Treaka sighed as she slipped the electronic clipboard into her Pak. Might as well check up on the fuel ducts. Seemed like those things always needed maintenance.
She began the long march down towards section E-12, passing a few of her fellow Engineers running system scans or repairing the general wear and tear that seemed to constantly plague deep scouts, as well as the occasional crew hand, wandering around on break or leave, but those were rare this far into the workings of the Majestic.
As she approached the sliding blast door that led into the main fuel hold, an intercom placed against the upper corner of the hallway began to relay a live message from Captain Jarka.
"This is your captain speaking. We have just received a class five emergency assignment direct from the Tallest." All action on the ship stopped. A direct order? From the Tallest? Every antenna strained to hear the command.
"There's been a containment failure."
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Zim walked down the street, an extra spring in his step. Even the fact that he would soon be imprisoned for the remainder of the day in that horrid Earth Skool couldn't lower his spirits. The latest plan was going perfectly, and, unless that stupid Dib monkey did something to ruin it, Earth would be his in a matter of days. The sun glowed brightly, basking the planet in its warmth and adding to Zim's uncharacteristically cheerful demeanor. As he passed a large, particularly friendly looking oak tree, an Earth bird began to sing. Zim rather disliked the horrible screeching, but the Humans regarded it as a sign of good fortune, and since he was on Earth, Zim assumed it would hold true for him as well. Even as he rounded the corner towards the Skool building, Zim failed to notice the dark figure perched delicately in that very same tree.
Dib lowered the binoculars as Zim disappeared from view.
"I know he's up to something…" Dib muttered under his breath.
Dib slipped the binoculars into one of the many pockets adorning his trench coat, grabbed a branch, and swung gracefully out of the tree. He took off running as soon as his feet touched the ground, knowing he would have to catch up to Zim before Skool. He had been trailing the alien for three days, and had so far found no clues to reveal the nature of the space demon's nefarious scheme. That left Dib with two options, and right now he was willing to try the less dangerous of the two.
Zim stopped a few blocks from the school as his raven-haired nemesis jumped in front of him, panting slightly from the run.
"Out of my way, Earth-Stink."
"Not until you tell me what your planning, Zim!"
Zim smiled in mock sincerity.
"Why Dib, how ever could you think I'd be planning something?"
It took Dib several moments to figure out whether Zim was being sarcastic or was just a horrible liar. Deciding it didn't really matter, Dib pressed the assault.
"I know you're up to something, Zim."
Zim merely rolled his eyes, letting out a dismissive grunt. Dib knew he'd have to change tactics before he lost Zim's attention.
"Fine. Don't tell me." Dib crossed his arms and turned slightly away.
"Your stupid plans never work anyway."
Zim's expression hardened and his eyes narrowed at Dib, the left one twitching somewhat. He glared daggers into the human for a few moments, before screaming loud enough for most of the city to hear.
"IT IS NOT A STUPID PLAN!"
"Ha! So you are up to something! Give it up, Zim, you'll never conquer the human race!"
The alien let out low growl, shoving Dib to the side and stomping towards the Skool, his once cheerful mood a dark and squalid memory.
