Richard Hall laid back on the bed. A few seconds later, Rebecca Pryce fell back beside him. Her long jet-black hair was disheveled. Like Richard, she was sweaty. He rolled over and managed a grin.
  "So does this mean I'm forgiven?" Richard asked.
  Rebecca stared back at him. She laughed and shot up. Richard frowned.
  "What's so funny?" Richard demanded.
  "You are!" Rebecca exclaimed. "Just when I forget about your...condition, you do something I know you don't normally do."
  Richard shot up. He reached for his pants and quickly put them on. Rebecca continued to laugh. He glared at her.
  "You could stop laughing," Richard snapped.
  Rebecca suppressed a giggle. "See? All of your reactions. The Richard you were would not be like that. If I didn't know better, I'll say you were Randy."
  Richard continued to button his shirt.
  "Thanks so much for bringing up that name," Richard said.
  "Hm. Trouble in the group?"
  "He made Melissa really mad," Richard said, sitting on Rebecca's bed to put on his shoes. "She's been closed off."
  Hands wrapped around his stomach. Lips started to kiss his right ear. Richard leaned back and moaned.
  "I've been saying that for years," Rebecca said. "She's such a bore."
  Richard grabbed Rebecca's hands. He got free and stood up. He looked at her.
  "She's no bore," Richard said.
  "You'll be surprised," Rebecca said. She patted the bed. "Come back to bed."
  "Can't," Richard said. "Gotta get ready for the slide. Have to save your company and all."
  Richard saw Rebecca glare. He ignored it and headed for the door. Sometimes, he wished he could remember his past beyond Rebecca finding him on that ruined world. All he had was familiar images with no emotions behind it...
  ...except for that one memory with Melissa and his digust over her white beret. Egghead had no taste.
  Richard frowned as he walked out of Rebecca's room. Like that. Why couldn't his memories come as easily as that?

  Richard shot out of the vortex. His face met sand. A lot of it. He lifted himself up.
  The other sliders were already on their feet, staring around at the vast desert they had fallen into.
  "Well, this is new," Melissa Clark said a few feet away, her short black hair blowing in the wind.
  "But, plausible," Professor Darnell Brown said with no hair to blow. "All it would take--"
  The green vortex whirred. Richard turned around to see a figure emerge from it. She of course landed on her feet. Rebecca grinned.
  "You're still here!" Rebecca exclaimed. "Good."
  Melissa glared.
  "What are you doing here?" Randy demanded.
  "Just protecting my investment," Rebecca answered, her eyes on Richard. Then she looked at Melissa. "All of them."
  Richard looked over at Melissa. Her hands balled into fists, a sign that Rebecca's words were not lost on her.
  The vortex vanished. As it closed, a light appeared. The light grew until it was the size of a door. A figure emerged from it. Richard heard a gasp. It had come from him.
  The figured was his height. It had two arms and two legs. Its hands were hairy as well as clawed. He had two big teeth like a walrus and the shaggy hair to match. He studied them.
  "Well," he said, "this IS a surprise."

WHAT IF YOU COULD LEAVE YOUR WORLD? WHAT IF YOU COULD SLIDE TO A DIFFERENT DIMENSION? PLACES WHERE YOU'RE THE SAME PERSON AND IT'S THE SAME YEAR, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DIFFERENT?

A WORLD WHERE THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS IN FULL SWING?

OR

A WORLD WHERE EVOLUTION TOOK A DIFFERENT TURN AND EVERYONE HAS POWERS?

OR

A WORLD WHERE YOU ARE A SECRET AGENT?

FOUR YEARS AGO, MY FRIENDS AND I FOUND THE GATEWAY. NOW...ALL WE WANT IS TO GO HOME.

SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 5
EPISODE 5: SPECIMEN

  Randy Heim looked over at Professor Darnell Brown. At the moment, Professor Brown stared out of what passed for a window. It had been craved into the rocks that housed these new...people. Hard to believe they were in a mountain.
  Randy walked over to Brown. He continued to stare out. There were nothing, but desert there.
  "To think in another dimension this is all skyscrapers, trolleys, and construction," Randy said.
  Brown crossed his arms over his chest. "Yes. Another dimension. Somewhere where we should all be. So the question becomes...how will you get us out of this?"
  "Assume these people come in peace," Randy said.
  Brown glared. "It is so great to see all that fighting with the Foundation has been forgotten."   "It hasn't been forgotten," Randy said. "However, friendship has."
  "Friends help other friends," Brown shot back. "I want to return to my home. How are you helping me achieve that goal, friend?"
  "I'm going along with our deal with Rebecca," Randy said.
  "And when that falls through?" Brown asked. "Do you have a plan for that?"
  "Maybe I do. Maybe I don't."
  "Meaning?"
  "Meaning that's all you're getting out of me."
  Randy walked away. She saw Melissa and Richard in a corner of the rock room, chatting. His eyes narrowed on the sight of the two of them holding hands.
  "Disgusting, isn't it?"
  Rebecca stood next to Randy. Her hands were behind her back. Her eyes narrowed.
  "He has no memory," Randy said.
  "And yet he still has the ability to hook up with anyone," Rebecca said. "Especially your ex. Or are you dating now?"
  "It's no business of yours, Rebecca," Randy said. "You're just here for any potential gain."
  "I take that to mean she's an ex again," Rebecca said.
  "I guess that means Richard can get with her then," Randy said.
  "Puh-leaze," Rebecca said. "He already has better."
  "The word being 'has,'" Randy said, looking at Rebecca. "Maybe he's looking for green pasture."
  Rebecca's face darkened. "As if you'll let that happen."
  "Why not? We're not together. The question is...are you?"
  Rebecca glared at Randy. He looked away. Melissa also glared at him.
  The door flashed. Randy blinked. When his eyes adjusted, Randy found they were all surrounded by more of the hairy people. They held staffs at them with ends shaped like elaborated daggers.
  "The council would like to see you," the one from earlier said, dressed in a long yellow jacket now.

