THE HIDDEN WAR
Arc 3, Chapter 1: The Scanner
Professor Carmelon hadn't slept in three days.
That wasn't unusual, the elderly scientist had always operated on a schedule that defied normal human biology. Coffee, brief naps, and the occasional protein bar had sustained him through decades of academic work. But this was different. This wasn't the pleasant fugue of academic obsession, the kind that made time disappear while solving elegant equations or unraveling cosmic mysteries.
This was necessity tinged with fear.
Because somewhere on this ship, a shapeshifter walked among them. Looked human. Tended to their sick. Accessed their medical records. And reported everything back to The Confluence.
And they needed to be ready to hunt hundreds more.
"Show me the Kepler Station data again." he muttered to his datapad, pulling up Rebecca Kim's original scanning protocols from the Admiral Chen capture. The technology that had successfully identified as "shifter-Chen", as they are now calling the dopplegangers, detected the Confluence biotech integration, the mimicry systems, the cellular manipulation that made the impostor possible.
Brilliant work. Absolutely brilliant. Rebecca had cobbled together a functional shapeshifter detector from standard medical equipment and some truly creative signal processing algorithms.
But it had limitations.
Mitchell chirped from his perch near the lab entrance...agreement or commentary, it was hard to tell sometimes with the bird. The augmented eagle had been visiting more frequently over the past seventy-two hours, watching Carmelon work with those unsettling golden eyes that seemed to see through time itself.
The lab was cluttered with equipment borrowed, begged, or outright stolen from other departments. Electromagnetic scanners liberated from engineering. Genetic sequencers that Chief Ramos didn't know were missing yet. Neural activity monitors that Dr. Voss would definitely notice were gone if she bothered to check her inventory...which was exactly why Carmelon had taken them at 0200 hours when she was off duty.
Every surface was covered with datapads, half-empty coffee cups, and scribbled notes that would have made no sense to anyone but Carmelon himself. Equations covered the wallscreens. Holographic models of Confluence biotech rotated in the air, casting strange shadows across the cluttered workspace.
"The problem," Carmelon said aloud, adjusting his glasses, "is that Rebecca's scanner works, but it's not practical for field operations. Thirty seconds at three meters? That's an eternity in tactical situations. And the target has to be cooperative, relatively still, unaware they're being scanned."
He pulled up the technical specifications. Rebecca had hidden the scanning equipment in Clark's toolkit during the Kepler Station infiltration. The scanner had worked by detecting Confluence biotech signatures, the microscopic machinery that allowed shapeshifters to mimic human tissue, the adaptive systems that let them replicate DNA and neural patterns.
"Confluence biotech operates on quantum coherence principles." Carmelon mumbled, reviewing the data. "The mimicry systems require coordinated quantum states across billions of nanostructures. That coordination produces a distinctive electromagnetic signature...subtle, but detectable if you know what to look for and can scan long enough."
Mitchell tilted his head...questioning.
"Rebecca's scanner detected those signatures," Carmelon explained to the bird, because sometimes talking through problems helped even when your only audience was an augmented eagle. "But it required extended exposure. Thirty seconds of continuous scanning to accumulate enough signal data to distinguish Confluence biotech from natural human biology. Plus, the equipment was bulky. Hidden in a toolkit. Not exactly subtle."
He zoomed in on the signal processing algorithms. "What we need is faster detection. Longer range. Passive scanning that doesn't require target cooperation. And equipment small enough to carry without raising suspicion. You understand, right?"
The bird chirped...affirmative, urgent.
"Yes, yes, I know it's important. Why do you think I haven't slept?" Carmelon pulled up his own work from the past three days. "I've been analyzing Rebecca's detection algorithms, looking for optimization opportunities. And I think I've found them. Tell me if this doesn't seem correct."
He brought up a comparison display. "Rebecca's original scanner worked by accumulating quantum signature data over time. More data equals better signal-to-noise ratio equals more reliable detection. But what if we don't accumulate sequentially? What if we scan across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, use parallel processing to correlate signals in real-time?"
