

Summary: Mulder and Scully once again meet up with Gibson Praise, and attempt to protect him from the syndicate. Set around season 6.
Disclaimer: The X-Files, and any characters therefrom who are mentioned in this story, are the property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, and 20th Century Fox. No infringement intended.
"Gibson, it's alright Gibson" Scully tried to pull Gibson up from the edge of a cliff.
"Dana! Dana! I can't hold on I'm slipping." Gibson said frantically.
"You're not going to fall, sweetie hold tight to my hand." Scully tried to reassure him.
"I can't"
"Yes you can, hold tight and pull. You can make it . I know you can! Scully's voice was urgent.
"DAAAAANNNA!!!!!!!!!!!!," he screamed.
With strength she never knew she had, Scully yanked Gibson up and pulled him towards her. It was much easier than she had expected. He fell into her arms, and the two tightly embraced. But as they stood, Gibson's small body slowly began to disappear, dissolving into nothingness.
"Gibson!" Scully cried out.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Mulder.
"Mulder?" Scully asked.
"Saving his life might not be as simple as you think. Things aren't always black and white," Mulder said without emotion. Scully looked at him, wondering.
"I don't understand."
"Look" Mulder commanded. Scully looked behind her to see Gibson standing there, smiling.
"You did it Dana, you saved me."
"I still don't understand" Scully whispered, confused.
"You will" Mulder said mysteriously.
Scully woke up breathing heavily.
8:37am
January 21st '99
Scully entered the office and sat down at her desk.
"Hey," Mulder said.
"Hey," Scully replied, thinking.
"Something wrong?" Mulder inquired.
"Sort of, I had this strange dream last night. I was trying to save Gibson Praise. I was trying to pull him up from the edge of a cliff. I managed to pull him up, but then he... just disappeared. That's not the worst part though. Just after that, I looked up and you were standing beside me."
"That would be a nightmare" Mulder interjected with a smile.
"Are you listening, or not?" she inquired.
"I'm listening" Mulder said. Scully continued.
"You said something about things not being black and white, and then I turned to see Gibson, perfectly fine, standing behind me. He said that I'd saved him. I said I didn't understand, and you told me that I would. It was really freaky." Mulder sat for a moment contemplating what Scully had told him.
"Dreams don't necessarily mean anything you know," he offered.
"I know but this seemed so real, like someone was telling me that I had a mission to save Gibson." Scully said.
"I don't know, maybe someone is telling you something. We'll just have to wait and see," he said. She looked at him.
"You're right. No sense worrying about it until it happens."
Just then they heard shouting outside the office. They went to see what was happening.
"Agent Mulder, Agent Scully" a man called. Mulder and Scully pushed past people to get to the voice. It was Skinner kneeling down next to an unconscious boy.
Scully looked down at the boy. She recognised him .
"Oh my God!" she exclaimed in a worried whisper.
"He said he wanted to see the two of you. He looked shocking when he arrived. He said his name was......"
"Gibson Praise" Scully stammered.
"Yes," Skinner answered.
"Somebody call 911." Scully commanded.
"I'll go" a women in the background said. Scully bent down to Gibson, he was bleeding heavily form his head, he was as white as a sheet.
"Someone get me something to bandage his head with," Scully ordered.
The bathroom was right there, so someone rushed in and fetched some towels. They passed them to Scully, who gently wrapped Gibson's head.
"You're going to be fine sweetie. I'm right here" Scully promised the unconscious boy.
5:12pm
Gibson awoke in a hospital bed. Scully was sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Hey, how do you feel?" Scully asked softly .
"Dreadful. What am I doing here?" Gibson asked.
"Mulder and I found you on the floor outside our office. A colleague of our's said you were coming to see us?"
"Yeah, I wanted you to help me. Ever since the men took me away they have treated me badly. I finally escaped 6 days ago. I decided to come to the only people I could trust , " Gibson said, smiling at her.
"I'm so glad you're alive," Scully said genuinely.
"Why? So you can perform more tests of your own, to learn things from me?" Gibson was only half joking.
"I'm so sorry," Scully said truthfully.
"That's OK. After spending months with those evil men, it's good to have anyone care about you even a little. I know you were only doing what you thought was right. Not like the others at all. It's just that after spending so long as a 'Lab Rat', I 'm so sick of it. I don't want any more pain, or to be used for tests just to serve other people," Gibson said, with tears in his eyes.
"It's alright, no more tests from now on. Your wellbeing and happiness comes first," Scully said in a motherly tone stroking his cheek.
"You really do mean that, don't you?" Gibson looked at her. He sensed a genuine warmth he had never felt from anyone before.
"Of course I do. I'm your friend, remember?" Scully assured him.
"I consider you a friend too. No-one's ever cared about me the way you do. Not even my Mum ." Gibson made Scully's heart melt.
At that moment, Mulder entered the room.
"Hey, Buddy," Mulder said to Gibson. Mulder sat down in a chair next to him.
"Brought you a present" Mulder said. He lifted up a bag.
"For when you're a bit better," he explained, "There's 'Simpsons' tapes and some 'King of the Hill.''
"Thanks" Gibson said, extremely pleased.
"My pleasure."
Gibson's expression changed from a happy one to a serious one.
"You want to know what they put me through, why I'm in such bad shape, why I could have died if I didn't get to a hospital." Gibson looked at Mulder.
"Yes, but you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"One thing I have to tell you is that they'll be coming after me. They spent the last few months performing tests and collecting information. And they want to continue, they want to use me as their tool."
"We'll protect you. That's a promise," Scully said trying to put Gibson at ease.
"There might be nothing you can do," Gibson said, matter-of-factly, "After all they took me last time."
Scully had a guilty look on her face. Gibson realised what he had said.
"I'm sorry," Gibson smiled weakly at her.
"That's okay." Scully squeezed his hand.
"It will be different this time, you'll see," Scully said.
"We'll see." Gibson was doubtful.
That night Gibson slept restlessly. His temperature was high, and his injuries were causing him a high degree of pain. Scully was at his side.
Scully slept less than Gibson did.
7:00am
January 22nd
In the morning, Mulder got a call from a man whose name he didn't know, who he had taken to calling the 'Fat Man'.
"Agent Mulder," he said.
"Yes," said Mulder slowly, the voice sounded familiar to him. "Who is this?"
"I'm a member of your so-called consortium. I just rang to ask about Gibson Praise. How is the boy?" The man's tone was cold and deadly.
"Being treated better than you ever treated him," Mulder growled.
"Agent Mulder I must warn you that we have eyes and ears everywhere. It's only a matter of time before we take him from you again." The line went dead in Mulder's ear.
10:02am.
Mulder arrived at the hospital to find Gibson with a little more colour, but still on strong painkillers. Neither Gibson nor Scully were awake. Gibson had been sedated and Scully was just simply exhausted. Mulder sat in a chair in the room, motionless, never removing his eyes from either of them. Scully was sitting in a chair with her head lent up on the side of Gibson's bed- she was holding Gibson's hand. Mulder noted how right they looked together. Scully awoke half an hour later to see Mulder sitting there. She sat up.
"Hey," she said
"Sleep well?" Mulder inquired
"As well as can be expected." Scully was not really concerned with herself and switched her gaze to Gibson.
"How is he?" Mulder inquired.
"He didn't have a good night, but his fever's down this morning, so that's good."
"Scully, I got a disturbing call from a member of the consortium early this morning."
"What?" Scully was immediately alert.
"He said that they will get Gibson back one way or another." Mulder looked grimly over at Gibson.
Scully stood up and came and sat in a chair next to Mulder.
"We-we'll protect him. We can do it. We have to." Scully was determined. "What exactly did they say?"
"He said that they have eyes and ears everywhere, and that it would only be a matter of time before they take him again," Mulder said sorrowfully.
"We just have to be careful, that's all, -check for bugging devices, that sort of thing." Scully would not look on the situation as hopeless.
Gibson stirred and slowly opened his eyes.
"Dana" he coughed weakly. Scully and Mulder went to his bedside.
"You feel a bit better, sweetie?" Scully sat down on the edge of the bed.
"I feel as though my temperature isn't as high as it was last night."
"Yes, your fever's down. You're on the mend ," Scully told him.
"Then why do I feel a high level of worry and tension in this room? They're coming after me aren't they? You've heard something. You can't hide it from me, remember."
"We're not going to lie to you. They're coming after you, but Scully and I are going to do everything in our power to stop them," Mulder told him.
"Thanks for being honest," Gibson said appreciatively.
January 31st
3.00pm
The previous nine days had passed without incident.
Dr. Gates, a tall, fair haired man smiled down at Gibson.
"Looks like you can go young man, but only because you will be staying with Dr Scully. You'll still not be able to do that much. You should try to stay on the bed and avoid walking as much as possible. Okay?" Gibson nodded. He already knew what the doctor was going to say before he opened his mouth. Sometimes he got a little sick of hearing things twice.
"Try not to make sudden movements and stand up to quickly, unless you want to faint again!" Doctor Gates smiled, reaching down to pat him on the shoulder. "You should be fine in no time."
