Stop talking about communism!

"Okay, I'm putting it into intelligence."

"A wise move, Father," Researchina nodded. "Intelligence is superior."

"But what about strength?!" Bloodhero exclaimed, then vigorously shook her head. "No, wait, defense! No, wait, endurance!"

Tabletina scratched her cheek.

"Does the Empire Council always argue so much?"

"Quiet, everyone."

Silence returned in an instant.

Ambrosia stared her daughters down.

She was a head taller than the tallest Worker Bee in the room, and the regal aura her grace and poise exuded, together with the "annoyed mother" expression on her face, made everybody squirm in their spots.

I was glad she wasn't turning this expression on *me*.

"Don't speak up if you have nothing worthwhile to say. We've already wasted too much time on certain discussions before, and now that the Council expanded, we might waste even more… This isn't what communism demands."

I slapped a palm over my face.