Melissa Clark's eyes widened as they saw the ceiling caught on fire.
They were on a world with two suns. Most of the earth had been burned away...except for places like this San Francisco that had a dome. It was a dome...that someone had just destroyed.
"Oh, no!"
"Run!"
Melissa looked down the hall There had been people practically rioting due to a double of Richard's past attempt to break the dome. Now they screamed, running for shelter.
"Uh...anyone know where we should be running for cover?" Richard Hall asked next to Melissa.
Melissa looked at Randy Heim. He had appeared a few seconds ago with a redhead. The redhead...Michelle...had vanished into a wormhole.
Randy held up his prosthetic. "Yes...I do."

Melissa gasped for air. She turned to look around. They were on the street across from what looked like a power plant. It was a power plant...that was on fire.
"No!"
Melissa looked at Randy. His eyes were wide with shock. She frowned.
"What's wrong?" Melissa asked.
"Ran was in there," Randy said.
"Was," Richard uttered.
"What?" Rembrandt Brown said.
Melissa looked over at Rembrandt. He held an unconscious Darnell Brown in his arms. He had sadness in his eyes, watching another hope to get then home go up in flames literally.
A beep got Randy's attention. Randy pulled out the timer.
"Looks like luck is on our side," Randy said.
"Luck!" Rembrandt snapped. "Ran is still in there. We have to--"
Randy aimed the timer. "No time."

Melissa fell out of the wormhole. A yelp escaped her lips. Then she stopped. She was in somebody's arms.
"You can thank me later."
Melissa rolled her eyes. "Put me down, Richard."
Richard let Melissa down gently. Melissa looked around to see they were in an alley. She looked at him.
"Thanks," she said.
"How could you?"
Melissa looked away. It was Rembrandt. He placed Brown in Ethan Bradshaw's arms. Then he headed for Randy who was getting to his feet.
"Rembrandt--" Randy started.
"No!" Rembrandt snapped, cutting Randy off. "You left Ran there! You left him there!"
"There was no time," Randy said. "And...that fire...he might have been--"
"Your words," Rembrandt said. "Might have been. You don't know if he was dead."
"You don't know if he was alive."
"What's wrong, Randy? Afraid of the competition? Or maybe someone has to be dating you to not be left behind?"
"Remmy!" Melissa yelled. She headed for the two of them, making sure not to look at Ethan.
"It's not like that," Randy said.
"Ain't it?" Rembrandt shot back.
"I'm sorry about Ran," Randy said. "But...it's done. And you and Richard are going to have to accept it; you're stuck with me."
"You son of--"
"Remmy!" Melissa said, stepping between them. "You two--"
Suddenly, Rembrandt pushed Melissa out of the way. She tripped over her legs. As she fell to the ground, Melissa saw Rembrandt punch Randy in the jaw.
Then she heard clicking. She looked toward the alley entrance. There was a guy there with an IPhone. He clicked away with a grin on his face.
"Cool," he exclaimed.

WHAT IF YOU SLIDE TO A DIFFERENT DIMENSION? A PLACE WHERE YOU'RE THE SAME PERSON, IT'S THE SAME YEAR, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DIFFERENT?

OVER SIX YEARS AGO, WE HAVE SEEN...

...A WORLD WHERE THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE NEVER TOOK PLACE...

OR

...A WORLD WHERE YOUR DREAMS OF BEING A STAR CAME TRUE...

OR

...A WORLD WITH A WAR BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT ALIEN RACES?

BUT...WHAT IF YOU COULD NEVER GET HOME?

SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 7
EPISODE 15: THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

"Well, I think the picture is lovely!"
Melissa lowered the shades she had. Her eyes narrowed on Richard. He sat across from her on the couch in the Dominion Hotel lobby. He was currently buried in a newspaper. Suddenly, he lowered it to look at her. He grinned and showed it to her.
"Don't you think?" Richard asked.
Melissa could see the picture. It was from yesterday when they arrived. The guy with the IPhone had taken a great picture of Rembrandt punching Randy in the jaw. He did the picture in such a way that there was a clear view of Melissa falling. The caption over it said it all:
'LOCAL FAMED BLOGGER IN ALLEYWAY FIGHT! HOW'S HER SEX NOW?'
Melissa groaned. "Don't you have something better to do?"
"Nope," Richard said. He smirked. "I could do your double. She sounds like a lot of fun--"
The look on Melissa must have looked like murder because Richard stopped smoking. His face softened. He waved his arm around like he was waving a white flag.
"Don't worry," Richard said. "According to the paper, you're supposed to be aboard. Something about moving to Paris with a foreigner."
Melissa went back to frowning. "Ugh!"
Richard frowned. "What?"
"Yesterday, you were on trial. You could have died."
"Instead it was a Randy double. Hooray!"
Melissa glared at him.
"You know there's no love lost there," Richard said. "Get used to it."
"How could you be cold?"
"I thought you liked cold," Richard shot back. "Isn't that how Egghead got you to cheat on me?"
Melissa's mouth opened. No worlds came out. Ever since she decided to let Randy be, Melissa had noticed Richard and she had their old rapport again. She had almost forgot why they were no longer together.
Almost.
"Screw you," Melissa hissed.
Before Melissa would let Richard reply, she shot up. She felt like such an idiot for letting him get close again. He was a...
"See! I told you!"
Melissa paused. She looked past Richard. She looked...and her eyes widened.
Rebecca Pryce looked back at her. Well, it wasn't the conwoman. It was a double. Rebecca would never wear glasses, a ponytail, and a sweater with a long skirt. She looked down at a pad she had in her hands. She looked over at the man in front of her.
Melissa's eyes narrowed. Man? More like worm.
Daniel Peckin was a slimy producer on most worlds they slid to. He was dressed like a businessman as usual. Of course, that meant he was definitely slimy.
"So you did, Pryce," Peckin said, flashing her a smile. Then he looked to Melissa. "And you? what were you thinking?" He gestured all around. "What San Francisco needs is love. What it needs...is its guru..aka you."
Melissa frowned. "Me?"
"You," Richard said from the couch.
"Hm," Rebecca said, looking down at the couch. "What happened to the Russian?"
"Who cares about the Russkie?" Peckin countered. "What San Francisco needs is its favorite blogger...blogging. The single, the better."
"Blogger?" Melissa uttered.
"Single," Rebecca said.
"Told you to read the paper," Richard said, pulling the paper back up to look through it.

