Title: Somethings Never Change-My VR X File, season 9 Date: 01-13-02 Author: Girlie_ Girl 7 Category: XF, MSR, Baby Fic Rating: PG Spoilers:Emily, Momento Mori, FTF, En Ami, Existence Archive: Anywhere "I'm all a tingle" Summary: This takes place after what we know as season 8 but pretend Skinner is still the boss, M&S work on the X Files and Doggett and Reyes are still a gleam in CC eyes. My supporting cast: Chief William Grant is being played by the sheriff from War of the Copophages. Jerry is being played by the bowling alley owner from Elegy. Mrs. Blue is being played by the mother from Detour. The first paramedic is being played by the pizza guy from Three Words. Dr. Stone is being played by the general from Dreamland. The Indiana State Police Officer is being played by the CIA agent from Shadows. Dr. Brown is being played by the sheriff from Chinga. The nurse is being played by Ellen from Chimera. Authors notes: see end of story Thanks to: Mulderpause, FoxfireX, Rosepetal, Beckysrose, Spanish Rose, and Spooky's Mistress, all the Whirlpool Chix and the members of the 9 Iron Club. Disclaimers: CC begat M&S and M&S begat William and CC saw that it was good, so he sold them to Fox for beaucoup bucks. They belong to Fox, I'm just playing with them. And in keeping with the X Files tradition, there are plenty of Willaims in this story. ~A Subtle Change~ A key turns in the lock at apartment number 35 somewhere in Georgetown. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully enter the warm sunny home made complete by the laughter of their baby boy drifting in from the next room. "Somebody's happy," Scully says shrugging off her suit jacket as Maggie Scully comes out of William's room bouncing the baby on her hip. "Oh I didn't hear you come in." Mulder holds out his hands and takes William softly saying, "How's my boy!" Scooping up the baby, he tosses William into the air. Scully lays her jacket over the chair back and smiles at the bonding ritual between father and son, a sight she never tires of. Maggie grabs Dana's arm and smiles as she heads back to William's room, picking up toys as she goes. Mulder rolls the gurgling baby across his head while William grabs hand fulls of his hair. "Mulder, you're gonna make him sick!" "Oh Scully, we're just playing." Just then Maggie walks in the room, "I just fed him a jar of strained carrots, Dana." Mulder and Scully both look at Maggie with wide eyes. "Mom everytime we try to get him to eat carrots, it always ends up on the walls!" "Did you ever try to mix a little formula with it, he likes that." Maggie takes William from Mulder. "Honey, I was just about to give him his bath. Do you want me to?" "If you would, mom. I'd like to get out of this suit and into my mommy clothes." Mulder steps behind Scully and wraps his arms around her waist. Resting his chin on her head he says with a grin, "Maybe I married the wrong Scully." "Oh Fox," is all Maggie says, taking William into the bathroom. Mulder and Scully enter the kitchen; Mulder grabs a carton of orange juice, tips it up,and takes a long drink from it. Scully doesn't really mind, it's just one of the things that makes him Mulder, and she wouldn't change him for all the world. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge both parents share a quiet moment together. The silence is broken by Maggies laughter, followed by, "That's a good boy." Both parents look at one another and grin, heading for the bathroom. "What did he do?" Scully asks first. Maggie is pouring water from a duck cup down the little boy's back as he playfully splashes his tiny hands. She rests her elbows on the edge of the tub and looks up. "He said 'Scully'!" To which the baby replies, "Sully, Sully," as he splashes the water. The room erupts with laughter. Mulder brushs away a tear at the look of resignation on Scully's face. "And where do you think he got that from MULDER!" Scully says sarcastically, poking him in the ribs. Scully bends down to pick up William as Maggie wraps him in a towel. Jokingly, Scully softly says, "Don't worry Scully is here." The little boy rubs his nose against Scully's silk shirt. "There's another one headed to the cleaners," she says taking William to dress him. Maggie lets the water out of the tub and wipes it dry. Mulder leans against the sink with his arms and legs crossed, staring into space as he says, "She really is good with him." Maggie draws up and tosses the towel into the hamper, turning her head and looking out the bathroom door, "Yes she is." Mulder looks at Maggie with a shy grin, "Did I say that out loud." Just then Mulder's cell phone rings. It's Skinner. He is well aware of the problems Mulder and Scully face, not only in their private lives but professionally, as well. He had fought the bureaucrats who wanted to split them up because they claimed their being partnered could leave a child fatherless and motherless. Scully went before the board and argued that no one would watch each other's backs better than partners who had been together nine years. By the time Scully was done, all the fight had left them and they voted to let them remain partners with the only descending vote coming from the lone woman on the board. Scully made a mental note of this. Mulder speaks briefly with Skinner, as Scully enters the living room holding William, kissing his tiny fingers that are wrapped around her thumb. "Will you need me tomorrow Dana," her mother asks. Scully's working just as much as she wants. Fieldwork and autopsies she leaves home for but paperwork she does at home on the PC while Mulder goes into the office. "I'm not sure, I'll check with Fox." As hard as Scully tries, she can't bring herself to call Mulder "Fox" to his face. It just feels foreign to her. Mulder comes out of the bathroom putting his cell phone away. "That was Skinner, he has an interesting case for us." "Mulder, how long will we be away?" Scully's voice filling with apprehension as she no longer feels the need to traipse cross country. She holds a very small but precious reason for remaining in DC. "It will only be a few days." "Mom, I guess I'll be needing you," Scully sighs. "Dana, I can take William home with me if it would be easier." Scully's eyes grow wide and a look falls over her face that only Mulder can read. "I'm sorry Maggie," Mulder speaks up, "But I really want to take William and his mother out for a nice sit down meal." "I understand," Maggie smiles adding, "I'll see you in the morning." "Thanks Mom," Scully softly says. As Maggie leaves, Scully puts William on her hip, reaching up and pulling Mulder's head down to kiss him. "Thanks," is all she gets out. "Scully." Mulder muses, "It's just dinner." He draws her close and continues, "I know it makes out uncomfortable to have him out of your sight." He looks down as William softly hiccups and drools down his chin. Mulder wipes his thumb across his sons chin and grins, "Just like his mother." "Mulder!" Scully scolds with a smile. Scully changes her clothes as Mulder dresses Will in a blue outfit and places a jacket on him. He marvels at the tiny clothes. He thought Scully was petite until he saw Will's apparel. He loves the tiny shoes the best, buying his son a pair of Nikes the first week he was home. Scully insisted, 'babies do not benefit from shoes until they're walking'. Still, he slipped them on Will for their first visit to the Gunman. The tiny shoes made all the guys laugh. Dinner goes well, Will eats what Scully has brought for him and what Mulder can slip him. He loves to feed Will greasy fries and pizza but Scully is hell bent on raising a healthy child. Yin and Yang, it continues into their private lives. William is tucked safely into his bed, while Mulder and Scully settle into theirs. A sense of comfort and stillness washes over Mulder and he loves it. He's spent the first half of his life running and now he's ready to settle down. He still looks for adventure and surprises but now he finds them in his family. Scully's been in his life for nine years and William for just over eight months and he's looking foreword to the future for the first time in years. He knows he loves Scully but he never realized just how much. The dull ache he always felt as he sat alone in his apartment is gone. Could it have been he missed her at those times? He spent endless days on the road with this woman and he always slept better on the road than he did in his own apartment. On the road, he knew she was just in the next room, near him, within his reach. When they parted after the case was over or when he left the 9-5 bureau work, he ached. The investigator in him finally put the pieces together. He hasn't felt that ache since the first night William was brought home and he moved in. He snuggles up against Scully as she lays on her side. She's so beautiful, more so than he ever told her, she would rebuff his suggestion as nonsense. She isn't the cookie-cutter blonde beauty that had once graced his magazines that Frohike now owned, Scully is short, petite, freckled, red-headed and very fair complected but somehow it all works. He loves those expressive blue eyes that are so deep he swore she cries azure tears, but the most amazing feature on Scully is her mind. She is his equal in intellect and drive but emotionally they are miles apart but it works for them. Like two tops spinning furiously and occasionally bumping into one another and repelling, but always returning next to one another, spinning silently through time and space but always side by side. Mulder moves closer to Scully and drifts off to sleep. Morning finds the Mulder family busy. Their routine has become machine like; Scully feeds William and dresses him while Mulder runs, when he finds the time. He then takes Will while Scully showers and dresses, with Scully returning the favor while Mulder gets ready for work. The three then sit down for time together over muffins, bagels and baby cereal. Maggie arrives right on time. Mulder kisses William goodbye, turning him over to his mother. Scully holds the little boy close, getting a far away