Title: We Have a Niece
Author: Pattie Rated: PG
Spoilers: The episodes from the X-Files before  Melissa was mistaken for Scully and shot to  death.
Category: Angst, Kidfic, Alternate Universe. See Author's Note at end, please.
Feedback: patfiler2016@outlook.com Good advice is always very welcome. I have been missing for a while. But I am cleaning up my site as promised, and back to writing with a Title Generator and Plot Genertor. Ideas of my own back soon, but not for the reboot of the series. No chance to see it. I'm told it didn't do much justice to our favorite Agents anyhow. Are you reading this, Chris Carter?
Archive: Gossamer, Nursery Files. Anyone else need  only ask nicely. Please, tell me where you took it.
Disclaimers: For the 206th time, Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Studios own all original characters. Any other family member is my own creation, and so are any other characters I invent.

Summary: You never know who you'll find in the world who looks related to you and the rest of your biological family.

J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C.
OFFICE OF THE X-FILES
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
11:10 A.M.

As Mulder read through a couple of old files to see if he could find anything he had missed and Scully was  revising the end of a casefile, the phone rang.

"Mulder. Scully, it's for you."

"Scully. Pardon? Okay, just come to our office. We have no secrets. Certainly. We'll be here. yes, you too."

"Care to share? Not much else coming our way lately."

"Remember that case years ago when a girl was found on somebody's doorstep and she looked much like me as a kid? Then Mom told us Missy tended to roam around a lot?"

"Yes, then they thought she could have been yours.  We found Emily who turned out to be yours from *The Project*. Oh, I'm sorry to bring it up." Mulder missed her, too. He hated seeing the woman he cared so much for attending a funeral for her own daughter.

"Child Protecton Services found a homeless girl in Georgetown who was adopted out. She ran away. The
lady who wants to see me, us, says the girl apparently  was borne by my sister. I don't know. Missy hardly  told me, Bill, Charlie or even Mom anything about  where she went or what she did."

Mulder stopped and was silent for a moment. "Do you think she'd do that?"

"Mulder, she didn't really want to settle down.  Since birth control was out of the question, Missy  wouldn't have wanted us to ever find out. It's  possible she got pregnant. Remember, we weren't  married when William came along."

"I do. Remember, we have a big family now. I guess  we'll have to see this woman and have tests run."

"She'll be here around 2:00. Let's go to lunch."

2:05 P.M.

The two were waiting tensely, going through files  when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Scully shouted.

"Hello, you must be Agents Scully and Mulder.  I'm Aileen Hunter, C.P.S." She shook their hands.

Scully smiled. "Please, sit down. Coffee?"

"No thanks. I have some pictures to show you." She opened a manila folder and gave them to both Scully and Mulder.

Scully was shaking. "This girl resembles me, my sister Melissa, and my daughters. Would your  agency mind if we ran a few tests?"

"Susan wouldn't mind at 20. She wants to find any relatives she can. Most adoptees eventually try to find their relatives these days. This was a closed adoption. It's usually up to the child, and even if there is a no contact agreement, usually no problem. They just want to see if there are health issues, who they are. By law, she made certain to stand up for her rights."

"We know," Mulder said. "I know from experience. A family matter, but I wasn't adopted."

"Just what I was thinking. Maybe if it turns out she  is Melissa's, brother Bill could take her in. He and  Tara only have Matthew and Sarah. Then again, we'll  see." Scully had her doubts about that, even if Tara  tried to put her foot down.

"Okay." He was hoping it wasn't true. Not that he  would have felt sorry for his brother-in-law, and  Maggie Scully would have loved the child, but she  wasn't in any condition to raise her own grandchild.

"Would you like to meet Susan?" the woman offered.
"She could be independent with some help. Could you  be her sponsor"

"We have to do a lot of talking," Mulder stated.  "You okay with this, Scully?"

"Sure."

"The woman looked at the clock. "I have another  client, so we can arrange a meeting. Take care."

"You, too." Mulder held the door and slowly closed  it.

