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 make a mistake in my

your,

away and once again

advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does

try to strike up the conversation

Queen, uh.

apparently the best I can come up

the Queen troubles herself to turn back and face me before

you well?" she

A

uh, I’m good! I mean,

she says, before beginning to turn

I get some advice?" I

once 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

sure how her mind works, what it is that is important

wondered if

didn’t respond for a long moment and I was starting to think I might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae reached down

core in

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

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

certain

can sense a faint amusement in the words of the

paths lead to greater strength and greater strength will improve the lives of our people. To the colony,

pat on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten

make my way back to my trap

have to say that what the Queen had to say makes perfect

stronger, the colony itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you use your new power

the end, it just comes down to my

to a commander or do I want to be

or a

when I think about it

like a

be a magic user for

ant is

same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and

Excellent.

no more time on your

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