"In addendum to Agent Mulder's case in Aliceville, AL; I have found conclusive evidence that supports Mulder's theory as to why more than half of the female population has been or is pregnant. Lubbub Creek is just one mile south of the town's outskirts. This is where all of Aliceville's fishing take place. Lubbub Creek also happens to be home to the endangered Alabama Shad; a small fish similar to that of trout. In the toxicology report of the fish dinner from Rhode's Diner, that Agent Mulder purchased, high amounts of pheromones were found. Further investigating concluded that all of the fish cooked at Rhode's Diner are in fact from Lubbub Creek.'

"As a scientist, I believe that because the Alabama Shad is endangered, it feels more threatened to extinction. Therefore, in an last ditch effort to save it's species, the Shad has adapted to the environment in ways I have never see in nature before. It somehow, willed itself into secreting more pheromones in a way to enhance breeding. The investigation is still underway out in Aliceville. Scientists are now comprehensively studying the Shad to determine the exact cause of it's ability to secrete more pheromones.'

"With this new information in hand, I believe this is what caused all the pregnancies in Aliceville. The population basically was in a state of sexual overdrive which resulted in more sexual activity," Scully took a deep breath before continuing, "I also believe that this is what happened to me." She fell silent as Skinner stared at her for a moment before taking his hand off his chin and leaning back in his chair.

"And the diner?"

"Closed for the time being until all of the fish can be confiscated as well as other diners and grocery stores can be tested."

Skinner nodded before closing the manila folder, "Thank you agent Scully, that will be all."

Scully nodded before getting up from her chair. Remaining silent she made her way to the door.

"Oh, one more thing, Scully."

She stopped and turned around, knowing this was what she was dreading, "Yes sir?"

"I know this has been difficult for you. Agent Mulder told me everything that happened. I want you to know Dana, that none of this will make it to the official report." He stopped for a moment before standing up, "I also think that it would best for you if you went to see Karen Kosseff."

Red rushed to her face as he spoke. Shaking her head, adamantly, "Thank you for your concern, sir. But I am just fine." She started to turn before she heard his voice again.

"Agent Scully, that was not a request but an order."

She stopped, blinking back the tears she turned and nodded curtly before exiting as quickly as possible, "Yes sir."

Her face was flushed, the heat was rising. Her anger bubbled over. How dare Mulder tell Skinner what happened. She stormed out of Skinner's office and down the hall to the elevator. As she smacked the button to the basement she paced back and forth. She was screaming inside. How dare he! Was all she could chant. It only sex, nothing more! At these words she stopped. Her face slowly relaxed. Only sex? If Mulder had said that to her, she would have freaked. Sighing heavily, she knew Skinner was right. It took her a split second to realize that they only had her best intentions in mind. As the elevator door opened, she hit the close button.

"So Dana, have a seat," Karen gestured to the chair opposing her own, "I've looked over you file just a moment ago. I must say, it only get more and more fascinating."

Scully smiled faintly as she sat down and crossed her legs.

Karen continued on, "I see your last appointment with me was about five months ago."

Scully nodded.

"And on that occasion, we talked about your recent dealings with your partner, uh.." She thumbed through her file, "Agent Mulder; he was apparently sick with a brain disease?"

She nodded again, "That's right, He made a full recovery."

"So it was all resolved?"

She nodded once more.

"That's good to hear. So Dana, what's troubling you now? A case?"

"Uh...no. Not a case."

"What then?"

Scully took a long breath before speaking, "It's my partner."

"Agent Mulder?"

Scully nodded.

"You and Agent Mulder have been partners for how long?" She asked as she thumbed through her files.

"Seven years."

"Seven years, that's a long time. Tell me Dana, how has your relationship with Agent Mulder progressed in seven years?"

Scully shifted her weight before speaking, "When I met Agent Mulder in the beginning, I knew he was wary in his trust in me. I was originally assigned to the X-files in an attempt to debunk Mulder's work. I, however, had no intention of such an action. I merely wanted to pose a scientific basis to his findings. The first year, I worked hard to gain his trust.'

"His work was everything to him. It was his drive. I felt compelled to help him the best I could. I found myself questioning all that I believe."

"Which is?"

