FADE IN:
EXT. SNACK BAR - DAY
A hot and dry day. From as far as the eye can see, it looks to be a desert. There are no buildings around except for a small shack serving food surrounded by some picnic benches. The picnic benches are surrounded by many many people.
QUINN, WADE, REMBRANDT and ARTURO approach the shack, overheated and exhausted. They each have their sleeves rolled up and their jackets tied around their waists.
QUINN
(Out of breath; he checks his watch)
Just a couple more minutes, guys
REMBRANDT
Man, I'm getting even with you, Q-Ball
(He wipes the sweat off his face)
This world's so hot, I'm crying real tears
WADE
That's what happens when there's twenty billion people on the planet
QUINN
Come on guys, there's a shack right up ahead
The four sliders come up to the shack. Quinn, Wade and Rembrandt each grab a seat at one of the picnic tables while Arturo goes up to the shack. The CASHIER looks bored and suffering from the effects of heat stroke.
CASHIER
How may I help you?
ARTURO
Yes, my good sir. I would like four waters please
CASHIER
Yeah, no problem. First I'm going to need to see a doctor's note verifying that if you don't get the water in the next five minutes, you're going to die
ARTURO
Next five minutes? You blistering idiot! This is completely preposterous!
CASHIER
And that'll be fifty bucks please
ARTURO
Blasted world...
Arturo sighs and joins the others at the picnic table.
WADE
No water?
ARTURO
Not unless you wish to miss the slide
REMBRANDT
Man, I'm telling you. The next world better be a never-ending swimming pool
Quinn checks the timer.
QUINN
Just hang in there, Rembrandt
REMBRANDT
Screw this, I'm dying here
Rembrandt gets up and goes over to the snack bar.
REMBRANDT
Okay, listen up, my man-
CASHIER
I already told your friend. I can't give you any water until you present a doctor's note verifying that's it a medical emergency
REMBRANDT
Okay, what about the Pepsi?
CASHIER
Same deal
REMBRANDT
Is there anything I don't need to provide a doctor's note for?
CASHIER
A kiddie-sized ice cream cone filled with warm melted ice cream
REMBRANDT
Screw it, I'll take it
CASHIER
Yeah, that'll be five dollars
Rembrandt turns to his friends, expectantly.
WADE
Look, I got ten dollars but there's no way I'm wasting it on a lousy ice cream cone
REMBRANDT
Come on, girl. I'll pay you back on the next world
Wade sighs. She takes out a ten dollar bill out of her jacket pocket and throws it towards Remmy. He catches it with a smile.
WADE
Yeah well, you're giving me half
Rembrandt turns back towards the cashier. He gives him the money and in return, he is handed a very small ice cream cone filled with melted ice cream. It's even dripping down the sides of the cone.
As he leaves the cash and starts heading back towards his friends, a FRENZY OF VULTURES come out of nowhere and attack Rembrandt for the ice cream! He tries holding it up high in the air, but all of the people make a grab for it.
He's lost in the crowd. At this moment, Quinn notices the timer has a few seconds left. He, Wade and Arturo get up to go activate the vortex.
QUINN
Rembrandt! Rembrandt, come on!
Rembrandt is able to crawl out from under the crowd. His shirt now has a few rips in it. It's almost like they were attacking a well known celebrity. Once he's out of the crowd, the people are still on the ground going after the ice cream.
REMBRANDT
Get me out of here, Q-Ball
Quinn activates the timer and a swirling blue vortex opens up. Luckily, no one nearby noticed it.
Rembrandt headed first and jumped into the portal followed by Wade. Arturo jumped in after and Quinn was last.
CUT TO:
SLIDE TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAY
It looks as if it were a normal street at some point in time. But now it is covered with snow and ice. Cars are abandoned on the road, each stuck in a few metres high of snow. Street lamp posts have been knocked to the ground and are months beyond repair. A few buildings, covered in snow and frost sit in the distance. The GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, the ever present San Francisco landmark, one again, covered in ice, sits in the far background. It almost looks as if no one is here.
The swirling blue vortex opens up and spits out the four sliders. They all hit the ice-ridden ground awkwardly and sit up, rubbing their sore spots.
ARTURO
Agh! Blasted ice! It's a wonder I haven't cracked my head already
WADE
It sure is cold here
The chilled air of this new world hits them immediately and they all pull off their jackets from their waists and button them up. The timer has since fallen out of Quinn's hand and lays sprawled out on the ground.
QUINN
Everybody okay?
ARTURO
That depends by your definition of 'okay.' Right now, I could be by a beach sipping Saki, but no, I'm about to be frozen to death in the middle of a full scale nuclear winter!
QUINN
Take it easy, professor. We're going to get nowhere here by arguing
Quinn picks the timer off the ground and to his dismay, the screen is blank. He tries tapping on the side of it to try and get it to make some sort of reaction, but to no avail.
REMBRANDT
How long we here for, Q-Ball?
WADE
Please don't say it's long
QUINN
Well when I get an answer for you, I'll tell you
ARTURO
What do you mean?
QUINN
The timer's not turning on. The subzero temperatures must have frozen the chip inside preventing it from working
REMBRANDT
Wait a minute, you mean we're stuck here?!
QUINN
Look, all the timer needs I think is a new chip replacement. If we could find something then maybe not
WADE
Quinn, if you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of snow storm
ARTURO
(sighs)
Not a snowstorm, Miss. Welles. A snow storm would actually imply it were snowing feverishly
WADE
Whatever. Look, the timer may be messed up, Quinn but we have got to go
QUINN
Can't do that, Wade. Look, we don't know what this world is like. Why don't you and Rembrandt go check out those buildings and find us some shelter. The Professor and I will go see if there's some place that can replace this chip
REMBRANDT
Look, just do something to get us out of this place, okay?
