"And on the next 'The Valley...' Melissa. Ethan. And the guy who started it all between the two friends: Randy. Who will he pick? Meanwhile..."
Richard Hall looked around the bar. Many of the patrons had their eyes on the TV screen. Richard rolled his eyes and turned to his left. His eyes narrowed on Rembrandt Brown.
"What did the Egghead get mixed up in this time?" Richard demanded.
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 5: THE VALLEY
TWELVE HOURS EARLIER...
"I'm telling you," Ethan Bradshaw said, looking out the window, "we are being followed."
Ethan's eyes narrowed on the white van across the street from the Dominion. They had not been on this Earth for a day. His instincts were on edge about it.
"Or maybe, Thuggie. You're still haunted by that world with the Council."
Ethan turned around. Richard Hall came out of his hotel room, putting his leather jacket on. He smirked at Ethan. Ethan glared.
"I know what I know," Ethan replied. He smirked. "Aren't you the rogue of this group? I thought you would have good instincts about this."
"Maybe," Richard said. "Or maybe it's about Number One."
Ethan rolled his eyes. Ever since his breakup with their companion Melissa Clark, Richard was only focused on one thing: himself. Given Melissa seem focused on HIS boyfriend Randy Heim...
"Hm," fell out of Ethan's mouth. He paused. What was he and Randy now?
"Something to add, Thuggie?" Richard asked, cutting into Ethan's thoughts.
Ethan came out of his thoughts. He was about to tell Richard not to call him that nickname. Then...Melissa's bedroom door opened. He looked over and saw Melissa...with Randy.
"Geez,"Richard said, "what a surprise."
Melissa looked over at Richard, her eyes narrowing. Randy's eyes fell on Ethan. He managed a smile.
"Hey," Randy said.
"Hey," Ethan said.
"That was not funny," Melissa said.
"No...it really wasn't," Richard replied.
The hotel door opened. Ethan looked over. It was their other companion Rembrandt Brown. He paused in the door, taking in the scene.
"Everything cool?" Rembrandt asked.
"Yeah, Rem," Rembrandt said. "Just leaving. A week here. Refuse to stay here."
Richard stormed out. Ethan looked back at Melissa and Randy. She put her hand on Randy's shoulder. Ethan headed for the door.
"Ditto," Ethan said.
He was out the door before Randy could say anything.
Melissa Clark watched Ethan go. She looked over at Randy.
"Sorry," Melissa said.
Randy patched the hand on his shoulder. He looked at Melissa. He managed a smile.
"It's okay," Randy managed. "He'll come--"
"So how is narrowing down Quinn's location coming?"
Melissa looked over at Rembrandt. he stood with his arms over his chest. His eyes studied them in a way she did not like.
"Slow," Randy said, moving away from Melissa. "Too many variables. It's making it hard to narrow."
"Maybe you should hurry up," Rembrandt said.
Randy frowned. "I'm going as fast as I can."
"Good."
"I don't like your tone."
"Maybe you'll like it more if Cassandra and her gang showed up. Forget about that?"
Melissa's eyes narrowed on Rembrandt. No one had forgotten about Cassandra. She had found them on Camera World. All they wanted was to kill Randy. She had even predicted Randy would die...which he did. Ethan had revived him.
"No, Rembrandt," Randy said, "I haven't forgotten."
"Maybe you should go into a trance," Rembrandt said. He looked at Melissa. "That usually helped you focus."
"Hey!" Randy exclaimed.
"Guys!" Melissa cut in. "We got a week. How about no fighting?"
"Fine," Randy said. "I...will go and focus."
Randy headed out of the door. Melissa watched him go. Then she turned to Rembrandt.
"What was that about?" Melissa demanded.
"That was cold, Girl," Rembrandt said. "And don't ask what. You know what. He's spoken for."
"No ring," Melissa shot back.
"Melissa--"
"Sorry!" Melissa said, throwing up her hands. "It's just...Richard was right. After everything I've been through...Ben, Paige, my double...I still love him." She looked at Rembrandt. "And I want him back."
"No matter who you hurt?" Rembrandt challenged. "That doesn't sound like the Melissa I know."
"And you're not doubting, Remmy?"
"Doubting?"
"That we're going to get home," Melissa answered. "Maybe Richard had a point when he wanted to stay on that world with Nicole. We could be sliding for years. Maybe...we should get what happiness we can."
Melissa headed for her room. Maybe Rembrandt had been right. She was one to not give up hope of getting home. But seeing Randy die...losing Richard...finding that false Quinn...even she wondered.
How much more could she take?
Richard smiled. He stood in the Dominion bar for a minute. However, it wasn't a bar on this world. It was a night lounge. His eyes took in the nice girls in cocktail dresses. he rubbed his hands together.
"Yeah...soooo going to like this world," Richard commented.
Richard took a step forward. A hand touched his shoulder. He turned to see who it was. He frowned at Ethan.
"You know I don't swing that way," Richard said. "Move it."
Ethan moved the hand. "Sorry. Room for one more?"
Richard frowned. "What part of 'don't-swing-that-way' you don't get?"
"You sure do say that a lot," Ethan said. "You sure about that?"
