HOME

Title: HOME
Author: dmcintoshtx@yahoo.com
Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Skinner/Krycek
Rating: NC-17 FRAO
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Chris Carter; not to me.
Warning: Graphic description of severe injuries.
Summary: Krycek introduces Skinner to a new way of life.
Beta: Thank you Ursula for the fine work you do!

HOME

Walter Skinner pulled his coat on, grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door. Just as his hand reached for the door knob, his phone rang. He hoped for a moment that his secretary would get it but remembered she had left for home hours ago. With a sigh, he walked back over to his desk and lifted the receiver.

“Skinner,” he said with a growl; letting his aggravation at being called so late show in the tone of his voice.

“Skinner, listen to me before you hang up. I know you don’t have any reason to trust me but I’ve got to tell you something that I just heard.”

“What is it, Krycek? It’s late and I’m tired.”

“I was just at the old man’s place. I heard two guys talking as they were leaving. They’ve been given a contract on you.”

“Shit! Give me one good reason why I should believe you?”

“Because it’s the truth, Skinner!”

“Yeah and what do you get for warning me? Huh?”

“Nothing! Please … just watch your back! I’ll see if I can find out what it’s all about.”

“You do that, Krycek. Then you write it all down in triplicate and send it through the proper channels.”

“Skinner, WAIT! Don’t hang up!”

“I’m going home!”

“That’s not a good idea. Don’t you have someplace you could stay for a few days? At least until I can find out what all this is about?”

“You’re full of shit, Krycek and I’m not playing your games.” He slammed the phone down and headed out the door.

His footsteps echoed as he walked down the empty hall towards the elevator. Not a soul around; all the offices were dark; everyone had gone home. He took a cautious look around as he stepped into the elevator.

The door opened out into the deserted parking area. He glanced carefully around and walked to his car. He scanned the area; it was deserted. He took a walk around his car, checking for any marks in the dust; any tell-tale smudges that might indicate someone had tampered with it; nothing. He knelt down and looked underneath; nothing there either. He opened the hood gently, nothing there. He stood back a few feet and pressed the un-lock feature on his key chain. The door lock clicked open. He carefully opened the door; bent down and looked under the dash; nothing.

“Krycek, you’re full of shit!” He mumbled as he turned the key and started the engine.

He drove straight home, his usual route; checking cautiously in his rear view mirror; no one was following him. At each stoplight he eyed the cars next to him. At one turn a car that was behind him for a few blocks, followed him around the corner. He removed his gun from its holster while he watched in the mirror. Two blocks down the car turned left and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He pulled into the underground parking at Viva Towers and made his way to his parking level. One last turn to make and he’d be at his spot. Just as he made the turn a bullet burst through his windshield. He hit the breaks and flattened himself out on the seat. He reached up and cut the engine off just as another bullet crashed through the driver’s side window.

“Two of them! Damn! Krycek was right!” Skinner gripped his gun and tried to figure an escape route. More shots slammed into the side of his car. He heard footsteps running and peeked up enough to see two men running towards his car.

Then there were tires screeching, more shots fired. His car was hit and spun half way around. Bullets were still flying and someone was yelling; calling his name. He looked out again to see the other person’s passenger door open. The driver was wearing a ski mask but raised it enough for him to see that it was Alex Krycek.

“SKINNER! Get in!” Krycek called to him while he was shooting at the two men who had taken cover between some cars.

Skinner hesitated only a moment before he slid his door open and made a quick dash into Krycek’s car. The car immediately sped off. When they made it to the exit ramp it was blocked by a car. Krycek cursed, switched into reverse and burned rubber backwards. He pulled into a parking spot, cut the engine and waited. The two men in the parked car got out and were immediately joined by the other two. With drawn guns the four of them began a search.

“Oh shit!” Krycek whispered to Skinner who was still on his knees and leaning on the front seat.

“Any bright ideas?” Skinner asked peeking out and assessing the situation.

“Just one. It looks like you and I are going to take a little trip.” He leaned over the top of Skinner and closed his eyes tightly.

A minute of light-headedness and Skinner was on his knees in a small room with Krycek reaching a hand down to him.

“You can get up now. It’s safe.”

“What the … Where are we?” Skinner glanced around the small non-descript room then up at Krycek.

“You’re in a safe place.” He helped Skinner to his feet and grabbed him when he faltered.

Skinner’s hand flew to his shoulder and came back bloodied.

“C’mon. Let’s get that taken care of.” Krycek led him from the room and down the hall into another room that was obviously a medical facility of some kind.

“What’s going on here, Krycek? Where are we and how did we get here?”


“Alex?” Jeremiah Smith walked through the doorway. “They told me you were back and in need of Medical.”

“I’m back but it’s not me in need of medical; it’s Walter Skinner.” He nodded in Skinner’s direction.

“Yes, I see,” Smith said taking a closer look at Skinner and seeing the blood. “Over here please, Mr. Skinner.” He motioned to the examining table and helped Skinner remove his jacket.

Skinner undid his tie with his left hand and unbuttoned his shirt, pulling it down off his right shoulder. The bullet had just grazed him. Not a serious wound but a bloody one.
Smith took some gauze squares from a container on the cupboard and held it to the wound. He stood holding it there for some time. Skinner felt a warmth in the area and an easing of the raw pain. When Smith removed the gauze the wound had closed and only a reddish pucker remained. Skinner was stunned.

“I have heard of your work, Smith, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen it. Thank you.” Skinner slipped his shirt and jacket back on.

“You’re most welcome, Mr. Skinner. The shoulder will be a little sore for a day or two but you should be fine.” Then with a smile and a brief hug for Krycek, he was gone.


“Mommy, hurry! Hurry!” The small voice from the outer room preceded a little girl running into the room and into Krycek’s arms.

“I heard you were here, Alex! I came as fast as I could. Are you all right? I heard you were in Medical; I was scared you were hurt!”

“I’m fine, Evie.” Krycek gave her a hug; and sent a tolerant smile to her mother standing in the doorway. “I thought you weren’t supposed to be in here,” he smiled at the bundle in his arms.

“It’s OK as long as Mommy is with me; isn’t it Mommy?” She turned to her mother for approval, with a toss of her long blonde curls that hung half-way down her back.

“Jeremiah said it was OK if we came in.” An adult sized version of the child said.

