Story: Undercover Author: Nichole Classification: MSR, T, UST, Angst. Archive: Yes, but let me know where. Feedback: I'd be honored! scoob4u@yahoo.com Summary: Scully is assigned to an undercover investigation. Mulder is deeply troubled and needs to get something off his chest before she goes. Spoilers: Set sometime during the sixth season. After "Arcadia", when they return to the X-files. Some refferences to earlier episodes that deal with the conspiracy, as well as the movie. A major refference to "The Pine Bluff Variant" of season five. Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own Scully and Mulder, they are Chris Carter's creations, and 1013 and FOX own the rights. I do not benefit from their usage in my story, I just enjoy writing about things that we'll never see happen on the show. :) XxXxXxXxXxXxX Undercover XxXxXxXxXxXxX XXX FBI Headquarters, Basement Office Friday, 11:15am. "Agent Scully?" Skinner's voice said sternly on the other end of the line. "Yes Sir?" Scully answered. "I need to see you in my office as soon as possible." "What is this about sir?" "I will explain when you get here Agent Scully." "I'll be right up." She laid the receiver back on it's base. "Skinner?" Mulder asked from his chair on the other side of the desk. "Yeah, he wants to see me in his office." "When?" "I'm heading up there right now. Hey, I'd like a salad when you go for lunch." "Yum-yum." Mulder replied with sarcasm as he put his feet on the desk. "Scully, why don't you ever eat human food?" "Salad is human food Mulder," she argued. "No, salad is for rabbits. Haven't you ever heard of good old fashioned junk food Scully?" She gave him a sarcastic smile before getting out of the uncomfortable office chair. "Good luck.." He called to her as she made her way out of the office. XXX FBI Headquarters, AD Skinner's Office Friday, 11:23am. "Agent Scully to see him." She calmly told his receptionist, Kim. "Yes, Agent Scully, he's waiting for you, go right in." Scully made her way to the door of the office and knocked lightly before stepping in. "Agent Scully, this is Agent Marks from the anti-terrorist department." Skinner raised out of his chair briefly to introduce them. "Agent Marks." She shook his hand before sitting down. "Agent Marks has an assignment for you to take on Agent Scully." Skinner politely added. Scully turned her gaze to the agent sitting next to her in anticipation of his speech. "Agent Scully, I think that you will find that this assignment is one of great importance to the FBI. We are targeting a man whose involvement in domestic terrorism is a great threat to the government, and to the people of the United States." She was immediately drawn to hear his explanation. "I regret to say that there isn't much more about this case that I can discuss openly with you, but I can assure you that your involvement would be greatly appreciated by the FBI." "What exactly is the assignment Agent Marks?" She asked quickly. "You will be required to earn the trust of this man. You will enter his ring of friendship, and perhaps form a relationship with him." "A relationship?" She asked, sounding alarmed. "That would be a last resort of course, but I fear that the extra trust level would be an angle that we could not duplicate any other way." "Sir.." She turned to Skinner. "..Is this an operation that I am qualified to be a part of?" "Agent Scully, I assure you that you are." Marks interjected. "And why is that?" She quipped. "You have a medical background that would be of great help. Not to mention that you are, in fact, a rather young and attractive female agent." "Sir, I am assigned to the X-files with Agent Mulder." She turned to Skinner with a look of desperation on her face. "Agent Scully, this is an operation that holds great meaning for your country." Skinner replied dryly. "We have an agent inside already who has built a trust with this man, but she does not hold the skills that we need on this case. She hasn't been able to get any hard evidence against him. We need your skills as a scientist to analyze this virus that he claims to have in his possession. We believe that he has plans on releasing it into the US in order to cause a war between his country and ours. He is a highly dangerous terrorist and we need to catch him, or to get a sample of what he has so that we can develop a vaccine before he can release it." "So this agent inside is going to introduce me to him? How? What am I supposed to be to this man?" "We are using your skills as a scientist. But, we ask that you do not allow him to find out that you are one. You are simply to be a friend, someone to enter his ring of trust as I have said. We have prepared everything for your involvement and she is ready to greet you upon your arrival in Iraq." Agent Marks stared at her a moment before continuing. "More information will be given to you at the briefing, you will be given your new identity and the actual circumstances under which you are being entered into." "And what am I to do with the X-files? And what about my partner, what am I to tell him?" "Agent Mulder can carry on alone for what little time you are on this case, but you are to tell him nothing other than you were temporarily assigned to another department. You are not to tell anyone, even your partner about your involvement in this operation." After much deliberation, Scully hung her head and silently replied; "I'll do it." "Wonderful, you will not regret it Agent Scully." A cold feeling overcame her and she had begun to regret it already. XXX FBI Headquarters, the X-files Basement Office Friday, 12:15pm. Scully saw that Mulder had set her salad on her side of the desk, complete with a fork and napkin. "Oh hey Scully, I wanted to show you.." He stopped before sitting on his chair, seeing the expression on her face. "What's wrong?" Scully swallowed hard, her stare not moving from the salad on the desk as she answered. "I have been assigned to another department." "What other department?" He asked, still frozen above his chair. "Is it a permanent reassignment?" "No, no it isn't. I am just going to be out of town for a few weeks." "What kind of case is it?" He asked gravely. "I am not at liberty to say, Mulder." She looked up at him now, keeping her emotions in check. He moved to stand next to her, looking at her with an unspoken fear harboring in his mind. "I have to go Mulder." She turned away from him and closed the door behind her, leaving him speechless and staring at her untouched salad on the desk. XXX FBI Headquarters, AD Skinner's Office Friday, 12:32pm. "I'm here to speak with AD. Skinner." Mulder announced quickly, barging into his office. "Sir, you can't go in there, he's in a meeting right now!" Kim, Skinner's assistant, yelled back pointlessly. "Agent Mulder, what are you doing in here?" Skinner asked, his voice thick with anger. "I NEED to speak with you sir." "Can't it wait Agent..." "No sir, it can't." Mulder quickly replied through his gritted teeth. "Can you please excuse us for just one moment?" Skinner politely asked the other men sitting at the table. After the other men had left, and shut the door behind them, Mulder took a seat in the chair on the opposite side of Skinner's desk. "Why has Agent Scully been reassigned?" He asked impatiently. "Agent Scully has not been reassigned, Agent Mulder. She was given a special assignment on a case that requires her services temporarily. She will return to her previous assignment, the X-files, as soon as her duties have been fulfilled." "What is this special assignment that no one wants me to know about sir?" "It is a classified operation Agent Mulder, I'm afraid that even I do not know all of the details." "Bullshit! You know what they are or you wouldn't have allowed one of your agents to be a part of it!" Mulder yelled, pushing himself out of his seat. "Agent Mulder, when you are in my office, you will keep a civil tongue and a mild temperament or I will have to have you removed!" Mulder sat back in the chair, attempting to try cooling down. "Sir, I would like to be a part of the team that is investigating this 'Classified' case." "It is not in my hands to assign you to this case Agent Mulder." "I think that you could arrange for it if you needed to sir." Mulder replied, trying to keep a civil tongue. "Agent Mulder, I get the impression that you are more interested in the fact that your partner is a part of this case than you are about the case itself." "I am just not used to working alone sir." Mulder tried to explain, leaving out that he was more worried about Scully than anything else. "I will see what I can do Mulder." "Thank you, sir." Mulder rose out of the chair and moved toward the door. "She is not in any danger Mulder." Skinner called out. Mulder stopped before reaching the door to listen. "I wouldn't have allowed her to go if I thought she would be." Skinner said quietly, looking down at his hands on the desk. Mulder turned around to face him, to thank him, but he said nothing. Instead, he calmly left the office, leaving Skinner to his thoughts. XXX Dana Scully's Apartment Friday, 9:45pm. Scully was packing her things when she heard a familiar knock at her front door. She made her way to it, and opened it after seeing that it was Mulder through the peep-hole. "You can't do this Scully!" He shouted, pushing past her and slamming the door behind him. "Well hello to you too Mulder." "I don't like the idea of you going off on some undercover operation like this. It's not your style." "Neither is chasing aliens, but yet I find myself frequently doing so!" She spouted back, putting her hands on her hips. "What's it to you anyway Mulder? If this is about the X-files, I think you can stand to loose me for a few days, it's not like I'm a very big help anyhow!" He was so stunned by her words that he just stood there, waiting for her to continue. "And furthermore, you are not my superior Mulder, so stop acting like you can order me around!" Mulder hung his head, he realized just how true her accusations were, or how true they would seem to be. "It's not about the X-files, and it's not about work in general. I just, I just don't trust these STING operations one bit. You KNOW what nearly happened to me the last time I went undercover, what you went through. How can you ask me to go through that too?" "Mulder stop being so damn selfish would you? I am doing this because I need to. I need this for myself." Her arms dropped to her sides, her eyes stared him down, hoping that he would meet her gaze. "Mulder, look at me." "I can't look at you Scully, because you're just going to tell me that you're going to do it no matter what I say to try and convince you otherwise. And I don't think I can handle that." "Mulder please!" She shouted. He raised his head, looking into her eyes, seeing the tears that had formed in them brought tears to his own, but he refused to let them fall. "How do you even know that it isn't just some easy assignment, that I'll go in, and get out without a hitch?" "Scully, the FBI doesn't recruit female agents with advanced skills to do simple in/out operations. You know that as well as I do." "Mulder, if I am ever going to stand out as an FBI agent, this is my chance. I could do amazing things for this investigation, I realize that," she insisted. "Mulder, I could gain the respect of all of our comrades. That's what I joined the FBI in search of. I wanted to make a difference, and this Mulder, this is my chance to do just that," she explained. "But you have already made a difference in the FBI Scully, with me, with the X-files. What more do you want?" He asked, sounding hurt. She moved closer to him, and took his hand in hers. "I just want your trust Mulder. But, I have to do this." He nodded sadly and turned to leave. "Mulder.." She called out to him. He stopped, but refused to turn back, a tear silently trickled down his cheek. "I'll be all right." She assured him. He moved again towards the door. With one last glance back in her direction, he opened it and disappeared from her sight. Scully raised her hands to her face, a small attempt at keeping the tears from falling, but it had not worked. She stood there and sobbed quietly, her shoulders shaking fiercly. Long