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Title: "Together, Alone Against The Others"
Written by: Cassie
Date: July 29, 2003, January 6, 2004, January 20 - 21, 2004
Air Date: February 2, 2004
Rating: PG
Series: FRVS - Episode #118
Spoilers: Past episodes of FRVS may be spoiled.
Feedback: We love it. Please e-mail us at frvs.feedback@gmail.com (please include the episode name in the subject) Thank you.
Archiving: "Fox & Rat" Virtual Series only!
Disclaimer: We do not own anyone. They belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting.
Author's Note: The personalities of the characters within the world of "Fox & Rat" are not those you know from "The X-Files" television series. We have warped them and given them a common past, immature behavior and a sense of humor. Any horrid behavior should not be mimicked in your every day life.
Summary: Scully's awkward date on Valentine's Day takes a dark turn when an unexpected man comes to talk to her.
FADE IN:
EXT. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - 11:47 P.M.
February 1, 2004Snow gently falls onto the empty streets of Prague. There's a chill in the air tonight, not only in the air, but in the fate of one of two men exiting a building near the town square.
The men are middle aged and are scientists and doctors. They both are wearing long trenchcoats. They are laughing, relieving the stress of the day as they head home from work.
MAN # 1
Budu o tom s vámi
jednet. (beat) Už musím jít.
"I'll get back to you on that. I must go now."
MAN # 2
Vratím se zitra.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Man # 2 (Novotny) pats his colleague on the back and they part ways.
Echoing through the narrow walking streets of Prague is a street performer, singing "Mon coer' s'ouvre ŕ ta voix" from "Samson & Delilah" (Saint-Saens). It's the perfect soundtrack for such a beautiful city.
Novotny makes his way to the Karluv Most (Charles Bridge). He is being watched carefully by a man walking in the shadows behind him. This man steps out into the light, revealing himself to be Alex Krycek. He is wearing a leather jacket complete with black leather gloves. He is not here for fun, he's here for the cause he believes in... saving humanity from the inevitable alien colonization. He is here to stop one of the Smoking-Man's scientists from creating a successful vaccination against the alien virus. Years ago when Scully was involved in this Project, she found out that the Smoking-Man had no intentions of sharing the vaccination with anyone other than himself, the Syndicate and those he cared about. He wants to use this vaccination in order to rule the world. Since then, Krycek and other members of the Syndicate have done everything in their power to prevent the Smoking-Man from getting his hands on a successful vaccine - they had their own people working on one, one that would be distributed throughout the world if it was ever successful in destroying the alien virus.
Krycek follows this man onto the bridge which is now clear of tourists from earlier in the day. Fog weaves its way around the bridge's statues. Krycek picks up his pace as he nears Mr. Novotny.
KRYCEK
(friendly)
Prominte! Zabloudil jsem.
"Excuse me! I've lost my way." Novotny turns around just as Krycek quickly uses a .45 caliber automatic handgun (with silencer) and jams it into the man's gut and pulls the trigger.
Novotny looks at Krycek in shock. Krycek carefully lowers the man to the ground.
KRYCEK
(quiet, sincere)
Lituji...
With this sincere apology, Krycek walks away from Novotny, leaving him on the bridge to bleed to death. As Krycek walks to the other side of the bridge, we rise up into the fog, overlooking the Karluv Most and the city of Prague. "Mon coer' s'ouvre ŕ ta voix" continues to be sung by the street performer.
FADE TO BLACK:
FADE IN:
INT. 46th STREET, NEW YORK - 1 P.M.
February 14, 2004 - Valentine's Day - SaturdayIt has been two weeks since Mr. Novotny was killed on the Karluv Most (Charles Bridge) in Prague.
The members of the Syndicate wait in silence in their smoke-filled room. They await the arrival of Strughold, he's been called in from his research facility in Tunisia.
Everyone is impatient. The room is silent with the exception of the second hand ticking on the clock in the background.
1st Elder, 2nd Elder, Cigarette-Smoking Man, Well-Manicured Man, Krycek, Quiet Willy and Marita Covarrubias are there. Krycek and Marita are the only two standing on opposite ends of the room from each other.
The door to the room opens and Strughold enters, he's not happy.
STRUGHOLD
(heavy accent)
I don't understand what is going on.
Who knew what Doctor Novotny
was working on and why kill him?
Krycek steps forward with crime scene photographs of Novotny's dead body on the bridge.
KRYCEK
We haven't been able to find
out who killed him.
MARITA
This morning I received a call from
our associate in Prague. The research
facility was destroyed as well.
KRYCEK
As was all Novotny's work.
Strughold is not taking this information well.
STRUGHOLD
(quieter)
He was only a weeks away from
completing a successful vaccination.
1st ELDER
This isn't good.
2nd ELDER
We only have a few more years until
colonization. That leaves us little
time to find a scientist with the ability
to start from scratch.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
There's always Mr. Montgomery, or
Dana Scully. Those two were the
best scientists we had until they
left The Project.
The Well-Manicured Man gives the Smoking Man a look. He does not like how he brought up Scully's name so soon.
WELL-MANICURED MAN
There has to be another way.
The Smoking Man takes a drag off of his lit cigarette, he sees how protective the Well-Manicured Man is toward Scully.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
From what I hear, Miss Scully's memories
of her time with us have partially returned.
With our current technology, it wouldn't be
difficult to fully restore.
2nd ELDER
Alex, do you still have the weak vaccine
you stole from the Russians?
