From: "Sarah Rizvi" Subject: The Lady & The Pirate ( 1/4) - MSR Date: Sat, 06 Sep 1997 18:00:35 PDT Title: The Lady & The Pirate Author: Quetzel E-mail address: powder_puff@hotmail.com Distribution Statement: Archive anywhere Spoilers: None. Rating: PG Content warning: Romance. M&S Conspiracy Category: Story, Romance, Disclaimer: Everyone you recognize from The X-Files belongs to Chris Carter, Fox, and Ten Thirteen Productions. And some ideas, parts and scenes are borrowed from a book I read: "The Pirate and the Pagan" by Virginia Henley. So maybe this is a slight cross over I mean no harm! Don't waste your time trying to sue me, I don't have anything of any value except my computer and that isn't even mine! It's my Dad's! Summary: The year is 1789, Samantha Mulder is being forced to marry Richard Matkins She runs away with her pirate brother, Flash AKA Fox Mulder and her best friend, Dana Scully gets dragged along. They're on the run from James Matkins ROMANCE ~ MSR ---------------------- Samantha glanced up at the clock again. "Dana, if we're late, Madame Rachel will have us throttled!" "Wait one second! You had more time to prepare, you knew about this meeting yesterday! It's only fair that I have a change to look presentable!" Samantha rolled her eyes, "Fine , I guess you have a point. You know, men don't have half as many troubles preparing for a meeting as women do." Dana came down the stair wearing a green dress with a high collar, lace sleeves and fine shoes. "That's because they're men! Men don't have to wear dresses, they don't have to spend an hour curling their hair and doing makeup. I think men want us to dress this way to keep us in line. It has nothing to do with traditions-" Samantha laughed, "If you could have your way, you'd be dressed in pants all day long! Come on, no time to doddle, the carriage is waiting for us." He threw the glass across his cabin, "FROHIKE! I'm in need of your assistance!" Frohike came running into the cabin, "Yes, Fox?" He glared at him, "HOW many times must I request that you NOT call me Fox? Call me Flash! Or at least Mulder!" "But those aren't your names-" Frohike started. "Mulder is my last name!" He retorted. Frohike was one of the only men on his crew who would talk back to him, but that was only because Mulder would let him. The others wouldn't be able to get away with it. "I received a message from my sister." He poured himself a drink. "Samantha? How is she?" Frohike sat down in a chair by the cabin door. "She is getting married, to Richard Matkins. The son of that smoking son of a bitch-" "James Matkins." Frohike finished the sentence, bowing his head. The thought of delicate Samantha Mulder marrying that monster made in cringe. "I want to take my sister away, we have to leave France and go to England." "RICHARD MATKINS? You're marrying Richard? Oh, how horrid!" Dana exclaimed. Samantha nodded, wiping the tears away from her face, "My Aunt arranged the whole thing! I don't want him! I'll take anyone else!" Dana threw her arms around her friend, "Shh, you don't have to marry him. Protest. Do something!" "My mother and my Aunt have their minds set! I already tried to talk them out of it. My Aunt speaks very highly of him." "Please, no! They're involved with smuggling, stealing, conspiracy and God knows what else! Perhaps we could poison Richard-" "Dana, you aren't funny!" Samantha snapped. Dana sighed, "Sorry. It was just a thought, a wish more like it. Isn't there anyone who can save you from Richard?" She handed Samantha a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes again, "My brother is coming for me. I'll just run away with him and his crew. He'll protect me-" Dana raised an eyebrow, "Your brother? I had no idea that he was still alive." "If I tell you something, do you swear never to speak of it again?" Samantha said in a whisper. Dana nodded, loving a secret and hoping that it'll make things clear to her. "Yes. I promise on my name." Samantha sat up, "My brother is Flash the Pirate." "Is that some sort of sick joke, Samantha?" "No. I promise to you he is. Fox William Mulder is Flash the Pirate. He sometimes goes by Fox Flash. He's captain of his own ship, it's called `The Truth.' I swear to it." "I know of all his aliases and that he is captain of `The Truth'! My mother and father have told me so many stories of him to scare me away from wrong doings! He has a price on his head-" "He isn't bad. My brother is a good man, you don't know him, Dana!" Dana sighed, "But what about your friend and family here?" "Something to sacrifice." She bowed her head and whispered the words. Dana closed her eyes, "All right. Whatever you think is right for you. I'll miss you so much." The two girls hugged, the tears starting to fall. "Dana, I'm leaving soon. Will you come with me to the docks?" Dana nodded, "Of course, promise to write to me when you can?" "Every week!" "You aren't scared?" "I trust Fox. You'd like him, Dana." TWO MONTHS LATER ~ The house was silent. Dana slipped out of her room and down the steps to the door. She waited and listened for her parents or one of the servants. No one had heard her so far. This was her first time sneaking out of her house in the middle of the night, she was giddy. Eventually she made it out to the street where a carriage waited for her. The driver, a man by the name of Langley, approached her. "Flash sent me. Samantha is inside." He helped her in. And true enough, Samantha was inside the carriage. She was wearing a bonnet, her dress was blue and her dark hair was in curls around her shoulders. "Dana, I'm glad you made it." She reached for her hand. Dana sighed, "So am I." "A driver will take you home as soon as I have left. Dana, this is for the better." Dana nodded her head, "Of course. I would do the same if I had to marry Richard Matkins and be part of the sham of a family." "I regret not being able to be with you when you finally marry." "That won't be for a while!" Dana laughed as the carriage started to move. Richard started to pace. One of the servants he had placed in the Mulder house had told him that Samantha planned on running away with her pirate brother. "Son, are you ready?" Richard looked up to see his father at the door. In his hand was a cigar, he always had one. "Yes, Sir." "Good. I have the men out waited at the docks with pistols. There is no way that girl is getting out of England." Richard sighed, "What about witnesses?" "We'll kill them." He smiled, placing the cigar in his mouth. Frohike waited patiently while Fox paced. "She isn't here yet. She was caught. Damn! Who did you send to fetch her?" "I sent Langley, Fox." "LANGLEY! They MUST be lost by now! That man has NO sense of direction what so ever!" "You're wrong, Mulder. There is the carriage." He pointed out to the streets. "Have you arranged for a driver to take her friend home?" Fox asked, checking his face in a mirror, brushing his dark hair away from his eyes. "Yes. Although I had to pay him 10 pounds to do it!" "That's nothing, Frohike. We have plenty. Take the money from my box later on. Come. You have to meet my sister." Together the two men walked down the ramps. A full moon was out and the sky was clear. Everything looked as if it'd go as planned. Delicately stepping out of the carriage was a red haired girl. Her dress was a cream color. After her came another girl. Her hair was dark and her dress was blue. "Samantha." Fox whispered. "Her friend his pretty." Frohike noted, glancing up at Fox. Fox rushed out to the street. Samantha raced into his arms, "Fox! I'm so happy you came for me." He stroked her dark hair, "I wouldn't dare leave my only sister in the hands of Richard Matkins and his father." He kissed the top of her head. Samantha pulled away, "Fox, this is my best friend, Dana Scully." She presented Dana. The name sounded so familiar to him. "Dana Scully? Any relation to General William Scully of the King's Navy?" She bowed her head, the red curls falling around her face, "He is my father." HER FATHER! Samantha guessed that Fox's paranoia would take over. She could be a spy for all he knew. But he trusted Samantha's judgment , so he wouldn't question Dana yet. Dana eyed the tall man before her. He wore a white silk shirt with black birches. He had mysterious eyes and was the true definition of tall, dark and handsome. His tanned skin glowed in the moon light, making a chill run up her spine. He bowed gracefully, "Hello, Dana." She was about to answer him when a shot rang out in the distance. Fox grabbed her arm and pulled her down to the ground, "STAY LOW!" He shouted. Men sprang out from behind them, one of them was screaming: "GIVE YOURSELF UP, FLASH!" Dana saw a pistol in Fox's hand, he pulled her to her feet and stood in front of her, "GET ON THE SHIP!" He screamed to her. Dana was caught in a whirlwind and before she knew what was happening, Samantha was dragging her onto the boat. "Dana, come! You'll get shot!" "LET GO OF THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER!" One of them men from the street shouted. Fox fired his pistol and ran onto the ship, "WE HAVE TO GO, FROHIKE! NOW!" Richard cursed, "They're gone!" He watched the ship pulling out, Samantha and General Scully's daughter on it. "Don't worry, we'll get to them sooner or later." his father said. "WHAT?" "Have patience, boy. It tends to be very useful." "My fianc‚e is gone, you want me to be patient?" He was starting to get annoyed with his son, "Shut up, Richard. You're