Prologue

St. JosephÕs Hospital
Washington, D.C.
3:09 AM

  He had been up all night.
  On the second floor of St. JosephÕs, in a small, cramped room, Fox Mulder sat, cradling the hand of his ex-partner, Dana Scully. Her eyes were closed softly in the dim room. That was good. She needed her rest. She needed to conquer this fiendish cancer.
  THEY needed to conquer it.
  Mulder remembered the instant he had gotten the call. He was rewatching an old news broadcast, one he had taped years ago on a small request from Deep Throat. Since he had quit, he had spent a lot of time thinking.
  The first thing that came to mind was Scully. He dwelled on those thoughts for a while.
  The next thought was the green liquid, the ooze Scully had found near a supposed alien saucer crash sight. It had taken him a while, but he remembered all about Dr. BerubeÕs experiments, about the humans in tanks at the Zeus Warehouse, and how the man he had been chasing, a man named Secare, had bled green. And the shape-changing beings he had encountered later in life. They melted into green puddles.
  There HAD to be a connection.
  So Mulder had reviewed the tape he had recorded. He viewed it on end, looking for something, ANYTHING to go off of. Perhaps he could solve this case, find out what exactly was going on, without government help.
  Mulder had been in about the zillionth time through the tape when his phone rang. He picked it up, and with a tired greeting of, ÒMulder,Ó was given the bad news.
  Scully had been under a lot of stress recently, and her mother had stopped by, only to find her daughter sprawled out on the floor. After being rushed to the hospital, the doctorÕs had said that stress had affected the tumor and...
  Mulder didnÕt like to repear the rest.
  Nevertheless, the doctor had finished. And his words echoed through MulderÕs brain like a scream through a canyon. ÒShe probably only has 24 hours to live... maybe less.Ó
  Only 24 hours to live...
  Only 24 hours to live...
  As he sat there, cradling her cold hand, Mulder felt a tear creep towards his eye. He withheld it.
  ÒScully?Ó

* * * *

  ScullyÕs frustration was of great size, and her feelings for Mulder werenÕt helping. She had just been assigned to a new X-File, this one somewhere in Chicago. Something to do with aliens, she recalled. For some reason, Scully didnÕt really care.
  How could that black-lunged, Morley-smoking devil-in-a-human-form do that to Mulder? Leave him alone in the cold. The Cancer Man had known Mulder would resign from his job the minute the news was given to him. And he was probably smiling about it right now.
  God, she thought. Why am I so dizzy?

* * * *

  Deep ThroatÕs voice echoed through the line. ÒAre you watching channel eight?Ó
  Hidden deep within a dark corridor of the Pentagon building, Deep Throat gave Mulder that one, smart *ss clue before hanging up. He wondered how Mulder put up with it; how the young man could handle being given the smallest lead and taking the biggest chances on it.
  As the receiver clicked, Deep Throat slowly walked through the large storage hallways. Around him, he could see many boxes, knowing what each contained. Alien corpse, that one, he thought, his eyes shooting to a large crate up at the top of the shelf. Implant, that one, his eyes focusing on a box near his head.
  He walked through the long hall he had come to dub as ÒThe Forbidden HallwayÓ, until he reached a small intersection. Veering to the right, he now walked upon millions of file cabinets and such.
  Slowly, Deep Throat exposed the manila envelope from his trench coat pocket. He clenched it tightly as he entered another small hallway, marked MO-MU from a sign posted above.
  The millions of files were what were known as The GovernmentÕs Most Watched files. They had been collected for nearly a century, stored here over the past few years. Many focused on good qualities, people who would pay off. Others were serial killers.
  And then, there were the ones who imposed a danger without knowing.
  Yet.
  Deep Throat finally reached a large file cabinet. He opened it, scanning over many names, until finally coming across what he had been looking for.
  Mulder, Fox W.

* * * *

  Scully paced the living room of her apartment, trying to sort out everything.
  Her mind raced at a thought a minute, from Mulder, to the X-Files, to the green substance, to the cancer, to everything. Frustration filled every inch of her body.
  What do I do about Mulder? Keep him? Or...
  What about this new case? By myself.
  What was that green substance? And why were Frohike, Langly, and Byers almost killed over it?
  What about this cancer?
  GOD, I feel dizzy.

* * * *

  The Cancer Man inhaled deeply on the Morley.
  He had known about his partner all along, contrary to beliefs. His ex-partner, who had come to be known as Deep Throat to Mulder, had been a source of information for almost a year. The Cancer Man had known since day one, but wouldnÕt let it show.
  Still, he didnÕt feel right.
  Sure, ÒDeep ThroatÓ was breaking a lot of rules, exposing the information to another, and he deserved the penalty he was getting. After all, when you break rules at such a high level, someoneÕs bound to get hurt.
  But this WAS his friend...
  The Cancer Man knew the plan. Deep Throat gives the men the package, the men give him a bullet to the chest. Done and done. The Cancer Man nodded at that, to no one in particular.
  And yet, something still wasnÕt right.
  The Cancer Man could sense something.
  What had Deep Throat done that the Cancer Man didnÕt know about?

* * * *

  Scully felt too woozy now.
  Something was obviously wrong. She needed to relax. To calm herself. To let the cancer rest.
  But how could she relax now?! Everything had gone down the drain in the last week! She didnÕt know what to do about Mulder anymore! Or what to think about the green liquid! Or anything! God, how could she relax?
  That was the last thing she remembered.

