Alien: Beware The Swarm
By DragonLass
The world is cruel. I learned that the hard way. Everything must suffer some time or another. I learned the hard way. Sometimes, the exterior hides what's beneath. I learned that the hard way.
I don't know how long it's been. Four, maybe five years, since I was found. And miraculously, adopted. That's what I was named. The Miracle…Sayakuri, the Miracle.
From the beginning I knew I was adopted. Everyone in my family was different from me. They were all at least five or six feet taller, and much faster than I was. But, my mother cared for me. Well, actually, she cared for all in the hive, but it seemed a disconnected love, like that between a master and slaves, or a queen and subjects. But, she loved me. I could feel it when she spoke to me. I was her pride and joy. I would one day help the hive.
And I wanted to help. I wanted to be one with them. My mother said that when I finish the task set for me, I would soon be able to enter as one with the Hive. And that's what I wanted.
My mother was beautiful. She was the largest of her kind, with a large regal crest at the back of her head to signify her rank. She dwarfed her children by 6-7 feet, and me by more than 10.
Then one day. I felt her voice in my head, signifying she was calling to me. I knew it. Today was the day. Today, would begin my initiation. Today, I would prove that I was one with them.
My mother was happy. I could hear the contentment as she purred softly. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by my brothers and sisters. One in particular, Aviws, looked smug. I'd always found him the best. He listened to me, and talked to me as if I were actually born of Mother. And he spoke to me now.
Saya. Mother is pleased with you. Soon you will perform the task she'd foreseen for a long time.
" I am flattered."
I frowned. It was horrid to have to speak with sounds; not being able to create the beautiful sounds they produced in their head. But, soon, that would change…I would become one with them. And not be different from those I loved.
Saya, when you do become one of us…
" What is it Aviws?"
Aviws paused awkwardly, something I did not expect one of his stature to do. We were very close friends, he and I, and I found it disconcerting that he was holding something from me.
It was rumored that this test, as she calls it, will be dangerous. Please be careful.
I didn't like the way he'd changed the subject. Something was bothering him. But, before I could ask, my Mother spoke to me, addressing me to step forward.
Sayakuri. You have remained with us for much of your life. For much time, we have withheld to you the events leading to your adoption. But, now, as your initiation is to begin, I think it right to tell you of where you came from.
You are a member of a race that is our enemy, known only as T-453. For much time, we have wanted to eradicate this horrid race, for their barbaric savagery and slaughter of one of our ships, including the one with my sister aboard.
" If I am the spawn of your enemy, why do you keep me? Don't I cause you pain?"
No. In fact I see you as a blessing, a miracle. That is why I've called you here today. You will be the major factor in a plan to eradicate T-453. Are you ready to accept your mission initiation?
" I am."
Your task: To infiltrate the race known as T-453. You are to find out about military tactics upon their planet. And once you have done so, I wish you to contact us. We will give you 5 years. Starting now.
" What?"
I found myself blacking out. Then, I knew no more.
When I reawoke. I was in the middle of a sunny, grassy field. I was no longer aboard the dark ship, that had been my comfort for so many years of my life. I was once again, alone.