Disclaimer:  See Part 1

A M B I G U I T Y  (5/8)
byMissy
missy@lexicon.net


MONTMORENCY, NEW YORK
5.03 P.M.


Mulder and Scully took in the scene of the accident as they walked from
their parked car which Mulder had pulled off onto the dirt siding of the
winding bitumen road.  Tall evergreen pines were gracefully bending to
the gentle breeze blowing over the mountain range, the tranquillity of
the area disturbed by the clambering of footfalls manoeuvring their way
down the treacherous mountainside to the site of a car perched
precariously on its side against one of the towering trees.

Sheriff Davidson stood on the edge of the ravine overseeing the work
being performed by his men calling out instructions whenever he felt it
was warranted.

"Sheriff Davidson" Mulder said as they stood beside him looking at the
irreparable damage which had been caused to the impeccable motor
vehicle which they had both seen earlier that day.  

Sheriff Davidson acknowledged their presence with a nod, his grim face
indicating the task at hand. "When we found your card, I thought you
may be interested in seeing the sight of the accident although they are
probably not linked.  It would appear that she was going too fast and
lost control of her vehicle coming around the hairpin bend shooting over
the edge."  

The threesome walked towards the missing guardrail where the car had
gone over the edge into the tree covered ravine.   Mulder squatted down
peering at the tyre tracks that led from the road into the dirt siding.  

"Photographs have been taken of these tracks, haven't they?" Mulder
asked.  

Sheriff Davidson nodded his head  "Yeah, the forensics guys have done
up here and are now down at the car."  

Sheriff Davidson went back towards the edge of the ravine in answer to
a call by one of his men where they were attempting to bring up the body
of Marissa Jordan.

Scully looked back up the road noting the direction of marks.  "Mulder,
there are no skid marks indicating that she has applied the brakes.  It's
as if she just drove over the edge."

"Maybe not.  Have a look at this."  Mulder said quietly to Scully as he
indicated a dark patch on the dirt.  He got down on his haunches pulling
a small scraper out of his pocket and picked up a sample placing it in an
evidence bag.    

Scully bend down over him taking a closer look at the sample on the
ground.  "What do you think it is?" 

Mulder scraped his finger over the surface of the remaining patch,
rubbing it between his fingers before lifting them to his nose.  "By the
smell, it's a type of oil.  My guess is that it is possibly brake fluid which
would explain why there is no sign of her having braked at all."

Scully and Mulder eyed the slow progress of the rescue team in working
the stretcher up the steep ascent, the body enclosed in the black body
bag.    "Scully, I think it might be an idea if you do this autopsy."  

Mulder proceeded over to where the medical examiner was awaiting the
retrieval of the body and discussed the merits of Scully performing the
autopsy.  At first the medical examiner argued with him not appreciating
his *turf* being invaded, especially by a woman his looks towards Scully
indicating his disdain, but finally conceded when Mulder flexed his
federal jurisdiction in the case.

"Alright Scully, it's off to the M.E.'s office for you with an all expense
paid trip courtesy of the county medical examiner."  Mulder flippantly
told Scully noting her disapproval at his flexing of FBI muscle especially
on her behalf

"And just when I thought you may have learnt something in the time we
have been together, you disappoint me Mulder."  Scully said shaking her
head referring to his earlier diplomatic status with Sheriff Davidson.  

She had noticed that the M.E. was not very impressed with the idea of
her performing the autopsy and did not now appreciate having to bear
the brunt of such disapproval.  Scully went to the car to get her
briefcase and laptop before heading towards the M.E.'s car.    

Mulder called out to her "I'll be over at the M.E.'s office in about an
hour."

Scully looked around at him puzzled and came back to face him "And
what, may I ask, are you going to do in the meantime?"   Scully was not
angry but knew it was better to keep him in line by forcing his hand and
knowing *what* he was doing rather than waiting around for the results
to reveal themselves.

