The crisp air of Helena's colony hung in the atmosphere like a delicate mist, as though the colony itself was waiting for the inevitable decision that would determine the future of the two ant civilizations going forward.
Queen Celeste, having traveled so far from her home colony, now sat in the grand hall of Queen Helena's domain, her mouth closed tightly as she listened intently to the discussions that unfolded before her.
Around the large stone table, the colony's most influential figures gathered in a circle.
Queen Helena sat at the head of the table, her expression calm yet filled with resolve, while General Ivan remained standing beside her, his stern gaze fixed on the assembly.
The elder ants, advisors who had served their queen for generations, flanked the two monarchs with their ancient yet wise faces, and the senior officers, including Commander Valeria and Corporals Beatrice and Lily, kept a respectful but watchful distance.
The issue was one of critical importance: how to safely gather and transport enough food supplies to see both colonies through the coming winter.
Celeste had left her own colony in search of a solution. Yet, despite the best minds of both colonies coming together, the problem persisted.
"We cannot carry enough resources back to our colonies before the snow falls," Queen Celeste declared, shifting her weight onto her two legs as her wings stirred slightly behind her.
She rested her two arms on the edge of the table, the exoskeleton of her forearms pressing firmly against the stone. Her antennae twitched in deliberate, rhythmic motions, signaling both focus and concern.
Her hair fell forward slightly, and she brushed it back with one hand, revealing the tension in her lips.
Her eyes scanned the assembly, calm yet weighed with worry.
"The recent misunderstanding has weakened your army and the extermination of a nearby termite colony has cost us heavily—over fifty-nine casualties and eighty injured, some still recovering. Despite that delay our attention was diverted to replenishing supplies, leaving us less time than we anticipated. We also lack the capacity to store everything in time. What options do we have?"
Queen Helena's antennae twitched nervously, sweeping back and forth as her eyes scanned the gathered ants, pausing on the empty spaces where more soldiers should have been.
Her wings fluttered briefly, brushing against her back.
"This… this is dire," she admitted, her voice catching slightly. "If we fail, our colonies—our people—will suffer. We must find a way, no matter the risk."
She pressed her forearms against the edge of the stone table and tapped lightly with one hand, producing a small echo that lingered in the hall.
Her gaze remained steady on the assembly, waiting for a response.
General Ivan crossed his arms, his exoskeleton creaking slightly as he shifted his weight on his two legs.
His antennae swept slowly, scanning the gathered crowd as if searching for a way to dismiss their concerns.
"There are simply not enough ants to carry everything we need," he stated, his lips pressed into a thin line. "We could ration, but the colonies will starve if we do that. Perhaps we need a more… forceful solution—a full deployment of both workers and soldiers."
Valeria, Commander of Celeste's army, stood tall, her posture rigid and commanding.
Her antennae angled sharply forward as she met Ivan's gaze.
"We've been over this," she countered, her voice steady and precise. "A 'forceful solution,' as you put it, would only create unnecessary tension. We need a plan that serves both our colonies—a method for efficient, protected transport, not more vulnerability and exposure to enemy attacks."
General Ivan scoffed, the sound rattling slightly against his exoskeleton.
"Efficiency? We've been dragging our feet for months and made little progress here at this colony. All we need are more bodies to do the job. You're wasting time. Or do you have a better idea?"
Valeria's antennae twitched sharply, a subtle sign of irritation, but she remained composed.
Her stance was firm, legs planted evenly on the stone floor, every movement measured.
"We need to think about long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes that might not even sustain us this winter," she insisted, her voice precise and unwavering.
Celeste inclined her head, wings brushing lightly against her back.
"Indeed. We cannot afford to overlook the full scope of our responsibilities. We barely scraped by during the last ten winter cycles."
Her antennae twitched briefly, and she let her gaze linger on the assembly, taking in the tense expressions.
The conversation then drifted into more intricate deliberations.
The elder ants offered their counsel, though their solutions proved only marginally better than previous attempts.
Ari, the outsider now among them, realized that neither Celeste's nor Helena's colonies had ever confronted a crisis of this magnitude.
They were truly in uncharted territory.
Ari had been quiet through most of the meeting, but the frustration brewing in his chest could not be contained.
All this time wasting is irrelevant, they are just bringing ideas across that will either give greater benefit to one colony, Ari thought.
The voices around him seemed to grow increasingly disjointed as the minutes ticked by.
Finally, he stepped forward, interrupting the ongoing discussion with a quiet but firm voice.
"Excuse me," Ari spoke, his voice cutting through the murmur of the assembly.
The gathered ants turned toward him, antennae twitching in surprise at the sudden interruption.
For a moment, he shifted on his two legs, feeling the awkward weight of their stares.
He was someone not long accepted into their ranks—but he could no longer hold back.
