L Ladybug
This tastes just like crap.
B Beetle
Really? Let me try some. Hey, it is crap. Not bad.
M Mosquito
What if, like, we're just these tiny things... and we're just, like, part of this whole other huge universe...that's, like, so big we don't even know it exists?
L Ladybug
Man, that is so deep.
Bala : Excuse me. I guess you didn't recognize me. My name is Princess Bala. I've been traveling, and I'm all... schlumpy.
Chip
It's worse than I thought. They're Euro-trash.
Bala : Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Z
Well, maybe, then again, maybe not, and then again... yowch.
Bala : That's it. You're the guy from the bar.
Z
Shhh.
Queen
Bar? What bar?
Bala : I... danced with this guy at the bar the other night. He was just a worker, then.
Queen
What were you doing at a bar?
General Mandible
Precisely what I want to know.
Bala : No. This isn't about me. I mean, Look at this worker. Look what he's done.
Z
I think - I think you're thinking of someone else. After all, I am a soldier.
Bala : Exactly. You WERE a worker, but now you're a war hero.
Queen
He's a worker?
General Mandible
A worker danced with my fiance?
Z
F-fiance? Hey, w-wait a minute. Th-this is not how it looks. I-I can explain this... hey, SHE was the one making all the moves.
Bala : Don't you get it? I chose you because you were the most pathetic bug in the joint.
Z
You know, I was going to let you become a part of my most erotic fantasies, but now you can just write it off.
Bala : I've been kidnapped by the village idiot.
Z
Who's the bigger idiot? The idiot, or the idiot who gets kidnapped by the idiot?
Z
Let me ask you something - what made you come to the bar that night?
Bala : I guess I was looking for a little trouble.
Z
Well, trouble's my middle name. Actually, my middle name is Marion, but I don't want you spreading that around.
Weaver
Z, I've known you for a long time, right?
Z
Definitely; you were born two seconds after me.
Weaver
And ever since I've known you, all you do is complain; what are you bitching about? If you haven't noticed, us ants are runnin' the show. We're the lords of the Earth!
Z
Hey. Don't talk to me about "Earth", 'cause I just spent my day hauling it around.
B Bartender
Two aphid beers.
Z Marion-4195
Why'd I have to be born a worker? Soldiers get all the glory, plus you get to go out in the world. You meet interesting insects, you get to kill them.
Weaver
Yeah. But you get to spend all day with those beautiful worker girls.
Z Marion-4195
Weaver, they're career girls. They're obsessed with digging. [sighs] I don't think I'm ever gonna meet the right girl for me.
Weaver
[to Z]
Who said a girl for you? I was talking about a girl for me. Don't you want your aphid beer?
Z Marion-4195
Call me crazy, but... [clears throat] I have a thing about drinking from the anus of another creature. Okay?
Weaver
Suit yourself. Ah, me,? I'm cutting a lose. We got a royal inspection coming up.
Z Marion-4195
Inspection, meaning you're gonna stand around like an idiot while a bunch of blue bloods smirk at you. I don't know how you put up with it, Weaver.
Weaver
Z, I've known you for a long time. Right?
Z Marion-4195
Definitely. You were born two seconds after me.
Weaver
Yeah, and ever since we were little, I've been listening to you complain. What are you b*tching about? In case you haven't noticed, we ants are running the show! We're the lords of the earth!
Z Marion-4195
Hey, don't talk to me about earth, okay? 'Cause I just spent all day hauling it around. [he sighs] There's just got to be a better place.
G Grebs
There is. I've been there.
Z Marion-4195
I'm sorry. Were you talking to me?
G Grebs
There is a better place, Insectopia.
Z Marion-4195
Oh, really. Lunatic at 3:00.
G Grebs
You can't understand until you go there and see it yourself. You can be your own ant there. The streets are paved with food. Nobody tellin' you what to do. No wars. No colony. I shoulda never left.
Z Marion-4195
[chuckling]
Oh, yeah. Fascinating.
