Fletcher - Chapter 18 of 18
By Dana Starbuck
Feedback to jbowne@top.monad.net 
Note:  I am posting this for a friend who only has access to the internet
thru work.  I did not write this, but I have agreed to let my friend use my
email account.  Any comments, please reference 'Fletcher' so I know to
print and pass on to her.
Distribution:  Archive only to ScullySlash Homepage only
Crossposting:  None please!
Keywords: F/F,  Scully/Other, Mulder/Other Friendship,  SOTL Crossover
(sort of)
Spoilers:  None
Rating:  NC17 for sex, ScSlash Rating - A & B
Summary: Scully becomes involved with a friend of Mulder's from his
pre-Xfiles past. 
DISCLAIMER: The X-Files characters and situations are the creations and
property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Broadcasting and
have been used without permission. SOTL characters are the property of
Thomas Harris and have been used without permission.  No copyright
infringement is intended and no money shall be made with this piece of
fiction.  All the others belong to the author.
THANK YOU: Special thanks to Rad, deejay and eeyore for beta-reading.



Saturday, Halloween, 9:15 PM

They could hear the music from the party when they pulled into the parking
lot.  A friend of the Lone Gunmen had rented an empty storefront in an
abandoned strip mall.  The windows had been covered with the usual tacky
Halloween decorations - witches, black cats, skeletons, ghosts, cobwebs and
the like.

"Well, it looks a little better from the outside than last year's party,"
Scully commented as they approached the entrance.

"It's because they've got a cover charge this year," Mulder explained.

A large man, taller than Mulder and at least fifty pounds heavier, stood in
the doorway, his body covered in gauze.

"The mummy, right?"  Mulder asked.

"Your powers of observation never fail to amaze me, Mulder," Fletcher said
sarcastically.

"Five bucks, please," the mountain of bandages rumbled.

"I've got it," Fletcher said, reaching into her pocket and taking out a
small wad of cash.  She handed him a twenty. 

"I hope the drinks aren't more expensive than last year," Mulder said,
ignoring Fletcher's comment as the bouncer stamped a black jack-o-lantern
on the back of his hand.

"Still two bucks for a beer, a buck for a soda," he answered.

"Well, who's the designated driver tonight?" Fletcher asked.

"Mulder's already had several beers."

"Do you want to drink or drive?" Fletcher asked Scully.

"I'm not a big beer drinker.  I'll drive."

"Great.  Here you go," she said, handing Scully the keys.

They walked further into the dimly lit room.  The interior design followed
the exterior decorating scheme, only to excess.  Dry ice had been thrown
into several buckets strategically placed around the room and the vapors
filled the air.  There were at least two, and possibly more, mirrored balls
hanging down from the ceiling, spinning slowly.  The 'Peppermint Twist'
blared from the speakers.

"Oldies?" Fletcher said, trying to raise one eyebrow but failing because of
the makeup.

"The first hour is 60's, the second hour 70's and so on," he explained.

"Remind me to disappear at 10:00," Fletcher said.  "I'm not much for disco.
 Anyone ready for a drink?"

"I could use another," Mulder said.

"Remember the rules," Fletcher said, trying not to shout to be heard over
the music which had suddenly increased in volume.  "If you set your drink
down, leave it and get another one.  I don't want anyone taking any
chances.  We don't know everyone here."

"Yes, mom," Mulder smirked.

"I'll go get the first round," Fletcher offered.  "Beer, Mulder?"  He
nodded.  "Scully, what do you want?"

"Diet Coke, Pepsi.  Anything's fine, really."

"Okay.  I'll be right back."

She disappeared into the thick crowd of aliens, Borg, vampires, and ghosts.
 Scully watched the crowd in amazement.  Star Trek seemed to be
well-represented, every character in abundance, though Star Wars was a
close second.  She looked at Mulder, his eyes on the crowd as well. <He
finally looks relaxed enough to enjoy himself> she thought.  <Good.  I
suppose the beer he drank on the way helped.>

A short man in a powder blue track suit with some sort of animal ears and
nose attached to his face walked toward them.  A number was pinned to the
front of chest and a long tail hung from the back.

<I don't get it.  What is he, a ferret?  What's the number for?>  Scully
thought.  <He looks familiar...Frohike?>  Scully silently groaned.