  "Why don't you give it up?" Richard asked. "We know why you're here."
  Rebecca sat cross-legged beside him. They were on benches craved out of the rock. Randy, Melissa, and Brown sat on a bench in front of them. The thing stood with his men in front of them. A stoned platform was before him. Three of the things stood on it dressed in silver robes that matched the silver streaks in their hair.
  "And we know why you're here," Rebecca said.
  "Hey!" Richard exclaimed. "I wondered why you were always leaving. And whoa! I understand now. So much adventure. This is a trip."
  "It's business."
  "It doesn't have to be."
  "This coming from the guy who can't stay home."
  "Excuse me."
  Richard looked away from Rebecca. Brown, Randy, and Melissa stared at the two of them. Brown frowned.
  "When did you two become a couple?" Brown asked.
  Melissa giggled. Rebecca glared. Richard felt his face warm at the idea.
  "Do you...men...always talk when your fate is being decided?"
  The sliders turned around to face the things. One of them looked at the main speaker. His robe was red. His shaggy hair was tied back in a ponytail. His brown eyes betrayed his annoyance.
  "Is it not already decided, Paulo?" he asked. "This is something we cannot keep to ourselves. The Aves have spies everywhere. Eventually the Pisces would find out as well. The fragile peace we have established would shatter."
  Paulo, the thing they met earlier, looked at his companion. "What would you have me do, Horatio? Kill them?"
  Horatio's eyes widened. "Are you trying to test me?"
  Another of Paulo's men stepped forward.
  "You know Paulo is joking," he said, putting a paw on Horatio's shoulder. "You are being too high-strung."
  "Am I, Rijo?" Horatio challenged. "Have you two forgotten the bloodshed so soon? Aves against Mamos. Pisces and side deals. And this was all over women. Now that homosapien men has appeared centuries after his extinction you don't think the Aves won't tear every stone down to destroy them."
  "Horatio speaks true."
  Paulo and the others turned to the three Mamos on the platform. They bowed. The one in the middle of them stepped forward.
  "A lot of trouble went into this peace," he said. "I will not have it destroyed so easier."
  "Perhaps you could let us be on our way," Brown suggested, standing up. "We had a device that allows us the ability to ravel to a parallel world."
  "You sure do like to tell people," Randy said.
  "Some of us like living, Egghead," Richard said.
  "No one asks you to speak, Homosapien men," the older Mamo said. "You have no jurdicaition here."
  "Well someone has to speak for us," Brown said.
  "It will not be you." the Mamo looked at Paulo. "Establish communication with Second Sun. Tell him what we have. Alert the Pisces as well. Tell them homosapien men have been found."

  Richard stormed up to the front. Horatio was in front, heading them down a corridor.
  "So, Horatio," Richard asked, "where we going?"
  "To get you ready," Horatio said.
  "For?"
  "You ask a lot of questions."
  "How does one learn?"
  Richard turned to see that Rebecca also walked beside him.
  "I can handle this," Richard said.
  "You're a man," Rebecca said. "You can't."
  "You will get no farther, woman," Horatio said.
  "Really?" Rebecca challenged. "Your Elder mentioned that it had been a long time since an homosapien male had existed. He didn't say anything about homosapien woman."
  Horatio's body tensed. Richard tried to hide his smirk. Rebecca showed hers.
  "So I'm right!" Rebecca exclaimed. "So...where are the women?"
  The group emerged onto a platform. Richard held a hand to his eyes to hide the sun. That's when he saw it.
  Three figures using the sun to swoop into the mountain. Richard saw wings like bird's. The figures were dressed in leather suits. Their feet weren't feet, but birds claws.
  Two of them swoop in. They spared back up with two figures with them. Richard looked about him to realize that Rebecca and Melissa were gone.
  "Hey!" Richard barked.
  Suddenly, his shoulders tightened as claws wrapped around them. Richard felt lightheaded as he shot into the air. The figures on the platform became spots in the ground.

