Darnell Brown's eyes narrowed. "You cannot be serious."
  "It's the only way," Randy Heim said.
  "He's right, Proper," Richard Hall added.
  "In hell!" Brown protested. He looked over at Katherine. "What do you think?"
  Katherine gave the thumbs up sign reluctantly.
  "Judas," Brown replied. He stared over at Randy. "Why do you not do it? You two-"
  "They don't want us, Proper," Richard said.
  Brown heard a grunt. He looked over at Katherine. She looked through the curtain. She looked at Brown, pleading.
  "We need stalling time, Professor," Randy said.
  "I thought you worked through Miss St. Clair's timer," Brown said. "Open it now!"
  "I can go back to worlds, yes," Randy said. "That does not mean I can form a vortex at will."
  "Hey! What's the hold up!" a voice demanded behind the curtain.
  A click reached Brown's ears. Randy and Richard looked at him with puppy dog eyes. Katherine was about to cry.
  "No," Brown said.

  The vortex shot open. Katherine fell out first. She stood up and ran for the sidewalk. Cars shrieked to a halt around her. She made it and turned around.
  A whir sounded from the vortex as Richard fell out next. He ran for the sidewalk as well. He made it over to Katherine.
  "Not that you care, but I'm fine," Richard said.
  Katherine glared at Richard. He had been giving her a rough time for a while now. She wished she could give him a piece of her mind.
  The whir sounded from the vortex again. Randy landed. He scramble for the sidewalk like the others.
  "Are you okay?" Randy asked.
  "Yeah, me and Mute are great," Richard said. "I can't believe Proper did it."
  The vortex whirred again. Brown fell out of it. A car crashed into the car next to it. Katherine tried to repress her laughter at Brown in nothing, but a g-string. She failed and laughed aloud.
  "Oh, God! She speaks!" Richard said sarcastically.
  Katherine glared at him.
  "You...all...will...pay," Brown said as he fell to the sidewalk ground.
  "You had to do it, Professor," Randy said. "If you didn't strip, those men were going to lynch us."
 "Maybe you shouldn't have slid into a gay club!" Brown barked.
  "Was that a contraction?" Richard asked playfully.
  "Shut up!" Brown yelled.
  Katherine let them continue their argument. She was more interested in the new world they were in. Everything looked like San Francisco to her. The buildings. The cars. The people.
  The people. There was something odd about them. Katherine could not put her finger on it, but...
  "Katherine Rye! Oh my God! Katherine Rye! It's Katherine Rye!"
  Katherine turned to the sound of the voice. A blond-haired girl was in her face.
  "I'm Amber!" the girl shrieked. "I'm one of your biggest fans and...oh my God!! Will you sign me?"
  Amber pulled out a pen. Katherine took it and watched as the girl turned around and pulled up her shirt.
  "Well, looks like somebody's famous," Richard said sarcastically.


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 3: SKIN DEEP

  Richard slammed the Dominion's doors in the fans' face. He threw his back to the door. He glared at Katherine.
  "A little help here please," Richard barked.
  "Katherine Rye?"
  Katherine turned away from Richard. The tall man behind the counter smiled at her.
  "It's good to see you here!" the tall man exclaimed as he held out a pair of keys. "You have great timing. Your personal suite opened up this morning."
  Brown walked to the counter and grabbed the keys. "Thank you, sir."
  The tall man frowned. "Who are you?"
  Brown frowned. "Is it not obvious?"
  "Yeah!" Richard jumped in. "We're her bodyguards."
 "Who are you?" Randy demanded.
  "Gomez Calhoun," the tall man declared.
  "Impossible!" Brown exclaimed.
  Randy frowned. "Shouldn't you be...uh...fat?"
 The tall man's face darkened. "I haven't been...fat as you call it...in years."
  Katherine grabbed the keys away from Brown. She nodded her head toward the elevator. brown nodded in agreement.
 "My apologies," Brown said to Gomez. "We thought you were someone else."
  "Common mistake," Gomez replied.
 "Now do not tell anyone of Miss Rye's location," Brown said.
 "Come on, Katherine," Randy said as he headed for the elevator.
  Katherine followed behind Randy. She stared back at Gomez. He nodded to Brown. As Brown headed behind the two of them, Gomez stared at Katherine. His glance was like someone Katherine had seen once. The person had been drunk.
  A click got Katherine to turn around. The elevator doors had opened. Randy quickly got in. She jumped in behind him.
  "Mr. Hall," Brown said.
  Katherine looked over at the front doors. Richard still stood in front of them.
  "Yeah?" Richard said.
  "318," Brown said.
  "Got it."
  The elevator doors started to close. The last thing Katherine saw was Richard running across the lobby. A large group of people followed.

