Chrysalis

Morrelia blinks a few times.

[You can’t seriously expect me to accept that].

This is one stubborn person.

[We’ve already established that you won’t accept anything I say].

Her eyes narrow.

[Then would you answer a few questions?]

It’s amazing how patient everyone is being watching this. I have a crowd of people standing about watching a woman stare at a monster with absolutely nothing happening on the outside. For some reason they all seem riveted, watching me, then watching Morrelia, as if an invisible game of tennis were going on and they had to imagine the movement of the ball.

[Yes I can answer some questions, but can we make it quick? I have stuff to do]

I can see her mouth tighten a little at that but I’m only telling the truth. This conversation taking place at all is a favour to her, I’m not getting anything out of it.

Maybe I’m just trying to work on my diplomacy. Nearly getting my entire commercial district bitten off was enough to remind me of the old days when I hung about on the ceiling and did my best to never be found.

The change to walking straight up into my enemies faces happened a little too quick. The caution from those early days kept me alive! Information first! Swaggering up to giant monsters and attacking them head on is not supposed to be my style!

Stay low! Information is king!

This lack of care and attention, this was the work of Dark Anthony. Damn ego beast! Be gone from my sight!

Remember humility! Remember stealth! Remember not getting half of your ass bitten off!

With renewed motivation I decide to listen to what Morrelia has to say. Not making enemies I don’t have to is wise policy. Let’s keep it pleasant.

[Have you ever killed any humans?]

[Yep]

DAMMIT.

Her eyes flash dangerously at my immediate reply and I hasten to explain myself.

[In defence! My colony was attacked by humans and I defended my family! I surely can’t be blamed for that! I also killed a few during the rebellion in Liria but I was assisting your Queen retake her throne, you would have done the same had you been around, surely].

Morrelia listens to my defence and is forced to nod reluctantly.

[I have heard from Enid and others about what happened during the rebellion in my homeland. I had not heard of your colony being attacked].

I shrug my antennae.

into the anthill whilst fleeing the city. They attacked and we killed them in retaliation. Many of my siblings died in that battle, I honestly wish

with. Then I took appropriate measures against the

soldiers have done the same down

communicate my

at me with even more intensity than

dressed in black? You’ve

Legion that she keeps going on about? I remember when they forced me out of my first nesting place, systematically killing every monster they found and

killing everything not long after I was born. I fled from them and wound

not fought

thoughts are vibrating with intensity as she asks

reply, [strictly running from them. I’m not that

Morrelia visibly relaxes.

wise of you.

wait, lady. Pretty soon the most powerful and awesome ant colony in the history of any world is

monster. But I’m willing to let you live. Perhaps after a period of observation I’ll be able to determine your true colours. I will stay here with my allies and assist the refugees for

can’t help but feel a slight twinge of guilt. I didn’t have to dig quite so many

innocent lives anyway. The human

you don’t kill any of my siblings or mess with the colony,

turning to her companions as they lean forward to hear the

FINALLY.

longer forced to be diplomatic I can now turn to the task at hand. Extracting information from this

knees, giving praise and extolling

This guy...

bridge and before long I reach out and complete

[Hello priest].

....

IS BEYOND JOY TO FINALLY RECEIVE YOUR HALLOWED WORDS. LET

[Loud! Too damn loud!]

rapturous as the link was established, is instantly chastened.

able to bask in your

soft! Just

priest is looking properly distressed. Being told off twice by his religious idol has demoralized him so visibly that the people around him reach out with

to

few questions that you can help me with. Please don’t shout at me, it hurts my

up to touch the hands placed upon

he faces

[I am ready].

Okay then.

about the system, I

....