�Dear Journal:
It feels like some strange dream, like some long ago, and long forgotten hope. Those dreams of years gone by, lost in the abyss of endless worlds and slides, but now they are all finally coming true. It has taken us years of sliding, travelling to new and strange worlds, where we�ve seen many beautiful things, but also dangerous places of death, destruction, and the darker side of human nature. We�ve lost some good friends, like the Professor who we will never forget, but also gained some new ones. And now it is finally all coming to an end. This is it. The journey will soon be over. We�ve finally slid into Quinn�s true home.
And it won�t be long now, it won�t be long before I get to slide home. Finally, I can return home again. I just hope that in some way I can find my parents, and I pray that they are safe, and well. But for now, all thoughts and experience are trained towards the Kromaggs. Quinn, Colin, and Mr and Mrs Mallory, have been getting together and using their combined intellect, to try and figure out a way to stop the Kromaggs once and for all.
But � but I can�t help and feel this sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach. The Mallory�s are not just figuring out a way to get the Kromaggs off of a few worlds � but to totally wipe out their entire race in the multi-verse! I � I haven�t forgotten, how could I ever forget, what the Kromaggs did to me, but the totally extinction of their entire race? I just � I just don't think I could live with that. I just can't.
If we go ahead with this growing plan, then that makes us no better, no, it makes us even worse than they are. I haven�t told the others how I feel yet. But I am going to have to. I just can�t be a part of this, but I just can�t ignore it either. The cost is too high, and I know deep inside that it�s just not right�
Wade.�
Rembrandt silently watched as Wade began writing in her journal, a range of expressions passing through her features. Since the day after they had arrived here, she had become withdrawn and silent, not her usual vibrant and expressive self. He knew that something was preying on her mind, and now that they were alone together, he could finally ask her. Maggie and Diana were with the Mallory�s in the conference room, while Mallory was out exploring the compound.
�Wade? You ok?� He asked finally, standing up from where he sat to make his way over to her.
Wade slowly looked up, closing the cover of her journal, and tried to force a smile. �Yeah, of course.�
�Then say it like you mean it. Come on girl, I know that something�s wrong. What can�t you tell me?�
�Rembrandt it�s just � it�s Quinn.�
�Quinn? What about him?�
"Remmy, he wants to destroy the entire Kromagg race!"
Rembrandt fell silent for a short while. �The Maggs have caused so much pain��
�I know. Don�t you think I know that? They�ve taken over worlds, forced humans into slavery, killed hundreds of innocent people, made us breed with them!" She lifted up her face, staring directly into his eyes. "But we just can't do this! We can�t destroy their entire race! That�s nothing but mass murder! We just can�t ... we can�t turn into what they are.�
�I understand what ou are saying, Wade. Even after all that they have done to you, done to all of us, wiping out their entire species is something that we can�t take lightly. But I know that Quinn and his parents won�t make such an important decision, not without thinking it all through first.�
�But that�s exactly the problem Remmy�" She lowered her gaze. "Because I don�t think they will��
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:
Jerry O� Connell as Quinn Mallory
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
Special Guest Stars:
Charlie O� Connell as Colin Mallory
Linda Henning as Amanda Mallory
John Walcut as Michael Mallory
� Sliders!
�At least it�s something.� Said Diana. �The sooner the virus is integrated into the atmosphere, the sooner we can rid the Kromaggs from your world.�
�What about the attacks?� Asked Maggie. �Will you guys be able to hold on until then? I guess you�ve been fighting for so long that a few weeks more won�t be too hard.�
Michael Mallory nodded. �We can hold on.�
�But this is only the first step.� Continued Amanda. �We now need to shift our efforts into finding a way to free other occupied worlds from Kromagg reign.�
Colin spoke up next. �Freeing one world at a time would take forever. There are an infinite number of parallel earths. So what we need is some kind of way to simultaneously distribute the virus throughout the multi-verse.�
Quinn shook his head. �My research is going slow. If only we could find that way, we could finally stop the Kromaggs once and for all." He slowly looked up. "We need to put our heads together. Between the six of us, we must be able to come up with something!�
�Er, you mean the five of you.� Smiled Maggie as she stood up. �Somehow I can�t see myself being of much help.� She moved over to Quinn and kissed him. �I�m sure that you�ll think of something.� She then turned to leave the room, looking up as Wade and Rembrandt entered. �Hi guys.�
�Hey Maggie.� Said Rembrandt, his usual smile gone as he prepared himself for the events to unfold.
Wade hovered motionlessly over by the door for a moment, before finally stepping into the room. �Quinn, I � I need to talk to you. Well, all of you really.�
�What�s the matter Wade?� He answered, getting up.