"Great costume, Mulder," he said, laughing.

"I could say the same about yours, Frohike, if I could figure out what
you're supposed to be."

<Thank you for asking, Mulder> Scully thought.  <I thought I was the only
one who didn't know what it was.>

"Think rodents and sports," he said cryptically.

"Sorry, my brain must be fogged from the noise," Mulder said.

"Rats," Frohike said.

"Excuse me?" Mulder replied, not sure if he'd heard him correctly.

"I'm a member of the rat race," he explained.

"Clever."

Frohike turned to Scully. "Dr. Frankenstein, I presume?"

Scully placed a small, faintly amused smile on her face.  "Yes."  She saw
Fletcher returning with their drinks and her smile widened.  Fletcher
nodded hello to Frohike and handed a can of beer to Mulder and a can of
diet soda to Scully.

"And I was so hoping you'd grace us with something a bit more flattering,"
Frohike continued.

"Something more _revealing_, I suppose."

"That's between me, myself and I," he leered unsuccessfully.  "Would you
like to dance?"

"Uh, no, thank you.  I have a date," she said, taking Fletcher's arm.  She
felt Fletcher flinch ever so slightly.  If she hadn't been holding her arm,
she never would've known it.  <What's the matter with Fletcher?> she
thought.

Frohike raised one eyebrow, looked at Mulder, then Fletcher, but said
nothing.  He spotted someone else he knew and disappeared into the crowd
after excusing himself.

"Great move, Scully," Mulder said with a smirk, taking a swallow from his
beer.

"Why?"

"Why don't you tell your 'date' on the dance floor," Mulder said to
Fletcher, who was chugging her beer.

"Do you want to dance, Scully?" Fletcher asked as a new song started, this
one slower and not as loud.  

"I guess so.  Sure."

Fletcher quickly finished her beer as Scully handed Mulder her soda. 
Fletcher took Scully's hand and led her to the dance floor.  <Good song for
us> Fletcher thought.  <Good ol' Aretha and 'Natural Woman'>.  She smiled
and put her right hand on Scully's hip and took Scully's other hand in her
left hand.  Scully laid her hand on Fletcher's right shoulder.

"Well, this is a first," Fletcher said.

"What's that?"

"We've never danced together before.  Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"I doubt most people know you're a woman.  In this crowd, with all the beer
being drunk and the drugs that are probably being consumed, I'm sure you'll
pass as a man."

Fletcher pulled Scully closer, her thigh pressing against Scully's mons.
Her hand slipped from Scully's hip  to the small of her back.  Her fingers
slowly traced small circles over the base of Scully's spine.  She laid her
cheek against Scully's, her breath hot against her neck.

"Keep that up, Fletcher, and we may have to ditch Mulder."

"We won't be going anywhere for awhile."

"Oh, really?  Why do you say that?"

"You know how I like to tease you," Fletcher grinned.

Scully slid her hand down Fletcher's chest, her hand brushing against
Fletcher's breast before resting on her hip.  She hooked her finger into
the waistband of Fletcher's pants.

"Two can play that game, Fletcher."

"Ooh, I like those kind of games, Red," she replied, a lascivious smile on
her face.  "Nobody loses.  We both win."

She spun Scully once, her thigh still lodged between Scully's legs.

"Fletcher?" Scully asked, trying hard not to concentrate on the ever
increasing pressure that Fletcher was placing on her clit with her thigh.

"Yes?"

"What did Mulder mean earlier, with Frohike?"

"Oh, Red..." Fletcher sighed.  "Frohike knows me.  All of the Lone Gunmen
know me."

"What are you saying?"

"You just 'outed' yourself to Frohike."

"Frohike?" Scully's face crumpled in disbelief.  "Does he know about you?"

"That I'm gay?  Yup."

Scully buried her face against Fletcher's shoulder.  "Do you mean to tell
me that the first person I've told other than Mulder was _Frohike_?"

"Yup."

"Oh, no..."

"Relax, Red.  At least he'll leave you alone now."

"Yes, there is that."  Scully's smile was small.  "Fletcher, is it too late
to change my mind?"

