10:23 a.m. Passion Ministry

The boy, face covered by the dreaded mask, watched television. Maggie dozed in a nearby chair. The room smelled faintly of vomit.

She looks older, thought Rachel, watching from the door.

Jimmy’s eyes brightened.

“Hey there,” Rachel whispered, shocked by the pastiness of his skin. You’re really a clone?

Like the rest of the world, she had been stunned to learn that scientists in Scotland had cloned a sheep they called Dolly.

Later, she learned that the University of Washington had nurtured cloned human cells for six days. So...even with the scientific, financial and ethical hurdles, could Jimmy be a clone?

In an effort to hide her turmoil, Rachel pointed to Jimmy’s Star Trek: The Next Generation-themed sheets. “A Trekkie. My fave’s Mr. Spock, from the original.”

Jimmy tugged on the top of his ears. Grinned.

Maggie woke and smiled at Rachel. She stepped over and tapped the medication cup under Jimmy’s mask. “Almost done, hon.” She said, kissing his forehead. Maggie turned to Rachel. “John’s stepped out for a quick shower. Watch him for a moment?”

“Who’s your favorite?” Rachel asked, as Maggie left. Do you know, little man? Do you know?

Jimmy threw back the duvet and pointed at the sheet below.

“Data! Good choice,” she said, patting him slightly. She felt a shock.

Jimmy flinched. Darby jumped up, neck hairs at attention.

She jerked back. “Sorry!”

Jimmy shrugged, eyes sliding to the TV.

“Going to be a news anchor when you grow up?”

Jimmy began coughing. Darby growled. The boy clenched his fists and the mask darkened with condensation.

“Hey! Hey! Easy!” She glanced out the door. “It’s okay. Just breath slowly, okay?”

Jimmy shivered, tears overflowing his eyes. Fingers tearing at the plastic mask.

Rachel grabbed his forearms. Heat snaked through her fingertips, carrying the Watcher’s virulent contaminate.

Jimmy’s body pitched and thrashed. Darby snarled.

Rachel let go.

Jimmy fell back. Ripped off the mask and screamed.