Author's note: alright chapter two is here and I need to add another thing to my disclaimer. Some of the Zerg descriptions are from Liberty's Crusade by Jeff Grubb because he seems to describe them the best at least the older Zerg. Star Craft isn't mine if it was…then I'd keep everything the same.

The New Swarm

Chapter 2 Evolution and Exploration

The sun rises over the horizon signifying the dawn of a new day, around the hatchery there is a flurry of activity most of it was Zerglings patrolling the border of the creep as well as the pulsing buildings of a Spawning Pool, Roach Warren and an Evolution Chamber. Some of the Zerglings were racing each other if they weren't on patrol others were Drones collecting the Larvae that wandered too far from the Hatchery.

Kenneth however is resting up against the Spawning Pool having used up most of his energy to expand the Swarm numbers and the Hive Cluster, 'I need to figure out a way to restore my Bio Energy I think I have only 1,200 or so units left and the creep can only support 4 more units.' He thinks as one of the Zerglings approaches him and takes a spot next to him.

He looks over at the Zergling and smiles slightly as he gently strokes its back, "I bet you're the Larvae that liked me petting you huh?" He asks before the Zergling chitter in confirmation rubbing the side of its head against his leg in a pet like manner.

Kenneth chuckles as he hears footsteps approaching him, he looks over to see Alyssa up and walking around looking at all the new Zerg buildings and the increased number of Zerg creatures. "Wow you expanded during the night?" she asks amazed at what could be done with the Zerg in one night.

"Yeah took most of my Bio Energy but I got it done." Kenneth says in confirmation as he slowly stands up so they could talk easier. "Did you sleep alright? I bet the Hatchery didn't give you much comfort." He says walking up to her and motioning her over to the edge of the Creep.

"I slept alright it may have not been the most comfortable bed in the world but I feel well rested." She says with a small smile walking next to him into the forest. The Creep expanded a little bit more and now covered the roots of most of the plants. Most of the saplings that covered the ground unfortunately withered and died since they couldn't survive with the Creep's presence but the older fully grown trees stood strong and seemed to flourish with the Creep.

"That's good it looked like you really needed the sleep… Do the Kivalts cause a lot of problems with your people? Furan you called them?" Kenneth asks as a group of six Zerglings and two drones followed them. The Zerglings keep up easily but the Drones were slow moving since they were bulkier to haul minerals to the Hatchery.

"Yes, they do most Furans stay in their own small settlements to keep the Kivalts out. The defenders of each outpost consist of Magic Casters, Swordsmen, Archers, and the newly established Gunmen." Alyssa lists off her fingers as they walk into the forest.

'Gunmen eh? Guess that means they figured out the formula for gunpowder.' Kenneth thinks before responding, "I see well I had the Zerglings do some light recon around the area and tested their strength." They step into another clearing and Alyssa sees a huge saber toothed panther with several bite and slash marks running along its body.

"Ah! T-They took down a Blacksaber? Those small things took down a Level Six Kivalt?" Alyssa says while looking over the body then diving into it yanking out another stone. This stone is a deep red color, pulsing heavily with power, and was twice the size of the Intelligence core from the Wolf Kivalt.

"Not afraid to dive into a four hour old carcass I see." Kenneth says with a slight chuckle as he orders the Zerglings to carve up the body so the Drones could take the pieces back to the Hatchery. The Zerglings do so quickly hacking off large chunks off with their claws due to their numbers. The Drones hover up to the large chunks of meat picking them up with their pincers and placing them on their backs while secreting a sticky substance to make sure their cargo didn't fall off.

"The Drones will take the meat back to the Hatchery for storage. The Zerg live off the Creep so it would be good to store meat for anyone else who stumbles upon the Hive Cluster." Kenneth says as he follows the Drones back to the Hatchery.

"That's a good idea since you'll need help navigating the land. All we have are scattered pieces of different maps so if we have a safe chance to explore we can establish trade routes." Alyssa says holding the stone with both of her paws and close to her body.

