Title: Nova

Author: Angel

Feedback: Please!

Archive: Please!

Rating: NC-17 (for some parts-very mild but to be safe!) Others are probably PG-13 or so.

Summery: The inevitable happens. Mulder has planned ahead and now does everything in his power to keep Scully safe. You MUST read all parts to understand! Available at Ephemeral and my home page.

Disclaimer: You know the drill. Characters are property of Fox, 1013, ect. No money is being made. No infringement is intended. Don’t sue me; I don’t have much, just a computer and a horse, not even a good car, believe me!

Homepage: (to find missing parts and sooner or later the completed version, also posted at Ephemeral)

A HUGE thanks to Evie my beta reader! Nova would never be doing this well, or going as fast, without her help! Thank you!

"Baby don’t look up, the sky is falling." Tori Amos

(7/?)

Day 67

Mulder paused his walking beside Scully.

"What?"

Not looking at her he placed a finger to his lips as a signal for her to stay quiet. They both drew their guns slowly, scanning the surrounding area.

Scully cursed herself silently, she was so lost in thought she wasn’t paying attention to anything around them. She had been doing that often. Thank goodness Mulder didn’t have that problem. Multi tasking was simple for him. He could be in deep thought, walking, listening and watching all at the same time.

A few feet in front of them a middle-aged man, armed with a rifle, stepped out into the road. They all watched each other silently, with respective firearms lowered but posed at their sides.

Scully waited for some sign of what Mulder wanted to do. Walk on? Speak to him? See if he had any food to trade?

Slowly Mulder reached under his shirt, pulling out his chain. The Nova charm was displayed to the man on the pad of Mulder’s thumb.

……..

The man looked at Mulder a moment with a blank expression. Then he gestured toward Scully; "She have one too?"

Scully frantically dug under her shirt pulling out first the cross them with more fumbling the star.

All in one motion the man lowered the gun completely to his side, smiled and took a step forward extending his hand. "I’m Jared, nice to meet you…"

"Fox Mulder." Mulder supplied as he shook his hand looking very shell shocked.

"I’m Dana Scully."

"Nice to meet both of you." He turned, nodding his head in the direction from which he came. "Come on I’ll take you to Nova so you can settle in."

"So Nova is real?" Scully knew it was, she knew it now. But she still needed to hear the words.

Jared glanced over his shoulder nodding. "Of course it is. It’s going to be about two miles walking. We’re coming up on some of the gardens and barns now." A few feet later they all stepped out of thick trees and into small fields. "Hey Bill!" He called to an other middle aged man who was wondering around the field. "I’m taking these two to Nova, watch my area for a bit." The man waved in a friendly response over at them. Jared walked along the dirt path pointing out different fields, kept small so that the canopy of tree provided some cover. And barns containing cattle, pigs, chickens, and work animals. Mulder and Scully followed along in silence, taking in all the information and filing away the names of the people they met. Everyone was working, everyone seemed relaxed; it was strange. After months of being alone together it was difficult to remember how to communicate with other people.

"Ah there he is." Jared said to no one in particular. "Benjamin! We have some new arrivals."

Jared waved his goodbye as a tall man with silver gray hair came up to them smiling. "Hello, I’m Benjamin Walters."

"You’re the man who started all this." Mulder said as he shook his hand.

"That’s right." He said as he moved on to Scully.

"I’m Dana Scully and this is Fox Mulder." Scully immediately liked Benjamin. He was kind, and quiet with an honest smile.

"Doctor Dana Scully?"

"Well… Yes and Agent Scully." She said with a small laugh.

"Oh yes. I remember now. You are both FBI agents. Dana has a medical background and Fox you have a psychology degree."

"Yes that’s right." Mulder was truly impressed. With all the people in Nova it was shocking that he could remember the two of them.

"Well this is wonderful. Dana you are the first doctor to make it here since this all started. We have a few nurses but that’s it. Come on, I’ll show you around."

They slowly walked towards a rocky area, almost small mountains.

"How is that you remember the two of us?"

"Well Fox-"

"Mulder, it’s just Mulder."

Scully rolled her eyes. But she was actually surprised it took him so long to mention that.

