BOGGSXFILES
TRUTH STILL MATTERS
Transcripts / Season 2 / Ascension
Season 2 · Episode 6

Ascension

Character-labelled dialogue prepared from the official DVD subtitle track.

Production code2X06Original airdate · October 21, 1994
296 dialogue entries
Scene 01

Opening scene

[ thunderclap ]

[ thunderclap ]

[ tape rewinding ]

Dana Scully (recorded)

Mulder, it's me. I just had something incredibly strange happen. This piece of metal that they took out of Duane Barry, it has some kind of a code on it. I ran it through a scanner, and some kind of a serial number came up. What the hell is this thing, Mulder ? It's almost as if-- it's almost as if somebody was using it to catalog him.

[ clattering ]

[ gasps ]

[ glass breaking ]

[ screams ]

Duane Barry

Come on !

Dana Scully

Mulder ! I need your help ! Mulder !

[ man shouting ]

Crime Scene Officer

Take two men and a team-- [ continues, indistinct ]

[ gasps, screams ]

Crime Scene Officer

Take that down to the lab.

[ camera shutter clicking ]

Dana Scully

Mulder !

Duane Barry

Lady--

Dana Scully

I need your help ! Mulder !

[ men chattering ]

Walter Skinner

Mulder !

Policeman

Sorry, ma'am. You can't disturb a crime scene.

Margaret Scully

This is my daughter's apartment. Let me go ! I have to get through ! I have to get in !

Fox Mulder

Mrs. Scully ? She's not in there.

Margaret Scully

Where is she ? Where is she ?

Holly Weir (TV reporter)

This is holly weir reporting live. Police have refused to identify the kidnapping victim. However, we have received unconfirmed information--

[ camera shutter clicking ]

[ horn honking ]

[ mouths words ]

[ door opens ]

[ car door opens ] [ footsteps approaching ]

[ keyboard clacking ]

[ tape rewinding ]

[ tires screeching ]

[ grunts ]

[ engine shuts off ]

[ grunts ]

[ door closes ]

[ gagging ]

[ door closes ]

[ door opens ]

[ car approaching ]

[ Barry choking ]

[ clears throat ]

[ door closes ]

Scene 02

11:46 P.M.

Margaret Scully

I knew it would happen this way. I had this dream about Dana being taken away. It's so strange !

Margaret Scully

I, uh-- I was gonna call her, but I was afraid I was gonna scare her.

[ sighs ]

Margaret Scully

She would have laughed at me anyway. She doesn't believe in that kind of thing, you know ?

Scene 03

FBI HEADQUARTERS · WASHINGTON, D.C. · 8:03 A.M.

Walter Skinner

According to the reports I've reviewed, agent Scully's research states that Duane Barry's propensity for violent, deviant behavior... Is due to brain damage from a bullet wound in the head. Is this the operational opinion ? Yes, sir. Is there another ?

Alex Krycek

He's convinced he's going to be abducted by aliens. But by taking someone to the abduction site, he won't be abducted himself.

Walter Skinner

That he's following orders from alien voices in his head.

Man #1

Yes.

Walter Skinner

Well, that's an interesting spin on the nuremberg defense. Which explanation do you subscribe to, agent Mulder ?

Fox Mulder

There's a question of how he could have gotten to her in the first place.

Man

And you think these alien voices told him.

Fox Mulder

Agent Scully was carrying a small piece of metal... That was removed from Duane Barry's abdomen-- an implant he described as a tracking device.

Man

Agent Scully... Thought that you had made... A major miscalculation in Duane Barry's psychosis. Is that true ?

Fox Mulder

Yes, but that doesn't explain how he could've found her.

Walter Skinner

Where would he be taking her ?

Fox Mulder

I don't know. He-- he talked about a mountain, but he wasn't specific about the location.

Walter Skinner

However he got to her and whatever his motives, he took Scully's car and weapon. I think we all understand the seriousness of this matter and should proceed quickly... With all possible resources. I need you to turn over your files to h.r.t.

Fox Mulder

I'd like to brief them myself.

Walter Skinner

Go home. You've been up all night. Get some sleep.

Fox Mulder

Sir, I know Duane Barry. I've been in his head. I know how he thinks.