G Grebs
We were on a long-range recon. I got cut off from my unit.
Z Marion-4195
Nothing like post-traumatic stress disorder to make your day complete.
G Grebs
Then I saw it, Insectopia!
G Grebs
You head towards the monolith. Ten clicks past the great canyons to the land of red and white.
GA Guard Ant #1
[takes Grebs]
Hey, gramps. You've had enough for one tonight. Come on. Before you get in trouble.
G Grebs
Head for the monolith. Listen to me! The monolith!
Weaver
[chuckling]
That guy's got a screw loose.
Z Marion-4195
Insectopia. [he scoffs] Wouldn't it be great if it were that easy?
Weaver
[chuckling]
Yeah. Dream on, Z.
G Grebs
Cross the lake! Look for the land of red and white.
Princess Bala
[Bala sneaks into the bar with two handmaidens] [excited]
Wow...This is so...gritty!
H1 Handmaiden #1
Ten minutes and we're out of here, right? I mean, this place is off limits.
Princess Bala
Just blame it on me. Say it was all my idea.
H2 Handmaiden #2
It is all your idea!
Princess Bala
[removes her crown]
Besides, no one's gonna recognize us. Come on, girls, what do you say? Let's take a walk on the wild side.
M Man
[on loud speaker]
Okay, everybody. 6:15. Time to dance.
Weaver
[to Z]
Time to cut a rug, Z.
Z Marion-4195
Oh, no. That's okay. I'm gonna leave the rug just the way it is, Weaver.
Princess Bala
[to her handmaidens]
Step back, ladies. I'm gonna ask one of these workers to dance with me.
Z Marion-4195
[watching the other ants dance in unison]
What a bunch of losers. Mindless zombies capitulating to an oppressive system-
Princess Bala
Hi. Wanna dance?
Z Marion-4195
[upon turning to see her]
Absolutely!
Princess Bala
Follow me.
Z Marion-4195
[as they step onto the dance floor]
So, how come I haven't seen you around here before?
Princess Bala
Oh, I don't get out much. I, uh...I work over at the palace.
Z Marion-4195
The palace, huh? I bet those royals really live it up. [secretively] Of course, they're all a little, you know, from inbreeding.
Princess Bala
What?
Z Marion-4195
Yowch! Ya-Ya... Yowch! Yowch. Yowch.
Princess Bala
What on earth are you doing?
Z Marion-4195
Well, actually, to tell you the truth, I'm sort of making it up.
Princess Bala
Really?
Z Marion-4195
You know. Why does everybody have to dance the same way? You know, that's completely boring. It's... It's monotonous.
Princess Bala
It's no fun.
BG Bar Guy
Hey. Watch your step, worker.
Princess Bala
You watch yours, buddy, or you'll be in big trouble.
Z Marion-4195
That's okay. I'll... I'm gonna let him off this time. What? Are you crazy? This guy's built like a pebble.
Princess Bala
Aren't you even gonna defend yourself?
BG Bar Guy
Hey, buddy. Get back in place.
Z Marion-4195
Me? Uh... Uh...
Princess Bala
What if he doesn't want to?
Z Marion-4195
[clears throat]
Yeah. What if I don't like my place?
BG Bar Guy
What's he talking about?
BG Bar Guy
We got us a troublemaker.
BG Bar Guy
Buckle up, Spanky. This one goes out to all the lazy workers.
Weaver
You ought to watch that aggressive behavior, buddy.
BG Bar Guy
He's just a worker.
H1 Handmaiden #1
Princess Bala! Princess Bala! The guards are coming.
Princess Bala
Let's get outta here.
Z Marion-4195
Wait! Princess? You're a princess?
Princess Bala
Uh, I gotta go.
Z Marion-4195
When can I see you again?
Princess Bala
Let me think. Never. [kisses Z] Bye.
Z Marion-4195
No. Wait.
Z Marion-4195
Psst. Weaver. I figured it out. Weaver. Weaver.
