"I...I do not believe it is possible."
  Rembrandt Brown looked over at Professor Darnell Brown. he sat across from Rembrandt on the balcony. Rembrandt frowned back at his nephew.
  "When Wade was past of the 'Magg experiment," Rembrandt said, "she was able to open portals just by thinking of it. You're no different. You can do it. You can find Quinn."
  Darnell looked away from Rembrandt. Rembrandt felt his back tense up. He quickly grabbed his side, pain hitting him. His gunshot wound from Card World had yet to heal completely. It would not stop him. He needed to know the truth.
  "Would go a long way toward redeeming you."
  Darnell turned. So did Rembrandt. Richard Hall had entered the balcony. He grinned at Darnell.
  "And that's what you want. Right, Proper?" Richard challenged.
  "I'm sure he does, Richard," Rembrandt said.
  "Really?" Richard asked.
  "We're on the same side, C-Boy."
  "Could have fooled me, Rem."
  "Mr. Hall..." Darnell started.
  "Prove it, Proper," Richard said.
  "Richard--" Rembrandt started.
  "You want to find Quinn or not?"
  Rembrandt glared at Richard. He could have gotten his opinion across without attacking Brown. He knew there was no longer any love lost between Darnell and Richard.
  Darnell sighed. "Fine."
  Darnell waved a hand over at Richard. Rembrandt looked in the direction, expecting a purple portal the size of a door to appear. It was his nephew's version of a wormhole.
  Nothing happened.
  Darnell frowned. He waved a hand again. Still no portal door appeared. His eyes widened on Rembrandt, a touch of fear on his face.
  "I...I cannot...open a portal," Darnell 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 11: THE TURTLE AND THE SCORPION

  'And that...was three days ago...
  'Professor Brown was back with us. And just like before..he was dying. His powers would burn out. What...'
  "Well, I haven't seen you do that in a while."
  Randy Heim looked up from his journal. Melissa Clark stood in the doorway of his bedroom. His jaw dropped as he saw her in the black flapper dress. Her jet-black hair was permed. She also were a white headband with a feather sticking out.
  "Uh...wow!" Randy managed. Melissa smiled, causing Randy to feel warm in the face. "I mean...yeah. I just...felt like it. So...where are you off to?"
  "It hasn't even been a day and Richard scored an invite to a party," Melissa explained. "Go figure."
  Randy frowned. Richard. Just hearing his name made Randy's skin crawled.
  "I take that glare to mean you're not coming?" Melissa asked.
  "Yep," Randy said, standing up from the bed. "Ultimatums and all that. I would hate to be accuse of slacking."
  "Randy!" Melissa exclaimed.
  "You know I'm right,"Randy said. "He's still made over your breakup. He won't rest until I'm as miserable as he is."
  "Actually I'll settle for winning at cards."
  Melissa looked behind her. Randy did the same. Richard stood behind her. He was dressed in a black suit complete with tails. He held out his arm for Melissa, flashing her a smile.
  "Milady," Richard said.
  Melissa giggled. Randy glared at the scene. He wanted to walk over to Richard and punch him in the face. As if he was psychic, Richard stared at Randy, giving him a lopsided grin.
  "Problem, Egghead?" Richard asked.
  "Now that you mention it..." Randy started.
  "Not a thing," Melissa said, cutting Randy off. "So...Rembrandt coming with us?"
  "Nope," Richard said. "I wish he was. But...Proper walked out. He went after him." He looked at Randy. "Smooth move there, Egghead."
  "Don't you have somewhere to be?" Randy asked, frowning.
  "We'll missing one more," Richard replied.
  "Right here!"
  Randy looked over at his bathroom. Ethan Bradshaw walked out of it, placing a fedora on his cropped dark hair. He was dressed in a white business suit. Ethan stared at Randy. Randy cocked an eyebrow.
  "Well...it's an adventure," Ethan said. then he hurried out of the door.
  Randy watched Melissa follow suit. Richard started to leave. He paused, turning to face Randy again. He gave a smirk.
  "Later," Richard said.
  Richard left. Randy watched him, his skin crawling. His mind wondered what Richard was up to.
  Was Ethan safe?

  "A penny for your thoughts?"
  Darnell turned around. Rembrandt stared back. His eyes fell on the counter. He saw the beer mug in front on the counter. He saw the beer mug in front of Darnell. It made him think of the many times he sat at the Dominion lobby.
  "I mean you could easily read mine," Rembrandt continued.
  "True, Uncle," Darnell said, "but for how long?"
  "Darnell--" Rembrandt started.
  "Uncle, it has started!" Darnell snapped. "I...I am dying." He looked away, grabbing up his mug. "My powers...Kersh said...would be the first to go. It would be complete and utter burn out."
  Darnell drank his beer. Rembrandt sat down beside him. He reached out for Darnell's shoulder.
  Suddenly, Rembrandt's arm stopped in mid-air. It was like hands had grabbed it. Invisible hands.
  "Don't," Darnell said, without looking.
  Rembrandt flew back, almost falling off the stool.
  "You okay?"
  Rembrandt looked at the bartender. He grinned.
  "Just fine, Kathy," Rembrandt said. He looked at Darnell. "Just...fine."
  Darnell continued to drink. He put his mug down. A sigh escaped his lips.
  "What was I thinking?" Darnell asked.
  "That you had a lot to make up for," Rembrandt suggested.
  "As if the others would let me attempt amends," Darnell said.
  Rembrandt laughed. Darnell frowned.
  "Your laughter is lost on me, Uncle," Darnell said.
  "Do you know how much I put Q-ball through?" Rembrandt asked. "Not to mention the Professor." He looked at Darnell. "Your group hasn't been any different. Genius is still catching it from me and Richard. And Richard is hardly a saint."
  "Indeed," Darnell said.
  "Good," Rembrandt said, standing up. "Then you know redemption is an ongoing thing. Let's get going."
  Rembrandt headed past Darnell. After a moment, he paused. he turned. Darnell sat on his stool, frowning. Rembrandt frowned as well.
  "You coming?" Rembrandt asked.
  "Coming, Uncle?" Darnell uttered. "Where?"
  Rembrandt smirked. "You could just read my mind."
  Darnell's eyes widened. Then he grinned. Rembrandt headed out. A few minutes later, he heard footsteps...meaning Darnell was right behind him.
  Good.

