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.

been slow, her orders had been late and the firing discipline had been sloppy. It may have been a record setting pace for the third day

that knowledge burned in her like acid

above. The statue had been updated recently to ensure it depicted the oldest and greatest member of the Colony in all of their current glory, colossal in size

away from those

Eldest demanded each ant in the Colony perform to as high a standard as they did, at least, that’s what the Tenders had told her. She knew that so far, her broodmates had utterly failed to meet that

each of their written essays (Solant produced twenty pages

her siblings could settle in for torpor, Solant stepped

performing well enough,”

faced her in the centre of

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

working hard,” another piped

is proud of us…” another

away with a swipe of

we did wrong?! Didn’t Poppant just demonstrate a

her mandibles

the one making the most calls, and many of those were either late or unclear. If anyone is performing the worst in

my aim has

timing when we change formation…” another

tripped over my legs when

“I noticed.”

“Dammit.”

improvement isn’t enough. Even if we turn around and set another record tomorrow, I don’t think we should be satisfied. Unless we perform flawlessly, we

suggesting… we… skip… sleep…