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 This author's email address has changed to:

slash_evidence@ameritech.net

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April 11, 1912

          "I've heard that second-class here is the same as

first class on other ships."

          Turning to face the voice, Dana Scully took in the

long, lithe form of an apparently well-drawn man. His

hazel eyes reflected the sunlight from the water below

as he brushed an itinerant strand of hair from his

forehead.

          "Yes, I believe I've heard that as well," she

answered cautiously. She twisted her purse in her hands,

as she stepped away from the railing. The green sea made

a perfect backdrop for her pale skin and lush red hair,

offset by stark white rails and rich dark wood of the

deck.

          "Quite sorry, how rude of me," he said, holding out

a hand. "My name is Dr. Fox Mulder."

          She took his hand. "Miss Scully."

          A smile quirked on his lips. "No first name?"

          She raised an eyebrow. "Not on our first meeting,

sir."

          "Indeed." Dana took back her hand, and started for

the second-class stairwell. "Do excuse me."

          "Miss Scully?"

          "Yes?"

          "Forgive my being forward, but you are quite

lovely." She stared at him for a moment, then nodded her

head, and disappeared into the stairwell.

          With a half smile, Dr. Mulder continued his

promenade around the deck. He bowed his head slightly to

acknowledge the other passengers, but was really quite

deep in thought. He had been following an archaeological

artifact from the sands of Egypt, through the back

alleys of White chapel; and now every source he had told

him it was sailing secretly to New York on this

beautiful ship.

          Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he wondered if

he would find it too late.

          "Dana, you should try too look a little happier,"

Charles said, latching his pocket watch to his vest.

Dana smiled wanly at him, adjusting her hat.>>From the

creamy skin to the shock of red hair, Charles was every

inch her brother."I am happy," she said solemnly. "I'm

looking quite forward to University. I'm just not sure

William will be happy to see me."

          Charles rolled his eyes. "Bill will be happy to see

you, and to direct your every movement. You must

remember to never let him rule you completely." "I'm

quite nervous," she said. Smoothing her skirt, she

peered from the porthole, staring out over endless

ocean. "I don't care for ships, you know." Clapping her

on the shoulder, Charles smiled at her, and held out his

arm." This is the greatest ship ever built, my dear

worrying sister. We'll be safely in New York before you

know it. Shall we go to dinner?"

          "Sir, our binoculars are missing." Hitchens' face

looked as if he'd made a feast of lemons. Standing

solidly before Officer Lightoller, he waited for a

response.

          "They're not in the case, then?" Lightoller looked

around him, trying to catch sight of the Captain. Bride

had given him a congratulatory note from one of the

nearby ships, and he wanted to deliver it as soon as

possible. Hitchens frowned more solidly. "Sir, no sir.

Had they been in the case, I wouldn't be down here

troubling you now."

          Lightoller shook his head. "I will ask the other

officers. Perhaps they were misplaced."

          With a curt shaking of his head, Hitchens walked

back towards the deck, muttering under his breath. It

was one thing to have to sit in the darkened crow's nest

through the freezing night; it was another thing

entirely to be without the proper equipment.

          Scully was surprised to see the impertinent Dr.

Mulder taking a seat across from her at the dinner

table. She smiled stiffly at him as she placed a linen

napkin in her lap.

          "Miss Scully, how good to see you again." Charles

looked askance at his sister, then the gentleman

speaking to her. "I'm sorry, sir, we haven't met. I'm

Charles Scully, Miss Scully's brother" Dr. Mulder smiled

softly, nodding his head. "How good to meet you. I'm Dr.

Fox Mulder. I spoke to your sister on the deck earlier."

          Raising his eyebrows at Dana, Charles covered his

surprise with a smile. "Doctor? Fascinating. Dana here

is going stateside to go to University as a nurse."

          Dana glowered at her brother for giving away her

first name, and her plans. Mulder's smile punctured her

resolve to be pleasant; he looked absolutely pleased.

          "A nurse. Quite the noble profession, Miss Scully."

Turning his attention back to Charles, he made room for

their other tablemates to take their places. "However,

I'm not that sort of doctor." Dana started to ask the

obvious question, but was interrupted by the starting of

the string quartet. By the time she had the chance to

ask the question again, the table was quite busy

discussing the latest in politics. Instead of

participating, she quietly observed Dr. Mulder, watching

his graceful hands as he gesticulated, admiring the

curve of his jaw as he spoke. She knew it was quite

foolish to become enamored of him. In six more days,

she'd never see him again; but for the meantime, his

rude questions and mysterious doctoral profession

intrigued her.

          When dinner came to a close, the gentlemen stood,

excusing themselves. Charles leaned over to speak to

Dana quietly.

          "I think I shall have brandies in the smoking room,

if you don't mind being on your own devices for an hour

or so."

          Dana shook her head, patting him on the hand. "But

should you smoke cigars, I fully expect you to throw

your clothing overboard."

          Charles laughed quietly, then kissed Dana's cheek.

"Can you imagine the scandal?"

          As the gentlemen took their leave, the dining room

was now mostly occupied with gossiping women. Dana

looked around herself, and after a few moments of polite

conversation, she excused herself and headed for the

deck. Despite her unease about the ship, she loved

looking out onto water that never ended. In a small way,

she was surprised that they would ever see land again. A

small sliver of moon cast weak light from the sky,

barely obscuring the thousands of stars twinkling beside

it.

