Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Invader Zim.
Chapter Nine: Beginning to Understand
Folded up in a chair, left alone in her room, sat Tah. She squinted at the illuminated screen of her electronic pad, the only light visible in the darkened room. It was very late at night and she had no idea how many times she'd read and reread the reports. She'd ordered a report on Admiral Tark and Mim, but those wouldn't arrive for more than a day. There was nothing very telling in her current reports, but she had nothing else to do and she at least felt she was working while she stared blankly at the screen.
Montoy's report was just about as useless as Admiral Queue's. Before her was written out the typical life of your average mercenary. His race was referred to as the Bakins. They were a planetless people who tended to drift about, which explained why Tah had never heard anything about them. This particular Bakin had joined an infantry military unit once, but had been dishonorably discharged for repeated insubordination. He'd tried a trade school, but had flunked out. For most of his adult life he had done odd jobs for money, hiring himself out as laser brawn. There was nothing special or telling about him except for a few outstanding warrants in a few far-off sectors of the galaxy.
Bri's report had been slightly more interesting. He had worked as an administrative assistant for the Irken Empire, a regular soldier, until he'd been nabbed for embezzling monies. He'd escaped from the clutches of the Irken law, presumably with the help of a few shady characters. Since then he'd been noted helping known criminals with their enterprises. It was strange, though, that he didn't seem to have any regular customers - his list of employers varied to big time crime lords to puny gang leaders and simple mercenaries. He was wanted on more than one planet, and Tah wondered how someone like him could keep from getting captured for so long. He obviously had some sly friends.
Most of all, Tah had hoped for the name of the maid assigned to clean Queue's quarters. If she could just get a hold of somebody who'd been in the room before all this commotion started, then she'd have a much better idea of what this phantom admiral was all about. As fate would have it, no maid was assigned to his quarters. This was amazing due to the strict cleanliness of the Massive, but Tah figured it was all part of the game.
She sighed and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her sore eyes. She knew she probably needed some sleep - she'd have to be fresh if she was ever going to find anything that would help with the case. She reached over and massaged one of her shoulders and thought to herself. Anyone who had the materials to have a base such as the one she'd been taken to, anyone with the manpower to take such a base apart before an Irken squadron could take it out, anyone who had the sheer cunning to be able to lace all the hatcheries with explosives while remaining undetected must be a powerful person indeed. There had to be a mastermind behind all of this - a single force that was organizing all of these things. She closed her eyes, only to be met with the shadow that had shot at her Tallest. She hugged herself when she pictured herself lunging at Purple, terrified for his life but at the same time realizing the closeness of their bodies. Her eyes popped open when she sensed a change in her pad's screen.
[Jancir muc'ta la fendu ser det. De ramma hek'gra dish lieve kith.] Tah knew those words as the beginning lines to an Irken play. "Please listen to the triplet moons tonight. Whispers on the wind can speak knowing things." Tah stood, shocked. It was him again! She began to rush toward to door with the thought of sharing this new contact with Red and Purple when a new message appeared. [Don't you think of leaving your room! My words belong to you tonight, and if you want them you must respect my wishes.] Tah could almost hear the harshness of the words. She sat back down, sick to her squiggly pooch with unease, and typed a reply.
[I won't leave. Were you responsible for the hatcheries? Were you responsible for the assassination attempt? Are the two connected?] She held her breath as she waited for a response.
[You've already made the connection. I would have expected nothing less from you. Yet, I have not come to enlighten you on that front. You have a present.]
Tah suddenly grew angry. [I will not accept presents from a murderous creature like you!] She then regretted her message, remembering the last time she'd lost her temper at this enigmatic figure.
There was a slight pause before more words graced the screen. [You're rather cruel to me, considering our intimacy. We've touched.]
Now Tah knew this man was a liar. The only two people she'd ever touched, aside from her now late parents, were Dak and Purple. Neither of them was willing or capable of committing the recent atrocities. [We've never touched,] was her cold response.
[You will soon see. Walk over to your dresser and pull out the top middle drawer. Your present waits.] Tah looked over at the dresser, but did not forget Mim's two attacks. She knew very well that what this person had decided to 'give' her might very well be a trap. The writer seemed to know her thoughts. [I've given up on killing you. You eluded me the first time, something that has never happened before. For that, you have my undying respect. Don't be afraid of the gift. It is harmless.]
Tah lifted herself out of her chair, deciding to take a chance. She slowly approached her dresser, as if afraid that whatever was in there might pop out, but she managed to put her hand on the handle of the top middle drawer and pull. Resting innocently on her folded bedclothes was a very thick book made of actual paper. She picked up the heavy object, marveling at its texture. Paper books were unnecessarily bulky and therefore rarely used by Irkens, but there was something very pleasant about the old method of storing information. She opened the cover, discovering a collection of ancient prose. Something fell out from between two of the pages and fell to the floor. Tah bent down and picked it up, and realizing she'd never be able to identify it in her dimmed room switched on the lights. Between her gloved claws was a slightly greenish hard shaving. As she squinted at the filing her eyed widened when she realized that what she was looking at was a fingernail. Somewhat disgusted, she set the nail down on her desk and returned to her pad. [How do you know my interests and why is there a nail?]
[Two gifts, actually. It is a fool who would pretend to know you and not know your love for the finer arts, and you may consider the nail a promise. A promissory note. You will see all of me soon enough.]
Tah shuddered at the thought of being kidnapped once again, and was about to ask the mysterious figure another question when he disconnected - leaving her nothing but her uninformative reports to read.
She couldn't sleep now. She knew that no one at the Hive would be working, it being so late at night, but she just had to have the nail analyzed. Irkens had claws, not nails, and she needed to know the race of this person who was tormenting her and the entire Empire. If she could narrow down the innumerable crime bosses to those of a single race, she'd be infinitely closer to discovering the identity of the perpetrator. She rushed out of her room, making sure to pick up the nail on the way, and headed directly for the Hive.
It was dark and empty inside the circular room. Tah automatically hit a sensor on the wall and light flooded in around her. She lost no time in heading for Tzen's seat. She rummaged around in his things until she found the blue light he'd used on the hair. She quickly scanned the nail and impatiently waited for the results. A burning sensation of discovery filled her veins, causing her to breathe the results aloud. "Origin unknown. Race unknown. Genetic match found. The - the hair!" Tah brushed her hand on the back of her neck, where she had first found the hair. "We touched -" She cringed when she realized what her enemy had meant.
The next morning came quickly despite the fact Tah never slept. Her mind was alive with her mission - what clues and connections meant what. She'd paced up and down the length of her room hundreds of times, trying to figure out just who this mystery person could be. This mastermind was consuming her very soul. She had to find another lead, something that could lead her to this brilliant yet terrible man. She'd flipped through every page of the book he'd given her, hoping he'd left another clue, but there was nothing. The moment that the normal work day started, Tah rushed off to the transmission room where she was sure to find her Tallest.
In her hands she held two containers, one containing the nail and the other the hair. She also had the book with her as she burst through the door and entered her Tallest's presence. She then stopped dead cold as she heard uncontrolled laughter. Red and Purple hovered in the center of the room, clinging to the back of their thrones for balance as they gasped and panted between bouts of laughter. They apparently saw her, as both of them started to wave to her to come over. She obeyed, but with a curious expression on her face. "My Tallest?"
"Listen to this -" Purple managed to say before he burst back into hilarity.
Red took the lead, able to control himself a little more. "Heh - Pur and I." He had to pause to giggle. "Pur and I were just remembering," he laughed again, "remembering when Zim last called a month ago!" He couldn't restrain himself anymore and doubled over cackling. Tah had to wait until he calmed down a bit. "You know the one that rampaged through Irk?" Tah nodded, remembering the incident and the one responsible. "He - he was dressed in a little pink outfit - with a frilly think all around - covered in cheese!"
At this Purple's laughing increased, making it almost impossible for him to stand. "Cheese!" He then took a good look at Tah and immediately fell silent. Although she seemed fully awake, she looked horrible. Her eyes were weighted down with deep bags and her posture seemed forced. Her antennae were misaligned and her skin was a little pale. "What's wrong? Hey!" He placed his hands at his hips, "Where's you guard? Zeek!"
"I told him to leave me, Sir!" She lowered her antennae in submission, knowing that her action had been inappropriate. "He was so rigid. He was bothering me and I just couldn't work with him like that!" She remembered his added gusto after the hatchery tragedy and rolled her eyes.
"You weren't supposed to do that!"
"Yeah!" added Red, eyes still watering from his laughing fit. He continued to giggle. "Yeah! He's there for your protection."
Tah held her evidence close to her chest and shook her head. "I won't need him anymore. I have some horrible, terrifying new information!" Her explanation was cut short by a red light blinking.
Red shushed her. "Come over here and take a look. I think this is him now!" She approached the monitor with Red and Purple, and blushed when she felt a hand placed casually on her shoulder. It was Purple.
The face of a short, red-eyed Irken appeared on the screen, looking rather proud. Tah had heard of some of the hilarious things this renowned screw- up had done, and she was actually looking forward to his report. It seemed like forever since she'd laughed. Zim cocked an eyebrow at his Tallest when he saw her standing between them. "Eh? Who's that?"
Purple instantly pulled his hand from Tah's shoulder, apparently not have noticed that he'd placed it there in the first place. "Just someone, Zim. She's an - a -" she still didn't have a formal title for her position and Purple didn't know how to introduce her.
"She's our - er - Chief Investigator!" improvised Red enthusiastically. He grinned at his success. "She's very important - she's looking into the hatchery incident." All present became rather solemn at the mention of the tragedy.
"Well," said Zim in an irritated tone, raising his fist, "I support all who will bring forth the SICKENING heads of our DOOMED enemies! The perpetrator will PAY! You!" he pointed toward Tah, "make sure you hurry up and find our victim. You don't want to delay the mighty vengeance of the Irken Empire!"
Tah, tired and worn out, having spent the last coupled days obsessed with her work, suddenly snapped. She moved toward the monitor with malicious intent. "I'm working my ass off to find this person out! You idiot reject of a soldier! Irk wasn't built in a day, you know! You don't know what's going on over here! You don't know the half of it! I've been going over reports and trying to piece together who's done what and where who's been!" She paused for a moment, not knowing whether her last sentence had made any sense. "I've been kidnapped, attacked, and given almost no information to work with! I'm being stalked by a weirdo with hair and a nail!" She waved her evidence around violently. "Cryptic messages being sent to my personal pad, riddles meant to play with my mind, and you're there telling me to hurry!" Her mind was not working in a normal, logical fashion. She stomped her foot, overcome with the stress of the moment. "Just you wait until some lunatic decided to stalk you!"
When she was finally through everyone was staring at her in silence. Zim was the first to offer a comment. "You mean the Dib-monkey?" Her glare made him drop that subject. "Well, maybe it isn't the best time to call my Tallest. I'll - um - ZIM shall call back later - yeah." Zim's face faded from the monitor.
"You're being stalked?" was the first question to leave Purple's mouth.
Red folded his arms with a serious frown. "Report."
Tah nodded, deeply embarrassed by her sudden outburst. She set down the book of prose on one of the thrones, having no where else to place it, and began opening the lids of the two containers. She carefully held up the fine hair so the Tallest could see it. "I found this on me that morning when Mim attacked me. I didn't think much about it, but I gave it to Tzen to analyze. Race couldn't be determined, so we decided he should keep it." She put the hair away and handed Purple her pad. The two Tallest hunched over it and read the saved messages. "I received those late last night. His 'gift' was this," she motioned toward the book, "and," she grimaced with disgust as she held up the fingernail, "this nail. I went to the Hive to analyze it, and its DNA matches with the hair. Again, race could not be determined." She pursed her lips and folded her arms together in thought. "He must have some sort of operative other than Mim - to be delivering this kind of stuff."
Purple was more than disturbed. "Reading this it's obvious he's going to try to kidnap you again, perhaps with worse intent than murder. You shouldn't have called off your guard. We need to place added security on you. We'll transfer to another set of quarters and make sure there is a guard with you at all times."
Red smirked and nudged Tah. "Seems like the bad guy's taken a liking to you."
"This could be a good thing," she offered. "His behavior does not line up with a run for the throne. The more I think about it, the more I think that coup excuse was just a lie or a distraction. I don't know why he had all those ships and that base, but the fact remains we don't really know his motives. An assassination attempt on Purple, a strange hidden base, and then an attack on the Irken hatcheries. It doesn't make sense. But now we know that he does have a second goal, which is me. If we can maneuver it in such a way -"
"We aren't going to use you as bait!" exclaimed the Tallest in unison. Tah was amazed at how like eachother they were at times.
She wanted to protest, but then again she was speaking with the Tallest. Although she could speak with them in informal terms when alone, she had to show the proper respect in public. She lowed her antennae and nodded, "Yes, my Tallest. We should still keep it in mind, though, in case it comes in handy. This person his dangerous with the firepower to cause mass destruction. If we don't get any other leads then we'll have no choice." She shrugged, hoping to lighten the mood. "I mean, there are the lives of thousands at Irkens at stake, and if I can -"
Purple glowered darkly. "That will be our last resort."
She nodded again, determined to say at least one thing. "And Sirs, I will be more than happy to change my quarters, but there is no telling who this second operative could be. Also, I'm afraid this person is clever enough to bet through any defense. Guards will hamper my process and perhaps even place me in more danger." The last thing she wanted was another Zeek following her around.
The Tallest glanced at eachother, communicating in a way only close friends could. Red leaned forward and whispered to his comrade, "She really doesn't look good. When's that half day off?"
" - for the joining? I think it's tomorrow. What should be done about the guard thing?"
"Let her not have one - she's right about the guy being too sneaky. But, look at her, don't you hate seeing her overworked like that?"
"Of course! You know that I -" Purple stopped before saying anything revealing, although his voice was at a volume that was inaudible to all except Red.
Red nodded, grinning slightly. "Bet she hasn't slept all night, obsessing about this. Let's give her today off too."
Purple nodded, fully aware of Tah's studious nature. As she stood there, completely worn out yet excited with determination, she reminded him of himself during Academy midterms - only worse. "That sounds right."
Red's grin broadened. "And you should spend it with her."
Purple nearly fell over at the suggestion and fought to keep his voice silent as she objected to his counterpart. "Are you insane? I've got to work on the nursing assistant program, there's that rebuilding grant that needs to be looked into, we both have a meeting this afternoon!" He hesitantly glanced from Tah back to Red. "What am I going to do?"
"I'm sure I can handle that stuff all by myself. Remember when you got that Pathin flu? Didn't I do a good job then?"
"You started a war with the Jackers and we had to sign that treaty! We had to give them three whole planets!"
Red shrugged, but then narrowed his eyes dangerously. Purple leaned back and lowered his antennae in fright, recalling just how intimidating his friend could be. "The point," hissed the scarlet Tallest, "is that you STILL haven't told her. I'm not going to cooperate with you until I walk in on a make out session!"
Purple nearly fainted at the suggestion, his scholar's constitution not very capable at handling his intensifying feelings. His friend leaned forward, actually managing to loom over him, and Purple could feel himself grow pale.
Tah didn't know what the two Tallest were talking about, but she could see the expressions on their faces. It seemed as if they'd been arguing about something, but then the argument had become one-sided with Red taking the advantage. She liked Red a lot, but for that very instant she resented his behavior. She couldn't help herself as she marched between them, pushing herself in front of Red. "Stop bullying him!" she heard herself say. Everyone in the transmission room turned and stared at her, wondering what the Tallest would to at such an obvious show of insubordination. She covered her mouth with her gloved hands and blushed violently. Her antennae lowed in the standard submissive pose and she began to apologize. "Forgive me, my Tallest Red. Please, I didn't mean to -" She paused when she heard Red laughing. She backed away and looked at him, slowly realizing that her mistake had merely worked to amuse him. Purple just looked confused for a bit, but then he began to smile too as his deep purple eyes rested upon her.
"Tah," he said, ignoring the fact that Red was doubled over again, "Why don't you take your evidence back to the Hive and then head toward the - er - the Library. I'll meet you there."
Tah mechanically nodded and marched out of the room, not believing her astounding luck. She was contemplating on just what sort of relationship she had with each of the Tallest when she felt someone grab her leg. She looked down to see a very angry Clay. She smiled down nervously at the marauder, wondering what she'd done wrong.
"You!" growled the pink-eyed female. Tah would have been afraid if it wasn't for the smile that tugged at the side of her friend's mouth. "You haven't been to see Dak or I in days! You never even stopped by to see if I survived the battle!"
Tah began to feel a pang of guilt. Since she'd been so busy with the investigation, she hadn't even thought about Dak or Clay. She hadn't even really thought about Purple unless he happened to be with her. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of the creepy perpetrator of the recent horrible acts. "I'm sorry," she began. "How about we all three go eat together for dinner? I can meet you at the dining hall. I'll even let me take you to the Entertainment Center."
"No!" yelled Clay, much to Tah's surprise. "It's too late now! He and I both have a lot of things to do to get ready for tomorrow. That and you look like shit! Take a nap or something. And don't forget to pick up your formal uniform!"
Tah'd nearly forgot about that, and was sure she would have neglected to stop by the tailor if Clay hadn't reminded her. "Wow, thanks -" She watched as her friend marched off down the hall before hurrying to the Hive. She had to explain to Tzen that she'd raided his precious Hive, but naturally he understood. He took back the items like a benevolent pawnbroker and she was free to hurry to the Library.
Once she stepped in she was berated with the smells that always accompanied a library. It felt very good for her, having spent so much time in such places while at the Soldier and later Invader Academy. She walked in, letting her feet feel the soft carpet through the soles of her boots. Her muscles began to relax, and she wondered why she didn't spend more time there. She glanced around and couldn't help grinning like a fool when she saw Purple sitting at a nearby study table. He elegantly hovered up, perfectly groomed as always, and Tah couldn't help thinking in the back of her mind how scraggly she must look next to him. She greeted him formally, not realizing this was a personal visit. "My Tallest, what is it you wish of me."
He took his place along side her and began to lead her deeper into the various sections of the library. "Purple here, please." She just nodded beside him. He took a breath and began. "Red and I have decided that you are overworking yourself. We are ordering you to take the day off, as well as half of tomorrow."
Tah was shocked, and felt free to express it now she was alone. "What about my investigation? My stalker needs to be caught before he does anything more! I'm sorry, Purple, but I just can't. I promise I'll take a break after this is over. I promise."
"You can't think clearly as you are -" observed Purple. "You need to take the day off and let your mind rest. Surely everyone around you has noticed?"
Tah was silent for a moment, remembering how Clay had acted toward her. Still, she didn't like the idea. "But, I can't just sleep all day. Everyone I know will be on duty and I'll have nothing better to do than work on the case. And it's vitally important!"
Purple began to feel himself become edgy at her protests, knowing that her reasoning had been affected by her apparent lack of sleep. Her outburst at Zim and later at Red had told him that. He squared his shoulders, trying to restrain himself. "I'll do anything you like. We can stay here, or go to the observation deck, or do anything." He felt the back of his neck tighten with apprehension. He'd always been so mild, and what he was saying now sounded suspiciously like a date. However, wasn't that what he wanted?
One of Tah's antenna rose with surprise. "You're staying with me? What about your duties?"
Purple found himself chuckling. "Well, that's what I was telling Red when he suggested it. He sort of forced it on me, you see." He inwardly cringed - that hadn't been what he wanted to say. They reached a special part of the library sectioned off solely for Purple. There was a single large couch, a small table, and a collection of books - both real and electronic. "This is my study space," he automatically explained.
Tah nodded absently. "I don't want to keep you from your job, Pur. I'll be fine by myself. I'll take everyone's advice rest for a little bit, but this afternoon I'm absolutely going to have to wor-" Tah couldn't finish as Purple suddenly took a hold of her shoulders and pulled her close to him. Her mouth still worked to speak as he covered her lips with his, hushing her completely. She could feel her antennae instinctively start to arch forward toward his, and she couldn't help but take in a sharp breath as the two sensitive organs touched. Her mouth opened at the sensation, and he took the advantage to let his tongue slide forward to caress her own. The realization that she was being kissed by a Tallest bubbled to her mind, but was soon drowned when Purple reached up with one of his hands and massaged the base of an antenna with his claws. This sent an even stronger, throbbing feeling through her body and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him, slightly arching her back with pleasure. After a few moment of almost unbearable desire Purple drew his teasing claws down to gently rub the back of her neck, and then slide down her spine.
He quickly pulled away, his breathing somewhat labored. He averted his gaze and seemed almost embarrassed. "Whooo - didn't expect that to happen -"
Chapter Nine: Beginning to Understand
Folded up in a chair, left alone in her room, sat Tah. She squinted at the illuminated screen of her electronic pad, the only light visible in the darkened room. It was very late at night and she had no idea how many times she'd read and reread the reports. She'd ordered a report on Admiral Tark and Mim, but those wouldn't arrive for more than a day. There was nothing very telling in her current reports, but she had nothing else to do and she at least felt she was working while she stared blankly at the screen.
Montoy's report was just about as useless as Admiral Queue's. Before her was written out the typical life of your average mercenary. His race was referred to as the Bakins. They were a planetless people who tended to drift about, which explained why Tah had never heard anything about them. This particular Bakin had joined an infantry military unit once, but had been dishonorably discharged for repeated insubordination. He'd tried a trade school, but had flunked out. For most of his adult life he had done odd jobs for money, hiring himself out as laser brawn. There was nothing special or telling about him except for a few outstanding warrants in a few far-off sectors of the galaxy.
Bri's report had been slightly more interesting. He had worked as an administrative assistant for the Irken Empire, a regular soldier, until he'd been nabbed for embezzling monies. He'd escaped from the clutches of the Irken law, presumably with the help of a few shady characters. Since then he'd been noted helping known criminals with their enterprises. It was strange, though, that he didn't seem to have any regular customers - his list of employers varied to big time crime lords to puny gang leaders and simple mercenaries. He was wanted on more than one planet, and Tah wondered how someone like him could keep from getting captured for so long. He obviously had some sly friends.
Most of all, Tah had hoped for the name of the maid assigned to clean Queue's quarters. If she could just get a hold of somebody who'd been in the room before all this commotion started, then she'd have a much better idea of what this phantom admiral was all about. As fate would have it, no maid was assigned to his quarters. This was amazing due to the strict cleanliness of the Massive, but Tah figured it was all part of the game.
She sighed and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her sore eyes. She knew she probably needed some sleep - she'd have to be fresh if she was ever going to find anything that would help with the case. She reached over and massaged one of her shoulders and thought to herself. Anyone who had the materials to have a base such as the one she'd been taken to, anyone with the manpower to take such a base apart before an Irken squadron could take it out, anyone who had the sheer cunning to be able to lace all the hatcheries with explosives while remaining undetected must be a powerful person indeed. There had to be a mastermind behind all of this - a single force that was organizing all of these things. She closed her eyes, only to be met with the shadow that had shot at her Tallest. She hugged herself when she pictured herself lunging at Purple, terrified for his life but at the same time realizing the closeness of their bodies. Her eyes popped open when she sensed a change in her pad's screen.
[Jancir muc'ta la fendu ser det. De ramma hek'gra dish lieve kith.] Tah knew those words as the beginning lines to an Irken play. "Please listen to the triplet moons tonight. Whispers on the wind can speak knowing things." Tah stood, shocked. It was him again! She began to rush toward to door with the thought of sharing this new contact with Red and Purple when a new message appeared. [Don't you think of leaving your room! My words belong to you tonight, and if you want them you must respect my wishes.] Tah could almost hear the harshness of the words. She sat back down, sick to her squiggly pooch with unease, and typed a reply.
[I won't leave. Were you responsible for the hatcheries? Were you responsible for the assassination attempt? Are the two connected?] She held her breath as she waited for a response.
[You've already made the connection. I would have expected nothing less from you. Yet, I have not come to enlighten you on that front. You have a present.]
Tah suddenly grew angry. [I will not accept presents from a murderous creature like you!] She then regretted her message, remembering the last time she'd lost her temper at this enigmatic figure.
There was a slight pause before more words graced the screen. [You're rather cruel to me, considering our intimacy. We've touched.]
Now Tah knew this man was a liar. The only two people she'd ever touched, aside from her now late parents, were Dak and Purple. Neither of them was willing or capable of committing the recent atrocities. [We've never touched,] was her cold response.
[You will soon see. Walk over to your dresser and pull out the top middle drawer. Your present waits.] Tah looked over at the dresser, but did not forget Mim's two attacks. She knew very well that what this person had decided to 'give' her might very well be a trap. The writer seemed to know her thoughts. [I've given up on killing you. You eluded me the first time, something that has never happened before. For that, you have my undying respect. Don't be afraid of the gift. It is harmless.]
Tah lifted herself out of her chair, deciding to take a chance. She slowly approached her dresser, as if afraid that whatever was in there might pop out, but she managed to put her hand on the handle of the top middle drawer and pull. Resting innocently on her folded bedclothes was a very thick book made of actual paper. She picked up the heavy object, marveling at its texture. Paper books were unnecessarily bulky and therefore rarely used by Irkens, but there was something very pleasant about the old method of storing information. She opened the cover, discovering a collection of ancient prose. Something fell out from between two of the pages and fell to the floor. Tah bent down and picked it up, and realizing she'd never be able to identify it in her dimmed room switched on the lights. Between her gloved claws was a slightly greenish hard shaving. As she squinted at the filing her eyed widened when she realized that what she was looking at was a fingernail. Somewhat disgusted, she set the nail down on her desk and returned to her pad. [How do you know my interests and why is there a nail?]
[Two gifts, actually. It is a fool who would pretend to know you and not know your love for the finer arts, and you may consider the nail a promise. A promissory note. You will see all of me soon enough.]
Tah shuddered at the thought of being kidnapped once again, and was about to ask the mysterious figure another question when he disconnected - leaving her nothing but her uninformative reports to read.
She couldn't sleep now. She knew that no one at the Hive would be working, it being so late at night, but she just had to have the nail analyzed. Irkens had claws, not nails, and she needed to know the race of this person who was tormenting her and the entire Empire. If she could narrow down the innumerable crime bosses to those of a single race, she'd be infinitely closer to discovering the identity of the perpetrator. She rushed out of her room, making sure to pick up the nail on the way, and headed directly for the Hive.
It was dark and empty inside the circular room. Tah automatically hit a sensor on the wall and light flooded in around her. She lost no time in heading for Tzen's seat. She rummaged around in his things until she found the blue light he'd used on the hair. She quickly scanned the nail and impatiently waited for the results. A burning sensation of discovery filled her veins, causing her to breathe the results aloud. "Origin unknown. Race unknown. Genetic match found. The - the hair!" Tah brushed her hand on the back of her neck, where she had first found the hair. "We touched -" She cringed when she realized what her enemy had meant.
The next morning came quickly despite the fact Tah never slept. Her mind was alive with her mission - what clues and connections meant what. She'd paced up and down the length of her room hundreds of times, trying to figure out just who this mystery person could be. This mastermind was consuming her very soul. She had to find another lead, something that could lead her to this brilliant yet terrible man. She'd flipped through every page of the book he'd given her, hoping he'd left another clue, but there was nothing. The moment that the normal work day started, Tah rushed off to the transmission room where she was sure to find her Tallest.
In her hands she held two containers, one containing the nail and the other the hair. She also had the book with her as she burst through the door and entered her Tallest's presence. She then stopped dead cold as she heard uncontrolled laughter. Red and Purple hovered in the center of the room, clinging to the back of their thrones for balance as they gasped and panted between bouts of laughter. They apparently saw her, as both of them started to wave to her to come over. She obeyed, but with a curious expression on her face. "My Tallest?"
"Listen to this -" Purple managed to say before he burst back into hilarity.
Red took the lead, able to control himself a little more. "Heh - Pur and I." He had to pause to giggle. "Pur and I were just remembering," he laughed again, "remembering when Zim last called a month ago!" He couldn't restrain himself anymore and doubled over cackling. Tah had to wait until he calmed down a bit. "You know the one that rampaged through Irk?" Tah nodded, remembering the incident and the one responsible. "He - he was dressed in a little pink outfit - with a frilly think all around - covered in cheese!"
At this Purple's laughing increased, making it almost impossible for him to stand. "Cheese!" He then took a good look at Tah and immediately fell silent. Although she seemed fully awake, she looked horrible. Her eyes were weighted down with deep bags and her posture seemed forced. Her antennae were misaligned and her skin was a little pale. "What's wrong? Hey!" He placed his hands at his hips, "Where's you guard? Zeek!"
"I told him to leave me, Sir!" She lowered her antennae in submission, knowing that her action had been inappropriate. "He was so rigid. He was bothering me and I just couldn't work with him like that!" She remembered his added gusto after the hatchery tragedy and rolled her eyes.
"You weren't supposed to do that!"
"Yeah!" added Red, eyes still watering from his laughing fit. He continued to giggle. "Yeah! He's there for your protection."
Tah held her evidence close to her chest and shook her head. "I won't need him anymore. I have some horrible, terrifying new information!" Her explanation was cut short by a red light blinking.
Red shushed her. "Come over here and take a look. I think this is him now!" She approached the monitor with Red and Purple, and blushed when she felt a hand placed casually on her shoulder. It was Purple.
The face of a short, red-eyed Irken appeared on the screen, looking rather proud. Tah had heard of some of the hilarious things this renowned screw- up had done, and she was actually looking forward to his report. It seemed like forever since she'd laughed. Zim cocked an eyebrow at his Tallest when he saw her standing between them. "Eh? Who's that?"
Purple instantly pulled his hand from Tah's shoulder, apparently not have noticed that he'd placed it there in the first place. "Just someone, Zim. She's an - a -" she still didn't have a formal title for her position and Purple didn't know how to introduce her.
"She's our - er - Chief Investigator!" improvised Red enthusiastically. He grinned at his success. "She's very important - she's looking into the hatchery incident." All present became rather solemn at the mention of the tragedy.
"Well," said Zim in an irritated tone, raising his fist, "I support all who will bring forth the SICKENING heads of our DOOMED enemies! The perpetrator will PAY! You!" he pointed toward Tah, "make sure you hurry up and find our victim. You don't want to delay the mighty vengeance of the Irken Empire!"
Tah, tired and worn out, having spent the last coupled days obsessed with her work, suddenly snapped. She moved toward the monitor with malicious intent. "I'm working my ass off to find this person out! You idiot reject of a soldier! Irk wasn't built in a day, you know! You don't know what's going on over here! You don't know the half of it! I've been going over reports and trying to piece together who's done what and where who's been!" She paused for a moment, not knowing whether her last sentence had made any sense. "I've been kidnapped, attacked, and given almost no information to work with! I'm being stalked by a weirdo with hair and a nail!" She waved her evidence around violently. "Cryptic messages being sent to my personal pad, riddles meant to play with my mind, and you're there telling me to hurry!" Her mind was not working in a normal, logical fashion. She stomped her foot, overcome with the stress of the moment. "Just you wait until some lunatic decided to stalk you!"
When she was finally through everyone was staring at her in silence. Zim was the first to offer a comment. "You mean the Dib-monkey?" Her glare made him drop that subject. "Well, maybe it isn't the best time to call my Tallest. I'll - um - ZIM shall call back later - yeah." Zim's face faded from the monitor.
"You're being stalked?" was the first question to leave Purple's mouth.
Red folded his arms with a serious frown. "Report."
Tah nodded, deeply embarrassed by her sudden outburst. She set down the book of prose on one of the thrones, having no where else to place it, and began opening the lids of the two containers. She carefully held up the fine hair so the Tallest could see it. "I found this on me that morning when Mim attacked me. I didn't think much about it, but I gave it to Tzen to analyze. Race couldn't be determined, so we decided he should keep it." She put the hair away and handed Purple her pad. The two Tallest hunched over it and read the saved messages. "I received those late last night. His 'gift' was this," she motioned toward the book, "and," she grimaced with disgust as she held up the fingernail, "this nail. I went to the Hive to analyze it, and its DNA matches with the hair. Again, race could not be determined." She pursed her lips and folded her arms together in thought. "He must have some sort of operative other than Mim - to be delivering this kind of stuff."
Purple was more than disturbed. "Reading this it's obvious he's going to try to kidnap you again, perhaps with worse intent than murder. You shouldn't have called off your guard. We need to place added security on you. We'll transfer to another set of quarters and make sure there is a guard with you at all times."
Red smirked and nudged Tah. "Seems like the bad guy's taken a liking to you."
"This could be a good thing," she offered. "His behavior does not line up with a run for the throne. The more I think about it, the more I think that coup excuse was just a lie or a distraction. I don't know why he had all those ships and that base, but the fact remains we don't really know his motives. An assassination attempt on Purple, a strange hidden base, and then an attack on the Irken hatcheries. It doesn't make sense. But now we know that he does have a second goal, which is me. If we can maneuver it in such a way -"
"We aren't going to use you as bait!" exclaimed the Tallest in unison. Tah was amazed at how like eachother they were at times.
She wanted to protest, but then again she was speaking with the Tallest. Although she could speak with them in informal terms when alone, she had to show the proper respect in public. She lowed her antennae and nodded, "Yes, my Tallest. We should still keep it in mind, though, in case it comes in handy. This person his dangerous with the firepower to cause mass destruction. If we don't get any other leads then we'll have no choice." She shrugged, hoping to lighten the mood. "I mean, there are the lives of thousands at Irkens at stake, and if I can -"
Purple glowered darkly. "That will be our last resort."
She nodded again, determined to say at least one thing. "And Sirs, I will be more than happy to change my quarters, but there is no telling who this second operative could be. Also, I'm afraid this person is clever enough to bet through any defense. Guards will hamper my process and perhaps even place me in more danger." The last thing she wanted was another Zeek following her around.
The Tallest glanced at eachother, communicating in a way only close friends could. Red leaned forward and whispered to his comrade, "She really doesn't look good. When's that half day off?"
" - for the joining? I think it's tomorrow. What should be done about the guard thing?"
"Let her not have one - she's right about the guy being too sneaky. But, look at her, don't you hate seeing her overworked like that?"
"Of course! You know that I -" Purple stopped before saying anything revealing, although his voice was at a volume that was inaudible to all except Red.
Red nodded, grinning slightly. "Bet she hasn't slept all night, obsessing about this. Let's give her today off too."
Purple nodded, fully aware of Tah's studious nature. As she stood there, completely worn out yet excited with determination, she reminded him of himself during Academy midterms - only worse. "That sounds right."
Red's grin broadened. "And you should spend it with her."
Purple nearly fell over at the suggestion and fought to keep his voice silent as she objected to his counterpart. "Are you insane? I've got to work on the nursing assistant program, there's that rebuilding grant that needs to be looked into, we both have a meeting this afternoon!" He hesitantly glanced from Tah back to Red. "What am I going to do?"
"I'm sure I can handle that stuff all by myself. Remember when you got that Pathin flu? Didn't I do a good job then?"
"You started a war with the Jackers and we had to sign that treaty! We had to give them three whole planets!"
Red shrugged, but then narrowed his eyes dangerously. Purple leaned back and lowered his antennae in fright, recalling just how intimidating his friend could be. "The point," hissed the scarlet Tallest, "is that you STILL haven't told her. I'm not going to cooperate with you until I walk in on a make out session!"
Purple nearly fainted at the suggestion, his scholar's constitution not very capable at handling his intensifying feelings. His friend leaned forward, actually managing to loom over him, and Purple could feel himself grow pale.
Tah didn't know what the two Tallest were talking about, but she could see the expressions on their faces. It seemed as if they'd been arguing about something, but then the argument had become one-sided with Red taking the advantage. She liked Red a lot, but for that very instant she resented his behavior. She couldn't help herself as she marched between them, pushing herself in front of Red. "Stop bullying him!" she heard herself say. Everyone in the transmission room turned and stared at her, wondering what the Tallest would to at such an obvious show of insubordination. She covered her mouth with her gloved hands and blushed violently. Her antennae lowed in the standard submissive pose and she began to apologize. "Forgive me, my Tallest Red. Please, I didn't mean to -" She paused when she heard Red laughing. She backed away and looked at him, slowly realizing that her mistake had merely worked to amuse him. Purple just looked confused for a bit, but then he began to smile too as his deep purple eyes rested upon her.
"Tah," he said, ignoring the fact that Red was doubled over again, "Why don't you take your evidence back to the Hive and then head toward the - er - the Library. I'll meet you there."
Tah mechanically nodded and marched out of the room, not believing her astounding luck. She was contemplating on just what sort of relationship she had with each of the Tallest when she felt someone grab her leg. She looked down to see a very angry Clay. She smiled down nervously at the marauder, wondering what she'd done wrong.
"You!" growled the pink-eyed female. Tah would have been afraid if it wasn't for the smile that tugged at the side of her friend's mouth. "You haven't been to see Dak or I in days! You never even stopped by to see if I survived the battle!"
Tah began to feel a pang of guilt. Since she'd been so busy with the investigation, she hadn't even thought about Dak or Clay. She hadn't even really thought about Purple unless he happened to be with her. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of the creepy perpetrator of the recent horrible acts. "I'm sorry," she began. "How about we all three go eat together for dinner? I can meet you at the dining hall. I'll even let me take you to the Entertainment Center."
"No!" yelled Clay, much to Tah's surprise. "It's too late now! He and I both have a lot of things to do to get ready for tomorrow. That and you look like shit! Take a nap or something. And don't forget to pick up your formal uniform!"
Tah'd nearly forgot about that, and was sure she would have neglected to stop by the tailor if Clay hadn't reminded her. "Wow, thanks -" She watched as her friend marched off down the hall before hurrying to the Hive. She had to explain to Tzen that she'd raided his precious Hive, but naturally he understood. He took back the items like a benevolent pawnbroker and she was free to hurry to the Library.
Once she stepped in she was berated with the smells that always accompanied a library. It felt very good for her, having spent so much time in such places while at the Soldier and later Invader Academy. She walked in, letting her feet feel the soft carpet through the soles of her boots. Her muscles began to relax, and she wondered why she didn't spend more time there. She glanced around and couldn't help grinning like a fool when she saw Purple sitting at a nearby study table. He elegantly hovered up, perfectly groomed as always, and Tah couldn't help thinking in the back of her mind how scraggly she must look next to him. She greeted him formally, not realizing this was a personal visit. "My Tallest, what is it you wish of me."
He took his place along side her and began to lead her deeper into the various sections of the library. "Purple here, please." She just nodded beside him. He took a breath and began. "Red and I have decided that you are overworking yourself. We are ordering you to take the day off, as well as half of tomorrow."
Tah was shocked, and felt free to express it now she was alone. "What about my investigation? My stalker needs to be caught before he does anything more! I'm sorry, Purple, but I just can't. I promise I'll take a break after this is over. I promise."
"You can't think clearly as you are -" observed Purple. "You need to take the day off and let your mind rest. Surely everyone around you has noticed?"
Tah was silent for a moment, remembering how Clay had acted toward her. Still, she didn't like the idea. "But, I can't just sleep all day. Everyone I know will be on duty and I'll have nothing better to do than work on the case. And it's vitally important!"
Purple began to feel himself become edgy at her protests, knowing that her reasoning had been affected by her apparent lack of sleep. Her outburst at Zim and later at Red had told him that. He squared his shoulders, trying to restrain himself. "I'll do anything you like. We can stay here, or go to the observation deck, or do anything." He felt the back of his neck tighten with apprehension. He'd always been so mild, and what he was saying now sounded suspiciously like a date. However, wasn't that what he wanted?
One of Tah's antenna rose with surprise. "You're staying with me? What about your duties?"
Purple found himself chuckling. "Well, that's what I was telling Red when he suggested it. He sort of forced it on me, you see." He inwardly cringed - that hadn't been what he wanted to say. They reached a special part of the library sectioned off solely for Purple. There was a single large couch, a small table, and a collection of books - both real and electronic. "This is my study space," he automatically explained.
Tah nodded absently. "I don't want to keep you from your job, Pur. I'll be fine by myself. I'll take everyone's advice rest for a little bit, but this afternoon I'm absolutely going to have to wor-" Tah couldn't finish as Purple suddenly took a hold of her shoulders and pulled her close to him. Her mouth still worked to speak as he covered her lips with his, hushing her completely. She could feel her antennae instinctively start to arch forward toward his, and she couldn't help but take in a sharp breath as the two sensitive organs touched. Her mouth opened at the sensation, and he took the advantage to let his tongue slide forward to caress her own. The realization that she was being kissed by a Tallest bubbled to her mind, but was soon drowned when Purple reached up with one of his hands and massaged the base of an antenna with his claws. This sent an even stronger, throbbing feeling through her body and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him, slightly arching her back with pleasure. After a few moment of almost unbearable desire Purple drew his teasing claws down to gently rub the back of her neck, and then slide down her spine.
He quickly pulled away, his breathing somewhat labored. He averted his gaze and seemed almost embarrassed. "Whooo - didn't expect that to happen -"
