Chapter 1356 – Mother Isn’t Impressed

Dammit, Victor! You set me up for a thwacking! Why the heck wouldn’t you tell me that The Queen was coming down here?! Despite being more evolved than her, those antennae still pack a serious wallop! How does it hurt this much?

“Hello there, Mother! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

She turns to look at me directly.

“Then why are you here? Lazing about, avoiding work?”

“Whoa! No! Not at all! Why would you jump to that conclusion?”

Her antenna is poised, ready to strike, and I retreat, desperately trying to defend myself from her pointed accusation.

“I was asked to come down here and meet someone, I was just saying I didn’t expect it to be you! They didn’t tell me who was coming, so I had no way to know!”

Her antenna lowers, and I relax just a little.

“Why are you here, Mother?”

THWACK!

“Should I not be here? Are you saying I’m not strong enough?”

“No! Sheesh! I was just wondering why!”

She’s so touchy today! Did Victor know she was grumpy in advance or something? Is that why I was sent here? I’ll get her back. Mark my words, I will get her back for this. Another flash of light, and lo and behold, the aphid queen arrives. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Aphy, and she’s certainly gotten bigger than before, but, relative to me, she’s smaller, so it isn’t easy to tell.

At the appearance of her beloved pet, The Queen stops threatening me and turns to check on the little creature, fussing and clacking over her as she ensures the aphid has arrived safely. On one level, I’m even more surprised to see Aphy here. I had no idea there were plans to start aphid farms on the fourth, but then again, there may not be. Wherever The Queen went, her pet was sure to follow also.

“Well mother, I’m glad to see Aphy made it alright. Uh. Do you have any idea where I’m supposed to take you? I wasn’t told.”

The Queen turns back to look at me, her pet falling in by her side.

“Really, child. Surely you can figure it out for yourself?”

“Well, that depends, to be honest.”

“Depends on what?”

“Can I ask this question without getting my head bashed in with an antenna?”

This book’s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Mother clacks her mandibles disapprovingly, as if offended I would dare suggest such a thing.

“Of course, child.”

What do you mean, ‘of course’?! Do you not recall what happened here a moment ago?! Never mind.

“If you tell me why you are here in the fourth, then I’ll have a much better time being able to take you where you are expected. Are you here for a tour, or a short term stay? Are you moving into this nest permanently?”

“Permanently,” she replies.

“Oh. That’s… interesting. I’m guessing you made this decision… yourself.”