Randy Heim's eyes widened. He turned and looked at Ethan. Ethan also looked shocked. Randy looked forward again.
What he expected to find was a library. He wanted a place where he could think about Ran...and Zoe. Zoe...who beat his ass.
Instead, he got...
"They make me think of the Borg," Ethan commented.
Randy frowned. "You really do hang around me too much."
"This is a bad thing?"
Randy did not know what to say. He guessed he was just used to the library almost always being here. Instead it was a cafe. A cafe with people on their laptops.
Randy frowned. And all of them were typing. All of them.
"I don't see any computers to use at all," Ethan said.
Randy looked around. "Me neither."
Randy saw one person, a girl with blond hair, giggle. It looked eerie.
What were they typing?

i can't wait for everyone to see...
OH, SNAP! SHE DID WHAT? HOW...
25 ViEwS? yEs! EaT yOuR hEaRt OuT, yOu FlAt-ChEsT...
"Are you listening, Darnell?"
Professor Darnell Brown looked across at Rembrandt. They sat at a cafe eating. Actually it was Rembrandt eating at the moment. Brown had been distracted by the various thoughts entering his head.
"I apologize, Uncle," Brown said. "I...got lost in thought."
"Whom?" Rembrandt asked, a smirk on his face.
"Ha, ha."
"Well, how are your powers?" Rembrandt asked. "You passed out on the other world. Then you got hit in the head. So..."
"They," Brown said, "appear to be all right." He focused on Rembrandt. "The real question is how is my uncle?"
Rembrandt gave Brown a grimace. "He did it again, Darnell. He just up and left another one of us. He left Ran on that world with no idea if he's alive or dead. Just like Q-ball. Just like Quinn."
Brown looked away. That had been the flash-point for the group most of the year.
Alexandrian World. Randy's choice. He unleashed a slidestorm on that world that was breaking out into civil war. According to Rembrandt, they had no idea if Quinn was alive or...
is that him? oh, wow. that's him.
Brown smirked. "You have another one."
"Ugh!" Rembrandt said.
"What are you ashamed of?" Brown asked. "I thought you enjoyed landing on worlds where you are powerful?"
"Famous yes," Rembrandt said. "Oprah no."
"Oh my God! It is Rembrandt Brown!"
Rembrandt gave Brown a look. Then he turned to the fan, flashing a smile. The young black girl pretty much melted on the spot.
Brown looked away grinning. Rembrandt could use some attention for a change. Maybe that would keep him away from Richard and his sch...
PHASE 1 IS DONE. TIME FOR PHASE 2.
Brown turned in his chair. There was a chill on his spine. He knew that voice.
His eyes widened. A group of artists sat around a coffee table. They appeared to be laughing about something. They were completely oblivious to the inhuman man standing over them, a snarl on his face.
Kersh.
Kersh was dead.

'It was almost like I never left. The wind was still windy. The people still moved about their life. And I? I was...'
Melissa growled. She slammed the laptop's top shut. She ignored the other people who stared at her. She thought the library would be here. Instead, she met people tying away on their laptops. Thank goodness Peckin gave her one on loan.
For what? She wasn't a writer. Far from it. Yet here she was, acting like her double and being a love guru.
Melissa frowned. She ran her fingers through her hair. Who was she to give love advice? She was in love with Randy...who was unavailable. She was trying to forget him.
"Lord! She's at it again!"
Melissa looked up. Her eyes widened. Katherine Rye stood in front of her. She was not alone. She was with Sarah Weisschester-Carroll and Maggie Beckett.
"So, Girl, were you ever going to tell us you were back?" Sarah asked.
"Giiiiiirl!" Maggie yelled. "Time to party!"
"Uh," Melissa managed, "okay."