* * * *

  Mr. ÒXÓ had secluded himself in the dark hallways of the Pentagon building, in the aisle marked MO-MU.
  He and Deep Throat had made a pact only a few months ago. When Deep Throat had learned about Dr. BerubeÕs testing, he and ÒXÓ had met, discussing MulderÕs future. They knew that if Mulder was able to get hold of BerubeÕs documents, or any information, he could blow the top off the entire government cover up.
  But what if Mulder failed?
  Deep Throat and he had decided that the only way to do it was the way they were. As a backup, in case Mulder didnÕt find everything he needed when he went up against Berube. ThatÕs why Deep Throat had hidden what he had.
  ÒXÓ had just come back to check.
  Slowly and quietly, he pulled open the file cabinet, and fingered through them, until finally...
  Mulder, Fox W.

* * * *

  Mulder wrapped ScullyÕs hand tightly.
  Her heart was beating at a constant rate. The loud, high-pitched ÒbeepsÓ coming from a large machine told Mulder this was true. Still, Scully wasnÕt responding to any kind of communication. Mulder choked back another tear.
  ÒScully?Ó he asked. He wasnÕt expecting a response.
  Nothing.
  ÒScully, weÕve been through a lot together. Through thick and thin. WeÕve been cocooned, weÕve been against mutants, weÕve seen things that no one can explain. WeÕve had rough times before.Ó
  Mulder swallowed, feeling another tear coming up. Once again, he withheld it. ÒScully, this is one of those rough times. But weÕve made it through them all before. We can make it through this one.Ó
  He sighed. ÒThe Cancer Man knew something was up with the ÔUFOÕ crash in Minneapolis. I have a feeling it has something to do with your cancer. And I swear on my fatherÕs grave, I am not going to let that black-lunged devil win.Ó
  Another tear choked back. ÒThatÕs why IÕm leaving. I think I know where to find what IÕm looking for. Getting in wonÕt be easy, getting out will be harder. But IÕll make it through it. I wonÕt give up.
  ÒI know the truth is out there, and itÕs close.Ó
  Mulder stood up. Slowly, he bent down and kissed ScullyÕs forehead. He stared at her once more. Slowly, he walked to the door, and as he began to close it, he through one look, perhaps his last, to the dying woman.
  A lone tear hit the ground.
  Mulder closed the door.



*****************************************************************************


Chapter One: In

Outside the Pentagon
Washington, D.C.
12:11 AM

  Slowly and quietly, the figure grabbed the gate.
  On the cold streets of Washington, D.C., a man sat, his features hidden by the black stretch suit he wore. He was a silhouette, creeping around in the night, nothing but. No sound at all. So far, everything was going as he had hoped.
  The black mask hiding his face did itÕs job well. He was completely unrecognizable. He was just a lone stranger, about to become a lone intruder.
  Silently, he pulled himself to the top of the gate. It took all his strength not to make noise, but success came. He glanced around as he lay down, hoping to conceal himself as part of the dark gate to anyone that might be watching. Almost directly below him, a guard stood.
  The man had expected this much. He knew that what he was going to do wouldnÕt keep a zero body count.
  Forgive me, Scully, he thought, pulling out his gun.

* * * *

  Alex Krycek exited the Pentagon, heading towards his car. As he walked, his false arm squeaked a little. He sighed heavily.
  He was surprised to have lived after failing the Cigarette Smoking Man. Surely, he thought, this would be the last time. This is my last chance. Next time, heÕll get rid of more than my arm. And now look at me! IÕm missing one arm, the other is wrapped up from a bullet to the shoulder!
  HeÕd make them pay.
  Every one of them.
  As he entered his car, he thought about Mulder. The Cancer Man said the young agent had up and quit, furious over some new assignment. Krycek liked that. One less danger to the coverups.
  However, they still had Scully, and she had grown strong. Her anger had perhaps forced her to believe what Mulder had been saying all these years. Krycek was reminded of a line from one of his favorite movies, Return of the Jedi. ÒYour anger has made you powerful...Ó
  As he reached the gate, he looked around. There was no guard to open the door for him, no one to clear his exit. Something was wrong...
  Krycek scrambled out of the car, only to nearly trip over a body in front of him. He looked down to examine it. The head of the guard had splattered nearly three feet, and blood was still soaking in. Blood leaked from the guardÕs mouth.
  Krycek looked around. Who would have done something like this? Who would be breaking into the Pentagon? Who would...
  But Krycek already knew.
  He had to get to a phone.
  Fast.

