It was only a matter of time before the Mongerers caught up with the two racing transports. Just on the outskirts of the solar system housing Earth, they clashed at last, one fighting for survival, the other for annihilation. In a flood of voiceless light, in the vacuum between the stars, shields held and shields failed.

Engines damaged beyond repair, one Harbinger transport covered the retreat of its brother, watching as the race continued without them. No time for rescue, the sole remaining transport left, the Mongerers once again in their wake.

Dead in the water, their energy nearly spent, they waited. They hoped.