Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own the Pretender. They belong to NBC and MGM. I also do not own Scully or Mulder; they belong to Chris Carter and Fox. And, once again, (God this is getting depressing) I don’t own the songs that Merideth sings. I do however own Merideth. So, if you all want to sue me be my guest, but I can guarantee you will never see a penny. So waste your money.
Note: Okay first Yeah, I just turned 17! Wahoo! Second, to get your name in the second edition, tell me the title and the person who sings the theme song on the show Merideth is singing to. Good Luck!
Title - Feelings of Indignation
Author - Ashlee
E-mail address -zyp959@hotmail.com
Rating - G
Category - Adventure/ Alternate Universe / Pretender/X-Files Crossover
Series/Sequel - Part One of Feelings of Indignation
Spoilers - N/A
Summary - When a girl is kidnapped by The Centre, Jarod and Miss Parker discover
that they have a bond deeper than either ever imagined
"Feelings of
Indignation"
By Ashlee
Stanton High School
Stanton, Maryland
8:00 a.m.
Monday August, 30 1999
Merideth walked down the familiar hallways to the locker that she had occupied the last four, seemingly endless, years of high school. Today, however, was an exception to the rule. In fact she was in a better mood than she had been in a long time. Her abusive father had died, she had inherited his millions, and had been emancipated so she would not have to live in a foster home. Life was good, well as good as it could be considering. She may not like having to be independent, and despite what her father had done she missed him, but it was better than having the shit beat out of her on a daily basis. As she approached her locker she spotted her life long friend Chet. He was wearing his usual garb, baggy jeans, a loose tee shirt covered by a zipper-up sweatshirt, a hat like Mike from the Monkees, and we can’t forget the Discman and headphones that were always on. He was cute, but she had never thought of him in a romantic way. She smiled at the boy.
Chet spotted his beautiful friend as she approached him. She had long black hair that was down to her butt and the brightest green eyes. She was a slim 5 foot 2.
"Hey babe. Long time no see!" He gave her hug. "So what’s up?"
"Not much. Just the same old same old." She smiled mischievously. "You know me."
"Yeah I do. That’s why I’m going to play it safe and change the subject. I’d hate to unwittingly become an accomplice to one of your hacking projects. You want the scoop on the new shrink here at Stanton High?"
"A new counselor? What happened to good ol’ bitchy Mrs. Standish?"
"Apparently she quit. I think one of those psycho, overly polite preppies ran her out."
"Well, as long as she’s gone who the hell cares? So who’s the lucky guy who’s taking her place?"
"That would be me." Came a deep voice from behind. She turned around to see the poor S.O.B. only to be greeted by one of the best looking men she had ever had the pleasure of meeting in person. He was about six feet tall with dark hair and brown puppy-dog eyes, wearing a black suit that only enhanced his already dark features, adding to the mysteries that seemed to be hidden inside his eyes, the window to his sole. Marideth had a feeling that this man had a whole lot more to him than that school counsellor facade. She wasn’t exactly sure what made her feel that way, but she knew that he wasn’t really a school counselor. She tried not to give him a look of suspicion as he smiled at them.
"Hey there Mr. J! We didn’t see you!" Said Chet.
"Hi Chet, it’s good to see you again. So, who’s your friend?"
"It is my pleasure to present to you Miss Merideth Crane." Chet said as he gave a bow.
"Hi Merideth." He shook her hand as Merideth tried to keep her composure. He was one fine looking man. "I’m Jarod Luis-Terman."
"Luis Terman? Isn’t that the guy who came up with the term I.Q. and the test?"
Jarod looked at her amazed. Most psychologists didn’t even know that, and according to her school records she hadn’t taken psyche, just the normal easy credit classes that most teenagers took.
"Um, yes that’s correct."
"Don’t let her looks fool ya Mr. J, she may be pretty, but she’s far from stupid."
"Shut up Chet," Merideth whispered threw clenched teeth. Then looking back at Jarod, smiled and asked, "So, why does everyone call you Mr. J?"
Jarod hadn’t missed her reaction to Chet’s response. She obviously doesn’t want to be noticed, he told himself as he attempted to gather every detail of this conversation and their reactions. It would be useful later on in the Pretend.
"Well, it’s just easier to say than Luis-Terman." He smiled at her hoping that she would let her guard down. The bell signaling the start of class rang.
"Well, that’s my cue. I’ll see you guys around." Jarod walked off towards the office.
"Hey, what’s up with the negativity?" Chet asked putting his arm around her and his head bent down so they could talk without being overheard.
"We don’t know this guy Chet, and I’d prefer that he, along with everyone else, not know about my so called gift, if you can even call it that. If anyone finds out they’ll put me in a cage and use me for their personal guinea pig."
"You really believe all that crap that your dad fed you?"
"You saw the I.Q. test results, Chet. That test only confirmed what he had been telling me." Her voice had a hint of distress in it.
"God, your father really pumped that paranoia stuff into your head didn’t he?"
"Paranoia, Paranoia everybody’s coming ta get me." She responded grudgingly as they walked into class.
***
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware
8:30 p.m.
Miss Parker was sitting in her office when there was a knock on her door.
"Enter." She said sounding a bit harsh.
A young man of about 25 entered nervously and handed Miss Parker a large manila envelope and a clipboard.
"Miss Parker?"
"Yeah." The man looked at her blankly. "Well, don’t use your whole two brain cells on one thought. Get on with it!"
"Um, yes of course. I need you to sign for this." The man said indicating to both the envelope and the clipboard.
"Fine." She signed it and handed it back. The man stood there for a second until Miss Parker sent him a get-the-hell-out-of-here-before-you-get-shot look. Miss Parker looked down at the envelope. It had no return address and a typed address. Just as she was about to open it the phone rang. She picked up the phone abruptly.
"What?!"
"Miss Parker you are wanted in Mr. Parker’s office immediately." A young woman, probably her father’s newest secretary, said. Then the woman hung up on her.
Miss Parker slammed down the phone annoyed that the woman had hung up first, just as Sydney and Broots entered. Broots jumped at the noise the phone made and asked,
"Uh, if this is a bad time…"
"Get your ass in here!" Broots and Sydney entered. Sydney sat in the chair in front of her desk as Broots sat on the couch as far from her as possible. Hopefully out of anger’s range.