Mitchell launched from his perch and flew to Carmelon's desk, landing next to the datapad.
"The mathematics are complex," Carmelon continued, "but theoretically, parallel multi-band scanning could reduce detection time from thirty seconds to maybe five or six seconds. Still not instantaneous, but much more practical for field work."
He pulled up another set of calculations. "Range is trickier. Rebecca's scanner needed three meters because the quantum signatures degrade rapidly with distance. But if we increase signal amplification, add more sophisticated noise filtering, compensate for atmospheric interference..." He ran the simulation. "We might get ten to fifteen meters. Maybe more in optimal conditions."
The eagle chirped excitedly.
"And for portability...look at this..." Carmelon pulled up equipment schematics. "Rebecca used modified medical scanners because that's what was available. But if we design something from scratch, optimize the components specifically for Confluence biotech detection..." He sketched rapidly on his datapad. "We could fit it into something the size of a standard medical recorder. Hell, maybe even a datapad with the right modifications."
Mitchell's golden eyes tracked every movement.
"But here's the real innovation." Carmelon said, his exhaustion temporarily forgotten in the excitement of discovery. "Passive scanning. Rebecca's scanner had to actively emit detection signals, which meant the target could theoretically detect they were being scanned if they had the right equipment. But what if we scan passively? Just read the quantum signatures that shapeshifters naturally emit without actively pinging them? What if indeed..."
He brought up theoretical models. "The signatures are weaker, harder to detect. But with sufficiently sensitive equipment and aggressive signal processing..." The simulation ran. "It's possible. Not easy, but possible. We could scan shapeshifters without them ever knowing we were looking."
"Talking to yourself again, Professor?"
Carmelon jumped, spinning to find Rebecca Kim in the doorway, carrying a toolkit and wearing an amused expression.
"Rebecca! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to hear you explaining my scanner's limitations to a bird." she replied, entering the lab. "Though I can't argue with your analysis. The Kepler Station scanner worked, but it was definitely a rush job. Built from whatever equipment we had available, optimized for one specific mission."
"Yes yes, It was brilliant work." Carmelon said sincerely. "The detection algorithms alone..."
"Were adequate." Rebecca interrupted. "But you're right that we need something better. Something we can actually use for hunting shapeshifters across human space." She set down her toolkit. "Which is why my brother sent me. Said you've been working on improvements."
"I have ideas." Carmelon admitted. "But I'm a theorist. I can design the algorithms, work out the mathematics, optimize the signal processing. But the actual hardware integration, the engineering that makes it work in real conditions...well, needs an engineer."
"That's my specialty." Rebecca finished. "Show me what you've got."
For the next hour, they worked together, Carmelon explaining his theoretical improvements while Rebecca evaluated their practical feasibility. Mitchell watched from his perch, occasionally chirping commentary that both humans had learned to interpret as approval or concern.
"Parallel multi-band scanning is doable." Rebecca said, reviewing Carmelon's algorithms. "We'll need more processing power than standard medical recorders provide, but I can integrate enhanced computational systems. Won't make it much bigger."
"What about the range improvements?" Carmelon asked.
"Trickier. Signal amplification at those frequencies creates heat signature problems. But if we use pulsed amplification instead of continuous, add better heat dissipation..." She sketched modifications. "Ten meters seems achievable. Fifteen might be pushing it."
"And passive scanning?"
Rebecca was quiet for a moment, studying the theoretical models. "That's the really ambitious part. The quantum signatures at that sensitivity level...we'd need incredibly sensitive detection arrays. Shielding against background interference. Processing algorithms that can extract meaningful signals from enormous amounts of noise."
"But possible?" Carmelon pressed.
"Possible." Rebecca agreed. "Good theory, but it'll take time. And testing. And probably several iterations before we get something reliable."
"How much time?"
"For a functional prototype? Maybe a week if we work around the clock. For something field-ready, properly tested, reliable enough to bet lives on?" She considered. "Two weeks...three."
