Frozen In Time 5

Jack Scully turned to his amber gaze on Mulder. "That wouldn't be wise." He said quietly.

"Extremely unwise." Concurred Wade.

The younger man stood beside Jack, and it was obvious to Mulder, that Wade had found his life partner. And though Mulder was happy for Wade on a personal level, professionally he had to wonder what the medic was doing sitting in on a strategy meeting. As far as Fox knew, only the top six people of the resistance were supposed to be at the round table. Mulder's showing up was merely to 'crash' the already four hour long pow-wow. He was hoping that his interruption would signal to Alex that it was time for the meeting to end. He and Alex would have only a very short time together as it was, and Fox planned on spending their last hours of peace together, alone.

The former FBI agent quickly quashed the jealousy that he felt for Wade being allowed to attend the classified meeting. In this room, all would know it if he let the emotion escape him.

~oOo~

When Mulder entered, Alex smiled at his lover and gestured for Fox to come and stand beside him.

As Mulder approached, Alex stared into Fox's eyes, and Mulder returned the inquiring gaze. The agent came to a stand still beside the slightly taller man.

The two men's eyes were still focused in on each other, then Alex nodded and whispered softly to Mulder. "I understand, Fox."

He turned to all of those in the room and stated firmly. "Fox and I will stay together... we survive the battle together or we die together. Either way, we won't be parting company from one an other again." Alex looked hard all those gathered, daring them to challenge his decree. His hand went out blindly and sought Fox's.

Palm to palm, the two men waited.

And in the end, it was Wade who was the voice of reason.

"It would mean disaster for all if Lermontov were to get his hands on Fox again. And I don't need to tell you Alex what Spender would do to you if you were to be captured again. He has tasted your blood...."

Mulder cringed, and knew that the young medic was speaking literally and not figuratively.

"...he will not hesitate to draw it again. And if he had Mulder to hold over your head... well god only knows what he would do to you. The resistance and it's plans would be at risk."

Lieutenant Morrison stood up, he could see that Alex was not swaying, he did not know the Russian as well as he did his American lover, so it was to Mulder that he plead his case.

"Listen Fox, go to battle together, but separate into different companies once we breach the dome. That way, you will be in the same campaign together, but not as vulnerable to the powers that would want to harm you."

At that Mulder nodded. Alex was willing to do anything to save Mulder's skin back when they first had been revived. Chaz had told him all about it. Fox did not want that kind of sacrifice from Alex on his conscience again. "Maybe your right." He said hesitantly.

"What?" Demanded Alex of his lover.

"Chaz is right Alex. You can't risk capture, your too important to the cause, but if that should happen, at least you won't have to sacrifice your self to save me... or vice versa." He finished lamely, Mulder knew that his lover wasn't buying his words.

The Russian turned to those seated and said a little more sternly than he had intended, "What are you all still doing here? You have your orders, dismissed."

Relieved to be released from the impending argument, everyone left the room except for Mulder, Morrison, Wade and Jack.

Alex ignored those three and turned to Fox. "Fine, have it your way. You can join Lieutenant Morrison's squad, he will fill you in on the details." Alex spun around and stalked out of the room.

Fox heard the hurt in his lover's voice; all the men in the room had.

He turned back to the others. "It's not right. Whatever happens to Alex, happens to me, the consequences of capture be damned." He turned and gave chase after his angry partner.

~oOo~

When Fox got back to the small room he and Alex had been sharing, the fuming Russian was hurriedly jamming his only set of spare clothes into a khaki green canvass knap sack. Mulder couldn't help but smile, Alex had such a hot temper when he let it go.

"Alex." Called Mulder from the doorway.

Hearing Fox, and ignoring him, Alex stalked over to the small dresser and started in on shoving his toiletries into the bag.

Sighing heavily, Mulder stepped over the threshold and quietly shut the door behind himself. He went over to Alex and interrupted him from his task.

"Alex... stop... please. We need to talk."

"Fine." Glared Alex, he tossed the bag onto the small bed crossing his arms in front of his chest he said icily, "So talk." His eyes were wide with hurt and anger. Remarkably the colour in them had deepened beyond their norm.

Fox never realized that his lover's eyes changed so dramatically with his emotions. He wondered briefly if it was the nanites that were transforming them. Mulder put that intriguing thought aside for the moment and got on with the business at hand.

"Look Alex, I'm sorry I agreed at first to be separated from you during the fighting. You're right. We go together and face what comes together."

At that Alex relaxed a bit, but that wasn't the only issue on his mind. "Alright," he said only a little less angry than he had been seconds before. "We'll go together."

Mulder studied Alex, it was clear that there was more on his lover's mind than the two of them separating for battle. Mulder swallowed and asked, "Is there something else bothering you?"

"Yeah, actually there is Fox." The glare was back in his eyes, but he said no more.

"I'm not like the rest of the people here Alex, you have to actually tell me what's on your mind for me to know it." Joked Mulder lightly, trying to lighten the mood of his lover.

Predictably Alex failed to find the humour. He furrowed his now unlined brow and let loose. "Alright, you want to know what's bugging me?" Mulder nodded and Alex half shouted, "Since when did you and Lieutenant Morrison become so god-dammed cozy with each other? Eh? What? Like you two are best friends now?"

Mulder stepped up to Alex and pulled him into his arms and hugged him tightly. "Are you jealous of Lieutenant Morrison? Because if you are Alex don't be... please, you know it's only you I love." Fox thought that his declaration of love would ease his lover's mind.

Somewhat mollified, Alex pulled him self out of Fox's embrace and stepped back a few paces. His icy glare softened along with his jealously, but still he wasn't placated. "I guess I am jealous Fox." He admitted. "But not only that, I'm hurt. You don't know what he put me through back at the installation. He was our enemy then, and now, suddenly, he's your friend. I feel like you've betrayed me Fox... and that hurts more than anything." Alex crossed his arms and rubbed up and down his bare biceps, it was cold in the room.

"Alex...." Started Fox, "I'm so sorry. I guess there's a lot we never got around to talking about." Mulder reached out and took his lover's hand and led him to their small bed. He sat down and pulled Alex with him, and together they rested their backs against the cement wall. "You're hands are freezing." Mulder said softly, gently stroking Alex's smooth palm.

"I'm cold." Alex said.

Fox grabbed the small blanket that was neatly folded at the foot of the bed and wrapped it around them; he put his arm around Alex and pulled his lover in close.

"I guess I'd better start at the beginning."

~oOo~

"The last thing I saw when I was captured was you getting knocked in the head and going down. An installation soldier grabbed you by the hair and dragged you away. After that, I took a hit to the back of my skull and when I came too, I was on a transport ship. No one would tell me what happened to you, they wouldn't talk to me at all. When I got to the dome, Lermontov had a collar put on me and from there on in, I was his." Mulder swallowed hard. He thought that he had put his experiences with Lermontov behind him, but evidently, he hadn't.

