（外文电子版资料）Robert J. Sawyer - Shed Skin.pdf

Shed Skin Robert J. Sawyer a Short Story from Analog Science Fiction and Fact January-February 2004 “I’m sorry,” said Mr. Shiozaki, as he leaned back in his swivel chair and looked at the middle-aged white man with the graying temples, “but there’s nothing I can do for you.” “But I’ve changed my mind,” said the man. He was getting red in the face as the conversation went on. “I want out of this deal.” “You can’t change your mind,” said Shiozaki. “You’ve moved your mind.” The man’s voice had taken on a plaintive tone, although he was clearly trying to suppress it. “I didn’t think it would be like this.” Shiozaki sighed. “Our psychological counselors and our lawyers went over the entire procedure and all the ramifications with Mr. Rathburn beforehand. It’s what he wanted.” “But I don’t want it anymore.” “You don’t have any say in the matter.” The white man placed a hand on the table. The hand was flat, the fingers splayed, but it was nonetheless full of tension. “Look,” he said, “I demand to see—to see the other me. I’ll explain it to him. He’ll understand. He’ll agree that we should rescind the deal.” Shiozaki shook his head. “We can’t do that. You know we can’t. That’s part of the agreement.” “But—” “No buts,” said Shiozaki. “That’s the way it has to be. No successor has ever come back here. They can’t. Your successor has to do everything possible to shut your existence out of his mind, so he can get on with his existence, and not worry about yours. Even if he wanted to come see you, we wouldn’t allow the visit.” “You can’t treat me like this. It’s inhuman.” “Get this through your skull,” said Shiozaki. “ You are not human.” “Yes, I am, damn i