"A toast!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes on Melissa as she stood. "To San Francisco's famed blogger! Through earthquakes, breakups, good times, and even better sex, she has seen it all!"
"Here, here!" Maggie said, sitting next to Melissa.
Melissa clicked glasses with the other ladies. The local? A dive bar somewhere in downtown. Sarah sat down across from her, sipping her martini.
"So," Kat said, "what happened with the Russian?"
"Why even ask?" Sarah asked. "We're just glad she's back."
"Us against the world!" Maggie exclaimed, grabbing Melissa in a hug.
"Don't you mean you and a lot of me?" Kat asked.
"Don't start, Irish," Maggie said.
Melissa realized it. She was grinning. As she drank her cosmo, Melissa wondered when was the last time she was able to laugh and joke with a group of girls. She had been sliding for so long she couldn't really immediately think of it.
She had been great friends with Maggie when she was part of the group. Before that, Melissa had been good friends with Katherine Rye. They had became good friends when they had been trapped on a world for three months. She had not know that working as double agents there had given Kat a taste for killing. She got through it...only to sacrifice herself to save the group from Mr. Stone during the last battle with the Kromaggs. Melissa's eyes watered. She looked away quickly.
"Melissa," Kat said, across her, "you okay?"
Melissa looked over at Kat. She wiped at her quickly. She managed a smile.
"Oh...yeah," Melissa said. "Just memories, you know."
"I know I do not want to hear a damn thing about that Russian!" Maggie exclaimed.
"I drink to that!" Sarah added.
"I second!" Kat said.
Melissa took a drink. Sarah grinned. It was weird to see Sarah Weisschester-Carroll. The one she knew as a sliding serial killer. This one looked harmless enough, dressed in a red (of course) business suit.
"I assume since you're back that you got your blogger job back," Sarah said.
"Yes," Melissa said.
"Thank God!" Sarah exclaimed.
"Why would she?" Kat asked. "There are plenty of San Francisco singles that need her perspective. They want to find love."
"Speaking of singles," Maggie cut in, "So what's next? He Who Shall Not Be Named is gone. Any prospects?"
"Well, I--" Melissa started.
"As long as it's not that one guy," Sarah said, cutting in. "You know...the wannabe scientist. What was his name again?"
Maggie frowned. "Quincy?"
Sarah frowned. "Quinn and no. That was your fling. I'm talking about Melissa's guy."
"Sarah!" Kat cried.
"Well, I never liked him. Sorry," Sarah said. "Why would I ever remember his name."
"It was Randy," Kat said. "And Melissa loved him."
"Until she found out he was involved with someone," Sarah replied.
Melissa frowned. Her mind wondered when she entered the Twilight Zone.
"Why you never really did a blog on him is beyond me." Sarah said. "There is so much material there."
"Maybe she just wants to remember the good sex," Maggie exclaimed.
"Is that all you think about?" Sarah asked.
"Don't you?" Maggie shot back. "It's not all career, is it?"
Sarah glared at Maggie. Melissa looked over at Kat. Kat took it in and grabbed Melissa up. She looked at the others.
"We'll be right back!" Kat announced.
Before the other girls could reply, Kat had already pulled Melissa away to the restroom. She turned to look at Melissa, her eyes full of hope.
"I'm glad you back," Kat said. "So is Randy. I told him...and he wants to see you."
Melissa opened her mouth to say something. Kat quickly threw up a hand to silence her.
"Please don't hate me," Kat said. "I...I want true love to win out. Everyone knows you two belong together."
Melissa stared at Kat. If Kat only knew the truth. Still...was this something Melissa wanted to get involved in.
"So...will you do it?" Kat asked.

Randy typed away. It was nice to see the Dominion loaned out laptops. He was busy...ordering.
At the same time, he was thinking. His mind was still on Zoe.
Zoe.
'You can either stay head of the curve...or fall behind.'
That had been what Zoe said. Ran and he had thought it was coincidence to come across another person researching vortexes. It turned out that it was far from it. Zoe was another slider. Another slider who had been able to do what only Randy could do...create a slidestorm. She was out there sliding with someone doing God knew what. He knew it wasn't anything good. Still...she was an enigma.
Randy was the only person who could create slidestorms. Not even his doubles appeared to be able to. Neither could any of Quinn's. So how could this girl know how. Who was...
Randy's eyes widened. A name came to mind.
Logan St. Clair.
Randy leaned back in his chair, his hand on his cheek. His forehead wrinkled up.
Logan St. Clair was a female version of Quinn Mallory. She had been just as good as Quinn. She could also track wormholes.
If Randy was the only person who could create slide storms and this girl could, could it be that this girl...was him?
"Oh, no," Randy uttered.
"You can say that again."
Randy rolled his eyes. He turned around on the couch. Richard looked down at him. Randy glared at him.
"We're here for a week," Randy said. "Don't you have something better to do?"
"Don't you?" Richard challenged. "Like...I don't know...getting us home?"
Randy shut down the laptop. He focused on Richard. He smiled.
"You're right," Randy said. "Me. I have that ability." He smirked. "Not you. Not Rembrandt. Me."
Richard crossed his arms over his chest. He chuckled. "I see. So you did want to leave your double to die. I knew it!"
"No," Randy said. "I--"
"I don't know, Egghead," Richard said, cutting him off. "First, Quinn. Now, your double. I assume Proper's next. You can't have anyone who has even a hint of ability to get us home, can you?"
"Wow," Randy said, standing up. "I didn't know being a clone could make one crazy."
Richard's face darkened. "Maybe it's time someone got rid of you."
"Try it," Randy shot back. He stared Richard up and down. "I mean you tried to blow me and Ethan apart. It didn't take. We're stronger."
"Riiiight," Richard said. "Because all the secrets are out on the table? I doubt it."
"Give it up!" Randy exclaimed. "Melissa doesn't want you!"
"And you don't want her," Richard said. "Win!"
"I'm with someone."
"So was she. Your point?"
"Everything okay?"
Randy looked past Richard. Ethan stood behind him, his arms over his chest. His eyes stared Richard down for a moment. Then he focused on Randy.
"Yeah," Randy said. "Richard was doing his song and dance. It wasn't working." He looked at Richard. "He knows who's in charge?"
Richard chuckled. "Right. I'm taking a shower."
Richard stormed off without another word. Ethan glared at Richard as he made it over to the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Ethan looked back at Randy.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Ethan asked.
"It's not Richard I'm worried about," Randy said.
Ethan frowned. "Oh."
"It's Zoe."
"Zoe?"
"Michelle," Randy continued. "I...I think she's a double of mine. That makes her dangerous. We have to find her."

