The doubles doors swung open. Randy Heim turned around in his chair Quinn Mallory did the same. Randy barely registered the paparazzi's camera light. His eyes were on the new witness that entered the court room. He was in shock. As he felt the shock die, Randy felt a new emotion.
"You!" Randy snapped.
Then he lunged forward.
THREE DAYS AGO...
Randy Heim heard the sound of sliding doors. He barely reacted as he laid on his bed. It was growing used to having visitors. He only wished he could figure out how the calculations he had made with a reluctant Quinn Mallory had led back to here.
"I am very aware you are awake, Mr. Heim."
"Of course you are," Randy said, not even trying to look at his visitor. He sat up on his bed. He looked at the cell doors. "At least, Richard Hall had more wit."
The being with Richard Hall's face visibly flinched. Then he stared at Randy with a look that could only be described as icy hatred. He stood a bit taller, his arms behind his back.
"And where is he at...I wonder," Stone uttered.
"Does it matter?" Randy asked.
"No, it does not," Stone said. "What does matter is that since we caught your group sliding in a few days ago, there has not been a sharing of information on your end."
"My heart bleeds..."
"Something tells me it bleeds too easily. Something Mr. Hall's never did."
Suddenly, the cell doors opened. Stone walked in. He managed a smile, sending shivers down Randy's back.
"Shall we find out?" Stone asked, his smile suddenly sinister."
WHAT IF YOU SLIDE TO A DIFFERENT DIMENSION? A PLACE WHERE YOU'RE THE SAME PERSON, IT'S THE SAME YEAR, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DIFFERENT?
WORLDS WHERE...
...THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ENDED DIFFERENTLY...
OR
...THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS IN FULL SWING...
OR
...THE ALEXANDRIAN EMPIRE STILL REIGN?
OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN INFINITE WORLDS, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES...AND MANY ENEMIES...
THE WAR HAS BEGUN...
WHAT SIDE WOULD YOU BE ON?
AND...WHAT IF YOUR KEY TO GETTING HOME...WAS LOST?
SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 8
EPISODE 7: TRIAL OF THE CENTURY (PART 1)
"He'll find out you know."
All that got from Eve Albright was laughter. Cassandra Wilkes sat back in her chair, a frown on her face. Eve sat across from her, her dark eyes showing through her jet-black bangs.
"I'm counting on it," Eve said. "In fact, even as we talk, my 'loyal' husband should be getting the news...NOW."
Randy shot up quickly from the bed. His hands balled into fists quickly. Stone continued to approach.
"Why, what's wrong, Mr. Heim?" Stone asked. "Afraid you will not last as long as Mr. Hall has?"
That caused a frown to appear on Randy's face. "Has?"
"Pardon?"
"You said has."
"Had."
"Just like he had him."
Randy and Stone turned around, neither realized there was a new visitor.
His name was Edward Albright. He was a highly respected official in this world's government. He was also the husband of the dark slider Eve. Randy saw there was a hint of annoyance showing through his sullen eyes.
"Now," Edward said, "he's on bail."
"What?" Randy uttered.
"Do not worry," Edward said. "It is only temporarily. Once you are tried..."
Randy frowned. "Tried?"
The hint of a smile etched onto Edward's face.
"You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"
Quinn Mallory found he didn't know what to think.
One moment they had slid into Dark Slider world again. They were imprisoned. The next moment, they were free. For the most part.
"I'm sure they're coming."
Quinn looked at Jules. Jules sat in a chair against the wall. He looked oblivious to the police officers moving around them in the station. He stared at Quinn with uncomplicated optimism.
"But why?" Quinn asked. "Who would pay bail for any of us? Are we a danger?"
"Maybe we're too dangerous being inside?" Jules suggested.
"Really?"
Jules shrugged. Quinn looked away. His eyes fell on the hallway. As he waited on Randy and Cassandra, Quinn only had questions. Where had Randy and he gone wrong in their equations? Were the others okay? Who would have the money to bail them all out? What would be the motivation? Personal gain? Spite? But who...
"Oh," Quinn uttered.
"What?" Jules asked.
"I think I know--" Quinn started.
"Randy!"
Quinn looked down the hall. Randy Heim strolled toward them, apparently oblivious to the officers and activities around him. It caused Quinn to clasp his jaw.
"So Dark Slider World again," Randy uttered as he made it to them.
"Yes," Quinn said.
"What happened?" Jules asked, standing up.
"Good question," Quinn said, his eyes on Randy. "I thought we did the equations well enough."
"As did I," Randy replied.
There was silence. It made Quinn's back tense. Why did it feel like Randy was not being straight with him?
"Where is she?" Jules asked.
"Miss Wilkes was already released into my employer's care."
Quinn knew Randy and Jules both the same thing he did. He looked to the right. By the doors of the police station's entrance. There she was.
Maggie Beckett.
