^*^*^ Across Town Location Unknown Dawn The woman had to come down. His eyes and ears in the organization had sent in reports and they were not good. Not good at all. Proteus held onto the reins tightly unless he discovered that some slack was called for. Zale and Jemel had earned that slack, some loosening on their tethers to him. Bishop was on the way. There were others who clearly would continue to require overriding control. Ben Stillman was on that list, although he had demonstrated cautious initiative. The Boss also ranked Slug among those on the up-and-coming list. The man was a diamond in the rough. Sure, he had initially needed close watching, but more so because of his learning style. However, what he lacked in his slow processing abilities, he more than made up for in his dedication to the organization's goals and unswerving allegiance. Yes, Proteus had plans for Slug. The two newest wildcards were Chris Arsenault and Diana Fowley. Similar yet vastly different. Jemel had taken care of the background checks and curiously, both seemed to have been connected to law enforcement at one time in their careers. The Fowley woman's trail was a virtual mosaic; the dots connected globally, stops along the world map for scientific exploration and business opportunities. Bright, high scores on most standard intelligence inventories, although Proteus would take street smarts any time over some self-important tests that measured little more than one's ability to absorb useless details. Graduating top of her class, the woman took advantage of experiences that helped her climb the ladder; in some cases, taking two rungs at a time. A curious little tidbit Proteus' right-hand woman had uncovered was the fact that the Fowley woman had been dead -- twice by all accounts. The most recent time being this summer in southern New England. However, someone had done a nice job of burying the details. Now, Chris, his newest recruit, was more of an open book. Proteus liked an open book; especially if she or he was going to be working for him. Jemel had to dig deeper for his information; a sure sign that the subject was hiding something; either because he was embarrassed or he thought it might prevent him from employment. Lucky for Christopher T. Arsenault, Proteus liked what he was hiding. Also top of class at the state police academy, specialized training in firearms use and apprehension. After only a short time on the job, he was 'promoted' to desk work. From what the woman could find, Chris had kept his day job, but made some outside connections that furthered his expertise in weaponry transportation. A colorful past that also dead-ended just before he was recruited to Burlington. Proteus wasn't all that concerned. His own past would be hard to uncover and would read like Golden Boy Makes Good, although the true story might curl hair. And while both Diana and Chris had similar pasts, Diana was now most assuredly a liability to the operation. Somewhere along the way, she had shifted her focus from the good of the organization to some sort of personal venture. While he did not yet know the full extent of her diversion, he knew it had some external motivation. And that she was spinning out of control. He would have to rein her in. Fast. And hard. Those were his last thoughts as Jemel, Zale, Bishop, Ben and Slug entered the room. ^*^*^ Radisson Hotel 3:40AM "Mulder." His jaw hurt from muttering his name through gritted teeth. The AD wasted no time in checking back in with his undercover Agent, knowing without a doubt after all these years, that Mulder would work on his own notification schedule. A schedule that sometime defied the rules and the odds. "Not as to her whereabouts, no. But Kimberley Kresge's got an APB out and I did locate some information about what she was working on prior to...prior to going missing." How the hell many times had he had to say that phrase in their years together? How many more times would he have to say them? Even once more would be too many times. Part and parcel of the job, they'd both been in the same situation over their years together. He could hear the frustration in his boss's tone, could envision him running one large hand over his balding pate. Mulder chose to ignore the obvious sarcasm, knowing how strongly Walter Skinner reacted when any of his Agents were in trouble. He also knew that the AD had a soft spot for Scully. He didn't care to explore just how far it went, but Mulder did know that Skinner would go to great lengths; some of them outside the law if necessary, to ensure her safe return. In that respect, he and his boss had a lot in common. Mulder explained what he'd turned up and his subsequent questioning of the hotel staff. He knew that what the older man was looking for was a game plan. Specifically, Mulder's game plan. So he could decide whether now was the time to book a flight to Vermont or just have the SWAT team on standby. "She's uncovered a break through discover with the white paste substance through her connection to the new scientist in the city, Sir." Mulder paused for a beat before continuing, trying to decide how to best frame his next words. He simply stated, "I've got it in control." His boss's reply came swiftly. Mulder knew better than to contradict Skinner at this point. The bottom line was that the AD was correct in his assessment -- all the way around. And, when it came to protecting Scully, although he'd never admit as much to her, Mulder would toe the line. Within limits, he silently amended. "Understood, Sir." Mulder cut the connection before his boss could comment on the veracity of his 'understanding'. ^*^*^ Given Building Sub-basement Level 2 3:30AM "Where the hell is Aja? Where is she?" Diana's bellowing had even her two hired hands wincing. Scully longed for use of her own hands to cover her ears. And while she was at it, she'd gladly take back the use of her legs and get the hell out of Dodge. She'd always wondered about the Fowley woman's motivations, but, until last summer, she'd never really questioned her overall mental health. She'd worked too many years to know that just because she didn't happen to support another's ideas didn't render her/him mentally unstable. She was about to change that assumption. This woman was well and truly gone. Off the very deep end. It would be laughable in some bizarre way if she, Dana Katherine Scully, were not the object of the madwoman's delusions. What she had to figure out was exactly what was motivating Diana's present behavior and what it meant for her as the captured. Go ahead, Dana, profile her... She wasn't sure she wanted to do that. It was Mulder who was the crackerjack profiler. Oh, she knew she had the skill, too. She'd been in the position to develop some pretty solid suspect behavioral outlines. Mulder had been impressed. Genuinely impressed. But both agreed that it was much easier to use that skill on someone unknown. Scully desperately wished that Diana Fowley was 'someone unknown'. The redhead guessed that the former Agent had somehow loosed her bond with reality sometime just previous to her first death. The impetus most probably her falling out with the senior Spender, leading her to assist Scully in saving Mulder's life. The quasi-growl of the woman in charge, snapped Scully back to the current scenario and had her absentmindedly testing the strength of her restraints, knowing it was futile. She watched the storm clouds in Diana's eyes as the taller woman paced back and forth, first in front of and then around her chair. Almost as if Scully were no longer in the room. So intent on locating Aja was she that she patently ignored both Jorge and Ward, who had moved off to the far corner of the room, out of Scully's line of sight. The brunette's hair bounced erratically, whipping around her head as she moved, her composure slipped another degree. From her seated and almost invisible position, Scully had a sudden revelation, although she wasn't sure that it would aide her in her survival or escape. Much as she was loathe to admit it, she had to acknowledge that in some ways -- other than their love of the paranormal -- Diana and Mulder were very much alike. With one very major difference. Both had a finely honed sense of protocol, procedure and 'the system' and knew how to finesse it to make things happen outside of normal channels. However, Diana had also lacked Mulder's humility and sense of fair play. Instead, she sought to ally herself with the highest bidder, never taking the time to develop any game plan. Scully was suddenly pulled from her speculation as Dr. Sonjah followed Diana to stand in front of her. Ward and Jorge had also rejoined the group. What they were assembled for, Scully wasn't so sure she wanted to know but found herself sizing up each of those before her, focusing on the scientist. Mentally kicking herself for not seeing the connection sooner. But what was that connection? Her mind's eye traveled back over the last few weeks. How she'd been introduced to her in the lab as someone who coincidentally had been researching the white paste/CAT 54. There had been something about the fellow researcher Scully hadn't been able to put her finger on. She might have labeled it a hunch. But it had turned out to be much more. Had turned out to be fact. Cold hard fact...staring her in the face. Diana had found the perfect bait for her trap. And the prey had been snared. Sounding to Scully's ears very much as if she were already at the end of her rope, Diana motioned for two chairs. Ward lifted both and set them down front and center. With unnecessary flair, the Fowley woman's one-sided smile grew as she sat and invited Aja to join her. If the situation weren't so dire, Scully might have been amused at the doctor's obvious discomfort. But her attention was quickly drawn to the woman in charge as she dragged her chair closer, her hands now absently playing with the fingers of Scully's left hand. "You know, Dana, you should be proud of your skill," she stated, as if she were already engaged in a dialogue with her. "Your hands...they're so small...so beautiful...." Diana seemed lost in thought as she caressed each digit. Imploring the rather wooden Dr. Sonjah with her eyes, Scully attempted to get some reaction from her. And she did, but not what she'd expected. "Don't mistake me for other than I am, Dr. Scully, and I might not be needed." Was all Aja said, but her meaning was patently clear. As was her glare. Frustrated by her inability to figure out exactly what was wanted of her, Scully tried to close her hand. In a flash, she was silently reminded exactly who was in control. With an almost unnoticeable nod from her boss, Aja's forearm landed heavily across Scully's wrists while Diana yanked both of Scully's index fingers sideways toward her thumbs, causing her to cry out in pain. "I told you we have some talking to do, Dana dear," Fowley laughed and continued, "I'll be asking the questions and you'll be answering them. Is that okay with you?" Scully gasped for air as her tormenter punctuated her question by rotating her thumb as she applied additional pressure to the already over-extended pointer fingers. "I asked you a question!" Diana demanded. "Just...fine, damn you..." Scully's response was sharply curtailed as her hands were released and Diana boxed her ears with the heels of her hands. "Get her the hell out of this chair and over to the reclining bench. Now!" She growled, her voice low and angry. Through a throbbing haze of stinging sensation that rimmed her eyes with unshed tears, Scully's head tipped forward and then back as she tried to focus on the two men approaching her. From the fire into the frying pan... Although the sharp ripping of the tape from her skin elicited a groan of protest, Scully bit down any further displays. She wasn't sure which drew more of her attention -- the tingling pinched feeling of her wrists or the dull ache in her fingers; the tendons and ligaments over-stretched and the already-visible swelling and bruising. Either way, it was a relief to be standing even though it was with support. None-too-gentle support as she was gripped under the arms and nearly dragged to the raised platform chair. More restraints. A wry groaning laugh escaped her as she pondered this scene. Two definitely sinister women and two rather well-muscled men, armed to the teeth. No obvious way to the exit from this antiseptic chamber. She'd been awake for almost twenty-four hours and had last eaten approximately twelve hours ago. She'd describe her own condition as 'weakened'. Yet Diana seemed to think she needed to restrain her. Scully's head lolled to one side, but was quickly brought back to center, a wide leather strap fastened across her forehead and tightened somewhere to the side of the vinyl banquette. She was likewise bound at the ankles, low on the hips and between her chest and shoulders. Before Ward or Jorge could pin her arms to position the wrist bands, she started swinging -- at whoever was close enough to be hit. Muttering mock assurances, Diana Fowley moved closer, signaling her two assistants to back away. Seemingly unconcerned with the flailing redhead, the former Agent Fowley smiled. "Now Agent Scully, this is no way to behave and will not get you anywhere. Surely you can see that." False reasonableness dripped from her words. Frustrated with her inability to subdue the feisty woman, Diana ducked and dodged, trying to avoid contact. Trying to secure her victim. After several unsuccessful attempts to gain control, one of which would most likely result in a bad bruise, Diana deftly trapped both of Scully's wrists in her hands. She nodded, drawing the two men to her once again. "Do it right this time or you'll both be doing it elsewhere." Scully noted their demeanor once their boss had spoken -- determined and chastised; their jobs on the line. Possibly their lives if the speed and efficiency with which they responded was any indication. Circling her prey. That's what she's doing, Scully thought, as her eyes followed for as far as possible. The Fowley woman's overly dramatic movements as she stepped around the chair would have been laughable if she were in any position to laugh. Breaking her own choice of silence, Scully demanded, "What do you want from me, Diana?" Suddenly looming over her, hands on her hips, Diana wheeled around to face Scully. "Well, now you want to cooperate?" Strangely, the question seemed devoid of anything other than curiosity. In spite of herself, Scully found herself laughing. "Cooperate? I don't recall saying anything about 'cooperating'." Scully hoped she'd sounded more in control than she felt. She was fighting to keep her eyes open and stop her now-regular stomach growls. Truth be told, it was funny in a sad sort of way that her captor would even consider the possibility of her cooperation. She waited. And waited even longer for Diana to reply. In the meantime, she watched as Aja brought over seats, nudging her boss to take one. So, they're tired, too, Scully thought, grasping at a way out of this situation. As long as there were four of them and one of her, the odds were decidedly not in her favor. And how often had she been in situations that seemed even bleaker? She was almost afraid to start listing them. Suffice it to say that she and Mulder had fought their way out of worse; together and alone. Always there for each other. Not for the first time since she'd been whisked from the lab, she found herself wondering where he was, when Mulder would show up to get her out of here. She labored under no false assumptions that she was equipped to make a run for it. From what she could tell, this location would not be easy to find. She was pretty sure no one would even notice what had appeared to be a retinal scanner imbedded in the elevator's control panel. But...she could only hope that although clearly delusional, her captor cared about her own safety and had planned for a back up key system. She seriously doubted that anyone knew it even existed. Her surroundings were not fancy, but they were new, recently developed, not part of the original building; of that she was sure. The technology and security was far beyond anything else she'd seen in the building above her. But she also knew her partner was no slouch in the super-sleuth department. Mulder could puzzle his way out of the most complex situations with nothing more than a kernel of information. It was the same for her and together they made a formidable team. The sheer volume of Diana's voice wrenched her from her reverie. Thankfully, the woman either chose to ignore or hadn't really heard Scully's last comment about not cooperating, because she seemed to -- finally -- understand to the crux of what she wanted from her. "It's question and answer time, dear Dana. That means I ask, you answer. Simple enough, isn't it?" Perched atop the fancy stool, Diana crossed her legs, leaning forward, hands on her thigh. As if she were about to settle down and have a friendly chat with a close friend. "What makes it even simpler is that if you fail to provide the answer that I want, I ask one of my men here to help you find the answer. Fair enough?" Not waiting for her to reply, Diana finished, "I thought you'd agree. Now let's begin." Scully noted that 'beginning' did not seem to include Dr. Sonjah who stood and moved over to what appeared to be a state-of-the-art lab bench. She had her own ideas about just what that meant, but couldn't see much out of her peripheral vision. *This was one of those times she hoped to be proven wrong.* Her attention was dragged back to the clearly-delusional brunette when she felt the chair shift into a more upright position. Although still at a forty-five degree angle, she was much closer to Diana. Much closer to whatever was about to 'begin'. Scully wasn't sure who she should be more worried about at this point. Carefully sizing up her situation, she decided she was much more curious about what was going on to her left with Aja than with what the woman-of-more-than-nine-lives in front of her. Oh, she wasn't foolish enough to dismiss Diana as a real threat, but she also realized that if all the Fowley woman had in mind was to kill her, she would've been dead long ago. No, she knew that what her nemesis wanted was much more insidious. But, if the good doctor was even half as intelligent as Scully knew her to be, then what she was doing right now could be imminently more dangerous to her continued survival. She was drawn back front and center by the look of consternation and the affected cough. "Dana, you are the nosey little thing, aren't you now?" Diana rolled her seat to effectively block Scully's line of sight. "Now, I don't want to appear entirely rude. I mean, you do know that I can be very helpful from time to time." Try as she might, Scully could not avoid the sigh of frustration and exasperation and the rolling of her eyes in response. "Did you actually expect an answer?" For a brief moment, the transformation on Diana's face was amazing. While the line between demented and delusional and demented and intelligent was getting harder and harder to see, Scully thought she saw a bit of the latter right now. A bit of the former Agent Fowley. While dealing with the former was no easy feat, the latter might prove more difficult. At any rate, the spaces between the two Diana personalities was becoming more pronounced and more erratic. "You're playing a rather fanciful game, you know. You seem to be laboring under some misconception that you have even a modicum of control over whether you live or die." Looking around the room, Diana gestured expansively as she spoke, her voice steady and harsh. "Do you see anyone else here who might make a surprise rescue? Do any of us appear to be at your beck and call?" Reaching forward with one hand, she tugged at the leather strap across Scully's hips. "Do your restraints feel loose? Well, I can fix that." Scully hissed through clenched teeth as her captor did indeed 'fix' the strap, tightening it by another two inches, forcing the air out of Scully's lungs. "*Now* I believe you're ready. What I was about to offer you was one question. One opportunity to ask me whatever you want to ask. As they say, speak now or forever hold your peace." The unstoppable laughter following Diana's offer spoke volumes to Scully. Torn between not wanting to give her the satisfaction and needing more information, Scully silently weighed her options once again. She was actually surprised she was still lucid enough to do so, the loss of sleep coupled with the current conditions threatening to cloud her rationality. If not for the adrenaline coursing through her veins at the uncertainty of her predicament, she was sure she'd be asleep. She allowed the barest upturn of her lips as she pondered the reaction on the woman before her should she fall asleep in the midst of her interrogation... "All right, Diana. My question is rather simple. Why I am here?" Those three sentences seemed to take a lot out of her, the tension from the restraints starting to get to her. Not to mention the fullness in her bladder she could no longer ignore. As if she'd read Scully's mind, Diana began with, "I think there's actually something else you really wanted to ask, but your ridiculous pride held you back. You want to know whether or not I'm going to let you use the facilities, give you some water, maybe even something to eat." Her widened smile failed to match the goading of her words. And the mere mention of the three necessities had Scully trying not to squirm. Luck was on her side as she felt the sudden easing of pressure as Ward and Jorge released the straps. She operated under no false notions about any escape plans at this point, although she was sure she'd use the time to more carefully scrutinize her surroundings. Scully was almost thankful for the tight grip they had on her arms as her legs were very stiff and cramped from being held in one position for so long. Unfortunately, the distance was not great enough to provide all the time she required to walk off the kinks. And the fact that she seemed to require so many people to lead her to the small bathroom was somewhat amusing in a sadistic sort of way. She bit back the sudden urge to ask Diana why she felt she needed to train the barrel of her gun on her head, but knew the sarcastic humor would go unappreciated -- to say the least. Therefore, she remained silent as Aja opened the door and the two men escorted and dragged her inside. Waving the pistol around to punctuate her words, Diana nodded to the completely and very beige walls that were also very solid and without windows. "You might notice, Dana, that this structure is rather solid. Cement blocks, to be exact." She continued, now sounding very much like a guide in some misbegotten 'great homes' tour, "And all the fixtures are made from a special composite; a cross between rubber and...something a bit harder...but very non-metallic." *Abruptly ending her monologue, she concluded, "So, we'll give you some privacy to do your business." And with that Jorge and Ward let her go, roughly pushing her against the sink. Turning on her way out, Diana called behind her, "You have ten minutes," and slammed the door. Alone. Ten minutes seemed both much too short and a blissful eternity. Much too short since her quick scan of the small space told her exactly what she already surmised; no exit, no sharp objects. Diana obviously hadn't lost all her faculties. Not completely. Her musings ended along with her make-do ablutions when someone pounded the door, her or his muffled voice announcing imminent entry. Barely having time to pull her leggings back into place and tug her long sweatshirt down, it was Diana herself who yanked Scully out into the larger main chamber. Lassitude brought on by the brief respite threatening to settle in, she almost missed the rustling of Aja's lab coat as she approached Scully from behind. Quickly moving, she unintentionally turned into the scientist's open palm which came to rest on the smaller woman's head, her other arm coming upward. Barely registering Ward and Jorge's approach, she found herself gripped in place, their hands holding her arms. "You're hungry and I'm no chef," Diana's cackling filled the air, echoing, "So, we're going to make do with a rather potent meal supplement." Wedged between the two larger men, Dr. Sonjah's hands stilling her head, the self-proclaimed Mata Hari brought the plastic cup up to Scully's mouth. "Spit any of this out, Dana, and I'll be sure that we provide your Required Daily Amount in a rather unpleasant manner." Diana's mocking smile was almost as hard to swallow as the vile nourishment. Although she'd long ago surmised as much, Scully was sure Diana Fowley was enjoying herself immensely. This was payback time and she was about to receive everything the former agent thought Scully deserved. Exacting her revenge against supposed transgressions. Against the fact that Mulder was her partner. It hit Scully then. And in a parody of cooperation, her lips parted with the knowledge, allowing Diana to pour the thick liquid into her mouth. The very chalky and bitter tasting liquid. Dana Scully was the dispensable pawn in Diana Fowley's misguided efforts to obtain that which she most wanted. Still wanted. Fox Mulder. The paper towel was quickly and roughly swiped across her mouth as the last of her most recent meal was forced down her throat. "Get her back in the chair and strap her in." This was nearly yelled in her face as Diana instructed Ward and Jorge to reseat Scully. Taking her place once again, the Fowley woman took center stage. The two women observed one another. Scully brows furrowed slightly as she tried to ascertain Diana's plans. The fact that her jailer was smiling broadly, arms crossed in front of her made Scully feel as if she were being scrutinized. And perhaps she was, although she was not sure for what purpose. Not sure she wanted to find out, either. Although she was sure the silence had only really lasted no more than thirty seconds, it felt interminable. She could barely even hear whatever it was Aja had once again busied herself with at her workstation. As if Diana had read her thoughts, the silence