Life or Death
By Samantha
Part 22: Epilogue Part 2
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Author's Note: So, how's it going? Well, not much of a note for this one (at least not yet. There could be another addition. You know me. . .lol.) Enjoy this next part! ~~Bethe
Author's Note 2: Hehe, what did I tell you? One note of explanation: When conversations between Sydney and another person are being held, they won't be exact word for word translations, because that's not possible in sign language. Instead, they will be what is meant in the sentences. Try not to be too confused. Love ya! ~~Bethe
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"So, Jarod," Al addressed him once he, Jarod, and Broots were in a room by themselves, "I heard about the Centre. Was that your handiwork?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow. Jarod lowered his head and chuckled slightly.
"Yeah," he replied. "I almost died in the process. But it was worth it. Now, it's a much better place."
"A school for extremely talented children was a touch of genius," Al allowed.
"It wasn't my idea. It was Lyle's, believe it or not. He and Parker head it up."
"Your daughter, Libby, is it?" Al asked to verify. Jarod nodded, and he went on. "She's very bright. Is she going to attend the school?"
"Actually, she's going now. But when she gets old enough for kindergarten, she's going to go to a public school. Parker and I are in agreement about that. We want her to have as normal of a life as possible."
"Is she a pretender, like you are?" Jarod smiled slightly.
"Well, that's a difficult one to answer. Yes and no." At Al's confused expression, Jarod proceeded to explain. "Understand that both Parker and I are pretenders, although my pretending muscle has been worked more than hers has. Libby can pretend, but extremely well, to the point that it's no longer pretending. We call her a Mimic. For example, her Uncle Sydney is deaf. Whenever she's around him, or whenever we're signing only, she doesn't hear anything. She tunes it all out. She basically becomes deaf. I think she's a little bit of an empath as well, because her mimicking happens only whenever she's around a person with that quality. The problem with that is that she doesn't know what her own personality is, because she's always molding hers to match others'. So, at the school, we're working with her on developing her own attitudes, personality, likes and dislikes, etcetera. She's finding it. She takes after her mother. She's bossy," Jarod finished. Broots stifled a laugh as Al smiled.
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While the three men were discussing what was going on in Jarod's life, Parker and Debbie went off to Al and Beth's living quarters to put Libby to sleep. Parker was laying her daughter down in the bed when Debbie sighed.
"What's the matter?" she asked, the mother in her coming to the fore. Debbie cocked her head slightly.
"I wish I had a perfect relationship with a guy like you have with Jarod." Parker's eyes widened.
"Oh, no," she replied, shaking her head vigorously. "We're far from perfect, Debs. Both Jarod and I have a lot of baggage to sort through. We may seem perfect, but you aren't with us all the time. We still fight. See, when Jarod and I married, we made a pact never to go to bed mad. That's helped a lot with resolving things. But sometimes, I go back to the person I was before. I build a shell around me that he has to work to crack. What brought this up?" she asked, curious. Debbie's look became far- off.
"Well, I'm not sure, really. Maybe because with college looming in the near- future, I'm seeing myself more as an adult than a skinny kid. And adults get married. I don't know. I'm feeling very alone right now." Parker's eyes softened as she reached forward to stroke Debbie's hair.
"You're not alone. You don't need a guy in your life at the moment. They're too complicated. Besides, you need to find out who you are before you can marry someone else. If you mimic everyone else, it'll never be a true commitment. Wait until you're secure in being yourself. Then, the only guy who will be worth you will love you for who you are. That's one of my favorite things about Jarod. It didn't matter if I was his childhood friend, his huntress, or his tag-along runaway, he loved me. I only want the same for you." Debbie gave a small smile. "Besides," Parker added, one corner of her mouth quirking, "If you get married now, you'll give your dad a heart attack." The two women broke into giggles before hushing themselves. They didn't want to wake Libby.
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"What are you planning?" Sydney asked in sign. Just the two of them were eating lunch in Sam Beckett's office. Jarod looked up at his mentor and sighed.