never too old to be throttled." Richard winced, remembering the beatings his father used to give him. "Good. Richard, you'll have Samantha in the end. I promise." Samantha whirled around on the deck of the boat, "WE MADE IT!" Fox glanced at Dana, "I'm sorry you got dragged along, but I couldn't leave you with them." "But aren't they the King's guards?" "They claim to be." He answered and started pacing again. Samantha took Dana's hand, "Don't worry, you'll go home soon enough. Up for an adventure?" "Samantha, you must be out of your mind. I can't go with you." "Why not?" "I... my family!" Samantha nodded, realizing what Dana was scared of Fox being a pirate, and it wouldn't be good to be running around with a wanted man. "Oh, well.... I'm not sure what we could do." Dana closed her eyes, letting the cold wind brush her face, "So, now what?" "You come with us." Samantha said with a smile. "Where?" She asked. "Fox, where are we going?" She turned to ask her brother. "I have a job to do in France, Samantha. I'm afraid you're coming with me." "FRANCE?" Dana practically jumped out of her skin. "Dana, it's all right." Samantha put a hand on her arm. "I suggest you two ladies go down to the cabins. You'll have to share a large room, I hope you don't mind." "Oh, not at all, Fox. Thank you so much." She kissed her brother good night and retreated down below. Fox watched them leave, letting out a sigh. What had they gotten Dana Scully into? The General would be furious with him for dragging her along! Five days passed and Dana started to get into a routine. Samantha was excited. "We're finally free, Dana!" "This is reckless! Insane! If we're captured, you'll go back to Richard and my father will never forgive me! My parents must be scared out of their minds!" Fox appeared in the door, "Samantha, Frohike wanted to show you something on deck." Samantha stood up, "Come Dana-" "Can I speak with her?" He asked. Dana's mouth went dry. "Can we go on deck and talk? It is getting a bit stuffy in here." He nodded. The trio made their way up the ladder and he helped them onto the deck. Samantha immediately went to the rail, watching the water rush past her. Fox took a breath, "Dana, I'm so sorry for dragging you along with us, I promise you'll be returned home safely as soon as possible." Dana looked up at him, "All right." "I hope you understand that five nights ago, I thought taking you with us was the best course of action.... there is no way you would have made it home safe." "But who were those men?" "They looked like Matkin's people. I suppose Richard found out about Samantha leaving." Dana bit her lower lip, "All right. As long as I'll get home soon." "As soon as possible." He promised. Margaret Scully threw the pillow onto the ground. "WILLIAM! Our only daughter has vanished into thin air and you're calm! Did she run away? Why would my darling run away like that?" "I don't think she ran away." He finished reading the letter in his hand. "Who is that from?" She asked, walking towards him. "Fox Mulder. He has Dana with him." "Mulder? Any relation to Samantha Mulder? What is our daughter doing with Fox Mulder?! Who is he?" Alarm started rising in her voice. "I'm sure Fox will protect Dana, don't fret too much over it." "WHO IS FOX MULDER?" "The stories will only frightening you-" "How dare you keep this from me, William? She's my daughter, I have a right to know where she is and what's happened to her!" "I want you to know that Fox Mulder is a spy for the King." "SPY? Our daughter is off with a spy?" "He poses as Flash the Pirate. He's not dangerous, he's under my command, Margaret." "A spy?" Margaret's eyes were wide. "Don't worry, Dana is fine. He said so in the message. Matkin and his men came, there was no way she could get home safely, so he took her with them. I told him not to take Samantha with him on this.... he never listens!" "He never listens? Is Dana going to be all right? Is he reckless?" "Don't worry, he's strong, he has plenty of men and weapons. She's safe there with him." "She's alone with a strange man and you want me to not worry?!" "Samantha is with her." "Why?" "He decided to save his sister, Samantha, from Richard Matkins, so he came here to get her." Margaret collapsed into the chair, "My poor Dana. Why is this happening to her? I hope she's all right. I wonder what she's doing now. She's most likely scared out of her mind!" It was night and Dana was almost drunk. She challenged Fox to a contest. "What kind of contest?" He questioned her with a smile. "You pick one." She giggled. Samantha had gone to bed long ago but Dana was not a bit tired. There was a dining room connected to Fox's cabin, and that was where they sat now talking. "Oyster eating?" He suggested with a smirk. "Oysters? I suppose." She poured herself some more wine. "John, please fetch some oysters and more wine." He said with a grin on his face. John was a youth a bit older than Dana, his hair was blond and his eyes were deep green. "Yes, Flash." He quickly returned with a bucket of oysters and spread them out on the table. Dana saw that the oysters were raw, "Fox, these aren't cooked." She pointed out. He grinned at her, "Of course not." She realized with horror that he was planning on making her eat raw oysters! "Disgusting." "If you're backing down then, I'm not surprised. You are a woman." He started to stand. "WHAT? I take you up on your challenge, sit down!" He sat back in his chair across from her, handing her a knife. "Go on." She drank a whole glass of wine with every raw oyster, eventually she became sick and spewed it all back up. She was so dizzy that she fell to the ground. Fox jumped up and gently raised her into his arms. "Dana, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you ill! I never thought you'd be dumb enough to do it." He carried her to his bed and carefully set her down. She rested her head on a satin pillow, "I feel awful...." He stroked her hair, "Shh. I'll let you rest. You'll be fine soon enough." Dana was mortified that she had gotten sick in front of Fox. She cursed herself for being so foolish and drunk! He returned a bit later with soup. "I prepared this myself. Eat it, you'll feel much better." She winced at the sight of food, "I'm afraid that isn't possible, Sir." "I'll feed you myself if I have to." He threatened her with a grin. Dana sat up in the bed, clutching the satin sheets. "Only a little." He eventually fed her the entire bowl. "Lay down, you'll be fine." She laid down on the pillow again, "I'm so sorry, Fox. I didn't mean to.... get sick." "You're apologizing to me? It is I who should apologize to YOU! I did this to you! I thought that no woman in her right mind would take me up on my challenge." "I wasn't exactly in my right mind." She pointed to a bottle of wine. He smiled, "I agree." "I've never embarrassed myself like that before." She blushed. "I've never had a woman in my bed who I didn't make love to before." He said with a leer. Her innocent eyes went wide with surprise and horror. "I...." "You know, I plan on seducing you." He smiled at her broadly. She jumped out of the bed, "You won't!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her down, "I'm not going to do it now!" He laughed. Dana flushed and he laughed, "I'm kidding, Dana. Humor. Laugh a bit. I'm sure you have a fianc‚e back in England." He helped her back into the bed. She shook her head, "I tend to avoid men." He was about to respond to her comment when Samantha came in. She saw Dana in the bed, Fox sitting on the edge. "Oh, Dana-" She sat up, "Samantha I was sick-" Samantha shook her head, misunderstanding the scene before her, "I... Fox, how could you?!" He started laughing, "I challenged her to an oyster eating contest. She got a bit ill, it was my fault for forcing her to eat the damned oysters!" Dana got out of the bed, slipping into her shoes. "I'm going up for some air. Good night." As soon as she was gone, Samantha sat down next to her brother, "What really happened?" "Just what I told you, Sam. I swear to it. I would never do anything to a young girl like Dana. General Scully would hunt me down and kill me himself!" Samantha sighed and rested her head against his shoulder, "I'm exhausted, Dana is taking this whole thing pretty well." "She's a strong girl, I've learned that this evening." He glanced at the wine bottle and oysters. "I can't believe you forced my best friend to eat raw oysters, Fox! You should know better!" He shrugged, "She was drunk, and I wasn't sure she'd do it. I'll know better next time." "There won't be a next time. I want to return her to her father in one fine piece. All right?" "I'll do everything in my power to get her home safely." He replied seriously. James Matkins approached General Scully, "I'm sorry about your daughter, Sir." "Dana? What do you know about her?" He asked cautiously. "Well.... that she was taken captive by Flash the Pirate, General. I thought you knew-" "My daughter has been missing for the past six days, all I was told was that she ran away. What on Earth do you mean she is being held captive by Flash the pirate?!" James took a breath, "Sir, six nights ago, we were informed that Flash the Pirate was going to be at the docks. So we went to arrest him. For some strange reason, your daughter was there and he and his men dragged her onto the ship and took off. Samantha Mulder is also there. She was planning on running away with them." "Who informed you?" "It was an ananamous