Chapter 4

Sen followed the shorter Irken through the maze of artificial tunnels that wound in metallic glints beneath the planet's surface. Here and there a mellow beacon could be seen overhead, dimly illuminating each corridor. A faint draft of heat wafted past the two figures as they walked, seemingly spilling from the lower chambers where the main lab and large computer components resided. The warmth did nothing to lighten the unpleasant temperament that hovered and clouded the atmosphere, however.

Neither spoke.

A silent reminder of the current purpose of their companionship lingered in the air, although uneasiness was plain upon their faces alone. Left to their own thoughts and hopes in regards to the unsettling fate of their very race, conversation had become somewhat meaningless, somehow comfortless. It could be logically presumed that similar feelings lingered within each thin form, uneasiness mounting as the place in which something had to be accomplished grew closer.

Without speaking, Zim motioned in the direction of the entrance to his main lab sector, and followed the emerald-eyed soldier into the violet-hue basked chamber slowly. He strode to the large console in the center of the room.

Sen stopped once he was mid-way in the dull-glow, glistening circuit chamber, waiting as Zim brushed past him and made his way to the computer against the far wall. He could see the set of the short Irken's shoulders as he leaned over the console. Although the situation was grim, and his fate uncertain, the mock-invader showed no signs of distress. His movements were seemingly unhindered by disturbed thoughts or emotions, lacking the heavy pull of hopelessness. Almost as though he was untouched by it all...

Almost.

Sen knew that despite the outward display of nonchalance, his disfavored companion was indeed worried. Perhaps frightened, even. Not that Sen could blame him for that. It was a none too pleasant occurence to learn of a fatal disease that just happened to be residing within one's own body. If anything, Zim should at least be angry with him, and for good reason. Kicking himself mentally, the green-eyed being stared at the wall in shame. He had screwed up royally. It was certain that the Tallest would be more than a little disapointed. Hopefully he would be able to redeem himself somehow. With a little luck, perhaps. In any case he needed a plan. A guideline to go by regarding the amount of time required, the procedures to follow...

It still felt like there was too much to grasp, so much to accomplish...By the Armada, he needed time to think! And he was pretty sure he wasn't the only one. He stole a glance at Zim, who had a hand hovering above the controls in front of the computer. He knew that Zim had taken them on a detour through his underground base. Taken plenty of time to reach this one chamber, which had an entrance shaft just a few feet from his current position. And for that, oddly enough, Sen was thankful.

At the press of a gaudy button, the screen fizzed to life, audio outputs heaving a small sigh. The spherical room brightened somewhat, and the pseudo invader found the lump in his throat grow a little less pronounced. Assuring that his voice was detatched and even, the proud little Irken pursed his lips and looked steadily at the hum-screen.

"Computer."

A bored noise poured from the speakers, a resigned response.

"Yes?"

Ruby orbs narrowed in slight annoyance at the disrespectful tone. It was neither the time nor place for such vocal mannerisms...

"I need you to help in the concoction of a cure, computer."

A slight flicker of the screen revealed a snit of curiosity on the computer's part.

"A cure? For what mutagen and purpose, may I ask?"

It looked like a bud of interest had blossomed into pretense politeness. Zim ignored it. He turned to the taller figure who was staring resolutely at the monitor, glossed eyes narrowing at the computer's choice of tones. Hearing the click of his host's boots as he turned to face him, face resuming its blank expression, his eyes the only misgiver of emotion, Sen crossed his arms and nodded. Taking a few steps toward the console, a small portion of his pack clicked open and produced a vial, which he grabbed and held out to his fellow soldier. The pak snapped shut, sounding much like a heavy door slamming in the silence.

Zim took the vial and raised it to his eyes for closer examination. The deep green fluid fizzed against the inner walls of the small container as it was turned from side to side. It moved sluggishly for a liquid, more like the human topping called syrup than regular water. Shrugging against the unrecognizable contents within his gloved palm, the extraterrestrial swiveled in the direction of the screen and yanked at the stopper on the bottle. Carefully, he poured its contents onto the analysis pad that the computer had already popped open in anticipation of discovering what the compund was. The extended panel slipped back into the system and the computer hummed over its contents, Zim watching the screen aprehensively. Behind him, Sen eyed the monitor sadly, grimly aware of the solutions origins. He looked away at Zim's next inquiry.