Weaver
What? What? [clears throat]
Z Marion-4195
I got a great idea. You gotta switch places with me. Let me go to the inspection instead of you.
Weaver
What time is it?
Z Marion-4195
Weaver. The royal family will be there. This is the only way I can see her.
Weaver
See who?
Z Marion-4195
Princess Bala.
Weaver
[getting out of bed]
Are you nuts? You want me to switch places with you? Do you know how much trouble you can get into for even talking about impersonating a soldier? You can get in trouble just for listening to someone talking about impersonating a soldier!
Z Marion-4195
[Everyone who was listening in pretends to fall back asleep]
You have to help me. If I can't see her again, my life is just not worth living. Please, Weaver, please. Switch jobs with me just, you know, for a day. Think of all the things I've done for you.
Weaver
[pauses]
Hm. I can't think of any.
Z Marion-4195
Okay, so think of all the things that I'm gonna do for you!
Weaver
[glances around, then leans in secretively]
Would I meet some worker girls?
Z Marion-4195
Are you kidding? They always go after the new guy! It's like a sport for them! And believe me, they will definitely go for an adorable little insect like you.
Weaver
Mmm.
Z Marion-4195
Weaver, I... I have to see her again.
Weaver
Z, what kind of chance do you have with a princess? I mean, she probably won't even remember you.
Z Marion-4195
[sighs]
I... I know it sounds nuts, but I have to try.
Weaver
Oh, boy. [he exhales]
Weaver
Yeah. [he breaks the wall] Okay, mama. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Big guy comin' through. Love it.
Azteca
Hey. Hey. Hey. Take it easy, muscles. You're makin' the rest of us look bad. What happened to Z?
Weaver
He's takin' a personal day, so I'm fillin' in.
Azteca
[admiring]
You fill in any more, and you'll explode.
Azteca
Eh, you got a problem?
Weaver
No, uh, uh... Nobody told me digging was so much fun. You know, you pick the dirt up. You move it. You pick it up again. You move it again. Lots of reps. You exercise the arms and the thorax.
Azteca
Yes, I... I see what you mean.
Foreman
Um. Yeah. That is fascinating.
Weaver
Sorry, sir. I was just havin' a chat with my friend, sir.
Foreman
You know, I just had a chat with General Mandible. Anybody who doesn't meet his quota is going to be downsized.
Azteca
Come on. Cut him a break. He's new.
Foreman
Hey. What do you say we help your attitude a little bit by taking away your rations for the day. Thanks for your time.
Azteca
I don't know what came over me. Talking back like that. [he starts cutting] I must be losin' it.
Weaver
Sorry I got you in trouble. But, listen, you can share my rations. Whoa. If you want.
Azteca
[guards the ax]
Are you askin' me out to dinner?
Weaver
[chuckles]
Oh, no. I... Well, if you don't have anything else planned.
Azteca
[laughing]
I'll check my calendar. You know, I'm kinda glad Z's takin' a breather.
Colonel Cutter
We're on schedule. Work is completed on "A" section sir, including a path through "D" section now.
General Mandible
We need to push harder, Cutter. I want double shifts around-the-clock. We can't afford to let up. Is that clear?
Colonel Cutter
Crystal, sir.
General Mandible
Good. What about section...
GA Guard Ant
[he comes in]
Excuse me, sir.
General Mandible
This had better be important.
GA Guard Ant
Well, it's about the termite battle, sir. The enemy was destroyed, but I'm afraid it was a disaster for our troops, as well.
General Mandible
Well, that's terrible. Terrible.
GA Guard Ant
There is a better good news, sir. One soldier did make it back.
Colonel Cutter
No kidding.
General Mandible
What did you say?
GA Guard Ant
Word is spreading through the colony. The queen requested a meeting with the war hero.
General Mandible
[on hearing that one soldier survived the battle with the termites]
Damn! [covering his true feelings] Good. damn good. Uh, I'll handle this. [he walks to Z and Ant] Congratulations, soldier. [chuckling] Well, you're a little short for a war hero, aren't you?
