Chapter 52: Ace Air Combat

A gemstone, like frosted agate, lay across the table, its shining facets scattered with the yellowed, cheaply oxidized remnants of torn lettuce — this was not an act of grand cerebral performance art.

The fibers dissolved, silent and traceless, like fish sinking out of sight into the sea's depths.

Lyle tapped its surface, his knuckle softening the moment it made contact, emitting a 'plop plop' sound.

Indeed, it had been "eaten."

Though it was unclear whether it was digested or transported to some invisible location, it presented a dilemma — it was hard to classify it as either a living organism or some type of device.

What was known so far: it could change the composition of matter at will or camouflage itself; it could "devour" organic material; and for the time being, it was "safe" in relation to itself. It secreted a slimy substance.