"Perhaps," Halcyon offered an airy, noncommittal chirp. If sympathizers truly turned out to be in such poor supply, then practicality demanded making do with what the Hive had and creating the appropriate sample size to test their wares on. Much as they approved of the reasoning behind it, though, a trace of apprehension regarded the possibility: a mind untethered to the network was a foreign one for however long testing would have to be conducted. Even raised amongst loyalists, who knew how offspring might develop when they heard of Mother’s affection without ever experiencing her caress firsthand. "Hopefully, any other services we provide will build enough of a customer base that such measures won’t be as necessary. Trust is time, and we’ve plenty, yes?"

This reassurance, as much to themselves as to Jinyi, preceded claws delicately poking around in their bag of Dontas. Once satisfied they’d found a perfect specimen of this particular version of the snack, they held that single chip aloft for their audience of one. "A commendable choice in shape," remarked the Drone, tone utterly academic as they pointed out its waves. "The flavor is enhanced, as any excess powder settles into the bottom of each ripple. This has potential to be an improvement upon the original, I dare say. How did you conceive of such a variation?"

Rule one of maintaining Hive relations: express interest in others’ endeavors so they remain seen and appreciated. Neglect could cause a breakdown in productivity, especially when little praise could be found for them elsewhere in the caves now.

@Jinyi
(Yeah, probably start fading out around here.)

Did they have plenty of time? Mm, yes, Jinyi decided. Much as he had accepted the idea the Hive had told to others—that Chaos used the caves for their war and thus must be stopped—it was also true that he was not on one of those poor besieged worlds, and it was more of a distant, if genuine sympathy that he felt. More relevantly for their purposes, Chaos had not nearly come close to uprooting the Hive from the cave network, so it was true that they did have plenty of time and did not have to act with any particular hurry.

A thrum of delight ran through him as Halcyon picked up a structurally perfect chip to admire together. "Yes," he agreed happily, "I'm very satisfied with how it turned out. I admit that the design started more frivolously—I wanted to see if I could imitate the appearance of waves, for a water-themed chip—but as testing progressed, we made some exciting discoveries about how the structure facilitates better flavor and mouthfeel..."

@Halcyon fade to exit, probably!