KRYCEK
As instructed, I've kept it refridgerated
to prevent deterioration.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Good. You'll bring us the weak vaccine
and I'll make sure that either Montgomery
or Dana will be here to bring it to its full potential.
Krycek gives the Smoking Man a disapproving look. Marita sees this.
MARITA
Sir, Dana doesn't want this to be her
life anymore, let's not waste time by
trying to convince her otherwise.
1st ELDER
Are we sure Montgomery is capable
of handling this on his own? Doctor
Scully was head of The Project before
she left us, Montgomery was second.
STRUGHOLD
He would know all she knew.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
We can threaten their only child.
Tell him if he doesn't return that
his daughter will be entered into
The Project.
WELL-MANICURED MAN
So it's decided, Montgomery
will be persuaded to help us.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Incase he's uncooperative, I'll
approach Dana on the matter.
The Smoking Man turns to face Quiet Willy.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Get Mr. Montgomery and bring
him back here to me.
Quiet Willy nods his head and stands up and leaves the room. The other members leave as well, hoping that C.G.B. Spender knows what he's doing. Only the Smoking Man and Krycek remain in the room.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You look untrusting, Alex.KRYCEK
I don't like your tone of voice.
The Smoking Man smiles and puts out his cigarette in an ashtray.
KRYCEK
You keep Scully out of this.
Respect her decision to pursue
a different life.
The Smoking Man laughs, it's not as easy as Krycek wants it to be.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Alex, you know as well as I do that
Dana is the only one who can successfully
complete the vaccine. Montgomery came
close on his own, but it was she who
made it work. We're going to need her
back to ensure our own survival.
KRYCEK
What are you saying?
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
I'm saying that in the end, Dana
must return, no exceptions.
KRYCEK
She'll never willingly return
and you know that.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
We need to weaken her. (beat) I'm sure
you've noticed how close her friendships
with John Doggett and Monica Reyes have
become. She's not as close to you, Marita
or Mulder anymore. (sly) If we eliminate
them from her life, perhaps she will not find
the strength to resist us.
KRYCEK
Eliminate?
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You will kill both John Doggett
and Monica Reyes.
Krycek is quiet. He doesn't know what to think of this new assignment he's been given. The Smoking Man senses his doubt.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
What? You don't think you are
capable of this assignment?
KRYCEK
I don't feel comfortable being
assigned to kill friends.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Alex... you're our best assassin. I
wouldn't have you do this if I doubted
that. The best assassin is one that
can set aside personal emotion in
order to get the job done. You've displayed
this ability before and I see no reason
why you wouldn't be able to do it again.
KRYCEK
(doubtful)
I don't know...
Krycek is noticably uncomfortable.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You're the best, Alex. However, if
you feel you've lost your edge, I'm
sure we can find an inferior replacement...
Krycek's ego doesn't like the sound of that.
KRYCEK
It'll take me a month to come up
with assassination plans that
will not look suspicious.CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Whatever it takes.
Krycek gives him a determined look and then leaves the room. The Smoking Man smiles to himself, proud that he knew exactly how to work Krycek for his own selfish benefit. He doubts Krycek will be able to successfully terminate Doggett and Monica, but that's all a part of his plan. To build mistrust of Krycek from Doggett, Monica and Scully. The Smoking Man has a man on the inside of the FBI who has already been given orders to bring Doggett and Monica to a secret location after Krycek fails to have them killed. With Doggett and Monica held by the Syndicate, he can threaten their lives in order to get Scully to turn herself in to him, ensuring Doggett and Monica's safe release.
CUT TO:
INT. SCULLY, MARITA, MONICA'S APT. - 3 P.M.
Monica is sitting on the floor in the living room, surrounded by a few packed and sealed cardboard boxes marked "books for Brad". She is using a permanent marker to write "FRAGILE" on one of the "book" boxes.
Scully walks into the room, wearing a pretty red dress with matching high heels. It's a sleeveless dress.
SCULLY
Think this is too "Pretty Woman"
for dinner with John tonight?
Monica looks at her.
MONICA
It is Valentine's Day. The dress
fits the holiday, and no, you
don't look like a hooker.
SCULLY
Ok.
MONICA
I think I like the brown dress you
were wearing earlier though. It
highlights your eyes.
SCULLY
You think so?
Scully takes notice of the cardboard boxes.
SCULLY
Wow... you must have a lot of books that
Brad wants to borrow. I think this bunch
will make it twelve boxes this week.MONICA
(uncomfortable)
Um... yeah... sure.
Monica smiles at her and quickly stands up and goes to the kitchen. Scully returns to her room. In the kitchen, Monica is pouring herself a glass of juice.
SCULLY
(off screen)
So... what are you and Brad
doing tonight?MONICA
We're having a romantic
evening at his place.
Scully pokes her head out of her room.
SCULLY
Don't forget to use protection.MONICA
We don't do it without it.
Scully goes back into her room.
MONICA
I can't believe John asked you
out for Valentine's Day dinner.
Scully and Monica return to the living room at the same time. Scully is now wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants.
SCULLY
Might I remind you that he nervously
added "as friends" to his invitation.
Monica rolls her eyes and laughs. Scully looks curiously around the apartment.
SCULLY
Where's Marita? I haven't seen
her all day.
MONICA
I don't care, she's crazy. Remember
she whacked me with a frying pan?
I'd be happy to never see her again.
SCULLY
Don't say that, Mon'. She may have issues, but
she hasn't always been like this. I think she and
Alex need to be together, he always brings out
the best in her when they are involved.
