Chapter 4: Love, Lies & Videotape
“Is there anything I can do to keep these hallucinations away from him?” Dana Scully demanded of the girl calling herself Samantha when they returned to the motel. Mulder had gone to the bathroom to wash his face – he was looking drained. Scully didn’t like leaving him alone but it gave her an opportunity to ask Samantha some questions.
“I did talk to some people who helped to develop the implant and they suggested sedating him. They gave me this.” She removed a small vial of liquid from her handbag. Scully took it. The liquid was a burnt orange in colour.
“How can I trust you? How do I know that *this* is safe for him to take? Why are you helping Mulder?”
“I have my reasons.” The other woman replied. “They *are* good ones, but it can’t tell you about them.”
“Official secrets!” Scully spat out sharply.
“No.” Samantha replied, pleading with her. “They are more important than that. I can’t explain. You just have to know that it is *very* important to me that Mulder does not die. I will do *anything* in my power to assure that.” Scully stared at her.
“My God, who *are* you?”
“Don’t ask me that! There’s no way I can answer.” Samantha replied plaintively, her eyes pleading with Scully. Mulder returned to find them practically nose-to-nose.
“Hey, what’s going on?” He asked. Scully turned to look at him. She did not like the way he looked. His face was a grey and lifeless mask – a pitiful mockery of what he usually looked like.
“Nothing.” Scully answered, moving away from Samantha. She went over to him and touched his temple – tenderly brushing aside a lock of hair. “How are you feeling?” She asked. He looked up at her. When their eyes locked messages flashed back and forth – questions in need of answers. His eyes told her that he loved her. Her eyes told of her indecision. He looked away.
“I’m as well as can be expected for someone who’s seeing things that aren’t there.”
“I’d have thought that *that* would have summed up you whole life.” Scully remarked – struggling to keep a straight face. His eyes flicked back up to hers.
“Very good Scully – give it a few years and we’ll have that sense of humour thing worked out fine.”
“If you weren’t ill I’d hit you.” She remarked lightly. His face paled and his eyes locked on the bruise on her cheek – her face froze. The silence became awkward. Samantha – who had watched the whole episode with a half-smile on her face – moved to put a hand on Scully’s shoulder. Mulder and Scully both jumped back to reality.
“I need your help – I need to contact someone who can help me find Dr. Fenegold.”
“I thought you were an FBI agent.” Mulder remarked bitterly. “Why do you need our help for something like that?” Samantha swallowed.
“I’m operating way outside of my assignment parameters. My superiors would not approve of my helping you in any manner. If they even knew we’d been in contact my whole cover would be blown.”
“Cover?” Questioned Scully.
“You don’t need to know.” Mulder made a disgusted sound. “Will you help me?”
“We don’t have choice.” Scully said flatly.
XXXXXX***
Scully unlocked the door to her apartment.
“We’d have been fine staying at my place Scully.” Mulder complained for the hundredth time.
“Mulder,” She began patiently. “I’m going to have to put you out for several hours and baby-sit you. Now, I’d sooner do that in some place where I can find something decent to eat and something more entertaining to do than browsing through your video collection.” Mulder laughed.
Scully led the way through to her bedroom. The room was the same way Mulder remembered it. Very much in the image of Scully.
“Why am I never fully conscious when I end up in your bedroom Scully?”
“Because Mulder, it’s the only time when I can order you around.”
“Ooh Scully – I like that. I’ll let you order me around in your bedroom any time you like.”
“Shut up Mulder.” She gestured to the bed. “You better get comfortable. How would you feel best?”
“Naked – with you in my arms.”
“Not an option. Next choice.”
“If I can’t have both – can I have either?”
“No. Try again.”
“Can I try one of your night-dresses then?”
“If you don’t shut up I’m not going to use the medication to sedate you – I’m going to hit you with a blunt object.”
“Point taken. I’ll just get rid of my jacket and tie.” He did just that. Scully watched as his muscles stretched and relaxed under the thin material of his shirt as he removed his tie and undid several buttons. The ‘alien’ pendant lay nestled against the curve off his neck, but that was not what Scully was looking at. *She* was starring at the small patch of skin revealed by his open collar. It would be so easy just to reach over and undo the rest of the buttons. She looked up to find him watching her watching him.
“Changed your mind?” He asked – seriously.
“No.” Her voice was rough, but determined. He smiled a sad smile and sat down. Scully prepared the hypodermic.
“What’s in this stuff?” He asked as she injected it.
“I have no idea.” She answered truthfully.
“What?”
