Title: They're Here (Part 2)
Author: L. M. Shard
E-mail Address: lsshard@home.com
Rating: strong R for violence and two bad words.
Category: T, R, A
Spoilers: Season 8
Keywords: Scully/Doggett romance, Scully/Mulder, post-
colonization, rape
Disclaimer: Chris Carter, Fox and 1013 Productions own 
these wonderful characters.  I am just borrowing them.  No 
copyright infringement intended.
Archive: Anywhere, just let me know where!
Feedback: I love it!!!  Please let me know what you think!
Summary: Can Scully and Doggett save Mulder from the 
aliens?  At what price?

Author's Note: This is a sequel to my last story "They're 
Here".  It would help if that one was read first, but it is not 
necessary.  I wrote Part 1 before the Season 8 finale, not 
knowing the gender or name of Scully's baby.  To stay 
consistent with my first part of this story, I will pretend 
Scully has a daughter.  



THEY'RE HERE (PART 2)
By: L. M. Shard



Life on Earth for Scully and Doggett had become a living 
nightmare.  The alien invasion had annihilated humanity and 
replaced it with alien abominations masquerading in human 
form.  To escape this same fate, Doggett, Scully, and her 
newborn baby, Katie, lived as nomads in the forests and 
mountains far from what once was human civilization.  
Living in constant fear of capture, they didn't stay longer than 
a few days in any one place.  They took shelter in caves and 
scavenged for food.  In the months that had passed during 
their journey of survival, they came across a handful of 
people; humans who had somehow also escaped the dooming 
grasp of the alien hand.  Among those people were the three 
Lone Gunmen.  How thrilled Scully and Doggett had been 
upon finding them alive and well.  Although they saw each 
other often, they rarely traveled together for fear of being 
more easily seen in a large group.  Alien scouts were 
everywhere and on constant lookout for any humans who 
might have fallen through the cracks and escaped their doom.  
Caution was the rule for survival.

Another long day of hiking and searching for food had ended 
and Scully and Doggett settled into a large cave they were 
lucky enough to find.  Doggett was building a small fire and 
Scully sat on the ground with her baby at her breast.  She 
thought of how life was now.  How life was and would be for 
her young daughter.  Would she ever experience Earth as it 
had been with its joys and its freedom or would she live a 
lifetime of looking over her shoulder in fear and dread?  A 
tear slowly trickled down Scully's cheek as the reality of the 
frightening world they now lived in took complete root in her 
mind.  Her daughter would never know Earth as she had 
known it and her heart felt heavy with that truth.  The truth 
her father, Mulder, had searched for for eight years was now 
the truth that surrounded and confined them.

Mulder.  The horror of that encounter with the alien-
controlled Mulder replayed in Scully's head daily.  If only he 
could somehow be saved!  If only there were some kind of 
vaccine like the one Mulder had injected into her in 
Antarctica that could save him and rid him of the alien life 
inside him.  But she had discussed this topic to death with 
Doggett and the Gunmen and no one knew where or how to 
get a vaccine or if one even existed.  She knew that her dream 
of saving Mulder would never become a reality, but that tiny 
piece of hope she carried in her heart refused to die.

It was times like these that the horror, depression, and 
hopelessness of this new world took hold, and she would 
have to force herself to think of the good things that she still 
had in life.  And there were good things, two to be exact: 
Katie and Doggett.  That she was blessed with a healthy child 
on this God-forsaken planet was a miracle beyond all 
miracles.  The love she had for this tiny human was so 
overwhelming and complete.  And the joy the simplest smile 
or glance would give her was indescribable.  Katie truly was 
a gift from God, a gift she treasured with every molecule of 
her being.

John Doggett was her happiness, her partner, and her love.  
The love she shared with him brought her joys she had never 
before experienced with any other man.  He made her feel 
strong, beautiful, and so completely loved.  He was an 
honorable man, one who was direct and spoke his mind.  
Strong yet vulnerable, he could convey his love for her in 
infinite ways.  He was truly a man, and she admired him as 
much as she loved him.  He was also her savior.  Had he not 
taken her to that underground shelter, she would have 
perished with the rest of the Earth's poor souls. 

The fire Doggett had built set the cave aglow with light and 
heat.  He sat himself next to it and watched Scully nursing 
Katie through the flames.  He could tell by the sad and pained 
look on her face that she was thinking of Mulder.  He knew 
she thought of him often and was always searching for a way 
to save him from his alien hell.  Personally, he thought it was 
impossible, but he couldn't allow himself to take that little 
glimmer of hope from her, so he kept his opinion to himself.  
He worried about Scully.  The constant moving from camp to 
camp, living in the elements, searching for food that there 
was never enough of, and existing in continuous fear and 
danger was not the life he wanted for her, for them.  He 
wished he could bring her some sort of stability in this 
unstable world.

The flames' shadows danced across Scully's face, 
illuminating her eyes, her hair, her skin.  She was so beautiful 
to Doggett.  Never had he felt a love so intense as his love for 
Scully.  There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, nothing he 
wouldn't give.  He knew he was a very lucky man.  And he 
knew that had Mulder been alive, he most likely would not 
have had the gift of her love.  But Mulder was gone, and he 
had the privilege of loving her completely and in every way.  
Suddenly it dawned on him that there was something he 
could do that would bring her a small piece of stability.  He 
didn't know why he hadn't thought of it sooner.

By now Scully had finished nursing the baby and had put her 
down to sleep in a makeshift bed.  Doggett walked over to 
her and kneeled before her.   She gently stroked her fingers 
across his cheek and looked into his clear blue eyes.  She saw 
intense love there and her heart sang.  He took her hand from 
his cheek and held it in his.

"Dana," he said in a soft voice.

"What is it, John?  You look like you have something 
important to tell me," she said, seeing the seriousness in his 
eyes.

"Yes," he said, and then quickly added, "but it's nothing bad."

A wave of relief passed over Scully and she smiled at him.  
"What is it then?"

He looked deep into her eyes and said, "I love you so very 
much.  So completely and with my entire heart and soul.  You 
make me happier than I ever imagined I could be and I would 
be honored if you would be my wife.  Will you marry me, 
Dana Scully?"  The words flowed directly from his heart 
making it race with anticipation of her answer.

Scully was surprised by his proposal, especially considering 
their circumstances, but her heart filled with joy at his 
outpouring and she answered excitedly without hesitation, 
"Yes, John, I will marry you!"        

At her acceptance he gathered her in his arms and kissed her 
with all the fire and love that burned inside him.  She 
responded with the same passion and then took his face in her 
hands and gazed deeply into his eyes.  "I love you," she 
whispered with heated breath.  They kissed again until a 
small cry interrupted them.  They both looked over at Katie, 
who turned over and then went back asleep.  They laughed 
quietly.

"John, I want to marry you, but how will we do it?  I mean 
with things how they are, there are no churches, no priests, 
no...." Scully said, despair creeping into her voice.

"We don't need any of that," Doggett responded.  "We can 
marry ourselves with our own vows, right here and right now, 
if you want."

"Oh, yes, I want to.  I want to be your wife now and forever," 
Scully said with such passion and earnestness that Doggett's 
body felt alive with her love.

"Then let's begin, before the little one wakes up," he said 
smiling and took her hands into his.

Looking directly into her eyes he said, "I, John, take you, 
Dana, to be my lawfully wedded wife.  To have and to hold, 
to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do 
us part.  I promise to be faithful and love you all the days of 
my life."

Scully smiled brightly.  "I, Dana, take you, John, to be my 
lawfully wedded husband.  To have and to hold, to love and 
to cherish, from this day forward, until death do us part.  I 
promise to be faithful and love you all the days of my life."  
A tear trickled down Scully's cheek, the profoundness of the 
words moving her entire being.  "I love you, John."

