Frozen in Time-Part 3—Round 2
~zz~

Gagged and sweating beneath the harsh spotlight blazing down on his naked flesh, Alex Krycek fumed. His emotions roared inside, like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Although the medical miracles of this age had caused the bruises and scars he sustained during the earlier beating to disappear, he could still feel them. His entire body ached, only matched by the longing in his heart to locate and rescue his sweet Fox.

"15,000 credits!" a voice called out from the sea of expectant faces before him.

"My sir, my sir," the harker replied with mock hurt. "Certainly you can do better than that." He waltzed toward Krycek, running a hand over his firm flesh. "This is a rare treat, my friends I assure you." The harker's hand slide down to cup the hefty weight between Alex's legs.

In an instant, the hot blooded Russian flushed and pulled away. Two beefy guards immediately pushed him back into position.

"Ah-ha!" The harker spread his arms wide. "He's a feisty one, too! Surely someone among you is willing to pay a fine price? I promise you will never find another exotic beauty like this one!"

"20,000!"

"25,000!"

"100,000 credits!"

You could have heard the proverbial pin drop. All eyes turned to find the man willing to pay such an expense fee. It took the harker several moments to find his voice again.

"100,000 did you say?"

"100,500," the unseen voice upped the ante.

"Going once... going twice... sold! To the lucky gentleman in the back."

Despite himself, Alex also peered into the crowd. His eyes widened at the rather striking young man that approached the stage...

~*~*~*~*~

At that moment Jack Scully sat in a bare room, trying to remain strong even though he was scared for Beverly -- who'd already been taken away to the Consoritum doctor's for a mind probe -- and lonely for Wade. He had no idea when the guards would come for him, he just knew it was taking a worryingly long time.

He ran a hand through his short hair, and steeled himself for what was to come. If he and Beverly were initiated into the Consortium military community, there was absolutely no way they could get back out. He focused on his main objective: reuniting with Commander Krycek. Jack shuddered to think what had become of him. Although his father had wanted him to follow in the family tradition of medicine, Jack had always been a soldier at heart and his duty was clear.

The electronic door opened and a small stocky man entered. He wore a plain blue smock with the Consortium emblem sewn into the left breast. After a few hushed words with the guard outside, the man closed the door with a cardkey.

He moved in close to Jack and hissed, "I'm here to help you. Which group are you with?"

This took Jack completely offguard. "I was captured by the nomads..."

The little man's voice became frantic. "You don't understand. I'm in the resistance myself. What were you supposed to do here?"

Jack felt a surge of anger and suspicion. If there were resistance members inside the City, why hadn't anyone told him? Then again, this could all be a trap to get him to confess before the probe.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Jack answered carefully.

But the man simply was not listening. The door once again opened to admit a distinguished man wearing a black suit.

"Doctor Sanderson?" the new arrival called.

The doctor turned and gave the man a slight bow. "Minister Price, I did not expect you here."

"Neither did I," he replied. "I've had a rather interesting evening." His dark eyes took in the handsome figure seated in the middle of the room. "And who is this?"

"He was bought from the nomads, sir," Sanderson curtly told him. "He's being sent down to the medics in an hour."

"Good. If you're finished here, I'd like a word."

The two men exited, leaving a perplexed Jack behind.

~*~*~*~*~

Wade duPrés had awakened in a state of bliss, lying next to Jack Scully. His first night of lovemaking had been completely mind blowing, beyond anything he could ever dream. Jack, with his good looks and muscular frame, had been surprisingly gentle.

Now Wade had spent the best part of the morning wringing his hands with nervous worry. He'd fallen hard for Jack, and he felt extremely protective of both Mulder and Krycek.

Every so often, he would wander inside command HQ and ask if there had been any word. Finally, Jaqueline had bustled him out and Wade found a way to keep his hands busy in the medical wards. Checking his watch for what seemed liked the millionth time, he shivered and hugged himself. It was really getting late. Still no word from Alex, Jack or Beverly. No news is good news, right? Wade thought whoever came up with that ancient saying obviously had no idea of the concept.

After spending the evening in his sister Nicola's quarters, the long-lost siblings spent several hours tearfully catching up while Wade's rambunctious niece, Hope, kept her new uncle on his toes. Hope, named so because of Nicola's determination to never give up, was curled up in her mother's lap on the verge of sleep.

"Wade, stop worrying," Nicola whispered as she rocked back and forth.

"I just wish we'd hear something," he replied. "This waiting is worse than being with them!"

"I know. So how is it that my brother managed to become a bona fide medical officer and fall in love with three men at the same time?"

Wade had to pick his chin up off the floor. "Nicola, I'm not in love with three men!"

She gave him an I-can-read-you-like-a-book glare. "Who are you trying to fool? This is me you're talking to."

