Disclaimer:  All X-Files characters belong to Chris
Carter, 1013 and Fox Network.  The creation of this
fiction is a result of the fact that I have way too much
time on my hands on a Saturday night.  No profit will
be earned as a result of this work (like that needed to be
said).

Author:  Karoshi12@Ameritech.net

Classification: XA - X-Files/Angst

Warnings:   Evidence presented that Elvis is still alive
(or was in 1990).

My first fan fiction was Fox the Fugitive.  It sets the
stage for this follow up story.    If you can struggle
through it, you'll understand where this story begins.

Spoilers:  Redux (very minor)

Summary:  Mulder, pursued by friend and foe,
continues his efforts to begin a new life in Kalamazoo,
Michigan.  Scully, Skinner and a murderous tribal ghost
will not allow him to  slip quietly into anonymity.

Rating:  PG13 (mostly language)

Title:   The Chase Continues (Fox Fugitive II)

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Mall City,  seemed an
unlikely place to disappear, but disappear he did into
the daily hustle and bustle of this thriving community.
He lived in a small apartment above a barber shop in
the downtown area and it was here Mulder found the
anonymity he desired.  The small apartment reminded
him of his place in DC and he spent many hours,
stretched out on a previously used and abused sofa,
recovering from his Colorado escapade.

His lungs were clear, his ankle had healed and his
forehead just barely showed the scar from the blow to
his head when he had fallen.  Generally, he was
healthier than he had been in a long time, Scully would
be proud, he thought smugly.   Over the last few weeks
he had even begun jogging again, confident in the fact
that no one in Kalamazoo knew him and he, in turn,
knew no one in Kalamazoo.

It had taken several weeks before he ended up here.
Multiple buses, trains, a cab here and there and a rental
car somewhere in the middle under an unused alias
before settling on Kalamazoo. He found himself
fascinated with the town.  It was here, in 1992, Elvis
was sighted. There were witnesses who swore he stayed
at the local homeless shelter and worked at a nearby
Burger King.  This town had a history he simply could
not resist, after all, if it was good enough for the King,
it was good enough for him.

He was living under the name Will Samuels.  Papers
were easy to get, with the help of a few "lone" friends.
His landlord, relieved to rent the small apartment, asked
few questions.  It was located in a section of downtown
that was under construction.  Based on the dust, Mulder
suspected the apartment had been vacant for quite a
while.  His landlord collected the first and last month's
rent and only showed his face when money was due.

It would be quite a while before finances became a
problem so he didn't have to worry about finding local
employment.  He was already working on an article he
would sell through his on line contacts.   Working for
the FBI, he had made a decent side income publishing
in various paranormal and psychology journals under an
alias.  He assumed he could continue to do so if needed.

Bored, he began to think.  Thinking was still painful so
he threw on his running shoes and headed out the door.


Washington D.C
Scully sighed loudly as her most recent class exited.
Assigned to Quantico,  the future of the X-Files hung in
limbo.  She found herself stumbling between depression
over the loss of her best friend and the work she loved
followed by anger at Mulder for ditching her once
again.  On one hand her heart still ached at the pain and
loneliness he must be experiencing.  At the hospital in
Boulder, Mulder had urged her to stay with him but
when he was able he had ditched her and Skinner.  He
was like an abused puppy, cuddling in for care and
compassion one minute and then scurrying away to
avoid the kick that he was sure would  inevitably come.

Subsequent to his recent actions, she had thought he
had finally trusted her, believed in their partnership.
They had been through so much together, each
suffering the loss of family members.  He had been with
her every step of the way in her cancer fight.  Without
him she knew she would never have survived.

Looking up at the clock, she noted 5:00pm, she was
now free of her official duties.  She could continue her
search for clues as to Mulder's location.  Determined to
find him, she vowed not to return without him.  If he
needed time away from his life and the constant
conspiracies that seemed to surround him, she would
accept that but she would not leave him alone again.
He needed her even if he didn't know it and heaven help
her, she needed him.

Tiredly she made her way into her small office.  Paper
files, clippings and e-mails covered all possible
surfaces.  She knew Mulder could not stay away from
his X-Files.  She also knew he had taken copies of
many of the files with him.  When separated near
Boulder, he had left the files behind but she had no
doubt that, having read them once, he could pull any
detail back using his powerful photographic memory.
She pushed her glasses up firmly and began to work
through the stacks.  She had to find the connection.


Skinner's Office
"He's gone and, based on his actions in Colorado, he
wants to remain gone," Skinner asserted.  "I will no
longer use F.B.I resources to track a man who does not
want to be found."  "When  he's ready, he'll return."

Smoke curled lazily around the older man's head.  He
studied Skinner, wondering what game he was playing.
"As I understand it Walter, Agent Mulder violated
certain laws when he resigned without turning in his
weapons.  Also there is still some question as to the
information he took with him?"

"Mulder advised me, in writing, of the loss of his
weapon and agreed to cover the cost, which he has
through direct withdrawal from his last paycheck.  He
has also compensated the department for his computer
equipment.  Therefore, no charges will be filed."

"And the stolen information?"

"All files were retrieved," ensured Skinner, "now, if you
will excuse me, the F.B.I has much more important
cases to investigate than the whereabouts of one
wandering ex-agent."

The Cigarette Smoking Man maliciously extinguished
his cigarette in Skinner's coffee cup.  He stepped in very
close to Skinner and advised, "you think you are doing
him a favor by protecting him, by not making him a
fugitive.  The best thing that could happen to our Mr.
Mulder would be to be apprehended by a local police
officer and held until you could pick him up."  He
stepped away from Skinner and walked towards the
door, "by not searching for him, you have basically
signed his death warrant," and with that statement
made, he left the office.

Skinner's eyes blurred as he stared vacantly out his
office window.  What was it about Fox Mulder that
made you want to protect him and at the same time beat
the crap out of him?   They had found him once.  Once
found, they had done all they could to assure him of
their care and concern for him, their acceptance of him.
 Unfortunately, when they got too close, Mulder did
what he usually did, he shut down.  In the past, Mulder
would throw himself into a case or disappear on another
Samantha quest when people came too close, now
though he was out there alone, no friends, no family, no
quest.  Mulder with no quest was impossible to
imagine.

He could not ignore the bastard's warning about Mulder
though.  For some strange reason,  he sensed that even
the smoke-blowing blackguard did not want to see
Mulder dead.  It was obvious he felt Skinner was wrong
in not pursuing his obstinate ex-agent and bringing him
home.  Scully also felt that the chase must continue and
he had temporarily assigned her to Quantico in hopes it
would stop her from beginning her own obsessive
quest. He had seen her though, leaving very late with
heavy bags full of God knows what.  She would not
stop looking and if Skinner would not allow her to look
for him on company time, then she would, in typical
Scully fashion, look for him on her own time.

To be honest even he had been making discreet
inquiries where possible in an attempt to find Mulder's
money stash.  Yes, he had plenty of cash on him but
Skinner knew there was more in hiding and he knew
those three "friends" of Mulder had something to do
with it all.  If he could break them, he was sure he could
find Mulder.

Find Mulder indeed, what would they do when they
found him.  Put him in a straight jacket and lock him
away.  Drug him heavily until he began behaving in a
sane fashion, he laughed out aloud at that thought,
Mulder had never ever behaved in a normal fashion.
Reaching for his phone, he dialed Scully's number.  She
answered immediately, "Scully."

"Scully, can you please join me in my office as soon as
possible," Skinner clipped.

"I'm on my way sir," she advised and immediately
disconnected.


An Unknown Location.
Krycek was hitting another dead end.  Mulder appeared
to have vanished.  The problem, he suspected, was in
his own inability to profile Mulder.  In reality, Krycek
did not think Mulder was chasing an old case as Scully
seemed to believe.  No, he believed Mulder, who
naturally seemed to fall into odd situations, simply
decided to stop and hold up somewhere totally
unrelated to any case.  Mulder was always one to make
something interesting out of nothing and he suspected
Fox or whatever name he was traveling under, was
probably lying on a couch somewhere right now,
watching a porno film.  The question was exactly where
was that couch?

In many ways he and Mulder were the same, even more
so now that Mulder had gone on the run.  Another time,
another place they might even have been friends.  He
remembered fondly the time they had worked together.
Although Mulder had never really trusted Alex, he
couldn't help remembering the events prior to the
betrayal.  Mulder's mind was  fascinating to watch. He
had been envious of  his relationship with Scully.

When he found Mulder, what would he do?  There were
several options.  He could turn him over to the CSM as
assigned.  Perhaps, sell him to the highest bidder,
maybe to Scully.  Possibly keep him, hmmm,  keep
him, at least for a while.  This option held great appeal.
 He could ship him back to Russia and threaten him
with black cancer if he did not do exactly what Alex
ordered.  Such control over an old enemy was almost
erotic.  He smiled as he thought of the extreme
possibilities.  He winced at the sudden pain in his
shoulder.  Lately the prosthesis he wore caused him
much discomfort.  It didn't seem to fit correctly and he
had already begun to make inquiries into a new version.
 Damn, with all he'd seen you'd think someone would
have found a way to grow his arm back (a human arm).
 He shuddered as he thought back on that night, the one
and only time he had felt true fear.  His arm, or lack of
it, was Mulder's fault.  One more reason to find the sly
Fox...


Main Street, Kalamazoo
Oh, if only Scully and Skinner could see me now, he
thought as he made his way out of the local food
market.  He carried an overstuffed bag of groceries.
Chuckling to himself, he wandered down the main
shopping area of Kalamazoo.  It was a beautiful day and
even  the fact that he had not had more than eight hours
sleep in the last three days was not enough to dim his
cheery mood.  He stopped in front of an athletic store
absently viewing the latest in running shoes when he
noticed the man's reflection.  Startled, he looked
quickly over his shoulder, who was that?  He grimaced
as he realized the person reflected in the store window
was him.

His long hair was pulled back into a tale on his neck.
The  beard and mustache easily camouflaged his
youthful looks.  Unless he spoke, very few would be
able to recognize today's Fox Mulder as the perfectly
groomed FBI agent of recent months.  Pulling himself
away from his reflection, he looked around carefully.
He continued down the street paying special attention to
those passing by, you never know when Elvis or Scully
or hell, the Cancer Man for all he knew would show up.

As he continued home, he became aware of an alarm of
some sort sounding loudly from around the corner.
Curious, he followed the small crowd that moved
towards the sound.  Employees of the local telephone
company building came flooding out.  They moved
quickly fighting their panic.  Something had seriously
frightened these people.  It was obvious from their faces
that this was not just a false alarm.

Mulder skirted the edge of the crowd.  He wanted
nothing more than to question these people
immediately.  Unfortunately, he no longer had that
authority and giving in to his natural instincts could
land him in the same situation he had found himself in
Colorado.  He didn't want to run again so soon.  He just
wanted to be alone.  Holding himself back, he still
found himself unable to walk away from the activities.
One woman was near hysteria, her coworker holding
her gently trying to calm her.  Mulder moved closer.

"Did you see it Vickie, tell me," she pleaded, "did you
see it?"

"Honey I saw something but I'll be damned if I know
what it was."

"The smell," she shuddered, "the smell, it was evil!"

"I know and when that mist began to rise from the floor,
it was so cold, I almost, almost..."

The first woman realizing Vickie was just as upset as
she, hugged her friend tightly, "what Mary?"

"It was so cold," she shuddered in remembrance, "if you
hadn't pulled my arm I'm not sure I would have been
able to move."  Mary began to sob now and the women
clung to each other as the local police and fire
department burst onto the scene.  Mulder disappeared
into the crowd, reluctantly moving away from the
action.  The local news crew arrived on the scene and
he couldn't risk any more exposure.  As curious as he
was, he couldn't stay.

Skinner's Office
Scully straightened her jacket before entering Skinner's
external office area.  They had been through a lot
together lately but he was still her boss and old habits
die hard.  Sending a quick smile to his secretary, Scully
entered.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?"

Skinner looked up tiredly from his desk.  He looked
exhausted and  Scully guessed she was not the only one
losing sleep over Mulder.  "Please take a seat Agent
Scully," he instructed.  She sat and waited.

Skinner smiled as she sat quietly.  If Mulder were in the
same situation, he would be fidgeting in his chair.  Not
Scully though, she waited patiently for him to explain
why she was here.  Skinner stood and walked around to
the front of his desk.  Crossing his arms, he began,
"Scully, I know you have been spending a great deal of
your personal time attempting to find Mulder. "

Scully started, could it be that on top of not allowing
her to look for Mulder on bureau time, he was now
going to restrict her from looking for him on her own.
She straightened in her chair, pressing her lips together
tightly.

Skinner did not miss the drop in temperature, "I did not
call you hear to reprimand you Agent Scully although
you look as if you could use some rest," he added
gently.   He held up his hand to stop her response.  "I
was just wondering if you had made any progress?"

Scully relaxed, "nothing new sir, I've come to a dead
end in my review of the files Mulder took.  They're
interesting but I have called all local investigators as
well as some actual victims and none have heard from
anyone resembling Mulder."  She looked absently over
Skinner's right shoulder, tapping her nails steadily on
the chair arm.  "I'm not sure where to look next sir," she
admitted.

Skinner expected this.  Mulder was an exceptionally
intelligent man with many resources on line and off at
his disposal.  It should surprise no one that he would be
good at making himself disappear.

"Scully, what's the one thing we can count on when it
comes to Mulder," he asked.

"Sir."

"Seriously Scully, what is the one thing that happens
when Mulder is anywhere in the vicinity," he pushed.

Her lips quirked upwards as she thought about Mulder
from this perspective, "well, emergency rooms know
him by his first name."

"What else?"

"There's an increase in porno film rentals at any video
store within a five mile radius," she added.

Skinner laughed aloud at that, "and..."

She frowned, where was Skinner going here, "and what
sir."

"And how come, no matter where Mulder is, from the
Jersey Devil case to that Pusher character, what is it
about Mulder that acts as a magnet to strange and
unusual activities?"

"But sir, that's simply a result of his involvement in the
X-Files," Scully insisted.

"No Scully, think about it, Mulder got his nickname
before the X-Files.  He was unique and always found
himself in `spooky' situations long before his X-Files
assignment.  After all, where did he first come in
contact with the that man with the fish arm?  Think
about it Scully, he's been surrounded by the
unexplainable since he was born," he paused, "perhaps
even before."

Scully sat quietly for a minute then spoke, "Sir, with
your permission, I would like to begin monitoring all
unusual activities reported."

"That will be very difficult to do from your current
position in Quantico," Skinner stated flatly.

She sighed, for a moment she believed Skinner would
support her search for Mulder.

Skinner made his way back to his chair and sat down
heavily.  "Agent Scully," he informed, "you are
officially reassigned to the X-Files."

"Sir," Scully asked unsure she had heard correctly.

"You heard me Scully, where else to monitor unusual
activities than from that basement office."

She presented him with  the smile she usually reserved
for the side of Mulder's hospital bed.  Skinner actually
blushed never having been the recipient of such a sight
before.  She stood quickly, "Sir, with your permission,
I'd like to get started right away."

"One more thing Scully."

She stopped her exit, "yes sir?"

"I can't assign you another partner at this time, you need
to use extreme caution in all your actions.  If you are in
need of assistance or back up, you should contact me
and only me immediately, is that understood," he asked
sternly.  She must understand the importance of his
instructions.

"I understand perfectly sir," looking him directly in the
eyes, she added, "thank you sir, thank you very much."
With that, she left.  Any previous tiredness she had felt
had mysteriously disappeared.  She was going back to
the X-Files. She was going to find Mulder.  Committed
full time to this task, she knew she would not fail.