Brown put his hands in the pockets of his dark brown trench coat. He paused for a moment. Then he turned his head.
"I believe," Brown began, "that even without my abilities I would be able to detect the feeling of someone following me."
There was a moment for a second. Then Rembrandt came out of the bushes. Brown shook his head.
"Uncle, I took a walk for a reason," Brown said.
"And that was?" Rembrandt asked.
Brown grinned. "Nice try."
"You think because I was signing autographs and taking pictures I didn't notice the look on your face. White as a sheet. Look at thin air. What you see?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to your uncle."
"I--"
"What did you see? What is the big--"
"Kersh!" Brown snapped. Rembrandt looked at him surprised. "Yes, I saw that evil thing. The last time I saw him in my mind, I do believe that I betrayed everyone and everything I believed in. And let us be realistic. My...association with the others has been the equivalent of walking across broken glass already."
Rembrandt nodded. "But you have taken your first steps to making it up to them."
"Really? How does one make up trying to murder another human being?" Brown saw Rembrandt frown. "Simply put: you don't."
Brown looked up at the night sky. It looked beautiful here in Golden Gate Park. He felt at peace. Still he wondered how long it would last.
"Already my abilities are coming and going," Brown continued. "It was like it was when Stone put nanotechs in me to take my normal functions away. To be left a vegetable. I...am not sure how this will resolve itself, but I will not go back to that. Ever."
Rembrandt walked over to Brown. He put a hand on his shoulder. He looked at Brown with so much warmth. It made Brown feel guilty for what he had put his uncle through.
"I will be there if you...lose your way," Rembrandt said.
"How can you say that?" Brown asked.
Rembrandt smiled. "That's what family does."
Brown felt his eyes watered.
"Oh my God!"
Rembrandt groaned. He turned to deal with the latest fan who would want him to sign something. Brown watched him and smiled. It felt nice to be part...
PHASE...TWO...CONTINUES...
Then it hit Brown all at once.
The whole city of San Francisco. Every thought. Every desire. It ran through his mind at the speed of light. He grabbed at his head, hoping that would allow him to collect his thoughts.
I CAN'T BELIEVE HE...
...taxes are ridiculous...
...ScOrEs WeRe...
"Darnell?"
Brown blinked. He realized he was on the ground. Rembrandt and his fan stared down at him. Their eyes expressed relief. Brown wished he could feel the same.
What was happening to him?

"You expect me to believe your famed blogger had nothing to do with a nobody getting hit by the famed Rembrandt Brown? Puh-leaze!"
"Now, Perez..."
Melissa sneaked past Peckin's office quickly. No need to get in the middle of that argument. Especially since she was on her way to meet Randy.
Correction: his double.
The elevator doors closed. Melissa was alone. That allowed her to have her thoughts to herself.
She was a pretty successful blogger. Not only did she have a radio gig once a week, but her double regularly book a few talk show appearances. Apparently, everyone was looking for love.
Melissa frowned. Love. What did she really know? She was hung up on Randy. He was with Ethan. She had decided to move past it. Yet here she was playing with fire. What was wrong with her?
The elevator doors opened. Melissa started to step out. She paused, her eyes going wide.
It was Randy. He had shaggy, shoulder-length black hair. He grinned at her with a goatee.
"Well, that wasn't exactly the response I was looking for," Randy's double said.

"There you go."
Randy smiled at Gomez Calhoun as he got the packages he ordered next day from FED-EX.
"Thanks," Randy said.
He turned around. He headed for the elevator. He thought of Richard for a moment. A smirk crept onto his face. He knew Richard...not to mention...would be proud to see he was focused on ways to get them home...as well as find people.
Zoe wanted Randy to be ahead of the curve.
So be it.
The elevator doors opened. Randy started to step through.
"Mr. Heim?"
Randy paused and turned around. He frowned. It was Rebecca Pryce. Well...a Rebecca Pryce. The Rebecca he knew would never wear a woolen sweater with a long skirt...or glasses.
"Uh...can I help you?" Randy asked.
"Yes," Pryce said. "I think we need to talk."
"Talk?"
"About last night," Pryce said.
"Can I maybe do this another time?" Randy asked. "I really--"
"No," Pryce said. "It can't wait. I won't let you rape another girl. Ever."