  "Double Sixes!"
  "Hell yeah!"
  Melissa laughed. Next to her, Richard grabbed at the chips in front of him. Several people cheered him on at the roulette table. It was the third time Richard had won. It was nice to feel popular. To have fun.
  "Who would have thought?"
  Melissa looked behind her. Ethan was behind her. She frowned.
  "What do you mean?" Melissa asked.
  "That you can laugh," Ethan said. "Smile."
  "Well, I have been known to do that," Melissa said.
  "And how long ago was that?" Ethan challenged.
  Melissa glared at Ethan. "Look. I'm not trying to get in-between you and Randy. Back off."
  "Exactly!" Richard exclaimed. "You'll crash and burn without her. Such is the curse of the Egghead."
  Melissa glared at Richard. It figured he would try to stir the pot between Randy, Ethan, and her. After the last few months all Melissa wanted to do was have fun.
  "Besides, a couple who keeps secrets from each other ain't together too long," Richard said.
  Melissa frowned. She looked at Ethan. He burned holes into Richard. It made her wonder what Richard was talking about.
  Ethan glared at Melissa. She frowned, surprised that she got the glare. She glared right back.
  "Hey!" Richard exclaimed. "Can I get my cheerleader back?"
  Ethan glared at Richard. Melissa kept glaring at Ethan. It would serve him right if she told the truth. If she told him about Randy kissing her twice. How into Ethan could Randy be if he was kissing her?
  Melissa shook her head. A few worlds back, she had decided to leave that behind. Randy had made his choice. She would have to live with that. That was...until he kissed her again. Now...
  "Later," Melissa said.
  She walked away. She was not about to start a fight on a world she barely knew anything. She made a mental note to thank Richard later for at least trying to cheer her up.
  Suddenly, gunshots echoed through the air. Melissa paused, her eyes staring ahead toward the far wall.
  She saw the stairway Richard, Ethan, and her had come down to this make-shift casino. She made out the men in the dark blue police suits coming down. Their guns were aimed into the crowd. People yelled. Then...they headed her way.   "Oh my God!" Melissa exclaimed.
  "Arrest them all!" yelled a policeman.
  Melissa dashed away from the crowd. She was not about to be stampeded. She made a mental note to herself as she ran.
  Hit Richard upside his head.

  Randy looked over at her. He hated to admit it, but she had been right. She had been right all along. It had finally happened...as she thought.
  Cassandra stood in front of him. Normally she had long curly blond hair. Now she had a short bob. She still wore her Goth clothes like armor. In this case, she had on a short sleeve jacket, her hands gloved. Along with that was a pair of black leather pants. Her eyes stared at Randy with confidence.
  "So at least...you agree," Cassandra said.
  "Yes," Randy answered. "With...what's to come, more than ever I need to consolidate my knowledge in one place."
  Cassandra grinned. "So our world...all the worlds..are safe."
  "Exactly," Randy said. "All the worlds."
  Cassandra held out a hand. Randy reached for it and shook it. He knew of the deal he was making. Soon...all the worlds would need his knowledge.
  "I am sorry," Cassandra said.
  Randy frowned. "Sorry?"
  "Not for you," Cassandra said, looking past Randy. "For you."
  Randy started to turn. It...

  "Ah!"
  Randy jumped away from the desk. His prosthetic laid on it, completely still. Breath escaped Randy's breath rapidly.
  Cassandra. Cassandra and her visions. Every time one of her doubles had a vision, Randy winded up dead.
  But he was alive in this one.
  So who would pay this time?

  Rembrandt's head swayed to the funky jazz. It was exactly what he needed after the last few slides. That...and raiding his double's ATM.
  He looked over at Darnell. He sat next to Rembrandt at the table, liquor in hands. His eyes were glazed over, mind lost in thought. Rembrandt poked Darnell. Darnell jumped. Rembrandt laughed.
  "I guess your telepathy wasn't on guard that time," Rembrandt said.
  "Ha, ha," Darnell said sarcastically.
  "I guess a fake laugh is better than no laugh."
  "Indeed."
  "So where was your mind at?"
  "I was only thinking."
  "Of?"
  "It is of no concern."
  "I take it it was about Debra."
  Darnell's face darkened, the sure sign Rembrandt had hit the bullseye.
  "So did you see her?" Rembrandt continued.
  "Of course," Darnell said.
  "And how did that turn o--"
  "I do not wish to talk about it," Darnell said, cutting Rembrandt off.
  "And why is--"
  "You have some nerve showing you here."
  Darnell turned around. His eyes widened. His face became pale. Rembrandt also looked. His jaw dropped.
  It had been a while since he saw the young black man. On the few worlds he had, this young well-dressed man...was Rembrandt's son Max. On his arm...was Debra King, Darnell's ex-wife.
  "Well," Max said, "I guess someone wants to die."

