NEW DEBUT: TITLE: Full Circle To The Truth Pt. 2 (4/10)(NC-17)
AUTHOR: Des
EMAIL ADDRESS: des826@internetconnect.net
Disclaimer in Section 1


One week later
J Edgar Hoover Building

Dana tried to calm her knotted stomach as she entered the
elevator. Pressing the button for Kersch's floor, she wondered if
she would even be able to survive another 'meeting.'

Who would have thought that this maneuver would ever turn out to
be so complicated, she pondered. In making a decision she thought
would bring some peace and control into her life, she'd set in
motion a chain of events that had brought her nothing but
confusion and pain. While the pain was expected, the degree of it
wasn't, and she couldn't help feeling, she thought as she stepped
off the elevator, that she was in way over her head.

On top of that she was late! Opening the door to his outer
office, Scully stepped inside, ignoring the condescending look
being given to her by his secretary.

"Agent Scully, you're-"

"I have a meeting to get to," she interrupted before she could
launch the first salvo, and opened the door. < Shit! Everyone's
already here> Scully thought walking into the room. Matt, Diana,
Skinner, Kersch, even Mulder were already comfortably settled in
their seats. Turning around to shut the door behind her, Scully
gave herself a few moments to compose herself then spoke.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Sir. I was stuck in traffic," she said,
sliding into the only available seat - next to Mulder. Scully
could feel his intense stare like a caress, though she knew he
was trying to hide it. She understood the feeling completely. Not
seeing him on an everyday basis was slowly eating away at her. < I
guess that old saying is true> she thought, < you never appreciate
what you have until it's gone.>

"Well Agent Scully, so nice of you to join us. Since Agent Mulder
was just five minutes ahead of you, we didn't really get
anywhere," Kersch said disapprovingly.

"Well, I can't vouch for Agent Scully's reason for being late,
but I had to feed my fish," Mulder deadpanned.

"Fox," Diana whispered on his other side, laying her hand on his
arm. At her gesture, Mulder straightened, settling into his
chair.

"What's this about Kersch?" Skinner asked.

"In a word, clarification," Kersch answered succinctly.

"Pardon me?"

"I thought it important to get all the pertinent parties together
for a clarification session," Kersch repeated.

"What exactly are we supposed to be clarifying?" Mulder asked.

"Your boundaries, among other things, Agent Mulder," Kersch
replied.

"You're not responsible for setting Agent Mulder's boundaries
Kersch, I am," Skinner warned, already beginning to see where
Kersch was heading.

"What about my boundaries?" Mulder said, bringing Kersch's
attention back to him.

"I was...informed of the need to make certain truths clear to
prevent any possible instances of future confusion." Turning his
attention to Scully he said, "Agent Scully you requested a
transfer from the X-Files did you not?"

"Yes sir," Scully answered.

"And you are now Special Agent in Charge of the research team."

"Yes."

"Yet you showed up at a crime scene-"

"At my request," Mulder interjected, "we needed her expertise."

"Any forensic pathologist would have done the job, and your
partner had already called to dispatch one to the scene," Kersch
countered.

"Yes sir. Though she informed me after the fact. By that time I
had already called Agent Scully. No disrespect intended," Mulder
said, turning to Matt.

"None taken Agent Mulder, I would want Agent Scully too, if I
were...you..." Matt trailed off, embarrassed.

< You have no idea Matt> Mulder thought, while Matt tried to
backtrack. "No need to explain Matt, I understand. The point I
was trying to make sir," returning his attention to Kersch, "was
that Agent Scully and I have worked on these types of cases
before and she would have already been familiar with it."

"Might I remind you that Agent Scully is no longer your partner?"

"Yes sir, I'm aware of that-" Mulder began.

"Are you Agent Mulder? Because your actions speak otherwise."

"Sir, I know-"

"Agent Mulder, I'm not all that interested in what you know
anymore and I don't have to be. As your AD has most recently
informed me, you are his responsibility now and that's fine with
me. But Agent Scully is *my* responsibility and I take my
responsibilities seriously," Kersch said.

< Why that pompous bastard> Scully thought angrily. "Excuse me
Sir, but *I* am responsible for my own actions and it was *my*
decision to go to Agent Mulder when he called," Scully said,
glancing at her former partner and for a moment, becoming lost in
his eyes. Quickly breaking eye contact, Scully lowered her gaze
to her hands.

