Tak is repairing her ship in preparation for leaving, highly frustrated. Sparks are flying as the repair work is going on. Dib appears in the entrance behind her, looking concerned.
DIB
You're really just gonna leave?
TAK
I'm not staying for whatever that revolutionary half-wit has in mind! There are better ways of fighting the Irkens, and they're not going to cross his mind in a million years, so why stay?
DIB
What about the Meekrob?
TAK
What about them?
DIB
They're all gonna die!
TAK
As I'm sure you've noticed, the deaths of species don't exactly move me to tears.
Tak has finished repairs and is packing up her belongings to mount the cockpit. Dib's anger boils over.
DIB
SHIP! LOCKDOWN!
TAK'S SHIP
VOICE AUTHORISATION CONFIRMED!
The ship's cocpit shields itself and the entire vessel drops from readyness. Tak turns to face Dib, scathingly.
TAK
Now that's just low.
DIB
You're the one running away!
TAK
What do you expect me to do about it?
DIB
Talk him out of it or something! He respects you! He'd listen to you!
TAK
It's not that simple! Lard Nar is one of the most stubborn people I have ever met in my entire existence! His ego reaches into the stratosphere, and he's CONVINCED he knows what's best for the entire universe. Come to think of it, he's an awful lot like you.
DIB
Har har.
TAK
Things are too far in motion! By now it's either pursue this course until he gets himself killed or lose face, and believe me, his psyche would never allow it. He may be a wimp, but he's a committed wimp.
DIB
But why THIS planet? Why the Meekrob?
Tak pauses in thought for a second.
TAK
There's something I overheard him saying once: "The Meekrob are approaching awakening".
DIB
Awakening?
TAK
Well, this may just be me speculating, but for the Meekrob, despite being blobs of energy, this may not be the final stage of their evolution. There's one more step they have to take.
DIB
What could that be?
TAK
I don't know, but whatever it is, it has the universe terrified somehow. The Irkens wouldn't have invaded it otherwise. There's nothing here of value.
DIB
We got to stop him, Tak! If Lard Nar gets away with this, he'll have-
LARD NAR (O.S
He'll have WHAT?
Dib, stunned, turns around, desperately grinning at Lard Nar and his assembled troupe of Resisty behind him.
DIB
He'll have...done something great! Of course! I just KNOW this is going to work for us! I've no doubt whatsoev-
LARD NAR
Save your breath! Your sister already spilled the beans for you.
Spleenk is holding a tightly-encased Gaz from a length of string.
DIB
GAZ!
GAZ
You'd better let me down, or so help me I'll...
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
YOU'LL WHAT? C'MON! BRING IT ON! BRING IT ON! C'MON!
Gaz growls at Shloonktaplooxis, who cowers in response. Lard Nar looks somewhat viscerally pleased.
LARD NAR
We know ALL about your plans to betray us, you big-headed traitor-person! (turns pleasingly to Tak) Excellent ruse, Tak! I KNEW I could count on you! Displaying the same nerve and imagination as always!
Tak looks coldly back at Lard Nar.
TAK
Yeah, ruse, whatever.
LARD NAR
A betrayal of this scale could only be rectified by one thing!
DIB
The catapult?
LARD NAR
The catapult.
Resisty members grab Dib from all sides and drag him, screaming, away from the cavern, where Tak, shifting back into Irken form, looks on non-chalantly.
EXT: RESISTY BASE
The Resisty are assembled around the launcher, with Dib and Gaz tied to either side. Dib is scared out of his wits while Gaz just seems quite royally peeved.
GAZ
Dib, if we get out of this, you are dead. No ifs, no buts, you are dead. Understand?
DIB
If I wasn't so blinded by fear, my life would be flashing before my eyes. Right now.
LARD NAR
We must remain vigilant against traitors in our midst! Our cause is mighty and our actions just! But if we were to lose sight of our circumstances, our position which could be swept from under us at any moment, this would mean our doom! Such is the fate of all who would question our cause-
Tak nudges Lard Nar for his attention.
TAK
Lard Nar, can I have a word for a moment?
Lard Nar appears irritated for a moment, then turns to the assembled grouping.
LARD NAR
No traitor-launching till I get back, okay?
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
Awwww...he has to go and spoil all our fun!
Lard Nar and Tak retire to one side. Tak whispers to Lard Nar.
TAK
Are you sure launching them into the void is REALLY necessary? The big-headed sneak may be troublesome, but he could be of some assistance to the war effort, wouldn't you say?
LARD NAR
Tak? What're you talking about? YOU were the one who set him up!
TAK
Uh...yeah. Look, I need to get my ship working, and he's the only one who knows how to access it, so you couldn't keep him alive for my sake, could you?