  "What in the world--" Brown started.
  Randy didn't even wait. He grabbed Brown and ran for the edge of the platform.
  "Mr. Heim!" Brown exclaimed.
  "Could you shut up for once?" Randy asked.
  Randy looked over the edge. Thankfully, the ground did not look too far. That meant that maybe the Mamos wanted more of an advantage over the Aves.
  "What now, O Wise One?" Brown demanded.
  "Jump," Randy said.
  "What? How--"
  Randy jumped over the edge. He only hoped the landing was soft.

  Richard's back hit the wall. He growled as he slid to the steel floor. A shadow fell over him, forcing him to look up.
  It was the bird...Aves...that had abducted him. He stood over him, his black hair flying. He reached out and grabbed Richard by the throat. He lifted.
  "How is that even possible?" he asked, his beak solid like a shield.
  "Forget him, Second Sun."
  Richard struggled to breathe through Second Sun's talons. Second Sun turned to face his comrades. He looked at one with red hair, his red eyes full of fury.
  "You tell me what to do now, Thrice Hollow?" Second Sun asked with menace. "Are you First Sun now?"
  Thrice Hollow shook his head. "No disrespect meant, my liege. All I am saying is he is irrelevant compared to the women."
  Second Sun dropped Richard. Richard fell to the floor, coughing. He looked up at Second Sun. The fury had left his eyes. It was replaced by something worse: .
  Thrice Hollow had a grip on Rebecca. Meanwhile their third comrade had ahold of Melissa. Second Sun approached them, oblivious of Richard.
  "Yeesss," Second Sun said. "Very true." He stood in front of Rebecca. "It has been so long since we've had a new woman. I look forward to an heir coming from someone as beautiful as you."
  Rebecca laughed. "Keep dreaming. I wouldn't want a child with a beak like yours."
  Second Sun leaned in closer. "You assume you have a choice."
  Richard shot up. He ran for Second Sun. He lunged at him. Quick as a light switch, Second Sun snapped around and clawed at Richard with his talons. Richard screamed as his claws tore through his right shoulder.
  "You little inferior cur," Second Sun hissed. "Did you really think you could take me unaware?"
  Richard ignored his bleeding shoulder. He managed a grin.
  "Sweetheart," Richard said, "I wouldn't take you no way. I like chicks."
  The fury shot into Second Sun's eyes.
  "Why, you--"
  "Enough, Second Sun."
  Richard saw Second Sun turn around. He looked past him to see a new figure enter the room through steel double doors. He was dressed in wrapped black leather. His hands were behind his back. What shocked Richard was that he wore glasses and there were no signs of wings. He reminded Richard of Pinhead from those Hellraiser movies. Second Sun looked at the visitor and bowed.
  "Holland," Second Sun said simply.
  Holland stared at Richard. "It does me no good if you harm the specimen."
  "He is only good for one thing," Second Sun said, his eyes narrowing on Richard. "Sport."
  "Bring it, bitch," Richard said.
  Second Sun stepped forward. Holland blocked his way. Second Sun raised a talon. Holland's eyes narrowed.
  "Think," Holland said. "Think very carefully before you use that hand. My orders are from First Sun...your father. He wishes to know why this thing is back in existence. Do you deny his wishes?"
  Second Sun stepped back. He dropped his hands.
  "No," Second Sun said.
  "Good," Holland said. He looked past Second Sun. "Why don't you have fun with the ladies? I will be a while."
  Second Sun glared at Richard for a moment. Then he stormed out. His comrades followed suit, Rebecca and Melissa in toll.
  Holland kneeled down. He grabbed Richard and stood back up. Richard felt weird having a man...of sorts...pick him up like a woman from a romance novel. Holland giggled.
  "Been a while since I have done this," Holland said. "Still...I have such plans for you."
  Richard frowned. That was too much Pinhead for his taste.

  Randy kept walking through the sand. For a moment, he wished for his beard and longer hair.
  "So you left the timer?"
  Randy did not even turn around. "I did not mean to."
  "Do you even have an idea how much time we have?" Brown demanded.
  "None."
  A hand grabbed Randy, forcing him to turn around. Brown glared at him.
  "Do you have a plan at all?" Brown asked.
  "Right now...I just want shelter before heatstroke kicks in," Randy said. "Is that okay? Am I allowed?"
  "You stupid twit! How dare you--"
  Randy snatched his arm away. "Me? How dare me? How dare you! You dragged me back into this. I liked only worrying about tests and what my family would think. Not 'can I keep them alive today?' I don't want the ability anymore."
  Brown crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe you shouldn't have invented the machine then."
  Randy glared at Brown. "Maybe you should have stayed away from it when you had the chance. Too late now, huh?"
  "You cocky y--"
  "Yeah, I am cocky!" Randy exclaimed. "You know why? Because unlike you, I have the brains."
  "You wish."
  "I know," Randy shot back. "Why else are people and whole races trying to either kill me or capture me? Can you say the same? No! You know why? Because you aren't even important."
  Brown's eyes narrowed on him. "You have no idea how important I am."
  "So important no one's trying to take your brain. Can you say--"
  The fist shot out. It got Randy in the jaw, causing him to fall back. He rolled and then slid in the sand. He looked back up at Brown. Brown glared back at him.
  "You know," Brown said, "I look forward to Mr. Hall getting his memory back. Then we can all despise your existence."
  Randy stood up. He wiped his jaw. Then he approached Brown.
  "It must be sad," Randy said.
  Brown frowned. "What?"
  "Watching the student surpass the teacher," Randy said.
  Brown glared.
  "Now we can fight," Randy said, "or we can find help. Your choice, Professor."
  Brown continued to glare. Randy stood there, waiting. They did not have a lot of choices. Still it had to be Brown's choice.
  Brown walked past Randy. He shrugged his shoulders. Then he followed.

