Chapter 343: Queens’ question
Beehounds didn’t need fire or powerful venom. Their points were already spent more on their abilities to search and to hide.
So the obvious decision was to max out their telepathy.
With 5 points in the telepathy gene they and Beemarines already had, Beehounds could serve as Agent Bees and form telepathic chains. But the 10th tier of the telepathy gene was so high above…
I actually blocked out most of my ability to read thoughts 100% of the ti, because if I didn’t I’d be deafened by thoughts of all the bees in the Hive Supremo. All of them, not just the nearest ones!
But with ‘Telepathy X’, Beehounds will be able to form longer and faster telepathic chains, boosting our communications incredibly until we get to replace them with telegraphs.
After I spent the points, the morphotypes looked like that:
〔Beemarine〕
〔Gene points〕: 61 / 61
Faster Regeneration X (MAX)
Fast Learner V
Thick Skin V (MAX)
Venom Resistance V (MAX)
Increased Venom Potency XV
Detachable Stinger V (MAX)
Shootable Stinger II
Flying Carriers
Throwing Wrists
Danger-Averse Reflexes
Slow-Twitch Muscles
Flight V (MAX)
Telepathy V
〔〕〔〕〔〕
〔Beehounds〕
〔Gene points〕: 61 / 61
Olfactory Perception X (MAX)
Faster Regeneration X (MAX)
Improved tabolism V
Fast Learner IV
Improved Immunity V (MAX)
Thick Skin V (MAX)
Flying Carriers
Throwing Wrists
at Digestion
Perfect mory
Grass Digestion
Slow-Twitch Muscles
Danger-Averse Reflexes
Flight V (MAX)
Telepathy X (MAX)
〔〕〔〕〔〕
“Too bad I don’t have the points to stick the photosynthesis gene sowhere among the genes of Beehounds.” I sighed. “Well, they are already very capable and eat relatively little. Maybe future generations…”
“They won’t let you down, Father,” Bloodimina assured , looking excited.
I could hear her thoughts—she was already considering the adjustnts for training courses this will require, and what instructors from the Academy will be best suited for planning them in detail.
“I will inform the Nurse Bees to be extra careful when dealing with the erging Beehounds from the newest generations,” Ambrosia said. “With a telepathy gene this powerful, it’s likely the young bees won’t know how to control it. It took you so while to get fully used to it, and you are an adult already.”
“Good idea!” I nodded and smiled at Amby gratefully. “Perhaps you should add a special course on telepathy in the school program.”
She let out a breath.
“Yes, but… There are more and more things to learn, and the education of young bees takes longer and longer. It makes sense, of course, and we can’t *not* teach our daughters, but this reminds of the tales about humans. Didn’t Explanatory say that they took years to learn to write?”
Researchina nodded, and so did I, grinning.
“Yeah. And it’s actually incredible that bees don’t. I have a theory that young bees (at least those who evolved intelligence) have the brain plasticity of a human child, but cognitive abilities and understanding of a human adult. To put it simply, bees are pretty aweso. We must take advantage of how smart we are. Do not diminish school programs, never, Amby!”
She gave a small, proud smile.
“As you say, Necty. Now… you’ve spent all the points. What is the next on today’s Council Agenda? Should we return to our regular duties?”
“No way!” Worriesgone protested. “We must organize the celebration in honor of the new genes first!”
“And think up where the retired Queens can go after they retire,” I added.
“This part is actually simple.” Ambrosia raised a finger. “They are adults and leaders. They can think by themselves about which position that fits their skills and abilities will fit them the most. Except for laying eggs, of course.”
I wondered if the Queens would be able to rule without laying eggs. It was technically possible, but the new, more evolved Queens won’t like living in the sa hive with another Queen. And worse, obeying another Queen and doing nothing for their hives but laying eggs.
The instincts of Queens just made them too territorial. It was bad enough when they were living in *separate* hives and never saw each other—because they and their sub-hives still competed for resources with each other.
Not openly, of course—I wouldn’t let them. But calling dibs on a resource deposit standing within two hives spheres of influence or ignoring minor help requests was not uncommon.
Either way…
“Worriesgone, you can think about celebration ideas today and bring them up at the Council eting tomorrow—it’s not urgent,” I said. “As for what the other Queens might say… Our existing telepathic chains reach to their hives. I might ask right now!”
My Advisers perked up.
“Oh, I wonder what they will say! Queens working… I bet they’d make great Foren!” Workharder exclaid.
“Shh. Everybody, quiet,” I said. “Actually, you can already return to whatever you were doing…”
Nobody tried to leave the Council Chamber. Of course… If bees could move their ears, they’d be all turned to like radars. All eyes were on , and they were large, black and shining with curiosity.
‘These gossipers! These damnably adorable gossipers!’ I smiled inwardly and focused my thoughts on the first Queen to ask.
Queen Pollenia, the first of my little princesses. The oldest Queen in the Empire except Ambrosia.
Her hive, Hive Hornet’s Nest, was close enough that I could reach her thoughts directly, without a telepathic chain.
‘Hello, Pollenia. Are you busy?’ I asked, then waited for a reply.
I hoped I didn’t catch Polly at so terribly embarrassing mont, like when she was spending ti with her male harem… Yes, that would be incredibly awkward—for .
It took half a minute for a ssage to get back to —Polly couldn’t reach with her telepathy, after all, and had to use a chain.
‘I can always accept ssages from you, Father. *Always*. Did you want sothing? To see , perhaps? I’m always happy to have you as a guest.’
I was montarily sad at the hope in her words. She was definitely expecting to co for a visit, if only to spread morphotyping pheromones over her latest brood.
‘No, Polly. I just want you to answer one question…’
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