Leader 44 picked up the chunk of still living flesh, mutilated beyond all recognition, and slowly fed it to the hive queen, who’s beastly presence filled the center of the chamber.The many fleshy appendages that covered her amorphous body had atrophied from disuse.The most movement she could muster was to wiggle them very slightly in enjoyment as she slurped down the bludy mass that was being obediently fed to her.The sea of drones in the hive grunted in satisfaction at how she enjoyed her meal.When the end disappeared inside her large mouth, she continued slurping, so that leader 44’s arm was drawn in as well.His upper body followed, and soon there was nothing left of him.The drones became worried. What has displeased Mother? they thought.

Their minds soon had the answer.We will indeed have the hatchling and all the others.But we will not be going after them during the light as in the past.Then they can see us and we are vulnerable to them.We will find them by smell.From now on we come out at night.