FADE IN:
EXT. WAR BATTLEFIELD - DAY
The city is under martial law. We hear the sound of constant gunfire coming from offscreen. Very few people about. Those we see scurry from cover to cover in the doorways. Most of the stores are closed up. We begin to see men in military uniforms - combat fatigues and blue United Nations helmets automatic rifles.
We see QUINN, WADE, REMBRANDT and ARTURO come running through the war torn streets, trying to get to safety. They have a sea of anxiety written across their faces, as they maneuver through the sound of gunfire.
WADE
How much time?
Quinn checks the timer.
QUINN
Fifty-three seconds
Arturo and Rembrandt are much farther ahead then the two youngest sliders.
REMBRANDT
Yo, come on, guys! We're going to make it!
The quartet continues to run, covering their ears from the sound of gunfire as they do so.
Arturo and Rembrandt make it around the corner as Quinn and Wade trail from behind.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a TALL MILITARY MAN comes bursting onto the scene. As Wade tries to run away, he quickly knocks her to the ground, throwing himself down as well!
WADE
Quinn!
Quinn turns back. In a quick bit of thinking, he picks up a wooden bat next to him and approaches the stranger carefully.
QUINN
Get away from her, man!
The man doesn't budge. We can't see Wade as she is under the man's clutches. Quinn swings his bat around in the air in an attempt to scare off the assailant.
QUINN
Now!
From off screen, the sound of more gun fire is heard. Another MAN dressed in a military outfit comes into view, gesturing with his hands to his friend on top of Wade.
MAN
Bill! Bill! Come on!
BILL quickly gets off of Wade and goes to join his friend. The two of them run OFF SCREEN as Quinn goes to help Wade to her feet.
From around the bend of the corner, Arturo and Rembrandt are waving their hands for the two of them to hurry up.
ARTURO
Quinn! Wade! Hurry!
The two hurry themselves and catch up to the older sliders. However, the four have to keep running.
As they run down the torn apart street, Quinn activates the timer from behind.
Rembrandt jumps in first, followed by Arturo.
The vortex starts to dwindle and we don't know if Quinn and Wade will make it through as we...
CUT TO:
INT. VORTEX
On the slide, whirling through it. But this vortex is deeply troubled. The colours are darker. There are flashes of lightning, and instead of the usual smooth ride through it, there are violent jerks up and down and around corners as if we're on an out of control roller coaster. We hear the SCREAMS coming from Arturo and Rembrandt as we watch this particularly gruesome slide.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS - EVENING
The sky here looks to have dark undertones and orange rays throughout. It's evident that we have arrived here during sunset hours. The streets look particularly old fashioned. The roads are narrow and made of cobblestone. The buildings look to have an ancient feel to it and are made of brick and wood. There is an open concept horse-drawn carriage parked on the side of the building. However, there is no horse attached to it. It looks like an old fashioned street in London.
The vortex appears. Even the opening is distorted, misshapen, and flashes of lightning pop out. It spits out Arturo and Rembrandt and they tumble onto the carriage. The two recover, each while rubbing their sore spots.
ARTURO
Agh! You kicked me in the ribs!
REMBRANDT
Look, this time that wasn't me, man
ARTURO
I swear, Mr. Brown, you aim at me deliberately!
REMBRANDT
Well don't look at me, professor. I'm not the genius who created that crazy caddy-sucking vortex
(A beat)
How much longer till the next window, Q-Ball?
No answer. The two of them look around. The vortex continues to whithe and flashes with light before it suddenly snaps shut. Quinn and Wade are nowhere in sight.
REMBRANDT
Man, where the hell are they?
ARTURO
(Yelling)
Mr. Mallory! Miss. Welles!
The two of them climb out of the carriage.
REMBRANDT
You think they missed the slide?
ARTURO
Alright, let's not over react. They probably just landed in some other part of the city
REMBRANDT
Yeah, you always say that, Professor, and then one of us always ends up invisible or being pulled on some crazy talk show
ARTURO
(Yelling)
Mr. Mallory! Miss. Welles!
REMBRANDT
Yeah well by the way this world looks already, there's no way I'm staying here for another twenty-nine years
ARTURO
We may not have a choice, Mr. Brown
REMBRANDT
(Yelling)
Wade? Hey, Q-Ball!
ARTURO
Alright, perhaps we should go into the city and hopefully later they will rendezvous with us at the Dominion Hotel
REMBRANDT
Yeah well I'm starting to get a weird vibe about this whole thing
Suddenly, behind them, the vortex opens up again. This time it looks normal and Quinn and Wade pop out. They land on the carriage like the two men previously before them. Remmy approaches the two and gives Quinn a big hug as the two younger sliders crawl out of the carriage.
REMBRANDT
Don't you never do that again, you hear?
He lets go of Quinn.
QUINN
I told you, Rembrandt. I can't control the landings
WADE
You guys okay? You both seem kind of spooked
REMBRANDT
Girl, we thought we lost you guys back in that crazy slide
WADE
The slide seemed pretty normal to me
QUINN
Yeah, actually felt a little smoother this time
ARTURO
No, there were two slides. One path Mr. Brown and I slid down. It was full of electrical charges and sharp turns. And yours I take it was the average slide
REMBRANDT
Yeah, it was like riding a mechanical bull. It was rough and there were flashing lights. It was like being on tour without all the thrills
WADE
What do you think could have caused that, Professor?
ARTURO
I'm not sure. Perhaps a sync desynchronization with the EM emissions in the air. Perhaps a malfunction with the timer. I believe we will find out soon enough
Quinn studies the timer.
QUINN
When we get to the hotel, I can open this thing up and see what's wrong
WADE
How much time left?
QUINN
Twelve hours
ARTURO
Yes, plenty of time for me to recover from that ill-mannered joy ride
The sliders begin to head down the street. Lots of people are seen walking by, but none of them gawk at the sliders' clothing. It appears the attire of this world is very similar to standard 1996 fashion. However, everyone is seen riding horse and buggies. No cars present. At the end of the street, there is a manure plow sitting next to a GENERAL STORE. The air looks filtered and polluted. It has an underlying grey tone to it.