"Thank you doctor," Gibson smiled back.
Just then, Mulder and Scully entered the room.
"Hey," Gibson addressed them both.
"Hey Buddy," Mulder said.
"You ready?," Scully asked Gibson, sitting down on the edge of his bed.
"Mm-hmm," Gibson replied, happy but uncertain of what to expect. He knew that his captors would be one step closer once he left the hospital.
"OK then," said Dr. Gates. He wheeled a chair that was in the corner of the room over to Gibson's bedside. Scully got up off the bed and the doctor lifted Gibson into the chair.
"OK, who's going to push?" the doctor inquired.
"I am,"Scully said.
"OK then. It's been a pleasure to have you with us, Gibson."
"Thank you."
"Thanks for all your help doctor," Scully said.
"Not at all."
Scully wheeled the chair out into the hall and into the lift.
Noone said anything. Each was in their own world, thinking exactly the same thing. What dangers awaited them beyond the confines of the hospital?
3.48pm
Scully put the key in the lock and opened the door to her apartment. Mulder helped Gibson to the couch.
"There you go," Mulder said cheerfully.
Gibson looked up at Mulder. "Yeah, I would," Gibson read Mulder's thoughts.
"Would what?" Mulder inquired.
"Check for bugging devices."
"No, I doubt that there are any here," Mulder lied.
"You're lying, don't try to hide things from me. In actual fact, I'd feel a lot better if you did check for any dangers," Gibson said.
Mulder smiled at Gibson. "OK."
6.21pm
That evening, Mulder went out to get take-out.
Scully and Gibson were left in the apartment.
Even though 3 hours earlier Mulder had turned up no evidence of any bugging devices or any indication that they were being watched, Gibson still sensed in Scully a high level of apprehension. This was not easing Gibson's own already high level of fear.
Gibson was sitting on the couch and Scully was sitting on a chair opposite.
"You're worried about me, aren't you?" Gibson asked.
Scully tried her hardest to put all negative thoughts out of her mind.
"No, Mulder turned up no form of surveillance. Everything is going to be okay."
"You really believe that, don't you?" Gibson inquired happily.
Gibson did not believe a word she said, but he let her think she was comforting him.
"Yes I do," Scully did quite a good job at deceiving. But she couldn't hide it from Gibson.
"Thanks Dana. I needed that." Gibson smiled at her.
Scully came over to the couch and gave Gibson a hug. They hid their faces from one another, both had a look of utmost dread and misery.
Just then, Mulder came back.
"I'm back." Mulder broke into a broad smile when he saw Gibson and Scully. Scully and Gibson slowly pulled away and turned to face Mulder.
"Hi," Scully said.
"Everyone ready for dinner?" Mulder asked.
"I am," Gibson said.
"Yeah, I'm starved." Scully smiled.
Scully helped Gibson up and the two made their way into the kitchen. Mulder lagged behind a little. He had noticed how uneasy the two had seemed.
"Something must be wrong, they're not acting normally," Mulder thought to himself. He sighed, and pushed the thought away, before following the others into the kitchen.
10.53pm
Later that night, Scully carried the seemingly sleeping Gibson to her bed. She popped him under the covers, removed his glasses and put them on the dresser. She kissed him on the forehead, turned off the light, and left the room. Gibson smiled.
Scully went back out to Mulder who was sitting in a chair in the lounge.
" He asleep?" Mulder asked.
"Yes," Scully smiled weakly.
"Everything alright?," Mulder was concerned.
"Mm-hmm." Scully went and sat down on the couch. She looked as if she was about to cry. Mulder kept his eyes fixed on her, concern written all over his face.
"You're not alright," he said getting up and moving towards the couch.
Scully buried her face in her hands, crying softly.
Mulder sat down on the couch and put is arm around her.
A few minutes later, Scully lifted her head up, leaning into Mulder, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"It's stupid. I shouldn't be feeling this way. Your search turned up no bugging devices of any kind, no evidence that they're watching Gibson... no threat to him. But I can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen, and that we can't stop it. We're not dealing with amateurs. And my dream, I can't stop thinking about it. It was clear - his life depended on me. I care about him. We're all he's got, and I don't want to see anything happen to him."
Mulder stroked her face.
"I know you don't, neither do I. We will come through, Scully, we'll come through this together."
Scully hugged tighter to Mulder.
Gibson was lying awake in bed and had heard every thought that had gone through the minds of his two friends. Although he was scared to death,
he muttered under his breath:
"I believe in you guys."
7.25 am
February 1st
Gibson awoke to find Scully sitting in a chair beside his bed.
" Hi, did you sleep well?" She asked leaning over and taking his hand.
"Yeah."
"Good, you want breakfast in bed or do you want to get up and have it on the couch?"
"I think I'll get up," Gibson said.
Scully handed Gibson his glasses that were on the dresser.
Gibson sat up and put them on. Scully helped him out to the couch. Gibson sat down. Scully walked over to the kitchen.
"Do all the crying you needed to last night?"
Scully stopped; that took her off guard. "What?"
"I heard you and Fox talking last night. You cried. I heard every thought that went through your head. You're dreadfully worried something's going to happen to me. Don't lie," Gibson's voice was pleading.
Scully walked back over to him. She bent down and took his hand.
"Well, you seem to know all my true feelings on the subject." She smiled. "I know I shouldn't have lied, but try to understand. I was just trying to ease your worry."
Gibson opened his mouth to speak, but Scully interrupted him.
"I know, I know. I know it doesn't work with you. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Gibson smiled. "You're forgiven."
Scully stood up.
"Now what do you want to eat? There's "
Gibson was not listening, something else had caught his attention. He sensed a presence across the street. There was a man
"Dana!!!!!!!!!!" Gibson screamed. He leapt off the couch and with what little strength he had and pushed her over on to the floor. She hit the ground. A bullet smashed through the window, shattering the glass, and found the back wall. Seconds passed before Scully was game to sit up again. She was fine, but on looking closer at Gibson, he was not. He was lying on the ground, passed out. Although he had not been hit, he had leapt up too fast, and the energy he had to summon to save Scully was too much for him.
Scully lifted Gibson onto the couch and lightly tapped his face.
"Gibson, come on" she whispered urgent. He slowly came to.
As soon as Gibson opened his eyes he asked Scully, "Dana, are you okay?"
"Yes. The bullet hit the back wall. I'm fine. Thank you for saving my life."
Scully looked warmly down at Gibson and held his hand.
"What kid wouldn't try and save the only person who's ever given him the love of a mother?" Gibson replied.
Scully was a little uncomfortable. Sensing this, Gibson quickly changed the subject.
"We have got something to worry about after all," Gibson said, the fear evident in his voice. He started to sit up.
Scully put her arm at Gibson's back.
"Take it easy there, you just fainted remember." Scully helped him sit up.
"You just sit there quietly," Scully told him.
Scully walked off.
She found herself a screw driver and made her way over to the wall where the bullet had lodged itself. Easing the bullet out with the flat edge, she placed the slug in an evidence bag. She then called the FBI crime lab.
"FBI crime lab."
"Hey Danny. It's Dana."
"Dana! How's it going? Please tell me that your not just ringing for a chat and that you actually have some evidence for us boys to analyse."
"Yeah, I've got a slug for you folks to give the once over. You up for it?"
" 'course Dana. You gonna bring it in?"
"Well, actually, Danny, I know this goes against protocol and all, but I really can't get out there right now. You think you could send someone out to pick it up?" Sensing Danny's reluctance, she added, "C'mon, I'll owe you one. Please?"
"Well... alright, but I'll hold you to that ," He smiled.
"Great. I'm at home,"
"Okay then, someone'll be over in about 20 minutes."
"Thanks Danny."
Scully hung up.
10 mins later
There was a knock at the door. Scully, who was sitting in a lounge chair opposite Gibson, got up and answered the door.
"FBI courier. I'm here to pick up the evidence."
"Well, that was quick!" Scully commented as she handed over the evidence bag.
"Yeah it was quick. I was in the area."
"Well thanks for coming out." She smiled at the stranger at the door.
"No problem Miss Scully. Have a nice day."
"Thanks. Same to you." Scully shut the door. She turned back to Gibson, who had a puzzled expression on his face.
"What's wrong?" she inquired.
"Uh...well... that man," Gibson started, "I-I... I just couldn't read his thoughts. It's like he was hiding something from me. Like he was physically blocking his thoughts so I couldn't read them."
"What?!"
At that instant the phone rang. Scully lifted the receiver, not taking her eyes off Gibson. "Scully," she began.
"Dana, it's Danny. Listen, I don't think I'm gonna be able to get someone out to you right now. I'm really sorry, maybe later."
Scully inhaled sharply with shock. "Uh-uh, thanks fo-for trying Danny." Scully hung up. She and Gibson shared a worried look.
Scully run to the window as she saw a truck pull away the name on the truck read "Natures Best Corn Oil."
8.00am
Mulder, Scully , and Gibson, all sat in the lounge thinking of what to do next.
