The Swarm

This chapter is not required reading. It is intended for readers who want more detailed insight into the world of The swarm. The causes of the catastrophes, anomalies, mutations, extinctions, and so on, as well as their consequences, are entirely fictional. Please do not look for scientific accuracy here. Events of this kind are impossible under biological, climatic, or other real-world conditions. Treat the text as a work of fiction, which is exactly what it is. Do not search for factual truth in these worlds, because they are impossible by their very nature. Try to relax and imagine “what if.” MINISTRY OF BIORESOURCES POST-CATASTROPHE MONITORING SECTOR   Report No. 47 / Ecological Collapse (2147) Compiled by: Bioengineer, Class I, T. Kleim Status: Declassified due to loss of relevance   Within the framework of the “Perfect World” Program (2098–2115), large-scale deployment of genetically modified agricultural crops was carried out. These crops were designed to survive under conditions of rising temperatures, drought, and soil degradation caused by climate warming.   The new plant species possessed the following properties: — synthesis of endogenous protective peptides instead of the use of external pesticides; — minimal moisture evaporation; — high nitrogen-fixation capacity.   After 20 years, an increase in atmospheric oxygen concentration to 26% was recorded. Levels of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and organic aerosols also increased.   The air environment remained chemically stable for humans but became more favorable for arthropods.         Agrochemical Factor     During the period 2115–2130, mixed agrochemical complexes were actively used, combining neonicotinoids, organophosphates, and phenolic stabilizers.   These agents were developed to enhance crop resistance but resulted in neurophysiological adaptation in insects.   Prolonged exposure to pesticide metabolites led to changes in neural conductivity, increased density of synaptic contacts, and enhanced efficiency of chemical communication between individuals.         Biological Consequences     The formation of a phenomenon designated as “Neuroplastic Drift” was identified.   Essence of the phenomenon: a gradual strengthening of functional connections between individual neural nodes within a colony while preserving individual autonomy of organisms.   In a number of species, the following were recorded: — increased impulse transmission speed along axons; — resistance to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; — emergence of synchronous reactions among multiple individuals without visible sensory stimuli.   These changes were observed exclusively in insects.   The nervous systems of other animal groups, including humans, did not demonstrate similar characteristics.         Ecological Consequences     By 2147, the following trends were registered: — degradation of arboreal flora and its replacement by low-growing forms (“gunrii”); — reduction of mammalian biomass by more than 80%; — formation of a dense organic soil layer saturated with chitinous remains; — expansion of humid biotopes with constant aerosol concentration; — construction by insects of large structures composed of organic mass and chitin, functionally comparable to urban conglomerates.   The conducted studies allow the following conclusions: — the observed cognitive effects are reflexive-collective in nature and do not represent manifestations of individual intelligence; — the primary adaptation mechanism is determined by the nodal structure of the insect central nervous system and increased plasticity of neurochemical processes; — the phenomenon of “Neuroplastic Drift” is the result of prolonged chemical pressure and does not require the involvement of pathogenic agents.         Changes in Feeding Behavior of Arthropods     During observations of surface fauna after 2135, a transition of most dominant insect species to omnivorous or predominantly zoophagous feeding types was recorded, including the utilization of mammalian tissues.   Causes:   1. Changes in the biochemical composition of plant food sources. Following the introduction of crops from the “Perfect World” project, the following were noted in plant biomass: — reduced sugar and amino acid content; — accumulation of poorly digestible protein complexes and phenolic compounds; — increased toxicity of plant tissues for insects.   This led to a deficiency of readily available nitrogen and a decrease in the energetic value of plant material.   2. Physiological restructuring of the insect digestive system. Under the influence of agrochemical metabolites, stable mutations emerged in populations of several species: — expansion of the spectrum of proteolytic enzymes; — appearance of iron chelate compounds in the hemolymph, enhancing oxygen transport; — strengthening of mouthparts and changes in salivary gland composition, enabling the dissolution of animal-origin proteins.   3. Behavioral consolidation under competitive conditions. Population densification and reduction of plant resources contributed to the development of aggressive colonial strategies: — group attacks on warm-blooded organisms; — use of pheromonal markers to coordinate hunting; — formation of temporary “hunting swarms.”   4. Biochemical advantage of animal protein. Mammalian tissues contain high concentrations of organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and lipids required for the formation of the chitinous exoskeleton and egg mass.   With declining photosynthetic output, animal protein became the primary source of metabolic elements. Under starvation conditions, outbreaks of cannibalism are observed, accompanied by reduced fertility.         Morphological Drift and Moderate Gigantism of Swarm Forms     (based on the report by Thomas Kleim, sections 7.2–7.6)     11.1. General Information   Following the ecological collapse and subsequent atmospheric changes, large insects exhibited a gradual increase in body size and mass while retaining standard morphology.   Average parameters of mature individuals: — body length: 1.4–1.6 m; — mass: 55–70 kg.   Thus, most species are comparable to humans in size.   This phenomenon has been designated “Moderate-Phase Morphological Drift.”     11.2. Causes of Size Increase   (a) Gaseous Factor According to section 7.3 of the report, elevated oxygen levels did not lead to degradation of respiratory functions but caused compensatory expansion of tracheal channels and an increase in hemolymph volume.   High humidity and air density improved gas diffusion, allowing insects to maintain normal metabolism at larger body sizes.   (b) Nutritional Factor The shift to zoophagous feeding (see section 6.2) ensured excessive intake of proteins and lipids.   As a result, growth became energetically feasible, and molting rates increased by 30–40%.   (c) Chemical Stabilization of the Exoskeleton Agrochemical metabolites persisting in the biosphere induced the formation of protein-chelate compounds within the cuticle.   The material became stronger at reduced thickness, allowing body enlargement without critical weight increase.     11.3. Vertical Locomotion   Increased mass and altered proportions forced some swarm forms to adopt bipedal locomotion.   Causes of the phenomenon (see section 7.6): — redistribution of the center of gravity; — necessity to elevate the head and thoracic segment above dense organic surfaces; — improved sensory visibility under conditions of persistent fog; — reduced contact with overheated substrates.   Bipedal movement is regarded as a behavioral adaptation, not an evolutionary change. When body mass decreases or environmental conditions shift, individuals revert to multi-limbed locomotion.     11.4. Growth Limits   Table 7.5 of the report specifies viability thresholds: — body length: up to 1.7 m; — mass: no more than 80 kg; — maximum ambient temperature: 27°C.   Exceeding these values results in failure of respiratory channels and death of the organism.     11.5. Conclusion   “The growth of swarm organisms should not be considered an anomaly. It is the result of a new environmental density and a different nutritional structure. They grew only to the limits permitted by the air.” — Report, section 7.6, conclusion.       Note (Internal Use) The situation is recognized as irreversible. Contact with surface ecosystems is permitted only within protective containment levels ‘K-3’. Questions regarding the possibility of atmospheric stabilization have been removed from consideration.   Signed: Bioengineer, Class I, T. Kleim