Chrysalis

When our home mountain comes into view, I feel an upswell of emotion, stronger than I expected. We’ve been gone for a little over a month, and it’s wonderful to see the end of the journey come into sight.

Soon, I get the same feeling from all the other ants, locked away in the holds of the ships. They don’t particularly care about being packed into cramped conditions, but they are ready to be out and back amongst the family again, getting some work done.

As we draw closer, the energy flowing into my Vestibule goes from a relative trickle to a flood, as tens of thousands, then hundreds of thousands of ants come into range. Holy heck! I’d almost forgotten what it felt like. All of a sudden, I’m overflowing with energy and feel like I could take on the world.

As the fleet continues on the final stretch of the journey, it’s clear to see the family has been hard at work on the mountain. Carving, reinforcing, building, sculpting. There’s more shape and definition to the fortress. The walls look taller, stronger, and I can see even from here that they’ve been significantly upgraded. There’s even been development on the shoreline. A large dock area is under construction, and there’s the beginnings of a settlement. Perhaps that’s where they intend to run our Dungeon Delving operation?

As long as the centipedes are being exterminated, I’m happy.

Before long, Eran Thouris comes onto the deck, a smile on her face and the light gleaming off her purple scales.

[Looking forward to being home?] I ask her.

[Of course. I’m looking forward to seeing how much my husband has made while I was away.]

I don’t know why I would think she was hoping for anything other than money.

[Would he really have been that busy making profits? We were away for one month.]

[Don’t underestimate Satrap Umizan,] she said firmly, a twinkle in her eye. [I might be the chief negotiator for the Conglomerate, but he’s the Satrap for a reason.]

[Speaking of sweet, sweet wealth. When can we expect our first delivery of cores?]

The thought of paying out wealth doesn’t seem to sit as nicely, wiping the smile from her face.

[It will take a little time to see what sort of impact your confrontation with the Phoenix will have on our enterprise. But I’m hoping it won’t be too detrimental. I would like to make our first payment in another month.]

We’ve discussed what happened a few times, but only in circular terms. She’s not happy I did what I did, putting so much at risk, but eventually she was able to appreciate that I was never going to be able to do anything else. Ultimately, it was more productive to just not talk about it.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Soon, we’re close enough that I think I might be able to reach out to the gang.

Can you hear me,

but that might

[Tiny? Tiny!]

[Huh? Loud.]

your

[... Maybe.]

I missed you too!

[Good.]

[And how are you?]

[Good.]

can be infuriating sometimes. He’s never been all that talkative, but I was hoping his increased mental

evolution? Did

wide, bat-faced grin. [Tiny is strong! Much

now he wants to talk. Figures. I do need to ask

Crinis? Is she…

A moment of silence.

[Uh. She is fine.]

The tone of his voice is a little weird. He

you alright

[Yes. Fine.]

[And Crinis?]

Again, a pause.

is fine…

Wait a second.

Crinis telling

Another pause.

[No.]

is! She’s getting Tiny to lie for her? Just how furious is she?! Tentatively, I

there, Crinis. How… how are you? Wake up from your evolution