Melissa Clark watched them.
  Randy Heim ran at Ethan Bradshaw. He swung the knife at Ethan's head. Ethan's right hand shot up quickly, his knife blocking Randy's. Then he applied pressure, pushing forward putting Randy on the defense. They were both sweaty and shirtless on the field they practiced on. Melissa sat on the bleachers...and watched.
  "They're at it again, I see."
  Melissa looked up. Richard Hall stood them, his brown ponytail blowing in the wind. Melissa looked away.
  "I didn't hear you walk up," Melissa said.
  "I bet," Richard said, sitting down. "You're all focused on Ric and 'Star there."
  Melissa frowned. "Ric and 'Star?"
  "You know," Richard continued, "you kept up with comics more when we dated."
  "And I recalled you cheated."
  "And you pay me back with Egghead over there," Richard said. "Guess we're even. Oh, wait. He swung the other way. Guess not."
  "What do you want, Richard?" Melissa demanded.
  A noise made Melissa look at Randy and Ethan. Randy was on the ground. Ethan looked like he would throw the knife. Suddenly, Randy tripped Ethan. Ethan fell, landing on Randy. they wrestled.
  "Oooohh," Richard exclaimed. "Aren't they the cutest little--"
  "Will you stop?" Melissa snapped, her eyes turning to Richard.
  "Why?" Richard challenged. "Is truth helping the Princess a little too much?"
  "You know...I thought we were--"
  "Okay?" Richard said. "You think just because I say a few sentences to you, we're good? Guess again." He stood up. "Good luck getting that Egghead. He looks occupied."
  Melissa looked at the field. Her eyes went wide. Randy and Ethan...were kissing. At one time...that could have been her and Randy. Now...
  "You guys--is everything okay?"
  Melissa realized her cheeks were wet with tears. She wiped them away. Richard smiled at Rembrandt Brown.
  "Yeah," Richard said. "Everything's great."

  Richard fell out of the wormhole. He landed on his knees. He looked around to see that they were in an alley. Good. No witnesses.
  A whir sounded behind him. Richard's face hit the ground. He growled.
  "Off me!" Richard snapped.
  "Sorry," Ethan managed, standing up.
  "Riiiight, Thuggie," Richard said.
  Ethan glared at him. Richard rolled his eyes and stood up. Randy was a feet away with his timer.
  "So how much time, Egghead?" Richard asked.
  Randy looked at him. "Two days."
  "Plenty of time for you to theorize how to find Quinn."
  Richard saw Randy's eyes narrow. He knew what that meant. He looked behind Ethan. Rembrandt stood where the wormhole had been. He looked at Randy like he was about to explode.
  Richard headed for the alleyway entrance. Rembrandt and Randy had been at each other's throats for two weeks. He would rather be elsewhere.
  Sun hit Richard's face. The crowd looked normal enough. For all he knew they were back on Earth P--
  "Richard? Richard, what are you doing here?"
  Richard turned to the voice. His jaw dropped. There in front of him was Nicole Harris...his first love. She looked at him, her dark eyes full on concern.
  "Daddy!"
  Richard looked down. A small boy ran to him and grabbed his leg. He looked to be six years old.
  "Oh, boy," Richard uttered.

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 3: SOULMATES

  "So this Nicole," Ethan said, "is Richard's first love?"
  Randy looked at Ethan across the table. "Yeah. On our world, they were high school sweethearts. She even came looking for us."
  "Really?" Ethan exclaimed. "Then what--"
  "She died."
  Randy looked away. Rembrandt looked at him, his eyes clouded. He had been with Nicole, Ben Loveland, Randy's roommate, and Randy's rival Bufford. It was later on Rembrandt realized Nicole was dead.
  "Is it just me or are the people acting funny?"
  Randy looked across from Rembrandt. Melissa sat across from Rembrandt. She looked around the cafe they were in.
  Randy followed suit. There was quite a few people sitting around. They did not look at the foursome. However, there was a wide break given to them.
  "I'm thinking you're right," Randy said.
  "Meaning we should lie low then," Rembrandt said. "Or at least Egghead should."
  Randy frowned. "Egghead?"
  "Am I wrong?" Rembrandt asked. "You can take time out and--"
  "Find Quinn. Yes, I know," Randy said. "You repeatedly remind me."
  "And you need reminding," Rembrandt shot back. "Otherwise, you make weapons and kill--"
  "Rembrandt!" Ethan snapped.
  Rembrandt leaned back in his chair. His arms crossed over his chest. He looked at Randy defiantly. It made Randy want to reach over and...
  "Guys, you know we can't go on like this," Ethan said. "Seriously...Randy is doing all he can to--"
  "Is he?"
  Randy's eyes widened. He looked at Melissa. So did Ethan. Melissa's face was unreadable.
  "What is that suppose to mean?" Randy asked.
  "Nothing," Melissa said, looking away.
  "Oh, that was something," Randy said.
  "Fine," Melissa said, looking at Randy with fire in her eyes. "I remember how obsessive you can be. You don't look obsessive to find Quinn to me. You look...happy."
  Randy frowned. This coming from Rembrandt wasn't anything new. But to be coming from her?
  "Well, death can do that."
  Randy looked at Ethan. He bore holes into Melissa.
  "Rembrandt's nephew killed him," Ethan said. "He should be dead. You should be mourning. He lived. Death changes you. Didn't you go Goth when you almost died?"
  A gasp escaped Melissa's lips. randy looked at her. She looked back, the hurt all over her face. He reached to touch her shoulder. Melissa shot up quickly.
  "I'm gonna go check on Richard," Melissa said.
  "Melissa--" Randy started.
  "I'm with you, girl," Rembrandt said, standing up. "Nothing for me here. Yet."
  Randy glared at him. "How about you do better?"
  "Maybe I will," Rembrandt shot back.
  Melissa and Rembrandt headed for the door. Randy watched them. He wished he could get up and talk to Melissa alone. He wished he could get her to understand. He looked at Ethan.
  "Why did you do that?" Randy demanded.
  Ethan looked back at him. "To make a point. She was riding you and she had no right. She's been there."
  "And now she feels hurt," Randy said, looking down.
  A hand touched Randy's hand. He looked up. Ethan looked at him with such warmth.
  "Randy," Ethan said, "you're not her boyfriend anymore. Give her time to heal."
  Randy felt his eyes water. "Can I at least be her friend?"
  "That...is up to her," Ethan replied.

