Randy Heim popped out of the blue vortex. As it closed behind him, he stared at his surroundings.
  "Down!" Randy yelled.
  Professor Darnell Brown was closet to him on the sidewalk. He dived for the ground quickly as the bullets started to fly.
  Katherine Rye was too stung by the appearance of the black-clad gunmen to react. Richard Hall ran for her and pushed her to the ground. He followed right behind her.
  Randy dived for the ground as well. The gunfire flew by like a supersonic jet. He stared in the direction they were shooting, his eyes widening in shock.
  He recognized the dark-haired man with the goatee as Peter Carmichael. Along with Eric Price, Peter returned fire at the black-clad gunmen. The obvious difference being they fired lasers.
  What was going on?
  "Pryce to Carter," one of the gunman said. "Slide us out! They knew! Slide us out!"
  "No way!" Richard said, shooting up from the ground. "Rebecca Pryce?"
  A green vortex opened behind the gunmen. Two of them immediately jumped in. Randy saw that two were left. One of them pulled off their mask to reveal Rebecca Pryce, a woman notorious on her world for being a con woman.
  "This isn't over," Rebecca said. Then she vanished into the vortex.
  The other figure stood still. Randy could, tell by her form that it was a woman. She appeared focused on him.
  She pulled off her mask.
  "Oh my God," Randy muttered.
  The woman who stood before him...was Melissa Clark, his girlfriend.
  "Well..."
  Randy looked past Professor Brown. The dark sliders stared at them. Eric Price smiled at them.
  "...isn't this interesting?" Eric Price finished his thoughts.

I FOUND THE GATEWAY! I FOUND A WAY TO TRAVEL BETWEEN WORLDS. WHERE IT'S THE SAME TIME, SAME PLACE, DIFFERENT DIMENSION. FOR TWO YEARS, MY FRIENDS AND I SEARCHED FOR HOME. OUR ENEMIES ARE CLOSING IN...NOW THE QUESTION IS...DO WE GO HOME?

SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 3
EPISODE 9: TO THE ONES LEFT BEHIND... (PART 1)

  Richard stared at Peter Carmichael. Peter stared back at him with a blank stare. It took a lot of Richard not to jump across the limo and strangle him. Having Nicole's killer in front of him was getting to him.
  A hand squeezing his own reminded Richard that Kat was sitting beside him. He stared at her. She managed a smile.
  "That's nice," Peter said from the other side of the limo. "Leading another to the slaughter?"
  Richard glared at Peter. "Don't push me."
  "Or what?" Peter challenged. "You'll kill me like my sister?" He stared at Kat. "Did he tell you about that?"
  "I said back off!" Richard snapped.
  "I agree with Mr. Hall," Professor Brown said on the other side of Richard. "this is no time fore cat-and-mouse games so I suggest, Mr. Carmichael, you be silent."
  "I don't know, Mr. Brown," Eric said next to Peter. "I do believe this is quite intriguing."
  "Do you want our help or not?" Randy asked as he sat next to Brown.
  Richard looked at him. He had been mostly silent during the ride. Even now, his face was unreadable.
  "Well?" Randy continued. "You did claim you did not know who these gunmen were. We do. You want our help...all of us stay alive...agreed?"
  Eric grinned. "I see you have gotten quite cut-throat, Heim. I like it."
  Randy stared at Peter. "Well?"
  Peter glared at Richard. Richard glared back at him. He would really love to have his way with-
  "When did your attacks start?" Brown asked.
  "A couple of weeks ago," Eric explained. "I guess they followed me and eve back. We were caught by surprise and-"
  "Is she all right?" Brown asked, cutting Eric off.
  Richard stared over at Proper. He was busy covering his concern up. He had really fell bad for her. she betrayed him.
  "Eve...as always...is fine," Peter said. "I...of course...had her under my wing."
  "Sad you couldn't do the same for your sister," Richard said.
  Peter's eyes dotted to Richard. they lit up in anger.
  "We're here," Eric announced.

  Randy watched the double doors open in front of him. Eric Price stormed into the mansion. Peter and the other sliders were behind him.
  Randy could not concentrate. His mind was on his encounter with Melissa. She looked just the same as when he last saw her right down to her short black hair. Melissa loved to have it long so Daniel or Stone must have forced it on her. But why was she here? Free?
  "Mr. Heim?"
  Randy came out of his thoughts again. Professor Brown stood in front of him. He stepped away.
  "I'm fine, Professor," Randy said.
  "I'm...I am sure that was not her, Mr. Heim," Brown said.
  "My heart tells me otherwise," Randy said flatly.
  "But-"
  "It's our chance, okay?" Randy said, cutting him off. "You want to go home, right? I'm not going without Melissa. Sarah's sliders are the bait."
  Brown corked an eyebrow. "Do tell."

