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.
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.
Bar? What bar?
Bala : I... danced with this guy at the bar the other night. He was just a worker, then.
What were you doing at a bar?
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.
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.
Z, I've known you for a long time, right?
Z Definitely; you were born two seconds after me.
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.
Z Marion-4195 [first lines]
All my life, I've lived and worked in the big city, which now that I think of it, is kind of a problem since I always feel uncomfortable around crowds. I mean it, I-I have this fear of enclosed spaces. I-I-I, everything makes me feel trapped all the time. You know, I always tell myself, there's gotta be something better out there, but maybe I think too much. I-I-I think everything must go back to the fact that I had a very anxious childhood. You know, my, my mother never had time for me. You know, when you're - when you're the middle child in a family of five million, you don't get any attention. I mean, how's it possible? And I've always had these, these abandonment issues, which plagued me. My father was basically a drone like I've said, and, you know, the guy flew away when I was just a larva. And my job, don't get me started on, 'cause it really annoys me. I was not cut out to be a worker, I'll tell you right now. I-I-I feel physically inadequate. I, I, my whole life I've never, I've never been able to lift more than ten times my own body weight, And, and, when you get down to it, handling dirt is, you know, ew, is not my idea of a rewarding career. It's this whole gung-ho super-organism thing that, that, that I - you know, I can't get, I try but I don't get it. I mean, you know, I'm... What is it, I'm supposed to do everything for the colony, and, and what about my needs? What about me? I mean, I gotta believe there's someplace out there that's better than this! Otherwise, I'll just curl up in a larval position and weep! The whole system makes me feel... insignificant.
P Psychologist
[to Z]
Excellent. You’ve made a real breakthrough.
Z Marion-4195 I have?
P Psychologist
Yes, Z. You are insignificant.
Z Marion-4195 I am?
[the title card appears]
Ground floor.
A Ant
Uh, worker. Soldier. Worker.
Let's try it again. Firm grip. Swing hard. Back straight. Concentrate. Follow through.
Z Marion-4195 Okay. I've got to keep a positive attitude. A good attitude, even though I'm utterly insignificant. [grabs an ax] I'm-I'm insignificant, um, but with attitude.
Oh, sorry, Z. I didn't see you.
Z Marion-4195 Great, Azteca. It's working already. I'm so meaningless, I'm invisible. [he tries to get the ax out]
[laughing]
Now, you're getting it. [takes the ax out] After all, it's not about you. It's about us, the team. It's about this.
Z Marion-4195 Uh, a giant hole in the ground?
Okay, people. Are we feeling good?
Z Marion-4195 Yeah.
Great! Now, R-1734 through Z-7829, you guys are on wrecking ball.
Z Marion-4195 Swell. You got it.
All right, swing time! Let's get physical!
Z Marion-4195 Now, remember, Azteca, "Be the ball." That's the main thing. Now, remember that. You know, got to be one with the ball.
Would you cut it out already? Jeez. I love my work. And you, well... You think too much. Come on, Z. Help us build a bigger, better colony. And, for crying out loud, try to be happy about it.
Z Marion-4195 Sure, you know. [nervous chuckle] I mean, how could I possibly be unhappy being a piece of construction equipment?
Z Marion-4195 Here it comes.
Z Marion-4195 [groans]
Let the energy flow through you!
Z Marion-4195 Grin and bear it. This is... This is for the colony. Ow! This is... This is just a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Z Marion-4195 Did I happen to mention that heights make me nauseous?
Z Marion-4195 Yes. Yes. I understand. I dropped the ball.
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.
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.
[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?
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.
Z, I've known you for a long time. Right?
Z Marion-4195 Definitely. You were born two seconds after me.
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!
[chuckling]
That guy's got a screw loose.
Z Marion-4195 Insectopia. [he scoffs] Wouldn't it be great if it were that easy?
[chuckling]
Yeah. Dream on, Z.
G Grebs
Cross the lake! Look for the land of red and white.
[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.
Just blame it on me. Say it was all my idea.
H2 Handmaiden #2
It is all your idea!
[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.
[on loud speaker]
Okay, everybody. 6:15. Time to dance.
[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.
[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-
Z Marion-4195 [upon turning to see her]
Absolutely!
Z Marion-4195 [as they step onto the dance floor]
So, how come I haven't seen you around here before?
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.