after she had finished packing, she sat on her couch and turned on the TV. It wasn't often that she was able to watch her favorite shows, but it would be the last chance for her to see what was happening on them for a while. Her phone rang and she quickly fumbled for the receiver, lifting it to her ear. "Hello?" She said lazily into it. On the other end of the line she heard only a dead silence, then the faint sounds of breathing. "Mulder?" She asked, frantically, fearing the worst. "Mulder?" She said again, still hearing no reply. "Scully?" The voice slurred, sounding somewhat raspy and hard to identify. "Mulder? Is that you?" She questioned, sounding alarmed, and somewhat worried. "Scully, can you come over here?" The voice sounded troubled, in tears. But she recognized it. "I'll be right there." She quickly hung up the phone and grabbed her purse, slipped on her shoes and headed out of the door. XXX Fox Mulder's Apartment Saturday, 12:05am. "Mulder.." She called, banging on his door. She had just begun to get worried when he suddenly swung the door open. "Are you OK Mulder?" She asked, stepping in. "No, no actually I, I'm not feeling so good," he confessed, giving her a saddened expression as he shut the door behind her. "What's wrong? Are you sick?" She asked, looking him over, putting her hand on his forehead to check for a fever. "No, I'm not sick Scully," he said, pulling her hand down and holding it in his own. "Scully, I just have a bad feeling about this whole undercover thing, it's got me really thinking." "Mulder, have you been drinking?" She asked, leaning in close to smell his breath. "Yes, yes I have Scully," he said, breathing in her scent as she closed in on him. "Mulder, you called me over here just to tell me that you have a bad feeling about my involvement on this case?" She questioned, stepping back from him and pulling her hand back from his tender grip. "I think I knew that much already, you didn't have to.." "No Scully, that's not all I wanted to tell you.." He spoke, cutting her off. "Then what Mulder? I have packing to do!" She lied, trying to escape the uncomfortable situation. "Can we go sit down for a minute?" He asked, already on his way to the couch. He stumbled a little, she noticed. He had definitely been drinking. She sat down on the couch next to him, only on the edge though, so he would know that she wasn't planning on staying long. "Scully, I want you to know something," he said, leaning forward so that he could easily face her. "And what's that Mulder?" She asked, noting the closeness that he was trying to establish between them. "Scully, I love you," he slurred. She was about to ask him what he had said to be certain, until she looked into his eyes. They answered her unspoken question beyond a doubt. He had just told her that he loved her. Fox William Mulder had just professed love. To her. His hand then reached out and placed itself on the side of her face, brushing her auburn hair behind her ear. Chills went throughout her body, and her heart seemed to stop. Her breathing was desperate. Did he notice? She wondered. "Mulder, you're drunk," she said, trying to explain his actions logically, if not to him, to herself. "I may be, but I do love you Scully. Do you love me?" He asked, giving her his sad puppy-dog eyes.--The look that melted her into a puddle whenever he gave it. Why did he have to be such a child? She wondered. "Mulder, I am going to go home now and I want you to go to bed and get some rest. You need to sleep it off before you say something else you'll regret later," she reasoned. "No!" He called out desperately, stopping her with his outstretched hands as she began to get up. "Don't go Scully, please." "Mulder I have an early flight in the morning," "Please," he asked, on the verge of tears. "Please just stay with me tonight." "Mulder no, I can't," she said, once again trying to get up. He grabbed her once again, harshly shoving her back down on the couch. "Mulder!" She yelled. "I want to tell you something else before you go Scully," he moved close to her, placing his hand on her face again as he pulled her towards him. He placed his mouth on hers, giving her a very stiff kiss, not expecting her to return it. When she felt his mouth on hers, she moved her hand up to cup the side of his face as well, and she took his bottom lip between hers, tugging lightly. When he felt her respond, he began to kiss her back. His mouth made quick, desperate movements on hers, tugging on them, sucking them. She moaned quietly, aching for more. He slipped his tongue in between her lips, begging for entrance into her mouth. She gave it willingly, meeting his tongue with hers as he tasted her. His hands left her face as he trailed them down her neck, around her back, then wrapped them around her hips as he pulled her closer to him on the couch. His body was almost laying on top of hers as they continued their passionate kiss. His hands moved up and down the small of her back and hips. He began to tug on the bottom of her shirt, pulling it out of the neatly tucked position it was in. She broke away from the kiss and moved her hands down to stop him. "Mulder," she pleaded quietly, looking into his eyes. He stilled his hands and stared at her for a moment. "Not like this. Not here, not now." She said quietly. Mulder took a deep breath before retracting himself from her, drunkenly trying to compose himself. They sat there in silence for a few long moments before she spoke again. "Mulder, you have been drinking. This isn't what you really want is it?" "I'm sorry Scully. I, I shouldn't have asked you to.." "No Mulder, I'm glad you asked me to come over, but I just want this to be something we are both sure we want." "Well, I didn't realize that it wasn't something that we BOTH wanted," he said, sounding hurt as he stared at the floor in front of him. "Mulder, it is something that we both want, but not like this. Not as an act of desperation, not as a drunken mishap. I want us both to be fully aware of what is going on, I don't want it to happen because you're trying to keep me here," she said, looking at him. "I love you Scully, is that a drunken mishap? An act of desperation?" He asked, looking up at her now. "No, it's not," she replied, scooting close to him on the couch. "But you're still going?" He asked sadly. "I have to Mulder," she laid her head on his chest, wrapping her arms around him. "I think, no, I know that this is going to sound childish but, will you just stay a little while and hold me Scully?" "Yes Mulder, I will," she replied, kicking off her shoes and putting her small feet up on his couch. He wrapped his arm around her back and shoulders, holding her close to him. He breathed in her scent as he began to fall asleep. XXX Fox Mulder's Apartment Saturday, 4:21am. Scully woke suddenly and slipped out of Mulder's arms. She put her shoes back on and grabbed her purse off of the coffee table. She stood there for a moment, admiring her sleeping partner. She saw how beautiful he was as he slept, a slight smile invaded his face, reminding her of an angel that she had never seen, but always knew was there. After breaking her gaze from his peaceful form, she moved for the door. "Scully!" He called out, not moving from the couch. She froze, wondering if he was even awake. She turned around and walked towards the couch, tip-toeing so that if he was still sleeping, that she wouldn't wake him. Upon seeing that he was in fact still sleeping, she bent over and lightly pressed a small kiss to his forehead before spreading a blanket over him. She crept out of the apartment, locking the door behind her with her key. XXX FBI Headquarters, Meeting Room Saturday, 8:56am. "Agent Scully, please have a seat." Agent Marks gestured towards an empty seat on the other side of the table. "This is Special Agent Dana Scully, she has signed on for the operation." He announced to the other members of the team. The other agents gave a few nods from their heads, a gesture that she interpreted as being their way of welcoming her. "Agent Scully, you are to be introduced as Jennifer Lowden's sister. She is our undercover agent, Agent Jennifer O'Mackey. She is Mahala's sister's best friend, so I don't think it will very difficult for you to enter his home, or his trust." Agent Marks calmly stated before continuing. "Your name will be Dana McAdow, you are to attempt to acquire a sample of this virus that he claims to have. You are to keep a low profile, and not to take any risks that will endanger yours or Agent O'Mackey's lives. You will be contacted in order for us to receive your progress reports frequently." "Will there be any way for me to contact you in case and emergency should arise?" She asked sheepishly. "No, we will contact you. If everything goes smoothly, there should be no reason to contact us." She nodded stiffly before getting out of her chair. "One other thing, Agent Marks, where am I going exactly?" "Iraq Agent Scully, where else?" She gave a small smile back to him before she turned to walk away. "Oh and Agent Scully.." She stopped and turned around to look at him again. "Yes Agent Marks?" "The plane leaves tonight at 5:00pm. Don't be late." "Yes sir," she responded, turning to leave once again. XXX Scully's Apartment Building Saturday, 3:34pm. Scully pulled up to her apartment building and made her up the stairs outside. She entered her apartment and made her way into the living room. "Hey.." A masculine voice called from across the room. "Mulder?" "How was your day Scully?" He asked with a lack of enthusiasm as she made her way towards him. "Mulder, what are you doing here?" "I just wanted to see you off. Skinner told me you were leaving tonight." "Yes, I am. Mulder, I don't wanna argue with you anymore. I am going, I have made my choice and I don't need your permission." She said coldly as she sat next to him on her sofa. He reached his hand out to put a silencing finger on her lips. "Scully, I am not here to tell you what to do. I, I am probably just being paranoid about the whole thing and you'll be done with it and back to work in no time. But, I just want to tell you something before you go.." He removed his finger from her lips and lightly cupped the side of her face with his hand. "Mulder.." She protested. He once again put a finger to her lips. "I want to talk Scully, please." She nodded silently, allowing him to speak. He sat back on the sofa, retracting his hand back to his lap. He stared across the room, exhibiting to her that he was nervous, or hesitant as to what he was going to say to her. "Scully, you mean so much to me." He stated, looking back at her to get her reaction before continuing. She simply swallowed, waiting for him to finish with what he had to say. "Scully, I, I just don't understand why you think you need to prove yourself, I guess I never will," he continued. "But I just want you to know that you never have to prove yourself to me." "Mulder, I know that.." "Please Scully, let me finish," he interrupted. She silently nodded. "You mean more to me than I could ever express to you. Hell, I can't even believe I'm telling you this now, I sound so pathetic." He moved closer to her again, returning his hand to her face, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Can you ever forgive me?" He asked intently, his eyes becoming moist. "For what?" She asked, her bottom lip quivering a little as she held back tears. "For being such an ass-hole to you. For never giving you the kind of respect that you truly deserve." "Mulder..." She lowered her face, a tear running down her cheek. "Scully, how can I express how much I love you without overstepping our boundary? Without losing the trust, the respect, and the professionalism that I know you hold so dear?" She looked back up at him and saw that he was silently crying. She had never seen him so troubled, except for when he spoke of his sister. This hit her hard and she began to weep uncontrollably. "You just did Mulder," she replied, her voice a near whisper. He moved to hold her, wrapping his arms safely around her, giving her a comfort that she could only find when with him. They held each other for a few long moments before she moved back from him, breaking their intimate connection. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before letting go of her. "Mulder.." "I know, you have to go." She nodded in reply, looking deeply into his eyes, hoping to read the emotion that lay deep inside. She felt his pain, his fear and his love. "Mulder, I am going to be back soon. You take care of yourself until I get back okay?" "Okay Scully," he said quietly, breaking their connection by lowering his face. She smiled a very small smile before getting off of the sofa. "Scully.." "Yeah?" She asked, looking back down at him. "I love you." This brought a very large smile to her face, her teeth shown brightly as she bit her bottom lip. She bent over to him once again, placing a soft kiss to his lips as she held his face in her hands. She pulled back and ran her thumbs over his bottom lip before standing up straight. "I love you too, Mulder." And for the first time that day he smiled. He smiled brightly as he watched her turn to leave. She had frightened him, angered him, and invigorated him all in the course of twenty minutes. He felt like the king of the world, like a man that had a reason to live beyond solving crimes and seeking out conspiracies. He had her love, and it was the greatest feeling in the world. XxEND PART 1. CONTINUED IN PART 2.xX XXXXXX PART 2 XXXXXX XXX Iraq International Airport Sunday, 8:29am "Agent Scully?" A dark-haired woman called from behind her. "Yes?" Scully was instantly hit with the thought that she had met this woman before, that she had seen her somewhere before. She brushed off the deja voux type of feeling and waited for the woman to introduce herself. "I'm Agent O'Mackey," The young woman held her hand out to Scully after tucking a short strand of dark hair behind her ear. "Nice to meet you Agent O'Mackey," Scully replied, stiffly shaking the young agent's hand. "Have we ever met before? You look strangely familiar to me." "No, not that I am aware of Agent Scully. Maybe I just have one of those faces," she laughed. "Please, allow me to help you with your bags," she offered, picking one of the black suitcases up in her right hand. "That won't be necessary," Scully attempted to stop her by grabbing for it herself. "Of course it is. You've had a long trip." She insisted, jerking the back away from her. Scully gave a small smile and gave in. She was often used to being the one who always gives in, she is, after all, "Spooky" Mulder's partner. Scully followed Agent O'Mackey through the terminal and out to a Jeep that was parked not far from the door. "Hop in, I can't guarantee that it's the best transportation that you've ever received, but it will get us to where we need to go," the young agent told her with a laugh. Scully gave a small, un enthused smile before getting into the passenger seat and putting on her seat belt. She was so used to doing it whenever she went somewhere on a case with Mulder that it was an unconscious movement. "So Agent O'Mackey..." "Please, call me Jen." "Jen, where am I supposed to be staying?" Jen turned her head to look at her in disbelief. "You mean they didn't even brief you on that?" "No," Scully laughed. "They didn't go over very much, they said that I would be contacted for more information." "Sounds like a good 'Undercover Op' type of briefing. You've got to love the FBI." Jen scoffed. "Well, you are to stay with me Agent Scully." "Dana, please call me Dana," Scully replied with an uneasiness in her voice. She was so unused to being called by her first name that even sounded foreign on her own lips. This was going to take some getting used to for her, but it was the polite thing to do considering that she was permitted to call the agent beside her Jen. "Okay, Dana. You will be staying with me in my apartment inside the compound. It's really more like a palace though." Jen said with a smile as she looked over at Scully. "Smile Dana, we are to be roommates." "Sounds great." Scully forced a smile. Jen started to pull out of the parking lot and Scully found herself holding her breath. She couldn't help but wonder if Mulder was right about this, if his paranoia was actually based upon something that hadn't yet occurred to her. She quickly dismissed the thought, hoping once again that he was wrong, that he was in fact, just being paranoid. XXX FBI Headquarters, Basement Office Sunday, 8:43am. Mulder had just sharpened his twentieth pencil that morning when a knock at the door startled him. For a fleeting moment, he hoped maybe it was Scully, back from the operation already. But he was not so easily fooled into believing that his own dreams came true. Ever. "Agent Mulder," Skinner said, sticking his balding head inside of the door. "Yes sir?" Mulder answered, gathering his composure. "Scully landed safely in Iraq. I just thought maybe you'd appreciate that knowledge." He answered, stepping inside the dark office. Mulder sighed before sitting back in his chair comfortably, his pulse returning to it's normal beat. "Do you know anything else sir?" He asked, trying to sound as inconspicuous as possible, given the circumstances. "I don't know anything else yet, no," Skinner replied, tucking the folder neatly under his arm and placing his hands on his hips. "Was there anything else sir?" "Yes, actually, I want you to look into this case I received this morning," he answered, stepping forward to hand him the file. "Oooh, an X-file?" Mulder replied with a trace of humor in his voice. He knew that whenever Skinner personally asked him to look into a case, it was either as a punishment or a very important find. Today, judging by the recent run of bad luck that had befallen him, Mulder knew it had to be a punishment. Even if Skinner didn't intend it to be, it was inevitable. He held out his hand to take the file from Skinner and opened it, immediately flipping to the crime scene photographs inside. "Sir, this looks like more of a simple murder case than an X-file. Am I missing something?" Mulder asked as Skinner turned to leave. "Mulder, I don't categorize them, that's your job. If you can't solve it, then it's an X-file." Mulder let out a loud sigh as he pursed his lips while looking through the folder. "Jesus," he muttered as he turned to a crime scene photo of a small dark-haired girl. His eyes widened as he looked closer, trying to see if it was her, if it was Samantha. He had often found himself doing that, looking for her face in so many of the cases that he investigated. Maybe it was just a wish that he could find her, that he would, at least, finally know what happened to her. He needed that closure, even if it meant she was in fact dead. As the young woman's face came into focus, he noticed just how much she truly resembled Samantha, the nose, the hair color, even the shape of her face. Mulder looked up from the photograph. "Sir?" "Yes Agent Mulder?" "Where did you get this case?" "It was handed down to me, can't say exactly by whom. Why?" "Nothing, thanks for bringing it down to me," Mulder answered, returning his stare to the crime scene photo that lay before him. The woman's throat had been cut, her eyes still open. He looked into them and saw that they were blue. It wasn't Samantha. He found himself caught between a sigh of relief and also sadness. He felt for the girl, for her parents and loved ones, but most of all, he felt for himself. He still hadn't found her, he still didn't know the truth about what happened to her. His thoughts then went back to Scully and the eminent danger that he so feared she was in. Was it a coincidence that they purposefully broke them apart at a time when he would receive such an unsettling case? If Scully was there, she would have stood there and told him the obvious, that it was a coincidence. But he for one, didn't believe in coincidence. It seemed like too nice an idea for a man that had no hope in the "good life". After being so optimistic when it came to cases, Fox Mulder, when it came to life, was a definite pessimist. So many of these thoughts came to his mind and he tried hard to get himself think positively. "Sir?" "Agent Mulder, I haven't got all day to stand here and answer questions, I have a meeting at..." "I'm sorry, but can you just tell me the name of this agent that Scully has gone undercover with?" "Mulder, I am not supposed to..." "Sir, it will not leave this room, I can promise you that." Skinner sighed as he dropped his hands to his sides. "Agent Jennifer O'Mackey." Skinner replied quietly, turning to leave. "Thank you sir!" Mulder called after him. Mulder tossed the file on his desk before rising out of his chair and grabbing his coat. He had to find out, if his suspicions were correct, Scully was indeed in danger. XXX The Compound Sunday, 9:10am. When they arrived at the compound, Scully was in awe at the magnificent size of it. It did appear as more of a palace as Agent O'Mackey had said. "Beautiful isn't it?" Jen yelled over the loud engine of the Jeep. "Yes, it is." "Shame that it harbors something so evil," Jen finished. "Shame," Scully replied, still gaping at the buildings through her sunglasses. "Our apartment is over there," Jen motioned with her hand, pointing to a small house-like building on the other side of the lawn. "Apartment? Looks like a small mansion," Scully joked. She was trying hard to fit in, to not stand out as much as she felt she did. She couldn't help but keep thinking that maybe it was a bad idea, that she didn't belong there. But Scully, being the stubborn agent that she was, refused to allow herself to appear weak. She could never turn down an assignment that would show the world what she was made of. She honestly believed that she had something to prove. After toting Scully's luggage into the apartment, Jen offered Scully a cool drink and she gladly accepted, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She knew that she had to dig out her shorts soon, or she would surely die of heat exhaustion. "I am going to go and change if you don't mind Jen," Scully announced, grabbing the bag with her clothes inside. "Okay, I will find something for us to eat. Are you picky when it comes to food?" "No, not I. Anything that doesn't eat me first, as long as it is something cool..." Jen laughed at that and went to the kitchen. At dinner, Scully asked questions about the case, about Mahala, about his sister. "Well, Mahala is very temperamental, moody if you will," Jen answered, dropping her gaze to her plate. "He acts out violently at the drop of a hat, sometimes without rhyme or reason." "That's just great," Scully smiled, raising another fork-full to her mouth. "He is easy to get along with if you can get him to trust you though." Scully snickered a little at that. "What?" Jen asked, smiling herself at the unknown joke. "I just happen to already know someone like that, that's all," Scully took another bite. "And what of his sister? What is she like?" "I can honestly say that she is a wonderful person. I get along with her just fine, I am after all, supposed to be her best friend." "How long has it taken you to get into this 'circle of trust' that you are in?" Scully asked quizzically. "I have been here for six months now, it took me two to gain Ismalia's trust and friendship. I don't doubt that it will take you any less to gain her brother's." They fell silent, finishing their food before either one of them spoke again. "Jen, there is something that I have found myself wondering." "What's that Dana?" "At the briefing, they told me that my last name was McAdow. Yours is supposed to be Lowden." "And?" "And, I don't see how my last name is different from yours when I am supposed to be your sister. Are you supposed to be married or something?" Scully couldn't hide the confusion on her face. "Dana, they really didn't tell you anything did they?" Scully pursed her lips together and crossed her arms across her chest. "No, I suppose not. So let me in on it." "You are the one who is supposed to be married. They left it open like that in case you needed a reason to be pulled out of the operation. I was told that you have never gone undercover before and that the possibility was high for that to happen, so I introduced you to Mahala as a married woman." "Isn't that a little sloppy for the