Rescue

RESCUE by Walter A, Campbell

A routine mission on the Internation Space Station turns perilous when a mysterious cloud drifts in from the cosmos. On board, the crew of three astronauts respond with measured urgency diligently trying to evaluate any possible threat. Back home on Earth, NASA confirms that the intrusion does in fact present a very real danger to the space station and it's three crew members.

An alien vessel returning from the outskirts of the Milky Way, observes the astronauts' plight. Their initial reaction is to remain uninvolved. However, the vessels commander ultimately decides to extend assistance. The resulting encounter marks earth's first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. At first, this historical meeting proceedes amicably. However, the aliens' brief observations of life on planet Earth instills a sense of unease and foreboding leading to repercussions that will shape future events for Earth's inhabitants. This story explores the complexities and far-reaching consequences of first contact between Earth and an alien species. .