Richard's hands balled fists. "Don't make me kick your--"
"I would kill you."
"Bring it, Thuggie. Wouldn't be the first person I killed."
"Ditto."
Richard paused. He had a point. Ethan did 'take care' of Richard's double so Richard could live in happiness with the double of his high school sweetheart Nicole Harris...and their son. he had not even asked Ethan to. Richard dropped his fists.
"Sure. Whatever," Richard said.
Ethan sat back on the lounge couch. The sounds of Paul Van Dyk filled his eyes. Vodka filled his body. He looked over at Richard. Richard sat across from him just as drunk, making out with a blond-haired girl in a black cocktail dress.
Ethan looked around. Various people were chatting and laughing. Making out in their little booths. Everyone...but him. too busy trying to forget Randy.
He wished his gang was still here. Jared, Dru, and Mia would be tearing up this place. They wouldn't let him stay in this funk. Then again they didn't know what he was.
Ethan sighed sadly. He headed for the restroom. Definitely time to take a break.
Ethan frowned as he moved across the room. It looked like a few of the ladies were taking pictures of him on their digital cameras. He ran his fingers through his hair feeling self-conscious. He wondered if that was a good thing.
The dark-haired man's eyes widened when Ethan walked into the restroom.
"No way!" the dark-haired man exclaimed.
"Do I know you?" Ethan asked.
"No," the dark-haired man answered, all smiles. "But my girl...Lois...knows you. Not gay or nothing...but she's ruling for you."
"Oh," Ethan managed.
"Must be the Brokeback Mountain thing," the man replied. He quickly threw up his hands. "Not that there's anything wrong with that. THE VALLEY rules."
"What's--" Ethan started.
The restroom door opened. Ethan turned around. He frowned. It was Randy.
"Richard told me you were in here," Randy said.
"Great," Ethan said.
"No freaking way!" the dark-haired man exclaimed. He reached into his pants. He pulled out his cellphone. "You mind taking a picture? Lois would kill me if I didn't get the both of you."
Randy looked over at Ethan. He frowned in confusion. Ethan loved it when he frowned. He shook his head, hoping it would sober him up a little. He shrugged.
"Don't ask," Ethan said.
The phone rang again. Melissa groaned, turning over in her bed. She figured Rembrandt would get it. But it was on the third ring.
The phone rang again. Melissa reached for it. She put it to her ear.
"Hello?" Melissa asked.
"Is this Miss Clark?" the voice on the other end asked.
Melissa frowned. "Who wants to know?"
"The person who enforces the contracts...of course. By the way...are you forgetting yours?"
Melissa sat up. "excuse me?"
"Ratings have soared since we did online dailies," the voice continued. "You can't just walk. Peckin simply won't let you."
Melissa shot out of the bed. "Peckin?"
She shut down the phone. Then she headed out of the room. Daniel Peckin was slime no matter what would they were on. The last thing she wanted was to get mixed up with him.
Melissa threw open the door. She had to warn--
A petite redhead stood before her. Behind her were two goons. She looked at Melissa, pushed her glasses up her nose.
"And where do you think you're going?" the redhead demanded. "You have a contract."
"Hi."
Ethan stared at Randy. He crossed his arms over his chest. He said nothing.
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"What?" Ethan said. "What, Randy? What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know!" Randy snapped. "But say something. This cold shoulder thing is killing me."
"And this Melissa thing...is killing me," Ethan said.
Randy frowned. Ethan looked away. He did not know what to say.
A hand touched his cheek. Ethan backed away. Randy reached out for him. Ethan grabbed Randy's hands.
"Stop it," Ethan hissed.
Randy smirked. "Make me."
"That's not funny," Ethan said as he struggled with Randy.
Randy pushed him into the sink. He still gave Ethan a smirk.
"Then why are you smiling?" Randy challenged.
"I--" Ethan started.
Randy released Ethan. Before Ethan could react, Randy kissed him. Ethan's eyes widened. Then he closed them, grabbing Randy's face. It felt good.
Ethan's eyes widened again. He pushed Randy away. Randy looked at him dumbfounded.
"Is this a joke?" Ethan asked. "Because it wasn't a joke when I walked in on your lips almost on Melissa's."
"I want you, Ethan," Randy protested.
"Well, you're not hanging around with me."
"Well, you're not talking to me."
"Gee, I wonder why."
"How about you make a choice and stick with--"
The restroom door flew open. Ethan turned quickly. A small man with glasses stood in it, his dark hair slicked back. He had two goons behind him. A gasp got Ethan's attention. He looked at Randy. Randy looked surprised.
"Bufford?" Randy uttered.
"Oh, you remember?" Bufford asked. "That's nice. Shame you don't remember your contract."
Richard rolled over in the bed. His forehead wrinkled up. He moved his arm a bit. His eyes shot up.
He sat up. There was nothing. No blond-haired girl laid next to him. No blond-haired girl had clothes all over the room. Nothing. Richard threw himself back down the bed.
"Crap!" Richard uttered.
Suddenly, the door shot open. Richard sat back up, a smile on his face. He frowned.
"Crap!" Richard said.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Rembrandt said, "but she left hours ago."
"Crap!" Richard yelled, falling back on the bed.