Carmelon nodded slowly. "We have a perfect test subject aboard. Someone we know is a shapeshifter. We can verify the improvements work before deploying them."
"Dr. Voss." Rebecca said quietly. "Sam told me about Reeves's data. About finding her body in the debris field. Don't think he was supposed to though. Shhhh." Finger to her lips.
"Does it bother you?" Carmelon asked. "That she's been treating the crew for years? That we've all trusted her?"
"Hey, I'm new, so maybe not as much as you. It bothers me that The Confluence has been infiltrating us for decades, though." Rebecca replied. "That hundreds, maybe thousands of humans have been replaced by shapeshifters. That we can't trust anyone in authority without verifying them first. It sure as hell bothers me they kept me drugged for years." She looked at Mitchell. "But at least now we have a way to verify. Thanks to that bird's warning about Admiral Chen, we knew to look. We knew to build detection equipment in the first place."
Mitchell preened, looking pleased with himself.
"So we improve the scanner." Rebecca said. "Make it fast enough, sensitive enough, and portable enough to hunt shapeshifters wherever they hide. And we start with Voss...verify she's what we think she is, test our improvements, make sure the technology actually works before we take it into the field."
"Agreed." Carmelon said. "Though there's one complication. Captain Stellar wants to keep Voss aboard. Use her as an unwitting double agent. Feed her false information to mislead The Confluence."
Rebecca's eyebrows rose. "That's...risky. But he's the Captain."
"Very risky. But potentially valuable." Carmelon pulled up strategic assessments. "If Voss doesn't know we've identified her, she'll continue operating normally. Gathering intelligence, reporting back. But now we control what intelligence she gathers. We can manipulate what The Confluence knows about our operations."
"A dangerous game. I'll trust Stellar's judgment here." Rebecca observed.
"War is a dangerous game." Carmelon replied. "We just have to play it better than they do."
Three days later, Captain Stellar stood in his room, watching through a hidden monitor as Dr. Voss conducted routine medical work in the ship's medical bay. She looked completely normal. Professional. Competent. Every inch the dedicated medical officer she appeared to be.
Except she wasn't.
His door chimed.
"Enter."
Professor Carmelon entered, looking marginally more rested than the last time Stellar had seen him. Rebecca Kim followed, carrying what looked like a standard medical recorder but was clearly something more.
"Captain," Carmelon said without preamble. "We've completed the scanner improvements."
Stellar gestured for them to continue.
Rebecca set the modified recorder on Stellar's desk. "This is a functional prototype. It incorporates all of Professor Carmelon's theoretical improvements plus practical hardware optimizations. Detection time reduced from thirty seconds to approximately eight seconds. Range increased from three meters to twelve meters. And..." she smiled slightly, "passive scanning capability that allows detection without the target's knowledge or cooperation...At least we're pretty sure."
"Show me how it works." Stellar said.
Carmelon pulled up schematics on the room's holographic display. "The original Kepler Station scanner detected Confluence biotech by identifying quantum signature patterns produced by shapeshifter mimicry systems. Those systems require coordinated quantum states across billions of nanostructures to replicate human tissue. That coordination produces distinctive electromagnetic signatures."
"I remember the briefing." Stellar said. "It worked on shifter-Chen."
"It did. But it required thirty seconds at three meters because we had to accumulate enough signal data to distinguish Confluence biotech from background noise. Natural human biology produces electromagnetic signatures too. Neural activity, cellular processes, everything organic creates some level of quantum signature. The trick is distinguishing artificial signatures from natural ones."
Rebecca took over. "My original scanner accumulated data sequentially over time. More exposure equals better signal-to-noise ratio. But Professor Carmelon realized we could scan across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, use parallel processing to correlate signals in real-time. Same amount of data, but gathered much faster."
"Eight seconds instead of thirty,." Carmelon added. "Still not instantaneous, but practical for field operations."
"And the range improvements?" Stellar asked.
"Pulsed signal amplification instead of continuous emission,." Rebecca explained. "Reduces heat signature issues while providing better signal penetration. We're getting reliable detection at twelve meters, sometimes fifteen in optimal conditions."
