As the battle for human survival on earth entered into its sixth year, U.S. missile strikes hit eastern Russia and tragically, the humans in the region perished alongside the Super Soldiers. Although the Russian people were devastated by the destruction and loss of life, their darkness was tempered with the newly found democracy that had filtered its way into their government. Blame was intangible and as the new leaders vowed to rebuild, a sense of optimism arose as the shackles of an oppressive rule were removed.
The successful air strikes set precedence and leaders of the free world met to solidify their plans for Africa and the Middle East. The time for action had arrived as the alien enemy's ranks grew larger everyday. These were the most difficult decisions to be made and the toll on human life was shocking. No perfect answer or solution existed and no explanation could satisfy everyone. Only the knowledge that more lives would be saved than lost could justify the means to an end.
The National Youth Project in Boulder, Colorado is the largest government run youth program in the United States. It houses more than four thousand residents who have lost their families at the hands of the alien colonists. They are the unintentional casualties of war, the children of deceased or missing military personnel and of abductees infected with the host virus.
The President, a father of two young women, believed the government had an obligation to help these children become contributing members of society. The First Lady would oversee the massive undertaking of ensuring that each child would receive a world class education, mentoring and psychological counseling. In return they will be asked for their service in rebuilding the country.
At eighteen, many of the residents will go on to join the WorkCorps where they'll be placed in jobs or apprentice in a trade. The need to rebuild infrastructure is unprecedented, and the work is there for anyone willing to join.
Others will enlist in the Military where they will join the ranks of a million strong who are fighting to rid the world of the alien Super Soldiers. Many of our men and women are being sent overseas to administer the vaccine and prevent further alien abductions. Unlike many other wars, this battle has one common and true meaning throughout the world.
The top ranking NYP residents will take a general proficiency exam and psych evaluation, those who pass will have a third option, to attend a University and continue their education. These exams are usually administered the year before the resident's eighteenth birthday or in their third year of studies. Taken over the course of a month, they consist of a battery of tests that determine an individual's aptitude and interest in a variety of subjects. Years of research have proven what most individuals already know, we excel in work we enjoy.
The scores have come in and Petie's are decent enough to allow her the option of a college education. As she ponders her future, a nagging feeling of guilt clings to her and she can no longer deny her true feelings. She doesn't want to disappoint Will, but losing her parents in this war has not diminished her idea of joining the military. She's an army brat and it's in her blood. As she's grown, she knows she wants to serve her country, but more than that, she wants to see the world. She's already lost her family and her home and one thing is for sure, she doesn't want to lose her independence.
Will's scores are in the top one percent, his chosen field of study is chemical engineering and he has the luxury of selecting the University he would like to attend. He imagines his and Petie's life as college students. They'll be eighteen and can live together, they'll have an apartment with a private bathroom and a little kitchen. They'll study together at the kitchen table and walk to class together. They'll learn to cook their own meals and spend their free time watching old movies. He'll get a video game set, maybe a next generation 360 Z-Box…
He's obsessed with the idea of having a home of his own and subconsciously wants to recreate the life he had with his parents. He yearns for his mother's loving face, and truth be known, he longs to see the same expression in Petie's eyes.
"Will! Come on… we got a game going. We need your three point shots. Get your ass over here!" Jamal's yelling causes his thoughts to evaporate.
"I'm coming!" He yells as he runs over to Jamal and Nick. As easily as flipping a switch, he becomes a kid again as they head over to the gym. Jamal slaps Will on the back and needles him about zoning out while Nick leads the way, dribbling the basketball in front of them.
"Scully, when have we ever let anyone stop us, especially Alex Krycek. You know... we both know that we have to go. Doggett and Monica have made William real. I've played the denial card before, it's always a bust." Mulder tries his best not to clench his teeth as he drives down the highway away from the airport.