ARTURO
Mr. Brown, we will be doing all that we can
QUINN
Alright guys. If you can't find anything by the time we're back, we'll meet outside of that church building over there
Quinn points to a frozen-off CHURCH in the distance, behind Wade and Rembrandt.
QUINN
With any luck, we can find something that we can use to fix the timer and we'll be out of here before we know it
REMBRANDT
(Sighs)
Yeah. Okay
QUINN
Great. Come on, Professor
Quinn and Arturo head off, while Wade and Rembrandt start walking towards the buildings in front of them, in the opposite direction of the others.
REMBRANDT
Man, and I thought the last world was hell. Heck, this reminds me of that first world we got stranded on. My caddy to be left and eaten by a tornado
WADE
Well maybe we won't be here long
REMBRANDT
Yeah, wasn't it some crazy genius who said that last time? I mean, there I was. Minding my own business-
WADE
(Cuts him off)
Rembrandt. Knock it off
REMBRANDT
Yeah well those two eggheads better get us off this world soon is what I'm telling you. The Cryin' Man's not ready to be a frozen icicle today
CUT TO:
EXT. FACTORY - DAY
Quinn and Arturo stand outside a large, dark building. Quinn, with his frosted fingers, wipes some of the snow off of the label on the building. It is then readed out as MOTOROLA FACTORY.
The two share a quick glance, as they pull open the factory door with considerable effort. They go inside.
INT. FACTORY - DAY
The place looks deserted. There are tables lined up everywhere with some frosted over equipment on them. The two sliders start to walk through, whilst shivering.
ARTURO
I don't think we're going to find anything here
QUINN
If we could just find some sort of a chip...
Quinn begins shoving the snow to the ground, as he takes a closer look at the equipment on the tables.
Alas, he finds a row of small microchips on the table that look like the one used to power the timer.
QUINN
Professor-
Arturo walks over to where Quinn is. He notices the microchips laid out on the table.
ARTURO
Yes. These microchips are identical to the ones used to power the timer, correct?
Quinn finds a chair in the factory. He pulls it up to the table and grabs a seat. He lays the timer out on the desk and begins taking it apart.
QUINN
See if you can find some tools or something
Arturo goes looking around at the tables in the factory. As he comes across some frosted over tools along the way, he passes them back to Quinn in the process.
Quinn, meanwhile, has taken the timer apart and is now dissecting the pieces one by one.
QUINN
I was right. The subzero temperatures must have frozen over the chip to cause it to be immobile. Only question is, why didn't this happen before?
Arturo has now joined Quinn's side, looking over his shoulder as he dissects the pieces.
ARTURO
I believe this world's climatic crisis is more of a somewhat recent effect. As I can recall, that first world we slid into was less cold, and the timer was mostly hidden away in your jacket during that time
Quinn uses the work tools to remove the frozen microchip from the timer. Please note, the microchip that was inside the timer is black to the core, while the majority of the microchips laying out on the table have a shiny look to them.
QUINN
What do you think could have caused this earth to plummet into a Nuclear Winter?
ARTURO
Well, my boy. I believe this would cause for some further research
Quinn takes one of the microchips laying out on the table, and puts it into the timer before closing it up. To his surprise, the readout is still blank. He taps the side of it a couple of times to see if he can get it to budge, but it does nothing.
QUINN
Something's wrong. It's not turning on
ARTURO
Try a different microchip
Quinn begins taking the timer apart again.
QUINN
Well how do we know these chips haven't been frozen over as well?
ARTURO
I believe the roof is acting dormant enough to prevent these microchips from seeing the same fate as the one in the timer. Of course, the heater may not be in effect, but the roof's en circulation might be what's preventing the cold temperatures from reaching the core functions of the chips
Quinn begins inserting another different microchip into the timer and closing it up again.
Once again, the screen is blank so he taps the side of it a couple of times. No dice.
QUINN
Theoretically, these should be the same chips that are used to power the timer. So what could be having this effect?
Arturo starts examining the remaining microchips laying out on the desk. This is when he notices the slight colour difference.
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory. These microchips, while almost identical, have a shiner tint to it
QUINN
Well that would probably make sense, right? We've been using the timer for so long, some tear is bound to have happened to it's system
ARTURO
Quite possibly. But it would appear that the colour of the microchip used in the timer has been that way for some time, which brings route to the theory that there was a flaw in the microchip to begin with in order for it to take on this effect
QUINN
Of course. Due to its haywiring, it was able to short circuit, thus allowing us to open gateways to different worlds
ARTURO
Quite so. Now the only problem would be to find a microchip with the same short circuit as the one used in the timer
Quinn and Arturo start examining all of the microchips laid out on the desk.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
The place is frozen and looks to be deserted. The church benches are still set up like normal, only they are frosted over to the extreme. Many of the bibles are still laid out open, but heavy amounts of frost have rendered them unreadable.
Wade and Rembrandt pull open the door, and enter the building, whilst shivering.
WADE
(Calling out)
Hello?
REMBRANDT
Girl, I don't think anybody's home
WADE
There are people here. I know it
Suddenly, they hear a voice from offscreen coming from down below.
VOICE (O.S)
Someone there?
WADE
(To Rembrandt)
Down below
Wade and Remmy move towards where the voice is coming from. In the corner of the room, they see a hatch, opening up a door down below.
Wade pulls open the door with considerable effort. It opens up to a room down below. Standing there, staring back at the two of them is none other than a double of Quinn Mallory-QUINN 2. His hair is longer and he wears glasses. He's also dressed in a heavy duty winter jacket and gloves.