  "Hmmm..."
  Richard sat in the chair. His wounds were bandaged. However he currently had little wires taped to him. He looked over at Holland who was sitting at a table with computers.
  "Why 'hmmm?'" Richard asked.
  Holland looked at Richard. "You have very interesting brain activity."
  "Interesting as in interesting or interesting as in irregular?"
  "Both...actually."
  "Great," Richard said sarcastically. He looked away for a moment. He looked at Holland again. "So...why no wings?"
  Holland's forehead wrinkled up. His eyes narrowed. His talons tensed.
  "Sorry, man," Richard said quickly. "You don't have to say any--"
  "It happened in the war," Holland replied. "There was a time when the Mamos were more...barbaric...than they are now. One of their generals...excellent strategist...would put defeated Aves on sticks...and cut off their wings. A sign of his victory over Aves swiftness. Sadly for me, I was still alive when First Sun...Adrian...found me. We had been friends for years. He was the warrior. I the intellect. He couldn't just leave me there. He claimed it was due to my intelligence being of importance in the war." He stared at Richard. "We knew better."
  "Do you miss flying?"
  Holland grinned. "If both of your legs were broken beyond repair, would you not miss walking? The movement? The feel of sand beneath your feet?"
  Richard had never thought of that. "I guess I would."
  "So you know my story," Holland said, typing. "What is yours?"
  "No memory of who I am," Richard said. "Just images that make no sense except for one."
  "Just one?"
  "Yeah," Richard said. "I used to love this girl it seems. She got interested in this Egghead and it drove me crazy. One memory does with that."
  "And now you want the rest back?"
  "Yes. No. I don't know," Richard admitted. "I just keep thinking it would be in my best interest to remember because it's important. Then I wonder...what if I was a bad person?"
  "We are the essence of ourselves," Holland said. "No matter the condition. If you are a good man now, you were a good man then."
  "Good to know."
  "I also think," Holland said, "that I can get your memories back."
  Richard's eyes widened. "What?"

  Randy could barely stay awake. His feet felt like bricks. Sweat poured from his forehead to his toes. He looked around only to see that the air simmered.
  His mind turned to Melissa. She hated him. Now as he was close to passing out, he worried that he would never be able to make it up to her. He had let her down.
  Randy shook his head. He stormed up the sand hill. He made it to the top and smiled.
  Ocean. Blue ocean stood as far as the eye could see. There were giant waves that hit the shore.
  Randy laughed. He turned to look at Brown. The laughter died in his throat.
  "Professor!" Randy yelled, running.
  Brown was unconscious in the sand in the middle of the hill. Randy ran to him and kneeled.
  "Professor, wake up!" Randy yelled as he shook him. "Prof--"
  Heat overtook his voice. Randy fell face first into the sand.

  Richard buttoned his shirt. He continued to think of Holland's words.
  Was it possible? Could Holland give him back his memories? That...would be cool.
  Richard frowned. Wouldn't it?
  The double doors slid open. Holland walked through them. Richard headed for him.
  "Well?" Richard asked.
  "I think it is highly possible for me to return your memories," Holland said.
  "Good," Richard said. "How long--"
  "I do have a condition," Holland said.
  Richard frowned. "Really?"
  "Nothing too major," Holland said.
  "Really?" Richard said again. "What is it?"
  Holland reached into his robes. Richard watched him pull out a syringe. It had a clear liquid in it.
  "What is that?" Richard asked.
  "This," Holland said, "is the end."
  Richard's eyes widened. "What? You don't expect me to kill you, do you? Man, I know you're upset but--"
  Holland laughed. "Kill me? No, no, no. Not me."
  Richard sighed.
  "I want you to kill Second Sun," Holland said coldly.

  Randy blinked. He realized two things. He was alive. He was not in the sun anymore.
  Randy sat up, his hands touching cool floor. He looked to his right to see glass with water on the other end. Fish swam by the glass.
  "Po, po?"
  Randy turned to his left. He almost jumped.
  There was a fish next to him. No, it was shaped like an eel, but its body was circular and puffy. It stared at him with wide rolled eyes like a puppy.
  "Po?" it said in a questioning tone.
  "I don't understand," Randy said.
  "St. Francis asked if you're okay."
  Randy turned around. A woman leaned against the door. She wore a brown tank top with dirty cargo pants. Her dark hair was in a ponytail. It still didn't stop him from recognizing her. She frowned at him.
  "Are you--" she started.
  "Logan St. Clair?" Randy uttered.