"And I love you.  I now pronounce us husband and wife.  
And now, I do believe, I may kiss the bride," he said with a 
quirky smile and a gleam in his eye.

"I would hope so!"  Scully said playfully, pulling him into a 
fiery kiss.   They made love throughout the night 
consummating their commitment.   Opening themselves 
wholly to each other they bared their love, their hunger, their 
need, and their souls.  It was a union of total abandon and 
vulnerability.  Nothing went untouched, unkissed, or unloved.  
Two become one.

From that day on, secure in their love for one another, life for 
Doggett and Scully was relatively happy, considering the 
conditions.  They reveled in their love and quenched their 
hunger for each other nightly.  Scully found herself thinking 
of Mulder less and less, but her hope of one day being able to 
save him was not lost.

The months passed without danger until one day when Scully 
was outside gathering mushrooms and berries.  She was about 
to head back home to their cave when a noise startled her.  
Immediately she looked up and from out of nowhere a man 
stood in front of her.  Alex Krycek.  Scully gasped and stood 
up, the berries spilling onto the ground.  She was about to run 
when his voice stopped her.

"I have something you want," Krycek stated simply.  Scully 
froze.  Was he human or alien?  She had to find out.  But 
either way he was a dangerous man.

"Turn around.  Show me the back of your neck."  Scully 
demanded with as much strength in her voice as she could 
muster.

Krycek laughed.  "You think I'm an alien?"  He thought the 
idea quite amusing.

"Do it.  Now!"  Scully commanded.

Krycek did as she asked and turned around.  He pulled his 
shirt collar down, giving Scully a clear view of his neck.  
Nothing.  No bony protrusions.   Scully's breath returned to 
her and her racing heart slowed down a notch.  But she was 
still wary of this dangerous and evil man.

"Satisfied?"  He asked with a wicked grin.  When he didn't 
get an answer, he continued, "Aren't you going to ask me 
what I have that you want?"  He taunted her.

"You have nothing I want," Scully spat, her anger flaring.

"On the contrary, my dear Scully, I have exactly what you 
want."

"And what would that be?"  She asked, her voice firm and 
cold.

"The vaccine to save Mulder."  He stated and then watched 
closely for her reaction.

Scully's heart jumped.  Could it be?  A vaccine to save 
Mulder!  No, it was too good to be true.  Krycek was not to 
be trusted.  "You're lying," she stated and turned to go.

In and instant Krycek was at her side with his hand firmly on 
her shoulder.

She turned around, anger and hatred in her eyes.  "Don't 
touch me," she spat venomously.

Tightening the grip, he left his hand right where it was and 
continued, his face mere inches from hers, "Do you really 
want to take that chance and not believe me?  I can assure 
you, I have the vaccine, and I will give it to you...for a 
price."

Scully didn't know what to believe.  But she wanted to 
believe.  "What price?"  She asked coolly, not letting herself 
get rattled by the discomfort of his closeness.

Krycek smiled sadistically and looked her straight in the eyes.  
"You.  I want one night with you and the vaccine is yours."

Shocked and horror-stricken, Scully slapped him hard across 
the face.  "Never!"

He laughed, clearly amused at her display of anger.  "You 
might want to reconsider.  It is the only way you'll ever be 
able to save Mulder.  You can find me right around this area 
here should you change your mind."

"I won't change my mind, you bastard!  You'll never touch 
me!  You repulse me," Scully said with hatred.  Quickly she 
picked up her baskets and hurried away.  Krycek watched her 
go, grinning diabolically.

By the time she got to their cave, she had collected herself.  
She couldn't let Doggett know about what had just happened.  
He would go ballistic and hunt Krycek down and Scully 
didn't want him taking unnecessary risks of exposing himself 
to the aliens. 

She despised Krycek, but his words haunted her.  As she lay 
in Doggett's arms that night, the encounter replayed itself 
over and over in her head.  Krycek had the vaccine.  Or so he 
claimed.  What if it really could save Mulder?  But even if it 
could, she couldn't pay that price.  Krycek repulsed her entire 
being and the thought of him touching her made her want to 
die.  But more so than that was the fact that she was now 
married and the last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt 
Doggett, especially in that way.  She loved him so much.   
She couldn't live with herself if she did that.  But could she 
live with herself if she passed up what was most likely the 
only opportunity to save Mulder?  These thoughts went 
around and around in her tormented brain for hours.  Finally 
she decided she had to tell Doggett about Krycek and the 
vaccine afterall.

Doggett was fast asleep, so Scully sprinkled his face with 
light kisses.  Slowly he awoke to her touch and he captured 
her mouth with his in a deep and sensuous kiss.  He rolled on 
top of her and started nuzzling her neck while his hands 
roved her body.  He was unquestionably in the mood, but 
Scully felt the situation with Krycek was urgent.  Afterall, it 
was Mulder's life that was in the balance.

"We have to talk," she whispered.

"This is so much better than talking," he said, kissing her 
hungrily again.

Between kisses she said, "I know, Honey, but this is really 
important and it can't wait," she said not wanting him to stop, 
but knowing time was of the essence.

Reluctantly, he stopped and looked her in the eyes.  "What is 
it, Dana?"  Worry was staring to creep into his mind.

"This evening while I was out gathering some food, I was 
approached by Alex Krycek," she started.   A shiver of terror 
shot through her at the sound of his name.

"Krycek?  He's alive?"  He asked in surprise.  "Why do the 
bad ones just never die?"  He thought to himself.

"Yes.  He claims to have a vaccine that can cure Mulder."
   
"And he will just give it to you," Doggett said in disbelief, 
"out of the goodness of his rotten heart?"

"Well, no.  There is a price," Scully said, her heart pounding.  
She looked down, embarrassed.

Dread spread throughout Doggett's body and he asked the 
obvious question with a wavering voice, "What price?"

In a small voice she whispered, "Me."

"How dare he! Did he touch you?  Did he hurt you?"  Anger 
and fear permeated his voice.

"No, I'm fine.  He just made the proposition and I, of course, 
told him to go to hell," she said.

Doggett stood up abruptly and started pulling on some 
clothes.  "I' m going to find that bastard and make sure he 
never comes near you again."

"No, John!  We have to come up with a plan.  I have to get 
that vaccine for Mulder!  It could save his life!  If you go to 
Krycek now, he'll never give me that vaccine!"  Scully 
pleaded.

Doggett controlled his anger and sat back down.  "You're 
right.  Do you have anything in mind?"

"Well, he's counting on me not telling you about this and just 
accepting his proposal.  Let's just make him think that that's 
what I'm doing.  I'll go to where he said to meet him, while 
you hide and watch my back.  He'll lead me to his hideout, 
where I'm hoping he's keeping the vaccine, then you can 
jump him and we'll force him to hand the vaccine over to us."

"I don't know, Dana," Doggett said worry lacing his voice, 
"That sounds like a mighty dangerous plan.  I don't like you 
being the bait."

"John, remember I am a trained FBI agent.  I've been in 
worse situations in the past," she said stubbornly.

"Yes, but --" he started to protest.

"Do you have a better idea?"

Unfortunately he didn't.  "No.  Dana, are you sure you want 
to do this?  It sounds too risky."

"I'm positive.  I have to do everything in my power to try and 
save Mulder's life.  And this is the first concrete thing we 
have."

"Unless he's lying and just wants to get in your pants," 
Doggett said suspiciously.

"That's the chance we'll just have to take."  Scully said, 
praying everything would work out as planned.  "Let's get 
going.  We can bring Katie to Frohike," she said, already 
bundling up their precious daughter.