REMBRANDT
Yeah, well I'm just glad to be out of that last world alive
Quinn turns to Wade, checking her over.
QUINN
You okay? That guy back there was pretty rough with you
Wade nods.
WADE
Come on, guys. Let's find a hotel before it gets dark
REMBRANDT
Well this is certainly not home, that's for sure
ARTURO
Yes. More 18th Century then 20th Century
REMBRANDT
Yeah, but at least the fashion's had an upgrade. That's for sure
As they walk down the street, they come by a Newspaper stand near the corner. Arturo grabs a paper out of the stack and gives it a quick scan with his eyes.
ARTURO
Good heavens! It appears there are only two billion people on this world
REMBRANDT
Yeah well, I hope this doesn't mean it's another world with a lottery death machine
WADE
Come on, Rembrandt. That world wasn't that bad
REMBRANDT
You try it, girl, to get turned in and driven to your death in the back of some bizarro death-mobile
Arturo looks up to his friends and begins to fold up the paper.
ARTURO
Yes well, lottery machine or not. I believe we better get off the streets. It there is a epidemic making its way through California
QUINN
Yeah well let's just hope my double isn't patient zero
The sliders cross the street and enter the Dominion Hotel.
INT. DOMINION LOBBY - EVENING
The lobby looks mostly the same as it does in every world, albeit a little more old fashioned and tidy. A huge Christian Cross hangs on the wall behind the check-in desk. It doesn't look very busy. The familiar clerk, GOMEZ CALHOUN stands behind the desk as usual. The sliders approach him.
GOMEZ CALHOUN
Can I help you folks?
ARTURO
Yes, my good man. We would like a room please
REMBRANDT
Yeah, a suite if available
GOMEZ CALHOUN
Oh well we haven't had any visitors here in a while. Mass is nine-thirty AM on Sundays
Gomez begins to check them in and get their keys ready as Quinn turns to Wade, concerned. She has taken to rubbing her head.
QUINN
Woah. You okay?
WADE
I don't know. I just feel dizzy
Quinn lets Wade lean on him as Gomez hands the room keys to Arturo.
GOMEZ CALHOUN
Suite 304 down the hall
Arturo takes the keys. The sliders turn and start heading towards the stairs.
REMBRANDT
Certainly more into religion here
QUINN
Why don't you guys go see what you can find out about this world and see if you can get us some food. I'm going to take Wade to the room so she can lie down
ARTURO
Yes, the two of you can accompany Miss. Welles to the room. I will see to where we can get some food
Arturo hands Rembrandt the folded up newspaper he was looking at earlier.
He begins to head towards the front door as the other three sliders head up the stairs.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - EVENING
The room looks a little more pristine and kempt then usual. Classy drapes hang from the windows. There are two double beds which sit side by side, separated by a black bed-side table. The beds are decorated with a silk style linen the colour of crimson. Across from the beds sit a table with two chairs attached to it. A Renaissance painting can be seen hanging on the walls along with another Gold Cross.
Rembrandt sits at the table looking over the paper. Wade lies on her side on one of the beds, turned towards the wall, while Quinn sits on the other, examining the timer. He yawns.
REMBRANDT
Yo, check this out, Q-ball. Apparently this world's ruled by the Cathloc Church. That's why there's all this religion stuff hanging around
QUINN
That's great, Rembrandt. Still can't figure out what's wrong with the timer
REMBRANDT
Well maybe it was just one of those crazy slides, you know?
QUINN
Maybe
(He turns to Wade)
How you holding up?
WADE
Not dizzy anymore. Just sort of sleepy
Quinn yawns again.
QUINN
Yeah, I know what you mean. Guess the last world took more out of us then we thought
REMBRANDT
Man, hope you guys haven't caught whatever's going around in this world
QUINN
Yeah, we don't want a repeat of that
(He turns to Wade)
Are you sure you don't want me to find you some aspirin?
WADE
I'll be fine. Just let me lie here for a while
Quinn yawns as he turns his attention back to the timer.
REMBRANDT
Hey, maybe you should lie down too, Q-Ball
Quinn puts the timer aside on the bedside table as he lets out another yawn.
QUINN
Alright, Remmy. Wake me up in thirty minutes
Quinn settles back onto the bed. He lies down with one arm flopped over his face.
In the next minute, Arturo enters the room with take-out in his hands.
ARTURO
(RE: Quinn and Wade)
What's wrong?
REMBRANDT
Just seem pretty sacked out
ARTURO
Yes. Well that last world was certainly no picnic
Rembrandt takes the take-out bags and brings them over to the table.
REMBRANDT
Hey, hey. Let's see what we got here
He opens up the bags. On top of the styrofoam containers, there is a miniature, pocket-sized bible. Rembrandt takes it out and chuckles.
REMBRANDT
Hey, I didn't know you were into some new reading material, Professor
ARTURO
The woman at the food store insisted I have it! Blasted world! Thank god we get out of here soon
REMBRANDT
Come on, Professor. A world run by religion. It's not that bad
ARTURO
I'm appalled, Mr. Brown! What civilized society would allow themselves to be run by some child sex trafficing church? No wonder they are behind on technological advancements here. Closed minded to the scientific endeavours! They still believe the Sun revolves around the Earth!
Rembrandt starts digging into the food. He takes a bite from one of the sandwiches in the containers.
REMBRANDT
Yeah, but they sure make good food here
It is clear Arturo has done the same. He finishes chewing what's in his mouth as he's about to say something
ARTURO
Mm!
(He wipes his mouth)
While I was out, I was able to figure out a little more. I believe that in this world, the main problems that occurred in the Cathloic Church during the Dark Ages, didn't happen here. Such as they didn't get involved in the Italian War so in fact, they were spared that political conflict which was one of the leading causes of their downfall
Rembrandt has turned his attention off into the distance towards the beds. We can't see what he is looking at.
REMBRANDT
Yeah well stranger things have happened
ARTURO
Rather barbaric if you ask me
REMBRANDT
No, Professor. I meant where in the devil did he come from?
