watching the «Universe News» channel when somebody knocked at the door. The President came in. His deep blue eyes reflected desperation.
Rufus, I think it`s time, - he said with trembling voice to the man with dazzlingly red hair. – We can`t ignore it anymore.
I will just pack my bag. What time is it now on the Earth? – the man asked.
It`s midnight. You have to hurry up, otherwise the sky police will catch you, - the President answered and then added: - Rufus, please, make their eyes sparkle again.
It was 3023 and the humanity was almost dead.
Rufus was lying on the small couch in the room of the hostel he had rented and glancing through the circle window at the street. He arrived two days ago but still couldn`t infiltrate into the human`s society since the difference from his last time he was on the Earth 1000 years ago was extremely shocking. Although it was 8 a.m. the main street was absolutely empty as every inhabitant was already working at their offices. A blind implementation of the direct duties and total subordination to the artificial intelligence with the aim of making money that would mechanize the society even more – are the key aspects that every human has to follow. There is no place for senses and thoughts. There are only strict regimes that deny any reflection of freethinking.
The clock hands indicated 8 p.m. Rufus decided to have an evening meal. Crossing the empty squares he saw just several single pedestrians whose eyes were as glassy as showcases are. It seemed that they reflected all data that their «carrier» had been processed for a whole day. He felt so miserable that his only desire was to grab some beer. Finally Rufus had found a small café with an old signboard on it «Rendez-Vous». There were no people inside since the takeaway ordering had replaced going to the restaurants langsyne. However, all of a sudden Rufus had noticed the woman sitting at the corner table under the faded chandelier.
He sent a request to the machine that played a waiter role to order some pizza and two glasses of wine. When his ordering had being processed and satisfied Rufus decided to come to the woman.
May I? - he asked bashfully pointing to the free sit place.
Yes, - the woman answered keeping gazing at her laptop.
After several minutes of the speechless eating Rufus decided to start the conversation.
What is going on with you?
Who are you? – asked the woman finally raising her head and then added: - What is going on with your hair?
It seemed to me that I am a human.
The woman fell silent and started staring at the laptop showing complete disinterest in the conversation.
What has happened with humanity? – he continued his speech. – Why are you sitting here alone? When did you look at people`s eyes for the last time? Have you ever heard the word «feelings»?
That is forbidden ground. You think in an alien way.
You always interpreted us as different one. However we have more human features than you. When have you lost your human beginning? Just think over.
The woman was speechless for a long time and the figures, which were reflected from the screen in her eyes, stopped moving. It seemed that she was trying to find the answers in the depth of her laptop. Suddenly the tear rolled down her cheek. Rufus smiled. The bridge to her soul had been built.
You see, those feelings make us weak. We can`t afford this. The key to the progress is in the strength of our minds that devoid of senses, - he whispered flicking the tear off and left the café.
Rufus was lying on the small couch in the room of the hostel he had rented and glancing through the circle window at the street. Suddenly the room was stunned by the phone message. He took his phone and saw the notification from the Universe social network. Rufus was ready to have a chat with the President since he realized that he had failed his mission.
It was rather difficult to find you, Rufus, - the nickname «Amelie23» has said to him from the screen.
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