QUINN 2
What are you people doing up there? You'll freeze to death
REMBRANDT
Yeah, and you suppose it's safer down there. You and your backwards freezing society
QUINN 2
Here, come down. We've got plenty of blankets to go around
Quinn 2 begins helping Wade and Rembrandt down into the room below.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
After Quinn's double closes the hatch behind him, Wade and Rembrandt take a moment to stare in awe at the room down below.
It's slightly bigger than the church is, although it looks to be small because it is filled to the brim with people huddled around in blankets. A makeshift heater is seen in the corner of the room, but it does not appear to be blaring too many heat waves towards the folks. There are kids running around playing with toys and chasing each other. Adults sit down, eating tuna out of a can. In the far corner of the room, away from everybody else, there are coils and some technology there. It looks eerie similar to Quinn's technology down in his basement back home. A saddened feeling begins to sink over our slider's faces.
QUINN 2
Well. Make yourselves at home. Although be aware that if you're going to eat the yogurt, it expired two days ago
WADE
(Looks around)
Is this all of you?
QUINN 2
Just about. Why?
Quinn 2 crosses over to his equipment in the corner of the room. Wade follows him as a LITTLE KID, who looks mildly like Rembrandt in the face, comes up to him.
KID
You remind me of my daddy
Rembrandt is mildly touched by the sentiment. He kneels down to the kid's level.
REMBRANDT
Yeah well where's your daddy now? Do you need help finding him?
Tears begin to well up in the kids eyes.
KID
He's dead
REMBRANDT
What's your name, little fella?
KID
M-Malcom. Malcolm Brown
Rembrandt gets a look of realization in his eyes. This kid was his double's.
REMBRANDT
How did your daddy die, Malcolm?
MALCOLM
The snow thing. Mommy explained it better but there was this big thing and then bam! Now it's cold
REMBRANDT
You mentioned your mother. Who's your mommy?
MALCOLM
D-Danielle
REMBRANDT
(Remembering)
Danielle... Is she here?
Tears begin to well up in Malcolm's eyes.
MALCOLM
T-two w-weeks ago...s-she d-died
Rembrandt grabs the little boy's hand and gives it a comforting squeeze to comfort him.
REMBRANDT
How did she die?
MALCOLM
Hypo...Hypo...The tall man with the glasses explained it better
He points to Quinn 2 over in the corner.
REMBRANDT
Hypothermia?
MALCOLM
T-that's it
REMBRANDT
Well Malcolm...I am a friend of your father's. I was sent here to protect you and let you know that everything is going to be alright
MALCOLM
Do you want to play catch?
REMBRANDT
Of course I do
Back with Wade and Quinn 2...
WADE
(Re: The equipment)
Well if you're a slider then why don't you just slide out of here?
QUINN 2
(Perplexed)
Slider?
WADE
Uh. Nevermind
QUINN 2
I've been studying interdimensional travel to see if there was some way I could get everyone here off this earth but so far..no dice
WADE
What happened to this world anyways?
QUINN 2
Well you remember Comet Hyakutake from a few months ago?
WADE
Yeah but on our world, it missed the earth and it had no effect
QUINN 2
You're from a parallel world?
Wade nods.
QUINN 2
Well here it hit earth head on. The dust and debris left over from the impact rose up into the atmosphere, plummeting us into this climatic state. Most people died from the collision
WADE
That must have been terrible
QUINN 2
It was. I lost both my parents from the comet...but you're really from a parallel world? That must be fantastic! You got to tell me everything
CUT TO:
EXT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
Wade stands outside as Quinn and Arturo approach her.
QUINN
Where's Rembrandt?
WADE
Inside. Look, Quinn. We need to talk
QUINN
Us first. Look, at the factory, we managed to find a microchip that worked in our timer that happened to have a bigger data storage space
WADE
So?
ARTURO
Well essentially, Miss. Welles, this chip would be able to sustain a greater strain, and thus give us the ability to store interdimensional coordinates
QUINN
Assuming there's a me on the next world, I might be able to connect it to their sliding equipment. Since our timer is still linked to my sliding machine back home, I might be able to configure it so I can download our home coordinates onto our timer. We're going home!
WADE
Hold that thought, guys...
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
The place is still the same. Remmy is playing catch with Malcolm in one corner of the room. In the far corner, Quinn 2 is still examining his equipment. Wade, Arturo and Quinn climb down into the basement and head towards Quinn 2.
Quinn 2 looks up from his equipment. He's in awe over seeing his double. He heads towards the sliders.
QUINN 2
Of course!
ARTURO
Yes. Mr. Mallory, I presume. I understand that you are in charge of all these people here?
QUINN 2
It was the only place just big enough to fit everyone. Most of the buildings were destroyed by the comet
Quinn catches a look at his double's equipment.
QUINN
How long have you been working on this?
QUINN 2
About a year now. There's just one missing piece
He gestures to a black board filled with equations. Aside from the frost, it looks eerie similar to the black board in Quinn's basement from the Pilot. Even at the end of it, there is an equal sign followed by three question marks.
QUINN 2
You would think after all this time, I'd be able to crack it. Some genius...
QUINN
I might just have the solution...
Quinn picks up a piece of chalk and the board eraser. He erases the question marks and with the chalk, he fills in the answer, being the answer that his double gave him in the beginning. He also decides to draw a happy face next to it just for fun.
QUINN 2
Of course! It was with me all along! So how long have you guys been traveling between worlds for?
QUINN
Probably somewhere close to two years now maybe. But we didn't intend to originally. On our first world, we had to activate the timer early and we lost our home coordinates
QUINN 2
So you're lost?
