A New War
by Ann H
Rated: M for nasty violence and little bad language. Umm, no smut, sorry. Maybe in a sequel, if I can figure out what to do next.
Summary: My response to the trash known as Existence. Yes, I have plot holes, but less than some others I can name...so you think it's over, do you? [g]
Author's notes: In my world, Billy Miles types with the metal spines are called "replicants." The neck-bump type aliens are called "hybrids." The others, such as ABH and Jeremiah Smith, are known as "shapeshifters." Some are healers, most aren't. The ABH's are working with the replicants; the hybrids and renegade shapeshifters are in the resistance. Hope this helps. Date May 24, 2001
Warning 1: Significant character death. Take *that*, CC! Take *that*, shippers! [g]
Warning 2: Don't choke over the opening segments. Trust me, they have a purpose.
Disclaimer: Not mine, his. So what? He can have the millions, I just want to explore the characters. No money is made from this fic.
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Dana Scully couldn't deny it any longer something was wrong.
She should be enjoying her life, grateful for her thriving, miracle child and the love and support from her best friend and partner. All the alien threats and government conspiracies were over; she was free, her new family was free, and the future only promised stability and happiness.
Why am I so full of doubt? William is flourishing and Fox has been the ideal father. What is wrong with *me*?
Scully slowly reached over to the nightstand, gripping the edges as she pulled herself out of bed. Three months after giving birth, she was still prone to dizzy spells and exhaustion. Another nap was interrupted by the insistent wailing from the nearby crib.
He's hungry again. I just nursed him two hours ago. It never seems to stop!
Leaning over the crib, she looked down at her miracle. Despite her fatigue and frustration, a tender smile stretched across her face. Her child, *her* child, and she never thought she would be capable of feeling or expressing such an overwhelming love for anyone.
I will always love and protect you. Always!
She cradled the demanding William in her arms, and slowly walked to the kitchen. Poured herself a tall glass of milk and made her way to the living room, where she gratefully lowered herself into the comfortable recliner near the large picture window. Sighed gratefully as she basked in the comfortable warmth of the afternoon sun that streamed through the unshuttered window. Took generous sips of the cool beverage.
She had barely opened her robe when William greedily latched upon a nipple, pulling on the sensitive skin aggressively. Wincing noticeably, she watched her child take in the nourishment.
This has *got* to come from Mulder's side of the family. He can be just as demanding and arrogant as little William is...well, he used to be.
Scully retreated into pleasant thoughts of Mulder.
He's been so gentle and kind since William was born. I can't believe how much he adores my baby...our baby. I was sure the IVF was a failure, but our miracle came true. God does indeed work in mysterious ways. He had to have done something to Mulder...he actually cleaned the house yesterday! And dinner last night, well, he must've had Frohike sneak it in, but it was still a nice thing to do.
A sharp pain at her breast wrenched her from her thoughts. "Ouch! William, stop that!"
Scully unlatched William from her aching breast, and the choleric wailing immediately returned.
No, no, not again...not *now*!
Along with the returning frustration came another dizzy spell. Scully closed her eyes, leaning back in the recliner, wishing the faintness and pain away. Love and protectiveness seemed far away now, she was tired and hurting and needed a few moments of quiet. The frustration took over.
"William! Stop crying! Stop!"
"Dana! What's wrong with you!"
Scully's eyes flew open. Fox Mulder stood in the doorway, a fierce anger etched across his face. He rushed across the living room, pulling the squalling child from Scully's arms. The child snuggled up contentedly against Mulder and stopped crying.
After a few minutes, Scully felt the dizziness fade and was able to face her irate partner. She shuddered, and couldn't hold back her exhaustion and pain anymore. Large tears swelled in her sleep-deprived eyes, and then she was crying, shaking with the force of her emotions.
