"Clark, Table 51 is waiting!"
Melissa glared at Ben Loveland in the window.
"Then why don't you deal with it?" Melissa snapped. "I'm busy!"
"Never was a good waitress."
Melissa looked at the new figure. She was busy setting her new orders on a tray. Like Melissa, her hair was up in a ponytail. A smile was on her face like she was in her element.
"You don't know me, Paige," Melissa said. "So don't act like you know what I can or can't do."
Paige Kendall held up her tray. "I know I get more lips than you do."
Melissa looked Paige up and down. "If I dressed in only daisy dukes and a very small halter top, I'm sure I would get giant tips, too. Not a ho."
"And I am?" Paige asked.
"If the Randall Heim fits..."
Paige's eyes narrowed. "Just because you're not getting any..."
"Lassies!"
Melissa stared out of the kitchen window. Among the customers at the counter, Melissa could see Katherine Rye. Behind her were Darnell Brown and Randall Heim. Kat held up the timer.
"It's time," Melissa announced.

The blue wormhole opened. A whir sounded out. Melissa flew out of it and landed next to a door. She held onto the wall.
Another whir sounded out. Randall Heim landed on the ground. Melissa pushed the brown hair out of her face to look at him. Part of her wanted to make sure he was okay. The other part knew the truth. This was not her Randy. Her Randy was dead.
Another whir sounded out. It was followed by another. Paige Kendall and Darnell Brown fell to the ground next to Randall. It reminded Melissa again of how everything had changed.
Kat flew out of the wormhole. It vanished behind her. She stared about the alley.
"Everyone okay?" Kat asked.
"Fine, Miss Rye," Brown announced.
"Good," Randall said.
"Good, too," Paige said.
"Glad to be off that world," Melissa said, walking to the others.
"Geez, I wonder why," Paige said with a little smirk.
Melissa glared. A sound behind her got her attention. She turned around...and suppressed a gasp.
She had only seen her grown once. She had died when they were young. Sarah Clark now stood in front of her. Her face was in a glare.
"What are you doing here?" Sarah Clark demanded. "Is there anyone in the hospital with Mom?"
"Mom?" Melissa mumbled.

Three years ago, my friends and I found a way to travel between worlds-

To slide to...

Worlds where you're the same person-

It's the same year...

But everything else is different-

Our Earth...

Has been overrun by the Kromaggs?-

Can we get home?...

Do we want to?

And now-

The worlds await...

SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 4
EPISODE 3: ALTERED STATES

Melissa stared at her through the glass. Her long black hair laid about her like a mermaid's hair. Melissa never had seen gray in her mother’s hair, but it was mixed in her hair now. She laid in the hospital bed with her hairs on her chest. Her eyes were closed, making her look even older than fifty.
Melissa turned to her left. Sarah stared through the glass window, too. Her long blonde hair fell across her face, blocking her expression. Not that Melissa needed to see Sarah's expression. Sarah's back was stiff and her arms were across her chest. Melissa knew she was angry.
"You don't have to be here," Sarah said without looking at her. "I'm off now. I can watch Mom."
Melissa continued to stared at her mother. It made her think of her real mother. After Sarah's death, Veronica Clark had managed to take care of Melissa. Now, her mother might be like this on her homeworld. She reached out, touching the glass.
"I...don't mind," Melissa said.
Melissa turned to look at Sarah. Sarah turned to look at Melissa. Her look was full of disbelief.
"Oh, really?" Sarah said. "Don't you have a party to get to? Or a guy to hook up with?"
"Sorry," Melissa answered. "No party."
"Big shock," Sarah said flatly.
"What is your problem?" Melissa snapped.
"My problem?" Sarah shot back. "My problem? My problem is that my party girl sister can't even stay at the hospital with our probably dying mother. My problem is that Mom won't last longer. My problem is that should be you!"
"What?" Melissa managed.
"The Poes should have gotten you!" Sarah snapped. "If I wasn't your sister..." Sarah glared. "Get out."
"But--" Melissa started.
"Out!" Sarah snapped.
Melissa moved away from the window. Her sister stared daggers through her. Melissa moved quickly away. As she neared the end of the hall, Melissa got the courage to turn around.
Sarah was back to staring through the glass. Both of her hands were on it. Her back was loose and relaxed. Melissa could hear the sobs.
"I'm sorry," Melissa muttered aloud to no one.

"How did it go?"
Melissa nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked to her right to see that someone was in the Dominion lobby. Professor Brown sat on the couch. He rose up.
"You didn't have to wait up for me," Melissa said.
"Well, friends have been known to do that," Brown replied.
Melissa crossed her arms over her chest. "Darnell...we are not friends. Not anymore."
"I...was still concerned," Brown said.
"Why?"
"We Earth Primates have to stick together. We are the only ones left after all."
Melissa looked down at her feet. Her long black hair fell about her.
"I don't know," Melissa said, looking back up at the Professor. "I still don't know whether I'll have you having my back or sticking a knife in it."
"Miss Clark--" Brown started.
"No, Darnell," Melissa cut him off. "Let's not forget what happened when we got home."
Flashes of images came to Melissa's mind. Brown...possessed. Daniel Carter attacking Randy Heim. A laser going off. Melissa shook her head.
"I guess I will have to win your trust," Brown said. "You will see that I am still the same as I was."
Melissa turned away. "I...do not think that will happen."
Melissa pushed the button on the elevator. It opened immediately. Melissa got in. As the doors closed, Melissa looked out onto Professor Brown. His eyes were full of pain.
At least the love of his life was alive...somewhere. Melissa's love was gone. Right now, she did not know how to go on from the pain.

