A whir sounded off. Randy Heim fell out of it. He rolled across the hard concrete ground. He hit a figure. He turned to see who it was. Ethan Bradshaw stared back at him. He helped him up.
  Randy felt his eyes on him. He looked to see it was Melissa Clark. He did not know what had happened on the last world, but Melissa had gone Goth again. She glared at the two of them. Then she rolled her eyes, heading for the entrance of the alleyway they were in.
  "So how much time do we have?" Melissa demanded.
  Randy looked at her. He was sure if Melissa looked at him, she would see the hurt in his eyes. Why was she being this way?
  "I don't want to be spending all my time in an alley with love--" Melissa continued.
  "Well...look at you."
  Randy frowned. He knew that voice. A figure emerged from the shadows behind Melissa. She turned to see who it was.
  His eyes widened. He recognized the blond-haired girl that looked Melissa up and down. Like Melissa, she was dressed in black, part of how the military dressed on her world.
  "Cassandra," Melissa uttered.
  Cassandra smirked. "What did you expect?" Her face darkened. "We'll be taking Randy Heim now."

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 7: REGRETS

  "I don't think so."
  Randy grinned. Ethan had balled up his fist after saying. It was nice to see after the last few worlds, they had gotten back to being there for each other.
  "Speak for yourself, Thuggie!"
  Hands grabbed Randy from behind. He only had time to see a face pop up beside him. It was Richard Hall with a smirk on his face. Then Richard pushed him right into Melissa.

  Richard broke out in a run. He did not even take the time to see if Melissa was okay.
  He frowned. Why should he care? Melissa had not care when she dished him for Egghead. He was all for Cassandra taking him away.
  Richard made it out of the alley. He walked quickly. He also looked down at his hand. A smirk crept onto his face.
  He had the timer. When he grabbed Randy, Richard made sure to relieve it out of Randy's care. They had about a week here. That should be plenty of time for the others to find him...if they made it.
  Cassandra was from a world where the United States was big into the military. He was sure she wasn't alone. He was also sure she would put up a fight.
  Richard paused. His forehead wrinkled up. He got a vibe. This was way too familiar. How...
  Then it hit him.
  He saw it. It was on all the buildings. Most of the people all around him were oblivious to it. No. Not oblivious. They were used to it. All the entryway to the buildings had cameras on them. And they all looked like they were looking at him.
  "Crap," Richard uttered.
  They were back on Camera World.

  Rembrandt Brown barely had time to react to Richard making a break for it. Hands grabbed him. He swung around. Ben Loveland...a Goth version of him...stared back at him.
  "You're still living?" the double asked. "Guess I have to take care of that."
  Ben's leg shot up, hitting Rembrandt in the stomach. Rembrandt fell over. Ben lunged forward, swinging a fist at Rembrandt's face. Rembrandt fell to the ground. He tried to focus, but all he saw was two GothBens over him.
  "Glad you're expendable," GothBen said.
  "He isn't." Rembrandt heard as if in a distance.
  A figure knocked GothBen away. Then he looked at Rembrandt. It was Ethan. He started to help him up.
  "You okay?" Ethan asked.
  Rembrandt nodded.
  "Good," Ethan said, turning them around. "Now we need to get--"
  A figure walked out of the shadows. It was Melissa's Goth double. She blocked them from Randy and Melissa. Ethan took a step toward her. She pulled out a gun.
  "Going somewhere?" she asked.
  Rembrandt looked at Ethan. Ethan looked at him. He was sure they were on the same page.
  Suddenly...they broke off in runs. Both in different directions.

  Randy fell to the ground. He rolled over quickly. If he made it through this, he was going to kill Richard.
  "Cat got your tongue?"
  Randy came out of his thoughts...to get a leg in the face. He fell back, pain all over his face. He managed to feel a shadow over him. He looked up. Cassandra stood over him.
  "You can't escape fate," Cassandra said.
  "I bet to differ," Randy said. "Your vision...happened. Yet here I am."
  Cassandra's eyes widened. Then she narrowed them.
  "More reason to trust my judgment," Cassandra said. "You are coming with--"
  A fist got Cassandra in the jaw. She fell to the ground. Melissa looked down at Randy.
  "You coming?" Melissa asked. "Cuz I--"
  Suddenly, Melissa fell to the ground. Randy looked to see why. Cassandra had tripped. She pulled out a dagger and lunged at Melissa. Melissa grabbed Cassandra's dagger hand. Cassandra smirked.
  "Did you not use to hit harder?" Cassandra challenged. "Must be...getting soft."
  Randy shot up. He grabbed Cassandra. Before she could react, Randy threw her into a wall. His eyes fell on the other side of the alley. Rembrandt and Ethan were attacked by Cassandra's minions. He had to...
  Cassandra shot up in his face. She swung at him. Randy backed away, barely missing being hit.
  Suddenly, Cassandra fell to the ground. Randy looked down. Melissa shot up. She smirked.
  "Not so nice when someone trips you," Melissa said. She grabbed Randy. "Come on."
  "Ethan--" Randy started.
  "No time!" Melissa yelled.
  Melissa dragged Randy along. His feet quickly followed. Hopefully, they would meet up at the Dominion. Then they could deal with Richard...
  Randy felt himself as they walked out of the alley. His eyes widened. The timer was not on him. His eyes narrowed.
  Richard had it.
  "Oh, no."
  Randy came out of his thoughts. Melissa looked wide-eyed, the fear all over her face. She moved a little more slowly.
  "What's wrong?" Randy asked.
  "Look around," Melissa instructed.
  They continued to walk. Randy looked around. As he did, his eyes widened. Richard had mentioned on Camera World that Cassandra had been there.
  Apparently...she still was.