"Well you two obviously can't stay here," Mulder stated.
"Where should we go?" Gibson asked.
"You might be able to stay with some friends of ours. They're security mad and I'm certain you'd both be safe there."
"When do we leave?" Scully sighed.
"I'll just give them a quick call to see if it's okay to have you to stay. I'm sure it will be."
Mulder walked off to give the Lone Gun Men a call.
"Who are they?" Gibson asked
"You'll see" Scully said.
9.39 am
Mulder, Scully, and Gibson were at the Lone Gun Men's' place.
"You did a thorough check for anything that might pose a threat?" Byers asked Mulder.
"Scully's apartment was turned up side down," Mulder assured him.
"A call that Scully made seemed to have been tapped though." Mulder looked over at Gibson.
"I could not read the thoughts of the man who came to pick up the bullet, it was so weird. I was completely shut out. . Normally people can't shut me out at all. He definitely was not your everyday FBI courier. I'm certain he works for them. It still does not explain though why they nearly shot Dana, and how they knew where she was. Where I was, for that matter," Gibson was sitting on a chair.
"Maybe you didn't look hard enough Mulder," Byers suggested.
"I'm open to that possibility," Mulder said.
"Well you should be safe here." Byers smiled at Gibson.
"Thanks," Gibson replied.
Scully faced the Lone Gun Men. "There's something else. Just before the man who took the bullet pulled away, I was able to catch a glimpse of the name on the side of the truck he was driving. It said 'Nature's Best Corn Oil'." She stopped and looked from face to face of the three men in front of her.
"Nature's Best Corn Oil?" Byers shrugged, "Never heard of it."
"Is there anyway you could find out about it for me?" Scully asked.
"Well... we could enlist the help of an online associate of ours, 'Satan's Angel'. She specialises in these sorts of things," offered Frohike. Noting the look on Scully's face when he mentioned her handle, Frohike chuckled and quickly added, "Don't let her name fool you, she's really very nice." He looked mockingly over at Langley, "Isn't that right, Langley?"
Langley looked uncomfortable, and Scully was sure she even detected a slight blush on his face.
"We could get her onto it right away, if you'd like?" Byers said.
"Yeah, that'd be great."
11.27pm
The Lone Gun Men, Mulder, Scully, and Gibson were all sitting in the lounge, when there was a knock at the door.
"You want to get that Langley?" Frohike asked with a smirk.
"Yeah I'll get it."
Langley open the door to a tall, blue eyed blonde Woman.
"Hi, I'm Simone Brooks...er, Satan's Angel."
"Hi," Langley replied, a little mesmerised. He recovered himself quickly,
"Come in. It's nice to met you."
"Likewise," Simone replied.
Langley lead Simone to the lounge. He introduce her to his companions.
"This is Frohike, Byers, Mulder, Scully, and Gibson," listed Langley, pointing to each of them respectively.
" Hi, nice to meet you all. I'm Simone Brooks."
" Nice to met you too.What did you want to see us about?" Mulder interrupted the pleasantries.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you more on the Net, but you know how it is."
Simone looked around nervously.
"Is this place secure?. Noone could be listening in could they?"
"No chance," Scully smirked.
"We are very tight when it comes to security," Langley assured her.
" Good. I couldn't run the risk of a third party looking in. Might have proved dangerous. I mean, this IS the first time I've hacked into the very heart of the DOD. Those guys have eyes and ears everywhere." She looked at all of them with a grim earnestness.
"What made you think that you'd find something in secret government files? I mean, it's supposedly a harmless food company."
"A hunch," she replied, plain and simple. "I'd exhausted every other possible avenue of investigation, and it was all that remained. I mean, if these people did take away the only piece of evidence Scully had, then it stands to reason that they were no ordinary company."
"What did you find?" Byers asked
"Two encrypted, highly confidential files. I'm serious, there were so many security measures in place that the hack itself took ages. I think I was nearly caught."
"Could you decrypt them?" Langley asked.
"No, I couldn't. I tried all afternoon, right up until the minute my plane left. I tried everything, and every decryption software I could get my hands on. But nothing."
"Did you bring them with you?" Frohike asked.
"No. I shredded them, they could be deciphered, and I didn't want to run the risk of bringing them with me, just incase I was intercepted. I wouldn't put anything past our government."
I'm going to stay and help you guys if that's alright. The file is impossible to decode but I could help you in other ways?," Simone replied.
"Your help would be great," Langley said.
"We'd offer you a place to stay, but...."
"I know , you don't have to explain. Scully, and Gibson are in more need of a place to stay. I've already booked a room in a nearby hotel."
Gibson had been sitting quietly on the couch.There was something about Simone that seemed very familiar to him. He also got a feeling of deception and untrustworthiness from her. Gibson finally spoke up.
"Uh, excuse me Simone. Do I know you from somewhere? You seem familiar somehow."
Simone turned her attention to Gibson,
"I'm afraid not, I've never see you before in my life. Maybe you're thinking of someone else"
"Perhaps I am" he said slowly, "I'm sorry."
"Not at all," Simone replied, forcing a false smile.
Gibson knew she was lying, but since he could not remember where he had seen her, he decided not to say anything. He continued to study her face for a while afterwards until Langley broke the silence.
"What time can you be over tomorrow, Simone?"
Simone chuckled slightly, "Whatever time suits you guys, I've got nothing else to do."
"Ok then, how's eight thirty sound?"
"Great. I'll get going now. It's pretty late."
"I'll show you out," Byers said.
"Thanks. See you all tomorrow."
Simone smiled at each of them in turn, staring at Gibson for what seemed to him like an eternity. Gibson felt a cold rush shoot down his spine. If he'd ever been sure of anything in his life, he was sure that Simone was not to be trusted.
Byers and Simone left the room.
"Hey guys, you don't mind if I crash on your couch tonight, do you?" Mulder asked.
"Yeah sure. No problem, Mulder," was Frohike's reply.
February 2nd
7.18 am
Gibson awoke to the smell of pancakes. He sat up and put on his glasses and watch . Mulder walked past Gibson's room, he paused and stuck his head around the door.
"Hey. You're awake."
"You sound surprised. What did you think? I was going to sleep all day?," Gibson asked kindheartedly.
Mulder smiled, "I'm sorry." He moved and stood in the doorway.
"Something smells good," Gibson said, as he climbed out of bed.
"Langley's making pancakes... better hurry if you want some. They're actually quite good."
"Sounds good. I'm starved," Gibson replied.
Mulder walked into the room to help Gibson.
Mulder put out his hand.
"I'm okay, you don't need to help me walk, I'm a little unsteady but I can walk by myself. True, I shouldn't be standing around too long, or be on my feet for a long period of time. But I can get to the kitchen by myself. Really, you guys don't have to fuss so much. It is nice you care though."
"Sorry I guess we are babying you a bit."
"It's okay really."
Mulder and Gibson walked out to the kitchen.
" 'morning," Gibson said, addressing Scully and the Lone Gun Men.
He sat down at the table across from Scully.
"Good morning," Scully said smiling.
"You want a pancake?" Langley asked.
"Yes please, they definitely smell good."
"Here you go," Langley handed him a pancake on a plate."
"Thanks"
"Want something to drink? Orange juice okay?," Langley asked.
"Orange juice, yes please," Gibson answered.
Langley got a glass from the cupboard and poured Gibson some juice. He passed the glass to Gibson.
"Thanks"
Gibson took a sip.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Byers announced, as he rose to his feet and left the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Byers retuned a few minutes later, followed by Simone.
"Well look who's here," Mulder said when he saw her.
"Hi," Frohike said. "But you weren't supposed to be here for another hour," he continued.
"I'm early? Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you said 7.30."
"That's fine. Want something to eat?" Langley inquired.
"Alright, sounds great. Can I have one of those pancakes?"
"Sure"
"Well, what are we going to do?" Simone asked.
"Mulder's going back over to Scully's. Well, at last that's what he said last night," Byers replied.
" Yeah , I'm going back to check for bugging devices that I may have missed," Mulder informed Simone.
"Sounds a little dangerous, do you want some back up? I can come if you like?"
"That would be good. Are you sure?"
"Sure I'm sure,"
"You're a bit quiet this morning, kiddo." Simone turned her attention to Gibson who was gobbling down his pancake.
"I am? Sorry," Gibson was wary of Simone. He thought she seemed too eager to help Mulder. Also, he heard the words flash across her mind, 'Thank you very much, Mr Mulder, you're all too naive.'
"Was it good?" Simone said in a sweet voice, pointing to his empty plate.
"Yeah."
"You get to try one yourself," Langley said, putting a pancake in front of her.
"Thanks"
Gibson, not missing an opportunity to get more information on Simone's intentions, inquired, "Hey Fox, can I come with you and Simone when you go search Dana's place?"
Scully who was sipping on coffee spat it back into her cup.
"Certainly not. It's not safe. You've got to stay here, we don't want anything to happen to you now do we?"
"I just thought..." Gibson started.