Within minutes they left the warmth of their cave and stepped 
out into night.  The moon hung full in the ebony sky, helping 
Scully and Doggett find their way to the Gunmen's shelter.   
After dropping the baby off with a more-than-happy-to-be-
helpful Frohike, Scully lead them back to where she had 
encountered Krycek.  Her body shook with cold and fear, but 
her mind was determined to make this plan work for Mulder's 
sake.  Before reaching the spot Doggett hid in the shadows, 
keeping a watchful eye on his love.  Scully stepped out into 
the open, but Krycek was nowhere to be found.  She looked 
around then called, "Krycek," praying alien scouts weren't in 
the area.  The last thing they needed right now was for them 
to be alerted to their presence.  

Suddenly she heard a rustling of leaves and Krycek 
immerged into the moonlight.  He stood there with a satisfied 
grin on his face and said, "I knew you would come.  Your 
love for Mulder is your vulnerability."

"And it's just like you to take advantage of that.  You disgust 
me."  She glared at him, her animosity apparent.  "Let's get 
this over with.  I want that vaccine."

"And you will have it, as long as you uphold your end of the 
bargain," he said and grabbed for her hand.

Instantly Scully tore her hand out of his grasp.  His touch sent 
icy shivers down her spine.  "I'll be touching more than just 
your hand, Scully," he said in a chilled voice.  She shuddered 
at the thought.  "Follow me."

The instant they were engulfed in the dark of the forest, 
Krycek grabbed Scully and forced her deep into the 
blackness.  Scully managed to let out one piercing scream 
before his hand covered her mouth muffling any more.  He 
wrapped his free arm firmly around her waist, practically 
carrying her, and moved them hastily toward their 
destination.  He was cautious and made sure no one was 
following them.  Scully struggled in his grasp, but his 
strength was much greater than hers.     

He led her to a small, hidden cave ablaze with a fire.  Some 
clothing lay spread out on the ground in a makeshift bed.  "As 
you can see, I was expecting you," he said referring to the 
bed.  Then without warning he slammed Scully against the 
wall, pinning her hands up above her head in a death grip.  
Krycek pressed himself roughly against her, grinding his 
body into hers, and kissed her violently.  She fought him to 
no avail, and then bit his tongue hard.

"Aww!"  He shrieked in pain, blood staining his bottom lip.  
"You better cooperate or there is no deal.  And believe me, 
I'll have you one way or the other," he said, anger in his 
voice.

Scully's heart was pounding in fear.   There was no way 
Doggett could have kept up with them and Krycek's hideout 
was so well hidden.  She was on her own now, but hopefully 
not for long.  There was no way to back out of this now so 
she decided she might buy herself some more time if she put 
up no more resistance.  Krycek kissed her again hungrily and 
although she did not resist him, she did not kiss him back.  
He tore at her clothes, exposing her breasts.  His hands 
kneaded them roughly, bruising her tender flesh. 

"Please, stop, Krycek.  Stop!"  She screamed and struggled to 
get away, but his grip wouldn't give.

Krycek pulled out a pocketknife and held it to the main artery 
on her neck.  "You better stop your squirming or you're a 
dead woman!"  He sneered.   Scully froze in mortal terror. 

Quickly he tore away the rest of her clothes then roamed his 
hands over every part of her.  She cringed inside and tried 
hard to block out this nightmare of an assault to her body.  
Where was Doggett?  "Oh, please, God, let him find me 
before it's too late!"  She prayed to herself helplessly.

"And this is what Doggett gets to have every night.  That 
lucky dog!"  He said greedily between kisses and licks to her 
flesh.  Scully said nothing, closing her eyes to the vile 
monster before her.

Krycek swept her into his arms and carried her over to the 
bed, carefully keeping the knife pressed to her throat.  He 
hurriedly ripped off his own clothing then laid himself on top 
of her quivering form.  He shoved his fingers into her center 
and smiled maliciously.  "You're enjoying this, Scully. I've 
never felt a woman so wet before.  Is this how you like it?  
Do Doggett and Mulder give it to you rough?"  He laughed 
wickedly, thoroughly enjoying himself.  She struggled 
against him and he pushed the knife harder against her neck, 
drawing blood.  She barely felt the pain; it was miniscule 
compared to all else that was happening to her. 

Scully was shocked.  How could she be wet when all she felt 
was repulsion and animosity toward the monster before her?  
Her body betrayed her and tears streamed down her cheeks.  
At that moment Krycek slammed into her, knocking the 
breath out of her lungs.  He pumped her hard, until she was 
raw, bruised, and bloodied.  She lay still, removing herself 
from her body and concentrating on anything but what was 
happening.  Doggett.  He will be here soon.  He will make 
this nightmare go away.  Mulder.  She was going to be able to 
save Mulder.  That is what counted.  That is what mattered.  
Mulder.  Mulder.  Her mind thought only of the two men she 
loved.

Finally Krycek finished and lay spent and sweaty on top of 
her, his full weight crushing her tiny frame.  It took Scully a 
moment to realize that he was through; her mind had been so 
far away from the present.

"You are one great fuck," he said and kissed her hard.

At that moment Doggett ran in and tore Krycek off of Scully.  
He threw him to the ground and pounced on top of him, 
swinging. His fists repeatedly crushed into Krycek's face, 
drawing blood.  Doggett was in a fury, crazy with anger, 
hatred, and helplessness that he hadn't been able to protect 
Scully.  

Krycek finally recovered from the shock of the sudden attack 
and kicked Doggett off of himself.  Doggett flew through the 
air and came down hard a few feet away.  But no sooner had 
he landed then he jumped right back onto Krycek.  But this 
time Krycek was ready and blocked his blows, even 
administering some of his own.  The two men scrambled for 
the upper hand as Scully stared in shocked horror.  Her body 
was trembling violently and she didn't know what was worse, 
the rape or the brutal scene before her.  She feared for 
Doggett's life and stood to help him in anyway she could.  
The pocketknife was nowhere in sight.

From the corner of his eye, Doggett saw Scully coming 
towards them and yelled, "Stay away, Dana!"  He couldn't 
bear the thought of her getting any more hurt than she already 
was.  She obeyed just as Doggett got the upper hand.

"You filthy bastard!  I'm gonna kill you!  How dare you touch 
my wife!"  Doggett screamed in fury, fists flying.

Krycek managed to roll them over and pinned Doggett to the 
floor.  "Your wife!"  Krycek snickered in surprise to this 
information.  "I guess since Mulder is out of the picture, she 
settled for second best," he taunted then continued, "She sure 
was one of the best fucks I've ever had!  And, man, did she 
enjoy it!  She was dripping for me!"

Doggett's body burned with rage at the realization that 
Krycek had raped her and suddenly he found himself with 
inhuman strength.  He pushed Krycek off of himself and 
pinned him down, pounding his body and face to a pulp.  
Krycek stopped moving but Doggett kept on pounding with 
heated ferocity until he heard the sound of Scully's voice.

"John!  Stop it!  You're killing him!"  She yelled.  "Stop it!"

"Would that be so bad?!"  He yelled back, continuing his 
attack on the now unconscious man.

Scully ran over to him and put her hand firmly on his 
shoulder.  "He's not worth it, John!  He's not worth it!"

Reluctantly, Doggett ceased his assault and gathered Scully 
carefully in his arms.  "Is it true?  Did he...?"  He couldn't 
say the word and he held his breath in anticipation of the 
answer.

Scully, lowered her eyes and nodded, tears streaming down 
her pale face. 

