Formicea

 

Life is tedious.
No one knows this better than I do.
An eternity of over and over repeating patterns taught me so.

Creation, fulfillment, fate.
Those three principles rule our existence.
To be created, thrown into this unforgiving world through the actions of another being.
Finding fulfillment in pursuit of that what you find to be your purpose, which will determine all your present actions.
And fate, the ultimate end when all our doing eventually comes to a final close.
And ironically I unite all of them in me.
I create new life in each passing moment with each new egg that will bear new life.
I am their fulfillment, their purpose, the one thing that guides their actions.
And I'll be their fate when they eventually will find their end in my service.

This is how it is in the swarm.
This is how it always will be.
However, I'm aware that it's not common to be like this.
In the old times, when I as well was a youngling everything was simpler.
Yet to me they appeared all the more fulfilling.
Only the creation was intended to lie with the old.
Fulfillment and fate were up to the younger generation, once they hatched, to find their own way.

But life is harsh.
We had to claw ourselves against so many competitors.
And many ended too soon in this struggle for survival.

So we chose to change.
To guide our offspring, unite them, and let them act as one for a purpose that is worth it.
Our continued existence as one.

One could say this purpose became twisted, countless drones only acting for the sake of a selected few who bring life.
This might be true, as they cannot create life on their own anymore.
On the other side, it's undeniable that it's fulfilling.
That they do what benefits us all is the reason they can find their fate and be proud of the role they had till that point, assuring the continuance of the new offspring.
This is the truth of the swarm.

However, to me, that means that I spent an eternity observing the coming and passing of countless lives.
And in all my responsibility I come to question myself ever so often if I shouldn't change my ways. If continuance is good or eventually will lead to demise.
Because if we don't change as we did in the past to become one change might come to us and meet us unprepared.
This is my viewpoint as the being which shares its history with the whole that is my swarm.
This is my viewpoint as queen.

At the moment the world is calm.
The truce with the Vel-Rosha and the Menula swarm lasts for already almost seven-hundred cycles.
In this time my kin was able to secure its base, cull the creatures which rose in numbers due to the recline the swarm wars brought over us, and spread along the section of the system the agreement allows us to inhabit.
And I made sure it was a vast one, as I had the position of power back then.

We even began to expand our territory.
Digging tunnels leading further than the greatest expanse our species ever controlled.
We are thriving, as we should.
And nothing may hinder us to do so.

 

<Queen!>

 

Suddenly a drone enters my chamber.
A messenger which emits signals of stressed urgency.
Something clearly happened.

 

<Talk.> (Uma)

<Queen, so much, so much...> (messenger)

 

It's obvious that this drone barely knows how to convey whatever it is that made it so distressed.

 

<Shoooooh!/Calm, little one. Tell me slowly what happened.> (U)

 

I let my pheromones carry a sense of calmness.
It shows effect.
As soon the messenger receives them my conveyed thoughts make it lose its agitation to a degree.

 

<My queen, there was an extraordinary development from our furthest upper expanse.> (messenger)

<What kind of development?> (U)

<The world just... ended!> (messenger)

 

What?
An ending world?
How can such a thing be?
But this messenger conveys exactly this, so there is no doubt.
Still, I want to clarify.

 

<The world ended?> (U)

<Yes. A small tunnel opened a passage towards something that was first thought to be a giant cave. But soon the scouting drones realized there is no earth over them. The whole world expanded in every direction without any obstructions but the earth below and completely changed in appearance. Everything was just one single surface.> (messenger)

<Surface?> (U)

 

Such a thing.
It's different from anything that ever happened.
An ending world.
As much such an extraordinary occurrence might throw my consolidated swarm into disarray, I can't help but feel elated at the prospects it might hold.

All the possibilities it will bring.
All the change.
And change means progress.

 

<Is this "surface" habitable?> (U)

<Life thrives there but conditions are not as advantageous as here. The temperature is significantly lower and there is no protection by surrounding walls to be found. There is a distinctive, unforgiving brightness, impeding the vision of any drone relying on sight and causing considerable pain. How shall we react to this development, my queen?> (messenger)

 

Fascinating.
I cannot fathom such a place.
And don't know of any common tactics to apply to such an environment.
No tunnels, no ceiling, just open space.
How exciting!

