When his instruments start picking up a mysterious radio signal from an unidentified source, Officer Doug Eiffel begins to wonder if someone - or something - could be trying to communicate with the U.S.S. Hephaestus.
When Eiffel discovers that there's only one tube of toothpaste remaining on board, he realizes that a delicate situation is upon the crew. His solution? Steal the toothpaste, barricade the door to the comms room, and hope for the best.
The time arrives for another one of Dr. Hilbert's infamous biannual physicals, causing Eiffel and Minkowski to descend into a state of panic. With life and limb on the line, they each find creative ways to delay the inevitable
Eiffel takes a trip to the exterior of the Hephaestus. Things are going well - until an unexpected stellar flare leaves Eiffel stranded. Will Commander Minkowski be willing to launch a dangerous rescue mission?
A mysterious illness strikes Eiffel. It falls on Dr. Hilbert to find some way to get the Communications Officer back to full health. But as the days go by, Eiffel starts to question whether Hilbert is curing the disease or causing it.
The Hephaestus Mission reaches its 500th day since launch, and Eiffel is determined to make the most of the occasion. His celebration is cut short, however, when a power outage knocks out Hera and all of the station's automated systems.
The station's deadly mutant plant monster stowaway somehow gains control of Doctor Hilbert's mind, and it soon becomes clear that the crew has an emergency on their hands.
Minkowski insists on holding another of her infamous talent shows. Both Eiffel and Hilbert come up with schemes to weasel their way out of having to participate, but neither of their plans goes quite as expected.
Eiffel is surprised to discover a message waiting for him in the Communications Room. When the decoded message turns out to be a cryptic warning about something only identified as the "Empty Man".
An explosion puts a hole in one of the station's walls and uncovers a mysterious, concealed laboratory. As the crew explores the hidden room and uncovers data on its previous occupants, Eiffel is forced to confront one of his fears.
In a set of short stories, we get to see what the Hephaestus crew does when they are by themselves. Doctor Hilbert tells a joke and ponders a question. Hera plays a game. Eiffel takes a test. Minkowski sends a message.
It's Christmas Day, Minkowski does her best to approximate a traditional holiday dinner, Eiffel decides he's going to try to smoke his last cigarette. Both plans are put on hold, however, when Dr. Hilbert stumbles upon a major discovery.
The repercussions of the crew's discovery and Dr. Hilbert's actions continue to disrupt the station's Christmas plans. Cut off from Minkowski and with limited time to act, Eiffel decides to take a risk.