* * * *

  Phase One: Complete.
  Mulder had expected guards. He hadnÕt expected, however, that it would have been that easy. No fight. No muss, no fuss. One clear shot...
  He crept to a tree, nearing the entrance to the building. It, too, was guarded, but more heavily. Three men stood around the door, and two were patrolling nearby. They swung their flashlights about the yard.
  Mulder exposed his gun again. Slowly, he stepped out from behind the tree. He began to sneak towards the side wall, creeping past the guards. No noise, he told himself. No noise whatsoever. None at...
  Too late.
  The guard heard the crunching of MulderÕs foot hitting a stick before Mulder did. He spun around, shining the flashlight a few feet in front of Mulder. Nothing else to do, Mulder dropped to the ground, hoping to blend in with the shadows, and waited.
  The beam of the flashlight approached him, and was soon directly on top of him. IÕm dead, he thought to himself. IÕm dead this time. Spooky got himself in over his head. Mulder knew how easy he could be seen against the green of the grass. He was done for.
  But the beam passed over him.
  MulderÕs eyes went wide. What the...? Why hadnÕt they taken him? Surely they had seen him against his black against the grass! It would have been impossible to miss! Unless...
  ÒHey, Earl!Ó called the voice of a guard in the distance. ÒWhat is it?Ó
  The voice of the closer guard came loud and clear. ÒNothinÕ.Ó
  Mulder knew now.
  It was all set up.
  Someone knew he was coming.
  ÒNothinÕ at all.Ó
  As the beam turned away, Mulder stood up. He didnÕt have much time. HeÕd have to make it in in a hurry.
  The Cancer Man would be coming.

* * * *

Cancer ManÕs Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
12:31 AM

  ÒYou think I was not aware of the situation?Ó
  The Cancer Man inhaled deeply, tasting the smoke that the cigarette contained. Alex KrycekÕs voice, almost a whine, chattered away on the other side. The Cancer Man was beginning to wonder why he had accepted him back after the recent Russian incident.
  ÒBut why arenÕt you here? What is Mulder doing?Ó Krycek asked from his cell phone.
  The Cancer Man sighed deeply. ÒKrycek, Krycek, Krycek,Ó he scolded. ÒDonÕt worry about me. All I want you to make sure of is that Mulder gets in and gets to whereÕs he going. IÕll be there on my own, good time.Ó
  Krycek paused for a minute before stating, ÒAnd if he starts to run? If he starts to get away?Ó
  The Cancer Man snickered, snuffing out the Morley. ÒYou know the drill.Ó

* * * *

  Mulder looked around. He had scaled the wall of the Pentagon without any trouble. Something was very wrong. How could the Cancer Man have known he was coming? Mulder sat down to relax for a minute, to catch his breath, and began to think...

* * * *

  Mulder wiped the tear from his eye as he closed the door to ScullyÕs hospital room and began to walk. His walk changed quickly to a jog, then sped up more. If he was going to get into the Pentagon, heÕd have to prepare himself. And get some sleep.
  As he ran, he passed many strangers, but they were merely nothing to Mulder. His mind was set on his destination, and it didnÕt pick up any details but the ones Mulder was working out for his break-in.
  It was there he made the fatal mistake.
  The middle aged man stood, watching the young ex-agent approach. He had been given his orders, and was bound to follow them to a ÒTÓ. As Mulder ran by, he slowly began to follow, rubbing his hand through his crew cut.
  It wouldnÕt have done Mulder any good to look at him. He wouldnÕt recognize the face; it was one he hadnÕt seen in three years, and even then, hadnÕt actually seen it. All Mulder got out of this Crew-Cut Man was, ÒYour cell phoneÕs been ringing like h*ll,Ó and a black eye.
  He had been in charge of the murder that night, the one who had taken the package from the old man and shot him down. He particularly enjoyed killing -- it brought him pleasure to see another fall before his bestial wrath. Perhaps now, the Cigarette Smoking Man would let him finish the job he had started.
  As he walked, he pulled a phone out of his pocket. He dialed quickly, and as soon as the phone stopped ringing, immediately said, ÒNow following subject as instructed. Will report any other information as comes.Ó He got a returning sigh from the other line, the sigh of the Cancer Man, and with a *beep*, turned the cell-phone off.
  The Crew-Cut Man had followed Mulder to his apartment, and, through the small bug which he had planted earlier, behind MulderÕs fish tank, listened to everything Mulder said. He heard the rustling of bags, the typing of a computer, and finally got the pay-off.
  ÒLangly, this is Mulder,Ó said the voice over the small bug. Silence followed, but not for long. ÒScullyÕs in the hospital. The cancer, yÕknow.Ó More silence. ÒYeah, but IÕm gonna find out what.Ó Silence. ÒLetÕs just say in a few hours weÕll know try to prove your Ôimpossible to break into the PentagonÕ theory wrong.Ó
  The Crew-Cut Man needed to hear no more. He pulled out the phone and reported it. Once again, he got the returning grunt. With the click from the other line, he knew his job was done. No blood to be spilled today. At least, not by him.
  Slowly, the Crew-Cut Man pulled away from MulderÕs apartment.

