Chrysalis

When the Eldest rested, there was a change that came over the Colony. It was as if we were set adrift, without the guiding force that drove us. Naturally, we were as industrious as ever. We built, researched, expanded, administered, hunted and built with our customary vigour, yet something was missing. During those times, an air of stillness would descend upon the family, as if we were waiting, as if everything we did was simply in preparation for whatever would come next once the Eldest awoke.

Despite everything we had been given by the Eldest, our intelligence, curiosity and independence, we still lacked a crucial element that would allow us to truly flourish. After living through these events and reflecting upon the records, as well as interviewing many, many of my siblings throughout the history of the Colony, I came to the conclusion that, fundamentally, we still were ants. We were greedy, ambitious and determined, ever hungry for growth, for more brood, more territory, more resources, but the Eldest was the one who dared to dream for more than that. It was the Eldest who pushed us to strive for the truly valuable, intangible things that we didn’t know we needed.

They pushed us to gain more freedom. It was the Eldest who demanded that we rise above our instincts and value our sense of self. It was the Eldest who fought to allow us the power of choice over our own lives. It was the Eldest who elevated us and allowed us to value these qualities in others, to forge partnerships and alliances.

While they slept, we reverted to a primitive state, bustling endlessly within our nests, waiting for the moment they woke so we could explode into motion once more, and grow in ways we didn’t know we could.

For this reason, the Eldest must be preserved at all costs. The Colony requires them in order to achieve our fullest potential. No matter what need be done, they cannot be allowed to fall.

- Written submission from Historiant to the Council.

had worked their magic, creating pockets and tunnels of pure shadow in which they could conduct their sacred task. Her Master had to

have such pockets of perfect darkness within her reach was pleasing. They were like beacons that she could see with total clarity, could move through with complete ease. With their help, her reach

her Master slept under the watch of her

Their Master thought of the family constantly, and over time, it had worn off on all of them. Tiny lifted his head,

quick thumbs up before he closed his eyes once

should he need to fight, he would be ready. It was almost amazing how swiftly he could snap to alertness. Though he might not give the impression of it, he was as dedicated to protecting their Master as anyone could

nearby, his eye fixated on the sleeping form of the giant ant in the centre of the chamber. The bright green glow that radiated from him filled the space; even without eyes, she could sense it driving back the shadows. Doubtless he was filled with envious

devotion. He was committed to defending the Master, in his own way.

she turned her focus back to the shifting form of the Master. Not long ago, the changes had begun, fluctuating waves of

that whatever took its place was as shiny as what had come before,