For disclaimer, please see part one of the story.
Rated NC17 for language, some violence and slash
X Files fan fiction
*Please note here that Alex Krycek still has both arms*
Thanks once again for Shawn and Amy for beta reading
Questions In The Dark
Part Four
*Mulder's Office*
Mulder looked up as the door to his office opened and Scully walked in. Mulder smiled, it felt good
to have his partner back again. The last week had been hell, for the both of them.
She took her coat off and hung it up on the hook near the door.
"Hi Mulder"
"You're late". He replied. He sat back in his chair. "I was starting to get worried about you".
Scully smiled. "Scared I was kidnapped again"?
"Well, you seem to have a habit of disappearing every so often". Mulder replied. Scully chuckled."A bad habit,
I'll promise I'll try and stop".
Mulder returned to the folder in front of him on the desk.
"What's that"? Scully asked as she sat down.
"Something that landed on my desk this morning, it seems that there have been a number of UFO sightings
in Montana over the past week and a half".
"Are we going to go and check it out"?
Mulder shook his head. "We have too much to do here Scully".
"Like what"? She was surprised, it was not like her partner to turn down an opportunity to chase UFO's.
"We have to track down Sorenson for a start, and the rest of those Consortium bastards". Mulder explained.
Scully sighed, ever since she had been returned, Mulder had been obsessed with bringing them all to justice.
The only trouble was, how would they be able to? These were men were so powerful, they
controlled everything, including the very goverment itself.
"Mulder, I think you are just going to have to let this one go". She said softly. He stared at her for a moment.
"Scully, these men drugged and abducted you. How can I just let this go? I can't".
"You know these men are too powerful, too elusive. Even if you could find them and arrest them all, they would
only walk free again. I don't have to tell you that".
Mulder shook his head, clearly frustrated. "I don't accept that Scully. I can't accept that. These men
can't be allowed to continue to lie and assasinate and bury the truth with impunity. They have
to be stopped. Somehow, they have to be exposed and punished".
Scully smiled bitterly. "Mulder, I agree with you. You are preaching to the choir here. But until we can find
enough evidence to put these men away"...
"There will never be enough evidence..enough proof enough anything to convict these men".
Both Mulder and Scully turned towards the door. Krycek was leaning against the door jamb.
Mulder got to his feet. "What do you want Krycek"?
The other man saunted in. "I have some more information for you both".
Scully turned to Mulder. "What is he doing here"?
"He was helping Skinner and myself get you back Scully". Mulder replied.
Scully gave him an incredulous look. "He's been helping you"?
"Yes".
Scully shook her head, she could not believe what she was hearing. "Mulder, you can't trust this man. He
is a liar, and a murderer. He killed your father".
"I know, but it was not like I had a lot of choice Scully. Krycek has access to information that might actually
help put these men away".
"You don't believe that do you Mulder"? Scully asked him wearily.
"Ah excuse me, but do either of you want to know what this information is"? Krycek asked with a grin.
"Yeah, okay". Mulder replied, ignoring Scully's glare.
"I found out who Sorenson is".
"The man who abducted me". Scully said. "I assumed he's part of the Consortium".
"Not exactly". Krycek replied. "I've been working for the Consortium for years, ever since I was a kid, and
I have never seen or heard of this guy".
"That's not surprising". Scully said. After all, the Consortium is global. It would be impossible for you to
be able to know everyone who's a part of it".
"The Elite are only a handful of men, they are the one's that control everything, and I work exclusively for them.
If Sorenson was a part of the Elite, I would know him. As it is, I have never seen him before, nor have I
heard the name. So I did a little checking. It would seem that Sorenson is something a lot different to the Elite".
"What is that, exactly"? Mulder asked. Krycek shrugged. "That I am still trying to find out. But I can tell you this".
Scully crossed her arms over her chest, her face, skeptical. "Tell us what Krycek"?
"That Sorenson is an extremely dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants".
Scully rolled her eyes. "Is that why you came here Krycek? To tell us that? We could have worked that one out
for ourselves".
"There is one more thing". Krycek said. "I have some files that might lead us to whatever it is that Sorenson
is after".
"And where exactly are these files"? Mulder asked. He was begining to lose patience now. Why was he
suddenly getting the feeling that Krycek was just stringing him along?
"I have them in a safe place". Krycek answered. Mulder nodded. "Then we should go and get them then,
shouldn't we"?
"I'll take you there". Krycek said with a smile.
Scully turned to her partner. "You seriously are not considering going with him are you Mulder"? She asked.
"I don't think I have a choice". He replied, aware that Krycek was watching them both closely.
"You can't trust him". She said, begining to feel annoyed and exasperated with her partner.
"At least let Skinner know what's going on, you need someone to watch your back for you".
Mulder gave her one of his more charming smiles. "I'll call him and let him know, okay"?
"No Mulder, none of this is okay. You can't just go with Krycek. He could be leading you into a
trap".
"It will be all right Scully, I promise". Mulder gave her a lop sided grin. "Cross my heart". With that, he turned to Krycek. "Come on, let's go".
"Mulder"!
It was too late, he had grabbed his coat and headed out the door, Krycek in tow. He turned and gave Scully
a wink. "Don't worry Agent Scully, I'll look after your partner for you. I promise".
Scully stared after him. "Great, that makes me feel so much better".
*Mulder's Car*
"So where is it we are going again"? Mulder asked as he steered the car along the rain slicked road.
Krycek was sitting in the passenger seat, staring out at the green pastures and grain silos as they raced past.
