A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, someone proposed a 
little kernel of an idea to her friend.  Several hundred e-mails, 
thousands of kigabytes in rewrites, and countless hours on AOL 
IM later, "Shield and Sword" was formally delivered to the online 
world at a healthy (if not slighty wordy) 500 kb.

Anna, my lovely and talented co author was the brain child. She 
proposed a Mulder-in-the-Consortium scenario that proved too 
irresistible -- even for someone who swore that her next piece 
of fanfic would involve no conspiracy.

Season five, while providing delightful little stand alone 
episodes, was dreadfully lacking in conspiracy substance.  Granted, 
faceless clones and dead children were interesting, but there were 
always the perpetually unanswered questions.  Bill Mulder, Samantha 
Mulder, the cancer arc... things that had been left unresolved and 
were torturing the X-File fanatics.

With the movie looming over us, there was a desire to add some
resolution -- but to keep everything plausible within CC's 
X-Files-ish realm.

Which leads to the rather depressing ending.  Mulder and Scully 
are "friends"; they share a very deep bond with each other.  However, 
they live dangerous lives, surrounded by dangerous people.  And their 
headstrong, "get the truth, no holds barred" attitude makes them 
prone to mistakes.  The ending, I'm hoping, shows that even though 
they operate with the best intentions, they are fallible, and still 
care very deeply for each other.

Some thank yous:

Anna.  I've already said this, but you amaze me.  Your parts were 
wonderful, and you made my parts equally fantabulous.  It's been such 
an experience, and I have you to thank.

To Seda who was patient, and would offer suggestions with 
mind-boggling scrutiny -- thank you for your well-timed advice, and 
your ability to keep our egos floating high.

To those who offered feedback during and after the writing of 
"Shield and Sword", humongous boxes of chocolate and crates of 
champagne to everyone. When my motivation was lagging, it helped me 
stay focused.

Until the next one...

Maraschino


The fact that this story is 500+k frightens me. How did the "little 
spy story" become this mythology monster? Where along the way did we 
realize just what we'd gotten ourselves into? And how exactly did it 
get to the point of being our alternative take on the fifth season? 

I am glad, however, that it did. Consider "Fight the Future;" Mulder 
and Scully running around in ever-widening circles to find some 
evidence - coming up with one (!!) bee <pathetic> at the end to 
corroborate their theories. "Shield and Sword" universe is *swimming* 
with evidence and answers, even if they come at a high price. Even if 
truth itself starts to seem unworthy of knowing. But there is at least 
a resolution - and some answers to the big burning questions that we 
always wanted answered.

This is not a happy story, but I will maintain that it has a 
"cautiously optimistic" ending. Many people would disagree. And while 
the question of the sequel did come up, it will probably never be 
written. 

Writing this was an experience in itself, partly because I've always 
wanted to write a spy novel, having been raised on stories about 
Russian and American spies in Germany during WWII, but largely 
because co-authoring is so much fun. And because my co-author was 
Maraschino whose writing continues to astound me, and whose awesome 
ideas shaped this story. Melanie, you made "Shield and Sword" come to 
life. Thank you does not begin to cover it.

"Shield and Sword" would never be complete without our patient, 
wonderful editor, Seda from Beta Readers' Circle. At the point where 
we could not remember the names of our characters, or vital information 
from the previous parts, she kept us honest and on track. 

I never knew that writing could be such a thrill. Thanks go to everyone 
who reads and writes XF fanfic.

Anna.