"What is it?"
"Well, Broots has uncovered something that might interest you. He has found mention of your mother in the mainframe."
Miss Parker slowly turned in her chair to face Broots. Her face turned from an expression of anger to one of intrigue. "What did you find?" She asked slowly, a bit frightened of the answer, although she would never admit it.
"Well, na..nothing yet. I can’t seem to get into the file." Broots was nervously looking at his feet, frightened by her sudden calmness. ‘The calm before the storm,’ he thought to himself.
"Well, keep looking. I have a meeting to attend." Miss Parker stood and straightened her jacket. As she stepped around the desk Sydney stood.
"What meeting?"
"I’m not sure, but it’s in my father’s office."
Sydney looked worried. "Just be careful Parker."
"I always am," she responded as she headed out the door showing no fear. Sydney and Broots gave each other a worried look and exited behind her.
***
Stanton High School
Jarod’s Office
8:50 a.m.
After requesting Merideth Crane’s records from the young secretary Jarod left to go to his personal office and laptop. He had originally came just to study the teenage atmosphere that he had missed growing up, but now he was intrigued by this girl. He had a feeling that there was more to this young woman than she let on. As he went over her records he discovered that she had gotten all A’s in every class since 2nd grade, but that her CAT tests were average. He then moved onto her personal record. It seems that her mother died when she was four under rather mysterious circumstances, after that she lived with her father, a chemical engineer and biochemist. It seemed that this girl was the product of a brilliant man, and he sneaking suspicion that that trait had been passed on. He was telling himself this out loud as his 9:00 appointment arrived.
"Um…If this is a bad time." The young blond said when she heard him talking. She looked around not seeing anyone. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, yes. You must be Jen. Come in." He had a few more appointments this afternoon and a few later after school let out with some parents, then he would call Merideth. He soon would know if she really was as smart as he thought.
***
Mr. Parker’s Office
The Centre
9:00 a.m.
Miss Parker walked towards her father’s office appearing as calm as ever. She knew that she looked perfectly composed on the outside, but on the inside she was scared shitless. Her father was capable of anything, he had proved this when he had helped in the cover up of Thomas’ murder, not to mention her mother’s. There was no proof that he helped, but had she really expected that there to be arrows and neon signs naming her father as the culprit? ‘No,’ she told herself, ‘but it all makes sense. Just keep your cool.’ Miss Parker pushed open the doors to Mr. Parker’s office and barged in unannounced.
Brigitte, who was sitting on her husband’s desk, looked up at the intruder with a withering glance and spoke the words that Parker had barked at her a good many times. "Haven’t you ever heard of knocking….Luv?" She asked, purposely adding the ‘luv’ just to take pleasure in the annoyed glance that Parker was sure to shoot her.
Brigitte was disappointed. "Sorry." She replied in obviously fake sweet voice. She turned to look around the room and spotted not only her father, but also Raines and her loving brother Lyle. She was instantly suspicious and made a point to be extra cautious.
"What’s with the ‘plastic surgery gone wrong’ reunion?’ She made a point of looking directly at Lyle and Raines. "You know you really should sue for the damages."
"Now, Angel try to make an effort. You and Lyle are siblings, and blood is thicker than water." Miss Parker held back the almost uncontrollable urge to fall on the floor laughing at her fathering daring to say such a thing after all he had done. "That’s why I am sending you on an important mission with him."
"What??!! You have to be kidding!" Miss Parker had a look of total shock on her face, the urge to laugh completely gone. She looked over at Lyle who was grinning from ear to ear. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to knock him on his ass. "Tell me this is someone’s misguided attempt at a joke?"
"Angel, the Triumvirate is concerned about the lack of progress that you have made so, in order for them to regain confidence in you, you must perform a mission with Lyle as your right hand man."
"Who the hell cares what the Triumvirate thinks? I am not working with this piece of pond scum. And I am most certainly not going to be evaluated by a man who has blown every Centre mission he has ever been on!" She shot Lyle a look that could kill, but Lyle kept right on grinning, as did Brigitte. She wanted so bad to jam that damn sucker down her throat.
"Now, Luv, you really must try. After all we wouldn’t want the cleaners to come after you, now would we?" Brigitte said smiling and twirling the lollypop she held. Miss Parker returned her glare with a you-wish-it-were-that-easy look.
Miss Parker stood there, arms crossed a cold and distant look on her face. If she wanted them off her back…
"Fine. What is the mission?"
"That’s my girl!" Mr. Parker was smiling, that fake smile that he always gave her. "A new potential Pretender has been found. You and Lyle are to go retrieve her tonight and bring her here. Lyle has the full report." Miss Parker turned to leave when her father stopped her. She stood with her back to him as he spoke. "Don’t disappoint me, Angel." Miss Parker resumed walking. ‘God he’s an asshole.’
***
Stanton High School
3:03 p.m.
The students rushed out the doors to either get on the bus or to get to their cars, just glad to be released from these doors that held them in eight hours of the day. Merideth and Chet were in the crowd. After pushing their way out they headed down the street towards their block. Merideth was feeling uncomfortable after this morning, and a bit guilty about being so hard on Chet.
"Look, Chet I’m sorry about this morning, but…."
"I know, you're just worried that what your dad told you might be true, that if people find out what your capable of they’ll grab you and put you in some cage with a wheel and sit back and watch." He let out a little laugh. "You’re forgiven, but I’m telling you, this isn’t an episode of ‘the X-Files’, it’s reality babe. There isn’t any secret agency out kidnapping people and exploiting their genius for their research."
"I know, well I’m not sure, but I’ll stop acting so paranoid. Deal?"
"Deal." They were standing outside Chet’s house now. "So, we still on for tonight? Eight o’clock, your place?" He cocked his head to the side and gave her his best curious puppy-dog look. Merideth couldn’t help but smile as she responded.
"Right. See you then." Chet smiled widely and turned to walk up his driveway.
***
Miss Parker’s Office
The Centre
3:10 p.m.
