Detective Barnes picked up the rectangular device from the table. It was small enough to fit in his hand, and it had strange crimson markings along the sides and back.

“What is it?”

“Some sort of device used for interstellar communication,” said Sam. The tall man in a disheveled shirt and tie took the device from Barnes. “It’s undeniably a Hiver device - look at how the controls are laid out. It’s completely unnatural for a human.”

“So then it’s a fact,” said Barnes, “Lewis has been in contact with them. Despicable.”

“The question is, how long has he been in possession of the device?”

“Does that really matter, Sam? He has it now, and who’s to say he hasn’t used it already? He’s a criminal - a traitor!” shouted Barnes. Sam took a deep breath. “I feel your anger,” he said, “this war has taken its toll on all of us. But if we turn on each another so quickly without seeking clarity, then they’ve already beaten us. We have to be braver than that.”

Barnes knew Sam was right. He was always right. “Fine,” Barnes said. “So we don’t expose him to the public. Not yet, at least. How else could he have come by the device?”

“I don’t know,” Sam said, “I suppose we ask him and see what he says. Or maybe we turn it on and see what happens.” He tossed the device to Barnes who caught it with a disgusted look on his face.

“I’d rather die than be caught using their technology.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.”

As Sam spoke, an alarm went off through the building. Knowing what it meant, Detective Barnes cursed under his breath and ran out of the room, the device in his hand. Sam ran after him.

Down the damp underground labyrinth they went until they found a body on the ground in front of the holding cell. Barnes knelt down and touched the guards neck.

“She’s dead,” he said.

“And Lewis is gone,” said Sam.

“We need to find him before he escapes.” Barnes stood up and started down the hall again, but Sam stopped him.

“Wait, look,” Sam said. “The door.”

The industrial latch on the cell door was bubbled and warped as if burned by acid. And upon further inspection there was a handprint near the top where someone - or something - had pried it open.

“We need to warn the others,” Barnes said as he handed the device to Sam. “Take this. Go to the garage and take a squad car to Gamma station. I’m going to shut the blast doors and seal this place down so Lewis won’t get away. You have five minutes to get out. Go!” And he ran off into the flashing red tunnels towards the control room. Sam never saw him again.