"I'm going to have the mechanic go over the vehicle and see what caused
the accident."  


MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE
5.46 P.M.


Scully prepared herself for a second time that day to perform an autopsy
although this one was at least up her alley of expertise.  She was clad in
hospital greens and a white lab coat as she deftly removed the bandage
surrounding her stitches again.  She looked at the puckered skin idly
wondering what effect the powdered latex gloves and cleansing was
going to have on the healing process.  

Entering the autopsy room, the body of Marissa Jordan was laid out
beneath a white sheet with a cart complete with the tools of her trade set
beside the stainless steel table in readiness for her.

Scully pulled down the microphone set centrally above the table to
ensure clear dictation of her findings and began her  recitation of the
facts.

"The subject is a Caucasian female aged in her mid forties.  There is
multiple bruising and lacerations to the head, chest and abdomen. Deep
lacerations to the upper left arm.  Both lower legs have been crushed. 
These injuries are consistent with the trauma received as a result of a
car accident.  No evidence of prior trauma."

Scully made the Y-incision, her professionalism pushing aside the
thought that just a few hours ago she had been talking with this woman.

"Seven ribs are broken although none have pierced any of the internal
organs.  The heart and lungs are in good condition with no evidence of
disease.  The spleen and liver are both ruptured."

Scully continued with her assessment of the damage to Marissa which all
led to her belief that she had died from internal bleeding as a result of
the car accident.  She collected the usual blood, tissue and vitreous fluid
samples as well as retaining blood samples for DNA testing just in case.  

Her examination of the skull was what yielded her prize result although
it had her confused and flabbergasted.  As she was completing her
removal of samples from the brain, she noted a discoloration of the skin
at the base of her neck.  Scully shook her head believing her eyes were
playing games.  Yet when she got closer she noted the scar on the back
of her neck similar to her own.

Opening the skin concealing the small computer chip which she delicately
removed placing in a small vial tucking the evidence in her lab coat.  Her
face tightened in resolve.  This was definitely not going to be lost, stolen
or misplaced - not if she could help it.

Scully completed the autopsy and made sure that she had double samples
of brain tissue, blood samples etc.   She labelled all the vials and test
tubes in two separate FedEx satchels clearly labelling them.  To the
second one, she added the vial containing the computer chip and made
the arrangements herself for them to be delivered.  

With this task accomplished, she let the attendant know that she was
finished, got changed and waited for Mulder to arrive.  


CLANCY'S AUTO & PANEL REPAIRS
6.42 P.M.


Mulder had followed slowly at the rear of the broken and beaten up
Honda trailing behind the white tow-truck emblazoned with 'Clancy's
Auto Repairs'.  After Scully had left he had questioned several of the
Sheriff's men who were first on the scene.  The had stated that Marissa
was dead on their arrival at the accident and that it had been reported
by a local resident walking to town.  

When Mulder had spoken with the spritely old man, he had gained no
further insight into the cause of the accident.  The man had not seen or
heard it but when he caught sight of a rare bird for the area, he had
stumbled upon the accident site. 

Now he waited in the small office for the results of the mechanics
investigations of the wrecked vehicle.  Clancy, a beefy jovial man,  had
not been impressed when asked to forego his evening meal in favour of
the examination of the car.  After a polite discussion with Mulder as to
the urgency of the matter and a flex *again* of the FBI muscle, he
ensured a rapid and thorough investigation of the now not so sporty
Honda.

Just as Clancy rolled out from underneath the well lit chassis of the car,
Mulder's cel phone beeped to life.  "Mulder"

"It's me.  Where are you?" Scully inquired.

"I'm still at the auto shop.  I think Clancy is just finishing up right
about now." Mulder replied.  "How about you?"

"I've completed the autopsy and FedExed the samples through to Agent
Reiss at the New York office.  Mulder, there is something else I found but
I want to speak to you in person.  How long are you going to be?"  

"Hold on a moment, I'll find out."  Mulder called out to Clancy "Are you
finished?"