"I told you Mulder, it's a place that I go to when I have to lay low for a while. The Consortium doesn't know
about it".
Mulder laughed. "How did you keep it a secret from them"?
Krycek smiled, a trifle grimly. "I happen to be a very good operative Mulder, in fact, one of the best. And I
did not get there by being a fool. I have my own ways of keeping secrets you know".
"I bet you have". Mulder muttered. Krycek glanced at him sharply. "You are still upset aren't you"?
Mulder's hands tightened on the steering wheel. "Upset about what"?
He heard Krycek draw a sharp breath. "You know what the hell I'm talking about". He replied.
Mulder looked at him. "Krycek, what happened...it was a mistake, okay. I was worried sick about my partner
and I was... vulnerable. So I suggest we both just forget it ever happened".
"Is that what you want Mulder"?
"Yeah, yeah that's what I want. So lets just drop it, right"?
"If that's what you want".
They drove the rest of the way in silence. Finally they found the turnoff to the small town of Summer's Creek.
Mulder read the rusted sign welcoming visitors. "You used to live here"? He asked Krycek with disbelief.
"What's so surprising about that"? Krycek asked. Mulder shrugged. "It's just hard to picture you growing up
in a place like this, that's all. I mean, this place is like Mayberry RFD".
"Where you think something more along the lines of the Addams Family is more my style".
Mulder grinned. "Yeah, something like that".
Krycek chuckled and stared out of the window once more. "I have a lot of good memories of this place".
He said softly. Mulder glanced at him. Was that a note of wistfulness he heard in the operative's
voice.
They drove through the small quiet town. Past a row of neat shops and business's, a picturesque tavern
and then some small well kept houses.
"What did I tell you, Mayberry". Mulder said. "I wonder what Barney Fife is doing right now"?
"Probably off fishing with the Sheriff". Krycek replied.
"Probably". Mulder agreed. They headed out of the town and towards yet more pastures. Most of them filled
with cows and horses.
"It's not much further now". Krycek told him as they headed up a narrow tarred road.
"I hope not". Mulder grumbled. "I've been driving for hours".
"It was your idea to take your car and for you to do all the driving". Krycek chided him. Mulder glanced at
the operative. "Only because I don't trust you".
"Take a left down this road here". Krycek told him. "Road, that's a road"? Mulder asked in disbelief. he stared
at the rutted track. "That is a cow track, not a road".
"Go down it".
Mulder took a deep breath. "Okay..here goes nothing". He steered the car down the rutted track, wincing at
every bump they hit. "I only got this serviced the other week". He muttered between clenched
teeth.
Finally, after twenty minutes of jouncing along the road. A small neat farmhouse appeared against
a background of thick forest.
"Wow". Mulder said as he drove up to the double storey house.
"Here it is, home sweet home". Krycek said as Mulder pulled up in front of the house. Both men stepped
out of the car. Mulder staring up at the white facade. The deep red roof glowed mellowly in
the late afternoon sun. Lace curtains hung in the windows, the wooden frames painted a canary
yellow.
"Where's Opie"? Mulder muttered as they both walked up the weathered steps and onto the veranda.
Krycek took out a bunch of keys from his leather jacket and fitted one of them into the front door lock.
The door swung inward to reveal a large pleasant living room. Krycek and Mulder entered. Mulder looking
around appreciatively. "Hmmm, nice".
"I come here to lay low, rest up. It's very relaxing here". Krycek said quietly. "I was raised here for a while, after my parents came out from Russia. Then they had to sell this place and move to the city.
I bought it back a couple of years ago, I guess this place was where I was the happiest".
Mulder said nothing. He looked around at the neat comfortable looking sofas and chairs and at the paintings
of landscapes and oceans and at the framed photographs on the walls.
"Well, I'll get the files". Krycek said gruffly.
"Krycek"!
He turned around. "What"?
Mulder sighed. Why did he suddenly feel so sorry for this man? A man that was a cold blooded killer
a man that had been planted as Mulder's partner to sabotage the X files? Was it because now
he was seeing a more human side to Krycek? Or was it because of that moment that they had
shared together in Mulder's bed?
Mulder offered the other man a smile. "I just wanted to say thanks, for all the help".
Krycek nodded. "That's okay Mulder, I have to be honest. I'm not doing any of this for you. I'm doing it for
myself".
"I figured that". Mulder replied. "Are you serious Krycek, do you really want to get away from the Consortium"?
Krycek thought for a moment, then he replied, choosing his words carefully. "Mulder, I was taken as a kid to
serve the Elite. I told you and Skinner that already. But I did not tell you everything".
"Then why don't you tell me while we have something to eat"? Mulder replied. "Because I don't know about
you, but I am starving".
"Well, it's a good thing that I keep a well stocked larder then isn't it". Krycek replied with a grin.
*Skinner's Office*
"He did what"? Skinner said, staring at his agent, stunned. "Are you telling me that Agent Mulder
just took off with Alex Krycek of all people without telling me first"?
Scully nodded. After Mulder had left, Scully had gone straight up to the AD's office. Kim had let her in,
knowing that whatever Scully wanted, it would be important.
Skinner had listened as she had told him about Krycek turning up at Mulder's office. His face growing redder
all the while. Finally he exploded. "I cannot believe that he would do something this stupid,
this reckless. Oh of course he would. After all, this is Mulder we are talking about".
"It's just that he has been gone for several hours and I can't reach his cell phone". She told the AD.
Skinner could see how worried she was, which only made him want to strangle his agent even more.