"Well, that went better than I thought it would."
Brown turned around. Randall emerged from the shadows.
"And how long have you been playing the role of eavesdropper?" Brown demanded.
Randall smirked. "Long enough to know she won't give you the time of day."
Brown frowned. "Do not worry. Miss Clark is in a great deal of pain at the moment. That tends to make the thinking quite unclear. When she thinks clearly she will see I am a friend."
"Unlikely. You are responsible for the death of her dear Randy Heim. She will never forgive you."
"It was not me and she will," Brown said. "Now...why are you up?"
Randall frowned. "Needed...some ice."
Brown searched Randall's face. His eyes narrowed on him.
"There is an ice container on our floor," Brown said.
"Well...I guess I should hurry up to it."
Brown watched Randall walk past him. His stand was akin to a shy schoolboy. It was something Brown had never seen in this dark slider. Then it clicked.
"You were worried," Brown said aloud.
Randall paused. He turned around. He frowned.
"What?" Randall asked.
"I say!" Brown exclaimed. "I do believe that I have never seen this side of you."
"I really do not know what you're talking about," Randall said. "I am just--"
"It is the truth," Brown said. "You were worried about Miss Clark. So the next question would be...why?"
Randall managed a smirk. "Plans within plans, Mr. Brown." His face darkened. "And nothing for you to worry about."
Randall made it over to the elevator. He pushed the button. The elevator doors opened instantly. He entered quickly.
Brown watched Randall's exit. That was quite the interesting exchange they had. What did it feel like?
Brown frowned. The conversation reminded him of one of his first conversation with Randy Heim. He had been awkward about his feelings for Melissa Clark. He even denied it.
What was going on?

Brown had a lot on his mind. Melissa had already left for the hospital that morning. Katherine was also gone that morning. Now he was in the elevator with Randall and Paige. He frowned as he watched the two of them with their hands together. Given Melissa's presence, it seem very cruel.
"I believe he is staring at us again," Paige commented aloud.
"I just think you should use a bit of tact, Miss Kendall," Brown said.
"We are all adults here, Brown," Randall said.
"Funny you should say that, Heim," Brown said. "We all carry around a lot of secrets for people who are adults."
Brown saw it. Randall's back stiffened. Paige's back did the same. The elevator beeped. As the doors opened, Randall walked out of it quickly. Paige turned to glare at Brown.
"Do you not know when to shut up?" Paige snapped.
"I could ask the same of you, my dear," Brown said as he exited the elevator. "I shall head to the library to get an idea of how this world works. Try not to get into trouble."
"You try not to betray us."
Brown paused. Randall also paused. They both turned to look at Paige. She stared at both of them with a smirk on her face.
"All I'm saying..." Paige said coyly.
"...is something you should say to yourself?" Brown shot back.
The smirk left Paige's face.
"What are you--" Paige started.
"Paige," Randall snapped.
Brown turned to look at Randall. He was so sure a look of shock was showing on his face. Randall actually took his side on something.
"Brown and I have errands to work on," Randall said. "Perhaps you could distract yourself with something."
Paige frowned. "Distract?"
"All he's saying..." Brown said coyly.
Paige glared at Brown. She stormed toward the Dominion's doors. Brown turned to look at Randall. Randall glared at him.
"What?" Brown asked.

Melissa sat next to her mother's bed. It was just the two of them. Sarah had reluctantly headed to her waitress job. Melissa had to do a lot of begging to get Sarah to leave, promising to stay here. Now she was alone with her mother.
She reached out and grabbed her mother's hand. Her mother did not respond. Still it was nice to be near her.
"When was the last time I spoke to you?" Melissa asked aloud.
Veronica Clark said nothing. Melissa could think of when however. It was years ago before she headed off to college. Her mother had helped her packed and told stories of what it would be like. Then Melissa was there dealing with classes and boys. If it wasn't for Randy...
Melissa sighed sadly. Just thinking of Randy brought a pain to his heart. If he was here he would now what to say to her. He might even help out.
"She's not your mother."
Melissa turned toward the door. Randall stood in the door. His forehead was wrinkled up into a frown.
Melissa glared. "What are you doing here?"
"Making sure you're okay," Randall replied.
Melissa pulled away from her mother. "Why? What game are you trying to play?"
Randall laughed. "Not everything is about a game, Melissa."
"Really? I thought that was the dark slider's motto."
Randall nodded. "Perhaps. Still...she's not your mother. Your mother is on a world full of sliding aliens."
"Different worlds, same person."
"I think not."
"Let's see how you are when a double of Eve shows up."
Randall frowned. "Hey! I'm trying to help."
Melissa glared. "Really, Randall? You could have fooled me."
Randall scratched the back of his head. "Look. I am sure you have been here all day. How about I get you some coffee?"
"Is it going to be drugged?" Melissa snapped.
Randall smirked. "Maybe."
Melissa smirked in spite of herself. She looked at her feet for a moment. Then she stared at Randall.
"Okay," Melissa finally said. "I'll be here."
"Good," Randall said. "That is a start."
Melissa watched Randall leave the room. She frowned at his last comment. The beginning of what?
She rolled her eyes. Of course she should have known better. Randall was probably playing some game. Still...if they all were going to be sliding for a while maybe they should get along.
She might be able to do that with Randall, but Paige...
"She's not your mother."
"Look, Randall--" Melissa started as she turned around. The words caught in her mouth.
It was not Randall. It was a tall thin man. The brown jumpsuit he had on made him look like a kid dressing up for Halloween. His hands was on the corners of the door, making him appear as if he needed the door to hold him up. His dark brown hair looked like a bird's nest. Behind him was a girl holding on to his waist. She stared over the man's shoulder. Her black hair was done up in braids. Her smile matched her companions's own.
The girl frowned. "Randall? Who's Randall?"
"It doesn't matter, Ebony," the tall man said. He frowned. "Jude will be unhappy seeing you here."
"Jude?" Melissa managed.
"Yeah, Lis," Ebony said, hopping into the room. "We've been looking for you. Jude wants us together...now."
"I have to stay with Mom," Melissa said.
"She's not your mother," the tall man said.
"And you would know how, Tall Man?" Melissa shot back.
"Would a mother try to kill her own daughter?" the tall man asked.
"Johnny's right, Lis," Ebony said. "She's been altered. She's not your mother anymore."