Mulder's Apartment
Mulder paced his small apartment anxiously, the local
news would not air for twenty minutes and he was
curious as to what had caused the evacuation of  the
building.  He decided he could wait no longer and
attempted to sign onto the Internet.  Perhaps the lone
gunmen knew something.  After several attempts it
became obvious that he was not going to get a
connection, his modem seemed unable to find a dial
tone.  He impatiently checked the line and instead of a
dial tone heard only a soft hum.  He plugged and
unplugged the line with no success.  Completely
frustrated now, he pulled out his cellular phone.  He had
purchased it from a nationwide cellular store on his way
to Michigan.  It was one of  those phones that you could
buy outright with no credit check.  You simply
purchased bulks of minutes.  It allowed him to continue
his dependency on his cell phone and still afforded him
the anonymity he required.  Dialing the repair number
for the local company, he waited ten minutes for an
answer.  Damn he hated wasting minutes on a
recording.  Finally a frazzled voice answered and
informed him that there had been an incident in their
Kalamazoo central office that had taken out the whole
town, estimated time of repair was 24 hours.  She
advised if he had urgent calls to make to do so at one of
the portable stations assembled in town.    Quickly
providing him with his closest location, she hung up.

The local news had just begun and Mulder sat on the
edge of his couch to watch.  An attractive anchor began
to speak...

"Mysterious mists, ghostly sounds and now all of
Kalamazoo has been cut off, at least from their phones,"
she stated in that superior little tone that clearly said, I
don't live in Kalamazoo and I think this is funny.
"Local telephone company employees evacuated their
Kalamazoo office today after the building began to
mysteriously fill with what one witness described as a
cold, ghostly fog."  With that they cut to film of one of
the building occupants.  The nervous witness described
how all calls disconnected with a loud harsh tone on the
line, followed by a ghostly moan.  The story went on to
describe the chaos as  hundreds of employees looked
down at their feet to view the clammy mist rising  from
the floor.  Those employees who didn't immediately
leave described the fog as feeling cold and clammy,
stating that their energy level seemed to immediately
drop.  As the mist rose, those people who still had on
their headset heard a ghostly moan.  Any hesitation on
their part disappeared and they rushed from the
building.

"Strangely enough, the central office facilities, although
apparently undamaged, have failed causing a massive
service outage affecting all lines serviced out of the
Kalamazoo office.  Local telephone company officials
have stated that their estimated time of repair is 24
hours.  Until then special trucks with cellular phones
are stationed at several sights within the city for local
residents to make emergency calls and to assure their
friends and families that they are indeed all right.
Kalamazoo police officials have promised additional
cars and officers will patrol the area, with cell phones,
in the event that any local emergencies occur and
residents are unable to get to these phone stations. We
will have more on this story as it develops," she closed.

The weather man joked, "I personally think Elvis had
something to do with it."

Mulder frowned and clicked off the TV.  Torn,  he
knew he should leave it alone.  He should hide until the
whole thing blew over. "Damn, damn, damn," he cursed
as he kicked over a nearby chair angrily.  "Why, no
matter where I am does this crap happen to me?  Why,"
he thought heavily, "do I let my fear of those bastards
stop me from doing what I love to do."  He fell onto the
sofa and leaned back against the worn cushions.  Shit,
he was just so fucking tired of everyone else running
his life.  Even out here, under a new name, he couldn't
escape it.  He rubbed his face harshly as if attempting to
erase who he was.  He despised this facial hair, he had
never been a fan of excess hair and between his face
and the hair that hung heavily on his neck, he felt well,
woolly.  Forcing himself to act quickly, he pulled out
his cell phone and dialed Scully's home number.  After
four rings, she picked up, her voice groggy from sleep.

"Scully."

The sound of her voice silenced him.  His finger
hovered over the disconnect button, why had he called
her?

Scully was immediately alert.  She repeated, "this is
Scully, who is this?"

Silence again, it was him.  She recognized Mulder's
silence.

"Mulder...is this you Mulder, please talk to me," she
pleaded softly.

It was then that she heard it, a choked sob.  "Oh
Mulder, I miss you, please talk to me, just let me hear
your voice," she felt her own tears begin to fall.

"Scully," he whispered, "Scully I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Mulder, I shouldn't have pushed you to come
back before you were ready," she soothed.   "Tell me
you're okay Mulder, I've been so worried about you."

"I'm," a pause, "fine."  He hesitated before adding,  "I, I
miss you too."

She grinned, Mulder missed her.

"Mulder, if you need anything, all you have to do is
ask."

Silence again, he pictured her standing in front of him.
He wanted to tell her all about what had happened
today, he wanted to ask her opinion on the story being
publicized, he wanted...he needed to see her.  Closing
his eyes, he grasped the phone with both hands,
"Scully....how are you?"

Scully answered automatically, "I'm fine."  Silence met
her response.

"God damnit Mulder," she shouted, "I'm lying, I am not
fine.  You are a major pain in the ass.  As partners
we've spent more time together in hospital rooms as we
have at work.  But the truth is I need you Mulder."
Then she decided to take the final risk, "when are you
coming home?"

Silence

"Mulder..."

"I can't come home Scully, I understand Skinner has
some trumped up charges outstanding against me.  I'm
not coming home just to go to jail," he said firmly.

"Mulder, Skinner had those charges dropped.  They
were only there because we were worried you might
hurt yourself when you first left...," she stopped here
not wanting to remind him of their previous meeting.

"I'm not going to hurt myself," he said defensively.

"Aren't you hurting yourself by staying away from me,"
hastily she added, "from us?"

"Scully, when I'm there they use everyone I care about
against me.  I don't know why they do it, all I know is it
hurts. I can't stand by any longer and watch them
systematically destroy everything and everyone I love,"
he was breathing harshly now, barely maintaining his
control.  She didn't want this conversation to end badly.
 It was important that he call her again.

"Everyone you love Mulder," she whispered.

"Uh Scully, I've got to go," he hedged.

"Why Mulder, why do you have to go," she asked.

Looking at the balance of  minutes available on his
phone, he knew they were about two minutes away
from disconnection.  "This phone is running out of
time," he explained not sure why he felt a need to.

"Find another phone," she instructed smoothly, "we
have more to talk about."

"Sorry Scully, they're all dea----," he stopped.  Damn
how does she do that?  "Gotta go Scully."

She heard the click but didn't want to end it, "Mulder,"
she shouted, "Mulder."  She was fully alert now.    He
had called her, he had actually called her.  It was almost
like old times.  Except in old times, she never would
have been so open with her feelings for  him nor he
with her.  He had actually used the "L" word, okay so it
wasn't the "L" word that said let's go do the wild thing
for 12 days straight but it was something.  She sighed
heavily,  he sounded so lost and vulnerable.  Reaching
for her phone, she dialed the F.B.I reference center.
Providing her name and badge number, Scully
requested a record of all major phone outages occurring
within the last twelve hours.  It was a long shot but it
just might work.  There would be no sleep tonight.


Unknown Location
He kicked his prosthesis across the room cursing and
rubbing his shoulder.  "Piece of fucking shit!"  With
that his cell phone rang.  "Yah," he snapped.

"Any new information on Mulder?"

Oh man, just what I need, he thought.  "He called her
last night," Alex reported.

"And..."

"And nothing, we were unable to get a trace.  The
phone was purchased in Ohio but can be used from
anywhere.  It was purchased under the name Charles
Smokeman, funny huh?"

"Oh yes, very amusing Mr. Krycek.  By the way, I
understand your arm, or lack of it, has been causing you
some problems."

"What the hell," he glanced quickly around for hidden
cameras, "do you have the whole fucking world wired?"

A dry chuckle traveled across the phone line, "Alex,
please I'm just trying to ...help."

"Right."

"Dr. Frances Sterwinski works for the Reiman
Corporation just outside of Battle Creek, Michigan.
He's expecting you tomorrow."

"And why should I trust you?"

"Alex," the voice cooed, "if you are not feeling...whole,
you cannot do your best work and right now I need your
best work.  Find Mulder and find him now!"

Alex quickly noted the rest of Dr. Sterwinski's
information and ended the call. "Damn you Mulder,
where the fuck are you?"

"Did he buy it,"  a soft voice asked.

The Cancer Man scowled, "I've practically handed him
Mulder on  a plate."

"Good, good," replied the gentle voice.  "I want Krycek
to be the one to apprehend him, it will make it all so
amusing."

Mulder's Apartment
"Samantha, Samantha," he called.  His younger sister
turned to him and smiled.   "Fox, you silly boy," she
scoffed, "why are you shouting, I'm right here."   With
that she ran towards him with a big smile and jumped
into his arms giggling all the way.  He held her tightly,
laughing and swinging her around joyously.  She was
here, everything would be fine.  Mom would be happy.
 She could sleep without pills.  Dad, perhaps Dad would
forgive him now.  She pushed herself out of his arms,
grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the park that
suddenly appeared.   "C'mon Fox, I want to swing."
With that she released his hand and jumped on the
swing.  "Push me Fox, push me high in the sky," she
pleaded.  Never able to refuse her anything, he threw
off his suit jacket and ran to join her, pushing her higher
and higher while she laughed wildly.

Hands gripped him painfully from behind forcing him
to his knees.  As he struggled, the unknown hands
pushed his face harshly into the soft playground fill.  He
heard her scream then, "Fox, Fox help me." Craning his
neck painfully, he pushed against his assailant.  Cancer
Man was pulling Sam away from him.  He was hurting
her.

"Leave her go you bastard," he cried.  His attacker
released him suddenly causing Mulder to fall  to the
ground.  Spitting out dirt he attempted to follow
Samantha when a boot slammed into his gut.  As he
struggled to catch his breath, he attempted to follow
her.  Hands pulled him to his feet putting him face to
face with his father.  Suddenly twelve again, he begged,
"please, please let me go to her."  His father reached out
to strangle him.  Mulder choked and attempted to push
himself away but, as always, his father was too strong.
His eyes and skin burned as he struggled to take a
breath.  Finally his father released his grip  and then
threw him, like garbage, against a nearby tree.

He couldn't move, he tried oh God how he tried but
once again he froze while Samantha disappeared.  It
was hopeless....he was hopeless, he didn't deserve her
love.

He awoke then and  threw himself off the couch.
Standing in the middle of the room, breathing hard and
covered with sweat he reran this latest nightmare
through his head.  This scene, this dream had never
happened, never could happen.  He had been an adult in
the dream and then later a child.  He made his way into
the bathroom and splashed some cold water over his
face, meeting his reflection in the mirror as he came up
for air.  Looking into his own troubled eyes he
wondered if it was possibly all a dream, was it real, did
any of it really happen, did Sam even exist?  "Jesus
Mulder, now you are truly beginning to lose it."
Wandering back into the living room, he reached for his
phone.  He needed to speak to his mother, she would
tell him Sam had been real, she would remember.  His
apartment phone, unfortunately, was now dead.  "Get
hold of yourself Mulder, you cannot call your mother
and ask her if your sister existed.  You might as well
just call Skinner now and ask him what psyche ward
you should check into."

In any case, he had slept his three hours for the night
and knew no more would follow.  The walls appeared
to be closing in on him.   Throwing on a sweatshirt and
sweatpants, he rushed from the apartment.  He needed
fresh air.  He needed to clear his head.

Main Street, Kalamazoo
Unplanned, he found himself standing in front of the
Telephone Company building staring up at the four-
story structure.  The building was unique in that it was
the only one Mulder had ever actually seen that was
tornado-proof.  Ugly steel shutters lined the building.
Under tornado conditions, they closed automatically.
The building was dark now except for the second floor.
There you could see a few late nighters just sitting
around.  Probably bored to tears Mulder thought
considering no one has a phone to call them.    As he
watched from the shadows of a large tree, Mulder saw a
specter, an apparition.  It floated softly behind a woman
employee.  The woman didn't turn or seem to sense
anything odd as she continued to talk to her coworker.
Mulder watched fascinated  as the phantom danced and
slithered around the building occupants.

"Hey, who's there," a rough voice shouted.

Mulder started realizing he was not alone.  He chided
himself for letting his guard down.  Lately he found
himself getting very sloppy.   What appeared to be a
security guard approached him hesitantly, flashlight
shining in Mulder's face.  Mulder raised his hand to
block the light, "sorry sir, I was just out for a run and
couldn't help but stop.  You know,"  he shrugged
sheepishly, "stop and see where the ghostly mist lived."
 What the hell, Mulder thought, honesty appeared to be
the best policy in this situation.

The guard gave him the once over again with his
flashlight.  Mulder looked harmless.  He turned to
carefully scan the building.  Mulder noted that the
phantom had disappeared.  Reaching into his shirt
pocket, the guard pulled out a pack of cigarettes and
offered one to Mulder.  He accepted and they both lit
up, admiring the building as they smoked.

"How long have you worked here," Mulder asked.

"Son, I've been with this company for 32 years," the
older man informed.

Mulder studied the guard carefully.  He didn't look old
enough to have put in 32 years on the job.

"Retirement doesn't appeal?"

"Well, it never did until recently that is.  I thought I'd
always work for this company but lately I've been
thinking about taking my retirement and walking
away," he stated sadly.

"What changed your mind," Mulder asked curiously.
The older man hesitated, taking another drag on his
cigarette.  Mulder mirrored his actions.  "The company
has changed since I was first hired.  In my day, people
were important.  Now all they talk about is how to get
rid of people.  How to pay people less and  how to send
our work somewhere else.  It's as if people are just not
important here."

"It can't be that bad, after all you've been here 32
years," responded Mulder.

"Well, if you've read the local newspaper lately, you
know they are planning on cutting back another 20% of
the workforce.  These people were scared!  You should
have seen their faces the day they announced it.....," he
shook his head.  "Of course," he added, "it was nothing
like how they looked later on that day when the
building had to be evacuated."

Mulder froze, unsure of  the connection, "are you
saying that the day they announced the cutbacks was
the same day this incident happened?"

"Well, yes son I guess I am.  Never really put the two
together before but it was the same day.  The only thing
that would have made it stranger was if it were Friday
the 13th."  Laughing hard at his own joke, he punched
Mulder in the arm.  Mulder stumbled and instinctively
rubbed the spot.  Shaking his head at this stranger's
apparent weakness, he started back towards the
building.  "Breaks over, gotta get back to work.  See
you around kid."

"Yah, thanks, thanks for the smoke," he called.  He
dropped the half smoked butt to the ground and
stomped it out.  That was one habit he had no intention
of picking up again.

As he made his way back to his apartment, he couldn't
resist another look over his shoulder.  Seeing nothing,
he jogged back to his apartment, grabbed his pack with
the laptop and headed to the emergency phone stations.
It was a relief to see no film crews, in fact, there were a
dozen phones open for use.  He chose the most private
one and plugged in his modem.  He would have done
his own research on this one but, due to the phone
problems could not.  Instead he sent off a quick note to
Frohike asking for help.  Scanning the area carefully, he
saw nothing unusual and decided to stay plugged in for
another minute or two.  With any luck, Frohike was on
line.

His mail announcement sounded loudly.

Good to hear from you old friend.  Will begin search
right away and mail you results.

DC not the same without you, any chance we can meet
up?

***

Pleased to catch Frohike on line, he typed off his
response.

***
I appreciate your assistance.  Too soon to come home,
too dangerous to meet on the road.

Keep me in the loop on any "unusual" incidents.  You
know how I love good fiction.

***

"Damn," Frohike cursed, he'd hoped Mulder would be
open to a meeting.  The gunmen worried about Mulder.
 Lately too many people were after him.

Washington D.C.  - Basement Office
Scanning the telephone repair data, Scully felt her eyes'
water then blur.  Who would have ever thought there
were so many outages, one would almost suspect a
conspiracy afoot.  For complete city/town outages she
had finally  narrowed it to thirty sights in the United
States.  She was assuming he was in the states but, then
again, that could be a bad assumption.

Clinton, IL
Denton, OR
Jackson, SC
Kalamazoo, MI
Lovell, NY
and the list went on...

Scully reviewed the reason codes to determine why the
outages occurred.  Only two remained unexplained.
Kalamazoo Michigan was still unresolved.  Syvania
was back in service but the cause of the outage was still
unknown.  She reached for the phone and contacted  the
Michigan Telephone Company.

After many transfers, Scully found herself talking to a
Mr. Nowicki.  The smooth-talking Mr. Nowicki was
exceptionally good at avoiding her questions.

"Are you telling me Mr. Nowicki, that Kalamazoo, still
has no phone service," she asked.