Fletcher took in a deep breath.  "About what?" <Don't panic.  Breathe. 
Find out what she's talking about first.>

"Do you think you could drive tonight?  I need a drink or three."

"Sure."  Fletcher tried not to sigh out loud with relief.  "I've only had
one beer."

"Thanks."

Fletcher let go of Scully's hand and put her arms around Scully's waist. 
Fletcher stopped dancing suggestively and instead held Scully,
affectionately, lovingly.  They danced to the rest of the song in silence,
each lost in their own thoughts, their bodies swaying together with the
music.

"Y'know, Red, you had me a little worried there for a minute," Fletcher
said as they walked off the dance floor.

"How so?"

"I thought you were going to...well, change your mind about _me_. About
_us_."

"Oh, no, don't worry, Fletcher.  I don't think I'll be changing my mind
about that."  Scully squeezed Fletcher's hand.

"How about you get us a couple of drinks?  I'm going to ask my bride to
dance," Fletcher said, changing the topic.

"Okay.  What do you want?"

"Anything but diet."

"I'll be right back."

Fletcher sauntered over to Mulder who was talking to a small group of
people dressed like aliens.  <How appropriate for Mulder> she thought with
a grin.  "Excuse me," she said taking Mulder's hand and pulling him away
from the group.

"C'mon, wallflower, let's dance," she laughed.

"Fletcher..."

"Loosen up, Mulder."

Fletcher pulled Mulder onto the dance floor.  He took Fletcher's hand,
beginning to lead.

"Uh, uh.  Nice try, Spooky.  I'm leading."

"Why do _you_ get to lead?"

"Who's wearing the dress tonight?"  She firmly took hold of Mulder's hand
and began to lead him in the dance.

"This is too weird," he said looking over her shoulder at the crowd, hoping
no one saw them dancing.

"Will you relax?"

"You'd better behave yourself, Fletcher."

"Why do you say that?  Afraid I'll cop a feel of those 44's?" She laughed
out loud at the face he made.

"I'm never coming to Halloween party again with you," he whined.

"Sure you will.  It's tradition.  I'm just sorry I missed last year's."

"Why?"

"Then I could've met Scully last year."

"I never would've introduced you then."

"Then why did you introduce us now?"

"I don't know."

Fletcher began to whistle the theme song to the 'Twilight Zone'.  "Looks
like you've found another X-File, Wonder Boy."

"I need another beer," he said, letting go of Fletcher's hand as the song
ended.

"Thanks for the dance, Spooky.  I sure hope I didn't waste the last slow
dance of the night on such an uncooperative partner."

"Meaning?"

"I'd better have another slow song to dance to with Scully."

"I'm sure you will.  If not, I'm sure the lack of the music won't stop
you," he smirked.  "Nothing stops you two from..."

"From what?"

"Never mind."  <I'm not going _there_ tonight> Mulder thought.

They walked over to Scully who'd returned with another round of drinks. 
Mulder quickly took his beer and took a long swallow from it.

"What a cute couple you make," Scully needled Mulder.

"I'll never forgive you - either of you - for this."

"So much for suffering in silence," Fletcher said, rolling her eyes at him.
 

"It's only for one night, Mulder," Scully said, trying to sound
sympathetic.

"Hey, Spooky, I've got a great idea for next year."

"What?"  he asked warily.

"You'll love it.  You can wear your everyday clothes."

"What is it?" he repeated.

"Scully here can dress up like an angel and I'll dress up as the devil. 
You can go as yourself."

"I don't get it," he said, a puzzled look on his face.

"The Good," she said nodding at Scully, "the Bad," she said, placing her
hand on her own chest, "and the Ugly," she snorted, pointing at Mulder.

Scully burst out laughing, then giggled when she saw the wounded look on
Mulder's face, which was only made worse by the makeup.

"I'm just teasing you, Spooky," Fletcher grinned, her arm around his neck.

"Why do you have to be so mean, Fletcher?" he whined.  "What have I ever
done to you?"

"Do you want me to start listing everything chronologically, or would you
prefer another method?"

"Forget I said _anything_," he grumbled.  "I'm going to go find someone
else to talk to, someone a little less cruel."

"But, honey, it's our wedding night..." Fletcher called after him.

He walked off in a huff to the sounds of their laughter.



