Subject: **NEW** "Choices" (1/2) From: jkgayle@aol.com (JKGayle) Date: 14 Jul 1997 03:44:25 GMT Choices (1/2) by Judy Gayle 07-02-97 Summary: Mulder's with Marita. Scully's pissed. Somethin's gotta give! Rating: PG (maybe R?) Some bad words, sexual situations. Classification: S, R (sort of) Keywords: Marita / Cancerman / conspiracy / Lone Gunmen Mulder/Scully more-than-friendship Spoilers: Some references to Herrenvolk, Teliko OK to archive. Feedback is appreciated. Please send comments to JKGayle@aol.com Also, if anyone has any problems with the formatting, please e-mail me. Many thanks to my Beta Reader, Mishka, for her suggestions and encouragement. Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully, and the other characters in this story belong to Chris Carter, the Fox Network, and Ten Thirteen Productions. I'm just borrowing them. No copyright infringement is intended. I also acknowledge having shamelessly appropriated that wonderful Angela Lansbury line from "The Manchurian Candidate." * * * * * * * * Choices by Judy Gayle Dana Scully thought, as she watched her partner shuffling through the files on his desk. It was nearly 3:00 on Friday, and she'd been trying to find a way to tell him all week. She sighed, and took a deep breath "Mulder?" "Yeah?" he said, without looking up. He had set the files aside and was pushing back from the desk. He got up and pulled his jacket off the back of the chair, starting to put it on. "There's something I need to talk to you about." "Can it wait till Monday, Scully? I'm gonna try to get away early today." Scully noticed that he hadn't even picked up any files to take home for the weekend. That was happening more and more often lately. "No, it really can't wait." She was fighting to keep her voice calm. "I've got a hot date, Scully. Gotta catch a flight to New York." He headed for the door. "I'm going to ask Skinner for a transfer." she thought. He was already in the doorway, his back to her, when he realized what she'd said. "You're WHAT?!" "I am going to ask Skinner for a transfer," she repeated slowly, carefully enunciating each word, and inwardly congratulating herself on how tranquil her voice sounded. He slowly walked back into the office and stood by her desk. "Where did THAT come from?" "What do you mean?" "All of a sudden, out of left field, you're asking for a transfer?" It was an accusation as much as a question. "Yes." "Mind telling me why?" There was an edge of sarcasm to his voice. "To be perfectly frank, Mulder, you don't need me anymore." "What're you talking about, Scully?" He couldn't believe it. Why did she have to pull this crap now, he wondered angrily. Obviously, something was bothering her, and he'd have to stay here and talk it out with her. Then he'd probably miss his flight and be late for his date with Marita. "Just what I said. You don't need ME anymore. There are any number of other agents who can help you gather evidence...and analyze it...and serve as your backup. And you've got somebody else now that you can talk to and bounce ideas off of. Somebody who believes in you and your work...who supports your search for the truth -- whatever that might be." He was dumbstruck for a moment. "Is that what this is all about? About Marita?" He was almost shouting. "Don't tell me you're JEALOUS of Marita!" She was determined not to raise her voice. "Let's just say I can tell when someone has taken over my job." "Job! Was being my friend and confidante just part of your job description?!" He WAS shouting now. "Is that the only reason you've stayed with me for three years? Because it was part of your JOB?!" He was even waving his arms now. She almost felt a perverse satisfaction that she'd gotten him so agitated. she thought. Ever since he'd met Marita at the UN building, she seemed to be all he thought about. He even seemed to be spending more time planning his next meeting with her than he did investigating X-Files. Scully was tired of it. If he was more interested in some InfoBabe than he was in his precious X- Files, then why should Scully care about them? Her career had been stagnating here for three years now; she could do better somewhere else. And to hell with Fox Mulder. she reminded herself. "No, I never considered it an official part of my job," she replied calmly. "But, I confess, I DID feel like I was helping you by being there for you...when you needed to talk...or whatever." "But, hey," she continued in a flip manner, "you've found someone else who can -- apparently -- do it a lot better than I ever could. So why should I stick around and watch my career go down the fuckin' toilet for nothing?!" She hadn't meant to say it like that. Now he was really going to think she was jealous. And she wasn't. Really. Mulder just stood there, with his arms hanging loosely at his sides. "Go on. You'll be late for your date." He turned, without a word, and went out the door, closing it softly behind him. Dana sat there, without moving, for several moments, wondering if he would come back in. But then she heard his footsteps receding down the hallway. She crossed her arms on her desk, put her head down, and let the tears come. * * * * * * * * * * Mulder