Rembrandt points Arturo towards the direction in which he was looking. We now see there is a MAN standing over Quinn and Wade, looking down at them. He's tall-looks to be about Quinn's height and he appears to be close in age to Arturo. His brown hair is slightly graying at the sides. His image is wavering as if he's not properly tuned in. He is waving his hands slowly over Quinn and Wade in their beds. Then he leans down as if he's adjusting a machine we can't see.
Arturo and Rembrandt get up from their seats and slowly walk towards the man.
REMBRANDT
Hey! Who the hell are you?
ARTURO
Sir! What the devil are you doing?
The man looks up at them, and then, as if by magic, DISAPPEARS into thin air.
Rembrandt and Arturo share a glance.
REMBRANDT
Yeah, it's official. The place is haunted
ARTURO
Again?
CUT TO:
INT. DOMINION HALLWAY - NIGHT
The hallway looks to be in a similar manner to that of the rooms. The drapes are classy and the floor carpet is red. Rembrandt walks with a bucket of ice cubes in his hands. He heads towards ROOM 304.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Arturo sits at the table, working with the timer and making calculations on a small notepad. Quinn and Wade sleep on the beds. After a moment, Quinn groans and flinches in his sleep as if in a bad dream. Arturo gets up and crosses to him. Both Quinn and Wade's faces have a yellowish tint to them, and they are seen visibly sweating. Concerned, Arturo lightly feels Quinn's forehead. He looks over at Wade across the room as Rembrandt enters with the bucket of ice.
REMBRANDT
I've been all over the lobby. Ain't nobody heard of some disappearing man looking like he did
ARTURO
Quinn and Wade are running a fever
REMBRANDT
I knew it. I knew they picked up whatever strange disease is running around here. Dammit, we're all going to die here!
ARTURO
Pull yourself together, man! Now let's not jump to unnecessary conclusions
REMBRANDT
Yeah...yeah! Maybe it had something to do with that crazy slide. They seemed fine before that
Rembrandt puts the ice bucket down on the table, and heads into the bathroom across the room.
ARTURO
Perhaps. I still haven't figured out the answer to that, or the man's presence
Rembrandt comes out of the bathroom with two washcloths.
REMBRANDT
Well maybe that ghost guy did something to them. I mean they were just sleeping before. He was doing something with his hands
He wraps the ice cubes from the bucket in the cloths. He places one on Quinn's forehead and one on Wade's forehead.
ARTURO
Enough with this foolishness. I will not listen to another complaint about ghosts in the hotel
REMBRANDT
Man, I just want to find a world where there isn't any problems to deal with. Just a nice place where we can relax
ARTURO
Hence why I tell you not to get involved
Quinn starts to stir and moan in his sleep. The two older men shift their attention back over to him.
QUINN
It's okay... You go on ahead... It's okay...We've been happy...Go on ahead
REMBRANDT
Go on ahead. What's he talking about?
We focus on Quinn as we...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MALLORY HOURS - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The image has an odd distorted and dreamlike feel to it. We see the SLIDERS huddled around the infamous white gate in front of the Mallory house. They all smile as Quinn slowly opens it. There is a BRIGHT FLASH of light, and we...
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The air looks to be at a perfect breeze. We see Quinn and Wade walking side by side, holding hands and talking. Quinn carries a few books in his hands. Another BRIGHT FLASH OF LIGHT.
INT. BED AND BREAKFAST - EVENING (DREAM SEQUENCE)
A beautiful sunset is seen coming from the window. The room is nice and spacious. A king sized bed sits in the middle. On top of the bed, we see Quinn and Wade in the midst of a make-out session. BRIGHT FLASH.
INT. WORKSTATION - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Wade stands at a desk, writing something down. Behind her, Quinn comes walking up. He puts his hands over her eyes which brings a smile to her face. A second later, Quinn takes Wade by the hand and spins her around. BRIGHT FLASH.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
We move over and focus in on Wade's face...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CHAPEL - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The doors open. Many people dressed in suits and dresses stand on either side of the door, smiling and throwing rice. We can make out Rembrandt and Arturo to be amongst the crowd. Quinn and Wade, dressed nicely in a wedding gown and a tuxedo respectively, come waltzing out of the double doors. They hold hands. Wade carries a bouquet of flowers in her hands. BRIGHT FLASH.
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
A stressed out Quinn runs alongside a heavily pregnant Wade sitting in a wheelchair. A nurse wheels her in quickly. Wade's in clear agony as Quinn tries to practice breathing exercises with her. BRIGHT FLASH.
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The sun is bright. In this area we can only see grass and a children's play structure set up. A LITTLE BOY runs around it, smiling. He's dressed in overalls whilst wearing a flannel shirt underneath it. BRIGHT FLASH
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
later that night. Arturo and Rembrandt are sitting at the table. The wrappers from their food are packaged up and pushed aside. The same is done with the notepad Arturo was writing in.
REMBRANDT
Man oh man. I'm getting tired of this. I mean how much longer till we slide?
Arturo checks the timer.
ARTURO
A little over nine hours
REMBRANDT
(RE: Quinn and Wade)
What are we going to do if they're not better by then?
ARTURO
Well we certainly can't take this plague to another world
REMBRANDT
We don't even know if they've got whatever disease is running around this world
ARTURO
(sighs)
Let's see what we can do for them
Arturo gets up and walks over to Wade. He takes the cloth from her forehead, and dips it into the now melted ice bucket in residence beside the bed. He then continues to swab her forehead until he notices the yellowish tint on her face.
He looks over at Quinn on the other bed.
ARTURO
It appears our young friends may have a mild form of Jaundice
REMBRANDT
Man oh man. Can this get any worse?
Arturo rests the cloth on Wade's forehead.
ARTURO
I'm going to see if we can find a doctor
REMBRANDT
Look, man. I mean if this world's ruled by the church-
ARTURO
(Cuts Rembrandt off)
Look, surely this blasted world must have some sort of medical treatment or at least a close facsimile. Now stay here and keep them comfortable
Arturo exits the room. Rembrandt looks down solemnly at his two friends.
CUT TO:
INT. DOMINION LOBBY - NIGHT
The lobby is eerily quiet. Gomez Calhoun stands behind the desk. Arturo comes down the stairs and approaches him.
