Here it is, the last chapter! After all this time, the story is finally finished! Woot!

I actually had a hard time ending it, so I apologize in advance for the crappy ending.

I also wanted to say thanks to all those who have been following this story and written reviews. You guys rock! Especially The Architect MkII, Karivan, Invader Meow, wrrohm, and Gamefan.

So, anyway, enjoy!


Chapter 14: Epilogue

"The surprise attack was a rousing success," stated the towering figure of the middle computer as it and the two others loomed over Vim, "Caught disorganized and unprepared, the Irken fleet was severely damaged by our onslaught."

"Unfortunately," the left computer chimed in, "There were quite a few casualties on our side as well. We lost, uh... over half our total fleet in the battle, with the remaining ships all severely damaged."

"Truly a glorious day for the Empire!" squealed the right computer happily, "The families of those Flargians who gave their lives for the victory over the evil Irkens will receive an autographed copy of our FunRoms as well as a nice fruit basket."

"Don't forget the complimentary packet of condiments!"

"Oh, yes, of course! How could I possibly forget those! Yes, truly, our generosity knows no bounds."

"There is another consequence to our rather, er... Pyrric victory, Solider," the middle computer cut in between the two other's jabbering, "With all of our fleet down for repairs, and with the numbers reduced as they are, we're having a hard time holding the Empire together. As a result, we can't really justify invading another planet just at the moment."

"Which includes Earth," piped up the right computer quickly.

"So," Vim stated slowly, "You're saying I'll have to remain on this watery rock for a while yet?"

"Only until our fleet is repaired and replaced," the middle computer stated quickly, "We estimate no more than thirteen standard galactic rotations."

Vim's jaw dropped as she stared at the holographic projections of the computers in front of her.

"I see you're speechless from pride," the left computer stated, "Don't worry, though! I'm sure we'll get around to conquering earth real soon now. In the meantime, continue your operations there. Attempt to subvert the world governments, gain information, make sure the Irkens don't take it before us, that sort of thing."

"End of Line," all three stated together before fading, leaving Vim in the dark room in her house.

She mulled over this wrinkle in the plan for a moment before turning to Rid who was happily making toast-angels with scissors, "Rid! I have a plan. Come with me!"

Out in space, the massive Irken starfleet, bruised and battered, sat in various states of repair. The Massive itself was in dry-dock, the second time it's needed such repairs since the incident with the Resisty.

Both Red and Purple were in foul moods. They had failed to conquer earth. They had failed to get the ToastSnacks(tm). And, somehow, they knew Zim was responsible. The viewscreen flickered form a moment before Zim's face appeared on the screen.

"My Tallest!" the sycophantic Invader greeted, "I have to warn you about a treacherous trap being laid for when you invade Earth!"

Red's left eye twitched spasmodically. "We know, Zim," he said, trying to keep his voice level, and managing with an effort, "We ran into it. I thought you said the Earthanoids didn't have any space presence to speak of?"

"Eh?" Zim asked, blinking his red eyes, "They don't, my Tallest. Those ships were from the vile race that I told you about earlier. The one with designs on my assignment and who left these inferior snacks." Zim raised the captured box of ToastSnax(tm) in front of him before glaring accusingly at them.

Both Red and Purple's jaws dropped. "Wait," began Purple, "You mean to say that the Earthanoids don't even HAVE ToastSnacks(tm)? That it's some OTHER race? And that we almost invaded that horrible rock for no good reason!"

"What we mean to say, Zim," Red cut in quickly, "Is that we have a new mission for you on Earth. We want to know more about these aliens who have the ToastSnax(tm). Divert all your attentions to finding out about them. Especially where their homeworld lies!"

A confused expression passed over Zim's features. "But, my Tallest, what about the invasion of Earth?"

"We, uh, we think you have the situation well in hand there, Zim," Purple quickly stated, "No need for the fleet to go there, really, when you're quite capable of handling them, right?"

Zim smiled smugly and nodded, "Your wisdom shows through like the blinding rays of a reactor going critical. I am so amazing, true, that using the fleet to conquer this pathetic ball of dust and liquid would be a waste. Very well! I will continue with my brilliant operations to crush these foul bone-sticks. And, of course, gather the other information you seek."

"That's great, Zim," Red stated dismissively, "Just be sure to get us the coordinates to these new aliens' homeworld. Now if you excuse us, we have to laugh derisively at one of the Snackologists here. Bye now!" The transmission abruptly cut off.

Dib walked through the door to his house and abruptly collapsed on the floor, face first. He was a mess, but managed to drag himself further inside. He blinked, though, at the scene before him. There was his sister playing a GameSlave, but right beside her was Vim, also engaged in the activity.

With renewed vigor, Dib stumbled towards them, speaking excitedly, "Vim! You will never guess what happened! After you ran, I succeeded in saving the earth!"

"Uh huh," Vim responded without a trace of care, continuing to stare at the screen.

"You see, I tried to warn the people of earth, but no one would believe me," Dib babbled on, "So then I thought: Hey! I can use the asteroid repulsor to lob asteroids at the aliens! It worked like a charm."

Vim paused briefly in her game playing then turned slowly to regard Dib with a murderous expression. "YOU were the one lobbing asteroids everywhere?"

"Yes," Dib stated proudly, "I saved the earth! Ha! Humans one, Zim's race... uh... none, I guess."

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Vim shrieked, about ready to pounce on the pointy-haired child, but paused then flopped back into her seat, returning to her GameSlave, "After this game."

Dib staggered back, hesitated, then ran for the upstairs.

Vim smiled thinly as she played on the GameSlave, "Y'know... I think I'm going to like it here."

The End