"Hey, you!"
  The guard had no time to react before a fist knocked him to the ground. Richard Hall looked down at him and frowned.
  "Way too easy," Richard commented.
  A shadow moved past him. A man dressed in a black trenchcoat attached a square box to one of several terminals down the hall they were in.
  "You are easily amused," the man said as he typed into the box. He looked at Richard and glared. "It's set. We need to move."
  Richard watched Peter Carmichael run down the hall. He glared as he followed the dark slider. He would rather work with Eve than this psycho. However, she bowed out of bringing down this group that wanted her and her dark sliders dead.
  As Richard turned the corner, the building shook as another of their explosives went off. It was followed by a blast behind him as the latest one went off. He wished he could see the look on Stone's face when he sees the damage.
  He turned another corner. Randy's double stood around. He turned and smiled when he saw them.
  "Good," Randall said. "I think we should be away."
  "Not without Egghead," Richard said.
  "I'm not dying for him," Peter spit out.
  "I'm not dying for you either, bub," Richard said. He looked down the corridor. Where could Egghead be?
  Suddenly, a red vortex opened. Richard glared at Randall. He shook his head.
  "It's not me," Randall said.
  The vortex simmered as two figures hopped out of it. Richard stared in shock at Professor Darnell Brown and Eve Albright. They should be back on Randall's homeworld, waiting.
  The vortex simmered again. A new figure emerged. Richard barely had time to react to Mr. Stone's presence before a hand reached out and encircled his neck. Brown knocked out Randall as Eve kicked Peter in the jaw.
  "Mr. Hall, it is a pleasure to see you again," Mr. Stone said as his hand tightened on Richard's neck.

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 10: ...ONE WAS LOST (PART 2)

  Randy Heim fell to the floor. His right hand reached for his stinging chest. He put it in front of him. It was red.
  Movement brought Randy out of his trance. Melissa Clark leaned in front of him. A smile crept over her face.
  "Poor Randy," Melissa said. "If you had only came sooner."
  Melissa stood again. Randy looked up. There was no trace of the girl he fell in love with in those eyes. The cold look made him think of Cassandra and her prophecies. The gun aimed on him by his love made it all come into focus...he failed everyone.
  "Good-bye," Melissa said.
  "No, you don't, dear."
  Randy tilted his head to the door. He had not heard it open behind him. He was too focused on the face that he had failed.
  The figure came into view. it was Daniel Carter. He smirked at Randy.
  "Look, the great Randy Heim," Daniel said. "In a puddle of his own blood at the foot of his...ex-associate. I guess Cassandra was right."
  Randy's eyes widened. How did Carter know of his brush with her?
  "As much as I would love to kill him now," Daniel said to Melissa. "Mr. Stone needs him a little bit longer."
  "Oh," Melissa said.
  "Melissa-" Randy started. His hands reached for his chest. Pain ran all through it.
  "Shut up," Melissa said.
  She swung her fist into Randy's face, knocking him out.

  Professor Brown stood in the control room with Eve. She stood next to him, her back stiffened. He understood her anxiety.
  Mr. Stone stood in front of them. He was looking over the shoulder of a nemesis Brown knew well: Rebecca Pryce. She typed at a console now.
  "Well?" Mr. Stone asked.
  "The extinguish team has slid into World 591," Rebecca said. "Are you sure you want Anya still in charge?"
  "Yes," Stone answered. "Tell her to be sure to research all the data before raiding the system."
  "Are you all right?" Eve whispered.
  "Great," Brown whispered back.
  "And the attack here?" Mr. Stone asked.
  "The prisoners are caught," Rebecca replied. "Heim is on his way to eh infirmary it seems."
  "Randall!" Eve exclaimed.
  "He will live, Miss Albright," Mr. Stone said, turning away from the screen. "It is just he should learn to not enter into a place unprepared."
  "Wise words to live by," Brown commented.
  "And you are?" Stone said.
  "Try me," Brown said. "When do I get healed?"
  "Yeah," Eve said.
  "At a time of my choosing," Stone replied.
  "Excuse me," Brown replied.
  "You have me...at a disadvantage," Stone explained. The associates want me to finish my extinguish before I can give my undivided attention to your...condition."
  Brown felt his hope fall into his feet. He had betrayed everything in order to get his condition dealt with. He stared down at his right arm. It was still no working. Who knew what the nanotechs were doing?
  "Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Brown," Stone said. "We are in good form. If not, Mrs. Albright would be as dead as her associate Mrs. Carroll. That is the associate's assignment after all."
  Eve crossed her arms over her chest. "And why is that?"
  Stone smiled. "I have to check on your conspiring associates. Rebecca will take you to your quarters."
  Brown watched Mr. Stone leave the control room. Then he turned to Eve. She arched her eyebrow in response to his unasked question.
  What now?

