R8-Nicole-p1

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Feeling his body being manhandled once again made Mulder want to scream, but more than that, his plea for Alex to help him. Though he had quickly grown used to his new self he had never had to rely on strange powers before to protect himself. He made fists, testing the weight of the chair. He felt the pull of the heavy chair and he smiled grimly as he wrapped his fists around two legs. When Henderson bent to nibble on Mulder's face, Mulder knocked his head back violently, smashing into the big man's face with a violence that shattered his nose and sent him backwards with a loud yelp. Mulder used all his strength and swung the chair around and slammed it into Henderson's face. The colonel fell back with a decidedly sickening crunch.

"Dammit," Mulder cursed as his wrists reminded him that they were encircled by unforgiving metal. He rubbed his face against his arm until the blindfold moved up enough that he could see the colonel sprawled, insensate, his face a bloody mess. "You bastard," he growled, pulling himself toward the supine man. It took him some doing but he managed to get the key out of Henderson's front pocket. After a few, frustrating minutes of trying to unlock the manacles he hissed in frustration. He narrowed his eyes and concentrated once more. He felt Alex's worry, near. His lover was no longer in the ship, but only a few hundred feet away, moving fast, searching the crowd for him. He smiled and let his mind go out to Alex's. Moments later there was the sound of a scuffle and the door flew open revealing Alex stepping over the moaning bodies of two young soldiers.

"Baby?" Alex's eyes widened at the sight that greeted him.

Fox had to smile at that look of utter surprise. He knew he must be a sight, pants down at his ankles, blindfold only halfway up his forehead, manacled to a chair he had propped on top of the sprawled, unconscious colonel.

"What in the hell…?" Alex growled, his jade eyes beginning to burn with fury.

"Help me get these cuffs off, Alex, before those soldiers come to," Mulder ordered.

"That bastard tried to…"

"Alex, the cuffs!"

Alex hurried to his side and took the key from Fox's fingers. Henderson groaned and Alex kicked him, hard in the gut, before unlocking the handcuffs and helping Mulder to his feet. Mulder pulled his pants back up and gave in to the impulse to kick Henderson too. Alex took Mulder's face in his hands. The look of tender concern made Mulder feel as if he could fly. He sensed several soldiers hurrying toward them and he pulled back.

"C'mon, Alex. I want us to get back to the ship and Ilias…"

"Fox, Ilias and the others are gone. They…they changed and walked into the crowd. They are going to find some other way off this planet."

Mulder led Alex out of the detestable trailer and just smiled.

"Aren't you worried about them? I mean you heard the President…there will be no way for them to hide…"

"Do you really think that every household is going to have one of those weapons that quickly? It is enough to put the aliens in a panic. They will be leaving in droves now," Mulder assured him. "Ilias and the others will be fine. I want to find Scully and Skinner. We have to get to Washington."

"Mulder, won't they come here? Scully and Skinner I mean."

"They're in Washington," Mulder repeated. "I know it."

Alex sighed, "Then let's get going."

They weaved through the crowd. Apparently after the President's speech the military was compelled to fall in line with his orders. Alex and Fox were mostly ignored as they put distance between them and the ship.

***

J. Edgar Hoover Building
Washington D.C.

"Skinner, are you ever going to take a break? I know you are a busy man, but even a soldier has to take a few hours off," Eryk asked as he sat down on the edge of Skinner's desk.

Skinner sighed and peered at the handsome man. "I don't think you grasp what is going on! The whole world has just found out that aliens plan on invading…that they are already among us…I don't have time to take a few hours off."

Eryk raised a brow. "You are afraid of me."

Skinner blustered and glowered. "That's absurd!"

Before Eryk could respond, Scully and Alex walked through the door. Scully forgot herself for a moment and rushed over to hug first a startled Skinner and then a delighted Eryk. "Sir, we did it. The files, the ship, the weapon…everything! And it works!"

Skinner grinned. "It is almost too unbelievable isn't it? This is really Mulder's victory though."

"Where is he?" Scully asked. "Is he safe?"

"Yeah, wh…where is he?" Alex echoed, unconsciously wringing his hands in anticipation.

"He and Krycek…well the other Krycek anyway are on their way here. They made it to JFK International airport and the Director arranged a flight for them. They should be here any time now," Skinner said in a gruff voice. He cleared his throat and turned to Scully. "Where are Frohike, Langly and Byers?"

"They were going deep they said. Now that the story has broken and their innocence of international terrorism can't be denied, I imagine they will surface soon," Scully replied. She looked at Eryk and caught him staring at Skinner. There was such an amused tolerance and undeniable attraction in that gaze. She sighed. Standing in a room with three amazing men and not one of them interested in her. A woman's nightmare. She shook herself out of her sexist and self-pitying thoughts. This was a time for celebration. As if on cue the door opened and Mulder and Krycek entered.

