He leaned forward onto the table, resting on his forearms. “Cells are wonderful things. They can grow, they can repair themselves, and even replace their own parts. They can also split and duplicate themselves. We have cells that are highly specialized – some programmed to be sensitive to light, heat, sound, or pressure; others for the creation of materials such as hair and bone; and still others for the manufacture of things like milk, hormones and adrenalins.”

He saw Adira’s impatient expression, and sped up. “We also have nerve cells, which transmit electrical impulses – how our brain gets our biological mechanics to work, which gives us movement. In fact, some would say, we are nothing but water, and small packets of electrical charges stored in the minute back alleys of our mind.”

He used the probe to rake at the darkened flesh again. A sweet cloying smell was filling the room the more he scraped at it. Yair narrowed his eyes, and leaned in closer to the stump.

“But all cellular processes require energy, and among the basic properties of cells is the ability to generate energy. The energy is obtained through controlled oxidation of foods, and called cellular respiration. And this is what’s confounding me. You see, there are seven characteristics of life – movement, sensitivity, growth, respiration, the need for nutrients, excretion and reproduction. A thing can be classed as living if it exhibits some of these.”

He straightened, his face creased in a frown. “But this thing? This thing, he, is moving, but what else? He won’t grow, his cells don’t need food, or least food as we understand it. He’s not respiring, excreting, and is certainly not sensitive to light, heat, or anything really.”

“But it attacked us,” Adira said. “It saw us, moved fast, and was stronger than ten men. How can it not be alive?”

Yair shook his head. “I don’t know. Its brain is near mush, but it obviously sees, hears and has motor control.” He shrugged. “Yes, it’s moving, but this thing is no more alive than a wind-up toy. In fact, the cells are actually decomposing, right before our eyes.” He turned to Alex. “Did you destroy the body?”

Alex shook his head and took the long metal probe from the scientist to prod at the thing’s cheekbone.

“Ah, well, then it’ll make for a nice surprise when their cleaners come in the morning.” Yair chuckled.

The thing’s eyes seemed to fix on him. “It can’t see us – I don’t think so, anyway. It’s just like attaching electrodes to a dead frog. It’ll jump all right, but it isn’t alive.”

“Well, this here little frog killed one of our team and nearly broke me in half.” Sam glared, making Yair seem to shrink before him. “So, Doc, what exactly are the electrodes making this freak jump?”