Doggett's heart splintered into a million pieces.   The pain 
was unbearable.  "Noooooo!"  He yelled.  "I'm so sorry," he 
sobbed.  "I let you down.  I didn't protect you!"  He hated 
himself for letting this happen.  He never should have agreed 
to the plan.  Never!

"It's not your fault.  I don't blame you.  Please don't blame 
yourself," Scully said through sobs of her own.  "Please look 
for the vaccine.  It's got to be here and then just take me 
home."

Doggett cradled her trembling, abused body in his arms, not 
wanting to let go.  "Okay.  You'll be okay right here?"  He 
asked after moving her far from Krycek's unconscious body.  
She nodded.

He searched the prone man and every inch of his cave until 
finally he found something: a vile and a needle.  "I've got it!"  
He yelled. 

"Thank God!"  Even though she had just been through the 
most horrible ordeal in her life, she was excited for the 
chance to save Mulder's life.  "Let's get out of here."

Doggett gathered her shredded clothes and hung them around 
her tiny body.  Then he carefully lifted her up and carried her 
back to their cave.  Gently he set her down on their bed and 
put a pot of water over the fire.  He kneeled next to her and 
looked at the damage Krycek left behind.  The cut at her 
throat had bleed quite a bit, but the wound was superficial.  
Her wrists were black and blue and he could see finger 
imprints on them.  As he carefully undressed her, trying hard 
not to cause her any more pain, he notice several more 
bruises around her breasts, ribcage and upper legs.  Blood 
was spattered around her inner thighs and womanhood.  He 
held back the tears until he got up to get the warm water and 
a clean rag.  Then they flowed in a silent river.  He wiped 
them away with his hand and went back to his battered love.  
He had to be strong for her.  She was already so brave.

As gently as he could, Doggett washed away the blood and 
all traces of Krycek from her body.  She winced several 
times, but said nothing.  During the whole procedure her eyes 
were fixed on Doggett's.  She needed him more than ever.  He 
finished up, then tended to his own bloodied and bruised 
hands and face and settled into bed next to Scully.

He held her tenderly and the tears flowed from both of them.  
"I'm so sorry," Doggett whispered between sobs.  There just 
weren't words to describe the anguish he felt for her and the 
anger he felt for not being there to protect her.   He blamed 
himself and he would never forgive himself.

"Just don't let me go," Scully whispered.  

"Never," he said and gently tightened his arms around her.   
"I love you so much!"

"I love you too," she said just above a whisper.  They fell into 
a fitful sleep.

Several times throughout the night Scully awoke, bathed in 
sweat and struggling against an invisible attacker.  Doggett 
soothed her each time, gently kissing her, telling her how 
much he loved her and that she was safe now.  He would 
never leave her unprotected again.  She relished the safety 
she felt in his arms and was comforted by his loving 
ministrations.

Morning came with the sun streaming into the cave entrance 
yet both were still asleep.  Suddenly there was a noise from 
the front of the cavern.  Doggett jumped up, ready to fight.  
But he instantly relaxed when he saw Frohike carrying little 
Katie in his arms.  He eased out of bed and met him at the 
opening.

"Thanks, Frohike," he said, taking the sleeping baby from 
him.

"I was worried when you didn't come by to pick her up.  Did 
something go wrong?"  Frohike asked concerned.

Doggett told him everything that had happened and Frohike 
couldn't help but shed tears.   Doggett also told him about 
acquiring the vaccine and that they needed to band together to 
come up with a fool-proof plan to get to Mulder and 
administer it.  Frohike said he'd talk about it with the guys 
and would meet them in a couple hours.

Doggett eased himself and the baby back into bed and gazed 
at his sleeping wife.  He loved her so much.  And even with 
the bruises she was gorgeous.  How could he have let this 
happen to her?  That filthy bastard!  He hoped he was dead.  
He should have made sure of it.  If it hadn't been for Scully, 
he would have kept hitting him until he was a pile of mush.  

Katie stirred and opened her eyes.  He looked at the adorable 
baby.  He considered her his and loved her as his own.  She 
was perfect just like her mommy, with her red wavy hair, 
vibrant blue eyes, and a plump lower lip.  She looked a lot 
like Scully, but Mulder was unmistakably her biological 
father.  He wondered that if they ever did get Mulder back, if 
he would lay his claim on Katie and take her from him.  He 
couldn't live with that and quickly pushed the thought out of 
his mind.

Katie let out a cry and turned toward her mother.  Scully 
woke up at her wail and knew that she must be hungry.  
Gently she moved her baby to her bruised breast and let the 
baby suckle.

Doggett looked at the sight before him.  It was beautiful: 
mother nursing baby.   But the bruises on Scully's body and 
the pain that reflected in her eyes marred the perfect picture.  
Their eyes met in an outpouring of emotion.  Doggett 
conveyed his love, his pain, and his sorrow with his eyes 
alone.

"How are you feeling?"  He asked then immediately thought, 
"What a stupid question!  She feels like hell!"  He could kick 
himself.  But he didn't know what to say or do or how he 
could help her.  He was at a loss.  All he wanted to do was 
make everything better, just make the whole nightmare 
disappear.

"Sad, angry, scared, empty, used, and very soar," she said 
honestly.

He was grateful she didn't say her standard, "I'm fine."  "How 
can I help you heal?"  He asked lovingly.

"Just continue what you are already doing: loving me and 
being there for me.  It's just going to take some time.   I don't 
know myself," she said and then thought of something.  "I 
want to get that vaccine to Mulder ASAP.  If I can save him, 
there will at least be a silver lining to this hell."

"I already talked to Frohike about it this morning.  He, 
Langley, and Byers will be here in about an hour to help 
formulate a plan," Doggett said.

"Good.  Do they know what happened to me?"  She asked.

"Yes," he said with hesitation, hoping he had not done 
something wrong in telling him.  "I hope it's okay that I told 
Frohike."

"Yeah, it's okay.  One look at me and there'd be questions 
anyway," she said resigned.

An hour later the Gunmen arrived and they, with Scully and 
Doggett, devised a plan to save Mulder.  After much protest 
from Scully, they finally agreed that Scully would stay 
behind in the cave with the baby and Frohike, and Doggett, 
Langley, and Byers would find Mulder then bring him back 
after the vaccine had been injected.  The three men packed a 
few supplies and were ready to leave.  They had no idea how 
long it would be until they actually would find Mulder, but if 
everything went smoothly they were hoping it wouldn't be 
more than a couple days.

It was time to go and Doggett walked over to Katie and 
hugged and kissed her.  He prayed he'd see the child's angelic 
face again.  Then he went to Scully and took her in his arms.  
He was worried about leaving her here, but he knew that she 
would be in even more danger if she came along.  Knowing 
Frohike would protect her, gave his heart some ease.  He just 
hated to have her out of his sight, but saving Mulder was of 
utmost importance to her and he wanted her wish to come 
true.  After all she had sacrificed it was the least he could do.

"Be careful, John.  Promise you'll come home to me," Scully 
said, fear and worry creeping into her heart.  She knew this 
was an extremely risky venture.

He took her face in his hands and looked deep into her 
expressive blue eyes.  They spoke her heart and he tried to 
ease her worries with his words.  "I will be back, I promise.  
Nothing can keep me from you; I love you so much," he said 
then lowered his lips to hers in a tender, intimate, and 
lingering kiss.  It conveyed their mutual love and need.   They 
clung to each other, neither wanting to let go.

Reluctantly, Scully made the break.  "Go, John.  Bring me 
Mulder alive."

"I will, Dana," he said.  One more kiss and he was gone.  
Scully prayed it wasn't the last kiss they'd ever share.

Although they had left in the morning, Doggett, Byers, and 
Langley didn't reach the city until long after sundown.  
Amazingly, the city looked just like they all remembered, but 
it had an eerie feel of the unnatural.  The three men, 
camouflaged by the cover of night, reached their intended 
destination quickly.