  Melissa looked over the edge of the city. Far, far below was the desert with mountains on the horizon. It made it hard to believe she had just been down there.
  "These constructs are actually amusing," Rebecca said.
  Melissa looked behind her. Rebecca was next to Second Sun and his men. She glared.
  "Is that all you think about?" Melissa snapped.
  Rebecca looked at Melissa. She tilted her head.
  "Oh, poor Melissa," Rebecca said. "It must be nice to come from such a sweet boring world. The rest of us...have to actually live."
  Melissa laughed bitterly. "For someone who's living on my kindness that was rude."
  Rebecca frowned. "Your kindness? Whom project is it?"
  "Who's looking for your so-called profits?" Melissa shot back.
  "Look at them, Thrice Hollow. Eden Blessed," Second Sun said, a mischievous sparkle in his eye. "They are like the fable hellcats."
  "Yes," Eden Blessed said, approaching Melissa with blond hair blowing. "They shall be interesting when they are bedded."
  Melissa felt her body tense. The last thing she wanted was to sleep with any of them. Even now Eden Blessed stared at her with a kind of fever in his red eyes.
  Rebecca looked over at Second Sun. "So your ancestors were the ones who created anti-gravity and created this levitating city?
  "Yes," Second Sun said with pride. "Our ancestors were always in competition with the Mamos. I feel my people came out of it the winner."
  Rebecca walked over to Second Sun. She touched his shoulder.
  "I bet," Rebecca said. "I would love to hear more. Perhaps somewhere private?"
  Second Sun's eyes lit up. "Of course."
  Melissa stormed over to Rebecca. She grabbed her arm and jerked her arm. Rebecca glared at her.
  "What con are you pulling now?" Melissa demanded.
  "No con," Rebecca said.
  "Whatever."
  "When in Rome, my dear," Rebecca said, ing her arm away. "Maybe you should try it. Not like you're going anywhere."
  Melissa was jerked away from Rebecca. She turned around to see Eden Blessed had ahold of her. His beak might as well had been watering.
  "Your friend is right," Eden Blessed said.
  "Not my friend," Melissa said.
  "In any case," Eden Blessed continued, "how about we go somewhere private."
  "No," Melissa said.
  Eden Blessed's talon tightened on Melissa's left arm. "You assume you have a choice."
  Melissa looked down for a moment. Then she looked up again.
  "Oh, I do," Melissa said.
  Then she flattened her right palm and aimed for his chest. She shot forward, hitting Eden Blessed int he middle of his chest. He stumbled back, releasing her left arm. She stepped back and delivered a roundhouse kick to his face. He fell to the floor, out cold.
  Melissa glared down at him. It had been a while since she had to use that secret agent training she learned in the months when Randy was 'dead.' Since that world where she was in a goth sorority, she had taken it back up again. She was all she had after all.
  Thrice Hollow grabbed both of Melissa's arms. He tightened his talons.
  "You shouldn't have--" Thrice Hollow started.
  "Thrice Hollow!" Second Sun barked.
  Thrice Hollow looked at Second Sun. Fear etched his face like he had committed a deadly sin and was about to not get into Heaven. Melissa looked over at Rebecca and Second Sun. Rebecca smirked. Second Sun's eyes betrayed his desire.
  "She," Second Sun said, "is mine."

  Randy headed up the steel stairs. The submarine bobbed all around him. he had seem a few more Pisces on his way to the bridge. They seem harmless enough.
  Randy pulled himself up on the ladder. The first thing he saw was Brown. He looked over Logan's shoulder as she piloted the submarine.
  "PoPoPoPoPo!"
  Brown turned around at the sound of the Pisce that saw Randy. His eyes fell on Randy and narrowed.
  "Oh, great," Brown said sarcastically.
  "Hello to you, Prof," Randy said with sarcasm.
  Logan turned around and smiled. "You're awake Good. How was your nap?"
  "Nice," Randy said, stepping onto the bridge. "I am ready to finish what I started."
  "Really?" Brown commented.
  "Yes, really," Randy said.
  "Anytime you are ready, Mr. Heim."
  Logan frowned. "Am I missing something?"
  "Nothing at all," Randy said. "Where are we?"
  "Several leagues under the sea," Logan said. "The sea is the Pisces's domain. They share it with we women."
  "Women?" Randy muttered.
  "Yes, Mr. Heim," Brown said. "Women, unlike men, do exist."
  "How do you two even exist?" Logan asked. "your friend wouldn't tell me a thing."
  "We came here using an Einstein-Rosen-Polodsky Bridge," Randy said.
  Logan's eyes widened. "No way! No freaking way!"
  Randy stared at the wonder in Logan's eyes. He was not use to them without their psycho glance. He must have looked at her too long because she blushed. She quickly turned around.
  "Sorry," Logan said. "I used to be a science geek. I always wondered what it would be like to travel to a world with actual men."
  "You are not missing much," Brown commented.
  Logan looked at Brown. "Let's see if you feel the same when you land on a world with no women. You're in luck however. All of the women..are there."
  Randy looked out of the window. Ahead of them was a dome shaped like an egg. It had corridors shooting out from it where submarines shaped like fish docked. Logan headed for the nearest one.

