The clones had assembled in their best uniforms, a tidy blue-grey flight suit with the VirCorp logo emblazoned on the right breast. They were at ease, making last minute adjustments in nervous anticipation of their visitor. Today was the day that would make or break their future with the company.

Three continued to polish his boots. They were shined past reflection and entered into the realm of phosphorescence. When he looked up from his work, his supervisor was leading a party into the room. As one man, the brethren fell into a line in front of their cots.

“Well done, gentlemen!” Klaus gave them a nod of approval and bowed to their visitor with a flourish. “Sir, I present to you the JONs, One through Twenty-Five. Don’t be shy, gentlemen, say hello to our President!”

Clumsily and with too much anxiety, they blurted out a broken greeting. “Hello, Mister President!” Seventeen’s voice cracked shrilly midway through. Bosak shuddered, but waved politely.

“Oh, don’t worry, Mister President. They’re just a little nervous. The situation is analogous to meeting one’s Maker, I suppose.” He turned to face the corps and waved for them to be seated. “Just relax. At ease.” They sighed together in unison, then sat gently down on the cots, watching anxiously. Klaus led the party down the ranks.

“Doctor,” asked Bosak out of the corner of his mouth to Klaus, “just who was the original subject?”

“An excellent question, sir. A Sector Chief named Joseph Orson Noone who ‘volunteered’—a faithful employee of VirCorp Security for the past five years. Hence the designation ‘JON’ for our prototypes.” Falcon tried unsuccessfully to interrupt Klaus, but the old man was too overcome with enthusiasm. “Unfortunately, he was discharged from his duties.”

“Discharged?” Bosak was gob-smacked. “What do you mean?”

Klingel butted in abruptly with a sardonic grin, firmly placing a bony hand on the CEO’s shoulder. “He had a problem with the sauce, boss. If you catch my meaning.” Klingel leered. Bosak blinked.

“Arnie!” Klaus politely removed Klingel’s hand from Bosak and dusted off his lapel. “Forgive me, sir. I’m afraid Doctor Klingel hasn’t taken his medication today!”

“What? I was being copacetic!” Klingel’s grin slid into a frown.

Bosak shook his head dismissively. “It’s quite alright, Doctor. When I started out in this business, my people skills weren’t up to snuff either.” Klingel sunk a few inches into his lab coat. “So, a former employee with a drinking problem was the entire basis for this project?”

“Regrettably we did not have access to finer specimens such as yourself, sir, what with all the downsizing.” Klaus paused. “I mean nothing by that, sir. As a scientist working in the private sector, I know how important the bottom line is. It’s just that Mister Noone was the closest thing to a reliable paramilitary subject we had at our disposal—ah, who volunteered for the experiment.”

Bosak was quiet for a long time, face creased in deep thought. He looked patiently over the faces of the cloned employee, except for one on the left whose face was obstructed by a Playboy magazine. Bosak chuckled and thought, At least some things never change.

When at last he spoke, the words came out hollowly. “Thank you very much for all your efforts, Doctors. I am pleased by your commitment to company goals and wish you continued success.” He leaned forward and shook each man’s hand. “I am afraid though that Falcon and I here,” he grasped Falcon firmly by the arm and shoved him toward the exit, “have to take our leave now. I am sure you understand.”

“Certainly, sir. Thank you very much for stopping by.” Klaus continued as the CEO marched the VP to the exit. “If there is anything else you require, please let me know.”

Pausing at the door, Bosak waved farewell. As an afterthought he added, “Auf Wiedersehen,” and disappeared around the corner.

When he was sure they were gone, Klingel glanced down at his watch and remarked, “He’s remarkably nicer than that ass Falcon made him out to be.”

“Yes,” replied Klaus. “Tactful to say the least. I just wonder what upset him so much.”

“What do you mean? He didn’t seem upset.”