Title - Hellos 8
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@donnas-stories.com
URL - www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/
Rating - PG
Category - MSR, AU
Spoilers - None
Keywords - MSR, AU, angst
Summary - Sequel to Hellos 7
Feedback - Please
Archive - Anywhere, just please keep my name and let 
me know so I can visit

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and 
Skinner all belong to Chris, 10-13 and Fox - Bless them 
for it!!  No infringement intended.

Hellos 8


He thought back to that night as he sat here, sweating in 
the car.  This was insane.  How the hell had she put a 
spin on things that would get him here?  He sank further 
down in his seat and pulled his baseball cap down over 
his face.  Any passerby would think he was asleep.  How 
the hell had he gotten here?

It had been strange, holding her in his arms, knowing 
that Skinner was in the next room.  How many years had 
he kept his feelings for Scully secret from Skinner, not to 
mention himself?  But Skinner was sleeping in their son's 
bed and had come to them for help.

*****

Scully held Danny's hand.  They looked like any other 
mother and son on the tour.  She had on a short brown 
wig and glasses, as well as shorts and t-shirt - 
completely different from anything she had ever worn 
here before.  And of course Danny was watching out.  
That was the most protection anyone could have.

She could see the boy's excitement.  He had 'seen' this 
place countless times from their memory, but to see it for 
himself . . .

They had about ten minutes before the tour was to start.  
"Why don't we use the restroom?"  She asked Danny.

"Yeah, okay."  He hated going into the ladies' room, it 
was unnecessary usually, but they needed some privacy.  

*Do you sense any of them?* She asked with her mind.  
That made her uncomfortable, as though admitting 
something she didn't want to face, but Danny was used 
to that.

"Eight."  He spoke in a low voice.  They were in the 
handicapped stall together, but someone was at the sink.

Her eyes widened.  She'd thought one, maybe two might 
be here, but eight?

*Can you get their names?*

He nodded and she pulled some paper from her bag.  
She knew seven of the eight he gave her, had worked on 
cases with two of them.  *Honey, are they, the real men, 
still alive anywhere?*

He shook his head.  "They kill them, then become them."

She had the urge to pick him up and run out of here and 
never look back.  Her children shouldn't be a part of this, 
shouldn't have to help save the world.

"Mom."  He took her hand.  "We want to."

She looked down at him, looked into those eyes so like 
his father's.  After a moment he spoke, "Come on, the 
tour's starting."

She took a deep breath and followed her son back into 
the lobby.  The tour was actually interesting to her - 
she'd never taken it and Danny was fascinated, though 
quiet.  She could see he was bursting with questions, but 
who better than his father to answer them later.  He was 
disappointed he couldn't see 'the office', but he'd known 
from the beginning that was impossible.

When they finally left the building and headed toward 
where they had left Mulder, Danny took her hand.  "We 
need to hurry.  Dad needs us."

"Is he okay?"  She asked quickly.

"He will be when he touches you."

She felt some color take over her face, but didn't dispute 
his words.  She'd feel the same if she had been forced to 
wait somewhere to worry about them.  "How's Katy?"

He grinned, "She thinks Uncle Frohike is funny."

She huffed slightly, "He better be keeping his thoughts 
clean."

"He's doing the best he can."  Danny said, then laughed 
as his mom's eyebrow rose.

Mulder saw them coming and had to force himself to stay 
in the car.  In any case, the relief of seeing them alive, 
healthy, safe and walking toward him sapped his 
strength.  Scully let herself into the front seat as Danny 
scrambled into the back and buckled himself in.

"Took you long enough."  Mulder groused, though his 
hand was grasping hers tightly.

"I know, Honey.  But we had to wait for the tour to end.  
And Danny was enjoying himself."

Mulder took a steadying breath.  "Well, were any of them 
there?"

Scully nodded and handed him the list.  His eyes 
widened.  "Eight?"  He looked up at her.  She could read 
that expression.  He was giving himself hell for letting 
them out of his sight.