Walter Skinner

You're too close to this case ! If we can use you, we will.

Fox Mulder

Sir--

Walter Skinner

That's an order, agent Mulder. Make sure he gets home safely.

♪♪ [ car radio blaring ]

Alex Krycek

♪ you'll see him in your nightmares ♪ ♪ you'll see him in your dreams ♪

Music (radio)

♪ he'll appear out of nowhere ♪

Alex Krycek

♪ but he ain't what he seems ♪ ♪ you'll see him in your head on the TV screen ♪ ♪ hey, buddy, I'm warning you to turn it off ♪

Music (radio)

♪ he's a ghost he's a god ♪ ♪ he's a man he's a guru ♪

[ sniffing ]

Alex Krycek

♪ you're one microscopic cog in his catastrophic plan ♪

[ siren wailing ]

Alex Krycek

♪ designed and directed by his red right hand ♪♪

♪♪

[ siren continues ]

♪♪ [ radio blaring ]

[ camera whirring ]

[ breathing heavily ]

Scene 04

ROUTE 229 · RIXEYVILLE, VIRGINIA · 11:23 A.M.

Patrolman

Sir, could you turn off your radio ?

Duane Barry

I would, officer, but I've got to keep going.

Woman Over Radio

An FBI a.p.b. Has been issued for a suspect...

Apb Wire Conductor

In the abduction of an FBI agent.

Duane Barry

Okay. But could you just give me the ticket now so I can go ? I gotta be someplace.

Patrolman

Where ?

Duane Barry

I'm not sure, but they'll tell me when I get there.

Patrolman

Sir, put your hands on the steering wheel where I can see 'em.

Duane Barry

You don't understand. They're waiting for me. I can't be late.

Patrolman

Put your hands up and exit the vehicle !

Duane Barry

No, I gotta keep moving. Please ? For your own sake ? Don't stop Duane Barry.

[ muffled gasps ]

Patrolman

Sir, put your hands up !

[ banging, moans ]

[ gasping ]

Scene 05

FBI HEADQUARTERS · VIDEO PRODUCTION UNIT · 3:11 P.M.

Fox Mulder

Right there. Back it up a few frames. Okay, now magnify this area.

Video Technician

Oh, my god !

Fox Mulder

She's still alive. Print this up.

Scene 06

FBI HEADQUARTERS · 4:08 P.M.

Duane Barry (recorded)

[ Barry on tape recording ] I just wanna go back to the place.

Fox Mulder (recorded)

What place ?

Duane Barry (recorded)

Where it first started. Where they first came and got me.

Fox Mulder (recorded)

Where is that ?

Duane Barry (recorded)

A mountain. We went, uh, up and up, ascending, ascending to the stars. Ascending, ascending to the stars.

Alex Krycek

Coffee ?

Fox Mulder

Yeah. Thanks.

Alex Krycek

Yeah. How'd you sleep ?

Fox Mulder

I didn't.

Duane Barry (recorded)

They're not taking Duane Barry again.

Duane Barry (recorded)

A mountain. We went, uh, up and up, ascending, ascending to the stars. Ascending to the stars.

Alex Krycek

What is it ?

Fox Mulder

Where was that patrolman killed again ?

Alex Krycek

Rixeyville, Virginia, route 229.

Fox Mulder

Doesn't route 229 lead to the blue ridge parkway ?

Alex Krycek

I don't know. What ? "ascend to the stars. Skyland mountain." you know where he's going ?

Fox Mulder

Get your car and meet me downstairs in five minutes.

Alex Krycek

Where are we going ?

Fox Mulder

Just get your car.

Alex Krycek

What about Skinner ?

Fox Mulder

I'll deal with Skinner.

Alex Krycek

He thinks Scully's been taken up to skyland mountain. I'll hold him off until they locate her. Wait. Here he comes. I'll be in touch.

Fox Mulder

Come on. Let's go.

[ horn blaring ]

Scene 07

ROUTE 211 · WARRENTON, VIRGINIA · 5:43 P.M.

Alex Krycek

Hey ! [ relieved sigh ] you're dozing off. Maybe I should drive.

Fox Mulder

I'm fine.

