Path of the Hive Queen

“You are sure you are alright with this?” Regina asked.

“Of course, my Queen,” Isa confirmed. She sat up slightly straighter and smiled.

Even without delving too deep into the psychic link and assessing her that way yet, Regina could tell that she was a bit nervous, but still determined. She thought this might be dangerous, but was also glad to contribute to the hive’s efforts to analyze what had happened.

Isa was one of the drones most affected by the attack. It was something Regina had only realized later, although it should probably have been obvious: They had obviously not all fallen asleep at the same time, but how strongly they had been affected varied. Some people who were closer had managed to remain up while others a bit farther away had succumbed. It probably wasn’t surprising, either, that some were harder to rouse and showed stronger lingering effects than others — although fortunately, none of them yet appeared to show truly lasting damage of any kind, from what Regina had seen in the reports. Still, that was partly why she was here, to check it.

“Then relax, don’t think too hard about anything in particular, and I’ll take a look at your mind,” Regina said.

She could have done this just through the psychic link, of course, but it felt better to do it in person. Being closer would help, if only a little, and there was not really a reason not to have Isa brought to the capital. And other affected people, as well. She wasn’t the only one Regina looked at today.

Isa was a somewhat older drone, born during the early days of the Empire. She had started as a Drone Scout and Evolved into a Drone Soldier Class. The fact she didn’t have magic and wasn’t a Keeper might be relevant, although Regina would look at drones with those characteristics, too. More importantly right now, Isa was also pretty settled. She knew who she was and what she wanted, and Regina wouldn’t call her weak-willed or anything like that.

Unfortunately, it was pretty obvious that the attack had left a trace on her. Unfortunate, that was, because it was big enough to be noticeable; perhaps it was fortunate that it wasn’t particularly subtle. Isa felt weaker than before. Not really in a physical way, although she had reported that she got tired more easily now, which made sense. Instead, it was more like the kind of hazy, slightly numbing feeling someone would get from drugs like alcohol or missing sleep; tiredness, less focus, maybe feeling like the world got a bit more distant and actions or decisions were just slightly harder.

Regina supposed it was a good thing that it didn’t seem to be permanent, or even very long-term. She could already tell Isa’s mind was struggling to overcome the feeling. A few good nights’ sleep, some rest and time with her fellow drones should cure her even if Regina did nothing else. That was her prognosis, at least. She would need to actually monitor her to be sure.

For now, she dived a bit deeper, not willing to risk missing something else by focusing too much on the obvious effect.

Finally, after about half an hour, Regina sighed and sat back. She directed a little bit of healing magic into both of them, at least enough to make sure they wouldn’t have a headache, and shook her head. “As far as I can tell, this should go away on its own and you’re not in any real danger,” she said. “I’ll keep monitoring you to be sure.”

“I understand,” Isa said. “Did you manage to learn anything useful?”

Regina hummed uncertainly. “I think so,” she said. “There is a certain structure to it. I’ll recognize this effect pretty quickly when I see it, at least. Unfortunately, that won’t let me counter it. It’s also only part of the picture. Give me a little while …”

Regina closed her eyes for a moment, then tried to unfocus and see what she couldn’t see with her eyes. She still wasn’t great at this, but she refused to let herself be hurried. Eventually, she did get a good look at Isa’s soul.

That wasn’t very helpful, unfortunately. Regina couldn’t see much. Souls were chaotic anyway, or at least they seemed that way to her. She didn’t notice any meaningful changes or marks that could give her a clue about what was happening now. She tried to look closer and analyze the soul in detail, but if there was something to find, she missed it.

On reflection, it was interesting that Isa or other drones didn’t seem to have a soul bond to her, actually. Maybe they did, and it was just subtle and she wasn’t good enough to see it. Regina wasn’t exactly great at this. But at least, it wouldn’t be the sort of chain that connected Berren and Leian. Which was probably a good thing. If nothing else, she didn’t think her soul had space for thousands of connection points. Or potentially millions, if Swarm Drones counted.

Regardless, if there was any kind of direct connection between souls involved in this attack, it was probably temporary, and already closed. That would fit with Galatea’s speculation, Regina supposed. She still didn’t really have any evidence that would support or contradict it.

