Observer Zeta-1 to Orion Arm Coordinator:

  A local investigative agency has opened a case regarding a “fatal incident involving an unidentified entity.” Said entity looks human but, according to genetic analysis, is unrelated to any local species. I have identified it as an Amelite scout. Presumably freelance. The body is under heavy guard. I found his ship—an interstellar-class traveler. It's been launched out of the solar system and destroyed. Preliminary conclusion: local black ops forces neutralized the target during a capture attempt. Awaiting further instructions.

  Coordinator to Zeta-1:

  What’s the official version?

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator:

  Despite obvious wounds—gunshots, blade lacerations, blunt trauma—the official cause of death is “food allergy.” Asphyxiation. Charges downgraded from second-degree murder to accident.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Coordinator to Zeta-1:

  Do we know who inflicted the wounds?

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator:

  Several individuals from unrelated subcultures. Motive: personal grievances, insult, robbery. All charges dropped. Released under NDAs.

  Coordinator to Zeta-1:

  What actually happened?

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator:

  Covert operation by unknown Earth forces.

  Coordinator to Zeta-1 (Off the Record):

  When’s the next shipment? Prices have spiked again! We’ll each own a planet soon!

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator (Off the Record):

  Sent it with the Amelite ship. Packed it full. Please extract me. This place is insane!

  Coordinator to Zeta-1 (Off the Record):

  Hold on. Council meeting in two cycles. We’ll present the “secret research findings,” get Earth into probationary membership, and pull you out.

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator (Off the Record):

  That’s decades in local time! Kitro, they tore him apart like animals! Didn’t even bother capturing!

  Coordinator to Zeta-1:

  Awaiting full report. End transmission.

  Zeta-1 to Coordinator:

  Understood. End transmission.