  Richard heard the door slide open. He opened his eyes. Fear crawled up his spine like spider webbing.
  Mr. Stone stood in the door. His eyes were as blank as ever. The business suit made him look like a simple accountant. Richard knew better.
  "So," Richard said, "going to stand in that door all day?"
  Mr. Stone managed a grin. Richard held in his fear.
  "Ah...you still have your youthful wit," Mr. Stone said as he continued to stand in the door. "I thought I destroyed that your first month here."
  "Yeah...it keeps going and going," Richard said.
  Mr. Stone stepped into the white metal-maded room. He moved to Richard's right, revealing Nicole and Melissa behind him. Richard flinched, memories of his last time here flashing before his eyes. He stared at his hands which were in metal circular cuffs that were attached to chains that were in the wall. He felt like that figure in that picture.
  "I am sorry, Mr. Hall," Stone said. "Was that fear I glanced behind your eyes? You have nothing to fear from Miss Harris."
  Richard stared at Nicole. "Of course not. Your enforcer?"
  "It is your old associate you should fear," Stone said, a smile spreaded across his face. "It took a while to break her, but she is quite an enforcer." His smile scarily grew wider. "Would you like to see?"
  Melissa approached Richard. Her brown eyes were as blank as Stone's. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a dagger.
  Richard summoned up his strength. His eyes glared at Melissa.
  "You're just a double," Richard said.
  Melissa grinned. "Would a double date you for six months? Hang with you and Dylan on Virus World? Deal with Chad Owens?"
  Richard's eyes widened. "No."
  Melissa's grin grew larger. "Yes."

  Randy's eyes opened. For a second, he could not remember where he was. Then it all came back.
  He sat up quickly. His chest was on fire. Melissa...his Melissa...had shot him.
  "She did an almost perfect job."
  Randy looked to his left. Daniel stood with Kat. He also had two guards with him.
  "Daniel," Randy managed.
  "Nice to see you, Randy," Daniel said. "How does it feels to be a step away from death?"
  Randy glared. "You tell me."
  Daniel laughed. "No, Heim. I believe I'm holding all the cards this time. You're the one who loses everything this time."
  Randy sat up in the bed. He was in. He stared at Kat. Her face was unreadable.
  "Let's see," Daniel continued, "my fair Katherine is back at my side. Your professor is dying thanks to those nanotechs. I am sure Mr. Stone will make short work of Hall. And your Melissa...oh, that's the best part."
  Randy frowned. "What did you do?"
  "Another of the Foundation's new experiments," Daniel answered with a smile on his face. "We have chips to erase parts of the brain. Now we can use chips to implant memories...or alter them."
  Randy felt his chest tightened up. Daniel continued to smile.
  "She can't love you and she doesn't remember loving you," Daniel said.
  "You son of a-"
  "You should talk," Daniel said. "You killed my family!"
  "I will not take responsibility for that!" Randy snapped. "You could have given up the technology."
  "Still the same old Heim. Damn the consequences even if it affects a world! This organization would not be here if it wasn't for you. And soon-"
  "Mr. Carter."
  Randy stared past Daniel. Mr. Stone walked into the room. He moved silently, not revealing any sound. Randy however felt the menace.
  "You reveal too much," Mr. Stone said coldly.
  "Why does it matter?" Daniel shot back. "He's dead anyway. When the associates show up-"
  "Carter," Stone hissed.
  Randy corked an eyebrow. Stone out of control? That was something.
  "You two," Mr. Stone said to the guards, "take Miss Rye to join the other trespassers. I need to have a word with Mr. Carter and Mr. Heim."
  Randy watched Kat leave with the guards. She looked confused as the double doors slid close.
  Mr. Stone tilted his head as he looked at the fuming Daniel. "I think, Mr. Carter, that you forget your place in this organization."
  Quick as a speeding car, Stone's right hand grabbed Daniel's neck. He rose Daniel off the ground, his face blank. Daniel's hands shot to his neck, struggling to move Stone's hands.
  "Mr. Carter, you are...and have always been...a pawn of the Foundation," Stone said simply. "Everything you have done against Heim here...has been allowed by the associates. The nanotechs in Mr. Brown's system...Cassandra...your unmentioned encounter with Mr. Heim on Earth 948. All of your transgressions were your purpose for us allowing you here."
  Stone reached into his coat with his left hand. He pulled out a knife. Daniel's eyes widened as he continued to struggle.
  "Your purpose...to pursue Mr. Heim...to the point where his group would encounter his alternate's group again and allow us to attain what we needed...is over," Stone continued. "Good-bye."
  Stone drove the knife into Daniel's chest. He pulled it out, blood shooting out. Randy jumped back in shock as Stone drove it in again and again. Finally, he dropped Daniel's bloodied body onto the darkened floor. He stared at Randy, sending shivers down Randy's body.
  "Your purpose is almost at an end as well, Mr. Heim," Stone said. "You perhaps best hope the associates have a use for you."
  Mr. Stone walked out of the infirmary without a word. Randy watched him pause in the door.
  "Clean up the mess," Stone said to a guard. "Then sedate Mr. Heim. I do not want him to escape."
  Randy saw two guards enter. The door closed on Mr. Stone. His grin was the last thing Randy saw of him.

