Bound Together by Psi Fi

Title: Bound Together
Author: Psi Fi
E-mail Address: psifi872@charter.net
Distribution Statement: If you want, sure.
Rating: A strong R, for language, violence
Classification: TR -- adventure/romance
Keywords: Skipper fic
Spoiler Warning: Through Existence, au after that.
Summary: Some family ties are revealed; Scully and Krycek fall for each other after an exchange of favors (not that kind! Yet. <g>).
Disclaimer: The characters are owned by Fox. This is done for love, not money.

Dana Scully walked up the steps to her apartment building. Shadows hid the corners of the doorway. As she came near, one of the shadows seperated from the rest, revealing the figure of a man.

Krycek held out his arms, showing he didn't have a gun drawn, though Scully knew he had to have at least one weapon somewhere on his person. He smiled, wryly.

Scully briefly frisked him, finding the gun stuck in a holster under his jacket. Satisfied, she stepped back and stared hard at the mysterious ex-agent.

"Congratulations on getting the X-files back, Scully. You know, you and Mulder would still be under Kersh, if it weren't for Jeff Spender."

"His father shot him. I managed to stop the bleeding, somewhat, but he needs help…I, uh, put him on your couch."

Scully's jaw dropped. "You did what?!" Not waiting for an answer, she brushed past him, glaring incredulously. She sensed, rather than saw, that Krycek followed. Getting to her apartment, she noticed the door was unlocked. She entered, grimacing, and flicked on the lights. A pained moan came from the couch. Scully stalked over and looked down in horrified amazement at the wounded young agent nestled among her cushions. She spun to confront the dangerous man who had brought Jeffrey Spender to her.

"If you take him to a hospital, his father will finish him," Krycek stated, simply and calmly.

"If his father's so powerful, that he can get commit any crime, and be protected from prosecution in the name of national security, why would he need to kill his own son?" Scully inquired with sardonic bitterness.

She once again pushed past Krycek, going to retrieve some medical supplies from her closet.

"The truth. Krycek, you're a liar and a murderer, who has already said that there is no truth."

"I brought Jeff here to save his life, not to end it, Scully," Krycek objected, sounding faintly hurt.

"I'll do what I can for him, Krycek, but if this wound is too bad, I am taking him to a hospital. Understand?"

Krycek appeared ready to argue, but then nodded, silently. Scully gently removed Jeff's shirt, examining the wound. She discovered that instead of entering his chest, the bullet had become embedded in his sternum. Krycek sat down in a chair, watching intently, as Scully removed the bullet and dressed the wound. She helped Jeff to swallow an antibiotic and a painkiller.

"I'm just trying to help him." He shrugged, as if surprised she would question his innocence. "I like him."

"I can't stay here. He's probably watching…I don't want to drag her into this…"

"She's been in this for six years, " Krycek pointed out, shaking his head. "You can't shield her."

"But I could make things worse, " Jeff protested, hoarsely. "We should leave…"

"You can't go anywhere tonight, Agent Spender," Scully declared. "You have lost a considerable amount of blood. You need rest."

"Listen to her, Jeff. You shouldn't move. Just relax….we'll figure something out in the morning…"

"Murder, abduction, assault, espionage, breaking and entering, theft….you're guilty of so many things," she intoned, her voice slightly bitter.

"I'm not as guilty as you think, Scully, and some of the things I've done happened for better reasons than you suspect…"

"I'm not going to sleep with you loose in my apartment," she announced, pulling out her handcuffs.

Krycek looked uncomfortable, but complied with surprising meekness, removing his jacket. Scully grabbed his left wrist, then dropped it, her eyes widening in shock. Krycek smiled, bitterly.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, fastening the cuff to his right wrist. "Do you want me to remove the prosthetic while you sleep?"

Scully nodded. She left, briefly, then returned with a large pile of blankets and pillows. She divided them between the two men, surprising Krycek by helping him become comfortable on the floor.

"Scully? I can protect all of us better with my gun…if someone shows up for Jeff."

Scully awoke, abruptly, reaching for her gun on the nightstand, hearing sharp cries coming from her living room. She blinked, remembering who her "guests" were. She hurried in, hoping Jeffrey wasn't becoming feverish. Opening the door, she saw that Agent Spender was awake and relatively well. He was gently shaking Krycek's shoulder, trying to pull him out of a nightmare. Scully sighed, dropping her gun onto a bookcase shelf.

Krycek tossed about, still mostly asleep. Bending down, Scully tried to make out the words he made as he cried out.

Scully shook her head at Jeff's inquiring look, bewildered. She pulled Krycek into a sitting position, shaking him with surprising strength.

Krycek's eyes snapped open, as he gasped loudly. He stared blankly, shaking, for a long moment, before he seemed to focus on Scully's blue eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he claimed, his voice barely audible. "What were you dreaming about?" Jeff asked kindly.

She turned away and complied, letting in a soft, warm breeze. Coming back, she straightened Krycek's pillows and blankets, once more helping him get comfortable.

Scully set a plate of eggs, melon, and toast on the coffee table in front of Krycek. After helping Jeff to sit, and placing a tray in front of him, she turned to confront the handsome assassin.

"I'm not sure what to do, Scully…all I'm trying to do is help Jeff, but my resources are at a low ebb…"

"You've already done your part, Scully," Krycek assured her. "I just needed your medical skills."

Krycek turned back to his breakfast, not answering, anger coming from him like a cold, cutting wind.

"He's got protection from Cancerman. He could watch over Jeff…for a while, at least."

"He's an old man, Krycek…it wouldn't be fair to drag him into our problems again…"

"I won't endanger someone just because it suits my needs, Krycek…that's just a little too mercenary for me."

"Fine, Scully. Just remember you have to add Jeff's life into that equation. I didn't suggest Hosteen because he's convenient. He may be our only viable option," Krycek argued.

Jeff sighed, "Maybe we should try talking to my father…maybe my leaving the Bureau would be enough…"

"No!" Alex snapped. "I know it's hard to accept, but he will kill you given the chance, Jeff. The risk is too great."

Jeff turned away, blinking, and Alex realized the young man was on the brink of tears. How horrible must it be for him to know his own father sought his death? Krycek cursed his prosthetic, wishing he could touch the younger man's shoulder.

"Jeff," he whispered, kindly. "He's not worth it. I'm sorry, but you can't change who he is…you deserve better."

Scully watched Krycek comforting Jeff Spender and was amazed at the seemingly honest warmth and compassion the assassin displayed toward the FBI agent. There appeared to be genuine regard and friendship between the two very different men. She sighed, tiredly. She really was being harsh toward Krycek. She just couldn't help being suspicious of the man's motives. Still, he had a point. Hosteen did have protection from Spender's father and try as she might, she couldn't come up with any reasonable alternative.

Scully nodded, then went into the kitchen to make the call privately. She came out a while later.

"Albert has agreed to take him in. He says he was expecting my call. He'll meet you at the Holiday Inn, just outside Phoenix on Rte 60. Can you get Jeff there by Wednesday?"

"Albert says he was told to expect two young men…if you believe in that sort of thing." Scully added, wryly.

"How do I know you'll come back," Scully asked as she reluctantly undid the cuffs.

Krycek slipped out the door. Scully watched him go, wondering how big a mistake she was making. The man really did belong in jail.

"He's been a good friend to me, Scully…I don't want anything to happen to him."

"I do know about his past, Scully. I studied the work you and Mulder did on the X-files. I know about his involvement with you."

"I'm not sure I can explain this to you. Krycek…he's made me understand things. I didn't know enough to be wary of my father, when he gave me the X-files. My father never intended to give me answers to help my mother; I was just a tool. And getting me on the X-files insured that you and Mulder wouldn't talk to me, even if I was ready to believe. It was Krycek who told me how my father was using my mother…and how he planned to use me. Krycek made me realize how dangerous my father can be. He's also saved my life twice. So, yeah, I do trust him."

head in bemusement. Alex Krycek, who was supposed to be in Arizona looking after Jeff Spender, once again stood on her doorstep. At least he knocked this time! Sighing, she pulled out her gun and opened the door. Krycek saw the weapon and smiled.