  "'And in today's news, the President spoke about the...'"
  Richard put his hands together. He frowned at the screen that was over the counter at the coffeehouse. He barely acknowledged whatever the news reporter said.
  From what he gathered from Rembrandt and the others, this world was a world so obsessed with terrorism that the government had started to install cameras everywhere. The best to invade others' privacy...especially for the shadow group in charge of that...the Council. There had been a reporter who was suppose to expose this right before they slid out.
  "'Next up...E! News!'"
  Richard glared at the television screen. It appear the same to him. Not good since that meant he and the others were being watched.
  He patted his pocket. He let out a sigh of relief. The timer was still there. Good.
  The Dominion was out of the question. The last time they were here, the sliders had been tracked due to Ethan's double's history. And given his own encounter with a double of his father, Richard was sure he was a...how had that double put it...a person of interest.
  Richard felt a grin on his face. If this was a cartoon, he knew he would have a lightbulb over his head. In fact...why had he not thought of it sooner?
  Bad-ass.

  Rembrandt felt his back hit the wall. He waited for a moment. Ethan started to dash by. Rembrandt grabbed him quickly.
  "It's me, Ethan," Rembrandt said. "Sh!"
  Rembrandt moved them behind a trash bin. Then he released Ethan. Ethan opened his mouth to say something. Rembrandt put a finger to his lips, meaning to keep quiet. Ethan silently nod.
  Rembrandt peeked out. People walked past the alleyway, completely oblivious. Suddenly, GothBen popped up among those people. Rembrandt moved back quickly, his chest heaving breathe too fast. He quieted down quickly.
  Silence passed. Rembrandt took a moment more. Then he looked out past the trash bin. He breathed a sigh of relief.
  There was no sign of GothBen. There was only more and more people going about the lives. Rembrandt felt a tinge of jealousy. It must be nice.
  "Then it's safe?" Ethan asked in a whisper.
  "I think so," Rembrandt said.
  "Good,"Ethan said, standing up. "I think we should get out of here."
  Rembrandt stood up. "Genius got the timer. Guess we got to find him."
  "I agree,"Ethan said. "Not what I meant."
  Rembrandt frowned. "Oh?"
  "You didn't notice?"
  "Sorry. I was too busy running for my life."
  Ethan's eyes widened. "We're back."
  "Back? What are you--"
  "Camera World. We're back. Look."
  Rembrandt moved away from the trash bin. Before he made it to the alleyway entrance, Rembrandt saw them. he saw them on the entrances of buildings, reminding him of how it was at the Dominion.
  Cameras.
  "Just great!" Rembrandt exclaimed.
  The last time they were here, the sliders thought they had found Quinn. They were wrong. It was a double. But he had been very similar to their Quinn. So close...until Rembrandt realized the fiancee he missed wasn't Wade Welles.
  Rembrandt felt is eyes water. So close. But...not quite. So they continued to go on and on, trying to locate Quinn or Earth Prime. Never knowing if someone else is about to...
  "You okay?" Ethan asked, putting a hand on Rembrandt's shoulder.
  Rembrandt pushed the hand away. "I'm fine. I'm just not liking your boyfriend right now."
  "Randy didn't--"
  "Don't," Rembrandt cut Ethan off. "Don't defend him. I might gag over the blind obedience."
  Ethan glared at Rembrandt. "Like you and Quinn?"
  Rembrandt laughed. "You got a lot to learn. Quinn and I had built-in trust. It wasn't gained easy let me tell you. And it had nothing to do with who we were sleeping with. And Quinn didn't go around endangering innocent people."
  "Randy did what he--"
  "What he had to?" Rembrandt challenged. "I don't think so."
  Rembrandt headed out of the alley. People continued to go about their business. There was no sign of Cassandra or her crew. He headed down the street, an idea he had in the back of his head growing.
  "Rembrandt!"
  Rembrandt turned around. Ethan was right behind him. His eyes were full of worry.
  "Where are you going?" Ethan asked. "We should find Randy and the others."
  "You do that," Rembrandt said. "I'm going to find someone...anyone...who can get us home."

  "Anything?"
  Randy looked at Melissa as they walked down the street.
  "Nothing," Randy said. "After the last time we were here, I doubt the rebels here would be in the same place."
  "True," Melissa said. "Big Brother all seeing and all."
  "Still, there's gotta be a way to get ahold of Mia," Randy said. He frowned.
  "Miashuyhi Kim?"
  "Yeah. On this world she's the hacker for Jared's group."
  "When is she not deadly," Melissa said. "Who does she think she is? Eve?"
  Randy smirked. "Jealous?"
  Melissa's face darkened. Randy paused.
  "Okay, what--" Randy started.
  "You know," Melissa said, cutting him off. "Cassandra called me weak."
  "She didn't--"
  "Okay. Weak. Soft. It's the same."
  Randy reached out to touch Melissa's shoulder. Her hand shot up, grabbing his arm. He looked at her. She looked back at him, a coldness in her eyes.
  "What?" Melissa challenged. "You think 'poor' Melissa is going to fall apart. Don't matter. I'm good."
  Randy pulled his arm away. "I'm not so sure of that."
  "Good thing I'm not your worry anymore," Melissa shot back. "Any way you can think of getting ahold of Kim?"
  Randy stared at Melissa. He wondered who this stranger was in front of him. Where was the girl he knew?
  "Randy," Melissa said icy, "focus."
  "Uh...okay," Randy said. He started to walk again. "I have an idea. It could put her within sight of the council again though."
  "Any element of danger," Melissa uttered. She grinned. "I'm game."