  Brown paced the room. His anger tempted him. He also felt his guilt over the situation. He could care less for Heim right now. However, Hall should not have to pay for Heim's arrogance.
  "It happens."
  Brown paused. He looked at Eve. She lain on the bed, staring up at him.
  "Excuse me?" Brown said in confusion.
  "Shit," Eve said simply. "You deal the hand you were dealt. Randall...knew that."
  "And Mr. Hall?"
  "You have to ask."
  "Right," Brown said as he went back to pacing.
  "Darnell."
  "I'm dying," Brown said. "All I would like is to return to my own world and die with some dignity. I do not want my friend to suffer for some folly."
  Eve sat up in the bed.
  "Then he won't," Eve said.
  "Meaning?" Brown asked.
  "I'm going to take Richard at his word...that he's sorry," Eve answered. "We are going to get him...and the others...and get out of here. And if we find out more about these 'associates?' All the better."
  Brown made a smile. "You would be the last person I would cast in the role of Pollyanna."
  Eve smiled as she stood up. She walked over to Brown and kissed him.
  "Your influence obviously," Eve said. "Edward has not been caring in years."
  Brown pulled away. "Yes...your husband."
  "My prison," Eve said bitterly. She looked around. "Is there an air vent in here?"

  The cuffs fell from Richard's hands. He fell to the floor, letting his face hit the cold sterile floor. Well, almost sterile. His blood had dried up a while ago but it was still there. He felt like someone had run him over.
  A shadow fell across Richard. Melissa knelled beside him. The smile on her face one he would have never associated with her.
  "Are you still alive in there?" Melissa asked.
  Richard moved his arms to his side. He could not feel them. However, the fact that he was raising supported his theory they still work.
  "You know me," Richard managed. "Always ticking."
  Movement to his left got his attention. Richard turned in time to see Nicole's leg swing out and knocked his arms out from under him. His face hit the floor again.
  "So you still ticking now?" Nicole asked.
  "Let me..answer that...with a turnover," Richard said as he turned over on the floor.
  "Impressive."
  Mr. Stone stood above Richard. His hands were behind his back. No expression was on his face.
  "I do believe that he is much improved physically," Stone commented.
  "Well...sex will do that," Richard replied.
  Mr. Stone grinned. "Cute."
  "Want me to cut him?" Nicole asked.
  "No, Miss Harris," Mr. Stone said. "I think physical assault has reached an endpass...for the moment. It is time for us to talk."
  Richard sat up on the floor. "Do your worst. You got nothing on me."
  Mr. Stone smirked. "Would you bet...Miss Rye's life on that assumption?"
  Richard said nothing. He knew Stone could not have tracked them. He had been cloaked for months now.
  "Where is your wit now, Mr. Hall?" Mr. Stone asked.
  "Getting a second wind," Richard replied.
  "Yes...Miss Rye," Stone said, his eyes never leaving Richard's face. "She was very forecoming."
  "Doubt it."
  "Mr. Brown told me the rest."
  Richard grinned. "Ha! You're slipping, Stone. Brown...Proper would never help you."
  "Nanotechs destroying your organ systems can create unlikely alliances."
  Richard frowned. "What?"
  Richard wished he had not said that. it gave stone the confused look he wanted to get out of him. He smiled at Richard.
  "Your quartet seem to be quite adept at withholding information, Mr. Hall," Stone said. "Did not Mr. Brown tell you he made a deal with me in order to obtain a cure to what has been killing him?"
  Richard wanted to call him a liar. He paused however. He thought back over Proper going blind. Proper becoming wheelbound. The weird speech thing last night. He stared at Mr. Stone, his eyes widened in shock.
  "Oh my God," Richard muttered.
  It made sense. Proper knew Egghead had the coordinates to go home. Egghead knew Proper was dying. They kept it to themselves.
  "And you thought you were the dangerous one?" Stone queried. "They think of you like I do...a terrible waste."
  The double doors opened. Richard looked over to see it was Rebecca Pryce. She glared at him.
  "Well, look at you," she said sarcastically.
  "You...as a henchwoman," Richard said. "I don't think so. What's the con?"
  "Can I help you, Pryce?" Mr. Stone asked.
  "They're here," Rebecca said.
  "Harris. Clark. Guard him," Stone said as he headed for the door with Rebecca.
  Richard watched the two of them leave, with Nicole and Melissa behind them. When the door closed, Richard fell completely to the floor.
  How could they? He had slid with them for years. He had revealed his own dirty secrets an was ready to pay for it. For them to withhold it...
  Richard pushed himself up. His arms rebelled against the movement. He did not care.
  He wanted the truth...and he was going to get it.

