I awoke to the noises of tiny chittering; half of my face covered by the still glowing goop of my cocoon in the pitch black room and the other half squirming with...
I opened my eyes, and a small weight moved along with my eyelid towards my brow. A blink was enough to send the small thing onto the goop, its tiny body causing it to float around. Lifting my head, I saw more of the tiny things holding onto another to create a raft of bodies, drifting on the surface of the pool. With ooze sliding down one side of my face, I leaned in towards the floating blob and rubbed my eyes to get a clearer look at what I was seeing.
Tiny grubs, bundled together and squirming around on top of each other. They made tiny squeaks and chitters as they tried to climb away from the goo, most of them having not noticed me awaken yet. One grub, however, took notice. One that had been clinging onto my face for dear life and crying for salvation. Pushing myself from the goo rather than continue laying in it, I was now laying mostly upright, giving the grub a chance to gain a hold onto my face where it crawled up into my mane, nestling itself next to my crown. I couldn't see it clearly with it being on top of my head, but I imagined that it held a content expression on its tiny face.
"Well," I softly spoke, "Look at all of you..." I gave as warm a smile as I could, keeping my movements slow so that they wouldn't be startled by their Queen.
The grubs atop their makeshift raft looked up to me with awe, one of them yawning as their eyes widened too far. I scooped up the tiny raft in my hoof and carefully placed all of the grubs it held within my crown. The crown itself was convenient in that there was a large enough space in the center for them to stay safe. In total, around thirty to forty grubs had already hatched. The other three eggs lay dormant and nestled against the wall of the spawning pool. My cocoon had begun to turn to paste, already slumping over and collapsing into itself. I didn't really know what a grub would need, but something told me that my cocoon would be the best place for them at the moment. It was fairly simple to lower my head and allow the grubs to crawl onto the soggy remains of my past self. To my surprise, they began nibbling away at what remained of it, happily gurgling and squirming as each took a section of the husk for themselves.
While the grubs ate away, I moved my exhausted self over to the remaining three eggs that had yet to hatch. I noticed that the one egg that did hatch was the closest to my cocoon, and moving closer to the other eggs allowed me to see a faintly burning pink flame within each of them. They were unharmed, and still alive as well. A faint smile spread on my face from knowing that I hadn't failed my drones, though it was quickly wiped away by the fact that it nearly hadn't been so. I was weaker as a full Queen, though if that was from starvation or my new form... I wasn't entirely sure.
Something I was certain of, was that I had very nearly come close to my drones being taken from me.
I couldn't afford to act rashly, however much the appearance of a betrayal from the humans seemed. The fact remained that I didn't fully understand why they had entered my hive, or why they had come so close to my eggs in the first place. I would have to ask them in order to find out for certain.
I heard a crack come from the next egg in line from my cocoon. Looking down at it and my own thoughts veering far from the troubles ahead, I was greeted by a few more noises of the egg breaking apart before the top fully came off. The grubs had been working together, using their combined force to push the top of the egg off in unison and allowing all of them to be freed. Such teamwork brought a smile again to my face, and I began to realize that my own drones had given me more happiness than all my time with the humans. Yes, they had given me Love enough to live comfortably on, as well as the other flame I hadn't figured out exactly what it was, but... there was something entirely different with having my own hive. Watching the grubs work their way down the egg, helping another and working as one was something I hadn't seen with humans. Come to think of it, I hadn't seen that with the ponies of Equestria either. When I was in Canterlot I witnessed the royalty bickering and arguing amongst themselves over things that mattered very little to anypony, especially the 'common-folk', as they were dubbed.
The grubs from the second egg had managed to move down into the goo in an effort to reach me, and after taking notice of their efforts I scooped them up in my hoof before placing them with the rest of their hive-mates on my cocoon. I noticed a few differences from these grubs than the others: They were larger, if only by a little margin, but they were sturdier in appearance as well. Comparing them to the first group, I would assume that the first were the Tunneler drones, and the second were Warriors. That would leave the Caretakers and Infiltrators to be the other eggs...
