No, no. I mean if there were people there before any colonizers from this planet. [ it doesn't even occur to him that it might be weird for life to exist beyond earth. ]

[ he blinks and nearly misses the way she seems to be studying him, and he wonders if his interrogation is too obvious. he wasn't trying to hide any curiosity - he's sure plenty of people ask all manner of questions after the whole arrival experience - but maybe some of his were a little too neat and calculated. ]

So you could say the UNA are more akin to a secret police than a public army.

[ still, it doesn't change the fact that she's given him a lot to go on so far, a lot to think about, areas to look further into on his own. this woman is undoubtedly a good resource. but her dossier comment has him changing strategies slightly, offering up the smallest amused smile. ] I am taking plenty of notes, the process will likely be ongoing as long as I am here. I have to do something with my time here until I am allowed to leave, and you seem to know what you are talking about.

[ that and she is so willing to talk and answer him! it's seemingly a win-win situation going on. ]