“I really need to run these tests Steve. We don’t have anywhere to do it in Washington. I have more equipment here. I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s time for the ‘mother load’.”

“So that’s why you wanted me to come here.” Steve stated as he climbed on the treadmill.

“Yea that’s why we’re here. By the way how’s Jaime feeling?”

“She’s great. She’s staying with Oscar till I get back. You’re sure nothing will happen in the mean time, with Jaime I mean?”

“No she’s not due till the latter part of December. Maybe even the first of January.” Rudy reminded.

“Yea that’s Right I guess. By the way, why didn’t Jaime have to come and have these tests done?”

“She’ll have to wait till after the baby is born.” Rudy started looking around the lab.

“What are you looking for?” Steve asked.

“A file to a project I’m working on. I kind of need your input.” Rudy thought for a moment. “I remember I left in on the desk next to the computer that controls Dan’s time machine…”

“You left it in Washington?” Steve questioned.

“No. The time machine is here. We figured it was causing all sorts of problems in DC. Especially after the Jessie James incident so Oscar ordered it moved here.”

“Brilliant idea. Now Dan won’t have access to it.” Steve pointed out.

“That was the idea of moving it here.” Rudy Smiled.

“I’ll go get it for you if you want.” Steve offered.

“That would be great. It’s right through that door.” He pointed

Steve walked into the once vacant room that now housed Dan’s time machine. “That must be it.” Steve picked the file up off the desk. He stood for a moment staring at the time machine.

‘I wonder if Oscar realizes just what an amazing kid that Dan is? Steve thought. He then turned his attention to the file in his hand.

Just as he opened the folder Rudy walked into the room opening the door. A slight puff if wind blew several sheets onto the floor.

“What’s taking so long?” Rudy questioned.

“I was just admiring Dan’s handy work.” Steve bent over to gather up the papers scattered on the floor.

Steve grabbed onto the desk for leverage as he pulled himself up, as he did so his finger hit the enter key.

“You missed one.” Rudy indicated a sheet that remained on the floor.

“Some people are so picky.” Steve laughed, he handed the rest of the file to Rudy “I’ll get it.”

Steve walked around the desk to grab the last sheet of paper on the floor. “Hey Doc. What’s that noise.” Steve asked as he once again stood.

“I don’t here any…Steve get away quick!” Rudy cried.

Too late, the laser struck just as Steve was ready to move out of the way. In a flash he disappeared.

Rudy ran quickly to the computer. He looked at the read out on the screen ‘March 31, 1973.’ He said to himself. “Now why does that date stick out in my memory?”

Rudy worked frantically to start the retrieval process Dan had been working on ever since the Jessie James incident.

He quickly punched in the code Dan was using. He hit the enter key. Nothing. “Oh Great!” Rudy shouted.

Steve looked around the vacant room. “Oh great. I’m going to have Dan take that dam machine apart. And if he won’t I will!” Steve complained. ‘Now where could I be?” He looked around the vaguely familiar room. “Or I guess a better question is when am I?” Steve thought.

Steve opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Rudy was just passing by. He stopped and nearly passed out at the sight of Steve.

“You ok Doc?” Steve wondered. “You don’t look so good.”

“Steve?” He asked as he tried to regain his composure “This isn’t possible.” Rudy croaked. I mean…I mean….”

Steve nodded. “Yea Rudy it’s me.” Steve wondered what had gotten in to him

Rudy continued to stare at the man standing in front of him. “I don’t understand I just…I mean I just…” Rudy continued to stare at him.

“What’s wrong Rudy?” Steve asked. Then he remembered he wasn’t in his own time, maybe he was just enough in the past or future as to where he had just gone on an assignment.

’Listen Doc, you wouldn’t happen to have today’s paper would you?”

“As a matter of fact…” Rudy motioned him and they both stepped into his office He grabbed the paper off the table and handed it to Steve.

Steve quickly looked at the date. “Oh my … I see the problem.” Steve thought as he continued to stare at the date. March 31, 1973.

Steve took Rudy by the elbow. “I think you’re going to have to sit down for this one.” Steve led Rudy toward the couch in his office. “Here Rudy just have a seat.”

Rudy nodded as he allowed Steve to escort him to the couch in his office. “Look Steve I am having a very hard time with…”

Steve nodded. “I know.” He began. “I’m down the hall aren’t I?”

“That’s where I left you.” Rudy nodded. His face had turned a sickly shade of white.

“Look Doc, don’t go out on me here. I need you.” Steve snapped his fingers.

“Will you excuse me?” Rudy stood and walked across the office. “I have to check on something.”

Steve followed Rudy down the hall to ‘his’ room. He watched as Rudy slowly opened the door and peaked inside. He spun around to see Steve standing right behind him.

“Let’s go back to my office.” Rudy stated his voice suddenly cold and harsh.

Again Steve followed. ‘Wonder what’s wrong with him now?’ Steve thought.

Rudy opened his office door. “Now just step in please.” Rudy snapped.

“Rudy? What is wrong?” Steve asked.

