Quinn Mallory sat back. Worry etched its way onto his face. Still...it was time. He sat back and stared at him.
Randy Heim sat on the couch in the living area of the room they had at the Dominion Hotel. He was leaned over, his fingers working feverishly on the device on the coffee table. Dark brown hair fell over his face. Quinn was sure that even if he could see Randy's eyes, they would be blank...not unlike a blind man. It was a sign he was in a trance. He had been in one since...
Quinn stood up, shaking the thought away. Now was not the time.
"So how long?"
Quinn jerked around. Jules stared back at him, arms over his chest. His dark eyes revealed skepticism.
"Not too long before the s--" Quinn started.
"I mean before you talk to him," Jules said.
"I don't think he could handle it," Quinn said.
"Quinn...he killed a man," Jules said.
"Jules, I know."
"Killed, Quinn," Jules said. "So...do you?"
"And you think I won't?" Quinn countered. "Who was riding him about his recklessness? I'll tell you. NOT you."
Quinn turned around to look at Randy. He gave no hint that he had heard their conversation. He had taken mechanical looking parts and combine. Quinn wondered what he was making. That was followed by whether it was for good or for evil.
A beep from Quinn's pocket brought him back to reality. He reached into his pocket, bringing the timer out. He turned back to Jules.
"It's time," Quinn announced.
Cassandra Wilkes flew out of the wormhole quickly. She rolled across the ground, hitting something with a hard thud. As pain shot through her back, Cassandra wished she had not double crossed the dark sliders when they offered her a way home.
"Are you--"
"I'm fine," Cassandra said immediately, turning to face Jules. As was becoming a mild nuisance, Jules had landed near her. In this case, they were by a flag pole on what appeared to be the college campus. It was night. She made it to her feet. "Just f--"
"Look out!!"
Cassandra turned around. Her eyes widened. The figure was on her fast.
WHAT IF YOU SLIDE TO A DIFFERENT DIMENSION? A PLACE WHERE YOU'RE THE SAME PERSON, IT'S THE SAME YEAR, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DIFFERENT?
WORLDS WHERE...
...THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ENDED DIFFERENTLY...
OR
...THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS IN FULL SWING...
OR
...THE ALEXANDRIAN EMPIRE STILL REIGN?
OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN INFINITE WORLDS, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES...AND MANY ENEMIES...
THE WAR HAS BEGUN...
WHAT SIDE WOULD YOU BE ON?
AND...WHAT IF YOUR KEY TO GETTING HOME...WAS LOST?
SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 8
EPISODE 8: FORGETS ME NOT
She didn't know what hit her.
One moment, Cassandra had a figure flying at her. Then she went flying, a result of someone rolling her out of the way. She turned to look at her savior. She frowned.
It was Randy Heim. She found that weird. Ever since Dark Sliders World, Randy appeared to be locked in his own little world and cut off from the others. Except for when they slid, Randy didn't really acknowledge their presence.
Until now.
"Are you okay?"
Cassandra looked away from Randy who was now just sitting up. The figure who almost ran them down stood above her, skateboard in hand. His red hair was a mush-mash of mess and slick. He stared at her with green eyes full of worry and concern. He held out a gloved hand to help her up. She grabbed it, taking in his Goth clothes. This...could be fun.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Cassandra said. "Are you okay?"
The red-haired guy smiled. "Always."
Cassandra grinned. "Good."
"Isaac, are you okay?"
Cassandra looked past the red-haired guy. She could make out Quinn and Jules behind him. They were also getting to their feet. She also made out an auburn-haired girl. She was dressed just like Isaac...Goth-y. Her eyes were even as green as his. She walked past Quinn and Jules, barely noticing them.
"I'm fine, Katrina," Issac said. "I just almost hit someone."
"So?" Katrina said. "We best be on our way."
Cassandra felt her eyebrow arch. She didn't like this red-haired girl at all. Before Cassandra said something, Isaac stopped in front of them.
"No," Issac said. "I almost hurt her." He turned to look at her, his green eyes piercing. "I at least owe her dinner."
"Dinner?" Cassandra uttered.
"Have you already enlisted in your local militia?"
Quinn Mallory almost jumped at the guy who had popped up on his left. He was dressed in a light brown business suit with a plaid bowtie. His eyes looked bitty behind the big thick glasses. Then he realized he was staring at Randy's old rival Robert Bufford.
Jules popped up in front of Quinn, blocking Quinn's view of Bufford. He grabbed Quinn's arm.
"We're cool, thanks," Jules said. He looked at Quinn. "Move."
Quinn kept moving. He pulled his arm away from Jules. Jules frowned.
"What?" Jules asked.
"You're not one to be rough," Quinn commented.
"Things change," Jules said.
