Chapter 3

Daniel hated this, trapped within himself. What an ignominious and strange way for him to end his existence.

His thoughts ran in circles as he tried to puzzle out his current predicament. It seemed that his current future spirt self was now existing within his past physical self, but for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. He almost laughed at that unintended bit of irony.

If this path continued unaltered as it should, then his original self would die within a few days and thus create his spirit self. But since he was already here as his spirit self, wouldn't that be a paradox that shouldn't exist? And if that were true, and he could only exist as a single essence of his spirit self, logic told him that the original timeline would hold true. That meant that he, as the future spirit of this Captain Gregg would have to go somewhere else. Did that mean that he would cease to exist?

Now his physical self was tied, literally to the ship's wheel as he battled the elements. He remembered the storm well. They had pulled out of the last port before returning home to Schooner Bay, when the worst storm he had seen in the entire season of sailing that year had manifested itself in a very unpleasant manner. Since he was the Captain, he wasn't about to entrust the responsibility of his crew and ship to anyone else, although he did allow for Jared to give him a short break from time to time. He was exhausted as he fought the monster waves that continued to break against and over his ship. The ship was valiant and fought as hard as he did. Soaked and exhausted the two of them battled the endless storm…

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Mulder concentrated, trying to focus on Danny. He didn't think it should be too hard to find the Captain given the man's eccentricities, but he wasn't as good at looking for an aura as Will was. Given the circumstances he felt he needed to look despite his lesser talent because he owed his friend that much. He was willing to do whatever it took to get Danny back.

Suddenly he felt a glimmer of something familiar, but what was it? Hoping he wasn't about to attract the attention of something evil, he opened himself up even more and felt fear. It was all he could do not to close down and retreat, because he had never completely recovered from his fear caused by the alien abduction. Instead he drew in a deep breath and steadied himself. Then he gently poked at the familiar aura that now seemed close to him.

Danny?

He felt startled and then a rush of gratitude.

Fox? Is that you?

Yeah. Surprise.

How are you doing this?

Will showed me. I can't believe I found you. Hold on, don't go away.

I assure you, I'm not going anywhere.

Mulder tried to remain calm, knowing that he had to somehow reach his son. He was afraid to break his concentration, afraid that he would lose contact with the Captain and never find him again. He tried to think at his son, hoping that he would wake him.

Will! Will! Wake up!

Will didn't answer so he tried again. Still nothing. He called again and felt Will stir. He mentally did a victory dance in his head and then returned to his friend.

Danny? Danny?

There was no answer.

Danny? He called frantically, but it was too late, he was gone.

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"I wish there was something I could do," Carolyn complained to Dana.

"Me too. But I guess it's up to the boys."

"I know you're right, but I hate it. I want to help. He's my husband.

"I know, Carolyn, really I do. When Mulder was taken, despite how hard I looked for him, I still felt so damn helpless." She sighed and leaned forward, holding Carolyn's hand. "We owe you and Daniel so much, trust me when I say we will do everything we can to bring him back."

"What if it's not enough?"

"Oh, Carolyn, it has to be. We can't lose him either." Dana's expression was so sad that it almost caused Carolyn to cry again.

"I suppose I should call the kids. They would want to know."

"Isn't that a tad premature? I mean, he's out there somewhere and Will is sure he can bring him back."

"They still need to know, he really is their father."

"Okay, you do that, and I'll check on the boys."

Carolyn nodded and picked up the cordless phone as she went into the kitchen, after a few moments, Dana went upstairs.

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"What?" Will mumbled as his father frantically shook him awake.

"Will, wake up! Come on, kid. I need you."

'Dad? What?' He yawned.

"I found him."

"Uncle Danny?" Will's eyes widened in happiness. "Where is he?"

"Well, see that's the thing, I'm not good at this and I lost him. Can you help me find him again? It was only a few minutes ago…"

"Let's try. Try to find him again and I will follow you."

Mulder nodded, and stretched out on the bed. William climbed on him and rested his head on his dad's chest; concentrating on where his father's mind was going and had been. After a few moments, Will spoke.

I see where you were.

Can you get us back there?

Yeah, and I see him. Uncle Danny!

Suddenly the two of them were in contact with the Captain once again.

Fox? William? Oh, thank God! Waves of relief washed over them.

Are you okay? William asked and could feel the uneasiness from his favorite ghost.

I don't think so.

What does that mean? Mulder asked.

I don't think I have much time left here, he said.

Where are you?

A long suffering mental sigh was heard by all.

I'm in myself. Myself before I died. But I am unable to do anything but be aware of what my living self is doing. And I am concerned that I will soon be wiped out of existence.

Why would you think that?

My real self will die in just a few days. I cannot imagine that two versions of my spirit self would be allowed to exist.

That doesn't sound good. Mulder thought at him.

Fox. Astute as usual, I see

Hey, pipe down! We're trying to rescue you.

There were a few moments of silence.

You're right. My apologies. Can you get me out of here?

Mulder looked at Will, who hesitated, but nodded.

Will says he can.

Good. When?

Can you do it now, Will?

Will shook his head, his expression sad. Too tired. I need to sleep some more first.

Can you do it before he dies in that time?

Yeah, Dad, I can.

Did you hear that Danny?

Yes, and whatever may come of it, I do thank you for your attempt to rescue me.

