Life from the Ashes Book 3 - SBS
by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.netNC-17
Disclaimer: The X-Files characters Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, Alex Krycek, Walter Skinner, Jeffrey Spender, CSM, the Lone Gunmen, Kimberly Cook, Senator Matheson, Bill Scully, the morph etc. are the property Chris Carter, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. All other characters in the series are mine.
Summary: This is an Alternative Universe Story. It takes place after an alien virus has killed off most of the world's females and caused mutations in forty-five percent of the remaining males.
Authors Notes: This is the third book in my AU series "Life from the Ashes - SBS." You might want to read the prequel and the first two books of the series to understand this one.
I would like to thank my beta-readers Laurie, Cerulean Blue, Kiyoko, Nicole, and Susan for all their hard work and patience in editing this story and plot suggestions.
Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are appreciated.
WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two or more men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.
Okay to Archive: please ask first.
***
Chapter 15
Inner TurmoilOslo
Monday, April 10
4:30 p.m.King Gullbrand looked on with disgust as Rory MacIver affectionately embraced a young Japanese major. He didn't question what a Japanese officer was doing with an American military unit; he knew all about Major Kazuo Sawada and his connection to America and MacIver. Gullbrand glanced over the hostile faces of the Americans filling his throne room, his country was under their control. His only small bit of satisfaction came from watching Havock who stood beside him fuming. The Australian was losing all of his hard gained slaves, too.
"Damn, Kazuo, you're a sight for sore eyes," MacIver drawled.
Sawada looked his friend over carefully for any signs of mistreatment. "Rory, were you treated okay?"
"Surprising I was treated well, which is more than I can say about how these bastards treated Alex! Kazuo, he was in bad shape the last time I saw him. They told me that Slava has Alex now," MacIver growled bitterly.
"We know where Alex is, Rory. Don't worry, Walter will think of a way to get him back. We must get you and Jonathan safely back home. Shinji told me not to come back without you or I'd be sleeping on the sofa," Sawada quipped, smiling, before turning to the tall, handsome, black man at MacIver's side. "Jonathan, it is good to see you again. Dana has been going out of her mind with worry," he said, shaking the doctor's hand.
"Kazuo. How is Dana?" Doctor Carter asked, gripping the major's hand.
"She says she's fine, but I don't think she's been getting enough sleep for a woman in her condition."
Carter's eyes turned sad. "This must have been difficult for her. So now what?"
"We have helicopters standing by to take us back to Germany, from there we take a transport plane back home," Sawada informed his two friends. "If you'll both excuse me for a moment." Sawada turned and walked over to an American colonel who was heading up the operation to recover the imprisoned Americans from all the coalition countries. The colonel had been barking orders to his men as they attached power cuffs to Gullbrand's and Havock's sorcerers.
"Colonel Drake, Walter Skinner wants this man sent back to prison in America. He is an escaped serial killer," Sawada said, nodding his head toward Havock.
Havock balked at the mere mention of going back to prison. "Wait one bloody minute! The United States has no jurisdiction over me!" he growled.
"Shut up, Aussie! Consider yourself lucky that I don't just take you out back and put a bullet through your head," the Colonel snapped, turning to two large marines. "Put this man in irons!"
"Thor, do something," Havock said as the marines started attaching leg irons around his ankles over the steel anti-power cuff that was already there.
Gullbrand ignored his friend and spoke to the Colonel. "What are your intentions in regards to my country, Colonel?"
Colonel Drake gritted his teeth, he wanted to teach this bastard a lesson for attacking his country and enslaving his citizens. However, he was a trained military man and well disciplined to follow orders. "I am here to retrieve the Americans you abducted from my country, and nothing more. As long as you and your people don't give us any trouble no one will be killed or harmed."
"We'll give you no trouble, Colonel. Take your people and go." Gullbrand turned and walked up the few steps to his throne and sat, he watched as Havock was forcefully dragged from the room. He needed to regroup after this defeat. He knew that he had gotten off easy this time, he'd be more careful from now on. He'd find a way to get Hans.
***
Russian Embassy
Washington, DC
Monday, April 10
5:30 p.m.Walter Skinner drove his SUV through the gates of the Russian Embassy. He had been surprised and relieved when Alex had called him and asked to be picked up from here. Skinner parked in front of the entrance and made his way up the steps. Two guards stationed out front opened the doors for him and he stepped into the lobby and stopped dead in his tracks. Alex was waiting for him, standing next to Slava. Skinner didn't give the large Cossack a second glance; he was too surprised by Alex. Alex was absolutely breathtaking. Skinner realized that until this moment he hadn't really believed that Alex had become an immortal. Alex bestowed a radiant smile on him. His pearly white teeth glowed against pink bowed lips, making Skinner's cock twitch with lust.
Krycek walked over to Skinner. "Walter, thanks for picking me up," he said, hugging and kissing him. "Nikolai, refused to allow me to drive myself home. God, now I know how Fox feels."