“As if you didn’t know.” Rudy seethed “Look I don’t know who you are or what your game is but…”

“Rudy! I swear to you no game. It’s me you have to believe me.” Steve was starting to get very nervous.

Rudy only glared at him. “What do you want?” Rudy snarled.

“I need your help if you will just let me explain.”

1976

Back in Rudy’s lab Rudy had become frantic looking for the remote link so he could go back and get Steve.

Rudy was in the process of turning his office upside down when Oscar arrived.

“What’s wrong?” Oscar asked reading the distress in Rudy’s face.

“It’s Steve, Oscar. He got caught in Dan’s time machine again.”

“Say what?” Oscar demanded.

‘You heard me. Where he is its March 1973.”

“March? 1973? Rudy that’s when he had the accident.”

“I know that. I’m not real sure what’s going to happen.” Rudy sighed. Then he muttered under his breath. ‘I suppose it could swing either direction.’

“What was that Rudy?” Oscar wondered.

“Aw nothing important.” He turned to Oscar. “We need is the remote link and we’ll…”

“You said the remote link?” Oscar’s face grew serious.

Rudy nodded. “We need it so I or one of us can go back and get him.” Rudy explained.

“Rudy the remote link is in DC. I thought it was best to keep the two separate, that way Dan…”

“You mean we have to get to Washington to get the remote link?” Rudy shouted.

“I’m afraid so Rudy. I’m sorry, I didn’t think this could happen again.” Oscar apologized.

“I don’t blame you Oscar.” Rudy surmised. “One of us better get on a flight and get back to DC right now!”

“Wait what if I have Russ bring it?” Oscar snapped his fingers.

“I don’t know if you can do that. Isn’t it classified ‘eyes only’? Rudy reminded.

1973

“Ok but I better like the explanation.” Rudy barked.

“You’re not going to believe it.” Steve told him

“I don’t like it all ready.” Rudy was still shouting.

“I am Col. Steve Austin. I have been bionic for three years now…”

“How is that possible?” Rudy wondered.

“I came here in a time machine that Oscar Goldman’s son Dan invented.

“I don’t know anyone named Goldman.” Rudy snapped.

“I know you don’t, not yet anyway.” Steve continued to look Rudy straight in the eye. “Here look I’ll prove it.”

“All right!! Prove it!!” Rudy yelled.

Steve reached over and opened the cover on his arm.

Rudy stared in amazement “I’m starting to believe you.” He gasped.

“Starting?” Steve sounded distressed.

“Let me see the legs too.” Rudy pointed to the couch for Steve to sit down.

After examining Steve, Rudy turned to him “I do believe you, but for your own safety till you go back that is. You should stay here. If Spencer were to see…”

“Yea I know.” Steve muttered.

“You know Steve, you could do me, and yourself a big favor.” Rudy began

“Yea? What’s that?”

“Go in there and talk to yourself. Convince yourself that this it the right thing to do. You remember how you were.”

Steve nodded. “I guess I could give it a try.” Steve said.

After checking to make sure Spencer wasn’t around, Steve slowly made his way down the hall to ‘his’ room. ‘I wonder.’ He thought. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t tell me this is the right thing after all.’ He thought again. ‘I have the perfect opportunity to change everything…’

Steve walked into the room. He stared down at himself sleeping. Slowly he approached the bed. ‘I don’t know.’ He thought. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t wake him. Imagine how frightening that would be to be woke up by yourself.’

He stepped back out into the hall. “What’s wrong Steve?” Rudy asked as he approached.

“He’s sleeping.” Steve explained. “I don’t want to wake him. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.” Steve sighed.

“Maybe you’re right.” Rudy stopped talking. “Quick. Get in my office. Spencer is coming. He’s one person who would never understand.”

“Yea. I remember him.” Steve sighed. He ducked into Rudy’s office. But kept the door open a crack so he could here the conversation.

“How is he doing today Wells?” Spencer asked.

“He’s sleeping right now Spencer. I really don’t want you to see him till after the surgery.” Rudy scowled.

“It is important that I see him Dr.” Spencer went on. “He needs to be briefed on the mission he is to go on when…well when the surgery is finished.”

“Spencer. Steve hasn’t even agreed to the surgery yet.” Rudy seethed.

In Rudy’s office Steve had heard enough. He slowly closed the door. ‘I wonder.’ He thought. ‘I just wonder. Is it possible? Could I change the outcome of everything.’

Steve was still thinking when Rudy stepped back inside. “Did you hear any of that?”

“Yea, some.” Steve turned to him. “I didn’t realize what a pain in the behind he was.”

“You say he’s replaced?”

“Yea in a few more months by a man named Oscar Goldman.”

“I thought you said his name was Dan?” Rudy asked.

‘No, Dan is his adopted son. Now he doesn’t adopt them till 1975 so don’t mention anything to him.”

“He’s married then?” This man from the future fascinated Rudy. He wanted as much information he could get.

“No he’s not. The kids…”

“He has more than one?”

“As a matter of fact yes, he has four. They were his sister’s children. She and her husband are killed in a plane crash in ’75 Oscar takes custody of them.”