          Dana's contemplation of the seas and stars was

broken when she heard shouting just down the deck.

Looking towards the sound, she saw Dr. Mulder having a

stiff argument with one of the ship's officers. Curious,

she made her way down the promenade, eavesdropping.

          "Sir, I assure you, I have an invitation to meet

Mr. Astor in the first class lounge!"

          When the officer refused him again, Dr. Mulder

stalked away from him. Dana walked to intercept him.

          "Do you really know Mr. Astor," she asked, already

knowing the truth.

          Dr. Mulder half smiled at her. "No, Miss Scully, I

do not."

          "Then why should you want onto the first class

decks?"

          "To see the sights," he offered lamely.

          She narrowed her eyes at him, sensing an incredible

tale or an incredible adventure. "It's quite the shame

you can barely tell the truth. . ." Dr. Mulder looked at

her incredulously. "What makes you think I am not

telling the truth?"

          Dana smiled at him secretly, ignoring his question.

"Quite the shame, as I have tickets to the exercise room

right up there on the first class deck. . ."

          Dr. Mulder's face opened up brightly, and he stood

a bit too close to Dana. "I'll buy one from you, Miss

Scully. How much do you want?"

          "I want the truth."

          Setting his jaw, Dr. Mulder pushed his hands in his

pockets, and stared out at the ocean. "You'd never

believe the truth."

          "I'm willing to listen."

          Looking at her, Dr. Mulder realized she was

serious. After considering his options, he nodded.

"There is a passenger in first class who has a very

important archaeological artifact, one the very Bible

and every text concerning it insists will bring

misfortune to everyone whose life it touches. It's very

important that I recover it."

          Dana reached into her purse and pulled out two

small white cards, admitting the bearer into the

exercise room. Dr. Mulder reached into his pocket and

pulled out a handful of change.

          "Oh no, Dr. Mulder. I won't sell them."

          "What do you mean. . . you said you would!"

          "I said I would give you one for the truth," she

replied airily. "I never said I would not accompany

you."

          "That's absolutely out of the question," he said.

He stood stiffly before her, fingering the coins in his

hand.

          "I understand completely, Dr. Mulder," she said,

turning away from him and starting down the deck. She

calculated it would only take him a moment to stop her.

She was right.

          "All right, but you must stay out of my way," he

said finally. With a quirked smile, Dana took Dr.

Mulder's arm, and headed towards the staircase with him.

(End Part One)

Title: Broken Orchids

Diversion: The Sea Shall Never Tell  (2/5)

Author: Saundra Mitchell

E-mail: vii@netdirect.net

          "For whom exactly are we looking," Dana asked,

peering through the elaborate windows of the first class

smoking room.

          "I suspect a Middle Eastern man," Dr. Mulder

replied.

          "Is that all the better we have to go on, then?"

          Dr. Mulder shrugged. "That's all I have."

          "I shouldn't think he'd be in first class. These

are all Europeans and Americans."

          "I'm not sure he isn't European or American."

          "Then how do you possibly expect to find this

artifact?"

          Dr. Mulder grinned sheepishly. "Dumb luck?"

          "Have you checked the ship's cargo manifest? Or the

luggage checks at the purser's office?"

          Turning slowly to Dana, Dr. Mulder shook his head.

"As yet, no." Dana sniffed, rolling her eyes. "If it is

that valuable, I should think he would have insured it

at the purser's office in case of . . . loss."

          "You're absolutely right, Miss Scully."

          "You're not a very good investigator, are you?"

          Dr. Mulder puffed out his chest, staring seriously

at her. "Not with living beings, no."



April 12, 1912

          The sun shone brightly on the decks, and a gentle

wind rustled the papyrus papers Dr. Mulder was furiously

examining. He didn't notice the other people around him,

rolling hoops and chatting happily, nor did he notice

Miss Scully walking up on the arm of her brother, until

the shadow of her wide brimmed hat fell over his work.

          "Excuse me, you're in my light. . ." he started,

then realized who it was. "Miss Scully, and Mr. Scully.

What a pleasure."

          "What are you reading?" she asked, skipping the

formal pleasantries of greeting.

          He looked down at the papers, then covered them

with his hands. "Historical anecdotes. Nothing that

would amuse you, I'm afraid."

          Raising an eyebrow imperiously, she patted her

brother on the arm. "Why don't you join that card game

Mr. Widener invited you to? I'm sure I can take care of

myself for a little while."

          Charles considered her for a moment, then leveled

his gaze at Dr. Mulder." Do see she's safe, Dr. Mulder."

It was not a question; it was a nicely worded threat.

When Dr. Mulder nodded, Charles kissed Dana on the

cheek, and headed off towards the second class smoking

lounge.

          Pulling one of the wooden deck lounges over, she

sat down unceremoniously, and snatched one of the papers

from Dr. Mulder. She scanned over it, then looked up at

him, puzzled.

          "It's just little pictures," she complained.

          A victorious smile rose to Dr. Mulder's lips. "As I

said, nothing that would amuse you, unless you read

hieroglyphs."

          "What does it say?"

          "You're really interested, aren't you?"