Alex heard the despair in his lover's voice and wrapped his arm around Fox's waist; pulling the blanket tighter over them.

"Part of my punishment was not knowing what happened to you. Personally, at first, I don't think they truly knew either. It was chaos. General Alderton was most displeased, with Lieutenant Morrison's performance in the ordeal. Apparently, he was responsible for you and me reaching the dome safely. The general put a collar on Chaz and was just as cruel to him as Lermontov was to me. He was even worse than Lermontov. The lieutenant was always covered in fresh belt and whip marks. The General beat his slave regularly. Chaz and I... we... we were in the same boat, and somehow, a weak friendship formed."

Fox turned to Alex and with sorrow in his eyes he admitted, "The two old men made us have sex together in front of them. It was afterwards that Chaz told me that he tried to force you to sleep with him by threatening me." Fox wanted to cry, but he did not; his eyes were dry. "I can't bear to think that you would sacrifice your self for me like that Alex. It's not fair, and the reason I agreed in the conference room to be separated from you was that I was worried you would do that again." Mulder bowed his head, asking silently for forgiveness, and Alex gave it to him.

"I'm sorry Fox, I shouldn't have blown up like that." Alex sat up and crawled into his lover's lap so that he was straddling Fox; face to face with him.

"Spender hurt me too, in more ways than I can ever admit to you right now Fox. But it doesn't matter anymore. All that counts is that were together. We work things out after, when we have time. The next time we are separated, it will be by death and no other means, agreed?"

Mulder nodded. "100%." And then the two of them sealed the pact with a passionate kiss. After a few seconds, Fox's mouth parted and Alex's tongue gently slipped inside and greeted Mulder's tongue.

Fox pulled Alex tighter to his chest and arranged him in his lap in just such a way that his lover could make no mistake as to what Fox's intentions were. He pulled out of the kiss and joked, "Can guess what's on my mind now." Mulder put his lips to Alex's finely muscled neck and gently sucked.

"Mmmmm... I think I can figure it out."

~oOo~

They made love with a kind of desperation brought on by the awareness that this could be the last time that they were alone together, their joint orgasm leaving them gasping for breath. A quick swipe with a discarded undershirt, and they lay quietly in each other's arms, not wanting to let go, yet knowing that all too soon they would have to leave to do battle for their world.

With Alex's head resting on his shoulder, Mulder had almost drifted off to sleep when a deep sigh from his lover broke the silence. He peered down to see a deep crease over Alex's nose, indicating the depth of his thoughts. He turned his heard further and kissed the tip of the endearing nose.

"What's the matter, love?" he asked quietly.

Alex's eyes flicked up to meet his lover's, and gave a wry smile. "Am I making a mistake, Fox? Should I have listened to those who begged me to stay behind?" He sighed again. "Maybe Jackson was right and I'm letting my ego get in the way of my common sense."

Mulder raised an eyebrow. "What brought this on?"

"I was just thinking.... I've spent hours recording information which isn't in their files... information about what projects the consortium were working on; especially which ones would benefit those who have survived, but I'm worried they don't have the expertise to fully utilize these opportunities. Their level of knowledge is low in so many necessary areas... so much has been forgotten."

Mulder carded his fingers through the thick, sable hair, trying to sooth Alex's fears. "We'll just have to be extra careful, Alex. We have our own, personal bodyguards; we'll be wearing body armour and helmets, and any cuts and scrapes will be dealt with by the nanocytes." He sighed "...and, having thought about it a great deal while lying here, I agree that you DO need to be on the spot to make tactical decisions. You'll also be needed to take charge of the Dome's defences in case of a counter attack; to meet with the resistance people from the Dome... all things that no one else can do for you."

Alex, his eyes bright, caught hold of Fox's hand, giving it a light kiss. "Fox, I.... Thanks...."

Fox held on to Alex's hand and brought it to his mouth, sucking gently on the fingers, letting go with a pout as the reminder that Alex had set pinged to let them know that they had one hour to get washed and dressed.

Alex levered himself up, kissed the pout on his lover's face. "Hold that thought," he said as he moved away from the bed towards the bathroom.

Mulder paused to admire the lithe body as it moved away from him, then he too got to his feet and followed his lover into the shower. Alex, who was adjusting the water temperature, raised an eyebrow, but Mulder just grinned. "I know. We don't have time... but I thought, since I missed so much of the planning session, you could bring me up to date with what was decided. I know you're worried about something, so tell me..."

Alex got under the spray of water and started soaping himself, while Mulder picked up the razor to have a shave.

"Okay, It'll make it easier if both of us know.... The most difficult part was persuading these guys that we had to carry out coordinated attacks on the city domes around the world." He sighed. "The want me to lead them... but when I put the plan forward they argued against it until I reminded them that we really do have only one chance at this... if we screw up we don't have the reserves to try again.

"Fortunately for us, the Consortium military are still arguing about the fine details of how they mean to crush the resistance.... making lots of stirring speeches apparently... our advantage is not going to last long." He paused while he rinsed the soap out of his hair.

"We have coordinated the timing of the raids so that most of them start under cover of darkness. The only ones I'm really worried about are those in the daylight zones.... the Western Australian domes are a particular worry... but they say they have people in place to carry out a partial takeover the night before, isolating the city from contacting anyone for the crucial hours until it's sunset in Arizona... That makes it after dark for the rest of the US domes, especially New England and Atlanta; for all the domes in Central and South America; plus those in Africa, Europe and most of Asia."

He got out of the shower and rubbed his hair vigorously as Fox took his place under the running water.

"As far as we are concerned, we get into position tonight, during the day tomorrow, those going though the tunnel to the city will make their way to the rooms under the central park. Frankie, and her people, will collect a few at a time and disperse groups throughout the city posing as maintenance engineers.

"At sundown, all outside working parties will go back inside the domes. Just before the start away from their work areas, we plan to take them prisoner. Our troops will then walk inside as if they were the working party. The last team in will take out the gate guards and defend out rear. Doctors Gethin and Elliot have arranged for quite a few archaeological teams will be out, so we will join them on their return journeys. They will jettison their supplies and carry as many of our troops into the city as they can.

"As soon as we give the signal, they will start their takeover from the inside. While we control the hangar our enemies will not be able to use any of the craft to either attack us, or to flee. There's still a lot of things that can go wrong, but we have dedicated professionals on our side, while most of those we will be facing are conscripts." He stopped to stare at the fingertips of his left hand with a wry smile on his face. "I wonder if the old man realized that he was sending the downfall of his plans into the future when he put us into those chambers?"

Mulder laughed. "I wouldn't put anything past that old coot." He stepped out of the shower and grabbed the other towel. "C'mon, let's get dressed and get to our stations. The sooner you get something to do, the sooner you'll stop worrying."