  Richard stared about the grand hall of the mansion. He knew these sliders were among the rich, but the place was more rich looking than Simon Bond's house.
  "Dissension in the ranks...that's kind of new."
  Richard turned around. Peter was looking back outside the door. Richard walked over to see Egghead and Proper in a heated exchange. He wondered what it was about.
  "Another attack? We have to-"
  Richard turned back around at the sound of that voice. He knew that voice well. For a time she was one of them...until she betrayed them and killed his true love.
  Eve Albright paused at the base of the stairs. Her hands were hidden in a black kimono with red sleeves. Her black hair was longer now...coming to her waist. At the moment, it fell to one side. She stood next to Eric and an other mean dressed in a samurai suit. Richard recognized him as Randy's double on this world.
  Eve's eyes narrowed on Richard. "What is HE doing here?"
  "Hey, Ice Lady," Richard said. "Kill any innocents yet?"
  "No," Eve said. She turned to stared at Kat. "However, the day is not over yet."
  Kat moved closer to Richard. He grabbed her hand and held it in his own. Eve corked an eyebrow.
  "Interesting," she commented.
  "So...what's with the get-ups?" Richard asked. "Costume party?"
  "No," Randy's double said. "We were testing our new gizmo. Eric told you about the attacks I assume. I was testing the cloaking shield to see if it works."
  "Well, does it?" Peter asked from behind Richard.
  Randy's double shrugged his shoulders.
  "And you're suppose to be a genius?" Richard said. "Lord help us."
  "Randall has always come through," Eve snapped.
  "Yes," Peter added. "What are you? A Nobel Prize inventor?"
  "I'm better than you," Richard shot back, turning to face Peter.
  "You no excuse commoner," Peter said. "I ought to-"
  A shadow moved past Richard. It was Kat. She put her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed on Peter.
  "Ye will do nae such thin'," Kat said. "Ye heard what Heim said. Ye want our help...ye back off."
  "Who says we need your help?"
  Richard turned to the sound of that voice. A female walked down the stairs. Her red hair flowed behind her like a cloak. She wore an off-shouldered red dressed with red boots.
  "Sarah," Randy's double said simply.
  "Randall," Sarah Weisschester-Carrol said icily. Her eyes fell on Richard and Kat. "Who is this?
  "Why...my old traveling companions," Eve said as she glared at Sarah. "You remember, right? You left me to cover your cowardly tracks?"
  "Eve, such words," Sarah said as she continued down the stairs until she stood beside eve. "they cut me to the quick. I might just have to reveal what I know to the government and-"
  "Eve, apologize," Eric snapped.
  Eve rolled her eyes.
  "Eve," Randall said.
  "Randall, no!" Eve cried. "I cannot believe this has happened. We are so much more cunning than this bitch."
  "Bitch?" Sarah said in shock. "Why, I should-"
  "Eve?"
  Richard turned toward the door to see Egghead entering with Proper. Proper looked at her as if he saw a ghost. Eve looked back at him, her eyes blank.
  "Darnell," Eve said.
  "You," Sarah said as her eyes fell on Randy.
  "What is she doing here?" Randy demanded. "I thought she would be gone after putting your lives in danger."
  "Things change," Randy's double said.
  "I agree," Eve said. "We have become so weak we go to our enemies for help."
  "They have encountered the enemy before," Eric said.
  Eve glared at him.
  "I agree with Eric," Sarah said. "We should learn more about this new enemy...over dinner."
  "You talk," Randall agreed. "Eve and I will continue to work on my cloaking device."
  Sarah glared at Eve. She grinned back at her.
  "Is that a problem?" Eve asked.
  "Yes," Richard said. "Me and Kat and Egghead are coming along."
  "We are?" Randy said in surprise.
  "Well, you wanted to find Miss Clark," Brown muttered.
  Richard turned to look at his friends. Egghead was staring holes through Proper. Proper ignored him and walked over to Sarah. He held her hand in his.
  "I would be delighted to dine with you and Mr. Price," Brown said. "We can pool our resources and confound Mr. Stone before-"
  The words came out of Proper's mouth like gibberish. His eyes widened in shock. He cleared his throat.
  "Are you all right, Darnell?" Eve asked, approaching him.
  Brown held out a hand to stop her.
  "Be careful, Eve," Sarah said. "Someone might think you care for someone other than your husband."
  "At least my husband is alive," Eve shot back. She looked at Randall. "Let us leave. The smell is horrific in here."
  "Proper, you okay?" Richard asked.
  Proper stared at Richard and nodded his head.
  "Richard," Eve said, "are you and your pet coming?"
  "Richard," Kat said as she put a hand on his shoulder, "I will watch out for the Professor. Go on and find yuir friend."
  Richard stared at Kat. He did not know what to say. He wanted to thank her for the support. Instead, he nodded.
  As Richard headed up the stairs with Egghead, his double and Eve, his thoughts fell to Brown and Kat. Would they be okay? Was Proper really fine?