Miss Parker had read over the profile and didn’t like it. This time it was a sixteen year old girl, a senior in high school, that she was supposed to rip out of her surroundings and put her in this dark and dreary place. She had been discovered when she took the Centre’s I.Q. test on the Internet. According to the scores, her I.Q. was one point higher than Jarod’s, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was going to be as successful as Jarod, after all Jarod had grown up in a Centre controlled environment while she had lived in the outside world. If the Centre didn’t think that her abilities were worth the cost of supporting her they just might get rid of her, permanently. ‘But,’ thought Miss Parker, ‘if she is as smart as Jarod whose to say she won’t…..Not to mention she just might receive a little help.’ She smiled at the thought. She stood and headed out the she remembered the envelope.
"Oops, can’t forget this." Miss Parker said and grabbed the envelope, she’d read it on the way back; she’d have time then. The reading material on the way there would be statistics, briefs and the never-ending paperwork that went with these missions. Now that she had what she needed she was going to tell Sydney and Broots that she was going to be gone for the evening. Then she would head to the airfield and meet the, as of late, suspiciously cheerful Lyle. ‘Maybe it’s those blow jobs he’s been getting from Step-mummy.’ Miss Parker let out a little laugh and left her office.
***
Jarod’s Latest Hideout
7:52 p.m.
Jarod was looking over Merideth’s file again, ‘nothing new’ he thought disappointed. Not having anything to go on, Jarod started a background check. Then he looked at his watch and realized that he should call up Merideth, it would get him information straight from the source and it was guaranteed to be accurate. Just as he was headed to the phone there was a knock on his door. He paused for a moment wondering who could be here then walked towards the door. He looked out the peephole, but didn’t see anyone. He cautiously opened the door and stuck his head out, still not seeing anyone. He was about to re-enter the house when he spotted a manila envelope on the floor.
"What’s this?" He asked curiously. He headed back into the house and was about to open it when he remembered the pressing business at hand.
"Might as well get it over with." He said as he threw the envelope onto the table and went to make his call.
***
Merideth’s House
8:00
Merideth looked at her watch. "I wonder where Chet is. His parents are probably telling him he needs to spend more ‘quality time’ with them." She laughed at the thought of Chet and his well-manicured parents spending any kind of time together. Just then the marathon that she and Chet were to watch together started. She jumped over the back of the couch and landed on the cushions in a reclined position. After the narrator introduced the show Merideth started to sing with the theme song.
"Just a good ol’ boys, never meanin’ no harm. Beats all ya never saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born. Straightnin’ the curves, flatnin’ the hills. Someday the mountain might get ‘em but the law never will. Makin’ their way the only way they know how; that’s just a little more than the law will allow. Just a good ol’ boys, wouldn’t change if they could; fightin’ the system like a two modern day Robinhoods."
***
Outside Merideth’s House
Two black Sedans pulled up outside Merideth’s residence. From one Miss Parker and her sweepers emerged, from the other Lyle and his sweepers. They all knew the drill, only the signal to move in was needed. The sweepers moved into position as Miss Parker and Lyle approached the front door. The sweepers entered the house just as Parker kicked in the door, gun drawn, Lyle behind her.
***
Inside Merideth’s House
Just as Merideth finished the song and sat back to watch the show the phone rang. She ran to pick it up, hoping that it was a wrong number.
"Yes?"
"Hello, Merideth?"
"Yeah." Her eyes focused on the television screen.
"This is Mr. J, the new school counselor. I was hoping that we could talk tonight. Do you have a moment?"
Before Merideth could say ‘no’ she heard a loud bang as her front door crashed to the floor. Standing in her doorway was a woman that she had seen before, well, not really seen, but had discovered on the Internet.
"Miss Parker," she whispered into the phone. She stood still, paralyzed with shock.
On the other end Jarod was confused.
"Miss Parker? What do you mean ‘Miss Parker’?" Jarod’s questions where answered only by the dial tone of a phone gone dead.
Meanwhile Merideth recovered from her shock and decided that for her own safety it was probably not the smartest idea to let on that she knew who these people were. Slowly Merideth raised her hands, knowing what was coming next. Might as well make it look good.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing?" She was grabbed from behind, a black cloth bag was put over her head, and she felt a needle enter her arm. Merideth knew that she would miss the whole to trip to the place called The Centre.
***
Jarod’s Hideout
Jarod looked at the phone in shock. A million questions running threw his head. ‘How did she know about Miss Parker? Was this his Miss Parker? What would the Centre want with her? ‘Stupid question,’ he knew exactly what the Centre would want with her. ‘So I was right.’ He dug threw the pile of papers on his desk until he came upon with her address. He grabbed his leather jacket and ran out the door.
***
Merideth’s Residence
5 minutes later
Chet walked up the steps to the front porch whistling. He went to knock on the door only to find that the door had had disappeared. "What the…." He looked down, confused, and saw it inside on the floor. Panic started to set in. He started to enter the house when someone grabbed him. Chet swung on his attacker, but he was stopped in mid swing by non other than…
"Mr. J! You scared the shit out of me!" Chet was holding a hand over his heart.
"Sorry Chet." Jarod was peering around the boy, a look of angst on his face. He pushed passed him and entered the house carefully, better safe than sorry. He couldn’t find anybody and the house was in shambles. Windows in the back room had been broken and there were muddy footprints. Just then it hit him. There was probably a cleaning team on its way. The Centre had a way with making clues disappear.
Jarod turned to leave and ran into a worried Chet, who didn’t quite know what to make of the scene. "Shouldn’t we call the F.B.I or something?" He asked anxiously.
"Even the C.I.A couldn’t help her now," Jarod whispered quietly, his head hung. He couldn’t believe that this had happened and there was nothing that he could do; that he had failed to prevent it. This girl’s life was going to be a living hell all because of him.
"I should have seen it coming." He said shaking his lowered head. Jarod’s personal blame game was interrupted by Chet’s confused voice.
"Seen what coming? You mean you now who took her?" Jarod’s instinct kicked in. He grabbed Chet’s arm and started pulling him.
"Come on. We don’t have much time before Housekeeping comes. I’ll explain when we get to my place." Chet, not knowing what else to do, followed him to his car. The race was on.
