"Do you think you could move a little--"
  Randy Heim turned back in time to see Melissa Clark knock Rebecca Pryce to the ground. They fell into a mud puddle. Rebecca turned quickly, mud on her face. She glared.
  "You--" Rebecca started.
  "Look," Randy said, cutting her off.
  Rebecca looked at the tree they had stood next to a moment ago. There was now a spear stuck in the side. He looked back. Mexicans with war paint on their faces were right behind him.
  "Run!"

  Richard Hall kept up with the others. He took a moment to see if the Others were behind him. His double and Melissa's double sweated under the jungles hot sun. His double glared at him.
  "How do you guys do this?" Richard's double...Other...asked.
  "Talk later!" Randy snapped. "It's time!"

  Randy flew out of the vortex. He landed on his butt. It immediately felt wet. He looked down to see he was in a mud puddle.
  "Not so nice when the shoe's on the other foot, is it?"
  Randy looked up. Rebecca smirked at him from the garbage bin she was next to. Melissa actually giggled.
  He stood up. "I guess I'm going to have to find a change of clothes."
  Rebecca corked an eyebrow.
  The vortex whirred. Richard, his Other, and Melissa's Other shot out of it in rapid succession. It closed behind them. Richard's Other glared.
  "I hate your sliding device already," he said.
  "Well, no one told you to come," Rebecca replied.
  "Nice to see you care about your friends, Rebecca," Melissa's Other said. She stormed out of the alley. Richard's Other followed.
  "As if we don't have enough problems," Richard muttering, following the two.
  Randy agreed. He headed out of the alley. Rebecca was next to him, making him frown. If he didn't know better...
  Suddenly, Randy ran into a set of lips. They were on his like a tongue to a good piece of chicken. He pulled back in surprise. His eyes widened.
  "Oh my God!" Randy exclaimed.

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

A WORLD WHERE THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS IN FULL SWING?

OR

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

OR

A WORLD WHERE YOU ARE A SECRET AGENT?

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

SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 5
EPISODE 13: COUNTERCULTURES

  "I personally don't get the appeal."
  Melissa Clark looked to her left. She faced...herself as they walked down the sidewalk. She was what Randy had coined an Other. They had both slid from their Earths at the same time. She had the same life before that. They had the same adventures in sliding....up to a point. She became a darker person while Melissa did not. Well...until the last few months anyway. She and Richard's Other had joined them a few worlds ago. Now Melissa felt like she was playing a cat-and-mouse game with herself.
  Her Other smirked. Then she tossed her long jet-black hair. Her eyes looked forward.
  "He's just a geek," the Other continued. "Randy...I mean. I'll give him that he dressed better and was filled out more, but...still a geek. What does people see in him?"
  Melissa looked at her. "Dignity. Respect. Things you don't have."
  Her Other looked at her, mock pain on her face. She grabbed at her chest.
  "Oh, Liz, you cut me to the quick," the Other said.
  Melissa rolled her eyes. "Please. You don't care."
  "Right about that," the Other replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "Still...I don't see what any of you see him. I at least expect better from Rebecca."
  Melissa frowned. "Rebecca?"

  Randy stared at the hand holding his. He didn't know what to say. Of course it was a case of mistaken identity. It was going to be hard enough explaining two Richards and two Melissa. But explaining himself...to his lover...really hard. He looked at him. How could he explain all of this to Ethan?
  Ethan. On every world, Ethan was the same. He was gay and in love with Randy. That never seem to change no matter what world Randy slid to with him in it? He was even more haunting to Randy now since the last time Randy met an Ethan double, Randy got him killed.
  Ethan smiled at him. This double had shoulder length brown hair. A little stumble graced his face. He wore a green long-sleeved shirt with a brown vest and brown sweatpants.
  "I'm glad to see you," Ethan said. "You never tell me when you run off. Always on one of your little scientific pursuits."
  "Uh...yea...you know me," Randy commented.
  That got a snicker from behind them. Randy turned around. Rebecca walked a few feet behind them. Her arms were crossed over her chest. She glared, her long curly dark hair made her look like some beast escaped from the zoo. Randy glared back.
  Randy felt a tightening on his hand. He turned back around. Ethan frowned at him.
  "I have to ask," Ethan said, "what's with the clothes? Yours? Theirs? I think the last thing you want is an attack?"
  "Uh...'when in Rome,'" Randy managed.
  "Ah! I see. Kinda like a...counter-protest thing. I'm sure that went over well in New York. The President must have had a cow."
  "I'm sure he did," Rebecca said, walking alongside Randy's left. "You know, Randy can make quite the impression." She grabbed onto his other hand. "Right, Randy?"
  Randy looked at Rebecca's hand. He frowned. "Right."
  "Anyway," Ethan said. "I'm glad you're back. I can't wait to get you home."
  "Home?" Randy managed.
  Ethan released Randy's hand. Before Randy could react, Ethan grabbed him in a hug from behind. He kissed him on the chin.
  "Well, it's been two weeks," Ethan said. "I'm looking forward to some alone time."

