Cooperation

Zim tapped a gloved claw against his chin impatiently. He watched with disdain as Dib jotted down another fresh idea for their potential school project. They were sitting across from one another at a table in the school cafeteria, and like most situations where they were forced to work together, they were arguing more than anything.

"Okay so what about this," suggested Dib, holding up his new design. It was a blueprint illustrated on graph paper of a large machine resting on an even larger body of water. "It's called a desalinization plant," he explained. "It's purpose is to remove all salt from seawater and it make it drinkable as freshwater. It's nothing new, but I thought we could find a way to design it more efficiently."

Zim reached over and crumpled up the sheet before tossing it into the collection of other rejected proposals. "I despise anything that involves me anywhere near that horrible substance," he spat in disgust. He shuddered re-imagining the searing pain he'd experienced from their infamous water balloon battle.

Dib frowned. "Come on Zim. You've turned down everything else I've come up with. Why can't we just do this one?"

"Idiotic fool! Have you forgotten what that vile liquid does to my skin!

"We don't have to actually be in water to build it," Dib explained. "We'd just be constructing a model. Not building the actual thing!"

"What's the purpose of building something if it doesn't even work!?"

Dib's tone switched to sarcasm. "Gee Zim, I could ask you the same question seeing how HALF THE PLANS you come up with NEVER EVEN SEEM TO WORK!"

In retaliation, Zim jumped up to the top of the table. "You dare question the genius of ZIM!?"

Dib did the same, and like two thick-headed rams, they both continued to argue. Not realizing their conversation had escalated into a shouting match, they started to draw the attention of those around them. The other students slowly cranked their necks in an effort to investigate the commotion behind them.

Disregarding everyone as she passed by, Gaz casually took her usual seat next to her brother. "Your voices are like sandpaper," she stated agonizingly. "You do realize everyone's looking at you right?"

The two rivals stopped shouting and simply stared at her. Realizing the curious looks from around the room, they both sheepishly climbed down from the table and took their respective seats. Satisfied things were back to normal, and not really caring what the unpopular group was up to, the other students forgot the incident and went back to their individual business.

Dib sighed. "Look, we're not getting anywhere by arguing. Let's just build this thing out of some scrap metal or something and then we can get back to repairing your base."

Zim huffed. The idea of using inferior equipment irritated him, but he knew the boy was right. Unlike most other students, the problem wasn't coming up with something they could actually design, but something that wouldn't be too advanced for a simple school project. Zim had made it very clear that his technology was off limits, or at least until his base could be repaired, and that meant they were forced to design something using human equipment. They had no other choice.

Zim eyed him skeptically. "And there won't be ANY water involved?"

"None that would cause you significant harm."

Zim studied the human, contemplating the offer. "Fine. We will build this...desalinization plant. Then what?"

"Then we show it to the judges."

"Judges?" asked Zim intrigued. "Do these people vaporize all of the losing competitors?"

"What? No," said Dib, somewhat flabbergasted. "They just pick the top three best projects and reward the winners with a prize.

"I see," stated Zim, bringing a finger to his chin. "So you say these people determine if your work is adequate."

"And this year one of them happens to be my dad," continued Dib, ignoring Zim's comment. His posture deflated a little. "He's so excited that I will be building something using REAL science, so it's not like I can get away with anything too simple."

"Pfft. Yeah, thanks for getting him to cancel family night again," griped Gaz. "Just remember, I get to pick the place we eat three times in a row now."

With a tired expression, Dib turned to face his sister. "You know Gaz, there's more to life than pizza."

As if he had just broken her favorite toy, she immediately sent him a death glare. Knowing better than to invoke her wrath, Dib did his best to let the subject drop. It seemed to be enough to satisfy her. She turned away and aggressively bit into her apple, making it a point to chew louder than normal.

Dib rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Zim. To his curiosity, the alien seemed to be completely lost in thought. "Zim?" he questioned, trying to get his attention.

Zim ignored him and continued looking straight ahead. Judges? Superiors that decide our worth depending on on our performance? For some reason, the memory of his leaders crept into his mind. The small ball of anxiety that he had buried deep down from his exhile slowly began to resurface.

"Zim?" Dib waved his hand in front of the Irken's face, hoping to licit some sort of response. "Hey space boy! I'm talking to you!"

Regaining his focus, Zim violently shook his head, erasing the memory. "What is it stink meat?"

