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Title: Queen of Hollywood Summary: A young actress may have a connection to a particular X-File - Scully's own. "She drove a long way through the night, In an urban neighborhood She left her mother in a fight For a dream misunderstood And her friends they talk on corners And could never comprehend But there was always something different In the way she held a stare And the pictures that she painted Were of glamour And of flair And her boyfriend though he loved her Knew he couldn't quite fulfill He could never meet her there She's never gonna be like the ones before She read it in her stars that there's something more No matter what it takes no matter how she breaks She'll be the Queen of Hollywood And the cynics the will wonder What's the difference with this dream And the dreams of countless others All believeing in TV They see their hand prints in a sidewalk Flashing cameras at the scene And a shinning limousine" Queen of Hollywood
Part One: Queen of Hollywood I. 11.21pm A young woman walked quickly down a side alleyway. She brushed a lock of black hair off her face, and stopped. "I know you're here. There's no one with me." A man emerged from the shadows. He sidled up to her, smelling heavily of cigarette smoke. "Ah, Ms Waters. I thought you were a no show." "I always keep my promises." "Do you have the money?" The woman, actress Caroline Waters, smiled tightly. "Yes, I have the money. Do you have the..." A flash of blinding white light cut her off. The man in front of her yelled. When the light cleared, Caroline Waters was nowhere to be found.
12am Special Agent Dana Scully walked quickly down the hallway. She knocked on the door to the basement. "It's open." Scully opened the door, and stepped into the room. "Mulder?" she asked curiously. Her partner, Special Agent Fox Mulder, was engrossed in a magazine. He looked at Scully, then at the magazine. He quickly shoved it into the desk drawer, and folded his hands in front of him. "Scully." He cleared his throat. Scully raised an eyebrow, and walked over to the desk. She threw a folder in front of Mulder. "What's this?" "Actress Caroline Waters disappeared last night. One minute she was there, the next minute..." "Any witnesses?" "One guy. He was very late for a prison sentence. He was so shaken up about it, he just turned himself in." Mulder examined the papers in the folder. "What for?" "He was a drug dealer." Mulder looked up. "Why is this an X-File?" Scully smiled. "Well, the witness...Kenneth Garcia, claimed that there was a flash of bright white light, and then she was gone." Mulder shut the folder, and grinned at his partner. Scully groaned at the "I'm really really interested and not going to shutup about it for the next week" look in his eyes. "When do we leave, Mulder?" "As soon as I can arrange everything with Skinner."
3.15pm "Oh my god!" Emmeline Redman looked up from her coffee, and stared at her daughter, who was reading the newspaper. "What is it, Jaqui?" "It's Caroline Waters!" Jaqui's mother rolled her eyes. "What about her?" "She disappeared! Out of plain sight! And it says here that she was meeting a drug dealer...I thought Caroline wasn't into that stuff!" Emmeline smiled sadly. "Jaqui," she said gently. "Caroline is the queen of Hollywood. Underneath the glamour, there's only heartache." Jaqui bit her lip. "Mom, it also says here that some of her fans are going to meet in LA, and 'comfort' each other." Emmeline took a sip of her coffee, to hide her bemused smile. "And you want to go?" "Mom, I am fourteen. You *have* to let me go!" Emmeline sighed. "I suppose we're long overdue for a trip to Los Angeles."
6.54pm Jaqui rested her head against the headrest, and turned the page in Waterfalls, Caroline Water's biography. *Caroline believes that we are not alone in this galaxy. "I like to think that there are other things out there..." She claims to have been abducted by aliens when she was eighteen. "It was strange. They were all hovering around me...big heads, with holes for eyes."* As Jaqui read on, her eyes widened. *Now twenty-three, Caroline thinks that what little she remembers about her abduction should be known to people worldwide. Her next movie, "Coming" promotes the issue of abduction. Caroline claims that other people in her situation have contracted brain cancer from the experiments. How does she know? Caroline is a member of her local Mutual UFO Network. Shortly after her twenty-first birthday, Caroline discovered that she couldn't conceive children* "Mom?" "Yes Jaqui?" "I think Caroline was abducted by aliens." Emmeline laughed gently. "Jaqui, there's no such thing."
1pm Scully put laid her jacket down on the single bed in her hotel room. She went outside, and knocked on the door next to her. "Mulder?" "It's open." Scully opened the door, and stepped in. "There's a meeting tomorrow." "So?" Scully sighed. "About Caroline Waters. Some of her fans are gathering not to far from here, to talk about it." "Scully?" "Yes?" "Sit down." Scully sat in the armchair across from the bed Mulder was lying on. "What's wrong?" "I was reading Caroline's biography." "And...?" "Well...when she was eighteen, she claimed to have been abducted by aliens. And when she turned twenty-one, she found out she couldn't conceive a child." Scully paled. "Mulder..." "If this case is too personal for you Scully, go home." "Mulder, I'm okay..." "Are you sure?" "Mulder, I can do this...Emily...I can...my cross...bastards..." Scully broke off, and sighed. "Mulder, we have to stop this. And finding Caroline Waters just may be the first step."
