By Waddles52
Waddles52@insightbb.com
 

Summary:  An expenses paid trip to Miami to help
Skinner with a seminar doesn't turn out as planned.
Rating:  PG 13
Category:  MT, MSR, M/S/Sk friendship
Disclaimer:  Just for fun.  Not for profit.  No
copyright infringement intended.
Archives:  Probably, but please ask
Feedback:  Sure.  Waddles52@insightbb.com
Thanks:  To Lisa, beta extraordinaire.  She helped me
shape, form, polish and get this fic ready for human
consumption.  Love ya!
Notes:  This fic will be presented in several parts;
however, it is not a WIP!  It is finished and in the
capable hands of my beta.  I will hopefully post
every other day until its completion.

Part One-

Scully stood on the balcony of the luxury hotel.  The
morning sun shining brightly, she took a deep breath
of warm, salty sea air and let the sun's warmth bathe
her face.  It felt wonderful after another night of
worry.

"Oh, Mulder," she sighed, thinking about the last few
hellish days.  This trip had showed such promise,
damn it!

Several days earlier, the Hoover Building-

Hands planted on hips, Mulder sighed discontentedly
even though a steady stream of warm sunlight poured
through the office window.  He felt a strange pang of
homesickness for his real office, the basement den he
shared with Scully.  This one was nice but it wasn't
what he was used to, not a place he felt at home.
The sun was giving him a headache.

"Mulder, I just faxed the last report to Skinner's
office," Scully reported as she entered their
temporary quarters, which resembled a made over broom
closet more than an office.  "Now what?"

Mulder shrugged.  "I just tried to get down to the
basement.  No go.  I talked to one of the
exterminators and they said that it would be at least
a week before we could get back in our office."

"It takes that long to get rid of a spider
infestation?"

"Evidently, they're being very thorough.  According
to them, it's a major infestation," Mulder sighed,
throwing his pencil down on his desk.  "This
absolutely sucks.  I can't get to the files, my
computer or even my Rolodex to look up some phone
numbers I need.  I even have two packs of seeds down
there which are probably toxic by now."

"I'll treat you to some fresh ones during lunch.  I
guess we've learned to be a bit more cautious when
bringing evidence to our office," Scully stated.

"Thank you for taking part of the blame on this one,
Scully, but it's all on me.  I brought the sample in
and let it sit."

"I knew it was there.  I should have taken it
upstairs and put it in a proper container."

"Well, at this point, it's all water under the bridge
anyway.  I guess we could take an early lunch," he
suggested, grabbing his jacket from the back of his
chair.

"Mulder, it's only 9:30," Scully protested.

"All right.  Brunch?"

A knock on the door startled them both.  Kimberly, AD
Skinner's assistant, stuck her head in,
apologetically.

"Agents, I'm sorry to bother you, but since you don't
have a phone yet, AD Skinner sent me to get you.
He'd like to see you right away."

Scully reached resignedly for her jacket.  "Thank
you, Kimberly.  Tell him we'll be right there."

Kimberly nodded.  "I'll tell him you're on your way,
then."  She closed the door quietly behind her.

"He's probably going to rake us over the coals for
causing the mess in the basement."  Mulder held the
door open for Scully, then shut it, leaving their
quaint, new cubbyhole behind.  "Just let me handle
it.  Don't say a word.  Just nod and let me take all
of the blame."

"Mulder . . ."

As soon as they reached Skinner's office, Kimberly
sent them in.

"Agents, have a seat," he offered.

Mulder and Scully took their usual seats and prepared
to be blasted for the spider infestation and anything
else that had gone wrong in the FBI that particular
day.

"Agents, I want to thank you for sending in the paper
work on your last case so promptly.  If I'm not
mistaken, you don't have anything current."

"That's correct, sir," Mulder answered cautiously,
flashing a look at Scully.

"Good.  As you probably know, I'm scheduled to
conduct a workshop at a joint federal-state law
enforcement convention in Miami, Florida in five
days."

Mulder and Scully nodded yes.

"I have conducted this workshop in the past, but it
has been several years.  Truthfully, agents, I could
use your help.  There have been changes in some laws
and procedures in the past five years, and I find
that some additional research is needed.  At this
time, my plate is full until the evening before the
conference is scheduled to begin.  I could use some
help with the research and modernizing the
presentation.  I would also like to utilize your
expertise at the conference itself."

The two agents passed surprised looks between
themselves.

"I'd make it worth your while.  I've managed to
secure single rooms for each of you at the conference
site, and there should be ample time for sightseeing,
or whatever you wish to do once the workshop is over.
Of course, your expenses will be paid, and I think I
can even wrangle a couple of extra days off if you're
interested."

"Since we're pretty limited right now, what with the
basement being off-limits, I think I can speak for
both of us and offer our assistance," Mulder
answered.

"We'd be glad to help, sir," Scully added.

"Wonderful.  You'll need a larger space to work.
Kimberly will get you all set up and I'll be down
later to see if you have any questions."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The agents settled into their comfortable temporary
quarters.  They had all of the files open in front of
them, looking over the information.

"This is going to be a lot of work," Mulder groaned.

"Just think, though, sunny Florida in the middle of
one of the worst DC winters on record.  It will be
worth it," Scully reminded him.

"You going to bring your swimsuit?  The real skimpy
one?" Mulder asked hopefully.

"You going to bring yours?  The red Speedos?" Scully
countered.

"Of course.  I never leave home without them."
Mulder tried to hide the big grin on his face at the
thought of Scully in a swimsuit.

"We'll see."

"I certainly hope so."

"Mulder," Scully laughed.  "Let's get to work on
these updates.  We can talk about our wardrobe
later."

"Is that a promise?"

"Mulder . . ."

"Okay, okay.  I'm working."

After three days and nights of hard work, Skinner
gave his approval and the agents sent everything to
Kimberly to be printed.  The plan was to have
everything delivered to the conference center before
their flight left for Florida the next morning.  That
would give them a full day and a half before the
start of the conference to organize the slides,
videos, articles and worksheets.

Skinner gave it his seal of approval and thanked them
once again, promising to meet with them as soon as he
checked in.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Scully was in love.  The hotel was exceptional.  Her
room and all the surroundings were much more than she
had dared hope for.  It had been 22 degrees and
snowing when they left DC, and here in Miami it was
72 with all of the sunshine she could possibly want.
Heaven!

Mulder was having similar feelings as he eyed the
heated pool from his room.  He noticed that the hotel
restaurant held the biggest seafood buffet he'd ever
seen, and what was this?  A mini-bar!  He looked it
over and grabbed a beer.  This all expenses paid
thing was great.  He settled down on the nice,
comfortable bed and turned on the TV.  Might as well
get comfortable while he waited for the conference
materials to be delivered.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You know, Scully," Mulder said as he placed the last
slide in the carousel.  "This is moving a lot faster
than I figured."

"Yeah," Scully agreed.  "We'll probably be able to
finish up in another hour easily."

"Yep.  Nice of the hotel to let us have the
conference room early.  The only thing left to do is
to make sure Skinner's lecture notes are in order."

"We can do that in the morning.  His flight won't get
in until late afternoon," Scully suggested.

"I was thinking the same thing.  How would you like
to visit that seafood buffet in the hotel restaurant
for dinner?"

"Well, I'm not really in the mood for seafood, but I
suppose I could get something else."

"I'm sure they have a wide variety of menu items.
You don't have to get the buffet."

"Sure, Mulder.  It will be wonderful to go to a nice
restaurant instead of heading for the drive-thru of
the closest burger joint.  Now, the sooner we get
finished here, the quicker we can enjoy our dinner,"
Scully smiled.

Mulder loved to see her smile.  He hoped to see a lot
more of it on this assignment.  He checked over the
slides one more time, then began to put the videos in
order, salivating over what he might find on the
seafood buffet.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Scully couldn't help but laugh as Mulder made his way
back to their table, carefully balancing his heaping,
full plates from the buffet.  "Good grief, Mulder.
That's enough for a small army!" she exclaimed as he
sat down and tried to decide what to eat first.

"Nah, Scully, I'm just getting warmed up."  With a
gleeful look on his face, he stabbed a fried shrimp
and stuffed it in his mouth.

She continued to be amused as Mulder cleaned his
plate, exclaiming his praise after every delicious
bite.

"Scully, these are the best crab cakes I believe I've
ever had.  You've got to try one."  He turned his
plate around so that she could easily reach one.

"Just a bite, Mulder," she decided, and scooped up a
small bit.  She swallowed it and made a face.  "I
don't much care for the taste.  Must be the
seasonings."

Mulder looked at her in disbelief.  "I'm going back
for more."

"Fine.  Eat your fill.  I think I'll just stick with
my Caesar salad."

"Be right back."  Mulder grinned like a child at
Christmas and took off for another load.

Scully shook her head, making a mental note to stop
at the gift shop on the way back for antacids.

After dinner, the partners took a walk around the
hotel, inspecting all of the amenities, then decided
to work on the lecture notes before turning in for
the night.  Mulder knocked on the door to Scully's
room after he finished a quick shower.

Scully held the door open for him and watched as he
padded barefoot across the floor and headed straight
for the mini-bar.  He looked relaxed and comfortable
in his sweats and t-shirt.  After rummaging around,
he came up with a soft drink and popped the top.

"Mulder, they're charging five dollars a can for
those!" she exclaimed.

"So?" he shrugged.

"Don't you think you might be pushing the expenses
paid thing a little bit?"

"Nope."

"Whatever," she sighed, rubbing her stomach.

Mulder noticed her discomfort.  "What's wrong?"