"Mulder, something's wrong, and I think it's me! I can't sleep, William's always hungry, always demanding, and I just can't keep up! I'm a terrible mother, I love him, I love you, and you're both wonderful, but I hurt, and I don't know why!"
The anger disappeared from Mulder's face; in its place was a cool detachment. Still holding William, he knelt in front of the still-weeping Scully, and brushed a hand through the sweat-dampened locks falling over her forehead.
"Dana, you're a doctor. You know pregnancies and the aftermath can be hard to deal with. You aren't getting enough sleep, and you are just worn down. I want you to go lie down, and I'm going to telephone Doctor Carter. I think you and William both need a checkup."
Scully raised grateful, tearstained eyes to her partner. In a soft, shaky voice, she replied, "Mulder, you've been wonderful. Since you returned to me, to us, it's been like a new beginning. You are twice the man you used to be. I love you so much!"
Mulder gifted her with a soft smile. "Go lie down, I'll take care of William and call the doctor. I'm sure he'll see us today."
Scully cautiously left the chair, and slowly made her way back to the bedroom. She relaxed gratefully into the soft bed, and quickly slipped into unconsciousness.
In the living room, Mulder was finishing his phone call.
"I think it's time. We need to have them examined, today. Yes, I think we are ready for the next step."
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Scully felt much better after her nap.
I have got to put myself together. I'm sure Dr. Carter can help. He's been taking care of us since Mulder brought us to him after our return from Georgia.
She could hear Mulder bellowing from the living room, "Dana, let's go! We're going to be late!"
Scully grabbed her purse and headed for the bedroom door. "Coming, Mulder!"
Mulder? I'm still calling him Mulder, even though he seems comfortable calling me 'Dana' now. I really need to get used to being on a first-name basis now.
The chirp of her cellular phone roused her from her thoughts. She quickly retrieved the phone from her purse. "Scully."
"Scully, it's Skinner. How are you doing?"
"Oh, sir, I'm just on my way to a doctors appointment."
Skinner's voice was now laced with tension. "Are you all right?"
Scully smiled. Walter Skinner was her boss, but she also considered him a friend. "Yes, William and I are both getting a checkup. I've just been very tired and irritable. It's amazing Mulder has been able to put up with me."
Skinner snorted. "Mulder has never been the poster child for patience."
Scully couldn't contain the laugher his comment provoked. It did seem unreal.
"Sir, it could be a X-File, but I'm just enjoying it while it lasts. But I really do have to go, Doctor Carter doesn't like to be kept waiting. But we'd love to see you. Why don't you stop by in about three hours?"
"I'll be there, Scully. I always enjoy seeing little William. And I have got to see this 'patient' Mulder for myself."
"Bye, sir." Scully shook her head as she again heard Mulder calling for her. Returning the cell phone to her purse, she joined Mulder and William in the living room. "Okay, Mulder, let's go."
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Dana Scully may be a doctor, but she did not like being a patient.
I've been poked and prodded enough. William, I love you, but you are going to be an only child.
"Okay, Dana, you seem to have healed very nicely from the pregnancy. But I understand from Mr. Mulder that you haven't been feeling well. Exhaustion, mood swings and some dizziness, correct?"
Dana looked at her doctor. He watched her expectantly, his soft white hair and pale blue eyes set in a tanned face presenting a calm, measured air. Out of all the doctors she dealt with throughout her pregnancy, she was most comfortable with him.
"Yes. I just want to be sure that everything is okay."
Carter gave her a reassuring smile. "The blood work will probably reveal a case of anemia. I'll give you a vitamin shot, and a prescription for iron supplements. You should also consider seeing a therapist on a short-term basis to allow yourself a chance to express everything you've kept bottled-up inside. You have been through a lot with this pregnancy."
Once the shot was administered, Dr. Carter again reassured her. "William is in wonderful health. It's amazing how fast the boy is growing. You go ahead and get dressed, and I'll get your prescription ready." The kindly doctor then left the room.
