The Stories 

All right. Here's the cream of the crop, according to me. I tend toward MSR with a side of angst, but if a story's well-written it gets my vote no matter who's sticking what into whom. I've included story links and ratings as well as author e-mail and Web sites. They're in no particular order. If I don't have a file size, I've listed them as "Novel" or some other indication of length. I'm going to try to keep this thing around 50 stories, but we all know what they say about the road to hell ...

So. Enjoy.


Certitude by Justin Glasser
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Lights/7752/
X, UST, A // 107K // Rated R

I admit I have a fondness for stories that deal with Antarctica. Perhaps it's because CC gave us NOTHING in FTF? No, I'm not bitter. Anyway, Justin has written a taut, tense story with Mulder and Scully being maddeningly ... themselves. Good stuff, and a great OC, too.

Pater Noster by M. Sebasky
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://geocities.com/msebasky
Skinner fic, A // 147K // Rated R (violence, language, adult situations)

This stunning story stars the stoic Walter Skinner in a tale of a lonely assistant director, a Catholic priest and the myriad ways life can screw you over. M. Sebasky lets Walter be Walter, and we'll never be the same. It's powerful, and brilliant, and I wish I'd written it. Expect to wince while reading. A lot. 

Strangers and the Strange Dead by Kipler
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.aol.com/kipler/index.html 
X, S, A // 45K // Rated PG

The opening paragraphs, about a river in winter, blew me away -- and then the ending made me SCREAM. This is a masterpiece of a story, and arguably one of the year's top five. Oh, beware of red herrings.

Tam Lin by Pequod
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/pequods_harbour/
X, R, A // 235K // Rated NC-17

Mulder in a kilt. Scottish legends come true. Steamy sex. Great writing. Go read it now.

Gutless by Magdeleine
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://shannono.net/theden/magdeleine.html
X, UST, A // 450K // Rated NC-17

Parrots never had it so crazy. Lena creates a casefile with UST for miles, gladiator dreams and small-town greed. Incredible first-time novel with plenty of action, Mulder Awareness Days and no plot holes. Whee!

The Life During Wartime Series by cofax, marasmus and Maria Nicole
E-mail: cofax     marasmus     Maria Nicole    Subscribe to the Wartime mailing list 
Various

One of the reasons I read fanfic is my fascination with how other people envision post-colonization. This trio has conjured up a world of fear, death and desperation, but it's so good you really don't mind the pain. I can't wait to see where they go from here.

Controlled Substances by Kel
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Realm/9374/
X, H, MSR // 210K // Rated NC-17

Skinner's tired of being a nanite prisoner. Mulder and Scully try to help him break free. And you'll never guess who comes along for the ride. It's a casefile with a gritty, humorous edge.

Unnatural Disaster by Michaela
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.aol.com/FanficWrtr/
Casefile, A, MSR // Rated R

What color is your lampshade? From the disclaimer to the author's notes, this story is top-notch. Very few things have had the power to leave me breathless while I'm reading ... this was one of them.

Untitled Random Case File #4664 by Jess M.
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://sf.exit.de/visionsoftruth/Jess/jess.htm
S, H, R (for raunchy!) // 40K // Rated R
Three things are givens when you see Jess' name in the author slot: Great writing, laugh-out-loud humor and titillation. Here, we see what might happen if Mulder and Scully got a little, ahem, outside help. Absolutely hilarious.

Blood Oranges by Syntax6
E-mail:
[email protected] Web site: http://www.omniscribe.com/stories.html
S, MSR, A, Mystery // Novel (200K+) // Rated NC-17

Chilling and thrilling, this story is not afraid to detail how a person's neuroses can drive them to do terrible, horrible things. Scully's psyche and Mulder's profiling skills both get a workout here.

