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.

and not

uh, misspoke, your,

before turning away and once again becoming still as the workers continue to

mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does it really matter? I have

I try to strike

uh. How are

apparently the best I can come up

Queen troubles herself to turn back and face

you well?"

giddy. A conversation!

good! I

before beginning to turn away

get some advice?" I blurt

waiting for my words. Actually talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much

mind works, what it is that is

if you, uh, had any

might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae reached down and tapped mine before tapping me

sense a strong core in you"

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

well for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue

I’m not certain what

can sense a faint amusement in the words of the Queen as

strength and greater strength will improve the lives

her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m likely to get from her majesty at

around I start to make my way

have to say that what the Queen had to say makes

rats ass which one you pick, as long as

the end, it just

want to a commander or do I

or

I think

right? Like, this is magic we are talking about... MAGIC. I could lord over the battlefield like a friggin’ god if I can throw fireballs and lightning bolts around! Even what

want to be a

ant is the only

everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and the traps are prepared but without

Excellent.

time on your doubt

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