Interim 1: An Echo(10)

"You think that I'mprints are inherently bad?"
"Nothing is inherently bad," I respond instantly, then pause, considering my next words carefully. "It depends on how you use the technology... and that you know how to separate an I'mprint from the original." The silence that follows weighs on both of us for too long and I find myself continuing without thought. "I once heard a Martyrist describe them as ghosts trapped in limbo by the evil megacities. I'm sure you'd agree that is a stupid analogy. I see them more as echoes. A reflection of the original that is almost the same, but not quite. They deteriorate with time and eventually need to be shut down for their own good."

"...I should be getting home to Felly." Sadness. I hit a nerve. Not like I didn't aim directly for it to be fair.
"Sure you don't want a drink? I found that whiskey you like. The old one you said used to be cheap. It's not like she won't wait up-"
"Good night, kid." He turns to leave and I bid him farewell, the hint of a smile on my lips. As soon as he's gone, the smile fades. The fans whirling in the computer finally calm themselves down and return to base rhythm.