He had to admit...he couldn't remember the last time he had seen her. Quinn immediately thought of two years ago. It was back when he had finally done it. He had gotten over the effects of the Foundation's microchip. He could remember how to slide again. Rembrandt Brown, Maggie, Mallory, and he had slid out to find the others. He had been there for the end of the conflict between two branches of the Kromaggs. During the final battle, Maggie had been killed by Mr. Stone along with Mallory. He had no idea how he would tell Steven Jensen or even Diana Davis when he made it back to Earth Prime. Still...
This Maggie was dressed in black business suit with skirt. She stared at them coldly, the dark brown bangs barely hiding. Quinn felt like he was under a microscope.
"Your employer?" Quinn uttered.
"Yes," Maggie answered. "I believe you call her...Eve."
Randy grunted. "Eve."
Eve Albright.
Quinn didn't say it. He thought it.
What power play had they slid into now?
Cassandra stared out the ceiling to floor window. It was not like she wasn't used to the multiple penthouses Eve tend to have. She was definitely used to the elaborateness of the dens Eve had. She just couldn't help, but feel like she was Alice, walking through the looking glass.
"Has it been that long?"
Cassandra turned away from the window. Eve had returned. As to be expected, she was dressed in black leather. The fact that she wore a sleeveless tank-top and long legged boots and her long jet-black hair was in a ponytail, Cassandra would think she had just gotten done fencing.
"Long," Cassandra uttered, making sure to give Eve a frown.
"Since you've been in luxurious surroundings," Eve suggested. "It's not like you aren't used to it. We worked together for a while."
"More for Edward," Cassandra corrected. "After all, he believed in the same goals: keep his world his world and my world mine."
"Not everyone interferes in the worlds they cross to," Eve replied. "Not everyone is Randy Heim. And now...look at you. Why are you crossing with him now?"
"We have mutual interest," Cassandra said.
"Or maybe it's for your world."
It was a moment. Cassandra flinched. Just the idea that she was no closer to getting back to it. However, she couldn't show that to...
"Oh," Eve said, her smile like a cat who ate the canary, "something has changed. What?"
Cassandra crossed her arms over her chest.
"Irrelevant," Cassandra said.
Eve continued to smile.
"Is that how you're going to play it?" Eve asked.
"I never played games," Cassandra shot back.
"You might want to play this one."
Cassandra saw Eve's smile grow wider. She ignored it. Instead, she looked past her and at the new speaker.
It was Randall Heim. On this world, Quinn and he had created the sliding technology. Quinn had been killed in an accident. Randall did not even miss a beat. He also had an affair with Eve.
"Randall," Cassandra said.
"Hello, Cassandra," Randall said. "Still trusting your visions?"
"Always. I do think Edward would love to know you are found."
"Is that how you treat the person who got you released?" Eve challenged.
"What will you give me for my silence?" Cassandra asked.
"How about," Randall said, standing next to Eve, a smirk on his face, "your world?"
"You shouldn't be here."
He didn't respond to Randy's words at all.
That wasn't true. His response was to sit down next to Randy. Randy sat on the ledge of the roof. He had stared at the world around him. He had been to this world several times. Yet something felt so different about it. It was like he was here for the first time.
"Or perhaps you are seeing it for the first time."
"You shouldn't be here," Randy said again, his tone with more bit.
"You called. I came."
"I didn't call."
Did he imagine it? Was there warmth next to him? Weight? Closeness?
"You did. Deep down."
Randy looked down at the people below. He tried to ignore the warmth. He tried to unlive the memories.
"That won't work."
"Why are you here?" Randy asked, not looking.
"Because."
Randy turned. He stared eye to eye with him. Ethan Bradshaw looked back at him, his gray eyes full of contempt.
"You're not focused enough," Ethan said, blood slowly pouring from his forehead.
"Ah!"
Randy jerked away from his desk. He was sure he had been in a trance. He guessed he'd dozed off.
Randy leaned back in his chair, running his right hand through his dark hair. What was he thinking? He used to be better than this. His encounter with Zoe had affected him more than he though. Not to mention Ethan's death...
Randy looked down at his desk. He stared at the new device. A smile crept onto his face.
Zoe had damaged his last prosthetic. So...he made a new one. He knew he would need it when--
"Oh, look."
Randy jumped up from his chair. He swung around, his hands balled into fists. This was the last thing he needed.
Zoe stared back at him.
"You made a new one," Zoe said with a small grin. Then her face went blank. "I cannot have that."
Zoe's eyes did not blink. Randy looked back at her. She took him in like a tiger upon a little animal. It didn't make Randy feel good at all.
"Nice try," Zoe said. "You were so in the moment. Lost in it. So much in fact...you did not even hear me appear."
"I'm surprised you're alone," Randy said. "Then again your sliding is probably cloaked."
"Good theory."
"I've always been good at that."
"I disagree."
"Really?"
"You never tested one theory."