  "So," Eve said as she walked up beside Richard on the platform, "what's up with you and the lily?"
  Richard adjusted the black leather suit he had on. He stared at Eve, who also had on a suit.
  "What's up with you and Sarah?" Richard countered. "Last I saw of you, you were determined to get her for stranding you. Looks like she's running things."
  Eve stared across the room. Richard followed her glance. She was watching the two Eggheads.
  "She has stuff on most of us," Eve said, still looking at the Randalls. "We tolerate her."
  "Must be some major stuff," Richard commented. "I thought you would kill her."
  "Give me time. You know that. So...your kitten know you're a murderer."
  Eve looked at Richard and smiled. Richard frowned. She had not changed too much.
  "Different person, Eve," Richard said. "I hope...you could forgive me."
  "If you knew the person who killed your best friend, would you forgive them?" Eve asked.
  "Guys, we're ready!"
  Richard looked over at the Eggheads. Randy's double was controlling the dial. Randy stared back at Richard, concern in his eyes.
  Eve stood up and aimed at the floor with the gizmo...as Sarah's sliders called their timer. A circle of red light formed in the middle of the platform. Eve jumped into it. She vanished with a simmer.
  Richard jumped into the wormhole after her.

  Richard fell out of the wormhole. He felt like a rock. He fell and landed on something. As his eyes adjusted, he realized that he was on top of Eve.
  A smile crept onto her face.
  "What's wrong?" Eve asked. "Your pet not into the up close and personal?"
  "You and your games," Richard said as he shot up. Thankfully, they landed in an alley.
  Eve also stood up. "That's how one survives." She pulled out what looked like a calculator "The statuscope doesn't detect any other crossers here."
  "So what now?" Richard asked.
  "I turn off the cloak and Randall will find us," Eve said heading for the alleyway's entrance. She turned around. "You coming?"
  "You said-"
  "I didn't say I was waiting for Randall here."
  Richard watched Eve leave. His head had a new question. What had he gotten himself into?

  "You all seem like the big unhappy family."
  Randy looked at his double. They both had goatees now. Physically, the only difference between them was his double's glasses.
  "What's wrong?" Randy asked. "You don't have Sarah or Eve to play with so pick on me?"
  Randall arched an eyebrow. "Edge. Result of losing Melissa while your little murderer has a beauty?"
  "What I am," Randy said as he looked down at the console, "is focused. I thought you would be, too. If Stone's men slid in so easily and almost killed your friends, how easy would it be for them to slide here?"
  "Eve has turned off the cloak," Randall said with glee. "Your idea was a success."
  "Of course," Randy said. "Now...we test the tracker."
  Randy started to head for the platform. A hand on his arm stopped him. He turned to find Melissa looking at him.
  "And should you attempt to find me?" Melissa asked. "What if something goes wrong?"
  "It won't," Randy said.
  He turned back to the platform. What he found was the barrel of a gun in his face. Before he could move, it fired.

  Randy jumped up off the console.
  "Bad dream."
  Randy looked over at his double. He was dressed like someone out of Indiana Jones. He stared at Randy as he finished putting on a backpack.
  "I'm fine," Randy snapped.
  Randall studied him for a moment. "Right. Your experiment worked. Now we're about to test the tracker."
  "Uh...yea," Randy said. "Let me get one of those packs."
  Randy headed for a corner to grab a backpack. Visions of Melissa etched through his thoughts. Cassandra's prediction also was there. This was his chance to save Melissa. He would not blow it.

