The warning came through every communications system on the planet simultaneously. An unknown vessel, unresponsive to any communications attempts, was approaching Earth with deceleration patterns that suggested imminent arrival in orbit. The vessel was massive, easily ten times the size of Earth's largest space structures. And according to the Architects' analysis, it was heavily armed.
The global response was immediate and chaotic. In integrated human communities, hybrid entities began coordinating defensive strategies. In non-integrated communities, panic began to spread. The hope that had begun to emerge from the Convergence Coalition's arrival was swiftly replaced by fear.
Barry returned to Earth within hours. He convened the leadership of all major factions. The original Thomas Chen