"You've seen Ethan, Randy, or Melissa?" Rembrandt asked.
"Randy and Ethan," Richard said. "Downstairs. At the lounge."
"And Melissa?"
"No sign of her. I left her here with you."
"I left her here, too," Rembrandt said. "She's gone now."
"Hm," Richard commented. "Sounds like someone probably walked into the gay reunion. Went somewhere and cried."
"Can't you let up on that?"
"Like you let up on Egghead?" Richard challenged. "Puh-leaze."
Rembrandt glared. Richard did not care. Ever since Alexandrian World, two things were sure things. Richard had not let up on Melissa for wanting to be with Egghead. Rembrandt had not let up on Randy for leaving without Quinn Mallory.
"We all want to find Quinn," Rembrandt said.
"Ha!"
"Fine...it's more important to find Quinn than your melodrama."
"Yeah...good ole Quinn...Father of Sliding. Gonna get us to the Promised Land."
Rembrandt crossed his arms over his chest. "Is that all you do...joke?"
Richard sat up again. "Sometimes being a wise guy is all a guy got to hold on to. Besides...if we can't even get home...why do you think Egghead can even find Genius? Really."
Rembrandt's face darkened. Richard frowned. Obviously he hit a nerve. He reached over the side of the bed for his pants.
"All I'm saying--" Richard started.
"Richard," Rembrandt said coldly, "I think you're said enough."
Richard got on his pants quickly. It was too late though. Rembrandt was gone, the bedroom door ajar.
"Crap!" Richard snapped.
"I just cannot believe you three."
Ethan could barely pay attention to the voice of Bufford. Guys dressed in white were around him. They were busy attaching wires, a pack, and a mini-mic to him. After the guy he had met in the restroom, he figured his double was some kind of TV star. In any case, Bufford had rarely let any of therm out of his sight since last night.
"Tara and I mentioned what you could expect if you signed up for this."
Ethan looked past the guys around them. Bufford and crew had brought Randy and he to a nice-looking townhouse. They at the moment were in the living room. Bufford paced. Meanwhile Randy was on the other side of the room being miked up.
"With Number 1 show ending early due to the star's contract ending and her wanting to run off and write books, a new show had to take its place," Bufford continued. "Which means cameras constantly. Possible fame. Obscurity begone." His eyes fell on Randy. "And no one saw you coming."
Ethan frowned. Randy also frowned. He stared at Bufford.
"Huh?" Randy uttered.
"The television public can deal with straight people. They can deal with gay people. But Bisexuals?" Bufford grinned. "That's a whole new can of worms. And new is hot. So...hit on our hands. And...the boss wants you around. No more vanishing acts."
"We're ready," one of the men next to Ethan said.
"Good," Bufford said.
"Ready," one of the men next to Randy said.
"They're coming!" someone outside the room yelled.
"Let's head, people!" Bufford declared. "Leave the lovebirds alone."
The men headed out of the living room. Bufford studied Ethan and Randy. Then he headed out of the living room. He paused.
"Just act natural," Bufford said. "Melissa and Winter are coming. But you don't know what. Have a close moment." He gave a thumbs up. "Cameras are rolling. Go team!"
Bufford vanished. Ethan looked at Randy. He looked just as confused.
"I have no idea what's going on," Randy said. "More than likely a reality show."
"A reality show?" Ethan uttered.
"As if you never saw a reality show," Randy said.
Ethan glared. "Some of us was too busy surviving or dealing with 'Maggs to pay attention to TV."
Ethan looked away from Randy. Just think of the last few years...hard as they were...made him think of Jared and the gang. His eyes watered. He fought against it. He was not about to cry. Who was he kidding? Why was he even still here?"
A hand touched his shoulder. Ethan looked down, refusing to turn around. He felt Randy's other hand wrapping around his arm. Randy's nose nuzzled his ear.
"I'm sorry," Randy said. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
Ethan laughed. He could hear the bitterness in the laugh. He could tell Randy tensed a little.
"Yeah," Ethan said, moving from him. "You never mean to hurt me. Yet...you do."
"Ethan--" Randy started.
"Okay, what we--"
Ethan looked at the living room entrance. Melissa stood int he door with a curly-haired girl. Melissa's forehead was wrinkled up. The curly-haired girl's jaw was opened.
"--miss?" the curly-haired girl finished. "Uh...never mind. You know, Liz...maybe we hit Silver Spoon. We--"
"Winter," Melissa said, looking at the girl, "I'm fine." She looked at Randy and Ethan. "And apparently, you two are, too."
"Yeah," Winter added. "We were all at Ben's party and poof! You two left."
"Ben?" Randy uttered.
Ethan frowned. It was probably a double of Randy's roommate Ben Loveland. Ethan turned to Randy.
"Uh...yeah...remember," Ethan managed. "We needed to talk."
"We did?" Randy asked, frowning.
"Anyway," Winter said, rolling her eyes, "don't forget we are heading out to Tres for Duncan's birthday party. In fact, Liz...let's go shop!"
Before Melissa could stop her, Winter grabbed her. She dashed out of the living room. Ethan watched them go. Maybe it was a good thing. He could sort out things with--
Ethan looked at Randy. He glared. Randy stared after Melissa.
