"Alarm! A large-scale Swarm force has emerged in the Square Arm Great Star Zone at Clinch Star, led by a previously unseen Duke of the Swarm, with unknown capabilities!"
Almost two seconds after Duke Qingye appeared in the orbit of Clinch Star's Gravity Well, Bai Zhongqi on the First Galactic Star had already received information from the early-warning system deployed there.
There was no need for Bai Zhongqi to authorize or issue commands; to hasten the response chain, the United Empire's quick response forces immediately mobilized. Bai Zhongqi had established a total of 22 quick response forces specifically to deal with sudden Swarm attacks. The finest generals from the Iridium Star, including several Knights, were on rotating shifts, ensuring that at least two-thirds of the units were on standby at all times.