LARD NAR
You'd have plenty of time to fix your ship once this is all over! There's no hurry! Maybe you're just stressed or something. A go on the launcher may do you some good, it's been some time since you last did that!
Lard Nar turns back to the crowd.
LARD NAR
Change of plan, my proud soldiers! Tak will now be handling the catapult now and GET YOUR CLAWS AWAY FROM THE LAUNCHER PANEL!
Shloonktaplooxis is poised over the panel while Dib is vibrating in sheer terror.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
I wasn't gonna press it! Honest!
LARD NAR
Go on, Tak. It's all yours.
Tak walks timidly up to the control panel, pausing on the prospect of actually pressing it. Dib tries to reason desperately with Tak.
DIB
Tak! I know it wasn't a ruse! I know you meant what you said!
GAZ
I said we should leave! I said it! Why didn't you do what I said? Huh? Huh?
DIB
I know you, Tak! You're a true individual! You don't pay attention to what anyone else says! You're your own identity! You don't owe anyone, especially not him!
LARD NAR
Tak! Press the button!
Tak turns away from the console and looks up to Lard Nar, initially angry but gradually more and more desperate.
LARD NAR
Tak?
Above his head, Tak can see points of light flicker in the sky. At once, her eyes widen.
TAK
EVERYONE! DOWN!
The Resisty barely have time to respond before a barrage of laser fire lays waste to the surroundings. While the assemblage is screaming for their lives and smoke covers the clearing, Tak rears her head up and cries.
TAK
MIMI!
A blue streak races across the clearing and grabs a bemused Dib and Gaz before the smoke clears. As it does, Lard Nar staggers up and assesses the situation.
LARD NAR
Is everyone alright? Everyone seems here except-AAAAGGGHHH! The prisoners are gone! How?
Lard Nar glares around angrily at the assemblage, tracking down everyone present.
LARD NAR
Who set them loose? This is one mistake you'll live to...
Lard Nar settles on Tak, who seems mournful somehow.
LARD NAR
But...
Tak shakes her head, closes her eyes, then leaps backwards, activating her cloak. Lard Nar lunges forward.
LARD NAR
WAIT!
Another explosion rocks the clearing, making Lard Nar shriek in anxiety.
LARD NAR
GET TO BATTLE STATIONS!
The Resisty start running about in a panic towards their assigned spots while Lard Nar collapses in a heap on the ground, bawling his eyes out.
EXT: INVADER BASE-CAMP
Quite possibly the largest military force ever seen in children's television is landing on the planet surface. Viral Tanks, the largest ships in the fleet, accompanied by swarms of Spittle Runners, hurtle through the atmosphere nearby the Invader's encampment, which is already vastly expanded. These ships have a different colour scheme and markings from the Armada, being members of Larb's 3rd Fleet. They off-load troops and vehicles at rapid speed, distinguishing themselves as assault vehicles, and within seconds the area is swarming with Maim Bots securing positions while Plasmarin Battle Tanks, Death-Wave Cannons and Frontline Battle Mechs are off-loaded rapidly from the Viral Tank's ranks. If Larb has anything to do with it, we shall soon be seeing textbook examples of Irken Assault tactics. Larb himself seems to be mightily pleased with this arrangement, as he wanders in the middle of activity, surrounded by Invaders. Invader Tim is listening intently to a set of headphones while tapping at a computer pad.
LARB
Grapa, take a memo: "This is so very neat".
TIM
Commander! The fleet's picking up activity all over the planet! Looks like the Shuvver barrage did what you wanted.
Larb takes a look at the readout, seeing small green dots fan out across the planet's surface.
LARB
It isn't over yet. Lard Nar likes to push and push hard. Real sadist that guy. We have to secure our positions and prepare for a counterstrike, let him blow all his best pieces in the first assault. Before the day is out...
Larb allows himself a snide show of ego.
LARB
...Meekrob will be mine!
INT: RESISTY CAVERNS
A slug-like creature with short feelers stands guard in front of Tak's ship. Bored out of his mind and missing the battle above, he spends his time singing inane ditties.
RESISTY GUARD
Ohhh I'm guaaardiiing...I'm guaaardiiing the shiii-iiip...'cos that's what I dooo-ooo, guarding the shiii-iiips...WOO! GO ME!
A blur in front of the cavern entrance distracts the Guard's attention for a moment. He ventures forth to investigate. Halfway into the corridor, peering in both directions, from inside the cavern he was just guarding a claw rushes out and crushes him against the wall before retracting back inside. The Guard twitches and groans. Back inside the cavern, MiMi is currently holding Dib and Gaz in a vice-like grip, wandering towards the ship.
GAZ
I hate this planet. So. Very. Much. You can't imagine the levels of hatred I am feeling.