  "You okay?"
  Melissa looked up. Rembrandt was next to her as they walked down the sidewalk. She had been so lost in thought.
  "I'm," Melissa started. Then she stopped. She tried again. "I can't believe he so easily talked about me almost dying to...HIM."
  Rembrandt frowned. "'Him.'"
  "You know what I mean," Melissa replied.
  "Yeah," Rembrandt said, "Randy and Ethan do appear pretty tight."
  "So were we...once."
  "And so were you and Richard."
  Melissa looked away. Her mind had been on Randy so much she had forgotten about Richard. That had been a common complaint by Richard. Then Isabel's death and Alexandrian World happened.
  "So...who do you want: Randy or Richard?"
  Melissa looked at Rembrandt. "Has it come down to that?"
  Rembrandt shrugged. "Hasn't it? They both carry a torch for you."
  "Not so sure about Richard now," Melissa said. "I messed it up. And Randy? Look at him."
  "Different strokes."
  "Ha, ha."
  Melissa sat down on the curb. She felt her eyes watering. She wiped the tears away.
  "I...just don't know okay," Melissa said.
  She felt arms hug her. She leaned into Rembrandt's chest.
  "Take your time," Rembrandt said. "You'll figure it out."
  Melissa smiled. "Thanks."
  "Now...think Richard got into trouble?"

  Richard smiled. Brandon...his son...smiled back at him. Then he tossed the football at Richard. Richard ran and dove it, barely catching it. Brandon laughed.
  "You got an arm on you, Pipsqueak," Richard said.
  "Who you calling Pipsqueak, Tiny?" Brandon challenged.
  Richard frowned. "Who's tiny?"
  A giggle got Richard's attention. He looked to the porch. Nicole looked at them, a grin on her face.
  "It's good to see you away from work," Nicole said.
  Richard stood up. Then he tossed the ball back toward Brandon. He smiled at her.
  "Nothing could keep me away from you two," Richard said, heading up to the porch stairs. He grabbed her in his arms. "You know that."
  Nicole looked down. Richard brought her cheek up. He leaned in and kissed her.
  "Oh."
  Richard looked away. Melissa and Rembrandt were in the backyard. Rembrandt had a grin on his face. Melissa however looked wide-eyed.
  "Can we help?" Nicole asked.
  "It's okay, Nicole," Richard said. "They're friends I have business with."
  Melissa crossed her arms over her chest.
  "Yeah," Melissa said. "Business."

  "So what was that about?" Richard demanded in front of them as they walked down the sidewalk.
  "We just wanted to be sure you were okay," Rembrandt said next to Melissa.
  Richard turned, his eyes on her. "It's Nicole. Of course, I'm okay. But I asked YOU what was that about?"
  Melissa narrowed her eyes. "THAT was me wondering what you were thinking."
  "That's a first in a while!" Richard exclaimed. "Egghead and Thuggie must be having some 'we' time."
  Melissa felt like she had been slapped. She realized she had taken a step back. Her mouth opened. Then it closed quickly. Richard was right. If she wanted to be concerned about him, she should have done that a long time ago.
  "We have two days here, Richard," Rembrandt said. "The last thing we want is trouble."
  "What kind of trouble could I get into?" Richard asked. "It's Nicole...and our child. The one I told her to..."
  Richard frowned. He looked away. Melissa knew what he meant. On their world, Richard had gotten Nicole pregnant. He thought it would mess up his rep in college. He told her to get rid of it. She did. They never recovered even though they obviously still cared about each other.
  Melissa walked over to Richard. She reached out to touch Richard's shoulder. He glared at her.
  "Don't," Richard said.
  "So you just think because we're not together that what? I stop caring?" Melissa asked.
  "You sure stopped caring when Egghead hooked up with Thuggie," Richard said.
  "And you stopped caring when you killed Isabel," Melissa shot back. "We even?"
  Richard said nothing. Melissa crossed her arms over her chest. She took some of the blame for the end of them. But it started before Randy and Ethan.
  "Guys!" Rembrandt said, moving forward to grab Richard. "In the shadows...now!"
  Melissa ran to the doorway of a townhouse. Rembrandt was behind her. He stood in front of Richard. Richard frowned.
  "What--" Richard started.
  "Hush," Rembrandt hissed. "Get down."
  Melissa stayed close as well. Two figures walked past them. Melissa's eyes widened as she saw one of them was Richard's double. He held the hand of a blond girl. Suddenly, they stopped. Richard grabbed the blonde into a kiss.
  "Son of a--" Richard started.