"What about this passive scanning?"
"That's the real breakthrough." Carmelon said, genuine excitement in his voice. "Shapeshifters naturally emit quantum signatures. They have to, it's fundamental to how their mimicry systems work. We can detect those emissions without actively scanning them. They never know we're looking."
"How reliable is it? Best guess?" Stellar asked.
"Still testing." Rebecca admitted. "Passive scanning is more susceptible to interference, requires more sensitive equipment, takes longer to process. But initial results are promising. We're detecting shapeshifter signatures at ten meters without active emission."
Stellar picked up the modified recorder, examining it. "You said this is a prototype. How many can you build?"
"With the resources aboard Pathfinder? Maybe a dozen." Rebecca replied. "But they're not just medical recorders anymore. Each one requires specialized components, enhanced processing systems, custom shielding. They're more like dedicated scientific instruments that happen to look like medical equipment."
"Build as many as you can." Stellar ordered. "Prioritize units for senior staff and field teams. Anyone conducting field operations needs detection capability."
"Understood." Rebecca said.
"What have you named your new invention?" Stellar asked.
Rebecca thought. "We've just been calling it the 'scanner'".
"You created something that is going to change the galaxy. You should put your names on it...let's call it the 'kimelon'".
"Ohhh." Carmelon with the smile.
"That is a really... terrible name...but I'm honored, sir." Rebecca being honest.
"Now show me how it works." Stellar continued. "We have a perfect test subject aboard. Time to verify these improvements actually function in operational conditions."
An hour later, Stellar stood in an observation room overlooking the ship's medical bay, accompanied by Commander James, Commander Thorne, and Professor Carmelon. Rebecca had positioned herself three decks away with remote monitoring equipment, ready to analyze scanner performance.
Through the observation window, they could see Dr. Voss conducting routine work...checking medical supplies, updating patient records, the mundane tasks that filled a medical officer's day.
"She has no idea we're watching." Thorne said quietly.
"That's the point." Stellar replied. He held the kimelon, ready to test. "Carmelon, walk me through this."
"Point the scanner at the target." Carmelon instructed. "The passive mode activates automatically...you're already scanning her just by having it aimed in her direction. Watch the display."
Stellar studied the kimelon's screen. It showed standard medical readouts...heat signatures, electromagnetic activity, the kind of data any medical scanner would provide. But overlaid on those readings was something else...a probability matrix analyzing quantum signature patterns.
"The percentage at the bottom," Carmelon explained, "that's confidence level. Right now it's showing twenty percent. Not enough data yet. As the scanner accumulates signal information, that percentage increases. If it reaches eighty percent or higher with human-normal patterns, the target is probably human. If it reaches eighty percent or higher with Confluence patterns, they're probably a shapeshifter. Anything else is inconclusive."
They watched as the percentage slowly climbed. Twenty-five percent. Thirty percent. Forty percent.
"This is eight seconds worth of scanning?" James asked.
"Roughly, yes. The system accumulates data continuously in passive mode. The longer you observe, the more confident the analysis becomes."
Fifty percent. Sixty percent. Seventy percent.
The display shifted. The probability matrix resolved into a clear pattern, and a single word appeared on the screen in red text: SHAPESHIFTER.
Confidence level: 87%
"There it is." Carmelon said quietly. "Dr. Elena Voss shows Confluence biotech signatures consistent with advanced shapeshifter mimicry systems. The scanner confirms what Reeves's forensic data told us...she's not human."
Stellar stared at the display, feeling cold certainty settle over him. They'd known intellectually. Reeves had found the body of the real Voss, dead for eight years. The evidence had been conclusive. But seeing it confirmed in real-time, watching the scanner identify an enemy walking among them...
"How certain are you about this reading?" he asked.
"Eighty-seven percent confidence is quite high," Carmelon replied. "And that's from passive scanning at..." he checked the distance—..."approximately eleven meters. If we were closer, if we used active scanning, confidence would exceed ninety-five percent."
