Anthony the Ant Becomes Human (except 3)

“Come here children. I want to show you something,” Kathryn said.

They all followed her to the top of the ant hill. Ants were hustling past them in and out of the opening. The children were mesmerized by the speed of the other ants.

Kathryn began to speak, “Each and every one of these ants has a job to do for the colony. There are forgers, soldiers, caretakers, diggers, and cleaners. Without any one job our colony could not exist. Each and every one of you will have a job and it’s your responsibility to do your job well for the sake of the colony.”

Butch said, “What will our jobs be?”

She replied, “That is up for the magistrate to decide.”

There were whispers among the children about what their jobs would be. Butch wanted to be a soldier and Zeke wanted to be a forger. Becca and Kelsey wanted to be in the nursery.

Kathryn said, “Now, there are a few more things you need to learn before you get jobs. I want everyone to look far out across the grass. What do you see?”

Becca spoke softly, “It’s another ant hill.”

Zeke butted in abruptly, “Sweet! Let’s go!”

Kathryn stopped him, “Hold on there Zeke. That is one place we should never go. That is a rival colony of over one million ants. If anyone from our colony goes there they will be attacked and killed. Our colony would be in jeopardy of collapse because they could then follow the scent back here and try to take over our ant hill.”

“Why would they want to do that?” Kelsey asked.

Kathryn continued, “Well, that is a colony of many queens. Our queen was once one of them before she escaped with her Serv-Ants.”

“Why did she leave?” asked Anthony.

“She was the fifth queen and wasn’t taken seriously. She was given less Serv-Ants, a small nesting area and fewer food rations. She protested many times but the other queens wouldn’t adhere to her requests. So late one evening she had her Serv-Ants carry the eggs she had just laid and they flew to this location just out of sight and scent range from her old colony.

“They flew here?” Kelsey questioned.

“Yes. Queens and Serv-Ants have wings at first but once they land they shed their wings. You’ll be able to recognize Serv-Ants by their distinct stubs on their bodies from the wings. Only male ants with wings can become the queen’s Serv-Ant.”

All the children looked over at Butch. No one had really noticed before but Butch had something unusual about him.

“Butch, you have wings!” Anthony exclaimed.

Flabbergasted and shocked Butch responded, “What? ... I do?” He tried to turn his head but couldn’t quite see. He tried to spin around but his whole body spun with his head. He ended up spinning in circle before realizing he wouldn’t be able to see them. All the children were laughing at the sight of Butch spinning in circles.

“Butch, you’ve got to feel your wings,” Kathryn said.

A little flutter came from the wings on Butch’s back. “Wow! I can’t believe it. I’ve got wings. Whaowho!” He began to jump around.

“Careful Butch, if you use your wings they will fall off,” Kathryn said.

“What?” Butch was surprised.

“Wings can only be used once.”

Butch seemed disappointed, “Really? Why? When should I use them?”

“The time will come when you will know when to use them. Just know that your job will be very important. You must protect the queen at all costs. Only Serv-Ants ever see the queen. She remains deep inside the colony in a guarded chamber. No one ever goes in and no one ever comes out except for Serv-Ants.” The children were speechless. Kathryn pointed to the other colony. “They would do anything to get revenge for her disloyalty.”