“Sure it is, Carolyn,” Krycek agreed giving her a hug then added, “This is Walter Skinner. He got hurt and I brought him to Jeremiah to make him better.” And to Skinner, “This is Carolyn Brady and her daughter Evie.”

“Hi, Mr. Walter. I’m Evie and I’m six years old.” She left Krycek’s arms to crawl over on the examining table next to Skinner.

“Hello, Evie, nice to meet you.” Skinner nodded to Carolyn Brady and pulled his jacket closer around him so the little girl wouldn’t see his blood stained shirt.

“I’m glad Alex brought you here. Jeremiah can fix anyone up real good!”

“He fixed me up just fine.”

“Good, then you can come to the party!” She jumped down off the table and headed for her mother.

“You coming to Benny’s party?” Carolyn asked.

“I don’t know yet. I will if I can.”

“You’ve got to come, Alex. You want to see my new dress, don’t you?” Evie wiggled back and forth at her mother’s side.

“I sure do and I’ll be there if I can. OK?” He squatted down and gave her another hug.

“OK. I’ll be looking for you!” The girl and her mother left.


“You feeling all right? You need a pain killer?” Krycek asked, turning back to Skinner.

“No, I’m fine. I just need some answers, Krycek, and the longer I’m here, where ever *here* is, the more questions I have.”

“Come on out here; let’s sit. I need some coffee. You want some? Or would you rather have something a little stronger?” They walked to the outer sitting room. Krycek poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Coffee, please,” Skinner answered and lowered himself into a chair. “I want to make sure I’m stone cold sober when I hear your explanation for all this.”

Krycek poured a second cup of coffee and joined Skinner; sitting down across from him.

Skinner took a few sips, “Oh, that’s good! Not like the stuff they serve at the Hoover and call coffee.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I remember the first time I tasted Hoover coffee. I thought something had gone wrong with the machine.” Krycek chuckled and sipped his coffee.

“So start talking. Where the hell are we and how did we get here?”

“I don’t have all the answers but I’ll start at the beginning. I’ve been in Europe the past six weeks. I finished a few days early and headed back. I thought I’d go see the old man and find out if anything was going on. As I was walking in, I saw two guys coming out. I didn’t recognize them. I stepped back so they didn’t see me and I listened to their conversation as they passed. One guy mentioned wanting to get back to Chicago as soon as they finished their job. The second guy asked, “So are we supposed to just cripple this guy or finish him off?” The first guy answered, “We’re supposed to finish him off. He wants this Walter Skinner guy out of his hair for good.” That’s all I heard and they were out the door.”

“Why now? After all this time, why is he now ready to get rid of me?” Skinner asked.

“I don’t know. I was going to ask you the same thing. Did you do something the last few weeks to piss him off?”

“No. I haven’t even seen him lately.” Skinner shook his head no and set his coffee cup down on the side table.

“There’s no telling with the old man. All those drugs and medications he’s been taking his mind is so warped he might not even have a reason. Or it could be, that he has found someone he wants to put in your AD chair; someone easier to control.”

“So I’m a marked man then?” Skinner said and swiped a hand down over his face.

“That’s about it, I’m afraid.”

“So what next? Can you find out the names of these two men? Where I might be able to find them?”

“I probably could but once the old man sets his mind to something, he won’t give up. If these two don’t fulfill the contract; he’ll get someone else who will.”

“So why are you helping me? Aren’t you afraid Spender will find out?”

“Spender can go to hell! And I’m sure he will. And to answer your question, yes, I am afraid for him to find out. There is always a price to pay if you’re found crossing him.”

“You’ve crossed him before?”

“Absolutely! It’s one of my greatest joys in life!” Krycek answered with a tired smile.

“Is that why you’re helping me; to get back at him?”

“I’m helping you because you’re one of the good guys, Skinner. Whatever else happens; the good guys *have* to win.”

Krycek leaned his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes for a moment.

Skinner studied him; and wondered exactly what his angle was in all this. Just then a young man, late 20s, in cut off blue jeans and a tank top stuck his head in the door.

“Hey, Alex. You’re back!”

“Oh hi, Jimmy.” Krycek’s head snapped back up.

“You come for the party?”

“Nah, I brought my friend here to see Jeremiah. Don’t tell Benny, but I forgot all about the party. If I can stay awake that long, I’ll come by for a while.”

“Great.” Jimmy said. Then eyeing Skinner, his smile disappeared and he asked, “Is this the reason you’re spending so much time down there?”

“I’ll see you later, Jimmy. I’ll get some more coffee in me and I should be good for a couple of hours at least.” Krycek got up and got himself another cup of coffee.

“OK. He’ll be gone by then?” Jimmy was heading back out the door.

“Later, Jimmy.”

“Yeah, later.” He smiled at Alex and gave Skinner the once over again and left.


Skinner looked at Krycek and raised his eyebrows in question.

“Don’t ask! I’m too tired to get into that one right now. More coffee?”

“Yes, please. And more answers too, if you can stay awake.”

“I’m sorry,” he apologized as he handed skinner a second cup of coffee. “I’ve been up for almost three days now and I’m out on my feet.”

“I can see that.” Skinner observed as Krycek slumped back into his chair rubbing his eyes.

“So what was he talking about?” Skinner prompted.

“Can we just skip Jimmy for now? Tell me what you want to do. Do you have some place where you can stay for a while until the old man cools off or you can figure out what you want to do?”

“No, as a matter of fact I don’t. I guess I could get Cassidy to come up with a safe house for me for a while.”

“That’s no good. The old man knows where all of them are. That’s the first place he’ll be looking.”

“I guess I’m open to suggestions then,” Skinner was past tired himself and the more he settled into his chair the more his shoulder began to ache.

“Look; what do you say we catch a couple hours sleep then we can think more clearly?”

“Here?” Skinner asked glancing around the small sitting room.

“No,” Krycek gave a soft laugh, “I have a room here and the one across from mine is empty. C’mon. Let’s go get some rest.”

They walked down the hallway until they came to two long ramps; one heading down and the other heading up. Krycek led them up the ramp way which, when it turned, gave a view that astonished Skinner.