“I see.” Rudy proclaimed.

Steve stopped. “I think I have told you to much. I really shouldn’t be here. I don’t want to alter history.”

“I’m a little confused.” Rudy wrinkled his brow.

“Yea? By what?” Steve wondered

“Well you said that Goldman’s son invents the time machine? But then you said Oscar adopts him?”

Steve nodded. “Yea.”

“Well I guess I need to ask. How old is he?” Rudy wondered.

“He was 12 when he came up with the idea. He’s 13 now.”

“This is amazing. The kid must be some sort of genus.

“He is.” Steve explained.

Rudy continued. “What’s truly amazing is to have you just appear.”

“Yea, I know.” Steve sighed.

“I’m going to check on the other Steve.” Rudy stood to leave the room. “If he’s awake you can have a little chat with him.”

“Yea sure.” Steve sat on the couch. He really wasn’t looking forward to it at all. He wished that Rudy, the other Rudy would come soon and take him home.”

1976

I declassified it when we moved the project here.” Oscar informed him. “I’ll have Russ bring it out to us. It’s in my vault at OSI”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Rudy agreed. “By the way, what brings you to Colorado. I thought this was going to be just Steve and I?”

“I need Steve on an assignment as soon as you give him the green light after his tests.” Oscar explained.

“You better not let Steve catch you here. You are supposed to be home watching over Jaime.” Rudy reminded.

Russ and Minnie are minding the store. It’s important we get him back here Rudy.”

“As soon as we get the remote link…”

“I’ll call Russ right now.”

Two hours later Russ arrived with the remote link. “Here Oscar.” He handed it to him. He then turned to Rudy. “Dan wondered if you tried the retrieval process?”

“That was the first thing I tried.” Rudy told him. “It didn’t work.

“Here Rudy.” Oscar handed him the remote. “You better go. In March 1973 I wouldn’t have been able to be at the lab. Spencer will have a cow if he sees a stranger is walking around.” He thought for a moment. “I know I would have anyway.

Rudy thought for a moment. “Yea I suppose your right.”

1973

Steve was still sitting on the couch when Rudy walked in. “Well.” He stated. “You’re awake.”

“Did you tell me about me?” Steve wondered.

Rudy shook his head. “No I didn’t. I didn’t think you would believe me…”

“Yea I more than likely wouldn’t have.” Steve stood to leave the room. “You know, I’m very nervous about this.”

“I know you are, but I think it will be best in the long run.”

Steve started down the hall. He froze as he pushed the door open.

Again Steve stared at himself in the bed for several minutes before he was able to approach. Sensing someone was in the room. Steve turned his head.

“Rudy?”

“No Steve.” Steve ‘76 said as he looked down at himself. ‘This is the strangest thing I have ever had happen’. Steve thought.

Steve stared at the man standing before him. “Who are you?” Steve asked.

“I’m you.” Steve replied.

“This isn’t possible.” Steve looked the man up and down. “Does Rudy know you’re in here?”

“As a matter of fact yes.” Steve told him. “It was his idea for me to talk to you.”

“This isn’t possible.” Steve said as he continued staring up at himself.

“I find it hard to believe myself. But I am you. Three years from now.”

Again Steve stared at the man standing in front of him, then down at himself. He was just about to say more when Rudy stepped in.

“So, are the two of you getting to know each other?”

“You sent him in here Doc.” Steve asked laying back on his pillow.

“I sure did. Look at yourself Steve. He came all the way from 1976 to see you. “

“All the way from ’76. How do you come from another time?” Steve asked.

“That requires a little explanation.” Steve continued to stare down at himself.

“Care to go on then.” ’73 Steve demanded.

“I came in a time machine” Steve ’76 tried to explain.

“A time machine?" ’73 Steve scoffed.

“I know I find it hard to explain myself but you have to believe me.”

’73 Steve turned to Rudy. “You believe him Doc?”

Rudy nodded “I think I’ll leave the two of you to talk.” Rudy stepped out of the room.

They both watched Rudy leave the room. “Well I guess you are for real. Other wise Doc would have kicked you out.” Steve noted from his bed.” He looked at Steve standing there. “So this bionic crap really works huh?”

“Well…” Steve started. “I guess the answer to that would have to be….”

“Be honest with me. I’m sure Rudy told you sugar coat it as much as …”

“As a matter of fact…”

“I knew it. There has to be a catch someplace.” Steve snorted.

“There is. The biggest one of all.” Steve began.

“That would be?”

“Have you met Spencer yet?”

“Only for a moment.” Steve sighed. “I don’t know if I like him very well.”

“Well soon he’s replaced as another man which I guess doesn’t matter much.. Spencer goes on the NSB…”

“The what?” Steve eyed him

Steve sat in a chair next to his bed. ‘Wouldn’t it be great?” Steve thought. ‘No Oscar, no missions all the time…’ “It’s like this Steve.” He began again. “You’ll become bionic at a huge price…”

“I know. Doc says six million….”