Z Marion-4195 Yowch! Ya-Ya... Yowch! Yowch. Yowch.
What on earth are you doing?
Z Marion-4195 Well, actually, to tell you the truth, I'm sort of making it up.
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.
BG Bar Guy
Hey. Watch your step, worker.
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.
Aren't you even gonna defend yourself?
BG Bar Guy
Hey, buddy. Get back in place.
Z Marion-4195 Me? Uh... Uh...
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.
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.
Z Marion-4195 Wait! Princess? You're a princess?
Z Marion-4195 When can I see you again?
Let me think. Never. [kisses Z] Bye.
Z Marion-4195 No. Wait.
Z Marion-4195 Psst. Weaver. I figured it out. 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.
Z Marion-4195 Weaver. The royal family will be there. This is the only way I can see her.
Z Marion-4195 Princess Bala.
[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.
[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!
[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.
Z Marion-4195 Weaver, I... I have to see her again.
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.
Z Marion-4195 Princess, fancy meeting you here. What do you say we lose this crowd? Oh, me? You know, I... I wear many hats. I guess you'd have to call me a Renaissance ant.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
The precision. The order.
Z Marion-4195 Princess Bala! Princess Bala! Hey. It's me. Remember Z from the bar? Princess Bala! Princess Bala! Princess...
Bala, you must encourage the troops. Wave.
Z Marion-4195 Oh. She sees me. Excuse me, guys. I... Sorry. I just got a better offer. Could you excuse me?
Z Marion-4195 [they all stand to halt]
Princess. Princess Bala!
Quiet there! Get back in rank.
Z Marion-4195 Oh, yes, but I'm getting out soon. I got a trial membership.
Trial membership. [chuckling] That's a good one! Name's Barbatus.
Z Marion-4195 Z.
[???]
Sacrifice. To some, it is just a word. To others, it is a code.
Z Marion-4195 Jeez. I'm really bad at word games.
A soldier knows that the life of an individual ant doesn't matter. What matters is the colony. He's willing to live for the colony, to fight for the colony, to die for the colony.
Z Marion-4195 This guy's crazy.
At 0800 hours, we received word that the termite enemy has mobilized. We have no choice but to launch a preemptive strike. You are the queen's finest. I know you will all do you duty. I am proud to send you into battle.
Z Marion-4195 Into... I'm sorry-I'm sorry, into battle?
Left face! Forward march!
Z Marion-4195 Talk to me. You know, I think there's been a terrible mistake. [being shipped off to battle] You know, the truth is I just... I just came for the speech.
Don't worry, kid. I'll watch out for ya.
Z Marion-4195 Huh?
[singing]
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!
A All
[singing]
We slaughter termites just for fun, hurrah, hurrah!
Z Marion-4195 So these termites, they're, they're pushovers, right?
Not really, kid. They're five times our size, and they shoot acid from their foreheads.
Z Marion-4195 Huh?! [stops marching, gaping in disbelief]
[gives Z a shove from behind]
Hey! Keep it movin', shorty!
Z Marion-4195 [Later, as the ant army is marching towards the termites' nest]
So, what exactly does our platoon do? Are we gonna be serving beverages, or processing paperwork?
Our platoon has the best assignment of all. We're the first into battle.
Z Marion-4195 [They marched up the termites' nest] [panicked]
Hey, wait a minute, let's not get...we're being too hasty here! These guys sound like bruisers! Just how were you figuring on beating them?!
Superior numbers, kid. Overwhelm their defenses, and kill their queen.
Z Marion-4195 [stammering]
I, um...Hey, fellas, that's...you're being a little extreme, I feel. Why don't...Why don't we just try and influence their political process with campaign contributions?
[laughing]
I like you, kid. You got a sense of humor!
Come on! Let's kick some termite butt!
[???]
Something's not right.
AO Ant Officer
[One of the soldier ants looks up, the termite let out a roar and eats it. Many of termites storm out of Termite's hole]
ATTACK!!!
Z Marion-4195 Barbatus, you saved my life.
Ah, don't get all sappy about it. [Barbatus attacks the termite, while the soldier ants catches up]
Z Marion-4195 Hey, guys. Look out behind you! Hey... Hey, guys. Can somebody help me here? Can anybody... Hey.
[Outside, Z emerged and saw the blood bath he saw. All of the ants and termites were all dead.] [to Z]
Kid! Kid, over here.
