POLISOMANIA

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Through the small window of the shuttle, Mars steadily grew larger until finally nothing could be seen but the red planet and its vast domes and landing pads. Everything was connected by a network of canals, through which magnetic levitation trains constantly rushed, packed to the brim with all sorts of people. Tourists, scientists, workers, even famous politicians. There was no room for comfort or luxury. Here, everyone is pragmatic, so everything is damn practical. Besides, there's no room for imagination anywhere. Getting a vacation is almost impossible. And even if you do, they'll call it a diplomatic mission, stuff your luggage with folders and your head with directives. A slight jolt jolted me out of my reverie. The shuttle was approaching landing. Clouds of reddish-red dust rose. After a few minutes, the engines quieted and a crackling sound emerged from the onboard speakers. Then an artificially modulated voice, devoid of emotion, rattled off the preprogrammed message:

Port B5; quarter 15/1609; Bradox Province. Thank you for using our connections.

"And they made me laugh again – the monopolists are grateful that we chose their route." A zero emotional charge triggered a reaction in me. So zero became an impulse. Calm down, I began to say to myself. This is pointless. You're tired! Zero is nothing, and stick to it. Wait a minute! Right! Emotions were hidden beneath the words! Of course! Underneath, in turn, the company policy expert hid emotions. But what emotions? What was he thinking when he composed that sentence? I wonder if he realizes he manages to amuse a few people from time to time...

From the ferry, through the airlock, down to the bright corridors where the luggage waited. Just two suitcases. The cable car station was no more than twenty meters from the port. "It's so crowded!" I accidentally nudged someone with my shoulder, and they nudged me. Terribly frustrating. I'd have liked to scream, but they'd have quickly dragged me. I somehow managed to get into the line. Standing room, of course.

After a few seconds, the worm rose slightly and accelerated rapidly. I decided not to think too much, at least for a moment. I sent a pulse of my favorite song to the microchip in my ear. And in a moment, I couldn't hear the chattering people. It was worth investing those few hundred dollars... And here's your chance. What beautiful legs! I slowly inched upward, thoroughly familiarizing myself with the topography of the alien body. A nice navy blue suit. Not bad shape. I think she listens to music too. Black, lush hair, eyes like the devil. I have to meet her!

I slowly moved toward her. I guess she hadn't noticed. Well, now it's time for prayers... "Please, Mr. Pilot, brake properly," he did, several times, not without hope. He braked, and I went flying like a stone from a slingshot. Just to get it right! The suitcases remained, and I hung, bent over, clinging to her belt. She looked down at me like a candy wrapper. I didn't look away. Finally, she smiled. I let go of her and slowly gathered myself. When I turned around, the cable car doors were already closing, and outside, some teenager was rushing ahead with my suitcases. "That's fucking great," I hissed with unconcealed anger. All the clothes, not to mention the data disks for contract negotiations. I'd almost forgotten about the woman. I was thinking about what to do with this thing until I felt hot. I unbuttoned my jacket, loosened my tie, and combed my slicked-back hair. Someone tapped me lightly on the back. I turned around. She smiled. She seemed to like me better this way. I wasn't sure what to say. She started,

"Do you need help?" she said, as if unsure if she really wanted to help.

"Well, yes, but I'll manage somehow. Luckily, I have my documents and credit cards with me." My thoughts were indeed going in the same direction, but on tracks closer to the bed. My eyes darted between her breasts and her pretty face.

"Oh well, I'm out," she said quickly.

I guess she caught my drift.

She turned and started slowly walking to the airlock. I couldn't let her get off. What if I followed her? I had nothing to do anyway. I got out behind her and, keeping a safe distance, watched. She seemed to be bustling around aimlessly, waiting for something or someone. Maybe for the next round. I decided to while away the time for both me and her. I walked over, stood in front of her, and simply asked, "

Hi, we've met before." Would you like some coffee? And my name is Mark," I extended my hand, smiling like a fool. She gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm Caroline, I'd love some coffee, though I'm not sure I'd like your company...

" "I apologize for earlier. I'm a jerk, but I promise I won't jump you again," I was also taken aback by the honesty. Maybe that wasn't what she meant. Think! Think!

I wanted to look her in the eye and say something nice, but she wasn't looking at me anymore. Her eyes were fixed somewhere over my left shoulder. Her face was very serious. She betrayed no anxiety, only cold analysis. She quickly unbuttoned her blouse, revealing too much of her breasts.

"Be calm and don't do anything stupid."

I felt someone approaching. I slowly turned around. Three uniformed officers with a solid arsenal.

"Good morning! I'd like my ID!"

I fumbled in my pockets and handed them my ticket, ID card, and vaccination card. They ran everything through the reader.

"Welcome, Mr. Lambert! We wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay!"

He glanced at Caroline, then at me, and laughed.

"Don't worry. They're all healthy and vaccinated against every plague.

