Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 2
Hostageby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Dulles Airport
Monday, January 11
2:00 p.m.Mulder paced nervously in front of his lover at the airport while Skinner was on the telephone talking to the Toronto Police Department. The A.D. had agreed to drive him to the airport to pick up Krycek. His plane had arrived at 1:00 p.m., but he wasn't on board. After calling the Scullys and finding that he had indeed left for the airport, the older man was now trying to retrace his steps.
"Fox, they found Krycek's rental car on the shoulder of the expressway," Skinner informed him. Coming up behind him, he put his hand on the agent's back.
"Were there any signs that he was forced off the road?" Mulder asked, gazing out of the window at the planes taking off and landing. He met his lover's eyes in the glass and saw genuine concern in them.
"No, there wasn't a scratch on the car. The police have no idea why he would have pulled over. His tires were fine and the spare was still in the trunk."
" Walter, I'm flying out there."
"Fox, I think it would be advisable for you to wait here. I'll go out myself. I'll make arrangements with Agent Boutotte to provide protection for you while I'm gone."
"Walter . . . "
"No, Fox! This isn't open for discussion! One of us has to remain here because Alex . . . or whoever has him might try to contact us."
Mulder glared at him then sighed, defeated. "Okay, Walter, but promise me you'll call."
"Fox, I promise . . . don't worry . . . I'll find him." Skinner hugged him. Then they headed home for him to pack.
***
Unknown Location
Toronto
Monday, January 11
4:00 p.m.Krycek's mind kept drifting as he tried to focus on his location, but he was too heavily drugged to think clearly. Every time his mind started to clear, that n'thral bastard would shoot him up with more heroin.
The door to the room opened, and Krycek watched in dread and revulsion as the massive Russian walked over to him. "Alexei, are you enjoying your stay with us?"
Captain Mikhin watched with amusement as the young man tried to focus on him, but slumped back on the bed unable to hold his head up. Mikhin tested the handcuffs that secured the triple agent to the small bed. He then stepped back to admire the beautiful young man -- his Tsar always had excellent taste.
Mikhin wanted to possess this beautiful man, but he wanted to hear him beg for it. He wasn't going to rape him as tempting as that thought was. He knew that once addicted, Alexei would be willing to do anything for more of the drug. That was when he would make the young man plead with him to fuck him. Considering Alexei's past history with the drug that should be fairly easy to accomplish.
After he had Krycek totally addicted, then he would contact the Tsar's lover. When he had Fox Mulder in his possession, they would all return to Russia together.
***
Washington
Monday, January 11
7:00 p.m."Frohike, I need you to get me a list of Nikolai Slava's people, and check it against the passenger list on all commercial flights flying into Toronto from Russia in the past week."
"Mulder, that's going to take some checking into, assuming we can get a list of his men. There's no guarantee that they didn't fly over under an alias."
"Frohike, just do your best, please."
"Sure, Mulder. Do you need anything else?" There was a touch of concern in Frohike's voice.
"No . . . that's all for now. Talk to you later." Just as Mulder hung up, the telephone rang again.
"Mulder," he answered.
"Agent Mulder, this is Sam Harris. May I speak to Walter?"
"Sorry, Doc, but Walter's out of town."
There was a brief hesitation over the line. "Do you know when he'll be back?"
"No . . . Doctor, is there something I can help you with?"
"No, Agent Mulder, it can wait until Walter returns," he said, hanging up the telephone.
***
Toronto airport
Monday, January 11
9:00 p.m.
Bill Scully met Walter Skinner's plane when it landed. "Mr. Skinner, it's good to see you again."
"Call me Walter. I think we've been through enough that we can dispense with formalities. Has there been any word from the police on Alex?"
"No . . . it's driving Dana nuts. She wants to go talk to the police herself and head up the investigation, but she knows that is impossible. She's starting to feel totally useless."
"I can understand that . . . Mulder's the same way. Two of the best agents I've ever had and they are reduced to prisoners in their own homes . . . hiding from the general public." Skinner followed Bill out to his truck. Bill took his bag and tossed it in the backseat.
"We have the guestroom at the ranch made up for you, tomorrow we can go see the police."
"Are you sure, Bill? I don't want to put you to any trouble . . . I can get a room in town."
"Dana insisted, and I'm not about to explain to her why you're not with me when I get back. Walter, can I ask a favor of you?"
"What?"
"Can you try to include Dana in the investigation?"
"Sure, Bill, I could use her help."
They arrived at the ranch house an hour later. Bill pulled up next to the back door that led into the large country kitchen. He helped Walter Skinner with his bags, showing him into the kitchen.
Dana was waiting anxiously inside. "Sir, thank you for coming."
"Dana, please, it's Walter. Has there been any more information on Alex?"
"No, ah . . . Walter," she murmured, as Charles Scully and his two sons walked into the kitchen.
"Walter, I'd like you to meet my brother Charlie and his two sons Randy and Trevor."