"'Kay." Alex muttered as he stretched his neck to scrape the last bristles from beneath his chin, his eyes following his lover's movements in the mirror.

-oo0oo-

Around the globe the resistance forces got into position during the hours of darkness... then all they could do was wait. Those in the lower ranks, not knowing of the events taking place around the world, were able to relax while not on guard, and if they noticed that their commanders were extra tense, they put it down to the importance of their raid on the domed city.

The archaeological transports reported that they had unloaded their cargoes of extra supplies, leaving the foodstuffs with the Nomads to ensure that they would not be anywhere near the domed city whilst their attack was taking place.

The tense atmosphere in the command centre visibly lessened when their contact in Australia reported that their mission to gain control of communications and transport had been successful. Her report was closely followed by similar reports from China, Japan and New Zealand, they too were on schedule.

Then came a wait of a few hours until the single dome on Hawaii reported a successful takeover.

At that point Alex allowed himself a tight smile. "We're next," he said, even though he knew he was stating the obvious. "So, who's NOT nervous?"

Muffled laughter came from various parts of the cavern. Even Jacqueline, who was acting as their communications coordinator, smiled at the weak sally. Then she became serious, "I've just had another report from Morrison's group. They now have more than half of their team secreted throughout the city, which is far higher than we had hoped." She cocked her head to one side, obviously listening, then went on, "The anti-surveillance team report that the cameras covering this sector are now showing a tape from yesterday, so it's safe for us to move forward."

-oo0o-

Round Five, Part Three

With adrenaline pumping furiously through his body and his thoughts firmly focused on the upcoming battle to capture Central City, Alex Krycek could not tear his eyes from the sight of his lover clad in metallic-blue body armor. In his wildest fantasy he could have never imagined anything looking so well on Fox Mulder than the form-fitting armor he now wore.

The tunnels beneath Central City were another truly astonishing sight. No mere holes in the ground, they consisted of a series of interlinked caves and galleries, large and small, leading ever nearer to the enemy.

The tunnel through which Krycek's party were walking now was immense, like a great cathedral. They moved between pillars of twisted rock resembling strange alien sculpture. Their path was lit by small, powerful beams blazing from the sides of their helmets.

Alex glanced over his shoulder and through his visor he could make out his group huddled close together. Everyone seemed to be bolstered by the successful taking of the Australian and European domes. Extra confidence never hurt anyone.

While waiting for nightfall, he'd spent most of the evening going over their plan of attack once more and teaching their young medic friend Wade duPrés how to properly use a blaster. At the moment Wade had pressed himself close to burly Jack Scully, in much the same way as Krycek could feel Mulder close to him.

Soon they emerged from the tunnels and into a cave overlooking the gleaming central dome. Shafts of moonlight pierced the misty gloom.

Alex took a deep breath. This was it, he thought. Do or die -- literally.

"As soon as we spot a work party, remember, that's when we strike," he told the group through the comm-set within his helmet.

Each member acknowledged their leader's instruction with a nod of their heads. And soon they were moving through the darkness.

*****

The straggling work party had been easy to intercept and capture. Having disposed of them behind several large dunes, Krycek's group had discarded their protective helmets and slipped into the -- thankfully -- bulky blue coveralls, which did a pretty good job of hiding their armor.

Having infiltrated a number of organizations in the past, Alex knew exactly how to get inside with their weapons. He sent a handful of his group on ahead inside the city. Jack and Jacqueline caused a distraction giving both him and Mulder time to knock the guards unconscious and redistribute their weapons.

As they hurried through the corridors, Krycek had one goal on his mind: capturing the Central Command Dome. With that under their control, it would be a piece of cake capturing the outlying domes. But first they had to meet with Chaz and his group coming through the hidden entrance in Central Park.

Alex allowed Wade, who having lived in the City for most of his life, to lead them on the fastest route to the park. As they hurried down a junction Alex held up a hand for the group to pause. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, even through the body armor.

After several heartbeats of silence had passed, Mulder nervously whispered, "What is it?"

Waiting another second, Alex waved them along as the sensation passed. "Nothing. Let's move."

Swiftly turning another corner, Wade pointed ahead. "Here it is."

Indeed. An enormous, curved picture window stood several feet away which looked out onto an expansive indoor park.

"Wait here," Krycek instructed Mulder and Wade as he Jack and Jacqueline moved forward.

Mulder pressed his back against the wall to listen out for the first sign of trouble. "Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?" he said out of the corner of his mouth.

Wade cocked his head at his friend. "Hey, I was counting on you to be the strong one."

Mulder's heart beat sped up as he watched his lover searching for Morrison's group.

"There they are," Krycek whispered. He could just make out Chaz's red signal light in the darkness behind the park's fountain. "Come on." He motioned at Mulder and Wade.

"Listen!" said Wade suddenly.

They heard booted feet clattering rapidly toward them.

"Over here, quick!" yelled Alex.

But it was too late.

Suddenly the corridor was filling up with silver-uniformed soldiers. The soldiers ran toward them, weapons in their hands.

Blaster fire echoed off the polished walls as the Resistance engaged the Military Consortium. A trigger-happy soldier let loose a salvo which struck and completely shattered the windows behind Alex, Jack and Jacqueline. The trio found themselves dodging blaster fire and shards of broken glass.

"Ugh!" The Russian yelled in pain. A blast glanced off the shoulder of his armor. It wasn't impervious and any closer would have caused fatal damage. It was enough to almost send him reeling backward. He continued to fire his gun, and the blasts from the pair beside him echoed in his ears. He glanced through the mass of silver shapes for a glimpse of Mulder, but panic gripped his heart as, to his frustration, he couldn't see his lover.

At the far end of the hall, both Mulder and Wade found themselves hopelessly outnumbered. Mulder gripped the blaster in his hand -- which was already scorching his flesh from the number of shots he'd fired. As the soldiers advanced further, he told Wade, "Throw down your gun!"

Wade gave him a helpless look, but did as he was told. "Now what do we do?"

Mulder sighed. "We surrender," he said wearily, and raised his hands. Hopefully, this will give Alex time to get away, he thought as the soldiers grabbed him and thrust him bodily against the wall.

*****

Report after report concerning the downfall of domes around the world had flashed before Lermontov's eyes until they practically burned with rage. He sat in the office of the Security Dome listening as yet another report came through. He switched it off in irritation. He couldn't understand how this rabble had managed such a feat.

Lermontov rubbed his chin worriedly, wondering how their illustrious young leader would handle the situation. At the moment it hadn't concerned Spender in the slightest. In fact, he didn't seem at all anxious with the possibility of Central City being captured by the enemy.

The older man's thoughts were chased away by a brisk rap on the door. Lermontov looked up as his colleague, Alderton, marched into the room.

Both men saluted one another.