“Oh my God!” Skinner stopped at the railing and looked out over the huge complex below; level after level as far down as he could see and as far up as he could see. It was like a large mall, with walkways crossing over the huge gap between. He could see across the way, other walkways going from one level to another; long hall ways going off into the distance; people milling around going about their business.

“What is this place?” He asked again.

“It’s a long story, Skinner. Let’s get some rest first. My room is next level up.” They walked on in silence with Skinner not taking his eyes off his surroundings for a moment.

They turned off down a side hall and stopped at the end. Krycek palmed the touch pad and a door slid open. They walked into a nicely furnished sitting room. Couch, chairs, table, desk and on through to the next room that had a large bed in it. On through the next door was a private bathroom.

“I think you’ll find everything you need. I’ll be right across the hall.” He headed back towards the door. “I just need a couple hours sleep and I’ll be good to go.”

Skinner followed him out and watched him open the door across the hall. “If you need anything, come get me. The doors don’t lock so just come on in and wake me.” His door closed and Skinner walked back into his room; palmed the touch paned beside the door and it slid closed.

He removed his jacket, shoes, pants and bloody shirt; and lay down on the bed. His head was spinning; his shoulder throbbed and he just about had himself convinced it was all a dream when he turned over onto his right side and a sharp pain lanced through his shoulder. He turned back the other way with a groan. Questions gnawed at him; where was he? How did he get here? What was this place? He would find out the answers in a few hours when he woke up. With that as his last thought; he fell asleep.

Skinner awoke some time later, disoriented and not knowing where he was. He sat up and rubbed his eyes and it all came back to him. He donned his clothes and headed out into the hall. He walked to the railing and looked down to see what was going on. He could hear music and there were garlands of blue flowers and ribbons everywhere. The courtyard below was filled with activity; people bustling around. Long tables were laid out with food and drink. His stomach let out a growl and he remembered that he hadn’t eaten dinner.

“Hey, there you are! Did you get any sleep?” Krycek walked up and joined him at the railing.

“Yeah; a little. I guess you did too; you look better.”

“So the party is beginning?” He glanced down at the crowd gathering below.

“Looks that way.”

“I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat then we can talk.” Krycek said and headed down the hallway to the down ramp with Skinner beside him.

They came upon some children arguing. The two older teen aged boys hopped on the slide that spiraled down two levels to the courtyard below and a smaller boy, about 7 or 8 was arguing with his mother.

“But Mommy, please! I want to go down the slide!”

“You’re too little to go by yourself and I’m not going down with you! Wait until you’re older then you can slide all you want.”

“Ohh, Mommy!!” the little one wailed.

“Hey, Mikey, Arlene. Can he go down if I ride with him?”

“Oh Yes, Mommy; please!” Mikey was jumping up and down.

“Oh, OK, if you promise to watch him, Alex. I’m afraid he’ll break an arm or leg or something.”

“I’ll watch him; I promise.” With that settled, he took Mikey by the hand and turned to Skinner. “See you at the bottom.” He sat down at the top of the slide with Mikey between his legs and off they went in a swirl of whirls and dips and squeals and giggles.

Skinner watched as he made his way down the last two ramps and met Krycek at the bottom of the slide. Mikey was beside himself with glee, jumping around and begging to go back up and do it again but Krycek begged off and headed with Skinner over to the food tables.

They each took a plate from the stack and made their way down the table filling their plates as they went. They grabbed drinks and a rolled napkin with eating utensils inside and made their way to a table. Nothing was said for a time while they hungrily devoured their meals. They sat quietly, each with a big glass of sweet tea and watched the festivities.

Skinner finally broke the silence by asking, “So what’s the party all about?”

“Benny finally got a son! He and his wife Marie, have five girls and as of last week, he finally got a boy.”

“Oh, so that’s why all the blue decorations.”

“Yeah. And if I’m not mistaken that’s Evie over there in the blue dress.” He pointed across the way. Sure enough the little girl was all decked out in a fancy blue dress and headed their way through the crowd.

She climbed up in Krycek’s lap like it was something she had always done and he held her; fingering her blonde curls.

“Do you like my dress? Isn’t it pretty? You should have worn something blue. Blue is for boys.” She held onto his plastic arm and commented, “When you going to get this thing fixed?”

“So many questions for such a little girl!” Krycek smiled at her and pinched her little nose.

“I need to know things. That’s how I learn.”

“OK. Yes, I love your new dress. It’s the exact same color as your eyes and looks perfect on you. Yes, it’s very pretty; and I’ll get the arm fixed one of these days when my job is finished.”

“I wish it was finished now!” She said.

“Me too, Baby. Me too!” He gave her a hug.

“How’s your chest, Mr. Walter?” she turned to Skinner.

“My chest?”

“Yes. I saw the blood on your shirt earlier before you closed your jacket.”

“Oh. Well, it wasn’t my chest it was my shoulder and its fine now. Just aches a little bit.”

“I’m glad you’re better. There’s Mommy. I gotta go. She said I could have ice cream if I finish all my vegetables and I ate every one!”

“Good girl! Your vegetables are very important, Evie.” Krycek said as she slid down off his lap.

“I know but they’re all so yucky!” She waved bye to both of them and took off to find her mother.

“She’s a sweetheart. Is she yours?” Skinner asked.

“Mine?” he laughed, “I should be so lucky! No, her mother, father and I all went to school together; years and years ago.”

“Could I get some answers now, please?”

“There’s not much more I can tell you. I don’t know why he put the contract out on you. I can nose around and see what I can find out but in the mean time, you need to keep yourself scarce.”

“Can you tell me about this place? Where are we? Who are all these people?”

“You haven’t figured that out yet?”

“No, I haven’t. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me.”

“This is the Resistance. These people are all resistance fighters in one way or another and the rest are their families.”

“And you’re part of this group?”

“I am.”

“For how long?”

“I was born here.”

“Where exactly is ‘here’ and how did we get from the front seat of that car to here?”

Krycek sat and stared at him for a few minutes as he fingered his glass. “C’mere. I need to show you something that will help you understand.” He stood up and Skinner followed him.

They started up the ramps; level after level until they were on the seventh level then they turned off down a long hallway. At the end was a double doorway and they pushed their way through. They walked in semi-darkness.

“This place doesn’t have any lights?” Skinner asked.

“In a minute,” Krycek answered.

They walked around a partition and the world turned into a million starlights.

