The Case of the Missing Martian MacGuffin

Previously

…As they dug in, Marcus nudged Mia. “To the Cosmic Chronometer,” he toasted, his spoon clinking against hers. “May it never cause another temporal anomaly.” Mia smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “And to sporks,” she added, taking a generous bite of the sundae. “The unsung heroes of intergalactic crime-fighting.” The sundae, true to its name, was indeed gooey. And as they savored each bite, a faint, almost imperceptible shimmer rippled through the ice cream. They exchanged a knowing glance. Perhaps, just perhaps, a little bit of temporal magic had hitched a ride home.