So, the Tallest are finally involved again! Sure, something I didn't plan on till later but, oh well.
Yay!
Enjoy.
Chapter 4
"Contacting the Leaders"
Zim was shaking with terror, staring at a screen of static.
Gaz rolled her eyes. "Zim, if you can't do this-."
"Zim can do anything, Gaz!" He shouted at once, angrily. He gave her an indignant look before turning back to the screen. "I just . . . I don't think we look proper for royalty, you in a sweatshirt and me in nothing but a standard invader uniform."
"First off, you're reinstating your duties as an Invader, so it's perfectly fine." Gaz insisted, sitting behind him, out of view of the screen. "And if you're worried about the sweatshirt . . ."
Zim turned around when she trailed off and his eyes widened. His eyes scanned her now bare shoulders and nearly whimpered. It wasn't fair for her to be pulling these kinds of stunts when he was vulnerable!
She saw the accusation in his eyes and smirked. "Better now?"
He scowled. "You're ruthless."
"Thank you. Now call them."
"Hmph! Bossy little . . .!" Zim grumbled under his breath, dialing the numbers. His finger hovered over the call button.
Should he really-?
"Zim!" Gaz snapped, impatiently.
Without another thought he pressed down. Immediately afterwords Zim squealed in terror, antenna flat against his head as his system tried to re-find the link he hadn't used in so long.
He relaxed, however, when there was a gentle stroke on his antenna, a finger curling the end of one around it. Zim practically purred in content and at once his body lost any stiffness in it as he melted at the touch.
"There ya go," Gaz approved, removing her hand slowly, to ensure his feelings of content didn't disappear. "Much better. Now you can at least pretend to act like a sane Invader."
Zim smiled gratefully (but arrogantly) down at her, using the few inches he had on her to his advantage. "Acting won't be necessary. Zim is perfection, for the moment."
"Yeah, cause I'm here," Gaz retorted, with a smirk of her own. "Now seriously, calm down. You know what you're going to ask for. It's nothing to worry about."
"Thus concluding the needs for Phase 1." Zim amended, curtly. But he leaned down and more quietly added, "And when this is over I'm taking you to my room so we can finally get that alone time I was thinking of."
"Oh? And what was that?" Gaz asked, sarcastically.
Before Zim could reply, the computer announced a connection had been made. At once Zim tensed and gulped but Gaz nudged him, backing off. She waited in the background, only there if needed. Gaz gave him a reassuring smile before inclining her head towards the ground in slight submission. Zim had actually argued against having her in the background instead of at his side but she insisted this was all about appearances. If he didn't make a good impression as a leader, no, an Invader, they might as well quit now and spend the time they had left together wisely.
"There's no guarantee they'll even answer," Zim insisted, pessimistically.
Gaz snorted. "To hear from an unnaturally tall Irken who made quite the impression the last time they saw him? They'll definitely answer, if not out of respect, just out of curiosity to what you want."
"Yeah, that's . . . great." Zim muttered, scowling.
Gaz's eyes narrowed behind him, head lifting towards him. "What did you say?"
The phone connected.
Immediately Gaz had her head bowed again and Zim forced his face into a stern, respectful expression.
The Tallest stared at him.
Red recovered first, clearing his throat. But the stunned and curious expression in both of their eyes never left.
"Zim," Red said, lifting his chin ever so slightly to express his superiority. "I have to say, I didn't expect a call from you today."
Gaz noticed the attitude at once, peering from under her lashes. This need to show they were superior to Zim. They were threatened by him, his height, his last accomplishments. It was almost amusing. But it was just an advantage to Zim. If the Tallest respected (because they wouldn't feel so threatened if they didn't) Zim enough, then they would definitely grant his request, if Zim handled the situation correctly.
"My apologies for not getting back to you in so long, My Tallest," Zim said, humbly, bowing to them. "Our last encounter was brief, and I left you with an improper amount of information. To be honest, I simply did not know how to get back into contact with you without being a bother."