tip, Sir." General Scully didn't believe a word of it, of course. Matkins didn't know that Fox was under his command and worked with the King as a spy. "I already have men out combing the seas, Sir." Matkins replied. "WHAT? Why wasn't I told?" "Your daughter might die soon, Sir-" "I want her returned home in once piece, do you understand me?" "Of course." Matkins bowed and retreated, a smile spreading on his face. Of course Dana Scully would be returned in one piece, Flash wouldn't, though. End of 1/4 Subject: The Lady & the Pirate (2/4)- MSR They had to stop in Germany and reload on supplies. "Fox, could we walk around a bit? I'm so bored here, I'm sure Dana is also." Samantha pleaded. He examined the two girls in front of him for a bit, "Fine. Take Frohike and Byers with you." He turned around and called for the two men. "I want you to watch these two like hawks, understand me?" He whispered under his breath. The two girls were already making their ways down the ramps. Frohike nodded, "Of course, Fox." "FLASH!" He snapped at him, turning around and retreating to his cabin. "Frohike, why do you do that to him, it only makes him angry!" Byers gathered a coat and went after the girls. "That's why I do it, it makes him angry!" Frohike snickered. Matkins knew that Flash would have to stop somewhere in Germany. He guessed Amsterdam, and had been very lucky. "They're reloading on supplies, I want your men to surround the ship." He told the captain. His orders were followed to the letter, "On my mark." Richard gasped, "There is Samantha!" They turned their heads to see Samantha and the young Dana Scully walking down the street, escorted by two men. "I supposed Flash let them wander around a bit. Richard, take Degroot and follow them. If we can keep them from getting back onto the ship, it will make our lives much easier." Richard nodded and went after the two girls and their escorts. Eventually they wandered into a market area. "Samantha, I think we should go back now." Frohike spoke. "But we want to see. Please, Frohike! Days on that ship has made us wearisome." Frohike threw up his hands in frustration, "Another thirty minutes, Samantha. Then we have to go back." She nodded her head, "Of course, of course." Dana examined a beaded necklace, "It's pretty." "It's probably stolen." Byers said. She put the necklace down, "It wasn't THAT pretty." Frohike grabbed Samantha's arm, "We're being followed." She went stiff, "By whom?" "Two men, Richard Matkins is one of them." Dana's eyes went wide with fear, "He's here? We have to get back on the ship!" She hissed. Byers took her arm, "No. James Matkins wouldn't' just send two men after you, he wants Flash and the entire crew. There must be a small army of his men around here, near the ships. We have to get away and warn them." Dana glanced at Samantha, "What do we do now?" "I'll go back to the ship, Frohike, get them out of here." Frohike led the two into a huge crowd of people. "Here, put this on." He handed a cloak to Dana. She put on the cloak, lifting the hood and hiding her flaming hair. "Now what?" Samantha grabbed their hands and led them into a small alley. "We'll just wait here." Frohike took out a purse, "We have to get disguises. I'll go out, you two stay in here. Don't' move a muscle." He quickly disappeared into the crowd again. Dana leaned against a brick wall, "God, just get us out of this and I'll be forever in your debt." Samantha raised an eyebrow, "You're turning to God? We won't need his assistance yet, Dana." Frohike came back with two brownish black coats for himself and Samantha. "Sam, put the hood on. We can just walk right out of here." In their crude disguises, they slipped out of the alley and back to the docks. Frohike's eyes darted around, "No one followed. We've lost them." He laughed. A hand wrapped around Samantha's waist and pulled her back. She let out a shriek, "AH!" Richard clamped a hand over her mouth, "Shush up, you silly shrew!" Dana whirled around, "Samantha!" Frohike took out a pistol, pointing it a him, "Let her go." "Don't you even think about firing at me, you insane little rat of a man." Richard smirked. Samantha's eyes were wide with fear, Dana started stepping towards him, "Don't, Richard. You know it's wrong." "She tries to run away from me, I'm going to teach her a lesson." He spat at her. Fox heard yelling up on deck. He put on a shirt and rushed up the steps, "What on Earth are you men-" He felt pain soaring through his head. He had been hit with something. The last thing he heard before he slipped into a state of unconsciousness was: "I have Samantha and Dana Scully!" Samantha and Dana were led into a cabin aboard another ship. One of the uniformed men spoke to Richard Matkins, "I'm afraid that most of the crew got away. But we have Flash." "That's all that really matters, then, isn't it?" Samantha let a tear fall, "They have Fox....?" Dana would have wrapped her arms around her friend but her hands were tied behind her back. "Samantha, what will they do?" Richard untied Dana's hands, pushing her into a chair. "Don't move or I'll shoot you." He ordered. He untied Samantha and turned her in his arms, pressing his forehead against hers, "How does September sound for the wedding?" She slapped him, "You son of a bitch! I hate you! I'll die before I marry you!" "I hope it doesn't come to that." He pulled her hands behind her back and threw her against the wall. She moaned and slid to the floor. Dana ran to her side, "Samantha? Sam?" Her eyes slipped open and she watched Richard leave, "Damn him to hell. When Fox finds out, he'll kill him with his own bare hands!" Dana stared at the ground, "WHEN will Fox find out?" Fox was kicked again, he winced with pain, but refused to scream. was being held somewhere on this ship, but he didn't know where. He had also learned that most of his crew had escaped, that wasn't comforting. He hoped that Samantha wouldn't do anything stupid and get herself hurt. She had a temper like her brother and tended to do stupid things when she was angry. Just like her brother. Fox pulled himself up, "Where is Samantha?" "She's fine right now." James Matkins puffed on his cigar. "Is Dana Scully all right?" "Now, why on Earth would Dana Scully be any of your concern? Wasn't it you who held her captive all those days at sea?" "I did not hold her captive!" "What did you do to her while she was on your ship? Lock her in a cabin the entire time? Rape her? Torture her?" He placed the cigar in his mouth. "I WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO HER!" His concern for Dana was growing. She might have gotten away, she might have been killed..... he didn't know. But he wasn't scared of General Scully punishing him for not taking care of his daughter, that wasn't it. He was truly concerned for her safety. "You will never lay eyes on Dana Scully again, I'm afraid. She is a beauty, isn't she?" Fox didn't look at him, "What do you want with us?" "Well, your sister will marry my son, no doubt about that. I've heard rumors that you spy for France.... is that true?" "I don't spy for anyone!" He lied. "Yes, you do. You spy for France. You sell British Secrets to the French. You have betrayed your King." "You are a fool!" A man from the door screamed. A guard pushed him into the cabin, he fell to the floor. "Ah, Walter Skinner. I'm so glad they finally found you. Do you know why you are here?" Fox almost gasped. Walter Skinner was another spy under General Scully's command. The two men had met on several occasions. After Skinner was questioned, Matkins became bored and left them alone. "What on Earth are you doing here, Flash?" Skinner snapped. "I'm having a party, what does it look like I'm doing here?!" Skinner collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, "I tried to escape, but there were too many men. This was my last mission and now I've been captured!" Fox laughed, "Isn't it ironic?" "I heard someone say that your sister was on the ship." "That's what they tell me, but I don't know where. Dana Scully might be around here, also." "General Scully's daughter! What on Earth is she doing here?" Fox explained the story to his fellow spy, "And now we're here. Most of my crew got away. May I ask you a question?" "Of course." Walter looked up at him. "What is Matkins after?" He wiped some blood away from his lip. Walter lowered his voice to a whisper, "Matkins is a spy for the French, in fact, he is the only spy that the French government trusts. He's investigating you, he suspects that you have betrayed the French." "I have." Fox whispered. Walter rolled his eyes, "You know that, and I know that... but we can't let Matkins know that!" He leaned against a wall, "If anything happens to my sister, I'll kill Matkins and all of his men." "If anything happens to Dana Scully, The General will kill YOU!" Fox buried his face in his hands, "I just pray she's all right." One of the guards separated Dana from Samantha. Dana was dragged out of the cabin and onto the deck. She kicked and screamed but it was all in vain. "STOP IT! LET ME GO!" James Matkins came up on deck, "Release her." The guards immediately let go of her arms and she almost fell forward. Matkins smiled at her, "Well, Miss Scully, you seemed to have fallen in with the wrong crowd. Your father would strongly disapprove of you running around with a pirate." "Where is he?" She asked boldly. "That, my dear, is NONE of your concern. I suggest you forget about finding Flash, it's a big