  "Miss Rye," Brown said again as he tapped on her bedroom door. "Miss Rye, please."
  "I think it's no use," Richard said from behind him.
  Brown turned to look at Richard. He laid back on the large fluffed couch.
  "She's been in there for two hours," Richard said.
  "You could be helping, Hall," Brown replied.
  "I could," Richard answered. "I don't trust her though."
  "Maybe she's just shy."
  Randy emerged from his bedroom. Brown frowned. Randy wore a black short-sleeved shirt with black slacks.
  "Mr. Heim?" Brown exclaimed.
 "Well, look at Egghead!" Richard added. "What's with the clothes?"
  Randy gestured back to his room. "It was in the closet. When in Rome...as Melissa would say."
  Brown saw Randy look down at his feet. He knew not what to do. It had been two weeks and still he was not over her disappearance.
 "As long as you're not about to leave us stranded..." Richard started.
 "I said I was sorry," Randy replied.
  "Easy to say," Richard said. "Not easy to prove."
 "Nice to see you throwing the distrust around," Randy shot back. "When are you going to lay off Kat?"
 Richard shot up. "She's Daniel's girlfriend! Am I the only one who thinks she could be a spy?"
 "Mr. Hall, look at her," Brown said as he walked to the couch. "She has been like a lamb. How can you declare her an agent of Stone?"
 "How can you turn a blind eye to the possibility?" Richard countered.
 "How about I explore with Katherine while you two debate?" Randy asked.
  Brown nodded. "A sound idea."
  Randy knocked on Katherine's door. "Katherine? It's Randy. How about you open the door?"
 There was no answer. Randy stared at Brown in doubt. Before Brown could answer, a click came from the door behind Randy. Katherine stood in the door. She wore a white dress that looked like a giant sweater. Brown thought she looked like a penguin.
 "Well look who decided to go all Felicity," Richard said from the couch.
 "I'm heading out to see the sights," Randy said to Katherine, ignoring Richard. "You want to wander around with me?"
 Katherine shook her head.
  "Don't worry," Randy continued. "I'll try to keep your fans away." He smiled a little. "Besides...do you really want to stay with Richard?"
  Katherine looked over at Richard. Brown stared at him as well. Richard shrugged his shoulders. Katherine's face became a frown. She stormed to the front door and walked out.
 "I guess that's a yes," Randy said as he grabbed their coats.
 "Safe journey," Brown said as randy shut the door. He turned on Richard. "What is your problem?"
  "My problem, Proper," Richard said, "is that you are too trusting."
  "She saved our lives, Mr. Hall?"
 "Why was that?" Richard asked. "Because her dad died? That information could have been planted? She's watching us...waiting until the right time and-"
 "What's with the paranoia, Mr. Hall?" Brown asked as he approached Richard. "Does it have something to do with you confronting that double of Miss-"
  "No!" Richard cut him off. "I've dealt with that. Time to move forward. Time to figure out..."
 Brown blinked. The room seem to have dimmed somewhat. He blinked again. The room grew darker.
  "Mr. Hall?" Brown said. "Has the lights in here dimmed considerably?"
 "They're just fine, Proper," Richard answered. "Are you sure you're..."
 Brown felt a throbbing in his forehead. He raised his hands to his temples and rubbed them with his eyes closed.
  "Proper?" Richard asked.
 "I...am fine, Mr. Hall," Brown answered. "However...my eyes seem to have refused to open."
  There was a pause.
 "Proper...your eyes are opened," Richard said.
 "What?" Brown said. His leg hit something and he fell. He could not see the ground. Pain shot through his chest as it met the floor.
 "Brown!" Richard barked.
 "I...I can't see," Brown managed.

