Richard Hall saw the gun. If he wasn't already on the ground, Richard would have made a dash for it. After all, it was only a few feet away. Instead, he crawled across the dirt.
He had been an idiot. He thought he may have been too cocky. Now krama was biting him on the butt.
He was almost to the gun. He reached out for it...
A shadow appeared quickly. The foot stepped on Richard's right hand. He
screamed as the pain shot through his arm. He looked up quickly...
...and saw him looking back at himself.
FOUR DAYS EARLIER...
"So you going to say anything?"
Ethan Bradshaw did not look at Richard at all. His hands tightened on the
steering wheel. Richard was sure his eyes was full of anger behind his shades.
"No," Ethan said.
"Really?" Richard said, pushing his own shades further up his nose. "Fine." He turned in the passenger seat, looking out of the car window. "You realize they're coming after us."
"The police?" Ethan asked. "That's a given. Stolen car and all."
Richard felt the smirk crept onto the face. "Nice try, Thuggie." He looked over at Ethan. "So...do I get to hold the timer, too?"
Ethan turned to look at Richard. His face was cold as ice.
"Let them come," Ethan said.
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 16: OUT OF GAS
"I don't think this is a good idea."
Professor Darnell Brown looked over at the Dominion doors. Rembrandt Brown came down the stairs. Brown stood on the dusty sidewalk, waiting.
"I have my abilities under control, Uncle," Brown said.
"Or do your abilities have you under control?" Rembrandt challenged.
"Uncle--"
"Maybe you don't remember," Rembrandt cut Brown off, "but I do. You floating upside down. You throwing things every which way...with your mind. You opening portals again!"
Brown looked down. "Short-lived as it was."
"For now."
Brown looked at Rembrandt. Rembrandt had a point. His abilities were becoming increasingly erratic. There was no way of knowing the consequences. Given he saw a version of Kersh, the evil Kromagg scientist, Brown feared the
consequences would be severe. The last thing he needed was to lose control.
"I...will be fine, Uncle," Brown said. "Mr. Bradshaw is gone...along with Mr. Hall and the timer. We both know nothing positive will come from those two being around each other."
"C-boy ain't going to hurt Ethan," Rembrandt said.
"Why do you assume that?" Brown challenged. "Because of your...alliance? When it came to his vendetta against Mr. Heim, Mr. Hall used to be relentless. I am sure that has not change. That could place all of us in great peril."
"So could your powers being out of wack," Rembrandt shot back.
"My telepathy is fine," Brown said. "And that...is all I require."
Brown looked down the dirt road. At the end of a large cloud of dust bubbled on the horizon. Brown did a quick mind scan. He smiled.
As it approached, it became clearer. It..was a small black automobile. If
Brown remembered correctly, it was supposed to be one of those energy conserver
he saw some worlds back. While small and very compacted, it got people where
they needed to go.
It stopped by Brown. The driver door popped open. Randy Heim stood up. He
stared at Brown with brown eyes full of exhaustion and stubble on his face. He
was sure Heim was really upset at the idea of Bradshaw being gone...not to
mention with Hall.
"Good show, Mr. Heim," Brown said. "I take it there were no complications?"
"A little one," Randy answered. "We better head."
"Oh?" Rembrandt uttered. "That bad?"
"Money's different here," Randy said. "So...I...borrowed it."
"Borrowed?" Brown asked.
"What?" Rembrandt asked. "You stole a car? Are you kidding?"
"Well, we did need wheels after all," Brown said. "Especially here."
Rembrandt frowned at Brown. "He stole a car."
"Uncle, I am sure you and Mr. Mallory have had your share of...misadventures."
"A world with a famous double and an overbearing wife come to mind," Randy said.
Rembrandt glared at Randy. Brown sighed. He wiped the fade sweat off his
forehead. There was no love lost between Rembrandt Brown and Randy Heim. If it
was not a double of someone Rembrandt cared about, it was Heim leaving someone
behind. Brown touched his uncle's shoulder. Rembrandt looked at Brown. Brown
stared at him with determination in his eyes.
"I promise you," Brown said, "we are not leaving anyone behind." He quickly turned, his eyes on Randy. "Be silent, Mr. Heim."
"That doesn't give me hope," Rembrandt said.
Melissa Clark felt it again.
The hands pinning her to the wall. Her fear growing as she struggled to move past him only to find his taller frame blocked her. Then she felt the hand grab her dress up, the fingers reaching for her panties.
RRRRRRIIIIPPP!!!
"Ah!"
Melissa Clark's breath came quickly as she jumped up out of bed. She pushed her jet-black bangs out of her eyes. Her hand moved away from her forehead fast. Her eyes widened on it as she saw it was covered with sweat.
"Ugh!" Melissa uttered, throwing herself back on the bed. She looked up at the ceiling.
It had been a couple of worlds now, but it kept happening. She would settle down for a good sleep. Then he would come to her. Then she would be back at that party with that double of Randy. He would pin her against the wall. She had given in and told the double she loved him. Little had she known the double was a rapist. And he had almost...
RRRRIIPPP!
Melissa turned over in the bed. She squeezed her eyes shut. Try as she might, Melissa could not shut the image out of her mind.