government? You'd think with all the technology and intelligence at hand, that they could come up with something a little better than that!" Scully raised her voice in clear disapproval. "Yeah, I know. But hey, at least you won't have to worry about Mahala putting the moves on you right?" "Excuse me, but I thought that I was put into this situation to form a relationship with him in the first place." "I can't explain to you the actions of the FBI Dana, I am just a pawn like you in a bigger game of chess. I'm not here to organize the entire operation, I'm here to give aid to it," Jen answered, trying to calm Scully down. "You don't have to be a good wife," she smiled. "So what is my husband's name anyhow?" Scully asked with a slight grin invading her face. "That's for you to make up, not I Dana." "Oh well thanks for at least allowing me the pleasure of that." Scully laughed a little. "Well we are supposed to go and meet Mahala in about forty-five minutes. Do you want to get dressed?" Jen asked, leaning forward in her seat. "Get dressed?" "I'm assuming you don't want to go to a welcoming dance in shorts and a T-shirt," Jen answered with a giggle, her blue eyes lighting up her face. "A welcoming dance?" "Well no, not really a welcoming dance. But he is one of Iraq's elite few, and he is holding a dance tonight for the rest of his kind." Jen grinned at her small joke. "I am thinking that it would be a good time for you to meet him." XXX The Lone Gunmen's Headquarters Sunday, 11:12am. "Hey guys, what's shakin'?" Mulder asked as he pushed past Byers. "Well Mulder, we found some reports that someone saw Elvis in a diner down in Kansas," Langly called from the computer desk. "Really?" "Yeah, but it's a little too hard to prove given the fact that they also claimed he took off in a spaceship." Mulder gave a slanted smile in Langly's direction before clearing his throat. "Listen guys, I've got a favor to ask." "Anything you need man," Frohike said, taking a seat on the stool next to Langly. "Scully went undercover," Mulder said, dropping his head. "We know all about that Mulder," Byers said, moving to stand next to him. "Hey man, don't worry. Scully is more than able to..." "Frohike, I know that. I-I just don't think that she was sent there for her abilities as an agent. I think she was sent there for a far more sinister plan. I need you guys to help me find that out for sure." "Okay Mulder, what aren't you telling us?" Langly asked. "I'm not sure yet. I need you to tell me what you can find out about this Agent Jennifer O'Mackey. Maybe once I know that, I can figure it out." "What makes you think there is something so terribly wrong with this case Mulder?" Byers asked, looking him in the face. "I just have hunch," Mulder replied, turning his stare to Byers. "Okay Mulder, come on over and watch the Internet King work his magic," Langly called from across the room. Mulder moved to stand next to him, placing his hands on his hips. "Agent Jennifer O'Mackey," he recited. Langly gave Mulder a glance over his shoulder. "I think I got it the first time big-guy." "Oh hey, look at this," Langly called out. Byers and Frohike ran to his side, both staring at the screen. "What is it?" Mulder asked impatiently. "Well, I can't find any really important information on one Jennifer O'Mackey, but there are a lot of O'Mackey agents that are the same age, same sex, height, and weight as Jennifer here," Langly explained. "So what are you saying? There is more than one Jennifer O'Mackey?" "No, there isn't another Jennifer O'Mackey, but there are quite a few women that look exactly like her who work for the FBI." "How many women exactly?" "Well, about five. Mulder this is weird. What the hell does it mean?" Langly asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well either we have a set of strikingly similar women, or they are clones," Mulder said with a dry form of humor in his voice. "I tend to think that we are dealing with clones, but then again, that's my take on everything. The extraordinary," he smiled. "So what do you think the motive is for sending Scully over there?" Byers asked. "I think that there was a plan to separate us in order to destroy us. I think that whatever this man has that Scully has gone after, is something that is damning to the government and that Scully was pulled into it to use her like a pawn. To use her and then frame her, and maybe even me." "So what are you going to do?" Frohike asked nervously. "There isn't much I can do except try and convince Skinner that she is in danger so I can get him to pull her out of there." "And what if he doesn't?" Frohike asked, sounding even more worried. "Then I will have to go to Iraq and get her myself," Mulder answered, his jaw tightening. "I need you boys to keep looking for more information on this Jennifer O'Mackey, I want everything you can get." Mulder swallowed. "This one's important to me." XXX FBI Headquarters, AD Skinner's Office Monday, 8:14am. "Agent Mulder, I don't know how or why you have cooked up such a story but I can assure you that the government..." "No, that's where you're wrong sir. You can't assure me anything about the government. I can't prove it, God help me I can't, but I believe that she was sent there just to be killed. This man, this Mahala, is in possession of something very valuable to the Federal Government, but I don't think it's a virus. I don't think he plans on using it against us. I think he is planning on using it to save us. Only, he, being a businessman, wants it to be very beneficial for himself as well and the Government doesn't like that idea." "Agent Mulder, I don't understand. Where did you get all of this information?" "I'm not at liberty to say sir, but I can just about assure you that it is based on fact. Would I be this worried if it wasn't?" "Agent Mulder, unless I have substantial proof that Agent Scully's life is in danger, I'm afraid I can't do anything to pull her out. This goes much higher than me, I have no real power unless there's a threat." "I understand that sir, but..." "I'm sorry Mulder, I can't help you." Mulder clenched his teeth and let out a loud breath as he got up to leave. "Although, if I can justify the expense, I might be able to assign you on another case... Let's say in the vicinity of the Middle-East." Skinner said calmly, looking down at his hands on the desk. "Thank you sir, I'll see what I can find," Mulder nodded once, then opened the door and stepped out. XxXxEND PART TWO. CONTINUED IN PART 3.xXxX XXXXXX PART 3 XXXXXX XXX Mahala's Compound, Iraq Sunday, 4:32pm. Upon entering the main hall of Mahala's large mansion-style home, Scully felt the air leave from her lungs in pure amazement at the sight and beauty of it. She noticed how decoratively it was furnished, the artworks on the walls seemed familiar, as though she had seen them before in some grand art gallery. "May I take your coat ma'am?" A male voice politely asked from behind her. "Sure," she answered. She slipped it off and handed it to the tall, thin butler that stood behind her. "Come Dana, I want you to meet someone," Jen said excitedly as she took her by the arm and led her through to foyer, then into the large room where everyone had congregated. There were men in suits and women in long evening gowns, walking around gracefully and laughing at each other's jokes. Scully quietly thought about what dry-humored comment Mulder would have made at the sight, and felt a small smile tease at the corners of her mouth. She returned her attention to her surroundings and saw that they were making their way towards a thin man, not much taller than herself, whose curly black locks were tied behind his head in a make shift pony-tail much like one that a small girl would wear. "Good evening Mahala," Jen said with a smile. He turned around, and his eyes met Scully's immediately. Scully found his stare to be unnerving, as though he could see right through her. Feeling very uncomfortable, she broke the stare between them by looking at the woman beside her, silently waiting for her to introduce them. "This is Dana, my sister," Jen finally announced, turning to look at Scully. "Pleased to meet you, Dana," he said with a grin. His eyes once again stared into hers, their dark brown seeming to burn holes through hers. Scully held out her hand to him, expecting a stern handshake as a formal meeting, but instead received a small kiss on the top of it, completely dumbfounding her. She wasn't used to being treated like such a lady. She found him to be handsome, his facial features mapping the middle-east, yet with more smoothness than any other foreign person she had ever encountered. She was taken by him, but she was not easily seduced. "Nice to meet you as well Mr. Mahala," She croaked out as he raised his head from her hand. "Please, call me Omar," he corrected her as he stepped back, his eyes darting between them, looking at each one's face and eyes. Scully began to worry that he was sizing them up, trying to see the family resemblance. "Omar, nice to meet you," she gently smiled. "So have you given Dana the grand tour of my home yet Jen?" Mahala asked, giving her a questioning glance. "No, I'm afraid not, she just got here this morning." Jen replied. Mahala looked back at Jen, a wide smile at his mouth. "Then I guess there is much for you to show her tomorrow." He placed his right index finger upon his lips, in a thinking action. "Actually, I have nothing to do until the evening, so perhaps I can give her the tour myself." "That would be great," Scully answered nervously. "Well then, tomorrow morning it is, Dana." Mahala gave another smile before turning to leave. After Mahala was far enough away for them to talk without being heard, Jen leaned over to Scully's ear and whispered in it. "That went rather well." "Yes it did. I just hope that sometime during my tour that I will be able to find what I need," Scully replied in a hushed tone. "Well then, you'll really need to get on his good side, because he never takes anyone to the underground facility," Jen whispered back. "Other than his closest friends and potential buyers." Scully gave a pondering look before raising her wine glass to her lips. She swirled the reddish liquid for a moment before returning it to the table. She sat quietly, looking around at the other people surrounding her as she lost herself in contemplation. How the hell was she going to pull this off if she is so nervous? How was she to maintain her composure and keep a level head when this investigation is continually making less and less sense? She had to have faith. Faith in herself, and faith in her instincts. It was all she had left. Without Mulder by her side to pose his outrageous theories and have the support of his constant belief that "the truth is out there", Scully found herself realizing that she was truly on her own. She had to be both the believer and the skeptic. XXX FBI Headquarters, Washington DC Basement Office Sunday, 5:14pm. "Agent Mulder, don't you ever go home?" Skinner asked with a smile after stepping into the dark office. "Home? Where's that?" Mulder joked, looking up at him from his computer screen. He took his glasses off, and placed his thumb and index finger on the top ridge of his nose, gently massaging where the pads of his glasses had been laying. He sighed loudly before moving both hands to massage the headache that formed at his temples. "What is it that you expect to find Agent Mulder?" Skinner asked. "You know, I would hope something, anything. But the odd thing is, I'm finding absolutely nothing on this Agent O'Mackey. Yeah, I have her FBI information, her profile, her DOB, but there is no background information on her what so ever." "What?" Skinner asked, stepping towards the desk. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Mulder reiterated. "I sent off some blood work on this case that you gave me sir, this murder case..." Mulder blew out a tired breath. "I had them run it against the sample from Agent O'Mackey." "Why is it that you think these two people are linked together? A small girl who lives on the opposite side of the United States as O'Mackey... How would they be connected?" Skinner asked impatiently. "I don't know sir. I just have a feeling, I don't think that they assigned Scully to this case without a reason. I think it has something to do with our re-instatement on the X-files." "Agent Mulder I don't see how you think these two people are connected to your re-instatement on the X-files, or how they can even be connected in the first place." "I don't fully understand it either sir, but I can assure you that they are," he insisted. "What exactly do you hope to find with the results?" "A match," Mulder replied instantly. "A match?" "That's what I said, a match," Mulder replied, looking up at him. "I think that the darkness you've been sitting in all day has clouded your mind Agent Mulder," Skinner said, placing his hands on his hips. "We'll see," Mulder replied with a smile. He then put his glasses back on, and returned his attention back to his computer. Skinner left the office still shaking his head. He was almost always mystified my Mulder's actions, but he was completely stumped this time. This had better be good. Mulder's desk phone rang, making him jump at the sound. "Mulder," he said casually into the receiver. "Agent Mulder," a deep voice replied. "This is John Frakes from the crime lab, I am calling to tell you that your blood test results are in." "And?" "Well, you're, you're not going to believe it.." "Try me," Mulder replied, already reaching for his coat. "What?" "Nothing. Thank you, I'll be right over," Mulder said hastily before hanging up the phone. XXX Mahala's Compound, Iraq Sunday, 5:35pm. Scully sat down at the table next to Jen after returning from the ladies room. "Thanks for letting me wear this dress Jen, it's absolutely beautiful." "No problem Dana, it's looks more beautiful on you than me," she complimented. Scully smiled in return, as she sat back in her seat. "So, what does one do to earn this man's trust Jen?" "Well, you're in luck Dana, because I think he has taken a liking to you. It may be easier for you to gain his "trust" than it was for me. Probably even easier to get into his bed..." Scully was stunned by her comment and thought it best for the both of them not to reply to it. "Oh hey, there is his sister," Jen said happily as she motioned with her head towards the door. She rose from her chair and went to meet the dark complectted woman half-way. She kissed her cheek before leading her back to the table, pulling out a chair for her to sit in. "Ismalia, I would like you to meet Dana, my sister," Jen introduced, as she returned to her seat. "Nice to meet you Ismalia," Scully said kindly as she held out her hand. The dark woman lightly placed her small hand inside of Scully's and smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you Dana. You are married woman, no?" Ismalia asked, noting the absence of a ring on Scully's finger. Scully pulled her hand back and felt her stomach tighten with nervousness. "Yes, yes I am," Scully answered with a smile. "I just happened to leave my ring back in the US." Ismalia gave a small chuckle at her expense, humored with her American clumsiness. "You know, here, we do not forget such things Dana." "I haven't been married long," Scully explained, desperately searching for a plausible explanation. "I sometimes forget to put my ring on after my shower. Simple forgetfulness I suppose," she chuckled. "I see," Ismalia nodded. "Your husband, he is a kind man?" "Yes he is," Scully answered thoughtfully. "Very kind." "It is good to have a good man for a husband," Ismalia responded with a smile. "Is he a handsome as well?" "Very handsome," Scully replied, picturing the face of her perfect man in her mind. "I must meet this man someday. You bring him here to meet me?" Ismalia asked hopefully. "Maybe someday, yes," Scully answered with a smile. "Ismalia, we were just talking about your brother," Jen interrupted. Ismalia turned to look at Jen with interest. "What about him?" She asked quietly. "Just how great his parties are, how beautiful the house is," Jen answered, looking back at Scully. "Very beautiful, yes," Ismalia answered. "I love living here. If it wasn't for so many people that come to visit, this would be a perfect place for a... vacation, I think you call it," she turned her gaze to Scully and smiled again. "You would like to see more?" "Yes, I would," Scully answered, pushing back from her seat. "I will show you most beautiful place in home," Ismalia said kindly. They all rose from their seats in sync, and Scully, behind Jen, followed Ismalia's short figure through the room and into the hallway. XXX Mahala's Compound Sunday, 8:21pm. "That is all of home I can show you Dana," Ismalia announced after returning them to the foyer. "You mean there is more?" Scully asked. "Oh yes, much more. But is not permitted for us to go anywhere else," Ismalia answered, showing them to the door. "Why is it not permitted?" Scully asked, willing to take the risk of upsetting her. "Omar is very strict about that. I am not even allowed to go to the forbidden place. But maybe someday he will let me," Ismalia answered with a smile. "But I don't unders..." Scully tried to ask. "Dana, Jen, Ismalia," a voice called from behind them. Scully quickly turned around to see Mahala standing directly behind her. "Mahala, what a nice surprise," she choked out. He smiled brightly, obviously pleased with himself for startling her. "You were saying Dana?" "We were just talking girl talk Omar," Jen covered, stepping forward. "I see," Mahala replied. "Miss Dana, can I expect you here in the morning for a tour of my home?" "Omar, Dana and I just..." Ismalia began to explain. "Quiet!" He yelled, not allowing her to speak. Ismalia cowered before him, her head fell forward and she stepped back. Scully's immediate response was to stand up for her, to protect her, but she wisely chose not to provoke him. This wasn't a cycle of abuse that she could stop. Mahala extended a hand to cup the side of his sister's hanging head after seeing the anger in Scully's eyes. "You go back to your room Ismalia, it is very late." Without a word, Ismalia made her way back up the stairs, leaving both Scully and Jen speechless behind her. "I will see you in the morning Dana," he said with a smile. "Yes, in the morning," Scully replied, turning to leave. "Wait!" He yelled from behind her. Scully turned once again to see his penetrating stare meet her eyes. "It is customary in my country to kiss the women goodnight," he said with a smile as he stepped towards her. Scully stood very still, her stomach knotting as she felt herself tense up. "You forget Omar, that I am a married woman," she said with a smirk. He flashed her his most charming smile, and reached for her hand. He brought it up to his lips and gave it a small feather-soft kiss before releasing it. Scully curled the corners of her mouth up into a small grin before turning to leave. "Jen, my sweet," Mahala called out, pulling her towards him. He kissed her cheek lightly and released her. Jen then followed Scully outside, turning to say her last "Goodnight". "Goodnight ladies," Mahala said with a smile. "Goodnight," Scully and Jen chimed in together. After he closed the door behind them, they both turned to walk back to the apartment. Neither of them spoke a word as they made their way up the small flight of steps. XXX 10:10pm. After changing into her nightgown, Scully joined Jen on the sofa in the living room area. "What was all that about?" She asked inquisitively. "I think he has taken a liking to you Ms. Scully," Jen replied with a smile. "Well unless he starts showing me the goods, I'm afraid that gets me nowhere," Scully replied with a chuckle while she tucked her feet beneath her. "Give it time Dana." "Jen, do you have any idea where this 'Forbidden Place' is that Ismalia spoke of?" "Well, I have it on good authority that it's underground, beneath this compound. But I'm afraid that I don't know where the entrance to it is exactly," Jen answered, turning towards her on the sofa. "Nothing is ever easy is it?" Scully said with a loud sigh. "Well, I am tired Jen, so I think I'm heading off to bed." She stood up, stretching her arms above her head and yawning. "Aren't you tired?" "A little, but I think I will stay up and read over the blueprints of the compound for a little while. Maybe it's mapped on here somewhere and we just can't see it," Jen said hopefully. "Well, goodnight then." "Goodnight Dana," Jen answered, still looking at the blueprint. Scully couldn't help but think of how many times she had seen such behavior before. A fellow agent reading some important file and not even meeting her eyes when she announced that she was leaving. She sighed at the thought, and made her way back to her own bedroom. As much as she hated to admit it, she missed him terribly. Maybe, she thought to herself, that's why she had pictured him when Ismalia asked what her "husband" looked like. XXX FBI Crime Lab, Washington DC Sunday, 8:45pm. "So you're saying that you can't tell me the exact blood type?" Mulder asked, his voice mixed with excitement and shock. "Agent Mulder, I'm not sure this even is blood. Where did you get this substance?" The heavy-set technician asked him. "I'm not at liberty to say Mr. Frakes, but thank you for your help," he replied quickly, walking towards the door before stopping abruptly. "I'd like to have those samples back into my possession please," he demanded, walking back to the counter. "Sure thing Agent Mulder," Frakes replied, handing the small vials back to him. Mulder quickly made his way out of the lab and into his car. He began putting on his seat belt when a sudden knock at the window made him jump. "Agent Mulder, step out of the car," Skinner's deep voice thundered from outside. With a roll of his eyes, Mulder unlatched his seat belt and opened the car door before pulling himself out of it. "Agent Mulder, I want to know what in the hell are you doing here!" Skinner demanded. "Sir, Scully is in danger." "Agent.." Skinner interjected before being cut off. "Sir, didn't you hear me? Scully is in danger!" Mulder shouted. "I'm only going to ask you this one more time Agent Mulder, what in the HELL are you doing here?" "What the hell am I doing here? What the hell are YOU doing here sir? I thought that only field agents did the government's dirty work!" "Agent Mulder, as your direct superior, I am asking you calm down immediately!" Skinner shouted back. Mulder pursed his lips together and let out a loud sigh as he leaned back against the car, his arms crossed over his chest. "Now, will you please explain to me why you BELIEVE Agent Scully's life is in danger?" Skinner asked, keeping his tone calm and even. Mulder gritted his teeth, trying to remain as calm as his emotions would allow. "This supposed 'STING operation' that Scully was sent on, is a cover." He paused before continuing, checking Skinner's facial expression to judge his amount of understanding. "As a cover for what?" Skinner asked impatiently. "This virus that Omar Mahala is said to have, is indeed a virus, but not one that can either be categorized or easily referenced," he replied with great strain on the last part. He licked his top lip before continuing, "I believe that it is indeed an alien virus, much like the one we have seen before. Like the one that has the power to take over a human body and use it as it's own cocoon." "Mulder.." "No, let me finish sir," Mulder said harshly, "I think that our government has sent Agent Scully in there to find this virus, to get it out of this man's possession only to destroy it, or harvest it, while at the same time, destroying her. And, quite possibly destroying both me and the X-files along with her." "Agent Mulder, if what you're saying is true, then we have not had this conversation. Do you understand me?" Skinner asked, placing his hands on his hips. Mulder shifted his weight to one side and bit his lower lip. "Yes sir." "Why would they harvest it?" Skinner asked quietly. "To use it in the future as part of some world-wide alien take over. I believe our government has been secretly working with the aliens to build a nation of hybrids and clones. I believe that they would do ANYTHING to get that virus because of what it means to them." "Agent Mulder, I would strongly suggest that you do not repeat what you have just told me to anyone. The kind of accusations you are making here could result in some very serious disciplinary actions against you and Agent Scully. They would probably shut down the X-files." "I realize that sir." Mulder answered, dropping his arms to his sides. "So what do you plan to do?" Skinner asked quietly. Mulder leaned forward again, standing straight. "Whatever it takes. But, the real question is, what are you planning to do?" "I can assure you Agent Mulder, I will everything in my power..." "I sure as hell hope so sir because if anything happens to her, it will be as much your fault as the men who are up there pulling the strings." "What is it that you want me to do Agent Mulder?" "Send me to Iraq. Let me get some proof against them, it's the only way to save Scully, and the X-files." "What about yourself? What will happen if you are caught?" Skinner asked with a frown. "They'll ruin you." "Wow, the Assistant Director actually cares if I get ruined." Mulder smiled. "Sir, I'd kiss you if you were a woman." "I'll see what I can do Agent Mulder, until then, you need to finish up that other case you're on. I expect a full report before I can assign you to your other case." "What other case?" Mulder asked, his brows furrowing. "Tracking down a fake terrorist threat in Iraq, of course." XxXxEND PART 3. CONTINUED IN PART 4.xXxX XXXXXX PART 4 XXXXXX XXX The Compound Monday, 4:14am. Scully awoke suddenly, her reason for doing so a mystery even to her. She looked around absently. Searching for some explanation for her sudden state of arousal. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This worried her, so she went to Jen's room in search. She crept in quietly, hoping not to disturb her in case she was asleep. Once next to her bed, she could clearly see in the dim lighting of the room that she wasn't there. Scully became worried and scrambled back into the living room area to make sure that Jen wasn't still reading blue prints. She became very distressed when she was nowhere to be found. The front door opened behind her and Scully spun around, her heart beating fast at the thought of an unwanted intruder. "Dana? What are you doing awake?" Jen asked while putting her keys on the table inside the door. "I, I was worried that something happened to you... Are you all right?" Scully asked shakily. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine," Jen answered, seeming confused. "What's wrong?" Scully smiled and placed her hands on her hips before shaking her head. "I'm a little," she cleared her throat before continuing, "I guess I'm a little paranoid." "A little is an understatement Dana." "Yeah, well paranoia seems to rub off on people," Scully laughed as she sat down on the sofa. She leaned forward and began massaging her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "So where were you Jen?" She asked, looking up at her. "I met a contact tonight," Jen replied, sitting next to her. "They're sending someone in." Scully stopped her methodical rubbing and straightened her back. "They are replacing me so soon?" She asked shyly. "No, not a replacement. They're sending in help. They don't think that we are going to get far without some more access to the areas we need to be in without some form of aid," Jen explained, laying back against the cushion behind her. "So what is the cover story?" Scully asked, her voice laced with doubt and confusion. "They are sending in someone who is going to be a 'buyer' for this virus. Someone who Mahala will want to show the goods to," Jen sighed. "It's like they have no confidence in us or something." "No, I think this may be a good angle they're using. But how is this person to be introduced? I don't think Mahala will just all of a sudden show what he's got to anyone off the street," Scully said sleepily. "They are using this agent as your husband. He is supposed to gradually make it known to Mahala that he wants to buy. I don't see how they're going do it though," Jen said dimly. "Don't tell me you have doubts in the FBI agent O'Mackey," Scully asked sarcastically. "Never! I have complete faith in the FBI, as always," Jen responded with a grin. "So when is this 'buyer' joining us?" Scully finally asked. "Not sure. They said he was on his way whatever that means," Jen rolled her eyes. "Well, I think I'm heading to bed now. You should probably do the same because we have an early morning." "Yeah, I'm going too," Scully answered, stifling a yawn. "Well goodnight once again Dana. Try and get some rest okay?" Scully simply smiled in reply and made her way back to her room. She settled into her sheets and listened to Jen doing the same thing in her own room. Tired and confused, Scully allowed herself to slowly drift off into a deep sleep. XXX The Compound Monday, 9:42 am. After two hours of constant touring, Scully began to feel tired and bored out of her mind. She couldn't seem to make any real contact with Mahala, his mind was obviously elsewhere. She had to wonder if he was thinking about the big sale that was on the horizon, or if his thoughts were more of the impure nature towards the partner that she now thought had lied to her. She couldn't figure out why Jen would have crept out without telling her if she was really going to meet a contact. But how else would she have known the information that she passed on to her if she hadn't? Maybe it was just her being paranoid, or maybe it was the "Mulder" in her rearing it's ugly head. "Dana, what else would you like to see of my beautiful home?" Mahala's kind voice broke through her thoughts. It was now or never. "Do you have a lower level of your home? A downstairs area?" She asked almost too quickly. With a look of disapproval from Jen, and a confused look from Mahala, Scully immediately regretted her forthrightness. "No, there is no lower level of my home. Where you are now is the lowest floor. It only goes up from here," Mahala nervously replied, pointing up the steps. "I see," Scully answered, nodding her head slightly. "Then I guess that is all to be seen." "Please, stay in my home for dinner. I would be honored to have your company for the evening," Mahala asked with a smile. "I'd be honored," Scully courteously replied, looking to Jen for her approval. "Will you be joining us Jen?" "I have some things to do this evening with Ismalia, but perhaps another time?" "Sure," Scully replied, looking back to Mahala. "What time?" "Whenever you are ready," he smiled back. XXX Mahala's Home Monday, 7:22pm. "So, let's go somewhere where we can talk Dana," Mahala reached out his hand to her. She took his arm and walked with him into the living room area. "Have a seat Dana, can I get you something to drink?" He asked, pouring some wine for himself. "I'll have what you're having," she answered, taking a seat on the beautiful red velvet sofa. Mahala handed her a full glass of red wine and took a seat next to her. "I received a call from your husband this morning Dana," he said quickly, leaving the words to dangle in the air for her to catch and add her own. "Really?" Scully answered, pulling back from her sip of wine. "He is interested in a business deal with me. Do you have any knowledge of this?" Mahala asked. "No, no I don't. What my husband does in his spare time is his personal business and I respect that. He never speaks to me of his professional life, so I don't ask." Mahala gave her a wide smile and sat back against the sofa, taking in a deep breath. "Dana, would I be out of line if I asked you to dance with me?" he asked quietly. "No, not at all," she replied, setting her glass down on the coffee table. Mahala stood and held out his hand to her. She took his invitation and followed him to the center of the room. XXX 7:31pm. Jen read blueprints of the facility, occasionally taking a sip of her warm tea. She stopped reading for a moment to massage her cramping foot and heard a knock at the door. She threw the blueprints on the coffee table and walked lazily to the front door and unlocked it immediately, expecting to see Scully, but was surprised to see that instead of her new partner, she was standing in front of a very tall, dark-haired man. His eyes bore into hers, making her feel very uncomfortable. "Agent O'Mackey I presume," the well spoken man addressed. "Who is asking?" She demanded. "Can I come inside so that I may explain?" He asked with a wide smile. "Sure," Jen stepped aside, allowing the man entrance. She had only met this person, she had no idea how he knew her identity. He would have to earn her trust. "Is this a secure building?" the man asked, peering around as he spoke. "Yeah, safest place around I suppose," she joked back. "I'm Agent Mulder, Agent Scully's partner at the FBI," he informed. "Where is she?" "Oh, you're the one they sent in then?" She questioned, placing her hands on her hips. "Yeah, they said not to make a 'big entrance' so here I am," he laughed. "So, where's Scully?" "Dana? She is with Mahala. He seems to be warming up to her. I have to admit, she didn't seem like the type that would easily turn his head, but it seems as though her hard work has finally paid off," Jen commented. "She should be back soon though, I doubt that he will be showing her much tonight as far as 'secret lairs' and such." Mulder smiled and irritated smile back and began to take off his overcoat. "You have any luggage?" Jen asked. "No, I just came with the shirt on my back. I wasn't planning on staying long." "Well hopefully that is the case. But in the instance that you stay longer, I can arrange some clothes for you if you want," Jen offered. "Thanks, I'll let you know," he returned. "So when do you think that she will be back? How long ago did she meet him?" "It's been about twenty minutes since she left, so I'm not expecting her back very soon." "If I know Scully, she will be back as soon as she can," he smiled. "So where am I supposed to stay?" "Well, you two are supposed to be married, so in there I suppose," Jen pointed towards Scully's room. "I can't have the sofa?" He asked sheepishly. "Well, this is a very short sofa, and in case someone investigates, I think it would be wise not to blow the entire operation over an issue of modesty," Jen explained. "How long have you two been partners?" "Why do you ask?" He snapped back. "If you have been partners for more than a year, surely you two must have been in this kind of situation before." "No, actually we haven't. But we'll manage," he grinned. Jen gave a nod of approval and nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. "But if she snores, you're taking my place," he teased. XXX After an evening of thinly veiled flirtations from Mahala, Scully returned once again tired and empty-handed to her small apartment. She slid off the uncomfortable shoes that bound her feet and rubbed them for a few long moments before moving to her bedroom door. She noticed that it was slightly ajar and a warm glow emanated from within. She hadn't remembered leaving a light on, but she attributed the oversight to mere exhaustion and entered her room without a second thought. She was more than surprised to see Mulder sitting on her bed reading the blueprints in his boxers. "Mulder?" She asked with a furrowed brow, sounding more irritated than excited. "Hey Scully, I was just reading up on the building structure. I'm trying to figure out where we can begin our search," he casually responded, taking off his glasses. "Mulder, what in the hell are you doing here? You aren't part of the..." "Oh, but I assure you my dear Scully, I am," he smiled. Scully took off her suit jacket and laid it on the foot of the bed before slowly walking towards him. "How did you get them to let you on the case?" She asked doubtfully. "Ahh, you underestimate my charm," he teased, moving the blueprints to his right side, making a place for her to sit next to him. "Your charm Mulder?" Scully countered, sitting down on the cleared space. "My mojo, my essence, the general way in which I am able to get the things that I want," he further explained with a self-satisfied grin. "Okay, cut the crap will you? Seriously, how did you do it?" She asked impatiently. "I'm not sure really, but I think Sir Skinner had a hand