9am Jaqui and her mother opened the door of the large hall. "Look at everyone!" Around a hundred people were milling around, talking. Jaqui and her mother moved closer to the stage. Two women were standing together, crying quietly. Emmeline rolled her eyes, as she saw them. Jaqui heard the door open. She turned around. A man and a woman entered. The woman was very pretty, with fiery red hair. The man with her wasn't so bad, either. Emmeline turned around, to see what her daughter was looking at. Jaqui giggled when she realised that her mother's gaze was lingering on the man. "Mom...don't embarrass me!" Emmeline smiled. "I can look, can't I?" Jaqui frowned. "Mom, I'm gonna go get a coke. Stay here and stay out of trouble." Emmeline nodded. Jaqui walked quickly over to the drink machine. "Excuse me?" Jaqui looked up and almost dropped her drink. It was the man that her mother had been looking at. The red head was over the other side of the room, talking to a group of teenagers. "Yes?" "My name's Mulder. I'm with the FBI." Mulder flashed his badge. "Mind if I ask you some questions?" Jaqui looked over her shoulder. Her mother was wandering casually over. "Uh, go ahead." "You liked Caroline?" "Like. Well, I wouldn't be here otherwise." "I suppose not. As a fan, have you heard anything about her being on drugs?" "Well...no. Not until yesterday morning. It was in the paper." Mulder nodded, and then smiled above Jaqui's head. "I'm Mulder, with the FBI." Jaqui grinned. "This is my mom, Emmeline." "Hi Emmeline." Mulder and Emmeline shook hands. "So, are you a fan of Caroline's?" Emmeline shook her head. "Personally, I think this gathering is stupid. But Jaqui here is a devoted follower." Mulder nodded, and smiled. The red head walked up to the three. "This is Dana Scully." Scully smiled briefly then turned to her partner. "Mulder..." A scream rose up from the crowd. Mulder looked up, as Scully grabbed for her gun. "It's Caroline!" "Caroline!" "Over here, here!" Mulder sprinted over to the door. "Armed federal agent, move!" The young woman standing at the door looked at him. "There's something in my neck..."she gasped, before collapsing in a heap.
12pm Scully took a quick sip of her coffee, and moved down the dimly lit corridor. The hospital noises that were so familiar made her nauseous. Hospitals bought back bitter memories for her. She reached room 1013, and opened it quietly. Her partner was sitting in a chair next to a woman with beautiful raven curls. Her face was pale, and Mulder had his eyes shut. He was clasping the woman's hand. Scully's eyes drifted from the innocent clasp of hands, to Mulder's face. She realised why this meant so much to him. Samantha. "Mulder?" she asked quietly. Mulder didn't answer. She picked up the woman's chart. "A coma..." Mulder sighed. Scully looked up. Her partner's face was pale, and his eyes were red. "She's younger than Samantha would be..." "Than Samantha *is* Scully." "Than Samantha is." "She looks like her. If Caroline's hair was brown." Scully sat on the edge of the bed. "Mulder, she wont..." she shut her mouth when she realised that telling her partner that Caroline wouldn't die was an empty promise. "Mulder...is there something you aren't telling me?" "Before she collapsed, she said that she has something in her neck. I didn't tell the doctors." A girl knocked at the door. Scully looked over, and recognized her from the meeting. "Yes?" "Jaqui?" Mulder grinned warmly. "Come in." Scully smiled at the girl. Jaqui entered the room hesitantly. "Hello Mr Mulder. Hello Mrs Scully." "Miss," Scully corrected her. "Sorry. Is she...will she..." "She's in a coma," Mulder said bluntly. "Yes, but please don't let that leave this room," a doctor said, coming into the room. He checked the chart, then took Caroline's blood pressure. He turned to Jaqui. "You should leave now, sweetheart. You shouldn't be up here." Jaqui turned to the two agents. Scully took Jaqui's hand. It was surprisingly small. "Come on Jaqui. Your mom will be outside." Jaqui nodded. Scully and Jaqui left the room, closing the door softly behind them. "Are you with the FBI?" the doctor asked. "Special Agent Fox Mulder." "I'm Doctor Hastings. Any idea why Caroline fell into a coma?" "I believe...I believe she was abducted." "By whom?" "The government." Hastings frowned. "Agent Mulder..." "I think they gave her cancer. My partner, Agent Scully...suffered from terminal brain cancer." Mulder's voice was tense. "Terminal? She seems very much alive." "It went into remission." "I'll get a CAT scan then." "Good." Hastings left the room. Mulder gripped Caroline's hand tighter.
