Innocent at Large

A bright‑eyed Martian newcomer arrives on Earth, bewildered by the dense atmosphere and the bustling bureaucracy of the United Protectorates. He’s fresh from the red planet, naïve about human commerce, and quickly becomes the target of a clever schemer who sees his unspent fortune as an easy score.

Peri, a sharp‑tongued operative with a reputation for handling high‑stakes deals, is hired to spin the Martian into a lucrative one‑night job. As she juggles a coveted date, a demanding client, and the promise of a hefty cut, the Martian’s innocence collides with the cut‑throat world of interplanetary finance.

The story blends witty dialogue with a vivid, near‑future setting, offering a playful look at culture clash, corporate intrigue, and the unintended consequences when a simple “hayseed” steps onto a planet where every conversation might be a contract. Listeners will be drawn into the fast‑paced negotiations and the charmingly awkward attempts of a stranger trying to find his footing among Earth’s slick elite.