Reed turned to Proteau, a quizzical expression on his face. "I assume you you know our guest here.", he said, nudging the unconscious form of the mole that bore a remarkable
resemblance to the security officer.
Proteau nodded his head soberly. "He's one of ours.", he muttered, indicating that the spy was from among his species.
Reed raised an eyebrow prompting Proteau into a more precise explanation.
"I've met this one before.", Proteau sighed, shamefully.
He motioned for Lance Corporal Orwig to take the imposter to the holding area. "Three guards on duty at all times, Mr. Orwig", he ordered.
"Aye aye, sir.", Orwig replied.
Reed and Proteau stood, the commander casting about, searching the faces of his crewmen. "Not a word to anyone.", he ordered. All nodded their agreement as commander and security officer began
walking toward the bridge.
"Carry on.", Reed barked over his shoulder, prodding the mulling crowd out of their stunned silence.
"Tell me more, Mr. Proteau.", he said when they were a comfortable distance from the other crew members.
Proteau nodded. "He is from my sect, and spent a number of years away from our home. It was rumored that he'd made some poor business dealings with some, shall we say, less than reputable aliens."
"The Wyzenhymers?", Reed asked, though sure of the answer.
"The same.", Proteau replied. "We were under the impression that he hadn't survived those dealings." He paused. "It pains me greatly to find one of my own people working against
Space Fleet, sir."
Reed turned to the security officer. "You couldn't have known, Proteau, he had us all fooled."
"That is true, sir.", Proteau allowed, "yet I should have sensed it, and that is what disturbs me." He stopped and met the commander's eyes. "You see, our species has another ability
besides shape changing. It is the ability to recognize our own, but somehow I was unable to", he finished with frustration.
Reed eyed him curiously. "What is it that you're trying to say. That the Wyzenhymers have figured out a way to deceive your own extra sensory perception?"
"It would seem so.", Proteau admitted.
Reed considered this new information. "Still", he said confidently, "he has been caught and shouldn't trouble us any longer."
Proteau only shook his head dismally.
"What?", Reed asked reluctantly, noting the security officer's bleak silence.
Proteau looked up, his expression haunted, "I don't think he was working alone."
Reed stared at Proteau for several seconds before replying. "Why would you think that?"
"Because", Proteau replied evenly, "he has two brothers."
Reed motioned for him to continue, which he did. "He and one brother are inseparable, never leaving each other's side for any long period of time."
"What about the other brother?", Reed pressed.
Proteau let his gaze drift up to meet the commander's. "The other brother", Proteau said quietly, "is me."
