I Am The Swarm

“If we really want to do this, we must ensure that the Swarm has no reinforcements.”

“We have some reconnaissance units and equipment over there. Based on the feedback, no Swarm reinforcements have been detected.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust them, but at that distance, the instruments are subject to too much interference. If the Swarm has hidden troops, it would be hard to detect.”

“Why would the Swarm hide troops? If they had reinforcements, wouldn’t it be better to use them for support? Are they so sure we’ll try to cut off their retreat? If we don’t, wouldn’t their ambush be pointless?”

“Who knows? Has anyone ever understood the Swarm’s tactics?”

“I also don’t think there are hidden troops. There’s no need. Would they really use billions of troops as bait just to lure a portion of our forces?”

“No matter how you think about it, it seems impossible. Even if the Swarm’s tactics are bizarre, without our cooperation, it’s just wishful thinking.”

“Exactly…”

“So, should we send troops now or not?”

“Listen, everyone, the Swarm isn’t blind. In the vastness of space, there’s no cover. If we split our forces, they’ll definitely notice.”

“True. Unless we have other hidden troops that can take a long detour, we might achieve a surprise attack.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t. To cut off their retreat, we’d need a substantial force. The nearest large-scale troops are over three light-years away. By the time they arrive, it’ll be too late.”

“What about the Rashudia’s Overseer Force? They haven’t been seen yet. If we use our damaged ships as cover and have them sneak away, maybe we can fool the Swarm.” General Mid of the Yuntu Race suddenly proposed this idea.

Many had thought of this method, but only a few had the authority and influence to suggest it. Mid and Mowei of the Rashudia Race had a strained relationship, so it was understandable that Mid would take this opportunity to throw a wrench in the works.

“Hah, how can the Overseer Force do such a thing,” another influential mid-ring civilization representative chimed in. While his words seemed supportive of the Rashudia, his tone was dripping with sarcasm.

The Rashudia’s reputation wasn’t great to begin with. During previous meetings, Mowei had openly mocked and insulted other members, offending many.

After Conradus arrived and took command of the Confederation forces, he established the Overseer Force. The Rashudia’s ulterior motives were obvious, and other Confederation members had long been dissatisfied.

Now, given the chance, even if it was just verbal, others seized the opportunity to vent their frustrations. If they could actually get the Overseer Force moved, even better—it would remove the sword hanging over their heads.

“Exactly, the Overseer Force has its own mission. How could they do something so risky?”

“Whatever, we don’t care. We know our limits. We’ll settle for the first victory.”

“More effort, more rewards. If anyone wants more credit and glory, they can go for it themselves.”

“Perhaps the Rashudia should consider it. Capturing a real Swarm member, along with the first victory against the Swarm, would surely spread the Rashudia’s glory across the entire Confederation.”

“Exactly…”

Faced with the group’s provocation and flattery, Conradus, the fleet commander, remained expressionless, his thoughts unclear. Finally, after the excitement died down, the room fell silent.

Conradus cleared his throat and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice. “Since everyone is so enthusiastic about this plan, let’s put it to a vote. That way, no one can accuse me of being autocratic.”

“Commander Conradus, if the plan is approved, will the Rashudia personally carry it out?”

Conradus’s eyes turned icy as he stared at the speaker on the large screen. Unfortunately, this was a video conference, and his imposing presence couldn’t travel through the signal. Still, his murderous gaze made the speaker uneasy.

After a long pause, Conradus nodded. “Honor is our life. The Rashudia would love to claim the honor of capturing the Swarm commander. However, our strength is insufficient. If the plan is approved, the Kler, Wuju, and Motexi races will contribute some of their forces, along with half of our Overseer Force, to form a team that will move behind Swarm lines to intercept any fleeing Swarm commander.”

The Kler, Wuju, and Motexi were powerful mid-ring civilizations, known for their advanced research in main cannon range. As a result, they had been positioned slightly further back during the battle, and aside from expending some energy reserves, their losses had been minimal.

As soon as Conradus finished speaking, the room erupted.

The Rashudia, positioned at the very front of the battle line and without outer-ring civilizations to act as cannon fodder, had suffered the highest casualty rate among the mid-ring civilizations. Their one hundred million ships had taken heavy losses, far outpacing the second-place civilization. From this perspective, the Rashudia had lived up to their reputation as the main force, and Conradus’s leadership had left no room for criticism.

However, the Kler, Wuju, and Motexi, also top-tier mid-ring civilizations, had suffered minimal losses since the war began. This had not gone unnoticed.

While the Rashudia had taken heavy losses, these three races had barely been touched. Jealousy festered, especially among the outer-ring civilizations positioned in front of them, who harbored deep resentment.

But the Kler, Wuju, and Motexi had achieved this through their own capabilities. Other races couldn’t match them and had no grounds to complain.

Even so, many secretly hoped something would go wrong for these three races, just to balance the scales.

Now, their wish had come true. Conradus was dragging them into the fray. What had started as an attempt to slight the Rashudia had turned into an unexpected boon.

In this vote, the other races wouldn’t make a mistake even if they voted with their feet. Despite the Kler, Wuju, and Motexi commanders and representatives vehemently opposing the plan, the other races showed overwhelming enthusiasm.

If the plan succeeded, they could share in the spoils. If it failed, they could watch those detestable races suffer. Even the outer-ring civilizations that had previously opposed the plan now voted in favor.

In the end, aside from the Kler, Wuju, and Motexi voting against and the Rashudia abstaining, every other race voted in favor of the plan.