* * * *

Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
12:44 AM

  Walter Skinner walked through the brightly lit hallways. Granted, he shouldnÕt have been up this late, but he had to be. He had a purpose.
  He hadnÕt meant to hear it, but did. As he walked through the Pentagon that day, picking up some files needed for ScullyÕs new case, he had passed by a guard whose walkie-talkie was spurting out a few words. Skinner managed to catch them.
  Ò...ossibile break-in tonight... middle aged man... goes by Mulde...Ó
  Skinner had stopped dead in his tracks. He spun around, trying to hear more. Ò...eave alone... no interfere...Ó it buzzed. ÒRepeat.... o interference.Ó
  That was enough. That was all he needed to hear. He spun around and headed back to the exit doors, already knowing who was behind this all. After all, Skinner was now part of the coverups, and knew the Cancer ManÕs way of thinking.
  ThatÕs why Skinner hadnÕt punched out yet. He had waited, all day, for the black-lunged little weasel to show his black-lunged little weasel face. Ever since the recent reassignment of Mulder, SkinnerÕs frustration towards the man had grown to pure hatred.
  It had been a while, and Skinner was tired of waiting. He walked to the Cancer ManÕs door, opening it without a knock. The first thing Skinner saw was the elder manÕs back, slipping on his jacket. He spun around to face Skinner, slipping on the last of the two sleeves. He was obviously startled by the presence of the Assistant Director of Resources.
  For a moment, both were caught in a blind stare. The Cigarette Smoking Man broke that silence. ÒYou didnÕt knock,Ó he rasped.
  Skinner shot back, ÒWhat is going on?Ó
  The grayed man looked surprised. ÒIÕm working late. But I have to get home. I donÕt want to miss tonightÕs ÔSightingsÕ.Ó followed by a small snicker.
  Skinner was boiling. ÒWhy are you having the guards ignore MulderÕs break in? What are you going to do to him?Ó He took a step forward.
  The Cancer Man was now obviously getting angry, too. He grabbed a smoke from his pocket at let it hang from his lip. ÒMr. Skinner,Ó he said. ÒYou are a puppett. Nothing but. DonÕt meddle in affairs that are too big for you.Ó
  Just one swing...
  Skinner took another step. ÒWhat is going on?Ó he repeated.
  ÒSkinner, let this be your last warning...Ó the elder man threatened.
  One swing...
  ÒWhat are you up to?Ó
  ÒMr. Skinner, get out of my way!Ó was the command given as the Cancer Man lit his cigarette, stepping forward.
  One...
  Skinner tried to stop it, but it was too late. He acted only on hatred, sending his fist forward. It connected with the Cancer ManÕs face. Hard. In a matter of a second, the old man landed on the floor, his consciousness fading. Slowly, his eyes rolled back. A drop of blood trickled from the Cancer ManÕs nose.
  Skinner just stood, breathing heavily.

* * * *

  Fox Mulder had entered the dark room through the skylight. Quietly removing the panel, he had lowered a rope and skidded down. Looking around, he found it a lucky coincidence he was in the right place.
  Beside him, box after box was stockpiled, each labeled with certain terms. Implant. Fetus. Tag #. Mulder smiled, tearing off his dark mask.
  This was it...
  His proof.
  He began to search, looking for any term that might help him find what he was looking for. Anything to do with ÒgreenÓ or ÒDNAÓ. As he walked, another intersecting hallway caught his eye. Maybe what he needed was down there.
  He took the turn and began scanned the sides of the many shelves. The first was labeled ÒAA-AMÓ. The next, ÒBA-BOÓ. He turned his head. Similar labels on the shelves on the other side.
  Hmm...
  Mulder tried to determine what the labels might be, and decided to investigate. He entered the hallway marked ÒMA-MNÓ and found himself staring at many dusty file cabinets. Opening one, he read through the names. Maas, Mabb, Mable...
  Dossiers.
  Government dossiers.
  He closed the file cabinet. This wasnÕt what he was looking for! He exited, and as he turned to head back to the previous aisle, the label across from him caught his eye.
  MO-MU.
  An idea came to him.
  Mulder looked to his left, then to his right. No one. Good.
  He ran, secluding himself in the darkness of the aisle.
  Maybe it was time to find out what the government thought about him.



*****************************************************************************


Chapter Two: Found

The Pentagon
12:49 AM

  Alex Krycek had been the first to hear about the alien presence in the ÒForbidden HallwayÓ.
  Krycek had just been passing by the desk outside the chamber when a small, red light began to blink. He instantly knew what it meant, but the guard outside helped make it crystal clear. ÒSomethinÕ inside,Ó the guard belched. ÒWe were told to let it be earlier.Ó
  Krycek needed in that hallway. He had to do his job. If Mulder got away without a fight, the Cancer Man would surely have his butt in a can. And when Krycek demanded his entrance, and the guard turned him down, he became a little angry.
  Krycek had grabbed the guard and pulled him into the menÕs room across the hall. One silent shot took care of his problem. The man hadnÕt had time to scream. Krycek felt the blood smear across his face. But that didnÕt matter now. All that mattered was Mulder.
  ThatÕs how he had found himself here. In this dark hallway. He had never been here before, but had heard stories about it, and how everything secret, everything the government wanted no one to know about, was right here.
  But no Mulder.
  Krycek examined the rope hanging down from the removed skylight. Mulder would have taken it up if he had run. That meant he was still here. Somewhere.
  Krycek exposed his .44.
  Somewhere...