fumed in silence all the way to the airport. All the way to New York. All the way to Marita's apartment. he thought. He still needed her as his partner. Nobody had ever worked with him as well as she did. There was no way any other agent could take her place. Why'd she have to get in such a snit just 'cause he was seeing Marita? -- Finally, a beautiful, intelligent woman who understood him and his obsession with finding the truth, and was willing to help him do it. But Marita was special -- tall, feminine. He almost chuckled out loud, thinking of Scully in her severe business suits, with a gun in her hand. And Marita had the most beautiful, intense blue eyes. Like Scully's, but not quite as blue. And he loved the way she tucked her hair behind her ear. Something that Scully did, too, he realized. Marita had been so sympathetic when he'd first met her at the UN building, and she'd given him that file with those pictures in it. He knew then that he'd found an ally...and maybe more. Of course, Scully had been his ally for years -- always there for him both professionally and personally. And she'd never asked for anything in return. But Marita wanted more. She wanted him. And he was happy to oblige. They'd started dating shortly after that second case, when she had given him some leads on the paralysis-inducing seed. She'd even come to the hospital to see him when he was recovering from his paralysis. His thoughts went back to that horrible case. He'd never been so scared in his life -- the paralysis had made it impossible to resist in even the slightest way. It was worse than if he'd been tied up. When Scully had shot the man and then called for the paramedics, he had pleaded with her, just with his eyes -- he didn't want anyone else to see him like that. Drool was running from his mouth over his chin. And tears were streaming down his cheeks...from a combination of the absolute terror and the relief that it was now over. The paralysis made it impossible for him to control either of them. Scully had somehow understood. She had taken a tissue from her pocket and wiped his cheeks and chin. How could he possibly develop that kind of rapport with any other agent! * * * * * * * * * * The sex with Marita had been good, as always -- but he felt strangely unsatisfied this time. They'd barely finished, when he started thinking about Scully again. Mulder rolled away from Marita and stared up at the ceiling. What would he do if she really left him? Just the thought of going on without Scully sent a shiver through his body. Why couldn't she understand that he still needed her? It was just that Marita gave him something that Scully never had... never could. Scully'd never wanted him that way, so why was she pulling this green-eyed monster crap now? Was it possible that she DID love him -- as more than just a partner and friend? Marita snuggled against his neck. "Still thinking about her, Fox?" she whispered. "Yeah," he confessed. "Sorry." "There's nothing to be sorry about. She's been your partner for a long time. It's understandable that you're upset about her leaving.... Why don't you go back and talk to her?" "Now?" She nodded. He turned to her with a half smile. "You're incredible.... How come you're not jealous of Scully?" "Why should I be jealous? I've got you, Fox." He kissed her, and they snuggled for a few moments. Then he pulled away. "You're right. I need to go back and have it out with her. Tonight. If she really doesn't want to work with me anymore, then so be it!" He pulled his clothes back on, kissed Marita again, and left. * * * * * * * * * * She watched from her apartment window as he got into his rental car and drove away. Then she picked up the phone and dialed a number. "It's finally working. She told him she's asking for a transfer." She listened for a moment, then hung up the phone without another word. * * * * * * * * * * Had Scully been asleep, she would have been very angry at the loud knocking on her door at 3:00 a.m. But she hadn't been asleep. Her mind seemed to be whirling, and she couldn't make it stop. She kept remembering all the things that had happened between them in the past three years... the many cases they'd been on together. All the times she'd felt so close to him...and the times she'd thought that maybe he felt something for her, too. Her heart ached every time she thought of never seeing him again, and then the tears would start. There seemed to be no end to them. Maybe she should just forget the transfer and keep on working with him. At least that way she'd get to see him during the day. But no -- she had more pride than that. It was time for her to forget him and get on with her career. Maybe she'd actually get a life after all. She knew it had to be Mulder; no one else would be knocking at her door at three in the morning. But he'd gone to New York. Had he really come back to talk to her? She wiped away the tears and went to the door. "Who is it?" "Come on, Scully. You know it's me." "What do you want?" She hadn't opened the door. "Let me in, Scully. We need to talk." Slowly, she opened the door, but blocked the entrance, not inviting him in. "What is there to talk about that