Woohoo, another part! I've been in a writing mood and pried myself away from my other story, which has been consuming my mind to write another connecting chapter here. Yeah! Well, more action will occur later, including the two worlds finally meeting. Will Maggie kill Kari? Will Rembrandt and Cleavant get in a singing contest? Will Jen faint from the sight of both Jerry and Quinn? drools Oh baby! Oh baby! Wait a minute, why am I even saying this stuff? That means I'll have to write the next chapter sooner. Oh well, exams don't matter much. sings to chorus of Battle Hymn of the Republic "Failure, Failure, Degradation! Failure and Humiliation! Failure, Failure, Academia! The truth will soon be known!" Well, Sliders isn't mind. If it was, I would still be filming episodes in my basement. :-D Well on with the story! Tata!
"What are you doing?" Maggie inquired as she approached the soda machines. She needed to get away from the vicious argument. She had not known the professor well and even though she had heard most of the incidents they commented about, she felt out of place. And then there was the fact that the girl was taking an awfully long time to get the cokes and out of habit, Maggie's paranoia was setting in. And it looked like Maggie had cause this time. Jen jumped and spun away from the telephone at the sound of Maggie's voice.
"Nothing," Jen squeaked. She seemed to realize how suspicious that sounded. "I was just calling the front desk to see if my parents had called and to leave a message in case they do call later." She smiled weakly. Maggie narrowed her eyes. The girl was hiding something, but what? She shook her head and picked up the dispensed sodas. The girl was only eighteen at most and loved them with all her heart. Maggie had seen the awe in her eyes before. Jen saw them as heroes. It was faltering, but also a little alarming. She shook her head again and glanced down the hall. Yells could now be heard emanating from their room.
"You don't happen to have a peace pipe with you by any chance? I left mine on the last world."
"Look, I'm really sorry about that. I should have known better, but I was so caught up in the moment and actually meeting you guys." She sighed. "I just wanted to show you how popular on this world. To show that there are people who care. That you guys aren't alone."
"Listen, you did you're best to make us at home. And you did realize your mistake, even if it was a little too late. Now let's get these refreshments back to the battle before I start sounding more like an afternoon special."
The two walked back to the room, to only meet a furious Quinn storming out the door.
"Quinn? Where are you going?"
"I really need a drink, ok! I can't handle them anymore. I'll see you in a few."
Jen trailed after him.
"Quinn, I'm sorry! I didn't know. Look, just come back in the room and we'll ta…"
"I just need some time to myself. I'll be back in a while."
Defeated, Jen turned back to Maggie as Quinn stalked down the hall to the elevator. Jen's feelings flitted across her face as they entered the room. Maggie watched her with concern. The kid really adored Quinn, which probably made the situation even harder for Jen. Her favorite episode of her favorite show hurt her idol who she finally got to meet. Maggie wouldn't be surprised if she even had a shrine to Quinn that she worshipped at three AM.
"Hey, I have a word or two to say to you!" Wade exclaimed as they entered the room.
"Do you want your root beer?" Jen offered softly.
"Wade, it's not her fault," Maggie spoke, to her surprise, before Wade could begin her rant. Wade huffed up as if to counter, let her breath out in a big sigh, and collapsed back into her armchair.
"I know, but I really need someone to yell at right now. And since Quinn felt it was his duty to check out the bar, I'm out of logical options."
Just as they began to relax a bit and enjoy their sodas, the door slammed open and Quinn stumbled in with an annoyed look on his face.
"Well, that was a quick drink," Wade snapped.
Quinn glared at her and then turned to the door where two men in suits were standing.
"I never got the chance to reach the bar. The interdimensional police decided we needed a chat." Quinn jerked his thumb towards the entering suits. The first man stood a little shorter than Quinn with black spiked hair, a deep tan, and insane hazel eyes. The second was as tall as Quinn and looked like a football coach with his close-cropped graying hair and wide shoulders. Maggie glared at men.
"My apologies for the rude entrance," the second man boomed, "but our dear Quinn was being a little reluctant about a meeting when we encountered him. I am Mr. Jack Giltomas and this is my assistant, Mr. Aaron Cotis. I am the head of production for Sliders and I would be honored if you joined me and the cast for dinner."
"And what if we refuse?" Rembrandt asked defiantly.
"Oh, I insist. And I can be really persuasive when I put my mind to it."
Maggie didn't like this. She glanced at Jen. The girl had an odd look on her face. What was it? It looked like a mix between disbelieve and utter joy.
"You called them, didn't you?" Maggie accused. Nothing her ass.
"I called them, but the secretary didn't believe me. But this is great! You guys can meet your doubles!"
Jen's grin spread right across her face. Maggie sighed. It couldn't hurt to just go to dinner with some doubles. It would be a free meal. Despite her better judgement, Maggie took Jen's side.
"Come on guys. It can't be that bad and it's better than sitting in this hotel all night."
Rembrandt, Wade, and Quinn glanced and glared between each other and then collectively sighed.
"You got a point. And it would be free," Rembrandt voiced.
"I guess I'm in too. It would be nice to meet our doubles," Wade mumbled.
"So, let's go for it," Quinn interjected. Maggie smiled at the thought of his unspoken reason, which was probably along the lines of "And I won't have to spend the night fearing for my life."
"Alright!" exclaimed Jen.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation. Follow me to the limo."
The Sliders and Jen rose from their seats and exited the room to meet the limousine below.