Drones ~ Morgan

I was a drone, a soldier. Which meant I was disposable. At least that’s what our old General told us. He was dead now. So was the Queen. A fiery explosion. A candle knocked over. There were rumors. Rumors that one of the soldiers from the past who had been under General Grievance’s command came back for revenge. That the Queen became a casualty, caught in the crossfire. No one could prove anything though. So life went on. The Queens only daughter became Queen. A woman who surprised me no less than on three separate occasions. The first happened the first time she had come to see us. The Queen was notorious for desiring peace. That was not exactly unique, given the fact that we are in an Era of Great Peace. That’s what they were calling it. The last eight centuries, not a single war not even one battle. No one wanted to become the villain in break that peace. We were gentle folk after all. This was moderne times. If a skirmish truly couldn’t be settled, there were other ways to settle things. Some sort of competition perhaps. A fencing match, or a race. Even those rarely happened anymore. People want to diplomatic, talks conversations. Not things to be dictated by who is strongest, or who had better tactics. Still the Queen from the little is seen from her seemed more gentle than the Queen before her. She was short and young, only nineteen, but given so much responsibility. She walked with a gracefulness of a queen. Her head high. Today she had on a gold tiara, and a yellow, and white dress. She was a typical beauty. Some called her the prettiest girl in the hive. With sparkling blue eyes like sapphires, and curly, light, blonde hair, so long it went down to her waist. She had dangling gold earrings, and from what I could tell no weapon on her. Which was unwise for someone in gold jewelry. I was grateful when I noticed the two guards in step behind her.

“Your Majesty.”

“General Morgan I presume. He, him.” Most soldiers knew I was Grievances replacement, but I was shocked she knew me by name.

“Yes, ma’a- Your Majesty.”

“Queen Lucy is fine. She, her.” Her mother had insisted on us, calling her her Majesty. Perhaps she thought it more that way. No drone had a bad thing to say about her. She hadn’t known the man she hired, and we were all too afraid of telling someone. He made many who tired disappear. Even worse he would make examples of innocent drones too. That was something no one could brave. Being responsible for the death of one of our own. Even though all of us were willing to risk our own lives. Any one of us would’ve been prepared to kill him. As we would any enemy on the battlefield. The queen was a decent one. I hadn’t known her personally. I know she had furthered trade with other Kingdoms. She had been fair and wise, but kept her feeling close to her chest. I didn’t know much else.

“What can I help you with Queen Lucy?” She had to go out of her way to meet us. Our hive was made out honey combs like any bee hive. We were in the middle of a forest, surrounded by dense trees. Our hive was built in a series of caves. The honey comb covered the floor and walls in the mouth a large cave. As well as a few smaller ones in the back. It almost looks like it was spilling from the caves entrance. A semi circle incasing the whole entrance. Our cave was both connect to the honeycomb cave, and the outside. The walls were dark grey stone, and the earth here was black soil. The cave was filled with my drones. There was a series of targets, three armory, and a black smithery. Benches set up were drones were having lunch. A fire pit in the back were drones sat on logs telling stories. I could hear the murmuring both in my ears, and in my head. My mind is open to anyone’s mind who isn’t closed. I can hear their soft voices.

“The Queen’s here.”

“What is she doing-“

“Yeah I like honey and banana better than honey and jam-“

I close my mind off. Then open a private link with only me, and my second in command.

“I am checking up on all my drone squads.”

“Personally?” I ask. That was odd. Past Queen’s I knew if only visited some at random to inspect how they were doing, or if they had a reason.

“I think I should know the people fighting for me, and my Hive don’t you?” She says steadily. I nod.

“Well we’re stocked well on weapons. All of my soldiers are trained to use daggers. Trowing and otherwise. Some use axes, and others swords. I let them use what they prefer.” She nods. Though I’m sure this isn’t her cup of tea and honey. I give her a tour, and a basic report. With that we say farewell to each other. This is not the last time I see her though. The second time she surprised me. She first requested me specifically to be your drone, her guard.

“Only for a while.” She sent at breakfast. “There are rumors of a group of my own loyal subjects planning on stealing my crown, and making a run for it at my coronation. Will you do it?”

“Yes.” I and a few others meet her in her personal chambers. She wears a king white dress with a long ruffed train. A fellow beefolk fitters around her doing her make-up.

“Good you’re all here. I’m upping security tonight.”

“You really think there’s a plot?” Someone asks. Beefolk are know for valuing loyalty. It’s in our blood. The thing we’re raised with above anything else. She nods.

“I do.”

“We’re up for the challenge my Queen.” She smiles. Eyes filled with confidence. It’s not till later. I wonder if a small part of what she was doing was trying to figure out what drones were the most loyal to her. Rooting out she could trust.

“Our God long ago gave us wings to fly. The ability to Mind Link. To stay connected to each other no matter how far we go. We have hearts of honey, and the porosity of the bees our God took inspiration from when creating us. They gave us the ability to make honeycomb. They gave us Royals to protect and lead the Hive’s we build. Lucy Band do swear to protect, and serve your Hive as long as they choose to be loyal to you?” All Royals had the last name Band, though they’re not all related to each other.

“I do.” He places a circlet of gold on her head.

“Then by the power vested in me before the Gods. I crown you Queen of the Hive.” My eyes scan the crowd for anyone suspicious. I keep my mind open to listen for any panic.

“Queen of the Hive!”

“Queen of the Hive!”

“Queen of the Hive!” Is all I can hear. It’s as the crowd starts to disperse I see them. Two figures sleeking closer.

“Halt in the name of the Queen.” Their minds are closed. They’re both masculine with black, straight hair. There clothes are earth colors. They both wear vests. I brush my own straight blonde hair out of my eyes. “State your business with her.” One smiles and speaks.

“We only want to congratulate the new Queen.” They say. The other edges closer. I open private links with my fellow guards.

“You can tell her from here.” The other one pulls out a throwing dagger.

“Dagger!” The Queen is pushed out of the way by the drone closest to her. I tackle the one of the thieves to the ground. It’s over in seconds. After the queen cleans honeycomb from her dress she meets me in on of the smaller caves.

“I didn’t get the chance to personally thank you.” She says.

“No need to thank me only doing my job.” We’re also very work oriented.

“Why did you become a drone anyway?” She asks.

“My parents are drones. So it was most of my family, but I never met any of them. I only ever had my parents.” They passed away the year I vacate a drone.

“I only had my mother growing up. My father left the Hive I was six.” I knew that. People didn’t leave or move in often. “My mother was a good Queen, and a good mother, but she was a bad wife. She cheated on my father you know. I loved my mother, but I always resented her a little bit. I barely knew my father.”

“Do you know about Grievance don’t you?”

“After visiting the drones yes. I heard. I’m not gonna let anything like that happen again if I can help it. I’m going to be good Queen.”

“I think you’ll make a great one.” She smiles at me.

“With all due respect your highness. Can I quite.” I hold my breath. She laughs her wings fluttering.

“Of course. Do what makes you happy Morgan. Though I’d like for you stay as my friend.” That surprises me.

“I’ll be your friend.” Your drone, your solider, your guard, your friend. I would be anything this woman asked if me. Because she taught me not just want it was to be loyal to a Queen, but to love one.