"One of these days, you and Mulder are going to greet me without putting a gun in my face, Scully!"

The smile drained from Krycek's face. Scully studied him and felt a wave of compassion. Krycek was pale, with his cheeks drawn thin. His eyes looked overbright against the rings under his eyes.

"The FBI has a record of Jeff Spender's DNA, doesn't it? A sample that could be used for a PCR test?"

"The British gentleman, who gave Mulder the serum to cure you from the bee sting…do you remember him?"

"Yes, he was the same man who warned me about a possible assassination attempt, when the Consortium was looking for the DAT tape."

"Yeah. He was my patron for awhile. When he died, he left me a bunch of files he had collected and kept from the others…" Krycek shrugged and looked down for a moment before looking into Scully's eyes. "I decided my stay with Hosteen would be a good time to go through some of that stuff. And I found something. I can't trust the files. Will you run some tests for me? I need first hand proof…one way or the other…"

"According to the files, I'm Jeff's full brother," Krycek declared, his voice low and tight.

"I don't understand. If you're Jeff's brother, why weren't you raised by Cassandra?"

"I don't know. The files didn't say. They were mainly just scraps of data, random bits my patron managed to hide from the others. I don't even know if Spender realizes he had two sons, if I am his son, that is. I have to know, Scully…"

"Who else could I trust with this? Some random doctor who wouldn't know to protect the information? A Consortium doctor who would report his findings? If it's true, I don't want him to know I'm his son. I couldn't think of anyone else who would help me."

Scully looked into tortured green eyes, seeing that Krycek was telling the truth; there was really no one else he could turn to.

Scully entered Rich and Charlie's, an Italian bar and grill. She looked around the tables until she spotted Krycek, then joined him at his table, sitting in the booth across from him. Krycek stood up, with curious respect. Scully sighed and smiled, sadly. She had agreed to meet Krycek to give him the news on the PCR tests.

"The files were right. According to the PCR results, there is a ninety-five percent chance that you and Jeff share the same mother and an eighty-nine percent chance that you share the same father."

Krycek's shoulders began to shake. He wrapped his good arm around his waist and clenched his jaw. "Damn. Ah, damn it!" he whispered. "I'm his son…I'm that tar-sucking bastard's son!"

"I'm sorry. I know that isn't the answer you were hoping for…but, you're still the same person you were before…"

"And that's a good thing, is it, Agent Scully?" he scorned. "Or is it a case of the rat bastard not falling far from the tree?"

"Krycek…I could argue nature versus nurture with you…let me put it this way…even without realizing that he was your brother, you showed Jeff a compassion that Spender doesn't seem capable of…right?"

"Now I know how Mulder feels…I have so many questions and nowhere to go for the answers."

Alex sighed, nodding in resignation. A waitress came by and took their orders. She tried in vain to flirt with Alex, but he only smiled despondently, giving polite answers. Scully watched him sip distractedly at his water, brooding.

"Hm? Oh, he's fine. He's recovering from the gunshot, gets along well with Albert…"

"Pretty good, all things considered. I've tried to be fairly unobtrusive, out of gratitude if nothing else…he really is taking good care of Jeff."

"Me, too. Albert's really helping Jeff put his life, his thoughts, back together."

"Alex, Jeff likes and respects you. You'll be an addition to his life, not an intrusion."

"I don't know, Scully. It's not just Jeff. I just found out who my parents are…one is dead and the other might as well be!"

"Oh, I'm sure she wasn't at fault. We both know who is probably responsible for separating me from Jeff…and her."

"I hate to bring this up, but you really should get an extensive medical checkup, including a genetic work-up. You could be at serious risk."

"No way," Krycek responded, firmly. "Anything done to me is a Consortium secret. I can't do anything that would lead them to think I intend to expose them. My standing is precarious enough. Besides, I'm thirty-six and I've had plenty of medical exams in my life. As far as I know, there's nothing unusual about me."

Well, you're uncommonly cute,Scully thought. She immediately blushed, confused and a bit horrified by the thought.

Scully entered the X-files' office and stared at her partner. Fox Mulder was leaning back in his chair, throwing pencils at the ceiling. He smiled warmly at his partner and best friend.

"Yeah, sort of. I've kept something from you…something that happened recently."

Mulder's eyebrows raised. Scully and he rarely kept things from each other…it was one of the things that made their partnership so successful.

Scully explained how she had found Jeff on her couch and her subsequent meetings with Alex Krycek. Mulder whistled in amazement.

"Agent Spender and Krycek are brothers? That's a helluva coincidence, Scully. Are you sure the information you got was accurate?"

"I ran the PCR tests myself, Mulder. Krycek's gone back to Arizona to tell Jeff."

"Not enough evidence and Jeff, whom we do owe, would not appreciate losing his brother, when he just found him."

"Nope. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner about Jeff. The time just never seemed to be right and…I don't think we should tell anyone else. Not right now anyway."

"I agree. Spender's safe at Albert's…there's no need to bring anyone else into this," Mulder agreed, then smiled broadly, sliding a file across his desk to Scully. "Anyway, Scully, here's our latest X-file."

"That's it? I tell you I've been colluding with Krycek on something and you just shrug and hand me our latest case?"

Mulder grinned, loving that he could still occasionally throw his partner off-balance.

"I neither like nor trust Alex Krycek. I like and trust you a lot. You helped saved a fellow agent's life and arranged a safe house for him. If, and when, Krycek reveals his true motives, we'll know what to do. Until then, we have a case in Chicago."

Alex walked into Albert's living room, throwing his duffel bag onto the sofa. Jeff lounged lazily in the recliner, reading a book.

"Um, I got the information I was after. Jeff…I need to talk to you," he stated, throwing his leather jacket onto the closet floor.

Jeff took the files and read the information that proved that Krycek was his brother. He took a deep breath.

"No. The files just say who my real parents were and that I was a year and a half old when I was adopted by the Kryceks. I have no idea when I was taken from her or why, though I'm assuming our dear father was behind it," he spat bitterly.

"When…when Mom used to talk about her abduction experiences, she used to claim that they had…stolen an unborn child from her," Jeff stated softly. "She said that happened a couple of years before I was born."

"No. They never gave her a reason…she said she asked and was told not to worry."

Krycek sat down heavily on the couch, digging his fingers into the soft brown fabric.

"Alex, you've got to get away from these people. They took you from us for a reason and I'm willing to bet you don't want to know what it is."

"I can't just walk away, Jeff. I'd be under a death sentence again if I did. And…my walking away wouldn't make the aliens disappear. I wasn't just bull-shitting you when I said that this knowledge brings responsibility."

"The aliens are planning a viral apocalypse that will wipe out mankind. The rebel aliens have the alien fetus, so we can't continue work on a hybrid. We have to perfect the vaccine I stole from the Russians."

"Yeah, but the effects are temporary. The vaccine doesn't give any lasting immunization. After a few exposures, the vaccine stops working and the person dies. And the vaccine I stole has been used up."

"I don't know, Jeff. My patron wanted to…but they've shown almost as much disregard for human life as anyone else. Hell, they're the ones who killed our mother! It looks like they're going to win, but what guarantee do we have that they'll leave us in peace?"

"You said this knowledge brings responsibility and you're right. The responsibility became mine the moment I took over the X-files. I've shirked and ignored it long enough."

"There's a lot more to you than you're given credit for, isn't there, bro?" Alex mused, his eyes light with humor.