Randy looked at Pryce, shock overtaking his body. "What...did you say?"
"I said," Pryce said, "you...raped me."
Randy started to turn. "I think you are mis--"
"Well, several people agree with me," Pryce said, grabbing Randy's arm. "They feel I should press charges."
"What?"
"Www.survivorgirl@blogspot.com," Pryce said. "You can look it up. I think I'll post pictures later. We did take them after all."
Pryce let go of Randy's arm. He did not move. His mind raced.
His double raped someone. Worse the victim had written about it online. Several people would see it. People would want to know.
"Mr. Heim?"
Randy looked past Pryce. Professor Brown and Rembrandt approached. Pryce backed away slowly.
"You have a good day," Pryce said.
Pryce turned and walked away. Randy watched her go. He did not know what to say. He looked at Brown and Rembrandt. He frowned as he saw the Professor rubbing his temples. He looked at Rembrandt.
"Is everything okay?" Randy asked.
"Great," Rembrandt said. He gestured at Pryce. "What was that?"
"Mistaken identity," Randy said.
Randy stared back at the Dominion doors.
What was he going to do?

Melissa laughed. Across from her, Randy's double grinned as he sip his champagne. He looked back at her across the table.
Melissa pushed a string of hair out of her face. This was how it should be. Randy and her...together. So much time had been stolen from them since they got together on that future world almost five years ago. So much drama had gotten in the way. Now here she was...getting lost in a world.
Why not?
"I am sorry about the Russian," Randy's double said. "You made it clear that...was where you belong?"
Melissa looked down for a moment. "I...I was wrong." She looked at the double. "I thought he was one thing. It turned out he was far from it."
The double reached for his left cheek. "I remember all too well. I assume it was a right hook and not a slap?"
"Damn right," Melissa said.
They both laughed again. Melissa found her eyes looking around. Her eyes fell on a man a few tables over. He had his phone out taking a picture of the two of them.
"Great," Melissa said, annoyed.
Randy's double's eyes followed her stare. He grinned.
"What did you expected?" Randy's double asked. "I'm the son of a well-respected member of NASA...and brother to a train-wreck of an actress. And you are the sweetheart of San Francisco. We are practically blog royalty."
Melissa frowned. "Oh?"
The double reached for her right hand. He encircled it, causing Melissa to feel warm to the face. Her eyes looked away from him. He used his other hand to turn her face back to him. His brown eyes held so much warmth. So much love. Melissa wondered how long it had been since she had felt so much affection.
"I know I broke your heart," Randy's double said. "I should have told you I was involved." He learned in closer. "I love you."
Melissa's eyes watered. If only Randy...her Randy...could say that to her. She looked at this Randy. His warm brown eyes. His nice smile. They were still here for a few days. So...she gave in.
"I love you, too," Melissa said.

There was just the four of them.
Randy Heim. Melissa Clark. Richard Hall. And him. Professor Darnell Brown. They sat around the table talking. They were here. They had made it.
Home.
So why was he standing over their table...even looking at himself? Ever scarier...he could not heard any thoughts.
NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.
It was in his mind...and behind him. Brown felt his back stiffened. He slowly turned around. Behind him...was Kersh.
"Why are you doing this?" Brown demanded.
IT ISN'T ME. IT...IS YOU, PROJECT 54.
"My name is Professor Darnell Brown."
Kersh smirked. YOUR NAME...IS PROJECT 54. YOU TRULY BELIEVE THE KROMAGGS DO NOT HAVE ENDGAMES IN MIND. IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE WORLDS, NEITHER WILL YOUR KIND.
Kersh looked past Brown. Brown turned quickly. He stared at Brown. His other self glared at him with black eyes. He jumped out of his chair, the others oblivious. Before Brown could react, his other self lunged at him.
"Ah!"

Rembrandt knocked on the door. "Darnell?" There was no answer. "Darnell, is everything okay? Darell?"
He frowned. He had heard the scream. Given the last few days, Rembrandt had been leery of leaving Darnell alone. He opened the door, seeing he was right to worry. Then he paused in the door.
Darnell...was gone.

Ethan narrowed his eyes on Randy. "What are you not telling me?"
Randy managed a smile. "I guess you know me so well. but...no secret. I think I should really focus on a few equations I want to use for tracking." He squeezed Ethan's right shoulder. "I could do without the distraction."
Ethan grinned. "Hmmm. I guess."
"Run on. Have fun."
Ethan grinned again at Randy for a moment. Then he turned and headed down the street. Randy watched Ethan walking away. Then he turned and headed in the opposite direction.
The lie did hurt though.

"Hmmm..."
Melissa turned over in bed. She wished she had awaken to kisses, but it was the buzzer of a phone that got her attention. She opened her eyes, focusing on the drawer across from the bed. She groaned and reached for it. She was sure it was Peckin wanting her to not miss another deadline.
Melissa brought the phone to her ear.
"I'm working on it," Melissa mumbled.
"Honey, I hope so."
Melissa frowned. "Maggie?"
"You think Kat wouldn't tell me?" Maggie asked. "You know she can't keep a secret. Now if Sarah finds out..."
Melissa sat up in the bed. "You're not going to--"
"Not my style," Maggie replied.
Melissa found herself smiling. "Thanks."
"If you really want to thank me," Maggie said, "You will bring your fierce ass and plus one to my benefit tonight. I'll need all the stars I can get."
"Fine."
A knock at the door got her attention. She started to look for her clothes.
"Sounds like you're busy," Maggie said. "Ride 'em, cowboy. We'll talk later."
"Bye," Melissa said.
"What in the world!"
Melissa put on her dress quickly. She made it into the living room. Then she felt her knees give out.
Randy was at the door...talking with Randy. Melissa's eyes widened. Randy's eyes fell on her. Then they did the same.
"How is--" Randy's double started.
Randy stepped back...and punched his double in the jaw. Melissa gasped as the double fell to the floor. Then she looked at Randy.
The silence echoed.

