Date: Tue, 28 May 1996 14:52:13 -0600 (MDT) From: "Katherine R. Freymuth" Subject: Slide Before You Leap - Part 4 Message-ID: Slide Before You Leap A Quantum Leap/Sliders Crossover by Kat Freymuth Part 4 The man's request to talk was so strong it felt like an order that had to be obeyed. And from the way the man kept an eye on them even though they were going to a simple coffee shop, both Arturo and Wade felt compelled to obey. If this was one of this world's police officers, they certainly didn't need to get themselves into any unnecessary trouble. "Please, sit down," the man asked politely, leading them to a corner booth where they could talk in private. "Would you mind telling us what this is all about?" Professor Arturo asked as he and Wade sat down in the booth. "I was hoping you could tell me," the man replied, sitting across from them. "After all, you're the imposter." Wade's and Arturo's eyebrows went up. "Professor, he must know the other you," Wade commented. The man appeared totally confused. "Then perhaps he also knows the other Quinn Mallory," Arturo speculated. Wade's eyes brightened. "Maybe we can find a way to get home!" Now it was clear that the man was confused. Apparently they had a bigger drop on him than he had on them. "It's worth exploring, don't you think?" Arturo pointed out. "Tell me, Mr...uh...." "Calavicci," the man filled in. "Admiral Calavicci." It wouldn't hurt to show a little teeth. "And, no, I don't know anyone named Quinn Mallory. What's this about another you? What do you know about Dr. Arturo and why are you impersonating him?" Arturo took a breath. The rank had caught his attention, as it was meant to. Apparently, the man was a member of this world's police force and of high rank as well. But he had seen very little change in the history of this world as compared to his own - just a few variances which didn't relate to the United States directly. "What I am about to tell you may find hard to believe. We come from a different world - a different dimension if you will - that is very much similar to this one but is also different in many ways. You see, in our world, there is no Cuban conflict, I was never in a car accident and there are no admirals in our police force." Admiral Calavicci laughed. The whole story was preposterous, especially that last part. Who did this guy think he was fooling? "We understand your skepticism," Wade told him. "But it's true." The Admiral stopped laughing but continued to smile. "I don't doubt that you really want to believe that cock 'n' bull story but pleading insanity doesn't work with me. It's gonna take a lot more than you thinking I'm a cop to convince me." Arturo raised his eyebrows, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Apparently, I stand corrected." "You do," the Admiral told him. "And you still haven't answered my questions. Who are you and why are you impersonating Dr. Arturo?" "He IS Dr. Arturo," Wade put in, angered. "Now, Miss Wells, there is no need to become angry with this gentleman," Arturo told her. He looked at the Admiral. "What if we could prove that we are telling the truth?" "I have a very open mind," the Admiral told him. "Good," Arturo said firmly. "Then come with us." The Admiral gestured towards the exit. "After you," he offered. He followed them out of the coffee house, certain that he would receive an answer to his questions about the man in front of him, his three companions, and the strange tornado-like tunnel. ******************* "Professor," Quinn said with enthusiasm as Arturo came into the hotel room. "We've come up with something interesting." "So have we, Mr. Mallory," Arturo replied as Wade followed him in. As Arturo finished speaking, Al Calavicci walked into the room and looked about. They were all four there, the people who had fallen out of that mysterious portal. He watched them carefully. "Who's that?" Rembrandt asked with slight suspicion. "This, Mr. Brown, is Admiral Calavicci. He accosted us after having followed us to and from the library. He apparently knows my alternate self here and would like an explanation." Al raised an eyebrow. "You noticed me following you. You're good. Not even my best friends know when I'm following them." "Do you often follow your friends?" Wade asked sarcastically. Al glared at her. "Actually, Admiral, your compliment should be to Miss Wells. It was she who noticed you." Al's glare turned into a respectful smile. "You're very good, Miss Wells. I underestimated you. My apologies." He extended his hand which Wade quickly shook and let go. "Thank you," Wade told him. "You're welcome," Al told her. "Now, gentlemen," he said, walking towards the center of the room. "And Miss Wells. I don't have much time. Three hours, to be precise. So, I'd suggest you start explaining, starting with what happened last night at about 11:55 p.m." The four exchanged glances and Al smiled, waiting. ------- Desperate for more? Don't worry there's more to come so hang on. Kat Freymuth