***
Jarod’s Hideout
9:00 p.m.
It had been almost an hour since Miss P. and company had grabbed Merideth when they finally arrived at Jarod’s place. Jarod had insisted on driving a round about way to make sure they weren’t being followed. ‘This guys as paranoid as Mer,’ Chet thought, slightly amused, but still sick with worry. Now he was more set on discovering who had took her than being worried, thanks to the testosterone levels that raced through his teenage body.
After entering the apartment Chet asked the burning question.
"So who took her?"
Jarod walked over to a silver case. He lifted it onto the table and opened it. Chet’s mouth dropped open. Inside the case was what appeared to be some sort of mini DVD player and screen.
"A place called the Centre." Jarod said matter of factually as he popped in a disk.
The screen showed a boy of about twelve sitting at a table with blue prints spread all around him. He was studying them intently. The words ‘For Centre Use Only’ were at the bottom of the screen. Finally the boy spoke to a man who appeared from off screen.
"I’ve got it Sydney! To do the most structural damage in an implosion you would place the explosive devices here, here, and here." The boy pointed to different places on the blueprints. Then looked up to smile at the man. Jarod paused the screen and pointed to the boy.
"That’s me and that man was my mentor at the Centre." He looked at Chet in order to get his reaction. Chet was stunned, mouth open.
"So there really are secret agencies out kidnapping people and exploiting their genius for their research." He breathed in awe.
"You mean you knew?" Jarod asked stunned.
"Well, no, but Merideth’s dad always insisted that she be careful because if anyone knew what he knew about her that they would take her and use her as a lab rat. I just assumed that was his vindictive way of keeping her isolated. That’s why she reacted the way she did this morning, she believed what her father said, which, after this, I don’t blame her. That is she believed until I convinced her to stop acting so damn paranoid. It wasn’t like he was the nicest or must trustworthy guy to ever roam this earth." Chet was running his hands through his hair worried. Jarod caught the movement, the noticed that Chet was dressed sort of nice. His jeans weren’t all that baggy and he had a form-fitting tee on that showed of his muscular body.
"Don’t worry Chet, we’ll get her back. But there are a few pieces of information I need from you. Like where did Merideth’s dad work?" Jarod asked as he put away the DSA’s and pulled out his laptop.
"He never really said. Only that it was none of her business and that she was better off not knowing, crazy stuff like that." He glanced over at Jarod, who was typing, and was hit with a sudden realization.
"Why, do you think that he worked for these people? That’s insane! Okay Jarod, I want to know what the hell is really going on." Jarod looked up, he was shocked by the colorful language but didn’t say anything.
"I didn’t say that, but he must have known something. That’s why I’m tapping into the IRS records. According to his records he worked for…oh no." Jarod was looking at the screen with a mixture of shock and dismay. If this were true then Mr. Crane surely new the consequences if his daughter were to be abducted by the Centre.
"Well, come on. Who is it?" Chet asked, now impatient by Jarod’s vagueness and was getting more concerned by the minute. The look on Jarod’s face had him really worried.
"It’s Viacom."
"Yeah," Chet said dragging the word out and giving Jarod a questioningly look. "So, they way you say it sounds like Hitler’s the company president."
"Close enough. This is a Centre run company." Jarod said as he stood and looked down at Chet.
"Oh."
"Look Chet, it’s late, you need to get home."
"Yeah, okay, but I’m coming over tomorrow morning. And call me if you find out anything!" Chet said as Jarod pushed him out the door.
***
Centre Car
10:30 p.m.
Miss Parker was sitting in a car opposite were the girl lay. They had been driving almost an hour when she remembered the envelope. She pulled out the files and read them over, her face becoming pale and a new fury built up inside. The more of the papers she read the angrier she got. They had stolen from her, from inside her. They had violated her in a way that couldn’t be imagined. This was the last straw. They were going to pay in more ways than one. Miss Parker regained outward composer and grabbed her laptop and cell phone. She began to work anxiously on her computer. Miss Parker looked over at the girl but caught the driver staring at her looking for a reaction. Miss Parker looked at the girl, showing no emotion and turned back to the screen. She typed viciously a new fire burning in her soul. The Centre and her father were going to pay for this.
***
Fox Mulder’s Apartment
10:50 p.m.
Mulder was watching old Munster reruns while looking over a case file when his computer began to beep. He looked around, stood and walked towards the computer. An icon stating that he had mail was flashing at him.
"Hmmm. I wonder if I have mail." He said sarcastically as he clicked on the Icon and a profile jumped on to the page. He read threw the file in disbelief.
"This has to be some kind of joke!" He said excitedly, not believing what he read. "Scully’s not gunna believe this!" Then a look of sudden realization and disappointment came over his face.
"Oh yeah, she’s gone until tomorrow. I’ll just leave her a message and get things all set for a little trip."
***
Jarod’s Hideout
11:00 p.m.
After sending Chet on his way Jarod headed for the table where the mysterious envelope lay. He picked it up and looked it over, first looking at the front then the back. The only thing unusual about it was the lack of a return address. He shook the envelope, and heard nothing. He slipped his finger under the seal and slowly opened it away from him. When he had opened it and nothing had happened he assumed it was safe. He looked in and saw some papers. He slowly pulled the out and read them over. He was in shock. ‘How could they?’ He asked himself. ‘How could they do this to me? To us?’ he was enraged, but happy in the same moment. He had to salvage what was his and save Merideth from the diabolic grip of the Centre. His responsibilities had now taken on a deeper meaning.
***
Centre Cell
6:15 a.m.
Tuesday August 31, 1999
Merideth woke up and found herself in an unfamiliar bed and still dressed in her clothes. She didn’t move, instead looked quietly took in her surroundings as the previous nights events came flooding back. ‘They must have found out that I hacked into their system. But that’s impossible,’ she looked confused, ‘I took all the necessary precautions. Well, this is the Centre, and if what I read is true then I’m in trouble if I don’t take control. So I just drop little hints that I know, nothing specific, and act a little weird, make them wonder if I really am Pretender material.’ With that she rose from the bed looking completely calm, and headed towards a corner of the room shrouded by a curtain. Merideth assumed this was the bathroom and was not disappointed.
