After those escapades, I spend the next days calmly.
Aside from my thorough laying sessions.

Recently I often manage to do them rather early after waking up.
As this takes quite some energy I usually spend the time after that sharing a meal with my family.
So it comes that we do just this.
Mother recently got a bit better and does quite well in the nursery.
Worrisome might be that even her eyes seem to have adjusted a bit to the dark.

Dad on the other side is still working in the mycelium.
It seems he got quite used to everything and manages now better.
This might also be because he now can understand their instructions.
After all, dad seems to be somehow content with the work, even if he's still a bit apprehensive of the drones.
That’s at least my impression from what he tells us during our family dinners.

Toris might be a little problematic.
He’s quite wild at the moment and might feel a little confined.
Since mum got harmed I maybe became a tiny bit overprotective, but I really want him to be fine.
Also, the hive can be a real maze and it’s not like the ability to understand pheromones would enable him to ask for the way.
Aside from the other implications.
Like a certain crazy princess.
So he’s at least always escorted by some workers and I put Miwa in charge of looking after him.
I felt a little bad after using her as a substitute for Kyska and Suki and wanted to at least grant her some kind of position.

 

“And how was the pool house for you? Alright, I hope.” (E)

 

Dad and Toris were finally able to use it as well and I was a bit glad that I could offer them some kind of amenity.

 

“Well, can’t say that it wasn’t nice. It's not like we had ever before access to something like this. Yet I might prefer a river.” (R)

“It was sooo big and soooo warm. But Dad wouldn’t let Miwa join us.” (T)

 

Dad has a difficult expression at this.

 

“Well, hee can’t just bath wieth a ladye who iesn’t mee.” (F)

 

One could argue that nurses aren't "ladies".

Also, I insist on talking in human with my family.
Foremost because mum needs the practice and is at risk of growing a little complacent now that everyone understands her either way.

In general, everything is right now quite nice.
The other day I even arranged that we could all go to the surface for a short period of time to get some sunlight since it might be a bit depressing to stay down here for too long.
We even had a great picnic at our old lake.
Naturally with an escort, so close to the border but it was still nice if a bit unusual quiet in the forest.

Also, dad had the idea to grow some plants up there, which might actually work out, but will have to be negotiated with my country about usage rights for the land.
That we’re able to settle in like this, makes me a bit hopeful for the future.
We finish the meal and bring the dishes to a place where eventually workers will take care of them.
Which is kinda convenient.
Toris went out to play in the courtyard right after he finished his plate.

Suddenly there’s some noise.
I follow it and find that there‘s a commotion at the entrance.
My drones gather there and form a wall so that it’s impossible to see what is on the other side.
Yet then they scatter and give way for whatever is there.
In the center, I spot a messenger, accompanied by several workers and even two guardians.
It spots me as well and instantly moves in my direction.
Yet to my surprise it’s not approaching me but… Mum!?
She looks as well a bit taken aback by this development.

 

<Ehk, scri!/Ehm, can I help you.> (F)

<I’m coming to relay instructions from the queen, personally.> (messenger)

 

There’s an emphasis in its pheromones which shall convey what a serious thing this is.

 

<The queen? What does she want?> (E)

<The queen declared that the nurse designated as "Farrah" hereby will no longer serve in the nursery. But from now on act in a new role.> (messenger)

<What? But mum was fine with her job. What is going on here?> (E)

<I can’t anymore go there anymore? Why is that?> (F)

<She will now perform as princess Honiu's exclusive personal nurse. Directly elected by the queen.> (messenger)

 

Both Suki and Kyska are totally stunned.

 

<Ehk, scru!/Uh, and if I don't want to?> (F)

<Ah, the strange point of humans acting contrary to direct orders. The queen was very precise in that regard. The exact declaration was, "You don't have a choice on that matter".> (messenger)

 

I can’t think straight!
Just... What just happens here?
Wait! Could this be her ”solution”?
Mum is as well completely stunned.

 

<The queen can’t be serious! There’s no way I’d send my mother to this dangerous lunatic! What if anything happens to her?> (E)

<That’s the second part of the great brood mother's order. In case princess Honiu harms “Farrah” in any way this will be a violation of a direct command. As such it will be seen as an act of rebellion. In this case, she will be dealt with accordingly.> (messenger)

 

Rebellion?
I was told this means execution.
But still, it’s too dangerous.

 

<As if this is enough! This lunatic might harm her anyways. I can’t allow this.> (E)

<It’s already decided. The preparations are finished. The queen won’t allow anything else.> (messenger)

<No! That can’t be! My mother…> (E)

<I’ll do it.> (F)

<Yes, you… What?!!> (E)

<I’ll do it.> (F)

<Your assignment begins with the next activity interval. Please be ready at this time.> (messenger)

 

I’m still in shock and like this can’t say anything before the messenger left my district.