  "Okay...I have an idea," Randy said.
  He turned to look at Ethan. Ethan sat on the floor cross-legged. It made Randy think of another Ethan who was a passionate artist. Ethan opened his eyes.
  "Yeah?" Ethan asked.
  "Remember when Quinn and I were trying to pinpoint your homeworld?" Randy asked.
  Ethan frowned. "Not that you found it."
  Randy stuck out his tongue. "The theory was sound. Jared's sliding signature led us to your gangmates. Who's to say my sliding signature can't lead me to Quinn? I just need to make the calculations."
  Ethan jumped up and hugged Randy. Randy grinned. Given how the others were treating him, it was nice to see someone like him. It had always been that way with Ethan and him.
  "That's really great," Ethan said. "Hopefully that means Rembrandt will back off."
  "Yeah," Randy said. "Would be nice."
  Randy looked down. His mind thought about the last few weeks. Rembrandt and he were at each other's throat.
  Ethan's nose touched Randy's nose, causing Randy to look up. Ethan smiled back at him. Randy saw the concern and like it.
  "Stop with the brooding," Ethan said. "Get the job done. But live a little."
  Randy nodded. "Okay."
  Ethan kissed Randy. Randy went with it.
  A click got his attention. Randy turned in time to see their hotel room door open. Melissa walked in. She saw them and paused. Randy headed to her.
  "Any news?" Randy asked.
  Richard popped up into view. He moved past Melissa. Randy watched him as he paced back and forth.
  "That son of..." Richard muttered.
  "Not good news then?" Randy asked, looking back at Melissa and the approaching Rembrandt.
  "You bet it's not good news!" Richard exclaimed. "How could he? How--"
  "Who?" Ethan asked.
  "His double," Rembrandt said, standing next to Melissa. "He's cheating on Nicole."
  "That's not good," Ethan replied.
  "No, Thuggie, it ain't," Richard said.
  Randy turned around. Richard sat on the bed. He put his face in his hands, growling in frustration. Then he shot up.
  "I gotta do something," Richard said.
  "No," Randy said.
  Richard frowned. "No? Excuse me? Who are you?" "We have a day and a half," Randy said. "The last thing we need to be--"
  Richard laughed bitterly. "This coming from you? Didn't you just slide unsuspecting people to their death a few worlds back? Not to mention unleashing a slidestorm on even more?"
  "I did what needed to be done," Randy said.
  "So am I," Richard said, heading for the door.
  Melissa stepped in front of Richard. Richard paused. He glared at her.
  "Get out of my way," Richard said.
  "Why? So you can do something stupid?" Melissa challenged.
  "It's what I do best," Richard said with a grin. He tried to move past Melissa. She still stood in his way. "Move."
  "Randy's right," Melissa said, causing Richard's eyes to ball out. "After the last few worlds, maybe we shouldn't interfere in them anymore."
  "After the last few worlds, what makes you think I'm not staying on this one?"
  "Richard!" Rembrandt yelled.
  "What?" Richard demanded, looking at Rembrandt. "Look at us! Sliding around with even less idea when we are getting home. If ever! Why wouldn't I stay on a world I like?"
  "Nicole has someone," Melissa said. "It's not you."
  Richard's face darkened. He leaned forward.
  "I don't want you," Richard said. "And neither does Randy. He likes pe--"
  Melissa swung quickly. The slap connected, sending Richard flying to the floor. Melissa glared at him, her eyes watering. Richard rubbed his cheek.
  "Figures," Richard said. "You have fire only for Egghead. Be warned, Thuggie. She--"
  Melissa started to lunge. Richard grabbed her arms from the back. Richard laughed, standing up. He turned to Ethan.
  "See what I mean?" Richard asked. "No matter what. She gets to Egghead. He'll get to her. They're meant to be. Mark my words: you're better off finding a nice world before they leave you in the d--"
  "Stop!" Randy snapped. "How can you say--"
  "How can I say that?" Richard cut him off. "Because it's true. Ask Rebecca."
  Randy felt his hands ball into fists. Rebecca Pryce was a conwoman who was out for herself. She and Randy had had a sexual relationship. He lunged at Richard. Richard jumped out of the way. Rembrandt blocked Randy from Richard.
  "I think you should focus," Rembrandt said. "We got downtime. Why not use it?"
  "What makes you think he hasn't?"
  Randy felt the hand on his shoulder. He knew it was Ethan. He had his back.
  "In fact," Ethan continued, "he has an idea on how to find Quinn."
  Rembrandt's eyes widened. "Really? I--"
  Movement to the left caught Randy's attention. He looked just in time to see Melissa slam the bathroom door.
  "Not again," Rembrandt said.
  Rembrandt headed for the bathroom. Randy looked behind him. Richard was gone.
  "Great," Randy said.

