CODEXEL - TIMELINE #22193008

(Timeline Tuesday #68)

Codexels are lifeforms that do not fit into the common animal families of this timeline. While they exist in physical space, they are technically manifestations of energy. Specifically, they are strings of binary code, appearing in our reality as long, snake-like creatures.

Codexels have long, slender bodies constructed of ones and zeros. They are orange and white in coloration, and these slithering forms end in an orange head that features a set of appendages protruding from the sides like curious tentacles. They have no mouth or ears, but Codexels do feature four circular organs that appear to be glowing eyes. The length of these lifeforms can vary greatly, the shortest Codexels coming in at a foot in length while others grow up to ten yards (although this is incredibly rare). Codexels propel themselves through the air with a distinct squirming motion, and can hover at will.

Codexels consume other binary codes for sustenance, specially the code held within computers or other digital devices. Software is the key component to meals a Codexel is interested in, meaning most other mechanical devices are not in danger. If a Codexel finds a suitable target, however, it will crawl into the machine and devour a line of code according to its length. The Codexel will then replace this code, existing within the device and causing all kinds of havoc. Anyone struggling to fix the computer will only provide a Codexel with more sustenance, causing the creature to grow in length.

Unless a certified Codexel expert is called in, the infected device will usually be seen as a lost cause and discarded. At this point the Codexel will feast on any remaining code, then continue onward in search of a new target.

Codexel infections cost the tech industry billions of dollars a year, giving rise to new protocols for data storage and safety.