GOMEZ CALHOUN
Do you folks need help with something?
ARTURO
Yes, my good man. I have two friends who I am afraid are very ill. Do you have a doctor?
GOMEZ CALHOUN
Doctor?
ARTURO
As in a medical practitioner
GOMEZ CALHOUN
You can check with the church. They might be able to help your friends
ARTURO
Blistering idiot...
Arturo heads towards the front doors of the lobby.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - NIGHT
The place is dark and empty inside. Two rows of benches are lined up neatly with a red carpet in the middle of the aisle. The walls are white. At the front, behind the podium sits the Cross on the wall. A PRIEST sits in one of the benches. He is dressed in all white and looks to be about middle aged. From the back of him, he appears to be praying.
Arturo enters the joint, quick and with a hint of urgency.
ARTURO
Sir! I need a doctor!
This interrupts the priest from his praying session. He turns around and spots Arturo. He gets up and walks over to him.
PRIEST
Certainly, my son. If you would first tell me why I must disturb these saints-
ARTURO
(Cuts the priest off)
Not the doctors of the church, you blistering idiot! I need a medical doctor!
PRIEST
Yes. Take me to your sick. I will hear their confessions pray for them to overcome the demons in their body
ARTURO
Confessions?! They don't have any sins to confess!
PRIEST
Trust in god, my friend. He has the power to cure all illnesses
ARTURO
Sir, "god" as you so graciously refer to him, is a mythical sky being who bears no relevance on life whatsoever!
PRIEST
If it is in god's will for your friends to die, then they will die. But if not, they may have a chance to be saved with a proper prayer
ARTURO
Look. Do you obtain the medical knowledge to tell what's wrong with my friends?
PRIEST
Certainly-
ARTURO
(Cuts him off)
Come with me!
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Quinn and Wade lie asleep on their beds. Rembrandt sits at the table, looking them over from afar. Wade moans and tosses over onto her side. Remmy gets up and approaches her.
He dips the cloth on her forehead in the aforementioned bucket of melted ice. He then takes the wet cloth and swabs the woman's forehead.
REMBRANDT
It's going to be alright, sweetheart
He turns to Quinn and checks his cloth. After dabbing it in the water again and placing it back onto the young man's forehead, he heads back towards the table.
Suddenly, the MAN we saw before, slowly materializes between the beds. He looks down at the two young sliders, Quinn first, and then Wade. Afterwards, it appears that he is making adjustments to something we can't see.
Rembrandt rises from the table and slowly takes a couple steps towards the man.
REMBRANDT
Hey! You!
The two make eye-contact. The man carries a look of innocence on his face as his figure flickers in and out like he's fine-tuning a picture. He VAPORIZES as Remmy walks closer to him.
The door bursts open, entering Arturo with the priest. He heads right over to the lying figures on the beds.
REMBRANDT
Oh, thank god you're back, man. They seem to be getting worse
(RE: The priest)
Dammit Professor, I thought you were going to get a doctor
ARTURO
The key to this world appears to be that Galen, the greek physician during the dark ages, was never born here. Alas, he never introduced his theories based on the Hippocratic method, thus the pigheaded religious view for curing illnesses remains poignant
REMBRANDT
Man oh man. Can this slide get any worse?
The priest takes both Quinn and Wade's pulses by feeling their wrists.
ARTURO
What do you think is wrong with them?
The priest ignores him as he checks Quinn's eyes. He gently pulls open the lids to see. His eyes have a bit of a milky haze over them.
PRIEST
Interesting...
He goes over to check Wade's eyes.
REMBRANDT
'Interesting.' What's interesting?
The priest continues to look over the two, examining their legs and feet.
PRIEST
Very strange as well
ARTURO
My good man. Will you quickly tell us what is the matter?
PRIEST
The yellowish skin is indicative of liver failure. There is edema in the lower extremities. Could indicate congestive heart failure. Then there are the eyes.
REMBRANDT
The eyes? What about the eyes?
PRIEST
The cloudiness. Rather advanced cataracts.
ARTURO
Cataracts?! You blistering idiot!
REMBRANDT
Professor, let the man speak
PRIEST
I've never seen anything like it in subjects so young. I'm afraid to say your friends seem to be dying of old age
REMBRANDT
Old age? Man, what the devil are you talking about? They're twenty-three
PRIEST
Yes, it is quite extraordinary
ARTURO
Sir. We arrived in town less than five hours ago. They were alright then. It appears this was a rather sudden effect. Would you mind informing us on how this is possible?
REMBRANDT
Yeah, and what kind of treatment there is for this kind of crazy young old wacko-sickness
PRIEST
I can inform the other priests. We will pray as hard as we can for their acceptance into the heavenly kingdom
REMBRANDT
So you expect them just to sit around and die just like that?
PRIEST
You haven't been listening to me. There is no treatment
(A beat)
Find a passage and start praying. If it is in God's will, your friends will be saved
The priest leaves.
REMBRANDT
Man, this is bad. This is real bad
ARTURO
If there is no improvement by when it is time to slide, we will simply have to take them with us to the next world and hope for treatment there.
(A beat)
Unethical, blasted, pigheaded-
Rembrandt chuckles at his friend's anger.
REMBRANDT
Take it easy there, Professor. Save some of those insults for the other worlds
ARTURO
Yes, well onto the matter at hand-
Arturo moves over to the table and picks up his notepad. He flips it open and reads off his calculations to Remmy.
ARTURO
In regards to our disappearing friend, I found a great deal of strange readouts when I attempted to manipulate the coordinate function
REMBRANDT
So what does that mean? So Ghost-Man's no longer a ghost?
ARTURO
Indeed I was right, Mr. Brown. I believe the appearance of the figure is linked to the energy spikes that appear when he appears. Which If I am right, this would mean that he is either linked to the slide or another world
REMBRANDT
Yeah, but how's that going to help us?
At this point, Arturo and Rembrandt hear a voice coming from nearby.
VISITOR'S VOICE (O.S)
Your friend is right, Rembrandt
Shocked, the two sliders turn to face the direction at which they heard the voice come from.
They see THE VISITOR. He is now completely visible to them. He stands in his usual spot near Quinn and Wade's beds like before.
VISITOR
My apologies. I didn't mean to scare you. But let me assure you that I am here to help
ARTURO
Sir, before we exchange any more sets of pleasantries we must know a little more information
VISITOR
Like you two, I'm a trans-dimensional traveler
REMBRANDT
So you're another slider?
VISITOR
Right. Slider. It's difficult to explain what happened. I only just figured it out myself. I'm sorry I appeared so ghostlike before, but I had to make sure that I maintained a link to my own universe while traveling to this one
ARTURO
Yes, and how are you able to explain this link into what's happening to Mr. Mallory and Miss. Welles?
VISITOR
During the slide, something odd happened in the field of your friend's physical composition
REMBRANDT
Look, can one of you two brainiacs ever say something that a normal man can understand?
VISITOR
You two weren't affected, but they were spun off and became the focal point of a kind of 'bubble universe.' Forgive me if that's not quite clear, I'm still working out the physics for myself
ARTURO
Ah, pleasure to meet a fellow physicist
REMBRANDT
Wait a minute, so you mean to tell us that Q-Ball and Wade aren't here but gone instead in your weird made-up bubble universe?
VISITOR
A part of them did, and a part of them arrived here with you. The two that split into the bubble have lived an entire lifetime in what, for you, has been only a few hours
REMBRANDT
Man, this just keeps getting better and better
ARTURO
Allow me to explain, Mr. Brown. I believe what this man is saying is the Quinn and Wade who split off are now dying of natural causes in his world. And that our friends happen to be going along with them
VISITOR
Exactly. They are linked to one another. It took me a while, but I determined that the quantum wave occupied by my parents had to be multiplied by the complex-conjugate of the wave to fix this point, where we are now. Of course, if I'd thought it through, I would have seen that this was predicted by Newton's Second Law
Rembrandt puts his hands in the air out of frustration.
REMBRANDT
I give up. I give up trying to understand you people
VISITOR
Think of the quantum wave as water disturbed by a stone dropped in a pond. The waves expand equally toward the edge of the pond. The complex-conjugate wave expands too, but inward from the edge of the pond to the center. We are now at the point where the quantum wave moving out meets the conjugate wave moving in
ARTURO
Yes, so now that we have met, the next logical conclusion will be to unmeet in a way
REMBRANDT
(To the Visitor)
What is this to you? Some kind of experiment?
VISITOR
I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Michael Mallory
REMBRANDT
(Thinking)
Michael Mallory...
Michael looks down at Quinn and Wade.
MICHAEL
In the world I come from, I'm their son
Arturo and Rembrandt are stunned at this revelation. Michael looks back at the two of them.
MICHAEL
I know this must come off as a shock to you, but if I'm going to be able to help them, you have to help me
ARTURO
Yes, and what would be our first step?
MICHAEL
There's a chance I might be able to achieve the necessary calculations. Your sliding device
Arturo takes the timer out of his pocket and hands it to Michael.
The two sit down to work with it and Arturo's calculations in the workbook. Rembrandt stands nearby and watches them work.
REMBRANDT
Man, so your parents are Q-Ball and Wade. I just can't get over that
MICHAEL
On my world, they're married. They had a great life as well
ARTURO
Yes, so If I am to understand this precisely, a lifetime in that world might appear only as a dream to this Quinn and Wade
MICHAEL
You seem to be getting the hang of things. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm intruding, it's just that my parents have told me so many stories about sliding and you guys. So what's it like traveling from world to world with no way of knowing what's next?
REMBRANDT
Well there have been easier times for sure
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory. Your father is a remarkable young man
Michael nods and smiles. As he goes back to studying the timer, Rembrandt turns around and looks down at Quinn.
As we focus on him, we begin to...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MALLORY HOUSE - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The Sliders are all huddled around the infamous white gate. They exchange concerned looks with one another.
REMBRANDT
Man, not again. I mean how many times have we been down this road?
WADE
Well maybe things will be different this time
REMBRANDT
Yeah, been there. Done that. Got twenty T-shirts for it
QUINN
Look we have three weeks till the slide and everything else seems to match up. It won't hurt to try to see
ARTURO
It's your house, Mr. Mallory. You do the honours
Quinn slowly opens the gate as the others listen attentively. A loud SQUEAK is made, gracing a big smile across the sliders' faces.
QUINN
But that's still no guarantee...
WADE
Quinn, check the paper
Quinn steps onto the property and comes across a rolled up newspaper a few feet away from him.
He takes it in his hands and begins looking it over.
QUINN
Well the Golden Gate Bridge is the right colour for starts
Rembrandt takes the newspaper out of Quinn's hands and begins reading it.
REMBRANDT
Yeah and here they're talking about that football game that Q-Ball was so obsessed with
Quinn leans over his shoulder and reads.
QUINN
I was right. The Niners beat the Dolphins in Super Bowl Nineteen
Arturo takes the newspaper from Rembrandt.
ARTURO
And it appears we have been missing since Nineteen-Ninety Five
WADE
Wait, could this actually mean...?
Arturo looks up from the paper with a big smile plastered on his face.
ARTURO
Yes, Miss. Welles. We're home
All four of them grow big smiles on their faces.
WADE
Home? Like as in for real?
Rembrandt gives Quinn a big hug.
REMBRANDT
Ah, you're beautiful, man. Beautiful!
QUINN
We made it, guys
WADE
All thanks to you
Wade reaches up and she kisses Quinn on the lips.
Without wasting any more time, the sliders all hug each other, relishing in their happiness.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PARK - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Quinn and Wade walk through the park. Quinn walks further ahead while Wade trails a little behind him. He carries a few books in his hands. He's elated but Wade does not carry the same expression on her face.
QUINN
It's amazing, Wade! With using the perfect itemized deductions and reconfiguring the timer, the professor and I are making it so soon you'll be able to choose your own journey in sliding. It won't be just a roulette wheel anymore!
WADE
Quinn, mind if you slow down for a minute?
He gets the hint. Quinn turns around and looks Wade in the eyes.
QUINN
What's wrong?
WADE
It's just you've been talking about the work and sliding non stop. Would it ever occur to you to just stop for a second and think about us?
QUINN
You're right...
Quinn trails off and looks to the side.
WADE
Face it, Quinn. After everything we've been through. Everything we've done. I think it's time we gave us a chance
Quinn looks back at her, flustered. Does she mean she he thinks she means?
She takes him by the arm, as they continue to walk. SOME CHILDREN run by them.
WADE
Do you want kids?
QUINN
Well of course. Don't you?
Wade smirks slightly as she turns to him.
WADE
Something tells me you're going to let work get in the way of that
QUINN
Come on, Wade. I'm not that oblivious
WADE
Sure, Quinn. Just took you almost a year to realise it. What was that you said again? We're buds-
QUINN
(Smiling, remembering)
It'd be like incest
Quinn stares off into the distance as he says this. Wade turns his face around to face her.
WADE
Face it, Quinn. We are each other's worlds. Always have been. Always will be..
She holds his chin as she props her feet off the ground and the two go in for a kiss. There's something sensual about it. Almost as if these are the feelings of two bottled-up love birds who have been repressing their feelings for the last few years. They stand there kissing for a few more seconds, taking in the moment. As they break...
QUINN
Come on, let's do something. What do you want to do tonight?
WADE
Well there's a poetry reading at-
Quinn cuts her off in a playful way. He smiles as he says..
QUINN
Boring!
WADE
Well Mr. Genius. Do I see you making any suggestions?
QUINN
But for you, I'd do anything
The two smile at each other as we...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BED AND BREAKFAST - EVENING (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The room we saw before. Quinn and Wade lie on top of the covers. They look about a couple years older from the last place we saw them. Their clothes are a little nicer and they look slightly more 'mature.' The two of them are heavy into make-out session. Suddenly, Quinn pulls away. Wade looks at him confused. He's flushed and out of breath.
WADE
Are you okay?
Quinn nods as he stares out the window.
QUINN
Let's just enjoy the view for a minute...
WADE
Quinn, something's bothering you. I know it
QUINN
Wade...You ever think that things are moving a little too fast for us?
WADE
You want us to slow down?
QUINN
That's not what I'm saying. But does it ever scare you sometimes how quick everything changes? One minute we were in school and now you're a professional journalist and I'm a physicist trying to create the next big thing
WADE
It scares the hell out of me too sometimes
Quinn turns to her.
QUINN
Where are we going, Wade? Tell me.
WADE
Look at someone wanting order all of a sudden. After how many years of sliding from world to world with no idea what was going to happen next
QUINN
We were kids, Wade
WADE
We still are. Look, Quinn. Whatever comes next, we're going to face it together
She grabs onto his hand and gives it a comforting squeeze.
QUINN
But what's next? Marriage? A house? Kids?
WADE
Well not all at the same time. Time, Quinn. Everything we know will happen with time
QUINN
Whenever I'm with you, time always seems to stand still almost like I'm watching the world from above
WADE
Put up the top
Wade smiles. As Quinn adjusts the bed sheets to pull them over the two, she pulls back into a passionate kiss.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. WORKSTATION - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Wade stands at a desk, writing something down. A bit older, she's dressed conservatively in a nice buttoned-down long sleeved dress. She wears stockings and heels to go with that too. Her hair is a little longer this time around, being at borderline shoulder length. It curves into her neck.
The office is busy. People are running around, trying to get some things printed. A female COWORKER walks by Wade's desk, speaking to her. She wears large shoulder pads and carries herself with an air of confidence
COWORKER
Miss. Welles, did you make sure to get that story printed about the US shuttle joining the Russian Space Station?
WADE
On it
Unbeckenost to Wade, the door to the office swings open behind her. In walks Quinn. His hair is combed nicely and he wears a buttoned down shirt with a fresh pair of jeans.
Wade doesn't notice his presence. He walks up behind her quietly, and puts his hands over her eyes. This brings a large smile to her face.
QUINN
Guess who
Still smiling, she pulls his hands away from her eyes.
WADE
Quinn, I thought I told you not to bother me at work
She turns to face him.
QUINN
Well where else would I be?
WADE
Don't you have that meeting with Stephen Hawking today?
QUINN
Sure, but I don't think Stephen Hawking would appreciate this-
Quinn pulls a small ring-sized box out of his pants pockets. Wade is speechless. The smile on her face drops as she stares from Quinn to the box in her hands.
WADE
Oh god, Quinn...
Quinn drops down onto one knee.
QUINN
Wade, half of the time, all my life, people have looked to me for answers. And it scares me to know that I can't always tell them what they want to hear. Cause the only thing I was ever sure about was you
He holds out the box in front of him and opens it up, displaying what's inside. Inside sits a beautiful shiny silver engagement ring. It has a nice diamond on the top of it.
QUINN
Will you marry me, Wade?
Tears stream down from Wade's eyes as she lets out a smile. She nods her head and her voice comes out in a bit of a squeak.
WADE
Yes!
We see the whole office has been watching this commotion. They all clap their hands as Quinn gets to his feet. He pulls her into an embrace, lifting her off her feet in the process. At last, they kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Back into reality. Michael sits by the window sill near the table. Arturo sits at the table, making notes in his notepad. Rembrandt stands nearby, listening attentively.
MICHAEL
And so Mom eventually won Peabody Award for her work in investigative journalism
REMBRANDT
Nod bad. Our own Wade majored in poetry and prose back in the day she says
MICHAEL
There is no your Wade or my Wade. They aren't duplicates. They are themselves, only split off
At this point, there is a knock at the door. Arturo gets up from his chair and crosses the room to go answer it. Standing there is the PRIEST from early, along with a few other Church officials.
PRIEST
We've come to pray!
PRIEST 2
Let God work his magic and heal your friends!
ARTURO
Goodnight!
Arturo abruptly slams the door in their faces. He ignores the ever more persistent knocking as he makes his way back over to his seat.
MICHAEL
I think the world Quinn and Wade created was in response to a deep longing. Maybe a wish for peace. A way out of the hardships you currently face yourself with, in a desperate measure to take some time and think things over.