  "A...E...I...O...U."
  Professor Brown smiled as he stared at himself in the mirror. His speech was back finally. Now he could focus on the matter at hand.
  The wristwatch was on his wrist. Its black was like ebony. At first, he kept it in his pocket. Today with him losing his voice resulted int he watch being on his wrist.
  He knew what wearing it meant. He was pondering Mr. Stone's deal. If he did not, there might come a time when he wished he had. He had to do what was best.
  His eyes narrowed at that thought. He had to worry about himself. Obviously, Heim would not.
  A knock interrupted his thoughts. Brown managed a smile and opened the door. Kat stood before him in a blue evening dress. Her eyes stared at him in concern.
  "Is everthin' all right?" Kat asked.
  "Of course, child," Brown said. "Why would you ask?"
  "Ye been hidin' in there for a while," Kat said.
  "Just getting ready," Brown said. "We have had deadly encounters with this group before an I would rather be prepared for anything."
  "Aye," Kat replied.
  Brown frowned. He headed out of the bathroom, watching Kat as he walked past her. She watched him.
  Brown made it to the couch and sat down. He narrowed his eyes on her.
  "You do not seem to believe me, Miss Rye," Brown said. "Why is that?"
  Kat leaned against the door. Her arms were crossed over her chest like armor. After looking down for a second, she brought her head and stared at him.
  "Richard and I have seen ye and Randy," Kat said, "arguin'. At times ye two are thick as thieves."
  "The same could be said for you and Mr. Hall, my dear," Brown shot back.
  "We are nae hidin' anythin'."
  "And you think Mr. Heim and I are?"
  Kat looked down at the floor. Brown frowned at that. He assumed that was the answer.
  "Well, are you not the saint?" Brown said, letting the venom in his voice show. "You and Mr. Hall? But wait! Mr. Hall is not a saint at all."
  Kat looked up at that. Her eyes narrowed, the fire in them showing.
  "I know Richard isn't a saint, thank ye!" Kat spit out. "He has turned his life around because he lose his love. He's tryin'."
  "Oh, yes. Miss Harris," Brown said, leaning forward on the couch. "She died because of his actions...killing Laura Carmichael."
  Kat's eyes widened in surprise. Brown managed a smile. "I apologize. I assumed Mr. Hall told you already."
  "I am goin' down to dinner," Kat said as she headed to the door.
  Brown stood up as she slammed the door. The tactic was quite crude, but it accomplished its goal. Miss Rye stopped asking questions.
  Brown looked at the black wristwatch. Maybe it was truly time he looked out for himself.

  Richard crossed his arms over his chest. As Eve flirted with the waiter, Richard wished he was back with Kat. He just did not know if she was safe with Stone hunting down the dark sliders.
  Eve put her elbows on the table. Her hands formed a line as she tilted her head. A mischievous smile formed on her face.
  "Thinking of your kitten?" Eve asked.
  "What? Bored with your waiter?" Richard shot back.
  "Small potatoes," Eve replied, her right arm falling slowly to the table. "I have someone else in mind."
  "Not happening, Ice Lady."
  "And you're going to stop me?" Eve challenged. "That's rich. Last time, I got your dear Professor to turn on you. Remember?"
  "Of course. An innocent died."
  "Eye for an eye."
  "I said I was sorry."
  Eve put both of her arms on the table. Her eyes narrowed. "You also said you were heading home to pay for your crime. Why are you here?"
  "Hey!" Richard said, uncrossing his arms. "Infinite worlds out there! No coordinates!"
  "Randall was intelligent enough to get the coordinates back," Eve shot out.
  "Yeah well, we had a detour...courtesy of the man behind the men who want you dead." Richard frowned. "Why is that? So far...the bad guys...with the exception of a few psychos...just erase memories. You guys seem to be labeled SHOOT ON SIGHT."
  "I haven't got a clue," Eve replied.
  "You...no clues? Don't think so," Richard said.
  "Is that flattery"
  "Do you want it to be?"
  Before Eve could reply, Richard looked past her. A few feet away, a green vortex opened. His eyes widened as three figures emerged from it. Two of them were men cloaked in black armywear. The one that Richard remembered of that world, she should be dead.
  "Anya!" Richard said without thinking.
  The former false witch turned in his direction. Her eyes widened in surprise at Richard. When they saw Eve, her eyes narrowed.
  "Interesting," Anya said. She turned to her henchmen. "Kill them."
  The henchmen aimed guns at them.
  "Down!" Richard barked.
  He barely had time to get the table turned to use as a shield before the men opened fire. The bullets hit the corners of the table, causing splinters to go everywhere. Eve made it behind the table as more gunfire went off.
  "You had to do something," Eve commented.
  "Me?" Richard shrieked. "How do you know it's not you?"
  "It's obvious she knows you," Eve shot back. "Do the math." She looked about as people scrambled about in a panic. "I say we make a break."
  "I'm open to-" Richard started.
  The table went flying. Richard turned to see Anya and her man standing above him and Eve. She smirked.
  "Thinking of escaping, Albright?" Anya asked. "Take your death like a man." She turned to Richard. "And you...I have my orders, but accidents happen."
  Eve glared at Richard. "Orders?"
  "Stone wants me," Richard said.
  "It figures."
  "Hey!"
  "Kill them," Anya said.
  The men aimed their guns at Richard and Eve. Suddenly, red lasers hit their chest, killing them. Anya's eyes widened. Eve grinned and kicked at Anya's leg. She fell to the ground.
  Richard turned around. Randy and his double headed for them. Randy's double helped Eve up while Randy stared at Anya.
  "Is that Anya?" Randy asked.
  "Yeah, Egghead," Richard said. "I think we really are in it deep."