As he sat down both were silent for a few moments,  with no work done.

"We'll likely find out when the testing can be done  by tomorrow, Mulder. This needs to be talked about  in private. The kids..."

"I know. No sense getting them involved until we're  sure about this Susan. Hopefully she's not another  part of *The Project* like Mandy, Alison and Bobby."

"We couldn't save him," Mulder reminded her. "I  thought we were past that by now."

"Mulder, sometimes Emily and Bobby do come to mind.  I believe they're in a better place."

"I know you have the same nightmares I do. Let's  finish things up and call it a day. We can talk  after they agree to the tests. If you're worried,  just talking to me will help."

Scully opened a folder. "Okay. I know there's a  support system in the city. She could still be  visited. About the kids... "

"We should keep it to ourselves for the time being. Back to work. We'll find out within a day or so, hopefully."

"I know. You try not to worry as well."

SEPTEMBER 16, 2016
9:15 A.M.

Mulder and Scully already had another assignment  on their hands when the phone rang. "Mulder.  Scully, it's Mrs. Hunter."

"Dana Scully. Yes, I understand. 2:00 today. Thank  you."

"You will be meeting Susan. She's willing to go  for testing at the General."

"Thank you. Have a good day. Anything else?"

"Maybe a family study in a couple of days.  Visitation. She is in college and off for the  day. Need to hang up. An emergency. By the way,  six children. What a handful!"

"Thank you so much. Take care." As she hung up, she  looked at her husband smiling. "Don't worry. We can  tell the kids when we're sure. Something was  mentioned about support services. Very healthy young  woman."

"Don't get your hopes up, Scully."

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are. You could be in for a letdown. We don't  want that. Just keep reading, we'll have lunch. Should  we tell Kersh what's up?"

"After it's done, certainly. Tell him I have a  doctor's appointment. Time for an annual check-up  anyway."

"All right. By the way, prepare for a gruesome case out  west."

"I'm used to it by now, you know that. Remind me to  call Charlie. He's more understanding than Bill."

**'

2:15 P.M.

Traffic had been hectic, and Scully felt on edge. She headed to the front desk and asked where she could find genetics testing at the General.

As she headed up to the sixth floor, she knew what Susan looked like. She recognized the young woman right away. "Hello. You must be Susan Ellis. My name is Dana Scully."

"Hi. Are you nervous?" She closed a biology textbook.

"Looks like we both are. You look so familiar. No real need to be nervous. By the way, I am a doctor, working  for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You?"

"I want to be a nurse, and I have to say living in a lodging home is hard sometimes."

Just then, a woman in a lab coat presented herself.
"You must be the women I'm looking for."

"Yes," two two answered in usison.

"Okay, I'll need to see your health coverage papers before we begin. I'm Dr. Singleton. A nurse will be out soon. All we need is for you to change into gowns, and it's really no big deal." She looked at the papers. "You're a doctor, so you know the routine."

"Very well," Scully responded. "Susan, this could take a couple of days. Don't worry. Not the testing. The results."

"So I've been told," Susan added.

A nurse appeared and took them to separate cubicles, side by side. As they were changing, Scully advised Susan there would be oral swabs and blood taken with hair samples included.

It only took an hour.

Scully asked Susan if she'd like a coffee and she  agreed.

Over coffee, the girl asked if she had had any  children.

"Six."

"Wow! These days I hear that's rather uncommon. If the testing comes out true, and I am your sister's baby, that's a lot of cousins."

"Yes, and a couple of more from my brother whose  name is Bill, after your possible Grandfather.  He passed away several years ago. A sea  captain."

"I'm so sorry. I would have loved to have met  him. Too many foster homes."

Scully was amazed. "From what I heard, no  problems."

"No. The problem is the system. That's why I want  to be a nurse. I like to help people. By the way,  have you told your family about this?"

"Only my husband," Scully replied. "Oh shoot,
I have to be back at work. I work with my husband.  It was nice to meet you, Susan. Oh, I forgot. You  may have a living Grandmother. We should hear  results in a few days. Take care. Need a ride?"