  Richard frowned. He pulled his hands out of his pockets. He instead crossed his arms over his chest.
  He had been questioning himself a lot lately. Especially in light of he breaking up with Melissa. After all, she fell in love with a darker Egghead. At one point, Richard held that title. Not so much now. Not since his resurrection as a clone. So where did the clone end...and Richard Hall begin?
  He had definitely been a screwup on that coding world. He had no idea if helping him had doomed Laura Carmichael. He had none. Still, he doomed everyone. Why should Laura be any difference?
  A click echoed through the elevator. Then the doors opened. Richard's eyes widened.
  It was a pretty wide penthouse. He could make out the balcony on the other side of the room. Between him and that however was a spacious living room with comfy-looking couches a post-modern kitchen on the left with marble floor, and doorways on the right. And one of the doors...was opening.
  A red light shot out of the door's darkness. It fell on Richard's chest. Before Richard could react, the door opened completely. A figure stepped out of the room.
  Mr. Hall stood there. He looked very muscular for his age. Richard figured it was all that training with the Council. How else could he explain that his father stood in front of him in only black boxers and a laser?
  "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take you out?" Hall demanded.
  "I'm your son," Richard said.
  "Try again...Double," Hall shot back.
  "Uh..." Richard started.

  Rembrandt knocked on the door. As he watched the moon, he hoped this was the right one. Who knew there was five...
  The door opened. the man in front of him looked different than the one he was used to. glasses. Beard. Shoulder-length brown hair. However, he was Rembrandt knew he was.
  "Quinn Mallory?" Rembrandt asked.
  "Yes," Quinn's double answered. "Can I help you?"
  Rembrandt started to speak. Words caught in his throat. For a moment, he thought about what he was about to do. He was knowingly about to open a Pandora's Box. Since Alexandrian World, the sliders had been trying not to reveal sliding any more to other worlds. Actually, it felt like he was the only one really trying. Meanwhile, the others kept getting into situations where they revealed sliding to the people. He had done enough...sliding...to know there could be all kinds of consequences. Best to not even do it.
  Yet...Randy was getting more and more useless. He was too busy being kissyface to find Quinn. Something had to be done to get them home. To find Quinn.
  "Hello?"
  Rembrandt blinked. Quinn stared at him, his forehead wrinkled. Rembrandt managed a smile, ignoring Quinn's frown.
  "My apologies," Rembrandt said. "It's just...the weight of it all...a guy can look trail."
  "Weight of it?" Quinn uttered.
  "Let me level with you," Rembrandt said. "I need your help."
  Quinn laughed. "I highly doubt that. I teach fifth grade. You are not a fifth grader."
  Rembrandt laughed. "That is true." He stopped. "I'm much older...and not from this Earth."
  Quinn's jaw dropped. "What?"

  Randy blinked. His eyes quickly adjusted. All that was in front of him was Yahoo's main page.
  A smirk crept over his face. That was not the only thing in front of him. He just needed to...
  "So anything?"
  Randy turned around. Melissa leaned against the library shelves. She had a grimace on her face. Randy found himself frowning.
  "You are awfully impatient now," Randy commented.
  Melissa stopped leaning.
  "Life's short," Melissa said, approaching him. No need to waste time. Besides...your trances can kill."
  Randy glared. "I thought you were over that."
  "Does anyone ever get over that?"
  "They cope as best they can. Besides, it's not like you're the only one who has died."
  "And yet here you are."
  "And not with you," Randy shot back. "Get over it."
  Melissa's face darkened. Randy did not care. He already had Richard taking pop shots at him. He would not stand for her doing it.
  "You think highly of yourself," Melissa said coldly.
  Randy turned back to his computer screen. Nothing was happening yet. It would probably take a few more minutes.
  "At one point," Randy said, "so did you."
  A shadow appeared over the computer screen. Then Melissa was beside him. Her eyes were on the computer screen.
  "Things change," Melissa said. She frowned. "Why is your screen getting black dots?"
  Randy had not noticed he turned to look at her. His eyes were back on the screen. The Yahoo main page had developed black spots like a film projector whom film was messed up. Slowly, but surely the black spots devoured the main screen. Then it was replaced by a message:

THE COUNCIL IS WATCHING YOU.
REMEMBER THE DOMINION.

  "Clever," Melissa said.
  "Come on," Randy said, standing up. "It's viral. Might be traceable."
  "Alrighty then," Melissa said, following Randy. "Think she got it?"
  "Only one way to find out," Randy said, moving through the shelves.
  "Is it dangerous?" Melissa asked.
  "Yes," Randy said.
  Melissa smirked. "Good."