“It’s beautiful!” Skinner exclaimed at the vista opening before them.

“Over here,” Krycek called to him from a few steps away.

Skinner followed the voice around the curvature of the room and stopped dead in his tracks. There before them, just over Krycek’s shoulder, amidst the field of stars stood Earth.

“What the … what is this? That’s not … it can’t be …”

“It is, Skinner.”

“No it’s not! Turn the lights on right now! I want this charade over with!” Skinner snarled.

“Skinner, it is what it is. That’s Earth.”

“A picture of Earth, maybe; a replica; but *not* the real thing!” Skinner was adamant.

“Why would I bring you up here to show you a picture; a replica?” Krycek asked.

“I don’t know! I don’t understand any of this. Why am I here? What do you want, Krycek?” Skinner walked back out through the doors and into the lighted hallway. He stopped and leaned back against the wall; both hands covering his face. He didn’t believe it. He couldn’t!

“Am I lying on a table in a lab somewhere with electrodes strapped to my head? Is this some kind of brain washing technique? What do you *want* from me?”

Krycek stared at him a few moments then walked on past him and stopped at the railing; leaning on it and looking down. Skinner joined him.

“What’s this all about, Krycek. Give me some kind of clue here; will you?”

“You think all this is something that was made up and implanted in your mind?”

“I don’t know! I just know that I’m *NOT* up on some kind of space ship. This place is way too big for that. Where are we? Can’t you tell me that much? What state are we in?
Are we still in DC?”

“We’re not in any state, Skinner. What you saw back there is real. This is not some kind of experiment in mind control. I don’t know what else to tell you.”

Skinner stared at him in disbelief. He couldn’t believe him. It was far too fantastic. Maybe he was having a dream? He turned away from Krycek so he couldn’t see and he pinched himself; several times. No, he wasn’t sleeping. He was wide awake.

“C’mon. Let’s go back down. I promised Evie a dance.” Krycek headed back down. Skinner stood for a moment then followed.

“There you are! I’ve been looking and looking and looking for you!” Evie exclaimed as Krycek walked up behind her and swept her up in his arms.

“I think this is my dance, Beautiful!” He danced her out onto the dance floor among the other couples dancing.

Skinner walked on past and stopped at the table offering drinks. “Scotch” he ordered and sipped it as he walked to a deserted table and sat watching the festivities. Benny, the new dad, was in the center of things. Dressed in a powder blue suit and top hat and handing out blue cigars. Benny’s wife, the new mother, was right beside him in a beautiful blue gown with a sign hanging around her neck that said, “I finally got it right!” There was laughing and talking and congratulations all around.

Skinner felt just a bit jealous of the group. Everyone seemed so genuinely happy. Not a sour expression in the bunch. Even the five other daughters were laughing and happy and wearing blue to welcome their new baby brother.

On second thought, there was one sour expression and it was staring at him. It was Jimmy; decked out in tight pale blue jeans and blue silk shirt unbuttoned half way down.
He made a little face at Skinner and walked over to Krycek who was just finishing his dance with Evie and returning her to her smiling parents.

He obviously asked Krycek to dance as they merged on the dance floor to the smooth rhythm of the music. It startled Skinner at first but after a quick scan of the crowd he noticed other same-sex couples dancing. It didn’t seem to bother anyone else so he dismissed the thoughts from his head. He just wanted Krycek to get back over to him so they could continue their conversation. He had more questions and he needed answers.

His eyes kept going back to the dancing couple. Jimmy was snuggling close and Krycek seemed to let him; like he was comfortable with it; used to it. Finally the dance ended and Jimmy was holding onto Krycek’s hand with both of his; trying to lead him off the dance floor in the opposite direction; away from the party. Krycek was shaking his head ‘no’ and pulling back. Jimmy was flashing a coquettish smile and continued to tug on Krycek’s arm. For some unknown reason; Skinner wanted desperately to put his fist in that face!

At last Krycek managed to disengage himself from Jimmy and joined Skinner at his table after stopping for a drink.

“I see you found the bar.”

“Yeah. Now, if you can pencil me in on your dance card, I’d like to get some answers.”

Krycek sipped his drink and chuckled. “I’m sorry but I promised Evie.”

“Yeah, and your boyfriend there too.” Skinner nodded towards Jimmy who was at the drink table watching them.

“I already answered your questions, Skinner. I told you the truth. If you choose not to believe it; there is nothing more I can tell you.”

“I want direct answers; not some fairy tale.”

“OK. Ask.”

“If we are … up in some sort of space vehicle; how did we get here?”

“Transporter.”

“Transporter? How was it activated? I didn’t see any device or controls.”

“I have a small device implanted in my brain. I can communicate the need to be transported whenever I need to.”

“So you just *thought* us up here?”

“More or less.”

“You are so full of shit, Krycek!”

“Never the less; we *are* here and not in that car being shot to pieces.”

Skinner stared at him; he couldn’t dispute that. He jiggled the ice in the bottom of his glass and wondered.

“So what happens next?”

“That’s up to you. I can transport you back down whenever you want; to what ever location you want. Have you thought of any place you can go? Any place safe?”

“There’s no where. My brother lives out west in Seattle, Washington but he knows nothing about the business and they have three kids. I don’t want to bring any of this to their door step.”

“And there’s no one else you can trust?”

“No one. I haven’t exactly been a social butterfly these past several years. I’ve been working my ass off trying to keep this country safe and my agents out of trouble.”

“I know, I know.” Krycek agreed with him then added. “You could always stay here; at least for a while until things cool down and the old man gets tired of looking for you?”

“Here?”

“Yeah; why not? It’s a nice place.”

“A nice place? This, this hotel up in space? Why is it this place hasn’t shown up on any radar? Does the government know about this place?”

“No. They know the Resistance has a place near by but they don’t know its location or size or anything else about it.”

“Shit, Krycek. Your telling me all this is *real*? We really are in some sort of ship in outer space? That was really Earth I saw back there?”

“It’s all true, Walter; every word of it. The Resistance knows of you and your work and they know you are one of the good guys. They know you’re here and have told me to offer you sanctuary. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

“And I can go back whenever I want?”

“Anytime you want. But to get back up here again, you’ll have to be with one of us who can transport you.”

Skinner shook his head. “This … this is all so … Mulderish! I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around it.”

