The Case of the Missing Martian MacGuffin

Previously

…“To the Cosmic Chronometer,” Mia said, raising her spoon. “May it never be stolen again.” “And to us,” Marcus added, clinking his spoon against hers. “The best darn detective duo this side of the galaxy!” As they dug into their sundae, a small, furry creature scurried across the diner floor. Marcus, mid-bite, froze. His eyes widened. “Mia,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “Is that… a space-grub?” Mia simply raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. The universe, it seemed, had a sense of humor. And sometimes, it came in the form of tiny, fluffy, and utterly terrifying creatures.