"So, the duplicator scans every molecule and creates an exact copy?" asked Captain Smith.


    "Yes, sir, it''s also a teleporter in that respect; identical versions transmittable to far-off distances," answered chief engineer, Lt. Jacobs.


    "Brilliant!"


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    — — — —


    Marooned on a hostile planet, with their shuttle unable to reach escape velocity, a landing party faced certain death.


    "Jacobs, let''s duplicate them up here," said Captain Smith.


    "But sir, they''ll be copies. The originals will perish," replied Lt. Jacobs.


    "That''s irrelevant, Lieutenant. No one else will know. Besides, all that we are is what others perceive, right? So, what difference will it really make?"