"Nikolai," Skinner mouthed. "Alex, how are you? He didn't hurt you, did he?" He nodded toward Slava as his hand lovingly caressed the side of Alex's face, stroking over the smooth flesh of his cheek as he stared into eyes greener than an Irish glade.
"Walter, Nikolai would never hurt me," Krycek protested. "Let's go home, I'm anxious to be with Fox."
Skinner wanted to ask Alex what the hell was going on. He expected Alex to head for the door, but instead the young man turned and walked back over to Slava. What Alex did next appalled and shocked Skinner. He watched in stunned silence as his half-brother and lover kissed Slava hungrily, wantonly.
Alex rested one hand on Slava's broad chest while looking into his lover's eyes. "I'll be gone for at least a few weeks, Nikolai. After Fox recovers there are a few issues we need to work out first before I can return to you."
"Alexei, I cannot be without you for that long," Slava said, pulling him into a tight embrace, not wanting to let him go.
"I don't want to be apart from you that long either, but Fox is more important to me than my own needs and desires. I have to be with him now."
"I will fly back to this country each weekend, Alexei. I would like you to join me here," Slava said softly, kissing his lover's sweet lips.
Krycek sighed happily against his lips. "I'll see you in five days then."
Skinner finally found his voice, he was furious, the tendons in his neck were straining and his face took on a deep shade of red as he roared, "ALEX, WHAT THE *HELL* IS GOING ON? YOU'RE NOT FUCKING THIS BASTARD, ARE YOU?"
Krycek tensed then slowly walked away from Slava. "Walter, calm down. It's a long story, I'll tell you on the drive back to the estate," he replied calmly, grabbing the large man's hand, he started to pull Skinner out of the embassy when Slava's voice called out to him.
"Alexei, you tell your *brother* that you are mine and that we *love* each other."
"LOVE! WHAT THE FUCK DOES HE MEAN BY LOVE?" Skinner bellowed as Krycek dragged him down the steps to his SUV.
"Stop shouting and get the fuck in the truck, Walter. I'll drive, it's obvious that you're in no condition to," Krycek snapped, taking the keys from the pocket of Walter's jeans.
Skinner climbed in the passenger side still pissed, but his voice was quieter. "Alex, that man kidnapped and raped Fox. How can you be in love with someone like that? What do you think this will do to Fox when he finds out?"
"Walter, I hadn't planned for this to happen. I can't expect you to understand the way I feel -- I feel complete with Nikolai, he's a part of me. Even now I feel a deep ache in my heart at being separated from him." Krycek steered the SUV onto the freeway.
"What are you going to do? Leave us for him?" Skinner asked bitterly.
Alex emitted a sad chuckle. "I could never leave you or Fox. You are both a part of my life, Walter. I love you and Fox too much to ever let go. I want to divide my time between here and Russia."
Skinner sighed sadly, staring out the window at the passing scenery. "Why do I suddenly have a feeling of déjà vu?"
"I'm sorry, Walter. It was never my intention to hurt you."
"You're genetically bonded with him aren't you?"
"I … I think so."
"Then we just need to find a way to cure you," Skinner said with hope.
"It's not a disease, Walter."
"It's not normal, Alex."
"Whatever," Krycek muttered.
***
China
Monday, April 10
6:30 p.m.Emperor Kong Woo Long reined in his horse and admired the sweeping valley below with it lakes and rice paddies. He saw several small villages scattered across the lush terrain. Sitting in front of him in the saddle was his immortal mate Li Chou. Kong's hand covered the slight swell of his immortal's abdomen, Chou was ripe with his child. He affectionately kissed the back of the young man's head. On the high ground above this fertile valley he would build a stronghold for his love and their future children.
Kong turned in his saddle and motioned for his general. "Put the slaves to work here, General Zhu."
Duffy watched the Emperor from his position in the long line of slaves following behind Kong's massive army on foot. He could easily see over the heads of the human slaves, some of who had started seeking his protection from the other n'thral slaves. Duffy worried about what would happen when his supply of sexual suppressants ran out. Each dosage lasted three months and he only had three dosages left.
From the cover of a nearby forest several pairs of eyes watched the large army with it long line of slaves. One pair in particular stare with amazement at the giant n'thral in the center of the column, who was surrounded by human slaves. What sort of n'thral was this that humans would go to for protection? The blue eyes blazed with a bright passion as he watched the muscular n'thral scoop up a small boy and perch him lovingly on his massive shoulder so the boy could see over the heads in the column. The young man adjusted the black scarf he wore around his head. It hid his features, covering his hair, nose, and mouth, only his eyes were visible, and those he took pains to conceal behind dark sunglasses. The rest of his outfit was also black. Leather britches and boots, topped by a loose black cotton shirt. Over that he wore a long, black duster. The only color came from the tortoise handled throwing knives that protruded from the tops of his boots. He carried other weapons on his lean body, but none of those were visible.
"C'mon, Ari, we need to get back to the village and pack. This part of China has just gotten too hot for our presence," a roguish Australian whispered into the ear of his taller companion. Then he cautiously moved deeper into the forest away from the advancing army. The other four men in the group crept after him.
