As the voices of the new hatchlings ring throughout the room, and I start to wonder just what it is that I've done, another voice sounds within my mind.
[Original Species has been detected. New species type has been assigned.]
Gandalf?! What the heck are you on about?!
Is he saying that the new hatchlings are recognised by the system as a different species to mine? I did make a lot of changes…
Does this mean that the workers will attack them? That would be terrible!
Before I can process the implications of what is being said, the voice of the grey one continues to speak.
[You have been designated as the progenitor of this new species. Do you wish to align your species, and that of your colony, with this new archetype?]
Uhhhhhhhhhh.
Yes?
I suppose?
The instant I assent within my mind, there is an audible rumble around and within me. A lethargic feeling rises up through my limbs and claws towards my mind, dragging me down into the lassitude I recognise as Torpor.
[Crinis! Watch me …]
Before I can finish the sentence, my thoughts slow like congealing grease until they move no more.
…
I'm up!
Crinis! How long was
changed. The hatchlings are still congregating together, shouting and arguing with each other with increasingly loud voices. Something that has changed,
Is everything alright?]
tell me how long it's been since I last spoke
few moments, I haven't even made it up the
seconds? What in the name of heck
something about new species and I agreed to have mine
up my status, my species has changed. No
the nest, crawling down the tunnel from below and stuffing themselves into chambers only to immediately
Wait a second!
her way up. I ignore her confused questions and throw myself into the Queens chamber. Behind me I can see more
still. The stillness feels so strange here, in this place of motions and
of the way I find
I didn't
had been
longer for them? Is it because I'm already quite close to what the new generation can evolve into, whereas the others aren't?
I'm so confused!
The new hatchlings!
rush back up the tunnel into the chamber, once again passing Crinis who
the workers who had tended them have grown still around
you, shut
"…."
That was quick.
me, immediately quietening down. I didn't realise I had this much charisma as a leader. I'm impressed with
need you to keep still for a
senior!" they respond in
head to the top of the nest but stay within the
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