Chrysalis

Chapter 262

"Ok. Let's try this again. The enemy is down there. We can see them, we are in a superior position where they cannot fight back. All of the advantages are ours. So, what are you going to do? What is your strategy?"

The twenty hatchlings and I are positioned in one of the original four farms, clinging to the ceiling out of harm's way. I lured a monster out of the towards the edge of the open space and tied it down with a gravity bolt. The poor creature is labouring on the ground beneath us, barely able to move, whilst I try to teach these hatchlings how to fight.

The particular young worker I've been trying to teach twitches a little as I focus on my attention on them fully. I'm not sure exactly why but these workers seem a little cowed by me. Perhaps it's just that I'm older and larger.

"Well, I see the monster down there."

"Right."

"I know that I have numerical superiority."

"Right!"

Maybe this time I'm getting through to them.

"I also know that we have a positional advantage here, and the ability to attack our opponent when they can't fight back."

"Yeees?"

Here we go!

"So, I will charge down to engage the enemy, forcing myself into its jaws so that by my sacrifice my fellow workers will be able to attack without being harmed!"

DAMMIT.

Immediately the rest of the hatchlings respond positively.

"Ooo, that's a good idea!"

"Curses! I should have thought of that."

"That has to be the right answer. It's flawless."

The worker who suggested it is now staring at me like a puppy waiting to be praised. Almost wiggling with joy as the praise of his fellow hatchlings rings in his ears.

Ugh. This again.

"WRONG!"

*Thwack!*

an antennae down hard I slap the worker

I have to say

right" the

feel a splitting headache coming

put forward are you allowed to act in a suicidal way. You should always act to minimise the loss to the colony

look at me as if I'm speaking a different

unsatisfactory. I've been trying for thirty minutes to get them to value their own

on their part. They

going to value themselves for their own sake, but perhaps I

me, all of you!"

of eyes and antennae focus

earnest,

serve the colony?" I

"Of course!"

"Yes!"

this day is done for the

down there. So I take it, you also

"Naturally!"

heart of the

throw my life for the Queen before

there, to the side,

take a moment

colony, can you do more to serve the Queen, when you are alive,

"….."

are seriously thinking. In any other situation this would be ridiculous

serve the colony for a time, and then die in dutiful service to the

for the colony whilst still alive? Especially after you've taken Biomass and experience that could have gone to

as if throwing up vile poison and the

"Selfish?!"

"NEVER!"

accused of selfishness?! I would rather die! Unselfishly

I nod sagely.

in you, it is your duty to repay the colony with dutiful service, NOT pointless

closer

Which colony is better, one with one hundred

is clearly superior to less workers.

how is the colony supposed to increase its numbers if you die

"…"

that hit them hard. Time for the

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