Listen

Looking around to make sure no one in the Data Entry Pool is watching, you leave your desk and put your ear to Mr. Smith's door. The voices become much more comprehensible.

“I think the Judge is an entirely appropriate choice. You can't really complain about lack of influence.” A woman's voice.

“Judge Barnes is old, Laura. The man is ninety years old. Granted, once inside a physical host, I can switch to another body, but there's no guarantee the old geezer will live long enough for that.” A man's voice, projected over a speakerphone.

“He's perfectly healthy and you know it. Besides, we need you in a position where you can do some good for us. Barnes is also on the boards of several competitors.” A man's voice, a deep baritone. Something about that voice makes your heart skip a beat.

“I'm aware of what you want from me, Norman.”

“It's only one year of your time, Jack. After that you can retire, and we'll grow a fresh new body to your specs.”

“One year, then. But I want a guarantee from you that if my host body fails before you can transfer me to one of your clones, you'll load my backup copy into a clone.”

“Agreed. We'll have an AI of your choosing monitor the deal. Good enough?”

“Done.”

The conference call ends. You hear footsteps shuffle around. Do you still want to listen? You might get caught; maybe it'd be better if you wait.