"Just about." was the gravely gruff reply as the large man stood
pocketing the greasy rag in the back pocket of his navy overalls.

"Scully, I should be there in about fifteen minutes."

"Okay.  I'll meet you out front."  

                        - o O o O o O o -

Mulder cut their connection and went out to Clancy.  "What did you
find?"

"Engine was in immaculate condition, the whole system under the hood
was impeccably kept." Clancy appeared to be amazed by this revelation.

"What about the brakes?" Mulder asked impatiently.

"Well. that's the funny thing.  The brake pads were so worn as to be
stripping the bearings.  In a car in such excellent condition is utter
madness.  To take care of an engine yet fail to maintain basically your
lifeline to the road."  Clancy grimaced and continued "But the brake
lines had been cut."  He pulled out a piece of rubber tubing to show
Mulder.  "See this, that's a clear cut caused by a knife.  There is no way
that sort of a break can be created any other way."

Mulder succinctly thanked Clancy for his time, pulling his car keys from
his pocket as he left the garage.

MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE 
6.54 P.M.

Scully sat, idly flicking through the out-of-date women's magazines set
on the low coffee table, in the small reception area at the front of the
concrete monolith structure with large windows facing out to the main
street.  She waited patiently for Mulder to appear, every now and again
glancing out the windows to see if his car had pulled up at the kerb.

Scully's cell phone rang.  "Scully." she answered succinctly.

"Agent Scully, you would be well advised to leave this matter alone and
return to Washington."

"Who is this?"  Scully had a good idea and knew she would not get an
answer but habits did not change easily and acceptance even less so.

"You will need to watch your back if you pursue this matter further."  

The connection was broken.  Scully looked at her phone troubled as she
also cut the connection.  The warning had her looking out the window of
the M.E.'s office and it was then that she first noticed *them*.  A sleek
black car sitting at the far kerb opposite the building and several cars
down.  Even though the car did stand out from those around it, it was
not its appearance that caught her attention as the occupants.  The four
ominous dark shapes reminded her clearly of what had occurred in New
Mexico and subsequent events.  Scully took stock of the situation and
pulled out her cel phone pressing the familiar speed dial button.

"Mulder"

"Mulder, it's me."  Scully said quietly.  "Listen to me.  Do *not* come to
the ME's office.  There's a car out front and I am pretty sure they're
waiting for us."  

"Scully, I can't leave you there." Mulder said plainly worried by the
implications of the situation.

"Meet me two streets before Main Street heading west.  I just have to
find a back way out without them noticing.  Give me fifteen minutes."

Mulder flicked through a map of the local area and confirmed the name of
the corner of the street they were to meet on and finished by telling her
to be careful.

Scully went up to the reception desk and informed the night security
officer that she was going to the ladies room and that her partner would
be arriving shortly and to ask him to wait for her.  He indicated that it
would be no problem and continued with his reading of his action packed
novel, something which he did not see in the Ithaca Medical Examiner's
Office.   She was glad that he did not comment on the fact that she was
taking her briefcase and laptop with her.

Scully stole a glance out of the window back at the black sedan, her eyes
widening as she saw  that the three men had left the car and were coming
towards the office.  

                        - o O o O o O o -

The driver of the black sedan noticed the second glance that Scully made
in their direction realising that the FBI Agent  was aware of their
presence.  He gained the attention of the other occupants of the car and
the other three emerged from the dark sedan towards the government
building.

As they entered the building, the men dressed in dark suits walked with
long-legged strides past the desk heading towards the elevators of
which one the door had just shut but the guard at the desk was not as
lacksidasical as they would have liked and halted them with his strident
voice.

"Identification, gentleman." he said authoritatively.

All the men stopped in their tracks, returning to where the guard stood
searching their pockets for identification.  However, the identification
pulled out was not that which the guard was looking for and the neat
round hole in his forehead ceased any further action by him.

