I Am The Swarm

“They don’t seem friendly. Sound the alarms, elevate the war alert level, and prepare for combat!” commanded Admiral Heaton, as he monitored the approaching fleet and directed the defensive lines into position.

Warship engines roared to life, weapons charged, and gun barrels turned toward the incoming threat.

Compared to the Swarm, which had already shown no inclination toward aggressive measures, this new faction posed a far greater threat to the Rikens. While their intentions remained unclear, their intimidating approach hardly suggested a peaceful visit.

“Admiral Heaton, if their target is our defensive line, should we fire the first shot?” a staff officer asked tentatively.

“Fire? Are you kidding? The Swarm is here—this isn’t our problem,” Heaton snapped, though he paused to reconsider. “That said, the Swarm’s logic is often impossible to predict. If these newcomers attack the Twin Star Defense Zone and the Swarm does nothing, then we’ll have to handle it ourselves.”

“Understood, Admiral.”

“Report! We’ve received a broadcast message from the direction of the unknown fleet,” a communications officer suddenly announced.

None of the factions involved had communication channels with each other, leaving public broadcasts as the only means of contact. The Rikens had previously tried hailing the Swarm, but their efforts were met with utter indifference.

“Can we decode it? Let’s hear what they have to say.”