Chapter 553 Words with Mother (1/2)

”Oh! h.e.l.lo there Mother… I, uh, didn't expect to see you here!”

”In the brood chambers, child? Where else would I be?”

I can almost sense another thwack coming… The first one really hurt! She's had a serious increase to her physical stats since her evolution. I rub the top of my head with an antenna as I quickly ponder my response.

”Wherever you want to be, Mother?”

THWACK!

Ouch!

”You wouldn't be suggesting I would skip out on my duty to the Colony, would you?”

”Of course not! Who would ever think of such a thing?!”

Dangit, Mother! My poor head! What did I even do? Turning around to face my overbearing parent, I take a chance to see how she's been faring. She looks fine, no wounds or scarring to mar her carapace. That ever-present twinkle in her eye is still apparent, as is the unusual level of force she's able to generate with her antennae. There must be a 'mother' perk buried in the system somewhere that grants bonus damage when disciplining children, otherwise it just doesn't make sense.

”If you're mad at me, Mother, then please just tell me what I've done,” I capitulate.

I don't have the heart to try and get out of my well-earned 'thwacks'. I've once again evaded my responsibilities and brought danger down on the Colony. A few knocks on the head are the least of what I deserve. Instead, the Queen just looks down at me, curious.

”I am not mad at you, child. I am pleased to see you.”

”Got a funny way of showing it…” I mutter.

”What was that? I didn't quite catch the scent.”

”Ah, nothing! Well, uh. It's nice to see you in such good health! Managing to get out much?”

”Why yes. I leave the Colony for a daily hunt in order to secure my own Bioma.s.s. The prey in the nearby tunnels is becoming rather thin, however. I may need to start ranging further…”

They actually let the Queen out for hunts? Not that they could stop her, I suppose, but yikes. I'd love to have seen the council members' faces when they realised the Queen was going to leave their fortress of a nest and run around in the tunnels.

”I'm going to a.s.sume you have an escort?”

The Queen sighs.

”Yes. They insist and I don't really want to say no, even if I do think it's a bit of a waste. Those children could all be contributing in a more meaningful way. I feel bad for them.”