  "So," Eric Price said as he sat on he bench, "this is the end."
  Randall Heim stopped observing the electrical beams that lined their cell and stared at Eric. He was sued to him being easily amused or having bravo. This Eric was scared.
  "Will you calm down?" Peter Carmichael barked as he leaned against a wall.
  "Me? Calm down?" Eric shrieked. "Peter, Sarah's dead! And we're next! All because we were bored."
  "Oh, ye of little faith," Randall said. "I believe we will get free. Just give me time."
  "And if time should run out, sir?" Eric asked.
  "It was a fun ride," Peter commented.
  "Was it?" Eric asked. "I daresay! Your sister might have a different opinion on that."
  Randall had enough time to move before Peter lunged at Eric. He grabbed Peter's arms and held him back.
  "You worm!" Peter yelled.
  "You know," Randall said, "I hoped this in-fighting would stop now that Sarah and Eve will no longer be around each other."
  Eric laughed Randall shivered at t he hint of lunacy in that laugh. He was not like this at all.
  "We were bored once," Eric said, looking past Randall and Peter. "Socialites and millionaires who were looking for a little bit of fun. Mallory a nd Heim wheeled us in completely. Me. Peter. Laura. Sarah. Eve. Robert. Edward...until Eve's husband grew weary after that one Ice world. We all had our little agendas...our little games." He finally looked at them. "And now it ends like this. We're the only ones left."
  "I think he has taken complete leave of his senses," Peter commented.
  The lines in the cell door dotted. Some lines were still in place, only to vanished. Those were replaced with others. Finally those vanished. Several guards stood in the door with Katherine Rye. They pushed her in.
  Before one of the guards could shut the door, his face met a black-gloved fist. A second guard met a knee in his crotch. Finally the last one got a kick to the head.
  Randall smiled at Eve.
  "What took you so long?" he asked.
  Eve grinned. "Air vents here are deadly. Come on. I have to get back to Darnell and-"
  "Darnell?" Peter said as he headed for the door.
  Randall stared at Eve as he walked past her. "Is there something I should know?"
  "No," Eve said. "Now come on. We have to make a pit stop."

  Brown's fist connected with the guard's face. He smiled to himself. It was good to have one arm working.
  The doors to the infirmary opened, revealing a room of beds. Brown looked about to see a knocked out Randy in one of the beds. He walked past him without a word.
  He typed on a computer he saw when he walked in. His picture flashed onto the screen. He scanned down the screen. There was no reference to a cure for the nanotechs.
  Brown leaned back in the chair and sighed. It had been false hope anyway. He betrayed his associates for nothing.
  "So you're just going to walk past me?"
  Brown leaned forward in his chair. Randy stared over at him from his bed. Brown frowned.
  "And I should support you?" Brown asked.
  "Obviously not," Randy replied. "Judging by the fact you're not in jail though, I think I can assume you made a deal with Stone."
  "Yes."
  "How's it working out?"
  "Bad. At least I am not bleeding though."
  Randy frowned. "Give me time."
  "A challenge?" Brown asked.
  "Ready?"
  "Perhaps another time...assuming we make it out of here."
  "We?"
  Brown stood up. "Yes. We. Perhaps I was hasty in attempting this, but I understand my folly."
  Randy's eyes narrowed. "How do I know I can trust you?"
  "How do I know I can trust you?" Brown asked back. "You're not my student after all. Already you are willing to let people die to attain your own goals."
  "And you're not."
  "Enough," Brown said. "We can debate this all day, but Eve is getting the others. We need to move."
  "Help me up," Randy said.
  Brown made it over to Randy's bed. He held out his right hand. Randy grabbed it. He started to sit up. Brown saw his teeth come together and form a grunt.
  "Your other hand," Randy said.
  "I cannot move it," Brown said.
  Randy's eyes widened. "Oh."
  "Push up," Brown barked.
  Randy managed to push up. His legs made it to the side of the bed and hit the floor. He put an arm around Brown. Brown put his right arm around his waist and helped him to stand.
  "Are you going to be able to walk?" Brown asked.
  "I have to be," Randy said. "Melissa isn't a pushover."
  "Miss Clark did this?" Brown asked.
  "Yes," Randy said. Brown saw him look down at the ground. "They did something to her, Professor. She...she doesn't remember being with me. Nothing. They erased it. How..."
  Brown started to move them to the door. "We have to find Mr. Hall. Perhaps-"
  "I am not leaving without her."
  Brown paused. After all this, he was still in love with her. That was the reason he was in this hell.
  "We will deal with that later," Brown said. "Right now we-"
  Brown felt it. It was like a light bulb turning off in his head. His mouth opened to say something to Randy.
  "Brain-" Brown managed. Then his face came up to meet the floor.