  "Awwww..ain't that sweet?"
  Richard looked at his Other. He smirked at Richard. Richard frowned.
  "Am I the only one freaked out by this?" Richard asked, gesturing at Randy and Ethan a little bit away. "I mean...Egghead isn't even--"
  "Geez, Richard," the Other said, "you sure are more homophobic than...other mes. And you know what they say about--"
  "Don't go there," Richard warned.
  The Other shrugged his shoulders. "I'm just saying..."
  "Nothing of interest. Shall we move on?"
  "All I'm saying is...if Ran wants to go that way and the other person is willing...why not? They both get something out of it."
  Richard glared at his Other. His Other frowned.
  "Fine," Richard's Other said. "Conversation over. Next topic: why are you such a wuss?"
  "Not a wuss," Richard said.
  "Sez the Boy Scout," the Other said. "I thought after finding out your origins, you would have gotten an edge. Maybe what you need...is a defining moment."
  "I have edge."
  "Bull!" the Other snapped. "The original Richard did. You? Not so much."
  "You don't know me."
  "But I know us. Richard was defined by a hard life. Experiences. The feelings behind them. Sorry, Clone Boy, you don't have that."
  Richard resisted the urge to punch the Other. He could feel his anger boil. His eyes widened on his feelings. Why was he getting bend out of shape?
  "That anger you're feeling?" the Other said. "All Richard. You? Just a copy."
  Richard grabbed the Other by the shirt. He pushed him against the window of a cd store. The Other laughed at him.
  "Shut up!" Richard snapped.
  "Why?" the Other taunted. "That's the darkness I was looking for!"
  "Hey!"
  Richard turned. A figure emerged from the cd store. It was a with shoulder length blond hair. A few braids were on the left side of her head. She wore a short-sleeved blue shirt that showed off her midriff and dark brown bell-bottoms.
  "Do you think--" She paused. "Richard?"
  The Other laughed. Richard stared at her in surprise. She looked familiar.
  Then it hit him.
  Laura Carmichael.
  The that he...that Richard...had ran over on Earth Prime.

  "Oh," Melissa muttered.
  It was Laura Carmichael. She stared at the Richards, her face was full of recognition. That was not good...for anyone.
  "Oh, indeed," Melissa's Other said. "Now all we need is our sister to pop up and--"
  Melissa glared. "Not funny."
  "Hey! On my world, Sarah's alive."
  "Is everything okay?"
  Melissa turned around. Randy, Rebecca, and Ethan had walked back. Melissa stared at Randy and Rebecca, her Other's words still in her ear.
  "Yeah," Melissa said. "How about you two run along? Rebecca,...Liz and I got this."
  Randy frowned. So did Rebecca. Melissa headed for Richard without another word.

  Randy laid on the futon. He was in a pair of brown bell-bottoms. Ethan massaged his shirt-less back. Randy let out a grunt.
  "Wow!" Ethan exclaimed from above him. "You are tense."
  Randy said nothing. On one hand, Ethan gave a good massage. On the other hand, this wasn't right.
  "So," Ethan started, "when are you going to tell me what went down in New York?"
  "Uh...not right now," Randy said.
  "You know the others are going to want to hear," Ethan said. "You started such a movement here. Who would have thought...wearing 70s clothes to protest the war would catch on all over the world? When the President asked to meet you...I was in awe. When the state senators did it...I was floored."
  "It all starts somewhere," Randy said.
  "Hmmm," Ethan said, leaning down into Randy's ear," that it does."
  Ethan kissed Randy's ear. Randy shot up off the couch. Ethan fell on the floor.
  "Uh...sorry," Randy said.
  "What is up with you?" Ethan asked. "I'm used to you being distant...when you're working on a project. This? Different."
  "What can I say?" Randy said. "Really tense."
  Ethan stood up. He grabbed Randy around the waist. He grinned.
  "Let me help you with that," Ethan said. He started to lean in to kiss Randy.
  There was a knock at their door. Randy quickly shot for it. He had never been so glad for a knock. He opened it.
  Miashuyhi Kims stood in the door. She had her long black hair in a ponytail. She wore a black tie with the business she had on. Her hands were behind her back and her eyes narrowed on Randy.
  "You look surprisingly well for a dead man," Kims said. She pulled out a gun. "We need to talk."

  Randy stepped back into the studio apartment. Kims quickly followed, shutting the door behind her. Randy looked over at Ethan. He stared at the two of them shocked.
  "I don't know how you did it," Kims said, "but let me say: Damn!"
  Ethan frowned. "Randy, who is this?"
  "Someone who the President sends in to clean up...unexpected messes," Kims said. "You can call me Agent 528."
  "Puh-leaze, Miashuyhi," Randy said. "That's too cute."
  Kims's eyes widened. "How do you--"
  Ethan moved quickly. He grabbed a dark blue lamp off of a table. He threw it at Kims. Kims ducked. Randy dotted forward ramming into Kims. They hit the door. Before Kims could react, Randy knocked her out.
  "Did you see that?" Ethan asked, as he walked over. "I guess we still make a good team."
  Randy stared down at Kim's unconscious body. His breath was just now getting back to normal. He smiled at Ethan.
  "Yeah," Randy said, "I guess we do."