Ari Summers stood there a moment longer watching the n'thral who held an unexplainable fascination for him. He went out of his way to avoid all contact with n'thrals, while he could disguise the way he looked, he couldn't disguise the way he smelled. The anti-pheromone drug worked on his human and sorcerer companions, but it wasn't strong enough to totally dissuade n'thrals if they got too close to him. He glanced one final time at the giant before turning and following his companions.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, April 10
7:00 p.m.Krycek was weeping as he hugged his daughter. He had missed her a lot, but hadn't realized how much until this moment. What kind of father was he, to put another man before his own child? Faith had looked at him puzzled at first, not recognizing him. His voice finally convinced her that this was her Daddy.
"Daadee," she squealed with delight.
"Oh, Cutie, Daddy missed you. Have you been a good girl for Uncle Walter and Daddy Fox?"
"Fox sleep , Daadee," Faith pouted, her lower lip stuck out as she looked at him sadly.
Skinner caressed the back of the baby's head with his finger. "Ssh, Cutie, Daddy Alex will try to wake Fox. Alex, they both have been crying constantly for Fox. I keep telling them that he is sleeping. I can't even allow them to see him in his present condition." The large man wiped at a tear that made its way down his cheek.
Krycek wiped at his own tears. "Dana, can you take Faith? I want to see Fox now."
He followed Skinner upstairs to the bedroom they had used while suffering from SBS. Fox lay inside a glass-enclosed cylinder. Alex gasped when he saw him. Fox was in a lot worse condition than he had imagined. Krycek turned away and buried his face in Skinner's shoulder, wrapping his arms around the large man, seeking comfort from the pain he was feeling. "Walter, I don … I don't think I'll be able to heal him all at once," he sobbed bitterly.
"I didn't expect you to, Alex. Just try to heal him little bit at a time," Skinner soothed holding him close as he kissed the top of Alex's head then gently pushed him away. Skinner's hands were on Krycek's shoulders as he stared into two green pools of liquid misery. "Fox is alive, Alex, he needs you -- I need you," he said earnestly.
Skinner's hands trembled as he opened the glass cylinder and stepped back allowing his half-brother access to their lover. He watched as Alex lay a gentle hand on the burnt ruins of Fox's face and chest.
"I'm going to have to sleep afterwards, Walter."
"Don't worry, Alex, I'll take care of you. Just do it," Skinner pleaded.
Krycek tried to do what he'd seen Fox do hundreds of times in the past. He was amazed when he felt the healing energy flow into him and he started channeling it into the love of his life.
Skinner watched excitedly as the warm golden glow surrounded Alex's and Fox's bodies. When the glow faded he was there to catch Alex as he fell, already unconscious. Skinner easily scooped him up into his powerful arms and carried him over to the bed, laying Alex on top of the bed covers. He then went back to Fox and sighed with relief at the marked improvement that he saw. Fox's nose and hair had been re-grown and his limbs had the start of bones. Skinner slowly lowered the lid on the cylinder then went back to attend to Alex.
From past experience with Fox, Skinner determined that Alex would probably sleep for at least two days and he wanted him to be comfortable. Skinner removed Alex's shoes and socks then started unbuttoning his shirt. He had to stop when he had Alex down to only his pants, he held out his hand and a syringe appeared in it. "Alex, you might as well get used to taking an anti-pheromone shot. Because when I make love to you I'd like for you to be conscious," he said, giving Krycek the shot and waiting for his own ardor to diminish before he finished undressing him. He had just gotten Alex settled under the covers when there was a knock on the door. Skinner looked up as Takeda, Blaise, and Hawk strolled into the room. All three men immediately went over to check on Fox.
"He looks better, Walter. We still feel guilty about not being able to use our healing powers to help Mulder," Takeda said, walking over and sitting next to Skinner on the bed.
"We've talked about this before, Shin. I don't want any of you three to jeopardize the health of your unborn babies. Besides, can you imagine the kind of pain Fox would feel if he were the reason that something happened to one of your babies?" Skinner's hand was unconsciously playing with Krycek's thick, silky locks.
Blaise stepped over to the bed and looked down at Krycek. "Well it's lucky for us that Alex is back. He's a beauty isn't he? You're going to have a harder time protecting him than Mulder. Don't you think?"
"Okay you three, what's the bet and for how much?" Skinner asked, looking sternly at them.
"Bet? What bet?"
"Justin, out with it," Skinner growled.
"Okay, big guy, don't blow a gasket. We only placed a bet on the first major blowout between you and Alex over him leaving the estate without your protection. After all, Joe and I need to recoup some of the babysitting hours we've already lost to Shinji, he's up to thirty free hours," Blaise replied.
Skinner closed his eyes as a headache pounded behind his temples. "Changing into an immortal was tough enough on Fox, but it is going to be even harder on Alex, especially after being a sorcerer. He's always been used to going where he's wanted without fear. He'd enter dangerous establishments that most men would steer clear of. Alex is a fighter and he's not going to like or tolerate the need to be protected. So does anyone have three weeks from today picked?"
