The explorer craft 2 Palomino is currently returning to Earth after having a fruitless 18-month search for life when the crew comes up on a ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a hole. The ship is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt along with his monstrous robot company, but the very first wonderment and awe the Palomino crew feel for the ship and its immunity into the energy of the black hole turn into horror as they discover Reinhardt's plans.