  Rembrandt saw movement. He realized a lot of people that had set near Darnell and him were moving away from the scene. His son must have been a dangerous man on this world. Great.
  "Max," Debra said, touching Max's chest.
  Rembrandt looked at Darnell. He did not need to be a mind reader to know what Darnell was thinking. Darnell's hand on the table balled into a fist. Rembrandt shot up quickly. Max turned his sight on Rembrandt.
  "And you!" Max snapped. "Dad! I don't give a life if D is your favorite. San Francisco is my city." His eyes narrowed. "You hear me, Dad? Mine."
  Rembrandt stared at Max. He saw the cold hatred beneath his eyes. He knew he had to be careful here.
  "Is that any way to talk to me?" Rembrandt asked with an edge in his voice.
  Max's eyes widened. Without thinking, he took a step back. Debra frowned at him. Rembrandt tried not to grin. Apparently his double had some power here. Good.
  "Your time has passed...Dad," Max said, trying to keep his wits.
  "If that is true, why did you back away...Son?" Rembrandt challenged, taking a step.
  "You gave me control--" Max started.
  "And I can easily take it away," Rembrandt warned, "if crossed. You might want to remember that...Son."
  Max's eyes boiled. His face said nothing else. However, he wrapped his arm around Debra's waist. He pulled her closer.
  "He shouldn't be here, Dad," Max said. "He's a danger to us all. Why else--"
  "I asked him here," Rembrandt said.
  "Why?"
  "Oh? I answer to you now?"
  "No, I--"
  "Then what...Son?"
  Max frowned. A stillness passed over the room. Even Debra looked tense. Finally, Max managed a smile.
  "I only think of what would be best for the...company," Max said.
  "Good," Rembrandt said. "Then you will leave me to my own counsel."
  Max's eyes narrowed. Rembrandt gave it right back. Max's face went blank.
  "Then...I will trust in your judgment, Dad," Max said.
  "Very good, Son," Rembrandt said, sitting down again. "Then leave us. We will discuss this later."
  "Yes," Max said, looking at Darnell, "we will."
  Max and Debra headed for the jazz club's entrance. Rembrandt watched them go. He would make sure to remind himself to stop by the library tomorrow. It might be a good idea to see what was up.
  Then Rembrandt realized it. The whole room had grown quiet. He looked around at the patrons. They stared at him, fear etched in their eyes. He grinned.
  "How about some music?" Rembrandt said aloud.
  Suddenly, a saxophone cut through the silence. Rembrandt sighed in relief, happy to see everything get back to normal. He looked over at Darnell.
  Darnell still stared at the jazz club entrance. His fist was still balled. His face looked like he was about to attack.
  "Darnell..." Rembrandt started.
  "Debra," Darnell uttered.

  "Ah!"
  Melissa turned on the Dominion stairs. Richard glared at her. His hand rubbed the back of his head.
  "You couldn't have found a LEGAL party for us to go to?" Melissa asked.
  Melissa's eyes narrowed on Richard. "You would know if you would GET TO KNOW THE CULTURE!"
  Richard grinned. "Isn't that what I have you for?"
  Melissa glared at Richard. He looked back at her with a lopsided grin. She released a groan. She could...
  She frowned. Did she just think what she thought? Melissa turned away quickly.
  "Ah!"
  Melissa turned around. Richard rubbed the back of his head. He also glared at Ethan.
  "What the he--" Richard started.
  "What were you thinking?" Ethan demanded.
  "Oh, I don't know, Thuggie? Maybe we needed some fun?" Richard replied. "I mean where was the last time we had that? Before the Yuzaki? The dark sliders? Cassandra? Rebecca Pryce? And with Proper back..."
  "What was Randy thinking?" Ethan asked.
  Richard smirked. "Exactly."
  "Maybe we should give Professor Brown the benefit of the doubt," Melissa said.
  Richard looked at Melissa like she lost her mind. Melissa looked away. She frowned as she saw Ethan with the same look.
  "He tried to kill Randy," Ethan said.
  "You mean he did," Richard replied.
  "Exactly," Ethan said.
  "Are any of us saints?" Melissa asked.
  "We're not all killers," Richard said. He looked at Ethan. "No offense, Thuggie."
  Melissa stared at Ethan. Ethan frowned. She turned back to Richard. He turned back and forth between her and Ethan. A smirk appeared on his face.
  "Oh," Richard uttered. "Oops."
  "Ethan, what is he--" Melissa started.
  "Nothing important," Ethan said.
  "Then--"
  "Back off, Melissa."
  "Then be straight with me."
  Ethan walked up the stairs to Melissa. He narrowed his eyes on her.
  "I'm not straight," Ethan said. "Neither is Randy. Get over it."
  Melissa's jaw dropped. She stepped back as if she had been slapped. Ethan looked at Richard, ignoring her.
  "Next time...learn the culture," Ethan said.
  Richard grinned. "Like you did on--"
  "Heading to bed," Ethan announced, turning away. "Nite."
  Melissa watched Ethan enter the Dominion. She turned around, crossing her arms over her chest. Richard did the same.
  "Oh, no," Richard said, shaking his head. "You're getting nothing from me."
  "Then why even mention it?" Melissa challenged.
  "Oh. You think I did it intently?"
  "Wouldn't be the first time."
  Richard narrowed his eyes on her. "I thought you were letting Egghead go. Fine. You want to tumble the House of Randy and Ethan, find out the secrets yourself."
  Richard headed into the Dominion. Melissa watched him go. His words were in her head. Ethan had a secret. A secret that obviously Randy did not know. It could be dangerous. It made her think of their own comrade Katherine Rye...who turned into a killer during the slides. She almost killed some of them. She would hate to see history repeat itself. However if she mentioned it to Randy, she knew he would see it as her starting trouble...which she had done a time or two?
  She looked at the doors to the Dominion. Should she stay out of it? Should she not?
  What should she do?