  Melissa paced in the living room of the Dominion room they had used. She looked over at her Other. She sat on the couch with Rebecca. They both stared at Melissa.
  "Think you could stop?" Rebecca asked.
  "Yea," Melissa's Other added. "You're going to burn a hole in that rug."
  "Am I the only one worried?" Melissa demanded.
  "Yes," Rebecca said.
  "Yea," the Other said.
  "What are you afraid of, Liz?" Rebecca asked, a tone of challenge in her voice. "Afraid poor goody two shoes Richard is going to revert to the bad ass we all know and love?"
  "Amen, !" Melissa's Other exclaimed.
  Melissa glared at her Other. The Other smirked. Rebecca stood up.
  "Personally, I'm all for it," Rebecca said. "Maybe then he'll have more fun and live a little."
  "There you go again...running your mouth," Melissa said. "As if you know what you're talking about."
  Rebecca laughed. "Don't I?"
  Melissa's Other laughed. "Yea...just look at Randy. He was a geek with you. Now that he's--"
  The Other paused. Melissa narrowed her eyes on her.
  "What were you about to say?" Melisa demanded.
  Melissa's Other shot up. "Uh...nothing."
  "Uh...that wasn't nothing."
  "I think I'm going to see if Rich is up," the Other said, heading for her Other boyfriend's bedroom.
  Melissa started to follow. Rebecca shot up in her way. She crossed her arms over her chest.
  "Really, Melissa," Rebecca said. "What is it with you? Attacking comrades?"
  "You're not my comrade," Melissa said.
  "Got that right," Rebecca replied. "I never could stand you."
  "At least I have a world to get back to. How about you?"
  Rebecca glared. "I think you should back off. You have no idea what I'm capable of."
  Melissa stared Rebecca up and down. "Apparently the ability to lie on your back like a ."
  Rebecca smirked. "Keep pushing."
  Melissa glared at Rebecca. She wanted to wipe that smirk right off of her face. She heard a crick. She turned and saw her Other heading for them. Her eyes were widened.
  "Rich," the Other said, "he's gone!"

  Richard looked down at his clothes. He wore blue jean bell-bottoms with a tide-eyed short sleeve shirt. With his long curly brown ponytail and his headband, he felt like a hippie.
  Laura Carmichael walked next to him. She wore a tide-eye long dress now. Her long hair flowed behind her. She looked like an angel.
  Richard frowned. Looking at this who probably should exist seem to be affecting his mind. He could feel this ringing in the back of his head. He did not like it. In fact, he feared it.
  A hand encircled his hand, bringing Richard back to reality. He looked over at Laura. She smiled.
  "Hey," Laura said. "You alive in there?"
  "Uh...yeah," Richard managed. "Just...a lot on my mind."
  "I bet," Laura said. "Meeting Randy Heim. Being part of his movement. Going to New York. I don't think I would be that brave. Not even for the war."
  Richard frowned. "War?"
  "Yeah," Laura said. "Thankfully, the President is listening to the protest. Maybe my brother Peter will be home for the 4th of July."
  Richard continued to frown. the only images that came to mind at the mention of Peter Carmichael weren't nice. He was a dark slider that wanted Richard dead. The dark sliders had landed on Earth Prime. Laura died on that trip due to Richard running her down. Peter had corner Richard in a bathroom on a fun world to reveal that fact, his eyes full of madness.
  But...he wasn't Richard. Not really. The memories were implanted. His body...was grown in a test tube. He wasn't Richard.
  Lately, some of his memories started...to have emotions behind them. They became less like images in his head. They were becoming...actual memories. What that would mean...Richard did not know.
  Richard was jerked back into reality. He looked back at Laura. She frowned.
  "Incoming," Laura said.
  "In--" Richard started.
  "Look at who's back!"
  Richard looked forward. He instantly recognized Robert Bufford. On this world, he had short shaggy dark hair and wore brown. The other dark-haired guy he did recognized, but he was in a black turtleneck with black jeans.
  "If it isn't the big rebel!" Bufford said. "You see him, Joel?"
  "I see him, Bufford," Joel said. "I don't believe it, but I see it."
  "The President actually let you rebels off?" Bufford said, his head shaking. "I'm surprised he didn't take you all out."
  Laura put her hands on her hips. "He listened to reason...obviously."
  "Don't you mean public opinion?" Bufford shot back. "When most of the country is in vest and bell-bottoms, a potential re-elect will do anything to get votes...even talk to rabid dogs."
  "Rabid?" Joel exclaimed. " You going smart on me, Buff?"
  "It's not like that!" Laura protested. "They made a point."
  "Yeah," Bufford said. "The point: That they're pointless."
  Joel laughed at that comment. Laura glared. Richard stared at Bufford. He also was laughing. It made the ringing in the back of his head ring a little bit louder.
  "You--" Laura started.
  Richard started past them, the ringing getting worse. "Laura, I think I'm going to go. This--"
  Bufford grabbed his arm. Richard looked at the hand. He stared at Bufford. Suddenly, he was back in the Student Union. It was the day he first fell into sliding. Bufford stood behind him.
***
Bufford looked annoyed. 'I have a deadline, you idiot!' He lowered his voice. 'Heim was hinting at some breakthrough that would change science two weeks ago. I want that device.'
'Give me time. I don't know him, and it's taking my ex-'
'Two days," Bufford cut him off. "Or I'll go to the Dean about-'
'Don't say it,' Richard said quickly.
***
  Richard ed his arm away. He ran away down the street. He turned the corner. His Other smirked at him.
  "What a wuss," the Other said.