  The blond girl's eyes widened when she saw Randy and Brown. She looked behind her.
  "Okay," she said, "who substituted my pill with acid?"
  "Gwen," Logan said, entering the corridor that connected the submarine to the dome, "Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. They're men."
  "But how?" Gwen asked.
  "Long story," Logan said. "I'll explain it on the way. Where's Callie?"
  Gwen frowned. "Okay, I know it's been a few months, but you know Callie hasn't changed."
  "Lab?"
  "Lab."
  "And who is this Miss Callie?" Brown asked.
  "Remember when I said I sued to be a science geek?" Logan said. "Well...Callie is one."
  "Logan!" Gwen snapped.
  "Well, it's true," Logan said. "Remember The Water Babies Project? Air in a Balloon? Rice Krispin's Treat? If that isn't a geek, I don't know what is."

  The double doors opened. Melissa stepped into with hesitation. Her eyes widened on the Indian silk sheets that hanged from the walls. They raised to a pole that stood in the middle of the room. At the bottom of the pole was a circle of extremely large cushions. Second Sun quickly went to one and laid on it, a sigh escaping his lips.
  "Ah!" Second Sun said. "Sometimes the burden of leadership can be too much. Would you care to join me, Short-Haired One?"
  The double doors closed behind her. S he stared over at Second Sun.
  "Melissa," she said. "My name is Melissa."
  "It is a very nice name," Second Sun said.
  Melissa sat down on a cushion next to him. "And what's your name?"
  "Second Sun," he replied.
  "You actually expect me to believe that is your real name?" Melissa asked. "Come on. It's you and me. Who am I going to tell?"
  Second Sun chuckled. "You are correct, Melissa. It is my war name and here we keep up appearances. No time or place to appear weak."
  "Being open isn't being weak."
  "Then why are you not open?"
  Melissa tilted her head back. For a moment, she wished she had her long black hair. It would be good to hide in.
  "I...I've had a rough year," Melissa said.
  "So you think being open is weak then?" Second Sun said.
  Melissa looked at Second Sun. His red eyes looked dull, but concerned. She relaxed.
  "For me, it is," Melissa said. "Every day I have to worry about whether it will be my last. If I let my guard down, it will be. Emotions can get in the way."
  "True words," Second Sun said. He stood up. "I think some nectar is needed. I will return."
  Second Sun headed for a door.
  "I never got your name," Melissa said.
  Second Sun paused in the door. He turned around. A chuckle escaped his beak.
  "Fine, Melissa," Second Sun said. "My name is Christopher."
  Melissa smiled. "Nice to meet you...Christopher."
  Second Sun left the door. Melissa leaned back in her cushion. Her thoughts raced. She hated to admit it, but she was liking Christopher.
  A hand covered her mouth. Melissa screamed, but no sound came out.
  "God, you're heavy," Richard said.

  Randy stared at it. To the ordinary person, it looked like a full-length mirror with wires and consoles sticking out of it. To Randy, he knew it was a doorway of some kind. He found himself in front of it, his reflection looking back. His right hand reached for it.
  A hand grabbed his arms. A curly-haired girl stood beside him. Her eyes showed surprise, but Randy saw annoyance.
  "Don't touch," she said. "It has not been tested." She released Randy's hand. "That aside...oh my God...a man! How is this possible. The viral infection that took out the female Mamos, Aves, and Pisces also took the men."
  Logan stood beside Randy. "Einstein-Rosen."
  "What?" Callie said. She glared at Randy. "I hate you. Okay. Answer me this....is there really a world without shrimp?"
  "Callie!" Logan barked. "They wanted help. Is your...doorway ready?"
  Callie looked at Logan. "Almost, but why?"
  "We need to get our device from the Mamos," Randy replied. "It's the only way we can get out of here."
  "I'm sorry," Callie said. "I can't do that without breaking our truce."
  "Callie, you know they won't last here," Logan said. "The Aves would see them as competition for we lady folk. As if they have a chance."
  "Then Mr. Hall and the ladies must be in real trouble," Brown said.
  Callie stared at Brown. "Excuse me...did you say ladies?"
  "Yeah," Randy said. "We came here with another guy and two girls."
  "Okay, I'm in," Callie said. "I might not give them the time of day, but I don't need competition. What do you know about short range pandimensional doorways?"
  Randy smiled. "Enough."