"Mulder, we're here, we're okay."

He nodded and pulled out into traffic.  Don't dwell on 
what could have happened.  They'd risked themselves to 
get this information.  Concentrate on what they had.  "I 
worked with Pincer once."

Scully relaxed slightly, he was calming down.  "Yes, I 
knew Montgomery and Setzer."

Mulder looked in the mirror at Danny.  "You did good 
Kiddo.  I should've said that right away."

"S'okay."  He grinned at his Dad.

Mulder winked at him.  "Are the real guys hidden 
somewhere?"

Danny's face fell, "No.  They have to kill them to take 
over their bodies."

Mulder glanced back in the mirror and nodded once.  
They were quiet on the way to the motel after that.  Even 
with Danny watching, Mulder took several evasive turns 
before finally pulling in.

Scully was becoming uncomfortable and hoped that Katy 
was awake and hungry.  She was first out of the car.  
"Scully?"

She smiled back at him, "I need to see Katy."

He relaxed, he should have thought.  But he wanted to 
take her in his arms and hold her.  It wouldn't be long.

By the time he and Danny entered the room, Scully was 
disappearing with Katy into the bathroom.  Byers moved 
toward them.  "Everyone okay, Mulder?"

"Yeah."  He glanced toward the bathroom, "things are 
bigger than we thought."  He brought the three of them 
up to date.

"Man," Langly spoke finally.  "How many in the rest of the 
government?"

Frohike nodded mournfully.

"I didn't feel anyone else."  Danny said hopefully.

"Then there aren't any."  Frohike said.  "Want me to 
show you this new game I found?"

"Sure!"  The two of them moved off and, after a minute, 
Langly joined them.

"Are you going to contact Skinner?" Byers asked him as 
he watched the three settle in front of the computer.

"Yeah, but not by phone.  He usually goes to dinner 
around six.  I figure Danny and I can trail him and see 
him then."

"Sounds like a plan.  We can stay here with Scully if you 
want."

"Yeah.  That'd be good.  I don't want her alone.  Katy 
can't really be much of an alarm yet."

Byers nodded.

"Listen guys, I need to spend a little time . . . "

"Sure.  We'll keep an eye on Danny."

Mulder smiled his thanks and joined Scully and Katy in 
the small bathroom.

He sat on the edge of the tub and watched Scully nurse 
their daughter.  Scully leaned over and kissed him.  "You 
okay Mulder?"

He shrugged.

"I'm sorry Mulder, but it had to be done.  Danny was so 
wonderful."

"Of course he was, he's your son.  I just hate that you . . .  
I want to protect my family."

"I know."  Her hand caressed his face.

They sat together quietly, until Katy was full.  Mulder 
took her then and changed her while Scully watched, a 
small smile on her face.

"What about Walter?"

He sighed, "I'm going to go talk to him tonight."

"Not alone."

Mulder shook his head, "I'll take Danny.  I want the guys 
to stay here with you.  Katy can warn, but it's tough to 
understand sometimes.  I know."

Scully moved into his arms, "Yeah, you do.  Does Walter 
know we're even here?" 

"No.  Just that we're coming.  At least we have some 
confirmations for him.  Some of these names weren't on 
his list."

She nodded.

"Let's just veg until Danny says it's time to go.  Come on, 
we'll see if Danny's trouncing both Frohike and Langly on 
whatever game they found."  He cuddled Katy to his 
chest and held out his hand to help Scully to her feet.

She took his hand and looked at him, at the ease with 
which Mulder held their daughter.  It was so different 
than the way he had held Danny that day she had given 
him to Mulder to disappear.

"What?"

"I was, I was just thinking what a wonderful father you 
are.  What a wonderful everything you are."

He blinked, "You believe that?"

She nodded, her throat suddenly tight.

"Hey, I thought those hormones were under control now."

"This isn't hormones."

"Oh.  You like me a little?"

"A little."