“I don’t mean cost. I mean the price you’ll pay for the rest of your life…”

Steve reached over with his left arm and grabbed himself. “What do you mean?”

“You work for the government for the rest of your life. You never have anytime for yourself…’

“In other words, I’m about to make the biggest mistake of my life.” Steve’76 surmised.

Steve rose from the chair. “Yes” He nodded.

“I see. No one told me I would be working for the government…”

“Your life is not your own.” Steve ‘76 muttered. “In fact it’s horrible. I never get anytime to myself. The government is always crying ‘emergency’! And I have to do their bidding so to speak.”

“”Huh!” Steve ’73 sighed. I didn’t know it was going to be like that.”

“Well it is.” Steve ’76 was standing next to him. “I guess you need to make some choices now.”

Steve ’73 thought for a long moment. Yea I suppose your right.”

“I just hope you make the right one.”

“Well I appreciate your honesty.” Steve “73 extended his left hand to himself. “Thanks.”

Steve took it. “Think nothing of it.” He replied.

Steve turned to leave. As he pushed the door open he was back in 1976, but not in any way he had possibly imagined.

He looked down where his legs used to be as he sat in the wheel chair the newspaper in his hand read October 17, 1976

“Well I guess I did change history.” He thought as tossed the paper on the floor He then moved himself down the hallway of what he assumed must be his apartment building.

He pushed the button to call the elevator. ‘I wonder where I am’? Steve asked himself as he rode down to the lobby.

He again wheeled himself through the door that led outside. “I’m in DC. Now I wonder why I live here’? He thought.

Steve made his way down the street. “I’m not so sure I like this idea very well.” He thought. “Maybe I could find Dan and have him put things right. I need to get back to 1973. I have to convince myself to approve of the surgery.’ He continued to think.

As he passed a diner he saw Jaime coming out with some man he had never seen before. They had several children with them.”

“Get those dam kids in the car.” The man shouted at her. “I mean can’t you shut them up for five seconds?”

“Come on Greg They aren’t that bad.” Jaime defended.

“I’ll teach you.” The man screamed. He slapped Jaime in the face. “Now. Get in the car. You’re the one who wanted the kids in the first place.”

Steve wheeled himself over to where they stood by their car. “That’s no way to treat a lady.” Steve argued.

“The way I handle my wife is my business.” The man screamed. “Now why don’t you run…” He looked at Steve. “Oh I see you can’t run anywhere.” The man laughed.

“Greg that’s not polite. “ She stepped over to him. “Hi Steve.”

“Do you know this guy?” He was instantly suspicious.

“We grew up in the same town.” Jaime explained “Nothing more than that.”

Greg reached for her arm and squeezed it hard…

“Greg that hurts.” Jaime cried.

“There better not me anymore to it than that.” He looked at Steve. “But then I guess there couldn’t be. He continued laughing.

“Let’s just go Greg.” Jaime looked defeated. Steve wished there was something he could do.”

Before he left the man again turned to Steve. “Mind your own business.” He threw Jaime into the car and sped off.

Steve continued up the street. He had to get to Oscar. He had to get to Dan. But after what he had just witnessed he didn’t know how that was going to go. “He doesn’t even know who I am.” Steve thought out loud. “Maybe he’s not even with the OSI.”

Two hours later Steve found himself in front of the OSI building. He was just getting ready to go up to the guard when he saw a familiar face.

“Rudy?” He called out. “Hey Rudy!”

Rudy stopped. “Steve. What did you need?”

“I need to talk to you if I could.”

“Yea sure. After all it’s been a whole day since I spoke to you.”

Steve looked up at him. “Yea Really? Anyway I have some things I need to talk to you about.”

Rudy got behind him. “Here I’ll do the driving.”

“Thanks.”

Rudy pushed Steve into the building and down the hall to the elevator. “What do you need to see me about Steve?” Rudy questioned as he pressed the button.

“I need to change some things. I need to get back to 1973.”

“1973? Why? Or maybe a better question would be how?” Rudy wondered

“I have to change some things.” Steve muttered.

“Now you know that’s not possible Steve.” Rudy pushed him off the elevator.

“Morning Rudy.” Oscar said.

“Oscar I’m surprised to see you I didn’t think you would be back just yet.”

“Well I have to work, it keeps my mind off of well you know. Who’s this?”

“Oh I’m sorry. Oscar Goldman, this is my good friend Col. Steve Austin.”

“Yes I’ve heard Rudy mention your name before.” Oscar extended his hand to Steve. “I’m pleased to meet you.” Oscar turned and headed toward his office.

“Ok Steve. Let’s go to my office.” Rudy continued to wheel Steve down the hall. “Here we are.” He said as he opened the door and the two went in. “Now what did you want to talk about?”

“Well I…” Steve thought for a moment. “What did you mean when you said you were surprised to see Oscar here.”

“That involves…” Rudy stepped over to his door and locked it. “I suppose I can tell you. You know what bionics are.”

Steve nodded. “What’s going on?”

“Well. After you turned us down, we continued searching for the perfect replacement for you. It took us two years.”