“You want another drink?” Krycek offered, finishing his own and standing.

“Yes, please.”


Krycek went to the bar and was immediately joined by Jimmy; trying once more to lure him from the festivities. Krycek smiled at him, collected the drinks and returned to Skinner.

“Your boyfriend is persistent.” Skinner said accepting the drink and taking a sizable gulp.

“He’s a friend. I’ve known him for years.”

“Apparently.”

“You’re welcome to become part of this community for whatever length of time you wish to spend here.” Krycek repeated the offer.

“And if I don’t want to stay I can go home? Right now?”

“That’s right.”

“And what happens? Do I get put back in that car with those guys shooting at me?”

Krycek chuckled. “No, time below hasn’t stopped; and as I said, we can transport you to any location. I can put you right into your apartment if you want.”


They were interrupted when the crowd let out a cheer. They were all gathered around and making toasts.

“Look, I need to go toast my friends, OK?” Krycek stood to leave.

“Sure thing; have at it.” Skinner answered as he sat there processing all the information Krycek had given him. He watched the group and listened to all their toasts.

His glass empty, he decided to get up and walk around a bit. He found himself at the food table; reached out and took a banana and sat to eat it while the toasts went on and on. Before he knew it a little girl wiggled up beside him.

“Hi, Mr. Walter. Are you having a good time?” Evie asked, up on her knees and elbows on the table.

“Very interesting, Evie. Very interesting.”

“Would you reach me that one up there?” Evie asked.

“Huh?”

“That apple on the top. I want that one.”

“Oh. Here.” He reached the apple on the top of the fruit bowl and handed it to her.

“Thank you. Are you going to stay with us now?” She asked taking a bite.

“I don’t know, Evie; maybe for a little while.”

“Good! I like you. And Alex does too; I can tell.”

“Have you been here a long time, Evie?” Skinner thought he might as well ask a few questions.

“Sure. I was born here.”

“Here?”

“Not here in the courtyard, Silly! Up there, in Medical.”

“Oh. So do strangers come here often?”

“Nope. Hardly ever at all.”

“So my being here is … unusual?”

“Sure is! I’m gonna have a birthday party soon. You wanna come?”

“I’d love to, Evie, if I’m still here.”

“Please stay, Mr. Walter. Don’t go back down there; it’s too scary.”

“Down there?”

“Down where you came from; the big cities. Lots of people get hurt down there; just like you did.”

“What do you call … down there? Does it have a name? Have you ever been … down there?”

“Oh sure. Lots of times. It’s fun. It’s called Earth. We go to the zoo and to the ocean and we went to Disneyworld and did lots of fun things. But we don’t go into the big cities much.”

“And then you came back up here? What’s this place called, Evie?”

“This place? It’s home! You sure ask a lot of funny questions. But that’s OK. Mommy says that’s how you learn; by asking questions.”

“You like going down there? You weren’t afraid?”

“I’m never afraid with Mommy and Daddy. They take good care of me.”

“You’re a lucky little girl.”

“Yes I am and when I get big, I’m gonna marry Alex!”

“Oh really?” Skinner snorted at the idea of Alex Krycek and this sweet innocent child.

“Yep! He says when I grow up, I’ll change my mind but I won’t. I know that.”

“How well do you know Alex?”

“I’ve known him forever! He was a little boy when my daddy was a little boy and they were best friends.”

“Is he around here much?”

“NO! Hardly not much at all! He works and works and works and I want him to spend more time home with us but he says he has to work.”


“Hey there. Evie keeping you company?” Krycek joined them; helping himself to a bunch of grapes.

“Yes, she is. She tells me the two of you are engaged to be married.” Skinner said with a small grin to Evie.

“Evie; remember what I told you,” Krycek said.

“I know, I know. You think I’m gonna change my mind, but I won’t!” She tossed her curls defiantly and took another bite of her apple.

“I think you’d better run along now and find your Mom.”

“Are you mad at me?”

“No, sweetheart. I’m not mad. But Walter and I need to talk privately.”

“Oh, OK. Are you gonna talk him into staying with us?”

“I already tried. It’s up to him if he wants to stay or go back.”

“Oh, stay, Mr. Walter. Please stay!” She turned her smile to Skinner and placed a small hand on top of his.

“We’ll see, Evie.” Skinner answered

“That means YES! When Mommy says ‘we’ll see’ she always ends up saying yes!” She gave Krycek a quick hug and took off in the direction of her parents table across the way.


“Have you made your decision?” Krycek asked.

“I don’t see that I have that much choice. If I go back down there, I’m a marked man. I might as well be walking around with a target painted on my back. How long do you think it will take for you to find out what’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I have one more day before the old man expects me back. I’m going to rest up here then I’ll go down and see what I can find out.”

“I see there is a lot of what looks like shops around. I don’t carry much cash. Will they accept credit cards? I’m going to need a few things.”

“You don’t need money here. Just go into any of them and take what you need. That’s the way it’s done here.”

“You mean it’s free?”

“Uh huh. Clothing, food, electronics; anything you want. There’s a couple of great book places with magazines, newspapers, and movies. If you don’t see what you want, just ask. Someone will know how to find it.” Krycek stood to leave. “You remember how to get back to your room?”

“Yeah, up that way.”

“Seventh level E hall.”

“Yeah, OK. I got it.” Skinner shook his head and waved Krycek off after noticing Jimmy standing nearby watching them with a smug look on his face. He was obviously waiting for Krycek to join him.

Krycek walked over to Jimmy, slung his arm around his shoulder and they walked off into the crowd. Skinner drummed his fingers on the table for a bit then walked off in the opposite direction towards the shops.

He visited a variety of shops and got enough clothes for a few days. He decided to stop at the book shop too and found the latest edition of the DC news and also a novel he had been thinking about buying. He felt weird about bagging the items himself and just walking out without paying but apparently it was the way it was done up there and there were no cash registers; just shelf after shelf of goods. He passed a liquor shop and went in and got a bottle of Cutty Sark. His arms were full now so he threaded his way through the crowd and headed back up the ramp way towards his room.

Once inside, he put his clothes in the drawers, made himself a drink and sat down to think. It all seemed like a dream to him. How could any of this be happening? Could he really be up in space? And Krycek? Was he really working with the Resistance or were his loyalties to The Smoking Man? He certainly seemed sincere and not at all like the snarling sneering traitor Skinner thought he knew. Could they possibly be one in the same?

