TITLE: X IS FOR XENOGENIC AUTHOR: DONNILEE E-MAIL: DONNILEE@SNET.NET RATING: NC-17 SPOILERS: Little ones for End Game, Talitha Cumi, Herrenvolk, Requiem, Within, Without. DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting. SUMMARY: Ah, another day, another clone. But this one wants to help. AUTHOR'S NOTE: O.K., O.K., I know what you're thinking; X-File, X-Ray, and ooo, ooo, ooo, X-RATED! Nope, none of the above. Too obvious, too easy. I wanted to find something different so ... xenogenic, there you have it. What can I tell you? I didn't want to do what was expected. I have no excuse! Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary xe-no-ge-ne-ic \-je-'ne-ik\ adj [xen- + -geneic (alter. of -genic] (1963) : derived from, originating in, or being a member of another species xe-no-graft \'zen-e-'graft, 'zen-\ n. (ca. 1964) : a tissue graft carried out between member soft different species. xe-no-tro-pic : \-'trap-ik, -trop-\ adj (1973) : replicating or reproducing only in cells other than those of the host species <^viruses> XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PART 1 (PG) SOMEWHERE ON THE STREET ARLINGTON, VA FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2001 5:50 PM Seena Planka's Journal: Computer Chip embedded in Hand held box looking much like a tape recorder. Ah, where to begin my tale? At the beginning I suppose. I was biologically engineered from human cells ... but I was not human. I was also engineered from Planka cells. I say Planka, because it was a human word they had given themselves to name their species. The real name was not able to be translated in any fashion. I was a shape shifter, and could live on Earth. I was truly the first of my kind that had no problems with the environment. So far. When relaxed, I took on the shape of a human woman from whom I was genetically engineered. Well, she was a girl when they first began the experiments. The experiments continued once she was a woman. She was dead now and I think we all mourned her. We, meaning myself and my ... sisters, for lack of a better word. We had no mother and so came to think of her as our mother. Others had been here before me wearing my likeness. They had dark brown, kinky hair, green eyes, light skin and a slightly vapid smile. One of them had tricked the FBI agent into believing she was really our mother once, or his sister. She did a fine job but it was dirty business all the same. He ended up choosing his mate over her in the end anyway. When it came down to the wire, Fox Mulder had traded his 'sister' away for his partner. I was to follow in her foot steps, but I had plans of my own. You see, my creators, they messed up in some ways. They had given me abilities that they themselves did not have. Among them, human abilities like telepathy, and a keen empathetic receiver. Humans didn't often use their ability, not because they couldn't, but because they did not know how. The human brain, you see, was a marvelous instrument, a phenomenal machine. Most humans only used about ten per cent of their brain power. There were those few with what humans call clairvoyance, ESP, and other psychic abilities. Those, through some accident, were able to access more of their brain without having been taught how. It showed in the lack of control they have over the information coming to them. I didn't mean to brag, but I did. Have control that is. I could read people's thoughts, and I could feel their emotional responses. Fortunately for me, I could also turn it on and off like a light switch. And I could choose my ... target ... for lack of a better word. The one time that I opened up the mental gate on my telepathy fully was a serious learning experience. The cacophony that had inundated my brain had been deafening and painful. Thousands of voices had entered all at once. Needless to say, I never did that again. Live and learn. So back to me and my plans. I was supposed to go to the FBI man and convince him that I was his sister. Why? Because the FBI woman was pregnant. And they wanted me to keep an eye on her. Why? Well, because her baby will be special. It is a hybrid also, only this time, it was not engineered ... well not exactly. It was to be the first hybrid born to a human woman. It would need me to connect with it upon its birth, unless I could teach the mother to do it, which I doubted. She was entirely too rigid for her own good. I was to report back to them. It would have abilities that its mother and father didn't have and it would need help and instruction. It would also have one or two things I didn't have in the way immunities. I was not immune to the black oil, another genetically engineered phenomenon. It was originally made to kill off the rebels. The whole thing was a mistake from the beginning, but we can hardly admit to that now, can we? Now that there was a viable alternative, hybrids to be exact, the need for conquering was over and the new project had begun. A true xenographic experiment; the blending of two completely biologically different species into one viable one that can live ... here on earth or on our planet. Our planet was doomed, but they had high hopes of finding another to populate before Plutonka goes supernova in another ... 500 years or so. Not much time on the galactic scale. And only about two and half generations in their species. I had never been there. I say their species, because I didn't really consider myself one of them. I was different, as well as my sisters. I was of a race all my own if you will. Oh, I forgot to mention that, didn't I? Their species lives to be approximately 200 years old, give or take a few years. Since humans lived less than half that time, the life span of a hybrid was largely unknown. I guess if I was lucky enough to die of natural causes, then they would have their answer. I was banking on leveling out somewhere in the middle. Although I was only about five years old, since my creation, genetically and intellectually, I was about 35 years old. One thing I had enjoyed is the sex. They'd simulated it for us once. The Planka didn't have sex, not like you humans did. Oh sure, they reproduced by exchanging bodily fluids. And it is a mildly pleasurable experience, but rather methodical in its process. They didn't understand the pleasure that was involved in human sex. You guys on the other hand, had come up with an absolutely divine way to make more of yourselves! At the moment, I was unclear as to whether a totally human male could impregnate me. They believed it could happen. I was hoping it would happen. But I had to find the right mate first. He had to be healthy, he had to have an I.Q. nearing genius level or above genius level of 140. Not to worry, I wasn't going to go after my "brother", although he would fit the bill nicely. He wasn't really my brother, but you got the idea. That would blow the whole deal. No offense, but the man wasn't really my type. I do like them tall and skinny, but I'm partial to blondes. Not that I can afford to be overly fussy if I find the right one. One thing I am not burdened with is a need for a particular visual in order to be attracted to a mate. Nope. Mind reading will tell me all I need to know. I can scan the health and intelligence quotient as well. Basically, if I find a smart one, I'll be attracted, like a magnet. If he was blonde, that would be a bonus. But I am forbidden to go after the FBI man, for obvious reasons. He would never do it anyway, even if he knows I'm not ... what's her name? Oh yeah, Samantha. I'd have to get used to that. I'd been called Seena for so long, it was going to be hard to get used to the other. So, my plans which I kept conveniently forgetting to tell you about. I was going to tell them who I was and what I was, and they were going to play the game with me because I could help them and I could help their child. I could also protect their child. I needed to win their trust first. Perhaps I could offer to do something for them to prove my good faith. We'd have to see how it goes. My dilemma was whether to tell them outright, or go ahead with the plan and tell them later. If they were Planka, I would know what to do. But humans were tricky, and these two especially so. I had studied them both and know just about everything there is to know about them, except that I've never been close enough to empathize or read their thoughts. I knew that both of them were paranoid to varying degrees and with good reason. I also knew that the man had seen a clone of his sister before and would probably be reluctant to believe I was the real McCoy anyway. I've decided to just show up when I knew they were together and see what the reaction was. Then I would know how to proceed. Oh, I forgot to mention, just for the record that he, my soon to be brother, was returned about a month ago. He was in good shape. He had regained his muscle tone. A colleague had taken care of his scars while he slept. He and his mate were together only the once, when they were in that land mass they call Oregon. The woman running into the force field around the ship was a fortuitous accident. There was something about the supercharged electrons that we use for force fields that stimulated human ovaries to ovulate. We were going to take her and stimulate her or barring the effectiveness of that, we were going to implant eggs in her uterus and inject her with a hormone that was a powerful aphrodisiac. As it was, the powers that be decided to give them that one night to take care of things their way without interference. They didn't let us down. I'm still not convinced that one of them wasn't injected with an 'incentive', but my superiors claim they weren't. Then they took him. I'm sure the humans thought, judging by the state in which he was returned that we took him for some nefarious purpose. We didn't. We needed to cure him. He had been exposed to the ancient genofact that stimulated the dormant brain activity in his head. He was dying and we couldn't have that. Even he didn't realize how important he was to all of this. Needing his sperm to impregnate the woman was only the beginning. He was immune to the black oil and we needed his blood to replicate the anti-virus, among other things. We were hoping that their offspring would be the beginning of something biologically wonderful that we could clone, yes, but also use to immunize ourselves so that we could adapt to life here on earth and protect us from our own stupid virus that had run amok. The Planka had problems with gravity and the moisture level in the air and various other problems with the environment. They could be here, but not for long periods of time without returning to the ship where gravity and moisture and various other nutrients could be provided. Our skin and musculature was just too fragile. I should rephrase that. Their skin and musculature were just too fragile. Mine wasn't. I was fine, but there were no guarantees that something wouldn't go wrong in the future. So far though, I had experienced no environmental reactions. My skin was fine, my breathing was fine, my musculature was able to shape-shift, although it was a little more difficult, I dare say, than for the Planka. My skin and musculature were not so pliable as theirs was, but it could be done. I wasn't as quick with it as they were and I needed not only more time but more concentration. There were more steps in my process than in theirs. Anyway, I decided to go pay them a visit and get this ball rolling. My superiors were sending me on a fool's errand. I would perform to the best of my ability but I really did feel that these two had been given the raw end of the deal. I wanted to make it as easy for them as possible. I wanted to give them the knowledge they so fervently sought. Not that they would be able to do anything with it, but it might bring about the end of many nights of worry and angst. I wanted that for them. And it would breed trust. For the beautiful gift they were hopefully going to give the Planka, I thought they deserved at least that. So full disclosure, in time, was my plan. They could also help me to gain the life I sought, and I would need their help. Hopefully, we could strike a deal, a trade. I also had no intention of ever leaving this planet again. I intended to find a mate, breed and live out the rest of my life here. I was tired of being poked and prodded and experimented on. I could only imagine what the two humans felt like. They didn't even have the knowledge of what was happening to them to comfort them. I felt guilty over their fear. It wasn't my responsibility but I felt guilty just the same. The freedom was exhilarating. I'd been running every chance I got. No running on the ship, a strict rule. I was taking full advantage of the opportunity to stretch my body to its limits and find out what it could do. This was all new, being free. I jogged past his apartment building and saw them entering together. They were returning from work. I was hoping to get him alone first, but I would have to take it as it came. I couldn't wait any longer to make first contact. I followed them, lagging behind so as not to be spotted. If I waited much