A Light in the Tower at Mulder Manor by Peni R. Griffin and Devi XF
E-mail/Web site not available
H, S, R, Adventure // 175K // Rated PG

Written in Victorian prose, just the chapter titles of this (loose) Jane Eyre crossover will have you giggling madly. Mulder as Sherlock Holmes and Scully as his Watson never fail to please me, and this romp has that in spades. 

Absence of a Heartbeat by KatyBlue
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.nbci.com/KatyBlue/
UST, S, A // 60K // Rated PG-13

KatyBlue's first fic, and it's a doozy. Scully fights for Mulder's life. Does she win? Read and see.

Midnight Mark-Up by Louise Marin
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.angelfire.com/la/xspot/
S, R, A, H // 34K // Rated R

You've heard, of course, about how animals like to mark their mates. Our heroes do it, too, in their own inimitable way. Louise's summary: "Drunken fools, black ink and territoriality." I'll say.

Chiaroscuro by Blueswirl
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://blueswirlscrashpad.simplenet.com/
V, A, MSR // 220K // Rated R

It's Mulder-Scully-Married fic, and yet it's so much more. It's about love, and the connection between family, and how far you'll go when that connection is threatened. A great bad guy to boot.

Gun by Susanne Barringer
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dreamworld/2442/
UST, A // 30K // Rated PG

When I got to the end of this one, I thought to myself, "Damn. God damn. That was really, really good." Susanne shows us just how deep and strong Mulder and Scully's partnership runs.

Dance Card and other stories by Sabine
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://people.we.mediaone.net/sabine101/index.htm
S, A, S/O, M/S // 54K // Rated R

Sab sent me my very first piece of feedback, and since then, I've found her to be an honest friend, a harsh beta and a smart, no-holds-barred writer. This series is everything that's wrong about Mulder and Scully's relationship, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Gazing Back by Tim Scott
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/timmscott.geo/
S, A // 51K // Rated R

Sometimes, don't you wish Mulder and/or Scully would stand up for themselves when other agents insult them? Sure, it's noble to turn the other cheek, but all that built-up resentment can't be healthy. Finally, Mulder takes an eye for an eye, and it rocks the casbah. Hard.

Clutching at Shells by Lisby
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~iwonder/lisby.htm
A, MT // 107K // Rated PG-13

The vignette that spawned "Vestigy." I run out of adjectives; you'll just have to see for yourself. Works on its own, but you'll probably want to go back and read *everything* in this universe. Links on her site.

Homicidal Tendencies by Swikstr
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://bullpen.simplenet.com/
A, X, S/O, MSR // ~500K // Rated NC-17

Crossover with "Homicide: Life on the Street." Actually got me hooked on that show, and I'm sad it's not around anymore. This story seamlessly blends two discrete universes and does a love triangle in the best possible way.

Ship Building by Jess M.
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://sf.exit.de/visionsoftruth/Jess/jess.htm
X, MSR, Mytharc // 112K // Rated NC-17

With all the crap that Scully's been handed over the years, I love it when she gets to be triumphant. Poor Consortium. With Special Agent Dana Katherine Scully, M.D., payback sure as hell is a bitch. Another winner from Jess M.

Wind River by Cathleen Faye
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://chimericalpublications.com/chimerical/fanfic/fanfic.htm 
Mulderslash, MT, X, A // 327K // Rated NC-17

As far as I'm concerned, this one's the definitive Mulderslash story. Mulder and Scully head to California to investigate a series of murders, and Mulder finds comfort in another man's arms ... but he just might be the main suspect. Ooo ...

Cold Angel Eye by jordan
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/1063/
X, Sk/Sc, S, A // 400K // Rated NC-17

Along with "oyster," jordan takes Skinner, Scully and Mulder and stirs them up into one big yummy dish of emotion. One of the most uncompromising writers I've ever read. Either you get it or you don't. I do ... I think.