Saturday, 11:35 PM

Scully set down another empty can of beer.  She slipped her arm around
Fletcher's waist.

"Where's Mulder?" she asked Fletcher.

"Off with that bunch of aliens again.  I think they're from the local
chapter of MUFON.  They think he's their Lancelot in their quest for the
Holy Grail of UFOs."

Scully giggled, the beer affecting her more than she thought.  "Fletcher,
is there a bathroom in this place?  My bladder feels as though it's about
to burst."

"In the back, past the bar, I think."

"Come with me."

"Every chance I get."  Fletcher smiled.

"Fletcher..."  Scully shook her head.  "Help me find the bathroom."

"Anything for you, Dr. Frankenstein."

She followed Scully toward the back of the room, her legs stiff and her
arms in front of her, imitating Frankenstein.  Scully stopped and asked
several people for directions before locating the hallway.  Two women, one
dressed as a vampire and the other dressed as Elvira  - <Now there's a
costume I haven't seen in years> Scully thought - walked toward them.  They
were both giggling and their eyes were bloodshot.

"Is the bathroom this way?"  Scully asked.

"All yours," Elvira said with a knowing laugh. "Last door on the left."

Fletcher immediately smelled the smoke and knew the two women hadn't been
smoking cigarettes.  The vampire's lipstick was smeared and Elvira was
sporting what appeared to be a fresh little 'love bite' on her neck. 
Fletcher grinned at them and quickly winked.

"Thanks," Fletcher said, nodding once to the women.

"Don't mention it.  Have a good time."

The two women continued down the hall, laughing and holding on to one
another.

"What did she mean by that, Fletcher?"

"Oh, nothing.  She was just being polite, I guess."

<Geez, she must be drunk> Fletcher thought.  <She's not _that_ na•ve.>

"Do you want to go first?" Scully asked, opening the door.

"No, you go ahead.  I haven't had that much to drink.  I'll wait here for
you."

Fletcher leaned back against the wall, her arms folded across her chest. 
Scully looked around the bathroom before closing the door.  It was tiny,
surprisingly clean and full of smoke.  She could hardly see in the dim
light.  It took Scully a few moments to recognize that it wasn't cigarette
smoke.

<When was the last time I smelled pot?  I certainly remember the first time
- > she smiled to herself <God, how old was I then? Junior year of high
school, I must've been 16.  One of the few times Mom and Dad let me go
anywhere for a weekend by myself.>
	
* * * * *

"That's not a cigarette, Melissa."

"Relax, Dana.  It's only pot," Melissa said, holding the joint out to
Scully.

"It's still a drug."

"Oh, don't be such goody-goody.  Just live it up for once."

"I don't smoke," she countered.

"Bullshit, Dana.  I've seen you swiping Mom's cigarettes."

"I don't do that anymore."

"Do you ever do _anything_ even a little bit bad?"

"No."

"Just try it, Dana.  I won't tell and if you don't like it, I won't bother
you anymore about it.  You know what Dad always says."

"What?"

"Don't tell me you don't like something until you've tried it," Melissa
said in a voice sounding a lot like their father.

"He was talking about food," Scully protested.

"He was talking about life," Melissa explained, trying to sound worldly and
profound.  "C'mon, Dana, just this once."

"What do I do?" she asked, taking the joint from Melissa.

"Inhale slowly, but hold it in as long as you can, then exhale really
slowly."

* * * * * 
	
<I didn't get high that time much to Melissa's disappointment> Scully
thought, a small, sad smile on her face.  <I only embarrassed myself by
coughing non-stop.   I suppose it was just as well.  I don't think I
would've liked that slightly out-of-control feeling that comes with being
high.>  

She washed her hands then splashed some water on her face.  <I miss you,
Melissa.  I wish you were here so I could tell you about Fletcher.  I know
you'd understand.>  Scully looked up into the mirror.  Her face looked a
little flushed and her eyes were starting to get bloodshot.  <Too much
smoke in here.  No wonder those two women were giggling.>


<I wonder what's keeping Scully.  She's been in there a long time> Fletcher
thought, looking at her watch.  <I'm giving her another two minutes.  If
she doesn't come out of there by then, I'm knocking on the door and going
in after her.>  She began to tap her foot.  <I wonder if she's okay?  She
was putting those beers down pretty fast - well, fast for her, anyway.>


<I feel so odd> Scully thought.  <And, oh, god, I hate to say it, but it's
the perfect word for how I feel - horny.  I'm _not_ going to last.>


<That's it, I've waited long enough.  Something's happened to Scully>
Fletcher thought, putting her hand up to knock.  The door popped open.

