Chrysalis

Given the nature of the ants as a social insect, one with a particular obsession toward the care and rearing of their young, it may be understandable, even expected, that they would focus so intently on education. However, the depth and complexity of their methods is astounding, no matter how one thinks about it.

Even among monsters, not all are born with the same interests and passions, and this is especially true for those above a certain threshold of intelligence. The Colony were quick to realise this fact and naturally sought to implement measures that would not only accommodate, but maximise the potential of this difference.

Thus was born the concept of ‘differentiation’. Certain ants excel at one task, whereas others are lacking in this area. The Colony quickly identifies these gaps and moves to specialise their curriculum from the earliest moment possible.

Using this method, the ants are able to find the most suited path for an individual and guide them along it within days of that hatchling emerging from its cocoon.

- Excerpt from ‘Antucation: Teaching and Learning, Pedagogy among the ant’ by Karliet Magron.

“Congratulations, hatchlings!” Poppant praised them, her antennae wiggling with joy.

The twenty young members of the Colony preened under her attention, basking in the approval of the Tender who had cared for them since they were eggs.

“That was quite an achievement, I am extremely impressed with all of you. A new Antcademy record for a third day clear! Of course, there are things we can improve on and each of you will need to write a four page report on what you can do better next time when we get back.”

The hatchlings cheered.

“Now off we go!”

With that cheerful declaration, Poppant began to march back to the Colony, her pheromones wafting happily behind her as the twenty tired, but excited ants marched in their wake.

Well, nineteen of them were tired but excited.

One of them was frustrated and disappointed.

for the third day of training, but

that knowledge burned in her like acid in

had been

from those judgemental

that’s what the Tenders had told her. She knew that so far, her broodmates had utterly failed to meet that standard. It couldn’t be allowed to

written essays (Solant produced twenty pages of dense pheromone lines for hers), she left to allow the

in for torpor, Solant stepped

well enough,”

and faced her in the centre of the chamber, antennae

one of her siblings asked. “Didn’t we just get a record? I thought that

working hard,” another

proud

slashed those words away with a

wrong?! Didn’t Poppant just demonstrate a long list of mistakes that

clacked her mandibles in

calls, and

true… my aim has been extremely poor…”

the timing when we change formation…” another

when dashing… I

“I noticed.”

“Dammit.”

current rate of improvement isn’t enough. Even if we

you suggesting… we… skip… sleep… and