"Well, maybe you made the wrong decision," Diana said, goaded by
the look that passed between the two ex-partners, and causing
Scully's head to snap up with an indignant reply.

Unfortunately, Kersch beat her to it.

"I don't remember asking for your assistance in this matter,
Agent Fowley. I can handle this quite well without your help,"
Kersch added.

"Of course. I apologize," Diana said.

"Look, this is getting old Kersch," Skinner said, annoyed. "What
exactly is the purpose of this meeting?"

"Simple. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that
everyone clearly understands that Agents Mulder and Scully are no
longer partners and therefore have no reason to continue any
contact."

"But don't you think that's a little unrealistic?" Matt chimed
in. "I mean they can hardly avoid each other and cases overlap
>from time to time, not to mention the fact that frequently agents
assist each other in their off-hours. How could you possibly
expect Agents Mulder and Scully to have absolutely no contact
with each other?"

At this, Scully turned her gaze on Diana Fowley and watched as
she shifted uncomfortably. Flashing back to the scene at the
warehouse, Dana remembered how vehement Diana was about *not*
wanting her there. Without fully being able to explain it, maybe it
was just instinct, but she was positive that somehow Fowley had
orchestrated *clarification session*.

"What was your name again?" Kersch asked, focusing his
attention on the young Agent.

"His name is Matt Stone; one of the best forensic pathologists in
the bureau, and Agent Scully's assistant," Mulder said.

"I apologize if I came across in anyway disrespectful, Sir. I
have a tendency to say the first thing that pops into my head."

"That could become a very dangerous habit, Agent Stone"  Kersch said
in subtle warning.

"It was only a question, Sir" Matt said.

"And a damned good one at that," Skinner agreed. "Agents Mulder
and Scully's work on the X-Files would make it a necessity for
them to consult with each other from time to time on some
critical points of evidence. Expecting them to have absolutely no
contact is not only unrealistic - it's also unreasonable."

Kersch mulled this over. A complete separation just wasn't
possible. At least not this early in the game.

"Well some contact is obviously unavoidable," Kersch agreed
grudgingly. "Agent Scully will be needed as a consultant until
Agent Fowley gets up to speed on the cases. After that, there
should be no reason to consult with Agent Scully. Agent Fowley
should be more than capable of handling the caseload. After all,
she was there when you started the X-Files in the first place.
Isn't that correct, Agent Mulder?" Kersch asked.

"Yes," Mulder confirmed. "Though Diana was there when the X-Files
were re-opened, she'd only been working on them for a year-and-a
-half to two years before she left."

"Agent Scully is more familiar with the cases," Skinner added.
"She's been working on them for 6 years."

"Yes. But in a strictly medical capacity, and without any prior
experience or even belief in the types of cases that she and
Agent Mulder were investigating," Kersch said. "Am I right, Agent
Scully?"

"Well Sir...my original purpose was to provide a hard science
background to the cases we investigated," she explained.

"You neglected to answer my question, Agent Scully. You had no
prior experience or belief in the types cases you investigated
with Agent Mulder. Am I right?"

"Yes sir," Scully answered reluctantly.

"But that doesn't invalidate her work on the X-Files-" Mulder started

"I never said it did" Kersch interrupted. "Agent Fowley, you have a
background similar to that of Agent Mulder, is that right?" Kersch
asked.

"Yes," Diana said. "Parascience."

"I don't believe anyone is doubting Agent Fowley's qualifications
to be Agent Mulder's partner, so what's your point?" Skinner
asked.

"My point is that though Agent Scully has worked with Agent Mulder
longer, it makes more sense for Agent's Mulder and Fowley to be
partners given their backgrounds. I feel that every effort should be
made to that end. To put it bluntly, I don't want any unnecessary
fraternization between Agents Mulder and Scully."

"I beg your pardon sir?" Mulder said.

In her seat, Diana tried to conceal the spurt of
satisfaction...but not before Mulder caught a glimpse of it.
Deciding to file that away until he had time to chew on its
implications, Mulder turned his attention back to Kersch,
intending to provide his own *clarification*, when he got a look
at Scully's face...and realized it was safer to keep quiet.

"Begging your pardon again Sir, but I'm no child and I highly
resent being treated like one," Scully said, trying to fight the
anger coursing through her.