Brown sat at the computer screen. He had been at it for a while. He did not see anything out of the ordinary. In fact, he felt he really should make time to see Star Wars: Episode 9 since he highly doubted George Lucas had gotten to the sequel films yet.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Brown frowned. He turned away from the computer screen. Among the bookshelves was a librarian desk. There was a tall woman dressed in a business suit staring at a group of policemen. The policemen were holding onto a young man who looked fifteen.
"You cannot do this," the woman continued to protest. "This is a library. We are civilized people."
"Perhaps you are, Ma'am," one of the policemen said, "but he is not."
"What are you talking about?" the boy said. "I have done nothing yet."
"Yeah...yet," the policeman said. "We got a report of aggression on you. You are to report to District 12 for an alteration."
"What?" the librarian said.
"No!" the boy said. "You can't do that!"
"If you're planning on hurting yourself...or more importantly...someone else, we can. Especially after Columbine."
The boy struggled with the policemen. It was no use. They carried him away. The librarian walked, her face a look of helplessness.
Brown sighed as he turned back around to face the computer screen. It would appear that this world was far from normal. He was going to have to learn more.
What was the place that he policeman said? Brown's eyes lit up. It was Columbine.
As Brown typed in the world, he hoped that he others will be fine until he found the information. The last thing he needed was trouble. He finished typing. Then he pressed ENTER.

Paige turned around in her barstool. A smile crossed her mind. It had been a great day at Java Pub. Then again, it was great to be in a coffeehouse that doubled as a dance club. She also had several phone numbers. She would not even call them, but it did her self-esteem good.
A few of the people who had been using the dance floor headed for a table. As they left, Paige could see the other side. Her eyes widened. Kat was on the other side...with a guy.
Paige grinned. She had to give it to Paige. She had excellent taste. The dark-haired man was dressed in a nice long-sleeved brown shirt and black pants. He grinned at Kat, showing off a nice pair of teeth. He said something to her. She responded with laughter. Then she stood up and leaned over to the guy's side of the table and whispered. The guy stood up as well.
"Gee, she moves quick," Paige commented.
She stood up. In a flash, a guy appeared in front of her.
"Going somewhere, Sexy?" the man asked.
Paige smiled. "Yeah. This scene? Gotten a little old."
"How about I give you a ride?"
Paige touched the guy's shoulder. He smiled a little.
"How about...not?" Paige said.
The guy looked dumbfounded. Paige left him that way. A big smirk was on her face.
Paige frowned as she looked around. There was no sign of Kat. Where could she have gone so quickly?