 

<We will deal with it the same way we would with a newly discovered cave system. First, we send out the hunters. They shall gain information about the environment. Combat is to be avoided. This "surface" is still close to the hive and we don't want to stir any possible threats. The scholars may exclusively analyze any insight the hunters may deliver. And I as well wish to be continuously informed about any new developments.> (U)

<Yes, my queen.> (messenger)

 

And so he leaves and I stay.
As I always do.
Anticipative of what the future might bring.

 

             

 

I'm eagerly waiting for any news from the surface.
A completely new world where nothing is as my whole species is used to.
I am not worried about what we may find there.
My swarm is strong and in the worst case, we can simply collapse all the connecting tunnels.
So nothing should reach us in due time.
Nonetheless, in my eight-thousand-nine-hundred-twenty-four cycles, I've never experienced such a thing to happen.
There opens a completely new world.
And so much new lies there, waiting for me.

 

<Queen!> (messenger)

 

Ah, a messenger.
The way this drone enters my chamber the news must be urgent.
And urgent means it's important enough to be interesting.
And I like interesting things.

 

<Is it about the surface?> (U)

<Yes.> (messenger)

<Then tell!> (U)

<Conflict!> (messenger)

 

Conflict?
Conflict with what?

 

<So there are predators on the surface?> (U)

<There was a thermal reaction originating from the surface. A source of warmth. Immediately the present units dug a passage in its direction. Yet when they reached it they met apparently native creatures of the surface and a great area of destructive heat.> (messenger)

 

So much new.
So much to process.
Destructive heat?
New creatures?
I want to learn more.

 

<Details! What happened?> (U)

<As usual guardians were sent first. When they arrived several entities moving on two legs advanced on them. Also, the thermal reaction had a harmful influence. Their pheromones became disordered close to it which agitated them. Directly after this, they used long claws to attack them and they retaliated. While sustaining minor damage a supporting unit of hunters enabled them to quell this threat.> (messenger)

<So those new creatures are pack hunters?> (U)

<The remarkable was that they acted coordinated. It might be that they're sapient. At least intelligent.> (messenger)

 

An intelligent social species?
There aren't many of those in my world.
This is of importance because there lies strength in coordination.
In working together to reach common goals.
Who wouldn't know this but me?

So was this a tactic?
A trap to lure our forces to them?
Were they aware of us?
I can't dismiss this possibility, but with such poor preparation, it seems unlikely.

 

<There's one more thing, my queen.> (messenger)

<State it!> (Uma)

<At the site of the incident another of those creatures was found, yet with minor differences. It didn't show any aggressive behavior, aside from insignificant resistance when it was caught. At this moment we transport it to the hive for the scholars to examine.> (messenger)

 

A similar creature?
Not aggressive?
Maybe a caste of non-combatants?
If they truly are intelligent then maybe I can receive information from this being.
The things it might be able to tell me about the surface.
I'm intrigued.

 

<Bring it to me!> (U)

 

If it's not of a fighting role then there should be no issue.
Also, there might even be the chance to find a use for it on my side.
Like back then when I captured the princesses.
I only need to be convincing.

 

<My queen?> (messenger)

<I want that you bring this creature to me. I want to see it myself.> (U)

<Such a thing...> (messenger)

<Was my order not precise enough?! You'll make sure it will be brought to me! There is no room to stray!> (U)

 

As if I would let go of the first chance of excitement since the swarm wars ended.
Not that I miss those times, but I feel like I grew too stiff in this monotony.
The messenger at least understands now.
As you see, I can be very convincing.

I don't have to wait for too long.
The transport was already on the way to the hive when I gave my order and had only to be redirected.
Messengers inform me that it will arrive any moment.
I send all the drones which aren't necessarily needed out of my chamber and let those who are too essential to dismiss border the walls of my spacious hall.