DIB
Ship! Activate!
TAK'S SHIP
Acknowledged!
The ship unlocks itself and opens its cockpit, a few seconds later Tak, in human form, de-cloaks inside.
TAK
What took you so long?
MiMi just shrugs and lets go of Dib and Gaz, Gaz landing perfectly on her fleet while Dib thwacks painfully with the floor.
TAK
Well come on then! We haven't got all day!
GAZ
What a wasted trip...
Dib and Gaz manage to squeeze into the cockpit.
TAK
It's nice to know you kept the voice.
DIB
Actually, I tried to get rid of it, but the ship just seemed to revert to default or something...
TAK
I built it, remember? Now hurry up and get this thing started!
DIB
Not until we warn to the Meekrob!
GAZ
Dib. Not now. Anytime but now...
TAK
Listen, I say we're getting off this planet, and what I say goes!
DIB
Ship! De-activate!
TAK'S SHIP
Okie dokie!
The ship powers down.
GAZ
Dib, I threaten you, make ship go!
TAK
You can't be serious! We don't have time for this!
DIB
You may not care about these things, but I am not leaving this planet until we save the Meekrob!
GAZ
Why is no-one LISTENING TO ME!
Tak contemplates her situation.
TAK
You are such a kill-joy.
DIB
Yes, but a kill-joy with the car keys.
TAK
There's a hidden meeting place the Meekrob are bound to be holed up in at times like these. I'll direct you to it.
DIB
Thank you! Ship! Start launch sequence!
TAK's SHIP
Launch sequence activated. Awaiting final confirmation for lift-off.
DIB
Gaz?
Gaz is twitching nervously, getting seriously upset at being the fifth-wheel in all this. In a show of rage, she batters the ship's controls.
GAZ
YOU'LL DO WHAT I WANT, WON'T YOU?
TAK's SHIP
Sure thing!
This seems to make Gaz feel better, as the three of them prepare for the ride.
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE
A rocky outcrop juts from the ground, located on an elevated plain. Over the ridge, a platoon of Plasmarin Battle Tanks crawls into position, engines humming. On the top of one of the tanks, an Irken soldier, wearing electronic battle paraphenalia, indicates for the unit to halt.
TANK COMMANDER
Okay, this should be a good enough spot. Nice, cosy, easily-defended, able to see everything for MILES around...I wanna take a picture! (yelling below) Hey private! You got a camera?
IRKEN PRIVATE
It's all been so sudden! I didn't think to pack!
TANK COMMANDER
(sigh) The nicest vacation spot we've been on all year and YOU don't even bring the camera, well ain't that just DUCK!
The Tank Commander closes the hatch in a wild panic.
IRKEN PRIVATE
That's a weird expression...
Missiles rocket into the battalion, but it's well-hidden, and only a couple of the tanks get horrifically churned-up. Overhead, a flight of remote-controlled jet aircraft rocket over the tanks only for a number of them to get downed by laser-fire. The formation breaks up as Spittle Runners begin to engage in dog-fights. Radio chatter begins to intrude on the scene.
EMERGENCY OFFICER (O.S
Fire fire fire. 82-46-point 1.
REGIONAL CONTROLLER (O.S
Flight 16 intercepting.
PILOT (O.S
We've reached counter-point. Hostile forces detected at ground and air levels.
FEMALE PILOT (O.S
Engaging!
While all this has been going on, a few more planes have been downed, but on the plains below all manner of weaponry is being thrown into the field. Tracked vehicles, walking vehicles, gun emplacements, you name it, it's probably down there, hurtling flak and rockets at the Spittle Runners.
RADAR OFFICER (O.S
Unable to verify numbers! Recommend assume caution!
FEMALE PILOT (O.S
I'm taking fi-!
REGIONAL CONTROLLER (O.S
Flight 16 reporting casualties. Relief forces engage and cover withdrawal.
GRUNT (O.S
I'm here, y'all! Where's the shooting?
PILOT (O.S
Disregarding withdrawal order. Assisting relief force to achieve air superiority.
The Spittle Runners duck low as Maim Bots arrive stage left to lay behind cover and fire at the drones. We follow one Spittle Runner diving across the front line to bomb units.
LARB (O.S
This is Commander Larb! Executive order! Do not allow unacceptable losses! Defensive procedures override!
EXT: 3RD FLEET HQ
Still surrounded by troops and activity, Larb is yelling into a comms system while Invader Zee stands nearby, clutching a display.
LARB
Repeat, defensive procedures override!
Larb stares at the comms for a while before finding the off-switch.
ZEE
Did you even understand all of that?
Larb shrugs.
LARB
I winged it. Where are these troops being controlled from, then?
