AN: Sorry for the crappy, short chapter but I couldn't think of much else to put in here. I won't keep you guys waiting on the next chapter, I promise you. Just sorta needed to wrap up this part of the story. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. Be patient.

Chapter 13: Proposition

Zim watched as the black smoke shot out of Alice's body and charged at the glass yet again, smirking in delight as the creature hit the tube with a 'clunk' but didn't even crack it.

"This new isolation tank you are in is made with one of the most durable substances in the galaxy. I don't expect you to break it like last time very quickly. You'll be lucky to land a scratch on it." Zim cackled, triumphantly as the black figure growled hatefully at the irken. It didn't deserve to be mocked by such a weak mortal.

Zim beamed as he walked over to the control panel next to the tube. As he pressed at the various buttons and switches Alice began to stir, the gas from earlier wearing off. Zim hurriedly typed in the last of the commands and just as she began drift back into consciousness there was a quiet humming noise, like a generator powering up.

A tired groan escaped Alice's lips from under the breathing mask over her nose and mouth but soon turned into a horrifying scream as the tube burst with a blinding light. The burning pain rushed through her entire body. It felt being struck by lightning. The pain became too intense for her to stay conscious and she went limp in the tank again.

Zim loosened the grip he had on his antenna, as the ringing in his head died down. It wasn't the most painless way to scan her and the creature living inside her but it was the most effective for internal things.

Zim grinned like a child on Christmas as he eagerly waited for the data to load onto the large monitor. "Alright let's see exactly what you a-" he stopped his evil monologue and took a closer look at the screen. "This can't be right. Computer! Scan the equipment for any bugs or glitches." Zim barked at the ceiling. The base computer let out a frustrated sigh and a minute later it spoke up. "No viruses detected. Scanner and other equipment are completely functional."

Zim's antenna perked and he began to ponder with his hand resting on his chin. "Hmmmm...perhaps this will be easier than Zim thought." he muttered, glancing back at Alice again.

…

Alice rolled over in her bed with a weary groan, she felt so sore.

"Morning, Juliet." Ruby cooed, jumping up on her and kneading her paws into her leg.

"What?" Alice groaned, cracking her eyes open. She was back at home, in her bed more specifically. Looking in a nearby mirror she saw she had horrible bed head and she was still in her clothes. "Ruby, what happened last night? My memory's a little fuzzy." Alice asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Well I can't say for sure but I passed out around midnight and when I woke up at 3 you were in bed. But judging by how you looked and how late you got back you must've had a whole lot of fun with Zim last night." Ruby said with a devilish smirk.

"What?! Ruby! I know I can't remember much but we definitely didn't do anything like THAT!" Alice protested a slight blush forming on her cheeks at the idea of her and Zim...Gah! She got it out of her head as quickly as possible.

Ruby sighed as her ears fell flat against her head. "Well did you at least kiss?" she asked, sounding more sad than curious. Alice sighed, irritated. "No. Well at least I don't think so."

"Man! I swear if you don't hook up with one those guys soon I'm gonna lose it!" Alice rubbed her temples. "We've only known each other for a few weeks! Give it some time Ruby." Ruby's face instantly brightened.

"So you will at least try?"

"I can't say for sure but if one of them ends up liking me like that I'll just see what happens." Alice shrugged.

"That's the spirit Alice!"

…

At school Zim sat on a bench in the far corner of the playground, scribbling away on a strange alien tablet. He could finally start drawing up blueprints for his latest evil plan. He was certainly proud of himself for this one.

"Hey!"

Zim was pulled out of his thoughts when he saw Techno standing over him, tapping her foot on the ground impatiently. "What do you want human! Zim is very busy at the moment." Zim announced, saying human with a large amount of disgust.

Techno rolled her eyes and sat down next to the disgruntled irken. "Listen Zim, we've never met but that doesn't mean I don't know about you. You're exiled-uh stationed on this planet as an invader, right?" she said in a low voice.

"What are you talking about human? Zim is a perfectly normal Earth boy." Zim said, with a nervous, unconvincing chuckle. Techno rubbed her temples in annoyance. "Don't play dumb with me shorty. I need a favor from you." Zim raised a nonexistent eyebrow.

"Why should Zim help you?" he growled. "I'm just an elite soldier who crashed here and needs some help repairing her ship. Give me some tools and I'll put in a good word to the Tallests when I get back as a reward." she said with a wink.

"What? No!" Zim spat. He wasn't going to just give her his things! The Tallests already knew he was great anyways.

Techno looked at him confused. "No? I just need some Irk-damn tools! Why is that so hard?" Techno said, raising her voice.

"No one takes ZIM'S tools! How does Zim know you aren't after his mission! Huh?" Zim shouted.

The Skool bell rang, interrupting their argument. Techno growled and stormed off. She wasn't about to be told off by a defect. "You okay Techno?" She glanced over at Alice walking next to her. "It's Zim. I don't know how anyone can stand that egocentric midget." she muttered.

"Yeah, he can be a little full of himself but he's just a little quirky. He'll warm up to you eventually." Alice smiled, running ahead of Techno to catch up to Dib, who was calling over to her.

Techno watched her run off while snickering at the idea of Zim having a soft side. Regardless she was getting those tools. Whether he let her or not.