II. Caroline stood at the edge of a large cliff. She turned, and looked behind her. A man, with brown hair was standing behind her. She looked back at the cliff. She took a step closer to the edge. "Caroline, come back!" the man called. Caroline shook her head. "They're here!" The man held out an arm. "Caroline, come back. You can't go yet. It isn't time." Caroline was stuck. The man represented her life, and the cliff...well, she didn't know what the cliff meant. If she took one more step, the secrets of the cliff would be revealed...one more step... Mulder opened his eyes. Caroline was bathed in sweat. "Doctor! Doctor, come here now! Hastings!"
Scully unlocked her hotel room. It was all so much the same. The mysterious disappearance, the coma and Caroline couldn't bear children. The story was oh-so familiar. She threw her keys on the bed, and shrugged of her coat. She reached to pull of her shirt, when she stopped. "Dana." She turned slowly around. A blonde woman was standing behind her. Scully's eyes opened wide. She reached for her gun, which was lying on her bed. "You don't need that Dana." "Who are you?" "Marita Covarubbies." "Mulder..." "Yes, I've spoken with your partner. This case is familiar, isn't it Dana?" Scully sat on the bed. If she stood any longer, she'd collapse. "There's someone I'd like you to meet." Marita went outside, and came back in a minute later, holding a little girl by the hand. She had little black ringlets on her head that bounced when she moved. She was dressed in a little sailor suit. "This is Geraldine." Marita held a photograph out to Scully. It was an old picture, probably about twenty years old. "Geraldine?" "No. That's Caroline Waters. When she was Geraldine's age. Geraldine is her daughter."
Caroline was floating above the stars. She could see everything from up there. The brown haired man was standing just below her. He looked tired. "Caroline, come down!" But Caroline was having too much fun. She'd never felt so light! She stared down at the man. He looked worried. And he'd been so nice to her. Maybe she should see what he wanted. She drifted down slowly, and took the man's hand. Mulder felt a slight pressure on his hand. "Caroline?" Her eyes fluttered. "What is it?" she mumbled. "Hastings! She's awake!" Caroline slowly opened her eyes. She focused on Mulder's face. "Who are you?" "Fox Mulder." "You were there Fox. You helped me down! thank you so much!"
6.21am Scully knelt in front of the little girl. "Geraldine?" "Yes?" "My name is Dana. You're going to be staying here until we see your mommy." Geraldine nodded. "'Rita said you'd look after me." Scully smiled, and took the girl's hand. "And I will." She stood up as her cell phone rang. "Hang on." She picked it up. "Scully." "Scully? It's me. Caroline woke up!" "That's great!" Scully frowned. "Have you gotten the results of the test?" "Well, she's gone for a CAT scan now." "Mulder, I have her daughter here." "What?" "It's just like Emily, Mulder." "Have you checked her neck?" "Yes. There's...it's there." "Another miracle that wasn't meant to be." "I think that's why they took her again." "Is she..." "I've seen a photograph of Caroline when she was the same age as this girl. They're identical." Mulder swore. "The only thing we can do..." "Is hope," Scully finished. And they both hoped.
10am Emmeline stood in front of her daughter. "Jaqui, calm down." Jaqui kept crying. "Mom, it's not fair!" "Jaqui, it's time to go. We've been here long enough." "Please can we stop off at Agent Scully's hotel? Just to see..." "All right. But it's going to be quick."
10.45am Scully opened her door, and smiled at the girl standing in front of her. "Jaqui! I was just about to go to the hospital! She woke up!" Jaqui smiled. "Great!" the she frowned. "Oh, we're leaving. Mom's in the car." "Give me your address, and I'll get her signature for you." Jaqui told the agent, and then ran back to the car. Her mother was talking to Mulder. "Jaqui, Mr Mulder has convinced me to let you come and see Caroline." Jaqui grinned. "Yes! Thank you, Agent Mulder!"
11.24am Caroline Waters Hospital room Caroline sat up, and brushed a strand of hair back from her face. "It's been nice meeting you, Jaqui." "Yeah. Thanks!" "No problem. I'll see you!" "Get well soon!" "I will!" Scully, standing off to the side, looked out the window. It was beginning to rain softly. "Bye Jaqui," Mulder said. "Bye Emmeline!" The mother and daughter left the room. Mulder sat next to Caroline, and took her hand. They smiled at each other. "Caroline, there's someone I want you to meet." "Another fan?" "No. This little girl knows nothing about you." Scully went outside the room, and bought Geraldine in. "Caroline," she said. "This is your daughter."
One hour later, Mulder finished telling Caroline everything about the conspiracy that he and Scully knew. She began to cry. "Caroline...I know what it's like." "So Geraldine will..." Mulder nodded. Geraldine, who was sitting on Caroline's lap, smiled. "Geraldine what?" "You're going to be happy living with me!" Caroline said softly. Geraldine wiped away her mother's tears. Mulder felt Carolines grip on his hand tighten.
