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

is to protect people from the

turned to regard her directly, the many

doing what you think is best to protect people. It’s the right goal, just the wrong target. But hey, I don’t think I’ll ever convince the people who run your outfit

going to hold it

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

put her on the spot,

not sure,] she said. [The wisdom of the Legion has helped us stand firm against the Dungeon since the Cataclysm. There is tremendous value

do right by the Colony, and we’ll

at

sucked out of

That

[Was? So it’s resolved?]

darkly, [not by a long shot. But

recovered his bounce alarmingly quickly, springing back up onto the tips of his legs. To have such a large monster moving so quickly right next to her was unnerving, to say the least. It

get any bigger, you’re going to have trouble fitting into the nests,] she

he was probably right. [This is what you came for, right? You want to know how

right,] she said, looking around

were thousands of ants, hard at work on a myriad of tasks around her. It was clear the Colony was only beginning to

above?] she

force is being prepped above. It’s

[A million?!]

he told her condescendingly. [We aren’t going to make any

area where a group

told her, [I love these guys. I don’t know