Alex Krycek

You haven't slept yet. I have.

Fox Mulder

I said I'm fine.

[ scoffs ]

[ sighs ]

Alex Krycek

You know, chernobyl, exxon valdez, three mile island, they were all linked to sleep deprivation. The u.s. Department of transportation estimates... That over 190,000 fatal car crashes every year are caused by sleepiness.

Fox Mulder

Did they estimate how many people are put to sleep listening to their statistics ?

Alex Krycek

I'm just trying to keep you awake.

Fox Mulder

Look, I know you think we should have told Skinner. But if he sends in the whole cavalry, Duane Barry might go over the edge.

Alex Krycek

You're right.

Fox Mulder

If we find him first, we'll notify the bureau. All right ?

Alex Krycek

Yeah. You think he tracked her down with that implant ?

Fox Mulder

Well, that's the easiest explanation. It's also the most implausible.

Alex Krycek

Is there another possibility ?

Fox Mulder

Somebody could've given him her address. I don't know who. There's our turnoff.

Scene 08

SKYLAND MOUNTAIN · SKYLAND, VIRGINIA

Alex Krycek

Have you seen this guy ?

Tram Operator

Yeah, he was here.

Alex Krycek

He's wanted for kidnapping a federal agent. Did you let him go up on the tram ?

Tram Operator

No way. It's shut down in the summer. I told him to take the back road up.

Alex Krycek

How long ago ?

Tram Operator

About 45 minutes.

Fox Mulder

Did he have a woman with him ?

Tram Operator

No.

Alex Krycek

How long does it take to drive to the top ?

Tram Operator

A little over an hour.

Fox Mulder

You've got to get me up there. No. No way.

Tram Operator

We just got done refitting the cable. It hasn't been tested with passengers yet. You'll have to drive.

Fox Mulder

I don't have the time.

Tram Operator

You don't have a choice.

Fox Mulder

No, you don't have a choice.

[ machinery whirring ]

Tram Operator

Okay, I can't stop you from going up there. But if there's a problem with the cable, I'm shutting this thing down. I'm not gonna be responsible for your death.

Alex Krycek

What are you doing ?

Fox Mulder

Stay here, and whatever happens, don't let him stop the tram.

Tram Operator

Okay, hit your "run" and "up" button on the panel. "speed indicator" controls your ascent. Now, when you wanna slow down-- don't crank it faster than 15 ! What's he doing ? I told him not to go that fast. Base to car one, pick up.

[ grinding, creaking ]

Tram Operator

Do you hear that sound ? At this speed, the cable can't hold.

[ grinding, creaking continue ]

Tram Operator

This is base. Please pick up your handset. Can you hear me ? Slow it to 15, or I'll shut this thing down. Base to car one, pick up. Base to--

Fox Mulder

Go ahead.

Tram Operator

Slow it down.

Fox Mulder

You're breaking up.

Tram Operator

Slow it down, or the cable will jump... The tower.

[ clattering ]

Tram Operator

The second tower's coming up. Slow it through the next tower.

[ clattering ]

Alex Krycek

How close is he ?

Tram Operator

He should be up top in a minute. There he is.

Fox Mulder

What are you doing ? Turn us back on. Krycek, what's happening down there ? Krycek, do you read me ? Tell the operator to restart the tram. Hello ? Hello, Krycek, can you read me ?

Alex Krycek

I've got him stalled up there. I'll hold until you advise.

Fox Mulder

Is there an emergency system on board ? Can you read me down there ? Can anyone read me ?

[ machinery whirring ]

[ sighs ]

[ thunder rumbling ]

Radio Broadcast

Intermittent thundershowers throughout the evening. Look for highs tomorrow around 65 degrees, with tonight's low near 58 degrees. That high-pressure ridge-- [ continues, indistinct ] joining me now for the business report is sue roberts. The dollar turned in a mixed performance on the foreign exchange markets... While closing stronger here. Gold dropped almost two dollars... In spite of continuing speculation about inflationary trends. Silver was down 80 cents. The blue chip indicator rose slightly in moderate trading, gains outnumbering declines by a margin of four to three. A government source stated that the u.s. Will abolish--

[ continues, indistinct ]

[ rumbling ]

[ whirring ]

[ Barry laughing hysterically ]

Duane Barry

[ laughing continues ] yes !