"Nothing really.  My stomach just feels a little
off."

"I'm fine.  Full, but fine," he patted his stomach
contentedly, plopping into a chair.  "So, where are
the notes?  What do you want me to do?"

"Uh, drink your soda.  I'll be right back."  She
quickly made her way to the bathroom, slamming the
door behind her.

Mulder heard the faucet come on and thought he heard
Scully being sick.  He wasn't sure if he should offer
to help or just leave her alone for the time being.
He settled on the latter, but decided if she wasn't
out in a few minutes he'd check on her.  He was just
about ready to get up and go to the bathroom door
when Scully came out looking extremely shaky and
pale.

"Are you all right?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"Not exactly.  I think it was the crab cake," she
moaned, wrapping her arms around her stomach.

"But, you only had one teensy, little bite."

"I know but . . ." she abruptly turned around.
"Definitely the crab cake," she muttered as she dove
back into the bathroom.

"Well, shit.  Why did she have to get sick?  She
really seemed to be enjoying herself," he muttered,
staring after her.

He stationed himself by the bathroom door, ready to
offer aid or comfort as soon as she came out.  It was
then that he began to notice an uncomfortable feeling
in his own stomach.  "I just ate too much," he told
himself.  "It couldn't be the crab cakes.  Could it?"
 
 
 

The Domino Effect, Part 2/?

Headers and disclaimer in Part 1.
 

Mulder helped his partner into bed and gently pulled
the covers over her.  "Better?"  He gently sat down
beside her.

Scully nodded weakly, then took a deep breath.
"Mulder, go back to your room.  I think I'll be okay
now.  I'm just a little tired."  He took her hand and
gently rubbed her fingers, his eyes showing his
concern.

"Uh-uh, I'm going to stay with you for a while just
in case you need anything."

"I just want to sleep."

"Fine, then sleep.  I'll be right here." He squeezed
her fingers gently and reluctantly let go, although
he made no move to stand.  She looked too pale for
his comfort.

Scully could tell that she wouldn't convince him to
leave.  She looked at him fondly, noting that he
looked rather pale himself.  "Mulder, you okay?"

"Just a little concerned about you."

"I'm okay," she answered sleepily, as she felt her
eyes closing, shutting out his worried expression.

Mulder went back to the chair he'd occupied earlier
and sat down, feeling an uncomfortable twinge in his
midsection.  His stomach was definitely upset and he
knew it was only a matter of time before he would be
tossing his dinner too.  Every time he thought of the
crab cakes, his nausea increased.

He eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.  He heard
Scully get up again, but couldn't muster the strength
to get up and check on her.

Scully got back into bed, grateful that there was
nothing but dry heaves this time.  She was surprised
that Mulder hadn't even stirred.  Well, just as well.
All she needed was some sleep, and he looked a bit
off-color himself.

She had been dozing for only a few minutes when the
unmistakable sounds of Mulder in the throes being
sick awakened her.  Scully's stomach gave a little
flip then settled.  Well, that pretty much confirmed
what she suspected.  She sighed.  They both had food
poisoning.

After a few minutes, Mulder staggered from the
bathroom and reclaimed his chair.  He was only there
a few minutes before leaping up and bolting for the
bathroom again.

"This is going to be a very long night," Scully
groaned as she pushed the covers back.

Mulder refused to lie down beside her at first, as
she suggested so she could keep an eye on him.
Sometime around 3 AM he ordered her to scoot over and
then fell into bed beside her.  He had vomited
thirteen times and she was concerned that he was
dehydrated.  "Mulder, if I get up and bring it here,
would you try to drink a little water?"

He shook his head no, then shivered when Scully
reached over to feel his forehead.  "Yes, Scully, I
have a fever," he moaned weakly.  "How are you
doing?"

"I feel like death warmed over, but even at that I
think I'm in much better shape than you."

"Be thankful you only took a small bite," he groaned
as his stomach began to cramp again.

"Mulder, I need to get you to a hospital."

"No!  Too sick to go to the hospital."  He sat back
up on the side of the bed, clutching his stomach,
panting with exertion and pain.  His hand flew to his
mouth as he gagged and took off for the bathroom
again.

Scully forced herself out of bed, leaning against the
wall as a wave of dizziness hit her.  If she felt
this badly, Mulder must be near death.  She forced
herself to move to the bathroom, only to be met by
Mulder, leaning heavily on the doorjamb.

"Back to bed," he ordered, breathing hard, scarcely
able to support his legs.

"Let me call 911."  Her arms tried to support him.

"Bed," he choked out, moving around her and
collapsing onto it, face down.

"If you're not better in an hour, I'm calling for an
ambulance," she threatened.

"If I'm not better in an hour I'll be dead.  Sleep."

Scully crawled back into bed, and began rubbing his
heaving back in small circles.  Worry gnawed at her,
but soon sleep claimed them both.  Although she was
awakened almost every hour when Mulder lurched off
the bed for another round of vomiting or dry heaves,
she had to agree with his argument that he wasn't
vomiting as much as he had been.  She decided not to
call for an ambulance.  Yet.

The next time Scully awakened she heard loud, banging
sounds.  She quickly checked on Mulder, but he was
still beside her, terribly pale, but sleeping
soundly.  Puzzled, she checked the alarm clock.  9:30
AM.  At least they had finally gotten a little sleep.
The banging started again, and it finally dawned on
her that someone was at the door.

Groaning, she pushed herself out of bed and staggered
to the door.  She looked through the peephole and was
surprised to see Skinner.  She hastily opened the
door.  "Sir?"

Skinner took in her disheveled appearance.  He looked
past Scully and was taken aback when he spied Mulder
sprawled in her bed.  "Agent Scully, what the hell is
going on here?"

"Sir?' she questioned, confused.

"What is Agent Mulder doing in your bed, or should I
even ask?" he fumed.

"Oh, sir!  It's not what you think!" Scully
exclaimed, swaying as her knees began to tremble.
Skinner's glare morphed to one of concern in less
than a second.

"Scully, are you all right?"  Skinner reached out to
steady her.

He looked her over more carefully.  Observing her
pale appearance, he realized that she was ill.  He
also noted that Mulder hadn't moved an inch since he
had entered the room.  "Scully?"

"Sick.  Both of us.  Food poisoning," she whispered
as her knees gave way.

Skinner scooped her up and deposited her on the bed
next to Mulder. He moved around to Mulder's side and
pulled the covers back.  His breathing was very
shallow, and as Skinner checked his pulse he found it
much too fast for his liking.  He shook his agent's
shoulders and got no response.

"Scully, how long has he been like this?"

"Mmm, not sure.  He's been very sick.  Last time he
woke up was maybe six.  Not sure.  What's wrong?"
She blinked her eyes, obviously having trouble
focusing.

"He's unconscious."

"Wanted to call 911."

"I'm calling them now.  You're probably both
dehydrated as hell.  Lie back and rest.  I'll see to
Mulder."

Scully found that she didn't have much choice, as her
body refused to do what she wanted it to.  "Tell them
to hurry, sir."
 
 
 

The Domino Effect-Part 3
 

Headers and disclaimers in Part 1
 
 

Skinner walked briskly into the ER treatment room
that held Dana Scully.  "I just came from Mulder's
room.  He's awake, Scully."

"Thank God."  Though still pale, Scully looked much
better than she had a few hours earlier.  She'd had
some fluids and a little more sleep since they'd
arrived.

"You were both dehydrated, Mulder much more severely
than you," Skinner explained.

"He vomited at least twenty times.  I lost count
sometime after five this morning.  I should have
gotten him to the hospital sooner."  Guilt was
written all over her tired face, and tears threatened
to fall when she dwelled too much on the state her
partner was in.

"You were both terribly ill.  I doubt that either of
you was thinking straight."

"I knew he was bad but . . ."

"Scully!  That's enough!  Stop beating yourself up
over this.  You did the best you could.  Just be
thankful that I was able to get an earlier flight."

"How is he?" Scully asked wearily.

"Very weak, but the vomiting seems to have stopped.
They want to keep him on IV fluids for another six
hours at least and keep him under observation.  If he
does all right and his blood work is normal, he may
be released later," Skinner reported.

"I expected them to admit him."

"I thought they would admit both of you, but the
doctor said that you can leave as soon as you finish
this IV."

"Good.  That will give me some time to rest before
Mulder gets back."

"You're still too weak to take care of yourself,
Scully," Skinner pointed out.

"Well, someone will have to keep an eye on him.  You
know how he is."

"I plan on taking care of both of you."

"But sir, you need to prepare for the conference,"
Scully protested.

"I can look over my notes while you're resting, and
the hotel will provide a nurse if necessary," Skinner
informed her.

"Well, they should.  It's the hotel's fault we're in
this mess.  How many others are ill?"

"Amazingly, only two.  Only one pan of crab cakes was
involved, and I've been told that Agent Mulder ate
the majority of those."

Scully smiled ruefully, recalling his overfull plate
and the look of boyish devilment as he tore into them
with gusto.  "Yeah, he said they were the best he'd
ever tasted."

The IV pump began to beep, signaling that it was
empty.  "I'll get the nurse and see what we can do
about getting you out of here."

"Thank you.  I'd like to see Mulder before we leave."

"All right, but you'll need to make it a brief
visit," Skinner cautioned.  "He needs plenty of rest.
He's really wasted after the night he had."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Skinner pushed Scully's wheelchair into Mulder's
treatment room.  He'd been moved onto a hospital bed
and was receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula.
The nurse was in the process of removing the IV line
from his right arm, leaving the one in his left arm
in place.  He still looked extremely ill, and Skinner
seriously wondered if he would be well enough to be
released later.

