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It's been a couple more years of survival in the wilderness, and we've wandered along the land of
blackness, living off the strange but at times quite delicious bits of food along the way. It
makes no sense to any of us why these strange food items are so abundant along our route, but
we are the least to complain. One liquid substance we've encountered is a amber colored drink,
well some of us consider it a drink, others were more inclined to consider it more of a poison, with the
way it effected us in the way it did. With a most deliberating effect on nearly everyone,
they became quite disoriented, had trouble speaking and even walking. The next day we all
awoke with the most horrible headaches imaginable. Since then we've mainly stuck to water or
drops of dew along our path.
Mac and Laurel continue to have their differences of opinion. It seems as they grow older, they
are becoming more and more adversarial. As I mentioned before, it began simply as a harmless incident
with the drop of muddy dew, and the drinking water, but now it's more aggressive practical jokes.
Like when Laurel wrapped Mac in a blade of grass and tied a pink
flower to the top of his head while he was sleeping with his friends. Needless to say they made
fun of him, so he covered her in mud, and the roots of a dandelion. The problem is that when
Lauren awoke, the mud and dandelion roots had dried, and it took quite a bit of effort to get her
out of that mess.
Durian and his wife, Laetitia, felt that Carrissa and I weren't strict enough on Mac. I felt they
were just kids being kids, but I did reprehend him. At any rate I don't feel that It's up to Durian to
decide how I raise my children. I sometimes wonder if the leadership position that Durian has
obtained has been going to his head. Some of the members of our group have experienced some
difficulties with him, none that can be considered detrimental in any way, just has created some
rules that some members of our group feel are a little much.
Food has always been a concern, but to tell us that we should consider restricting the number of
children we can have, not that many of us are still fond of having children in this vast
wilderness. Even though I'd say that in the amount of time we've been out here now, and the
recent disparity of finding another colony, that there are those who are wanting to get on with
their lives. And I agree with them. I think that we should be able to keep this problem at bay,
since the majority are of our old colony, and I don't think that Durian will do anything to
jeopardize his position as the recently appointed leader, not that he's voiced any concern of such
a situation.
Not much new to tell over the past five years. Mac and Laurel have been able to finally patch
things up. But I think her father has been keeping grudges against our family. He hasn't treated
us with any obvious disrespect, but I've had that feeling he's not too fond of us. Perhaps it has
something to do with the fact that some of the ants have felt that I should take the position of leader. But I'd just
assume Durian Oaken keep the position, now that he's become accustomed to the job.
But now a most peculiar event has occurred. We hid from a group of grasshoppers
that landed near to our locale. While we concealed ourselves in the foliage, they talked about going to a place
called, 'Bug City'. It is located due North of our current location, and if I understand the ant to
grasshopper distance ratio, it will take us several weeks to find it. The majority are interested in
seeing if we can find a home there.
It's taken a few days longer than we anticipated, but we've arrived within viewing distance of the place called
bug city. One thing has caused us to reconsider our decision to find home and shelter there.
This incredibly large object that towers high above it. It's as tall as a number of trees, and
strangely flat and foreign looking. A cricket that we passed said that it was the home to what she
called a human. A creature of such large stature and far more dangerous than anything we could
imagine. By the same token, this human has little interest in bugs, so the residents in the city have
really no concern.
When we mentioned the idea of living in the city, the cricket simply laughed. Well, perhaps
simply isn't the right word for it. More like rolled on the ground and laughed uncontrollable for
a great deal of time. Then she walked off, not saying another word. I say that is a sign of
trouble, but the council won't hear of it. They say we need to find a more stable place to live,
and keep reminding those of us who are concerned, that we are 'bugs's' too. I hope this works
out for the better.
I'm inclined to think it was such a large group of ants that brought such attraction to the other
bugs in the city. Many stopped to watch, and some made some rather malicious statements
about ants, their size, and lack of intelligence. But most just stared.
We as a group have found a place for us to live. It's a strange, flat object called a 'box' that
was used to hold some strange device. The words on the box say 'microwave oven' which have
no meaning to us. But that it can hold our entire group, is what really of most interest. There
are a couple of ant families who have considered living by themselves in the city, but they want
to get established before they branch outward. Some would be more than happy to see Durian
and his family on their own. I think they will be the first to leave, and live away from the group.
I could go into detail on why, but let's just suffice it to say that he's becoming more and more
demanding. I'm sorry to see it happen, as he was once a really good leader, but has become
more and more influenced by the desire to be in control.
It looks like our stay in Bug City has been met with less than warm enthusiasm. A number of the
residents have made complaints against us to the local law enforcement, but without justifiable
cause. They have done nothing to us so far, but many of the residents are complaining that we
have come to take their food, their jobs. That we will be a bad influence on their children. I'm
not sure what us ants can do to be a bad influence, despite some conflicts of interest amongst ourselves, we are still
a peace loving species.
With the help of the cities mayor, we've managed to secure the city as a place of our home. We
are to stay to ourselves, and to support ourselves, much as we did as nomads. Some of the other
bugs can see the benefit of doing business with ants. It's simply more income. But some hold
grudges against ants, and it's taking some effort to find who is and isn't going to work with us,
and support us. But we've finally found ourselves a place to finally settle down.
We've now lived in Bug City for a couple of years now, and have been living better than we
have before, except in Creek Side. (Our old home) I'm still wary of the other inhabitants, but
perhaps it's a distrust I've inherited from the last few years of dealing with other species of
insects. There are still those who don't like our being here, but they have little choice with the
mayor's support. However, our families are growing. Well the others are, Carissa and I have
decided to wait for a while, if at all.