For Mulder to put Scully through this, after all she had been through. If he got his hands on him...and Krycek..."
"Do you have any idea where they might have gone"? He asked her. Scully shook her head. "No, all Krycek
said was that he had some information about this Sorenson, the man that drugged me".
Skinner nodded. "The same one that gave the disc".
"That's right Sir, then he left with Krycek and I haven't heard from him since".
"This is just great". Skinner muttered. Then he looked up at Scully, he was concerned for her.
"Don't worry, I'll locate him and when I do"...
Scully gave him a small smile". Thanks Sir, I really appreciate this".
Skinner gave her a reassuring smile, then he walked her to the door. "I'll let you know when I find him".
He told her. "Go home and get some rest Agent Scully".
She shook her head. "I'd rather stay stay and help you find him Sir, I'd feel a lot better doing something
then just going home and worrying".
Skinner regarded his agent for a moment, then nodded. "Very well Agent Scully. It looks like we have
an agent to find".
"Not to mention a certain rat". She added.
*The Farmhouse*
At that moment, the afore mentioned Rat and a certain Fox were both sitting at the kitchen table, eating
a couple of frozen pizzas that Krycek had heated up the microwave. Krycek leaned over and
opened the fridge, taking out another
couple of cans of beer. He handed one to Mulder.
"So this is what you live on when you are down here huh"? Mulder asked, as he popped open the can.
Krycek nodded. "I like pizza, and cheese burgers, not to mention french fries and hot dogs with
plenty of mustard".
"A man after my own heart". Mulder replied. "Scully is always at me about what I eat. If it was up
to her I'd live on nothing but salads and health food.
Krycek laughed. "No fear of that here".
"So what was it about the Consortium that you were going to tell"? Mulder
asked, reaching over to take another slice of super supreme.
Krycek looked down at his half eaten pizza. Then he said softly. "When they took me, they brought me
to a place, not that far from here. They call it the Center. It's a major stronghold of theirs. It's where
they held Scully".
"Go on". Mulder encouraged him.
"Like I told you, I was a kid. I didn't know what was happening. I was so scared, so confused. My parents were
dead, except for my grandmother, I had no one. I was given to The Smoking Man
as his assistant. I was trained". Krycek laughed bitterly. "Trained, I was tortured. They were
cruel, but then they had to be, they needed to break us, so that we would be completely loyal,
completely and unquestionly obedient".
"What did they do to you"? Mulder asked. Krycek glanced up at him, then away, not able to meet the other
man's eyes. Not able to bear the concern he saw there.
"I was beaten, and raped by the guards and the trainers". Krycek replied quietly. "Every day, every night,
for months, until I was so cowered, so beaten down. I would do anything that they told
me to do".
"I see". Mulder replied. He put his slice of pizza back down, for some reason, he no longer felt hungry.
"When they thought that they had taken me down far enough, they started my training as an operative.
As it turned out, I had a real talent for it and I soon worked my way up the ladder".
"Assassinating and spying". Mulder replied.
"But I don't do windows". Krycek replied with a laugh, then Mulder replied. "There has to be a way
you can get out".
"The only way out is in a pine box and I am not quite ready for that yet". Krycek replied.
"Then we will just have to think of something". Mulder said. "We could put you into witness protection,
a safehouse. I can contact Skinner, he can arrange it".
He stopped when Krycek burst out laughing. "Mulder, do you have any idea how many people I killed
when they were under your witness protection program. Do you have any idea how high up
some of the Elite are in the goverment. In the FBI itself? "I wouldn't be safe anywhere".
"You're safe here". Mulder pointed out.
"Only because I don't use this place very often and the Consortium is always able contact me when they
need me. They don't care where I am, as long as I am in hailing distance. One of the privileges I have at being
good at my job I guess. I have complete freedom of movement. Just as long as I do as I am told".
Mulder thought for a moment, then he said. "Then we are just going to have to go after the Consortium itself, won't we"?
"Have you heard anything I said Mulder"? Krycek asked. "Can't I make you
understand that these men are too powerful. They are like Teflon, nothing sticks to them, they are not answerable to anybody.
They create the future, they are the real power in this country, and around the fucking world".
"Then it's about time we formed a revolution". Mulder said. Krycek laughed. "That's what I like about you
Mulder, you always race in where angels fear to tread".
They clinked their beer cans together in a silent toast. Two men now joined in a single purpose.
They finished their meal in companionable silence. Then they both gathered up the rubbish, there were no
dishes to do, they had simply eaten out of the cardboard boxes that the pizzas had been packed in.
Mulder looked out of the window over the sink. The sun was begining to sink below the line of trees.
Krycek opened the backdoor and carried the garbage bag out.
"It's getting dark out". He said to Mulder, as he walked back into the kitchen. "I have a spare room here.
Saves you having to drive all the back to Washington in the dark".
Mulder glanced at the other man, he still did not trust him, neither did he want to drive all the way back
in the dark. He was tired and still feeling a little stiff from the journey earlier.
Krycek could sense the other man's hesitation. "Everything will be all right Mulder, I give you my word, okay"?
Mulder looked at him for a moment, the finally nodded. "Okay Krycek".
"I'll get those files then".
Mulder followed him back into the living room. I have them hidden away.
Krycek explained. He walked over to the center of the room, where a large sofa was sitting.
"Give me a hand with this would you"?
Both he and Mulder managed to wrestle the sofa to one side. Underneath was a trapdoor.