"No, it's not like that all."

"Fess up."

"Ok, I'll admit it. I fell for Fox Mulder the moment I laid eyes on him."

"What about the legendary Commander Krycek everyone keeps talking about?"

"Well, he's very attractive..."

"Ah-ha."

"Nic, honestly, my feelings have changed. Mulder and Krycek were meant to be together. It's that simple. And I want them both to be happy, especially after everything they've been through."

"And I want you to be happy! Stuck in that suffocating university all those years."

"Well, I think I have a chance with Jack. Oh, gosh! He's amazing... So handsome and strong." Wade jumped to his feet. "I can't stand this! I've got to find out what's going on."

~*~*~*~*~

After a brief conversation with Minister Price, Doctor Sanderson secreted himself inside an empty room. He'd waited a good while to make sure the corridor were empty. Locking the door, he took a small communications device from his pocket.

"Code: Krycek, do you accept?" he spoke softly.

Commander Samuel Jefferson's voice crackled back. "Accepted. What is your message.

Sanderson said, "Time is short. Your descriptions were correct. They are inside the City. Adams has been taken to the medics. I'm using every stall tactic for Scully."

"What about Commander Krycek?"

"I don't know. He was taken away soon after arrival at population control..." Sanderson broke off as the door burst open. Two guards stood in the doorway behind him. There was no time to conceal the communicator. Deliberately, Sanderson smashed it to the floor. A hail of fire streaked into his body...

~*~*~*~*~

Jaqueline looked up as the door opened, and the familiar blonde figure of Wade duPrés entered.

"Wade, there's still no word," she told him, gently.

Commander Jefferson turned to face those assembled. "Our informant inside the Domes reports that Commander Krycek, Scully and Adams have all been captured."

"What?!" Wade cried in disbelief.

"Scully and Adams have been transferred to the military dome."

"And Alex?"

"Commander Krycek... I fear the worst."

"Commander, we must do something!" Jaqueline exclaimed.

He harrumphed. "I agree. But what?"

"We need someone with a working knowledge of the Domes," Jaqueline suggested, tapping a finger on her chin.

Wade brightened. "Me, I can do it!"

"You?" Jefferson shot him an incredulous look. "You're just a kid!"

"A kid who's lived in the City all my life. I know my way around like the back of my hand."

Jaqueline stepped forward. "He may be right."

"Are you seriously entertaining this notion?" the commander asked.

With pleading eyes, Wade said, "Please, Commander. I'm a first class medic. They would accept me. I could free Jack."

Jefferson considered. It was true, they needed someone with knowledge of the City. "It's risky... you'll need to be completely briefed and given mental implants."

"Implants, training, whatever," Wade agreed.

Jaqueline took him aside. "Are you sure about this? Why are you risking your life?"

"Because I love Jack, and Mulder and Krycek are my responsibility. I have to try."

"Alright, son," the commander called. "It's up to you."

~*~*~*~*~

Clearing his throat with a light cough, Mulder fingered his very tight collar. The dinner suit was exactly his size, and it fit like a glove, but the restraining collar around his neck -- with the addition of a formal tie -- made breathing a chore.

With Lieutenant Commander Morrison by his side, they entered a surprisingly splendid ballroom. Everything in this future had been gray, bleak shadows. Seeing an enormous room decked out in extravagant golden tapestries, huge sparkling chandeliers, and tables lined with mana from heaven, was quite a shock to Mulder's system.

Members of the elite Military Consortium filled every corner. Mulder immediately noted that there was not one single, solitary female in the place. As far as the eye could see, it was well dressed men -- most of them older -- with younger, equally finely dressed men on their arms. All eyes were upon him. He caught whispered conversations filled with sexual innuendo.

He felt his stomach flip as he passed by a set of large tinted windows. The view was quite simply breathtaking; an exquisite garden with shimmering fountains. It was obviously another enclosed part of the City, but for one brief moment, Mulder actually thought he was viewing an outside unblemished by the war.

Morrison drew his attention away from the window to nod toward a rather stout man impatiently waiting on the other side of the room.

"There's General Alderton," he whispered. "I've got to go now."

Mulder thought quickly. He had to get this man on his side.

"Can we talk later?" he asked, fluttering his long eyelashes for good measure.

For a moment, Charles Morrison was speechless. He could understand all too well why this man was such a valued prize.

"Please?" Mulder added, not wanting his advantage to slip. If Morrison detested his treatment half as much as Mulder did, he would have a powerful ally indeed.

Morrison turned as if to direct Mulder. "Meet me in the garden at exactly half past midnight," he whispered. "The general is usually passed out by then."

