FSE

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Chapter 5

Corinne approached her table with a smile on her face. “Is there anything else I can get for you guys?”

“No, thank you.” the patron responded with a slight smile back.

“Alright then. No rush but you can pay up front when you’re ready.” Corinne placed the bill on the table and moved on.

It wasn’t the worst of nights, in fact it was a completely average Thursday at the Sunrise Diner. Corinne’s shift just seemed to be dragging on because she had plans for that night. She had called up a couple of her friends, though strangely she wasn’t able to get a hold of Laura.

Laura has been in my dreams so much, I’d really like to see her in person. I’d be worried, but somehow I just know she’s doing well.

Corinne wasn’t the only one excited for tonight. It was all Nasi could do not to wriggle with excitement in her hiding place. She would be taking her host home. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Nasi knew through the link she wasn’t the only larvae coming back to the hive tonight.

It's been a fun adventure, but I can’t wait to get back home.

After cashing out her last few tables for the day Corinne removed her apron, clocked out, double checked the schedule, and slipped out the back door of the diner. She unlocked her bike and was soon peddling her way back home. The sun was just starting to set, but there was more than enough light for Corinne to make her way home. She walked her bike around back and put it away before letting herself in the back door. Walking right into the kitchen, Corinne was hit with the smell of the dinner her mother was cooking.

“Mmm, is that lasagna? Smells great mom!”

Lasagna? We haven’t had that before. I get to try another new thing before we go? Your mother is so great! I hope she can join the hive soon too. This time Nasi couldn’t help getting visibly excited.

Luckily, neither of Corinne’s parents could see the larvae wiggling under her hair from where they were standing.

Her mother smiled at the compliment. “It’s just about ready, why don’t you go get changed.”

Corinne gave her parents quick hugs before she headed up to her room. She quickly stripped out of her waitress uniform and slipped into a t-shirt and sweatpants. Corinne had her plans for the evening, but she needed to keep up appearances with her family like she always did. It was just easier to appease her parents and maintain a good relationship than push back against every little thing, at least while she was still living under their roof rent free.

By the time she came downstairs the lasagna was out of the oven and cooling on the table. Dinner was great. Corinne felt so much joy as she ate the fresh baked lasagna, almost like she was experiencing it for the first time. Normally one huge slice and a salad were enough for her, but tonight Corinne couldn’t help going in for seconds.

“You must have had a hard day to work up such an appetite.” Her mother said as Corinne cut a slice out of the dish.

“It was a pretty average day, honestly. I guess it’s just been a while since you made lasagna. It almost feels like the first time I had it.”

“Oh?” Her mother smiled.

“Yeah, remember? You and Gram-gram made it for my birthday.”

“You remember that?” She looked surprised. “ That was for your fifth birthday party.”

“You don’t forget your first taste of the family recipe.” Corinne smiled before taking a bite.

I know I won't. Nasi thought as she continued to enjoy the delicious meal enough that the rest of the hive was feeling it.

“Careful, you’re going to put yourself in a food coma.” Her father joked.

“Actually, I was thinking of an early night anyway.”

“Getting a head start on those good dreams of yours?” He grinned

“You could say that.” Corinne winked as she took another bite.

Her father chuckled, but her mother looked like she had something on her mind.

“Mmm, what’s up mom?”

“Oh it’s nothing, really, I just ran into Jennifer at the store today. We talked for a bit and asked how the kids were doing.”

Corinne nodded as she chewed.

“She told me Jeremy had been full of life lately, and you know how he’s been since his father passed away.”

“Oh, yeah…”

“She said he started having these really uplifting dreams. He was barely leaving his room to go to class, but now he’s out and about the town again.”

“I mean, that’s good for him.” Her father said.

“Yes, of course it is. It just feels…strange that Jeremy and Corinne both started having such positive dreams at the same time.

“Probably it’s nothing more than coincidence.” Her father was always the first to dismiss things of this sort.

“Anyway, I’m glad Jeremy is feeling better.” Corinne said before turning her attention back to her plate.