Randall continued to tinkle with the timer. He hoped that the component he installed would be a big help in finding his homeworld. Of course he was going to have to test it.
Randall frowned. If he was home, he could use the computer or a test subject. However, he had other people to think about.
The thought came to his mind real quick. He was worried about Melissa. It was strange since he never was before. The thought reminded him of how he felt when he was seeing the Phantom Melissa on that paranoia world. It was like something familiar. It was like his mind was trying to tell him something. What it was Randall did not know. Somehow Melissa...and her phantom...were involved. How?
Randall connected the back of the calculator device he used for the timer to the front of the device. It instantly lit up, revealing the time until the next slide. He frowned at the idea that he called the cross a slide. Maybe he and Paige had been around these crossers too long...
Paige. This was the first time he thought about her. Perhaps it would be best if he thought of a way to cheer her up after barking at her earlier.
"Excuse me."
Randall looked up from his table at the bar. A man with blond hair and an even blonder mustache stood above him. His eyes narrowed on Randall.
"Yes?" Randall asked with a tone of annoyance.
"I noticed you working on that gizmo there," the man said. "What's it do?"
Randall put the timer in his pocket. He started to stand.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," Randall said making it to his feet. "Now if you will excuse me..."
A hand grabbed Randall's shoulder. Randall turned around to look. Another blond-haired man stood behind him. He managed a smile. Randall felt his stomach grow uneasy.
"One minute, sir," the blond-haired man said. "Andrew asked a valid question and you should answer it."
Randall removed the hand from his shoulder. He looked around. People were starting to notice. They watched with fear and interest in their eyes.
"I think not, Sir," Randall replied. "I do not know you or Andrew so it is none of your business."
Randall turned to leave. He paused as he stood before a dark-haired man. He glared at Randall.
"I am afraid that if it is a device that counts down...like my associate Dan claims," the dark-haired man said, "that it becomes our business. Take him."
Before Randall could stop them, Dan and Andrew grabbed him. Meanwhile, the dark-haired man reached into Randall's pocket.
"Find anything, Dawes?" Andrew asked.
Dawes pulled out the timer.
"Yes," Dawes said. "And it looks like a bomb."
Gasps echoed from the bar. Randall looked around to see customers whisper. The word 'terrorist' reached Randall's ears.
"I'm not a terrorist," Randall protested.
"Really?" Dawes said, holding up the timer. "What is this gizmo counting down to?"
"None of your business," Randall snapped.
Dawes smirked. "Terrorist it is then. Take him away."
Randall heard sighs of relief from t
he bar. He frowned. Who were these people?
The elevator door opened. Melissa watched Ebony and Johnny walk out quickly. She exited the elevator more slowly. It led into a long dark hall.
"Lis, you coming?" Ebony asked, turning around to look.
"Where are we even going?" Melissa asked.
"Jude's float," Johnny said. "Thankfully no one else is watching you."
"Watching me?" Melissa managed.
Johnny continued down the hall. Meanwhile Ebony paused. She turned and walked over to Melissa. She put a gloved hand on Melissa's forehead.
"Are you wacked, Lis?" Ebony asked. "You're acting real funny."
"My head?" Melissa muttered. She rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah...I think I hit it."
"Doesn't surprise me," Ebony said, putting an arm around Melissa. "It was hell getting out of your house after the attack. We had to separate and--"
Melissa hugged Ebony. That brought a smile to Ebony's face. Melissa felt glad since that meant that these strangers will trust her.
"You two coming?"
Melissa looked away from Ebony. Johnny stood at the very end of the hall. Melissa followed Ebony down the hall. Johnny racked on the door. There was no sound, but the door instantly opened.
Johnny walked in and hugged a figure in the shadows. Ebony walked into the apartment. Melissa followed the two and felt her nose meet the scent of pepperoni pizza.
"Ryan, my man!" Johnny exclaimed. "Where's Jude?"
Melissa looked at who Johnny was talking to. It was a black man dressed in a black T-shirt and black cargo pants. He pointed his thumb to the back.
"He's in the Batcave, you!" Ryan exclaimed.
"Kewl," Johnny said.
"He must have something in the works," Ebony said, heading over into the apartment.
Ryan closed the door. He smiled at Melissa. It reminded her of a little kid with a new toy.
"Melissa, hey!" Ryan said. "Good to see the Poes didn't get you!" He looked down at his feet. "Sorry about your mother."
"Uh...thanks," Melissa managed.
"Lis, come on."
Melissa felt a hand grab her hand. Like the hallway, Melissa saw they were heading down the end of a hallway. Melissa looked to her right and saw a kitchen with two other people. Melissa looked to her left and saw a living room with a group of guys playing PlayStation in it. Finally, she made it to the end of the hallway. The door was closed.
Johnny opened the door. Melissa followed Ebony into the room.
It was painted black. Windows lined the opposite wall. A black-covered bed was against the left wall near the bathroom. On the right side was a desk. He had fire engine red hair. His eyes narrowed on the screen.
"Hey, Jude!" Johnny exclaimed. "Look at who we found?"
Jude looked away from his computer screen. His eyes fell on Melissa. They widened. Quick as a thief, he shot out of the chair and grabbed Melissa into his arms.
"Thank God!" Jude exclaimed as he hugged Melissa. "When we got separated...when I had to leave you with your mother...when she turned up in the hospital and no sign of you...I thought you might be altered."
"I'm not," Melissa said.
Jude pulled away. He grinned. "I see."
"So what now, Jude?" Ebony asked as she shut the door.
"Yeah?" Johnny asked. "Mrs. Clark was the decoy. Who can we get to get the bombs into the area now?"
Melissa frowned.
"I have a way in mind," Jude said. "We move tonight. Johnny, tell the others to be ready. Ebony, be my eyes and ears."
"Okay," Johnny said.
"Alrightly," Ebony said.
The two of them headed out the door without a word. Melissa watched the door close. Her mind was on the face that they said bombs.
A hand touched Melissa's cheek. It turned her head back forward. Jude stared at her. He kissed her. His tongue felt warm.
"Sorry about your mother," Jude said.
Melissa looked down at her feet. "It's okay. I just hope--"
"I mean...really sorry, Melissa," Jude said. "I realized she was altered when you walked in. Somehow, the Poes knew she was helping us. Then that bomb..."
"Shh!" Melissa whispered. "I understand. She's alive though. She's still my mother."
Jude's eyes narrowed on Melissa. "She's not your mother."
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Melissa asked backing away from Jude.
Jude frowned. "Are you okay?"
"Hello! Hit in the back of my head!" Melissa snapped. "How about you humor me?"
Jude studied Melissa's face. Finally, she shrugged his shoulders and turned away. He approached his computer.
"Someone...when they don't think the way the Poes want them to...gets carted off to the Center. They alter the part of the brain in charge of thinking outside of the box. They come out of the Center a 'productive' member of society. Worse they rat out anyone who even jokes about hitting someone. When I listened to Mrs. Clark on the phone, I realized she was reporting us. I had to step in. You came in. Things got crazy. Somehow...she got a bomb. Somehow..."
Jude made it back to his desk. He put his hands on it. His head fell down as he used the desk to hold himself up.
"Mrs. Clark was tight," Jude said. "I never thought she would ever let up on you and me. Now...she was altered."
Jude looked at Melissa. "Tomorrow, the world will understand. Tonight, we break into the Center. Tonight we make a difference."