  "Is this even sound?" Eric asked.
  Kat looked up from the sliding platform. Randall stared at Eric in annoyance.
  "We cannot cross directly back to our world," Randall said. "It will lead Stone directly to us. We will simply cross to another world before we head home. Then I am afraid...we must disappear."
  "Disappear?" Eve said, next to Randall at the console.
  "Yes," Randall said. "This men will not stop until we are dead. We are in the unpleasant position of knowing their plan...or at least part of it. I can theorize the rest." He stared at Eve. "We need to vanish. Just think of it as an adventure."
  "Why?"
  Kat stared at Peter who sat near her. He stood up and glared at Randall.
  "What do we know that makes us dead?" Peter asked.
  Kat stared at Randall. He said nothing. Eric, who stood a few feet away, also stared at Randall.
  "Well, Randall?" Eric said. "Out with it."
  "The Geiger theories," Randall said. "We know them. Experienced them first hand. We set them in motion, changing who knows how many worlds. Like Sarah, we're dead."
  Kat found herself, standing. "And Richard?"
  "He'll live, pet," Eve replied. "Stone wants your group alive."
  "So he wants us dead," Eric said. "I think it is time we be away. Randall, start up the platform."
  "No," Eve said.
  "No?" Eric said. "Self-preservation remember?"
  "I'm not leaving Darnell," Eve said.
  "What is it with you and Brown?" Randall asked. "Is he more important than me? Than us?"
  Kat crossed her arms over her chest. She saw Eve move away from Randall.
  "What Darnell is," Eve said, "is dying."
  Kat felt the breath leave her lungs. Her hands fell to her side.
  "What?" Peter said.
  "Can we not be away?" Eric added.
  "Stone did a number on him," Eve said, ignoring the two sliders. "He has nanotechs in his system. All he wants is to get home."
  "Saints preserve us!" Kat gasped. "'Tis the secret he...they..."
  Words would not come out. The weeks of arguing between Randy and Professor Brown. It had something to do with this. She wondered what else she did not know.
  "You can leave if you like," Eve declared. "I am not leaving without him."
  Peter smirked. "Why, Eve? You love him?"
  Eve glared at Peter. "I think you know me better than that."
  "Enough!" Eric barked. "We have little time for this. Randall."
  "I agree with Eric," Randall said. "We have little time for this."
  "I am wi' Eve," Kat said. "I am nae leavin' wi'out Richard."
  Randall looked over at Kat. His eyes were unreadable.

  Randy typed at the computer. Stone was good he gave him that. He had no access to anything from the computer. He was going to have to leave the lab to find the others.
  He stared at Brown. He was out on a bed. Randy could not move him in his condition. He would need help.
  He stared back at the computer screen. He was also going to need a backup plan. A smile spreaded over his face. He had one.

  Richard held up the circular metal cuff. thankfully the chain it was attached to extended to the terminal at the door. He aimed at it.
  "Here goes," Richard said to himself.
  He chucked the cuff at the terminal. It connected, causing sparks to shot from it. He smiled as it exploded.
  The doors shot open instantly. Nicole and Melissa only had time to widened their eyes in shock. Richard took the cuff and swung it at Nicole. It hit her in the mouth. She went flying.
  Richard swung around to use it on Melissa. She knocked it from his hand. She swung another fist at him. He barely managed to duck. His body screamed in pain.
  "You don't want to do this," Richard said.
  "Why's that?" Melissa challenged.
  "I might wipe the floor with you."
  "In your condition? Doubt it."
  "Okay. You got me. I had to try."
  Melissa shook her head. "Same old Richard. A con to the end."
  "What can I say?" Richard said as he continued to inch closer to the fallen cuff. "I thought you liked that about me...remember. Before you fell for Egghead."
  Melissa frowned. "Egghead?"
  Richard rolled his eyes. "Randy."
  "Yeah...him."
  "Do you remember anything?"
  "That he left me here. You all did."
  "Not true," Richard cut in. "Egghead worked his butt off to get back to you. He's even willing to let Proper die."
  Richard saw confusion wash over Melissa. At the same time, his right foot touched something cold. He held back his smile.
  "Yeah," Richard continued. "Proper's dying...remember? He wants to go home and die with dignity...like I wanted to go home and pay for Laura Carmichael's death. We couldn't...because Randy...the man you love...won't go home without you."
  Melissa shook her head. "Lies."
  "Remember when he go you that dorky beret?" Richard asked. "Or when he went back to that one world for you because we left you. Fried the timer real good. Remember when-"
  "Stop!" Melissa barked.
  "Remember when he was erased from existence?" Richard asked. "You fought to get him back. Or when you came to find me and Proper? You two were connected."
  "I..." Melissa paused.
  Richard kneeled to the floor. "Come on. Where's the Lis I knew? You're too strong to be brainwashed. Remember."
  Melissa's face went through a conflict. It fought to look calm. At the same time, Melissa's forehead would frown up. Richard watched this as he reached for the cuff.
  "I," Melissa said finally. "I remember."
  Richard managed a smile. "Good."
  Richard used the last of his strength and shot up with the cuff. He swung it at Melissa. She moved to the left. Then her left hand grabbed his right arm. Her right arm knocked the cuff away. Her left arm threw him like a teddy bear. He hit the wall and fell to the floor. His whole body felt like jello at the moment. He looked upon to see Melissa standing over him. In her hand was a small knife.
  "I always could see through your crap," Melissa commented.
  "And what about me?"
  Richard manged to look past Melissa. Randy stood a few feet away. His look was blank.
  "Can you see through the crap and see the truth?" Randy challenged.
  Melissa turned to face him. "I know you're full of it."
  "And we're going to do this?" Randy asked.
  Melissa walked slowly to him. "Yea."
  Randy reached into his left sleeve. He pulled a small knife.
  "Then let's dance," Randy said.