Scully was relieved by the doctor's encouragement; optimistic again, she reached for her clothes.
Everything's going to be fine.
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Fox Mulder waited at the nurse's station, holding his sleeping son. Doctor Carter stepped up to father and son.
"You were correct. According to the tests I ran, William is now ready to be separated from his mother. She is too worn down to continue providing the necessary nutrients, and he is strong enough continue his growth on his own. Did you contact the others?"
Fox Mulder replied in his usual monotone voice. "Yes. We move this afternoon."
Doctor Carter smiled. This smile was neither gentle nor kind. "Then I guess you won't need this prescription." Tanned hands ripped the small white sheet into small strips. Finally, he handed Mulder a palm pilot.
"It's programmed and ready to work."
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Dana Scully was happy to be home. As she struggled with her seatbelt, her partner removed William from the car seat and carried him into their house, leaving her behind.
So much for the kinder, gentler Fox Mulder.
She entered the house, a gentle rebuke on her lips but stopped abruptly. Before her in the living room was her partner, grinning sweetly at their son. Beside him was Billy Miles and the game warden from Georgia; they were also enraptured with William.
At her strangled gasp, they all looked at her. Any sign of kindness or warmth left their faces; all she saw was coldness and disgust.
She concentrated on Mulder's face. Mulder, her protector. He could explain this. "Mulder, why are they here? What do they want?"
"We, Dana. We want the child...we always have."
Dana gripped the edge of a chair to steady herself. She felt another wave of dizziness, struggled bravely to hold it back.
"No, Mulder, its our child. Its human! They left us alone after I gave birth!"
Mulder gave her a pitying look. "Its not human. Its more than human. Its the first naturally born alien/human hybrid...its the future of this planet."
Mulder handed William to Billy Miles, then turned back to Scully.
"You were useful for a very long time. But we no longer need you."
Scully couldn't stop shaking, couldn't understand the change in the man before her. Mulder was her partner; donated the sperm that resulted in her pregnancy, protected her, and became her lover shortly after William was born. He wasn't the man before her now.
"M-Mulder, this is all wrong! I don't understand!"
Mulder walked up to her and gently took her face between his hands. He gently brushed aside a tear from her cheek.
"Of course you don't understand," he remarked blandly, "I'm not Mulder...to a large extent, Mulder ceased to exist shortly after he was taken from that forest in Oregon."
Mulder took in her horrified understanding, and continued. "Oh, he's not really dead. He's still in here," Pointing to his head, "but he isn't in control, and never will be again. I'm Mulder now."
Scully's horror took a backseat to her growing anger, and she pushed the replicant Mulder away. Shaky hands opened her purse, retrieving her gun. Pointing it at the three replicants, she demanded, "Give me back my child!"
The replicant Billy Miles gazed at Scully with his wide, vacant stare. "You know that gun is useless. Besides, you don't know it yet, but you're already dead."
The sudden, stunning pain radiated through her every nerve ending. Her circulatory system started to collapse, the veins distorting blood pouring from her nose, mouth and ears. Scully fell to the carpet, gun forgotten as she tried to fight the ghastly pain. She could barely lift her head to look at Mulder. Red tears streaked down her face as she saw the man she loved standing before her.
Holding the palm pilot.
Killing her.
Smiling.
Then, mercifully, it was over.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Walter Skinner slowed his car as he approached Scully and Mulder's house. Searching for a parking space, he saw a man, woman and child enter a black Taurus about a hundred yards away from him.
Was that Mulder, Scully and William? No, Mulder's car is parked just ahead of the Taurus.
Once the car pulled away, Skinner pulled into the space. He exited the car, bringing along a gaily wrapped present.
Skinner smirked. Not that William needed another present. Between himself, Doggett, the Lone Gunmen and Scully's mother, William was constantly showered with gifts.
That's as it should be; he's a special child, with special parents.
