Pythos (Terran Chronicles)

This is the second short story belonging to the Terran Chronicles Universe and follows the intrepid crew of Artemis One. The four men return home, to Pythos, ending a three year space mission. They enter orbit in time to witness an apocalyptic battle. Hundreds upon hundreds of small craft swoop at a fleet of massive ships. Flying through the midst of the battle, the crew is helpless to do anything more than watch and wait. With mounting fear, all they can do is hope their own fragile spacecraft is not damaged, or worse. Suddenly the combatants depart, leaving behind vast amounts of debris. With trepidation, the crew contacts ground control, and are relieved at the response, initially anyway.