The Game 26

Edited by Karen Leigh

It was at least an hour before Tin Man finally contrived to make a small hole in the side of Horace's furnace. There was only one sensible way to escape. Disengaging his left hand, he sent it crawling through the hole independently. There was no visual contact, but tactile signals could be received remotely. The limb felt its way to the furnace door and opened it, and finally a greasy and unbelievable filthy Tin Man crawled out into Horace's basement.

And what a basement! It reminded Tin Man of a medieval torture chamber with accessories courtesy of a mad dentist. Tin Man couldn't imagine how an Assistant Director of the FBI could justify such a thing in his private residence. Maybe this was how the FBI extracted the more difficult confessions, out of sight of the public and official scrutiny. He shuddered.

He knew by now that his quarry was long gone, so he searched out a bathroom, threw his clothes in the trash, and cleaned up. Apart from his hands, which were an ugly sight having been used as tools on the corroded interior of the furnace, he was in pretty good shape. He felt justified in helping himself to some of Horace's (or, as he thought, Skinner's) clothes. The human had tried to destroy him.

However all the respectable suits were a very bad fit. He had to make do with a faded pair of jeans and a T-shirt. An old leather jacket completed the ensemble; Tin Man couldn't bring himself to steal a newer, expensive garment. Pulling on a pair of black gloves to hide his torn fingers he set off back to the hotel, to see if he could pick up the scent. He knew he should be worried for Denise's safety. He was nearly certain that FBI interrogation techniques did not include biting a suspect's legs.

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

Albert was the unquestionable king of Skip's billiard room and he was busily preparing Mac27 10000 for the role of the heir to the throne.

After their arrival to the compound, the two androids had gone straight to one of the guest rooms, where Albert had been forced to pacify his illogically behaving lover before Mac had finally agreed for them to go out and check out the rest of the residence. Not that Albert complained about the pacifying part, as any activity which required interaction with his sweet savior had the status of his personal favourite in Albert's model of the world, but the seclusion was a pain for the impossibly curious android.

Having found the billiard room with all the humans, clones and androids to interact with, Albert had been so delighted that he had immediately decided to stay there for good, especially since the ability to play all possible varieties of The Game was a part of his basic software.

Fortunately Mac seemed to be enjoying himself too, because for some unexplainable reason Albert simply was not able to do anything that would cause his mate to be unhappy, and as for the other patrons - they were more than delighted to watch the two androids coupling and resting on the soft rugs covering the floor in the room instead of seeing them disappear in one of the bedrooms.

Just now Albert was teaching his Sugar face how to play snooker, and as they had opted for the traditional way of giving lessons instead of direct data transfer, they were both having lots of fun. So much fun, actually, that Albert was on the verge of pulling his enticing mate on the floor and giving the crowds greedily watching their every movement another free show.

Just one more bump of Mac's gorgeous ass against my groin and we are making another lengthy pause in the lesson Albert promised himself silently and readied himself to pounce.

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

When One left the room, Wild Thing and Youngblood covered Sypher with blankets. Though they knew he did not require it, they moved 2068 to a more comfortable chair allowing him to put his head back and his feet up. They were looking forward to the interesting sounding fuel promised and were feeling happy at having been found useful. Softly they began to make music together adding soothing sounds of waterfalls and gentle breezes rustling. Youngblood, one hand in Sypher's, watched her keenly as she slipped further into sleep mode. The machines indicated that her vitals were strengthening.

It had been a very long and taxing day but they were young and strong.

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

With a delighted grin at Alex, Fox opened the door of the car.

"Hey, Scully... keep an eye on Hobbes, would you? He needs rest... maybe sedation would be a good idea, huh?" He winked at her, conspiratorially. "Yeah... uh... there's something I need to look into, right now."

Scully shot a suspicious glare at Krycek. It was possible that the man had somehow influenced Mulder with either drugs or brainwashing or a combination of both. Mulder was going to be useless, obviously. Krycek was the one in control, here. She fixed a cold gaze upon him. "I don't suppose you'd care to explain just how you managed to reduce Mulder into this- this gibbering creature?"