ship and so many places to stow him. What did he tell you?" "About what?" He gave her a patient look, "Please, bring her to the dining cabin. We'll speak there." He led the way. Dana examined the room. A neatly set dining table stood in the center. On it was a dinner of lobsters and crabs. Dana swallowed, thinking of poisons that might be in the food. "Oh, please Miss Scully, have a seat." He pulled out a chair for her. Dana sat, her hands in her lap, "What do you want from me?" "Nothing, Miss Scully. I'm returning you to your father. And I assume we're both loyal to your father, aren't we?" "I know I am at least." She snapped at him. "Ah, a bold little pagan, aren't we? YOU are not my prisoner. I will not lock you up in a cabin until we reach England. You are free to roam the deck as long as you don't cause trouble." Dana raised an eyebrow, "What about Samantha?" He put down his fork, "Samantha is a different case. She has her loyalties to Flash, and I don't think I could trust her roaming around on the ship." "You can't force Samantha to marry your son!" Dana shot out. He leaned back in his chair, "And what do you know about that?" "Samantha ran away to avoid marrying Richard." "Is my son so awful?" She sat tall, "I want to see Flash." "No." He said flatly. "Please, let me see him so I can give Samantha some peace of mind!" A faint smile tugged at the corners of James Matkin's mouth, "I suppose just seeing him won't do much harm. Later tonight." Fox and Walter heard the door opening and Matkins walked in, his son wasn't far behind. Also with them were four guards. "She wants to see Flash, why?" Richard asked. "To give Samantha some peace of mind is what she said." Matkins answered. "Who wants to see me?" Fox was in a bit of a daze. "Why, Dana Scully, of course. Tell me, pirate, why would a young lady like her want to see you? What have you told her? What information are you passing through her?" James Matkins started pacing in front of them. "Dana doesn't know anything! Don't touch her!" He struggled to get up to his feet but a guard pushed him back down, kicking him in the ribs. He groaned with pain, Walter coming to his aid. Matkins shook his head, "I'm not so sure. She could ALSO be a spy along with you. But I doubt that General Scully would send is only child into the line of fire. You must have seduced her into it-" "I've done no such thing!" Fox croaked. A guard it him across the face, he tumbled backwards. "Are you sure, Flash? Tell me the truth, are you a loyal spy for the French or English?" "I am not a spy!" He insisted. Another smack across his face. "Is Dana Scully working with you?" "OF COURSE NOT! Why would she? She was with me only by coincidence you stupid ass-" Another kick in his ribs. Fox was beaten badly by the time the questioning had finished. "This should lower Miss Scully's spirits." Richard mummer to himself as they left. Late that night, Dana was led into a cabin by Richard Matkins. "He is in here." "Does he know I'm coming?" She asked timidly. "Someone might have mentioned it to him." Richard held the door open and followed her in. There was no furniture in the cabin. The walls were bare and a small port hole looked out to sea. The room was burning hot. In the corner of the room, Fox lay beaten and bruised. "Oh, my God!" She rushed to his side, pulling the hem of her skirts out of her way. She kneeled down next to him, not caring if blood got on her dress like some other girls would have. "Fox, can you hear me?" She pushed a stray lock of his dark hair away from his forehead. His eyes slipped open, two orbs of hazel. "Dana? Are you all right? Is Sam all right?" Dana nodded, "We're fine, unlike yourself. What did they do to you?" "Questioning session." He winced as he said the words. Dana turned to see if Richard was watching them, he had already left the cabin. She turned back to Fox, "What did they ask?" "Dana, have they hurt you in any way?" His voice sounded urgent. "No, why would they? So far, James Matkins has treated me very nicely. I'm not even confined to a cabin-" "They think you're a spy." "Spy? Me? I'm not a spy! What gave them that idea?" He quickly glanced to the door, seeing Richard standing there. "I'm a spy, they think I'm working with you." "You're a spy? For who?" "The French." He said loudly and clearly, trying not to seem too obvious. Dana jumped up to her feet, "THE FRENCH! You're a spy for the French? Does Samantha know-" "No she doesn't, and you can't tell her!" He struggled to his feet and reached for her hand. She pulled back, "How could you? Samantha thought so highly of you, her only brother!" Dana's face was flushed. She turned to the cabin door and pulled it open, "Is it worth it?" She left the room in a fury. Fox leaned against the wall, satisfied that his plan had worked. Dana had made a display, as he had known she would. Perhaps her words would convince Matkins that he was loyal to the French. Of course, if he ever got out of this mess, he would have to explain to Dana that he was really an British spy. Matkins was working with the French and selling British secrets to them. Fox would turn him in soon, if Matkins didn't turn him over to the French government first. Walter was returned to the room, "What happened?" He asked, rubbing his arms where the guards had held him. "I think they're convinced I'm loyal to the French." He smiled. When the ship stopped in Ireland to pick up supplies and some cargo they were to deliver, Matkins received word from a loyal French spy. Flash the Pirate was working with the British. "I KNEW IT!" He slammed his fist against the railing, causing his son to jump. "What is it?" "We have to kill him, Richard. Soon." "What of Samantha?" He asked anxiously. "You can have her if you want her. We don't have to kill Dana Scully. She doesn't know anything. Flash told her that he was a French spy." "What if she learns something?" Richard asked. "Throw her overboard, we'll tell General Scully that she was drunk and jumped." "Would he believe that?" "Richard, many things can happen on a ship. It wouldn't be the first time someone was drunk and did something stupid." Frohike and the rest of the crew had made it to Ireland. When they heard from a friend that Matkins was there, they immediately set a course of action. "Does everyone have a pistol?" Byers asked as they silently boarded the ship at night. The only sound they could hear was of the waves crashing in the distance. They had their own ship farther down the embankment. A man who was supposed to be on watch had fallen asleep. John tied him up and gagged him, leaving him in a corner. "Please keep silent." He smirked as they went off to ambush more men. Within twenty minutes, they had most of them men tied up and gagged. Frohike cleared his throat, "Gentlemen, I suggest we find Flash and the two young ladies. I bet that Flash is being held somewhere below." James Matkins was jostled from his sound slumber by the sound of screams. He quickly grabbed his robe, a pistol and ran out the cabin door and up on the deck. What he saw was a war. His men against a small army. He cursed under his breath and went below to find his son. "Richard! Come here! Get up, you oaf!" He burst through his son's door and saw that he was tied and gagged. Quickly, Matkins cut the thin ropes with an envelope opener and together father and son made it to an escape boat. But before leaving, James retrieved Dana Scully, holding her arm firmly. "Where are you taking me?" She asked, fear in her voice. "Some where far away from this mess!" Matkins pulled her into the boat. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the ship, Frohike stumbled into the cabin where Fox and Walter Skinner were being held. "FROHIKE!" Fox jumped to his feet but immediately regretted it because the pain soared through his bruised ribs. Frohike and Walter helped him up, slowly they got out the door. "Did you find Samantha and Dana?" Fox asked with a wince of pain. Frohike shook his head, "Not that I now of, Fox. Do you have any idea where they might be?" "No. We'll have to search every cabin until we find them." Eventually, Samantha was found alone in a cabin. "What happened to Dana?" Fox asked, his eyes darting around the room. Samantha shook her head, the tears falling, "I was told she was thrown over board! They took her away kicking and screaming and I only saw her again once. She told me that she had seen you and that you were alive but had been beaten. I don't know what really happened to her!" Fox reached out for his sister to comfort her, "Come, we have to get out of here." They gathered their crew and retreated, leaving Matkins and his men in very bad shape. As soon as they had all gotten off the boat, Richard Matkins appeared. "I HAVE DANA SCULLY!" Samantha let out a gasp, "Richard, don't hurt her!" She wailed. Although he was yards away, Fox could see the sinister grin on his face, "What do I get if I return her to you?" Fox stepped forward, "I'll do anything you say as long as you return her to my ship. But first, prove to me that you have her!" One of the crew men dragged Dana onto the platform, her dress was slightly torn and her hair out of it's style and in waves around her shoulders. Fox bit his lower lip, he turned to Frohike, "Any ideas?" Frohike shook his head, "I don't think well under pressure! Just shoot the bastard!" He hissed, taking a gun out of his coat pocket. Very slowly, Fox moved behind his sister, while she blocked Richard's