0 comments

Fantasy Fiction African American

"How clever am I, Charles Key King, Ha! say that a few times fast. But as I was saying, how clever am I, I've discovered a way to duplicate myself in a robotic form." Charles King was a backyard, garage inventor, although he has come up with some amazing inventions, he's been rejected numerous times from the invention committtee. Charles feels like today will be different. He beems at his reflection in the mirror as he continues to go over his speech pitch. "Of course I'll leave the "how clever am I" part out, and the gloating." He took a deep nervous sigh, and went over a more serious rehearse. He cleared his throat, fidgeted his tie straight, and began. "Hello ladies and gentleman, ever wanted to be in two places at once? Ever wanted TWO of you for a specific occassion? Have a version of you, better yet a clone to do the hard work while you do the easy work or have fun? Well I have made it possible, with this!" DUN DUN DUN DUH DUH DUH DUUUUHH!!! "And everyone goes crazy with offers hahahahah!!

*ring ring ring*

Hello?

"Hi Mr. King, you wanted me to let you know when a good opportunity hit, well you're gonna want to hear this!" Charle's assistant Ginger recited happily. In an annoyed manner Charles reminded her that first sentence was utterly pointless. He rushed her to get to the point and purpose of her call. "The committee finally responded and want a sit down, after sending 1100 emails." She giggled gleefully. Charles remained speechless for a moment. "Mr. Charles?"

"Uh! Yes...*clears throat* I'm on my way."

"Ginger! Baby you're a doll!" Charles entered the office blowing kisses and nervously fidgeting his tie. "If I've never told you I love you, this would be the day. Thank you." Ginger face flushed red. "So what are you presenting?" Ginger inquired. Charles rubbed his hands together, and presented her a tube filled with a green substance. An unsure look fell on Ginger's face. Charles proceeded with his explanation. "This my sweet Ginger, is a seperator, if I drink this I can split myself, my soul in half and place it in another model. I.. Ginger interrupted, "wait what? Look I know you think I'm some dumb blonde because I'm not as smart as you, but that doesn't sound...safe?"

"Safe?.. SAFE?! What world do you live in where scientist do things that are SAFE?! Science is an experiment, life or death sacrifices must be made. But this, Ginger, this successfully would change the world. It would be two of YOU, your memories, your experiences, your conciousness split. Think of the things you could do."

Ginger was hesitant but she stood her ground. Arms folded she spoke her mind. "Charles, look I think all that rejections gone to your head, where do you plan to put your other half of consciousness? What do you have to show the committee as far as examples?" She paused, eyes widened she gasped heavily, "you aren't thinking of sacrificing yourself for science....are you? This is movie bullshit, come on lets just invent other stuff...we...we, he raised his hands and she stopped speaking. "I've created a host, a robotic host to hold my conciousness. Yes it will be a test and possibly a sacrifice because I've only had enough funding for one body. I molded it to fit me perfectly. Now whether or not I'll be able to live or function after I...."Charles, ok ok just walk me step by step on your plan."

His plan seemed half thought out to Ginger but she listened as he explained his process.

"Alright when I drink this chemical extraction the 2 hemispheres in my brain will become one, the robotics in the lab have been programmed to then split my brain in half and place it in the me model. There's a 50/50 chance here, but if it works, I will be able to function much like a twin, but robotic qualities which means I'm more programmable. If it works I will be a renowned scientist and I will never have to say "I wish there were two of me" because I'll have that. And on the flip, it could go horribly wrong and I.....die."

The room fell silent. "I don't agree, Charles, I..."I DIDN'T ASK YOU TO AGREE! MY MIND IS MADE! Now you get paid to assist and THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL DO! HOLD THE OPINIONS!!....Please! PLEASE!!

He stormed out and slammed the door behind him.

The committee consisted of five people. 2 women and 3 men in formal attire. They sent for Charles. Charles nervously explained his presentation. The committee exchanged unsure looks back and forth. "Mr. King give us a moment, please." one of the woman called out. He waited for about five minutes before being called back in. "Mr. King, what you are considering, we feel needs more research, and demonstrations other than yourself." The woman on the committee started. "We also feel like this was a rushed project Mr. Charles, it hasn't been even a month since your previous rejection, on top of what was just said." One of the men of the committee added. Charles rocked on his toes, "is that all?" he forced a smile. "Well", the other woman from the committee began. " I'm more worried about your mental state, I'm recommending you get a psych evaluation before we proceed further with any scientific procedures." With a show of hands, no hands raised in favor of Charles. He left livid. The car ride to his house was filled with screams of rage and frustration.

"Hey it's Ginger, Ging, or Gigi leave a message so I can call you back, if you don't, your loss."

"Ginger, its uh..it's Charles, I'm sorry I yelled at you before, turns out the committe feels the same way you do. I got rejected....again. I'd really like for you to come help me finish up with this project. Call me back, its Charles, don't know if I said that."

Instead of calling Ginger came by the garage. After a few knocks Charles answered. He looked sleep deprived and lethargic. "I got a plan," he said as he ushered her in. "I'm gonna do it anyway, they want proof I'll be the proof! He looked to Ginger madly. She responded genuinely, "please, don't do it."

June 12, 2022 01:26

You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.

0 comments

Reedsy | Default — Editors with Marker | 2024-05

Bring your publishing dreams to life

The world's best editors, designers, and marketers are on Reedsy. Come meet them.