In a stupor, Fred fumbled for the lampswitch to his right. When the sixty-watt softlight fell upon the stranger, Fred gasped. Before him stood the very image of himself! Before Fred could react, his photocopy reached forward, fingers spread. Latching it's hands on Fred's head, the clone began to mumble strange words. Fred twisted in agony as the look-alike's index fingers ground into his temples. He collapsed to his knees as he felt a surge of energy grind its way through his body. Then, when Fred felt he could bear no more, the stranger released his grip.

As Fred watched through tear-filled eyes, his clone wailed as if looking upon Death. Fred's hands reflexively went to his ears. But, as they did, the cry was cut short. The man had disappeared. Fred had no time to wonder at this, for he was suddenly baraged with a flood of strange thoughts. No...not thoughts, but memories. Memories, half-memories, and vague images. However, they were not his own.

Suddenly, Fred understood everything. His other self, the magnitude of his power, and his immortality. But Fred also understood something else. He knew that his immortality was in danger. In fact, his chances of seeing the morning were slim if he did not act now. Fred ran to the window. A set of headlights rolled to a stop in his drive. They'd arrived. Time was short. Fred had to flee.

Closing his eyes, Fred muttered the words he'd just learned, yet had known for eternity. His hands made the gestures as easily as they signed his name. His body shook with a new sensation; a sensation well remembered. Fred felt Reality shift in his hands. He felt his humble home fade away. Suddenly, all was calm. Fred opened his eyes. What he saw was like nothing he had ever seen, yet was more familiar to him than his own body...

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