Off Monica's doubtful look. CUT TO:
INT. MULDER/KRYCEK'S APT. - 4 P.M.
Marita and Krycek are seated on the couch, silent. Marita is concerned, Krycek's been acting odd since he left his meeting with the Smoking Man.
MARITA
What is it, Alex?KRYCEK
I can't believe this is happening
all over again. We pissed Scully
off a few years ago over this issue
and now he wants to do it
all over again.
Marita touches his arm gently.
MARITA
There's nothing to worry about, they
want Montgomery this time, not Dana.
KRYCEK
He wants me to kill John and Monica.
He thinks it will weaken Dana and give
her no choice but to return to The Project
when they ask her to. The crazy thing is
that that's probably true and Dana is the
only one who can create the successful
vaccine from the weak vaccine I have here.
MARITA
What did you tell him?
KRYCEK
That it'd take a month to
plan their assassinations.
MARITA
You agreed?
KRYCEK
Yeah, I was foolish and let
him boost my ego.
MARITA
Dammit! If you refuse assignment
now, he could have you killed.
KRYCEK
I know. (beat) Maybe I could
get one of those shape-shifting
aliens to look like John and Monica
and have the aliens pretend dead
to convince him.
MARITA
He'd know the difference.
He's no dummy.
KRYCEK
(mumbles)
That explains the time he had
toilet paper stuck on his shoe...
Krycek slumps down into the couch, unable to comprehend what he must do for that cigarette-smoking son-of-a-gun. The door to the apartment opens and Mulder enters, carrying two grocery bags.
MULDER
(cheerful)
Happy Valentine's Day roomie!
He runs into the kitchen. Krycek and Marita remain seated on the couch. They listen to Mulder make a lot of rackety noise in the kitchen.
MULDER
(off screen)
I bought some ice cream and
two cakes. Plain and chocolate
frosting. (laughs) I got you the
chocolate cake incase you meet
anyone special that way she'll know
you want to have sex with her. (beat)
WOW! We sure have a lot of junk food
in here! Alex! I'm going to take out the
bag of Tostitos and Oreos so the cakes
will fit, ok?!
Krycek rolls his eyes, he doesn't care. Krycek turns to Marita.
KRYCEK
(quiet)
So how have your sessions with
Doctor Peterson been going?
MARITA
Well, I think good. He says I need
to learn to control my temper when
things don't go my way. We discovered
that I do that because I hold inner anger
toward my sister because she ran away
from home when she was 16 so she
could live as a homeless woman. I resented
her for resenting money.
KRYCEK
Resenting money?
MARITA
She believes money, if used unwisely, can
corrupt you and make you a less-likeable person.
A loud crash is heard in the kitchen.
MULDER
Oops! (beat) Alex...
Krycek gives Marita an annoyed look as he stands up to go into the kitchen to see what Mulder has done this time. He enters the kitchen and sees Mulder on his hands and knees with a wet dish rag, he's wiping something off the floor. Mulder stands up and rinses the rag in the sink.
MULDER
I hope there was nothing important
in that vial you've had in the fridge.
Krycek's eyes go wide. He looks at the ground and sure enough, broken glass from the vial that held the weak alien vaccine is all over the floor. Krycek is unable to move. If the Syndicate had that weak vaccine, Montgomery could have been able to use it to figure out what was needed to make the correct vaccine, but now it is all gone. There's no doubt now that the Syndicate will need Scully back in The Project.
MULDER
Don't cry, Alex. If it was honey, you
can always get more though I don't
know why you'd store it in a vial...
Krycek hates himself for killing Novotny. He should have let him live and allowed the Smoking Man to selfishly use the vaccine. That way Scully wouldn't be threatened by the Smoking Man, not only for her scientific knowledge, but if the Smoking Man gets her, he'll have her for his own personal reasons as well. TIME CUT:
INT. SCULLY, MARITA, MONICA'S APT. - 5:30 P.M.
Scully is all alone in the living room, she's standing in front of a mirror that's hanging on the wall. She's wearing her brown dress and is ready for her date with John. She is pretending as if she's greeting him.
SCULLY
You look mighty handsom yourself-
(beat) Roses? For me? I'll go put them in a vase.
She winks at the mirror, and then rolls her eyes at herself.
SCULLY
Geez, Dana. You're such a dork.
There's a knock on the apartment door. Scully quickly re-checks herself in the mirror and goes to open the door. Doggett stands in the hallway in a nice black suit. He gives her a charming smile as she opens the door.
DOGGETT
I hope I'm not too early.SCULLY
Right on time.
She looks at him expectantly, hoping for a compliment on her dress and a few roses. John doesn't do either. Awkward beat.
SCULLY
Um... come on in, let me grab
my purse and then we can go.
Doggett enters the apartment. Scully goes to her room and grabs her purse and throws on her coat. She returns to the living room and Doggett offers his arm to her, she wraps her arm through his. At least he thought of that. They leave the apartment. Outside, Doggett opens the passenger side door of his truck for Scully and helps her in. He gets in and starts the truck.
SCULLY
So did you decide on a restaurant?
DOGGETT
Lao's Chinese Restaurant.
SCULLY
Mmm... I haven't had Chinese
for a long time.
DOGGETT
It's a little place downtown. I stumbled
across it a few years back. Best
Chinese I've had outside of Monica's mother.
Scully gives him a look.
SCULLY
The Reyes family cooks excellent Chinese too?