we couldn't have discussed this afternoon?" "All right. I apologize for walking out on you, but I had a plane to catch." He pushed roughly past her, into her apartment. "Now let's talk about this rationally." "Rationally! You expect me to talk to you rationally when you force your way into my apartment at three in the morning! Goddammit, I can smell her...her...all over you! You haven't even changed clothes, Mulder!" She turned and walked away from him. "All right. I'll go home and shower and change." He started to leave, then turned back toward her. "Will you let me in when I come back?" She still had her back to him. She seemed to be mulling over his question. Finally, she answered. "Yes." "And will you actually BE HERE when I come back?" She turned to face him. "Yes, Mulder," she said resignedly. "You can still trust me at least that much. I'll be here, and I'll let you in." He turned and left. * * * * * * * * * * she thought. Here he was, knocking at her door again in little more than an hour. She opened the deadbolt and walked away from the door, leaving him to open it himself. His hair was still damp from the shower, and he'd changed into jeans and a T-shirt, with a leather jacket. "Can I sit down?" he asked, hesitantly. She nodded toward the couch. She stood there for a moment with her arms crossed in front of her, then finally came over to sit in the chair facing him. "Scully...I don't want you to leave," he said without preamble. "I have to, Mulder." "But why? What have I done?" "Look...Mulder.... It's not your fault. You haven't done anything wrong. It's my fault. I broke the rules." "What are you talking about, Scully?" There wasn't much point in keeping it from him now, she thought. "I'm talking about the fact that I should never have let myself fall in love with you.... I tried not to...I knew you didn't feel the same way about me. But it's too late, now." For a moment, he just stared at her. Then he let his breath out in a long sigh and let his head fall back onto the back of the couch. He stared at the ceiling. "What do you want me to do, Scully?" "I...I don't know." She shook her head. "Just...be happy, I guess." He straightened his head up to look at her again. "I can't be happy if you leave. So what do I have to...or, rather...what CAN I do to convince you to stay?" She shook her head again. "Nothing, Mulder. I'm sorry, but I just can't do it anymore. I'm glad you're happy...really! But I'd just be torturing myself if I stayed. And I'm not going to do that. I need to get on with my life." "Are you telling me that I have to choose between you and Marita?" It was a genuine question -- not an accusation. "No. For three reasons.... One. That kind of ultimatum always backfires. Two. I wouldn't do that to you, Mulder. And three. There's no point, because you've already made your choice." "No I haven't, Scully." She just stared at him. He leaned forward. "I wouldn't choose ANYONE over you. You're too important to me." "How can you say that, Mulder?! All you think about is HER. You've barely been aware of my presence for the past month or so." "I'm sure it seems that way, Scully. But that's what I mean -- I hardly think about you anymore." "Gee, thanks, Mulder. Is that supposed to make me feel important?" "That's not how I meant it. I meant...it's just that...you've become so much a part of my life that I don't even think about it anymore. You're something that I just take for granted. Like...like the air I breathe. How could I do without that? How could I do without you?" "I don't know, Mulder." She stood up from the chair. "But you're just going to have to...because I can't stay. It hurts too much." She started for her bedroom. "Lock the door on your way out." He watched her go into the bedroom and close the door, then fell back against the couch and closed his eyes. * * * * * * * * * * His eyes were closed, but he couldn't sleep. He was very confused. He loved Marita, didn't he? But he loved Scully, too. He had always loved her -- at least on some level. Ever since she had burst into his motel room, half naked and scared, on their first case together. In that one moment, she had shown how much she trusted him. And he had known, even then, that his life would never be the same. He had worked so hard at repressing his feelings for her, whenever they threatened to get out of hand. And she had been his willing collaborator -- pointedly maintaining that oh-so-professional facade. And that's all it was -- a facade. She loved him. She really loved him. She had just said so, and Scully wouldn't lie about something like that. < So, how do you feel about that, Mulder?