“Your soul is fine too, as far as I can tell,” she told Isa. “I suppose I should monitor it as well. Until then, how have you been holding up? How are the others doing?”

“I’m fine, my Queen,” she replied immediately. “The other drones are fine, too. We’re maybe a bit anxious at what happened, but I know most of them want to get back out there. I’m less sure about the humans, but they haven’t shown major symptoms as far as I know.”

Regina nodded. She pretty much knew all that already. “Well, that’s good. Thank you for doing this, Isa.”

“Of course, Mother. Anything.” Isa stood up.

“Take care of yourself.”

Once Isa left, Regina sat back and sighed, rubbing her temples for a moment. Then she shook her head and made herself check the psychic link again. She still had a few other people she wanted to analyze personally. So she got to it.

It took several hours, and Regina didn’t really learn anything new. Mostly, she just confirmed what she’d already learned from Isa. Although she supposed it was interesting that humans and Hivekind seemed to experience this attack effectively the same way. The lingering effects were very similar; any differences were probably due to their differing physiology, but the effect itself wouldn’t discriminate. That also answered why Swarm Drones, despite generally being more affected, didn’t just drop dead en masse — if the attack had been targeted or adjusted for them, maybe it would be worse, but it wasn’t.

Regina made sure to write down her observations on physical paper in addition to noting them down in the psychic link, then took a short break to eat and to check up on other work. It was getting a bit late, but she was too restless to go to bed, anyway.

Iseis seemed to be meditating, but she actually looked up when she evidently felt Regina’s psychic touch brush lightly over her mind.

Are you still working? she asked.

Regina winced slightly. Not for much longer, I’m just not ready for bed yet, she said. Then she paused for a moment. I just finished analyzing the people we brought here for the effects of this attack.

Iseis stood up, stretching carefully. It was only at times like this, watching her move gingerly, that her age really showed itself. Oh, I just assumed you might have wanted to ask for news again, she said lightly.

Well, that too, Regina admitted.

If there is anything I can help you with, I’d be more than glad to, Iseis said gently. If you feel the need to talk … I am rather good at offering reassurance or guidance, I think. Besides, I believe this is technically part of my duties here.

Regina smiled slightly, even though the other woman couldn’t see it. Yes, maybe later, she said. For now, I’d rather not talk about my feelings, but about the tangible results of my investigation. There don’t seem to be any long-term effects, even if the weakness will persist for a bit.

That makes sense, Iseis commented, her mental tone now more businesslike as well. From what I could see of their souls, I also do not believe there is any lasting damage, provided one survives the attack.

Well that’s good, I suppose. Have we come any further in determining the source? Whether this is truly the work of the Mesen, directly or indirectly?

Iseis sighed. Not very far, unfortunately, but I am inclined to believe it is at least based on their work, even if the final form might not have been designed by them. Leian or Berren would know better, but they’re not here.

They are welcome to look at the affected people as well, as long as they don’t harm them or anything.

Iseis paused for a moment. Well, perhaps I shall look at them again while Leian pays closer attention, since I am her Champion. And Berren might visit if he has time.

Regina tugged on her mandible. I have to admit I’m really curious what they’re doing, she said. Can you share anything?

Iseis frowned slightly. I could, but I hardly understand the nuances myself. Perhaps it would be better to show you? I will ask if that would be possible.

Regina paused, a bit surprised, then nodded firmly. Yes, please.

Perhaps not this evening, Iseis said softly. We should sleep first.

Of course. My apologies.

No need. Good night, my Empress.

Good night, Iseis.

Regina disconnected, shaking her head. There weren’t many people she could talk to who actually felt old and wise, or capable of making her feel young, but Iseis occasionally managed it. She supposed that was the benefit of being so many centuries old. Instead of dwelling on it, Regina quickly changed her clothes, visited the bathroom and then slid into bed. The covers were too warm, so she kicked them off and curled onto her side, shifting so her mandibles didn’t dig into the pillow.

Her sleep was troubled.

First, she found herself in a large room she only recognized after a moment. The hall where the graduation ceremony had taken place. It looked much more … alive. Sunlight shone through the windows. There were people around her, she realized after a moment. People in everyday, modern attire. Not the sort of thing one would wear nowadays.

