"Doesn't it strike you as odd that Qui Dor should bother to create a second Bryan Channing?"
"Why odd?"
"If Qui Dor were going about his business in an objective way, interested only in carrying the fruits of his own culture to Earth, why would he need a spy? And here's something you don't know: when the Denebian Ambassador was confronted with two of us, he immediately contacted Qui Dor. They know each other, chief. It proves they're working together."
State glowed. "If we can substantiate that, we'll have Sarchix just where we want him. We'd also have an excuse to break off diplomatic relations with Targoff. But can you prove it, Channing? That is, if you're Channing."
"We can try. I think my double will verify this: the Denebian Ambassador claimed Qui Dor could tell us apart by willing the copy out of existence."
State looked at the copy for confirmation.
"Yes, that's true. But I don't think I like what's on your mind."
State nodded. "All right, I'll buy that. But what did you mean when you said Qui Dor could will the copy out of existence?"
"The Targoffians maintain that the real world isn't—real. It seems to work for them, so we can let it go at that. Apparently their creations are mental projections, akin to extra sensory perception, perhaps—although this is creation, not perception. If Qui Dor thinks a copy doesn't exist, it doesn't."
"Wait a minute," protested the copy. "They were going to will the copy out of existence, then destroy the real Channing, then create a third one."