"Sir, it's a pleasure to meet you," Charlie replied, shaking his hand.
"Thank you." Skinner felt awkward in this family setting, he wished that he had insisted on a hotel room.
"I'll show you up to the guestroom so you can get settled in." Dana led him up a steep flight of stairs behind the kitchen. The large country farmhouse had two staircases in it. The large main staircase that led down to the entryway and living room, and the narrow back staircase off the kitchen. The steps creaked under their weight as Skinner struggled with his suitcases up the narrow steps.
Dana opened the first door next to the back staircase. "The bathroom is across the hallway." She fidgeted in the doorway as Skinner laid his suitcases down on the bed.
"Um, Walter, I want to apologize for how I treated you the last time we met. I hope you can forgive me, and we can put it in the past."
"Dana, apology accepted . . . just promise me you won't come between Fox and me again," Skinner replied, still somewhat hurt by the bitterness that had passed between them in Russia. Her interference had almost cost him his lover.
"I promise . . . it won't happen again." Scully hesitated briefly in the uncomfortable silence that followed. "If you're hungry, I can reheat some of the beef stew and biscuits I made for dinner?"
"Thanks, Dana, but I think I'll just turn in for the night."
"Okay, I'll talk to you in the morning, then. Goodnight, Walter."
"Night, Dana."
***
The Scully Ranch
Wednesday, January 13
5:00 p.m.
Charlie stirred a pot of chili he had simmering on the stove, looking over at his sister and her former boss. They sat huddled over a map of Toronto, discussing possible locations that a body could be dumped.
"This isn't fair, Dana, I don't want to believe he's dead," Skinner grumbled and shoved the maps away.
"Walter, we need to look into all of the possibilities."
"NO! He's still alive; I would feel it if he were dead. It's only been two days, for Christ sake, that not enough time to give up hope." Skinner stood and started pacing the kitchen, he had finally admitted to himself that he wasn't out here for Mulder's benefit. He wanted to find his half-brother, too. He felt a deep kinship with Alex that wasn't there before.
"Sir, I'm sorry, of course we'll keep looking. You're right -- it is still far too early to call it quits."
"Thank you, Scully."
Charlie stared them -- fatigue was clearly showing on their faces. They'd had very little sleep or food since the A.D. had arrived. He wondered which one would be the first to drop. He knew his sister, and he had his money on her -- she would be the last standing.
***
Washington D.C.
Thursday, January 14
Noon
Agent Boutotte stood next to Agent Mulder in the cafeteria line, he hadn't let the younger man out of his sight since Monday. Mulder seemed to be sinking more and more into despair.
Boutotte understood what it was like to lose someone close to you, then again, so did over ninety percent of the population. "Mulder, you need to eat more than soup," he told him.
Mulder stared blankly at him and placed a small bowl of strawberry Jell-O on his tray. "Happy?"
"No," Boutotte replied and added a piece of pie.
Mulder glared at him then shrugged his shoulders in defeat.
They paid for their food at the cashier and found a small table in the back of the cafeteria.
"Mulder, it's only been four days he will be found. You know the A.D. will do everything possible to find him."
"I know, it's just that whenever I find someone who's important to me . . . fate steps in and kicks me in the face. I should probably give up trying . . . I seem to only bring pain to those who are close to me," Mulder sighed, trying to force down some Jell-O.
"Mulder, get over yourself! The world doesn't rise or set by you -- you don't control yours or anyone else's destinies. What happens will happen with or without you. Just be grateful you have people in your life who love you and that you love."
Mulder stared in awe at the older agent, he didn't buy what Boutotte said for a moment, but he appreciated the sentiment and concern. After all, Alex wouldn't be missing if he hadn't asked him to escort the Scullys home.
***
Toronto
Friday, January 15
3:00 p.m.
It had been five days since Krycek vanished and they still didn't have any leads. Walter Skinner was sitting in the Scully's kitchen. He was about to give up when Mulder called. "Fox, are you sure . . . okay, I'll check into it. Yeah, love you, too . . . bye."
"What did Mulder say?" Scully inquired anxiously.
"The Gunmen found a private jet registered to the Slava Corporation that landed in Toronto last Thursday evening. Langly had been checking the passenger lists on all flights from Russia. Fox said that Langly was pretty embarrassed that he overlooked checking into private planes."
"Is the plane still in Toronto?"
"Yes, it hasn't moved since it landed."
"Sir, what do you propose?"
"Right now, Agent Scully, our best bet would be staking out that airplane."
***
Viva Tower
Friday, January 15
5:00 p.m.
"Mulder, you should eat something," Yori admonished him. He had watched the agent over the last five days as he went off to work each morning and came home late each evening. He spent his time either on the telephone or nervously pacing.
"Yori, I'm not hungry."
"Starving yourself isn't going to bring him back any sooner."
"You're going to keep harping on me until I eat . . . aren't you?
"Yes, Mulder."
"Okay, fine . . . what did you make?"
"Borsch and stuffed cabbage rolls."
