The Other Hercules Disclaimer: This story had many inspirations from many sources for which
I am grateful. First and foremost, the characters, Sam Beckett, Al and the
Quantum Leap project belong to Don Bellisario. The characters Hercules/Iolaus
belong to Renaissance Pictures..The Highlander characters belong to Rhyser/Panzer/Davis
Entertainment.I am just borrowing these characters. I make no money from these
stories. This story was written solely for the entertainment of others.
Author's Notes: The Other Hercules by
Skylark (myself) can be read alone. But Saving the Other Hercules
by Skylark (myself) is a
sequel to the fan fiction story: Cold Winds of Valhalla/ Protect and Serve by
Keith De Candido and Old Hunter Tricks by Marina Frants on the
Hercules/Highlander Fan Fiction website located at http://www.sff.net/people/frantsdecandido/hl/fanfic.htm
In the story, Protect and Serve, by Keith De Candido
Iolaus learns that he is a Highlander immortal but he never tells
Hercules about his immortality and this causes a rift in their friendship. In
the story, Cold Winds of Valhalla, by Keith De Candido, Iolaus reunites with
Hercules after many centuries of separation in which Hercules dies.(Bring out
the tissues!) and in Old Hunter Tricks by Marina Frants Iolaus in the 20th
century becomes Joel Hunter. I highly recommend that you read these stories
first because Keith De Candido and Marina Frants write excellent stories and
the Cold Winds of Valhalla by Keith De Candido won the 1999 Iolausian Fan
Fiction award for Outstanding Crossover story while Protect and Serve by Keith
De Candido won Honorable Mention for Best Crossover Story in the Iolausian Fan
Fiction awards. The Iolausian Fan
Fiction site can be found at http://members.tripod.com/almaith/apples.htm. The
Cold Winds of Valhalla can also be found at the Iolausian Library located at
http://members.tripod.com/almaith under the name Keith De Candido.
Congratulations Mr. De Candido!
PLOT DEVELOPMENT OF Saving the Other Hercules by Skylark:
I have placed all the events of Protect and Serve/Cold Winds of Valhalla
into an alternate universe. In this realm, Hercules and Iolaus are Guardians
of the Light. They are NOT Highlander Immortals. In the story I have written,
thanks to Sam's Quantum Leap machine, Hercules and Iolaus of this realm jump
into another realm to meet the Hercules and Iolaus of the other realm and they
ARE Highlander Immortals.
SUMMARY to Saving the Other Hercules by Skylark:
Author’s note: Whenever I refer to the Other Sam Beckett, the Other
Hercules or the Other Iolaus, I am referring to the Sam Beckett, the Hercules
and the Iolaus who exist in an alternate reality. The word “other” denotes
the alternate reality version of the character kind of like the Sovereign in
the Hercules Series was the “Other” version of Hercules and the Jester in
the Hercules Series was the “Other” version of Iolaus although this story
has no bearing on the alternate reality story arc in the Hercules series.
CHAPTER 1
Sam leaps into the body of Liam Parker,
As Sam leaps as usual he feels some disorientation. Sam sees that Liam
Parker is some kind of doctor because he sees that he is wearing a doctor's
jacket and that he is in some kind of emergency room. So, thinks Sam I'm an
emergency room doctor.
Presently, a short blond hair man wearing a paramedic jacket walks into
the emergency room and says"I could use some lunch..my stomach is killing
me..Liam are you alright? You look dizzy....says Erik Erikson
Feeling disoriented from the leap, Sam Beckett sits on a
boulder trying to gauge where he is and who he is. He responds "Yes, I
feel fine..let's grab some lunch..."
"I could eat a hydra...by the way do you want me to get you a
sandwich or something..you don't look too well.. says Erik Erikson. You always
look tired after dealing with a major accident in the emergency room.
"You need to take a break..how many shifts has it been..two..three..what
do you want me to get from the cafeteria? asks Erik Erikson.
"Why don't you just grab me the usual" says Sam Beckett. While
Sam watches Erik Erikson run to get his lunch, Al appears.
"What took you so long..Al...Where am I? I....says Sam..
"Well Sam.. says Al looking at his pad..."Ziggy says that you
have leapt into Liam Parker, an
emergency room doctor here at the Metropolitain County General Hospital...that
short blond man you were talking to..his name is Erik Erikson..he is a fireman
and paramedic with the Metropolitan Fire Department.
"So, what am I supposed to do...does Ziggy have a scenario
yet..." inquires Sam
"No, not yet..Ziggy is still working...anyway the year is 1995 says
Al
"Here's the sandwich you asked for, Herc, I know you don’t like
me calling you Herc at work but there’s no one around right now so our
secret identity is safe. says Erik Erikson/Iolaus running out of breath....
Erik/Iolaus continues "I mean no one really knows that you are the
real Hercules and that I am the real Iolaus says Erik Erikson/Iolaus
munching on his lunch...besides who were you talking to just now? You
were talking to thin air? Is Aries up to his old tricks again? Herc? What’s
going on Hercules? Of course, Iolaus only used Hercules full name when he was
annoyed at him. Sam could tell from Iolaus’ tone of voice that Iolaus was
starting to grow impatient for Iolaus used Hercules’ full name rather than
his nickname. Reminds Sam of the times that his mother used to call him by his
full name whenever he was in trouble....
"Oh boy" thought
Sam.. Al better come back soon with an explanation soon or I’m fried
meat..Umm Hercules..the Greek Hero..about 5,000 years ago.. Sam tries to
remember his old Greek mythology and ponders could the real Hercules still be
alive? Wasn't Iolaus Hercules' nephew? Sam honestly doesn’t know what to say
to Iolaus so Sam just nods his
head thoughtfully hoping Al would arrive SOON...Al where are you? I need you
NOW!
"Listen Herc, you are acting a bit weird....this must be one of
Aries' tricks..what did Aries say to you Herc..you can tell me..your best
friend...no secrets between us remember?..says a very worried Iolaus who now
notices the evasive way Hercules/Sam is avoiding any topic of
conversation..Iolaus.thought if I didn’t know any better I’d swear that
old Herc is stalling but why? Why is he avoiding me? What’s going on with
him? Is he under some spell? Could it be Aries? Discord? Strife? No..gods can’t
hurt other gods..so what’s with Herc? Something just doesn’t feel
right...I will get to the bottom of this once and for all..My instincts are
never wrong...Herc is never THIS quiet...he’s always complaining about
something....
This Iolaus is starting to get suspicious and if Al doesn't come
soon...I'll be letting the cat out of the bag...besides thought Sam..Who is
Aries..Hold on let me think..wasn't he the Greek God of War...don't tell me
he's still alive too...Sam knows he has to stall until Al comes back with more
information so Sam decides to use the oldest trick in the book to keep Iolaus
from finding out the truth and to stall...