�It�s�� She shot a glance over at Rembrandt for support, taking a slow and deep breath. �What you are doing is wrong.�
�� Wrong? I don�t follow?�
�Quinn this is genocide! Mass murder! You can�t do it!�
Quinn took a short step backwards, as he looked at Wade's determined stance, a puzzled expression on his own features. �Wade, what do you mean? The Kromaggs are killers. We can�t just let them be and take over world after world after world, killing and enslaving! What do you think we�ve been fighting for? What do you think this has all been for?�
�I know what we�ve been fighting for! We�ve been fighting for our home! For life, not for destroying an entire race, no matter how evil they've become. If you do you�ll turn out no better than they are!� She countered, turning to face the others in the room. �We�re not Gods. We don�t decide who lives and who dies! We can only protect those that we love!�
�So what about the countless others who have lost their lives to the Kromaggs, huh Wade? What about the countless others who are enslaved, have their eyes taken out to eat, and live their lives in constant fear? What about the other countless worlds who will soon be taken over by the Maggs? What about them Wade? What about their loved ones? Do we just forget about them?!�
�Hey!� Said Rembrandt, stepping forward protectively. �Lay off her Q-Ball. Wade knows all that those damn Maggots have done. But I agree with her when she says we can�t just wipe out their entire species!�
�Then what do you have planned, Remmy?� Said Quinn, becoming sarcastic in his anger.
�We can just free those worlds that are Magg occupied��
�That could take years!� Quinn shouted. �If anyone, I thought that you would be the one to understand the need to stop the Maggs!�
�But your not stopping the Maggs, you're wiping them out of existence!� Continued Wade.
Quinn shook his head. �Come to think of it I did expect this off you Rembrandt.�
The room suddenly fell silent. �And what is that supposed to mean?!�
�Back with the Professor, on Maggie�s home world, you were willing to just let an entire planet die just to get yourself home!�
�Guys!� Shouted Colin, seeing where this was going.
�Hey! That was a long time ago!� Remmy defended himself.
�And nothing�s changed. You�re still out for yourself!�
�Guys!� Echoed Maggie. �Stop this! This isn�t doing anyone any good!"
Quinn slowly calmed down and turned to face Wade once more. �When was the last time you looked in the mirror Wade?� Wade�s hands instinctively wrapped themselves around her arms, to cover herself. �Look at what they've done to you. Look at what they have done, and are doing to countless others. What should we do? Just let them take out world after world and let them be? That we should just free the ones that we care about, and leave all the rest? Wade, I�m not a murderer � but I will fight for those who can�t fight themselves in any way that I can!�
"... You've changed, Quinn." She said silently.
"We all have..."
The sudden loud alarm that sounded through the nearby speakers, snapped the three out from their war of words. Diana was the first to react, looking all around her. �What�s going on?�
�The perimeter alarm!� Exclaimed Michael. �The Kromaggs must be starting their next wave of attacks!�
There was a short crackling sound from the speakers, before Mallory�s voice could then be heard. �Guys, the Maggs have made a sudden attack on the right side of the compound�s perimeter fence! You�d better get up to the control room right now!�...
Mallory shook his head as he stared at the viewing screen, and at the images of Kromagg soldiers trying to break through the defences of the compound's perimeter fence. Automated defences had already begun to kick in, sending an electric-blue force field to surround the compound, and ground defence weapons had also been activated. He finally looked back as he heard the mass of footsteps come up from behind.
�The defences?� Asked Amanda, immediately.
�All operational.� Responded the nearby technician.
Maggie stepped forward. �Can I be of any use?�
�We have manual point defence lasers that you could use.�
�Great, then I�m on it.�
�Hold up Maggie.� Mallory rushed after her. �I�ll give you a hand.�
�Be careful.� Michael warned. �The lasers are above the field�s designated area, so they are able to fire, but fire can also be returned.�
The two nodded in understanding as they left. The others watched as their forces on the ground began to form, in case the Kromaggs broke through the perimeter field. Maggie and Mallory ran up a flight of stairs, and went through separate doors that led to the weapons. They strapped themselves into the dark black chairs, and activated the weapons systems. The shield doors soon opened, and they got a expanded view of the length of the compound. Maggie quickly got the hang of the device, and began firing at the hoard of Kromagg soldiers who were charging forward.
�Yahoo!� Came Mallory�s voice from the other room.
The Kromagg forces eventually began to fall back, at the bombardment from both the automated and manual weapons, that were being fired on them. Soon a full-scale retreat was sounded, and the units turned and scattered back to safety.
�We did it!� Shouted Mallory. �Ha ha! Look at them Maggs run!�
�Great work, Mallory.� Smiled Maggie, removing her fingers from the trigger.
Amanda relaxed as the attack was halted, looking up to speak to Quinn, but finding that he was gone. Wade had left the room also...
Knock, knock, knock!
No answer.
Knock, knock, knock!
Still nothing. As he motioned to knock again, Quinn could hear Wade hesitate from inside, but slowly her footsteps came nearer to its frame, and the door silently opened. They two friends stared at each other for a long moment, before Wade finally opened the door wide enough for him to enter, closing it back shut behind him. The silence couldn't to grow, until Quinn moved to break it.