Zee shows Larb the display.
ZEE
All over the place. There's no single relay point. Which one do we target first?
LARB
Ah, heck, we've got enough cannons! Fire at all of them!
EXT: ARTILLERY POSITION
A Deathwave Cannon is being loaded for an initial barrage, Irken soldiers giving directions for co-ordinates and whatnot. Then everyone ducks and covers their ears while an Irken officer pulls a cord on the cannon.
EXT: MEEKROB SKYLINE
While bullets, lasers and missiles fly from below the frame, the sky becomes full of plasma bolts hurled into the atmosphere converging at a single point.
INT: RESISTY COMMAND
Lard Nar, still a bit distanced from events after the bombardment, arrives in the middle of a hot-bed of consoles, manned by Resisty members, chattering battle-stuff.
LARD NAR
So how's the battle going?
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
We're kicking booty!
SPLEENK
They've scattered into pockets. We've completely surrounded 'em.
LARD NAR
Pockets?
Lard Nar walks through the command centre and up a flight of stairs.
EXT: RESISTY COMMAND
A hidden balcony provides a full view of the battlefield from the side of a steep mountain ridge. Lard Nar hurries onto it and gazes at the Irken forces on the plains beyond. Three pockets can be seen, taking fire, but blasting everything around them. Spleenk appears alongside Lard Nar.
LARD NAR
We've less time than I thought. Larb's leading the assault.
SPLEENK
Whatchu talkin' about?
From inside the pockets, a series of flashes ring out, and plasma bolts appear in the sky heading along approximate trajectories. A whirring noise can be heard. Lard Nar and Spleenk look up and start screaming like sissies. The next moment huge chunks of the mountain are blasted to oblivion. Lard Nar is ducking, head beneath hands, in the middle of a cloud of dust, when through the debris Tak's Ship flies overhead, using the barrage as cover. Lard Nar looks up at the ship and snarls, betrayed.
LARD NAR
CONCENTRATE ALL FIRE ON THAT SHIP!
SPLEENK
Uh, dude, don't you think we have slightly more pressing priorities?
LARD NAR
I DON'T CARE! I WANT THAT TRAITOR BLOWN OUT OF THE SKY!
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE
Missiles emerge from concealed positions, thousands of the blighters, all converging on Tak's Ship.
INT: TAK'S SHIP
Alarms are beeping from all over the place and Dib's looking decidedly queasy. Gaz just sits there and twitches.
DIB
Not again...
TAK'S SHIP
Impact imminent! Evasive-
Tak thumps the dashboard.
TAK
I can tell! Now, Dib, I wouldn't recommend doing what I'm about to do.
Dib squeals and clings to the side. Tak pushes hard on the control stick and the ship lurches.
EXT: MEEKROB SKIES
Tak's Ship hurtles towards the planet's surface, missiles trailing just across its back as it plunges at full speed. Just before it hits it jerks diagonally and jets across the landscape, using the ground to destroy the missiles heading towards it.
INT: TAK'S SHIP
The inside judders, Dib finding it difficult to hang on and completely scared out of his mind, while Gaz doesn't seem to even notice the situation. Dib puts a hand over his mouth to prevent him throwing up while glancing out front and getting wide-eyed in horror.
DIB
LOOK OUT!
Tak concentrates on the view, evilly grinning, clearly enjoying all this.
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE
The ship careers along the surface, avoiding obstacles on the fly, when it abruptly collides head-long into a ridge, and sight of it is lost as hundreds of missiles converge on the ridge, producing a giant dust-cloud.
EXT: RESISTY COMMAND
Shloonktaplooxis is having a ball while Lard Nar twitches, completely incensed.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
Hey, did ya see that! I mean, WOW! You were all like "fire all missiles!" and we were like "yes sir!" and it was like "wee! 'splosions!" and then it was like "BOOM!" and they were all like "AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
Lard Nar has lost interest and is heading back inside, ignoring Shloonktaplooxis.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
...and then I was like "hey, did ya see that!" and then it was like...hey! Hey Lardy! Lard Nar! Hey! C'mon! Pay attention to me! Hey!
INT: RESISTY COMMAND
Lard Nar doesn't stop, but instead seems determined to get somewhere.
LARD NAR
It isn't safe here! Relocate command to the ship! In the meantime, order the drones to concentrate on finding Larb! We'd have an easier time defending if HE wasn't around!
SPLEENK
So we're just gonna run?
Lard Nar pauses to lay into Spleenk.
LARD NAR
ESCAPING AND EVADING IS LEGITIMATE RESISTANCE STRATEGY!
SPLEENK
Okay, okay, sheesh.
Lard Nar continues out.
LARD NAR
Make all the preparations! I'm just gonna go tidy up a few things...
Lard Nar leaves...
INT: LARD NAR'S OFFICE
A cavern acting as Lard Nar's office is deserted and shrouded in darkness. Lard Nar enters and pulls out a device from underneath the desk. He lays it out, opening a keypad and pressing buttons.
LARD NAR
I know you made it, Tak. But I don't care. I thought you were different, but you were just another self-serving rat.
Lard Nar presses a button and the timer lights up "30:00:00", counting downwards in milli-seconds.
LARD NAR
Well you can die just like the rest of them. I don't care.
EXT: 3RD FLEET HQ
Larb is holding Zee's display, showing the aftermath of Lard Nar's wrath.
LARB
Well that was interesting.
ZEE
Think he holds a grudge?
LARB
He thinks too much in terms of personalities. I mean, look!
Larb touches the display, showing a general overview of the planet.
LARB
His troops aren't attacking anymore. They're passing pockets by and scanning them.
ZEE
For what?
LARB
Me.
A huge grin appears on Larb's face.
LARB
I feel loved!
ZEE
What are you planning?
INT: MEEKROB CAVERNS
Beneath the planet's surface, a crystalline cavern has been lovingly hollowed, regrettably only to be fractured by the passing of Tak's Ship, which impacts into the floor beneath, throwing out its passengers. As Dib looks up, he sees a huge number of floating Meekrob, who take one look at Dib and quickly flash into all manners of household objects.
DIB
You don't really need to do that, y'know.
MEEKROB
We like it this way! What are you doing here?
Dib looks to Tak for guidance, but she just glares back.
TAK
Don't look at me. You're the one who wanted a chat.
While Gaz remains about to explode in the background, Dib takes a look at the assemblage and nervously starts to speak.
DIB
Well...y'see...Lard Nar's tricked you! He's going to blow you all up!
MEEKROB
We could tell, thanks.
DIB
And he...what?
MEEKROB
When you've reached the kind of existence we have, you tend to view the universe's happenings rather distantly.
DIB
But you're all gonna die!
MEEKROB
Whatever happens, happens.
TAK
You see? Pointless! Let's go!
DIB
No, wait! You can't just accept things as they are! Why'd you allow the Resisty to protect you in the first place?
MEEKROB
We've been influenced from above for some time now. It's become second-nature. We allowed resistance to the Irkens because our existence was at stake, but now our existence has been sealed, there's little point. Whoever wins, we cease to be.
DIB
Don't you care what happens to you?
MEEKROB
In the grand scheme of things, we are all nothing.
Dib, desperate, looks at Tak, who's getting rather smug at Dib's flustering. At that point, Dib becomes determined, and faces the Meekrob once again, to Tak's surprise.
DIB
I can't accept that! Sure in a million years or whatever all this will be dust, but that doesn't mean you don't matter! Everything leads to everything else! What you do, here, now, can change the face of existence, and no-one has the right to determine it for you! Take your destiny into your own hands! As a people! As a species! As a race! You've evolved too far to be scared of taking the next step! C'mon! Please!
The Meekrob think it over for a sec, looking at each other, until abruptly they all change back into their original forms.
MEEKROB
The big-headed boy's short, intellectually-stunted speech has changed my outlook on life! No-one can determine what we will end up to be except us! We shall take the next step on our own!
MEEKROB 2
You don't mean...the Awakening?
MEEKROB
I mean precisely the Awakening.
MEEKROB 3
But what will happen to us?
MEEKROB
We can't be scared of taking the next step...
The Meekrob stay still for a moment, contemplative, while Dib looks fatally confused. Then, gradually, the Meekrob begin merging with each other, coalescing into an aqueous, glowing blue blob. Dib looks even more confused, and even a little scared, as he and everyone else take a step back.
EXT: RESISTY BASE
Spleenk hurries the last few Resisty on-board a landed ship, some on stretchers, and lastly Shloonktaplooxis screaming his head off and ramming the last few people into the hatch. Spleenk closes it behind him and the hull lifts off the ground, pouring rubble all over the place as it blasts out. Beneath it a hole has appeared, and a few seconds later Zim appears, beating back hands trying to place cow bells, sailor suits and plugs on him. He pulls a rock over, seals the hole, and sighs. Then he looks up.
ZIM
Hey! They can't start a war without me! That's cheating!
Zim looks around for a moment then brings out his communicator.
ZIM
GIR! Respond!
GIR (O.S
Wow! I can't believe I got on the air!
ZIM
GIR. Stop that. Right now. I do not like where you're heading. Activate the Voot Cruiser and head towards my co-ordinates! Zim must have GLORY!
GIR (O.S
Hi pig! Hi cow! Can you hear me?
ZIM
Just come and get me!
Zim deactivates the comms, and in a lull in the fighting he picks up a beeping sound amongst the wreckage. Clambering over piles of rubble, he finds the bomb ticking down on the desk reading "13:47:06". Zim's eyes widen.
INT: INTERROGATION ROOM
Sounds of battle are emanating above the chairs Skoodge and Tenn are tied into. They're looking up, a bit puzzled.
TENN
I think everyone's gone.
SKOODGE
You think so too?
TENN
Well, we shouldn't have long to wait. Either we get chucked in the guard-house for being operational liabilities, or we get blown up! We should look on the bright side.
SKOODGE
What d'you suggest?
TENN
How about, after all this is done, we find some ship lying about and head off wherever, getting away from all this. What do you think about that?
SKOODGE
Sounds like fun!
TENN
Cool! But what's keeping Pudge up?
SKOODGE
Well give him a break, he does have to travel 3,000 light-years...
At this moment, Pudge falls through the ceiling.
SKOODGE
Brilliant timing! How was the trip?
PUDGE
PUDGE TAKE ECONOMY-CLASS! PUDGE HAVE CRAMP!
TENN
Awww...well, you can work it off setting us free. How's that?
PUDGE
PUDGE SMART! PUDGE FIND HELP!
A flicker of smoke behind Tenn makes Skoodge and her turn around to see Jin-Jin burning off the restraints.
SKOODGE
Good boy!
PUDGE
PUDGE IS NOT BOY!
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE.
Larb is sitting, self-assuredly, alone, in the middle of a vast chasm atop a small rock. Ahead of him, a gargantuan flotilla of drones is heading down the chasm towards him. He notices behind him that another flotilla is heading towards him in the opposite direction. His self-assuredness begins to dent, and continues to do so until the army is right in front of him. He is now more than a little terrified as we see him through the camera of a destroyer bot, outlined in red, blinking "enemy" repeatedly. Under this gaze, he finally snaps.
LARB
THIS ISN'T FUNNY, GUYS!
Along the sides of the chasm, Megadoomers decloak and proceed to pound the armies along both directions into oblivion with their DOOM cannons. Surprise is total, and through the wreckage Battle Tanks and Maim Bots scurry through picking off whatevers left. Meanwhile, the Invaders clamber down the sides of the chasm, beaming at the sight of a perturbed Larb.
LARB
Okay, I get the message. "What goes around comes around". Ha ha, very funny, GET MOVING!
The Invaders salute, still smiling, and all except Yuli scurry off towards their own activities. On his belt, Larb picks up a comms unit and yells into it.
LARB
General message to all troops! Their back's been broken! Now's the time for the offensive! FOR THE IRKEN EMPIRE, SOLDIERS! TO DEATH OR GLORY!
Cheers can be heard as forces around Larb rush towards battle. Larb, pleased with himself, turns to Yuli.
LARB
I'm gooooood!
YULI
Uh-huh...
INT: MEEKROB CAVERNS
The Meekrob continue to merge, sucking in all in their path. However, one pauses before entering. Another one next to him is puzzled.
MEEKROB 4
What's wrong now?
MEEKROB 5
I dunno. It seems kinda "new-agey" to me.
Abruptly the coalescing blob surges forth and engulfs Meekrob 5.
MEEKROB 4
Wuss.
Meekrob 4 enters the Awakening, and it continues to grow.
EXT: RESISTY BASE
Zim is clutching the bomb, desperately trying to find a way to get rid of it. The timer now says "06:32:21"
ZIM
Come on GIR come on GIR come on GIR come on GIR come ONNNNN! ZIM DOES NOT DESERVE TO MEET DEATH! Aaaaa...where's a toilet when you need one?
A jet noise provides relief for Zim. Assuredly enough the Voot Cruiser has arrived, the cockpit opening up to reveal GIR and Minimoose.
GIR
NEED SNACKS NOW!
MINIMOOSE
Squeak!
ZIM
GIR! Not a moment too soon! We need to get this bomb away or...
Abruptly, Skoodge, Tenn, Pudge and Jin-Jin appear from out of frame to jump into the Voot Cruiser.
SKOODGE
Hey! You brought a ship for us! That's so nice of you!
TENN
I'd love to chat, but we're kind of in a rush.
GIR
You bring snacks?
SKOODGE
We'll get some on the way home!
MINIMOOSE
Squeeeeeak!
The Voot Cruiser closes up and lifts off into the stratosphere, leaving Zim in the lurch with a very large thermo-nuclear bomb about to blow up. Looking up into the battle-filled sky, he starts screaming. A lot.
EXT: MEEKROB ORBIT
Above the planet surface, a Vort ship stands watch, positioned between the surface and the planet's moon.
INT: RESISTY SHIP
Shloonktaplooxis is fretting in front of a flashing computer screen while Lard Nar watches the planet closely from his chair, concentrating.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
Ooh! Aah! Eek! No, don't take my silos! Awww! This game ain't no fun with no hands!
Lard Nar takes no notice, merely watches and waits.
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE
The battle goes swimmingly. Frontline Battle Mechs charge ahead of the Maim Bots wrecking havoc while long-range artillery, aerial and orbital bombardment take out huge swathes of drones. But the fighting is still intense and explosions ring out across the front-lines.
LOGISTICS OFFICER (O.S
Squad 337 is running out of ammo!
MECH OFFICER (O.S
There's too many things to shoot!
GRUNT (O.S
We're isolated. A little help could be appreciated!
EMERGENCY OFFICER (O.S
06-13-point 7. Technical fault. Bail bail bail.
LARB (O.S
We have the upper hand! Do not let up the attack!
EXT: FORWARD HQ
From atop a Plasmarin Battle Tank, safely behind the front lines, Larb screeches orders into his comms channel while Yuli looks through a pair of binoculars beside him.
LARB
C'mon! A little full-scale warfare never hurt anybody!
YULI
Don't you think it'd be more encouraging if you actually joined in?
LARB
After what you pulled last time? No thank you. And give me those binoculars!
Larb grabs the binoculars off Yuli.
LARB
Short of this planet blowing up, nothing can stop us now.
EXT: RESISTY BASE
Sure enough, the signpost "ironic comment" is entirely accurate. Zim is going certifiable, trying to get rid of this device, going from cavern to cavern, at one point hiding the bomb under a pile of rocks and pretending it wasn't there. The clock now reads less than a minute, and the situation gets to Zim.
ZIM
SOMEONE SAVE MY INSIDES!
Just then, in an opening, Zim spies the catapult prepped for launch. Exhausted and terrified, he runs over to the catapult, shoves the bomb on, and hits the launch panel so hard it breaks, sending the bomb hurtling into space. Zim looks up, gasping.
INT: RESISTY SHIP
Shloonkaplooxis' game of Command and Conquer isn't going so well.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
How am I supposed to win this? This game is blatantly rigged!
LARD NAR
Victory will be ours in seconds. Just watch the planet.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
Okay, I'm watching! But if I don't see nothing, someone's gonna give me a refund!
Shloonktaplooxis stares out the view-screen while Lard Nar maintains his irritable disposition. However, after a few seconds Shloonktaplooxis notices something.
SHLOONKTAPLOOXIS
Hey, what's that?
Lard Nar turns to Shloonktaplooxis.
LARD NAR
What's what?
A meteorite-like object streaks past the ship, speeding towards the moon behind them. Lard Nar looks in that direction for a moment, delays reaction, then screams.
EXT: MEEKROB ORBIT
The moon explodes in a colossal, epoch-shattering explosion, the shock-wave hitting the ship full-on and sending it spiralling amongst the debris.
EXT: MEEKROB SURFACE
As the exploding moon lights up the sky, a drone falls to the ground with a fizzing of electronics while Invader Pesto clambers on top of it, utterly exhausted and feeling battle-weary. But then, Larb jumps on Pesto and strikes his "triumphant" pose.
LARB
The battle is won for all of Meekrob! A triumph of ingenuity and skill against ALL odds leading us to final victory in this valiant struggle!
Pesto tries to lean up, but Larb extends an Irken flag and shoves it into the back of his head while lost in ego.
LARB
We have all done the Irken Empire proud! A victory that will be sung down the ages and glorified in the annals of Irken history! No longer can the Tallest deny me my triumph! Nor anyone, or anything else!
And now, a weird, blobbish object bursts through the ground and sends Larb reeling. All around the Irkens, the ground is opening up and blue-ish tendrils spreading out and smashing Irken machinery against each other. Firepower is useless and the Irkens run for their lives. Atop this monstrosity, Dib, Tak and Gaz ride on top of Tak's Ship, directing events according to what they see. Dib is having the time of his life.
DIB
Now THIS is what this trip should've been like!
Dejected on the ground, Larb sees where this is headed and reaches for his comms.
LARB
MEEKROB IS LOST! MEEKROB IS LOST! FULL RETREAT! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
The Meekrob-blob continues on its rampage, swallowing tanks whole and spitting their crews out as far as they can go. Irkens scramble here and there for the ships out of this nightmare, and whichever ones don't leave fast enough are thrown into orbit to speed them up.
EXT: RESISTY BASE
Zim stares at the sky and emits a sigh of relief, but starts hearing a smacking sound behind him. Worried, he sees the Meekrob blob towering over him while Dib is smacking a bat onto his hand in an obvious threat to him. Tak, Gaz and Tak's ship are there as well, and all of them have smiles on their faces. Zim gulps.
INT: RESISTY SHIP
The bridge is smashed, and the crew is scattered everywhere, buried under debris. They all groan and try to get up. Lard Nar levers himself on a console.
LARD NAR
Is everyone all-right?
Spleenk looks up, nursing his head, when he notices something in the view screen.
SPLEENK
Lard Nar! Look!
Lard Nar looks, and witnesses the surface of Meekrob being gradually covered by a blue-ish blob. The Third Fleet is leaving hurriedly, and the destruction of the moon has left orbit littered with asteroids. The Meekrob have awakened.
LARD NAR
Oh...dear...
Lard Nar looks shocked, turning to perplection when he notices something yelling loudly coming from the surface.
EXT: MEEKROB ORBIT
Zim hurtles into the Resisty ship, yelling loudly, smashing it against an asteroid in orbit.
INT: RESISTY SHIP
The Resisty are left in an even more dilapidated state than they were, twitching and convulsing. Meanwhile, implausibly, Zim calmly gets off, brushes himself off, and heads towards the life-pod hatch. We hear the life-pod launch as he enters.
EXT: TAK'S SHIP
The ship is heading through space. In the meantime, Dib is describing his anecdotes.
DIB (O.S
And the Meekrob made me their Official Ambassador!
INT: TAK'S SHIP
Tak is getting increasingly irritated at his exuberance, while Gaz is pretty much remaining in the same state she always has.
DIB
ME! OFFICIAL! I'm an OFFICIAL now! Do I see YOU being an official, Tak? Or YOU Gaz? No! They made ME Ambassador! MEEEE!
TAK
Gaz, please punch him.
GAZ
No-one tells me what to do. Even if it involves punching, I won't do it.
TAK
Well, okay, I have to admit, very VERY grudgingly, that you did alright. Maybe, JUST maybe, this all turned out for the better thanks to you. So how about we both combine our efforts as far as the Irkens go? You know...you tag along giving advice while I run the show and operate the ship. How does that sound?
Tak glares at Dib for a moment, only for him to return a devious grin.
TAK
What?
EXT: PLANETOID SURFACE
On a nameless planet in the middle of nowhere, Tak is left carrying her belongings and MiMi is left beside her, while Dib, wearing a helmet along with Gaz, has fixed a fake smile on his face.
DIB
Well it's been VERY nice working with you, Miss Tak, I think it's best we go our seperate ways. You know, spend some quality time APART. I'm sure you understand...
The cockpit closes and the ship jets off back to Earth. Tak glares at him leaving, her flickering hologram turning back into her Irken form.
TAK
You may think you have the upper hand, Dib. But my reach goes further than you know. Particularly into that ship you're so convinced is yours...
We pan from the surface of the planetoid...
EXT: EARTH ATMOSPHERE
...into the Earth atmosphere, tranquil for a moment until Zim's life-pod spirals through it, creating a huge impact off-frame.
INT: ZIM'S HOUSE
GIR is watching TV and sucking a brain freezee while Minimoose floats nearby. The door slams open to reveal Zim, smoldering from the wreckage, stumble through the house towards the couch. GIR takes no notice.
ZIM
(calmly) GIR, where is Skoodge?
Without turning, GIR holds out a slip of paper towards Zim, which he takes and proceeds to read out loud.
ZIM
"Dear Zim Tenn and I have borrowed the Voot Cruiser for a while will return it soon Skoodge"...
Zim, lost in depression, rips the letter up without any effort and stands stock still for a moment before picking up GIR and throwing him at Minimoose in a show of frustration.
INT: MASSIVE CONTROL BRAIN ROOM
The Control Brains from earlier are now discussing the day's events.
CONTROL BRAIN 1
This is highly irregular.
CONTROL BRAIN 2
The plan is compromised.
CONTROL BRAIN 3
Its structure was impeccable, something more serious is wrong here.
CONTROL BRAIN 1
A miscalculation?
CONTROL BRAIN 2
There may have been a variable we had not anticipated.
CONTROL BRAIN 3
What could this variable be?
CONTROL BRAINS
Analyzing.
The control brains flicker and calculate until a decision is reached.
CONTROL BRAIN 1
There is consensus.
CONTROL BRAIN 2
The variable has been detected.
CONTROL BRAIN 3
Its location is Earth.
CONTROL BRAIN 1
We must eliminate this variable.
CONTROL BRAIN 2
It is causing events we cannot foresee.
CONTROL BRAIN 3
It must not interfere with the plan.
CONTROL BRAINS
NOTHING MUST INTERFERE WITH THE PLAN...
Fade to black...