Hey nice twist! Unfortunately the story is already fixed & works differently. I will say so much: it covers themes of addiction and control, so technically your ideas would be fitting too, but I think you understand that I'd prefer to stick to my own hardly crafted plot and plot-twists.
However I'm very open to your ideas regarding mechanics. I will see how they fit the story.
Powers for the swarm are a good idea... it should get some, since I feel it's a pretty cool character