Mulder slowly turned his head in their direction.
"Scully?  You okay?"  He tried to reach out his hand
for her but found that he was too weak.  Instead,
Scully took hold of his hand, rubbing along his thumb
in a comforting gesture,

"I'm better, Mulder.  They're letting me go."

"She's going to the hotel to rest.  They've arranged
to let us have a three bedroom suite, so I'll be able
to keep an eye on the two of you a little easier,"
Skinner reported.

"I can take care of Scully, sir," Mulder said weakly.

"Yeah?" Skinner questioned.  "And who's going to take
care of you?"

"I'll be fine, sir," he insisted.

"Get some rest, Mulder," the AD advised.  "I'll be
back in a few hours to see how you're doing."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I can't believe they released you, Mulder.  You're
as weak as a kitten," Skinner observed as he held on
to his agent in an effort to keep him from falling to
the floor of the elevator.

Mulder grunted, concentrating on his next breath for
the moment.  He was able to speak in a few seconds.
"No more vomiting, blood work improved, no reason to
keep me, sir," Mulder gasped, holding onto the hand-
rail for dear life.  "No beds available."

The elevator stopped at their floor.  "Come on.
We're just a few doors down."

"I can make it."

Skinner and Mulder lurched through the door startling
Scully who was resting on the couch.  She jumped up
and Skinner deposited Mulder where she had been lying
seconds earlier.

Her partner immediately groaned, pulling his legs up
to his stomach.  "What's wrong?" Scully asked,
sitting back down beside him.

"Stomach muscles hurt!" Mulder exclaimed.  His eyes
were squeezed shut against the wave of pain that
assaulted him.  He felt Scully's steadying hands on
his back and collapsed into her touch.

"That's normal after all of the vomiting you did.
I'm very surprised they discharged you."

"No beds," he managed to get out.

"What are his discharge instructions?" Scully
questioned, turning to Skinner, her hands still
rubbing soothing circles onto Mulder's stiff back.

"Basically the same as yours.  Rest, small amounts of
fluids every half hour, return to the ER immediately
if symptoms return," Skinner read from the paper
before he showed it to Scully.

Mulder dozed off while they were talking.  "They
should have admitted him," she sighed angrily,
gathering up the blanket that she'd been wrapped in a
few minutes earlier, gently spreading it over him.

"You're preaching to the choir, Agent Scully.  We'll
just have to do the best we can.  You need to get
into bed and rest yourself.  I'll wake him up in
about half an hour and make sure he drinks a few sips
of water.  Then I'll get him to bed."

"I can lie on the recliner and keep an eye on him if
you need to go over your notes."

"I fully intend to go over my notes while I'm waiting
to wake him up.  Now, do you need any help getting to
your bedroom?"

"Uh, no, sir.  Please wake me if you need any help."

"I'll keep that in mind, Agent Scully.  Now, please
lie down in your room before you lose what little
strength you've gained back," Skinner insisted
gently.

"I'm going now, sir."

Mulder awakened shortly before Skinner had planned to
rouse him.  "Thirsty," he rasped hoarsely.

"I'm going to fix some ice chips and pour a few sips
of water over them.  You can chew or suck on the ice
after you drink the water."  Skinner made his way to
the counter where the ice bucket was kept.  "Do you
need any help sitting up?"  He opened the small
refrigerator and took out a bottle of water.

"Nah, I'm up.  Oh, shit!" he exclaimed, grabbing his
stomach.  "Muscles really hurt."

Skinner handed him the glass of ice and water.
"Would you like for me to call the hospital and see
if it's all right for you to take some Tylenol?"

"No, I'll be okay."  He drank the water quickly.
"Good water.  Thanks."

"You can have some more in another half hour.  Let's
get you on your feet and into bed."

Skinner helped Mulder to his bed.  It had been
terribly painful for the younger man to move.  His
strained stomach muscles barely allowed him to
straighten up, and each step had been agony.  He knew
that Mulder didn't want to make a fuss, but this was
one time when he could not abide by his wishes.
Grabbing the phone from its place on the end table,
Skinner called the front desk and asked of there was
a doctor on call.  He was more than a little worried.

Half an hour later, Skinner had just delivered a
small amount of water to each agent when he heard a
soft knock on the door.  He hurried to answer it and
was greeted by a lovely, young Hispanic woman
carrying the traditional, black doctor's bag.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Shelly Lamas, the physician on call."

"Yes, Dr. Lamas.  Thanks for coming.  Please come in.
I'm Walter Skinner.  I believe we spoke earlier."

"Yes.  You said your friend was in quite a bit of
pain?" she questioned.

"He's in a world of hurt right now.  He's one of the
food poisoning victims.  I think he vomited so much
that his stomach muscles are unbelievably sore."

"I see.  May I examine him?"

"Right this way."  Skinner brought her to Mulder's
room.  "Mulder, this is Dr. Lamas.  I called her to
see if she could prescribe something for the pain
you're having."

Mulder wearily nodded his acceptance, which gave
Skinner some concern.  Normally, Mulder tried to keep
a safe distance away from doctors.  The fact that he
gave in so easily led him to believe that the pain
must be excruciating.

"Dr. Lamas, I'll leave you to your examination.  I'll
be in the living area if you need me."

Ten minutes later Dr. Lamas exited Mulder's room,
closing the door softly behind her.  Skinner motioned
her to have a seat on the couch.

"I gave him an injection of Demerol and Phenergan so
he should sleep for a while.  Quite frankly, Mr.
Skinner, I have trouble understanding why he was
discharged from the hospital."

"You're not the only one puzzled by that decision.
The hospital claims there were no available beds,"
Skinner explained, biting down his annoyance at that
decision.

"I see.  They must have given him enough IV fluids to
bring his blood work up to a borderline acceptable
reading.  He is very weak."

"I know, but is he doing all right for the time
being?"

"Yes, his condition is satisfactory, but barely.  It
will take him several days to get over this.  He's
asking about his partner, Miss Scully.  I'd like to
examine her also."

"I'll see if she's awake."  Skinner rapped lightly on
Scully's door then stuck his head in.  After a few
seconds he motioned for the doctor to join him.  "She
has some questions about Mulder also.  She's a
qualified doctor in her own right, and more often
than not sees to her partner's medical care."

"I'll speak to her and see you again when I'm
finished."  After a few minutes she was back with
Skinner.  "Miss Scully is recovering nicely.  I think
it would be safe for her to go on a clear, liquid
diet.  Why don't you call the kitchen and have them
send up some broth, jello and tea?  She's in much
better condition than her poor partner."

"She only had a small bite of the tainted food,"
Skinner explained.

"Lucky for her.  I think she should be able to sit up
when she feels like it, but she should be careful not
to push herself."

"Now, that's easier said than done," Skinner grinned.

"I understand.  I'm going to leave some pre-loaded
syringes with Demerol and Phenergan for Mr. Mulder.
Miss Scully, er, Doctor Scully assures me that she
can administer the injections when he awakens."

"Yes, I'm sure she can," Skinner agreed.

"Continue to give Mr. Mulder small amounts of water
when he awakens.  Rest is a very important factor in
his recovery right now along with re-hydration.  If
he doesn't experience any more vomiting, you may want
to start him on a clear, liquid diet at lunch
tomorrow."

"All right.  The hotel is sending a private duty
nurse to stay with him tomorrow while I'm at the
conference.  I'll be sure to tell her."

"I would like to examine Mr. Mulder again in the
morning, so I'll either speak to her or leave written
orders.  Any questions?"

"No, Dr. Lamas, I think you've covered everything.
Thank you for coming so quickly."

"Not a problem, Mr. Skinner.  I live here at the
hotel.  Please do not hesitate to call if you need me
during the night.  I can be here in minutes," the
doctor stated, shaking his hand as she turned to
leave.

"I'll keep that in mind," Skinner agreed, walking her
to the door.

Mulder awakened as soon as the painkillers began to
wear off.  He was surprised to see Scully sitting in
a chair near the foot of the bed.

"Scully?  How are you?"  He tried to sit up but
quickly abandoned that idea when his stomach muscles
protested.  "Damn it!  Hurts like hell!"

"I can't imagine, Mulder.  I'm a little sore myself,
but you must be suffering unbelievably."

"I'll be okay as long as you're better.  You are
looking much better, by the way."  That thought alone
comforted him despite his pain.

"Why, thank you, Mulder," she smiled, getting up to
sit beside him on the bed.  "I even had a little
broth and jello a few hours ago."  She took his left
hand in hers.

"I think I'll have to pass on that."  He made a face
indicating his displeasure at the mention of food.

"Unfortunately, you're right.  The doctor says maybe
you can try some broth for lunch.  In the meantime,
have some water."  She offered a glass of ice chips
with a little water to him.  He started to sit up but
Scully pushed him back.  "Let me hold the glass for
you."

Mulder didn't protest as he began to sip the water
through a straw that Scully had thoughtfully placed
there earlier.  He kept sipping until only ice was
left.  "More?"

"Sorry, Mulder, not right now.  You can have the ice,
though.  Do you think you can manage the glass?"

"I think so."

She gave it to him and he grabbed a few ice chips and
popped them into his mouth.

"How's the pain?"

"Let's talk about somethin' else," Mulder winced as
he crushed the ice chips in his mouth.

"That bad, huh?"

"Beyond bad."

"The doctor left another dose of Demerol and
Phenergan.  Would you like for me to inject it?"

"Later.  Tell me about this mornin', when Skinner
found us.  I don't remember."