  Randy walked with Ethan in Golden Gate Park. It was already dark so Randy flinched whenever anyone walked by. He didn't know who to trust him.
  A hand encircled his hand. Ethan smiled.
  "Don't worry," Ethan said. "We're almost there."
  Randy did not know what to say. Ethan was being so...together. It had been a while since he had that. Since he and Melissa...
  Ethan stopped. "Over there."
  Randy looked to the left, following Ethan's finger point. To the left hidden among a few branches was the rest rooms for the park. Randy looked at Ethan and frowned.
  "I don't get it," Randy said.
  "Trust me," Ethan said, walking forward.
  Trust him? Randy...didn't really trust anyone. How could he? Still...he had never known any evil Ethan doubles.
  Randy followed Ethan into the darkness.

  Richard glared at his Other. "I'm not a wuss."
  "The old Richard," the Other said, leaning against the wall, "the one I knew would have a little smart aleck comeback ready for Buttford. He had an edge. He was a ladies' man."
  "Whatever!" Richard exclaimed. "Could Richard romance s...duh! But he could stick to one. Look at the history: Melissa. Nicole Harris. Kat. I have history."
  Richard's Other stopped leaning. His eyes narrowed on him.
  "Yeah," Richard's Other said. "Still not him. No sweat. No tears. No struggle."
  "Struggle?" Richard snapped. "What do you know? While you and Melissa and your Brown were playing Psycho Bonnie and Clyde with Special Guest Terminator, I had to deal with Mr. Stone hounding me, watching Randy moon over Melissa, losing Kat to--"
  Richard stopped talking. Richard's Other stepped forward. He crossed his arms over his chest. A smirk crept on his face.
  "You," Richard's Other said, "was in a tube waiting to germinate. RICHARD dealt with Stone. RICHARD fought Randy for Melissa. RICHARD was involved with Kat. And you...are not Richard. Or...are you?"
  Richard stared at his Other. His words were true. Yet...Richard had just snapped. He referred to himself as if he was Richard. He wasn't...was he?
  "Maybe what you need," Richard's Other said, standing in front of him, "is something to define you. Laura defined both of us once. Perhaps she should again."
  Richard frowned. "What do you mean?"
  "You'll see."
  "How about you just--"
  "Everything okay?"
  Richard turned to look at Laura. She frowned at him. He managed to smile.
  "Yea, it's fine. Ri--" Richard said, turning to face his Other.
  His Other was gone.

  Randy stood in front of the urinal. He looked over at Ethan.
  "Are you sure this works?" Randy asked.
  "Well, you should know, Randall. You started it."
  Randy started to turn around, the voice familiar.
  "Nah uh, Heim. Don't even," said a second voice.
  "Now, Tessa, it's okay. We're all friends here...though I am enjoying his backside," said the first familiar voice.
  "Is that all you think about?" a third voice demanded.
  "Now, Di," the familiar voice said, "I didn't see you refusing Remmy the other night...and how old is he?"
  "You should talk," Di said. "How old are you? And you and Heim--"
  "He and Heim what?" Ethan snapped.
  "Wouldn't you like to know? You're the wife, right?" the first voice said.
  Randy turned. "What in the--"
  The words died in his mouth. He stared face to face with Quinn Mallory. This Quinn had long slicked-back hair and glasses. He was dressed in a suit and tie. The eyes behind the glasses stared at Randy like he was a pet cat that Quinn loved to toy with.
  Diana Davis stood on one side of him. Her long dark hair was in a ponytail. She had on a black suit and tie.
  The third person Randy did not recognize at first. Then it hit him. Her name was Dru. The group had encountered her a few times. On this world she also had her hair in a ponytail. Her hands were behind her back. She wore a brown business suit and glared at Randy.
  "Hello, Randall," Diana said. "Long time."
  "Not long enough," complained Dru.
  Quinn looked at Dru. "Now, Tessa. Is that any way to treat an old comrade?"
  "Don't you mean sell out?" Dru snapped.
  "I have to agree with Tessa," Diana said. "Randall, what were you thinking?"
  "Uh...I know someone would be here to help Randy...I heard things," Ethan said, "but who are you?"
  Dru glared. Diana put her face in her hand and shook her head. Quinn stared at Randy and approached.
  "Who are we?" Quinn said, his eyes on Randy. "We...are the anti-establishment. Well...thanks to Randy here....the anti-anti-establishment. Your idea...to wear old era clothes to protest the war...brilliant." He stopped in front of Randy. He reached out and held Randy's chin up so they were eye to eye. "Proof you learned a lot from me, but...you were always my brightest student. However...when mainstream caught on and you went to talk to the President, two things happened. One...you became the majority and thus...not the minority. As a result...two...you have sold out. And that...I just can't have, but..."
  Before Randy could stop him, Quinn planted a kiss on him. Quinn smiled.
  "...I can be swayed," Quinn said. "We did date for two years."

