War and Space
Page 13
Battle for Homeworld
The Homeworld of the peaceful Idaltus is attacked by overwhelming numbers of computer controlled warships. The Idaltus activate their planetary shield, but are unable to take any effective action against the attacking ships. Every interstellar Idaltu ship that jumps to the Homeworld system is destroyed as soon as it re-enters our universe.
The unarmed Earth exploration ship, the 'Highway to Heaven' is damaged when it jumps to the system, and unable to jump clear is forced by the laws of physics to fight its way towards Homeworld.
Meanwhile, the crew of the 'Avenue of Peace', sister ship of the Highway to Heaven has partially decoded an alien computer and jumps to the Homeworld system with a plan to destroy the warships.
Later, an allied armada investigates a colony of the aliens. What they discover is unexpected.
The three novellas of the War and Space Trilogy are also available in a single volume.