Chrysalis

“Be careful, Tribune. The monster may attempt to manipulate your thoughts.”

Morrelia frowned.

“I’ve received mental fortitude training and raised my Skills to the commander level,” she said evenly. “I will of course remain vigilant nevertheless. Thank you for your diligence, Legionary.”

[What’d he say?] Anthony’s voice echoed in her mind.

[They’re still worried you’ll manipulate me,] she sighed.

[I mean… is it possible to communicate in any way without allowing for the chance of manipulation? I’ve seen what the brathian do to people with just words. It’s not pretty.]

[You know as well as I do that a mind bridge allows for more than just communication. How did you defeat Garralosh again?]

[Ugh… I’d rather not remember, to be honest; that was nasty. Alright, this is the place.]

The ants’ forward operating base wasn’t anything special, yet. There were hundreds of carvers still working on it, and she knew full well what miracles they could accomplish.

[Are there really rooms in there for us?] she asked, a little sceptical.

[Of course! We’re an accommodating group of insects. Unlike your Legion.]

Morrelia felt a pang in her chest.

[Are you thinking of the bolts we shot at you?]

[Of course I am! While I was falling out of the sky as well. That’s such a cheap shot.]

took a deep

from the Dungeon, and to

the many

think is best to protect people. It’s the right goal, just the wrong target. But hey, I don’t think

going to hold it against her

like to know,] Anthony continued, [is what you think. Am I a threat to the

him to put her on the spot, hitting

I’m not sure,] she said. [The wisdom of the Legion has helped us stand firm against the Dungeon since the Cataclysm. There is tremendous value in it, yet… I still struggle

you do right by the Colony, and we’ll do right by

what happened at the Silver

instant, all the energy was sucked out of the massive

that…. That whole

[Was? So it’s resolved?]

no,] Anthony muttered darkly, [not by a long shot. But

legs. To have such a large monster moving so quickly right next to her was unnerving, to say the least. It was hard to believe this was the same creature she’d fought

trouble fitting into the nests,] she observed as they walked

[This is what you came for, right? You

she said, looking

was clear the Colony was only beginning to muster the might of their industry to approach this

this above?] she asked. [I assume

he barked a laugh. [The initial invasion force is being

[A million?!]

is the fifth stratum, Morrelia,] he told her condescendingly. [We aren’t going to make any

area where a group of ants were tending to hundreds of…

love these guys. I