III. 9.45pm Mulder took a sip of coffee, and sat next to Caroline. "Now that Geraldine is gone, you're going to have to answer some questions." "All right." "Who's Kenneth Garcia, and why were you meeting him?" Caroline looked away. "I'm not on drugs." "Then why were you meeting him?" "He owed people money." "Who?" "The guys he bought drugs from. He owed them a lot. I was giving him the money." "Why?" "I'm his sister." Mulder dropped the actress's hand. Suddenly she didn't seem like Samantha anymore. "Garcia, Waters?" "Waters is my father's name. When my parents divorced, I lived with my father. Kenneth lived with our mother, and took her name." "Why were you helping him?" "He's my brother. Where is he now? He must be worried." "He's been informed you're okay." "When can I see him?" "He's in jail." Caroline began to cry. Mulder stood up. "Caroline, try and remember anything about where you were during those few days. It's important."
11.51 "Where's the girl?" Marita stared at the man as he blew smoke into his face. "You should quit. It's ruining your health." "WHERE IS THE GIRL?" "With her mother." "First you make us let the woman go, and now you've released the daughter? Don't you remember what happened when Scully's clone found it's way to Scully?" "The girl belongs with her mother. She can't stay with me." "You have no authority over the matter! I have more..." "They're doing things without you. Making decisions." "I want the girl. She doesn't belong in society!" "She's *not* a lab rat." "I didn't say she was. But we need her." "I'm not..." "All right." The smoker calmed down. "I'll get her." And there was nothing Marita could do to stop him.
The door of Scully's hotel room clicked open. The girl was lying on the bed, next to the agent. The man sneaked over, and picked up the girl. She didn't stir. A moment later, both of them were gone. Jaqui climbed into bed. What a day! She'd met Caroline Waters! Wait until her friends heard. Suddenly, her bedroom window smashed. A bright light filled the room. Jaqui opened her mouth a screamed a soundless scream. Scully woke up in a sweat. She'd dreamt that Geraldine wasn't there. "Geraldine?" Scully sat up. The girl wasn't next to her. Scully's cell phone rang. "Mulder?" "How'd you guess." "Geraldine's gone." "I though so." "How did you know?" "Caroline can't remember ever meeting her. I left the room to get more coffee - " "You're going to kill yourself. That's a drug, caffeine." "I went to get coffee, and when I came back, and man was leaving her room. I ran in, and I asked who he was. She said that she didn't know. Then I asked her whether Geraldine would live with her, and she didn't know who I was talking about." "Oh god." "There's not much we can do." "I hear a but somewhere in there." "But we can try and help Caroline remember where she went when she was abducted." "Mulder - " "I know something that we haven't tried. Trying to find where they are taking people." "I thought you - " "There must be somewhere else. And how are they getting people there?" "I don't know Mulder. I just - oh Dammit. I hate not knowing." "Get dressed, Scully. I'll be there in twenty minutes. I have a friend that lives around here, he used to work for the DOD until they declared him mentally unfit." "How?" "He kept running around, claiming that the government were testing things on people. So they sacked him." "But you think he's not crazy." "Exactly."
1.30 am Frederick lay sleeping in his bed, dreaming of conspiracies and aliens. A loud rapping on his door woke him up. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" he yelled drowsily. He got up, and shuffled his way to the door. He pulled open the chain, and stared suspiciously out. A young woman stared back. "I'm Dana Scully, and I'm with the FBI." "Jesus! What've I done now? The feds! Shit!" Scully smiled slightly. "Perhaps my partner could explain it better." Frederick opened the door the whole way. "What is it?" Mulder stepped into the apartment, followed by Scully. "Mulder!" the old man cried gleefully. The two men shook hands, and Frederick led them to the living room. Scully stood, while Frederick and Mulder sat across from each other. "This is a surprise Mulder! But very much like you to come visiting at one o'clock in the morning!" Frederick laughed. Mulder nodded. "Well, I'm not exactly here for a visit," Mulder explained. "It's more business." "Go ahead." "The experiments..." Frederick's face clouded over. "I don't speak about them anymore, Mulder. It just gets me into trouble." "We need to know...they took my partner...they took Scully." Frederick looked at Scully. "Show me your neck," he instructed. "No need to. It's there," Mulder said. "Don't take it out." "We already have." Frederick shut his eyes briefly. "Is that why you're here?" "No." Scully shook her head. "My cancer has gone into remission." "You found the other chip." Mulder nodded. "And we also found out..." "Mulder, don't." Mulder glanced at his partner. Fine. It was her decision whether to tell the old man. "Caroline Waters..." "You're on her case?" "Yes," Mulder said grimly. "We need to know where the experiments took place." The old man frowned. "Wait here. I'll get drinks for us. It's a long story." After he left the room, Scully turned to Mulder. "Mulder, we shouldn't be here, harassing this poor man. He's stressed out enough..." A loud bang from the kitchen cut them off. The agents both instinctively drew their guns, and crept towards the room. "Armed federal agents!" Scully yelled, as she entered the room. The sight before her almost made her drop her gun. Her eyes opened wide in horror. "Mulder," she called over her shoulder. "Call nine one one." Her eyes moved towards the window. They were on the ground floor, and it was open. She stuck her head out, but all she could see was darkness.