"You know what?" Ethan said. "I think I said all I can say about us on that one world. If you want me, I'm here. If you want her, you have a clear opening. Make a choice already...and stick to it."
Ethan stormed out of the living room. His eyes watered again. As he headed for the stairs, he saw a camera crew in the hall. As one of the cameras focused on him, Ethan could make out Bufford and a redhead behind the crewmen. Bufford smiled and gave him the thumbs up.
Ethan felt sick. He saw a flight of stairs. He headed up them, hoping there were no cameras up there.
Melissa looked over Winter's shoulder. She had hoped the cameras would have left them alone after they left the mall. No such luck. A camera crew was a few feet away watching. She would give anything to be away...
"Liz!" Winter snapped.
Melissa blinked. She looked back at an annoyed Winter. She managed a smile as she ran her fingers through her hair.
"Sorry, Winter," Melissa said. "My mind was a million miles away."
Winter smirked. "I bet. Focusing on hot Randy."
Melissa felt her face warm. "That obvious?"
"Liz, I'm your best friend," Winter said. "I was there all last year when you and Randy inched closer and closer together. Then you dated. Then BAM! Randy has an ex he's friends with. DOUBLE BAM!! His ex...is a guy. Hard breaks, Girl."
Melissa looked down at her vanilla ice cream. She used her spoon to toy with it. It sounded like her double was a lot like her from a long time ago. A girl who haven't been sliding for years. Normal. She missed normal.
"Thanks for reminding me," Melissa said.
"Hey! Just more reason for us to look our best at Tres," Winter said. "There are other fish in the sea, Liz. We just have to find you one. Maybe Ben--"
"No," Melissa spit out.
"No?" Winter uttered. "You never said that about Ben before."
Melissa's eyes narrowed on Winter. The last thing she wanted was to be involved with another Ben double. She managed a smile.
"Let's just have fun," Melissa said.
"Deal," Winter said.
Richard headed into the lounge. He had spent all day looking for the others. No sign of any of them. Maybe Rembrandt had better...
Richard paused. His eyes narrowed on the bar. Rembrandt was there. He headed over to him, landing his butt on a barstool.
"I don't think you're gonna find Egghead or the others in here," Richard said.
Rembrandt looked at Richard. Richard saw the bloodshot eyes. Then he looked at the shot glasses in front of Rembrandt.
"Remmy, I'm crushed," Richard said. "You could have at least invited me. I love a good shot or--"
"Do you really think that's funny?" Rembrandt asked. "Is that 'cool?' What's the matter with you, fool!"
"Me?" Richard uttered. "I'm not the one sitting at a bar."
"And yet you're empty."
"No more than you," Richard shot back.
"At least I have people who believe in me. Who I believe in."
"Yeah, right."
"Can you say the same?"
Richard said nothing. Rembrandt smirked.
"I didn't think so," Rembrandt said.
"You know jack, Shot Guy."
"I know it must be empty for you, Clone Boy."
Richard's eyes narrowed on Rembrandt. The bartender dropped off another shot. Rembrandt drank it quickly. He gave Richard a drunken grin.
"Yeah, I said it," Rembrandt said. "Clone. As in...not the original. As in...Richard Hall...was killed by Mr. Stone. Stabbed. Torn up by a slidestorm. You...grown in a tube. A blank slate for a while. Who's to even say your memories are fa-fa-fake?"
"I say," Richard said.
Rembrandt laughed. "You say? You say! The 'man' said it."
The bartender dropped another shot off. Rembrandt downed it in one gulp. His head shot to the left, eyes narrowing on Richard.
"Just accept it," Rembrandt said. "No matter how you try...how you push...you're nothing but a copy. So...who are you really? Because real Richard...wouldn't be such a pansy."
Richard leaned back. His eyes widened as the words stabbed him. He knew he was a clone. But the memories...were his. They were not fake. His eyes narrowed on Rembrandt. Rembrandt laughed.
Without warning, Richard lunged at him.
Ethan headed down. The sleep had done him good. He hated being waken up by the cellphone Bufford had given all of them one. At the moment he had text with a message: TIME TO HEAD DOWNSTAIRS.
Ethan smiled. He saw that the camera crew from earlier was no longer in the corner. As he made it to the bottom he hoped that meant they were gone
Then he heard it. The familiar whir that usually accompanied a wormhole opening.
"Randy!" Ethan yelled.
He ran into the living room. He stopped at the door. In the middle of the living room was a blue wormhole.
Ethan's jaw dropped. His mind shifted to Randy. He looked over at the couch. Randy was there, dark hair flying in the wind. Every few seconds Randy's body lifted up as if it would go falling into the wormhole.
Ethan headed for the couch. As he got closer, he felt the force of the wormhole. It was like a whirlpool trying to pull a ship in. Ethan stopped. Still his shirt flapped in the wind of the wormhole.
His eyes fell on Randy again. Randy had not seen to notice. In fact, Randy appeared calm. Ethan inched closer to the couch, his eyes still on Randy. He finally could see him in the face. His eyes widened.
Randy's stare was blank. He was in a trance.
