Mental Evaluation III (Unexpected Results)

Aron took a deep breath, momentarily pausing to process what he had just read. The revelation that mere physical contact had led to the discovery of an entirely unknown form of intelligent life was nothing short of astonishing.

Rather than rushing ahead, he allowed himself a moment to think. What kind of lifeform could remain undetected until direct contact was made? Based on what he knew, the most plausible explanation was a lifeform without a conventional physical body, one that could embed itself into various materials, manipulating them as if they were extensions of itself, like an avatar.

If that were the case, it would explain why the material reacted only when the headgear was removed. These beings must have been attuned and able to perceive even the faintest psionic waves emitted by an unprotected mind—waves that would otherwise be blocked by the shielding integrated into the headgear worn by every member of the exploration fleet.