Crouching in front of the apartment building, they prayed that 
Mulder still resided within; otherwise they'd have to go to the 
Federal Building and grab him before work the next morning.  
That would most certainly be an area of greater risk.  
Stealthily they crept into the building and picked the 
apartment door lock.  Langley waited outside, serving as 
lookout.  Doggett and Byers quickly scanned each room, 
finding no one.  Then they came to the bedroom.  Slowly, 
without a sound, they stole into the room and found their 
target.  The alien Mulder lay ramrod straight on top of the 
bed with a tube inserted in his mouth.  The tube was 
connected to some sort of machine that held dimly glowing 
green goop.  The goop had movement as if it were alive.  The 
men quickly overcame their shock at the bizarre sight and 
made their move.  Both men jumped on top of the Mulder, 
pinning him to the bed with their weight.  In the same instant 
Doggett injected Mulder with the vaccine then pulled out the 
tube from his mouth.  Mulder's eyes ripped open and his body 
struggled for freedom.  The anguished scream he let out was 
quickly muffled by Doggett's hand.  Doggett looked into 
Mulder's eyes and saw them turn from distant and empty to 
confused and scared.  They were looking more and more 
human by the second.  

Doggett spoke in a low, steady voice, not knowing if he 
would understand.  "Mulder, I'm John Doggett a friend of 
Scully's and I'm here to help you."  At the sound of Scully's 
name, Mulder stopped struggling.  Doggett released his hand 
from his mouth.

"Where's Scully?"  Mulder croaked in a hoarse voice.

Doggett and Byers smiled at each other.  They knew they had 
the real Mulder back.  Luckily Scully had told them how 
quickly the vaccine worked or else they wouldn't have 
believed it.

"She's waiting for you.  We'll take you to her now," Doggett 
answered.  "Can you walk?"

"I...I don't think so," Mulder said in a tired, weak voice.  His 
body felt odd and weary.

"Then we'll carry you," Byers said.

Mulder smiled at the sight of his friend.  "Byers, where's your 
suit?"  He asked looking at his tattered clothes.

"That's a long story.  We've got to get out of here," Byers said 
with urgency as he looked at the glowing goop next to him.  
It had ceased its movement and was starting to change colors.

"Let's go!"  Langley called from the door.  He had just heard 
some footsteps in the vicinity.

They carried Mulder between them and hurried out the door.   
The four men rushed out of the building in silence.

It was dawn by the time the men had made it deep into the 
wilderness.  Luck was on their side, because they had 
traveled thus far without detection or incident.  Mulder's body 
was trembling uncontrollably, still fighting off the remaining 
alien cells.  His skin was cold to the touch and the men 
loaded him with any clothes they could spare to keep him 
warm.  Eventually they slowed down and rested for a while.  
They still had a long trek in front of them.

Scully paced the floor of their cave riddled with angst.  She 
had hoped they would have been back by now.  She had so 
many questions and not knowing was driving her crazy with 
worry and fear.  Did they find Mulder?  Had the vaccine 
worked?  For all she knew, Krycek could have given them 
colored water in that vile and the aliens could have captured 
her husband and the Gunmen.   No!  Perish the thought!   If 
she lost Doggett too, she didn't want to live.  Frohike saw her 
anxiety and tried several times to ease it to no avail.  So he 
gave up and instead played with the baby while Scully paced.

Scully watched the setting sun paint the heavens in reds, 
pinks and purples.   The beauty was breathtaking, but small 
comfort to her anguished and tormented heart.  She prayed 
continuously.   "Please, God, let John come back to me!"

Hours later the four men stumbled into the cave.   Scully was 
holding Katie and she quickly handed her to Frohike and ran 
into Doggett's arms.

"Thank God you're home safely!"  She cried, tears of joy and 
relief in her eyes.

"I promised you, didn't I?"  He said, thrilled to be holding her 
again.  They embraced tightly then Scully directed her 
attention to the man who was slumped between Langley and 
Byers.

Mulder.  She could barely believe her eyes.  "Let's lay him 
down over here," she said now in doctor mode, pointing to 
the far corner of the cave where she had laid out an animal 
fur.  A small fire blazed nearby.  The men complied.  Mulder 
was unconscious.  "Did the vaccine work?"  She asked, not 
sure.

"We're pretty sure it did.  Mulder recognized the guys and 
seemed to remember your name.  I think his body is just 
suffering with the fight that must be going on inside him," 
Doggett said.

"Alright.  I'll take care of him, give him some food, and keep 
him warm, if you can watch Katie."

"Of course, but what about you?"  Doggett asked in concern.

"I'll be fine," she said then fell into his arms.  "I'm so thankful 
to have you home!  I was sick with worry."

They kissed with such passion the Gunmen blushed.  "I think 
this is our cue to exit," Frohike said.

"Oh, sorry, guys.  Thanks for all your help," Doggett said.

"Yes, thank you so much," Scully said gratefully.  "Come by 
tomorrow.  I'm sure Mulder will be better by then."

"We'll be here," they said and left.

Scully stayed by Mulder's side the rest of the night.  She 
bathed him and spooned warm broth into his mouth.  All the 
while he remained unconscious and Scully's concern for him 
grew.  Exhausted, she laid herself next to him, covering them 
both with another fur and slept.  

At some point during the night, a movement next to her woke 
Scully up.  She opened her eyes to see Mulder turned toward 
her.  The fire had died down and the embers cast warm 
shadows over his sleeping face.  She studied his every feature 
and cherished every breath that came from his body.  He was 
beautiful and her heart filled with love from long ago.

Suddenly his eyes opened, looking directly into hers.  
"Scully, is that really you?"  Mulder asked in a whisper.

Scully smiled a brilliant smile.  Intense joy overcame her and 
a tear trickled from her eye.  "Yes, Mulder, it's me," she said 
her voice thick with emotion.  He was alive, awake, and 
going to be okay!

Mulder smiled and touched his hand to her cheek, gently 
stoking it.  He needed physical proof that he was not 
dreaming.  She took his hand with hers and kissed the inside 
of his palm.  The tender sensation electrified Mulder's body 
and he felt alive, something he had not felt in a long, long 
time. 

Seeing her, knowing that she was real, he was overcome by 
his deep love for her.  He opened his mouth and out flowed 
the words he had felt in his heart and soul for years: "I love 
you, Scully."  He looked intently into her eyes and lost 
himself in the love he saw reflected there. 

"I love you too," Scully said, speaking her heart.  Their gazes 
locked and they spoke volumes to each other without another 
word.  Slowly, as if drawn by a magnet, the space between 
them grew smaller and smaller until their lips touched in the 
most tender caress.  Simultaneously, their eyes closed at the 
profound sensation and the caress turned into delicate kisses.  
The tips of their tongues touched, igniting their bodies.  
Mulder put his hand in Scully's hair and pulled her closer, 
breathing in her breath and deepening the kiss.   It was an 
exploratory, lingering and passionate kiss, filled with almost 
a decade of repressed feelings.  Time stood still, and in that 
moment there was nothing in the world but their kiss.  They 
were completely and utterly lost in each other.

Mulder pressed his body to her, his desire obvious.  Alarm 
bells rang in Scully's ears, breaking the spell.  She pushed 
Mulder gently away, whispering, "No.  This is wrong."

Hurt, Mulder looked deep into her eyes, searching for an 
explanation.  He knew that she loved him just as much as he 
loved her, even without her previous declaration, her kiss said 
it all.  "Why?  We love each other and we've waited far too 
long to admit those feelings."

