Chrysalis

When I finally come across Jim, he's shivering up against the wall of the tunnel as dozens of ants keep watch on him, some literally on top of him.

[Jim! You made it out, alright I see!]

[Anthony! Thank the- WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!]

[You mean Crinis? She's my pet.]

[THAT is your pet?]

[For sure, she's great. Anyway, why are you shaking like a leaf in a storm? Something wrong?]

[Every cell in my body is screaming at me to escape from these ants. I swear they are tasting me in their minds. They look hungry, Anthony!]

[You can't tell if an ant is hungry by looking at them, Jim.]

[I can sense it.]

[No you can't! Besides, what would be the point? We ants are always hungry.]

[Nooooo. Don't eat me, Anthony! I have a family! My poor worm children!]

[You aren't going to be eaten, Jim!] I scoff at him. [If the Colony was going to eat you, you'd be eaten already! Just relax for a second.]

[It's hard to relax when literal predators are climbing on you.]

He has a good point. When it comes to insects and small organisms, ants are just about kings of the hill. Worms are just one of the near infinite number of things that ants will prey upon as they seek out the protein they need to raise the ravenous brood.

[Just take a minute to appreciate your achievement! You're free! You made it out! If you want to, you can slither into the wall and vanish. Back to the Dungeon!]

rest before I can enjoy it. Besides, I can't feel at ease knowing what Sarah

back and try to bust her out. If it's going to happen though, it'll need to happen soon. The Golgari will get word of an active ant colony soon and will start to mobilise their no doubt considerable resources against us. We need to get in, hit the outpost and get out before that can happen. If

going to go talk to the leadership and see what we can do about

you mean? What's going on with these ants,

to explain. Let's just say, I

WHAT?!]

I get defensive.

I just wanted to help out my

intelligence of humans?

super

take it anymore. I'm going

eye of his ant protectors. What's his deal anyway? I don't see how smart ants are any worse than smart apes or smart rock-skinned people. In fact, aren't they just better? I mean, I'll take my

out a convenient meeting chamber for us to use so we don't block off the tunnel, which still has a ton of traffic moving through

it's wonderful to see you again!" This from

to see that this operation was a success." Sloan tips her antennae

lot, Eldest! You didn't happen to

things, which I'm happy to share

overwhelming. The situation has changed so quickly that I need a moment to adjust. The Vestibule continues to pump me full of energy and keep me fresh, but the emotional fatigue

to be back with you all. Thanks for coming for

to get you! Through great danger and GLORIOUS battle we have made our way to sacrifice

"Shut up, Leeroy."

"Yes, Eldest."

are we? How far

field that," Burke chips in, "we're approximately a hundred and thirty two kilometres in a straight line across the surface from the nest. In terms of movement through the tunnels, we could

"HOLY MOLY."

a heck of a long

guys even manage to

impossible mission. Three hundred kilometres of tunnel? In a matter of weeks?! What the heck have they had to do