in it. The man amazes even I sometimes." "So Scully, what are your thoughts on the case so far?" He asked. "I'm not really sure what to think yet. But there seems to be more going on here than meets the eye," Scully answered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "There is something big here though, I can feel it." "Well I hope so, because if I came all the way to Iraq just to get sand in my ass, you're the first one I'm coming after," he joked. Scully gave him a crooked grin before standing up to stretch. "It's like someone is purposely keeping me from finding anything out about this case and it's getting to be frustrating," she sighed. "Mulder, this is my bed, and I don't feel like sharing." Mulder gave her the saddest expression she had ever seen and she couldn't help but giggle. "You keep that bottom lip out there long enough, a bird will come and perch on it." "Such is life," he frowned. "Please Scully, they don't have any motels around here and Jen said it would be best for us to keep up the 'married couple' lifestyle for intense cover-up situations." "Oh did she?" "Yeah," he whined. "Mulder, no!" Scully protested, walking into the bathroom. "What if I promise to only take up one-fourth of the bed?" He called back. "No!" She yelled through the closed door. After brushing her teeth and showering, Scully stepped out of the bathroom into her darkened bedroom to find her pajamas. Her hair was wrapped in a towel on top of her head like a turban, and a large bath towel was tucked neatly around her body. She had no luck searching in the dark, so she stepped next to the bed to turn on the lamp. "Looking for these?" Mulder asked with a mischievous tone from behind her. "Mulder! Give me those damn it!" She tried unsuccessfully swiping them from his hands. "Uh, uh, uh! Not unless you let me sleep in the bed," he grinned. Scully stood with her hand on her hip, staring him down with a look that contended with only the harshest of mothers. "Okay damn it, you can sleep in the fucking bed. There, are you happy?" Mulder nodded and handed her the clothing. "But I swear to God, if I feel any, and I mean any cold feet on my legs, you're out. Understand?" "Yes Ma'am," he agreed. "And no hogging the covers, I hate that." "Yes Ma'am." "And stop calling me ma'am! I am not your mother, although I feel sometimes like I am," she reasoned. "Now, one more remark like that and I'll have to re-nig the pj's," he warned. Scully gave an irritated grin before walking back into the bathroom to change. A few moments later, she walked back into the room and peeled back the sheets on her side of the bed. She looked up at him and saw the boyish grin on his face. "I'm tired Mulder, would you mind turning off the lamp please?" "Sure honey," he said mockingly. As he leaned to switch off the lamp, Mulder felt a sharp sting on his back as her hand made contact with his skin. "Ouww, what was that for?" He growled back. "Shut up and go to sleep Mulder." After turning off the light, Mulder rolled over until he spooned up against her back, wrapping his arm around her and nuzzling his nose into her hair. "Goodnight Scully," he breathed into her ear before kissing her lightly on the cheek. The next morning, Scully awoke with her head on top of Mulder's bare chest. Her arm wrapped around his abdomen, his under her back and around her waist. She moved carefully, detaching herself from him as cool as possible before getting out of bed. She stood over him, finding herself in a state of interest, in awe. His dark hair was mussed, his long arms and legs spread in a leisurely way across the bed. His face in a state of total relaxation, a small, sleep induced smile spread across his lips. The light from the window highlighted the golden brown of his skin and his bare chest rose and fell so rhythmically that it seemed to hypnotize her. It was at this time that a knock came at her door and the spell was broken. After taking a deep breath, Scully walked to the door and opened it slightly to see Jen standing there fully clothed and full of energy. "I just thought I'd tell you I'm going for a run and ask if you wanted to join me," Jen asked cheerfully. "As much as I'd love to Jen, I am a bit sore from last night. I am not used to that kind of activity," Scully politely declined. "I'm sure you aren't," Jen said with a slanted grin, staring behind her at a sleeping Mulder. Scully blinked a moment before the insinuation finally struck her. "I meant the dancing," she clarified. "I'm sure," Jen smiled. "Okay, well I'll see you when I get back then. We need to go over some things with Agent Mulder." "Okay, enjoy," Scully smiled back. Scully watched Jen walk down the hallway before closing the door. "Room service?" His soft voice asked from behind her. Scully jumped slightly and turned around. "Yeah they said they were all out of enemas. Shame huh?" "Are you implying Dr. Scully, that I am in need of an enema?" He asked, sitting up on the bed. "Well you are somewhat of a tight ass sometimes Mulder, maybe it would flush some of that stuck up shit out of you," she grinned. "It would take a hell of a lot more than an enema to flush the amount of shit I have out. You above all people should know that I'm full of it," he laughed. "So what's on the agenda for today?" He asked, walking past her to the bathroom. "Well, when Jen gets back, we need to go over some technical stuff. You need to be briefed, and we need to formulate a plan," Scully yelled as he began brushing his teeth. "So what is this Jen like?" He asked with a mouthful of toothpaste. "She's nice, I like her." "Nice? Nice how?" Mulder spat the toothpaste out and rinsed before returning to the bedroom. "She's just nice. We get along well, so she's nice," Scully explained. "Why do you ask?" "Just trying to get a basic idea about the people I am going to be working with that's all," he replied, opening her suitcase. "Mulder, what are you doing?" "I'm getting some clothes, what's it look like I'm doing?" "Out of my suitcase?" Mulder ceased his adventures into her suitcase and quickly zipped it shut. "I'm not used to not having one I guess. Yours looks a lot like mine ya know." "Yeah, whatever." "What the hell am I going to wear Scully?" He asked, running a hand through his still badly mussed hair. "I'm sure we can get some clothes somehow. As a matter of fact, Mahala is about your size, maybe we can get him to loan you some," Scully suggested. "Oh yeah, while we're at it we can let him know ahead of time how we'd like to be tortured before they kill us," Mulder said flippantly. "You underestimate the womanly way of getting things handed to her," Scully grinned. "I refuse to let you have sex with him just to get his clothes. I've heard of trying to get into somebody's pants before but I don't recall stealing them as being part of the game," he laughed. "No, actually Jen offered to find some for me. I'll just let her know that I need some." Scully nodded and bent down to retrieve his pants from the floor. "Here, just wear your jeans for now, we'll figure it out later okay?" She instructed, tossing them to him. Mulder stepped into his jeans and bent down to get his shirt before putting it on. He then sat on the bed to put on his socks. "Hey Scully, have you seen my shoes?" "They are out in the living room I think," she called from the bathroom. "How do I look?" He asked from outside the open door. "Mulder, your hair," she giggled. "What? You don't like the bed-head do? It's in style you know," he grinned. After seeing that she wasn't amused by his joke, he stole a look into the mirror next to him on the wall. "You got a comb Scully?" She handed him a comb before leaving him in the bathroom to fix his hair. She returned to get her make-up case and saw that it hadn't improved. "Here, let me fix it Mulder!" She grabbed the comb from his hand and ran it under the water faucet before combing it through. After smoothing it down as much as was humanly possible, she used her hair spray to keep it that way. "There, much better," she smiled as she handed the comb back to him. Mulder stared at her in wide-eyed amazement as she turned to leave. He looked back into the mirror to check his 'do' and was pleased to see that she really had the touch. "Hey Scully!" He called. "Yeah?" She answered. "You know, I think we could really pull this whole 'married thing' off." "What makes you say that?" Scully asked as she smoothed her hair back in the mirror on her desk. "Just a hunch," he replied, watching her intently from the doorway. "Except," he continued, walking towards her. "I think we need to work on the consummation part." XxXxEND PART 4. CONTINUED IN PART 5.xXxX XXXXXX PART 5 XXXXXX His words stirred both panic and arousal inside of her. She couldn't control the sudden need for him to continue, to humor him and see how far he'd go. "Funny, I always thought that a lot of people already have that part figured out first. I guess we're just irreversibly screwed up," she smiled, looking over her shoulder. Mulder stood right behind her and said nothing. Just letting her feel his closeness was all the seduction that was necessary. He put his hand on her shoulder blade and felt her tense. He heard a small sigh come from her mouth and closed his eyes, knowing that she was just as excited as he was, that it was right. He placed his other hand on her waist, lightly grasping her side while he ran the back of his hand slowly down her spine. "Mm..Mulder," she stuttered, leaning her head back on his shoulder. His hand quickly went around to her mouth and he put a single finger to her lips. "Shhh," he hissed in her ear. "Mulder-" she protested without enthusiasm. His arm encircled her and he turned her around in his arms, his finger still at her lips. "I want to do the talking Scully," he breathed, inches from her face. "Are you gonna let me do that?" Scully nodded quietly, enjoying this newfound turn-on that came with her longtime partner taking charge of her love life. She was severely independent, but sometimes she just wanted someone to ravage her and make her feel like she needed them. Yes, Dana Scully was somewhat childish when it came to love and sex. She always had better things to think about and deal with most of the time, and unfortunately, her happiness wasn't on the list. She swore to herself not to fall in love with Mulder, not to not let the guard around her heart to crumble, but she is, after all, human. The things that he was doing to her would make even the coldest woman in the world become hot. Why couldn't she just let go and give into what they both wanted so badly? "I'm going to tell you something Scully, and I want you to tell me if I'm right okay?" Scully closed her eyes, just listening to his words. Hearing her name on his lips, in that tone, did amazing things to her. She felt her eyes slip closed, just feeling his breath hit her face. "Okay," she whispered silently. "Don't talk Scully, that's against the rules," he corrected sternly. "I just want you to nod or shake your head for yes or no," he instructed. "Do you understand?" Scully nodded weakly, the corners of her mouth raising into a small smile. "Good. Now, do you know how much I love you Scully?" Scully nodded yes in reply. "Do you know that I would do anything to keep you from harm?" She nodded again. "Do you know that you are in danger here on this assignment?" Scully nodded slowly, becoming confused as to how that had anything to do with their current situation. "Do you know how much I don't want you to be here?" Scully shook her head slowly, his finger sliding off of her lips. "Do you know that I would do anything to get you out of here to can keep you from harm?" He asked, his mouth curling into a frown. Scully shook her head again, opening her mouth to speak. His finger stopped her from speaking and his lips met both his finger and her mouth for a silencing kiss. He then pulled back and looked into her eyes, his own becoming heavy-lidded. He leaned forward again, resting his face in the crook of her neck, where he planted several small kisses along her neck and moved up to rest his lips upon her ear. "Don't speak, just feel," he whispered, sending a warm rush of arousal through her. They walked together