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.

has arrived safely. On one level, I’m even more surprised to see Aphy here. I had no idea there were plans to start aphid farms on the fourth, but

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

look at me, her pet falling

you can figure it out

that depends,

“Depends on what?”

I ask this question without getting my head bashed

is on Amazon without

disapprovingly, as if offended I would dare suggest

“Of course, child.”

not recall what happened here

take you where you are expected. Are you here for a tour, or a short

“Permanently,” she replies.

interesting. I’m guessing

statement, and not a question. Mother’s antenna twitches once

decisions for myself, child?”

would be ridiculous to suggest that anyone other than yourself would decide where

she stays happy and satisfied so she doesn’t do things like

want to go for a hunt now, mother? Or would you

be brood chambers and

after using the… gate. It was difficult to get the children to get out of my way. For some

stay somewhere safer. No wonder she’s so grumpy. She’s been patiently enduring the shenanigans of her children who’ve been attempting to prevent her from doing what she wants without

but sigh. It’s not like I don’t understand her frustration, but the same goes for us, the children! Is it so much

go and get you settled into your