"You just thought nothing. You're not going anywhere, and that's final," Scully replied.
Gibson sat back and didn't say another word.
"She's right, kiddo, your safety is the main thing here. We can't give away where you are to these people," Simone said.
"Yeah, I'm sure my safety is your primary concern," Gibson said sarcastically.
"Gibson don't be so rude," Scully scolded, looking up from her coffee.
"Sorry," Gibson said as sincerely as he could, but his tone still had more than a cold edge to it.
Gibson heard something odd from Simone's thoughts. She kept repeating the word focus over and over.
"Focus, focus on what?" Gibson inquired.
Simone was instantly caught off guard she thought to her self 'damm kid'. She regained her composure quickly.
" It's nothing , just mental exercises" she smiled.
"Really?"Gibson said coldly.
"Uh, Fox, when were you planning on leaving?" she inquired.
"Whenever... I'm ready now if you like?"
"Right now's fine."
"Okay, I'll just get my jacket."
8.23 pm
Mulder and Simone were searching Scully's apartment, it was turned upside down.
Mulder walked into the lounge room.
"I can't find anything. We're running out of places to look. You got any bright ideas?,"
Simone was sitting on the couch staring at the TV remote. She turned to Mulder,
"I was thinking, people use there TV remotes a lot right?," Simone asked. Her voice was distant.
"Yeah"
"And it is a well sealed piece of equipment. It's about the last place anyone would think to look. I wouldn't have thought of it either but I almost sat on it when I sat down."
"You think the bug could be inside the casing of the remote?" Mulder inquired with intrigue in his voice.
"We've covered every other square inch of this place," Simone offered.
"Let's perform surgery on the remote then. I asked for a bright idea and you gave me one," Mulder smiled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The casing came away from the remote. Mulder put the screw driver down on the coffee table. He shifted his eyes to the remote, he smirked for on top of the wirings was a small round black device. Mulder picked it up and held it up to Simone.
"You were right," he mouthed.
"That's it that's the bug," Simone mouthed in surprise.
She was sitting in a chair in the lounge and Mulder was on the couch, she came over and sat next to Mulder.
"Well, what are you going to do with it," she continued to mime.
"This," Mulder mouthed back. He dropped the bug on the ground and stepped on it."
"Well, I guess that answers my question," Simone resumed putting sound to her words.
"Lets get out of here," Mulder said relieved.
"Shouldn't we clean up here first?" Simone asked.
"It would take awhile. Besides, I want to tell them all the good news. We can come back later. God, this place is in a mess. I want to thank you for your help, I would have never thought to look in the remote, that was a really ingenious idea."
"It was nothing," Simone replied modestly.
"Shall we go?" Mulder asked, his tone still showing appreciation for her finding the bug.
"After you," she tipped her hand.
Mulder got up and walked to the door. Simone lingered a few seconds, the look on her face showed anything but humility, her expression was self satisfied.
8.43 am
"The TV remote? that's where it was?" Scully said feeling very elated by the news .
"Yep," Simone replied.
"Well at least Gibson and I can go back to my place and be sure that big brother isn't looking over our shoulder at every turn," Scully said, relieved.
"Uh, that may be a problem. Your place is a bit of a mess. Besides, we don't know if they have other ways of knowing where Gibson is, and until we have explored more possibilities, he should stay here with all the security he can get. You and I could go over and get your place cleaned up, but Gibson should stay here for awhile. Better to be on the safe side," Mulder said.
"Okay then, you three won't mind some house guests for a few more nights? If Gibson's staying, I'm staying." Scully faced the Lone Gun Men.
"That's fine," Byers affirmed.
5. 49 pm.
Gibson sat in the lounge, reading the novelisation of "Star Wars."
Simone, who was sitting in a chair staring at him spoke. "You're being rude kiddo. When someone is sitting doing nothing in the same room as you, you should talk to them."
"If you haven't got anything to do, then maybe you should go see what your fan club is
doing in there. I'm sure you would be most welcome. And you could stop annoying me," Gibson replied curtly, still with his head in his book.
"Listen kid, you've been extremely rude to me all day, and I want to know why," Simone said angrily, getting up and knocking Gibson's book on to the floor. She stood in front of him.
"I don't like you. You've got a deceptive mind and I don't trust you. Now, I don't know who you work for, but I suspect you work for the very people you say you're trying to help us defeat."
"That's crazy."
"No, it's not. There have been so many thoughts cross your mind about your true loyalties and your cover. You aren't very good at covering up your true thoughts. Then again, I suppose it's hard forcing one's thoughts not to betray them. But you've come up against me now, and I'm afraid you can't hide anything from me. Unfortunately for Dana and the others, they can't read minds, so they think you're wonderful. You really should win an Oscar for your outward show. I must give you credit though, you managed to keep your thoughts on track when you told Fox you would come to search Dana's place with him. And then when you got back and told us about the bug, you seemed so genuine. But if I had to guess, I think you planted that device yourself. It's a pity I do have to guess, because if I knew for sure, it would go a long way in convincing the others."
Just then, Mulder and Scully walked into the lounge.
"We're back. All cleaned up. The place was a mess. At least we can all breathe a little easier now." Scully smiled, putting her hand on Gibson's shoulder.
"Yes," Gibson replied, looking loathingly at Simone.
"What's the matter with you?" Mulder inquired.
Gibson got up and picked his book up off the floor.
"I'll go read in my room for awhile," Gibson announced, and walked off.
"Gibson, come back here. Gibson," Scully called after him.
"What's the matter with him?," Scully asked.
"I think he's got the wrong impression of me. He accused me of being here to spy on you, and that I work for your enemies. I don't know how I could have given him that impression," Simone said sweetly.
"I must apologise for him, but he really is a great kid. I'll go and talk to him" Scully said.
"That would be great. Don't be too hard on him though," Simone added.
"I'll handle it," Scully replied. She walked off.
Scully knocked on the door of Gibson's room. Gibson was sitting on his bed, reading.
"Come in Dana," he called.
Scully opened the door.
"Hey," she said .
"Hey," Gibson replied, putting down his book.
"Can I talk to you for a sec?" she asked.
"Sure."
Scully sat down on Gibson's bed.
She looked awkward. Gibson sensed what was on her mind.
Gibson looked at Scully, "I'm not going to be any nicer to Simone. I don't trust her." Gibson's tone was sharp.
"Why not? She's a lovely person and she's on our side. Langley and the others wouldn't be friends with her if she wasn't. She likes you, why don't you like her?"
"She's deceiving us . She's good, she's very good at playing the kind, caring, friend who will rush to offer her help and time. But I just don't believe it's genuine. I read minds, remember? I hear the true nature of a person, and Simone is deceitful."
"Gibson, I think you're wrong in this case. Please, could you try to be a little nicer to her?" Scully's voice was forceful.
"No," Gibson was convinced.
Scully shook her head.
"I think you're being unfair . Where's that kind hearted boy we all know?" Scully asked disapprovingly and slightly scolding.
"I don't trust Simone Brooks, and I think you need to know more about this before making snap judgments. I'll tell you what I know if you like?"
"Alright."
"Okay, I'll tell you a few of the sorts of thought's that have been crossing Simone's mind. Right after Fox said she could with him to come search your apartment with him, she thought, 'Thank you very much, Mr Mulder, you're too naive,' or something like that. Then, after you told me I was being rude, she thought 'Damm kid.'"
Scully looked a little shocked, but kept quite.
"Also, 'Simone what a ugly name', and then she thought, 'It's criminal what a perfect tool he is, and I do hate to have to break up such a close bond, and why did that black lunged jerk give me such a menial task.' Also 'You'll be working for us soon kid.' There is more, but I can't quite remember all of it word for word."
Scully sat quite still considering what Gibson had just posited. She finally spoke.
"I dunno Gibson, Simone seems pretty sincere."
"You don't really believe that, I know you don't. You don't want to believe that I am in any real danger, you don't want to think that I could be taken away from you. But you have to listen to that little voice inside you that's telling you to believe me. You can help me better that way, and you're the only one who can make the others believe. They *really* don't want to think anything bad of Simone."
Scully sighed. I don't know what to think. Can we talk about something else?"
Gibson nodded. "I've been wondering when you would ask me about my parents," Gibson read Scully's mind.
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want, but I have been wondering......"
Gibson interrupted Scully.
"You were wondering why I called you the only person who had ever given me the love of a mother. Well, because it's true, " Gibson replied seriously.
Scully smiled, not sure what to say or think. Scully finally settled on,
"What about your own parents?"
"My parents?" Gibson said sadly.
"My Dad died two years ago. Dad was great. Mum's a different story though. All she cares about is money, fancy parties, owning everything that opens and shuts,and nannies for me. She only came to see me when she wanted to impress people, or use me to find out what people were thinking. All the rest of the time she'd tell me I was worthless and think of me as a waste of space that was draining her money. I've been a chess prodigy since I was five. Mum just loved the fact that I could be of such use to boost everyone's opinion of her. My Dad was kind and gentle but weak. Never did stand up to Mum. He and I used to do things together though. So, I was not totally deprived of parental love, but I away's wanted a mother who cared about me. "
Scully looked at him sadly, "What about your nannies? Were they nice to you?"