"Message from Captain Williams," Alderton said. "His men have captured two rebels."

"Good, good! That's excellent!" Lermontov stood up --finally they'd gained an advantage. "About time we had some success, eh?"

"The patrol are pursuing the other Resistance members near the Central Park zone."

Lermontov swung around alarmed. "Rebels loose in the city?"

Alderton nodded. "Captain Williams is setting up an ambush."

"Very good." Lermontov forced a smile. "Now what about these prisoners?"

*****

From his hiding place high atop a catwalk, Krycek watched the soldiers that had pursued his remaining group move away. He scowled. Fox was in deadly danger in the hands of the Consortium once more. His mind raced. There had to be some way to save him and take control of the dome.

During the attack, Morrison's group had retreated deeper into the city and Krycek had the daunting task of finding them as well. He crawled back to the others who were crouched further back. Krycek recognized the grim look creasing Jack Scully's features. Torn between duty and love, he seemed ready to rip the place apart to get Wade back. The feeling was Alex's close companion.

"They're starting to move out," Krycek said, his lungs straining. "If we work our way around we can slip by them."

"How many?" asked Jacqueline tensely.

"About a dozen. We can handle them. Come on!"

They moved away.

*****

The door of Central Dome Security slid open, and a young soldier wearing a force collar entered and saluted. He stepped aside to make room for two more soldiers, pushing Mulder and Wade before them.

Mulder instantly looked around the room, taking in the futuristic equipment. His eyes widened and his heart deflated at the sight of Lermontov and Alderton together.

His mouth hard and set, Lermontov strode before Mulder. "Make a fool of me would you!" he spat out venomously as the back of his hand snapped across Mulder's face.

Shocked and hurt, Mulder cried out. Wade grabbed his arm and helped him to stay on his feet. Expecting further reprisals, Mulder was relieved when Alderton stepped in. "Do not damage him yet -- he is to be taken to the Punishment Dome."

"Punishment Dome?" Wade stammered.

"Shut up!" Lermontov ordered. "When your rebel friends are taken they will be our guests in the Termination Center."

"Don't worry," Alderton sneered at the younger man. "I think our leader will keep you both as pretty little playthings." He paused. "That is, if there's anything left of you after the Punishers are through."

There was a bleep from the communicator on Lermontov's desk.

"Signal for us, sir," Alderton said. "There is a very urgent meeting."

Lermontov frowned. "Very well." He nodded toward an internal door. "Have the prisoners stripped and take them away."

As the soldiers bustled them toward the door, Mulder turned to Wade with sad eyes. If Alex wasn't successful would they be condemned for the rest of their lives?

*****

In the meeting hall of the Central Dome, young Spender stood before tiered rows of seats, preparing to give his commanders a pep talk. He paused to listen as an officer informed him of the latest developments. Spender's lip curled sadistically when he learned of Fox Mulder's capture. Then he paled upon knowing that more resistance fighters were still at large.

"Find them! Quickly, quickly!" he spluttered. "Or you'll find yourself in the delights of my personal Punishment Dome!"

"I'll attend to their capture personally," the officer said and strode away purposefully.

"You had better!" Spender shrieked then began to cackle hysterically, his own fear giving way to mania.

He turned to gather himself for the meeting. What was going on? Spender could not decide any more. There were suddenly too many dangers in the situation. The Resistance had to be removed: starting with Alex Krycek who seemed to be leading them. And to think he was in my grasp, Spender reminded himself.

Death. Yes. No fancy devices, just clean, quick and final.

Spender took a breath and turned back to grip an onyx podium. "At this moment, gentlemen," he addressed the military rally, "we have captured a Resistance leader."

The men chorused Spender's name and waved their fists in the air.

"We have the power which we shall use to reconquer the Domes. The most powerful weapon this world has ever seen -- the Dyriluum Bomb!"

A hush fell over the hall.

"It will destroy this Resistance vermin once and for all. Our fire will infest the sky! We shall rule! We shall rule!"

"Spender!" shouted the commanders.

Spender stood basking in their applause, savouring his moment of glory.

-oo0oo-

Lermontov looked at Alderton in horror as Spender screamed out his battle cry and then stood to bask in the adoration of his fanatical followers. The commanders chanted 'Spender' over and over as they clapped furiously, and Spender urged them on, throwing his arms wide open to an even greater roar from the crowd filling the great basilica.

"We must prepare to take back all the Cities of the Domes from the Resistance. We must seek out their nests and destroy them to the last man, woman and child. We will *be* victorious. To the battle... to the battle."

The commanders took up the cry and raced from the meeting hall, eager to destroy every single member of the Resistance. Spender turned to face the head of his military, General Alderton, and the highest placed minister of the Domes, Dmitri Lermontov. His eyes were wide and bright with madness, his face contorted into a fanatical mask as the adulation of his minions ripped away the last bastion of his sanity.

"I AM A GOD. We will crush the Resistance and then I shall rule over ALL the world. No one shall stand before me. No one."

"Sir... what of your father?"

"He is nothing now. I am the Leader. I AM THE LEADER. Arrest my father... Send him to the Punishment Dome. Let them cure him of his disgusting aberration for female flesh."

"But, Sir..?"

"Do you question me?" His eyes blazed in fury. "Do you refute my right of Godhood?"

Lermontov lowered his eyes, bowing his head in self-preservation as the young man stepped towards him menacingly. The guards stepped forward too, ready to do as their *god* commanded.

"Never, my... liege."

"Then do as I command."

Alderton and Lermontov bowed low and walked backwards until they had exited the large meeting hall. They heaved a sigh of relief as the ornate doors closed, removing them from Spender's scrutiny. Lermontov looked at the General and though neither spoke, the thought they shared was identical.

Spender was insane.

"He cannot be allowed to deploy the Dyriluum Bomb... it would be the end of all of us."

Lermontov motioned Alderton over to the side of the corridor, hushing him in case Spender was monitoring their conversation. He led the General away towards his private rooms, knowing if would be far safer to talk there.

Alderton began speaking in earnest the moment the door was sealed behind them.

"The Dyriluum Bomb cannot be used in the Domes. It cannot distinguish between our people and the Resistance. They will *all* burn in his fire... and if we knew the location of the Resistance bases then we would have exterminated them a *long* time ago. This is doomed to failure. No... Worse than failure. It would be a disaster for us all."

"Then what do you propose we do about it?"

Alderton looked away, eyes blazing with impotence. There was nothing either of them could do, not when Spender had already won over the military with his call to arms. If Alderton tried to intervene then they would have him summarily executed as a Resistance sympathiser.

"We could assassinate him."

Alderton looked up at Lemontov's treasonable words but Lermontov could see that he didn't have the backbone to attempt a coup d'etat, and without Alderton, any attempt on his part would be doomed to failure. He needed to have the might of the military behind him. He sighed, realising that he had no choice but to play along with the delusional Charles Spender Junior for the time being.