"Well, Agent Scully, that is true but our people are
working around the clock to resolve this issue.  May I
ask why the F.B. I is interested in a phone outage," he
queried suspiciously.

"I believe a suspect I am tracking may be in the
Kalamazoo area based on some comments that were
made regarding problems with the local service," no lie
there she thought.  In  her mind  Mulder's actions were
always suspect.

"Oh, I see, then this is not an investigation of our
company but of an individual," he asked, his PR voice
slipping a bit.

"Absolutely Mr. Nowicki, I have no reason to suspect
your company of any wrong doing.  Can I ask Mr.
Nowicki, what do you think caused the outage?"

"Well, if you believe some of our employees who
appeared on the local news, ghosts of Native American
Indians," he laughed.

"Ghosts!"

"But," he stressed logically, "since ghosts do not exist I
think it will probably all come down to some strange
problem with our internal equipment, we are always
having problems, off the record, of course."

"Of course," Scully agreed, "you've been very helpful
Mr. Nowicki.  If I need to visit your Kalamazoo office
for any reason, can I contact you?"

"Most definitely Agent Scully, I will be more than
happy to help."

Disconnecting the line, Scully once again dialed her
reference library.  "Give me everything you have on the
recent phone outage in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Yes,"
she repeated, "Kalamazoo, K-A-L-A.....

Skinner's Office
Skinner had listened carefully to Scully's suspicions.
Her flight left in two hours.  He sighed heavily, eyes
darkening as he considered their next steps.

"I can't go with you this time, if I do they'll  follow."

She had thought of that and wondered if she would
have to debate the issue with him.  As it was Skinner
was an  intelligent man and understood the
consequences of traveling with her.

"Do you think you can talk him into returning," he
asked.

Scully considered his question carefully, "I don't know
sir but....," she paused.

"But what Scully...," he pushed.

"Sir, if he won't return, I won't leave him alone again.  I
know he's a grown man and I know he is perfectly
capable of taking care of himself but....   Well, I just
might want to stay with him for a while until I know he
really is okay."

"How will your mother react to such a decision Agent
Scully," Skinner asked harshly.

Scully glared at Skinner, he was not playing fair.  "Sir, I
believe my mother will understand my actions.  She
also cares for Mulder, more than he knows,  and would
never desert him when he needs us the most."

Skinner was silent for a while.  Scully fidgeted
nervously in her chair.  Damn, he thought, my two best
agents, two people I care about more than I want to
admit, possibly lost from his company forever.  "I hope
that doesn't become necessary Scully, I would miss
having the two of you around," he admitted.

Scully smiled, "and regardless of what Mulder says, we
would miss being around here.  Sir, I don't know what
it's going to take to convince him but I have to try.  He's
my partner, my friend and, if the situation were
reversed, he would never stop looking for me or you for
that matter."

Skinner nodded his agreement.  "You're right Scully.  I
just hope you can convince him it's help we're
offering."

"I do to sir.  But sir, if I do have to stay with him for a
while, may I ask you a personal favor?"

"Anything Scully."

"Could you...," she paused, "could you check in on my
mom, make sure she's okay?"

"Of course Scully but she won't be happy with your
decision no matter what you believe," he stressed.

Scully nodded, eyes down, "I know sir, I don't want to
do this but I just can't stand the thought of him being on
his own.  Sometimes he's just so, well so helpless,"
Scully finished.

Skinner snorted, "Scully, Mulder is not helpless!  He
has eluded our attempts to find him extremely well.  He
probably has Cancer Man and his cronies running
around in circles.  Think about it," he insisted, "this
whole time he's had a cash stash I would suspect no one
but those three strange friends of his knew about."
Unrelated Skinner added,   "you know I always
wondered how he could afford his clothes.  In any case
Agent Scully, Fox Mulder is NOT helpless.  If he
decided to move to the dark side I personally do not
think any of us would have a chance!"  That said
Skinner returned to his desk and sat.

Scully stood to leave, "he may be clever sir but that
doesn't mean he doesn't need our help.  I know he
needs me even if he doesn't."  She stopped at the door,
"I have a plane to catch sir, I'll call you when I know
more."

Skinner watched as she left his office.  After a few
minutes he called in his secretary and cleared his
calendar.  That done, he headed to his car to begin his
very long drive.  No way he was going to lose these two
without a fight.

Kalamazoo, Michigan - downtown area
Scully arrived that evening into the Kalamazoo Airport.
She immediately rented a car and headed towards
downtown Kalamazoo approximately twenty minutes
away.  She had hoped to be in earlier but, as luck would
have it, her flight landed late and now it was probably
too late to begin her search.  Pulling up to the front of
the Valley Hotel, she parked and checked in.

In her room, Scully found she could not stop thinking
about him.  He was here, she could feel him.   Gazing
out her seventh floor hotel room, her eyes traveled over
the downtown area surrounding the hotel.  Off to her
left looked to be a lovely park and though late, the park
appeared well lit and sparsely populated with some late
evening walkers.  Probably students she thought, she
had seen signs on her way from the airport pointing out
directions to the state college.  Pulling on her jeans and
a loose sweatshirt, she prepared for an evening walk.
She pocketed her wallet and stowed her gun underneath
her waistband below the sweatshirt.  That done, she
headed for the park.  As she strolled through its' trails,
she found herself examining each occupant hopefully.

Heading further and further onto the campus grounds,
she stopped when she found an entrance to the school's
outdoor track.   She pushed through the gate wondering
as she did if Mulder had done the same not so long ago.
He ran daily back home.  He swore it helped him think.
Scully always suspected it helped him NOT think.  She
climbed up the stairs that lead to the brightly lit field.
There were only three runners in total.  Two appeared
to be a couple, talking as they jogged slowly around.
The other was alone, a tall slim man running graceful
laps.  From this distance it could be him, she moved in
carefully for a closer look.  Seating herself three rows
back from the front, she could see it was Mulder.  She
frowned as she took in his appearance, gaunt and thin.
She couldn't evaluate his general color as he appeared
to have grown an incredible amount of hair in such a
short time.  His face hidden by a short beard and
mustache, she barely recognized him.  Let's not forget
that pony tail bouncing off the back of his neck.  She
was never going to let him live this one down.  She
continued to sit quietly, watching his every move,
memorizing every detail.

He stopped, did he sense her presence?  The two other
runners veered sharply around him just barely avoiding
a collision.  He never moved as his sharp eyes scanned
the bleachers.   After a moment, he saw her, she could
tell the exact second he found her, his back stiffened
and he stepped back cautiously continuing to scan the
area around her for others.  Those two steps tore her
apart more than she would ever admit.  Every bone in
her body screamed for her to run to him, to grab hold of
him and never let him go but Scully knew if she gave
into her instincts she would lose him.  He stood frozen
for what seemed like forever.  She saw him sigh,
shoulders drooping a bit as he took his first step
towards her.  She waited.

Only a few feet away now, she stood to meet him.
Their eyes met, hers open and pleading, his wary and
cautious.

She reached her hand to his face and gently pushed a
strand of hair back behind his ear.  Smiling softly, she
marveled at its silky texture.  "Has anyone ever told you
you'd make a beautiful girl Mulder," she chided.  His
eyes, his lovely eyes crinkled in amusement, "only
Krycek and, to be honest Scully, it scared the hell out of
me."

This time he reached out his hand for hers and
tentatively linked their fingers.  "Well," said Scully,
"don't judge Alex too harshly, he has very good taste."

"Yah well," he shrugged,  "why are you here Scully and
why, no matter where I go, do you always find me?"

"Mulder you always told me to be open to extreme
possibilities.  I called one of your 900 numbers, a
psychic, and asked where you were, it was amazing,"
she joked.

Looking over her shoulder, unable to meet her eyes, he
responded sadly, "I don't think that was one of my 900
numbers."

He looked so damn fragile.  It was as though at any
minute he was going to fly into a million pieces.  He
appeared older, his skin a little tighter, a few more
worry lines around his eyes.  When they first met he
exuded fresh-faced innocence.  Many had
underestimated him.  He had been so young and
idealistic.  "Mulder, I'm staying at the Valley Hotel
down the street, I don't suppose I can talk you into a
pizza or something?"

He blinked rapidly, could he trust her?  Scanning the
area, he assured himself once more that she had come
alone.  Hesitantly he asked  "if you like Scully we can
pick it up and eat at my apartment, it's nearby."

She grinned and gripped his hand more tightly, "I'd like
that Mulder, I'd like that a lot."  Inside she was
celebrating, he still trusted her she had been so sure he
would not.

"This way," he guided her back into the heart of
downtown Kalamazoo.   It would take about twenty
minutes for the pizza to be ready so they sat on a little
bench in front of the restaurant and waited.  They talked
of trivial things,  gossip about other agents, how her
mother was feeling, what a lovely city Kalamazoo was,
everything and anything  except what they needed to
talk about.  Scully refused to push, she would not lose
him again.  "Sorry for the wait Scully, if the phones
weren't still dead," giving her a hard stare, "we could
have had it delivered."

"I'm in no hurry Mulder, I can stay as long as you like,"
she was putting the ball in his court, letting him stay in
control.  "Although while I'm here I may want to pay a
visit to the local phone office, I hear they have a bit of
an X-File," she teased.

He nodded, again turning away from her.  He was doing
that a lot, she noticed.   He hadn't turned quickly
enough though, she saw the hurt in his eyes.  What had
she said?  Just then the waiter came outside with their
pizza and soda.  Mulder, grateful for the distraction,
paid him and grabbed the bag.  "Let's go Scully."  He
led her several blocks away to an older looking barber
shop called Sir Andres.  Walking around to the side of
the building, she followed him carefully up the rickety
stairs.  Once inside, he headed for the couch and
dumped the pizza on the coffee table.  He fell heavily
onto the sofa.

In this light Scully studied him carefully.  He appeared
recovered from his previous injuries but was still
looking a bit haggard.  She wondered when was  the
last time he had had a real meal, with vegetables.  It
was clear he wasn't sleeping.  She wondered what
nightmares, old or new, haunted him now.

She sat beside him on the couch, the old cushions
causing her to sink deeper than she would have liked.
Mulder placed his hand on her back and pushed her up
from the pad.  Handing her a piece of pizza on a paper
plate, he then grabbed a large slice for himself and
began eating.  She ate in silence as well, when he was
ready he would talk to her.

The pizza gone, he grabbed for the remote and switched
on the TV.  After twenty minutes of channel surfing and
a now noticeably silent Scully, he turned it off.
Abruptly he stood, stretching out his long lean body.

"I can't go back," he stated flatly.

"Then I'll stay," she answered in a neutral tone.

He whirled to face her, shocked at her response.   "You
don't mean that Scully," he said tightly, seemingly
angry at her for even suggesting such a thing.

She maintained her composure, "I mean it Mulder.  I
want to stay with you...that is, if you'll let me?"

Staring back out the window, she heard him mumble,
"let you, how could I stop you?"

She stepped up behind him and impulsively wrapped
her arms around him, laying her cheek on his back.  His
eyes closed in pain, how long since someone who cared
about him touched him?   He leaned his forehead
against the chilly window pane. She tightened her hold
on him unwilling to set him free.  They stood this way
for a long time.

Reiman Corporation, Battle Creek, MI
Alex flexed his new arm carefully, it was perfect.  Dr.
Stewinski had tried several models on him and together
they had determined this was the one that would best
suit him.  It was too perfect and Alex suspected a set
up.  Unfortunately beggars could not be choosers.
Right now, he was content to accept that black-lunged
bastard's charity.  If it meant walking around with no
more pain, he was game.  Dr. Sterwinski finished his
examination and declared him fit to go.

"How much do I owe you doc," he asked.

"It's already been cared for Mr. Krycek," he informed.

Alex flushed, he would have preferred to pay.   "Okay,
have it your way."  With that  he shrugged into his
black leather coat.

"Mr. Krycek, are you staying in the area long," he
asked.

Puzzled Alex responded, "I don't think so."

"Oh, that's funny, your friend that said you had an
appointment in Kalamazoo, I guess I just assumed...."

Alex froze, it all made sense now, it was a set up but the
set up was on Mulder, not Alex.  "Kalamazoo ....and
how would I get to Kalamazoo?"

Mulder's Apartment
He was in the park again pushing his laughing
Samantha higher and higher.  His father approached and
began shouting at him.  He couldn't understand the
words but he recognized his own fear as his father
moved closer.  He turned at her scream only this time
the scream was Scully's.  "Mulder, help me Mulder, I
need you," she pleaded helplessly.    He looked up to
see Cancer Man dragging her off into a thick  fog.  He
tried to follow but found himself paralyzed, his father
standing before him with a look of such hatred in his
eyes.  "You are worthless Fox, everything you touch
dies."  With that he began to beat a suddenly younger
Fox with the leather strap he kept for just such
occasions.  Mulder cringed from the belt but understood
in order to get to Scully, he would have to get past his
father.  With every attempt to pass the beating became
more severe.  With every lash, Scully's screams became
further away.  "Scully," he shouted, "I'm sorry Scully..."

He awoke with a gasp, throwing himself off the couch
as though it were on fire.  Covered in sweat, his heart
beat painfully in his chest.  He couldn't breathe and
leaned bent in half against the nearest wall.  Small, firm
hands reached for him and helped him into a sitting
position on the floor.   A small paper bag appeared over
his mouth, he attempted to push it away, but she would
allow no such action.

"It's okay Mulder, just relax," she soothed, "come on
now, breathe."

His panicked eyes found her calm face and he began to
breathe slowly.   "You're okay," he croaked.

"I'm fine Mulder, just breathe," she ordered.

After a few minutes, his heartbeat returned to normal.
He pushed the bag away, closed his eyes and leaned his
head back against the wall.  The floor was cold and
Scully reached over for a throw near the couch and
began wrapping it around him.

"What is it Mulder?"

He kept his eyes closed, if he couldn't see her then she
must not be here.  If she's not here then she couldn't
have witnessed his most recent anxiety attack.  She was
simply offering comfort when she reached out to rub his
shoulder.  She froze as he pulled away.  His rejection of
her hurt.  He realized immediately what he had done
and opened his eyes to meet hers.

"I'm sorry Scully, sometimes.....," he struggled for the
words, "sometimes it hurts to be touched."  He begged
her with his eyes to understand.    Suddenly realizing
how late it was he asked incredulously "did I fall asleep
on you?"

She smiled, "don't you remember, I was talking to you
about my Mom and the next thing I know you're
snoozing on my shoulder."

"How long have I been out?"

"About five hours," she answered.

"Five hours," stunned he asked, "you stayed?"

"I told you I was staying and I meant it although I
would like to go back to the hotel and shower, maybe
pick up my luggage."

He pulled himself up off the floor and headed to the
kitchen sink.  He ran the water cold then filled his glass.
In three swallows it was gone.  Turning from the sink
he met her with a deceptively innocent expression on
his face.  Eyes wide, mouth quirked upwards in one
corner he asked, "Scully, are you moving in with me?"

She hesitated, a bit disconcerted by her own answer,
"well Mulder, yes....yes I guess I am asking to move in
with you."

Shaking his head he said, "I can't let you do this Scully,
I won't take you away from your family or from your
career."

"Mulder, it doesn't have to be forever, just until you feel
comfortable enough to come home," she insisted.

"I'm not coming home Scully," he stressed.

"Mulder, there are people that care about you."

"There are people that hate me enough to hurt the
people I care about."

"Your Mom has already called trying to reach you," she
matched.

"She was just calling to remind me what a screw up I
am Scully," he said sadly.

"You are the best agent Skinner has ever had on his
team," she added.

His eyes narrowed at that statement, "he said that?"

"Well, now that I think about it, he said the two of us
were his best team," she cracked.

He rewarded her with a quiet chuckle.  "I'm serious
Mulder, Skinner respects you and your work and he
wants you to return as badly as I do."

Like quick lightening his mood changed, "why, so you
can both have me institutionalized?"

