We come across the invader in a grouping of rocks not far from the city, lurking in the shadows. A spy? A scout? It is not clear. There are too many things off for either of those to fit perfectly.

For one, he is not wearing the carapace armor his comrades always have on.

For another, he is alone. We have never come across any of the invaders alone before.

The last clue that points to a different story altogether are the remnants of restraints on both of his ankles. The metal chain attaching one to the other to hobble him was obviously broken using crude tools. Perhaps rocks, as those are in abundance in this particular area.

In any case, we decide to take him in to see Rosalind and Visidion. Curiously, the invader does not seem to try too hard to escape.

Bystanders take a step back as we march him through the city to Rosalind's office. I understand. The only invaders we have brought into the city to date have not been breathing, let alone walking on their own two feet.

Rosalind waves us in immediately.

“What is this?” Visidion demands, looking the invader over.

“We found him in one of the groupings of rocks nearby,” I explain. “Alone.” I point at the remnants of his restraints. “He did not resist much when we took him. Perhaps he was a captive himself?”

“Hmm.” Rosalind stands, looking the alien over. He—it? —stands still, looking back. “No armor. Alone. Old restraints. Perhaps he didn't fight you too much because he knew he would die out in the desert alone.”

That is a sound theory.

“We are not here to save invaders, be they prisoners or attackers,” Visidion says coldly.

“Perhaps,” Rosalind returns mildly, staring. “On the other hand, perhaps this is an opportunity.”

“An opportunity?” Visidion asks incredulously.

“Yes.” She looks beyond us to the door, where her assistant hovers. “Can you please bring the scientific team here?”

“Yes, of course.”

Addison.

I feel a rush of anticipation even though we spend much of our time together now. I do not think that rush will ever truly go away. I love spending time with my mate.

It does not take long for the assistant to return with Errol and Addison. Addison's eyes find me immediately, and she smiles, moving towards me, but then hesitates when her eyes fall upon the invader. Her face pales, and I know she is remembering her own encounter with the invaders. The wounds have still not fully healed.

I want to go to her but remain in place. I must ensure our prisoner does not do any harm.

“Errol, Addison—do you think you could glean some useful knowledge from having this invader to observe and test?”

Errol and Addison glance at each other.

“Perhaps,” Errol says cautiously. “But, why...?”

“We found him alone, without armor, and with the remnants of restraints,” I explain. “He could have been a captive himself.”

Or he could be a spy. A trap. I know we are all thinking the same.

“Oh,” Addison murmurs, her gaze lighting with curiosity. She always has an abundance of it—one of the traits that makes her so good at what she does. “It would be interesting to learn more about them. Bodies are all well and good, but it's not the same as a live being.”

“Excellent,” Rosalind says, nodding decisively. “The scientific team may take him for research. I will assign two guards to him at all times. But I still urge you to take care.”

I frown, but do not interject. I do not like the idea of Addison near a live invader, even with guards, but I do not voice that concern. I know it is not a completely rational one in this instance. But I will watch. If the invader does something even slightly suspicious around Addison... I will not ask it to clarify its intentions.

“You are all dismissed,” Rosalind announces, sitting back down. “Thank you.”

I hope this is not a mistake.