Z Marion-4195 Barbatus.
Be honest, kid. Am I hurt bad?
Z Marion-4195 N-No. N-Not at all. You're... Actually, you're lookin' terrific. You got, you know, swell color in your cheeks.
No. I can see it in your eyes. I'm a goner. Help me up, Z. [sniffing] I can't feel my legs.
Z Marion-4195 You gotta hang in there, buddy. You know. I know you're gonna make it. Just take... take deep breaths. Because I'm gonna try and find your body. It's bound to be out there somewhere. [to Barbatus] Barbatus, hang on. B-Barbatus.
Don't make my mistake, kid. Don't follow orders your whole life. Think for yourself.
Z Marion-4195 Barbatus.
We're on schedule. Work is completed on "A" section sir, including a path through "D" section now.
We need to push harder, Cutter. I want double shifts around-the-clock. We can't afford to let up. Is that clear?
Good. What about section...
GA Guard Ant
[he comes in]
Excuse me, sir.
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.
Well, that's terrible. Terrible.
GA Guard Ant
There is a better good news, sir. One soldier did make it back.
GA Guard Ant
Word is spreading through the colony. The queen requested a meeting with the war hero.
[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.
[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.
[to Z]
That's good, soldier. Now, wave.
[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.
I just feel horrible. Poor Z. I should have never let him go.
Wait a minute. That's no soldier. That's Z!
Z? The little guy made it! [he chuckles]
Let's go, soldier.
[the worker ants cheering]
As I was saying, son, you are an ant after my own heart. An ant that looks death in the face and laughs.
Z Marion-4195 Well, actually, the truth is, I-I generally just make belittling comments, and snicker behind death's back. [chuckling]
[to Z]
Keep your comments to yourself. Let me do the talking. May I present Her Majesty the Queen.
Z Marion-4195 Charmed. Charmed.
And the royal Princess Bala.
Welcome home, soldier. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for your heroic efforts.
The private has asked me to convey his most humble appreciation.
Z Marion-4195 Please. Please. It was nothing really. Just your average run-of-the-mill valor, and extraordinary courageousness, you know. In the heat of battle, there's very little time to think. One must attack! Attack! Attack! [chuckling]
Well, indeed. As you can see, Your Highness, the battlefield is still fresh in his mind. So, begging your pardon, but this is the perfect time to debrief the private.
Z Marion-4195 Oh, please, General. Not on our first date. [chuckling] Not on our first date.
Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Z Marion-4195 [recognizing his line from the night before]
Well, maybe. [takes the hat off] Then again, maybe not. And then... then again. Yowch.
That's it! You're the guy from the bar.
Z Marion-4195 Don't... Shh.
I danced with this guy at the bar the other night. He was just a worker then.
What were you doing at a bar?
Precisely what I want to know.
No. This isn't about me. I mean, look at this worker. Look what he's done.
Z Marion-4195 I think you're thinkin' of someone else. [puts the hat back on] After all, I am a soldier.
Exactly. You were a worker. But now, you're a war hero.
A worker danced with my fiancee?
Z Marion-4195 F-Fiancee? W-W-Wait a minute. This is not how it looks. I can explain this. This... Hey. She was the one making all the moves.
Z Marion-4195 H-Hey wait a minute. Take it easy. Can't we discuss this?
What are you doing? Let go of my daughter. He's taking her hostage!
Z Marion-4195 No. No. No. I'm not. I mean, yes, yes, I am. One more step and then the princess gets it.
Z Marion-4195 Ow! Don't make me hurt her!
What are you doing, you creep? Are you out of your puny little mind?
GA Guard Ant
There they are down there! Let's go! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move!
Oh, good. Here they come to rescue me and kill you.
Z Marion-4195 Kill?
Z Marion-4195 [to Bala]
Stop it! Stop it. What are you tryin' to do?
Get off me, you little twerp!
Z Marion-4195 Wait a minute. What do you want to do? Throw away everything you got?
Oh, hey! [punches Z] What're you waiting for? Hello! Guys!
R Ridgeway
It's beautiful.
GA Guard Ant
Ridgeway, get out of there!
Z Marion-4195 [?] [Z and Bala both sigh when they escape from the magnifying glass, and hide in the "wilderness"]
Oh, don't worry. I'm okay.