“Go on.” Steve was almost afraid to hear the rest of the story.

“About a year ago Oscar Goldman’s sister and brother-in-law were in a plane crash, leaving Oscar’s four nephews orphaned You know after you turned us down the OSI kept me on they were …”

“Keep going.” Steve urged. “You were saying his nephews were orphaned.”

“Well anyway shortly after the boys came to live with him Marc was in an accident…”

“I’m listening.” Steve didn’t know if he wanted Rudy to finish or not.

Marc gave us the perfect opportunity to test my theory. With Oscar making the choice…”

“I follow, but what does that have to do with Oscar coming to work.”

“If you would let me finish…”

“I’m not certain I want you to.” Steve muttered.

“Marc couldn’t adjust mentally, he was way to young, I tried to explain that to Oscar in the beginning, but he wouldn’t listen…”

“He never does.” Steve muttered. “So what happened? To Marc I mean?”

“Marc killed himself two days ago.” Rudy told him bluntly.

“Rudy I need to see Oscar’s son Dan.” Steve demanded. “I have to put things right.”

“I don’t think you can see Dan.” Rudy told him.

“Why not?” Steve demanded.

“Look Steve. Marc was Dan’s brother. He has taken this very hard, and how did you know Oscar had a son named Dan?”

“Rudy please I need to make this right.” Steve cried. His heart ached for little Marc. “I have something to tell you…”

“I find that impossible to believe, Dan hasn’t even mentioned a time machine. He’s going to be a lawyer anyway.” Rudy pointed out.

“A lawyer?” Then Steve remembered Dan was only studying medicine for Marc What was he going to do?

1973

“Steve? Steve?” Rudy called out. Steve was just getting ready to go into ‘his’ room. “I’m glad I caught you. I suppose I should go in with you.”

“Yea that might be a good idea.” Steve shook his head to clear away the visions that still filled it. “So that’s what could happen.’ The two of them stepped into Steve’s room.

1976

Rudy held the remote link. “Ok I’m going to program it to this place and time when Steve and I get back, it may only seem like a few seconds to you.” Rudy began to explain

“Ok Rudy. What do I need to do?” Oscar asked.

“Your job is simple. I’ll stand over here.” Rudy tucked the remote link in his pocket and stepped in front of the laser. “All you have to do is hit the enter button.”

“Sounds simple enough.” Oscar looked down at the keyboard. “Ok you ready?” He hit the enter button and Rudy disappeared.

1973

He ended up in the same room as Steve had. “I was hoping Steve would be right here.’ Rudy thought as he opened the door to the vacant room

Rudy and Steve were just about to enter Steve’s room. They were interrupted by a voice coming behind them.

Both men turned around to see Rudy running up behind them.

“Steve!” Rudy called out. “Wait a minute.”

Rudy was stunned to see himself running down the hall toward them. “I need to take you back.” He turned toward himself. “I think Steve should come back with me.”

Rudy could only stare at the two. Then he looked at himself. “You’re me?” he asked.

Rudy nodded. “Yea, I guess I am.”

“This is getting to be pretty amazing. Rudy ’73 stated. He looked down the hall. We better go inside before Spencer shows up. He’s always showing up unannounced. He wants to talk to Steve, and quite frankly I don’t think he’s ready for it.”

“I understand.” Steve agreed. He turned back to Rudy ’76 “I’ll go with you in just a moment. ‘You’ asked me to have a little chat with myself.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea.” Rudy ’76 glared at himself.

“Well I do.” Rudy ’73 objected. I think it’s just what Steve needs.”

“Well he never talked to him before. Steve made the decision on his own then, he can do it now” Rudy ’76 argued. “I think it would do him a world of good.”

Steve watched the conversation go back and forth. “Now listen you two. I’m not going to sit here and watch the two of you argue over this. It’s pretty mind boggling if you ask me. I mean two Rudy’s arguing.” He turned to Rudy

“Good, then let’s go.” Rudy ’76 grabbed onto him.

“Please reconsider.” Rudy ’73 pleaded.

Rudy ’76 again turned to him. “Look I’m all for Steve’s well being, the same as you, but what if Steve has agreed to the surgery, what if the conversation changes his mind? Do you realize what could happen?”

“I don’t think it will change his mind.” Rudy ’73 presumed I mean look at him he’s here isn’t he.”

Rudy ’76 nodded. “Yea I guess he is. But what if it does more harm than good it could totally alter history as we know it.”

“I don’t think it will right now Steve really doesn’t know if he wants the surgery or not.” Rudy ’73 explained.

Rudy ’76 turned to Steve. “Think you can convince yourself to go through with it.”

“I think I can.”

Steve ‘76 and the two Rudy’s stepped into Steve’s room. Steve turned toward them. “What the devil is going on here?” He shouted

Both Rudy’s ran to him. “It’s ok Steve.” They spoke together.

“The hell it is. Rudy I’m seeing two of you, and me standing by the door.” Steve reached up and grabbed the Rudy standing closer to his left side. “Doc, Am I losing my mind?”

“No Steve, that’s not the case. “I want you to meet someone.”

