A sadistic choice

Hofferson and Carr looked at each other. Then Kaida said, "Only one?"

Yes.

"We have to choose?"

Yes.

Carr said, "And what if we don't?"

You both walk out. Or, rather, crawl. Perhaps scurry. Or stalk.

"We get it."

Talk amongst yourselves. And she turned her back to them.

"No."

She turned back to them. What?

Hofferson glared. "I said no. This isn't you! You're not Shannon-"

She hissed. Her tails lashed behind her. Shannon was weak. Human. You stand before a queen. She straightened. One who guides the hive. One with thousands at my command in this city alone. Even now, I lead our song!

Carr didn't seem too impressed. "If you're not Shannon, who are you?"

It came to her, in a blinding flash. The missing piece.

I...am S'r'n. And you should find yourself fortunate that I do not make you bow at my feet for your insolence. Or, perhaps, bend.

She turned to face the console.

Deon looked at the Queen's back, and turned to his partner. He kept an eye out, of course.

Not that he'd be able to do much.

"Well," he said, with a forced smile, "I think we made a good impression."

COMMENTARY in the etc.