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 in my

uh, misspoke, your, uh, Queen....

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

choose this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does it really matter? I have someone to talk

moment I try to strike up

uh. How

apparently the best I can come

Queen troubles herself to turn back

Are you well?"

giddy. A conversation! An actual

I’m good! I mean,

am glad" she says, before beginning to turn away

get some advice?" I blurt

monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to

it is that is important to her. She’s

if you, uh, had any advice on what

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

sense a strong core in you"

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

Choose as you wish, and continue to use your strength on behalf of your

I’m not certain

a faint amusement in the words of the Queen as she responds

strength will improve the lives of our people.

decisively turns away, giving me one last pat on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m

I start to make my way back to my

from having my first conversation in months, I have to say that what the Queen had to

the monster stronger, the colony itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as

it just comes down to my

or do I want

general or

I think about it

right? Like, this is magic we are talking about... MAGIC. I could lord over the battlefield like a friggin’ god

to be a magic

ant is

rush back to the trap network and find everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and the traps

Excellent.

time on your doubt Anthony!

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