The burnt patch had been cleared away, and now the ants worked in small teams as they dug furrows and planted new grass seeds. Kady and Kiara were their own team, Kady digging the holes and Kiara pulling their wagon of seeds. Kiara sat on top of the seeds for the moment, swinging her legs while Kady worked.
"If you ever get tired, let me know and I'll switch with you," she said.
"I like the vote of confidence on 'if,'" he replied. "You must think very highly of me."
"Hah! Or maybe I just know I have more energy than you."
"Energy for turning anything you get your hands on into a projectile weapon? Yes, I must concede that point."
"I could always give you another demonstration if you like." Her eyes glittered.
He smirked, stepping back from the finished hole. "And that's why I'll never get tired and let you do the digging."
She blew a raspberry as she jumped down, and took a seed in her arms to plant. "You're no fun." Kady chuckled, using his shovel as a staff.
Elsewhere, the collapsed tunnels had shrunk to a fraction of the original damage. The ceilings had been rebuilt, and much of it was safe to walk on again. Below that, the new tunnels had been laid out, with the opportunity presented to carve out new pathways where old ones had become obsolete.
After midday, the workers were called together for a small break and address from the Queen and Prince-Consort. Queen Atta stood atop a platform as she spoke into a megaphone.
"First of all, we would like to thank and congratulate you all for your hard work and diligence," she began, and an appreciative round of applause went through the crowd. "We have had a lot of unexpected challenges and delays, but you have all risen to face them admirably, like the tough ants I know you are. As construction is nearing completion and the grass is all but replanted, we're happy to announce that we are organizing a feast to celebrate and reward you all for your hard work."
Kiara and Kady clapped vigorously with the rest of the workers. Queen Atta waited until the second round of applause settled before lifting the megaphone again. "Now, onto our second item to discuss—"
A loud bang shot through the island. The bugs cried out and flinched, all wheeling about for the source. In the middle of the dirt plain a bright light flashed, and a strange device appeared. Kiara blinked, willing the after-burn of the light to clear away faster. It was the time machine, with Kiara's sister and godfathers standing within.