" "So you're a prostitute?" I asked as soon as they were gone.

Her cold eyes became as fierce as the harshest winter. She stepped back slightly, buttoning her suit up to her neck.

"Idiot!"

"Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you. Seriously! I think I misunderstood something..." I fought back.

A wave of people getting off the cable car rushed between us. She said something, but the murmuring crowd drowned her out. She turned on her heel and started walking away. People flowed ahead of me, oblivious to my tragedy. I plunged into the hostile stream. I barely managed to break through and catch up with her.

"Wait! Don't go! Please! It'll be boring drinking coffee alone!" I tried to be funny.

"What do you mean, man?!" I've already forgotten your name—"

"Yeah, I understand... But it seems to me you have a lot of interesting things to say. And you probably didn't want to meet the cops—"

"Not at all!" "

If so, show me your ID—"

"No!" "

Well, then I have a duty to call the police." They were

just passing by.

She came close, very close.

"Try it and you'll burn in the blink of an eye," she hissed.

I kissed her cheek. I couldn't resist. I guess she wasn't offended anymore.

"I know, I'm crazy, and the police thing is a joke, of course. Come and get a damn coffee, because the next performances might not end so well!"

I took her hand and led her toward the blue neon sign: "Coffee with a country aroma." She didn't resist. She submitted to my will. We sat in a pleasant corner on very comfortable chairs. Everything was made of ancient plastic. Very tasteful, it flashed through my mind. We ordered two coffees and pastries. We also asked for a few cigarettes. We didn't say much for half an hour. But I felt her watching me very intently. After an hour of asking various facts, she finally said what I'd been waiting for.

"You know what, I'm tired of these cookies, coffee, and this whole situation. I'm very tired. Let's go to my place—"

"Okay. Why not?" This time I managed not to say something stupid like, "At least I'll save on a hotel."

***

Her apartment was very tastefully decorated. Dark and harmonious, which, on the 60th floor of a skyscraper, right under the Martian sky, created a stunning effect.

I didn't seem to understand her intentions. I sat down on the bed, but she didn't seem to intend to join me. She turned on the animator and set it in front of me.

"I'd like to show you something. Something that could change your whole life. You might not come back to Earth. You might even go crazy. What do you think?"

"Is it worth taking that risk?" "

I think it's worth it. Although, ever since I discovered this, I've distanced myself from people.

Remember when you asked about my husband? I lied. I had a husband, but he left me, and I guess it was my fault. I wasn't like the others.

" "Will you give me a moment?"

"Of course."

I stood up, feeling faint. I hadn't expected this turn of events. I went to the bar and poured two glasses of Siberian Coot. I handed one to Caroline and stood by the glass wall, staring at the Martian night. I probably should have thought things through, but instead I did my own thing.

"I like your sky. I could stay..."

We both laughed.

"You really are crazy."

We both sat down on the bed. She turned on the animation program. A series of commercials flashed before my eyes. I knew some of them from Earth. Some were funny, others pathetic. Later, we watched an episode of the most popular TV show in all human colonies.

"So, what's the point? I don't understand...

" "Do you know what a subliminal message is?"

"I've read something about it, but what does it have to do with advertising?"

"What kind of insurance policies have you already taken out?" "

Well, like everyone else...sudden death insurance, natural death insurance, plane crash insurance, drowning insurance, life insurance...I can't remember them myself, but I have almost all the ones I need. "

She started laughing.

"Don't you think it's pathetic?"

"What?! You can't live without insurance! They're essential!" I replied, a little irritated.

"Yeah?" she replied, thoroughly amused.

"So how many insurance companies are there in the known universe?"

"One."

"And what happened to the rest?" "

They went bankrupt."

"Yes, but not in a natural way." We've been manipulated by this one company.

They're stuffing people's heads with nonsense using subliminal advertising. Without your consent or knowledge, they're constantly trying to convince us to buy various fancy policies at outrageous prices."

She put me on the spot. I didn't know what to say. Then she gave me proof: I was watching a video I'd already seen frame by frame.

"To console you, I'll tell you that so far I've encountered manipulation in the insurance market. No one has ever tried to manipulate people in politics, but it could happen, and then, with a high degree of probability, they'll tell us to fight, emigrate... They'll do whatever they want!"

"They're controlling our brains, and we have no idea. It's true that goals are likely achieved with some delay and some losses must be factored in, but you can rule the entire civilized part of the world," I thought aloud.

"But what are you going to do about it? If they find out we've discovered their secret, they'll kill us without scruples!" I blurted out, excited by the whole situation.

"Don't worry. We're not alone. A strong underground network has already formed here on Mars. You'll meet everyone, but in due time.

We'll implant a new consciousness in you, you'll also get new documents, and then you'll be ready to fight polysomania.

For now, take off your shirt and get under the covers. I'll go to the bathroom for a moment..."