IT HAD BEEN EASY TO evade the humans’ tests. Since its creation in a far distant place, the Shadow had lived among the humans, mimicking their ways, until it had been sent with its group to the new world. These new arrivals were not tested. They were the protectors of humans, the fighters, and they were not suspected because they did not come from planets where Shadows had been found.
It had walked the new planet. It had found a place near to the humans’ habitation; not so close that the humans quickly noticed, but close enough to bring victims there. It had made the connection, and over time, the trap had grown.
When it was complete, the Shadow selected its first victim. It had needed to act quickly. There was another of its kind in the space vessel orbiting the planet that risked detec