ARTURO
That would be correct. Yes
QUINN 2
I've been hoping I could find some place for us to settle. No one's going to survive much down here
The four of them look solemnly over at the other residents inside the basement with them. There's a baby crying while the mother fails to console them. A little aways, there's a man looking deathly ill, coughing his lungs out, while trying not to spread his germs to the others near him. At this moment, Quinn 2 looks up at the sliders with hope in his eyes.
QUINN 2
But you! Maybe you guys can help me. Help me give these people a chance
QUINN
Well with connecting our timer to your machine, we might be able to create a big enough wormhole that can send everyone through. How many people are here?
QUINN 2
A hundred and forty six. Hundred and fifty including the four of you guys
QUINN
But...
ARTURO
But it would be putting a greater strain on the microchip, thus burning it out. We would lose the opportunity to store coordinates and we would be back to random sliding
Quinn 2 looks extremely disappointed.
QUINN
Let me see what we can do
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
The sliders stand around in the church, discussing what to do regarding their impending situation.
WADE
Well are you insane? We have to help them
ARTURO
Miss. Welles, we are tourists! We have no obligation to these people, arego we should not get involved
WADE
So you don't care that everyone here's gonna die on some frozen ice block, huh? How would you feel if that were you?
REMBRANDT
Look, I don't know about you guys, but I got a child here. His parents are dead and if we're the only ones who can help him out, I say so be it
ARTURO
Just think about what you are giving up here. We have a very close opportunity to make it home sooner than we expected
WADE
How much time is left on the timer?
QUINN
(Checks the timer)
Two days
ARTURO
Think about it!
QUINN
Wade's right, Professor. If there's a way for us to help these people, we owe it to them
REMBRANDT
But what about home? We can take Malcolm with us and-
WADE
We'll make it someday, Rembrandt. I know we will
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
The next day. Quinn 2's sliding equipment and blackboard has been moved up here, as well as, all of the people. Also in the church, fit two small sized canoe's. These will be used to put personal supplies into for the trip, as evidenced by a few blankets being stored in there already.
QUINN
Okay, assuming our calculations are correct, the wormhole will be big enough to squeeze all of us through plus whatever you guys decide to take with you to the new world. Of course our timer works on the Helix Spiral so we can't use that to find a new world. But with this-
He takes out an identical Motorola cellular phone model resembling the timer. Except this one we can tell is different because it is not counting down.
QUINN
My double and I spent all night building this one. We can use it to find a new world for everyone here to settle into. Alright, I've set the timer for fifteen minutes. Enough time to do some exploring and if it's a dangerous world, I can get out quickly. Assuming it's safe, I'll come back and we can look into it further. Alright. Fingers crossed
Quinn takes the new timer and opens up the vortex. He starts heading for it.
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory-
Quinn turns around at the mention of his name. Arturo puts his hand on his shoulder and gives him a fatherly smile.
ARTURO
Good luck, my boy
Quinn nods and smiles. He heads for the vortex and jumps through.
Arturo turns his attention back towards the large group of people.
ARTURO
Well I believe we should split ourselves into two and decide what things we should take with us, shall we?
WADE
Good thinking. Remmy and I will take half and you and Quinn can take the other half
QUINN 2
A hundred and forty six divided by two. That's seventy three. Alright guys. We'll take one canoe-
Quinn 2 drags one of the small canoes with him over to one side of the church.
QUINN 2
Great. Seventy three over on that side. Seventy three over here with the professor and I
The two groups begin to assemble. Many of the people move over to the left side of the room with Wade and Rembrandt, while the other half move over to the right side with Quinn 2 and the professor.
CUT TO:
SLIDE TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. NATIVE RESERVE - DAY
The sky is clear blue with a few fluffy white clouds in the mix. As far as the eye can see, the area is a green field with lots of trees and bushes. A lake is off in the far distance. No houses anywhere. Across the field, there are small white tipi's perched up with sticks.
The wormhole spits out Quinn right into the bushes. He quickly stands up and brushes himself off, as he heads his bearings.
From across the land, A NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN begins charging out, on horseback. She is dressed in the traditional headdress and her hair is tied back in two braids. Her clothes are seen to all be made out of buckskin and she wears moccasins on her feet. The hand that is not holding onto the horse's reins, is holding onto a spear.
Quinn and the Native quickly lock eyes. He stands there like a deer in the headlights waiting for her to do something. The native gets her spear ready and aims it at Quinn. Quinn, in a quick bit of thinking, puts his hands in the air to signal that he doesn't want any trouble.
The Native slowly pulls her spear up, as Quinn very slowly, puts his hands back down. She takes a moment to study his clothing, on point realising that it is nothing compared to anything she has seen before.
NATIVE
(Spoken in Indigenous language)
Go! This land is taken!
The Native quickly rallies up her horse, and continues on her journey.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
We cut back to the people on the frozen world. Wade and Rembrandt deal with one half of the people, while Arturo and Quinn 2 deal with the other half.
MALCOLM
But why can't I take my baseball collection?!
Rembrandt kneels down to the kid's level and puts his hand on his shoulder.
REMBRANDT
Malcolm...There is only so much stuff which will be able to fit in the canoe. We have to make the room for the important stuff and the rest of everybody
MALCOLM
But this IS important! This ball right here was signed by Mickey Mantle and it was given to me by my daddy!
Malcolm holds up one of the balls in Rembrand's face. Remmy's torn. He doesn't know what to do.
REMBRANDT
Well you can take one ball with you but the others have to stay
Malcolm starts to break down in tears. Rembrandt puts a comforting arm around the kid.
REMBRANDT
Hey hey hey. Everything's going to be alright now
MALCOLM
I just wish I could have said goodbye to my daddy one last time!
REMBRANDT
Yes, well your daddy's watching you from up there
Rembrandt points to tky sky.
