"Miles," Ivan said, "The news from home is reporting that your wife is having an affair with your clone."

"I'd heard," said Miles.

"Not Mark, mind you. That might almost make a tiny bit of sense. The other clone. The one who is, actually, you. Not a clone of you, just the real you without any of the safeguards that normally keep you from going entirely of the rails."

"They do say it's important to keep variety in one's marriage," Miles told him.

"Yes, SPEAKING of that," said Ivan, "The next batch of news had the interview where you said you knew your wife was stepping out on you, and you didn't mind."

"Well, I could hardly object, could I?" Miles asked. "After all, I've been using my old ImpSec cover idea to go about with a married woman, myself."

"Miles," Ivan said.

"Yes?"

"Miles. Miles. What is going on back home that you needed to create a distraction this badly?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Miles said.