Quantum Instability

Zine
Title:	Quantum Instability
Publisher:	Moon Magick Productions, then Quantum Fire Press/Red Pants Press, then furies ink, then, Closet Space Ltd.
Editor(s):	Leah S.
Date(s):	1993 – 2003
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Quantum Leap
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Quantum Instability is a slash and het Quantum Leap anthology.

a flyer for issues #1-#3

In 1993, this zine was listed on a flyer for Moon Magick Productions, which called it a "no frills" zine.

Quantum Fire Press published the first three issues, then furies ink (Susan Gibel) took over the next four. Finally, Closet Space Ltd. published the last issue. The zine ran for eight issues.

Regarding Its Inception: On Its Way to a "Real Zine"

when I started this whole thing, I was unsure of interest, therefore, of the route taken in publication— including whether Q.I. would become a real zine or not.

I have gotten a small but decent response, and so far, we have a variety of very different, high-quality stories. It's been the most fun of any zine I've done yet, and I will be repeating it with another intro (or perhaps a few intros, to make a 'real' zine).

However, due to the number of zines in production at Moon Magick West at this time, I will not be able to give free contributor copies. The zine will be a pass-around type, but also available to anyone who wants a copy, for the cost of xeroxing (and postage if applicable). I will also be bringing copies of Q.I. to MediaWest, for those of you who want to purchase/read there. Or, you can borrow a copy by mail to read and/or xerox it yourself if you wish.

The price for QUANTUM INSTABILITY will be minimal — around $3.00. And I think you'll find it a couple of bucks very well spent.

Issue 1

cover of issue #1

Quantum Instability 1 was published in May 1993 and contains 50 pages. It has the subtitle, "Watching in the Darkness."

On the title page: "This is a no-frills zine. There is no art work, no editing, no fancy graphics." On the cover: "Experiment #1001" and "A Collection of Quantum Leap stories, from a variety of authors. WARNING: this does include material with a slash (Sam/Al) relationship. For adult, non-bigots only."

Excerpt:

He stood in the darkness, watching. A spring breeze ruffled the curtains slightly. In the other room, the grandfather clock faithfully kept time, soothing with its familiar rhythm. Light from a sky full of stars shone in through the window, bathing the body in the bed with an unearthly glow...

• 43 Light Years from Earth by Astrid Boötes (1)
• Winter of Lost Souls by J.R. (4)
• Night Duty by Theresa Kyle (6)
• Home Turf by Stacy D (10)
• The Moon, a Gentle Lady by Astrid Boötes (14)
• Research Project #2006-A: The Admiral & Dr. Beckett by Ziggy (17)
• The Watcher & the Watched by Leah S. (22)
• What Have I Done? by Gena Durrell (24)
• Beckett's Law of Quantum Inevitability by Kris Brown (35)
• Don't Ever Look Back by Leah S. (48)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

I loved QI. It's amazing how everyone took the same beginning and managed to come up with so many divergent ideas. You must be very proud of how well this turned out.

I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed QI. I think QL works well with this kind of set-up? the series almost presages it.

43 LIGHT YEARS was very poignant.

WINTER OF LOST SOULS—oh, we fans do love a vegetable, don't we? (That's right, blame the whole thing on Donna).

NIGHT DUTY was neat—I liked the incident Al chose to remember and why. Good mood piece.

HOME TURF—-not to my taste, (I've read too many Harlequins--prefer plot to sex by now).

THE MOON, A GENTLE LADY, Pretty song--wish the title had been included.

RESEARCH PROJECT is really, really cute, I loved the non- sentimentality, the dry wit, the utter non-soppiness of it.

THE WATCHER, pretty.

WHAT HAVE I DONE, interesting time loop set-up.

BECKETT'S LAW, very nice, I think my favorite in the zine—the back-and-forth progress of their relationship, the hesitancy, the honesty. And the touching--love the touching.

DON'T EVER LOOK BACK was beautiful. Should have been done this way on the series, Grrr.

First off, I like the idea of writers taking the same beginning and adapting it around whatever story they wish to write. Makes for many different and surprising little scenarios.

43 LITE YEARS...by Astrid was one such imaginative adaptation. Sam jumping into Tina was great, but one can't help wonder what she thought waking up in the waiting room, I guess in stories such as these where you're only writing a scene and not really a complete story, logic and follow-ups get thrown out the window, but it makes me as a reader wonder what happens next... What would be challenging to the writers as if they'd follow through in the upcoming issues in the universes they have started here. Something to think about, at any rate.

WINTER OF...by Jamie, I didn't like as well. The character of Sam has been mentally and emotionally reduced to a child, and that makes me uneasy. Extending the story instead of cutting it where she did, might have taken care of that.