Kenneth looks back at her, "What does that stone do?" he asks motioning to the red stone in her arms. Inside the stone it seemed to be flowing with energy which is represented by swirling flames inside the confines of the stone.

Alyssa looks down at the stone, "I'm not entirely sure I think it might be used as fuel for the forges in one of the major cities." She says as she follows shifting the stone under one of her arms. It looked like she was having some difficulty lifting the large stone by herself.

Kenneth stopped and offered a hand, "It looks really heavy want me to carry it for a while?" He asks with a slight smile to her. She looks at his outstretched hand then down at the stone considering what to do or not to. She then looks up at him and nods handing him the stone.

Once Kenneth takes the stone it immediately breaks apart allowing the flames inside to cover Kenneth's entire body, but strangely the flames didn't harm him but instead re-energize him before gathering in the palm of his hand sinking into him. Alyssa looks at where the stone was in complete disbelief, "Well…that was unexpected." Kenneth says flexing his hand feeling renewed again.

Overmind Bio Energy: 5,000/5,000

Current Hatchery Bio Energy: 600/10,000

"What happened to it? Did you absorb its power?" Alyssa asks looking all around in confusion thinking that the stone flew off into oblivion.

Kenneth nods slowly, "I guess it couldn't have just vanished without a cause to do so." He says while Alyssa sighs in what seemed to be in defeat.

"That could have gotten my village a lot of food for the winter. Then again it looks like your Zerglings are better hunters than any other unit you have." She says slightly happier to find a bright side.

Kenneth chuckles slightly, "Well you've only seen the Zerglings there's another Unit I got from constructing those buildings." He says as four large bulky six legged bug like creatures with two upper claws on its back and rows of spines along the thick strong Carapace. "These are the Roaches they can spit out a highly corrosive acid and they can heal amazingly fast." Kenneth explains as the Roaches walk off to do something on their own.

"They look very menacing or at least they would be if I wasn't use to the strange things you can make the larvae produce." Alyssa says with a slight giggle while covering the front of her muzzle to be polite. From just the peaceful sleep she looked a lot more energetic and refreshed to be out and about.

Kenneth chuckles again, "That's true well if you want get cleaned up and we'll head out to your village to ask for support." He suggests as they continue on their way to the Hatchery. Alyssa looks down at her tattered clothes and her freshly stained fur.

"Ugh…good idea I probably reek something awful since Kivalts can eat some pretty foul things." She says as she tries to smooth out her fur and attempts to shake off the blood from her fur and hair. Unlike the wolf Kivalts the Blacksaber had red blood making her fur a slight pink color.

Kenneth chuckles at her futile attempts to clean her fur, "I'll give you a small squad of Zerglings and a couple of Roaches to keep guard over you." He suggests as Alyssa looks at him strangely.

"A guarded bath? Not even the city's have that luxury. Thanks Kenneth I'm very grateful for providing for me." She says before very lightly giving him a peck on the cheek before walking off with the promised group of warriors following her.

Kenneth blushes lightly at the peck bringing a hand up to his cheek where she kissed him, 'Well never in a hundred years did I think that was able to happen….but then again she hasn't asked about my past and I haven't asked her about hers either. But then again it's none of my business.' He thinks as he heads into the Hatchery to speak with Kavas.

The Cerebrate is curled around the dark blue pool looking out at the tunnel with a bored expression on his face, 'Well the Overmind has developed the Hive Cluster very well, as well as the Swarm, but we need Overlords to expand the Swarm more and evolve the Hatchery.' He thinks as Kenneth approaches. "Greetings Overmind do you seek council?" the Cerebrate asks looking over at his leader.

Kenneth nods, "I need to know what the purpose of the Overlords are Kavas. Their usage, abilities, mutations, anything that will be of use to me and the Swarm." Kenneth says to the Cerebrate as he approaches him while his arms are crossed across his chest.