          Dana nodded. "Yes, very. Despite all appearances,

I'm far fonder of books and science than tea parties and

new hats."

          "It's a very pretty hat," he smiled.

          She ignored the honeyed warmth that crept into his

voice. "Are you going to tell me or not?"

          Bemused at her insistence, he took the paper from

her, and turned it to show her the proper lines as he

translated.

          "Nebkhepera, great and holy, son of Amun and wisest

of all men, is given this day a pendant of greatest

value to celebrate his honored eighteenth year, a gift

from his most honorable servant and Vizier Ay."

          She looked at Dr. Mulder, smiling in confusion. "An

ancient birthday card?"

          Dr. Mulder grinned, then picked up the next sheet.

"His ships sail only to Osiris now, wearing memories

around his holy throat, and we weep for our king in

palace silent of sons, lost on the seas of death but one

with his divinity."

          Dana shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't understand

the significance."

          "You see," Dr. Mulder said, shifting through his

papers, "This was a very young king, of whom we know

almost nothing. I hold in my hands three of the things

we know: he was eighteen and a king, so his father must

have died young or been deposed; he had a Vizier,

probably the true ruler of Egypt if the king was so

young; and then the young king died without an heir."

          Tapping her foot impatiently, she waited for him to

clarify.

          "This is a drawing of the pendant Ay gave to young

Nebkhepera," he said, holding out a finely styled

drawing. It showed a heavy plate chain that hooked at

the front with two talons. Held between the talons was

the pendant, a strange looking ship broken nearly in

half, each piece hanging away from the other. The body

of the ship was apparently formed of onyx, and the

details in lapis lazuli. Dana looked up at Dr. Mulder.

          "This is what we're looking for?"

          "This is what I'm looking for," he corrected

gently.

          Dana bit her lower lip. "How did this king die?"

          Dr. Mulder shrugged. "All we know is that it was

suddenly after his eighteenth birthday, and that Ay took

the throne shortly thereafter."

          Studying the doctor's earnest expression, she came

to a realization. "You believe Ay deliberately gave the

king a pendant which would kill him, don't you?"

          Smoothing the papyri back into their case, Dr.

Mulder smiled. "You're quite perceptive."

          "That's foolish," she announced, standing up and

straightening her dress. "It would have been far more

expedient to murder him than hope magic might work its

way."

          Dr. Mulder stood, and tipped his hat to Dana. "It

was so nice to see you again, Miss Scully. Shall I

escort you to your room, or would you prefer to remain

on deck?"

          "You're not getting rid of me that easily," she

said stubbornly, leaning in close so nearby passengers

wouldn't hear. "I'm interested. I want to know what

happens next."

          Crossing his arms over the folder, he tried to

stare her down. "Why?"

          "Because," she sputtered, looking away. "Because I

gave you my exercise ticket."

          Dr. Mulder leaned forward and whispered in her ear,

"No, I bought that for the truth, Miss Scully."

          Her lower lip trembled at the sensation of his warm

breath against her skin. She tried, and failed, to think

of another reason why he should let her play his

mysterious game. The fact that she wasn't quite sure why

she wanted to join him made this task nearly impossible.

Before she could find something to say, the doctor had

tipped his hat, and started his way down the deck,

leaving her to stare after him and wonder.

          "Sir, another ice warning," Bride said, handing a

small slip of paper to Captain Smith. The older man

skimmed over the paper and put it in his pocket.

Brushing his hands over his beard, he looked out onto

the sea.

          "Thank you, Bride," the captain said, dismissing

him.

(End Part Two)

Title: Broken Orchids

Diversion: The Sea Shall Never Tell  (3/5)

Author: Saundra Mitchell

E-mail: vii@netdirect.net



April 13, 1912

          "Excuse me, sir, I need to place this in the safe."

Dana stood seriously at the purser's office, a small

velvet box clutched in her hands.

          "Of course, Miss," the purser replied, pulling a

large book from the shelf and opening it. He produced a

pen and bottle of ink. "In your hand, please complete

the information in line 23, and I shall write a receipt

for you."

          She nodded to him, and took the pen. As she very

slowly filled out the information required, she scanned

the other pages for reference to an amulet, a pendant or

a necklace. She needed to turn the pages, but with the

purser standing so nearby, she didn't dare. Looking

around herself, she tried to think of a distraction, to

give her a few moments alone with the logbook. She saw

her chance when the purser pulled out a small stack of

receipt cards and laid them on the desk. When he turned

around to look for a pen, Dana took a deep breath, and

knocked her inkbottle onto the receipts.

          "Oh my, oh goodness," she stammered, pretending to

sop up the ink with her handkerchief.

          "It's quite all right, Miss," the purser replied,

his tone indicating that it was anything but. He laid a

small towel on top of the ink, and stepped through the

office door. As quickly as possible, Dana flipped

through the pages, reading only the "Items Insured"

column. Her heart was beating furiously, and her hands

shook; she felt like quite the criminal.

          ONYX AND LAPIS ARTIFACT PENDANT WITH GOLD CHAIN

          The words jumped out at her, and she scanned across

the line to the name and address listed as the owner.