Steve had been standing by the door watching the exchange. He was mixed up as well as to which Rudy was which. He was assuming the Rudy who had spoke last was the Rudy from ’73.

He was right. Rudy ’73 approached him. “Come on over Steve. I think he’s ready.”

Steve stepped over to the bed. “Hi.” He spoke softly.

Steve turned to one of the Rudy’s. “Who is this guy?” he wondered. “He looks just like me.”

“I am you.” Steve ‘76 tried to explain.

Steve ’73 threw his head back onto his pillow. “I am cracking up.” He screamed.

Rudy ’76 turned to Rudy ’73 “I told you this was a bad idea!!”

“No it wasn’t. Just give him a few minutes to accept the fact.” Rudy ’73 pleaded.

Steve ’73 stared at the three men in amazement. Then he turned back to Rudy. “Is this for real?” He asked.

Steve stepped even closer “It sure is.” He assured. “He then turned to the two Rudy’s. “Why don’t you leave us to talk?”

Before they left. Rudy ’76 stepped over to Steve. “Now don’t do anything that would…”

“You don’t need to worry about that Rudy. I’ve already thought out that possibility. I didn’t like the outcome very well.”

“Huh?” Rudy gave him a questionable look.

“I’ll explain later.” He assured.

“Soooo?” Steve looked up at himself from his bed. “Your bionic huh.”

“I sure am. I’m also happily married with a baby on the way.”

“Married?” Steve couldn’t believe it.”

“You bet.” Steve smiled at him.

“What I don’t understand is how did you…I mean where did you come from?” Steve still sounded skeptical

“I’m from the future. I guess you could say.” Steve went on.

“From the future?” Steve didn’t know if he should believe him or not.

“Look I know it’s hard to believe. I have a hard time with it too. But you saw two Rudy’s right?”

“Yea I did. You mean one is…”

“Right. He came to get me more or less.” Steve told him.

“Ok I suppose I believe you. I mean if Rudy says you’re on the up and up. I’ll buy it. Now tell me about being bionic.”

“Well take a look at me. Would you be able to tell if you didn’t know?”

For the first time Steve really looked at himself. “No I suppose I wouldn’t I mean…”

“Look I’m not going to lie to you. I work for the government. But that’s not as bad as it sounds.” Steve lied just a bit.

“Sounds good I guess I’ll ‘go for it’ as they say.” Steve shouted. Bringing the two Rudy’s who were standing just outside the door rushing into the room.

“Is everything ok Steve?” The both called out.

Both Steve’s replied. “Everything is great.”

Steve ’76 turned to both Rudy’s “Say maybe the two of you can get this show on the road faster.”

They both looked at one another. “You know, he has a point.”

The two of them prepared Steve for surgery. Surgery that was to take two days took only one.

“Now comes the hard part.” Steve said as he pushed himself down the hall.

“Yea. What’s that?”

“Getting you back on your feet so to speak.” Steve reminded.

“Yea I guess your right.” Steve sighed. “Let’s get started.”

In no time at all Steve ‘73 was doing just great. The two of them together amazed both Rudy’s.

“Well Steve.” Rudy said. “We better get back.”

“They probably wonder where we are.” Steve said.

“Not really. Everything is programmed so that when we do return to them we will have only been gone a couple of seconds.”

“Well that’s good. I’m ready to get back.”

They were just getting ready to leave Steve’s room when Spencer strode into the room unannounced.

He stared at the four men. “What in the world!” He cried.

The four men looked at one another. “I suppose we have to tell him.” Rudy ’73 presumed

“Yea I suppose you’re right.”

“…So you see Spencer.” Rudy ’73 finished “That’s the whole story. Now if you don’t mind our time travelers have to get back to where they belong.”

Steve and Rudy ’76 again turned to leave the room.

“Hold it!!” Spencer shouted. “Wait just a minute!!”

Steve and Rudy stood in the doorway. “What is it Spencer?” Steve hissed.

“This could really work out great If what you say is true…both of you are bionic.”

“That would be true.” Rudy ’76 turned to him. “So what?”

“They could both go on the assignment.” Spencer exclaimed.

“Oh no you don’t.” Both Rudy’s shouted.

“Why not?” Spencer demanded.

“What if something happens to one of them?” To be real honest I don’t know which one is which. “ Rudy ’76 indicated. “I need to take the Steve that belongs in 1976 back home to 1976.”

“I still say they should go on the assignment together.” Spencer. Grumbled.

“What harm could it do Rudy?” ‘76 Steve wondered. “I might do myself a lot of good.”

“And what if something goes wrong?” Rudy ‘76 warned.

“First what could go wrong, and second if anything does go wrong with either one of us, we have the two of you here to help. I mean what could be better. Two Rudy’s.”

“He has a point.” Rudy ’73 admitted.

“Yea I guess you’re right. Ok they can both go.”

“That way I can show myself the what to do.” Steve cocked his thumb toward Steve ‘73; He’s never been on a mission before. I can show him the ropes so to speak.”