"Oh?"
"Like I said before," Zoe said, approaching Randy, "too much heart."
Zoe's body shimmered. She vanished. Randy had time to turn around, his mind on his latest prosthetic. Zoe appeared again next to Randy. He reached for his prosthetic before he realized it. Zoe didn't aim her metallic gloves at his prosthetic.
She aimed them at Randy.
Electricity shot though Randy's body. He managed to grunt. Then darkness swallowed him up.
Cassandra walked into the Dominion lobby. At this time of the evening, she was surprised it was so empty and quiet. At least, Gomez Calhoun was behind the counter, his eyes on the television.
Cassandra released a sigh. She guessed the quiet was a good thing. It would give her time to think about Randall's offer.
Home.
How long had it been now? Weeks. Months. It was months since the Yuzaki had attacked her world. It had been months since she had lost the ability to slide where she wanted. It had been months since she had to randomly slide, not knowing where she was going or what it was like. And now...
Now...she had a chance to go home. She could see if her world was okay. She could be sure her mother...Max...people were okay. She could...
"There you are!"
Cassandra jumped. Jules looked back at her. Apparently, he had been laying on the couch unseen.
"We were starting to wonder...," Jules continued.
"So did I," Cassandra said. "I figured if you guys were anywhere, it would be here."
"So...where were you?"
"Doesn't matter," Cassandra said.
"Okay," Jules said, sitting up on the couch. "You okay then?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Jules frowned. That wasn't good. Still...Cassandra was just fine."
"Look, Jules," Cassandra said. "I'm fine. A little worried, but fine."
"Understood," Jules said. "Who knows how this trial will turn out?"
It was Cassandra's turn to frown.
"Trial?" she uttered.
Quinn looked at himself in the mirror. His light brown hair was getting pretty shaggy. In any case, he had gotten a share in. Dressed in a blue business suit with dark blue tie, Quinn felt like Ashton Kutcher.
"Well?"
Quinn sat movement in the mirror. He turned quickly. His eyes widened.
It was Cassandra. Yet...it wasn't. She was dressed in a white blouse with a blue skirt which came past her knees. She had on white stockings with small black shoes. She stared back at Quinn with a skeptic look on her face, her long curly blond hair even more curly than usual and flowing about her like a princess.
"It's...different," Quinn said.
"I feel like somebody's grandmother," Cassandra said.
"Well...Goth chic ain't going to help."
"Is anything going to?"
Quinn frowned. "It's a trial."
"It's a Kangaroo Court."
"Cassandra!"
"You honestly think we'll get a fair trial?" Cassandra challenged.
"It's the best chance we got."
"Then it's no chance at all."
"Would you rather we were back where we were at?" Quinn asked. "Stone paying a visit."
Cassandra glared at Quinn. She didn't say anything though. Would could she say? She knew Quinn was right. If it wasn't for Eve pulling this move, there was no idea where he or the others would be. He was sure it wouldn't have been nice. He was still trying to figure out what went wrong with the equation and...
"Okay, how do I look?"
Quinn saw Cassandra look. A look of surprise and shock cross her face. He looked in the same direction.
Jules stood a little way away from them. He was dressed in a light brown business suit that looked too big for him. Still he didn't see anything out o the ordinary. He stood in front of the two of them, stroking the hint of a goatee on his face.
Quinn looked back at Cassandra. She still stared at Jules, her mouth ajar. however, she had gone pale. He reached over for her, touching Cassandra's shoulder. Cassandra jumped, catching Quinn by surprise.
"You okay?" Quinn asked.
"Yeah," Cassandra answered quickly.
Quinn didn't believe her. She looked like she saw a dead lover. He reached for her again. Cassandra batted his hand away.
"I said I'm fine," Cassandra snapped.
"But are you?" Jules interjected.
Cassandra spun around. "Yes. Nice suit."
"Thanks."
"She meant me."
Jules turned around. Quinn looked past him. Randy had joined them.
He was dressed in a black suit, a thin black tie dangling about. He had trimmed his beard. Quinn felt his back tense as he saw the look on Randy's face. If there was anything Quinn hated more than Randy's jerk face, it was Randy's ice face.
"Randy!" Jules exclaimed.
"You ready for this?" Quinn asked.
Randy stared at Quinn, his eyes betraying nothing. He crossed his arms over his chest. He tilted his head.
"The ball is already in flight," Randy said.
"Huh?" Jules uttered, frowning.
"Cryptic," Cassandra added. "I assume Zoe's appearance is still kicking your ego."
Randy's head jerked in Cassandra's direction.
"She got the jump on me," Randy said. "It will not happen again."
"Sez you," Cassandra shot back.
"What is your agenda, Cassandra?" Randy asked. "You were released earlier than any of us." His stare became piercing. "Another game in play?"
"Hey!" Jules yelled, getting in-between the two of them. "Knock it off."