"Yes, far too long," Scully said regretfully, thinking of how 
things might have been had they declared their love for each 
other years ago.  "Things have changed," she said quietly.

"What's changed?"  Mulder asked, still searching.  When 
Scully lowered her gaze, it dawned on him.  "You're in love 
with someone else?"  He asked, heart pounding in 
anticipation of the answer.  It seemed like eons before she 
responded. 

"Yes," she whispered.

Mulder's heart sank in devastation.  The pain was breath 
taking.  He had waited too long and now he had lost her.  His 
partner, his love, his soul mate, lost to another.  "Doggett?"  
He asked, remembering the name his rescuer had given him.

"Yes," she said, feeling great pangs of guilt for what she had 
just shared with Mulder.  How could she do that to her 
beloved husband?  Yet she felt she had to explain to Mulder, 
somehow make him understand.  For she realized she loved 
two men.  "So much has happened since your abduction, 
Mulder.  I don't know how much you remember, if anything, 
but I though you were dead!  Kersh assigned John Doggett to 
be my new partner in the search for you.  We looked for you 
for months and then when the aliens invaded and took over 
the planet, I thought for sure I'd never see you again.  The 
only reason John and I are still alive is because John found 
the map to the bomb/alien shelter you built and he took me 
there right as the invasion began.  We stayed there until the 
food supply was exhausted and then we were forced to live 
out here in the wilderness as nomads.  It was during that time 
in the shelter that John and I became even closer and fell in 
love.  I know this must be a lot of information to hear all at 
once; I just wanted you to realize that I would not have 
opened my heart to another, had I not thought you were 
dead."

Mulder's brain was reeling with all the news.  He couldn't 
quite comprehend all the things she was talking about.  But 
the one thing that stood out, the one thing he understood loud 
and clear was that Scully was in love with another man.  He 
had lost her!  His heart ached and he felt as if he were lying 
under a large, heavy boulder that was slowly crushing his 
body.  The weight of the information was so great.   "There's 
no chance for us?"  He asked hesitantly.

Scully shook her head.  "He's my husband," she whispered.

Another dagger sliced through Mulder.  She was married!  
Married!  And lost to him forever.  "Are you happy?  Does he 
treat you well?"  He managed to ask with a trembling voice.

She nodded, "Yes, I'm happy.  He loves me very much and 
treats me like a queen."

Mulder turned away from her, looking at the dancing 
shadows upon the cave ceiling.  A great sadness overtook 
him and he needed some time to process all the things she 
had just told him.  "Please leave me alone for a while," he 
whispered, unable to hide the pain he felt.

Scully's heart was heavy.  Understanding he needed time to 
think she said, "Alright.  I just want you to know, that I do 
love you, Mulder and I will always be here for you.  I'll come 
back in a bit."  She left and Mulder rolled over into the 
warmth her body had left behind.  Tears trickled out of his 
eyes and onto the fur blanket.

Scully slept at her husband's side for a couple hours until the 
sound of Mulder moaning woke her.  She crawled out of bed 
and over to him.  Apparently he was having a nightmare and 
she knelt next to him, stroking his face.  

"Mulder, wake up," she said in a low, soothing voice.  

His eyes popped open and she saw the terror they held.  Her 
heart went out to him for all the agony he must be feeling.  
Upon seeing her, the terror left his eyes and was replaced by 
calm.  "Scully," he breathed thankful she was near him.

"I'm here, Mulder.  Everything's going to be okay," she 
soothed, gently combing his hair with her fingers.

"I've been having some horrible flashes.  Memories, I think.  
Tests.  Hideous tests and then just a void, an emptiness.  It's 
hard to describe," Mulder explained, trying to remember.  It 
was all so confusing.  He needed some answers.  "What 
happened, how did I get here?"

"Well, you were abducted by the aliens," Scully began, not 
really sure if he should be hearing all this now in his fragile 
state.

"Yes, I remember going up into the light.  There were others 
there as well, like Billy Miles and the shape-shifting bounty 
hunter," he said thinking back to what seemed like a very 
long time ago.

"Yes, and then after the aliens invaded I saw you but you 
weren't you, but an alien with an odd bony protrusion on the 
back of your neck.  I had no idea how or if I could save you 
and I couldn't figure anything out until the other day when I 
got the vaccine."

"A vaccine cured me?  Just like the one I gave you in 
Antarctica?"  He asked in amazement.

"Yes, thank God," Scully said.

"Where did you get it?"  He asked.

Scully looked down.  "Krycek."

"Krycek!"  Mulder exclaimed in disbelief.  "And he just gave 
it to you?"  He asked incredulously.  Then something on 
Scully's neck caught his eye.  He moved her shirt to the side, 
exposing the knife wound as well as a few other nasty 
bruises.  Dread built up inside him as he asked, "Did Krycek 
do this to you?"

"Yes, she said, not able to meet his eyes.  "We had a plan, but 
it backfired and before John was able to get to me Krycek..." 
Scully couldn't say it.

"Cut you?"  Mulder finished.

"Yes and...and much worse."

The dread that had been building up within Mulder was rising 
by the second.  He took her hands in his, noticing the bruises 
on her wrists.  "He raped you?"  He asked as gently as he 
could, praying she would say no.

She shook her head in the affirmative as tears spilled onto her 
cheeks.  "No!"  Mulder cried in anguish.  "I'm going to kill 
him!"  Anger rose up in him like a tornado and he tried to 
stand.  Scully pulled him down.

"Please stay here!  John's already taken care of him."

"He's dead?"

"No, well maybe; I'm not sure," she said remembering the 
state they left him in.

Mulder gathered Scully in his arms and held her tightly.  "I'm 
so sorry, Scully.  I'm so sorry."  Once again she had sacrificed 
too much for him.  Even while "dead" he was causing her 
pain.  His tears ran freely.

"The most important thing is that you are alive, Mulder," she 
said through her own tears.

He looked at her.  "But at your expense.  I would have rather 
stayed dead under the alien influence," he said honestly.  He 
had brought so much pain to her life over the years and now 
this.  It was just too much.  They embraced again in silence.

"Get some sleep, Mulder.  It's very important for your 
recovery," she said wiping away her tears and turning to 
doctor mode.  "I have something else to tell you in the 
morning."  At his concerned look she added, "It's something 
good, very good."  She smiled and went back to her bed.  

Doggett wrapped his wife in his arms protectively.  He had 
heard parts of their conversation and it pained him that she 
would be reliving her rape for a long, long time to come.  He 
would never forgive himself for allowing her to be the bait in 
their plan.  Scully snuggled up to him, feeling secure and 
safe.   

The sun rose, bringing with it a brand new day.  After nursing 
Katie, Scully with the baby in her arms went to Mulder's 
bedside.  Mulder was lying on his side, his eyes open.  At 
their approach he slowly sat up.

"There is someone I'd like you to meet," Scully said, a proud 
smile on her face.  She sat down next to Mulder and 
presented Katie to him.  "This is Katie, our daughter."

Mulder was in shock.  "Ours, as in yours and mine?"  He 
asked in surprise.

"Yes," Scully said beaming.  "Would you like to hold her?"

"Oh, yes," he said in awe as Scully gently placed the sleeping 
baby in his awaiting arms.  "Our baby," he said in utter 
amazement, gazing at the beautiful little creature.  He and 
Scully shared a baby!  He couldn't believe it.  "I thought the 
invitro didn't take."

"I thought so too, but on the day you were abducted I found 
out I was pregnant."

"Oh, Scully.  You went through all of this alone and had me 
to worry about as well!"  Mulder thought of the pain she must 
have gone through.

