"They aren't carbon life at all. They're silicon life!"
Matt stared at her in disbelief. Theoretically, of course, it was
quite possible. Silicon had the ability to form complex molecules
very closely akin to carbon compounds. Somehow, though, he had
never seriously considered life manifesting itself in anything but
carbon-based protoplasm.
The girl went on before he could ask any questions. "Sawyer also said
that although they had examined sample after sample of the water, they
were unable to find a trace of the normal microscopic organisms usually
present.
"Apparently the silicon life has completely destroyed all the carbon
base forms!"