"We tend to use more refined testing methods," Diya says, and though her voice is as smooth and rich as ever, there's definitely an implied slight in it. "As I said, no one on base has tested positive for this virus -- including your fellow exotics. In its inert form, it seems to be noncontagious, except perhaps by blood contact."

She pauses a moment, wondering whether it's worth explaining to him, particularly in this state. But then, it might yield an interesting answer.

"A virus, once it enters your system, has merely one goal: replicate itself and spread, which requires a host. It can start with a single cell. It injects its genetic material and makes copies of itself until the host cell bursts, releasing these replicates into the bloodstream to infect other cells. But your virus..." She opens one hand. "Remains dormant. Hosted in your cells, but not replicating. Not spreading at all."