Plain and simple I don't own Invader Zim or the characters I only own the concept of the story.

Dib had made it through the houses defenses easier then he expected since Tak had disabled the main computer brain before confronting Zim. She was regretting this at the moment slapping her forehead at her forgetfulness but she had been 'preoccupied' with Zim to remember to switch it back on.

Seeing Tak again shocked Dib a bit, as he backed up a little "Tak, what are you doing here, I thought Zim sent you hurtling through space in a broken ship last time we met and why are you cleaning?" seeing the bags of trash in her hands.

"Do you have any idea how long it takes to repair Irkin machinery without a central computer DO YOU!" knowing full well she'd be repairing it again which really pissed her off. Also, who was he to just waltz in on official Irkin territory and start tearing things apart, a crime punishable by death.

"So this houses defenses are down huh, good, makes my job all the easier, now where's Zim I've got a surprise for him" sparking the staff a couple times.

"First of all you idiot child Zim's not here, I'm also waiting to destroy him and I will be the soul provider of his doom, second barging in on Irkin territory like you just have can be considered an act of war, so I'd suggest you run along before you do something else you'll regret" she was trying her best to get him to leave knowing that Zim was still in the medical bay resting, and helpless in his state. Besides she had a little steam to blow off from the door and Dib's head on a plate sounded about right at the time. Dib only gave a look of unsatisfaction pulling out a little screen and examining it carefully.

"Your lying my sensors indicate that Zim is somewhere on the second floor of the underground portion of this place and I'm going to find him so back off."

Nobody gave Tak orders except the Tallest and Tak "And if I refuse what are you going to do about it Dib" pulling her gun "Last chance worm boy leave now and I won't vaporize that massive head of yours."

"My heads not BIG why does everyone keep saying that I …. Wait your trying to confuse me"

"Alright but don't say I didn't warn you lets have a go at it shall we?"

They stared at each other waiting for the other to make a move until Tak was going for a shot when the sound of footsteps alerted both of them and a shadow cast on the floor. Zim was limping at best and looking weary, Tak didn't expect this and quickly looked back to Dib who had a smug smile on his face when he saw Zim in the condition he was in which made Tak's blood boil. Then Zim turned to Dib completely ignoring Tak.

"Hello Dib beast, so I see you were able to penetrate my defenses a feat not easily done"

"What are you talking about I've gotten into your base plenty of times you jerk this time it was just easier"

Hanging his head a little lower "Yes, yes, but seriously as you can see I'm in no condition to fight you Dib so I concede my defeat take me away to be studied and all that maybe your Earth scientists will find a use for me cause I sure don't know of any"

Dib just stood there looking like he'd just had a heart attack, Zim was giving up? He'd won? It was over?

"So that's it I won"

"That's what I just said HAVE YOU THE EAR MAGGOTS"

Tak couldn't believe what she was hearing, letting him be taken to be studied like some common animal. No he didn't deserve that after all he had to go through and now this she would have none of it.

"Zim are you crazy or just dumb you can't ju-"

"Stay out of this Tak it doesn't concern you" he snapped to her before facing Dib awaiting the cuffs Dib already had pulled out. "Well I guess I'll actually get to see if these things really do render an alien unconscious," clicking them open with a smile.

Tak wasn't about to give up that easily, she had her own reputation to uphold after all. She had to find something to help Zim aside from killing Dib which the option was becoming increasingly enticing, didn't assure Zim's safety from himself. This had to be a real solution. Then she thought of something, it was risky but desperate times.

Running over to Zim she grabbed his arm and presented the banishment mark to Dib.

"Do you see this lettering Dib, this states that Zim has been banished from Irk and is therefore no longer a solider of the military, or an invader and to prove this is no lie ill translate it for you" grabbing a tiny screen and running it along the wording showing the word banished in English

'How dare she allow him to revel in my misery that information is mine and mine alone.'

Dib read it but his face didn't change "So I can still prove aliens exist with him"

"Actually, according to Irkin law # 237b stats that all banished Irkins become automatic citizens of whatever planet they are banished to or inhabit at the time of the banishment so like it or not Zim is now an official Earthling and is protected as such by the Irkin government from prejudice so what do you have to say to that" she said matter of factly

Dib's jaw had never left the floor through out the entire law recital. Neither of them had won, Zim couldn't very well destroy the planet he had to live on, and Dib couldn't risk an intergalactic war with Zim's people for the sake of one outcast. But now it felt like a burden had been lifted from him, he didn't have to worry about stopping Zim anymore. He was free to go after all the other paranormal phenomenon he wanted. Reaching down he helped Zim to his feet.

"Zim I ugh look I know we have our differences you trying to destroy the world and me … not letting you but it looks like you'll be here a while so maybe we could find a way to co exist maybe become friends.

"Yes Dib beas- I mean Dib seeing as how I am in need of an ally at the moment I will accept your terms for now"

"Ok then see you later space boy" as he left out the front door.

Zim couldn't help but wonder something about what Tak had said about law #237b which instead of being a citizenship law it stated that all maintenance personal in the palace was to wear jalurian intestine around their necks on Tuesdays. And why had she helped him after nearly killing him?

"Hey Tak I have a question for you where are you staying anyway?"