Committing the information to memory, she turned back to

cleaning up the ink spill. The purser returned with a

new receipt card and a clean rag. Once the mess was

contained, he quickly filled out her receipt card and

took the velvet box containing her mother's cross

pendant.

          "I'm very sorry, sir," Dana said as she moved to

slip away.

          "Wait, Miss. You didn't fill out your address."

          "Oh," she said, feeling foolish. She quickly

scribbled in her brother William's address, then slipped

away. As she turned the corner to head back towards

deck, she ran squarely into Dr. Mulder.

          "That was quite a performance," he said, smirking.

          "I know something you do not," she replied

defiantly.

          "As do I." The amused look on his face set her

back. He was supposed to bedying for the information he

had, but instead he was playing games with her.

          "Very well then, I'll be retiring to my suite." She

started to brush past him, but he touched her hand

gently to stop her.

          "What do you know, Miss Scully?"

          "I want to go with you," she answered. She had the

information; she wanted to see it being put to use.

          "And if I should say no?"

          "Then you'll have to find out what I already know

on your own. I sincerely doubt another ink accident will

succeed."

          "For the sake of argument, what do you plan to do

when we've found the owner?"

          "I plan to watch you take the pendant back."

          Dr. Mulder smiled winningly. "Do you indeed?"

          "Yes, I do."

          "Then please," Dr. Mulder said. "Do tell me from

whom I shall be demanding it back."

          Dana considered him for a moment, trying to decide

whether she could trust him. Of course, if she didn't,

the adventure was over completely. She held no claim on

the pendant.

          "It's listed at the purser's office as an Onyx and

Lapis artifact pendant with gold chain,"

          "Yes, I know that," he interrupted.

          She raised an eyebrow at him, then continued.

"Belonging to a Mr. I. M. LeRoi in Cabin E 24, E deck."

          Laughter burst forth from Dr. Mulder, completely

confusing Dana. "I. M. LeRoi is it?"

          "Yes, that's what it said. Why is that funny?"

          "You don't speak French, Miss Scully?"

          "A bit," she said, then paused. I.M. LeRoi. I am

the king. "Then the room number is probably incorrect,"

she added miserably.

          "No, it probably is not," Dr. Mulder answered,

holding out his arm to escort her to the deck. "Didn't

you read your receipt?"

          She flipped over the small card in her hand, and

read it quickly. "Property will be disbursed to the

steward responsible for your cabin on the date of port

to return all goods. Please have this receipt ready when

he calls. To remove property before port, please return

this receipt to the Purser's Office."

          Dana took the doctor's arm, stuffing the card into

her pocket. "Then what shall we do next?"

          "We shall wait," he answered, opening the door for

her. "We'll have to catch him unawares, and convince him

to return the stolen property. If that fails, we'll go

to the Sergeant at Arms and have him arrested."

          Nodding, Dana peered out across the ocean as she

stepped onto deck. The wind had died down, and the sky

was completely clear. It was getting colder as they got

closer to New York. Suddenly, she remembered something

Dr. Mulder had said.

          "You said you knew something I do not," she said

quietly, looking up at him. "What is it?"

          With a boyish grin, he rubbed the delicate curve of

her cheek. "You have ink on your face."



1:30 AM, April 14, 1912

          Dana slipped silently down the hallway to meet Dr.

Mulder at the grand staircase, casting glances behind

her. If Charles caught her wandering the ship in the wee

hours of the morning, he was sure to be less than

cordial. When she caught sight of Dr. Mulder, she

hurried up to him.

          "Are you ready," he asked.

          "Yes, quickly before Charles realizes I'm gone."

          "Do you make a habit of meeting men in the middle

of the night, Miss Scully," he teased.

          She glared at him, and pulled out a map of the

ship. "According to this, E24 is on the aft side of the

ship, so we'll go down these stairs and turn left."

          "Shall we then?"

          Dana took his arm and they started down the stairs.

As they reached the first landing, a young woman with

coiled red hair brushed past them, then stopped. Miss

Scully stared at her for a moment, trying to figure out

what a woman who obviously belonged in first class was

doing below decks.

          "Excuse me," she said in dulcet first-class tones,

"Do you have the time?"

          Dr. Mulder produces his pocket watch, flipping open

the silver case."1.30, miss."

          The girl rolled her eyes, and lifted the hem of her

skirt to continue her mad dash up the stairs. "Thank you

so much sir."

          They watched as she disappeared upstairs, then Dr.

Mulder turned to Dana. "Apparently you're not the only

well-bred woman wandering the ship at this late hour."

          She ignored his barbed, but started quickly down

the stairs, nearly dragging him behind. As they came

into second class entrance, she slowed her pace.

          "Miss Scully, are you sure you want to do this?"

          She stared at him. "Of course I do. Why would I

change my mind at this late date?"

          With a murmur, Dr. Mulder reached into his jacket,

and pulled out a small derringer. He placed it lightly

in her hands.

          "You must be careful. It's already pulled back. To

fire it, all you must do is point and pull the trigger."

          She looked at the weapon in her hands, horrified.

"Why would I need this?"

          "Damn this machine all to hell," Phillips cursed,

tossing down his headset. Looking over at Bride, he

poked the other man awake. "It's gone down again."

          Sighing heavily, Bride pulled himself upright in

the chair, lifting the lid of the wireless machine. It

was hot to the touch, and he pulled his hands back

almost immediately.