“I still don’t like it.” Both Rudy’s muttered.

Spencer almost jumped for joy. “Ok let’s get going then. I’ll brief you on the assignment on the way “

The two Steve’s settled in the back seat of Spencer’s car as he drove the streets of Colorado Springs to Denver.

“I suppose it’s nothing as simple as getting an old ladies cat out of a tree.” Steve ’73 turned to himself.”

“I kind of doubt it.” They pulled up in front of a big office building in Denver. “The OSI has a field office here. If you two will just follow me, I’ll get you set up.”

They followed him down the hall to his office. “Now gentlemen.” Steve could almost envision Spencer rubbing his hands together in ecstasy. “This is what your mission involves.” He turned to Steve ’76. “Tell me if you’ve been on this one already.”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Spencer nodded. “Our Ambassador has been kidnapped and is being held in…”

"Saudi Arabia” Steve ’76 finished.

“You have done this one before.” Spencer smiled. “Good you’ll know what to expect.”

“Yea right.” Steve muttered.

“Then I have a plane warming up for you at the Denver airport. I suggest you get cracking on it.”

“Well here we go again.” Steve muttered as he and his ’73 counter part headed for the door.

“This should be simple if you have done it before.” Steve ’73 pointed out.

“Yea sure…”

“You sure you’re ok with this.” Steve ’73 asked as Steve ’76 drove to the airport.

“Yes I’m sure. Listen. Why don’t you just follow my lead?” I’ve done the mission before. I know exactly what’s going to happen.”

“Ok, I’m all for that.” Steve ’73 responded.

“Ok so you just sit back and enjoy.” Steve ’76 ordered. ‘Nothing like taking charge of yourself.’ He thought.

They arrived at the airport. They were about to board the plane when Both Rudy’s came toward them.

“Are you sure you’re both up to this.” Rudy ’76 sounded concerned. “Steve, if I remember correctly you were shot on that mission.”

“Yea I remember, but now I know where I made my mistake.” Steve thought for a moment. “You know, I’ve always wanted the chance to do this mission over again.”

“Well. So long as you know what you are doing?” Rudy gave him a pat on the back. “You just be careful. I want to take you back to ’76 in one piece.”

“I’ll be careful Rudy. Don’t worry.”

The two of them waved good-bye and boarded the plane bound for Saudi Arabia. Of course they had a slight battle over who would fly, but in the end “76 allowed his ’73 counter part to have the honors. He remembered how important it was for him to get back into the groove.”

“But I get to take us home.” “76 gave him a stern look.

“Agreed.” 73 nodded.

They arrived in Saudi Arabia without incident. “Ok just stay with me.” Steve ordered as they left the airport.

“I will.” Steve ’73 followed himself through the streets. “Do you know where they are holding him?”

Steve thought for a moment. “Yea I do. I mean the first time I had to find him, now I know exactly where to go.”

“Well that’s good.” ’73 replied. “I hate to admit it but I’m a little scared.”

“Yea I know. I was the first time too.” Steve admitted.

“I guess I’ll get used to it.” ’73 wondered.

“You sure will. Now come on they are holding him in this prison camp up the road.”

The two men followed the road till the came to the entrance of the camp. “Now if I remember right I had a little trouble with the guards. There were two of them.”

“I’ll take one if you take the other.” ’73 offered.

“No I was thinking along the lines of the two of us going in and getting the Ambassador out. The guards never really leave their posts. They have to stay there.” “76 pointed out. “I didn’t know that the first time around…”

“Ok I guess that sounds all right.” ’73 sighed.

“It will have to be all right.” Steve said. “I want to get this over with as quickly as possible.”

“Yea me to. By the way when do I get married?”

“Not until ’76.” Steve told him.

“Well it’s only three years away. I can wait.” ’73 smiled.

The two of them slipped past he guard house and went around to the other side..

“I bet you a hundred bucks this fence is electrified “ ’73 pointed out.

“You would be correct in that assumption.” Steve ’76 nodded.

“So how do we get over it?” “73 wondered.

“I thought you knew better than that.” Steve smiled as he leaped over the fence. ’73 stared in astonishment. Then he too leaped over the fence.

“Hey!” Steve ’73 exclaimed. “That wasn’t bad at all.”

Steve ’76 shook his head. “Come on “ he said let’s find the Ambassador.” Being careful to not arouse the guards they crept into the prison.

“Do you remember what cell he was in?” Steve ’73 asked.

“I think so. Just stay with me.” Steve led the way through the prison. “If I remember right he was in the last cell.” Steve pointed to the end of the row. Steve ‘76 thought for a moment. “You wait here. If mutt and Jeff come this way just let them have it.’

“Ok.” Steve ’73 seemed nervous.

“Really it will be all right.” Steve ’73 assured.

“Well if you say so.”

’76 crept around the cellblock. ‘Dam!’ Steve thought to himself. ‘I forgot about him.’ He was referring to the guard outside the Ambassador’s cell. That is how he had been caught the last time. The more he thought about it the angrier he became.