"That's okay. I have to be home with the owners around five, and check in with my prof. They're  going to be happy for me if things are true."

"We will be, too. Maybe we can see each other in a few days," Scully smiled. "Gotta run. Bye."

Scully left the young woman to her coffee and  book, wondering what the coming days would  bring.

September 19, 2016

Scully tried to be as patient as possible, but the children and Mulder saw the edge in her actions. Susan as well was losing some sleep and not in much of a mood to study, but it was needed. The owners of her lodging home knew her situation and were happy for her, yet worried. It was not the money, it was the client. These people had a heart, unlike other owners in the city.

9:50 A.M.

As the Agents were going through the next case  file, the phone rang and Scully jumped.

"I'll get it. Probably Kersh asking why we're here and not out in the field already. "Mulder."

"You go by your last name?"

"Scully, Mrs. Johnson. Hang onto your hat."

"Don't worry. Hello?" Scully was glowing. "That's wonderful! Yes, I understand. Thank you. She does?"

The seconds seemed like an eternity to Mulder.

"Of course we can. Thank you again. We'll be  there." She hung up the phone as if she found out  she had a big lottery. "Susan is Missy's little  girl. We can see her this evening and show the  kids Susan Ellis, their long-lost cousin."

"I thought so, judging by the pictures. "Should we prepare them or surprise them? I called Jeffery. Should do that again."

"Mulder, after work at the dinner table. They do have a right to know beforehand. Maybe we can  leave early, after we tell Kersh the good news.  We still have this case."

"I know. The DEA asked for us because they wanted  you for profiling."

"I know. Let's get in touch with them, maybe buy  some time."

4:00 P.M.

As Kersh heard the news about Susan he wasn't surprised. They were allowed to leave early for the day as long as they promised to follow the assignment.

Susan Ellis has already spread the news to the couple running the lodging home, and promised to return by 11:00 P.M. Mulder and Scully drove her to the house. A neighbor brought James home from preschool at 4:33, and he and Susan were introduced.

"We're really cousins? You look a lot like my Mommy."

Susan didn't dare hug the boy yet, so she shook his hand. "You're so cute, James. I babysit for people sometimes. You look like your Dad."

"That reminds me. Daddy, I painted your picture today. See?"

"Looks good, James. We can put it up in the kitchen."

"Maybe," Scully added. "James, put the art shirt down the stairs. It needs washing. Water paint?"

"Yes, Mommy. Gee, she looks a lot like the girls, too."

"I know. Shirt now, please. Family meeting at  supper."

William was next home and shocked. "Is she..."

"No. Will, meet your cousin Susan, my sister was her mother."

"Wait until Alison and Mandy come home. They'll  be jealous as heck."

Mulder looked at his firstborn sternly. "Not necessarily, now that we're out-numbered."

"She staying with us?"

"Don't know yet. Homework. Now. Meg and Samantha Ann are almost home."

That gave William plenty to think about. Exams  were coming up and he mentioned that to Susan.

"Mine too. Two days exams, twelve days off. Better get down to the books. I'm in college, too."

Meg and Samantha Ann arrived next and were introduced.

"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Meg.

Mulder just hugged the pair. "We just found out. Any homework? I see the books. Please do it now, and we have a family meeting at supper. If you aren't done by then, after the suppertime meeting."

The two girls wanted to play, but decided to go to their rooms, talk and do the dreaded homework.

Next, of course, Mandy and Alison walked in. "What a day. The manager is up in arms," Mandy grumbled.

"Mine isn't," Alison argued.

"Calm down, ladies. Meet Susan Ellis. Your cousin."

"Looks like us," Mandy smiled. "Aunt Missy's kid?"

"Yes," Scully replied. "Better behave. Don't worry, she wants her own place. She's older than Will.  Twenty."

Susan decided to speak up. Nice to meet you. Twins?"

"Long story," Mulder said. "Meg and Samantha are too young. Tell you soon. Don't worry."