"I have to help them. Sam needs to be back home," Jarod replied. Sydney nodded and looked down momentarily.
"How do you plan on doing this?" Jarod looked down this time, obviously anguished. Then he looked Sydney in the eyes.
"Anything that I can."
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Two Weeks Later
Jarod ran a hand through his hair as he paced back and forth. Broots listened in while he muttered equations softly to himself. Eddie knew that this was a major stress for Jarod. The two had made great progress over the past couple of weeks, but it wasn't enough. They still didn't have the solution to retrieve Dr. Beckett. Last week, Sydney and Lyle had been sent home. Jarod was thinking about sending Libby, Debbie, and Parker as well.
"Jarod?" Broots spoke up softly. The other man looked at him. Inwardly, Broots grimaced. Jarod looked ill. He'd had little sleep, something he wasn't used to of late. A few days ago, he had heard Jarod and Parker fighting again. It was a common occurrence nowadays.
"Yeah?" he asked gruffly, scratching his neck.
"Go to bed, Jarod," Broots replied, "You haven't slept in days. I don't think you've eaten, either. Take a rest. Go see Parker and your daughter. We'll pick this back up when you're finished." Jarod waved his hand.
"I can't, Broots," he remarked, "I'm so close to figuring it out. It's like it's right on the tip of my brain, but it's stuck there. I feel like I'm moments away from dislodging it. If I sleep now, I'll lose it." Broots started to protest, but Jarod's eyes widened as a grin spread across his face. "Got it," he whispered, an eerie light entering his eyes.
Immediately, two techs appeared at Jarod's side, eager expectancy showing on their faces. He whispered something in their ears, and they left in a hurry. Then he looked to Broots and said, "I need your help."
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Broots rubbed his eyes 24 hours later as he sat back from the computer console and stretched his aching back. He had been working non-stop, developing the computer program Jarod had come up with. It was finally finished. Unfortunately, there would be no time to test it. Jarod's orders were that it be implemented right away. Somehow, Broots had a feeling that Parker wouldn't like this program.
It hinged on Jarod leaping into Sam first.
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"You can't do this, Jarod!" she cried out, risking waking Libby. You just might undo all that Sam has accomplished. In others' lives--and our own. There has to be another way--" She was silenced by a finger to her lips. Tears stood still in her eyes as Jarod tilted her face up so he could look at her.
"There is no other way, babe. What will happen is that I leap into Sam, then they track me down and get me back. Just like that," he whispered, accentuating his point with a snap. Parker let out a shuddering breath.
"What if it doesn't work that way?" Jarod closed his eyes, then opened them again.
"Take care of Libby." Parker's sorrow turned to rage. She backed up and slapped him square in the face.
"Why must you always have a self-sacrificial attitude?" she asked icily. "Why do you always have to be the martyr? Has it ever crossed your mind that I might need you more?" she shrieked. "That your daughter needs her father?!" Parker caught her breath. Her face crumpled as she dropped into a crouching position and covered her face in her hands, weeping desperately.
Jarod lightly touched his cheek. Tears were in his eyes now, but not from the pain. He realized she was right. He knelt next to her, but his heart broke when she crawled back from him with fear in her eyes.
"Parker," he choked out, crying openly now. "I would never hurt you," he whispered. He reached out to touch her face, but dropped his hand when she flinched. He exhaled short, panting breaths in disbelief at their situation. He held his head in his hands and let the sobs shake his whole body. After a few moments, he heard a sniffle behind him, then a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and looked his wife in the face. Before he could say anything, she threw her arms around his neck and embraced him fiercely. A choked-up relieved sound escaped his throat as he returned the embrace. They cried onto each other's shoulders for a long time.
"I'm so sorry," Parker finally managed, resting her forehead on his.
"No," he replied as he brought both hands up to the sides of her head, "I'm sorry. Parker," he whispered, "If you don't want me to go, just tell me, and I won't." She closed her eyes and sighed.
"I don't want you to go, but you have to," she replied quietly. "For Sam," she continued, pulling back to look her husband in the eyes. Jarod didn't say anything for a long time.