"I'm not afraid of someone coming after me, least of all a dead man... What do you want me to say, Mulder? This wasn't my idea... if I wanted to find William, I would have searched for him myself. We are damned if we do and damned if we don't." Scully's voice has an edge to it that she doesn't try to hide.
"What do you mean, damned if we do? I won't accept that... this isn't a mistake. And don't forget, he's my son too." Mulder instantly regrets his words. He knows that claiming fatherhood is hypocritial, he wasn't there for William or Scully when she needed him the most. He loathes the forces that compelled her to give their baby up for adoption. He detests himself for his part in it.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, I know I have no right. What I meant to say is that I care. I would never hurt you or William more than I have. I love you."
Scully looks out of her window not wanting Mulder to see the large tear drops falling on her lap, she doesn't doubt his sincerity, but she's not convinced that this right.
"Where are they?"
"Boulder, Colorado. They went to see Monica, Doggett's there too."
"Their timing is a bitch. This is a hell of a time to make a social call. They must realize the danger…"
Gibson shakes his head at Skinner. "They aren't there for a friendly visit. It isn't what you think. Mulder and Dana have gone to find their son. I helped Doggett dig up William's adoption records when he and Monica wouldn't let it go."
"Good God, no wonder they wouldn't turn around and come back to D.C." Marita sits back in her chair and takes a deep breath.
They are sequestered in an undisclosed and secure FBI safe house under 24-hour guard along with Miya, Gibson's wife. Skinner paces the living room, while Marita sits quietly on one end of the sectional couch with her computer panel open, scanning files.
"I don't suppose this place has anything worth drinking?" Miya gets up and goes to the wet bar and rummages through the cabinet.
"Looks like your choice is Scotch or Scotch. O'Sake is too much to ask for, eh Gib?" He smiles at the petite Japanese woman, who as an intern doing research on the genetic anomaly known as Gibson Praise, also found a place in the anomaly's heart.
She lines up four glasses and fills each with ice and pours a healthy three fingers into each.
"Have you spoken to any of them since you talked to Dana on the phone?" Marita asks, taking the glass of amber liquid from Miya.
"No, but the information has been sent to their computer panels." Gibson pivots his wheelchair and backs it up reaching for his drink.
Skinner finally sits down and holds his drink to his head. The cold glass feels good against his temple. He is on the verge of speaking when Gibson encroaches into his thoughts.
"Alien bounty hunter." Gibson gives him an apologetic look "We haven't seen one since I was about twelve years old and at the Flemingtown School for the Deaf. I have to admit, the vibe I'm getting is all jumbled up. It's Alex Krycek, but then it's not. This is just plain weird." An uncharacteristically perplexed expression crosses Gibson's face.
Skinner still remembers being blinded by the toxic fumes from that incident, but the scene in his head changes, and he looks at Marita knowing they both have a history with the man in question. "I don't know if any are still alive, but I do know, without a doubt that Alex Krycek is dead." He tries to shake off the memory of pulling the trigger.
"Why go after us and Kersh? It makes no sense. None of us have the influence to exact change. After all this time, I had this vague idea that our lives might have some semblance of normalcy." Marita scoffs bitterly. Her regrets are many and although she knew it was necessary, her involvement with Alex Krycek heads the list.
Miya looks at Marita sympathetically. "Maybe it's not what you think, from what I understand, it never is."
The skin on his face and neck is still taut and the lines around his eyes are negligible. His hair is dark and thick and his hazel colored eyes are clear with better than perfect vision. His body is hard with defined muscles and the hair on his chest, arms and legs is still dark and soft. There were many more like him, but he is the only one to have survived. The others had been taken, some transformed into alien replicant warriors, others used for further experimentation. They were sacrificial lambs, fighting against humans, humans half like him, and half nothing like him.
The reflection in the mirror pleases him and he chuckles to himself as he flexes both his arms. He remembers what The Original said to him when he was just a boy. "Whatever happens, always remember this, you have nothing to lose because I'll lose it for you."
Author's Note: Thank you for reading, I really appreciate it!