"Ok, Mulder. Your story about your sister, your work, Dana’s medical training, I suppose it just stuck in my mind." They had approached a rocky cliff. "Watch your step here, the ceiling is low in some spots." The three slowly made their way through a dark maze of rocks before stepping into a lit hallway.

Scully shivered slightly. The air was much cooler with the rock cover. Large oil lamps lining the hallway threw out some heat, but mostly just light.

"This is the main entrance. There many others, but smaller and not as easy to get in and out of." Benjamin began as they walked. "There is a map in your room, that will help you learn your way around." The hall became brighter and warmer as they walked into an open area at least two hundred feet in diameter. A large fireplace was in the center and what looked to be brick ovens with the smell of fresh bread filling the air. "This is the Main Room." He directed them to the right of the doorway and pointed down a long hallway. "There are many rooms down there, four hallways in all. The north, south, east and west, named for obvious reasons. Here’s the food station, every Monday morning you pick up your rations, every morning you pick up fresh milk, bread and eggs; you also pick up your work assignment then. Usually once a week we have fresh meat. I’ll bring your food to you once you have settled in." Benjamin waved at different rooms as he spoke. Showing them where to collect the ice cold water that flowed in from the river higher in the hills. Where to dump waste and milk bottles to be refilled. Pointing down the hallways of rooms they passed, introducing them to anyone that they met along the way. He showed them the ‘churches’ the ‘library’ the storage rooms filled with canned and dried food, other rooms with stacks and stacks of spare clothing and bedding, everyone would be given replacement clothing every few months. When they walked into the Medical Room Scully looked around in wonder. The walls were lined with shelves and cots lay in the back near a small wood stove. There were bandages and herbal medicines-some which she recognized, surgical supplies and medical books. She didn’t say a word as she walked around. Finally, after being shown and told more things then they could possibly remember, Benjamin showed them to a room. Saying ‘it is one of the largest ones left’ since not many people had arrived yet, only a few hundred so far.

Benjamin closed the heavy wooden door behind him after lighting a few of the many oil lamps in the room.

Leaning back against the door Mulder looked around what was now their home. The room was rectangle, about thirty feet by twenty. The door was on the short side, the floor was rock, just like the hallways. The walls were of thick wood planks, stained a natural dark color. In the right corner of the opposite short side was a small wood stove with a pipe leading up into the carved out rock ceiling. Next to the stove was a queen sized bed on an old oak frame pressed up in the corner. In the corner, to the left of the doorway was a large dresser, above were two long shelves. The only other furniture was a small wooded table pressed up against the wall opposite the bed and three mismatched chairs.

The stove had a flat top. A small pot, pan, a few plates, glasses, mugs, and bowls along with silver ware in a low cabinet. It was made for both heat and cooking.

The bed looked inviting, with a thick down blanket and four pillows.

Silently Scully dropped her hiking bag near the table and walked over to the bed. Tentatively, as if it might dissolve at any moment, she sat on the firm mattress. With a soft laugh she laid back against the soft sheets. "I missed having a bed."

Mulder slowly made his way over to her, running his fingers along the wall. "I missed having walls." He sat on the edge of the bed savoring the cushion that absorbed his weight.

Reaching up Scully pulled him flat on the bed. She curled up against his chest with her hands tucked up against her. "I feel comfortable here."

Mulder only nodded. He felt the same way. It was a strange feeling, he never felt like he was home anywhere. Not his old apartment, not even his house as a child. It didn’t seem to have anything sacred. "Who thought our first home together would be a single room in a cave."

Scully picked her head up enough to rest her chin on her hands. She smiled for a moment trying to decide whether or not to talk about the fact that he presumed that they would be living together at some point. Not that she thought any different. Years ago she realized Fox Mulder was the only man for her. He loved her, and she loved him, it was that simple. They would easily give their lives for each other without a second thought. What more could she look for in a man?

A knock sounded on the door.

Mulder kissed her forehead quickly before standing. He opened the door to Benjamin.

