Doppel

by Anthony Pistilli

This is a story of a world that is a variation of ours. A world recognizable to us, while yet different. That difference is the Originator and the Doppel. In this different world, every Originator has a Doppel. The Doppel is a clone genetically identical to his or her Originator. First introduced as duplicate organ donors, Doppels provide their Originator with spare physical parts. But somewhere along the way, Originators began using their Doppels as servants, factotums, and even as companions. Our Originator, Justin, saw his Doppel, Justin2, the numeral “2” after a Doppel’s name was the way to identify an Originator’s Doppel, as just such a companion. Justin and Justin2 were inseparable. Many Originators treated their Doppels much the same way, and every Doppel understood that eventually, he or she was to be terminated so that their Originator may live. The system, despite the imperfections in any system devised by any humans anywhere, was a success. A person was born, his or her Doppel was cloned, the Doppel served the Originator in whatever reasonable capacity the Originator saw fit, until the Doppel was needed for an organ transplant, then the Doppel ceased to exist and the Originator was expected to go through life Doppeless. Originators accepted this. Doppels accepted this. Society accepted this. Justin accepted this, and, by all appearances, it seemed that Justin2 accepted this, as well. But then Justin2 fell in love with another Doppel. Marriage between Doppels was out of the question, and when another Doppel couple immolate themselves on the Courthouse steps where they were denied a marriage license, Doppels everywhere begin to demonstrate. They occupy the Courthouse Commons until they are forcibly removed by the Doppel police. Justin2 attempts to keep the demonstrations peaceful as the Doppels continue to demonstrate and are repeatedly dispersed by the Doppel Police. What happens next is the story of how one gentle, amiable Doppel who wanted only justice becomes radicalized into terror against all Originators.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2012