"Again?" Mulder groaned.
"I haven't cook that since Tuesday, Mulder," Yori huffed.
"Whatever," Mulder moaned, sitting down at the kitchen table.
"I found an apartment over in Alexandria . . . as soon as Walter and Alexei are back to take care of you . . . I'll be leaving," he murmured sadly.
"Yori, I can look after myself. You don't have to put yourself out on my account," Mulder replied, slowly eating the borsch.
"Mulder, I enjoy taking care of you . . . it's what I do. I took care of Slava for many years."
The telephone rang and Mulder leaped to answer it. "Mulder."
"Hello, Agent Mulder. This is Doctor Harris has Walter returned yet?"
"No, sorry, he's still out of town. If it's important I can get a message to him."
"No, I need to talk to him in person. When Walter returns tell him it's vital that I speak with him."
"Doctor, what's wrong? Is it about our baby? Have the tests come back from Skinner's blood work?"
"I'm sorry, Mulder, but I really need to discuss this matter with Walter. It's really important that he gets in touch with me when he gets back." The doctor disconnected before the agent could protest.
Mulder just sat there staring at the telephone, listening to the dial tone. Yori came over and put a hand on his shoulder. "Mulder, what's wrong?"
"That was Doctor Harris, he wouldn't tell me. He wanted to speak to Walter, he said that it was vital. Yori, do you think . . . could you use your clairvoyant powers and find out what Harris is hiding?"
"I'm sorry, Mulder, but I can't read him . . . unless you get him back on the phone."
Mulder quickly dialed Harris' telephone number, but the answering machine picked up. "Damn."
***
The D.C. Procreation Clinic
Friday, January 15
6:00 p.m.Dr. Harris sat in the private research lab at the clinic looking sadly at the telephone, he felt guilty about hanging up on Mulder. However, he knew it was better to speak with Walter about the subject. Walter Skinner had high-level contacts in the government and military, he would be able to take the steps necessary to insure his child's safety.
It's been five days and their daughter showed no signs of dying from the virus, the embryo was developing at an unusually high rate of growth. The doctor suspected it had something to do with Fox Mulder's mutation, that his genetic makeup was the key. If that proved to be the case, then agent's freedom would be in jeopardy.
He had placed the growth cylinder with their child in a secured room at the clinic, only two other doctors had the keys to this room. With any luck, they would be able to hide her existence until Walter could take the appropriate measures to secure her safety.
He heard the key turn in the lock and Doctor Kyle Pendrell walked in. "Evening, Sam, any luck contacting Walter Skinner, yet?"
"No, Kyle, he's still out of town."
"How's our little baby, Hope, doing?" Pendrell inquired, looking in the tank.
"She's doing amazingly well, Kyle, by next week she should be visible to the naked eye."
"That soon? Sam, at this rate of growth she'll be born a month early!"
"I know . . . it's amazing isn't?" Sam grinned at him.
Besides Kyle and himself, only Dr. Louis Jackson knew of the baby girl's existence.
"How soon can we start running tests on her fathers?"
"We already have their tissue samples, blood work, and semen. We can start with that, but I want to wait until after the baby is born before taking any samples from her."
"You still think Fox Mulder is the key component for her survival don't you, Sam?"
"Yes, Kyle. There are scores of men with the sorcerer mutation already using this technique to propagate, and all of their female offspring have died instantly."
"But, Sam, one of the men with the immortal strain of the virus also had a female offspring die using the same technique. How can you be so sure that it is tied into Agent Mulder?"
"I just know he's the key. Can you get me the data on this other immortal, and who his partner was?"
"Sure, Sam, I'll have it for you tomorrow," Kyle said as he left the lab.
Doctor Harris walked up to the growth cylinder, stared into the clear liquid and ran his finger along the glass. "Hope, you are in for an interesting life. Your father is a strong brave man, he will love and protect you." Sam smiled at the thought of how Walter would react to finding out he had a daughter. He had better make sure he had some smelling salts on hand.
***
Viva Tower
Saturday, January 16
7:00 a.m.
Mulder leaned over the toilet bowl throwing up; he had started to go through withdrawal symptoms a few hours ago. He knew that from past experience, it was just going to keep getting worse. However, he was determined not to call Walter, there was no way he would interfere in his search for Alex.
He rose unsteadily to his feet, breaking out in a cold sweat and shaking. Mulder turned on the shower, hoping it might help relieve some of the pain he was beginning to feel.
The agent didn't know how long he was in there, because the next thing he knew Yori was wrapping a towel around him, lifting him up off the shower floor.
The large Russian carried him to the bed and laid him down, pulling the blankets over his trembling body. "Mulder, I'm going to call your doctor. I know you don't want me to call Walter, so I won't unless the doctor is unable to help you."
Mulder tried to listen to the words, but they were muffled as if spoken from a distance. He watched vaguely as Yori picked up the telephone to call Dr. Harris. His body went through convulsions and he curled up on his side, gripped by an unbearable pain. The only relief he found was when he passed out from the pain.