Mulder made a beeline for Scully. He swept her up in his arms and swung her around, burying his face in her fragrant, red hair. "We did it, Scully! We did it!" He hugged her to him and she wrapped her arms about him. Mulder set her down to look into her eyes, both of them trying to look at one another through moist eyes. "I can't believe it. It is like a dream, isn't it?"

She nodded and cupped his dear face in her small hands. "You know, I still have trouble believing in aliens," she said with a small grin.

He threw back his head and laughed.

"What the fuck?" Krycek exploded. "You brought him *here* of all places?"

Mulder turned to look at what had upset Alex and he saw the young man staring at him with such a look of disbelief. Mulder's own expression echoed the young man's. Green eyes, *beautiful* green eyes framed by dusky lashes, pink lips, smooth skin covered with shadowy dark stubble. Alex.

"What in the hell? Shit! You brought him here?" Krycek growled, waiting for something terrible to happen. How could he be in the same room with…himself? Shouldn't he be experiencing some type of spatial disorientation…some exploding death?

"I…I don't know what to say…I've waited my whole life for something wonderful to happen…and it has. I can't believe I'm really standing right here…in the same room with you."

The voice was the same and Mulder was so stunned that when the young man strode toward him and touched Fox's face he just stared at the pretty man.

"Oh no. Absolutely not," Krycek growled and hauled Fox away from his younger self. "This is too much! Don't even think about it!" He growled at the young Alex.

Alex looked at his older self and was finally stunned out of his fixation on Mulder. He stepped back and looked to Eryk, his eyes wide and confused. "What is going on?"

"You're me," Alex growled. "You came back with Skinner and Scully…who should *not* have brought you back." Alex ended his speech with a pointed glare at Skinner.

Mulder took pity on the stunned young man and gave him an understanding smile that was part grimace. "You two are the same person? Okay, now this *I* don't believe. Scully, help me out here."

"Well, he jumped us really…he was with the group that captured Skinner and I…then we got the weapon we were going back…he jumped us, as I said…"

"Okay, that's enough," Skinner barked. "Krycek, obviously you aren't going to melt or whatever it is that the stories say will happen with two of the same person occupying the same space. He came back with us…it's done. Let's not dwell on it. It may be completely unheard of…"

"No, in fact it has happened before," Mulder offered. "Remember, Scully?"

She sighed. "Oh yes, I did forget that. Okay so it can happen, but really we just intended to bring Eryk back."

"But, I wasn't going to stay there and die…and miss meeting you," Alex said to Mulder. He looked at his older, meaner looking self. "You wouldn't have stayed either. I know it."

Krycek ran his hand through his hair. Looking at himself, younger…whole…it made him want to cry for all that he had lost in this war. He looked at Mulder then and smiled. But he had won so much, so much more than he could have dreamed of actually winning. "No, I wouldn't have stayed," He said softly, his tender gaze for Mulder alone.

Mulder smiled at him and ran a hand along his jaw. "You didn't stay…remember?"

Krycek grinned and leaned into the caress. "I remember."

"So, are you in love with him?" Alex asked, his bowed lips pursed.

Mulder nodded. "Yes. I am."

"Don't worry, Alex, I know it's hard, but hey at least Mulder really fell in love with you," Eryk offered.

"I love you, Fox. I've always loved you," Alex entreated. "I would do anything for you." His green eyes were wide with appeal. "Can't you see that?"

Mulder looked to Krycek not knowing what to say. Krycek shrugged. He had no idea what to say either. "I don't know what to say…Scully?"

She looked startled to be brought in, but it was typical. Mulder was looking to her with big eyes, expecting her to take care of things.

Skinner had retreated to his desk, feeling the pain of hearing again how much Krycek had won. Fox loved Krycek. It was obvious in every gesture and look. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder and he looked up into Eryk's brilliant eyes.

"It isn't as bad as you think, Skinner. I know there are a lot of people who would love to have you look at them the way you look at Mulder."

Skinner saw the concern in the glittering depths of Eryk's eyes, and he felt a responding emotion that he didn't want to name.

"Listen up, kid, Mulder isn't up for grabs. This isn't a discussion. Deal with it," Krycek growled.

"He can make up his own mind," Alex snipped.

"Okay, that's enough," Scully scolded. "Mulder, why don't you and I go somewhere and talk? Leave the others to work out...things."

Mulder sighed in relief, kissed Krycek on the lips and followed his diminutive partner out the door.

Krycek watched until the door closed then turned to Skinner. "You didn't tell them anything about going to the future did you?"

Skinner raised a brow. "Yes, why?"

"I don't know. I just hope that no one gets his or her hands on the travel disc. I don't even want to think of what damage can done with it," Krycek replied. He looked at Eryk. "Who are you?"

"Resistance, just like me," Alex answered, his green eyes still burning with anger at the older Krycek's claim on Fox.

"Do you talk?" Alex growled his eyes boring into Eryk's.

"When I have something to say, yes," Eryk replied smoothly. "And I have the travel disk, trust me, no one will be able to get close to me who wants to take it without me knowing. I have no intention o losing it."