You?! You're okay?! Hey, who cares about you?! I almost died here!
Z Marion-4195 Will you please calm down? You're not going to let a little near-death experience ruin your mood, are you?
Hey, this is not a mood. Okay? You're not listening to me. Where am I? [the praying mantis snores soundly, as the birds chirp in the background] Look, what's your name. Just climb up that tree, and find out where I am.
Z Marion-4195 Look, th-the trick is not to panic. You know, h-h-he w-who panics is lost. Aw...What am I saying? I mean, we are lost. [climbs up a stem of a thistle plant, but it droops over downwards towards Bala] Whoa! Whoa! [Bala gasps; he grins and chuckles sarcastically at Bala, but the thistle part of the plant breaks off of the thistle plant, and falls to the ground, with Z holding on to it] Ow!
[to herself]
I've been kidnapped by the village idiot.
Z Marion-4195 Who's the bigger idiot? [gets up, as he plucks the thistle thorns off of his body] The idiot, or the idiot who gets kidnapped by the idiot?
What'd you do? Talk those termites to death? I can't believe you tried to pass yourself off as a soldier. Why are you stalking me? Don't you realize that I'm...out of your league?
Z Marion-4195 You're the one who was cruising the worker bar looking for a little action! And you just happened to find it - the swarthy, earthy, sensual worker.
Please. I was slumming it. Don't you get it? I chose you because you were the most pathetic little bug in the joint.
Z Marion-4195 You know, I was gonna let you become part of my most erotic fantasies. But now, you can just forget that! Write it off, you know? I-I guess what you prefer is Old Blood and Guts! This guy's idea of a romantic night out is two seats at a public execution! Boy. You really chose the right husband. [climbs up a spiked stem of a rose]
For your information, the General and I are deeply, deeply in...engaged! You come right back down here this instant! We are marching straight back to the colony, so that I can go straight back to the palace, and tell my mother...
Z Marion-4195 [moves some of the rose's leaves out of his way with his hand, and sees the "monolith" (a drinking fountain) in the distance, the first of the series of landmarks on the way to Insectopia that Grebs told him about]
The monolith!
...and you can go back to your stupid little buggy bar!
Z Marion-4195 Absolutely. Wonderful. [climbs back down the rose's spiked stem towards Bala, who is standing on the ground] That's an appealing offer. But, considering the options, you go back. Okay? 'Cause I'm going to Insectopia.
Oh, come on! Insectopia? You're crazier than I thought.
Z Marion-4195 Yeah? Well, I happen to have it on a very reliable source. [clears his throat] Or...Or should I say, a drunk, raving source? But the point is, I'm convinced the place definitely exists! [heads on towards the monolith]
Stop! I order you to stop, worker!
Z Marion-4195 Hey! I got a name, okay?! It's Z! And out here, you can't order me around! [continues walking on]
All right! Fine! No problem! Grr! [goes the opposite direction of Z, but suddenly, the ground underneath her starts to shake and rise, and she finds herself on the back of a praying mantis, who turns and gnashes its jaws at her. She gasps, and then runs after Z in terror] Worker! Worker, where are you?! Z?! Z, wait for me!
Think about it, Z, two ants. Who ever heard of two ants? Two million ants, maybe. But two? Look, I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, and this whole desert thing? It just doesn't work for me.
Z Marion-4195 Yada, yada, yada.
I think it's about time to take me back.
Z Marion-4195 Take yourself back. [he scoffs]
Excuse me. You kidnapped me, remember? That means you have certain responsibilities. You can't just abandon me here in the wilderness.
Z Marion-4195 Yeah, well, it's better than being back at the colony.
You're not serious, are you?
Z Marion-4195 Maybe you were living the high life, but personally, this beats digging. If you'd ever done a day's labor you'd know what I was talking about.
Labor? What do you know about labor? How would you feel if you were expected to give birth every ten seconds for the rest of your life?
Z Marion-4195 Gee.
Water! All you think about is yourself.
Z Marion-4195 Yeah? Well, nobody else ever thought about me. So as far as I'm concerned, I don't need anybody else.
Z Marion-4195 [A water droplet landed next to them. Bala looked and saw Z was trapped in a water drop.] [in a water drop]
Help! Help me, Bala! Help! B-B-B-B-Bala!
Hold on, I'll get you out. Hold on.