"As nice as nannies can be. I mean, I'm not their kid, and they didn't love me like a mother should. Looking after me was just a job. But they never put me down, If that's what you mean."
" Oh sweetie, you poor thing ," Scully said tenderly and sorrowfully, drawing him close. She hugged him tightly.
Gibson sensed a really unspoken motherly love from Scully, she was thinking to herself
"Who wouldn't want to be his mother?"
Gibson didn't let on that he knew what she was thinking, but he smiled to himself.
Scully sat around.
" I'll let you read some more of your book."
" Okay thanks, see ya," Gibson smiled up at her.
She then got up and left the room.
Scully walked back into the lounge and slumped down into a chair.
"What did he say?" Mulder asked putting the paper down on the coffee table.
Scully moved her hand over her face, clearly of two minds about what Gibson had just told her.
"He doesn't trust her. He thinks she's deceiving us," Scully replied.
"Did he say how or why?"
"Yeah, and to tell you the truth, I'm having a hard time not believing him. He sensed some pretty incriminating stuff from her."
"Like what?," Mulder asked.
"Where's Simone?"
"They all went out for a walk. Said they wanted to get some fresh air," Mulder said.
"Okay. Firstly, when you told her she could go with you to search my place, Gibson said she thought something about you being naive, and thanking you."
"That's not much," Mulder said.
"There is more. Then she said to herself something about how criminal it was that he was such a perfect tool, and that Gibson would be working for them soon. Gibson said that she thought to herself 'Why did that black lunged Jerk give me such a menial task.' "
Mulder shock his head. "Scully, I'm not going to believe she's here to take Gibson away. Gibson's had a lot done to him since we last saw him, maybe he can't sense as well as he used to. Gibson's just a little paranoid."
"Well, believe what you like, but I've got some thinking to do. I don't want to believe that Gibson is going to be taken away.It's just that he's got a real gift, and it can't be ignored." Scully said, realising more and more with every word she spoke that Gibson was in danger.
"Did you tell Gibson you believed him?"
"I don't know what to believe."
6.11 pm.
Gibson walked into the lounge where Mulder and Scully were.
"Hi," Gibson flopped down in a chair.
"What are you two doing?" he inquired.
"Gibson, you've been walking a fair bit today. Stay off your feet for awhile."
"Dana, come on, I'm fine," Gibson replied.
"Stay off your feet or at least get someone to help support you." Scully was sharp.
"Fine," Gibson sighed.
Mulder took that instant as his cue to jump in,
"This may sound a little strange, but I'm going to make dinner," Mulder announced.
"You! You're making dinner?," Scully mocked.
"You can't even boil water. How do the others feel about you cooking?" Scully asked.
"They're fine with it. Said they would be interested to see what I come up with."
"Interested is right. Let's face it, Mulder, cooking is not your strong point," Scully noted.
"If it doesn't work, we can always get take out," Gibson remarked.
"Oh ye of little faith," Mulder teased playfully.
"You two find something to do, and when the others get back, tell them to do the same. I'll cook up a storm."
6:22pm
Gibson was watching the Simpsons in the lounge.
Simone, Frohike, Byers, and Langley arrived back.
Gibson hit pause on the video.
"Fox is making dinner. He said you were all to find something to do while he created his masterpiece."
"A masterpiece, eh? Can't wait," commented Frohike.
Scully stuck her head around the kitchen door to witness Mulder balancing about six items in his arms, as he made his way from the fridge to the stove. He placed the food down next to the cook top and examined the many knobs which bordered it. A look of deep concentration crossed his face, and the hint of a frown. He finally reached out to the furthest knob from him, and turned it with an anti clockwise twist. As he did so, a raging flame sprang up from the smaller burner... which was not the one Mulder had intended to cook on. The sudden, vicious flame made him jump back in fright. He quickly grabbed the knob, quelling the flames, and Scully just detected a small sigh of relief escape his lips. That was her queue to speak. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Mulder?" Scully asked with a wry smile.
Mulder jumped at the sudden voice behind him, and spun around at his partner.
"Of course I know what I'm doing," Mulder said defensively, "I'm just a little... rusty, that's all."
Scully made her way over to Mulder. "So what are you cooking, anyway?" she asked, examining the limp vegetables and battered egg carton Mulder had selected from the fridge.
"Well... I thought I'd make an omelette. How's that sound?"
"I'll let you know when I taste it." There was a hint of mocking in her voice.
"Good then. Now, I'm afraid you'll have to leave. A master chef can't have any distractions in the way of attractive young laddies breathing down his neck."
Scully looked up at him and smiled. "I guess I'll leave you to it then." With that, she turned and exited the kitchen, leaving Mulder to cook in solitude.
6:36 pm
"Hey Scully, get in here," Mulder shouted from the kitchen.
Scully emerged quickly from the lounge.
"You rang, oh great exalted chief?" Scully asked playfully .
"My masterpiece is nearly ready. Here, try some." Mulder handed her a fork with a small sample of omelette on the end.
Scully looked at it warily. It actually smelt quite good. She took the fork from Mulder, said a little prayer in hope that it wouldn't kill her, and closed her eyes, sticking the omelette in her mouth. She chewed for a few seconds, then swallowed hard. Mulder waited with baited breath. He was sure she wouldn't like it. Scully opened her eyes and looked up at Mulder. "You know, that's actually not half bad."
Mulder's face lit up and he broke into the largest grin Scully had ever seen cross his face. "Really?!?!? You really like it?!?!?! 'Cause I thought it might be a little spicy, but I wasn't sure, and..."
Scully cut him off. "Mulder, I mean it, it's good." They shared a warm smile.
"So tell me Mulder, what made you decide to cook dinner?"
"I dunno... a challenge, perhaps." He chuckled slightly.
"A challenge, huh?," she emphasised the world challenge.
"Yeah... that and Frohike was threatening to serve us up some of his all time favourite red, hot, HOT chilies." They both laughed.
"Oh shit," Mulder turned back to the cooker. His omelette was burning. He grabbed the frying pan and stuck it under water.
"Well that's the end of that," Scully said looking sympathetically over at Mulder.
The Lone Gun Men and Simone came into the kitchen.
"What happened? We can smell smoke," Byers said urgently.
Mulder motioned to the frying pan immersed in water.
"Oh," Frohike commented.
"Hey guys what happened? You leave me in here, and then don't tell me anything," Gibson called from the lounge.
"Oh sorry Gibson," Langley called back.
Mulder walked out to the lounge.
"What happened?,"Gibson asked.
"Dinner burnt. Takeout it is," Mulder said slightly dejected.
7. 33pm
Everyone was sitting around the table eating pizza.
"My compliments to the delivery boy," Gibson noted while sucking on a glass of coke.
"Yeah, it's pretty good. My omelette would have been better though," Mulder corrected, with a sheepish smile.
"I must admit you cook better then I gave you credit for," Scully replied.
"Well, I propose a toast," Byers chimed in.
"What for?" Gibson asked.
"For the bugging device in Scully's apartment being found, for all Simone's help, and that we're one step closer to making sure Gibson is safe. We've still got things to do before every possibility is neutralised. I don't know though. I've got a good feeling about all this. I think things are on our side," Byers declared.
"I'll drink to all of that," Simone said.
"Me too," Scully said, hiding a hint of worry and uncertainty.
"Okay." Mulder raised his glass, followed by everyone else in almost perfect unison.
"To everything that Byers just said," Mulder announced.
Everyone laughed and clinked their glasses.
Gibson sat back in his chair as everyone around him, all except Scully, chatted.
Gibson looked over at Scully who was lost in thought.
7. 47pm
"Well, does anyone want to watch a movie or something?" Langley asked the gang. Gibson read Langley's thoughts,
"Sure, 'Aliens', great," Gibson said, tuning back into what his friends where talking about.
"What?" Scully asked, coming out of her own world.
"Scully, you're a million miles away," Mulder noted with a slight laugh.
"I was? Sorry," Scully replied vaguely
Gibson sensed Scully had been pondering over the Simone situation. He smiled.
"Who's up for 'Aliens'?" Gibson inquired.
"Sure, haven't seen that in ages," Mulder remarked.
"I'm up for it, as always," Frohike replied.
"I'm in," Byers announced.
"Why not," Scully stated.
"Well, everyone else is in. What about you?" Gibson directed at Simone.
"I've never seen it. I've heard about it, but never seen it."
"You've never seen 'Aliens'?" Gibson smirked.
"No. Isn't that a little scary for a boy of your age?" Simone inquired.
"Lady, I'm 12 years old, 13 on May 29. I'm not six," Gibson replied.
"Hey, which version have you guys got? The director's cut, or the normal one?," Gibson asked.
"The normal one," Langley said, giving Byers an evil look, which Gibson observed with interest.
"Why are you looking at him like that?" he asked.
