Episode 5: "Adjustments."
Wade took a final look around the hospital room that had been her home for the last four months. The soft bed that lay against the side of the wall, the beautiful flowers standing tall in their vase on the desk, the window that allowed the sun to shine through. It was a strange feeling, but even though she had almost died on this world, she was going to miss this place. Miss the familiarity of it all, miss having something solid and unchanging in her life. And now she had to prepare herself to leave all this behind and once again slide into the unknown.
It scared her a little. Yes they had seen some amazing things but she remembered how sliding once was: the danger, the constant staying alive until the next window. In the midst of it all she had her friends to rely on and they would always help each other through it. But an important part of that veil of safety had been taken from her grasp. Quinn … she could hardly even bring herself to say it … Quinn was gone. Or still there, locked somewhere deep within Mallory. She did not know how she was going to cope seeing him, day in day out, knowing this. Knowing that he shared some of Quinn's memories but was a completely different person.
She had a lot to adjust to. But Rembrandt would always be there for her, their bond of friendship, unbreakable. For the past month since she had gained consciousness she had been catching up with him, their sense of ease growing the longer they spent time together. She had asked many questions about Mallory, Diana, and Maggie, in an attempt to make things easier for when the time came. And that time was drawing near. Having seen her condition a week ago, (being on the last course of her therapy and walking unaided), they said that they would be back in another week or so to pick Wade and Rembrandt up.
She looked up and saw Remmy finalising the last of her release papers and thanking the doctors for all of their hard work. He soon came over to her, a huge smile on his face. "That's everything taken care of. You've been discharged and can leave whenever you want. It might be best if we head off to the hotel and wait there for the others."
Wade tried to smile. "Guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
Remmy placed his hands around her shoulders and together they left the hospital and into the bright sunlight outside. He knew that the next few days were going to be hard on her. Meeting with Mallory and sliding again was going to be rough. He just had to try and be there for her. A shoulder to cry on if she needed him…
What if you found a portal to a parallel universe?
What if you could slide into a thousand different worlds?
Where it's the same year
And you're the same person
But everything else is different
And what if you can't find your way home…
Starring: Cleavent Derricks as Rembrandt Brown
Sabrina Lloyd as Wade Welles
Kari Wuhrer as Maggie Beckett
Robert Floyd as Mallory
And Tembi Locke as Diana Davis
… Sliders!
Maggie pushed back the large branches in her way as she continued to run as fast as she could through the dense overgrowth. Looking behind her she spotted Diana and Mallory close behind, the shouts from the townspeople and barks from the hounds echoing through the woods.
"Who would have thought that these people shun technology so much!" Said Diana, breathing hard.
"And we just had to slide right into their anti-tech movement!" Mallory shook his head. "Are we unlucky or what?!"
"How much time?" Maggie called back.
Diana checked the timer. "Just under ten minutes!"
Maggie listened hard and could hear a stream not far off. Her military training took over and she led the team from the path and into the trees. The going was slow and hard, but they managed to emerge into a clearing, as they followed the sound of water over pebbles.
"If we go through the river the hounds will lose our scent!"
They quickly followed Maggie's example as she waded into the river and followed the current as it flowed downstream. They then exited the river onto the other side of the bank and hid behind some large bushes. It was not long before they could see the outline of the hounds struggling to regain their scent. The townspeople arrived and tried to spread out over the area but they could not find any sign of them. Reluctantly they gave up on the chase.
"Now that was close." Whispered Mallory.
They began to relax and took the time to rest. Maggie sighed as she shook her head off of the thoughts and feelings that she was having. She was a little apprehensive about seeing Wade, especially after all that has happened. And also about Remmy, with Wade back it would not be long before their bond was put aside, before he looked to her for comfort.
Diana held up the silver timer. "3 … 2 … 1… opening!"
The stream of energy shot out from the timer and a large wind picked up as the gateway appeared. They waited until the vortex fully formed and then one by one jumped into it. As always, Maggie was the last to enter, she took once last look around and then jumped in with a flash of light. Preparing herself for what was to come.
Rembrandt turned the television set on and flicked through the programs that were playing. Wade and himself had just come back from doing a bit of shopping and now were waiting for the others to arrive. He knew that it had been a good idea, not only for passing the time but making Wade feel better, as she bought some new outfits. After she picked out the clothes that she was going to wear she stepped into the shower to freshen up.
A sharp knock came to the door and he got up off of the couch to answer it. He smiled as he saw the three people waiting outside. "Maggie! Diana! Mallory!" He opened the door up wide and let them enter. "How have you been?"
"Been a little hectic." Said Mallory. He brightened up when he spotted the food that was on the table. "But things are looking better." He quickly went over to it and started eating.
"Diana." He hugged her. "Hope you didn't slide anywhere too bad."
"Just the usual." She smiled, laughing as Mallory scoffed down the food. "Though we have not eaten in a while." She joined him by the table.
"Hi Remmy." Said Maggie as she entered. The two hugged. "Wade?"
"She's in the shower. Been really apprehensive about meeting you guys."
"Well she's not the only one."