  Melissa headed into the Dominion lobby. Randy had left the address of Ethan's studio apartment. When she got there, she found the studio a wreck. She could only hope he escaped and come here.
  Rebecca stormed into the lobby. Melissa made a beeline for her.
  "Have you seen Randy?" Melissa asked.
  "None," Rebecca said. "I was hoping he had made it back here."
  "Great," Melissa said, the hint of annoyance obvious in her voice.
  "Oh, look at you. I'm sure Egghead would be touched."
  Melissa looked at the entrance. Her Other had pushed both doors open. She looked at both of them, her eyes full of mischief.
  "Two women mooning over him," Melissa's Other taunted. "Gag me."
  "I guess that means you found nothing," Rebecca said.
  "And no one's mooning," Melissa added.
  "I found nothing," the Other said to Rebecca. She looked at Melissa. "And...puh-leaze."
  "What is it with the sly remarks, Liz?" Melissa demanded.
  Melissa's Other stared at Rebecca. "You're right. That boy's death has made her clueless. Think you can spell it out?"
  Melissa frowned at her Other. Then she turned her frown on Rebecca. Rebecca stared at Melissa's Other like she would burst into flames any second. Her body was extremely tense. Melissa lost the frown and crossed her arms over her chest.
  "Yea, Rebecca," Melissa said. "Spell it out for me."
  Rebecca looked at Melissa. Melissa narrowed her eyes. Rebecca turned quickly, heading for the elevator.
  Melissa's eyes widened. Rebecca never backed down from a fight. Melissa headed after her.
  "What's the con, Rebecca?" Melissa demanded.
  Rebecca gave no answer. She pushed the elevator button.
  "Yeah, Pryce," Melissa's Other said from behind her. "Speak up."
  Rebecca turned around. She narrowed her eyes on the Other.
  "Shut up!" Rebecca snapped.
  "Why?" the Other challenged, standing next to Melissa now. "Afraid I'll drop your house of cards?"
  "You really want to mess with me?" Rebecca shot back
.   "He doesn't love you," Melissa's Other said, her look the cat that ate the canary.
  Melissa's eyes widened. Rebecca glared at Melissa's Other. Melissa stared at Rebecca.
  "He?" Melissa uttered. "Who's--"
  The elevator doors opened. A figure moved quickly. Rebecca got a fist in the face, falling to the floor unconscious. Melissa stared at the figure.
  "Where is he?" Miashuyhi Kims demanded.

  Ethan stopped pacing. His eyes turned on Randy. Then he grunted and started his pacing again.
  Randy continued to sit on the couch. Quinn had brought them here hours ago. Ethan had hit in the bathroom for two of those hours. Now he paced, letting Randy feel his anger.
  Randy said nothing. It was safe to assume that Kims probably worked for the government. And since Ethan was...with Randy's double, he was on the hit list. He had to get him out of here. He didn't want another Ethan double's death on his conscience.
  "Ethan--" Randy started.
  Ethan glared. "Don't talk to me."
  Randy stood up. "But--"
  "Two years!" Ethan spit out. "You went on your crusades and trips to who knew where for two years. The whole time you were bumping and grinding with...McOldie. No! You don't get to talk!"
  Randy walked over to Ethan. He reached for Ethan.
  "Listen--"
  Ethan slapped Randy across the face. Pain shot through Randy's cheek. Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around him.
  "Oh!" Ethan exclaimed. "Maybe that was a little too much anger."
  "No, no," Randy managed. "I had it coming." He stared at Ethan. "Look...I'm sorry. Hopefully, you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
  Ethan said nothing. His face bunched up into a grimace. Emotions fought over what to do. Randy reached out and touched Ethan's shoulder. Ethan flinched a little bit, but he didn't push Randy away. He stared at Randy, trying to keep his stare calm.
  "I'm sorry about this mess I've seem to have started," Randy said, letting his nose touch Ethan's nose. "I promise you...I won't let anything harm you."
  A trace of a smile crossed Ethan's face.
  "The infamous Heim nose-touch rears its ugly head," Ethan said jokingly.
  Randy frowned. He...was just trying to be consoling. If he was still with Melissa, he was sure he would do the same. The fact that he and a double shared a similar trait was...unnerving to him.
  The door to the room opened. Randy looked to see who it was. It was Quinn. He studied the scene, his eyes full of mild interest. He pointed to Ethan.
  "You," Quinn said, pointing to the door, "out. I need to talk along with Randy."
  "I don't think so, homewrecker," Ethan snapped.
  "It takes two, lame duck," Quinn shot back.
  Ethan took a step forward. Randy grabbed Ethan's shoulder. Ethan glared at him.
  "Ethan, I got this," Randy said.
  Ethan looked back at Quinn. He stormed to the door and slammed it. Quinn stared at the door.
  "Quaint guy," he said. He looked at Randy. "Now who are you and what have you done with Randy?"
  "What makes--" Randy started.
  "--me think you're an impostor?" Quinn finished. "That kiss...was a little off. So I had feelers put out in the capital. You...and your men were set to fly to St. Louis. You never made your flight." He stepped forward. "A little paperwork and leg moving, a few charcoled bodies turned up in the river. Dental work matched." Quinn was at the window. He looked out of it, his eyes hollow. "Randy Heim...the one I knew and...he's dead." His eyes fell on Randy. "Now...who are you?"
  "I'm Randy," Randy said.
  "I think we have established that you are not Randy."
  "Did you ever do anything involving the Einstein-Rosen-Polodsky Bridge?"
  Quinn frowned. "Yea. Years ago. Nothing came of it. I think I was off...way off...on one of the equations."
  Randy grinned. "I wasn't."