An hour later, Dr. Harris walked into the room and set his medical bag at the foot of the bed. He sat next to the agent's languishing body and proceeded to check his pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and heart.
"How long has he been like this?" the doctor asked Yori who was hovering nervously nearby.
"I'm do not know, Doctor. I found him passed out in the shower this morning."
"Do you have any idea when Walter Skinner is going to be back or for that matter Alex Krycek?"
"Walter is looking for Alexei, he disappeared six days ago in Toronto. Mulder wouldn't want Walter to return, he'd rather have him continue searching for Alexei."
Mulder groaned and tried to kick the covers off his hot sweating body -- the fabric was heavy and rough against his sensitized skin. Both men stared at him with concern.
"Mulder won't get better . . . do you know what's happening to him?" Harris asked, not wanting impart any personal information about his patient.
"I know he is going through withdrawal symptoms. And that the only cure would be having sexual intercourse with either Walter or Alexei," Yori answered gruffly.
Yori had read the doctor's thoughts. "Dr. Harris, Mulder has the right to be told about his daughter. What gives you the right to keep that information from him?" Yori admonished sharply. Mulder was his friend and he didn't like secrets being kept from the agent.
Harris was shocked and taken aback by the angry accusation and the fact that the Russian had read his thoughts. He didn't know if Yori could be trusted with the information about the female baby. "You do realize how important it is that her existence remain a secret."
"A secret from the government or a secret from her father?" the Russian snapped.
"It's not that I wasn't going to tell Mulder. I just thought it would be better to talk to her other father first. Walter would able to secure protection for her. The fewer people that know about her, the better."
"You're not doing a very could job of hiding her existence, Doctor. I read your thoughts very easily. Haven't you learned to shield them? You need a clairvoyant with you at all times to help conceal your thoughts for you."
Harris knew that the man was right. He pulled out a syringe from his bag and gave Mulder a sedative to help him sleep more easily.
"I don't know a clairvoyant that I could trust with this information . . . if I did I would use him. What about you, Mr. Ysak, would you be willing to assist me?"
"Sorry, I won't leave Mulder in this condition, but I do know a clairvoyant you could trust. He would be more than willing to help you." Yori walked over and picked up the telephone, he knew the number by heart, after watching Mulder call it all week.
"Lone Gunmen," the voice answered.
"It's Yori Ysak, is Frohike there?" He listened as the man called across the room.
"Hey, Yori, how's it going?"
"Not well, my friend, I need your help."
"What's wrong?"
"Agent Mulder is ill, and I can't leave him alone. His doctor is here and needs a clairvoyant he can trust. Frohike, can you come over right away?"
"I'll be there in a half-hour, Yori. This is about the baby, isn't it?"
"You know?"
"I've known since Russia. I'll see you shortly."
***
Toronto Airport
Saturday, January 16
10:00 a.m.
Dana Scully sat next to Walter Skinner, they had settled on watching the airport between dawn and dusk each day. There were no flights allowed to take off during the evening hours.
Scully looked over at Skinner, tilting her head so she could see the title of the book he was reading. It was a book on infant care entitled "The Baby Book".
"Have you had any word from the doctor on how the fetus is doing?" Scully asked, genuinely interested.
"No, I've been too occupied with our search for Alex to check. Sam would call me if there were a problem, though. I'm sure the fetus is doing just fine." Skinner glanced down at his book, then marked his page.
Closing the book, he turned back to Scully. "Dana, I want to thank you for allowing us to use your ovum in our son's conception, it meant a lot to Fox."
"You're welcome, Walter. It was the least I could do . . . I'm happy that I had the chance."
"You're not going to have a problem with the baby having some of your genes, but being mine and Mulder's child?"
"No, Walter, the baby is yours and Mulder's . . . I don't see him as being my son. If it will make you feel better, you can have your lawyer draw up a legal document relinquishing all of my parental rights. I will gladly sign it to put your mind at ease."
"No, Dana, that won't be necessary. Your word is good enough for me." Skinner smiled at her. He had been concerned about her wanting to be a large part of his child's life. It made him anxious at the thought of having to share his son -- his dream of a family didn't include her.
They spent the rest of the day talking about their families and growing up. Skinner was surprised that he and Scully shared many similar ideas on how a child should be raised. When night fell, they headed back to the ranch. They would grab several hours of sleep then head back out here just before dawn.
***
Unknown Location
Toronto
Sunday, January 17
7:00 a.m.
Krycek pulled weakly on the cuffs securing him to the bed-frame, he was freshly washed and shaved. Mikhin had greatly enjoyed bathing him earlier. The triple agent had hoped that the metal ankle cuff would malfunction in the water. However, the captain hadn't taken any chances and wrapped a plastic bag securely around the cuff.
As n'thrals went, Mikhin seemed extremely intelligent and self-controlled. He didn't display the out of control behavior prevalent in most of his kind.