She didn’t feel like now was the time to say she had been seeing Jeremy in her dreams. That was something she needed to process later.

***

Corinne helped to clean up the dishes after dinner. After that, her parents settled in the living room to watch a movie before calling it a night. Corinne said goodnight and headed upstairs. Once she closed her door she quickly got to work. She changed into some dark colored clothing and turned out the light. Corinne carefully opened the window and gently stepped out onto the back porch roof. At this point in her life she was well practiced in climbing onto the nearest tree limb and quietly climbing down. She looked back into the kitchen window. It was dark, with just a bit of the flickering glow of the TV from the living room. She quickly dashed to the back gate and let herself out as quietly as she could.

Ah, this is the same way Laura brought me to Corinne, only backwards. Nasi reminisced.

Once she was outside the tall wooden fence,Corinne checked her phone.

Good, Jamie and Mark are already at the corner.

Corinne sent a quick text that she was on her way and headed down the alleyway to the street. She saw the familiar sight of Mark’s old blue truck idling at the corner and hurried down. Jamie saw her coming down the well lit street and opened the door.

“Did you have any trouble?”

“Nah, it’s only gotten easier since mom and dad changed out the windows.” Corinne smiled.

Jamie shifted over to the middle and her friend climbed in.

“Anything else that we need before we go?” Mark asked them both.

“I’ve got my phone, it’s a camera and a light, what else would I need?” Corinne shrugged.

“I’m just making sure before we hit the highway.” Mark said as he put the truck into gear.

***

Back at Firefly Mountain Park, everyone was gathered in the brood chamber. Kirdallirth looked around at her growing hive. For the Vespera, the group-link drives the development of the hive. The more minds connected by it, the quicker larvae and nymphs mature. With the addition of four new minds, the first four nymphs were being pushed into a molt to assume their adult forms.

Laura sucked in a deep breath. She wasn’t really in pain, her body just felt tight and uncomfortable all over. There were also strange feelings inside her body, like parts of her were ready to push out. At least she wasn’t alone. Melina, Issac, and Aidan were all in a similar state. They were gathered in the brood chamber, but with the group-link they would be together anywhere. The young nymphs were there, as well as the larvae, of course.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Greg asked softly.

“It will be alright,” Kirdallirth said in a soothing voice, “The molt will feel strange, but then again, so did becoming a Vespera in the first place.”

“Greg, you are helping, by being here.” Melina smiled over at him then let out a gasp as the back of her carapace split wide open. “God, that feels better!’ She let out a soft moan as the thin almost translucent pink shell pulled away from her body.

There were gasps and sighs from the other three as similarly their nymph carapaces split and gave way to their adult forms. Laura closed her eyes as she felt something force its way out the base of her back. Soon she felt a new weight pulling on her back. Turning to look she saw her secondary abdomen plumping up to full size, complete with the heavy stinger of a guardian. Melina pulled her torso free of the old carapace and soon found a new pair of arms growing out from her sides. She watched in fascination as the limbs grew longer and larger, flexing the claw like tips as her brain got used to now having four arms. Issac curled forward on the floor as the almost delicate wings of a drone started to grow on his back. Aidan breathed deeply as he felt his adult carapace harden in the air. As it did so, it took on the bright luster of a drone. He peeled off the last few bits of his old carapace and stood up.

“You know, I think that was still easier than puberty.” Aidan said as he stretched all four of his arms.

Laura laughed. “Tell me about it.”

Issac twitched and fluttered his wings.

“Whoa there, you don’t want to start flying in here, you'll crash into something.” Melina said, pulling on his arms.

“I wasn’t going to fly inside,” Issac replied sheepishly, “I was just seeing how they work.”

“Yeah, and next thing we know you’re crashing into the larvae pens.” Laura crossed one pair of arms as she smirked.

“Oh come on, we all want to try out our wings.” Aidan flicked his open. “Who wouldn’t want to fly?”

“You could just go outside.” Leia motioned with her antenna towards the door.

“Yes, but not just to try out those new wings,” Kirdallirth smiled. “The little ones are coming back and bringing more than just their hosts.”

