Title: The Vegas Strip
Written by: Cassie & Kristi
Date: (first draft) May 15, 2002
Final Draft: July 3, 2002
Summary:The gang takes a trip to Las Vegas…
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer: I do not own John Doggett, Monica Reyes, Fox Mulder, Alex Krycek, Dana Scully, Walter Skinner, Marita Covarrubias, or Brad Follmer. They belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting. Robert Alfredo belongs to us!

FADE IN:

ARIAL VIEW OF THE LAS VEGAS STRIP – 4PM

We pan down to find Marita, Skinner, Doggett, Krycek, Scully, Monica, Mulder and Alfredo. They are standing in front of Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower. Marita has tears in her eyes, her hand covering her heart.

MARITA
This is the most wonderful
moment in my life.

KRYCEK
(mean)
Why are you crying?

MARITA
(sweet & innocent)
I’ve never seen the Eiffel Tower before.

Everyone looks at each other as they realize that Marita actually believes that she is seeing the original Eiffel Tower.

DOGGETT
(going to tell the truth)
Marita, you do know that
this isn’t the real-

Mulder places his hand over Doggett’s mouth to keep him from telling the truth: that the real Eiffel Tower is in Paris, France.

Marita hands Scully a camera.

MARITA
Can you take a picture of Skinner and I?

Marita grabs Skinner’s arm and they pose in front of the Eiffel Tower. Marita is looking sweet and happy, while Skinner has a pained expression on his face but smiles anyway. He doesn’t understand why she is doing this picture with him considering they are broken up. Scully takes the picture.

They continue to walk down the strip. Randomly taking pictures of buildings and what not. A certain place catches Krycek’s attention.

KRYCEK
I have somewhere to go.
I’ll see you guys later.

He walks towards a building. We can tell that this is a strip club called “The Gutter”. No one follows him. They shrug off Krycek’s actions and continue down the strip, pardon the pun.

ALFREDO
Hey Skinner, thanks for
this trip. I’ve always
wanted to come here.

They all agree with him, except for Doggett, he says nothing. He looks very tense. He walks with his hands in his pockets, sunglasses on, head down. It’s not that he doesn’t want to be here, he’d rather not come when he could loose his money… a gambling problem perhaps?

MONICA
Johnny, what’s up?

She lightly body checks him, he stumbles towards the street. He looks up at her with a blank expression on his face.

DOGGETT
Nothin’.

MONICA
Ok, I know you better than that.

He stops her and the rest of the group continues.

DOGGETT
(very serious)
Monica, don’t let me gamble.

Monica is intrigued.

MONICA
Why not? It’s Vegas.

DOGGETT
I mean it.

Monica puts her hands up as if saying she’ll leave it alone. He takes out his wallet and gives it to Monica.

DOGGETT
I don’t trust myself with this.

Monica takes his wallet, not sure if she is trusted enough with his wallet.

They catch up with everyone else. Monica goes up to Scully.

MONICA
Dana, watch John’s wallet. He doesn’t
trust himself with it, and I don’t trust
myself with it. Can you keep it safe?

SCULLY
Sure.

She takes the wallet and puts it in her purse for safe keeping.

SKINNER
So what do you guys
want to do now?

SCULLY
Hit the slots!

ALFREDO
Yeah!

MARITA
I’ve never gambled before.

Alfredo and Scully look at her in shock.

ALFREDO
You can’t be serious.

SCULLY
Well what’s taking us so long.
We have to get her addicted to this!

Scully grabs her hand and they run off to the slots leaving everyone else slowly walking.

MULDER
Do you guys mind if I do
some more sight seeing?
I still have film in my camera.

SKINNER
That’ll be ok.

Mulder gets an overly happy look on his face as he runs off. Skinner, Doggett and Monica walk into one of the casinos.

SKINNER
Anyone feelin’ lucky?

Monica laughs.

MONICA
With my luck… I don’t think so.

SKINNER
Me too. What about you John?

DOGGETT
I’d rather keep my money.

They head off towards the bar.

CUT TO:

INT. THE GUTTER – BACKSTAGE/MAKEUP ROOM

A silhouette of a bodyguard shows firm outside a curtain. He’s a large man. A dozen sequined-clad women run into the room he’s watching. The smiles dissolve from their faces as they all get out of performance-mode and back to reality. They take their seats at their makeup tables, some stand around talking to each other and some make calls home to their husbands and children.

EXT. MAKEUP ROOM

Krycek is walking toward this bodyguard. As he passes people, he takes his time to wave, shake hands and take compliments. The bodyguard keeps a close eye on him, knowing he can only mean trouble.

Krycek is before the guard.

KRYCEK
Aren’t you going to let me in?

