The twenty-third century is a golden age for humanity. A period known as the Troubles - two hundred years of war, famine, and destructive climate change - are behind us. With enough food, energy, and medicine for everyone and robots performing most of the hard labor, individuals are free to pursue their own interests.Technology has advanced. Human beings, using a technique that allows us to fold space, have embarked on an exploration of the nearest star systems. It is an exciting and dangerous proposition, one that attracts the bravest and most curious minds.Two astronauts sent from Earth during the Troubles to scout out Proxima Centauri suddenly arrive to find that everyone has forgotten about them. One hundred years have passed since their departure. After a period of mental recovery, they, too, join in this remarkable endeavor.Contamination Event is a collection of related hard science fiction short stories detailing the wonders and perils of the cosmos.