Fox Mulder

Federal agent !

Duane Barry

Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !

Fox Mulder

Freeze !

Duane Barry

Yes !

Fox Mulder

I said freeze ! Where is she ?

Duane Barry

I'm free, you son of a bitches ! [ thunder rumbling ] you can't touch Duane Barry anymore !

Fox Mulder

Don't move ! Don't move !

[ shouts, laughs ]

Duane Barry

I'm not going anywhere !

Fox Mulder

Where is she ? Where'd you leave her ?

Duane Barry

They took her !

Fox Mulder

Who ?

Duane Barry

Them ! I told you they were gonna take somebody else. They did ! [ laughing ] [ rumbling, whirring ] no ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No ! No !

Scene 09

SKYLAND MOUNTAIN SUMMIT · 8:46 P.M.

Police Radio

Sheriff, search and rescue chopper has found them on the mountain.

Apb Wire Controller

We sent out five teams to search for that missing federal agent.

Fox Mulder

Drink of water ?

Medic #1

Wait outside.

Fox Mulder

What happened after you took her out of the trunk ?

Duane Barry

We walked a little ways up to the top of the mountain, right where you found me.

Fox Mulder

Then where'd you take her ?

Duane Barry

I didn't. They did. That was the deal: her instead of me.

Fox Mulder

Did you kill her ?

Duane Barry

No. I swear.

Fox Mulder

How'd you get this ?

Duane Barry

From the ship.

Fox Mulder

What ship ?

Duane Barry

You saw it.

Fox Mulder

I saw a helicopter.

Duane Barry

They were here ! I'm not lying to ya ! There they are ! Ask them ! They know what happened ! No !

Fox Mulder

Sit down, Duane.

Duane Barry

You've got to stop 'em ! Hurry ! Hurry ! They were just out there ! They were right outside !

Fox Mulder

They-- Duane, settle down !

Duane Barry

They'll tell you where she is ! The military's in on it ! Just ask 'em !

Fox Mulder

Did you hurt her ?

Duane Barry

No.

Fox Mulder

Did you hurt her ?

Duane Barry

What is this ? No !

[ grunting, coughing ]

[ gasping, coughing ]

[ coughing continues ] [ panting ]

[ coughing continues ]

Duane Barry

I'm sorry. They had to take her. [ panting ] I hope they're not hurting her... Too much with the tests. I'm sorry.

Alex Krycek

What's the matter ? What'd he say to you ?

Fox Mulder

Aw, he's giving me nothing. Were you out here alone ?

Alex Krycek

Yeah, why ?

Fox Mulder

Nobody goes in or out of that room.

Officer

Hey, Mulder.

Fox Mulder

No, thank you.

[ high-pitched whirring ]

[ low humming ]

[ whirring, humming continue ]

Fox Mulder

What are you doing in there ?

Alex Krycek

I heard him--

Fox Mulder

Come here. Come here.

Alex Krycek

I heard him gagging in there. He couldn't breathe.

Fox Mulder

No one-- no one--

Alex Krycek

He said you choked him.

Fox Mulder

No one is to interrogate the suspect.

Alex Krycek

Except you ?

Fox Mulder

Except me. Did you ask him about Scully ? Yep. What'd he say ?

Alex Krycek

He started whistling "stairway to heaven."

Alex Krycek

Keep an eye on him.

Guard

Okay.

Walter Skinner

You got Duane Barry ?

Fox Mulder

Yes, sir.

Walter Skinner

Agent Mulder, you disobeyed my direct order.

Guard

Call the paramedics !

Fox Mulder

What happened ?

Guard

He was gagging.

Fox Mulder

Duane. Duane.

[ choking continues ]

[ gasping ]

Fox Mulder

Duane.

Paramedic #1

Coming through.

Paramedic

Respirations ? Hmm, nothing. Start c.p.r.

[ resuscitator breathing ]

Paramedic #2

Ready ? Go. One, two, three, four, five.