  Eric drew the nuzzle of the gun closer to his chest. He was the one assigned to guard the platform. He really wished they would cross so he could get back to amassing wealth.
  "Come on, Randall," Eric said aloud.
  It was very low at first. It increased with each passing moment. Eric stared at the platform as several shapes took form.
  "Oh, dear," Eric said pulling back the trigger.

  Brown's eyes flickered open. He tried to move to find he could not. He moved his mouth to protest, but words would not even come out.
  His mind started to panic. Was this the end? Was it to be here where he was to lose it all?
  A strand of black hair caught his eye. Before Brown knew it, Eve stood over him. She managed a smile.
  "Nice to see you among the living," Eve commented.
  Brown wished he could say something. He wished he could move. Nothing was happening.
  "Och," Kat said coming into his view. "The nanotechs."
  Brown felt his eyes widened. Kat nodded.
  "Aye," Kat said. "I know. We need to get ye movin'."
  "Peter! Randall!" Eve yelled.
  Brown shot up off the bed. Randall was on one side. Peter was on the other. Eve stood near the door with a gun. Kat was right beside her.
  "Any idea where your group is?" Randall asked.
  "Randall, can't you see he cannot talk?" Eve asked.
  A loud crash caught Brown's ear. Judging by everyone looking around, Brown could see he wasn't the only one who wondered what the sound was.
  The sound exploded through the air again. Randall turned Brown to stare at the wall opposite the door. His eyes narrowed.
  "I do believe it is coming from that wall," Randall said.
  "Are you serious?" Peter asked.
  "Listen."
  The sound rang out again. It was followed by the wall dissolving into a green vortex. it clawed through the room at a rapid pace.
  "Och," Kat mumbled.
  "...wormhole," Brown managed.
  "Run!" Peter yelled.

  Mr. Stone stepped into the control room. He saw Rebecca Pryce and headed for her. She was at a console busy typing. He stood behind her and put a firm grip on her shoulder. She gasped.
  "Miss Pryce," Stone said calmly, "I assume there was a reason for interrupting my meeting with-"
  "The base is being swallowed by a giant wormhole," Rebecca cut him off. "I've started evacuating processes."
  Stone headed for the door. "Inform Team Black to find the Randall Heims...obviously they are behind this."
  "And where will you be, Boss?" Rebecca asked.
  "I am not leaving without Mr. Hall," Stone said.

  Randy heard the explosion. He knew the meaning of the sound. He had to move quickly.
  Melissa swung her knife hand at Randy. He ducked away from it. something hit his feet, causing them to fall out from under them. Randy fell to the floor. He had no time to react as the knife came down at him. He dotted to his left. The knife shot back up and came back down. Randy dotted to his right. He made a fist and swung it at Melissa. She fell back onto the floor.
  "I'm sorry," Randy said as he stood up with his knife.
  Melissa glared at Randy. Then she smiled as he stood over her.
  "I'm not," Melissa said smugly.
  Her leg shot up and hit Randy in the groin. His hands shot to it as he fell over to the floor. His chest screamed with pain.
  Randy heard movement. He looked and saw Melissa. She lunged at him. He threw his hands up. The knife jutted into his left hand.
  "Ah!" Randy screamed.
  Melissa snatched the knife back out of the hand. Randy screamed as he managed to push himself up. His chest screamed at the movement. He stared down at his chest and saw his shirt darken.
  "Oh God," Randy muttered.
  Melissa's leg shot out again. Her heel connected to his face, sending Randy backward to the floor. Before Randy could move again, Melissa jumped onto his chest. His chest felt like a jet had landed in it.
  "Pity," Melissa said. "You should have died earlier." She raised her knife. "Good-bye."
  A fist met her face. Melissa fell to the side, unconscious. Randy saw Richard over him. He held out a hand.
  "Couldn't have her killing you," Richard said.
  Randy grabbed Richard's hand. He attempted to stand. "There was a time you would have did-"
  Richard swung his free hand at Randy, knocking him back to the floor.
  "Who's to say I won't?" Richard shot back. "You son of a bitch!" He grabbed Randy by the throat. "You had the coordinates home! You knew we all wanted to get back! You knew I wanted to do Nicole justice! You were going to let Proper die! You selfish piece of-"
  Randy kicked Richard in the knee. He crawled over to a wall and started to stand. He stared at Richard.
  "I wasn't leaving Melissa," Randy spit out.
  "Know that," Richard said, looking over at the unconscious Melissa. "Proper was dying though. You could have thought about him. I would even have come here with you to get Melissa."
  Randy stared over at Melissa. He didn't know what to say. He headed for her.
  "No!" Richard said, blocking Randy's way. "You...Randall...have done enough to us."
  "Me?" Randy said. "You're the one who started this by killing Laura."
  "I'm not taking that burden anymore from you," Richard said. "Everything...us...the different worlds...even me being blackmailed...was set in motion when you invented that machine. What has it gotten you? Melissa got brainwashed. Proper's dying. I lost Nicole. And you don't give a damn...even when all these people want us dead."
  Richard stormed over to Melissa. He managed to pick her up. He glared at Randy.
  "The truth?" Richard said. "This...ALL OF IT...is on your head...not mine. We're out of here."
  Richard turned to head down the hall. Randy started after him. His eyes widened.
  Down the hall, a green vortex tore through the hall, bringing down steel and other debris. Richard turned around.
  "Okay, we're going the other way," Richard said. He headed for it and stopped. "Or not?"
  Randy turned to the other end of the hall. Mr. Stone stood in the middle of it.
  "Going somewhere, Mr. Hall?" Mr. Stone asked.