"What if we stop thinking only in terms of physical labor?" he continued, eyes scanning the room for reactions.
"What if we try a new approach—something that could change the way we transport supplies?"
Silence clung to the hall as Ari's words settled.
General Ivan's jaw tightened, his lips curling into a faint scowl.
"And what exactly is your suggestion, Lance Corporal?" he demanded, antennae flicking in sharp disapproval.
His voice carried the weight of dismissal, as if Ari's lack of rank disqualified him before he even opened his mouth.
Ari swallowed hard, his throat dry.
I've seen something like this before… something that could work, he thought, forcing himself to raise his voice.
"Instead of relying on countless trips with small loads," he said carefully, "what if we construct a large container with wheels—something several ants can push or pull together? It could hold far more food at once and ease the burden on each of us."
A murmur of confusion rippled through the chamber, the sound of shifting feet and hushed voices echoing off the stone walls.
Isla, standing near the back, furrowed her brow.
She leaned closer to Rory, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What does he mean by 'wheeled container'?"
Rory crossed his arms, lips tightening into a thin line.
"Beats me," he muttered, though his tone carried the same uncertainty as hers.
Beatrice stepped forward, her sharp gaze fixed on Ari.
Her voice was level but edged with impatience.
"Are you suggesting something that complex? You expect us to build a structure we don't even understand—in the little time we have left? And what about the tunnels? How would it even move through them?"
Valeria's eyes flickered with curiosity as she stepped closer, her stance firm and composed.
Though the chamber buzzed with doubt, her voice cut through with the weight of command.
"Ari," she pressed, each word measured, "what is it you propose? Speak in full detail."
Ari drew in a steady breath before reaching into his satchel.
With practiced care, he pulled out a slender Resin Quill, its hardened tip gleaming faintly under the soft glow of the bioluminescent fungi that lined the chamber walls.
Kneeling, he pressed it to the stone floor and began sketching in quick, deliberate strokes.
The resin left dark, glossy lines against the pale stone, the faint scent of sap rising with each mark.
The hall fell still.
One by one, the gathered ants leaned forward, their shadows stretching in the fungal glow as they tried to decipher the strange design forming beneath Ari's hand—a pattern both simple and utterly foreign.
"This is only the foundation of the idea," Ari began, his voice steady though conviction burned beneath it.
He tapped the sketch with the tip of his Resin Quill.
"A broad, flat container, its frame of stone for strength and its sides reinforced with wood. Beneath it, several wheels—carved from stone or any durable material we can shape. The design must be light enough to push or pull, yet strong enough to hold the weight of the harvest."
He shifted the quill to the round shapes drawn beneath the container.
"Here—these wheels. With them, the burden is no longer carried on the back of one ant, but shared across the ground itself. Worker ants could grip the sides and push together, the load rolling forward rather than being lifted. That means less strain, fewer trips, far greater speed and efficiency."
Valeria's antennae gave the slightest twitch.
She studied the sketch in silence for a moment before speaking, her tone measured and controlled.
"Unexpected… yet sound," she remarked, her eyes narrowing with restrained approval. "You may be onto something, Ari."
Beatrice's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes flicking to the sketch and then away, as if avoiding a memory she'd rather forget.
"How would we even construct something like this?" she said, her tone sharp but tinged with restraint.
"It isn't as simple as pulling logs and stones together. None of us have the craft for something this complex."
Lily's eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged Beatrice lightly.
"Oh, come on, Beatrice, lighten up," she teased, voice low enough that only Beatrice could hear.
"He's trying his very best to solve the food problem, and you're just making it harder. Besides…"
Lily leaned closer, her grin playful.
"I like the way he thinks. It's new, and we could actually work with it."
Beatrice folded her arms, a faint flush creeping across her face.
"I'm not making it harder," she shot back, jaw tight. "I'm pointing out the flaws before they become failures."
Lily's grin widened, her whisper teasing.
"As if that's the only reason… I know you're still hung up over losing to him—right in front of Valeria, no less."
Beatrice's antennae twitched, and she gave Lily a sharp glare.
"That's… not it," she muttered, though her voice betrayed the smallest hint of heat.
Celeste and the elder ants watched Ari with growing interest, their antennae twitching lightly as they processed his words.
Queen Helena leaned forward, her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity beneath the soft glow of the bioluminescent fungi.
"What you propose is… novel," she said slowly, lips pressed in thought.
"But how do we know it will succeed? None of us have any experience with a construct so… complex."
Ari met her gaze steadily, unflinching.
"I understand your doubts, Your Majesty," he said, voice calm but firm.
"But if we are to survive the winter, we must adapt. I may not have all the answers, but I can teach the ants of both colonies the basics—how to build the wheels, how to assemble the container, how to make it function. Once the framework is established, the rest will follow. Four of these should be enough to significantly speed up the collection process."
