A/N: Sadly, obviously not counting the parts that make Quantum Leap the show that it is, this is based on a true story that happened outside a town about a thirty minute drive from where I live just a few years ago. They were just about home when the event in this story happened.
A blue light surrounded the passenger sitting in the front seat of a car. But neither of the other two passengers noticed Sam taking the place of their friend.
"I'm so glad we're almost home," the woman, who appeared to Sam to be in her early twenties, said. "I'm worn out."
"Me too," the driver said. "But I think we'll be home at least by midnight."
Sam simply sat there listening to the two people talk. Until Al arrived to shed light on the situation, he didn't want to do or say anything that would complicate matters.
Looking out his window, he looked at the dark night sky. It was complete darkness and not the moon or a single star could be seen.
It was then that Al arrived. When Al stepped through the Imaging Chamber's door, he stood behind Al.
"Hey Sam," Al said. "Listen up because this leap should be a cinch. It's May 3, 2003 and the people you're with are on their way home from a trip. Along the way, in about three minutes, they have to pass over railroad tracks. Unfortunately, when they do, due to how dark it is, they don't notice a train that is traveling along the track."
He paused for a moment as he pulled up the rest of the information.
"And I guess it goes without saying what happens after that," Al said. "But Ziggy says she's completely certain that's what you're here to change. Ziggy suggests you tell the driver to slow down to forty miles per hour and turn the headlights on bright."
Sam turned to the driver.
"Hey," Sam said, "how fast are we going?"
"Seventy."
"Can you slow down to forty and turn the headlights on bright?"
"Why?" the driver asked. "I'm ready to get home as soon as possible."
"I just have a feeling we need to," Sam said. "Just for at least the next five minutes. Please?"
"I think we're fine," the driver said.
"Please!" Sam yelled.
The driver sighed.
"Fine," he said. "I'll slow down. But just for the next few minutes."
Reading the updated history, Al looked up.
"They make it home safely Sam," Al said. "Thanks to the driver slowing down and their headlights being on bright, they notice the train moving just in time."
Moments later the car's passengers are rejoined by their real friend.