-ooOOoo-

Alex glanced around the corner and ducked back fast. He motioned to the others, holding up fingers to indicate the number of silver-clad Consortium soldiers he had spotted. The group was slightly larger than the numbers counted from the catwalk, and that placed the odds firmly against them being able to slide past unnoticed. He pointed back the way they had come and they nodded their agreement.

Alex fumed silently. The taking of the City of Domes was not going to plan. He had not anticipated Mulder's capture nor the running battles between the opposing forces. Where had it all gone wrong? Jack Scully bore an equally grim look, but that was hardly surprising as his lover, Wade, was also in the hands of the Consortium once again. Silently, they clambered back onto the catwalk and crept along until they found another set of stairs.

Alex leapt back as a yell heralded from below followed a split second later by gun fire. Blaster fire ricocheted off the metal handrail, leaving scorch marks in the wall behind them. He cried out as one creased his cheek, the heat cauterizing the wound at the same time. Alex fired rapidly into the troops massing below them, watching with grim satisfaction as several fell beneath his assault. He could hear the blaster fire from Jack and Jacqueline, answered by bolts of red as more blaster fire came from below.

"Run!"

He yelled his order, hoping to be heard above the cacophony of shouts, explosions and gun fire and they raced back along the catwalk only to draw up short when soldiers poured onto the far end. Alex looked back the way they had come, dismay filling him as silver-clad soldiers braved the volley of shots from his blaster to climb onto the catwalk. They were trapped between them. Several soldiers went screaming to their deaths as Alex shot at one who had managed to draw too close; the soldier taking his own men with him as he fell from the catwalk. The firing stopped, an ominous silence descending as the soldiers moved slowly along the catwalk towards them. Alex glanced over the edge but it would be suicide to jump. He looked back into eyes filled with murderous intent, knowing from the sadistic gleam in those eyes that they would not be offering him a quick death. Suddenly, a grappling hook wrapped around the handrail and Alex's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw the alabaster faces of Resistance fighters far below. Two more grappling irons wrapped around the steel rail and, taking his courage in his hands, Alex grasped the rope and leapt over the side, followed by Jack and Jacqueline.

Cries of rage erupted from the Consortium soldiers as they raced towards the middle of the catwalk where Alex and his compatriots had been standing seconds before, their blaster fire sizzling the air as Alex descended rapidly. Bodies fell screaming around him as the Resistance fighters meted out their own revenge on the Consortium guard. Alex was running as soon as his feet hit the ground, his arm clasping that of Chaz Morrison before he pivoted smoothly and added his blaster fire to the carnage.

Morrison grabbed his arm once more and drew him away, yelling information as they raced along the wide corridors.

"The Fifth Column has reached the outer edges of the forum surrounding Central Dome and we have taken the Military and Pleasure Domes. The Resistance has taken the main gate and knocked out the defense grid. The gates are wide open and our people are pouring through." Morrison grinned broadly even as he gasped for air. "Just as you planned."

Alex grinned. Moments before he was wondering where it had all gone wrong but, in truth, everything was working exactly as he had planned. Only his own small part in the attack had not gone as smoothly as he hoped but then, his group had penetrated into the most strongly defended part of the city where the First Families of the Consortium ruled the world.

They pulled to a halt at the edge of the great forum leading to the most powerful place on Earth -- the Central Dome. Alex had been brought through here on his way to the slave auction, and he recalled it being filled with people bustling about on their daily business. Now it was deserted as members of the privileged Families and their servants and slaves fled the ferocious fighting. On the far side Alex could see sporadic blaster fire, and then the Consortium soldiers appeared as they were forced to retreat before the might of the Resistance.

He glanced across the no longer deserted forum. This would be the most dangerous part for there was precious little cover but he hoped the guards would be distracted by the fighting that had spilled onto the furthest edge of the forum from where they stood.

"Keep your heads down... and let's go."

They raced across the open space, ducking and weaving once they were spotted by the guards. Blaster fire kicked up the paving beneath his feet. Alex kept his focus ahead, refusing to dwell on the Resistance fighters who were cut down to either side of him as the elite guard of the First Families strafed the concourse. He slammed himself up against the wall just to the side of the great steps that led up to the Consortium seat of power.

The battle between the Consortium soldiers and the Resistance grew closer and Alex turned his group of thirty plus Resistance to join the running battle. They cut down the remaining opposition in a crossfire and, as the last of the Consortium soldiers fell, more Resistance and Fifth Column raced into the forum until Alex had a small army at his command. He stripped the tattered remnants of the maintenance overall from his body, revealing the metallic blue body armour and emblem displaying his status of Leader of the Resistance. Now, with victory close at hand, he would no longer work stealthily from the shadows. Now it was time to step into the light and openly -- proudly -- take his place at the front of his people.

With a rebel yell he took the steps three at a time, cutting down the ill-prepared guards by the main entrance. A huge cry rose behind him as Jack Scully, Morrison, Jacqueline and the combined forces of the Resistance and the Fifth Column rushed the Central Dome.

The battle raged through the corridors of power to the very heart of the dome until the last of the Consortium threw down their weapons and surrendered.

Alex stood in the great basilica where, unknown to him, Spender had given his passionate speech only a short time before. He turned swiftly as the door slammed open and General Alderton was dragged before him by Morrison. Morrison's eyes were blazing in triumph as he forced Alderton to his knees in front of him, and Alex recalled Mulder's description of the welts and bruises marring Morrison's physically and sexually abused body... courtesy of the sadistic General who now cowered before him.

"Where's Mulder?" he demanded viciously.

"And Wade du Pres?"

Alex glanced across as Jack Scully came to stand by his side.

"Lermontov ordered them to be taken to the Punishment Dome."

Alex glanced sharply at Jacqueline and she shook her head in negation. The Punishment Dome had been a low priority so it had yet to be breached. Alex strode away, intent on rectifying that situation immediately, with Jack Scully close on his heels. He stopped and turned as Morrison called out.

"What do we do with *him*?" he spat out the last word in contempt as he kicked the cowering General.

Alex gave the General once last cold and contemptuous look.

"Do what you want. I don't need him so he's all yours."

Alex didn't wait to see what Morrison would do, but the echo of a single blaster shot reverberated around him as he and Jack Scully raced towards the corridor connecting the Central Dome to the Punishment Dome; their one intent being to find Mulder and Wade. Thirty soldiers of the Resistance came behind them, filled with a single purpose... to follow their leader, Alex Krycek, to the death if necessary.