"Scully, you okay?"

"Fletcher, can you come in here a minute?"

"Sure."

Fletcher stepped into the tiny room.  Scully shut the door and locked it
before turning the light out.

"Red, what's going on?  Turn the light on."

"Not yet."

"Where are you?  I can't see a damn thing."

"You don't have to see anything,"  Scully said, her hands finding
Fletcher's hips.  "Just feel your way," she said, playfully.

"Uh, Red -"

Scully pulled Fletcher's head down and silenced her with a deep kiss.  She
leaned her body against Fletcher's, pressing Fletcher's back against the
door. Fletcher's body responded immediately and she shifted her legs,
needing to feel Scully closer.  Scully's hands dropped back to Fletcher's
waist and she untucked Fletcher's shirt.  The muscles in Fletcher's torso
contracted at the first touch of Scully sliding her hands across her bare,
flat stomach.

<No, I can't do this> Fletcher thought.  <No.  Not in a restroom; not with
Scully.  It's not right.  Maybe with someone else - and I have - but not
with Scully.>

She gently, yet firmly, grabbed hold of Scully's wrists and removed her
hands from her waist.  She reluctantly broke off the kiss.

"Easy, Red," she said lightly.

"What's wrong, Fletcher?"

"I can't, Scully.  Not here.  Not now."

"Why not?"

"I don't know," she lied.  "The smoke, it's a bathroom..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."  She felt Scully pull away from her.  <She's mad.  I know she is.
Damn.>  "You're not mad, are you, Red?"

"No, just..."

"Just what?" Fletcher asked, feeling the wall for the light switch.

"Just nothing."

Fletcher flipped the switch.  Scully had moved to other side of the tiny
room, and she was leaning against the sink.  She didn't look mad, but she
didn't look very happy either.  <She looks disappointed> Fletcher thought.

"Are you sure you're not mad?" Fletcher asked again.

"Yes, I'm not mad."

"I'm sorry, Red," she apologized.  "It's just that every time with you has
been special, and groping in a restroom is not my idea of 'special'."

"Fletcher, you don't have to apologize."  Scully returned to Fletcher's
arms and gave her a quick kiss.  "Let's get back to the party."

"Okay."


Fletcher took Scully's hand and led her back to the party.  'Time Warp'
from 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' was now playing, signaling that the
clock had struck twelve.

"I don't think we missed anything," Fletcher said, watching the dance
floor.

"Do you see Mulder anywhere?" Scully asking, scanning the crowd.

"There he is," Fletcher said, pointing Mulder out to Scully.

"Oh, God, he's dancing," Scully laughed.  "He even looks like he knows what
he's doing."

"He's seen the movie a few times."

"Have you?"

"Oh, yes."  Fletcher grinned.

Scully shook her head, giggling uncontrollably at Mulder out on the dance
floor.  A woman dressed as a Borg was next him and a werewolf was dancing
behind him.  They, and the dozens of others on the dance floor were singing
along.  <Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to see Mulder as the
Bride of Frankenstein doing the 'Time Warp'.>




Saturday night/Sunday morning, 1:30 AM

Scully clutched Fletcher's arm to steady herself as they walked down the
hallway.

"Now this is a scene I'm a little more familiar with," Mulder said,
standing behind them with a drunken smirk on his face.

"What's that?" Fletcher asked as she unlocked her apartment door.

"You bringing home a drunk woman, Fletcher."

"I'm not drunk, Mulder," Scully said, only slurring her words a little.

Fletcher just glared at Mulder.  "Don't push your luck, Wonder Boy, or I'll
make copies of those photos of you in drag and post them to department-wide
email."

"Good.  My social life could use a boost."

"Careful what you wish for," Fletcher warned as they stepped inside of the
apartment.