"Listen..ah... Iolaus..ahm..I need to use the little boy's
room..I'll be right back...says Sam..who suddenly realizes he has no idea
where the restroom is...Sam frantically looks around to see if he can find a
restroom sign but he is unsuccessful..to his relief however, Iolaus also
decides to go to the bathroom...
"Come to think of it..I feel the call of nature..I'll come with
you..says Iolaus as he sprints for the bathroom. Iolaus is determined not to
let Hercules/Sam out of his sight until he determines what’s wrong with
Hercules. Obviously Iolaus has no idea that Sam Beckett is inside Hercules’
body and that the actual Hercules is sitting comfortably in a waiting room at
the Quantum Leap lab. Nor is Iolaus aware of the fact that Hercules is just as
confused..he knows he is in someone else’s body..and that this crazy Admiral
Al will not let him look at a mirror...but as Hercules looks down at his hands
and feet..he knows he is not in his own body anymore...and Hercules thinks “Oh
boy!”
Grateful, Sam follows Iolaus to the bathroom.
Suddenly, Al appears with great news. Al is wearing a psychodelic
suit..green suit with a yellow tie smoking a cigar and apparently very very
agitated...Sam notices with distaste Al’s obvious lack of fashion sense as
every color mismatched even Al’s socks don’t match..Thank God no one else
can see Al..thought Sam...
"You won't believe what happened Sam..I mean it was like something
out of a wild science fiction movie...HE appeared...out of nowhere Sam right
in the lab...Tina even fainted.. and it took forever for Beth to revive
her..Gooshie was besides himself when he saw his wife
faint especially considering Tina’s pregnant condition...and it takes
alot to get Tina to faint even in her condition..The whole lab is in an
uproar..Dr. Beeks is talking to him now..but Sam..he’s the genuine
article..it’s unbelievable! .gushed Al in hurried breaths.
"Slow down Al..you're talking too fast..you're
babbling..WHO appeared in the lab? What happened? You're making no sense
whatsoever...." said Sam.
On beknowst to Sam and Al, Iolaus watches as Herc/Sam
seems to be talking to the air. It doesn’t seem as if Herc is talking to
Aries, or Discord or Damos thinks Iolaus..after all Aries or Discord or Damos
always likes to make himself known still thinks
Iolaus..Herc has been acting strangely since lunch...as if he isn’t
quite himself anymore. Back at
the Quantum Leap lab, Hercules continues to explore his new body...well..he
thinks if this is an act of the Gods..at least this time I haven’t been
turned into a pig.....
"I mean Sam..this vortex appeared out of nowhere and you won't
believe WHO walked out of that vortex..I mean it was like...amazing..a
whirling blue vortex...in the middle of our lab...it was YOU Sam..you walked
into our lab..well of course it wasn't really YOU Sam ..I mean it was..said a
very confused Al to a now extremely confused Sam.
"Let me get this straight..you saw me..walk into your lab..from a
vortex...was it a future ME you saw..does that mean THIS is the leap home said
an overexcited Sam..
"Well, Sam..I don't know...well you see Sam..he's you..but from
another realm..He told us that he uses this vortex to travel to parallel
universes..he says that while our leaps involves leaps within our realm..his
leaps involve leaps into other realms..I mean other parallel universes...its
kind of difficult to explain..." says Al still unable to explain what he
had just witnessed...”I mean Sam..he looks exactly like you..right down to
the voice..I mean he is YOU..he’s your double from another dimension..it’s
amazing the resemblance!....
"I think I understand the physics behind it..wow I never thought I
could invent a vortex to travel to parallel universes...This other Sam is way
ahead of me...I guess he didn't get stuck in his time machine like I
did...What does he want Al?"
After watching Herc talking to air for some time, Iolaus wants an
explanation. With a look of intense curiosity and fierce determination to find
out what's been going on with his best friend, Iolaus walks up to Herc and
says "Listen, you've been talking to nothing for the past five
minutes..Herc..I want to know what's going on...and who is Al?..I know now
you're NOT talking to Aries or any of the other Gods for that matter..."
"Well Ah ah ah...I ..."
said Sam..Sam becomes extremely confused as he has to deal with two overly
excited people at the same time..there’s Iolaus angry and fuming demanding
an immediate explanation of what happened to HIS Hercules and then there’s
Al babbling about some other Sam Beckett from another dimension. neither
person is helping Sam figure out the puzzle of how Hercules or Iolaus..5,000
year old Greek mythical heros can still be alive in the twentieth
century...Sam has no idea who to address first...or what to do..meanwhile
Iolaus approaches Sam with an angry expression on his face and says:
"That's it..you're NOT Hercules.. WHO ARE YOU? and what have you
done with MY Hercules? demanded a very angry Iolaus his blue cerulean eyes
glaring with fury.....
"Oh boy!" was Sam's initial response. " You're right..I'm
not Hercules....don't worry..your
friend is safe..Sam looks at Al for confirmation of this fact and Al nods in
return to confirm the fact that Hercules is safe in Quantum Leap’s waiting
room as is standard procedure for all the people Sam leaps into..Sam sees the
confirmation in Al’s eyes and reassures Iolaus that his friend Hercules is
indeed safe and sound..Ahm..I wish I could tell you more...Before Sam could
continue..Al interrupted with a warning glare...Iolaus believes Sam and looks
relieved when he hears that Hercules is alright but now Iolaus wonders..WHERE
is Hercules? WHO is standing beside him?..instead of anger and
fury..bewilderment fills those blue cerulean eyes of Iolaus. At least Hercules
is safe thinks Iolaus wherever he is....this imposter owes me an
explanation...of what he did with Hercules...
"Sam..don't tell him anything.. you know the rules..if you tell
them.. you won't be able to leap home! says a worried Al. Al could see the
confusion apparent in Sam’s face. Al still has no explanation as to how
Hercules, a 5,000 year old Greek hero could still be alive in the twentieth
century...although Ziggy thinks Hercules could be immortal and using Liam
Parker as a secret identity..and then Al has yet to explain how another Sam
Beckett can appear in his lab..a Sam Beckett from another
dimension..interdimensional travel..how can that be possible wonders Al....no
on this leap.. Al has more questions than answers for Sam....He won’t tell
Sam anything until he gets some answers fast...
While Sam is glad to see relief on Iolaus’ face, Sam has yet to figure
out how Hercules and Iolaus could still be alive after five thousand or so
years..Sam decides to take the plunge and ask Iolaus forthright for an
explanation as well.."Alright..Iolaus..first explain to me what you meant
when you said that Liam Parker is the real Hercules..does that mean you two
are immortal or something? I mean Hercules lived several thousand years ago
and so did his nephew Iolaus according to Greek mythology how can either of
you still be alive?.." asked Sam.
