I Am The Swarm

The asteroid impact caused a massive uproar.

After numerous technological upgrades, the Riken had fully conquered the M37 Star System, surrounding their home planet with advanced observational devices and space defense weapons. While perhaps not an ironclad fortress, it was at least a sturdy wooden barrel.

For an unremarkable asteroid to bypass these layers of defenses was a colossal embarrassment.

Was it a case of equipment falsification or staff negligence?

Regardless, someone had to be held accountable.

The media erupted with coverage, experts clamored with analyses, and everyone cited data and comparisons to emphasize how advanced Riken defenses were. For an asteroid to breach these systems unnoticed was utterly inconceivable.

It was deemed a major failure—a dereliction of duty by the Federation.

The anger of the Riken people ignited, and soon all fingers pointed at the Federation’s top official, President Derlin.

Protests broke out across the home planet and the three colonies, with demonstrations escalating daily. The people demanded an explanation from the President.

For Derlin, the current chaos was a hundred times worse than the harassment from the Trinbrian District. Compared to this, even death threats back then felt like a gentle breeze.

He called General Monroe, demanding to know how things had spiraled out of control and what the plan was.

The response was little more than a series of placating phrases like, “Stay calm,” and “Don’t worry.”

As someone who knew the truth, Derlin was unable to offer the people a satisfactory explanation. The longer it dragged on, the more public anger grew, like oil fueling a blazing fire, waiting for the tiniest spark to explode.

But just as this fury reached its breaking point, events took a sudden turn.

The military’s investigation report was released.

The findings shocked the entire Riken populace.

The asteroid, it turned out, was a long-range weapon deployed by an alien force—a deliberate attack on the Riken home planet. Equipped with advanced anti-detection systems, it had slipped through the layers of defense and breached Riken territory.

The people were stunned, and a new narrative began to take shape.

“So that’s it! I knew the Federation and military couldn’t have been so careless. Even if one station failed, it’s impossible for all of them to fail at the same time.”

“Exactly! Experts have said that our outer space defenses cover billions of kilometers with densely packed weapons and orbital platforms. Under normal circumstances, something like this couldn’t happen.”

“My uncle’s brother-in-law’s nephew works for the Federation’s space defense force. He says every protocol is strictly followed, but none of the observation stations detected this asteroid in advance.”

“Of course not—it was designed by aliens to bypass our systems!”

“Those aliens are despicable! Why would they attack us out of the blue?”

“Exactly! But who are these aliens? Any insider info?”

“If there were, it would be classified. Do you think they’d tell me?”

“That won’t do. I pay taxes; I have the right to know! I’m going to protest in front of the Federation Assembly!”

The protests demanding an investigation into internal corruption continued, but the slogans shifted. Now, the people demanded transparency and their right to know the truth. ŔἁꞐŐβËS

In response to public pressure, the military began releasing fragments of “classified” information.

This included the Cat’s Ear Spaceship Project and edited footage of its battle with Godzilla.

People were reminded of the project from ninety years ago. Many had assumed it was a forgotten endeavor, only to learn it had a sequel—and that aliens had indeed been discovered.

Experts dissected the footage, offering interpretations and commentary.

It became clear that the aliens followed a biological technology path. The creature in the footage was one of their bio-weapons. Given this, their use of asteroids as weapons instead of conventional steel constructs made sense.

A wave of mourning followed for the Cat’s Ear Spaceship and its crew. The Federation established a memorial site with pristine gravestones for all its members. Crowds flocked to pay their respects to these heroes who had ventured light-years away to carve out a new home for their people.

Subsequently, more videos and information were “leaked.”

These revealed that the military, having learned from the incident, intercepted thousands of alien asteroids targeting the home planet and its colonies.

The public was astounded to learn this wasn’t a one-off attack. Thanks to the Federation’s vigilance, they had been spared further devastation.

President Derlin’s approval ratings soared, and his reelection in three and a half years became a foregone conclusion.

However, voices of concern began to emerge.

“The tragedy of the Trinbrian District is still fresh. Relief efforts have barely begun. We can’t celebrate yet; we need to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

“Exactly. Defense alone isn’t enough. We must strike back.”

“Offense is the best defense!”

“Let’s take the fight to the T85 Star System and show them the Riken are not to be trifled with!”

“Yes, let’s cage those wretches in a zoo.”

“Bring civilization to these beasts!”

Public sentiment reached a fever pitch.

No one had anticipated that the aliens would fire thousands of asteroids. If even one had landed intact, as seen in the Trinbrian District’s devastation, the consequences would have been catastrophic.

The people demanded a powerful retaliation from the Federation.

Some skeptics raised concerns:

“How could the aliens’ attack arrive so quickly after the Cat’s Ear Spaceship incident? If they’re that advanced, can we truly oppose them?”

“What about the thousands of intercepted asteroids? Could the figures be exaggerated? Why haven’t civilian observation organizations detected such large-scale actions?”

“Why are some military personnel unaware of these events?”

These voices, however, quickly disappeared without a trace.

As time passed, the military continued to release videos and information about intercepting alien attacks, aided by deliberate narrative shaping.

Whether out of self-preservation, racial pride, or other motives, most Riken citizens now supported an expedition to the T85 Star System.

Online polls showed 97% of the population in favor of military action.

But if they were to launch an expedition, the question arose: Where would the funding come from?

President Derlin addressed this issue in a live broadcast aired simultaneously across the home planet and the three colonies. All radio stations were mandated to carry the broadcast.

Thus, the vast majority of the Riken people tuned in to hear his speech.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!