***
Centre Observation
6:20 a.m.
The man sitting in a rolling chair eating a doughnut noticed that the new Centre captive had awoke. He set down the doughnut and made the calls that he was told to make as soon as the girl arose. When the phone was answered all he said was,
"The girl’s awake." He hung up the phone and resumed eating.
Five minutes later Mr. Lyle and Miss Parker arrived in order to observe the girl in her new surroundings. As they sat down she was immerging from the makeshift private bathroom. Miss Parker sat down confidant, as always. After reading what was in that file she hadn’t slept at all last night. She had been busy figuring out how to regain what was hers.
Lyle, however, who seemed well rested, was wearing a fiendish smile. While Miss Parker tried to ignore it she was more than a little worried about the look he was giving the girl. All she could think about was the brutal murder of his mail order bride.
***
Merideth’s Cell
The Centre
Merideth was sitting at a dresser with a mirror brushing her long hair contemplating what to do next. She was sure that they were watching her every move. She sat and thought all that she had found on the website. She had been trying to hack into the F.B.I mainframe when she accidentally entered a site supposedly owned by a place called the Centre. When she first saw it she thought it was someone’s joke site, were they make up a scenario and play off it. There was no way that what was on that site could be true, it was just too outlandish. Then, that night, she wasn’t certain just how long she had been here passed out, as she was talking on the phone to Mr. J and that door came down there stood the woman portrayed as the hunter of the escaped Pretender….
"Wait just a second." Merideth said, the realization hitting her hard. "Nooo, no it couldn’t be." She was shaking her head in disbelief.
"Oh my dear God it is!" She stopped brushing her hair as she realized why Mr. J looked so damn familiar, why she had that sneaking suspicion that he was more than he let on. HE was the one that Miss Parker was after.
"NO frickin’ way. This is way to out there!" Then, remembering that they were watching, she shut up. ‘Okay, now that I know the whole story it’s time to do something outrageous.
***
F.B.I Headquarters
Mulder’s Office
5:40 a.m.
Mulder was sitting at his desk anxiously awaiting Scully’s arrival. He was flipping threw the file for the millionth time when Scully walked in. He jumped out of his desk so abruptly that she stepped back in shock.
"Scully you are not going to believe this!" He shoved the folder into her hands, an excited smile on his face.
"Hi Mulder. Yeah my trip was great, thanks for asking. Oh, we have a new case? Well, why don’t I take a look at the file?" Scully replied sarcastically to his excited carelessness.
"Sorry. Hi? How was your vacation? Good. Great. We have new case. There, that better?"
"Much. Now what’s this case about?" She asked as she opened the file and began to read. Mulder looked down at the ground.
"Well, it’s not an official case per say, but I did look into the allegation of the kidnapping and it does appear that a girl like the one described in the brief was reported missing only a couple hours after the time stated." Scully had finished reading the brief report and threw it nonchalantly on the desk.
"Where did you get this from, and if you say the Lone Gunmen I’m going to kill you."
"Actually I received it on my e-mail account." He responded slyly.
"I see. And you can tell by this that they are a credible source?" Her sarcasm left no room to argue.
"Come on Mulder. Some organization named nothing more then the ‘Centre’ kidnaps a girl because of an I.Q. test she took on an Internet site? Then, after they break down her door they drug her and take her back there were she’s to help them catch a man, something called a ‘Pretender’, who escaped from their facility a little over three years ago?" Scully had her arms crossed in that God-your-gullible-Mulder fashion. He hated that look.
"You know Scully, skepticism suits you." He said a little annoyed, and he gave her a once over. "Look, we know for sure that there was a kidnapping. We should at least look into it. If we should find something else, so be it. If not we’ll at least have the satisfaction of catching a kidnapper, right?" Then he smiled his goofy smile. He pulled out two tickets and waved them in her face. "Besides, I’ve already got the tickets. We wouldn’t want a government paid trip to go to waist would we? I think the tax payer’s would be very disappointed."
Scully did her best to hide her smile as she grabbed the tickets out of his hand, but failed miserably. "Fine, we’ll take a look."
***
Merideth’s Cell
6:40 a.m.
Merideth, after choosing the perfect song, picked up her brush to use as a microphone, and began to talk to the camera that was in the corner of her room. If she hadn’t been looking for it she would have never noticed. "Good day folks. I’m your entertainment so I hope you enjoy the show. Our first dedication tonight goes out to M.P and J. For you is Soul Asylum’s Runaway Train. I hope you folks out there in radio land enjoy."
Merideth jumped up onto the bed and, after making a point to clear her throat, began singing into the microphone and looking into the camera.
Call you up in the middle of the night
Like a firefly with out a light
You were there like a blowtorch burning
I was a key that could use a little turning
So tired that I couldn’t even sleep
So many secrets I couldn’t keep
Promised myself I wouldn’t weep
One more promise I couldn’t keep
It seems no one can help me now
I’m in too deep; there’s no way out
This time I have really led myself astray
Run away train, never going back
Wrong way on a one way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow I’m neither here nor there
Can you help me remember how to smile
Make it somehow all seem worth while
How on earth did I get so jaded
Life’s mysteries seem so faded
I can go where no one else can go
I know what no one else knows
Here I am just a drowning in the rain
With a ticket for a run away train and
Everything is cut and dry, day and night, earth and sky
Somehow I just don’t believe it
Run away train, never going back
Wrong way on a one way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow I’m neither here nor there
Bought a ticket for a run away train
Like a madman laughing at the rain
Little out of touch, little insane
Just easier than dealing with the pain
Run away train, never going back
Wrong way on a one way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow I’m neither here nor there
Run away train, never coming back
Run away train tearing up the track
Run away train burning in my veins
Runaway but it always seems the same
***
Centre Observation
"What the hell is she doing?" Lyle asked as Merideth began to speak into her brush. "This is great! Our newest Pretender is completely nuts! Dad is going to kill me!"