Gaz was pleased. If Zim showed submission it would make them more comfortable and less wary. Maybe he knew that, but by the way he handled himself, she could tell, wasn't just out of manipulative purposes. Zim really did respect his leaders enough to bow to them without another thought.
Huh. Weird.
"It's no trouble at all," Purple replied, also playing up his 'leader' card. He looked rather haughty, just like his companion. "We've been meaning to get a hold of you anyways, actually."
Zim stood up, surprised. And truthfully, so was Gaz. "M-Me, My Tallest?"
Red seemed amused, smirking. "Yes, you, Zim."
Purple chuckled. "Don't act so surprised. After your last encounter with us, we obviously have questions."
"Oh, y-yes, of course." Zim stuttered, composing himself. "Ask away, My Tallest."
Purple opened his mouth, obviously jumping on the opportunity, when Red slapped his clawed hand over his it, staring at something, lips slightly parted in some form of awe or shock.
"Hey, what'd you do that for?" Purple demanded, shoving the hand away.
Red pointed. "Whose that?"
Zim was immediately aware who they were talking to and turned to see Gaz, actually with her back to them and looking up at the ceiling. Zim, confused, followed where she was looking with his eyes.
"Huh," he said, aloud. "Wonder how that balloon got up there."
Gaz gave him a look.
"Gir," the said, in unison.
Then Zim cleared his throat, bowing a little once again and holding his arm out to Gaz. She approached him from behind with grace, keeping her head inclined slightly.
"My apologies for not doing so sooner, My Tallest, but allow me to introduce my sahlm, Gaz." Zim said with grandeur, standing straight when Gaz had come to stand by his side.
She bowed fully, bringing her head back up with a suppressed smirk. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highnesses."
Gaz really had no idea what to call them. To say 'My Tallest' would be rather odd, because, they had no hold over her. She didn't grow up with them like Zim did, had no prior experience on what to call them. She felt like referring to them as royalty was appropriate enough anyways. She knew Irkens treated the Tallest like gods, but Gaz wouldn't know what to call a god, either.
"'Your High-ness-es'?" Purple questioned, splitting the word into three rough syllables.
Zim smiled at his leaders unfamiliarity at the human culture. "It's the highest form of respect from a human, My Tallest, I assure you."
Gaz smiled as well, "My apologies, I really have no idea what to call you besides what my species call their highest of powers."
The two shared a look before bursting out into laughter, eyes closed as they chuckled heartily. Gaz shot Zim a smirk, knowing full well that she was winning them over by her amusing, human ways.
"Then you may continue to refer to us as you're used to," Purple assured her, looking down kindly.
Red, however, was examining her. "Well, Zim. She's no Irken female, but there's definitely something about her."
"Yes, you've got to see her in action before you make a final evaluation, My Tallest," Zim joked, respectfully. "Why, just last year she sent one of her species into a permanent state of instability for crossing her. It's rather amusing to see how many ways she's figured out how to break the psyche of the human race."
"Fascinating," Red admitted, staring at Gaz, who was smirking once again. Then he too smirked. "Well, we'll just have to see that sometime then, now won't we?"
"That's actually part of the reason why I called, My Tallest," Zim admitted, artfully changing the subject. "I wanted to discuss with you the invasion of Earth, if you were up to hearing about it."
At once the Tallest were wary, on guard. Gaz saw it.
"Zim brought it to my attention the other day, that Earth really was just a nuisance without a purpose." Gaz said, casually. "It has plenty of workers with no purpose. Slaves just waiting for masters to serve."
"Those masters being you, My Tallest." Zim added, easily. "And even if they aren't fit for being your personal slaves, I'm sure they'd be more then capable of doing some form of labor or another."
"It all sounds rather useful," Purple admitted, giving Red a look.
"However," Red continued, elaborating. "What are you going to need from the Armada to take over Earth? No offense, Zim, but you've been on Earth for quite a while and haven't conquered it yet. Why should we believe you can do so now?"