Then I let them enter.
Four workers carry a twitching bundle into my sanctuary, place it fast on the ground and leave my space, knowing they aren't needed anymore.
The bundle writhes and shifts till I can make out what are supposedly its limbs.
With intriguingly determined movements, it brings what I perceive as the upper appendages to its mouth.
With neglectable small fangs, it's fiddling there until something on its claws loosens and falls down.

Fascinated I observe.
It ripped some kind of silk from them, yet it's far rougher but also thicker than of the silk-producing creatures I know.
The creature proceeds by fiddling with the now separatable claws on its lower appendages, which I notice are bound by the same silk.

How strange.
Why would it restrict its own movements like this?
Becoming so vulnerable?
I try to find an answer, knowing that this can't be the doing of my drones, even if it made their work conveniently easier.

With some elation I realize, there were combatants at the site.
What if those didn't try to set up a trap but instead were trying to catch a non-combatant to strengthen their own workforce?
Similar to how I did with the princesses back then?
This would mean that the party which catches and controls them can decide about their service.
Oh, this becomes better and better.

Meanwhile, the creature freed all its appendages and stands up.
What a fickle little thing.
It's barely reaching a worker's size while not even coming close to its width.
The structure couldn't be more delicate and something about its surface appears odd.
The most similar entity to compare it to might be a nurse.
With visible distress, the being starts to look around, yet what I esteem to be its eyes swipe over me without lingering.

Oh, you poor little thing.
Can't you even see?
Ah, the messenger said something about brightness.
It makes sense that opposing conditions would make seeing more difficult.
Still, this being has my attention.
I decide to address it.

 

<Shuuuuooooohhhh!/Hello, little one. I am Queen Uma!> (U)

 

The creature perks up, looking around, yet still without focus.

 

<Shooooooohhhh!/I am here, little one. You are in my realm.> (U)

 

Hm, I perfectly elaborated my position with my pheromones, yet it still won't focus me.

The creature proceeds to stare around till finally, its gaze settles on me.
It seems even if the brightness isn't favorable its perception works to a degree.
Knowing I am seen I move closer to my guest, to properly receive it.

 

"Aghck!" (E)

 

Now I am sure it noticed my presence.
Different from before it can't even stop staring at me.
Certain that I now have its attention I focus a strong message on it.

 

<Shuuuuuhhhh!/Sit down and elaborate! I want to know what you are and what your role is. If I'm satisfied you may continue to pursue it and I promise I'll protect you and secure your existence!> (U)

 

Huh, this is a little disenchanting.
The creature doesn't react in the slightest, even if I gave it a direct order.
My pheromones are so strong that even primitive critters should at least become aware of basic commands.
Could it truly be that this being is not susceptible to receive pheromones?

Maybe I was wrong and this isn't a sapient lifeform.
But no, its movements before were so controlled.
It shows some kind of intelligence.

Also, now that I'm close, I notice that what appeared as strange to me about its body was that it's covered in something else.
Unable to contain my curiosity I extend my claw in its direction to touch.
This being is so small, it couldn't harm me even if it tried to do so and I wouldn't attempt to fight back.
Yet it isn't even doing that.
It remains completely moveless until I reach it.
So I poke it and the little one instantly topples down.
I didn't even apply any strength.

At least I confirmed two things.
The first is that there truly is a foreign layer of material around its body of unknown purpose.
The second is that the creature's real surface is worrisome soft.
So extremely delicate that it must be prone for harm to befall it.
Yet despite this great threat to its existence, it's still motionlessly staring at me.
Almost as if it got paralyzed.

 

"Please, at least kill me fast." (E)

 

This puts me off.
Suddenly complex tones escape from the little one's mouth.
Is this how its species does communicate?
Neither pheromones, nor even simple gestures, but purely on a vocational basis?
This idea seems foreign, yet the execution is fairly distinctive.
The small creature isn't saying anything else but only stares.
I am sure it is aware to some degree of the situation.
But it's choosing passivity.

However, before I can proceed with this interaction I notice something.
Between the creatures legs escapes liquid.
She isn't even paying attention to it and keeps staring.
I draw a little closer to process this.

The scent is intricate.
And with this I realize.
This one is a female!