  "Well, how is the food?" Eric asked Kat.
  "Well...we have not fallen over, Mr. Price," Brown replied. "I think we can theorize that the food was not poisoned."
  "I see your humor has improved," Peter said from his side of the table.
  Kat stared about, losing interest in their cat-and-mouse game. That was how it had been for the last thirty minutes Sarah, Peter, and Eric sat on one side of the table. Kat and Professor Brown sat on the other side.
  Kat looked over at Professor Brown next to her. He glared at the three sliders. His whole body language revealed that he did not trust these people.
  She drank a little wine. She wished that she had been with the group when they met these people. Maybe it would make more sense to her. Right now, she was not really trusting the Professor.
  "Lost in thought, dear?"
  Kat looked over at Sarah. She smiled back at Kat. Kat managed a smile.
  "Aye," Kat said.
  "So how long have you crossed with these others?"
  Kat frowned. "Crossed?"
  Sarah rolled her eyes. "You use the word 'slide.' How long have you been together?"
  "Perhaps that would be none of your business," Brown said coldly.
  "I can speak for myself, Professor," Kat said, glaring at him. She turned back to Sarah. "A while."
  "And what is the story behind that?" Sarah asked. "Did they pluck you from your world or did you join them willingly?"
  Sarah grinned. "And this doesn't bother you?"
  "Why should it?"
  "Alone or not, you were home," Sarah said. "Then complete strangers showed up, took you into who knows what, and you're not bother?"
  Kat frowned. "What are ye tryin' to say?"
  Eric laughed. He looked at Brown. "I say! This new one is quite ignorant of our life."
  "And other things," Peter added.
  "I think you should watch that tone, Mr. Carmichael," Brown said.
  "Why should he?" Kat asked. She looked at Peter. "I've seen a lot since I started slidin'. Violence, destruction, death. I want none of it. Neither does Richard."
  Peter frowned. "He's a con, my dear. When your back is turned, he'll hurt you. Right, Professor?"
  Kat stared at Professor Brown. He looked at Peter with a blank stare.
  "That is how it began," Peter continued. "your group wouldn't even be crossing if not for him...him and his thieving ways."
  "And their crossing has made them many enemies," Sarah said.
  "At least our enemies do not want us dead," Brown replied.
  Sarah corked an eyebrow. "Ever ask why?"
  Kat stared over at Sarah. She only smiled.
  "I just assume that we were not as...sloppy...as your kin," Brown said evenly.
  "What!" Peter hissed.
  Eric laughed again. "You are all quite rich!" He looked at Peter. "We're all about our own agendas and you know it, old boy. So we are not perfect. We still...well, I do...make a profit." He looked over at Brown. "And you...your group has always interfered in other worlds' affairs. Is it any wonder that you know these assassins?"
  Kat let Eric's words sink in. Was he right? Daniel was after Randy for what happened on Daniel's world. Richard had Mr. Stone after him for something. Ever since she started sliding, she had been having a burning urge growing inside her. She did not like Randy much now.
  "I think I'll go for a walk," Kat announced standing up.
  "Be careful," Peter said. "He'll get you killed. Just ask Nicole."
  Kat headed for the door. She paused.
  Richard stood in the door. Randy was with him. They both held a dark-haired woman between them.
  "Look who we ran into?" Richard said.