‘That dam Spenser knew he was sending me on a suicide mission.’ Steve ’76 crept back into the shadows. Then slipped back to where he had left his younger self.

“You didn’t find him?” Steve ’73 whispered.

“Yea I found him. I forgot he has a ‘friend’ with him.”

“Huh?” ’73 replied.

“There is a guard in here as well. I had forgotten all about it.”

“What do we do now?” ’73 wanted to know.

“Just hang tight. Remember what my Rudy said. I mean about my being injured?”

’73 nodded. “Him?” He pointed in the direction he had just come from.

“Yea. He’s the one. “ Steve ’76 thought for a moment. “I think I have a plan. Since they’re two of us…”

“I’m with you, what ever the plan is.”

“Let’s both approach him.” Steve suggested. “He might sort of ‘freak out’ if he sees two of us.”

“You just might have something there.” ’73 smiled. “Let’s go.”

The two Steve’s slipped back the way Steve ’76 had just come from. The guard was still at his post. Both approached him.

When the guard first looked up he saw only one, and started to draw his gun. But before he could get it out of his holster He saw the two of them. All he could do was stare open mouthed at the sight of them.

The two last no time. They each grabbed an arm and tossed him into the nearest cell. Steve ’76 tied him up and gagged him before he had a chance to utter a word.

“Well that’ settles that.” Steve ’76 stated as he walked out of the cell making sure he closed and locked the door behind him.

“Mr. Ambassador, are you all right?” Steve ’76 asked.

“I think so. Who are you?” He asked.

“That’s not important right now.” Steve explained. “What’s important is that I get you out of here…”

For the first time the ambassador noticed that there were two men ‘Are you two twins?” he asked.

“You could say that.” “73 smiled at himself and “76 gave him a wink.”

“Now we just have to get passed those two goons at the gate.” Steve ’76 indicated.

“Why can’t we…” ‘73 started. Then remembered that no one was supposed to know about his bionics.

Steve ’76 turned toward the Ambassador. “You wait right here Mr. Ambassador.

The two approached the two guards before either guard knew what was happening, the two Steve’s had them roped and gagged.

“Come on “ Steve ’76 called out. “Let’s get the Ambassador and get the heck out of here be

fore anyone else discovers the Ambassador is gone.”

“I’m with that.” “73 replied.

They walked back to where they had left the Ambassador. “Well sir, are you ready.” Steve ’73 asked.

“I sure am. Let’s go home!”

They boarded the plane and Steve ’76 sat in the pilot’s seat.

“Let’s go home!” ’73 proclaimed.

“I’m for that.” ’76 agreed.

They arrived back in Denver with the Ambassador The two Rudy’s met them at the airport.

“Everything go ok.” Rudy ’73 asked Steve.”

“Everything went great Doc. I actually enjoyed myself.”

Rudy ’76 walked over to the Steve from his time. “Is he right? Everything went fine?

Ten minutes later they met with Spencer in Rudy’s office.. “Good work men.” He congratulated.

“Glad to do it.” Steve ’76 replied. “Well Rudy should we get back to our own time?

“That sounds like a great idea…”

“Wait just a moment.” Spencer interrupted. “How would the two of you like to stay here?” He asked Rudy and Steve.

“We wouldn’t.” They answered together.

“Well just thought I’d ask.’

“Come on Rudy.” Steve said smiling at the two men in front of him. “Let’s go home before Spencer comes up with anymore bright ideas.”

“I only hope our being here hasn’t changed history as we know it.” Rudy stated.

“Yea. Me too.” Steve took Rudy by the arm and the walked back to the vacant room that one-day would hold Dan’s time machine if nothing had changed.

Steve held tight to Rudy. ‘You know Doc.” He stated before Rudy pressed the button. “I’m beginning to think I should carry one of those with me all the time. That way all I would have to do is program it, push the button and bam, I’d be right back home.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary Steve.” Rudy pressed the button on the remote link and the two of them found themselves face to face with Oscar. “Well Steve. I see our world weary time traveler has returned.” Oscar stated. “You’d do anything to get out of a mission.”

“Not quite Oscar.” Steve remembered his vision of talking himself out of becoming bionic. “Where’s Marc?”

“He’s still in DC. Jaime said they have a couple of big tests coming up and Rudy agreed Marc could hold off on these tests till the spring, since he is so much smaller and doesn’t really go on missions Oscar explained.

“That’s good.” Steve sighed with relief. “I have to tell you the weird ‘dream’ I had. I guess it was more like my mind playing ‘what if.’ You aren’t going to believe it.” Steve proceeded to tell them of the vision he had had about changing ‘Steve’s’ mind.

“Wow!” Oscar exclaimed what an imagination. I thought Joey’s was wild but I do believe that beats it.”

“Tell me about it.” Steve sighed. I’m just glad to be back where I belong.”

“Well your only here for a short while. When your done here see me in my office. I need to tell you about an assignment you’ll be going on.”

Steve turned to Rudy. “Anyway I can go back?” He smiled pointing to the time machine.

“No I don’t think so.” Rudy laughed.

“Oh well it’s good to be home.”