"Will you shut up so we can hear her?" Parker asked just as she announced her dedications. It appeared to be above Lyle’s head, as most things are, but Miss Parker caught it and held back a gasp of surprise. ‘How did she know?’ Parker caught herself and realized that there was no possible way that Merideth could know what was in those files. She was still a little shell shocked by the scare but kept up her calm appearance as Merideth sang the song. It was a perfect description of her life, past, present and future. She just hoped that no one else noticed. Then again not many knew how she felt, and what she know knew. Besides, it was Lyle next to her.
"Well, she is confined to a room in a strange place. She’s probably trying to release some tension or something." The observation guy, Ted, said. Miss Parker and Lyle both shot him a withering glare. The man raised his hands in defeat and said,
"Sorry. God, you put your two cents in once and you pay for it the rest of your life." Miss Parker glared at him and responded.
"If you don’t shut up now, you won’t have the rest of your life to look forward to."
"Right," said the man as he turned back to the monitor and turned up the volume. The girl was now sitting on the bed.
***
Merideth’s Cell
Merideth wasn’t sure what to do next. She new that eventually Miss Parker would see this tape, and, if what she understood to be correct, that Miss Parker was not the evil person that she pretended to be, was indeed true, then Miss Parker would catch on. Before she could think of some other way to strike a nerve her door opened and two men in black suits entered.
"Hello boys," Merideth said calmly as she rose from the bed. The men said nothing as they grabbed her gruffly and pulled her towards the door. Merideth got out of their grip and, while rubbing her arms spoke.
"Hey, no need to manhandle me. I’ll come willingly, not that I have mush of a choice. Really, what do you people think I’m going to do? Try to run out the front door? Come on, really, I thought you would be smarter then that."
The men didn’t change their facial expressions, but they didn’t grab her again either. Instead they signaled for her to go ahead of them.
"Thank you, that’s much better." Merideth said as she walked past them. One man led her as the other followed close behind.
***
Centre Observation
"What the hell is going on? Where are they taking her?" Lyle screamed at the monitor as the men entered and grabbed Merideth.
"Shut up and maybe you’ll find out." Parker also stared intently at the screen. Merideth spoke to the men as Parker listened. She laughed at the girl’s nerve; she really knew how to handle herself in stressful situations. Most people would have pissed their pants when these men had walked in. As they left the cell Parker turned and left the observation center. She knew exactly were they were taking her.
***
Mr. Parker’s Office
6:55 a.m.
The man led her up a couple of sets of stairs and down a maze of halls until she ended up in her current position: in non other than Mr. Parker’s office. Behind her someone walked in. Mer turned to look, only to see Miss Parker walk in. ‘Great. Now that everyone’s here we can start the party. Miss Parker, her father, Brigitte and the ever lovely Raines, with these people the party is sure to be a hit. Ha!’ Merideth didn’t show any signs of recognition; instead she walked straight up to Mr. Parker showing no fear. She approached Mr. Parker, hand extended, and spoke.
"Hey there. I’m Merideth, although you probably already know that seeing as you arranged my kidnapping. And you would be…?" Merideth cocked her head to the left questioningly.
Her nerve flabbergasted Mr. Parker. This girl had just walked up to him and demanded his name. Perhaps he had under estimated her. He ignored her hand and instead replied.
"Perhaps I should make introductions. I am Mr. Parker, this is my wife Brigitte, my daughter Miss Parker, and the gentleman next to me is Mr. Raines. Now, my dear, you are probably wondering just why you’re here."
"Uh, you could say that." She said with a hint of sarcasm, just a hint.
"Well," he said as he came to stand in front of her in an attempt to intimidate. "You are her for a very important mission. We need you to help us track down someone who has escaped from this complex."
Merideth looked him straight in the eye, completely un-intimidated. Hell, if she had braved her father alone for twelve years, she could most certainly handle this cretin.
"And I should help you why…?" She asked with a sarcastic questioning look.
Mr. Parker, and no one else for that matter, had expected this kind of response from a sixteen year old girl who had been drugged and dragged out of her house only to be put in here. Ninety-nine percent of the population would have responded in complete fear and compliance. Raines and Mr. Parker were not amused. This girl, in their eyes, was going to have to be taught a few lessons very quick. Miss Parker, however, found this quite amusing. She was taking a liking to this girl and knew that they would get along very well, and that she might just be helpful.
Just the Lyle rushed into the room, breathing a little hard. He turned to look at the girl and took a place in the back of the room. Miss Parker didn’t fail to catch the look in Lyle’s eyes, it was almost on of… ‘Oh no, that bastard. If he so much as breathes too heavy around her I’ll…’
Parker’s thoughts were interrupted as her father continued his speech in that overly concerned voice.
"Now, my dear, you will be working hand in hand with Miss Parker, Dr. Greene, and Mr. Broots. Miss Parker will introduce you to them in a few minutes. Do you have any questions?"
"Yeah, but I don’t think they’re anything that you want to hear." She said giving him a look that clued him in on the sort of derogatory questions she wanted to ask.
"Very well, Angel why don’t you take her to meet your collogues?" He said blowing off Merideth’s response. She would learn soon enough the hierarchy of the Centre, but for now they needed her on their side.
***
Merideth’s Residence
7:20 a.m.
Mulder and Scully pulled up to the residence only to spot two people already there, about to enter the premises. Mulder and Scully jumped out of the car and ran up to them. The two on the porch turned to see who was approaching them.
"Hi," said the tall one. He was smiling genuinely, but his younger companion had a different look, one of determination and worry.
"Hi," Mulder said. He puled out his badge. "We’re with the F.B.I; I’m Agent Mulder and this is my partner Agent Dana Scully. We’re here to investigate the disappearance of the girl who lives here. Before we get on with the questions, who are you?"
The tall man spoke first. "I’m Jarod Luis-Turman and this is Chet Saunders."
"What relation are you to the girl?" Scully asked. This time Chet got the first word in.
"I’m her best friend and he’s our school counselor." He leaned towards the agents and, in a half whisper, said, "and we all know how anxious they are to dig into you personal life." He gave a little smile.
"I don’t suppose that this could be our lucky day and you know what happened to her?" Mulder asked hopeful, a big grin on his face.
"If we told you I don’t think that you’d believe us." Jarod said, hanging his head a little in disappointment.