"Agent Scully," Kersch began, "you had a very promising career
before-"

"I know what my career was and is sir," Scully interrupted
furiously, "and I find it highly objectionable that you would
conduct this meeting like you would a trip to the principal's
office!"

"Agent Scully-" Skinner said, surprised at her outburst.

Standing up, Scully faced her former superior. "My apologies Sir,
but as you have already stated, Agent Mulder is your
responsibility. I am not."

"Now just hold on a minute Agent," Kersch said, trying to regain
control of the situation. "I believe you misinterpreted my
statement."

"I did no such thing. Did you or did you not say-" Scully was cut
off mid-sentence as the shrill ring of a cellular phone took
center stage, causing everyone to check their pockets to find out
if theirs was the one ringing.

It was Scully's.

Everyone used the pause in conversation to take a deep breath,
and calm down. While Scully spoke in low hushed tones on her
cellular, Skinner turned a disapproving gaze on Mulder.

"You couldn't find two words to pull together that might have
helped, Agent Mulder?"

"No Sir," Mulder said.

"Well, why not?"

Leaning into him and lowering his voice, he answered, "self-
preservation, Sir," then leaned back in his chair.

Skinner closed his eyes. < Why the hell does he have to be such a
smart-ass all the time?> he thought, annoyed.

Closing her cell phone, Scully placed it back in her pocket and
faced her superior. "I have to return to my office," she said,
facing Kersch.

"Why?" he asked.

"I'm not sure exactly. I'm just told I have a very important
visitor and must get to my office immediately."

"Agent Scully, we still have business here."

"Well then, I suggest you take it up with your superior, Sir. It
was his secretary that relayed the message."

"Alright Agent Scully," Kersch said reluctantly. "We'll continue
this conversation later."

"If you'll excuse me," Scully said, turning around to walk to the
door, her eyes lingering on Mulder's before she could control
them. < That damn connection!> she thought, and walked out of the
door.

"Well, I don't really need Agent Scully's presence here to get my
point across," Kersch spoke into the ensuing silence. "I want to
make it clearly understood that this isn't something I will have
a great deal of tolerance for."

"And I want it clearly understood that both your and my priority
should be the most efficient and timely cooperation between
departments to solve a case - no matter which combination of
agents are used," Skinner shot back. "The important thing has to
be the case, Kersch. Or have you forgotten that?"

"I haven't forgotten anything, Skinner. Just keep your Agent
under control and know that *any* contact with Agent Scully will be
scrutinized by me."

"You can be sure I'll pay that the consideration it deserves,
Sir," Mulder said wryly.

"What?" Kersch asked, pretty sure he'd just been insulted, but not
sure how.

"We'll be sure to keep that in mind," Diana interjected quickly.

"Are we finished here?" Mulder asked, bracing himself to get up.

"One more thing Agent Mulder. You said you requested Agent Scully
come to the scene," Kersch said.

"I wanted her opinion."

"What about your partners opinion? She wanted Matt."

"Matt was there. But I also wanted Agent Scully."

"Well your partner didn't."

"Yes..." he agreed slowly, "she didn't." Turning his head, he
focused on her for the first time, and wondered if she was so
against any contact with Scully that she would somehow arrange
this meeting.

"Maybe you need to find out why?" Skinner added.

"Yes," Mulder agreed, watching Diana fiddle with her hair - a
surefire sign that she was uncomfortable about something.

"Let me give you some advice Agents," Kersch began, drawing
everyone's attention back to him. "You'll never have an effective
partnership if you are not on the same page."

< No shit sherlock> Mulder thought to himself.

"Now are we finished...Sir?" Mulder asked aloud.

"This meeting is over; thank you for your time," Kersch said
dismissively.

Rising from her chair at the same time he did, Diana grabbed
Mulder's arm. "Let's go Fox," she urged. Giving her a nod of
assent, Mulder turned toward Matt and shook his hand while they
walked toward the door, and Skinner, seeing an opening while
Mulder was occupied with the star-struck researcher, made his
move.

"Agent Fowley?"

"Yes sir?"

"Do you have a moment?"

"Is something wrong sir?"

"I'd like to speak with you."

"What about?"

"In my office, Agent," he finished, escorting her out of the
door.

Diana stopped in front of Mulder. "Go on Fox, A. D. Skinner asked to
see me. I'm going to be a
few minutes," she said.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"I'll let you know when I find out.."

"This way, Agent Fowley," Skinner said, walking down the hall to
his office.