"Actually, there isn't much to tell, but he did jump
to the wrong conclusion when he saw you in my bed,"
Scully giggled.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really.  He went crazy for about ten seconds,
then when I nearly passed out and you didn't move, he
finally figured out that we were both extremely ill
and hadn't been doing the horizontal mambo."

"So, he went a little ballistic, huh?"  The thought
that scene conjured up tickled him, but he didn't
dare laugh.

"You could say that."

"Damn!  I always miss the good stuff. Urgh!"

"Mulder, you okay?"

"Mm, yeah, just a stomach cramp.  They hit every now
and then.  It'll pass.  Just remove my head from my
body and that should cure the problem," he assured
her, handing the glass back.  She ruffled his hair
gently.

"I'm going to get your pain medication.  I'll give
you that injection, then you can rest," Scully
decided, getting up from her comfy place beside
Mulder.

"You too."

"Me too?" she questioned.

"You need to rest too."

"I will as soon as I give you the injection."

Mulder patted the bed beside him.  "Plenty of room
here."

"You must be delirious," Scully commented.

"Oh?"

"To risk your life over Skinner's reaction, you're
either delirious, crazy, or both!"

"Well, it was worth a try."

"Oookaaay, I'll be right back with that injection."

When she returned she asked, "Which hip did the
doctor use earlier?"

"Uh, hip?"

"You know this has to go in your hip.  I'm just
trying to keep one side from getting too sore, but if
you don't care . . ."

"All right, all right.  The doctor put it in the left
one."

"Thank you.  Can you roll onto your left side by
yourself?"

"Yeah, ow!  Does hurt though.  You trying to get into
my sweats, Agent Scully?"  She grinned evilly as she
squirted air bubbles from the syringe.  "Be gentle
with me."

"Always, Mulder."

Scully pulled down the waistband of his sweats and
swabbed the skin with an alcohol pad, injected him,
then swabbed the area again.  "There you go."  She
stifled a giggle that formed when she realized the
vulnerability of his current position.  After
mentally admiring his nice ass, she pulled the
waistband back up and patted his bottom.

"Ooh, Scully, I'll give you five minutes to stop," he
moaned suggestively.

"In your dreams, Mulder.  Skinner's getting ready to
turn in.  He asked me to leave your door open, so
give a shout if you need anything."

"All right, if I must.  You're going to rest too,
right?"

"Yes, I am.  I've only been up for around fifteen
minutes and I'm already done in," she sighed wearily.

"C'mere."

"Yes?"

Mulder took her right hand in his and stroked her
thumb.  His eyes took on a serious gaze.  "Scully,
I'm really sorry about this."

"For what?  The food poisoning?"

He nodded yes.

"And how was that your fault?"

"You wouldn't have eaten any of the crab cake if I
hadn't insisted."

"I don't seem to recall being tied down, or having it
forced down my throat.  You couldn't have known.  Put
the blame where it belongs.  The kitchen was the
guilty party on this one."

"'Kay."  He looked down and watched his fingers as
they moved across her palm, sighing.

"Mulder, I mean it.  This was not your fault.  They
are looking into the crab meat, lobster, or the eggs
used to make the batter."

"Ugh, thanks for that picture," he moaned.

"Sorry.  Still queasy?"

"Some."

"Mulder, the Phenergan should help that, but if it
doesn't, let us know," Scully instructed.

"I will.  Indian Guide's honor," he promised, weakly
making the sign.

"You're still slightly dehydrated and your body can't
take too much of that.  It could eventually cause a
systemic organ shutdown, coma, or even death.  It's
nothing to fool around with, Mulder, so please let us
know if you start vomiting again," she pleaded.

"I promise"

"Good."  She leaned down and kissed his forehead and
ruffled his hair.  "Get some sleep."

"You too."

"I'm heading for bed right now," she said, reaching
for the door.  She took another lingering look at him
and satisfied that he was indeed resting, she made
her way to her room.