Randy looked at Jules. It was like he was taking him in for the first time. Jules, on his part, stood taller. Quinn didn't like where this was going. Neither one was backing down.
"Are you all quite done?"
Quinn looked past Randy and Jules. Maggie stood in the entryway of the clothing store. She gave all of them a grimace.
"We have a trial to get to," Maggie said. She smirked. "You coming or are you all going to argue all day?"
Randy sat back in his chair. Quinn was on one side of him. Jules was on the other side of him. Cassandra was at the end.
He took in the court room. It was quite a good size. At the moment, it was packed with a lot of people. Photographers. Reporters. Curious people. Even some punk alternative kids which made Randy frown until he realized the were bloggers. Everyone in the world appeared to be interested in this trial.
Randy turned to look at the opposing attorney. He was tempted to smile. However, he...did not.
Melissa Clark had told him about a world where she had been mistaken for her double and put on trial. It turned out the lawyers were Maggie Beckett and Diana Davis. Professor Arturo had been the judge.
While Arturo was not a judge here (it was an older red-haired woman), Maggie was going up against Diana Davis. Again.
Diana Davis left her table on her side of the room. Her left hand traced the brown surface of the table as she moved slowly toward the judge. her head as in a bun and her dark gray power suit with purple blouse under it showed her confidence.
"In 2004," Diana began, "a lot of us went about our day. However, I am willing to throw a strong belief. I believe there is not a person in here who can claim to not recall where they were on February 22, 2004. I was heading to the house after a grueling day at work. I intended to sit back with a glass of pinot grogio when I looked into the sky. I looked into the sky and I saw it.
"A manta ship."
Diana turned away from the judge. Her eyes fell on Randy. They throw daggers.
"10,000," Diana continued. "10,000 injured or dead before that manta ship...vanished into a red wormhole. A manta ship that housed a race of aliens not of this world...and apparently this timeline. A timeline that was introduced to this world by the plaintiff. While they could have let well enough alone, they continued to trespass in our world. As such, they should be made to pay for that. 10,000 others did. Why shouldn't they?"
Diana looked away from Randy. As Diana headed back to her table, Maggie rose from her seat, clapping her hands. That got a glare from Diana.
"Well-played, Ms. Davis," Maggie said. "Well-played."
"Have a care, Miss Beckett," the judge warned.
"My apologies, your Honor," Maggie continued, stepping away from her own table. "All I meant was this: yes, 10,000 died on that day. There is a reason why there is a Sliding Act on this world. Hell, if convicted, my clients will be given a slow death."
Maggie turned to face Diana. "On that day yes, a manta ship appeared. It attacked. Yes, the people inside were aliens. From a different world...obviously. Different timeline...debatable. There is no need to scared everybody in the room with implausible science fiction."
"Are my clients visitors from a parallel Earth?" Maggie continued, ignoring Diana's eye daggers. "Yes. However, I am here to prove they are not responsible for how they slide...or the aforementioned deaths."
Gasps sounded through the court room. The judge yelled for order. Meanwhile, Maggie headed back to the table. She sat down and gave Quinn a grin.
"Ms. Davis," the judge said, "call your first witness."
Diana stood up.
"The state calls," Diana said, "Edward Albright."
Randy looked at the icy stare on Edward Albright. Perhaps it was the goatee he had. Or the way he kept his hands together. No, Randy was sure it was all in the stare. He appeared approachable...except for the sullen look in his eyes.
"Mr. Albright," Diana began, "you know the plaintiff?"
"Yes," Edward answered.
"Could you say how?"
"Yes. The government had a task force assigned to figuring out a growing problem: people who appeared from alternate dimensions. Most of whom were associated with this group. That man. Randy Heim."
"Was that man here the day in question?"
"Yes, he was," Edward replied, his eyes falling on Randy. "In fact, the beings in the manta ship were after him."
Gasps rang through the courtroom. Edward's eyes stayed on Randy, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. Randy stared back, trying to look past the stare.
"No other questions, your Honor," Diana said. She headed toward her table, her eyes on Maggie. "Your witness."
Maggie stood up.
"One question, Mr. Albright," Maggie said. "Were you in Geneva on November 19, 2001?"
"I do not see the relevance..." Diana started.
"Oh...there's relevance, your Honor," Maggie replied.
"Continue," the judge said.
"Mr. Albright?" Maggie continued.
"I also do not see--" Edward started.
"Did you not say you would tell the truth and nothing, but the truth so..."
"Yes, Mrs. Beckett," Edward said, his voice calm. "Yes, I was in Geneva."
Maggie smirked. "Actually, I have documentation showing you were really in London." She stared at Edward. "If you can lie about something as simple as that, who is to say what you said before is even true."
Gasps exploded through the courtroom again. Randy kept his eyes on Edward. There was no smugness in his eyes. His sullen eyes only showed anger.
"No other questions, your Honor," Maggie said, sitting down.