"Ah, Rory does. He's picked every day from here until May 10th," Shinji said.
"You've heard from Rory?" Skinner asked, surprised.
"Yeah, Walter, I just got off the phone with him. The guys will be home sometime before morning. The mission went successfully. Colonel Drake is arranging for the transportation of all the American prisoners. Kazuo said that Drake would like to discuss the rest of the mission with you and General Kline," Takeda said.
"Damn, I should have been in communication with him hours ago. Shin, would you mind sitting with Alex and Fox? I need to call General Kline," Skinner said, climbing off the bed. He paused in the doorway. "I'm happy Rory is okay, Shin."
"Thanks, Walter," Takeda said.
Skinner had a lot of work to do. Congress was not pleased that he went behind their backs and launched an attack against a sovereign nation. He needed to work at appeasing them, while at the same time strengthening his power base against the possibility that they would take direct action against him and his family. He hoped that the American public would support him once they saw their citizens returning.
***
China
Wednesday, April 12
10:30 p.m.Ari Summers removed his clothing and carefully hung each piece up. He placed a knife and a gun next to the full bathtub. "You can leave now, Paul," he said to his childhood friend Paul Danforth. Paul was a sorcerer and he and Ari had been partners in crime for most of their lives. Their families had been neighbors, and the two boys had been best friends longer than either man could remember. They had established a small gang when they were only in their teens, and except for two members who died during a botched bank robbery, all of the gang were still together. They went from petty robbery to drug trafficking to extortion and finally to selling their guns to the highest bidder.
"Is the water hot enough, Ari? I can heat it some more," Paul offered, watching his beautiful red-headed friend sink into the tub. He had used his powers in this small backward village to fill the tub. There was no running water in the small farm house. He stood admiring Ari, outside of himself and their seven member gang no one else had seen Ari's face since he became an immortal almost two years ago.
"The water is fine, Paul, I'd really like some privacy if you don't mind?"
"Ah sure. Just call me if you need anything."
After Paul had left Ari rested his hand over the swell of his belly. He was still embarrassed by his weakness, he had begged Paul to fuck him through his navel, although he had never had the desire to be with another man before and was still a virgin when it came to male-on-male sex. The urge to have a baby had become too uncontrollable. Now he was pregnant with his best friend's baby. Thirty years old, without a home, and pregnant. What would his mother have said? He wanted to go back to Australia. Ari hadn't been able to tell Paul his fear about being in a foreign land when it was time for him to deliver his child.
His mind turned back to the immense n'thral slave who had been on his thoughts constantly. He wanted to see the n'thral again. Ari was surprised that the mere thought of the n'thral aroused him. He had always hated and feared n'thrals, but there was something different about this particular n'thral. Maybe Paul would be able to work out a deal with Emperor Kong for their services, then he could see that giant again.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, April 15
7:00 a.m.Krycek sipped from the coffee cup relishing the rich flavor. He had been surprised at the sensual pleasure eating and drinking brought as his taste buds had become more acute after his change. Fox had never mentioned the positive aspects of being an immortal. Krycek glanced over at the cylinder. Fox required at least two more healings, which caused Alex to call Slava to delay their plans to meet for the weekend. Slava had not been happy, but he finally agreed that healing Fox was far more important. Krycek smiled over at Walter who was sitting reading the morning newspaper, the older man had been very attentive to his every need. His smile evaporated as a sharp pain laced through his body causing him to drop the coffee cup.
Skinner leapt to his feet and rushed to Krycek's side. "Alex, what's wrong?" he asked, removing the breakfast tray from off the young man's lap, careful not to spill any of the hot coffee pooled on its surface.
Krycek immediately curled into a ball as the pain became more intense. "God, Walter, it hurts. I don't know what the fuck is wrong!" he cried out.
Skinner realized instantly what was wrong. "Alex, I think you are experiencing sexual withdrawal pains."
Krycek's mind barely heard him, his whole being felt like it was being pulled apart. "Walter, fuck me, please!"
"Are you sure, Alex? Wouldn't you rather wait for Slava?" Skinner couldn't help being cruel, it had been eating away at him that once Fox was healed Alex would be leaving them for Slava.
"Walter, please," Krycek begged.
The sound of pain in his lover's voice had Skinner feeling guilty at using Alex's condition to punish him, and he stripped off his clothes in record time. "Alex, do you realize that once I take you, I'll have a hard time ever letting you go again?"
"I want you, Walter, please don't hold my need for Nikolai against me," Krycek moaned. "Think of Fox! I can't heal him when I'm like this?"
"Alex, Fox has nothing to do with my feelings for you. I'm fucking you because I love you, and I want you. I don't want to see you suffer. I only wish that you wanted and loved me as much as I do you," Skinner said, slicking up his cock he willed Alex's body to relax as he pushed in.
Krycek closed his eyes against the pain. He sighed as Walter filled him, knowing that relief was near. His agony was too great for him to get any sexual pleasure from their coupling as his lover thrust in and out of him. The relief was almost instantaneous as he felt Walter's come shoot into him. He sagged back against the larger man's broad, sweaty chest, feeling the hard pounding of his heart and the shallow breath against his back, the hard cock still inside him.