"All right, I deserve that, hell, Skinner and I both
deserve that but we were only trying to help Mulder.  I
honestly thought you were going to, to....," should she
continue, "hurt yourself."
"I was also being selfish because I didn't want to even
think of a world without you in it.   I shouldn't have
tried to control you like that Mulder, I'm sorry.  I was
just so damned worried about you."

"I  do believe you Scully, but it doesn't change the fact
that being my ally, my friend, puts you and Skinner in
danger.  I barely survived your abduction, I know I
couldn't forgive myself if you disappeared again
or...worse."

A phone rang at that moment and Mulder automatically
reached to pick up his apartment phone line.

"Mu....,  Hello" he answered roughly.  An odd, high-
pitched wailing screeched through the phone line into
his ear.  "Damn," he cursed pulling the phone away.  It
sounded like someone or....something was in pain.
"Scully," eyes glistening with excitement, he handed
her the phone.  She listened intently for approximately a
minute, puzzled she asked, "what is it Mulder, line
interference?"

"If it is Scully, it's the strangest line interference I
ever heard, it sounds almost," Mulder presented her with  
a wicked grin, "spooky."

Scully's eyebrow rose skeptically, "Mulder, surely
you're NOT saying  ghosts caused Kalamazoo's recent
phone outage?"

Strangely encouraged by her disbelief, Mulder rushed
on, "Scully, did you know that their building had to be
evacuated after a strange fog, fog Scully, not smoke,
began to fill the building?"

She nodded watching his excitement grow.

"Did you know that office is built on an ancient Indian
burial ground," he added. "And did you also know that
the whole town of Kalamazoo has been out of service
ever since.  Except for the occasional," leaning in to her
intimately, "ghost call?"

"Mulder," Scully reasoned pleased they were working
as  partners again, "I spoke to a representative from
their company.  He assured me its  just central office
difficulties."

"Of course they're going to give you that official line of
crap but Scully, you weren't there when those people
were evacuated.  They were truly frightened," he
insisted.

"You were there Mulder, you questioned them?"

Looking down, he shuffled his feet a bit stalling, "no
Scully, not exactly."

"What exactly?"

He could tell by the stiff set of her shoulders she would
not let it drop.  "I was just walking by, grocery
shopping actually," he informed, "when it happened and
I just might have hung around long enough  to overhear
some of them talking."

"And...?"

"And....and....nothing Scully.  I mean I might have gone
back there and I don't know, talked to a guard or
something," he admitted.

"Mulder," Scully laughed, "what is it about you that
causes these things to just happen?  Can't you see, this
is just another example of why you belong back with
me on the X-Files, you could be investigating this from
the inside if you would just reconsider your decision."

He began to pace, she had a point, he knew she had a
point.  From the smug look on her face and  her crossed
arms, she knew she had a point too.  He hated when this
happened.  He couldn't argue with her logically because
right now he would like nothing better than to be in that
building trying to figure out what had occurred.
Equipment problems, my ass, he thought.  On the other
hand, he was unconvinced that if he went back the
people in the white coats would not be waiting.  There
were some things even Scully could not stop.  He knew
if he went back the only way to get his badge reinstated
would be to go through some type of psychiatric
evaluation.  He didn't think he was strong enough to get
through that at this point.  Such an evaluation might
find him in a situation he could not easily extricate
himself from.  He continued to pace.

Scully watched quietly, she knew she had scored a
point.  From the pained look on his face and his
constant pacing, he knew it too.  She loved when this
happened.  He couldn't argue with her logically because
logically she knew he would like nothing better than to
be investigating this case.  He already knew more about
it than she did and she had already read quite a bit while
traveling to Kalamazoo and interviewed a
representative from the company.  Maybe,  if together
they could work through this case, he would see what
he had given up.  Skinner would be furious with the
thought of a civilian portraying himself as FBI during
an investigation but.... it was really just a technicality.
Decided now, she was willing to take the risk.  She
must regain his trust.

"Mulder," he continued to pace, "Mulder," she stepped
in the path of his next step.  He stopped.

"What if," she said hesitantly, "what if we were to, oh I
don't know, drop in on the sight and maybe ask a few
questions, look around  a bit...?"

Mulder's eyes gleamed with new hope and fascination,
"Scully, are you saying what I think you're saying?
Wouldn't it be illegal for me to represent myself as an
agent in this investigation?"

Scully gifted him with her most stoic expression, then
suddenly smiled, "I know Mulder, you can be
my....consultant."

"Consultant, what kind of a consultant?"

"How about a Paranormal Communications
Consultant," she offered barely controlling her laughter.

"Well Scully, I'd have to have some business cards
made, how about Will Samuels, P.C.C, Ghostbusters,
Inc.?"  With that they both cracked up laughing, it was
good to be together again.

"Tomorrow Scully, can we go tomorrow," he begged.

Smiling she held up her hand for silence, "maybe
Mulder, I'll call Mr. Nowicki and ask him for access."
She began to circle him slowly scrutinizing his beat up
sweats and his very hairy countenance.  Mulder was
beginning to feel like one of his sunflower seeds must
right before he was going to bite it.  Finally, she spoke,
"Mulder, there are a few things we need to take care of
if we're going to pull this off."

"Scully.....I don't like the way you're looking at me."

"Just relax Mulder and," she said hopefully, "trust me."
 His hazel eyes met her blue and in them he found his
partner, his friend.  "I trust you Scully," he said simply.

"Good," she said in a matter of fact tone, time to play
her trump card.  "Mulder, I'm going to go back to my
hotel and grab a shower.  I want you to meet me in
room 741 at 9:00am sharp, we have work to do.  Later
I'll check out and move in here with you."

"Scully, you don't need to move in here," he hedged
uncomfortably.

"We have a case to work on Mulder and since I doubt I
can talk you in to staying at the hotel, we'll have to
work here."

"Well, since it's easier for you...."

"Oh yes Mulder, it will be much easier for me and
besides I need to start a new X-File."

"For this case Scully," he asked a bit confused.

"No Mulder, while I usually believe that Science can
offer us an answer in almost every situation, I can only
assume that some incredible paranormal influence must
have influenced you," she stated mysteriously.

"I don't understand."

She paused before the open door, "grocery shopping
Mulder, it's simply unexplainable."

Mulder laughed, "All right Scully, I deserve that."
Shaking his head, he glanced outside, "do you want me
to walk you back to the hotel Scully?"

She looked at the time, 5:50am, through the window
she was already seeing signs of morning life.  "No need
Mulder, it's only a few blocks away and," she patted her
back, "I'm armed."  Instinctively he rubbed his
shoulder, "are you sure?"

"I'm sure," and with that she grabbed her purse and
jacket and headed for the door.  She was taking a
chance leaving him on his own but she knew if she
didn't show her trust in him, he would never allow her
close again.  Turning back from the open door, she
smiled and reminded, "9am Mulder, room 741, don't be
late," and left.

Stunned, Mulder realized she had left him alone.
Lowering himself tiredly on the couch, he leaned back
heavily into the pillows.  He had wanted to trust her, to
believe her and, in fact, he did.  He would be lying if he
said that he wasn't a little concerned that eventually the
door would open and Skinner would drag his sorry ass
back to DC.  Somewhere in the night though he had
begun to trust her again.  What else would explain how
easily he slept in her presence.  Emotionally exhausted
his eyes closed.

Scully found herself humming softly as she walked
back to the hotel.  She found him, he was okay, well
maybe not 100% but a lot better than she expected.
Best of all Mulder and her were going to work a case
together again.  Frowning suddenly, she reminded
herself to contact Skinner.   She wasn't sure how much
was safe to tell him on his office phone, oh and there
was also that hair appointment.  She began to build a
mental checklist as she made her way back.

So intent was she on her daily plans, she never noticed
the handsome man staring at her from the coffee shop
as she passed.  Had she noticed, she would have found
herself being followed back to the hotel.  As she entered
the elevator, Krycek made note of her floor.  Finding a
little restaurant area just to the left of the front desk,
Alex ordered a little breakfast and calmly began reading
the newspaper.  Where Scully was, Mulder could not be
far behind.  Regardless of their recent falling out, Alex
knew their partnership was solid and that all he had to
do was be patient and the Fox would be his.  He smiled
and began his own mental checklist of what he would
do to Mulder when he had him all to himself.


Valley Hotel - Room 741:  9:00AM
Mulder had just raised his hand to knock on Scully's
door when it opened.  She had been waiting anxiously
worried that maybe she had made the wrong decision
when she left him alone.  Seeing him here, on time and
ready to begin a new adventure, she knew she had made
the right decision.   Smiling she waved him into the
room.  He entered slowly, he wanted to trust her but he
still expected some type of trick.

"I ordered breakfast for both of us, you look like you
could use a little fattening up there," she teased noticing
his quick study of the room.

Mulder ran his hands over his lean middle and
shrugged, "morning Scully." He examined the food
carefully finally settling on  a cup of coffee and an
apple.

Shaking her head in disapproval, she pushed, "come on
Mulder, eat something."

"I'm fine," he insisted softly.  He was tense, she could
see he wasn't comfortable here.  He wouldn't sit down
and eat.  He was always watching, always prepared,
ready to run.  He leaned against the wall next to the
window carefully placing his body to allow him a view
of the front of the hotel as well as full range of her
room.  She sighed, this was going to take some time.

He had come today in  a pair of jeans and casual shirt.
She hated the facial hair though, his face well it was
beautiful and regardless of this situation, it was a crime
to cover it with all that damn hair.  He bit the apple and
waited patiently for her next move.  Pouring herself a
cup of coffee, she began, "Mulder I have laid out  a plan
for us to get into the building this afternoon.  But first
we have work to do," she allowed her eyes to wander
up and down his figure.

Mulder raised his eyebrow in a perfect imitation of
Scully, "and what would that work entail Agent
Scully?"

"Well," standing directly in front of him now she
reached out and flicked his pony tail playfully, "while I
fully appreciate your little attempt to become one with
the 60s Mulder, you are hardly FBI consultant material
here."

He walked to the mirror and studied his reflection.  He
had become a bit lax in is hygiene but he found he
called less attention to himself as he was.  "I know what
you're thinking Scully but...well no one even notices me
as I am and," he paused looking down, "I prefer that."

After all these years it still amazed her how little he
thought of his looks.  Bearded or not he called attention
to himself with his runner's body,  deep thoughtful eyes
and yes, even that innocent grin he flashed only
occasionally.  Of course it was his mouth that usually
caused women and often, men,  to stare and the beard
and mustache did successfully cover that feature.

"Mulder, give it up," she grabbed hold of his short
beard and pulled it gently, "and don't let this go to your
head but, a man who looks like you will always attract
attention."

Mulder's eyes widened in stunned surprise and Scully
could have sworn he actually blushed (hard to tell), "Uh
Scully, I didn't think you noticed such things," he
stuttered.

"Liar," she accused, "let's go Mulder, you have a hair
appointment."

"A what?"

"You heard me."

"But Scully..." he whined.

"No buts Mulder, we have a lot to do before our 1:00pm
appointment.  They are giving us full access to the
building Mulder, you do want full access, don't you?"

"All right, ," he pouted as he stroked his mustache
already bidding it farewell, "but before we go, can I use
your phone?  I noticed the switchboard was working
when I walked in," he added.

"Sure Mulder but who....never mind, go ahead," she
agreed.  "I'll meet you in the lobby, okay?"

"I'll be right there Scully," he promised.

After she left he dialed Frohike.  "OFF," Mulder
snapped, to the voice who answered.

"It's off," Frohike confirmed, "good to hear from you
my friend.  Is it possible the lovely Dr. Scully has
caught up with you?"

Mulder frowned, "why do you ask?"

"Tsk, tsk Mulder, just trying to protect your back.
We've been monitoring her activities closely."

"How closely," Mulder growled.

"No pictures Mulder, if that's what you mean.
Although," he whispered, "the thought had crossed my
mind."

"Frohike," Mulder warned.

"I know, I know, double prints for you," he teased.

"What did you find?"

"Not much really.  The land was deeded to the U.S. by
the Potawatomi Indians in the early 1800's.  There's
some mention of a tragedy that befell the tribe after the
agreement but no real details.  The only thing we can
tell you is that a whole tribe was wiped out, very
strange."

"Okay Frohike, thanks for the information."

"So," Frohike asked, "how are you and Scully enjoying
the lovely Celery City?"

Mulder hesitated, unsure how to answer, "it's...fine."

"Be careful Mulder, we haven't been able to track
Skinner for the last twelve hours.  He could be on his
way."

"She....she seems to understand  that I won't be back,"
he stuttered.

Frohike sighed, "I hope so Mulder but, watch your
back.  It's not that we won't visit you occasionally at the
institution, it's just we were hoping it would not be
necessary."

"I'll be careful Frohike," he promised, "and...well
thanks and tell the guys thanks.  I don't know what I
would have done without all of you."

If it was possible to hear a blush, Mulder was sure
Frohike had just turned beet red.  "Anytime Mulder,
anytime."  With that the phone went dead.

Michigan Telephone Company 12:45pm
She couldn't stop staring at her Mulder.  Clean shaven,
hair newly shaped into a shorter, more attractive style,
he was perfect. They had purchased a new suit at
Gilders, a downtown department store.  It wasn't the
quality he usually wore but he made it look good.  He
sat quietly through all the preparations but now, just
steps away from a mystery, he fidgeted anxiously,
wanting nothing more than to push his way into the
building.  She reached out and pulled on his arm,
"relax Mulder or should I say Mr. Will Jackson,
Consultant."

"At your service ma'am," he replied charmingly.
Together they walked into the main entrance of the
building.  The security guard, a black woman with what
appeared to be a permanent look of suspicion in her
eyes scrutinized their identification carefully.  She spent
twice as much time on Mulders (or Will's),  and he was
sure she sensed it was a fake but didn't dare say based
on the obvious authenticity of Scully's badge.  He
sighed heavily, he had enjoyed the authority his badge
allowed.  Unfortunately that right was no longer his.
Scully noticed his silence but knew she couldn't
confront it here in front of strangers.

As they waited for the office manager Caroline
Rantoole to come down to the main lobby, they couldn't
help noticing another group of visitors in the area.  Four
men and one woman, company Ids clipped neatly to
their jackets entered the building.  They paused and
huddled together in the corner of the corridor obviously
making some last minute plans.  Mulder was curious,
he sauntered over to the window and pretended to scan
the parking lot.

"Jackson," the apparent leader of the group began, "you
and Baker meet with the senior office manager and
prepare him for the closing announcement.  Zylinski
and Walker, you come with me," he ordered.   We need
to meet with the managers on the other floors and make
the announcement simultaneously.  It's important all
occupants are made aware of the closing at the same
time."  The group separated and headed for the elevator.
Shocked, Mulder stepped away.  He had seen many
horrible things in his life but the sight of five human
beings emotionlessly discussing the job loss of
hundreds disturbed him.  He hurried back over to Scully
who was shaking hands with their host.

"Mu-Mr. Samuels, Will," she stated awkwardly, "this is
Caroline, Caroline Rantoole."  Mulder nodded politely
and reached out his hand, "thank you for taking time
out of your schedule to show us around Miss Rantoole."

She returned his small smile with a smirk eyeing the
elevator door that had just closed behind the backs of
the other building visitors.  "Somehow Mr. Samuels,
Agent Scully, I think I'm going to have nothing but time
on my hands."

Mulder followed her gaze to the now closed elevator
door.  So they knew, he realized, these people were no
fools.  Scully shot him a confused look, it was obvious
Mulder and Caroline's thoughts were the same.

"Let's start on the third floor, that's where the smoke or
whatever it was first appeared," Caroline gestured for
them to follow her into the elevator.

Valley Hotel 1:15PM
Skinner's car braked sharply in front of the Valley Hotel
and he  jumped out.  His appearance disheveled, he still
exuded authority, the porter did not even attempt to stop
him as he rushed quickly into the lobby.

Long strides brought him to the front desk.   "Dana
Scully's room number please," he demanded.

The desk clerk, an awestruck clerk stuttered her reply,
"I'm ssssorry sir, we can't give out any guest's room
number."