Mallory listened in on them whilst eating. He was just as apprehensive as both Maggie and Wade. Memories still floated around in his head from when Quinn and her were sliding together. He knew of the unspoken feelings that they had for each other. Feelings that were interrupted with the arrival of Maggie. Though the tension had lightened once she and Wade bonded it was still going to be weird between them. As he also knew of the stronger bond that had developed between Quinn and Maggie after Wade was taken away.
"So when do we slide?" Asked Remmy.
"Almost twenty four hours." Replied Diana.
"Guess that gives some time to let things settle."
Maggie turned and looked towards the bathroom. She could only guess what was going through her mind.
As Wade stood underneath the shower she began to cry. Tears slowly escaped the confines of her eyes, and ran down the sides of her cheek, merging with the water. Lifting up her arms she felt the sides of her neck and the markings that would always be a constant reminder of what the Kromaggs had done to her. Her gaze then turned to her arms, and the relatively fresh stitches, more reminders of the tube connections from that dreaded machine.
Her thoughts then turned once more to her home, thanks to Remmy, only now escaping Kromagg control. She could only hope that her parents were safe, and alive. And Quinn … she could not even think about it … she had to see Mallory for herself. Taking her time she slowly stepped out and dried herself off. After getting dressed she took a deep breath and left the bathroom.
She instantly saw the four sets of eyes that watched her as she entered the room. She stood nervously for a moment, only relaxing slightly, as Rembrandt ushered her over. He laid a protective hand onto her and then led her over to the woman who was next to a computer.
"Wade, this is Dr Diana Davis, our relative scientist and physicist."
"Hi." Wade said, smiling a little.
"Nice to meet you Wade." Diana smiled back. "We've heard a lot about you."
"You too."
The familiar face of Maggie then came into view. "Hi Wade."
"Maggie." She answered, nodding her head.
"It's been a long time. Glad that you're ok. You gave us a fright the last time we met."
Wade lowered her head. Trying to block out the memories. "It's ok. It's good to see you too." They both fell silent for a while but then stepped forward and they both hugged each other. They held on for what seemed like a long time and then finally pulled apart.
Her heart was pumping fast as she knew who the next person to meet was. She turned around and saw him standing to one side. He looked so different, yet, yet there was obviously something about him that reminded her of him. She slowly walked over to him and looked into his eyes. Yes, she had been right, those eyes … there was something there that reminded her of Quinn.
"Quinn?" She finally asked.
Mallory struggled to find words. "Feels like I already know you."
Wade raised her hand and stroked the side of his face. "He's … he's inside of you?"
"Somewhere … deep inside … though I can't feel him anymore."
She shook her head. It was so strange seeing this alternate Quinn, having theirs trapped inside of him, with all his memories. "Remmy explained to me a little about what happened. What was it like?"
He hesitated for a moment. "Strange, slightly painful. It was like both our consciousness' were sharing the same space in my mind at the exact same moment in time. Then eventually my own became dominant and his retreated into the back of my mind."
Wade continued to watch Mallory for a long time. She had to fight herself to stop the tears. She was glad when Rembrandt spoke to break the silence.
"How about we all go down to the bar and get a drink?"
They all nodded. Rembrandt held onto Wade and led her down. Maggie and Mallory could not help but feel a little awkward around her. Only time could change that. They entered the bar and ordered some drinks. Wade felt that she needed to keep speaking otherwise she would descend into her thoughts too much.
"So is that the Kromagg timer?"
Diana nodded and passed it over. "Yes. The one we acquired from the Slidology World. We used to be able to open up a vortex at will but the Nuclear Earth caused it to malfunction."
Wade nodded, remembering more of what Remmy told her. "What about our Earth's co-ordinates?"
"We have your world stored from when we tracked Rembrandt to it. Though we don't have our own."
As she took a sip Wade glanced over to Mallory. He was staring at her also though trying to hide it. The feeling of awkwardness grew.
"Wade." Said Maggie, not sure if she should ask. "I know it is hard to talk about it. But…"
"It's ok Maggie, go on."
"When you were put into the experimental program by the Maggs did you find out any information? Like on the Magg Home-World or something?"
"The others and I only heard bits and pieces of information. They drugged us 80% of the time and when we were conscious they were carrying out their tests. Why?"
"Just that if we ever hope to separate the Quinn's and take out the Maggs once and for all maybe the Mallory's can find a way."
Rembrandt sighed. "The only problem is that we don't have the co-ordinates."
"And from what you have told me only Quinn and Colin could unlock it." Added Diana. "So in other worlds only someone with the same quantum signature of that Earth could open up a gateway to slide into it."
Wade was still trying to process the fact that Quinn was not from their Earth. That and the fact that he also had a brother. "You know, I'm still a little tired. I'm going to have an early night."
"But it's only 6:30." Said Rembrandt.
"I know. But I can hardly keep my eyes open." Wade said goodnight to them all and then walked up the stairs to the suite.
"Will she be ok?" Asked Diana.
"I'm sure she will be." Answered Maggie. "Wade is strong and she has survived a lot."