Langley turned to Gibson and replied,
"We would have the director's cut on tape, if Byers here hadn't messed up the taping." Langley looked as if he had finished what he was going to say.
"I'm listening," Gibson encouraged.
"We had the normal one on tape but last time the director's cut was on we naturally wanted to tape it. We thought we could fit it on the same tape as the normal one, if we edited the commercials. I can't remember what Frohike and I were doing, but we left Byers in charge of taping. Byers forgot to edit the commercials so the tape ran out. So we don't have it. Last time the normal one was on we taped that again, so at least we've got that."
"Hey man, I fell asleep, ok?! You can't blame me for that, it'd been a long day," Byers threw back at Langley.
"Well, the normal one is good even if the special edition is better," Gibson commented.
"Can we watch the film instead of just talking about it?" Mulder asked.
"Yeah, I guess we'd better," Langley said.
7.55pm
Everyone was seated in the lounge with popcorn, ready to watch 'Aliens.'
"Well, shall we start?," Simone asked.
"Yep," Byers said, turning on the T.V.
On the T.V there was a Kodak film add.
"Hey, good idea! Anyone want a photo taken? I've got 2 or 3 pictures on my camera left and I do really want to get it developed. We've got things to celebrate. Might be nice to take some photos?" Byers asked.
"Sure, photos sound good," Gibson remarked.
"Okay then, I'll get my camera."
-------------------------------
Byers returned a little time later with his camera.
"Who wants a photo?" he asked.
"How about me, Dana, and Fox altogether?" Gibson volunteered.
"Us?" Mulder asked, not too willingly .
"A photo sounds nice, I'll be in it Gibson," Scully said.
"Great , thanks," Gibson said pleased.
"Sure your don't want to be in it Mulder?," Byers asked.
"No, Just take one of Scully and Gibson."
"Okay then," Byers replied.
"Where do you want us?" Gibson inquired.
"Um, where you both are is fine."
Mulder who was seated on the couch with them got up.
"Okay smile you two. And hey Scully put your arm around Gibson," Byers suggested."
Scully put her arm around Gibson and they smiled.
"Alright that's perfect,"Byers commented.
Byers clicked the camera.
"All done. Sure we can't tempt you Mulder?" Byers said.
"Yeah, please? It would be nice," Gibson persisted.
"Oh, alright," Mulder conceded.
"That's the spirit," Langley chimed in.
Mulder sat down on the couch next to Gibson.
"Yeah that's good," Byers said, putting the camera up to his eye. Say 'Kodak moment.'"
They smiled and Byers took the photo.
"Great, that was good, any other takers for a photo?"
"Can I have one by myself?" Gibson asked.
"Sure."
Mulder and Scully got out of the way of the photo.
"Smile," Byers said,
He clicked the camera. The automatic rewind came on.
"Well, that's it," Langley remarked.
'Good, it's about time we dispensed with the family Kodak fun,' Simone thought, nauseated.
"I'm sorry you're not enjoying yourself," Gibson remarked making eye contact with Simone.
"No, I'm just waiting to watch 'Aliens'," Simone replied, with a genuine air.
"Well, let's get this show on the road," Mulder said. Langley hit play on the video.
10.34 pm,
The end credits rolled.
"What did you think?" Byers asked Simone.
"To be honest, I didn't like it very much. Ripley was too aggressive, and it was much to gory. Nute was sweet, but her scream! My God, she sounded like a chipmunk! I really don't think playing the role of the bad guy suits Paul Reiser. He's much better in 'Mad About You'. Overall, I think the script was just weak. Bishop was the saving grace. Lance Hendricson's a great actor. Pity he had such a limited script to work with. But ya know, the most implausible thing was how Nute and Ripley formed such a close mother-daughter bond in such a short time. I mean, I know Nute was a six year old kid and all but..."
"It's not that impossible," Scully replied, staring coldly at Simone.
Everyone fell silent.
Some seconds later, trying to move the conversation along, Simone said,
"Well at least James Cameron redeemed himself with 'Titanic.'"
Scully's mouth dropped open. "You liked 'Titanic'?"
"Yeah, me and most other people in the world," Simone replied.
"How can you like 'Titanic'?! It was so bad. Rose and Jack were nothing more than arrogant self-absorbed children. Rose didn't care about the lower classes, she was just bored. All she wanted to do was trade her life for a more exciting and interesting lifestyle. She didn't want to help anyone less fortunate. And Jack, he just hooked up with her. I can't believe so many people liked it. And furthermore, it's beyond me why it was called 'Titanic'. It had virtually nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic!" Scully said.
"Here, here!" Frohike said, clapping loudly.
"Well, I liked it," Simone said.
Langley turned to her,
"Sorry you didn't like 'Aliens.' I think it's great. Ripley's just strong, she's really a very compassionate person. Lance has been good in every role he's ever been in. I think his acting just added to the very well scripted, fleshed out character. He's even better as Frank in 'Millennium'. That role was just made for him."
"Yeah 'Millennium' is a really good show," Simone voiced.
Langley continued,
"Can't say I like 'Mad About You' though. Paul Reiser is just so wooden, and the stories don't help either. I mean he's a good actor, he just needs to be given a good character to play. He pulled off the slimy jerk really well in 'Aliens'. I just find that movie so well scripted. You like the characters and feel for them, and that's a really rare thing. Oh well, different horses for different courses, I suppose."
" What happens in the next film? I suppose they crash land on some planet where there just happens to be more Aliens? And then they fix Bishop, beat the Aliens, and then live happily ever after? Let me guess, Ripley and Hicks get together and play Mum and Dad to Nute?" Simone asked in a sarcastic voice.
Mulder answered her,
"Er, actually, no."
Gibson hadn't joined in the conversation.
Scully turned to him,
"You okay."
Gibson looked tired and pale.
"I'm just tired."
"You don't look good. I think you should go to bed. You have pushed yourself a bit over these last few days. Mulder will help you to bed" Scully said.
"I'm alright, I don't need any help," Gibson said as he stood up, and immediately went dizzy. He fell back on the couch.
"Are you alright Honey !?!," Scully asked with alarm.
"I just went a little wizzy," Gibson replied weakly.
Scully looked grimly at Gibson, and held his hand.
"Mulder is going to put you to bed Gibson. You'll be fine with a good night's sleep."
Mulder got up and lifted the boy into his arms,
"Come on, lets get you to bed."
" I'll see you in the morning Gibson. Have sweet dreams,"Scully said gently.
"Good Night," Gibson replied .
Mulder and Gibson left the room.
"He looks bad, poor thing," Simone said bleakly.
"Yes, he does. But he'll be okay," Scully replied.
"He's lucky to have you looking after him."
"He needs all the looking after he can get after what he's been through,"Scully responded.
"It's up to us to make sure he doesn't go through anything more," Simone replied gravely.
"Yes, he's got to be kept safe," Scully replied, wary of Simone.
11.42pm.
Simone, Scully, Mulder, and The Lone Gun Men, were seated in the lounge talking .
Simone looked at her watch,
"Is that the time? I better be going."
She stood up.
"I'll just check in on Gibson though."
Scully's eyes widened,
"No," she said quickly.
"Um, I mean he's not too well, wouldn't want to wake him."
"I'm sure it'll be okay, you wont wake him," Byers chimed in.
"No, she's right. I'll see him tomorrow anyway." Simone smiled a evil smile to herself.
11: 51
Langley joined his friends in the lounge after seeing Simone off.
"I'm going to go check on Gibson," Scully said getting up.
"But you just told......."Langley said confused.
"I know what I told her. I don't trust her."
"I take it this means you believe Gibson?," Mulder asked.
"He's in danger and I'm going to protect him," came Scully's quick and firm reply.
"What, believe Gibson about what? What are you talking about?," Frohike asked.
"Um, Mulder could you fill them in," Scully asked.
"Sure"
"Thanks"
12.11am
Scully stood silently, looking worried at Gibson .
"I believe you, I believe you, Gibson. I'll protect you, I'll protect you from her. With my last breath I'll keep you safe. You'll be alright. I promise you," she thought to herself.
Mulder came and stood at the door of Gibson's room.
He stood looking at Scully and Gibson, not saying a word or moving a muscle.
Some seconds later Scully bent down and kissed Gibson on the cheek . She then turned around. She gasped when she saw Mulder.
She joined Mulder in the doorway.
"God Mulder, you scared me," she whispered so as to not wake Gibson.
"Sorry. I told the others"
"And?," Scully asked.
"They need some time to think."
"Oh, geeze."
"Look, it's a lot to take in, she's their friend. I must admit I'm coming around though."
Scully grasped his hand "Thank you. It's late, you better be going."
"I'm going to crash on the couch again, it's a very good couch they've got."
Scully turned her eyes to Gibson, she looked tenderly at him.
"He'll be okay Scully."
"I hope so."
February 3rd
1.37am
Gibson was dreaming.
"This is important. I need all the information you can get," a familiar man's voice said. His face was covered by darkness, but plumes of smoke trailed into the light.