"Randy?" Ethan uttered.
Randy said nothing.
"Ra--" Ethan started.
Suddenly, Randy's body fell up. It shot for the wormhole.
"Randy!" Ethan shouted.
Melissa stepped out of the Cadillac. She tried to ignore the cameras taking quick pictures of her in her strapless short black dress. She was a normal girl.
She walked up the walkway to Tres. Suddenly, a paparazzi shot out at her. She quickly tossed her hair. The camera got it. Melissa giggled and walked on. Okay...maybe not a normal girl.
"Liz!"
Melissa looked at the doorway. Winter was already there, dressed in a short red dress. She was oblivious to the line and the bouncer. Melissa followed suit.
The one thing that became obvious to Melissa was the camera crew. They had already set up in a corner. She couldn't say she liked it. Oh, well. It was only until the slide.
She frowned. Then what? What if they winded up somewhere worse?
"Melissa? Hey."
Melissa came out of her thoughts. A blond-haired guy stood in front of them. Winter shrieked and threw her arms around him.
"Duncan!" Winter exclaimed. "Happy birthday."
Duncan hugged Winter. "Thanks, Win." He looked at Melissa. "Hello, stranger. What's up?"
Melissa managed a smile. She ran forward and threw her arms around Duncan's neck.
"I'm been busy," Melissa said.
"*cough*Randy*cough*," Winter said.
Melissa glared at Winter. Winter gave her a mock innocent look. Melissa rolled her eyes and looked back at Duncan.
"You so need to let him go," Duncan said. "you're way better than that."
Melissa frowned. So here was a stranger saying that. First Rembrandt. Now Duncan.
"I don't know about that," Melissa said.
"I think he's right, Liz," Winter said. "Let Ethan have him. I can't believe that we used to be--"
Someone grabbed Duncan from behind. Melissa saw his face. It was Ben Loveland. This double had shaggy brown hair. He tickled Duncan.
"Hey, Birthday Boy!" Ben yelled. "Why you ain't drinking?" His eyes fell on Melissa. "Oh...I see why."
Melissa smiled. At least one thing she could count on. Ben was being Ben. It was comforting.
"Ah!" Melissa yelled. She looked at Winter. "Why you elbowed me?"
Winter grabbed Melissa, flashing a smile at Duncan and Ben. "'Cuse us. Girl talk."
Winter dashed past them. Melissa moved quickly. The last thing she wanted was to trip on television. They made it to the bar. Melissa glared at Winter.
"What was that about?" Melissa demanded.
"As if you thought I wouldn't notice," Winter said. "Hello! You got the hots for Ben."
"No, I don't."
"You soooo do!" Winter exclaimed. "I saw the look you gave him."
"It's nothing like that," Melissa protested.
"The last time you protested this much was over Randy. It soo was something. Good thing, too. You really need to--"
"You ever have anyone rob you of a moment?" Melissa asked. "I have. Everything was coming together for Randy and me. He got a clue. I got one. We...slept together. Everything was falling into place. Ever have that moment snatched away form you? And you know what? I want it back."
"Whoa," Winter commented. "That...was deep." She turned to the counter. "We sooo need cosmos."
Richard crossed his arms over his chest. He sat on the barstool. He turned. His eyes fell on Rembrandt.
Rembrandt also sat on a barstool. His arms were also crossed over his chest. He refused to look at Richard.
"Thanks so much," Richard said. "Imagine the others' surprise when they find out we got booted out of the Dominion."
"As if you give a damn about the others," Rembrandt said, still not looking at Richard.
"Clone Boy, remember?" Richard said. "I'm not the real Richard. So...don't care."
Rembrandt glared. "Then why are you here?"
"Where else would I be? " Richard asked. "Every time I try to leave...you guys screw it for me." He grabbed up his beer. "And misery loves company. Cheers."
Richard drank his beer. He felt good saying that. He felt sure Richard would say--HE would say that.
Crap. Rembrandt's words really got to him. Now he was doubting himself. He was Richard in a new body. It all came flooding back when he saw Mr. Stone. He always assume that was because he was a better experiment than Rebecca Pryce dreamt. Now he wondered if maybe there was something more sinister in him remembering...
"Look! There's an ad!"
Richard frowned. He looked around to see the other patrons look up at the TV screens. He did the same. His jaw dropped.
"And on the next 'The Valley...' Melissa. Ethan. And the guy who started it all between the two friends: Randy. Who will he pick? Meanwhile..."
"What did the Egghead get mixed up in this time?" Richard demanded, his eyes on Rembrandt.
"Randy!"
Ethan ran. Then he jumped, tackling Randy. They fell onto the floor. Ethan looked behind him. The wormhole shut quickly. Ethan turned back to Randy. Randy's face still was blank.
"Randy?" Ethan said.
He got no answer. Randy stared into space.
"Okay, fine," Ethan said.
Ethan pulled back his arm. He swung at Randy's face. Randy's arm shot up, catching Ethan's slap arm. Then he blinked. He frowned.
"Ethan?" Randy managed. "What happened?"
"You tell me," Ethan said. "I walked into it."
Randy sat up. "I...was tinkling. I wanted to fine tune that equation. I found a Quinn. Best that I find the right Quinn."