Melissa pushed past Randy as they made it back to the Dominion. He grabbed her arm. Melissa snatched her arms away.
"Melissa!" Randy snapped.
"Shut up, Randy!" Melissa shot back.
"What was that about?" Randy demanded.
"As if you care," Melissa said.
"You know better."
Melissa spun around. "Do I?"
Randy paused. He felt like he had been stabbed. He crossed his arms over his chest.
"I won't think you had something better to do than chase my double," Randy said.
Melissa glared at Randy. "It's not about you."
"Isn't it?"
"Go to hell."
"Melis--" Randy started, reaching for her.
Melissa threw her arms up. "You know...all I wanted was to have a little fun. Be happy. It was nice to be loved. Wanted. For a little while." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I think I want to stay."
Randy's eyes widened. "What?"
"What's going on?"
Randy turned around. Ethan headed toward the hotel entrance. He took in the scene, his face a grimace. He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Nothing," Melissa said.
"Lookie here! Showdown!"
Randy rolled his eyes and turned to look at Richard. He took in the scene. His face was in the form of a lopsided grin.
"What I miss?" Richard asked.
"Nothing," Melissa said, her eyes on Randy, "except I'm leaving."
"What?"
"You can't do this," Randy said. "Especially with--"
"Not your choice," Melissa said.
Before Randy could say another word, Melissa spun back around. She went to the Dominion without another word. Randy looked after her. He didn't have time for--
"People dropping like flies around you," Richard said behind Randy.
Randy turned toward Richard. "Then why are you still buzzing around?"
"It's her choice," Ethan said.
Richard gestured to Ethan. "Thuggie, Voice of Reason." He smirked. "Later, lovebirds."
Richard headed past Randy. Randy barely noticed. His eyes were on Ethan. Ethan stared back, his eyes full of concern. Randy was sure he saw some hurt.
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"She wants to leave; she can leave," Ethan said. "We're all here by choice." His eyes narrowed on Randy. "Why are you trying to stop her?"
"It's not what you think," Randy said. "I saw her with my double--"
"Not shocked," Ethan said, cutting Randy off.
"Hey!"
"No!" Ethan snapped back. "Melissa's a woman. Grown. You don't need to rescue her."
"So let her fail?" Randy asked. "Like I failed with Quinn? Ran?"
"Ran--"
"Besides, my double is...raped a girl," Randy continued. "I...I went by his place and found Melissa there."
Ethan's forehead wrinkled up. "Oh."
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"It's cool," Ethan said. "It's all cool."
Ethan walked past Randy. Randy stared after him. He didn't want to lie, but he did what he had to.
Still...why did he feel like an idiot?

Rembrandt frowned. There was no sign of the others. His eyes fell on the coffee table. He went to it quickly, looking over the note.
"Great," Rembrandt said aloud.
Everyone was at a party. They thought he should be there as well. With his double's power, it could help. He headed to his room, his mind not on the party.
He had not found Darnell. Who knew where Darnell was. Or worse, what Darnell was doing. He hoped he wouldn't be...
Rembrandt paused in the door of his room. His eyes widened.
Darnell...sat Indian style...in thin air. Meanwhile various objects...a sheet, glasses, clock, lamp...floated around him. Darnell's eyes were closed. His face was serene.
"Oh," Rembrandt uttered.

"Have you seen Randy?"
Melissa turned around. Ethan stood behind her. He looked nice in the casualwear he had on. His stance was arms over chest again.
"Liz...who's your friend?" Maggie asked a grin on her face as she stood with Melissa, Sarah, and Kat.
"Uh...Ethan," Melissa said, looking at Maggie.
"Gay," Ethan said to Maggie.
"Hmmm," Maggie muttered.
"No, I haven't seen Randy," Melissa said. "Do you need help find--"
"No," Ethan said, cutting her off. "I'm sure Richard can be of some help."
Ethan stormed off among the crowd of the benefit without a word. Melissa looked after him. She thought he would be happy that she was staying. He appeared to be worse than ever.
"That boy needs sex,"Maggie commented.
"Maggie!" Kat shrieked.
Sarah rolled her eyes. Melissa sighed.
"I'll be right back," Melissa said.

Randy's eyes flickered open. He groaned, his body starting to move. Pain hit the back of his head. He rubbed the back of it.
What happened?
Randy looked around. It looked like he was in a wine cellar. He did not remember how he had gotten here.
Randy's eyes widened.
Yes, he did.
The door shot open. Before Randy could react, the door was closed again.
Someone had knocked him out from behind. He had been looking for Pryce...hoping he could convent her he wasn't his double. Now he was here.
The figure looked up.
It was Melissa.

Melissa's eyes widened. "Randy?"
Randy stood up. "Yeah."
"But how--"
"I got knocked out from behind," Melissa explained.
Randy looked over at the door, his forehead wrinkling up. "Then we must be in danger. We have to get out of here and warn the others."
"Danger?" Melissa uttered. "From whom."
Randy looked at her. His face darkened.
"My double," Randy replied.