"It was a bittersweet day.  I so wanted to share the news with 
you.  I was so thrilled, confused, surprised.  I just never 
thought I'd have the chance to be a mother.  But without you 
there and not knowing when or if I'd ever see you 
again...well...." She felt the heartache again, just as sharp as 
it had been on that day.

"I know, Scully.  I'm so sorry.  I would have loved to have 
been by your side when you discovered the news and I would 
have loved to have been with you every step of the way 
throughout your pregnancy," Mulder said with great regret.

"I know.  I'm just so glad you are here now."  

"She's beautiful," Mulder said, studying her every feature.  At 
those words the baby opened her eyes and smiled at him.  He 
smiled back, overjoyed.  "She has your eyes, Scully.  
Beautiful blue eyes."

"And your lips.  They are unmistakably yours," she said 
gazing at the baby's plump lower lip.

Mulder smiled.  "I'm just glad she doesn't have my nose," he 
laughed.  Scully smiled.  

He just couldn't believe he had a daughter.  His and Scully's 
daughter.  It was overwhelming.  But he was already 
completely in love with the tiny person in his arms.  "Good 
morning, sweetie," he said and kissed her forehead.  "I love 
you." 

Doggett watched the scene from a distance.  Mother, father, 
and baby reunited.  He was happy for them but also afraid of 
what this would mean for him.  As much as he hated to admit 
it, he was threatened by Mulder's "resurrection".  Not only 
did Mulder and Scully share years of unrequited love and a 
strong partnership, but now they also shared a daughter; a 
daughter Doggett thought of as his and Scully's.  He knew 
biologically speaking he was not Katie's father, but in every 
other sense of the word, he was her father.  And he did not 
want that to change.  He loved her like his own flesh and 
blood and he, Scully and the baby were now a family.

Doggett walked over to Mulder.  "Welcome back," he said, 
extending his hand.

Mulder looked up at the man who stood before him.  Scully's 
husband.  Shaking Doggett's extended hand, he said, 
"Thanks.  And thank you for rescuing me."

"Dana's the one who deserves the credit.  She never gave up 
hope," Doggett said, putting his arm around her.

"I am grateful to you both," he said.  "Thank you."

At that moment Katie cried and held out her arms to Doggett.  
Mulder handed her to him and Doggett cradled her to his 
heart.  "Well, hello, sweetheart," he cooed.  The baby 
squealed with delight.  She touched his face and he nibbled at 
her fingers.  Scully had her arm around Doggett's waist and 
was gazing lovingly at Katie.

Mulder looked at the picture before him.  He could see how 
happy Scully was and how happy Katie was in the arms of 
Doggett, the only daddy she had ever known.  Mulder's 
emotions were in turmoil.  He had gained so much over the 
last 24 hours, but he had lost so much as well.  Again he had 
life, but the life he had known, no longer existed.  His soul 
mate belonged to another man, as did his daughter.  He was 
devastated for himself, but at the same time happy for Scully.  
She finally had the baby she thought she could never have 
and the love of a man that was not afraid to show her his 
love.

Scully noticed Mulder's sudden quietness and whispered into 
Doggett's ear.  As per her request, Doggett left the two alone 
to talk, taking the baby with him.  Scully kneeled in front of 
him, gathering his hands into hers.

"I know this is a lot for you to wrap your mind around all at 
once.  So much has happened, so much has changed," she 
started, not quite sure how to say what she wanted.  "John is 
the only father Katie has ever known.  He brought her into 
this world with me and loves her as his own.  He is my 
husband and we are a family.  If you should want to lay your 
rightful claim to Katie, he would be devastated."  She paused, 
taking a deep breath.  "Mulder, I don't know how to ask you 
this, but if you could find it in your heart to let John and me 
raise this child as our own, I would be eternally grateful."   
Scully stopped, her heart beating wildly then continued,  "I 
was praying you would agree to be her uncle."

Mulder had feared this coming and his heart ached.  But he 
understood how things were now and it was best for Katie to 
be with two parents who were committed and in love.  They 
were a family and he, he was just an outsider.  When Scully 
had first come to him, she had only asked him to be a sperm 
donor, not a father to the child that might result.  Although he 
had hoped it would one day lead to them becoming a family, 
life just didn't turn out that way.  In his heart of hearts, 
Mulder agreed with Scully, but the sacrifice she was asking 
him to make was great.

"I agree with you," he said, his voice thick with emotion.  It 
was the hardest decision he had ever made.  "I will be Katie's 
uncle."

Scully cried tears of relief.  She knew how horrible all this 
must be for Mulder, but she was grateful for his selflessness.  
"Thank you, Mulder, thank you," she said embracing him.

He hugged her back tightly.  "I am going to be one devoted 
uncle.  I hope you won't get sick of seeing my face around," 
he joked, trying to diffuse the tension.

"I'll never get sick of seeing your face.  You are and always 
will be a part of our lives."  They smiled at each other, a 
smile carrying all the realities of life, a smile of 
understanding, sacrifice and resignation.

Time passed quickly.  As soon as Mulder had become strong 
enough, they had all moved to a new location.  The Gunmen 
followed as well, but separately.  They had grown 
accustomed to living in fear of capture and shaped their lives 
accordingly.   Being overly cautious had become second 
nature.  And that was what was keeping them alive and free.  

With each passing day the trauma of the rape was getting 
smaller and smaller and Scully was getting stronger and 
stronger.  Her confidence was back and she was able to shake 
the melancholy that had hovered around her since the attack.  
She still had nightmares reliving the experience, but they 
became fewer with the passing time.  Doggett was a large 
part in her recovery.  He was always there for her, making her 
feel completely loved, strong, and safe.  He was 
understanding to her mood swings and knew when to leave 
her be and give her some space.  Mulder was there for her as 
well.  Just his presence alone was enough to help Scully 
through the rough times.  She knew she could count on him 
no matter what.  It was a comforting feeling.

Although emotionally she was feeling stronger, her physical 
health was in question during the last few weeks.  She felt 
nauseous and light-headed quite often and threw up upon 
waking every morning.  As a doctor and mother she should 
have realized it sooner, but it wasn't until today that it finally 
dawned on her.  She was pregnant, she was sure of it.  The 
realization made her jump for joy.  She was thrilled to be 
carrying life inside her once again.  And this time the baby 
was hers and Doggett's.  He would be overjoyed when she 
told him the news. 

She was eagerly awaiting his return from the hunt when a 
horrifying thought occurred to her.  What if the baby weren't 
Doggett's but Krycek's!  The thought paralyzed her with fear 
and horror and she froze on the spot where she was standing.  
She calculated the possible conception date, having nothing 
to go on but her symptoms and when they first started.  It was 
definitely possible that the baby was Krycek's!  Fear rose 
inside her and her body started to tremble.  The probability 
was slim though.  Afterall he had forced himself on her only 
once and she and Doggett had made love countless times 
during that time period, as well as before and after.  This 
thought soothed her somewhat, but she still trembled.

Mulder, who now lived in a separate shelter, was with Scully 
since Doggett was out.  The two men had agreed never to 
leave her alone and took turns at the hunt, one of them always 
remaining behind to protect Scully.  They had insisted on this 
arrangement, and although Scully protested, saying she could 
take care of herself, she was secretly glad that she and the 
baby did not have to be unprotected in this world of aliens 
and evil men like Alex Krycek.

Noticing Scully's frozen position and trembling form, Mulder 
stopped his play with Katie and went over to Scully.  He 
touched her shoulder and she jumped.

"What's wrong, Scully?  You're shaking," he asked 
concerned.

His touch took her out of her fear-induced trance and she 
collapsed in his arms.  Normally, she would have said that 
she was fine, but nothing was normal anymore.  "I'm 
pregnant," she stated simply.