It was not Randy. It was just a double. Then again back when they began
sliding, Melissa and the others would occasionally encounter a Randy
double...who was gay. It was always weird since Randy was one of her good
friends. He kept to himself in college, very introvert, but it never occurred to
her he might like a guy. Or even date one.
Until Ethan.
Ethan...who took him away from her. And now...she had taken Randy away from him. There had been nothing, but fallout since. After...that world...she kept to herself. She had thought a nap while the others discussed ideas and theories was a good...
RRRRRIIIIPPPPP!!!
Melissa shot out of bed. Her mind was focused. Her feet headed for the
bathroom.
She had to go do something.
Richard crossed his arms over his chest. He looked at the numbers on the
pumping meter slowly move as he pumped more gas into the little bug they had.
Ethan had gone in to look for a newspaper. Still...Richard wondered why the hell
was he the one pumping gas?
A giggle got his attention. Richard moved his body to the right. He managed a lopsided grin.
THAT was why he was pumping gas.
She...was a redhead. A redhead in short short cutoff jeans. She leaned back against her blue Cadillac with a light peach tanktop that was damp with sweat. She looked at Richard, a hint of mischievousness in her green eyes.
"Hi," she said, giving Richard a lopsided grin.
"Why, hello," Richard said. "I couldn't help, but notice the giggling."
"Oh, me and my gal pal were having a little fun," the redhead said, gesturing her head to her right.
Richard looked in the direction the redhead gestured. In the passenger side of the Cadillac was a brunette. While the redhead was leaving very little to the imagination, the brunette was dressed in a blue shirt and some shorts. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She smiled.
"Hey," the brunette said.
"So," Richard asked, "where's the funny?"
"No funny," the brunette replied.
"Really, Beth?" the redhead challenged, looking at her. "You thought his butt looked funny."
Richard frowned. Beth blushed. the redhead smirked.
"Ha, ha, Ivy," Beth said.
"Am I wrong?" Ivy asked, the smirk still on her face.
Beth threw a smirk of her own. "And you thought his ass looked cute."
Now it was Ivy's turn to blush. Beth suppressed a giggle. Richard smirked. He leaned against the pumping meter.
"So," Richard started, giving his best bedroom eyes, "you think I have a cute ass?"
Ivy rolled her eyes. They both laughed, Then Ivy stopped, flashing Richard her lopsided grin. Richard felt his heart beat a little faster.
"So," Ivy started, "where are you headed?"
"Me and my amigo are just wandering the open road," Richard said. "Going where we want. Doing...what we want."
"Hmmm," Ivy said.
"And you?"
"The same," Ivy said, approaching Richard. "How about we do what we want...together?"
"Hmmm," Richard said.
"You're not going to believe--"
Richard looked away from Ivy's hot green eyes. Ethan looked at him, newspaper in hand. He looked from Richard to Ivy to the Cadillac and back. He frowned.
"What did I miss?" Ethan asked.
"You sure?"
Brown looked over at Randy. Heim started forward as he drove the automobile. There was not a hint of any emotion. Not that Brown needed to see any traces of emotions. He could sense them.
"For the fifteenth time, Mr. Heim," Brown said, "I am positive that we are driving in the right direction."
"Would be helpful if you could still create portals," Randy said.
"Unfortunately I cannot," Brown said.
"So you say."
Brown frowned. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"It wouldn't be the first time you have withheld information," Randy said.
"You are one to talk," Brown replied. "Dating one person while kissing another is truly in poor taste. You might want to have a care."
Silence fell over the automobile. Brown looked out of the window. He let his mind wonder.
"I miss him."
Brown looked back over at Heim. He realized it as he stared into Heim's face. There was the hint of emotion behind the shades. He of course could detect conflict with Heim.
"Might I suggest then that in the future you avoid kissing exes?" Brown commented. He looked forward. "Now if we could only locate--"
Then it happened. Suddenly, a wide rectangular purple door shot opened in front of them. Heim had no time to steer out of the way. They shot into the portal.
Brown jerked forward in the seat. Thankfully his seat belt was on. He took in his surroundings. His eyes widened.
They were surrounded...by other cars just as small and compact as their own. They...were on the freeway. A busy freeway at that...and one they knew all too well.
Brown's eyes narrowed.
"L.A.," Brown uttered.
"There you are!"
Melissa looked up from her bar stool. Rembrandt saw down beside her. he looked next to her. Melissa did the same, her eyes falling on the empty shot glasses. She managed a smile.
"Apparently, my money works here," Melissa said. "All I had to do..was show a bit of cleavage."
Rembrandt frowned. "That's not like you."
The sound of a clang got Melissa's attention. She looked forward, the shot glass in front of her. She grabbed it up quickly, bringing it to her lips. The whiskey burned as it went down her throat. She thought she would be numb to it by now. Oh, well.
Melissa turned to Rembrandt. "But...who am I? I'll tell you. I...am no one." She slapped the shot glass down next to the others. "I'll take another."
"How about you don't?" Rembrandt asked.
"How about you leave me alone?" Melissa asked. She managed a snarl. "But you can't, can you?" NONE of us can. Not until we get home. But I guess the question...is when."
