Date: Thu, 29 Aug 1996 15:51:49 -0600 (MDT) From: "Katherine R. Freymuth" Subject: Slide Before You Leap - Part 21 Message-ID: I know I've been a while on this part but please be patient with me. The school's semester has just startde so I won't be able to post as often as I want to. But don't worry; I hate stories that don't have an ending so you will get the whole story. Now to part 21. -------------------------------------------- One Week Later ... Thay had succeeded in installing a stable biomechanical microchip into Alpha. They were now working on Alpha's retrieval program while at the same time trying to pinpoint the correct coordinates of the Sliders home world. "The problem is," Quinn said to Sam, as they were working on the retrieval program, "you wouldn't have a way to control your... leaps?" "That's the word I prefer," Sam told him. Quinn nodded. "You wouldn't be able to control your leaps with this original program. When you leap and where you leap would be determined by Alpha." "Sounds like the same problem you have," Sam commented. Quinn smiled. "It does a little, doesn't it. But time periods aren't infinite like alternate worlds, especially when you limit time travel within a lifetime. We need to find a way for you to be able to set what time you are going to when you are in the past." Sam nodded. "A timer like your own." "Only based on time travel," Arturo added. "Not sliding." Sam nodded. "What do you think, Max?" Max Arturo was sitting next to Professor Arturo. It has taken him nearly all week to get used to seeing himself walk around when he hadn't been walking in years. And his other self was doing something he's only dreamed about: travelling between dimensions! With the two side by side, Sam could now see a lot of differenced between the two Arturos. His, along with being paralyzed, had a closer trim on his beard and moustache. He kept his hair shorter and he was a little more laid-back than the other. For some reason, Sam thought his Max looked more scientific. The other looked like a professor at Berkley. *Which he is*, Sam reminded himself. Max was thoughtful. "It should work. But how are we going to make sure that it will go with you when you leap?" "We'd have to encorporate my DNA pattern and my brainwave pattern into the timer," Sam thought aloud. "Shoudln't be too difficult considering the concept is the same as with the chip in Alpha," Max replied. Sam nodded. "Let's do it, then." ************************************** "I don't like this, Joe," Harlow said to Weitzman while in conference with the other member on the Project Quantum Leap Committee. "Neither do I," Senator Roberts added. "You've stepped way over the bounds." "So has Calavicci," Weitzman pointed out. "We must hold an investigation," Senator Cline insisted. "Why?" Weitzman asked. "The matter is settled." "An admiral of Calavicci's caliber doesn't allow unauthorized personnel without a reason," Cline said firmly. "Why do you want Calavicci to resign?" Harlkow asked suddenly. "He said you'd been waiting for him to resign." Weitzman glared at her. "Because, Ms. Harlow, Admiral Calavicci is a criminal. I'm surprised you didn't know that with how close you are to him." "Admiral Calavicci and I have had nothing to do with each other in years. Besides, he was lawfully acquitted of the charge." "He's guilty," Weitzman replied. "Why else is he so protectant of Lieutenant Beckett's brother? He feels guilty and he wants to pay for his crime." "Have you ever heard of friendship? Oh, of course not. I forgot whom I was talking to," Roberts said sarcastically. "Let's not go throwing insults at each other," Harlow reprimanded. "It is obvious that Calavicci acted in the wrong. It is also obvious that Senator Weitzman also acted in the wrong and should, in fact, have never been elected as this committee's chairman." "What!" Weitzman exclaimed, standing up in fury. "We'll take a vote," Harlow told him. "Those in favor of having this matter investigated?" All but Weitzman raised their hands. "I see," Weitzman said softly. "Well, then, I'll step down from my position. The chair is yours, Harlow. Enjoy it while you can." With that, he left the room. ------------------- Part 22 next. Kat