Later, Skinner was awakened from a fitful sleep when
he heard a dull thump in the room next to him.  It
took a few seconds to process it, but when he did he
leapt out of bed and shot across the room.  "Mulder!"
 

~~~

The Domino Effect-Part 4
 

Headers and disclaimers in part 1
 

Skinner rushed into Mulder's room to find him on the
floor beside his bed, trying to push himself up and
cursing under his breath.  He knelt beside him.
"Mulder, you okay?"

"Um, think so."

"Let me help you up," Skinner offered, taking his
elbow.

"'Kay," he agreed, groaning loudly when his stomach
muscles began to protest.

The AD helped him up and sat him on the side of the
bed.  "What were you doing trying to get up, anyway?"
he inquired, looking Mulder over for any obvious
injuries.

"Bathroom.  Guess I'm weaker than I thought."

"It appears that way.  Let me help you, all right?"

"That might be a good idea," Mulder admitted,
breathlessly.

Skinner helped him up, holding onto him until they
reached the bathroom door.

"I can take it from here," Mulder assured him.

"Sorry, Mulder, but there are too many sharp edges
for you to hit your head on.  I'm going in with you."

"Suit yourself," Mulder shrugged.

Skinner stuck to him like glue until he had Mulder
safely back to the side of the bed.  "How about some
water?"

"Not now," Mulder answered, turning even paler.

"What's the matter?"

"Feel sick."

Skinner hastily pulled a wastebasket in front of
Mulder who was suddenly seized with dry heaves.  By
the time he finished retching, Scully was at his
side.  "Better?" she asked, pushing back a stubborn
lock of hair back from his forehead.

"Yeah, just weak from walking.  I'll be okay.  Just
need to rest."

"You do need to drink something, though.  Do you
think you can keep it down now?"

"Let me rest, then I'll try."

"Scully, should I call the doctor?" Skinner looked
worried.

"No, not yet.  I think Mulder's right.  The exertion
of walking to and from the bathroom probably caused
this.  Let's let him rest a bit and then see if he
can keep some water down."

"Just need to lie down for a few minutes," Mulder
groaned.

"All right, I'll stay with you for a few minutes,"
Scully agreed.

"Thanks," Mulder groaned again loudly as he lay back,
grabbing his stomach.  "That does hurt."

"I'm sorry.  You'll start to feel better whenever you
feel like getting up and moving around more."

"I'm afraid that might be awhile."

"It will probably be a few days before you're up and
around very much, but don't get discouraged.  You've
been quite ill.  Just give it some time," Scully
soothed.

"I'm going to get some cold water for both of you
while I'm up," Skinner decided.

"Thank you." Scully watched him leave before turning
her attention back to her partner.

Skinner went to the mini-bar where he could be heard
preparing their drinks.

"Can't even take a piss by myself," Mulder grumped.

"Well, the good news is that you feel the need to
urinate.  That means you're not dehydrated like
before.  You may even feel like sitting up a little
bit by this afternoon, but in the meantime don't feel
bad about needing help."

"I hope you're right," he sighed.  "I hate being
sick!"

"I know.  I feel the same way.  I was really looking
forward to spending some time in the sun."

"Maybe we still can in a few days.  You're getting
better a lot faster than I am.  If you feel okay,
don't stay inside because of me."

"Mulder, it will be another day or two before I feel
like doing any sunbathing, and I don't mind staying
inside with you, really."

"Thanks, Scully."  He haphazardly patted her arm.

"Agents, I have your water," Skinner announced as he
stepped back into the room.  "Drink up."

Scully took both glasses and put one on the
nightstand.  "Mulder, don't try to get up.  Let me
hold this for you while you take a few sips."

"Too tired to sit up anyway," he agreed.

Scully held the glass while he took two sips.

"That's it?" she asked.

"For right now. Need to sleep."

"All right, I'm going to put it on the nightstand.
Be sure to drink more when you're ready."

"I will.  Thanks Scully, Skinner.  Sorry, I woke
you."

"That's okay.  Give a shout if you need to get up
again," Skinner directed.

"Okay."

"Scully, let's get out of here and let him rest.
Don't forget your water."

Mulder's eyes were already closed as Scully and
Skinner quietly left the room.  Once they were in the
living area, Scully took a seat in the armchair and
began to sip her water.

"How do you think he's doing, Scully?  Should we be
concerned about his continued weakness?"

"Well, I'd feel better if he seemed to be gaining his
strength back, but we have to remember how ill he was
just twenty-four hours ago.  It's going to take some
time.  We have to be careful not to rush him."

"I'm just not used to seeing him like this.  I'm
afraid I'm not a very good nurse."

"You're doing just fine, sir," Scully encouraged.
"You're doing all you can.  You need to get back to
sleep.  You have a busy day today."

"Yes, I do and you need to get some more rest too."

"I'm afraid you're right.  I am pretty tired."

"The nurse should be here by 8:30 and Dr. Lamas wants
to examine you two again. She will leave orders for
the nurse.  I'll try to be up by 6:30 or 7:00 to
check on you two and get ready for the day."

"Sounds like a plan," Scully agreed wearily, getting
up slowly from the chair.  "I'll see you in a few
hours then."

When Dr. Lamas arrived at 8:00 AM, Skinner greeted
her and filled her in on her two patients.  She
examined Scully first and was pleased with her
progress.  She even gave her the okay for a switch to
a bland diet.

Mulder was sleeping restlessly when she entered his
room, followed by an anxious Scully.  Scully sat on
the side of his bed and gently shook his left
shoulder.

"Mm?"

"Mulder, Dr. Lamas is here and she wants to examine
you."

"Morning already?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes, you slept like a log after you drank the water.
You need to drink a little more when Dr. Lamas is
finished."

"I'll try," he promised.  "Morning, Dr. Lamas."

"Good morning to you too, Mr. Mulder.  How are you
today?"

Scully gave him a look that let him know he needed to
tell the truth.  He groaned inwardly.

"Honestly, I don't feel all that great," Mulder
ground out.  He was shocked at how exhausted he
sounded even to himself.

"Well, let's see what's going on, shall we?"

The doctor opened her bag, taking out her stethoscope
and an aural thermometer.  She put the thermometer in
Mulder's right ear, a concerned expression on her
face as she studied the read out when she removed it.
"100.4," she announced.  "That's up a little from
last night.  Okay, I'd like to listen to your heart
and lungs.  Dr. Scully, could you help him sit up
please?"

Scully helped him to a sitting position.  The pain it
caused was evident in the way his face tensed up.

"Stomach muscles not any better?"  The doctor slid
the cold bell of the stethoscope under his t-shirt.

"Not that I can tell," Mulder answered, wincing at
the contact.

The doctor took her time listening to his heart and
lungs and then took his pulse.  Scully continued to
hold him up and rubbed his back in a reassuring
gesture.

"Well?" Mulder asked, the examination exhausting him
further.  He just wanted to be left alone.

"I'm afraid I don't see a lot of improvement yet, so
it's going to take some time.  I'd like to draw some
blood and send it to a lab.  I want to check your
electrolytes and your white blood count."

Scully had been listening to every word.  "Do you
suspect a secondary infection?"

"I want to rule that out.  In the meantime, continue
on water only until lunchtime, and then you can try
some broth and jello.  Continue the bed rest.  I'm
going to give you another injection of Demerol and
Phenergan and I'll leave the bottles with
instructions for the nurse to inject you every four
hours if needed.  Any questions?"

"How long do you think I'll have to stay in bed?"
Mulder asked in a tiny voice that worried Scully.

"If you don't have a problem keeping the broth and
jello down, I'm hoping that you can begin to sit up
for short periods this evening.  To tell the truth,
Mr. Mulder, it will probably be at least a week,
maybe more, before you completely regain your
strength," Dr. Lamas smiled confidently as she packed
up her bag.

"Damn!  That long?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so.  I wouldn't recommend traveling
for at least a week either.  If you push it, you'll
just have a relapse and end up in the hospital for
several days at the very least."

"Listen to her, Mulder," Scully emphasized, helping
him lie down again.

"All right, Scully, I promise not to push it."  He
settled back slowly on the pillows while Scully made
him comfortable, enjoying her care despite his
exhausted state.  He blew out a weary breath.

"I'm glad you want to cooperate, Mr. Mulder.  I can
see that we're tiring you.  Let me get that blood
drawn and give you the injection.  After that, I want
you to drink some water, then rest."

A few minutes later Dr. Lamas and Scully left
Mulder's room.  Skinner was in the living room going
over his notes.  "How's he doing?" he queried as
Scully took a seat on the couch next to him.

"I'm a bit concerned," the doctor stated.  "I'm
leaving directions for the nurse to take his
temperature hourly and I'll also leave some Tylenol
suppositories in the event it goes over 101.  I drew
some blood that I will send to a lab as soon as I
leave here.  I'll get back to you as soon as I get
the results."

"What about his pain?" Skinner asked.

"It is still quite intense.  I'm leaving enough
medication so that the nurse can inject him
throughout the day, as he needs it.  I'll be back to
check on him around 6PM.  Dr. Scully, I'll write all
of the directions for the nurse, but don't hesitate
to call me if you think his condition warrants it."

"I will.  Thank you."

"Dr. Scully, you need to take care of yourself too.
You are doing quite well, but you must not push
yourself.  I know you're concerned about him, but
please let the nurse attend to Mr. Mulder."

"She's right, Scully.  Don't wear yourself out trying
to take care of Mulder," Skinner ordered, sternly.

"I don't intend to wear myself out, but I would like
to check on him from time to time," she huffed.

"We're not asking you to ignore him.  Just let the
nurse do her job," Skinner said gently, realizing
that he'd been too harsh before.

"I will."

"I'll be back at around 6:00 then," Dr. Lamas said as
she walked to the refrigerator.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The nurse had been there for two hours and had
already threatened to quit twice.  Scully decided
that it might be time for a prolonged visit to
Mulder's bedside.  She found a new tube of Chap Stick
and fixed some ice water.  After taking a deep
breath, she entered Mulder's room.

"Thank goodness it's you, Scully," Mulder enthused as
he breathed a sigh of relief.  "Where's Nurse
Ratchett?"

"The last time I saw Mrs. Waters, she was eying the
wet bar, trying to decide if it was too early to have
a stiff drink.  She's already threatened to quit.
What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry, but I just don't feel like having that
damned thermometer jammed into my ear every hour on
the freaking hour."

"I saw a nice, big rectal thermometer in her bag.  I
wouldn't push my luck, Mulder," Scully chuckled.

"Too late.  I've already been threatened with her
devices of torture."

"Why does that not surprise me?  I have a new tube of
Chap Stick here and I thought you might be able to
use it."

"Thanks, Scully.  My lips are really cracked."

"A side effect of dehydration.  So, are you feeling
any better?"

"Honestly, no.  Is that iced water?"

"Yes, just for you."  Scully handed him the frosty
glass.

"You're going to spoil me if you aren't careful."  He
gave her a half smile and took a sip. "Mm, good and
cold."

"Maybe you need a little TLC."

"What did you have in mind?" Mulder asked, waggling
his eyebrows.

"Mulder . . ."

"Sorry."

"What I had in mind was helping you get washed up and
into some clean clothes.  You've been wearing the
same thing for a day and a half and I just thought it
might make you feel a little better."

"I can't take a shower?"

"Not as weak as you are."

"I guess I'll have to settle for what I can get.  A
bed bath sounds great," Mulder stated.  Actually he
was glad he didn't have to take a shower.  There was
no way he'd be able to stand up long enough to
actually get clean and toweled off.

"I'll get Mrs. Waters to fix some water, then I'll
try to find something comfortable for you to wear in
bed."

"I think I have another pair of sweats and some
shorts in my bag.  I should have a couple of t-shirts
too."

"All right.  Let me get Mrs. Waters started on the
water and I'll be right back."

After helping Mulder with part of his bath, Scully
waited patiently outside his door while he finished
up and changed clothes.  When he indicated he was
decent again, she went back into his room.  "Better?"

"Well, cleaner anyway.  Thanks, Scully."

"You're welcome.  Now, you need to drink some more
water and rest a little more.  It will be time for
Mrs. Waters to take your temperature again pretty
soon."

"Oh, joy.  Couldn't you take it and give her the
results?"

"Nope.  I think one of us needs to stay on her good
side.  She was giving me the evil eye while I was
helping you, so I think I'd better go back to my room
like a good little patient and rest a bit too."

"I'm sorry, Scully," he sighed.  "Don't wear yourself
out over me."

"I'm not, Mulder.  I'm feeling much better now," she
assured him. "But I do get a little tired from time
to time, so I'm going to take the doctor's advice and
sleep for a while."

"Will you eat lunch with me, such as it is?"

"I had already planned on it," she smiled, ruffling
his now clean hair.

"Great.  You know where to find me," he grinned back.

"Finally, a little smile.  You must be feeling
better," Scully said happily as she headed for the
door.  "See ya, later."

As soon as Scully left, Mulder lay back on the
pillows and closed his eyes.  He wished he did feel
better.  He decided not to tell his partner about the
pains he'd been having in his back from time to time.
They didn't last long, and they weren't totally
unbearable.  Maybe he'd strained another muscle.  He
made himself as comfortable as possible and tried to
ignore all of the aches and pains that were
assaulting his body.  Another hour and Scully would
be back for lunch.  Just being with her would make
him feel better.  He could make it until then.

~~~

The Domino Effect-Part 5
 

Headers and Disclaimers in Part 1
 

Scully followed Mrs. Waters into Mulder's room.  The
nurse put their lunch tray on the nightstand with a
disgruntled clatter.

"Thank you, Mrs. Waters.  I think we can manage from
here.  Why don't you have your lunch now and I'll let
you know when we're finished."

"I just need to take Mr. Mulder's temperature, then
I'll leave you two alone."

Scully gave Mulder a classic look, one that told him
he'd better cooperate or else.  He nodded a reluctant
yes and the nurse moved in, gently putting the
thermometer in Mulder's right ear.  "100.9," she
announced.

"Mulder, it's going the wrong way," Scully pointed
out, concern lacing her voice.

He just shrugged as Mrs. Waters left them alone.

"Do you feel like eating?"

"I'll try."

"Don't push yourself," she cautioned, noting how
miserable and unwell he looked.

"I won't."

Mulder managed a few sips of chicken broth and a few
spoonfuls of jello.  He put the bowls back on the
tray and concentrated on his ginger ale.

"Maybe you'll feel like eating more at dinner,"
Scully tried to encourage him.

"Maybe."

"Is the pain bad right now?"

"I'm okay.  Eat.  Don't worry about me," he answered,
taking a sip of his ginger ale.

"I'll have to admit that I'm getting tired of soup,"
Scully sighed.

"At least yours has noodles and vegetables in it and
you even got crackers.  Maybe you'll get the go ahead
to return to a regular diet later."

"I probably will.  My stomach feels okay now,
although I'm still a little weak."

"Ow!"  Mulder put his ginger ale on the nightstand
and lay down suddenly, curling up in a ball and
clutching his stomach.

"Mulder, what's wrong?"

"Another stomach cramp," he gasped.

"This one must be a doozy," she observed, moving
closer to rub his back.

