Project Hail Mary

Ryland struggles to process the reality of an alien ship floating near him. He checks the ship’s radar and confirms that the mysterious vessel has deliberately positioned itself near him, matching his velocity at an impossibly close 217 meters. Analyzing the ship’s dimensions, he calculates that it is about 139 meters long—three times the size of Hail Mary—and its design defies human engineering principles. Ryland considers whether it might be an unmanned probe rather than a crewed spacecraft, but its propulsion system suggests an advanced understanding of space travel. Given that both ships use the same energy source, Ryland speculates that Astrophage might be the most efficient fuel source in the universe

Realizing that the alien ship must have detected his presence through his ship’s infrared emissions, Ryland decides to test communication. He accesses the Hail Mary’s manual control system and briefly activates one of the ship’s engines, producing a short burst of Astrophage light. Moments later, the alien vessel responds with an identical burst, confirming that an intelligent entity is aboard and actively communicating. Excited, Ryland experiments further, flashing his engine in a deliberate sequence. The alien ship immediately mimics the pattern.

With Ryland watching, the alien ship maneuvers closer and uses a robotic arm to release a small, cylindrical object into space, sending it toward the Hail Mary at the exact velocity he had demonstrated earlier. Recognizing this as a deliberate act of communication, Ryland prepares to retrieve the cylinder. He suits up, feeling an instinctive familiarity with the Russian-made Orlan EVA (extravehicular activity) suit, suggesting prior training he doesn’t fully remember. He navigates carefully along the ship’s hull, tethers himself securely, and patiently waits for the cylinder to reach him. Once within arm’s reach, he grabs it, noting that it feels lighter than expected and is likely hollow. Unable to contain his curiosity, he rushes back inside, cycles the airlock, and prepares to examine his prize.

The moment Ryland reenters the ship, a strong chemical odor floods the cabin, which he recognizes as ammonia. The cylinder is emitting it, though not in lethal quantities. Worse, the object is scorching hot, and it burns Ryland’s hands when he tries to hold it. Confused by its temperature—since it should have cooled during its 40-minute drift—he concludes that either it contains an internal heat source, or it was originally far hotter than he realized. He quickly locks it in the airlock to cool. As the sharp scent of ammonia lingers in the air, Ryland look around the lab. However, something about the lab’s design feels off—everything is arranged as if gravity were expected, with chairs, tables, and equipment positioned for a downward pull rather than floating freely in zero-g. The thought nags at him as he prepares to uncover whatever secrets the alien artifact holds.