Capacity to Feel - II

The cloning machine sprang to life, erupting in noise. The chamber rattled and vibrated as he stood inside. A scanning device above the chamber door shot a beam of green light over him. It shook violently as the green light traveled from his head to his feet and then from his feet back to his head.

At last, it all stopped. The light switched off, and the vibrations ended.

Bill stepped out of the input chamber. He took a deep breath in anticipation.

The moment of truth.

He walked to the output chamber and opened the door. Standing inside the chamber was a complete replica of himself. The clone wore Bill's exact clothes; a white jacket and jeans. It had the same expression of confidence on its face—at least whenever he had the energy that was. It felt uncanny for him to stare at himself.

The clone walked out of the output chamber and looked around the laboratory. It then looked at Bill.

"Well?" spoke the clone. "Let's get to work."

Bill stared wearily at the clone.