longer, my superiors were going to get pissed. I knew they were watching me. I approached the apartment door and stood still, reaching out to make a mental connection. I found him first. Waves of affection and love were rolling off him at that moment and I almost staggered from the force of it. Good lord, I'd never felt anything so strong. I reached out again, tentatively this time, a little hesitant now. I didn't want to be staggered like that again. I would need to be careful when approaching a connection with him in the future. He obviously felt things very deeply. His thoughts were on the baby. I could hear them. He was amazed that she was going to have his child. He was also worried for her, worried that she was overdoing it at work. Typical male, I thought. He paused as though he felt me there, and I think he did. He was unusually open for a human so intellectually bright. The more intelligent they were, the more closed off they were, like the woman. He was an exception to the rule. I pulled away and sought her out. She was content, amused at his reactions, thinking of him with his hands on her belly. She wasn't very big, but big enough entering into her fifth month. I smiled as she had a thought that she was unbelievably horny and wondered if he was ever going to make a pass at her again. I was surprised to find out that they hadn't been together since his return. What the hell was holding them back? Well, I hated to break up the party, but I was going to have to. Maybe I could give them some help in the physical department as well. I could certainly try. It would be good for the baby as well. XXXXXXXXXX FOX MULDER'S APARTMENT ARLINGTON, VA FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2001 6:00 PM Scully and I were finally home for a weekend. No work, no case pending, just a weekend ahead of us with nothing to do. I knelt before her, feeling slightly foolish as I asked her if I could touch her tummy again. I'd only touched her tummy about three times and it had been nearly a week since I did last. I just couldn't get over it. I knelt before her while she leaned back and lifted her blouse. I grinned when I saw that the top button of her slacks was undone. Her blouse had covered it. I guess the clothes weren't fitting so good anymore and I smiled. I would have to buy her some more. I gently laid my hands on her and rubbed them up and down. I looked up to find her smiling down at me. God help me, I was so in love with her. I looked back at her stomach and ran my hands up and to the center and then down again. She was bigger than last week, I was sure of it. But then again, maybe it was my imagination. I wanted to kiss her and hold her, but she'd made no moves on me since my return. But she was spending a lot more of her time off with me. I know I wasn't the hale and hearty specimen that I was when I left, but still. I had hoped that our night of making love wasn't a one shot deal. I had hoped that we would continue that part of our relationship. We hadn't, yet. But there were changes. She was pregnant for one. For another she wasn't as distant as she used to be. She smiled more, she stood closer. She touched me more, even at work. And if I was never to be with her again, I would be eternally grateful for this child that would be 'ours.' Everything else aside, this baby bound us together for life. I would cherish the memories of the time that made that miracle a reality. Scully was pregnant. With my baby. It boggled the mind. I couldn't resist and leaned over to press my lips just above her navel. She gasped lightly and then giggled, as if it tickled. I whispered, "Hey, you in there, you awake?" Scully chuckled and reached out and ran her hand through my hair. I turned myhead to lean into her hand, signaling my approval. I lived for those moments when she ruffled my hair, or laid her hand on my arm or shoulder to get my attention. She was softening around the edges. I wanted to make love to her so badly. But she was going to have to make the first move. I wasn't going to push. If she was ready, she would let me know. Wouldn't she? I suddenly felt a weird sense of disorientation and my head spun with dizziness. Her hands were on my shoulders, her face in mine instantly. Her brow was creased with worry. "Are you all right, Mulder? You're pale." "Yeah, I just got dizzy there for a second." I touched her stomach again and laid my cheek on her belly. Was that a shudder I just felt going through her? Must have been my imagination. Then I heard a soft moan and wondered if she was excited by this. I was, but was trying desperately to hide it. Maybe I shouldn't. I looked up and saw that a bead line of perspiration had broken out on her hair line. She was pale and her head was leaned back against the couch. I knelt up quickly and cupped her face. "Scully? Are you all right?" I asked, echoing her words of a minute ago. "Yeah, sorry. I feel a little nauseous and dizzy myself. That was sudden, and weird," she added. "I'll get you cold cloth," I said. "Mulder, remember when they were piping that drug into your apartment through the hot water heater?" Sudden realization of the possibilities for our mutual dizziness hit me like a truck. "You think?" "Maybe, but when you're pregnant, you get these flashes sometimes." Just then there was a sharp rap on the door. Scully said, "I'll get the door." I nodded and retreated into the bathroom to get a cold washcloth. Her gasp must have been loud because I heard it all the way in the bathroom. "Scully?" I hollered, hoping she wasn't faint from having stood up. Her voice was loud enough for me to hear but barely. It had a quality to it I rarely hear in Scully's voice ... fear. "Mu...Mulder, get out here!" I turned off the water hastily, squeezed the excess water quickly and hurried back into the living and came to a skidding stop with my mouth hanging open. Samantha was standing in the doorway. Or at least, the woman I had come to know as Samantha ... or her clone. Another clone ... or a bounty hunter. The hunters usually attacked without preliminaries though and this one was just standing there, fairly docile. But appearances could be deceiving, as we had learned the hard way. Scully cast a glance over her shoulder. I could see the fear in her eyes but she tried for levity anyway. "Well, Mulder, it is Friday the 13th. What did we expect?" I cracked a smile and shook my head at the irony. I said, "Sit down, Scully." Surprisingly, she didn't argue, but retreated from the doorway. I held the wash cloth out to her, which she took on her way by and then she sat on the far side of the couch. The door was still hanging open. I advanced to block her entrance. My heart was pounding and I willed it slow down. My fear of being taken again was still strong. We stared at each other for several more moments. She smiled gently and asked, "May I come in?" I asked the only fair question, "That depends on what you're here for. Who are you?" She smiled again. "I'm only here to talk to you for now. I mean you no harm. And my name is ..." I shook my head. "Don't tell me you're Samantha because I won't believe it. She's dead." The woman nodded. "I figured you would feel that way. No, I'm not Samantha. Well, sort of, but my name is Seena." "What do you want?" "To talk with you. I was hoping to talk with you alone first, but time is short and I can't wait any longer. I will talk to you both." I glanced at Scully and she had wrapped her arms protectively around her abdomen. I looked back at the woman. "Why should I trust you?" She held my gaze. "I will prove myself, but I can't right now. I can give you information, but I can also help you." "Help me?" "Help your mate." "Mate?" She pointed to Scully. "Your mate," she stated firmly. "Help her with what?" I asked, instantly suspicious. I ignored the use of the word, mate. I wish, I thought sarcastically. "May I please come in?" she asked again. She seemed perfectly calm. But she could be a bounty hunter for all I knew. "Wait here a second," I said and closed the door in her face, throwing the dead bolt. "Mulder! That was rude!" Scully exclaimed. "What? You're worried about my manners at this point?!" She shook her head, "You're right." I retreated into the bedroom and opened the bedside stand drawer. I reached into the back and withdrew the small gun box that I kept there. I opened it and withdrew the metal object and palmed it. Holding it away from me, I pressed the button on the side and watched the ice pick-like metal bar shoot out of its hiding place. My palm was sweating, so I wiped it on my pants and went back in the living room. Scully gasped when she saw what I had in my hand, but she said nothing. Our eyes met, and by unspoken agreement, she agreed with my precaution. Knowing it couldn't kill them, but it could slow them down, Scully leaned forward and drew her weapon from the holster at the back of her skirt. She threw the holster on the coffee table. I nodded and unbolted the door. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door, openly displaying the 'pick' as I called it. The woman was waiting patiently. I saw her eyes go round for a second at the sight of the pick and she took a half- a step back but then held her ground. She raised her eyes from my hand to my face. "Are you afraid?" I asked casually. "Yes," she said firmly. "I should be, right? If you have one of those, then you know what it's for and you know how to use it." "That's right." I tried to keep my voice level and calm. I didn't want to betray my fear although by the twitch in the corners of her mouth, I knew that she was aware of my fear. I felt another wave of dizziness and my vision blurred slightly before coming back into focus. Only this time, it wasn't nearly as bad. I braced my hand on the door for balance and swallowed thickly, hoping she hadn't seen it. I looked up to find her gaze boring into mine and she was smiling again. She knew! I was overcome with the sudden realization that the dizziness was caused by her. I don't know how I knew, but I did. I nearly shouted, "I don't care what you do to me, but you leave Scully alone! Do you hear me! She has enough problems without you making her dizzy." Scully's voice came to me from behind. "Mulder, what are you talking about?" "It's her, Scully. She's the one causing the dizziness." "Don't be silly, Mulder." "Trust me, Scully. I don't know how I know, but I do. How many times have my instincts been wrong?" I heard her take a deep breath. She didn't believe me, but she wasn't going to argue either. We needed to present a cohesive front. The woman smiled and said, "You're right. It is me. But I won't do it again without warning you, and you need not fear being taken again. They got what they wanted from you. Please, let me inside." Had she read my mind? Jesus! I stepped back and she entered, walking slowly to the chair that sat in front of my computer. I went to the couch and sat gingerly, ready to spring up if I needed to. "What made us dizzy?" I asked. "What did you do?" I just scanned your mind, briefly. I wanted to know what you were doing before I interrupted." The silence stretched to uncomfortable and finally she said, "I don't know where to begin." In my best deadpan, I said, "The beginning is usually good." She laughed outright then and it was a musical sound. It wasn't phony or faked either. She was genuinely amused. When her mirth was under control she said, "Yes, I suppose it is." We settled in to listen, staying alert for any sign that she would suddenly spring up and attack, but she looked perfectly relaxed although her eyes strayed to the 'pick' in my hand every so often. XXXXXXXXXX This woman, a twin of the 'Samantha' we had once known, and later learned to be a clone, told a fantastic story. Despite its weirdness, I believed her, mostly, but something wasn't right, didn't ring entirely true. She was talking again and I forced myself to pay attention. "As you can imagine, the Planka's flexible musculature has a harder time in this level of gravity." I glanced at Scully. She was staring rapt at the woman. In spite of herself, the science aspects of the story were getting to her. They were fantastic, but she couldn't deny that they made sense. I asked, "But you're not affected?" "No." "Why?" "Because I have a human bone structure. My bones are not as hard and calcified as yours and have the ability to ... bend if you will, but still, they hold up under the gravity," she replied. "So you can change your shape?" "Yes." Scully huffed. She knew that the bounty hunters could look like others, but she had never seen the change and was still skeptical. We never had known if the bounty hunters were special in that regard. There was a question as to whether or not they all had the ability to morph. Then, of course, there was Jeremiah Smith, the rebel. The rebel with the healing powers whom I'd sought to heal my mother. Scully said she had seen him appear as someone else and morph into the Jeremiah we knew when others left the room. Seena smiled and almost evil smile. "Would you like to see?" We both sat there with our mouths hanging open. I nodded in the affirmative, then looked at Scully and realized I was being selfish. "Scully, will it be too much of a shock. Your system has had enough shocks." She shook her head, no. I wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. Seena smiled again. "She is fine now, but only she can say if this will ... 