"And she can't detect that we're scanning her?"
"Not with passive mode. We're just reading signatures she naturally emits. To her, this looks like someone standing in an observation room with a medical recorder. Completely innocuous."
Stellar watched shifter-Voss continue her work, completely unaware that her cover had just been broken by invisible detection systems. "Test it on the rest of us. I want verification that this scanner can distinguish between humans and shapeshifters reliably."
For the next thirty minutes, Carmelon tested the scanner on every person present. Stellar, James, Thorne...each scan showed normal human patterns. No Confluence biotech signatures. No shapeshifter indicators. Just ordinary biological electromagnetic activity.
"The scanner is functioning correctly,." Carmelon confirmed. "It distinguishes between human and shapeshifter signatures with high reliability."
"Then we move forward." Stellar decided. "Rebecca builds as many of these as possible. We equip senior staff and field teams. And we start planning how to use this capability strategically."
"What about shifter-Voss?" Thorne asked. "Now that we've confirmed she's a shapeshifter, what do we do about her?"
Stellar was quiet for a moment, watching the woman who'd treated his crew for years. The shapeshifter who'd gathered intelligence, reported back to The Confluence, worked to undermine humanity from within.
"We keep her close." he said finally. "Monitor her constantly. Control what intelligence she gathers. Use her as a channel to feed misinformation to The Confluence."
"That's dangerous." James observed.
"Everything we do is dangerous." Stellar replied. "But if shifter-Voss doesn't know we've identified her, she's valuable. The Confluence thinks they have eyes inside our operation. As long as they believe that, we can use their confidence against them."
"And when she becomes more of a liability than an asset?" Thorne asked.
"Then we remove her. Quietly. Without alerting other shapeshifters that we have detection capability." Stellar turned away from the observation window. "But for now, she's more useful to us unaware and operational than aware and neutralized."
That evening, Stellar convened a meeting of senior staff in his room. Present were James, Thorne, Clark, Hayes, Reeves, Carmelon, and Rebecca Kim. Mitchell perched on his usual spot, silent but watchful.
"We have confirmed shapeshifter detection capability." Stellar began. "Professor Carmelon and Rebecca have successfully improved the scanner technology we used at Kepler Station. Detection time reduced to eight seconds, range increased to twelve meters, and passive scanning that works without target awareness."
He activated a holographic display showing the scanner's test results. "We've verified the technology works. Dr. Voss has been confirmed as a Confluence shapeshifter, consistent with Lieutenant Reeves's forensic evidence."
"Wow...What's our move?" Clark asked.
"We proceed carefully." Stellar replied. "Shifter-Voss doesn't know we've identified her. That gives us an advantage. She continues operating normally, gathering intelligence, reporting back to The Confluence. But now we control what intelligence she gathers."
"We're keeping her aboard?" Hayes asked.
"It's calculated risk. Commander Thorne will implement constant surveillance. Every communication shifter-Voss sends gets monitored and analyzed. Every action gets documented. We restrict her access to critical systems. And we have protocols ready to neutralize her the moment she becomes a liability."
"What kind of protocols?" Reeves asked.
"Containment first." Thorne replied. "Security teams on standby. Ability to lock down medical bay and cut her off from ship's systems within seconds. If containment fails, we have lethal force authorization."
"She's still treating the crew." Clark pointed out. "Still has access to medical systems. What if she does damage before we can stop her?"
"We limit her access." Stellar said. "Critical medical supplies get quietly relocated. Backup systems monitor everything she does. Chief Martinez's security teams conduct random checks. She'll have enough access to maintain her cover but not enough to cause catastrophic harm. We hope."
"And we feed her false information." James added. "Make her think she's successfully gathering intelligence while everything she reports is carefully crafted misinformation."
"Like what?" Hayes asked.
"Fake operation plans." Stellar replied. "Exaggerated capability reports. False intelligence about our resources and intentions. We make The Confluence think they know what we're doing while we're actually doing something entirely different."
Mitchell chirped...approval mixed with caution.