“Oh, so we are going to need the stingers too.” Melina said, giving her secondary abdomen a little shake.

“The ones who are hosting the little ones can probably be talked to, but for the others, most likely yes. Now everyone, let's go and get ready to receive our new hivemates.”

***

The drive from Mullinhill proper to Firefly Mountain Park only took the trio a little more than fifteen minutes. Mark slowed as he approached the turn off. He glanced over at his passengers and all three of them nodded. The old truck turned off the rural highway and up the ramp to the parking lot. After driving along a short forested road it opened up to the worn and sun baked parking lot for Firefly Mountain.

“Hey, check it out,” Mark said as he drove slowly over the cracked asphalt, “We’re not the only one’s here.”

“Not just one or two people either, I think I count six cars.” Jamie said as she turned towards Corinne, “Did you invite anyone else up?”

“I was about to ask you that. I didn’t tell anyone else, I didn’t want to risk my parents finding out.”

Mark parked his truck around the small gathering. “I’ve heard people talking about the park around town lately. Maybe we all just thought tonight was a good night to head out.

Nasi giggled to herself. It was planned, just not by any of you.

“We’re all here for the same thing, right?” Corinne said as she opened the door. “It will probably be less creepy with a bigger group anyway.”

They all got out of the truck and headed over to the impromptu gathering of locals. Corinne recognized most of the people from in and around Mullinhill, even if she didn’t know their names. A few of them, however, she was sure she had seen in her dreams, Like Jeremy.

“Nice night to break into an abandoned amusement park, huh?” Mark said as a way of greeting.

There were a few chuckles at his comment.

Corinne looked around. “Well, it’s not getting any earlier, and if any more show up somebody is going to notice. Why don’t we go check out the gate at least.”

There were murmurs and nods before the group started to move from the cars to the front gates of the park. Corinne looked at the large gate, scanning it from top to bottom. She saw the chain hanging loose without any kind of a lock on it. Curious if it really was unlocked, Corinne placed her hands on the gate and pushed. It made a loud grinding and squeaking sound, but it opened slightly. Jeremy and a few others from the dreams stepped up and helped Corinne to push the gate open.

Firefly Mountain Park opened up before them. The lights were off, only the moon illuminated the rides and buildings. People stared into the shadows quietly for a few moments. They pushed in around the gate, but they seemed too scared to step over the threshold. Corinne took a deep breath and turned to look over her shoulder at her friends.

“One last night at Firefly Mountain.” She said softly before stepping past the gate.

Jamie and Mark followed after her, and then pretty much everyone else. Flashlights, lanterns and phones turned on to help light the way. People pointed to rides and concession stands, taking pictures and laughing.

Greg’s multifaceted eyes were paying close attention to the security system he had recently upgraded with Vespera biotech. He didn’t want a repeat of the vandalism Jeff and Derrick had brought to the park. He relayed what he was seeing back through the group-link to his hivemates. Leia, Jeff, and Derrick were watching from hiding places, staying out of sight and following behind the stragglers as the visitors walked deeper into the park turned hive. Laura had flown up onto the ferris wheel, hiding easily in the shadows. Melina, Aidan, and Issac were in similar high places, ready to swoop down.

Jamie and Mark were goofing off, sticking their heads through the cut outs to take silly pictures. Corinne, however, felt something pulling her further down the midway of the park. She stepped away from her laughing friends and followed the sensation. It seemed to grow stronger as she walked, and it eventually led her to the Haunted Mine ride. When she was a little kid, Corinne was a bit scared of dark rides, so it wasn’t exactly a ride she remembered fondly. But standing in front of the entrance door, she couldn’t help walking up to the door. It swung open easily, and she let herself inside.

Corinne froze in place as the door shut closed behind her. A soft glowing light seemed to fill the entire structure. The walls were coated in some kind of hard shiny organic-looking substance, and the same substance was used to build the various structures in the former ride. Over to her side she saw a large pen-like structure full of crawling things that looked vaguely like giant caterpillars that were climbing and crawling over each other to get a better look at Corinne.

