Twilight Times Books Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Twilight Times Books Type: Fiction Pages: 85 Copyright: July 1, 2006 Four stories, each a separate adventure, about unusual characters that at first appear to be like ordinary people. Is Margaret who she appears to be or someone altogether different? Can a new suit really alter our appearance? Just who is that man, sitting at the side of the road? Step into the future and learn about clones. This little book is very popular as a quick read and is available from Twilight Times Books as an ebook download. For anyone who enjoys weird science-fiction stories, this book will give you a chuckle. The stories were written by the author while she was in a weird space. Perhaps she is an alien? Excerpt Excerpt taken from the story: Duplicated! The Year, 2225. Zan, a scientist, decides that he will have a duplicate made of himself. This is the part where his wife, Dara, meets the robot for the first time. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Zan had said there would be a number and USB port on the bottom of Blochlen's foot. The number was his make and model and the USB port could be used to hook him up to a computer. He could be programmed to record what happened in any given day and Zan could retrieve the information at his leisure. I thought that smacked of spying on the robot's life, but then I reminded myself he was just a machine. However, as the two of them stood side-by-side in front of me, it was hard to think of Blochlen in that context. Very hard indeed. "This is Dara, as you know," Zan said to Blochlen. To me he added, "Blochlen has been programmed to exist at the mental and emotional stage I was a few years ago, and so, in his mind, we have only just met." Blochlen flashed me a stunning smile and I felt strangely disconcerted; Zan hadn't smiled at me that way in a long time. "But how will he be able to substitute for you at work if he isn't educated to your present level?" I asked. "He can perform many functions without having my current knowledge," Zan explained. "He can always be tweaked to a higher level." He carried on talking about it for a while in scientific terms, probably more to impress the technicians rather than to inform me. I hardly understood a word he said. When we got outside to our vehicle Blochlen offered me the front seat, but Zan insisted he sit beside him. I didn't mind because it meant I could observe Blochlen from the rear without appearing rude. As I compared them, I marveled. It was amazing. I know I've probably said that before, but it's true. Physically they were identical, but you know, as I kept looking I could tell a difference. Zan might have said it was just my perception or only in my mind, but I swear, Blochlen's whole aura—although we aren't supposed to speak of such matters these days—was lighter somehow. Purer. Cleaner. I must tell you what came to me. You'll see why later, but it occurred to me then, the very first time I met him, that Blochlen seemed devoid of cunning.

Who is Margaret? What is She?
A fun collection of stories by talented author Celia A. Leaman who entertains her readers with stories of unusual adventures of characters who seem like ordinary people. But are they?

If you've ever done your laundry in a Laundromat and passed the time with a stranger, you'll identify with Veronica when she meets Margaret. Does she feel drawn to Margaret because she needs a friend? Is Margaret who she appears to be or someone altogether different?

Can a new suit really alter our appearance? Read "The Suit" and find out. Would you wear such a suit out of season?

Step into the future and learn about clones. Would you want a copy of yourself living with you, learning to be you in all things? Spend time with Zan and Dara and then decide.

Tales that take us away from the ordinariness and lift us to the extraordinariness of living. Each one a separate adventure. I'm happy to recommend this book as a very pleasant way to spend some reading time.

Anne K. Edwards, Author of Death on Delivery http://www.Mysteryfiction.net