“Don’t you trust Samantha?” She asked innocently.
“Not as far as….I could………throw……….the lying……. bitch.” His speech grew slower and more difficult. Scully laughed. With the last word his eyes closed and his body relaxed. Whatever it was – Scully acknowledged – it certainly worked. She laid him out and covered him with the blanket. He looked so young when he was asleep – all his troubles seemed to wash away from his features. She closed the bedroom door.
XXXXXX******
It was strange thinking that Mulder was asleep in the other room and she had nothing to do but sit here. The last time he’d been in this position he’d been on the run after his father was killed. Then her priority was getting him as far away as possible. She felt the same way now – as if by running away – they could outrun all of this. Sometimes she wanted to run, but where to? All the paranoia they had both picked up would never leave them alone to live happily. The only thing to do was carry on – never hope for more than the moment.
Scully did everything she could think of to pass the time. She tried to read one of her medical magazines – but got bored after fifteen minutes. She tidied things that needed to be tidied, as well as things that didn’t. In the end she gave up and switched on the TV – but there was nothing she wanted to watch. In desperation she turned to her meagre video collection. A collection which comprised of little more than odd episodes of The Larry Sanders Show, several football games that she’d taped because she had been too busy working and a few soppy romances. There was nothing she wanted to watch. She was just about to give up and take a sleeping pill when one video tape caught her eye. It was in a plain white cardboard cover and had no label. She did not remember seeing it before – so she slotted it into the machine and pressed play.
XXXXXX
Mulder sat up gasping. He was disorientated for a moment but – glancing around the spartan but pleasant room – remembered that he was in Dana Scully’s bedroom. There was a definite thrill at the thought. The pain in his head was still there but he felt curiously refreshed. His shirt and trousers were crumpled beyond belief and he knew that his hair just had to be sticking straight up on end. He tried to smooth it with his fingers but he could not be sure of how much better it looked. He climbed out of bed – the world span for a moment but righted itself quickly enough – and headed for the bathroom. He could not hear Scully moving about and wondered what she was doing. Then he heard her voice:
“God, don’t stop!” He became aware of the sound of heavy breathing coming from the front room and was drawn there. “That’s it right there! Oh!” She screamed. What *was* Scully doing? And with who?
The room beyond the corner was dark expect for a pale blue flickering light. Mulder crept up to the corner and peered around. Scully was sat on the couch staring at the TV screen. She seemed to be watching a porn film. She was not at all aware of his presence. He smiled into the darkness – his demure little partner was watching a skin flick! He set his face as straight as he could.
“Scully, what are you doing?” He asked seriously. She jumped and turned to face him.
“OH! God! Don’t stop Mulder! OH!” The sound erupted from the TV. Scully’s voice. Mulder’s head snapped to the screen and he became aware of what he was seeing. He walked towards the screen – never looking away.
“What *is* this?” He demanded – his eyes still transfixed.
“I don’t know.” The Scully in the room told him honestly with an edge of rising panic in her voice. Mulder moved to sit on the couch next to her. They said nothing but sat staring at the flickering images.
It appeared that it was recorded through a two-way mirror – looking into a pleasantly decorated bedroom. There was a couple making love on the bed in full view from the camera position. It was Mulder and Scully. The action reached a crescendo and the couple relaxed.
“God I love you.” The Mulder on the screen told his Scully. She looked at him seriously.
“I…” She paused, looked away, then looked back. “I love you too.” The Mulder on the screen grinned and kissed her.
The Mulder in the room reached for the remote and turned off the TV. Without the light from the screen the room was illuminated only by the moonlight coming through the window.
“Scully….?” Mulder said without looking at her.
“I…um….” Scully began. “I don’t know what….”
“I don’t remember any of that happening Scully.” He looked over at her – she was still staring at the now blank screen.
“I don’t remember either Mulder.” She looked at him – confusion evident in her features. Then her expression changed. Her mouth fell open. She pointed at the screen in wonder. “That’s the tape Uncle Daniel gave me when I was in England.”
“How would your uncle in England have a tape of us making love?” The words sounded odd on his lips – as if by saying them he had actually crossed a barrier in their relationship. He did not regret it.
“I don’t know.” Scully continued – apparently unaware of any change. “He said it would be shocking but I didn’t expect that.”
“What else did he tell you.” She began to look around her.
“He gave me a file. I don’t know where I put it. After Amanda went missing I just forgot about them. Damn, where did I put it?” She stood up and began to search. Mulder joined in.
“Did he tell you what it was, or when it was taken.”