'freak her out'. Although she has seen things with her eyes, she still often will not believe. Will not accept what her own eyes tell her to be true." Scully took a deep breath and said, "I'm getting better," she mumbled. Then, "Go ahead." I pulled her close to me and wrapped one arm around her shoulders. I had retracted the 'pick' now and it was laying idly on the coffee table. I picked it up and held it in my free hand just in case, casually letting it sink between the armrest and the couch cushion. I wanted it within reach. XXXXXXXXXX She calmly asked, "Who would you like me to be?" We both stared at her mutely. She continued, "It has to be someone I've seen before. I said, "We don't know who you've seen." She nodded, "How about your boss?" Scully asked, "You can change gender?" She laughed again, clearly amused. "No, I just look like I have. I expand and contract muscle and skin tissue to reform myself. The insides are still the same." "Oh," was Scully's only response. She was clearly embarrassed, having thought her question was dumb. I didn't. It was a perfectly valid question. Knowing how far this shape-shifting thing could go was important. Seena said, "I am not as quick as the hunters, so bear with me." We both nodded. I squeezed Scully's shoulder. We both watched as her head began to change. First the forehead broadened and became wider, the hair retracted into the skull and the bald pate of Skinner appeared. Like a giant wave rolling through her body, her skin stretched and expanded. She was wearing a sweat shirt and sweat pants, fortunately. They stretched to accommodate her new girth. The legs of the pants however, rode up her shins, the elastic of the ankle stretched to the limit. The bottoms stopped rising just below her knee. Her oversized shirt became snug. She took a deep breath as if the sweats were squeezing the life of her ... him ... her. They probably were. She shook herself gently and sat up straighter, staring at first me and then Scully. The eye contact was disconcerting. She was Skinner all over, with no indication of her femininity left. My voice came out as a whisper when I asked, "The voice?" She/he grinned. "As long as I've heard it before." The deep baritone caused both Scully and I to flinch. "Had enough? These clothes are killing me." We both cracked smiles and nodded in spite of racing heads and pounding hearts. To watch such a thing happen before your eyes was truly phenomenal. I felt as though I'd just witnessed the eighth wonder of the world. Scully seized upon an inconsistency that suddenly came to her. "Hey! One of the hunters impersonated me once when we were searching for Mulder. But he was wearing the exact same outfit as me! You're clothes didn't change!" Her last sentence was said as if to say 'so there.' Scully loved it when she found inconsistencies. And despite the bizarre nature of this situation, she in full analytical mode. But her voice betrayed a note of pending hysteria. Seena/Skinner smiled. "No, I am not a Planka, they are. I am only half Planka. The other half is human. I explained this. I can do this thing, but it is more of an effort for me and it is more difficult for me than for them. They can alter their skin to look like clothing. I do not have that kind of flexibility. I must be more prepared than they are. To them it is second nature. To me, it takes a concerted effort." I said, "Change back if this is an effort." She nodded, and her body once more did a wave of flexing and she morphed before our eyes back into the woman who had entered the door. We both breathed out in astonishment. It was no less impressive to have watched the transformation in reverse. Under her breath, I heard Scully mumble, "Holy shit." Her tale of creation had been a long one. I looked at the clock and was surprised that three hours had gone by. It was 9:00 PM already. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PART 2 (PG-13) FOX MULDER'S APARTMENT ARLINGTON, VA FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2001 9:00 PM Mulder was obviously fascinated with the woman and I couldn't blame him. This was not my idea of how to spend the weekend, but now it looked like we were going to have a full plate. We still didn't know why she was here and I decided that I had enough of dancing around the subject. "So," I asked, "Why are you here?" Mulder gave me a look that said, 'Oh, yeah, I forgot to ask that!' We sat once again and listened to another tale. "I was sent here for several reasons. I was to convince you that I was Samantha. After reading your files, I knew that would be nearly impossible. My superiors think nothing of giving impossible assignments though. They have few scruples when it comes to achieving their goals." "What are their goals?" I didn't really expect a straight answer, but I also knew that I was going to have to ask the straight, hard questions. Mulder was still in shock. "Well," she began. "The big goal is to figure out a way to live here." "What do you mean 'here'? She chuckled. "On earth." I sighed deeply, trying to wrap my mind around this. I knew aliens existed. Now I had proof sitting in front of me. But knowing and seeing were two different things. I was a bit overwhelmed. "This is hard for me to grasp." "I know," she replied. "You're lucky though. Their methods have changed. They were going to wipe everyone out and take over the planet. They had scientists working on the hybrid project but it was coming to nothing. Then they joined forces with some human doctors and we began to make progress. But until they saw solid proof that it was possible, they weren't going to give up their plans to conquer. It was easier to wipe you out with a virus than to announce themselves and try to assimilate into the population. They would need special living quarters with an environment suitable to maintaining their physiology. It was not going to be easy. "But then a few successes were had and they turned their efforts into creating a new species." "New species?" I asked, hearing the skepticism in my voice. "Yes, there were partial successes, but there were always problems or 'bugs' to work out. They have been at it for years." "I'll bet." My sarcasm was in full force now. I couldn't help it. Mulder was suspiciously quiet. I looked at him and he just looked back and forth between us as if afraid to interrupt the exchange. "So, what else? That can't be all of it." "No, your mate became immune to the black oil through a happy accident." "Mate?" I repeated, amused. She nodded, perfectly serious. "Yes, the black oil was a virus engineered to wipe you out. They decided to test it on the rebels first. The rebels were against conquering and colonization." Mulder finally spoke. "So the rebels sewed their eyes and mouths shut because the virus entered into the body through the mucus membranes of the mouth and nose." "Yes," she confirmed. "But your scientists were clever and they came up with a weak antidote. It was given to you and your body created antibodies to the virus, rendering it impotent, like junk DNA. This was useful information to them. You then became very important to the project." "Why was I chosen?" I asked. "Was I abducted by human scientists or aliens? I've never been sure." "Both," she answered. "It was a joint effort to cull human ova for experimentation in the engineering of a hybrid. Xenogenic experiments on this level had never been attempted before. Similar species had been combined to create mutated new ones. But the Planka and humans are completely different. It was a massive undertaking and required lots of ... material." "Nice to be referred to as material." "I know this is hard for you to understand. And I'm not defending them completely. But they did create me so in that, I owe them a debt. I am one of the first whole successes. I have no problems with the environment. My blood is much like yours although it contains elements your scientists would not recognize. However, unlike the Planka, I will bleed red, and my blood is not toxic to regular humans." Mulder and I were both surprised by this. If there were a bunch of her running around, they would be harder to detect without the green, toxic blood. She must have seen the expressions on our faces. "Not to worry. For now, I am the only one of my kind. I have 11 sisters who look identical to me, but they all have flaws. So far, I do not." "What do you mean, so far?" Mulder asked. "I have had no problems with the environment, or health problems, per se." "Oh," was his only response. He was overwhelmed too. It was unlike him to be so quiet. "So, I'm confused," I admitted. "You were given orders, but obviously you are not following them." "To a point. I have made contact with you, I will report back to my superiors. However, I will not tell them that I have given you my real name and situation." "Why?" "Because I want to live out my life here. I am tired of being a pet experiment. I want a life with a mate and children." "What are you reporting on?" I asked, sounding nervous, even to myself. "I am to guard you in your pregnancy and help your child. She will need me." "She?" Mulder and I asked at the same time. Seena smiled. "Yes, it will be a girl. She is special." "What do you mean?" Mulder gasped and I looked at him. "She a hybrid, isn't she?" Now it was my turn to gasp. "What do you mean?!" I nearly shouted. The woman merely smiled at us both. "Yes, she is a hybrid." I swallowed thickly, suddenly feeling sick again. Mulder was in my face immediately. "Scully? Are you all right?" "Yeah," I replied. But my voice was weak even to my own ears. "You need to rest, Scully." "Not a chance, Mulder." He shook his head but didn't press me. Seena said, "I think it is time for me to explain some more things. Try to be open-minded." We nodded. "Your baby will have abilities that neither of you have. Agent Scully, the chip in your neck controls your branched DNA that resulted from the experiments that were done on you. It can also be used for other things." "Like what?" I felt a stab of panic. "Recall?" Mulder asked. "No. But it can and did release some things into your system." "What kind of things?" I asked, really starting to panic now. "Things ... xenotropic enzymes ... which altered the ova that was fertilized." I felt tears sting the back of my eyes. This was just too much. I nearly shouted, "You're telling me I'm going to give birth to an alien?!" Mulder wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. He didn't say anything to me but turned to her. "You better explain this!" "I will, if you will let me. Please, I will explain everything. And I know you don't believe me right now, but everything will be fine." Mulder released when I pressed gently on his chest and sat back on the couch. He looked at her again. "Then tell us, everything." She nodded. "You are aware of 'super-ovulation'?" I nodded. "That's what they did to harvest my ova?" "Yes. It was a combination of super charged electrons and radiation that caused it. That's why the chip was necessary. The radiation would have given your human body cancer." "It did give me cancer!" "Yes, but we control it with the chip. It will never resurface as long as you don't remove the chip." I took a deep breath. I had always suspected that, but this was all overwhelming. "Go on." "A modified version of the super charged electrons is what we use as a force field or a shield if you will around our ships." Mulder whispered, "Oh my God." I stared at her. "I ran into one, didn't I?" "Yes, when you were in Oregon, you ran into the shield that cloaked the ship. That's why you passed out." "I found her on the ground." "Yes, it knocked you out because that was a particularly large shock to your system. It also caused you to ovulate." "I thought my ova were gone," I whispered. "Mostly, yes, but the charge is a powerful stimulant and caused your body to produce more. The potential was there all along, but without the stimulus, it wouldn't have happened." "Oh my God," was the only response I could muster. "And then Agent Mulder did us a favor by impregnating you." Mulder coughed and I blushed. She laughed. I didn't think it was funny. She continued. "For two lovers, you two are awfully shy. There is no need to be with me." We had been lovers, once. Just that once. Damn it! I didn't need to think about this right now! Mulder had drawn his blank mask over his face. He was trying to hide his emotions behind the mask. What were those emotions? I shook my head as she began to speak again. "We realized that you might take care of this for us." "Take care of this?" "They wanted a child from you two." "Why?" She raised her eyebrows. "Isn't it obvious?" "No," we said in unison. She shook her head now. "Agent Mulder is immune to the virus. You had the chip implanted which could mutate your ova, giving your baby some Planka characteristics. You are to have a baby which will be like me, a