BODYGUARD
No sir, employees and management only.

Krycek smirks and lets out a laugh.

KRYCEK
I guess you must be new. I’m
Krycek, (offers his hand)
Alex Krycek. I started this
brilliant establishment about
thirteen years ago.

BODYGUARD
Oh, excuse my ignorance Mr. Krycek.

KRYCEK
-You can call me Alex.

BODYGUARD
-Alex.

Krycek steps pass him.

KRYCEK
Got to say hi to these beauties.

He goes in and we hear most of the women welcome him with open arms.

CUT TO:

INT. CASINO – 7PM

Scully, Alfredo and especially Marita are having a blast. They’ve been lucky all evening. Marita jumps up and down, another win.

At the bar…

Skinner is talking with Monica and Doggett, he’s been drinking a bit. We notice that Monica and Doggett’s drinks are untouched.

SKINNER
You know, you two got it lucky… I mean
you two will always be friends. I could
only wish for that… Dana and I were stupid, just
stupid. I never actually loved her because I wanted
to. I “loved” her because I was supposed to. And then
when I was given a second chance at life, after I died
and came back, what did I do? I remained in my secret
romance with Marita Lynn… risking my life, for if Krycek
found out, it’s the return of the nano-critters…

MONICA
Nano-critters?

DOGGETT
You were what and came back?

SKINNER
I’m having a crisis, a mid-life crisis.
I love Dana. I love Marita. I loved
my ex-wife. Then Scully came and
ruined that. I’m not sure of anything
anymore. Should I marry them both?
I’m getting old and before I know it
no one will want me.

MONICA
That’s not true…

SKINNER
Yes! It is!

Doggett and Monica share a look… why us?

SKINNER
(slurred)
Butcha know… I’m not the only one who
should be worrying about never finding
true love… You two are as screwed up à la
love life as I am. Mon’, you can’t decide
between Robert or Brad, and I’ve seen you
checking out Krycek. John… nine years man?
Nine years?!

Doggett gives him a look. How in the world did he know about that?

SKINNER
Yes, Monica told me you haven’t been with
anyone since you and your ex split. I say
we get you laid tonight. Also, I have a
solution to our problems… I could be with
you, Monica. John, hook up with Dana already
and then so Robert and Marita aren’t hurt,
they can be together.

Monica picks up her glass of beer and downs it. Doggett starts sipping at his.

SKINNER
I love you guys…

He reaches out and holds onto the bar and rests his head down and smiles up at them both.

CUT TO:

INT. TOUR BUS – 7:15PM

Mulder sits on the second floor of a double-decker bus. There is not roof. Mulder smiles as the wind flies through his hair. He looks up at all the buildings. He takes a few pictures. Old people surround him.

He leans over to an old man.

MULDER
So why are you in Vegas?

OLD MAN
I’m going to marry my fiancée.

He moves so we see a much younger woman. She smiles at Mulder.

MULDER
Oh, I see. I’m here on a trip
with my friends. They all went
gambling. I wanted to see
more of this beautiful city.

He turns to another person, an old woman.

MULDER
We had the hardest time finding
someone to watch over Buddy, but
finally my buds Frohike, Langly and
Byers and some tough man named
James Bond took him in. Buddy’s good,
but sometimes when he’s made he lays
“Buddy Bombs” on your bed.

He turns back to the old man.

MULDER
Can you take a picture of me and
this kind old lady? She cares about Buddy.

Actually the old woman looks terrified.

CUT TO:

INT. CASION – 8PM

Scully, Alfredo and Marita are celebrating their wins over alcohol (mainly Scully) and nachos.

MARITA
I’m so rich!

She throws the tokens over her head and they fall to the ground.

ALFREDO
Marita! Don’t lose those.

MARITA
Oh silly, it doesn’t matter. I’m rich
without it… infact… I think we should
give all this away to more worthy people.

Scully giggles and winks at some guy at another table.

ALFREDO
Marita, you won this money
don’t give it away.

Marita stands up, angry at him.

MARITA
I hate you! I can do what I want,
I don’t need a man to tell me
what I can or cannot do!

Marita storms away, randomly handing the tokens to people. Alfredo follows.

ALFREDO
Marita!

Scully sits alone at the table, looking at Alfredo’s nachos with a girly disgust. She pushes it away from her and laughs at it falls to the floor.

Meanwhile… at the bar.

MONICA
I can’t help it if I’m confused.
Brad or Robert? Snickers or
KitKats? Slippers or socks?
Clouds, rivers… what’s more
pretty? Manly men or gentlemen?
Would I be happier in California,
Oregon or India? Should I buy a
minivan and have five children or
should I get a snazzy sportscar?

