Antelligent Design

29. The Purpose Going Forward

Tiny, Crinis and I retreat to a higher chamber and settle in for some rest time. I’m vaguely aware of the immense amount of activity throughout the colony, but so long as there’s no attack or dire need of me, I intend to let my aching body recoup.

For an entire day I do nothing but flop about, dip in and out of torpor, and complain endlessly within my own mind about my aching core. Perhaps it’s a little sad, pathetic even, but dammit, a little self-indulgent whining never hurt anyone!

After another full day of rest, the pain in my body has reduced ever so slightly, and I decided I’ve had enough sitting around on my backside. Even Tiny looks like he might pass out from sheer boredom if we don’t go and fight something soon. Emerging from our chamber, the frenetic atmosphere that has pervaded the colony hits me right in the face. Workers are rushing around with mandible-loads of dirt, carting it to the surface for disposal, and rushing back down into the depths of the colony. What is going on?

Fighting against the flow of traffic, I push my way down into the nest and eventually run into the Carver ant, Tungstant.

“Hi there, Tungstant! What’s going on down there?”

The smaller ant turns to me and responds somewhat tersely. “Finally emerged, senior? The hatching of the next wave of pupae is expected any moment, and we’re racing to finish the expansion project before they arrive.”

“Expansion project? What expansion project?”

“In order to cater for the increased number of hatchlings, it was decided the colony needed to expand, especially the farming operation. The need for Biomass, experience and cores is going to rise dramatically, you know.”

I suppose… that makes sense.

“Seems like a good idea,” I said. “Anything for me to do? I’m happy to pitch in.”

If there is work to be done, I’ll roll my sleeves up and help out. What is family for, after all? I’ve had my fill of self-pity for now. Time to work and contribute to the colony!

“Not at the moment,” Tungstant immediately cuts down my growing enthusiasm. “Preparations are basically complete and the hatchlings are expected any moment. The others are in position to welcome them and commence their training. I’m expected there at the moment, as well. If you’ll excuse me, senior.”

With a dip of his antennae, the Carver ant is off, zipping down another tunnel and heading toward the brood chambers. Leaving me somewhat at a loss, standing in a tunnel like I have a stick lodged in my market square.

This feels strange.

After being the catalyst for most actions around the colony for so long, it’s weird to wake up and find that, not only have plans been made without me, they’ve been completed! The twenty have done exactly what I wanted them to do. Taking the lead for the colony without having to consult me. So… why do I suddenly feel so empty?

Overcome with a sense of loss, I rush into the queen’s chamber and push aside the tending workers until I find her.

“Mother!” I cried. “Am I still special?”

The queen looked at me, a mixture of amusement and surprise warring on her face.

“What on Pangera has gotten into you, child?” she asked.

“The other ants are running the colony without me!”

She looked even more baffled if anything. “Child, no single one of us ‘runs’ the colony. We are all members of the family and we each have our own role to play in helping us to thrive. You have done much already for the colony.”

“Is that so?” I ask, wanting to be convinced.

“Of course,” she affirms. “There are many things that only you can achieve to assist the colony. Do not worry if another worker is doing what you were once doing. Think instead about what it is that only you can do to help our family.”

After speaking to the queen, I make my way back to my chamber, somewhat embarrassed by my outburst and reflecting on what it is I should do now.