6.45 am Scully tiredly collapsed into the seat next to Mulder. "I've never seen someone's face so...distorted." "Sure you have Scully." Mulder made an effort to be cheerful. "Think of all our previous cases." "This is not a good time, Mulder." "Maybe I should go and check on Caroline." "You weren't told?" Scully raised an eyebrow. "What?" Mulder's guards instantly went up. "She was released about 15 minutes ago." "What? That was barely morning!" "Sorry Mulder." "How do we contact her?" Scully shrugged. "Are they allowed to give us records?" "They'd better be." Mulder got out of the chair, and returned five minutes later. "Her apartment is about a half an hour drive away. I'm going." "When? Now?" "Yes. Alone." Scully stood up. "Oh, Mulder!" "Stay here. Frederick Lance's family will probably want to know." "Dammit Mulder, why don't you do it? They don't know me." "Tough. I'll see you back at the hotel."
8.00 am Caroline stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a towel. She walked quickly into her room, and dressed in jeans and a faded blue shirt. A knock on the door made her jump. She wandered into the hallway, and absently opened the door. "Agent Mulder!" she cried, surprised. Her hands went to her hair, trying to make it look acceptable. "Could I come in?" "Sure, sure." Caroline stepped back. Mulder entered the room, and took in its stylish look. "Nice." "Thanks! Come and sit down." Caroline led Mulder to the couch. They both sat down. "Caroline, why were you released so early this morning?" Caroline blushed. "I didn't want to stress you out anymore," she mumbled. "I have a job to do. And that is to protect you. Now, I need you to tell me what you remember." "I remember meeting Kenneth. As I was about to give him the money..."Caroline shut her eyes. "No...I can't remember anything else." "What about Geraldine? Do you remember her?" "Who's she? Is she some nurse or something?" "No. Don't worry." Mulder sighed. "But you have to try to remember. Otherwise, I can't help you, and neither can Agent Scully." Caroline's phone rang. "Excuse me." She said, and picked up the phone. "Hello? Why are you calling me...is this long distance...I thought...I'm fine, how did you hear...I have a visitor...Agent Mulder, with the FBI..." Caroline turned her head away. Mulder could make out a few of her mumbled words. "Alex, how do you know...work with...kill..." Mulder put his hand on his gun. Caroline turned around. "He wants to speak with you." Mulder took the phone. "Mulder." "Agent Mulder. Surprise Surprise, huh?" Mulder almost dropped the phone. "What kind of a sick game are you playing, Krycek?"
IV. Scully sat anxiously in the waiting room of the hospital. She couldn't be bothered to use the pay phone down the hall, not when she had her cell phone. "Ms Lance? Is this Kitty Lance, Frederick's sister?" "Yes I am." Came a voice from the other end. "Who's calling?" "My name is Dana Scully, and I'm with the FBI." "What's going on?" "I'm afraid to say...your brother was murdered last night. A fatal gun-shot wound to the head." There was silence. "I've already been informed, Agent Scully." "By whom?" "A man...came to see me..." Scully sighed. They'd gotten there first. "They said it was a suicide." Believe the lie. "Yes...it was. I'm sorry. I was thinking of something else." Dial tone. Scully shut her eyes. She needed a rest. And sleep was the only way to get away from it all.
"What game are you playing, Krycek?" Mulder repeated. A soft laugh came through the line. "I'm not playing any games, *Fox*. Why would I be?" "How do you know her?" Caroline had her head in her hands. "Why don't you ask her?" "Krycek, goddamnit. And what did they do to Geraldine?" "I have nothing to do with that anymore." "Answer me, Dammit! How do you know her you sonofabitch." "Mulder, you don't know my mother. So why don't you shut the - " "Krycek, where are you?" "Where are you?" "Quit playing games. It's not getting you anywhere." "Tell Caroline I said bye. I'll talk to her later." The dial tone sounded. Mulder handed the phone back to Caroline. "How do you know him?" A tear slid down Caroline's cheek. "I went t Russia...to film a commercial, a year ago. I met him there..." Mulder guessed the rest. "I loved him, Agent Mulder. And I thought he felt the same, but he's just another cold-hearted bastard." "That's Krycek." "How do you know him?" "An old acquaintance." "He said he'd come back to America with me, but I waited at the airport for him, but he never came." "Is this the first time you've spoken to him since?" "Yes. He said he was told about what happened, and was worried." All of a sudden, Mulder realised that Krycek had seemed close. "Caroline...get a bag packed." "Why?" "Just do it."