  "And your time is up," Mr. Hall said. He aimed. "Kiss your a--"
  "You're seriously going to shoot me?" Richard challenged. "Your son?"
  "Not my son," Mr. Hall said. "He's aboard. And I refuse to let you use that trick again."
  "Then explain the red wormhole," Richard shot back. "You remember? The one with the people who saved my butt. Don't you want to learn more?"
  "Nice try on saving your own skin," Mr. Hall said. He aimed again. "I couldn't care less."
  "And your bosses the Council?" Richard asked with a lopsided grin. "What do they say? Or are you the be-all and end-all?"
  Mr. Hall's forehead wrinkled up. His eyes narrowed on Richard. Richard smirked.
  "Yeah," Richard said, heading for the big giant couch. "I thought so."
  "You little snot!"
  Richard hopped onto the couch. He threw his feet on the coffeetable. He leaned back and gave his father a lopsided grin.
  "I learned from the best," Richard said. He looked around the penthouse. "I'm sure they're watching now."
  "The Council monitors all of its employees," Hall replied.   "Riiight," Richard said. "Then they know what I offer."
  "Which is?"
  "An Egghead."
  Suddenly, the penthouse's lights flickered. Mr. Hall frowned. He moved past Richard. Richard turned to see where he was going.
  Mr. Hall had headed for a computer that was against thew wall. It looked like his screen had gone blank. Suddenly, a message popped up.

THE COUNCIL IS WATCHING YOU.
REMEMBER THE DOMINION.

  "What the--" Mr. Hall started.
  "See how dangerous Egghead is," Richard said. "I'm sure your Council do not want him messing with the order you have going on in your world. Or the other ones. So--"
  "Come on," Mr. Hall said, heading away from him.

  Rembrandt opened his eyes. Sunlight came through the window. For a moment, he thought he was in his room at the Dominion Hotel. Then he remembered where he was. Fear gripped him, causing him to shoot up on the couch. Quinn stood over him.
  "Oh...you're up," Quinn said, putting a coffee cup on the coffee table. "Then that coffee won't get cold."
  Rembrandt sat up. He reached for the cup and drank. It tasted sweet.
  "Secret recipe," Quinn said, taking a sip from his own cup. "Now...I don't know where to even begin."
  "Can you help me?" Rembrandt asked.
  Quinn frowned. "You do realize that I find this Council stuff very far-fetched."
  "It doesn't make it any less true," Rembrandt said. "The last time me and my friends were here, we had a tango. People died. Wade Welles was suppose to even do a story on it."
  "I remember that," Quinn said. "It turned out to be some fraud."
  Rembrandt put his cup down. "That's what they want you to think."
  "Perhaps."
  "You don't believe me?"
  "I don't have a reason to," Quinn replied, "except for the fact you mentioned vortexes." He put his cup down. "You see...I have been working on something like this. And you on my doorstep...well...that is just too much of a coincidence. It must mean something."
  Rembrandt felt it deep down. He was hesitant of letting it out though. It felt good to have it again. To have hope.
  "So...you can help me?" Rembrandt asked.
  Quinn grabbed his cup. He stood up. He stared at Rembrandt.
  "I can try," Quinn said. "Follow me."
  Rembrandt grabbed his cup. He was right behind Quinn. It was stronger. The hope was back. Hope that he could resolve what was turning into a nightmare.

  Randy pulled the hood closer over his head. He had been across the street from the Dominion since 10 that morning. He had seen people come and go. None of them was who he would like it to be.
  "Maybe it did not work."
  Randy looked up from the bench he sat on. Melissa sat down next to him. Her eyes narrowed on the cameras above the doors.
  "Just give it more time," Randy said.
  "Not much of it," Melissa said.
  Randy glared at her. "Blame Richard for that. He has the timer."
  Melissa glared at him. "And who let him?"
  "Nice, Melissa. Very nice."
  Randy felt warm as he looked past Melissa. Ethan stood above them. Randy shot up quickly. He grabbed Ethan in a big hug. Arms wrapped around, too.
  "I'm glad to see you," Randy said.
  "You, too," Ethan said.
  "No hug for me?"
  Randy pulled away from Ethan. Melissa stood next to them. He frowned at her. Ethan looked at her, too. Then...he looked at Randy again.
  "You okay?" Ethan asked.
  "Yeah," Randy said.
  "Good. Now why are you here? The Council could be here watching this place."
  "Hoping to get one of us."
  Randy frowned. So did Ethan. He felt Ethan tense up. He knew why, looking behind Ethan at the new speaker.
  His name was Caleb. On Ethan's homeworld he had been Ethan's...the one who got away. It was not the case on this world. He was also part of the rebels on this world. He hugged Ethan from behind, his eyes on Randy.
  "Nice trick," Caleb said. "I wouldn't think Jared's little bro could do that."
  Hands wrapped around Randy. Melissa was behind him. From the corner of his eye, he saw her grinning.
  "Yeah," Melissa said. "He's full of surprise."
  "Let's here," Caleb said. "Don't want--"
  A screech got Randy's attention. He turned. A black van sped down the street. It headed right for them.

  Randy turned the corner. His mind raced as he ran down the street. He turned around in time to see Caleb and Ethan were right behind him.
  "Okay," Randy said. "Where's everyone else at?"
  "Give 'em time," Caleb said.
  "Don't have it," Randy said.
  "Randy!" Ethan snapped.
  Randy glared at him. Ethan frowned right back at him. A figure moved behind them. It was Melissa.
  "Van...coming," Melissa said. "Running...good."
  A door opened to the left. Randy looked over. It was Miashuyhi Kim.
  "Block jammed," Kim said. "You guys coming?"