view of him, he took a pistol from Frohike. When Samantha was out of the way, Fox fired his gun, hitting Richard in the shoulder. Both Richard and Dana let out screams as Richard fell backwards. Dana now stood alone on the platform. Although he was still in pain, Fox rushed up to get her. She was a bit in shock, just starring at Richard as he bled. Fox and Frohike helped her down and led her back to where the rest of their crew stood. Most of Matkins crew had been tied up or wounded. Samantha threw her arms around Dana, "Oh, God. I'm so relieved!" Langley cleared his throat, "Ladies, I'm sorry to shatter this tender moment, but if we don't get out of here soon, the authorities will be throwing us in prison!" Fox took Dana's hand with his left hand and Samantha's hand with his right. He dragged both girls to `The Truth' and ordered them to their cabins. Walter Skinner was given his own cabin where he retreated for the night. Frohike sighed as he watched them go, "You are a very good shot, you could have shot Miss Scully." "Thank God I didn't." He looked up towards heaven, silently thanking anyone who had been guiding his bullet. Dana had been petrified and exhausted, he was happy that that was all. If she had been wounded, he didn't know how he'd forgive himself. Dana stood out by the railing, listening to the waves crash against the ship. He had named his ship `The Truth' which told her something about his character. He could have `taken' her in his cabin a few nights ago when she had gotten sick from the oysters, she was drunk and already in his bed. But he didn't. She sighed, Fox Mulder, also known as Flash, was a bit of a mystery to her. He wasn't a bit like most men. She sighed again, feeling the cold wind on her face. Someone from behind her draped a cloak over her shoulders, "You'll get cold out here, Miss Scully." She whirled around to see Fox standing behind her. "Oh, I'm all right." "It's getting late and the men have a ship to tend to, I think you'd be more comfortable in your cabin. Samantha is already there." She nodded her head, "Of course. She was very tired." Dana turned her eyes away from his gaze and looked out to sea. Fox leaned against the railing, "I've spent the last five years of my life sailing the seas, meeting people and making friends as well as enemies." "I bet you caused much trouble along the way." She smirked. He laughed softly, "I must admit, I made more enemies than friends." Dana turned to him, "I never thanked you, for rescuing me. I was actually foolish enough to think that James Matkins would take me home to my parents. My father must be worried sick." Fox wanted to tell her that he had already sent her father a letter, but the less she knew about his spying, the better. Although he didn't want her to think that he was a French spy. She left the railing, "Good night, I'm retiring to bed." He nodded, "Sweet dreams." End of 2/4 Subject: The Lady & The Pirate (3/4) - MSR Matkins was furious. They had gathered their crew and left Ireland. "They'll be heading for England next. Flash knows that we work for the French, we have to stop him and Miss Scully." Richard's wound hadn't been so bad. His arm was wrapped in a sling, though. His father turned to him, "Even if we do catch up to them, how do we get to them? You saw what his crew did to our men!" "I KNOW THAT, YOU OAF! We'll have to lure Flash and Dana Scully away from the ship. Samantha, also." Richard's face fell, "But I thought that-" "Richard, Samantha is a risk. You'll have to marry some other girl! Now stop your whining and concentrate at the task at hand." "What task?" Richard looked like a child deprived of a promised treat. "Getting rid of the evidence. If our cover is blown before we've finished the mission, the French government will be furious! It'll take them another year to get another agent in as far as we've gotten!" Richard let out a pathetic sigh, "All right. I'll do whatever you say. How are we going to do it?" "Three of our men have hidden themselves on their ship. You just have to make sure that none of this information gets out. They'll take care of the rest. We'll have to kill everyone on board `The Truth' before they reach England." They reached a port at dawn, Dana sat on the deck and watched the sun come up. Fox came up behind her, "Why are you always out here?" "I like the fresh air." She said lamely. He grinned, "So do I, but you're out here longer than I am." She took care not to touch him, to keep at least a foot between them. He noticed and leaned down next to her. "Have I done something to make you angry?" She shook her head, for Fox her answer was a bit too quick. "No, you haven't. I just... miss my parents." He nodded his head, "I'll have you home with them soon enough." She turned her head to watch the waves, "Thank you." Her voice was soft. He had promised and assured her a thousand times that he would have her home soon, but that wasn't what was concerning her. The words `French Spy' kept on running through her mind. She tried not to get too close to him. Although he had saved her, she was having trouble getting over the fact that he worked for the French. He had tried several times to strike a conversation with her, but she would always cut it short. Samantha would be devastated if she knew her brother was a spy for the French. Although Fox Mulder seemed like a good enough man. He was kind to her, he always made sure she was comfortable..... and he was very charming. Dana smiled to herself as she saw his grin in her mind. She wiped the smile off, of course he was a very attractive man.... but she couldn't - SHOULDN'T do anything to win his favor. She didn't want to be with a French spy. David Higgins, Jason Lawrey and Alan Ports sat stowed away in a cabin down below. All the ale and cargo was stored there. Higgins stood up, stretching his legs. "Well, `ole chap, I think it's about time we made `er presence known to the crew. Don't `ya think?" He was talking to with a thick cockney accent, his English and grammar was very poor. Lawrey hated having to sit and listen to him, but he endured the older man's presence because the money was worth it. Allan nodded his head, taking his pistol out. "What was your plan?" "Take Miss Scully or Samantha Mulder, who ever we find first. Then we keep `em as insurance, understand me?" "After we have our insurance, then what?" Ports sat on a barrel, flexing his muscular arms. "We go after `ole Flash. We're at a port now, we could easily get away from `ere. Remember, we `ave to get Flash then the two ladies. Matkins will have us throttled if we don't do the job right." Ports nodded his head, handing his partner a pistol. "After you, Mr. Higgins." He did a mock boy. Together the two men left the cargo cabin and were making their way up on deck. Samantha stood with her brother on the deck, watching the waves in the distance. "Fox, something is wrong with Dana, something is on her mind. Have you noticed?" He nodded his head, "I've noticed. I think it has to do with me." He bowed his head. "Why would it have to do with you? Fox! What did you say to her?" Samantha glanced at him accusingly. "I don't know!" But he did know. It was the whole French spy thing. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable while she was on his ship, and she WAS the daughter of William Scully, his commanding officer. He was about to say something to his sister when she let out a scream. "FOX!" He turned to look at what she was gawking at. Three men stood on the ship's platform, one of them had Dana at gun point. "You want the girl, Flash?" He yelled, the wind was blowing his dark hair away from his face, giving Fox a good look at the man. A knot started building in his throat, Fox was getting nervous. Without hesitation, he took out his pistol and pointed it at the man. "I won't hesitate to fire!" He called out. Samantha took a step back, running down below to get more of the crew. The men that were already on the deck had their pistols ready in case if they needed them. Fox did some quick calculations. They were about a little less than a mile from shore, a strong swimmer would be able to make the swim. Fox looked up to see Frohike, Langley and Byers standing behind the three strangers. Frohike had a club in his hand, Langley had a board and Byers had a long pole. Fox almost smiled when he realized what the his three men were going to do.... but then the look of fear on Dana's face brought him back to reality. He stood stiff, "LET DANA GO! She's done nothing to you!" "We don't want her, Flash, we want you." The dark haired man said. "Why?" He called out. "You're more trouble than you're worth. This girl will suffer for your wrong doings in a few minutes unless you give yourself up. What is your choice?" Fox put his pistol down on the floor, putting his hands up. "I'll do anything as long as you let her go." The three men pushed Dana to the railing. She let out a whimper, tripping and hitting the railing with her side. Slowly, her small body slid to the floor but one of the men yanked her back up to her feet. "Come up here." Fox, his hands still raised, did as he was ordered. These men seemed to enjoy being in control. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew stood silent, watching their captain give himself up. Just then, Frohike, Langley and Byers attacked the strangers. Each hitting a stranger on the head, but the man who had Dana at gun point, who Langley had hit, wasn't hit hard enough. He cursed and dragged Dana to the railing, lifted her body up and jumped over board with her. Fox heard her screaming as she fell. Dana hit the cold water, sinking slowly. Finally she realized what happened and pushed herself up to the surface. Only then did she realize how she took the precious air for granted! A pair of strong hands wrapped around her arm. "Thank you-" She gasped for air as she gave her thanks. But when she turned around, she saw that it was the stranger. "Allow me to introduce me self, ma'am. I'm David Higgins, I'll be the lucky chap who gets to kill `ya." He pushed her head under water, fighting her thrashing arms. Dana kicked at him but her skirts got in the way. Finally her muscles became so soar and stiff.... Fox jumped over the rail without giving his actions a second thought. The only thing on his mind now was to save Dana Scully. He was in shock when his body hit the freezing ocean water, but he forced himself to swim. He looked around frantically, fearing that he was already too late knowing that he would never forgive himself if he was. Finally, he saw a bit of Dana's creamed colored dress. The man was holding her under water! Fox swam up behind him, grabbing his neck and pulling him back, letting Dana float up to the surface. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?" He shouted in a fit of fury. The man looked stupefied. "ANSWER ME, DAMN YOU! Why do you want to hurt us?" The man still didn't answer. "WHO SENT YOU?" "Matkins!" He finally answered him, trying to pull away. Byers and John came in one of the life boat, cutting through the small waves and crashes. They yanked the stranger into the boat while Fox searched again for Dana. He saw her body floating about a yard away, but to him, it seemed like a mile. Propelled by fear for her safety, he finally made it to her, wrapping his arms around her. "Dana? DANA?" He called. He couldn't see her chest rising and falling, he knew she wasn't breathing. Quickly they pulled her up onto the ship, laying her gently on the boards of the deck. He breathed life into her as Samantha and the crew watched in silence. Finally she started coughing, water coming out of her mouth. Fox helped her sit up, "Dana? Are you all right?" She nodded, her soaked red hair was plastered to her face and her teeth were chattering and she shivered. He gently brushed her hair out of her way. "Come, you have to get changed before you catch a fever." Very gently, he pulled her up to her feet. As soon as he let go of her arm, she slipped. He grabbed her before she fell. Samantha rushed to her side, "Dana? What can I do to help?" "Lay out some fresh clothes for her." Fox answered, "And don't forget warm blankets." Samantha rushed to fetch the items he had requested. Fox, realizing that Dana would have trouble walking on her own, lifted her fragile frame into his arms and carried her down the steps to her cabin. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, still shivering. Samantha was setting clothes out, "Thank you, Fox. I'll take care of her now." They helped Dana shed the top layers of her dress, leaving her wearing only her chemise. Fox tried not to dwell on the fact that she was almost naked before him. Instead he turned his head and picked up the dress that Samantha had set out. It was a light shade of green. He smiled to himself. His thoughts scattered when Samantha took the dress from his hands, "What are you smiling about?" He shook his head, "I'm just thankful that she didn't drown." Dana started coughing, "I'm freezing." Samantha quickly slipped the dress over Dana, "There, much better." She grabbed a towel from a chair and dried Dana's hair. The ship's cook prepared a hot chicken soup for her, which she ate thankfully. Finally Dana fell into a deep sleep. Samantha turned to her brother, "What happened to those three men?" Fox shrugged, "Are you sure she's all right?" He didn't want to leave her until he knew for sure. Samantha nodded, "For now at least. I doubt that she'll develop a fever, we warmed her up pretty fast." He nodded and went up on deck. Frohike, Langley and Byers stood side by side at the railing, waiting for their captain. Fox came up and all three of them saluted him, grins on their faces. Fox laughed softly, "I want to thank you three for all of your help. If you hadn't been there, Dana might have...." "Don't say it." Frohike answered, "Anything for the lovely Miss Scully." Fox suddenly became more serious, "What has become of the three strangers?" "They confessed to being sent by Matkins. There names are David Higgins, Jason Lawrey and Alan Ports. Their goal was to kill you, Miss Scully and Samantha." A shadow fell over Fox's eyes, "I'll kill Matkins!" Langley stepped forward, "Is Miss Scully all right?" He nodded, "As far as we can tell, she is no immediate danger. We're still not far from shore, should we turn back?" Frohike glanced at his pocket watch, "We are on a tight schedule, Fox. But these three might be of a danger to us if we take them. I think you should arrange for them to be transported on another ship to London. That way they could cause no trouble." Fox nodded, "All right, back to the port. I promised to have Dana Scully home soon and I hate having to break my promises. Make it fast!" James Matkins smiled to himself as he watched the sun set. He was waiting in the Scully's library for William Scully. Dana Scully and Fox and Samantha Mulder were probably dead by now. He was loyal to the French, he had completed his task. No one would know that he was against the British, not the King and not General Scully. He would have to go inform William Scully of his daughters fate. When he finally came down, Matkins stood. "Sir, I have the most unfortunate news." General Scully raised an eyebrow, "What news?" "Mulder killed your daughter by drowning her. We heard from a witness, who is now dead." Scully's mouth fell open, "Dana? She's dead? That can't be!" Matkins nodded his head, "I'm sorry, Sir." "What happened to the witness." "I suspect Mulder killed him also." Scully turned his back to Matkins, "Find Mulder and bring him to me alive." Matkins was starting to get frustrated. General Scully could not speak to Mulder. "I'll try to bring him in alive if I can." They were on their way back to England, a storm was brewing in the distance. Fox stood at the rail with Langley, Frohike and Byers. "Captain, I fear that we will be caught in that storm if we do not hurry." Byers commented. "That's exactly what I was thinking." Fox replied. They had left Matkins men in the prison in Ireland. Dana had developed a slight fever, but was in good care. A chill went up his spine every time Fox thought of her drowning. "Fox, Dana is asking for you." Samantha said from behind them. Fox turned around, taking a deep breath, "I'm coming." The sky was gray and the waves were high. The brave captain of `The Truth' wore a black cloak to keep out the cold, but his cold was coming from inside of him. He saw Dana lying in the bed, her face flushed, wrapped in blankets. He leaned down beside her, Samantha disappearing into the next cabin. "Dana? Are you feeling better?" "I'm fine, Mulder." He could barely hear her. He shook his head, "You just lied to me, Miss Scully." He touched her soft cheek. Burning hot. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you." She rolled her eyes, "As if it was your fault! Surely not. It was my own, for being in the wrong place at the wrong time." He took her smaller hand into his, kissing it. "Byers suggested that we stop somewhere and find you a doctor." "A doctor? You'll risk being captured-" He leaned closer to her, "You think I spy for the French?" "You told me you did yourself on Matkin's ship." She stated. "I spy for the British." He whispered in her ear. Her eyes went wide, "For the King?" "In fact, your father is my direct superior." Dana raised an eyebrow, "My father?" He nodded. A look of relief fell across her face, making him feel better. "I'm sorry I had to tell you the lies, but Matkins was listening, I had to make him believe. Do you believe what I just told you?" She nodded her head, "I want to believe." He kissed her hand again, "Get some rest. I'll see you in a few hours." "How long until we dock?" "Like I mentioned, I want to get you to a doctor as soon as I can, then we'll take you home." He looked into the deep blue seas that were her eyes. He kissed her lips lightly, "Go to sleep." A faint smile was on her face when he left, closing the door gently behind him. One of Matkin's spies sent him a letter days later. "Read me the letter, son." Matkins told Richard while he poured them some expensive French wine. Richard opened the letter and cleared his throat dramatically. "It's from Blain, father. He's in Dublin, Sir." "Ireland? Still? Why is that?" Richard glanced down at the paper then started to read it. "Sir Matkins, I have very unfortunate news. I learned less than an hour ago of the fate of your three men. David Higgins, Jason Lawrey and Alan Ports were captured by Flash and thrown into prison and are awaiting trial. And I'm sorry to inform you that Flash and all of his companions are still living. Except Miss Scully is not in good health. I was able to get to Ports. He told me that Dana Scully was thrown over board and into the ocean. She was recovered safe and sound, but has a progressing fever and Flash has taken her to a local doctor by the name Mitchell Pendrell. At this point no one knows if