Skinner shook his head. Mulder was exasperating, self-centered and obsessive, but he had been Skinner's best, if most problematic, agent, intuitive and intelligent. And Dana Scully...
Don't go there, Walter!
...Dana was everything an agent...
and a woman.
...should be.
Never gonna happen. Drop it!
Skinner shook aside thoughts of what could have been and headed towards the house. Halfway up the driveway, he saw Mulder exiting the house.
Self-centered as always. Bet he doesn't even see me.
Indeed, Mulder did almost walk into him, but he pulled up short by about three feet. He drawled, "Skinner. What are you doing here?"
Skinner shot him a puzzled look. "Didn't Scully tell you I was coming over?"
Mulder gave him an amused smirk. "She must have forgotten to mention it...guess she never had the chance. Anyway, I've got things to do. Later, Skinner."
Skinner turned to stared at Mulder as he passed him. "Mulder, you're acting strange, even for you. What is going on?"
His answer came in the swift punch that send him flying through the air, smashing him into the living room window. It took Skinner a few minutes to gather his wits and brush off the sharp shards of glass. He heard the squeal of tires as he raised his head...
...And looked into the vacant eyes of Dana Scully.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Hours later, a distraught and worn out Walter Skinner sat on the sofa at his Crystal City condo.
Scully is dead. Beautiful Dana...
The loud knock at the door got his attention. Skinner didn't want to see or talk to anyone, but it was probably John Doggett, and he knew Doggett's questions wouldn't wait.
It was quite a shock, then, to open the door, and see a ghost standing there.
Alex Krycek. Black leather. Tight jeans. Trademark smirk.
"Hiya, Wally."
Walter Skinner fainted.
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When Skinner regained consciousness, he was lying on his couch and the ghost remained.
"Snap out of it, Wally, I don't have the time."
His furious rush at Krycek was stopped before it could begin; the handcuff on his left wrist kept him in place. Skinner settled for a savage glare as he spat out, "You don't fool me, shapeshifter. Krycek's long dead. Even rats don't survive gunshots to the head."
Krycek's smirk grew even larger, the shining light in emerald eyes growing even brighter. "You're right, they don't. But hybrids do. They can survive just about anything. Not that I care to test that theory, which is why you are wearing those nice, sturdy handcuffs. Note that you're cuffed inside, and not on that goddamn balcony. I am a gracious guest."
Skinner growled, "You're a liar and a murderer and..."
"And so are you!" Krycek shouted.
Skinner froze. He had relived that confrontation with Krycek in many a nightmare since that showdown in the FBI parking garage. Tried to justify the shooting as protecting Mulder, protecting himself from the continued threat of the nanobytes, stopping this deadly man from endangering more lives. Knowing all the time, that he had a choice Krycek was wounded, helpless, and no threat...and he shot him without hesitation. He killed him.
I did it for vengeance.
Shaken, Skinner raised his eyes to his unwelcome visitor's face. All emotions were now masked on Krycek's face. The man was controlled, unruffled and direct.
"I need to know what happened today, Skinner."
"You...you were going to kill Mulder." Voiced in a pained whisper.
Unexpectedly, Krycek's face showed every bit of sadness and rage he normally kept under rigid control. In a husky rasp, just as quietly, he replied, "That wasn't our Mulder. I didn't want to believe it, and my fingers wouldn't pull the trigger, but its true. Mulder's become a replicant, like Billy Miles. It isn't Mulder anymore."
His voice now broken, Krycek continued, "I thought I got the vaccine to him in time, that's really why I was at the hospital that night. But we suspect now that it just delayed the changes, still allowing the alien they merged him with to a...assimilate him. He might still be in there, trapped, similar to what happened to me with the Oileans, but no-one knows for sure. The other replicants are truly alien, but Mulder's body was handled differently once it was returned to Earth. It could make a difference."
With a growing sense of horror, Skinner recognized Krycek's words to be the unvarnished truth. "And Scully's baby?"