"Walter, thanks. I don't understand why the withdrawal pains came on so suddenly. Fox always said he had several hours notice," Krycek sighed, pushing back closer to Walter's body and petting the hairy arm that was swung over his waist.
"You probably were asleep when they started." Skinner buried his nose into the back of Alex's hair breathing in his arousing scent. His cock grew harder inside its tight confines, making Alex writhe ever so lovely in his arms.
"Oh God, that's good. Fuck me, Walter," he moaned, squeezing his anal muscles around the hard object penetrating him.
Skinner gasped. He propped himself up over Alex and pulled out then pushed back in. As Skinner fucked him, his mind wandered back to seeing Alex kissing Slava. Alex was his as much as Fox was his, and he didn't like the thought of Alex going back to that black-hearted Cossack. "What does Slava give you that I can't give you, Alex?" he asked, twisting his hips and driving back in with more force.
"Uugghh. Don't want talk," Krycek moaned.
Skinner pushed in harder and faster. "Why him, Alex?" His hands bit into the pale flesh of Alex's hips as he thrust deeper.
"Fuck, Walter. Don't … please," Krycek gasped, and tried to pull away.
"Tell me! Damn you!" Skinner screamed, holding Alex still as he continued to pound into him.
Krycek writhed underneath the larger man, he couldn't believe that their simple act of love making had turned violent, or that he was getting off on the mercilessly fucking. He continued to struggle, which only added to his feelings of pleasure. "I love him, dammit! Is that what you want to know?" he snarled.
"Fuck you, Alex!" Skinner growled, slamming into him one final time as he came.
Krycek squirmed uncomfortably under Skinner's dead weight, much to his own disappointment he hadn't come. His rock hard cock was sandwiched between his belly and the mattress, he felt the dampness of tears against his neck. "Walter, it's possible to love more than one person. Just ask Fox," he said softly.
"God, I'm sorry, Alex," Skinner murmured then tried to pull away, but Alex grabbed his arms and held them together.
"Walter, I do love you. We need to work this out because I have no intention of giving up either you or Nikolai," Krycek soothed.
"I can't share you, Alex. Don't ask me to share you," Skinner growled and pulled away. He picked up his discarded clothing and carried them into the bathroom.
Alex watched Walter's muscular backside as he stormed into the bathroom slamming the door. Alex sat up in bed and hugged his knees. He looked over at the glass cylinder. Fox's face was completely healed, his limbs and internal organs were close. Two more healings, he thought. Then Fox would be the one ranting at him about his feelings for Nikolai and his desire to take their daughter with him when he went back to Russia.
***
China
Monday, April 17
10:30 a.m.Duffy wiped at his brow as he watched eight riders gallop into camp. They caught his interest immediately because they were white, the tallest wore clothes that concealed his features. Duffy was close enough that he could overhear their voices. He wondered briefly what Australians were doing working for Kong, but he decided they were probably Havock's men. The tallest Australian looked his way and seemed to spend long moments studying him behind the black shades of his sunglasses.
There was something about the gracefulness of the man that held Duffy transfixed. A lash from a slaver's whip broke him from his trance. He turned away reluctantly and started splitting boulders with a sledgehammer.
Ari stared in awe as the muscles rippled on the n'thral's hairy back and shoulders. He had never seen anyone so large. Even the disfigurement of the n'thral's face held a fascination for him. He glared angrily at the whip wielding slaver. What was the story behind this n'thral who worked side-by-side with humans? N'thral and human slaves were always kept separate for fear of the damage a sex crazed n'thral would do to the smaller humans. Why was this one allowed to work with them? It didn't make sense.
Paul turned in his saddle and noticed where his friend's eyes were focused. "He's a big one, isn't he? The captain of the guard said he's the largest living n'thral on the planet. He says he's as gentle as a lamb around humans, but saw him kill another n'thral with his bare hands. Ripped his cock off, he did."
"Tell me what else he said, Paul?" Ari asked intrigued.
"He's an American. That's all I know. Come on, shake a leg, Ari, we have an appointment to see the Emperor. Maybe the job he has for us will pay enough that we can go back home in style." Danforth turned his horse.
Ari's horse was sandwiched protectively in the middle of his eight friends as several Chinese guardsmen led them through camp to the Emperor's tent. Ari and Paul entered the tent while their fellow gang members waited outside. Ari's eyes took in the opulent interior and the beautiful Chinese immortal who had the most unusual pair of sexy violet eyes he'd ever seen. The young immortal lay on a bed of silk pillows as several young eunuchs attended to him. Ari's lens-covered eyes met Kong's. The Emperor was sitting in a low chair in the middle of the tent. Ari used the trick that Paul had taught him as he felt the sorcerer's mind probe his, allowing the man to see a face and body that had been ravished by fire, which ended all further inquiries on why his features were concealed.