  Richard stopped outside of the apartment. Laura leaned on the door for a moment. She manged a grin.
  "Wow," Laura said. "I'm beat."
  "How about I come and--" Richard started.
  Laura put a hand on Richard's chest, silencing him.
  "No," Laura said.
  "But--"
  "Look," Laura cut him off. "Between the trolley race, rollerblading, and every activity known to men, I'm beat." She stopped leaning and stepped forward. "Besides...I have to open the store tomorrow and you...I'm sure Randy will have some new thing for you to protest."
  Richard managed a grin. "Count on it."
  Laura kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned away and walked into her apartment.
  Richard stared after her. He didn't want to leave her alone...especially after his double's warning. Who knew what he was capable of?
  "A lot."
  Richard turned around. His Other swung, his hand a big fist. Richard's nose shot with pain as he fell over.
  Everything went black.

  Rebecca grunted. She tried to move her hands. They wouldn't budge. She pushed up, settling on a sitting position. Her eyes adjusted to the dark quickly. Then they narrowed.
  Melissa's Other was in a sitting position a few feet away. Rebecca sure recognized her smirk. She did not like it at all.
  "Well, it's about time," Melissa's Other said. "There was just only so long I could deal with Unconscious Liz there..."
  "Don't be cute," Rebecca said.
  "Someone has to be," Melissa's Other said. "I just can't believe how much love has made you lose your edge."
  "I don't know--"
  "Don't play games with me. I know about you and Egghead. That must be one good--"
  Rebecca shot forward. She was in the Other's face.
  "Don't mess with me," Rebecca said. "That's one bet you'll lose."
  "Really?" Melissa's Other challenged. "Because you know what I think? No one's afraid of Rebecca Pryce."
  "Keep pushing."
  "You saying that to Randy would be priceless."
  A grunt came from Melissa's Other's back. Rebecca looked behind the Other. Melissa was waking up. She looked over at the two of them.
  "Where are we?" Melissa asked.
  The Other said nothing. She was too busy smirking at Rebecca. Rebecca glared at her. Melissa frowned at them both.
  "Okay. What did I--" Melissa started.
  Light popped open above their head. Rebecca had to blink to readjust. They were in a room with black painted walls. The floor was dark wooden. There was nothing else...except the door. At the moment, it was open. The Asian who had given them the beatdown stood there.
  "Good ladies," the Asian said. "We found your leader."
  "Really?" Melissa's Other exclaimed. "Good. In that case, you can let us go and--"
  "I," the Asian cut her off, "do not think so." She smirked. "Your leader should be dead. A few...not many...saw him. The President can't have him a big martyr than he looks ready to become. You're loose ends...and bargaining chips. He'll come for you."
  "Oh, really?" Melissa shot out. "Why say that?"
  "Randy Heim actually cares for his followers," the Asian said. "It's his heel. Then we will be in control of the counterculture as well as the culture. The President can continue his little war."
  "What makes you so sure?" Rebecca demanded.
  The Asian stepped into the room. A new figure entered with her. Rebecca recognized her.
  "Diana Davis?" Melissa uttered. "You can't be with Kims."
  Diana laughed. "Get real, simpleton. Maybe it's about women having a little bit of say. Besides...Randall Heim is a sell out."
  "And what are you?" Rebecca snapped. "The bargain bin?"
  Diana rolled her eyes. "So short-sighted." She looked at Kims. "Are the others ready?"
  Kims smiled. "Of course."
  Diana stared at the s. "Take them."

  Richard opened his eyes. The first thing that became apparent was that someone stared down at him. He recognized Rembrandt Brown.
  "You okay, man?" Rembrandt asked.
  "Uh...yeah," Richard managed, sitting up. He saw he was in the hall with a few tenants. "I was...just--"
  His eyes were on Laura's door. It was ajar. Richard shot up.
  "Hey, hold up!" Rembrandt exclaimed.
  Richard stormed into the apartment. The lights were on inside. The couch was turned over. Books littered the floor. Richard headed into the apartment.
  There was no sign of Laura.
  Richard stumbled out into the hall. His thoughts raced. If it was him...well it was...but...where would his Other be?
  Then...he knew.