  Richard frowned. He had been at the bar for hours. There had to be something he could do in order to get his double to realize he was being an idiot. Much beer later, he didn't have a clue. He did have the urge to punch out Randy though.
  Who did he think he was to tell anyone what they could and couldn't do? If Richard wanted to stay, he could. Egghead wasn't the boss of him.
  A thud got Richard's attention. He saw someone had sat down next to him from the corner of his eye. He turned. It was Ethan.
  "Oh," Richard said, turning back to his beer, "it's Thuggie."
  "Think you can stop calling me that?" Ethan asked.
  "No," Richard replied. "What do you want?"
  "Just being sure you're okay," Ethan said.
  "Oooooh! That's sweet!" Richard exclaimed. Then he clucked the last of his beer. "You know I don't swing that way, right?"
  "Stop it," Ethan said.
  "Stop what, Thuggie?"
  "Taking your pain out on people. You want Melissa back? Or Nicole? Or whoever? Stop whining and do something."
  Richard looked at Ethan. "Who are you? My therapist?"
  Ethan smirked. "Someone has to be."
  "Doesn't mean it has to be you. Now...where's Egghead again?"
  "Doesn't matter."
  Richard laughed. "With Melissa, I bet."
  "You're really going to have to get over that."
  "Didn't you say a few weeks I was right?" Richard challenged.
  "You were," Ethan replied. "They're exes. Of course there will be something there. He's with me though. And I trust he won't mess it up."
  "You know Egghead's never done this right? Lot of room for error."
  Ethan frowned. "Again. Trust."
  Richard gestured to the bartender. A moment later, he had a new beer. He looked at Ethan.
  "I trusted Melissa, too. Completely. Even when Egghead was sniffing around her, I still trusted that Melissa loved me," Richard said. "Then...I found out she kissed him. Do you know how much doubt that puts in a man's head? Do you..."
  "So you want to stay here?"
  Richard looked at Ethan. Ethan stared forward. His face was unreadable. Obviously, Richard touched a nerve. He drank some of his beer.
  "Why not?" Richard asked.
  "You know you have a double here," Ethan said.
  "Yeah. Idiot. So."
  "So...how badly do you want to stay here?"
  Ethan stared at him. His brown eyes looked through Richard. Richard also saw something else there.
  "It's Nicole," Richard said. "For her...anything."
  "Okay then...done," Ethan said, standing up.
  "Done? What do you mean--"
  Ethan already headed out of the bar. Richard frowned. His mind wondered what he had just agreed to.

  Melissa woke up. She rolled over in the bed. Her eyes fell on the desk by the window.
  She sat up, her jet-black hair falling into her face. She pushed it back, her eyes looking at Randy. He had been at the desk when she fell asleep. And it looked like he was still there.
  "Everyone here?" Melissa asked.
  Randy gave no answer. Melissa frowned. She got off the bed and walked over to the desk.
  "Randy?" Melissa said, touching his shoulder. "Randy--"
  Randy came alive. He quickly swung around, a dagger in hand. Melissa gasped. Randy paused, his eyes blinking.
  "Oh," Randy said. "In trance."
  "Ah," Melissa managed.
  Randy quickly put his dagger away. "Sorry." He looked back at her with concern . "You know...I would never hurt you."
  Melissa looked down. "Well...I'm not sure of that anymore."
  There was silence for a moment. Then a hand touched Melissa's cheek. She leaned into it.
  "I...know we have our problems," Randy said, "But you know I wouldn't ever intently hurt you. Remember that."
  Melissa managed a smile. Randy did as well. More silence passed. Randy kept looking at her. Melissa felt her face go warm. Randy leaned in closer. Melissa's mouth opened.
  The door flew open. Randy backed away quickly. Melissa stared at him, surprised. She looked at the door. Ethan stood there, his face full of confusion.
  "Oh," Ethan said.
  "Ethan," Randy managed. He headed for him. "How--"   Ethan held a hand out, blocking Randy. "Richard here, Melissa?"
  "Uh...no," Melissa replied.
  Ethan stared at Randy still. "Okay. You see him, tell him it's done."
  "It?" Randy muttered.
  "Don't worry about it," Ethan said.
  Ethan stormed out of the hotel room. Randy stared after him dumbfounded. Melissa looked away. Could this be any more complicated?

  Rembrandt knocked on the door. He looked around the luxurious hallway. He thought it was weird to be able to find him here.
  Rembrandt knocked again. There was no answer. He hoped he was...
  "He's dead."
  Rembrandt's eyes widened. he turned around. He almost jumped. It was Conrad Bennish, Jr's double. He had short dark hair though. He also wore a tailored suit. He studied Rembrandt as he stayed in his doorway across the hall.
  "You are very late," Bennish continued. "Randall Heim met an untimely end a few weeks ago."
  Rembrandt frowned. A few weeks ago. A few weeks ago, he could have come here and maybe find another genius who might be able to do what Randy couldn't: find his friend Quinn Mallory.
  A click got Rembrandt's attention. He turned to the elevator. Two figures emerged in short black dresses.   Rembrandt looked to Bennish. All he saw was his door slamming in Rembrandt's face. Rembrandt looked down the hall again...to have Melissa Clark standing in his face.
  "And...who...are you?" Melissa's double asked.

