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.

anthill whilst fleeing the city. They attacked and we killed them

kind had been dealt with. Then I took appropriate

and the black soldiers have done the same down below. But these villagers have done nothing wrong to me or my colony, so I

should communicate my

staring at me with even more intensity

black?

forced me out of my first nesting place, systematically killing every monster they found and burning out the tunnels. I was terrified of them at

everything not long after I was born. I fled from them and wound up finding my colony in the forest

you’ve not fought them

with intensity as she asks

reply, [strictly running from them. I’m

Morrelia visibly relaxes.

is wise of you.

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 now. They are what is left of my homeland

a slight twinge of guilt. I didn’t have to dig quite so many tunnels underneath

innocent lives anyway. The human Queen got what she

kill any of my siblings or mess with the colony, I have no beef with

bridge, turning to her companions as they

FINALLY.

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

on his knees, giving praise and extolling whatever virtues have taken him at

This guy...

the mind bridge and before long I reach out and complete the

[Hello priest].

....

BEYOND JOY TO FINALLY

[Loud! Too damn loud!]

which had been rapturous as the link was established, is instantly chastened.

able to bask in your wisdom. I

Just

idol has demoralized him so visibly that the

try to settle him

can help me

With his one shaking hand he reaches up to touch

he faces me

[I am ready].

Okay then.

few questions about the system, I

....