REMBRANDT
He knows in his heart how much you miss him. How much you love him
MALCOLM
I got a C in math class. Daddy told me I could do better and I yelled at him. I was trying and he didn't realise it. I told him I hated him and then the thingy came. My daddy died thinking I hated him
REMBRANDT
Hey hey hey, little fella. Even though you guys had a fight, your daddy still knew how much you loved him, and he loved you too. Sometimes people just say things they don't mean. Hell, I know your daddy and I know he got a hell of a lot of C's in school himself
MALCOLM
Mommy wouldn't talk to me for days. She said it was my fault!
REMBRANDT
You know she didn't mean that. Like I said, people say things they don't mean. She was hurting too
Malcolm wipes his eyes.
MALCOLM
I just wish I could talk to him one last time
Remmy's torn. He struggles to find the right words to comfort the kid.
REMBRANDT
Now your daddy may not be here, but he will always be up there
He points to the sky again.
REMBRANDT
Every second. From the minute you get up, to brush your teeth, to help out however you can, he's watching you. And he's proud of you to know you're dealing with this the best you can. Because you're strong. More strong then he ever was. And even in the next world, he's going to keep watching you
MALCOLM
You promise?
REMBRANDT
Hey, Q-Ball's off scouting for new worlds right now. Whatever he finds, he'll find a good one and your daddy will follow you there
Malcolm nods. He puts his other balls away while he puts the important one inside the canoe.
Meanwhile with the other group...
A RICH MAN decked out in gold chains is trying to put a full-fledged stereo into their canoe.
ARTURO
You blistering idiot! You truly believe this is more important than the last bit of food you should be taking?
RICH MAN
Well who knows? The next world might be some Footloose place where all music is banned
ARTURO
You should be focusing more on the most important items
At this moment, a TEENAGE GIRL comes up and tries putting in a large crate.
ARTURO
My dear child. And what would this be?
TEENAGE GIRL
Get lost old man! You're not my dad!
ARTURO
I beg your pardon
TEENAGE GIRL
I'm only taking the essentials. My makeup plus some outfits and of course a few bottles of booze
ARTURO
God help us...
CUT TO:
SLIDING TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. WAR ZONE - DAY
The sky is grey. Few buildings are still propped up, as there are pieces of concrete littered all over the ground. The place looks destroyed. There are explosions going on from all directions, as many people dressed in camouflage outfits, shoot at each other with guns. It is evident we have landed in the middle of a war.
The wormhole spits out Quinn right in the middle of enemy lines. Upon realising what he has gotten himself into, he quickly darts over to safety. As he is running, however, a bullet is shot out and SKIMS by his arm!
He reacts in pain as he finds a small hideout away from the shooting. He checks his arm to make sure no serious damage has been done. He sees a small trickle of blood emanating from his wound. He applies pressure to it with his hand, as he checks the timer.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
Back with the others on Comet World...
TEENAGE GIRL
Look, I don't care! My makeup is important. Who knows? There might be cute boys on the next world
ARTURO
Madam. Just think about the consequences of your actions. Now you are-
RICH MAN
Hey, look, there's enough blankets to go around, right? I say so be it. We don't need to bring EVERYBODY
QUINN 2
Guys, we are all getting off this world together while you like it or not. So just quit your bickering, pack the essentials and let's get moving
RICH MAN
Look man, I know what the deal is. You just want to take your super high tech gizmo with you, don't you?
QUINN 2
That's not the point, Frank
FRANK
You know what? You always like to be in charge. Well how do we even know you're going to get us off this world safely, huh? Weren't you just a college student?
ARTURO
Sir! I would ask you to please bring your tone down to a minimum. Now he is the only one who can get you to safety. Think about the consequences of your actions here
FRANK
We've survived this long. I don't see why some others can't stay
Meanwhile with the other group...
Wade is helping take care of the SICK GUY. She massage's his shoulders as he tries to pack the food.
SICK GUY
(Sneezes)
You think they'll have cold medicine on the next world?
WADE
For your sake, I hope so
SICK GUY
So what's it like traveling from world to world?
WADE
Well there's never a dull moment. I can tell you that
The sick guy sneezes again. Wade passes him a tissue.
SICK GUY
Thanks. You know I just hope this food will last us over there
WADE
Well hopefully Quinn finds you guys a nice world
SICK GUY
You've been to a lot of bad worlds?
WADE
Not necessarily bad but it always helps to know what kind of place you've gotten yourself into
SICK GUY
You know, I've never traveled out of the country before. I was supposed to take a trip to Canada on business but then the comet came
WADE
Well this will be like a new opportunity or you. You can think of it sort of like a different country but with just still being in San Francisco
SICK GUY
(Sneezes)
You got any advice?
WADE
Probably a good one would be don't try to force your values onto a world that may not be ready for it
SICK GUY
Is that how you guys have landed into trouble in the past?
WADE
More times then you can count
The sick guy packs the last of the tinned food into the canoe as he gives Wade a smile.
CUT TO:
SLIDING TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. SPRING FIELD - DAY
A seemingly paradise planet. The sky is a clear crystal blue with little to no clouds in the sky. As far as the eye can see, the field is covered with nice green grass. A few fully bloomed trees sit in the distance. Along the field, there are rows of beautiful flowers of all sorts of colours.
The wormhole drops Quinn right in the middle of the field. He quickly stands up to get his bearings, whilst still holding onto his injured arm.
Seeing this fresh change of scenery, he begins to take a walk through the field. He runs his hands along the grass and the pretty flowers. He scans the area to see if anybody is coming, and then smiles to himself upon realising that he is alone out here.
A BLUE JAY flies into the screen. He lands himself perched on Quinn's head. Quinn doesn't flinch, as he looks up at the creature. The bird quickly flies off his head and off into the distance.