The Substance of Things by jerry
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://jerrycanary.home.att.net/
X, R, A // 175K // Rated R

Jerry explores Scully's faith against the backdrop of Mulder's disbelief and a very cool casefile. Character development is a wonderful thing. And while you're there, check out "Cross Mills" for a sweet, gentle tale of loss and acceptance.

The Devil's Instant by Maria Nicole
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Derby/5520/index.html
S, A // 18K // Rated PG

There were a lot of post-eps for "Orison." This one tops my list. Maria transcends the Scully-heels-as-armor cliché in a smart, sharp story that resonates. 

The Dogged Determination Series by Rhondda Lake
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/halley/253/
Crossover, MSR/MSM // 900K total // Rated G to NC-17

I love dogs, and when I read this crossover with Dean R. Koontz's "The Watchers," it hit me in just the right way. It's one I'll go back and read parts of once in a while, which is something I don't do very often. I bet it'll make you wonder what your dog is thinking.

Mezzo Luna by Michelle Kiefer
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.aol.com/msrsmut/MichelleKiefer.htm
X, MSR // 38K // Rated R

Another loose crossover, this time with "Like Water for Chocolate." A chef puts herself into her cooking, literally, and Mulder and Scully discover that life's not much without emotion. Wonderful story, with just the right amount of romance.

Disturbing the Universe by Kelly Keil
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://grapefruithead.com/kellyfic/
S, MSR // 54K // Rated R

Stranded in the Sno-Cat on the ice in Antarctica, Mulder and Scully talk (gasp!). Eventually, there is naked pretzel-making, but it's the journey there that's the good part. Damn fine story all 'round. Mulder can be my carrot anytime.

Healers and Warriors by David Hearne
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.dencity.com/hearne
X // 207K // Rated R

It must be great to live in David's head, what with all those fascinating, wacky, wicked, twisted characters clamoring for attention. In this story, based on "Holy Blood, Holy Grail," we get a Christ metaphor ... but it's not who you'd think. Other must-reads include "Goin' Down South," "Headed Back South," "Gone To Florida," "Kilembe," "The Duchess" and "They Can Mess You Up." I don't mean to gush, but I honestly don't think I've ever read a bad David Hearne creation. And you can quote me on that.

Soap and Eggs by EPurSeMouve
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://mypage.goplay.com/epursemouve/
X, UST, A // 107K // Rated R

My partner in the bad crack (see the humor section on her site) is a stupendous author in her own right. "Soap and Eggs" is one of those stories that doesn't get tied up with a bow, and it's all the better for it. Read EPur's other stuff, too; her storytelling instincts are rarely wrong, and she proves it every time she writes.

Human Credentials by Scarlet Baldy
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/gutter/ 
X, M/F (Boo! Hiss!) then MSR (Huzzah!), A // 428K // Rated NC-17

A lesser-known author whom I had the good fortune to stumble upon thanks to Galia's tireless archiving work. This one's a bit reminiscent of Iolokus, that angst behemoth, but it's got a twisted flavor all its very own. 

Umbra by Dawson Rambo
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.sonic.net/~drambo/
Action Adventure, Technothriller, MSR, Mytharc // 900K // Rated R

I was riveted to my computer seat for TWO DAYS while I read this. (Yeah, I know it took most people longer. I read fast -- so sue me.) It's Tom Clancy, Elmore Leonard, William Gibson and P.J. O'Rourke all in one. Plus an all-star cast! Definitely one of my all-time favorites.

The Road North by Caz
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://Caz.freeservers.com/
V, UST, A, Post-ep // 18K // Rated R

Caz's writing is like a breath of fresh air -- bracing, peaceful and renewing. The essence of Mulder and Scully shines through everything she does, and it's an honor to say that I know her and can call her a friend. This story gives Mulder the closure that CC didn't, and lets him find his way back to Scully, where we know he belongs, in his own time.

