(As I explored the jungle, I couldn’t get my mind off that raid from yesterday. But while I was relaxing, I felt something grab my leg.)

[player]: “Hey! Get off me!”

(Before I knew it, I was brought to a strange room in a hive-like structure I’ve never seen before.)

Strange-looking Insect: “Oh. You’re finally awake.”

[player]: “Wh-what are you?! You’re pretty big for a bug!”

Strange-looking Insect: “I am <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON>. And you are in our hive.”

[player]: “‘Sentinel’? ‘Hive’?”

Sentinel Topaz: “I am but one member in this Myrmex hive.”

[player]: “…‘Myrmex’? Wh…what are those?”

Sentinel Topaz: “Myrmex are a highly advanced species of insects, much like ants. We have a complex social structure, with different roles and duties assigned to each member. I am a sentinel, tasked with monitoring and protecting the hive from outside threats.”

[player]: “I see…but why did you bring me here?”

Sentinel Topaz: “You were trespassing in our territory. We brought you here for questioning and to determine if you pose a threat to our hive.”

[player]: “I didn’t mean to cause any harm. I was just exploring the jungle.”

Sentinel Topaz: “We will determine the truth of your words. In the meantime, you will stay here as our guest.”

[player]: “As your guest? Are you going to eat me or something?”

Sentinel Topaz: “No! We do not eat other sentient beings. We will provide for your basic needs while you stay here.”

[player]: “Oh…okay. Thank you.”

Sentinel Topaz: “You are welcome. And do not worry, we will try to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Royal Advisor Onyx will be with you shortly.”

(I nod nervously as Sentinel Topaz leaves the room. Soon enough, a new insect enters. This one is smaller than Sentinel Topaz but wears a regal looking robe.)

Royal Advisor Onyx: “Greetings, human. I am Royal Advisor Onyx, the one in charge of diplomatic affairs for our hive.”

[player]: “Nice to meet you, Onyx. Can you tell me more about your hive and your species?”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “Of course. As Sentinel Topaz explained earlier, we are Myrmex. We have a highly organized society, with different roles assigned to each member. Our Queen is the highest authority, and all members of the hive serve and protect her. We gather food, maintain the hive, and defend against any external threats.”

[player]: “Fascinating. And how do you communicate with each other?”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “We communicate through pheromones and intricate body language. We have been able to develop a complex language that allows us to communicate with each other effectively.”

[player]: “That’s incredible. And how long have you been living here in the jungle?”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “We have been here for as long as our records go back, which is over a thousand years. We have found this environment to be highly suitable for our needs.”

[player]: “Wow, that’s impressive. And how do you view other species, like humans?”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “We view them as outsiders, each with their own agenda and goals. Some humans have been known to harm our hive, while others have shown themselves to be peaceful and cooperative. We judge each individual on their actions and intentions.”

[player]: “I understand. And what will happen to me now that I’m here?”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “We will conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances of your arrival and whether or not you pose a threat to our hive. Until then, you will be provided for and treated with respect as a guest.”

[player]: “Thank you, Onyx. I appreciate it.”

Royal Advisor Onyx: “You’re welcome. I will return later to check on you. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask.”

(And with that, Royal Advisor Onyx leaves the room, leaving me to ponder my fate in this strange new world. Ten days later, Sentinel Topaz enters the room.)

Sentinel Topaz: “Queen Jade would like to see you.”

[player]: “Queen Jade?”

Sentinel Topaz: “Yes, our queen. She has taken an interest in your presence here and wishes to speak to you.”

[player]: “Uh, okay. Should I bring anything?”

Sentinel Topaz: “No, just follow me.”

(Sentinel Topaz leads me through the hive towards a larger chamber. As we enter, I see several female Myrmex giving birth - and in the center of it all is a massive insect, much bigger than the others. This must be the queen.)

Queen Jade: “Greetings, human.”

[player]: “Hello, your Majesty.”

Queen Jade: “My advisors have informed me of your arrival in our territory. I have taken an interest in you and wish to know more about your kind and your intentions.”

[player]: “I’m just an explorer, your Majesty. I was curious about this jungle and didn’t mean to cause any harm to your hive.”

Queen Jade: “I see. And what is your opinion of our kind?”

[player]: “I find your species fascinating and highly advanced. Your social structure and language are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. But this chamber…this is something else.”

Queen Jade: “Ah, this is the birthing chamber. It’s where new members of our hive are born and cared for. It’s a sacred space for us.”

(Just then, another female Myrmex - a Soldier - enters the chamber.)

Queen Jade: “Ah…Soldier Sapphire. How’s your pregnancy going so far?”

Soldier Sapphire: “It’s going well, your Majesty. Thank you for asking.”

Queen Jade: “Good. And have you chosen a name for your future offspring?”

Soldier Sapphire: “Yes, your Majesty. I have decided to name her Amethyst.”

Queen Jade: “A lovely name. May she grow to be a strong and loyal member of our hive.”

Soldier Sapphire: “Thank you, your Majesty.”

[player]: “Wait, are you all named after gemstones?”