"You blanked out for over a minute," stated Dib. He crossed his arms in suspicion. "You weren't scheming to steal all of the projects at the science fair were you?"

Zim thought on the idea. "No, but now that you mention it, that would be an ingenious plan."

Annoyed, Dib lifted the tiny milk carton from his trey. "Hate to break it to you Zim, but half those projects will probably just be magnet tricks and paper volcanoes spitting up baking soda and vinegar."

"Then I will just have to find a REAL volcano to spit up REAL vinegar!" shouted Zim dramatically. Dib ignored his empty threat and began to drink his milk.

Zim, still focused on the idea, gritted his teeth in frustration. "No. With the base inoperable, there's no way I could cause an explosion of that magnitude. If only I hadn't destroyed it. CURSE MY DESIRE TO ANNIHILATE EVERYTHING IN MY PATH!"

Dib nearly spat out his milk. "Wait a minute. You destroyed your OWN base?"

Zim paused. Realizing he had just blurted his thoughts out loud, desperately tried to cover up his slip. "Eh. Of course not! What is this nonsense you speak of?"

Still laughing in disbelief, Dib wiped his face with his coat sleeve. "Wow. That's really stupid! Even for you Zim."

Zim crossed his arms. "Quiet stink beast! What I do with my base is none of your business!"

"You just told me so yourself!"

"Silence!"

As if they were sizing up for a boxing match, they stared each other down from across the table. A solid minute passed before the collective chatter around them became audible again.

Realizing they still weren't getting anywhere, Dib decided to be the first to back down. "Whatever. Just meet me at my house after school and we can get started."

Zim crossed his arms. "If you insist Earth filth."


Later that evening, Zim made his way over to Dib's residence. As he navigated the silent suburban streets, he felt the brisk early-winter chill penetrate his chest. As he exhaled, his breath became partially visible. The weather was getting colder and soon the snowy season would be settling in. He made a mental note that he would need to prepare the base for the temperature change once repairs were complete.

Alongside him faithfully trotted Gir, happily humming an uplifting tune. Zim had decided to bring the robot along as protection, not that the little SIR unit offered much. Zim would never admit to it, but he had grown quite fond of his idiotic henchman. He tried telling himself that he didn't like the idea of Gir being home alone, but the real reason he had brought him along was because it made him feel more comfortable knowing he had a sure ally nearby, no matter how useless he may be.

Zim stopped when he reached the front door. For a moment, he considered walking away and leaving the human to fend for himself. What did it matter to him if his arch nemesis failed to succeed at that pathetic excuse for a learning institution? Didn't he want the boy to fail? Wasn't it in his best interest to take any advantage he could get?

He let out a heavy sigh. He still needed resources, and Dib was the only other human, dare he say it, smart enough to assist him. If he wanted to earn his title back from the Tallest, he was going to have to suck up his pride. Reluctantly, he stuck out a claw and rang the door bell. It was only a brief second before the door creaked open in front of him.

"Why hello there," greeted the professor. He was dressed in usual white lab coat and goggles and as always, his mouth was hidden behind his massive coat collar. "You must be here to help my son with his school project. It's so nice to see him practicing REAL science! I'm sure you two will do a splendid job! He's waiting for you in the garage."

"Uh, thanks," replied Zim awkwardly. The professor shut the door and Zim made his way around to the garage. He banged on the door impatiently. After a few seconds, it opened just enough for he and Gir could slip under. Once they were clear, it closed again behind them.

Zim looked around. The garage was no more than an ordinary human storage room. There were boxes stacked in the corner with a medium sized ladder hiding among them, tools lining the back wall, and in the middle, a sturdy workbench where Dib was currently fusing some metal together with a blowtorch. Zim squinted as the brightness of the flame reflected across the human's protective face shield.

He approached Dib cautiously, keeping a watchful eye out for any hidden traps. Noticing the Irken's apprehension, Dib finished up the segment he was working on and lifted the mask. "I didn't set anything up here to capture you," he said bluntly before switching off the blow torch. "You don't have to worry about your disguise either. My dad will be heading back to the lab soon."

Zim suddenly pointed claw at the human. 'Ha! I knew it! You think I would fall for letting my guard down so your HIDEOUS father can catch me out of my disguise? I knew you couldn't be trusted. Come on Gir, we're leaving!"