 "Feeling a little better?"
 Katherine nodded. It feel good to be away from Richard and his accusations. They were unsettling.
 "I'm not sure I like this world," Randy commented. "Have you noticed? There are no kids or elderly people walking the streets."
 "Hmmm," Katherine said. She saw it. Young people walked along the streets. Young, attractive people ran about. Katherine wondered where the elderly were at.
 "So...when are you going to talk?" Randy asked. "You haven't said anything since we escaped Stone's base."
  Katherine stared at Randy for a second. Then she turned away from him. Should she explain why she did not talk? Granted...
 "Wow! Interesting shirt!"
  Katherine stared at the blond-haired man who ran up to Randy. He grabbed Randy in a bear hug. Randy pulled away only to find the man lean in to kiss him.
  "Whoa!" Randy said as he backed away. His eyes widened. "Alex Winters?"
 "Uh...yeah," Alex replied. "Why are you freaking?"
 "Uh...no reason," Randy covered.
 "Besides," Alex said as he looked Randy up and down, "I think I should be freaking. Who's great fashion sense did you steal? Not that I mind." He grabbed Randy's hand. "Maybe now we can take a walk or-"
  Alex's eyes fixed on Katherine's. His eyes widened in shock. He shrieked in happiness.
 "Oh my God! Katherine Rye!" Alex exclaimed. "God must be looking down on me today!" He released Randy's hand and held his hand out to her. "Alex Winters...reporter for OutSpoken."
 Katherine stared around. Some of the people were looking now. A few of them lingered as they walked by. Katherine's body shook in fear. People were focused on her. They wanted her to speak.
 "Alex...honey..." Randy cut in, "How about we talk elsewhere?"
 "Why didn't you tell me you knew Katherine Rye?" Alex demanded.
 "We can talk about this later," Randy said. "Where did you park?"
 Katherine followed Alex. She looked across the street. A woman followed t hem step by step. She had short red hair and a mean look on her face. She talked into her cell phone as she ignored the people she bumped into. Her red business suit was a sign of authority.
 "Kat?"
  Katherine looked at Randy. She managed a smile and walked faster. She put thoughts of the woman out of her mind.

 Brown felt his arm move. He knew it moved in front of his face. Richard told him his eyes were open. He saw only darkness.
  His ears picked up all kinds of chatter. Judging by the volume, the hospital was quite active. He wished the babies would stop crying. He also wished that women were not such gossips.
 "Proper?"
  Brown felt his ears pick up. He could not see Richard, but he was sure he stood in front of Brown.
  "Yes, Mr. Hall?" Brown said.
 "Dr. Taylor is ready to talk to us," Richard said.
  "All right."
 Brown raised up out of his seat. He felt hands on his left arm. He knew they led him to the doctor's office. Still, he felt like some helpless child.
 "Are your eyes feeling any better?" Richard asked.
 "No, Mr. Hall," Brown answered. "This is quite frustrating."
  "Darnell Brown," a female voice said.
  "Yes," Brown said.
  "Well...this is a...uh...surprise," Dr. Taylor said. "I thought he was younger."
  "I am not that elderly, Miss," Brown said annoyed.
 "Proper,' Richard cautioned.
"It's okay," Dr. Taylor said. "It's just Dr. Tambien did not tell me when he examined you."
  "What is wrong with me, Dr. Taylor?" Brown asked. "Why have I lost my sight?"
 "Mr. Brown, I think you should sit down," Dr. Taylor said.
 Hands led Brown forward. His foot hit something hard. He reached out and felt something cold.
 "Yes...that is the chair," Dr. Taylor said.
 Brown wished he could glare at her.
 "Well, Dr. Taylor," Richard said somewhere to the left of Brown. "What's wrong?"
 "I don't know," Dr. Taylor replied.
 "What?" Brown found himself saying. "The tests-"
  "-reveal that you are completely fine," Dr. Taylor continued for Brown. "I have no idea why you have lost your eyesight. We do not know at all if this is a temporary move or if the loss will be permanent."
  "You are a doctor, Miss," Brown said. "You have to know."
 "Well, I apologize. I don't."
  Brown wished he could really glare at her now. How did she even attain a PH.D? It was obvious to him that she was an idiot.
 "Excuse me a minute," Dr. Taylor said. "I have to see another patient, but we will get to the bottom of this."
 Brown heard footsteps past him. Then they faded away.
 "How do you feel, Proper?" Richard asked.
  Brown looked to his left. He knew where to place his glare.
 "How do you think I feel, Hall?" Brown asked. "I just found out that I lost my eyesight forever. Did you think I would be excited from the joy of that discovery?"
 "Chill, Proper. We'll figure it out."
 "I can only hope."
  Brown heard footsteps. They felt like bricks hitting the ground. They moved rapidly.
  "Mr. Hall, help me up," Brown said.
  "Are you-"
  "Now, Mr. Hall!" Brown barked.
  Hands snatched up Brown from the chair. Brown followed the hands. He came to an abrupt stop.
  "Oh!" Richard said.
  "What?" Brown asked.
  "Jump on my back," Richard said.
  "What?" Brown said.
 "Jump on my back!" Richard barked.
  "I can't see your back, you idiot!" Brown barked.
  Hands grabbed Brown's hands again. They moved upward onto something solid.
  "Those are my shoulders," Richard said. "Now jump!"
  Brown jumped into the air. He wrapped his arms around Richard's neck. Hands grabbed his legs. Then wind hit Brown's face. He heard gasps and screams as he hopped up and down Richard's back. Richard moved through the hall quickly by Brown's estimation.
  "Stop them!" the shrill voice of Dr. Taylor yelled.
  "What is going on?" Brown demanded.
 "Getting...chased," Richard said. "Turning...corner."
  Brown felt like his head was turned inside out.
 "Crap!" Richard yelled.
  "What?" Brown asked.
  "Do you trust me?" Richard asked.
  "Yes."
  "Good. Get off my back."
  Brown released Richard's neck. His feet touched the ground.
  "Now what?" Brown asked.
  Brown felt pain. Then the world went black.