Mulder shook his head and hopped off the bed as fast
as he could, which wasn't very fast in his condition.
"Be right back," he managed to blurt as he stumbled
into the bathroom.

"Can I do anything to help?' Scully asked anxiously
through the door.

"No, I'm okay.  Be out in a minute."

When Mulder came out a few minutes later, he was
paler than ever and was perspiring heavily by the
time he made it back to the bed.  Just to be on the
safe side she moved the trash can over within his
reach.  Not a moment too soon as Mulder proceeded to
lose what little lunch he'd managed to get down.  It
was also the exact moment that Mrs. Waters decided to
check on them.

"I see lunch was a rousing success," she commented
wryly.

"Mrs. Waters, could you get us a wet washcloth
please?" Scully asked sweetly.

"Can't get a break," Mulder gasped between heaves.
"If it's not one end, it's the other."

By the time the nurse returned, Mulder was sprawled
out exhausted on the bed.  Scully gently wiped his
face and turned to the nurse.  She didn't like the
way this was going at all.  "I'm going to call Dr.
Lamas.  Mulder, I'll be right back."

By the time she returned, Scully noticed that the
wastebasket had been cleaned and placed next to
Mulder whose stomach was in the process of trying to
empty itself again.  To her surprise, the nurse was
sitting beside him, rubbing his back in slow circles
and speaking to him softly.

When he was finished, Mulder flipped limply over on
his back, clutching at his stomach.  "Scully, if I
ever go near a seafood buffet again, shoot me!"

"Somehow, I don't think that will be necessary.  Dr.
Lamas ordered a one-time increase in your pain and
anti-nausea medicine.  She doubled it, so it should
make you very sleepy.  When you awaken, she wants you
to have some Gatorade."

"No, I hate that stuff!" he exclaimed, his breath
coming in short pants as the pain claimed him once
more.

"She's worried that you'll become dehydrated again
and a sports drink will replace the electrolytes more
readily than plain water," Scully explained.  "And
you really need the calories.  You're loosing weight
and you don't have it to spare."

Scully handed the nurse the hypodermic syringe and a
couple of alcohol wipes.  After she had injected him,
Mrs. Waters produced a thermometer out of her pocket.
"I know you don't like this, but I need to check it
again and then I'll let you get some sleep.

Mulder scowled but nodded yes and she popped the
thermometer in his ear, frowning when she saw the
results.

"What is it?" Scully was instantly by her side,
peering over her shoulder.

"103.2."

"I just can't catch a break can I?" Mulder moaned,
grabbing his ailing stomach.  "Damned stomach
cramps!"

"I'll get the Tylenol Dr. Lamas left," Mrs. Waters
said.  "I'll be right back."

Scully sat down beside her partner and resumed
rubbing his back until he began to fidget under her
ministrations. "Do you need to get up again?"

"No, it's going away."

"Mulder, all of the medications you are receiving
should make you feel a little better."

Mrs. Waters returned with the Tylenol.

"I'm going to rinse out this washcloth while Mrs.
Waters gives you the Tylenol.  I'll be right back."

"What?  You don't want to witness my total
humiliation?"  Scully ran her fingers through his
hair.  He was a miserable sight.

"Mulder, I'm going to ignore that because I know you
aren't feeling well."

By the time Scully returned with the washcloth and a
bowl of cool water, the nurse had mercifully
completed her task and left the room.

"Scully, I'm sorry.  I feel like hell and I shouldn't
take it out on you or Mrs. Waters," Mulder
apologized, looking close to tears.

"It's okay, I know. Apology accepted."  Scully wrung
the excess water from the washcloth and began to
bathe his face.  "You know, Mulder, I think we may
have misjudged Mrs. Waters."

"I know.  She was very nice to me while I was trying
to throw up my toenails.  I'll say something nice to
her later.  Could you pull the blanket up, please?"

"Sorry, but we need to cool you off," she answered as
she ran the washcloth down his arms.

"But I'm freezing."

"Don't worry.  As soon as the Tylenol starts to work,
you'll be very warm."

"Promises, promises," he yawned, leaning into her
touch.

"Just relax and let the medications work.  You'll
feel a lot better soon."

"Glad you think so.  Damn, I'm so cold!"

Scully continued to bathe him until he relaxed enough
to fall asleep.  She noticed that Mrs. Waters had
left the thermometer on the nightstand so she grabbed
it and carefully took Mulder's temperature.  He
didn't stir.  She looked at the readout and was
pleased that it was down to 101.5.

She headed back to the living area, surprised to see
Mrs. Waters talking to Skinner.

"Agent Scully, how are you doing?"

"I'm feeling much better, sir."

"Mrs. Waters tells me that Agent Mulder is still
feeling pretty rough."

"Yes, sir, I think that would be an adequate
description."  Scully dropped wearily into the
armchair that had become her favorite.  "We suspect
he may be developing a secondary infection."

"And if he is?"

"He may have to go back to the hospital for a course
of IV antibiotics."

Skinner looked at his watch.  "Lunch break is almost
over.  We should be winding up by 5 PM.  I'll try to
get back before Dr. Lamas comes.  In the meantime,
get some rest, Scully.  I have a feeling we may be in
for a long night."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dr. Lamas arrived promptly at 6:OO.  "Dr. Scully,
you're looking much better."

"Thank you.  I'm feeling a lot better too.  I'm
almost back to full strength."  Scully motioned for
her to come inside and shut the door after she
entered.

"No problem with the bland diet?"

"None whatsoever."

"Wonderful!  I think it would be safe for you to
return to a regular diet tomorrow.  Try to avoid
anything greasy or spicy, though."

Scully smiled as she thought of her normal diet on
the road.  It was usually either greasy or spicy,
depending on what Mulder was in the mood for.  How
she wished her partner felt like eating something
right now.

"How is Mr. Mulder?"

"His temperature has been up and down all afternoon,"
Mrs. Waters reported.

"Any more vomiting?"

"No, but he has refused to drink even water.  It's
all here in my notes."  The nurse handed over a very
detailed report of Mulder's ongoing misery.

"Oh, not good.  His electrolytes were borderline and
his white cell count was slightly elevated, but that
isn't unusual in light of the staphylocccus aureus."

"So, they've determined the type of food poisoning?"
Scully questioned.

"Yes, they think it was in the eggs used to make the
batter for the crab cakes.  Neither the food handlers
nor the crab meat was contaminated."

"I see.  Do you think it's possible he might also be
dealing with a secondary infection?"

"I don't know, Dr. Scully.  It's quite possible that
Mr. Mulder might still be fighting the primary
infection.  He did ingest quite a large portion.  In
light of the severity of the initial onset, I'm
sticking with that diagnosis for now.  Let's give him
another twenty-four hours.  If there's been no
improvement by tomorrow evening, I'll suggest that he
be admitted to the hospital."

"All right," Scully agreed, worry niggling at her.

"That's on the condition that he can get some fluids
to stay down.  Otherwise, I'll send him tonight."

Scully allowed herself a small smile.  "He hates
hospitals.  Maybe the threat of hospitalization will
convince him to drink something."

"Did they deliver the Gatorade?"

"Yes, they brought it about an hour ago," Mrs. Waters
supplied.

"Good.  I'm going to examine him now.  Dr. Scully,
why don't you stand by with that drink?  Mrs. Waters,
you may go now.  We'll need you again tomorrow if
that fits in with your schedule," Dr. Lamas hinted.

"Yes, I can do that.  Same time?"

Dr. Lamas looked to Scully for confirmation and she
nodded yes.

"We'll see you in the morning then."

Mrs. Waters gathered her things.  As she opened the
door, Skinner exited the elevator.  She greeted him
and held the door open.

Skinner closed the door behind him.  "Sorry I'm late.
There were quite a few questions.  Even though the
two of you did an excellent job of preparing
everything, I could have used your help.  How is
Agent Mulder?  Is he any better?"

"No, I'm afraid not," Scully sighed.  "Why don't I
fill you in while Dr. Lamas examines him?"

Skinner pulled his tie off with a flourish and sank
onto the sofa.  "Sure."

Dr. Lamas disappeared inside Mulder's room.

"Would you like something to drink, sir?"   Scully
opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of
Gatorade.

"No, thanks.  I'm good.  Why isn't he getting any
better, Scully?"

"We're not sure.  Either the primary infection hasn't
run its course, or he's developing a secondary
infection."

"But, you're almost over it," Skinner pointed out.

"Fortunately, I'm almost back to normal, but much
more of the toxin entered Mulder's system."

"I see.  Should we be concerned?" Skinner asked,
point-blank.

"At this point, I'm not sure.  I'll have to admit
that I've never seen Mulder this ill, other than when
he battled that virus in Alaska.  He's getting very
discouraged because he usually bounces right back."

Scully put the sports drink on the counter and joined
Skinner on the couch.

"Has he been cooperating?"

"For the most part, yes.  He's refusing to drink
anything right now, though.  He's had quite a bit of
abdominal pain and I think he's so afraid he'll start
vomiting again, that he'd rather not even try.  Dr.
Lamas is more or less going to threaten him with IV's
and hospitalization.  If that doesn't persuade him,
nothing will."

"I see."  Skinner propped his feet up on the coffee
table.

Scully sighed, rising from her seat.  "I'm going to
take this in to Mulder now.  Wish me luck."

"If you need me as an added threat, just give a
shout."

"I'll keep that in mind," she replied as she strode
across the room and knocked on Mulder's door, then
entered.  "How's it going?"

"I think I've persuaded Mr. Mulder to at least try
the Gatorade.  I've given him another shot of Demerol
along with some Phenergan, so the nausea shouldn't be
as intense."

