Once upon a time, humans invaded the bees’ sacred homes to steal their treasured honey. With years of protests, bitings, and blockades, the bees fought back. A revolution ensued, and in the end, the bees gained control over their lands and their precious liquid gold.
But with victory came new challenges.
The Bee State flourished after the revolution. Large honeycomb complexes were built across its lands, where thousands of worker bees laboured tirelessly under the watchful eyes of manager bees.
So, after labouring hard, the payday arrived.
Beeraam: I don’t understand. We work hard, but there’s never enough honey for us.
Beezu: They keep telling us to be patient, that the hive is growing stronger, but where’s our reward?
Ordinary bee workers started unrest, especially those like Beeraam and his friends, who toiled day and night yet found their honey pots were half empty when payday arrived.
Queen Oly, externally dealt with human merchants who sought to trade honey. Internally, however, she faced a far greater threat.
The hive was divided. While some, like Beeraam, grew disillusioned, others were more eager to climb the social ladder, hoping to join the ranks of the manager bees.
Two such bees were Misso and Molly, who weren’t particularly interested in hard work. Instead, they had mastered the art of gossip.
Everyday, while the workers laboured, Misso and Molly went to the Queen’s chambers with the latest rumours.
Misso: Your Majesty, I’ve been watching the eastern combs. Some bees there, well … let’s just say their dedication is not quite up to standard. I, of course, motivated them with my presence.
Molly: I’ve been analyzing honey output. We could easily double production with my strategic insights. I left my report on top of your royal pile.
Meanwhile, Beeno, one of the most arrogant manager bees, constantly made Beeyonce’s life miserable. Despite her hard work, Beeno seized every opportunity to undermine her.
Beeno: It’s impressive how you manage to stay invisible. How’s that project going? Or should I ask if you’ve even started it yet?
Beeyonce: I finished it two days ago. It’s on your desk.
The hive was divided. While some, like Beeraam, grew disillusioned, others were more eager to climb the social ladder, hoping to join the ranks of the manager bees
Beeno flipped through the papers carelessly.
Beeno: Oh, this? I thought it was trash. Almost threw it out. Maybe next time, put a bit more effort in. You know, for someone who’s been here so long, you’re surprisingly replaceable.
Beeyonce: Yes, that’s because you haven’t found anyone willing to work 10 hours a day for half the pay.
Beeno: Don’t flatter yourself. We’ve got interns lined up. They’ll do your job for free.
Beeyonce: Interns? You mean the ones who run screaming after two weeks?
Beeno: They’ll learn. Or they’ll leave. Either way, I win.
The wrong bees got the credit for a long time, leading to unrest at the hive.
Unhappy bee workers started protesting, throwing the hive into chaos and cutting honey production in half. The wannabe managers became even more toxic, constantly backstabbing each other to hide their incompetence.
In the meantime, the humans took advantage of the division within the hive.
The worker bees, frustrated by receiving less honey and unfair treatment, were too focused on their disagreements to notice the approaching danger.
While they were arguing, the humans launched a well-timed attack, using smoke and fire to cripple the hive’s defences.
The hive had learned too late that a divided colony could not defend itself. From that day forward, humans became permanent honey thieves, forever exploiting the bees’ hard work to build their wealth.
Kaniz Fatema is a Sub-Editor, Dhaka Tribune.