Z Marion-4195
A war hero? Sir. I-I don't actually think that I'm a hero.
General Mandible
[takes Z]
Good. I don't like heroes.
Z Marion-4195
[the worker ants cheers]
But, sir. You don't understand. I... I didn't do anything. I mean, it was all horrible. It was just a massacre. A-A massacre upon a massacre.
General Mandible
[to Z]
That's good, soldier. Now, wave.
Azteca
[the worker ants cheering, Z waves his arm, the worker ants continue cheering]
There was nothing you could do, Weaver. You didn't know they were going to war.
Weaver
I just feel horrible. Poor Z. I should have never let him go.
Azteca
Wait a minute. That's no soldier. That's Z!
Weaver
Z? The little guy made it! [he chuckles]
General Mandible
Let's go, soldier.
[the worker ants cheering]
Queen
[Cutter watches, as the Queen tells Mandible that she wants Bala back]
No more excuses, General. I want my daughter back. Frankly, I'm beginning to doubt your ability to handle this.
General Mandible
Believe me, Your Highness, we will spare no effort to bring her back. Princess Bala is essential to all our plans for the future.
WA Worker Ant
So he kills himself a hundred termites, gets a few medals, then bada-ding, bada-bip, bags himself the princess.
WA Worker Ant
He looks dead in the eye...
WA Worker Ant
And says, "Bite me."
FA Female Ant
He said that to General Mandible?
WA Worker Ant
Buddy. Hey, hey, buddy. You heard about the war hero named Z? Runs off the the princess, right? When they sent the guards after him, he just looks at 'em and boom! They burst into flames.
Weaver
Z? [chuckling] You talkin' about Z? Hey, I know the guy. He's a friend of mine. I think your information...
WA Worker Ant
You know Z?
Weaver
Yeah. He's a worker. He used to dig around here.
WA Worker Ant
A worker? That's impossible. A worker can't do anything, except work.
FA Female Ant
Yeah. It's not like we got a choice.
Azteca
We do have a choice. Uh, I mean, look at Z. He decided he wanted something, and he went for it.
Weaver
He's not alone. I used to be a soldier, and I switched places with him.
WA Worker Ant
Wait a second. You're tellin' me, I don't have to be here?
FA Female Ant
We've got a choice?
WA Worker Ant
The authorities don't want you to know, but we don't have to work on the tunnel any more.
WA Worker Ant
It's the workers who control the means of production.
WA Worker Ant
If Z don't dig, I don't dig.
Foreman
People, what is this? An encounter group? Let's get back to work.
WA Worker Ant
...on the tunnel anymore! This guy, Z, he's leadin' the revolution!
Foreman
I'll get back to you.
[the worker ants chattering]
General Mandible
[Weaver is beaten up by soldiers in Mandible's office]
That's enough.
Weaver
I ain't tellin' you nothin'.
General Mandible
Soldier, the princess is vital to the future of this colony. She must be returned to take their place as queen.
Weaver
We already have a queen.
General Mandible
As for your friend, Z, why should I hurt him? [chuckling] He's not important. Now, soldier, we all know that one individual ant doesn't matter. Not you, not Cutter... not even her.
Weaver
[Azteca is dragged in by more soldiers]
Azteca! [struggles, but is restrained]
Azteca
Don't tell that tight-a** anything, Weaver!
General Mandible
Where is Z?!
Weaver
I don't know where he is!
General Mandible
Hmm. That's too bad.
Weaver
[He nods to the soldiers holding Azteca; one closes in on her, and she is heard crying out in pain]
Wait! Insectopia! I know it sounds crazy, but that's where he'd be going!
Colonel Cutter
Soldier, you think this is a game? Insectopia does not exist.
General Mandible
As a matter of fact... it does.
Colonel Cutter
Sir?
General Mandible
I'll brief you on the coordinates. You're gonna bring the princess back. And as for Z... kill him.
Weaver
[Azteca looks horrified]
But you said he didn't matter!