"Never change," Quinn shot back.
"How can I not?" Jules countered. "Look at us. Ever since the trial on Dark Sliders World..."
Quinn stared forward. His eyes fell on Randy Heim. Randy was a few feet away. Well...his body was. Randy's head jerked left and right, his eyes taking in everything around him. Quinn wondered if he was like some kind of computer zombie.
"We really should discuss Randy," Jules said.
"Not now, Jules," Quinn said.
"You were the one leading the charge," Jules said. "What's changed?"
"A hunch," Quinn replied.
"Is that a good thing or bad thing?"
"I don't know."
"When--"
"Jules!"
"He killed a man!"
Quinn quickly looked around. A few people stared at them, their eyes full of suspicion. Quinn glared at Jules. Jules looked down at his feet, reddening.
"We can discuss this at the Dominion," Quinn said.
"You sure?" Jules asked.
"Are you going to be like this now?"
"Just protecting my family," Jules said. His eyes burned through Quinn with intensity.
"Then maybe you should have watched Cassandra," Quinn said.
"Did you want to argue with her?" Jules asked.
Quinn looked away. "Nope. don't worry. Timer says three days. Maybe she needs a break." He looked at Jules. "Maybe a break would do you good, too."
"I'm good."
"You sure?" Quinn asked, looking at Jules again.
Jules looked back at him. His eyes was alighted. However, his face went blank.
"Crystal," Jules replied.
"So..."
Cassandra sat across from Isaac. He looked at her with his green eyes full of amusement.
"I believe," Cassandra sad, "that we have exhausted all conversations you can ask a stranger."
"Hmmmm," Isaac said, frowning. "You think so?"
"Oh, I know so," Cassandra said.
Isaac giggled. Cassandra leaned back in the booth they were in. He had brought Cassandra to an old 1950s-style diner. Here they had laughed and discussed something about each other. Cassandra discussed being in the military and what it was like. Isaac had told her about skateboarding and living with his sister Katrina.
Katrina. Hm.
Suddenly, a dark figure pounced on Issac's side of the booth. Cassandra frowned. Katrina stared back at her, her green eyes cold as a frozen package in the freezer.
"So are you done yet?" Katrina asked.
Isaac frowned. "No, I'm not."
"It's not like you have to be here," Cassandra said.
Katrina's eyes narrowed. Cassandra shot a glare back at her.
"Don't mind my sister," Isaac said, squeezing Katrina close to him and into a hug. "She's just very...protective of me."
"Broken hearts will do that," Katrina said, kissing Isaac's cheek. She continued to glare. "So will dead parents."
"Kat--" Isaac said.
Katrina shot up. "I'm fine, Big Brother." She smiled. "Let's run the tunnels."
Cassandra frowned. "Tunnels?"
Katrina looked at Cassandra as if she said the sky was indigo. Cassandra stood up taller, leveling her eyes at Katrina. Isaac shot up quickly.
"Yeah," Isaac explained. "We like to board in the old fugitive tunnels. You know...from the war."
"Oh...uh...yeah," Cassandra managed. "The war."
Katrina rolled her eyes and walked away. "Okay, let's go."
Cassandra was about to get up and grab Katrina, when a shadow fell over her. It was Isaac. He looked down at her, his green eyes full of mischief.
"Isaac?" Katrina uttered.
"You want to join us?" Isaac asked.
"Her?" Katrina uttered again.
Cassandra shot up. She grinned at Katrina. Then she turned her grin on Isaac.
"Yes," Cassandra answered.
He was there again.
Edward Albright was over him again. They had won their trial for crimes of sliding, sending Dark Sliders World into who knows what kind of mode. Albright said otherwise and tried to arrest the sliders.
Albright's hands tightened around Quinn's neck. He struggled to get breath in his lungs. His hands attempted to loosen Albright's hands. They felt like he was hitting a trampoline.
And then...
...CRACK.
The hands loosened. Albright fell to the floor. His neck had been snapped. Quinn looked up at his savior. His eyes widened.
Randy stared back at him. He gnarled, blood slowly falling from his lips. He hissed, revealing sharp teeth. Then he lunged forward...
...and Quinn jerked awake. He held a hand to his chest, slowing his fast breaths down. Then he looked over at his desk. His breath quickened.
Randy was at Quinn's desk. Quinn shot out of the bed, his body tensing up. His mind raced.
What was Randy doing in his room?
"Watch out!"
Cassandra moved out of the way just in time. Katrina shot past her on her skateboard. She did a triple circle along the round dark tunnels they were in before coming to a stop. She turned to look at Cassandra. She could see the smirk.
"Sorry," Katrina said.
"You--" Cassandra started.
