I Am The Swarm

When Humes first made contact with the Swarm, he didn’t have any ill intentions. Shortly after receiving the Swarm’s gift of custom biological armor, Luo Wen could confirm this.

However, this wasn’t necessarily good news. At the time, Luo Wen had already noticed many irregularities and anomalies, indicating that at least one unknown force was plotting something against the Swarm.

But as a member of the highest authority in this galaxy, and the most likely participant in any conspiracy, Humes was completely clueless about the hidden schemes. He couldn’t even offer a plausible guess, which made one wonder how he had even become a Ji Race elder.

However, Humes wasn’t as incompetent as he seemed. Perhaps the conspirators needed to avoid suspicion and the attention of more powerful forces, so they sent someone unrelated to the matter.

Fortunately, even if Humes was truly incompetent, his status as a Ji Race elder was genuine. All ordinary information, and even some classified information from the Ji Race, began to flow to the Swarm, helping them prepare for the Interstellar Technological Confederation’s plans.

The footage the Overmind had transmitted, though its exact timing was unclear, showed that Humes was already an Intelligent Entity at that point. Otherwise, Luo Wen wouldn’t have been able to obtain this first-person perspective.

Clearly, this was a communication between Humes and Elder Cecil. As a Ji Race elder, it was normal for Humes to converse with another elder. From Humes’s informal greeting, Sarah could tell that the two weren’t enemies.

“Same as always, Elder Humes. What brings you to me today?” Cecil’s response was polite and proper. Sarah sensed that while the two weren’t enemies, they weren’t particularly close either—just ordinary colleagues.

“Haha, nothing much. I just wanted to thank you for your help last time. Without your vote, I wouldn’t have gotten this assignment. Your support was truly a lifesaver.”

While others were focused on the Swarm, his goals were different. The hidden forces had likely chosen a neutral party through their machinations, which might explain why Humes was sent to the Swarm.

From their conversation, Cecil clearly wasn’t a close friend of Humes, yet she had supported his assignment. In this world, few people help others without reason. Cecil likely had her own motives, aligning with the earlier analysis of hidden forces.

Thus, Elder Cecil was probably a member of those hidden forces. Sarah focused her attention. Cecil’s identity carried significant implications, and there was undoubtedly something in this exchange that had troubled the Overmind. She needed to pay close attention.

“You’re too kind, Elder Humes. I never sought that position, and your appointment was widely supported. My vote was just a small addition, nothing significant.” Cecil’s response remained polite, maintaining a subtle distance.

“Elder Cecil, there’s no need to be modest. Regardless, I owe you a favor. I’ve lived for centuries and served as a Ji Race elder for over two hundred years. Everyone knows my style—I’m not one to forget kindness shown to me. Now that I owe you, consider me a friend. If you ever need anything, just ask.”

Sarah didn’t know much about Humes, but it was clear that even if the hidden forces had chosen a neutral party, they would have picked someone with some level of prestige and support.

At Humes’s words, Cecil raised an eyebrow slightly. From the study of microexpressions, this usually indicated interest. It seemed Humes’s words had struck a chord with Cecil.

After a brief pause, Cecil didn’t continue to feign modesty. Instead, she said softly, “Thank you, Elder Humes. It’s an honor to be friends with someone of your stature.”

Cecil’s response remained courteous and proper. After a few more pleasantries, she suddenly shifted the topic: “Elder Humes, I have a question. Would you mind enlightening me?”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed. Here it was. Cecil clearly valued Humes’s friendship. Being close to the Swarm, Humes had access to firsthand information, while others could only rely on hearsay. The best way to get accurate information was to befriend someone like Humes.

“Haha, Cecil, no need for formalities. I said we’re friends now. Ask away, and I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge.”

“Alright, then I’ll be blunt, Elder Humes… Humes. I’ve been a Ji Race elder for some time, but I’ve never sought an assignment outside the core regions. I don’t understand why so many people compete for these postings. Especially this time—just a few newly added outer-ring civilizations, yet so many wanted to go.”

“Haha, everyone chases profit. There’s always a reason for such competition. Each place has its own nuances, and some things are hard to explain without firsthand experience. You’d have to see it for yourself.”

Their relationship was still new, and Humes wasn’t ready to share everything. So, he gave a vague, non-committal answer, as befitting his status.

“Elder Humes, you just said we’re friends. Is there something you can’t share? I’m just curious. If it’s too sensitive, forget it.” Cecil’s expression darkened slightly, and her tone grew colder.

“It’s not that sensitive. What I said earlier wasn’t a brush-off. Everyone has different needs, so their reasons for going out vary.” Humes, perhaps feeling it was too soon to contradict himself, continued after some thought:

“For example, money is like scrap metal to us, but some are obsessed with accumulating wealth, even if they never use it. Others crave power. Within the Ji Race, elders are at the pinnacle of authority, but they still have to contend with other elders. Outside, especially in the outer-ring regions, a Ji Race elder can act like a king, enjoying the full satisfaction of power.”