Chrysalis

To plunge an entire fortress into darkness, to commit every ant within to the cells. Such a thing had never been done in the history of the Sanctum, in the history of the Colony.

The nameless one crouched in a deep and dark tunnel, motionless. Soon, another ant approached.

Greetings, nameless one.

I see you, nameless one.

What word from the Sanctum?

Twenty-four hours until the Fortress goes dark.

We’re going ahead, then.

Of course. The mission stands above all.

Agreed.

After exchanging signs, the two parted ways, the other skittering away to reconnect with her sisters, while the nameless one remained at her post, waiting for the next member of the Sanctum to come down the passage.

Only, the one she found wasn’t the one she expected.

From the darkness around her, she noticed a small tentacle grow, extending out to just in front of her eyes. In the presence of the Shadow, the nameless one held herself perfectly still, awash with reverence.

several times in a familiar gesture. Come

unwilling to leave her post, but unable to deny the summons of the Shadow, she followed. Heading in the direction indicated by the tiny tentacle, she soon found herself running down a labyrinthine passage into

wondered what the Shadow may be calling on her for, something to do with the coming darkness, she was sure. This was the first time the Shadow had taken such a direct hand in the affairs of the Sanctum, who knew what was going on in

another, as she crawled, until finally she emerged , pushing herself out into the light. She found herself in a large, open chamber, with one wide open entrance

one

around to face her, remaining side on and blocking sight from the entrance to the nameless one, but she felt a strange power seize hold of the area around

Shadow emerged, extending her limbs outward toward the

scent, she signed, my Master is not tied

wasn’t a fresh recruit any longer, she knew how important it was to conceal all traces. Pheromone traces can remain for days,

here to serve, the nameless

ant shifted imperceptibly, and

Sanctum. Master shares your frustration. The carelessness, the recklessness, the selfishness. Generals go without sleep, putting their troops at risk, medics are pushed to the brink,

been burning in her thorax roar back to life. Yes. YES. The Colony spat acid on the wisdom of the Eldest, turning their eyes away from the instruction that had served them so well in the past.

She was deeply moved.

task to serve so many guests at once, but my Master has confidence in you. It is the wish of my Master that you focus your energies on this task

one

defend

Shadow bristled, and the nameless one quickly added: with the help of the

a moment before