Kong indicated that they should be seated on a rug in front of his throne. "I wish to hire you to perform a small job for me, for which you shall be well paid. I want you to bring me Shinji Takeda. Upon your return with him I will reward you with one million ounces of gold," the Emperor said.
Danforth grinned, gold was rapidly replacing all paper currency and with that amount they would never have to work again. "Shinji Takeda is in America. It will require some capital up front for us to get there and back with him."
Kong waved his hand and a small leather bag landed in Danforth's lap. The young Aussie opened it and spilled out a hundred freshly minted gold coins with Kong's likeness on them.
"That should be more than enough to get you to America and back with Shinji," Kong said, his voice softened as he looked over a Li. "My love needs another immortal to keep him company, these eunuchs are not suitable company for him. Bring Shinji to me before the end of summer and I will double my payment."
"Yes, Emperor Kong," Danforth replied excitedly, starting to rise.
"Emperor Kong," Ari said, causing his friend to look at him anxiously.
Kong just stared at Ari and waited for him to continue.
"My associates and I have never been to America and we require a guide … an American guide. More specifically that enormous n'thral that you have working beside your human slaves. His presence alone would guarantee that we are left alone on our journey to his homeland," Ari said, watching the Emperor closely.
"Duffy is a valuable slave. I will have to deduct an eighth of my original offer if I allow you to take him. Do you agree?" Kong asked.
"No," Danforth said quickly.
"Yes," Ari replied firmly.
"Yes," Danforth sighed miserably.
"Good! General Zhu, show my guests out and have Duffy brought to them."
***
Pentagon
Monday, April 17
2:30 p.m.Skinner paced around the large conference room. The rescue mission had gone better than expected. They struck the coalition countries so quickly that they had no time to come to each other's aid. Only China remained. Unfortunately the forces of Emperor Kong were too great for Skinner's small five-thousand sorcerer force; it would take six times that number to intimidate Kong into releasing their people without a fight.
"Call them back," Skinner finally decided. "We will have to figure out another option for dealing with Kong."
"What options? Sanctions?" General Clayton Kline growled.
"Clay, I don't like it anymore than you do, but we can't go up against him without losing a lot of men," Skinner replied.
"Fine, Walt, I should be grateful that we got most of our people back. It just irks me that some Americans are still enslaved." General Kline looked thoughtfully at his long time friend. Skinner had changed, he had always had an aura of authority about him, but now he just radiated power and leadership. "Have you given any thought to what we've talked about? This country needs you, Walt," Kline said.
Skinner walked over to the window and looked out. The world had changed, his country was changing, could he stand by and watch, hoping that it went in a direction he could live with or should he step in and steer its course himself?
"This country needs a leader, Walt. Someone who isn't afraid to make the tough decisions. You're that man. With one word from you thousands of sorcerers fell into line eager to follow your every command. The government is antiquated, Walt, we will be helpless against countries like Russia and China if we don't get our house in order soon," the General ranted.
"What you are proposing is the overthrow of our government, Clay. Do you think this country is ready for a monarchy? Somehow I never pictured myself as King Walter," Skinner replied, watching the storm clouds form in the distance.
Kline knew that Skinner would need some extra persuading. "You love your immortals don't you, Walt? What do you think will become of them as you languish behind bars in the Federal Penitentiary? I have it on good authority that the Justice Department, under orders from the Executive Branch, has a warrant for your arrest ready to serve as soon as our men return from overseas. Do it for your family, your lovers, your daughter." He watched with satisfaction as Skinner's back went rigid.
Skinner turned a determined look on his face, his jaw firmly set and his eyes ablaze. "Clay, tell the men that I want as little bloodshed as possible, and I will personally relieve the President and his cabinet of their duties."
The general smiled. "Tomorrow will be a bright day in this nation's history. Walt, I've called a meeting for tonight with your new joint chiefs, we will map out the details for tomorrow's coup d'etat and start work on your new constitution."
"You were that sure that I'd agree?"
"You have too much to lose if this country stays on it present course. We need a leader and you need us, your majesty," the General grinned at the cringe he got from the large man. "Get used to it, Walt, from this day forward you need to project an image of absolute authority, you're need to be ruthless in addition to compassionate."
"Great," Skinner sighed. "Just don't expect me to sit on a frigging throne! I'll be back here tonight."
The general's grinned widened as he watched Skinner leave. He could easily bow down before such a man. Kline felt the first glimmer of hope for his son's and grandson's future that he'd had in over two years. He picked up the telephone and punched the speed dial. "It's all set for tonight, get our men in position around D.C. We attack at dawn."
Skinner wouldn't lie to himself. He was overthrowing his own government for purely selfish reasons. His family and his extended family's safety. With him as the head of the new government he didn't have to worry about outside forces threatening his family. He didn't have to worry about Alex going to Slava. He wouldn't let him, or allow Slava into his country. Now all that he needed was to find a way to break the news to Fox once he was healed. "Hey, guess what, Fox, I'm King so that makes you my …" Skinner shook his head chuckling. "Do you want to spend the next month on the couch?" He frowned as he drove toward his home, Fox was not going to be happy and Alex was going to hate it.