"If you'll forgive my lapse in capabilities, I can assure you, My Tallest, that this new plan I've concocted is foolproof, and only requires a few faces for assistance in tricking the humans into believing that they're our priority."
"Faces?" Purple demanded, intrigued. "You mean you just need Invaders to hang around for a while and not really do anything?"
"For the most part, our plans are planned out. But if you're worried about them not being used properly, we do have a few small details we've yet to completely work out. It's not like I require the best of the best, though, really. Just, well, like I said, some bodies to convince them that it's not one lone alien involved. Humans have a rather surprising, intense fear of aliens or beings with more power then themselves. Two or three alone is bound to shake them into bending to our will."
"Hm . . . Give us a minute to consult, Zim. We'll put you on hold and bring you back when we've made our decision." Red decided, after sharing a look with his fellow Tallest.
"Right," Purple agreed. "Then we'll decide on whether or not to assist you in your plan for this world's domination."
"Of course," Zim bowed, "Thank you for your consideration, My Tallest."
The transmission changed into an image of the Irken Symbol, asking for them to Standby and wait until the call was continued.
Zim let out a deep breath, clearly having held in his nerves. "That was easily the most terrifying thing I've ever done."
Gaz snickered. "Well it's not over yet. With your luck, they'll probably want you up there in person."
Zim groaned, "That is not amusing."
She continued to laugh. "Well at least my introduction went well. Better then I expected, actually."
"'Your Highnesses'?" Zim mocked, smugly.
Gaz scowled at him, no longer amused. "Shut up."
It was Zim's turn to snicker at his partners' discomfort. It didn't last long though, as the beeps warned the two that the Tallest were reconnecting their transmission with them. Immediately both placed on their serious facades once more, Gaz keeping her head inclined towards the floor and Zim keeping his arms folded behind his back and posture straight. Together they looked like a formidable team.
Hopefully the Tallest would think the same thing.
They seemed pleased when they came onto the screen, but that could mean anything. The Tallest were known for being cruel, but also known for making favorable decisions as well. Nothing about their smug demeanor could give them any hint of their choice.
"We've decided," Purple announced. "That we're going to help you out."
"On a few conditions though, Zim." Red said, severely, eyes narrowing.
Zim nodded hurriedly, "Yes, of course. Anything you ask, My Tallest! Thank you!"
"Don't thank us just yet, Invader Zim." Red warned, amused by his gratitude. "You haven't heard our conditions yet."
Zim stared in awe at his new title, which would be official now. But he quickly shook it off, nodding respectfully and trying to control himself. "Oh yes. What is it you wanted from Zim?"
"Two things, really. Nothing big." Red assured him.
"First off," Purple intervened, pointing directly at Gaz. Both Zim and she jumped a bit in surprise, Gaz feeling rather nervous. "We want to meet your sahlm in person at the earliest convenience to your plan. We're assuming she won't be involved in the first part, correct?"
Gaz was truly surprised, and, dare she admit it, a bit impressed. She'd taken Zim's rulers for idiots (though she'd never tell him that) but it seemed they weren't as dumb as she had thought they were.
"Correct," Zim agreed, glancing at Gaz from the corner of his eye.
"You'd have to be with her, of course," Red added, smiling suspiciously kindly at Gaz. "No offense, but we can't have a human running around the Armada without an escort."
"You wouldn't mind meeting us in person, would you, Gaz?" Purple questioned, in that same sort of manner as his counterpart.
"It would be an honor," Gaz replied, with a realistic smile as she inclined her head towards them. In truth, she wasn't looking forward to the meeting. It would probably be a test of capability and skill, an attempt to break her. The Tallest would probably want to make her prove herself.
Well fine then. She'd make them pay for doubting her eventually.
"Your back-up will be delivered within a few days," Red informed, serious once again. "We're currently in a war with a few joined planets, so we can only give you a couple at most."
"Was there anything else you needed, or was that it?" Purple asked, casually now.
Zim considered this. "I'll ask your back-up bring with them the latest in mind-control devices. Other then that, I don't believe we'll be needing anything."