DOGGETT
Better than the best Chinese
chef you can find in China.
SCULLY
Mon' sure has an interesting family.
DOGGETT
That she does.
SCULLY
How do they compare to your family?
DOGGETT
I prefer them to my own if that
tells you anything.
Scully's eyes go wide - John prefers the Reyes family over his own? Monica's brother who are often in trouble with the law?
SCULLY
Really?
DOGGETT
The relationship I have with my family
is too complicated to get into right now.
Basically I only get along with my brother, Jason.
SCULLY
Older or younger?
DOGGETT
Younger brother. I also have an older brother.
SCULLY
So you're stuck in the middle?
DOGGETT
Yeah...
SCULLY
Most middle kids think
their families look over them.
DOGGETT
It's not like that. (beat) So I guess
this year you won't have to throw
cookie dough at your TV as you
watch romance and horror films.
SCULLY
You know, I haven't seen Marita
all day. Typically on Valentine's
Day she's at home with me, anticipating
having a date called off. It's strange since
the cookie dough and slasher film is
our tradition.
DOGGETT
Well... maybe we can make this
our Valentine's Day tradition.
He smiles at her.
SCULLY
I'd like that.
Doggett reaches out and holds her hand and nods his head to assure himself that this is a "good move". CUT TO:
INT. MULDER/KRYCEK'S APT. - KITCHEN - 6:10 P.M.
Krycek has Mulder tied up on a chair at their card table in the middle of the room. Marita has joined Krycek, who is pacing back and forth in front of Mulder.
KRYCEK
(angry)
I wish you could be told exactly
why the contents of that vial are
so important.
MULDER
Just tell me! I need to know!
KRYCEK
I can't!
MULDER
Then you have no reason to
be so angry with me.
Krycek gives him a look. Marita kneels down next to Mulder.
MARITA
Mulder, you know how Alex and I
have important jobs with the government?
Mulder nods his head.
MARITA
Alex's anger is because what you broke
is very important to the future of the world
and it's very difficult to replace.
MULDER
(worried)
Oh no... does that mean I'm now
a threat to national security?
KRYCEK
You're life's in danger now, pal.
Krycek approaches Mulder, about to punch him. However, Marita stops him by grabbing his arm just as he forms a fist.
MARITA
(stern)
Alex.
Krycek doesn't hit Mulder. He and Marita leave the kitchen and walk into the living room.
MARITA
You need to cool down, Alex.
KRYCEK
I know, I can't think straight
when I'm all worked up.
MARITA
Unfortunately, this means we will
need Dana back. I can't believe
that idiot roommate of your's
screwed this up. You know Dana
won't go back.
KRYCEK
(unhappy)
I know. Which means I have no other
option than to do as C.G.B. says and
kill John and Monica to weaken Scully.
Marita shakes her head, she's not happy with this or the fact Alex agreed to do the Smoking Man's dirty work.
MARITA
I wish this never-
She's interrupted by the sound of a chair scootching on the tiled kitchen floor. Marita and Krycek both look toward the kitchen door. They walk over to the kitchen and look in. INT. KITCHEN
Mulder is still tied up in the chair and is trying to get to the refridgerator.
KRYCEK
Mulder, what are you doing?
MULDER
The ice cream is melting.
I was just trying to put it away.
KRYCEK
But you're tied up.
MULDER
Oh yeah... that's why this
is so difficult.
Krycek and Marita share a look. Krycek angrily puts the melting ice cream into the freezer. He and Marita leave the room again.
MARITA
I think I'm going to let my
daddy know what he has done.
KRYCEK
There goes my sorry ass.
MARITA
Don't worry, Alex. My daddy
won't be angry with you, you
didn't destroy the weak vaccine.
KRYCEK
Right, he already hates me, this
will only give him one more reason to.
Marita gives him a look, her daddy (WMM) may not approve of everything Krycek has done in his life, but he is also a serious man and will not waste time with such a petty thing as being angry with Krycek when so much more serious things need to be taken care of. CUT TO:
INT. LAO'S CHINESE RESTAURANT - 6:33 P.M.
Scully and Doggett are being shown to their table. Oblivious, Doggett takes his seat. Scully remains standing, watching him in disbelief. She expected him to pull her seat out for her. She lets out an attention-grabbing cough. Doggett looks up at her and she nods her head toward the seat.
DOGGETT
(realizing)
Oh.
He stands up and pulls out her chair, she takes her seat.
DOGGETT
(sits / shy)
I'm sorry, I uh... I haven't done
this in a long time.SCULLY
It's ok, John.
She smiles assuringly at him.
SCULLY
So, are you a pro with chopsticks?
DOGGETT
Haven't used 'em in years.
SCULLY
Well, just a little practice and you'll
be a pro in no time. (beat) Out of
curiosity, when was the last time you
were on a date?
DOGGETT
(thinking)
You know... I think it was my first
date with Barbara back in 1985.
SCULLY
(confused)
You went on one date and then
you married her?
DOGGETT
Back then, all I needed was a good
date and a place to go afterward to... uh... you know.
SCULLY
(amused)
Get it on?
DOGGETT
(embarrassed)
Yeah...
SCULLY
Wow.
DOGGETT
(quiet)
Has Monica ever told you the
Theory of Doggett Super Sperm?
Scully's face turns red, she can't believe Doggett is talking about his sperm.
SCULLY
(embarrassed)
John, is this really nice
restaurant conversation?