Z Marion-4195 Help, Ba...
Z Marion-4195 [Bala looked down to see that she can push the droplet down the leaf. She pushed but she end up getting absorbed into the droplet, It rolled down and splashed onto the ground.]
Thanks.
Don't mention it. Now, maybe we can put this fantasy behind us, and head back to the colon... Oh, Z! What are you doing?
Z Marion-4195 [gets in the boat]
We've got to cross the lake.
Am I missing something here? Didn't we just get out of the water?
Z Marion-4195 [grabs a stick]
Bala, look, what have you got to lose? I mean, think about it. Do you really want to be Mrs. Raving Lunatic? There's a better place.
Z Marion-4195 Just gimme one chance. If we don't find Insectopia soon, I promise I'll take you back to the colony. [puts his hand out, then Bala gets in, then Z rows to go to Insectopia]
I hope you know what you're doing.
Z Marion-4195 Yeah, me too.
[The morning came and Bala woke up to see Z still sleeping. She heads off to see if there is any sign of Insectopia. She looked over the grass and notice something.]
Oh, my God! Z! Come here!
Z Marion-4195 It's Insectopia!
You were right. It really is here.
Z Marion-4195 Huh?
All right. All right! You're a genius.
Z Marion-4195 Let's eat.
[Z has been trying to feast on a sandwich at a picnic, only to be blocked by the clingfilm it's wrapped in]
Well, what's the problem?
Z Marion-4195 There's some kind of force-field! [above them, two wasps, Chip and Muffy, arrive] Uh, excuse me? Excuse me? How...How do you get in?
[flying down to them]
Yes, yes, well, I'm afraid this is a private function.
M Muffy
Who are your friends, dear?
Crawling insects, poopsie.
M Muffy
Oh, the poor dears. [to Z and Bala, slowly] Uh, good...morning!
Z Marion-4195 Huh?
Darling, really? Greeting every insect that emerges out of the grass?
Pardon me? I guess you don't recognize me! [the wasps land in front of them] I've been travelling, and I'm all...schlumpy. I'm Princess Bala.
Oh! [to Muffy] It's even worse. They're Eurotrash!
M Muffy
Darling, they're poor, they're dirty, they're smelly. We have to help them. [leaning down, to Z and Bala] If you just wait right here, we'll get you a little something.
Ugh! Please, Muffy, not another crusade.
M Muffy
Chippy, we have a social obligation to the less fortunate. [Chip rolls his eyes] I know you laugh at my hobbies, but this is important to me!
[Z and Bala flinch as she stamps in frustration]
Hm. You have such a big heart. That's why you're my little cuddly-widdles...!
M Muffy
Oh, my big strong pheromone factory...!
Z Marion-4195 [The wasps start kissing in an exaggerated manner]
Oh, brother. Suddenly I've lost my appetite. You know... I guess I had imagined Insectopia... I don't know, a little differently.
[A massive flyswatter came down on them, Z and Bala dodged in time in one of its holes as it lifted up in the air. Looking over, Bala gasped in horror when she and Z saw that the flyswatter had killed Muffy.]
Oh, Muffy! No! Oh, no! [starts crying]
Z Marion-4195 Look out!
Z, help me! Z! Don't let me... Don't let me go, Z. Get me out of here!
Z Marion-4195 Bala! Whoa, this is not good. Whoa! Hi.
Z Marion-4195 Yes?
It looks like this is it, just when... I was starting to like you.
Z Marion-4195 Who the hell is that?
Z Marion-4195 Jeez, what was I thinking? I almost got you killed.
Z, you know, you really shouldn't be so hard on...
Z Marion-4195 That's it. I'm taking you back to the colony. Ow! Insectopia. You know, I must've been crazy.
Z Marion-4195 But you know what? I can admit it when I'm wrong.
Z Marion-4195 And this time, I gotta tell ya, I was absolutely 100% correct. Have... Have you ever seen anything more beautiful in your life?
Z Marion-4195 Shh! Don't jinx it. Come on!
NF Neil Finn
[Neil Finn music playing a song I Can See Clearly Now] [singing]
♫I can see clearly now The rain has gone / I can see all obstacles in my way / Gone are the dark clouds That had me blind / It's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day / It's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day / Look all around Nothing but blue skies / Look straight ahead Nothing but blue skies / Whoa / I can see clearly now The rain has gone / I can see all obstacles in my way.♫
All right, everybody. I want all teams in place, fully prepared, ready to seal the doors here and here. Make certain the digging crew stays on schedule for breakthrough midway in the dedication ceremony. Now all we need is the princess.