"Eryk is…was one of the leaders of the resistance, Krycek," Skinner added. "He was an invaluable help. Now tell me about the ship." Skinner leaned back in his chair and waited.

Krycek felt like he was back in his FBI agent days, coming before his superior and explaining his conduct. He grinned. Maybe he could get his old job back. He considered it for a moment and then mentally shook his head. He'd rather take Fox to England where they could enjoy the millions of pounds that his mentor had left for him before blowing himself up in his limousine. He could see Fox as a country gentleman…wearing tall leather boots and fitted riding pants. He wetted his lips at the image and told Skinner all about he and Fox's time aboard the ship, editing out the portions of Fox's rape, but he could see in eryk's eyes that the man knew everything that he was unwilling to say. Throughout his retelling of the story, Eryk would casually touch Skinner, on his arm or his hand.

When he finished speaking, Eryk asked, "So there is still a hunter on the loose?"

"Yeah, well he was trapped in the ship last I knew. Fox wanted to get back here and with the weapon forcing him to take his natural shape being in the hands of our government, I don' think he will be much of a threat.

Eryk got up from his position of sitting on the desk and looked at the young Alex. "Let's go hunting."

The pretty green eyes lit up. At last, action! "Great."

Skinner stood, "Wait, Eryk, shouldn't you just let the authorities handle this? I don't think you should go traipsing around…you don't know the cities here…"

Eryk smiled at the flustered Skinner. "I am so flattered that you are worried about me, Skinner. I promise to take care of myself and come back to you."

Skinner flushed scarlet and Krycek choked, his eyes wide with shock as Eryk smoothed a hand over Skinner's face. When the two had vacated the office Krycek smirked at Skinner. "Got a little resistance action eh, Skinner?"

"Shut up, Krycek," Skinner growled as Krycek chuckled in delight.

"I'm going to find Mulder. I think we all deserve a little celebration. What say you, me, Scully and Mulder hit the town?"

"In case you didn't get it, Krycek, this isn't over," Skinner said wearily.

"Yeah? Well it is for us. I got news for you, Skinner, this isn't our party anymore…the military and those of other nations have taken over for us, and though I know there is a lot of corruption in the government, this is too big for anyone to hide from. The Consortium might have pulled the strings in quiet for a long time, but you and I both know that with the President on our side, the military has become our closest ally. Even the most corrupt general will be standing on his head to please the President or they will find themselves looking for a place to hide."

Skinner contemplated this for a moment. "You're right. Not only about the military, but also about the scope. The people of the United States won't tolerate anything else but that the President acts decisively. I know the President, he wants another term…that is if the invasion doesn't happen sooner than we expect."

"That's something we can't worry about right now. We've done our part. God knows I am tired. We all deserve a little R&R."

Skinner considered the young man before him. There was much he didn't know about Krycek, but he knew one thing…Krycek had risked everything to keep the aliens from succeeding…he was a man of strength and a man Skinner would be lucky to call friend. He held out his hand and Krycek took it. They shook solemnly. "Thank you, Krycek…thank you for everything you've done. I know none of this would have been possible without you."

Krycek smiled, the praise from this man pleased him more than he cared to admit. "It was Mulder, Skinner, he was the one who is responsible. I will never believe otherwise.

***

Vallejo, California

"So, that's it? We are cleared?" Byers asked after seeing Senator Matheson being led away to jail, his head up high and a look of defiance on his patrician features.

"I think we are, but let's make sure," Langly answered. He was sitting in front of a computer, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "I am sending Mulder a message. Man, I can't believe he was in a spaceship!"

"Yeah, well I can," Frohike mumbled. He had been trying to sleep on the couch but the jabbering of his friends was keeping him awake. He sat up and smoothed back his hair. "Now can we get some shut-eye? I am bushed. This deep undercover stuff taxes a man."

Langly grinned. "I like it. It's like a spy movie…only we are better than any spy I ever saw. We don't have to blow people away, we just use our computer and voila…an empty house…a little kung fu and presto…power to said house…some more kicked up kung fu and we have new identities…"

"We get it, Langly," Frohike grumbled. "How about you kung fu me up some quiet so I can get my beauty sleep?" He settled back down on the couch with irritated wiggles and sighs.

"Byers looked at Langly," We don't have enough time for you to get *beauty* sleep. I'd like to get back to Washington before I'm sixty."

Langly giggled and kept typing. "Okay I've encrypted the message and it's on its way to Mulder. He will let us know if it is safe to surface. Until then…why not a little pizza? Everything on it…a large to go around?"

Frohike's eyes popped open and he licked his lips. "I could do with a little pizza."

Byers nodded, "Count me in…get Pepsi too."

"Coming up, thirty minutes or it is free…and seeing as how we don't have a whole lot of cash…why don't I just make sure that the delivery boy doesn't get the order to us on time? Say thirty-five minutes?" He chuckled at his own brilliance and the other two just sat in silence.

***

Jo's turn