03 - Victory (Version 2) by Lester del Rey

The Earth stands defenseless, a tempting, succulent prize waiting for the warlike civilizations lurking in the cosmos to reach out and claim it. But undefended takes on a different meaning in this thrilling tale. Humanity has spread across the stars, colonizing numerous worlds and discovering races that share startling similarities with us. However, when these human colonies face brutal assaults from truly alien civilizations, Earth turns a blind eye, maintaining a façade of neutrality that veils cowardice and betrayal. This gripping narrative uncovers the motivations behind Earths inaction and the harrowing consequences that unfold. (Summary by Phil Chenevert)