  Katherine stared over at Randy and Alex. They were in the kitchen. Their body language was interesting. Randy had his arms over his chest as he leaned against the counter. He was opposite of Alex who had his arms holding him up from behind. He stared at Randy like a puppy.
  Katherine stared at them. They reminded her of a couple. She had never seen a...what did her father call it...homosexual before.
  "I still cannot see why I cannot talk to her," Alex said. "Yes, I know she has taken a vow. That will only add to her mystique. Maybe she can even discuss why she took-"
  "No, Alex," Randy said. "No cameras. No interviews. Nothing."
 "I don't think I like this new you," Alex said, his arms moving away from the counter. He touched Randy's' arm. "I think I like the you who liked to rub toes in bed and-"
 "Katherine," Randy said as he came out of the kitchen, "we have to go now."
 Katherine nodded. She looked behind Randy. Alex now was the one with his arms over his chest. His eyes narrowed on Katherine.
  "Okay...what's really going on, Randall?" Alex demanded. "Are you two together?"
  "No!" Randy barked, turning to face Alex.
  "Well...you sure did answer quick," Alex said.
 "You can't be jealous."
 "Says who?"
 Katherine shook her head. Randy was only digging himself a hole. He had already explained the concept of doubles to her. Sometimes to get by on a world the sliders resumed their lives. Rarely were the experiences peaceful. Katherine stared at them and knew this would be no different.
  She stood up and walked behind Randy. She tapped him on the shoulder. He stared at her. She threw her thumb up, aiming toward the door.
 "Oh, no you didn't!" Alex barked. "Model or not-"
  "Alex, back off!" Randy barked. "We're leaving."
  Katherine walked over to the door and opened it. A giant man in a black tanktop stood in the way. His arms were over his chest. His shadow was like a mountain.
 Katherine stepped away from the door. She turned around to see Randy. He looked just as surprised.
  "Katherine, there you are!"
  Katherine turned toward the door. There was a new figure in the door. It was the woman in the red suit from earlier. She glared at her.
  "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.
  "Who are you?" Randy asked.
  The woman laughed. She turned to her large companion. "Bruno."
  Bruno stepped into the apartment. His arm shot out. Katherine ducked in time. She heard a thump. She looked behind her. Randy was sliding to the floor. His head had left a hole in the wall.
  "Randy!" Alex exclaimed. He turned to the woman. "Tracy, you had no right-"
  "Alex, just because you can hide behind the First Amendment to promote your magazine doe snot mean you're a true citizen of the United States," the woman, Tracy, said.
  "I was born here," Alex shot back.
  "So?" Tracy shot back. "You are tolerated because you're one of us, Alex."
  "You fashion agents and your pretentious attitude-"
  "You faggots and your gullibility," Tracy said. She stared back at Katherine. "Come along, Katherine. There will be no interviews today. You should be at a shoot in Philadelphia. Then it is off to Seattle to be spokewoman for Noexema."
 Tracy grabbed Katherine's arm. She looked back at Randy. Alex was busy shaking him awake.
  Katherine snatched her arm away from Tracy. Tracy cocked an eyebrow.
  "Well...that's new," Tracy said. She smiled. Katherine did not like it. "Listen, sweetie. You have the looks and can do whatever you want. You have a contract with me. For the next few years...I own your ass."
  Katherine looked at her feet. She hated this place.
  "Come along now," Tracy said.
 Katherine stared at Randy again. He was awake on the floor with Alex beside him. She left without a word.