Iolaus explains patiently as if talking to a young child.."First of
all, I am not Hercules’ nephew. I am his best friend...Yes, Hercules and I
are immortal. Herc and I are Guardians of the Light...you see I died and went
to the Elysian Fields but I came back to Earth to warn Hercules of impending
doom...anyway while Hercules was fighting he fell over into a volcano and
died....Michael the Archangel promptly sent Hercules back to Earth...and then
punished me by saying that I would always be at Hercules' side...and since
Herc is immortal..I guess that means so am I" said Iolaus trying to make
a long story short..Okay..your turn..what's your story?
SAM...don't tell him anything...growled Al as he glowers at Sam with
warning eyes. Sam looks at Iolaus and he looks at Al. Sam decides to tell
Iolaus in order to gain Iolaus’ trust. Something tells Sam that this leap is
like no other....Sam realizes that if he wants to get an explanation of how
Hercules and Iolaus can still be alive in the twentieth century..he needs to
get Iolaus to trust him and to open up to him..to give him this important
information...so Sam takes the plunge and tells Iolaus everything...
"Normally I don't tell anyone about my leaps...normally no one can
see me..but it seems to gain your trust..I'll have to break the rules...after
all when I do these leaps it's generally to help people...not to hurt
them...let me repeat..your Hercules is safe in my body..in my lab and that no
harm will come to him...for that you have my word" said Sam.
Iolaus looks at Herc/Sam suspiciously but as Iolaus looks closely at
Hercules/Sam he could make out the features of Sam Beckett underneath Hercules’
face..Iolaus could see Sam’s blond hair and sympathetic blue-gray
eyes..Iolaus knows instantly that he can trust Sam Beckett....You know this
Sam Beckett looks pretty trustworthy..Hercules is safe...I suppose I can trust
him...thinks Iolaus slowly letting his guard down..as he starts to like Sam
Beckett...
"You must be like Herc in some ways I guess..you look like some
kind of boy scout..." concludes Iolaus.."Why can't you just return
Herc back into his own body?.....I don't understand...?
"I started Project Quantum Leap some years ago. I built a kind of
time travel machine where I can leap into people's bodies within my
lifetime...I was so sure that my machine would work so I jumped into it before
running adequate tests..and lo and behold..I've been leaping ever since...I've
been trying to leap back home ever since....said Sam sadly..
"You mean you can't control this...leaping that you do?"asked
Iolaus mystified....Iolaus finds it awe-inspiring that Sam Beckett can leap
into people’s bodies and travel through time...only the Greek Gods can
travel through time..Iolaus remembered when he travelled through time to save
Hercules’ life...he feels sorry for this Sam Beckett because he can’t seem
to return back to his own time since this Beckett fellow has no control over
his leaping...
"No, the only way I can leap from one person to another is if I
help that person out somehow..sometimes to mend a broken heart..a
friendship..or save a life...only then can I leap..." said Sam...
"So, why have you leapt into Hercules' body"
said Iolaus
"I don’t know why I have leapt into your friend’s body . Al is
my connection to the lab..he appears as a hologram that only I can
see..He in turn is in contact with Ziggy..a computer I programmed myself..Al
and Ziggy together come up with possible scenarios on how I'm supposed to help
people...but so far I have no idea why I have leapt into Hercules’ body or
what good deed I must do to leap out so that Hercules can return to you..That’s
why you saw me talking to thin air just now..I was trying to ask Al who also
happens to be my best friend why I am here! As I’ve said earlier, Hercules
is at Project Quantum Leap safe and sound in my body...so don’t worry!
If I know Dr. Beeks, she’s probably talking with Hercules so he doesn’t
freak out being in someone else’s body..Dr. Beeks is a qualified doctor..so
Hercules is in good hands..says Sam in a reassuring manner...
"Sam, you've got to listen to me...said Al hurriedly..this other
Sam says that this leap into Liam Parker/Hercules will be your leap home..he
says he knows how to get you home..but in return..he needs a big favor from
us..and from Hercules and his friend Iolaus.you see Sam..there's trouble in
his world..he needs us to jump through the vortex to fix it...You see..we have
to save a life..not just any life..Hercules' life"
Sam relays this information to Iolaus and watches as shock registers on
the blond hunter's face. "Save Herc's life..I'd do anything to save
Herc..he's my best friend..we've been brothers since childhood...if it weren't
for him..I would have died in some jail..No I owe Herc my life..just say the
word...I'll do it..said Iolaus with tears running down his face, loyalty and
love glistening in his cerulean blue eyes.
Hercules explores his new body. He sits patiently in the waiting room.
He thinks..I must be in some kind of hospital..maybe some kind of military
hospital..but how did I get here? How did I get switched into someone else’s
body? Is this Discord doing? Daimos? It’s too tame for Hera or Aries besides
Hera and I have long ago made up...I know I’m not crazy..Well at least this
time I’m still human and not oinking like a pig...Dr. Beeks walks into the
room..
“Good morning, my name is Dr. Beeks. You are at Project Quantum Leap.
I know you have many questions. I am a doctor. ..Usually I just anesthetize my
patients so that they don’t remember..being switched out of their
bodies..but it seems that I’ve been authorized to tell you everything..so
please have a seat as I tell you about Sam Beckett and Project Quantum
Leap....”
“You mean I’m in this Sam Beckett’s body and he’s in mine..oh my
God..Iolaus must be going crazy with worry about me..Is Iolaus alright? asked
a worried Hercules/Liam Parker..
“Yes, it didn’t take long for Iolaus to figure out that you were “missing”
so Sam had to explain to Iolaus everything about Quantum Leap..Your friend,
Iolaus is a very persistent individual..in any case, Iolaus knows that you are
aliright and that you are safe and sound here at Project Quantum Leap..there’s
another reason why Sam and Al has decided to disclose to you everything...You
see Hercules..we need your help..continued Dr. Becker...
“It seems that a Sam Beckett from a paralell universe needs both you
and Iolaus to travel back with him to his realm..in return..this Other Sam
Beckett will return our Sam Beckett home...do you understand? queried Dr.
Beeks..
“Not quite..other than you need my help..I’ve been helping people
all my life..anything that Iolaus and I can do..we will..you have my
word...says Hercules.
Before Hercules could finish his sentence, he felt a familiar blue pulse
of electricity racing through his body as he leaps back into his own body.
