First: Frostfyre is finally back with a new story Targets of Opportunity http://storiesonline.net/s/18027/targets-of-opportunity. I like it, and I think you Swarm Cycle fans will as well. He's working on more, as are other Swarm authors, but we are currently handicapped by our list server being messed up. Meaning a bunch of us can't use it to talk with each other - swap ideas, edit, proof - that stuff that goes on behind the scenes. Kinda sucks when some of us can post to the list but others can't use it to answer.
Stories Updates: Inkie continues to be my highest rated story. I thought I'd have a new Inkie story written by now - Muntiny on the Bunte Kuh - and it is progressing, but I got diverted and am working on another Inkie story in parallel - Caleb - with an idea on how humanity's relationship with the Confederacy AIs will play out after the Sa'arm incursion is stopped/controlled.
Even though I haven't posted a new story for a while, weekly downloads continue at a pace between 650 and 1,000 per week. Siobhan is fast approaching my first Swarm Story as my most downloaded story, and while not ranked near my highest scores, she is only nine votes away from receiving the most votes of all my stories.
So, if you are wondering if voting is worth it, I do take note. The fact that you voted, along with comments and feedback, tend to steer me towards which stories need sequels...
As ever, I appreciate you!