  Rebecca smiled at the console. She had succeeded in getting the associates back offworld. Now other members of the Foundation were sliding out on the platform. In all the confusion, she could get her favor done.
  "Now!" Rebecca barked.
  Two guards put the coffin-like box onto the platform. She headed for it. She could not help, but continue to smile.
  No one had managed to put one over on Mr. Stone. She was happy to be the first. If he found out what was in the box, she was dead.
  Rebecca vanished.

  Kat entered the room. There were dead bodies around the platform. She stared at the console to find Eric Price staring back.
  "My apologies," Eric said. "I had company. Where are the others?"
  "They went to find Richard and Randy," Kat said. She looked behind her. Peter brought in Professor Brown. They headed for the platform. "Ye're slidin' out wi' the Professor and Peter...right now."
  "And you, dear?" Eric asked.
  "I am goin' back," Kat said.
  "No!" Brown spit out.
  "Yes, Professor," Kat said. "There is this vortex swallowin' up this place. I dinna intend to leave Richard."
  Kat ran for the door. She paused to look back.
  "Go!" Kat barked as she ran out of the door.

  Mr. Stone corked an eyebrow. "Well...interesting vortex. Your work, of course Mr. Heim?"
  Richard stared over at Randy. Randy pushed himself away from the wall to face Stone.
  "Yes," Randy said. "I needed a distraction. This was a theory I thought about back during this encounter with...the point is...I wondered...could sliding be used as a weapon rather than a gateway."
  "Intriguing theory," Stone commented.
  "How could you?" Richard barked. "You endangered us all!"
  "Exactly, Mr. Hall," Stone said. "Mr. Heim proves again the basis of the Foundation. He is a reckless slider that endangers others."
  "Endangers?" Randy spit out. "You were the one who allowed me to slide out."
  "Because you served a purpose," Stone said. "However...like Mr. Carter...you have served your purpose."
  Richard stared back down the hall. The vortex was speeding up.
  "This is quite nice," Richard said, "but we must be going."
  "You will not escape me again," Stone said.
  Richard headed for Stone. "Watch me."
  Richard never made it past Stone. Stone reached out and grabbed him by the throat. Melissa fell from his arms.
  "Melissa!" Randy cried.
  "You are coming with me," Stone said evenly.
  Richard struggled in Stone's grip. It was no use. It was firm.
  Richard saw movement. A knife stabbed Stone in the chest. Randy was beside him. He turned the blade in.
  Stone released Richard. Richard fell to the ground next to Melissa. He looked up expecting Stone to fall over dead.
  Red darkened Stone's chest. However, Stone seem to not notice. His eyes narrowed on Randy. He swung his arm out, backhanding Randy into the far wall.
  "What a primitive weapon," Stone said. "But really...if your precious Professor Brown could not kill me with bullets...do you think a knife will work?"
  At that second, a sword tore through Mr. Stone's chest. Blood and wires shot out. He fell over. Richard stared up to see Eve and Randall.
  Eve pulled the sword out of Stone's chest.
  "I guess only one way to find out," Eve said. She looked at Richard. "There's a Professor needing to see you."
  Randall kneeled beside Melissa. "I have Miss Clark."
  Richard looked at Randy. "Egghead?"
  Randy managed to stand. "I think I need a hospital."
  "Richard!"
  Richard looked up to see Kat turning the corner. She ran for him. Richard felt completely safe.
  BASE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. BEGIN LOCKDOWN CONTAINMENT.
  Behind Richard, two doors came out of the wall. They closed off the giant vortex from them.
  "I think we better move," Randall suggested.
  Richard got to his feet. He saw the others running for Kat. He was right behind them.
  A hand grabbed Richard from behind. He turned in time to see Mr. Stone glaring at him. Stone threw him into the double doors.
  "Oh, no you don't," Stone hissed. "You will not escape."
  Richard stood up. He heard humming and looked at the double doors. The vortex was bleeding through it. He looked past Stone. The others were almost at the corner. Another set of double doors were closing behind them and they didn't know it.
  Richard looked at Stone. He made his cockiest smile.
  "Okay, Cyborg Boy," Richard said. "If I don't get out, neither do you."