Paige got out of the elevator at the Dominion. She made it into the room easily. She put the keys down on the coffeetable.
She stared over at Kat's door. It was closed at the moment. At the moment it did not appear that anyone was there.
Paige headed for the door. No one would know. The mystery of Kat's whereabouts was in her mind. What was Kat up to?
Paige opened the door slowly. There wasn't a light on. Good. That meant no one was there. She turned on the light switch and opened the door wider.
It was him. Same dark hair. Same nice set of teeth. His brown shirt and dark pants laid on the covers that were bunched up at the foot of the bed. His chest stood before Paige. It was cut open with dark red all over his stomach and the sheets.
Paige did not walk away. She walked briskly away. When she made it out the door, the briskly walk turned into a full run. When Paige was safely in the bed, she let loose with a scream.

The elevator doors opened. Paige walked frantically toward the lobby's front door. She looked left and right. She did not know where Kat was at. There was no way she was letting herself be Victim #2.
A hand touched her chest. Paige screamed as she looked forward. Brown stood in front of her.
"Miss Kendall?" Brown muttered.
"God, you scared me," Paige said, gasping.
Brown looked over his shoulder. Paige followed his glance. The clerk Gomez Calhoun stared at them with a questioning stare on his face.
"Perhaps it would be best if we return to the room," Brown suggested.
"Uh...no," Paige said.
"What do you mean?" Brown asked. "It's the safest--"
"Safe?" Paige muttered. "No way, Prof. Maybe you want to be a victim in this horror movie, but me--"
"Are you daft, woman?" Brown demanded.
"You would be, too," Paige replied, "if you found a dead body in the room."
"What?"

Paige threw open the door. She looked away however. She knew she could not stand the sight again.
"Miss Kendall?"
"Yes?"
"Look."
"Oh, no, Prof," Paige said. "I'm not doing it again."
"Trust me. You will like to see this."
Paige opened her eyes. She turned to look into Kat's bedroom. The breath left her.
There was no dead body on the bed. The bed was completely made up. There was no blood in sight.
"How?" Paige muttered.
The bathroom door flew open. Kat came out in a white robe. She stared at them in surprise as she wiped her hair with a towel.
"Is everything all right?" Kat asked.
"Of course, Miss Rye," Brown said.
"The heck it is!" Paige said. She pointed at Kat. "You! I saw you today! With this guy. A guy who...ten minutes ago...was dead in your bed."
"I dinnae know what you chattering about," Kat said.
"Really?" Paige said. She ran to the bed. Her hands grabbed the cover on the bed. "Then...explain this!"
Paige threw the cover to the floor. Her eyes widened on the sheets on the bed. They were clean. She turned to look at Kat. Kat stared at Brown.
"I think she has mistaken me for a double," Kat said.
"Does a double wear the exact same clothes on the exact same day as you?" Paige asked. "I doubt it."
"I think ye still smarting from meeting me," Kat replied.
"Anytime, Irish."
"Ladies."
Paige turned to look at Brown.
"Perhaps we are all a little bit stressed out," Brown said. "When people are stressed they tend to see things that aren't there."
Paige crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrowed on Kat. She had stopped drying her hair. She stared blankly at Paige.
"Sometimes being stressed can make a person's instinct more exact," Paige said. "See things for what they are."
"And what are you?" Kat challenged. "'Tis nae like anyone knows ye. Ye might be here to kill us all."
"Looking in the mirror now, are you?"
Kat glared at Paige. "Watch your step."
"Or what?" Paige said, approaching Kat. "You're going to kill me next? Try it, Irish."
"You little--"
"Ladies!" Brown snapped. "Enough. There are more pressing matters. We need to find Heim and Miss Clark."
"What is the matter, Professor Brown?" Kat asked.
"It would seem that this world had a very tragic situation," Brown explained. "There was an incident in Columbine, Colorado. Two young men went into their school...and fired guns on their teachers and classmates."
"Whoa," Paige muttered. She heard Kat gasp. "That...that's...whoa."
"Saints perserve," Kat muttered. "What happened next?"
"The government began to step in. Children were more monitored. When anyone made a comment or statement that could be...misunderstood as a possible danger to another person, that person vanished. At first, they went to juvenile hall. However, a new method was started."
"I wonder what it is," Paige commented.
"What method?" Kat asked.
"A government scientist had been experimenting with new ways to moderate a person's behavior. He found a way to make convicts more orderly members of the country."
"And I bet I know what comes next," Paige said.
"They dinnae," Kat muttered.
Brown stared at Kat. "They did. The government used the scientist's conditioning on children. It worked like a charm. Centers spun up all over the country."
"And why stop there?" Paige asked. "Let's get to the grownups?"
Brown nodded.
"I knew it!" Paige exclaimed.
"And it turns out Melissa's mother was altered as well," Brown said. "She was in an explosion...an explosion that newspapers here suggest had to be terrorists."
"Terrorists?" Kat said.
"Melissa's double was?" Paige asked.
"I believe so," Brown replied.
"And Randall has the timer?" Paige asked again.
"Yes."
Paige headed for the door. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's find some friends."