Richard grinned. He took in the crowd in the room. He was sure he saw that socialite family that had a reality TV show. He was definitely sure he saw that Perez blogger. Meanwhile, he saw a Randy double along the edge of the crowd.
"Have you seen Randy?"
Richard rolled his eyes as he turned around. He resisted the urge to snicker at the tux Ethan had on. As if putting on a monkey suit would ever him any less of a thug.
"Are you Egghead's keeper?" Richard asked.
"We got separated," Ethan explained. "A lot of people want to talk to the man who was slugged by the great Rembrandt Brown."
"No doubt."
"I'm sorry. Should I talk about you instead?"
"Wow, Thuggie!" Richard exclaimed. "There's an idea!"
Ethan snarled. "Get over yourself."
"You know I would looooove to," Richard exclaimed. "But I have no one watching my back. Gotta protect me, don't you know."
"If you would back off--"
"Oooh, I'm sorry. Am I spoiling your Big Fat Gay Happy Ending?"
"You wish."
Richard laughed. "Oh, I know I'm not." He smirked. "But I know someone else is."
Ethan stepped back as if Richard had punched him in the jaw. Richard looked back at him, his smirk shining through. He looked at Ethan's right hand. There was a glass in it. Ethan's hand tightened around it, pleasing Richard. He was tense. Good.
Richard stopped smirking, deciding on a lopsided grin.
"Fine," Richard said. "I'll look upstairs You look down here and downstairs."
"Fine," Ethan said.
Ethan stormed away. Richard watched him go. Ethan appeared to be heading for the basement.
Just like he planned.

"Help!"
Randy watched Melissa bang on the door. She had been banging for fifteen minutes. Every important blogger on the West Coast was too busy upstairs finding new things to write about.
"I don't think anyone's coming down until the wine runs out," Randy said. "Probably best to wait."
Melissa spun around to face Randy. He saw the anger in her eyes. He would have given anything to take it away, but the truth was the truth.
"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Melissa asked. "To give up?"
"Haven't you already?" Randy challenged.
Melissa shook her head. "You are so--"
"Am I?" Randy continued, cutting Melissa off. "You wanted to stay here. Whatever happened to being in this until the end?"
Melissa crossed her arm over her chest. Randy stood up. He narrowed his eyes on her and did the same.
"When does it end?" Melissa asked. "When, Randy?"
"I...I don't know."
"Exactly," Melissa said. "You can't be mad at me for wanting a little happiness. Or are you the one here who gets that?"
"It's not like that."
"Ha!"
"You had your chances!" Randy snapped. "If you wanted to be with me, you could have before I got with Ethan."
Melissa's face darkened. At that moment, Randy didn't care. Who was she to be mad at him?
"And you could have gotten with me when you got your memories back," Melissa said, a voice above a whisper. "And who did you pick?" She approached him slowly. "Is it really that hard for you to choose me?"
Melissa stood in front of Randy. Randy looked into her eyes. They had not really been around each other since that world where a double of Melissa's sister died. She smelled nice and looked great in the white evening dress. Having her stand so close brought back memories. From the look in her eyes, Melissa looked like she thought the same.
Without thinking, they kissed. It was slow at first. Then Randy grabbed Melissa's face in his hands and gave into the kissing. Melissa's lips let him, giving in at the same time.
"Oh."
Randy pulled back from Melissa quickly. He felt the fear crawling up his back. He hoped...wrong.
It was Ethan. He stared at the two of them. The shock written all over his face.

"Darnell?"
Darnell did not seem to notice...at least physically. Rembrandt heard a sound to the left. He turned to see. He pushed himself forward to avoid getting knocked out by a lamp. He looked at Darnell, the panic more than likely on his face.
"Darnell!" Rembrandt snapped.
Just like that every object in the room stopped in mid-air. Rembrandt mouth opened. Not one word came out.
HOW COULD HE DO THIS TO ME?
WE KISSED AGAIN.
HOW COULD I DO THAT? WHAT WAS I THINKING?
Rembrandt's eyes widened. It was in his mind. Darnell had placed those thoughts in his mind. Worse, he knew who it was.
"Oh," Rembrandt uttered.

Melissa backed away from Randy. She put a hand to her mouth. Her eyes showed surprise.
It had happened again. Randy and she had kissed. Even worse, Ethan had seen it.
"I need to go," Melissa said.
Melissa didn't even look at Randy. She headed for the door. It wasn't until she made it to the door that she noticed it.
Ethan was not moving. His eyes fell on her as if seeing her for the first time. They quickly narrowed.
"Where do you think you're going?" Ethan demanded.
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"You!" Ethan snapped, pointing at Randy. "Shut up." He turned back to Melissa. "I don't see why you 'need to go.' He's right then. With you. Kissing you."
"It just happened," Melissa protested.
"Doesn't it always?" Ethan challenged. "You and Goth. You in his face. You just happened. Richard was right." He glared at Randy. "About BOTH of you."
Melissa frowned. "You listening to Richard? Forget that. What you should focus on is that Randy's with YOU." Melissa looked over at Randy, her eyes watering. "Not me." She glared at Ethan. "Out of my way."
Ethan glared back at Melissa. She rolled her eyes. She was not in the mood for this. She started to move past Ethan. Ethan reached for her. She knocked his hands away. Before he could see her eyes water, Melissa was out of the wine cellar.
Melissa wiped at her eyes. She felt so stupid. She needed to--
Suddenly,she was jerked backwards. An arm wrapped around her waist. Meanwhile, a hand covered her mouth, keeping her from screaming.
"And so," Randy's double said, "who was that guy you were?"