They dragged the guard behind his desk out of sight and locking the
front door to any instrusion by the public.   Now they ran down the hall,
one of the men stopping at the elevator noting that it had stopped at the
fourth floor and seemed to be remaining there before entering the
stairwell and running up to the fourth floor, their guns drawn discreetly
at their sides.

The fluorescent lit hallway and the linoleum floor reflected the shadowy
images of the men making their way down the hallway methodically
searching the various laboratories which seemed to be devoid of human
occupancy.    

One of the men pulled out a cellular phone dialling to his superior in
Washington D.C. who was not be impressed that four of his men *could
not* keep track of one small *female* FBI Agent without any mode of
transport.  


MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE


Scully made sure she intimated for the security cameras that she was
going to the ladies room then quickly made a detour for the emergency
exit stairs leading to the docking bay which received all in-coming
corpses.  As a safety measure as she passed the elevators, she slipped in
quickly to send one up to the fourth floor, also pressing the button to
keep the doors open for just those few seconds longer giving herself
time to leave by the stairs before the doors could shut.   She did not use
the elevator due to the security cameras installed but used it as a
hopeful diversion to her actual destination and the telltale bell
disclosing the arrival and departure of the elevator.  Scully opened the
stairwell door acutely aware of the fact that there would also be a
security guard in this area ready for any new arrivals and removed her
shoes making her progress quiet.  

She need not have been too worried as the guard's concentration was
taken with the task of lighting his cigarette with a faulty lighter and she
managed to slip past him and out the roller door entrance without a
hitch.  The afternoon ride in the coroner's car was now having its
advantages as she was fully aware of her surroundings and the layout of
the streets.  Quickly slipping back on her shoes, she merged into the
shadows created by the trees and buildings and made her way stealthily
up the back laneway which ran parallel to the main street. 


SMOKE FILLED ROOM
WASHINGTON D.C.


"Gentleman, it seems that Agent Scully has managed to evade us again." 
The cigarette smoking man was not happy at having to yet again disclose
such incompetence on behalf of his men but his demeanour did not reveal
his discomfort in the face of such disclosure.

"I would suggest that it is time for us to take our second course of
action."   commented an elegantly dressed white haired gentleman

The other gentleman nodded in agreement.


MONTMORENCY


Scully's progress was not hampered by any unforseen forces and she
blended in with the late shift workers heading home after completing
their day's work.  She rounded the corner to their planned destination
just as Mulder pulled up the car and Scully hopped in.

"I haven't been followed but they had figured out that I knew they were
outside."  Scully's voice was a bit higher pitched than usual indicating
how the presence of the men had unnerved her as she placed her
briefcase and laptop on the backseat.

Mulder looked at Scully, worry masking his face before he turned to
their current situation.  His eyes scanned the area and checked the
rearview mirror ensuring that Scully had not been followed.  He trusted
Scully when she said that she had not been followed but wanted to
ensure that there was not another car in the vicinity just waiting to
ambush the two of them.

"Where can we go?" Scully asked, her blue eyes troubled realising that
again they were out on their own.  To involve others only risked their
lives as well as their own.

"I'm not sure yet.  There's a map in the glove box.  We will stop at a
diner, pick up something to eat and decide which way we should go." 
Mulder stated matter-of-factly.  "What did the autopsy show?"

"Well, the damage sustained to the internal organs indicate that Marissa
died as a result of the car accident." 

"You rang me, Scully.  What's the matter?"  Mulder was finding it
difficult to keep his eyes on the road as he drove out of the township of
Montmorency,  all the while keeping watch for their intended captors as
well as worrying about what was troubliiing Scully so much.  

He glanced over at her noticing how cloudy her normally clear blue eyes
were as she ran a finger over the top of the stitches holding together the
ragged line running over the back of her hand.   "Scully"  he said in an
inquiring tone which held just a touch of warning to it.