Scully let out a little laugh as Mulder replied,
"Try me." Just then Mulder’s phone rang. "Just give me a sec." He walked off a ways and pulled out his phone.
"Hello?"
***
Outside Mr. Parker’s
Office
7:25 a.m.
Merideth and Miss Parker started down the hall together. Mer didn’t fail to notice how every one took a step back in order to distance themselves from her. She let out a laugh.
Miss Parker looked down at her with a little smirk. She leaned down and spoke softly to her young companion.
"It’s funny how many people fear you just because you can bark loud. Watch this." Miss Parker winked and turned toward a man who was staring openly at them.
"What the hell are you looking at?" Miss Parker said loudly, not quit yelling, but pretty darn close. The man just clamored around scared shitless. After a few seconds he regained the ability to speak and uttered.
"Uh, nothing, just ah, heading for the lab." The man turned and nearly ran down the hall.
Miss Parker started to laugh, but remembered that she had some business to take care of. She looked at her watch. Everyone should be there.
"Uh, Merideth, I have some stuff I need to clear up, so I’m going to have Rod there," Miss Parker pointed to a man dressed in a black suit standing by a stairwell. "Bring you to my office. Just make yourself at home and I’ll be there in a minute. Okay?"
"Sure, no problem Miss P. Hey Rod!" She yelled at the man, Miss Parker smiled as Rod, seeing whom the girl was with, came over.
"Yes?" The man asked, his voice holding little or no emotion. Obviously a sweeper, thought Merideth.
"I want you to take her," Miss Parker said, a nod of her head indicating that she meant the girl next to her, "to my office while I take care of a few things. There’s no need to stay with her, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Understood?"
"Yes, Miss Parker."
"Good."
As Merideth and Rod headed for her office she turned down an empty corridor to take care of some business.
***
In Front of Merideth’s
House
7:30 a.m.
"Mulder?" A muffled female voice asked.
"Yeah."
"Have you met Jarod yet?" Mulder look confused.
"Yeah, I’m with him right now." He was confused as to how she knew about Jarod.
"I sent you that stuff, but you need Jarod to help you. Tell him that Merideth is to help those who are out to get him." Then her voice softened, "and tell him that she’s fine and she has someone looking out for her."
Mulder was about to respond only to be greeted by the dial tone. Mulder looked down at the phone questioningly, then turned and walked back to the group and their conversation.
"Jarod, I just a phone call about you, but first tell me what happened here."
Jarod talked about the Centre and their need for someone with the ability to become anyone they want to be. About his kidnapping and the people that were after him, and now that he had eluded them for over three years they were in need for a new Pretender. As he talked Scully and Mulder listened in shock. His story fit exactly with the file they were sent.
"So," Jarod said as he finished. "What do you think?"
***
Miss Parker’s Office
The Centre
7:35 a.m.
Miss Parker returned to her office to find that Merideth had had no problem making herself at home. She was seated at her desk, feet propped up on it and keyboard in her lap. She was typing viciously with her eyes flying over the screen. Her CD player was tuned to a local alternative station, and was blaring forth ‘Got You Were I Want You’ by The Flys. Parker walked over and turned down the radio. Merideth looked up from her work, hit a couple buttons, and set the keyboard back on the desk.
"What were you looking at?" Miss Parker asked in a not so curious voice.
"Just seeing what kind of people I’ll be working with. And you? What ‘business’ did you have to take of?" Merideth was still sitting with her feet propped up on the desk, her head tilted to the side questioningly.
"It doesn’t matter. You really shouldn’t be messing around on the mainframe. If you come across something that certain people don’t want you to see they’ll take the necessary precautions to make sure that you never repeat that information." Miss Parker was looking at the girl without the coldness, it was an almost fondness.
"Personal experience lead you to this conclusion?"
"Let’s just say that I’ve seen it happen, more than once." Miss Parker said thinking of her mother and Fenigor, not to mention the countless others that she had seen face the wrath of the Powers That Be. A look of sadness came across her face as she remembered the part of her the Centre had just taken from her, thinking that she wouldn’t find out. She put the thought aside. She couldn’t let her emotions get in the way, but that was hard to do considering. She regained control and the sad look disappeared as she finished
"Look, why don’t I introduce you to Syd and Broots?"
"Right on, let’s go." Merideth jumped out of the chair and headed out the door, Miss Parker following, a file in hand.
***
Outside Merideth’s House
7:35 a.m.
"I think this is amazing!" Mulder said as he pulled the file out of his trench coat pocket. He handed the folded document to Jarod. "That phone call I just received is from the woman who sent me that. She said that I would need your help to retrieve the girl and to give you a message. She said to tell you that Merideth is to help those who are out to get you and that she’s fine and has someone on her side."
Jarod looked stunned. Who would dare betray the Centre? Was it someone from the Centre or was it just someone who had happened across this information. He had so many questions and so few answers. ‘The story of my life,’ he thought glumly.
"Why don’t we get started on looking that stuff over, and I’ll fill in the blanks?"
"Sounds good," Mulder said as the two men headed for the car, Chet walking behind. Scully, after raising her arms in defeat, knowing that once again Mulder was jumping into another wild case without a foundation.
***
SL – 6
Simulation Lab 12
8:20 a.m.
Miss Parker and Merideth walked in the room to find Sydney in the middle of a sim with two elderly twins. Miss Parker walked past, snapped her fingers, and said,
"Syd, now." Sydney looked at the women and smiled.
"All right ladies, we are done for today. Why don’t you head back to your rooms?"
The two women giggled and nodded as they walked out the door. Sydney walked into the adjacent office to join Broots, Miss Parker, and Parker’s young companion.
"What is it Parker?" He asked softly.
"I’m here to introduce you to our new helper." This caught Broots attention and he tore himself away from the screen and saw a girl just a few years older than his Debbie. He looked shocked. Just then his computer beeped and he started typing again. Miss Parker continued to talk.
"Syd, Broots meet Merideth."
"Hello young lady." Sydney said as he took the girls hand in his and shook it lightly.
"Hello Dr. Greene." She responded, then looked at Broots who was looking intently at the screen. "Hello Mr. Broots."