  Richard walked up the stairs of the Dominion. His mind was on what Ethan said last night. It was also on what he had said.
  Before his death, Richard wanted to go home to pay for his crime. he had run down Laura Carmichael. After running away from his problems, he wanted to face them. Then he died. He came back a clone. He felt the slate was clean and even dated Melissa...helped her find herself. Now that was over...a result of him shutting down due to killing their ex-companion Isabel in self-defense...and Melissa's lingering feelings for Randy.
  And now...there was really no reason to go home. He had paid for his crime. Melissa and he were over. There was no one waiting for him on Earth Prime. No reason to go on.
  The door to the Dominion fell open. It was Ethan. He stormed past Richard. Richard stared at him.
  "Watch it, Thuggie!" Richard yelled.
  "Stop calling me that!" Ethan yelled, swinging around.
  Richard paused. He saw the anger in those eyes. He quickly threw up his hands.
  "Whoa," Richard exclaimed. "Not the enemy. Put the daggers away."
  Ethan sighed in frustration. He sat on the stairs. Richard looked down at him.
  "You want to talk about it?" Richard asked. "I can keep sarcasm to a simmer."
  Ethan managed a grin. "Uh...no. But...thanks."
  "Well...it's what I do," Richard said. "The others up there?"
  "I don't know about Rembrandt," Ethan admitted. his face darkened. "Randy and Melissa...are."
  Richard frowned. Judging by Thuggie's expression...soooo wasn't a good thing. He sat down on the step above Ethan's step. He put his elbows on his knees.
  "Something tells me that wasn't a good thing," Richard said.
  Ethan looked down. "No...it wasn't."
  Richard sighed. "Those two. Get together al--"
  "Can't you shut up?" Ethan demanded, looking at Richard with tears in his eyes.
  Richard looked at Ethan. Boy was really hurting. He knew the feeling all too well. He looked ahead.
  "You want to know when I knew," Richard said.
  Ethan frowned. "Knew?"
  "Knew it was over between me and Melissa . It was Alexandrian World. She saw you two kissing. She confronted Egghead while you slept. She thought I was sleep, too. I wasn't. They went at it. She was made he had kept it secret. He was mad he was mad since it was his business. They weren't together. She was with me. And her reaction...the fact she had a reaction...I knew what was up." He managed a smile. "But hey! One out of a thousand Ethans. Congrats."
  Ethan managed a smile. "Small comfort." He stood up. "I'm going for a walk. In any case, it's done."
  Richard frowned. "It?"
  "You want to stay here?" Ethan said. "Well...you can be you. The double won't give you trouble."
  Richard frowned. "How--"
  "Don't worry about it."
  "What did you do?"
  "What I would for Jared...Miashuyhi...Dru...any of my crew."
  Richard did not know what that meant. He also wasn't sure if he liked that. Ethan put his hands in his pockets.
  "Just...go," Ethan instructed. "Enjoy."
  The Dominion door opened again. Richard saw Ethan's face darken again. Richard turned to see why.
  "Ethan--" Randy started.
  "Later, Rich," Ethan said. "Or not."
  Ethan stormed down the street. Richard watched for a moment. Then he looked at Randy.
  "You wanta fix it?" Richard asked. "You better start walking."
  "Why do you care?" Randy snapped. "You're leaving, right?"
  "If I care, it's not about you," Richard said. "And you're right. I'm...gone."
  Richard headed off the stairs. His direction was in the opposite direction of Ethan's. He smiled. After today, he would never have to hear the name Randy Heim again.
  Good.

  Rembrandt entered the bar with Melissa's double. People saw them. They immediately got out of Melissa's double's way. Rembrandt frowned.
  "Guess I know who those people were scared of now," Rembrandt mumbled.
  Rembrandt was poked from the back. He turned to look at the blonde. She had said her name was Sara and she was Melissa's sister. She looked at him now, mischief in her eyes.
  "Move," she said.
  He didn't need to poked twice. He knew what he had been poked with. He headed for the bar. Melissa's double was already there, smiling at the bartender.
  "I just don't see why everyone is so tense," Melissa's double said to him. "So my mother is the Mayor. People can still treat me the same way." She touched the bartender's cheek. "Don't you think?"
  "Uh..." the bartender started.
  "Don't speak," Melissa's double said. "Just get three gin tonics. Now."
  "Gin tonics?" Sara said, pushing Rembrandt onto the stool next to Melissa.
  Melissa's double cocked an eyebrow. "Problem?"
  "You bet there is," Sara said. "Two vodka tonics. One gin tonic."
  "Maybe you should let Rem make up his own mind," Sara suggested.
  "Fine," Melissa's double said in frustration. "Rem?"
  "Bud Light," Rembrandt said.
  Both girls glared. Rembrandt shrugged. Then he managed a smile.
  "Gotta keep the figure," he said.
  The girls looked at him. They looked at each other. Then they laughed. Melissa's double looked at the bartender.
  "What he said," Melissa's double said.
  The bartender went off to get the drink orders. Melissa's double stood up, wrapping her arms around Rembrandt's neck.
  "I think I'm going to like you," Melissa's double said.
  "So much better than that Egghead," Sara said.
  Melissa's double glared at Sara. Sara ignored her, sitting on Melissa's stool. Rembrandt frowned.
  "Egghead?" Rembrandt muttered. "You mean...Randy?"
  Melissa's double glared at him. "Yes. Him. Silence."
  "Gee, Liz," Sara said, "stop being a buzz--"
  Melissa's hand swung out. Somehow a dagger popped out. Just as quick, Sara's hand shot up, grabbing Melissa's wrist. The dagger was a second away from her neck.
  "--kill," Sara said, using her free hand to sip her gin tonic. "Yes, she means Randy. Her grrrreat love. Until--"
  "I said silence!" Melissa's double snapped.
  Sara rolled her eyes. She knocked her sister's arm away. She continued drinking her gin tunic. Rembrandt followed suit with his Bud Light. Liz looked at him.
  "So," Liz said. "What's your story with him?"
  Rembrandt stopped drinking. "I...needed his help."
  "He doesn't know the meaning of the word," Liz said, taking a drink of her vodka tunic.
  "Yeah," Sara added. "He could even cure the--"
  Liz spit the vodka out of her mouth. Rembrandt saw people diving for cover. Liz glared at her sister. Sara shrugged.
  "What?" Sara uttered. "He's dead...right?"
  Liz said nothing. Rembrandt took another sip of his Bud Light. It would appear after following Melissa's double that Bennish's double was right. Randy was dead. So this world was a bust. He made a move off the stool...
  ...to find a hand grab his arm. Liz glared at him.
  "Where are you going?" Liz demanded.
  "Well...my business is done," Rembrandt said, standing up. "So I guess..."
  Liz had the dagger at his throat. Rembrandt held his breath.
  "Sit,"Liz said, "down."
  Rembrandt sat back on the stool. Liz went back to her stool. She studied his face.
  "Now," Liz said, "tell me why you were looking for Randy and how long were you two together?"