* * * *

Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
12:51 AM

  The Cancer ManÕs cigarette had been snuffed in the fall.
  Skinner hovered over the elder man, the blood running from his nose. He clenched his fists tightly, feeling the anger he had exposed. It reminded him of his old days as a marine. When nothing could touch him. When he felt higher than God.
  Skinner was as surprised as the Cancer Man when his fist swung. He couldnÕt believe he would just snap like that. One stupid move, he thought. Now IÕve gone and screwed my career. Still, he agreed. It felt good.
  The Cancer Man grumbled after a minute or two, squirming on the floor. That was good, Skinner smiled. At least he hadnÕt hurt the Chain Smoking man *TOO* badly. Slowly, the Cancer Man began to push himself up, raising himself to his feet. He wiped the blood from his face, almost losing his balance as he stood up, and turned to face Skinner. ÒTouche,Ó he said.
  SkinnerÕs eyes were a glare, his clenched teeth hidden by his closed mouth. ÒDonÕt tick me off,Ó Skinner spat. ÒNot ever again.Ó
  The Cancer Man was still a little dizzy, but began walking to the door again, and evil grin donning his face. ÒAhh, but you see Mr. Skinner,Ó he snickered. ÒThatÕs my nature.Ó
  Skinner moved as the man came closer. He had nothing to say to him. The Cancer Man, however, turned as he walked out of the door. ÒSkinner, I admire your courage,Ó he spat. ÒThatÕs why you still get your job.Ó He pulled out a Morley, and slipped it between his lips.
  ÒJust donÕt tick ME off. Not ever again.Ó
  Slowly, the man turned and walked away.
  Skinner just shook his head, glaring.

* * * *

  Scully dreamt.
  For almost 24 hours, she had been in a state of nothingness; a state of silence. Over that time, many recounts of past events had gone through her head. She vividly pictured her graduation from Quantico. Her fatherÕs funeral. The death of her sister. The first time she met Mulder.
  Although saddening, those images kept Scully alive. That, and the help of MulderÕs presence. She knew she could always count on him. And that was why, if she ever caught out of this state, she would have to...
  Another image flooded her brain, this one more real than the rest.
  Scully glanced around. The room was dark. There was nothing. Everything was hidden, withstrained in the shadows.
  Nothing.
  Then, the light.
  Scully looked around frantically. Small, grey silhouettes approached from every side. Although features were hidden, Scully knew what they were. She knew WHO they were.
  She remembered.
  Looking around, she began to make out the features of the approaching beings. They were small in height, shorter than most humans. Their eyes were large, their four fingered hands outstretched. Some carried needles and other tools.
  They were extra-terrestrials.
  The swarmed around her, grabbing at her, pushing their sharp instruments into her easy to penetrate skin. She opened her mouth to scream, but there was no sound. She tried to run, to escape these horrible creatures, but was somehow unable to move.
  Another silhouette approached. This one was much taller than the rest. Scully strained to make out details, to see who it was approaching, but before she could, the figure stopped. It remained hidden in the bright light, all features non-visible.
  An alien smell filled ScullyÕs nostrils. It was one she had smelt before. It was easily recognizable.
  Where was the cigarette smoke coming from?

* * * *

12:49 AM

  Mulder slid the file cabinet open. He rapidly scanned through each name, searching frantically for his own. Mudner. Muhhy. Mujs. Mulder.
  Mulder, Fox W.
  He slid the file out of the cabinet and lay it on the cold, gray floor. He opened it to find a picture of himself, his FBI identification photo, with a dossier beside it. He read the description to himself.
  ÒJanuary, 89. Fox Mulder has been one of the most helpful agents, assisting in the capture of Monty Props during his service to the Behavioral Sciences Unit of Violent Crimes Section. He has become an important asset. It has also been discovered, however, that he could impose a threat to the government at a later date.
  ÒFebruary, 92. Since debunking the so-called ÒX-FileÓ project, MulderÕs impending threat has grown immensely. Suggest ÒwatchdogÓ to keep him in line.
  ÒApril, 92. Agent Dana Scully has fulfilled her duty of keeping Mulder in line. She is the only one who can keep Mulder away from the truth.Ó
  Mulder stopped reading. Impose a threat? Scully keeping me away from the truth? What am I worth to be called a threat?
  Disgusted, Mulder flipped through the dossier. It went on for pages like it had, finally coming to filed reports and his thesis. Mulder sighed. This wasnÕt helping at all. He needed to get back to the other chamber. Maybe something of use could be found there.
  As he tipped the file to put it away, however, something fell. Mulder looked down to see a medium sized manila envelope on the ground. He bent down, bringing the letter to his face. Across the envelope, in big bold letters, was a message.
  MULDER -- OPEN IMMEDIATELY.

* * * *

1:01 AM

  The Cancer ManÕs car squealed to a stop in front of the Pentagon. Opening the door, he began his journey towards the door. Mulder was definitely inside. He could feel it.
  This is where the fun began.

* * * *

12:58 AM

  Mulder opened the envelope, sliding itÕs contents into his hand.
  A small stack of papers, and a medium sized box. That was it. Mulder was obviously confused. Why hadnÕt he gotten this before? Who was it from? Why was it in his dossier?
  Slowly, he unfolded the papers. The first one was a hand-written document. Mulder read it aloud.
  ÒMr. Mulder-- If you are reading this, it means you have already broken a number of laws. No doubt you have broken into the Pentagon, but also seen things no one of your rank should ever have seen.
  ÒIt also, means, however, that the truth is still out there, and that you are getting desperate. Well, Mr. Mulder, the truth is in here. In this building, in these hallways, and even in your hand.
  ÒWhat you hold is an uncensored document and proof of extraterrestrial life. Inside the package you will find what you need.Ó Mulder stopped. He slid open the box and dumped itÕs contents into his hand. A small, glass container held something amazing. MulderÕs eyes went wide.
  It was a sample of the green liquid.
  He continued reading. ÒThe document will explain everything. This is the proof, Mulder. The proof that the truth is out there.
  ÒÔDeep ThroatÕ.Ó
  ÒAnd thatÕs where it belongs. The truth, I mean. It belongs Ôout thereÕ.Ó
  The sudden voice startled Mulder. He looked up. Approaching was a younger man, a gun pointed towards Mulder, with an instantly recognizable face. The mustache didnÕt change the look of the rat. ÒKrycek...Ó Mulder spat.
  ÒIn the flesh,Ó Krycek shot back. He continued approaching. ÒAnd I have orders to stop you with any process necessary.Ó The gun clicked. Krycek came a step nearer, a bright smile on his face. ÒIÕve been looking forward to this since my first day as your partner.
  ÒSay goodbye,Ó he snickered. ÒMr. Mulder.Ó

