Sentinel
This is a sequel to Arthur C. Clarke's The Sentinel.
Part 1: Reverberation
A small, dimly lit orb hurtles through space, surpassing the speed of light, and headed toward the star of a solar system deep within the Andromeda galaxy. One serpent-like being rests at the helm of the transparent craft. The creature's pitch black eyes reflect the distant blue color of the star it is headed for.