Chrysalis

It’s difficult to believe they were so successful.”

“You call that successful? Weren’t they supposed to conquer the fifth?”

“You know very well that it was just an exploratory mission.”

“Being able to survive down there for a few days is not nearly the same thing as making a safe path through to the sixth. If it were that easy, the Legion would have done it a thousand years ago!”

Marcus and Greyson argued back and forth as Morrelia sat and listened to both sides of the argument. They’d returned to their lodgings in the forward operating base, which had grown even larger and more elaborate in the time they’d been away.

More and more ants were arriving every hour. Every time she stepped out to survey the surroundings, their numbers had increased. Mostly carvers, but soldiers, mages, scouts and core shapers with their teams of pets also came down in a steady stream.

She’d seen the Colony at work before, of course, but this was on an entirely different scale. Over time, it became clear what was happening out there.

The ants were preparing a staging ground. The core shapers dispersed into the surrounding tunnels, hunting down monsters while the rest got to work defending and shaping the area. Although only the bare bones of it had taken shape, she could already get a glimpse of just how large the planned invasion force was going to be.

“Enough,” she announced, cutting off Greyson and Marcus. “Both of you are correct. It is impressive what the ants have done here. Making any headway at all into the fifth is a challenge many fail to meet. It likely wouldn’t be possible at all without the resilience of the tier seven ant, our target.”

She turned to Greyson.

“At the same time, it is far from a sufficient show of strength to suggest they’ll be successful at breaching the fifth. Let alone cleansing it, as they’ve declared they will. What we need to consider is just how many resources the ants are going to devote to this project? That will give us a stronger sense of their chances of success.”

The Legionary leaned back and sighed.

“Do you really think they even have a chance?” Greyson said. “I’m not convinced and I think the Commander will agree.”

“You’re underestimating them,” Marcus interjected quietly. “We should never be in the position where we underestimate our foes, Greyson.”

to solve this,” Morrelia said. “I’ll get permission for us to go up

happy to

investigate the ants’ operations in the fifth,

at all. How are we to ensure our reports even make it

Morrelia rolled her eyes.

Amazon without the author's

we want to make a complete report to Commander Chyron, then this

find Anthony. He was, as expected, lounging about, apparently bickering with the ants passing him by, judging by the irritated waving of his

he saw her coming, a mind bridge soon

saying that’s got you all riled up?]

have any idea how hard I had to work down there in the muck! Absolute

the much, much smaller ant seemed

more respect from the Legionaries,] Anthony sighed, [being an officer and all that.

not sure I’d go that

fighting force, but there was a reason for that. Insubordinate soldiers

request,] she

do for an

She winced despite herself.

I just want complete information so I can report to my commander. To be honest, the more I can say the Colony is likely to succeed,

for the campaign, eh?] Anthony mused as he rubbed his head. He sighed. [It’s a bit of a risk for us, though. We’d be revealing

far as I know, there are no plans for

tell

[...Right,] she reluctantly agreed.

considered it for

don’t trust the Legion, because why would I, but I do trust you. Head on up there and take a look, then go report