Chapter 79 Chatterbox (1/2)

Now that I know I can talk to my colony members, even if they can't talk back, I don't hold back and start to throw words at every worker I meet on my way into the nest.

”Hey, how are yor?”

Still needs a bit of work on that one.

”Hoos that work goging for yar?”

So close!

”Blice to see you ablarn”.

Nearly had it!

As I wander about cheerfully greeting the ants around me they typically respond in the same way, by turning and tapping me about the antennae before going back on their way.

I'm not really fussed by the lack of response to my blather, just talking and getting the hang of my new mutation is reward enough for me.

Checking in on the brood I can see the little grubs are looking a little larger and a little less sad than they were before, pleasingly plump and growing they'll become new workers soon enough.

After shouting ”See you flater!” to the workers I make my way down to the Queens chamber. By this time I've gotten used to saying whatever is on my mind to every ant I see so when I walk in front of the Queen, who is standing still and accepting a grooming for her attendant workers I give a friendly wave of the antennae and say ”Hey there! How's it hambing Queen?”

The enormous ant turns her head slowly and ponderously before looking down at me with her large, unblinking eyes.

”Hambing?” she said.

….

”Uhhhh”.

…..

She can talk?

The Queen continues to look down at me quizzically as I stare dumbfounded.

”Hambing?” she asks again.

This sensation of talking and listening using scent is very different to what I'm used to. When the Queen speaks I'm finding my antennae are not only able to distinguish the words she is speaking but also the difference in tone and voice. Her voice sounds patient and warm.

I concentrate harder to try and not make a mistake in my words.

”I uh, misspoke, your, uh, Queen…. Ness”.

”Ah” she said, before turning away and once again becoming still as the workers continue to groom her.

I'm still a bit stunned! So the Queen can use pheromone language too? Did she choose this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does it really matter? I have someone to talk to!

After a moment I try to strike up the conversation again.

”Hey Queen, uh. How are you?”

This is apparently the best I can come up with.

Once more the Queen troubles herself to turn back and face me before replying.

”Well. Are you well?” she replies.

I'm almost giddy. A conversation! An actual conversation!

”Oh… uh, I'm good! I mean, well!'

”I am glad” she says, before beginning to turn away again.

”Could I get some advice?” I blurt out.

The Queen once again looks back to me, patiently waiting for my words. Actually talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much more difficult than say, having a chat with your school friend, not that I did much of that…

It seems kind of obvious, but I need to keep in mind that the Queen isn't human and unlike me, she never was. I'm not exactly sure how her mind works, what it is that is important to her. She's probably not even that old, I mean, technically in this world I'm less than a year old! Not that it really matters to monsters I guess.

”I'm uh, getting ready to evolve! I just wondered if you, uh, had any advice on what I should choose?”

The Queen didn't respond for a long moment and I was starting to think I might need to repeat the question when eventually her antennae reached down and tapped mine before tapping me on the head.

”I sense a strong core in you” she said.

”Uh…. Yes?” I respond.

”You have fought well for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to use your strength on behalf of your family”.