appeared out of nowhere and bearing down on the Moon. Facing another collision, they make their way back to Alpha with Carter. As Carter is conveyed to Medical, Koenig rushes to Main Mission with the data from his on-board computer. After a quick analysis, David Kano reports the planet will impact with the Moon in 105 hours. Bergman proposes exploding a series of nuclear charges between the Moon and the planet to create a shock wave powerful enough to force the two bodies apart. With no other options, Koenig orders him to start planning the operation. An in-depth analysis of the planet reveals it is marginally habitable and could support life. Should 'Operation Shockwave' fail, the Alphans could evacuate to the far side of the planet—if it withstands the collision. With sensors still scrambled by the radioactive cloud, Koenig opts for a reconnaissance flight. In the Medical Centre, Carter awakens to see a mysterious figure cloaked in black, standing at the foot of his bed. Speaking with the voice he heard earlier, the woman assures him he is safe. He lifts her veil...only to find his hands raising Helena Russell's hair. Koenig enters the care unit as Carter desperately searches for the apparition. After struggling with the nurses, he is sedated. Helena is certain the hallucinations are symptomatic of radiation sickness. Koenig dismisses her concerns and lifts off alone in the reconnaissance Eagle as a giant spaceship rises to intercept and swallow Eagle Four. Koenig is left alone in the dark as the ship's hatches spontaneously open. The Eagle hatch closes behind him, and he enters a vast chamber draped with cobwebs. He arrives at a throne on which is seated a mysterious figure. Her veil is raised to reveal the wizened yet still beautiful face of an ancient woman. She introduces herself as Arra, Queen of Atheria—the planet whose course has terrified the Alphans. She announces she has been anticipating this encounter for millions of years. Koenig is confounded when informed the Moon being blasted out of orbit was no random accident. Their worlds have been destined to meet in the body of time for the purpose of mutation. The collision will act as a catalyst, allowing her people to evolve into a noncorporeal form of existence. To achieve this, she asks the Alphans do...nothing. The Moon will continue on, Arra tells Koenig, spreading humanity throughout the deepest reaches