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data was tangled into a giant clump, distorted by twisted sparks of internal lightning that dissected and further destroyed as they watched.
    â€œIt’s feeding on itself,” Marshall murmured. “A cycle that constantly degrades.”
    â€œUndeniably an extraordinary piece of programming.” Tatiana went even closer. “We need this individual working for us. I’d like to take on the task of tracking the perpetrator.”
    â€œGo ahead.” Shoshanna “pushed” the file toward Tatiana. “You’re unlikely to have much success. The hacker left no useful signature.”
    â€œThe virus is the signature,” Nikita pointed out. “Unless he was smart enough to mask it. This could fit into the pattern of disturbances attributed to the Ghost.” She named the saboteur who had become a dangerous thorn in the Council’s side.
    â€œPossible,” Kaleb said. “But there is another option—perhaps the Liu family decided to take the matter into their own hands after all.”
    â€œWhoever it was,” Nikita said, “how much data did they siphon?”
    â€œNone. They inserted the virus and left. Nothing was removed.”
    â€œHow certain are you of that?” Nikita again.
    â€œAbsolutely.” Henry spoke for the first time.
    â€œI assume you’re aware you have to stop.” Marshall. “With the ripples from the NightStar Affair still spreading, we can’t run the risk of further alienating the most powerful of the family groups.”
    â€œAgreed.” Shoshanna obviously knew when to cut and run. “However, while the majority of the details were destroyed, we have put together a list of ten individuals from memory. We intend to continue to monitor them…with the Council’s permission.”
    â€œI see no problem with that, so long as you’re discreet,” Tatiana answered.
    â€œAgreed. There is a further matter I wish to discuss.” Shoshanna brought up another file, this one fairly thin in terms of data. “Brenna Shane Kincaid.”
    Kaleb recalled the name immediately. “Santano Enrique’s last victim? What’s your interest in her?”
    â€œI assume you’ve all read the most recent report on what we’ve been able to decipher of Enrique’s notes?” Shoshanna waited until everyone had confirmed her supposition. “So you know it appears he might have achieved extraordinary things with her mind. We need to examine her.”
    â€œYou know as well as I,” Nikita interrupted, “that any attempt to remove Brenna Kincaid would be tantamount to a declaration of war against the SnowDancers.”
    â€œDon’t want another mess in your backyard, Nikita?” Shoshanna’s question was valid—both the recent renegades had come from Nikita’s home region.
    Nikita’s mind remained undisturbed. “Not when the mess results from the mistakes of other Councilors.” A cool response that reminded everyone of the Scotts’ aborted attempt to capture Faith NightStar. “The girl is too well protected to be a viable target.”
    â€œNikita is correct,” Ming said unexpectedly. “Also, while Brenna Kincaid is interesting from a scientific standpoint, I’m sure none of us plan to duplicate the process.”
    â€œNo.” Tatiana. “The animals should remain animals. In any case, it may be that Enrique’s alterations will close the issue for us.”
    â€œHow so?” Marshall asked. “We can’t chance the changelings discovering and attempting to utilize the process themselves.”
    â€œHer brain isn’t built for what Enrique tried to do,” Tatiana explained. “It may simply implode as a result of the internal pressure.”
    â€œAnd,” Ming reminded them, “we’ve already set a plan in motion to take care of the changeling problem. I suggest we wait for that to bear fruit.