“Corinne, relax, don’t be scared.” Nasi's voice called out to her.

She wasn’t sure if it was in her mind or she actually heard her. “Nasi? Are you here?”

“I’m always here, but maybe Mother should explain things first.”

Kirdallirth stepped out from behind a pillar. Corinne gasped when she first saw the Vespera broodmother, but more out of surprise than anything else. She felt an insect woman should be scary, but there was something familiar about her. There was a warm loving aura that seemed to radiate from the creature.

“Nasi is correct, you have nothing to fear from me, Corinne.”

The young woman blinked. “How do you know my name?”

Kirdallirth smiled softly. “You have been a guest within the group-link with my children, I know far more about you than just your name.”

Corinne found herself believing the creature, but still wasn’t sure why. “Who, and what are you?”

“My name is Kirdallirth, broodmother of the Vespera. I am here establishing the initial hive.” She motioned to the brood chamber around them. “I bring with me the gifts of unity and peace for this planet. I don’t want to use force, but so few will listen to my message. One of my children believed if people could just know what the group-link was that they would then be open to joining us willingly.”

Corinne was feeling more comfortable the longer she talked to the broodmother. “You keep saying group-link, what is that?”

“It is the telepathic connection that unites the Vespera of a planet together. Through it we communicate, share knowledge, share our emotions, and so much more. It is the backbone of the hive. I wanted to give people a chance to feel at least a taste of the group-link that unites us, so I sent some of my little ones out to share this gift.”

“Little ones?” Corinne looked over to the larvae and back to Kirdallirth. “You mean those guys?”

“Exactly. I think it’s time for a proper introduction to my daughter. Nasi, come out.”

Corinne felt a shiver down her back as she felt something move on her neck . Small stubby legs carried the purple larvae to the young woman's shoulder and down her arm. Corinne’s eyes went wide. How had she not noticed a giant caterpillar attached to the back of her neck? She locked eyes with the young Vespera.

“N-Nasi?” she stuttered.

The larvae nodded, “Hi, please don’t be scared!”

“I’m…trying not to be.”

“I was told to stay hidden, but it’s nice to meet you face to face.”

Corinne took a deep breath to calm herself. “You looked a little different in my dreams.”

“Well,” the larva sheepishly turned her head away, “I wanted to look older, I’m just a larva and I know you’re a grown up human.”

Even though Corinne was talking to a small purple larvae, there was just something so honest and relatable about her.

“Heh, I used to pretend to be older too.” Corinne said, patting Nasi on the head. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Are we still friends?”

“I think so, this is all just a lot to take in.”

“Yeah, I know. I think as I was hanging out with you, experiencing the world outside the brood chamber, it helped me to mature more. But I think bringing you into the group-link probably had a similar effect on you.”

“The other people I saw in the dreams, like Jeremy. They had a little rider too?”

“Yes, my hatchmates. We wanted to reach out to as many humans as possible, but the first brood is pretty small.”

“It didn't feel all that small to me at the time.” Kirdallirth chuckled.

“I guess you come from a big family.” Corinne smiled. “What were your favorite parts while you were riding back there?”

“That’s easy, strawberries and riding on the bike.”

“Strawberries are pretty awesome. No wonder I was eating so many, I was eating for two.” Corinne laughed.

“Corinne? Would you like to stay here with us? Mother can help you join the hive.”

“What?”

“She can make you one of us, like she did with Laura.”

“Laura? She’s here? And she’s a Vespera?”

Nasi nodded. “She brought me to you, so you could not be scared and come join us.”

“You had just a small taste of the group-link.” Kirdallirth folded all four of her arms. “It is what unites us as a hive and someday everyone on this planet.”

Corinne blinked at the revelation. “You’re serious?”

Kirdallirth nodded. “It is what we do, we come to a planet and share our gifts with the natives. Some think it is wiping away individuality, but it does no such thing. Laura is a part of this hive, but she is still a person, and I think you will find she is still the person you knew under her carapace.”