  Randy smiled. Ethan was on the bench overlooking the field they had practiced on a world ago. He looked lost in his own thoughts. Randy headed for him.
  "Jared was right," Ethan uttered.
  Randy paused. Okay, Ethan was conscious of his surroundings.
  "We survived our world...the Kromagg camps...together," Ethan continued. "And in all that time...me, him, Dru, Mishuyhi...I never told him I was gay. And then here I am, leaving my crew behind for you. Putting you ahead of him. Knew it wouldn't end well."
  "Who said it--" Randy started.
  "You love her," Ethan cut him off. "Not 'loved.' Love."
  Randy gave no answer. He sat down next to Ethan. He grabbed his hand. Ethan flinched.
  "I'm with you," Randy said. "Not because you're some...consolation prize. I want you."
  Ethan kept looking away. Randy squeezed Ethan's hand.
  "Look at me," Randy said.
  "What did I walk in on then, Randy?" Ethan demanded, looking at Randy.
  Randy looked away. If Ethan had come a few seconds later, he would have seen Melissa and Randy kissing. He knew it.
  "Maybe Richard can deal with that," Ethan said. "I can't. I won't."
  Ethan pulled his hand away from Randy. Randy turned to see Ethan standing up. He looked down at Randy, his face unreadable.
  "That idea of yours?" Ethan said. "If it worked for Jared, I think it will work for Quinn. And once we find Quinn...take me home."
  "Ethan--"
  Ethan stormed away. Randy stood up. His eyes watered.

  Melissa frowned. More people moved out of her way. She was pretty sure of it now. That meant her double was deadly. Great.
  She entered the cafe. Her mind turned to Richard. He had said he was leaving. He was staying here. She honestly didn't know how. He had a double so she doubted he could just stay...
  "A body really?"
  Melissa approached the corner. The cashier was a short red-haired girl. She chatted witha large blond-haired woman wearing glasses.
  "Yes," the blond-haired woman said. "They found the body a couple of hours ago. I mean...really. Did they think the building would cover the stink?"
  "Well, it's been abandoned since Mayor Clark decided--"
  The cashier paused. Her eyes went wide as they fell on Melissa. She laughed nervously.
  "Hi, Melissa!" the cashier exclaimed really loud, causing the blond-haired woman to jump. "Nothing, but good things about your mother."
  "Tell me more about the body," Melissa said.

  Richard smiled as he put on the robe. Brandon was with a babysitter. With Rembrandt's skill of ATM tricking, he had wisped Nicole off to a hotel room. Room service, lovemaking, and a shower later, he felt great. Better than great. He felt excellent.
  He frowned. Except for Nicole getting out of the shower to triple-check if Brandon was okay. He smiled again. After running into enough of Nicole's double, Richard knew she was a good mother.
  "Nicole," Richard said, coming out of the bathroom. "Hey! Where you--"
  Richard paused. Nicole sat on the couch...alone. He made it over to her. She looked lost in thought. Richard sat next to her, leaning his head on her shoulder.
  "You okay?" Richard asked. "Is Brandon--"
  "Brandon's fine," Nicole said.
  Richard kissed Nicole's neck. She did not respond. He kept kissing. As he kept kissing, Richard could catch glances of the television screen. They had left it on before the shower. Now he found himself...looking at...himself. He stopped kissing Nicole's neck.
  "Oh," Richard uttered.
  "So," Nicole said, "who are you and what have you done with my husband?"

  Melissa headed down the street. She ignored the people getting out of her way. She had to get to the others. She had to warn...
  A figure turned in front of her. Melissa stopped, a gasp escaping her lips. It was Wade Welles. She was dressed in a trenchcaot. Her eyes were cold.
  "Melissa Clark," Wade said.
  "Can I help you?" Melissa asked.
  "I am sure you can," Wade replied. "I have a couple of questions."
  "Now is not a good time," Melissa said. She headed past Wade. "Maybe another--"
  Wade got in her way. Melissa frowned.
  "I really have to be some--" Melissa started.
  "We all do," Wade cut her off. "However the body of one Randall Heim has turned up. As the last person who saw him alive as well as his wife...obviously you can understand why...you aren't going anywhere."