"I am a scientist and a medical doctor at heart. I couldn't just ignore that and believe all that Mulder believed. I tried to put things into perspective. But by the second year, I became an X-file myself. I was abducted and then left in a comatose state. Mulder always blamed himself for that. He wanted me to leave him so many times because he didn't want any harm to come to me. But what he never understood is that it did become my quest too. To find out who took me. I needed to find the people responsible for what they had done to me. They left me barren," Tears stung at her eyes, "I found myself diving deeper into the work with Mulder. Our relationship became unbreakable. I trusted him with my life as did he. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I felt everything around me collapse. I gave up hope but Mulder didn't. His faith ultimately saved me. And I returned that faith when he became sick. Our partnership is stronger than any bond I have ever forged."

"I know it's been a tough and trying time for you, Dana. So tell me, if this bond is so strong why are you here today wanting to talk about Agent Mulder?"

Scully played with her blouse for a moment before responding, "I recently slept with Mulder." Her eyes widen as she realized she had actually blurted it out.

Karen shifted a bit closer to Scully, "And now you regret it?"

Scully scoffed, "The funny thing is, you think I would but I don't."

"So the problem lies where?"

"There are so many underlying problems; with me mostly. Ten years ago, I had an tumultuous affair with a married man, my medical instructor no less. Leaving him was hard but I knew it was in my best interest. I was vulnerable at that time and I jumped into another relationship with my FBI Academy Instructor. After that, I realized the self-destructing path I was on and I stopped dating all together. I withdrew myself. I became, as my peers called me, the ice queen. I threw myself into my career and nothing else. So naturally when I went to work with Mulder, that was the first time I had become close to any male in a long time."

"You were attracted to him from the beginning?"

"Not quite, I felt a respect for the man but I kept my walls up. I wanted to protect myself. But as the years progressed my respect became more. I found myself wanting to be closer to him. But I knew that I stood no chance against his work. So my walls came up even higher. In our recent years together I have found myself coming to terms with Mulder. I let go."

"Have you felt vulnerable lately?"

"Yes."

"Why is that?"

"Several months back, a woman from Mulder's past showed up. I tried to bottle up my emotions but I let her get the best of me. I was intensely jealous."

"Did he pay more attention to her?"

"Somewhat, although, I think I was more jealous of the fact that she had, had Mulder and I still didn't have him after even six years. And the fact that he didn't tell me about her."

"So if your emotions draw you to Agent Mulder, then why are you upset over your recent activity with him? It is because you work with him?"

"On the contrary, I thought that would have upset me but it's deeper than that. In the last year we have grown closer than I ever thought possible."

"Do you love him?"

"I... well... Yes I do." Scully pursed her lips together.

"How long?"

"For as long as I can think back."

"So why is sex wrong for the two of you?"

"I just don't think we should be together, I'm not what he needs. I'm too unstable." Tears stung at her eyes.

"Dana, your father was strict, was he not?"

She nodded.

"As a child, you found yourself compelled to make dad see your achievements?"

She nodded again.

"So I would say that you have always had this notion of gaining respect from your male superiors?"

Scully's eyes fell downward.

"And you always found a way of undermining your own achievements for the respect of men. This was why you found yourself in a relationship with a married man. And an instructor. You crave the power of the men over you. You need to feel wanted and needed. You feel that with Agent Mulder, you regard him as your superior. In fact, sometimes you let it eat at you until you bubble over and react without thinking. This is where your temper comes in. You are afraid to get close to Agent Mulder because you don't want to put him in that category with all those other men who were unhealthy for you.'

"Dana, as you know, everyone here is required to come see me at least once every six months. So I know the personalities of all the agents here. Agent Mulder is no exception. I think that you need to step back for a moment and really look at your life. You are afraid of the life before you. You feel comfortable with where you are in your life and your afraid that if you take the next step with Agent Mulder then it could ruin all that you have worked to maintain. You have already lost so much. The one constant with you the entire time was your partner.'

"Now Dana, I know the F.B.I. might not like the advice I'm about to give you but I have your best interests at heart. I think that you need to step out of your shell and shed your walls. Understandable, you weren't ready to sleep with Agent Mulder, but it happened. Now you need to deal with it. Do you want to pursue something with him, or do you want it to stay the same. Because over time, the same thing will crumble. It's happened in the past to you; I have noted on several occasions your hostility at Agent Mulder. You feel angry at the indifference in your own life."

Scully, sat rigid, as a tear slipped down her face.

"Dana, think about it. These breakdowns you have are trying to tell you something. That your missing out."

TBC...