Suddenly, a figure shot past her right. She ducked quickly. She could make out Isaac on his skateboard. A second later, he was joined by two other guys. Issac stopped by Katrina. The two guys did the same.
"Nice moves, bruh," one of the guys, a blue-haired black man, said, knuckle-thumping with Issac.
"You, too," Isaac said.
"I don't know about that," Katrina said.
"Katrina," Isaac hissed.
"Don't worry," said the other guy, a buff scruffy-looking guy. He walked to her. "I know what she needs."
Katrina held up a hand, stopping him from moving forward. "Doubt it!"
"How about--" Isaac started.
Suddenly, little circles of light hit their faces.
"Freeze!"
"Scatter!"
Before Katrina could react, the scruffy looking guy grabbed her and started to move. Isaac dashed away. Katrina reached past the guy, her eyes full of fear.
"Isaac!" Katrina yelled.
"No time!" Scruffy shouted. "He knows where to meet up. Move!"
They dashed away. Before Cassandra could react, a hand grabbed her arm. She tensed up. Then her eyes saw it was Isaac. She relaxed.
"Grab on," Isaac said.
Cassandra jumped on his skateboard, happy it could hold two. She wrapped her arms around his waist. Then he was off.
"I said freeze!!" yelled someone behind her.
"Hold on!" Isaac yelled.
Then gunfire went off. Bullet bounced off some of the metal on the wall. Cassandra kept her head low,
Suddenly, Isaac dotted the board to the right. Cassandra saw they entered another tunnel.
Then, the ground gave out under them. Cassandra lost her grip. She hit the wall hard, pain attacking her shoulder. she tumbled back and forth.
Her body hit dirt. She pushed herself up quickly. She listened.
No sounds of gunfire. Or footsteps. Good sign.
"Isaac?" Cassandra uttered. "Isaac, are y--"
Hands grabbed her. She was jerked to the left. She was in shadows. Her eyes couldn't adjust. She couldn't see who had her.
"Ssssssh."
Cassandra's eyes widened.
"Be very, very still. And quiet."
Cassandra relaxed. It was Issac. That was...
Lines of light shot up by and around them. Issac tightened his grip on Cassandra, pulling them farther into the darkness. Cassandra saw the lights came from above. Flashlights. It was the police...searching...
Issac jerked Cassandra a little closer. She couldn't help, but notice how strong his arms were. How strong they looked. If they weren't in such danger she wouldn't mind reached out and touch...
Her eyes adjusted. It was then than she saw it. Isaac's eyes were on her. She saw his concern and how beautiful they looked.
He leaned in on her. Their lips connected. They felt so nice...so warm. Cassandra felt warm all over her body.
When she pulled back, Cassandra wasn't sure how long she had been kissing Isaac.
The lights were gone.
"Come on," Isaac whispered.
He held her had. He led Cassandra away. She let him.
Jules looked down at it.
"You just let him?" Jules uttered.
Quinn looked down at it, too.
"Yeah," Quinn said.
"But he could have attacked you," Jules replied.
"But he didn't," Quinn replied, not looking at Jules.
"But he could have."
"He didn't, Jules," Quinn said, his voice tense. "Regardless of what happened on Dark Sliders World...he's still in there."
"And he's a killer," Jules replied. "And who knows what this...thing is."
"It's not to kill people."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I trust my gut."
"And if it's wrong?"
Quinn looked at Jules. He stood next to Quinn with his arms over his chest. His eyes were full of concern.
"Well...I woke up alone," Quinn said. "And alive."
Jules's eyes became piercing. "For now." He looked back down at Quinn's desk. "Who knows what this is."
Quinn looked down at his desk. He looked down at what Randy left him that morning. There had been no sign of Randy. He wasn't even in his room. He found Jules and came back. Together they came back to Quinn's room and stared at his desk.
The object on Quinn's desk looked like a miniature Death Star from Star Wars. However its surface was completely smooth. it was there on his desk, its purpose unknown.
"I'm sure we will find out in time," Quinn said.
"Is it before or after one of us dies?" Jules asked.
"Jules--"
"I'm tired, Quinn!" Jules snapped. "If it's not one thing, it's another. Too many variables. Free radicals. Enough."
"Jules--"
"You're my family!" Jules yelled, cutting Quinn off. "You. Cassandra. Randy. I don't have anybody else. I won't let that be endangered. I told Cassandra that already. Same for you."
"Good to know," Quinn said.
"It's the truth," Jules said.
"It's the same for me," Quinn said. "I also care for Remmy and Melissa. Not to mention my fiancee. They are all my family. Some of them are lost. I will find them. Randy and I are determine--"
"Are you?"
Quinn frowned. "How can you say that?"
"Where is Rembrandt?"
"How about you do better?"