***
China
Monday, April 17
3:30 p.m."Dammit, Ari, why?" Danforth growled. He looked over his shoulder at the massive n'thral who walked passively beside Summers' horse. The n'thral had a leather collar around his throat from it were chains attached to wrist restraints with a leather leash coming off them and tied to the saddle on Summers' horse.
"I wanted him, Paul. I don't know why," Summers said.
"He's slowing us down. Let's just cut him loose or sell him in the next town!" Simon suggested and all the others voiced their agreement.
"No! He's *mine* and I'm not giving him up!" Summers hissed, silencing them.
Duffy watched and listened in fascination. He could easily break the chains and kill the little men. This was the best chance he had at escaping since allowing himself to be capture by Hector Cardoso's army. However, he held off, something about the man Ari piqued his curiosity. He realized suddenly it was the young man's smell, it reminded him of an immortal. Was it possible? Was that the reason this man concealed his features? Was he an immortal?
"What are you staring at, slave?" Summers growled.
Duffy looked down at him speculatively; even with the man seated on horseback he was still many inches taller. He had remained silent throughout the few hours he had been with these men. "I was wondering what an immortal was doing running around with a gang of mercenaries? An obviously pregnant immortal." Duffy tossed that last bit in knowing that it would irritate the young man.
All eight horses stopped suddenly.
"How?" Summers demanded.
"I've been around pregnant immortal's before, their scent is very unique. Don't worry, only a n'thral would pick up the scent, and only a n'thral who's been around an immortal would recognize the smell for what it is. You haven't answered my question," Duffy said.
"Shut up! I'm your master and I will ask the questions! Not you, slave!" Summers snapped, annoyed. If the others could see his face they'd know how truly unnerved he was that this n'thral had easily seen through his disguised.
"If you can smell me then why haven't you tried to ravish me?"
Duffy was amused. "A friend of mine invented a special drug that suppresses my sex drive." He continued walking as the horses moved on.
"So you are unable to get it up?" Summers didn't understand why he was disappointed.
Duffy chuckled. "I can still get it up, but I'm in control, not out of control like my fellow n'thrals."
"Very well, slave, we will get along fine as long as you learn your place. You will do whatever I tell you, and speak only when spoken to," Summers said, pursing his lips behind the scarf, he added hungrily. "If I want to see you jerk yourself off then you will do it and anything else I ask you to."
Duffy's eyebrows rose past his hairline not believing his own ears. Had this immortal just come on to him? He looked at the other men and saw that they shared his astonishment. "Yes, master, whatever pleases you," Duffy replied softly.
"Good," Ari said.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, April 19
1:30 a.m.He brushed away a cobweb as he crept through the dirt tunnel. Fyodorov felt extremely lucky to have found the secret panel in the storeroom that had been hidden behind heavy boxes, he doubted that anyone at Foxfire Glenn knew about it. Well, maybe Mulder did for all the good that did Fyodorov's captors. He held a candle out in front of him as he came to a trap door and pushed against it, but it wouldn't budge.
The smoker had been flying around in circles over Foxfire Glenn, he easily concealed his presence. He discovered through using his powers as he flew that he could transverse space and time, quickly flying from Alaska to the Eastern United States in a little over an hour. His eyes caught the faintest movement in the woods just past the west-side of the estate. The ground shook gently, his mind probed below the earth and he smiled at what he found.
Fyodorov was about to give up and head back to the store room to find something to dig with when the trapdoor above his head was torn off its hinges and a clawed hand reached down grabbing him before he could scramble away. He was pulled whimpering from the tunnel into the arms of a creature the likes of which he had never seen before. "Please, don't eat me," he shrieked in terror.
"Silence, weasel!" the creature hissed, looking up suddenly as the lights outside the mansion went on. He grabbed the little man around his waist and took off into the sky with him. Fyodorov screamed his terror at the top of his lungs.
MacIver and Sawada came racing out of the mansion. MacIver froze in his tracks as he caught the outline of a large creature in the night sky. "What the fuck is that thing?" he exclaimed as the creature disappeared out of sight.
"Whatever it is, it's got our prisoner," Sawada said, walking toward the fence his eyes searching until he found the disturbed earth of the tunnel.
"Do you think Walter knew that this was here?" MacIver asked, jumping into the tunnel, he lit his way with his powers aware of Kazuo's presence at his back.
"No, definitely not. He'd never allow such a security risk to remain in place," Sawada said as they came out inside the locked storeroom. "We need to fill the tunnel in and contact Walter."
"I'll fill the tunnel, Kazuo, you go back to Shinji. I don't want him to be alone with that creature flying around. I'll try to get in contact with Walter when I'm done down here." MacIver started using his powers to fill in the long tunnel as Sawada rushed back to Shinji. The Scotsman's biggest problem was getting a hold of Skinner, the former A.D. was in the middle of overthrowing his own government.
***
Skinner lost no time in getting back to the estate. With him came half a battalion of sorcerers who set up guard around the perimeter of the estate. Skinner was followed onto the estate by two Generals and Gabriel Hunter.
