Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Invader Zim.
Chapter Five: Home
Tah felt her squiggly pooch thump as she approached the group of pink and red vessels that were the Irken Armada. Nestled in the midst of them was the gigantic form of the Massive. A red light began to flash, indicating she was being hailed. She pressed a button and announced her presence. "I.S.C." she looked at the ships records, "I.S.C. Fathom requesting permission to land. I.S.C. Fathom requesting permission to land."
"Security code required. Please transmit the security code now." The voice over the intercom was familiar.
"Dak! Is that you? I don't have a security code, but please let me in!"
There was a slight hesitation on the other end. "Please identify yourself, pilot. Landing request denied until adequate identification is sent."
Tah's mind was too excited to make any sense of his request. "How did that thing with Clay pan out? Did she catch you? Oh, there's so much to tell you! Quickly, let me in!"
"...Tah? Is that you?" The voice suddenly became very panicked. "Tah! Are you alright? Were you injured? Please say you're fine!"
"I will be once you let me in! They didn't hurt me. You inform our Almighty Tallest that I've made it okay. I want to see you at the dock, understand?" She was given clearance and allowed to land. As she stepped off, Dak was waiting for her just as she asked. She bent down and scooped the little Irken in her arms, tears forming in her eyes. Without thinking she brought his cheek next to hers and they held eachother in a friendly embrace. "Dak, I was so frightened!" she said as she snuggled him closely to her. "They wanted to kill me before they realized I knew Purple and then they were still going to kill me so I had to escape when this blue guy named Montoy tried to get me and it was awful!" All her words seemed to come out in an endless stream.
Dak wrapped his stubby arms around her and smiled into her neck. "Glad you made it back. What's this about knowing the Tallest? Are you on a first name basis with him now?"
From the dock entrance came the sound of two voices. "Look, I'm sure she's okay if she was able to fly back. Who'd have thought she would have made it back by herself?"
"I just don't know what I'd do if. there she is! ." Purple and Red stopped as they saw Tah holding Dak up to her cheek, sharing an intimate embrace. They didn't even seem to care that others were around to see them touching. A flush of worry spread through Red as he turned to see how Purple was taking the scene. He gulped as he saw his friend's paling skin and tightly clenched jaw.
"Who's the short guy?" Tallest Red asked as they watched Tah set the little lavender eyed Irken down.
Dak wiped some tears off his face. "I have to run back to work now, but I'm so glad to see you alive. Come and see me when my shift's over. Oh!" he hugged himself joyously, "I'm so glad you're alive!" He ran past the Tallest, hardly noticing them.
Tah turned and saw them, and walked directly towards Purple. She couldn't hide her joy at seeing Purple again and beamed happily as she wiggled her antennae in salute. "My Tallest! I have so much to tell!" She made a motion as if she wanted to grab a hold of Purple's claws, but he quietly backed away.
Red was looking behind his shoulder at the very short Irken running off. "You certainly do..."
Purple seemed uncommonly uncomfortable. "I - I -" his expression softened as he examined Tah. She was somewhat battered, and in definite need of medical attention, but seemed exceedingly happy. He straitened and said sincerely, "I'm glad you've arrived safely."
Tah blinked, wondering why Purple was being so cold, but she assumed it was because Red was with them. She nodded her head and began in enthusiastic tones. "My Tallest, there is so much to tell you! There's an entire conspiracy and it's imperative that you believe me when I say."
Purple stopped her. "Don't tell us here. Why don't you... why don't you go to the infirmary? You must be exhausted -"
"No, my Tallest! I mean, I don't intend any disrespect, but I'm perfectly fine. What I need to do is tell you what happened while I was away! I need the authorization to conduct a full scale -"
This time Tallest Red interrupted. He'd seen how Purple had acted when he thought Tah had been kidnapped, and he'd also seen his amorous expressions at the banquet when she'd recited the ballad. Now he could see his disappointment when they walked in on her and that squat sharing a moment. "Hey! You must be famished! I have work to do, so why don't you and Purple go to his quarters and eat food?"
Tah turned towards Tallest Purple and looked at him with hopeful eyes. "My Tallest?" He could not refuse her, so he nodded and led the way. Red hovered out of sight, leaving them alone. A thick silence fell between them as they made their way. Tah wanted to rush up to Purple and embrace him just as she had Dak, but he seemed so distant. She wondered if he'd rethought his proposition of friendship. She gulped and said in a hesitant voice, "I'm very glad to see you, Purple."
He placed his hands behind his back and replied, "I'm also glad. I trust nothing horrible happened to you? That Bri."
Tah quickly shook her head. "No, nothing terrible happened. Something almost did, but I took the opportunity to escape." She laughed to herself, remembering how she'd kicked Montoy. She then pulled out the knife she'd taken from him and examined its glittering blade. "However, I don't know if they'll be coming back. I know things that they don't want to be known -" They reached Purple's room and entered. The two automatically sat on the couch, forgetting about Red's proposition of food.
Purple's eyes narrowed as he looked at the knife in her hands. "I'll make sure the person who tried to use that on you is caught and executed."
"That's already been taken care of." She gave a surprised Purple a knowing glance and put the knife away. She rubbed the back of her neck and leaned back in the comfortable chair. In the back of her mind she wondered if she stank, since it had been a while since she'd used any cleansing chalk. "I'm sorry about my friend and I -" she began.
Purple shot his gaze down at the carpet. "No, that's quite alright. I understand. Really, I do."
"- It was so rude of me to be touching him like that in front of everybody, but considering the circumstances..."
"...Certainly."
"And I've known him since we were hatchlings. I call him my little Huk'ra. He's the sweetest thing you've ever seen."
"...He must be very skilled, being his height and on the Massive."
Tah nodded, completely missing Purple's pained expression. "Yes, he is. One of the most talented Irken's I've ever seen. You should really see him working those transmissions - he's so organized."
"I'm sure..Tah, could you please not..I mean.."
"Yes, I understand. You need to know what happened. There is so much to tell you, and I need to get the authorization to look into matters properly. It all started at the banquet with the laser accident. I'm sure you won't believe me at first but."
"Tah," Purple interrupted. "You should rest. There's plenty of time to tell me this - you're safe here."
The adrenaline that had been rushing through Tah's system due to her excitement at being back finally ran down. She began to feel the weight of her adventure and the danger she'd just been in. Although she'd been prepared, nothing in the Invader Academy could have made her ready for the trauma of having one's life truly in danger. She buried her head in her hands and broke down in tears. "I'm sorry -" she said between sobs. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm -" She felt two long arms extend around her as her body heaved.
"You need to rest. It's alright. Just stay here for a bit. When does this Dak end his shift? I'll invite him here, if you like. I'll get you both some curly fries."
Tah wiped her face with her glove and huddled next to Purple, still whimpering. "Thank you, but that's okay. I'll see him down at the dining hall - his shift doesn't end for a number of hours." She sniffed as she began to think back on the past day. "But, I think I would like some curly fries."
Purple stood and hovered over to a monitor. He activated it and ordered somebody to bring some fries, and then he hovered back. Tah was looking up at him with a curious expression. "Why did you think I was a hostage?" she asked as she sat down. "No one saw us the other night. No one could have known."
The Tallest cleared his throat as he tried to explain. "I didn't figure they'd have to have seen us touch - Red's been telling me that I've been fairly obvious - That is, in my admiration of your abilities, of course. When you came up missing, it seemed the logical thing to assume." He tilted her head. "Wasn't that the case?"
Tah shook her head. "No, I was going to be murdered. They didn't even know I knew you until the Massive requested my captor to give me up."
The door hissed open and a servant with curly fries stepped in. He set them down at the table in front of them and left with a bow. The door shut, and Tah began to munch. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she smelled their salty flavor. This was the first thing she had to eat all day. Purple also ate, but couldn't help but glance over at his companion. "So, you like curly fries."
"With a passion!" She looked up, suddenly embarrassed, her mouth covered in grease. "Forgive me! It's just that I haven't eaten since dinner last night." She wiped her mouth with the side of her glove and finished the rest of her fries.
"Would you like anything else?"
"No thank you. I'll be fine for a while. I'll just let this digest." She leaned back on the couch, letting her head rest on its cushiony surface. "..Hmmm..This is the most comfortable thing I've ever sat in."
Purple raised one brow at the comment. He'd lived in this manner for as long as he could remember, and he realized that Tah was like most other soldiers, assigned a bed with a roommate and a couple of chairs. He looked about his room with a new appreciation. He looked back at Tah when he felt her adjust herself. She was now looking at him with her dark maroon eyes. She breathed in and commented, "I can't believe it's only been two days since the banquet.or has it been three?"
"Three," he corrected. He thought back on the feeling of holding her in his arms, twirling around the dance floor. He had the intense urge to hold her like he had that night, but was again stopped by the image of her hugging that small Irken. He looked again around his room. He was so far higher in station than she. How could he have even thought she'd consider him? He glanced at the floor again, resigned, and then at her. "Perhaps you'd better." he stopped when he felt something warm and tender against his cheek. Tah's glove was sitting on the edge of the table, next to the curly fries, and she was touching him, gently moving her thumb across the surface of his skin.
"Why do you look so sad?" she asked quietly. He once again pictured Tah holding Dak, tears of joy streaming down her face. He placed his hand on hers and wrapped his claws around her fingers, pulling them away from his face.
"Nothing.. Perhaps you should get some rest before you see Dak?" She blinked at him as he stood up. "Would you like to hear my K'dor? Lie down here and I'll play." Tah nodded, although she was not satisfied. She removed her boots before stretching her long body across the couch. She was asleep before Purple played the first notes.
She had to admit that she was rested when she made her way to the dining hall where Dak waited for her. Although, she still hadn't gotten a chance to tell the Tallest about the coup. She'd overslept and now she had to wait until the afternoon when she'd meet with both the Tallest. She looked up and was surprised to see Clay sitting next to her friend, and she wondered if Dak had finally given up avoiding her. She sat beside them and smiled. "Well, here I am again. What's been going on while I've been away?"
"Oh.not much," said Dak with a grin. "We've all been worried about you. Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll blast the guys who took you!" chimed in Clay loudly, forming her claws into the shape of a laser.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine." Tah laughed. "I'm fine. But, what's this? I haven't seen you two since Clay was chasing you down the hall. What happened with all that?"
Clay nudged Dak, almost sending him off his chair, and he turned violet with a blush. "Well, you have to keep in mind this all happened before we knew you were gone. We never would have.. I mean.." A thoughtful expression passed by Dak's face, as if he were trying to organize his words. "Right. So, as you know, Clay was stalking me.."
Clay folded her arms and made a face at Dak. "It's called trying to get to know you!"
"..And then she attacked me!"
"It's called passion, Shorty!"
"..And then.. she nearly ripped by antennae off!" He waved his arms dramatically.
"It's called kissing!"
Tah just about fell of her chair. "What? What is this? Dak, I thought you said Clay was scaring you! And Clay, I thought you hated him!" She held onto her head with both her hands in mock confusion. "What's going on?"
"We're getting joined, Stupid," said Clay in a wry voice. "You're coming, so you're going to have to ask for time off. Since you're going to see the Tallest anyway, I'm sure it won't be a problem."
Tah blinked. "The Tallest.. The Tallest! I'm late! I said I'd go meet them just about now! Urhg.. congratulations! I'll be right back once I'm done. And if I'm not.. I'll see you both tomorrow. Oh! Clay! When's the joining?"
"We were thinking a week from now. Fit your schedule? Sure you don't have an appointment to be kidnapped or something?" She gave her trademark cocky grin.
"Good. Good. Oh, I'm going to be so late.." Tah stood and turned around to ask one question. "Clay, can I stay with you until the joining? It's a long story, but my roommate is trying to kill me!"
"...Yeah, sure."
"Wonderful! See you guys around. Man, I can't believe this!" She bolted through the restricted area and to the transmission room, where the Tallest held most such meetings. They were sitting in their thrones, each with a brainfreezy in their claws. She panted as she reached them, saluting with one hand. "My Tallest! I'm very sorry that I'm late. There's so much to tell you!"
"Slow down, soldier!" ordered Red, amused at her appearance. "Catch your breath! That's better! Now, what's all this that you say you stumbled across?"
"My Tallest! It all started at the banquet on Divastis when the laser almost hit Tallest Purple. I didn't want to say anything because no one would have believed me, but I could have sworn that somebody other then that one laser guy had fired the shot. I think it was an attempt at assassination!"
"Don't be ridiculas!" complained Red. "Come on!"
Purple glanced sharply at his counterpart. "Let her finish!"
Red rolled his eyes and let her continue. "Since there was so little work to be done the next day, I thought I'd look up all the people who were there so I could maybe get an idea of who the would-be assassin could be. All was going well until I ran up against Admiral Queue's file. His information was off limits unless one had special authorization from the Prime Admiral. I went to him to get it, but he wouldn't give it. I was pretty confused about the whole thing when my roommate, Mim, woke me up in the middle of the night. She is Admiral Queue's first class guard. She convinced me to go out on this Cruiser - that belonged to Admiral Queue - and then she tried to kill me! She and I were fighting when that Bri guy called, informing her that the Massive thought I was being held hostage. There was a change of plans, and I was knocked out. I suppose Mim went back to the Massive and this other guy named Montoy took over. You saw him on the monitor."
Purple steepled his fingers and narrowed his eyes. "I didn't like him." he mused darkly. "And we'd better get somebody to look up that roommate. We can't have Tah going back to sleep with somebody like that." Someone at one of the computers began working on the problem.
"Yes, Montoy was awful. He tied me up and put a sack over my head, taking me to this base thing. There were thousands of craft held there! The coordinates are in the ship I came in, so you might want to send someone to blow it up. He took me in there and then I met one former Admiral Yir." Both the Tallest started at the name, glancing at eachother. "I didn't get to see him, but that's who Montoy said he was. Then I was sent to be shown on that transmission, after which I was.. detained in a different room. Montoy was there.. and.. I ended up escaping.." She began to get uncomfortable when she remembered the blue mercenary's violent advances. "I ended up getting a few answers from him, such as the fact this Admiral Yir is apparently trying to organize a coup. I killed Montoy," she eventually admitted, "and then jumped into the Cruiser and came here."
Tallest Red and Purple blinked at her, trying to digest the story. Red finally looked to Purple. "Who's Admiral Queue?"
Purple shrugged. "I don't know." He stood and began to hover toward the door. "I'm going to go get the Prime Admiral. It sounds like he knows who this Queue is. wait until I return." He left the room and Tah was left standing before Tallest Red.
Tah shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Erm, while I'm waiting, I'd like to ask a favor of my Tallest."
Red looked after his friend and co-ruler and then back at Tah. "Anything."
"I'm going to need a leave of absence in about a week. just for half a day or so."
Red raised one brow and leaned back in his throne. "Yeah? And what do you need this time off for?"
"A joining." Tah couldn't help but smile at the announcement. She didn't notice Red drop his drink in utter shock and horror.
"A joining! With Dak?" He remembered the short Irken she'd been so intimate with at the docking bay. He drew pale as she nodded her head. How was Purple going to handle this? "You and Dak are going to be joined?"
She shot her head up. "What? No! Dak and a friend of mine, Clay." She smiled and then began to laugh. "You thought that Dak and I. Goodness! No offense to the little guy, but I'm so tall... how could I even manage to kiss him!" She continued to laugh until Red lunged from his throne and violently took hold of her shoulders.
"Are you saying that there is nothing between you and that guy? You're just friends?"
"..yes, that's right."
"Aaah! Do you have any idea what you've done! He was so worried that you'd die and then he was so sad when he thought. By Irk, what have you done! Go! Go right now and ask Purple for the time off! You need his permission too! Go! Go and tell him that your short friend is getting joined!" He literally threw her out of the door. She crashed on the floor and slid down the hall, stopping right before her other Tallest. He gave her a questioning look and helped her stand.
Tah held her head for a moment, confused at Tallest Red's insistence before she woozily looked at Purple. "My Tallest Red." she said shakily. "I was asking him for a favor, and he told me I should ask you." Purple nodded at her to continue. "Right. Well, I was asking for time off - half a day - so I could attend a joining between my friend Clay and Dak. It's a week from now." She trailed off as she examined his face. He held a look of complete surprise.
Purple blinked a couple times and cleared his throat. "He's getting joined, you say? Does this.. does this bother you at all?"
Tah shrugged. "I'm happy for him. I never thought it would happen, especially not with her.. but hey! Who am I to say?"
"He's you're Huk'ra, then, in the most literal sense of the word? Not your Huk'zat?"
Tah began to laugh again. "What's with you guys? Tallest Red thought I was going to be the one to join him, but that's just absurd.." Purple stared at her and blinked, a sensation of hope blossoming in his squiggly pooch. The thoughts that had tempted him the first time he's seen her in that library, when she'd stood up with her elegant head high, proudly and eloquently reciting 'Uk'shreen La Teth,' the excitement he'd felt when she'd suddenly appeared in his room, the sheer admiration he'd felt when he danced with her and looked into her maroon eyes, and the flood of emotion that'd filled him when he'd touched her, streamed back with added force.
He scratched the back of his head, not knowing how to tell her. "Permission granted. I'll go and get the Prime Admiral. You should go back and wait in the transmission room." He watched as she wiggled her antennae and ran back.
When she returned Red had attained a new drink and a janitor was cleaning up the mess of his old one. He gave it one long slurp before addressing Tah. "So, what did he say? Was he a dork?"
"Er, no Sir. He gave me permission and sent me back here."
"That dork!"
Chapter Five: Home
Tah felt her squiggly pooch thump as she approached the group of pink and red vessels that were the Irken Armada. Nestled in the midst of them was the gigantic form of the Massive. A red light began to flash, indicating she was being hailed. She pressed a button and announced her presence. "I.S.C." she looked at the ships records, "I.S.C. Fathom requesting permission to land. I.S.C. Fathom requesting permission to land."
"Security code required. Please transmit the security code now." The voice over the intercom was familiar.
"Dak! Is that you? I don't have a security code, but please let me in!"
There was a slight hesitation on the other end. "Please identify yourself, pilot. Landing request denied until adequate identification is sent."
Tah's mind was too excited to make any sense of his request. "How did that thing with Clay pan out? Did she catch you? Oh, there's so much to tell you! Quickly, let me in!"
"...Tah? Is that you?" The voice suddenly became very panicked. "Tah! Are you alright? Were you injured? Please say you're fine!"
"I will be once you let me in! They didn't hurt me. You inform our Almighty Tallest that I've made it okay. I want to see you at the dock, understand?" She was given clearance and allowed to land. As she stepped off, Dak was waiting for her just as she asked. She bent down and scooped the little Irken in her arms, tears forming in her eyes. Without thinking she brought his cheek next to hers and they held eachother in a friendly embrace. "Dak, I was so frightened!" she said as she snuggled him closely to her. "They wanted to kill me before they realized I knew Purple and then they were still going to kill me so I had to escape when this blue guy named Montoy tried to get me and it was awful!" All her words seemed to come out in an endless stream.
Dak wrapped his stubby arms around her and smiled into her neck. "Glad you made it back. What's this about knowing the Tallest? Are you on a first name basis with him now?"
From the dock entrance came the sound of two voices. "Look, I'm sure she's okay if she was able to fly back. Who'd have thought she would have made it back by herself?"
"I just don't know what I'd do if. there she is! ." Purple and Red stopped as they saw Tah holding Dak up to her cheek, sharing an intimate embrace. They didn't even seem to care that others were around to see them touching. A flush of worry spread through Red as he turned to see how Purple was taking the scene. He gulped as he saw his friend's paling skin and tightly clenched jaw.
"Who's the short guy?" Tallest Red asked as they watched Tah set the little lavender eyed Irken down.
Dak wiped some tears off his face. "I have to run back to work now, but I'm so glad to see you alive. Come and see me when my shift's over. Oh!" he hugged himself joyously, "I'm so glad you're alive!" He ran past the Tallest, hardly noticing them.
Tah turned and saw them, and walked directly towards Purple. She couldn't hide her joy at seeing Purple again and beamed happily as she wiggled her antennae in salute. "My Tallest! I have so much to tell!" She made a motion as if she wanted to grab a hold of Purple's claws, but he quietly backed away.
Red was looking behind his shoulder at the very short Irken running off. "You certainly do..."
Purple seemed uncommonly uncomfortable. "I - I -" his expression softened as he examined Tah. She was somewhat battered, and in definite need of medical attention, but seemed exceedingly happy. He straitened and said sincerely, "I'm glad you've arrived safely."
Tah blinked, wondering why Purple was being so cold, but she assumed it was because Red was with them. She nodded her head and began in enthusiastic tones. "My Tallest, there is so much to tell you! There's an entire conspiracy and it's imperative that you believe me when I say."
Purple stopped her. "Don't tell us here. Why don't you... why don't you go to the infirmary? You must be exhausted -"
"No, my Tallest! I mean, I don't intend any disrespect, but I'm perfectly fine. What I need to do is tell you what happened while I was away! I need the authorization to conduct a full scale -"
This time Tallest Red interrupted. He'd seen how Purple had acted when he thought Tah had been kidnapped, and he'd also seen his amorous expressions at the banquet when she'd recited the ballad. Now he could see his disappointment when they walked in on her and that squat sharing a moment. "Hey! You must be famished! I have work to do, so why don't you and Purple go to his quarters and eat food?"
Tah turned towards Tallest Purple and looked at him with hopeful eyes. "My Tallest?" He could not refuse her, so he nodded and led the way. Red hovered out of sight, leaving them alone. A thick silence fell between them as they made their way. Tah wanted to rush up to Purple and embrace him just as she had Dak, but he seemed so distant. She wondered if he'd rethought his proposition of friendship. She gulped and said in a hesitant voice, "I'm very glad to see you, Purple."
He placed his hands behind his back and replied, "I'm also glad. I trust nothing horrible happened to you? That Bri."
Tah quickly shook her head. "No, nothing terrible happened. Something almost did, but I took the opportunity to escape." She laughed to herself, remembering how she'd kicked Montoy. She then pulled out the knife she'd taken from him and examined its glittering blade. "However, I don't know if they'll be coming back. I know things that they don't want to be known -" They reached Purple's room and entered. The two automatically sat on the couch, forgetting about Red's proposition of food.
Purple's eyes narrowed as he looked at the knife in her hands. "I'll make sure the person who tried to use that on you is caught and executed."
"That's already been taken care of." She gave a surprised Purple a knowing glance and put the knife away. She rubbed the back of her neck and leaned back in the comfortable chair. In the back of her mind she wondered if she stank, since it had been a while since she'd used any cleansing chalk. "I'm sorry about my friend and I -" she began.
Purple shot his gaze down at the carpet. "No, that's quite alright. I understand. Really, I do."
"- It was so rude of me to be touching him like that in front of everybody, but considering the circumstances..."
"...Certainly."
"And I've known him since we were hatchlings. I call him my little Huk'ra. He's the sweetest thing you've ever seen."
"...He must be very skilled, being his height and on the Massive."
Tah nodded, completely missing Purple's pained expression. "Yes, he is. One of the most talented Irken's I've ever seen. You should really see him working those transmissions - he's so organized."
"I'm sure..Tah, could you please not..I mean.."
"Yes, I understand. You need to know what happened. There is so much to tell you, and I need to get the authorization to look into matters properly. It all started at the banquet with the laser accident. I'm sure you won't believe me at first but."
"Tah," Purple interrupted. "You should rest. There's plenty of time to tell me this - you're safe here."
The adrenaline that had been rushing through Tah's system due to her excitement at being back finally ran down. She began to feel the weight of her adventure and the danger she'd just been in. Although she'd been prepared, nothing in the Invader Academy could have made her ready for the trauma of having one's life truly in danger. She buried her head in her hands and broke down in tears. "I'm sorry -" she said between sobs. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm -" She felt two long arms extend around her as her body heaved.
"You need to rest. It's alright. Just stay here for a bit. When does this Dak end his shift? I'll invite him here, if you like. I'll get you both some curly fries."
Tah wiped her face with her glove and huddled next to Purple, still whimpering. "Thank you, but that's okay. I'll see him down at the dining hall - his shift doesn't end for a number of hours." She sniffed as she began to think back on the past day. "But, I think I would like some curly fries."
Purple stood and hovered over to a monitor. He activated it and ordered somebody to bring some fries, and then he hovered back. Tah was looking up at him with a curious expression. "Why did you think I was a hostage?" she asked as she sat down. "No one saw us the other night. No one could have known."
The Tallest cleared his throat as he tried to explain. "I didn't figure they'd have to have seen us touch - Red's been telling me that I've been fairly obvious - That is, in my admiration of your abilities, of course. When you came up missing, it seemed the logical thing to assume." He tilted her head. "Wasn't that the case?"
Tah shook her head. "No, I was going to be murdered. They didn't even know I knew you until the Massive requested my captor to give me up."
The door hissed open and a servant with curly fries stepped in. He set them down at the table in front of them and left with a bow. The door shut, and Tah began to munch. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she smelled their salty flavor. This was the first thing she had to eat all day. Purple also ate, but couldn't help but glance over at his companion. "So, you like curly fries."
"With a passion!" She looked up, suddenly embarrassed, her mouth covered in grease. "Forgive me! It's just that I haven't eaten since dinner last night." She wiped her mouth with the side of her glove and finished the rest of her fries.
"Would you like anything else?"
"No thank you. I'll be fine for a while. I'll just let this digest." She leaned back on the couch, letting her head rest on its cushiony surface. "..Hmmm..This is the most comfortable thing I've ever sat in."
Purple raised one brow at the comment. He'd lived in this manner for as long as he could remember, and he realized that Tah was like most other soldiers, assigned a bed with a roommate and a couple of chairs. He looked about his room with a new appreciation. He looked back at Tah when he felt her adjust herself. She was now looking at him with her dark maroon eyes. She breathed in and commented, "I can't believe it's only been two days since the banquet.or has it been three?"
"Three," he corrected. He thought back on the feeling of holding her in his arms, twirling around the dance floor. He had the intense urge to hold her like he had that night, but was again stopped by the image of her hugging that small Irken. He looked again around his room. He was so far higher in station than she. How could he have even thought she'd consider him? He glanced at the floor again, resigned, and then at her. "Perhaps you'd better." he stopped when he felt something warm and tender against his cheek. Tah's glove was sitting on the edge of the table, next to the curly fries, and she was touching him, gently moving her thumb across the surface of his skin.
"Why do you look so sad?" she asked quietly. He once again pictured Tah holding Dak, tears of joy streaming down her face. He placed his hand on hers and wrapped his claws around her fingers, pulling them away from his face.
"Nothing.. Perhaps you should get some rest before you see Dak?" She blinked at him as he stood up. "Would you like to hear my K'dor? Lie down here and I'll play." Tah nodded, although she was not satisfied. She removed her boots before stretching her long body across the couch. She was asleep before Purple played the first notes.
She had to admit that she was rested when she made her way to the dining hall where Dak waited for her. Although, she still hadn't gotten a chance to tell the Tallest about the coup. She'd overslept and now she had to wait until the afternoon when she'd meet with both the Tallest. She looked up and was surprised to see Clay sitting next to her friend, and she wondered if Dak had finally given up avoiding her. She sat beside them and smiled. "Well, here I am again. What's been going on while I've been away?"
"Oh.not much," said Dak with a grin. "We've all been worried about you. Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll blast the guys who took you!" chimed in Clay loudly, forming her claws into the shape of a laser.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine." Tah laughed. "I'm fine. But, what's this? I haven't seen you two since Clay was chasing you down the hall. What happened with all that?"
Clay nudged Dak, almost sending him off his chair, and he turned violet with a blush. "Well, you have to keep in mind this all happened before we knew you were gone. We never would have.. I mean.." A thoughtful expression passed by Dak's face, as if he were trying to organize his words. "Right. So, as you know, Clay was stalking me.."
Clay folded her arms and made a face at Dak. "It's called trying to get to know you!"
"..And then she attacked me!"
"It's called passion, Shorty!"
"..And then.. she nearly ripped by antennae off!" He waved his arms dramatically.
"It's called kissing!"
Tah just about fell of her chair. "What? What is this? Dak, I thought you said Clay was scaring you! And Clay, I thought you hated him!" She held onto her head with both her hands in mock confusion. "What's going on?"
"We're getting joined, Stupid," said Clay in a wry voice. "You're coming, so you're going to have to ask for time off. Since you're going to see the Tallest anyway, I'm sure it won't be a problem."
Tah blinked. "The Tallest.. The Tallest! I'm late! I said I'd go meet them just about now! Urhg.. congratulations! I'll be right back once I'm done. And if I'm not.. I'll see you both tomorrow. Oh! Clay! When's the joining?"
"We were thinking a week from now. Fit your schedule? Sure you don't have an appointment to be kidnapped or something?" She gave her trademark cocky grin.
"Good. Good. Oh, I'm going to be so late.." Tah stood and turned around to ask one question. "Clay, can I stay with you until the joining? It's a long story, but my roommate is trying to kill me!"
"...Yeah, sure."
"Wonderful! See you guys around. Man, I can't believe this!" She bolted through the restricted area and to the transmission room, where the Tallest held most such meetings. They were sitting in their thrones, each with a brainfreezy in their claws. She panted as she reached them, saluting with one hand. "My Tallest! I'm very sorry that I'm late. There's so much to tell you!"
"Slow down, soldier!" ordered Red, amused at her appearance. "Catch your breath! That's better! Now, what's all this that you say you stumbled across?"
"My Tallest! It all started at the banquet on Divastis when the laser almost hit Tallest Purple. I didn't want to say anything because no one would have believed me, but I could have sworn that somebody other then that one laser guy had fired the shot. I think it was an attempt at assassination!"
"Don't be ridiculas!" complained Red. "Come on!"
Purple glanced sharply at his counterpart. "Let her finish!"
Red rolled his eyes and let her continue. "Since there was so little work to be done the next day, I thought I'd look up all the people who were there so I could maybe get an idea of who the would-be assassin could be. All was going well until I ran up against Admiral Queue's file. His information was off limits unless one had special authorization from the Prime Admiral. I went to him to get it, but he wouldn't give it. I was pretty confused about the whole thing when my roommate, Mim, woke me up in the middle of the night. She is Admiral Queue's first class guard. She convinced me to go out on this Cruiser - that belonged to Admiral Queue - and then she tried to kill me! She and I were fighting when that Bri guy called, informing her that the Massive thought I was being held hostage. There was a change of plans, and I was knocked out. I suppose Mim went back to the Massive and this other guy named Montoy took over. You saw him on the monitor."
Purple steepled his fingers and narrowed his eyes. "I didn't like him." he mused darkly. "And we'd better get somebody to look up that roommate. We can't have Tah going back to sleep with somebody like that." Someone at one of the computers began working on the problem.
"Yes, Montoy was awful. He tied me up and put a sack over my head, taking me to this base thing. There were thousands of craft held there! The coordinates are in the ship I came in, so you might want to send someone to blow it up. He took me in there and then I met one former Admiral Yir." Both the Tallest started at the name, glancing at eachother. "I didn't get to see him, but that's who Montoy said he was. Then I was sent to be shown on that transmission, after which I was.. detained in a different room. Montoy was there.. and.. I ended up escaping.." She began to get uncomfortable when she remembered the blue mercenary's violent advances. "I ended up getting a few answers from him, such as the fact this Admiral Yir is apparently trying to organize a coup. I killed Montoy," she eventually admitted, "and then jumped into the Cruiser and came here."
Tallest Red and Purple blinked at her, trying to digest the story. Red finally looked to Purple. "Who's Admiral Queue?"
Purple shrugged. "I don't know." He stood and began to hover toward the door. "I'm going to go get the Prime Admiral. It sounds like he knows who this Queue is. wait until I return." He left the room and Tah was left standing before Tallest Red.
Tah shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Erm, while I'm waiting, I'd like to ask a favor of my Tallest."
Red looked after his friend and co-ruler and then back at Tah. "Anything."
"I'm going to need a leave of absence in about a week. just for half a day or so."
Red raised one brow and leaned back in his throne. "Yeah? And what do you need this time off for?"
"A joining." Tah couldn't help but smile at the announcement. She didn't notice Red drop his drink in utter shock and horror.
"A joining! With Dak?" He remembered the short Irken she'd been so intimate with at the docking bay. He drew pale as she nodded her head. How was Purple going to handle this? "You and Dak are going to be joined?"
She shot her head up. "What? No! Dak and a friend of mine, Clay." She smiled and then began to laugh. "You thought that Dak and I. Goodness! No offense to the little guy, but I'm so tall... how could I even manage to kiss him!" She continued to laugh until Red lunged from his throne and violently took hold of her shoulders.
"Are you saying that there is nothing between you and that guy? You're just friends?"
"..yes, that's right."
"Aaah! Do you have any idea what you've done! He was so worried that you'd die and then he was so sad when he thought. By Irk, what have you done! Go! Go right now and ask Purple for the time off! You need his permission too! Go! Go and tell him that your short friend is getting joined!" He literally threw her out of the door. She crashed on the floor and slid down the hall, stopping right before her other Tallest. He gave her a questioning look and helped her stand.
Tah held her head for a moment, confused at Tallest Red's insistence before she woozily looked at Purple. "My Tallest Red." she said shakily. "I was asking him for a favor, and he told me I should ask you." Purple nodded at her to continue. "Right. Well, I was asking for time off - half a day - so I could attend a joining between my friend Clay and Dak. It's a week from now." She trailed off as she examined his face. He held a look of complete surprise.
Purple blinked a couple times and cleared his throat. "He's getting joined, you say? Does this.. does this bother you at all?"
Tah shrugged. "I'm happy for him. I never thought it would happen, especially not with her.. but hey! Who am I to say?"
"He's you're Huk'ra, then, in the most literal sense of the word? Not your Huk'zat?"
Tah began to laugh again. "What's with you guys? Tallest Red thought I was going to be the one to join him, but that's just absurd.." Purple stared at her and blinked, a sensation of hope blossoming in his squiggly pooch. The thoughts that had tempted him the first time he's seen her in that library, when she'd stood up with her elegant head high, proudly and eloquently reciting 'Uk'shreen La Teth,' the excitement he'd felt when she'd suddenly appeared in his room, the sheer admiration he'd felt when he danced with her and looked into her maroon eyes, and the flood of emotion that'd filled him when he'd touched her, streamed back with added force.
He scratched the back of his head, not knowing how to tell her. "Permission granted. I'll go and get the Prime Admiral. You should go back and wait in the transmission room." He watched as she wiggled her antennae and ran back.
When she returned Red had attained a new drink and a janitor was cleaning up the mess of his old one. He gave it one long slurp before addressing Tah. "So, what did he say? Was he a dork?"
"Er, no Sir. He gave me permission and sent me back here."
"That dork!"