hybrid. A new species, if you will." "Oh God," I groaned. "It's not as bad as it sounds." "Easy for you to say!" I wailed. Mulder was brushing my hair from my face. "Scully, try to calm down." "CALM DOWN!" I shouted. He looked a bit frantic as he took hold of my arms. "Scully, it's not good for the baby for you to get this upset." "Baby? What baby? I'm having a fucking ... what the hell am I carrying!" He shouted. "OUR BABY! SCULLY. You're carrying OUR baby!" His voice cracked on the last. I was instantly contrite seeing the hurt and panic on his face. I breathed deep and hugged him. He wrapped me in his arms. I whispered, "I'm sorry, Mulder. I just don't know what to think right now." He petted my hair gently. "It's O.K. I don't blame you. This is all fantastic, but we need to try and reason this out, not panic until we know all the facts." For once, Mulder was being the logical one. Seena interrupted as Mulder let me out of his arms again. "I know this is difficult, Agent Scully. But you will have a normal human child who will just have some special abilities." It will be a hybrid only in that it will have some abilities common to the Planka. It will be a human child. Think of it more as a ... super human child. I asked the question that was most on my mind at the moment, perhaps because of what I'd just seen. "What abilities? Will she be a shape-shifter?" "We're not sure about that, but she will have the ability read minds, like I do and a very sensitive empathetic receiver like I do. She will be able to control her adrenal gland like I do and have tremendous strength if she needs it. Which, by the way, these are human abilities as well. They are just well developed in the Planka and dormant in the human. Another 1000 years of evolution and they will probably be common human characteristics as well." "A mind reader?" Mulder asked. She nodded. "Is that what you were doing when we got dizzy?" "Yes." "God!" I shouted. "That is so ... wrong to invade someone's privacy like that!" "I do it judiciously. And it is not as if I can hear every thought you have or that your baby will either. We need to 'tune in' so to speak, and then we only hear what you are immediately concentrating on. I will teach you how to guard your thoughts. And now that I have made contact with you, I will never do it without your permission or unless your life is in danger." "Are our lives in danger?" Mulder asked. "Not at the moment. But one of my tasks is to keep you two alive and healthy along with your baby. If your lives become endangered it will not be from the Planka. Your own shadow government is another story. "And Agent Scully, your baby is going to need me. I will need to connect with it and help it develop its special abilities. Otherwise, it will go out of control. I will need to determine exactly what they are and the limits of those abilities first, but then my task is to guide your child." I was losing it here. "Are those bastards going to try and take my baby?!" "No, no!" Her voice was soothing. "You don't get it at all. They want you live happy and healthy. They want your baby to live a normal life, be part of a family. My job is to report the progress of its abilities." Mulder said, "So they can create others like her." It was a statement. Seena nodded. "Yes, they would like to be able to blend our two species so that future generations can live here." "Why?" he asked. "Because their planet is dying and they are desperate to find another place to transplant their people. If they can combine themselves with humans, they will create another species, but one that is viable here on earth. The alternative is unacceptable." "What's the alternative," I asked. "They will all die when the planet supernovas and the entire species of Planka will be wiped out of the universe. They would rather see their descendants live on as a mutated species than see themselves wiped out completely." We sat in silence for a while assimilating this information. It made sense. It explained a lot of the behavior and information that we had gathered over the years. If they were in danger of being wiped out, that would create a desperate species. I could almost feel sorry for them. Almost, but not quite. I'd been hurt too much. The whole idea of such an advanced race was fantastic, but I could no longer continue to live in denial of the big picture. One day, we might be living side by side with these ... people. Mulder asked, "So how were you planning to pull all of this off?" "Well, I was hoping that we could strike a deal." "What kind of a deal?" he asked tentatively. "You present me to the world as your sister, Samantha. I become the child's nanny when it is born. If people are already used to me being your sister, that will not seem odd. I will pass any genetic tests as your sister, right down to my finger prints. I am part Samantha. But I will need your help to create my identity to the world." We both whistled. I was extremely uncomfortable with this idea. "You'll forgive me if I'm not jumping for joy over the possibility of having a complete stranger, an alien stranger having so much influence and access to my child." "Hopefully, I will not be a stranger by then. I promise, Agent Scully, I have nothing but your and your child's best interests at heart." I snorted. She continued. "I will do whatever I have to do to prove myself to you. I am putting myself in danger by not following my directive to the letter. I have told you more than they ever wanted you to know about your child or even about how you got pregnant. Your child will appear normal, but strenuous testing would reveal its abnormalities. You cannot have this child in a hospital." I blanched. "I have to!" "No, I will take care of you. I can birth the child, midwife for you, if you will. I am trained for this." "Jesus!" Mulder exclaimed. "This is getting weirder and more complicated by the minute." I said, "So you want us to agree to do all this and what's in it for you?" "You never tell that I have given you this information. They would kill me if they found out. You help me to become 'human' and a member of your society. I want to live out my life here. I want a life, just like you do. I want a mate and children, just like you do." "I don't know what to say." She was silent. "You still didn't tell me why I was chosen for this." "Because you were extremely healthy, you were extremely intelligent, and ..." "And?" "And as luck would have it, you were the only one Agent Mulder would consider ..." "What are you talking about?" I asked indignantly. "Agent Mulder's intelligence and physiology was the most important factor. It was fortuitous that you were a perfectly healthy candidate to have his child. It was even more serendipitous that he was so taken with you. They want an intelligent race and both of you are extremely intelligent. Agent Scully is just below the level of genius. You, Agent Mulder are well above genius level." "Taken with me?" I asked, truly puzzled as to her meaning. I glanced at Mulder and he had his head down. Color was rising in his face. "Mulder?" He was silent. Seena said, "He's in love with you, Agent Scully. He wouldn't consider any other woman as a mate. Only you. Fortunately, you were an acceptable candidate. Otherwise, we would have had to do this artificially, as in take his sperm and fertilize a candidate's egg and transplant it back in her womb. In fact, if you two hadn't done it yourselves, that was the plan." I was stunned. Mulder's voice was a croak. "You were going to take her again?" "Mulder?" I asked, wondering at the broken sound of his voice. Seena nodded. He continued. "You realize you would have lost me then, don't you?" "Mulder, what are you talking about?" I asked. "We would have taken you both at the same time," she replied, ignoring my interruption. He swallowed and still didn't answer my question. "Mulder?" He was starting to frighten me. He looked at me with a haunted look in his eye but still didn't answer. I looked at Seena. She answered for him. "He's saying, Agent Scully, that if you were taken again and he was left behind, he would have taken his own life." I gasped. "No, Mulder, no! You can't mean that! That's ridiculous!" I turned to him again and he just continued to look at me with that same haunted look in his eyes. He took a deep breath. "I guess I wouldn't have gotten the chance, if they would have taken both of us." I just stared at him, unsure of what to say. Mulder would have killed himself? What the hell? Seena broke in again, continuing to talk. All I wanted to do right now is wring a better answer out of Mulder. "Agent Scully?" I looked at her. "He is that much in love with you. We wouldn't have allowed him to take his own life. We would have taken you together and sent you back together. But that wasn't necessary. You got together yourselves." She paused. "And saved us a bunch of trouble, I might add." This last was said with a rueful smile. "Mulder?" All he said was, "Later, Scully." "But ..." "Later, O.K., in private." I nodded, my mind whirling. I knew he loved me, I guess. But those words had never been spoken, even when we made love that night. I'd had a foreboding feeling, like he was saying good-bye. "Well," Seena interjected into my musings. "You two have a lot to think about. I'll leave you tonight and return tomorrow." Mulder asked, "Can we meet you someplace, away from here?" "If you like." "In the Mall, by the reflecting pond in D.C., you know it?" "Yes," she replied. "There, at noon. We will need some time in the morning." She nodded. "All right. At noon then." She paused. "You know, you two should stop hiding the way you feel. It isn't healthy. Your baby is very empathetic. It will know your happiness and it will know your fear and sadness. The happier you two are, the healthier your baby will be." I asked, "What are you trying to say? Say it straight!" She smiled. "I'm saying you love each other. You shouldn't be afraid of that. You should love each other, not just in your heads. Tell each other, love each other physically too. It will bring you joy and that will be good for your baby." I blushed. She smiled again and said, "You need me, your child needs me. And I need you. I hope we can work together for our mutual benefit." She stood and made her way to the door. "Good night," she said over her shoulder. Then she opened the door and was gone, closing it softly behind her. We sat in silence, both lost in our thoughts for while. I didn't even know where to begin processing all of this. I didn't know how much was real and how much was lies or manipulation. Why should we believe her? Could we afford to take a chance and not believe her? My hands went to my stomach. I wanted this baby so badly it hurt to think about it. This could be my only chance. But what was I carrying? I was frightened now. I looked at Mulder to find him looking at me with a combination of sadness and panic. He whispered, "What are we going to do, Scully?" "I don't know, Mulder. I think we need to sleep on this and talk in the morning. I can't even begin to process this right now. I'm exhausted." He nodded. "Do you want to ..." He looked at his lap. "Do I want to what, Mulder?" Without looking at me, he asked, "Do you want to stay here tonight?" "Look at me." He did. He was nervous. "Why?" He chuckled, a sad, humorless chuckle. "Do I have to answer that?" "Yes. Her revelations aren't the only thing we need to talk about, Mulder." "I know, but do we have to do it tonight?" "I guess not. But I don't know if I should stay." "I need you with me tonight, Scully. I'll go crazy if you leave here now, knowing she's out there, and not knowing ..." "If any of this is real?" "Yeah. I don't know what to believe. I want to believe some of the things she said. I don't want to believe some of it. But either way, I'm ... scared now." "Me too," I sighed. "Stay with me tonight, Scully. I promise to be a gentleman." He smiled sadly. "But I need to ... know you're near me tonight." We sat in silence again. Could I go home alone at this point? I didn't want to be alone either. If I was honest, this was what I'd been waiting for. I'd been waiting for Mulder to extend the invitation. Could this be a reentry into intimacy for us? Everything was so weird, and even weirder now. I supposed that I would serve no purpose by going home tonight and brooding all by myself. Sleep was not going to come easy for either of us tonight. "O.K., I'll stay." He smiled a big, toothy smile at me and I felt an odd squeezing sensation in my chest. Was Seena right, did he love me so much that he didn't think he could live without me? That's what she had been saying. Why hadn't he said so? I knew the answer to that. I'd been waiting all this time, a whole month since his return for a sign from him. I wanted a sign that he wanted to continue what we had started. It had never occurred to me that he was waiting for a sign from me. If I'd thought about it, I would have realized. As insecure as Mulder was about relationships, especially with me, I should have known. He stood up. "You can take the bed, I'll just grab a blanket and crash here on the couch. I usually sleep out here anyway." "No, Mulder." "No?" He looked at me, clearly puzzled and my heart twisted slightly. He was such a good man. Was he waiting for a sign? Should I give it to him? It almost seemed sacrilegious to be thinking about intimacy after all that we had heard tonight. But on the other hand, intimacy would be a great comfort as well. I missed it. One night with Mulder had merely whetted my appetite. I grew warm remembering that night. He had been so slow and tender. My orgasm had built slowly and had been intense when it finally erupted. I felt warmth pool in my chest and groin, remembering. Did that make me a bad person? Certainly not a good Catholic, but I didn't think it made me a bad person to want to be close to this man. What the hell was I waiting for? It wasn't like I had to worry about getting pregnant. That thought startled at laugh out of me and Mulder asked, "What, Scully?" He was smiling at me laughing. He didn't know what was so funny. "I just had a funny thought." "Want to share?" "Not really. I'll stay on one condition, Mulder." "What? Anything." He looked so serious. Softly, I said, "That you sleep in that bed with me." His eyes widened slightly and his lips parted. He licked his lips and swallowed heavily. "You're on." He held out his hand and I took it as he pulled me gently to my feet. He wrapped me in a hug and I hugged back. He nuzzled my hair. "I feel better already," he mumbled. I hummed. "Mmm, me too. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PART 3 (NC-17) FOX MULDER'S APARTMENT ARLINGTON, VA FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2001 11:00 PM What did she mean? I mean, I know what meant, she wanted to sleep in the bed with me. But did she just want to sleep? Did she just want me near? Or did she mean something else? I shouldn't be nervous, but I was. My brain was warring with all the information I'd just heard from Seena and this new request from Scully. I finally loosened my grip and took her hand. Unresisting, she followed me into the bedroom. I stopped next to the bed and looked down at her. She smiled up at me and I decided I wasn't going to stand here and guess. I might look like a jerk, but I was just going to ask what I needed to know. I would be a bigger jerk if I misinterpreted this. "Scully, what is it you want here?" "I want to sleep in that bed with you." "I know that, but what does that mean?" She looked puzzled. I decided to bite the bullet. "Do you just want to sleep?" Her eyes widened slightly and an almost evil grin spread over her face. I felt my heart beat quicken at the sight of it. She was teasing me with just a look. I really didn't know if I could take the suspense. When I started to squirm, she said, "What do you want, Mulder?" "Don't answer my question with a question." She sobered at the serious tone of my voice. I hastened to reassure her. "I didn't mean that as harsh as it sounded, Scully. I'm just nervous." "Nervous? About what?" "I don't want to misinterpret anything here. On the other hand, I don't want to miss if you are trying to give me hint. But I don't want you to be with me just for the baby's sake, either. I want you to WANT to be with me, if that makes any sense. I'm not good with hints, Scully. You're better off knocking me upside the head." She laughed at that. "So subtlety isn't your forte, huh?" "No, not when it comes to this." I said simply. "I get it," she said. She paused and then, "I want to get into that bed ... undressed." I felt my breathing speed up to match my heart rate. She wasn't finished. "I want you to hold me and help me remember what it feels like to be safe. And I want ..." She flushed and hung her head, examining her feet. "You want?" I asked softly. She raised her head, the sight of her pink cheeks giving me hope. "I want us to be together again, Mulder. I want to make love." "Oh God, Scully." I stepped into her and pulled her to me again. "I thought you'd never ask." Her head tilted up to see my face. "I was waiting for a sign from you. I thought maybe you didn't find my ... body attractive now that ... I was getting heavy." "Oh Scully, no! You've never been more beautiful to me. God, how could you think that?" She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, burying her nose in my shoulder. I leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I've been aching for you, Scully. I thought you didn't want this again ... with me." Instead of answering, she cupped the back of my neck and pulled my head down. Her lips covered mine and she plunged her tongue into my mouth, licking my teeth. A tingle ran down my neck and I felt myself harden against her belly. I groaned harshly into her mouth. She tilted her head and deepened the kiss. Clothes began flying in all directions as we undressed ourselves and each other. Finally we were naked and I scooped her up and deposited her gently on the bed. She was flushed and beautiful and panting softly. Her pupils were dilated, her eyes a dark, smoky blue. Her lips were swollen from our vigorous kissing. She lay back, her slightly rounded tummy exposed fully. I crawled in next to her, staying on my knees and straddled her. I began running my hands all over her body, just feeling the silky, softness of her skin. She sighed when I hit a sensitive spot and I watched her face to catalogue her reactions to my touch. I remembered that night. And I remembered what had been missing from it. Total abandon had been missing. Words of love had been missing. But we had finally given ourselves to one another in a strange surrealistic atmosphere of intimacy, as though the rest of the world had disappeared for those few hours. This time it was going to be different. I kissed her neck and suckled her breast until she moaned her pleasure. I caressed her belly and hips until she squirmed. I tasted her wetness and nibbled on her pleasure center until she writhed under my mouth. Her sounds were driving me nuts. When she was panting nonsense like, "Oh, uhgg, yeah, there, ooo, almost, Mul... oh God," I knew she was close. I inserted two fingers into her wetness and searched the front wall of her tunnel. A low throated groan told me I had found the spot. I increased my attention and sucked her bundle of nerves into my mouth, laving her with my tongue. She came apart. She wailed my name and called out to God, clutching the bed clothes into her tiny fists, her hips bucking up to press into my face. I rode it out with her, quivering with excitement. She was so beautiful I could barely comprehend it. When she shuddered to a stand still, I removed my fingers to a mewl of protest and crawled up to hover over her. She opened her eyes and I dipped down to capture her mouth, and suck her lower lip gently between mine. She hummed with contentment. I was hard as a rock and beginning to ache. I settled into the soft cradle of her thighs. She spread her legs wide and lifted them around my waist, her heels resting gently on my butt cheeks. I put my lips to her ear again since they seemed to be so sensitive and sucked her earlobe into my mouth. As she let out a sound that was a combination of a soft moan and a sigh I said, "I love you so much, Scully." She gasped and I grasped her hip with one hand and slid inside. She nearly shouted, "Ohhhh, yeeaahh! Awwww, Mulder." I pressed deeply until I was buried and stopped, just wallowing in the feel of her silky wetness encasing me again. I mumbled, "Oh Jesus, Scully. I forgot how good this felt." She chuckled and wiggled her hips. I took the hint and began to move. I hissed at the sensation of her wetness pulling on my over-excited flesh. The feeling was exquisite. I went slow, trying to hold onto my control. I wanted this to last. I didn't ever want this end. I sank into her over and over, moaning in her ear, thumbing her hardened nipples and listening to her excitement build again. I was lost in an ocean of sensation. Her hands roamed my back. Her lips assaulted my neck and I wondered if you could expire from this much pleasure. I began swiveling my groin against hers on every down stroke and she groaned loudly. I felt her stiffen momentarily and was afraid for a second that I had hurt her. But then she gasped loudly, pulling air into her lungs as I felt her core squeeze me tightly in a series of fluttering convulsions. She shrieked my name and I began to sink into her at a rapid pace, seeking my own release. I was conscious of her belly and made sure I didn't slam into it. Her fingers gripped my shoulders and I raised my head to Look at her again, wanting to have as much contact as possible. She made eye contact and held it. She sent me over the edge when she panted out, "God help me, Mulder. I'm so in love with you." I howled and emptied into her in a series of violent shudders that racked my body. I felt like I was breaking apart as I filled her with my hot seed. I lay motionless on top of her, suspending my weight on my elbows and panting for a long while. Her hands soothed my shoulders and back. She reached down at one point and squeezed by ass. I grunted and pressed into her, reluctant to leave the warm haven although my shaft had gone soft. I was slightly sore but the feeling was delicious. She cupped my face and held it still. She said, "No more holding back between us, O.K.?" I nodded and smiled, unbelievably happy. I buried my nose in her shoulder. "Oh Scully, I love you so much. I'm so scared." "I know, it's frightening to think of losing this." "I couldn't go on." "Mulder, you have to promise me that should something happen to me, you won't do something to hurt yourself." I didn't answer her. I didn't know if I could make that promise. Seena had been absolutely correct. I knew in my heart that I literally couldn't live without this woman in my life. "Scully, she was right ... I don't ..." She shook me. "I have to know that you wouldn't hurt yourself. Promise me! Please!" I sighed. "I promise," I whispered. That's what she needed to hear and I didn't want her worrying about things that hadn't happened yet. We had enough to worry about in the here and now. She relaxed under me and hugged me tightly to her. I hugged back then rolled off her, pulling her back into my chest. I spooned around her tiny body, pillowing her head on my arm and spreading my hand over her protruding tummy. She made an adorable humming sound in her throat and I pulled her tighter to me, pinning her legs under one of mine. I liked being tangled up in her, being wrapped around her. It was an illusion, I knew, but it made me feel like I could protect her. After a few minutes of silence, she said, "Mulder, she freaked me out." "I know, Scully, me too. We'll talk tomorrow though, huh? We're both exhausted. Let's try to sleep now. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." "O.K." She snuggled in, tucking her head under my chin and pulling the covers up to her neck. "Scully, I'm glad that you want ..." "Want what?" "Want this to be a part of our relationship." "How could I not want this?" "I don't know. I was afraid that the one night was just a ... fluke or something. A wonderful fluke because it got you pregnant, but a fluke just the same." "Mulder, I don't move fast in my personal relationships. But when I do, it's because I'm sure. You're the father of my child. And we made love. I can't go backwards. Love created this child and love is going to raise it. Both of us have love to give. I wouldn't want to cheat my child of that love." She paused. "But I can be selfish too, and the truth is that I don't want to cheat myself of that love anymore either." "God, how I love you," I whispered. She chuckled. "I'm glad. Mulder, I can't picture myself ever feeling the way I feel about you ... about anyone else. It just isn't possible. And I don't want to grow old alone. I want you there with me." "I'll be there." "Good. Now that we got that cleared up, try to sleep now, Mulder." I nuzzled her hair. "O.K., boss." She elbowed me lightly in the ribs then quieted. I fell asleep with the woman of my dreams safely tucked in my arms. XXXXXXXXXX MICHAEL'S JEWELERS ARLINGTON, VA SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2001 9:00 AM I'd gotten up at up at 7:00 AM and managed to slip out of bed without waking Scully up. She was usually a light sleeper but she had been exhausted. I also thought that maybe the pregnancy made her require more sleep. She would never admit that, but I knew it was probably true. I left a note on my pillow that I was going out to do some errands. I had the money to buy a ring. Nor more waffling and second guessing. I loved her. She loved me. She was going to have my child. And if I had anything to say about it, we were going to be a real family. Something I'd never had. But I was determined to have it with Scully. I didn't want to wait any more. Now that I knew Scully wanted me around for a good long time, I was impatient to make it official. I wanted the world to know that she was mine. No more screwing around. I paid the salesman with my credit card and had him put the ring in a little velvet covered box. I put it carefully in my jacket pocket. He was grinning like an idiot at making that sale. Probably the easiest he'd