“Does it…hurt? Do I end up like Nasi?”

“No, as a human you would skip a few stages and start as a nymph of about the same size as you are now. As for the process itself, it is quite the opposite of painful.” Kirdallirth extended her hand. “Please, come and join us.”

Corinne bit her lip as she contemplated it, but seeing the pleading look in Nasi’s eyes, how could she say no? She reached out and placed her hand into the broodmother’s.

“Thank you for listening to us.” Kirdallirth extended another hand and Nasi crawled between them. “I can sense Nasi is about to molt along with the other larvae of her brood, that’s why I instructed them to come home tonight and bring their friends. We will let her do so while I see to you.”

Kirdallirth placed Nasi gently into a pen and then led Corinne to one of the benches.

“I ah, need to take off my clothes, don’t I?” Corinne blushed slightly as she realized it.

“Yes, that would be for the best. Don’t worry, it is quite cozy in the brood chamber, you won’t be cold.”

Corinne managed a nod before she sat down on the edge of the bench to remove her sneakers. There was some hesitation as she pulled her shirt off over her head.

“Where is Laura? I’m just curious about what she’s been up to since she, ah, joined up.”

“She is out with the rest of my more mature children. The ones who, like you, were hosting the little ones can probably be persuaded to listen. Of course, you all brought extra friends with you, so we need to keep an eye on them and make sure they can be brought into the hive.”

“Sorry about that.” She said as she pushed down her pants.

“No, it’s a good thing. Now is the time to grow the hive. And with greater numbers the larvae and nymphs can mature faster, not to mention we can truly begin to construct a full hive structure.

“I’m not very good with building things. I can’t even put together a cheap bookshelf by myself.” Corinne said as she unhooked her bra.

“It will come naturally once you are fully part of the link, and besides that, you won’t be working alone. Now lie back and relax.”

The bench was slightly warm and supported Corinne’s body near perfectly. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Ok…Just relax…”

Kirdallirth smiled as she opened the slits on her neck and filled the air with her pheromones. Corinne breathed them in deeply and was soon more than just relaxed. She moaned softly as all four of Kirdallirth‘s hands ran over her body. The broodmother slowly worked her hands down between Corinne’s legs. The young woman was already affected by the pheromones and the direct contact made her back arch off the bench as she cried out.

Corinne was more than ready at this point. Kirdallirth climbed up onto the bench and extended her ovipositor. She felt little resistance as she started to push into the excited young woman. Corinne cried out as a mini-orgasm shook her body. Kirdallirth wasn’t done just yet. She entered her fully and then closed her eyes and pushed out an unfertilized egg. Corinne bucked and cried out, gripping onto Kirdallirth tightly as the egg was pushed into her body. Kirdallirth let out a long contented sigh as the egg was finally deposited and slowly withdrew.

Corinne laid out on the bench spread eagle panting for air, high on a mix of her own hormones and whatever the broodmother had hit her with. She felt a warm comforting sensation deep inside her body that spread through her body as the egg was absorbed. Her body tingled all over, from her head to her toes. Corinne’s skin started to toughen, first becoming leathery before hardening fully into armored plates. The color shifted from a slightly sun-kissed to a rich and vibrant purple.

The tips of her fingers hardened into strong and sharp points. Meanwhile Corinne’s toes shifted into two large claws. She closed her eyes tightly as a long set of antennae unfurled from her head. She gasped as she became a full part of the group-link and the warmth of friendship and love washed over her. She opened her eyes, now bright orange and multifaceted.

“I…I feel everyone! Dreams are nothing compared to reality!” She smiled widely at Kirdallirth. “Thank you Mother! Thank you so much!” She wrapped her arms around the broodmother in a tight hug.

Kirdallirth returned the hug in kind. “Welcome home, daughter.

Corinne smiled. As she pulled away from the broodmother, she noticed the color of her carapace was a match for Nasi. picking up easily on Corinne’s thoughts, Kirdallirth smiled.

“You and Nasi share a special bond, even between other Vespera. It’s left a mark on both of you. Come now, let’s get things ready, we’ll be having a lot of new guests shortly.