"Maggie's right." Said Remmy. "Just give her some time."
"No … no…" Wade tossed and turned in her bed. Images of the Kromaggs experimenting on her body invaded her dreams. "No … leave me alone! Quinn! … Remmy! … help me!" The nightmare continued. She could feel their cold alien hands touching her, injecting her with strange substances, she tried to cry out but was ignored. "Quinn!" She cried. "Quinn!!!"
"Wade!" Maggie had heard her scream and entered the room. "Wade wake up!"
Wade quickly opened her red eyes, the tears from her dream, also happening in reality.
"It was just a dream." Maggie said quietly. "Just a dream…"
She placed a comforting hand around Wade as she sobbed into her shoulder. "He's gone isn't he! Quinn is gone! We are never going to see him again are we?!"
"Ssshh." She tried to calm her. "Quinn isn't gone. He's there, within Mallory. We'll find a way to get them apart. We'll both see him again … someday."
Wade looked up at Maggie. There had been a lot of friction between them in the past but she saw that Maggie was being sincere. "Did you…" Wade had to ask. "… and Quinn?"
She paused for a moment. "Quinn and I became really close after you were taken. For a long time we tried to find you but found nothing. In a way it made things easier. You leaving allowed the bond between us to grow even more. Though it was never said … and we only kissed … what we felt for each other." She sighed. "It was love."
Wade slowly nodded and suddenly burst out laughing. "And knowing Quinn he never said anything about it before it was too late!"
Maggie smiled. "For a genius he can be so slow sometimes. He does not even understand his own feelings." The two girls laughed and the tension between them finally lifted. "I know that we'll see him again. You just have to look into Mallory's eyes, beyond his arrogance and childlike behaviour, and can see the essence of our Quinn deep inside."
"And given the choice?"
She shook her head. "Though I want Quinn back so much I couldn't, wouldn't, sacrifice Mallory for him. He is a good person, and a great friend."
Wade nodded her understanding. As she dried her eyes they continued to talk well into the night. They did not notice the door slowly closing shut. Rembrandt smiled to himself and went back to his own room.
The next morning the tension in the group had lightened and Wade and Maggie were speaking quietly to each other over breakfast. Rembrandt watched them, a constant smile on his face, happy that the air had finally been cleared between the two of them. Diana continued to work on her Quinn separation and virus theories whilst Mallory was no where in sight. He had left early in the morning to 'clear his head'.
He stood up and decided to join them at the table. "Mind if I sit down?"
"Go ahead Remmy." Smiled Maggie.
"Now don't go telling me that the two of you are best friends now?" He stirred.
Maggie turned to Wade. "With that whiny slut?"
Wade turned to Maggie. "With that military bitch?"
Rembrandt's smile faded. The pair suddenly burst out laughing. He sighed with relief as he got that they were joking with him and joined in with the laughter.
That afternoon the Sliders assembled in their suite and got themselves ready for the slide. Wade and Diana were sitting by the table, getting to know one another. Maggie and Rembrandt stood in the centre of the room, silently watching the timer count down to the next window. Mallory had still not returned.
"Do you think he's alright?" Asked Remmy.
"Probably gotten himself into some kind of trouble." Maggie sighed.
The door suddenly opened and they all turned to see him enter.
"Where were you?"
"Just out to clear my head a little." Came the response. As the others stood up to crowd around Remmy, Mallory went over to Wade. "Er, Wade…" She looked up at him. "I got you a little something."
He handed her a wrapped gift and then quickly stepped back before she could respond. Silently she opened it up and found that it was a beautiful brown journal with a golden lock at its side. "Mallory…" She shook her head. "Thank you." She went up to him and kissed him on his cheek.
The others smiled. "Well Wade you'd better brace yourself." Rembrandt turned and activated the timer.
Wade smiled as she saw the silver blue vortex form, a strong wind, blowing out towards them.
"Shall we?" Smiled Maggie.
Wade continued to watch the swirling gateway for another moment longer and then nodding ran forward, hand in hand with Maggie, they disappeared into the vortex with a flash of light. Diana gathered her equipment and jumped in next.
"That was a good thing you did, Mallory." Said Rembrandt.
He nodded silently and then ran in after the others, Remmy close behind.
Dear Journal,
It has been so long since I last wrote my feelings down on paper but I think that it is finally time to do so once more. If nothing else to at least sort out all the thoughts inside my head. And there is so much to sort out. It's all … it is sometimes almost too much to think about. I know that I will never fully recover or even forget about what the Kromaggs did to me. But I am not going to let that anger grow inside of me. I am going to change it, use it, as a means to keep going.
Maggie … she and I finally had a talk, the first we ever had, the night before and totally cleared the air. I think that I even understand her a lot better. A friendship that took so hard to build the last time seems to be growing strong now.
And as for Mallory … this one gesture means so much to me. I could feel the 'essence' of both himself and Quinn behind it. And it makes me smile. Maybe one day we will see him again. And maybe I can get to know this Mallory for who he is. As Remmy keeps on saying: 'Only time will tell…'
End.