Dib watched as Zim turned to leave. "I'm being serious," he stated, his tone somewhat solemn. "He was leaving for work just before you showed up. He'll be gone at his lab for at least the next four hours."

Zim stopped and turned back around. "And what's stopping him from opening the door to check on you? Isn't that something you humans do? Say goodbye to one another before you leave somewhere?"

Dib remained quiet and looked down. The fabric of his coat seemed to suddenly capture his attention. "Trust me. He won't."

Zim tilted his head, trying to decide if it was some kind of a trick. The boy's sudden melancholy behavior made him feel uneasy, but somehow, it seemed truthful. He felt there was more the Earth creature was trying to convey, and for some strange reason, it resonated with him.

Shaking off the unpleasant sensations, Zim reached into his PAK and pulled out a small laser tool. It was no bigger than a pen and was encased in a foreign metal with a small switch attached.

Dib cocked his head at the device. "I thought you said we couldn't use any of your technology?" he stated mockingly.

Zim glared back at him. "I refuse to have my name associated with such mediocre efforts." He turned toward his metallic minion. "Gir! Initiate command function 42!"

Gir squealed in excitement. "That's my favorite function!" Jumping out of his pathetic dog disguise, the little robot quickly dashed over and hopped up onto the work table. To Dib's amazement, the minion's head split open like a giant jig saw puzzle, revealing a long, skinny robotic arm. Once extended, the arm flickered a flash of light at the end and a holographic projection of a grid appeared. It settled on the structure Dib had been working on, illuminating it in a blue, net-like mesh.

Saying nothing, Zim approached the grid and with precise accuracy, began highlighting all of the inaccuracies Dib had left unchecked. Anywhere the tiny laser pen touched, the area lit up with a yellow glow.

"Hehe. It tickles," giggled Gir.

Ignoring his companion, Zim continued to work without a word. Once finished, he pushed a button on his device and the grid vanished, causing the metallic arm sticking out of Gir's head to retreat back inside. However, the marks that he had made remained illuminated on the metallic structure.

Dib stared the markings in awe. Utterly fascinated by the level of tech the alien had at his disposal, he poked one of the spots to see if it was real. Feeling a stinging sensation against his delicate flesh, he quickly jerked his hand back.

"It's a quantum equalizer field," explained Zim as if annoyed at the human's ignorance. "It will automatically even out all of the areas that are unstable, reinforcing the structure and making it stronger. Once the glow fades away, it should be safe to handle again."

Dib continued to study the structure further, still amazed at the marvel he had just witnessed. It made him wonder what other kind of gadgets Zim had at his disposal.

Assuming the human was ignoring him, Zim turned to take his leave. "Now, if that's all you require of me, Gir and I will be heading back to base. There is still much work that needs to be done!"

Dib watched the two of them exit the garage. "Hang on!" he called out. Zim turned back to face him, clearly annoyed at the delay. Dib rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He knew he was going against his better judgement, but he really wanted to see more advanced technology. He was sure what he had just witnessed had only been a sample of what the alien had hidden back at the base. "Since you've already helped on your end and this is supposed to take a few hours, you think I could start on my part of the bargain and help you out with some of the base repairs?"

Zim gave Dib a suspicious look. "How can I trust that you won't steal any of my technology?"

Dib raised a hand to signify his honesty. "As long as you don't try and destroy me while I'm there, I promise won't take anything from your labs."

Zim narrowed his eyes. He did not like the idea of his rival meddling in his base or being so eager to do so. However, he knew he could use the extra help for the repairs. Gir was useless and would probably just make a bigger mess anyway. He took a moment to think it over. "Very well," he said with disgust. "But if you steal anything I will melt your legs into soup for my robot."

Gir squealed in excitement. "Yaaaaay! Soup!"


The next several weeks passed and the model for the science project was nearly complete. True to his word, Dib held off from installing any water components until Zim had completed the finishing touches. To both their astonishment, they even managed to finish their construction without inserting a single piece of Irken tech, and thanks to Zim's tools, the final product actually looked quite impressive.

Sitting about four feet high, the model rested in a shallow pool consisting of only a few inches of salt water, carefully measured and limited at the request of Zim. It contained a miniature generator that powered the demonstration pump and a dispenser for the final product. They were just finishing up their display booth when one of the school teachers approached them.

"It's so good to see you boys finally working together," said the male teacher, his voice high pitched and overly flamboyant. "I was really worried we were going to have to send you two off to that new summer school they've built on the other side of town. I've never actually seen anybody come back from there, not in one piece anyway, but it's good it all worked out huh."

Both Dib and Zim winced. "Uh, yeah. Thanks Mr. Ray," said Dib awkwardly, hoping the teacher would leave them alone.

"Well, I'm off to take my seat to hear them announce the winner. Good luck to you to."

Once he was out of earshot, the two rivals let out a sigh of relief. "Geez. What a creep," griped Dib. "I can't believe he is going to be our teacher next year."

Zim crossed his arms. "Yes. I found his lack of intelligence most unsettling."

Dib nodded, but quickly did a double take. "Wait. Did you just agree with me?"

"Like I'd ever agree on anything with you worm monkey."

"No really, what you just said-" Before Dib could finish his sentence, he spotted his father and the other judges heading their way. "Hey! They're on their way over here!" Jumping into action, he began frantically applying the finishing touches to the project.

Zim, not daring to get close to the device, let the boy work. He made sure to take a step back as Dip connected the main pump. He had bathed in extra paste the previous night just to be sure, but it didn't hurt to maintain a little distance just in case. He watched as Dib frantically made the final preparations. He couldn't understand what had the human so wound up.

Dib switched the device on and it began pumping water. "Hey! It works!" he cheered triumphantly.

"Of course it works," Zim scoffed. "It was made by ZIM!"

"Calm down space boy. It was MY idea."

Interrupting their potential argument, the judges approached the booth. Professor Membrane stepped in front of the group. "Hello son! I am eager to see what you have to present to us today. It's so good to see you practicing REAL science for a change!"

Dib reveled in the irony. If only he knew that it had been built with the help of an alien. He held a hand up to explain their project. "So Dad, I know you've had some discussions with the world leaders about a potential water supply problem in the future and I thought this would come in handy." He reached up and flipped on the switch to the pump. The machine began to function normally. The professor raised a finger to his exaggerated collar to show he was thinking. Dib continued, "Unlike conventional desalinization plants, this one can be placed directly in the water and separates salt in half the time. And the power source can be solar depending on location."

Dib explained the device for the next few minutes. When the demonstration was over, the surrounding judges clapped and nodded in approval. The professor, however, remained quiet and continued to study the model. Dib waited nervously for his father's response. Finally, what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. "Yes, I suppose this is rather impressive."

Dib felt his pulse quicken. He watched as his father repeatedly pinch the area of his coat collar where his chin would be. "Hmmm. Very nice work son!" His googles bent in a way that could be seen as a smile. "I will see that my staff passes on this idea to their engineers immediately." He gave Dib a quick pat on the head and then turned his focus on Zim. To the Irken's surprise, the professor reached out his gloved hand.

Zim eyed the gesture, confused. Unlike shaking hands with the Dib-human, this situation was different. The professor was an icon of authority and towered over him much like his former leaders did. As a loyal member to the empire, Zim had been programed since his hatching to fear and respect those above him in positions of power. Being suddenly treated as an equal was confusing and foreign to him.

Going against his instincts, he reluctantly returned the professor's handshake. Professor Membrane chuckled. "It's so good to see my son finally working well with others. You two have done a fine job." With that small praise, he released Zim's hand and continued on to judge the other students' projects.

Dib let out a sigh of relief. He turned to look over at Zim. The alien was still studying his hand as if it was the first time he had ever lay eyes on it. Inquisitively, Dib gave him a small poke to get his attention. Zim gave out a yelp in surprise.

Dib looked at him warily. "Man, what's up with you Zim? You're acting weirder than normal."

Zim crossed his arms and looked away from the boy. "I do not know what you are talking about," he said non-convincingly.

Dib frowned. "Oh come on. You practically froze up when talking to my dad! Only his fanboys ever do that!"

"Zim is no fan of boys or any of you pig smellies!" shouted Zim, not fully understanding the meaning of the term. "I've just...never been recognized for my efforts before is all." He awkwardly turned his back to Dib. He wasn't sure why he had let such a vulnerable confession slip, especially to his arch enemy. His goal had been to get the human off his back, not stir up more questions. Still, it had felt good to be praised for his work for a change. The only thing his former leaders ever did was laugh at him behind his back when he presented anything. It had been only a small taste of recognition, but part of him craved more of it.

Intrigued, Dib diligently studied his rival. The Irken had never revealed anything so personal to him before. Considering how much he zealously boasted about himself, Dib had always assumed Zim was an elite member of the Irken empire sent to Earth to conquer it for his people. He had always wondered though, if Zim was so dangerous, why had a mere child like him been able to stop him? After being granted access to the base, he had certainly seen the level of tech the alien possessed. Surely anyone with that kind of weaponry would have been able to dispose of him and conquer the planet by now.

Of course, there was the obvious reason. Even Dib had picked up on Zim not being the brightest individual. He may have been smarter than the average human and capable of handling more advanced technology, but he was still a moron. Dib snickered remembering the time Zim thought wearing a suit of hamburger meat would protect him from germs. He ended up missing a whole week of school from the infected burns. Or the time Zim thought driving into an asteroid belt to outwit him was a test of his piloting skills. Too bad Gir had stolen his camera. It would have been great footage to send to the Swollen Eyeball.

Noticing the awkward silence and not wanting to allow the human a chance to pry further, Zim turned to take his leave. "I'm going home," he stated bluntly. "The project is complete, and I no longer require your services to help me repair the base. From this point on, consider our truce obsolete."

Dib watched him go. He knew he should have been relieved, but he actually felt disappointed. Neither one of them wanted to admit it, but the two of them had worked quite well together the last few months and rather than trying to kill each other round the clock, Dib had actually been enjoying cooperation for a change. Not to mention, he had learned a ton from reconstructing some of Zim's technology while helping him with the base. Part of him just didn't want to give that up.

Gathering his belongings, Dib noticed his father approaching with Gaz following close behind. She was too engrossed with her GameSlave2 to pay the slightest attention to anyone around her. The professor, standing erect, seemed to be in a chipper mood. "Excellent work today son!" he said happily. "See what you can accomplish when you put your mind to using REAL science!" He held up a scrunched hand for dramatic effect.

Dib smiled uncomfortably. "Yeah Dad, it sure was great," he said, trying to hide his disappointment.

The professor eyed his son suspiciously and noticed Zim's absence. "Say, what happened to your little foreign friend? He should be here for when you two collect your prize."

Dib stopped packing. "What prize?" he asked confused. He had figured since his dad was one of the judges, he and Zim were barred from any of the winning slots.

"The winners of this year's science fair get their project built in the real world by my team of talented engineers and are given the opportunity to take part in observing its construction," explained the professor. "I wasn't allowed to cast my personal vote, but the other judges unanimously agreed you and your little friend's desalinization plant was the best idea they've seen all year. Congratulations son!"

Dib stared at his father in disbelief. Not only was it shocking that he had actually won, but that his father was actually proud of something he had done. Allowing a small smile, he stood up properly to face him. "Uh, thanks Dad, but you can stop calling Zim my friend. We just had to work together on this science project because our teacher forced us to and-"

The professor held up a finger. "Now, now son. He still helped you build it, so he still gets an equal share in the credit. I expect BOTH of you to meet me at my lab on the coast next month. I should have most of the preparations completed by then, assuming my new assistant hasn't accidentally mixed up any of my formulas."

"But what about Christmas?" asked Gaz angrily, interjecting herself into the conversation.

The professor knelt down and patted her on the head. "Not to worry honey. I made sure to book it a year in advance. We won't be starting construction until after the new year."

Satisfied, Gaz let out a brief smirk and went back to her GameSlave.

Dib watched as his father pressed a button on his communicator. No more than a few seconds later, a group of engineers in uniform barged in. Dib was careful to step out of their way as they swarmed around to collect the model, along with a few of the scattered parts here and there. When they were done, they exited as quickly as they came.

"Now then," stated the professor. "I have a few minutes before having to head over to shoot an episode for my show. What would you two like for lunch?"

Author's note: I've always felt the professor was never actually a bad father, but that he was just always just too busy working. It's clear in the series that he's disappointed his son would rather focus on conspiracy theories than follow in his father's footsteps. At the same time, he is also a very powerful icon, and I feel that despite him being a human, Zim would still feel somewhat intimidated being around him. I know this chapter didn't have a whole lot going on, but most of the content is focused on the interactions between the characters and between Dib and his father. Hopefully you guys still enjoyed it! Don't forget to let me know what you think in the reviews!