"Maybe I will."
Quinn headed for the door. "You do that."
"Where are you going?"
Quinn turned to face Jules. "I'm heading for the library. It might be a good idea to know what we stepped into. After all, we're family."
"I can--"
"Stay here," Quinn said, cutting Jules off. "In case, Randy or Cassandra come back."
Quinn looked back at his desk. The object stood them. He could almost doubt his words. Almost.
He left.
If Randy was on the right path, maybe it was time he did the same.
"Oh, Lord! Is she still here?"
Cassandra pulled away from Isaac. She had been enjoying his kisses as they hanged at the EndUp waiting for the others. Okay, he danced a little bit. She had not minded. It kept his mind away from worrying about his sister. Then they found the counter and started kissing. They've been doing it ever since. Now, Katrina stared daggers at her. Cassandra gave it right back.
"Issac! Cassandra!"
Issac managed a smile. Cassandra saw a figure pop up beside Katrina. It was the guy from earlier.
"Rai!" Isaac exclaimed. He moved away from Cassandra and hugged him. "Glad you made it!"
"And me?" Katrina asked, an annoyed look on her face.
Isaac touched Katrina's chin and smirked. "That goes without saying."
"Charmer."
"So any of you see Jake?" Rai asked.
"No," Cassandra said.
"Not at all," Isaac answered.
Sadness filled Rai's face. He looked away. Cassandra frowned. She didn't know enough about this world to know what happened to Jake. She could see it wasn't good.
"We shouldn't have come back," Katrina said.
"What choice did we have, Katrina?" Isaac asked. "Where should we go?"
"What was that about?" Cassandra asked.
Silence filled the talk, except for a dancing crowd. Isaac and Rai looked suprised. Katrina looked annoyed.
"Where have you been?" Katrina asked. "Under a rock?"
"Let's get some drinks," Rai said.
"With pleasure," Katrina said.
Cassandra watched Katrina and Rai leave. She could have hit...
A hand on her shoulder got Cassandra's attention. Isaac stared at her.
"It was after the election," Isaac said. "Who knew what the candidate was thinking. He would have been something...a black president who was anti-gun control. Just...but he didn't. So our President was for no gun control. He was also a racist prick." His face darkened. "It split the nation in two. So...marshal law."
"Oh."
Isaac touched Cassandra's cheek. He managed a smile. She smiled as well.
"Nothing you have to worry about I'm sure," Isaac said.
Cassandra touched the and on her cheek. She kept her eyes on Isaac. She could see...he would not look away.
"I've had my share of trouble," Cassandra said.
Isaac smirked.
"You know she ain't turning to ash."
Katrina didn't even flinch. She was too busy watching that girl with her brother. She was all over Isaac. She glared even more.
"Hey!"
Katrina turned to Rai. "What?"
"Let him have his fun," Rai said.
"I don't trust her," Katrina replied.
"Well, maybe," Rai said, stepping closer, "you could use some fun."
"Touch me and die," Katrina said.
Rai stopped moving. Katrina looked back at Isaac. She felt her forehead get lines as she saw him with...her. His hands were all over her. Their lips...no, no, no.
Katrina threw out a hand in Rai's direction.
"Give me your cell phone," Katrina instructed, her eyes stuck on the two of them.
"Why--"
"Now!"
Quinn felt his body shake as he stood in front of the computer screen.
For a moment, he wondered how long it had been since he came to the library. Back in the 'good ole days,' he or Wade or the Professor or Rembrandt would more than likely simply pick up a newspaper to figure out a world. When he and Rembrandt started sliding with Randy's group, he had gotten used to coming to the library to figure out what was up.
And what was up...wasn't pretty.
The latest election for the presidency of the United State appeared to be leaning in the direction of a black president. That is...until there was a debate over gun control. Everything splintered off from there. Quinn found it surprising San Francisco's strides on that.
"Quinn, Quinn, Quinn..."
Quinn tensed up and turned quickly. A figure emerged from the shelves. It took Quinn a moment to realize that it was Ryan Styles. It looked completely like he did when he slid with him briefly, wanting to be with Wade. Wade had chosen him. He vanished. Now, he stood before a double. A double whom eyes stared at him darkly.
"...you really should have known better," Ryan finished.
The place looked cool from the outside, Jules thought.
He was even happier seeing it was busy inside the EndUp. That meant that he would not stand out. He had grown tired waiting for Randy. So...he took a walk.
His eyes fell on the counter. They widened. It was Cassandra. She was there, her lips all over Isaac's lips.
He looked around. No one was paying attention. Since they were not, they did not see a few men dressed in lack. Goth people were not unusual for Jules. However, there was something about them. It wasn't aloofness they threw. It was a serious vibe. It was an official vibe.