* * * *

  Where was the smoke coming from?
  Why couldnÕt she move?  What was going on?
  Scully began to panic inside of her head. It was like a really bad dream, only much more real. One that she couldnÕt wake up from. Her heart began to race. Faster and faster and faster until finally...
   ...Gone.
  ScullyÕs body went limp.

*****************************************************************************


Chapter Three: Sliding Downhill

The Pentagon
1:03 AM

  Mulder didnÕt dare move.
  Hidden within a dark corridor in the depths of the U.S. Pentagon building, Fox Mulder, ex-Special Agent, was on his knees, held at gunpoint. His use-to-be partner and friend, Alex Krycek, approached him, his false arm hanging dead at the side and the other, bandaged from a bullet wound, holding a .44 directly at MulderÕs skull.
  Krycek began to step forward. ÒYou see, Mulder?Ó he asked. ÒDo you see how the government works? They leak on the good American citizens and do whatever they d*mn well please. They hide what they think could cause a riot. They deny knowledge.Ó
  Mulder began to sweat, hearing the click of the gun, signifying itÕs readiness to kill him in an instant. Krycek continued. ÒThatÕs why the Cancer Man took me back; in fear I might expose something. And thatÕs why he sent me to kill you; fear of exposure.Ó
  Mulder quickly flung the green liquid up, exposing it in the moonlit section of the room. ÒYou see this?Ó he asked. ÒDo you SEE this? This is it, isnÕt it?! This is the evidence that theyÕre here, that you government goggle-boxes help them! This is the thing that could save Scully, isnÕt it?!Ó
  Krycek fell dead silent.
  ÒISNÕT IT?!Ó
  More silence.
  ÒIf IÕm going to die anyway, tell me! Let me hear the truth! ThatÕs all IÕve worked for! Just tell me...Ó Mulder spun the glass container filled with the green liquid around. ÒJust tell me if this is it.Ó
  Slowly, Krycek brought his gun down to rest beside him. He walked forward, nearing Mulder.
  Then, the shot rang out.
  Mulder was as startled as Krycek. He rapidly checked his body. Had Krycek just shot him? Where was the enter wound? Mulder looked up to Krycek.
  Krycek gargled a little, putting his hand to his chest. As he pulled it away, it shining in the moonlight, Mulder sat wide eyed. The hand was draped in blood, soaked beet red. Krycek looked at his hand until he could no more; until his eyes rolled back, losing consciousness. He fell to the ground, not more than a foot from Mulder.
  Mulder stared at the body of Krycek. But not for long. Quickly, he brought his eyes to focus on the being at the back of the long hallway of file cabinets. The man spoke, ÒUnwise to lower your weapon, Krycek.Ó
  Mulder knew the voice, but the image gave away the gunman immediately. He was of medium height and weight, and above his head, a cloud of cigarette smoke swarmed. The man picked the Morley out of his mouth, and upon throwing it to the ground, snuffed it out with his shoe.
  ÒYou...Ó Mulder hissed, grabbing his piece from his side. He tried to speak again, but only managed to choke out another angry, ÒYou...!Ó
  As the Cancer Man approached, Mulder noticed the evil glint in his eye. His face was expressionless, twisted and cruel. It was a face Mulder knew all too well... a face he hated. A face he despised.
  ÒYes, Mr. Mulder, me,Ó he hissed, pulling another cigarette from his pocket. ÒWhy are you in here... as opposed to being over there, rooting through what you THINK is extraterrestrial proof.Ó
  ÒWhat I KNOW is proof,Ó Mulder spat. The Cancer Man returned a snicker.
  Mulder was frustrated, and he jumped to his feet, pulling the gun out in front, aiming it at the elder manÕs skull. ÒYou think I donÕt know?!Ó Mulder yelled. ÒYou think I have no idea what you do? You think I donÕt know THEYÕRE out there?!Ó
  The Cancer Man lit the cigarette. ÒMr. Mulder, what do you think I do?Ó
  Mulder clenched his sample. The Cancer Man hadnÕt seen it yet, if he was lucky. ÒI know what you do. I know that the governmentÕs in on it -- Duane Barry... remember him?... He helped me see the way you do things.Ó
  ÒDuane Barry was a deranged man, Mr. Muld...Ó The Cancer Man rasped.
  ÒAn alien abductee!Ó Mulder interrupted. ÒNot deranged! I know it, you know it, the whole government knows it.Ó
  For a moment, both stood silent. Mulder tasted the sweat as it ran down his brow. He clenched his gun tightly. Finally, the Cigarette Smoking Man spoke. ÒWhere is your proof, Mulder?Ó
  Mulder felt his grip around the small, glass case tighten. ÒYou want proof?Ó Mulder said through clenched teeth. ÒYou want some PROOF?! IÕll show you proof!Ó Mulder couldnÕt stop himself. He raised the glass container for the elder man to see. The contents shifted as he did, oozing throughout the protective case.
  The Cancer ManÕs eyes went wide. His mouth drooped, dropping the cigarette to the floor. ÒWh-where did you get that?Ó
  MulderÕs eyes were winced. He gestured with his head back to the manila envelope and document, now sitting on the floor, near KrycekÕs motionless heap. ÒFrom there,Ó Mulder said. ÒFrom Deep Throat.Ó
  ÒDeep Throat...Ó the Cancer Man said, his voice almost as whisper.
  Mulder nodded, then dropped the hand holding the green liquid. ÒNow, are you going to tell me what this green crap is? Or do I have to...Ó
  Mulder stopped, suddenly surprised. The Cancer Man moved fast, shooting his gun up to MulderÕs head. Both were breathing heavily, sweating, only two feet apart, both ready to kill. Two men, two guns, one fate.
  For a moment, time stood still.
  Both men waited.