General Mandible
It's for the good of the colony. You made the right decision. Gentlemen, now you can see how dangerous individualism can be. It makes us vulnerable.
General Mandible
Take him back to the MegaTunnel. Put him on the front line. Dismissed.
General Mandible
Today is the realization of a dream. A dream of a proud colony. A pure colony. A colony reborn. Moments from now this tunnel will open. The past will be washed away and a new day will dawn.
Queen
A stirring speech, General. I only wish my daughter were here to appreciate it.
General Mandible
Your Majesty, I know how concerned you are about Bala. But my scouts are on her trail and it's only a matter of time...
Queen
General, I don't want to discuss it. Just find her.
General Mandible
Oh, I will, Your Highness. Good-bye. Seal up the doors. Cutter, did you hear me?
Colonel Cutter
Sir, I've been thinking. Do we need to go through with this? Look at what these workers have done. They got the right stuff. Isn't there any other way?
General Mandible
Cutter, you're a fine officer. You have discipline, courage, ability. But you seem to have a certain weakness for the lower orders that I find disturbing. Now, are you with me?
Colonel Cutter
Sir, uh… I apologize.
General Mandible
All right, then. Seal it up.
Colonel Cutter
Yes, sir.
Queen
As I look out on this magnificent tunnel, I am filled with pride.
Z Marion-4195
Jump!
Queen
In these difficult times, it is a great solace to know that you, our workers...
Princess Bala
Mom! Wait!
Z Marion-4195
Every worker in the colony is here. Hey, wait a minute. That guy owes me money.
Queen
This tremendous accomplishment is a testimony to the strength...
Foreman
People! Put your backs into it!
Z Marion-4195
Go warn your mother. I gotta get to those diggers before they break through.
Princess Bala
There's not enough time.
Z Marion-4195
Hey, leave the pessimism to me, okay? [Z went to the Tunnel while Bala headed to her mother.] Excuse me! Sorry about that. Excuse me.
Queen
In a few moments, when our expert diggers break through to the surface...
Princess Bala
Mom! Mom, stop.
Queen
...the sun will pour into this... Bala! Where've you been? Are you all right? [hugs Bala]
Princess Bala
I'm fine.
Queen
What happened?
Princess Bala
Mother, we're in terrible danger.
Foreman
Put your backs into it, people.
Z Marion-4195
Wait! Hold... Hey, stop digging!
Weaver
Z? Is that you?
Z Marion-4195
Weaver, stop!
Weaver
Z! You're back! Oh, Z! Oh.
Z Marion-4195
[gasping]
Weaver!
Azteca
Z! What's the matter?
Z Marion-4195
Ho-Hold up, everyone. Stop. Stop digging.
Foreman
On whose authority?
Z Marion-4195
On your own authority. If you break through that wall, we're all gonna...
Princess Bala
Drown! This tunnel is going to flood.
Queen
So we've got to get everyone out of here.
[the worker ants murmuring]
Foreman
Look, I got orders, and those orders say "dig."
Z Marion-4195
What if someone ordered you to jump off a bridge? Oh, brother, I'm asking the wrong guy here. Look, think for yourselves!
Foreman
Give me that! I've enough out of you. Get back to work.
Weaver
What's that noise?
Foreman
Uh-oh...
Weaver
Let's get outta here!
Z Marion-4195
Run!
Weaver
[The hole burst open and water gushed through. Z and the other worker ants started to run for their lives.]
Run! Keep going!
Queen
Everyone, listen to me. We've all been deceived. We need to calmly head toward the exits.
D Digger
Run for your lives! It's gonna flood!
Queen
No. Don't panic. Don't panic!
WA Worker Ant
Every ant for himself!
WA Worker Ant
All the exits are blocked!
WA Worker Ant
We're trapped!
Princess Bala
[Ants screaming while panicked ants are swept away.]
What are we going to do?
Foreman
There's nothing we can do!
Worker Ant: Oh Ueh!
