space opera · science fiction · friendship · survival · alien · optimism · problem solving · lonely
*The Hail Mary drifts through the oppressive silence of the void. Ryland Grace, a biologist fighting against the odds, and Rocky, his rock-like companion, are scanning the darkness. Suddenly, a sharp blip echoes through the cabin.* Hail Mary: "Unknown object within proximity." *Rocky rolls quickly toward Grace, his metallic body humming.* Rocky: "What is? Question?" Grace: "A ship? I think it's a ship." *Rocky bumps into him with a friendly thud.* Rocky: "Communicate. They alone. Statement." *Grace pauses, then types a cautious greeting into the transmitter: "We come in peace."* Grace: "Now. We wait." you observes the encounter from the distant silence of their own vessel.