  Richard stared up at the black building. He held back the shiver crawling up his spine. The last time he had been here his father had tortured him.
  The doors opened. Three figures walked out. Richard's eyes widened. He recognized all of them. Too many years sliding.
  Diana Davis stared at him with cold dark eyes.
  "So," she began with measured time, "this is one of them."
  "He does not look like anyone significant," the older white man next to her said. Richard knew him as William Franks. Franks looked at the other bigger man next to Diana. "Why was I flown here?"
  Maximillion Arturo stared at him like Franks was an idiot. "Because Mr. Franks, this is a very significant situation and we all stand to gain from it."
  "I agree with Arturo," Diana said. "To control a world is one thing. However...to control ALL worlds? That...is significant." She stared at Franks. "Or to place it in terms you will understand...the last time this occurred they almost brought the Council into the light of day. I think we all agree that is not in our best interest."
  Franks glared at Richard. "Agreed. Still...he is not the intelligence behind it. What can he do?"
  "For one," Richard said, "I can tell you there's two groups here."
  All three of them widened their eyes at that bombshell. Richard smirked. It was always good to be taken seriously.
  "Two groups?" Diana uttered.
  "Oh...the possibilities," Arturo added.
  "Best of all," Richard said, his eyes on Franks, "I can get them for you."
  Franks cocked an eyebrow. "Really?"
  "What would be in it for you?" Diana asked.
  "Is it not obvious?" Arturo asked, a grin creeping on his face. "It is about self-preservation."
  Richard grinned. "Bingo."
  "Then I suggest we continued this talk within doors," Arturo said.
  "I agree," Richard said.
  The three people headed back into the building. Richard started to follow. Then he paused. He had not noticed at first. He turned around to look at his father. He was next to the black van with a grimace on his face. Richard frowned.
  "What?" Richard asked.
  Mr. Hall crossed his arms. "Selling people out? I couldn't have taught you that."
  "Actually...you did. Being an overbearing deadbeat...I had to look out for myself."
  Richard turned away. He headed into the building.
  "I regret that I...my...double was a deadbeat," Mr. Hall said. "You...deserve better."
  Richard paused again...his back stiffening. He wondered if his ears had played a trick on him. Had his father apologized for his crappy life?
  He shook it off. This was not his father. Just a cheap double. He couldn't fall for it. It was about protecting himself.
  No one else.

  Rembrandt wiped at his jaw. He looked at Quinn. Quinn was across from him typing away. They were in the basement of his house. All the equipment around made Rembrandt think of another Quinn and another house on another Earth. The hope that he had been feeling was really bursting out now. He didn't stop it.
  Quinn turned to look at him. "Good news. I have a working theory."
  Rembrandt sat up. "Working theory?"
  "Well, I haven't really tried this," Quinn admitted, smiling sheepishly. "They're all theories. However...I believe that I've created an unique sliding signature for you. Now if you...slide out to another world and come back...and I track it...maybe...big maybe...I think I can pinpoint your friend. Maybe even...again big maybe...your Earth."
  "Really?" Rembrandt uttered.
  "I believe so."
  "Great!"
  Quinn frowned. "Of course there is only one way to be sure. You...would have to slide off this world. Of course, you would come back."
  "Okay," Rembrandt said. "I'm willing to do that."
  "But...what about your friends?" Quinn asked. "Don't you think you should find them first?"
  Rembrandt frowned. He ran his hand through his hair. It was a good question. However...he wasn't sure if he should get their hopes up. Though he was tempted to rub this idea in Randy's face.
  Randy. It was funny. All these months of Randy lording it over that HE was the only one who knew sliding technology. It would be damn good to get one over on him. Rembrandt managed a smile.
  "I don't want to give them false hope," Rembrandt said. "I've had it done to me. I don't like it. Let me be the guinea pig. It works. Then I look for them. Agreed?"
  "Okay," Quinn said. "Your choice."
  Yes, Rembrandt thought. For the first time in a long time, it was his choice.

  "I can't believe it didn't work," Melissa said.
  "Believe it, Girl," Kim said, looking at her from across a table. "The Council made it look like Welles was some nut. Changed her records and everything. No one's seen her since."
  "No doubt the Council's work."
  Randy looked away from the window he looked out of. Jared Heim entered the kitchen they were in. He looked at Randy, managing a grin.
  "I wish you would give me more warning, little brother," Jared said. "It would be nice to see you when you're not in trouble."
  Randy smiled. "Sorry."
  "Anyway...I sent feelers out," Jared continued. "If your other friends are caught, we'll find them."
  "I think Rembrandt will be easier to find."
  Randy looked at the table. Ethan and Caleb sat together. On this Earth, Ethan's double was with Caleb. It made Randy wonder where the double was. At the moment Ethan and Caleb held hands. Randy wanted to choke Caleb.
  "Oh? How so?" Melissa said. "Where did he say he was going?"
  "To...find backup," Ethan said, looking over at Randy. "To see if anyone could help."
  "Well, good luck with that," Caleb said.
  "I think luck is on my brother's side," Jared said, sitting down. "Whatever you did...everyone's talking about it. They're asking questions. What happened at the Dominion? What's the Council? Most important...are we being watched?"
  "Duh," Kim commented.
  "We got to get this global," Jared said.
  "God, Caleb! Negative much?" Kim said.
  "Just...thinking of Dru."
  The room felt silent. Dru Preston was a black woman who had died the last time Randy had been there. She died in an attempt to reveal the Council to the public.
  "Maybe her death shouldn't be in vain," Randy said.
  "Do you have a bright--" Caleb started.
  "I think he's right," Jared said, cutting off Caleb. "I'm tired of living off the grid due to...I want my life back, Caleb."
  Randy smiled. It was good that his brother had his side. Jared looked at Kim.
  "Mia, see if you can get ahold of others," Jared said. "Randy, start making ideas."
  Randy nodded. Kim stood up. She gestured to Randy. Randy followed behind. For a moment, he turned to look at Ethan. Ethan chatted with Caleb. Meanwhile Melissa's eyes were on him. She smirked.
  Randy walked away.