Mulder immediately pulled off the wig atop his head and threw it on the
diningroom table.  Scully flopped down on the sofa and watched.

"Unzip me?" he asked Fletcher.

"Does that mean we can start our honeymoon?" Fletcher leered.

"Only if you promise to be gentle with me, dear," he leered back.

Fletcher unzipped Mulder's dress.  It was off in a flash and he tossed it
on top of the wig.

"I've got to get this off," he said, trying to unhook the bra.

"Let me," Fletcher offered.

"Yeah, I imagine you've got plenty of experience unhooking bras," he said
with an evil smile.

Fletcher pulled Mulder's bra strap back and snapped it.  

"Owww."

"Do you want my help or not?"

"Yes, please."  As soon as she unhooked his bra, he handed her the falsies
and the bra.  "I hope I never see those ever again."

"I'm so disappointed, darling.  I didn't know they weren't real," Fletcher
teased.  "That's it.  False advertising.  I'm having our marriage
annulled."

"If I don't beat you to it."

"Why would you want to have it annulled?"

"Well, I doubt you'd be able to consummate this 'marriage'."

"Smartass," she said, throwing one of the falsies at him.

"On that note, I'm going to bed," Scully announced, getting up from the
sofa.  She placed her hand on Fletcher's ass.  "Want to tuck me in?"

"I'll be in after I get my makeup off and help Mulder get his makeup off."

"Don't take too long," Scully said, kissing Fletcher.

"I won't."

They watched Scully walk unsteadily to Fletcher's bedroom.  Mulder looked
at Fletcher, tempted to say something, but holding it back instead.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, she had a few too many beers," Fletcher sighed.

"Is that all?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know.  Scully just seems a little out of it tonight."

"She went in to the women's room and got a little over-exposure to some
second-hand pot smoke.  I didn't think she was still affected by it,
though."

She found the bag Marva had packed.  She rummaged around in it until she
found the jar Marva had included with their makeup.

"There is a god. Thank you, Marva."

"What is it?" Mulder asked.

"Professional makeup remover.  C'mon, I'll help you with yours."


A half hour later, Fletcher said goodnight to Mulder and went into her own
bedroom.  Scully lay on top of the covers, sound asleep and clad only in
her black lace.  <Oh, Red, I do like what you've got on.  Was that supposed
to be my treat?  I hope you'll wear them again for me _real soon_.  Damn,
you sure do look good in them.  Too bad you've passed out and I'm too
tired.>

Fletcher sighed and began to get out of her costume.  After putting on a
pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, Fletcher took out an oversized t-shirt
for Scully.  She unhooked Scully's bra and put the t-shirt on.  <Another
time, another woman, I might've...well...better to not think about such
things...>  She helped Scully under the covers and then quickly joined her.
 She took Scully into her arms and kissed her on the forehead.  <Well,
another first for us, Red.  We've never just _slept_ together before.> 



Monday, November 2nd, 9:50 AM,  FBI Building


"AD Kersch will see you now," the secretary said.

Kersch motioned to them as he finished a phone call.  They seated
themselves in the two chairs facing his desk.  Mulder could barely keep the
contempt off his face.

"Effective December first, you're both being re-assigned," he said
abruptly, skipping any small talk.

"Sir?" Scully asked, stunned.

"And our new assignments?" Mulder asked, his jaw clenched tight.

"You're both going on temporary assignment to Quantico."

<God, am I going back to teaching?  What have we done to deserve this?>
Scully thought.

"Doing what?" Mulder asked, coldly.

"ISU is severely understaffed right now.  You both have unique abilities
that they need right now."  He looked at the paper on his desk.  "Agent
Scully, you will be assigned to the Forensics staff at ISU.  Agent Mulder,
you'll be helping out with the profiling."

"Who ordered this?" Mulder asked.

"Stu Hendricks and Roy Tupper _requested_ this."

"And if we refuse?"

"I don't suggest that you do."  He looked sternly at them both.  "This is
not a punishment.  ISU is experiencing an overload.  They truly need your
help."

"And how long is this _temporary_ assignment?" Mulder asked.

"Six months.  I suggest you wrap up any ongoing investigations right now,
including the paperwork."

