(SV) XFiles "Season Opener" (gen)

[applecameron]

Author: SV, 1998.
Fandom: X-Files
Author's Notes: We were talking on ATXFC about the next season premiere, and how Chris Carter
could yank relationshipper's chains.

Reprinted by express permission.


by Sidra Vitale


SCULLY'S APT. BEDROOM.


A PHONE rings.


Scully turns on her nightstand lamp and reaches for the phone.

SCULLY
(obviously woken up)

Hello?

SKINNER

Agent Scully?

SCULLY

Yes, sir. I'm here.

(looks at clock and sits all the way up. She is obviously expecting to be sent somewhere.)

SKINNER

Agent Scully, I'm sorry to wake you, but I've been trying to reach Agent Mulder. He's not answering his phone. Do you know where he might be?

SCULLY

(looking OFFSCREEN for a moment)

No, sir. Is this regarding a case?

SKINNER

Yes, Agent Scully. If you talk to him this evening, please have him call me.

SCULLY

Of course, sir.

Scully hangs up the phone. Looks at it for a moment, then OFFSCREEN. We hear for the first time sounds coming from her bathroom.

SCULLY

Mulder?

MULDER appears in her bedroom doorway. He is in sweats, brushing his teeth.

SCULLY

That was Skinner. He's looking for you.

Mulder disappears and we hear running water. Re-appears sans toothbrush.

MULDER

What did he say?

SCULLY

Wants you to call him.

MULDER

Did you tell him I was here?

SCULLY

No. I thought you might be embarrassed.

Silently, Mulder appears to agree.

MULDER

What was it about?

SCULLY

He wouldn't say. Are you going to call him back?

MULDER

I'll use the phone out here.

He retreats out of the room, we hear the muffled sounds of a phone call in progress. Scully gets out of bed and hauls out a small suitcase, unzips it and adds a few articles of clothing. She's now packed.

Mulder reappears.

MULDER

Don't forget your galoshes. We're going to Maine.

SCULLY

For what?

MULDER

You can read the file on the way.

Scully grabs some clothes and starts to shut the bedroom door.

SCULLY

What are you going to do about the exterminators at your apartment?

Mulder shrugs. X-Files are far more interesting.

MULDER

I don't know. They can go bother the landlord to get back in tomorrow. Thanks for letting me stay here tonight, Scully.

Scully nods.

SCULLY

Only you would get infested with poison-resistant mice, Mulder.

Mulder shrugs.

Scully shuts the door.