Reach by Khyber
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.alanna.net/Khyber/stories.htm
T, R, A, MSR/UST // 104K // Rated R

Khyber's stories, from casefiles to MSRs, are filled with little nuggets of truth and grace. Mulder and Scully get an emergency assignment and are reminded that depending on each other isn't such a bad thing after all. Deeply moving, lyrical and beautiful.

Fish for Fallen Light by nevdull
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.tripod.com/nevdull/
X // 122K // Rated R

Something's fishy in California ... good thing Mulder's not afraid to go in the water. Beautifully realized story, with a grown-up Scully reluctantly chasing after sea monsters and her partner. One thing about nevdull's writing -- it's never, well, dull. 

Twelfth Voyage by Parrotfish
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/area51/vault/1377/parrotfish.html
S, R, A // 23K // Rated NC-17

This story is one of those that's ruined if you say too much about it. So I won't. Read, and be amazed.

God's Breath by Jintian Li
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/museans/jintian/index.html
X, R, A // 293K // Rated R

A funeral brings Scully and her family to San Diego, where the death of an old love is the start of a serial murder case. The writing's so good it made the story unfold in my head. 

Meaning of the Term by Sister Zooey
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.sisterzooey.homestead.com/
MSR // 13K // Rated R

My first thoughts upon reading this went something like, "How did she get in my head and find out exactly what I think MSR should be?" Happy, not sappy. Romantic and real. Most of all, hopeful. Read the whole series, it just gets better.

The Wabash, Far Away by Punk Maneuverability
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.teleport.com/~garold/underground/index.html
S, A, R // 20K // Rated PG

If you don't fall in love with this little universe of Punk's, there's something seriously wrong with you. Go get a martini from the ballistics twins, and try again. Other good stuff: "Our Scullys," and the only M/O (non-slash) I've ever liked, "Venture Forth."

Madjahando by CindyET (link to Gossamer)
E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.crosswinds.net/~bluefroggie/cindyet.html 
X // 106K // Rated R (language, violence)

If you've ever hunted anything, this one's for you. Cindy's casefiles are rather good, but this one hits closer to home for me, as I'm from the Midwest and understand the need to blast the crap out of something. Try "Annelid," too. Creepy.

99 and 44/100ths Percent Done by Sarah Segretti
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://hometown.aol.com/mrsblome/index.html
X, R // 88K // Rated R

Three words: Skinner, pigs, suds. Cincinnati never looked so good. Sarah has this incredible talent for capturing places and people; in my opinion, this is one of her best -- well, "Operation Clean House" isn't anything to sneeze at, either.

12 Rites of Passage / 12 Degrees of Separation by Anne Haynes
E-mail: ah[email protected] Web site: http://members.aol.com/ahaynes33/index.htm
X, UST, A // 107K // Rated R

Here's another novel I'll go back and read, just because. Great writing, and a nice remembrance of our heroes back in their younger skins. I especially like how Anne juggles her plot threads; her secondary characters aren't shallow, and that takes talent. 

Quis Si by Trixie
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.crosswinds.net/~trixie1013/xfficmain.html
MSR, A/U, A, S // 469K // Rated NC-17

What if Samantha was never taken? What if Mulder got to live that life? Trixie's world is fascinating, wonderfully smutty, and a great answer to the question, "What if?"

Truncated by Lysandra
E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.angelfire.com/ms/lysandlys/main.html 
S, R, MSR/UST // 39K // Rated R

A great fic, and not just because the author actually had herself locked in a trunk to see how it would feel. All in the name of research ... also try "Pear Necessity," "Good Vibrations" and "Something from Morrison in VCU." 

The Silver Bracelet Series by Brandon D. Ray
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.avalon.net/~publius/MyStories.html
MSR/RST, S, A // Various // Rated PG to NC-17

Brandon has a knack for handling MSR in a passionate, sweet, adult way. He leaves us with a mindbending cliffhanger as he starts Book Two of the series, but Book One itself is everything you could want for Mulder and Scully. 

ordinary things by wen
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://grapefruithead.com/wen/
A, MSR implied // 63K // Rated R

What *can't* wen do? Genius writer, unparalleled Web designer -- and she's cute, too. I love her work, simply because she forces the reader to use his or her brain. Scully's been waiting her whole life for a man to fill her soul; is that man Mulder? Maybe. Try "it could be sweet" for something on the lighter side, or "the frailty was bent" if you need that supreme angst.

