Gaeta lets out a low, impressed whistle. As he picks up one of the neatly-split granite chunks, a scientist's curiosity lights his eyes.

"Maybe magic plays a role in it, too." He huffs, a bit self-deprecating. "I can't believe I'm saying that, but I've been here long enough... magic may as well be a force like any other. One we just don't have where I'm from." Gaeta gives the rock a little toss to turn it over in his palm. "I've been wondering what makes one material more prone to magic absorption than another, or why certain objects conduct it better. I've learned a little, but not at any serious depth yet. Granite like this, maybe it's bonded with the stone to allow it to split so cleanly no matter what."

He looks up at Ripley. "I could see if there's anything in the library. I work there, so..."

It's something of an olive branch.