“He said all the information was in that file. There was something about a test. He said a name…it began with N….Narcote or something. Dr. Narcote.” Mulder stilled.
“Thad Narcote?” He questioned. Scully stopped and looked at him.
“Have you heard of him?”
“He was a friend in the VCS.” He paused. “He’s a relationship counsellor now. Remember – you met him on that case when those men died from that mystery illness. What would he have to do with a test?” Scully resumed her search.
“I have no idea, but something’s happened to us – that tape is proof – and I want to find out what it is.”
“Scully, on that tape you said you loved me.” He spoke quietly. She turned to him. His lips twisted into a smile. “Reluctantly – but as if you meant it.”
“This is not a good time for this conversation.”
“It’ll never be a good time – but we have to talk about this.”
“I could have been – *we* could have been – under the influence of *anything* when we did and said those things.” She turned away again, but he grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him.
“Then I’m telling you now. I love you.” She broke away and practically ran to the other side of the room. She pretended to start searching again.
“With a hallucinogenic implant in your skull.” She threw back over her shoulder.
“Why wont you believe me?”
“Because it shouldn’t happen.” He crossed over to her and held her shoulders again. He smiled wryly.
“According to *that* tape….” He inclined his head towards the TV. “…it already has.” He moved closer. “I love you.” He kissed her. She began to respond. The pain in his head sent him reeling away from her.
Scully fell backwards and landed hard on the floor. Her leg twisted awkwardly under her. She winced in pain as she tried to move it. In the last few days she had gotten more bruises than she’d had in months. She looked up and saw Mulder crouched into a ball against the far wall. Ignoring the screaming pain in her leg she sprinted over to him.
“Mulder..?” She demanded gently, falling painfully to her knees. He looked up at her with tortured eyes. She realised that he was caught up in another hallucination. “The aliens?” She asked quietly. He nodded. “Where are they?” she coaxed. He shivered and when he spoke his voice trembled.
“I can’t see them yet, but I know they’re here. I can feel them.” She took a deep breath.
“Mulder.” She began patiently. “I’m sorry.” His face registered curiosity. Then she punched him. His head flew back and connected with the wall.
Mulder regained consciousness slowly. He opened his eyes to see the beautiful sight of Scully’s concerned face. She smiled.
“How are you feeling?”
“Did you hit me?” She nodded. “Was I having another hallucination?” He tried to smile in response to her smile but his head hurt too much to allow even the small movement of facial muscles.
“The way you were acting Mulder, I was going to hit you anyway.”
“Liar.” He said under his breath – and knew that she heard him – but let the matter slide.
A soft knock at the door curtailed further conversation – about their relationship and about the missing file. Scully went to answer the door, while Mulder went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. It was Samantha.
“How’s Mulder?” She demanded without preamble. Scully opened her mouth to answer but was cut off before she could say anything.
“Mulder’s fine.” Came the voice from the kitchen. “Considering that he keeps seeing aliens that aren’t there.”
“In other words everything’s normal. He’s *always* seeing aliens that aren’t there.” Scully could not resist adding. Mulder walked back into the room, a glass of water in his hand.
“I’ll deal with you later.” He replied with a grin. He took a gulp of water and turned to Samantha. “Have you found Fenegold?”
“Not yet.” She answered regretfully. “Those people you put me on to are putting out feelers.”
“You haven’t told us what happened with him.” Mulder said, and took another drink.
“I can’t say much, but Fenegold was not happy with the way the tests were going. He felt that his knowledge was being exploited. He was threatened with removal from the project. So, he ran – and took the most important bits of technology with him. Thankfully he does not know enough people here to hide himself for long.”
“Doesn’t know people ‘here’, where’s he from then?” Scully asked. Samantha hesitated. Mulder and Scully exchanged a curious look.
“Um…he’s from the West Coast.” She lied – badly. “Have you had any more hallucinations?” She asked – an obvious diversion.
“He had one just before you arrived.” Scully replied. “But it seemed easier to snap him out of it than it was before.”
“Oh. How did you do it?”
“She paid me back.” Mulder replied – rubbing his jaw. “She hit me.” Samantha laughed.
“I didn’t hit him hard – I think that the time he spent sedated must have made the vision weaker.”
“In that case maybe would should put him out again.” Samantha suggested and Scully nodded.
“Hello?” Mulder called and the women turned to face him. “Don’t I get a choice In this?”
“No.” The women answered both together, with completely straight faces. Mulder realised that he was outgunned and gave in gracefully.