Scully walked into the kitchen. "Time to start  dinner."

"Need, help?"

"Relax. Guests don't help. So, how do you like the family?"

"I think I feel like I fit in."

"Don't mind the youngest ones. We try hard to make sure to take care of the sibling rivalry. By the way, if you're wondering why your uncle and I go by  our last names, it's always been that way. We  seldom call each other Dana and Fox." Mulder felt  he needed to explain that."

"Fox? Usually that's a last name."

"My Dad, who I found out wasn't my real father gave me the name. My sister Samantha works in Spain as an  artist. Another long story. Will, Mandy and Alison already know the story. I'll tell you later. It  might sound like a sci-fi show, but there is a lot of truth. Your Aunt's bringing tea for us."

"Thanks," Susan said. "Tea granny?"

"Yes, mostly. Back to supper. As a navy daughter, I make sure to prepare as much as I can. It won't be long. Just re-heat pork chops or chicken, the occasional roasts."

"Good idea with a big family and work."

Dinner went quite well, Meg and Sammy Ann were at odds as usual, Will was fascinated by his cousin's life story, and Mandy offered Susan to go down to  listen to music with herself and Alison. Mulder said he and Mom needed some time with Susan, and Alison and Mandy had to respect that.

7:10 P.M.

The three were alone to talk over coffee as James played with his toy train. It was best to chat in the kitchen.

"How do you manage with that big a family?" Susan had many questions on her mind.

"Mandy and Alison are a great help," Scully admitted. "They do have their own interests, but even with their jobs. Mandy was found in Sudbury,  Canada, and Alison is from Austin, Texas."

"They could been twins! What happened?"

"Brace yourself," Mulder warned his newly-found  neice. Have you heard of the first test-tube  baby?"

"Yes. Louise Brown. I read she's 36 now and has her biography out. Are they... "

"Sort of, but not quite." Mulder had to wonder if  Susan Ellison would understand the ramifications of the clones' lives and the experiments, and he and  Scully went through the entire story for an hour. They told of Emily and Bobby as well, and their fate. William, and the last three children were
mentioned as being fully human. William had had some  complications, but all was well.

After everything was explained, she told the couple  she understood. "Sounds like things worked out well. I've read and watched science fiction, So you went through a lot for everyone, not just the kids."

"Believe it or not, yes." Scully was without any expression. "It was worth it. We can't tell you about everything else we work on. Law."

"So, am I real?" the girl wondered.

"Yes," Scully said. "Melissa was not affected at all by everything else. The testing proved it. How do you feel about the family?"

"Fascinated. I'd better get back to the house. I am going to need time to get used to the family, and I want to meet my Grandmother."

"Of course," Scully softly replied. "And your Uncle Jeffrey and Aunt Samantha. Bus stop's only a block away."

"Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Of course." Mulder jotted down the home number and work number. "Take care this time of night."

Susan grabbed her handbag. "I always do. Good  night."

It wasn't time for hugs and kisses yet.

Susan Ellis went back to her home with plenty to think about. Wondering what life with them would be like, who her biological father was and if anybody knew, how she would fit into their lives. What would she tell or choose to tell her host family.

Meanwhile, as Mulder and Scully retired for the night, they were wondering the same things.

"Remember, Scully, we need to focus on the case in Los Angeles," Mulder said, as he slipped under the  covers.

"Hopefully we can make it quick. Well, since both William and Susan have time coming in a few days, perhaps Susan can help us out a bit."

"How?"

"Since she is older, maybe she could look after the kids when we're on the case."

"I don't know. We should see what the people she lives  with have to say."

"It's not as if they own her. She is subsidised, but basically ready to move out, and does have part-time baby sitting. I think we could pay her if she agrees. Lights off? I'm tired."

"You bet."

They kissed good night.

FOLLOWING DAY

*Here we go again*, Scully thought, *another slide  show*.