  "Richard!"
  Randy turned around. Kat had cried out. She looked back at Randy followed her glance.
  Richard faced Mr. Stone. Behind him, the vortex ate through the wall. Stone blocked Richard's way out which was shrieking by the second as another set of double doors closed behind Stone's back.
  "Richard!" Kat cried out again, heading for the two of them.
  "No!" Randy yelled, grabbing Kat. "We have to get out of here!"
  "No!" Kat yelled. "Let go of me! Richard!"
  "Come on!" Eve yelled.
  Randy pulled Kat back. As the double doors closed, he saw Richard lunge at Stone with something. Stone grabbed him in Stone's chest. They both screamed.
  "No!" Kat screamed.
  It was no use. An explosion went off, throwing Richard from Stone. The double doors closed completely as Stone grabbed up Richard and gutted him with a knife.
  Kat fell to her knees. Randy pulled her up.
  "We have to move," Randy said.
  "No!" Kat said.
  "Don't let his death be in vain," Randy said.
  The double doors started to melt away. Randy had no time to argue. He swung a fist at Kat, knocking her out.

  'And as rapidly as this storm came up, it vanished without a trace. Scientists have no idea what kind of storm descended on San Francisco this Febraary day, but the destruction has been in terms of millions. And the death toll to the government facility was-'
  Randy turned off the television.
  "I see you're taking advantage of my interdimenisonal television set."
  Randy turned to look at the doorway to the study. His double stared back at him.
  "If I was going to play vengeful god, I thought I should be willing to see the consequences," Randy replied.
  "Or you were hoping for a survivor?" Randall queried.
  Randy said nothing.
  "In any case," his double said, "your...I use it loosely...friends...are awake. Brown seems to have regained movement in his upper body but his brain...it's...gone. I have no idea what to make of Miss Clark. Miss Rye only stares at the ceiling. The common thread? None of them wants to talk to you." He smiled at Randy. "Congratulations."
  Randall turned and headed out of the door. Randy stared after him for a moment. Then he turned back to the television. All he saw was Richard.
  "Ah!" Randy screamed, throwing the remote at the television.
  It hit the screen, shattering the glass. Randy watched it fall to the ground. He thought of himself. He was an idiot.
  If Richard had to die, at least the Foundation went down with him.
  He still missed him. It was still his fault.

  The double doors opened. Rebecca Pryce came out of it. She looked down at him.
  "You so owe me," Rebecca said.
  He stared at her. His mouth unable to move.
  "Don't worry," Rebecca said. "I will honor our deal. I will keep you abreast of new Foundation business. After Heim's attack, I'm sure the associates' will see things your way. Stone is talking to them now."
  He guessed he frowned because she laughed.
  "Yes," Rebecca said, "he lives."

  Mr. Stone wished he could shake his leg. This new body was too stiff. He would work out the bugs later.
  He stared at the large platform in front of him. On it was a long table. Sitting behind it was the associates...the ones in charge of the Foundation...his creators.
  "You lost us an outpost, Mr. Stone," Maximillion Arturo declared.
  "It was a possibility, sir," Stone said, picking his words carefully. "This plan depends on our ability to keep Randall Heim in the dark. The destruction of an outpost where he has been led to believe is our base of operations ensures our plans with the acquired information is not disturbed."
  "Bah!" William Franks said on the left side of Arturo. "Plans within plans!"
  "We agreed to that kind of complexity, Dr. Franks," Arturo said, glaring.
  "The destruction of the outpost does help us," Dr. Diana Davis said from the opposite side of Arturo. "It gives us time to construct the weapon using Obergon Geiger's notes."
  "While Heim is free to interfere in more worlds," Franks said. "He should be dead. Just observe mentioned destruction. He is a menace. The Foundation is here-"
  "Have you forgotten the Kromagg threat?" Davis asked. "It is growing as we speak."
  "Are you only concerned for your section of the multiverse?" Franks shot back.
  "Enough!" Arturo barked. "Your points are both valid. However...for the moment...they are irrelevant. The point is...Mr. Stone's sloppy behavior."
  "Which I have explained was to our advantage," Mr. Stone said.
  "And this...new shell?"
  "Necessary since my other one was...destroyed."
  "By something created by that madman Heim!" Franks cut in. "If the Kromaggs should get ahold of him like they did Chad Owens-"
  "Franks," Arturo snapped.
  "I find myself agreeing with Dr. Franks," Davis said. "He needs to be dealt with."
  "And I will, Dr. Davis," Mr. Stone said.
  "So far...your performance has much to be desire," Mr. Stone," Arturo said. "Still...you have done very well on recruiting others and getting us this information. We shall begin on the weapon at the Home Office. Dr. Franks, continue your guarding and extinguishing of your section. Dr. Davis, keep us abreast of the Kromagg situation." He stared at Mr. Stone. "As for you...this incident...has angered a great many people. For that...Randall Heim of Earth 001 must die. You shall be the axe through which this is done. You...the Foundation's creation...shall track him down and strike him down."
  Mr. Stone bowed his head. "Yes, sirs. Consider...Mr. Heim...and his friends...dead."

THE-END


 

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