L Ladybug
[Z and Bala sit with some other bugs around a campfire in Insectopia] [tasting a brown lump]
This stuff tastes like crap.
F Fly
Really? Let me try some. [tastes it] Hey, it is crap! Not bad. [continues eating] Somebody needs to feed that fire.
M Mosquito
Dude, I did it last time.
F Fly
Well, I'm not gonna get it. It's not my job.
L Ladybug
What about the new guy? He hasn't contributed yet.
Z Marion-4195 [They observe Z and Bala talking by themselves] [about Barbatus]
And...you know, he just died in my arms like that. I...You know, I don't think he ever once, in his life, made his own choice.
[moved and saddened]
I never knew it was like that. I mean, up in the palace...Well, I guess we just let the General make all the decisions.
Z Marion-4195 Let me ask you something - what made you come to the bar that night?
I guess I was looking for a little trouble.
Z Marion-4195 Well, trouble's my middle name. Actually, my middle name is Marion, but, uh, I don't want you spreading that around.
[chuckles]
You're pretty strange. You do know that, don't you?
Z Marion-4195 Well, [clears throat] "strange" is...not exactly the word I would use, you know-
[smiling]
I like it. You're not like anyone else.
Z Marion-4195 [stammering]
Actually, now that you mention it, I...there is a certain strangeness to me. I mean, it's a...you know, kind of a bizarre quality. Some have said "freak". But it's, uh, you know, complimentary.
F Fly
[Bala keeps smiling, leaning towards him, and they are about to kiss]
Hey, new guy! We need more wood.
Z Marion-4195 [Bala shrugs disappointedly]
I'll be right back. Just hold that thought - whatever...whatever it is you were thinking. [to the other bugs, as he leaves] Hey, you ever wonder why they call you guys "pests"?
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
[chuckles]
Man, that is so deep.
Z Marion-4195 Perfect. Nothing like a little manual labor on the most romantic night of my life.
Hi. I was in the neighborhood and I thought I'd drop in. This is, uh, very bohemian.
B Bug
Aloha, dude. Welcome to Insec...
Sorry for interrupting. You see, our princess has, uh, gone missing, and we're just sick about it. She's about yea tall, fairly easy... [pause] ...on the eyes. Anybody seen her?
[All of the bugs pointed at Bala who tried to get away.]
Don't worry, Princess, you'll be back home soon.
Listen, Cutter, I'm... I'm not going back.
[sighs]
The thing is, Princess, I got orders.
Orders? Can't you just once think for yourself?
Well, that was very impressive. Where's Z?
Dead. Z's dead. You don't need to worry about him.
Z's dead. Well, he was an ant with ideas. Too bad for him. Princess, your colony needs you.
Cutter! Stop right now! Let go of me!
Z Marion-4195 Bala! Stop, you... Oh, no. [muttering] What am I gonna do? All right, look. Let's be rational about this. You know, Bala and I, you know, she's a princess, and I'm a... I'm a soil-relocation engineer. So wha... You're no... Whew! On the other hand, uh, I've gotta go back for her.
I'll-I'll give you a lift. S-S-S... [falls to the ground] It's the least I can do. Besides, it's what my waddly-kittles would want. [he starts crying]
Z Marion-4195 Uh, look... [clears throat] ...how about a cup of joe first?
Well, old boy, saddle up.
Z Marion-4195 I think I saw a puddle of coffee over there. It... Whoa! Look out!
ZM Z Marion-4195 and Chip
[moaning]
Z Marion-4195 Pull up! Pull up! There it is!
Oh! Well, then, go get the woman you love, Z.
Z Marion-4195 So long, Chip. And thanks.
You there. Where do you think you're goin'?
Z Marion-4195 Me? Oh, no, I was just... You know, I...
You're not supposed to be out here. All workers are to report to the tunnel-opening ceremonies.
Z Marion-4195 Yes, yes, of course. The-The tunnel-opening ceremonies. I... Well, I should get going, then. I.. [he clears throat] You know, the-the...