The familiar sound of a clang got Melissa's attention. She saw the shot glass. She quickly reached for it...
...only to have a big black hand grab her own. Her eyes narrowed on that hand. She turned to glare at Rembrandt.
"Let go of my hand, Remmy," Melissa warned.
"Can't do that, Girl," Rembrandt said. "Looks like you're spiraling like I was."
"Oh, really?"
"You don't think I want to go home?" Rembrandt asked. "You think it doesn't bother me that we still aren't home. Especially with Quinn God knows where." He gestured at her stool. "Not too long ago I was in your place."
"Doubt it," Melissa replied.
"What?" Rembrandt challenged. "You don't remember seeing me crack down on Genius? I recall someone that looks kind of like you around for some of those fights."
"I...I'm tired," Melissa said. She managed a smile. "To think I used to find all these new places fun. Not so much now that we can't get home."
Rembrandt moved his hand off hers. He touched her shoulder. Then he looked at her, his big dark eyes full of concern.
"I'm tired, too," Rembrandt said. "But you got to have faith. We're getting home."
Melissa stared at him, her jaw ajar. Then she closed her mouth and set it. She looked at Rembrandt firmly.
"When?" Melissa asked.
"Hey!"
Melissa turned around. two men stood over a table. They glared at a guy sitting down at the table. He was a light-skinned Latino guy with a backwards hat on. He paid them no mind, his hands on his beer mug. One of the men, a blond-haired man, leaned closer.
"I said hey," the blond-haired man said.
"I don't think he heard you, Jack," the other man, a redhead, said. He glared at the Latino. "Bot surprising given where you're from."
"He shouldn't even be here," Jack said. "We don't want you here to steal jobs." He looked at his friend. "Right, Bart?"
Bart looked at Jack. "Right, Jack." He glared at the guy gain. "Go back to Mexico, you filthy--"
"Is there a problem?"
Melissa ignored the stare she was sure Rembrandt was giving her. She stood in front of the table, crossing her arms over her chest. She hoped that she didn't look how she felt.
Bart frowned. "Problem?"
Jack chuckled. "No problem, Miss. As long as you walk away."
Melissa frowned. "Two on one for no reason? I don't think so."
"Really?" Jack challenged, approaching Melissa. He stood over her, his towering presence making Melissa flinch. Then he reached for her. "And what is little ole you going--"
Jack touched her shoulders. They felt tight. Melissa felt her body shake. Then...
RRIIPP!
It happened in a flash. Melissa took a step back. Then she swung, knocking Jack on his butt with a right cross.
"Melissa!" Rembrandt yelled.
"Don't touch me," Melissa hissed.
"This isn't over!" Bart snapped, grabbing up Jack. He looked at the Latino. "And you? Leave."
Jack and Bart headed out of the bar quickly. Melissa watched them leave. Normally, she didn't jump into things without knowing the world she was on. Still, wrong was wrong.
Hands touched her shoulders. Melissa spun around, her hands tightening into fists. She paused, releasing a breath. It was only Rembrandt...who frowned at her.
"Have you lost your mind?" Rembrandt asked.
"There was no reason for them to pick on him," Melissa said.
"Maybe," Rembrandt said. "Still...it wasn't our business."
"You're right on that."
Melissa turned around. The Latino guy had stood up. He glared at the two of them.
"Maybe they would have walked off," the guy said. "Now mi familia...my family will be in danger."
"A toast!"
Richard threw up his glass. Beth did the same. Ethan hesitated, but did the same. Richard grinned. Meanwhile, Ivy stood over the table they sat at. Her eyes fell on Richard. He grinned wider.
"The rest of the country may be in a depression," Ivy said, "but L.A. isn't. Let's live hard, fast, and leave a beautiful corpse!"
"Hell, yeah!" Richard yelled.
Ivy threw her drink back. Richard did the same. This...was great. To be away from the others. To have some fun.
A smirk crossed his face. Best of all, Egghead was probably going out of his mind. Good.
"You look miles away."
Richard turned to his right. Ivy had changed into a v-neck shirt. It was one with a low v at that, her breast so close Richard could reach out and touched. Her red hair fell about her shoulders. She looked at Richard, her eyes looking alluring.
Richard tilted his head. He leaned forward. He flashed Ivy a smile.
"Not anymore," Richard said.
He kissed her. Their tongues met. Hers felt warm to him. The rest of the world fell away.
"I think we need to talk about it."
Brown resisted the urge to roll his eyes. They had parked the car down the street. They now approached what appeared to be some kind of lounge club. It was best way that Brown could describe it. It was a description that appeared to be apt given the long line of people in...'night out' attire.
Brown walked past the line. His mind was focused on a small set of thoughts. Those thoughts belong to Ethan. He paused in his step.
"Did you not heard a thing I said?"
"I did, Mr. Heim," Brown answered, not turning around to acknowledge Heim. "However, I am focusing."
"You opened a portal, Randy continued. "Again."
"Yes, I did," Brown said, turning his head to the left. "Subconsciously. As in...I cannot do it consciously."
"You sure about that?"