  Brown blinked his eyes. He sighed in frustration. His eyes still had not regained their sight.
  "Anything on the computer, Mr. Hall?" Brown asked.
  "Hmmm..." was the only reply Brown got.
  "Hall!" Brown barked.
  "Shhh!" Richard whispered. "Did you forget we were in a library?"
  "Did you forget that I am without my eyesight and curious about your progress?"
  "Did you forget you and Egghead are the computer whizzes?"
  "I still owe you a punch in the jaw," Brown said.
  "How else was I to get you in the laundry shoot?" Richard protested. "You're blind."
  "You idiot."
  "I found something."
  "Do tell."
  "A mandate made in 1993," Richard explained. "Wow!"
  "What?"
  "Everyone here is beautiful."
 "Well, that is excellent to-"
  "You don't get it, Proper," Richard cut him off. "The people are forced to look like models. There are no flaws. No flat-chests. No love handles. No fats or wrinkles. Just perfect."
  Brown laughed. "Surely, you jeer."
 "No, Proper," Richard replied. "I'm not."
 "Impossible. The chance of that occurring are quite slim."
  "Well, infinite possibilities, right? It looks like we lucked out."
  "Great, Brown said sarcastically. "And might I ask what happens to people who are not...beautiful?"
  "There doesn't seem to be any," Richard replied.
  "Well, look."
  Brown heard multiple clickings. His hands balled up. He really wished he was able to see. This would not take as long.
  "We need to get out of here," Richard said.
  "What?" Brown asked.
  "We need to go...now," Richard said.
  Hands grabbed Brown's arm and moved him along.
 "What did you-" Brown started.
  "Crap!" Richard barked.
 "What is it?" Brown asked.
  "Listen to me," Richard whispered. "There's a door on your left. All you have to do is go straight. Run like hell when I say."
  "What is going on here?" a deep voice demanded. "Shouldn't Grandpa here be back in doors?"
  "Grandpa?" Brown barked. "I am not that old, you-"
 "It speaks?" a voice asked.
  "He should know better," the deep voice continued. "In fact...I think he should look better."
  "Proper...RUN!" Richard barked.
  Brown moved to his left. His hands fell on the books on the shelves. He wished he could see where they were. Instead, he moved quickly. The sound of footsteps dogged his steps from behind.
  His hands hit the air. He hit something hard. Brown's hands rubbed about it as fast as he could. His hands touched something cold. He realized it was the handle. He pushed out quickly.
  The air hit his face. Sounds were all around him. gaps and screams filled the air.
  "Stop him!"
  Brown ran forward. The ground grew lower under his feet. He heard a horn and felt heat. Then his world went black.

 "Well...if it isn't Katherine Rye."
  Katherine stared at the red-haired model who glared at her from her mirror. Before Katherine could say anything, Tracy walked past her.
  "Melanie...you're late for your photo shot," Tracy said.
  Melanie stared at Tracy and smiled. "On my way, Tracy."
  Melanie dotted out of the dressing room. Katherine looked over at Tracy. She glared at Katherine.
  "So are you going to get ready or not?" Tracy demanded. "Your shoot is after hers. Remember it's evening wear."
  Katherine walked over to the mirror. Tracy stood behind her. She threw Katherine's blonde hair up and down.
  "You look so exhausted," Tracy said. "I was almost worried you had run out on your contract. That would have been bad."
  Katherine felt a hand on her cheek. She shivered.
  "Get ready," Tracy said as she headed back to the door.
  Katherine stared at herself in the mirror. She touched the cheek that Tracy had touched. She had to go along with Tracy for now. She was sure that Randy and the others would find her.
  She stared at the lights on the side of the mirror. All she had to do was pretend to be a model. Surely she could do that.