Krycek closed his eyes; he was having the first clear thoughts since he was kidnaped. Mikhin hadn't given him the dose of heroin, and he felt the fog lifting from his brain, but he also felt shaky and nauseous -- withdrawal symptoms, he knew them so well.
"How are we feeling, Alexei?" Mikhin asked. Krycek started, he hadn't heard the n'thral enter the room.
"I feel fine," Krycek sneered with contempt as he tried to maintain a false front. He gritted his teeth against a wave of pain that coursed through his body.
"Funny, you don't look fine," the n'thral smirked. "Don't worry, my pet, as soon as I collect the Tsar's lover in D.C., you will demonstrate how much you love me in front of him. Then I will give you some more heroin as a reward. Here, to show you that I'm serious, you can keep this." Mikhin slipped one of the vials of heroin into the younger man's pants pocket.
"I'd rather die first . . . and keep your filthy hands off Fox -- touch him and I'll . . . "
"Alexei, you are not in a position to be making threats, but don't worry, I will not lay a hand on the Tsar's property. We will be flying down to D.C. this morning, then back to Canada, then on to Russia."
The n'thral wanted Mulder to suffer by watching the man he loved go through agonizing withdrawal symptoms and sell his body for more heroin. Mikhin was still enraged over the injury Mulder had inflicted on Slava.
Krycek wanted desperately to get out of there, before Mikhin got his hands on Mulder.
***
Toronto airport
Sunday, January 17
9:00 a.m.Skinner had watched from a distant location as a black van drove up to the hanger that housed the private jet. He felt Krycek's presence in that van. Walter Skinner shook Dana Scully awake she had fallen asleep shortly after dawn.
"Sir, what, oh sorry. What is it?" she asked. Staring over at the hanger, she noticed the van parking beside it.
They watched as Krycek was dragged out of the side of the van by a very large n'thral. Skinner noted that his brother was having trouble standing. He watched as Krycek doubled over in pain.
"Scully, stay in the car," Skinner ordered as he jumped out and ran across the field toward Krycek and the n'thral. He created a protective shield around his body as he pulled his gun from his holster.
Captain Mikhin glanced up in surprise at the glowing, angry man charging across the field. He determined it would be better to retreat than to attempt to fight an enraged sorcerer, he quickly hopped back into his van, leaving Krycek where he had fallen on the cold pavement.
Skinner got to Krycek's side just as the van sped through the gate and onto the service road. The younger man was shaking violently. "Alex, I have you now . . . what's wrong?"
Krycek looked at his brother through pain-filled eyes. "Heroin . . . th..that bbastard . . . II'm addict . . ." He doubled over as another wave of pain coursed through him.
Dana Scully pulled the car up beside them, gazing in amazement at Skinner. She hadn't seen him use his powers before and was surprised by the glowing shield he had created around his body. She knelt down beside both men. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's going through withdrawal symptoms, he's been addicted to heroin." Skinner had his arms wrapped around the younger man's shaking body. Krycek had his face buried in the A.D.'s wool coat, and his hands were tightly clutching the material.
Scully stood and pulled open the back door of the car. "C'mon, let's get him inside." She reached down and helped the A.D. to his feet as he cradled Krycek in his arms. Easing his half-brother's trembling body into the back seat, he climbed in beside him. Scully climbed behind the driver's seat and headed back to the ranch.
Thinking about Krycek's withdrawal pain caused something to click in Skinner's mind. "DAMN! How could I have forgotten," he cried out.
"What's wrong?"
"Fox . . . it's been six days."
"What's been six days, Walter?"
Skinner met her eyes in the rearview mirror and turned a bright shade of red. "Since Fox and I had sex," he mumbled quietly as he brushed the hair out of his brother's eyes. The younger man seemed to have fallen into a restless sleep.
"What . . . I didn't catch what you said?"
"It's been six days since we had sex," he said louder.
"I'm sorry . . . I'm not following . . . what does your sex life have to do with why you're upset?"
"It's a side-effect of Mulder's mutation, he has to have sex every forty-eight hours when he's not on the anti-pheromone drug or every five days when he's taking the drug. He starts going through withdrawal symptoms similar to what Alex is going through."
"Are you sure? That seems, pretty farfetched," Scully replied skeptically.
"I've never personally witnessed Fox going through withdrawal symptoms, but Alex has."
"When we get back to the ranch, you can call Mulder and find out how he's doing, I'm sure that he's fine."
***
Viva Towers
Sunday, January 17
11:30 a.m.Yori placed a cool washcloth over Mulder's fevered forehead. The agent was asleep but kept tossing and turning. It had been over a day since Frohike accompanied the doctor back to the clinic. He had agreed to help shield all three doctors' thoughts. As long as they all agreed to remain together, the little man should be able to prevent any other clairvoyants from finding out about Hope from reading the doctor's thoughts. Once Walter was back . . . hopefully with Alexei, they'd be able to work together in protecting the baby girl.
The telephone rang on the nightstand. Yori answered it, "Walter Skinner's residence."