Hercules opens his eyes after the leap and finds himself back inside his own
body. During the leap, Hercules had collapsed to the floor..as he opens his
eyes to clear the disorientation always associated with a leap..he looks up to
see a very concerned Iolaus hovering over him like a mother hen..Hercules says
in Greek that only Iolaus can understand “Oh Iolaus, it’s good to be back
in my own body again” before darkness descends on Hercules as he passes out.
Upon hearing Hercules speak in Ancient Greek Iolaus knows that his
Hercules is back. Iolaus grabs Hercules and puts him on a gurney and waits
patiently for Hercules to come to. Iolaus is glad that his Hercules is back,
safe and sound.
CHAPTER 2
“Alright Gooshe, I have inputted the exact coordinates into Ziggy to
get your Sam Beckett home. Okay folks on the count of three..this will be Sam
Beckett’s leap home. Okay Gooshe let her rip as a huge electric pulse was
sent through Ziggy..for a second all the lights in the Quantum Leap facility
seemed to flicker...as the Other Sam Beckett programmed Ziggy for Sam’s leap
home..”Yes, I think we’ve got your Sam..” yells the Other Sam Beckett
triumphantly....”Your Sam should be materializing any second now..”
At that precise moment in time, Sam feels the familiar electric pulse of
an impending leap, Sam knows he is about to leap.. it is the leap home...as
Hercules is returned to his body..Sam returns to his as well......
Sam leaps into his own body after 5 years...he can’t believe that he
is back home after all this time...it doesn’t take long for the lab to
realize that Sam is home. Sam looks into the mirror and instead of seeing
other peoples’ faces, he sees his own face. Sam is so happy to be back in
his own body..he looks incredulously at his hands..at his feet..runs his
fingers through his dirty blond hair..then realization dawns on him as he
remembers his marriage to Donna..Donna the love of his life...Sam runs into
the arms of his long-lost wife....tears streaming down his face as he meets
the loving brown eyes of his wife...
"Sam, honey..you're home" said a very tearful Donna as they
give each other a VERY warm embrace. Sam sweeps Donna off her feet and is
about to leave the lab with Donna in tow when a very happy Al approaches Sam
to congratulate him on his return. Everyone in the lab has a champaigne glass
in his/her hand. Sam reluctantly puts Donna down and he hugs every member of
his lab from Gooshie to Tina..to the newest trainee.
"Sam..good to see you" hugged a very emotional Al. " I
gave instructions to Iolaus and Hercules on how to find Project Quantum
Leap..they'll be arriving tomorrow..Sam..I want you to meet the other Sam who
made this homecoming possible..Sam Beckett..meet Sam Beckett.....as Al
gestured between the two Sam Becketts.....Both Sam Becketts shake hands as
they stare at each other's likeness...Sam is stunned to see what amounted to
his identical twin as he stares at the Other Sam Beckett..same hair..same
eyes..same face..same voice..same..everything...
"Congratulations Sam, on your return back to your body..”
remarked the Other Sam..
“Al..if you don’t mind..I want to spend some quality time with my
wife..and Al thanks for five wonderful years..thanks for watching my back..Sam
then lifts Donna up and leaves the lab happy as can be to be finally with
Donna again.
The Other Sam watches as the Sam of this realm takes Donna out of the
lab. He remembers his own homecoming when he first returned to his lab to be
reunited with his Donna..yes he remembers the homecoming very well..he and his
wife did not sleep at all that first night of his return. But now the Other
Sam turns to Al and says “I am glad that your Sam is finally happy with
Donna..after five years of helping other people..it’s about time he gets
alittle happiness of his own...but now I must talk to you Al about the trouble
in my realm and why I have travelled through the vortex to come here..I need
Hercules’ help....the stability of my realm rests on Hercules’
shoulders...
“Don’t worry..Hercules and Iolaus will be arriving tomorrow..Iolaus
has been briefed by Sam as to the urgency of the situation..we will give
Hercules and Iolaus a full military escort to Project Quantum Leap..reassured
Al..”I’ve got everything under control..I still want to thank you for
returning our Sam to us..We in this realm..we owe you..said Al to the Other
Sam Beckett....
On the flight to New
Mexico, Iolaus and Hercules are mystified as to what Project Quantum Leap
is...
You know Herc..I don't know about this..I mean..do you believe this guy
Sam Beckett when he says your life is in danger..do you think Aries has
anything to do with this? asked Iolaus...
"No, I don't think this is Aries' doing.. if it were..he would have
made himself known by now...when our bodies were switched Iolaus, I was
sitting inside someone else’s body...I was in this lab...I was very
confused..at first I thought it was a very vivid dream...but now...when I
looked in the mirror..I didn't see MY face..I saw Sam Beckett's face.."
said Hercules..To tell you the truth Iolaus..I’m not that thrilled about
revisiting the Quantum Leap lab again...I’m glad to be back in my own
body...
"Tell me, is this weirder than when you were turned into a
pig?" giggled Iolaus.
"Can be half as bad as when Artemis turned you into a deer"
laughed Hercules.
"Well at least YOU didn't have Jason chasing after you with a bow
and arrow remarked Iolaus..
"Well YOU didn't have to rescue a piglette from being eaten by a
ruthless and very smelly pig farmer remarked Hercules...
"Herc, how did you notice if he smelled..I mean for god's sake..you
were a pig!" giggled Iolaus.
"You know I can tell the airplane's about to land..I can feel my
ears popping..I hate flying..said Iolaus..."flying gives me an
earache"
Back in New Mexico at Project Quantum Leap....
Sam has a heartwarming reunion with Donna. They spend the night together
in total ecstasy..Sam hasn't seen Donna in so long..he couldn't believe that
while he was leaping from person to person he couldn't remember that he had
been married...he spends a VERY HAPPY evening with his wife. Meanwhile, Al
and the Other Sam Beckett await Hercules’ and Iolaus’ arrival to
the Project Quantum Leap base.
The following day, Hercules and Iolaus arrive at the site of Project
Quantum Leap. The meeting with the OTHER Sam Beckett, Hercules, Iolaus, Sam,
Donna and Al occur in the lab as the OTHER Sam Beckett explains the gravity of
the situation in his realm.
"First, let me introduce myself..My name is Sam Beckett..from
another realm...I use this device to create a vortex from which I can travel
to other realms..."
"So he means he has a chrono stone..he can use to travel to
different worlds..right Herc? asked Iolaus...
"Yeah..I guess so..I don't understand how my life is in danger
here..." wondered Hercules.
"In my realm, things are different. Just like YOUR Sam Beckett, my
last leap home was in the body of Hercules...however unlike YOUR Sam
Beckett..my last leap home was anything but easy...You see..in my world..just
like in this world..Hercules is an immortal..but in MY world..Hercules is a
Highlander immortal..." said the OTHER Sam Beckett.