ever made. I thanked him. I left the store and headed for the bakery to get some coffee and some of Scully's favorite cinnamon rolls for breakfast. That being accomplished, I ran into the grocery store for some milk and O.J. and a couple of other things. I figured if she was going to be staying with me more often, I ought to have some food in the house. I arrived back at the apartment at 10:30 AM, to find a frantic Scully. I hadn't even set the bags on the kitchen counter when she flew out of the bedroom, dressed in my sweat pants and my FBI sweatshirt. They swallowed her up and she looked like a little girl, with no make up and her hair all askew. I almost smiled but suppressed it just in time when I saw the look on her face. "Mulder, where the hell have you been?! Jesus Christ! I've been worried sick. I thought you'd taken off without me again! Damn it! You scared the shit out of me!" She had reached me by then and raised her fist to pummel my chest. I caught her wrists in my hands and pulled her into my body, quickly wrapping my arms around her back. She half-heartedly swatted my back as she began to cry. I cooed to her, "Shhh, shhh, I'm fine. It's O.K. Scully, calm down. It's all right!" "Damn it, Mulder! Next time wake me up!" I pulled back enough to cup her face and place a tender kiss on her lips. "You were so tired and exhausted, I didn't have the heart to wake you up. You know I don't sleep as much as you. Although I think I slept better last night than I have in years. I just went out for some groceries. I had nothing here to eat." Her voice was shaky and she sounded slightly embarrassed. "You scared me." "Didn't you see my note?" "Yes, but I thought ... I thought you just left it so ..." "So what, Scully?" "So I wouldn't follow you." I began shaking my head. "I thought you trying to protect me again. I thought you'd gone to see her without me." "I wouldn't do that, Scully." "You've done it before, Mulder. You've taken off a lot of time without me. And sometimes you've left me notes or messages but they were so I wouldn't follow, wouldn't look ..." She trailed off. I had tamped down my flash of anger at her lack of trust. As much as I hated to admit it, she was right. I had duped her on purpose in the past, trying to protect her. She had every reason to believe that the 'errands' I spoke of in the note were about meeting this clone. Why should she trust me? I'd have to earn it. I kissed her tenderly again, a chaste kiss of reassurance. "I'll make you a promise, Scully." "What?" "I promise never to take off without you again without telling you first that I'm leaving." "Don't make promises you can't keep." "No, I do promise. I will always tell you where I am going and who I'm going to meet, as long as you promise to stay behind if ..." "Oh No!" she immediately shouted. "Shhh, let me finish." She pursed her lips but was silent. "If you promise to stay behind if there's any chance that our child would be danger if you make the trip with me." "There's always danger, Mulder. I can't promise that." "I know that, but sometimes it will be more ... evident than others. We don't have just ourselves to think about now." She sighed deeply. "You're right. I'm not stupid, Mulder. I would never intentionally endanger the baby." "I know that, but you don't know your limits sometimes." She scrunched up her face in disgust. "Don't give me that look. It's not an insult. I know how capable you are, but we all have limits, Scully. I do too. And I have to be better about acknowledging them too if I want to be around to help you raise this child. We are not going to be able to run off on these dangerous assignments anymore. Our whole life style is going to need to change." She relaxed and fell against me. We hugged again. "You're right," she mumbled. I shook my head and tapped my temple with the heel of my hand. "Did I just hear Dana Scully tell me that I'm right?" I teased. She smiled. "We need to talk about this more." "I know we do, but not now. We have lots of other things to talk about and we don't have much time. We only have an hour before we need to leave for D.C. to meet Seena." "No more secrets, Mulder, O.K.? We can't afford them." I moved out of her embrace and pulled breakfast out of the bag, handing her a coffee. "I promise, no more secrets." She smiled and sat down at the kitchen table. I put the groceries away while she ate and then sat down with her. I hung my jacket on the back of the chair, very conscious of its precious cargo. "So what are we going to do, Mulder?" she asked around a mouthful of cinnamon roll. "I've thought about it. Let me know what you think. I think for now we should play along with her." "You do? You don't think we should demand more information?" "Yes, but I think that if we seem to play along with her, it will be easier to keep an eye on her and know what she is up to. If we tell her to bug off, we won't know what the hell she is up to. We might be able to have the guys keep tabs on her as well and see if anything interesting turns up." "That's a good idea. But do we want them in the loop?" "Do we have a choice? If we are to set her up with an identity, and make the world believe she is Samantha Mulder, then we will need fake I.D.s for her, credit cards, a social security number. Samantha had those things, sans the credit cards, but we will need the guys to help us set her up." "I guess you're right. We can't exactly use FBI resources for that." "Right." "And we'll have to convince Skinner that she's your sister. That will be difficult." "Yes, but we can do it Scully. He trusts our instincts." "Mulder, he'll think your judgment is clouded and you just WANT her to be Samantha." I looked at her. "And he'll be right." I paused. "That's where you will come in. You will run her finger prints since she said they will match Samantha's." She looked at me with sympathy. Then she asked quietly, "Are Samantha's prints in the FBI database?" "No, but I have her birth certificate. It's one of the things my mother left for me when she died in the safe deposit box she had. It's got her baby prints on it." "That will work." "Right, what's more convincing than finger prints?" I asked her. "You've really thought this out, haven't you?" "Not entirely, but I think we have enough to start. We need to start the process and then see how things unfold from there. I think we should go meet her and take her to see the guys." "Should we prepare them first?" "Probably, I'll call them now." She made to stand up. "No, you finish eating. I'll do it." "Mulder, are you all right?" "I'm not sure yet, Scully. I know Sam is dead. I finally accepted that and now this woman shows up. It's weird. She shows up offering, in effect, to be my sister, to be my family." I paused. "I don't have anybody left, Scully. I'm the last of the Mulder's." "You have me, Mulder." She stood and I pulled her to me again. "Thank God for that," I said. "I love you, Scully." "I love you too, Mulder. And you aren't the last Mulder. Now there will be another Mulder." Her hand went to her stomach and I smiled at her, overcome with mixed emotions. All I could say was, "I love you, Scully." She nodded and hugged me again. XXXXXXXXXX THE D.C. MALL REFLECTING POOL SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2001 12:05 PM We met with Seena and explained our plan for setting her up. She told us that she was currently staying at a hotel in D.C. We said we should go see my friends and they could probably find her a place to live. We would look for something near my apartment. I would arrange to pay the rent until she could find a job. She was hesitant to involve the boys but we assured her that they were trustworthy and we couldn't help her without them. She finally agreed. We stopped at a diner for a quick late lunch and then headed out to meet the Gunmen. XXXXXXXXXX GUNMEN'S LAIR SOMEWHERE IN D.C. SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2001 3:00 PM It took Frohike three minutes to disengage all the security systems and locks on the door. This was done to the great amusement of Seena who stood flexing her eyebrows as time ticked by. Scully and I were used to it and found some amusement in Seena's reaction. We were finally inside and introduced Seena to Frohike and Byers who had dizzy spells one right after the other. I gave Seena a dirty look and she smiled a perfectly guileless smile at me with no remorse. I decided that informing the guys of what had just happened would not be a good move at that time. She stood rapt as they explained what they were going to do to set her up. She stood looking over their shoulders as they went to work hacking into banks and credit card companies to establish her identity. They said Langley had gone out for supplies, whatever that meant. They would need his expertise to finish up. He returned nearly an hour later. Greeting us briefly, he disappeared into his bedroom with bags of stuff under his arms. Seena's eyes were boring into the back of his head. I tried to warn her off taping into Langley like she had Byers and Frohike, it would arouse their suspicion immediately. I pulled her aside. "Seena, don't mess with Langley. These guys are more paranoid than I am. Three of them get dizzy and they are going to get nervous and not want to work with you." She smiled at me, an almost evil smile. "Seena, I mean it!" She sighed but didn't answer. "At least wait a little while," I implored. She nodded, but that was all the concession I was going to get. I already wondered if we were making a mistake by helping her. She was obviously not going to be controlled. Her only response was, "He's sexy." I nearly choked on my own saliva. Langley? Sexy? Langley reappeared. We introduced him and he shook her hand in an off hand way. He was respectful but wary and showed no signs of dizziness or distress and I breathed a sigh of relief. An hour later, we had a social security card, a Virginia driver's license, and three major credit cards on their way to my address in her name. The guys ordered pizza and Frohike went out to pick it up. They never had things delivered to them, lest someone find their hide out. I looked up in the middle of a discussion with Byers and Scully and realized that Seena and Langley were not in the room. In a near panic, I raced out of the room and into the kitchen. Nothing. I trotted down the hall to Langley's room and nearly skidded to a stop in the doorway to Langley's bedroom. They were standing there smiling at each other. "Seena, what are you doing?" They turned to look at me. Langley said, "Chill dude, we were just getting to know each other. She was filling me in on what happened while I was gone." "Did you get dizzy?" I blurted out. Seena gave me a dirty look and Langley gave me an inquisitive one. "Yeah, for a just a couple of seconds, no big deal. I'm fine." I sighed. "Damn it, Seena!" Langley looked perplexed now. "I told him it was too hot in here," she said with a perfectly straight face. I closed my eyes and sighed again. "If you want me to trust you, don't be running off, all right? Why don't you two join the rest of us." "Sure, no problem," Langley said. He was clearly confused by my behavior but decided not to question it, for now anyway. They followed me back into the common room where all the equipment was. Just then, Frohike arrived with the pizza and we sat down to eat. XXXXXXXXXX MONDAY - APRIL 16, 2001 Monday was a big day. We decided that Samantha would move into my apartment. And I would move in with Scully in Georgetown. That was going to be a big adjustment, but I was thrilled that Scully wanted to live together. I hadn't really known how 'raising the kid while living apart' was going to work. I'd been thrilled when she suggested it. And a little stunned. She had an interview for a tour guide position at the Smithsonian Institution later today. This morning though, we had brought her into work with us and introduced her to Skinner. As we expected, he was skeptical from the start, but I produced her birth certificate and she agreed to go with him to the lab to be fingerprinted. Two hours later, the results were in and she was identified as Samantha Mulder, 35 years old. Skinner was shaking his head in astonishment as we left his office. Scully surmised that having 'Samantha' around could be advantageous in another way. It would go a long way toward explaining why we were less rabid about investigating difficult cases in the field. We would still be working in the field, but not as often and not on cases that didn't especially need our expertise. Finding Samantha would be a good catalyst for understanding the X-Files team lessening interest in the paranormal. Everyone knew that my quest to find Samantha had been the driving force in my behavior. Now I had found her and once the word was out, my desire to stay home more wouldn't be questioned as much. Doggett was staying on and would do most of the traveling. They were talking about extending an offer to Agent Reese to become a permanent member of the X-Files team as well. Then they could do the field work and Scully and I could stay home. That would be too good. Four agents on the X- Files? Who would have thought that could ever happen. No one knew yet that I was the father of Scully's baby, but many suspected. I intended to remove all doubt later tonight. I was never known for my timing, but I couldn't stand putting it off any longer. So the guys helped us move 'Samantha' into her apartment after her 2:00 PM interview, and then I took the rest of the day off and took Scully home. I told her I had made reservation's at Aldo's, a fancy Italian Restaurant in Arlington. She'd tried to tell me we should stay home and relax. I finally convinced her that we should go out and relax, just the two of us, and treat ourselves. She finally gave in. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PART 4 (NC-17) ALDO'S RESTAURANT ARLINGTON, VA MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2001 7:30 PM We were done with dinner and she got up to go to the bathroom. My heart pounded as I took the little velvet box out of my jacket pocket and put it on the table in front of her seat. I stood shakily, moving across the floor, out of sight of the table. I waited anxiously as she returned. As soon as I saw her emerge, I trailed her to the table and stood silently behind her. She saw the box and gasped. She reached for it and before she could grab it and sit down, I reached around her and scooped it off the table and sank down onto one knee. She whirled around, her eyes wide and gasped again. This time my name came out, "Mulder!" I smiled, and swallowed the panic rising inside me. "Sit down, Scully," I said gently. A hush had fallen over the restaurant. She sat gingerly, her eyes locked with mine. I rested my forearms gently on her thighs and opened the little velvet box. "Oh God," she nearly whimpered. "Scully, will you marry me? Will you be my wife?" I bit my lower lip as I waited in a panic through the longest five seconds of my life. A single tear spilled over and fell down her cheek. She reached out to pluck the ring out of the box and I took it from her. "Scully?" My voice was shaking! Jesus! She nodded vigorously in the affirmative and finally gasped out, "Yes, Mulder. Oh God, yes!" She held out her hand and I slipped the ring on her finger. Her hand was shaking and I was glad I wasn't the only one. The entire restaurant exploded in applause as I tugged her to her feet and we embraced in front of everyone. She was gasping softly as she tried to not cry and I just cradled her. The applause died down and the clink of silverware once more filled the air. She finally looked up at me, her face flushed. Her mouth opened but no words came out. I put my fingers on her lips. She shut her mouth and I bent down to kiss her softly. She beamed at me. "I didn't think you wanted ..." I raised an eyebrow, not sure how to handle all the emotions coursing through me at the moment. Scully had agreed to marry me! "I want it all," I assured. Her. "I've come to believe that we need to grab happiness wherever we find it. And you're my happiness Scully. I love you, no more doubts about whether this is the right thing. I know it is." We both smiled goofy smiles at each other and I said, "Let's get out of here." She nodded. I couldn't help but tease her a little. Putting on the most serious face I could muster, I asked, "Did you really just agree to become Mrs. Mulder?" She grinned and nodded like a devilish imp. I looked at the ceiling and shouted, "Woo Hoo!" Smatterings of laughter broke out across the room. I flagged the waiter and gave him my credit card. Scully went to retrieve our coats. We finally exited the restaurant. I was on Cloud 9. I was going to marry Scully! God, I didn't care what else happened in my life. This night would go down as the best of my life. The woman I loved wanted to be my wife. Scully, wife. It was almost too much to comprehend. I wrapped her up and lifted her off her feet and twirled her around on the sidewalk. Her laughter rang in my ears. I sat her down and she said, "Let's get home. I want to call my mother!" I chuckled, walking her to the car. "You just agreed to marry your weirdo partner and instead of thinking about rushing home and screwing his brains out, your thinking about calling your MOTHER?!" She swatted me playfully and trotted ahead of me, spinning around and walking backwards. "I can do both, you know?!" she shot back at me. I caught up to her at the car, pressed her back against the side of the car door and took her mouth in a crushing kiss. I kept kissing her until neither of us could breathe and finally, reluctantly, I broke off. She smiled and panted softly. "I love you, Mulder." "I love you too, Scully. This is the best day of my life." She smiled and hugged me tightly. Then she whispered in my ear. "I am not a prude, however, I don't want to screw in the car, so I suggest you take me home right now!" "Yes, Ma'am!" I hooted, opening the door for her. XXXXXXXXXX Life is weird. Who could have ever imagined that I would end up a FBI agent on the X-Files? Who could have ever imagined that I would fall in love with my kooky partner? Who could have ever imagined that I would lose my ability to have children, survive cancer, abductions and being gut shot, only to emerge in this place. I was pregnant. I was still in love with my partner. And I was wearing the most gorgeous solitaire diamond ring in a platinum band. This rock was three freakin' carats! I'd given up on happiness so many times, but it had been worth the wait. I was nearly euphoric. And Mulder, God, Mulder. He'd done what I never thought he would do. I hadn't thought that he believed in or wanted the whole wife, nuclear family thing. I understood that. I knew the way he had grown up. That would have soured anyone on holy matrimony. But he'd not only asked me to marry him, he'd been a total romantic, asking in front of restaurant full of people, down on one knee. And I was going to have his baby. Our baby. Oh Lord. My mother was going to freak ... but in a good way. My brother was going to freak ... in a very bad way. I couldn't have cared less what anyone thought at the moment. Mulder was going to be my husband. Whoa. We were both certified lunatics and I couldn't have been happier. Mulder unlocked the door and shouldered his way inside, holding it open for me. He kicked it shut behind him and was ripping my coat off my shoulders, before I could take two steps. His mouth came down on mine as his hand snaked inside my slacks and plunged between my legs to cup me. I moaned into his mouth and hastily undid the button and zipper, giving him room. His hands cupped my ass and lifted me onto the dinette table. He hastily removed my slacks and panties, and unbuttoned my blouse. He dropped his pants around his ankles, not even bothering to remove his shirt, tie and jacket. My blouse hung open. He pulled me to the edge, dipped down and sucked a nipple into his mouth right through my flimsy bra. Bolts of excitement shot into my groin and I swelled and grew instantly ready for him. I reached down between us and ran my hand up and down his pulsing shaft. He was hot, hard and silky. He released my breast with an audible pop. He groaned and began kissing my neck, leaving me to melt onto the table. My neck was so sensitive. His fingers found my juncture and plunged inside. He made a sound of shock and mumbled, "So wet, Scully." "Mmm," was the most articulate response I could make. "So ready for me ... amazing." A few seconds later I managed to croak out, "Now, Mul..der!" He grunted softly and lined himself up with my entrance. One hand steadying me on my hip, the other on the back of my head, he rammed himself inside. He hissed and held still for about three seconds but then began thrusting, fast and hard. I degenerated into one constant groan as our pelvises ground into one another, assaulting my clit and making it buzz, sending waves of pleasure through my body. He would then retreat quickly, leaving only his head inside and ram into me again. My hard nipples were scraping his dress shirt with every thrust, creating a maddening tingle. I reached down to grab his ass and pulled him as deep as he could go with every thrust. He slowed suddenly and said, "The baby!" I shook my head. "It's O.K., keep going!" He met my eyes as if to determine the truth of my statement. I nodded. He took my word for it and began slamming into me again. I didn't want gentle. This was exactly what I wanted. Mulder had taught me that totally uninhibited sex was a reality. I'd never been able to let go like I could with him. He made me mindless sometimes. He was biting his lip so hard I thought he would draw blood. Sweat beaded on his forehead. I whispered, "Let go!" He grunted and kept sliding in and out of me at a furious a pace. I closed my eyes and just concentrated on the feeling in my breasts and between my legs. He felt wonderful, so hot and huge, spreading me open to the limit. I cried out as the first spasm hit me. He shouted my name and climaxed with me. His sperm was hot and washed my insides with an exquisite melting sensation that washed through me as my spasms declined into quivers and then finally stopped, leaving me feeling like a dishrag. We took a couple minutes to get our breathing under control. When our eyes met, we both laughed at our haste. I was sitting there in a blouse and bra. He was still clothed from the waist up, his pants around his ankles. We slowly disengaged, both grunting at the loss as he slid free. He looked down at me grinning. "Shower?" "Yeah." "Together?" "Yeah." "God, Sc..." "Yeah." We smiled at our inability to say two words in a row and made our way on shaky legs to the bathroom. XXXXXXXXXX ONE MONTH LATER ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH GEORGETOWN, VA MAY 19, 2001 SATURDAY - 10:00 AM She was breathtaking. She wore a silky dress with chiffon over the skirt. The neck line was plunging, showing off her fuller breasts. The half sleeves were lined with lace. Her veil hid her face, but I could see a hint of her auburn hair through the gauzy veil. Walter Skinner had agreed to be my best man. Scully's brothers were my ushers. Yes, both brothers, even Bill, Jr. I could tell he wasn't thrilled about it, but there was nothing left for him to say at this point. Scully's pregnancy was obvious and he was just old fashioned enough to have a problem with having a child out of wedlock. He hated me, but I'd knocked his sister up and I'd damn well better marry her and make an honest woman out of her. He was such a hypocrite sometimes. But today, I couldn't worry about that. All I could see was the vision of beauty coming down the aisle in front of me. My mouth was dry and my eyes were wet as I looked up at Samantha, who was taking her place ahead of Scully as the maid of honor. She smiled broadly, grin slightly teasing. I felt strange, but good strange. In the past month, I really had come to think of this woman as my sister. I and everyone else called her Samantha. She had become her in society. Only the boys and Scully and I knew the truth, and even the boys had stopped seeing a distinction. She acted like my sister in every way. By that I mean, she behaved the way I thought a sister would behave. Scully agreed. She was checking in with us all the time. She did periodic exams on Scully. It was weird to have a 'family' again. She had slowly gained our trust by helping the boys. We were still wary at times but we wanted to believe she was on our side. Being involved with Langley didn't hurt either. I just hoped that relationship wasn't some part of a plot to be on the inside. I wasn't going to worry about that today. But the weirdest thing ... she was totally bonkers over Langley! Never in a million years would I have put the two of them together. But from that first day, they were like barnacles on one another. You couldn't pry them apart. Langley practically lived with her now at my apartment. Actually it was hers. I had signed the lease over to her once she had a job. She was still working at the Smithsonian. She wasn't going to get rich there but it didn't matter. She had enough to pay the rent and buy food and pay the utilities. I had taken a small portion of my inheritance and put it in a 401K for her, leaving about $50,000 out and opening a checking and saving account for her. She had cried when I did it as though it was the most wonderful thing. Money was the one thing we didn't have to worry about. Money, I had. Between each of my parents, I had been left very well off. I think Billy boy had been astounded to find out that my net worth was hovering at about one mil. I'd thought he was going to lose his lunch when he found that out. He hated me having anything that he didn't have. At the same time, it made him feel slightly better about Dana hooking her wagon to mine. After all, that money was going to be taking care of his little sister. He was somewhat appeased when Scully told him that we were slowing down at work. Finding Samantha had taken the urgency out of our work and we planned to be home with the baby most of the time. His relief had been immense. He still didn't like me, but he was softening. There was no hiding that Scully was in love with me. It still boggled my mind. It was even