NIGHT DUTY, I felt had lots of promise that didn't quite deliver, I had to agree with Sam that it was weird story for Al to be telling him, as I felt Al's explanation for remembering THAT particular incident, was a let down. She needed to give the ending a bit more punch after building us up with the story and I think it fell a bit flat.

HOME TURF was a nice, sweet, sexy, PWP... just right in a zine like this.

THE MOON.., had me ruefully shaking my head. Ah, Sam, thy middle name is Narcissus. It was okay, but it's greatest suffering was...there was no Al! But it was different, I'll say that.

As was Ziggy's RESEARCH PROJECT. I got a bit of a chuckle out of Sam and Al protecting their relationship from each other? thinking the other minded if Ziggy were to know. Al was very much in character with the wanting of copies of the video tapes Ziggy made. That's just like our Admiral. And Ziggy's exploration of humans and their emotions is typical of what a child (or teenager) with vastly superior intelligence would think and feel—that his creators really had no conception of what closeness with another of its kind would feel like. Ah, yes, the arrogance of youth...

THE WATCHER was quite nice. I love voyeur stories. My only complaint is that I wish you would have built it up just a bit more before the physical climax. Another half page of tantalizing detail would have been just perfect.

WHAT HAVE I DONE? was my favorite of the zine. It had PLOT, nice insight into both characters, humor, more logic than most stories (and episodes) have as to actions and consequences, and most important, the right emotional intensity and impact. And it's complete, in and of itself. I loved seeing how Sam was as a teenager (as did Al), and the idea of Gooshie being unable to come all the way through to Al's time (logical), how the young Sam was able to see older Al in Alan (nice plot twist), Al's wallowing in his angst about what he did to and with the young Sam, and how Al and Sam's timelines change to reflect their changed relationship. Very nicely done.

Kris Brown's story was another one with promise, but I kept getting lost in whatever direction she wanted to take it. I'm not sure I can explain exactly what I mean. My feeling is that she either didn't define her characters or their emotions well enough or she ended up getting them wrong. She never informed her characters what they should feel about themselves or for each other. This story easily frustrated me the most, as there was lots of potential there.

DON'T EVER LOOK BACK was a beautifully poignant story based on Sam's 'final' leap. And while I'll agree with your disclaimer that there is no slash in the story, in many ways the intent is there, Hmm. Must mean there is more slash content in the shows than one would think looking at the series overall. I know you meant the implication to be that Al leaps, finds Sam, and neither is ever alone again. My problem with that is unless it is written on the page, I have my doubts that it ever really comes about. I guess I've been in fandom too long; when one of these stories comes up with the write-it-yourself endings, my suspicion is that the author really didn't intend for it to end the way you think. Is it really the happily-ever-after end or something else? I think I know how you'd end this, but I hate not knowing that I'm 100% correct—a really stupid pet peeve of mine.

Eileen's two stories were as different as night and day. The first one—very downbeat, and the second hilarious. I'm not sure if it was her intent or not but my understanding of LEAPING HOME was that Al turned off the life support to Sam's body, Sam is pulled back to his physical body, and then he dies. Very bleak. Not very nice, either. BEHIND THE SCENES was great. If Sam were a real person, I'd imagine this is exactly how it'd be. The fact that network executives and Hollywood producers were even beyond Satan's sphere of influence (so to speak), is very telling indeed. And her physical description of the 'fan' was dead on and had me in stitches. A great note on which to end the zine.

Issue 2

partial cover of issue #2

Quantum Instability 2 was published in March 1994 and contains 50 pages.

It was subtitled "Sunset Scrutiny."

Excerpt:

Sam stared out over the mountains, watching the setting sun sink lower in the sky. He could see Al's scrutiny out of the corner of his eye. He coughed once, uncomfortably, sighed and went back to his study of the scenery.

“What's buggin’ you?" Al finally asked quietly. The question was expected...

• Where I Belong by Astrid Boötes
• Something Special by Theresa
• The Last Leap by Gena Durrell
• Full Circle by Elizabeth
• Carpe Diem by Leah S.
• Memories by Carol Zara
• Cassandra by J.R.
• Semper Fidelis by Leah S.
• Jigsaw by Carol Zara
• No One Ever is to Blame by Stacy Doyle

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

As for the stories in QI2, it is amazing how many variations there can be on a single theme. I must say, we do like to make those two men suffer, don't we? It was fascinating to read the pre-leap stories and see the speculations on why he leapt when he did. I liked CARPE DIEM, did one of them say that in one of the episodes? One of ray favorite stories I don't It was strange, but nice seeing my own stories in print. I hope other people was FULL CIRCLE. I loved the part where Sam says "You know Al, think anyone has ever cried for me before." It gave me the shivers. have as good a time reading them as I did writing them.

