2001 A Space Odyssey

Chapter 39 - Exit
The Star Gate opened. The Star Gate closed.

In a moment of time too short to be measured, Space turned and twisted upon itself.

Then Japetus was alone once more, as it had been for three million years - alone, except for a deserted but not yet derelict ship, sending back to its makers messages which they could neither believe nor understand.

Arthur C. Clarke's books