Security blasted through the door, laser guns blazing. "Where is 'e?" One burly guard roared. "Where is th' little bugger?"

"Dib's got it!" Someone yelled.

The guards rushed Dib, who threw up his arms and cried, "No, wait, it's safe now! It self-destructed."

Suspicious, the guard growled, "Gimme a look-see." Obediently Dib turned GIR over, his heart catching at the sight of his gray, unresponsive eyes.

"Yep, all clear." Security mumbled reluctantly.

"Blast that idiotic little machine! Membrane spewed vehemently. "He destroyed the test subject."

Clutching GIR, Dib ran over to Zim's still form. His PAK was flashing furiously, red and orange and pink. Dib cautiously unlocked his restraints and turned him over on his stomach. Breathing a quick prayer, he laid his ear against the PAK and was rewarded by the sound of an irregular humming and whirring.

"He's okay, Dad." His relief fueled aggravation. "GIR broke something, but Zim's PAK is sending nanobots into his system to repair the damage."

"Who is GIR?" His father frowned.

Dib cursed his slip. "Uh, the robot, he used to be Zim's."

His father's eyes gleamed. "Fascinating. And he lived with the alien all this time? Think of the data we could harvest from it!" The professor drew nearer, his hands stretched out hungrily.

Dib backed away. "Hold up, Dad, what about Zim? I thought we were going to deal with him. I'll hold onto the robot for now and we can pull him apart after we're through with Zim."

Membrane paused, glancing quickly at the other scientists in the room. Satisfied that they were busy dealing with the remains of Dr. Iyka, he grabbed Dib's shoulder and guided him to the far corner.

"Look, son, I realize these past few weeks have been difficult on you and you're a bit confused, but what is going on in your mind?"

Dib swallowed. "What do you mean?"

"You are hiding something from me, I think." He held up a gloved hand to silence Dib's protest. "And I want something to be perfectly clear, son. If it's anything about this project and the test subject, you must tell me. A lot of very important people are interested in this, son. It could mean big money for my research. It could also open up some very important connections for you and your work. Think about it, son. Credibility for your claims, credibility!" He beamed brightly and strode off.

Dib clenched his arms around GIR. "You could have given me credibility. One word from you would have backed everything I ever said."

Muttering that he needed to use the bathroom, he dashed out of the room and pelted down the hall.