slowly, back to the bed until the Scully's legs hit the edge of it. She slowly sank back onto the mattress and he followed, kissing her mouth as they descended. They worked together at disrobing each other, taking their time to marvel at the beauty of the moment, knowing that for the first time, they were about to be joined. It was a mix of fear and excitement that they both lived for, that they couldn't get anywhere else except for in each other's arms. Time stopped, and everything else in the world faded away. They had finally found peace, and it was a wonderful thing. Once touching skin to skin, it became a dance. A tango of tongues, a ballet of bodies. Both of them wanting and needing the same thing. His touches were met by hers, his moans stimulating deeper ones from her. He slid into her body slowly, the expression on his face changing from one of pain, to one of complete peace and joy. They moved together in unison, slow at first and becoming less and less rhythmic, the need to fulfill a deep longing overtaking them both. No words were spoken, no names were shouted. Deep, heavy moans were all that could be heard from them as they came closer and closer to the edge. Scully arched her back and held onto Mulder's arms as she began to spasm around him, engulfing him inside of her. The feeling pulled at him and he lost all control, allowing his wild need to take over. He plunged inside of her with his last bit of energy until he tensed and lost himself in her warmth. "Scullll..." he grunted, gritting his teeth tightly together. She pulled his mouth down to hers, kissing him deeply. After several long moments, he withdrew from her body and rolled to his side, pulling her with him. "Mulder," she breathed into his neck. "Yeah?" He asked breathlessly. "I know-" she panted. "I know we are tired and everything but-" "But what Scully?" "But..." she continued, "...we are meeting Jen in about ten minutes." "Shit!" He hissed, jerking up in the bed. After doing a hasty job of getting dressed, they both rushed out of the door. XXX Tuesday, 10:22am. After brief introductions to Mahala and his sister, Mahala went to the living room area to rest while Jen spoke with Ismalia. Mulder then pulled Scully aside to speak with her in private. "Excuse us for just a moment," Scully smiled to Ismalia and Jen. They walked into the foyer to speak, looking around to make sure that no one was around to hear. "Mulder, what's wrong?" "Scully, I want you and Jen to leave me here alone with Mahala. I think I know how to get him to talk, but I need to be alone with him," he whispered. "Are you sure?" "Yes," he nodded. "Okay, I'll see what I can do, and you meet me back in the apartment tonight okay?" Mulder nodded silently and began to walk away. "Mulder-" Scully quietly shouted. He turned around to face her, his body stiffening and a nervous position. "Be careful okay?" He blinked at her a moment and turned away. He wasn't used to this type of intimacy that they shared, and didn't know how to respond to such a caring and uncharacteristic remark from his partner. After leaving Scully, Mulder made his way back to the room where Mahala had retired. He was resting on a very large sofa, his feet propped up on the cushions, his head lying on the armrest. "You have a very nice home here, Mr. Mahala," Mulder nervously croaked out. "You have a very nice wife Mr. uhm..." he snapped his fingers in the air, trying to remember his name. "McAdow," Mulder informed him quickly. "Right. Well, it is not very often that a man allows his wife to travel across the world alone. Especially one that beautiful." "She can handle herself well I think. I trust her," Mulder replied dryly. "So why do you join me instead of your wife today?" Mahala asked, placing his feet on the floor, allowing Mulder to sit next to him. "Actually, I'm here more for business, not pleasure. I am looking into purchasing some very valuable material that I have come to understand that is in your person," Mulder calmly asserted, folding his hands in his lap. "And what valuable material are we speaking of Mr. McAdow?" Mahala asked, leaning forward in his seat. "The vaccine," Mulder whispered. Mahala's eyes widened and he looked away for a moment. He had Never dreamed that someone so far away would know about it's existence. "How do you know that I have a vaccine Mr. McAdow? I have not publicized my ownership of such a marvel." "This may be hard to believe, but I have my connections. I know who has what I want," Mulder said darkly, trying to impress the business man beside him. XXX Jen's Apartment, 12:14pm. "Jen?" Scully called, walking throughout the apartment in search. "Jen? Where are you?" She walked around the corner of the kitchen and accidentally bumped into Ismalia. "Sorry, I'm a little clumsy at times," she apologized. "Have you seen Jen? I can't seem to find her." Ismalia shook her head and began to walk away. This confused Scully, because she usually was very polite and talkative. Scully continued her search and knocked on Jen's door before entering. There was no answer, so she proceeded to enter the room. Once the light from the hallway poured into the room, Scully was horrified to see the bodies of both Jen and Ismalia laying on the floor in a pool of blood. The crime investigator in her told her to look around, and she stepped into the room and evaluated the scene. She saw no murder weapon in sight, but it looked as though their throats had been cut judging by the amount of blood, and the fact that she hadn't heard anything told her that it was quick. She stood after inspecting the bodies to retrieve her gun from her back holster, only to come face-to-face with the bounty hunter. "Why did you kill them?" Scully demanded, stepping away from him. "What could they have possibly meant to you?" "They were clones. Clones that were created by your government," he answered, stepping towards her. "They were sent to find the vaccine, as was I. As were you..." "Please, I don't know what you're talking about!" Scully yelled back, tripping over Jen's lifeless leg. "Oh, I think you do. Now, where is it?" "I don't know!" "Then I'm sure someone you know can tell me," he sneered. The bounty hunter grabbed her by the arm, pulling her against him. She yelled and kicked at him, desperately trying to escape his grip on her, but it was useless. He dragged her through the apartment, and through the lawn, heading towards Mahala's house. XXX Mahala's Home, 1:20pm. "So, let's talk amounts Mr. McAdow," Mahala said with a smile. "What are you asking for?" Mahala laughed. "I'm asking for an offer, not a settlement." A loud noise came from the front door and both Mulder and Mahala jumped in surprise. "What the fu..." Mulder muttered, bolting upright. The Bounty Hunter appeared in the hallway, Scully kicking in his arms. "Jesus... Scully are you okay?" Mulder yelled, reaching for his weapon. "Mr. Mulder, how nice to see you," the thing addressed him. "Mulder?" Mahala asked, stepping away from him. "What do you want from us?" Mulder yelled back. "What I want is from him," he answered, nodding his head towards the man beside Mulder. "Then let *her* go, damn it!" Mulder ordered, stepping towards him. "We'll see about that," it replied. "But first, where is the vaccine?" Mulder continued to step closer. "No, I don't think that's a good idea Mulder!" It yelled, putting a bloody knife to Scully's throat. Mulder stopped in his tracks and stared at him blankly. "Now, have your friend lead us to the vaccine before she dies." Mulder turned to Mahala, a look of fear and anger in his eyes. "You do one thing to get her killed, and so help me God, you'll be next," he hissed. Mahala looked stunned. He suddenly found fear and it didn't suit him. "It's, it's this way. Down the hall and beneath the staircase." He pointed his finger to illustrate. "There's an underground vault. It's there." "Lead the way!" the oversized man thundered. Together, they all went into the other room, Mahala leading the way. Once inside of the vault, Mahala stepped back, allowing the bounty hunter to enter before him. Mulder walked past Mahala and they exchanged looks, both of them seeming to agree to some secretive plan. "Let her go!" Mulder demanded, standing next to them. "Not until I have what I came for..." the bounty hunter replied, eyes still forward and searching for his prize. "It's in the safe, over there!" Mahala yelled from behind him. Mulder looked at Scully, trying to advise her on their plan by eye contact. Scully blinked, signaling that she understood. The bounty hunter moved forward, dragging Scully along with him while Mahala crept up behind him. Mahala turned to Mulder, as if asking where to strike. Mulder pointed his free hand to the back of his own neck, tapping it lightly before returning his hand to his firearm. Mahala nodded, and stepped closer towards the bounty hunter. The bounty hunter stopped, as if sensing his nearness, and began to turn around when Mahala plunged his pocket knife into the back of his neck. The bounty hunter released Scully to clutch at the protrusion, and Mulder pulled her towards him to keep her from falling. As the monster buckled his knees and fell, Mulder, Scully, and Mahala began to run from the vault. Mahala suddenly stopped and turned back, causing Mulder to stop and question him. "Mahala! What in the hell are you doing?" he shouted. "I have to get the vaccine!" he shouted back. Mulder stood there and waited. He waived Scully on, telling her to get out. She looked at him for a moment, preparing to argue, when the bounty hunter rose off of the ground and headed towards Mahala. "Mulder! Behind you!" She shouted, pointing to the Bounty Hunter. Mulder turned and saw him, he raised his weapon and ran towards him, knowing not to shoot him anywhere but in the base of his neck. By the time he had reached him, it was too late for Mahala. The Bounty Hunter had slit his throat. Mulder hated like hell to see a person die, and it enflamed him even more than before. He was finally within exact firing distance, and he pulled the trigger. Shooting him once, in the base of his neck. It was a success, and the alien fell to the ground at last, this time never to get up again. XXX FBI Headquarters, Washington DC. Friday, 9:24am. "So you're saying that this whole vaccine thing was a lie? That Mahala didn't even have it?" Skinner asked, a bit of irritation creeping into his voice. "Well, we aren't sure that he *didn't* have it," Mulder corrected. "It was not present at the scene. There was a throughout search for it, and no one turned it up." "And this account of the "Bounty Hunter"... what more can you tell me about this mysterious person?" "Sir, he was after the vaccine just like us, but for other reasons." Scully answered. "Which were?" "Which I don't think anyone has the ability to understand sir," Mulder interrupted. "Maybe Mahala was smarter than we think. Maybe, he put the vaccine somewhere that only he would know to find it." Mulder looked at Scully for a moment and back to the AD across from him. "And if that's the case, then I'd say that this case would be better classified as an X-file." XXX A Park, Precise Location Unknown Friday, 12:40pm. The young woman sat in the park, watching the children playing on the swing sets and monkey bars. She sighed, knowing that she would never have any of her own, that she would never know the feeling of motherhood. She knew that she had a place in this world, that she was needed for something big and important, but didn't know what. She couldn't remember ever being born, nor having a childhood like every other little girl around her. No family or friends that she knew of, no little white home in the suburbs. Come to think of it, she didn't even understand how she came to exist. She brushed her long, dark hair behind her ears and stood. She began walking, not knowing where she was headed, just knowing that she needed to be somewhere. She was being called to a special place, but knew not how to get there. She walked across the street and joined the crowd of people there, seeking her own identity. XxXxTHE ENDxXxX For more stories and poems, please check out my homepage: http://www.geocities.com/scoob4u/Nicholes_FanFic.html