The Cerebrate bows from the waist in a bow, "Of course Overmind. The Overlord's primary function is a reconnaissance but it will supervise any Zerg Units nearby. It also has the ability to transport Units directly to the battlefield but at the cost of speed. Finally they are vital for Swarm growth since they are able to support more of the Zerg population." Kavas explains listing out their functions.

Kenneth nods in understanding, "Alright get a few Larvae to begin mutating into Overlords so we can continue to bulk up our ranks." He orders as he once again feels the required bio energy leave him to supply the Larvae.

"Yes Overmind and you have four thousand seven hundred twenty-five units of Bio Energy. If I may suggest after the Overlords are finished shall we begin Hatchery Evolution to a Lair?" Kavas suggests as five Larvae crawl in to begin their evolution.

"Hatchery Evolution? Explain Kavas." Kenneth orders as he lets his arms drop to his sides and moves his feet so the Larvae could avoid his legs.

"As the Swarm grows so must the Hatchery evolving the Lair to the Second level of development will allow us access to more units and mutations to expand our ranks." The Cerebrate explains slithering up into the top tunnel that makes up the top of the Hatchery. "The cost of such an evolution is fairly cheap only a minor cost of eighty-five Bio Energy units but the next Evolution will cost about twenty-thousand Bio Energy Units." He says looking down at his leader from the ceiling.

Kenneth seems to think about his Cerebrate's suggestion, "How long will the Evolution take? We can't leave Alyssa alone for too long." He says as he walks around the pool looking up at his second in command.

Kavas goes silent for a little while, "About a full day here so if she can she needs to find a place to hide or go back to the village she's from. Once the Evolution every Unit and building will go inactive including you Overmind so your strength, abilities, and appearance are changed." He says to Kenneth.

Kenneth is silent for a long time trying to think of what to tell Alyssa since she would be the most vulnerable during the Evolution. "Is there any cave nearby or someplace to hide?" The young Overmind asks the Cerebrate.

Kavas looks down into the pool for a few seconds before looking back at his leader, "No, there's only beach and forest around the Hive Cluster but I do have an alternative option if she is willing to listen to it Overmind." He says a bit unsure to make the decision.

Kenneth looks up at him, "What is it Kavas? I'm open to suggestions at this point." He says then falling silent, 'Why do I care so much? Is it just she has an attraction to her that I haven't figured out yet?' He thinks as Kavas slithers down to talk to Kenneth face to face.

"Well there is a process that will allow for her to be protected by the Swarm during the Evolution Process. It's similar to the Chrysalis evolution but instead of becoming full Zerg she'll be part Zerg she will be linked to us and be able to use dormant Psionic powers inside of her. Her body will keep its form but she will be genetically re-engineered to be perfect. It's a difficult choice to make and one you should talk over with her." Kavas explains before moving back into the top tunnel.

Kenneth takes in the information as he processes the information then turns and leaves to go talk to Alyssa. The Zerglings pass by him just enjoying themselves with their racing and the Roaches are practicing their digging skills or aiming skills with their acid on rocks.

He eventually arrives at the clear flowing stream that divides a small section of the forest the stream has an abundance of water based Kivalts most looked harmless a few others had a few barbs along their sides and fins. Kenneth smiles slightly and kneels down next to the river to look at them. A couple of the fish Kivalts poke their mouths out of the water and squirt his face with water causing him to fall back and cough.

The fish keep on spitting water at him until something pounced on them from in the water. Once Kenneth got the water out of his eyes he looked at who got the fish Kivalts and much to his surprise it was Alyssa holding the non barbed fish in her arms and another in her mouth. She still has her tattered leather dress on but her hair and fur clung more to her skin due to the excess water.

She carefully steps out of the water and drops all the fish onto the river bank except for the one in her mouth. The fish flop around in a dire attempt to get back into the water but to no success as the Zerglings accompanying her stabbed the fish before they could get away.

She takes the fish out of her mouth and holds it with both her paws, her tail wagging softly as she holds the fish close, "I love fishing especially by hand." She says smiling not really noticing Kenneth is in front of her. Some of the Zerglings chitter in response holding up their fish to her.