  Richard felt his blood boil. He kneeled behind a series of cushions. A few steps away, Melissa drank from a small white cup. Second Sun did the same. Who did he think he was...a ladies' man? He wasn't even human.
  "So...how is it?" Second Sun asked.
  "Great," Melissa said.
  "It is so rare I get to show it off to one of the different girls ," Second Sun said. "It is good to see you are still around."
  Richard rolled his eyes.
  "There has been talk more hide among the Pisces," Second Sun continued. "But we try not to break..."
  Richard sneaked closer to Second Sun as he continued to talk to Melissa. He pulled out the syringe. His eyes focused on Second Sun's neck.
  "So just one question...," Second Sun said.
  Richard moved in. At the same time, Second Sun swung around. He grabbed Richard by the throat, his red eyes alight with anger.
  "...did we not have this conversation?" Second Sun demanded. "You can't sneak up on me, and now you are dead."

  Randy stepped through the lit door. On the other side was Horatio at the stone table. He shot up in surprise. Randy's eyes fell on the timer. It was on the table.
  Logan stepped through the door. She was followed by Brown, Callie, and a Pisce.
  "What in the world--," Horatio started.
  Callie held up the Pisces. "St. Francis."
  "Po," St. Francis said.
  Horatio's eyes rolled back in his head. He fell to the floor unconscious. St. Francis looked at Callie.
  "Is he--" Brown started.
  "He's fine," Callie said. "He just won't remember anything."
  Randy headed for the timer. He picked it up. He looked at the others.
  "Next stop?" Randy asked.

  Richard struggled. Second Sun glared at him.
  "What did you even think?" Second Sun demanded. "Do you even think? I am your better in every way and--"
  Second Sun gasped. His talon released Richard. His eyes fell on the syringe in his neck.
  For a moment, a hand was around Richard's neck again. The only difference was it was not Second Sun. It was a bald man dressed in a black business suit. His eyes burned with manic glee through his glasses. He had a dagger in his hand.
  And he stabbed. Again and again.
  Blood everywhere.
  Then...darkness. That was followed by columns of test tubes. They were all around him, but he didn't know why. He knew people were in them.
  Richard turned away...and into the face of Rebecca Pryce.
  Richard blinked. Second Sun was in front of him. Well, he was out on the floor. Melissa looked down at him.
  "You may be his better," Melissa said, "but women can still make you weak in the knees." She looked at Richard. "Are you okay? You looked out of it. Have a memory?"
  "No," Richard lied. "But I'm about to."
  Suddenly, the room tilted. The lights blinked in and out. The room jerked.
  "What in the world--," Melissa started.

  "He said I was more his style," Rebecca said, her arms crossed over her chest. "Me! Why did he pick that good-girl-wish-she-was-bad?"
  Rebecca looked down at Thrice Hollow. He was unconscious at the moment. She smirked. Just like a man. Willing to give an opening to a seductive woman.
  She looked at the generators that kept the city afloat. She had managed to get Thrice Hollow to show her. What a fool to show her how they work.
  "I bet he'll wish he had picked me now," Rebecca said.

  Richard ran down the corridor. He ignored the rumbling. The corridor suddenly tilted, causing him to bump into Melissa.
  "Sorry," Richard said.
  "Any idea how we're getting out of here if this city falls?" Melissa asked.
  "I have a few," Richard commented.
  Richard made it to the double doors. They opened instantly. He ran through.
  Holland looked up. In his hand was another syringe. Richard smirked.
  "Busy boy," Richard said. "Who's next?"
  Holland held out the syringe. "You. Assuming you did away with Second Sun."
  "He did," Melissa said. "Did you promise to help him with his memory?"
  "I did not promise, but yes," Holland said. "Just stick yourself in the middle of the forehead. You will feel a jolt. Then it will be back in seconds."
  Richard grabbed the syringe. He heard a loud boom. It did not occur to him that maybe something had exploded.
  It was there in his hand. The key to getting his memory back was literally in his hand. He hesitated.
  The double doors opened. He turned around to see an Ave dressed like Holland was. He had long black lashes that trailed behind his massive form. His wings even looked like potential weapons. His eyes fell on Richard and Melissa. Richard found himself entranced.
  "First Sun!" Holland exclaimed. "Thank goodness! This lunatic just assassinated Second Sun and was about to do the same to me!"
  "What?" Richard said. "How--"
  Richard saw a flash. He only had a moment to turn around before he flew through the air. He screamed as his back hit the wall. First Sun was on him in a flash, his talons on his shoulders.
  "You killed my only son," First Sun said. "You have turned this city upside down. Pay the price."

