Then . . . maybe . . . *Starts pacing again* But that doesn't make sense with the kill order . . . unless . . .

*Stops*

I have a theory. I think. But it's shaky as hell.

Alec isn't like most Stus. They tend to be driven by appetites, easily predictable, quickly killed if they get out of line. They like acclaim, mostly. Praise. They want to be the center. Alec was never liked that. You don't really seek fame, fortune or adventure, which was why we've been keeping such a close eye on you.

But then you started changing, and all your selves changed with you. You were becoming something other than a Stu, and that's never happened before. You stopped registering as a Stu.

My theory is that they're looking to use your other selves as an army to combine with the Caretakers. But to do that, they can't have the others changing. So, take you out and the change stops.

*Sinks down onto the rock, head in hands, eyes wide in shock* My God . . . if that's true and I'd followed orders . . .