 "Give me sexy! Give me sexy!"
  Katherine turned her head to the left. Then she turned to her right.
  "I said sexy! Show some cleavage!"
  Katherine stared at the photographer. He drooled as he took pictures of her. Tracy stood over him pushing her breasts together. Katherine knew what Tracy wanted. She leaned over and pushed her breasts together. Her blonde hair fell around her.
  "Yes!" the photographer yelled. "That's perfect!"
 "Peckin, please," Tracy said. "You'll make her feel uncomfortable."
  Katherine quickly turned. Her hands shot to her hips.
  "Oh, great!" Peckin said, snapping more pictures.
  Katherine felt like she was going to be sick. If there was some way to stop...
  "Well, if it isn't my little angel..."
  Katherine stared at the door. The smile on her face died. Daniel Carter stood in the door.
 "What are you doing?" Tracy demanded.
  Daniel smirked. "Doing what the boss's son can do...see his girl."
  Daniel ran toward Katherine. She ran up against the wall.
 "Katherine, what's wrong?" Daniel asked.
  Katherine wanted to say that the killed her father, but she held back. More than likely it was Daniel's double and not the monster himself.
 "Maybe she came to her senses?" Tracy suggested.
  "Maybe my father will come to his and fire you," Daniel said.
 "With me finding the best models," Tracy said. "Doubt it." She looked at Katherine. "I give you five minutes. Peckin."
 Peckin followed Tracy out of the door. Daniel went over to the door. Katherine heard a click. Her back tensed up, afraid maybe this was the real Daniel.
  Daniel turned around again. His smile was gone.
  "What are you doing back here?" Daniel demanded. "I was suppose to meet you in Paris in another few days. We could have been free. Now she's going to have you under lock and key."
  Katherine frowned.
  "Why are you confused?" Daniel asked as he headed for her. "Remember...we were going to elope. Father would not let me since you're under contract and he thinks you are too...well that I could do better."
  Katherine felt her mouth open. Daniel was there to shut it with a kiss.
  "It's okay," Daniel said. "I'm sure I can figure something out."
  Daniel kissed Katherine again. She felt like she would throw up. To think that she used to love him. He pulled away and stared into her eyes.
  "Don't worry," Daniel continued. "I will figure something out."
  Katherine smiled.
  "That's my kitten," Daniel said. "How about I take you out for a quick dinner?"
  Katherine pointed to the door. She thought about Tracy.
  Daniel smirked. "Who said we were going out of the door?"
  Katherine smiled. He was definitely not the real Daniel.

  "He's awake!"
  "How do you know? He's blind obviously."
 "I know, Finn. It's in his eyes. Say something."
  Brown did not move. Maybe being a statue would allow him to learn more.
 The pain came quickly. Brown yelled out loud. Hands grabbed his coat and pulled him up to his feet.
 "See, Finn!" a voice to his left shrieked. "He's awake!"
  "Yes, Rose," the voice in Brown's face said. "I see. Mister, are you okay?"
  "Oh, fantastic," Brown replied. "I would feel fine if you would kindly release my coat."
  The hands released Brown's coat. He adjusted it on him. He never realized how rough it felt. A consequence of sliding more than likely.
  "Sorry about hitting you earlier," Finn said.
  "Sorry?" Rose shrieked. "You probably saved his life...and endangered our lives."
  "All life is precious, Rose!" Finn shouted at her. "Damn the mandate!"
  "I did not mean to start a debate between the two of you," Brown cut in. "I could just make a phone call and be out of your way. I am sure my associates are searching for me."
  "How about we drive you to your friends?" Finn asked. "The phone might be too risky."
  "As if this whole thing isn't risky?" Rose said. "I say kick him out!"
  "Rose," Finn cautioned.
 "What?" Rose shrieked. "I love you, Finn, but to try to help some cripple?"
  "Excuse me?" Brown cut in. "Blind...not deaf."
  "Am I wrong?" Rose challenged. "How can you be anything, but trouble?"
  "Because I am a human being, Miss," Brown replied. "Human kindness is not a problem. It should be accepted as a virtue, not a vice."
  "Tell it to the people sent to Correction...where you should be," Rose shot out.
  "Rose!" Finn yelled.
  "What were you thinking?" Rose continued, ignoring Finn. "You are ugly and should be corrected."
 "Beauty, Miss Rose, is in the eye of the beholder," Brown said. "As long as you have inner beauty, a person will always be beautiful no matter their age. It should be the ones whom heart is full of darkness and spite who are really ugly. Their beauty is only a mask, hiding a sinister center."
  "Beauty being only skin deep," Finn muttered.
  Brown felt himself nodding. "Because the inside is empty and unattractive." He stared at where he thought Rose stood. "So will you take me where I need to be or complain like some student after they have flunked a semester."
  "You-" Rose started.
  "We will be happy to help...Professor," Finn replied.
  Brown felt a smile cross his face. It was nice to see reason win out over aggressive behavior for a change. Best of all, he succeeded without anyone's help. Given his condition, that was an accomplishment.