"I don't know what Father will do, Jeff. He still has a lot of power. Not everyone in the Consortium is dead. Like a hydra, it's not dead until all of the heads are gone. Strughold is still alive, and Father, and all their arms and legs are intact. I'm just not sure what they'll try. For now, I guess the best thing we can do is wait and see what Father's next move will be. I'll get in contact with some of the doctors that are still alive and see what we would need to produce a vaccine. Who knows, maybe they've made some progress."

Scully entered Rich and Charlie's restaurant, trying not to worry about Mulder. Her partner had disappeared from the hospital, while being treated for unusual brain activity. While Scully knew the Consortium was responsible, she had no idea how to get him back. She had asked Diana Fowley for help, but the woman seemed reluctant.

Turning, Scully found Alex Krycek gazing down at her, a puzzled tilt to his head.

"You ignored the waitress, when she asked to seat you. Would you like to sit with me?"

Scully started to demur, but then reconsidered. Krycek owed her a favor and didn't really seem interested in Mulder's demise. She smiled wanly at her unexpected companion.

Krycek could see that Scully was worried, but waited until she was seated and comfortable before pressing for information.

Krycek's eyes narrowed with his surprise. Their enemy had, at times, gone to great lengths to ensure Mulder's safety.

"I heard Mulder was suffering from some sort of mental illness…unusual activity of some kind?"

"I think Diana Fowley knows where he is and can get to him, but she won't help me."

Krycek studied Scully for a moment. Sadness lent a poignancy to her usually vibrant beauty. Leaning forward, Krycek placed a hand over hers.

"I know you and Mulder don't get along well, but…I don't know how else to get him back," she pleaded.

Scully breathed a small sigh of relief, surprised by her own confidence in Krycek.

Krycek gave a soft smile in return, that was very different from the confident smirk he often wore, when confronting the X-files team.

Scully once more found Alex Krycek on her doorstep and reluctantly admitted him.

"He's fine," Scully observed, drily, anger glittering in her blue eyes. "Diana Fowley, unfortunately, seems to have been killed."

"I'm sorry, Scully," he sighed, his face and voice regretful. "I had no choice. I broke in to steal the key you needed, but she caught me. I tried to reason with her, but…she wasn't willing to save Mulder."

"It was self-defense! She wasn't going to let me walk after catching me trying to betray the Smoker! I tried to subdue her, but she got hold of her gun. I had to shoot her."

Krycek's eyes had narrowed in irritation, forming the cute crinkle over the bridge of his nose. Sighing, Scully admitted that his story made sense. The forensic evidence did suggest a struggle. Krycek had risked his life to help her and Mulder; she owed him the benefit of the doubt.

"You're right. You saved Mulder's life and I should have at least listened before making accusations. Thank you for helping us, Alex," Scully offered, humbly.

"You're welcome, Scully. I'm glad Mulder's okay. Um, I haven't had dinner, yet. Would you like to go out to eat?"

Scully was surprised by the warm frisson of pleasure than went through her chest at the suggestion. At the same time, she was puzzled and intrigued by the invitation. She really hadn't thought that Krycek had any interest in her, either socially or professionally. Most of their contact with him came through Mulder. Part of her was absurdly pleased at having gained his attention.

Krycek grinned. The worst part about being on the run was the isolation and loneliness. It had been far too long since he enjoyed a relaxed evening with a beautiful lady. Deciding to make the most of it, Krycek led Scully to his car and drove to a fairly ritzy restaurant; not black tie, but definitely upper crust. Scully smiled, pleased at this further evidence that there was more to Krycek than leather and attitude. Krycek noted her grin and shrugged casually.

"This use to be one of my favorite restaurants. I even brought Mulder here once when we were working a case together. He made it a point to use the proper fork for each course, while leaving a huge pile of sunflower shells on his napkin," Krycek reminisced, dryly.

Krycek seemed to want normal conversation that didn't touch on the intrigues and mysteries of their professional lives. Once they were seated, she fidgeted a little, a bit afraid that the evening would become awkward. What could they discuss besides work?

Krycek noted her uneasiness, but had more confidence that they could connect on a personal level.

"Not much, anymore," she chuckled. "Mainly spend time with my family. Speaking of which, how is Jeff?"

"He's fine, thanks. Now that he knows it's real, he's been studying the history of alien abductions…I guess it's his way of trying to catch up."

Scully shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. She didn't want to discuss Krycek's connections to the Consortium or who he was currently working for. Krycek noticed her movements and smiled, a little sadly.

"So," he said calmly, "since it's too beautiful a night to spend talking about business, what else can we talk about?"

A sudden, wicked gleam came to Scully's eyes as she decided to ask something she had been curious about.

Krycek's eyes widened. Scully almost giggled at his shock, but held it in, waiting coolly for an answer. He cleared his throat, chuckling softly.

"You ask the tough ones, don't you? Well. It…was a combination of things. I spend a lot of time in Europe and male friends there are more comfortable showing affection. I know Mulder doesn't consider us friends, but I wanted to show him I do. I needed him to understand that I was sincere. Plus, I figured the shock would give me enough time to get out the door," Krycek admitted wryly.

Alex smiled, softly, pleased with her reaction. He had never before heard this woman's soft laughter and was charmed by the sound. He shook himself, suddenly afraid. Developing a friendship with Scully was risky enough. He couldn't afford to fall in love with her. He suspected, though, that it was already too late.

Krycek stood over Mulder's unconcious body, waiting for Scully to appear. He nervously fingered the vial in his jacket's pocket; the fluid was Mulder's one chance for survival. There was precious little of the vaccine to go around, but Krycek was determined to save the agent's life. Krycek had tried to give his former partner the proof he sought, but had endangered his life, taking Mulder from the people who cared for and needed him.

Alex turned to face the woman hurt most by Mulder's disappearance; the last person on Earth he wanted to cause pain.

"What are you doing here, Krycek?" she demanded, her voice thick with suspicion.

"It's the vaccine. The one Mulder gave you in Antarctica. It can save him, so he won't be like Billy Miles."

Do I?" she demanded. "You helped me save his life, but then you disappeared and the next time I see you, you're acting like a stranger. Then you disappear *again* after giving us information that results in Mulder's abduction. I don't know what to think about you anymore!"

"Scully, I…I didn't want this to happen to Mulder. I didn't plan this. I care about you…a little too much, actually. I don't want to be responsible for any more pain in your life. Just being seen with me could jeapordize your health and your career."

Scully grabbed a syringe from a drawer and administered the vaccine. She disposed of the syringe and placed the vial in her pocket. Turning, she came close to him.

"I don't think our lives could be in any more danger and our careers are already damaged. What is the point of fighting so hard for our freedom and our planet, if we refuse to live? You and Mulder are so consumed with this…war, that you're losing everything that's worth struggling for," she assessed.

Krycek ran his fingers tenderly over her cheek. Scully relaxed, soothed by the gentleness of the touch. Krycek leaned over and kissed her softly, running his tongue over her lower lip. Scully reached out with her own tongue to briefly touch his, making him shiver.

"Dana," he husked. "We have to be careful. I don't want anyone to know I've contacted you. Some of the people Doggett and Skinner report to mustn't know that I have access to the vaccine. Billy Miles and the others are a new alien threat. The vaccine we've been working on is the only thing I know of that can kill them."

"Hm, but can you trust the people above them? Do you trust Kersh? I need the remnants of the Consortium to work with me, and they won't if they know I'm helping you. They'll think I've sided with the rebels. Besides, your boss has a somewhat warped view of me and my motives."

"Please, Dana. I'm not asking you to lie. Just…don't mention seeing me if it doesn't come up, okay?"

Reluctantly, Scully nodded, then reached up to briefly caress his cheek and temple.

Krycek stood outside the elevators, silently praying that Mulder and Skinner could get Dana to a car and away from Billy Miles. To his surprise, the elevator began climbing back up. When the elevator opened, Krycek gave a snide greeting, trying to hide his fear and concern. To his surprise, Mulder handed Scully to him for protection. Krycek led her down a side hallway. When they were out of sight of her friends, Scully tugged on his arm. He turned, looking for a threat.