Diana rose from her chair. "I would like to call my next witness...Jules Koenig."
"Huh?" Jules uttered next to Randy.
Randy looked over at Quinn. He had confusion on his face. They turned to look at the back of the courtroom. Familiarity filled Randy's own face.
It was Jules. It was a Jules...from a parallel Earth. Judging from the black leather suit, it was a Jules from a few worlds back.
"What in..." Jules uttered.
"That can't be," Cassandra added.
"It can," Randy said.
"It is," Quinn said, anger in his voice.
It was weeks ago that they had been there. It was a world where the rich lived in an upper city of technological advancement. Meanwhile, the poor lived way below on the ground in dirt and flith. It was on that world that the sliders had been separated. They found each other, but that was after Randy had taken out a lot of Jules's men who were letting loose explosions in the rich's luxurious spires. He was using microchips to erase their knowledge of sliding. Given Quinn had been a victim of that technology, he forced Randy to let Jules go, confident they would not see the double again.
And there he sat on the witness stand.
Quinn looked at Randy. He was quiet for the moment. Quinn knew that wouldn't last. he was grateful for the silence though.
"Just to be clear," Diana Davis began, "you are not from this world, correct?"
"Correct," Jules's double replied.
"So how did you wind up here?"
Jules looked at Quinn. He flashed him a lopsided grin.
"My lover...Quinn...is a brain," Jules answered. "It was a simple matter to get him to create wormholes. He had great...motivation I guess you would say."
"Riiiiiiiight," Diana replied.
Jules's double still looked at him with a grin on his face. It was like he was undressing Quinn with his eyes. Quinn felt like he was going to vomit.
"So you are familiar with these people?" Diana asked.
"Yes," Jules said.
"How?"
"They came to my world," Jules replied. "Then they immediately stuck their nose into what they didn't understand."
"That's not true!"
Quinn frowned. He turned to look at the end of the table. Jules had stood up. His face was a mixture of anger and shock. Quinn could even see some embarrassment on Jules's face, like he was surprised at his own reaction.
"Order!" the judge barked.
"But it's not true!" Jules continued.
"Jules, sit down!" Maggie snapped. "I got this."
"I wouldn't go that far," Diana commented.
Maggie turned on Diana. "So I heard."
"Order!" the judge shouted. "Control your client, Counselor. Not to mention yourself."
Jules's double smirked at the scene unfolding in front of him. It made Quinn want to wipe the smirk right off his face. He looked over at Jules who looked like he had calm down.
"Understand, your Honor," Maggie said. She looked at Jules. "Jules...sit."
Jules sat down in his chair again. Quinn saw he kept his head down He looked back at Diana. Her eyes were on Jules's double.
"Like you said," Diana said, "they stuck their...nose into what they did not understand. Howso?"
"For one," Jules's double said, pointing at Jules, "he tried to be me."
"Tried."
"Okay, he was me." Jules's eyes fell on the others. "Blondie tried to trick me with her feminine wiles. That one next to her was actually going to kill me." He looked at the judge. "They can't be trusted at all. Our world was our world. We dealt with things our way. Who are they to say anything?"
"Exactly," Diana said. she made to her table. She looked at Maggie. "Your witness."
Maggie hesitated to stand. Quinn looked at her. The anxiety was all over her face. She had probably dealt with a lot of things as a lawyer. But a man from a parallel Earth? Yeah, that was a scratch.
Quinn reached over and touched her hand. Maggie felt it, trying to hide her jerking reaction to the touch. She did managed a brief smile before she stood up, her face all business again.
"So...Mr. Koenig" Maggie began, "since you are not of this world, but another world, how about you tell us about your world?"
Jules's double's face darkened.
"What is there to tell?" the double uttered.
"Let me be the judge of that," Maggie said, staring Jules's double down.
The double slightly frowned. "My world? Apparently, the rich are ooooh so busy making their money...building their spires higher..."
Maggie frowned. "Spires?"
"Houses for them," Jules's double explained. "The latest in technology with newscams, sliding doors, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Anyways, they keep to themselves. Heaven forbid they help their fellow men below."
"Below?"
"Yes, below," Jules's double said, annoyance on his face. "While the spires are engines in the sky, the poor still live on the ground in unbelieveable poverty."
"And yet you seem well educated."
"You have to be."
"For survival?"
"Objection!" Diana yelled. "She's leading."
"Sustain," the judge said. "Get to the point, Mrs. Beckett."
"I will, your Honor," Maggie said. She really kept her eyes on Jules's double. "Mr. Koenig...how bad is the poverty level?"
"Very bad," Jules's double continued. "They almost never come down to the depths. They don't want to see the filth."
Quinn started to scribble. He felt the idea forming. He threw his eyes in Maggie's direction. He hoped...
Yes!!! Maggie had turned back to face the table. She locked eyes with Quinn. She headed toward the table, picking up on Quinn's hints. She ran her hand along the wooden table, making sure to touch the target: the sight of paper her eyes fell on.