          "It's overheated. We'll have to wait til it cools

to see if we can fix it."

          "We still have over 50 messages to send," Phillips

complained, fingering a stack of requests.

          "They'll have to wait, won't they?"

          Dana listened in horror as Dr. Mulder described the

kind of violence attached to the search for this

pendant. She now knew that three men were already dead,

and the one calling himself I.M. LeRoi wouldn't likely

give up easily. The derringer weighed heavily in her

hand, it's cool metal chilling her fingers to the bone.

He had tried to dissuade her several times, but she had

stubbornly refused to give in. Now she felt as though it

was much too late to turn back, but much too dangerous

to go forward.

          "Wouldn't it be easier," she said finally, "To wait

until the ship comes to port, and confront him then? We

still have at least three days at sea, time he could

very well spend finding and killing us."

          "This is true," Dr. Mulder said. "But he slips in

and out of society too easily to trust that we could

find him when we land. I want to act now, and retrieve

the pendant, so it can do no more damage."

          She shivered at the ominous tone in his voice.

"What do you mean to do once you have it?"

          "Destroy it," he said succinctly.

          "But it's priceless!"

          "It's also dangerous," he answered. "Now you know

everything, Miss Scully. Are you sure you still want to

accompany me? There is a very real possibilities that

you or I, or both of us, could die."

          There was a studied silence as Dana made her

decision. "I believe the second class cabins are over

there, down this corridor."

          She started walking away, and Dr. Mulder only

watched, admiring her courage. It was a shame she was so

young, and a woman. She would make a wonderful

expedition partner. When she turned back to find out why

he wasn't following, he also realized just how beautiful

she was.

          "If you're willing to die over this," he said,

catching up. "I think I should at least be able to call

you Dana."

          She rolled her eyes. "If it means that much to you,

please. Shall I call you Fox, then?"

          He grimaced. "Even my parents call me Mulder."

          She bobbed her head. "All right, then, Mulder. You

may call me Scully."

          He laughed at the improbability of calling a woman

by her last name only, but then tried it out in his

mind.

          "Deal."

          "Well come on, LeRoi isn't getting any less

temperamental."

(End Part Three)

Title: Broken Orchids

Diversion: The Sea Shall Never Tell  (4/5)

Author: Saundra Mitchell

E-mail: vii@netdirect.net



          "Perhaps if I knocked, he'd feel less threatened,"

Dana said, standing a few doors down from E 24.

          Dr. Mulder shook his head. "I'm not willing to

sacrifice you completely. Just stand behind me and have

the derringer ready."

          Stepping purposefully up to E 24, Dr. Mulder

paused, then knocked lightly. There was a rustling

inside the room, and finally it swung open to reveal a

short, balding man in a dressing gown.

          "What's all this about," he asked crankily,

betraying an English accent.

          "I'm Dr. Fox Mulder, and I believe you have

something that belongs to me."

          At the name, LeRoi's eyes widened and he tried to

slam the door. Dr. Mulder blocked it with his foot.

          "I want the amulet," he said calmly, reaching into

his jacket.

          LeRoi swung the door open, and lashed out at Dr.

Mulder with a cane, striking solidly. Dr. Mulder

stumbled back a little as LeRoi pushed his way out of

the room. He came to a halt when his eyes leveled on the

derringer Dana unerringly before her.

          "I don't suggest you run," she said. "I will shoot

you."

          LeRoi looked behind him, catching sight of Dr.

Mulder wiping a trickle of blood from his eyes.

Determining that the doctor was no threat, he turned

back to Dana and swung the cane at her. It struck her

shoulder, eliciting a small cry of pain, but she never

lowered the gun. Calmly, she trained her sight on LeRoi

as he ran past, then closed her eyes and fired. The

sound echoed deafeningly through the metal hallways of

the ship, and the smell of black powder flooded her

nose. When she opened her eyes, she saw LeRoi dragging

himself across the floor, his leg bleeding profusely.

          "Good shot, Scully," Dr. Mulder said, hurrying over

to LeRoi. He jerked the older man up by his lapel.

"Let's make a trip to the purser's office."

          "I will do nothing of the kind, Dr. Mulder."

LeRoi's voice was strained, but defiant.

          "I have no hesitance to shoot you again," Dana said

in a voice that belied the terror she was feeling. She

had just shot a man, and was now threatening to kill

him. This trip was supposed to take her to University,

where she'd learn to save lives; she had no idea that in

the duration she'd learn to take them, too.

          "Then shoot me," he laughed. "It's unlikely they'll

present the amulet to a corpse."

          He had a point. Dr. Mulder looked over at Dana,

then down at the weakened LeRoi.

          "Go in there," he ordered, "Look for the receipt.

We'll take it out of the purser's office ourselves."

          Dana hesitated a moment, then stepped into LeRoi's

room. It was sparse, almost no personal belongings in

sight. She started searching through his papers, until

she found the receipt. When she stepped into the

hallway, she started to announce her find, but thought

better of it when she caught sight of the two crew

members which had since separated Dr. Mulder from LeRoi.

          "You there, what are you doing?" One of the

officers moved towards Dana, looking not at all happy.