And they were heading for Cassandra and Isaac.
Trouble.
Jules took a step.
"Think fast."
Jules turned around. Randy stood behind him a few steps back. Before Jules could say anything, Randy held up the object he had created. A small blade shot out of it. Then Randy swung it at Jules's head.
"Think fast."
Jules turned around. Randy was there with his device. A blade shot out of it. Then he swung it at Jules's head.
Jules tensed up, his eyes widened. It stopped inches from his head. Randy tilted his head.
"Interesting."
Jules kept his eyes on the blade, ignoring Randy's comment. He had been in danger. He had been in danger and his powers acted on reflex. Good for him.
A flicker of sweat fell from his forehead. Jules wanted to wipe the rest away, but he was afraid. one wrong move, and that blade would keep moving forward.
He couldn't stay in place though.
Jules took a breath. Then slowly he took a step back. Nothing happened. Jules sighed in relief. Then he took a sideways step back.
Randy's arm fell. Jules jumped away. Randy meanwhile stared blankly forward. Then he headed for the counter.
Jules was behind him. His mind raced.
Randy knew. Somehow in his current state, Randy had figured out Jules had abilities. Now what?
Later for that...
"Empty your pockets."
Cassandra's eyes opened. Her lips were on Isaac's lips. She was in the moment. She pulled back from him, her mind wondering who would interrupt them.
Three men stared back at them. They were all dressed business causal, slacks, jackets, and v-necked shirts. They even stood before Cassandra and Issac with shades However, Cassandra recognized their stride. It was far from casual partyer. It was strictly professional.
"Excuse me?" Cassandra uttered, pulling farther back from Isaac.
"Empty your pockets," the man closest to them, a curly-haired blonde said.
"Did we do something w--" Isaac started.
"I will not ask again," the man said.
"Fine," Isaac said.
Isaac reached into is pocket. After a moment, he put its contents on the counter. Cassandra made out a smartphone, gum, and his wallet. She turned her eyes to the black-clad men. While the two men behind the Blonde betrayed no emotion, the Blonde himself only nodded. He turned his eyes turned to Cassandra.
"Next," the Blonde said.
Cassandra tried not to glare. She actually had pockets on this slide. She reached in.
She frowned. She didn't have much when she slid. There was something in it though. She pulled it out. She looked at the button. She stared at Isaac.
"Who's Obama?" Cassandra uttered.
"Nice try," the Blonde said. He leaned his back to his associates. "Take them."
"What?" Isaac exclaimed.
The Blonde threw his eyes in Isaac's direction. "Are you going to play amnesia, too?" He looked at Cassandra. "After all, have you both simply forgotten what territory you are in?" He snarled. "Do not worry, though. We will re-educate you. Take--"
Two fingers got the Blonde in the neck. He grunted.Then he slowly slid to the floor. It was then that Cassandra realized that the other men were unconscious. her eyes fell on her savior. Saviors.
Randy stood over the Blonde's body. He stared down at him, his eyes blank. It looked like he was studying something under a microscope, unsure how to react. Meanwhile, Jules stepped up closer to him, his eyes on Cassandra.
"Are you okay?" Jules asked.
Quinn struggled with his binds. He grunted in frustration. It was pointless...for now.
"It's your own fault."
Quinn threw a glare at the cell door. Ryan stared back at him. He leaned on the bars with a smug look on his face. It was enough to make him knock him out.
"Really?" Quinn uttered. "Howso?"
"Not to sound like a teenager, but...DUH!!!" Ryan answered. "You backed the wrong horse. You underestimated the American people. We tend to like being able to protect ourselves. Our homes."
"No one said people couldn't," Quinn said. "It had nothing to do with that."
"Really?"
"It was about the fact your candidate--"
"President," Ryan corrected.
Quinn rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
"Yeah. You keep right on talking."
"If we have to get political, here's a thought. Maybe the American people who did not put his foot in his mouth."
'What are--"
"I did the research," Quinn said, cutting him off. "Last thing we need is a racist president."
That wiped the smug look right off of Ryan's face. Quinn found himself smirking. Good.
"Think whatever you want," Ryan said. Quinn noticed the glib tone was gone in his voice. "What we wanted to have was a president who kept it real."
"Or maybe you simply didn't like the candidate because he was...I don't know...black?"
"Since we're talking past actions," Ryan continued, "how about we talk about your own?" He got the smug look on his face again. "After the election...when the country had its schism...the name Quinn Mallory winded up on everyone's lips on this side. You even almost took out the President. So...what is Public Enemy Number 1 doing on this side of the wall?"
Quinn felt his jaw drop. His mind immediately asked questions. What? How had he missed that information in his research at the library? Then again, why didn't he check on his own double's history?