"Great.  Here you go, Mulder.  I've seen you drink
fruit punch before," Scully reminded him as she sat
on the side of his bed, handing him the bottle of red
liquid.

"That doesn't mean I liked it."

"Just pretend that you do."

"Why don't you get some of that down while I talk to
Dr. Scully and Mr. Skinner outside?  I'll be back to
check on you before I leave," she promised.

Mulder saluted her with the bottle, pulled the top,
drank a sip and made a face.
 

~~~

The Domino Effect-Part 6
 

Headers and Disclaimers in Part 1
 

"Dr. Lamas, I want your honest opinion," Skinner
voiced after they were all seated.  "Have you seen
any improvement whatsoever?"

"Mr. Skinner, I can honestly say that I haven't seen
any improvement.  In fact, his condition is slightly
worse than 24 hours ago."

"I'll have to admit that Agent Scully and I are very
concerned.  Agent Mulder usually bounces right back
from any illness or injury he experiences.  He's been
so ill that he hasn't even turned on the TV in his
room.  That TV is always on, even when he sleeps.
That just isn't normal for Mulder.  I think you can
see why we are so anxious."

"I understand, Mr. Skinner.  I'm at the point where
I'll have to see some improvement in the next twenty-
four hours or I will insist that he be hospitalized."

"What can we do in the meantime?" Scully queried.

"You're doing all you can.  Continue to encourage him
to drink, and administer Tylenol for the fever.   I
think tonight could be the turning point.
Staphylococcus aureus generally lasts from 24 to 48
hours so we should see some improvement by morning.
Please remember that it will take several days for
Mr. Mulder to gain enough strength to even sit for
short periods of time.  He must not push it or he
will suffer a relapse."

"Thank you, Dr. Lamas, for all you've done.  We'll
continue with what we've been doing and hope for the
best."

"That's all I ask.  I've arranged for the nurse to
return tomorrow.  Dr. Scully, if you feel up to it
you may start taking short walks or sit outside in a
shaded area."

"I had planned to start moving around a bit more
tomorrow," Scully reported, wishing Mulder could join
her in the sunshine.  The fact that he hadn't yet
exhibited his usual stir craziness was testament to
how ill he was.

Dr. Lamas rose from her seat.  "Listen to your body,
Dr. Scully.  Don't push yourself, either.  If your
body feels tired or weak, then by all means rest.
It's fine to help with your partner's care, but
please let Mrs. Waters do most of the work."

"I'll keep that in mind.  Sir, if you don't need me
for anything, I'd like to sit with Mulder for a
while."

"Sure, Scully," he smiled.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Are you finished discussing my lack of progress?"
Mulder was propped up on several pillows, eying his
bottle of Gatorade with distaste.

"Don't flatter yourself.  Who says you were the topic
of the entire conversation?"

Mulder rolled his eyes, sighed, and took another
short sip of the sports drink.  "Nasty!"

Scully sat beside him and pulled his hands up so she
could see the bottle.  "I see you've managed to get
down some of the Gatorade at least."

"Down being the operative word, as in, will it stay
down?"

Scully pulled him into a hug, and rubbed her hands
over his back.  He still felt far too warm.  "Have
faith, Mulder."

"As far as my stomach goes, I've lost all faith," he
sighed.

She hugged him tighter.  "Come on.  Don't get
discouraged."

"Sorry, but I'm just not good at being sick."

"Who is?"

Mulder handed her the bottle of Gatorade.  "No more."

"Well, you got almost a third of it down.  That
should help."

"Could I go back to water or ginger ale, please?" he
pleaded.

"You can have water or ginger ale for the time being,
but you need to drink some more Gatorade later.  You
heard what the doctor said and what she threatened."

"Okay, I'll try."  He slid down in the bed while
Scully removed a few pillows.  "Why am I so tired?
All I've done for almost 48 hours is lie in bed."

"I know," she said sympathetically.  "Dr. Lamas
thinks tonight could be the turning point.  The
average case of food poisoning of this type generally
lasts for 24 to 48 hours.  If you can fight off that
fever, I think you'll start to see a great
improvement."

"I'm trying."  Frustration was evident in his voice.
"Gotta get up."

"Bathroom?"

Mulder nodded.

"I'll get Skinner."

"Can't you help me?"

"Mulder, if you start to fall there's no way I could
hold you up.  Besides, do you really want me to stand
by while you do your business?"

"Uh, no, and I don't particularly care for Skinner to
observe either."

"Until you gain some strength back someone will have
to be with you.  You don't want to add a concussion
to your list of woes do you?"

"No, I think I'll pass on that."

"Good decision.  I'll get Skinner."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Agent Mulder, we've got to stop meeting like this,"
Skinner teased as he entered his agent's room.

"Couldn't agree more, sir."  Scully helped him swing
his legs over until he was sitting on the side of the
bed.

Skinner reached for Mulder's elbow.  "Ready to go?"

"As soon as the room stops spinning."  Mulder
blanched as he waited for his equilibrium to return.

Scully's face began to show concern.  "Will you be
able to make it?  I can find the urinal you brought
home from the hospital."

"Got to go or start swimming, and I may need to sit
for a while, if you get my drift, in which case the
urinal would be useless."

"Agent Scully, why don't you order us something to
eat while I stay with Mulder?"

"Yes, sir.  Mulder, would you like anything?"

"No.  Just want to use the bathroom and go back to
sleep."

"I'll order some jello and maybe you'll feel like
eating it later."

"Whatever."

"Mulder, you ready?"  Skinner reached for his elbow
once again.

"Let's do it."

Skinner helped him stand and everything was fine
until he tried to straighten up.  He groaned loudly
and clutched his stomach.

"Those muscles still bothering you?"

"Worse than before."

"Do you need to rest another minute or two?"

Mulder shook his head no.  "Unless you want to clean
up a huge mess, we'd better get going now."

Skinner grimaced with empathy and tightened his grip
on Mulder as they quickened their pace.

Scully was gone when they came out of the bathroom.

"Make sure Scully rests."  Skinner held on tightly to
Mulder's elbow, as his strength seemed to be
flagging.  "Don't want her to have a relapse," he
gasped out.

"I agree.  One sick agent is more than enough."

"Tired," he groaned as he collapsed in a heap on the
bed.

Skinner helped him get as comfortable as possible and
arranged the pillows.  "Get some rest.  I'm sure
Scully will be back later."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Dinner should be here soon," Scully announced as
Skinner entered the living room.

"Great.  I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.  Mulder's
tucked safely into bed.  I could tell that he was
very tired.  He tends to speak in shortened
sentences."

"I've noticed that too.  I ordered some jello.  Maybe
I can convince him to give it a try when he wakes."

Skinner sat down on the couch propping his feet up on
the coffee table, a favorite position.  "What do you
have planned for tomorrow, Agent Scully?

"I haven't really made any plans.  I thought I'd play
it by ear.  I don't want to go far from Mulder.  Do
you need my help, sir?"

"No, I want you to take the day to rest and relax and
get your strength back.  If you're up to it, perhaps
you could help a little on the last day of the
conference.  We'll see how you feel after you're up
and about tomorrow."

"I'd be glad to help."

"I don't want to hear that you've spent the entire
day taking care of Mulder.  Go outside and take a
short walk along the beach, or sit on the balcony and
watch the pleasure boats on the ocean.  Mrs. Waters
is being paid to watch over him."

"I would like to spend some time with him.  He
relates better to someone he knows."

"I understand, Agent Scully. I just don't want you
wearing yourself out."

Scully raised her right hand as if taking an oath.
"I promise I won't."

Scully and Skinner chatted amiably until their dinner
arrived.  Scully found the jello and put it in the
refrigerator, then settled down to eat her own meal.

After dinner, they watched TV and talked about the
conference and the seminar Skinner was conducting.  A
full stomach and comfortable surroundings soon
relaxed Scully to the point that she dozed off in her
favorite armchair.

Skinner gently shook her shoulders.  "Scully, I think
it's time to call it a night."

"I'm sorry, sir.  I must have nodded off."

"That's all right.  Do you need any help getting to
your room?

"No, I'm fine."  She stretched and yawned.  "I guess
I was more tired than I thought."

"Then you definitely need to get to bed."  Skinner
offered his hand and she took it.

Just as he pulled her up, they heard a pitiful moan
from Mulder's room, then a very weak, "Scully."

It took the two of them just seconds to reach
Mulder's side, dreading what they might find.  He was
curled in a fetal position, shivering.  "Freezing.
Hurts all over," he gasped.  "Help me . . .please?"

~~~
 

The Domino Effect Part 7
 

Headers and disclaimers in Part 1
 

Scully was shocked and increasingly worried that her
partner seemed to have gotten so much worse in a
short period of time.  She was immediately at his
side, feeling his forehead.  "You're burning up!  I
need to take your temperature.  Do you think you can
hold the thermometer under your tongue?"

Mulder shook his head no.  He was sweaty and
exhausted, his eyes wanting to close.

"All right.  Hang in there while I get my
thermometer."  As she rushed to her room, she wished
that she had brought the larger aural thermometer on
this trip, but she really hadn't expected to need
more than a few basic first-aid items. She quickly
found it, and returned to Mulder's room to find him
in the same position, curled up in a ball and shaking
with chills.  A wave of sympathy washed over her when
she thought that her normally strong partner had been
reduced to this poor, pitiful creature.

"I'll need to put this under your arm," Scully
explained, pulling his t-shirt up.  "It will take a
little bit longer, but will have the same result."

She positioned the thermometer and sat beside him on
the bed to wait for the results, her hand gently
moving up and down his spine in a soothing motion.