"Yes sir," said a woman with an English accent. She was also covered by darkness.
"Shouldn't we sedate him?" asked a man, as he came out from the darkness. It was the first elder.
"He has been given an amnesia injection. He should just remember faint images," CSM said, as he stepped into the light.
"Hopefully," CSM muttered under his breath so no-one could hear.
"Doctor Cain, you may begin," the first elder commanded.
The woman, who was blonde with blue eyes, came into the light. She moved over to an operating table .
Gibson was lying on the table. He looked petrified.
The woman came closer to Gibson.
Gibson awoke, and sat up screaming. He was shaking, sweaty, frightened and his heart was beating fast.
Lights in the house went on a few seconds later. Mulder came into Gibson's room. He sat down on the edge of Gibson's bed.
"Gibson, what's wrong? What is it?" Mulder asked concerned, turning on the bedside lamp.
"It's her, it's her," Gibson said between frightened grasps.
Just then, Scully entered the room.
"What's going on? Are you alright Gibson?" Scully asked, worried.
Scully come over to the bed. Mulder got up and she sat down.
Gibson clung to her. Scully held Gibson tightly.
"Shhhhh. Shhhhhh, it's okay sweetheart. I'm here, you're safe, everything's fine," she said softly and tenderly. "You want to tell me what's the matter?," she asked gently.
The Lone Gun Men came in and stood at the back of the room.
"What's going on?" Byers asked.
"We're just about to find out," Mulder said, joining them at back of the room.
"It's her. I knew I knew her!" Gibson said, still scared and shaking, but taking comfort from Scully.
"Who? Who is it honey?" Scully asked.
"Simone, she's the, the doctor that performed the tests on me. For the men who kidnapped me. She's not your friend Simone, her real name is..." Gibson tried desperately to remember.
"I can't... I can't remember," Gibson said, frustrated.
"It's okay, you don't have to right now," Scully assured him.
"How do you know Simone's not who she says she is? Dreams can be a jumble sometimes, people can be substituted for other people. And we just watched 'Aliens.' That can be pretty scary," said Langley.
Gibson flashed an angry look at Langley.
"I don't find 'Aliens' nightmare material. I know, okay. I knew the other night that Simone seemed very familiar. I don't care what any of you say, I sense a real untrustworthiness and deceitfulness. She works for them, she works for those men. My dream was obviously just some suppressed memory. She was getting ready to perform tests on me. Your Cancer Man was there giving her orders. Doesn't anyone believe me?" He looked around frantically from face to face.
Scully looked over at the four of them.
"Why don't you guys get back to bed? We'll discuss this in the morning," Scully suggested.
The Lone Gun Men and Mulder left the room.
"You believe me? Don't you Dana?" Gibson had sensed all night she did, but needed her confirmation in words.
"Yes I do. You should know that? You should have sensed my thoughts."
"I did, I just needed to hear you say it."
"Well, I'm saying it," Scully replied warmly.
I'm sorry about before,it's just......."
Gibson cut Scully off,
"You care about me and you don't want to see anything happen to me," Gibson finished Scully's sentence.
Scully nodded,
"Yeah."
"It really means a lot that you care about me," Gibson said gratefully.
Scully smiled a humble smile and changed the subject.
"Don't worry about Mulder and the others, we'll bring them around tomorrow, " she assured him.
"There are still other problems. Those people, Simone's people, they won't stop until they've got me. I'm so scared Dana."
Scully reached her hand out and touched Gibson's face,
"Everything's going to be okay. I'm going to protect you. I won't let Simone and the the people she works for hurt you or make you suffer. I won't let them take you away from us. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I promise. I'm here for you and I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Don't worry. I mean it this time.
"I know you do, and I'll try not to worry. I promise."
"Good boy."
Scully stood up. Gibson snuggled down under his covers.
Scully turned off the bedside light.
"I'll see you in the morning." Scully walked to the doorway.
"Dana?" Gibson called.
"Yes," Scully replied, turning around.
"Thanks."
Scully smiled. "Have sweet dreams," Scully replied, before turning and leaving the room.
A man with electronic surveillance picked up a phone receiver and dialled frantically.
"Hello," said a voice on the other end of the phone.
"Sir," the man said anxiously, "we have a situation."
7:59am
"How could this happen?" The First Elder walked around the table, that seated members of the syndicate.
"A mistake, that's all. An error in judgment. Nothing that can't be fixed," CSM said between puffs of a cigarette.
"You said the boy would not be able to remember us," the ominous Strughold replied.
"The boy is unique. We had no way of knowing how our procedures would affect him. We can fix all that though. Our operative is doing an excellent job of infiltrating the boy's protectors. She's the best we've got, she won't let us down. " CSM vaguely lifted a hand to the attractive, blond woman sitting on the other side of the table.
"I will do my best, but my best may not be good enough. It's hard to keep my thoughts from wondering to my true objective. I think I may have contributed to him knowing who I am. He certainly knew from the beginning that I was not on their side. Anyway, Scully believes the boy and the others won't be far off," there was an unwavering certainty in her voice.
"Will just have to push our plans up slightly," Strughold told her.
"What of our other objectives?" she asked.
"We'll just have to forget about them. Focus on the boy, that's all that really matters."
"What about Scully?" Marita Covarubias asked tentatively.
Everyone stared at her. She continued. "We all know she is not about to give the boy up. They have become very close. Scully would rather die than let the child come to us. The others, I don't think would go that far, but she would."
Strughold turned to Simone.
"Obviously you'll just have to take him without drawing too much attention to yourself. But if you do encounter any resistance... shoot to kill. Anyone except Mulder that is, just injure him. We need that boy and not even Scully is going to stop us. Is that clear?" Strughold barked.
"Are you sure killing is necessary?" CSM asked.
"We were right to try to shoot Agent Scully before. She wouldn't have given us the boy then, and she won't now. Remember that she's of no importance to us." The First Elder glanced menacingly around the table.
"Are you clear on everything?" Strughold asked, staring directly at Simone, eyes boring into her.
"Crystal."
8 .47 am
Scully, Mulder, and the Lone Gun Men were all in the lounge.
"I'm not willing to think badly of Simone simply because a kid had a nightmare after watching 'Aliens'!" Langley glared at Scully.
"I don't see why you guys are so resistant to believing Gibson. He knows what people are about better than any of us. His abilities should really be helpful and welcomed. 'Aliens' is not that scary, and Gibson's seen it 4 times before. You're all about finding the truth no matter how far-fetched it seems. I'm supposed to be the skeptic around here."
Gibson was standing in the doorway of the lounge.
"None of you here are clear-headed."
Everyone looked around. Gibson was still rather unsteady on his feet. He sat down in a spare seat.
"You three," Gibson motioned to The Lone Gun Men,"don't want to think any thing bad about your friend. I'm the only one here with an uncompromised view, I know this is all hard for you guys, but I've been inside her mind, and I know her better than any of you. I sense that she is evil, and I don't believe she's your friend. My nightmare makes it all the more clear in my mind. It felt like so much more than a dream."
Gibson fixed a firm unyielding gaze on Mulder.
"Fox, I know you can't fully accept what I've told you, but I'm going to say this anyway. Your sister... you think about her a lot and her abduction, don't you?"
"Well yeah," Mulder said.
"You trusted your memory of her being taken. It's what set you out to find the truth. Now I'm not here to debate whether or not your memory is or is not real. But it was regression hypnosis that recovered your memories of her abduction. And it's not a hundred percent reliable. But as someone who has had only their memories and feelings to trust, I'm asking you to take a leap of faith and believe me. Please?"
Mulder needed no time to think, he smiled.
"I believe you. What should we do?"
Scully and Gibson smiled at each other.
Frohike looked sheepishly at Langley.
"You know, there's no harm in questioning her. If she turns out to be on our side, well and good. There shouldn't be too much damage done. We need to find out the truth."
"I agree," Byers said.
"Okay, when is she getting here?" Langley replied.
"She should have been here five minutes ago," said Frohike, impatiently glancing at his watch.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
Everyone looked nervously at each other.
"I'll get it," Frohike said.
Frohike walked slowly to the door.
"Hi," Simone said, smiling.
"Hi." Frohike couldn't help but let an edge of coldness creep into his voice.
"Come in."
Frohike lead Simone into the lounge. Upon her arrival, noone said anything. Simone stood there for 30 seconds in dead silence.
"Well, this is stupid. Isn't anyone going to say anything?" she asked.
"Who are you?" Mulder began.
Simone looked at Mulder like he was insane. "I'm Simone Brooks, you know that. What's going on?"
"We know you're not Simone. You're a doctor and you work for them. You were the one who performed those tests on me." Gibson looked at her loathingly.
Simone put on an air of innocence.
"I think you are mistaken, kiddo, I'm on your side."
"We don't believe you. We know you're only here to take Gibson away. But I 'm not going to let you," Scully said, determined.
"Alright then no more games. Let the boy come with me and I'll leave the rest of you unharmed. He's of no use to you. 'No more tests from now on. Your happiness comes first,' isn't that what you told the boy Miss Scully?"
