I am an Alien in another reality.

The screen flickered to life, and the crew found themselves staring at an otherworldly figure.

The man had striking features, prominent cheekbones, a Greek nose, long golden-brown hair with shimmering golden strands, and piercing blue eyes.

Pointed ears peeked through his hair, and he wore an elegant silver robe adorned with runic patterns.

"Is that an... elf?" Ed muttered under his breath.

Kelly's jaw dropped slightly. "This is... unbelievable. Aren't elves just myths?"

Alex replied with a mysterious smile. "I've observed your ship and your people. Do you require any aid?"

Ed glanced at Kelly, then back at the screen. "We're holding up fine, but we'd be honored if you joined us aboard the Orville. Maybe we can learn more about each other."

"It would be my pleasure," Alex said smoothly.

Back on the Orville, the bridge crew erupted in astonished whispers.

"What the hell are we looking at?" John LaMarr asked, adjusting his console.

Lieutenant Gordon Malloy's eyes widened. "Did we accidentally stumble into a fantasy universe or something?"

"Whatever he is," Alara said, "I really envy his skin."

Isaac offered his analysis. "The probability of encountering a humanoid species matching this description within known sectors is statistically negligible. This entity is not within any record."

Gordon leaned back in his chair. "Well, that's just great. Our first elf in space, and we look like we just crawled out of a dumpster fire."

As the shuttle bay doors opened, Ed and Kelly guided their craft to a gentle landing.

Alex's crystal shuttle hovered effortlessly beside them. With a soft hum, the lower front hull of his vessel opened and connected to the floor. Alex stepped out, his tall frame towering over the welcome team.

The crew waiting in the bay exchanged stunned glances. Alex, having adjusted his height to a towering but not overwhelming stature, smiled warmly.

"Welcome aboard," Ed greeted, extending a hand.

Alex shook it gracefully. "Thank you, Captain."

John LaMarr pulled Ed aside, showing his scanner, and whispered, "Captain, the high-energy reading we detected isn't on the ship... it's him," he said, pointing at Alex.

Ed Mercer grew thoughtful as he rejoined the group.

They led Alex to the mess hall, where curious crew members whispered and stared.

"Please," Ed said, gesturing to the food synthesizers, "feel free to try our food. We have options from various civilizations."

Alex chuckled. "Is there a menu?"

Kelly tilted her head. "Does your species have any dietary restrictions? Like, no meat or anything?"

Alex smiled, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "I think your myths have misled you. Elves do eat meat."

He leaned toward Ed. "May I touch your forehead? To get a reference for your cuisine."

Ed blinked. "Uh, sure. Just... the forehead?"

"Just the tip of my finger," Alex reassured.

Though physical contact is unnecessary, Alex still prefers this way to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

As his finger made contact, Alex skimmed through Ed's memories, careful to respect his privacy.

A surge of nostalgia flickered across his face. He withdrew his hand, smiling.

"Cookies and cream ice cream... and pudding," Alex said softly.

Ed's eyes widened. "That's... what I loved as a kid."

Isaac observed clinically. "It appears Mr. Alex gained direct access to your memories, Captain."

A crew member muttered, "Wish I had that power. Might've saved me some heartbreak."

Kelly huffed. "I'm guessing that's why he gave me a weird look."

Ed chuckled and didn't seem to be bothered. "Probably."

He turned back to Alex. "So, where are you from, and what brings you to this region of space?"

Alex's gaze turned thoughtful. "I am a traveler, a monarch of my people. I come from outside your universe, merely observing. Our lives are long... sometimes we seek new wonders."

Ed exchanged a glance with Kelly. "Well, you've definitely found one here. Maybe we can be friends."

Alex smiled. "Perhaps."

Alex decided to stay on The Orville for a while and was shown to his quarters by the enthusiastic captain.

Later, The Orville joined with the Olympia, one of the flagships commanded by an admiral.

A heavy cruiser and the flagship for a Union admiral, the Olympia was well-equipped for war and boasted much more advanced weaponry than that of science vessels, such as the USS Orville.

Since The Orville recovered an intact Krill shuttle after the battle, the Olympia stopped beside The Orville so that Admiral Ozawa could come aboard and discuss the possibility of infiltrating the Krill.

Alex quietly scanned the whole Olympia and its different systems, including weaponry. He smiled contentedly in his quarters, having obtained much more information than expected.

He also managed to obtain the entire history of Earth, from the 21st century to the present 24th century.