> Stunned. Absolutely stunned. Happy. Excited. Terrified. What was he going to do now? He couldn't let her leave, but how could he convince her to stay -- to give him another chance? And what about Marita? Mulder groaned and glanced at his watch. Five a.m. He groaned again and lay down on the couch. He closed his eyes, trying to force the sleep to come. But it wouldn't. * * * * * * * * * * She was awake, but she didn't want to open her eyes...didn't want to get up. Maybe if she could go back to sleep, it would go away -- like a bad dream. But it wasn't going away. She finally got out of bed and put on a robe. Her eyes were red and puffy -- both from sleep and from crying. As she opened the bedroom door, she was surprised to see Mulder curled up on the couch, in almost a fetal position. He hadn't even kicked his shoes off. She walked on past him and padded barefoot into the kitchen. For a moment she just stood in front of the sink, with her hands on the edge of the counter, staring out the window. Then she heard him stirring on the couch. She turned and started to make some coffee. "Morning," he said quietly, as he came into the kitchen. "I'm surprised you're still here, Mulder. I would've thought you'd be high-tailing it back to New York for the weekend." He didn't answer -- just silently accepted the cup of coffee she held out to him. "She's probably good 'n' mad at you by now." "She never gets mad at me." "Never? How about when you've had an argument? Don't tell me she wasn't upset when you left last night!" "No, she wasn't. In fact, she was the one who suggested that I come back last night.... And we never argue." "I don't believe it! That's unnatural, Mulder." "Scully...I don't want to talk about her. I want to talk about you. And me. Us." "What more is there to say?" "I'm not sure, but there must be a lot, 'cause I can't leave it like this. I can't let you leave...at least, not without a fight," he said, setting the coffee cup aside. "You wanna fight, Mulder?" she gave him a small smile. "No. But I want some time. Give me some time, Scully. Just a little time to work this out. If you still feel this way in a month, you can always ask for a transfer then," he said hopefully. She hesitated. "Please, Scully," he implored. "All right. But not a month. A week. I can make it another week." "Great!" He reached forward and gave her a quick hug, then turned to leave. When he reached the door, he turned back toward her and smiled. "We're going to work this out, Scully... We HAVE to." Then he was gone. she wondered. But she smiled slightly as she realized that she was glad she had. She wasn't ready to let him go just yet. * * * * * * * * * * He couldn't get it out of his mind -- what Scully had said. "That's unnatural, Mulder!" Of all the things she had said, that was the one phrase he couldn't quit thinking about. Earlier, while he was lying on her couch, the one phrase that kept reverberating through his head was, "I shouldn't have let myself fall in love with you." Had she really said that? Did she really MEAN it? She must mean it, or she wouldn't be feeling that she had to leave. If he'd had a wall to bang his head on, he would have. The only excuse he could think of was that he must have been in shock at the time. Hearing those words from her after all these years! And all he'd been able to say was, "What do you want me to do, Scully?" One week. She was giving him one week. He had to figure out what was happening to him and straighten it out in just one week! There it was again -- that one word popping up in his mind. He should have been offended when she said it. But for some reason it had a ring of truth to it. But why?! They never argued because Marita loved him. At least, that's what he'd always thought. He tried to think back on all the relationships he'd had since...well, including...Phoebe. There had ALWAYS been arguments, disagreements. Some major, some minor -- but always there. So why were there NEVER any arguments with Marita? Was she just trying too hard to make their relationship work? He remembered a few times when it had looked like they were going to have an quarrel. But on each of those occasions, she'd deferred to his opinion. He chuckled out loud at the thought of his endless series of conflicts with Scully. She never seemed to tire of challenging him...making him re-think and re-state his position. And usually, they'd end up agreeing to disagree. Was it possible that that was one of the reasons he was attracted to Marita? The fact that, in her eyes, he was always right? Could he really be that shallow? But what possible reason could she have for subjugating her own opinions to his? Aside from the obvious one of just not wanting to jeopardize their relationship? His mind was beginning to spin. Too many hours without sleep...too many miles traveled in one day. And WAY too many things to think about. He needed to blank it all out for a few hours and get some sleep. But first, there were some things he had to check. Abruptly, he wheeled the car around and headed toward the FBI building. * * * * * * * * * * "The plan is working," the man with the cigarette reported to the other men in the room. "We should have tried this sooner," one of the men remarked. "We've wasted a lot of time trying to force them apart. Letting THEM make the decision to split up is much more likely to succeed." "How much longer will our operative be needed?" another man asked. "Once the bond is severed completely, she can be quickly withdrawn and reassigned," the man with the cigarette replied. "Without Agent Scully giving him direction, Agent Mulder will be like a headless chicken, floundering aimlessly. And we can go on with our program...unimpeded." He smiled