  Randy walked out of the door. He immediately had to tilt sideways. He looked over at Logan and Brown. They looked just as confused.
  "Did we land into World War 11?" Logan asked. "What's going on?"
  "My guess?" Callie said from behind her. "Someone deactivated the anti-gravity generators that keep the Ave city afloat." Her eyes widened. "It is going to crash if it does not blow up from overuse."
  "That is such a flattering thought, Miss Callie," Brown said dryly. He looked at Randy. "Ideas would be nice."
  "Can you zoom in on the others like you did the others?"
  "Maybe if they were inorganic" Callie said. "St. Francis?"
  St. Francis hopped. Callie glared.
  "Not helping," Callie said.
  A boom sounded through the hall. Randy looked at Callie.
  "Try to zoom in on them anyway," Randy said.
  "Asking for a miracle," Callie said.
  "Did someone say my name?"
  Randy looked down the corridor. Rebecca ran toward them.
  "What did you do?" Brown demanded.
  "Caused an excellent distraction," Rebecca said. "Everyone seems to have flown the coop."
  "Where's Richard and Melissa?" Randy asked.

  The talons tightened on Richard's shoulders. He grunted. First Sun's eyes narrowed on him.
  "You cur!" First Sun hissed. "You don't deserve to live."
  Richard glared. "Not...your...choice!"
  Richard headbutted First Sun. He released Richard for a moment. Richard wrapped his hand around the syringe.
  "Hey, Birdy!" Richard exclaimed. "Get bent."
  Then he stabbed First Sun in the forehead. The red instantly went out of First Sun's eyes. His beak fell open. Then he fell to the floor, eyes open. Richard looked over at Holland.
  "You lied to me," Richard said.
  "And you fell for it beautifully," Holland said.
  "He was your friend. He saved you. How--"
  Holland laughed bitterly. "Friend? You think I want this half-life? I could think of no better justice than to end his dynasty."
  "I guess you die, too," Richard said.
  "You are too smart for your own good, homosapien," Holland said, holding up a bracelet. "You must have known I had an escape plan for myself. You must have know I would do this."
  Holland pushed the button on his bracelet. His body simmered. Then it vanished completely.
  "Crap!" Richard exclaimed.
  "Maybe he has another brace--," Melissa started, looking around.
  "Him," Richard said. "No. Just for him. We're screwed."
  Suddenly, a light appeared shaped like a door. Randy stepped out. Melissa looked at Richard. He shrugged his shoulders.
  "Or not."

  Randy heard a knock on his door. He put away the device he'd been working on. There was no need to let the cat out of the bag...yet.
  Randy opened the door. He immediately glared.
  "Professor," Randy said.
  "I thought you would like to know that Miss Pryce managed to salvage some blue prints on the anti-gravity generators," Brown said. "Arturo is pleased. Perhaps he will continue her division."
  "And if he doesn't?" Randy asked.
  Brown frowned. "When did you become cynical?"
  "When someone wanted me to focus on the task at hand, maybe?" Randy said. "When I got punched? Maybe even when I realized the only person who I trust...doesn't remember who I am."
  "Mr. Heim--"
  "I have important things to do, Professor," Randy said. "Someone has to get us home after all."
  Randy slammed the door in Brown's face. Then he walked to his work desk and pulled out the device. He sat down and stared at it.
  Then...his mind took over.

  "What are you doing?"
  Richard looked up from the drawer he was in at Rebecca's office. He managed a smirk. He showed her a pen.
  "Needed something to write with," Richard said.
  "You could have gotten that from anywhere," Rebecca said.
  Richard stood up. "I could have. I like your pens."
  Rebecca smirked. "Cute." She walked to him. "Arturo loved the blueprints. Another score for me."
  Richard walked around the desk. His finger drew a line across the surface. He avoided Rebecca's eyes.
  "Is that all you do?" Richard asked. "Think about what's in it for you?"
  "Yes," Rebecca said. "So do you."
  Richard looked up at her. She stared at him. Her forehead formed wrinkles.
  "Did something happen on that world?" Rebecca demanded.
  "Someone offered me a chance to get all my memories back," Richard said.
  Rebecca's eyes widened. "Did you--"
  "False hope," Richard said quickly. He leaned on the desk, his eyes focused on Rebecca. "However your look makes me wonder what my memory back would mean."
  "What look?"
  "You can't con a con, lady. What are you hiding from me?"
  Rebecca crossed her arms over her chest.
  "Nothing," Rebecca said.
  Richard did not know what to say. She was his savior. Now he could tell. She was lying to his face.
  Rebecca headed for him. Richard held his hands out.
  "Don't touch me," Richard said.
  "What?" Rebecca said, surprise in her voice. She shook her head. "I knew I shouldn't have let you slide with them."
  "Maybe you shouldn't have," Richard said. "Then again, this was set in motion by your frequent slides."
  "You sure don't seem to be complaining so much now that you do the same,' Rebecca shot back. "Guess you're ready for little Melissa."
  "This isn't about Melissa," Richard said. "Nice try, though."
  "What is it about?" Rebecca asked.
  "I'm going to remember eventually," Richard said. He headed for the door. He turned to look at her. "If it turns out that you are keeping something from me, there will be hell to pay."
  Richard walked out the door, slamming it behind him. He wondered where he went from here. He needed his memories back.
  And there was only one person who seem to be able to unlock his mind.
  He smiled.
  Melissa.

THE-END


 

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