Last Contact

The crew of the space bulk carrier “Mark-10” finishes its first expedition far beyond the boundaries of the Solar system. Behind them are years of hard work and tons of dangerous cargo in tow; ahead lies the way home—a journey of two light years. The crew is urgently awakened by a signal from Earth. The astronauts receive news that somewhere nearby the unmanned starship “Osiris-3” with artificial intelligence on board is in distress. The “Mark-10” crew is offered a quick job—make a small detour and run diagnostics on the disabled ship. No spacewalks, no docking, no other tricks—only diagnostics and a visual inspection, and all of it for a generous bonus. In addition, for completing the work the crew will receive their priceless cargo as a gift. But what seems like a “trivial matter” turns into serious problems, during which the team learns the secret of “Osiris-3.” Nine people, five rescue capsules—and one terrible truth.