DOGGETT
Theory goes... that whomever I have
sex with gets pregnant. Which isn't
true because I've had plenty sexual partners-
SCULLY
- John.
DOGGETT
Yeah?
SCULLY
Please, people are starting to look.
DOGGETT
Sorry.
Awkward silence. Scully stands up and excuses herself to go "freshen up" in the restroom, as she walks away from Doggett, she digs in her purse to find her cell phone so she can call Monica and ask her what is safe first date John Doggett dinner conversation.
She rounds a corner and SUDDENLY a man's hand grabs her and pulls her to his body. It is the Smoking Man.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
It's a beautiful night, would you
mind joining me for a walk?
He doesn't give her time to respond as he takes her out the back door of the restaurant and out into an alley. It's freezing outside and her dress is sleeveless. EXT. ALLEY BEHIND LAO'S CHINESE RESTAURANT - 6:40 P.M.
The Smoking Man has a strong hold on Scully's arm, he pushes her back up against the cold brick wall of the restaurant. He doesn't allow her a chance to run away from him. He stands too close for comfort, leering over her.
SCULLY
I'm in no mood for your
unwanted sexual advances.
He deliberately places his index finger on her lips to silence her.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You look beautiful tonight, Dana.
His gaze lowers as he eyes her body. Her dress is tight-fitting, clinging to every curve of her body. His perverted gaze lingers on her chest, remembering the intimate moments the two of them shared so many years ago. Scully glares at him.
SCULLY
(bitter)
What do you want?
He gently caresses her face with his hand.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
(soft)
So many things, Dana...
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, inhaling her feminine scent.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Lavendar... you know what they say about
lavendar and it's ability to arouse men...
He touches her bare shoulder, sending a chill up her spine. She trembles of fear under his touch. She is terrified of this man and does not want him to know it.
SCULLY
(scared)
If this is all you want, I have a
date to attend to with a man
much more appealing than yourself.
She tries to push him away from her, but he uses force and pins her back up against the frozen brick wall. Scully winces, unsure of his intentions.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
(serious)
The Group needs you, Dana. Our best
scientist in Prague was murdered, all
his research destroyed. Colonization is
only a few years away, we need your... expertise...
He caresses her arm in a very uninviting sexual manner. Scully swats his hand off of her.
SCULLY
(angry)
I'm not interested.
She pushes him away and he lets her walk away from him.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You can save yourself... all of
humanity... (threatening)... John Doggett.
Scully stops walking, feeling light-headed. She places her hand against the side of the restaurant. She slowly turns to face the Smoking Man.
SCULLY
(strong)
You leave John out of this.CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
(amused)
I do what I need to do, Dana.
Scully closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, she opens them and her vision is blurred.
SCULLY
(weakening)
I said leave him alone.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Not to worry, I've already got a close
watch on him for reasons other than
his obvious affection for you.
SCULLY
What do you mean by that?
She takes a step toward him, she's finding it hard to keep her balance. She's dizzy now.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
If you're so curious... you know how to find me.
He pulls out a pack of Morleys and lights up as he walks away from her. His presence and comments have shaken Scully. She thought she had made it clear a few years ago that she never wanted to be a part of his Project again. Now, he comes to her, threatening John - a man she has grown very close to over the years.
She lowers herself to the icy ground, closing her eyes. Wondering why she is dizzy, light-headed and has weak muscles.
Why is this happening to her again? Why is she cursed with some apparent knowledge to make a successful vaccination against an alien virus? She honestly can't remember anything about the vaccine, and she can only remember a few details of her life while she was involved in the Syndicate. Now the Smoking Man wants her back to create this vaccine, even if she did remember how, she had made a promise to John Montgomery that she'd never give in and help the Smoking Man because he would only use the vaccine to save himself and not the world.
Unfortunately, Montgomery died in an airplane crash when they first tried to leave the United States to start a new life in Germany. If he were alive he would know what to do, he always knew what to do when life got too difficult. Now the responsibility lies solely on her shoulders.
The night around her is very cold, very still. Not even a breeze. Scully opens her eyes and finds herself lying on the ground in a curled up position. She's freezing cold and snow has begun to fall from the sky. She brushes the snow flakes from her icy skin and rubs her hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm up. She sits up, realizing where she is and that she needs to get inside out of the cold. She checks her wrist watch, it's 7:20 P.M..
She stands up slowly, her legs weak from not moving and from being out in the cold. Her muscles are weak and tired as if she had taken sleeping pills. She looks around her, there is no one around. A slight breeze blows snow dust across the ground.
Scully enters the back door of Lao's Chinese Restaurant and goes into the ladies room. She looks at herself in the mirror. Her mascara has run down her face, she had cried. She turns on the faucet and splashes water on her face and uses paper towel to wipe away her makeup as best she can. The warm water stings her cold skin. The only thing she can think of to explain her condition is that the Smoking Man must have drugged her.
Struck with sudden panic and fear, she checks over her body for evidence of sexual assault. She doesn't feel as if her body had been violated, her clothes are still correctly placed on her body.
Minutes later, Scully leaves the ladies room and returns to hers and John's table. John is no longer there. She looks around the restaurant, he's nowhere to be seen.
The Maitre D' approaches her.
MAITRE D'
Miss Dana Scully?
SCULLY
(worried)
Yes?
MAITRE D'
I am to inform you that Mr. John
Doggett has left. He says he's sorry
he screwed up and he left money up
front for you to use to call a cab
to take you home.
