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.

harder to try and not make a mistake

uh, misspoke, your,

again becoming still as the workers continue to groom

this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a

a moment I try to

Queen, uh. How are

the best I can come up

troubles herself to turn back and face me

Are you well?"

A conversation!

I’m good! I

says, before beginning to turn

some advice?" I

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

seems kind of obvious, but 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

I just wondered if you, uh, had any advice on what I

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

strong core in you" she

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

kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to use

certain

the words of the Queen

greater strength will improve the lives of our people. To the colony, it matters not what

said that she decisively turns away, giving 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

make my way back to

conversation in months, I have to say that what the Queen had to say makes perfect sense from

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

in the end, it just comes down

to a commander or do I

general or

I think about

I could lord over the battlefield like a friggin’ god if

to be a magic user for

is

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

Excellent.

your doubt Anthony!

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255