Virginia Emmeline walked slowly back into her house. Her eyes were red, and her nose seemed a million times larger. Her ex-husband smiled gently at her. "You look like hell, Em. Go and have a shower." Emmeline sighed. "Harry, I can't. What if someone - " "Am I interrupting?" Emmeline whirled around. And oldish looking man was standing in the doorway. "I'm sorry if I have come at an inconvenient moment, but I have news about Jacqueline." "What is it?" Emmeline gasped her face pale. The man took a long drag on his cigarette. "Your daughter has been found." Emmeline smiled broadly. "Oh thank god!" "However," the man continued. "She is not alive." Emmeline felt the world spinning around her. She fell to her kneess, overwhelmed by the smell of smoke. "How..." she choked out. "An autopsy still needs to performed, but it appears to be some sort of brain hemorrhage." Harry helped his ex-wife to her feet. They clung to each other, as they watched the man's retreating back. Emmeline vowed that she would find her daughter's abductor, even if it took the rest of her sorry life.
1pm Mulder hurried Caroline into the car. He started the engine, and drove as fast as the speed limit would allow, back to the hotel. "What's going on?" Caroline asked shakily. Mulder handed her the key to his room. "Get some rest. I'll be back in a few hours. Do not leave. Do not answer the door to *anyone*, understand?" Caroline nodded tearfully. Mulder pushed her gently out of the car, and drove off. Alex Krycek knocked on the door to Caroline Water's apartment. "Caroline? Caroline, open the door." He didn't want to scare her. He only wanted to talk. He felt a pair of strong hands grip his throat. He was pushed up against the door. The pressure on his neck subsided, and he heard the sound of a gun being loaded. "Damn you Krycek. I could kill you right here, right now. You sonofabitch." "Mulder. I should've guessed. You never give up, do you? Well this time, you sorry asshole, the truth isn't out there. It's right in front of your sonofabitch nose." "What is the truth, Krycek?" Krycek was pushed up harder against the door. "Tell me, Dammit!" "I don't know where Geraldine is, and the place they take people has changed. I thought we were friends, Mulder. I wanted to help you, remember?" "You're a liar, Krycek. A goddamned liar. You've been hiding out in Russia, afraid I'd kick your ass." "I'm not afraid of you, Mulder. I'm afraid of them. The colonists." Krycek spat. "Stop your goddamned lying!" "What about Scully? Don't you remember what she said? What happened to her? They've found what they want Mulder, and now they'll stop at nothing to protect it. Even if it means crushing innocent people, like Jaqui Redman, and Frederick Lance." "Jaqui?" Mulder asked in disbelief. "Yes, she's dead. They killed her. They'll say it was a brain hemorrhage, but what they really mean is that one of their experiments went wrong. She's cataloged now. Her remains will be frozen, and put in a container." "Jaqui." "They'll kill everyone they ever experimented on. They'll get to Dana. Eventually, she'll die as well." "Caroline!" Mulder yelled. Krycek felt sick. He was coming here to get rid of her, and now someone else could be finishing the job for him. "Come on, Dammit. Help me Mulder! Where is she?"
V. 2.30pm Caroline switched on the television. She wished Mulder would hurry up. She was scared out of her wits. Every little noise made her jump. There was a knock at the door. Caroline froze. "Open up. We know you're in there." We. There was more than one. "Open the door, Caroline." The voice was male, and definitely didn't sound as if he was popping over for a cup of coffee. There was a cracking sound, and the door swung open. Caroline huddled into a ball. Someone grabbed her hair. "Don't let her get away." The voice was vaguely familiar. Where had she heard it? Oh yes, the place with the lights that were never turned off. "Don't hurt me," she whimpered. The grip on her hair tightened. *Oh god!* "Oof." The sound came from the door. Then a voice that she'd be hearing in her dreams forever. "Caroline, are you all right?" Alex had come. He did love her after all. "Oof." The grip on her hair subsided. She sat up, and stared into the eyes of not Alex Krycek, but Fox Mulder. Alex was standing in the doorway. "Caroline? Are you all right?" Mulder asked. It was Fox. She'd gotten him confused with Krycek. A gasp came from just outside the room. Mulder turned away. "Scully, it's okay. He's with me." Agent Scully hesitantly brushed past Alex, and checked Caroline over for any damage. "Scully, Jaqui is dead." Scully and Caroline's faces went pale. Caroline burst into tears, and Scully struggled to regain her composure. "When will it end?" Caroline sobbed. "When?" "I don't know," Mulder admitted. "And you know what?" Krycek said from the doorway. "Neither the hell do I."
Three Days Later Alex Krycek and Caroline Waters walked down a dirt path together, and stopped in front of a grave. "I'm sorry Caroline. I wish I could have stopped it." Caroline shook her head. "You couldn't have. Jaqui was...so...full of life. Why her?" "I don't know." "You are going back to Russia, right?" Krycek nodded. "I have to. And that is why our relationship is going to end right here, right now. There's absolutely no way that I will endanger you." Caroline nodded. "I understand. And I wont tell the agents what you told me." "Good." Krycek placed his good arm around Caroline's neck, and kissed her forehead gently. A few seconds later, he was gone, back down the path. A pair of hazel-green eyes watched Alex Krycek walk away from Caroline. So he did have a heart. Or at least, a small one. He was glad that Krycek was looking after Caroline like that. But why was he letting him get away? He could have killed him. Fox Mulder was stupid sometimes. Scully always said so. He watched as Caroline placed flowers on Jaqui's grave, and sat, resting her head against the tombstone. He hated to see young women cry. They should be happy, having fun. "Mulder," Scully rested a hand on her partner's arm. "We should go.And let her be." "It's not over yet. I can tell." "Mulder..." "It's not right. Krycek wouldn't just leave like that. And he wouldn't let her go. He'd kill her..." "Oh damn, Mulder..." "He's done it before..." "Mulder, Melissa always said live and let live." "A lot of other people say that too, Scully," Mulder muttered dryly. "Just let her be. For me?" Mulder stared at his partner. "For you."
