Plan A, plan Bee

Bloodhero and Workharder saluted me in unison (the saluting habit was spreading, I noticed). Things-Things trailed behind them, waving at me with shy pride.

"Father, the Great Purge of Hive Supremo and Hive Hornet's Nest has been completed!"

"Everybody has been given a Purge Mark to show their cleanliness, but I've given out instructions to keep the checks for mites every morning as bees report to their superiors!"

I opened my mouth, then closed it.

Indeed, from what I could see around us, the Great Purge has ended already! The bees were still gathered around, but nobody was picking at each other's tails.

"We've been just about to search for you, Father," Things-Things added. "You need a Purge Mark, too! I already made you the prettiest one out of something that shines, like a pretty bug's chitin!"