"It leads to a small cellar". Krycek told him. He grasped the small metal handle and tugged. The trapdoor
swung upwards. I keep them down here". He climbed down a few steps. After a few seconds,
Mulder followed.
The cellar was small, just a few feet across, the ceiling low crisscrossed with thick wooden beams.
The walls were a rough brick.
"Mama used to keep all the preserved fruit and pickles down here". Krycek said softly. "I hated this cellar,
it used to scare me you know. I used to have nightmares that I'd get trapped down here".
He gave a dry chuckle. "I never thought this place would come in so handy".
"Why would you think that you would get trapped down here"? Mulder asked curiously.
Krycek shrugged. "My grandmother used to tell me that if I played up, she would lock me in the cellar.
She never did of course, it was just an idle threat, but"...
"You did get locked down here once didn't you"? Mulder asked astutely. The psychologist coming to the
fore. "What happened"? He asked gently.
Krycek swallowed hard. "I came down here to get a jar of peaches for Mama. She was making a pie for dessert
that night. Anyway I came down here and somehow the trapdoor fell back down. I mustn't
have opened it far enough you know. Mama was in the kitchen with Gran, and Pa was out in
the paddock, mending a fence. I remember yelling out but no one heard me. Finally Mama came in
looking for me. She had been wondering what was taking my so long. She heard me. By this time
I was pretty hysterical. She opened the trapdoor and let me out, and I never came back down here again".
"Until recently". Mulder said. Krycek nodded. "I needed a safe place for these files. This was the safest I could
think of".
"Well, not many people would think to look down here". Mulder replied. He watched as a small black
spider crawled across the floor, and shuddered. He hated bugs.
Krycek walked over to the far wall. He grasped a loose brick, then tugged on it until it slid out of the wall. He reached into the small space behind the brick and pulled out a couple of thin cardboard folders.
He carried them over to Mulder and handed them to him. "These have the information on the organization
that Sorenson works for. I think they have links with a terrorist cell here in the United
States".
Mulder took the files and both men climbed the steps back up into the living room.
Mulder settled down onto the sofa, and opened the first folder. He began to read what was inside.
The second folder contained a couple of discs and a key. he held it up to Krycek.
"What does this unlock"?
"I don't know". Krycek replied. "I've been trying to find out. I think it might be to a locker or something.
There's a number on it, see". Mulder noticed the 37 engraved on it.
"Where did you get all this from"? Mulder asked, taking one of the sheet of information out of the folder.
"Digging around". Krycek grinned. "I have a knack for being able to slip in and out of places unseen".
"Handy for an assassin". Mulder murmured. "Well this is all very well and good Krycek, but this is all
just numbers, statistics. No names, nothing that can link any of these men to anything".
"It's all I could get so far". Krycek answered defensively. "And you don't know how difficult it was to get
any of this".
Mulder sighed. "I need more Krycek. I need names, places, something that will stick".
Krycek took a deep breath, then expelled it again. "I'll see what I can do".
He did not sound confidant.
Mulder put everything back into the folders. "I'll get these over to Skinner tomorrow".
"Okay". Krycek replied. Mulder looked up at him, but the other man would not meet his eyes.
"Krycek... you did really well, just being able to get this, but..."
"I know, you can't use it".
"I never said that I couldn't you use it. What I said was, that I needed more detail. Numbers are great,
once I know what they represent". He held the key up. "And this might just help us out on that".
Krycek nodded. "We can leave first thing tomorrow".
"I'll call Scully, and ask her to get these files to Skinner". Mulder replied. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket,
and pressed the speed dial.
It was answered on the first ring. "Hello Mulder, where are you"?
"I can't tell you exactly". He replied. "It's a little farmhouse somewhere out in the sticks, about a half a
day's drive from the city".
"What are you doing out there"? Scully asked, she sounded angry.
"Krycek told me that he had some information for me. He had it out here".
Scully sighed, not sure whether she was relieved to finally be able to locate her partner, or furious that
he had taken off on her once again without letting her know where he was going. Or perhaps,
it was because he had taken off with Krycek.
"Mulder, tell me exactly where you are, I'll come out and"....
"No Scully, it's not necessary". Mulder replied. "Thanks anyway".
"Mulder, are you sure"? She asked. Mulder smiled at her concern her was sure he heard in his partner's
voice.
"I'm sure". He replied. "Listen Scully, I have some information that I have to get to Skinner. I think it might
be important".
"What sort of information"?
"I'm not sure yet". Mulder replied. "Could you get it to Skinner for me? I can send it off to you first thing
tomorrow morning".
"Why can't you just give it to him"? Scully asked.
"I have to go somewhere tomorrow and I won't have time". He explained.
"Go where? Mulder, what the hell are you up to"? Scully asked, clearly astounded.
"I can't really explain right now Scully, I'll be gone for at least a couple of days".
"Mulder, you're not planning on just taking off with Alex Krycek are you"?
"I'll call you as soon as I get back". He promised his irate partner.
"Mulder, I am calling Skinner, and I am letting him know what you are up to, I'm sure that he will have
something to say about this"!
"I have to go now Scully, I'll send those files straight to you, make sure that Skinner gets them, and tell
him to keep them safe, whatever you do. Talk to you later. Bye".
Mulder hung the phone up on his spluttering partner, much to Krycek's amusment.
"It's a wonder she puts up with you at all". He said with a grin.
Mulder shrugged. "Guess it must be my charm". He replied.
"How are you going to get the files and discs to her"? Krycek asked.
"I'll send it FedEx first thing in the morning". Mulder said. "I can call them in the morning".