  "I still do not understand, my love," Daniel said from behind Katherine.
  Katherine paid him no mind. She glared at the clerk. He was too busy drooling over her to see if Randy or any of the others were in their room.
  Hands grabbed Katherine's shoulders. One of the hands moved to her arm and eyes no longer looked kind or sweet. They were full of menace.
  "Are you cheating on me?" Daniel demanded.
  Katherine shook her head. The hand on her arm tightened. She suppressed a yell.
  "Why won't you talk?" Daniel continued. "You acted weird at the shoot. You are out of it now. Maybe Melanie was right." He pulled Katherine closer. "Maybe my father was right. Why are we at the Dominion Hotel? Are you cheating on me?"
  Katherine looked away from the angry eyes. Her eyes closed shut at Daniel's heightened tone. A thought occurred to her.
  "You are cheating on me." Daniel's words were a statement.
  "Kat, there you are!"
  Katherine opened her eyes. Daniel turned around to see who had spoken. Richard and Randy stood with shocked looks on their faces. Richard's face became a smirk.
  "I knew it!" Richard exclaimed. "I knew this whole thing was a trick!"
  "Who is this?" Daniel demanded.
  "Richard, it's a double," Randy said.
  "How can you be sure?" Richard demanded.
  "Richard, does he look like he knows us?" Randy said matter-of-factly.
  Katherine stared at Daniel. His look was one of someone about to attack. She looked over at Randy and Richard. Randy looked confused. Richard glared at her. She looked back at Daniel. His eyes stared at her threateningly. Katherine's thought came back again. Her eyes narrowed on Daniel.
  "So are you cheating with both of them?" Daniel demanded.
  "Cheating?" Randy said, surprised.
  "Answer me, Katherine," Daniel continued, ignoring Randy.
  "As if she talks," Richard said.
  "Say something," Daniel demanded again.
  "Kat," Katherine said.
  Daniel frowned. "What?"
  "My name is Kat," she replied.
  "Mr. Hall! Mr. Heim!"
  Katherine moved past Daniel. Brown entered the Dominion lobby. He was led in by a young couple who could have walked out of an ad in a magazine.
  "We're over here, Proper!" Richard said.
  Daniel glared at Katherine. She had enough of people telling her what to do.
 "How many guys are there?" Daniel asked.
  "Daniel," Katherine said, "shut yuir mouth."
  "She speakth," Richard said.
  "Brown, are you okay?" Randy asked. Brown as he approached with the couple.
  "Yes...well...no," Brown replied. "My eyesight has left me, but these kind people have helped-"
  The couple lost their smiles on their faces. Before anybody could respond, the couple had guns on everybody. Katherine backed into somebody. She turned to see it was Daniel. His hands held her in place.
  "Good work, old timer," the woman said. "Finn and I have suspected some kind of smuggling ring for your type, but...to find it out in the flesh?"
  "And with Katherine Rye involved?" the man, Finn said. He smiled at her. "Can I have your autograph?"
  "Finn!" the woman barked.
  "Sorry, Rose," Finn said shyly.
  Rose glared at all of them. "You will all regret crossing the SFFP."
  "The SFFP?" Richard said confused.
  Rose stared at Richard like he was an idiot. "San Francisco Fashion Police. Where have you been? Under a rock?"
  "Come on," Daniel whispered. "We can slip out."
  Katherine looked at him and shook her head.
  "Surely you don't care about these guys. I'm the one who cares about you."
  "God! Enough!"
  Katherine stared at the Dominion lobby's door. Tracy stormed toward them. Bruno was behind her.
  "I am sick and tired of you and your vanishing acts," Tracy said. "You cost too much to be-"
  "Miss," Rose said as she blocked Tracy's way to Katherine, "this is SFFP's business."
  Tracy's eyes narrowed on Rose. "Do I look like I care? Bruno."
  Bruno moved quickly. He grabbed Rose's gun arm.
  Finn aimed his gun at Bruno. "Let her go, idiot!"
  "Shoot him! Shoot him!" Rose barked.
  "Look! A gun!" a passerby yelled.
  Yells ran up through the crowd. In seconds, the lobby's calmness was replace with panicked people. Randy and Richard headed for Brown. Katherine headed for them as well. Hands pulled her in the opposite direction.
  "No!" Daniel said. "This way."
  Katherine looked down at Daniel's feet. She stepped on one of them. Daniel let out a yell as his hands shot for his hurt foot.
  Katherine turned to face Daniel. She thought about another Daniel. A Daniel so bent on obsession that he killed her father. Her right hand balled into a fist. She swung at Daniel and connected with his jaw. Daniel fell to the ground unconscious.
  Shots rang out. Katherine fell to the ground. She looked around, but all she could make out was running people. For a second, she saw Bruno. He was fighting both Rose and Finn. Finn kept attacking Bruno with his gun. Katherine shook her head at the silly sight.
  "You!"
  Katherine turned to her left. Hands grabbed her throat. Tracy's eyes were full of rage.
  "I made you what you are and this is what I get!" Tracy snapped. "Fine! I'll cut my loss."
 "Ah!" Katherine cried out.
  The hands tightened around her throat. Katherine tried to cry out again. She could not find the breath. Her feet struggled under her.
  "I don't even know why I gave you a chance," Tracy said. "You're not that pretty. Maybe Melanie will work out better."
  Katherine's hands grabbed Tracy's hands. She dug her nails into them. Tracy screamed. She also released Katherine.
  "Bitch!" Tracy hissed.
 Katherine gasped. She stood taller. "Ye...own...nae...one...witch!"
  Tracy lunged at Katherine. Katherine balled up her fist and swung it at Tracy. She knocked Tracy away from her as Tracy landed on the other side of the counter.
  A hand touched Katherine's shoulder. She swung around quickly, ready to knock out someone else. Randy jumped away from her.
  "It's okay," Randy said. "It's only me."
  Katherine sighed in relief. Then she hugged Randy. She saw Richard approaching with Brown.
 "If you're done Neve Campbelling everybody," Richard said, "we should get out of here before those three get a clue."
  Katherine nodded. As she followed the others out of the Dominion, Katherine could not help, but smile. She had did something that she had not did for a very long time. She had stood up for herself.
  And she liked it.