she will live or not." Richard glanced up at his father, who had dropped his cigar and a shadow fell over his face. "They still live?" "We can't send more people to Ireland, we won't be able to find them in time." Matkins started pacing, "You have a good point, boy." Richard felt an unusual sensation of being proud. "We will have to intercept them before they return to England. It might be days or weeks until they come. We must station ships on the seas. We can not let them return to England. Everyone on that ship must die." Fox carried Dana into Pendrell's clinic. "Take her upstairs to the first room on the right of the hall." Pendrell instructed, picking up his doctor bag and running up after them. Samantha watched her brother gently lay her best friend down, brushing the red strands of hair from her face. "Will she be all right?" Samantha's voice quivered. Pendrell put a hand on her forehead, "I'm afraid Miss Scully's fever is a bit strong." "We didn't need a doctor to figure that out!" Frohike snapped from the door. Pendrell bit his lower lip, "All right. Miss Samantha, would you mind being a nurse for a bit?" She agreed to help anyway she could. "Good. In the closet there are towels. Soak them in cold water. We must get her fever down first of all. It could take days. What happened to her, exactly?" "She fell of the ship and into the waters." Fox said in a low voice, leaning down at Dana's bed side and taking her burning hand into his. Doctor Pendrell just watched him. "Is she your wife?" Fox looked up, shaking his head. "No." "Your sister?" "She is a friend." Frohike snapped. Samantha wrapped Dana in the towels. "Gentlemen, would you please leave this room and let us work?" Frohike rolled his eyes and left the room, stomping. But Fox refused to leave her bed side. "I'm staying." He stated. Pendrell sighed. "Fine then. Miss Samantha, we have to get her out of that dress and wrap her in towels." Fox's eyes went wide. Samantha stood with towels in her hand, "Fox, just leave for a bit. You can come back soon." He stood and left the room, going into the hall. Frohike, Langley and Byers all stood there. Walter Skinner was by the door. "Is she going to be all right?" Skinner looked frustrated. "I don't know. Can we even trust Pendrell?" Skinner nodded his head, "Pendrell is the only doctor we can trust here." Frohike started pacing, "I think he had developed a *liking* for Miss Scully." Fox shrugged his shoulders, "I just want her to be well." LATER THAT NIGHT: Dana had started tossing and turning. Fox was immediately up at her side. "Dana? Dana? Please wake up!" She was wearing a long chemise with towels wrapped all around her body. Her red hair was matted to her forehead and she was talking in her sleep. "Stop them! Run! Hide!" Samantha had fallen asleep in a near by chair, she suddenly sat up. "Dana?" Pendrell started taking towels off and cleaning them and putting them back on her. Eventually Dana shushed and fell back into a calmer sleep. Fox sighed, resting his forehead on her hot shoulder. Her skin was burning. Fox fell asleep at her side, resting his head on her arm. He was pulled out of sleep when he felt a cool hand stroking his cheek. "Fox? Wake up!" He sat up, waiting for his eyes to clear. Then he saw her. Dana was wide awake. She looked pale, but better than she had the night before. "Are you better?" He asked in a whisper. She smiled, "What happened?" "You had a strong fever, we brought you here to Doctor Pendrell. We're still in Ireland." Dana turned to Samantha. "When do we leave?" "As soon as you regain your strength." "Shouldn't we leave now?" "No. I don't want you to get ill again....General Scully will have my throat." He laughed. Dana settled back into the bed, wrapping her body in the sheets. "Where is the doctor?" "I'm glad to see you are awake, Miss Scully." A voice said from the door. Standing there was Pendrell. He took Dana's hand and kissed it. "You gave us a real scare last night, didn't you?" She blushed, "I guess I did." He handed her a bowel of soup, "I want you to eat everything in this bowel.... you.. you will be feeling much better after eating properly." He couldn't take his eyes off her face. Fox saw this, and took the bowel from Dana, "I'll take are of her, Doctor Pendrell. You go ahead and get some rest." Pendrell looked down at Dana, "Wha- will you need me anymore?" Dana smiled at him, "Thank you so much for your help, I think I'll be fine now. Thank you." He looked disappointed that she didn't need him. But he gathered his medical bag and sipped out into the hall. "I'll be in the next room if you need me." He called. Samantha started giggling. "Dana, I do believe he fancies you." She whispered. Dana shook her head, "Me? No, he is just kind." "He didn't have to be *that* kind." Fox muttered under his breath. The two girls turned to him, "Pardon?" Samantha asked, a grin on her lips. Fox shot his sister a look, hinting for her to shush. She smiled and took wrapped Dana in more blankets. "I think first thing we should do is get you dressed. Then we'll eat." Dana blushed when she realized that she was wearing little. Fox stood up, "I'll go and tell the others that you are well. We'll prepare the ship for your arrival." He left and Dana was still blushing, "How could you let him in here?" She hissed. Samantha rolled her eyes, "He was by your bedside all night, Dana. He wouldn't leave. And I don't think that he noticed if you were presentable or not." Samantha handed Dana a green dress with ruffles around the rims. Dana sighed, pulling herself out of bed, "I can't wait to go home." Samantha frowned, "What will happen when we return? You will go back to your parents. Fox will most likely be running off again since he is a wanted man, and I will be going with him I guess." "Going with him? Samantha, that is no life for a lady." "I'd throw myself in the ocean before marrying Richard Matkins." "Sam, I've been in the Ocean. It's worse than it looks." Dana said with a smile. Samantha threw her arms around her friend, "Dana, I don't want to go back to a life like that." "I doubt you will. We all know too much." "What do you mean?" Dana bit her lower lip, "I'm not sure I should tell you. Matkins is trying to kill us. And we're all witnesses, I doubt he wants anyone of us to live. You will have to run. And I to get to my father so Matkins will be put in prison." Samantha's eyes were wide, "Get dressed. We have to go and speak with Fox." End of 3/4 Subject: The Lady & The Pirate (4/4)- MSR Fox was forced to confess everything to them. "All right. I'm a double spy for the British. Matkins is for the French. He was sent to make sure that I was loyal, he has obviously learned that I am not loyal to the French. He wants Samantha to marry Richard, but now both of you are caught up in this and he wants us all dead. That's why he sent those three men after us. To make sure that we didn't return alive. Dana, I doubt your father's position will do you much good." Dana groaned, "All right, then. Lets just return to England then. Fox, just tell my father and the King about Matkins and he will be put away. Then Samantha won't have to marry Richard and I can go home to my family. And then perhaps you could settle down Fox, with a wife and family and be plain!" Fox laughed, "Me? Marry and have a family? I doubt it. Women don't tend to like me much as soon as they get to know me. Right now I'll just complete this mission and then wait to be assigned to another." "So that is it? You go from one mission to another with your crew and never settle?" Dana looked frail as she spoke. Fox crossed his arms over his chest, "Miss Scully, it is my duty to escort you home to your parents safe and sound. And I plan on doing just that and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't give me grief." Dana sighed, "Fine then. Let us go home now." General Scully had found the orders from Matkins to send ships out. He approached the man, "James, what is this?" He held up the orders. "What is what, Sir?" "THIS! Why were three ships sent out?" "To find Flash the Pirate, of course." General Scully could feel his blood boiling. "I wasn't told." "I'm sorry, it must have slipped through the cracks. Sir, I am only trying to find your daughter." "If my daughter is not returned to me soon, Matkins, I will have your head." Matkins had realized something at that moment. General Scully wasn't all that worried about his daughter. General Scully was confident that Mulder would return Dana home safe and sound because they trusted each other. So far General Scully did not know that Matkins worked for the French, and Matkins would be safe unless Mulder returned with that news. Once again, the importance of making sure that `The Truth' never made it back to England hit him. He bit his lower lip, concentrating. "Richard! Come here, boy." Richard appeared from the tea room. "Yes, Sir?" "I'm going out on an expedition. We'll be taking two ships with us. The Consortium and Carter." "And what will you be doing?" "Our mission is to sink `The Truth' and return home." Skinner, Fox and Frohike all stood side by side at the railing. They were finally on their way home. "Are you sure it was wise to bring Miss Scully this early? Shouldn't she have gathered her strength?" Skinner questioned. "She refused to wait a second longer. And I want her to get out of this mess as soon as I can. Put Matkins away let her live her life." Fox starred out at the waves. Skinner glanced