When it came, it was swift to start and equally swift to end. From one side there came a fast-moving jet of tiny spacecraft. At unthinkable velocities, the thin stream poured into the space pattern of the Terrans.
The clangor of the alarm ceased as contacts were opened. The communications band roared with cries and questions.
"Who got it?"
"Scorpiad!"
"Bad?"
"Not yet."
"Get out the fighter-cover!"
"They're coming—give us time!"
"Time, hell! This is a space fight, not a pink tea!"