Krycek was now recovered, the perfect operative. "When the replicants left the child with her, the resistance thought they had been wrong, that it truly was a normal human boy and that the vaccine had worked on Mulder. They retreated, continuing to try to develop a way to kill the replicants. I wasn't around while this all happened; I was still recovering from your admirable aim and dealing with an unexpected side effect."
At Skinner's puzzled look, Krycek lifted his arms...both arms. Matching. Human.
Krycek grinned as Skinner tried not to faint for a second time. "Even though I would recover on my own, given time, they had a healer work on me. It came as a shock to us all when the limb regeneration began, especially me. They had to sedate me. Took weeks to complete."
Krycek paused, the grin changing to a more wistful expression. "I'm not sure which hurt more, when it was cut off or when it regenerated. But it made one thing painfully clear to me I'm no longer human. Haven't been since Mulder was taken last fall, when I finally agreed to undergo the hybridization process." Back came the impassive agent. "What happened at Scully's, Skinner?"
"Dammit, they killed her, Krycek, and took the child! Then Mulder tossed me through a window and left! They killed her with the nanobytes, Krycek, how the hell did they get those!"
Krycek stared at him, as if trying to make a decision. "Spender was working with the shapeshifters when the Consortium developed the nanobytes. You and that doctor were the first test subjects. I was told to kill one of you and monitor the other." Krycek's emerald eyes narrowed and darkened. "You were more useful, so I kept you alive. The only people who knew all the details about the nanobytes were Spender, myself and Jeremiah Smith, my main contact with the resistance. I killed Spender before he could talk, but Smith was recaptured by the shapeshifters the night you found Mulder. They must have..."
It was all too much. Skinner felt overwhelmed by Krycek's words; he needed time to digest the information. "What do you want from me?"
Krycek leaned over the couch, using one hand to hold the older man down. "I need to know everything Scully did today. Why were you going to see her?"
Skinner couldn't look away from the enigmatic man hovering over him. The truth left his mouth before he could even consider refusing. "She wasn't feeling well; she and William had a doctor's appointment earlier. I wanted to cheer her up."
Krycek's eyes lit up. "With that Dr. Carter she's seen the last three months?"
Skinner nodded. Krycek moved towards the door, silent and swift. Skinner called after him, "Krycek! Where are you going? Let me out of these cuffs!"
Krycek stopped at the door, then turned back to face the older man. "I'm paying the good doctor a visit, then meeting with the resistance leaders. Do you understand what this means? They are still coming. Colonization will happen, unless they are stopped. Resist or serve, Wally, and I will never serve!"
Krycek fished a key out of his jacket, and threw it to the man on the couch.
It all seemed like a very surreal dream, but Skinner couldn't deny it was happening. Working on the handcuffs, he asked, "What do we do next?"
Skinner didn't expect the swift, severe pain that swept through his chest. Gasping, he turned his attention back to the door. Krycek was there, cold and silent, holding a palm pilot in his hands. Skinner caught his breath as the pain just as swiftly receded.
"Why..."
When Krycek spoke, every word echoed in Skinner's mind. "You don't do anything. Let me be clear on this, Skinner. I don't trust you. Never did, back when you took orders from Spender like a lap dog. And not now, as you still bow down to Kersh and appear to have developed a taste for vigilante justice."
Krycek smirked, and continued, "Though that did seem fair, eye for an eye, after all. I consider us to be even, Skinner, and I won't hold a grudge, but I won't let you or your pet Doggett get in my way either. I have work to do. Just stay out of my way."
Krycek was almost out the door when he heard the plaintive question.
"Krycek, just what the hell are you planning to do?"
Krycek stuck his head back through the doorway, and gave Skinner his brightest, most incandescent smile. Skinner felt a chill run down his spine.
"Wally, I'm going find Mulder, kick replicant ass, and save the world!"
And with that, he was gone. And that is the real end
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