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!
long was
try to process what has happened. To all appearances, not much has changed. The hatchlings are still congregating together, shouting and arguing with each other with increasingly loud voices. Something that has
Is everything alright?] Crinis
me how long it's been since I last spoke to
moments, I haven't even made it up the tunnel to
What in the name of heck is going on
species and I agreed to have mine changed. Maybe I should
I bring up my status, my species has changed.
the nest, crawling down the tunnel from below and stuffing themselves into
Wait a second!
her way up. I ignore her confused questions and throw myself into the
of workers around her has grown eerily still. The stillness feels so strange here, in this place of motions and activity in
workers out of the way I
boy. I hope I
born, the system recognised that a new species had been created,
species to change, why is it taking so much longer for them? Is it because I'm already quite
I'm so confused!
The new hatchlings!
into the chamber, once again passing Crinis who was
them have grown still around them. Feeling somewhat anxious about the changing situation, I don't have that
you, shut
"…."
That was quick.
me, immediately quietening down. I didn't realise I
need
senior!" they
chamber. Crinis, head to the top of the nest but stay within the
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