-ooOOoo-

Mulder cried out weakly as the shock stick sizzled against his beaten and bloodied body. His body twitched and twisted as he tried to escape the incredible pain that flowed through him. His arms, that were secured together high over his head to a hook dangling from the ceiling, screamed in protest, almost dislocating from his shoulders as he wrenched away from the stick once more. A thin trail of mostly saliva dribbled down his face, mingling with the blood still seeping from his split lip, as his empty stomach rebelled once more. The roar of his own blood pounding in his ears almost drowned out the feeble screams as Wade suffered at the brutal hands of *his* punisher.

Mulder jerked again, screaming hoarsely, body spinning as his tormentor laughed maniacally. Spender had taken it upon himself to administer Mulder's punishment, and his sadism had no bounds. He grabbed Mulder's shoulder and pulled sharply so Mulder's body was spinning faster, and then he touched the shock stick to Mulder's battered frame once more.

Spender trailed fingers through the sticky come seeping from Mulder's ass, recalling the pleasure of brutally raping the defenceless man. He licked his lips in anticipation of slaking his pleasure again, having already decided that he would not allow Alex Krycek a quick and easy death after all. Instead he would keep both of these men barely alive and in constant torment, using their bodies for both his pleasure and as a deterrent against any further uprisings by either the Resistance or his own traitorous people.

Spender dropped the shock stick and moved to the bench to select his next toy. He lovingly caressed the laser whip and snapped it once against Mulder's exposed ass. It crackled, the smell of seared flesh filling the air as it striped across the bare cheeks leaving a red, raw welt in its path.

Mulder sobbed piteously, too far into shock and pain to find the strength to scream out again. His body spun slowly, his blurred vision barely registering the demented look on the young face of the cruel Consortium leader.

"You won't be so macho after this next blow. I'm going to castrate you."

As he came around again, Mulder saw the whip raised with the intention of striking across his exposed groin. He thought of all the pleasure he had shared with Alex, knowing that he would never have that again. A sharp crack echoed around the room but Mulder felt no pain. He stared hard into the surprised features of Charles Spender Junior, confused by the dark hole that had appeared in the center of the sadistic leader's forehead. Spender crumpled to the floor, eyes still wide open in shock and Mulder sobbed harder as he heard the familiar husky voice of the man he loved. The rope attached to his wrists was severed and he was careful lowered into his lover's arms, his tears of pain and relief flowing freely as he was wrapped in the strong arms.

Spender was dead. The Consortium defeated. Alex was alive and they were together once more.

"I've got you, Fox." Husked Alex emotionally after cutting his lover's hands out of the leather straps.

"Ahhhhhhh...." Cried Fox. The pain his shoulders, when they were finally released from their unnatural position, was agonizing.

Alex pulled Mulder's head to his heaving chest and whispered, "You're okay now.... I'll protect you..."

Mulder wanted to raise his arms and wrap them around Alex. He wanted to hold his lover tight and to know that he too, was okay. But his biceps were so numb that he could not. The cement floor felt good on Fox's bare limbs. The cold emanating up helped to anaesthetise the hot bolts of pain that shot through him like an electrical current; from the tops of his shoulders to the tips of his fingers. By now, the open welt and whip marks had merely become dull aches, no more painful that a headache. And as much as he didn't want to, Fox cried tears of relief to be rescued and above all, to be in Alex's comforting arms again. He had been worried about what had happened to Alex after he and Wade had been captured.

Alex heard Fox's cries of pain and relief and held the naked man even tighter. "Some one get me some clothes for Fox!" He barked out.

"Are *you* okay Alex." Fox finally managed.

Alex let out a small laugh. He could feel where his shoulder had been hit by shrapnel in a firefight earlier; the dull ache throbbed in time to his heartbeat. But he ignored his own hurts for the sake of Fox's.

"Am I okay? Christ Fox, I'm not the one who just took a beating while hanging from a damn hook." He felt Fox shudder and Alex answered his lover's question. "I'm fine Fox, just fine."

He felt Mulder nod, then heard, "And Wade, what about him?"

"I'm okay, Fox." Came a soft reply from the entranceway.

Both men turned their heads and saw Wade, dressed in hospital fatigues, standing there smiling weakly at them. Jack was hovering protectively close behind Wade.

Both of the young medic's eyes were blackened and the left one was already starting to swell shut, but if he had any other injuries, the clothing hid them from the others. Wade held out some folded clothes: it was the same outfit that he was wearing.

Alex stretched back, reached with one arm and took the items. "Thanks Wade. You two can go now. I'll help Fox get dressed." He turned his green gaze to the man who had been his second in command. "Jack take Wade to the main security unit we saw in the middle of this dome and wait for me there. Pass the word that I want all leaders to muster their troops, double check and then seal their assigned domes. We'll all meet in the military dome and dispense with a statement to the citizens at that time. For now, the people should be asked to stay off the streets. Dismissed." Alex turned away from Jack and Wade and hugged Fox closer to his chest.

"I should check Fox's wounds for him...." Wade said, stepping closer to the two men on the floor. He was fortunate in that he had not been raped before Jack had burst into his cell and shot his tormenters.

"No." Alex firmly. "I'll dress Fox's wounds for him." Mulder was grateful that Alex had refused Wade. Right about then, he didn't want anyone but Alex touching him.

Jack nodded in the affirmative. "We'll do as you commanded, Alex."

He left then, pulling Wade behind him, not giving the younger man a chance to protest.

~o~

"How did you know that I didn't want Wade to take care of my welts?" Asked Mulder, who with Alex's help stood up. His legs were shaky, but at least they remained lock-kneed and beneath him.

Alex helped Fox into the thick cotton draw string pants and then pulled on a pair of terry-towel slipper/socks onto his ice cold feet. Before he put on the shirt, Krycek carefully led Mulder over to a sink in the corner of the room and turned on the hot water. He plugged the sink with a face cloth and pulled another cloth off of a shelf near his right hand and dropped it into the water.

"I didn't know for sure." Alex said gently.

He opened up the mirrored cabinet and found the necessary supplies to clean up Mulder and pulled them out.

"But a long time ago...." As he spoke, Alex shut the water off and poured some light-orange liquid into the steaming water. The label on the bottle said simply ‘antiseptic'. He pulled the second cloth out of the sink, wrung it out then started to wash the dried blood off of Mulder's back.

".... before we were put into cry-sleep, one of Spender's soldiers raped me in the showers of that building."

Alex brought his eyes up and met Mulder's in the mirror. He dipped the cloth and squeezed it out one - handed, leaving a little more of the water in the cloth this time.

Fox blinked back at Alex, but said nothing.

"I couldn't stop the rape, all I could do was hope to make it through it, and when I did, I was grateful. I remember not wanting any one to touch me after. When those consortium doctors came at me with a needle I flipped, I had to be held down, the goon that did me in the showers got off over again, and Spender that bastard..."

Mulder could see that Alex was reliving the terrible incident all over again; like the rape had happened a few months ago and not three hundred years. But he let his lover talk, Alex seemed to need to get this off of his chest, whether he realized it or not.

