turn to look at each other at the same time. Scully's mouth hangs open and Mulder wears an amused expression. They walk toward the campfire and the two people sitting on a log toasting marshmallows.
"Sir?", asks Scully. "What are you doing here?", asks Scully looking at Skinner and Kate who are bundled up next to each other.
Skinner jumps to his feet, his marshmallow falling into the fire. "Agents! Ah Ms. Smith here told me where your campsite was and she offered to guide me out here. We became concerned when we realized that you weren't here.
What the hell is going on here?"
"Nice to see you again Kate", says Mulder giving a little wave. Kate gives an embarrassed wave back and blushes. "Sir, we may have a bigger problem", says Mulder stepping nearer to Skinner.
"Mulder, you look like crap. What happened to you?" Mulder looks down at his scratched up arms and legs and realizes for the first time that his shirt is torn.
"I had an encounter with Bigfoot", replies Mulder.
"Not that BS again Mulder! Thats why I am out here to collect you and Agent Scully. The bureau isn't going to pay for anymore of these little excursions that you two decide to take. From now on when you come across a potential case you are to write me a report and together we will present it to the committee."
"What!", exclaims Mulder. "Thats horse manure! I am not going to be led around like a little kid being told what I can do and what I can't do."
"Mulder", says Scully reaching for his hand. "Lets talk this out rationally. This is not the place to be making career altering statements." She makes a motion to the forest in general. "I'm sure Assistant Director Skinner will discuss this with us in an open and rational manner once we get back to DC."
"I don't want to talk about in DC. I want to get it over now", yells Mulder looking from Scully to Skinner. "Was this your decision Sir? Were you the one to decide to finally put me in my place?"
"It came from the top Mulder. I had no choice. As your direct superior it was my responsibility, my job to inform you of their decision. You don't have any options. Your choice is either to conform to the bureau's rules or resign."
"Than I resign", yells Mulder pulling away from a shocked Scully and crawling into their tent.
Part 33
Scully turns to look at Skinner. "Why now? Why after seven years of allowing us the freedom of investigating are you treating us like this? The X-Files have been taken away from us several times, but you always helped us in finding a way to continue Mulder's....our quest." Her blue eyes flash in distrust. "I don't believe you when you say that your hands were tied. You are an Assistant Director. You have some weight and if you aren't using it, its not because you can't, its because you won't. You won't risk your career or reputation in helping us anymore. I'm not going to speak about myself. I'm not looking for any glory and neither is Agent Mulder, but Agent Mulder has gone beyond the call of duty for you. He has risked his life on more than one occasion to save you and this is what you give him in return." Scully storms off and to Skinner's surprise she crawls into the tent that Mulder had gone into a moment before.
Skinner sighs and thinks to himself how the agents are wrong. They don't know the whole story regarding his loyalty to them. How he had been protecting them for seven years and now when they were closer to the truth than ever before it was necessary for him to cut ties. He didn't want to admit it, but the best thing for Agent Mulder would be to resign. It may just save his life in the end. Agent Scully too. That chip in her neck was a weapon against herself and if Mulder backed off everyone would be safer." He turns to Kate who is staring at him.
"I'm sorry you had to be a witness to that exchange", apologizes Skinner. "I had some bad news to give them and I should have known not to give them that news here. It wouldn't have made any difference, they are both hotheaded and stubborn. I shouldn't have expected their reaction to be any different in DC. Actually it could have been worse, if I had told them in DC they would have more things to throw at me. My stapler on my desk may have turned into a lethal weapon." He smiles at Kate.
"Its okay Walter. I understand what you are going through. Being someone's boss is a hard job. Some people can't handle taking orders and its not easy when one of your most admired employees strikes back at you."
"They have a right to be angry.", says Skinner. "Because they are right. I am a coward who can't stand up to those that hold the power. Kate I don't want to trouble you with all of this, but the American people are living a lie. There are high government officials that make decisions for our country.. for our planet that aren't always in the people's interest. I don't have all of the details, but one factor is this. That Agent Mulder lives for the pursuit of finding the truth of this lie and if he doesn't stop...if I don't stop him he is going to be killed. They have done everything to stop him. Killed his father, lied about the abduction of his sister and recently his mother died under suspicious circumstances."
"Oh my God", says Kate with wide eyes. "This sounds like a made for television movie."
"You know if we all survive this, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I have a friend in Hollywood. Well, thats not important. Agent Scully has suffered for her partnership with Mulder. She was once used as a mole. She had been placed with him for a reason, but as the months and years have gone by her loyalty has shifted from the bureau to loyalty solely to Agent Mulder. She protects him and with good reason. He found the cure for her cancer that this group had given her. She was given that cancer to make him believe that something larger was going on here than alien life here on earth."
Kate continues to stare at him. "Aliens? And you are angry that those two are looking into Bigfoot on their free time? Walter, are you sure you haven't had a nervous breakdown? This all sounds so Sci-Fi. I'm wondering if I should walk away from all this. This is too weird for me."
"I like you Kate. Its been so enlightening having someone to talk to. Someone to listen to me and not judge me, but I'll have to admit that you are taking a risk by even being here with me. There are men after me too. Men that seek to control me. They've done it in the past and they will continue to do this in the future, until its all over and only God knows when that will be.
Kate gets up and tosses the blanket to the side. She reaches for his hand. "I've only known you a very short time Walter, but I can see the man that you are. I want to get to know you better, but only if you would like to." She squeezes his hand and smiles.
Skinner is surprised at the strength of this woman. He sees some qualities in her that reminds him of another. "You are amazing Kate. Are you sure you don't have any relatives named Scully in your family tree. Up until now I only knew one woman with backbone like that. What you said was so caring. Yes, I would really like to get to know you better." Skinner leans down and gives her a peck on the cheek.