"Rory, explain what happened exactly?" Skinner asked.
"Kazuo and I were awoken by Fyodorov's screams. We ran outside and witnessed some giant bat creature flying away with him, he ah, that is Fyodorov escaped through a secret tunnel that led from the storeroom to underneath the fence on the west-side. I've taken care of filling that in," MacIver said.
"The creature, do you think it was intelligent? Did you get any sense of conscious thought from it or was it just some animal?" Skinner asked fearful that whatever it was could have taken one of his family members just as easily as it had taken Fyodorov.
"No, Walter. If it weren't for Fyodorov's screams we'd have never even seen it," Sawada said.
"Walter, I think it is obvious that you and your family need to move into D.C. and under the protection of a much larger guard," General Kline said. "You can keep this place as a country home."
"Clay, I'm not really interested living in the White House," Skinner replied sullenly.
"Of course not, that place is hardly suitable for our country's first King. We will just have to build you and your family a new home suitable for a growing royal family. A place where the princesses will be free to play without worry," Kline replied seriously. Skinner and his two immortal beauties were the future as he saw it, for rebuilding a strong nation. It didn't hurt that part of Skinner's extended family had four other immortals, all of whom were pregnant, and their sorcerer mates. No other country could lay claim to eight immortals, he thought, including the Korean and Spanish immortals living in California.
Skinner cringed. King. God, what had he gotten himself into? "Clay, I'm going to have a hard enough time explaining to Fox and Alex about my part in overthrowing our government, let alone having to explain this part about being King." MacIver's snicker drew a heated glare from him. "Shut up, Rory."
"Sorry, your majesty. I most assuredly didn't mean any disrespect to your royal personage," he quipped, bowing.
"King Walter, it has a nice ring to it," Shinji replied. "So what does that make Mulder and Alex?"
"Princes I would think, unless our *King* is planning to rule jointly, then that would make Mulder also a King. Now Alex being married to King Fox and a brother to King Walter would remain a prince," Blaise rattled off.
Skinner put his head down in his hands. "They are both going to kill me when they find out," he sighed. "I'm going up to check on them. Clay, do whatever you think is best," he replied.
"Yes, King Walter," he grinned as Skinner's back stiffened and he proceeded up the stairs. General Kline turned to the family. "He hates when I call him that, but he has to get used to it. These next few months will be critical to his rule. There's going to be anger and resentment among some of the American people. They'll need to accept our new government."
"I would say there will be more than a little anger," Scully said. "Wasn't there anyway to fix the current democratic government first?"
"Agent Scully, the situation out west is a lot worse then the government was letting on. Whole areas from California to Missouri are under the rule of clans who are setting up their own governments. The upheaval was spreading like a brush fire, by Autumn the U.S. government would have no longer been able to maintain order and this country would have fallen into anarchy. Walter Skinner is the only man who could prevent that from happening. A vast majority of sorcerers will follow him as their leader, and with their power the King can reclaim lands already lost to these clans. People aren't stupid, Agent Scully, they'll see peace and stability with having Walter Skinner as their king," Kline replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do."
***
Fox looked beautiful again and Walter was surprised that he wasn't alive yet. Outwardly he saw nothing physically wrong with his lover. Alex was still sleeping peacefully, his long, lush lashes fanning out on top of his high cheekbones. His bowed lips parted prettily, Skinner couldn't resist kissing them. "You will hate me, Alex, but I cannot allow Slava to have you."
***
You have a choice, Marat Fyodorov. Serve me or die," the smoker said, sitting down in the large chair he had altered to fit his new body. On the floor sitting on cushions at his feet were his two beauties, they were dressed in silks and jewels.
Marat looked between the creature and the two beautiful immortals. Whoever this creature was he had enormous powers, and Fyodorov would be a fool to turn him down. "Master … I welcome the opportunity to serve you," he said bowing.
"Excellent!" the creature said clapping his hands together with glee.
"May I ask my Master's name?"
"I have many names, Foxx, Spender, Rothborne, Smith, and my personal favorite, Cancerman. My son gave me that name," the creature said between puffs of smoke. "But I'd prefer for you to call me Master, that one has a nice ring to it."
"Your son, you mean Jeffrey Spender?" Fyodorov asked. Was this really thing really Spender's father?
"No my first son, Fox Mulder. You've seen him? He's beautiful isn't he? Do you think he is more beautiful than my lovelies here," the smoker asked.
Fyodorov looked at the two despondent immortals. "Yes. Fox is more beautiful. He has an inner strength that I've never seen in any of the other immortals. It glows from within him, you can't but help notice his presence."
"He gets that strength from me," Spender said proudly. "Fox was forged by me into the man he is today. We shall discuss Fox later, what I want from you now is the means for me to get my hands on my other son, Jeffrey."
"Yes, Master, I will help you. Any wayI can."
"Good, show Mr. Fyodorov to his room," the smoker said nodding to his two assassins.
He sat back in his chair tenting his claws together in thoughtful contemplation. First Jeffrey, then Fox. Soon they would be one big happy family.
***