Movement got Quinn to come out of his thoughts. It was Ryan. He had reached into his pocket. He pulled out the timer. Then he held it up for Quinn to look at.
"Don't want to answer that question?" Ryan asked, his tone now taunting. "Then maybe you can answer this: what is this counting down to?"
His eyes were on him.
Jules had brought Cassandra and her friends back to the Dominion. Rai had gone out for food. He was sure Cassandra's...uh...friend Isaac was resting. She and Katrina had gone for a walk. Quinn was nowhere in sight. That just left Jules...and Randy.
Randy...who knew his secret.
"Look," Jules said, "I know you know, okay?"
Randy sat on the couch. He stared ahead with a blank look on his face. He gave no sign that he had heard Jules at all. Jules leaned forward in his chair.
"Maybe you pick up on it," Jules began. "You sensed that you were threatened. but...you killed a man. Trance or no trance, you did. You didn't have to do that to save Quinn. I know you feel alone without your boy--I mean, Ethan."
It was a split second. Still Jules saw it. Randy flinched.
"Maybe you thought...taking Edward Albright out...was the best thing," Jules continued, "but...Randy...you don't want to be that, right? Don't shut down what makes you human. Don't be like them."
Randy turned his head. His eyes fell on Jules. they were still blank though.
"My whole life has been upended," Jules continued. "It's out of wack. It takes getting used to , but...I don't want these powers. It reminds me of...the Kromaggs. Danger. Sliding. Right now, being with you guys...keep me human. So...don't go to the dark side. And don't tell anyone. Please. I--"
The door shot open. Jules looked away from Randy. Rai was in the door, breathing in quick heaves. Jules saw the sweat on his forehead. Rai must have been running.
"Where's Katrina?" Rai asked.
"Out," Jules aid. "What's wrong?"
Rai's face went extremely pale. Jules looked down at Rai's hands. They shook, making Jules look up at Rai's face again.
"The po-po are doing a complete sweep," Rai announced. "Building by building."
Katrina had gotten a block. It was all Cassandra was willing to allow. she took a step forward...
...to find Katrina spinning around. Her right hand was balled into a fist. She might have even gotten Cassandra in the fact. Cassandra's left hand shot up, catching the fist.
Emphasis on might.
"Nice try," Cassandra said. She shove Katrina's arm away. "Both times."
Katrina frowned. "Both ti--"
"Don't," Cassandra said, cutting her off.
"You don't tell me what to do."
"I do when you try to get me in trouble," Cassandra said.
"Trouble?" Katrina uttered, turning away. "I don't--"
Cassandra made it to Katrina quickly. She grabbed Katrina's right shoulder. Then she swung her around. She saw a flash of anger in Katrina's green eyes. She didn't care.
"Oh, no," Cassandra said. "I'm not finished."
"So...you ready yet?"
Quinn looked up at his cell bars. There was Ryan with that smug look on his face. He wanted to wipe it off of his face with a well-timed punch. Very bad.
"My answer hasn't changed," Quinn said.
"Don't you think it should?" Ryan asked.
Quinn leaned back on his bed. "No."
Ryan sighed in frustration. That gave Quinn a nice feeling of satisfaction inside. Good.
Ryan moved back from the cell door. "I was really hoping you would help us, Quinn. I really, really was."
"Hm," Quinn said. "You really sound broken up about it."
"Oh, but I am," Ryan said. "Your record speaks for itself. And with you on this side of the wall. Well...I had to enforce national security protocols."
Quinn frowned. That didn't sound good.
"Total sweep," Ryan said. "Hope your associates are okay. After all, it is shoot to kill."
"The hand," Katrina said, her green eyes boring into Cassandra. "Move it."
"No," Cassandra said.
For a moment all Cassandra was traffic and footsteps. Then Katrina swung a fist at her face. Cassandra jerked her head back, her grip still on Katrina. She spun her to the left releasing Katrina's arm. Katrina flew, tumbling over a trash bin. It fell down with her.
"You did this," Cassandra said. "You planted that button on me. You tried to get me arrested. Did you even think of your brother?"
"Don't you dare!" Katrina snapped. "I love my brother!"
"Maybe too much," Cassandra shot back.
Katrina's face darkened. "Maybe I just trust my gut. And my gut says my brother needs someone who has his back. Do you?"
"Of course!"
"Then I guess you are coming with us then?"
Cassandra frowned. That got a smirk from Katrina. She kept it on her face as she stood up.
"Yeah, I thought so," Katrina said. "Do us a favor. especially him. Walk away."
Cassandra wanted to hit her. But...she couldn't. She looked away, Katrina's words sinking in.
"What's that--oh, no!"
