Chrysalis

Chapter 79

Now that I know I can talk to my colony members, even if they can’t talk back, I don’t hold back and start to throw words at every worker I meet on my way into the nest.

"Hey, how are yor?"

Still needs a bit of work on that one.

"Hoos that work goging for yar?"

So close!

"Blice to see you ablarn".

Nearly had it!

As I wander about cheerfully greeting the ants around me they typically respond in the same way, by turning and tapping me about the antennae before going back on their way.

I’m not really fussed by the lack of response to my blather, just talking and getting the hang of my new mutation is reward enough for me.

Checking in on the brood I can see the little grubs are looking a little larger and a little less sad than they were before, pleasingly plump and growing they’ll become new workers soon enough.

After shouting "See you flater!" to the workers I make my way down to the Queens chamber. By this time I’ve gotten used to saying whatever is on my mind to every ant I see so when I walk in front of the Queen, who is standing still and accepting a grooming for her attendant workers I give a friendly wave of the antennae and say "Hey there! How’s it hambing Queen?"

The enormous ant turns her head slowly and ponderously before looking down at me with her large, unblinking eyes.

"Hambing?" she said.

....

"Uhhhh".

.....

She can talk?

The Queen continues to look down at me quizzically as I stare dumbfounded.

"Hambing?" she asks again.

This sensation of talking and listening using scent is very different to what I’m used to. When the Queen speaks I’m finding my antennae are not only able to distinguish the words she is speaking but also the difference in tone and voice. Her voice sounds patient and warm.

concentrate harder to try and not

misspoke, your, uh,

said, before turning away and once again becoming

stunned! So the Queen can use pheromone language too? Did she choose this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being

I try to

uh. How are

the best I can come up

the Queen troubles herself to turn back and face me before

Are you well?"

A conversation! An actual

uh, I’m good! I

she says, before beginning to

get some advice?"

difficult than I expected it

I need to keep in mind that the Queen isn’t human and unlike me, she never was. I’m not exactly sure how her mind works, what it is that is important to her.

getting ready to evolve! I just wondered if you, uh, had any

for a long moment and I was starting to think I might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae

sense a strong core in

"Uh.... Yes?" I respond.

for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue

I’m not certain what evolution

sense a faint amusement in the words of the

to greater strength and greater strength will improve the lives of our

me one last pat on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m likely to get from her majesty at this

my way

I have to say that what the Queen had to say

doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you use

in the end, it just comes down to my

or do I want to be

general or

when I think about it like

like a friggin’ god if I can throw fireballs and lightning

to be a magic user

is the only

same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and

Excellent.

your doubt Anthony! Commence the

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