I Am The Swarm

“This is real?” After watching the video, President Derlin rubbed his face. The scenes were like something out of a science fiction movie. To be told they were real was hard to accept.

“Doubt is normal. We, too, questioned the authenticity of the footage at first. However, after rigorous expert analysis, there were no traces of tampering or post-production. Moreover, the video contained the Cat’s Ear Spaceship’s AI, Celia’s verification code, confirming its authenticity.”

“What can it bring us?”

“A lot.”

“For instance?”

“We formed an expert team that studied the footage and data transmitted by the Cat’s Ear Spaceship. Using computer simulations, we reconstructed the ecosystem of Planet T853. Except for this creature, all other lifeforms perfectly fit into the ecosystem,” General Monroe paused before continuing:

“Thus, this creature wasn’t born within the current ecological environment. It might have originated in an earlier era of T853’s ecological cycle, or it could be from elsewhere. After careful calculations, we lean towards the former because the creature’s displayed capabilities don’t suggest it has interstellar travel potential.”

“So, we theorize it’s a super-ancient species—a living fossil.” General Monroe stopped suddenly, fixing his gaze on President Derlin. After ensuring the President’s full attention, he resumed, “And its body may hold the secret to immortality.”

President Derlin began to understand why the military was treating this so cautiously. The implications were indeed earth-shattering. His breathing quickened.

“Then why have you come to me? Apart from discussing military budgets, I can hardly offer you much help.” Derlin’s feelings were complicated. Though Riken technology had advanced rapidly over the past century, even if he served a full term as President, he only had about 20 years left in office.

Once he retired, his influence would fade. Even if significant discoveries were made on T853, he would have little chance of securing a share of the spoils.

Yet, since Monroe had approached him and shared such classified information, there must be a role for him to play. The question was what price Monroe would offer.

“We need to organize a large-scale expedition to the T85 Star System.”

“Large-scale? How large?”

“A million strong.”

President Derlin nearly fell out of his chair. “How many?”

“Mr. President, you heard correctly. The military intends to organize an expedition of one million personnel,” General Monroe said calmly, unbothered by the President’s shock. After all, he had reacted similarly when he first learned of the number.

“This is impossible. Considering the creature’s displayed capabilities, a single 300-meter standard-class battleship would suffice. It doesn’t warrant an expedition of this scale!” Derlin snapped, “You’re delusional. Even if I agreed, the council would never approve, and the citizens would never accept it.”

A million-person expedition was an astronomical endeavor. Even without an economics background, Derlin understood the financial implications.

Even if the council approved, taxpayers would storm the capitol.

This plan was utterly unrealistic.

“Don’t dismiss it so quickly, Mr. President. In the current context, it’s indeed unfeasible. But what if the aliens strike first, and we’re forced to retaliate?”

“Are you planning to fabricate an alien civilization?” Derlin began considering the feasibility of such a ruse but still found the likelihood of success low.

“Not fabricate. Mr. President, please review this additional footage and data.”

Monroe produced another miniature storage device, leaving Derlin speechless. Taking the device, he plugged it into his computer, and audio and video began playing.

The video was fragmented, appearing to have been heavily edited. It showed the Swarm attacking the Cat’s Ear Spaceship, along with Captain Reggie exhausting the ship’s power reserves to transmit some final messages.

“This is…?” In the video, Derlin barely recognized Captain Reggie and Chief Science Officer Lute, their identities clear only because of the prior footage. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have recognized them as they belonged to a bygone era.

“This is the last footage transmitted by the Cat’s Ear Spaceship. Much of the data was lost, so it has been edited to include all decipherable visuals,” Monroe said, his tone grave. “The footage suggests that an alien force attacked them and intercepted their transmissions. The Cat’s Ear Spaceship likely met a grim fate.”

“Are you certain?”

Monroe nodded firmly.

“Was it a native T85 civilization or outsiders that attacked the spaceship?”

“That remains unclear, but it’s most likely a hidden native force. Their need for a sneak attack suggests their technological level is significantly below ours. Military strategists believe they pose little threat and that a large-scale expedition could easily subdue them.”

“But attacking our spaceship alone isn’t enough to justify a million-person expedition. The public won’t support it,” Derlin said. Losses in a distant star system would hardly resonate with the Riken people. Convincing them to tighten their belts to fund an expeditionary fleet seemed nearly impossible.

“They will agree, but it will require some maneuvering. When the time comes, we’ll need your full support, Mr. President.”

Seeing Derlin’s hesitation, Monroe added, “Rest assured, Mr. President. We have many allies. Keep in mind, there’s a habitable planet there. With minor modifications, it could support Riken life. It’s unclaimed territory—you understand the implications?”

Derlin felt a jolt of realization.

A habitable planet? If the families and corporations learned of it, they would fight tooth and nail for their slice of this new frontier.

It was a realm far from centralized control, where even the Federation’s authority would be weak. The colony Riken had established decades ago on a neighboring planet was already experiencing independence movements, let alone a system so far removed.

Fighting aliens and capturing ancient creatures were secondary; their true goal was to establish dominion. Derlin quickly grasped their intent.

With this understanding, it was clear they had plenty of natural allies. However, a misstep could lead to irreparable disaster, leaving his name tarnished in history. But if he refused, he might not even remain in office for the next election.

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