look in her eyes. Mulder takes Will and hands him to Maggie. He wonders if Scully has inherited that ache that he's lost. They have decided not to use any form of birth control and let nature decide if they are to ever receive a second miracle. Mulder knows Scully wants at least one more child and if it makes her happy he's all for it. After all money is not a problem for them, having inherited money, investments and property from his parents. He has a surprise for Scully, he's been checking out architects and is soon going to ask her to design her dream home, it will make a nice Mother's Day gift. The bureau has decided they are more valuable to them, then a pain in the ass to them, so Mulder and Scully's work schedules remain flexible and both are adamant about that. William is not being raised as an after thought to their careers and shipped off to a baby farm day care. Mulder has suspisions that 'Old Smoky' is some how involved in the restoration of Scully's fertility. He did after all have access to her for three days, weeks before she conceived. These theories he keeps to himself; Scully has enough on her mind. Still he wonders just how controlling that chip in his wife's neck is. Mulder and Scully are being sent to the midwest to investigate a series of strange deaths. The flight to Cavin, Indiana is uneventful with Scully poring over stacks of information that Skinner had messengered to them this morning. The case is baffling and out of the league of local police so they requested help from the Indianapolis Division of the FBI who requested Mulder and Scully look into it. Five people have died in this small Indiana town of 4,200. There seems to be no pattern to the deaths and they are seemingly unrelated except in the strangeness. One victim died of injuries consistent with a dragging death but the man was found dead in his bed. A woman appears to have died during child birth but she wasn't pregnant. The third and fourth victims are an elderly couple who suddenly died of diphtheria. The fifth victim is a small boy who died during his sleep. The autopsy shows the child died of whooping cough. Scully places the stack of papers back in her briefcase and removes her glasses. "Mulder I know these deaths are strange but what makes you think they're murders?" "Who said anything about murders Scully?" "So you don't think these are murders?" "Actually I am more interested in what these people died from then the who." Mulder grabs a file and flips through it. "Did you notice the cause of deaths Scully?" "Yeah, they're all different." "Yes, but they are all old-world deaths." "I'm sorry Mulder but I'm not following you." "Scully, when is the last time someone in the US died of diphtheria or whooping cough." "I know that is strange," Scully says with a frown. "The man who looks as if he's been dragged might have received those same kinds of injuries if he had fallen off a horse. His ankle was broken, fitting the pattern of having his foot caught in a stirrup and being dragged by the animal." Scully looks up at Mulder with a wide-eyed stare. Mulder grins, "What!" "After nine years Mulder, you never cease to amaze me." Mulder simply buckles up and waits for the plane to touch down at the Fort Wayne Airport. After picking up their rental car, Mulder and Scully make their way to Cavin. The town was settled in 1835 by pioneers and trappers and at one time had the largest Jewish Community of any town its size east of the Mississippi River. The Jewish citizens, having brought prosperity to the small town, built grand stately homes, one of which has been turned into a bed and breakfast. Mulder pulls up in front of a large, pink, Queen Anne mansion that was built in 1906. "Wow", is all Scully says as she looks up at the towering home. "I thought you might enjoy getting away from those claustrophobic motel rooms for a change." Mulder takes their bags from the trunk as Scully grabs the notebooks and briefcases. Their room is a turn--of-the-century bedroom with a high ceiling, bow windows and ornate walnut woodwork. The floors are polished walnut, covered in aged oriental rugs. Scully takes one look and smiles, "I could get use to this." Mulder falls back onto the bed. "Scully you would never be happy here. There's one thing missing." Scully stares at him with a puzzeled look. "No crib," he says. Scully lets out a sigh and flops down on the bed next to Mulder. "You had to go and remind me didn't you." Mulder pulls her over to rest on his chest. He softly kisses her nose, bringing his hands up to cup her face. "Scully, I don't know what I did to deserve you but I damn sure hope I keep doing it." Scully smiles just as Mulder's cell phone rings. It's the police chief giving them directions to his station. Within five minutes, Mulder and Scully are entering the chief's office. It's housed in the city hall along with the fire department, the building having been built in 1914 and is Italian Renaissance. Scully loves that the building has character, unlike the cinder block police agencies they usually enter. The chief rises from behind his utilitarian desk. He's stocky in build and of German decent and has been the police chief for the past 20 years. He's at a loss as to what to think of these deaths. "Hello folks, you must be the FBI agents," the chief says extending his huge hand. "I'm Chief William Grant." "I'm Agent Mulder and this is Agent Scully." "Hello ma'am," the chief says as he nods to Scully. Scully smiles, looking down. Chief Grant looks at her a little confused. Scully looks up, "Sorry chief, it's just that William is my favorite name. We left our son back home and he's a William too." Scully blushes, she normally doesn't offer personal information so easily. "Well, you two married to each other?" The chief eyes Mulder. "Is that a problem," Mulder questions. "No it's just that you two are Mulder and Scully." Mulder grins and looks down at his shoes with his hands on his hips and his jacket spread open. "Sir, we've been partners for nine years but we've been married not quite a year." "Oh, I see now," the chief chuckles, "I thought maybe you two had a kid but weren't married. Kids need a dad is all I meant." "I agree." Mulder replies. They discuss the case and the chief takes them to the site of each death. The family of the little boy named Andy, was still inconsolable. This shook Scully. She has lost Emily and fears for William. As they leave, Mulder asks Scully if she's hungry. "I could use a meal," Scully replies. Mulder asks the chief for a good place to eat. He recommends Daniel's Cafe. Mulder drives down the maple-lined streets toward the business district. Daniel's Cafe is quiet with a few locals sitting at the counter. Their arrival goes largely unnoticed except by the waitress and Daniel, who is looking out the window that seperates his kitchen from the dining area. Mulder slides into one side of a booth while Scully takes the other. The heat of the day is rising. Mulder stands up, taking off his jacket and placing it over the back of the booth. Scully's been with Mulder nearly a decade and they've been intimate during the past year but she still marvels at the looks of the man and blushes at the tiny thrill just taking off his jacket gives her. He is 40 but few people would believe it, even with the toll his quests have taken on him. If people only knew what this man had been through, Scully thinks. Mulder sits down, rolling up the sleeves of his blue dress shirt and loosens his tie. The waitress comes by with two glasses of ice water and two menus. "How are you folks today," she smiles. "Just fine," Mulder says, and for the past year, he has actually meant it. Scully surveys the menu and orders a tuna salad on whole wheat toast and an ice tea, while Mulder orders a cheeseburger and fries. She wishes he ate healthier but with all he's been through the least of his worries is a greasy meal and she does cook heart healthy at home. Scully stares off into space as Mulder flips through a file he's brought in. "Scully when we get done let's go back to the room and I'll make some calls and you can check on Will." Mulder says, his eyes never leaving the file. The mention of her son brings Scully out of her trance. She knows he's reading her mind. They do have a connection that goes beyond the norm and now with the birth of their son it seems even more accute. They eat their meal, pay the bill and make their way back to the room. Mulder reads the case files over again as Scully calls Maggie. "Mom, it's me." "How's everything going?" Scully sighs and hangs on the line. "Yes, put the phone to his ear." Mulder glances over at Scully as he sits on the bed propped up on one hand. Her eyes are bright and she's almost giddy. He never gets tired of seeing her react to their son. He smiles at her. "Hello Will, its Momma. How are you?" There is no reaction from the baby. Scully looks dejected. "Tell him it's Scully," Mulder says without looking up. Scully shoots him `the look', the one that has been indelibly etched on Mulders mind. He knows better than to look at her. Scully runs her tongue around her lips and softly says, "Will its Scully." The baby squeals and joyfully repeats, "Sully, Sully." "Yes William, its Scully," she says, relieved that her son recognizes her. Scully glances at Mulder who lets out a full laugh. She turns her back on him, hating it when he's right but secretly loving to hear William say her name. Maggie's laughing too as she says, "Yes he is," Scully says, then pursing her lips together. She has to say good bye and break the connection to her son. "Umm, I'll call you tomorrow mom. Hopefully we'll wrap this up soon." "Ok mom, tell him I love him." "Bye Mom." Scully hanging up the phone, feels an aching in her heart. Mulder comes over and places his hands on her shoulders, bending down to whisper in her ear, "It's okay Scully, he's fine." Scully wipes away a tear and composes herself. She hates to show her emotions, especially on the job. It's just within the last year that she has lowered her guard around Mulder. Turning as she