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.

not make

your,

before turning away and once again becoming still

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

moment I try to

uh. How are

the best I

troubles herself to turn back and

Are you well?" she

almost giddy. A conversation!

uh, I’m good! I

she says, before beginning

some advice?"

again looks back to me, patiently waiting for my words. Actually talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much more difficult than say, having a chat with your school friend, not that I did much of

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. She’s probably not even

to evolve! I just wondered if you, uh, had any advice on

think I might need to

a strong core in

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

fought well for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to use your strength on behalf

not certain what

the words of the

and greater strength will improve the lives of our people. To the

on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m likely to

to make my way back to my

have to say that what the

one you pick, as long as you use your new power to assist

end, it just

a commander or do I want to

general or a

mean, when I think about

like

want to be a

ant is the only

I left it. Tiny still sleeping and the traps are prepared but

Excellent.

your

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