The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning after having a search for extra terrestrial life when the crew depends up on a boat, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. The boat is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt and his gigantic robot company, however, the initial wonderment and amazement the Palomino crew feel for the boat and its immunity to the ability of the black hole turn to horror because they uncover Reinhardt's plans.