"Alex, I need to know. Why did you try to get Skinner to kill my baby?" Scully demanded, hurt.

"I wasn't sure if the baby was a threat and I couldn't let the Colonists have him. Dana, I'm sorry."

"Why do you think? I couldn't do it…couldn't force myself to, no matter how necessary. I can't hurt you."

Alex pulled Dana close, kissing her deeply and feeling the warmth of her against him. He moaned, when she returned the caress, nibbling on his mouth. Alex reluctantly pulled away.

They rushed to the parking garage and Scully climbed into a car with Monica Reyes.

Krycek walked swiftly away from FBI headquarters. He had called an ambulance for Skinner, but knew he would eventually be blamed for the injuries Skinner had suffered. Krycek had fled for the elevators after seeing Billy Miles, not waiting for or warning the assistant director. Krycek frowned. Sooner or later, he would have to make peace with the man, if he wanted a relationship with Dana. He and Skinner had indulged in their antagonism so much that he wasn't sure how to start. Not getting the man killed was probably a logical beginning.

Krycek stiffened and looked back over his shoulder. Jeremiah Smith stood a couple of feet behind him, a benign smile curving his mouth. Krycek looked around, then went into a nearby bookstore; Smith followed.

"There are people who would kill me if I was seen talking to you," Krycek hissed. "What do you want?"

"You've worked closely with us in the past. We could use your help now. This new threat to your people took us by surprise. I've tried to help, but…my ways have not been especially effective," Smith admitted sadly.

"Yeah, well, I found out that one of the victims of your mass burnings was my mother. Sort of turned me off the idea of cooperation," Krycek informed him, pulling a book from the shelves. Jebediah Smith studied him sadly, seeing beyond the deliberate nonchalance.

"You think we don't value human life? It is partially for the sake of your race that we are fighting. Our methods…have been crude at times. It is one of the reasons we need your help. If you wish, a cessation of the burnings can be part of the bargain for our alliance."

"You couldn't have offered that before killing Cassandra?" he asked bitterly, then sighed. "Fine. I'll help you, if I can."

"Your mother lives. She was not a victim at the airbase. She is safe, with us, where the Colonists cannot use or harm her."

"I cannot. She would be killed by the Colonists or colonization would begin. She must remain safe and hidden."

"I might be able to arrange it, but there are things we need done as soon as possible."

Krycek closed his eyes, knowing he would be working for the rebels, now, whether he wanted to or not.

"We need you to strengthen your ties to the Colonists. Your previous ties to the Consortium should help. We need you to get us information and pass along some disinformation. Basically, to be our spy. We also want you to find out why the Colonists are so interested in Agent Scully's baby."

"All right, but my brother and I will want to see our mother as soon as you can arrange it."

"I promise you. You can contact a Noel Rohr; he is a replicant you will be able to work with."

Krycek sat in the bleachers, leaning back on the benches behind him, watching Noel Rohr, or rather, the being who used to be Noel Rohr, run laps. He kept a cool, calm smile in place, knowing he had already been spotted. Finally, Rohr stopped running and walked up to him.

"What do you want? I have access to much of the information and resources controlled by the old men."

"There are others we must consult. Meet me at FBI Headquarters tomorrow at six."

Krycek sat in a chair, facing Kersh's desk. He felt almost like the young FBI agent he had pretended to be.

"You have a checkered past, Krycek," Kersh growled. "Both with us and with Mulder's friends. We'll need proof of your loyalty."

"You've often shown unusual favor towards Mulder and Scully, if only by not shooting them when you had the chance. We want you to delay Mulder; make sure he doesn't reach Scully before they do," Kersh ordered.

Krycek shivered, feeling an uncomfortable sense of deja vu. He hid his reaction behind a cool, blank mask.

Krycek felt the bright pain of a needle. He bolted up from his chair, but Rohr shoved him back.

Jeremiah Smith watched, puzzled, as Krycek fell dying. He knew the young man had no true desire to kill Mulder. He might have been ordered by the Colonists to stop Mulder from reaching Scully, but that didn't explain the assassination attempt. After Skinner and Mulder left, Smith approached the body. There was still enough life in the man to save him and Smith wanted answers. Placing his hands on the wounds in Krycek's head and side, Smith released his healing energy. After a moment, Krycek jerked awake, gasping for breath. Green eyes focused unsteadily, widening in horror.

"You have been under the influence of drugs and hypnotism. I have healed those wounds to your psyche," Smith assured him, kindly.

"Those wounds, too, are gone now. You're all right," Smith affirmed, soothingly.

He had tried to kill Mulder. No matter what excuses were made, he doubted Scully would ever forgive him. Pain burned through his stomach and chest. He closed his eyes, trying not to think that he had lost the woman he loved and needed.

"I'm the last person that they'd accept help from. I just tried to murder Mulder. They'll never accept me as an ally, now."

Krycek watched from the shadows of the cabin as Scully was bundled out of the cabin with Mulder at her side. He had sneaked in a window, so he could watch from the shadows and protect his love, if necessary. Watching her with Mulder, he knew his presence wasn't needed. Scully had everything she needed in her former partner. Sighing sadly, he decided not to interfere any further in her life.

Sneaking outside, he spotted Jeremiah Smith standing under a huge oak tree, watching the crowd disperse. Krycek approached him, keeping to the shadows of the houses and trees. As he neared, Smith looked at him, smiling.

"I want to see Cassandra Spender. I've told my brother that she's alive. We want you to take us to her."

Smith wanted to argue with the headstrong human, but knew Krycek wasn't ready to hear wisdom. The young man's heart would have to wait awhile.

"Very well. Your mother is on a rebel ship hidden within an iceberg in the Arctic. I will meet you and Jeff tomorrow to take you to her."

"I agree you should be allowed to see her, but believe me, please, she's safest where she is now. I promise, we'll arrange for you and your brother to see her as often as possible," Smith cajoled.

Sighing, Krycek nodded. Keeping Cassandra safe would be almost impossible, if the Colonists found out she was alive.

Scully answered the knock at her door. To her shock, Jeremiah Smith stood in her hallway, smiling.

Scully hesitated, but knew the gentle rebel would not harm little William. Nodding, Scully led him into the nursery.

"He is a fine boy," Smith proclaimed, running a soft finger down the baby's temple and cheek.

Scully smiled, pleased as any new mother. She eased the child out of his crib, rocking him tenderly.

"I wanted to see the child, to assure myself of his safety. Also, I wanted to discuss Alex Krycek with you."

"He's not guilty, Agent Scully. We sent him to work undercover with the Colonists. They drugged and hypnotized him into behaving as he did. I tried to convince Mr. Krycek to talk with you, but he wouldn't. However, I can tell he loves you deeply."

Scully's eyes widened, anger and concern glinting across their surface. Why hadn't Alex come to her and explained?

Scully shivered, torn between anger and tears. The news of Alex's death had left her feeling shattered and alone. The relief that he lived was matched by fury that he hadn't come to her to explain. She ached to see him, to confront him, and to assure him that she understood.

"Thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Smith," Scully offered, "but I need some time alone."

As her front door closed on Jeremiah Smith, Scully sank to her couch, crying softly. She couldn't deny that she loved Alex deeply, but she knew she had already lost him.

Jeff glanced uneasily around the rebel spaceship as Smith led them to Cassandra Spender. Although convinced of the existence of aliens, Jeff still found the reality overwhelming. Alex paused, allowing his brother to catch up, and gave him an affectionate squeeze on his shoulder. Smith stopped in front of a door panel and knocked briefly.