He pulled her tighter against him.  "Good, I'm kinda fond 
of you too."  He leaned over and took her lips with his 
own.  "Can I show you how fond after we get rid of the 
stooges tonight?"

"That might be arranged."  She kissed him again and 
opened the door.

*****
Mulder turned to Danny.  "Is he on his way?"

"Yeah, he's walking down the street now."

Mulder grinned, "I could've told you he'd eat here."

"Yeah, right Dad.  Didn't need me at all."  He grinned, 
"You know, we did hurry as much as we could this 
morning.  Mom had you on her mind the whole time."

Mulder looked at him then, "I know.  I just . . ."

"I know, you love us."

"I do you know."

Danny smiled, then froze.  His smile faded.  "One of 
them . . . he's following Uncle Walter.  Dad!"

Danny had the car door open before Mulder could stop 
him.  "Danny!"  But the boy was racing toward the alley.  
Mulder scrambled out of the car and caught him before 
he could turn into the darker area.

"No!"  Mulder grabbed him, pulling him off of his feet and 
into a close embrace.

"Dad, he's gonna take him.  He's gonna make Uncle 
Walter one of them!"  He was talking fast, but low.

The conflict on Mulder's face was heartfelt.  "Dad!"

"You stay right here.  Do you hear me?  Don't move.  If 
anyone -  "

"Dad, hurry!"

Mulder's hand caressed his hair and he hurried into the 
alley.  There was no way he could win this one.  Hell, he 
wasn't even armed.  The best he could hope for was to 
distract the soldier long enough to get Skinner and bolt.  
And he couldn't get killed, Danny was here.

The super soldier had Skinner against the brick wall at 
the back of the diner.  Skinner's feet weren't on the 
concrete and one of the man's arms was blocking 
Skinner's windpipe, while he held him easily with the 
other hand.

Mulder didn't bother with a warning, tackling the soldier 
low and hard.  He went down and Skinner dropped to his 
knees, gasping for air.

The man was on his feet first and had Mulder by the 
shoulders, then threw him across the alley into the 
trashcans.  Mulder hit hard, crashing through them and 
into the wall behind.

"Mulder!"  Skinner was on his feet now.

The man stopped then and looked at Mulder.  "Mulder?"  
The soldier's face actually lit up.  "An extra prize.  Wait 
your turn Fox Mulder, I'll be with you next."

He turned back toward Skinner and advanced on him.  
Mulder rose to his feet and nearly collapsed when he 
stepped on his right foot.

Suddenly their assailant stopped and blinked.  Mulder 
looked where he was looking and saw Danny 
approaching them.

"Danny!  No!"  Mulder roared at him, but the boy ignored 
him, concentrating on the soldier.  The man's hand came 
up to his head and his eyes narrowed.  He tried to take a 
step toward the boy.  Mulder tensed ready to attack 
again.  Out of the corner of his eye he saw Skinner do 
the same.

But the man's only step was a stagger and both of his 
hands tightened around his head.  He dropped to his 
knees then, groaning.  He struggled for a moment more, 
then collapsed to the ground.

Mulder held his own breath as the man's chest quit 
moving.  He knew better than to think he was dead, but 
this would give them some time.

Then the man's neck arched and there was the sound of 
metal twisting.  Mulder and Skinner looked at each other, 
then both were moving toward Danny, ignoring their own 
injuries.  Mulder had Danny up in his arms.  He tossed 
the keys to Skinner.  "Can you drive?"

Skinner nodded, opening the door to let Mulder and 
Danny into the back seat, then slipped into the front.  
Mulder gave him quick directions and Skinner pulled out.

"You don't have to hurry.  It's dead, for real."

Mulder blinked at the boy, then caught Skinner's eye in 
the mirror.  "You, you were able to . . . "

"I'm okay, Dad.  I didn't 'kill' it.  It's a machine and I broke 
it.  He killed the man he looked like over a year ago."

Instead of speaking, Mulder just pulled him into his arms 
and held him close.  After a moment he sat up.  "Does 
Katy know?"