Rembrandt stepped back. The words were in his mind. He knew the truth. Randy and Melissa had been kissing behind Ethan's back. He guess the genius wasn't squeaky clean after all.
Suddenly, Darnell's eyes shot open Rembrandt's eyes widened as he saw they were blank. He immediately thought about the slidecage when the Kromaggs were in control of him.
Darnell reached out for Rembrandt. His glance was like a soothsayer predicting the Ides of March. A shiver ran up his spine.
"Now," Darnell uttered.
Suddenly, the air came to life. Then, a purple door appear out of thin air. Rembrandt's eyes went wider. Invisible hands grabbed Rembrandt and he shot through the portal.
Rembrandt hit the floor. He looked up. He was surrounded...by people in evening wear.
CLICK!
"Rembrandt? Proper?"
Rembrandt turned around. Darnell stood above him. Past Darnell, Rembrandt saw Richard dressed in a tuxedo, his hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face. All around him were people with camera and Iphones taking pictures.
"Did you see that?"
"He appeared out of nowhere!"
"Where will Rembrandt show up next?"
"Girl just all over the place!"
Rembrandt ignored the chatter. He ignored Richard. He focused on Darnell. For the moment he had his ability to make portals again. With that came a scary question.
What was Darnell becoming?

Melissa swung around. No, she was pushed into the wall. Before she could stop it, Melissa felt her arms being pinned to the wall. She stared at Randy's double.
"Randy, what are--" Melissa started.
"Who was that, Slut?" Randy's double asked. "Who were you screwing with?"
"I wasn't--" Melissa started, trying to get free.
Randy's double pushed back into the wall. Pain shot through her back. She felt his whole body pinned her there against the wall. She saw only darkness behind him. She looked into his eyes...and didn't see the Randy she knew at all. And then she felt it. Fear.
"I saw you," Randy's double continued. "I saw you all over him. Who was he? Is this for your blog? More drama by being a whore?!"
"I'm not a whore," Melissa said.
"You could have fooled me, slut," Randy's double said.
Melissa glared. "Randy, let go of--"
"You should be used to getting roughed up, Slut," Randy's double snapped. "You have a blog for it after all. How you met that Russian?!"
"You are hurt--"
"I'm hurting you half as much as you're hurting me," Randy's double said. He released Melissa's right hand, moving his left side of the body to keep Melissa pinned. His left hand pulled up her skirt.
"Stop," Melissa said.
"You didn't say that last night," Randy's double hissed.
"Stop," Melissa said.
The hand kept moving. Then Melissa heard it.
RIIPPP!!!
Melissa's eyes widened. She knew exactly what it was that was ripped. She focused in on the double. His eyes...eyes that not too long enough was full of warmth...looked dead.
Then she heard the sound of a zipper being unzipped. Melissa's eyes watered. Randy's double's eyes became ravenous.
"I'm going to make you feel it," Randy's double said.
"She said stop!"
Randy turned around. Melissa saw a flash like a movement. Then a wine bottle hit the double across his face. Glass. Blood. Melissa watched the double hit the floor. Her jaw dropped as she looked at her savior.
Rebecca Pryce looked back at her. She breathed quickly. She then managed a smile as she dropped the end of the wine bottle.
"I...I couldn't let him do it to somebody else," Pryce said.

Randy sat outside on the Dominion's stairs. It had become his routine over the last two days. He also worked as lookout for Melissa and Rembrandt who had to lie low since the benefit. Then there was Ethan...who had vanished.
"Mr. Heim, I really wish you would not brood so long."
Randy turned around. Brown stood in the doorway. He rubbed his forehead as he approached Randy. He then sat down next to him.
"At least that means your powers are under control," Randy said.
Brown frowned at Randy. Then he looked away. "Are they?"
Randy said nothing. They both knew what that meant.
"Yes," Brown said. "I suspect that I...am going to become like Chad Owens."
Randy's eyes widened. Chad Owens. He had not heard that name in years. He was one of the Kromaggs' superweapon...a sliding telepathic bomb. In time, the Kromaggs could have made others. Randy and the others stopped them. Chad sacrificed himself.
"Is that what it will come to?" Brown uttered aloud.
Randy said nothing. What could he say? He could only hope that would not happen.
"Hm."
Randy looked up. Ethan had appeared. He looked at Randy with a coldness he hadn't seen. Randy managed a smile.
"I'm glad you're here," Randy said.
"I'm not," Ethan said.

Melissa looked at the laptop screen. There it was. Pryce's new blog entry. She looked at the number of hits and managed a smile.
Www.survivorgirl/blogspot.com was doing great. It did so well that Pecking had decided to run Pryce's blog for a while Melissa was on 'hiatus.'
'I'm going to make you feel it.'
Mellisa curled up on the couch in the Dominion room. Her eyes watered as she thought of the crazed Randy double. Pinning her. Ripping off her underwear. He was going to...
The tears filled her eyes. Then they ran down her face. Melissa went with it, letting the tears falling freely.

THE-END

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