From: cluac@csv.warwick.ac.uk (D S Bevan) Newsgroups: alt.ql.creative Subject: Water Water Everywhere Part 4 Date: 24 Apr 1994 09:55:50 -0500 Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway Message-Id: <474.199404241455@lily.csv.warwick.ac.uk> Right then here it is Part 4 Thanks to all those who have responded to the story--I'm very touched---keep 'em coming... and without further ado we lift the curtain to reveal Part 4... Water Water Everywhere Part 4 Sam found his locker easily enough-after the shower, he cleaned himself up in front of a mirror.A medium built, blue eyed and blonde beach boy was who he saw looking back at him.Sam opened Marty's wallet-he'd long since lost his scruples about looking through other people's belongings-to find a driver's licence which gave him a home address.He also found a photo of a pretty brunette and a child who looked to be no more than six years old he reckoned. He slammed the locker shut and was about to head out of the complex when he felt drawn back to the pool where he'd made such an impact.As he opened the door he saw someone leaning over the pool playing with the dolphins--it was a male and he looked to be cleaning around the pool. "Hey there,"ventured Sam. The male jumped and looked somewhat guilty. "Geez,you scared me Marty-I was just talking to Al." Sam looked bemused-then realized he wasn't talking about his hologram pal,rather more about the dolphin. "Yeah,he's knida beautiful,isn't he?"said Sam trying to recover from his blunder. "You know what Marty?It ain't fair-them being cooped up here in this pool,dependant on us humans for food;food which they usually have to work damn hard for."There seemed to be a certain amount of venom in his voice."One day when I'm somebody,I'm gonna come back and set them all free--or my name ain't Pete McCarthy." Sam nodded thoughtfully as Pete carried on about his duties.He headed back for the door.As he left,Sam shouted "Night" to Pete but got no reply.The door closed behind Sam as he stepped into the foyer of the leisure complex. Signs everywhere shouted at him: "3 days till the Grand Opening!florida's newest water complex brings you all the fun of the ocean for only five dollars!"said one.Another shouted: "See Marty `McFly' Nicholls and Chuck Newman perform with Al and friends for just five dollars!"Sam noted that the Californian accent must be Chuck. "How's it going, Sam?" said a voice nearby. "Do you see this,Al?I'm down to perform in three days' time with a dolphin with your name?" "Kick in the butt, ain't it?"said Al with a grin. "It's not funny-I don't know the first thing about tricks,let alone what to do at the Grand Opening!" "Maybe you've got a book at home,"joked Al. Sam just scowled-he was none too enamoured with the idea of performing in front of thousands of people which was what the stadium could hold. "Yours is the red stationwagon,"said Al as if to make up for the earlier comments. "Thanks." Sam sat at the wheel of the car,started the motor and when she failed to start- twice-fell back into his seat. "You should get something done about that" came Al's voice as he floated through the front of the car and settled himself next to Sam. "Do you have anything for me or are you just here to wind me up?" snapped Sam. "Take it easy Sam-Ziggy's having some problems tracking down the info- all we know is that the complex didn't open for very long-we don't know why yet but we're working on it overtime.I'll go back and see what's haapening and why she's being held up.I'll let you know the minute we get anything."And with that, Al went back to Project Quantum Leap. Sam tried the car again and was relieved when the engine started.He began the journey back to Marty's house,suddenly aware that he had no idea of Marty's wife's name.The journey was uneventful and Sam soon found himself at the address he'd found in the wallet.It was a pretty mediocre house and Sam parked the wagon in the drive and with a nervous breath shut the door of the wagon. No sooner had he done this when the front door of the house opened and a little girl came running towards him shouting "Daddy,daddy".Al had either neglected to tell him that he was married or Ziggy hadn't turned up the info.But Sam wasn't too fussed-he'd got a little girl in his arms and he felt proud-he vaguely remembered something about having a daughter;or maybe his swiss-cheesed mind was playing tricks on him again. "Hey honey." Sam looked up to see the pretty brunette that he'd seen in the photo standing in the doorway.She was wearing the usual summer gear and looked a little tired.Still it didn't stop her from coming down the steps and giving Sam a big kiss right on the lips.After a few minutes she stopped and said to a breathless Sam that "Lunch is ready-come in." Sam scooped Marty's daughter up and carried her into the house.He put her down and was just clsoing the front door when he became aware of Al's presence.He spun around and Al saw the lipstick on his mouth and looked at him with a hint of reprimand. "She kissed me before I could do anything."Without giving Al any time, Sam spluttered;"Why didn't you tell me I'm married?" "Something's goofing Ziggy around--anyway you're not married-Marty is." "Whatever--what are you here for?" "Marty-the food's on the table now,"came the cry from the other room. Sam shouted back that he'd be in in a minute. "We've got trouble here Sam.I told you the centre wasn't open for too long--apparently it turns out that it's lucky to be open at all."Al's voice sounded serious. "Unless you can do something, in 3 days the Florida Aquatic Centre opens as expected on the Grand Opening."Al stopped. "So what's the problem?"asked Sam. "Well, what's not expected is that a bomb goes off killing 9 people and injuring at lease a few dozen more-Marty's wife dies and your daughter, Patsy,is paralysed from the waist down--unless you can change it." "Oh,boy" whispered Sam. To Be Continued........ Comments welcome See you with Part 5 soon.... Darren