"Huh? Oh yeah, hi Merideth." He said a little distracted. "Miss Parker you might want to see this."
"Is it about my mother?" She asked as she walked over.
"N…No, Mr. Lyle’s been popping in every five minutes so I haven’t had a chance. No this is about that breach we had three days ago. This is were it came from." He pointed to the screen.
Merideth swallowed hard and closed her eyes. ‘Please let it be someone else, please. Wait, that means that they didn’t know before, so what did they get me on?’ Merideth opened one eye and saw everyone staring at her.
"Yeeeeessss?" Broots was looking at her wide-eyed.
"Did you break into the Centre mainframe?"
"Why, Mr. Broots, you sound shocked. I am, after all, a pretender." She smiled as his jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Parker and Sydney were smiling a little at the girl. "Let’s just keep this between us, shall we?" She asked as she gave a worried look to the group.
Broots was hesitant and looked at Parker for confirmation; she gave a little nod of her head.
"Oh, God." He said as he closed his eyes and hit the delete key. Miss Parker looked at him questioningly. "This way if any one asks I can say I didn’t see anything." He explained, sounding serious.
"Right. Broots, I want to know about that file, yesterday. Get to work on it."
"Of course Miss Parker." Broots turned and started typing.
"Broots?" Merideth asked. He looked up.
"Yeah?"
"Do you mind if I take a shot?"
"Be my guest," he said as he stood. "I need some more coffee anyway. You want something?"
"No thanks. Hey, is this the file you were looking for?"
Broots stopped in his tracks and Miss Parker and Sydney, who had been talking quietly off to the side turned to look at her. He came back over.
"Yeah, it is. How’d you do that?"
"Now, now Broots. I can’t tell all my secretes!"
Miss Parker read over the file anxiously only to be immensely disappointed. She slammed her fist on the desk, nearly spilling Broots cold coffee everywhere.
"Damn it! I already know this!" She turned to Broots. "There’s something else I need you to do, but this has to be done discretely, understand?"
"Sure Miss Parker. What do you need?"
"I need you to download everything on the mainframe onto laptops. Can you handle that?"
"Of course, but why?" Miss Parker hesitated then spoke.
"Merideth is going to need it when we go over the files at my house tonight."
"Oh right. Okay, but it’ll take me a few hours."
"Meanwhile," Sydney broke in. "Merideth and I need to have some things to discuss."
"All right, we’ll all meet back here in about eight hours." Miss Parker marched out of the room leaving the others to their business; she had some of her own to take care of.
***
Jarod’s Hideout
9:00 a.m.
Mulder and Scully were sitting at the table listening intently as Jarod finished filling in the details. Mulder stood and extended his hand.
"Thank you Jarod you have been a huge help, but I’m going to need some friends of mine go through this. Can we meet tomorrow?"
"Why don’t you give me your number and we can talk about it?"
"Sure."
***
SL – 27
10:00 a.m.
Miss Parker was down in the depths of the Centre after trying to figure out where the Power’s That Be would try to hide something of this magnitude. He only answer SL – 27. She walked into the last room in the hall and flicked on the dim light. She looked in and spotted some filling cabinets.
"Eureka." She whispered, and sat down to spend the rest of the day sorting through the files.
***
Jarod’s Hideout
11:00 a.m.
Jarod had just finished going through the files for about the millionth time, and it still said the same thing. This was one concept that his able mind had a hard time grasping. Now he was sure about what he read. The documents were authentic, at least as far as he could tell.
"Maybe I should call Parker." He looked at his watch. "I’ll have to wait at least another seven hours, until she’s home." He sighed and sat down to look over the files once again.
***
Mr. Parker’s Office
6:00 p.m.
Miss Parker was in her father’s office to inform him that Merideth was coming home with her tonight, and he wasn’t it taking it well, but that was expected.
"Look daddy, if we want her to be cooperative we have to let her think that she still has some freedom, if we keep her locked up she is going to rebel. You’re forgetting that she wasn’t raised here but in the free world."
Mr. Parker looked down at her from behind his desk. He was outraged that she should question his authority, but then realized the truth in her statement.
"All right Angel, but the Triumvirate is not going to be happy, so don’t do anything to compromise the mission, all right?"
"Of course daddy, thank you." Miss Parker turned and left. That man repulsed her, after all that he had done, how dare he act like he care? ‘He’ll pay for this one.’ Miss Parker thought as she headed off to see Merideth and Broots.
***
SL – 6
6:20 p.m.
Merideth was sitting next to Broots by the computer. They looked as though they were discussing something very intensely, both pointing at the screen.
"What’s going on?" They heard a voice demand. They both looked up and saw Miss Parker.
"Uh, nothing Miss Parker." Broots stammered.
"We were just discussing the best discrete way to hack into government files, all though I guess I’m not as good as I thought I was." She smiled at Broots and stood up.
"So what’s next?"
"First, I find out if the downloading is done." She looked pointedly at Broots.
"Yes, the computers are in that box. It took four of them."
"Thank you Broots, now we go home." Miss Parker said as she lifted the box.
"You mean Mr. Parker is allowing that?" Broots asked stunned by the news.
"Yes Broots, is that a problem?"
"No, no, It just that I didn’t think…."
"Well, there you go. Come on Mer, we have things to do. Tell Syd good night for me will ya Broots?"
"Yeah, sure no problem. Good night!" he yelled at the retreating figures. Only Merideth turned and waved good bye.
***
Miss Parker’s House
Outside Blue Cove
7:45 p.m.
Miss Parker had changed out of her clothes into a pair of silk pajamas and Merideth was getting changed into the silk pajamas that Parker had lent her. The pizza that they had ordered lay on the table almost completely gone. Miss Parker had just gotten comfortable and was reaching for a piece of the pizza when the phone rang.
"What?" She asked in a not-so-Parker tone.
"Parker, we have to talk." A solemn voice said softly.
"Not now Jarod." She whispered softly almost crying.
"Parker, we have to talk. We have to talk about our baby."
Hmmmm. Quite the cliffhanger. HA! HA! HA!
What’d you think? Write and tell me, especially if you want a say in the next part, I’m in dire need of some ideas! J