"That's wonderful, Scully!  I'm so happy for you!"  Mulder 
exclaimed.  When she started crying, Mulder pulled her back 
so he could look into her eyes.  "Why aren't you happy about 
this?  I'm sure Doggett will be thrilled," he said.

"What if it's Krycek's?" she blurted out.  "It's possible!"

That possibility hadn't occurred to Mulder and he understood 
her fear.  "It won't be," he said, trying to sooth her.

"But what if it is?  What am I supposed to tell John?  'John, 
guess what, I'm having another baby and this one isn't yours 
either'," she said her misery mounting.  "What if I disgust him 
for carrying that rapist's child?  What if he can't stand to look 
at me or touch me anymore?  What-"

"Stop, Scully!"  Mulder exclaimed.  "Listen to yourself!  You 
know Doggett.  You know how much he loves you.  I see it 
every day.  That man would do anything for you.  Do you 
really think he would feel any less love for you if you were 
carrying Krycek's child?  Look how he loves Katie.  She is 
mine and yet he loves her like his own.  He would do the 
same if this baby turns out to be Krycek's.  I have no doubt 
and you shouldn't either."

Scully sighed.  "You're right, Mulder.  You're right.  But God 
I pray that this baby is John's!"

"It will be," Mulder hoped.  They embraced as Doggett 
walked into the cave with a fleshly slaughtered deer.

"Anyone hungry?"  He said.  Then he felt the tension in the 
air.  "Are you okay, Dana?"  He asked with great concern.  
He was instantly at her side.

Mulder squeezed her hand and made a quiet exit.  Scully 
smiled at Doggett and said, "I'm fine, Honey.  I actually have 
some news."

"What is it?" he asked.

"I think I'm pregnant."

A huge smile spread across Doggett's face and he picked 
Scully up and swung her around.  "You just made me the 
happiest man alive!"  He exclaimed with glee and excitement.

Scully swallowed, not wanting to put a damper on his 
happiness.  "John, don't get too happy."

He set her down.  "Why?  Is there something wrong with the 
baby?"  He asked apprehensively.

"Not that I know of, but there is a small possibility that the 
baby is not yours," she said it, searching his face for his 
reaction.

His smile slowly faded as realization dawned.  "Krycek."

Scully nodded.

"Damn that bastard!"  Doggett exclaimed in anger.  He paced 
around in a circle.  "Hasn't he done enough?!"  He ran his 
hands through his hair and forced back his mounting anger.  
Scully didn't need to hear this.  She needed his support and 
unconditional love.  He went to her and put his hands on her 
upper arms, looking her straight in the eyes.  "It doesn't 
matter who the father of this baby is.  You are its mother and 
I love you with all my heart.  I will love this baby as my own.  
I promise you."

Scully was touched.  "You don't have to promise, John; I 
know you will.   I love you so much."

They embraced tightly.  "I love you too, Dana," he said.
  
The months passed without any threat from the aliens and 
there had been no sighting of Krycek since the attack.  Scully 
and Doggett hoped he was dead.  Katie had already learned to 
crawl and was a delight to her parents and Uncle Mulder.  
Scully's unborn baby was growing as well and she was 
starting to show.  She felt healthy and good and was eagerly 
awaiting the birth.  She and Doggett talked about possible 
baby names almost daily.  He was, of course, hoping for a 
boy, but Scully didn't care one way or the other.  She was just 
so happy at the thought of being a mother again.  

Doggett and Scully were so completely in love; it was 
obvious to anyone who saw them.  They still acted like 
newlyweds, making love almost every night and kissing and 
touching whenever they could.  They laughed and giggled 
and played with each other just like a couple of kids.   Smiles 
usually lit up their faces and their eyes beamed with the 
happiness and security that comes with being head-over-heals 
in love.

Mulder saw their great love and joy for each other and 
although he was happy for them, he was miserable inside.   
He had tried hard to get Scully out of his heart and mind, but 
he just couldn't.  His love for her was so great and it was 
slowly killing him for he knew it would never be requited.  
Thoughts of what could have been were eating away at his 
soul and each day he was becoming more and more 
depressed.  Every time he saw her he just wanted to take her 
in his arms and kiss her, show her his love.  But he knew he 
couldn't.  He had to do something for his own sake, so he 
could move on.  He had to get away from her.  Perhaps 
distance would cure his heartache.

It was one of those days where it was Mulder's turn to stay 
with Scully while Doggett was out.  Mulder had already 
packed a bundle of clothes and supplies the night before.  He 
had thought about leaving right then and there, but he didn't 
want Scully to worry and thought he owed her an 
explanation.   He played with Katie for a long time and 
wondered how much older she'd look the next time he'd see 
her.  Would she even remember him?  He was going to miss 
her greatly, but he knew he had to do this for his sanity's 
sake.  He hugged and kissed the little girl and then walked 
over to where Scully was fixing lunch.

"Scully," he said and she turned to face him.

Immediately she saw something in his eyes that told her she 
wasn't going to like what he had to say.  She saw despair and 
sadness and her stomach filled with butterflies.  "What is it, 
Mulder?"  She asked gently.

He let out a long sigh and said, "I've come to say goodbye.  
I'll be leaving now and I don't know when I'll be back."

"Leaving?" she asked confused.  "But why, Mulder?"

"I think you know why," he said looking deeply into her eyes.  

She had noticed his glum mood over the past couple months, 
but when she had asked him about it, he always said it was 
nothing.  She hoped he wasn't suffering because of what 
could have been between them.  But looking into his eyes 
now, she saw that that was exactly what it was.

"No, Mulder-" she began, tears starting to well in her eyes.

"Scully, I love you so much and I can't be around you 
anymore until I'm able to let you out of my heart.  Knowing 
that my love for you will never be fulfilled is just killing me.  
I can't go on like this!"  He cried in despair.

"No, please don't go!  I'll do whatever I can for you.  Just 
don't go!  I need you."  She sobbed.

"I have to.  Do you realize that every time I look at you I 
want to take you into my arms and kiss you?  I dream about 
making love to you all the time and knowing that I can never 
have a relationship like that with you, it...." He couldn't 
finish, his emotions smothering his voice.

She hadn't recognized how difficult it had been for Mulder to 
lose her.  And she and Doggett acting like newlyweds 
probably didn't help.  Her heart ached for she realized Mulder 
was still utterly in love with her.  She loved him deeply too, 
but she had promised herself to Doggett.  And that was a 
promise she would not break.  "I'm so sorry, Mulder," she 
said understanding.

"I need time, Scully.  Time away from you to get a new 
perspective on how my life is now."

Scully was crying now, finding it impossible to hold back the 
tears.  "Please promise me you'll be back."

"Scully..." he said in anguish, wiping the tears from her 
cheeks.

"Please, Mulder," she said in desperation.  The thought of 
never seeing him again was too much for her to bear. 

"I promise," he said through his own tears.  Impulsively, he 
swept her into his arms and kissed her with all the love and 
passion he had ever felt for her.  To his surprise and delight, 
she clung to him and returned his kiss with heated fervor.  
They drank from each other giving themselves with abandon.  
The kiss was possessive, hungry, heartrending, and final.  It 
spoke of everything they had ever shared and of the undying 
love that was between them.  

Mulder pulled away from her and looked directly in her eyes.  
"I'll always love you, Scully," he said with passion and then 
he ran out of the cave, not looking back.

"Mulder!  Please come back!"  Scully yelled.  But he was 
already long gone.



THE END

Thank you for reading my story!  I hope you enjoyed it and 
would love to know what you thought.  Please send all 
feedback to lsshard@home.com.  I respond to all.  I am also 
planning a Part 3 to this story.