Corinne smiled. “Of course.”

***

Laura smiled as she felt Corinne become the latest member of the hive, but she didn’t let it distract her from her mission.

Ah, right there! That one, he’s alone!

Laura dove down towards the young man taking a close look at a poster. By the time he noticed the buzzing of her wings, it was too late. Her stinger plunged into his shoulder and in shock he barely got out a tiny yelp. Laura caught him from falling and touched down on the ground. Jeff hurried out from the bushes and picked up the paralyzed man easily. Laura leapt back up into the air to find her next target.

So far they had managed to go unnoticed by the visitors as a whole. They took them by surprise when they were alone or in the case of Melina and Aidan in pairs. The little ones were helping to keep their hosts distracted as their friends slowly disappeared.

***

Jeremy paused by the Road Rally ride. He leaned on the fence and looked at the now sun-faded cars. He remembered that this was the ride he would always drag his dad to in order to ride first thing when they came to the park. The memories made him smile.

“I miss you, dad.” Jeremy said softly before slowly turning away.

As he scanned the moonlit park, his eyes settled on one of the attractions, The Haunted Mine. He had ridden it as a kid, but he never felt a special connection to it, at least, not until now. Jeremy couldn’t shake the feeling that he had to go to it. As he slowly walked towards the building, trying to figure out what it was about the old dark ride, he noticed that he wasn’t the only one making his way towards it. Jeremy quickly realized they were all people he recognized from his dreams.

As they gathered together, the pull seemed to intensify. Jeremy reached out and tried the door. He found out it was unlocked and easily swung open. They exchanged looks silently with each other before all deciding to enter. Jeremy walked in slowly, taking in the new form of what had once been a simple dark ride. As strange as everything was, he found it somehow comforting. As the door closed behind the last person, Kirdallirth stepped forward. There were more than a few gasps, but no one made a move towards the door.

“Welcome, please there is no need to be afraid, we are all friends and family here. My name is Kirdallirth, but perhaps it would be better if you were to hear from another of your friends first.”

Stepping out next to the broodmother, a purple nymph smiled and waved. “Hello everyone, you might not recognize me like this, but it’s me, Corinne.” There were murmurs among the crowd, but no one really moved. “Yes, it’s really me. I know what you’re all here for, but I think before Mother and I explain things any further, you really need to meet another friend face to face.”

Jeremy shivered as he suddenly felt something moving along his neck.

***

Kirdallirth slumped down on her seat. She was beyond spent at this point, but still she smiled. It was more than worth it. The group-link was bustling with thoughts and emotions from her now much expanded hive. And the brood chamber itself was no quieter. Her children could barely even all fit in the room. Aidan and Issac were right by her sides. Corinne and Jeremy were cuddled against her sides, running their hands soothingly over her emptied abdomen. Other nymphs were offering their clothes up to the broodmother to eat and regain her strength.

“Mother,” Melina leaned in closely, “I think you may have overexerted yourself.”

“Perhaps a bit.” Kirdallirth sighed, “I don’t think I can do that much again. I will need to uplift a queen or two to share the burden moving forward.”

“Especially if we are going to bring the rest of Mullinhill into the hive. And speaking of the hive, now that the first batch of us can make construction gel, we should start to build more structures for the hive.”

“It is getting a bit crowded in here now.” Kirdallirth smiled. “You can get started once the nymphs are recovered. We will start by building food storage vaults, we have a lot of mouths to feed.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Issac placed a hand on Kirdallirth’s shoulder. “Now, you just rest and let Melina direct the construction. Aidan and I will take care of you until you recover.”

Kirdallirth sighed and closed her eyes. It was the duty of the drones to take care of her, afterall. As much as she wanted to remain moving for as long as she was mobile, Kirdallirth knew she needed a bit of time and food to recover from implanting so many eggs.

“Alright, I will rest for a bit, but there is much still to do.”

_________________________________________

Characters and setting belong to Lancefree

Written by Syntaxerror37

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