"The bird agrees it's dangerous but potentially valuable." James translated.
"What about the other crews?" Reeves asked. "Valiant, Defender, Resolution...do they know about the scanner improvements?"
"Not yet." Stellar said. "This technology is too valuable to risk leaking. We'll share it with Captain Myers and the other captains, but only after we've established proper operational security. Only after we're confident the information won't reach shapeshifter ears. Which means we have to scan them first."
"Speaking of which," Carmelon interjected, "Rebecca and I can build approximately twelve functional...kimelons with available resources. I recommend equipping senior staff first, then field team leaders. Anyone conducting field operations needs detection capability."
"Agreed." Stellar said. "Make it happen. Priority goes to people most likely to encounter unknown personnel in the field."
"There's another consideration." Rebecca said. "The kimelons work, but they're still prototypes. Still in development. We'll need ongoing testing, refinement, improvements based on field experience. This technology isn't finished...it's just functional enough to deploy."
"How long until you have refined versions?" Stellar asked.
"Couple weeks, maybe a month. Depends on how much field data we gather, what problems we encounter, how much development time we get between crises."
"Do your best." Stellar said. "This technology might be the most important weapon we have in this war. Everything else...ships, weapons, even Unity's protection...those help us fight The Confluence directly. But the kimelon lets us fight the hidden war. Identify infiltrators. Root out shapeshifters who've been undermining humanity for decades."
"There's something else we should consider." Clark said. "If we're going to hunt shapeshifters across human space, we need a strategy. We can't just scan random people hoping to get lucky. We need to use Reeves's forensic data, cross-reference suspected infiltrators, identify high-probability targets."
"Already working on it." Reeves replied. "I've been compiling a list based on debris field evidence, suspicious incidents, personnel who show patterns consistent with replacement. We have maybe thirty high-priority targets...people in positions of authority who need verification."
"Where are these targets?" Hayes asked.
"Scattered. Colony administrators, military officers, corporate executives. Some on Earth. Some in outer colonies. Some aboard ships." Reeves pulled up his list. "Verifying them all will take time. And some are going to be difficult to access without revealing what we're doing."
"Then we prioritize." Stellar said. "Start with targets we can reach easily. Verify them quietly. Build our confidence in the technology while gathering intelligence about infiltration patterns. Once we understand how widespread the problem is, we'll figure out how to address it systematically."
"And Admiral Chen?" Hayes asked. "Is she on this verification mission?"
"Eventually." Stellar replied. "She needs to return to Earth. Determine if Vice Admiral Raney is human or shapeshifter. If he's human, convince him to work with us quietly. If he's a shapeshifter..." He trailed off. "Then we have a much bigger problem."
"She could take a kimelon with her." Carmelon suggested. "Verify Raney herself."
"Maybe." Stellar said. "But that's a decision for later. Not sure I trust her enough. Right now, we focus on what we can control. Improve the technology. Test it in the field. Build our list of verified personnel. And learn to fight this hidden war without revealing we know how."
"One more thing," James said. "We need to consider what happens when word gets out. When other colonies learn about shapeshifters. When panic spreads. When people stop trusting anyone in authority."
"We contain that information as long as possible." Stellar replied. "Need-to-know basis only. The general population doesn't learn about shapeshifters until we have the capability to address the problem. Otherwise we create mass hysteria that The Confluence can exploit."
"So we continue to lie to them." Clark said quietly. "Tell them everything's fine while shapeshifters walk among them."
"Yes. We protect them." Stellar matter-of-fact. "By handling the threat before they even know it exists. That's what leadership means sometimes...carrying the burden so others don't have to."
The room was quiet for a moment.
"This is a heavy responsibility." Carmelon observed. "Knowing what we know. Having this capability. Deciding who to tell and who to keep in the dark."
"War is full of heavy responsibilities." Stellar replied. "We carry them because someone has to. Because the alternative, doing nothing, hoping someone else solves the problem...that's not an option. Let's do the work, people."
Mitchell released a long, thoughtful chirp.