As Quinn takes his time to watch the bird fly away, the timer beeps. He takes it out of his pocket and takes a look at it. It counts up to five minutes and the vortex opens up behind him, pulling him through.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
Back with the others. The canoe on the side with Quinn 2 and the professor is filled to the brim with unnecessary stuff like books and electronic equipment. The canoe on the other side with Wade and Remmy is filled with essentials like food and blankets. Many other items sit outside on the floor and the church benches.
After dealing with their group, Arturo crosses over to Wade and Rembrandt. Wade stops massaging the sick man's shoulders as she looks up at the professor.
WADE
What's going on over there?
ARTURO
It seems these imbeciles would rather leave people behind so a rubbage adolescent can bring a whole makeup kit
WADE
Well did you tell them that's not going to happen?
ARTURO
Just make sure your group knows what's what
At this moment, the wormhole opens up and spits out Quinn. He brushes himself off as he staggers up to his double.
QUINN
Alright, I found one world that seems to be alright
QUINN 2
(Re: Quinn's wound)
You sure about that?
Quinn tears out a page in one of the open frosted over bibles. He uses it as a napkin as he wipes away the remnants of the blood.
QUINN
No way to be for sure though, but it looks peaceful enough
QUINN 2
Maybe you and your friends can check it over later tonight to make sure everything's all good
Arturo walks up to shake Quinn's hand.
ARTURO
Enjoy your little trip, Mr. Mallory?
QUINN
It was alright. So what's going on around here?
Wade has come to join the two as well.
WADE
Trouble. That's what
Quinn takes a moment to look around the room at the people fighting on Quinn 2's side. He sees their canoe filled to the brim with unimportant junk. He gets the picture.
QUINN
Alright, we'll take care of it when these guys are asleep
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - NIGHT
Nighttime has fallen upon. All of the citizens sit huddled around in blankets, sleeping. The sliders are creeping towards the hatch as Rembrandt tucks Malcolm in to make sure he's warm enough.
QUINN
(Whispering)
Rembrandt! Come on!
Rembrandt stands up and follows the rest of his friends.
The four of them quietly open up the hatch and climb themselves up to the top.
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - NIGHT
Quinn 2 is up above tending to his sliding equipment. The sliders come on over to the canoe by his side and begin to take the unnecessary stuff out of it.
WADE
Where are we putting this stuff?
QUINN 2
You can store it outside. They won't find it
REMBRANDT
Hey man, look. I mean should we really be destroying these people's things? I mean if they really want it, we should let them take it, right?
ARTURO
Those scoundrels? They deserve what's coming to them
WADE
Maybe the next world will be super high-tech or something
QUINN
I don't think it's like that, Wade
Arturo goes to hold open the door. As the harsh winds come blowing into the church, Quinn, Wade and Rembrandt begin picking up the stereos and make-up kits and stuff, and begin walking out with it.
REMBRANDT
Well I mean, look. I let Malcolm keep one of his baseballs. Maybe some of this stuff is really valuable, who knows?
QUINN
What's more important? Your life or a pair of shoes you haven't worn in five years?
REMBRANDT
Well I mean, you do have a point there
WADE
Well why don't we let these people choose for themselves?
ARTURO
You're given a chance to choose. You spit on it as if it were dust. Arego you deserve the consequences
QUINN 2
Besides, we need more room for the rest of the food and and supplies
Quinn, Wade and Rembrandt leave with the unnecessary equipment. Arturo, still holding open the door, turns his attention towards Quinn's double.
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory. I don't think I ever told you about how brave of a role you've taken upon yourself
QUINN 2
I lost everything with the comet. My parents. My friends. If I can't get the last of these people to safety, then I don't know what's left
ARTURO
You have been through a great deal of hardship. I know
QUINN 2
I don't think I can ever really thank you guys for what you're giving up here
ARTURO
Yes, well we've been lost for quite sometime now. If we can give these people a home that is in at the very least somewhat habitable, then that is what's important
QUINN 2
You think you're going to make it home someday?
ARTURO
Oh, lord, we can only hope so
Quinn, Wade and Rembrandt return back into the building empty handed. Arturo closes the door behind them. At this point, Quinn 2 hands them the second timer.
QUINN 2
Alright, you know what to do
QUINN
You sure you don't want to come with us?
QUINN 2
Who's going to hold down the fort?
ARTURO
We shall return momentarily
Quinn activates the timer. Wade jumps into the vortex first. Followed by Rembrandt and then the professor and finally, Quinn.
CUT TO:
SLIDING TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. SPRING FEILD - NIGHT
The same field we saw previously, only now it is in the dark. The wormhole opens up and spits out the sliders onto the grass.
ARTURO
Ah, finally! A soft landing!
REMBRANDT
Man, you really picked out a nice world here, huh, Q-Ball?
QUINN
Yeah, great, Rembrandt. Alright guys, just keep your eyes peeled for anything that might be dangerous
The sliders get up and begin walking through the fields.
WADE
Well this world looks peaceful enough. It's got flowers, trees. Doesn't look like anybody's going to be around to watch a hundred and fifty people come through out of nowhere
REMBRANDT
Yeah, if all our world's were like this, sliding wouldn't be half bad
Wade kneels down to examine one of the flowers. At this moment, it blooms to it's full size. Its true beauty for everyone to see on display.
But then as Wade starts to caress the flower, it starts releasing a mysterious substance.
ARTURO
Stand back, Miss. Welles!
She slowly backs away, to be helped to her feat by Quinn and Arturo.
The sliders get out of the projection line of the mysterious plant. Afterwards, Arturo gets to his knees and begins examining it closer. He takes the substance onto his fingers and smears them together.