She looked ahead took a deep breath and steadily told Mulder about the
computer chip she had found.    Now Mulder could understand the reason
for her distress.  The one which had been removed from her neck had
been destroyed by the tests conducted on it thus leaving them once
again with no proof of a government conspiracy.

"Have you got it with you?" 

"No.  I FedExed all the samples to Agent Reid."

"What?  Scully you should know by now that if they had followed you to
the ME's office that they will be able to trace to whom you sent it."

"I know Mulder.  That is why I also did duplicate samples and sent them
to the Lone Gunmen together with the computer chip.  *They* will not be
expecting me to be sending off two lots of samples."

Mulder glanced sideways at Scully, a look of amazement flittering across
his face.  

"You sent them to the guys?" he asked incredulously.  

"Well Mulder, they are definitely not going to *loose* them, are they?"

Mulder nodded still too shocked with her disclosure to think of an
appropriate remark.  Their discussion ceased, leaving each of them to
their own diverse thoughts on the case as they travelled down back
roads to the next township.  Mulder pulled into a gas station with a small
diner attached.  

They found a secluded table where they would talk without much fear of
being overheard.  They had given their orders for dinner as they walked
in so they knew they were alone for at least ten to fifteen minutes.

"Scully" "Mulder"  They both began at the same time, their eyes
searching the depth of the other's to find meaning to the fragments of
information that had been disclosed.  Scully indicated for Mulder to
continue.

"Scully, we've got to work together on this. We can't go our own separate
ways. It's been proven before that when they segregate us, cut us off
from each other, they win.  I know I have tried to protect you by doing it
in the past and it wasn't because I doubted your abilities, you've proven
them time and time again.  But Scully, this time, the implant you found
will make you vulnerable and it is very tempting to not want to involve
someone who you feel doesn't understand." 

Mulder's voice was soft and gentle.  Scully had been playing with the
salt container between her hands as he spoke.  Mulder stilled them with
his own, the warmth and commitment he felt towards his partner
radiating through them to her.  She looked up into his eyes, slowly
nodding and he noted that her eyes were clearer now and not the deep
murky gray from when they were in the car.  

"Mulder, I won't shut you out."  

Scully withdrew her hands from within his as a waitress came over with
the drinks they had ordered informing them that their dinner would be
ready in five minutes.  Scully asked where the bathroom was and
excused herself.  

Mulder watched as his diminuitive partner made her way to the back of
the small diner noting the differences in her projection of her character
when facing the devil reincarnate in comparison to the small shape she
had seemed beside him in the car.  He noted how the strength and
confidence had returned to her composure when she returned just as
their meal was placed before them.

They ate in companionable silence enjoying their dinner, each of them
tyring to put the events of the day into perspective.     They were just
finishing their coffee as Mulder brought up the issue of accommodation.

"But where Mulder?  If we go into a motel, they will be able to track us."  

"I've thought about that.    Do you have any family up this way?"

"Mulder, I don't want to involve any of my family."    Her eyes shadowed
as she remembered the death of her older sister.

Mulder could have kicked himself for that remark.  Scully's guilt once
again had created  an impenetrable wall around her emotions and one
which Mulder found had affected their companionable working
relationship.

"Scully, I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have even asked.  Come on, let's go."  He
stood up, pulling his wallet out of his pocket, placing bills to cover their
meals and coffee together with a tip for the waitress.    Scully slipped
into her overcoat and followed Mulder out of the diner.

Scully had offered to drive but Mulder had pointed out that it was about
time that she gave her hand some rest. and had rebandaged the wound
which had been aggravated by the latex gloves used for the autopsies.

Mulder made a quick call to the Lone Gunmen asking for any suitable
accommodation in the district.  Langley came up with a vacant cabin in
the mountains in Montmorency close to the site of where Marissa Jordan
had met her untimely death.  He gave Mulder an address at which they
would be able to retrieve the keys.  Mulder tried getting details of who
owned the property but didn't even get to the end of his question when
he gave up realising that the Lone Gunmen would never disclose their
sources.