"What's the matter, Scully? Something making you nervous?" Krycek smiled a shark-like smile. "Surprised that Fox occasionally has a sex life? A little jealous are we by any chance?" He shook his head. "He's a hell of a good fuck, you know."

Turning to Hobbes, Alex felt the man's forehead. It was clammy and cold. "This man is in shock. He needs medical help now. Come on. Move it, Dana. I know that somewhere in that little package there used to be a doctor. How about getting down and helping him before he ends up needing a pathologist?"

Fox pushed Malibu Alex off his lap and followed him out of the car. Stroking the golden head, he pulled the thumb from the forlorn creature's mouth, and pecked him on the lips. "Don't cry, honey bun. You'll make those pretty eyes all sore. " He ran his hands up the tanned thighs, under the loose shorts, to feel the warm, gilded curls at the sweet innocent's crotch. "I'll look after you. We can have a whole lot of fun together." He pulled the gorgeous summertime Alex to him and touched his lips to the look-a-like's seductive mouth, and humming 'Good Vibrations' under his breath, drew him in for a kiss as pure and exulted as a magnificent breaker that thunders its majestic way over the coral ridge of a tropical lagoon.

Alex watched Fox start to climb out of the car, and realized that sometimes, you can't please any of the people any of the time. Damn. He didn't want to lose Fox, but it looked as though it was going to happen.

Looking at Alex over his shoulder, Fox commented, "If you want me for business, sweetheart, you'll have to wake up Mulder. On the other hand, if you want some fun, get your ass out of that car and follow us."

Wondering if he was courting a bullet in the butt, Fox whispered to Malibu Alex, "Show me the surf and the warm sand, dude, I want to coat you up with Mr. Zog's Sex Wax, and ride you all the way to the fucking shore... "

Alex climbed out of the car and grabbed hold of Fox, yanking him round to stand toe to toe with him. Taking Fox's face between the palms of his hands, he kissed him hard and long.

"Babe, you know I want to play with you, and he looks yummy too, but I've got to work just now. Just don't use it all up, okay? I'll come and find you later, and when I do, I'll make it up to you, okay?" He kissed Fox again, grinding against him as he did so, then he turned to Malibu Alex, who had drawn so close to the pair of them that he was almost joining in. "This is my guy. You can play with him, but you have to remember that he's mine." Alex grinned and slid his fingers through the android's hair. "And what's his is mine too," he said, pulling Malibu Alex in to kiss his mouth teasingly. "I'll come and play later."

He grinned again as he turned back to the car and noticed that Scully's face was a stunned mixture of shock and disapproval.

"Lighten up, Dana. We're just entering Wonderland. Things are only going to get more convoluted from here. We need to have someone look at Hobbes. Is there a doctor? I need to see One. Someone, take me to him, and hurry it up."

An android dashed away, presumably to find a doctor. Another one beckoned to Alex and led him away. "One has been detained," said the android. Permit me to show you to your quarters."

"It's most important that I see One as soon as possible."

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

As they walked away, Mulder's voice commented in Fox's head, That was well done, Fox. Now lose the bimbo and we can sneak round and find out what's really going on.

Uh... What d'ya mean?

That travesty... lose him quick, and give me back my body. I want to look around. Alex is telling me nothing, and I'm fed up with being kept in the dark. This place seems like some sort of headquarters. I should get some answers here.

But... but... Fox grabbed Malibu's hand to halt his progress toward the mansion, and looked the tanned surfer up and down. Lifting one of Malibu's golden nipple rings with the tip of his finger he reveled in the hot tingling that was making his leather pants feel two sizes too small.

You are not seriously thinking of screwing that Barbie doll version of Alex, are you, you slut? Mulder's silent voice dripped disgust. I am SO embarrassed just being seen with it - and it's a robot, for Christ sakes! It might as well be a blow up doll. Haven't you got any self-respect?

He's cute, Fox pouted. Don't you think it's fun having all these different Alex's around?