"Yori, put Fox on the phone," a very nervous Assistant Director requested.
"Sorry, Walter, he isn't able to talk right now."
"Is he all right?"
"No . . . he's not . . . he didn't want me to mention it . . . he's concerned about you finding Alexei."
"We found Alex an hour ago, I'll be bringing him home with me. He's not in very good shape," Skinner stressed. "Yori, how . . . how bad of shape is Fox in?"
"Really bad, he passed out from the pain. Doctor Harris was out again this morning and has given him a another sedative."
"I'll be on the next flight home. Take care of him for me until I get there."
Walter Skinner hung up, looking over at Dana Scully, she was kneeling next to Alex who was groaning and shaking on the sofa. "Can you get him ready to travel, Dana?"
"Sir, he's in no shape to go anywhere!"
"Dana, I'm not going to argue, Alex is going back to D.C. with me. Mulder needs me there . . . but I'm not leaving Alex behind."
"Okay, but I'm going with you . . . you can't handle him on your own." Scully rushed up to pack her bags.
Skinner knelt down next to Alex, wiping the sweat from the younger man's brow. "Alex, I'm taking you back to Fox, he might be able to cure the pain of your addiction."
"Walter . . . it . . . might not be that easy. When I . . . I waas in mmy teens . . . I was ad . . . addicted to heroin. My father . . . had me . . . committed for treatment." Krycek fell back exhausted.
"Alex, Fox cured your gunshot wound, he should be able to cure your withdrawal pains. You will have to fight to stay off the drug yourself, but it should be easier without the withdrawal symptoms."
"No, I can't wait that long! Here, give me a shot of this . . . Mikhin left it with me." Krycek handed over the vial of heroin from his pocket.
"Alex, no! I won't make you anymore addicted than you already are. You have to start drying out." Skinner placed the drug into his pocket then placed a comforting hand on Krycek's arm.
Krycek angrily shrugged his brother's hand off his arm. "You hate me! You've always hated me . . . you llliike . . . seeing me suffer . . . that's the real reason you won't give me any of the drug."
"Alex, I don't hate you . . . I don't like seeing you suffer and you know that. Hey, you're my brother, whether you like it or not, we are family, and I'm trying to do what is best for you." Skinner pulled the younger man's trembling body into an embrace, soothingly rubbing his hand over his back.
Krycek accepted the comforting from his older brother -- his family.
When Scully came back downstairs, she was wearing one of her tailored suits and looking very feminine, regardless of her buzz style haircut.
Skinner gave her a questioning look.
"Congress has allowed all the women at Northridge to return to their families. There is no reason for me to hide my identity any longer."
"It's still dangerous for you to travel alone, Dana. I'll have a couple of agents accompany you back home . . . when you're ready to return. That's unless you're thinking of rejoining the FBI?"
"Not at this time, sir. My brothers and nephews need me here."
Bill Scully helped carry the suitcases to the car. Charlie was watching Matthew for him while he drove them to the airport. Dana received quite a few stares as she walked into the airport. Krycek needed to be physically supported from the car, and they used a wheelchair to get him to the plane.
"Be careful, Dana, call me if you need anything," Bill told her as he watched them safely board their flight.
***
Skinner sat on the aisle seat with Dana sitting by the window, Krycek in the seat between them. Skinner glanced over at his brother who was sweating and softly moaning. He got up and walked to the bathroom and wet his handkerchief. Sitting back down, he wiped the sweat from Krycek's face.
"Alex, try to get some sleep, we should be in D.C. in a couple of hours," Skinner murmured with concern.
Krycek reached out and grabbed Skinner's hand using it as a lifeline he closed his eyes and tried desperately to let sleep claim him. After ten minutes, his head came to rest on the older man's shoulder as he fell into an uncomfortable sleep.
***
Dulles Airport
Washington D.C.
Sunday, January 17
5:00 p.m.Agent Boutotte was waiting out front for them in his Ford Explorer. He helped them with the bags and bundled a semi-lucid Krycek into the backseat. Skinner climbed into the back, leaving Scully in the front seat with Agent Boutotte.
"Agent Scully, it's a pleasure to see you again," Boutotte said, glancing over at her.
"Please, it's Dana, Agent Boutotte." Scully smiled at him, she liked Agent Boutotte, he was an attractive man.
"It's Phil, Dana," he said returning her smile.
"Pull over . . . I think I'm going to be sick," Krycek moaned from the backseat. Boutotte quickly complied. Skinner held Krycek as he leaned out the door and dried heaved. He had nothing in his stomach to vomit up. He was trembling when the older man eased him back into his seat, buckling him back in.
"Alex, Dr. Harris is at the apartment, he'll give you something when we get there." Skinner pulled out a handkerchief and mopped up the sweat from the younger man's face.
Agent Boutotte pulled the truck into the underground parking garage. He grabbed the bags as the A.D. supported his brother and helped him up to his condominium.