Despite his anger, Alex's touch was as gentle as ever.

".... loved every minute of it. The doctors wanted to examine me, but I struggled against them. I couldn't *not* fight them. I blackened one doctor's eyes." Alex rinsed the cloth and repeated his cleansing ministrations over the rest of Fox's back.

"I wondered who'd done that." Murmured Fox, still watching Alex in the mirror. He saw Alex's dark head bob up and down and he couldn't help but smile slightly at the thought of his lover trying to stop the cryo-sleep process.

"Anyway, I remembered how I felt back then, and I just thought that it would be the same for you too."

Done, Alex rinsed the cloth again and started to wash his lover's face. He stared into Fox's eyes; gently dabbing here and there as Fox held his gaze.

Between the tears, snot and dried blood, Alex was amazed that any skin was visible beneath. His touch slowly waned, then stopped and the two men looked deeply into the other's eyes.

Then Fox took the cloth away from his lover, and the moment between them was broken. He scrubbed hard at his own face. Done, Mulder pulled the cloth that was keeping the water in the basin and watched the soft pink-orange liquid twirl out of sight.

Meanwhile, Alex left Fox to washing his own face and started to bandage some of the deeper cuts on his lover's back. But most he left alone to let the air dry them.

"I won't need to cover all of the welts. Just the worse ones. The nanites will take care of the others, in due time."

"okay." Fox said softly.

Alex handed over a shirt and Mulder pulled it over his head gingerly. "I'm sorry about what happened to you before." Fox said, staring into his lover's eyes. "I uh.....Uh....Um...well, it's to bad that we both have to know what the other feels like when it comes to this kind of shit!" The former agent had started out stammering but then, his anger took over and his words were clear and concise. "I want to put this god-dammed city back in order then I want to get the hell out of here! I'm sick and tired of everyone taking advantage of us Alex. From now on, it's just you and me. No fucking resistance, no frigging ministers wanting a ‘pet' to fuck and no futuristic psycho leaders who want to hurt you and castrate me!"

Alex stood close to Mulder in case his lover should fall, but other than that, he let him rant, knowing better than anybody that one had to vent the bad feelings or they would fester.

His tirade played out, Mulder said to Alex. "Come on then, lets get going, the sooner we see to business the better."

"Okay." Agreed the Russian. "Have you thought about where you want to go after leaving this city. There are real dangers out in the world Fox. Believe me, I know. I've clashed with a primeval people whom the resistance named Nomads. They are not nice! They were the ones who captured us and then sold me to the soldiers who then sold me into slavery." Alex winced at that thought, and then put a protective arm around Fox. Together they started toward the meeting place, continuing their conversation.

"I heard others talk about an oasis to the west. It sounds like they were talking about what used to be Palm Springs. I want to go there. You're the saviour of this fucking planet Alex, I'm sure they can spare a helicar or something for us to leave in!"

"Relax Fox. I'm sure we will be able to get our hands on safe transportation. Maybe a few others will come with us...."

"I meant what I said Alex."

Mulder abruptly switched topics, catching his lover off guard; who was thinking about everything they would need to do before they could leave the domed city on it's own.

"Eh?" He asked, confused by the sudden change in conversation.

"Before, what I said. That I'm sorry for what happened to you way back when."

Alex stopped walking and embraced Fox as tightly as he dared. "It's okay, it was along time ago."

"But what about Charles Spender? He hurt you really bad...."

Alex cut Mulder off. "And I'll get over that too...just like I always have. But please, stop worrying about me, and let me worry about you for a change."

"Okay." Mulder agreed. He realized that at that point, that Alex did make him feel safe. Not just safe, but protected.

"Alex?" He asked softly, still held tight in Alex's embrace. "Why am I shaking?"

Aware of the trembling, Krycek pulled back and said knowledgeably, "It's just the shock Fox. In a few hours, the shaking will quit then you will feel exhausted and after that, you're going to sleep for hours. When you wake up, your body will feel better but not your mind. And when that happens, I'll be here." He smiled and softly kissed Fox gently on his lips. The kiss was not long, as it wasn't meant for a precursor of sex.

It was meant simply to encourage and console Mulder.

Once Fox and Alex had arrived at the meeting place they joined Jack and Wade at a central desk.

"The city is secured and the troops are awaiting further orders." Informed Jack upon the two men's arrival.

Alex nodded and let go of Fox's hand when Wade stepped up and guided the very pale Mulder to a chair. His eyes were on Mulder, but Krycek spoke to Jack. "First we need to set up a interim government, one the people will accept then we need to send for the rest of the civilian resistance."

"Already done Sir." Jack smiled and handed a small palm-sized computer to Krycek.

Alex accepted the device, pulled a stylus from its holding place and punched a spot on the computer screen. A written statement popped up into view. Alex read it carefully while Jack spoke on.

"This statement went world-wide fifteen minutes ago. As for the resistance, they are on their way as we speak. The journey will be arduous, especially with the nomads not knowing what the hell is going on right now. But for those who arrive here safely, it will be worth it."

Alex handed the computer back to Jack. "Any ideas about who will run a government?"

"The people know and trust the name of Lieutenant Morrison." Jack replied.

Alex turned his gaze toward the blond man, who was talking to Wade and Mulder. Jack's eyes followed his superior's.

"I don't know about him....." Alex drudged up a bad memory of Morrison pinning him to the sink, and threatening boldly,

"Either you come to my bed when summoned or Fox Mulder does."

And though he had agreed at the time to allow the lieutenant commander use his body, it had never come about. The resistance had broken into the installation and rescued him. After that, he'd been kidnapped, beaten, sold as a slave on the auction block and badly used by a man ten years his junior and three times as crazy as any bad trick he had come across previously.

Jack could ‘see' what Alex was thinking about.

"Not everything was his fault you know." The resistance fighter said cautiously, "I know he behaved badly toward you in the beginning, but he's since redeemed himself and has become an instrumental part of the resistance. We can't expect these people to just except us Alex, we're strangers to them."

Alex nodded, Jack was right. Morrison had been there at the end, during the fight, to stabilize his rope as he made his escape from the catwalk. "You're right Jack. But I want you to co-govern the city. The resistance will need a voice that speaks for them in the new times."

"Of course, it will be an honour to partake in the creation of a new state." Jack called the Lieutenant commander over.

"You two work it out." Said Alex as the handsome commander approached. "Fox is exhausted, he needs some time to heal. I'm going to take him back to the vices dome. The troops are there, setting up?"

By this time, Chaz had stopped beside the two men. "You have been assigned the top floor of the Main Street hotel." He said, coming into the conversation and answering for Jack.

Alex raised his eyebrows. "We don't need a penthouse, Jack." He said to his comrade. "Mulder and I will do fine in a regular suite." The Russian didn't want any special treatment from the other men.

