Inside the folder were several dated files. Brent clicked on the most recent one, which was dated just two days before. It was an email exchange between Pike and an army general. They read together in shocked silence.

From: General Matthew McGavin

Re: Project Mirror update

To: Philip Pike

Dr. Pike,

We are pleased with the Meld-induced behavioral aspect of the project and look forward to a successful third test. This is of particular interest to us, as it will demonstrate parameters of control for clones of key personnel in the future. Along with viability, complete control of these clones is obviously paramount to our needs.

One presumed security risk to project now neutralized.

Keep me advised on any additional security threats. Continued funding of the project depends on no one becoming suspicious of the clone’s identity. We can handle any threats as they arise.

Gen. M. McGavin, United States Army

[email protected]

On Tuesday at 8:32 a.m., [email protected] wrote:

To: General McGavin

Attachment: Monthly report on Project Mirror

Physical viability of clone: Within expected parameters. No organ/muscular degradation.

Meld-implanted memory synapses of clone: Within expected parameters. No noted deviation.

Meld-induced behavioral testing: Two of three Meld-implanted suggestions executed successfully to date with no noted hesitation.

a. On day 21, clone made waffles for breakfast

b. On day 98, clone deviated from normal route to ViMed offices

Final test scheduled for day 239: clone will sing the third verse of “Come Fly with Me” in the hallways of ViMed offices.

Respectfully,

Dr. Philip Pike

Jeremiah read the emails over a second time and felt his stomach fall. His eyes settled on a single, sinister sentence: One presumed security risk to project now neutralized.

“A security risk? They’re talking about my mother, Brent. It’s exactly like I said. They thought she knew something and now she’s dead.”

Brent said nothing, but Jeremiah could hear him take in a deep, labored breath.

“They killed her,” Jeremiah said, his hands raking through his hair. “Neutralized. They murdered my mother. Tell me you see that.”

“I’ll admit it does look pretty bad,” he said. “But jumping right to murder? I don’t know.”

“I need a copy, Brent. Make a copy.”

“That’ll show up in the print queue,” he said. “I’ll take a picture.” He took out his phone and snapped two quick photos, adjusting the copy on the screen to make sure he got it all. Jeremiah noticed a slight tremor in his hand as he did so.

“Someone has to pay for this,” Jeremiah said. “These people are murderers. She wasn’t a threat, Brent. My mother didn’t know anything about the clone. It was just her mind. She couldn’t remember. That’s all. And they fucking killed her for it.”

“We don’t know anything for sure yet, Jeremiah. We need more. There’s not enough here to prove anything. We have to be careful. And we have to keep this to ourselves. Everything. I do agree that this just became dangerous.”

“But you believe me now that this whole thing is definitely more than it appears, right? That there’s something more to all of this.”