and stubbed his cigarette out, immediately lighting up another. * * * * * * * * * * End part 1 of 2 Choices (2/2) by Judy Gayle Summary: Mulder's with Marita. Scully's pissed. Somethin's gotta give! Disclaimer and Classifications in Part 1. * * * * * * * * * * 10:00 p.m. He'd been at it all day. He had searched every database he could access through the Bureau's computers. If Marita ever found out he was checking up on her, she'd kill him. But he had to know. Scully's comment had left him vaguely uneasy, and then his rampant paranoia had taken over. And he'd found...nothing. She was clean. Absolutely clean. At least as far as he'd been able to find out through Bureau sources. He had no reason to suspect Marita of anything. All she'd ever done was help him in his work...and love him. And he'd just paid her back by investigating her as if she were some kind of criminal. Mulder was exhausted. He hadn't slept in forty hours. And he wasn't any closer to resolving his dilemma. He left the FBI building and headed for his apartment. His brain felt numb...too tired to think. He had to get some sleep. It was time to let his subconscious work on it for a while. * * * * * * * * * * Mulder slept fitfully -- images and phrases parading through his head. "The answers are there. You just have to know where to look for them." Marita handing him the photo-filled file. "I wouldn't put myself on the line for anyone but you." The letters S R S G scrawled in blood on the floor. "I had the strength of your beliefs." "You are the only one I trust." "I should never have let myself fall in love with you." "That's unnatural, Mulder." "Unnatural...unnatural...unnatural." "You are the ONLY one I trust." "You are the ONLY ONE I trust." "YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I TRUST!" Mulder awoke with a start. With a trembling hand, he wiped the sweat from his face. At least his subconscious had answered one question for him -- Dana Scully was the only person he could trust. Not Deep Throat. Not X. And not Marita. He reached for the phone. * * * * * * * * * * "Jesus, Mulder. It's five o'clock in the morning! On a Sunday! How'd you get my home phone number?" Byers asked sleepily. "I haff mein sources," Mulder announced furtively. Then, in a normal voice, "I need a big favor." By now Byers was fully awake. "This phone line may not be secure. Can you meet me at the usual place in forty-five minutes?" "I'll be there." * * * * * * * * * * Mulder was surprised to find Langly and Frohike, as well as Byers, when he arrived at the offices of The Lone Gunman. "You guys get up early," he observed. "Only when a friend needs a big favor," Frohike replied. "What is it?" "I need a phone tap." * * * * * * * * * * Scully was somewhat annoyed with herself. The knock on her apartment door had instantly started her heart pounding. She knew it would be Mulder, and she wasn't sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. Despite what she had said to Mulder about not making him choose between them, that was exactly what she wanted him to do. What if he chose Marita? With a knot in her stomach, but a calm exterior, she opened the door. "Scully, I'm going back to New York this afternoon, but I needed to talk to you first." Dana felt sick. "So...you've made your decision," she said quietly, turning away from him so he wouldn't see the tears that were threatening to fill her eyes. "No, I...I haven't. But I have come to at least one conclusion. And that is that you are the only one I trust, Scully. Will YOU trust ME for just a little while longer?" "Of course," she said, turning back to face him again . "What did you need to talk to me about?" "Have you already asked Skinner for a transfer?" "No. I was too upset Friday. I was planning to do it tomorrow." "Is there anyone else you've spoken to about this?" "No." "Good. Scully...I know we agreed on a week, but..." "Mulder," she interrupted. "Don't..." "No. No. I'm not asking for any more time. I'm just asking you not to say anything to anyone about this, including Skinner. And if anyone should happen to ask you, no matter how obliquely, how we're getting along...or if there's a chance we might be splitting up..." He paused for a moment, choking back the lump in his throat. "I'd like for you to leave them with the unmistakable impression that we're going to be working closely together for a long time. And that we're very happy working together." "What are you up to, Mulder?" "I told you we've got to work this out. And that means that there are some things I've got to find out. I think I've got a better chance of doing that if everything appears to be normal between us." "But you've already told Marita." "Yes. She's the only one who knows. Or, at least, she SHOULD be the only one." Scully raised an eyebrow. "Should be?" "Maybe I'm reaching new heights...or depths...of paranoia here, Scully, but...well, it just suddenly occurred to me that those bastards have been trying to split us up for years, and maybe they've just been experimenting with a new way to do it. And I intend to find out. Today." * * * * * * * * * * Mulder dialed the number from an airport pay phone. "Yeah," Langly answered. "You guys