  Randy looked at the prisoner. Had it really been two years and months since he had seen this woman? Had it been that long since she had tried to burn an innocent woman at the stake?
  A figure moved past Randy. It was Eric Price. He put his hands on the dining room table and looked forward. Anya sat on the other side of the table with her arms crossed.
  "Your little group has gone through a lot of trouble to eliminate us," Eric commented. "Would you like to tell us why?"
  "No," Anya said flatly.
  "Maybe you should," Randall said. He stood beside Randy with Eve.
  "I would have to agree with Mr. Heim," Brown said, moving past Randy. He stood behind Eric. "Things could grow quite unpleasant for you otherwise."
  "Things grew 'unpleasant' when your kind slid to my world," Anya said. "I like what Stone offered me."
  "Which was?" Eric asked.
  Anya said nothing.
  "This is getting us nowhere," Randall said.
  "What would you suggest, Randall?" Eve asked.
  "I think we shouldn't go easy," Randy said.
  Brown turned to look at Randy. His eyes narrowed.
  "What are you saying, Heim?" Brown asked.
  Randy pulled out his laser. He walked around the table.
  "I'm saying," Randy said as he kneeled next to Anya, "that we should raise the stakes."
  And without warning, Randy laid the nuzzle on the top of Anya's hand and fired. It cut through the hard bone and even harder table in seconds. Anya screamed like someone who had been electrified.
  "Mr. Heim!" Brown barked.
  "Impressive," Eric commented.
  "I would not have thought it of you," Randall added.
  Randy ignored all the comments. His focus was on Anya. Sweat appeared on her forehead. She bit her lower lip to hold back tears. Randy saw all of this and smiled.
  "Mr. Stone took something very important to me," Randy said. "You remember Melissa, right?"
  Anya glared at him.
  "We were on our way home to be together," Randy said. "I love her and my life has been...dark without her. Now that I'm close to getting her back, I'm not letting anyone or anything get in my way."
  Randy placed the laser over Anya's unharmed hand.
  "Ready to talk?" Randy asked.
  "I would get killed," Anya said.
  "And I won't kill you?" Randy challenged.
  "No."
  Randy leaned in and looked Anya in the eyes. "Try me."
  Hands grabbed Randy and roughly pulled him away. Randy turned around to see Brown in his face. His eyes were full of hatred.
  "Have you taken complete leave of your senses?" Brown demanded.
  "I'm surprised you care," Randy said. "Especially since she had you poisoned."
  "Not the point," Brown said. "I want to take down Mr. Stone as well, but this is not like you."
  "I have to say I like this aggressive Heim," Eric said from the other side of the table. "We need answers. The sooner, the better. There are worlds waiting to give me profit."
  "Is that all you think about?" Brown asked. "How much a world will profit you?"
  "Should I think of more?"
  "Look at you all!" Anya barked through her pain. "No wonder Mr. Stone wants you dead." She looked at Randy. Her eyes were fire. "And who are you to dictate anything? Ever since you were on my world, that is all you did. Who is to say the ways of your world is the right way all other worlds should be? Who gave you the right?"
  "You were conning people," Randy replied.
  "That was the way our world works," Anya said. "Through myth and religion. You came in and destroyed everything. Civil war broke out because of you. How many worlds have you done that to? How many people's lives have you affected...even killed....because of your interference? Is it any wonder Mr. Stone formed the Foundation?"
  "The Foundation?" Brown said in confusion.
  "Yes," Anya replied. "The Foundation. Our goal is a noble one. We believe that sliding technology should not exist. In fact, we wish to rid the worlds of it. The better to keep people like you out of affairs that don't concern you."
  "You forget one thing, girl," Randall said. "There are some people who like the technology. Enjoy using it without interfering in world affairs."
  "Then explain Sarah Carroll," Anya shot back. "Stone knows of her attempt to collapse universes. Does that not interfere with other worlds?"
  The room fell silent. Randy let the words sink in. He looked over at Brown who had a knowing look. There had been many a time when they debated this very thing.
  "Who gives you the right to decide what I do?" Eve demanded.
  "You did," Anya replied, "when you went out and changed another world not your own."
  "Injustice happens everywhere," Randy said. "The human thing to do is change it." He headed for her. "And right now...I need answers."

  She sat at the table, looking through books. Kat thought it was quite intriguing how similar this world was to her own. At the same time, it had little qualms. For example, there was no baseball.
  "Hey, you."
  Kat looked at Richard in the study door.
  "Reading anything interesting?" Richard asked.
  "There's no baseball here," Kat commented.
  "You say no without an accent," Richard said with a smile.
  "Stop," Kat said.
  Richard headed over to the table. Kat shot up out of the chair and held out a hand to halt him.
  "Stay away from me," Kat said.
  "What happened why I was gone?" Richard asked.
  "I learned the truth," Kat snapped.
  Richard frowned. "The truth?"
  "That you killed my sister."
  Kat looked behind Richard. Peter stood in the door. His arms were over his chest. His eyes glared at Richard. Richard looked behind him.
  "Stay out of this," Richard snapped.
  "I think not," Peter said.
  "Can't you leave it alone?"
  "Not as long as you're alive."
  Richard turned completely to face Peter. He walked over to him.
  "Coming to take me out?" Richard challenged.
  Peter got up in Richard's face. "That's always been the goal." He smiled. "That and killing everyone you care about. Just ask Nicole."
  Richard smiled. "That trick isn't going to work, amigo."
  Peter stared at Kat. "I guess I'll have to try someone else."
  "Stay away from her," Richard said.
  "You'll have to kill me," Peter said, still looking at Kat. "And I have the feeling that the lady doesn't like killers."
  Richard grabbed Peter's throat. Peter's left hand shot up and grabbed Richard's hand. Kat ran over and grabbed both of them.
  "Stop it, both of ye!" Kat yelled. "I am sick of this violence!"
  Richard went flying into the table. He hit it and landed on the top.
  "Richard!" Kat cried.
  "If you are going to continue sliding, my dear," Peter said, "it would be wise to not be so naive. there will always be an element of danger. Change with it or die before it."
  Peter left without another word. Kat looked over at Richard. He sat on the table now with a frown on his face.
  "Are ye all right?" Kat asked.
  "Yes," Richard said.
  "Good," Kat said. "Now...leave me alone."
  Kat turned and walked out of the study. Tears started to form in her eyes. She fought them back, wondering what she was thinking...liking a murderer.