  "Are you sure?"
  Randy looked up from his notes. Quinn laid on the couch. He had a playful look on his face.
  "I mean...the knowledge you have," Quinn continued. "To just pass it on to me...in exchange for what? The love of a man who don't love."
  Randy looked over his notes. "Well, he loves me. I want him to be safe."
  "So...you have a connection."
  Randy looked at Quinn. "I'm not gay."
  "Don't need to be gay to have one."
  "Just make sure Ethan's safe."
  "I never could refuse you. Next thought: How do you know I won't misuse the information you are giving me?"
  "I don't," Randy said. "I do know most doubles of Quinn Mallory are highly intelligent and good."
  Quinn sat up. "Never did get any complaints from you."
  "Will you stop with the flirting?!"
  Quinn shrugged. "What?"
  The door flew open. Randy looked at it. It was Dru.
  "We got trouble!" Dru declared.

  Richard stumbled onto the street. Just like before, there was no one around. It had been the same when Richard...when he had killed Laura.
  He shook the memory away. His feet continued forward. They led him down the dark road.
  A few minutes later, he saw the exact make of the car he had driven. The driver door popped open. Richard's Other stepped out.
  "What took you so long?" Richard's Other asked.

  Dru helped Diana to a chair. Randy did not know what to say. Diana looked bad. Her left eye was blackened. Her clothes were torn. She was holding her left arm like it was broken. He looked over at Quinn who was standing with his arms crossed over his chest.
  "It was horrible," Diana said. "We found some friends of Randy's...three s. We were on our way here. Then...government agents.
  Randy shot off the couch. "Where are the s?"
  "We managed to get them to a safehouse," Diana said, "but we need to move. I might have compro--"
  Gunfire exploded from outside the room. It was followed by more gunfire. Randy looked down at Ethan. There was also screams.
  "Tessa, come on," Quinn said, pulling out a gun. "Di, can you walk?"
  "Yeah," Diana said.
  "Take Randy and Ethan to his followers," Quinn said.
  "But--" Randy started.
  Dru swung open the door. "Don't worry about us. Get gone."
  Dru ran out, gun firing. Quinn started to follow. He stopped at the door and turned. He gestured to Diana. She headed for Quinn. He grabbed her shoulder.
  "Guard him with your life," Quinn said, his eyes on Randy. "He may have sold out, but he's still one of us to me."
  Diana nodded and headed out the door Randy was right behind her. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked at Quinn.
  "If I don't make it," Quinn said, "make sure this war ends."
  "I--" Randy started.
  Quinn kissed Randy. Randy pulled back, shocked.
  "Go!" Quinn yelled.

  Richard drove the car. He took a moment to look in the backseat. Laura was unconscious, her mouth and hands gagged. He looked over at his Other in the passenger seat. He glared at him.
  "If anything happens," Richard said, "it's your fault."
  "No," Richard's Other said, "it's yours. You're the one driving, not me." He smirked. "It was about time you were in the driver's seat. Pun intended."
  "I will kill you," Richard warned.
  "Oh, Boy Scout," Richard's Other said, "if I only believed you."
  Richard glared at his Other. His Other smirked at him. Richard wished he could wipe the smirk right off of his face.
  Richard smirked. His Other frowned. Then Richard stepped on the accelerator.

  "So did they look okay?" Randy asked Diana as they descended the backstairs.
  "Uh...yeah," Diana replied as they moved down.
  "Are you sure...your friends are going to be okay?" Ethan asked from behind Randy.
  "They knew what they were getting into," Diana said, moving out the back door.
  "But--" Ethan continued.
  Randy turned and touched Ethan on the shoulder.
  "They'll be fine," Randy said. "Right now...worry about yourself. Come on."
  Ethan moved past Randy. He paused, his eyes on Randy. He touched Randy's cheek.
  "If we don't make it out of this...," Ethan started.
  "We're going to--" Randy cut in.
  "I love you okay!" Ethan yelled. "That's all I want to--"
  Gunfire exploded at the top of the stairs. Randy dragged Ethan out of the building. He looked for Diana. He saw a van at the end of the alley. He dashed for it A hand grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
  "What--" Randy started.
  Ethan kissed Randy. Ethan pulled away and headed forward. Randy stared after him, shocked.
  Randy started forward. "Diana!"
  He threw open the back of the van. His eyes widened. Melissa, Rebecca, and Melissa's Other were in the back, their hands tied.
  "What--" Randy started.
  Then he heard a click. He turned to see Diana and several men aiming guns at them.
  "Get in," Diana demanded.

