But this isn't truth
This isn't right
This isn't love
This isn't life
This isn't real
This is a lie
~This Is A Lie - The Cure~
Later, the same night...
I heard a knock at my door over my music and took my ear buds out.
"What?" I called, waiting for Dib to say whatever he had to say so I could get back to planning. The doorknob turned and my brother poked his head inside my room.
"I just came to say goodnight." He said with a gentle smile. I tried not to roll my eyes at this gesture and huffed, glaring slightly at him.
"Goodnight, Dib. Don't let the extraterrestrials bite." I mumbled, going back to my notebook. I heard the teen snicker.
"Goodnight, Gaz." He said again before closing the door. I sighed and popped my ear buds back in as I tapped the pencil against my notebook. I was writing down more ideas for the invasion-The water idea could work, but there wasn't any room for miscalculation, and the longer I thought about it, the more I found faults in it. So I had to think of a few backup plans. After a while though, I was finding it difficult to focus. Zim and I may have outlined what our plan would be for the invasion, but now I had to make a plan of my own. If I didn't, the people I love and myself would die and I couldn't let that happen. I had to get us off of this planet, but how? Where would we go? It's not like we have any allies is space-I stopped in my train of thought as an idea popped into my head. My eyes widened as I nodded to myself. That just might work, I thought, moving to get up. I paused, realizing I couldn't act now, Dib had only just gone bed. I would have to wait until I was sure he was asleep. With a disappointed sigh, I sat back down on my bed and poured over my notebook again. I waited a few hours to be absolutely sure, having spent the time doodling on the pages that were meant to hold more possible plans for the invasion. I crept outside of my bedroom and crossed the hall, pressing my ear to Dib's door. I could hear faint snoring as he slept, and it was times like this that I was thankful for my brother's deviated septum. I smiled faintly and made my way silently down the stairs and through the dark kitchen. I stood before the garage door, the only source of light emitted from the illuminated keypad next to the door.
"DNA sample required." The automated voice said, much louder than I had thought it would and I cringed. I checked over my shoulder and listened carefully to make sure Dib hadn't stirred. I turned my attention back to the security lock. I licked my thumb and pressed it firmly against the scan pad. After a moment, the lock beeped and a small light next to the handle blinked green.
"DNA verified; Welcome, Gazalene Membrane." The voice greeted, again, too loud for my liking. I growled in aggravation and slipped inside the pitch black garage. I fumbled around for a flashlight, knowing there was one on the workbench just beside the door. Feeling the cool metal of the flashlight, I grabbed it and turned it on, carefully maneuvering over wires and other things strode all across the freezing concrete floor. I cautiously approached the wrecked Irken craft; Tak's ship. The cracked glass hood opened with a hiss and I climbed inside, taking a seat in the only chair inside the small ship. I sat there for a moment and took a deep breath, going over the plan in my head. 'Get the comm up and running, and make contact with the Resisty...' I told myself. If only it were that easy...I couldn't just ask them to come pick us up before the armada got here. I mean, it's been over a year since Dib last made contact with Lard Nar, and that was to assure him that Zim was no longer an active threat to the Earth. How was I going to explain the danger we were in without outing myself in the process? I sighed to myself and turned on the ship. I guess I'd just have to wing it. I typed into the keyboard the security code required to open a comm-link with the Resisty's ship. A kind of loading screen appeared, informing me that the connection was being made. I had no idea how long this would take and decided to get comfortable in the crescent shaped seat, trying to fight off sleep. Eventually though, I succumbed to my exhaustion and passed out.
I woke with a surprised jolt, light from the screen washing over me. I shielded my eyes against it and sat up.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Dib?" An unfamiliar voice greeted. I uncovered my eyes now, glaring slightly at the figure on the screen.
"Actually, this is Gaz, Dib's sister." I corrected him, crossing my arms as I sat back in the chair again. The Vortian squinted at me and leaned in to get a better look before his brows rose in recognition.
"Ah, my apologies, I couldn't tell at first. But as I stated before, it's been quite some time since we last spoke to you humans. How's everything going down there?" He asked with a smile. I frowned instantly and took a deep breath.
"Complicated. The last time Dib talked to you, he told you that the invader assigned to our planet was no longer active in his mission. I'm here to inform you that this is no longer true. He has a plan, one he will be taking to his Tallest and I have no doubt that once they're shown it, they will send the conversion team and armada our way." I said grimly, feeling my chest grow heavy with the weight of my involvement in this plan. His yellow eyes widened in shock and the color drained from his face, leaving it a pale, ashen color.
"When did this happen? How could this happen? He's not supposed to be a threat anymore...why are you telling me this instead of Dib?" He inquired in a quiet, horrified voice.
"Because Dib doesn't know about it." I confessed. The Vortian looked bewildered by this news.
"Why not?" He demanded, a tinge of anger in his tone. I was quiet for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts before replying.
"I'm being held hostage for information by the invader. He told me that if I helped him and kept quiet, that my family would be spared from suffering at the Empire's hands. I don't believe for a damn second that he'll keep his word. And that's why I came to you. I'm begging that you take Dib and my father with you." I pleaded, bowing my head. There was a lapse of silence, and I grew anxious as I waited for an answer.
"How much time do you have before the armada gets there?" He asked. I looked up at him and I couldn't tell what he was thinking, or whether he would help my family or not.
"I'm not sure. His plans are still in the early stages of development, but I have no doubt that they will be here within a year. I can give you a better estimate once the armada is on its way." I replied, hoping the Resisty's ship was flying close enough to Earth to get Dib and my dad before anything happened to the planet. There was another pause and I felt nearly sick from the knots twisting in my stomach.
"Give me the invader's name, and I'll see what I can dig up on him. Maybe there will be something you can use against him." Lard Nar proposed, rubbing his chin. I was a bit surprised by this-was that really something he could just look up?
"Zim." I uttered quietly. The alien's brow furrowed and he hummed to himself.
"I'm not sure why, but the name rings a bell. Well, I can tell you later, once I've done some research. In the meantime, what are you going to do about yourself? Don't you want to come with Dib and your father?" He asked, looking a little confused. I sighed and slumped against the backrest of the chair.
"It's too late for me at this point, if Zim catches me he'll kill me. And if I stay, well, he'll kill me eventually. I won't make it out alive either way, I just want my brother and father safe. Please." A sigh escaped the Vortian, a look of pity and sorrow on his face as he stared at me.
"Well, there's still plenty of room here, so I'm sure they'd make great additions to the Resisty." He answered, trying a weak smile out on his thin lips and I sighed in relief.
"Thank you, so much." I murmured, looking earnestly at the alien and he gave a nod.
"Not a problem. We aboard the Resisty wish you luck, Gaz. Maybe we'll see you again, hopefully out of the reach of the Empire." He said, growling the last part scornfully.
"Maybe. For now, I have to go. I'll contact you again once I know exactly how much time we have." I told him, ending the transmission. After a moment of sitting there in the dark, I could feel myself beginning to fall asleep again, and decided it would be better to sleep in my bed. I turned the flashlight back on and navigated my way to the door, where a sliver of light peeked out from under it. Was it morning already? Had I been waiting that long for the connection to go through? I sighed in exhaustion and set the flashlight back where it belonged, opening the garage door cautiously. I padded into the kitchen and looked out of the window above the sink.
The sun was up, but it was hidden behind a sheet of clouds, foretelling rain in the near future. I ascended the stairs carefully, avoiding the steps I knew would creak and I slipped back into my dark room, thankful for the blackout curtains I had hung up. I glared at my alarm clock and cursed, seeing that it was 6:27 AM. I fell onto my bed face-first, praying that the 30 minutes I had left before my alarm went off would be enough sleep for me to function.
They weren't...
By the time I woke up, the roads and sidewalks were slick with rain. Normally, I would have loved walking to school in the rain, but once I realized I would likely be sharing an umbrella with Zim again, I frowned in disdain. I moved quickly through my morning routine to ensure that I had enough time to stop by Zim's base before heading to school. Grabbing my umbrella, I rushed out the door before Dib could ask where I was going. I reached the lopsided green house just in time to see the invader leaving his base with a scowl. I smirked and let out a whistle to get his attention, twirling the umbrella in my hands.
"Did someone actually remember to take their paste bath this time?" I teased, meeting the Irk halfway up the walkway. He mirrored my expression but rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.
"Zim won't be forgetting again anytime soon. Not after what happened last time." He grumbled as I turned to walk back the way I came.
"Oh good, then I assume you didn't need me to come by to keep you dry." I said, not looking back at him. I could feel the irritation radiating off of him as he begrudgingly ducked under the umbrella, walking in time with me.
"Just because Zim took his paste bath doesn't mean he likes the sensation of rain falling on him." He grumbled. I smirked and handed the handle to him since he was taller than me. We walked in peaceful silence for a while before Zim spoke up out of the blue.
"You're looking dead again today." He muttered casually, as if he hadn't really noticed. I scoffed with a forced smile.
"Thanks for noticing." I replied in a sarcastic tone, though I knew he wouldn't catch it. There was another lapse of silence growing and the alien tried to make conversation again.
"Have you not been sleeping efficiently?" He asked, raising a brow at me curiously. I shrugged in response, I really wasn't in the mood to talk that morning.
"I guess you could say that. What's it to you?" I growled, being unnecessarily hostile towards him. The invader narrowed his eyes, glaring at me out of the corner of them.
"My partner has to be at their very best everyday, and I've observed how haggard you humans can get if your sleep cycle is shortened or skipped. So Zim suggests you get more rest when the opportunity presents itself." I looked at the alien like he was nuts, which he probably was and shook my head.
"You'll learn quickly that I don't take orders from other people." I hissed as we reached a stoplight that was currently flashing a red hand to keep us from crossing the street. Without warning, the Irk grabbed my face firmly in one hand, glowering down at me. My brow furrowed in anger and confusion, but curiosity kept me from beating him up straight away.
"Zim is not 'other people'. I'm an Irken invader, and more importantly, your superior and you'll learn quickly to do as you're told, Little-Gaz." He sneered, baring his sharp teeth at me. For the briefest moment, I didn't know how to react. But once I regained my composure, I shoved the invader away from me with a frown.
"Superior?! Tch, you fucking wish." I snarled, balling my hands into fists. I proceeded to walk across the street despite the rain and the cars passing through the intersection. Anything to get away from that idiot and the dreadful pounding of my heart. The cars all came to screeching halts just before hitting me, but I didn't flinch. He's getting bolder, I thought. However, I couldn't decide if that was a bad thing or not. I stopped on the other side of the crosswalk and looked back at Zim, who stood stalk still, staring at me with wide, disbelieving eyes. I growled, turning away from him and continuing on my route, gritting my teeth the whole way. Stupid, narcissistic jerk, I cursed, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.
Lunch and my free period were uneventful, since Zim had insisted that I sleep in the nurse's office during them. And by insist, I mean he forcibly dragged me to the nurse's office and instructed the staff to not let me leave until I got some rest. Which I did, but not without reluctance, since I felt like he was winning if I actually did what he told me to. There was no way in hell I would let him win...and know about it. Before I left the nurse's office, I made sure to remind the staff that I did not sleep. I was awake the whole time as far as anybody was concerned. When Zim asked me if I had rested like he had ordered me to, I told him no. This of course sent the alien into rant about how I was 'the most infuriating, defiant, and stubborn worm-baby he'd ever had the displeasure of knowing' and how I 'should listen to Zim because he doesn't have time to be coddling a human who can barely function.'
Zim's POV
"Normally, I can function, but I was up half the night waiting for a connection to go through." The human spat as we walked through the front door of the base. I looked at the girl in confusion and raised a brow at her.
"That's hardly any reason to neglect sleep when your weak mind and body need so much of it." I grumbled, not bothering to look back at her. She gritted her teeth, narrowing her eyes at me.
"I was trying to contact the Resisty's ship, so I didn't have the luxury of sleep." Gaz shot back angrily, her hands curling into fists. I froze on the spot, turning to the dirt-child slowly with a look of disbelief on my face. I closed the distance between us, gripping her by her arms.
"YOU DID WHAT?! Do you have any idea what you've done?" I screamed, making her flinch at the overbearing volume. I didn't let her answer the question before I was yelling again.
"You have betrayed not only me and our mission, but the entire Irken Empire by contacting those...useless rejects!" I shouted, stabbing a finger at the Earth-girl. She smacked my hand away with a snarl and crossed her arms defensively.
"I haven't betrayed anything, you moron! I didn't call them to tattle on you or our mission. I called them for Dib and my father." She replied calmly, but this only made me more outraged.
"Ah ha! I knew it, you are working for the Dib-stink!" I accused, causing her to roll her amber eyes and hit her forehead with the palm of her hand.
"So much for trust." She said under her breath. "As usual, you're wrong, Zim. I'm not working for my brother. But I needed to contact the Resisty because I wanted them to save my father and Dib before the armada arrived." She explained in a level tone. My rage deflated instantly, and I was left sputtering for a moment before I finally said something intelligible.
"You think the Resisty would accept them?" I scoffed, copying her cross-armed stance. She shrugged and took a seat on the nearby couch.
"Lard Nar already said the Resisty would swing by to get them, so it's been settled." She retorted with a slight scowl. "At least this way they'll be safe." She murmured. I eyed the human for a moment before saying anything.
"And what about you, aren't you going with them?" I inquired. I didn't really understand why I had asked, because I couldn't care less about what actually happened to the dirt-child. Call it morbid curiosity, but I wanted to know what she had planned for herself. Gaz shook her head.
"No...I believe in facing the consequences of my actions. And if that means I have to stay here when the armada comes, then that's the way it has to be." She answered in a surprisingly remorseless way. I was taken aback by that response, how could she say something like that? Doesn't she care what happens to her?
"Are you not afraid of what will happen to you?" I pried, hoping to coax a more sane answer from the human. She smiled a bit and met my gaze.
"You tell me, do I have anything to fear?" She countered. I thought about it for a moment.
"I'm not sure, it all depends on what the Tallest decide to do with your planet." I replied cryptically. Truly, there was no way of knowing right now because there were so many different things that could happen to the Earth once it was under our control. None of them boded well for the Gaz-beast, however, some weren't as bad as others.
"Well, regardless, everybody's gotta die someday. I don't see the point in trying to fight it." She muttered in a casual way. I shook my head in bewilderment, she really was nothing like her species. Humans were supposed to have an innate instinct of self-preservation, so why didn't she want to fight for her life? Why was this so bothersome to me? Why did I want her to fight? Why did I want her alive? "Besides, once they find out what I've done, they won't want anything to do with me. Especially Dib." She continued, becoming more grim as the seconds passed. For the time being, I pushed those thoughts aside and decided to change the subject to other things that weren't so troubling until she had to leave. Once she did, I was left to think about what she had said, even though I tried not to. What reason did I have to be so worried about the Earth-girl or her safety? I wouldn't need her anymore after the humans were under our control, so why did I feel dread thinking about her no longer being my partner?
AN: Good question, Zim. BUT I DON'T CARE! Reference anyone? Meh, anyways...Looks like everybody's telling lies and hiding things, hm? To their family, to themselves...Y'all, shit bout to hit the fan next chapter. Anyone wanna guess what'll happen? ;* kisses