After returning from an Amazon sabbatical, NYC science reporter CC Caldwell stumbles into a covert tug of war between a reclusive quantum physicist and his wisecracking AI, a shadowy tech conglomerate, and NASA, when a hidden alien station is revealed on Earth’s solar orbit opposite the sun. As CC is chosen to join the first mission and survives an abduction attempt, the race to control humanity’s first doorway to the stars begins.

SYNOPSIS:

New Horizons discovers the Terminus station. Lance Bachman, CEO Au1, sets events in motion that expose the existence of an ancient relic in space. NASA Mission Control loses control with the New Horizons probe. Subjects unknown have hijacked the probe. They shoot a photo of an ancient Artifact orbiting the sun exactly 180 degrees opposite of earth on the other side of the sun. Galactic Guardian and Quantum Physics Professor Walker Rhodes and his wise cracking Quantum AI 8 Ball suspect that the Terminus station has been exposed by the “Collective” long before Humanity is ready to join Galactic civilization. Meanwhile, Science Writer CC Caldwell has just arrived back in NYC after a life altering sabbatical exploring Shamanic rituals in the Amazon. Her first assignment back is to interview the reclusive Walker Rhodes, and she’s already running late. Walker and 8 Ball establish an immediate connection with CC. Walker Rhodes sees great potential in CC. 8 Ball helps CC find a new apartment in Brooklyn. She returns to the New York Journal and reports to her editor, Rebecca Montgomery. After moving in, she joins her new landlord for drinks. At his door, CC has her first experience of prescience. She intuits that Walker is her new landlord. Walker probes. CC tells him about her Ayahuasca experience of being on a spaceship looking at a space station. NASA discloses the existence of the Artifact.8 Ball confirms the Collective is responsible. 8 Ball analyses the relative positions of the earth and sun. 8 Ball confirms that Au1 is responsible for exposing the Terminus station. They are undoubtedly remnants of the Collective abandoned on Terra millennia ago. Senator MacMillan briefs the press on the potential mission to the Artifact. Bob Roberts of NASA confirms the hijacking of New Horizons. CC discovers that Au1 is responsible. She continues to bond with Walker over coffee. He slips a bug into her satchel.CC goes to Au1 Unaware of the bug she’s carrying, CC helps 8 Ball infiltrate Au1 to confirm Collective involvement. Bauchman puts a tail on CC. Casey shadows her and Au1. CC updates Rebecca. NASA mission specialists prepare for a mission to the Artifact. CC meets with the NASA team. Collective agent, Brice Johnson, argues against CC, but she is still selected as the mission journalist. Senator MacMillan announces the mission to the Artifact.NASA sends a mission to the Artifact Bauchman plans to eliminate her from the crew. Walker requests help from EcoCommand to protect CC. Alpha Team thwarts her kidnapping. CC reports to Rebecca about the foiled kidnapping. CC learns that another member of the crew has been replaced under dubious circumstances. Suspicions rise. The Artifact Explorer mission launches. They arrive at the Artifact. Captain Rowland is selected to go EVA to the Artifact. CC guides Rowland to gain entrance using the hatch control panel. Rowland enters the Artifact. Humans may or may not be ready, but they are now at the doorway to Galactic civilization. The adventure begins.