[ resuscitator resumes breathing ]

Paramedic #2

One, two, three--

[ men chattering ]

Scene 10

FBI ACADEMY MORGUE · QUANTICO, VIRGINIA · 6:07 AM

Pathologist

Excuse me.

Fox Mulder

I'm agent Mulder. I'd like a copy of this man's autopsy report.

Pathologist

I'm sorry. It's still incomplete.

Fox Mulder

Are you the pathologist ?

Pathologist

Yes.

Fox Mulder

Can I ask what your preliminary findings are ? [ sighs ]

Pathologist

Um, second-degree burns on the face, contusions about the neck, bruised larynx. If I had to list cause of death at this point, I'd have to say asphyxiation. Were you expecting something else ?

Fox Mulder

You haven't run a toxicological yet ?

Pathologist

They should be finished shortly.

Fox Mulder

I'd be interested to see what you find. When will it be on file ?

Pathologist

Later this morning.

Fox Mulder

I'd like a copy as soon as possible, please.

Pathologist

Well, I'm sorry. You'll have to go through regular military channels.

Fox Mulder

What do you mean, "military" ? You're not FBI ?

Pathologist

Quantico's under military jurisdiction. There wasn't an FBI pathologist available this morning.

Scene 11

DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, D.C. · 6:16 AM

Alex Krycek

Skinner's expecting my report on the Duane Barry incident. What do I tell him ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

The truth.

Alex Krycek

What do you mean ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

Confirm Mulder's version of events. You've earned his trust. The object now is to preserve it.

Alex Krycek

For how much longer ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

Until your assignment is completed.

Alex Krycek

If Mulder's such a threat, why not eliminate him ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

That's not policy.

Alex Krycek

It's not ? After what you had me do ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

Kill Mulder and you risk turning one man's religion into a crusade.

Alex Krycek

What about Scully ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

We've taken care of that.

Alex Krycek

How ?

Cigarette-Smoking Man

We tell you only what you need to know.

Alex Krycek

I think I have a right to know.

Cigarette-Smoking Man

You have no rights, only orders to be carried out. If you have a problem with that, we'll make other arrangements.

Scene 12

FBI HEADQUARTERS · WASHINGTON, D.C. · 10:36 A.M.

Walter Skinner

"victim appears to have expired from prolonged hypoxemia, "secondary to asphyxiation. "of several possible etiologies, the most likely is strangulation... Due to the presence of contusions and a bruised larynx." do you want to speak to this, agent Mulder ?

Fox Mulder

I didn't kill him, if that's what you're suggesting.

Walter Skinner

But you attacked him ?

Fox Mulder

I was interrogating him about agent Scully. He wasn't cooperating, so I pushed him.

Man

And you lost control ?

Fox Mulder

Momentarily, but then I left the room. He was very much alive. I spoke to him. Agent Krycek spoke to him.

Walter Skinner

Agent Krycek says he entered the room because the suspect was gagging.

Fox Mulder

Is agent Krycek asserting that I killed him too ?

Walter Skinner

No. He corroborates your story. But the fact is, we've got a dead suspect, agent Mulder, and no other plausible cause of death. O.p.c. Wants the both of you to take a lie detector test. You are to report there immediately.

Fox Mulder

There is another plausible cause of death.

Walter Skinner

Which is ?

Fox Mulder

Poisoning by injection or ingestion.

Walter Skinner

Poisoning ?

Fox Mulder

You won't find that on the navy pathologist's report.

Walter Skinner

What are you saying, agent Mulder ?

Fox Mulder

That the autopsy is incomplete, that the military covered up the toxicological findings.

Walter Skinner

And why would they do that ?

Fox Mulder

Because they know where Scully is.

Man

Why are you so paranoid, Mulder ?

Fox Mulder

Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because I find it hard to trust anybody.

Fox Mulder

Alex. Alex, can I borrow your car keys ?

Alex Krycek

Why ? Where are you going ?

Fox Mulder

There's somebody I gotta see.

Alex Krycek

But we're scheduled at o.p.c.--

Fox Mulder

I know. Just give me the keys, please. [ sighs ] thanks.

Scene 13

OFFICE OF SENATOR RICHARD MATHESON · 11:45 A.M.

X

You wasted a trip, mr. Mulder. There's nothing the senator can do for you now.

