Star Crystal

In 2032, a crewed mission on Mars uncovers a buried egg and brings it aboard the SC-37. The egg hatches into a crystalline object and a slimy alien, prompting immediate observation. The crew's first contact hints at unusual intelligence and dangerous potential.

The crew conducts experiments on the crystal and the alien, hoping to unlock their secrets. Their air supply is abruptly shut off, leading to the scientists' deaths and signaling how dangerous the situation is. The incident establishes the lethal stakes of their exploration.

Two months after the Mars incident, SC-37 is intercepted by the space station L-5 and is destroyed by a malfunctioning neutron reactor. A ragtag repair crew escapes aboard the damaged ship, clinging to hope despite the odds. They quickly realize they lack the supplies to return to Earth or rely on a rescue.

The five survivors form a wary alliance and decide they cannot wait for rescue. They choose to stop at two supply stations to remedy their dwindling provisions before attempting a return to Earth.

The alien hides in the engine room and begins killing the crew, pushing the mission toward disaster. In the ensuing crisis, only Roger Campbell and Dr. Adrian Kimberly survive to confront the threat.

Roger and Adrian manage to lock the alien out of the bridge, forcing it back to the engine room with the crystal. The two survivors realize they are now the last line of defense for the ship.

While investigating the ship's computer Bernice, the crew uncovers data from the original crew indicating the alien rapidly matures and grows in intelligence. They also learn the crystal operates as an advanced computer the alien uses when solving problems.

Using the crystal, the alien hacks into SC-37 and takes control, cutting off communications with Earth. It also tricks a nearby ship into thinking the SC-37 does not require rescue, isolating the crew further.

A meteor storm erupts and endangers the ship. The alien uses the crystal to project a protective force field, allowing the ship to weather the danger while the crew fights to regain control.

Roger is forced to enter the lab to retrieve a crate of rations and returns to the bridge without threatening the alien. In a surprising turn, the alien does not harm him and allows him to pass, revealing a more complex motive behind its actions.

Roger and Adrian decide to press on toward the first supply station Alpha-7, but Bernice informs them that engine repairs are required for this to be feasible. They resolve to confront the alien and fix the ship to keep their plan on course.

In the engine room, the alien reveals itself as GAR and apologizes for its actions, claiming it fought in self-defense. It surrenders control of the ship back to Roger and Adrian, and they strike a bargain: deliver SC-37 to GAR's home world in exchange for safe passage.

The trio repair the ship and slowly form a cautious friendship despite their conflicting origins. SC-37 docks at Alpha-7, and Roger helps GAR load rations for its voyage.

A gravity tunnel opens, offering a shortcut home for Roger and Adrian, but GAR chooses to depart. It uses the crystal to convert Alpha-7 into a ship and sets off toward its planet, waving goodbye to its human friends.

Roger and Adrian depart Alpha-7 and begin the voyage back to Earth. They reflect on their unlikely friendship with GAR and the fragile balance between human curiosity and interstellar beings. The mission concludes with their safe return to Earth, while GAR continues its journey across space.