Part Two: Not Forgiven, Not Forgotten VI. "I see a home The Corrs, Talk on Corners, No Good For Me Track 12
August 16
Dana Scully entered the building in her usual way - turning the heads of every male in the vicinity. But she had no time to laugh about it today. She and Agent Mulder were meeting with Assistant Director Skinner to discuss the previous case. The X-Files had been quiet for the past month and a half, and she and Mulder had mostly been doing paperwork. She took the elevator the floor the A.D's office was on. Before knocking, she squared her shoulder, preparing for another one of "Come in Agent Scully." Agent Scully. That meant Mulder was already there. Scully entered the room, and shut the door softly behind her. She took a seat next to Mulder, and crossed her legs. "Agent Scully, Agent Mulder," Skinner greeted them. "For once Agent Mulder is on time." He looked at both the agents. "You know, I should've called this meeting weeks ago. I've had a lot on my plate." "Anything we can help you with?" Scully asked politely. Skinner shook his head, silently dismissing the topic. "So agents. How far did you investigate the case?" "Well," Mulder said. "After the murder of Frederick Lance, and Jaqui Redman - " "Agent Mulder. Jaqui Redman was "With all due respect sir, I don't think that my abduction comes into this." "Agent Scully, Agent Mulder wrote in his report that the case was almost identical to your own X-File." "Agent Scully doesn't need to talk about it." Mulder said firmly. Skinner raised his eyebrows. "Agent Scully?" Scully took a deep breath. "Sir, I admit that this case has similarities to my own X-File, but I don't believe that I had anything to do with this." Skinner nodded. "Well then, let's move on."
6.16p.m "Kenneth, you've got mail!" Kenneth Garcia sat up on his bed, which was chained to the wall of his small cell. "Who's it from?" "Uh..." the pretty jail warden checked the envelope. "C. Waters." Kenneth jumped up, and hurried to the door of his cell. "Pass it through!" The warden, Emily Manners, handed it to the young prisoner. She smiled. "One day you'll be a free man, Kenneth. Who's C.Waters?" "My sister." "Caroline?" "Uh-huh." Emily grinned at Kenneth. "You're lucky, to have such a beautiful sister." "Lucky? You think sitting in this godforsaken place is Emily quickly wiped the smile off her face. "I have other inmates to see." She said curtly. Kenneth sat on his piddly excuse for a bed, and unfolded the letter. Dear Kenny, Your sister Forever, Kenneth folded the letter back up, and slid it under his pillow. Caroline had better keep his promise. Alex Krycek stared at the cell phone in his hands. He had to use it. He dialed a number, and listened to the ring. "Caroline?" "Alex! Oh, I need your help..."
September 3 Emily Manners walked lazily down the corridor. "Hurry up, Manners! I'm a free man!" "Not yet your not!" Emily giggled. She reached Garcia's cell, and unlocked it. "Come on, we gotta sign you out!" Kenneth smiled slyly. "I bet you can't wait, huh?" Emily winked. "So where will you be living?" "With my sister. She's coming to get me. She should be - " "Kenny!" Caroline ran to her brother. They embraced warmly. "Caro, god it feels like a hundred years!" Caroline giggled. "Oh Kenny, I have so much to tell you!" Caroline expertly steered the car through the city, as she and her brother chatted. "Alex said that he doesn't like me getting involved, but he'll help us." Kenneth nodded. "And the mother of the girl, what about her?" "She's getting here the day after tomorrow." "Caro, what exactly is the plan?" "To find the truth. Alien abductees shouldn't hide away, waiting to be taken. They should want to go again, to- learn!" "You're sick, Caroline." "I may be." "Oh look! They're he-ere!" "They may be." "Oh Caro." "What?" "SHUTUP"
9.45a.m Fox Mulder put his feet up on his desk, and threw a sunflower seed into his mouth. Scully eyed him with disdain. "Uh, Mulder?" "Mm-hmm?" "I think you stepped in something." Mulder slid his feet of the desk, and blushed like a little boy. A moment later, his feet re-appeared on the table, minus his shoes. Scully smiled, and shook her head in disbelief. "What's up Scully?" "Uh, this is my office, Mulder." "Oh yeah. Sorry." "I got a call, late last night," Scully began, leaning against the doorframe. "From Caroline Waters." Mulder sat bolt upright. "Why?" "Her brother was released from prison a couple of days ago. They'd like to meet with us, along with Emmeline Redman." "Wow. All those women!" Mulder's eyes lit up, like those of a boy on Christmas Day." "Her brother is a man, Mulder." "I know. But with you, Emmeline and Caroline - man - " "Mulder, I don't want to hear it. Please." "Sorry." "They want to talk to us about Caroline's abduction, and Jaqui's death." "Krycek." Scully cocked her head to one side. "I thought that he had left America." "No...no, Scully, that would be too easy. He's not stupid. He wanted Caroline for a reason, not just personal desire...no, I think it goes deeper. Something's happening, Scully, and we're powerless to stop it."
