The sun rose over the colony, casting a golden glow across the bustling underground tunnels and chambers. The air thrummed with anticipation and purpose. Today marked a historic moment for both Helena's and Celeste's colonies—a joint effort that would not only solidify their fragile alliance but determine their survival through the approaching winter.
After days of tireless work constructing wheeled containers for transporting food, Queen Helena and Queen Celeste met to finalize preparations. Their decision to split the collected food equally was more than a logistical choice—it was a declaration of trust, a symbol that the treaty between them could truly bring prosperity to both colonies.
Seated on their thrones in the grand hall, the queens faced each other, surrounded by their trusted advisors, elder ants, and high-ranking military officers. General Ivan stood tall beside Queen Helena, his expression unreadable. Across from him, Commander Anastasia and Corporal Lily, key figures from Celeste's colony, stood with firm attention, absorbing every detail.
"We must decide who will oversee this critical operation," Queen Helena declared, her voice steady, regal. "It is imperative that we send our most capable leaders."
Queen Celeste nodded, her tone equally serious. "This mission marks our first major collaboration since the treaty. Both colonies must feel assured that our leaders can execute their duties with precision."
After a brief pause, Helena spoke with certainty. "Commander Ruth from my colony will lead on my behalf. Though our military is still rebuilding, she has proven herself as a level-headed and adaptable strategist."
Celeste turned to her officers, her gaze sweeping over them before settling on one familiar figure. "Lieutenant Brooks will represent us. He is one of our finest military ants, and his experience in coordinating large-scale operations will ensure the success of this expedition."
Commander Ruth and Lieutenant Brooks exchanged nods, their mutual respect evident. In that moment, it became clear: this was more than a resource-gathering mission. This was a test of trust, unity, and resilience between two former enemies.
The next topic was the division of forces. Queen Helena's military, still recovering from the losses of past conflicts, could only provide 55 soldiers. Celeste's colony, stronger and better resourced, contributed 110 soldiers. Among them were Ari, Rory, Isla, and Corporal Beatrice—soldiers who had trained tirelessly and were now finally stepping onto the battlefield for real.
Commander Anastasia, the strongest warrior in Celeste's colony, was tasked with guarding their home base. Her presence was crucial—a deterrent against any who might see the expedition as an opportunity to strike. Corporal Lily, equally committed to the colony's defense, volunteered to remain behind as well.
To support the transportation of food, an impressive 825 worker ants had been assembled. They would be the lifeblood of the mission, operating the wheeled containers and ensuring supplies were collected and secured.
Today was the day. The expedition would finally begin.
As the morning progressed, Ari stood among the gathering troops, his mind spinning with the weight of the moment. This was no longer a training drill. This was a real mission where mistakes could cost lives. Strangely, he did not fear dying. What gnawed at him was the question: Could he protect everyone?
Beside him, Isla fidgeted, her antennae trembling with unease. "I'm really nervous about this," she whispered, her voice nearly breaking. "It's our first actual mission as soldiers."
Rory, calm and steady as always, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take a deep breath, Isla. You'll be fine. Just stick with us."
Beatrice crossed her arms, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "He's right. This isn't training anymore, Isla. This is the real thing. Stay sharp. Fear won't save you out there. Courage will."
Isla swallowed, her throat tight, but she nodded. "Okay. I'll do my best."
Ari, lost in his spiraling thoughts, was suddenly pulled back by a familiar voice.
"Ari!"
Turning, he spotted Princess Tanya weaving through the crowd toward him, her regal aura undeniable despite the humble setting. She smiled warmly and gestured for him to come closer.
When he approached, she beamed. "You're a full-fledged soldier now. I'm so proud of you."
Ari felt an unfamiliar warmth bloom in his chest at her words. He had come so far from the moment he first awoke in this world, reborn as an ant. Her recognition, simple as it was, meant everything. "Thank you," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.
Tanya hesitated, then extended her hand, revealing a small, shimmering gem. "Here. Take this."
Ari accepted it, inspecting the delicate, glistening stone. "What's this?"
"I found it when I was a child, digging tunnels," she explained. "It's rare. I always thought it was lucky."
Ari looked at her, puzzled. "But why give it to me? It's precious."
Her smile softened. "Because you matter to this colony. And because I want you to come back safe. Think of it as a lucky charm."
Ari stared at the gem for a heartbeat longer before tucking it away carefully. "I'll be fine," he promised. "Thank you, Princess."
As he returned to formation, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind. A teasing, familiar voice whispered into his ear.
"Guess who?"
"Evelyn?"
The arms released him, and he turned to see Evelyn grinning, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're coming on the winter expedition too?"
"Of course!" she said, beaming. "I mean, it's thanks to you that Grandpa and I are finally part of the colony. We're free now."
Ari blinked, the weight of her words settling in. So much had changed. Evelyn, once an outsider, now stood among their ranks as one of them.
"You've grown taller since I last saw you," Evelyn teased, nudging him playfully.
Ari smirked. "I could say the same about you."
She laughed. "I feel safer knowing you'll be out there with us."
"I'll do everything I can to keep us safe," Ari promised, his voice carrying more weight than he expected.
The chatter died down as Commander Ruth and Lieutenant Brooks stepped onto a raised platform, drawing the attention of all present.
Commander Ruth's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Today, we embark on a mission that will test our unity, our resolve, and our strength. We are no longer separate colonies—we are allies. This mission is not just about gathering food. It is about proving that our alliance is real."
Lieutenant Brooks stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Our primary objective is the safe and efficient collection of food supplies. We will move in formation. No worker ant will be left unprotected. We march not as strangers, but as one force. Remember that your actions represent not just yourselves, but your queens and your entire colonies."
A cheer rippled through the soldiers and workers, the air crackling with determination and pride.
Ari clenched his fists, feeling his pulse quicken. This was it. His first real mission as a soldier. His first step into a larger battlefield.
And he was ready.