He felt a little jerk and realized that he had dozed off in the chair. He decided to go to bed and worry about all of it tomorrow. His last thoughts before sleep overtook him were of Krycek and Jimmy and it left him with a vague sense of resentment that he didn’t quite understand. He just knew one thing and that was that he didn’t like this Jimmy.

The next morning Skinner got up, figured out that the shower worked just like the sink. You just had to stand under it and it came on. The only control was a temperature dial which he finally got set to the temperature he deemed perfect; showered and dressed in his new clothes, he decided to go for a walk. He passed Jimmy in the hall carrying a breakfast tray and heading for Krycek’s room. They each nodded and Skinner muttered “Good morning;” Jimmy did the same before continuing on down the hall and entering Krycek’s room.

Skinner followed his nose and went back down to the far end of the courtyard area filled with tables and chairs and circled with food shops. He ordered breakfast. It was brought to him minutes after he had taken a seat.
He ate hungrily and afterwards sipped his coffee and thought about Krycek. He was probably getting breakfast and who knows what else, in bed. Another wave of dislike for Jimmy washed over him.

He shrugged the feelings off, stood up and decided to go for a walk. He deposited his food debris on the racks as he saw others doing and left. He walked for what seemed like hours before coming to an area that was obviously a gym. There were exercise machines around the parameter of the room and mats on the floor for other fitness exercises.

“Hi!” One of the young men welcomed him. “Feel like a work out?”

“I wouldn’t mind but I’m not exactly dressed for it.”

“There are workout clothes inside. Just tell the assistant your size and he’ll get you fixed up. You can pick out a locker and dump your stuff. Don’t worry; nobody will touch it.” He smiled at Skinner then went back to his exercise routine.

Skinner went into the back room and got set up. In minuets he was out and working up a sweat on the tread mill. He always enjoyed a good run to get himself started. An hour later he was standing in the shower letting the hot water soothe his aching muscles. He was toweling off when he overheard a conversation from the other side of the partition.

“I’m *so* glad he’s home.”

“But is he going to stay?”

“As long as I can keep him here!”

“I wouldn’t bet the farm on it. I’m betting he’ll leave when his new friend leaves.”

“I’m doing everything I can to convince him that I’m all he needs.”

“You’re hopeless, Jimmy.”

“Yeah, I know; hopelessly in love. But I’m feeling lucky. And after last night … well let’s just say that I’ve about got him convinced that it’s time for him to retire and spend more time here with me.”


Skinner dressed in his newly acquired jeans and Henley, walked around the partition, nodded to the two startled men and walked out. He grabbed a quick lunch and headed on back to his room and decided to spend some time reading. He finished the newspaper and was about to start on the novel when a knock came at the door. He walked over and opened it. It was Jeremiah Smith.

“Hi. I just came by to see how you were feeling.”

Skinner stepped back for him to come in. “I’m fine, thanks. Just like you said; the shoulder is a little tender but that’s about it. I worked out this morning and I hardly noticed it.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”

“Would you like a drink? I have some Scotch.”

“No thanks. I don’t touch the stuff. But I wouldn’t mind a little conversation.”

“Sure. Have a seat.”

Skinner resumed his seat on the couch and Smith took the nearby chair.

“Alex tells me you have decided to stay with us for a while. I’m glad.”

“Thank you. I guess he told you what happened.”

“Yes, he did. This is the safest place for you right now. Hopefully Alex will be able to find out what caused Mr. Spender to decide to get rid of you and will be able to neutralize the situation.”

“Yes. I hope so.”

“If there’s a way, Alex will find it.” Smith assured him.

“You seem to think pretty highly of Krycek.” Skinner thought he may as well ask a few questions while he had the chance.

“Of course. He’s one of our very best operators.”

“What exactly is it that he does?”

“He does what ever is necessary to complete the assignment that he is given.”

“By you?”

“By the Elders. They decide what must be done and who is best suited to do the job.”

“Who are these Elders? Can I meet them?”

“I can see if that’s a possibility. They don’t often take meetings with others but I can ask.”

“Please do. Are they the ones who run this facility?”

“Yes. There are certain duties that everyone is asked to perform that keeps everything running smoothly.”

“And if they refuse these duties?”

“I don’t know. No one has ever refused before.”

“So this is just one big happy family? No one ever complains? No one is ever dis-satisfied?”

“There are disagreements, to be sure, but they are always settled amicably. We are a peace loving group.”

“Why are you here? What is your purpose?”

“We are here to help. That is our sole purpose. If you will excuse me now, I have to get back. I have others to visit.”

“Of course. Thank you for stopping by.” Skinner walked him to the door.

Smith smiled, nodded and he was gone.


Skinner sat back down and resumed his reading. Another knock at his door caught his attention. He walked over and opened it. Krycek was standing there. This time he looked like the old Krycek; black jeans and leather jacket, dark green knit shirt unbuttoned at the collar. This was the Krycek that he knew.

“Come in,” he offered and went back to sit down. “Sit.”

Krycek took the same chair Smith had been in a few minutes before. “How are you feeling? The shoulder still hurt?”

“No; its fine. I found the gym and had a workout. It’s still a little stiff but it’s fine.”

“I heard you were in the gym.” Krycek said with a grin.

“Your little boyfriend tell you that?”

Krycek gave him a look, decided to ignore the barb, then tossed something to him. “Here. It’s a cell phone. You can call anyone you want. Yours won’t work up here but this one will.”

“And just what am I supposed to tell people?”

“Whatever you want; whatever you think they’ll believe.”

“I can call anyone?”

“Sure.”

“I think I’ll call Mulder then.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Krycek sighed.

“I see you’re dressed for work. Are you going back down or do you have a heavy date tonight?” Skinner asked with a little sneer.

“What’s this sudden interest in my personal life, Skinner? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous!” He stood to leave.

Skinner walked him to the door. “In your dreams, Krycek!” Skinner answered defiantly.

“OK, OK. But just for the record; I *do* have a dinner date tonight – with my fiancée, Evie. Why don’t you join us? You could meet her parents.”

“I think I’ll sit this one out.”