QUINN
What is it, Professor?
ARTURO
I'm not sure. Some kind of drug perhaps
WADE
Anything dangerous?
ARTURO
It appears to be something similar to opium
REMBRANDT
Aw, man! So we have to abandon this world too, is that it?
The professor wipes his fingers off on the grass and stands up.
ARTURO
I believe so
WADE
Well it hasn't killed us yet. Maybe it won't be that dangerous for everyone else
QUINN
Regular opium can make people very sick. With the amounts that this flower would be shooting out, no human could withstand these amounts for a long time
WADE
Well just because it's similar to opium, doesn't mean it has the same effect, right?
QUINN
Maybe. Maybe not. But we can't put everyone else through the risk
REMBRANDT
Aw man
QUINN
I'll find a new world in the morning. Don't worry
REMBRANDT
We better find ourselves an actual vacation after this is what I'm saying
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - NIGHT
Quinn 2 has finished taking the last of the unnecessary junk outside. As he comes back inside and closes the door behind him, the vortex opens up and our sliders fall out. He notices the glum looks on their faces.
QUINN 2
No luck?
REMBRANDT
Hey, I mean, at least no one got shot, right?
ARTURO
Ha! Blasted world after blasted world. It's a wonder we haven't run into any worlds better than our own. Where technology is advanced in every way and they have a cure for rough landings
WADE
You would love that, wouldn't you, Professor?
ARTURO
But of course that only exists in our imaginations
QUINN 2
Well maybe sooner or later you'll be home and won't have to deal with the landings anymore
ARTURO
Yes, that would be the dream. Wouldn't it? And how are you coming along here, Mr. Mallory?
QUINN 2
The system's all in place. Once your timer reaches zero, we'll be able to connect it successfully to my equipment here and that will be that. Only now we just need a world
WADE
You going to miss this place?
QUINN 2
Most of what I had was killed months ago
REMBRANDT
Hey, man, but what you're doing here is pretty great. I mean, if I were in your place, I'd be cryin'
QUINN 2
Malcolm told me what a great guy his father was. It's pretty miraculous you were able to come here. It's been pretty hard on the kid
REMBRANDT
Look, you'll take care of him when you get to the new world, right?
QUINN 2
That's what I've been doing. Taking care of people
WADE
You've really been doing a lot here
QUINN 2
These people have lost everything, and now they're about to lose their home. They look to me like I've got all the answers. They need me, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to give them everything they need
QUINN
I know what you mean
QUINN 2
It's just if I screw up, who knows what will happen? These people won't even see the light of day and the deaths of over a hundred people will be on my hands
Wade gives Quinn 2 a hug.
WADE
You're doing all you can. That's what anyone can ask for. Everything's going to be great. I know it will
She releases him as the sliders begin to head towards the basement hatch.
As they walk away, Arturo gives Quinn 2 a pat on the shoulder.
ARTURO
Get some rest, Mr. Mallory. You're going to need it
The group walk away leaving Quinn's double in the dark with his thoughts.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - NIGHT
The place is dark and almost everyone is nuzzled in blankets, asleep. Rembrandt sleeps next to Malcolm. The boy's head is perched up against the older man's chest. Arturo sleeps in the far corner away from everyone, where the sliding equipment used to be. Quinn and Wade sit up in a sleeping position against the wall.
WADE
Quinn-
Quinn turns his head to face her.
WADE
I know what most of what you're double said is how you feel
QUINN
It's my fault you're in this mess. If I had been more careful-
WADE
Hey, wasn't I involved in that too, remember? Our little spin around the universe
QUINN
Easy for you to say. You're my responsibility. If something ever happens to you guys, it's on me
WADE
Quinn, maybe you need to stop putting so much pressure on yourself
QUINN
And do what, Wade? Go relax while the three of you get put into some danger and then I can't get you out. That's no better than being the murderer myself
WADE
We're going to make it home, Quinn
QUINN
Easier said than done
WADE
Look, it may not be tomorrow or the next day or the day after that, but sometime or another, we'll get home
QUINN
You don't know that
WADE
You're going to get us through this, Quinn. Inventing sliding was the tough part. If you can do that, then anything's possible for you
QUINN
(Smiles)
How do you know just what to say sometimes?
Wade gives her cheeky little shrug.
QUINN
Goodnight, Wade
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
The next day. All of the people have gathered together. The canoes are all filled with the necessary supplies. In the back of one canoe sits Quinn 2's sliding equipment. Quinn takes the second timer in his hands and gets ready to go.
QUINN
Alright, alright, guys. Time's running low so whatever world this timer drops me to next, might have to be home
WADE
Quinn, let me go with you
QUINN
No, you need to stay here. If it's dangerous, I'll be able to get out quickly
QUINN 2
You'll find one, Quinn. I trust you
Quinn smiles. He activates the timer and the vortex opens up. He jumps through it.
CUT TO:
SLIDING TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. CLIFFSIDE - DAY
The place looks to be as if it were in Prince Edward Island or Scotland. The skies are beautiful. They are a light blue with a nice aura of white clouds scattered around. There is a grassy field facing over a clear blue lake. The rocks climbing up the cliff are a rusty red, like something you would see in Arizona. Across the acres of grass, there is an old fashioned cobblestone road.
The wormhole opens up and spits out Quinn a little over the edge of the cliff. With all of his strength, he grabs onto the rocks.
He manages to pull himself up and climb up to the top. Once he is there, he takes a look around at the scenery here. There's a field of flowers in the distance which makes Quinn worried.
Suddenly, a horse drawn carriage rides by with a man inside. Quinn breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH BUILDING - DAY
Back in the church, everyone is preparing to go. Arturo and Quinn 2 are connecting the sliders timer to the equipment. Wade and Rembrandt are tending to the other civilians.
