Edema Rue
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“I refuse to believe that.”
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Dolly started at the sound of her name, but her expression didn’t change. “Then there must be something you don’t know. My brother would never do something like this.”
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“Don’t lie to me. Don’t ever lie to me.”
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“Always before he had been part of someone else’s victory. But today, today he won.”
BEAAANNNNN MY SHAYLAAAAA
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“Then what did they do to him? Some drug? Are they threatening him? How are they controlling him? Because I will get him out. Get both of us out.”
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Dolly’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, successfully? Could he have—” she choked, then forged on. “Do you mean that the original died?”
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“You haven’t seen someone who likes like him, but real, have you?”
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Dolly followed him out without a word and without looking back.
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Dolly told herself she was ready for whoever was in the room. That they were a person, like her, and that they couldn’t do anything all that bad to her. Then she opened the door—it wasn’t that she was too impolite to knock, just that the thought never occurred to her—and saw Astor standing behind a neat desk. Her feet carried her to him before she’d even fully processed that he was there and she pulled him into a tight hug. That feeling of holding and being held by another person. She’d missed that. ”What are you wearing?” Astor smiled sheepishly. “Do you like it?” The suit was all sharp lines, making him look clean and powerful. His hair was shorter too, combed back neatly. “I hate it. If that’s what it took to get you here, I’m sorry you had to do it. Where’s Dad? And Bell? Is the whole family here?” Astor stepped back. “Did you…make yourself earrings? Out of…paper clips?” Dolly’s smile faded. “What aren’t you saying?” ”We need to talk, Dolly.” “Did they get you too? We’re going to get out.” ”It isn’t like that.” ”Astor—” ”Listen to me. All that stuff Dad says, about changing the world? It’ll never happen. People like him, like you, like I used to be can’t change anything because no one will ever respect you.” Dolly fell silent, staring open mouthed. He took a breath, looking almost nervous. “The fluctuating world you’ve spent your whole life in is just as much a prison as a stagnant house in the suburbs. This is a chance to do something different.” ”They showed me a contract,” Dolly whispered. “They said you signed it. Gave…gave consent for me.” ”They work with facts. Impassive science. They needed proof I wouldn’t show bias.” ”So you sold me to them?” ”It’s not about you, Dolly! It’s about the people we’re helping!” “You’re right that it isn’t about me. It’s about you. Went through a rebellious phase and ruined my life, and now you want to justify it, is that right?” “What you were living wasn’t a life—” ”And you think this is?” ”I didn’t say that.” ”Family doesn’t betray family.” ”Blood ties don’t mean anything.” Dolly had stopped listening. She repeated the words, this time with new understanding. “Family doesn’t betray family…you’re a clone, aren’t you?” ”What?” ”Like Sari. They got Astor, didn’t they? Duplicated him the same way they did me. Now they’re using you to try and get me to conform. Maybe they’re using Sari to do the same on Astor.” Not-Astor looked perfectly confounded. ”It’s not going to work,” Dolly said, more confidently now. “I know my brother. It isn’t you.” She took the door handle. It had locked behind her. Not-Astor pressed a button on his desk, looking miserable. “Please collect X-318.” Dolly spat on his carpeted floor and refused to say another word.
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Dolly glanced back at Ben, then shrugged and walked towards the office.
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Dolly stepped out.
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Dolly nodded once, smiling faintly. Not half as hard as she’d expected.
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“I’m not asking about them. I’m asking about you.”
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“And you’re fine to just…jump when they call? Go wherever they tell you, stay until they let you leave?”
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“Do all the workers live here? That can’t have been an easy choice.”
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“That far? And you commute all the way here?”
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Jerry blinked. “I don’t even know who you are. I don’t have this body’s memories.”
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“Uh huh. Wanting to do something and actually doing that thing are pretty different. Glad you like it, though. You from around here?”
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“Good job? You get…uh…insurance?”
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“Right.” Dolly took a deep breath. Shoulders back. Neck tall. Walk like you own the place, and maybe you will. Good habits. “So, Ben, how long have you worked here?”
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“Is she gonna be okay?”
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Dolly let out a slow breath. Not his fault. “Fine.”
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Dolly stood and crossed to Sari. “Whatever—whatever you believe about Astor. It doesn’t matter until we get out. We just have to work together until then, and then we’ll talk to him and he’ll tell you that everything’s okay.”
