Chrysalis

Dammit, Victor! You set me up for a thwacking! Why the heck wouldn't you tell me that The Queen was coming down here?! Despite being more evolved than her, those antennae still pack a serious wallop! How does it hurt this much?

“Hello there, Mother! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

She turns to look at me directly.

“Then why are you here? Lazing about, avoiding work?”

“Whoa! No! Not at all! Why would you jump to that conclusion?”

Her antenna is poised, ready to strike, and I retreat, desperately trying to defend myself from her pointed accusation.

“I was asked to come down here and meet someone, I was just saying I didn’t expect it to be you! They didn’t tell me who was coming, so I had no way to know!”

Her antenna lowers, and I relax just a little.

“Why are you here, Mother?”

THWACK!

“Should I not be here? Are you saying I’m not strong enough?”

“No! Sheesh! I was just wondering why!”

She’s so touchy today! Did Victor know she was grumpy in advance or something? Is that why I was sent here? I’ll get her back. Mark my words, I will get her back for this. Another flash of light, and lo and behold, the aphid queen arrives. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Aphy, and she’s certainly gotten bigger than before, but, relative to me, she’s smaller, so it isn’t easy to tell.

and clacking over her as she ensures the aphid has arrived safely. On one level, I’m even more surprised to see Aphy here. I

I’m glad to see Aphy made it alright. Uh. Do you have any idea where I’m supposed to

to look at me, her pet

you can figure it

depends, to

“Depends on what?”

this question without getting my head bashed in with

on Amazon without

as if offended I would dare

“Of course, child.”

you not recall what happened here a

are here in the fourth, then I’ll have a much better time being able to take you where you are expected. Are you here for a tour, or a short term stay? Are

“Permanently,” she replies.

That’s… interesting. I’m guessing you

not a question. Mother’s antenna

to make decisions for myself, child?”

Who could argue otherwise? It would be ridiculous to suggest that anyone other than

to be a complex web around The Queen, ensuring she stays happy and satisfied so she doesn’t do things like this. She’s going to get herself killed

mother? Or would you prefer

There’s going to be brood chambers and Queens’ quarters, fully furnished with a pot of hot tea kept on

a little tired after using the… gate. It was difficult to get the children to get out of my way.

she’s

her frustration, but the same goes for us, the children! Is it so much to ask that your mother doesn’t recklessly throw herself into

settled into your chambers. I’m