Scully closed her eyes to the bright glare of the headlights of on-coming
cars and quickly fell into a restless sleep.  Mulder looked over at the
sleeping form of his partner and was glad that she was finally able to get
some rest  He settled in for the hour drive to the mountains at
Montmorency.


MONTMORENCY PUB
8.59 P.M.


Mulder pulled the car into one of the parallel parking bays outside the
local pub which had been restored in a cream color with green facade
adorning its facias regaling a glory from a previous era.  As he turned
off the engine, Scully's eyes blinked open, accustoming to the darkness
of the night and immediately became aware of her surroundings.    

"Stay here, Scully.  I'll just get the key."  

Scully nodded in acknowledgement, settling comfortably in the seat and
working at the crick in her neck created by her short nap.  It only took
Mulder two minutes before he was once again starting the car and
heading in a northerly direction towards the mountain range.    He was
pleased with the fact that the Lone Gunmen had ensured that where the
property was located, there were several access roads even though some
were quite desolate of traffic.  

He manoeuvred the car down a dirt track littered with potholes which
were impossible to avoid jarring their bodies to the core.  As Mulder
edged the car slowly down the beaten old track, the large evergreen
trees opened into a wide clearing revealling a weathered log cabin

They both exited from the car, claiming their briefcases and Scully's
laptop and trunched their way to the front door which opened freely
under the key.  They walked into a  room containing a three seater
couch, strategically placed in front of the hearth to obtain maximum
warmth produced by the fire, accompanied by two comfortable armchairs. 
  A round pine kitchen table with four chairs was set behind the couch
leading to a kitchen.   

Mulder and Scully placed their briefcases on the floor, Scully
appreciating the country decor which was so homely after the impersonal
rooms they got at hotels.   She went off to the right of the lounge area
locating two bedrooms each containing a double bed with an ensuite
attached.  She heard Mulder's whistle of amazement and followed the
sound of his muttering to the room located to the right of the lounge
area.  As she entered she could understand Mulder's astonishment.
                                
The single room itself was the size of the two bedrooms combined and was
a haven for any technological wizard containing wall to wall up-to-date
computer hardware, fax machines, modems, listening devices and the list
just went on.  

"The guys wouldn't tell you who this cabin belonged to."  It wasn't a
question but a statement that Scully made.

Looking at the massive equipment contained in this room Mulder could
understand their lack of disclosure.  Even within the group of The Lone
Gunmen quite a number of the members went under either assumed
names or nicknames protecting their identities.  Mulder mused over how
many people provided him with information over time  but for whom he
had yet to know of their true identity as well as their motives.

Scully had fetched her computer and hooked it up for ready for use. 
"Mulder, could you check with Langley and see whether he has received
the package I FedExed them?  I'll check and see if Agent Reid is still in."

Mulder nodded his head and pulled out his cel phone remembering that
he could not use the speed dial due to being in another State.   

"Lone Gunmen"  

"Langley, Mulder."

"Hi, Mulder.  You can let Scully know we just received her package and
are arranging for the analysis to be completed tonight.  We'll call and let
you know.   You have any trouble with the cabin?"  

"No.  It's clean and all *I* know is that none of you guys furnished this
with the exception of one room.   What are you guys up to with this sort
of equipment here?"

"Mulder, the Government has its secrets and so do we.  It's the only way
to compete and keep them in line."  Byers replied succinctly which
confirmed Mulder's view that he was on speaker.

Mulder knew when to give up on such a conversation and just muttered a
word of thanks for the cabin and that they would be waiting to hear from
them before cutting off the connection.  

Mulder had wanted to finish the call quickly in any case.  While he had
been contacting the Gunmen, Scully had been going to call Agent Reid. 
During his short call, Mulder had noticed how Scully had visibly paled at
the revelations her call was providing her with.  He tried to follow the
last of the call but with Scully only uttering monosyllables, it made it
difficult on his part.

End Part 5/8