My body reminded me of its own needs, now that my drones had begun to take care of theirs. I didn't need to eat, but with my friends nowhere to be found it was a matter of survival to begin eating my own cocoon as well. I couldn't really taste anything, as the humans had discovered, but the cocoon was at least notable as 'mushy' in texture. I tried to take as few bites as possible, as I didn't know how much the grubs were going to need in order to fully grow and cocoon into their mature bodies. Something I did notice however, was that the cocoon and the goo itself had faint hints of love within them, making my meal more than just a reaction of desperation.
After eating alongside my grubs for several minutes and finally being sated for the moment, I heard the other eggs beginning to crack themselves open. The third egg was the first of the two, the top popping off in a neat circle as the grubs ate around the outer shell in a thin line. This allowed the grubs on the bottom of the egg to push the top off and into the goop below, greeting me with pleased expressions and tiny chittering cheers. I extended my hoof to them, allowing them to crawl onto me with a few taking up residence in my hoof holes. I placed them atop the crumpled remains of my own cocoon, giving them the opportunity to feast and for me to observe the differences.
They were... softer shelled, I guess would be the best way to describe them. They allowed room for other grubs to eat next to them, often trading places with grubs from another egg that hadn't been able to fully gorge themselves and moving the ones that had over into a pile on the side. From their behavior and kinder nature compared to the Warriors and Tunnelers, I took these grubs to be the caretakers. Counting all of the grubs had become a chore in itself, as there were easily over a hundred now; all squirming or wriggling atop of my cocoon with content faces from their meals.
Looking to the final egg expectantly, I began to feel as if something was wrong. I put my ear closer to the egg and was relieved to hear noises coming from within, but... they weren't like the other grubs. They seemed upset, almost angry with another. I tapped on the side of the egg lightly with my hoof and listened for their reaction. To my surprise it sounded like they moved as one towards where I had tapped, attempting to knock the egg over with their combined momentum. Either they were working together, or they were all rushing for the same prize.
After a few minutes of observation, It became clear to me that this last egg wasn't going to break free of itself on its own. Rather than do it myself, I grabbed a few of the Tunneler and Caretaker grubs from the pile atop my cocoon and placed them on the Infiltrator's egg. The grubs looked at me with confusion, their faces asking me what was going on.
"Listen to me, my little grubs..." I cooed softly to them, trying to ease their worries. "Your hive-mates fight amongst themselves in the egg beneath your tiny hooves." I explained, pointing my comparatively massive hoof to the egg below them. They followed my movement with their small heads, a few of them crawling closer to the edge of the egg in order to see my hoof better. "They look out only for themselves, not the good of the hive as you have." I continued. I hoped my voice was loud enough that the Infiltrators inside would be able to hear me. "I give you your first task, my grubs; Free your hive-mates from their egg. Work together as one, as you did to escape your own egg, and teach the youngest of you the importance of cooperation within the hive."
A few of the brighter grubs nodded, with one or two already beginning to chitter to the others. Their voices were very difficult to make out, but it sounded like the most basic of instruction was being called out. 'Dig here', 'Help them', that kind of thing. It brought a smile to my face to see them working together to free their hive-mates so quickly, and I wondered how Queen Chrysalis felt when her first eggs had been hatched.
Working together, the Tunnelers and Caretakers were easily able to break their way into the shell of the Infiltrator's egg. A Caretaker would offer a tiny hoof in support of their hive-mate, and a Tunneler would assist in lifting the grub. The warriors watched from their own spot on the soggy cocoon, a few of them looking at me with reverence and admiration in their softly glowing blue eyes from the darkness. The glowing goo had begun to lose its luster as the grubs fed on my cocoon, and now that the Infiltrators had been freed by the cooperation and assistance of their hive-mates, they looked at each other in a new light. Some of them were ashamed by their behavior, offering hugs to some of the more reserved grubs. The Caretakers of course had already been hugging every grub in sight, and the Tunnelers were looking to me with curiosity.
I returned a curious look with a sideways tilt of my head, leaning closer to them. My muzzle was large enough that two grubs climbed their way onto it, and my eyes focused on them. They clung to my face, their tiny eyes glowing brightly as they wiggled around. Despite my own concerns about the actions of the humans recently, with my hive already over a hundred strong and quickly growing it gave me great comfort for the days that would come ahead; especially now that I had far less to worry about as my own hive matured.