  "What?"
  Ethan stared at Randy with a frown on his face. He shook his head completely. Then he managed a smile.
  "Just admiring you in that simply flattering suit," Ethan said.
  Randy grinned. "I know you way better than that."
  "You sure do."
  "What's the look for?"
  "I'm just worried about you being so close to..."
  Ethan gestured in front of them. A few feet away was Rembrandt and Professor Brown. They chatted as they walked down the sidewalk.
  "He's dying," Randy said.
  "So?" Ethan replied. "He has tried to kill you. He HAS killed you. Who's to say he won't try before he dies."
  Randy stopped walking. He turned to Ethan. Ethan also looked great in his tailored black suit. He couldn't get distracted though.
  "I do," Randy said.
  "Randy--" Ethan started.
  "Maybe," Randy said, cutting Ethan off, "it's about time I gave him a second chance. Who knows where we'll be if he hadn't helped with the Yuzaki." He started walking again. "He'll keep me on my toes. And, trust me. I need to be kept on my toes with no idea what the Yuzaki plan next."
  "If they are alive," Ethan added.
  "If they are alive," Randy agreed.
  "Fine," Ethan said.
  Randy smiled. It was nice to be reminded. To know someone was on his side. Over the last few months, Richard...Rembrandt...even Melissa...they turned their back on him.
  What would he do without him?

  Richard smirked. "Nice try." He frowned. "No."
  Melissa rolled her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest. She glared at Richard as he sat on the couch.
  "Then why even mention it?" Melissa asked.
  Richard shrugged. "I have my reasons."
  "Yeah," Melissa replied. "The payback. You are still mad that I have feelings for Randy."
  A silence fell into the living room. Richard's face darkened. She knew it would. For months, Richard had thrown insults her way. She had not openly said she had feelings for Randy until now.
  "Are you still hung up on Egghead," Richard said.
  "And you're not on me?" Melissa challenged.
  "Dream on, sweetheart," Richard shot back.
  "Then don't destroy Randy and Ethan," Melissa said.
  Richard laughed. "I won't have to." He looked at her, smirking. "You'll do it for me."
  Melissa frowned. "I doubt it."
  "I don't."
  "Listen," Melissa said. "When you were...gone...we all got separated. it took Randy and Professor Brown months to find Kat and me. We escaped from a Kromagg camp onto a world where we were contract agents. Kat...got a taste for killing."
  "Yeah. I remember," Richard said.
  "You were getting settled back into you...then," Melissa said. "And you weren't there then. She loved being in control of who lived...and who died. She...was a killer. A killer sliding world to world. That is the last thing we need on this." Her eyes narrowed on him. "So is Ethan a killer?"
  Richard leaned back on the couch. He flashed her a lopsided grin.
  "You show me yours..." Richard said.
  "Ugh!" Melissa exclaimed.
  "Don't 'ugh' me," Richard said. "As if you and Egghead aren't hiding anything. You tell me what's up. Then we'll talk."
  Melissa rolled her eyes. She turned away, heading to the door. The last thing she was about to do was reveal the truth. She and Randy had kissed.
  She threw open the door. Her eyes widened.

  "What?"
  Darnell looked away from Rembrandt. They sat at a table at the library. Rembrandt kept feeling a vibe, resulting in him looking at Darnell. Darnell would then look away quickly. He had enough.
  "What's up, Nephew?" Rembrandt asked.
  "It...is nothing," Darnell answered.
  "Bull," Rembrandt said. "You keep looking at me. So...what's up?"
  Darnell looked down at the encyclopedia in front of him. He bunched up his hands. A moment passed. Then he looked at Rembrandt.
  "Your thoughts...are quite loud," Darnell said.
  Rembrandt frowned. "So?"
  "You killed your son," Darnell said. "Seeing him now...is weighing on you. Especially since my wife is involved."
  "Yes...I did," Rembrandt said. "Well...Randy did. Never had a son on Earth Prime. Still..."
  Rembrandt paused. Memories hitting him. He and his son had fought on that world. Rembrandt was down. Then...Randy stabbed his son in his forehead. Dead...because he knew Rembrandt. And now there was the potential of his son being killed again...by someone else he also saw as a...
  Movement along the shelves got Rembrandt's attention. He looked up and behind Brown. He had time to see the eyes widening on Darnell's face. It was probably because of their visitor...Debra.
  "You two best come with me," Debra said, "if you want to live."