"Well, let us know if you do, then." Purple seemed rather more pleased then Red, or he was just used to expressing his emotions more. He smiled down at Gaz once more, looking a bit too eager. She nearly scowled at him but she wanted to stay on their favorable side, and so did not. "We'll also require frequent updates from you about your progress, since we've become aware of your . . . condition and would like to ensure you're making due time."
Zim flinched at the term. Gaz's hand just curled into a fist behind her back, itching to punch something. Preferably Purple.
"Yes, that's fine," Zim agreed, hasty to get off the subject of his timely destruction. "I'll contact you as soon as Phase 1 of the mission starts."
"Which will be when, exactly?" Red questioned, one antenna rising.
"Within the next three days," Gaz answered for him, as she hadn't gone over that answer with Zim yet. "Unfortunately I won't be able to meet you until after Phase 2 begins, which we're unsure when that will start."
"She'll be uninvolved once my back-up arrives until then," Zim agreed.
The Tallest seemed disappointed.
"Well, that's too bad," Red said, looking slightly bitter at this revelation.
Purple, too, looked depressed. He sighed, smiling. "I guess we'll just have to wait until then. Try to make things hasty then, won't you? We're truly curious to meet you, little humanoid."
Zim knew at once the Tallest did not know of Gaz's short temper, and so saved them by putting his hand, out of view, over Gaz's, squeezing it tightly in warning, to ensure she controlled herself.
"I'm looking forward to the meeting as well," Gaz lied, still smiling. Zim could feel how tight her fisted hand was and it was making him nervous. But her face gave nothing away, as did his. The Tallest were completely unaware that they were walking on thin ice.
Zim saluted, standing erect (as if he wasn't already), "Until then, My Tallest. Invader Zim, out."
"Good luck on your mission then, Invader Zim." Red said, nodding at them. "We look forward to see you finally complete your Personal Mission."
"Transmission over." Red said with finality, nodding towards the Control Irkens off-screen.
The call was then ended.
At once Gaz let out an aggravated noise, turning away from the screen. Immediately Zim knew he was in for it.
"You know they only want me there to satisfy their curiosity, right?" She demanded, eyes burning with fury. "What proof do I owe them?"
"Relax, Gaz." Zim insisted with a sigh, gripping her shoulders. "It will just be a chance to prove yourself and inflict fear into the hearts of more people, won't it?"
She huffed and nodded. "Yeah, I guess."
Zim seemed pleased, hugging her around her waist, pressing her tightly against him. "Good. Now, if you don't express any disagreement, I would like to take you upstairs."
Gaz's brow rose, "For what? All the work is down here."
"I wasn't thinking of that kind of work." Zim insisted, with a sly smirk. "Zim was thinking more along the lines of more . . . intimate time consumption."
Gaz slowly became aware of his intentions and rolled her eyes. She grabbed his wrist, dragging him towards the hidden staircase. "Come on."
Zim's smirk turned completely devious then, snickering silently as she forced him to follow her, though, he really had no objections to this. The wall opened to reveal what they were looking for, the staircase that led directly to Zim's room.
And in the corner, Gir finally broke free of the duct-tape that had cocooned his little body, to keep him quiet during the call to the Tallest. He squealed in triumph and then removed his pig from his head, swinging it around as he did something similar to a cowboy dance.
More tricks in the next chapter.
I just want you all to know, until I SAY SO, Gaz is a virgin, and she and Zim had never done anything more then make-out.
And Zim's a virgin too.
Just thought I'd make sure that was in there, so no one thought they were going upstairs to have sex or nothing.
They ain't doing that, but this is rated M, so you'll get there eventually.
JUST BE PATIENT, DAMN IT.
And the Tallest will be more involved then I originally thought they were going to be. In my head, originally, they were just sort of involved because they called like, halfway through Phase 2 and that was their little guest star spot kind of thing.
Who will be Zim's back-up? You'll find out (although I'm sure most of you already guessed D:)!
Anyways.
Till the next chapter!