"What the heck is a "Highlander" immortal?" croaked
Al.
"Wait a minute, Al..I remember leaping into a Duncan McCleod not
too long ago..remember he's the immortal who lived 500 years.. I had to help
him decapitate this villainess woman who had put a spell on him...remember the
Quickening Al..there can be ONLY one...?"
"Oh yeah..you mean those immortals that go about chopping each
other's head off and then some electric show occurs after the head comes
off...yeah I think I remember that leap....." said Al...
"Anyway, in MY world, Hercules has few friends...and most
importantly I learned from my leap into his body..is that he doesn't know how
to defend himself as a Highlander immortal..it is my understanding that
Highlanders after their first death must have a mentor to teach them how to
fight off other immortals who might challenge them..said the OTHER Sam..
"So what are you asking US to do?" said Hercules..
"Someone needs to befriend the Hercules in my world and become his
mentor in order to save his life..My Ziggy says that there's a 99 percent
chance that the Hercules in my world will be challenged some time soon by
another Highlander immortal..and if something is not done the Hercules in my
world will be killed......said the OTHER Sam Beckett.
"Wait a minute..said Iolaus.."How do you know that sometime
soon..someone is going to kill off the Hercules in your world..are you from
OUR future?" asked Iolaus.
"Yes..I am from 25 years in your future..answered the OTHER Sam
Beckett..that's why I had the technology and knowhow to bring home your lost
Sam Beckett from his 5 years of random Quantum leaping...you see and that's
why I've developed technology beyond YOUR Sam Beckett..."
"If it is YOUR Hercules' whose life is in danger, what does that
have to do with THIS Hercules? asked Al"
"Oh...Al I think I understand...parallel realms..I mean what
happens in one realm ultimately affects the other...said Sam as a light bulb
lights up in his head...don't you see..if the OTHER Hercules dies...THIS
Hercules dies too..." said Sam...
"Why doesn't the OTHER Hercules have any friends to help him? asked
Iolaus.."I mean where is the OTHER Iolaus...isn't he watching the OTHER
Hercules' back?..
"Iolaus, you remember when we travelled and met the
other version of me, the not-so-nice version..you know the Sovereign...well..maybe
the OTHER Iolaus..well no offense little buddy..but he may not be so nice
either....pondered Hercules...
"Oh..I hadn't thought of that..in that case..let's go through that
vortex to rescue that poor OTHER Hercules..and save your life too Herc..."
said Iolaus enthusiastically..." I'll watch both your backs!!!"
"You know Iolaus..if we don't make it through this.. I want you to
know how much your friendship has mean't to me..I mean I sure wouldn't want to
be without friends like the OTHER Hercules..I want you to know Iolaus..braving
all you've had with me.. putting up with my bad temper...my Olympian
family...you are like a brother to me...you are my hero of my heart..whispered
Hercules to Iolaus...
" I know Herc.." and he gives Herc a warrior handshake as Herc
gives a reluctant Iolaus a very grateful bear hug. "Gosh" thought
Iolaus "He still hugs like his mother, Alchemene..the old softy..thought
Iolaus as his body is being crushed in Herc's Olympian-strength
hug...sometimes I think Herc forgets his own strength..thinks Iolaus as he
endures Herc’s bear hug...
"My Ziggy says that if we don't enter the vortex soon..we will not
have another chance in the near future to enter my realm..so let's all
leap..Hercules, Iolaus..follow me... said the OTHER Sam Beckett..as they jump
into the blue vortex....we must save HIS life..let's go!!!
"Oh boy" they all say simultanteously as they all disappear in
a blue flash of light.
CHAPTER 3
The blue vortex swirls around them as the OTHER Sam Beckett, Hercules
and Iolaus travels to another realm. They land in darkness.
The OTHER Iolaus: You know Dori..You are THE BEST...I sure enjoyed the
dinner you cooked tonight..he snuggled next to his Watcher..as he gathered the
blankets around them to settle down to sleep when suddenly a blue flash
appeared before him.
Dori sits up suddenly and remarks "What's that..blue flash of
light..is there a thunder storm outside...
The OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter: I don't know honey..his eyes still
closed...I don't hear any thunder..could be just lightening from
outside...nothing to worry about..as he turns to go to sleep...
The Other Sam Beckett, Hercules, and Iolaus step into the OTHER Iolaus
bedroom unaware of their surroundings and totally disoriented from their trip
through the vortex.
Oh..Herc..I feel sick..
says Iolaus..so he runs to the bathroom and loses his lunch.... Iolaus leans
over the toilet and throws up. I must be getting old..I never used to get sick
when I travelled through time or travelled through vortexes before...or maybe
I just ate too much lunch..maybe Herc’s right..I need to cut back on the
junk food...
"This doesn't look like the Quantum Leap lab...but we are in my
realm...and we are in 1995...and we have arrived on time..I just don't know
where we are..hold on..let me take a look at these readings says THE OTHER Sam
Beckett
Dori gives a scream. The OTHER Iolaus wakes up..he looks around the room
and his jaw drops to the ground as he sees Hercules..a young looking Hercules
with chestnut hair and blue eyes standing over his bed..
"Who are you people? demanded the OTHER Iolaus..and what are you
doing in my bedroom..I'm going to call the police...Dori..dial 911..quickly..and
get my gun...NOW!"
Hercules moves forward and tries to calm the Joel Hunter.."Mr.
Hunter,..please..listen..it's not what you think...we're not here to harm
you..we didn't mean to land in your bedroom..please forgive our
intrusion....Hercules turns to the Other Sam..Tell him who we are...Hurry
before he shoots us.....
"Listen..I think I know
where we are...Ziggy says we are in Joel Hunter's residence..that is the
Iolaus of this realm...Ziggy says he's a Highlander Immortal..and 99% chance
that he is supposed to protect the Hercules of this realm from...."the
Other Sam is interrupted by a terrified Hercules
"Sam..please..the Iolaus of THIS realm is pointing a gun at
ME...Explain who we are NOW!...screamed Hercules. Iolaus..returning from the
bathroom watches in shock as the OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter points a gun at
Hercules..all color leaves Iolaus’face.
"Okay..Okay..we mean you no harm..we are very sorry to intrude upon
like this..My name is Sam Beckett..we are time travellers...we are here to
help people..not hurt them...we travelled through a vortex that I created..we
accidentally landed here..we were supposed to have landed at my lab..please
put that gun down...please Mr. Hunter..trust us...pleaded the OTHER Sam
Beckett.
"Alright..alright..time travellers heh?..okay Dori..put that phone
down..I believe them..no one could make up such a crazy story...where are you
from?..what's going on? asked a mystified OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter.