  "I think he was right."
  Randy frowned without looking up. "I'm starting to think you did something to me."
  "We have been linked ever since you touched me."
  A shadow moved to the edge of Randy's peripheral vision. The figure moved into Randy's sight. Cassandra stared down at him as he sat at the library table. She leaned forward.
  "But of course you know that," Cassandra said.
  "I'm really learning to hate seers," Randy said.
  "Because you like to tempt fate."
  "So who's going to die?" Randy asked.
  Cassandra grinned, saying nothing.
  "Darnell Brown endangers you all," Cassandra continued. "Mostly you."
  "And you would hate that."
  Cassandra's eyes narrowed. "We all have our roles to play." She grinned. "You'll see...soon."
  "Randy!"

  "Randy!"
  A hand touched Randy's shoulder. He jumped up quickly, his fist ready. He paused. Then he sighed.
  Ethan glared at him. "Okay. Enough."
  "I'm--" Randy started.
  "Fine?" Ethan asked. "I don't think so. Not anymore."
  "Later okay?"
  Ethan's glared turned into a grimace. Randy's eyes stayed on him. He hoped they were pleading. Now was not the time to really get into Cassandra and her visions. Not now.
  Ethan sighed. "Fine."
  Randy managed a smile. "Thanks." His eyes fell on the newspapers in Ethan's hands. "You find something."
  "Yes," Ethan said, putting the papers down on the library table. "On this world the government...well, Congress...decided that gambling was a national disease. So...they passed the Prohibition Amendment."
  "Prohibition?" Randy uttered, frowning. "Wasn't that banning liquor?"
  "Maybe on your world...or mine," Ethan said, "but on this one they banned gambling. Looks like everyone loves their gambling. Speakeasies popped up. Illegal parties that police are always busting. That's what Richard, Melissa, and I went to last night."
  "That's not good," Randy said.
  Ethan managed a smile. "You see we made it out okay."
  "Still don't trust Richard," Randy said.
  "Starting to feel the same," Ethan agreed. "How about we find Rembrandt and Darnell?"
  A click sounded off by them. Randy looked to the right. His eyes widened. He remembered Maxim Brown...Rembrandt's son. On one world, he had to kill him to save Rembrandt. It was something he knew Rembrandt never forgave him for.
  Randy turned to the left. Several suited men were coming out of the shelves, guns ready. He looked back at Maxim...who had a pistol trained on Randy.
  "Yes. How about we find them?" Maxim replied.

  The elevator doors opened quickly. Melissa walked out quickly. Her eyes were focused on one thing..the Dominion lobby doors. The footsteps behind her let her know Richard was in the back.
  "Are we even serious about this?" Richard asked.
  "Well, you could have stayed in the room."
  Melissa looked at their savior. On Earth Prime, Robert Bufford was a genius and Randy's rival. At the moment, Bufford was dressed in a dark suave suit. His hair was slicked back and under a small fedora.
  "If I could find you," Bufford said, "so could the police."
  "And why would they find us?" Richard asked.
  "You were at Tellos last night, right?" Bufford asked, looking at Richard. "Well, guess what? It's wired. And San Francisco's police have no problem in enforcing the law."
  "What?" Richard muttered, stopping. "Since when is it illegal to gamble?"
  Bufford frowned at Richard. "Uh...since 1920, Stupid." He headed for the door. "What my employer sees in you is beyond me."
  "Your employer?" Melissa uttered.
  "Yes," Bufford said. "They are the ones who they wanted me to extract. The police will raid your room in twenty minutes."
  "What?" Melissa asked. "The others--"
  "Not my concern," Bufford replied.
  Melissa paused. "Then I'm not going."
  "Hey, Stupid," Bufford said, gesturing to Richard. "You might want to talk to your girlfriend."
  "I'm not his--" Melissa started.
  "I got it, Shorty!" Richard exclaimed, grabbing Melissa. "Give a sec."
  Bufford nodded. He headed out the lobby doors. Melissa snatched her arms away.
  "What are you doing?" Melissa asked.
  "Saving our asses," Richard said.
  "At the expense of the others?"
  "No time for committee, Goth Girl," Richard replied. "How about you trust in Egghead and Proper? I mean...you love him and trust him, right?"
  Melissa glared. "You want Brown to kill him."
  Richard smirked. He headed for the doors. Melissa stared after him. She really wanted to punch him. But...it could be in their best interest if they went along with this.
  Melissa headed for the lobby doors.

  Debra moved out of the maintenance doors quickly. Darnell was right behind her. That left Rembrandt to bring up the rear.
  Rembrandt stopped outside the maintenance door. Debra headed for a black limo. He frowned.
  "Wait!" Rembrandt exclaimed. "What in the world's going on?"
  "I'll explain in the limo," Debra said.
  "How about now?" Rembrandt asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
  "Uncle," Darnell said, looking at him, "I trust Debra intimately."
  Rembrandt glared. "And I just take that at face value now, Darnell? Don't think so."
  Darnell glared at Rembrandt. Rembrandt was sorry that he hurt Darnell. However, the last thing they needed was trouble with no idea why.
  "Look," Debra said. "You broke a promise. And your broken word could make the death of..." Her lower lip trembled, her eyes on Darnell. "Please."
  "But Ethan? Ran--"
  "You care for Mr. Heim now?" Darnell asked. "That is rich...given you and Mr. Hall's alliance."
  Rembrandt felt his jaw set. He wished that his nephew had lost his ability to read minds, not the ability to get them home. Richard and he had form an alliance to get Randy to refocus on getting the group home...and making his life hell until he did. He had a little under two months until they would leave Randy somewhere if he could not get them home.
  "We don't have time," Debra said.
  "I agree," Darnell said. "Come."
  "No,"Rembrandt said.
  "Then...I apologize," Darnell said.
  Rembrandt frowned, wondering why Darnell said that. Then his hand reached for his forehead. A sense of lightheadedness befell him. His feet felt like yawns. He fell to the ground unconscious.

  The light blinded Randy for a moment. He heard movement and a yell. Then the door slammed shut. Randy's eyes adjusted quickly. Ethan was on the floor with a cut on his forehead. Randy ran over to him.
  "You okay?" Randy asked.
  Ethan looked at Randy, rubbing his jaw. "You know...I don't remember getting beaten up much before I started dating you."
  "Maybe you need more fighting practice," Randy replied.
  Ethan smirked. "Let's see how well you fight when your hands are tied."
  Randy smirked. "I would still be better than you."
  Ethan playfully punched Randy's arm. Randy laughed. Suddenly, the door shot open. Randy looked over at it, smile dying on his face. A large black man in a dark business suit stood in the door.
  "You'll next," he said.
  Randy's eyes narrowed on him.

  Bufford stood at the double doors. He grabbed the doorknobs and turned them. He threw the doors open.
  Melissa headed into the room. She paused. They were in a luxurious office. There were bookshelves on one side. She also saw a couch with an dial television set in front of it. Her eyes moved past it, falling on a globe near the window.
  "Why 'is truly possible, Wyatt. Ye only have tae trust me. Listen. I have tae go."
  Melissa stared at the desk in front of her and Richard. The chair was faced away from them. The only sign there was someone sitting in it was the cord that was coming from it to the diamond-embalmed phone on the desk.
  "We will talk at the party. Tootles."
  The speaker hanged up the phone.
  "They are here, Milady," Bufford said.
  "Obviously," the speaker said.
  "Care to tell us why we're here?" Melissa asked.
  There was a pause. Then the chair slowly turned around. Melissa's eyes widened.
  Her name was Katherine Rye. Kat for short. She had been part of the group. However, she had been killed. The double in front of her wore a beige dress suit, her blond hair was to one side.
  "I have nae idea why ye are here, dear," Kat replied. "Perhaps ye the girlfriend." Her eyes turned to Richard. "I wanted tae see ye. Ye have skills I have use of...tonight."
  "Really?" Richard exclaimed. "What's in it for me?"
  "Ye get a portion of the money we will...acquire," Kat replied.
  "Deal," Richard said.
  "What?!?" Melissa exclaimed.

  Rembrandt blinked. He groaned as he moved. He was laying on a couch in a den. He sat up, rubbing his forehead. He wondered how he got here. He stopped moving.
  Darnell mentally knocked him out.
  "Son of a..." Rembrandt uttered.
  Laughter got Rembrandt's attention. He looked over at the door. It was half-open, light shining through. He moved quietly to it.
  Darnell sat on a couch with Debra. She smiled at him, a hand on his lap. Darnell stared back at her like a lovesick puppy.
  "I really did not like how things went down," Debra said.
  "Nor did I," Darnell agreed.
  "I...I rather it was you running Remmy's gang here," Debra continued. "Not Max." She looked down. "I remembered there being less bodies when you ran things." She looked up, her eyes watered. "Why did you leave it? Why did you leave me?"
  Darnell looked at her, his eyes pained. Rembrandt wondered what memory came up as he looked at her. He knew Darnell missed the real Debra very much. If he had his way, Darnell would be with her now. He wondered what happened on Earth Prime.
  "I...I had a lot of...things to sort out on my own," Darnell said.
  "I noticed," Debra said. "You even had Remmy go out of town after you. Must have been some big things."
  Darnell's face darkened. "It was."
  Debra gasped. "Oh."
  Darnell grabbed her hands in his. She looked surprised. He grinned.
  "That doesn't mean that I would not sort through it all...to get back to you," Darnell said, leaning forward.
  "Darnell..."
  "Ssssh!"
  Rembrandt threw the door open. Darnell and Debra jumped away from each other. Rembrandt looked at Debra, ignoring the glare he was sure Darnell was giving him.
  "So why did you get us out, Debra?" Rembrandt asked.
  Debra frowned. "Isn't it obvious? Everyone feared Rembrandt 'Spinning Top' Brown and his proteges. While you were ruthless in your time, Darnell was much more vicious. And that was only due to how clinical his actions were. Max is like neither of you though. He feels...slighted...by you. He wants to prove he can run this town. Better than you. Better than the Ryes. Better than Darnell. And you two have been gone so long you are nothing but a liability."
  "Hm," Rembrandt said. "That did stop you from cosying up to my son."
  "She did what she had to do," Darnell said. He looked at Debra and smiled. "And I believe it is about time we showed we are anything but a liability."

  "I really don't like this," Melissa said as she sat in the limo.
  "Well, you really dinna have tae come, Luv," Kat said, sitting across from her. She wrapped her arms around Richard's arm as he sat next to her. He smiled. "I have who I need."
  "You never know if you need backup," Melissa said.
  "Unlikely," Kat said, leaning on Richard's shoulder. "However since ye are here, ye could be silent."
  "I agree," Richard said.
  Melissa glared at the both of them. It was bad where Richard was being a jerk. Richard with a partner-in-crime made him much worse.
  The car door opened. Richard stepped out into the night. A moment later, a gloved hand popped back into the door. Kat reached for it. She grabbed it and stepped out. A moment later, the hand reached out for Melissa. Melissa stared at it for a moment. Then she grabbed it and stepped out.
  What would this night hold?

  "Well, Katherine Rye. This is definitely a surprise."
  Melissa watched Kat turn around. The two of them turned away from Richard who was focused on his cards at the poker table. She almost gasped at seeing Dru Preston. She was dressed in a gray blouse with a simple black skirt. Instead of the long hair or braids she would have, this Dru had a short bob.
  Kat tilted her head. A smile crawled onto her face.
  "Dru," Kat said. "It's been a long time."
  "Not long enough if you think you can come into Max's place and leve alive," Dru replied.
  "Well, he did invite me," Kat replied. The smile left her face. "Where is he?"
  "Occupied," Dru said.
  "That isn't good business."
  "Neither is having your pet win at all our games," Dru said.
  "I have tae get Max's attention somehow," Kat said. "Now...where is he?"
  Dru glared at Kat. "Come with me."

  Randy stared at the timer. At the moment it read as 1 day, 8 hours, 26 minutes, 19 seconds. The timer...was also in Max's hand. He waved around in Randy's face. Randy meanwhile was tied to the chair.
  "I gave your friend several cuts over this thing," Max said. "Will I have to do the same for you?"
  "Maybe," Randy said.
  Max grinned. He started to turn away. Suddenly, he swung back, slapping Randy in the face. Pain shot all around Randy's face.
  "What is it counting down to?" Max demanded. "Did my father send you? My cousin?"
  Randy stared at Max. He said nothing. There was too much danger in revealing the truth about parallel worlds.
  "Fine," Max said. "Have it your--"
  The door opened. Max looked over at it. So did Randy. One of Max's buff tough suited men was at the door. Max headed to him. Randy watched the man whisper in Max's ear. Max jerked away, his eyes surprised. Anger crept onto his face.
  "How did he...never mind," Max said. He glared at Randy. "Move him and his friend. They can be bargaining chips."
  The door to the den flew open. Randy's eyes widened on Dru Preston. She looked at Max.
  "We got trouble," Dru said.
  "What now?" Max demanded.
  "Katherine Rye is here," Dru replied. "Said you have business."
  "Milo," Max said to the black man, "you have your orders. Let's go, Dru."
  Max and Dru headed out of the den. Milo watched them. Randy watched Milo. He saw Milo distracted.
  "Now," Randy whispered.
  He felt the prosthetic morphed on his arm, coming out of its cloaked state. It quickly released an electric current, burning his ropes off. Milo had no time to react as Randy lunged at him.

  Rembrandt smiled. "Diggs."
  Elston Diggs smiled back at Rembrandt. He shook Rembrandt's hand.
  "'Spinning Top' Brown!" Diggs exclaimed. "Long time no see. Last I saw of you, you ran off to Europe to take care of that one over threre."
  Rembrandt turned. Darnell and Debra whispered among themselves. Rembrandt glared at them.
  "Looks like you're still taking care of him," Diggs commented.

  The creaking of the door got Melissa's attention. She looked and saw Max Brown enter the dark room. Dru and a tall black man was right behind him.
  Kat narrowed her eyes on him. "You're late."
  "There were things I had to deal with," Max said. "Such is the price of running an empire."
  "Aye," Kat said. "An empire. Something ye and my father have been fighting over for a long time. I would like a truce."
  "A truce?" Max uttered. "I control the majority of San Francisco. Why would I want a truce?"
  "Stranger bedfellows," Kat said. "I would think ye would want one. Wi' Papa back in town and all. After all, 'Spinning Top' runs San Francisco."
  "Not anymore," Max said, his face darkening.
  "Keep telling ye self that, boyo," Kat said. "Oh, well. I will take my offer tae 'Spinning Top.' Or maybe I sold go tae the real heir. Darnell..."
  "No," Max said. "I think we should send a message to everyone."
  Melissa felt movement behind her, reminding her that Max left them with guards. Guards that were making themselves known. Then she heard it. The click of a gun's nuzzle. She looked over at Richard. He stared at Kat.
  "Uh...no," Richard said.
  "What do ye think ye doing, Max?" Kat asked. "Surely ye know the bloodbath that would result if ye kill me?"
  "I guess you should have thought of that before you came here alone," Max said. "Gentlemen. Dru."
  Dru pulled out her own gun. Melissa turned around to see the guards aiming. Kat crossed her armsover her chest.
  "And ye really think I came here without someone knowing my whereabouts?" Kat challenged.
  "I'll risk it," Max said, heading out the door.
  "I hope you have a good idea," Richard said, glaring at Kat.
  "Uh...I dinna," Kat said.
  "Great," Richard said.
  "Oh for crying out loud!" Melissa exclaimed.
  Then suddenly she tore off her wig and tossed it behind her at a guard. The guard was surprised. Melissa lunged at him.
  "What--" Dru started.
  Kat lunged at her. They fell ot the floor. They struggled.
  Richard grinned. He jumped the last guard, punching him in the face. Melissa punched her guard, her eyes on Richard. He grinned.
  "I like how you think," Richard said.
  Melissa looked at Kat. "Can I speak now?"
  "Let's go," Kat said.