"Here we go. The suspects: John Pressman, Fernando  Valdez, Antonio Sanchez. Los Angeles. Convicted in
2003, sent away seven years. Apparently, they're back in business with opiods, Ecstasy, hashish.
20 overdoses within the past six months. Most victims in their teens, a few middle-aged men and women. Easily recognizable."

"When do we go?"

"Five days from today." Mulder opened a file as the  phone rang. "Mulder."

"Hi, it's Susan. Just calling to thank you for yesterday."

"You're very welcome. Want to talk to your Aunt?"

"Sure."

"Hi, Susan. So, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Two more days until exams, then time off. I hope William is studying hard. I am."

"He'll do well, you do the same. Can your uncle and I ask a favor?" Scully didn't want to put a burden on  her neice, but it would be good for the family.

"Sure. What can I do for you?"

"In a few days, we need to leave town for about four days. Would you mind staying at the house to watch your cousins? We can pay you if you just cook, a bit  of cleaning and seeing the younger ones off to scool. A neighbor often does us a favor and takes  James to preschool and picks him up late afternoon.

"I suppose so. Mr. and Mrs. Jones probably won't mind."

"You can have the master bedroom. Mandy and Alison do work, but they are quite helpful. I can stock up on food. Don't worry. Just keep your mind on your exams for now. Good luck. See you in four days."

Mulder wondered how well it would go.

"Don't worry, Mulder. Everything should run smoothly. We can give her our contact numbers."

"Are you sure, Scully?"

"She's a Scully. I am sure. We should see Kersh soon."

"Let's do it now."

As the two entered the elevator, Mulder had to ask again.

"Don't worry. We'll ask her not to bring friends. It's a family thing. Mom could still be a back up contact. And yes, I called Charlie. He wants to meet his niece. Bill and Tara, too."

"Okay. Our floor."

The day had come for Susan to arrive. She had packed, as  her aunt and uncle had. She was handed their contact  numbers, and Maggie Scully was on standby. She wanted to meet her granddaughter anyway.

THREE DAYS LATER
10:13 A.M.

After Mulder and Scully took a room, they met with three DEA agents and were briefed.

"Thanks," Agent Morton, Agent Sykes, Agent Alvarez. Mulder wondered where he and Scully would do the  stakeout.

Sykes told them it would be at Zelby's Casino, and both  were given kevlar jackets. As they peered out of an abandoned apartment building and ate fried chicken, Scully was about to pick up the phone. "Time to see about home."

"Scully, look. There they are outside."

"Yes. I'd bet those backpacks don't have clothes, cards or poker chips."

Morton, Sykes and Alvarez were in a van closeby. Sykes radioed Mulder. "A deal going down. All three of them. Got this on video. Let's move in now!"

The three were easily arrested and apprehended.

"That was fast," Scully admitted, removing the kevlar. After meeting with the local P.D. tomorrow, I guess we can go home."

"Well, maybe we could go downtown tonight."

Scully just glared at him and sat beside the phone.

"Go ahead, Auntie Mom." I'll finish the fries."

"Hi. Susan, good news, we should be home later  tomorrow. Everything okay?"

"Well, Samantha Ann and Meg fought over a video, but I turned it off."

"Good. Anything else?"

"Will had to run to the store for milk. Don't worry. Oh, I hope ypu don't mind, but I ran some laundry today. Mandy and Alison are great with helping me learn how to run the machines."

"Well?" Mulder inquired.

"No worries at all. Now that we're nearly done here, let's see a movie or something." Scully ran a brush through her hair.

"That's a date." Mulder walked into the bathroom to wash up. "Huge tub. Bubble bath tonight for two?"

"Why not? Umm, maybe we can let our niece stay a  few days with us. Tara mentioned something about Bill coming back to land tomorrow."

"Oh. Guess they wouldn't mind a hotel with the kids."

"Already taken care of. Date time. Get your jacket."

"Yeah. I promise to behave myself again."

"You'd better. Mom's stopping in, too. For a day."

                             END

Author's Note: Inspired by the Nursery File's Plot Generator.
Theme: Scully Finds Out Missy Had a Child (but nobody knew about it).