Nope. Mulder sounded superior. Only insofar as it's a mystery that all these clones and androids have suddenly appeared. One Alex is more than enough for me.

How do you know it is Alex, Spooky? Fox asked blandly. No reason why a one-armed version shouldn't be manufactured. You said he was being secretive. Considering he's let you come here with him, and yet is still not spilling the beans... pretty illogical, isn't it?

You mean... ? Fuck - I never thought... We've got to go back and find out if it is Alex. The real one could be in danger, or dead...

Hey, calm down, Spooky. It probably is Alex, you know what an asshole he can be when he thinks you'll poke your nose into his business. Look. Here we have a Mac 27; ready, willing... I'll have some fun, and you can take the chance to give him a close inspection... find out how he works; see if there's a serial number somewhere. Then, next time we see Alex, we can find out if it is he, or a robot.

Mulder reluctantly allowed himself to be taken into the mansion. Yeah... and if they can make a one-armed one, they can certainly make one without a serial number, he said glumly.

That's my boy... Trust no one! giggled Fox.

In the words of the Big Kahuna, there's a song inside everyone...Dancing a little, Malibu Alex thought he knew the right one for the beautiful, puzzling creature beside him:

I know so many people who think they can do it alone
They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zones
Now what can you tell them
And what can you say that won't make them defensive
Hang on to your ego
Hang on, but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
They come on like their peaceful
But inside they're so uptight
They trip through the day
And waste all their thoughts at night"

Adding a sound track, Malibu wiggled in delight at his music. He was ready to make some good, good vibrations just as soon as the foxy baby stopped arguing with himself

Putting his arm around the pretty Alex at his side, Fox kissed him and murmured, "Can we get some food before we get out into that surf, baby? I'm famished."

Hearing the request for food, Malibu steered the fascinating creature to the kitchen, he knew what humans required for food...a clambake or surf and turf.

As for himself, he could use a chocolate covered frozen banana....food of the gods. He really liked to suck the nuts of the concoction especially.

Still dancing, Malibu directed the hand to slide down and rest on his wriggling ass as he assembled a tray for the human. Oh, he very nearly regretted going out to look for baby humans in the cabbage patch...and he really thought the gardener had lied about how they were made. He had checked under the heads, and no baby had appeared after they had fun, fun, fun....

Fox took the gesture to mean a 'yes', and took the loaded tray from Malibu before he shimmied the piled up plates right off of it.

"Looks good. Now all we need is the sunshine and the beach. I expect we can improvise... Has Skip got a Jacuzzi, babe? I want to sit on your lap, and feed you that banana with my own hands.

Walking with Malibu was like trying to keep in step with John Travolta at the start of the Saturday Night Fever movie, Fox decided. He could hear the creature humming... and boy, did it have rhythm.

Jeez... don't do that to me, moaned Mulder, All I can see now is him and us in white suits on an under-lit disco floor.

Fox sniggered, and pulled Malibu closer still. "Hey, sweet pea... d'you like to dance?" he asked.

"Oh, yes!" Malibu Alex chirped, "Skip says you can meditate so much better when you give yourself over to absolute pleasure...'

Still dancing Malibu eased out of his baggy shorts and spun them around one finger to accompany himself. He spun around every few steps to make sure that this delightful fellow was following.

Other than his sojourn with the gardener on his mission to investigate human reproduction, Malibu had spent most of his time in the huge sun roofed gym, which had a surf simulator, eight Jacuzzis, two saunas, and an Olympic sized swimming pool. Now he led the prettiest human he had yet to see to his beach away from the beach

Throwing the colorful scrap of fabric on a bench, Malibu flopped on a wicker couch and sprawled in naked and almost virginal innocence, fluttering hopeful gold dusted lashes at his new playmate.

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

Langly was still unconscious when they arrived at Mulder's place. Gross gently took her in his arms carried her to the door, and laid her on Mulder's waterbed. He knew she was irrational, so for her own good he decided it might be better to tie her up until she would see reason, or he could get medical help for her. Mulder's drawers yielded a good supply of silk ties, and Gross carefully secured her to the frame of the bed with them. Resolutely turning his back on the delectable sight of his sweetheart bound so prettily and so helpless, he went back into Mulder's living room to see if there was a list of phone numbers for Mulder's friends and acquaintances.