REMBRANDT
Wait a minute. You mean you can wish a whole world into being?
ARTURO
On the contrary, Mr. Brown. I believe it was Alan Guth who proposed the idea of cosmic inflation, which is the exponential expansion of space in the early Universe. According to Jean-Luc Lehners, inflation does indeed allow for the universe to create pockets or 'bubbles' if you will. Now these pocket universes can indeed undergo cycles of cosmological evolution or other 'emergent' universe scenarios.
REMBRANDT
So what you are saying is-
ARTURO
The pocket universe is an extrapolation of how events could look like in the future. Of course though, there is no guarantee
Michael's been listening in awe at this explanation.
MICHAEL
My dad used to talk about you a lot. He said you were his favourite teacher and you were like a father to him
A small smile creeps upon Arturo's face. He tries to compose himself as he masks his emotions and continues to look down at his calculations.
ARTURO
Yes, well, be that as he is one of my brightest students
Michael steps down from the window sill and heads over to the working table. Arturo shows him his calculations as Rembrandt looks across the room towards Wade.
REMBRANDT
I don't think you finished
MICHAEL
Oh yes, where was I?
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CHAPEL - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The bell rings as we saw this scene earlier. Many people stand on either side of the doors, throwing rice as the newlywed happy couple come waltzing out arm in arm with each other. Quinn's dressed in a fresh tuxedo with a white flower on his lapel. Wade wears a white wedding gown with the bridal bouquet in her hands.
As they walk down the steps further, Wade happily throws the bouquet behind her. Alas, the two of them come across Arturo and Rembrandt who look at the two with big smiles.
Arturo takes Quinn's hand in his own and shakes it vigorously.
ARTURO
Well, my boy. I believe this calls for a celebration
Rembrandt kisses Wade on the cheek.
REMBRANDT
Congratulations, sweetheart
They switch places. Rembrandt gives Quinn a hug as Arturo very tenderly kisses the top of Wade's hand.
MICHAEL (V.O)
They spent a week in Bermuda for their honeymoon. Dad brought his computer along with him because he got an idea for a new formula for relativistic gravity
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
A pair of double doors swing open and we see a nurse quickly wheels in a heavily pregnant Wade. Quinn runs alongside her, panicked.
MICHAEL (V.O)
Don't ever think that Dad neglected Mom for his work. She was always his number one priority and she was very happy. And so was I when I came along
We see a BRIGHT FLASH
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Wade sits in a hospital bed. She holds a new born BABY, wrapped tightly in a blanket, in her arms. She smiles looking down at him. Quinn stands behind her, overwhelmed with joy, looking down at his newborn son.
MICHAEL (V.O)
They named me Michael after my father's dad. They always said I was a little fussy because I refused to eat my vegetables
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
We see a YOUNG MICHAEL, about three years of age, run around a play structure. A little ways away from him, Quinn and Wade sit under a tree.
QUINN
(Calling to his son)
Hey, come here!
Young Michael runs into his parents arms. Quinn bounces him on his knee.
MICHAEL (V.O)
I think I was three and a half when Dad started planning my NFL career
EXT. COLLEGE BUILDING - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Quinn and Wade are now over two decades older and greying at the sides. They stand with a twenty-four-year-old Michael outside a building as the family poses for a photo. Michael wears a black graduation gown and mortarboard. He holds up a framed college degree in his hands, proudly.
MICHAEL (V.O)
It seemed like only an instant in time - and in a way, it was - until I had my Ph.D. in physics. Just like Dad. Of course though, no one could ever be 'just like dad.' He was one of a kind
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
A typical living room. Artifacts are hung nicely and family pictures are up on the walls. Quinn and Wade are now in their late fifties, seated on a sofa. Wade's dressed nicely in long-sleeved white top and long black skirt. Quinn wears a sweater-vest with slacks. Wade is going through the family photo album, while Quinn has a piece of paper in front of his face. He's reading a letter allowed.
MICHAEL (V.O)
After I left home, I always wrote to Mom and Dad so they could keep up with my work. I got a good job in biophysics at the South Pole. At least I thought it was a good job. Some of my colleagues complained about the weather.
Quinn puts the letter down, and snuggles up closer to his wife. The two look over the album together.
MICHAEL (V.O)
Mom and Dad were always very much in love with each other. That never wavered.
EXT. PARK - EVENING (DREAM SEQUENCE)
A sun set is on the horizon. Quinn and Wade, now in their eighties, walk away from us. Both of them have grey hair from top to bottom. The two of them are dressed in old-fashioned grey outfits that give off a grandparent vibe.
Quinn reaches out and takes Wade's hand in his.
MICHAEL (V.O)
Now their life is almost over
The old couple walk into the sunset together.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Michael has finished his story. He and Rembrandt look fondly over at Quinn and Wade. Arturo is still working away at his calculations.
ARTURO
Yes, I believe I have found the answer
Michael crosses over to Arturo and peers down over his shoulder at the calculations.
ARTURO
Mr. Mallory, you were right about the complex conjugate. It folds right back in on the other data
Rembrandt sighs and throws his hands in the air, yet again, frustrated at not understanding the techno-babble.
MICHAEL
But there's just one problem
REMBRANDT
Oh man, of course there is. Why didn't you just say that at the beginning?
ARTURO
I believe the only way to save this Quinn and Wade is to have them be reunited with their other halves
MICHAEL
You see...
(RE: Quinn and Wade on the beds)
These are the real Quinn and Wade. The 'bubble universe' where I grew up isn't real. Not in the material sense. By reuniting the two entities, your friends will be regenerated. The life drain will end they will live
ARTURO
But of course to keep in mind, this is merely a theory
REMBRANDT
But a damn good one. Let's do it
ARTURO
But of course, supposing it does indeed work, it will come at a price
Arturo gets up from his chair. He and a puzzled Rembrandt look towards Michael.
MICHAEL
If it works, the 'bubble universe' and everything in it will cease to exist
Rembrandt gets a grave look on his face as Michael looks down at his parents.
Alas, he looks back up at the two older men.