"Hm," Ethan said, standing up. "Not a thought to me. Or the others in fact."
"Huh?" Randy asked.
"Randy! House full of cameras," Ethan said. "The last thing we need is another Camera World."
Randy's face darkened. "Don't remind me."
Ethan frowned. Camera World. Richard had been tortured. People had died all to prove they were being watched. Cassandra's group. All of it was on Randy.
"Sorry," Ethan said.
"Are you?" Randy asked. "Because you been cold and distant since--"
"--you almost kissed Melissa?" Ethan finished. "It doesn't mean I want to see you hurt."
"And I want to see you hurt?" Randy asked, standing up. "Because I don't. You've been for me a lot. Heck, I probably wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you."
"Well, it was more one of your devices than anything."
"You know what I mean."
Ethan smiled. "I know."
Then...there was silence. Ethan looked at Randy. Randy looked back. Ethan just wanted to reach over and kiss him. He turned away. After the last few weeks, it had to be Randy's ch--
Randy stepped forward. He paused, standing face to face with Ethan. Ethan felt his breath catch. Then Randy grabbed Ethan in his arms, his lips connecting with Ethan's.
His choice made.
Melissa looked around. She saw Winter on the dance floor with some black guy. She threw her head back and laughed as the black guy grinded on her.
"Looking for someone?"
Melissa looked up. Ben sat down next to her. She managed a smile.
"Just...wondering where Randy is," Melissa said. "I mean...Duncan's his friend, too, right?"
Winter and she had been at Tres for hours. Drinks had flowed. Duncan had been a riot. The lounge had gotten packed. Yet there was no sign of Randy. Or Ethan.
Ethan.
"You okay?" Ben asked, cutting into her thoughts.
"Uh," Melissa said, throwing on a smile. "Too much vodka."
Ben laughed. He tapped the half-empty glass in her hand. He smiled.
"I have it on good authority," Ben said, "that that's your second drink."
"Good authority," Melissa asked with a smirk, "or Winter?"
Ben let loose with a laugh. Melissa followed suit. Ben smiled at her.
"Now that's better," Ben said. He touched her chin. Melissa's breath caught as he leaned closer. "That's the Melissa I used to know."
Ben leaned closer. His lips started to connect with her. Melissa shot up.
"Uh...uh," Melissa managed.
Ben managed to stand.
"I'm sorry," Ben said. "I thought--"
"Ben, it's okay," Melissa said. "I...I'm just not ready."
Ben nodded. Then he walked over and gave her a hug. He kissed her forehead.
"He really doesn't deserve you," Ben whispered. "You be safe."
"What, what!"
Melissa looked past Ben. Duncan grabbed Ben from behind. The two of them started to playfully wrestle. Melissa smiled weakly and walked away.
"Awww..."
"That was so sad."
"Are you kidding me? He treated her like a queen."
"I guess Randy picked."
"Hehe," Richard chuckled.
"You think that's funny?"
Richard looked at the girl next to him at the bar. "You would too if you knew what I knew."
"Stop it, Richard."
Richard turned to look at Rembrandt. He smirked.
"Ooooh!" Richard exclaimed. "So it's Richard now?"
"Shut up,"Rembrandt said. "She's on TV. She's on TV with no idea that Randy and Ethan are--"
"Sucks to be her then," Richard cut him off. Rembrandt's eyes widened. "What? Did you think because something like that happened to me I would have sympathy? Again...sucks...to...be..."
"You jerk!"
Richard turned again to look at the girl. She glared at him. He glared back.
"Listen, sweetheart," Richard said. "Kinda busy."
"Doesn't look like it to me."
"Get better contacts."
"Ugh! Wow. Such a man."
Richard frowned. "No." He turned back to Rembrandt. "Not a man at all apparently."
Richard stumbled off the stool. He heard for the door. Enough was enough.
Ethan shot up. He had heard something. He turned. Randy was still sound asleep next to him, laying on his stomach. Ethan looked toward the door.
It was cracked open. Ethan got up and headed for it. He knew he did not leave it open. He got to the door quietly. He opened it and walked out into the hallway. Melissa was heading away.
"Hey," Ethan said.
Melissa said nothing. Ethan quickly shut the bedroom door. Then he dashed over to her. He turned her around. His eyes widened on Melissa, her eyes watering.
"Oh," Ethan muttered. "Are you--"
"Don't touch me," Melissa said, pushing him away.
"You were the one at my door," Ethan said. "I think I should be the mad one."
Melissa stared at him, her eyes narrowing. "Randy's door."
Ethan frowned. "OUR door."
Melissa turned, wiping her eyes. She looked down. Ethan mentally kicked himself. Maybe now wasn't the right time to...
Melissa looked at Ethan. Her eyes looked blank.
"You should have been at Tres," Melissa said. "I guess I see why."
"Yes, I guess you do," Ethan replied. "And you don't like it."
"We should be following our doubles' lives--"
"And I wasn't?" Ethan asked, cutting Melissa off. "Aren't we in a love triangle on this show?"
Melissa's face darkened. Ethan nodded.
"Exactly," Ethan said.
"Guess that makes you the interloper," Melissa commented.
"Or you," Ethan shot back.
"I've been here since the beginning," Melissa said, putting her hands on her hips. "It's just a matter of time--"
"Whoa! Sounds like someone believes her own hype."
Melissa smirked. "Not hype."
"You know as much as I would like to continue this catfight," Ethan said, "I'm heading back to bed. Grow up."
Ethan started to turn. He paused. He heard...
Suddenly, the front door opened. Soldiers charged into the house with camoflague and guns. Two men stood at the base of the stairs, guns ready.
"Don't move!" one of the soldiers yelled.
"Randy Heim...NOW!" the other shouted.
Melissa glared. She sat on a couch. On each side of her was a soldier. Across from her was Bufford, Tara, and Daniel Peckin. At the moment, hsi eyes was on the person in charge of the soldiers: Rembrandt Brown.
"What is the meaning of this?" Peckin demanded.
"All this is, Mr. Peckin," Brown said, "is I giving you the common courtesy."
"Common courtesy?" Tara uttered.
"I see no reason for taking our cash cow," Bufford said. He looked at Melissa. "No offense."
"None taken," Melissa said. She started to stand. "I think I should--"
The soldiers grabbed her arms. They pulled her back on the couch. She glared at Brown.
"You heard Bufford!" Melissa yelled. "There's no reason to hold us. We're making a show."
Brown crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh, you are making a show all right. Melissa Clark...the REAL Melissa Clark is nowhere in San Francisco." He leaned in on Melissa. "So who are you?"
Richard got out of the taxi. He looked up at the offices. Well, Peckin did like the high life. Or the appearance of it.
Another taxi pulled up behind his taxi. The back door of it opened. Rembrandt stepped out of it. Richard glared at Rembrandt.
"Will I ever be rid of you?" Richard demanded.
Rembrandt grinned. "Well, you're the one who wants to tag along. Why are you even here?"
Richard said nothing. He turned and headed into the building.
"Richard--" Rembrandt stared.
"There you are again!" Richard snapped. "Richard. So am I or not? Make up your mind!"
Rembrandt frowned. "Look. I was upset."
"Who isn't?"
"Apparently, Randy."
"Ha!" Richard yelled, pointing. "Now you're singing everyone's song. Mine. Melissa. Don't think he's ever going to get us home, do you? Or find Quinn? So...why should he be happy?"
Rembrandt's face darkened. That meant he was thinking of Richard's words. Good.
"General."
Richard turned around. He frowned. It was a double...Nicole Harris. It was his high school sweetheart. He felt his stomach flip flop. This was too soon after the world where he tried to have a life with...
Nicole moved past him. She saluted Rembrandt. Then she frowned.
"Is everything okay?" Nicole asked, eyeing Richard with susicipion.
Richard stepped away. This Nicole...did not know him. It was written all over her face. it was in her eyes. It was rare...and shocking.
"Uh...no," Rembrandt said.
Nicole frowned at him. "But I thought you were in the room with the fake Melissa Clark."
"I was," Rembrandt said. "However, I was called away." He smiled. "How about we get back in there? I would hate for there to be any tricks."
"Exactly, Sir," Nicole said.
Nicole headed away. Rembrandt followed behind her. Richard brought up the rear.
Did he really want to keep doing this? Was there no peace?
Ethan looked around. Randy and he were in a small office. All around were soldiers. Several of them had guns trained on Randy.
Randy sat on the couch next to Ethan. He also looked around. He looked deep in thought.
Ethan reached over and grabbed one of Randy's hand. He squeezed it. Randy came out of his thoughts, surprise on his face. It was replaced with a smile. Ethan smiled back.
Finally...it was about them again.
"So...how we getting out of this, Boss?" Ethan asked.
"I was pondering that," Randy said, looking at the nearest soldier.
"And?" Ethan asked. "What did you--"
Then...Randy's eyes went blank. Ethan's jaw dropped. He knew what it meant. He was in one of his trances. Ethan shot up.
"Uh...guys--" Ethan started.
"Sit down!" one of the soldiers barked.
"But--" Ethan tried.
"Down!" the soldier yelled.
Suddenly, Randy shot up. the soldier turned to aim at Randy. Ethan lunged at him, swinging. His fist connected, sending the soldier falling to the floor. He turned quickly. His jaw dropped.
The other soldiers were out cold on the floor. Randy stood over them. He looked down at them, his eyes blank. It looked like he was studying them.
"Randy?" Ethan uttered.
Randy blinked. He frowned at the sight before him. He reached down and picked up a gun.
"Let's go," Randy said.
Ethan reached down and got a gun. "Don't have to tell me twice."
"What?"
Melissa ignored Peckin's shriek. Her eyes were firmly on Brown. His eyes were firmly on her. There was not a hint of the compassion she knew from the Rembrandt she knew.
"I am Melissa Clark," Melissa said.
"Like your 'co-star' Randy Heim is really Randy Heim?" Brown challenged. "I don't think so."
Melissa crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, really? Why is that?"
"Because I work for Brian Heim."
Melissa cocked an eyebrow at the mention of Randy's father's name.
"So?"