Krycek nodded. "Scully is going to be really pissed at you when you get back".
Mulder sighed and nodded. "She'll get over it". But secretly he was feeling guilty about worrying her, especially after everything she had been through recently. He resolved to find a way to make it up to her
after he got back.
"Well, I guess we should get some sleep". Krycek suggested. We need to get an early start".
"Where exactly are we going anyway"? Mulder asked, he gazed at Krycek levelly. Krycek shrugged.
"Back to where I got all this from in the first place".
"And where is that precisely"?
"Actually not that far from here".
Mulder rolled his eyes, exasperated by Krycek's evasiveness. "Let me ask you this Alex, is it possible
for you to give me at least one straight answer"?
"Sure". Krycek replied. He suddenly stepped forward and before Mulder could react, kissed him deeply
on the mouth.
Mulder realized that his first reaction should have been to jerk back, but instead, he found himself practically
melting into the other man's embrace.
Krycek took him into his arms, his tongue exploring Mulder's full lips. Mulder gasped, trying to catch his
his breath as he could feel himself being swept away on emotions that were indescribable but
wonderful all the same.
"Was that straight enough for you Fox"? Krycek asked with a grin. Dazed, all Mulder could do was nod.
Krycek took the speechless man by the hand and led him upstairs, into the master bedroom.
The bed had been made with fresh sheets and a bright patchwork comforter.
"Alex, I...we...uhh".
"Shhh". Krycek gently pressed his finger against Mulder's lips. "Let me take care of everything". He whispered.
Gently, he laid Mulder down onto the bed, carefully stripping off the other man's tee-shirt
and jeans.
"Please"... Mulder pleaded as he felt Krycek's warm kisses tickle his chest and stomach. "Oh Lord". He moaned
as he felt those kisses creep lower and lower, finally crying out as Krycek took him into his mouth.
Krycek sucked his engorged cock, listening to Mulder's moans of sheer pleasure. Finally, he released him, turning him over. Mulder suddenly pushed himself up, turning to face Krycek, his hazel eyes shining.
"Fox, what..."? Krycek began, but Mulder simply drew him down onto the bed beside him.
"My turn Alex". He whispered. He laid Krycek onto his back and soon it was the Russian that was crying
out in ecstasy.
After what seemed like forever, Krycek felt himself turned over. Mulder quickly placed some pillows under
the smaller man's hips, lifting his shapely backside up to him.
Suddenly Mulder leaned over to whisper in Krycek's ear.
"Do you trust me Alex"?
"Yes". He replied. "Yes, I do".
"Good". Mulder replied. Slowly he ran his fingers up and down Krycek's spine, sending shivers through him.
"Fox". Krycek whispered, he could feel himself relaxing and growing sleepy under the soothing massage.
"What is it"? Mulder asked, he leaned foward and began placing tiny little kisses up and down
Krycek's back.
He groaned and wriggled under the onslaught of pure sensation.
"Like that do you"? Mulder asked, mischievously. Krycek sighed and nodded, his head buried against
the quilt.
"Good". Mulder replied. Suddenly, he lifted Krycek's hips up and in one fluid motion entered him.
Krycek gasped, arching his back. "Oh God". He gasped. "Sweet fucking Jesus".
"Trust me Alex, that's not who's fucking you" Mulder replied with a grin.
He leaned forward, grasping the other man's cock, running his hand up and down the length. Krycek
lifted himself up even higher, crying out as he could feel the pressure of his orgasm flood through
him.
Mulder thrust into him deeply, and finally he came, shudderingly, just as Krycek could feel the warm semen
shoot out onto the pillow underneath him.
Mulder lifted himself up. "Wow". He managed. Krycek rolled over, a huge grin plastered across his face.
"Wow indeed".
Slowly Mulder sat up. "Umm, as much as I enjoyed that, I think I could use a shower".
Krycek yawned and nodded. "You and me both". He replied. "The bathroom is this way".
The shower stall was fortunately large enough for the both of them. They kissed deeply under the hot rushing
water, enjoying the feel of each other's warm, slippery wet skin.
After a while, Krycek turned the hot water off and stepped out of the shower. He and Mulder, quickly
dried themselves off with large rough towels and they padded back into the bedroom.
Krycek walked over to the large wardrobe and pulled out a couple of pairs of jeans and tee-shirts.
He threw a pair of the jeans and a dark blue shirt over to Mulder, who deftly caught it.
"These are for tomorrow". Krycek said. "I hate wearing dirty clothes".
Mulder chuckled. "For an assassin you're pretty picky".
Krycek glanced over at him. "I just hate being dirty, that's all".
"Underwear and socks are over in the top dresser drawer". He said, pointing towards the massive
antique dresser that sat near the window.
"Thanks". Mulder replied. "You keep a full wardrobe of clothes here"?
"You sound surprised". Krycek replied.
Mulder shrugged. "A little I guess".
"I told you, I use this place to rest, and to lay low when I have to". Krycek said. He faced the slightly taller man.
"So I keep plenty of clothes and food here".
Mulder sighed. "It's nice here...peaceful".
Krycek smiled. "That's why I come here as often as I can. I love it here".
"Even despite the fact that you had once been accidently trapped in the cellar"? Mulder asked with a grin.
"Even despite that". Krycek replied with a laugh. "Not that I ever want to repeat that particular experience mind you".
Then he stepped over to where Mulder was still standing. "There is one particular experience that I would
like to repeat though".
Mulder chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry Alex, as much as I would like to, there are other things we have to
do right now".