Randall struggled with the handcuffs on his arms. He could squeeze his hands out at all. Meanwhile, the van he was in continued to move.
Randall grinned. At least it was the same van. The men had moved him around all day. He had no idea where they were going now. He also had no idea where the timer was.
The van came to an abrupt halt. A moment later, the van's double doors flew open. Randall glared at Andrew.
"Everybody out!" Andrew barked.
"Wow, a nice new place!" Randall exclaimed sarcastically. "I feel so special!"
Randall did not have time to react. Andrew grabbed him by the shirt. He dragged Randall out of the van. Dan and Dawes waited outside.
"We're here!" Dan said with a smile on his face.
"Yeah," Dawes said. "Welcome to your new home."
Randall looked at the two-story white square building. He smirked.
"Could use a little color," Randall commented.
"Don't worry," Dawes said. "Once you come out, you will think differently."

Melissa put in the new VHS tape. The monitor went back to showing what the cameras showed: an empty floor. Meanwhile, she knew Jude's men were setting their explosion in the back of the building. They were to be a distraction while the real target...the boiler had a delay bomb on it. It was hoped the distraction bombs would get everyone out when the real bomb went off.
"Ryan's boys are good," Johnny said as he sat at the monitors in the Center with Melissa.
"And Jude?" Melissa asked.
"He did it," Johnny said. "Were good to go."
Melissa and Johnny headed toward the door of the monitor room. At the moment, security was making rounds. It had been easy for Johnny and her to enter. They were dressed as orderlies.
The cart was still in place. Johnny started to push it down the hall. Melissa looked around. No one had seen them leave the monitor room.
The boiler room was over to the right of them. Johnny pushed the cart to it. He opened the door and pushed the cart in. Melissa shut the door behind him. No need to have anyone see Johnny hide Jude under the sheet covering the cart. Meanwhile she was lookout.
"Yo. We're out."
Melissa squeezed the black hearing aid in her ear. If she was not so used to being an agent on that Hollywood Spy World, she would not know that the aid was a communicator.
"Acknowledged, Ryan," Melissa replied. "Johnny's getting Jude."
"Kewl."
Melissa turned to her left. Her eyes widened. Several men were entering the building. In the middle of them was Randall. His hands were handcuffed behind his back. The men were in tight formation.
The boiler room door flew open. Johnny brought the cart out. Melissa looked at Randall. His eyes were on her. Melissa looked at Johnny. He had a big grin on his face. That was when the idea hit Melissa.
The men grew closer. Meanwhile Johnny and Melissa headed for them with the cart. When they were close enough, Melissa did it.
Melissa made it appeared that she tripped. She aimed her body at the cart. She fell over the cart, taking it and the sheet with her.
The men paused with Randall. Meanwhile Melissa looked up. Her eyes fell on Jude. He stared at her in shock.
"Who are you?" Melissa asked. "What are--"
Then the bombs went off.

It was only a second. The bombs exploded, distracting Dawes and his men. It was a second. Randall saw his chance.
Randall rammed his head into Dan's stomach. Dan hit the wall. Before Dan could react, Randall kicked Dan in his stomach.
Movement got his eye. Randall turned quickly. He did it just in time, catching Andrew in his stomach. Andrew leaned over, his hands on his stomach. Randall swung his leg in the air, his boot connecting with Andrew's face.
Randall turned to face Dawes. Dawes punched Randall in the face. Randall fell to the ground. He looked up to see Dawes stood over. A smirk was on his face.
"I don't think so," Dawes said.
A fist hit Dawes's face. He fell to the ground unconscious. Randall stared at the unconscious body for a moment. Then he was on it, looking for the keys to his cuffs.
"Randall."
Randall looked away from Dawes. Melissa grabbed him up.
"Look."
Randall turned to look at the door. Several police cars pulled up outside. Men stormed up to the front steps.
"We need to go," Melissa said.
"My keys," Randall said.
Melissa reached into the man's pockets. She grabbed the keys. Randall made it to the other side and scooped up the timer.
"How are we getting out of here?" Randall asked.
Melissa looked down the hall. Randall followed her glance. Her two friends were just now getting to their feet.
"I have an idea," Melissa said.