MICHAEL
You shouldn't feel bad. My parents have lived a full and happy life. A life that Quinn and Wade would have wished for. But now we have to break the link so your friends can return to this life
REMBRANDT
But what about you?
ARTURO
As explained, Mr. Brown. The bubble universe is not real in the material sense. It is simply a projected reality if certain events continued down a certain path. It does not mean that Michael here won't exist again. It means that the pocket of eternal inflation will simply die down
MICHAEL
If our numbers are right, I should be able to program the correct complex-conjugate, and that should transport me, and your friends, to my world.
REMBRANDT
But then how will they get back?
ARTURO
Assuming we are correct, they should come back on their own. In all truth, they haven't really left
REMBRANDT
Man, the more I hear about all this Quantum Whats-is, the less I understand it
Using calculations from Arturo's notebook, Michael punches data into the timer. Then he looks up at Arturo and Rembrandt.
MICHAEL
Well, here goes...everything
Michael takes a deep breath. He activates the timer and aims it directly at the wall between Quinn and Wade's beds. The laser streams that flow from the timer are a different color. He hands the timer back to Arturo. There is a FLASH OF LIGHT, and Michael is gone. Quinn and Wade are still in their beds. Remmy and Arturo look worried. Did it work?
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. WHITE SPACE
Almost an undefined area. No walls. There is a glowing mist along the floor. There is a large king size bed in the space. Brass frames topped with white, chiffon-like fabric. On the bed: an old man and an old woman. To one side, we see a shiny steel machine, lights and dials blinking and glowing.
Quinn, Wade and Michael enter the space and move toward the bed.
A man in his mid-eighties with snow white hair lays there - OLD QUINN. He opens his eyes and looks up at Quinn and Wade. He's still got a bit of spark in him. OLD WADE is much more mellow.
OLD QUINN
Ah, you made it
Quinn and Wade give each other a look as they move towards the bed. They both glance down at their older counterparts.
OLD WADE
I knew they would. I knew Michael would find a way. He was always a bright boy
Old Quinn and Wade emerge from the beds and stand near their younger selves.
OLD QUINN
Well then, I suppose we should get on with it
QUINN
I don't know what to say
OLD QUINN
I do, Thank you. You gave us a wonderful life. And because we lived it so, in a way, did you. And you'll remember.
Wade stares in awe at her older self.
WADE
But now it's all over. Are you sad?
OLD WADE
My dear, everyone who has ever lived has known from the beginning that there would be an end
Old Quinn lightly chuckles.
OLD QUINN
Some of us just didn't believe it
OLD WADE
(To Wade)
It must be very strange to see your future
WADE
Sort of. But weirdly, I don't feel troubled by it. I almost feel at peace
OLD WADE
Good. You mustn't feel at all bad about what is to happen. We've lived long and well. Worked hard.
OLD QUINN
Had more than our share of good times, too.
OLD WADE
(A nod towards Michael)
And a loving son
(To Wade)
Perhaps the memory of all that we have had will keep you strong in the hard times you have ahead of you.
WADE
I think it will
OLD QUINN
(To Quinn)
"The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks. The long day wanes." Tennyson. Do you know him?
QUINN
Not as well as I should. Physics major
OLD QUINN
I don't know what's happening with students today. A physics major should know Keats and Tennyson as well as he knows M Theory. You do know M Theory, don't you?
Quinn looks down at the carpet, like a shy student being called upon in class.
QUINN
M Theory is the Subsummation of what used to be called 'String Theory,' an effort to get Einsteinian mechanics to comply with known quantum rules. Supersymmetry in sub-atomic particles is measured in integer spin-
OLD QUINN
(Cuts him off)
Yes...Yes...Good boy
Quinn looks up at his older self and smiles.
OLD WADE
Stop lecturing the boy, Quinn
(To Wade)
Occupational hazard
WADE
Where have we seen that before?
Wade gives Quinn a cheeky little glance. Old Quinn turns to his wife.
OLD QUINN
Wade, honey. You ready?
OLD WADE
Ready as I'll ever be
Old Quinn looks over at Michael.
OLD QUINN
Michael. For this sacrifice, there is no way we can thank you
MICHAEL
And no need
Michael heads over to the machine and starts to work some levers.
Old Quinn stretches out his hand. Old Wade takes it in her own.
OLD QUINN
(To Quinn and Wade)
Put your hands on top of ours
Quinn and Wade each place a hand on top of their older counterparts'.
OLD QUINN
(To Michael)
Say it, Michael. You know the part we like
Michael steps forward and opens a small, leather-bound book.
MICHAEL
'Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' we are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.'
As Michael reads, Old Quinn looks over at Old Wade. She looks back to him and smiles.
Quinn and Wade appear to glow in a bright light. It becomes blinding. FLASH
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DUSK
The sun is peeking up as seen from the window. Arturo and Rembrandt stand over Quinn and Wade on the beds. The two begin to stir.
REMBRANDT
Hey, I think they're coming around
ARTURO
Thanks Heavens
REMBRANDT
Hey, look at you getting in touch with your religious side, Professor
Rembrandt gives him a pat on the back, to which this annoys Arturo.
Quinn and Wade open their eyes and sit up
QUINN
Hey guys...so I guess we overslept
The two older men look over their young friends carefully. They appear to be back to normal.
ARTURO
How are the two of you feeling?
WADE
I feel fine
QUINN
Who's got the timer?
Arturo holds up the timer in his hand as Quinn and Wade get up from the beds.
ARTURO
(Checking the timer)
You awoke with a little less than one minute to spare
REMBRANDT
How much do you guys remember?
QUINN
Weirdly...everything
He turns towards Wade.
WADE
It's so weird. How can I have a lifetime of memories when I haven't even lived my life yet?
ARTURO
Well, Miss. Welles. I hope this newfound ability brings you good instead of evil
(He looks down at the timer)
3...2...
Arturo points it towards the wall, and activates it. The familiar swirling blue vortex opens up. It looks exactly the way it should.
Rembrandt goes first and dives in. Arturo quickly pockets the timer and follows.
Quinn turns to look at Wade.
QUINN
Together?
Wade nods. She takes Quinn's hand and the two jump into the vortex together.
FADE OUT: