Title:  Rematch

Feedback: cantervilleghost1854@yahoo.com

Author: Grace Thompson

Catagory: Hmmm Not sure.

Rating: R  For violence.

Archive:Sure, tell me first though.

Summary:Not wanting Alex to die, here is my version of
the season finale. Enjoy!

Author's Notes:  Try to follow me. This will be
confusing. Hey, I learned it from CC!*LOL* Ok, this
takes place after Alex left Larissa in Dance With The
Devil. But BEFORE events in Prodigal Son, which was 3
years after Dance With The Devil. In this story, we
see how Alex survives getting shot in Existence, which
was alluded to in Prodigal Son.  It also shows that
darker side to Doggett that I will now explore in a
purely Doggett story. 

Disclaimer: These characters are the sole property of
CC who has no bloody idea how to develop them
properly. So, I've taken it upon myself to do it for
him, whether he likes it or not.


                      Rematch


     He opened his eyes, slowly, briefly. Blackness,
everywhere.He blinked,repeatedly. Slowly, his mind
began to function.He opened his eyes again, still the
blackness. And something, a sound, low, annoying...
Crickets! He heard crickets. That was it! He was
outside.But where?

     He tried to move. A sudden, debilitating pain in
his head stopped him. He groaned loudly. Then silently
cursed himself for the noise.He had no idea where he
was, other than outdoors.The pain in his head was
unbearable, right there, between the eyes. Where was
he? Then another thought crept into his mind..... Who
was he?His eyes closed again, as the searing pain
rendered him unconscious.

     When he awoke, the sun was rising.He opened his
eyes, squeezing them shut quickly ,against the bright
sunlight.Images came back to him. He had an
assignment... a baby... he was suppose to find a
baby.He tried again to move. The pain was sharp, but
not like before. There was pain in his arm, and leg.An
image flashed through his mind. A man, with glasses
had shot him. As the image invaded his brain, the
searing pain increased. He reached up,grabbed at his
head. Then jerked his hand away. Where was the wound?
He HAD been shot! Where was the wound? Gingerly, he
touched the area where the pain was sharpest. There
was ,indeed, a hole, but it had a thin layer of flesh
over it.With his artificial arm, he checked the real
arm, it was the same, as was his leg. His body was
healing, regenerating. Why? How?

     He forced himself to sit up. His vision blurred,
dizziness overwhelmed him. The nausea welled up before
he had a chance to fight it back down. The dizziness
increased with his rapid moves as he leaned sideways
and vomited. The intense heaves made it all much
worse.He lay back down, panting, Crying. 

     "Who am I?"He tried to remember. A woman's face
flashed through his mind. And a name--Larissa. With
it, he felt pain of a different kind. Where was she?
He had lost her. No, that wasn't right. He had left
her. Then he lost her. Images began to pour into his
mind. Rapidly they came, one after the other,
overlapping.Skinner! The man who shot him, was named
Skinner. Mulder, Larissa. Then at last, a name,
Krycek. "I'm Alex Krycek."

     He sat up, fighting the pain, controlling the
nausea. He had to reach Scully! Had to find that baby!
If he failed, all was lost. He would deal with Skinner
later. Much later.Right now, he had a job to do. A job
he wished wasn't necessary. He stumbled, tripped, but
as he forced himself to walk, the pain subsided with
each step. Again he asked himself why and how he
survived. Then decided he didn't want to know.He stood
tall, walked slowly. Too much was riding on his
assignment. He had to succeed. Failure wasn't an
option this time.

     Skinner sat in his office, waiting. Mulder would
arrive soon, with Doggett. He wasn't looking forward
to this meeting. Mulder had not spoken to him since he
shot Krycek. Dammit! Why? Skinner had saved his
life!That was two days ago. Now, he had to tell Mulder
that his would be killer was missing. A knock on the
door interupted his thoughts.  "Come in."

     Mulder and Doggett entered. Doggett greeted
Skinner. Mulder would not even look at him.  Doggett
was the one who spoke.  "You wanted to see us, Sir?"

     "Yes. Sit down.BOTH of you!"  The latter Skinner
added when Mulder remained standing.

     Mulder looked at Skinner. The look chilled his
blood. There was an odd tone to his voice.  "I don't
work here anymore. So, I don't take orders from you.
I'm here only because you said this concerns Scully.
If it doesn't, tell me now.I need to get back and
watch William while she sleeps. She's been through
hell, and needs her rest."

     Skinner tried to keep his voice amiable.  "This
does concern Scully, and you.  Krycek is missing."

     Doggett looked up.  "Missing?  I thought the guy
was dead. Your report said..."

     Skinner cut him off.  " I know what the report
said. I didn't say he's alive.  I said he is missing."

     Mulder spoke, a trace of hope in his voice.  "
Missing as in, they misplaced his body? Or missing as
in, he got up and walked away?"  

     "Now wait just a minute, Mulder.  He was shot
between the eyes, right? Dead men don't just get up
and walk away." Doggett looked from one to the other.

     Mulder spoke again. "You don't know Krycek. He's
been dead more times than I can count. So, which is it
?"  He looked at Skinner.

     Skinner looked at the report on his desk. Then at
Mulder.  "There was a trail of blood, identified as
Krycek's, leading out of the parking garage.  Once
outside, the trail disappeared. It could be that
someone took his body."

     Mulder's shoulders drooped.  "The Consortium."

     Doggett looked confused.  "Consortium?  Who are
they? And why take Krycek's body?"

     Mulder glared at Doggett.  "Don't you even read
the damn files?  They would have plenty of reason to
take Krycek's body.  If what I suspect is true.  For
all we know, Krycek could be just like Billy Mi...." 
Mulder broke off, and stood rapidly, reaching for his
cell phone. Skinner tried to ask what he was doing.
Mulder held up his hand. After he dialed the number,
he waited, then dialed the number again, slower.  He
lowered the phone, fear in his eyes, as he rushed out
the door, yelling behind him,  "She's not answering
the phone!" 

     All three men raced to the elevator.

     Twenty Four Hours Later:

     Doggett walked into the basement office, trying
not to look at Scully's vacant desk.A pang of sorrow
hit him in the chest. He had let her down, in his
mind, let her down in the worst way. Had he managed to
hang onto Krycek's car that fateful night in the
hospital's parking garage, Scully would be with her
child, now.That made twice.... twice that someone he
loved, had lost a child.Mulder firmly believed, though
God knew why, that Scully's son was still
alive.Doggett wasn't convinced. He didn't buy this
alien invasion crap. Plain and simple, Krycek had
kidnapped the baby for revenge.Nothing more.Doggett
dropped the file onto his desk with a disgusted
sigh.Given his encounter with Krycek, the bastard was
capable of anything. The memory of Scully's drawn,
saddened face appeared before him. No matter how long
it took, he'd find Alex Krycek... and make him pay. 

     Mulder walked into the office, and stopped short.
Even after what they'd been through together, he still
couldn't get used to the sight of someone other than
Scully occupying HIS office. He mumbled a hello,
sitting down behind his former desk. Mulder opened the
case file, pretending to study it.

     "How's Agent Scully?" Doggett asked, moving to
the filing cabinet. He looked through the files,
wanting anything related to one Alex Krycek.

     'None of your business' ,Thought Mulder."she's
fine." He stared at Doggett's back. "What are you
doing?" Those are my files.

     Doggett pulled out several, slammed the cabinet
with a bang, and faced Mulder." Wrong, they're the
FBI's files. And you no longer work here. I'm looking
for info on Krycek. What can you tell me about him?"
Doggett sat down, again glancing at Scully's desk.He
opened the top file.

     "That, you're asking for trouble, if you go
looking for Alex."  Mulder stared at him, the
resentment building. If only this moron wasn't here,
Mulder felt he could get the baby returned.

     "Alex?"  Doggett's surprise was evident.  "Alex?
I wasn't aware that the two of you were so
"familiar"?"

     Memories of that damn kiss flashed through
Mulder's brain. Yet, again, he wondered why Krycek had
kissed him on the cheek.And  WHY it still un nerved
Mulder.  " Let's just say, we have a history."  Mulder
looked at his own file.

     Doggett glanced over his report. "Started out as
your partner, killed your father, damn near killed
you, had you tortured in Tunguska. That's some
history. And yet, you call him ,Alex. Anything you
want to tell me,  Mulder?"

     Mulder looked up, anger flashing in his eyes.  "
Yeah, stay out of this. I know how to handle Al......
Krycek. You don't. He's out of your league."

     "What league would that be,  Mulder? The "Aliens
Are Attacking" League? Or the "I'm Involved With The
Enemy" League?"   He stood up fast,  as Mulder also
stood rapidly, the force knocking over Mulder's chair.

     "Look! I don't like Krycek, or what he's done.
But... with Alex Krycek... it's complicated. He's a
liar, a killer, and will do anything, to save his own
ass.But none of us can deny, he saved me. And Scully.
And damn near died for it."

     "Saved Scully!? Is that what you call it? He
steals her son, implies that the baby must die... and
you expect me to believe, he's a hero?"  Doggett
thought back to the parking garage. The smug look on
Krycek's face as he dropped the vial.His mind flashed
over the next time he saw him, running with the baby.
Doggett wanted to shoot, but wouldn't risk hitting the
infant. And Krycek knew it. The anger glowed red hot
in his eyes as he thought back to Krycek, holding the
baby tight against him,that same smug look on his
face.

     " Go ahead", Krycek had taunted." Shoot. Take the
responsibility for this off my shoulders."

     "You are NOT leaving here with that baby.Don't do
this. it doesn't have to be this way. Why make the
innocent suffer?That infant has done nothing to you." 
 Doggett had stood there, gun aimed, praying for a
clear shot.

     Krycek shook his head in disbelief.  " And I
thought Mulder was stupid.You're right, why should the
innocent suffer. This," He nodded toward the infant, 
" Is NOT one of the innocent.He is death, the end of
our world. And I have a job to do."   And with that,
he had backed away. Doggett had stood waiting... till
darkness overtook him. Krycek had stalled him enough
for his accomplice, whoever it had been, to get in
place and subdue Doggett.

     Scully's voice cut through Doggett's thoughts.  
" Agent Doggett.,Mulder? What's going on?"   She stood
in the doorway.

     Doggett turned, hiding the concern he felt.His
heart beating faster at the sight of her. Mulder
walked past him, stood before Scully.Doggett spoke
first.  "You shouldn't be here,Agent Scully."

     "He's right, Scully. Go home.I've..... we've got
this covered."   Mulder tried to smile.

     Scully moved into the tiny office.  " Covered?
When I walked in, the two of you looked as if you were
about to take each other apart.The three of us are a
team now.Shouldn't we act like one?"   She walked
slowly, almost painfully to her desk.As she sat down,
Scully shot them a challenging look, daring either of
them to tell her to leave.

     Doggett nodded, returned to his desk.  "Agent
Scully, what can you tell me about Alex Krycek?"

     Mulder began to object. Doggett cut him off,
Scully had to nearly shout to stop them.Tears
threatened to spill from her eyes.             "  
That's enough! Stop it! Both of you!"   She looked at
Doggett. Mulder walked stiffly back to his desk. 
"Agent Doggett, everything I know about Krycek is in
my reports.And sadly, that's very little.One thing I
do know, finding him won't be easy. Unless he wants to
be found."

     Doggett shook his head.  " Nothing, no leads on
associates, haunts?"

     Mulder's voice was strained. Scully shot him a
warning look.  " Men like Krycek don't have
"associates". They have enemies."

     "Looks to me like they have friends."  Doggett
stared at Mulder.Again they both stood.This time, so
did Scully.

     "Dammit! Stop! This won't find my....Mulder,
Agent Doggett has experience in this kind of thing."  
She gave a sympathetic look in Doggett's direction.  "
Why don't you try listening to him? You can trust
him.I've told you that before. Isn't that enough?"

     Mulder looked at Scully. He felt her pain. And
let her see it in his eyes. He spoke in a low
voice.Doggett listened quietly.                  
"Scully, we both know, Krycek will contact us... when
he's ready. If he goes poking around, it'll drive Alex
deeper into hiding.Without his interference, I have
every confidence that we can get your son back."

     "Oh, that's BS ,Mulder. Krycek took Scully's
baby...."   The phone rang.The three of them stood
there. Mulder reached out, answered the pjone, a
challenging look in his eyes as he glared at Doggett. 
"Mulder."

     "Listen to me, Mulder. I don't have time for
games. Lose the stiff. Go to the payphone at the
corner of Madison and third. ALONE. Now. You have
fifteen minutes."   The dial tone sounded. Mulder
cursed, silently. How the hell would he leave, without
arousing suspicion? Then it came to him. If only
Scully didn't try to follow.He spoke into the phone.He
replaced the reciever.  " Look, I've had enough of his
posturing. I need some air."   Mulder walked to the
door.

     Doggett called after him.  " Who was on the
phone, Mulder?"

     Knowing it would anger Scully, he hated doing it.
 " None of your damn business."   With that he stormed
out. Scully called after him and had apparently
started to follow. He heard Doggett's raised voice
telling her to let Mulder go. He raced to Madison.

     Mulder reached for the payphone,breathlessly. 
"Krycek?"  He tried to keep the hopeful tone from his
voice.

     "Hi,Spooky."  Came the smoky reply.  "Did you
miss me?"

     Mulder cursed himself for the smile that spread
across his face.  He struggled, not wanting to answer
the question.  " I never wanted him to kill you."  It
sounded lame.

     "Then why didn't you stop him?  Nevermind, forget
it.  It doesn't matter."  Krycek fought back the
sadness.

     "Yes, it does. It matters to me, and to you. 
Alex.... I'm sorry."  Mulder felt a pang of guilt as
he realized he had not yet asked about the baby.

     As if reading his thoughts, Krycek spoke.  "I
didn't call for that.  The baby is safe.  I want to
return him. Alive."

     "Why, Alex?  Why did you do this?"  Mulder feared
the answer.

     "I had my reasons.  You don't need to hear them. 
I want to return her child.  On one condition."

     Mulder tensed. As always, everything Alex did
came with a price.  "What do you want,Alex?"

     "You."  Alex said nothing further.

     "Me? In what way?"  Mulder tried not to smile,
cursing himself mentally.

     In every way, Alex thought.  But, he could not
bring himself to say it. Everytime he tried, something
inside him kept him from telling Mulder how he felt. 
"I want you, to abandon your "cause".  In return,
little Willie here goes home to Mama."

     Mulder was suddenly on the alert.  "Perhaps you
don't remember. I'm no longer with the FBI.So,
therefore, the cause is abandoned."

     Krycek laughed. Mulder's breath caught in his
throat.  "Come on now, Spooky.  It's me.  If you have
abandoned the cause, why was I able to reach you at
the FBI building?  Mulder ,I'm serious. You have no
idea what is at stake here.  You are not uncovering
the "truth". You are dooming this planet. You know me,
Mulder. Yeah, I'm a fucking liar, most of the time.
Did I lie about Billy Miles? Did I lie.... about the
baby? Mulder, they will kill you, and ANYONE near you.
Do you understand me?"

     "I've heard this before,Krycek.  But Scully and I
are still here."

     "Things have changed.  Mulder, you have to leave
there. What's more important to you, the so called
truth, or "your" son? You cannot have both."  Krycek
bowed his head, heart heavy.  He hated doing this. 
"Actually, you won't be allowed to have either."

     There was something about his voice, the way he
sounded.  Mulder felt Krycek was telling the truth. 
Things were indeed different now. The birth of William
had changed everything.  But, to leave Scully, and
never see William grow up.... could he do that?

     Krycek seemed to understand Mulder's struggle,
but then, he was good at gauging Mulder's moods. He
spoke softly.  "I won't hurt him.  You've got  three
hours to decide.  I'll call you at home. Tell no one,
not even Scully. This stays between us."  Without
waiting for an answer, he hung up.

     In a room, set up for covert activity, a new
agent for the Consortium listened to the conversation
between Krycek and Mulder. Her team was well chosen.
And this was the first mission she was fully in charge
of. Her Mentor had trained her, paired her with
others. And now, He was allowing her to show the
Consortium what she could truly do.She removed the
earphones, fighting down the sadness, focusing on her
task.

     An operative, known within the ranks only as
Number 4 spoke up. He was her friend, had helped in
her training, and fully believed in her. Last time, he
had been the one in charge. He spoke softly. No one
liked this assignment.  "Do you really think this'll
work? Nothing has ever dissuaded Mulder before."

     The new operative layed down the headphones.  "
Yes, I do. So do the Rebels. With the baby involved,
this will make Mulder act, at long last."

     Number 4 sighed.  "Maybe. But I still don't see
the reason for the switch. Why substitute another baby
for Scully's?"

     She looked at him.  "Because, Love, if Scully's
baby isn't returned, unharmed, they will never stop
looking. It will give them reason to continue their
search for "The Truth".  And that would indeed doom us
all. So, we'll switch Scully's baby, with a totally
human one. He'll match Mulder's bloody DNA enough to
fool any human doctor, even Scully."

     4 looked at her confused.  "And what happens to
the real William?"

     She looked away, forcing an icy cold around her
heart.  This was NOT what she had signed on for. Tears
threatened. She fought them down hard.  And forced the
icy demeanor to take over. It was the beginning of a
journey that would one day be her biggest regret.  Her
voice was hard when she spoke.  "Best not ask,Love. 
That's an answer you do NOT want to hear."

     Mulder drove to the park, and sat in his car. 
Krycek's words ran through his head, over and over,
like an old record whose needle was stuck in a groove.
 Sadness filled his soul. Yes, there was a bond with
Alex, always would be.  But he did love Scully.  The
problem was, he loved his pursuit of the truth more
than anyone or anything in his life.  His career in
the FBI was finished. He could never get that back. 
But, there were other ways to find and expose the
truth. Hadn't the Gunmen proved that?Was Krycek right?
Did he,Mulder, have to give up his pursuit of the
truth?  One thing was certain, he would have to give
up Scully.  If he left, they would follow him, and
perhaps leave Scully and William alone.  He owed her
that, owed William that. All the doubts, all the
fears, that William wasn't human.  And yet, he was.
That was the child's salvation, he was certain. It was
why they hadn't taken the baby that night.  He wasn't
the threat they thought him to be, or the saviour for
that matter.  For the first time in his life, maybe he
should think of someone other than himself.  He
checked his watch, then started the car. Now, if only
he could make Scully understand.

     The operative followed Mulder, reporting his
every move.  The fledgling operative in charge was
leaving nothing to chance.  The Consortium had taught
her to be thorough. And ,indeed, she was.  She issued
orders to Mulder's tail, and signed off.  She sat back
with a heavy sigh, sipping her tea.Trying not to think
of the past, the person she once was. Still was, she
reminded herself.  As she lifted the teacup to her
lips, she felt the stiffness of the stiletto in it's
wrist holster.  That one weapon had earned her a
nickname. One she was destined to be stuck with it
seemed.  She smiled a sad smile,as she spoke the
nickname outloud, savoring the sound of it.  "Blade."

     Doggett went over what little information he had
on Alex Krycek.  According to the files, whenever he
had something to offer or trade, he always went to
Mulder. Why?  What was their connection?  It seemed to
be a love hate deal between those two.  Doggett
wondered just how much love there might be. Then
dismissed the idea.  Couldn't be. Mulder didn't seem
the type.  For Scully's sake he hoped that was true.
Yet, if Mulder was, Doggett would stand a better
chance with her. If he could get the baby back... He
shook his head, ashamed that he,John Doggett had such
a thought. She needed him to be there as a friend, not
a would be lover looking for an angle.  He cursed
himself and looked at the folder again. Then sat up
stiffly. What had he thought earlier? When Krycek had
something to offer.... something to trade. Something
to trade.... the phone call! "Son of a bitch!" Doggett
stood up, racing from the office, barely grabbing his
jacket.

     Mulder sat by his phone, waiting. The time was
nearly up. Alex would call soon.  After Mulder
returned the baby, then and only then, would he tell
Scully goodbye. After he saw her smile,one last time,
kissed her lips... one last time. She would have
William, their son.  That would comfort her in the
days ahead.  As would Doggett. Mulder knew Doggett had
feelings for her.   He'd step in, take Mulder's place.
A tear welled in his eye, he wiped it away.  It was
better like this. He could never be happy living a so
called normal life when so much was left undone. When
people like the CSM had so much power.  Mulder would
never rest till he stopped them.  And one day,
somehow, he would.The phone rang, Mulder jumped,
picking it up before the first rang was over.

     "Hello,Spooky."  Came the reply before he could
even answer.  "You alone?"

     Mulder's heartbeat quicken.  He wasn't sure if it
was due to the deal he was about to make, or because
of the voice on the other end.  "Yeah, I'm alone.  Do
you have William? Is he ok?"

     Krycek laughed, soft and low.  "He's fine.  Cute
little guy. Shame really, that I'll never have one of
my own."

     "You're breaking my heart."  Came Mulder's
caustic reply.  " You chose that path,Krycek, no one
forced you to."

     Krycek's voice had that odd tone again.  The
quiver that sounded as if he were a breath away from
crying.  It always moved Mulder. Which is why he
always reacted violently when he heard it, to keep
Krycek from seeing how it truly afftected him.  "Don't
be so sure, Mulder."

     Mulder cut him off, angry.  "Look dammit! Enough!
Where is William?  I want him back,now!"

     Krycek forced a coldness he didn't feel into his
voice.  Just when he thought Mulder cared, he always
proved he didn't.  "The kid's right here. You want him
back? Give me your answer. What's it gonna be,
Mulder?"

     "I'll leave. I want to be the one to return
William to Scully. And try to explain why I'm leaving.
 Then, I'll go.  Anywhere special you want me?"

     "How about Hell?  Fine, you can make your grand
exit. Then you must leave. For what's worth, I am
sorry, Mulder."  Krycek fell silent.  There was so
much more he wanted to say. But what would be the
point?

     "Sure, you are. Just full of regrets,eh,Krycek? 
Bring William here. Now. I'm alone. It'll stay that
way.I'm waiting."  This time, it was Mulder who hung
up.  He sat down, and looked at the photo of Samantha.
Yes, he'd leave, for now. What he didn't tell Krycek
was that ,one day, he'd be back.  He was robbed of the
chance to see his kid sister grow up. He would not rob
William of the chance to know his father. The
Consortium be damned!

     Larissa removed the headphones.  She looked over
her team.  "Right then. This is it. Remember, we are
merely back up.  Our job is to make sure the baby is
delivered safely. Nothing more. No one is to die.  We
are not to reveal ourselves.  We will follow  Mulder
to Scully's to make sure this goes well.  If anyone
fails to follow my orders, it WILL be the last mistake
ever made by that person.  Is that clear? Any
questions, ask them now.  I want no mistakes.  Too
bloody much is riding on this."

     She glanced about the van, they voiced their
agreement, no questions were asked.  Blade watched,
waiting, Alex would arrive any moment. How she longed
to approach him! It was, afterall, why she had joined
the Consortium.  But, she knew it wasn't time yet. Her
Mentor had warned her against trying to see him yet.
Indeed she had spoken with Alex already, well, sort
of.  Her mind drifted back to the night Alex had been
shot.  She had not expected that.  Even now, she
wondered why the bloody hell Skinner had shot Alex. 
And wanted to take him apart for it. But she had her
orders.  And unlike Alex, she knew better than to
disobey.

     While Alex had healed, she was there , at
Scully's waiting. The Consortium had assured her Alex
wasn't dead.  They claimed he had not been shot as
badly as the reports had claimed.  That confused her. 
Then, when she saw him, she realized it was true, for
there was no wound. Her heart had soared. She wore a
ski mask that night, under orders to back him up but
to not even speak.  She nearly laughed now.  Alex had
thought her one of the alien rebels.She had stood
there in the shadows as Alex taunted Agent Doggett. 
Waiting for the right moment, she had slipped up
behind Doggett, and struck his head with a night
stick. He went down instantly.  She had then looked at
the only man she would ever love, fighting the urge to
remove the mask.

     Krycek had stared at Doggett, then her, the
infant crying softly. He had actually tried to calm
it.  "Should've killed him. Doggett,I mean."

     She had shook her head, and in sign language
explained.

     "I see. True. He'll never believe in you
"people", that makes him the best leader for the
XFiles.  I see they haven't developed your vocal
cords. Judging from the mask, face didn't form right
either,eh?"  He held the infant tightly, the grip
nearly protective.

     She shrugged, smiling that he thought her an
alien rebel. She held out her arms for the infant.

     Krycek swallowed hard. He glanced at the helpless
infant, then at her. She could see the struggle within
him. It tore at her heart, yet reaffirmed that she had
been right to join. He still cared about life. And
needed her ,badly. She stretched her arms again.

     He found his voice.  "Doesn't look like the evil
menace you rebels make him out to be.  What if you are
wrong?"  He made no move to hand the baby over.

     She shook her head slowly, sadly. In sign
language she explained.She also explained how they
would switch the human baby they had cloned for this
one. How this would at last get Mulder out of the way.
 And make it possible for them to one day defeat the
colonists.

     "I know... I know all that.  I just wish there
were another way, that's all."  He stroked the
infant's forhead with his artificial hand.  " This
damn war has cost all of us  far too much.  I hate to
see the price include this."  With a sad ,deep breath
he quickly handed the baby to her.  "Do me a favor.
Tell Them... I never want to know. Whatever the plans
are for Wil... for the infant... I NEVER want to know.
You tell Them, and that cigarette smoking bastard,
that."  He choked.

     Knowing she shouldn't, she reached out, touched
his face. And nodded in agreement. Larissa ,aka Blade,
disappeared quickly.  She didn't see Krycek staring
after her as if there was something familiar there.

     "Krycek's here!"  Said Number 4.

     Blade flinched.  "Oh, Bugger!Ok, look sharp."  
Then focused on the assignment.  She looked through
the dark glass. Krycek glanced their way briefly, gave
a nearly imperceptable nod, and entered the building. 
No one saw the car park far down the street.

     John Doggett fumed. A rage was building within
him. A rage he no longer felt like controlling. The
lying bastard! Mulder had been contacted by Krycek. 
Doggett wished he had a microphone in that damn
apartment.  Fine! He'd wait. Obviously , Mulder wanted
the baby back. He knew Mulder would take the child to
Scully. Doggett planned to follow Krycek. Before this
night was through, he'd see Krycek behind bars, or
dead. At this point, Doggett didn't give a damn which
it would be.

     Krycek entered Mulder's apartment, silently
handing the baby to him. He wanted to say...
something. To try and explain.  He knew this might be
the last time he'd ever see Mulder. It was now, or it
was never. Yes, he loved Larissa. He'd never love
anyone else, but there were things Mulder needed to
know.

     Mulder stared at his son, checking him carefully,
parting the blanket,looking for marks.

     Krycek found his voice, and spoke softly.  "True
to my word, there isn't a mark on him.  Now, you have
to keep your's."

     Mulder looked at him.  "Why?"

     Krycek sighed.  "Dammit ,Mulder!  We've been
through this. Man, I can't tell you.  I told you once,
there is a war on. And we all have our part to play in
it."

     "Alex, if I'm not going to see my son grow up,
spend my life with the woman I love, I deserve to know
why."  He set William down in the infant carrier, and
stood, looking at Krycek, waiting.

     "Mulder.... Spooky, if the colonists are revealed
to the world, do you think they'll just give up?
Quietly disappear?"  Krycek took a step closer.

     Mulder thought that one over.  "No. They'd
attack, wouldn't they? Before the rebels are ready. 
But, Alex, so many things are done that are wrong...
the ends don't justify the means. The experiments...
on Scully, on Cassandra Spender....it has to stop.
It's not right."

     Krycek stood,hands on hips ,slowly shaking his
head.  "God, Spooky... how.... how can you ,of all
people, still be so naive?  You can't fight them
fairly, cleanly. You , WE have to do whatever it
takes! Otherwise, the planet is doomed.  It is hard
for me to say that. I.... lost.... someone too.
Because of the experiments."  He looked Mulder in the
eye.

     Mulder started, as realization dawned.  "Then
.... help me. Help me expose them... Help me..."

     Krycek interupted, getting angry, talking over
Mulder.  "Help you what? Hand victory over to those
whose methods make the ways of the Consortium look
humane?! Dammit! Mulder! Draw your head out of the
fucking sand and listen to me! It has to be this way!
Like it or not, it's the only way to win! The sooner
you realize that, the better for us all, the better
for... him!"  He pointed at the baby.

     "Fine. OK. You win. I'll give up, let it go. I've
had enough. But, dammit, Krycek! I deserve a few
answers."  Mulder stared him down.

     Krycek's eyes locked with his.  "Ask."  His heart
was beating wildly, fearing the questions, and the
answers.

     "Was my mother killed?"  Mulder watched him
closely.

     Krycek breathed a sigh of relief.  "No, it truly
was a suicide.  There was no foul play involved.  She
feared you wouldn't understand, and she couldn't live
with it any longer."

     Mulder spoke quickly.  "Did you kill my father?"

     Krycek closed his eyes painfully. So much for
explaining his feelings. There'd be no point in trying
now.  He bowed his head. his voice faint.  "Yes."

     Mulder stifled a sob. His voice wavered.  "Why?"

     Krycek raised his head, fighting back the pain. 
" I had too. I was under orders. You know by Whom. 
Mulder, I'd have done it anyway.  Your father was
worse than CSM will ever be.  He started all this
crap!  The test, the experiments.  Your father dreamed
them up.  I never wanted you to know that.  I knew how
it would hurt you."

    Mulder looked away.  "Of all the damn times for
you to be honest."

     Krycek spoke quickly.  "Mulder, I care... about
you. Always have.  I've never...but had you just once
given any hint that ...."  He stopped, unable to
continue.

     "I love,Scully, Krycek."  He looked Alex in the
eye.  "And I can never forgive you for killing Dad,
whatever your reasons. I will never forgive you."

     Krycek looked as if he'd been struck.  He nodded
stiffly. He reached out and touched Mulder's cheek,
letting the emotion show in his voice, as he spoke in
russian, telling Mulder goodbye, calling him  his
friend.  "Scully and the baby will be safe, once you
leave. I'll make sure of it."   With that, he turned,
and was gone.

     Krycek left through the rear of the building, he
walked down the street to his car and drove away.
Doggett waited only a beat, then followed. His jaw
clenched tight, trying to remind himself he wasa
federal agent.  But, images of his own son flashed
through his mind as he drove.  He knew the pain Scully
was feeling, and the fear she would now forever live
with.  He loved her more than he could say, and
because of Mulder,he'd never have her.  He never found
his son's killer. But he knew where to find the would
be killer of Scully's child.  And soon, Krycek would
never double cross or kill anyone again.

     Mulder stood, staring at the door.  Stunned that
Krycek left, just like that.  He had wanted to ask why
Krycek had kidnapped his son.  But knew Alex would
have never told him.  Mulder wondered if he'd ever
have the answers he sought.  A cry invaded his
thoughts. Mulder kneeled down, a sad smile on his
lips.  "Hey, it's ok. Let's go see Mom,what do you
say?"  He picked up the phone and called Scully.

     Krycek rushed into the sleezy, roach infested
hotel room. He grabbed his bag and stuffed his meager
belongings into it.  The FBI would be hot on his tail
soon.  His mission was over ,it was time to disappear.
 He zipped up the bag and turned ,just as the door to
his room was kicked open.  Krycek dropped the bag,
drew his gun and ducked all in one fluid move. He
stared at the very angry figure of John Doggett. He
aimed his weapon.

     "Give me a reason."  Doggett stood in the
doorway, finger on the trigger.  "You are under
arrest."  His voice was deadly cold.

     Alex froze. One move, and he knew Doggett would
shoot, and ask questions later. Dammit! He was so
close to getting away!  His mind took in the
surrounding, thinking, planning.

     Doggett didn't move.  "Drop your weapon, or I
will drop you. Don't fuck with me ,Krycek. I'm not
Mulder. I will shoot. Now, I don't know what your game
is, but I know you didn't kidnap that baby just to
return him unharmed. What're you up to?  I said Drop
your weapon!"
     Krycek smiled an evil smile.   He knew how to get
out of this.  He just needed patience, and time. 
"Followed me didn't you? Really Doggett. Just because
you don't have back up, that doesn't mean I don't." 
He looked past Doggett, gave a slight nod.

     Doggett waited, fighting the urge to glance
behind him. He knew Krycek was a consumate liar. 
Granted the bastard had an accomplice the other night.
But he didn't see anyone coming in.  Doggett tensed.

     Krycek smiled again.  "Have it your way. 
Personally, I couldn't care less if you live or die." 


     How many times had Doggett not paid attention,
and paid the price?  "You move, I shoot."  He glanced 
over his shoulder quickly.

     That brief second was all Krycek needed. He
stood, spun and kicked! His foot connected with
Doggett's ribs.  He fell sideways. Although Krycek
knew he should run, he was angry, frustrated, and
looking for someone to take it out on. He pulled
Doggett inside and slammed the door, kicking Doggett's
gun away. As Doggett struggled to breathe and get up,
Krycek kicked him in the same spot. 

     Doggett groaned, half cried, choking, fighting
the pain with all his training. He tensed, drew his
hands under him and waited. Krycek went to kick again.
Blocking out the pain, Doggett grabbed Krycek's foot
and twisted. Krycek screamed, and lost his balence. He
fell backwards.  Doggett got to his feet, looked for
gun, not finding it. Krycek got up, hobbling, and
swung his fist. Doggett blocked and lashed out with
his left. He connected with Krycek's cheek. A loud
crack filled the air. Krycek reeled.

     Krycek stumbled, tried to block the next blow,
but in vain. Doggett made contact again.  Krycek
countered with a knee to the stomach. Doggett lost his
breath, the pain blinding him. Krycek scored another
hit, bloodying Doggett's nose. He struck Doggett
again.  He sank to his knees. Krycek wasted precious
seconds looking for his gun. He aimed at Doggett's
head.

     Dogget  lunged forward, knocking Krycek down, the
fight continued. Each man bloodied and beaten. Through
swollen bloody lips, Doggett spoke.  "Enough of this
bullshit. If I can't take you in, so be it."  He found
his gun, and fired as Krycek staggered towards him.
The bullett hit Krycek between the eyes.  Krycek fell
back. And tried to get up. Doggett fired again, in the
same spot.  "This time, you stay dead."  He stood
slowly.  Then reached for the phone.

     Mulder placed William into Scully's arms. She
smiled, then cried, holding him close.  Inhaling his
scent, feeling his soft warm little body. She had been
so afraid she'd never see him again.  She looked at
Mulder.  "Thank you."  Her eyes shone bright with
love.

     Mulder smiled, stroking her cheek.  "I told you
I'd get him back.It's over Scully. They will never
harm him again, or you."

     "How can you be so sure?  Mulder, they will
always be there. Waiting."  Scully examined her son,
leaving nothing to chance.

     " Because, it's no longer the baby they want. 
He's human.  He holds no interest for them. But I do. 
As long as I'm here, they'll never stop trying. 
If.... if I leave, they'll follow me."  Mulder touched
Williams face.  He waited. Dreading what was to come.

     Scully stared at him, searching his face. Not
wanting to believe what she had just heard.  "Leave?
Mulder, what are you.... No, you can't leave! What
about me? And William?"

     Mulder explained his conversations with Krycek.
The deal they made. The bargain.Tears began to fall
slowly from her eyes. Leaving, he was leaving.

     "There is nothing I can say, is there? Mulder, we
need you. How will I go on without you?"  She thought
of those long months during his absence.  The
sleepless nights, the longing. Wondering where he was.
 How would she live with that again?  "Mulder, pleaee.
 You can't trust Krycek.  There is no reason to go.
Stay, we will comntinue the fight together, as we
always have. You need me. And I... I need you."

     Mulder kissed her forehead.  "This time, I can
believe him, Scully. This time, he's telling the
truth. I have to go. But I promise, I will be back. 
Let me go.  Let them think they've won.  In a couple
of years, I will come back. You've always trusted me,
always been the only one who believed in me. Please,
Scully believe in me now. I've spent my life in
pursuit of the truth.  Always thinking of myself.
Using those around me, drawing them into my cause,
never stopping to think what it might cost them. I've
all but ruined your career.  I won't ruin William's
life. For once, I'm going to think of someone other
than me."

     Scully half cried, half laughed.  " Why now, do
you decide to be noble? Dammit,Mulder!"  She looked
into his eyes.  "Will you really come back?"

     He kissed William's forehead. And smiled at her. 
"Yes. I love you, Scully."  He stood up.

     Scully secured William in the infant carrier. 
She faced Mulder, sliding her arms around his neck. 
"I love you too. Please remember, we are here,
waiting. Come back to us. And be careful until you
do."  

     He pulled her to him tightly, kissing her with
deep love. Tasting her lips, savoring her soft body. 
He would carry this memory with him, until his return.
Use it to give him couage, give him strength when odds
felt too high. He clung to her, his soulmate.Praying
that Doggett would take care of her. Mulder pulled
away, touched her face, and left silently.

     Scully bit back the tears , then decided to let
them flow. The baby cried. She picked him, and held
him tightly.Hoping that one day, Mulder would indeed
return.

     Skinner sat in his office, holding the phone.
Slowly, he dialed a number from memory.  "It's me. 
I've made the arrangements. The autopsy is in the
morning. The medical examiner will not run the tissue
or blood samples. With the face shot off, it's pretty
obvious as to the casuse of death. If you want to
switch the bodies, now is the time. I'll see to it
that your people get in and out with no trouble." 

     The voice on the other end could be heard drawing
on a cigarette.  "Good. You've done well, Walter.  My
people will be there in ten minutes. Meet them in the
garage."  He was ready to hang up.

     "Wait!  I want to know why you want Krycek's
body? And how did he survive the first time? I didn'
miss."

     "That's none of your business, Walter. And lucky
for you, it seems, you did miss. Get down to the
parking garage. I want no mistakes."  The line went
dead.

     Krycek tried to open his eyes.  Only to realize
he didn't have any. The searing pain was more than he
could endure. A needle pricked his good arm. He heard
a soft female voice.

     "Relax, it's ok. You're with us. I'm Samantha21. 
The damage was extensive, worse than before. But you
will make a full recovery. It will just take a great
deal longer. You are safe.  The morphine began to take
affect.

     Through the pain, and the morphine induced haze,
he thought he heard Larissa's voice. And tried to call
out to her.

     "No... easy, lie still, no one named Larissa is
here."  She looked up at the woman across the table.
Blade stayed silent.  Samantha21 spoke again. 
"There's just you and me. Please, you must lie still."

     He was confused, unable to speak yet she
understood him. Then it came to him, number 21....

     "That's right. I'm your doctor because I can tend
you, without you needing to speak. The morphine won't
take all the pain away. But it will ease it, some. You
must rest now, Alex. I promise you will survive."  She
was silent. She picked up on his thoughts.  "Because
we have made wonderful advances. "  She lied.  " You
are under our care, here at the rebel headquarters.
Shhhhh... don't talk now. Sleep.  In a few days,
you'll be able to talk again."

     He fought the gathering darkness long enough to
ask if Mulder had left.  The blackness claimed him as
he heard that they had succeeded. Mulder was gone. All
was well. His last thought was," That'll be the day."

---

This site has been brought to you by:
That Mirror Was Modest Productions
"WE'RE NOT GONNA LIVE IN A CARDBOARD BOX!"