Fox Mulder

What ?

X

Not without committing political suicide.

Fox Mulder

Why ? Do they have something on him ?

X

They have something on everyone, mr. Mulder. The question is when they'll use it.

Fox Mulder

I need his help.

X

No one can help you now. Your channels of appeal and recourse are closed.

Fox Mulder

Your predecessor could have helped me. You know, don't you ? You know what's happened to her.

X

This reaches beyond any of us, mr. Mulder. Even my predecessor.

Fox Mulder

I want an answer !

X

Why kill Duane Barry if there was nothing to hide ?

Fox Mulder

You mean the government ?

X

There are no answers for you, mr. Mulder. They only have one policy: deny everything.

[ sighs ]

Scene 14

FBI HEADQUARTERS · WASHINGTON, D.C. · 8:11 A.M.

Walter Skinner

This is a serious allegation, agent Mulder.

Fox Mulder

Only so far as it is true.

Walter Skinner

"agent Krycek was hired or suborned by an outside agency... "to impede a federal investigation and may be responsible... For the death of a suspect in a capital murder case" ?

Fox Mulder

It goes on.

Walter Skinner

"and the possible murder of the tram operator at skyland mountain." there's a lot of blood on this document, agent Mulder. Are you standing behind this going on the record ?

Fox Mulder

Yes, sir.

Walter Skinner

Well, then you'd damn well better have the facts to back it up. [ intercom beeps ] I need to see agent Krycek, immediately.

[ sighs ]

Walter Skinner

I can't protect you, agent Mulder. Past a point, this'll become a larger bureau matter. All right. What do you got ?

Fox Mulder

I found this in agent Krycek's car. He doesn't smoke. Agent Krycek was the last person with Duane Barry before he died. He was also the last person to see the tram operator before he disappeared. When I got to the top of skyland mountain, I saw an unmarked helicopter working the area. I believe that agent Krycek gave away the whereabouts... Of Duane Barry and agent Scully to whoever he's working with.

Walter Skinner

And who is that ?

Fox Mulder

I don't know. The military ? Some covert organization within the government ? Whoever it is that the man who smokes those cigarettes works for.

Walter Skinner

Why ?

Fox Mulder

Because agent Scully got too close... To whatever it is they're trying to deny. Because she had hard and damning evidence-- that metallic implant in her possession. Or because her termination... Would prevent further involvement with me and my work.

Walter Skinner

Do you think agent Scully's dead ?

Fox Mulder

I don't know. How far do you think they'd go ? What do you know about agent Krycek ?

Walter Skinner

I didn't give him the assignment. I only-- [ phone ringing ] yes. Thank you. Agent Krycek didn't show up for work this morning. His home number has been disconnected.

Fox Mulder

That's it ? He's gone ? He just disappears into the woodwork ?

Walter Skinner

So it would appear.

Fox Mulder

Who are these people who can murder with impunity, and we can't do anything about it ?

Walter Skinner

Let it go, agent Mulder.

Fox Mulder

Like hell.

Walter Skinner

There's nothing you can do.

Fox Mulder

What can you do about it ?

Walter Skinner

There's only one thing that I can do, agent Mulder. As of right now, I'm reopening the X-Files. That's what they fear the most.

[ door opens, closes ]

Margaret Scully

Agent Mulder ? Thank you for calling me.

Fox Mulder

I'm sorry I don't have better news.

Margaret Scully

Do you know something ? Is Dana okay ?

Fox Mulder

I don't know anything more about it.

Margaret Scully

I know you're doing all you can. I had that dream again last night, about Dana being taken away. I can't tell you how it scares me.

Fox Mulder

It's probably scarier when you stop having the dream. Don't you think ? I found this. That's something I-- I never considered about her. If she was-- if she was such a skeptic, why did she wear that ?

Margaret Scully

I gave it to her on her 15th birthday.

Fox Mulder

Don't you want to keep it ?

Margaret Scully

When you find her, you give it to her.

About this transcript

The dialogue comes from the official DVD subtitle track supplied by Boggsfiles. Speaker and scene attribution was cross-checked against character-labelled reference material. Subtitle wording is preserved while capitalization and spacing are standardized for easier reading.