rubs her hands together she says, "Did you find anything new, Mulder?" "Maybe. The boys' parents said he'd been to one of the city parks." Mulder retrieves the case file, opening it up, he runs his finger down the page. "Here it is, Prentice Park!" He says stabbing the page with his finger. "The man found dead in his bed had taken his lunch break there, a co-worker reported." Scully looks sceptical but has learned over the years to not simply dismiss Mulder's intuition. He is a remarkable profiler, who can piece even the smallest fragments of information together. Scully often thought of her father telling her stories of the British code breakers of World War Two, housed in Bletchley Park near London, these men had a genius for cracking the German military codes. Mulder would have fit right in. Mulder, now deep in thought, picks up the files and heads toward the door. "Come on Scully, we've got work to do." They split up to cover more ground. Scully talks to the husband of the woman who appears to have died during childbirth. She, too, had been to the park but it was the day before the boy and the man found dead in bed had been there. Mulder finds no one who can place the elderly couple at the park but he did find a pair of mens muddy boots inside their back door. Mulder calls Scully, picking her up, they head for the city park. It's a small tree filled park, not uncommon in these parts, nestled in a residentual area that from the looks of most of the surrounding homes is one of the older neighborhoods in town. The park is bordered by two city streets to the east and south, and an alley to the west, a home stands next to it on the north side. New playground equipment is scattered about. Evidently the park has recently been updated. A large stone stood at the entrance, it is inscribed with the name Nathanial Prentice, a soldier who served in the Revolutionary War. The stone states after the war Nathaniel Prentice drifted west and finally settled in Cavin. Mulder notices something else; this is not just a tribute to the man, it's his grave marker. "Hey Scully, come look at this." Scully walks over to where Mulder is bent down reading the inscription. "What is it?" "Nathanial Prentice is buried here." "So you think his ghost is attacking people?" Scully asks in a flat tone. Eight years ago she would have scoffed at the prospect but she's seen too much to do that now. Mulder turns his head toward her and smiles, he knows he no longer has to prove himself to her. Getting up he places his hand on the small of her back saying, "Come on Scully, I want to do a little snooping." Once in the car Scully turns to Mulder, "We could take soil samples and send them in." Mulder flexes his fingers as he turns the steering wheel. "I don't think this is anything tangible Scully. All the deaths are too different to be the result of a pathogen." "So where do we start?" "I'm not sure but the one connecting factor seems to be the park." Scully glances out her side window. "I wish the chief had contacted us sooner. I'd like to have gotten my hands on one of those bodies before internment." "If it makes you happy, later tonight you can get your hands on mine," Mulder says raising his eye brows. Scully gives him a sharp look and just grins. Mulder turns serious, "Scully, we can get a court order to open the graves but in deference to the family, I wouldn't open the childs grave unless it's absolutely necessary." "Let's wait and see if we need to open any first Mulder." Mulder unlocks the door to their room and steps aside letting Scully in. She kicks off her shoes, takes her jacket off, and pulls her blouse out of her skirt as she heads for the bathroom, shutting the door. Mulder flops on the bed on his hip. He still can't get the idea out of his head that all of these deaths do not have a connection to the park. He rolls across the bed and picking up the phone dials the chief's number. "Chief this is Agent Mulder." "We've been looking over the files and interviewing some of the next of kin." "Maybe. Chief can you tell me anything about Prentice Park?" The chief thinks for a moment and says, "What do you know about the park itself?" the chief chuckles. "Thanks chief," Mulder says adding, "Do you have anyone in town who might know more about the park?" The chief pauses for a moment and says, "That's the building across from the city hall, right." Mulder can picture the chief grinning. "Thanks chief, I'll check that out." "I'm not sure what, if any connection there is but don't worry about it right now chief." Mulder hangs up the phone and holds it out for Scully as she enters the room. Some things never change 2/3 She dials their home phone number. "Mom, it's me." Mrs. Scully says with a laugh in her voice. Scully sits on the edge of the bed, picking at bits of lint. Tilting her head down she has to smile, "I know, I know, I just miss him." Scully feels her heart sink. Mrs. Scully sensing her daughters distress says, she chuckles. Scully smiles. Mulder looks across the bed at her, he never gets tired of witnessing Scully caught with their son on her mind. He can't explain it but she'd taken on a glow when she was carrying him and she's never lost it. Maggie continues, Scully bursts out laughing. "Well, his daddy does have him trained like a seal." Scully glances over to Mulder as a smile covers his face. "Mom! I don't want him addicted to sugar." Scully huffs. "Mom," Scully moaned. "Sounds like you two are doing fine." Scully sighs and purses her lips. "I'll call you tomorrow. Tell him I love him." "Thanks Mom." With that Scully hangs up the phone and slumps foreword. Mulder moves closer behind her and puts his hand on her arm and his chin on her shoulder. "Scully he's fine. Your mother is so good with him," he says kissing her cheek. "You're right, I know Mulder." Scully says, clearing her throat. Mulder knows he has to change the subject or she'll soon be a mess. He has never met a stronger, more self assured, kick ass woman in all his life but her son can reduce her to a quivering mess. "Scully, wanna go to the library with me?" "Why, do you have a book report due?" Mulder squeezing her shoulders says, "No, but I'll let you play footsies with me under the table." They get up, freshen up and leave their room. The library is only one street behind the bed and breakfast and four blocks down. "One thing about investigating in a small town Scully, not much driving to do." The library sits on a beautiful tree covered piece of ground and is Neoclassical Revival, built in 1908 with the word Carnegie still evident above the door. The library has withstood the changes of time; it being one of the few Carnegie libraries still in use. The front door is accessed by a flight of stairs, the glass doors reveal another flight up to the first floor which empties into a large room with a high ceiling and a fireplace at each end. Off the westside of each fireplace is a small reading room made of oak panels. Mulder and Scully approach a middle aged man sitting behind the large circular desk, his name plate reads 'Jerry'. He looks up and smiles, "Can I help you folks." Mulder speaks up, "I'm interested in finding some information on Prentice Park." Jerry puts down the book he's been logging in and says, "What do you want to know?" "I don't know," Mulder shrugs, "When was it established? Have there been any unusual occurrences there?" Jerry thinks for a moment, "No, other than it's named after Nathanial Prentice, the Revolutionary War vet." Mulder looks at Scully with his, 'I've heard this before' look. Scully bites down on her bottom lip and looks sympathetic at him. "They did get new playground equipment, a local foundation paid for it." "If I wanted to find more history on the park where would I start?" Mulder inquires. "You can start in the room to your left," Jerry says, motioning to the little reading room next to the fireplace. "Thanks," Mulder says as he and Scully head for the room. Scully grabs Mulder's arm, drawing him up short. He turns to look down at her. "Mulder we've got dead bodies that you don't seem the least bit interested in. Don't you think our investigation should start there?" "It did Scully, you looked over the autopsies, we looked at the crime photos we've even talked to the victim's families. The next step will be to dig up some bodies." Mulder steps into her and lowers his voice, "That's what I'm trying to avoid. The sooner we can wrap this up the sooner we can get home." Scully knows he's right, they're not investigators of the normal. They are called out on the weird, the baffling and the unexplained. Conventional police work never solved those types of crimes. Upon entering the small room, the agents find three walls of bookshelves filled with faded and worn books. The poor state of their condition reflects their age. Both agents slip off their jackets and begin looking over the books. There are books on the area in general and the town in particular, covering the early settlers in the area as well as the arrival of the Jews, who settled there some 40 years later. They learn that the small town once had been a very wealthy community that had dealt in banking and real estate but the books did not provide them with any more clues then they had at the start of the day. After spending several hours combing through the books Mulder stretches, grabbing his hands over his head. "Scully," he puffs out, bringing his hands down, "What are we doing here?" "I thought this was alternative investigating," Scully quips. By now it's getting late in the day. "Scully let's go back to the room, I've got some calls to make and we can get some dinner." "Sounds good to me, Mulder." Scully says as she throws on her jacket and begins to put the books away. She turns to find Mulder gone; he's headed for the librarian. "Can I help you sir?" "I'd like to take a few of these books with me for the night." "Oh, that's not possible. See, those books are rare and some are one of a kind. We don't allow them to leave the building, besides I doubt you even have a library card." Mulder