DOGGETT
Rivers.

MONICA
Thank you.

SKINNER
See! Talking with buddies helps
everything. I think that Fox guy
has a point there.

Doggett nods his head in agreement. They are all getting pretty drunk.

DOGGETT
If it weren’t for Fox, I never would
have made friends of you guys, well not
you HarMonica. I’m a depressed man by
nature. Super Buddies makes me happy.
Yes, darn it! I admit it! That silly club is good.

He kisses Skinner on the cheek and hugs Monica, she belches. They laugh.

DOGGETT
(suddenly sad/ sounds sober)
Luke used to belch… Walt? Did
I ever tell you about Luke?

Skinner shakes his head ‘no’.

DOGGETT
Well he was murdered and we never
caught the guy who took him. (he sniffs)
I don’t know what Luke went through the
three days he was missing. All I know is that
Mon’ was there when they found him… in a
field… Barb blamed me, I blamed me…
I think everyone blamed me…

MONICA
No they didn’t.

SKINNER
I’m so sorry man. I had no idea.

DOGGETT
Barbara took everything that
was his. I only have… (gets
choked up) his… his ashes.

He starts to cry. Monica and Skinner put their arms around him to comfort him.

DOGGETT
And a picture…

He goes for his wallet. It’s not there.

DOGGETT
(forgetting who he gave it to)
Great. I’ve been pick-pocketed.

MONICA
No… you gave it to me, and
then I gave it to Scully.

They take a drink. Doggett sighs.

DOGGETT
Scully… (beat) Bikes are horrible.

Monica nods in agreement.

DOGGETT
You know… first they start out
with a tricycle. That’s all well good
and swell. Until your only son discovers
you can remove the training wheels and
learns to ride his bike. Then round and round
the block he goes. And then one time, he doesn’t
go round again. The very first day he learned
to do the two wheel on his own. He wakes
me up early that morning. I went to work
and then got the call from Barbie…

Monica sniffles as does Skinner. We hear Scully laughing in the background.

DOGGETT
I never got to say goodbye (determined)
and by George, I can’t move on in any life!
Until I can let it go and I want to find the
son of a gun who did this and for justice
to be served.

He downs the rest of his half-full glass of beer. Skinner order them all more drinks.

CUT TO:

INT. THE GUTTER – 9:30PM

Krycek sits in the backstage of the strip club. A woman half naked sits on his lap. He’s “Mr. Ego” now.

KRYCEK
Yes, that’s right ladies…
I am the sexiest most important
Special Agent on the FBI
D.C. offices.

WOMAN
Alex! Who would have thought the FBI
would allow a manager of the hottest
strip joint in Vegas to even be in the FBI!

She kisses him on the cheek.

WOMAN #2
What ever happened to Red?

She points to a large framed picture of a young red-headed woman that hangs in their dressing room. It’s a younger Scully, wearing little clothes which are dark red and black. She has a seductive expression on her face. It’s a very artsy picture with high contrast and deep shades of colors. No dust or finger prints are to be seen on it. Apparently Scully used to work here, and was quite talented.

KRYCEK
(lying)
I got her set up in the hottest joint
in D.C. I’m that good and have
the best connections.

WOMAN
You should set up a special
“Return of Red” night.

WOMAN #2
You could call it “The Gutter’s
Red Night Special”!

They giggle.

WOMAN
It would be an honor to work
with her again. Her moves
are unprecedented.

KRYCEK
I think I should. You know, I
brought her with me on this business trip.

WOMAN #2
You two are still a couple?!
That’s so sweet! Two legends,
you two are history makers.

KRYCEK
(in Lala Land)
Yes, we are great. Now, if
you’ll excuse me, I’ll go
see what I can set up.

He stands up and leaves, making sure to squeeze his butt muscles to look firm for the ladies, on his way out.

CUT TO:

INT. THE MIRAGE HOTEL – 9:40PM

Assistant Director Brad Follmer walks in. He has a small suitcase and is wearing one of his nice suits. He goes over to the receptionist.

RECEPTIONIST
Welcome to the Mirage-

BRAD
I need you to ring a room
for me. A Mr. Skinner, please.

RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry, sir. I can’t do that.

Brad pulls out his FBI badge.

RECEPTIONIST
Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll ring them right away.

BRAD
Thank you.

The receptionist rings the room. No answers.

RECEPTIONIST
There was no answers, sir.

BRAD
Ok. I’ll need a room for the
night. (beat) What room are they in?

The receptionist hesitates, then remembers he’s FBI.

RECEPTIONIST
Room 307, sir.

BRAD
Thank you.

RECEPTIONIST
And your room will be 318.

The receptionist gets a key.