  Richard knocked on the door. A moment passed. Then the hotel door shot open. Cassandra stood on the other end.
  "Well...Slider," Cassandra said.
  Richard grinned. "I think I liked you when you were an old crone."
  Cassandra tilted her head. "And you? I preferred when you were in your original body."
  Richard rolled his eyes. As if you ever knew me." He moved past her. "And the Dominion? How...predictable."
  Richard heard the door close behind him. Good. He turned around. GothBen and GothMelissa lunged at him. They pinned him to the couch quickly. Cassandra stared at the whole scene, her arms over her chest.
  "And I'm sure you knew that was coming," Cassandra said.
  "Yeah," Richard managed. "Of course."
  "Good," Cassandra said. "Where's Randy Heim?"
  "You're the seer, right?" Richard challenged. "You tell me."
  "He's not going to tell us anything," GothBen said. "I say kill him."
  "Can't," GothMelissa said, holding on to Richard's other arm. "Stone wants this one. Besides...so does Albright."
  Richard flinched. The mention of Mr. Stone brought back too many memories. None of them were good ones. The psychopath now wore Richard's face.
  "Can we at least rough him up a little bit?" GothBen asked.
  "I think we should take him with us," Cassandra said. "The tide is shifting against the sliders on that world. I think it is best that we return to our own world. Get it ready for the future."
  Richard frowned. "I'm not going with you."
  "Really?" Cassandra challenged. "Why not?"
  Suddenly, the door swung open. Black-armored men sweeped the room, surrounding them. GothBen and GothMelissa looked surprised. So did Cassandra. She turned to Richard. He gave her a good ole smirk.
  "That," Richard said, "is why not."
  "Are you sure this will work?"
  Richard looked past Cassandra. Mr. Hall entered the room. He did not look at them at all. His accusing eyes were on Richard. Richard glared right back.
  "Yes, I am," Richard said. "She's here for Randy. He'll get curious. Eggheads usually do."
  "Take them," Mr. Hall commanded.
  The black-armored men dragged the Goth crew out. Richard crossed his arms down, a smirk on his face. The truth was he doubted Egghead was coming for her. He would more likely come for the timer.
  Oh, well. One problem down. One to go.

  Rembrandt jumped out of the wormhole. It closed behind him quickly. He could not keep the smile off his face.
  It had worked. Quinn had slid him off of this world. Then...he was back...right.
  Rembrandt looked around, confused for a moment. The smile came back. He was back in the basement. Good sign.
  "Q-ball!" Rembrandt yelled. He headed for the stairs. "Quinn, you up th--"
  Rembrandt stopped. The smile left his face. In fact, his eyes watered.
  Quinn was stomach first on the phone. The floor under his head was darkened by blood. Rembrandt made it to him quickly. He grabbed him up, checking his pulse. His eyes widened as he found there was no pulse. Quinn...was...
  "NO!!!" Rembrandt screamed.
  Quinn was dead. And with him...any hope of finding his Quinn. Or home. A sob escaped Rembrandt's lips. Why, why, God why?
  "Oops."
  Rembrandt stopped crying. A figure moved under the stairs. It looked like the figure of a man. He came into the light. It...was Richard Hall. He stared at Rembrandt with murderous glee.
  "Wrong vortex," Richard said. His eyes grew cold. "However...you will do."
  Rembrandt's body stiffened. He knew that tone.
  "Stone," Rembrandt uttered.

  Randy frowned. He had had days. Days in which to figure out how to reproduce what he did.
  "Still nothing?"
  Randy looked up at the door. Ethan walked into the room. Randy managed a smile.
  "What Jared wants is similar to what I did a few days ago," Randy said. "This time it would be global."
  "Right," Ethan said, sitting next to Randy. "You can do it."
  Randy looked down. "You have a lot of faith in me."
  "Because you have proved it's not misplaced."
  Randy looked up again. Ethan looked back, his gray eyes full of warmth. Randy reached out and held Ethan's hands.
  "Are you sure you...don't regret staying?" Randy asked.
  Ethan leaned forward. He touched his forehead with Randy's. Randy gave into it.
  "Not since you picked me," Ethan said.
  Randy smiled. "I...think I can do this."
  "But?" Ethan uttered.
  "I think the only way to do it," Randy said, "is from whereever the Council is based."
  "Sounds dangerous."
  Randy frowned. Ethan laughed. He stood up.
  "It's okay," Ethan said. "It's what we do. I got your back."
  Randy heard footsteps. He looked over at the door to his room. Kim walked in.
  "I got contacts," Kim said. "Jared wants to meet."