  Melissa frowned. "Randall Heim? I thought--"
  "You thought wrong," Wade cut her off. "Now if you will come with me..."
  Melissa backed away. "I don't think so."
  Wade gestured behind Melissa. Melissa turned. Two men in black suits slowly approached. She looked back at Wade. She had a smirk on her face.
  "I think so," Wade replied.
  Melissa narrowed her eyes. Then she lunged at Wade. She swung out, punching Wade in the face. She made a run for it.
  She had to find Richard.

  Richard slowly stood up. He took a step back. Nicole slowly followed suit. She glared at him, her whole body shaking.
  "We...made love," Nicole started. "You held me in your...his...your big arms. I...who are you?"
  "Look," Richard began.
  "Who are you!" Nicole yelled.
  "I'm Richard!" Richard shouted back.
  Nicole pointed at the television. "Explain that then!"
  Richard hanged his head. He wanted to grab her in his arms. Explain slowly. Calmly. He knew her though.
  "I can't lie to you," Richard uttered. "I love you too much." He looked at her. "I'm Richard. But...I'm from a parallel Earth."
  Nicole frowned. "What?"
  "I met this Egghead. He has a device that allows us to slide...to different Earths. Places with the same people we know...but there are little differences."
  Nicole sat down on the couch. She grabbed her chest. Her eyes were wide with confusion.
  "Oh," Nicole muttered.
  Richard took a step toward her. She held up a hand warning him. Taking the warning, he paused. She looked at him, anger in her eyes.
  "Do you take me for a fool?" Nicole asked.
  Richard pointed at the television. "Then you explain that."
  Nicole crossed her arms over her chest. "Maybe you are a government spy."
  Richard laughed. "And you think my story is far-fetched?"
  "Because it is!" Nicole yelled. "If you're not...if he's...why?"
  "He was cheating on you," Richard said. "On my Earth...I...also threw you away. I'm an idiot. You deserved the best. You...and Brandon. So...I agreed to a friend's suggestion."
  Richard looked at the television. Nicole did the same. Her eyes flickered.
  "I see," Nicole said slowly. "Get out."
  "But--"
  "I have to explain to my son why his father will no longer be around," Nicole said. "I don't want to see you."
  "You don't have to," Richard said, slowly approaching Nicole. "I am--"
  Nicole's eyes fell on Richard, stopping Richard in his tracks.
  "You're not him," Nicole said coldly. "Now...if you don't get out in the next 20 seconds...you're going to be missing a body part."
  "Nicole--"
  "Out!"
  Richard felt his eyes water. He gave her a last look. Then he ran for the door.

  "Randy and me?" Rembrandt uttered. "I think you're way off base."
  Liz laughed. Rembrandt frowned. That was not the laught of someone who was happy. Rembrandt heard the bitterness.
  "Liz--" Sara started.
  "You know," Liz started, cutting Sara off, "I used to think I was off base. I mean...Randy was a genius. He had time for me sure, but he was always busy with some new invention. Sometimes he was too focused on them. I thought I was off base, too." Her face darkened. "Then I got an STD. From him. After he had been screwing around with his male assistants." She grabbed up her knife. "Off-base?! I'll show you off--"
  "Sara? Melissa?"
  Rembrandt looked past Liz. An older woman in an orange suit stood behind them. She tossed her curly blond hair, the sign of annoyance evident. Rembrandt looked at Liz and Sara. Sara looked shocked. Liz looked annoyed.
  "Mom?" Sara uttered.
  "Mother," Liz said flatly.
  "Don't 'Mom' and 'Mother' me," Veronica Clark said. Her eyes fell on Liz's hand. "What do you think you're doing?"
  Liz dropped the knife on the counter. Rembrandt watched the bartender snatch up the knife. He did a short bow to Veronica Clark.
  "Mayor," the bartender said. Then he was gone.
  "Hey, 'Mayor,'" Liz said sarcastically.
  Mayor Clark approached slowly. Her eyes stayed on Liz. Rembrandt saw Sara shrink back. Liz stood her ground.
  "I did not spirit you away, my dears," Mayor Clark said, "only to see you back."
  "Well, that's Mother for you, Sara," Liz said. "Always worried about her city rating."
  "Make no mistake," Mayor Clark said. "I will slap you."
  "And wind up in the paper?" Liz challenged. "I doubt it."
  Mayor Clark took a step back. Then her hand swung out. The slap got Liz across the face. Before Liz could react, Clark grabbed her daughter and threw her across the counter.
  Rembrandt jumped off the stool. He dashed for the door. Judging by the other people running for the door, he was not the only one making a break for it.
  "He's making a break for it!" Sara yelled.
  Rembrandt broke out in a run.