"Brian Heim works for the government. He is one of the leading scientists in his field and has helped the government in terms of weaponery. That makes him very important...and very dangerous for his children.
"As such, his children and wife are monitored. Randy Heim and he did not agree about him being on this show. Therefore, he wanted Randy watched more closely than Jared or Jenna." He looked over at Peckin. "So we installed cameras in your 'house.'"
Tara shot up. "I beg your pardon!"
Bufford shot up. "How could you? That is just unconstititional."
"If it has to do with national security, it isn't," Brown shot back.
"All we do is tape and show 30-somethings living their lives in San Francisco," Tara said, her eyes narrowing.
"How does THAT affect national security?" Bufford asked, his eyes also narrowing.
Brown reached into the pocket of the jacket he had on. He pulled out a small flat device that looked like an iPhone. He pushed a button on the screen. Then he showed them what was on it.
It...was Randy. Randy staring blank face at a blue wormhole. Suddenly, he fell at it. A figure knocked him away. It could only be Ethan.
"Okay, producers," Brown challenged. "Explain THAT."
Melissa looked at them. Tara's eyes were wide. Bufford's jaw was opened, but no words came out. Brown put the device back in his pocket. He smirked at Melissa.
"My expects have a name for it," Brown said. "Einstein-Rosen Bridge. We also know what it does." His eyes narrowed on Melissa. "We also know that Randy Heim met up with his brother Jared in London...Melissa Clark on his arm. So...who are you? And how many more are there?"
Melissa glared. Brown stepped forward.
"You will tell me about your army," Brown said, "one way...or the other."
"Do we get to film the torture?" Peckin asked, standing. "I mean...an invasion from another dimension might--"
"We're not an invasion!" Melissa cried.
"Then what are you?" Brown asked.
Melissa said nothing. Brown glared at her.
"Fine," Brown said. "Have it your way."
Hands wrapped around Melissa's arms. The soldiers stood up, dragging Melissa with them. Melissa struggled against them. Brown headed for the door.
"So do we get to film?" Peckin demanded.
"We have a contract after all!" Tara yelled.
Melissa rolled her eyes. Seriously, she was in trouble and all they could think of was ratings. Brown's double could gladly take her away.
Brown looked at Peckin, opening the door.
"Consider our business concluded," Brown said.
"I couldn't agree more."
Brown frowned. Melissa smiled as she recognized the voice. Brown turned in time to get a fist in the face, courtesy of...himself.
Richard ran in, attacking one of the men holding Melissa. They fell back on the couch. The other soldier pulled out a gun, aiming at Melissa's head.
"Halt!" the soldier barked. "Or--"
A gunshot went off. The soldier fell to the floor, a hole in his forehead. Melissa looked at her savior. Her jaw dropped.
FIVE DAYS LATER...
"Still no word on the doppleganger Randall Heim...who has managed to elude police in the killing of a government agent. Everyone is warned..."
Richard heard out of the store. It was almost time for the slide. Not a moment too soon. He was sick of this world.
"And on the next 'The Valley'...Winter and Ben..."
Richard paused. He frowned. It figure. With Randy, Ethan, and Melissa gone, Peckin was focusing on a new hook. Him and his ratings.
He smirked. After such a controversial triangle...according to TWIZ...Richard was sure 'The Valley' was toast. He headed outside.
"Took you long enough."
Richard looked to his right. Ethan leaned against the wall. He had on shades and a beret. Richard laughed.
"Missed me, Thuggie?" Richard asked. "I thought you were too busy sexing up--"
"Shut up," Ethan said.
"Why?" Richard asked. "Everyone saw...or knows."
Ethan stopped leaning. "How about we head for the others?"
"Sounds like a--" Richard started, walking with Ethan.
They passed a window. Richard saw it. His image smirked back. Richard paused, surprised.
"What in the--" Richard started.
"You coming?"
Richard looked at Ethan. Ethan stared back, confusion on his face. Richard looked at the window. He was reflected back, no smirk.
"Uh...yeah," Richard said.
"Thanks."
Randy looked up. Melissa smiled. Randy went back to whatever he was doing to the timer.
"Well...he was going to shoot you," Randy said. "I did what needed to be done." He looked up again. "And I promised I would get you home."
Melissa sat next to Randy. She looked around. Rembrandt still had not come back yet. They thought being on the roof would keep people from seeing the slide.
"Yes," Melissa said, touching Randy's shoulder, "you did."
Randy moved his shoulder. Melissa's hand stood in the air. She stared at him, surprised.
"So we can't even be friends now?" Melissa asked.
Randy paused. He put the timer down. He turned, looking at Melissa.
"Friends yes," Randy said. "Anything else? No."
"So you don't love me?"
"Of course I love you," Randy said. He reached out and touched her hand. "But I'm in love with Ethan. And if you're my friend...you'll respect that."
"Look who I--"
Melissa looked at the roof door. It was Rembrandt. Richard and Ethan were with him.
A shadow moved past Melissa. She looked. It was Randy. He went to Ethan and hugged him. They connected noses. Melissa's eyes watered.
"We ready to go?" Randy asked.
Melissa stood up. She wiped her eyes. She headed for the group.
"I guess...we are," Melissa said.
THE-END
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