Krycek swallowed hard, trying to control his nervousness. Jeff turned and gave him a brilliant smile. They both stopped in shock when they entered their mother's quarters. The rooms were designed and decorated to look like a human apartment. Cassandra Spender sat on a cream colored couch, leaning against some soft blue cushions. A light blue carpeting covered the floor. A wooden coffee table, flanked by two large ferns, held books and an ordinary coffee cup. The woman herself was dressed in creamy green pants and a soft white sweater. She glowed with a health that Jeff had rarely seen in his mother.

Alex smiled a bit, nodding, not sure how to begin. Jeff smiled with compassion at his brother. Taking his mother's arm, Jeff sat next to her on the couch.

"No, not at all. Remember, when you told about your abduction experiences; you said they had taken an unborn child from you?"

Pulling the files and PCR results from his jacket, Alex silently offered Cassandra Spender the proof that he was her son. Curious, Cassandra took the files, reading them silently.

"Oh, my Lord," she whispered, staring up at the still, blank figure of her oldest child. She stood shakily and walked over to him, reaching up to touch his cheek.

"My baby," she gasped, smiling. "They would never tell me what happened to you."

Krycek hesitantly reached for his birth mother and was immediately engulfed in a loving embrace. A tear ran down her cheek, as Cassandra held her son for the first time. Alex pulled away gently and kissed his mother's forehead. Smiling joyfully, she led him to sit beside Jeff.

"Did you know the British gentleman of the Consortium? I worked for him for awhile, until he was killed. He left me those files. A friend of mine conducted the PCR tests."

"I know. I know him. I…was raised to believe in the Consortium and it's goals. I used to work for him."

"Well, forget about him," Cassandra ordered, cheerfully. "We're together. That's all that matters to me."

"Mother," Alex began, hesitantly, continuing when she smiled at him, "are you okay here?"

"Of course, I am!" she exclaimed, a bit surprised, then smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about me, my darlings. I'm finally putting my experiences to a positive use."

"By interacting with the rebels on a personal level. I know the rebels were responsible for the mass burnings and I'm sorry for the loss of life. That's why I'm working with them to help them better understand humanity and our values. I'm trying to forge a more equal alliance with them. I'm teaching them things about us…about our history and culture. And, they're teaching me about them, too."

"All right. The rebels have agreed to allow us to visit periodically. If you decide you want to leave, just tell me, okay?" he asked softly.

"All right, Alex, I will. But really, I'm fine," she soothed. "So, what have you boys been up to? Does Alex work with the FBI, too?"

"Um, no. Right now, I'm working for the rebels. Jeff is working as a researcher for a think tank that investigates UFO reports."

"Father tried to kill me, when he learned I wasn't in favor of power at any cost. Alex hid me away with a friend, who helped me find my current job."

"I'm sorry this must end so soon, but I must get them back, before suspicions are raised. Next time, they will be able to remain longer."

Jeff and Alex stood, reluctantly preparing to leave. Cassandra walked them to the door.

Cassandra smiled, pleased, kissing both her sons' cheeks. They hugged her tightly, before following Smith through the ship's hallway.

Scully whipped around towards the outraged, male voice, reaching automatically for her gun. Krycek stood just out of reach, scowling. She hid a sigh of relief, arching an eyebrow.

"I needed to find some information about my baby. I still have concerns about his conception and safety," she replied, cooly.

Krycek was shocked to discover Scully at the mining company in Virginia. He had hadn't realized she was aware of the existence of this hidden filing system.

"I've been here before with Mulder. Victor Klemper told us about it, when we were investigating the missing DAT tape."

"Oh, yes, I remember now," Krycek observed with acidic calm. "That's one of the times you were chased away by men with machine guns, wasn't it?"

"Yes, I am concerned. I know you're not likely to believe this now, but I love you. This place is heavily guarded. What, exactly, are you looking for?"

"I want to know who my child's father is. I want some answers concerning his birth. What are you doing here?"

"Getting information for the rebels. Fine. Check your file and I'll check Mulder's. That sort of irony would appeal to the old men," Krycek grumbled.

He pulled Mulder and Bill Mulder's files, bringing them over to Scully. Scully pulled out genetic tests from both files, examining them.

Scully flipped rapidly through Bill Mulder's file, then stopped. She looked up, stunned.

Krycek grimaced, then went in search of his father's file. He found it and brought it back to Scully. They looked through it, finding references to Jeff and his unborn son. Hidden at the back were notes and PCR tests that proved the Smoker had fathered both of Teena Mulder's children. Krycek sat down on the floor, shaking. The bastards had tried to force him to murder his own brother! Scully sank down beside him, slipping an arm around his shoulder.

"You know, Jeremiah Smith told me what Kersh and Rohr did to you. It wasn't your fault. I wish you had felt…well, that you'd had more confidence in me. I do understand, Alex."

"I have confidence in you, Dana…it just seemed like…too much, you know? It felt like the last straw, unforgivable."

"Yes," Scully sighed. "It seems there is no human father. William was an attempt at a human/alien hybrid. My egg was fertilized with alien DNA, but for some reason, he became completely human."

Krycek nodded, unsure what to say. Pounding footsteps took away his chance to speak. Grabbing Dana's arm, he pulled her down a nearly hidden passage, turning out the lights on his way. Swiftly, he led her to a small parking lot, filled with army jeeps and government vehicles. Pulling out keys, he hopped into one, waiting for Scully to get into the other side.

Krycek drove them there, blending in with the traffic. Scully remained silent, thinking about her baby and the confessions of love within the mountain vault. She leaned back, resting, not waking up until Alex gently shook her leg. She looked up at her hotel, then turned to Alex, smiling softly. Instead of getting out, she leaned over and kissed him. Krycek reached up, gently caressing her hair. After a minute, Alex pulled away, getting out and going to her side. He opened the door, then offered her his hand. Scully accepted, allowing Alex to pull her in for another deep caress of lips and tongues.

Holding hands, they walked to her room. Scully opened the door, firmly pulling Alex inside. She locked the door and pulled him close. Alex leaned down, kissing her softly, then with greater heat. Scully pressed as close to him as her smaller figure would allow, running her tongue over his lips. Alex gently sucked her tongue into his mouth, encouraging her to explore the moist heat. She sighed with pleasure as Alex's hands explored her back, stopping just short of the soft curve of her butt. Before she could change her mind, Scully pushed the leather jacket off of Alex's shoulders.

Pulling away from the kiss, Alex stared deeply into Scully's eyes. Scully's breath caught. Despite the question in them, Alex's eyes were dark green, glowing with a primordial fire. His expression had been stripped of civilization, as he waited for permission to continue. Scully pulled him to her and rubbed her cheek against his, like a cat claiming its mate, before nipping lightly at his ear. Krycek gave a groan that was almost a growl. He laced his arm around her waist, lifting her with primitive strength to carry her to the bed.

Scully woke to a gentle finger tracing her jaw. Opening her eyes, she stared into the gentle gaze of her new lover. Alex smiled tenderly before reaching down to place a gentle, almost chaste, kiss on her lips. Reaching up, she tenderly caressed his shoulder, up his neck, to his jaw. She stroked back and forth, enjoying the rugged feel of his morning beard, an interesting contrast to the smooth skin of his body. Alex hesitantly pulled away.

Smiling, Scully dragged him with her into the shower. When they were clean, Krycek drove them to a nearby Shoney's. Scully picked at some fresh fruit, while watching Alex sip some coffee.

"Dana…I know it's difficult for you to keep things from him, but I don't think now is the time to tell Mulder the things we discovered yesterday."

"Yes! I do want to tell him, but…look, he's still recuperating from his abduction and he's on edge from being fired. I just don't think he needs anymore stress right now. Plus…you know how he feels about me."

"Yeah, I know. How about this? I'll tell him that you're alive and about Rohr and Kersh. He'll believe me, when I tell him the information comes from Jeremiah Smith. Maybe, we can get him use to thinking of you as an ally and then tell him."