Kenneth chuckles at her speaking out loud to the Zerglings but remembers why he came, "Ah Alyssa I need to talk with you." he says softly but loud enough to tell the Zerglings he wanted a little bit off privacy. They move around them but keeping their fish Kivalts on their claws for Alyssa.

She helps him up, "Sure what would you like to talk about?" She asks with a soft smile to him. She's still dripping wet but it didn't seem to bother her with her thick fur being designed for the cold of the arctic. She gathers up her hair and wrings out the excess water as Kenneth began to speak.

"Well…I want the Swarm to get stronger so we'll be able to defend ourselves. But in order to do that I need to upgrade the Hatchery to a Lair and during that time we'll become inactive for a full day. So what I want to know is if you'll be heading back to your village, if you'll hide out or agree to a special transformation during our evolution." He asks while shuffling around with uncertainty.

Alyssa looks at the ground in thought as she considers what to do. 'I can't hide out here there's not enough plants for me to hide my scent from the Kivalts…Going back is way out of the question right now…but a special transformation? That might be my best choice…' she thinks before asking, "What's the special transformation?"

"Kavas explained it as you will be put into stasis while we are and during that time the Hatchery will make you genetically and physically perfect. You'll be mentally linked to the Swarm mind and awaken any psionic powers that are hidden away in you." Kenneth explains as simply as he can to her.

Alyssa ponders and considers all her options before responding, "I'll…do that transformation with the Swarm." She says a bit uncertainly but knows she has no choice but to do so. Then she blushes lightly, "Just…will I have to take off my clothes?" She asks very shyly.

Kenneth gives a quick surprised look but then it quickly changes into a blush, "Ah…I'll ask Kavas when we get back to the Hatchery." He says while rubbing the back of his neck. But he feels something touch his mind and begin to communicate with him.

"She will be able to keep her clothes on Overmind. Just be sure she's calm when the Hatchery membrane covers her and the Swarm will handle the rest." The familiar voice says but Kenneth immediately recognizes it as his Cerebrate Kavas.

"Ah…Kavas says you can keep your clothes on and to remain calm when the Hatchery forms a membrane around you when the process begins." Kenneth says stepping to the side and motioning back to the Hatchery. Alyssa nods and walks with him to the Hive Cluster.

She's quiet during the trip thinking about whether or not to tell Kenneth about why she left the village. 'Oooh I can't tell him why I left…heck I can't even tell him about my husband I'm not sure how he'll react to knowing about him…wait why do I care? Am I falling for him? ...well…he has cared for me way more than my husband ever did…' She thinks just as she's about to speak they arrive back at the Hatchery.

They walk over to the Hatchery just as more popping sounds resonate from inside the Hatchery then four flying lobster like creatures hover out from the top to settle around the Hive Cluster. "Well the Overlords are done let's get inside." Kenneth says leading Alyssa inside while the other Zerg troops re-gather around the Hatchery.

Kenneth gently places Alyssa against the fleshy sticky wall of the Hatchery, "Just stay calm and relax alright?" He asks just as the membrane begins to cover her. She takes a deep breath and nods as the membrane covers her body she falls asleep almost instantly and the interior fills with a clear liquid that keeps her suspended in the center.

Kenneth places a hand over the membrane, "Sleep well Alyssa… Kavas begin the Evolution Stage." He says walking over to the wall across from her and leans against it.

"By your will Overmind." Kavas says as a large amount of energy leaves Kenneth. Soon all the Zerg and their Buildings encase themselves into cocoons and go into suspended animation until the Evolution is complete. The same happens to Kenneth in the Hatchery but like Alyssa his potential would expand further to control more of the Zerg Hive Mind and gain more strength.

Author's Note: Alright here's another chapter guys. Thanks for the Reviews and I finally found a Beta Reader he'll be Betaing The New Swarm for me while Proto-Fusion Beta's my Fallout/Pokémon story. Thanks again and Good Night.

Side Note: This is the unbeta'd version once I get the complete beta version from Death I'll post that without this side note.