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

uh, misspoke, your,

again becoming still

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

to

uh. How are

apparently the best I can come

the Queen troubles herself to turn

you

giddy. A

good! I mean,

says, before beginning

I get some advice?" I

talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much more difficult than say, having

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 that old, I mean, technically in this world I’m less than a year old!

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

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

core in you" she

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

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

I’m not certain what evolution

a faint amusement in the words of the Queen

strength will improve the lives of our

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

I start to make my

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

itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you

in the end, it just comes down to my

a commander or do I want to be a

general or a

when I think

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

to be a

is the

find everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping and the

Excellent.

time on your doubt Anthony! Commence the

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