Wait to thank us until you're back here.

As you wish. How is Carolyn?

Upset, sad, but hopeful now that she knows you are around. She is mad that she can't be more hands on in helping.

She will help, Will's mind chirped at them.

How? The Captain questioned.

Don't know, only that she will help to save him too. Dad, I have to rest.

You hear that, Danny? We have to go. The next time we're back we'll try to pull you back. Just hang tight…

The connection between them broke and Mulder pulled his son close, knowing that it was taking a toll on him too. He hoped that they could pull him back without any problems and put this mess behind him.

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Scully kissed her son's forehead as he continued to sleep but gave him a worried look.

"He's all right, isn't he?"

"Yeah, it would seem so. It's unusual for him to be so exhausted at his age." She frowned. "What are you two doing?"

"I told you, it's mind abilities, but we were able to find him."

"The Captain? Where?"

"It's kind of hard to explain."

"Try me."

"He's stuck within himself."

"Beg your pardon." Scully blinked at her partner.

"He's gone back in time and his mind, spirit, whatever it is that makes him, him, is trapped within his living self."

"What?"

"He's back in time, just before he died, about a week he thinks. He is housed within his own body but cannot influence anything that is happening."

"Like being unable to change the outcome of a movie."

"Yeah, good analogy."

"How do we get him back?"

"Will thinks he can bring him back."

"You can't?"

"Hell no! I'm not as talented as the kid. I'm just learning the few things I can do. It has to be him."

"Mulder, what does this do to him? I mean he's only five."

"Well he was eight going on twenty until our incident." He waggled his eyebrow at her. "Speaking of which, we are our younger selves now. How about we put this to good use?" He inclined his head towards the bed.

"Maybe."

"Don't you want to know what it would have been like if…"

"…we had fallen into bed together shortly after we met?"

"Yeah, that." Mulder's voice dropped, and his voice indicated amorous intent as he looked at his oh so beautiful wife.

"We can't."

"Why not?"

"At least not until we get the Captain back because we have to keep an eye on Will. I don't like that he has to be the one to do this. What if it harms him?" She frowned at her son.

"He's Danny's only chance, and after what he did for us…"

"I know, but I'm allowed to worry, I'm his Mom. So far he seems all right…" she took his pulse.

"Okay, right?" A wrinkle creased his brow.

"It would seem so." She looked at her husband. "Did you tell Carolyn?"

"Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first. I thought you'd be worried about him." He stepped forward and brushed a stray hair away from her face. "Are you okay with this?"

"Yeah, I guess." She stepped into his warm embrace, and he dropped his arms around her and drew her close. "I love you G woman, and don't forget we have a date once we get Danny back."

"Deal," she said and lifted her face for a kiss.

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The evening was lovely, and Carolyn sat on the porch swing trying to find some sort of peace within herself. The house was so lonely without Daniel, every room seemed to echo with her footsteps, only accentuating her loneliness. It didn't matter that she was at least as young as when she first moved into Gull Cottage, none of that mattered without him. She trusted Fox and Dana implicitly, but she wanted to be able to do something to help him, to bring him back to her.

It had been hours since Fox said that he and William would look for Daniel, and still she hadn't heard anything. She prayed that they could find him.

Sitting her calmly enough to sip her tea was one of the hardest things she had done in her life. When she called Jonathan and Candy she told the children that something unusual was going on and asked them to come home, by themselves, without their spouses or families. She knew that she alarmed them, but they agreed and were on their way. Despite the circumstances it would be a comfort to see them, and she hoped they wouldn't be too shocked by what had transpired so far.

"Carolyn, there you are," Dana said as she and Mulder came out onto the porch.

"Did you get hold of the kids, are they coming?" Mulder asked.

"Yes, they're on their way. I'm afraid I'm alarmed them though, asking them to come by themselves."

"I wonder what they will think of their younger mother," Mulder gave her an appreciative look and she laughed.

"Thanks, Fox. I'm sure they'll deal with it just fine. They grew up with a ghost after all."

"Speaking of which…" Scully poked Mulder in the ribs.

"We found him!"

"You did?"

"Yeah and talked to him. He's stuck in the past, about a week before he died, he thinks. He's worried that if that happens the current spirit version that he is now will cease to exist. He doesn't think two spirit versions of himself can exist simultaneously."

"Is he right?" Carolyn's sharp green eyes were fixed on Mulder.

"I think so. In case his theory is right we want to try to get him as soon as possible."

"Then what's the hold up?" Carolyn snapped.

"Will needs to sleep, this is hard on him!" Scully snapped back and crossed her arms in front of her.

"Whoa, hold up, ladies. This is difficult for all of us, let's not fight amongst ourselves."

Dana and Carolyn looked at each other and their anger faded.

"Of course, you are right, Dana. I would never put Will in danger. Forgive me for suggesting it."

"There is nothing to forgive. We will help you, all of us including Will. But he needs to be stronger before he can try again." She studied her friend's face. "At least we know where he is."

"Yes, that's a relief." Carolyn sighed. "Nothing to do but wait now, is there?"

"We could always drink a bit," Mulder suggested.

Carolyn laughed and nodded. "Okay, but only one. We have to retain what wits we still have to get Daniel back."

"I'll be right back," Mulder said and went to fetch the brandy decanter and glasses.

Dana sat down beside Carolyn on the porch swing.