QI #2: If I didn’t know better I’d have thought some of the contributors were in cahoots with one another in the plot department. There were a number of sub-themes that different authors explored. One sub-title to this zine could have been: the different reasons why Sam made that initial leap, as three stories dealt with that. Another sub-title: Mirror Image Aftermath, as two stories relate to Sam’s final leap of the series. Sam messing with his personal history seemed another popular theme. And it wasn’t as if the stories were all the same—they were not. All originals.

WHERE I BELONG, by Astrid — Wonderfully romantic with an Al that always knows what’s going on in Sam’s mind. Good lyrical imagery of place (India) and Al’s evaluation of what their lives without the other are—half a life.

SOMETHING SPECIAL, by Theresa — What man will do for true love! Great angst, a truly bitchy Donna, and two men on the precipice of discovery, losing it all. I loved it. I hated it. Theresa—finish this story!

THE LAST LEAP, by Gena — Great idea! Of leaps that were real that end up as dreams (or nightmares, depending on your pov) and two people destined to be together no matter what the past or future.

FULL CIRCLE, by Elizabeth — A poignant story of a lost timeline and Sam as the master manipulator. I’d have liked to see what Sam could possibly say to Donna (as a person she doesn't know) to make her not marry his younger self. Other than that, a sad, but very sweet story.

CARPE DIEM, by Leah — A truly great way for these two to "seize the day”! And our Al always knows what his Sam needs to unwind, relax, and find himself. And in finding himself, finding Al. Wish I could actually see this as a real scene, as Sam unleashed in this way, would be shattering. Again, good imagery.

MEMORIES, by Carol — A gentle sweet telling of a precious first-time memory. My only quibble would be that after so many years, a snowball of any size in a freezer would have long since evaporated. No, not just smaller but gone!

CASSANDRA, by Jamie — A well-packed story that operates on a couple of levels; Sam’s regret of not having children; the suddenness of acquiring one rather dramatically; accepting loss (Cassandra on her mother’s death) and not accepting loss (Sam leaping for his daughter); and Al worked into the mix. Again, a follow-up would be rather interesting.

SEMPER FIDELIS, by Leah — Neat idea, well-executed, as to why Sam would have leapt, to prevent Al’s forced retirement form the Navy. Always faithful doesn’t begin to describe the bond these two men have. I liked it and it wasn’t even slash, a high compliment from someone who hates straight stories.

JIGSAW, by Carol —Good title for a good analogy. The problem existing between Al and Sam correlating with the real puzzle laid out on the table—between them. And the missing piece to both being found and lodged into place.

NO ONE EVER IS TO BLAME, by Stacy — I loved the way this started out. Pain, loss and desperation of a lost love so well depicted, and the sex wasn't bad either. But being a true slash fan, I was disappointed that the spin by the end of the story was "we won't do this again as we're both happily married". Boo! Hiss! Oh, well, can't have everything!

WHERE I BELONG: I like Astrid Bo-otes. She writes great stuff.

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Yet more Donna bashing. Poor woman. With the kind of attitude given to her in this story, what made her think she!d keep Sam?

THE LAST LEAP: Fascinating (note quirked eyebrow). I'm glad time is so flexible.

FULL CIRCLE: Neat. But...Sam's had disastrous and near-disastrous results when he monkeys around with his own life. What results this time?

CARPE DIEM: Fun.

MEMORIES and JIGSAW: They read kind of the same. Get out the Kleenex nonetheless.

CASSANDRA: The first time I read it, it seemed choppy and I kept getting lost. It went smoother after a few readings. I like the character of Cassandra. During the course of Sam's leaping, is she still with QL, and, is Sammy Jo there also? Familial relations could become extremely weird.

SEMPER FIDELIS: Okay. Yet another reason for Sam to leap.

NO ONE IS EVER TO BLAME: Not long enough! Argh! The Sam/Al relationship could make life awkward for the two "happy" families, especially if they don't forget previous timelines. Is that what happens or do I have to use my own imagination?

I really enjoyed QI #2.

WHERE I BELONG, sweet. I liked the Background, and the argument and the tears he can't reach to brush away.

SOMETHING SPECIAL, interesting alternate beginning, even if it is a Donna the bitch story. (I hate to tell you, but if I were largely responsible for my husband's professional success, and he announced he was leaving me for a colleague —male or female—I'd do my best to ruin him, too.)

THE LAST LEAP, it doesn't have the emotional umph of Sam leaping home into Al's arms, but it's awfully probable.

FULL CIRCLE, I liked this one very much. The dialog between them is honest and it's a beginning, not an ending.

CARPE DIEM is sweet and sensual. Very nice use of physical sensations. Sure hope there aren't any prickers in those woods, barefoot guys.

MEMORIES, another sweet one.

CASSANDRA, well written, interesting alternate beginning and I do like both the mother and kid (though I had a bit of trouble picturing Mona and Sam getting close enough to breed.) Nice touch, naming the kid Cassandra. However, I found it very difficult to follow the story. I couldn't tell when the interpolated sections were happening, or their relationship to the past sequences, so it was all very hazy. Going back to the same phrase over and over must have seined like a good idea, but I'm not sure it works in practice, Most people don't repeat themselves that exactly, and it makes the exact cause-and-effect even harder to figure out.