Cassandra turned around. A few blocks away, she saw it. Several dark blue vans headed slowly down the street. On each side of the sidewalk were people dressed like the men Cassandra and Isaac had encountered at the EndUp. They stopped every person who crossed their path. From the looks of it, they were ordering people to empty their pockets.
"What--" Cassandra said.
"A sweep," Katrina said.
Cassandra made it around the corner easily enough. Meanwhile, Katrina was already a few feet away, walking fast.
"Wait," Cassandra said.
Katrina spun around. "For you? Don't think so."
Katrina spun back around. Cassandra got to her in time. She reached out and grabbed Katrina's arm. Katrina threw a glare her way. Cassandra didn't care. There was no way. She was going to let her get away.
"Face it," Cassandra said. "We're on the same side."
"Again," Katrina said, "don't think so."
"Do you care so little for your brother?"
"More than you apparently." Katrina smirked. "How about you do my brother a favor and turn yourself in?"
Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "For something you did? Like you said...I don't think--"
The backhand came out of nowhere. It got Cassandra across the face. she should have seen it coming. Instead, she fell to the concrete, pain shooting through her right cheek.
The sound of footsteps echoed to her ears. She managed to push past her pain and look up. Katrina had made it to the corner they had just passed. Katrina brought her hands to her lips.
"Over here!" Katrina yelled.
Quinn paced.
He had to get out of here. If Ryan was right, the others were in danger. The last thing they needed was another death on them...
Quinn grunted. His eyes fell on the cell door. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair. It only made the frustration worse. It made him feel worthless. When had that happened? Back when he slid with the Professor, Wade, and Rembrandt, Quinn would have figured out a way out of this. Randy would have thought of something or gone in a trance. And surely, Quinn was smarter than Randy.
Right?
Quinn stared at the cell door again. It stood in front of him, like an ominous presence. So ordinary...yet...
Quinn's eyes widened. Ordinary. Right. Which meant...
Quinn reached into his pocket. Ryan and his goons had taken the timer. However, they had left his keys. He stared at the cell door, smirking.
Their mistake.
"Can he move any quicker?"
"Rai," Jules said as he walked down the backstairs, "shut up."
Rai continued going down the stairs. Jules paused. His head turned backwards. Yeah, Randy was still behind them. His expression barely acknowledged anyone around him. Still...he moved.
Good.
"What about Katrina? Cassandra?"
Jules turned around. Isaac stared back at him. His green eyes held a bunch of emotions, the main one being worry.
"We're deal with it when we can," Jules said.
"And I care what you say why? Isaac countered.
"I know what I'm doing," Jules said.
"I bet," Isaac said, his green eyes flashing mistrust.
"I have experience with this kind of thing." Jules narrowed his eyes on Isaac. "Do you?"
"You'll be surprised," Isaac shot back, his green eyes showing menace.
"Try me," Jules said.
"Guys," Rai said from behind Isaac. "No time."
"Agreed," Jules said. "Your move."
Well...he sounded though. Now was not the time to have a pissing contest. They needed to be gone.
Suddenly, Jules was pushed to the side. He turned. His eyes widened. It was Randy. He continued to walk down the streets, past the rest of them. Rai's eyes followed. After a moment, he looked at Jules and Isaac.
"I agree with the Mute," Rai aid. Then he followed suit.
"We'll do this later," Jules said.
"Same," Isaac said. He stared Jules down. "I don't see what she sees in any of you."
Jules walked past Isaac. "You wouldn't understand."
Jules kept walking. A few seconds later, he heard footsteps sounding behind him. Good to see Isaac saw things his way. Now...
Jules made it to the bottom of the steps. Rai and Randy were a little bit away. Rai threw open the back door. He jerked back, a figure throwing themselves at him.
"Rai!"
Jules saw it was Katrina. She hugged him tight. Then her green eyes fell on Isaac.
"Oh my God! Isaac!" Katrina exclaimed, running to him. She hugged him. "I was so worried. There's a sweep."
"I'm okay," Isaac said. "I was the same with you. Thank God."
"Did you see Cassandra out there?" Jules asked.
Katrina threw him a look. Her green eyes held so much emotion. It was just like her brother. She threw out anger. Then she released it, revealing worry.
"The sweep," Katrina uttered. "They got her."
Gunfire went off. Cassandra made it around the corner in a dash. She quickly turned around, her eyes falling on the corner. It smoked from the bullet.
Too close.
She looked around frantically. She was pretty sure she wasn't far from the Dominion. If she could find a way to get around...a shortcut...she could...
Cassandra ran past an alley. She paused, backing back. Her eyes fell on the escape.
Bingo.
It was only a second.
That was all Quinn needed.
It was a simple matter finding Ryan's office in this business. It was even easier finding clothes like what Ryan and his men wore. When the door opened, and Ryan stepped in, Quinn just waited a second for the door to close.