"Let's get our story straight and make the proper introductions. As
I said before, my name is Sam Beckett. I created a vortex that can not only
travel through time, but it can also travel to other realms..to other parallel
universes...This Hercules and this Iolaus that you see here is from a parallel
universe...They are your doubles...I went to get them because I needed their
help..I used my vortex to transport this Hercules and this Iolaus into our
realm..." explained the Other Sam carefully...
"You mean that THIS Hercules and THIS Iolaus originated from a
parallel universe? That's incredible! exclaims Joel/OTHER Iolaus.." I
mean in my youth..my Hercules and I travelled to another realm too using a
vortex...but wait a minute as realization began to dawn..you say our realms
are "parallel"..that means what happens in one universe happens in
another doesn't it? asked a puzzled OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter
"I mean in my realm..Hercules is dead...I saw him die in Germany
many centuries ago..I saw his body taken away by the old Greek Gods....if MY
Hercules is dead..how can YOUR Hercules be alive asked a puzzled OTHER Iolaus/Joel
Hunter...I'm so confused...how can..I mean..
"I know this is complicated for you to understand..says Hercules
with compassion in his azure eyes..you are wondering how can I be alive? well
it's simple..it means that YOUR Hercules never died..If I am alive, so is he.
"You mean MY Hercules is alive..but how? How can he be alive? I saw
someone put a knife through his chest..said the OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter
"According to Ziggy..the Hercules of this realm is a Highlander
immortal just like yourself..we don't know how..since the Other
Hercules is the Son of Zeus and the son of Alchemene all I know is that
the Other Hercules' life is in danger..I've brought THIS Hercules and THIS
Iolaus here to my realm to save the Other Hercules' life...we don't have much
time either..explained the OTHER Sam in a nutshell....Ziggy also says that the
Other Hercules' chances of survival rises if you will help us..Joel
Hunter..will you help us save the Other Hercules' life?
"Of course I will...said Joel Hunter..a bit flustered..I guess I'm
just still getting used to the idea that the Other
Hercules is alive..." Joel
Hunter is in a state of shock. He keeps looking at Hercules..my God thinks
Joel..he looks young..he looks as if he hasn’t aged a day over 30..life must
be good in the other realm...my Hercules is alive..I can’t believe
it..although Joel is surprised as he hears himself utter his last thoughts out
loud...
"Well..the Other Hercules won't be much longer if we stay
here..responded the Other Sam..apparently another Immortal has already
challenged him...The Other Hercules does not know how to defend
himself....Hercules will need you..as his champion...said the Other Sam...I
will prepare the vortex so we can travel directly to Hercules' last known
location...are you game Joel?
"Let's me get some clothes on..and let's go save the Other
Hercules' life..and save THIS Hercules' life as well..said a confused but
determined OTHER Iolaus.
"Where does the OTHER Hercules live?" asked Iolaus curiously.
"He lives in Merlin's old castle in Britain" said the Other
Sam.
"Let's all go then...spring a surprise trip on the OTHER
Hercules" said Hercules.
"I still can't believe MY Hercules is alive..all these years..he
never tried to contact me..he's actually alive..I can't.." muttered a
shellshocked OTHER Iolaus with tears in his eyes..You don't understand..at one
point in my life..Herc was the most important person in my life...Like
then..I'll do anything to save his life...let's go..make this happen!
"I've got the vortex ready..everyone..prepare to jump..remember you
will feel alittle dizzy when youl land on the other end..everyone ready? asked
Sam.." "On the count to three..one..two..three..Iolaus, Hercules,
the OTHER Sam and Joel Hunter jump into the blue flash of light.
At Merlin's castle in Britain
The OTHER Hercules goes through his daily routine. He is about to turn
to do his gardening when an ugly-looking immortal appears before him.
Immediately, the Other Hercules decides to take a more defensive posture. He
grabs a rake and is preparing to use it as a weapon. He recognizes this
individual as the Highlander immortal who has been stalking him for some time.
"My name is Henry Cullighan. I challenge you..a duel to the
death..There can be only one...said Cullighan. Cullighan looks at the Other
Hercules and thinks he is an easy mark. He has had no training in being a
Highlander so he will be easy prey and easy to behead. Yes, his quickening
will make me stronger and I will be in possession of all of Merlin’s spells
and powers after the Other Hercules had been Merlin’s assistant Sorcerer for
many centuries...Yes it would be nice to know Merlin’s magic...I could
appear and disappear at will..yes beheading the Other Hercules will be great
fun..as Cullighan draws his sword to prepare for the fight..Cullighan yells..
“Prepare to be beheaded!” Cullighan grabs his sword at the same time
the Other Hercules grabs the only weapon at his disposal, his rake, and raises
the rake to strike at Cullighan..as the fight begins...
Before the
OTHER Hercules can respond a blinding blue light or more accurately a vortex
begins to form causing a very strong wind to blow...a blinding light blinds
both the Other Hercules and Cullighan as the blue light of the vortex fills
the courtyard..Meanwhile the Other Sam prepares his team to jump through the
vortex...
"Okay guys..I think we're here.. prepare to jump through the
vortex. remember when you land roll so that you won’t break any bones...no
one, two three...Hercules..you go..says the Other
Sam .Hercules jumps first..he rolls and lands..followed by Iolaus who
also rolls and lands followed by Joel Hunter and the Other Sam."
The OTHER Hercules and Cullighan stare in shock at the figures coming out of the blinding
vortex. First of all, neither of them can stop staring at the Hercules who has
just come out of the vortex....both are rendered temporarily speechless.
Cullighan is caught so off-guard that he even drops his sword. How can there
be TWO HERCULES? thinks Cullighan..as his jaw drops to the ground...this is
impossible..I must have had too many drinks last night...but no Highlanders
don’t hallucinate..how can this be? How did that vortex come about? Where
did that blinding blue light come from? Is this Merlin’s sorcery? Is this
how the Other Hercules is defending himself using sorcery?
The OTHER Hercules also drops his rake as he stares at Hercules coming
through the vortex followed by two Iolauses. The OTHER Hercules’ jaw drops
as he recognizes the OTHER Iolaus. For a moment in time two surprised pair of
blue eyes meet crossing time and space in that gaze, they reaffirm a lifetime
of friendship and pain. But the Other Hercules is surprised to see forgiveness
in Joel Hunter’s blue cerulean eyes; forgiveness for the stupid argument
they had had centuries before when Joel Hunter, had not told the Other
Hercules about being a Highlander Immortal..as their gaze locked..it was as if
time itself stood still..despite the danger..the Other Hercules is very glad
to see his old friend, the Other Iolaus again.