The Maitre D' smiles and walks away. Tears form in Scully's eyes again. Great, she's all alone to deal with the night's strange event. She wipes her eyes and heads to get her coat and the money that John left her. She'll call him tomorrow, she doesn't want to try to explain things to him tonight. She needs time to shrug off the past that is returning to haunt her. CUT TO:
INT. FOLLMER/REYES APT. - 7:30 P.M.
Brad and Monica are lying in bed together with only a sheet covering their naked bodies. They say nothing, they are enjoying the aftermath of their love making. Brad is running his finger up and down Monica's bare arm which lies across his chest.
BRAD
So did that help cure your headache?MONICA
A little bit, I guess it must be stress
that's causing my headaches. I've
never had them this bad before.
Off screen, there is a knock on their apartment door.
BRAD
I wonder who that could be...
He gets up and puts on a pair of sweatpants.
MONICA
Maybe it's Mumbo and Jumbo.
I doubt they have plans for Valentine's Day.
Brad makes his way through the living room and opens the door. It's Doggett, he's distraught.
DOGGETT
(angry with himself)
I screwed up, man.BRAD
Now's not a good time.
Brad looks over his shoulder toward his room where Monica is. Doggett walks right on into the apartment. INT. BEDROOM
Monica is looking around for her clothes, they are scattered all over the room because of a silly little striptease she did for Brad earlier that evening. She can hear that Doggett doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon. At least Brad is keeping him from barging into the bedroom.
She enters the living room, wearing a bathrobe.
MONICA
Johnny, that was so stupid to
talk about the Theory of the Doggett Super Sperm.
DOGGETT
(surprised)
How the hell do you know that?!
MONICA
I heard it in a vision.
DOGGETT
That's bullshit.
MONICA
Then howelse can you explain
my knowing about it?
DOGGETT
I don't care.
MONICA
What possessed you to talk
about that on a date?
DOGGETT
I don't know. I think we ended up
talking about Barbara and I.
Monica and Brad share a look, both knowing that talking about his relationship with Barbara was probably the last thing Scully wanted to discuss on a Valentine's Day date with John.
DOGGETT
Then I didn't pull out her chair at dinner.
She excused herself and after she didn't
come back after thirty minutes, I decided
that she was waiting for me to leave, so I did.
BRAD
Tell me you left money for her to get a cab.
DOGGETT
I did. (beat) I'm such an idiot.
MONICA
Are you sure she wanted you to ditch
her? Did you ever think that maybe
something happened to her? Did she
take her cell phone with her when she
excused herself from the table?
DOGGETT
(thinking)
She took her purse, maybe
her phone was in there.
MONICA
Maybe she got a call and had to...
I don't know, calm Mulder down.
DOGGETT
What are you saying? That
I should have checked on her
before I left-
MONICA
(correcting)
- Jumped to conclusions and left.
Doggett sits down on the couch and leans back, closing his eyes. He lets out a frustrated sigh.
DOGGETT
(disappointed with himself)
So I really screwed up this time, didn't I?
MONICA
I wouldn't say it's permanent damage...
maybe another set-back.
DOGGETT
Yeah, well... I'm sick of set-backs.
MONICA
John... don't kick yourself in the ass
over this. Like most things, your reaction
is an overreaction. Dana probably had
good reason to be absent so long. I'm sure
she'll understand you leaving after the way
your date took off.
Doggett appreciates her comments and gives her a smile. He looks at Brad and realizes that he interrupted their evening.
DOGGETT
I better be going. I didn't
mean to intrude on your evening.
He stands up and heads to the door, Brad follows him. He stops John before he leaves.
BRAD
(quiet)
John. Maybe you should stop by Dana's
and find out what happened. Don't hold
it off. Then she might think you were
the one who is not interested, ok?
Doggett nods his head and leaves the apartment. Brad shuts the door and turns to face Monica, she is holding her hand to her head and is wincing in pain. He is concerned for her. For as long as he's known her, no headache has had this effect on her. It's probably caused by the frying pan incident with Marita. If Monica continues to have this problem, he's going to make her go talk to a doctor. He takes her into his arms and kisses the top of her head.
BRAD
(quiet)
I love you, Monica.
She wraps her arms tightly around him and cries in his arms, the pain is too much for her to handle. CUT TO:
EXT. SCULLY, MARITA, MONICA'S APT. BUILDING - 7:40 P.M.
A dirty yellow cab pulls up to the curb and comes to a stop. Scully steps out and pays the driver.
DRIVER
You have a nice night, ma'am.SCULLY
You too.
She smiles at the driver and the car pulls out onto the road. Scully wraps her arms around her body. She is paranoid as she approaches the apartment building. She hasn't felt this nervous all alone in a city at night for a long, long time. A man steps into frame behind her.
MAN
(not threatening)
Dana...
Scully, scared, lets out a gasp and turns around. She holds her hand out to keep this man at distance.
SCULLY
(afraid)
Please, don't come any closer.
The man's identity is obscured by the darkness. He steps closer to her.
SCULLY
(scared)
I said stop.MAN
I'm not here to hurt you, Dana.
Scully is quiet when she sees who this man is when he steps into the light. It's John Montgomery. A man she believed to be dead... a man she had had a family with... a man she had once loved and trusted completely.
SCULLY
(disbelief)
John...? I thought you were-MONTGOMERY
- That's what they wanted you to believe.
Scully is unsure of what to do. Part of her wants to run into his arms and be with him... another wants her to run the other way because she doesn't know if it's really him or some shape-shifting alien sent to take her to the Smoking Man.