Burning on Re-Entry by bugs
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://urw.simplenet.com/bugs/
A (read that header carefully) // 78K // Rated NC-17

What happens when Mulder comes back to Scully and sprog? Here is bugs' view, set against Season 7, and it's better than anything 1013 will give us, I promise you that.

Malus Genius by Maybe Amanda and Plausible Deniability
E-mail: PD or MaybeAmanda Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dreamworld/2528/
X, MSR, A, H // 127K // Rated NC-17

This little devil will have you peeing your pants with laughter. I think this is one of the funniest stories I've ever read. A high school teacher lets the demon out of the bag, so to speak, and Mulder and Scully get to see all hell (almost) break loose.

Night Giving Off Flames by Jesemie's Evil Twin
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://alanna.net/JET/
A, M/S Something, Oddness // 55K // Rated R

Perhaps the year's best story. JET broke my heart and put it back together again with a tale of post-colonization, faux Mulders and a Scully afraid to hope. I was crying at my keyboard, but it was worth every tear. Visit her page and get to know Charlie Scully in the stupendous "Small Lives Awake."

Luminescence by Dreamshaper
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/dreamshpr220/dreamshpr1.html
MSR // 27K // Rated NC-17

Our agents discuss life and lightning bugs in the calm before the storm. A lovely story, with just the right touch.

Grace Realized by Michaela
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://members.aol.com/FanficWrtr/
MSR, A // 107K // Rated PG

Another penchant of mine is for stories that deal with Scully's cancer, and how she and Mulder fight themselves and each other in dealing with it. Michaela's version (her first fic, btw) is one of the best I've ever read.

partner in all things by Livia Balaban
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://go.to/inkspot/
MSR, V, A // 13K // Rated PG-13

Livia's another one of those writers who can segue seamlessly from angst to casefile to shippery-dippery MSR. She's killed the sprog, she's given Scully singing lessons. I love this little story for its sophisticated and evocative glimpse into the partnership.

China Lake by PD
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://home.pacbell.net/syzygial/
X, S, R, A, H, MSR/UST // 184K // Rated R

From sweet, sexy MSR to chilling casefiles, PD does it all. "China Lake" is one of my favorites, if only because of the way Scully finds the strength within herself to save the day. Try "Body and Soul" and "The Woman in the Mirror," too.

My Constant Touchstone Who Makes Me a Whole Person by Sarah Ellen Parsons
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Portal/9943/
MSR (sorta) // 3K // Rated PG

Sarah does satire like nobody else. It's meant to be an MSR, but the author's just not wired that way. Our gain. Laugh loud and long ... then go read "Prone" and the other Bad Boy in Leather stories. Dangerously good.

Arizona Highways by Fialka
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.geocities.com/annoxf/fiction/
M/S, X, A // 378K (Book One) // 358K (Book Two) // Rated NC-17

If only CC knew Fialka. She'd set him straight on that "effing starlight" and get the continuity bus back on schedule. Visions of Melissa send Mulder and Scully searching for children in the Southwest, but they find so much more. Great writing, excellent plot. Mytharc.

What C18 H24 O2 Can Do To A Man by A. K. Gerdes
E-mail: [email protected] No Web site found
V, H, Post-ep // 14K // Rated PG-13

I was jumping up and down in my living room during that scene in "First Person Shooter" when Scully gets to blow Jade Blue Afterglow to smithereens. Apparently, the boys liked it even more than me.


Ping the Piglit              Read my fic

this page brought to you by Wing-id Pigs Productions