A hush fell over the chamber as the queens and elder ants exchanged glances, their minds turning over his words.
At last, Queen Celeste inclined her head.
"I trust you, Ari. We will give it a try."
Helena's antennae quivered slightly, a rare show of uncertainty from the usually composed queen.
"I trust you as well," she admitted softly.
"After all, you were the one who made this treaty possible. I know this will be a burden… but can I leave this in your hands?"
"Of course," Ari responded simply, his voice steady, carrying the weight of responsibility without hesitation.
Valeria smirked, her exoskeleton catching the faint glow of the fungi.
She stood tall, commanding attention with her presence alone.
"We will need a team to begin construction immediately," she said, each word clipped and precise.
"Ari, the worker ants will follow your instructions. Gather tools, collect materials, and our scouts will ensure the path is clear for transport. We cannot afford delays."
Ari nodded, already mapping the steps in his mind.
"I'll start by teaching them the basics of wheel construction—and how to keep the structure stable and strong," he said, voice calm but resolute.
Queen Celeste's lips curved into the faintest smile, her voice calm yet carrying weight.
"That sounds good. I look forward to your results," she replied, her antennae dipping in measured approval.
General Ivan's eyes narrowed, his posture rigid as he folded his arms across his chest.
His lips pressed thin while his antennae twitched faintly, betraying reluctant respect.
It seems I've underestimated this ant. He has proven valuable—to his colony and ours, he muttered under his breath, gaze lingering on Ari.
The council's tension gave way to action.
Hours later, the colony bustled with renewed purpose, the air filled with the scrape of stone and the chatter of worker ants preparing for Ari's design.
The faint glow of bioluminescent fungi lit the tunnels, casting pale green light over their hurried movements.
Out in the open area, just beyond the colony, Lily scanned the grounds with a calculating eye, her antennae sweeping slowly as she gauged the terrain.
"We can use rocks from here," she remarked, pointing toward the training area where smooth stones were scattered from past drills, "and I know where to find the necessary logs and wood."
Ari's gaze lingered on her, confusion flickering across his features as his antennae tilted uncertainly.
Lily noticed and grinned, leaning closer, her own antennae dipping playfully toward his.
"What is it? Is there something on my face?" she teased, lips quirking with mischief.
Ari turned his eyes away, cheeks warming slightly as his antennae angled down in embarrassment.
"No… it's just… we weren't acquainted until now," he admitted softly, voice barely above a murmur.
Lily's grin widened, her antennae tilting forward with interest.
She stepped closer, letting a finger trace lightly across his chest, and a tremor ran through his exoskeleton.
"Oh, I see," she teased, lips curling into a sly smile. "Well, if this mission succeeds, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other. See you around, Lancey."
With a playful flick of her antennae, she winked and strode away, leaving Ari to exhale slowly, shoulders sinking as he shook his head.
When Lily's footsteps finally faded, Ari let out a long breath, forcing his thoughts back to the task at hand.
The colony didn't have the luxury of distraction.
Later, in the assembly area, worker ants and soldiers gathered around him, their antennae angled forward with curiosity.
The low hum of voices died down as Ari crouched to the stone floor, Resin Quill in hand, and began to demonstrate the delicate balance required.
"Too heavy, and the ants won't move it. Too light, and it won't hold the supplies. It has to be just right," he explained, tracing careful proportions across the stone, the glow of fungi outlining the design.
Beatrice stood with arms crossed, her antennae twitching as doubt lingered in her eyes.
Yet a spark of hope softened her expression.
"I'll start organizing the ants and resources," she remarked firmly. "We'll get to work right away."
Ari's heart swelled with determination.
For the first time since his reincarnation, he felt that he was contributing something truly valuable to this world—a world that was still strange to him, yet one that he was beginning to understand more deeply.
This was his moment to make a difference, and he wasn't about to waste it.
The work order was established, and the construction ants were set to work under Ari's guidance.
He walked alongside them, teaching them how to carve the stone into smooth, round wheels and how to shape the wood into sturdy planks.
The worker ants, eager to learn, took to their tasks with newfound enthusiasm.
Ari's guidance made the task seem less daunting, and soon, the first few carts were beginning to take shape.
Hours passed, and as the sun dipped low in the sky, the first wheeled container was finally finished.
It was a rough prototype, but it was functional.
Ari stood back, admiring the work. He could already see the potential.
"This is only the beginning," he muttered to himself.
"We'll build more. We'll survive."
As the first cart was put to the test, moving smoothly across the ground, Ari felt a sense of satisfaction.
This was the work of collaboration, innovation, and trust.
He had contributed something meaningful, and now both colonies had a chance at survival.
And so, the work continued—each day bringing new challenges, but also new successes.
The future was uncertain, but with Ari's ideas and the hard work of the ants, it was a future they could face together.