She turned around, sucking in a sharp breath. The room was not crowded, but there were several people she felt looked vaguely familiar, even though she didn’t really recognize them. Regina stood for a long minute, just watching them. It got harder with every passing second, and finally, she was so disquieted that she could no longer bear it. She just stopped, turned and started walking.

The rooms beyond this hall were nebulous; she walked for several seconds without moving much, and then crossed a corridor in a few steps. It didn’t occur to her to find this remarkable or concerning. They were just hallways and rooms, and there were indistinct people in them. She turned a corner and opened a door, and there was a lecture hall. Regina descended the steps, glancing at the wooden seats arranged in tiers and at the blackboard and projector at the bottom, and then turned and passed through another door.

She emerged in an open courtyard. The sky outside was dark. Tree branches stretched toward her accusingly, looming out of the dark like apparitions. She blinked and the lamp in the center of the clearing turned on, and the branches were just branches, dessicated and bare.

She stepped forward and saw something glinting on the ground. Bending down, she grabbed it and held it into the light.

A small silver coin. A standard Imperial mark. She looked at the eagle embossed on it, and the markings on the side that showed its value. The outer edge was rifled, feeling coarse against her fingers. She turned it, and suddenly gold glinted at her, blinding her. Her own face stared up at her from the suddenly larger coin — and it was a human face, not showing any mandibles, horns, or Hivekind influence.

Regina cursed and the coin flew through the air. She whirled around, trying to see where she’d — tossed it? Dropped it? — but she didn’t find it.

Instead, she found someone else standing at the edge of the clearing, sliding closer.

So this is where you are, they said. I would speak with you.

Regina blinked against the glare. The light was blinding her and he was in shadow, so she couldn’t see much. A human face, tanned skin, dark hair. Something was off about the guy (if it was a guy).

Then the lamp splintered above her, and she cursed and dodged to the side. Something cold splashed against her face.

Gasping, Regina woke up. She stared uncomprehendingly at her ceiling for a moment, before sitting up and tentatively raising her hands to her face. It was slightly wet; tears, she realized after a moment. She still felt a bit cold, but that quickly vanished as she woke up properly, and the room wasn’t too cold.

Sighing, she scrubbed at her eyes, then stood up and stared out the window. It was morning. She could sense the others in the psychic link around her. She would have to start working soon.

What a weird dream, Regina mused. I wonder if it meant anything? Was someone reaching out to me psychically, or am I jumping at shadows?

She shook her head and went to the bathroom to splash water on her face.

When she returned, she dug in her desk for a moment before pulling out a small bag and emptying its contents onto the desk. A roll of paper held several coins, in various denominations. It tore with slight pressure of her claws. She ignored the copper tenth-marks and quarter-marks and took the silver mark coin, spinning it in her hand. It looked the same as always, the Imperial eagle and the number one with small marks showing the mint and proving the quality embossed on it.

Then she brushed aside the next few coins and took the largest one, the hundred-mark gold coin. Technically it was not quite worth a hundred silver marks, but it was close enough. She already knew she might have to revisit the currency standard soon — the finance ministry was debating adjusting the conversion ratio; maybe a bimetallic system had been a mistake. But she wasn’t worried about that now. She just looked at the coin’s face. Opposite another eagle and the number 100, a rendering of her own face stared at her, the Hivekind attributes visible. This design might have been a mistake, too.

Before Regina could ponder it much further, she was interrupted by a knock on the door. Slightly startled, she gathered the coins and put them back, before turning. “Come in, Ira.”

“Good morning, Mother,” Ira greeted. She skipped the question of whether she’d slept well, Regina noticed. “I took the liberty of clearing your schedule for a few hours.”

“You did? Thank you, but …” Regina frowned at her, diving a bit deeper into the psychic link.

“Iseis passed a message,” Ira explained. “If you’re available, she would be ready to facilitate that visit you’ve apparently discussed. She asked if you had a drone in mind to send in your place or wanted to go in person. Apparently, she could take you, but it’s far enough that it will be outside our range.”

“Then I probably shouldn’t,” Regina considered. “Thank you, Ira.”

She shook her head once more and turned to quickly get ready for the day. This was going to be interesting.

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