Skinner, road tired, almost snapped.  Looking at the
frightened face of the young girl bravely facing him, he
forced himself to step back.  "Listen Miss," glancing at
her name tag, "Jackie...I apologize, I didn't mean to
snap. Can you confirm that she has checked in?"

Jackie nodded, "yes sir, she is checked in but I don't
think she's still in the hotel.  I saw her leave a few hours
ago with a man," she volunteered.

Skinner pressed, "Jackie, can you describe the person
she was with."

"Yes sir, he was around 35, nice looking but too hairy if
you ask me," she added.  "Of course he looked really
good after his haircut and shave in the salon, the girl
who did it was so proud of how good he looked when
she was done."

"Hazel eyes, around 6'1," he asked.

"Why yes and a little skinny."

"Thanks Jackie, you've really been a big help."  He
considered checking in but decided to wait to until he
could talk to Scully.  Relieved that Mulder was found,
he was still uneasy.  His instincts informed him to use
caution.  Reaching for his cell phone, he dialed Scully's
number.  He received only static.  Damn, he thought,
where the hell are they?  Heading back to his car, he
began to drive around the area in hopes of catching
sight them.  After all, how big could Kalamazoo be?

Krycek had watched them from a discreet distance all
morning.  Seeing them together was disgusting.  Mr.
And Ms. Perfect FBI.  Yes, they looked so perfect
together, no physical imperfections, the complete
opposite of Alex with his maimed body.  He wandered
around to the side of the building, scanning for other
entry points.  Spotting the service entrance off to the
side, he steadily made his way over to the loading dock
area.

The guard, distracted by the UPS delivery man,
provided Alex the opportunity to creep into the delivery
entrance.

As they entered the Call Center area on the 3rd floor,
Mulder immediately noticed the constant hum.  At least
two hundred employees were busy talking to customers
on the phone.  No one conversation was discernible but
all together it took on the sound of a strange chant
similar to those murmured by people deep in
meditation.

Mulder asked curiously, "when did the phones get
fixed?"

"Around 5:30 this morning they began to work again,
really strange because no one was working on them,"
answered Caroline.

"Would it be possible to talk to some of the employees
who were on sight when it happened," questioned
Scully.

"Of course," agreed Caroline, "but, it will have to wait
for about a half hour.  We're closing the lines in five
minutes in order to make a company announcement."

Dreading the answer, Mulder still asked, "what is the
announcement about?"

"I think you know Mr. Samuels.  In the meantime,
make yourself at home.  With that visitor pass, you
have total access to the building."   She walked away to
join her coworkers.

Scully turned to Mulder, "Okay *Will*, what do you
know about this announcement?"

Looking around he replied slowly, "Scully, the hum of
all these voices, doesn't it sound a bit  like a continuous
chant, almost like tribal music?"

"Mulder," she hissed, "tell me where you're going with
this?"

He continued scanning the room, noticing as he did that
two of the men he had seen downstairs were now
entering the large room.  The noise in the room began
to recede as each agent finished their call and closed
their line in preparation for the upcoming
announcement.  The tension was obvious.

Mulder moved closer to the two men preparing for their
announcement.  Scully followed.

"Hold on tight Scully, I have a feeling we're in for a
bumpy ride," he advised.

The room was silent as they all waited for the words
that would change their lives.

Alex Krycek lurked just outside the office keeping his
eye carefully on Scully and Mulder.  He knew the only
way to get to  Mulder would be  to separate him from
Scully and then disable him as quickly as possible.  The
trick was how to do this in front of several hundred
people.  A woman eyed him curiously as she rushed in
to join the others.  Attracting a bit too much attention
Alex, need to be a bit more cautious here.  He pushed
himself further into the shadows.

"We regret to inform you all of the pending closing of
the Kalamazoo office," the man began.  Shocked gasps
and soft sobbing began immediately.  "Please, please
stay calm.  The office will not be closing for another 90
days but we feel it is important to let you know this
news as soon as possible. "

"Why, why Kalamazoo," a woman in the crowd
shouted.

The second man stepped forward and spoke coldly, "I'm
sorry, but your sales numbers were simply not
acceptable.  As a result of your poor performance, the
office will be closed."

A loud squeal sounded as the metal panels designed to
protect the building from a tornado, began to enclose
the windows.  The room immediately darkened and a
feeling of panic began to grow within the crowd.
"What the hell was that," the first man shouted.
Surrounded by a thick gray fog, the two men froze in
terror.   Mulder rushed towards the mist and attempted
to pull the men to safety when a strong force gripped
him from behind and flung him several feet into a
nearby wall.  He hit hard and fell stunned to the floor.

Scully attempted to reach him but found herself blocked
by several hundred people rushing from the room in a
panic.  Mulder curled himself into a ball in an attempt
to avoid the painful kicks of the frenzied crowd.  Scully
found herself caught up in the crowd and pushed out the
door.  She attempted to push back against the crowd to
no avail.

"Mulder," she shouted in a panic, "Mulder!"

Mulder groaned as the crowd thinned.  Pushing himself
up against the wall he had a clear view of the two
company representatives who had announced the
closing.  Suspended several feet above the ground,
ghost-like creatures circled them threateningly.  The
beings were poking at the men with sharp objects
drawing blood.

Mulder stumbled towards the men in a weak attempt  to
help.  As he moved closer, one of the apparitions
noticed and moved towards him.  He eyed it warily,
hugging his damaged arm protectively.  The figure
appeared to double, then triple in front of him and he
was unsure if his vision was flawed or the creature was
readying an attack.  One moved in close, inches from
his face.  The eyes that peered into Mulders were old
and intelligent.  They studied him a moment before a
scratchy voice warned, "they will not push our people
off this land again, move away or you will be included
among them."  The two men screamed in terror as a
spear appeared to hover and then plunge into both of
them.  Repulsed, Mulder attempted  to push through to
the victims.

The phantom, angry now, embraced him tightly in the
foul smelling mist making it impossible for him to
breathe.  His face red,  he grimaced in pain.  Just as he
accepted his death by strangulation,  the being tossed
him aside.   This  time he fell  heavily on a nearby desk
before rolling to the floor unconscious.

Alex had watched it all from afar including Scully
being pushed and shoved away from the scene by the
crowd.  He crept quickly over to Mulder's prone body
and checked for a pulse.  Finding it, he hoisted him over
his shoulder roughly and cautiously backed out of the
room.  The figures followed him but did not attack.

"He's not one of them," Alex assured, "he's just an idiot
who doesn't know when to back away."

The figures continued to advance unsure as to whether
they should let these men leave.  Alex could feel the
door behind him, only a few more steps.

"He  has nothing to do with those men, he was only
here to see you.  You see, he believes, he believes in
everything," Alex grumbled continuing to step back
towards the door.

The main specter moved in towards Alex, who
immediately  froze.  It circled him gracefully stopping
to study Mulder's face.  Reaching out its hand, it
appeared to first touch then enter Mulder's head.
Mulder began to convulse causing Alex to drop him
none to gently to the ground.  A deep, pain-filled moan
drifted from him and his hands grasped his head in
agony.  Alex watched in horror, unsure how to fight
such a being.  In less than a minute it separated from
Mulder leaving him curled into himself shaking.  It then
slowly approached Alex.

"This fox is not yours to take," it rasped.

"I'm, I'm not taking him, I was just going to get him out
of the building," he explained lamely.   A sharp pain
lashed against his face, leaving a deep cut across his
cheek.  Alex backed out the door, fuck it, he was out of
here.

"Wait," Alex froze. "Take him but only to her, to the
woman healer," it ordered.  "His mind is weary and he
has great need of her."

Needing no further instructions, Alex again threw
Mulder over his shoulder and headed quickly out the
door.  He took the back staircase instead of the elevator.
He needed to avoid the crowds and Scully.   As he
exited into a back hallway on the first floor, he looked
around carefully sure at any moment Scully would be
there pointing that damn gun of hers at him.  Steps
away from the exit into the back parking lot he dared a
quick glance over his shoulder, sure the creature was
following.  Seeing nothing, he hastily exited and headed
for his car parked nearby.  Still no ghost or monster or
whatever the hell it was, he thought.  He pushed a little
further, after working so hard to get Mulder, he had no
intention on handing him over to Scully.  He opened the
trunk and threw him in with a painful thump, another
lovely bruise for Mulder to add to his collection.  He
slammed it shut and headed for the driver's side.  As he
was leaning to get in, he noticed a very angry Skinner
running towards him.  Throwing himself into the
driver's seat, he rammed the key into the ignition and
hit the gas leaving Skinner in the dust.

Speeding away, he glanced quickly into his rearview
mirror.  His fears were confirmed when he discovered
Skinner two car lengths behind. Krycek wove his car
through the afternoon traffic causing chaos in his wake.
Forced off to the side of the road,  cars and
construction crews leapt wildly for safety.  After about
ten minutes of this madness Alex realized he would not
win.  The man was obviously an expert driver, easily
Alex's match.  An alternative plan was needed...

Enraged, Skinner continued the chase.  He had seen
Krycek and quickly pulled in a few car lengths behind
him wanting to observe before he attacked.   It was only
as he crept in for a closer look that  he had  seen Mulder
in the trunk.  At that he had begun racing towards him
in an attempt to eliminate any potential escape.  Too
late he realized he was not going to be able to stop the
car from pulling away.  He leapt back into his own
vehicle and the chase began.  He considered calling the
local authorities for a road block but this would only
call more attention to Mulder's whereabouts.

The chase continued into a heavily wooded area.
Suddenly, Krycek veered sharply off the side of the
road narrowly missing a tree.  Abandoning the car and
Mulder, he disappeared into the dark Michigan forest.
Skinner, just a minute behind skidded to a stop.  He
considered continuing the chase but knew if any harm
befell him, Mulder would pay the price.  He holstered
his weapon and headed for the car's ignition.  Luckily
the keys were still there, he frantically opened the trunk.

Mulder groaned as the light invaded his prison.
Awakened by an earthquake, pain seemed to be
everywhere.  Each turn or road bump had created new
levels of suffering.   When the vehicle stopped, instead
of escape all he could feel was the need to close his
eyes and drift away to a world of quiet, a world without
pain.

Skinner reached in to steady him while attempting to
conduct a quick medical check.  "Christ Mulder did
Krycek do this to you?"  He reached in and pulled his
agent, or ex-agent, into a sitting position.  He saw
Mulder clench his jaw, after all that jostling in the trunk
he would have probably lost his lunch as well.
Stepping to the side, out of  the target zone, he asked,
"Mulder, are you going to be sick?"

Mulder looked up at him with cloudy, confused eyes
that quickly turned to anger.  Shaking his head sharply,
he inhaled deeply and took control of the situation.  He
controlled his breathing until the nausea began to fade
and the pain, well the pain was something he had dealt
with in the past and  would do so again.  He would not
allow his A.D. to see him weak, out of control.  "I'm
fine sir," he insisted as he pulled himself out of the
trunk.  Skinner grabbed his arm just as he attempted to
stand.  Mulder began to pull away but in doing so
caused his world to turn upside down and sway
violently.  "Easy Mulder," Skinner soothed as he
supported him.  Mulder looked like hell, he had
obviously sustained a head injury at least that's what he
assumed the matted blood on the back of his head
indicated.  He was cradling his left arm, hugging it to
his chest.  Based on Mulder's general stiffness when he
attempted to walk, he also suspected some major
bruising from head to toe had occurred but from what
he could not understand.  Surely Krycek could not have
done this in so short of time.  Mulder was once again
attempting to separate himself from Skinner but
Skinner would have none of it.

"Come on Mulder, let's get you back to Scully and
have her check you out."

Mulder froze, looked up and met his boss's eye, "no
hospital sir," he whispered.   Skinner continued walking
the man towards his car, "I understand Mulder but let's
let Scully make this call."

Mulder stopped and pulled himself away from Skinner.
He stood straight, voice firm, "NO hospitals sir.  This
is my decision to make."

Skinner considered Mulder's words carefully.  This new
Mulder interested him.  This Mulder didn't seem as
much of a victim.  "No hospitals Mulder," he promised
gently, "no hospitals."  His words had the desired
effect, Mulder's shoulders relaxed and he allowed
Skinner to help him to the car.  Skinner placed him
carefully in the passenger seat.  He  reclined the seat
slightly and then buckled him in as he would a small
child.   Mulder's eyes closed tiredly, "stay with me
Mulder," Skinner insisted, come on now, stay awake."

"What happened to .......Krycek," he whispered, "it was
Krycek, right?"

"Yes, it was Alex.  He got away, ran off into the
woods," starting the car now, Skinner reached out an
arm to offer additional support for Mulder as he pulled
onto the road.  He began to backtrack into town
knowing Scully would be frantic with worry.

"Sir, why didn't you go after him," Mulder asked
honestly confused.

Skinner sighed, "Mulder, I don't give a rat's ass about
Krycek except for the fact that he seems intent on
hurting you.  It was more important to take care of you
than it was to go after him."

"But sir," suppressing a moan as Skinner turned sharply
back onto the highway, "Krycek would have been very
valuable."

Skinner looked closely at Mulder willing him with his
eyes to listen closely, "Mulder YOU are very valuable.
This is not the time for this conversation but I have to
tell you that I have always admired your skills as an
agent.  More so Mulder, I like you, I care what happens
to you and not just because you are an outstanding
investigator."

Mulder glanced away searching for something,
anything that would distract him from Skinner's words.
He leaned his head back wearily and once again closed
his eyes wanting nothing more than to sleep.  Damn, he
hurt, and his stomach lurched with each turn of the
wheel.  He jerked awake again, "Scully, where's
Scully?"

Skinner replied carefully, "I'm not sure Mulder but I
believe she's either back at that building or waiting for
us at the hotel.  Either way, she's probably just as
anxious about you as you are about her."

Mulder nodded and winced,  "I saw her pushed out the
door in the rush."  Mulder looked around and realized
they were very close to the Kalamazoo city limits.  "Sir,
I don't think I should return to the hotel," he said
worriedly.  Skinner agreed, the hotel was not safe.
"Any ideas Mulder?"

"I....", he paused unsure if he should trust.  Quite
honestly he didn't think he could stay conscious much
longer, he sighed heavily as he realized he had little
choice.  "I have a little place downtown.  Go left here
and park behind the Subway."

Mulder's hesitation disturbed Skinner.  It was obvious
he was still wary of him even after all that had
happened.  He wondered what it would take to win this
man's trust.


Michigan Telephone Company
Scully's face was stoic as she examined the bodies on
the third floor.  These were the fourth and fifth victims
of today's events.  All the victims were home office
management, people who had come to tell others that
life as they knew it would end.    They all appeared to
have died of a spear-like wound through their chests.
The deaths were horrible!    Surrounded by tragedy she
wavered between relief and worry.  Relief that Mulder's
body had not been among these men.  Worry because
she could find no sign of him.  She had to trust that he
was all right.  He probably didn't want to deal with local
police officials.

An employee who had hidden in a corner during the
incident was shakily relating his story.  "There were
ghosts, and they had the men from Chicago suspended
in mid air."  He sucked in a deep breath and continued,
"the other man, the one who was with her," he gestured
towards Scully, "he tried to talk them out of hurting
them but, but the ghosts they pushed him away."

"Was he hurt," asked Scully.

"He was pretty banged up, but he kept trying to talk to
the things so they wouldn't hurt the men anymore.
They didn't listen though," he shuddered.

"What did these things...ghosts say, why did they do
this?"

The man looked down, unsure how to continue.  "It was
as if the thing was angry, angry at the men for trying to
close.  It looked like an Indian elder and, I swear, it
appeared to be just very angry at these men because
they were making us leave our land, I mean our office,"
he corrected.

Scully considered the man's story  skeptically, was it
possible?  Mulder had said that the building sat on an
Indian burial ground.

The employee was being lead from the room when he
turned, suddenly remembering something.  "Did the
man with one arm get the guy out okay?"

Scully's head snapped up, freezing the man in his steps,
"man with one arm?"

"Yes," he stuttered, "the ghost told the man with one
arm to take him to the healer, didn't he take him to a
doctor."

Scully stepped in closer, "why couldn't the man get out
on his own?"