"I think we've got here in time...look there's the OTHER
Hercules..and the Immortal trying to challenge him...Ziggy says that that
immortal's name is Cullighan..according to the Watcher's database..this
Cullighan is quite a brute..he picks on vulnerable untrained Highlanders to
get an easy Quickenings..murdering mortals and raping women are also his other
side hobbies...Thank God we got here...exclaims a relieved OtherSam....The Other Iolaus gets over his shock at seeing
the Other Hercules safe and sound..Joel Hunter decides to honor their Academy
pledge “to watch his best friend’s back” as he decides to be the Other
Hercules’ champion and fight Cullighan to the death to save his best friend’s
life. Joel Hunter approaches Cullighan and draws his sword and offers to take
the Other Hercules’ place in the upcoming fight.
"I will take up the challenge..and take your head,
Cullighan..taking defenseless Highlanders is against the rules of the Game..I,
Joel Hunter, otherwise known as Iolaus of Thebes..take up your challenge in
the OTHER Hercules' stead..said the OTHER Iolaus/Joel Hunter...or are you just
a coward?
"I'll take you up on your challenge, Iolaus of Thebes, otherwise
known as Joel Hunter..to protect your pathetic weak Highlander friend...and I,
Henry Cullighan, will take your head tonight you short runt..NOW! as Cullighan
picked up his sword. Joel Hunter and Cullighan spars furiously as the OTHER
Hercules watches...apparently awed by the whole thing. The OTHER Hercules is
moved that the Other Iolaus, Joel Hunter still remembered their childhood
pledge to always watch each other’s back. Just at the moment when the Other
Hercules life was being threatened, there appeared Joel Hunter out of
nowhere..to watch his back..tears of gratitude run down the Other Hercules’
face as he watches the Other Iolaus and Cullighan spar. The Other Hercules
realizes just how much he has missed his childhood friend.
"Ziggy says that we should leave those two to their sparring..don't
look so worried...Joel..I mean the Other Iolaus will prevail...at least that's
what the history books says...your life is safe now..says the Other Sam
looking into the worried eyes of the OTHER Hercules, Hercules and Iolaus.
"You know, Sam, why did you drag us here to your realm when all you
really needed was the OTHER Iolaus' help in saving the OTHER Hercules'
life" asked an annoyed Hercules "I mean I'm glad that his and my
life are safe but..why are WE here?..."
"For one thing, I wasn’t sure if Joel Hunter would agree to help
me save the Other Hercules’ life since he and the Other Hercules have not
been on speaking terms in centuries. So I needed you two to come along just in
case Joel Hunter refused to cooperate. Also, I bought you two along to mend
two broken hearts that were broken centuries ago...you'll see..said an
all-wise Sam Beckett. "You're here to renew the friendship between Joel
Hunter and the Other Hercules, .you see Quantum leaps aren't just about saving
lives..we save hearts too...we save the future..." said the Other
Sam...and that gentlemen is the rewarding aspect of Quantum leaping..you'll
see....what I mean soon...
CHAPTER 4
Joel Hunter continues sparring with Cullighan. Joel uses his small size
to his advantage for he makes up
in speed for what he can’t make up in size. Cullighan begins to weaken and
tire. Joel Hunter uses Cullighan's fatigue against him. As they continue to
spar, Joel hits Cullighan on the side..Cullighan loses his sword...Joel Hunter
easily beheads Cullighan. The Quickening is an electric light show...it takes
only several moments for Cullighan electric essence to be absorbed by Joel
Hunter/Iolaus.
"So what happened between you and Iolaus..how did you two lose your
friendship" asked a curious Iolaus...to the Other Hercules..
The Other Hercules explains.."In this realm, Iolaus became immortal
after he died the first time fighting the Enforcer sent by Hera. When Iolaus
realized he had become a Highlander immortal, he never mentioned it to me. For
all those years that we fought side by side where I worried about his safety
in every fight we had..he never once told me about his immortality..it wasn't
until as the decades passed and he never seemed to age that I realized the
truth...I confronted him...and only then did he admit to me his
immortality...you can imagine my anger..my betrayal..to make a long story
short..that was the beginning of the end of our friendship"
"For many centuries I drifted. I told Iolaus I
didn't need him anymore..I just couldn't trust him..He kept such a big secret
from me..We were best friends..brothers...I loved him with all my
heart..trusted him with my life yet..he never told me..we weren't supposed to
keep secrets from each other..anyway..I told Iolaus I was going on some God
quest..that it was a God thing..then I left him..it was the dumbest thing I
ever did...said the OTHER Hercules....
The Other Sam interrupts the conversation. "Listen guys..Ziggy
thinks that now all we do is help patch things up between the OTHER Hercules
and OTHER Iolaus..and then the vortex to your
realm will open up again so that you guys can leap back home..."
"You mean you can't just open the vortex to our realm
yourself?" asked a surprised Iolaus..
"No, I can't..the vortex can only be activated once this good deed
is done..that's what Ziggy and Gooshie says...but of course I could also check
with Al..." said the Other Sam still looking at his handlink..
"So, we fix their friendship..we go home.." said Hercules
By this time, the OTHER Iolaus
has finished his shower and has walked into the room to join the conversation.
"Killed that big creep..Cullighan..all is safe with the world..or
our realms..both Hercules are safe..I'm starving..do you have any food around
here?" exclaims a starving Joel Hunter patting his stomach for
emphasis...
“It seems no matter what realm we land in..you Iolauses are always
hungry..”remarked Hercules with amusement in his azure blue eyes as he
laughs at the way the Other Iolaus expresses his hunger.
"Here we go everyone..finger sandwiches..compliments of Merlin's
secret recipes exclaims the OTHER Hercules..Eat up..these were Merlin's
favorite finger foods..all the sorcerers through the ages have eaten it!!!
"Oh yeah..to continue my story..I drifted..I ended up as a regent
to a young king in Germany.....There was a fight..I was stabbed through the
chest..then Hades and some other Greek Gods came to take the Olympian half of
my body to Olympus...my last thoughts..I saw my life flash before my eyes...I
figured I would just pass over to the Elysian fields..but that's not what
happened...I saw Serena..said the OTHER Hercules
"Hercules, it is not yet your time...your place and your destiny
has always been with Iolaus" said Serena...
"But Serena, you don't understand..I'm dead..Iolaus
is an immortal..he can't die..how am I supposed to be with Iolaus?" asked
a dying Hercules.
"Your Olympian half has died but not your mortal half. Your
thoughts, your heart, has always belonged to Iolaus..you will share HIS
immortality because of the bond of friendship that you two share.." said
Serena.