"I love you," he remarked finally.
"Oh, Jarod, I love you, too," she reciprocated, her voice catching in her throat, before melding her lips with his. Libby's crying, however, interrupted the two before they could deepen their kiss any further.
"I'll get her," Jarod murmured, his lips still touching Parker's. He gave her one quick peck on the mouth before attending to his daughter. Parker watched him leave, then covered her mouth and nose with her hands and took some deep breaths. She could only hope Jarod would get back safe.
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"Jarod, are you sure you want to do this?" Al asked for the umpteenth time. Jarod, dressed in a white Fermi suit, shot him a look so reminiscent of Sam that Al shivered. The two were in front of the Accelerating Chamber. Al started spouting off instructions when Jarod turned and saw his wife and daughter behind him. He smiled and walked off, leaving Al waving his cigar in the air, explaining the process to no one.
"Jarod, you be careful," Parker whispered, hugging him fiercely. "Libby expects you back in no time." Jarod stroked her face and placed his hand on his daughter's back.
"I love you both," he stated. "I'll see you soon." He planted a kiss on the top of Libby's head, then turned his gaze to Parker. He drew her face to his and kissed her soundly. "I love you, Chaela," he whispered the endearment once more. Then he turned and walking into the Accelerator. Broots gave him a thumbs up, and pulled the switch. An amazingly strong wind gusted and electric blue light filled the room.
Then Jarod vanished.
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Sam Beckett opened his eyes after the blue haze disappeared and blinked at the sight before him. - This is familiar, - he thought to himself, - this. . .this is Quantum Leap! -
"Sam!" called out a familiar gravelly voice. Sam turned slightly and saw Al running towards him, customary cigar in hand. "It worked!"
"What worked?" he asked, confused. He looked around the room. Many were familiar faces, but some weren't registering. "Where's Gooshie?" Al's expression turned grave.
"He died about a year ago. I'd told you, but your swiss-cheesed mind probably won't let you remember." Sam would have commented, but his eyes fell on the woman holding a child. His brow furrowed in concentration, then recognition showed in his eyes.
"Miss Parker?" The woman smiled and walked forward.
"Yes, Sam," she answered, "It's me. Two years older, but it's me." Sam smiled this time and took in the toddler in her arms.
"And who is this beautiful young lady?" he asked bending to look the child in the eyes.
"This is Libby. My daughter, and Jarod's." Sam straightened slowly, then grinned.
"Took my advice, eh?" he asked with a slight wink. "Where is he, by the way? I'd like to meet him." Parker took in a sharp breath as she looked to Al for answers.
"Uh, Sam," he began, scratching his head, "Jarod leaped into you so you could come back home." Sam looked back at Parker.
"We wanted to express our thanks to you, but when we found out you were still being leaped, Jarod went into overdrive." He laughed incredulously.
"We have to bring him back," He looked around and saw who he was searching for. "Ah, Broots, let's get to work."
"Actually, Sir, Jarod's got the program up and ready. We just need to activate it, a-and he should be back in no time." Sam stared dumbly at Broots for a few moments.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" he asked finally. "Do it." Eddie moved back to the computer console and typed in a few codes that would prep the program.
"Dr. Beckett," Ziggy interrupted.
"You can welcome me back later, Zig," Sam replied. The parallel-hybrid computer scoffed slightly.
"While it is wonderful to have you back, Doctor," Ziggy's smooth voice purred, "There is one thing you should be aware of."
"You can tell me when we get Jarod back." Broots poised his finger above the enter button and waited for Sam's go.
"Sir," Ziggy said nonchalantly, "I just thought you would like to know that if the retrieval program is run at this time, Project Quantum Leap will experience a power failure, rendering the attempt to bring Jarod back useless." Broots pushed the enter button before Ziggy was finished with her litany, not really paying any attention to what she was saying. A low- pitched groan came out of her right before the lights went out, leaving the room in complete darkness.
"Oh, boy," came Sam's voice.
Part 22: Epilogue Part 2
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Author's Note: So, how's it going? Well, not much of a note for this one (at least not yet. There could be another addition. You know me. . .lol.) Enjoy this next part! ~~Bethe
Author's Note 2: Hehe, what did I tell you? One note of explanation: When conversations between Sydney and another person are being held, they won't be exact word for word translations, because that's not possible in sign language. Instead, they will be what is meant in the sentences. Try not to be too confused. Love ya! ~~Bethe
----------
"So, Jarod," Al addressed him once he, Jarod, and Broots were in a room by themselves, "I heard about the Centre. Was that your handiwork?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow. Jarod lowered his head and chuckled slightly.
"Yeah," he replied. "I almost died in the process. But it was worth it. Now, it's a much better place."
"A school for extremely talented children was a touch of genius," Al allowed.
"It wasn't my idea. It was Lyle's, believe it or not. He and Parker head it up."
"Your daughter, Libby, is it?" Al asked to verify. Jarod nodded, and he went on. "She's very bright. Is she going to attend the school?"
"Actually, she's going now. But when she gets old enough for kindergarten, she's going to go to a public school. Parker and I are in agreement about that. We want her to have as normal of a life as possible."
"Is she a pretender, like you are?" Jarod smiled slightly.
"Well, that's a difficult one to answer. Yes and no." At Al's confused expression, Jarod proceeded to explain. "Understand that both Parker and I are pretenders, although my pretending muscle has been worked more than hers has. Libby can pretend, but extremely well, to the point that it's no longer pretending. We call her a Mimic. For example, her Uncle Sydney is deaf. Whenever she's around him, or whenever we're signing only, she doesn't hear anything. She tunes it all out. She basically becomes deaf. I think she's a little bit of an empath as well, because her mimicking happens only whenever she's around a person with that quality. The problem with that is that she doesn't know what her own personality is, because she's always molding hers to match others'. So, at the school, we're working with her on developing her own attitudes, personality, likes and dislikes, etcetera. She's finding it. She takes after her mother. She's bossy," Jarod finished. Broots stifled a laugh as Al smiled.
----------
While the three men were discussing what was going on in Jarod's life, Parker and Debbie went off to Al and Beth's living quarters to put Libby to sleep. Parker was laying her daughter down in the bed when Debbie sighed.
"What's the matter?" she asked, the mother in her coming to the fore. Debbie cocked her head slightly.
"I wish I had a perfect relationship with a guy like you have with Jarod." Parker's eyes widened.
"Oh, no," she replied, shaking her head vigorously. "We're far from perfect, Debs. Both Jarod and I have a lot of baggage to sort through. We may seem perfect, but you aren't with us all the time. We still fight. See, when Jarod and I married, we made a pact never to go to bed mad. That's helped a lot with resolving things. But sometimes, I go back to the person I was before. I build a shell around me that he has to work to crack. What brought this up?" she asked, curious. Debbie's look became far- off.
"Well, I'm not sure, really. Maybe because with college looming in the near- future, I'm seeing myself more as an adult than a skinny kid. And adults get married. I don't know. I'm feeling very alone right now." Parker's eyes softened as she reached forward to stroke Debbie's hair.
"You're not alone. You don't need a guy in your life at the moment. They're too complicated. Besides, you need to find out who you are before you can marry someone else. If you mimic everyone else, it'll never be a true commitment. Wait until you're secure in being yourself. Then, the only guy who will be worth you will love you for who you are. That's one of my favorite things about Jarod. It didn't matter if I was his childhood friend, his huntress, or his tag-along runaway, he loved me. I only want the same for you." Debbie gave a small smile. "Besides," Parker added, one corner of her mouth quirking, "If you get married now, you'll give your dad a heart attack." The two women broke into giggles before hushing themselves. They didn't want to wake Libby.
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"What are you planning?" Sydney asked in sign. Just the two of them were eating lunch in Sam Beckett's office. Jarod looked up at his mentor and sighed.