"Oh well after that thing went into his head he, well he
didn't look too good.  The other guy had to carry him
out, pretty strong for a guy with one arm."

"Went in his head," Scully responded harshly.

"Well, not really, just kind of reached its' hands in there
but you know it looked like it hurt."  He paused before
he whined, "can I go now, I don't feel so good."

Scully waved him away.  Krycek, it had to be Krycek.
"Oh Mulder, where are you?"  Her cell phone rang
loudly.  "Scully," she answered.

"Scully, it's Skinner."

"Yes sir...sir this isn't a good time," she informed
shakily.  She had to find Mulder.

"He's with me Scully," Skinner assured.

"How.....never mind, where are you," she asked already
making her way to the exit.

"Mulder's place," he quipped.

"Is he hurt sir?"

"Is he Mulder?"

"On my way."

"Scully, make sure you're not followed," he cautioned.

"Of course," she quickly disconnected.


Mulder's Apartment
It had taken a lot of effort to get Mulder up to his
apartment.  After all, you had to practically climb a
three-story fire escape to get to the entrance.  Skinner
had done so by dragging his injured friend beside him.
Mulder was just barely coherent and they suffered a few
anxious moments as Skinner balanced him at the top of
the steps and searched him for the  key.  Once inside, he
had carefully laid him down on the couch, propped his
head and feet up and covered him with an old blanket.
He thought about undressing him, checking for injuries
but decided that he should leave that to Scully not
wanting to be responsible for any additional damage.

Now, he just had to keep him talking under Scully got
here.  Shaking the young man's shoulder gently, he said,
"Mulder, stay with me."

Mulder struggled to keep his eyes open, looking warily
at Skinner.

"It's okay Mulder, I'm not here to hurt you," he
promised.

Mulder had the good grace to flush and look away,
although doing so only caused him more pain.  He
winced and turned back to Skinner, "sorry sir
I.....I.....just don't know how or who....," he came to a
painful stop.  Again he attempted to turn on the couch
wanting nothing more than to push his face into the
back of the sofa, blocking Skinner from seeing his
emotions.  He had promised himself he would no longer
let people see this side of him.  Rolling too quickly onto
his injured arm, he could not stifle the gasp of pain that
pushed out of him.

Skinner gently pushed him onto his back, "Mulder, lay
still, you're going to hurt yourself.  Now just try to stay
awake, just until Scully gets here, okay."

"Trying sir," he slurred sleepily.  He held his throbbing
head carefully.

Skinner, not comfortable with the unusual shade of
green Mulder seemed to be turning dashed to the
kitchen.  Finding a clean bucket in the corner, he
returned and placed in close to the sofa.

Mulder clenched his jaw tightly, focusing hard on the
ceiling, *he would not be sick*,  * he would not be
sick*, he was in control, he was not in
control.....definitely not in control as he lurched up from
the cushions and grabbed for the bucket.

Scully chose this moment to enter the room.  "My God,
what happened," she demanded as she rushed to his
side.  She wrapped her arm around his back and
supported him as he retched painfully.  Looking up she
saw Skinner had paled considerably. "sir, could you
please get a cool cloth from the bathroom?"  He
gratefully left the room.

When Skinner returned, Mulder was laying flat on
back. Scully had removed his shirt, jacket and shoes
and was arguing with him about removing his pants.
"Come on Mulder, it's nothing I haven't seen."

Tears remained in his eyes from his recent attack and he
weakly pushed her hands away.  He was ashamed, once
again that he had shown his weakness, this time in front
of the two people he was trying to convince he was
strong.  Frustrated, Scully wanted to conduct a full
examination.  Based on what she had already seen, she
wanted him in a hospital.

"Scully," Skinner's voice sounded forcefully, "I'll help
Mulder change.  Is there anything to drink in here?"

Scully could take a hint and headed for the kitchenette
area.  Hell maybe Skinner would have better luck than
her.

Skinner's brows raised skeptically, "I don't know about
you Mulder but if Agent Scully were offering to
undress me, I wouldn't have turned her down."

Mulder snorted softly, "I just didn't feel  *up* to it sir,"
he said tiredly.

Skinner undressed Mulder quickly taking extra care not
to cause him any additional pain.  He gently pushed
Mulder back onto the couch in only his boxers and went
to cover him with a nearby blanket.  Mulder attempted
to kick the blanket away.  Shyness gone, he was feeling
very warm.  Scully chose that moment to return with
three glasses of iced tea.  Noticing Mulder's flushed
complexion and weak efforts to kick away the covers,
she immediately put down the drinks and rushed to his
side.  Sure enough, he was warm.  This was not unusual
for Mulder, whenever his body was in a weakened state,
fever usually followed.  She often wondered if it had
something to do with the Black Cancer or perhaps
earlier experiments on him and possibly his sister.
Regardless of the cause, they had to check his
temperature and, if necessary, get it down.  She grabbed
her thermometer out of her bag and looked to Skinner
for assistance.  Skinner placed himself behind Mulder's
head and held it firmly.  Scully maneuvered the
thermometer into his mouth calming him with her
voice, "it's okay Mulder, that's right, just hold it in your
mouth."

Mesmerized by her voice, he followed the physical trail
it left in the air.  He lay still as she continued to speak.
His glazed eyes latched onto her mouth unable to
understand the words her lips formed but enthralled by
their slow motion.

Scully looked at Skinner worriedly as she pried the
thermometer from his lips.  "Damn, damn, damn.  Sir,
we have to get him cooled down, could you go run a
cool bath?"

Skinner frowned, "Scully, I believe he's only got a
shower stall in there."

"Well sir that will have to do and," she smirked, "since
you obviously have a size advantage, I think you should
be the one to take him in there and cool him down."

"Scully," he whined in a decidedly un-Assistant
Director tone, "you're the doctor."

"And you're the one with the muscles.  Snap to it sir,
the sooner we cool him down, the sooner we can take
care of the rest of his injuries."

Skinner leaned over and hefted Mulder over his right
shoulder.  He groaned as his shoulder swung a bit too
freely.

"Be careful sir, don't hurt him," Scully pestered.

Skinner stopped and gave her his most authoritarian
look, the one that had frozen lesser men in their place.
Scully glanced quickly to the floor hiding her smile.
God if there was ever a time she wished she had a video
camera, this would be it.  Mulder and Skinner in the
shower, she could almost see Mulder lying on his couch
watching the film now.

Skinner stomped into the bathroom.  Scully rushed in
and turned on the water, setting it to just the right
temperature.  "Just hold him in there for a few minutes
until we can get him cooled down."  Skinner looked
down at his own clothes and shrugged.  He carefully
placed Mulder on the toilet seat relying on Scully to
keep him supported.  Then he stripped down to his
underwear thoroughly enjoying the payback he had just
delivered to a now extremely embarrassed Scully.  As
he reached over to pull Mulder into the shower, Scully
quickly left the room.  Although she would never admit
it out loud, at one time or another she had wondered
what type of lover either of these men would make.  To
have them both disrobed in a very small room at the
same time was a bit much for even the "enigmatic" Dr.
Scully.  She made her way back into the living room
area and began to pull out her medical supplies.

In the meantime, Skinner was having some problems of
his own.  He could easily support Mulder's weight, but
when the water first hit, Mulder had not taken it well.
He began struggling and swearing incoherently, arms
thrashing wildly.  Skinner released him long enough to
get a more solid grip.  He  then completely engulfed the
younger man, pinning his arms to his side in a bear hug.
 Mulder struggled weakly for another moment or two
then fell silent, breathing heavily.  After a moment
Skinner began to realize Mulder was sobbing silently,
his stomach clenching in and out in aching sorrow.
Skinner lowered them both gently to the floor of the
shower glad Scully was not in the room.  Shifting his
agent, he cradled him to his chest while the cool water
soothed them both.

"It's okay Fox, we're going to get through this, it's going
to be okay,"  Skinner crooned.

Mulder looked up into the older man's face, eyes
unfocused clearly lost in his painful past.  "I'm sorry
Dad....I won't do it again......please don't.....," he
sobbed quietly in a child-like voice.

Skinner understood what was happening, he knew of
his childhood abuse.  The fever was causing him to
hallucinate.  "Damn your father Mulder, damn all of
them for using you as they did," he muttered under his
breath.  Loud enough for Mulder to hear he soothed,
"it's okay Fox, no one will hurt you anymore, I
promise."

"Pppproo---mise," Mulder repeated in a disbelieving
voice.

Skinner smiled, even as a child Mulder had a trust
problem.  "Promise," Skinner assured.  With that
Mulder's head fell limply onto Skinner's chest.  Skinner
felt Mulder's forehead and was confident he was
sufficiently cooled.  He stretched to turn off the water
and then reached for a towel to wrap him in.

Scully hovered above a much quieter Mulder.  He lay
comfortably on the couch in a clean pair of boxers.
Skinner had redressed sans his undergarments and sat
silently waiting for Scully's diagnosis.

"Well sir, it looks like he suffered a head wound,
probably a concussion based on his earlier nausea.
We'll have to keep a close eye on him for a while.  He
has a large bruise on his lower back, I suspect where he
hit the wall."  Skinner winced in empathy.  "And it
appears that although his arm is not broken, it was
wrenched badly and will probably be useless for a week
or so.  I'm going to have to wrap it.  Otherwise, it's
typical Mulder scrapes and bruises just about
everywhere.  I think the best thing for him is rest, oh
and some painkillers, which I happen to carry," she
stated smugly.

Skinner nodded, "I'm not sure how long we can keep
him safe in this place Scully.  If Krycek found him once
in this town, he'll certainly be able to find him again."

"Yes, I've thought of that, but I really hesitate to move
him yet.  Also, I'm not sure where to move him.
Pausing slightly she added, "and then sir, well, there's
this case."

"Scully there is not a case," Skinner insisted, "this is for
the local authorities to handle."

"But sir, if there ever was an X-File, you have to admit,
this is it," Scully insisted.

"I understand but it is not, I repeat, not safe to continue
this investigation."

Scully turned and rested her hand protectively on
Mulder's arm.  She looked away from Skinner before
continuing, "he...he really wanted to find out what was
going on in there.  I thought.....I thought if we could
work a case together again, he would see what he was
missing and come back."  She looked up shame-faced,
"stupid plan?"

Skinner shook his head, "not a stupid plan at all Scully,
a good plan.  I think it would have worked if not for the
fact that Mulder, this Mulder who has decided to
disappear, was not being pursued by every walking
piece of crap I know.  We need to convince him that his
only protection can come from a public life.  Dropping
out as he did means he can be taken and no one would
ever know whether it was with or without his
permission."

"Sir," Scully said seriously, "I heard you in there,"
motioning to the bathroom.   "Why was he so upset?"

"He was having a nightmare Scully only this time in the
light of day."

"His father?"

"Yes, his father," Skinner sighed, "damn the bastard.  I
swear sometimes I look at him and I think what a
completely screwed up son of a bitch.  He's arrogant,
cocky and downright insubordinate most of the time.
He's a complete workaholic with absolutely no life
whose only hobbies include running until he drops and
watching pornography.  His childhood has obviously
traumatized him and the time he spent in VCS no doubt
just added to his nightmares." Skinner stopped and took
a deep breath before he continued, "yet still, he's the
most dedicated, persistent agent I have ever seen.  He
fits no mold and by rights shouldn't be allowed to carry
a firearm although," he chuckled, "he rarely does based
on how often he loses it."  Honestly curious, he asked
her, "does he lose it on purpose, is it just too hard for
him to believe that the saving of his own life is more
valuable than that of a monsters?"

Scully nodded, "he acts tough but most of the time he
wouldn't hurt a fly unless....", she paused.

"Unless?"

"Unless that fly was hurting someone else," she
finished.

"Not him though."

"No," she responded sadly, "he doesn't think he rates."

"Scully, I think we should take him back to DC  I think
once there we can better convince him to return to his
life."

"Sir, I want nothing more than that but I am not going
to take him anywhere unless he agrees.  He's just
starting to trust us again," she appealed, "can't you see
forcing him would put us right back where we started."

Skinner sat silently for a while, aware of the tight hold
she had on Mulder's arm.  It was obvious she wasn't
going to lose him again, he was just afraid that in doing
so, he was going to lose them both.  "Okay Scully, you
win.  I'll take first shift and watch over him, you get
some sleep.  When he's coherent, we are going to have
to move him but," he paused, "he will help us figure out
where.  Deal?"

She nodded her head gratefully.  After checking her
slumbering Mulder one more time, she cuddled into a
corner chair and drifted off to sleep, it had been a really
long day.

Skinner continued to plan as the both lay sleeping.


Skinner started,  damn, he hadn't meant to doze off.
The couch was empty but water was running in the
bathroom.  Mulder must be feeling better.  Scully was
in the kitchenette scrounging up some breakfast out of
the meager food staples Mulder kept.  Embarrassed,
Skinner moved to join her.

"Coffee," he asked hopefully.

She smiled, "I hope you like it black, I don't think the
milk is any good."

"Black is fine.  How does he look this morning," he
asked gesturing towards the bathroom door.

"Don't know, he was in the bathroom when I woke up."
She frowned suddenly, "come to think of it that was
about ten minutes ago, I better see if he's all right."  She
moved quickly towards the door, knocking sharply
before attempting to enter.  Skinner's hand came down
firmly on her shoulder, "let me do it Scully."

Frustrated, Scully stepped back.  Skinner called
Mulder's name as he stepped into the small restroom.
The shower was running but it was obvious no one was
in the room.  "Damn," she swore, "he's not in here!"

"What!"

"He's not here, and he obviously left the water running
to throw us off.  Where would he have gone?"

Scully let her eyes wander the apartment and saw his
dress pants gone along with his new tie.  The jacket
remained more than likely because of the large tear it
had suffered.  "Sir, knowing Mulder, he went back to
the phone company."

"Why, in the middle of this mess, is he so concerned
about this case," Skinner demanded.

"When, in the middle of anything, has Mulder ever
walked away from a case," she countered.

"Point taken Scully, shall we join him," he asked.

"After you sir," she gestured towards the door.


Michigan Telephone Company
"Mr. Nowicki, don't you find it the least bit unusual that
the first incident occurred on the same day your
company announced a major downsizing," Mulder
asked.

Nowicki was working hard to recover the public trust
after their most recent Kalamazoo incident.
Unfortunately, the phones were out again. Had been
ever since those people died.  No new information was
available on the outage and he had been tap dancing for
way too long in front of the cameras.  His boss was on
his ass and he had no idea what to tell anyone anymore.
"What are you trying to say Mr. Samuels?"

"Listen," he pushed, "your first outage occurs on the
same day of the announcement.  Your second incident,
including the deaths of five MANAGEMENT
employees,  occurred on the same day they strolled into
this building and announced its' closing.  Are you
seeing any connection here?"

"Are you suggesting what I thing you are," Nowicki
asked incredulously.

The door opened and Skinner and Scully walked in.
She walked up behind him and squeezed a bit harder
than she should have on his injured shoulder.  Pulling
away from her touch,  he rubbed it carefully and shot
her his most effective wounded puppy dog look.
Skinner coughed to cover his reaction, looked like
Mulder, although badly bruised and leaning  rather
heavily on the table, was fine.  Scully moved to sit to
his left just in case he needed someone to catch him
when he fell.  She was sure by the looks of him that he
was going to fall soon.  "Sorry we're late Mr. Samuels,
please continue," Scully instructed.

Mulder returned his attention to Nowicki.  "This
building resides on an Indian burial ground," he
informed.

"The whole fucking town resides on an Indian burial
ground," Nowicki responded angrily.

"And the whole fucking town will suffer if this building
closes, it provides employment for hundreds of
residents.  It also supports all the little restaurants and
shops within the surrounding streets.  Do you have any
idea the impact of this closing," Mulder demanded
loudly.

"Well......., no, actually.....we just know it hasn't been
making its' sales numbers," Nowicki admitted.