all set?" "We're ready whenever you are. But there's something you ought to know...this line's already being tapped." "What?! By whom?" "Don't know. But it's a very professional-looking job. You sure you wanta go through with this?" "Yeah. I don't have much choice." * * * * * * * * * * Mulder felt guilty as hell. Here he was, about to knock on the door of the woman he'd been sleeping with...a woman who'd never done anything to cause him to suspect her. And yet he was about to set her up...to test her loyalty and her love for him. And, what was worse, he wasn't even sure whether he wanted her to pass or fail that test. Taking a deep breath, he rapped on her door. "I was hoping you'd come back yesterday," she said, opening the door and stepping aside for him to enter. "I wanted to, but it took longer than I thought to work things out with Scully." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close for a kiss, but she put her hands on his chest and gently resisted his embrace. "Work things out?" "Yeah. We had a long series of talks...negotiations, really, and we've decided to stay together." He saw an expression of...what was it? -- anger? -- fear? -- flicker across her face, to be instantly replaced by her usual cool impassivity. She pushed away from him and walked into the other room. "We've got too much work to do," he continued, studying her closely. "We've worked together too long and put too much into this partnership to throw it all away now. And I made her realize that I DO love her -- not like I love YOU, of course. But I want her to keep working with me. And she feels the same way." "Whatever you think best," she commented, aloofly. "Although I have to admit, I'd rather not share you with anyone." "But you said..." "I said I wasn't jealous. And I'm not. But I can't help but wonder if she's going to try to drive a wedge between you and me, so that she can have you all to herself again." "That won't happen," he assured her, closing the distance between them and taking her into his arms. "We're just going to be working together. We're too good a team to allow anything to split us up." As he held Marita in his arms, Mulder wondered if he could go to hell for lying. * * * * * * * * * * Mulder got into his rental car and drove around the corner, where, luckily, he found a parking space. He spotted the white panel truck half a block away and strode over to it. "Sorry it took me so long," he apologized, pulling the door shut behind him. "Had to stay a little longer than I'd planned in order to make a graceful exit..." He let the words trail off, as he realized they were all looking at him strangely. "What is it?" "You may not want to hear this, my friend," Frohike said... and turned on the tape recorder. <> <> Click. Dial tone. "Here's the phone number the call was made to," Langly said. "It's an unlisted number, but I can..." "Don't bother," Mulder cut in. "I recognize the voice." At the stricken look on Mulder's face, Langly put a hand on his shoulder. "You okay, man?" "I'll be all right. When was the call made?" "About ten seconds after you left." "She didn't waste any time, did she," Mulder observed bitterly. "Do you want us to keep listening? Or see if we can find out who the other tap belongs to?" Byers asked. "No. Shut it down and get out of here. I may already have put you in danger." He was silent a moment. "And I've found out all I needed to know." * * * * * * * * * * Marita felt a shiver of fear slice through her when she opened her apartment door to find HIM standing there waiting for her. A cigarette hung loosely from his lips. "You've failed. A simple assignment, and you've failed miserably. You will find that we do not reward failure." She took a deep breath and brushed past him, putting her coat and purse on a chair. Then she steeled herself and turned to face him. "It is not I who have failed. It is YOU. You are the one who put them together in the first place." She walked over to him and stood facing him, unflinchingly. "In your arrogance, you thought you could control him by controlling her. And you failed in both. So you tried to separate them by force -- and failed. Then you tried to separate them by guile -- and failed. And now it's too late. The bond they have forged is stronger than that of any lovers...stronger than any weapon you have. You can try to sabotage it but you can't destroy it. "And now they will destroy you," she continued. "You have failed because you have so contemptuously underestimated them...their loyalty...and their devotion." "Do you think so?" he crooned, casually removing the cigarette from his mouth and exhaling the smoke into her face. "We'll see. If necessary, I WILL destroy them. I still have that ultimate weapon at my disposal -- for use against them...or anyone else who opposes me. "You are to be reassigned." With a slight smile he added, "You may even be sent home." His smile widened as he saw her face pale. "What about Mulder?" she hurriedly parried. "Aren't you afraid he'll be suspicious if I disappear too suddenly?" "Got a little attached to him, did you?" "Of course not. I just hate throwing all this hard work away." "Your dedication to your work