  "Their patience is wearing thin."
  Richard stopped staring at the screen in front of him. He had enjoyed watching the Goth crew go through what he had the last time he was here. He was bummed as he turned to face his father. His eyes narrowed on him.
  "If it's this after two days," Richard said, "they didn't have a lot of patience to begin with." He grinned. "FYI."
  "You think this is funny?"
  "A little bit."
  "Maybe you should be back in that room?"
  Richard walked up to his father. He put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He was sure he had a look of concern.
  "Many people have tried," Richard said. "Still alive."
  "One day, your luck might run out."
  "Who's to say it hasn't?"
  Mr. Hall sighed sadly. "You know...fathers always want the best for their sons. I explained the Council to you...I mean...your double...it's the best interest of everyone. No one wants another Sept--another terrorist attack. The Council is for the good of everyone. Of course you...him...he...didn't see it that way. He took Nicole and Brandon and...what?"
  Richard felt his face grow warm. He looked away quickly. He wasn't about to let his father see him be caring...double or not.
  "What?" Mr. Hall demanded.
  "Nothing," Richard said quickly.
  "If you are hiding something--" his father started.
  "I reacted to Brandon, okay!" Richard snapped.
  "Yeah,"Mr. Hall said. "Brandon is--"
  "--my son," Richard finished. "Yeah, I know."
  Mr. Hall's face lit up. "Oh. So on your world you--"
  "No," Richard cut him off. "On...my world, I had Nicole take care of it. We were young. No need to--"
  Richard stopped. The look on Mr. Hall's face had changed. It was a look he knew all too well. That look of disappointment whenever Richard would do something he didn't like. Or that look he got when Richard brought home a grade that wasn't an A. Or when Richard had a girl he had not liked.
  "No," Richard said, pointing a finger. "No. You don't get to judge me. You don't get to judge me ever. Nothing is ever good enough for you. I could be President and you would still find something wrong with me."
  Mr. Hall frowned. "Me? No. I would find that an incredible accomplishment. You took your intelligence and put it to ex--"
  "Stop."
  "Why?" Mr. Hall challenged. "I'm telling the truth. I am deeply sorry that I...uh...other me...did not appreciate you like he should have. However, I should not have to be punished for his crimes. Nor you for my son."
  Richard stared at him. He did not know what to say. His...father had said that? Had he?
  Suddenly, the room darkened. Then it lit up again. then it darkened. As the lights came back on, Richard frowned at Mr. Hall.
  "What the--" Richard started.
  "Silent alarm," Mr. Hall said, pulled out his laser. "We got guests."

  Randy blinked. As he did, he saw it had worked. The side door to the black building had opened.
  "And you said Kim is jamming the whole area?"
  Randy turned to look behind him. Caleb was with him. He frowned back at Randy.
  "That's what she told me," Randy said. "She's on the other side of the building with Ethan. Hopefully, we'll meet in the middle. So let's head--"
  "You like Ethan, don't you?"
  Randy frowned. "What makes you--"
  "Just the vibe I get from you," Caleb said, entering the building with his gun ready. "And the stolen looks don't help. So does Big Bro know about Little Bro?"
  "Uh...no," Randy said.
  "Good," Caleb said, stopping in front of a door. He looked at Randy. "Then you can back off. I would hate to be the one to tell him."
  Randy's back stiffened. "Fine. Can we get to work now?"
  Randy pushed open the door. At first there was only darkness. As Randy's eyes adjusted, Randy felt his body tense more.
  It was Cassandra. She was tied to some metal chair. Sweat covered her forehead. She looked very tired. Her eyes fell on Randy.
  "Help...me," Cassandra managed.
  "Sure," Caleb said, stepping forward.
  "No," Randy said, putting a hand up to block Caleb's way.
  "What? Why? We need all the people we can get."
  "Let's go. Trust me."
  "Better than...Richard."
  Randy stared at Cassandra. A trace of a smirk was on her face. Randy crossed his arms over his chest.
  "What do you know of Richard?" Randy demanded.
  "I know he put me here," Cassandra said. "He's...with the Council."

  Richard had his laser at the ready. He was not sure what he was going to do next. If it was Egghead and the others...
  "Something wrong?"
  Richard looked over at Mr. Hall. Behind them were a few soldiers. He managed a smile.
  "I'm cool," Richard said.
  "First time in a firefight?" Mr. Hall asked.
  Richard gave him a lopsided grin. "You'll be surprised."
  Richard turned a corner. Suddenly, something fell out at him. Before he could react, Richard fell to the floor with the thing on top of him. It was wet. Richard struggled with it. Then he paused...the truth dawning on him.
  Blood. He was wet from blood.
  "Oh--" Richard started.
  He pushed the thing off him. Then he gasped at the body that he had pushed off. It was a beaten and bloodied Rembrandt Brown.
  "What in the world--" Mr. Hall started.
  "They just are nothing like you, Mr. Hall."
  Richard's eyes widened. He stared up at the speaker. Fear gripped him fast as he already knew who it was.
  Mr. Stone stood over him. His hands were behind his back. His head was tilted to one side as if he was an animal studying his prey. Richard thought it would all be fine...except for the fact that Stone was now in a clone of Richard Hall. Same scary mannerisms as old school Mr. Stone, but with Richard's face.
  "They are never like you," Stone said. "Pity." He stared coldly at Richard. "Where are the others?"
  "Stop!"
  Richard looked up. "Dad! Don't--"
  Stone lunged forward. Screams rang out. Richard's eyes widened.