Mulder stood painfully and walked over to the glass
window that allowed a view of the call center.  Turning
from the window he pinned Nowicki, "if you want
service restored in this area AND if you do not want a
repeat of yesterday's activities, I suggest you reverse
your company's decision to close this office.  I suggest
you do so quickly.  Whether you believe the cause is
ghosts or angry squirrels, either way you have an angry
public wanting answers.  What have you got to lose,
reverse the decision and I guarantee that the service will
be restored."

"Mu...., Mr. Samuels,"  Skinner interrupted, "you can't
know that for sure."

Mulder turned to Skinner and answered in his most
sincere voice, "I do know sir.   I'm not sure how but I
am 100% positive that that is what it will take to
resolve this situation."

Nowicki excused himself from the room, anxious to call
his superiors.  He didn't know what to believe but at this
point he was desperate.

Scully moved closer to Mulder and gently, but firmly,
helped him to sit.  "Sit down before you fall down
Mulder," Scully ordered, "I need to ask you
something."  He nodded for her to continue, "do you
remember this thing, this creature somehow reaching
into your mind?"

He started, suddenly quite pale, "what do you mean
Scully?"

"A witness stated that this thing reached into your mind
and that it looked like it caused you great pain.  Could
that be why you're so sure?"

"I, I ..... thought it was a dream..... a nightmare," he
began hesitantly, "I've been having some good ones
lately."

Skinner moved in closer, "what do you remember?"

Mulder shuddered clearly uncomfortable with reliving
his dream, "I was frozen, couldn't move....and.....and
this thing reached through my skin and....and.....invaded
my brain....."

"What do you mean invaded Mulder," Scully asked.

He wrapped his arms around himself painfully, "it....it
was everywhere....I tried to hide," looking up guiltily at
Scully and Skinner, "I tried to hide some things but
it....it wouldn't let me and then, when I thought I
couldn't stand the pain, God the pain," he clutched his
stomach and began rocking.

Skinner and Scully exchanged, worried glances.
Skinner stepped forward, placed his hand on his agent's
back in support.  "Go on Mulder."

"It, it finally stopped moving through my mind and then
it told me of their tribe and how they had been forced
from their land.  They all died Scully, they all died
horribly.  It doesn't understand that this is different, to
this thing, the closing of this office is the same as
forcing a tribe from their lands. It's protecting these
people."

"Okay Mulder, relax....breath deep," Scully ordered.
He did so, fighting the chills that seemed to have
reached his bones.

Nowicki reentered the room, glancing at a very pale
Mulder curiously, "is he all right?"

Scully explained, "he isn't fully recovered from the
injuries he sustained here yesterday."

"I'm sorry," Nowicki offered sincerely.  "I just spoke to
our president and, though unhappy, he is willing to try
anything to get Kalamazoo back on line.  He has agreed
to cancel the closing of this office."

With that statement made, a flurry of activity occurred
outside the window.  The phones started ringing again
and the call stats showed  callers on hold.  Nowicki
quickly dialed the repair foreman  The service appeared
restored.  They were now testing to confirm all lines
back and working.  Nowicki hung up the phone, his
face reflecting  his shock.  "Well Mr. Samuels, I don't
know how  or why but based on your information,
Kalamazoo is back in service and this office will not be
closing.  To be honest I'm kind of glad," he confided,
"this is such a nice town."

Mulder nodded tiredly, Scully motioned for Skinner to
assist and together they walked, dragged him out of the
building.  They rested for a moment on the front stoop
of the building.    Mulder noticed the blue sedan before
Scully and Skinner and positioned his hand over his
weapon.  It screeched to a stop and Krycek leaped out
waving his gun at Scully.   "Get in Mulder, get in now
or Scully dies," he demanded.

Mulder stepped calmly in front of Scully completely
blocking his shot.  Krycek, confused with this move,
found himself pointing the gun directly at Mulder.
Mulder tiredly rubbed his forehead, "listen you little
ratfuck I am not in the mood for yours or anyone else's
crap today.  If you're going to take a shot, take one at
me."  He stepped threateningly towards Alex, leaving a
stunned Scully and Skinner in his wake.  He confidently
pulled his gun from his holster and pointed it directly at
Alex, "and if you ever threaten her or....," gesturing
towards Skinner, "him again, I will consider it my
personal mission to track your sorry ass down and blow
your other limbs off," grinning now, "one at a time."

Alex was unsure how to respond, if he took a shot at
Mulder now, Skinner and/or Scully would have him.
He considered shooting Skinner but Mulder would have
a clear shot.  Screwed either way, he knew he had to get
the hell out of here.  It was a stupid move but he wanted
Mulder so bad he could taste it.  Fuck it, if he was
going to die, he was taking Mulder with him.  He met
Fox's eye, grinned and pulled the trigger.  The next
thing he knew he was flat on his back in the middle of
the street with that damned Indian thing hovering above
him.  He attempted to back away, scraping his ass on
the ground with each move.

Mulder, Scully and Skinner looked around in
confusion.  They had all clearly heard the shot but when
the dust settled, no one was down.  Krycek, on the other
hand, was in the middle of the road raving like a
madman at something only he seemed able to see.  A
squad car pulled up and quickly apprehended him.
Skinner provided them with shipping instructions.

Without thinking, Mulder began to stumble towards his
apartment.  Every bone in his body ached and his head
felt like it was ready to explode.  Scully quickly caught
up with him, "Mulder, where are you going?"

He continued walking as he answered, "home."

"You have a really long walk to get home," Scully
teased.

"I don't know Scully," looking up he saw that Skinner
had joined them.  He placed himself to Mulder's right
ready to help if needed, "no matter where the hell I go
you two turn up."  He tempered his harsh words with a
small smile.  Grabbing the metal banister of his
stairwell, he began to climb.  Skinner followed with
Scully close behind.  After fumbling with the key for a
moment or two, they entered.

Skinner grinned, "so Mulder I'm impressed, you didn't
drop your gun back there."

Scully's eyebrow arched in surprise, "that's right
Mulder, I must admit that little scenario was almost
worthy of a Dirty Harry movie."

Mulder fell heavily onto the sofa, he needed some
solitude.  He appreciated their efforts but he wanted
them to go now.  It wasn't that he always wanted to be
alone but Mulder was the kind of man who needed
some major, anti-social downtime to refuel.  Sometimes
just talking was an incredibly difficult task, like right
now for instance.

Scully sat next to him on the couch while Skinner
stood.  Unwilling to let it drop she asked, "seriously
Mulder, what were you trying to do, get yourself
killed?"

His head fell back onto the cushions.  He spoke calmly,
quietly, "ever wonder why when either of you pull a
stunt like that you're considered heroic, brave?  Yet
when Spooky Mulder does the same, he's got a death
wish."

Skinner stepped forward, Scully pulled back.

"Ever wonder why when an up and comer at a major
corporation works late into the night and is totally
committed to his work, he's considered someone on the
fast track.  When it's old Fox, well," shaking head, eyes
still closed, "he's a basket case and needs to be locked
up for his own good."

Scully reached forward grasping his arm gently.  She
wanted him to stop, stop talking like this...

Skinner continued to stand quietly and listen.

"Ever wonder why a world class athlete can practice 24
hours a day but when I go out to take a jog late in the
evening, I'm depressed.  I'm the deep, moody Mulder
who can't see beyond his sister's abduction."

He sighed heavily, opened his eyes and leaned forward,
"you know, if I worked anywhere else, I'd be quite a
catch.  I bet my boss there would appreciate my late
night habits.  They would consider me a workaholic
who still took time to stay physically fit," he finished.

Skinner stepped forward and bent until he was eye to
eye.  His arms stretched out on both sides of Mulder
effectively locking him in his current position.  "Agent
Mulder, are you saying that I, as your boss, did not fully
appreciate you," he asked dangerously.

Mulder's eyes snapped up, "no...no sir, I was just
making a statement sir, didn't mean to offend you."

"Because I'd have to disagree with you Mulder," he
continued tersely, "after all how many of these other
bosses would join you in the shower?"  No humor could
be found in Skinner's face.

Mulder moaned, he quickly covered his face with his
hands, "oh God, I thought that was a bad dream."

Skinner offered him a wounded look before he
continued, "no Mulder, it wasn't a dream and based on
your current condition, we may end up in there again."
He stepped forward dangerously.

Mulder jumped up from the sofa and limped quickly to
the other side of the room, leaving plenty of space
between Skinner and himself.  His eyes beseeched
Scully for assistance.  Scully was, quite honestly,
enjoying the show.  Her two favorite men were
sparring, Krycek was behind bars (at least for a little
while) and Mulder, though bruised, was still in one
piece.  Come to think of it, what a fine looking piece it
was.

"I need a shower," Mulder stated flatly, "alone," that
last part added for Skinner's benefit.

Skinner nodded and agreed, "I've been living in these
clothes way too long.  Scully I think I'm going to check
into the hotel.  God knows I'm not sleeping in that chair
again," he said gesturing towards the offending piece of
furniture.

"I'd like to change as well," Scully added.  "Sir, you go
ahead, I'll wait for Mulder and we'll join you at the
hotel."

Mulder was already shaking his head, "no Scully, both
of you get the hell out of here. I don't mean to be rude
but you both are getting a little ripe."

"But Mulder," Scully began...

"But what Scully, afraid I won't be here when you get
back," he queried, a look of complete innocence gracing
his face.

"Oh no Mulder, I trust you, I just thought you'd like to
walk back with me," she lied badly.

Skinner did her one better, "listen Mulder, I don't know
about your long term plans but tonight, let's have
dinner."  Continuing sincerely, "we'll eat, talk and sort
through this situation together.  Regardless what you
decide, we need to talk.  After all this, you owe us that,"
he insisted.

Mulder did not respond.  He disliked being put in this
position.  He already carried enough guilt.  "Fine sir,
but you and Scully don't need to baby-sit me, I'd
like.......I'd appreciate a little......time alone.  Go on
and I'll join you at Roma's restaurant around 7:00."

"Sure Mulder," Scully agreed reaching over and
grabbing his backpack containing almost all his worldly
possessions.

"Scully, what the hell are you doing," he demanded.

"Just a little insurance Mulder, I can't make you go back
but I agree with Skinner, we need to talk."  With that
she grabbed her purse and headed out the door, Skinner
close behind.

Mulder was incredulous, on one hand he wanted to rage
at her, on the other to reach over and hug her.  She
would never give up on him that was certain.  By
staying away he was putting her in danger as she
attempted to find him each time.  What would it take,
he wondered, what would it take to make her and
Skinner for that matter, stop?  Tiredly, he made his way
into the shower, blushing as he remembered bits and
pieces of his Skinner erotica dream (too strange).  He
would meet them tonight, he decided, they would eat
and talk and later,  he would decide where was home.

It was 6:45pm as Mulder left his apartment.  His
discomfort obvious as he made his way slowly down
the steps.   The restaurant was less than five minutes
away.  Attempting to kill a little time,  he wandered
over to the park.  He was nervous, feeling very
uncertain and insecure and it made him angry.  Earlier,
when he was alone with Nowicki or even later with
Krycek, he was confident in himself.  What was it about
Skinner and Scully that made him feel so unsure?  Was
it because these two were the only opinions that really
mattered to him?  A homeless man wandered by
begging silently for money, Mulder reached in his
wallet and handed him a five, thank God Scully hadn't
confiscated that as well.

Thoughts of Skinner made him nervous, why did he
need this man's approval?  Scully, well Scully made
him...well, he didn't know what his feelings were for
Scully.    With Scully he was either gloriously happy,
incredibly angry or, oh hell, just plain depressed.  He
wondered what a relationship would be like with her,
she was obviously a very passionate, giving woman, a
woman who deserved much more than he had to offer.
Did she mean what she said about staying with him?
How would Margaret, her mother and brothers react
when they found her gone? Even if they did eventually
return, he wondered if they would ever be able to
forgive his influence on her.

He chewed his lower lip thoughtfully, staring into the
bubbling fountain.  Damn, he thought, why is this so
complicated?  Did he want to go back?  Was he ready to
pick up and continue his life?

To be honest, except for an incident here or there, he
was finding some sense of peace.  He liked it when no
one knew him, liked that it allowed him to be
whomever he needed to be at the time.  Yes, lately he
found himself bored.  This was  because he had not
pursued the things he loved to do.  He had not worked.
He had allowed himself to forget the snickers and nasty
comments he'd faced every day from his colleagues.
Only Skinner and Scully saw value in his work.   And
now, after being gone so long, he would once again
have to face a psychiatric evaluation.  No way would
they reestablish him without it.  He didn't have to be a
psychologist to know he could not tell them the truth.
Could he bluff his mental health, well hell, why not,
he'd been doing it all his life.  Only recently had he
begun to feel his control slip from his grasp.

Looking down at his watch he saw it was now 7:10pm.
 He walked quickly towards the restaurant, it was just
dinner... just dinner, he repeated to himself striding
towards main street.

Scully and Skinner had actually arrived at the restaurant
early and were feeling a bit anxious when the clock
hands ticked past seven.  She left his bag hidden in her
room.  It was a selfish move that would allow her one
more time alone with him.  She sipped her wine
nervously while Skinner nursed his beer casting quick
glances at the door every time someone entered.  Then,
he was there, dressed casually in khakis and a polo
shirt, he looked every bit the yuppie he pretended to
disdain.  Skinner exhaled the breath he had not realized
he'd been holding and Scully stood too fast as she
waved him over to the table.  "Sorry I'm late," he
apologized as he joined them.  I planned on being early
but cut through the park and .....," shoulders shrugged,
"you know."

Scully really did not know but decided not to share her
ignorance. Skinner seemed equally confused though not
so reticent with his questions, "actually, no Mulder, I
don't know," he asked genuinely curious, "why don't
you explain."

Mulder set himself  straighter in his chair, or as straight
as his current collection of bruises would allow.  "Well
sir, sometimes when you walk and think....you, you
simply lose track of time a bit," he finished lamely.

"Iced Tea," Mulder ordered.  His shoulders had begun
to slump and he found himself studying closely the
interesting pattern in the table cloth.

Scully asked softly, "what were you thinking about
Mulder?"

He lifted his chin and glanced between Skinner and
Scully, "did you know when Patty Hearst was
kidnapped, she was watching the television series "The
Magician" with Bill Bixby," he informed blandly.  "I
used to love that show."

Alarmed Skinner answered softly,  "I never really
watched it myself  Mulder.  Is that what you were
thinking about?"

Mulder started again, apparently just noticing where he
was at, "oh...no sir, I just thought it was interesting.
You know, Sam and I were getting ready to watch The
Magician when she was taken.  Wouldn't it be
fascinating if all this time I've been blaming aliens
when in fact, the Incredible Hulk was really to blame,"
he finished sarcastically.

"Was that a joke Mulder," Skinner asked dryly.  Scully
reached over and felt his forehead for fever.  Mulder
chuckled and pulled away, "hey, just kidding, yes," he
acknowledged to Skinner, "a joke."

The waitress came to take their orders and they all
appeared relieved by the change of subject.  Skinner
finished his beer and ordered another.  Scully kept
sneaking peeks at Mulder all through dinner.  The
dinner was delicious, at least Mulder thought so who
appeared to be the only one truly enjoying the meal.  He
insisted that Scully tell him about her mom's recent
vacation and even managed to get Skinner to share a
military tale or two.  Generally, except for the Bixby
accusation, he was at his most charming.  The meal
ended leaving Scully and Skinner even more confused.
As Skinner paid the check, Scully realized they hadn't
discussed him coming home.  He had carefully
manipulated the conversation to only light weight
subjects.  She was suddenly very glad that she still had
his bag.  "Mulder," she linked her arm in his, "let's go
back to the hotel for a drink and your bag?"

He loosened her arm and stretched carefully, wincing as
he felt his back muscles pull painfully.  Scully noticed,
she noticed everything.  "The hotel also has a great
masseuse Mulder, my treat," she bribed.  He smiled, "it
would only be fun if Skinner had to voucher it off."  He
stifled a yawn, "I'm feeling a little tired Scully.  I think
I'll just get my bag and head back for an early night."
He yawned again as it to emphasize his weariness.