"I'll catch you later," Mulder said, walking into the elevator
while Diana hurried down the hall to Skinner's office.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As the elevator descended, Mulder asked himself what that meeting
was all about. His instincts were telling him there was more
going on here than he was seeing. That everything wasn't what it
seemed. But he just couldn't seem to concentrate long enough to figure
things out. He was at a disadvantage and he knew it.  This was not the
time to be or feel vulnerable. Nevertheless, that was exactly how he
felt. Because she was gone. The ringing of his
cellular phone brought him out of his musings.

"Mulder."

"Agent Mulder?"

"Yes."

"This is the operator. You are wanted in Agent Scully's office."

"I'm sorry?"

"You are requested to report to Agent Scully's office. Now."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Skinner's office

Opening the door of his office, Skinner guided Diana inside then
took his seat behind his desk.

"Have a seat Agent Fowley. This won't take long," Skinner said,
then waited until she was comfortable before speaking.

"Is there something wrong sir?"

"Since your re-assignment in Washington, you've taken an almost
exclusive interest in the X-Files, though I know you were aware
that the unit was officially assigned to Agents Mulder and
Scully."

"Begging your pardon sir, but Agent Mulder and I started the X-
Files and-"

"Excuse me. The X-Files were re-opened by Agent Mulder...alone.
You were simply his first partner. There's a bit of a difference
there."

"Alright, yes," Diana conceded. "But my point is that it should
be understandable that I still have an interest in them."

"An interest, yes. It's the exclusivity of that interest that I'm
curious about," Skinner countered.

"I didn't think justifying my interest would be necessary."

"No need for defensiveness, Agent Fowley. I apologize for any
discomfort that I might be causing you, but like you, the X-Files
are of particular interest to me. As a superior, I like to have a
handle on the Agents under me. Agent Scully's sudden departure
>from the X-Files and your taking up the position as Mulder's new
partner,  happened so quickly I didn't have time to touch base with
you."

"Touch base?"

"Yes. I'm still wondering about your...interest in the X-Files.
What happened Agent Fowley? After all it was your choice to
leave. Wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Though I loved my work on the X-files, they were Agent Mulder's
project. As you've just reminded me, I was just his partner and I
had ambitions of my own. When I was offered the position
overseas, I was given the opportunity to not only head up a
project of my own but also advance my career. It was a difficult
decision, but I chose to leave."

"What prompted you to come back, and what are you hoping to
accomplish?"

"It sounds like you have suspicions," Diana said. She was pretty
sure there was a veiled message Skinner was trying to convey, but
couldn't quite catch the meaning.

"It should sound like I have questions. Questions I would like
answered Agent," he finished sternly.

Diana certainly caught *that* meaning. "I just decided that I had
gone as far as I could in the anti-terrorism unit. I wanted a
change - to get back to my roots, the work I enjoyed the most. My
work with Agent Mulder on the X-Files was the most satisfying
time in my career. The only thing I hope to accomplish is the
pursuit of the truth," she explained.

"Well Agent Fowley, you seem to have all the right answers."

"I'm simply being honest," she asserted.

"Yes. Well, as I've said the X-Files are of particular interest
to me, so I intend to keep a more watchful eye on things," he
said to her meaningfully. "Agent Scully's abrupt departure proved
to me that I wasn't vigilant enough to recognize the factors that
contributed to it beforehand. Now Agent Fowley-"  Skinner stopped
at the sound of her cellular phone.

"Excuse me Sir."

"Where are you?"

"This isn't a good time. I'm in a meeting with Assistant Director
Skinner."

"Well, I suggest you make your excuses. Your partner was just
seen heading for Agent Scully's office, and Kersch just postponed
our scheduled meeting for twenty minutes, saying he needed to
settle an issue with Agent Scully," the CSM said, through a cloud
of smoke. "Remember, you have to protect our interest," he
reminded her then, clicked off.

"I'm sorry Sir,  I've just been given an important piece of
information that I
need to relay to Agent Mulder," Diana said, preparing to rise
>from her chair.

"Well, is it life threatening?" Skinner asked.

"No Sir."

"Good, because this won't take much longer," Skinner said, and
watched Diana settle back in her chair. "Now, I'd like a little
more detail on just what you hope to accomplish with your work in
the X-files."

Diana sighed. This was going to take longer than she thought.

End of Part (4/10)
Continued in Part 5