more boggling that she didn't even attempt to hide it, at home or at work. I had expected her to maintain her professional demeanor at work. As soon as she'd had that ring on her finger, all bets were off. There had been some hanging jaws when she flew into work Monday morning after my proposal and ran around sticking that rock in everyone's faces, and chortling with glee. People had never seen her like that. I got a lot of smiles and some grudging high fives from people who normally didn't give me the time of day. Even if they thought I was a weirdo, they respected Scully and couldn't figure out how Spooky Mulder had snagged 'such a catch.' I guess they figured if she saw something in me, I couldn't be all bad. She was all mine now, folks, and woe to anyone who tried to take her away from me. Frohike, Langley and Byers were ushers as well. I couldn't have chosen between them without insulting one of them, so I asked all three. This precipitated Scully deciding she had to have an equal number and asking others to join the crew. I had the money for a huge wedding, and I knew that was what Scully wanted. I didn't care. I would have preferred something small and quiet, but I wasn't going to deprive her of what every woman wants -- the whole shebang. When Bill offered to help with the expense, that was when he was told that I had money and it wouldn't be necessary. I didn't tell him. Scully did. Scully's friends, Janine and Marie, Kathy, Lisa and Bev were her bride's maids, and her nephew, Matthew was the ring bearer. He was a five year old terror in a mini-tux, but he looked suitably solemn now. Janine and Marie were pals from medical school. Kathy and Bev worked at the Bureau in the lab. And Lisa was a friend of the family since Scully was a kid. Bill, Jr. was giving her away and after the requisite spiel about anyone objecting, he placed her hands in mine. He took his place in line at the front of the church with the others. My brain went a little fuzzy through the preliminaries as my eyes just wondered up and down her body. Her tummy was barely visible in this dress, although she was now six months pregnant, closing on seven. My ears perked up when I realized Father McCue was starting the vows. "Do you Fox William Mulder take Dana Katherine Scully to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward till death do you part?" "I do," I replied, silently proud that my voice didn't crack. It was little lower than usual, but that couldn't be helped. They were lucky I wasn't bawling right now. "Do you Dana Katherine Scully take Fox William Mulder to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward till death do you part?" "I do," she said clearly and loudly. Then take your rings and repeat after me. Little Matthew enthusiastically held up the rings and I took it from him smiling. I went through the repeat after me stuff in a fog, trying to keep my hands from shaking. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He paused. "Fox, you may kiss the bride." I whipped her veil up and over her head. This was the best part and I was going to make the most of it! I been wanting to put her in lip lock in front of a crowd of people for years, kind of like peeing on your territory! Only much more civilized! She must have seen the twinkle in my eye because she whispered my name like a warning, "Muldeer!". I swooped down and took her lips under mine. I pulled her to me, but not too tightly and made a show of kissing her, tongue and all. There were a couple of whoops from the peanut gallery and I pulled away, grinning like an idiot. Bill obviously wasn't amused by my blatant display but I could have cared less. Even the priest was smiling. Normally, the Catholic church would have frowned on marrying us because we'd obviously had premarital sex. But Father McCue was a long time friend of the family and had agreed to do it. He obviously wanted Dana married, and Mrs. Scully would have been crushed if we couldn't be married by him. The local Catholic church here in Georgetown had agreed to let Father McCue officiate the ceremony. We were pelted with rice as we exited the church and formed a receiving line. There were some pictures taken on the lawn and then we piled into the limousines to head to the reception. XXXXXXXXXX HILTON HOTEL WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY 19, 2001 SATURDAY 1:00 PM We were holding in the ballroom of the D.C. Hilton. It was a swank place and most everyone was suitably impressed. I was checking my watch every ten minutes until Scully swatted me, shaking her head in mock exasperation. I couldn't wait to get her out of here. You couldn't wipe the grin off my face when they introduced the bridal party. "For the first time, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Fox Mulder!" We entered to a roar of applause. I turned to Scully after the introductions of the rest of the party when the music started up. "May I have this dance, MRS. MULDER!?" God, that sounded good. Mine. All mine now. "Why yes, I do believe you may," she replied with mock seriousness. We did the first dance, the garter toss and the bouquet toss. Samantha caught the bouquet and I didn't think it was an accident that Langley caught the garter. Seeing Langley and Frohike in tuxes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we teased them unmercifully. Langley informed me I was the only one he would put a tux on for. The only other time you might catch him in one was at his own wedding, and that was a definite 'maybe'. All in all it was a joyous affair with many more members of our co-workers attending than I thought would. We had invited a lot of people. I figured most of them wouldn't come and was pleasantly surprised for Scully's sake when most of them accepted. And the best part, I hadn't heard the word Spooky all day. I was waiting for the Mrs. Spooky jokes and they didn't come. Or if they did, they weren't within earshot. I smiled seeing Langley and Samantha on the dance floor, pressed together as tightly as Scully and I ever were. I was happy for them. I hoped it worked out. Things would get awkward if it didn't. We spent a lot of time with the guys. I was a little surprised at how easily they had accepted her into the fold. Part of it probably had to do with the fact that she was a wizard with a computer, rivaling Langley in the hacking department. Being a woman, she was able to get more interviews than the guys and sometimes more information. Sales of the Lone Gunmen had nearly doubled since she came on board. We were staying here at the Hilton tonight and leaving for Hawaii in the morning. We took two weeks. Finally, around 6:00 PM, we made our escape as things were winding down. XXXXXXXXXX HILTON HOTEL WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY 19, 2001 SATURDAY - 6:00 PM When we reached the penthouse bridal suite that I had reserved, Scully whooped when I hoisted her into my arms and carried her over the threshold. She slid down my body and my mouth was on hers before her feet hit the ground. She hummed in her throat and broke the kiss. "I need to get out of this dress," she mumbled. "Yes, you do, as soon as possible," I replied. She grinned and headed for the bedroom. I helped her to undo all the tiny buttons in the back. She removed it and carefully hung it on a hanger in the closet. She sat on the bed and I knelt down in front of her, lifting her leg. I nipped her ankle and her head fell back. I removed her garters and stocking and began licking and kissing my way up her body. By the time I reached the top, I could smell her arousal. It kicked mine into high gear. Before settling in, I stood. She moaned in protest and opened her eyes to watch me undress. I tossed my cumber bund and bow tie on the chair near the dresser and quickly stripped naked. I stood before her and let her eyes roam over my body. I still couldn't believe that Scully looked at me this way, like she wanted to eat me alive. Her rounded tummy was a surprising turn on, rather than a turn off. Her breasts were enlarged and growing ripe, and my eyes greedily took in her appearance, tousled hair and all. "Beautiful, ..." I whispered. She smiled and motioned to me. I approached her and she sat up at the edge of the bed. Her hands came out to rest on my flanks. I groaned as she took me into her mouth and sucked, slow and hard. "Scully, Jesus!" My hands went to her shoulders for balance. I looked down and watched her. Her full red lips sliding up and down my shaft was an amazing sight. The reality was always better than my fuzzy dreams. I pushed her back gently after a minute or so and said, "No more." She grinned and scooted back on the bed. I followed her, kneeling. Her head tilted to one side and I wondered what she was up to. She surprised me when she turned and placed her hands on the top of headboard, kneeling in front of me with her pert little butt stuck up in the air. "Oh man, Scully." She giggled. "Get over here. Your wife has this problem she needs you to take care of." I chuckled and hurried to move behind her. "My wife, huh?" I asked as I rubbed the head of my cock in her wetness. God, she was always so wet. I couldn't believe that. She moaned softly. "Yeah..." her voice came out breathy. "What problem would that be, Mrs. Mulder?" I was having ball with that! I had half expected her to say she was keeping her name or she wanted to hyphenate! But she hadn't. She'd really become Mrs. Mulder, name and all. Her voice was low and throaty when she answered me. "I have this awful ache between my legs. It won't go away. The doctor said there was only one cure." "What would that be?" I rubbed my hands over her tush, squeezing gently and rubbing my shaft up and down in her wetness. "I need something large inserted as soon as possible. Then it needs to be moved back and forth and a fairly rapid rate until the ache is gone." I chuckled and began to slide in. She moaned. "Like this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice teasing, but hearing the grunt of excitement in my tone. "Yeah, just like that, but deeper." I slid in to the hilt and held her hips against me as I ground into her, swiveling my hips. God, I could press so deep in this position, and it didn't interfere with her growing belly either. I found my voice again. "Do you think this is big enough, Mrs. Mulder?" "Yeah, plenty big enough. Just right." "Good." That was the last word I could get out before I began pumping in and out of her hot tunnel. We both grunted and groaned and sighed as the excitement mounted and my speed picked up. I reached up to grasp one breast and toy with her sensitive nipple. She gasped and began slamming herself back onto me. I wanted to crawl inside her and never come out. I glanced up to the headboard to see her hand gripping the top of the wooden frame tightly. Her diamond and her new wedding band winked softly, reflecting the light from the bedside lamp. She was really my wife. Scully was my wife. Holy shit. I shouted, "Oh, I'm sorry, Scully. I'm gonna come!" She reached down between her legs with her right hand and swiped over her clit. She shouted and began squeezing the life out of my cock as I pressed deep inside her. I spurted hot seed into her, wondering if we would ever have another baby. I was loving this second trimester horniness thing I'd learned about though. That was a bonus. I extracted myself slowly. She grunted and flopped down onto her side. I slid off the bed. "Where are you going?" she asked. "To get a wash cloth." "Oh." I hurried into the bathroom and cleaned myself off before returning to her with a warm, wet cloth. I rolled her onto her back and spread her legs. I cleaned her carefully as she sighed and hummed. I threw the cloth in the sink when I was finished and returned to the bed again. She was under the covers and I climbed in with her. I spooned her again, now our favorite position in bed. Scully and I had a favorite position in bed. Hah! Who would have ever thought that could happen?! I kissed the nape of her neck. She said, "I love you, Mulder." "Love you too, Scully." She held out her hand in front of her and looked at her rings. "God," she whispered. "Do you like them?" I asked. She chuckled. "I looovvveee them." I chuckled now. "Good, I'm glad." "Does any of this seem a little unreal to you?" she asked. "The fact that I'm laying in bed with Dana Scully and she just became my wife?" "Yeah, that," she deadpanned. I chuckled again. "It's like some kind of surreal dream fantasy. I'm still waiting to wake up." She snuggled in closer. "I'd given up on this kind of happiness." "Me too. Are you happy, Scully? Really happy?" "Yeah, I really am." "Good. Me too." "Nap now? Even though it's only 7:30 PM?" "Sounds good to me." "Wake up later and do this again?" "You're on Mrs. Mulder." "You're enjoying the hell out of that, aren't you?" "Calling you Mrs. Mulder?" "Yeah." "Yes I am. Does it bother you?" "No, I'm just getting a kick out of how much you're enjoying it." "Yeah, well, glad we're on the same page with that. Tomorrow, Hawaii or bust!" She chuckled. "Good night ... husband," she teased. "Good night ... wife," I threw back. THE END. TO BE CONTINUED ...