          "Retrieving my personal property from this

brigand," she said, hoping she sounded convincing. Dr.

Mulder cast her a surprised look, and waited to hear

what she would say next. Reaching into her pocket, she

pulled out her claim receipt, and the velvet box she'd

given the purser the day before.

          "This man," she said, holding out the cancelled

receipt, "Stole my claim ticket from my pocket book,

then retrieved my mother's heirloom cross from the

purser. Dr. Mulder came along to make sure I would not

be molested, but that man attacked him and me.

Fortunately, I had my brother's derringer."

          "That's not true! They're trying to steal my

jewelry," LeRoi exclaimed, but was hushed by a rough

shake from the shipman.

          The crewman took her receipt, examined it, then

examined the velvet box. He looked over at his shipmates

and shrugged.

          "I'm afraid I will have to take your weapon, Miss."

          Meekly, she handed it to him, looking sorrowful. "I

didn't mean to cause so much trouble. I just wanted to

get my necklace back."

          "Next time," the crewmen growled, "I suggest you

inform the sergeant at arms of these matters."

          "She's lying," screamed LeRoi, only to be rewarded

with a stiff cuff to his ear.

          "I'm sorry," she repeated. "It's the only thing I

have left of my mother. I was quite incensed."

          The crewman nodded, and returned the box and

receipt to her. He turned around, and ordered LeRoi to

be taken to the Sergeant at Arm's office to be dealt

with later. He nodded to Dr. Mulder, then Miss Scully,

and headed out of the hallway.

          When their footsteps had faded away, Dr. Mulder

rushed over to Dana. He swept her up in his arms, and

hugged her excitedly.

          "Scully, you're brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"

          She smiled weakly, returning the embrace. Leaning

his head back, Dr. Mulder looked into her eyes.

          "How did you ever think of it," he asked softly.

          "I work well under pressure," she replied. The

warmth of his body against hers had her just a little

flustered, and slowly she realized he wasn't letting her

go. There was an awkward silence, then Dr. Mulder kissed

her gently.

          'My first kiss,' she thought, amazed. He pulled

away slowly, then released her from his arms.

          "I'm sorry," he said. "I couldn't stop myself."

          She half smiled at him, not quite sure what to

think, and handed him the claim receipt for the amulet.

"I couldn't quite stop you either."

(End Part 4)

Title: Broken Orchids

Diversion: The Sea Shall Never Tell  (5/5)

Author: Saundra Mitchell

E-mail: vii@netdirect.net



April 14, 1912

          "I've decided I want to give my fiancee her

engagement gift early," Dr. Mulder said, handing the

claim receipt to the purser. "I'm afraid she's rather

angry at me for playing cards so late last night."

          The purser nodded, smiling broadly. "Women are

quite emotional creatures."

          Dr. Mulder waited as the purser retrieved the

amulet. Bringing out a long, flat box, the purser opened

to inspect for damage. Dr. Mulder took a sharp breath;

this was the first time he had actually seen the amulet.

The drawing hadn't done it justice. The gold shined

brilliantly, intricately woven beads creating a wide

chain. The talons holding the pendant were exquisitely

detailed, perfect replicas of tiny claws. It was the

pendant itself that stunned him most. The broken ship

had opal mist rising from the break, lapis lazuli sails,

and the onyx that made up the body of the ship seemed to

have been broken perfectly to create the effect.

          "It's all right, then, sir?"

          Dr. Mulder nodded silently, signing the logbook as

I.M. LeRoi. He closed the box, and smiled at the purser.

He reached into his pocket, and tossed the man a liberty

dime as a tip. He planned to get rid of the amulet as

soon as he'd shown it to Dana.

          "Dead calm," Lightoller said, standing on the

foredeck with Murdoch.  Thesea stretched out to infinity

before and behind them, making them seem a million miles

from nowhere. In actuality, they were only about 110

miles from Newfoundland.

          "And bloody cold," Murdoch replied.

          "You know they just got the wireless back up."

          "Hell for them," Murdoch laughed, straightening his

hat "Well, I'm off for lunch. We'll make inspections in

an hour or so, all right?"

          Dana stood in front of her mirror, trying on hats

frantically. So far, she had dissuaded Charles from

seeing her by claiming to be ill, but he was insisting

on taking her to lunch. If he saw the bruise on her

neck, he was bound to ask questions, and she hadn't come

up with a sufficient lie to cover the truth. Finally,

she settled on a shawl to cover the bruise, and a

brimmed hat to cover the dark circles under her eyes.

          After the kiss, Dana had sat on the promenade deck

with Dr. Mulder, discussing everything and nothing. He

told her tales of archaeological digs and strange

foreign places, and she told him of her ambition to

become a nurse. It was only when the sun began to rise

that she made reluctant way back to her cabin. Dr.

Mulder had escorted her, and she had brazenly kissed him

good night.

          She shook the thoughts out of her head, and readied

herself to go to lunch. Now that their adventure was

over, she probably would only see Dr. Mulder over polite

meals. Kissing him, and allowing him to kiss her was

incredibly improper, and she resigned herself to the

idea that last night was the end.

          "Dana, are you ready yet?" Charles' voice was

punctuated by his rapping on her door.

          With a final sigh, she adjusted her hat. "I'm

coming."