"I have to help them. Sam needs to be back home," Jarod replied. Sydney nodded and looked down momentarily.
"How do you plan on doing this?" Jarod looked down this time, obviously anguished. Then he looked Sydney in the eyes.
"Anything that I can."
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Two Weeks Later
Jarod ran a hand through his hair as he paced back and forth. Broots listened in while he muttered equations softly to himself. Eddie knew that this was a major stress for Jarod. The two had made great progress over the past couple of weeks, but it wasn't enough. They still didn't have the solution to retrieve Dr. Beckett. Last week, Sydney and Lyle had been sent home. Jarod was thinking about sending Libby, Debbie, and Parker as well.
"Jarod?" Broots spoke up softly. The other man looked at him. Inwardly, Broots grimaced. Jarod looked ill. He'd had little sleep, something he wasn't used to of late. A few days ago, he had heard Jarod and Parker fighting again. It was a common occurrence nowadays.
"Yeah?" he asked gruffly, scratching his neck.
"Go to bed, Jarod," Broots replied, "You haven't slept in days. I don't think you've eaten, either. Take a rest. Go see Parker and your daughter. We'll pick this back up when you're finished." Jarod waved his hand.
"I can't, Broots," he remarked, "I'm so close to figuring it out. It's like it's right on the tip of my brain, but it's stuck there. I feel like I'm moments away from dislodging it. If I sleep now, I'll lose it." Broots started to protest, but Jarod's eyes widened as a grin spread across his face. "Got it," he whispered, an eerie light entering his eyes.
Immediately, two techs appeared at Jarod's side, eager expectancy showing on their faces. He whispered something in their ears, and they left in a hurry. Then he looked to Broots and said, "I need your help."
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Broots rubbed his eyes 24 hours later as he sat back from the computer console and stretched his aching back. He had been working non-stop, developing the computer program Jarod had come up with. It was finally finished. Unfortunately, there would be no time to test it. Jarod's orders were that it be implemented right away. Somehow, Broots had a feeling that Parker wouldn't like this program.
It hinged on Jarod leaping into Sam first.
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"You can't do this, Jarod!" she cried out, risking waking Libby. You just might undo all that Sam has accomplished. In others' lives--and our own. There has to be another way--" She was silenced by a finger to her lips. Tears stood still in her eyes as Jarod tilted her face up so he could look at her.
"There is no other way, babe. What will happen is that I leap into Sam, then they track me down and get me back. Just like that," he whispered, accentuating his point with a snap. Parker let out a shuddering breath.
"What if it doesn't work that way?" Jarod closed his eyes, then opened them again.
"Take care of Libby." Parker's sorrow turned to rage. She backed up and slapped him square in the face.
"Why must you always have a self-sacrificial attitude?" she asked icily. "Why do you always have to be the martyr? Has it ever crossed your mind that I might need you more?" she shrieked. "That your daughter needs her father?!" Parker caught her breath. Her face crumpled as she dropped into a crouching position and covered her face in her hands, weeping desperately.
Jarod lightly touched his cheek. Tears were in his eyes now, but not from the pain. He realized she was right. He knelt next to her, but his heart broke when she crawled back from him with fear in her eyes.
"Parker," he choked out, crying openly now. "I would never hurt you," he whispered. He reached out to touch her face, but dropped his hand when she flinched. He exhaled short, panting breaths in disbelief at their situation. He held his head in his hands and let the sobs shake his whole body. After a few moments, he heard a sniffle behind him, then a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and looked his wife in the face. Before he could say anything, she threw her arms around his neck and embraced him fiercely. A choked-up relieved sound escaped his throat as he returned the embrace. They cried onto each other's shoulders for a long time.
"I'm so sorry," Parker finally managed, resting her forehead on his.
"No," he replied as he brought both hands up to the sides of her head, "I'm sorry. Parker," he whispered, "If you don't want me to go, just tell me, and I won't." She closed her eyes and sighed.
"I don't want you to go, but you have to," she replied quietly. "For Sam," she continued, pulling back to look her husband in the eyes. Jarod didn't say anything for a long time.
"I love you," he remarked finally.
"Oh, Jarod, I love you, too," she reciprocated, her voice catching in her throat, before melding her lips with his. Libby's crying, however, interrupted the two before they could deepen their kiss any further.
"I'll get her," Jarod murmured, his lips still touching Parker's. He gave her one quick peck on the mouth before attending to his daughter. Parker watched him leave, then covered her mouth and nose with her hands and took some deep breaths. She could only hope Jarod would get back safe.
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"Jarod, are you sure you want to do this?" Al asked for the umpteenth time. Jarod, dressed in a white Fermi suit, shot him a look so reminiscent of Sam that Al shivered. The two were in front of the Accelerating Chamber. Al started spouting off instructions when Jarod turned and saw his wife and daughter behind him. He smiled and walked off, leaving Al waving his cigar in the air, explaining the process to no one.
"Jarod, you be careful," Parker whispered, hugging him fiercely. "Libby expects you back in no time." Jarod stroked her face and placed his hand on his daughter's back.
"I love you both," he stated. "I'll see you soon." He planted a kiss on the top of Libby's head, then turned his gaze to Parker. He drew her face to his and kissed her soundly. "I love you, Chaela," he whispered the endearment once more. Then he turned and walking into the Accelerator. Broots gave him a thumbs up, and pulled the switch. An amazingly strong wind gusted and electric blue light filled the room.
Then Jarod vanished.
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Sam Beckett opened his eyes after the blue haze disappeared and blinked at the sight before him. - This is familiar, - he thought to himself, - this. . .this is Quantum Leap! -
"Sam!" called out a familiar gravelly voice. Sam turned slightly and saw Al running towards him, customary cigar in hand. "It worked!"
"What worked?" he asked, confused. He looked around the room. Many were familiar faces, but some weren't registering. "Where's Gooshie?" Al's expression turned grave.
"He died about a year ago. I'd told you, but your swiss-cheesed mind probably won't let you remember." Sam would have commented, but his eyes fell on the woman holding a child. His brow furrowed in concentration, then recognition showed in his eyes.
"Miss Parker?" The woman smiled and walked forward.
"Yes, Sam," she answered, "It's me. Two years older, but it's me." Sam smiled this time and took in the toddler in her arms.
"And who is this beautiful young lady?" he asked bending to look the child in the eyes.
"This is Libby. My daughter, and Jarod's." Sam straightened slowly, then grinned.
"Took my advice, eh?" he asked with a slight wink. "Where is he, by the way? I'd like to meet him." Parker took in a sharp breath as she looked to Al for answers.
"Uh, Sam," he began, scratching his head, "Jarod leaped into you so you could come back home." Sam looked back at Parker.
"We wanted to express our thanks to you, but when we found out you were still being leaped, Jarod went into overdrive." He laughed incredulously.
"We have to bring him back," He looked around and saw who he was searching for. "Ah, Broots, let's get to work."
"Actually, Sir, Jarod's got the program up and ready. We just need to activate it, a-and he should be back in no time." Sam stared dumbly at Broots for a few moments.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" he asked finally. "Do it." Eddie moved back to the computer console and typed in a few codes that would prep the program.
"Dr. Beckett," Ziggy interrupted.
"You can welcome me back later, Zig," Sam replied. The parallel-hybrid computer scoffed slightly.
"While it is wonderful to have you back, Doctor," Ziggy's smooth voice purred, "There is one thing you should be aware of."
"You can tell me when we get Jarod back." Broots poised his finger above the enter button and waited for Sam's go.
"Sir," Ziggy said nonchalantly, "I just thought you would like to know that if the retrieval program is run at this time, Project Quantum Leap will experience a power failure, rendering the attempt to bring Jarod back useless." Broots pushed the enter button before Ziggy was finished with her litany, not really paying any attention to what she was saying. A low- pitched groan came out of her right before the lights went out, leaving the room in complete darkness.
"Oh, boy," came Sam's voice.