@ Brushfe
@ Mandle
@ Stupot
VOTING: I vote short story Stupot (1st) and Brushfe (2nd). I vote long story Brushfe (1st) and Mandle High Coup (2nd).
Spoiler
This was an interesting read. I liked how you set up the mystery in the short version and then resolved it in a different format in the long version. The doubling up of the boats was a clever twist to fit the format. The storm must have been a surprise for the accused murderer, for otherwise it would be just easier to row the first boat away when the second one arrived? And then there was the problem of the cops already having the body and the pictures... I guess, in the end, murderous fishermen just aren't that smart.
[close]
@ Mandle
Spoiler
Well, the doubled up story of "Stupid Things" is almost kinda the exact story except for a lot of tedious counting.
The doubling of the "stupid things" with the second task fits the theme, but the repetitive nature of the punishments made it hard for the story to gain traction in my imagination. "High Coup" was slightly better, having started with a punny title. The juxtaposition of an ancient leader condemning slavery and a modern one encouraging it was thought provoking, although highly selective (the majority of ancient leaders had no issue with slavery and the majority of modern elected presidents strongly oppose it). I liked how it seemed like the slaves would carry the day, although I struggle to see what is doubled.

[close]
@ Stupot
Spoiler
The premise is very interesting and the twist was out of left-field. I understood the room was darkened, but I relied on Clone John's observational abilities too much: he was able to discern the cloneliness of everyone in the room, but not the familiar facial characteristics (not to mention voice and speaking patterns) of Original John? The two Johns definitely fits the doubling theme, but I was disappointed not to get a more in-depth story detailing exactly what is going on.
[close]
VOTING: I vote short story Stupot (1st) and Brushfe (2nd). I vote long story Brushfe (1st) and Mandle High Coup (2nd).