The SpaceOne mission is preparing for takeoff. Its task: to map outer space and make contact with other forms of intelligent life. At the spaceship’s controls: the astronauts Spoot and Nik, two men who have never known fear, any more than they know Latin or Ancient Greek.

Their quest will bring them to the outer limits of space, where they will encounter creatures often astonishing, sometimes terrifying, but always ridiculous. They will plumb the secrets of time, unveil the mystery of the sacred monolith, and — last but not least — learn who Nik’s wife is cheating on him with behind his back.

In space, no one can hear them scream. And that’s probably a good thing.