"It's for safety reasons Alex." Charles said. "There is easy access to the roof should you need to make a quick exit."

"All right." Alex said hesitantly. "We'll be there then if you need us. You've both been up for 36 hours. See that you get some shut-eye, soon. The old world wasn't created in a day, and neither will this new one."

The Russian turned and went off to collect his lover.

~O~

Once back at the penthouse, Alex helped Mulder to finish washing up then tucked him into the comfortable king-sized bed. Fox was asleep immediately. Alex laid cuddled close with his lover for another half an hour. In that time, his mind kept going over and over again what Lieutenant Morrison had done to him at the installation and what Spender Junior had done to him in the apartment. The younger man's laugh, heard in the remembrance of a particularly hurtful session, was such, that it still sent a chill down his spine. Alex shivered briefly and then decided that it was safe enough too shower off the sweat and grime of the last couple of days. The Russian sent an aide for some clean, men's clothes and some food.

When he left the steaming bathroom, Alex found some Chinese food waiting for him on the coffee table.

Alex inhaled deeply and tightening the belt on his robe, he sad down and dug in.

~O~

Finally, after a shower and with a full belly, Alex was relaxed enough to sleep. He slipped off the white terry towel and crawled into bed, naked and warm, next to his lover. Spooning Fox from behind, Alex drifted immediately off to sleep. Mentally telling himself that he could only sleep for six hours.

~O~

Though he managed to fall asleep rather easily, Alex's slumber was broken and un-restful. Dreams of chaos and disorder kept him tossing and turning.

>>>>>

"I haven't been laid in ages, you can blow me and if you do a good job, I'll let you live long enough to find out why you're really here."

All Alex could see was Richard's hard face sneering at him. Demanding that Alex get on his knees and use his mouth. But Alex didn't want to; he was tired of doing that. The men in the prison had taken too much from him as it was; he did not want to suck another cock. Alex knew he had to fight, but it was not enough and the larger man managed to get him bent over.

"I want you awake for this."

That's what Richard had said, seconds before raping him.

Why did everyone want a piece of him?

The slaver who had sold him had lifted his small tunic and showed the excited crowd his private parts. Alex was humiliated, the crowd's cheers and catcalls were embarrassing. The way the bidders were screaming, all of it for him, seemed unreal. And yet, when the frenzy had died down, Alex found himself the property of a psychopath.

"You see, giving you pain, gives me pleasure..."

What Spender Jr. had done to him on the last night had hurt him the most. The younger man had managed to 'break' Alex by torturing him with an electric whip first, then by raping him with an object.

With the handle of a hairbrush to be exact.

Then Spender Jr. gently kissed away the ache before picking up the whip and beating him some more. Finishing the session by having sex with him again, this time the action was man on man.

Alex had just wanted to die at that point...it could have been so easy to just give up and let himself rest for good. But he couldn't because he knew that Fox was out there somewhere, needing him, even counting on him to come and rescue him.

And so it was for Fox Mulder's sake alone that Alex fought with the junior Spender mentally; even though he could not physically. Seconds after he had slipped into oblivion, Spender ran the pain baton over Alex's scrotum and the Russian, pulled from his unconsciousness screamed.

<<<<<

~o~

Alex jolted up in the bed. The dreams had been so vivid, so clear. He could feel a slight sting across the base of his balls. "Ahhh...Fuck." He wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked to the bedside clock. He had been asleep for only two hours; he unquestionably needed at least two more to feel human again. So, trying to banish the bad dreams, he rolled over to his left side and Fox followed him.

Alex felt secure with his lover tucked in tightly to his back.

The former double agent shut his eyes and tried to clear his thoughts of the disturbing images. Eventually succeeding, and when inner peace was achieved, he dozed back to sleep.

~o~

Fox woke first, pleased to feel that he had a morning erection. And even more pleased that he had it nestled comfortably between his belly and Alex's firm ass cheeks. He rocked his hips gently up and down and eased his arm over Alex's slim waist. The ache in his shoulders had settled considerably but still wasn't completely gone. Fox ignored the discomfort and nibbled at Alex's neck as he gently fisted his lover's semi-erection to life.

His lover made a few ‘mmmm' sounds, and Fox was encouraged. "Alex, do you want to make love?" he said softly.

Alex smiled and sleepily seductive, ground his ass slowly against Fox's erection. "You know I do baby." He husked, eyes still closed.

"I love you." Whispered Fox softly. He removed his hand from Alex's cock and quietly spit onto his palm. Fox lubricated Alex as best as he could before positioning his engorged head at his lover's tight entrance and pushing.

Access was immediate.

Alex hissed in discomfort, but he would not let Fox retreat.

Mulder, for his part, took a few calming breaths before continuing to penetrate Alex from behind. Once he was fully seated, Fox eased his hand back into Alex's lap and masturbated his lover in time to the rhythm of his hips.

Rapture was just as immediate.

A few short thrusts into his lover, and Mulder was ready to come. He couldn't help it; Alex was so tight, so ready for him. For the first time in hours, the former agent's thoughts were of only Alex. Charles Spender Jr. and his brutal tactics, were for the time being, vanquished from Fox's head.

"I can't hold back Alex." Uttered Mulder.

"So don't" Moaned Alex, following Fox over the precipice as they came with in seconds of each other.

After wards, cuddling in the same position that they had made love in, Mulder said softly, "You saved me Alex. You saved me from Spender. I can't tell you how much I love you. I...in our short time together, I feel this is how it should have been for us before Duane Barry. Before the shit hit the fan. With out you, I'm nothing." Fox kissed Alex's round shoulder.

"I love you too Fox. When I kicked that door in yesterday and saw Spender, I thought he'd killed you. I hadn't planned on killing him at first, but now I'm glad I did." Alex sighed, and said wistfully, "I wish it could had been like this for us back then too. It just may have ended up this way for us too, except that I screwed it up. I was planning on giving you some information that I stole from one of Spender's minions. That's why he tracked me down and sent me to that hell on earth Tunisian prison. If we had teamed up Fox, I know we would have fought ‘them' and won. We could have won the god-dammed war before it even started."

As Alex spoke he absently caressed Fox's forearm with his fingers.

"Well, it doesn't matter any more, Alex. We both have regrets. But we have to live in the world the way it is today. I want to be with you Alex, I tired of fighting for people we don't even know anymore."

"I'm tired of fighting too." Murmured Alex. "Let's make our plans to leave and try to be gone by tomorrow night." Alex reached down and pulled the quilt back over he and Mulder. "But first, lets go back to sleep, just for another hour." His voice was drowsy with a warm post-coital glow.

Mulder didn't reply, he hugged his lover tight and shut his eyes. Palm Springs, or Oasis as the people called it, could wait another day or two. He and Alex had all the time in the world.

THE END.