XXXXXX*
“Here we are again Scully.” Mulder began cheerfully. “You know – you don’t *have* to sedate me to get me in your bed.” Scully finished preparing the injection. “I don’t know what you have to do with other guys…ouch!” She stuck in the needle.
“Oh, I’m sorry – did I hurt you?” She asked with mock innocence. He glared at her.
“One day Dana, I’ll….be….be completely…..consc….conscio….
awake….in your….bed.” He smiled weakly. “Then….you…..you better…….watch…..out.”
“*My* eyes are wide open Mulder.”
“Fox.” He muttered. “Say….Fox.” He was nearly asleep now.
“No.” She answered quietly, afraid of stepping that far over the line.
“Say it.” He murmured – more asleep than awake “Say…” Scully smiled and leant her mouth close to his ear. Very quietly she said.
“Fox.” She sat back up and saw him smiling.
“Thank …..you.” He mouthed – and fell asleep.
XXXXXX**
Scully went back into the front room. Samantha was sat on the couch.
“He went out like a light.” She told her. Samantha nodded. “Now I want the truth. What happened with Fenegold?”
“I told you the truth. As much as I can – probably more than I should.” She took a deep breath and stood up. “There’s just one more thing. Fenegold ran for his life. My superiors decided he was unnecessary to the project – but I’m acting for other parties who want to find him alive.”
“What ‘other parties’?” Scully questioned.
“Scully…You know I *not* going to tell you that. We don’t plan to do him harm – in fact we want to *save* his life. If my superiors find him first then they will not use their knowledge to help Mulder and I can’t predict the consequences of that.” Scully’s face twisted into an expression of confusion.
“What…..?” She began but took in Samantha’s expression. She sighed. “You can’t tell me, right?” Samantha nodded. “Okay. What happens now?”
“Just keep Mulder sedated. I have to meet with my contact – hopefully he’ll have news for me.” She moved towards the door. “I’ll be in touch in a few hours.” She opened the door and turned back to Scully – who was watching her with an irritated expression. “I know you hate sitting around but there’s nothing else for you to do.” She smiled and went out.
Scully ran to the bedroom. Mulder was fast asleep. She grabbed her coat from the chair by the bed and hurried back into the other room. She placed her gun in the small of her back, opened the door and went out. The door closed behind her.
XXXXXX******
Samantha walked down the alleyway. Scully followed far enough behind to be unseen. Samantha walked into an abandoned building and waited. Scully waited too – hidden behind a empty bookcase. Ten minutes passed with nothing happening. Samantha sat down on the floor – so she had to be waiting for something. Scully too sat down, but she sat in a position to keep an eye on Samantha. The blinding flash of light was a major revelation to Scully but Samantha just jumped up and ran towards it – out of Scully’s line of vision. When she had recovered, Scully clambered to her knees and tried to look through the small opening. She could see the bottom half of Samantha as she ran into the arms of a man.
“Dad!” She exclaimed.
“Oh, Sam. What have I done to merit this?” The man asked sardonically – in a voice that was very familiar.
“You’re alive.” Was all she answered. The man seemed to understand because he hugged her back. Scully strained but she could not make out his face.
“How’s it going?” He asked as they stepped apart. “How’s Mulder?” He gave a weird wry laugh. Scully could not shake the feeling that she’d heard *that* voice before.
“He’s doing fine – for now. I just left him and Scully.”
“How is she?” The question was asked in a low tone.
“She’s holding up pretty good.” Samantha laughed. “She doesn’t like sitting around doing nothing.”
“I’ll bet she doesn’t.” The man laughed.
“Have you any information on Fenegold?”
“No. I’d say that he’s disappeared off the face of the Earth – but you might take me too seriously when I say that.” Samantha laughed. “He’s not in our zone, which means he’s gotta be hiding in *this* zone.”
“Unless he’s worked out a way to work the distortion without the main device.”
“I don’t even want to think about that. If he’s done that we’ll never find him.”
“What happens then?”
“Then….” He paused, “….nothing matters.”
“What do I tell my superiors? *What* do I tell Scully?”
“Tell that rat-bastard to jump off a bridge.” He spat. “And tell Scully….” His voice was much quieter. “Tell Scully….”
Scully stepped out from behind the bookcase with her gun aimed in front of her.
“You can tell her yourself.” She said without looking at the man. Her eyes raised and she saw him. Her mouth fell open.
“Ooh Scully. We haven’t played *this* game in a *long* time!” The sarcastic voice drawled and he raised his hands into the air in mock-surrender. Her gun fell noisily to the floor.
“Mulder…?” She asked incredulously.