  "Why did you do it, Dad?"
  Rembrandt's back stiffened. He turned around. Max stared at him, his hands behind his back.
  "Did you not like what I'm done with the city?" Max asked, gesturing at all the slot machines and poker tables around them. "Except for the Ryes' territory, we run the biggest gambling speakeasy on the West Coast. I made us bigger than we ever were. And you want to give it up? For him?"
"Max--" Rembrandt started.
  "Did you forget he left?" Max continued, cutting him off. "He left with MY WIFE? You remember Tori. And he took her. He takes everything."
  "That was a long time ago," Rembrandt said. "He's...he's changed."
  Max's face darkened. "Darnell...doesn't change. He is the scorpion, Dad. It will always be within his nature to do what he does. He betrays. In the end, he will destroy us all. Because he can."
  "Do you not believe in second chances?" Darnell asked.
  "Not for him," Max replied. His arms fell to the side, revealing a gun in one. "Never again."
  Rembrandt's eyes widened. Max aimed the gun past Rembrandt. He turned quickly. Rembrandt was with Debra by a roulettle table, his arm around his waist.
  "Max, no!" Rembrandt exclaimed.
  "You always did like him better," Max said. "So you will feel pain. Good. In fact, good--"
  A hand touched Max's shoulder. Suddenly, electricity lit up Max's body. A scream cut through the music. Max fell to the floor.
  Randy stood behind where Max had been. His prosthetic was visible. He looked at Rembrandt.
  "Are you--" Randy started.
  "No!!!" Rembrandt screamed.

  "So he up and left?"
  Melissa looked up. She had been sitting on the Dominion with a cup of coffee for a couple of hours. She also was not expecting Ethan to come look for her.
  "Kat wanted to show how 'grateful' she was that he saved her," Melissa said. "Technically I did that by not standing still."
  Ethan sat down beside her. "You jealous? A little surprised."
  Melissa looked at Ethan. "Old habits die hard."
  "Hm."
  "Which is why I think if someone has a secret...in this group...it has a way of getting out. Best to be straight about it."
  Ethan's face darkened for a moment. Its look was all Melissa needed to know the truth. Richard had been right.
  Ethan had a secret.

  "Leave him alone."
  Randy paused. He was about to knock on Rembrandt's bedroom door. After last night, he wanted to be sure Rembrandt was okay. Instead, he turned and had Professor Brown in his face.
  "I wanted to be sure he was okay," Randy said.
  "And I am confident your face is the last one he would like to see," Brown said. "After all, this is not the first time."
  "So Rembrandt told you?"
  "Yes."
  "Good. Did he tell you that Max might be alive if you hadn't been distracted."   Brown glared at him. "That is uncalled for, Mr. Heim."
  "I beg to differ," Randy countered. "How many times have one of us tried to take you unaware only to realize your telepathy picked us up. Surely you knew Max was aiming for you."
  "Shut up."
  "You shut up."
  "I said SHUT UP."
  Randy coughed. He grabbed at his throat, struggling to breathe. He fell to the floor. He looked up to see Brown glaring down on him.
  "What in the world!"
  Brown looked past Randy. Suddenly, breath rushed through Randy's mouth. He could breathe again. He turned to see Rembrandt had come out of the room. He frowned on the whole scene.
  "What is going on?" Rembrandt demanded.
  "Mr. Heim wanted me to motivate him," Brown explained. "Therefore I did."
  Randy glared at Brown. "Yes...he did."

  The wormhole whirred. Rembrandt shot out of it. He did it so fast he was sure he was about to hit the ground...hard.
  A moment passed. Nothing. Rembrandt realized his eyes were closed. He opened them to see Darnell staring at him. He also looked down to see that he floated in the air.
  "Lower me," Rembrandt said.
  Slowly, Rembrandt lowered to the sidewalk. He looked around. Ahead of him, Randy and Melissa walked ahead slowly. The streets were completely deserted. rembrandt stared up at the buildings. They looked empty and forlorn.
  "I don't like this."
  Rembrandt looked beside him. Richard was there with Ethan. They also looked around.
  "It's too quiet," Ethan said. "Like a tomb."
  "Now don't you start with the death talk," Richard said.
  "Only saying the truth."
  "Stuff your--"
  "Hey!" Rembrandt yelled, moving past them.
  A few doors down, someone stepped out. Rembrandt headed toward it. Actually, the figure stumbled. Rembrandt figured he was drunk.
  "Excuse me," Rembrandt said, making it toward the man. "We're a little lost. Could you--"
  The figure looked at him. Rembrandt stopped talking. The man had white eyes. His skin was pale and his clothes ragged. Before Rembrandt could react, the man hissed, showing a black tongue. Then he lunged at Rembrandt.
  "Ahhh!!" Rembrandt screamed.

THE-END


 

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