When Mulder finds out that Scully was kidnapped by Duane Barry, he risks the wrath of his superiors and the annoyance of Agent Krycek in order to do whatever it takes to find her. Meanwhile, Krycek is found to be reporting Mulder's activities to the Cigarette-Smoking Man.

The cast is back from their island adventure and Rachel has decided to join "Empower America", a conservative Republican group. The cast accompanies her to the seminar and Judd and Rachel get into an argument later about the supposed "racism" that goes on in the group. Rachel decides to get a tattoo on her lower back, which conflicts with her "conservative beliefs", making the cast question her behavior. Tensions rise between Cory and Rachel because Cory begins to get jealous of the friendship developing between Rachel and Jo. Cory pouts around the house when Rachel and Jo bring home some skater friends and she later confronts Rachel with her issues. Steve starts to make Jo feel trapped as he calls her every day and tells her he is expecting that they will eventually date. She completely moves out of his house in Tahoe to ease the tension.

A long-standing feud over territory explodes into violence, forcing a young man to make decisions about his future. Mike races to a shooting and swift action on his part saves the shot man's life. Dr Gordon is reluctant to tell a patient that she's dying. Mike and Rachel make a pleasant discovery about each other. Adam makes a breakthrough in his relationship with his ex-wife.