          After lunch, Charles sat in the smoking room,

playing poker with a few cardsharps he'd met. So far, he

was winning more than he was losing. He caught sight of

Dr. Mulder walking into the room, and waved to him. The

doctor continued his course, heading directly for

Charles.

          "Mr. Scully, I was hoping I could speak to you."

          Charles nodded. "Of course."

          "Privately." The gravity of Dr. Mulder's voice

surprised Charles.

          The table of cardsharps looked up at Dr. Mulder,

then across to Charles to see if he would actually

leave.

          "I'll give back my last pot," Charles said, pushing

his chair back and standing.

          He walked over to the fireplace, and waited for Dr.

Mulder to explain what he needed to discuss.

          "Could we go on deck, please?"

          Charles nodded and walked with Dr. Mulder out onto

the promenade.

          "Mr. Scully, as best I can tell, you are Miss

Scully's chaperone," Dr. Mulder began.

          "For the duration of this trip, I am. I'm sure she

told you of her plans to live with our brother and

attend University."

          Dr. Mulder nodded. "I have a proposition for you,

and for her, if she wants. I'd like her to accompany me

back to England. She can attend University there, and

when she's finished, I wanted. . . I mean, I hoped she

would want to join me as my assistant on my

archaeological expeditions."

          Charles stared at Dr. Mulder, dumbfounded. "That's

perhaps the most absurd idea I've ever heard."

          "You don't understand," Dr. Mulder explained

emphatically, "She understands my work completely, and

she seemed quite agreeable to it. I would pay your and

her expenses, of course."

          "No, Dr. Mulder, you don't seem to understand. Dana

is going to be a nurse, and she's going to live with our

brother. Nothing can sway her from this."

          "I think I can."

          "There's something going on here I don't know

about, isn't there?"

          Dr. Mulder bowed his head. "I . . .care for your

sister. I had no thought of interfering in her medical

education. We have need of good physicians and nurses on

our expeditions, and with her interest it seemed

logical. . ."

          "You care for her," Charles asked incredulously.

"You barely know her, and you certainly have no regard

for what her family wishes. I cannot believe you thought

I would accept this foolish proposition."

          "I want to marry her." Dr. Mulder closed his eyes,

hating to reveal his thoughts and emotions to anyone,

let alone someone who could crush his plans.

          "Dr. Mulder, I'm quite done discussing this."

Charles moved towards the door back into the smoking

lounge. "And if you think to compromise my sister in any

way, I'll kill you with my bare hands."

          Dana tapped on Dr. Mulder's door, hoping to catch

him in his cabin. Her mind swirled with reasons for

seeking him out; she wanted to see the amulet, she

wanted to thank him for the adventure, but she knew her

only real reason was that she wanted to see him again.

          When he didn't answer the second knock, she sighed

to herself and started back towards the stairwell. As

she started up the stairs, she heard Dr. Mulder calling

to her.

          "Scully, wait."

          Her heart leapt when she saw him hurrying towards

her.

          "Mulder," she said softly. "I just . . . I just

wanted to thank you for the adventure. I'll cherish the

memory forever."

          "I have a proposition for you," he said quickly,

taking her hand in his. "I feel you understand me in a

way no one else has. I know this is ridiculously fast,

and if you slapped my face and walked away, I wouldn't

blame you, but. . ."

          Dana stared at Dr. Mulder, waiting for him to

finish.

          "I was hoping you would return to England with me,

and complete your education there. Am I most willing to

pay all of your expenses, but I think you'd make a

wonderful partner in the field, and . . ." He stopped

again, fearful of what she might say.

          "If you keep breaking off your sentences, how am I

to make any sense of you," she chastised, her chest

tight with unspoken hope.

          "Scully, will you marry me?"

          "These bastards on the Carpathia keep breaking in,"

Phillips complained, tapping away furiously at the

teletype.

          "Can't do much about it," Bride said, sorting

messages.

          "It's not as if they haven't already sent ice

warnings. New updates with the same information every

hour just clog the wire."

          "I've never seen it this still," Captain Smith

said, and that comment was considerable. He had been a

ship's captain for over 20 years, and had spent the

entirety of his adult life on the decks of steamers like

this one.

          "No sir, but at least the night is clear."

          "Captain Smith!"

          The captain turned in the direction of the voice,

and saw a young man and woman rushing towards him.

          "Captain Smith!"

          Dr. Mulder ran with Dana at his side, trying to

catch the Captain's attention. Dana couldn't believe

what they were about to do, but she wasn't going to

question it either. It felt right.

          "Yes, young man?" The captain smoothed his beard, a

bemused smile on his face.

          "Could you marry us, sir?"

          The captain smiled in surprise. "I have the

authority, yes. . ."

          "But will you?" Dana looked imploringly at him.

          "Is there a reason why there's such a rush?"

          Dr. Mulder smiled at Dana. "We love each too much

to wait for New York."

          "I don't feel any different," Dana complained

gently, lying next to Dr. Mulder in his cabin.

          "I think you've just insulted me."

          She laughed, patting him on the shoulder and

kissing his neck. "No, not that. I mean, I don't feel

very married."

          "What exactly does married feel like?"

          "I don't know," she grinned.

          "Oh," Dr. Mulder exclaimed, jumping out of bed.