"You have something that belongs to me."
"What?" Ryan uttered, turning around. "How--"
Quinn punched Ryan in the jaw. He smiled. This was a moment he wanted to savor.
"Lockpick," Quinn said, looking down at the unconscious Ryan.
Now if he could find a car...
Quinn kneeled beside Ryan. He reached into his pockets. He pulled out keys. On them was a circular black object with button. Quinn pushed it, a beep-beep sound coming from it.
"Good," Quinn said.
Jules stormed into the alley. A few moments later, he saw movement to the left of him. He looked. Randy walked alongside him. Jules couldn't help, but smile. At least for the moment, Randy was on his side.
"Are you mad?"
Jules turned around. Rai stared at him, his face shocked. A moment later, Isaac stormed out of the Dominion.
"If he is," Isaac said, "he ain't alone."
"Isaac!"
Katrina ran out of the Dominion. She stopped by Rai, her eyes fall of worry.
"Isaac," Katrina continued, "we have to go."
"I'm not leaving her, Katrina," Isaac announced.
"So die with her?" Katrina countered.
"You said she was knocked out," Isaac shot back.
"So she has a chance? Good. Let's go," Jules said.
"Dude, the sweeps shoot to kill," Rai said. "No way she--"
Then Jules heard them. Footsteps. He looked at Randy. Randy stared upward. Jules did the same. A figure was on the fire escape. They moved quickly. They jumped off of it. Jules tensed up as they landed.
He relaxed.
It was Cassandra. She shot up quickly. He was on her in a second, her wrapped in his arms.
"Oh. That explains a lot."
Cassandra pulled back from Jules. Her eyes fell on Isaac. They brightened.
"Isaac!" Cassandra exclaimed. She ran to him, kissing him.
Jules felt ill. What in the world was he feeling?
Cassandra looked at Katrina.
"We thought--" Isaac started.
"You," Cassandra said.
Then she lunged at Katrina.
"Whoa!" Rai exclaimed.
"She sold me out!" Cassandra snapped.
"I did no such--" Katrina started.
"Liar!" Cassandra snapped.
"Sez you," Katrina shot back.
"You little--"
"Stop!" Isaac yelled.
"Who do you believe, big brother?" Katrina asked. "Me...or her?"
"Now is not the time," Jules said. "Let's get--"
"Too late," Rai said. "Look!"
Jules turned around. Several men in black suits had seen them. He saw several of them look past him. He looked to see where they looked. Fear gripped him.
Their eyes were on Cassandra.
He looked at them again. He started running.
They had drawn their guns.
They aimed.
They fired.
Quinn pulled up a few block from the Dominion. He thought it was safer that way. The sweep had made it there. Who knew what was...
"Quinn?"
Quinn looked out the passenger side window. His eyes widened. Jules stared back at him. His forehead bleed. He appeared oblivious to it however. He was too busy helping Randy with an unconscious Cassandra who also had blood on her.
"We could use some help," Jules uttered.
"Poor Rai."
Isaac barely acknowledged Katrina's presence. His eyes were glued to the television. He was hunched over in is motel chair. A moment later, arms wrapped around him as he kept his eyes on the tv screen which held the words 'SWEEP ESCAPE: CASUALTY ONE.'
"And yet," Isaac said, "we got away."
"And as you can see," Katrina uttered, "so did she. So...what now?"
Isaac frowned. He touched his chin. What now indeed.
"It's obvious she wasn't who you thought she was," Katrina continued. "She couldn't have run with us."
"Sometimes I'm tired of being 'on the run,'" Isaac said.
"Guess that's what you get for helping Mallory," Katrina said. "Speaking of which...he's here."
"I'll see him in a moment."
The hands left Isaac's body. A moment later, Katrina was gone. He stood up and started to follow. He paused for a moment, his mind on Cassandra. He looked at the tv screen again.
"I will find you," Isaac said.
The vortex whirred. Quinn flew out of it quickly. He let his body tumble across the ground. His body stopped. Quinn's eyes took in the grass in front of him. He looked back at the vortex, it already closing.
His eyes took in the surroundings. The Abe Lincoln statue let him let him know it was Golden Gate Park. His eyes fell on Jules and Cassandra. They were barely able to slide due to the gunshot wounds. Were they...
"Jules? Cassandra?" Quinn uttered. "Are you--"
Then Quinn's eyes fell on Randy. Randy stood a little bit away. Instead of the blank expression he was used to on Randy's face, Quin saw a new expression: shock. Quinn turned to see what he saw. His eyes lifted in shock as well.
"Oh my God," Quinn uttered. "Remmy?"
THE-END
Back to Season 8