smiles and pulls out his ID as Scully enters the room. Mulder flashes his badge, "I'm Special Agent Fox Mulder and this is Special Agent Dana Scully with the FBI. Now don't you think these books would be safe with us?" "I don't know," Jerry smiles, "I never trusted the government." Mulder leans across the desk, "Just between you and me neither do I." They both chuckle. Jerry leads them to the room, with a nod of his head he says, "Go on. Just have them back tomorrow so I don't have any explaining to do." Then he pauses, "You two looking into those deaths?" Mulder stands up with an arm load of books, "Yeah, what do you think they are?" Jerry just shrugs his shoulders, "Deaths." Mulder smiles at him and nods his head toward Scully, "My partner shares your thoughts." Jerry lets them out of the library, locking the door behind them. It's past closing time. Mulder unlocks the trunk and carefully places the books into it. Scully starts a small pout. "What's the matter Scully?" "You didn't play footsie with me." Mulder shoots her a large smile, "The night is still young, Agent Scully." Mulder slides into the drivers side as Scully slides in to the passengers. Putting the car into gear, he backs out into the wide street. "This really is a pretty town," Scully says as they head back to the bed and breakfast. "Mulder! You missed our turn. Okay, where are we going?" Years of experience, have taught Scully that when he is onto something his dogged determination takes over. He can't put it into words for her but she knows he feels something. It's times like these that she is glad to be on the X Files with this man; the excitement, the drive and the relentlessness. Scully glances over at Mulder, he's focusing on nothing in particular, a point in space. He sucks in his lower lip and grinds his knuckles against the steering wheel. She knows he's putting the pieces together but isn't quite there yet. Closing her eyes, Scully hopes William inherites his father's gentleness along with his drive. Mulder turns the car to the left as gravel crunches under the tires. Scully opens her eyes to find they are entering Oak Park Cemetery. "Mulder somehow I knew we would eventually end up in a cemetery." Entering from the south, Mulder ignores Scully as he drives back into the tree covered property. For a small town the cemetery is fairly large. "People must be dying to get in here." Mulder quips as Scully moans at the old joke. They drive to the back of the rectangular lot and turn down the next row continuing until they reach the oldest section. Mulder spots two mausoleums along the back and to the northeast side of the cemetery. He drives down the gravel road toward them. Putting the car in park, both agents crawl out. The sun is setting to their backs, the air is moist and cool under the trees and the ground has the same feel as any other cemetery; soft and mushy underfoot. The two mausoleums stand tall and resemble little houses made of limestone with metal doors that contain cut glass windows in the upper half. Above the left mausoleum is says 'Meyer-Jacobs' while above the other it says 'Straus'. Mulder peers into the Straus mausoleum. It contains two sarcophagus suspended above two others on the floor. "Must be a grave yard version of bunkbeds," Mulder says. Stepping off the step, he backs up and looks it over. "These people must have been some of the wealthier citizens we read about." The section around the mausoleums contains elaborate and decorative stones with names like Jacobs, Meir, Loeser and Rose on them. Many of the stones are written in English on the front and Hebrew on the back. Two strips of concrete run down the length of this section with two circles, one inside the other, in the middle of the two strips. "Scully this is the Jewish section of the cemetery I read about," he says, pacing with one hand on his hip. He walks to the center of the circles and starts to tell Scully his tale. She loves it when he's on a roll. "Obviously this is the section the Jews petitioned the cemetery board for in the late 1800's to be used for the citizens of their faith. The wealthy merchants and financiers must have put in their own drive with a car turnaround. Scully looks at the drive. "It's possible Mulder but it's too narrow to drive on." Mulder walks over and leans into her. "Not for a Model-T Scully." She has to admit he is probably right. "So Mulder, what does this have to do with our case?" "This section? Nothing." Mulder says, as he leaves the Jewish Section and begins to read the surrounding stones. He and Scully move from stone to stone as the sky grows darker. "Mulder, most of these people died before their 40th birthday and from the looks of it, there was a lot of infant mortality. Modern medicine has prolonged our life expectancy." Mulder is hunched down in front of one of the stones as he glances up at Scully. "You're a member of a noble profession Scully." "Well noble or not this is one doctor who's hungry." Mulder stands up and without missing a beat says, "Sure you're not eating for two again Scully?" Scully turns red in what little light is left and replies, "No Mulder. Of that I'm sure." Mulder takes a long sweeping look over the grounds, "Scully, did you notice anything odd about this cemetery?" "Odd. Odd how, Mulder?" Scully asks harshly, thinking back to all the cemeteries they have frequented over the past nine years. "Scully do you remember we read that the town was settled in 1835 by pioneers and the Jews arrived in 1857." "Yeah, that's right." "We've found the Jews but where are the pioneers and settlers? Not one person here was buried before 1857. That's a span of 22 years. So where are those people buried?" Mulder paces up and down, looking over the vast cemetery as he continues, "The Jews are here because they arrived in 1857 and the settlers are here that died after 1857 but it's like a whole generation of people went missing. You said yourself that people died at an early age and where are the infants?" Scully goes from stone to stone checking the dates in the dim light. Finally she has to say, "I don't know Mulder, unless there's another cemetery in town." "Scully this cemetery is huge! There are hundreds, if not thousands of stones here but I'll check it out and see if there is another one in the area, you might be right." Mulder heads back to the car with Scully at his side. He slides into the drivers side and turns the key in the ignition. "Wanna go back to the room or eat first?" "Eat," is all Scully says. Mulder pulls the car onto the road, "Scully there's a Chinese place ahead. Wanna try it?" "Chinese in farm country?" Scully questions. "Farmers like Chinese food too Scully." Scully grins at him as he pulls into the driveway of the China Dragon. The restaurant is busy but Mulder finds a booth in the back, as Scully sits down opposite him. The place is small but not oppressively so. The walls are painted mint green with Chinese murals adorning them. A tiny, dark haired woman appears at their table with two glasses of water and two menus. Mulder settles on peppered steak, Scully orders shrimp fried rice. Mulder excuses himself to use the restroom while Scully watches two small children playing outside the window. The tiny woman returns just as Mulder slides into the booth. The meal is served with egg drop soup and Chinese tea. Heaping plates are placed before the two agents, Mulder digs in and is soon sitting before an empty plate. Scully eats what she can and drinks her tea. Mulder sits back against the booth with his arms splayed and his mind working overtime. "So Mulder, what's the theory forming in that beautiful mind of yours?" Mulder runs his tongue around his teeth before he speaks, "Scully I still wonder what the park has to do with these deaths." "Mulder, if you sincerely think the park has anything to do with them then we should close it off." "No it's not like that Scully, you and I poked around there and we're okay. I just feel there is some explination for it." Mulder grabs the bill from the table as Scully scoots out of the booth, placing his hand on the small of her back he ushers her to the door. They arrive back at the bed and breakfast just after dark. Scully grabs Mulder's hand as they step onto the wide, winding porch. Pulling him to the left, he follows her to the white wicker swing. They sit down, with Mulder stretching his arms across the back of the swing and his long legs out, crossing them at the ankles. Scully sits tight against him with her feet curled up under her. Mulder draws his left arm down and gently strokes Scully's arm as she wraps her arm around his waist and lays her head on his chest. She feels safe there. They sit that way for a few minutes, neither of them speaking. Mulder continues to look into the darkness as a few cars pass by. He finally speaks up, "I wonder if William has had his bath yet?" Scully has to smile, she knows Mulder loves to give the little boy his bath and then rock him to sleep. He talks softly to him, as if he finally has someone who will listen to him without passing judgement. Scully realizes the swaying of the swing triggers this touch of melancholy, it's much like the feeling of the rocking chair. Scully slides down, touching her feet to the porch and takes Mulders hand saying, "Come on, let's go upstairs." They make it as far as the front door when Mulder suddenly turns, "I forgot the books. We have to return them tomorrow." Scully holds the door as Mulder brings them in. They climb the winding walnut stairs to the wide landing, their rooms are on the left. Scully takes the key and pops the door open. Once inside she removes her shoes and cranks up the air. The night is warm and filled with humidity. She looks out the bow window at the fire flies dancing across the dew covered lawn. Mulder emerges from the bathroom and shrugs off his suit jacket as Scully smiles and draws the blinds shut. Mulder tosses his jacket on the foot of the bed, under normal `at home' conditions Scully would have made him pick it up, but now she senses he moves with his mind elsewhere, most