Chapter 25

Kyle sat in the silent archives of the laboratory, the only sound the soft splash of water against a ceramic bowl. He stared down at the dark, stringy moss soaking in the liquid. It looked like drowned hair. He picked up a clump, the cold water dripping through his fingers, and shoved it into his mouth. The taste was a foul explosion of wet earth and ancient rot. He gagged, his throat convulsing as he forced himself to chew the rubbery texture. It wasn't just food; it was data. With every...