SCULLY
How do I know it's really you?
MONTGOMERY
(quoting Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell To Arms")
'We could feel alone when we were together-"
SCULLY
(finishes quote)
- 'alone against the others.'
Scully is in shock. Years ago when the two of them worked for the Syndicate, they decided that if they should ever be separated for some time, the one way they could be sure they were who they said they are if they ever crossed one another again was to say this quotation to each other. She hadn't remembered it until he had said it. He was alive and well. So many emotions run through her, she goes to him and wraps her arms around him.
MONTGOMERY
(serious)
We need to talk.
Scully steps away from him. He points to a car parked across the street.
MONTGOMERY
We can't talk here, they may be listening.
Without any doubt of his good intentions, Scully follows him to his car across the street. They get in and drive away. TIME CUT:
INT. MONTGOMERY'S CAR - 8:01 P.M.
Montgomery has driven them far from the streets of the city. There are no lights to be seen near them. Montgomery pulls off the road and drives out into a field and stops the car and turns off the headlights. He gets out of the car and motions for her to do the same. They walk away from the car.
Scully still hasn't exactly thawed out from when she woke up outside at Lao's, Montgomery notices that she is trying to get herself warm. He takes off his warm coat and wraps it around her shoulders.
MONTGOMERY
I've missed you, Dana.
Scully smiles, she knows who he is and what their relationship had been like, but she still cannot recall everything that they had been through together. It's nice to hear his voice again, so calm, so in control, so wise.
MONTGOMERY
I was paid a visit by Mr. Spender
earlier today.
Scully tenses up, she had been visited by this man as well.
MONTGOMERY
He threatened to force you back into
The Project if I refused to do so myself.
(beat) They've suffered a great loss and
time is running out. I believe they think
I will give them the vaccine, they think
that you shared that information with me.
SCULLY
I don't remember that information anymore.
They can't bring me back... I can't go back.
I have my life here...
MONTGOMERY
You only shared with me all but one
important step to create the successful
vaccine, you knew everything. I can work
with what I know and not give him what
he wants.
SCULLY
You're returning?
MONTGOMERY
I was shown their newest facility
today. They have no remorse for
the lives they take in the name of
their selfishness. (beat/sad) They're
testing on children again...
Scully's eyes widen, this is something she never wanted to happen.
MONTGOMERY
I know, they stopped doing that
back in '94 after Alexander Krycek
had to shoot one child during an
escape attempt.
SCULLY
They tested on children?
MONTGOMERY
After you asked to have your
memory erased, yes, they did.
I was working in the Swiss lab
at the time and had no control
over decisions that were being made.
SCULLY
Why'd they stop testing on prison
inmates in Tunguska? Why test
on children again?
MONTGOMERY
The gulag was anihilated a couple
years ago, the aliens had no fear
of exposure away from civilization, so
they blew it up. After that, the Group
set up a lab in Prague, which was
destroyed two weeks ago, not by
aliens. (beat) They are testing on
children now in order to threaten me
They say they will enter Jill into the
Project if I give them a rejection.
SCULLY
Oh God... Jill. She must be twelve now.
MONTGOMERY
Which is older than the seven and
eight year olds the Group tested on
back in 1993. Unfortunately, Jill was
placed in the care of a family involved
with the Group, the McLeods. I've met
Ally and Adrian before, they're good
people, I have no doubt that they raised
Jill appropriately...
They walk in silence for a few minutes. Each wondering what the other will do about this situation. They both do not want Jill to be entered as a test subject in The Project.
SCULLY
(quiet)
What should we do...?
He stops walking and faces her, placing his hands on her shoulder.
MONTGOMERY
Don't worry, Dana. (beat)
Tomorrow I plan on returning
to them, convincing them that
I'm on their side.
SCULLY
(worried)
What about Jill? (beat) I mean...
I know I can't see her anymore, but
I need to know that she'll continue to
live a normal life, safe from those men
and thier tests.
MONTGOMERY
I promise you, they will not touch her.
When I return, I become head of The
Project. I'll keep Jill far from their tests.
Scully is relieved, she knows that when Montgomery makes a promise, he keeps his promise. Especially when it comes to protecting herself and their daughter.
SCULLY
He came to me tonight. He says
the Group needs me, but based
on his treatment of me tonight, I think
he wants me back for his own personal reasons...
Scully lowers her head as soon as she feels tears sting her eyes. Montgomery senses her emotional state. She is scared, feeling violated and is afraid to talk about the Group, The Project and the Smoking Man anymore. Montgomery puts his arm over her shoulder, comforting her.
MONTGOMERY
Did he hurt you?
Scully shakes her head "no".
SCULLY
He stood too close, gazed suggestively...
MONTGOMERY
There's something else.
SCULLY
(avoiding what really bothers her)
His tone seemed to threaten a man
that I'm close to...
MONTGOMERY
What aren't you telling me?
Scully looks up into his eyes, he is worried about her, she can see that he still loves her and will do anything for her.
SCULLY
(angry)
From the time he left me
to the time I went back into the restaurant,
at least forty minutes passed. Forty
minutes that I don't remember. I realized
it when I noticed I was lying on the ground.
MONTGOMERY
Do you believe he drugged you and raped you?
SCULLY
(crying)
I don't know. I don't feel as if
anything like that happened...
MONTGOMERY
Did he touch you in a way that could
have triggered you to relive your past experiences?
SCULLY
(confused)
I don't remember...