Brown felt his forehead form lines. He took his frown and turned it in Heim's direction. Heim stood behind him, his arms over his chest.
"Crystal," Brown said.
"Right."
"I do not appreciate your tone, Mr. Heim. You are the person who wanted me to...keep you on your toes. Given that everyone is against you, I would think an ally would be welcomed no matter where they emerged from." He turned away, throwing his mind out. "Besides, if you are not going to give me some type of trust what is the point?"
"You know your powers are changing, aren't they?"
Brown looked left again. "Yes."
"So...just like that...you could be a sleeper agent."
"Perhaps. However, the Kromaggs...are dead."
"But the Yuzaki are not."
Brown walked to the left. His mind caught the thought. His eyes fell on the big mass of body that was the bouncer. His arm shot out to block Brown's way. Brown waved a hand, his mind making him see them as famous celebrities.
He always did like Samuel Jackson.
"Telepathy," Brown said.
"How 'these are not the droids you are looking for' of you."
"Wait!"
The Latino guy continued to walk down the sidewalk. Melissa was right behind him, closing the distance. They were already several blocks away from the Dominion. She didn't want to get...
The Latino guy spun around. He glared at Melissa. Melissa stopped.
"Why won't you leave me alone?" the Latino guy asked.
"I don't leave people hanging," Melissa said. "Especially when I caused the trouble. How can I help?"
"You think that, chica?" the guy challenged. "All you do...is shine a light on me. A light I don't want."
"Why? Are you--"
"Given that jobs are sacred...people have frown on any...ethnicity. I'm new. I have an accent. They think...I might not be here legally." He looked down. "They...are right."
Melissa widened. "Oh."
"Si," The Latino guy said. "So those guys? They will probably report me."
"Report you?" Melissa uttered.
"Adios, muchacha," the guy said, starting to turn away.
Melissa grabbed the guy's arm. He snatched his arm away. He stormed away without another word.
Melissa's body tightened. Her eyes grew wider as she realized hands were around her. They squeezed tight. She felt a firm frame behind her. Bigger.
It...was a man.
A hand covered Melissa's mouth. Too late for her to scream, she saw movement to the right of her. It...was Jack. He smirked.
"Who you gonna punch now, Bitch?" Jack asked. "Time to teach you a lesson."
"Where do you think you're going?"
Richard rolled his eyes as he turned. Ethan was behind him. He crossed his arms over his chest.
Richard felt a body close to his. The arms that Ivy had around him held onto him tighter. She put her head on his chest. He looked down at her. Then he looked at Ethan.
"Elsewhere," Richard replied.
"You're leaving me here?" Ethan asked.
"You don't need me holding your hand," Richard said. "You're large and in charge now. Keep to it." He started to turn away.
"Richard--"
"Look, Thuggie!" Richard snapped. "I'm not Egghead, okay? I got my moments, too."
Richard turned away. He headed through the crowd of the lounge.
"Everything okay?" Ivy asked.
"Yep," Richard said. "Separation anxiety. He had a bad breakup."
"Oh?" Ivy uttered, looking back behind Richard. "Well...I'm sure Beth will take care of him...just fine."
Ethan sat back down at the table. He looked back across it. Beth stared back at him, her eyes full of concern.
"Are you okay?" Beth asked.
"Me? No," Ethan admitted. He leaned forward. He quickly grabbed his beer and drank it. "I'm not okay. I don't think...I've been okay for a long time."
"Oh," Beth said. She took a drink from her vodka tunic and moved to sit next to Ethan. "You want to talk about it? I...can be a good listener."
Ethan took another drink. He looked at Beth. He managed a smile.
"You make me miss my friends," Ethan said. "Jared. Dru. Kim. There were times they were my whole world."
"Where are they at now?" Beth asked.
Ethan frowned. His eyes tensed. He quickly took another drink. Then he looked at her again.
"Home," Ethan said.
"And home is...?"
"Far away from here," Ethan replied. He drank some more. "I...left them behind...for love."
"Awww."
Ethan looked down. Jared, Dru, and Kim. the old gang. They had chosen to go back to their homeworld. Meanwhile, Ethan...had chosen to stay with the others...with this group. something...had begun with Randy. And...something did. He was happy...until Melissa. Ethan took another drink, hoping the beer would wipe the memory of her away.
"Why don't you go back?" Beth asked. "It looks like you would be happy to."
"Can't," Ethan said.
"Why?"
"Complicated."
"Try me."
Ethan looked at her. He chuckled. Beth keep looking at him, her eyes serious. Ethan stopped laughing. He reached out and touched her hand.
"Look," Ethan began. "I think--"
"More than I do," Beth said. "So...let's not think. Let's...do."
"I--"
Before Ethan could say anything else, Beth leaned forward. Her lips were on his quickly. While they were nice, Ethan felt nothing.
"Oh."
Beth pulled away. Ethan looked past her.
Randy looked back at him, his face a mask of shock.
Richard laughed. He looked over at Ivy. She was a little bit away from, dancing. As she swayed, Ivy kept those hot eyes on him. He smiled. Now if only...
Richard looked over at where he left Thuggie and B...
