Commitment.

(Note: This episode was written on June 28, 2001)

Have you ever watched "Quantum Leap"?

The premise is that they've come up with a time machine. But it works really strange. Not only do you shift time, but you also move into someone else's existing body! The main charcter, Sam, has someone to help keep him straight named Al. Al is linked up via computer/communications so that he can try to figure out what Sam is doing there and what is supposed to be happening.

Well, when I have these "deep" conversations with my "Self", Self is played by Al.

Me: Where the hell are you?

Self: Over here. This way.

M: - to self (Damn, I hate these long dark twisting passage ways. Never find your way back).

S: (A) - Neither do I and (B) - who said you're supposed to? Weeeell?

M: But ... But ...

S: It's your own fault you know.

M: What'er you talking about?

S: *You* were the one who decided not to leave any breadcrumbs.

M: Yeah, well, all I was doing was feeding this big ugly hairy Yak that was following me. And I figured I could follow *his* trail.

S: Well, he's gone now. So what'da'ya' want anyway? It's your dime?

M: (slightly purtubed) I got one good question for you?

S: Yeah, and what's that?

M: What th ...?

S: You came all the way back here -- to find me -- just for that?

M: Whatdaya mean, "Just for that?"

S: I mean what I say, "Just for that?"

M: Well? Yes! I came all the way back here "Just for that!" So what's wrong with "that"? I thought there wasn't s'ppos'd to be such a thing as a stoopid question?

S: Wrong department. You need claims and rectumfiers for that one. Me? I just calls 'em as I see 'em. And boy, this is a fun one to call.

M: Well?

S: Well, you screwed up the script. You jumped ahead of yourself. You peeked at the upcoming episodes, and now you want, WHAT!, *ME* to get you out of this? Not on your life! I'm having too much fun just sitting back and laughing at you while you try to make sense out of it.

M: So what's the point?

S: Of what?

M: Of *this*, that's what?

S: What point?

M: That's what I'm asking you, damn it! And you're starting to annoy me again sounding like a Vorlon.

S: Well, you can take it up with my boss but I can assure you the answer will still be the same.

M: And what's that?

S: And now we're getting to the heart of the matter, aren't we?

M: Yes! I think I see. **NO I DON'T!!** You're just trying to confooze me again, and succeeding mightily I might add, aren't you?

S: Is that how it appears to you?

M: How what appears?

S: Why, "IT", of course. Is that how it appears to you?

M: You know, I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about?

S: But the real question is, do you have any idea what *YOU'RE* talking about?

M: I did! I know I did. At least I *think* I did. Oh rubbish, I forgot what I came here for in the first place.

S: Please deposit one thin dime and have a nice day. I'll be off for a few days with Cassie, so don't bother me, alright?

M: Cassie! She's still in here with you and me?

S: Never missed a beat!

C: HELlo XarLOS.

M: I sense a conspiracy!

S: How can you have a conspiracy with only one?

M: Yes, but ... ?

S: That's a whole 'nuther question. Save it, will you? You're beginning to get quite annoying with these, "Yes, butts!" And I'm ready to go have some fun.

M: So what am I supposed to do in the meantime?

S: Nothing. Do nothing. It will all happen as it is supposed to.

M: That's it?

S: You expected maybe the A&P Gypsies?

M: No! Butt ...

S: You're right again. Absolutely no butts about it! Now, run along and have a nice day.

We began in a moment in space and time as friends. I told you I am here to listen to you. That is why I am here. And that will always be the reason why I am here.

But the moment changed. And in the moment, we became more than "just friends." We became intimate friends. And my reason for being in the moment grew. No longer would it do that I just listen to you. But whatever you want/need that I am able, I am here to do. And the moment grew and took form of its own accord. And it blossomed.

And the moment changed again. And we both know it. And in the moment, we become lovers. And as a long tulip leaf, my reason for being in the moment grew once again. And it is no longer enough that that I merely be here for you - in the moment, but that we freely admit that we share spirits in the moment. And in that admission, pledge our love to each other in the moment.

And the moment will change yet again. And I pray that when it does, we will both know it at the same time. And I pray that when the moment changes, which it inevitably will, we will never lose sight of that which brought us together in the first place - to be friends, and to listen to each other and to pay attention.

To my StarLove I love you so very, very much!