“OK. Suit yourself. I’m outta here.” Krycek left and Skinner returned to the couch.

He toyed with the cell phone and wondered if it really would reach. It didn’t look much different than any other cell phone he had ever seen. How could it reach that far? He decided to give it a try. He keyed in Mulder’s number and waited. He expected the answering machine but Mulder answered.

“Mulder,” he said.

“Mulder, it’s me, Skinner.”

“Hey; where have you been? I stopped by your office this afternoon and your secretary told me you didn’t show up for work today. Are you OK?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Did she say anything else?”

“No. Just that she didn’t know where you were and that you probably just forgot to tell here you had something scheduled for today.”

“Yeah, as a matter of fact, I did. I just realized I’d forgotten to call her. How did things go in Dallas?”

“Oh, Dallas was a dead end; nothing there.”

“Too bad. Anything else going on that I should know about?” He began to wonder why there was no mention of his car being found full of bullet holes.

“No. I’m afraid we’re back to square one on this. There must be something we missed. We’re going to start again in the morning. Will you be back tomorrow?”

“No. That’s what I called to tell you. I’m going to be out of town for a while; family business. I’m not sure how long it will take. I’ll be in touch but in the mean time, if you need anything, go to AD Maxwell. He’s a good man.”

“Sounds like you’re going to be gone for quite a while?”

“I hope not. We’ll have to wait and see how things play out.”

“I guess so.”

“Thanks, Mulder. I’d better go now and call my secretary and apologize for the mix-up.”

“OK. Bye.”

“Bye.”

He called his secretary and left a quick message apologizing for not calling her sooner and explaining that is was a family emergency; to cancel his meetings for the rest of the week and that he’d call again when he knew when he would be returning.

He walked back down to the courtyard level to the book shop and got the latest DC paper. Back in his room he read it from beginning to end. There was no mention at all of his car being found.

He went to the computer desk and turned it on. He went to the local DC police site; keyed in his priority code and scanned all the latest police reports. Nothing. No mention of a bullet riddled car being found anywhere. He clicked off the computer and went to find Krycek.

After asking around he found the directions to Evie’s residence. As he turned down the hallway to her place he saw a familiar figure standing around waiting; Jimmy. Skinner eyed him and walked on by with a nod. He knocked at Evie’s door and waited.

Evie’s Mom answered the door. You could pick her out of a crowd anywhere as Evie’s mother, they were that much alike.

“Mr. Skinner; please come in.” She stepped back and Skinner walked into the room with a polite, “Call me Walter, please.” Krycek was sitting on the floor coloring with Evie; his black leather jacket hanging on the back of a chair.

“Hey, you changed your mind!” Krycek got up and introduced Skinner to his boyhood friends, Aaron and Carolyn.

“We were just about to sit down to dinner. Won’t you join us?” Aaron offered.

“Oh yes, please, Mr. Walter. Join us!” Evie jumped up and grabbed on to his hand. “We’re having spaghetti!”

“Well I really came to talk some business with Alex.” He hesitated but the incredible smell of the spaghetti and the pile of garlic toast and huge salad sitting in the middle of the table was more than he could deny.

“You haven’t eaten; have you?” Alex asked.

“No, but I do need to talk with you. It’s important.”

“OK. How long Carolyn?”

“You’ve got about five minutes before we’re ready to sit down.”

“That should be enough time.” Walter said.

“Let’s step out into the hall,” Alex offered.


They both noticed Jimmy still loitering at the end of the hall. That settled it in Skinner’s mind.

“I would like some of that spaghetti.”

“It’s the best! Believe me. What do you need to talk with me about? Did you make your calls?”

“Yeah, I did. I talked to Mulder. He said he stopped by my office today and my secretary told him I hadn’t shown for work and she didn’t know why. She didn’t seem upset about it; just thought I had plans that I had forgotten to tell her about.”

“And …?”

“No mention at all about my car being found full of bullet holes.”

“Oh. I get the idea.”

“I got on line and checked out the police reports. Nothing.”

“Looks like they covered their tracks pretty well.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. This way, it just looks like I took off somewhere.”

“That makes sense. I’m going down right after dinner. I’ll see what I can find out and get back to you. I have the phone number on that new phone I gave you so I can keep in touch.”

“Good. One thing, Krycek. If you can, check in my parking area and see if my car is there.”

“All right. I’ll take a look and give you a call.”

“OK.” Skinner said and glancing down the hall at Jimmy then turning back to Alex, he smiled and said, “Let’s go have that dinner with your fiancée.”

Krycek chuckled and they headed back inside to dinner. Aaron and Carolyn were delightful hosts as they chatted about old times when the three of them were in school together and some of the antics they pulled. Evie giggled and giggled and crawled up in Alex’s lap until she finally dozed off. Alex carried her gently into her room and came back making his apologies for having to leave early. Skinner thanked them as well and said his good byes. Two hours had passed and the end of the hallway was empty.

“I guess he gave up.” Skinner said as they walked out.

“Not Jimmy. He never gives up. I’ve told him for years now that I love him dearly as a friend but that was as far as it was ever going to go. He still thinks he can change my mind.”

They walked down the ramp to the transporter level and entered the small room.

“If you need anything, Walter, anything at all, go to Aaron or Carolyn or even Evie. She knows her way around this place; she can find anything or anyone for you.”

“Not to Jimmy?”

“Well, you *could* go to him but there’s no telling how much help you’d get from him.”
Krycek grinned as he pulled his gun out from his waist holster, checked it and shoved it back in.

“The jealous type, I take it.” Skinner grinned back.

“Man, you’ve got that right. He’s really a good guy though; he’s just got a one-track mind.”

“And that track leads straight to you.”

“Uh huh. I don’t want to hurt his feelings but one of these days I’m going to have to put a stop to it.”

“You’ve got other things more important to concentrate on right now.” Skinner nodded.

“Yes, I do. And I’d better get going. I’ll try and get by your place tonight and check on your car but it may be tomorrow before I get over there. I’ll call you as soon as I find out anything about the car or the old man’s plans.”

“Thanks. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

Alex stepped up on the little platform closed his eyes for a minute and disappeared. Skinner went back to his room and to bed. He awoke a few hours later by the ringing of the cell phone that Krycek had given him.

“Skinner,” he said into the phone.