* * * *

St. JosephÕs Hospital
1:06 AM

  ÒReady?! CLEAR!!!Ó
  The surge of power went through ScullyÕs body, but she was unaware of it. Her image, her realistic encounter, had pushed her too far. She couldnÕt take it any more; she was tired of fighting. And, for the first time in her life, she let go.
  The doctors swarmed over her like bees over a flower, grabbing miscellaneous tools and electric devices, running around, yelling at each other. ÒBPÕs crashing!Ó and another ÒCLEAR!Ó were two that stood out.
  Where had the cigarette smoke come from?

* * * *

  Mulder breathed heavily, the gun ready to fire.
  The Cancer Man was doing the same.
  It had come to this.
  And it was time to act.
  In almost the blink of an eye, the tables turned. Mulder swung his foot up, knocking the gun out of the elder manÕs hand. The Cancer Man stood back, afraid. But Mulder wasnÕt done yet. With another quick swipe of the foot, the Cancer Man was on the ground, Mulder brooding over him.
  ÒNow,Ó Mulder said. ÒWeÕre gonna make a little deal.Ó
  ÒAnd if I refuse?Ó The Cancer Man asked.
  ÒWell,Ó Mulder smiled. ÒI hear deathÕs nice this time of year.Ó

* * * *

1:14 AM

  Everyone rushed around the room in ScullyÕs hospital location. They buzzed about, screaming at each other, unaware of the lone man who had just entered the door. He was surprised. He hadnÕt expected Scully would be in a near-dead state when he got here. Crap.
  The younger man approached, dressed like a doctor. He went undetected. Good. This would please the Cancer Man...
  As he approached, he yelled, ÒMOVE BACK!Ó The doctorÕs were startled by this sudden command, but did as they were instructed. Slowly, the young man approached the dying girl, listening to the whining ÒhummÓ of the machine, reminding all her heart had stopped.
  Slowly, he reached out. His eyes rolled back as he placed his hands on ScullyÕs forehead. The doctorÕs looked around at each other, mumbling curses of, ÒWhatÕs this?Ó and ÒWho is this guy?Ó But the young man didnÕt care. Because he knew what he was doing was right. Following orders is always a good thing when your dealing with the Cancer Man.
  For a minute, the room remained silent. The man stood, putting pressure on ScullyÕs skull, energy rushing through him. And slowly, but surely, nothing short of a miracle happened.
  Scully slowly began to open her eyes.

*****************************************************************************

Epilogue

The Pentagon
1:08 AM

  ÒI hear deathÕs really nice this time of year.Ó
  Mulder aimed the gun, point blank from the Cancer ManÕs skull. The elder man had been taken by surprise by the strength of this ex-agent, both in his beliefs and his foot. After all, Mulder hadnÕt slept in over 48 hours.
  The Cancer Man thought over what Mulder had just shot at him. It was something he didnÕt like to admit, but Mulder was right. It was time to listen, time to understand, time to...
  ...Time to expose the truth.
  The Cancer Man inhaled deeply, then removed the breath from his lungs by way of sigh. ÒGo ahead, Mr. Mulder,Ó he gestured.
  Mulder came closer to the Cancer Man and bent down to meet him on the floor. Mulder brought forward his other hand and grabbed the Cancer ManÕs wrist. The Cancer Man only had one thought going through his head.
  IÕm going to die.
  The Cancer Man winced as Mulder opened the elder manÕs hand. He waited for the shot; waited for his imminent death. Instead, he felt something small hit his hand. He opened his eyes and looked down into his palm.
  There sat the green liquid.
  Mulder closed the Cancer ManÕs hand, then stood up. ÒThere,Ó Mulder finally said. ÒIs your truth. Keep it. You can get the document from over there -- I didnÕt get a chance to read it.Ó
  ÒWhy, Mulder?Ó The Cancer Man asked, getting to his feet. ÒWhat brought on this sudden change of heart?Ó
  Mulder shook his head. ÒDonÕt get me wrong. I despise you,Ó Mulder hissed. ÒI feel nothing but hate for you. You know how to cure ScullyÕs cancer, you know about each and every cover up, and you know where my sister is. And someday, I vow, I will get my revenge.
  ÒBut not tonight.Ó
  The Cancer Man nodded, once again taking a Morley out of his jacket pocket and lighting it. ÒYouÕve got guts, Mulder. And youÕre asking what in return?Ó
  Mulder sighed. ÒScullyÕs dying. We both know it.Ó The Cancer Man nodded. ÒTake my cell phone, get someone on, and get them over there to cure her.Ó
  The Cigarette Smoking Man protested. ÒBut I...Ó
  ÒIf you canÕt cure her, save her. Let her live for a while. She deserves that. She deserves MORE than that,Ó Mulder interrupted.
  Once again, both figures stood silent. They stared into each other, exploring each otherÕs deep secrets and emotions. After what seemed like hours, the Cancer Man nodded. ÒAnything else?Ó
  Mulder nodded. ÒYeah. I want my job back. I want my X-Files back.Ó
  Mulder drew his cell phone and gestured it towards the Cancer Man. Slowly, the Cancer Man took it from him and brought it towards his ear. As the phone began to ring, the elder man nodded again.
  ÒSo be it, AGENT Mulder.Ó

