Here's Chapter 2:

------------------- Author's Note: All characters belong to Grant Naylor ------------------

"Running From Death"

Star wars type text scrolls across the screen explaining the situation the crew finds it self in it reads:

"Red Dwarf IX

When we last left Red Dwarf a tiny microbe was eating away at the ship. The crew escaped with the exception of everyone on floor 13 in 'The Tank.' Among these prisoners are our fearless heroes: Lister, Cat, Kryten, Kochanski, and . . . Rimmer if you can really call the cowardice git a hero. After entering a mirror universe Rimmer discovers the antidote to the microbe, thanks to a bizarre version of the cat. He brings the antidote back only to discover that the antidote was now the virus, and that the others were gone into the mirror universe. He was marooned on a dying ship. Death has arrived and isn't planning on leaving without Arnold J. Rimmer . . .

And Now The Saga Continuums . . . "

Red Dwarf slowly burns from the inside out. Yet not everyone is dead. Though they should be. Rimmer is desperately running away from the grim reaper. He refuses to believe that his number is up. However, death is hot on his trail.

"There is no point in running Arnold," death persisted as he continued to lurk about.

"Oh smeg off! I'm not ready to die," Rimmer hissed back through the flames

*** Meanwhile in another dimension Ace Rimmer returned to his orbiting ship The Wildfire. He was plum tuckered out after his meeting with the German general.

"What's the latest news?" Ace queried his on board computer.

The computer responded, "Well Ace it seems that another version of you is on the brink of death"

Ace looked worried. He hated it when an Arnold Rimmer had to snuff it, and he wanted to help. "Which version?" he asked the computer

"Arnold J. Rimmer. 2nd Technician on the JMC mining ship Red Dwarf," The computer answered.

Ace went into a state of shock after hearing this. He was so surprised that his voice turned into the voice he once used when he was Rimmer. "What? No that can't be right, check again," Ace demanded

The computer went searching "Hey This is your computer I'm researching something for you while you wait, here is some music for you," said the computer. The speakers blared out a tune for Ace to enjoy "You are the sunshine in my life, that's why I'll always be around . . ." Ace tapped his foot to the beat.

"I have double checked," said the computer, "and it is definitely the 2nd class technician on board Red Dwarf."

"No it can't be," Ace whispered still in his old weasel Rimmer voice

"Is there a problem Ace?"

"Yes there's a smegging problem ya gimboid. I'm that Rimmer. I was the 2nd class technician on Red Dwarf," Ace said in a frustrated manner. He didn't understand it. That Rimmer was dead. The crew must have been re-created some how, but how?

The computer replied, "No sir, you are Ace Rimmer"

All of a sudden Ace realizes he's not acting Ace enough and snaps back to being Ace. "Oh right, sorry computer I must've lost my head there for a minute. It looks like Arn needs my help. Ok let's prepare to dimension jump."

*** Back on Red Dwarf Rimmer has found his way into his old sleeping quarters. He is hiding behind his and Lister's laundry basket in the corner. The room will soon be engulfed in flame.

"Smeg!" Rimmer said aloud to nobody, "What the smeg am I gonna smegging do. Death is chasing me, and worst of all, the stench coming from Lister's dirty socks is just what might do me in. Oh Smeg!" Rimmer couldn't believe his luck. Why hadn't he just stayed in the mirror universe?

Death was approaching the sleeping quarters. "Where are you Arnold? Here Arnie . . . come to death." Frankly the Grim Reaper was getting sick of this game. He was Arnold Rimmer's own personal Grim Reaper. He'd been waiting his entire existence for A.J. Rimmer to bite the dust, and now here he was just suffered from a swift knee to the happy sacks.

"I just want to talk," lied Death.

Death entered the sleeping quarters just as The Wildfire materialized outside of the ship.

"Your life is over, again," said Death. "Do not be afraid Arnold"

All of a sudden Ace Rimmer teleports in to the inferno that was once Red Dwarf. Rimmer seems a bit taken aback by this strange visitor

"Who are you, ya little git?!" Rimmer screamed at the stranger

"There'll be time for that later old friend," Ace answered back.

Death seemed quite happy at the prospect of having 2 Rimmers to kill. The Grim Reaper makes his move, but Ace shoves him down and kicks him in the head.

"Not again," complained death.

Ace looked at death lying on the floor and said, "Sorry old chum; I had to do it. You were putting my pal Arn into a bit of a bind." Ace looked back towards Rimmer and declared, "Come on Rimsy, let's blow this joint faster than Captain Hollister walks past an exercise gym."

Rimmer looked surprised, "How do you know Captain Hollister?" Rimmer asked.

"Not now mate. Let's save your life," said Ace in a heroic tone of voice

"What a guy!" said Rimmer in a dreamy schoolgirl voice.

All of a sudden Ace and Rimmer teleport out of the room.

Next Chapter: "Officer Lister"