Krycek wasn't sure how Mulder would react to their being brothers; he was almost afraid to find out. Either way, though, Krycek knew that now was not a good time to deal the ex-agent another emotional blow.

"Work with the rebels. The Colonists aren't going to trust me; they'll know Smith saved my life. I guess, I'll go through the remnants of the Consortium and try to get what information I can. The Rebels will be having assignments for me."

"I'll be around when I can. I'm going to find out what progress has been made on the vaccine and see if there's a way to kill the replicants."

"You, too. Remember who Kersh is working for. I know it goes against what you've been taught and think is right, but there might be times that you'll need to withhold information."

Scully tensed, but nodded. Grabbing up the bill, Krycek stood, offering Scully his hand. She stood, following him out.

Mulder followed Scully at a discreet distance. She very rarely kept secrets from him and her refusal to identify her informant worried him. He had done similar things to her in the past, he knew, but, in her, the behavior was out of character. He watched as Scully pulled into the parking lot of a discount store that had gone out of business. To his shocked horror, Alex Krycek stepped out of the shadows of the building.

Mulder continued past, parking a couple of blocks down. Stealthily sneaking back, he hid behind the dumpster of a neighboring store. Scully had her arms around Krycek's waist and was kissing him deeply. Mulder fought the wave of rage and hurt he felt, knowing Scully would never intentionally betray him. Finally, Scully pulled back.

"He's fine. I'm glad you were there to give him back-up on that last case. I think Kersh was trying to get him killed."

"About as well as Mulder handled Doggett being the new department head," Scully said with rueful amusement.

"Hm. Mulder, at least, has good reasons to be pissed off. I imagine Doggett makes it even harder for Mulder to investigate his cases."

"Well, good. You need allies. Speaking of which," Krycek broke off, pulling a disk from his jacket. "I have a feeling Mulder will be breaking into a lab in Virginia pretty soon. These codes might help him."

"I'll be there, love. You know I'll do what I can to protect him. He's my brother."

"Don't you think I had a right to know about this, Krycek?" he asked, cold but calm.

Krycek bit back a laugh, knowing neither agent would appreciate the humor of the situation.

"We were going to tell you, but we wanted to wait until you were further recuperated from everything else that has happened in the past few months."

"I went back to the mining vault to find information about William. I found files and genetic data, proving that Bill Mulder was sterile. You and Samantha are both Spender's children," Scully informed him, compassionately.

Scully started to protest, but Alex silenced her by resting a calming hand on her shoulder.

Reaching up, she kissed him tenderly. She walked to Mulder, an unaccustomed plea in her gaze.

Mulder hesitantly nodded, unable to deny her. The brothers watched her leave, before turning to stare at each other. Finally, Mulder jerked his head in the direction of his car.

"My car's this way. There's a bar, about five blocks down. Why don't you meet me there and we can talk."

Krycek nodded, silently, not wanting to provoke Mulder's temper. He watched Mulder walk silently away, before getting in his car, driving to the bar. Once inside, he and Mulder waited until they each had a beer, until attempting to speak.

"Look, Mulder," Krycek offered. "I'm sorry about keeping you in the dark. Scully and I didn't mean it as a betrayal or anything. Now just didn't seem to be a good time to hit you with the news."

"About four months now, since your reinstatement. Look, you need the help and the information that I can bring you. You have enemies in high places. We're on the same side, Mulder."

"Maybe. I'll admit your information has helped so far. I'll call a truce with you, Krycek, because I don't want to arrest Scully's lover or a relative. I hope you don't make me regret it."

"We need to work together, if we're going to win this war. I need to know if you'll act on information, if I send it to you."

"I'm not interested in selling out the human race, Mulder. Unlike our dear father, I'm not in this for my own power and gratification."

"Our dear father? No. I killed a clone of his, as a warning. He's still out there, though I hear he's getting weaker and weaker."

"I just don't understand why she trusts you. You helped them take her. Even if I forgive you for murdering Bill Mulder and everything else, I can't trust you. You tortured Skinner with those nanobots. Your methods are too much like the Smoker's," Mulder ranted, angry and confused.

"I've done some things I regret; some were terrible mistakes and some were necessary for the human race to survive," Krycek defended himself, angry and hurt. "I guess you have to decide whether you're capable of forgiving me."

Mulder got to his feet; he wasn't able to have this conversation. He needed time to think and allow the shock and anger he felt recede to manageable levels.

"Forgiving is the easy part, Alex. It's trusting you again that I don't think I can do," he informed his brother, bitterly.

Krycek watched his brother walk away from him, a pit of hurt burning in his stomach.

Sitting weakly in his wheelchair, C.G.B. Spender sifted through reports and files that his spies had gathered for him. It surprised him to discover that Jeff was still alive, but the news that Krycek was also his son shocked him! He had assumed that the unborn child taken from Cassandra had been aborted so the alien's could use it for genetic material. He might never have known, if he hadn't began spying on Alex, after he destroyed the clone. The boy seemed to be taking things quite personally.

Spender sat back, considering how this changed things, if at all. He was dying, there was no question about that. If the work he had dedicated his life to was going to continue, he had to have an heir. Fortunately, he had three sons to choose from. Jeff had already proven to weak and changeable. The choice was really between Mulder and Krycek. He was fondest of Mulder. The boy was smart, shrewd, and determined. Unfortunately, he was too self-righteous. The moral code he clung to like a security blanket was a grave and perhaps fatal weakness.

Krycek, however, had no such weakness or, at least, didn't yet. True, Spender wasn't as fond of the younger man as he was of Mulder. Alex Krycek had seemed to be merely a useful tool to be used up and replaced. Still, he and his son could be useful to each other. Spender considered such mutual convenience not just an adequate substitute for the traditional father/son relationship, but an improvement. Arrangements of the sort he intended were tidier and more logical.

Sadly, if he succeeded in bringing Alex to his side, he would have no further use for Mulder or Jeff. His oldest son's antics were no longer amusing. The agent was causing too much trouble and had nearly brought the project to a standstill. Worse, Alex's brothers seemed to hold a disturbing amount of influence over him. Alex would be unable to accept his place in the project and do what was necessary if he feared his brothers' reactions. Spender would have to eliminate his redundant offspring.

Jeff threw Mulder the basketball. Catching it with a large grin, Mulder rested, breathing heavily, on the bleachers. He had invited Jeff to the gym where he worked out, wanting to get to know his youngest brother. Jeff took a long swig from his water bottle, before joining Mulder.

"You should," Jeff agreed, cheerfully. "He's fine. We went and saw Mom a few days ago."

"You know, he's not as bad as you think. I know he's done some harsh things, but you didn't know him long, when he was with the FBI. He's just done his best, like all of us. He's human."

"I'm sorry. You're probably right, but…I just can't bring myself to be around him."

"I know it's hard for you. He betrayed you. Just think about it, okay? None of us has enough family that we can afford to pick and choose. With father still out there, we need each other. Remember, we're stronger together than we are apart."

Mulder wished he could give in. He was enjoying Jeff's company. Now that their rivalry in the FBI was over, Mulder had discovered that he genuinely liked the younger man and enjoyed his company. Krycek was the only sore spot. Mulder knew that Jeff was fond of them both and wished Krycek and Mulder got along better. He hated seeing his younger brother caught between his two siblings.

"I don't know, Jeff. It might be easier, if I knew why he joined the Consortium. How did he get involved with those evil men?"

"I'm not sure. I don't think it was entirely his choice. Usually, Alex won't talk about it."

Krycek was hauled out of the government issue car and stared in shock at the fancy restaurant. The place was fancy dress only and was exclusive in its clientele. The suited thugs that had grabbed him off the street pushed him forward.