"I need another blanket," he demanded through
chattering teeth.

"We need to keep you cooled down, Mulder.  I'm sorry,
but an extra blanket wouldn't be a good idea right
now."

"Torturer."

"Oh, you haven't seen my mean side yet," she teased
as she ruffled his hair.

"Don't think I want to."

The thermometer finally beeped and Scully removed it,
pulling Mulder's shirt down.  She turned to show the
readout to Skinner, reminding him to add a degree.
He whistled when he saw it.

"How high?" Mulder convulsed with chills.

"103.6.  Sir, could you get a Tylenol out of the
refrigerator, then bring a bowl of tepid water and
some towels?"  Scully asked as she began to tug
Mulder's t-shirt up.

"Scully, not in front of the boss."  Mulder continued
to shiver.  Scully chuckled as she pulled the t-shirt
over his head.  His arms immediately folded around
himself as the chills shook him harder.

"Well, at least you still have your sense of humor."

"I'll be right back."  Skinner left in search of the
items Scully needed.

"Mulder, besides aching all over, do you hurt any one
place more than another?"  Scully had snapped into
full doctor mode.

"My back started hurting pretty bad about an hour
ago."

"Can you show me where?"

Mulder pointed out the area below his ribs on his
right side.

"Any burning or discomfort when urinating?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't too bad."  Scully's skeptical
brow rose slightly.

"Any other new symptoms?"

"No, now can I have my shirt back?"

"We need to bring that fever down.  I know it's
uncomfortable, but it is necessary."

"Come on, Scully.  I'm freezing here."

She had to smile at his persistence.  That was one of
the things that made him so endearing to her.  Funny
that she had been thinking of those little things so
often lately.

Skinner interrupted her thoughts when he put the bowl
of water on the nightstand and handed her the Tylenol
suppository.

"I'm going to need a rubber glove.  I should have
several in my medical kit.  It's lying on my bed."

Skinner nodded and left.

"Scully, do you have to put the suppository in?"
Mulder asked his face flushed from fever and
embarrassment.

"It's either me or Skinner.  Take your pick."

"All right, Skinner's not getting anywhere near my
ass," he conceded, pushing his boxers and sweats
down.  "Don't get too excited."

Scully shot him a look that warned him not to push
his luck.  Mulder cringed even through his chills at
the thought that his ass was now vulnerably displayed
for all to see.

Skinner arrived with the rubber glove and handed it
to Scully.  She snapped it on quickly, reflecting her
years of experience with that maneuver.  "Ready,
Mulder?"

"I guess."  Mulder hoped that Skinner wouldn't stick
around for this little epic.

Skinner did have the decency to look the other way as
Scully quickly completed the procedure and discarded
the glove.  "Let's get you turned over on your back,"
she suggested, helping him pull up his sweats.

When Mulder was once again facing her, he began to
have another violent chill.  "What's wrong with me
now?"  Weariness was evident in his voice.

"I suspect a urinary tract infection.  It's a common
complication of food poisoning and dehydration."

"How are you going to treat it?"

"I'll have to check with Dr. Lamas.  She may want to
admit you to the hospital."

"No!  Absolutely not!"  Despite his weariness, Mulder
was able to make his wishes well known.

"Don't get all bent out of shape, Mulder.  It's not a
certainty," Skinner reminded him.

Scully dipped a hand towel in the bowl of water and
squeezed out the excess.  As she began to bathe
Mulder's face she turned to her supervisor.  "Sir,
could you call Dr. Lamas and see if she could examine
Mulder right now?"  He's developed some new symptoms
and in light of the temperature rise I think he needs
to be evaluated immediately."

"I'm on it, Agent Scully.  I'll return as soon as I
can to help you."

"Thanks."  She continued to bathe Mulder's face and
chest.

"Freezing, Scully."

"Shh, just lie back and let me do this.  You'll start
to feel better soon.  Just try and relax."

"Normally, I'd love you bathing me, running your
hands up and down my body, but I need to get warm."
He didn't mention that that was high on his list of
fantasies, minus the potential hypothermia.

"As soon as your fever drops you'll warm up.  I
promise."  She smiled ruefully, sponging his arms and
chest again.  She was secretly enjoying the physical
contact, but would have wished for better
circumstances.  She knew Mulder despised being ill.

Skinner returned with the news that Dr. Lamas would
be there in around ten minutes.  "What do you want me
to do?"

"You can refresh the towels as I hand then to you."

"All right.  I think I can handle that."

For the next ten minutes they worked between them to
bring Mulder's temperature down.  He was shaking like
a leaf and getting quite testy at their
ministrations.  Scully felt mean for having to put
him through this distress, but it was important to
keep it going.  She could tell that her boss was
concerned too.  There was a knock and Skinner left to
answer the door.

"That must be Dr. Lamas.  Let's take your temp again
while she's making her way in here, partner."

"Still cold," Mulder complained as Scully put the
thermometer back under his arm.

""What's going on, Mr. Mulder?" the doctor asked as
she breezed into the room, coming over to sit by him
on the bed.

"They're trying to freeze me to death.  Help."

Scully rolled her eyes as she removed the thermometer
from under her partner's arm.  She looked at the
read-out and handed it to the doctor.

"103."

"That's down 6/10ths of a degree in the last 10
minutes."

"Mr. Mulder, I understand you've developed some new
symptoms?"

"Yeah," he answered dejectedly.

Scully took over for him.  "He's developed pain and
burning with urination and some back pain."

"I'd like to examine you more thoroughly and ask you
some questions.  Would you like your friends to stay,
or should I ask them to leave?"

"They might as well stay.  It'll save you the trouble
of explaining it twice."  His embarrassment was
complete now, anyway.

When she finally finished her examination, Dr. Lamas
once again sat beside Mulder on the side of the bed.
"Well, we have two options.  The first one is the one
that I prefer, and that is to admit you to the
hospital.  With a course of IV antibiotics and
fluids, I think we can have you back on your feet in
a few days."

The look on Mulder's face expressed his displeasure
with that option.

"The other option would require taking blood and
urine samples and sending them off for analysis.  In
the meantime, we can treat the symptoms and start you
on broad spectrum antibiotics."

Mulder didn't comment for a few seconds then asked a
question.  "Which option will get me well the
fastest?"

"Hospitalization," they all answered in unison.

"Okay, Doc.  Make the arrangements," he sighed.

"You're making the best decision, Mr. Mulder," the
doctor assured him, patting his hand.

"Do you think they'll let me have a blanket?" he
shivered.

"I'm not making any promises," she chuckled and
grinned up at Scully who had a similar smirk on her
face.  "If you'll excuse me I'll call the hospital
and set things in motion."  She got up from her
position beside Mulder.  "I'll be back in a few
minutes with the details."

As soon as she left, Scully began gathering the
things that Mulder might need for the next few days.

"Let's see about getting you dressed."  Skinner began
looking around for his agent's socks and shoes while
Scully laid out some clean clothes and Mulder's carry
on flight bag.

"Could someone find my coat?"  Mulder continued to
shiver, hugging his arms to his chest.

Between the two of them, they quickly had Mulder
dressed and wearing shoes by the time Dr. Lamas
retuned.  "I've made arrangements to have you
admitted to a different hospital.  I think you will
find that they have a very knowledgeable and caring
staff.  I talked to the hotel management and there
will be a car waiting for you.  Someone should be
coming with a wheelchair any time."

"Wheelchair?" Mulder looked horrified.  "I don't
think so."

"You weren't expecting to walk?"

"Actually, I was."  His face remained impassive,
cluing Scully in to the panic and helplessness he
felt.

"Take the wheelchair, Mulder," Skinner ordered.  "I
don't particularly feel like catching you when you
pass out."

"He's right, Mulder."  Scully sat on the bed beside
him and rubbed his back.  "Listen to him."

"Scully, you weren't planning on accompanying us were
you?" Skinner inquired.

"Well, yes, I was."

"I'll get him admitted and stay with him until he's
settled in."

"But . . ."

Mulder noted that Scully was about to start an
argument with Skinner and stopped her in mid-
sentence.  As much as he wanted her company, he was
concerned that she too had been sick and needed to
rest after the past few rough days of that, and
looking after him.  He wasn't a good patient at the
best of times, and besides, this whole thing was his
fault. "Listen to him, Scully.  You still need to
rest.  I'll be in good hands with Skinner."

"All right, but I intend to be there first thing in
the morning to see how you're doing."  She gave him a
resigned, sad smile, taking his hand and squeezing
it.

"We'll discuss that when I return," Skinner decided.

"No, sir.  There will be no discussion.  I believe I
was going to take one more day to do as I liked in
order to get my legs back under me, and that is the
way I intend to spend it."

Skinner remained silent for a minute, thinking it
over. "All right.  I can see that arguing with you
would be futile."

Mulder nodded his affirmation as he continued to
shiver.  He squeezed Scully's hand back, giving her
the best smile he could manage.  His bravery was all
for her benefit.

Scully smiled back, hiding the fact that she was
secretly frightened to see him so ill.  She would
miss not being by his side, being there to hold his
hand as she so often did at his hospital bedside.  It
didn't feel right that he would be going without her.
It almost broke her heart and despite his strong
reassuring smile that he would be okay with this, she
knew he had to be dying inside.

The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the
wheelchair.

Mulder took a deep breath while continuing to shiver,
as Skinner helped him into the chair.  His eyes
unbearably sad, a myriad of unspoken emotions passed
between Scully and him as they looked at each other.
Mulder waved a weak good-bye and was gone, leaving
Scully to say a silent prayer for his recovery.
 

End Part 7