Paige stormed into the Dominion lobby. It was very busy as Gomez checked guests in and out of the hotel. She did not see Melissa or Randall among them.
"Where are--" Paige said to herself as she headed to the elevator.
The elevator doors shot open. Kat came out of the elevator. She stared at Paige and her eyes went blank.
"Let me guess...no sign of them?" Paige asked.
"Correct," Kat replied.
"Guess we can find the Prof--"
"Wait."
Paige felt her eyes narrow. "What?"
"Who are you?" Kat asked.
Paige felt her face frown. "What, Irish?"
"You," Kat said. "Who are you? It would seem like a simple question. Somehow you have wormed your way into our little circle." Kat glared. "Why is that? What is yuir little secret?"
"Not as dark as yours apparently," Paige replied.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"You can fool the Prof, Irish," Paige said. "You can't fool me. See. I know a thing or two about masks. I know what the others said about you. All non-violence and stuff. Now you can weave a knife and fight like something out of 'Alias.' And you did hang around with a man. You never changed your clothes. You wear a mask with them. I've seen the real you."
"Drop it."
"Or?" Paige challenged as she stepped closer to Kat.
"We can discuss yuir life," Kat shot back. "Ye talk aboot me? Ye wearin' yuir mask as well. And I will enjoy rippin' it off."
"Not if I get to yours first, Irish."
"Ladies."
Paige turned around. Professor Brown glared at the two of them.
"They are not upstairs," Kat said.
"Then we can only assume they are at the Center," Brown said.
"Great," Paige said sarcastically.
"Then let us go," Kat said. "We can--"
A click cut through the talk. Paige looked behind Professor Brown. Brown turned to look as well. Several men were behind him. Two men aimed guns at them. In between them was Gomez Calhoun and a dark-haired man.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Calhoun?" Brown asked.
"Yes, there is," the dark-haired man said. "A man has vanished. Witnesses place you at the site."
"Me?" Paige shrieked.
"Yes," Gomez answered. "I saw you along, too."
"I was never at--"
"We have witnesses at the Java Pub that saw you flirting," the dark-haired man said. "You all are coming with me until I find the man."

Melissa headed down the hospital hall. She tried to look normal as she walked down the hall. She had little time.
Melissa entered her mother's hospital room. A gasp escaped her mouth. Her mother was not in the room.
"Mom?" Melissa muttered.
"She's not your mother anymore."
Melissa turned around. Sarah stood in the door. Her arms were over her chest. Her face was in a glare
. "Sarah, where is--" Melissa said, heading to her sister.
It was quick. Sarah pulled away . Then her right hand shot out, slapping her across her cheek.
"Shut up," Sarah said. "She's not your mother anymore. She's mine."
Melissa rubbed her check. "How can you say that?"
"I can say that," Sarah said, "because it's your fault."
Melissa stared back at the bed. She thought about how her mother must have been.
"Yes," Sarah said, the contempt rising in her voice. "That should have been you in that bed. Or better yet...she should have been altered. Why she was at the house and not you--"
Melissa stared at Sarah. "What?"
"She was always getting you out of trouble," Sarah said. "Melissa has to party! Melissa got hooked on illegal drugs. Melissa joins terrorists! Meanwhile I helped Mom! Me! I have no life. This all went wrong."
Melissa felt her eyes narrow. "You're the reason Mom was in here."
"No," Sarah said. "You--"
Melissa grabbed Sarah by the throat.
"You jealous witch!" Melissa snapped. "Mom cared for both of us. It shouldn't matter."
Sarah pushed Melissa away. "It mattered to me!"
"You can't have her for yourself," Melissa said.
Figures appeared in the door behind Sarah. Melissa felt her hands ball into fists. They were the men from the Center. Sarah smirked.
"I can now," Sarah said. "There she is, Officers. I'm sure she broke into the Center with those terrorists."
"We believe so as well," one of the men said. "One of her associates admitted to her killing the man."
Melissa frowned. "Man? What--"
"Stay still and no one will get hurt," the man said.

Brown walked down the white hall. Kat and Paige walked in front of him.
"I just don't get it," Paige said. "All that drama and they let us go?"
"Perhaps they hope to follow us to the real killer," Brown suggested.
"Oh, yeah. Killer among us idea. There's a thought." Paige stared at Kat. "I wonder who is it."
"I wonder as well," Kat said, staring at Paige.
"Do you?" Paige asked.
"I dinna think I like yuir tone," Kat said.
"I agree with Miss Rye," Brown said. "What are you trying to say, Miss Kendall?"
Paige turned to look at Brown. Her eyes narrowed on him.
"You know exactly what--" Paige started.
Suddenly, a loud noise shook the building. Brown knew it well. He turned to the right. The sign BOILER ROOM was on the door. A grunt came from the door. It withered. A loud sound came from it. Brown had no time.
"Duck!" Brown yelled.
Brown dove for the floor as the door shot off of its hinges. Fire blew into the opposite wall. More explosions shook the buildings. Brown looked around. Kat and Paige had also dove to the floor. Brown shot up.
"We need to get out!" Brown yelled over the explosions."
"Who set them off!" Kat yelled.
"How about we find out later!" Paige shouted.
Brown ran down the hall. The floor had begun to feel warm to the touch. This would not end well.
Brown jumped out the door. He turned in time to hear another explosion. Fire shot out the door to the boiler room. Suddenly, the fire shot out of the floor. Debris shot at the glass door, shattering them with their speed. Brown covered his head.
"Well, he said they would be here."
Brown looked up. Several men stood above them. They had rifles trained on Brown, Kat, and Paige. A black man and a tall white man glared at them.
"I still can't believe it, yo," the black man said. "Johnny, what is Jude thinking?"
"He trust Melissa, man," Johnny said. He looked at Brown. "We hear you're in trouble. We're to bring you in."

