Master Sergeant Klinger then entered Mission Control and informed me, "Dr. Bellows, you're needed in DC. We have a T-38 ready to go for you. The General wants you in a flight suit post-haste."

I hurriedly changed into a flight suit I found in the Doctors Office, and carefully put Bellow's uniform in a garment bag I found in the locker near the flight suit. I walked out to the flight line, and got in the back seat of a T-38 jet trainer. The Air Force lieutenant flying the plane looked all of 15.

"Strap in tight, Colonel, I was ordered to get you to Bolling Air Force Base ASAHP." The Lieutenant instructed.

I thought just great.

I looked to my left and saw Al. My holographic companion said, "I'm jealous, you're in for quite a flight." Al then asked, "Are you sure Healey and the Nelsons will keep our little secret?"

I replied, "I think they have a bigger secret of their own. They won't be telling anybody about Quantum Leap. Besides who would believe them?"

It was quite a flight indeed. We made the 900-mile trip from Cape Canaveral to the Washington D.C. area Air Force Base in under 90 minutes. I was given a few minutes to use the latrine, and change back into my uniform. I was then rushed in an Air Force staff car to what appeared to be the Senate office building downtown.

"What is going on?" I quietly asked Al, who was riding along with me in the back seat staff car. The airman driving looked into the rear-view mirror, but knew better than to question the actions of a full-bird colonel.

When I entered the building, I was ushered into a conference room filled with several distinguished-looking men. Just then a tall fellow entered the room. By his sense of purpose, I deduced he was responsible for this meeting.

Our host turned on a video screen showing a patient who had suffered extreme trauma, and explained, "I am Oscar Goldman. On the monitor is Steve Austin, astronaut, a man barely alive."

Al said, "I don't get it. Austin told me himself he walked away from that crash. I know him well, and he is in incredible shape. He retired from the Air Force as a General, and lives in Ojai, California."

Unaware of Al's comment, or presence for that matter, Goldman continued, "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better... stronger... faster."

Al whistled and said, "And you think you know a guy. I always thought something was different about that Air Farce Colonel…"

Goldman then looked at me and said, "This project will cost the tax payers approximately six million dollars. It will build Austin's body but not his mind, that is why I invited NASA Psychiatrist Dr. Alfred Bellows to join us. Colonel Bellows probably knows more about Steve Austin's mind than Austin himself. Dr. Bellows, do you agree with our assessment that Austin is psychologically ready for bionic implants?"

Al said, "Say yes Sam!"

I looked at Oscar Goldman and replied, "Yes, I do." I then felt the lightheadedness and tingling sensation that goes along with another leap.

Next thing I knew I was wearing a tuxedo standing in front of a minister. Next to me was a stunning blonde. The minister continued, "And do you, Samantha, take Darrin to be your lawfully wedded husband…" Oh Boy!