Yo, 4 chapter here and ready to those that can comment, feel free. To those that cant but like the story. I thank those that fav it and those that help me with my writing skills.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, just the plot. Invader Zim belongs to jhonen vasquez
"What this? it stands for blood" - Ray
Rise of the Defectives
chapter 4
Zim was at a lost for words, he surveyed his surrounding interested; The size of the ship impressing. Even more impressing were the workforce at hand; Plenty of Irkens walking about
, The Hangar bay had a steady workforce; Making repairs to ships and making modifications as well. They all wore diffirent uniforms, from the standard Irken uniform to long sleeved noncollared ones. But one thing remained in everyone's apparel a band of darkgreen cloth on their arms; He saw everyone wear it, even Ray. He couldnt help but ask "whats with the armband?*
"oh that, i'll tell you later" replied Ray "i take it you want to see the whole place huh?"
"actaully yeah, this is just the Hangar?"
"yep, all of our conventional ships are parked here. Besides this aint all of it." said the Irken "it mostly holds regular ships in general for non combat purposes" he walked towards a large set of doors. It opened automatically and Ray led Zim out of there, it was a long hallway; with doors leading to other rooms and such. They walked past all of them and reached an elevator; as soon as they stepped in a voice came over the intercom.
"please state your destination" came a male Irken voice from it
"take us to the Commons" replied Ray
"confirmed" replied the voice, and steadily the elevator rose. music playing in the background until the doors became transparent and Zim went wide eyed; He saw a mass of irken on what seemed to be a large atrium. Plenty of Irkens here and there, on what seemed to be a Food court with a bar; The doors opened and they stepped out these Irkens were enjoying themselves somewhat, chatting away with other and whatnot. Zim thought of this as a more Human behavior; and these were Irkens that were lounging, Zim failed the thought of irken relaxing but he saw this and was stupefied.
"heh looks like the break hour is here" spoke Ray, shaking his head "i take it your hungry, you havent eating anything back at that 'skool' so i suggest you get something now before its gone"
Zim was about to retort until a groan came from his stomach, he stopped and let out an ugly frown. Ray smirked "Shut up" said Zim in his ussual voice, when he was annoyed
"knew it"
"hmmph" Zim walked away from Ray towards the bar, feeling he could use a drink. He took a seat on the middle of the row between an Irken with a claw scar and a taller Irken with red-orange eye's, he stared at the table with his frown still on.
"its seems quite a lot to take in huh Zim?" Zim's head looked up to see an Irken, roughly the same size as him; he wore goggles acompanied with an apron. At first glance he couldnt remember who it was; But the voice was one he could never forget, when he had to server that 'Frylord'
"Gashloog?"
Said Irken couldnt help but grin "heh thats me alright"
"but Foodcourtia-"
"i dont serve there anymore" came Gashloog's quick reply "apparently when you escaped Foodcourtia, Sizz lor took it out on me. And i was sentenced be banished to planet Dirt"
"then how is it that your here?"
"these guys" he said enthusiatically "they busted me out the transport ship, and asked me to join them" he smiled at this "i've never had it better before, Im not serving like a drone. im a freaking bartender; never thought i'd see the day.... and i take it your hungry" he grinned
"ehhh? im not actually" his stomach let out a groan
The taller Irken chuckled "really now? just take your pick before its gone" his voice was rough yet still young
"hmmph, fine then i'll have a Vortian beer and some Taquitos" said Zim irritably, no sooner a tray came by with Zim's food and Gashloog passed him a bottle with the white liquid. He took a swig of it and munched on his taquitos hungrily; He hated to admit it, but he was hungry.
"so you were hungry" said Ray, coming taking a seat beside the taller irken
"shut it"
"hmmph"
"hey Ray i need to speak to you for a sec" said the claw scarred Irken
"Sure" they both got off their respective seats, and left the three behind. They turned around the corner; Checking his surroundings Ray broke the silence "what is it Duke?"
said Irken turned unto his comrade "i have info, regarding higly classified files that the Sentinel sent me to retrieve giving Ray a small chip
"and the others?"
Duke, shook his head "gone, im the only one that made it back, they were slaughtered; They tried to get my back but the only brought enough time for me to get out of their"
"i see" said Ray "whats so speacial about the new intel"
"i cant say here, they higher ups wanted this for your eyes only. And their gonna let the others know too" he checked if they were seen "i'll be in the Armory... i'll see you there later" he left walking at a fast pace
Ray wacthed him go, putting the data chip in his pocket. He walked around the corner and saw that Zim and the taller Irken go at it "shut up" hiccuped Zim "you dont know what your talking about. A human meatbag could *hic* put you in your place"*hic*"
"NO" yelled the other "not me, NO ONE CAN KILL LEAD" he said in a slurred voice, waving his arms dramatically
sighing, Ray walked towards the bar and resumed his seat "the had too many fine Vortian made already?" he asked Gahsloog
"yup" he said while sliding two large mugs of a fizzy sweet smelling, red liquid "this will take care of the alcohol in no time"
as soon as the mugs were in front of them, they both grabbed them and chugged them clean. Lead was twitching and Zim fell to the table top
"that stuff was supposed to be drunk slowly"
* * *
"wake up" Zim felt he was slapped, opening his eyes he saw Ray standing over him along with a rattled Lead
"you didnt have to hit us that hard" complained Lead as he nursed his head
"you were both out of it so i had to knock some sense in you" said Ray "Besides, Zim has yet to really see the entire ship
"whatever you say, cap" he turned his head as a couple of curly antenae Irken females walked by, he grinned "jackpot" he followed the group, leaving Ray and Zim.
Zim could'nt help but give Lead an odd look as he left, he hadn't seen behavior like this before. In all of his Irken life, Zim had never seen two Irkens fraternize not even seeing one whooed by the opposite sex "i now theres more to this ship, so why are we waiting"
Ray gave Zim a look himself "yeah, but i figured i woul introduce you to the Sentinel first"
"then what are we waiting for?"
"then come on then" replied Ray, Gashloog waved them both goodbye as they left. going into the elevator again, they descended lower into the ship.
As they went lower, the lights seemed to dim a bit, and the music halted completely. Then the elevator stopped, a holo display opened up with the Irken language, Ray went up to it and put a hand over it; The display lit up and faded, and the door opened leading to a dimly lit hallway. they both walked the path which led to another set of doors. They opened and Zim's eyes widened, Irkens were everywhere, it was like a command center. Some in uniform along with the dark green armband, others in the standard soldier armor with some of their own differences; Some where standard, others were changed to the wearers content, albeit some standard and others heavily modified with some additional armor plating. This is also said for the ones wearing the Irken Elite Suits as well; All still wearing the green band of cloth. Zim kept on seeing this thing on the guards and soldiers here, the question he was dying to ask again rose up and he asked "you said you would tell me what the armband meant?"
"what, this?" Ray pointed to his own armband "only those that serve the defense force wear it" he paused and said "its belongs with us shows who we are"
"that didn't fully answer my question Ray" Ray couldn't help but scowl and mumbled something, and Zim got irked by this "What was that?"
At that point he looked up at Zim "i said it stands for blood" he pointed a finger at it "you wanna know what makes us and the Armada different.... we bury our dead, we show emotion. Think about it, haven't been feeling like yourself lately? your starting to change, just like we did before" he touched his scar. As though remembering something that was long gone "think, have you ever seen the Tallest. Or anyone weep over someone?"
Zim stared at him, seeing Ray's green eyes. He thought about it and he was right; never once he saw a memorial of somesort ever be made to the fallen. It was just propaganda the Tallest and any of the Taller ones had, in sheer number the Armada is unstoppable. The soldiers showed no emotion, save not even any of the normal drones. "what would it take to join your group?"
"seeing as how you were one of then Irken Elite, that almost shows the worthiness of a Trooper in our ranks" Ray said "but as for every 'new blood' they all take a trial exam... none of the Armada simulation crap, the test will evaluate you in all fields. Stamina, strenght, perception and how well you respond in situations" he couldnt help but grin now "its meant to push you at your limit. Only if you pass you can join the Ranks of our Troopers"
"and what would be considered the best?" Zim couldnt help but ask
Ray's grin widened "that my friend is a different story, its a comparable system really. Soldiers and Troopers, the Irken Elite and our Vangaurd and then they have the Invaders and we have our force comparable to them"
"your troops to be compared with Invaders?"
"they arent Invaders" cut in Ray "this force is only appointed by Sentinel Silver himself and the High Court... these Soldiers are the 'Spectres'" he said "they are the forces most elite unit of our soldier ranks" they both began walking toward another large room, this time with lockers. "if you want to try now, this is your chance"
Zim surveyed the area around him, this could be a chance for him to test his abilities. He hadn't really moved around like he had before on his days in Devastis, save for when he went to Hobo thirteen. Other than that he could feel his body needed some reminder of being on its limits "ok i'll do it, anything i need to know?"
"Just stay sharp and never go dull on this, you'll regret it" Ray said while rummaging through the lockers until he found it "hmmm, this should fit" he said, taking out a standard Soldier unform. Complete with the utility belt, boots, guanlets and face mask.
"wait, what about your leader?" Zim broke out, nearly forgetting why he was there in the first place
"dont worry, the Sentinel usually passes by here so you wont miss your chance" Ray said, handing the suit to Zim
Zim left said room, to a small changing room; he looked at the suit. The shoulder armor itself had a nice silver color; along with the utility belt. the rest of the suit itself was a dark grey. He simply put on the body suit first; suits like these were guaranteed to absorb some force of impact. Clipping on the belt and attaching the rest of the armor he surveyed himself. Lowering the facemask so his mouth could be seen, he stepped out of the room seeing Ray operating a terminal.
"So the suit fits you, good" said Ray pressing one last button as Zim walked toward him. Then walls came up from the ground of the room, a small noarrow entrance in front of them; "lets begin" said Ray "step unto the platform in front of us and you take care from there" Zim jumped unto the rising platform, it lit up surrounding him in a blue light "get ready..... 3"
Zim went into a crouching position
"2"
Zim couldnt help but tense up, why had he agreed to this?
"1"
Zim's eyes narrowed, pushing those thought aside.
"GO"
Zim sprang from his position into the small narrow hallway. Running as fast as he could go, the space in front of him then opened up; he leapt across the hole that just appeared.
"NICE" Rays voice could be heard "always trust your instinct Zim your doing well"
Zim kept his pace, he sidestepped a blade that went for him on his left side and ducked as a hammer swiped at him from his right. He felt his antenae brush the cold hammer as he kept sprinting; Then saws erupted from the floor. Spinning madly towards Zim, he jumped as they came and kept on running then columns appeared from the ground and started falling. Zim kept on sidestepping and avoided the heavy columns threatening to crush him. As Zim leaped out of a columns way, he thought 'this is their test? talk about a Meekrobian deathtrap. this is'nt a simulation. now i can see where their going with this" So Zim thought he figured it out; In a simulation, you had plenty of tries to complete the course at hand. But this, this required entire Physical hardiness; The simulation provided feeling sensors, as to feel the pain they received as in real life. But nothing too severe, coupled with Zim's extra training in Devastis he problably would have been dead by now. His mind barely registered the incoming energy javelin coming towards him, he turned his head as the javelin grazed the side of his face. It was stinging uncontrolably, but he kept on; Now dodging the javelins that came from the ceiling, then energy turrets sprang up 'by the Tallest' he cursed inwardly. As he swerved around the deadly projectiles coming toward him then he saw it, the end. Putting all f the energy to his legs he sprinted madly across the opening the chance he saw it. Then the floor erupted into flame in front of him. Using his small yet powerful leg muscles. he leapt across the pit of fire and skidded to a halt. Out of the course; He was tired, his muscles aching. His heart beating fast in his Squeedly Spooch; He turned so that he layed on his back, opening his eyes he saw Ray's grinning face
"good work, you set a new best record" his grin turned into a smile
"not only that" another voice came, it was elderly yet powerful "you have remarkable skill, for one such as yourself. as some say when they watched. but allow me to introduce myself" Zim's eyed widened as he saw the Tallest above him, his bright silver eyes, with a Tallest uniform with the scar on his left eye.
"my name, is Sentinel Silver, and i take it your interested in joining our group?"
* * *
Earth, New york City
The membrane household
The house door slammed open, showing Dib's beated body in the light. He limped towards the stairs and saw Gaz's backpack on the bottom with a note
Dib
if you found the note, me and dad went to bloaty's for dinner. Dont bother coming, seeing as your late
Gaz
he read it 4 times before ripping it apart, limping up the stairs and toward the bathroom. His clothes were ragged, his forehead was bleeding. He was a mess, he couldnt help but feel angry at the moment. He winced as he took off his jacket and shirt; his body was covered in bruises and cuts, he turned the sink on and put a towel in the running water. He rubbed off the dry blood witht the wet towel, it stung but it cleaned him off. Taking out the medical box that was in the bathroom he took out a variety of ointments and a bottle of pills; With some scissors and bandages and tape. He started applying the ointments on his body, it singed him and he gritted his teeth; he popped a pill in his mouth and the pain lessened. Rolling out the bandages, he wraped them on the bad cuts and then popped another painkiller in his mouth. he sighed and walked this time to his room, he put on another of his blue shirts and slacks. He sat on his chair at his desk and opened up his files; he uploaded data files.... Irken data files. They wouldnt open, since they hade to be decrypted; his eyes darkened, having to endure a beating by the boys at skool and put up with the stares he got from passerby. Clenching his fist until his knuckles were white against the skin, 'for christ's sake IM TRYING TO SAVE THE WORLD' he thought to himself. Could they not understand, no are they that stupid.... or do they refuse to face the truth. That feeling made Dib empty, he techniqually had no friends, seen as a freak and shunned by all. But he thought 'when the Invasion comes, i'll be ready' he thought; if no one was to take his side..... then he would fight alone.
* * *
Milky way galaxy, The Massive
Red was muttering furiously, hovering his way to the podium in the assmebly hall; Followed by Purple, who looked just as angry. As the Tallest got on the podium, it rose off the ground so that all of the assembled Soldiers of the Armada could see them; many Soldiers to the Irken Elite along with some of the Irken Invaders. Skoodge, Skutch, Sneakyonfoota, Zee, Alexovitch, Lard, Grappa, Flobee, Stink, Pesto... and Tak? "Irkens" roared Tallest Red "as we advance, we bring our plan to galactic conquest ever closer!" this was met by many applause from the Irkens below. Wiggling their antenae in excitement
"BUT" roared Purple this time "only one thing stands in our way of progress"
"and that" said Red "is in the form of a rampant, Defective! Irken"
"he, who caused most of Irks, horrible disasters" yelled Purple
"KNOW THIS" Red continued to yell "he must be eliminated so that our plans will be achieved"
"Eliminate, the rouge Defective.... INVADER ZIIIIIMMM" Purple screamed
The crowd roared, seeming to take the news enthusiastically. Many chanting the names of the Tallest; as the podium lowered so that Red and Purple could greet the Invaders; Red turned to his partner "Soon enough Purple" he said grinning
"Zim will die" Purple grinned back in a creepy way. and they both laughed manicially.
* * *
Unknown planet, unknown system
He gazed at the computer screen, showing the Tallest in their laughter. The said creature watching events unfold Grinned himself; The Tallest were in the palm of his hands, no one could stop him. Not Zim and not even the Irken that had Defied him long ago; 'Silver' thought the creature "how foolish you are, you should have stayed with the armada long ago since the war" and then he laughed. it wasn't normal, it was unpleasant.... Demonic as to say it
............
Well people, what do you think? I'm glad I got this out. So Zim maybe for joining the Defect's? Who knows, only me that's for sure at the moment. So plz read and review, i'd really appreciate it :)
Spartan Alpha