"..Iolaus and I are no longer friends, Serena, I've forgiven
him..but I'm not sure he's forgiven me for abandoning him..Serena..I don't
understand..what's happening to me..my body feels strange..as the mortal half
of Hercules is being transformed into an immortal Highlander body...exclaimed
a dying Hercules...”Serena..I can feel an electrical pulse surging through
my body...Serena..Serena...What’s going on?....
"Goodbye Hercules, my love..remember I will always love you"
Serena faded from view. Just then, the OTHER Hercules noticed a knife sticking
out of his chest. The OTHER Iolaus and Methos had already left. There was no
one in the castle. So under the stealth of night, I snuck away...I was in
shock..I mean I wasn't dead..I took the knife out of my chest..I passed
out...and when I came to, I was in Merlin's castle...I've been here ever
since..." said the OTHER Hercules...
“What happened to your knife wound?” asked a curious Iolaus. “Didn’t
the wound bleed and leave a trail or something? How could the Other Iolaus not
notice?
“Well, after I took the knife out of my chest I didn’t see any
blood..I noticed my chest instanteously heal up..I didn’t leave a blood
trail because the wound healed all by itself..I figured out later that
Highlander bodies heal wounds instanteously and that’s why there was no
blood trail for the Other Iolaus to follow..there was no way for him to know
that I had survived the knife attack..of course at the time I was in shock..I
didn’t understand what had happened to me so I passed out...answered the
Other Hercules “” Merlin found me in the forest and dragged me to his
castle...so when I woke up..I was in Merlin’s castle...as the Other Hercules
gave more details of his first death experience.
The OTHER Iolaus as well as the others look shocked. They don’r know
how to take this bizarre story. The OTHER Iolaus has never heard a more
bizarre first death story..despite all the Highlander Immortals that he has
encountered through the centuries.
"Hercules, said the OTHER Iolaus..you have no idea what impact your
death had on my life..without you..I had no purpose..I drifted..when Sam and
the others told me you were still alive..imagine my shock..to find out you
were a Highlander Immortal like myself..but how Hercules? asked Joel
Hunter/OTHER Iolaus
"To tell you the truth..I'm not sure...all I know is what Serena
said at the moment of my death..she said that I would share YOUR immortality
because of the bond of friendship that we have...which means since you are
Highlander..so am I..don't ask me how..I don't know..answered the OTHER
Hercules.
"Listen, Iolaus, I am SO SORRY about everything..my anger..turning
you away when you needed me...can you ever forgive me..asked the OTHER
Hercules..his azure eyes filled with tears...
"No, Herc, it's not you who should apologize..it's me..when I first
discovered my immortality..I should have told you..I mean we NEVER had
secrets..it was MY FAULT that our friendship and trust were ruined..I love you
Herc...I see the Hercules and Iolaus from the other realm..I see the
friendship that they've had all these centuries...Can you see it past your
heart for us to be friends like that again? pleaded the OTHER Iolaus..his
cerulean blue eyes filling with tears of emotion.
"I forgive you..Iolaus..if you can forgive me.." said the
OTHER Hercules. "Friends forever? like the pledge we took at Cheiron's
Academy? said the OTHER Hercules...
"Friends Forever" said the OTHER Iolaus...The OTHER Hercules
and the OTHER Iolaus give each other a brotherly hug filled with love,
forgiveness and friendship as they put the pain of their past behind
them...the future begins to look brighter and brighter..
As the two old friends hug, a vortex opens up..it's blue lights
flashing..the Other Sam grins wide.."Okay you guys..time for you and
Iolaus to jump back to your realm...you’re about to leap.."said
Other Sam..” the future has been restored...now that the Other
Hercules and the Other Iolaus have made up..the future of this realm looks
good!..you see THAT’S the essence of Quantum leaping restoring the past to
restore the future!”
"Sam, I don't understand..what exactly did WE DO to help those two
make up? I mean they did it on their own...exclaimed a mystified
Hercules...and an equally mystified Iolaus...
"Hercules, Iolaus, you led by your example..the OTHER Hercules and
the OTHER Iolaus saw what chemistry you two had developed over the
centuries..the friendship you have enjoyed..THAT was all the motivation they
needed to start to patch things up...don't worry..they will be alright..now
that we've changed the timeline..let's see the OTHER Iolaus quickly teaches
the OTHER Hercules what it is to be a Highlander Immortal...The Other Iolaus
and The Other Hercules become the best of friends fighting evil Highlanders
together back to back..There’s even an entry in the Watcher database where a
watcher notices how happy both the Other Iolaus and the Other Hercules are
together fighting back to back again like they did in their youth..so all is
well in this realm thanks to you guys....come on..it's time for you two to go
home...back to your own realm" said the Other Sam
Before Hercules and Iolaus could say anymore they found themselves
envelopped in blue light..few bright flashes later..they found themselves back
where they started...at Project Quantum Leap in their own realm. As usual,
Hercules and Iolaus feel disoriented as they exit the swirling vortex..”You
know Iolaus, I will never get used to traveling through vortexes whether it’s
Sam’s vortex or Zeus’ vortex...I hate the dizziness..remarked Hercules as
he held his head to keep the world from tilting while Iolaus did the same with
his head...Both Hercules and Iolaus come back to a happy Quantum leap lab
still celebrating Sam Beckett’s return...
Hercules could see the party streamers everywhere on the lab floor..he
sees a drunken Gooshe sleeping on the engineering console..empty champaign
bottles are evident everywhere..evidently somebody just threw a big party..Sam
Beckett is nowhere in sight..instead they see a very happy Al smoking a very
large cigar wearing an even more ridiculous metal green suit with a loud
purple tie with yellow stripes....A slightly tipsy Al offers Hercules and
Iolaus a cigar as they exit the vortex and enter the Quantum Leap lab.
"How does it feel to be home..says Al..with his cigar
twirling.."Ever since our Sam came back from his last leap, he's been
non-stop with Donna...I don't think the kid's gotten any sleep.....in any case
Liam Parker/Hercules and Erik Erikson/Iolaus..Welcome Home.....Ziggy says all
is well in BOTH realms..Congratulations..here have a cigar!!!! You’ve more
than earned it!
Just at that moment a blue vortex opens, the Other Hercules and the
Other Iolaus jumps out of the vortex..”Sorry to bother you guys..but we are
chasing an evil Highlander Immortal who has jumped into this realm to escape
us..can you help us capture him..we are not familiar with this realm! asked
the Other Hercules to Hercules...
Both Hercules and Iolaus look at each other and answer simultaneously
“Oh boy!” The adventure continues as Hercules and Iolaus join the Other
Hercules and the Other Iolaus in their pursuit of an Evil Highlander....
THE END