There's a pattern all females share and I am more than able to tell the difference.
But this isn't all there is to it.
A female, but not yet mature, close before.
The liquid contains the same components commonly released during maturity processes.
This one is young.

And then I notice something else.
Her very own scent.
I thought there would be greater differences but it's a bit similar to my territory.
I find it soothing.

Contemplating those revelations I move back.
There's one thing I find estranging about this female's behavior.
And this is that she didn't move the whole time.
Not being able to communicate and at such a disadvantage any living creature would usually focus on escaping this situation.

But not her.
She just waits for me to do anything I want to her.
Just like a captured princess.

Could it be that you've already given up?
Is your life of such minor importance to you?
Don't you want to create your own offspring and contribute to the continuation of your species?

No, it doesn't seem so.
Could it be that you lack a purpose?
But... that would be sad.
Such a young being and already given up on life.

So what would be... if I give you a purpose!
A true meaning to your existence?
Because the truth is, I could.

Well, I can't be entirely sure, but at the moment this being is starting to become an adult.
It is changing, right now.
But if change in this way is possible, why not in another way?
I can't let go of this idea.
What would be if I take you into my swarm?
But not as a worker, a nurse, or any other drone.
No, she would lack any involvement in those roles.
It wouldn't be fulfilling, as she'd have no bond to my swarm, no reason to support it.

So what would be if I'd create a bond?
Link her to its survival?
And what could bring more commitment than the three great principles?

Yes, I could bind her with creation.
If it's this, all the life originating from her will naturally involve her.
And there is no chance to lose purpose, as it will be linked to her, become a part of her.
And this will be her fate.

Yes, this might work.
I'm going to make her a princess.

 

Actually, my reserves aren't too great in that regard.
Creating a princess warrants more than just producing a drone.
It's the compressing of each single template, the ability to create them all, and eventually maybe also to produce another princess, all this concentrated into a single individual.

And to make this happen I need essence.
The very base of our species, compressed as mentioned.
If I would strain myself I might be able to produce now a single egg of a princess.

Yet this is similar.
Only, I wouldn't form an egg but directly inject the essence into her body.
But surely I couldn't do so again for a minimum of five-hundred cycles or even a thousand.
It's not working so exactly.

Also, my production might decrease, as this act will take its toll on my condition.
And then there might be this little issue that the other swarms might look unkindly on the point that I raise the number of princesses like this and boost our numbers.

So why am I willing to accept all this because of a single female?
Well, behind those fearful eyes this sentient being represents for me a whole new world.
It is the very embodiment of change.
And I after all this time wouldn't be myself if I wouldn't embrace change.

At this point, I cannot stop it anymore.
The essence is already gathering in my ovipositor.
Call it an urge, a desire, a whim, it doesn't matter.
If it would remain unused this would only be an absurdly excessive waste.

So with clear determination, my ovipositor pierces forward and I guide it directly in the middle of the lower segment of that creature's body, where conveniently even a small hole exists.
If she has similarities with any creature I know this should also be around where her reproductives should be located.
And those are of fundamental importance to a princess.

 

"Aaahh! Aggaahk! A-at least... it ends now." (E)

 

She's expressing some more incomprehensible sounds.
Yet still, even if they are as foreign to me as they are, they clearly convey her discomfort.
It was to be expected.
Such a change won't happen without trouble.

And then she falls down.
Quickly I have ascertained that she still lives.
I call my drones back so that they can take care of the rest.
And so I instruct them,

 

<Bring her away, carefully. This one is of greatest importance. And tell the scholars that they shall in any way possible assure that she survives. And inform me about any developments regarding her.> (U)

 

With this, four workers transport this writhing bundle out of my chamber.
But they mind my pheromones and pay greatest attention so that no harm may befall their load.
Now it is up to her.
We'll see if there is a will to live left which will make her push through this.
And if she wakes up again everything will be different for her.

I don't have any delusions about this.
Change can cause distress and adaptation is difficult.
Adjusting will take a toll on her she might want to avoid.
But there won't be a choice.
There won't be any other way but to move on.
And I know she will do so.
She has to do so as a living being.

 

Truly, life is tedious.

Yet it is also all that matters.