  Brown looked at the tests. He studied them with his own two eyes. His own two working eyes. He had to agree with Dr. Taylor.
  He was perfectly fine. No sign of any infection in his yes at all. Brown had lost his sight suddenly. It had come back just as suddenly. No rhyme or reason.
  Brown put the papers down. He did not know what to say. Maybe it was...what would Miss Clark call it...a fluke. But if it wasn't...
  The hospital door opened. Brown turned ready for anything. It was only Richard.
  "Proper," Richard said, "we better get going before someone gets nosy."
  "On my way, Mr. Hall," Brown said.
  "So...find anything?" Richard asked.
  Brown stood up. "Just a mystery for another time."

  The vortex opened upon a new world. Katherine was the last one out of the vortex. She landed rather softly. Then she looked down and saw why. She was on an angry-looking Richard.
  "Get off me, spy," Richard said.
  Katherine stood up and shook her head. Richard corked his head.
 "Oh, so you're not talking now, are you?" Richard said. "Don't worry. I'll watch you anyway."
  "Richard!" Randy said in front of them. "Don't-"
  Katherine held up a hand to stop Randy. "I can take care of myself."
  "Oh, she speaks!" Richard exclaimed.
  "Back off, boyo," Katherine said.
  "Or what?" Richard challenged.
  "If we are quite finished with the banter," Brown said, "may we exit this alley?"
  Brown headed out of the alley. Randy was behind him. Katherine gave Richard a small grin. Then she followed the men.
  San Francisco looked normal enough. Brown and Randy headed down the street. Katherine followed a little bit behind. She saw a stand with orange juice in glasses. She picked up one.
  "For one so beautiful," the man behind the stand said. "You may have it."
  Katherine smiled at him. It was nice of him to do. It was nice of him to say. It was nice to hear it without some agenda behind it.
 A body bumped her. The glass slipped out of her hand. It hit the ground and shattered into small pieces.
 "Oops," Richard said.
  "How could you?" the man behind the stand barked. "I thought someone such as you would understand the fragility of my gift. How could someone so beautiful be such a klutz?"
  The man pulled out a long dagger. Katherine gasped.
  "I guess your beauty is only skin deep," the man said, standing. "Pity for you."
  Before Katherine could react, the man lunged at her.

  THE-END


 

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