He frowned. His eyes narrowed. He saw a new figure around Ethan. It was the Egghead. He better get up there and keep the hate g...
"No."
Richard looked to his right and nearly jumped. It was Proper. He had managed to wind up right next to Richard.
"Let them sort it out," Brown said. "Besides, I do believe we need to talk."
"Hi," Randy said.
Ethan looked at Randy. He stood above Beth and him now. If he wasn't so angry at Randy, Ethan would run to him and touch Randy's stubble. He might even kiss him.
But...he was angry.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan demanded.
"You know why," Randy said.
Ethan managed a grin. He looked over at Beth. She shrugged. Then he looked back at Randy. He slowly stood up.
"Oh, yeah," Ethan said. That appeared to relax Randy a bit. Which made when he reached into his pocket and pulled out the timer probably like a punch to Randy's gut. The look on Randy's face was all he needed. He smirked and threw the timer on the table. "That."
Some of the lunge's light fell across Randy's face. Ethan felt his face flinch. He saw it for a second. Randy's eyes had watered. He...was hurting him.
Ethan felt two pulls. There was the first pull that made him want to hug Randy, asking him for forgiveness. Then there was the second pull that wanted Randy to keep suffering. It was the pull that slapped back back to a few worlds ago, back to when he opened that cellar door and saw Randy kissing Melissa.
He frowned. If Randy had chosen him, why was he kissing her?
"It's not like that," Randy said.
"Could have fooled me," Ethan replied. "I guess Richard was right."
"Richard?" Randy uttered, saying the name like it was poison. His face darkened. "Is that who you're listening to? He wants to break us up."
"And yet," Ethan said, "you did it even more completely than him. And...he ain't judging."
"I forgave you for the dead body," Randy said.
"Not instantly," Ethan shot back. "Bet if it was Melissa...no judgment."
"You could have told me before Richard did."
"You could have done the same." Ethan turned. He looked at Beth. She took in the whole scene with interest. "You ready?"
"Yeah," Beth said, standing up.
"Where are you going?" Randy asked.
Ethan turned to look at Randy. "Away from you."
"Are you not crafty?" Brown said.
Richard shrugged. He leaned back in his chair. "Well...when you're good, you're good."
"Indeed," Brown continued. "You outed Mr. Bradshaw's secret. You managed to ally yourself with my uncle against Mr. Heim. Then you have managed to slowly, but surely chip away at Mr. Heim's very resolve."
"Really?" Richard said, leaning forward. "I guess that means I'm heading for a big finish."
"You will regret it."
"No, I won't. Egghead will."
"No, he will not. I will see to it."
"Oh, really?" Richard challenged. "What are you going to do, Proper? Kill me."
Brown glared at him. "Do not push me."
"Well, actually, I'm not pushing you hard enough if you aren't using contractions." Richard stood up. "Now, Thuggie and I got some trouble to cause so--"
Then Richard felt his whole body tense up. He tried to move his arms, but he got nothing. His feet felt like someone had grabbed his legs and pinned them.
He narrowed his eyes. Not someone.
Proper.
"I don't think so," Brown said.
The hands tightened around Melissa as she was dragged into an alley. She struggled again the hands. The more closer she got into the darkness, the more Melissa kicked more frantically.
Then...she was back there again.
She was against the wall. The body of Randy's double again had her pinned. The hand grabbed for the panties again.
RIIIPPPP!!!!
Melissa bit down on the hand over her mouth. Bart yelped. He loosened up on her.
Melissa saw her chance. She took it. Her boot came down on Bart's foot. He let go of her completely, his hands reaching for his foot. She spun around. Before Bart could react, Melissa punched him in the face.
She turned around. Jack was there. He swung, punching her in the face. She fell to the ground. A shadow fell over her, causing fear to grip her. She looked up to see Jack standing over her. His hands reached for his belt buckle.
"I show you--" Jack started.
Suddenly, Jack was roughly turned around. A fist got him in the jaw. Melissa barely registered Jack falling to the ground.
RRRIIPPP!
"Are you okay?" the Latino guy asked.
Melissa couldn't stop it.
She started to cry.
Brown felt it. All of his will kept Mr. Hall from moving a step. He had managed to silence the little troublemaker. He was sure that Heim would be ecstatic.
A frown formed on his face. His conversation with Mr. Heim came back to him. It was becoming seamless to sue his abilities to dominate another person. If he could do it so easily, who could say he would not fall to the sway of the Yuzaki?
"Oops."
Brown's eyes widened. Too late. He felt a sharp pain to the back of his head. He stumbled over. His last thought as darkness descended was that he should have detected someone was behind him.
Richard sighed in relief. He turned. Brown stumbled to a booth. He fell unconscious. Ivy was behind him, a tray in her hand. She shrugged, a sly smile on her face.
"I...am such a klutz," Ivy said.
Richard grinned. "Yes, you are. How about we book?"
"Good idea."
Ethan gestured to the timer. "You might need that." He looked at Beth. "Ready?"
"Of course," Beth said.
Beth moved past Randy. Ethan started to do the same. A hand grabbed his arm. He looked over at Randy. Randy stared back at Ethan. Ethan couldn't move, caught in the intense stare.