Mulder knocked on the door to Caroline's apartment. Scully stood impatiently next to him, her hands deep inside her pockets. Caroline opened the door, and peered out at them. "Fox, Dana. Come in." The two agents obliged. Caroline shut the door and locked it. Mulder sat down on the leather couch. Scully stood uncomfortably next to the door. Kenneth came in from the kitchen, brandishing a gun. Scully opened her coat, and slid out her own gun. "Put the gun down Garcia." He smiled teasingly. "I don't wanna shoot Mulder hid a smile, as Scully put her gun away. "Where's Emmeline?" Mulder asked. "Here." A woman emerged from the kitchen, behind Kenneth. "I'm glad you two could make it on such short notice." Scully mentally scanned her options. She could tell them they were all fools, or she could be like Mulder - neutral. Mulder stared hard at Emmeline. "What Caroline cleared her throat. "To get rid of the people who are trying to get rid of us."
VII. For the first time in a long time, Agent Mulder laughed. He laughed until he had tears threatening to slide down his cheeks. Scully stared on, in silent fascination. "What's so funny Agent Mulder?" Garcia demanded. "You!" Mulder gasped. "You're idiots! What the hell do you think Agent Scully and I have been trying to do for the last Garcia shrugged. "Lock people up?" Scully decided it was appropriate that she say something. "No. We have been chasing little green - grey," she corrected herself. "Men across the country, and across other countries. I have - I have lost people very dear to me, as has Agent Mulder." Everyone was suddenly quiet. "We could help you." Emmeline suggested. "Help you search for the truth." Scully and Mulder glanced at each other, silently communicating. "Agent Scully and I have...we are...how do I...we work alone. Not with other people." "Trust no one," Scully said gently. Except your partner. Mulder added silently. Caroline held her head high. "Well, if you won't help us, we'll find other ways of accessing the truth!" "They'll kill you," Mulder said bluntly. "Well, if it comes to that...it comes to that." Kenneth said calmly. Scully got up, and left the room. Mulder followed her into the kitchen. "Scully?" She was standing with her back to him, looking out the window down at the city. "I'm fine Mulder. Go and talk to them. Tell them about it. Tell them about Samantha. Tell them about the government. Hell, tell them about the Lone Gunmen." Mulder suddenly realised that his partner was struggling to hold back tears. "We can leave Scully. We don't have to help them. I don't want to tell them anything. They'll use it the wrong way." Dana Scully suddenly felt very small. She turned to face Mulder. Her cheeks were wet with tears. "When is it going to end?" "I don't know," Mulder admitted. "When we find the truth. That's what this is. A continuous quest for the truth." "They'll just cover it up with more lies. They won't even be able to remember the truths they started with!" "My father was going to tell me, Scully. But the sonsofbitches didn't give him a chance. But they could have killed us by now, Scully." The two agents heard a movement at the door. Caroline stood there, staring at them. Mulder could have shot himself. "What the hell is going on?" she asked. "I knew you were listening!" Scully laughed, drying her cheeks. "But Agent Mulder and I decided that we should be heading back to DC." Mulder smiled weakly. "Agent Scully's right. We should leave."
December "I hope this Christmas won't be like the last one!" Scully said to Mulder, as he read a piece of paper. Mulder grunted. "Mulder, what are you reading?" Mulder wordlessly handed Scully a letter. "Dear Fox, You were right," Scully read aloud. "Mulder, what's this?" "Keep reading." You were right about everything. They will stop at nothing. But who are *they*? Extra-terrestrials? Or something or someone else? Caroline is gone. I suppose you heard on the news that she has disappeared. Gone into hiding because her new movie didn't work out. That's not what happened. They took her again, and like my daughter, she didn't come back." Scully looked at Mulder, wide eyed. "The rest is censored." Mulder nodded glumly. "It's from Emmeline Redman. Dammit Scully, we could have stopped it!" "Mulder, you said so yourself, no one can stop it. And no one can predict what they'll do next." Mulder stared up at Scully, and she stared down at him. Neither of them knew what to do know. "Well, it's vacation time," Mulder said brightly. "What are you doing for Christmas?" END
ThIs Is AnOtHeR pUrItY cOnTrOl MsG fRoM mEgAn DuChOvNy!
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