 

<Ery.> (F)

<Farrah, you…> (R)

<We‘re going to my chamber. Now.> (E)

 

It’s not like the other drones would care, but this kind of family conversation I want to keep private.
As private as it can be with my two personal nurses following me.
When I reach my room, I can finally say what weighs so hard on my mind.

 

<SKREEAK!/Mum, are you fucking crazy?!> (E)

 

Maybe I should’ve worked a bit on the details.

 

<Erys, not in this tone.> (F)

“You’re right, Farrah, but this? I’m not sure if I can support your decision.” (R)

<Unbelievable. This order is truly strange.> (S)

“See? Even Suki finds it weird.” (E)

<Yes, certainly. That a nurse performs as a personal nurse with such insufficient training is absolutely unheard of. Even I learned for many cycles before it could be considered for such a role and it was still far too early when Kyska recruited me. But after only so few intervals in her role, it’s far too soon for this to happen.> (S)

 

Oh right.
They’re in the same team.

 

<What choice do we have, Erys? Going against the greatest instance in this place wouldn’t be smart. It might be problematic, but I’d rather be a personal nurse than see what happens otherwise.> (F)

“But she could do so much to you. It’s so dangerous.” (E)

<They said she wouldn’t be allowed to do anything to me.> (F)

 

I allow mum to speak in Formicea, as right now proper communication is more important.

 

“We don’t know if she wouldn’t do it anyway. She’s crazy, so we can’t be sure.” (E)

“My princess, can I add something on that matter?” (K)

 

Kyska deliberately speaks in human, as she knows this soothes me a bit.

 

“Yes? What is it?” (E)

“Are you aware of the implications insubordination would have for Honiu?” (K)

“Well, it would mean rebellion. You more than clearly told me that that's a death warrant.” (E)

“This is only part of the whole extension. The main point is that all the brood is ultimately only loyal to their broodmother. And this means, that in the case Honiu’s life is forfeited it will become necessary to also cull all of her brood. The loss would be unmeasurable.” (K)

 

Well, this is certainly terrible.
And if I make trouble, this would mean the same for mine.
It's such a responsibility and I don't want those I gave life to, to die because of my actions.
Anyway, this isn’t convincing me in the slightest that the queen put any thought into this order.

 

“What is your point, Kyska? Who says that Honiu wouldn’t still do something to mum?” (E)

“I doubt it. I served Princess Honiu in some of her sessions and the one point to her is that she deeply cares about her brood. I doubt she’d do anything that would endanger them.” (K)

 

I get her point, but it’s still so risky.

 

“But, what if she’s treated poorly?” (E)

“There’s another point. As princess Honiu’s personal nurse Honiu's well-being directly depends on her performance. So there won’t be a risk that she’ll be impeded to perform in her role, as there are no replacements. Essentially with the queen's decree, Farrah’s life has now the same priority as a princess’.” (K)

 

“Mum…” (E)

“Pleease, trust me. Ie am sure iet will work out. It will be fine. Ery” (F)

 

The last part she said perfectly.
I know that she trained this quote to say it without any flaws.
I stand defeated.
Neither can I bear the consequences of insubordination nor go against mum’s unbending will.
And she’s truly set on protecting us.
And I can’t argue with her.
She’s right.

 

“But, but if anything happens you run, right? Please, be careful. (E)

<I didn’t intend to do something stupid, Ery.> (F)

“Sigh, fine. You win.” (E)

<And what about you, Rowen?> (S)

“What am I supposed to say? It’s not like I’m fine with it, but I understand your reasons and know I have no chance to convince you otherwise.” (R)

<Yet it’s a little sad that I cannot tend to the little ones anymore.> (F)

<I understand this so well.> (S)

 

Oh yes.
The poor mind-control babies.
Sigh.

 

“So you’re really going there?” (E)

<Yes, but there was something else I wanted to ask of you.> (F)

“Something else? What is it?” (E)

<It’s about Toris. I think recently he grew quite bored. He’s too cooped up here and needs something to do.> (F)

“I can’t take him to the fields. The work would be a bit too much and the workers move quite rough there.” (R)

<Yes, and because of that, I wanted to ask you if he couldn't become a scholar.> (F)

“A scholar? Well, it might not be impossible but are you sure?” (E)

<He’s such a curious child. I believe if he could vent his energy in the right direction this might do him much good.> (F)

 

Well, Toris is certainly an energetic child and always had an interest in insects.
I can see how he might be intrigued.
There might be issues sending him to the scholars, but nothing I couldn’t take care of.

 

“Well, okay. I’ll see if I can do something.” (E)

<Thank you, Erys. I’m sure it will work out.> (F)

 

This somehow became her favorite quote.