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.

post, but unable to deny the summons of the Shadow, she followed. Heading in 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

open chamber,

the nameless one said in

nameless one, but

emerged, extending her limbs outward toward the smaller

no scent, she signed, my Master is not tied to

nameless one recovered her poise and ducked her head in ascent. Of course, how foolish of her! She wasn’t a fresh recruit any longer, she knew how important it was to conceal all traces. Pheromone traces

am here to serve,

great ant shifted imperceptibly, and the tentacles continued

Master is aware of all that takes place within the nest, including the activities of the 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, scouts run ragged, core shapers left

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. All within the Sanctum felt it, and now she knew the Eldest

She was deeply moved.

in you. It is the wish of my Master that you focus your energies on this task specifically. Leave all concerns regarding the

nameless one

Eldest defend the entire fortress

and the nameless one quickly added:

a moment before