I wonder what my friends would think of this moment...
A tiny burp from one grub on my muzzle returned my attention to my hive, and I lowered my head to wiggle the grubs free of my face onto the soggy cocoon. The Caretakers and Tunnelers had already created bridges across the eggs for the Infiltrators to reach their meal, the last of them now crawling their way onto the soggy pile. I poked my head above the ridge of the Dirsime pit, looking around for the observation room. Stretching my wings and giving them an experimental buzz, I found that they had dried enough for flight. A quick burst of my wings was enough to fling me free of the pit, nearly causing me to flip forward from the unexpected speed of it. My body being so thin and unarmored would take some getting used to, especially with flight. Thankfully, this room was large enough to practice maneuvering in. My longer legs were clumsy as well, along with throwing off my gait from their lighter frame. I hobbled my way awkwardly towards the observation window, stumbling a few times as my brain became accustomed to how I was supposed to move now. Long, careful steps were the mode of transport now. My frame and newfound walking quickly went from a newborn foal to a regal Queen as I made my way across the room, causing me to hold my head up with pride at my new form.
Coming close to the observation window and without a peep from the humans, I wondered at their lack of response only for a moment before remembering their attempt to... do something with my eggs. Perhaps they felt worried from their actions, and what my own reaction would be? I lifted a regal hoof to the charred black window, tapping it lightly on the glass. I received no reply, so I instead tapped even harder on the glass. I knew that it might be difficult to see me, but hearing me should be something different all together.
"Hello?" I asked in a loud and chittering tone, my wings mixing with my newfound vocal chords to create a pleasing double-voice that was both hypnotizing and comforting at the same time. "Colonel Bunker, are you in there?"
I heard a few quick taps from the other side of the glass, my head going back a bit from the suddenness of the noise.
"I will take that as a 'yes'." I replied, taking a step away from the window. My tone dropped to a low scolding that I remembered Queen Chrysalis having used on misbehaving drones. "If I remember correctly, we have much to discuss..."
Cute grub!
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I wonder how long it is going to take for the humans to realise that lying to an empath is really difficult.
It looks like a changling in a grub suit.
Equal parts d'aww and eww.
Urge to hug grub rising.
7714018 long enough to put our foot in our mouths
Having so many grubs come out of each single egg has really terrified certain persons in the bunker. So much so that certain non existing files are being opened, to consider activating the mechanism that was installed when the Stargate was put in place.
Then again, if an Active Stargate could be dropped, operational into a Star itself, a 10 meg thermonuclear device isnt going to do much to it?
The rubs are cute. I found it amusing that each type of grub acted in different ways. The infiltrators being the most interesting. Also I love how Blue noticed how hive behavior differs from both human and pony behavior in certain ways. She's also doing well in trying to handle the situation so far. Though she's still yet to speak to anyone so her attempts to be calm and collected have yet to be truly tested. Here's hoping that they succeed though.
I wonder how Rough soft and timid will react both to Blue's new form and the grubs, as well as the attempt to take the eggs. Much less the Bug Zapper Drone. I know far from a good name for it but that seems to be the concept behind it, even if it's meant to 'stun' rather then 'kill' I don't doubt the amount of power it can discharge can be adjusted so it's have a range between the two either.
Side note I don't think I'm the only one who guessed it but it feels kinda cool to be right that each egg held more the one larva in it. Though given how many grubs were in each egg as well as the fact that blue fell asleep I wonder just how much time has passed since the end of the last chapter?
daww!
They can mass multiply! Yay
How could they not have enough love when they're so cute!?
Oh yes. Lots and lots to discuss...
Time to name the grubs!
I call naming two Newton and Theodore!
This hive would be different from the others. I bet it would include human tech. Imagine changelings with smartphones
I wonder how her changelings will react to her human friends. Get dog piled on for their love?
aaaw, i love it when little kids try to be tough. its just too adorable!!!!!
