Swarm-Coordinator Omra

Omra’s bright stalked eyes can follow several broods at once, a talent that brought them a coveted appointment. Eight broods were assigned to their care. The other four arrived as strays, abandoned by keepers who could no longer feed them, and Omra could not persuade themselves to turn them away.

The extra mouths changed everything. Loud Hatchery’s chambers are crowded, its stores disappear quickly, and its inhabitants announce every need at once. Omra has become an expert at finding provisions and an unwilling expert at explaining shortages to superiors who never authorized the additions.

They know the decision has consequences beyond their own discomfort. A brood that receives less attention may suffer, and a rival may exploit the strain. Omra nevertheless keeps searching for a permanent home for all twelve, and has already refused two offers that would have taken only the eight.