Yori met them at the door, taking Krycek from Skinner. "I'll take care of him, you go see Mulder," Yori advised him, helping Krycek to the guestroom. Scully and Boutotte followed the large Russian into the room. Dr. Harris came in shortly afterwards. He had been upstairs with Mulder when Skinner came in and threw him out.
"So this is Alex Krycek?" the doctor asked, opening his bag. He gave Dana Scully a brief appraising look as he pulled out a syringe. "This should help relieve his pain for a few of hours. We'll have to get him into a drug treatment program as soon as possible."
"That won't be necessary, Doctor," Yori told him.
"He'll need help recovering from his addiction. I don't know how they do things over in Russia, but here we help our drug addicts in their recovery," Harris replied smugly. He hadn't seen eye-to-eye with the Russian since their argument over him not telling Mulder about his baby being a girl.
"No, he won't. When Mulder is back on his feet, he'll help Alexei overcome his drug addiction."
The doctor, Scully, and Boutotte looked at him with doubt in their eyes.
"Yori, would you please clarify that for us," Scully requested.
"Of course, Mulder has the ability to heal. Mulder healed Alexei after he was killed the night of the auction. Mulder laid his hands over him and all of the bullet holes healed, and Alexei started breathing again. It was the most amazing thing that I've ever witnessed in my life."
"That the most preposterous story . . . I've ever heard!" Sam Harris scoffed.
Yori glared at him, he didn't like being called a liar. "Would you like to make a small wager, Doctor?"
"How small?"
"Say, you fix dinner for us every night next week, a real dinner -- not anything frozen that says Banquet," Yori stressed.
"Okay. However, if I'm right you do volunteer work at the clinic for a month." The doctor challenged, not thinking for a minute that he would lose.
Yori headed for the door. "If anyone is hungry, there is a kettle of lamb and chick-pea soup simmering on the stove, and fresh baked bread cooling on the counter," he mentioned on his way out.
"I'm famished, Yori," Scully answered. She checked to make sure Krycek was sleeping comfortably before leaving the room. Boutotte and Harris followed her out the door and into the kitchen.
***
Walter Skinner felt weird having sex with his lover's sedated body. He felt Mulder's chilled skin and taut muscles, he knew his lover was suffering even while he lay unconscious. When he ejaculated into the agent's rigid body, he felt it relax under his weight, knowing that he had provided Fox relief from his pain. Skinner would never again forget how important he was to his lover.
He held Mulder's peacefully sleeping body against his chest. His lover had been worn down by the long hours of intense pain and sedatives. Finally, after receiving relief from the pain . . . exhaustion overtook the agent and he sunk deeper into sleep.
Now, looking down into Mulder's serene, sleeping face, for the first time Skinner was truly happy that Alex Krycek was going to be a part of their life. Because, if anything ever happened to him, he knew that his half-brother would be there for Fox.
He kissed his lover's brow and disentangled himself. Standing, he made sure Mulder was tucked in and comfortable. Skinner pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweater and headed downstairs to check on his brother and guests.
When Skinner came into the kitchen, all conversation stopped. "Yori, any more of that soup left?" He nodded toward the kettle on the stove.
"Yes, Walter, have a seat." Yori stood up, relinquishing his spot at the small kitchen table to the A.D. and walked over to dish up a bowl of the soup.
"Walter, how's Mulder doing?" Scully asked.
"He sleeping peacefully. How's Alex?"
"He's sleeping, also."
"Sam, sorry about earlier," Skinner apologized as he wolfed down the large bowl of soup, dunking the buttered bread in it to sop up the savory broth.
"No problem, Walter. When you're through, I need to talk to you in private," Harris stated.
"Sure, Sam, what's it about?"
"Hope."
***
To say Walter Skinner was shocked would have been an understatement, catatonic would be closer to his reaction to the news that his and Mulder's baby was a girl. He paced the small study nervously.
"Here, Walter, drink this." Sam handed his friend a tumbler of bourbon.
Skinner took a large gulp. "How? I thought all female embryos died instantly . . . is she going to die?"
"Walter, *HOW* is the billion dollar question. Your daughter is the only female embryo that has survived -- Hope's doing amazingly well."
"Hope?"
"Kyle came up with the name, it seemed fitting, we wanted to call her something. I hope you don't mind."
"No, I like the name . . . you're right, it is fitting." Skinner took another sip from his glass. He had a silly grin on his face. "I'm going to have a baby girl, Sam, this is unbelievably good news. What did Fox say when you told him?"
"I haven't told him. I thought . . . I wanted to discuss it with you first. Walter, you need to take measures for her protection. The government is going to want to study her -- they may attempt to take her from you. There's also the possibility that Agent Mulder may be confined."
"Confined? Walter, what's going on?" Mulder walked unsteadily into the room, hearing only the last sentence.
Skinner looked longingly at his beautiful lover -- Mulder was wearing a floor-length, forest-green velour robe. He almost forgot what they were talking about. "Fox, how are you feeling? Here sit down, you look like you're going to fall over." Skinner hurried over to Mulder leading him over to the sofa he helped him to sit. They shared a brief kiss.