Danny looked surprised.  "Yeah."

"Maybe you better calm her down."

*****

Scully patted the baby's tummy lightly as she lay in her 
crib, gurgling around her hand.  Frohike looked up as 
Scully moved away from the crib.  "Want something to 
drink?"

Before she could answer, Katy screamed.  All four of 
them froze.  Scully recovered first, racing back to her 
side.  Katy stopped screaming only long enough to draw 
a breath, then let go again, her body arching in her fury.

"Katy, Katy, Mommy has you."  That did nothing to calm 
her down.  Neither did pacing or bouncing.  "What's 
wrong with her?"  She asked the three men helplessly.  
"What's going on?  What . . . what does she know?"  Her 
voice quivered on that last word and all three of them 
converged on her, to offer reassurances and comfort.

All four of them were at wit's end quickly.  Frohike's 
suggestion about a pin sticking her was met by scorn 
from Langly and part of Scully wanted to be amused at 
Langly's attitude but she was too near tears herself.
 
Then, as suddenly as it began, she was quiet again.  It 
seemed as though she quit crying in mid-scream and 
relaxed in Scully's arms.  Scully was too afraid to speak, 
staring down at her infant daughter.  The baby gurgled 
up at her and gave what looked like her first real smile.

"What?  What does it mean?"  Scully looked up at them.

Byers moved quickly back to her side, leading her to the 
bed.  "It's a signal Dana, from Danny.  Everything is 
okay.  Yes, something happened, but its okay now.  
Look, she's fine.  Why don't you . . . why don't you lie 
down here with her.  Put your feet up.  I'm sure they're on 
their way back."  Frohike and Langly nodded behind him.

Frohike took Katy from her arms and Byers helped Scully 
recline on the bed.  "Try to calm down, Dana.  Katy's 
telling you its okay.

She nodded and closed her eyes for a moment.  When 
she opened her eyes, she reached for Katy.  Frohike put 
the baby on the bed beside her and she cuddled her.  
Everyone was quiet then, waiting.

When Danny opened the door, Scully vaulted from the 
bed.  She was on her knees, examining him even as he 
was still trying to get inside.  "I'm fine Mom.  They need 
your help."  He looked back at Mulder and Skinner, who 
followed him into the room.

Scully scanned them both quickly.  They had cuts and 
bruises, and Mulder was doing his best to disguise a 
limp.  Scully was on her feet instantly and grabbed her 
bag of first aid.  Both men sank onto the foot of the 
nearest bed.  She asked no questions, merely began 
ministering to their injuries.  Both submitted, wincing 
when she cleaned and then butterflied the cuts on their 
faces and scalps.  She noted the bruises and finally met 
Mulder's eyes.

He glanced away, "We need to get out of here."

The three men didn't hesitate, anxious for something to 
do.  Langly took the crib down, while Byers and Frohike 
packed up the bathroom and clothing.

"Where do you want to go, Mulder?"  Byers asked.

"We don't have to go far, but we need a bigger place."

"There's one of those suite places just down the 
highway.  Each room has a sitting room and a separate 
bedroom."

"Let's go.  Byers, you're going to have to check us in.  
You're the only one . . ."  He looked around, 
"unmemorable at this point."

Byers grinned, "Yeah.  Come on."

Again Skinner drove, Mulder in the front, Scully in the 
back with the children.  They followed the van and 
parked both vehicles away from the office.  Byers was 
back quickly with their key and they unloaded the car.

The crib was set up in the bedroom and Scully put the 
baby down.  She was asleep almost instantly; worn out 
from the fit she'd thrown earlier.  At Scully's insistence, 
Danny lay down as well.  After reading her quickly, he 
didn't bother to protest.  He knew better.  She kissed him 
then returned to the front room, pulling the door almost 
closed behind her.

There she stopped and surveyed the men in front of her.  
She took each one in, lingering slightly longer on Skinner 
and his injuries before settling on Mulder.  "What the hell 
happened?"