Dana blushed at his nudity, but didn't avert her eyes as

he reached into his wardrobe and pulled out a long,

black box.

          "I wanted you to see it before I cast it to rest at

the bottom of the Atlantic forever."

          Dana stared in amazement as he opened the box,

drinking in the sight of the amulet. She couldn't

believe that the necklace lying so placidly on velvet

before her was over 2000 years old. Reaching out to

touch it, Dr. Mulder closed the box.

          "Don't touch it," he said protectively.

          "You honestly believe it's cursed, don't you?"

          "It wasn't very lucky for LeRoi, was it?" Dr.

Mulder laid the box on the bed. "Let's get rid of it

now. It's only fair, you helped me find, you should help

me get rid of it."

          Standing on the deck, Dana took the box from Dr.

Mulder, and they looked at the jewel for the last time.

With a sorrowful smile, she turned the box over, and

watched as the artifact fell several stories into the

ocean below.

          "It seems a shame to destroy it," she said.

          Dr. Mulder took her in his arms, and kissed her

soundly. "Soon we'll be finding artifacts we can hold

and keep."

          "You bastard!"

          Dr. Mulder released her just in time to be punched

soundly by Charles Scully. He slipped on the deck,

catching his balance on the rail.

          "Charles, don't! Leave him alone!"

          Her brother ignored her entreaties, and moved in

continue his attack on Dr. Mulder. Dana ran over, and

pushed herself between them.

          "Charles, stop it!"

          "I told you if you compromised my sister, I'd kill

you," Charles shouted.

          "Stop it," she screamed shrilly. "I won't have you

beating my husband!" That stopped him. Charles grabbed

Dana by the shoulders. "Your what?"

          "Her husband," Mulder interjected, peeling Charles'

fingers from her shoulders. "She accepted my proposal,

and Captain Smith married us a few hours ago."

          "I can't believe you, Dana! Are you insane?"

          "No," she said coldly.

          Just as Charles started to reply, a terrible

shudder rippled through the ship.

          "What was that," Dana asked, a sense of dread

rising in her chest.

          "Women and children only," Lightoller called,

cupping his hands over his mouth. A few women shuffled

forward reluctantly, taking places in a lifeboat. Dana

stared in horror at the confusion mounting on the boat

deck. Her brother and her husband pushed her towards the

lifeboats.

          "I don't want to leave you," she said to both of

them. Fear was evident in her face, and both men wanted

nothing more than to comfort her. "They're taking women

and children only right now. Once you're all boarded,

we'll get a boat."

          "You're lying," she said.

          Dr. Mulder gathered her in her arms, kissing her

softly. "Dana, if we can save you, let us."

          Tears welled in her eyes. She kissed Dr. Mulder

again, then kissed her brother. "I love you both."

          As an officer helped her into the lifeboat, she

waved to them, then turned her back. She couldn't watch

their faces disappear as the boat lowered into the

ocean.



Noon, April 15, 1912

          Dana walked the lower decks of the Carpathia, her

eyes empty and her heart heavy. Huge piles of life

jackets made the ship look like a strange altar to sea

disasters. She hadn't seen Dr. Mulder or her brother in

the four hours since she'd been on Carpathia, and had

lost hope that she'd ever see either of them again.

Sitting down, she let her tears fall silently down her

cheeks.

          "Dana. . ."

          She looked up, and threw herself in Charles' arms.

"I thought you were dead, I thought you were dead."

          "I can't believe I found you. You haven't checked

in on the passenger lists, I thought something terrible

had happened."

          "Where's Mulder," she asked suddenly, staring into

his eyes.

          Her brother hesitated, then looked out onto the

sea.

          "I'm sorry, Dana. He didn't make it."

          Overwhelmed by grief, she didn't hear the uncertain

note of dishonesty in her brother's voice.

          "I don't know if he'll make it," the nurse said,

wringing another rag out into a basin. "He's been

delirious since he was rescued."

          The doctor nodded. "Just try to keep his fever

down."

          "Scully. . . "

          "What's that he said?" The doctor looked down at

the patient.

          "I'm not sure, sir. It's the only thing he's said."

          "Very well then. Let's get moving, now. We have

other patients."



April 18, 1998, Quantico

          "Who is that, Mulder?"

          Scully leaned over her partner's shoulder, looking

down at the picture in his hand.

          "My grandfather," Mulder answered. "I was named for

him."

          "He looks just like you," she said, taking the

photograph. It did look just like him, only dressed in

turn of the century clothing and standing on a crowded

pier. She scanned the rest of the photograph, and

realized where exactly he was.

          "This was taken in front of the Titanic," Scully

said. Mulder nodded. "Yep. He made his first trip to New

York on Titanic and Carpathia. My mom just found these

in the attic, she thought I would be interested. I guess

his first wife died on the ship, and he didn't get

married again until he was almost 40."

          "If I didn't know better, I'd say your family has a

streak of bad luck a mile wide."

          Taking the photograph back, he slipped it into a

manila envelope. "Kind of like a curse?"

          Scully smiled indulgently at him, patting him on

the shoulder. "You can call it anything you want."

(End Part Five)

(The End)

The Not So Amazing Gaele  "Your mother shakes chickens

in hell."

                   -Louise Sigmund