"Pity". Krycek replied, but he stepped back obediently enough. Mulder yawned. "Like get some sleep".
"Now that is a good idea". Krycek replied. "Oh, and Fox"...
"What"?
"About the spare room... I lied".
Mulder grinned. "I kinda figured that".
Tired now, both men climbed into the huge bed, pulling the comforter up over them.
Krycek pulled Mulder against him and with his head on Krycek's shoulder, soon fell asleep.
*Skinner's Office*
Walter Skinner sighed and leaned back against the leather upholstered chair. He looked across at Scully
with concern.
"Did you get any sleep last night Agent"? He asked gently. Scully gave him a wan smile. She had shadows
under her eyes. "Not a lot".
"So did Mulder give you any indication as to where he might be headed"? Skinner asked.
Scully shook her head. "No Sir, all he said as that he had some information that he wanted you to have".
Skinner looked down at the files on his desk. "And these are it"?
"They came by FedEx this morning". Scully replied.
"As far as I can tell, they are just a mish mash of numbers". Skinner replied. "Do you what any of this could
mean"?
"I'm sorry Sir, but I have no idea".
"Well, until we receive some more information, there's not a lot I can do".
"I know that Sir". Scully replied. "But I can't help worrying about Mulder, he's gone off on some wild goose
chase with Krycek of all people, and I have no idea where they are or what it is that they are after".
Skinner thought for a moment. "I think I might know where they are headed".
" May I ask where that might be Sir"? Scully replied. Skinner looked up at her. Then he said quietly.
"I have made too many deals lately, and with all the wrong people. I am going to put a stop to this
once and for all".
Scully looked at him confused. "I don't think I understand Sir".
He stood up and walked over to where his coat was hanging. "Come on Scully, we have a plane to catch".
*Maine*
Mulder and Krycek stood outside, looking up at the small clapboard house that was set well back from the
quiet leafy street.
"Are you sure this is the place"? Mulder asked. Krycek nodded. "I was sent here six months ago".
He replied. "It was a pickup, a pretty easy job as I recall. All I had to do was pick up some files and computer discs and take them back to the center".
"And"? Mulder was growing impatient.
"And there was this filing cabinet, filled with all types of stuff. DNA profiles and tissue samples. Some of it
dating back to the nineteen forties".
Mulder stared at him. "Why would it all be kept here in a run down house and not a proper lab"?
Krycek gave a dry chuckle. "You should know Mulder, if you want to hide something, the best place is always
in plain sight. I mean, who would suspect anything like that would be in a dump like this"?
Mulder sighed. There was something about this that did not feel right. He glanced across at Krycek, then
back to the house.
"I guess all we can do is go and have a look". He replied.
Krycek nodded, his mouth had suddenly gone dry. "Yeah sure, why not".
With that, they both walked up the cracked path that led up to the front verandah.
"Could use a coat of paint". Mulder remarked, reaching out to touch the peeling doorframe.
Krycek knocked on the door. Nothing. He sighed. "I think it's empty".
"Or they don't want us to think that anyone is here". Mulder replied.
Krycek drew his gun from the shoulder holster, Mulder did the same. Then with a swift fluid motion,
Krycek kicked the door hard. It swung open and Mulder, cautiously stepped through into a shabby
hallway.
Krycek bringing up the rear, followed Mulder down the hall, grit and bits of debris crunching under their shoes.
A large rat scampered across the floor, making both men jump. "Shit".Krycek breathed. "I hate rats".
The door at the end off the hall was closed. Mulder turned to Krycek. "Is that the room where the cabinet
kept"? He asked,careful to keep his voice low.
"Yes". Krycek replied. Slowly, they both approached the door. The house
was completely still, the silence broken only by the occasional
scuttling of some small rodent.
"I don't think there's anyone here". Mulder said. He reached out and
grasped the doorknob, it turned easily and Mulder pushed the door open.
The room was empty save for a large filing cabinet that sat near a small window.
Sunlight slanted in through the grimy window pane, casting patterns on the dusty faded lino floor.
"This place sure isn't going to win any House of the Year awards". Mulder muttered as he looked around.
Krycek pulled the key from his jacket pocket and walked over to the filing cabinet. "Here goes nothing". He said. The key slid into the lock and smoothly turned.
"Bullseye". Krycek said with a grin. Both he and Mulder pulled out the top drawer. It was empty. So were all
the others.
"Shit"! Mulder snapped. "There's nothing here".
"Oh but there is, if you know where to look".
Both Mulder and Krycek turned at the sound of the new voice.
Sorenson stood in the doorway, a gun pointed straight at them.
"Who the hell are you"? Mulder asked, astonished, he had no idea how
long the old bastard had been standing there with his gun aimed
straight at them both.
"Tobias Sorenson at your service". The old man replied with a slight bow.
"And of course you must be Fox Mulder".
He then turned to Krycek. "And of course Alex I already know".
Mulder stared at Krycek. "Did you know that he was going to be here"?
Krycek shook his head. "No I didn't".
Sorenson chuckled. "Don't worry Agent Mulder, Alex here did not lead you
into any trap. In fact, he is as surprised to see me here as you are".
"You are the son of a bitch that kidnapped Scully". Mulder snarled at him.
"And she was returned to you unharmed". Sorenson replied mildly. "And
right now, she and your AD, Walter Skinner are on their way here to try and find you".
"They don't know where we are". Krycek replied. "Neither of us told them about this place".
"No, you and Agent Mulder did not, but I did". Sorenson replied.