It looks like the devision between Durian Oaken and myself has come to a head. I still don't have any real ill feelings, but the number of families and individuals whom want me as the spokes person to the city inbehalf of us ants are rebelling against Durians' group. I've told everyone I no longer have any desire to lead, and in the mean time have secured a place in the WingView Apartments. The kids are finishing up packing their belongings and when they are done, we will be moving there today.
I really must say, that for the most part I'm grateful for the kind hearted nature of my kids. But
giving me such a fright, as they did today, I could like quite a long, healthy life without some of
them. (The frights, I mean) Needless to say, that when I came home from my new job at the
mayor's office, I was a little bit more than simply surprised to find one adolescent and one pre-teen grasshopper
sitting in the living room of our apartment. Fortunately, not only did they not attack me, Mac
and Clover were in the next room, and were able to calm my nerves before I made a less than
discrete exit.
Actually, I'm really touched by the selflessness of all three of the kids. The two young 'hoppers'
Terry and Patrick, have come to the city to escape the terrible treatment of their father. I don't
wish to dwell on such matters. It's terrible to think that certain so called parents could treat their
kids in such a way.
Naturally, I had some reservations, initially, but I simply cannot turn these two poor innocent
individuals to the cold streets of this city. We will want to keep the information about harboring
two of what we would normally consider potential enemies secret, but after hearing their terrible
plight, they have a place to stay with us for as long as they need, or is feasible.
The situation in the city between ants and other insects is growing steadily worse. The mayor
has been doing everything he can to keep this under control, but I fear that not nearly as much of
what is going on is getting to him. I'm not so normally a reserved individual, but since we are so
much smaller than the average city dweller, trying to keep a passive relationship with the other
species is becoming much more of a necessity.
I know it's only rumors, but the treatment has gone beyond the other school kids teasing and at
times tormenting the ant children. Or even the minor *accidents* that have been going on in the
work place. But now there are reports of missing individuals. Some word has been said that
missing ants have been found nearby ant hills or colonies to dwell, but if they have, then why
didn't they come back to let us know? We've been a close knit group for the good number of
years we've stayed together, why would they not come back for us?
Other rumors suggest that ants have been sold off as slaves. Either to certain bugs in the city,
whom keep them locked up, and are never allowed to leave, or taken to distant locations, to
where no one can be located. I certainly hope that isn't the case. It would be a horrible life
having to live under such conditions, and as rumor has it's way of distorting the truth...
I've just received word that the mayor is planning some kind of work related trip outside of the
city in a couple of months. I've personally spoken to him, but he has not shown much more than
mild concern for his leaving the city for the two weeks his schedule has planned for him. I don't
doubt that his assistant has certain concerns for our needs as well, but he's quite the weak
defender when it comes to us ants. At least the word of this is being kept secret, so that the city
residents aren't aware he's going to be away. However, I fear this could get out of hand.
Not to mention that word has been getting around that we are harboring two grasshoppers in our
home as well. There is stress being felt on both sides. Many of the ants feel this could lead to
leaks of information in case we need to rally against the other city dwellers to protect us. Others
have said that they are responsible for the missing ants. I do not believe that Terry or Patrick are
capable of such terrible acts. But they two are getting stress from their other friends, as well as
the adult grasshoppers for staying with us. But despite what comes of all of this, I will defend
them as best as I can.
Somehow the word that the mayor leaving the city yesterday has been leaked out. What's worse,
is that now that gutless assistant can't do anything to protect us, we've been given a warning that
we must all evacuate the city within three days, or they 'will not be held responsible for what
happens'.
Well, we've lived as nomads before, and it looks like we shall again. It's just sad that so many
friendships were put to strain by this situation. We have enough time to get our few belongings
and leave. But there a number of the ants who desire to return to a life in a colony. Maybe we
can still find one. I wouldn't mind, myself. It's been quite some time, and it's a more organized
life than being a nomad, but at any rate we shall prevail once again.
I regret that I must inform anyone who reads this that tragedy has occurred in our lives. Three
days outside of the city, it has become known to us that the city residents became aware of the
mayors leave by a conversation between Mac and Terry. No, Terry didn't tell anyone about this,
as she came to wish us luck and let us know how word got out, as she became aware of it. The
situation only gets worse from here. Our leader, Durian Oaken lost some friends in the city a
month or so back, and in my opinion is out for vengeance. He's convinced the council that
punishment should be mete against Mac and has exiled him from our group.
Mac feels he's been greatly wronged by the situation, and is more than happy to leave. He plans
on going back to the city, and if possible stay with Terry and Patrick. He's made good friends
with them and feels confident that they will be able to lend him aid and support. Carissa,
Clover, Lily and I are going to stay with the nomads, and plan to take regular visits to the city
once the difficulties there blow over. I suspect that with the main reason us being hated was that
we were taking jobs, and all that nonsense, otherwise a family of visiting ants won't cause any
kind of commotion. I'm just sad to have to be parted from Mac. We all love him dearly, and
will miss him. And as far as I'm concerned, that if we ever do find an ant colony, I will never
have anything to do with Durian Oaken again.
I'm sending a number of compiled entries from my journal, so that Mac knows the history of our
lives and how this situation came to be. I'm trying to encourage him to write in this journal
now, but he's had little interest in doing so. Maybe that will change over time. This journal can
also be a testimony who reads it. May they know our lives, and that despite everything that we
went through, we survived.
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