With that, he moved away toward Alderton. Mulder traced the man's steps. He was obviously in a hurry to get to the general's side to avoid another whipping. Well, rather he could trust Morrison or not, he had to take the chance. He was willing to do just about anything to get out of the City and back to his Alex. He closed his eyes and imagined how breathtakingly handsome Alex would look all decked out in a dinner jacket. Oh, if he could only hold him in his arms again... Instead, unwanted lust had been thrust upon him by Lermontov.

Mulder wandered round a table and peered at the silver trays filled with exotic fruits, and a rather bizarre ice sculpture in the center. As carefully as possible, he made mental notes of the best way to access the garden. There were several side doors so getting inside shouldn't be a problem. His biggest obstacle would be bypassing Lermontov.

"There you are!"

Startled from his thoughts, Mulder whirled around to find Dmitri Lermontov approaching him.

"My, my, just look at you. It's no wonder I'm the envy of every man here."

Mulder crinkled up his nose. Lermontov's accent coming across thicker with the addition of alchohol -- and quite a lot judging by the aroma. 'Maybe if I can get him drunk, he'll pass out long enough for me to meet Morrison," thought Mulder.

Lermontov took Mulder by the arm and started to lead him around the room. Mulder scrunched his head down, wishing for all the world that he could hide. With silky greetings to fellow dignitaries, Lermontov resembled a veritable strutting peacock -- and Mulder was the feathery decoration.

He did everything he could to imagine himself out of this situation. At one point he visualized Alex busting through the window like Errol Flynn to his rescue. All this image achieved was overheating his senses.

Continuing his trek throughout the glittering room, Lermontov paused to down yet another glass of champagne. Mulder decided to pass on the offered drink, opting to keep his senses alert.

Moving round a corner, his eyes widened at the sight of one of the Consortium pinning his "escort" against a wall. He wolfishly devoured the younger man's mouth, while grinding their bodies together. Mulder moved back, turning Lermontov away, as he reached for a glass. He didn't want to give the older man any ideas.

They continued on down the line and Mulder nearly needed his drink after all when they paused before General Alderton and Morrison. Alderton gave Lermontov a chesire smile and shook his hand generously.

"So, Lermontov, he certainly is delectable," Alderton conceded, licking his lips lasciviously.

Mulder glanced over at Morrison, but he refused to catch his eye.

"Yes, and he fulfills my every desire," Lermontov replied. He ran a hand down Mulder's back, then squeezed his ass -- hard. Mulder silently fumed, despising being pinched and prodded like cattle. Lermontov laughed and continued with Alderton, "I understand the Russian beauty was taken away."

Glowering, Alderton pulled Morrison to his side. "This young one is filling in nicely."

"I trust he's learning his lesson well?"

"Believe that! But what of the accursed Resistance?"

Mulder's ears instantly perked up. Beside him, Lermontov nearly spat out his next words. "The Resistance will be swept away with one swift stroke!"

A gleam filled Alderton's eye. "Speaking of strokes, why not take these two back to your quarters?"

"After the banquet? What an intriguing idea!"

Now, Morrison met Mulder's gaze. It seemed that they were going to do more than just talk...

~*~*~*~*~

With a wave of good luck, Jaqueline dropped Wade off as close to the City of Domes as she dared. The trip to Arizona's Gila Desert had passed by quickly. Jaqueline taught him how to use a communicator, how to disable restraining collars, and helped him rehearse his cover story several times.

Wade's head ached from the rush of implanted memories. His heart pounded nervously at not only the danger that awaited him, but also the false memories of being held captive by the desert dwelling nomads.

As he moved between ash colored dunes toward the nearest entrance, he hefted a small backpack and remembered the lullaby his mother used to sing to him.

"This is my last night in France monsieur, monsieur So tonight is our last dance monsieur, monsieur."

He could almost hear her sweet voice in the whispering wind. It gave him comfort as he carried on.

Somewhere in the distance, he heard a strange yodelling cry. The implant recognized this as the nomads. Instinctfully, Wade broke cover and raced for the entrance.

He slammed into the metal door and pounded on it furiously. "Help me! Please!" he exclaimed. The pursuing nomads could be heard crashing behind.

A concealed lens focused on him, then turned to search the desert.

~*~*~*~*~

Just beyond the door, a group of City guards aimed their blasters.

The senior guard ordered. "Into position. Prepare to fire!"

~*~*~*~*~

The point of a primitive arrow narrowly missed Wade, who leapt back just in time. Apparently these nomads had nothing to barter with and all they wanted was fresh meat, he thought grimly. He knelt down in a corner of the door just as more arrows flew through the air.

At that precise moment, the door slid open, revealing a line of guards with levelled blasters. Wade threw himself flat as fire sizzled overhead. He'd never been so happy to see the Military Consoritum in his life!

"Pull him through!" the senior guard ordered.

A guard grabbed him by the arms and dragged Wade inside the City. Pulled out of the line of fire, he fell exhausted against an alcove. The outer doors slid down, cutting off the enraged nomads.