"The timer isn't the only thing I need," Randy said.
"Tell that to Melissa," Ethan shot back.
"Will you stop that!"
"How about you stop that?"
Randy's forehead wrinkled up with lines. Ethan felt his heart quicken. However, he left his face blank, his body straightened as if his back was a steel pole.
"Let go, Randy," Ethan said, keeping his voice ice to spite the passion in Randy's eyes.
"I--" Randy started.
"I'm not your place holder," Ethan said icily. "You are free and clear now."
Ethan jerked backwards, surprising Randy.
"Go be with who you truly love," Ethan said.
"Ain't that the truth."
Randy turned around. His head quickly went right, a result of the slug he just got to his jaw. Ethan's jaw dropped as he saw Randy fall into the chair unconscious. Ethan looked forward. Richard stood in front of him, Ivy's arms around his waist. He waved the timer in Ethan's face.
"Did you forget something?" Richard asked.
Brown's eyes blinked. He began to move about. Pain shot through his head. He reached for his forehead, rubbing his temples. His mind pondered what had hit him.
His eyes widened. Yes. He had been knocked over the head from behind. Usually, he would have been able to detect someone behind him. He supposed again it was a case of his ever erratic abilities.
He saw he was in a booth in the lounge. The crowd looked completely oblivious to the fact that someone had been knocked unconscious. Ah, the silliness of the economically well off. It made Brown want to...
"Ah. Excellent timing."
Brown had been so lost in thought he had not realized that someone was in front of him. He threw him a glare as he saw it was Mr. Hall. He was about to...
Then Brown noticed the blank stare in Mr. Hall's face. He also saw that something was off. This Richard tilted his head.
Then Brown knew.
Before brown could react, he lunged at Brown.
FOUR DAYS LATER...
Melissa looked at Rembrandt. He leaned up against the tree, arms across his chest. It made her think of a watchful father.
"Okay, you need to watch yourself, chica!"
Melissa looked away. She barely had time to react to the frisbee coming at her head. Barely. She snatched it out of the air, sticking her tongue at Manuel.
Manuel. She had gotten his name after he had saved from Jack and Bart. He had been staying around the Dominion since...much to Rembrandt's annoyance.
"Well, I head," Manuel said. "I want to be sure mi...my family is okay."
Melissa touched his shoulder. "I'm sure they are. Stop worrying about Jack and Bart."
Manuel looked into her eyes. "Have you?"
Melissa looked down. Her mind thought about what happened, hands around her unwanted. She managed a nod.
"So you are going to be at the rally?" Manuel asked.
"Melissa, you got a minute?"
Melissa turned. Rembrandt had made it over to the two of them. He frowned at her in disapproval.
"Yeah," Melissa said. She looked at Manuel. "Tonight?"
Manuel actually grinned. "Si."
Manuel walked away. Melissa watched him walk down the walk path in Golden Gate Park. To think a few days ago, he was just sitting in a bar looking forlorn. She felt good knowing she brightened up one world in her own little way.
"What are you thinking?"
Melissa looked at Rembrandt. "Making a difference. Maybe it's about time we stopped passing through as strangers...and do something."
"Crazy talk, Girl," Rembrandt said. "There's a reason why we pass through now. Namely, less people discovering sliding and coming after us."
"And who has that helped?" Melissa challenged. "Maybe if we did more, what happened with--"
Melissa stopped talking. Rembrandt frowned. He looked at her face, studying.
"What were you about to s--"
"It's nothing," Melissa said, cutting Rembrandt off.
"Melissa--"
"Leave it alone!" Melissa snapped.
A look of hurt crossed Rembrandt's face. She kicked herself mentally. she headed down the walking path.
"Let's see if the others are back yet," Melissa said.
Randy blinked.
Four days.
Four days ago Richard and Ethan had vanished. So apparently had Brown. All and all, it simply would not do.
So Randy fell into a trance.
Four days later, he blinked his eyes. He looked down at his prosthetic. Then...he grinned.
Ivy's lips were all over Richard's lips. He grinned as he kissed her back. The roof was down on the Cadilliac. The two fo them were quite comfortable in the back.
"This is a bad idea."
Richard stopped kissing. He looked at Ivy. She tilted her head, gesturing to the front. She rolled her eyes. Richard was tempted to do the same. He looked at the front.
Beth drove, her eyes hidden behind her shades. Meanwhile, Ethan sat in the passenger seat. While his shades were also on, it was obvious he was tense.
"What's a bad idea," Richard said, "is to wreck the move."
"They're going to find us," Ethan said, looking at Richard.
"Not if we're not in the same car," Richard shot back.
"Hmmm," Ivy said, wrapping her arms around Richard's waist. "I think you're right. He is a buzzkill."
"Ignore her, Ethan," Beth said. "She's mad she had to come up for air."
"Sorry you can't even get into the water," Ivy said.
"Thank Goodness," Beth said. "Means I get to drive. And gas station. Yes!"
Richard glared at Ethan was the Cadillac pulled into the gas station. Ethan started off cool. Now he was a whiny mess. Egghead struck again.
"He's not worth all this, Thuggie," Richard said. "And if you thought he was, you wouldn't be in this car."
