Gerhan paused as he heard an ominous cracking sound above. His antennae twitched, and he glanced up at the ceiling of the main chamber. The roof was breaking apart. Realizing the imminent danger, he made a swift decision: they had to evacuate immediately.
"Open the entrance!" Gerhan commanded through his controlled ants, urgency in his thoughts.
The colony burst into activity, a frantic flurry of motion as ants quickly started working. Workers carried eggs and food supplies, while soldiers stood watch to ensure no predators approached in the chaos. Diggers worked to widen the exit, ensuring a swift and orderly evacuation.
The last of the supplies had just been moved out into the open when a thunderous rumble echoed through the forest floor. The tunnels collapsed in on themselves, leaving behind nothing but a pile of damp earth.
"That was close," Gerhan thought, staring at the now-sealed entrance. Relief mixed with anxiety as he realized the new challenges awaiting them. The rain continued to pour, and the cold seeped into his body. The damp environment was a breeding ground for mold, which could spoil the food and endanger the eggs. Worse still, the open air exposed them to predators—birds, small mammals, and even insects eager for an easy snack.
"I need to find a safe place. Quickly," Gerhan thought, his mind racing.
He scanned the surroundings, searching for a viable shelter. Then he noticed a nearby tree with sturdy, sprawling roots. The decision came easily. "We'll burrow under the tree and build a new base beneath its roots," he resolved.
Without hesitation, Gerhan instructed his workers to begin digging. They set to work immediately, their small but determined mandibles tearing through the wet, softened earth. The rain made the soil easier to move, though it also made the task messier and more exhausting.
Five hours later, a single, modest room was complete. It wasn't much, but it was enough to accommodate the colony for now. The ants moved everything inside—eggs, food, and even some loose debris for makeshift defenses—and sealed the entrance to keep out the rain and potential intruders.
Gerhan stepped into the newly dug chamber and took a deep breath. The air was heavy with the scent of wet mud, but it felt secure. He observed the workers as they carefully tended to the eggs, cleaning them with meticulous care. Others clustered around the food supplies, grooming each other to ensure no mold or dirt contaminated their haul.
The food, however, was a pressing concern. With the dampness, mold was unavoidable. "We'll eat through the stockpile quickly," Gerhan decided. "Better to consume it now than let it go to waste."
As the ants worked to settle in, Gerhan began making plans for the new colony's layout. The current chamber was temporary—he envisioned a sprawling network of tunnels and rooms, more efficient and expansive than the last.
"This time, we'll build smarter," he thought. "Stronger tunnels, better storage, and more space for growth."