"But why"? Mulder replied, clearly confused. "What the hell is going on here"? He turned towards Krycek.
"Alex, what the hell do you know about this"?
"I have no idea what the hell is going on". Krycek replied angrily. He glared
at Sorenson. "But I have a feeling that there is one hell of a double cross going on here that the moment, isn't there Sorenson"?
The old man smiled at him. "Let's just say that the Consortium and I are having a parting of the ways".
"What in Christ's name is that supposed to mean"? Mulder asked. He was keeping a close eye on the gun
that Sorenson was holding.
"Just that Agent Mulder". He replied. "I have decided that I no longer have the same...ambitions as the
Elite. So I have decided to go into business for myself".
"You were the one that stole all the samples and files from here". Krycek
replied, stunned. "And it was you that made sure that I got those files and the key to the filing cabinet".
"That's right". Sorenson replied. "After all, when they find your dead bodies here, they will know that
I was correct when I told them that you had enlisted Mulder into helping you steal all their precious samples
and selling them to the highest bidder, after all, those samples and discs are worth a fortune
to any goverment interested in genetic research".
"You fucking bastard". Krycek snarled, the colour slamming up into his face. "You led us right here didn't you? You needed to frame us so that the Consortium would never suspect that it was you. Fuck
how could I have been so stupid. I should have seen that it was a trap".
"All I had to do was make sure that the key and some of the files from here were placed right where you would
find them". Sorenson replied. Jesus, Mulder thought, the man is practically gloating.
"You were the one that sent me that email". Krycek replied coldly. Mulder sighed and shook his head. "I have no idea what the hell is going on here".
"We were used". Krycek replied grimly. "It would seem that Mr Sorenson here has
decided to do a little moonlight outside of the Consortium".
Sorenson shrugged. "I am an old man Mr Krycek, I have no use for all this power
that the Consortium keep yammering about. Oh I did once, when I was
a younger man, but not now. No all I want is a little something for myself .
A nice little nestegg for my retirement".
"And we take the fall". Krycek replied. "Well sorry to upset your plans old man, but I don't think that's going to happen".
"I can't possibly see how you or your friend here can prevent it". Sorenson replied.
He waved the gun at the both of them. "As you can see, I am well armed".
Krycek growled low in his throat, a frightening sound. Mulder glanced at him.
Krycek's green eyes were spitting fire as he watched the old man like a hawk.
To his credit, Sorenson did not appear to perturbed in the least.
"I would advise you to stay back Mr Krycek, after all I have dealt with men like
you before and I will not hesitate to shoot".
Mulder laughed. "So, isn't that what you are going to do to the both of us"?
"Of course Agent Mulder". Sorenson replied. "But I hope there will be no hard feelings.
After all, I did make sure that you got that lovely young Agent Scully
back in one piece".
"I don't understand". Mulder replied. "Why take her in the first place"?
"A simple test my dear young man". Sorenson said. "I had to be sure that I had something
to bargain with in case my little plan did not go quite the way I
wanted".
Mulder frowned, there was something in what he said that did not quite make
sense... something, but what.
"Look Sorenson, you got what you wanted". Krycek said, the rage in his voice barely
suppressed. "So why not just let us both go, we will disappear, that way the
Consortium will truly believe that we were the ones that stole their samples".
Sorenson shook his head slowly from side to side. "Forget it Mr Krycek".
Mulder glanced around the room, looking for anything that he could use as a weapon,
but other than the filing cabinet, the room was empty. Besides, even
if he did find a lump of wood or something, what use would it be
against a bullet.
Sorenson lifted the gun. "I'm afraid that it's time to die gentlemen".
A shot rang out, echoing in the empty room.
Mulder heard Krycek curse. Sorenson gaped down at the red patch that blossomed
on his chest, then crumpled to the dirty floor.
Both Mulder and Krycek turned around. There standing in the doorway was Skinner
and Scully, both guns drawn.
Mulder did not think that he had ever been so happy to see anyone in his entire life.
He was pretty sure that Krycek was feeling the same way.
"Mulder, are you all right"? Skinner asked. He hurried over to where his agent was
standing.
"I'm fine Sir". Mulder replied, he gave his AD a slightly shaky smile.
Scully knelt down and checked Sorenson. "He's dead Sir". She replied.
Skinner nodded. He had not aimed to wound.
Krycek was clearly astounded. "How the hell did you find us here"? He asked.
"It was not difficult". Skinner replied. "I checked the disc that Sorenson had given me.
The one that I was supposed to give to you Mulder".
Mulder nodded. "The one that you traded with the Smoking Man for Scully"?
"Yes". Skinner replied. "That's the one. I made a copy of it, it had some very useful
information on it".
"That's impossible". Krycek replied. "I made that disc myself on Spender's orders.
There was nothing of any use on it. It was a test that Spender had set you
to see if you could be bought...or blackmailed into doing what he wanted'.
"I know". Skinner replied. "Only Sorenson gave me another disc, not the one you made,
but one he did, and it had everything on it. Names, places. Everything
that we can use to bring these bastards down once and for all".
Now it was Krycek's turn to look confused. "But why, I can understand that he wanted
to make some money by stealing the research files and samples. But why
would he give you a disc with information like that"?
"It took me a while to work it out myself". Skinner said. "At first, I thought that
the bastard was genuine. That he really did want to bring the Consortium
down. But then I realized, the information he gave me was old, outdated.
Krycek shook his head. "I still don't understand. Why would he go to all the trouble,
the subterfuge? It simply doesn't make sense".