  "What are you doing?" Richard's Other demanded.
  Richard said nothing. He was at 80 at the moment. He ignored the horns as he sped through a red light.
  "You're going to get us killed!" Richard's Other snapped.
  "Been dead," Richard said, staring forward. "Not a big deal."
  "You're crazy!"
  Richard smirked. "How do you like my edge now?"
  "What's...going...on?"
  Richard turned around. Laura's mouth gag was off. She was awake.
  "Uh...," Richard started.
  "Look out!" Richard's Other yelled.
  Richard turned forward. A van was coming out of an alley. He couldn't slow down.
  "Oh, sh--" Richard started.

  Randy blinked. Pain shot through his back. He reached for his back. Then he smelled it.
  Randy shot up.
  Smoke.
  He looked around. His eyes fell on Melissa. Blood was on her forehead. He ran over to her quickly.
  "Melissa?" Randy muttered. "Melissa!"
  "Yeah...hello to you, too."
  Randy turned around. Rebecca stood in the open back door of the van. She was bruised, but it was obvious she did not notice. She glared at him.
  "It's good to see if we were in an accident, who you would run to first," Rebecca said.
  Randy glared. "Why are you surprised?"
  Rebecca stared at Randy for a moment. She laughed shortly.
  "Yea. Right!" Rebecca exclaimed. "It's all about Melissa. I forgot. can--"
  A cough got Randy's attention. Melissa sat up. She looked at the front of the van. It was crushed.
  "Is every--" Melissa started.
  Melissa's eyes fell on something, causing her to stop. Randy followed her eyes. His eyes widened.
  Her Other was in the wall that had been crushed. Her head was down, an arm outstretched. There were dark lines running down the metal. Randy knew it wasn't gasoline.
  "Oh my...," Melissa started.
  "Ethan?" Randy muttered.
  Randy shot up. His thoughts scrambled. the last thing he wanted was a dead...
  Ethan shot up near the van's back door. He had a cut on his forehead, but he still smiled. He ran to Randy and hugged him.
  "You're okay, you're okay, you're...," Ethan uttered.
  Randy looked Ethan in the eye. He sighed in relief.
  "Yea," Randy said. "I'm--"
  "Is that smell gas?" Rebecca asked.

  Richard woke up to pain...and heat. He opened his eyes. The car had take out the front of the van, starting a small fire to the front of the car. Richard ignored that and the blood pouring from the side of his head. He looked in the back, fear causing his stomach to tense.
  Laura stared back at him from the backseat. For a moment, Richard was scared that she was dead. Then Laura blinked her eyes. He sighed.
  "You!"
  Richard turned. He got a fist in the jaw. Richard fell into the driver door, his Other lunging at him. He grabbed Richard around the throat and started choking.
  "Are you insane?" the Other snapped.
  "Thought...you wanted...that," Richard said.
  "You son of--"
  Richard's Other released one of his hands. Richard used the chance to uppercut the Other. Richard's Other released Richard. Richard lunged forward, knocking the Other into the passenger door. The Other's eyes widened...and stayed there.
  Richard leaned forward. He looked sideways at the Other. A long shard of glass had stabbed him in the head.
  "No," Richard uttered.
  He had killed someone...again.

  Randy sat in the hospital seat. A shadow fell across him. He looked up. He frowned. Rebecca frowned as well, her eyes narrowing.
  "Sorry, I'm not who you were expecting," Rebecca snapped.
  "I--" Randy started.
  "Don't con a con, Egghead," Rebecca said. "I can read body language well. So tell me...who did you think it was? Melissa...or Ethan?"
  "That's not--"
  "Cuz you sure did not want it to be me! Heaven forbid it's me."
  Randy stood up. "Rebecca, what's wrong with you? You're acting--"
  Rebecca stormed away from him. Randy stood there bewildered His thoughts thinking of Professor Brown. He had allowed the others to escape from the Kromaggs some time ago.
  Times were so much simpler when they had started sliding. Now...Randy shook his head. What would the Professor say?

  The door to the stasis chamber opened. Dr. Kersh turned to look at the door The human known as Professor Darnell Brown emerged. He looked about the room like a newborn experiencing life. His eyes fell on the Humagg. They narrowed.
  "Well?" Brown demanded.
  "I do not think you have anything to worry about as far as the Cromagnons are concerned anymore."
  "And your kind?" Brown demanded.
  "You do not have to worry as long as you uphold your end of things," Kersh said. "I suggest you be away before Koranus finds out what I did."
  "He will just have to accept failure," Brown said.
  He held out a hand to the nearest wall. He flinched. Then the wall dissolved before Kersh's eyes, causing his jaw to curl up. A rectangular door of shimmering purple light emerged from the dissolved wall. Brown stepped through, the door closing behind him.
  "Good work, Kersh."
  Kersh turned, barely recognized Kolitar, the new general in the Kromagg army. Thanks to the virus Rembrandt Brown released all Atlantians had to wear special suits. If they breathed the air, they died. Humaggs seem immune...probably due to their human DNA.
  "Two birds with one stone," Kolitar said. "Once he gets Heim to bypass the Slidecage...no need for his knowledge. We can use the ultimate weapon on the Cromagnons."
  "And Randy Heim," Kersh said, "will die."

THE-END


 

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