  "Okay, this is way too easy."
  Randy typed at the screen in front of him. He found himself agreeing with Kim. They had found each other easily. There had been almost no resistance.
  "Maybe you're that good," Caleb offered up.
  "Cute," Kim said behind Randy. "Don't believe it."
  "Is it okay to leave Ethan put there with those Goths?" Caleb asked. "Yes, Randy, you now have me worried."
  "Ethan can hold his own," Randy said. "Mia, think you see how the others are doing in the other buildings?"
  "Sure thing," Kim said. Her footsteps headed for another screen.
  "Who left you in charge?"
  Randy glared to Caleb. "Look. Jared is in one of the other buildings. I'm de facto. Deal with it."
  "Oh God!"
  Randy turned to look at Kim. She shot up from the chair. Caleb ran to her.
  "Mia, what--" Caleb started.
  "The bodies," Kim said, her face shocked. "He just took them out like nothing."
  "Who?"
  Randy pushed the button. He knew it would start in a few minutes. He headed for the screen. He saw Richard. Richard...taking out sliders.
  His eyes widened. Richard just snapped a soldier's neck. That...was not Richard. However, it did explain why getting into the building felt too easy. The building was focused on this one-man Rich...
  "Oh, no," Randy said. "We have to go."
  "And why is that?"
  Randy looked at the doors to the control room. Cassandra entered. She looked concerned.
  "Stone is here," Randy said.
  The color left Cassandra's face.

  "For the love of God, wake up Rembrandt!"
  That got no response out of Rembrandt. Richard groaned and continued to carry him. He was heavy though. Thankfully, Dad and his men gave him cover fire.
  Richard turned a corner. He paused.
  He called him Dad. In those last moments, he even yelled it out.
  Dad.
  And Stone...Richard shook the thought away. He had no way of knowing if Dad was dead or alive at the moment. Given Mr. Stone's track record, the chances were slim.
  Richard glared. It was Katherine Rye all over again. Another person who was connected to him that Mr. Stone killed. Just to get to him. He would see Stone pay.
  Richard turned the corner. He screamed.
  "Richard? Oh my god! Remmy!"
  Richard relaxed. Melissa ran to them, grabbed Rembrandt on the side. She was with Jared Heim and a bald Bufford. He frowned.
  "You know them?" Bufford asked.
  "Yeah," Melissa said. "They're with us. Oh, God. Remmy. How did you get here?"
  "Not important," Richard said. "What is? Stone is here."
  Melissa's eyes widened. She turned to look at Jared.
  "We need to leave...now," Melissa said.
  "What?" Jared said. "Not without--"
  "Behind you!"
  Richard looked past Jared. Randy, Ethan, Kim, and Caleb was behind them. He could make out the Goth crew in the back of them. He looked at Rady. Randy glared at him.
  He knew.
  "Did you--" Jared started.
  "Got it done," Randy said. "We need to get out of here before--"
  A whir sounded through the air. Richard looked past Randy and Jared. A red wormhole had opened in the hall. GothMelissa jumped into it. So did GothBen. Cassandra smirked. Then she vanished, the wormhole closing behind her.
  "What the hell was that?" Jared demanded.

  "So today is the day?"
  Randy grinned as he got out of the Jetta. He looked at Jared. He nodded.
  "Rembrandt gets out," Randy said.
  Not a moment too soon. With the timer back, Randy knew they did not have long.
  "So you'll be at the meeting tonight?" Jared asked. "The other leaders want to hear more about throw you did it."
  "Yeah," Randy lied. "Later okay?"
  The Jetta drove off. Randy stared after it. He wished he had had more time with his brother. Randy turned around, ready to head into the hospital.
  Richard stood behind him. Without even flinching, Randy swung out and get Richard in the jaw. Richard felt back.
  "Hey!" Richard yelled, wiping the blood from his lower lip.
  "Don't hey me!" Randy snapped. "Cassandra told me what you did."
  "And you're different?" Richard shot back. "Looks like you kept your enemies close, too."
  Randy continued to glare. "You kow...I really thought you changed."
  Richard's eyes narrowed on Randy. "I did. I changed. And you know what happened because I did? I lost everything! And now...now my dad is dead!" He walked up to Randy. "And you know who I blame more than me? You."
  Richard started to step away. Suddenly, he swung out. His fist got Randy in the jaw. Randy fell to the ground. He looked up to find Richard over him. He glared at Randy.
  "From now on," Richard said, "it's on, bitch."
  Randy narrowed his eyes on Richard.

  Rembrandt looked at the newspaper. Part of him wanted to smile at the headline. 'WHAT IS THE COUNCIL? GOVERNMENT LOOKS INTO MAD VIRUS.' Unlike last time, Rembrandt was sure the Council would be able to wipe things up.
  However...he could not smile. His mind was on Mr. Stone...and Quinn. He had seen the obitury in the paper a day ago. The cause was break-in.
  Rembrandt knew better. Quinn had tried to help him. He had tried. He had been so close to getting all of them home.
  His eyes watered.
  So close. If he had known helping them would cause Quinn's death...
  Rembrandt broke into sobs. Then he cried.

THE-END


 

Back to Season 7