Osborne and his daughter stared at the dense swarm of bugs on the screen, panic rising from deep within them.
It was an instinctive fear.
On the news, more than a dozen tendril swarms had merged and were surging toward the Human Federation. Their sheer numbers were terrifying.
A swarm that size could quickly engulf an entire galaxy, devouring every planet in its path.
When they caught glimpses of ferocious bio-ships as large as mountains, their breath caught.
If those tendril swarms broke through the defense line and reached the rear, the transport leviathan carrying them would have no chance. The bugs would probably eat it for dessert.
"Can the Imperium really hold off bugs like those?"
Osborne's voice was hoarse. Even the hand holding his Gris beer trembled.
The maintenance worker could hardly imagine a fleet powerful enough to fight such terrifying creatures.
"I-I'm not scared! The Great Savior will definitely drive those bugs away!"
Little Otti was frightened too, but she clenched her small fist as though trying to cheer herself and her dad on.
As long as the Great Savior was there, she had nothing to fear. She would not be a coward!
She had not been attending classes for long, but she had already learned quite a bit about what the bugs looked like and the fleets and weapons the Imperium used against them.
The lessons were introductory, of course. Little animations and stories gave the children a basic understanding of the Imperium and its enemies, rather than leaving them helplessly ignorant and afraid.
More importantly, the ever-present loyalty lessons and choir classes had impressed upon them the image of an all-powerful Savior.
He could protect everyone.
Deep down, the children believed that as long as the Savior remained on the front lines and continued to