Page 38 - The Muse 2021

“Yes, the DuplicateSystem is a custom-made android, fabricated to look and act exactly like yourself. We collect your memories, emotions, and personality on a Brain receiver drive, and download it into the Model 66X android. It is basically an exact copy of yourself who can do all the work for you when you're feeling a bit tired. Not only that, but with the help of its artificial intelligence, it can complete those tasks better than you.”
“I know we all need a little break sometimes,” said Jenny with a chuckle. “How did you come up with this idea?”
“It’s a funny story actually. I was sitting alone in my studio on a Tuesday night, feeling drained and tired, since I did not achieve the level of quality that the company was demanding. I had created a DoubleSystem prototype which was supposedly ‘better’ than me, yet my company was not satisfied. And then it occurred to me. Since I am the ‘worse’ version, what if I get discarded and forgotten? It’s funny, isn’t it? My copy sitting next to me thought so too. We laughed thinking of the chaos it would cause in the world. Maybe we were a little envious of others and wanted to bring a little mystery. Bring this place down along with us, watch it burn. Maybe we wanted the world to burn and we would laugh and laugh. It’s funny, isn’t it? Watching the world burn and burn―”
Zahk’s words, which were increasing in pace eerily, were abruptly ended by the press of the remote button. The TV went static before changing to another news channel. The screen’s light illuminated the worn-out couch and living room of the small apartment complex. It was difficult to find a decent apartment in the vast suburbs of Realsons County. Despite it being daytime, the room was dark since the window curtains were closed, the only source of light coming from the screen on the wall.
Seated on the couch was a middle aged, black-haired woman. Melissa stood from the couch and turned to face the front door, where another black-haired woman was by the door, prepared to leave. The woman turned around to look at Melissa.
The two women looked identical to each other. From their hair color, to the shape of their face, their posture, and even their gait, they were indistinguishable. It was unusual and slightly disturbing to look at someone with her own face. The DuplicateSystem never got to be mass produced, since Mikael Zahk was arrested. Melissa felt prideful that she was one of the lucky people who were able to purchase an android copy before his arrest. Now she had a copy of herself, with all her memories and personality, who can do anything for her.
It was extremely convenient to have a robot copy who could attend the dreaded meeting while Melissa had the luxury of staying at home. She hated her job, and her boss, Mr. Sim, only made it more dreadful. He would always either ignore her or dismiss her ideas, no matter how thoroughly planned they are. Hopefully the android could get her plans across in the meeting.
“Remember to give our boss the financial plans,” said Melissa, breaking the silence. “The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m.”
The android nodded her head in confirmation, “I know. You don’t need to remind me.” She opened the door and walked out, the lock of the door closing with a click.
***
The android was supposed to be back from work at 8:30 p.m., yet Melissa only heard the screech of the front door
opening at 11:00 p.m. The open door allowed the summer humidity to flood into the apartment. A large red wine stain stood out on the android’s white shirt like a splash of color on a plain canvas. She immediately removed her shoes after stepping inside the apartment, exactly like Melissa always did. It was like looking into a mirror.
“How was the meeting? Did Mr. Sim cause any more problems?” Melissa asked.
“Yes, it went well. I took care of everything. You don’t have to worry about Sim, he won’t be causing any more trouble.”
“I didn’t know androids could drink. Where did you get the wine from?” Melissa asked, while pointing to the large red stain on the android’s shirt.
After a moment of silence, she responded, “It’s not wine.”
It took a few moments for all pieces to click in her brain; the meeting with Mr. Sim, her late arrival, and the stain. The realization hit her. Melissa gaped at the woman in front of her, her voice shocked “You didn’t... did you..?”
“Yes, and you know exactly what I did.”
“You’re insane.” Melissa said simply.
“No. You are. I'm basically you. It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it?” she said with a low chuckle.
Boiling rage filled Melissa in an instant, her fist clenching, “What the hell! I could be locked in prison for the rest
of my life!! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”
The android’s face, which looked identical to her own, stared back at her knowingly. “I know how you feel and so
do you, so don’t try to hide it. Sim was a narcissistic and ignorant man who was holding us back from our work. Our life would be so much easier without that bastard and you’ve been longing to kill him for―”
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