"That must have made you angry?" Maggie asked.
"Wouldn't you be?" Jules's double shot back.
"Depends," Maggie replied. "Is that a norm on your world?"
The double glared at Maggie's back. "Some hurts are universal."
"Agreed," Maggie said. She turned to face Jules's double. "Haves. Have-nots. Robin Hood. And you were the Robin Hood of your world? Robbing the rich? Giving to the poor?"
The double lost his smug look.
"Judging from the look on your face," Maggie said, "I'll take that as a yes."
"I did what I had to."
"And does that include bombings?"
Jules's double darkened.
"Objection" Diana shot up. "My witness is not on trial."
"Oooooh, but he is," Maggie said. "He's in the court of public opinion." Her eyes narrowed on Jules's double. "Answer the question."
"I said--" Diana started.
"Overruled," the judge said, cutting Diana off. She looked at Jules's double. "Answer the question."
"Yes," Jules's double answered. "I've been involved in bombings."
"And whom stopped you?" Maggie asked.
This time, it was Quinn's turn. He leaned forward. A smirk crept onto his face. His eyes were firmly on Jules...who looked annoyed.
"Answer the question," Maggie demanded. "And wh--"
"It was them all right!" the double barked. "Your clients." His eyes fell on them. "This isn't over. You heard me. It's not over!"
"Now, young man--"
Jules's double stood up. He pulled out a small device. He aimed it at the floor in front of the witness stand. Lightning shot from the device, hitting the floor. It dissolved into a blue vortex. Before anyone could stop him, Jules's double ran for the vortex and jumped in. It whirred as he vanished.
Gasps shot through the courtroom. The vortex closed behind the double. Whispers filled the room. Quinn looked at Diana. She looked shell-shocked. Meanwhile, Maggie looked at the spot where Jules's double had vanished, a hand to her chest and mouth ajar. She closed her mouth finally and looked at Diana.
"Next witness?" she uttered.
Randy looked at Quinn. He was getting out of the taxi. Questions had been done for the day. Until tomorrow...
Tomorrow. Where Diana would have another set of witnesses. Witnesses that may or may not be from this world.
Randy's eyes narrowed on Quinn. He thought about the double of Jules they saw today. A double they would not have seen at all if he had been allowed to do what needed to be done.
Quinn looked at Randy.
"Don't even say it," Quinn said.
"Why not?" Randy challenged. "You know it's true."
"It can be true all day long," Quinn shot back. "But it's wrong."
"Only to you."
"Guys," Cassandra said, stepping out of the taxi.
"Things like this," Randy continued, ignoring Cassandra, "is why I did what I did."
"You didn't have the right," Quinn said.
"I have every right."
"Not God."
"Someone had to make the hard choices," Randy replied, tilting his head. "You won't."
Randy saw Quinn's forehead go from smooth to a bunch of lines. His dark eyes flashed with anger. He even stood a little taller. he looked like he was about to swing. Right now, Randy would love to see him try.
"Raping someone's mind is not my idea of hard choices," Quinn said.
"Hm," Randy said coldly.
"Guys," Jules said, stepping away from the exiting taxi, "not here."
"Why not here?" Randy said, keeping his eyes on Quinn. "The truth is I was right."
"And look at the result," Quinn said. "We're on trial. Your actions have consequences."
"This from you."
"Wisdom after past experiences."
"You said it. Actions have consequences."
"Which is why Ethan is dead."
Randy felt it. It was a flinch. His neck popped. He felt it as he felt his eyes narrow on Quinn.
"You," Randy said, his voice flat, "might not want to go there."
"You could have picked up the others at any time," Quinn said. "Anytime. Rembrandt could be here now. Melissa could be here. Cassandra might be home. Ethan wouldn't have been in an attack....if you had told us that you had the coordinates IN THE FIRST PLACE!!"
Randy took a step back as if he had been punched.
"He's right, you know."
Randy frowned. He looked to his right. Ethan stared back at him. he looked deathly pale.
"Thomas. Richard. Me. People just die around you."
"No...," Randy said, his eyes watering.
"Too much heart."
"Stop it," Randy said.
"You brought me here," Ethan hissed, his skin flaking. "Make me stop."
"D--"
"Who's going to die next, Randy? Who will fall because you let yourself get sof--"
"Stop!!"
Quinn saw Randy's face go blink. The last thing Quinn needed was for Randy to go into one of his trances. Too much was at stake for him to try to run away from it. And after today, Quinn had had enough of it.
"Stop!!"
Before Quinn could react, Randy shot out at him. He swung and punched Quinn in the jaw. Quinn fell to the sidewalk.
"Quinn!"
He barely heard Cassandra yell his name. The sidewalk hit him hard, pain exploding all through his back. It was just as bad for his jaw that he was currently rubbing.