at him from the corner of his eye, "And never see her again." Fox didn't answer. Frohike cleared his throat, "Another day, Fox. Will you be taking your old crew with you on the next mission?" "All those who will come." Fox answered him. "The next mission? Haven't you had enough yet? You're a young man! The King is in your debt! Do you not want to retire from spying?" Skinner leaned against the rail. Fox turned to him, "And do what? Lead a lonely and boring life? In a large house that is empty? Why should I leave a life of adventure for a life of boredom?" "Do you not care to take on a wife, then?" "Why is everyone pestering me about taking on a wife? I do not want a wife! I am content with serving my country." "Do you think you can do that forever, Mulder? Eventually there will be peace between England and France." "Then I will spy some where else." He stated. "And what will you do when you become to old to be of any use? By then it shall be too late for you to take a wife and raise a family." "Walter.... by then, I shall most likely be dead." Frohike shook his head, "Whatever you say, Fox. I'm going to retire for the evening. Good night, gentlemen." Skinner glanced down at his pocket watch, "I think I shall go, too. Good night, Mulder. Hopefully we'll be home by tomorrow afternoon." "Good night, Walter." Mulder sighed. It was dark now, the only light came from the moon. He felt like he was in a dream. Dana, Skinner and Frohike were all talking of him getting married and having a family. But Dana didn't know that she was the one he wanted. And Skinner and Frohike knew all too well. Mulder sighed again, starring up into the full moon. To have Dana Scully be his bride would be a dream come true. Matkins was now on the Consortium scanning the seas for Mulder's ship. "THERE! To the North, Sir!" One of the men called out. Matkins turned his gaze to the direction that the man had called. And there they were. "Prepare the cannons!" Frohike grabbed Mulder's arm, "The watch man saw ships out there. Two of them. They were from the King's Navy." Mulder stiffened. "Blast it! Prepare for a fight, Frohike! It must be Matkins, but don't fire unless they fire first!" Matkins was the first to fire. A cannon puncturing their deck. Mulder ran for Samantha and Dana. Samantha came up the steps, "FOX? What's happening?" "We're being attacked!" He told her, pushing her back down to safety. Frohike gave the order to fire in return. "FIRE AT WILL!" Fox turned to Langley and Byers. "I want you to get one of the life boats and get them out of here." Byers' eyes went wide, "But-" "No, I'll occupy them. Get them away. Shore isn't too far from here, I'm sure you'll make it. And they'll be too preoccupied to attack you. GO!" Dana was led to boat, "FOX?" He turned back to look at her frightened face. "Be careful." "You also." His attention turned to the flooding boat. Matkins ships were in just as much trouble as `The Truth' and they didn't have much time. "I WANT THEM DEAD!" He shouted. Before he knew what was happening, they were being boarded. Mulder leading the men on. Matkins eyes widened in horror. But Matkins men were inexperienced. Mulder's were veteran ship mates. Guns and pistols fired. Men fell. Mulder's gaze fell on him. Matkins quickly turned on his heels and headed for the life boats. Mulder ran towards him, pushing him down to the ground. "TRAITOR!" For the first time in his entire life, James Matkins felt true fear. They had lost miserably. Before he could say anything, Walter Skinner appeared behind Mulder. "Fox, let the King handle him. Our mission is to bring him before the court." Mulder's grip tightened on him, "But he sent men to kill Dana and Samantha!" "And the court will handle him. If you kill, you are no better than he." Mulder lifted Matkins up and released him into Skinner's care. "Lock him down below." "But it's flooding there-" One of his men cut in, but then smiled. "Oh, I understand. Lock him down below!" Dana had been rushed home. She suffered from fatigue. Her mother embraced her. "MY DARLING! I didn't know if I'd ever see you again! My poor darling! What have they done to you?" Dana looked ragged and ill. William Scully kissed her forehead, "Did Mulder take good care of you, dearest?" She started sobbing, "He might not live! Matkins attacked his ship." William Scully nodded, "I know, Dana. We're sending more ships out. Don't worry about that. You're only worry is to be well. Come, let your mother take you upstairs. After a bath and some sleep, you'll feel much better." Dana disappeared up the steps with her mother and her nurse. General Scully closed his eyes and sighed Fox had cleaned himself up, preparing to meet the General. Walter Skinner had done the same. Together they entered General Scully's library. "Ahh, Mulder! Skinner! Thank the heavens you returned safe and sound!" He shook their hands and embraced his old friends. Fox came out with his first concern, "Is Dana all right?" General Scully nodded, "My daughter is fine. Exhausted. But fine. Mulder, I knew that you would keep your promise and return her to us safely." "I'm afraid that she suffered greatly on this voyage." Mulder sat down in a chair, taking a cup of tea that was offered. Skinner looked up, "Is she really all right?" General Scully nodded, "My girl is a tough one. She's a Scully, she'll be fine." Margaret entered the room, wearing a maroon dress with ruffles around the rims. "Ahh, gentlemen, my wife. Margaret, this is Fox Mulder and Walter Skinner." She nodded politely, "So, you're the man who my protected my daughter while she was.... away." "I don't know about-" Fox was cut short. "No, please. I want to thank you properly. If there is anything we can do, do not hesitate to ask. We are forever in your debt!" He thought to himself. "There is one thing...." "Name it." Margaret answered. "Your blessings to ask for your daughter's hand." He smiled at her. Margaret's eyes went wide, "Her hand in marriage? It is for Dana to decide, I could never make that choice for her...." "He's asking for our blessings to ask her, Margaret. You have mine, Fox Mulder. But once again, it is for Dana to decide." Margaret took a breath, "And you have mine also." THE NEXT DAY: Dana had slipped out early for a walk. It was cold, but the sun was shining. Everything looked alive and well. Now she realized how she took things for granted. Her health. Her parents. Her home. Her life. "And what are you doing out so early?" A man asked from behind her. She turned around, smiling when she saw Fox. "Thinking." "About?" "About how much I missed the little things. The birds singing. The solid ground! My house! Or, I should say my parent's house." Mulder approached her. He was wearing a black cloak over his shoulders. "Are you all right now?" She nodded, "This is the first time I've seen you since I left the ship. What happened exactly?" He looked up at the sky, smiling. "We boarded Matkins' ships. But by the time the fleet your father sent arrived, we had basically everything under control." "And where is Matkins. Richard?" "Father and son are locked in the prison tower awaiting trial. I must say, a hanging is most likely what we'll see." Dana winced, "I will not be watching." "Really? I think Samantha will want to." "How is she?" "At home. Safe. She is also recovering from the trip. I doubt my little sister will want to go out on anymore adventures like this one." Dana raised an eyebrow, "Will you be going?" "Back to the world of spying? That all depends." "On what?" "I met a girl who I really do fancy. If she excepts my proposal of marriage, I will settle down with her." "And who is the lucky girl?" Dana turned around, hiding her face from him. He put a hand on her shoulder, "You." She whirled around, "Pardon?" "You heard me correctly. I'm asking you, Miss Scully, to become my bride." "Are you sure?" "I am sure." He smiled at her. "I... don't know what to say!" She started walking off towards the forest. He quickly went after her, "Most ladies would say yes or no." She turned around, "Why me?" "Because..... you make me want to settle. I will give up my life of spying to be with you. To take you as my bride." "I can't ask you to give it all up." "But I want to give it up for you." "What?" "I can't have you both. A life of spying and a you as a bride. So I must give one up, correct? Without any hesitation, I will give up my insane ventures." "But is that not who you are?" "I only did it because I really had nothing to lose. And I thought that I might as well serve my country...." "You had a death wish?" He shrugged his shoulders, "Something like that." "And you don't have one anymore?" "I will not let you marry me for pity, Dana. When you were pushed off the ship days ago, I felt that if anything happened to you, I would die." She looked up at him, "Yes." "Yes what?" She laughed, "Yes I'll marry you." He kissed her hand. "You've made me the happiest man alive." Dana smiled, "Oh, really?" "I have to tell you something." He said seriously. Her smile faded, "And what is that?" He leaned forward, whispering in her ear, "I love you, Miss Scully." Her face lit up, "A Pirate? How scandalous." "This ex-pirate has given all that up for his Lady." THE END - So, how was it? This is dedicated to Gemma! Rhiannon! Marianne! and Katheryn ! If anyone actually liked this, comments would be nice! C'mon, I'd do it for U! After I spent all this time bustin' my butt of for this story... :) powder_puff@hotmail.com