Melissa's eyes narrowed. All she wanted was to see her mother again. Instead, she was now the target in some conspiracy. She needed to get out.
Melissa lunged forward. She shoved Sarah into the men, forcing them into the hall. The men hit the wall. Melissa dotted down the hall.
She turned the corner. The elevator door was just opening. Several nurses walked out of it. Melissa dashed into it and quickly pushed the close button.
A figure jumped in before the elevator doors closed. The figure kneeled and looked up through blonde hair. Melissa glared. It was Sarah.
"Where's Mom?" Melissa demanded.
"Somewhere where you won't hurt her," Sarah said. She shot up and grabbed Melissa by the throat. "And you? On your way to the Center?"
Melissa grabbed Sarah's hand. "No...more...Center...bitch."
Melissa kicked Sarah in the stomach. Sarah felt away from her releasing Melissa's neck. Melissa let breath into her lungs.
"The bombs my...friends...got Mom to smuggle in? Already at the Center. By now it's all broken brick. So...their plan...a success."
"No!" Sarah cried.
Melissa penned Sarah to the wall. "Yes!"
Sarah struggled against Melissa's hold.
"I hate you," Sarah snapped. "None of this would have happened if it wasn't for you!"
"I never told you to sell me out!" Melissa snapped.
"You could have grown up and been responsible!" Sarah yelled. "Dad died in the car accident and you! You just run away!"
Melissa felt her jaw drop. On her world, it was a young Sarah who died in a car accident. Her parents dealt with it as much as they could. Melissa never could forget her sister.
Sarah's left arm broke free. Before Melissa could stop her, Sarah's other arm was free. She shoved Melissa away from her.
"Instead of being there helping me and Mom, you partied!" Sarah yelled. "You got in trouble!" Her eyes narrowed. "I had to stop it. Mom was worried sick."
"What you did," Melissa said, "was kill Mom."
Sarah lunged at Melissa. "You--"
Melissa ducked to the floor. Sarah hit the wall. Melissa crawled toward the door. Hands tightened on her legs. Melissa turned around. Sarah was on her. Her eyes were full of hatred as her hands wrapped around Melissa's neck.
"She's my mother!" Sarah yelled. "Not yours! Mine!"
"Wrong," Melissa said as she struggled. "She's not your...mother anymore."
Sarah's hands tightened around Melissa's neck. Melissa grabbed Sarah's arms and squeezed her nails into them. Sarah screamed and released her grip. Melissa balled her right hand into a fist and punched Sarah in the jaw. She fell back into the wall.
The elevator beeped. Melissa stood up quickly as the doors opened. No one noticed the unconscious woman on the elevator door. Melissa left quickly. As the door closes, Melissa turned around to stare at her sister. Her mind wandered to Earth Prime and whether she would reach it again.
Melissa turned away from the elevator doors. She was tired of different worlds. Right now, she had one thing on her mind.
"Excuse me," Melissa said as she approached the front desk.
"Can I help you?" the nurse asked.
"Yes," Melissa said. "I'm here to see my mother."

"All aboard!"
Brown stared over at the men as they packed up boxes into the van. The alley was full of two giant vans. Jude's men hurried out of the apartment.
Brown looked over to the driver side of one of the vans. Jude was busy talking to Melissa. Jude's face was in a frown as Melissa explained not going with him.
Brown looked to his left. Randall stared at the scene between Melissa and Jude. He glared at them. "Hmmm," Brown said aloud.
It was quite interesting to see Randall noticing Melissa more and more. He never would have thought a dark slider could have such innocent feelings.
Paige leaned against the wall near the last van. Her eyes were on Randall. She looked over at Jude and Melissa. Her face formed a glare.
Brown frowned. Paige had been after Randall since he met her. Now that he met Melissa, Randall seem to be slowly drifting toward her. The last thing they need was another triangle. He would need to do something, but what?

Paige glared at Melissa. She was looking down at her feet. A trace of a smile was on her face as she talked to Jude. Paige felt she was going to be sick. She did not get what anyone saw in Melissa.
Then she saw it. Randall watched Jude and Melissa. He looked how he looked when an experiment caught his interest. Her eyes narrowed on Jude and Melissa. Now she really wished. Melissa was not around.
"'Tis jealousy. Someone has a heart."
Paige looked behind her. Kat headed toward her.
"You finally appear," Paige said. "Maybe we can leave now."
"Why?" Kat challenged. "Intending to leave me?"
"Well...I don't feel like sliding with a killer so..."
"I have warned you about--"
"Why get the fighting moves, Katherine?"
Kat stormed away from Paige. Paige could not get the smile off her face. It was good to have someone on the ropes.
Melissa headed toward Professor Brown. Randall headed toward the two of them. Meanwhile, the vans started up. Paige barely noticed the vans leaving the alley. Her eyes were focused on Randall. His eyes were not on her. They were on Melissa.
Paige glared at Melissa. She was going to have to get rid of her as well.

Melissa managed a smile for Professor Brown as she approached him near the edge of the alley. She turned to look at the vans. Jude stared at her as he started the van. It left the alley.
"Yeah...everything's okay, Professor," Melissa said. She turned to face Brown. "I think I'm ready to go home now. My...a real home."
"And we will get back," Randall said.
Melissa looked at Randall. He managed a smile.
"Someday...you will see your real mother again," Randall said. "I promise."
Melissa frowned. She looked at Professor Brown. He frowned, too. Randall just did not sound like Randall at all.
Randall pulled out the timer. "Are we ready for the next world?"
"Yes," Paige said, her eyes shooting daggers into Melissa, "we are."
Melissa stared at Randall. He stared at the timer as it beeped. She stared...and wondered.

THE-END

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