"Amen," Ivy added.
"Let it go," Beth said, looking at Ethan as she stopped the Cadilliac by the gas pump. "You're among--"
A figure shot up beside her. Before Richard could say anything, Beth's head did a sharp jerk to the right. She fell forward onto the steering wheel, her neck broken.
Richard looked at her murderer, his mind wondering who could do that. He saw the face looking at him...was his own. As he started into his double's eyes, Richard knew.
It wasn't a double.
It...was Mr. stone.
"Hello, Mr. Hall," Stone said, "I have been searching for you everywhere."
Richard saw the gun. If he wasn't already on the ground, he would have made a dash for it. After all, it was a few feet away. Instead, he crawled toward the gun.
He...was stupid He had jumped out of the Cadilliac quickly. He broke out in a run. Stone was on him in seconds, tackling him. He remembered Ivy screaming and Ethan jumped stone. No idea where either of them were.
No, he wasn't stupid.
He had been an idiot. Maybe even cocky. Now krama bit him on the butt.
He was almost to the gun. He reached out for it...
A shadow appeared quickly. The foot stepped on Richard's right hand. He screamed as the pain shot through his arm. He looked up quickly...
...and saw Stone looking down at him, the grin on his face sent chills down Richard's back.
"Oh, no, Mr. Hall," Stone said, "I...do not think so."
The elevator doors shot open. Melissa stepped out into the Dominion lobby. The door was within her sights. She headed for it. She didn't look left or right. Her eyes kept forward. Her step was firm and brief.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Melissa paused in her step. She turned. There was Rembrandt looking at her from the couch. Melissa frowned.
"Rembrandt?" Melissa uttered. "Shouldn't you be in--"
"--the shower?" Rembrandt finished. "Just a trick." He grinned. "Fooled you, didn't I?"
Melissa crossed her arms over her chest. "I wouldn't say fooled."
"Right," Rembrandt replied. He stood up. "What did I tell you?"
"Remmy, I don't care," Melissa said. "Manuel--"
"--can make his own way without you," Rembrandt said, cutting her off. "He as alive before you. He'll be alive after you."
"Remmy--" Melissa started.
"Do you think I want to lose someone else?!" Rembrandt snapped.
"Are you that eager to die?" Rembrandt continued.
"It's a rally," Melissa said. "What can hap--"
"You know better," Rembrandt said. "Trouble pops up wherever we go."
"I need to do something," Melissa replied.
"Why are you so--"
"I was almost raped."
Silence fell over the lobby. Sadness and sympathy filled Melissa's eyes. Melissa held herself tighter. She took a deep breath.
"On Blogger World," Melissa said. "With a crazy Randy double. Jack and Bart...almost did the same." She felt her eyes water a little. "And...I've never felt so alone. All I want...is home. So...pardon me...if I want to make something of it."
Now it was Rembrandt's turn to step away as if he was hit. Melissa looked away. A storm of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Her eyes watered more.
Then she saw Rembrandt's eyes widened.
"What in--" Rembrandt started.
Melissa turned to look. Her eyes also widened at what she saw. Her jaw dropped.
The air pulsnated. It looked like something invisible was trying to force its way into being seen, like someone under bed covers about to emerge. And then...a figure formed into being. It...was Randy, his eyes on his prosthetic. He grinned.
"It worked," Randy exclaimed. He looked around. "Oh."
"Oh?" Melissa uttered.
"Where's Darnell?" Rembrandt demanded. "And Richard?"
Richard gritted his teeth. Stone's foot pushed down tighter on his hand. Richard refused to scream. He looked up at Stone. Stone looked down, a frown on his face.
"You never have," Stone said. "Even in the three months I had you in captivity, you simply would not break. You would not scream for me."
"Get...off my hand," Richard managed.
"Mr. Albright desire you," Stone continued as if Richard had not said anything. "You were the only successful clone of Miss Pryce and my experiments." He grinned. "Beside this body, of course."
"Should have...destroy it when I had...chance."
"Maybe you should have. Now you...are mine."
Richard glared at Stone. He remembered his 'captivity' at that Foundation base. It was three months of hell.
"No!" Richard snapped, pulling at his arm with all his might.
Two things happened. His arm shot upward. It lifted Stone up, sending Stone flying. He shot into a wall. Richard grabbed for his hand, rubbing the pain out.
Then he realized what had happened. His eyes widened. He looked at Stone. Stone looked back at him, wiping the blood from his nose. He managed a grin.
"Interesting," Stone said.
Suddenly, a purple portal the size of a door appeared by Richard. A figure stepped out of it. It was Proper. He immediately took in the scene, his eyes focusing on Stone.
"You," Brown uttered.
Stone smirked. "You wish."
Suddenly, another sound shot through the air. It made Richard think of what it would sound like if a guy swam through jello. He saw more by Stone. Shapes formed. As they became clearer, Richard knew what it was.
Randy quickly checked his prosthetic. Rembrandt looked around, his eyes falling on Brown. Melissa saw Richard. She took a step forward.
"Watch out," Richard said.
Stone ignored the eyeprints on him. "Another time, Mr. Hall."