"I'm fine, Walter. Now tell me -- what did the doctor mean?"
Skinner sat on the sofa next to his lover; taking Mulder's hands in his Skinner stared into the agent's eyes. "Fox, Sam has some very good news for us . . . but there are some problems I'll need to take care of. Our baby is female -- a healthy baby girl." Skinner smiled happily.
All the color drained from Mulder's face -- he felt the room sway. Skinner grabbed him and held him close until the dizziness passed. "A girl? Does . . . Doctor, you think my mutation is responsible for her surviving, don't you? That's why you're worried about me being placed in confinement." The agent shivered, he wasn't looking forward to any more publicity or notoriety . . . he definitely didn't want to become a guinea pig in some lab.
"Agent Mulder, I'm not positive, but I believe it's your genes that allowed her to survive."
"Don't worry, Fox, I'll start making calls tomorrow. I'll have yours and Hope's freedom guaranteed." Skinner stroked the agent's back as he hugged him tightly against his chest.
"Thanks, Walter. Did you find Alex?"
"Yes, he's sleeping in the guestroom. Fox, it was one of Slava's men that had him . . . he injected him with heroin. It might not have been so bad, but Alex confided in me that he was an addict in his teens. His father had him forcefully committed until he was free from the drug."
"Well, I'll just have to cure him of it," Mulder stated smugly.
"After you get your strength back, Fox. It took you over ten hours to recover last time you healed Alex."
The doctor interrupted their brief exchange. "Walter, are you saying that Mulder really does have the ability to heal?"
Mulder stared at Harris, feeling irritated. He was getting fed up with the way the doctor was treating him. The mere fact that the old man hadn't told him about his baby being a girl -- the doctor waited for Walter to get back and told him. Now, Harris was talking as if he wasn't in the room.
Skinner felt the tension in Mulder's body. "Sam, you'll have to ask Fox that question, it's up to him if he wants to tell you."
"Well, is it true, Agent Mulder?"
"Walter, I'm going to check on Alex." Mulder stood quickly, not answering the doctor.
"I'll join you shortly, Fox."
"Walter, what's wrong with him? He purposely ignored me," the doctor huffed.
"After how you treated him, Sam, you're lucky he didn't deck you."
"I don't understand, what do you mean?" Sam was truly baffled -- this was the second person that rebuffed him over how he treated Mulder.
"Sam, you treated him as if he wasn't here, and then not telling him about our daughter. He's an intelligent man, but you treated him as if he were a child -- he's a thirty-eight years old for god-sake."
"I'm sorry, Walter, I wasn't aware that's how I've been treating him."
"Sam, you used to treat Sharon the same way, it drove her nuts."
"Walter, I'll make a point of watching myself in the future."
***
Mulder walked quietly into the small guest bedroom. Yori had been using it and still had all of his meager possessions scattered around. He sat on the bed next to his sleeping lover and grazed his fingers across the stubble on Krycek's cheek. Bending down he kissed the younger man's lips.
The agent took off his robe and crawled under the blankets, he spooned up against Krycek's back wrapping his naked body around the younger man's clothed one. He fell instantly asleep; his body was still exhausted.
Skinner walked into the room a half-hour later stared down at the two sleeping men -- his family. He leaned down and kissed Fox on the lips then rested a hand on his brother's hot forehead. Krycek moaned softly, but remained sleeping. He hoped the younger man would sleep through the night.
He walked out of the room and made sure that the apartment was locked up. Scully was spending the night in Agent Boutotte's guestroom, and Yori had accompanied the doctor home. The Russian would be staying with him until he could arrange for his daughter's security.
Skinner set his alarm clock for five o'clock; he wanted to get into work early. He had many arrangements to make and a pile of paperwork to get through.
***
Hoover Building
Washington D.C.
Monday, January 18
8:20 a.m.It was deathly quiet in the lobby of the Hoover building, a person could have heard a pin drop over the stunned silence. Only the soft clicking of high-heeled shoes on the polished marble floor could be heard. All eyes followed the tall, trim, immaculately dressed young woman. She showed her badge to the startled guard and stepped through the metal detector.
The woman rode the elevator up, waiting patiently as it stopped to pick up other passengers along the way. She smiled softly at each man that got on . . . they were all too surprised to speak. The woman left the elevator, followed by all the men that were on it. She wove her way through the bullpen, picking up many more agents along the way.
She stepped into the outer office of Assistant Director Walter Skinner; placing her handbag on the desk she took off her coat and hung it up in the small closet. The woman then sat behind the desk, pulled opened the bottom desk drawer and deposited her small handbag inside. She proceeded to turn on the computer and shifted through the in-box, all the while being silently watched by a few dozen agents.
Walter Skinner's door opened and the A.D. stepped out. He took a step back upon seeing all the men milling around before his eyes came to rest on . . . "Kimberly?"
***