There were several doctors listed in the personal phone book, but the only female one was Dr. Dana Scully. Reasoning that Langly would be less alarmed if she could speak to a member of her own sex, he dialed the cell-phone number, and waited.

Scully was standing in one place, watching as people came and went, trying not to flinch as she recognized the face of Alex Krycek over and over and over again... She had no idea where Hobbes had been taken and was about to try to track him down when her phone rang. Grateful for the interruption, something to ground her, she answered it. "Scully. Hello? Can I help you?"

"Dr. Scully... hello. I'm in Agent Mulder's apartment, and needing a doctor for a friend of his. He's not here right now... I found your name in his address book. Are you his doctor? And could you help me? Langly seems to be very ill... delusional, in fact. Can you come to my rescue? I'm a little out of my depth, here."

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

>Hobbes moaned and forced himself to move. He had to complete his mission. His blue eyes blinked as he looked about in a glazed haze. He pushed Alex's hand away.

"Just leave me alone and take me to..." He sighed as the man walked away. He turned his head to Scully, "I'm fine, really." He was lying. Pinocchio always told him he was a terrible liar. He forced himself up; nearly fell over a few times till he steadied himself.

He looked around and started wandering off, not sure where he was going. Flashes of Santiago's compound appeared in his head. He walked in a door and saw a long hall. He blinked as he saw himself with a blond in tow, Pinocchio and another woman in the lead, running.

Hobbes backed into the wall as he heard a shot ring out and the woman he was pulling slowly feel to the ground but didn't... she vanished in thin air. In a flash of blue light she was gone. He looked down the hall to see a man holding a gun. "Sophie?" He said aloud, "SOPHIE!" He shouted and started running down the hall then stopped as the vision vanished. He turned confused. Suddenly a wave hit, making him dizzy. What was happening to him? Were these memories?

"Wraith?" He called out, "WRAITH! help me..." he faded out and fell over.

Startled upright, Wraith hissed as tender skin protested pulling away from Marita so quickly.

"What's wrong?" Marita's tone was sleepily annoyed.

"I heard..." His lips pursed and he climbed out of the bed. Not bothering with clothing and not having a weapon to grab, Wraith headed for the door. The dresser was shoved aside and he listened cautiously.

"Is it trouble?" Marita snatched after her clothes. "What is it, Lauren?"

"Stay back." Wraith cracked the door open.

"Lauren! You don't have any clothes on." Balancing on one foot, Marita wiggled into her panties.

"It doesn't matter." The secret was already exposed; there was no reason to hide it any longer. A flick of his wrist brought a blade sliding out of the pseudo-skin that hid it. Wraith looked both ways then ghosted out the door. A body was crumpled in a heap at the end of the hallway.

Just a few strides brought Wraith to Hobbes' side. Without lowering his eyes, Wraith reached to check the pulse in the other man's neck. It wasn't steady.

"Liars." Wraith hissed. The blade disappeared and Hobbes was caught up, carried back to the room and laid on the bed. Marita was half dressed. "We're leaving." Wraith snatched up his still damp pants. "We're taking Hobbes and getting out of this room. This place is all wrong. They aren't going to help us. We're not staying here waiting for them to come after us."

At this point, all the shouting interrupted Eugene's brief nap. Rodney woke with him and yawned. Wearing only gray soft woven boxer, Eugene grabbed his medical bag and went flying out of the room. Rodney, naked was right behind him.

Looking at his lover, Eugene said, "For God's sake, Rodney! Put something on."

Finding Wraith threatening everyone with a knife, as nude as Rodney, except for the weapon.

Holding up slightly trembling hands, Eugene used the voice that could soothe the wildest beast. "Hey, don't kill the doctor...let me see. Come on. You know he needs help."

--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--[o]--

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