It's A Wonderful Life, Yeah Right or is it?

by JustPlainToni

Six years after Zim was banished to Earth, Zim tries to live a human life with his best friend Dib, but a certain skool project threaten their friendship forcing Zim to make new friends. Now Zim struggle to keep his secret through funny and serious events.

38. Brought Together

I did it! Praise me! =D

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It's A Wonderful Life, Yeah Right (or is it?)!

Chapter 38: Brought Together

Zim stares distraught into empty space. The thin annoyed line has been crossed waiting for the forty-year–old woman to get her debit card from her checkbook. At his section beside the register, he waited patiently for her to slide the card through the machine to be accepted. The woman entered her pin number. Zim watched the receipt print out and hand her copy.

"Have a nice day." Zim mindlessly uttered then put the final two bags in the cart. Zim spied the clock two yards away. Just fifteen minutes and I will be done he thought. Zim scanned the next person's items and bagged them. When he scanned the final item, he clicked enter to show the customer how much she owed Mart-Wall.

"Your total is thirty-eight dollars and fourteen cents." Zim told her. Instead of preparing any form of payment, the middle aged lady stared at him a blank.

"That can't be right." She said. Zim looked at the computer screen and the fifteen items she bought remembered counting each one.

"Yes Ma'am, it's correct. You owe thirty-eight dollars and fourteen cents." Zim repeated the final sale. The woman wasn't very happy and glared at him. Zim rolled his eyes to retort her glare. She reached into one bag and pulled out a can of soup.

"Isn't this on sale? This should be ninety nine cents."

"No, the sale was last week. It's $2.53 a can." Zim said. "I know, I set it up."

"I only have thirty-two dollars." The lady said.

"Well, you can not pay for a few of these things and-"

"I only give you thirty-two dollars. I will not pay any higher." The lady assisted. Zim stared at her strange.

"Are you haggling me because it's not working. You can't negotiate prices with super markets." Zim told her.

"If I can't pay thirty-two dollars then I won't pay. I'll leave unsatisfied and you have to put it all away."

"Go ahead. There's the door." Zim said not caring either way. "I don't mind restocking. I'll do it before I go which is in about five minutes."

"Where's your manager? I want to speak to your manager!" She demanded. Zim sighed then called up his supervisor via intercom. In three minutes, Mr. Happy was to his register. Zim quickly brief him on the situation. Mr. Happy apologizes to her and let her pay the price she wanted. Then Mr. Happy glared at Zim.

"You call me for this?" Mr. Happy questioned.

"She asked to speak with my manager." Zim pointed out.

"I shouldn't have to get involved at all. You need to try better with your people skills." Mr. Happy tried to advice.

"It's not my 'skills' needing improvement, it's the people's intelligence." Zim stated.

"Whether he's a dumbbell or freakin' Stephen Hawking, it is your job to make our customers happy. You understand?"

"Yes Sir." Zim accepted.

"Good, this is a warning. Next time this happens, I'll write you up." Mr. Happy cautioned. "Empty your register. Your shift is over. We're closing this booth for the night."

Zim opened, empty the register cash in the money pouch and handed it to Mr. Happy. Zim punched out and left. He grabbed his backpack he left in the staff room and exit the store. The automatic sliding door opens for him to a clear sunny May day. Zim muttered all the way to the bus stop over what happened.

"Improve my people skills." He muttered. "I don't need to improve anything. I'm the savior of humanity. Well, I'm getting there."

Zim waited ten minutes. His bus arrived and boarded returning to his neighborhood after a long day of bickering. He walked up to Dib's house and knocked on the door. Nobody answered. He assumed everyone was in the backyard so he let himself in. He dropped his backpack on the floor next to an armchair and went through the kitchen. He opened the back door to see the progress of the space ship. The exterior, silver white, covered in shimmering thermal protective silica tiles smooth to the touch like sleek plastic. The wings were thin but durable shaped wide fins ready to take the sky and body bubble built encloses the cockpit. The body bubble form stretch out to hold the wings and shape a place for engine and powerful rocket booster jets to the tail. On top, a shark like fin rudder reaching the sky and to the bottom, shock absorbers to serve as landing gear and hold the ship steadying its position. Three shock absorbers sit to each side of the space ship as well as two rocket boosters sit under the body beneath the wings. Everything was set for outside appearance except for one thing: they were missing a window. This was obvious because Zim could see Josh sitting in the cockpit clearly installing new equipment. Zim took a few feet to greet him then stopped, seeing sparks fly from inside the ship. He peered inside the only door hatch beside the cockpit. He spotted Dib's boot.

"Zim!" She shouted. Zim turned around and saw Mary sitting at the patio table. Josh heard her and looks up to see Zim. She got up from the table decorated with many maps, walked up and hugged him.

"How was work?" Mary asked.

"It's about time you show up." Josh complained. Zim looked to Josh while Mary settle wrapping her arm around Zim's.

"Sorry," Zim addressed the complaint with an apology. "Still have to work."

"Whatever." Josh spat out then whined. "Just pick up a blow torch and help us. We've been busting our chops since three-thirty."

Zim looked at his watch to spy the time.

"It's only six." Zim told him. "Man, you can't handle working long, can you?"

"No, nothing like this." Josh waved his arms to display the cockpit he been setting up all week.

"I do appreciate your help." Zim let him know.

"Okay. You're welcome." Josh accepted then focuses into the cockpit installing the navigation system. Zim grin then felt the gentle squeeze of Mary hugging his arm. She smiled to him.

"Oh, Mary." Zim remembered the question she asked before he was distracted. "Work was dumb, really dumb."

"Then why don't you quit already?"

Zim spied Dib who addressed him. Dib held the wielding mask he was formally wearing in one hand and a blow torch in the other. He sat in the doorway of the ship's hatch. "We would have been done sooner if you didn't work."

"I doubt we could complete it before a month's time. Besides, I help when I come back. Zim's not lazy."

Dib rolled his eyes and Zim ignored his attitude to ask the progress of the ship.

"So, how's it going?" Zim asked peering in to see less sparks than before speckle on the titanium floor. "Who's in there?"

"Dad, he's sealing the interior walls to the right. Today we set up the ventilation system. Now we're waiting for Tina and Gaz to come back."

"For why?" Zim asked.

"To get oxygen tanks from Dad's lab, duh." Dib reminded Zim. "We need the tanks to put two and two together and complete the right interior wall. They should be back momentarily."

"Oh." Zim said brought light in the situation. He glanced around and noticed they're missing a kid. "Where's Brian?"

"He's in the front yard garage gathering bolts to strengthen the engine's frame."

"Not anymore." He said. Brian returned entering the yard with a small box half full of nuts and bolts. Inside the box stuck out a ratchet. Brian smiled to Zim.

"Hey Brian." Zim greeted him. "What's up?"

"Zim, when we complete the ship, can I be the first to test drive it?" Brian asked with much enthusiasm glee in his eyes.

"Sure, you did come up with design and made its engine too. I don't see why not."

"Cool." Brian express pleased then walked to the back side of the ship. Brian turned the handle to release the compressed seal of the ship's side compartment of the engine. He began the necessary tune up.

"We're back!" Shouted Tina opening the gate to the backyard. Gaz followed right behind her carrying one oxygen tank in her arms. Tina picked up the oxygen tank she sat beside her and enter too. Tina spied the simple white tile color of the ship and pretended to gag. "This ship is too plain. Why it has to be white again?"

"So others can see it and not crash into me." Zim told her the third time.

"They can see lime and strawberry pink too." Tina suggested the earlier picks she wanted. She looked at the ship and came up with an idea. "I know; how about we paint crazy stripes on it. That would be cool."

"No way!" Dib protested. "No painting the ship! The chemicals in the paint could damage the silica tiles."

"Pst…Nerd." Tina said then sat down the oxygen tank next to the ship. Despite Tina's complaint on its simple design and color, Gaz viewed it as wickedly exciting.

"I can't wait to test drive this bad boy." Gaz spoke rubbing her hands together. Zim overheard the comment.

"Oh, you can after Brian does." Zim told her.

"WHAT?" She shouted. "Why he?"

"He asked first and did design it." Zim said then saw her display the ugliest anger face he ever seen from Gaz. "It's only fair."

"Only fair? Everyone knows I'm the best pilot." Gaz reminded them of her title.

"Brian's a pilot too. He flies his parents' crop duster." Zim defended his decision. "You'll have to wait your turn."

Gaz growled and slammed the oxygen tank in Zim's arms. She marched, opened the door and enters the house.

"What's up with her?" Zim questioned her attitude.

"Well, um, she had a rough day." Tina vaguely informed them.

"What kind of day?" Wondered Zim looking back at the door she banged in rage.

"A rough one, it's all I can say." Tina can only tell.

"Oh, okay." Zim accepted shrugging his shoulders.

"On a side note." Tina said changing the subject. "We have the oxygen tanks. Zim, with all the trips I took to get supplies, you're lucky I'm not charging you for gas. With it being six dollars and four cents to the gallon, it's like the cheapest in years."

"Which is really lucky considering how much you need to get to Meekrob." Dib stated.

"And come back." Zim stated to Dib then looked at Tina and Mary. "I'm coming back."

"Right, right." Dib suddenly answered. "Of course you are. I know you are. You always have a way to get out of trouble. You'll conquer Meekrob in no time."

Before Zim could comment Dib picked up a blow torch and placed on the wielding mask.

"Dib, I-"

"No time to talk." Dib interrupted. "Are you going to stand there or are you helping me the ventilation system?"

Dib stepped inside the space ship without saying another word. Zim turned to Tina. She was standing beside Josh in the cockpit then to Mary who stood silent. Mary noticed him staring and changed her frown into a smile. Zim knew his friends were hiding their sadness behind masks. They have been hiding since last March. It's been over a month after they threatened him to do a so called suicide mission. He may be safe without a PAK but how safe could he be on Meekrob being the Invader responsible for their coming downfall. The ship served a purpose more than an aircraft. It was a project, the construction to build something safe; to mask the pain of losing a good friend, a lover, a brother and son. The unity created for his protection. Zim became familiar with the sentiment and accepted it as their way to conform and comfort to him leaving. He decided to be the way to conform too. Focusing on the construction rather than letting his fears consume keeping him sane when he needs to be strong.

"Zim, are you helping or not?" Dib shouted from the ship. His shout startled him from his thoughts. Mary saw his jump and rubbed his arm in her effort to calm him. Zim appreciated the effort and held her hand on his arm then gave it a soft squeeze.

"I should help." Zim said. Mary nodded and let go of his arm. Zim found another wielding mask next to the base of the ship and strapped it on. Zim stepped inside to aid Dib and Membrane. After awhile, the men stepped out of ship. The ventilation system was installed. All it need was the oxygen tank hooked up to complete it but it was getting late. Prof. Membrane clicked his organizer connected to his arm to read out the time.

"It's 7:15 P.M. Alright kids." Prof. Membrane announced loudly. "Time to wrap it up for the day. We'll meet here again same time tomorrow. Any objections?"

Mary raised her hand to answer Membrane's question.

"Yes, young lady?" Membrane acknowledged her.

"I have to volunteer at the orphanage tomorrow." Mary told him.

"Then you are excused. Anyone else?" He asked. Zim, Dib, Tina, Brian and Josh shook their heads.

"Okay then, have a good night. Oh, anybody need a ride home?"

"Nope, I can take them, Membrane." Tina as always offered the ride home for her buddies.

"Good. If you excuse me, I have other things to attend to." Prof. Membrane allowed himself to leave inside his house. Tina stretched out her arms and yawned.

"It's about time." She shouted jumping out of the cockpit.

"Yep, me too." Josh admitted. "Too much meddling with the navigation system but I think I can have it operational tomorrow. Mary, how's the coordinates coming along?"

"I do have the coordinates of where Meekrob is." Mary told him then sighed. "Yet, I still have trouble calculating how long Zim would get there."

"How come?" Tina asked.

"I don't know the exact power of the engine to make a more accurate prediction."

"Yea, okay." Brian butted in. "As soon as we run the first test, we should know."

"Okay," Mary said. " I just want to make sure Zim has enough time to make the journey without being late."

"We would be done already if Zim didn't have a job." Dib butted in and looked at Zim funny. "Why are still working there if you be gone in June?"

"Do you really have to ask, Dib-monkey? I would have figured you would know." Zim expressed. Dib still glared at him. Zim sighed. "I have expenses and need to save up so I have the money to support myself when I return."

"Saving? Is that what you're doing because as I recall you bought Mary a pretty-"

"It was a necessary expense!" Zim snapped.

"Necessary, right…" Dib said. He stood up and marched to his house. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

They stared perplexed as he slammed the door. Zim shook his head and stood up from the spaceship. He glanced at each of his friends.

"Thanks for all your help." Zim said.

"No problem, Zim." Tina said. "You are protecting our planet. It's the least we can do."

"Right." Zim agreed.

"C'mon guys, I'll take you home." Tina offered. Brian and Josh followed her league walking to the front gate. Mary took a step and stop when she felt Zim's arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"You guys go ahead, we have plans." Zim told them.

"We do?" Mary questioned him.

"Did you want to have plans?" Zim whispered in her ear. Mary blushed then nodded.

"Yes…" Mary replied.

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Tina shouted. They waved goodbye to their friends while exiting through the gate. They watched Tina's car start up and pass by them. Mary turned to Zim in wonder.

"So what are we doing?" Mary asked him. Zim stuck his hands in his front pockets and walked forward.

"I have an idea. Follow me." Zim said. Mary and Zim left the backyard and trot on the sidewalk leaving the neighborhood. Mary had her arm wrapped around his right mimicking each step he took. Mary slid her hand upon his arm to wrist. Zim, aware of the sensation, took his hand out of pocket and held hers. Eventually, they appear before a small managed café. Zim halted his steps and turned to Mary.

"Would you like to go here?" Zim asked her. Mary nodded curious of the chic little shop. They went to the front door. Zim opened it and allowed Mary to be first. They entered the shop and sat at the table next to a bay window. A waitress wearing casual attire came at their table. Zim wasn't very hungry and ordered coffee. Mary picked out a fruit parfait from the menu. In a matter of minutes, she returned with a cup of black coffee and Mary's parfait. Mary picked up her spoon and stirred the cut strawberries in the long solid glass dessert cup. Zim took a sip from his coffee and placed it on the saucer. He gazed at Mary watching her scoop the vanilla yogurt in her mouth. She caught his gaze, swallowed the treat and smiled.

"Thanks for the parfait." Mary told him.

"You're welcome." Zim accepted her thanks. Zim tapped the cup lightly with his tea spoon fiddling through his mind what to say next. "So, how are the travel calculations? Have you figured out how long it would take to travel to Meekrob?"

"I have. With the current power of the engine, it will take at least a month. Less if you don't sleep for two days." Mary let him know what she discovered so far.

"Hmmm…" Zim hummed. "If that's the case, I would have to leave before June, before summer break."

"But I'm not completely positive." Mary interrupted. Zim looked up at her. "The power of the engine hasn't been tested to its full potential. I need accurate data before I can calculate correct data so don't think of leaving…yet."

Zim could sense the tension in this conversation.

"Perhaps we should talk about something else." Zim suggested. Mary nodded and took a deep breath.

"Yea…" She sigh it out. Zim understood the struggle Mary was feeling. He's very aware of his own mixed feelings of leaving her too. He didn't want her to be tortured with the thought. He really wanted to make her happy so he thought it was the best of time than any to bring up his surprise.

"Mary, I didn't take you out just to be friendly. Actually, I did, but I had a motive. I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Mary questioned. "What is it?"

Zim slipped the rectangular two strips of paper on the surface table.

"Next Saturday, we're going to Prom." Zim announced. Mary picked up the papers to see they were prom tickets.

"Really Zim?" Mary smiled excited.

"Yep."

"What about your job?"

"I put in three weeks notice I wanted the night off." Zim told her. "It's taken care of."

"Oh Zim. You shouldn't have." Mary said pleasantly. "This is just too much. First, you give me this beautiful locket for my birthday, now you're bringing me to prom. You're spoiling me."

He gazed upon her and the heart shaped gold pendent stringed around her neck.

"You could never be spoiled. I do these things out of love. I love you, Mary." Zim paused to see her blush. He smiled. "I don't just want you and me to go. I want everyone to come. Last April has been harsh on all of us. I'd like us to hang out, have fun for a change and not worry for the fate of humanity."

"It would be great for all of us." Mary admitted.

"I'll propose the idea at lunch. Maybe Tina and Josh thought of going too." Zim said. "Heck, I'll even persuade Dib to come if he doesn't want to." Zim sipped his coffee. As he did, he spied a dab of whip cream on Mary's nose. "Mary, you have some cream right here." Zim said and wiped it off with his index finger. Zim showed her the cream.

"Oh," Mary smirked a bit embarrassed. "Thanks."

Zim licked the cream off his finger then gagged to the taste. After he drank his coffee, the waitress return with the check. He paid on the spot and when Mary ate her dessert, they left. Zim escorted her across the street to the bus stop. They waited seven minutes until it arrived and during the time, they exchanged little words and questions in Irken.

"Okay, how do you say, 'Where am I?'" Zim asked her for the lesson. Mary tried imitating the question but it came out all wrong. Zim stared oddly puzzled at what she tried to say. "Hmmmm…Almost. Try speaking it a little faster."

"This language is tough." Mary stated.

"Tough because it's out of this world." Zim said then saw the bus coming down the hill. "You'll get it. You've learned a lot already in the month I taught you."

"Okay, I'll keep practicing." Mary said determined to learn. Zim kissed her cheek encouraging her. When the bus arrived Mary boarded without Zim mostly because he wanted to walk since he lived nearby. She sat down and waved goodbye through the window. The bus pulled into the road back in the stream of traffic and drove away. During her trip, Mary thought, delighted she was attending prom with Zim and how generous he was. Devoted a more accurate term to describe it in maintaining her happiness despite the stressful situation both were under. Mary glanced to the locket hanging from her neck over her yellow blouse then thought of the day Zim gave it to her; her birthday, few days ago last Friday at her house. Mary opened the final present given to her by Tina. It was a light blue shirt with yellow printed flowers decorated on it. She thanked her but wondered if it really was the last present. Her friends not caring either way were excited and ate cake talking pop culture. Prof. Weylin sat among the teenagers having a piece of cake listening to the chatter. Mary thanked her friends and decided to put away her presents in her room. When she arrived at the top stair, she heard a step and turned slightly to see Zim standing behind her. He said he had her present but wants to give it to her in private. Mary nodded and Zim followed to her room. Mary placed her gifts on the desk then sat on her bed. Zim stood before her, received a small white box out of his pocket and handed it to her. She opened the lid and saw the gold pendant lay inside. Zim sat beside her.

"Gaz said something about you wanting to have a necklace reflecting your personality and I know a heart is cliché but-"

Mary hugged him to stop his speaking.

"Zim, I love it." Mary said while embracing him then she let go. "Thank you."

"It's a locket." Zim informed her. "Open it carefully and take a look."

Mary clicked open the plated lid and peered inside. It had what appeared to be a tiny circuit board she could not recognize.

"What is it?" She asked.

"It's a satellite disruptor. I made it myself. It's supposed to cancel out any long distance signals from space just in case they try to find you. A safety precaution."

"Do you think they would find me? For what purpose?" Mary wondered.

"Who knows but I created it for your protection." Zim said then cupped her head lightly. "Promise me you'll wear it at all times when I'm away. So I know you'll be safe."

"I will." Mary promised him then tugged the chain careful out of the box. She found the clasp, release it and hooked the eye around her neck. Zim smiled and kissed her.

"Happy Birthday."

Mary returned to a current state of reality. She thought how great his gift was then misery surfaced when reminded of his leaving. The device he constructed for her protection lay dormant in her necklace 'till needed. Mary didn't want to feel sad then understood why Zim wanted to go to prom. To not let them be bothered with the feeling. Mary cheered up and smiled looking forward to prom.

Meanwhile, at the Membrane residence, Zim returned to the home to pick up his backpack. In the living room, Gaz sat on the couch watching television. Zim entered quietly tip toeing not to disturb Gaz but she caught him coming in the house and stared at him. Zim thought it was his duty to clear things up with her so she wouldn't be angry.

"I'm sorry you weren't my first choice and I would have wanted it that way if-"

"Don't worry too much about it." Gaz refrain him from making a formal apology. "I'm okay with Brian test driving first. He did construct the engine with you. It's fair."

"So you're not mad?" Zim questioned. Gaz nodded in response.

"If you don't mind me asking, what made you so mad earlier? Was it I?"

"No, it was really stupid, not you and I don't want to repeat it." Gaz told him. Zim nodded, picked up his pack and headed towards the door.

"Okay, you have a good night." Zim said. Zim exit the house and went home. Next day at lunch, he presented the idea of prom. Josh and Tina were going and purchased tickets. Brian admitted Penny have been pestering him to go. Everyone was psyched by the occasion except our strange hair style tall fellow, Dib who told them he didn't want to. Zim didn't want Dib to be left out of the fun so he made it his mission to convince him otherwise. During lunch or anytime after, Zim pestered Dib to no end to attend prom. When sixth period ended, Zim was outside Dib's classroom hounding him.

"For the last time, NO!" Dib screamed. "I don't want to go!"

"C'mon Dib, no one cares if you don't have a date." Zim tried to coerce him. "You can still come and have a blast."

"Whoever heard of going stag to prom?"

"A lot of people go to prom together as a group. You don't need to have a date." Zim said walking with him through the hallway.

"Some group." Dib protested the thought. "Everyone will be dancing with their date while I have to dance by myself or stand near the snack bar. Lame!"

"If that's your problem, I could let you dance with Mary. She's very graceful."

"I don't want a pity dance!" Dib shouted.

"Then what's the matter with you?" Zim began to express his agitation. "Don't you want to go with your friends? We all want you to come."

"So, it's just a stupid dance." Dib muttered.

"Okay, that's it! I'm sick of your bad attitude. You've been cranky ever since I accepted the mission."

"And why shouldn't I? I've been working all month helping you build your spaceship." Dib told him but Zim wasn't convinced it was the true nature of his rotten mood.

"Dib, I know you. You love building spaceships. Admit you're upset I'm leaving and get over it." Zim dared to go there.

"I'm not upset! You can go, I wouldn't care if you went tomorrow, in fact, I don't care at all!" Dib screamed. Dib glared at Zim but Dib caught his expressionless face. It threw him off balance to a frown. Dib turned around before Zim could see and marched away. Zim saw it and knew he was full of it. Zim sighed then went to the concession stand to buy an extra ticket. Zim walked out of the skool. Mary left to volunteer at the orphanage so he didn't have to wait. He walked outside off campus to catch his bus. During the stroll, he spotted Dib alone sitting on a bench at the bus stop pointed to home. Zim had a few minutes to spare before he had to catch his and thought he had time to say what he wanted. Zim stood over his friend like a slender shadow. Dib, aware of his presence, continue to stare at the concrete pavement. Zim reached into his pocket and showed him the prom ticket he bought for him.

"Here, I bought it in case you changed your mind. Sure, you may not have a date but I would really appreciate you coming. I'd like to have fun with my friend, my best friend before I go. Prom wouldn't be the same without you."

Zim glanced at Dib's unsettling demeanor and sighed. He left the ticket beside Dib on the bench. He walked away but heard him in the distance.

"Fine, I'll go." Dib said. Zim turned around to see if it was true.

"You will?" He questioned his sudden change of heart.

"Yea, somebody has to keep you out of trouble." Dib said then smiled. Zim shared a smile and ran to his bus stop. He caught his bus and arrived at work. He entered through the back in the employees' only door. Zim knew it was the day of new work schedule posts. He passed the break room to the bulletin board to pick up his schedule for the next three weeks. Zim searched the board for his name and found it, as always, tacked to the bottom right corner. He removed the tack to take his copy of the schedule then poked it into the board returning the tack. Zim gazed through his work schedule checking the dates then something fell astray in his plans. He didn't get Saturday off. The day of Junior Prom; day he asked for three work week prior to not work. Even more so it was a night shift.

"This must be some mistake." Zim gasped. He hoped it could be. Zim went into the main office to find his supervisor to fix this misunderstanding. He found Mr. Happy, sitting at his desk typing on the computer. Zim knocked on the door to get his attention. Mr. Happy looked up at him.

"Good day, Zim." Mr. Happy greeted him.

"Hi, Mr. Happy. May I have a word with you?" Zim offered.

"Of course you can." Mr. Happy allowed. Zim stepped into his office. He stood in front of his desk with no desire to take a seat. "So what do you want to discuss?"

"I think there was a mistake with my schedule. It has me working this Saturday from five to nine at night."

"Oh no, there is no mistake." Mr. Happy denied. "I need you working that night."

"But I specifically asked for this day off three weeks in advance." Zim claimed. Mr. Happy shrugged his shoulders hardly caring. His lack of care irritated Zim. "You know, I don't even know why we have a assigned day off two weeks in advance policy it it's not being enforced. I was planning to go to prom with my girlfriend and friends that evening. I already bought tickets."

"You have a girlfriend?" Mr. Happy exclaimed very surprised. Zim glared at his boss for the rude statement. "Look Zim, I'll tell you what. If you can get someone to work your shift Saturday, I will allow it." Mr. Happy bargained with Zim. He nodded.

"Yea, no problem. I can find somebody to cover my shift."

And like that, Zim prepared for his search by looking at potential co-workers schedules on the bulletin board that either have Saturday off or was working Saturday and could work a little longer. He spent any time he could spare talking to these co-workers during his shift. Atlas, at the end he had none who wanted to trade. He went to Dib ridden with disappointed grief in his effort. Dib wasn't very sympathetic.

"Ha, ha," Dib laughed. "Wow, nobody wanted to trade. Tough break." Zim sat on the couch; face planted into his palms and groaned. "You convince and bought me a ticket to prom then you can't go. You have to appreciate the irony."

"Dib, if I can't go, would you take Mary?" Zim offered. "She really wants to go."

"No, she really wants to go with you. C'mon man! Don't let your boss take away your prom. You got to stand up for yourself!"

"Hey!" Zim stood up and shouted. "You're right! I work there long enough. I deserve more respect for all the hard work I've done!"

"Yeah!" Dib stood with Zim seeing he resurrected his friend from the dumps.

"I shouldn't give it up! I need to demand it from him!"

"That's the Zim I know!" Dib reminded him. "Stubborn! You got to be more persistent!"

"First thing tomorrow, I'm going to march into his office and get what I deserve!" Zim shouted to the top his lungs.

"Fuck Yeah." Dib agreed pumped excited. "Do it!"

"I will!" Zim boasted setting his mind on it. The next day after skool at work, Zim entered Mr. Happy's office ready to not take no for an answer ready to resist a compromise.

"Hello Zim," Mr. Happy said. "Did you find anyone to switch shifts?"

"No and I shouldn't have to. You should be obligated to give me it off. I never call in sick and always do my job right. I deserve it!" Zim started off with his valid points. Mr. Happy read from his attitude as ungrateful.

"You think you deserve it, hell, everybody wants something and you 'deserve it' when you get paid. Just for your attitude, I'm not giving you squat."

"Then I won't show up." Zim shouted.

"You better show up if you want to get paid!" Mr. Happy threatened.

"Well maybe I don't want to get paid that day." Zim tackled his threat.

"If you don't agree to work this Saturday right now, you're fired!" Mr. Happy offered a new one.

Zim leered at him and muttered. "No."

"Then you're fired!" Mr. Happy decided then opened the bottom drawer. "Clear your locker. Your final check will come in the mail. You better pray we don't forget."

"Atheists don't pray." Zim stated. "We act. You should pray I don't come here demanding it."

"Just sign here and take your pink slip." Mr. Happy said putting the paper on his desk before Zim. Zim signed the form releasing him from his former job. Zim was followed to his locker and opened it. He handed his former boss his key and lock. He grabbed the coat he left one time and marched out of the employee's lounge. He turned to Mr. Happy.

"You don't need to follow me. I can escort myself." Zim promptly said. Mr. Happy glared at him and Zim walked away. Zim could feel Mr. Happy staring at him as he stood outside the employee's only door then Zim heard a shout.

"You!" Mr. Happy called out. Zim thought he was calling him but instead he saw Mr. Happy point to another guy who looked around Zim's age. "How would you like to work for Mart-Wall?" He asked the young man.

"Would I?" The young man cheered in delight. "I'd love to."

"You're hired. Follow me." Mr. Happy said. The teenager followed Mr. Happy to the back room.

"What the fuck!" Zim shouted in disbelief after witnessing being replaced. Disgruntle losing his job, Zim return to his neighborhood and knocked on Dib's front door. Somebody answered. It was Dib.

"Wow, you're here early." Dib stated surprised. "Was it a short shift?"

"No, I was fired." Zim told him.

"Oh…" Dib could only respond. "I guess an alternate solution would have been to call in sick Saturday."

"A little too late, Dib, a little too late for that." Zim commented then passed by Dib to enter the household.

"Do you have enough money saved?" Dib ask concern for his financial security. Zim scuff the concern with a laugh.

"You're kidding, right?" He laughed. "I only have the required minimum to pay bills. I spent my 'savings' buying her birthday present and prom tickets which I don't regret. I just wish I had better warning before all that went to hell."

"Here," Dib reached into his pocket and offered him the twenty dollar bill. "Take the amount you paid for my ticket." Dib handed him the money and Zim gladly accepted it.

"Thanks, this will pay for a cheap suit because I don't know when my check is being mailed."

"I'm sorry you got fired." Dib told Zim clearly sympathetic.

"Nah, don't be. I lost my cool. It happens. Now I have to find a way to make money quick." Zim pondered and plopped on his couch thinking of any solution. "Mowing neighbors' yards could earn me twenty dollars…"

"Uhhhh, Zim?"

"What?" Zim questioned awaiting a suggestion and Dib had one.

"How about instead of trying to find easy quick money schemes because it's not happening and just ask Dad. He'll help you."

"No way, he's already helping me gather supplies and building my ship. I just couldn't. It would be too much of a burden on his end." Zim protested the idea of asking Membrane's help.

"On his end? He never paid for the supplies and he's enjoying building the spaceship. He's on paid vacation." Dib informed him of why his thinking is wrong.

"He's on vacation and they are giving him stuff for free?" Zim questioned more impressed in Membrane's position in power.

"Yeah, that's how much of a big shot he is. He doesn't care if he has to support you too. I don't see my Dad saying, 'I'm sorry, Zim. No money for you.'" Dib poorly imitated his Dad to make a point.

"I don't believe he would either." Zim agreed upon that. "But still…"

"Zim, hi!"

Zim tilted his head over the couch to see Mary entering the living room happy at his presence. Dib took it as his cue to go.

"I should see how the navigation system is processing. Think about it." Dib patted Zim's shoulder while he turned the corner of the sofa to make way to the kitchen. He stopped to speak with Mary.

"Mary, you must have crazy super radar skills to know Zim was here." Dib bought up. Mary found his observation far-fetched.

"I came to the kitchen to get a soda and Zim happens to be here." Mary coherently popped his theory.

"Well, glad you are because Zim is having a bad day and I can't get through to him." Dib blurted out Zim's grief.

"Dib, you weasel!" Zim shouted in contempt.

"See ya at the ship." Dib waved and left through the kitchen to the backyard. Zim groaned then cursed under his breath. Mary sat near him to better understand the situation. She grabbed his hand and cupped his in hers. Zim met her eyes when she asked.

"What happened? Are you upset?"

"No, I'm not. I just got fired." Zim finally said.

"Fired?" Mary gasped. "What happened?"

"I provoked an argument between me and my former boss and got fired." Zim summed up for her.

"What was the argument?" Mary asked.

"He had me schedule to work prom night and demanded him to change it. That sort of thing. If you think about it differently, I won; I don't have to work on prom." Zim proudly said adding a new perspective.

"Oh Zim, if you had to work prom, I would understand. We could have gone next year." Mary sighed. "You didn't have to argue with your boss."

"But I wanted to. I asked for it off three weeks ago. I had to get him for being negligent of my request." He explained his reason.

"When you say it like that, it's as if you were defending your rights." Mary understood entirely.

"I was, defending both you and I in what we both wanted and looked forward to. I wasn't to let anyone ruin our big night."

"Now I feel guilty." Mary lowered her chin.

"Don't, it was my choice." Zim said. Mary nodded shaking away the not necessary fault.

"Yes, and I support you and your choice." Mary agreed. "But Zim what are you going to do for money? Did you have enough saved to live off?"

"No, not when I return. Dib thinks I should ask Prof. Membrane for assistance in that aspect."

"Are you?"

"I don't know if I should." Zim paused to say. "I believe Dib when he says Membrane would help me but I feel if I were to accept the help there would be no way I could repay him."

"Sometimes being part of a family means there is no worry to repay or bargain for kindness. It is given freely when needed. Zim, you would help Membrane and Dib if they were in a jam, would you?" She rhetorically asked.

"Yes." Zim replied.

"And not expect anything in return, right?"

"Right." He agreed.

"Then there's your answer. You need help, Zim. You need to open up and accept it. Your family, friends and I are helping you. Membrane is not to mind. Remember, he told me he wished you ask for help more often." Mary reminded Zim.

"You're right, Mary. I'll talk to him later." Zim surrendered to her logic. Mary hugged him in her attempt to comfort.

"Are you gonna be okay?" Mary asked him.

"Yeah, I will. Thank you." Zim warmly replied. Mary kissed his cheek and stood up before him. "Let's help the others, shall we?"

Zim nodded, stood up and walked hand in hand, but a knock at the door draw them amiss to their plan. Zim heard the knock and wondered who it might be. Since he was the available family member in the house, he felt obligated to answer. Mary followed Zim to the door. He turned the knob to see the stranger. It was an old man. He was average height medium built. His hair was a single shade of white puffed long despite the top of his head bald. He was in one gray uniformed suit holding an accordion designed black brief case. He smiled at Zim.

"Hello, is this the Membrane residence?" The elder spoke.

"Yes, are you Membrane's friend?" Zim asked of him.

"No, I'm more of Dib's friend." He informed Zim.

"You're friends with Dib?" Zim questioned the likelihood of this ever happening.

"Yes, we're old acquaintances." He narrowed down.

"Way old because I never heard of you." Zim simply stated. The man displayed a friendly chuckle to Zim's bold outburst.

"And you must be Zim?" He asked his identity. "The alien defending our planet from your race by conquering another." Zim didn't say a word surprised how much this stranger knew of him. "To the look of your expression, I must be right." Zim creak the door hiding his insecurity. He whispered to Mary.

"Tell Dib he has a visitor and come to the front door."

Mary nodded and ran to the kitchen. Zim turned back to the stranger he saw still standing outside the door.

"Who are you?" Zim's right to be suspicious play a key role in his questioning.

"I'm a friend. I'm here to help you." He told him.

"You still haven't answered my question. Who ARE you?" Zim repeated.

"I'm Jack Hollonder. I was a former agent of the Swollen Eyeballs."

"Former? How do I know you are one? What makes you think I would believe you?"

"Dib is the one you would believe, not me. He's the person who contacted me."

Zim glared at the stranger contempt by his clever and mysterious reply.

"Zim, someone at the door for me?"

Zim heard his friend calling; he turned around facing Dib and Mary standing behind him.

"Dib, do you know this man?" Zim questioned then open the door wider to reveal the old friend. Dib smiled.

"Agent Dark Booty, hey, long time no see." Dib gasped recognizing him.

"It's been awhile Agent Mothman. Why, I remember when you were this tall." Dark Booty recalled measuring his height mid-length his thigh. "Now you're taller than me."

"Yea, I'm as tall as my Dad." Dib admitted.

"Good to see you well." Jack replied.

"Likewise." Dib agreed on his condition.

"What the heck is going on?" Zim shouted interrupted them catching up. "Who is he and why does he know so much about me?"

"Zim, this is former Agent Dark Booty. He helped me quit the Swollen Eyeballs when it became corrupt. We both quit together."

"Yes, a lot of things change since Disembodied Head became organization's leader. I didn't like what happened with the tribe of Sasquatch and quit too before it was too late." Jack explained.

"I emailed Dark Booty to ask for help. He works at NASA and is savvy building spaceships. I told him our situation and ask if he could have a look at our ship."

"Dib, how could you tell him such things?" Zim asked of him. "Without even asking me?"

"Sorry Zim, but you can trust him. I do." Dib told him as if it was evident.

"Well, he certainly gave me a scare." Zim expressed to Dib and glared at Jack.

"Did I scare you?" Jack smiled then chuckled. "I didn't mean to."

"Whatever, if Dib says you can be trusted then by all means, have a look at my ship." Zim said letting him enter.

"Thank you; I'll do what I can." Jack said then Zim held out his hand. Jack thought he was engaging a hand shake but Zim laid his hand wide, palm open like he was expecting something.

"Your camera." Zim said. "Hand it over."

"Zim." Dib protested his suspicious behavior.

"No, it's alright. I understand your friend wants to take a necessary step to keep this secret." Jack agreed, reached into his right jumpsuit pocket and gave Zim his phone camera.

"Zim, you can't take his phone." Dib scolded him.

"And why not?" Zim questioned the scolding.

"Zim, I'm telling you he's alright." Dib continued to persuade him. Zim rolled his eyes not convinced then looked to Mary.

"Mary, do you trust him?"

"I can't say." Mary had no opinion of which she could stand on.

"See, how am I to trust someone I just met? Especially someone who knows so much about me." He recalled the conversation they had earlier.

"Dib, if he wants to hold my phone, it's fine. He can be incognito if he likes to. I just want the opportunity to be a part of this. Help a former agent and his estrange alien friend protecting the human race. This is quite an adventure and honor." Jack revealed his motive.

"It won't be if you can't help and look stupid." Zim lashed out.

"I will not disappoint." He said so sure of his skills. "I build a few spaceships back in my day."

"Fine, but I'm keeping your phone." Zim didn't change his mind.

"I wouldn't have it any other way except of course getting my phone ba-"

"To the backyard!" Zim announced their destination. He walked forward without hesitation and marched to the kitchen. Dib, Jack and Mary exchanged odd glances and followed him. Zim led them to the yard home to his ship. There in the yard were Brian, Josh, Tina and Gir. Imagine Zim's shock seeing Gir standing on top of the craft above the cockpit singing. Acting like the silly robot he is.

"Gir! Get down from there!" Zim demanded. The robot heard his command and followed directly. Gir bounced off and saluted then giggled happy to see him. Gir jumped in his arms.

"Hi!" Gir squeaked then hugged him.

"Hello Gir," Zim greeted him. He glanced around wondering where his purple moose was. "Where's Minimoose?"

"Minimoose is with Professor Membrane. Who's that?"Gir pointed to Jack. Zim saw his point then realized Gir was out of disguise. He knew it was too late for him to ask Gir to put on his dog suit and answered his question. "He's a friend of Dib's. He's helping us with the ship."

"Oooo a friend of Dib." Gir said staring at the old man. "He has white hair and a hump. Why you so humpy?"

"Gir, that's rude!" Zim tried to correct his behavior but Gir squealed like a raccoon and ran away into the house. Jack smirked not affected by Gir's words more interested in the robot's design, not the insult.

"So you built Gir?" Jack asked.

"No." Zim only answered and not another word. Josh and Tina heard the high shrill and looked up from what they were doing in the cockpit and holler Josh.

"Hey, Who's he?" Josh questioned the appearance of the stranger. "Brian, get your head out of the engine. We have company."

Brian raised his head to see the old guest. Jack took a step forward to introduce himself.

"My name is Jack Hollonder, a former agent of the Swollen Eyeballs. Dib asks of me to help you in your mission."

"He works for NASA. He's inspecting our ship to see if it needs improvement."

"Cool!" Josh shouted then stepped out of the cockpit. "You know someone from NASA? That's really great!"

"Yea, now we'll know for sure if we're building it right and your engine, Brian." Tina commented thrilled too for the extra help. Brian nodded recognizing the assistance. Jack began pacing around the ship admiring the wings and how smooth they were then had a look at the shock absorbers. Dib intervene while Jack observed.

"We planned to use the shock absorbers as landing gear. Have it retract while flying then release to land."

"Good idea. Has it worked?" Jack asked.

"We did plan to do it automatically but decided to create a switch so it would be a less chance of error. Zim suggested it. We really didn't have time to be creative." Josh replied.

"Tell me about it. He didn't want to choose any rad colors either. It had to be white, just white." Tina stressed her complaint.

"And its exterior is composed of insulation plates?" Jack wondered.

"Yep, it has a thermal protection system too." Dib replied.

"Good. How about the interior? What is the ship's frame made of?"

"Titanium. We thought it was the best metal and we installed oxygen tanks too." Dib stated.

"You guys did your research." Jack replied.

"So what do you do for NASA? Are you the control operator?" Josh asked interested.

"Nope." Jack said then opened the plated lid covering the engine.

"An engineer?" Tina guessed.

"Nope." Jack said taking a peek at the engine.

"Then what are you?" Josh asked atlas giving up on guessing.

"I'm the janitor." Jack replied. His friends couldn't say much to that but Zim laughed hearing his occupation status.

"Ah, ha, ha, ha. Get outta here." Zim chuckled then quickly broke out of laughter. "No. Seriously, get out."

"Zim, I may be the janitor but I have been around NASA Place inside out to keep up with their projects and design a few things myself." Jack said then opened his briefcase and took out one of his gadgets. He held a cube shaped object which appears to hold a sphere within the frame. "The engine is most impressive. May I ask who designed it?"

"That would be me and Zim, Sir." Brian answered him.

"What's the speed?"

"About 700 mph." Brian told him.

"Hmmm…Good I brought this." Jack said then tossed the cube object to Brian. "Boy, think you can install this in the engine?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"A booster capable in reaching 18,000 mph." Jack revealed the gadget's purpose.

"Woah, really?" Brian question staring at the little boxed item.

"Yep, don't believe me, install it and give it a try." Jack offered. Brian walked to the ship while Jack followed Brian to show him how to install it in the engine. Zim intensely watched Jack. Mary felt his tension and held his hand.

"There's no need to worry." Mary assured. "Jack seems trustworthy."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Zim said. "I cannot let my guard down, ever. That's what I learned."

Mary frowned upon Zim's negative outlook but didn't blame him for feeling this way after what has happened. Brian found the spot Jack wanted him to hook up and adjusted it into the system. Brian wiped his brow then glanced to Jack.

"Is that all to it?" Brian questioned how easy it was to install.

"Yep, want to test the power?" Jack tempted Brian's curiosity.

"Sure," Brian said then picked up the electric mileage meter then hooked it in the engine. Josh stepped into the cockpit and turned the key. Josh placed it in park before the test. Jack stood outside the cockpit gazing at the speedometer.

"Just yank the throttle slowly." Jack suggested to Josh. Josh did what he asked and the speedometer sped up quick pass the mileage capacity. Bracket hit in the speedometer hard right.

"Holy Moses!" Josh shouted. "Now that's fast!" They heard the engine run loud than ever before. The ship stayed in park capable of handling the sudden speed. "What's the mileage?" He shouted over the roar of the engine.

"Whoa…" Brian expressed and looked to Jack reading over his shoulder. "It's more powerful than it ever was."

"Well, what it say?" Tina asked also looking over Brian's shoulder.

"It's at 7,000 mph." Brian told them.

"What?" Josh shouted unable to hear him.

"Turn off the engine!" Brian commanded Josh. On demand, Josh adjusted the throttle and switch off the ignition. He jumped out of the cockpit to see the results. Even Dib, Zim and Mary peered over Brian's shoulder to view the results. Tina turned to Mary.

"Mary, crunch those numbers." Tina told her. Mary nodded and picked up a calculator from the table to analyze the new potential speed the ship had. She sat at the table beginning the calculation.

"Wow, this is so cool!" Josh screamed delighted. Jack smiled watching the kid shout to his friends then turned to Jack. "You build the booster all by yourself?"

"Yes, indeed I did." Jack admitted.

"You're a natural genius! How come you don't work for NASA like a rocket expert not an expert cleaner?"

"I'm getting too old to change careers. I'm retiring soon. I only wanted to make my experience working with rocket parts and improving them to be a hobby and mine alone then I heard from Dib, the hyperactive kid met years ago and read his dilemma, your dilemma Zim and thought: If I could help one stranger, a stranger whom I chose to isolate, ridicule and terrify his kind and all other unusual creatures then maybe this hobby wouldn't be a waste after all." Jack confessed to them. Zim considered his confession before speaking since it was aimed for him.

"Your help, I am grateful to you but don't expect forgiveness from me. I wasn't the one you terrified, he was." Zim said pointing to Dib. "If you really feel bad for what you done, you would atone to the ones you ridicule, isolate and possibly damaged. That's what I'm doing."

"You make a very good point." Jack admitted accepting his wisdom.

"Take it from an ex-invader, of this planet that is." Zim reminded of his position.

"What you gonna do, boy?" Jack asked thrown to more serious subject to speak.

"I don't know." Zim plainly spoke without hesitation. "Maybe if I find a weak point, I could use it against them. I don't want to think too much about it."

Jack nodded then said. "It must be hard."

"It will be." Zim could only guess.

"Hmm." Jack mumbled and turned to the ship. "I have to say this is the most remarkable ship I ever seen constructed by teenagers. Only one thing: You're missing an important piece."

Jack waved inside the cockpit of the non existing window.

"How are you to protect Zim from the harsh vacuum of space?" Jack imposed.

"Crap, we forgot the window!" Josh exclaimed truly surprised.

"Oh, I didn't forget." Dib told them. Everyone looked at him wondering if he had it. Dib rubbed his neck feeling awkward. "I just never found one."

"Oh gosh, Dib! You had windows? Why didn't you say something sooner?" Zim expressed in the most sarcastic tone.

"Shut up!" Dib snapped to Zim. "You know how hard it is to find a window capable to handle that kind of pressure? I don't even know where to start."

"Calm down, Dib." Zim advised. "I'm positive it's not hard to find. Jack, what type of window do you recommend?"

"It will have to be aluminum silicate glass to handle any unnatural forces and pressure. NASA uses these types of windows for shuttle spaceships."

"Aluminum what now?" Zim questioned.

"Aluminum silicate glass." Jack repeated.

"Can you supply it for us?" Zim asked ever so politely. Jack shook his head.

"Sorry, with my current position and rank I can only ask for an extra mop and be lucky to receive it." Jack said. "Sorry kids."

Zim thought for a moment to where he might get this specific glass from. He could think of one person but it was a long shot. He had no other options to try.

"I might know where to get the windows." Zim informed his crew. They looked at his with intrigue. He took out his cell phone from his pocket. Zim went to his contacts; press on the person's number to dial. It rang a couple of times then picked up.

"Greg's Home Repair: We sell windows, wood and repair cheap, cheap, cheap!"

"Neat slogan." Zim commented.

"Zim, is that you old boy?" Greg answered. "How have you been? Did someone bust another window?"

"No, actually I was wondering, do you have aluminum silicate windows?"

"I happen to actually do. They are costly." He replied. "Some guy ordered them for his crazy designer house but when I came over with them he changed his mind. Some nerve, took me three weeks to order and he takes them back."

"This is good news for me. I need those windows."

"But Zim, they are really really expensive. Whatever damage has been done to your house, I'll fix just as good for a lower price."

"It's not for my house. I need a window for a spaceship."

"A spaceship?" Greg questioned.

"Yeah,"

"Zim, you got to be pulling my chain." Greg chuckled.

"If you don't believe me come to Professor Membrane's house to see for yourself."

"Alright, I'll see how long this little joke will take us; I have nothing better to do." Greg said then hung up.

"I got it covered." Zim told his friends. Zim and Mary waited for Greg to arrive at Membrane's house on his front porch. When Zim recognized Greg's truck, he stood up and waved hello. Greg waved too when he parked in the driveway. The skinny African American man in the blue uniform got out of his car to meet Zim and Mary.

"So, by the looks of it you two eventually got together." Greg said seeing Mary holding Zim's hand. "I knew you had your eyes on her."

"Yes, yes we're a happy couple and all that. Did you bring the glass?"

"Ha,ha, yeah, I did just to humor you like you did on the phone. So where is this mighty spaceship?" Greg smirked.

"In the backyard. Follow me." Zim told him as they led him through the back gate.

"Oh, okay Zim. What kind of 'spaceship' is it?" Greg chuckled then enters the backyard. "One of those slang words for a fancy car?" Greg finally saw the silver white space craft and gawked at the sight.

"No, a real spaceship." Zim corrected him. Greg stared at the ship quickly glance at any part to see it was a ship. His friends, who were sitting at the patio eating sandwiches with Jack, stared at Greg curious of his reaction. Greg didn't say a word. He couldn't.

"Greg, you okay?" Zim asked wearily patting his shoulder. Greg turned around showing Zim, the strangest smile and laughed. He laughed.

"A spaceship! You kids built a spaceship?"

He shouted loud to Zim and everyone's surprise. Dib and Josh nodded while eating. Tina and Brian smiled to Greg while Jack sipped his tea. Greg switches his attention to Zim.

"Why you building a spaceship? Is it for skool? Crazy skool system! Too much for kids to handle these insane projects."

"It's not for skool." Zim uttered softly.

"Well, what's it for?" Greg shouted.

"You have to promise not to flip out or run away or tell anybody." Zim briefly set the terms.

"Yea, whatever. You can trust me, Zim." Greg said then asked once more. "What's it for?"

"It's for me!" Zim suddenly snapped couldn't take the questions and threw his wig on the ground.

"Wh-what?" Greg shouting viewing his antennas bounces up in place. "You bald, Zim!"

"No!" Zim screamed then peeled the contacts from his eyes. "I'm an alien! A-L-I-E-N!"

"He's the I to the R-K-E-N. Boy, this guy is green and buggy. He's Irkenlicious!" Tina sang. "Right, Mary?"

"Heh, yeah." Mary agreed slightly amused by the song.

"You didn't sing it right!" Zim scolded her being off tune.

"Who cares? Do you have a man to retain his sanity?" Tina questioned.

"What?" Zim asked confused. Tina pointed to Greg bringing back on topic. Greg gawked at Zim staring at everything on his face. "Oh right, Greg. I know this is shocking-"

"Damn straight it's shocking! I must be Twilight Zone trippin'!" Greg expressed greatly.

"It's not that surprising!" Zim claimed. "C'mon, think about it. Green kid living by himself in a creepy house you fixed on numerous occasions. Don't tell me you weren't suspicious?"

"Suspicious of what?" Greg wondered having no idea.

"Of what I am! Don't tell me through the years you known me; you never once suspect I was an alien?" Zim shouted trying to accuse Greg. Greg backed away frightened.

"No, I never did. I never judge, I never judge anyone." Greg admitted.

"You never judge anyone, hah, that's a lie!" Zim couldn't believe. Mary grabbed his arm to restrain him from approaching Greg.

"Zim, you need to calm down." Mary raised her voice. "You're scaring him."

Zim saw through his rage a shaky Greg. Zim took a deep breath.

"Excuse us," Mary said then walked Zim to the side of the garage to collect his emotions. Dib stood from his chair to intervene. Greg stared at Zim, Mary whispering to him.

"Greg." Dib spoke his name. Greg jumped startle to the sound of it. "Let me explain, okay?" Greg nodded allowing his explanation. "Zim has been living here a very long time. He's not trying to conquer our planet or abducting people so clear the stereotype from your head right now."

"Okay, gotcha'" Greg agreed while nodding.

"If you are wondering if this is a hoax, it is not. Zim is Irken hail from the planet Irk. There is life throughout the galaxy."

"There is?" Greg asked shocked to the possibility.

"Yes and we need your help. The fate of our planet depends on it."

"My help? How so?" Greg asks. Dib raised an eyebrow to the question.

"The window, remember?" Dib reminded him.

"Oh right, the window for the spaceship…" Greg trailed the sentence looking at the craft. Greg stepped to the spaceship and placed his hand on the left wing. He was in awe of the skill and work done on it. "But I don't understand, why do you kids need a spaceship for our planet?"

"Zim was banished here six years ago and his leaders want him back for a mission he can only do. If he refused, we would have to pay the consequences. He needs to return to complete the mission. That's why we have the spaceship."

"Is Zim returning home?" Greg asked Dib.

"Not on warm terms." Both Greg and Dib turned around seeing it was Zim who spoke in a calmer demeanor. "And I'm not planning to stay either. I want to live here."

"An alien who wants to live on another planet." Jack stated how rare it was.

"It's not so strange." Zim shrugged his shoulders. "People on Earth migrate to other places."

"Not to live out of its own race." Jack replied.

"What can I say? I'm a misfit." Zim said. Greg laughed hearing this.

"I'll say you are." Greg agreed. Greg smiled to Zim. Zim saw it as everything is okay.

"I ended up flipping, didn't I?" Zim questioned the behavior to his friends.

"Just a little." Mary told him. "But it's okay."

"You flipped like a pancake, Zim." Tina told him while Josh shook his head.

"Wigged out is a more correct term." Brian commented.

"Sorry, I-Ummm." Zim tried to find a way to explain his episode. Greg shook his head and grinned.

"I get it. You were nervous. I understand. It must not be easy keeping this secret and telling others. You have to know who to trust. Am I right?"

Zim nodded shocked he really understood. Greg directed to the cockpit and pulled his belt up readjusting his pants.

"Lucky for you 'all, I'm able to keep this under hat. So let's see here." Greg unhooked the measuring tape from his belt. He stretched the tape from the device then searched who was insight to assist him. He saw Mary standing on the other side of the ship. "Mary, could you be a dear and hold the end of this? I need to measure the rim."

"Okay." Mary had no objections. She pinched the end of the tape and stood at the left end where the window would be placed and Greg walked to the right.

"Uh-hmmm…" Greg mumbled and clicked the switch to keep the tape stiff and intact. "I have the measurement. You can let go."

Mary withdrawn her grasp and Greg lifted the tape to top base of the frame to find his last measurement. He wrote them down on his notepad and peered in the cockpit to find the structure thickness.

"Alright. I do have the right size for the job but it will take some time to shape it. Give me three days tops. I'll have it ready by then." Greg estimated.

"Alright by then we will tell Membrane and he'll have the money-"

"Oh no, you can tell him to put his checkbook away." Greg refused kindly. "I'm being a good Samaritan and doing this for free."

"Really, but you said the glass was expensive. We can't-" Zim tried to resist the favor but was elbowed in the process by Dib.

"Quiet, Zim." Dib whispered.

"Yes, the glass was expensive but it's for a good cause. My girlfriend's gonna think I'm crazy. She'll get over it. Better yet, I'll tell her I broke them by accident playing soccer. Right, Dib?"

Dib smirks remembering the fib.

"You kids and your shenanigans. No wonder I've been doing so many house calls. Odd ways of breaking windows. Don't think I didn't notice."

"Thank you for your generosity, Greg." Zim gratefully replied. "You Sir are a good man."

"Good men should be admired not praised. That's what my father told me." Greg quoted his old man. Zim grinned.

"Ahem." Jack cleared his throat to gain Zim's attention. Zim turned around to see Jack stand beside him. "Do you find me trustworthy so I can have my phone? I want to check my email."

Jack reminded Zim he had his phone. Zim reached in his back pocket to receive it.

"I forgot I had this which I really didn't need to. Sorry I misjudged you."

"No problem. My phone, please." Jack persisted. Zim placed the phone directly in his hand. "Thank you." In an instant, Jack held the phone up to Zim's face then clicked the picture. Zim saw a light flash from the phone and lens it had.

"Hey!" Zim protested realizing he snapped the picture.

"Just kidding. See." Jack said showing him the picture. "It came out blurry anyways."

"Hey kids, how are things-"

They heard the voice cease speaking and turned around to see Prof. Membrane standing outside the doorway. They notice the colored blotches of pink, tan and dark blue stained on his white lab coat but didn't bother to ask Membrane who was peculiar to the strangers in his backyard. They heard him shout.

"Media!" To his shout Membrane bended his arms and legs as though he was ready for a fight. "Vultures! Stay back! I know T.V. karate!"

"Dad…" Dib muttered bowing his head embarrassed by his assumptions. "They are not…Media."

"They're not?" Prof. Membrane stopped flexing his poses.

"No, they are here to help with the ship." Dib told him. "They helped us a lot today."

"Oh, you don't say." Membrane said then offered his hand to Jack. "Sorry for the weird introduction. I've have to keep my guard up. This is a secret mission after all."

"I know." Jack said shaking his hand. "But your moves were impressive."

"No, it's was stupid." Membrane said then shook Greg's hand. "Thanks for coming by and aiding in our time of need."

"You're welcome. I had no idea this boy is from outer space." Greg told Membrane.

"You mean Zim? Yes, you get used to his appearance after while." Membrane informed him. "Well, I came out here to check on things but I see you got it under control. I'll be returning to my lab."

"What are you doing, Dad?" Dib questioned curious due to his outfit.

"Something never thought I could ever do ever again." Prof. Membrane said gravely then pepped up. "I'm painting."

"Oh." Dib said a little surprised.

"Thought I take a break before I add my finishing touches. Zim, if you wonder where your robots are, I have them in my lab. They're painting with me."

"Oh okay," Zim said informed.

"Thanks again for your cooperation." Membrane once again thanked his guests. "Good night." Membrane goes inside his house. Zim watched him leave. His friends gather round Greg and Jack thanking them for their assistance. They were joking about the shocking reaction of Zim's appearance but he didn't care to listen. He had something else occupying his mind. Mary leaned on his arm aware of his absent jeers.

"Zim?" Mary whispered grabbing his attention. Zim noticed Mary, haste told her.

"I need to talk to Membrane."

Mary nodded acknowledged what he needed to do and let him leave quietly away from the group. Zim entered the household and found Membrane in the living room walking down the steps to his lab.

"Wait!" Zim called out. Prof. Membrane halted hearing him and wondered why he screamed. Prof. Membrane walked up the steps to meet Zim.

"What is it, Zim?" Membrane pondered to ask.

"I would like to talk to you, something serious." Zim said. Prof. Membrane saw he looked very serious and knowing Zim, it could be. Prof. Membrane nodded agreeing to listen, came into the living room and sat in his armchair. Zim sat on the couch to gain comfort in what he had to say.

"What is it you need to talk about?" Prof. Membrane asked the golden question.

"Well…" Zim said then nervously rubbed his forearm. "I need your help."

"Oh, what is it you need my help with?" Membrane asked casual then a thought occurred to him to leer in the kitchen window. "Are people following you?"

"No, no, nothing like that. You see, I was fired today." He told him the bad news.

"What happened?" Prof. Membrane first thing asked reacting to this news.

"We had conflicting issues and he fired me." Zim summed up.

"Conflicting issues?"

Zim knew he had to explain.

"I didn't want to work the 18th because it's when prom is and I promised Mary I would go and I requested the day off three weeks ago but my former boss wouldn't let me have it so I asked around if anyone could switch shifts. Nobody could. I got into an argument with him and he fired me on the spot."

Membrane thoroughly listens to his side of the story before he spoke.

"I think you did the right thing. What kind of employment doesn't give you the day off when you placed it three weeks in advance?"

"Thank You!" Zim exclaimed. "I knew you would understand."

"Of course I would. I'm a scientist." Membrane proudly stated. "Now back on topic, what is it you need my help?"

"Since I'm leaving in a month, I won't be able to find another job and I-"

"You need money." Prof. Membrane flatly spat out.

"Yes," Zim agreed and quickly said. "But as soon as I find another job, I promise to pay you back every cent I borrowed."

"No, there is no need to. Zim, there's something I have to tell you."

"Huh? What is it?" Zim asked very curious.

"You do have money. Ever since I adopted you, the government has sent me a check every month to help support you but since you were supporting yourself for so long, I thought I save the money I received in a savings account."

"How much you talking?"

"At the end of this month, it will be four thousand and eight hundred dollars." Prof. Membrane roughly rounded. Zim's jaw drops realizing how much he actually has.

"Four thousand and eight hundred dollars! Why didn't you tell me I had that much money?" Zim exclaimed beyond belief.

"You never asked. I assumed you were doing fine. Sure you ask for snacks but never money. So there you are, nothing to worry over." Prof. Membrane stood from his armchair. "We'll talk to the bank tomorrow about setting up a joint account." Prof. Membrane notice how quiet he became and worried. "What's wrong, Zim? Are you excited not to be broke?"

"I am; I just never had anyone do this for me before."

"Take in consideration of your future?" Prof. Membrane took a long shot guess of what he meant.

"Yes and beyond it. Thank you." He spoke humbled.

"Not a problem. Any good parent would do that." Membrane bragged while walking to the foot entrance of his lab. "Hey, want to take a gander at my painting and your robots' too."

"Sure, okay." Zim said then stood up and walked with Membrane to his lab.

"What it all you wanted to discuss?" Prof. Membrane asked what else would concern him.

"No, nothing else." He responded.

"Are you sure?" Prof. Membrane persisted in asking.

"Yes." Zim assured.

"Well okay." Prof. Membrane let him off the hook of anymore questions and turned the door knob. In an instant, Minimoose flew to Zim in occurrence of entering the lab. Minimoose squealed while Zim patted his head. Gir ran up to see him.

"Zim!" Gir screamed then reached his arms up in signal he desired to be picked up. Zim followed his instruction. "I found the right color for you!" Before Zim could protest, Gir smeared a light green stroke upon his cheek.

"Gir!" Zim shouted then used his backhand to wipe it off. Zim studied the shade contrast to his skin. "You're a little off. Needs to be darker." Zim put Gir down. He giggled at his comment and smiled. "It's camouflage."

"Camouflage, for what?" Zim asked.

"For your mission. Minimoose and I could wear paint and blend in and sneak attacks." Gir told Zim putting a lot of thought in his plan. Zim sighed.

"For the last time Gir, you and Minimoose are not coming with me. I have to go alone."

"Why not?" He whined.

"It's too dangerous."

"Then that's why me and Minimoose will be for. Don't you think we make great helpers?"

"I do but-"

"Why not?"

"You just can't, okay?" Zim snapped. He saw he made Gir cry watching a tear drop bloom from his eye. Zim groaned to the fact he hurt Gir's feelings.

"Gir, you and Minimoose should go outside and see Dib. He might give you cookies." Membrane tempted them.

"Cookies!" Gir peeped and ran out with Minimoose.

"Have you told them why they can't come?" Membrane wondered to Zim.

"Yes, I told them several times because they are made of Irken technology and the risk of them being targets is extremely high. All I know is they attack life support systems. They could attack robots too. I told them but they don't want to believe it." Zim assumed why Gir keep stressing to go with him.

"They're just worried." Membrane stated.

"Yeah, I would be too." Zim accepted this insight as fact. Membrane showed Zim his painting. It was the drawing of an inside of a stomach containing what appears to be a human brain.

"Behold; I call it Brain inside Stomach. The stomach controls the mind but the mind feeds you."

"Wow, it's kind of strange in a weird way. I like it. It's original." Zim expressed his view of the painting.

"You do, huh?" Prof. Membrane proudly boasted.

"Yeah," Zim backed his opinion.

"Professor Membrane, scientist and artist. I have to show everyone!" Membrane held his painting carefully and ran outside his lab. Zim watched him run off and sighed seeing the mess down here. The mess his robots made with the paints. Zim put the tops back on the water colored paints in an attempt to clean up. In his tidy performance, Zim spied a picture Gir painted. He knew it was his because it was sloppy. Minimoose always drew neat. It was a picture of him wearing a cape standing with Gir and Minimoose outside. Gir drew him with antennas and ant eyes. He drew him in a crowd of stick figure people. Zim thought it was a silly drawing and stacked them with the others from the floor. He picked up and carried them out of the lab. The picture was on top of the pile giving Zim a chance to view it deeply. He reached the top of the steps and slapped the pictures on the end table beside the couch. He grunted.

"I'm no hero."

He left the pictures on the end table to meet everyone in the backyard disguising his shame like a well fit mask.

---

Author's notes: I have a proposition for my readers. Throughout writing this chapter, I wondered what I would name the ship. Something cool anyone would name it. A ship has to have a name, right? Anyhow, I have no good names. If you could give me a name and explanation why it should be called that, I will include it in the story, next chapter to be precise. In the time being enjoy this little story my sister wrote on a whim one day. Like always, the shorts are not part of the story. Especially this one, you will know why once you read it. It's just really funny shit. Let me say that. Now I present to you to enjoy, my sister's creation:

A Wonderful Spoof: When I was Horny in a Shack.

It was a early autumn day and the cold breeze of winter started to knock on the back of Zim's bedroom window. He woke up, wondering why the window was open all night. To this consent, he called Gir to come upstairs. Gir on the other hand, did not respond to his master's demand. Gir was dreaming about cupcakes and moose. Zim was getting up, to shut his window. As Zim was about to shut his window, he noticed Mary walking down the street. Then hornyness arouse in Zim. Hoping Mary would not notice him and his boner, he shut the window, and closed the blinds. Mary noticed Zim in the window being horny, but she had no time to deal with his rapyness. She on the other hand, was not horny. She wasn't even amused. Zim sat on his bed, thinking about how hot Mary would look in a bikini. Then he realized, it was autumn. He was sad. He got dressed in his regular human clothes, and grabbed a scarf as he ran out the door. Zim decided to take a walk, and try to find Mary, and accidentally run into her. Zim forgot he was dating her, so he tried to play it cool. The breezing pre-winter air chilled Zim's skin, cause he was not wearing a jacket. He even forgot his shoes. His hornyness has taken over his brain! He was now a fumbling fool that was controlled by his penis. Zim had no condoms… he was not planned to have sex. He was thinking about how they do have sex. The how part bothered Zim. Like any good friend, Zim ran to Dib's house, and started to rummaged through Dib's porno magazines. There was no luck of any playboy.

"Where is your pornos? I need to know how sex is preformed."

"Zim, it's six A.M. Have you forgotten you burned all my naughty pornos? You asshole. Ever since you burned them, I had to jack off to pictures in the yearbook!"

"I need to know how sex goes Dib. Can you tell me?"

"Zim, I'm a virgin. But I heard from the experts at skool that you get a hard penis and you put it in the hole."

"Hole?"

"Yes, a hole in the lady."

Zim was confused at Dib's advice, so he ran out of his house. Zim now knew you could not get advice from another horny man. That was just wrong. Two horny people do not make a right. As he walked around the neighborhood, he noticed a pretty lady. Zim, did not like the pretty lady, he only like the girl he liked, which was Mary. He did not find the pretty lady in a short skirt attractive. It turned him off.

"Why would ladies wear such revealing clothes, if you're giving all the surprise of a naked girl in your bed?" He thought.

Zim passed the hot girl, and flipped her off. The hot girl shook her head, and continued to walk the stretch in her high heels. Zim walked a very long time, and now regretted getting rid of his PAK containing his daddy long legs.

'Why did I get rid of them? Walking sucks.' He thought.

He walked such a long time that he forgot why he even was walking around. Then he saw Mary. Walking her fine ass to her house.

"HORNY!" Screamed Zim.

Mary knew it was Zim, but did not make any advances towards him, instead she kept on walking. 'Just ignore him, Mary.' She thought. 'He'll leave...'

"OHHHHHH MMMAAARRRYYYY! GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOU! It's…. Ummm what do girls like.. oh yeah, A BOOK!"

"Zim, you don't have a book."

"BUT MARRRRRRYYYYY…."

"Zim, NO!"

"Mary, I'm horny for you!"

As Zim yelled this out loud, Mary saw the front door to her house open. Her dad came out, and had a disturbed look on his face, which turned to anger. Mary stood there, and slowly backed away from her dad. Zim ran towards Mary.

"MARY! I think your dad heard.."

Mary's dad had a rage face on.. A fffffuuuuuu face that was scarlet red. He went back in the house, but came out with a belt in his hand. Zim and Mary walked away, and started to run away from him.

"You know Mary, he was only mad at me. You could go back if you want to."

"Zim, you don't know my Dad. He will beat you in the middle of the street and make me watch."

"He's not nice…."

As Zim and Mary ran down the street, Zim saw the hot chick going down the same path as him. A collision waiting to happen. When Zim ran down the street past the hot chick, he flipped her off again. The hot chick remembered who that was, and threw a rock at his head. Zim got powned. Zim fell on the cement, and Mary just walked on, ignoring Zim's cries for help. she left Zim and let the hot chick beat the shit outta him. She walked to Dib's house. After a couple of minutes of Zim getting beating up by the chick, he made his way on his feet, and started to limp towards Mary.

"MARY! I'm still horny!"

Mary looked back, and ran towards Dib's house. She started to ring his door bell, no answer. Zim got closer. Mary knew this was the way she was going to die, so she banged on Dib's door as an attempt to get him to open his door.

"Mary, why you so difficult?"

"DIB! DIB! ZIM! Hes… HORNY!"

Dib's door opened, only to find Gaz's face. Mary stared at the girl's darkened face, and Gaz let her in. As Zim finally got to the door of Dib's house, Gaz kicked Zim in the shin of the good leg, and shut the door. Zim fell, he was now hurting in both legs. Mary sat down in the living room where a couch was. Gaz screamed at Dib to come down.

"DIB! You have a visitor! And a pathetic alien in a fetal position on the porch!"

"OH! You mean zim?"

"CLEAN HIM UP! My boyfriend is coming over soon, and I don't want him to see THAT on the porch!"

Dib came down the stairs and seen Mary on the couch.

"So, he told you."

"Yup."

"He told me this morning how to… sex. He wanted to see my playboy, but he must of forgot he set fire to it in his backyard. Ever since that day, I had to look at yearbooks."

Mary said nothing, but her face expressed her words, and her thought. Then she finally said something.

"Hey, as long as your not jacking off to my photo, I'm fine with that."

Xen arrived to the lot, and peered out of the window, only to find an alien who soiled himself. Xen parked his car, shut the door, and slowly walked around Zim. He rung the door bell, waiting for Gaz to open it. As he waited he decided to make small talk with Zim.

"soooo…. Hows your day so far?" Xen said.

Zim looked dead, and disorganized. He was drooling out of his mouth, and slowly turned his head to make eye contact with Xen.

"My day is fine, just came here to pick up Gaz and take her paintball shooting. Hey, you look like you've been in the dumps. Wanna come with?"

As Zim was about to answer, Gaz opened the door. She kicked Zim aside.

"I'm sorry little dude, but I have to go."

Gaz and Xen jumped over Zim and headed towards his car. They took off, leaving Zim to lay there. Meanwhile inside, Dib and Mary were eating snacks and watching a movie, and forgot Zim was outside in pain.

"What did Gaz want me to do at the front porch again. Help a stranded kitten maybe? Well, I better help that kitten."

As Dib wacked open the door, Zim cried in pain.

"What is with this door? Why is is so creaky, and whining?"

As he closed the door to examine the hinges, he noticed Zim, in a fetal position, drooling, and crying.

"HA! Wimp."

Zim reached for Dib's hand to help him up, Dib said...

"Yeah, nice to meet you. I would like to help you with your… hurting… but I need to rescue a stray cat, Gaz told me to."

Dib ran off trying to look for the stray cat. He never found it. Mary finally came out of Dib's house, and peered at Zim. Zim looked at her.

"Mary.. Sex in a shack?"

Mary shook her head.

"No Zim, no sex in a shack."

She grabbed his mangeled arm, and helped him up. Zim never got sex in a shack, instead he got friendship, and a helping hand...

"I don't want friendship. I'm still horny."

"If I were you, I would shut up about your hornyness, don't make me sick my dad on you."

The End