  Randy could not believe it. The time had come. He was finally going to get Melissa.
  "You reckless fool."
  Randy looked away from the backpack on his bed. Professor Brown stood in the door. His eyes shoot holes through Randy.
  "Professor, I do not have time for this," Randy said. "We're about to leave and-"
  "I am not going on this suicide run with you," Brown said.
  "Shame," Randy said, looking back at his backpack. "I could have used your help."
  A hand grabbed Randy and turned him around. Brown glared at Randy.
  "You cannot just slide in unprepared," Brown said. "Who knows what Mr. Stone will have waiting for you?"
  "He doesn't know we're coming," Randy said. His eyes narrowed. "Unless you know something I don't."
  Brown's eyes narrowed on Randy. A silence fell across the room. Randy did not know what to say.
  "You know what?" Randy said. "I don't care. If he knows, I'm still going."
  "If I taught you anything-" Brown started.
  "Maybe I'm beyond teaching...Professor," Randy said, looking right at him. "I've grown past it."
  "Into a killer?" Brown challenged.
  Randy fell silent. "Whatever it takes."
  "I did that once," Brown said as he walked over to a lamp by the bed. "I became an uncaring thing bend on getting us home. With Anya tonight...I saw that creature in you. Then again...it has always been there...since we lost Melissa Clark."
  Randy looked down at his feet. He remembered Brown when he found him after their first encounter with Chad Owens. The professional reserved man was an uncaring wildman...determined to break all rules to get them home. Anyone in his way...died.
  "I am not like you," Randy replied. "I don't like to kill."
  "No...you like to win," Brown shot back. "That is just as dangerous."
  "What Stone is doing is wrong," Randy said.
  "Is it?"
  Randy frowned. "Whom side are you on?"
  "I want to go home."
  Randy looked at Brown. Brown's eyes were full of sadness.
  "We will go home," Randy said, "after we get Melissa."
  "You are selfish," Brown snapped.
  "And you're not?" Randy shot back.
  "I'm dying! If I am going to die then I would rather be at home," Brown said.
  Randy grabbed his backpack and headed to the door. He had enough of this conversation. He would deal with it later.
  "Mr. Heim," Brown said firmly as if they were in a classroom.
  "You want to go home?" Randy asked as he paused in the door. "You're the Professor. Figure it out."

  Brown was speechless for a second. Heim's words resonated within his mind. He had enough of this.
  He tried to move his arm with the black wristwatch. It continued to be limp.
  "Dear Lord," Brown whispered.
  This was the last thing he needed.
  "Randall."
  Brown looked at the door to see Eve. She was backpacked in a black suit. She frowned at him.
  "What are you doing here?" Eve demanded.
  "Heim and I had a falling out," Brown said as he sat on the bed.
  "I am sure you will make up when we get back."
  "Good luck," Brown said. "I will not be here."
  Eve corked an eyebrow. "Really? How?"
  Brown pushed a button on his wristwatch.
  "With your help," Brown said.

  The red vortex opened. Randy simmered into the hallway. He had little time to comment on the slippery feel of the vortex. A guard was a few feet away. He ran at him, dropped to the floor, and swung his leg out at the guard, tripping him. He hopped on the guard and punched him.
  "You are quite the commando."
  Randy turned around to see Randall observing him. He stood up and faced his double. He had not heard him slide in.
  "Things change," Randy commented.
  The vortex simmered. Richard landed next to Randall. He looked at Randy.
  "We have a problem," Richard said.
  "What?" Randy asked.
  Peter landed next to Richard. The vortex closed behind him.
  "Him," Richard said. "Not that I trust any of them, but I don't trust him."
  "Where's Eve?" Randy asked.
  "Doesn't matter," Peter said. "I will take care of your distraction."
  "Assuming we can trust you," Richard said.
  "What's wrong? Upset about your-" Peter started.
  "Don't push me," Richard warned.
  "Bigger problem," Randall interrupted. "The statuscope appears to be cut off from Eric."
  "But they will find what we need?" Randy asked.
  "Yes," Randall said. "I have the control room and you have the quantum signature for your Melissa Clark within your statuscope which wasn't hard since your home coordinates were already in your timer."
  Richard's eyes widened. "What?"
  "Yes...it was encoded by Heim," Randall explained. "I happen to bypass it when he had a nightmare."
  "How?" Randy managed.
  "We think alike, remember," Randall said. "It wasn't too hard." He started down the hallway. "I'll meet everyone back here in ten minutes."
  Peter followed behind Randall. He turned around.
  "You coming?" Peter asked.
  Richard stood across from Randy. The hurt in his eyes were very apparent.
  "Proper knows, doesn't he?" Richard asked, keeping his tone even. "That's the secret between you two."
  "Yes," Randy said without batting an eye.
  "We will talk later," Richard said. His eyes narrowed on Randy. "I promise you that."
  Randy watched Richard leave with Peter. He knew he would hear about it later. However, he was close to finding Melissa.
  That was all that mattered.