This entire chapter has been one big squee fest for me, the descriptions and interactions between blue and her grubs were diabetes inducing. I honestly can't predict what soft's reaction is going to be like.
We need more of the grub silliness!
That one grub that fully learns how to use technology named Dylan. No idea why, but he's named Dylan.
7714000
Depending on how things go next chapter, we may just hear Angry Queen Noises.
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7714439
Yeah, that.
Timid: "Caterpie, I choose you!"
Rough. When it comes to 150 grub babies, you ARE the father!!!
Lol
7714458 yes and NOOOOOOO!!!
7714177
Compulingâ„¢
ChangePhoneâ„¢
Changeling Airlinesâ„¢
Changeling Tech sounds awesome tbh
7714000
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It's a good thing Chrysalis wasn't here to see this.
I guess the Stargate people will be totally pleased to hear that pleasant double layer voice.
Because they sure never had a problem with a hive minded hybrid insect race that had this kind of voice, fed from some kind of inner force and liked to besiege an ancient shielded city in order to get to them and suck out their
lovelife.Well at least they don't know about Canterlot..
I still think that Changelings are a ponyverse Wraith adaption, the similarities are quite numerous.
Good stuff!
I wonder if infiltrators behavior caused by they nature (alone for most time ) or by humans emotional influence.
I dunno if this was brought up before, but I'm guessing the heat problems with Blue's magic is coming from the laws of thermodynamics being in-play in this universe?
Please don't tell me you let all this election silliness knock the common sense out of you...
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Nah, just the stresses of wondering if I'd be able to pay for Food and gas and all that with my minimum wage job, since I have barely any work experience and everywhere wants 10+ years work experience.
Seriously, I applied for a dishwasher job and they wanted me to have 10+ years experience.
I'm 22, and its a minimum wage job. Dafuq?
7715418 That's more like it! Real stress for real life situations! I do hope you find good employment. Being 22 kind of sucks when it comes to the job department, but there are jobs out there.
There are employment companies that will help you find jobs. The one that helped me find work was one called Express. Thanks to them, I've had the same job for the past three years. All you have to do is fill out a resume (it doesn't have to be impressive) and they'll do the rest based off your qualifications.
I do hope you have something like that out there. Most of the jobs are temporary, but at your age, it will be a good opportunity for you to find what jobs you like and what you don't like.
Look into it. It might help if such a company is in your area.
7715418 Shame upon you for not having devoted your life to the washing of dishes! Its not like we have machines for that...
Gah!... The cuteness... It kills... Bleh [Dead]
??? Used full revive
Gasp Hooooo... I have returned
But anyway, great chapter can't wait to see what happens
aww so cute I so want to offer al of them a home.
and now we have a new species hear on earth how are the humans going to react to this.
7715418
10 years of experience does not necessarily mean 10 years of employment.
Wash the dishes at home when you were 12?
If not, you can ignore that requirement and apply anyway. What's the worst that can happen?
You have so many readers now that it's almost impossible to please everyone. Some will want to know what's going on, some will want things to slow down, and some will just want the story to go into a different direction eventually. So take the comments into consideration if they make sense, but you should continue the story at your own pace.
All that being said, I can't wait to see the next chapter!!!!
I never thought in a million years that I'd find grubs cute... You sir have a gift at writing!
Then within a decade, most of the human race was enslaved or cocooned... Oops.
My biology teacher likes insects and thinks grubs are cute. Once she put a picture of a grub on the projector and just kept saying "Gwabs!"
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[D'awwwing Intensifies]
Changeling Queens gain the trust of their grubs by also being their playground!
7714458 Just sub Shining for Rough.
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"The other three eggs lay dormant and nestled against the wall of the spawning pool"
SPAWN MORE OVERLORDS! XD
(starcraft zerg joke)
Nop, -132
Oh god, I almost forgot cute grubs are.
... I imagine Chryssie going all squeeing mom mode over this scene, catching herself after a few seconds, coughing and trying to cooly commend Blue on a job well done. Then quickly losing a short mental fight against a big eyed grub and snugging it.
Who needs ponies when we have immeasurably cute changelings?
7721389 I am totally surrounding that place with photon cannons.