SEMPER FI, was a very nice, clear-cut alternate beginning, and I could see deciding this very easily. Unfortunately, I'm not sure Navy Al would want to know a leatherneck.

JIGSAW, sweet imagery.

NO ONE EVER, sad. Poor Sam, poor Al, poor Beth, poor kids.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3

Quantum Instability 3 is undated and contains 78 pages. On the cover, "Falling Stars."

Excerpt:

The sky was full of glittering diamonds, winking at them in conspiratorial splendor. The breeze through the trees whispered its secrets in the sweet night air.

“It's beautiful, Al," Sam murmured.

Seeing the stars reflected in Sam's eyes, Al had to agree. He looked up again in time to catch the meteor as it streaked across the sky. He wondered how many other people had seen the very same falling star, how many dreams would be granted.

“What did you wish for?" he asked Sam...

Issue 4

cover of issue #4

Quantum Instability 4 was published in May 1995 and contains 60 pages. It has the subtitle, "Show and Tell."

a flyer for issue #4

This issue was published by furies ink.

• Secrets Shared in the Night by Leah S. (1)
• One Man's Calling is Another Man's Flaw by J.D. Rush (4)
• Surprise! by Eros (12)
• Show and Tell Me More by Astrid Boötes (14)
• Pathway to Glory by Dale Hobgood (17)
• Southern Exposure by Carol Zara (27)
• Closer to Fire by Susan Gibel (31)
• And the Seasons, They Go Round by Kayleigh Elsen (40)
• Victory by Dale Hobgood (45)
• LoCs (58)

Issue 5

Quantum Instability 5 was published in 1996 and contains 97 pages.

a submission request for issue #

a flyer for issue #5

This issue was published by furies ink.

Issue 6

cover of issue #6

flyer for issue #6

Quantum Instability 6 was published in May 1996 and contains 68 pages.

On the front cover: "Calavicci's Dilemma."

This issue was published by furies ink.

• Coming Out by Dana Kujan
• All at Sea by Coral Jay
• Desperation by Coral Jay
• other unknown content

Issue 7

Quantum Instability 7 was published in May 1997. It has the subtitle (and theme) "Please Mr. Postman."

cover of issue #7?

This issue was published by furies ink.

• Ziggy's Field Day by Lisa Martin (1)
• A Mother's Love by Noel Goddard (Al receives a letter from his long lost mother.) (10)
• Mail Bonding by Carol Zara (17)
• Dear Albert by Carol Zara (24)
• Curiosity Killed the Cat by Leah S. (35)
• Vegas Vows by Eros (45)
• Return to Sender by Sue Walker (58)
• Leaving the Past Behind by Dale Hobgood & Susan Gibel (69)

Issue 8

Quantum Instability 8 was published in August 2003 by Closet Space Ltd..

It has the subtitle: "Risky Business."

A copy can be found online here and a collection has been started here at AO3.

Welcome to the first on-line issue of Quantum Instability, a fanzine which has had more lives, more incarnations, and more editors than any other zine in the history of Fandom.

Quantum Instability is a project wherein we multiply one introduction by several writers and come up with infinite possibilities! For issue #8 "Risky Business," writers were invited to craft a story from the following introduction:

This was not a plan. This was an impulse.

I hadn't stopped to think; I didn't dare. I simply moved and kept moving until I reached my destination. It was only after I arrived that I realized how hasty and thoughtless I might have been.

I drew back to collect myself and found that I was shaking and damp all over. I glanced around, praying that he wouldn't be there and begging for his presence.

But he was there, just like I knew he would be. And the reality of him far exceeded my expectations. More vibrant in flesh than in fantasy, more vivid than any imaginings, he took my breath away.

I closed my eyes and swallowed.

He was so close. It wouldn't take much to get his attention, just a gesture or a slightly raised voice. The temptation was so great, but the risk was even greater. One poorly chosen word, one misstep, and I could change so much. I could ruin everything.

I exhaled and a shudder ran through me.

It wasn't too late. I hadn't been noticed, I hadn't done anything. I could play it safe, play it sane, and Time would march on like a dutiful soldier.

I told myself to get out of there, but I couldn't move.

The clock was ticking, and I knew this moment was all I had. When would an opportunity like this present itself again? When would we ever be in this time, in this place?

I took another deep breath and...

• Nothing is What it Seems by Noel Goddard (Al encounters Sam in an unusual setting.)
• Roses and Lovers by MJ
• Slacking Off on the Job by Minna Harper
• Dragons and Dreams by Xfphile
• Saving the World by Leah S
• Homecoming by Aerye