Commander Pendulum stood at the head of the massive ant army before him. He shook his head and knocked his breastplate in disbelief. Less than two weeks ago, the Expeditionary Force that he led seemed almost invincible in its gallant strength. Now after a few battles and a great deal of marching through sand and soil, the army has been severely weakened by casualties and lack of supplies. For the first time ever, his dream of conquering all neighboring ant kingdoms now appeared questionable.
Still, the Expeditionary Force has not yet lost a single battle since it started its campaign less than a fortnight ago. The price for this feat was costly. In the east border, where they swarmed the colony extension of Zebedee's kingdom, they lost more than four thousand regular troops and almost the same number of special units. More ants died during the northeastern march. Now as they are nearing the main stronghold of Zebedee's kingdom, it looked as though the Expeditionary Force isn't strong enough.
In light of this problem, Commander Pendulum sulked back to camp headquarters to call a meeting with his imperial chieftains. As the chieftains entered the tent, there was a uniform look on their faces -- uncertainty.
"Gentle-Ants, I know that you know what our problem is. Everybody does, even the lowest ensign! I won't speak many words. I want your opinion about this matter for I have doubts regarding the success of this campaign..", said Pendulum.
Some of the chieftains looked at each other. Never before have they seen their Commander with such a humble and worried look. He was always strong and domineering as far as they knew.
The chieftains each aired their views one by one. After this was done, the entire ant leadership body seemed more divided than ever. One leader ant voiced out, "It all looks impossible!", and another said, "Let's go home and build a stronger force". Others said, "Zebedee isn't that strong as we think he is. It can be done". Emotions were so strong that the meeting was instantly thrown into general commotion.
At this point, an aged dignified officer suddenly stood up to make a speech. Everyone closed their mouths to listen intently, for he was nothing less than General Dryden himself, chief of the imperial drones.
"Sir Pendulum", he said, "comrades...of all divisions, mine has suffered the worst losses. This is because we are always at the head of the army. Yet, I'm a very experienced commander, and given the chance, I'm willing to suggest a tactic that would make us win this final battle."
"Then proceed, and share that "tactic" with everyone!", exclaimed Pendulum.
Dryden boldly disclosed the details of his proposed plan of attack, convincing the leaders to continue the march. With Pendulum's approval, they all agreed that they will initiate the start of the march towards Zebedee's kingdom at dawn. The battle plan and attack modes were to be kept in utmost military secrecy.
At dawn, Commander Pendulum stood again at the head of the Expeditionary Force, leading the march towards a carnage in which not many would survive. Soon the massive army began to move, flank by flank and side by side -- a spot of red, living and resolute insects on the ground. As the sun rose from the east, the ant mass turned into a sharp red due to sunlight, leaving a shadow trail on their path.
For several hours, they marched monotonously toward the northeast. The exhausted troops held on to the march. Soon it was announced among the ranks that they are nearing the Zebedee encampment. Commander Pendulum briefed his battlefield chieftains for the last time, and after a preparataroy 30-minute halt, proceeded toward the enemy camp.
The Zebedee kingdom's stronghold is situated amidst a a grassy field. A mound rose from the ground, revealing a small path betwen two elevations. Pendulum, seeing that no sign of life came from the enemy encampment, called General Scipio and said: "Move your men towards that path and secure the entire valley. The rest shall follow you".
At the resounding command of Scipio, the front lines started to move toward the mound, gradually passing the small path. Suddenly a series of rustling sounds emitted from their left and right, revealing a ferocious swarm of enemy soldiers eager to close upon them! Instantly a brutal war transpired. Scipio's men were sandwiched in a valley vastly populated by Zebedee's kingdom warriors, while Commander Pendulum and the majority of his troops charged toward the mound. As the two antagonizing armies converged, a glorious battle in ant history was made.
In half an hour, dead soldiers from both armies lay prostrate on the ground, breastplates torn and limbs dismembered. But the battle surged on. The Expeditionary force attempted to climb the mound only to be drawn back by Zebedee's defensive line. This attempt was repeated more than twice, but failed. One by one, Pendulum's frontlines began to move away from the mound, leaving possibly hundreds of dead Expeditionary troops. Zebedee's turn came. An incalculable mass of fresh troops went down the mound to completely disperse and annihilate the struggling invaders. By now Commander Pendulum's men were completely loose and disorganized. Alarmed, he shouted restlessly: "The plan, where is the plan? We need to execute it!!"