Mulder saw her hands were beginning to shake.  By the 
time he reached her, she was shaking all over.  He 
leaned over her and led her to the small sofa.  Skinner 
immediately moved to the easy chair and the other three 
brought over chairs from the small table.

He seated her and seemed to wrap himself around her, 
as though to physically shield her small body with his 
own.  Unfortunately what they faced wasn't something he 
could protect her from.

"What happened?"

*****

Mulder handed her the glass of water Frohike had gotten 
for her.  "What about a brandy, Scully?"

She shook her head.  Most of the color had returned to 
her face.  Her reaction to Danny's actions had been as 
strong as his.

"Do you think he's dead?"  She was watching Mulder

Mulder shrugged and looked over at Skinner.  "Is there 
anyone you could trust . . ."

Skinner looked at him, then Scully.  "John."

"Is he still . . ."  She started to ask.

"There aren't any 'X-Files' as it existed, but when 
something 'unexplained' comes up, I usually assign him.  
He understands."

"How can you be sure he's not . . . "

Skinner shrugged, "Danny."

Scully closed her eyes.

"If this thing is dead, or 'broken' like Danny says, it's 
valuable information."  Langly spoke up.  "We know how 
to kill them."

"Yes.  We send out my five year old."  Scully spoke 
bitterly.  Langly paled and leaned back, away from the 
look in her eyes.

"Hey, I'm, I'm sorry -  "

"It's okay Langly.  It's what we've all been thinking."  
Mulder spoke smoothly.  Scully seemed to shrink in his 
arms.  "Why don't you turn in Scully?  We can -  "

"Get in touch with John.  Have him observe the autopsy, 
make sure there is one."  Scully reasserted herself, 
ignoring Mulder's suggestion.

After a slight hesitation, Skinner pulled out his cell 
phone.  "No, use ours."  Byers stopped him, substituting 
his phone for Skinner's.

Skinner nodded and dialed.  "John, I need you to meet 
me in my office, thirty minutes.  Yes."  He broke the 
connection.

"You shouldn't go back there."  Scully protested.

"Yes, I need to make an appearance.  Pick up my car 
and . . . and a few things.  I'll be okay."

"Promise?"  Her voice was low now, barely a whisper.

"Yeah, I promise.  Let me wash up."

"They'll see -  "

"No.  It'll be okay."  He rose and moved into the 
bedroom.  The others sat in silence.

When he emerged, the three stood.  "We'll drop him off 
and head home.  You can reach us anytime, but we'll be 
back here around eight."

Mulder nodded and let them out.  Then, still standing at 
the door, he turned to face Scully.  "Can you forgive 
me?"

Her look was puzzled.  "Wha -  "

"For taking Danny with me, you gave him to me to protect 
him and I -  "

"Mulder."  She was on her feet now and moved into his 
arms.  "I made us come to DC.  I took him into the lion's 
den.  If he hadn't been with you . . . if he hadn't been with 
you we would have lost Skinner and, and . . . "

"Sssh.  You need to lie down and I need to hold you."

She saw the grimace on his face when he stepped on his 
injured ankle and pulled his arm around her.  "Come on, I 
need to hold you too."

Once in bed, they lay facing each other.  Danny and Katy 
were deep asleep but they felt like whispering.  She 
would still occasionally shiver, though he knew she 
wasn't cold.  His hand caressed her hip.  "What can I do, 
Scully?"

She shook her head.  "Danny told me he and Katy 
wanted to save the world.  Did I tell you that?" She 
looked up into his stunned face and nodded.  "We better 
get busy and have eight or ten more kids to give them 
backup."  The bitterness was creeping back into her 
voice.

He kissed her lips gently.  "As much as I enjoy making 
babies with you, Scully, I have no intention of putting you 
through the end result again.  We'll find another way."

"What other way is there Mulder?"

"I'll find one."  He kissed her again and pulled her closer 
against his body.





=====
Donna
www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/

Viva la fanfic!  If I quit now, they win...