He pushed a button on his wristband. A wormhole formed under him. He fell into it, the wormhole vanishing behind him.
"Everyone okay?" Rembrandt asked.
Richard looked at his hand. He thought about what just happened. Stone went flying.
'You were the only successful clone of Ms. Pryce and my experiments. Besides this body, of course.'
And Stone...in the clone body of Richard Hall...was pretty enhanced.
Richard's eyes widened.
What was he becoming?
Ethan felt someone moving him. His eyes started to flinch. As his mind started to work, his memory came back.
Ethan's eyes opened. Without hestitation, Ethan balled his right hand into a fist and swung. It connected. He heard a yelp. He also felt someone release the left side of his body. his feet found the ground quickly. He swung around ready to fight.
It...was Randy. Ethan sighed in relief. He looked past Randy. They were still at the gas station. Brown and Rembrandt were putting Beth's dead body on the ground, Melissa looking at them looking very sad.
Beth. Stone...had snapped her neck. Beth who had been so nice to him. She was...
Arms wrapped around Ethan. He came out of his thoughts. It was Randy.
"I was worried when I saw Mr. Stone," Randy said. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Ethan said, looking at Beth's body. "I'm not the one who's dead."
Randy said nothing. A silence fell over them. They both knew how dangerous Mr. Stone could be. If the others hadn't shown up...
"I...I was an idiot," Randy said. "I should have been honest."
"Too late," Ethan replied.
"Ethan--"
"I...could have been killed," Ethan said.
Randy's eyes watered. "And all I could think was...please don't be dead. I...love you too much."
Ethan opened his mouth. Then he closed it quickly. His mind raced. Was he really going to forgive Randy so easily?
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"I can't," Ethan replied. "I...just can't."
"Ethan, please," Randy said, stepping closer so that Ethan could feel his presence. "Let me in."
"I--"
"Hey!"
Ethan pulled away quickly. He looked in the direction of the yell. Richard was down on the ground. He rubbed the side of his face.
"Think you lovebirds could get me some ice?" Richard snapped.
Brown shot out of the vortex. He half expected to land on a hard surface. Maybe even Mr. Hall if he was extremely lucky.
The vortex closed. A moment paused. Brown realized that his eyes were closed. He opened them...to find everyone was looking at him.
"What--" Brown started, looking down to see if he had something on his shirt or jacket. He stopped.
He...floated in the air. Without freaking out at all, he headed for the ground of the alley. He walked toward the ground as if the air had stairs in it. As he touched the ground, Brown heard it.
Their thoughts.
"I dare say," Brown said, "could you all think quietly?"
"Richard, wait."
Richard turned around. Randy looked back behind. He quickly turned back to the alleyway, rolling his eyes.
"Not now, Egghead," Richard said.
A figure got up in Richard's face. Randy was there, a glare on his face. Richard narrowed his eyes on him.
"Look," Richard said, "just because you're not getting any..."
"You took him," Randy said.
"No, he wanted to hang with me," Richard corrected. "Hate me all you want, Egghead. You made that bed of yours. Go do what you do best. Or not."
Richard walked past Randy.
"No wonder your father didn't want you."
Richard stopped walking. Slowly, he turned around. He felt his forehead frown.
"What did you say?" Richard asked.
"Stone make you deaf?" Randy challenged.
"Nope," Richard said, "but Thuggie must be taking your I.Q." He smirked. "Or is it Melissa? Never know with you."
"You son of--"
"Guys!"
Melissa was right next to Randy. She looked at both of them. She made Richard think of a pissed off teacher.
"Enough," Melissa said. "Seriously."
"I didn't start this," Richard said.
"This time," Randy said.
"Hm," Richard said.
"Not anymore though," Randy said. "No more games."
Richard stared at Randy. "I totally agree."
Richard quickly turned. He headed for the entrance to the alley. He could feel his blood boil.
Where did that Egghead get off? He made it so easy to not feel guilty about making is life here. Well, if he wanted a war, he got one. Richard would use everything he had.
As he exited the alley, Richard sighed. He saw Ethan by Rembrandt and Proper. They took in the world they were on. Richard noticed some of the guys in kilts.
He missed Ivy. Lovely Ivy. When he came out of the gas station, Richard had seen no sign of her. There was no body.
Where was she?
Ivy stuck out her thumb. She had tried this for a while on this road. Thankfully, no one had come after her. She didn't want to end up like Beth.
Her eyes watered as she thought of her. Beth. Her neck snapped. All because of those...
A car pulled up, cutting into Ivy's thoughts. Her eyes widened. She ran up to it. She smiled at the driver and her friend.
"Thank you!" Ivy exclaimed. "You have no idea how much you helped me."
The driver grinned, her jet-black hair blowing in the wind. "The pleasure is all ours."
"Yes," her friend said, looking up at Ivy from whatever device she had in her hand. "You really have no idea how much you're helping us."
Ivy frowned. "Oh? How?"
"Long story," the passenger said, looking back at her device, red hair falling into her face.
"Which we can tell on the way," the driver said. "What's your name?"
"Ivy," Ivy said. "And you."
"Pryce," Rebecca said. "Rebecca Pryce."
THE-END
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