note: I have to confess. I have absolutely no idea where this story is going to go in the future, and I'm basically just making it up as I go. It's working, right?

The Massive was buzzing with activity as it headed back towards planet Irk. Defenses were being raised, lasers readied, shields activated. And all because of just one...single...Irken...

Tallest Red gnawed at his pen in frustration. Why was he so nervous? It was Zim for Irk's sake! But something had made him flinch inside; was it the look on Zim's face, the tone of his voice, the actual threats he made, or all of them put together? He glanced over the table at Purple, who seemed equally as nervous. When he nodded, Red played the C.D. again:

"Greetings Tallest. I expect you want a good laugh out of this message, but don't get your pathetic hopes up.

After my Invadership was so nicely crushed by you, I've decided to...as they say here, even the score.

Enjoy your last days on The Massive, they'll be the last you ever know. I may, or may not, have help, but regardless:

you'll die like the so many you've killed with just three...simple...words..."

Seeing the video again made Red shudder. He thought about the "words" Zim was talking about. "Fire organic sweep..." Purple muttered, burying his face in his hands and throwing his small handheld computer across the room. "What are we going to do?" Red asked, bowing his head.

"Fight, I guess."

"But it would be so easy for him to get through to us!"

"Raise defenses."

"I don't think that'll help at all."

"IT'S ZIM! What could he possibly do?"

"Any Irken dedicated enough could do what he's going to do... or at least try..."

Then, a thought occurred to Red. Purple evidently thought of the same thing, and a faint expression of hope crossed both their faces.

Simultaneosly, they uttered this word:

"...maybe..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

note: short, yes, but I'm afraid it was necessary.