Z Marion-4195 I'm going to the... [clears throat] ...the tunnel opening ceremonies.
Z Marion-4195 I'd better get goin'. I'm going to the... the tunnel-opening ceremonies. I... Excuse me, please. Tunnel-opening ceremonies.
Z Marion-4195 Opening the tunnel. They need me. I'm the key man.
Where do you think you're going?
Z Marion-4195 Tunnel-opening ceremonies.
Hey, come on! Let me outta here! Hey!
Z Marion-4195 Gosh, this-this day just keeps getting better and better.
I mean big trouble! Are you listening to me out there? I'm the princess, damn it!
Z Marion-4195 Wow, your manners haven't improved much.
Z! It's you. You came back for me.
Z Marion-4195 Well, yeah, I came back for you. You know, I have strong feelings for you. Let's face it, you're, you're... [he clears throat] ...you're beautiful. I... A little combative at times, but I think we can work :on that.
Z Marion-4195 Gee, I think I'm about to become the strong, silent type. Come on. The city's deserted. We'd better get outta here.
Z... [sighing] ...we can't go. Mandible's insane. He... He keeps talking about washing away the filth and-and changing history and, and I think he's going to try to kill my mother.
Z Marion-4195 Not just your mother, everyone.
Z Marion-4195 Look. Here we are, safe in the city. But they're gonna seal everybody off in the MegaTunnel. And, here's the lake. You're right. We can't leave now. Come on. We gotta get down there.
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.
A stirring speech, General. I only wish my daughter were here to appreciate it.
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...
General, I don't want to discuss it. Just find her.
Oh, I will, Your Highness. Good-bye. Seal up the doors. Cutter, did you hear me?
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?
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?
All right, then. Seal it up.
As I look out on this magnificent tunnel, I am filled with pride.
Z Marion-4195 Jump!
In these difficult times, it is a great solace to know that you, our workers...
Z Marion-4195 Every worker in the colony is here. Hey, wait a minute. That guy owes me money.
This tremendous accomplishment is a testimony to the strength...
People! Put your backs into it!
Z Marion-4195 Go warn your mother. I gotta get to those diggers before they break through.
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.
In a few moments, when our expert diggers break through to the surface...
...the sun will pour into this... Bala! Where've you been? Are you all right? [hugs Bala]
Mother, we're in terrible danger.
Put your backs into it, people.
Z Marion-4195 Wait! Hold... Hey, stop digging!
Z Marion-4195 Weaver, stop!
Z! You're back! Oh, Z! Oh.
Z Marion-4195 [gasping]
Weaver!
Z Marion-4195 Ho-Hold up, everyone. Stop. Stop digging.
Z Marion-4195 On your own authority. If you break through that wall, we're all gonna...
Drown! This tunnel is going to flood.
So we've got to get everyone out of here.
[the worker ants murmuring]
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!
Give me that! I've enough out of you. Get back to work.
Z Marion-4195 Run!
[The hole burst open and water gushed through. Z and the other worker ants started to run for their lives.]
Run! Keep going!
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!
No. Don't panic. Don't panic!
All the exits are blocked!
[Ants screaming while panicked ants are swept away.]
What are we going to do?
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!
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!
I'm on it. All of you, gather around. You, start climbing.
Excuse me, Your Majesty. [holds up the Queen, by climbing up]
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.
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.
[grunting]
You two better get up there.
Weaver, you can't hold it alone.
Z Marion-4195 Hang in there, buddy.
Z Marion-4195 [Z and Azteca began to climb to the top.]
Got it!
Hurry up! Go, go, go, go!
[Z began to dig his way to the top]
Our princess is secured, and our glorious future is at hand. We can all stand proud. It is time for a new beginning.
[The ants made a big hole above the ground avoiding drowning from the oncoming flood]
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!
I think that's the "weak elements", sir.
Z Marion-4195 Gimme a hand!
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!
[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?
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]
[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!
[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!
[Cutter's eyes widen] [determined]
Men, let's move it! Get these ants up here.
[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.
Back up, everybody, back up! Give him some air. Back up.
Z, oh, Z. Please wake up.
Z Marion-4195 Huh! [coughs]
[The ants start cheering] [kisses Z]
Z Marion-4195 Yowch!
You know, Weaver, you still owe me that dinner.
[kisses Azteca]
Babylove.
You da ant! [congratulates him]
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.