Cassandra kneeled down by Quinn.
"Are you okay?" Cassandra asked.
Quinn kept rubbing his jaw. "It'll heal."
"What?"
Quinn looked up at Randy. He was out of his trance. He stared down at Quinn with surprise all over his face.
"You hit him," Jules said. "What's the matter with you?"
"What's the matter," Quinn answered, "is he knows I'm right. His actions have consequences. About time, he dealt with it."
Suddenly, a vortex opened by them. A red vortex. A figure stepped out of it. At the same time, several green vortexes appeared around them.
Quinn looked at the new figure. It was Randall Heim. He smirked.
"There you are!" he exclaimed. "I hope you don't mind if I...up the game."
Several figures popped out of the green vortexes. Quinn realized it. It was Grant, one of Edward's henchmen, and Stone. They had several troopers with them.
"Uh oh," Jules uttered.
"And where do you think you are going, Mr. Heim?"
Quinn got to his feet quickly. Randall Heim stood among him, Randy, Cassandra, and Jules. They were all surrounded by Stone and his men. Randall stared Stone down.
"Where do I intend to go, Stone?" Randall asked. "Somewhere you will not find me."
"I found you now," Stone replied.
Randall smirked. "And why do you think that is."
Stone frowned. Quinn however got a shiver run down his back. That was not a good thing. And then he heard it.
A whir.
Suddenly, a blue vortex formed by Randall. Before anyone could react, Randall juped into it. It whirred as he vanished.
"After--" Stone started.
"Something's wrong," Grant announced.
Suddenly, a blue vortex rapidly start closing. At the same time another vortex started to form almost on top of the first one. It was red. As the wind picked up and gripped Quinn's arms, Quinn could sense it. This vortex was stronger than the first one.
"Ah!"
Quinn turned in time. Cassandra shot out at him. She moved through the air like someone caught in a tornado. Quinn grabbed her, using his body to block the wind. His feet crinked down on the sidewalk as best they could.
"You okay?" Quinn managed over the wind.
"It's getting bigger!" Cassandra yelled.
Quinn looked away from Cassandra. His eyes widened as he saw she was right. The red vortex was indeed growing. It even looked like it was aiming like the mouth of a whirlwind.
What in the world--
Suddenly, something hit Quinn and Cassandra. They both tumbled to the sidewalk. Quinn had time to see it was one of stone's men. He shot for the vortex, vanishing into it with a scream.
Quinn started to crawl across the ground. His mind raced as he tried his best to stay out of the grip of the vortex. It felt like his legs were about to tear right off. He wondered when Randall was able to create such a deadly trap.
Then like a person in a boat that hit a sudden rough wave, Quinn felt a jerk. Before he could readjust, Quinn flew through the air.
"No!" Quinn yelled.
"Quinn!" Jules shouted.
Suddenly, Quinn hit the sidewalk again. He grunted. He was sure his chin would be nicked later. Right now, he was worried by the fact that he couldn't move at all. It was like an invisible hand had grabbed him.
"Avert!" Grant yelled.
"What?" Quinn heard Stone utter. "I did not--"
"Later!!" Grant barked. Then he brought his arm to his mouth. "Avert!"
Suddenly, several red vortexes sprung into existence. Stone's men ran for them. They vanished into a whir.
Stone's cold eyes narrowed on Quinn and the others. Then he vanished inot a red vortex. They all closed after him.
A moment after, the whirlpool of a blue vortex. Quinn felt his whole body relax. The invisible grip was gone. He looked around.
"Is everyone o--" Quinn started.
"What was that?" Jules cut in. Quinn looked over at where he was. There was shock all over his face. "I have never seen a wormhole like that. Ever!"
"I have."
Quinn looked at Randy. He was getting to his feet, prompting Quinn to do the same. Randy's face was unreadable.
"I've done that before," Randy said. His eyes fell on Quinn. "Rembrandt and I got into an argument about it."
"Of course," Quinn quipped.
Randy glared. "I don't think he just stumbled into it."
"You might be surprised," Quinn said. "After all, we did."
"Hm."
"I'm more interested in why we didn't get sucked into the vortex," Quinn said.
"Agreed," Cassandra said, standing next to Quinn. "It was like invisible arms had me."
"I think we really should get off the streets," Jules suggested.
"Agreed' Randy said. "No need for a Round 2."
Quinn looked at the spot where the vortex had been.
What had just happened?
"Stop rocking."
Nope. No matter how much Jules said it to himself, it was no use. He sat in the chair in his hotel room, rocking back and forth quickly.
It was him. It was him, and there was nothing he could do about it.
The wormhole was going to suck Quinn into itself. It would Quinn and the others out of this world and to who knew where. He could still hear the frightened screams of one of Stone's men. He had to do it.
"Stop rocking," Jules said. "Stop rocking. Stop rocking. Stop--"
Suddenly, a desk on the other side of the room shook. Then it slowly moved. The screen across the floor was like scratching a blackboard.