"It was a game to him".
Skinner, Scully and Krycek turned to stare at Mulder. He looked up at them, a smile
playing around his well shaped lips.
"I think when Scully does the autopsy, she is going to find that Sorenson was ill.
Terminal, probably".
"He did tell me that he had cancer". Skinner replied. "He might have been
telling the truth about that".
Mulder nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe that was why he decided to play a game with the
Consortium. And with us. After all, why not? If he was ill, he had nothing
less to lose. He probably wanted to do as much damage as he could before
he died.
"Play one against the other". Krycek replied softly. "Hell, the old bastard nearly succeeded at that".
"Not quite". Scully replied. She straightened up, having finished examining Sorenson's
cooling body. She had not liked the man, after all, he had
tricked and then kidnapped her, holding her a prisoner at the Center.
No, this was one man that she would not miss at all.
"I think he just wanted to take down as many people as he could before he
became to sick to do anything". Mulder said, his brilliant profiler's mind
already working on all the possible answers.
Scully nodded. "So he used my kidnapping in order to blackmail Skinner,using
The Smoking man as a front. And they of course they would have thought
that he was still working for them. Then he went to Skinner, on
the pretense that he wanted to help bring them down".
Skinner chuckled. "A tad Machiavellian, but then I suspected that the old bastard
was having his last bit of fun".
"What about the disc"? Krycek asked. "After all, you gave it to Spender to get
Agent Scully back. he would have seen that the information was outdated then".
Skinner glanced at the Consortium operative sharply.
"I wiped the disc, that way Spender wouldn't know, well not straight away anyhow".
"All this so an old man could make some money selling the Consortium's research".
Krycek said softly.
Mulder shook his head. "No, I don't think it was purely for the money. I think he
did what he did for the sheer hell of it. And probably a lot of other reasons
that we will never know".
"Well, whatever the reasons, let's get this damn mess sorted out". Skinner growled.
*Mulder's Apartment*
The phone rang, Mulder rolled over and grabbed the receiver. "Mulder speaking".
"Hi Mulder, it's me". Scully said. "The reports from the autopsy just came
back. You were right. Lung cancer. He only had a few more months left".
"Yeah, I thought so". Mulder replied. "Anything else"?
"No, nothing important. I just thought I would let you know".
"Thanks Scully". He replied warmly. How's Skinner doing"?
Scully glanced over at the table where both she and her boss were having
dinner, he smiled up at her as he poured wine into two glasses.
"Oh, he's fine". She replied. "I'll see you tomorrow". With that she hung up,
Skinner handed her the glass, then held his own up. They clinked the
glasses together.
"To us". Skinner said. Scully gently echoed. "To us".
Mulder replaced the receiver then rolled over to snuggle his head down onto Krycek's
shoulder.
"So what did your partner have to say"? He asked.
"Oh that Sorenson did have a terminal illness. Lung cancer as a matter of fact". Mulder replied.
Krycek chuckled. "Well, at least he tried to go out with a bang. You have to
give him credit for that if nothing else".
"Alex, may I remind you that he tried to shoot us both, and would have if
Skinner and Scully hadn't turned up in time"?
"I have people trying to kill me all the time".Krycek replied. "I learned not
to take it personally".
"Yeah, well I do". Mulder yawned. "Well he's dead now and whatever it was he
was trying to do just isn't our problem anymore".
"Thank Christ". Krycek muttered. Then he pulled Mulder closer to him, dropping
a kiss on his dark hair. "Goodnight beautiful".
"Hmm, 'night".
*The Center*
Spender sat in the parlour, watching the flames lick at the logs in the fireplace. It was still rather warm outside, but he liked to watch the flames
as they leapt and danced. It helped him think.
Sorenson had been an old fool. He had thought that he could outwit him, but Spender
had known practically from the start what he had been up to.
It was a shame that a man of Sorenson's intellect and stature had sucumbed to petty
thoughts of revenge. After all it had been no one's fault that he had lost
his wife. The man knew the risks when he first signed on.
But still...
Spender smiled. "The man did have his uses". He said aloud, although he was the only
one in the room.
He had managed to steal the files and relocate them in a small locker in the bus station. Easily found so no harm done. As for the business with
Skinner...and Scully, well no harm done there either.
But the fact that he had nearly killed Fox Mulder, well that was another matter altogether.
He frowned. A near thing. But Skinner and Scully had gotten
there in time. Thank God he had found out what Sorenson was up to that day.
And thank god he had been able to tip off Skinner as to where they
all were. Yes, the AD had his
uses as well.
Another favour owed to him, and one that he would collect. And he would enjoy
collecting indeed. Yes, Skinner would make a fine member of the Consortium,
and as for Mulder, well the time was drawing near. It was fitting that a son
should take his place beside his father after all.
And the best part of all, they never truly worked it all out. They had come close
a couple of time. Mostly because of Sorenson's betrayal.
But Mulder and Krycek had never discovered the little secret that the house had
held. They had only gone there looking for some samples and files.
Pity that neither of them thought to check the rest of the house. But
then again, they had not been given a lot time.
And as for Skinner...well he thought he knew, but like the rest of them, he
stumbled around in the dark, never really understanding,not knowing the
right questions to ask. And even if he knew, could he have ever understood the answer? Spender smiled coldly. Absolutely not.
Yes, all in all a very satisfying result indeed.
He leaned back in his chair, already planning his next move.
The End
Click here for part one
Click here for part two
Click here for part three
Lady Midath's Adult and Slash
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