"How did you know that?,"Scully asked.
"Knowing everything is our policy, Miss Scully."
"Where were you surveying them in the hospital?," Byers asked.
"Same place we were always surveying you from."
"Where? You mean the bug we found in Scully's apartment wasn't a bug at all?" Mulder asked forcefully.
Simone wouldn't answer him.
"Yes, and the real bug is in my watch. I was right, she did plant a fake one in
Dana's place," Gibson replied.
"Doesn't anything get past you boy?" Simone inquired.
Gibson looked at Simone curiously, "No."
"Well, I suppose that's just as well for us," Simone let her English accent slip.
"Your American accent's gone," Gibson said.
"Well of course. I'm English," she replied.
"Give me your watch Gibson," Mulder ordered kindly.
Gibson took his watch off and gave it to Mulder.
"Sorry about this," Mulder apologised to Gibson.
Mulder dropped the watch on the floor, and stepped on it.
"It doesn't really matter if you wreaked the watch. Nothing is going to be happening now except me taking Gibson from you. And we are going to make sure he never finds you again. Now if you come over here, Gibson, we can get going."
"Wait a minute. If you're not Simone, then who are you?" Langley inquired.
"Do you really think I'd tell you that?" she said with an air of smugness.
"Sara. Sara Cain," Gibson informed.
Sara looked at Gibson with astonishment.
"You're valuable to us boy."
"What about our friend?" Byers asked.
"I don't think you'll be hearing from her. Now this has gone far enough. Come on Gibson," Sara ordered.
"He's not going anywhere with you." Scully got up and walked over to Gibson. She placed her hands firmly on his shoulders.
"Yes I am, Dana, I'm going with her," Gibson looked up at Scully and smiled a slight smile.
"She means what she says about letting you guys alone, if I go with her. It's the best way. Otherwise she is not beyond killing anyone. Well, except maybe Fox, but the rest of you... I have to do this. I want to do this. You guys have given me so much. I want to give you something." Gibson switched his gaze to Sara.
"She's got a gun in her bag. She does have the means to stop you from keeping me here." Gibson got up and walked over to Sara.
" Gibson, I'm not letting you go." Scully was firm.
She started to walk over to Gibson.
"Well, if you're going to be stubborn about it, Miss Scully..." Sara pulled a gun on Scully and slowly pulled the trigger.
Gibson flew at Scully with lightning speed. He knocked her to the ground.
Gibson cried out in pain. As soon as they heard Gibson scream they knew he had been hit. Scully lifted her head and immediately her eyes were drawn to Gibson's chest.
"Oh God, no!"
Scully got up and knelt down beside Gibson.
Mulder and Sara shared a sombre glance. Sara dropped her gun. Mulder got up and, followed by Sara, they came and knelt down either side of Gibson. Sara was lost for words, she just looked slightly sad.
Scully pleaded frantically;
"Don't die on me Gibson. God, please don't let him die. Please."
"Don't die on you, you'll need a prayer. It looks pretty bad. It would be a miracle if he makes it. He's losing so much blood." Sara spoke with a sorry edge to her voice.
"Just shut up, he's going to make it. It can't be too late, it mustn't be too late," Scully said desperately .
"I'll call 911," Byers leapt from his chair and out the door.
Scully riped open Gibson's shirt, took off her own jacket, and pressed it firmily to Gibson's chest.
"That's not going to do much, he needs to be in a hospital, if he's going to have any chance, and even then his chances will be slim," Sara said.
Scully ignored her.
Gibson stirred in pain.
"Dana," his voice could barely be heard .
Scully looked up at Mulder, frightened haste shinning in her eyes .
"Mulder, press this as tight as you can," she indicated to her jacket.
"Tight, very tight,"she insisted urgently.
Mulder moved his hand to the jacket, she quickly jerked her hand away. Mulder symtanisly pressed his hand firmly to Gibson's chest.
"Got it," Mulder said gently.
Scully moved and knelt down at Gibson's head. "I'm right here sweetheart." She stroked his face. Her eyes were filled with tears.
She gently cradled Gibson's head in her lap.
"You're going to be fine. It's okay. Hang in there, you can do it."
"It hurts," Gibson said weakly.
"I know, but hang on."
"I'm not going to make it Dana, and if you listen to your head you know that as well. Sara's right," Gibson stated.
"Honey, don't talk like that. It's all right, Byers has called 911. Just a few more minutes. You're not going to die." Scully choked back tears.
"Do you hear me! You're a strong boy and your going to make it." she was adamant.
"You're scared and so you are letting your heart rule your head . I just want to die with you right here with me."
Scully realised in that instance that all the hope in the world would not make a difference.
"I'm right here. I won't leave you. I cross my heart."
"Fox," Gibson whispered. "Thanks for the videos."
"My pleasure Buddy," Mulder said, smiling down at Gibson.
Sara spoke up;
"Gibson, I'm sorry, I never meant for you to be shot."
"No, but you meant to take me back with you," Gibson replied.
Sara opened her mouth to speak, but Gibson called for Scully.
"Dana," he choked.
"Yes honey?" Scully responded.
"Dana." He smiled. "Thank you."
"For what, sweetie?"
"For being everything I dreamt a mother could be."
Scully stroked his face gently.
"If I'm worthy of being anyone's mother, I'm glad I got to be yours. I love you sweetheart. "
"I'm glad I could save you," Gibson said happily.
Scully softly uttered the words,
"Wonderful boy."
She kissed Gibson on the forehead.
As she did so Gibson smiled and closed his eyes, never to open them again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 7th
11:17am
4 days later, Mulder knocked on the door of Scully's apartment. Scully opened the door. She looked tired and was wearing old clothes, but she smiled at Mulder.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi. how are you?" he replied.
"I'm okay, come in."
They sat down in the lounge across from one another; there was half a cup of coffee on the coffee table.
"Can I get you anything?" Scully asked.
"No thanks, I just came to see how you are and give you these." Mulder held out a packet of photos.
Scully took out the three photos and began to look at them.
"Thanks for these," Scully said, still looking down at the photos.
She smiled. "This one's nice." She held up the photo Byers had taken of the three of them together.
Mulder smiled. "Yeah, it is. But I think the one of just you and Gibson is the best. It is really nice of the two of you."
Scully looked at the photo.
" You're right, it's lovely," Scully's tone was soft, sad and sentimental.
Mulder caught sight of another photo Scully had been looking at. It was her photo of Emily. Mulder looked at the little girl's photo with sad eyes.
Scully looked up from the photos; she was holding the photo of Gibson.
"This one came out well too," she said shakily. A tear rolled down her check .
"He died for me," she said, looking back down at the photo then up at Mulder.
"I didn't save him," she said, her voice guilty and sad.
"Maybe you did," Mulder said comfortingly.
"How do you figure that?"
"Think about it, Scully. You gave him the love of a mother that he never had before. You gave him a great two weeks," Mulder said.
"I could have given him a lot longer than just 2 weeks," Scully said, choked up.
"You'd be dead if it weren't for him. " Mulder tried to ease her guilt.
"Scully, maybe it's a good thing Sara shot him when she did," Mulder said.
"What?! I've never heard anything so heartless in all my life!" Scully raised her voice.
"I didn't mean it the way it sounded. But they would have taken him some way or another. Sara was just their first attempt. This way, he died happy, knowing he had saved you. He died with you right there. He didn't have to have any more tests, didn't have to be a tool, and he died knowing that you loved him."
Mulder took Scully's hand. She was almost crying.
"Your dream; it did come true. In saving him, you gave him the love he needed. You said in your dream, before he disappeared, it was easy to pull him up from the cliff? Well, we thought everything was on track when we found the bugging device. Then things slowly began to unravel. Didn't the person in your dream say something about things not being black and white?"
"Yes," She whispered sorrowfully.
Mulder reached down to the coffee table and passed Emily's photo to Scully.
"It's just like Emily, you saved them both," he smiled at Scully.
However his expression quickly changed. He said seriously, "Scully, there's something else I need to tell you." He paused. "Sara escaped from custody early this morning. Two guards were found shot dead, the security alarm had been disabled. No-one knows where she is."
Scully put her hand up to her mouth. "Oh God."
"I'm so sorry." Mulder looked at her sympathetically.
"Thanks for doping in."
"I can stay for awhile if you like?"
" Thanks, but I want to be alone."
"Are you sure?"
" Yes, really."
"Alright. You still want to come back to work tomorrow? You don't have to you know. Take as much time as you need."
"No,I want to get back to work. I need something other than Gibson to think about."
"Okay." He got up to leave. Scully got up as well.
"Mulder?" she said, putting her arms around him.
"You're such a good friend to me."
Mulder hugged Scully back.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Mulder said.
"Bye," Scully replied.
Mulder smiled, turned, and left her apartment.
Once he had left, Scully sat back down on the couch. She put the photo of Gibson on her lap along with the photo of Emily.
Scully looked down at them, the kid's faces smiled up at her.
Tears flowed freely down Scully's face.
The End