"Stop it!" Jules snapped.
And...it did.
No, no, no. He only used his ability to keep the others together. The last thing they needed was to be even more separated.
But it had a price.
Jules looked at the desk.
His ability...was trying to increase.
"No," Jules uttered.
He wanted to be normal.
This...would not do.
A knock came from the door. Jules's head shot to it, worry making his body shake.
"Jules," Quinn's voice said from the other side of the door, "is everything okay?"
"Fine!" Jules said.
But he knew.
Everything was FAR from fine.
Quinn turned away from the door. He wasn't sure if he should trust in what Jules said. However he would give him space. He had done the same with Cassandra who had taken a walk a while ago.
"This is your fault."
Quinn came out of his thoughts. Randy had come out of his room. He stood in the living room. While his face revealing nothing, Randy's eyes definitely did. Quinn was suddenly reminded of Jules's double in the court room.
"Excuse me?" Quinn uttered.
"You should have let me take care of him," Randy continued. "He wouldn't be here if you had let--"
"Stop right there!" Quinn snapped. "You are not blaming me for this."
"Oh, really?" Randy challenged. "I had his men down. He got away because that's what you wanted. And what did he do? He came looking for us."
"Most likely for his friends," Quinn shot back. "For revenge. Now...why would he do that? Oh, yeah. because of you!!!"
"Wouldn't be doing it at all," Randy said, "If I had taken care of him." He smirked. "Stalemate."
"This isn't a game."
Randy tilted his head. "Which is what I have said all along."
"Doesn't mean innocents have to suffer."
"Who's innocent?" Randy challenged. "That Jules double. Going around bombing places and stealing from the rich?"
"Not what I meant."
"Doesn't make it any less true."
"And that doesn't mean you are abstained," Quinn said. "After all...when did you see that vortex before?"
Randy said nothing. At least, he didn't say anything with his mouth. His eyes however were a whole other story. It let Quinn know he hit his target.
"I rest my case," Quinn said. "And I...are tried of your excuses."
Quinn headed to his bedroom. He paused at the door. He turned.
"Once we're out of his mess you got us in," Quinn said, "maybe we really should go our separate ways. I would rather have someone at my back that I can trust."
Randy's face darkened. "Because you are the patron saint of honesty?"
"Are you holding on to anything you haven't told me?" Quinn asked.
Silence filled the room like being at a wake. Randy's jaw set. His eyes again said it all. Quinn turned away.
"Like I said," Quinn said, "I rest my case."
Cassandra's eyes narrowed.
"What was that?" Cassandra demanded.
Eve sat in the chair. She turned to look at her partner in crime. Randall sat adajenct to her chair. His legs were crossed as he sat back in his chair, a look of confidence on his face.
"That," Randall said, "was an interesting experiment. One that was a smashing success."
"It's definitely something that will be useful in the days to come," Eve replied.
"We almost got swallowed up," Cassandra said.
"Obvious there are still some...kinks," Randall said.
"Are they really your kinks," Cassandra challenged, "or someone else's?"
That wiped the smug look right off of Randall's face. Cassandra smirked, happy at the little piece of extra information she just gotten.
"Well," Cassandra said, "it is pretty...obvious." She let the smirk go. "Now...how do I get home?"
Eve smirked. "Randall will gladly tell you...once you do one last thing."
Cassandra frowned. "Excuse me?"
"Oh," Eve said. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"
Cassandra glared at Eve. "What do you want?"
"To retrieve something."
"What?"
A DAY LATER...
"'This has been like nothing we have seen in any time in American history. Countless visitors from parallel Earths. Crossing into our own. And all to testify in what political experts are already calling the trial of the century. This is Tracy Harold reporting...'"
Randy looked over at the reporter as he stood in the door to the courthouse. She was alone as he saw a lot of news vans, cameramen and other reporters. In that moment, all he wished was that no one had invented sliding at all.
"You coming?"
Randy came out of his thoughts. Quinn stared at him with a grimace. Meanwhile, Maggie had a frown of her own.
Randy kept walking.
Like Zoe said, too much heart.
The double doors swung open.
Randy turned around. It had been another day of witnesses ranging from a world where people had been a world where people had been from a world France had their revolution before America had theirs to a world where the Japanese were the world superpower post-World War II. All of them had come across randy and the others.
Shock hit Randy as he saw the new person had entered. the falshing of the lights from the cameras barely registered. What did register was who the person was.
The last time Randy had seen Richard Hall, it was on a sidewalk. He had betrayed Randy out of spite. He had given Randy to Rebecca Pryce as a bargaining chip. Randy had escaped. They had gone at it. But...Richard escaped as well. Quinn had said he had been left here with Ivy. Other than that, no one knew his fate.
Until now.
"You!" Randy snapped.
Then...he lunged forward.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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