The marketplace stretched evenly before them. An endless expanse of stalls that resembled an ancient Roman city, except everything was dressed in white and the people were an alien species. Tom rubbed his eyes. He looked at the Plersizians who they smiling kindly at him and greeting him with slight bows of their bodies. He felt the relentless blows of realization.


<< They are all looking AT you..>> A-01 whispered, squeezing his arm playfully with an enthusiasm she couldn’t hide. Tom responded by gently holding her hand. He kept it there as he marveled at the kingdom laid out before him.


Countless stalls, each selling something different: food, clothes, books, furniture, jewelry, art , and finally, personalized when he saw a type of  mobile phone that was the size of an apple and shaped like a square. He moved closer, pulling A-01 along with him.


<< What does it say here? >> he asked, looking at the screen of the phone-box.


<< Press here..>> A-01 translated for him.


Tom pressed the screen and immediately, the figure of a Plersizian appeared before them. It came out of the phone – box , functioning like a projector. The Plersizian looked at them, and with a polite greeting, began to speak in his dialect.


<< How do I set it to English ? >> Tom asked, laughing.


<< Oh, Tom Waltts! My apologies. I forgot that you don’t speak our language. Please, tell me, what interests you from my humble stall? >> asked the Plersizian, and looked at him with his round, kind eyes filling with curiosity and respect.


<< This.. The phone.. How does it work ?>>  


<< With image.. You see, you place the picture of the friend or family you want to call, and if they doaccept you can appear in their space.. even from a distance. >> the Plersizian explained as the image moved in a circular motion, showing his home. << The most amazing thing I have discovered? If I may..>> he continued, gently placing his hands on Tom’s shoulders.


Tom jumped, laughing in surprise. His hand slipped from A-01’s gasp and landed on the image of the Plersizian which he could touch. He pressed his fingers against the grey skin, and the Plersizian hugged him. Tom stood still for a moment, accepting the embrace until a wave of unfamiliar discomfort washed over him, prompting him to step back and free himself from the overly friendly hold.


<< This is incredible! I’d love to buy it, but.. I don ’t have any money on me..>> Tom replied, causing both A-01 and the Plersizian scientist to laugh.


<< Don’t be naïve.. There’s no money here..>> A-01 explained.


<< With two sacks of potatoes and apples, it’s yours! >> the Plersizian bargained.


<< I’ll visit you soon then..>> Tom declared, moving away while holding his forehead. A-01 watched him, still laughing.


<< It’s unbelievable. Everything is unbelievable! So.. this is how you live? >> he asked in disbelief.


<< For centuries now..>>


<< But why..? With the technology you have and your brilliant minds, you could build a real kingdom here!>>


<< And what’s the point in that? >>


<< Progress! Advancement! >>


<< Tom, we are already advanced, despite the humble conditions we happily choose to live in. Why build a kingdom? >>


<< I mean.. the building you are leaving in is kinda look like one…>>


<< Don’t be fooled by the calm here and the luxury of the headquarters. Everyone is welcome to become a member of the Leadership. Everyone can live inside! That’s why the building is so big. It can hold all the people! Tom, our nature is simple and humble, and that allows us to evolve in the areas where we truly need it: medicine, education, professions, technology. .creativity. Where we live and how we live doesn’t affect those things >> A-01 explained thoroughly, answering every question lingering in Tom’s mind. The Plersizians valued and wanted this simple life.


<< Ahhh! Now, let me show you my favorite stall! >> A-01 shouted, gently pulling him in a specific direction.