likely on the case. "Mulder do you think we'll find anything in these tonight?" Scully asks as she moves a pile of books off the bed. "Scully I still can't get it out of my mind, where those missing people went." With a start Scully says, "You don't think this is an alien thing do you?" Before she can finish Mulder bolts for the door. Scully knows he isn't going far, his days of ditching her are over. She goes to the bathroom, showers and changes into one of Mulder's T-shirts and her panties. Mulder arrives back at their room with news that he has talked to the home owner, Mr. Blue. Scully smirkes, "Mr. Blue, who owns the pink house." The remark passes over Mulder. "He says there are no other cemeteries in town, Scully." Mulder is pacing the long wide room. Scully throws back the blankets on the bed, "Mulder there are probably cemeteries outside of town." "There are Scully but the closest one is over five miles away." "Humm, that would be a distance to drive with the transportation available in 1835." "My thoughts exactly," Mulder says, "So where did they go, they didn't just disappear." "Mulder we can check this out tomorrow, right now I'm going to bed," Scully says sitting down on the edge of it. Mulder walks over to her and pulls the blankets back farther, grabbing her ankles and swinging her into bed as she protests. He then pulls the blankets up to her waist. Turning he places a small mountain of books on her lap. Scully slumps back against the headboard and places her hands on the books with a sigh. The sooner they get through these, the sooner she can get some sleep. Mulder has been sitting in his dress pants and T-shirt, hunched over a detailed book of the area in the 1800's, when Scully calls out, "Mulder look at this." She pushs the books out of the way, crawling down to the end of the bed, she produces a newspaper clipping which she hands to Mulder. It reads: Notice of Vacation of Cemetery, To whom it may concern: The town of Cavin has decided to vacate the city cemetery. Notice is therefore given to the relatives and friends of all persons interested in the re-internment of the dead bodies of the following named individuals. Mulder holds out the clipping, "Scully there must be one hundred names on here! It's signed, H.M.Goodspeed, town clerk, Cavin, Indiana. March 7,1888. Dammit! It doesn't say where the cemetery was located" Scully yawns. Mulder grins, putting his hand on her cheek. "We can do this tomorrow. Let's get some sleep." "You'll get no argument from me," Scully sighs. She piles the books onto a chair as Mulder goes to shower and change. He comes out in his boxers to find Scully laying on her side with the blankets pulled up around her. Mulder slides under the blankets. He loves her, not knowing for sure when he didn't. She is brash, bright and beautiful and for some, as yet unknown reason, she loves him too. She came into his life at a time when he was living on the edge, pissing people off and generally making himself miserable. She grounded him, gave him some credibility and brought a sense of order to his life. If there was such a thing as ordaned fate, it has to be them. He knows if she had not been assigned to him there's no way in hell they would have gotten together. Scully would never have given him the time of day. They're opposite in temperment but so opposite they're similar. Being partnered has allowed them time to discover the real people behind the facades they both display. He nuzzles his nose in her soft auburn hair and let's his thoughts drift to the greatest gift they've given to one another; their son William. Mulder knows he can be happy with Scully, just Scully. But along came their miracle child William, and Mulder fell in love all over again. He no longer feels the need to break up government conspiracies and solve the mysteries of aliens and UFO's. He finds more satisfaction in seeing Scully hold William or watching his son eat a fist full of bath bubbles or soothing him at night when he runs a fever. His worries are more personal and self-centered now. He finally feels like he fits in. Scully moves slightly against his chest and mumbles, "I love you Mulder." Mulder kisses her softly and whispers, "I will always love you Scully." Morning dawns with Scully waking to an empty bed. She knows where Mulder is, he'll be out running through the town. As much as he loves his new life, he needs the sense of freedom running provides him, but now he has a family to run back to. Dressing quickly Scully stops to pick up the room, she then ventures out and down the large staircase. Mrs. Blue meets her at the bottom, offering her coffee and homemade rolls. Mulder walks in the front door hot and sweaty, hair all askew and puffing softly. Scully likes 'button down Mulder' but she loves 'scruffy Mulder'. Mulder grabs Scully's shoulders and kisses her forehead. "I'm a mess, be back down soon," he says turning to climb the stairs. Mrs. Blue is seated at the large walnut dining table as Scully wanders in with her mug of coffee. Mrs. Blue smiles and pushes the plate of pasteries toward her. Scully smiles and pulls out a chair across from Mrs. Blue. Sitting down, she picks a large cinnamon roll from the plate saying "Thanks." Mrs. Blue is a short stocky woman with a hint of red still in her hair and a jovial smile. "You two been married long?" She asks in a no nonsense way people from those parts have. Scully shifts in her seat, rubbing her hands on her napkin, "No I guess not, about seven months, but we've been FBI partners for nine years." "And this doesn't piss off the FBI?" Mrs. Blue asks. Scully has to laugh at her directness but she likes it. "Actually they frown on it but Mulder takes on cases that seem too strange for standard investigative efforts; I was assigned to assist him. Our case solution rate is so high it allows us certain freedoms." "So you two get the cases no one else wants," Mrs. Blue says, tearing off a piece of her cinnamon roll. Scully grins, "Something like that." Scully looks around the room, "You have a beautiful home Mrs. Blue." "We like it. I was a nurse for years in a big city and when I retired I wanted to do something completely different. My husband found this lovely old home and I knew what I wanted to do; open a bed and breakfast." "So you still take care of people," Scully laughs. "Yeah I guess you could say that," Mrs. Blue shares in the laughter. Mulder comes back into the room, having showered and changed. Helping himself to coffee, he sits down next to Scully. "So what's on the agenda for today partner?" "I need to return my library books Scully," Mulder says reaching for a roll. "Have you checked on William this morning?" "No not yet," Scully says as she shifts in her chair, brushing crumbs off her lap. "I thought I'd call after breakfast." Mrs. Blue sits back in her chair and eyes Scully. Scully smiles as she swallows a bite, "William is our 8 month old son. We left him back in DC with my mom." Mrs. Blue's face lights up, "Oh how nice! Who does he favor?" "His mother," Mulder speaks up, "He has blue eyes, a tiny nose and what hair he has, appears to be red." "Sounds cute," Mrs. Blue says between bites. "Oh it is," Mulder grins, looking at Scully. "Scully we better get moving if we want to wrap this up anytime soon." Mulder takes a big gulp of his coffee and polishes off his roll. The books are loaded into the car, as Scully uses her cell to call home. "Hello Mom." Scully sighs and looks down as she traces circles in the dirt with the toe of her shoe. "Thanks mom, I, I just need to know." Mulder glances over to her and continues loading the car. "I'm fine Mom, I just miss him." Maggie laughs, <"Of course you do Dana, he's your son.> "You sure he was just visiting William?" Scully teases. Maggie says feigning shock, "Oh I don't know, he does seem at ease around you." "Yeah, right," Scully sighs, "Well take care of my son and tell him mom and dad love him and we'll try to be home soon. Bye Mom." "Okay." With that Scully closes the phone, standing there trying to regain her composure. Mulder has been watching her. He moves in to wrap his arms around her and deposits his chin on her head. "I'm fine Mulder," Scully says as she tries to pull away. "Stop Scully," Mulder says in a soft tone. "Don't pull away, we'll talk about this later, but we will talk." All Scully can do is shake her head in agreement as he releases her. Mulder turns the car onto the wide Main Street but turns left after going only a few blocks. Scully knows he is headed for the park again. He pulls up in front of the park entrance and gets out. Scully follows suit. They walk the small park once again in silence. Mulder pausing on occasion to bend down and pluck at blades of grass, deep in thought. Scully sits down on a small bench and speaks up, "Mulder, have you noticed the houses around the park? All of them are from the same architectural period except the one to the north. It appears to have been built at a much later time." Mulder surveys the area, "Maybe an old house burnt down or was demolished and a new home built." "Could be." "Come on Scully, let's get to the library. I think we can wrap this up today." "How so Mulder?" "Either the answers are here or it's a coincidence and we're wasting our time." The library is cool and quiet with few people coming and going. Mulder returns the books as Scully goes to the microfilm section to read through old city newspapers. After several hours of reading Scully takes a break, finding Mulder sitting on the floor in the rare books room, his long legs stretched out in front of him, his back resting against the bookcase. He has shucked off his jacket and tie, and rolled up his sleeves. He pulls on his bottom lip, lost in thought in the book of deeds he's reading. Scully knows he's not yet ready to leave, so she pulls out several old yearbooks. Leafing through a couple from the 1950's, she marvels at the girls clothes and the boys greasy hair, then she spies a worn, ragged yearbook shoved back in the corner. She pulls out the fragile soft back book, dusting off the jacket to reveal it's a Cavin High School yearbook from 1927. Scully gently opens the cover. It's filled with fancy scrolled caligraphy. The first section has class photos of girls with bobbed hair and boys in knickers. The second section contains sporting events. They had a great basketball team as the record reveals. The clubs and the organizations come next then a section on the city itself. There are photos of the few industries in town at the time and articles on the various businesses. Scully's eyes grow wide, it's a page on the city park, Prentice Park! She reads the page and reaching behind her, taps Mulder on the shoulder, "Mulder, look at this!" Mulder gets up stiffly, stretching out his lanky frame, he's sat too long on the floor. He leans over Scully's shoulder and reads, 'Prentice Park came in to being after the cemetery that had been there for nearly 50 years had been abandoned. The lot next to the cemetery had been set aside for a church that was never built and later deeded over to the city. It sold the land for housing. Relatives of those interned were advised to remove their family members and reintern them in the new city cemetery, Oak Park. Those bodies not removed simply had the headstones laid down and dirt placed over them.' The article goes on to say a children's park had been established on the plot of land. "That's it!" Mulder grins as he thumps the page with his finger. "Mulder, we've found the missing settlers but what does that have to do with these deaths?" "Hear me out, Scully," Mulder says as he pulls out a chair and sits down next to her. "What if these people died from the same diseases and accidents that killed those people buried in the park. Maybe their spirits are seeking some form of revenge." Scully looks at Mulder knowing full well he was serious. "Even if that were true, why would they decide to act up now? The park has been there for over 75 years!" "I don't know. Maybe they finally got tired of being walked on, so to speak. You saw the new playground equipment, maybe they just couldn't take the added traffic." Mulder scoops up the year book, leaving the room, he holds it up saying, "Hey Jerry, can I barrow this for a few hours?" Jerry turns away putting his hand up, "I didn't see anything" he says as he leaves the counter. Scully gathers up Mulder's pile of clothing and shakes out his jacket, handing it to him. Mulder rolls down his sleeves, leaving them unbuttoned, he slung his jacket over his shoulder. "Scully, this is the piece to the puzzel we've been looking for." Scully knows he's on a roll and when he is it's best to just go along for the ride. Some Things Never Change 3/3 -- They wind their way back to Daniels Cafe where Mulder eats a hardy lunch of pan-fried chicken while Scully picks at her salad and refuses Mulder's best efforts to get her to eat it. As they're leaving the cafe Scully asks Mulder to take her back to their room while he's goes on to see the chief. Mulder thinks it's unusual for Scully not to want to accompany him to explain his theory, but he feels she might still be upset over William. He knows Scully is the ultimate professional, never letting an injury or illness get in the way of her job but this is different. He's well aware that they will have to talk about this and soon. He drops Scully off at the bed and breakfast and heads for the police department. Chief Grant greets Mulder and offers him a chair. "So what brings you here Agent Mulder?" Mulder shifts in his chair and moves in to speak quietly with the chief. "Sir were you aware that Prentice Park is built over a cemetery; a burial ground?" The chief leans back in his chair and rubbing his chin with his thumb says, "No I didn't, that comes as news to me. Are you sure?" "Agent Scully has found the proof in this book." Mulder shoves the yearbook across for the chief to read. "It states that the park was built over an abandoned cemetery when the larger Oak Park Cemetery was established. Some of the bodies were moved but most were not." The chief stares at Mulder. Mulder continues, "This would explain where the original settlers disappeared to. It might also explain what happened to our victims." "How's that," the chief asks. Mulder leans back in his chair and runs his tongue across his bottom lip. He knows the easy part over, convincing the chief will be the hard part. "Chief are you familiar with the spiratualism that Native Americans' place on their burial grounds?" The chief continues to stare. "They feel that they're sacred and are visited by the spirits of the deceased." Mulder can't read the chiefs expression and wonders what his response will be. "If an ancient society can believe it's possible then why shouldn't we?" The chief stares at the ceiling then bringing his eyes down to Mulder, staring at him. "You actually believe this Agent Mulder?" "Until it's proven otherwise, yes I do." Mulder says holding his ground. "So you think these spirits got pissed off and started attacking park visitors?" "Not attacking them; transfering, transfering what brought about their deaths. Maybe the cause of death can be inflicted upon others." The chief continues to stare at Mulder, "I'm not sayin' you're a liar Agent Mulder but I'd be more likely to believe this theory of yours if Agent Scully were sitting here telling me the same thing." "Agent Scully isn't feeling well, I dropped her back at the room," Mulder says, lowering his eyes, unsure of exactly what is bothering Scully. "Look chief, can we at least do some digging and see if those tombstones are there like the book says they will be." The chief eyes Mulder but smiles and finally says, "Okay I don't think doin' a little pokin' around will do any harm. Let me call the street department and get a couple of guys with shovels out there. Give me an hour." "Great!" Mulder replies with a nod of his head. As Mulder turns to leave the chief is already on the phone to the street Department. Mulder likes the way things move in a small town; there's not a lot of red tape to deal with. He drives back to the bed and breakfast, deciding he will be more comfortable in jeans than his usual FBI attire. Mulder finds the door to their room locked, slipping his key in, he pulls it open. Scully is not in the room. He knows she'll want to be in on the dig. Mulder loosens his tie as he calls out for her. No answer comes. He moves to the bathroom door and knocks. "Scully." Still no answer. He turns the knob and the door swings open, Scully is laying on the floor in front of the tub. She's curled up in a near fetal position. "Scully!" Mulder bends down to cup her face with his hands. She feels hot with beads of sweat breaking out on her forehead. He checks her pulse and finds her heart racing. Mulder runs to the door and yells to Mrs. Blue. She appears at the bottom of the stairs. "Call an ambulance, my wife is sick!" Mulder turns back to Scully, scooping her up, he gently carries her down stairs to the couch in the sitting room. He strokes her damp red hair away from her face. Scully briefly comes to. "Scully, what's happening to you?" Mulder asks, "I need to tell the paramedics." Scully trying to focus on Mulder says, "I'm not sure but my throat hurts and I ache all over. Must be a virus." Her voice trails off as she losses conciousness again. Mrs. Blue is standing in the front yard waving the ambulance in. Two paramedics jumped out, each one carrying a kit while the driver is backing the ambulance up to the door. A tall, slim young man bounds up the steps as the other medic and the driver get out the stretcher. The medic finds Scully laying on the couch. "Excuse me sir," he says maneuvering around Mulder. "What's her name?" "Scully, I ah mean Dana," Mulder mumbles still in shock. "Dana, that's a nice name," the medic replies as he begins to work on Scully. He flashes a light in her eyes and listens to her heart. "Pretty hair," the medic says. Mulder knows the psychology behind the medic's ramblings; 'keep the family calm with small talk, it makes the job easier'. The second medic and the driver bring in the stretcher. The tall slim medic finishes taking Scully's blood pressure, looking down at her says, "Brad, we got a load and go." They gently lift Scully onto the stretcher, placing a blanket over her and buckling her down. Mulder turns to the driver, "Where are you taking her?" "To Goshen," the driver says adding, "You're not from around here are you?" "No, no we're not," Mulder softly replies as Scully is taken down the steps, her skin pale as sweat runs down her neck. Mrs. Blue grabs Mulder's arm, "I'll take you to her." "Thank you," is all Mulder can get out as the ambulance pulls away. Scully is taken to a small community hospital, some 13 miles west of Cavin. By the time Mulder arrives and fills out the paper work, Scully has been admitted and is being attended to. Mulder hasn't been allowed to see her yet, but a Dr. Stone introduces himself, asking Mulder questions about Scully's health. Mulder answers him but leaves out the part about the implant. He does tell the doctor that no surgery is to be done on Scully without his consent. The doctor gives him a strange look but does not question him further. Mulder knows there's no way in hell they are removing that chip! Leaning against the wall Mulder asks, "Do you have any idea what's wrong with Dana?" The doctor looking over his glasses says, "It appears to be a virus but we just don't know yet." With those words he leaves to attend to Scully. Mulder pulls his cellphone out of his jacket and with shaking fingers dials. "Sir." A long pause follows. "Its Scully," Mulder chokes out. "Scully, she's sick. She's in the hospital. They're.they're not sure what's wrong, he says choking back tears. "Can you bring her mom and William out here?" Skinner pauses, Mulder closes his cellphone, noticing Mrs. Blue standing across the hall, he walks over to her and clasps her hand. "Thanks for your help." "No trouble at all Agent Mulder." She starts to leave but turns back, "I'm sure she'll be okay." "I hope so," Mulder says through unshed tears. Mulder paces outside Scully's door. Nurses and doctors come and go, samples are taken, X-rays are given and still he's heard nothing. A nurse brings him a cup of coffee. One hour runs into four and four run into the evening. Finally Dr. Stone emerges, approaching Mulder as he shifts his weight and stares into space. "Mr. Mulder," the doctor says startling him, "Dana appears to be suffering from spinal meningitis." Mulder feels as if he's just been kicked in the stomach. The doctor continues, "She needs more care than we can give her here. having Dana air lifted to a hospital in Fort Wayne. It's a 20 minute trip by air ambulance." Dryly Mulder nods his head and chokes out, "Will she be okay?" "We really don't know at this point Mr. Mulder. She is very ill, but they will do all they can for her." Dr. Stone excuses himself and goes to the nurses station. Mulder can't make out what he's saying but he is fairly certain it's about Scully. Mulder now needs to get 45 miles south to the hospital in Fort Wayne. He calls the local State Police post, explaining his situation and within minutes finds an Indiana State Police car waiting for him outside the hospital. The trooper is years older than Mulder and very professional. He pulls out into the darkness and speeds south, changing highways frequently. Mulder doesn't say much, he just listens to the troopers radio crackle. Suddenly his cellphone rings. "Mulder." "Where are you sir?" Mulder sighs, finally something has gone right. "Stay where you are sir. They've 'coptered Scully to Fort Wayne." The trooper glances at Mulder, "Who's that?" Mulder looks over, "My A.D. at the FBI, he's flown in with my wifes' mom and our baby." The trooper picks up the microphone on his radio, "This is 22-16. I need a car to the Fort Wayne Airport to pick up.," he pauses. Mulder hurriedly says, "A.D. Walter Skinner." "A.D. Walter Skinner with the FBI and he'll have a woman and an infant with him. They will need transport' to Parkview A.S.A.P." The dispatcher responds, "Clear." Mulder relays the message to Skinner, closing up his phone, and slumping back into the seat all he can mutter is, "Thanks." Mulder stares out the window as farms and homes zip past. He recalls Scully saying, 'Don't you just wanna get out of the damn car!' He has to smile. He loves her more now than he ever did before, he knows he can't live without her. What will he do if he loses her. He does know he has no choice but to carry on for William's sake. William, Scully lives to love that small miracle. Mulder swallows hard and continues to look out the window. The trooper pulls up in front of a tall, well-lit hospital. Mulder steps from the cruiser and sticks his head back into the car saying, "Thanks for everything." Just then the troopers radio comes to life, there's a bad pile up on I-69. "You're welcome, I'd better go," the trooper replies as he grabs his microphone. Mulder closes the door as the trooper pulls out into the night with his lights and siren on. Mulder suddenly shutters, he's cold and clad only in his suit, pushing his hands into his jacket pockets he briskley walks to the front door. Scully is on the fourth floor in the ICU. A Doctor Brown introduces himself and fills Mulder in on Scully's condition. She had received fine care prior to her arrival at Parkview and is now being administered high doses of antivirals as well as being treated for a high fever but so far she's not responding well. She hasn't regained conciousness and they're giving her oxygen. But before Mulder can see her he is given a preventative innoculation against the disease, finally admitted to her room, he can only stay a few minutes. Scully has hoses and tubes running in and out of her and a fever reducing blanket on her. Mulder gently holds her hand between his two larger ones. During quiet times he called this his Scully sandwich and would nibble on her tiny fingers. Now he just wants to curl up beside her and cry. A nurse enters Scully's room. "Mr. Mulder, there are some people here to see you and one small one in particular" she smiles. Mulder softly kisses Scully and places his hand along her cheek, running his thumb across her auburn eye lashes. He quietly slips from the room to find Maggie standing next to Skinner, who's holding William. Mulder for the first time in hours smiles, lunging for William as the baby's eyes dart around. William sensing something is wrong, begins to cry. Mulder scoops him up holding him tight. He kisses him and says, "It's okay buddy. Don't cry," knowing full well all he wants to do is join him. As Mulder holds the wimpering child close he looks at Maggie and croaks out, "She has meningitis." Maggie gasps, "How? She wasn't exposed was she?" Mulder draws a blank stare, the pieces to the puzzle finally beginning to fall into place. He hands William to Maggie saying, "I need to make a call." Mulder takes out his cell and walks to the end of the hall where large windows over look the sleeping city. Maggie bounces William as she peers in at Dana. She tries to show William his momma but his eyes can't focus on her. Mulder is over heard by Skinner to say, "I need you to get Chief Grant to call me back at my cell phone. The number is 574-555-1248 as soon as possible. I don't care what 'hour in the AM' it is, this is an emergency!" Skinner approachs Mulder, "What's going on here Agent?" he says sharply as he thrusts his hands into his trench coat pockets. "I can't explain it right now sir, but if I can get the chief on the line I just might be able to help Scully." Skinner looks over at William and Maggie. "The State Trooper who brought us in said they have a family care center attached to the hospital. I'm going to get Maggie and the baby settled in there." "Thanks," Mulder says turning to look in at Scully. Maggie approachs him. Without lifting his tear-filled eyes he says firmly, "Scully will be fine. She has too be." At the mention of her name William gurgles out, "Sullie" and begins to cry. Mulder looks down at him and takes his son from Maggie's arms. He holds him close. Maggie produces a bottle of juice from the diaper bag and Mulder feeds it to Will as he kisses the strands of fine red hair on the little boys head. Skinner walks up, "I've made the arrangements for the night, we should go." Mulder turns his sleepy eyed son over to Skinner and watches them disappear into the elevator. He feels that old ache returning to him. Gone were the days when he sought out loneliness as his friend and actually welcomed it. He stares at Scully through the glass. Just then his cell rings; he jumps. "Mulder." "How.how." "Not so good I afraid. Chief how fast can you get an excavating team together?" "I am." Mulder knows the only person who would understand his motives now lies gravely ill. "Chief this just might save my wife." the chief sighs. "I'll meet you there in an hour chief." Mulder closes his cell and goes to check on Scully. She's so still, so quiet. He's seen her like this too many times. If not for the constant beep of the machines he would think she's dead. He holds her warm hand, she is still suffering from the fever. He runs his fingers across her forehead and down her chin, avoiding all the tubes and hoses. He knows what he has to do and it pains him; he has to leave her to pursue what he hopes will be a cure for her no matter how far fetched others might think it to be. He flashes back to her cancer, to a time when his motives had been questioned before. Mulder softly kisses her warm cheek and slips out of her room, glancing back at her as he goes. Mulder calls a cab and makes his way back to Cavin. He arrives at Prentice Park to find the chief, his deputy and two city workers already there. They turn to look as the cab catches them in its headlights. Mulder steps from the car, knowing if his guess is right he is racing against time. Running up to Chief Grant and the others, Mulder yells above the din of the backhoe. "What are they waiting for chief?" "For you to tell them where to dig." "Anywhere," Mulder shouts, "Let's get this show on the road." The chief motions for the backhoe operator to start digging. It is well past midnight when the first scoops of dirt are lifted; revealing nothing. Mulder orders the backhoe operator to dig deeper. By now they are attracting a small crowd, the chief was right, news does travel fast in a small town. "They have to be here," Mulder mutters to himself, his hopes fading with every scoop of dirt. The chief approachs Mulder, "Agent Mulder, I don't mind helping out with your investigation but my men are beginning to question why we're here at this spot, at this hour." Just then the backhoe operator yells, "I've hit something!" Mulder runs to the hole with the chief right behind him. He jumps in and hits a flat white stone with the beam of his flashlight. He digs around the stone with his fingers, exposing all of it. It's flat on one end and curved at the top and about 3 feet long. He flips the thin stone over and shines the flashlight on it. It's engraved with the words, 'Susan Higgins, 1874.' Mulder has to smile as he wipes his sweaty forehead on his jacket sleeve. He lifts the stone up to the chief, whose only words are, "Well I'll be damned." Mulder instructs the backhoe operator to dig deeper still. He turns to the chief and says, "I think, we've found your missing pioneers. Do you think you can arrange to get these people moved chief?" "Agent Mulder, I think when the good townfolk hear that their kids have been playing on a grave yard, they'll be more than happy to move them." "Chief, I would consider it a personal favor if you would move a couple of these bodies right away." Mulder turns adding, "I want them to know we mean business." "Who's we?" The chief asks with a funny look on his face. "Just make sure they get moved." Mulder turns to leave. "Aren't you gonna stick around Agent Mulder?" "No sir, I have more important things to tend to. Chief, you think I could get a lift to my car?" A deputy drops Mulder at the bed and breakfast where he picks up his car and heads back to Fort Wayne. The drive back is an anxious one. Mulder knows no one but Scully would understand his motives. He just hopes he can someday tell her. He calls Skinner, but the news is not good, there is no change in Scully's condition. Back at the park, Chief Grant is true to his word. He makes arrangements to store the bodies that are being unearthed at two local funeral homes. Mulder swings into the hospital parking lot and races up the sidewalk. The elevator ride to the fourth floor seems to take forever. He finds Skinner, Maggie and William outside Scully's room. A despondent Maggie looks up as she softly speaks to William, offering him a toy duck. Skinner approachs Mulder, who's wearing the same suit from yesterday, his face and hands are filthy and his hair is disheveled, he looks worn out. Skinner blocks his way to William and Maggie. "Agent Mulder! Where the hell have you been?" "Out sir," is all Mulder says trying to sidestep Skinner, but Skinner is having none of that. He grabs Mulder by the arms, "Look Mulder! Your resposibility is here, to Scully and Maggie and your son!" "That's exactly what I was doing sir, taking responsibility," Mulder says through clenched teeth. "Now, get out of my way!" Skinner releases Mulder as Maggie approaches holding William. Mulder lifts the baby from Maggie, holding him to his dirty cheek. William seems to have inherited Mulder's intuitiveness because he begins to cry, as if he's afraid. Mulder holds him close as his own eyes grow moist. He can't look at Maggie, certain now she must hate him for ditching Dana yet again. Mulder moves to Scully's window, holding William tight he looks in. William twists in his arms unaware of his mother just on the other side of the glass. Scully is laying still and near death. Maybe he's wrong, maybe this conclusion was too easy to jump to. Maggie approachs Mulder, gently laying her hands on his forearm, "Fox, Dana once told me she believed you and trusted you. I want you to know I feel the same. I'm sure you have done all you can." Mulder looks at her as tears leave dirty trails down his face, "I'm not sure this time it was enough." Back at the park, Chief Grant has his men who have grown in number, lifting Susan Higgins' coffin from the ground. It's in such a fragile state that they first have to shore up the bottom with planking before they can remove it. Mulder turns William back over to Maggie and goes down the hallway to clean up and compose himself. Upon returning, he finds Skinner and Maggie gone. He slips into Scully's room, taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, he pulls up a chair to Scully's bedside and grasp her hand. No one, no rules were going to keep him from his vigil from this point on. He rubs his stubbled cheek across her hand. Chief Grant stands by as the backhoe driver moves the lever pulling the straps tight. The driver pushes another lever forward to lift the coffin from its resting place for the first time in more than 125 years. The coffin is slowly lifted from the ground as the hearse backs up and it is slid inside. Once secured, the hearse pulls away to deliver the remains of Susan Higgins to the Renner Funeral Home to await burial at Oak Park Cemetery. Mulder clasps Scully's hand tightly as he continues rubbing it against his cheek. Suddenly he feels her fingers coil and relax. He looks up certain it's just reflexes taking over but her eyes are fluttering and slowly open. Mulder leans in to nuzzle her neck. "Scully it's me." He draws back just as she opens her mouth softly saying, "Who are you?" Mulder freezes. Scully whispers, "I had ya big time." Mulder breaks out in a wide grin, blinking back the tears. Stroking her hair he says, "Yeah, you sure did." Mulder looks up to see her temperature is down and her vitals are returning too normal. Scully's eyes are closed but she manages to say, "Mulder what happened?" Mulder shakes his head, "It doesn't matter now. You get some sleep." He kisses her forehead and walks out of her room. He leans against the wall next to her room and sobs. The evacuation team continues to unearth bodies as day light breaks. Mulder catches Skinner, Maggie and William at the elevator. He gives them the good news and takes Will as Skinner and Maggie head to see Scully. Mulder goes to the room that Maggie and William share, showering and shaves. The State Police relayed Mulder's and Scully's luggage and professional gear to the hospital. Mulder feeds William, changes him and curls up with him on the bed. Soon father and son are both asleep. Maggie and Skinner find Dana sleeping so they leave her to return a few hours later to find her sitting up and free of all the tubes and hoses except one IV. Scully is surprised to see them as they enter her room. "Mom! What are you doing here? Where is William?" "He's with Fox. Honey how are you feeling?" "Considering what the doctors tell me I've been through, I feel good." Maggie clasps Dana's hand, "We were so worried about you. Fox called and we caught the next flight out." About that time, the door opens and Mulder walks in holding William. He carries the little boy facing foreword, as his eyes meet his mother's he begins to jump in his father's arms. He leans foreword holding out his tiny hands to her. Scully grabs him holding him close, tears falling from her closed eyes. Skinner has his hands on his hips and is shuffling his feet, as he looks around the room with red rimmed eyes, visibly touched. Maggie moves from Dana's bed to stand beside him. Mulder takes Maggie's place sitting beside Scully as she and Skinner slip out of the room. Mulder is no longer the one sitting in the hallway as Scully celebrates another victory over death, he and William are now her family. Scully continues to hold the little boy close as she softly speaks to him. He hangs onto her every word. They have a phenomenal connection even for a mother and child. Mulder moves to the other side of the bed laying his lanky frame next to hers. Will drools on Scully's gown as he is racked with hiccups. Mulder and Scully both laugh at the startled look on their sons' face. Scully looks up at Mulder. As if reading her thoughts he says, "Scully, I think you were affected by the same curse or transference, whatever you want to call it, as the other victims were." Scully starts to speak, "Mul." "How else can it be explained. You contracted an often-fatal disease after a visit to the park, you didn't respond to aggressive treatments but the minute I had the first body moved you recovered." Scully looks stunned, "You had them moved?" Mulder moves from laying next to Scully to sitting up, resting his hip on the bed and facing her. He weaves his fingers into hers as she holds William. "I was certain you would die, I did what I had to do." Mulder says as he chokes back the tears. Scully leans over and grasps Mulder around the neck. "Thank you, I love you," is all she manages to whisper. Mulder moves in to kiss her just as the doctor bursts in. They look at one another with grins covering their faces. The doctor approachs Scully's bed, "Now that is a Kodak moment if I ever saw one." Mulder slides off the bed and takes William from Scully. The doctor steps around the bed and holds his finger out to William. Will pulls' back burying his head in his father's chest. "He doesn't meet a lot of strangers," Mulder says, as Will chews' on his fingers, turning his head to look back at the doctor. The doctor looks from Mulder to Scully, "I think he looks like his mother." "Thank God," Mulder sighs. The doctor turns to Scully, asking her how she's feeling. "I'm fine," Scully says as she sees Mulder roll his eyes. How many times has he heard her say that, "But a little tired," she adds. "Well, I think we'll keep you one more night Dana but your recovery is remarkable. The aggressive use of anti-virals seems to have brought about a complete turn around with no side effects. You're one lucky woman Dana." Scully looks up at Mulder and simply replies, "I know that." Mulder waits for the doctor to leave, then leans over to kiss Scully on the lips just as Will reaches in and put a small hand between them. Mulder looks down and at Scully and just shakes his head smiling, "We just can't win." Scully laughs. "We'll be back later." Scully nods and drifts off to sleep before Will and Mulder have even left the room. Skinner and Maggie stop by Scully's room on their way to the airport. They're flying out today. Tomorrow Mulder and William will fly back with Scully. The following day, Mulder has bundled all their luggage and gear into a cab and is headed back into the hospital to get Scully when his cell rings. "Mulder." "She's been released chief." "Me too," "That's interesting chief." "No thanks chief, we're headed home. Sounds like you're on the right track though. You'd make a good detective. You're open minded." "Well keep me informed." Mulder closes his phone, stuffing it into his pocket. Scully is just being wheeled out with Will on her lap. "Ok Will, go to daddy," Scully says as she hands the baby to Mulder. Mulder snaps Will into the carseat and helps Scully into the cab. He thanks the hospital staff and crawls into the front seat. Mulder looks back to see Scully happily occupied with Will. She glances up as their eyes lock. Mulder knows Scully had seen too much not to believe his version of the truth. She smiles at him and looks back to Will. ~ They are heading home. ~ ~The End~ Authors notes: This is a true story except for the X File. There is a Prentice Park, it is built over a cemetery and the people are still there. How do I know? It's my home town and I found the evidence in the exact same manner as M&S did. The name of the town has been changed to the name of its founder, Isaac Cavin to protect those who don't want to be on the world-wide-web. Everything else is factual from the early settlers to the fine home built by the Jewish emmigrants, to the cases of spinal meningitis. The X File just sort of wrote itself. This is my tribute to 71/2 years of M&S on the X Files. It's been a rush and I'm going to miss it! Thanks! GG7