Krycek obeyed, curious. The maitre de had obviously been given a detailed description, strict orders, and probably a huge payoff. He looked at Krycek's battered jacket and jeans with obvious disgust, but led him quickly to a table in the back. Krycek, too, felt disgust, when he saw his biological father, sitting calmly. The old man was pale and shrunken. A nurse sat near him, helping him eat. Puzzled, Krycek sat across from Spender.

"I want to visit with my son. I'm a little disappointed, Alex, that you didn't see fit to share the news with me."

"Well…perhaps that's understandable. We haven't gotten along very well in the recent past. Nevertheless, as father and son, we should make the effort. We once worked quite well together and despite your recent…affiliations, I believe we could benefit each other."

"I want you to come back to the Consortium, to work with me. You could provide me information on Agent Mulder's friends and the rebellion and in return…well, I could provide you with a much safer and more comfortable life than the one you've been living these past few years. As my son and heir, you would be in a position of great authority."

"You're out of your mind. You're a traitor. You not only betrayed the human race, but every member of your family, on the deepest levels. You handed me over to the aliens, before I was even born and then tried to kill me!"

"That changes nothing!" Krycek insisted. "We're enemies, *Father,* and don't ever forget it. I killed your clone as a warning. Stay away from us."

"If my wishes mean nothing to you, what about the wishes of your adopted parents? They entrusted you to my care."

"They were almost as cold as you. That placement didn't work out too well. You want me to honor a parent's wishes for me? The only parent I trust is my true mother, Cassandra. I know what she wants for me. Why don't you talk to her?"

Krycek picked the lock on the Stanton house, rushed by the loud bangings and curses that came from inside. He had gone to Scully's house for a date, but found her inside, pacing worriedly. Mulder had ditched her and gone off on an investigation. A family seemed to be haunted, perhaps by a poltergeist. Krycek had decided he had to provide Mulder with back-up. Scully had to stay behind to watch Will, since she and Krycek had planned to stay in that night. So, Krycek had travelled to Luray, Virginia.

Following the noise, Krycek found himself in the kitchen. Mulder was in a far corner, ducking as objects were mysteriously hurled at him from all corners of the room. The table lay upended on the floor and two of the chairs had been reduced to kindling. A harsh voice was cursing in Russian. Krycek picked up a chair and made his way over to the federal agent.

"Mulder, what the hell is going on? Knock it off!" he yelled, the last part in Russian.

"I'm not sure. It might be some sort of guilt manifestation. Mrs. Stanton is a forest ranger who works in Shenandoah National Park. Recently, she found a local man, Mark Bradley, hanging from a ledge. She tried to pull him up, but he slipped and was killed. Since then, someone has been playing some nasty pranks in the house. Her husband was almost electrocuted. The police were called in, but no suspect could be found. I heard about it, through an email. About the only place in the house that is safe is the bathroom."

"Mulder, that thing is cussing in Russian…and you don't want to know what it just called us."

"There aren't a lot of them, but…my adopted grandmother used to tell me stories about the domovoi. They were house sprites or dwarves. They would attach themselves to families and act as servants."

A glass salt shaker from the table was hurled at them, crashing against the wall.

Mulder watched, curious, as Krycek grabbed a pot, adding water, and turned on the stove. Rummaging through cupboards, Alex took out a box of oatmeal.

Krycek added a little butter and milk to the bowl with the oatmeal, then set it on top of the over- turned table. Mulder watched, fascinated, as the cereal disappeared into thin air. In Russian, Krycek asked the domovoi why it was making trouble for the Stantons. The answer came in English, as if to show courtesy to Mulder. A squat man suddenly appeared, standing beside the table, the now-empty bowl held loosely in his hand. He was only about two feet tall, with coarse features and wild gray hair.

"Mark Bradley's maternal grandfather was the last of an ancient Russian line that I served for hundreds of years. Mark's mother was his only child and Mark was her only child. Now the family I served is gone, because of Mrs. Stanton's carelessness. Still, you have shown cleverness and ancient courtesy. Not many are wise enough to heed my kind. I do not choose to serve the offspring of other lands, but I will leave this place in peace, as a reward to you."

So saying, the ancient being disappeared and a stillness descended. Mulder studied Krycek. He hadn't suspected fairies or dwarves. Mulder was willing to believe anything with proof, but preferred to leave fairy tales as a last resort; his reputation was bad enough already. Without his brother's help, he would have been in trouble.

Mulder knew he owed Alex. This case had nothing to do with the Consortium, there was no mutual benefit involved. Krycek seemed to have shown up for the sole purpose of helping Mulder. Maybe Jeff was right and he needed to try and make peace.

Krycek looked into Mulder's eyes, seeing his doubt. He nodded. They left the house after Mulder called the Stantons and assured them the problem was solved. He then drove Krycek to a steak house, where they could talk. After their food arrived, Krycek gave Mulder a wan smile.

"I was raised to it. My adoptive parents were in the Russian Consortium, but were transferred to the U.S. All my life, I was groomed to work for Cancerman. I was taught that they were saving mankind and that I would be a hero."

"I don't know. I just know Spender showed up at their funeral. He took me away, saying it was time to start training me for my role in the future. I was trained as a soldier and sent to college."

"I was trained lots of places. I took some classes at Quantico, yes. I also received training from the CIA and the KGB."

Mulder stopped talking for a few minutes, trying to understand. Finally, he began again.

"You know, if Scully can forgive your role in her abduction, there's no reason for me not to. Still, there are other things. Like Skinner and Bill Mulder. How can you justify what you did to them?"

"I can't. I killed Bill Mulder, because I was told that he was a danger to the project. I believed at the time that his death would save billions of other lives. I was young and trusted the wrong people. And Skinner, well. I was ordered to test the nanobots on him. I allowed him to die, because I personally disapproved of the things. Skinner's death ensured that you would do everything necessary to defeat S.R. 819. Then, having him controlled by the palm pilot ensured that I would be safe in D.C. I didn't enjoy that night on the balcony."

"See, that's my main problem with you, Alex. You're callous. Don't you think torturing and murdering a man is a bit extreme as revenge for being cold for a few hours?"

"I didn't do it for revenge, Mulder," Krycek sighed. "I told you, I was ordered to infect him. In fact, my original orders were for him to die. Keeping him under control made killing him unnecessary. I'm sorry. I don't enjoy most aspects of my job. I'm just fighting a war the best I can."

Krycek could see that Mulder was troubled by his reasoning, his understanding of what they faced conflicting with his loyalty to Skinner. He reached into his jacket and pulled out the palm pilot.

"Here, take it and give it to him. Just keep it a secret. If certain parties realize he is no longer under control, they'll probably order his death."

"I'm sorry, Mulder. I wish I could make it easier for you to approve of me. I was taught different from you and some lessons are difficult to unlearn."

Mulder nodded, not able to speak. He knew Krycek was trying to redeem himself, but Mulder couldn't just dismiss the man's criminal past.

Cancerman looked through the bars. The men who captured his son had cuffed him to the bed. Spender studied Alex's unconcious form. The young man would have to be re-educated, if he was going to be part of his father's plans. Shivering, Spender recalled his doctor's warnings. He had only a few months to live. He hoped that his devotion to the Project would convince the Colonists to cure him. If not, someone would have to continue his work, once he was gone.

Spender knew Alex had the brains and strength necessary for the work. That strength, however, was rapidly being drained by his son's misguided brothers. The old man decided that the only way to remove their influence was to force Alex to kill them himself. The boy would have to be convinced that their deaths were appropriate and justified.

Mulder looked at the laboratory complex. This was where the Gunmen had determined that Krycek was being held prisoner by Spender. Jeff stood by Mulder's side, taking quick glances at the layout that the Gunmen had provided. Two weeks ago, Jeff had begged Mulder to find their missing brother. Mulder hadn't been too concerned, since Krycek was well-trained, but then Scully had confirmed that the man was gone. Mulder doubted that Krycek would stand up both his lover and his brother, without contacting them to let them know he was all right.