ended when Scully was asked a rather laughable question. "So, Dana. Is it all right if I call you that?" Not waiting for an answer, Diana continued, "Why don't you tell me about Fox." Just like that. Simple question requiring a simple answer? Scully said nothing. She considered the old adage, 'answer a question with a question', but then remembered it was usually preceded with an admonishment; 'don't answer...' Besides, while doing so was an attractive option, it was sure to infuriate Diana. Then again, she mused wryly, was it possible to know what *wouldn't* anger the woman? Feeling the glare of Fowley's eyes on her, she replied as evenly as she could, "I have nothing to tell you." A beat. Or more. It almost appeared as if she'd stunned the brunette with her response. But it had been the truth. She had no idea what the information was for and she would not jeopardize Mulder or his work in any way with this woman or anyone else. But it was also more than that. It was personal. She wasn't so much worried about the details of their relationship coming out; she was pretty sure Diana knew more than Scully wanted her to know anyway. What was 'personal' was the fact that Scully detested all that Diana stood for. The fact that this supposedly intelligent woman was nothing more than a conniving, possessive and manipulative bitch. And someone who had had her sights set on Mulder for a very long time. Not breaking eye contact with Diana, Scully could see that she had indeed stalled with her answer, but only for the time being. Only until the Fowley woman could regroup. It was clear the brunette had not expected the bold statement she got. Scully watched the set of Diana's mouth; the tight firm line of her lips pursued in concentration as her eyes flitted toward Scully and then downward. As quickly as that look had appeared, it disappeared, only to be replaced by determined delight. A woman with something up her sleeve that she couldn't wait to share. Seeming to give Scully's earlier declaration about having nothing to share with her due consideration, Diana appeared downright gleeful. It was the sudden changes that unnerved Scully. Much more than what was said, it was *how* it was being said. "Dana, Dana, dearest Dana, you are clearly deluding yourself if you think I don't know." The overly-familiar and chanting tone was grating -- and condescending. Diana continued as she sidled the stool up against the arm of the chair, one polished finger nail idly creating little patterns on the back of Scully's hand. "You're deluding yourself if you think Fox is in it for the long haul with you. You're probably forgetting just how many times he's betrayed that trust you seem to hold sacrosanct. The blessed Dana Scully trust. 'Thou shalt not breach my trust.' You're right up there with the Saints, aren't you Dana?" Scully wanted to swat Diana's hand away; the brunette's touches were making Scully's skin crawl. But more than the physical connection, former Agent Diana Fowley had struck a nerve; a chord deep within Scully that she'd thought long buried. And she knew she was allowing Diana to see that her words were having the desired effect. Knew the other woman could read it in her eyes. Trying to regain her edge, her self-control, she closed her eyes, focusing inward. Drawing on her inner strength and years of training and experience. Taking a hopefully steadying breath, she opened her eyes. Damn, Diana Fowley was still there. Not missing a beat, the taller woman continued. "What does it take to rattle your cage, Ms. Straight-laced? I mean you didn't catch on back two years ago when I came back to help Fox. No. Oh, I think you were insanely jealous and tried to stuff it down, but I saw the effect you had on him. Your prim and proper stoic tantrums, pretending to draw some little line in the sand didn't work then, did it?" Scully could tell that Diana had just begun. She was warming to her topic, her voice modulating in its tone, the cadence almost lilting. However, it was the woman's eyes that caused Scully to tense her muscles, her breath hitching. They'd grown impossibly large and round, the excitement evident. Evident also in her next words. "And then, when poor Fox was in that hospital, deep inside his own mind, running, hiding from the artifact," Diana stopped suddenly, standing abruptly, her nails grazing Scully's skin as she withdrew her hand in the process. No matter how she tried to turn, Scully couldn't see where Diana was. Until she spoke again. From behind the chair, her hands in Scully's hair. Her lips close to her ear. "He wanted me then, Dana. Me. It was me in his bed then. It was me who touched him body and soul." She purred hotly against Scully's cheek as Scully tried to avoid the intimate contact. Tried to avoid the gag reflex. But Diana wasn't finished. Easing back from Scully's face, she nonetheless continued to wind her fingers through Scully's hair, caressing her scalp as she spoke. "And just when you thought you were rid of me, even after I'd sacrificed so much to let you save him, even after you thought I'd died, I returned. I returned for him because we're meant to be together. Me and Fox." And then Diana was moving again, one hand trailing in Scully's hair as she rounded the chair, ending up on the other side, returning to Scully's line of sight. Scully tried to shift in the restraints, the tightness starting to cut off her circulation; especially where they lay between her thighs and navel. Unfortunately, her movement caught Diana's attention. And the result was swift and stinging as Diana's arm drew a wide arc, the downward force landing a blow to the side of Scully's face. "It's rude to look away when I'm speaking to you, Dana." Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, she strained to hear the brunette who now chose to whisper. "I wasn't finished explaining a few things to you about Fox and why he'll be here soon." Scully held perfectly still, the effort to control her breathing and her desire to move nearly overwhelming. The combination of Diana's last words -- that she believed Mulder was on his way -- and the fact that Diana seemed to be preening herself had Scully on alert. As much 'alert' as she could be on given her current position. She truly hoped that Mulder was on his way to take Diana away -- some place very secure and very padded. But, knowing her partner, he'd be alone, believing as usual that he was a one man show and needed no back-up. She fervently hoped that he'd stayed in touch with Skinner or, at the very least, Kimberley and the local authorities. Mulder knew what he was doing; she'd give him that, but he would be no match against these numbers. She found herself wondering how he'd respond when he saw what had become of the former Agent Fowley. His former partner. His former... Scully stopped at that point, knowing that heading down that road; especially in her current situation, would be ill-advised. After all; she knew how he'd respond. He'd find it hard to keep from taking Diana out single-handedly. Scully allowed the smallest of smiles to settle over her face at that thought, wincing slightly as the muscles bore the throbbing pain from being struck. But the calm was rudely replaced by the sound of Diana's excited voice, droning on as if she'd never paused to check her appearance. "I would think that you; especially you, a scientist, would believe the empirical evidence of Fox's connection to me..." Scully tried closing her eyes and drawing inward, not wanting to hear anymore, but the words found their way in nonetheless. "I think you're forgetting or would you say 'blocking'? what happened this summer in Massachusetts. I seem to remember some very tangible evidence of Fox's willingness to come to my assistance. Let...me...see..." Almost as if Scully was no longer the object of her diatribe, Diana began to pace back and forth in front of the reclining chair, her eyes wandering to the far corners of the room, her head turning this way and that. At one point, Scully was sure Diana was searching for something she'd lost -- her sanity maybe? She watched as Diana bent down to look under the footrest and then straightened up again, pacing, moving. Abruptly Diana's voice pierced the short-lived silence, startling Scully. "Where was I? Oh yes, I was reminding you of just how attentive to me -- yes, me -- your supposed lover was back in August. It was at that Aquarium, wasn't it? Yes, yes, that's it. When you made a fool out of yourself trying to convince him to listen to you and oh my, he listened to *me* instead! Do you know why? Do you? No, I didn't think you'd answer me. But I know why. Fox has never stopped loving me, dear, demented, Dana. He may have allowed me to leave so very long ago, but deep down, he's always wanted me. "He's always known that I was the only one capable of truly satisfying and challenging him personally and professionally. And why do you suppose that is?" Scully was losing her patience, fatigue and frustration equal residents deep inside her. Fighting to keep her eyes open and her sense alert, she pulled her head up off the headrest where she'd let it fall. Although she couldn't move very far, the straining of the muscles in the front of her neck was enough sensation to make her focus. And she was sure it was important to focus; especially now when the Fowley woman seemed to be spinning farther and farther out of control. It was something in the rush of her words, the fact that they were no longer flowing with measure or normal cadence. Diana stopped now, her hands resting on Scully's shoes. Her voice low and menacing, she glared at Scully as she finished, "I asked you why you suppose Fox can only be satisfied by me." Leaning in very close. "Because you, Dana Scully, have never truly listened to him. Never truly cared about what's important to him. Never been able to give him what a man like Fox really wants in bed. I'm sure you don't realize that even now, even here in Vermont, it's been me he's talked to. Yes, even last night while he was in that little town outside of St. Albans. It was me who got him away from that other blonde woman, got her to leave him alone. And where were you? "Why was I with him and not you? Think about it, Dana. Think really hard and you'll know that for every minute he wasn't with you, he was with me. Right. Here. In. Vermont." Gloating and boasting, Diana suddenly turned and made her way to the lab bench, talking with Aja. Leaving a shaken and confused Scully in her wake. ^*^*^