~*~*~*~*~

Finding a safe position, Jaqueline parked the vehicle and could only watch helplessly as Wade was pursued by the nomads. Luckily, he was now inside the City as she reported to Jefferson.

"Yes, Commander. He made it inside."

"I hope your faith in this boy is justified. He's our last chance," the commander's voice crackled back over the communicator.

"So do I," Jaqueline muttered to herself.

~*~*~*~*~

The attack had been fortuitous after all. It gave Wade's story of escaping from the nomads creedence. So much so, that the military boys treated him with a bit of respect for having courage. He wasn't seen as a threat and that was excellent. While eyes were turned, Wade carefully picked up his backpack and dashed away. It wouldn't take long for them to notice his absence and he dreaded to think what they would do. Visions of the bunker floated through his mind.

Quickly, he hurried down several hallways until he found an empty storage room. Once inside, he opened the pack and proceeded to clean himself up. Donning a fresh set of clothes provided by the resistance, he emerged looking like a first class medic. Now, if memory served, the holding area wouldn't be too far away. All he had to do was find block 2187...

Every so often he would encounter a guard, and Wade affected a I-belong-here attitude and carried on. In reality, he was quaking inside. The sooner he found Jack, the better.

Turning a corner, he found the right block section. Swiftly, he read the door numbers and nearly gasped aloud when a burly guard appeared before 2187.

Composing himself, Wade allowed a superior tone to enter his voice. "I'm here to take the subject down to the medics."

The guard took a look at his rank insignia, and just like that, he was granted an entrance. Wade sighed with relief as the door slid open.

Jack looked up and his eyes widened with first shock, then surprise. "Wa--" he began.

"Wait!" Wade interrupted him. The guard narrowed his eyes and he thought of a cover. "Wait right here. I'd like to do a quick examination before escorting him."

The guard simply nodded. Wade casually walked inside and almost collaped when the door slid shut. Jack's face broke into a wide grin.

"Whew!" Wade pinched his fingers together and arched his eyebrows. "Ooo!"

Before he could take another breath, Jack had swept him up into his strong arms. He kissed Wade passionately.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered.

"Rescuing you!" he said, staring back at the door. "Come on, I've got to get you out of here."

"I can only go as far as this thing will let me," Jack told him, indicating the collar looped around his neck.

Wade stood on tip toe and examined a micro-circuit. It was exactly like Jaqueline described... now if he could only do it. Reaching into his pants pocket, he extracted a thin co-axial wire.

Jack kissed him on the forehead. "You're amazing."

"You should know," he winked back. "Look, I can't guarantee this is going to work."

Without hesitation, Jack leaned his neck forward. He trusted Wade implicitly.

"Jack, if I'm wrong about this..." Jaqueline's words about a fatal electric surge floated through his mind.

"Go ahead."

Taking a deep breath, Wade inserted the wire into the circuit terminals. Slowly, he unhooked the clip fastening the collar...

It worked!

Jack took him into another molten embrace, planting a knee wobbling kiss on his lips. After several moments, Wade broke away breathlessly.

"Wh-what about the guard?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him."

~*~*~*~*~

Outside, the guard jumped to attention when the sound of a body falling reached his ears. Keying open the door, he found the body of the young medic lying on the floor. Suddenly, a wall of muscle barrelled into him. With one deft punch, Jack knocked the man unconscious.

Lifting up the fallen rifle with one hand, he used the other to gallantly pick Wade up from the floor. Swiftly, the pair hurried out and Wade locked the door behind them.

"Where to?" he asked.

"To the medical dome," Jack replied, heading off down the corrdior.

"Is that where Alex is?" Wade wondered aloud.

Jack shook his head no. "I'm not sure where they took Commander Krycek. Beverly's there. Once we find her, then she can break into the City's mainframe and find his location."

Wade held onto his hand lovingly. Jack was a real hero, and his heart beat faster just being next to him again. Taking the labyrinthine intersections with stealth, they were amazed by the lack of guards. It brought on a false sense of security in Wade.

Turning a corner, they came face to face with a bona fide Military Consoritum solider. Jack hid the rifle behind his back as Wade tentatively stepped forward.

"This man was rescued by the nomads," he said. "I'm escorting him to the medical dome."

The soldier didn't flinch.

"I'm a first class medic," Wade told him, anxiety growing.

"Hands up! Now!" the soldier barked.

In a flash, Jack struck out with the rifle, catching the man on the chin. He dropped heavily to the ground. Before they had time to react, a squad of guards appeared down an intersection.

Wade exhaled. "Okay, that didn't work but my legs still do! Let's go!"

Grabbing his hand, Jack pulled Wade safely round a corner as the guards opened fire...

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Amothea's next!