Montgomery pulls her into a much needed hug and lets her cry in his arms. It hurts him to see her like this. When they met, and first got involved, it took so long for her to get over her emotional scars from her abusive relationship with Scott. He kisses her on the top of her head and comforts her. CUT TO:
EXT. SCULLY, MARITA, MONICA'S APT. - HALLWAY - 8:50 P.M.
Doggett stands outside the apartment door. He's hesitating to knock, afraid that he's angered Scully and that she wouldn't want to see him. He knocks and waits. There's no answer.
Scully appears behind him, she stops and watches him. He nervously scratches the back of his neck. She knows that she cannot speak to him about all that has happened tonight. It's best that he doesn't know anything about The Project, the Smoking Man and other such related things. She takes a deep breath to compose herself and to seem cheery after such an emotionally draining night.
SCULLY
John?
Doggett turns around, surprised. She smiles at him.
DOGGETT
Dana?
He returns her smile. They stand, looking at each other, not knowing what to say.
DOGGETT
I'm sorry I left you at the restaurant.
I'm sure by now you realize that I make
a lot of stupid mistakes. I should have
come to see if something was wrong
instead of jumping to the conclusion that
because our date started off awkwardly,
that you wanted to have me ditch you.
Scully smiles at him.
SCULLY
I didn't think we started off too bad.
(beat) We went "just as friends", right?
Scully hopes that Doggett will take this opportunity to say that he wants more than friendship in his relationship with her. He doesn't.
DOGGETT
(hesitates)
Right. (beat) So, you just
getting home now?SCULLY
Yeah, I uh... got back here
and felt the need to take a walk.
Scully pulls out her apartment keys, she unlocks the door.
SCULLY
You want to come in for a drink?
DOGGETT
Aw, I don't know, it's getting late.
SCULLY
It's not even nine yet. Come on, we
can watch horror movies and eat
cookie dough if you don't want to drink.
Doggett shrugs his shoulders.
DOGGETT
What do you consider a horror film?SCULLY
How about 'Army of Darkness'?
They walk into the apartment and take off their coats.
DOGGETT
Not exactly a scary movie...
He follows her into the kitchen, she gets a bowl of fresh cookie dough out of the fridge.
SCULLY
I know. It's funny.
She grabs two Fanta orange sodas, they head into the living room.
DOGGETT
Monica's scared of it.
Scully bursts out laughing at that. She sits down on the couch, John joins her. She hands him a soda and pushes play on the remote control.
DOGGETT
(re: bowl of cookie dough)
So you were anticipating me ditching
you so you prepared cookie dough
before we left?
SCULLY
No. Marita and I plan for Valentine's
Day a week in advance. We didn't
know you would ask me out when
we made this batch.
DOGGETT
That reminds me...
He stands up and goes to get something out of his coat's pocket. He comes back and hands her an envelop, a Valentine's Day card. She smiles and opens it. The card has a picture of a golden retriever puppy holding a heart shaped box of chocolates in its mouth.
DOGGETT
I know it's not much, but at
least the dog is cute.
Scully reads the card. INSERT - CARD
"I wish it were easier to tell you I wuf you. Happy Valentine's Day." signed, Love John.
Scully hugs him and kisses him on the cheek, leaving a lipstick mark.
SCULLY
Thank you, John.
He smiles, glad that she likes the card. Scully sets the card on the coffee table and they sit back to watch the movie, she rests herself against him and he places his arm over her shoulders. CUT TO:
INT. COVARRUBIAS MANSION - NEW YORK - 9:10 P.M.
Marita and Krycek are sitting on the couch in the living room. In the background, we hear the Well-Manicured Man (Daddy C) speaking to someone on the phone.
KRYCEK
(quiet)
I'll talk to Dana tomorrow. I'll
let her know how serious the
situation is. Maybe we can offer
her a way to help us and continue
with her life as it is right now.
Marita nods her head. Off screen they hear the WMM slam the phone down, hanging up. He walks into the room.
MARITA
Daddy, what is it...?WMM
He's already gone and done
things on his own terms. He
talked with Mr. Montgomery
and then he talked to Dana.
Krycek stands up.
KRYCEK
What does that mean?WMM
He's making negotiations with
Montgomery now. It seems he
has turned against us...
Off their looks of defeat. FADE TO:
INT. 46TH STREET, NEW YORK - 10:03 P.M.
Only the Smoking Man and John Montgomery are in the room. Both men stand.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
I trust you will no longer make communications
with those who are against me.MONTGOMERY
That is correct.
The Smoking Man lights up a cigarette and takes a nice satisfied drag off of it.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
You'll need to prove your loyalty to
me... to the group. By sacrificing
what is most precious to you-MONTGOMERY
- Tomorrow I'll enter my own daughter
in The Project for testing.
The Smoking Man smiles at this. It's nice to see Montgomery making the suggestions and so easily agreeing with him.
MONTGOMERY
I couldn't think of any other
way to prove my loyalty to you.
The Smoking Man is pleased to see that Montgomery has betrayed Scully. He had drugged her to place a bug on her to see if Montgomery could be trusted. This man before him promised to protect Jill, now that promise was broken.
MONTGOMERY
I'll pick up Jill from Adrian tomorrow.
I'll start testing on her first thing
Monday morning.
Montgomery and the Smoking Man share a look before Montgomery leaves the room. The Smoking Man sits down in a leather chair, satisfied that things are going according to his plans. FADE OUT:
THE END.
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