Page 105 of Brass

The algorithm assignspreliminary threat scores, allocates surveillance resources, and begins building profiles. The pattern continues, unbroken and unquestioned.

Until a small anomaly appears.

In Montana, a cellular tower briefly registers an encrypted transmission on a frequency that shouldn’t exist. The duration is too short for complete analysis. The source disappears before triangulation completes.

The system logs the anomaly, assigns it a low priority due to insufficient data, and continues its primary functions.

But somewhere in its evolving code, a subroutine takes note. Begins monitoring that specific frequency spectrum. Adjusts sensitivity parameters for that geographic region.

The hunt continues.

In both directions.