Mulder's investigation had led him here, to this government lab. Leading Jeff through the corridors, Mulder checked the instructions given to him by the Gunmen, making sure of the codes that got them through the closed doors. When he got to the small row of cells, Mulder knocked out the guard, grabbing his keys. Jeff found Krycek in the far cell and waved Mulder over.

Krycek lay sleeping on the thin cot. His face was bruised and he was cuffed to the bedding. His clothes were rough and torn in a few places. Mulder opened the cell door, hoping one of the keys would release the cuffs. Hearing someone entered, Krycek bolted up into a fighting stance. He blinked as he spotted his brothers.

"That would be rude, Agent Mulder," a fourth voice replied. "He should say good-bye to his father, before he leaves."

Mulder turned to see five guards, standing outside the cell with weapons drawn. Krycek cursed. Exiting the cell, the three brothers were escorted up to the office portion of the building. Walking along, Mulder noticed how pale and weak Alex appeared. A guard had to grab his arm to keep Alex from falling. They marched silently into a corner office; Spender sat smoking behind the desk. With a smirk, he dismissed the guards.

"Alex," Spender chided, "that's hardly the proper attitude. But, these two have been a bad influence on you. You must kill them, Alex."

"Lower your voice!" Cancerman demanded. "I'm afraid it's your duty, Alex. They've refused to support the Project."

Cancerman laid a gun on the table. Alex had endured weeks of military conditioning and was slowly capitulating. Perhaps it was too soon for such a test, but Spender was confident the boy could be manipulated. He could see his son was already weak and hurting.

"Pick up the gun, Alex. You won't receive your next injection or food, until you do. It's been awhile since you've eaten, hasn't it? You should know not to disobey."

Alex paled. The injections kept the pain at bay. Without the drugs, he felt too weak and ill to move. But, they were his brothers. How could he kill them?

Wincing, Alex obeyed, cocking the gun. Mulder tensed. Alex saw the movement and flinched. He studied his brothers and the old man.

Alex brought the gun up and fired past the old man's head. Aiming steadily, he kept the weapon trained on Cancerman. Stunned, Spender watched his son warily; he had truly believed the boy was too beaten to so openly defy him.

"You know why you're alive, Father? Why I didn't just kill you? 'Cause of them. Because I respect them and their ideals. They're better than us, y'know? Of course you don't. But I do. Good thing for you too, that my respect for them is stronger than my hate for you. They're my true family; you're just a skeleton in the closet."

Alex was trembling hard, so Mulder took the gun from him. Jeff came forward to put an arm around Krycek's waist, supporting him.

"You're going to get us out of here," Mulder directed Spender, frisking him briefly and removing his gun.

Keeping the Smoker between them, the brothers strode down the hall, towards the exit and out of the lab complex. In the parking lot, Mulder kept Spender covered, while Jeff helped Alex hotwire a car. Putting up his gun, Mulder went to the car and saw that Alex was slumped over the wheel. Mulder and Jeff wrestled Alex into the back seat and Mulder took the wheel. Mulder looked back and noticed that Krycek was concious, though too weak to sit up.

"He gave me a virus, designed by his doctors. I've been given regular injections to keep it at bay, without curing it. He said left untreated it was fatal," Krycek observed, sadly.

Mulder felt a wave of ice on his back and neck, recognizing his own shock and fear. Surely Alex wasn't going to die? Alex's supposed death months ago had given him neither pleasure nor grief. He had felt only a slight sense of closure, the end to a chapter of his life. Now, he felt Alex's death would leave something undone.

"Why didn't you mention this at the lab? We could have looked for an antidote!" he scolded.

"I wasn't strong enough! I would have had to hold the gun on the Smoker, while you looked, and I'm too weak. I had to get you out of there, before he just killed you himself."

Cursing silently, Mulder headed for the nearest hospital, speeding and ignoring traffic laws; at that late hour, few people were on the road. He pulled up in front of the emergency room of the Northeast Georgetown Medical Center. Parking quickly, he got out and helped Jeff get Alex out of the car. Alex could stand, but only with their help. He moaned with the effort. A few feet into the emergency room, a spasm of pain hit him hard and he crashed to the floor with a cry. A couple of nurses rushed over and noted his wasted appearance and pallor.

Mulder watched them lead him away, then pulled out his cell phone to call Scully. He described briefly how they had found Alex, urging her to rush over. She arrived ten minutes later, with Jeremiah Smith in tow.

"Cancerman gave him a designer virus. Look, can you help him? He's a sitting duck here in the hospital, but I had no choice."

Scully and Smith sneaked into the ER, quickly locating Alex. Scully gasped, horrified. Alex was pale and weak, laying half-unconcious in the hospital bed. Smith quickly touched his heart and head, reviving his ally.

"Come!" Smith ordered, marching Alex and Scully out of the ER. Smith quickly walked Alex out of the hospital, Mulder, Jeff, and Scully following. Mulder led Smith to his car and they all took off.

"Head for Dulles airport, Mister Mulder. I must get your brother to our ship. I can keep him going until we get there, but he's had this disease too long for me to do a simple cure. I've seen this virus before and it is addictive. The illness becomes part of the victim, stimulating both the addictive and pain centers of the brain. Only the medical facilities aboard the ship will save him."

Mulder grimaced. Leave it to their father to so thoroughly damage his own son. He shivered, remembering his own experiences on an alien spacecraft.

Mulder didn't mention Samantha, but he refused to lose another sibling to the tender mercies of aliens. The sight of Alex hurting left Mulder wracked with guilt. He'd spent his entire adult life searching for one sibling, only to turn around and reject another. He had to prove to Alex that he would stand by him, as an older brother should and as Alex had stood by him.

"None of us are leaving him," Scully confirmed, trying to hide her fear for her lover.

Mulder looked at the medical facility aboard the spaceship in awe. Alex was nestled comfortably beneath his blankets. Smith had injected him with a painkiller as soon as they were on board. In addition to the virus, Alex was suffering a mild case of malnutrition. Jeff sat next to their brother, waiting to see if he would wake up. Cassandra stood behind him, shaking with rage at her ex-husband. Scully sat on the edge of the bed, tenderly stroking his cheek.

Smith had hooked Alex to a variety of machines and panels a few hours ago. Part of it was obviously an i.v. and Mulder thought he recognized a heart monitor. None of the instruments appeared painful or suspicious.

"He'll be fine, Agent Mulder," Smith assured him. "He just needs to sleep. The treatment I'm giving him will eradicate the virus. Really, you needn't all be here. You should try to rest."

"He's right. Scully, Jeff, why don't you two go lay down? I'll watch over Alex."

Worry had taken its toll on Scully and she reluctantly agreed. Cassandra herded Jeff out as well, knowing there was more she could do for her younger son, than for her oldest. Mulder took Jeff's chair next to Krycek, studying his brother's features. Now that he knew of the relationship, he could see something of Samantha in Alex.

Mulder woke, hearing his name being called and surprised that he had drifted to sleep. Alex had pushed himself up on his prosthetic and was looking around, worried.

"Yeah, the rebels have a household full of uninvited guests. Scully and Jeff are here too. And me," he shrugged. "I told them to go get some rest. How are you feeling?"

"Better. I'm still tired, but the pain is gone," he noted. "Did Smith give me the injection?"

"Of course not. He brought you here to cure you. You'll be free of both the injections and the virus."

"Thank God!" Krycek sighed, before sinking back, a darkness clouding his expressive eyes.

"I just…it bothers me. I could feel myself falling back into my training…becoming the obedient soldier, again. He kept trying to convince me that the Colonists can't be defeated. He wanted me to continue the Project when he died or to work beside him, if he lived."

"That bothered me, too. He refused to acknowledge Jeff and me as his sons, because we disagreed with him…"