Date: 08/23/2001
From: SouthernSlider

The final chapter.

Again, I thank all of those that commented, and hope everyone enjoyed the story. I also extend another apology for the sporadic posting. Maybe next time I will be able to be more consistent.
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Chapter Twenty-six

When Quinn threw open the door to the lab, he saw a man’s back bent over a desk, hard at work. He ran toward him without a word.

“Don’t you dare make another move.” Quinn punched two fingers into his back, hoping it felt like a gun. The man’s hands flew up into the air immediately. “Guys, get
him out of here.”

Remmy and Colin grabbed the man by the collar and hauled him toward the door. With one heave-ho, they threw him out into the hallway, then slammed the door shut. Arturo was right there with them to swipe a card into the wall panel, causing a loud click.

“You lads see what you can do for Mr. Mallory. I’ll jam this thing so no one can enter.”

“What’s the verdict, Q-ball?” Remmy asked as he leaned over his shoulder. “Did he do much damage? Are we going to make it?”

“Remmy, will you hush with the questions, and let him concentrate.” Maggie issued her order with a slap to his arm. Quinn let out a disgusted breath, but otherwise
continued his tinkering in silence.

“Is there anything I can do, brother?” Colin’s tone was much quieter than his friends, but Quinn still heard the urgency in his voice.

“Just get them away from me.”

Remmy stood up straight with an indignant huff and moved away. Maggie followed suit with a childish act of sticking out her tongue at Quinn’s back.

“You know he’s going to torment us for 29 years if we get stuck here. This will be all our fault,” Maggie whispered. She was angry with Quinn but had the good sense
to speak quietly.

“Our fault?” Remmy questioned. “Don’t be adding me to your list of culprits. You and your big mouth got us into this.”

Maggie turned on him. “Me? What about you? If you hadn’t tried to go back in time we would have made it out of here without that idiot getting the timer.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t have tried to go back in time if you hadn’t harped on me at the hotel to think of something I would go back and change. And then, of course, there was
the dig about Wade.”

“Ohhhhhh. It was only pretend, Remmy. I didn’t mean for you to actually do it, you pig-headed . . .”

“Will you two shut up over there?” Quinn yelled. “How can a person think with all that noise?” He dropped the small screwdriver, cursing soundly. Maggie and Remmy stopped abruptly.

Colin leaned over to retrieve the tool. “Only five more minutes. Can you make it?”

“I think so. The inner workings haven’t been messed with too much. He was just beginning to probe around. I guess we caught him just in time.” He replaced the back and began to tighten the screws.

“Mr. Mallory, is everything all right?”

“Yes, Professor. We made it. The window will open in less than three minutes, and then we’ll be on our way.”

Professor Arturo sighed. “I guess it is for the best, lad, but I do wish you could stay and work with me. I know we would make a great team. Perhaps, we could even get my Mr. Mallory back.”

Quinn was moved. But the man’s words proved this professor and his were two different people. His Professor Arturo would never admit he needed Quinn Mallory. It brought a sad smile to his face.

“I must admit, Professor, I am tempted, but I have others to consider. It’s not just my life I have to deal with anymore. I really don’t think they would want to stay.”

“But how do you know, unless you ask them, lad. Your Mr. Brown was willing to go back in time. If he could stay until we came up with a way to return from the past, he
could accomplish his mission. Miss Beckett seemed interested in returning to the past earlier. We should ask for a show of hands.”

Before Quinn could answer, a loud pounding rattled the door. “You are unauthorized persons! Open the door now!” came a loud, booming voice. None of them responded. “If you don’t open this door, we will shoot our way in. Do as you are told and no one will be harmed.”

Quinn glanced at the timer. Less than sixty seconds. Professor Arturo’s words echoed in his mind -- <. . . ask for a show of hands.> He looked at his companions. <Would
they be willing?> He raked his fingers through his hair. <The question is irrelevant. We can’t stay . . . can we?>

More pounding. “All right, men. Aim your guns for the handle.” Everyone inside scurried away from the door.

Quinn took another look at his mentor’s double. It would be so wonderful to be grounded, to work with the man . . . to have a chance to correct so many mistakes. But
then, if there was no way to return to the present, would he choose living out another timeline?

The timer hit zero. Loud gunfire assaulted their ears. “Quinn! The vortex,” Maggie yelled.

He instinctively activated the timer. Maggie and Colin jumped forward right away. Quinn’s eyes locked onto the professor’s as the two forms disappeared. He had no
choice now. He couldn’t stay.

“I’m sorry, Professor. I have to follow them. They have no way home without me,” he yelled over the swirling noise. “But I have faith in you. Someday I’m sure you
will discover a way to return from the past.”

The door almost gave way under the force of those on the other side. Quinn mouthed the word ‘sorry’ to the professor, then turned toward the vortex. Just before
jumping, Remmy grabbed his sleeve.

“Would you have stayed, Q-ball, and returned to the past?” He had seen Quinn’s look as Colin and Maggie disappeared. He knew the thought had crossed Quinn’s mind.

Quinn released a small smile and jumped headfirst into the vortex without a word. Remmy followed quickly as he heard the door break open. He would get his answer on
the other side.

As Quinn tumbled through the wormhole, Remmy’s words continued to run through his thoughts. Would he have stayed if Maggie and Colin hadn’t rushed forward?
He couldn’t answer that question . . . and was relieved he didn’t have to.

The End
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It's been a pleasure to write for you.

One beautiful weekend coming up. Stay tuned.

SS

Bravo!

Date: 08/23/2001
From: DieselMickeyDolenz

Another outstanding fanfic completed. I enjoyed it immensely.

DMD

Thank You

Date: 08/23/2001
From: sliderlynn

for another great story.I really enjoyed it very much.
It was well worth the wait SS.Will be waiting for more
of your stories. :)

Original URL http://www.scifi.com/bboard/browse.cgi/1/5/1095/3553
Nominated by DieselMickeyDolenz