She didn't believe him, he could see it in her eyes.  He
looked to Skinner and saw he too was eyeing Mulder
uncertainly.  "Mulder, we never talked about when you
were coming home," she reminded, "please come back
to the hotel with us so we can discuss it."

"Nothing to discuss, I haven't decided yet although,
based on Krycek's appearance, it's probably not safe for
me to hang around here much longer."

Skinner's patience had come to an end.  He was positive
Mulder was going to take off again and, in his current
physical and emotional condition, he would simply not
allow it.  Knowing he would regret it but unable to stop
himself, Skinner yanked Mulder's good arm towards
him and  clicked a handcuff on, it's partner he placed on
his own wrist.

Insulted and angry, Mulder began to struggle.  Skinner
held up his free arm in apparent surrender and said,
"just hear me out Mulder.  It's obvious you are planning
to take off again and, if that's what you want, well, we
won't stop you.   BUT, you owe us an evening, an entire
evening to talk to YOU, Fox Mulder,  not the stranger
who sat in your chair all night."  With that said he half
pulled, half dragged Mulder into the hotel and then up
to his room.  Scully followed silently, wondering how
they were going to talk their way through this one.
Skinner had been way too impetuous in his actions and
it couldn't possibly assist them in their efforts to get
him home.

As they entered Skinner's room, Scully cleared her
throat quietly, "sir, surely the handcuffs are not really
necessary?"  Mulder sent her his most grateful look and
then frowned as Skinner answered, "until Mulder agrees
to tell me the real reason he is not coming home, I am
not willing to unlock these."

Mulder looked at the long hard length of Walter
Skinner, then down at his own thin wrist.  "Sir, far be it
from me to  *judge* anyone but I believe," he paused,
"yes I do believe this would be considered sexual
harassment."

Skinner eyed him dangerously, "well Mulder get used
to it because until you tell me what is going on in that
head of yours, I am not letting you go.  Let me define
that for you Mulder," he enunciated, "you will wash
with me, eat with me, piss with me and even sleep with
me until you open up!"

The gauntlet thrown, Scully had no idea what to do
next.  Mulder moved in very close to Skinner's face,
nose to nose, his lips mere inches from Skinners.  Two
can play at this game, he thought.  "Why sir," he
admitted in a strangely husky voice, "I never thought
the opportunity to reveal how I truly feel about you
would be mine.  He caressed the handcuffs erotically,
but, I might have had a dream like this a time or two."
Skinner's shocked expression told Mulder he'd scored a
hit.  Mulder decided to push his advantage and stepped
in just a bit closer, "I had no idea you felt the same
Walter."

That was the last thing he remembered as a large fist
slammed into his face, well that and Scully's scream
and, oh yes,  the stars that danced around his head.  Just
like in cartoons, he thought, and blacked out.


Skinner's Hotel Room
Mulder opened his left eye carefully scanning the room
for potential danger.  Seeing none, he allowed his right
eye to share in the view. His jaw ached and it was as he
reached to check it that he found himself bound to the
headboard.  He pulled hard on the restraints uncaring of
the messages his previously tortured muscles were
sending him.  "Jesus," he mused aloud, "you try to have
a little fun with your ex-boss and look what happens."

Hearing Mulder's struggles, Skinner entered the room.
 He and Scully had been arguing for the last hour.  They
both agreed he needed to come home but they did not
agree on exactly how he would make the trip.  Scully
was still confident she could talk some sense into
Mulder and Skinner was opting for the Krycek method
of transportation.  Knock the little shit out and throw
him in the trunk.  Outraged, he still could not believe
Mulder had pushed so far.  Not that there was anything
wrong with being a homosexual but Skinner was
definitely not into that scene.  Okay, so the shower
scene had not been as unpleasant as he thought
but...that didn't mean he was gay...  Damn, only Mulder
could mess with his mind like this.

"How are you feeling Mulder," he asked calmly.

Mulder smiled innocently, "sir, I realized that it may
seem like I enjoy a little torture here and there but, quite
honestly, given the choice, I would prefer a more tender
partner."  He peered over Skinner's shoulder, "where's
Scully," he asked hopefully.

"She went downstairs to settle our bill, we're leaving."

Mulder paled, "uh....have a nice trip sir," he offered
lamely.

"Try again Mulder, you're coming with us," Skinner
insisted.

"I don't want to.....," he whined hating the sound of his
own voice.

Skinner stepped in closer, "it's not a question of what
you want right now Mulder.  I'm not asking you to
come back to work.  I'm not even asking you to reveal
that you are back in DC.  Scully and I would just like
you somewhere we,' he stumbled, "well, we can be sure
you're all right."

"And where would this nirvana be," Mulder asked
bitterly.

"Well, you can either stay at my place or Scully's, hell
maybe even Scully's mom's home for a while."
Noticing Mulder's obvious distaste with these options
he added, "come on Mulder, surely the prospect of
staying with friends, with people who want only the
best for you is not so awful?"

Mulder was speechless, well okay, almost speechless,
"sir, I insist you release me immediately.  You have no
right sir....., you have no right," he finished tersely.

Scully chose that moment to enter.  "Scully," Mulder
demanded, "let me go now."

Scully stood frozen between Skinner and Mulder.
Between the two, her allegiance was clearly to Mulder.
Unfortunately, what Mulder wanted was bad for him
and even though she disagreed with Skinner's methods,
they both wanted the same thing.

Mulder felt a sharp pain as he realized Scully was not
going to help him.  He thought he could trust her.
"Scully," he began raggedly, "you promised....you said
you would stay.....you lied.  His eyes filled with tears he
refused to let flow.

Scully was heartbroken, yes she had promised and here
she was going back on that promise and allowing
Skinner to push Mulder into something he did not want.
"I can't allow this sir," she said weakly, "I won't do this
to him."  She dug in her purse for her handcuff keys
intending to release him immediately.  Skinner looked
uncertain, should he stop her?  A knock interrupted,
"I'm here to pick up your luggage," a nasally voice
cracked.

Skinner reached to open the door falling back hard as
the door flew inward.  Three armed, masked men
entered the room.  "Hands up," the smallest of the three
demanded.  Scully, shielding Mulder, and Skinner both
complied quickly.   Mulder on the other hand, "sorry
guys, I'm all tied up."

The third gunman, dressed in a tasteful charcoal gray
suit that matched his black hood perfectly, approached
Mulder carefully.  "Shut up Mulder or you'll rue this
day," he threatened.

Mulder eyed the intruder skeptically, "rue the day," he
muttered.

The second gunman, blond hair peeking slightly out of
the back of his mask tossed over a key.  The man in the
suit carefully unlocked Mulder's cuffs and gestured for
him to walk towards the door.  Mulder exchanged  a
quick glance with Scully and winked.

Scully had already guessed the identities of the
intruders.  Mulder turned when he reached the door and
again their eyes met.  Amusement passed between them
and he breathed a sigh of relief when he realized Scully
was not going to call their bluff.  Skinner fumed in the
corner, he was angry at Mulder but he could not allow
these men to take him.  He stepped forward
threateningly.  The three gunmen stepped backwards in
unison.  Stepping forward, Mulder knew he had to end
this.  "Please sir," he begged, "don't try anything, I
couldn't  *live* with myself if anything happened to
either of you."  He turned away and walked with his
three abductors out the door.  Before leaving, the
smaller man turned and carefully cuffed Skinner and
Scully together, linking them to the heavy hotel safe in
their room.  "Sorry," he apologized without thinking as
he realized the position his beloved Scully was in.

With that the four rushed from the room.  Once in the
hallway, they removed their hoods and raced towards
the stairs.  "Great work guys," Mulder congratulated, "I
was truly terrified for a while there."

"Well you know Mulder," Langly stressed, "we are
wanted men."

The other two nodded furiously.  Mulder held up his
hands in surrender, "I believe you guys.  Now, oh shit,"
he cursed.

"What's the matter," Frohike asked.

Mulder glanced back towards the hotel as they raced
into the parking structure across the street.  "My
backpack is still in there, my laptop and most of my
cash."

"Can't go back Mulder."

"I know, I know, guess this means I'm going to have to
work for a living."  They finally located the car and as
they exited the parking garage, they saw Scully and
Skinner race out the main door of the hotel.  Ducking
down in the car, Mulder could not resist, "hate to tell
you this guys but kidnappers usually don't park in the
hotel parking lot where, I might add, cameras can be
seen everywhere."

"Don't worry Mulder," Langly informed confidently, "I
took them all out."

Mulder shook his head, "I should have known."  They
had cleared the downtown Kalamazoo limits.  Mulder
could not return to his apartment for any of his things.
It would be tough going without them.  He had carried
extra ids as well as his Internet access to the world in
that bag but the worst loss of all was his only picture of
Sam.

"Where to Mulder," Byers asked.

Mulder looked up blankly, uncertain.  Maybe he should
have gone with Scully and Skinner....  "I'm not sure,
just keep driving."

Worried, the three men exchanged concerned looks.   A
cocky Mulder, a sarcastic Mulder, a heavily-drugged
Mulder and yes, even a professional Mulder. They had
little experience with an apparently lost Mulder.

"Maybe you should consider Florida," Langly offered,
"there is still a mothman missing?"

Mulder's head continued to rest on the seat cushion.

Frohike chimed in, "no Mulder, I heard about a woman
who supposedly has mated several times with her alien
lover.  She lives in Nebraska somewhere and I heard
she's coming out with a video soon."

The right corner of his lip turned up.

Byers offered sensibly,  "have you ever considered
teaching?"

Mulder's eyes opened curiously, "teaching what?"

"Well, it's just that I have a friend who runs a school for
"troubled" kids, the worst of the lot.  Kids who are one
step away from prison...."

"And?"

"And," he continued, "it's in a small suburb outside of
Chicago.  It gets little attention and is always in need of
some good help.  When I talked to him last, he had lost
his Social Studies instructor on maternity leave.  I was
just thinking it would be, you know, a job AND a great
place to hide in plain view for a few months," he
finished.  Seeing Mulder's hesitation he added, "or
maybe not."

Mulder was calculating his current money situation He
had approximately $436 on him.  If he could talk the
boys here into parting with their laptop...  He had other
money but it might take a while to get to it.  Mulder
nodded, "will your friend agree?"

"He'd be getting an excellent teacher and a talented
psychologist, he'd be thrilled and, he's discreet."

"Thanks Byers," he answered gratefully.  It was nice to
hear someone believed in him.  "Hey Langly, are we
there yet," he teased.

Frohike jumped in, "is anyone hungry, are fugitives
allowed to stop for a burger?"

The car rocked with laughter.

Two Weeks Later...
Scully tapped lightly on the Lone Gunmens' office door
and breathed a sigh of relief when she heard movement
inside.  After being studied for a full minute, the door
opened and allowed her entry.  The three men eyed her
guiltily, after all Mulder was not their only friend.
This current situation had forced them to choose one
friend over another.

"How have you all been," she asked politely.

Mumbled fines were her only response, none had the
courage to look her in the eye.  Frohike noted other
body parts, but not her eyes.  "I was just wondering if
you gentlemen could do me a little favor?"

Frohike stepped forward first, "what did you need
Dana?"

"Well," she began, "I've thought about returning his
money and equipment but I'm afraid I'm not feeling that
generous.  Suffice to say, I will hold onto both and only
return them when HE asks me personally and
gentlemen," she arched her eyebrow evilly, "personally
in this case means in person on his knees."

"What's the favor Scully," Byers asked cautiously.

She pulled out the silver framed picture of Samantha
from her purse and handed it to Frohike.   Her eyes
glistened suspiciously, "see to it that he gets this
picture, I know he must miss it."

Frohike stared at the old photograph, they all knew who
the HE was, this was no time for games.  "I'll see that
he gets it Scully," he agreed.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek impulsively, "tell
him to just call, anytime, anywhere and, tell him...tell
him.....to.....take care of himself."  She grabbed her
purse and hastily left the room.

Maywood Illinois
Mulder's alarm buzzed loudly, damn 6:00am already.
He vaguely remembered a time when he used to have
trouble sleeping.  Lately, after working all day and into
the evening with these kids, he found he could simply
fall into bed and pass out immediately.  They were good
kids who just needed so much, kids who had seen way
too much before their time.  He clicked off the alarm
and reached for the frame that sat next to his bed.  It had
arrived yesterday, addressed to Henry Waters, that was
his new name.  He knew immediately who had sent it,
Scully of course.  He chuckled, leave it to Scully to
keep all his cash but understand me well enough to send
me Sam.  His fingers traced Sam's face sadly, God how
he missed her, how he missed the life they could have
had.

Casting a quick glance at the time, he jumped out of
bed and headed for the shower.


Scully's Apartment
Scully sat at her kitchen table and carefully flipped the
switch.  It beeped noisily clearly indicating it was in
good working order.   Relieved, Scully set the switches
exactly as instructed.  Okay so it was a bit sneaky but
damn she just wanted to be sure he was okay.  It wasn't
as if she was going to tell Skinner she had placed a
tracking chip in Samantha's picture frame.  That
knowledge was for her eyes only.  She noted the
coordinates and switched off the equipment.  "I wonder
what the weather is like in Chicago," she mused aloud.


Canterbury Warehouse, location unknown
Krycek was cold and achy.  He had spent the good part
of three days locked in a stinking cell.  Finally his boss
had shown up and posted bailed.  At this point he was
wondering if he might have been a bit hasty leaving the
cell.

"You failed Alex," the dry voice rasped.

"Yes," Krycek agreed, "I had him and I lost him."

"Twice?"

"Yes twice," he nodded.

"He is such a bright boy, takes after his father you
know," the voice advised.

"He's not so bright," Alex challenged.

"Bright enough to avoid you.."

Alex protested, "I would have had him except for that
damn ghostly demon thing."

"I don't believe in ghosts Alex."

"Well you should," Krycek insisted.

"What next Alex?"

"I'll find him....yes I'll find him and when I do," he
paused.

"And when you do?"

"He's mine first," Alex stated flatly, "if there's anything
left when I'm done, I'll dump it on your doorstep.  But
this time, it's personal."  Alex turned sharply and left
the room.

The CSM smoked his cigarette lazily, this would never
do.  Should he let Kryeck have him first or should he
protect the boy?  Decisions, decisions.....

Atkins School, Maywood
The surly, unshaven teen leaned forward in his chair,
"are you saying that Kennedy might have been killed by
our own government Mr. Waters?"

Mulder glanced around the classroom.  There were
fifteen kids in all, six girls and nine boys.  They did not
want to be here.  They were just doing time here to
avoid doing time elsewhere.  For the first time since his
arrival,  it appeared he had their attention.

"Not exactly, Jackson," he answered seriously, "I am
simply asking you to think about what you read in the
paper and," holding up the social studies' textbook for
effect, "text books."  Warming to his subject, he
continued, "it's important when you read a news story
or listen to CNN that you listen  with your head.  When
you consider the facts of a crime, would you have come
to the same conclusion."

"I heard his own father arranged JFK's death," Karen
added.

Mulder acknowledged her statement, "and what facts
were presented that cause you to believe that story
Karen," he challenged.

"No facts Mr. Waters, I just heard that, I think from my
Aunt."

"Do you believe it?"

Karen chewed her thumbnail anxiously unused to being
the center of attention simply for repeating an aunt's
belief, "I'm not sure."

A slightly built black student spoke up, "I heard he isn't
even dead, that it was some kind of trick."

Mulder smiled and looked around the classroom.
"These are all interesting ideas but," he stressed, "we
still don't know which theory is true.  Your assignment
is to read all you can about this incident, document it
carefully and present your theory, not the newspapers or
recent books, your theory on what happened."

His students were a bit taken aback.  Memorization of
useless facts was their usual assignments.  Never asked
to think for themselves before, they were unsure how to
begin.  Karen raised her hand, "when is it due Mr.
Waters?"

Mulder looked around at his class.  They were listening,
they were actually curious.  "Well," he answered, "since
I expect you will all have to do some research, how
about next Thursday?"

Their heads nodded up and down.  The bell rang and
they grabbed their books and headed out the door.  This
Mr. Waters might not be so bad after all...



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