is admirable," he replied sarcastically. "But perhaps your sudden disappearance will bring back memories of his sister. Messing with his head has always been a favorite amusement of mine. No," he said, turning toward the door, "Let him wonder what's happened to you. Perhaps he'll even find a way to blame himself." As the door closed behind him, Marita felt her adrenaline- induced courage beginning to dissolve. She started to tremble. That wasn't an idle threat he had made about using his ultimate weapon. He didn't make idle threats. Was Fox in danger? Should she warn him? Despite what she'd just said, she had to admit that she really did like Fox Mulder. A lot. But did she care for him enough to risk incurring the Smoking Man's wrath? She picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number. "Fox. I found out today that I'm being reassigned -- right away. Probably overseas. So...I...won't be seeing you again. Take care of yourself, and...be careful." In another room, a tape recorder silently captured every word. * * * * * * * * * "Mulder?" "Hmmm?" He didn't even look up. "You've been awfully quiet. What's wrong?" "Nothing...everything. I don't know." "What did you find out yesterday?" Quietly, and with his eyes still averted, he told her about the phone tap, about his meeting with Marita, about the recorded call. He finally raised his eyes to meet hers. "You were right, Scully. It WAS unnatural. It was all a charade. She was working for THEM all along. She never loved me." "I'm...sorry, Mulder." "Well, don't be. I'm not. I'm just glad I found out before it was too late. It's just that...that I feel like such a fool for thinking that she could...that any woman..." He let the words trail off. "Could love you?" His eyes dropped again. "Yes," he whispered. "Are you so sure she didn't?" "Come on, Scully," he said, suddenly angry. "I was just another assignment to her -- a job to be accomplished." "That doesn't necessarily mean that she didn't..." He slammed his fist down on his desk. "What're you trying to do, Scully...make me feel better about this? About being an idiot? About playing right into their hands?" "But you didn't, did you?" she retorted. "You found out about it. It didn't work." "Maybe not. But it almost did. And it would have, if it hadn't been for you." "Well, that's what I'm here for, Mulder," she said more softly. "To keep you out of trouble." "Oh really?" he managed a half-hearted smile. "I thought you were here to spy on me." "That, too. And I think I should point out, Mulder, that you were once just an assignment -- just a job -- to me. But things changed." When he didn't respond, she continued. "So how did you leave it with Marita? Is she expecting to see you again?" "Yes, but I have no intention of doing that." He turned toward her suddenly. "What about US, Scully? Where do we go from here?" "What do you mean?" "Do you think you can ever trust me again?" "I never stopped trusting you, Mulder." "So you'll stay?" "If you want me to." "Of course I want you to. But I can't forget what you said -- about loving me. After everything that's happened, I don't expect you to still feel that way, but..." "Just tell me one thing, Mulder. Why were you willing to risk everything you had with Marita in order to get me to stay with you?" He seemed to ponder the question for a few moments. "I guess I could give you a simplistic answer...and say that I had to find out the truth. But the truth is, Scully, that even if I hadn't found anything, I couldn't...I COULDN'T have let you go. I'm not sure what it was exactly that I felt for Marita, but it can't compare with the way I feel about you." He shook his head slowly. "I just can't believe I was so stupid...letting them manipulate me like that." His anger was gone now, she saw. But he was wounded. And vulnerable. "Mulder," she said quietly. "I was the one who was playing right into their hands. Leaving you was exactly what they wanted me to do. They must have known that I'd be jealous of Marita. If you hadn't been so determined to keep me here, their scheme might have worked. It's my fault, Mulder. I'm sorry I put you through this." "For God's sake, Scully. Don't apologize!" he exploded. "If you hadn't forced the issue, I'd still be blithely trotting off for a night of passion with a pit viper dressed in women's clothing." Despite her best efforts to prevent it, Scully felt a smile creeping over her face. "A pit viper, Mulder?" "Yeah...well...maybe that is a bit over the top." "I was just trying to imagine when, among all those psychology courses, you had time to take a course in herpetology. Where did that imagery come from, Mulder?" For the first time in days, his face lit up, and that familiar glint returned to his eyes. He picked up a file folder from his desk and tossed it to her. Then he strode over to the slide projector and started sorting through slides. "This came in over the weekend, but I hadn't had a chance to look at it until this morning. Some strange goings-on in West Texas. You ever been on a rattlesnake hunt, Scully?" He flicked off the lights and turned on the slide projector. In the darkened room, Scully smiled. * * * * * END * * * * *