“I’m standing in your parking spot right now and there isn’t a single bullet hole or broken window or dent in your car.”

“That’s impossible! How could they get it fixed that fast?”

“I also checked the cars parked at the end of the row where most of the gun shots were fired. Not a single bullet hole to be found.”

“Some of those cars had to have been hit!”

“I’m sure they were. Just as I’m sure they’ve all been fixed and the owners never suspected a thing.”

“Son of a bitch!” Skinner swore.

“That’s all I know for right now. I haven’t seen the old man yet. I’ll try and get back to you tomorrow after I poke around a little bit.”

“Thanks, Alex. I appreciate it.”

Silence

“Are you still there?”

“Yeah. Just in a state of shock, I guess. That’s the first time you ever called me Alex.”

“Must have slipped out.” Skinner defended his gruff reputation.

“Must have. I’ll call you when I have anything to tell you.”

“OK. Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome.”


Skinner lay there in his bed and thought about Alex and wondered when it had become ‘Alex’ instead of Krycek. Late at night and half asleep it was easy to rationalize. Krycek was the traitor; Alex was the man who saved his life, the man Evie adored. He went back to sleep.

He didn’t hear another word for the next three days. He wandered around the complex; read the newspapers; caught the world news. He bumped into Jeremiah and asked about Alex but he hadn’t heard anything either and warned that these things take time and that Alex would get in touch with them as soon as he could; he always did.

On the third night, he had just finished dinner when he saw Jimmy rushing past his table and heading towards the up-ramp. He stopped and came back a few steps and said to Skinner, “He’s back,” then took off again.

Skinner took his tray and deposited it on the rack and headed towards the transporter room. He stood in the hallway as Alex and Jimmy came walking out.

“Oh good. I was just coming to see you.” Alex said when he saw him.

“You have some information for me?” Skinner asked.

“Yes, I do. C’mon. Let’s find Jeremiah.” And to Jimmy he said, “I’ll see you later, OK?”

“Yeah, sure,” Jimmy answered but he wasn’t all that happy about it.


They met with Jeremiah in his rooms and Alex told him what he’d been able to find out. Spender had indeed found someone he was grooming for the new AD position. His name was Samuelson. He had been worked into the Bureau and a fantastic background had been created for him.

“Just as I had suspected,” Jeremiah nodded his head. “This is the same Samuelson that caused all the trouble in Toronto?”

“It is.” Alex answered.

“And has he been neutralized?”

“He has,” Alex answered stony faced.

“Good. You’ve done well, Alex. Better get some sleep.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you.” They stood and made their exit.


“So it’s all over? The contract, I mean?” Walter asked as they walked back towards their quarters.

“Yeah. I heard the old man call it off myself. You may not be controllable, but at least he has a hold on you. He thinks he can still use it if he needs to.”

“He’s got another thought coming.”

“Good for you. I know it’s not easy, Walter.”

“It sure as hell isn’t but I can only be pushed so far.”

“I know the feeling.” Alex agreed as they turned down the hall towards their rooms. Jimmy was waiting outside Alex’s door. “Shit,” he said in a voice low enough for just Walter to hear. They stopped in the middle of the hall between their doors.

“I need to get some sleep, Walter. Then I can take you home.”

“That’s great. I appreciate it.” Walter said and opened his door.

“Jimmy, I haven’t slept in days. I’m beat. When I wake up, I’m taking Walter home. Then you and I can talk, OK?”

“Sure thing! I’ll be in my room waiting.” He smiled at Alex then turned and gave Walter a smug little smile and left.

“A few hours, Walter, is all I’ll need.” Alex called to him across the hall.

“Whenever.” Walter answered and closed the door behind him; pleased that he was finally going home.


Six hours later they were standing on the transporter pad and Alex was apologizing. “I can’t believe I slept that long!”

“You must have needed it.”

“I did! Where do you want me to take you; your office, your garage, or your apartment?”

“My apartment please.” Walter answered and before he finished the word please he was standing in the middle of his living room. “I still don’t believe all this.” He shook his head.

“I know the feeling. If you get to thinking about it too much it can really become frightening.” Alex grinned.

“I don’t want to know how it works. I’m just glad it does.”

“You and me both.” Alex headed for the door.

“Would you like a drink before you go back? Jimmy will probably be waiting for you.”

“I’m sure you’re right about that.” Alex agreed with a sigh. “Actually, I would love a drink.”


Skinner went to his bar set up and poured them both a drink. He nodded to the couch and they both sat down.

“Even though the old man called off the contract you still need to watch your back. There might just be someone out there who didn’t get the memo.”

“I understand.” Skinner shook his head. “I’ll be careful. What’s next for you up there? I mean after the Jimmy thing.”

“I’ll be hanging around down here for a while; looking innocent.

“That’s the hard part? Looking innocent?” Walter chuckled.

“Nah, I’m good at it. I’ve had lots of practice.”

“How is anyone to know the real Alex Krycek?”

“The real Alex Krycek is the one up there.” He pointed to the ceiling.

“How much time do you get to spend up there?”

“Not nearly enough; very little actually.”

“That’s was Evie said. She thinks you work too much.”

“She’s my angel,” Alex said smiling down into his drink. “They had a terrible time with her when she was first born. No one thought she’d survive; she was so sick.”

“Smith healed her?”

“Yeah. Her first three years were spent having treatments before he could get her stable.”

“She looks good and healthy now.”

“She is. A little small for her age but she’s fine now. It’s hard to believe that she’ll be seven in a couple of weeks.”

“She told me she was going to have a party. She asked me to come.”

“You want to go? I can take you if you do.” Alex offered.

“When is it?”

“The 29th. It’s on a Friday. I can take you and you can spend the weekend if you like.”

“I’d like that; if nothing comes up.”

“Don’t let anything come up. It’ll do you good to get away for a few days.” Alex finished his drink and stood to leave. “I’m sure she’d love to see you again. She’s really taken to you.”

“Are gifts allowed?” Walter asked as he walked to the door.

“Sure thing. I’ll give you a call on the 28th. You can decide where you want me to pick you up.”

“Sounds good. Alex … I don’t know how to thank you for what you’ve done for me.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s my job.”

“I want you to know that I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll call you on the 28th.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Alex looked up and down the hall way, slipped out and was gone.

(Continued in Chapter 2)