"What's he saying?" Stellar asked.
"He's thinking about the future." James said, watching the bird with eyes that had seen too much. "About choices made now and consequences that echo forward. About whether we'll like what these decisions become."
"Does the bird remember something?" Stellar asked.
"Hasn't said."
"Then we better stay focused on the mission." Stellar said. "Protect humanity. Root out infiltrators. Win the hidden war without losing ourselves in the process."
He looked at each person present. "We have the technology. We have the target list. We have the capability to fight back against infiltration that's been ongoing for decades. Now we need to use it wisely. Strategically. Without revealing what we know until we're ready to strike decisively...Dismissed."
As the meeting broke up, Stellar found himself alone with James and Mitchell.
"You think we can pull this off?" James asked quietly. "Hunt shapeshifters across human space? Keep shifter-Voss as a double agent? Feed misinformation to The Confluence while simultaneously trying to rescue humanity from decades of infiltration?"
"I think we don't have a choice but to try." Stellar replied. "And I think the alternative, doing nothing, letting The Confluence continue their infiltration unchallenged...that's unacceptable."
Mitchell chirped softly.
"The bird agrees." James said. "Dangerous plan. Complicated plan. But necessary plan."
"Story of this whole damn war." Stellar muttered.
That night, in her quarters, Dr. Elena Voss reviewed her daily logs and prepared her encrypted transmission to Confluence command.
Routine operations continue. Crew health remains acceptable. No significant incidents to report. Commander Hayes shows interesting adaptation to Unity nanite treatment—cellular integration patterns suggest potential for further study. Captain Stellar remains focused on strategic planning for colony defense operations. Next scheduled report in seven days unless emergency contact required.
She hesitated before sending, reviewing her own medical data. Everything normal. No indication of suspicion. Her cover remained perfect. The humans had no idea what she was, what she'd been gathering, what she'd reported over three years of service.
Perfect.
She sent the transmission and settled in for sleep, completely unaware that three decks above her, Carmelon and Rebecca were already building more kimelons that would hunt her kind across human space.
Completely unaware that every transmission she sent was being monitored, analyzed, and would soon be used against her own people.
Completely unaware that she'd just become a pawn in a much larger game.
The shapeshifter slept, dreaming whatever shapeshifters dreamed, while above her the humans planned their silent war.
Deep in Unity's nexus, the collective processed new information and felt something that might have been pride.
The humans had improved their detection capability. Rebecca's original scanner had been functional. Carmelon's improvements made it practical. Now they could hunt shapeshifters in the field, identify infiltrators, root out enemies hiding in plain sight.
Unity had known about Dr. Voss for weeks. Had sensed the subtle wrongness in her biological patterns, the too-perfect coordination of her cellular systems, the quantum signatures that betrayed artificial origins.
But Unity had not revealed this knowledge because the humans had not asked. And friends, Unity was learning, did not always share everything. Sometimes they let friends discover truths themselves. Sometimes they let friends have their own victories.
And this was a victory. The humans had built detection technology, tested it, refined it, made it operational. All by themselves. Through science and determination and clever engineering that Unity admired even though Unity could have simply scanned the entire ship and identified every shapeshifter instantly.
'We are proud of them,' Unity thought. 'Proud of Professor Carmelon and Rebecca Kim. Proud of their cleverness. Proud that they trusted themselves enough to solve problems we could have solved for them but chose not to.'
The humans were now playing a game with Dr. Voss. Keeping the shapeshifter close. Using her as unknowing tool. It was risky. But also strategic. Very human.
'Lieutenant Hayes taught us about friendship,' Unity mused. 'Captain Stellar teaches us about human strategy...different than our own. Together, they show us what it means to fight for something worth protecting.'
'We will help them. Quietly. When asked. But we will let them lead this hidden war. It is their battle. Their species. Their choice.'
'That is what friends do. They support. They assist. But they do not dominate.'
Unity settled into watchful waiting, ready to help when needed, ready to protect when called upon, ready to be the friend that humans deserved.
The hidden war had begun.