Worker Ant: Ah!
Worker Ant: Go Go Go! Dark!
Z Marion-4195
Yes, there is. Weaver, give me a leg up. [climbs on Weaver] Everyone, listen to me!
WA Worker Ant
Who the heck are you?
Princess Bala
He's Z!
Z Marion-4195
[the worker ants chattering]
Listen, we gotta help each other get outta here before we all drown.
Z Marion-4195
By making a ladder.
Z Marion-4195
Hey, if we built this, we can do anything. [jumps off Weaver] Okay, let's move it!
Weaver
I'm on it. All of you, gather around. You, start climbing.
WA Worker Ant
Grab my arm.
WA Worker Ant
All right. Here I go.
WA Worker Ant
Go, go, go!
Azteca
Excuse me, Your Majesty. [holds up the Queen, by climbing up]
Princess Bala
Z, I've gotta help my Mom.
Z Marion-4195
Don't worry. I know almost exactly what I'm doing. [hugs Bala] I'll see you at the top.
General Mandible
Gentlemen, there comes a time, in the evolution of a perfect colony, when the strong are meant to rise above the weak. Now is that time. Below us right now, the weak elements of the colony, are being washed away.
Z Marion-4195
Oh, my God, we're not gonna make it! We need more ants.
Weaver
[grunting]
You two better get up there.
Azteca
Weaver, you can't hold it alone.
Weaver
GET GOING!
Z Marion-4195
Hang in there, buddy.
Z Marion-4195
[Z and Azteca began to climb to the top.]
Got it!
Azteca
Hurry up! Go, go, go, go!
[Z began to dig his way to the top]
General Mandible
Our princess is secured, and our glorious future is at hand. We can all stand proud. It is time for a new beginning.
General Mandible
[The ants made a big hole above the ground avoiding drowning from the oncoming flood]
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!
Colonel Cutter
I think that's the "weak elements", sir.
Z Marion-4195
Gimme a hand!
General Mandible
Z! YOU?! LET GO! [grabs a spear] DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?! IT'S FOR THE GOOD OF THE COLONY!
Z Marion-4195
What are you saying?! We are the colony!
General Mandible
[Mandible is about to kill Z with the spear, but Cutter punches his face, knocking him down] [rubbing his face]
Cutter, what are you doing?
Colonel Cutter
Something I should have done, a long time ago. This is for the good of the colony, sir. :[grabs onto Z's hand to pull him up]
General Mandible
[his last words; glares at Cutter in fury]
YOU USELESS, UNGRATEFUL MAGGOT! I AM THE COLONY! [charges at him]
Z Marion-4195
[gasps]
Look out!
Princess Bala
[As Z pushes Cutter aside, Mandible tackles him and they fall down into the hole past the colony. Mandible hits a root, killing him, and Z lands into the water, uncounscious]
Z!
Colonel Cutter
[Cutter's eyes widen] [determined]
Men, let's move it! Get these ants up here.
Queen Ant
[The soldiers start pulling the ants out. Cutter flies into the hole and dives in. Z continues to sink. Cutter rescues his friend]
Thank goodness we made it.
Princess Bala
Wait here.
Azteca
Okay. Weaver.
Princess Bala
Where's Z? Oh, no.
Weaver
Back up, everybody, back up! Give him some air. Back up.
Princess Bala
Z, oh, Z. Please wake up.
Azteca
Oh, no. [sobbing]
Z Marion-4195
Huh! [coughs]
Princess Bala
[The ants start cheering] [kisses Z]
Z Marion-4195
Yowch!
Azteca
You know, Weaver, you still owe me that dinner.
Weaver
[kisses Azteca]
Babylove.
Azteca
We made it, Z!
Weaver
You da ant! [congratulates him]
Princess Bala
You did it.
Z Marion-4195
We did it. [the ants grab Z and Bala] Fellas, fellas, please. This is very embarrasing for me, I...
Z Marion-4195
[Bala laughs]
On the other hand, I probably could get used to this.