  Brown headed up the stairs. Eric had slid the others over a little while ago. Hopefully things will go well.
  "I still think I should have went," Eve commented from behind Brown. "What if Randall is not successful?"
  "I am sure he will be," Brown said as he hit the top of the stairs. "Now..what do you have that Mr. Stone is extremely interested in eliminating you?"
  Eve shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. However, I bet Sarah does." She frowned. "When will he make his appearance?"
  "I don't know," Brown admitted. "However, I kept up our end of the bargain. The new cloaking device is down. He should be able to slide right in."
  "Why are you doing this?" Eve asked as she started to take the lead. "I thought Randall was your prize student." Eve stopped in front of a set of double doors. "Dissension in the ranks?"
  Brown paused beside her. He stared at her.
  "That time, I am seeing, is long past," Brown said. "It is about time I focused on my own ambitions. Right now, I desire home."
  Eve reached for one of the ivory doors. "Sarah is now the only one who has it."
  "What does she have-" Brown started.
  A whir sounded from behind the door. brown stared at Eve. She arched her eyebrow in reply. Brown grabbed the other door and opened it slowly. His eyes widened at the sight.
  Sarah held out a suitcase to Mr. Stone. She smiled at his blank face.
  "There you are, Mr. Stone," Sarah said. "The information that you required. I hope it will help in your mission."
  Mr. Stone nodded. "It is the key to my...associates' plan. And when it is active...our problem will be a thing of the past."
  "Not having to deal with Randall Heims would be nice," Sarah commented.
  "But that is the best part, my dear," Mr. Stone said with a slight grin that chilled Brown to his core.
  Sarah frowned. "What is?"
  Stone's smile left. He moved quickly to Sarah. He was behind her in a flash. His hands were around her neck. He pulled away quickly, snapping her neck. Sarah's eyes widened. Then she fell to the floor like a bag of dirty clothes.
  "Oh my--" Eve whispered.
  "Come on," Brown whispered as he turned away from the door. "We have to warn-"
  Nicole stood in front of them. That was not true...it was Nicole's double. On Rye's world, she was Stone's enforcer. She smiled as she tilted her head.
  "Where do you think you're going?" she asked.

  Kat stared up at the ceiling. Her mind thought back tot he fight between Richard and Peter. She sat up in the bed.
  Why did this have to be so hard?
  Kat's feet touched the floor as she stepped off the bed. she was being a git and she knew it. Richard was human and she knew it. What he was then was more than likely different from the man was now. She s should tell him that.
  Kat headed for the door. A smile spreaded across her face. She hoped that the others had not headed on their mission.
  Kat opened her door. Daniel Carter stood in the door. He smiled at her.
  "Hello, my love," Daniel said. "Did you miss me?"

  Randy looked around the corner. Two figures walked down the pathway. Their back was toward him so he could walk to the door he wanted.
  Alarms started to go off over head. The two figures pulled out guns and headed down the corridor.
  Randy smiled. Richard and Peter were causing a distraction. He was outside the door to where Melissa was. He hoped his double was doing well.

  Randall entered the control room. It was chaos as people ran to various monitors. Two of them ran past him.
  "We have to figure out where the explosions came from," one of them said.
  "Mr. Stone will kill us," the other said.
  Randall walked over a console. He typed in his home coordinates. He was sure that should bring up the information he needed.
  The screen came to life pretty easily. Randall smiled as information came up. He saw his own and frowned. This place seem to know about him and the others. He wondered how they knew.
  Another thing grabbed his attention. It was the reason why this group wanted him dead. His eyes widened.
  "Oh," Randall managed.

  Randy opened the doors. The figure turned from the bed. Her jaw dropped.
  Melissa Clark looked almost like he remembered her months ago. Her black hair was still the short ear-length Mr. Stone's men had made it. Her body was slender in the black sweater and pants that made her look like some spy. Her brown eyes looked into his.
  "Melissa," Randy said, running forward. "Melissa, I never thought-"
  Melissa's eyes widened. As Randy drew near her, Melissa's eyes narrowed. Her hand shot out and hit him in the jaw.
  Randy fell back. He felt like he had hit a truck. before Randy could react, Melissa spun around and landed a kick in his chest. His butt hit the floor.
  Randy was in shock. What had gotten into Melissa? He knew this was not a double because of the statuscope. He looked up at her and felt his eyes widen.
  Melissa stood over him with a gun aimed at him. She pulled back the top and grinned at him.
  "Really, Randy," Melissa said with a tilt of her head, "what did you expect?"
  She squeezed the trigger and fired. Randy screamed in pain as the bullet found its mark.


TO BE CONTINUED...


 

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