�Listen Wade, about before -�
�No, wait Quinn.� She sighed. �I�m sorry. I know that you are doing this for the good of everyone. You always do. You constantly drived us onwards, trying to get us home, helping people that we came across. You�re always looking out for everyone else, even at your own expense. Though I know in my heart that this still feels wrong, I want you to know that I understand. And I support you in whatever you do.�
Quinn slowly smiled as he listened to her words, stepping forward to pull Wade into a tight hug. �I�m sorry too, Wade. I was too hard, and I know you're right. Maybe I wasn�t thinking this all through properly. But � but I can�t see any other way. We both want the same thing ... it's just that one method's faster than the other, that's all."
She nodded her head. �I understand that now.� She smiled, wiping away the drops that were forming in her eyes. �Gosh, look at me. I�m gonna cry.�
Quinn continued to gaze into her eyes. �Never change Wade. Never change who you are. You care so much about people, and even if they have done wrong, you can always find it in your heart to forgive them. So never change. Your big heart is what makes you so special.�
Wade slowly smiled. �Quinn��
They friends hugged once more, staying in each other's arms...
Quinn looked around at all his friends and family who had gathered in the conference room. They had all decided to meet here to pool any ideas, no matter how weird they sounded, in an attempt to stimulate possible avenues, for theories that could be explored. Quinn kept gazing over at Rembrandt, unsure of how to apologise, as Rembrandt mirrored Quinn�s uneasy looks, wanting to do the same thing.
�Ok.� Started Michael. �Let�s begin with what we know.�
Wade looked around, unsure of what to say. �Well, when we slide, a gateway is formed inbetween two worlds��
�Right.� Smiled Mallory. �We also know that vortex�s can intersect with one another, like Professor Geiger�s research, which is how Quinn got merged into my body, and Colin became unstuck.�
Colin paused, thinking for a moment. �In an �unstuck� state my body was pulled from one world to the next. So maybe we can go further with that idea, but use it for the virus? In a kind of interconneting chain that will travel throughout the multi-verse."
�But i can�t see a way of doing that.� Said Amanda. �And getting just the virus to travel randomly from one world to the next could take as long as distributing it ourselves.�
�I think that we should stick with the intersecting vortex idea.� Replied Diana.
Quinn remained silent.
�Quinn?� Asked Rembrandt. �You got something?�
Quinn slowly smiled as her heard Remmy's voice.. �Well � I�m not too sure.�
�Any idea, no matter how weird, remember?�
He nodded his head. �From every world that we've been on, we can stabilise a vortex to every other world, and from those worlds, to every other one, and so on. So, theoretically, there must be some interconnecting point within the gateways where they cross over. Like when Mallory�s vortex intersected with our own.�
The room fell silent as they pondered this new idea. �But do you think it�s even possible?� Asked Colin.
�I think it could be." Amanda smiled. "A single point in space and time where all vortex�s cross paths.�
�Like some kind of dimensional nexus.� Thought Diana.
�Geiger�s research would be a great starting point.� Stated Quinn, turning to Diana. �He was able to intersect two vortex�s. If we can expand on his theory, then we might be able to figure the exact point from which they intersect. With this, we could phase the virus into that poin,t and it would automatically spread throughout the multi-verse...�
�Wow." Smiled Rembrandt. "Sound�s like a plan to me.�
Amanda turned to him. �In the meantime, I�ll get our scientists to start synthesising the virus in your blood stream.�
�While the others and I will hold the fort, and deal with any crisis that might come up." Smiled Maggie. "Leaving you guys free to focus solely on this.�
�That would be great.� Quinn nodded.
Michael echoed his agreement. �I�ll inform our staff to leave you in charge, until we�ve figured this all out.�
�Well, good luck.� Smiled Rembrandt.
Quinn smiled. �Thanks Remmy.�
Together, Wade, Rembrandt, Maggie, and Mallory headed out of the room, leaving the others to figure out the complex calculations and solid, practical applications, on the theory of a Dimensional Nexus...
Kromagg Prime, Kromagg Base...
�What is your report?� The heavy Kromagg accent, slowly came through the secure communicator.
�My continuous surveillance of the Mallory�s, has brought something of importance to light that you might want to hear.� The technician quickly glanced around, looking up to see if he was being watched, before continuing the transmission. �Since Quinn�s arrival on Kromagg Prime, he has been busy with secure meetings with the Mallory�s, but with my equipment, I have been able to patch into the communications system, and survey all their actions.
It appears that they are putting together the base work for a theory on a �dimensional nexus�, a supposed point in space and time, where they think that they can distribute the virus throughout the multi-verse.� He laughed at the thought. �A theory that I believe has no substance whatsoever!�
�Fool!� Came the sudden loud shout. �Do not suppose to know the Mallory's, especially Quinn! That mind that we have been trying to capture for all these years, will undoubtedly think up a way to make his theories inro reality!" The technician bit his lip as he fell silent. �Continue your hidden surveillance of the Mallory�s. Any progress whatsoever, and I want to be immediately informed. If he succeeds, then this could signal the end of the Kromagg Dynasty! However, in our hands this could prove a priceless advantage.�
�Y-Yes, Kronith.� The Technician soon cut off the transmission, and quickly returned to his station...
To Be Continued