Scully looked at Mulder.  <We won't be partners.  We'll be working in
Fletcher's department.  I wonder if she knows about this?>




Monday, 10:00 AM, Quantico

Fletcher sat down in the chair in front of Stu Hendricks' desk.  He shut
the door before sitting down behind his desk.

"What's up, Stu?"  <He looks wiped out> Fletcher thought.  <Retirement
couldn't have come at a better time for him.  Not so good for the rest of
us, but good for him.>

"There are a few things we need to discuss."

"Any particular case?  I left my briefcase in my office."

"No, this is a private departmental briefing for you."  Fletcher remained
silent.  "My successor has been chosen.  I hope you're not disappointed,
but we've decided to go with Roy Tupper."

"Disappointed?  Hell, no.  I never wanted the job anyway."

"Are you sure?"

"Oh, yeah.  I'm glad it's Roy.  You've made the right choice."

Fletcher was happy.  She liked Roy.  They'd worked together often and she
respected him and his work.

"Well, I wanted to tell you in person.  I didn't think it would be fair for
you to hear it through the office grapevine."

"I appreciate that, Stu."

"And, there's some other news that you need to know.  The department's
being shuffled up somewhat."

"How so?" Fletcher leaned back in the chair, curious.

"Well, to start with, we're making you second whip, if you want it."

"Really?"  Fletcher raised one eyebrow, her only reaction to the news. 
"And if I don't?"

"Then we'll probably offer it to Ed Webster."

"When do you have to know?"  <Not Ed Webster> Fletcher groaned silently. 
<He's too old and half the department will quit if he comes back to
Quantico.>

"Now, unfortunately.  It affects the other plans we have for the
department."

"Then I guess I'll take it, as long as I can still work my cases.  I don't
want to be caught up in all that bureaucracy shit."

"Second in charge means you'd just be acting department head when Roy's not
available.  You'd always be SAC on your cases, just like now.  You'll just
be full-time here in Quantico - no more DC office."  He shuffled the papers
on his desk.  "We're going to be sending you on the road for the next few
weeks."

"Doing what?"

<On the road again?  I'll _never_ see Scully.  I'll be spending my weekends
here trying to get caught up.  Damn.>

"We need you to make an appearance in a couple of the division offices,
spend some time with them and the locals.  We need to get everybody
thinking they're all under the same umbrella again.  I also want an update
on their top cases.  I've split up the offices between you and Roy.  You've
got the northern ones and he's taking the southern ones."

"Okay."  <Like I have any choice now.  Still, it'll be good to see what's
going on in those offices, see if they're following procedures or not.>  

"What are the other changes?" she asked.

"We're closing the New Orleans office and dividing the staff between
Atlanta, Dallas and here.  Bill Ramsey will be taking over Dallas, Ed
Webster's going to LA, Jonetta Ross is taking over Atlanta and Arthur
Dorgan's coming back to Quantico.  We're also picking up two more profilers
and three more for Forensics here."

<If Ed Webster is going to LA, then where is Clarice going?> Fletcher
thought. 

"Who else are we getting?"

"We've picked up for profiling Jack Parker from Richmond and an old friend
of yours, Fox Mulder.  He'll be on temporary assignment until we can get
caught up."

<So Mulder's coming here to Quantico.  What about Scully?>

"Who for forensics?" she asked casually.

"Two technicians, Elly Klingler and Josh Washington, and a pathologist, Dr.
Dana Scully.  Dr. Scully is also on temporary assignment."

<Mulder and Scully working here, with me?  Hell, they'll be working _for_
me.  Who would've ever thought we'd be working together?  There's one for
your X-Files, Spooky.>  She laughed silently.  <I wonder if they know yet?>

"One more thing," Stu said, breaking into Fletcher's thoughts.  "I'm sure
you noticed that Ed is going to LA."  Fletcher nodded once.  "Clarice
Starling will be taking over in Richmond."  He waited for Fletcher to
react, but she didn't.  All he noticed was her jaw clamped shut, as if she
were grinding her teeth.  "Are you okay with that, Fletcher?"

"Why wouldn't I be?  She's a good choice for the post."

"I know your past with her has been, well, a little rocky," he said
tactfully.

"That's in the past," Fletcher replied, her mouth tight.



End Chapter 18 - End Part I