  Richard wiped at his cheeks. No. The tears still fell. Where could he go from here?
  He turned the corner. On the other side of the street, he could make it out. It was the Dominion Hotel.
  His eyes narrowed on it. He would have to go back to it to sliding again. And for the first time...he really did not like that option.
  A figure bumped into him. He turned around, anger on his face. He stopped.
  "Richard?" Melissa managed, pushing her black hair out of her face. "Thank Goodness!" She frowned. "Have you been crying?"
  Richard frowned. "Cuz you care so much, Sweetheart?"
  "So...Nicole saw the news report," Melissa replied.
  Richard's eyes widened. Melissa nodded.
  "And your body isn't the only dead body," Melissa said. "Another body showed up today. Randy's double."
  Richard laughed. Melissa frowned. He didn't care that she heard the bitterness in his voice. No matter what it never changed.
  "It's always about that Egghead," Richard uttered.
  "Richard--"
  "Just go after him already," Richard snapped.
  "Get over it!" Melissa shot back. "We don't have time. My double might have killed him. Maybe even your double. We need to find the others."
  "You do that," Richard said, turning away.
  "You'll not coming?"
  Richard paused. He looked back at Melissa. He produced a lopsided grin.
  "Oh, I'm coming all right," Richard declared, "onto the next slide. I'll be at the Dominion. Here on out...it's about Number One."
  Richard headed away. He felt much better.

  Rembrandt stopped, his chest heaving. He turned around, a smile crawling over his face. He had lost them. He turned back around, his mind on getting to the Dominion before the slide. He gasped. Liz and Sara were in front of him.
  "And where do you think you're going?" Liz asked.
  Rembrandt took a step back. He managed a grin. He shrugged.
  "Well, you were in the middle of a quarrel, Girl," Rembrandt said. "No need for me to be in it."
  "Riiiiight," Sara said.
  "Liar," Liz said. She reached into her jacket, producing a small gun. "That's why we gotta take you out."
  "Darn!" Rembrandt exclaimed. "How many weapons do you have on you?"
  Liz pulled the clip on the gun. She aimed at Rembrandt. Her eyes narrowed on him.
  "Enough," Liz said.
  Rembrandt's eyes widened. He closed them quickly. A gunshot rang out. A moment later, Rembrandt opened his eyes. Liz laid on the sidewalk bleeding. He looked around. Men with trenchcoats approached. He watched them grab Sara. She struggle to no avail.
  "What--" Rembrandt started.
  A figure jumped into Rembrandt's view. He paused, stopped the gasp threatening to pop out of his mouth. It was a double of Wade...with a badge.
  "Could you answer a couple of questions, Sir?" Wade asked.

  "We ready?"
  Richard looked over at the stairs of the police station. Rembrandt Brown came down them. He managed a smirk.
  "The question is," Richard said, "are YOU ready?"
  "Yeah," Ethan agreed, leaning up against the police station wall. "How many questions did they ask you?"
  "Enough questions to keep Psycho Melissa behind bars for a while," Rembrandt said. He frowned. "Where are the others?"
  "Randy's doing some...fine tuning to the timer," Ethan said.
  "Oh?"
  "When he found Miashuyhi and Dru," Ethan said, "Quinn and he used an equation using sliding signatures. He wants to see if he can reproduce it without Quinn's knowledge. If it works for him...then it will work for us. To find Quinn...or even..."
  "Earth Prime?" Rembrandt uttered.
  Richard heard it in Rembrandt's voice. He had been a lot of anger since Quinn's disappearance. But this time...he heard a tinge of hope.
  Must be nice.

  Randy put the back on the timer. He wanted to give Ethan the appearance of wanting to find his homeworld. He knew better.
  "So done?"
  Randy looked up from the bench he sat on from across from the police station. Melissa looked down at him. The wind kept blowing her black hair into her face.
  "I think so," Randy said. "Only one way to find out."
  Melissa sat down next to him. "Yeah."
  He looked at her. There was so many things that had happened over the last few weeks. He stood up.
  "I'm with Ethan, Melissa," Randy said.
  "I know," Melissa said. "I also know...you almost kissed me. So what's going on?"
  Randy stared at her. The words caught in his throat. What could he say? He knew what almost happened...even though he was with Ethan.
  "I'm not with Richard anymore," Melissa said, standing up. "In fact...we're not really talking. He saw what I wasn't seeing. What I see now."
  Melissa touched Randy's cheek. He looked into her eyes. He looked into them and knew what part of him wanted.
  "So...timer ready?"
  Randy pulled away. Rembrandt, Richard, and Ethan had crossed the street. He looked at the two of them, a smirk on his face. Ethan glared.
  "Yeah, it is," Randy said. "Didn't know you were coming."
  Richard looked back and forth between Randy and Melissa. "Wouldn't miss this for the world."

  The whir sounded out. Richard fell out of it. He landed with a thud. He frowned at how soft the landing had felt.
  "Hello?"
  Richard looked down. He smirked. He had landed on Ethan. He shot up quickly. He grabbed Ethan up.
  "Thanks, Thuggie," Richard said.
  Ethan frowned. "I didn't want you to land on me."
  "Not that!" Richard said. "Trying to help...back there."
  "Welcome," Ethan said. "Now do me a favor."
  "Shoot."
  "Don't call me Thuggie for one."
  "And the other?"
  "You might want to start running."
  "Oh."
  Richard turned around. The sound of a wormhole had covered up the sound of anyone approaching. In this case...several black reteviers. They ran at them on all fours.
  "Oh, sh--" Richard started.
  One of the dogs lunged at him.

THE-END


 

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