"Computer. What is the analysis of the compound?"

The computer seemed to pause for a moment, unsure or unsettled by its findings. Needless to say, it's hesitance did nothing to ease its master's mind. Rather than let worry pass across his features, however, Zim settled on venting his frustration. He balled a fist and brought it down hard upon the keyboard, glaring into the screen that had paused, void of the details and diagrams it had collected on the substance.

"Computer!"

The screen flickered solemnly for a moment, then flashed the desired components across itself in characteristic vivid encryptions.

"Analysis complete" a tint of surprise still lingered in the artificial voice "Substance is Irken blood. Well, was. Originally..."

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Woo. Sorry for the incredible delay! We finally got our furniture (after two months!) And its just been unpack, unwrap, unfold....Bleck! XP

Also, I've finally got the first installment of the Gaz and Tak romance up (co-written with my sister, who FINALLY got an account with some persuasion...:P under her penname 'Choking on Glitter') So, feel free to check it out. Any form of response would be greatly appreciated!

And thank you thank you to all of my reviewers!!! Read on for responses, if you don't mind that kind of thing ;)

Inversinsanity: Hee. Sorry it took so long to feed you! I promise to try to keep the characters in character, although I have the horrible tendency to...make them a little...funky. :P

Juujinkan: Ah, if only I could get my little mind to crank out longer chapters...I frustrate myself sometimes with that aspect. Truth is, I'm super lazy XP. The reason for Zim and the Earth will be explained later on, although I admit the MAIN reason is because I love the little guy too much to make a story that doesn't revolve around him in some way...

Durana-Kal: Aw. You know what? I was thinking along the same lines when I read any of your insanely awesome stories. I can't describe it very well, but the way that your sad one-shots flow in an almost poetic fashion, and the visual response they create is really captivating. I hope that whatever it is that saddens your life eats something horrible and...eh...takes a vacation. I look forward to more of your writing, as well. Don't keep us fellow Zimmers in the dark! Shed light on my fanatic life with more stories :) Please!

All Apologies: Thanks! I'll try not to dissapoint you with future chapters. ;)

Pinky Pseudonym: As always, thanks for your support! Did I mention how incredibly happy it makes me that one with such positively wonderful writing is reviewing my story! Well, I shoudl have if I didn't. XP

Mia M. Turner: Yeehee! ::Does a happy dance:: I'm not the only one! Thanks for your review, it made muh happy!

ShikamaruNoMiko: Ok, if there's anyone here who hasn't read this lady's one-shot...don't linger! You MUST read it, its absolutely wonderful! Yah...I just couldn't imagine Zim getting weak either...he's just too...ZIMMY for that kind of thing VV

Bus Buddie: I...I don't wanna give away the ending, but I promise promise that I love the little guy!!!

What the G stands For: Thanks! Your review made me happy! Hope you liked this chapter :)

IceSugarHigh: I dunno what to say...I'm really sorry that your friend's boyfriend died, and on your birthday, to boot. :(

I just got in an accident a couple of weeks ago, but luckily we were all fastened in...No joke, it works folks.

You're welcome! Thank you for the motivation, you prompted my lazy butt :P Wooo....you must be rich, lady! I hope you got everything you wanted! ;)

Moojuice: ::Knawing on her arm:: Chocolate....if only! : OO You, lady, are not only an amazing writer, but also super sweet and funny. Please review some more, they make me feel so loved! ::looking at your profile:: What?! Another story? ::falls off her chair:: I must read it now!! ::runs toward the computer that has the internet hook up:: QQ ::hugs::!

Chickens: Here's the next chapter, hope you likey! I like your name! XD

Bastet: What?! I didn't know you liked Zim! You should write some stories about it because you rock and I enjoy your stories so much!! Please???!

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