CUT TO:

INT. K-MART – 10PM

Mulder is helping the old woman shop. He’s holding adult diapers.

MULDER
Yes, ma’am. I heard these are a good brand.

OLD WOMAN
I sure hope so, my husband
needs something reliable.

MULDER
I understand.

Does he?!

OLD WOMAN
So what kind of friends did you
come with? A girlfriend, a wife?

MULDER
People I work with.

OLD WOMAN
Sonny, the point of a vacation is to
get away from the people you see everyday.

MULDER
It’s Super Buddies.

OLD WOMAN
Super what?

MULDER
Super Buddies. I created it to unite
my friends in friendship. Eventually
I plan on taking over the world through friendship.

He smiles at her.

MULDER
Infact, Nancy, I consider you a friend.
So I can get a Super Buddies T-shirt made
for you too. Then you can attend the Super
Buddy Convention I plan on having sometime in 2005.

OLD WOMAN
That’s sweet of you dear. I’d be
proud to be a part of world peace.

CUT TO:

INT. CASINO – 10:45PM

Krycek knows they would have gone to gamble, he comes to the front door just as Skinner, Monica and Doggett exit… singing.

DOGGETT
(to the tune of “The Sound of Music”)
The casinos are alive with the sound of Doggett!

MONICA/SKINNER
(singing)
The sun will come out tomorrow-

DOGGETT
The night is young and I’m so glamorous, Lady!

Krycek gives them a weird look. They are drunker than he can ever remember being and they are hanging all over each other. Ok then…

He enters the casino… where is Scully? He needs her to help his reputation here. He scans the room. Then… he sees her. Surrounded by a ton of guys. He makes his way over to her. How will he do this? Then he notices her state of being. A sly smiles crosses his face. He goes up to her.

KRYCEK
Scully… come with me.

SCULLY
Hi cutie.

Guys are hanging all over her.

KRYCEK
The return of Red has to happen tonight.

All the guys get interested… they’ve heard of Red…

SCULLY
Sure thing…

She smiles at him. Krycek drags her away.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASINO – 11:20PM

Marita is giving her chips away still!

MARITA
Take them! Be happy!

ALFREDO
Marita, stop doing that.

MARITA
I hate you. You are trying
to be selfish!

She turns away from him. She continues to hand out what she has won. Suddenly, Brad Follmer steps out of the casino. He sees Marita and Alfredo.

BRAD
Thank god I found you.

Marita gives him a smiles.

MARITA
Hi Brad.

ALFREDO
(suspicious)
What are you doing here?

MARITA
You don’t want to do it now, do
you? Is that why you came?

Alfredo looks at Marita confused. He has no idea what she is talking about.

BRAD
No. (beat) I’m looking for the
others. Do you have any
idea where they are?

ALFREDO
I know Krycek is at The Gutter.

He points down the strip.

BRAD
Thank you.

He starts to heard toward The Gutter.

MARITA
Wait! (beat) Have a few chips.

He takes them, not understanding why she would give them away.

ALFREDO
You gave them to him?

MARITA
(smiles)
Yep.

She smiles at him. Then continues to hand out her chips.

CUT TO:

INT. THE GUTTER – 11:50PM

Scully is already on the stage. A red neon sign is above the stage… it reads: “Red”. This is the biggest crowd this club has seen in thirteen years.

Brad enters the club. The first thing he notices is Special Agent Dana Scully taking her clothes off. He takes a seat near the front. He notices Krycek standing, smiling, in one of the wings. Brad hopes they will stop and notice him so he can drag them away and take them back to their jobs.

He remains seated, waiting for Agent Scully to notice him and get herself together. She twirls around a bar in a rather perverse manner. Then once on the ground, she starts crawling towards him, then her eyes roll back and she passes out. In the wings, Krycek’s eyes bug. How dare Scully pass out when his reputation is on the line, he runs out to “rescue” her. But instead he trips over her leather jacket with “Red” written on the back. He falls on top of Scully’s back and is face to face with Assistant Director Follmer.

KRYCEK
Oh hi, sir.

Brad doesn’t seem amused with him.

CUT TO:

INT. WHITE CHAPEL – MIDNIGHT

We see Mulder and two other men sitting in the waiting area for their turn to be married. The two men Mulder is with are all lovey-dovey. Mulder looks at them with a tear in his eye from joy.

Then from inside the song “Can’t Help Falling In Love” plays. The chapel door fly open and Doggett, Monica and Skinner come running out with an Elvis look-alike tossing rice behind them.

Monica waves at Mulder and they exit.

MULDER
(to self)
It seems everybody is getting
married except for me…

Then he goes to be a witness for the stranger’s wedding.

FADE OUT:

TO BE CONTINUED…