"Here you are Mulder." He handed him a canvas bag with dried rice, cans of vegetables, fruit, soup and many other things; more food then Mulder had seen in weeks. "This is both of your rations for the rest of the week. I brought the only bottle of milk left from this morning. Now don’t forget to pick up your assignments in the morning, but Dana, you will be working in the Medical Room. Mulder since you are good shape you’ll probably be doing hard labor." Mulder nodded solemnly. "But it’s still early, so take the day off. Get settled in and take a look around. Be sure to read the rule-book. You can pick up wood in the Main Room where I showed you. There should be a change of sheets for the bed in dresser. If you hear something, it’s just the clock chiming the hour. You’ll get used to it quickly, except the wake up call at six am, you won’t miss that." Benjamin laughed softly. "Oh, and before I forget, we don’t work on Sundays. Except Dana. People will have to find you if they have any problems."

She nodded in understanding. "Benjamin, what day is it?"

He smiled softly, feeling sorry that they had to make the journey to Nova. And judging by their tired, worn expressions it wasn’t an easy trip. "It’s Wednesday. If you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to find me." With a smile he left them.

Mulder turned back around to find Scully, who had kicked off her hiking boots, putting clothing away.

"We can do that later, Scully. Why don’t you come over here and eat something."

Scully walked over and sat in one of the chairs taking the cold bottle of milk in her hands. "I would just like some milk."

Mulder passed her two glasses which she separated the milk into equal parts. She sipped slowly, savoring the rich thick taste of raw milk, as Mulder stowed the food in the cabinet by the stove. She watched wordlessly as he walked around drinking his milk just as slowly. He unzipped his hiking bag, placing the clothes in the dresser, then with care, he took out his framed picture of Samantha and placed it on a shelf. Scully set her empty glass down, after digging through her bag she pulled out two pictures. One of her and her mother, father, Bill, Charles, and Melissa when they were young. And one of Emily. Smiling she leaned back against the foot of the bed. "This is perfect."

"Perfect?" Mulder’s voice was full of amusement.

"Well…" Scully tipped her head from side to side in thought. "Just about, yeah." She placed a hand over her stomach. "I haven’t felt this full in a long time." The fresh milk felt heavy in her shrunken stomach. It was a wonderful feeling.

Mulder nodded his agreement then picked up a bucket. "I’m going to go get some water, then I’ll get some wood."

Scully dragged the hiking bags back out. "I’ll finish unpacking. Then I think we should take a nice long nap on this new bed."

"I agree whole-heartedly." Mulder called as he shut the door.

A few minutes later Mulder was making his second trip back to the Main Room to get wood. He was placing the small pieces of wood in the carrier he found in the room when he heard a questioning voice call his name.

Mulder looked up from his crouched position.

"Mulder!" Langly bounded over to him.

After recovering from an unbalancing hug Mulder laughed in disbelief. "How long have you been here?"

"All three of us got here over a month ago, we had enough gas saved up so we drove all the way to Canada, but we left about a week after They came. The guys are back in their rooms for lunch." Mulder nodded, the clock just struck twelve. "When did you get here? Is Scully with you?"

"Yes, we got here today. No more then an hour ago." Mulder pulled the heavy bag onto his shoulder. "Why don’t you guys stop by. We are in the fourth room on the left in the west hall."

Langly nodded enthusiastically and started jogging off to the east hallway. "Yeah! We’ll be right there."

Mulder walked back to their room with a stupid grin on his face. "Hey Scully. Guess who I just saw?"

She looked up in question from where she was stowing items they wouldn’t need under the bed.

"Langly. Him, Byers and Frohike are on their way over here right now."

A few minutes later the Gunmen arrived, they stayed throughout the hour and a half lunch break. They talked about their relatively easy ride up to Nova. Then Mulder and Scully shared their story. The short version. It was easier that way. For all of them.

Scully lay on her side on the bed, watching Mulder start a small fire. It was only mid afternoon, but they were both ready to turn in for the night. Mulder walked around, putting out the lamps so that the room was lit in a faint orange glow from the fire. He then climbed up on the bed, his back against the wall and pulled Scully to him.

She rolled over, buring her face in his chest.

Then she started to cry. She finally let herself cry.

"Shh. It’s ok sweetheart." Mulder cooed softly. "Everything is ok now." He didn’t press her to stop. He couldn’t. He had started to cry softly. But it was of relief. He felt safe now, he felt he could keep Scully safe here. At least he hoped he could, for a little awhile if nothing more.