* * * *

  In the moonlight, Krycek bled.
  The sun had begun to creep up as Krycek let out his grunt of pain. Slowly, the man pushed with all his might. It took every ounce of strength to get to his knees. He looked down at the hole in his chest.
  It was a mortal wound.
  Krycek rose to his feet. Anger flowed through and out of him like blood. He would have his revenge.
  Someday, they would pay.
  Every one of them.

* * * *

  The Cancer Man held the green liquid in his hand, staring into it.
  Already he had torched the article in his fireplace. Now, it was time to dispose of THIS. How had Deep Throat actually found a real, live specimen? It was beyond the Cancer ManÕs knowledge.
  Slowly, he tipped the contained, watching the liquid spill into itÕs grave. ÒThere,Ó he cooed. ÒNow, maybe, youÕll be out of my life forever.Ó
  With a FLUSH, the liquid disappeared.
  The Cancer Man walked away.

* * * *

TWO DAYS LATER

  Agent Scully lay in bed staring at the ceiling.
  She had been through a lot lately, no doubt about that, and still had a lot of things on her mind. She wondered about the repressed memory she had called during her dreaming state, wondering if it had been true, that the Cancer Man had been there, or if the antibiotics had been playing with her. She wondered about a lot of things, but there was one thing she was sure of right now, and that was what to do about Mulder.
  As that thought came to her head, she was surprised to see Mulder walk through the door, carrying a bouquet of flowers. She smiled at him. ÒHi,Ó she whispered.
  ÒHey,Ó he said, sitting down.
  Scully looked at him. Although smiling, she could tell something was troubling him. ÒMulder,Ó she asked. ÒWhat is it...?Ó
  He sat silent.
  ÒMulder?Ó
  He sighed heavily, then looked into her eyes. ÒDana,Ó he said. Once again, she was surprised to have been addressed by her first name. ÒI love you, donÕt get me wrong about that. You mean the world to me.Ó
  Scully smiled. ÒBut...?Ó
  ÒBut...Ó Mulder began.
  Scully didnÕt let him finish. ÒBut I canÕt compete with the X-Files. TheyÕll always be your first love. I know that.Ó
  Mulder smiled. ÒYou mean...?Ó
  Scully returned the smile. ÒIÕm not sure the Bureau would like it very much either. The last thing they need is another ÔSpookyÕ. ThatÕs why we shouldnÕt see each other. Right?Ó
  Mulder nodded. ÒBut how did you...?Ó
  Scully reached out and grabbed his hand. ÒBecause I was thinking the exact same thing.Ó Mulder held her hand, smiling. ÒI guess we arenÕt as different as we once thought, Mulder. I guess thereÕs something in us that will always connect.Ó
  For a moment, both stayed silent, wrapped in each otherÕs moods. They stared at each other, both flashing huge smiles. For a moment, everything was perfect. Then, Scully brought up a new subject.  ÒMulder,Ó she said, her smile fading. ÒI got a visit this morning from... from the Cancer Man.Ó
  MulderÕs eyes went wide.
  ÒAnd he told me everything. He said he figured I should know. Know that you sacrificed everything to try and save me.Ó  Mulder nodded. ScullyÕs look was begging for an explanation. ÒYeah,Ó Mulder said. ÒBut I knew it was the right thing to do, because youÕre the only friend IÕve ever had. You understand where I come from, where I get all of my crazy explanations. Keep your skepticism, thatÕs what youÕre good at. Besides, no matter what... you believe in me.Ó Scully sat there smiling for a while, before Mulder stood up. ÒI have to go,Ó he said. ÒIÕm double parked and they want me back at the office. I just wanted to see how you were feeling, thatÕs all.Ó
  Mulder walked to the door, and upon opening it, was faced with a question. ÒMulder?Ó Scully asked. He spun to look at her. ÒWhy did you do it? You could have known everything. You could have found Samantha.
  ÒMulder, you could have had the truth youÕve wanted for so long.Ó
  Mulder smiled, beginning to step out of the door. ÒI know,Ó he called. He paused for a second.
  ÒThatÕs what I was afraid of,Ó he finished.
  Slowly, with a small wave, Mulder closed the door.

fin