The wormhole opens up and Quinn comes through. The sliders and his double look up to him with hopeful smiles.
QUINN 2
You got it?
Quinn nods. The others' smiles grow bigger.
He heads over to his double and Arturo.
QUINN
Everything all set?
ARTURO
Daringly so, Mr. Mallory. We'll just need your final touch
Quinn takes his own timer and begins making the adjustments, inputting the coordinates from the last world that he visited.
Back over with Rembrandt and Malcolm...
MALCOLM
Is the trip going to be scary?
REMBRANDT
Only a little bit, but hey, that's natural. The worst part is landing on your butt
MALCOLM
Does it hurt?
REMBRANDT
A little bit, but hey. I'll let you in on a little secret. The tip is to find a fat Englishman to help cushion the landing
With Wade and the Sick Guy...
SICK GUY
You know, I never thought I'd see the light of day when we would be able to go outside again
WADE
Maybe some fresh air is what you need to make you feel better
SICK GUY
(Sneezess)
I hope so. Hey, maybe I'll even be able to find a wife there as well
WADE
I'm sure you will
QUINN
Alright, everyone. All systems are go
Quinn activates the timer. It opens up the vortex, but this time it's almost four times the size of the vortex regularly. It is able to cover the entire wall, blocking the door to the outside.
Wade and Rembrandt push one of the canoe's through- the one that does not have the sliding equipment inside.
Quinn waves his arms and gestures to the rest of everyone else who stare in awe at the vortex.
QUINN
That vortex is only going to stay open for sixty seconds! Now go!
A few people begin to take the leap into the vortex while some others stay behind.
QUINN
Go! Go!
The race is on. Everyone starts heading for it to jump through. One by one, the population in the room starts getting smaller. Rembrandt and Malcolm jump through together. Wade jumps through after the Sick Guy.
At last, the population dwindles until it is just the professor and the two Quinn's left. Arturo looks expectantly at Quinn, who waves his arms, shooing him towards the vortex in return.
QUINN
Go, Professor! Go! Go!
Arturo takes a running start and jumps into the portal.
Quinn and his double each take a side of the canoe. They run with it towards the blue shimmering tunnel.
CUT TO:
SLIDING TUNNEL FOOTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. CLIFFSIDE - DAY
The vortex opens up over green acres of grass this time. Luckily no one is around to see as the large population come falling out of the portal.
They all roll on the ground, and over to the other side to make room for the next person after them.
Malcolm comes out and lands directly on Rembrandt.
MALCOLM
You're right, Remmy. That didn't hurt at all
Rembrandt groans in pain but still keeps up the spirit to chuckle at the kid.
REMBRANDT
Yeah well, not so great when you're the one getting landed on this time
At last, the last of everyone makes it through. The two Quinn's with the canoe being the last. There's a bit of a push from the air with them, but luckily they are able to stop right before going over the edge of the cliff.
Everyone composes themselves. They get up and begin to take a look around.
QUINN 2
What did you call that again?
QUINN
Sliding?
QUINN 2
Sliding? I like it
Quinn looks at his timer in a moment of sheer panic.
QUINN
Alright guys. Wade, Rembrandt, Professor. The next window's open in a minute and a half
REMBRANDT
Aw man. Not again
MALCOLM
Don't go, Remmy. Please
The little boy tugs at Rembrandt's jacket. Rembrandt looks expectantly at the sliders who have now gathered around for the next slide. They give him saddened looks.
In a quick moment, he kneels down to the kid's level.
REMBRANDT
I'm afraid I have to go, Malcolm. I'm sorry
MALCOLM
No..
REMBRANDT
Look, this is a brand new world with new opportunities. Quinn over there-
He points to Quinn 2.
REMBRANDT
He's going to take care of you. Think of him like your uncle
MALCOLM
But I don't want you to go. I want to stay with you
REMBRANDT
I know, but I'm sorry. But you know, wherever I end up, I'll think of you. You'll think about me too, right? I'll always be right here
He points to the kid's heart.
Malcolm latches onto him and gives him a big hug, which Remmy returns.
MALCOLM
Will I ever see you again?
REMBRANDT
I can't promise that...But I'm never going to forget you, Malcolm. I love you.. Just like I know your mommy and daddy do
Malcolm lets go of Rembrandt and wipes a tear from his eye. He goes over to the canoe while Remmy goes to join his friends for the slide.
Quinn activates the timer and the regular sized vortex opens up. Rembrandt is about to head through when...
MALCOLM
Remmy, wait!
He turns back around and sees Malcolm holding his baseball right out to him.
MALCOLM
I want you to have this
Hesitantly, Rembrandt takes the ball from the kid. Malcolm gives him a smile and a wave.
REMBRANDT
Good luck, everyone! We'll see you soon, Malcolm!
Rembrandt, with the ball in his hand, jumps through the vortex. Wade jumps in after him.
Quinn 2 comes walking up to the two remaining sliders.
Arturo shakes his hand.
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory. You have done a great deal of work. I wish you the best of luck in the remainder of your scientific pursuits
QUINN 2
Thanks, Professor. Good luck getting home
Arturo heads for the vortex and jumps through. Quinn 2 turns to his double.
QUINN
You going to keep sliding?
QUINN 2
Well right now, I got to get everyone settled, right? Hey, maybe someday down the line I'll catch up with you guys
QUINN
Make sure you never activate the timer too early. Oh, and remember your home coordinates
Quinn 2 smiles and nods.
Quinn looks around at everyone. He gives his double an approving nod before running into the vortex himself.
The vortex closes up with our sliders now gone. Everyone else is still in a shock of awe.
FADE OUT: