His ship was the first to make the jump, the flagship of the expedition had added another glory to its reputation. Captain Dorcie was pleased, but not surprised. Everything was going as expected. He had no need for tricks, for doubts. That was Weller's game and his reward was fitting, the second place colonies of the second Diaspora, the odd worlds of the eccentric peoples of Transor. Weller would be chasing them down, a tracker of mad rabbits with breast coats and stopwatches. The true voyage of discovery was here with the worlds of the first Diaspora.

Cane had followed the primary coordinates to this place. The grand introduction would be made here. Soon the other ships would follow, but the glory would belong to the Cane, the ship that would make first contact, after one thousand years. He broadcast his signal in all frequencies. He did not wait long.

"Captain!" said the navigator. "We are receiving a hale. It's three ships."

"Excellent! Return the signal and our greetings. Tell them….."

He turned to the view screen. Twelve lights of burning intensity were moving towards the ship. He had no time, no time at all.

The Cane reeled backwards from the blow. Bulkheads imploded, decks shattered, the ship gave way. A bright light, then there was nothing.