Scully hadn’t let herself cry about Them coming. Through the whole thing she only cried once. And that was for Mulder. When she went to wake him to drink water after being stabbed, and he wouldn’t wake. She started to cry. For him. That she might lose him, it was a big possibility. So she cried from the moment he wouldn’t wake up to the moment he finally did. For over forty-eight hours she cried. Only sleeping when pure exhaustion overcame her, the moment she would wake up she would cry again.

Mulder soothed his hand through her hair, the other wrapped around her waist, holding her to him. "Everything is ok." He whispered again.

Slowly Scully stopped crying. She just lay in his arms, horribly tired from physical and mental exertion. But she wasn’t hungry. And she wasn’t hot. She wasn’t cold. She wasn’t sleeping on rocks or even dirt. And she wasn’t as scared. Slowly she let Mulder’s heartbeat pressed against her ear lull her into a restful sleep.

Scully was awoken slowly by the feeling of Mulder’s lips pressing feather light kisses to the back of her neck. It took her a moment to remember where she was. It always amazed her that she never got over that, even after all the years of spending most of nights in hotels and the last few months waking up in the middle of no where. "Is it time to get up?" She asked sleepily, rolling over to face him.

Mulder placed a long deep kiss on her lips. "Not at all. I just heard the clock, it’s only two in the morning."

"Then why are you bothering me?" She teased.

"It’s bad luck not to make love in a new house."

Scully laughed softly. "Is that a fact?"

"Mmm hmm." He mumbled against his neck as his hands slipped under her shirt. "Brings good luck."

Wiggling against him she managed to pull off her shirt. "I don’t want to tempt luck." She tugged at Mulder’s shirt.

Reaching behind him, Mulder pulled his shirt off the rest of the way with one hand. "I wonder how thick these walls are." He said with a smile against Scully’s lips as he struggled to unbutton her pants without looking down.

Scully just laughed and shimmied out of the rest of her clothes. Mulder moved to cover her body with his but she stopped him with a hand on his chest. "You have too many clothes on." She said matter of factly.

"Aren’t you in a hurry… Not that I am complaining."

Scully pulled him, finally naked, down onto her body. "I wouldn’t want any misfortune to strike while we wait."

He chuckled against her as he suckled her breast. "That would be a shame."

She pulled his face back up level with hers, pulling his hips between her legs at the same time. "We better hurry then." Putting her hands on either side of his face she kissed him deeply. She fingers slowly traveled down his arms where he held his weight on either side of her face. Then she skimmed them down his back until she cupped a cheek of his ass in each hand. With a firm pushed she took him into her body.

Mulder broke off their kiss as the sensation of her warmth sheathing him overwhelmed him. Nothing else in the world mattered but his body moving inside of hers. All his focus was concentrating on bringing pleasure to Scully. It served as a way from him to take away all the pain and harshness that surrounded them.

Angling himself, Mulder put his weight on to one arm while sliding the other down to Scully’s slickened folds. Finding her swollen nub he rubbed in time with his strokes. Almost immediately Scully began to quiver around his hardness.

In the closing moments Mulder fell to her side, placing his face in the crook of her neck. Rolling onto his side he pulled Scully against him. Taking her thick hair into his hands he pressed his lips to her forehead for long moments.

"We may have to do that again." Scully whispered sleepily with a smile.

Mulder pulled away enough to look at her face in the faint glow of the fire. "Why?"

Stretching up she kissed him quickly. "Just to keep our luck up."

He chuckled softly and pulled her against him again. "Sounds like a good plan." He murmured into her hair. Slowly they both drifted off again in the peaceful silence of their room.

Note: Of course Nova is real!!! I bet you are all taking back your death threats now =).

Sorry this part was only one day…. But it was an important day don’t you think? It took me SO long to write this much, I just wanted to get it out so the death threats would stop! But the story isn’t any where near over yet….

As for that ‘smut’ scene and all of you who wondered how the author of the ‘Possessions’ series could be writing something so mild; I tried. I really did. I tried to get ‘graphic’ and descriptive with it, but it just doesn’t fit in this fic yet. Maybe they will have a little romp out in the woods during the lunch break or something. Opps! Did I just write that? =)

Let me know what you think! And thank you for all the wonderful feedback I have been getting. I can't say it enough; the more feedback the faster I write. I LOVE motivation.