DISCLAIMER: I don't own Invader Zim. It belongs to the almighty and
supreme Jhonen Vasquez.
Though I do own Austy and the Intergalactic Peirken Alliance.
" The usual Ms. Lotch?"
The clerk gazed toward the being in front of her. Slender and covered in knob-like projections, Ms. Lotch had appendages that lacked digits. Her large saucer-like eyes peered down at the smaller form beside her.
"Please," answered Ms.Lotch. "Thank you Austy."
The smaller creature beside Ms. Lotch fixed his mesmerizing eyes on Austy.
"Mama? Why does she look so different?" he exclaimed, extending his arm at the cashier.
"Airamas! Don't be rude and stop that pointing!" said Ms. Lotch as she looked at her son.
She rolled her eyes as she turned again to face Austy.
"Thanks again," she said as she started for her table.
"Your quite welcome," replied Austy.
Austy sighed as she leaned against the counter. It had been a little over a week now on Foodcoutia now, she assumed. Although it may not have seemed as long had she been on Earth. Foodcourtian days were more than twice as long as a daily Earthen rotation. Turning her head, she noticed her employer sanitizing a filthy table. Catching her gaze, he gave her a stern expression. Austy knew by now that it was his way of saying that she hadn't messed up anything yet and to keep up the good work. In fact, she had been on much better terms with him. Her socialization skills had vastly improved over the past week. Although Austy wouldn't exactly call the conversation between she and Sizz-Lorr friendly, but at least it was somewhat pleasant.
A piercing sound caused her to instantly pull her herself to a standing position. She wished her false skin wasn't covering her antennae, for her hearing was muffled already. She brightened as a familiar cyclopean blob creature entered the restaurant. It was Eric. A respected technological engineer and ShlooGorgh's best customer. It wasn't surprising to see him wailing as he approached the register. Eric was very sensitive not unlike Austy. Gosh, she had learned so much about the customers in a relatively short time.
"What's wrong Eric?" said Austy as she prepared to take his usual order.
"Oh you know. Nothing in particular," he stated, wiping his single eye.
"By the way I have a favor to ask," whispered Austy.
Eric at once stopped sobbing, as it made him proud to be inquired for help.
"I'm along now in the repair process of my vehicle but I'm not exactly a mechanic. The only way I've learned so much is from taking things apart and reassembling them. My parents have also showed me a thing or two. But what I'm trying to say is I have no idea what kind of engine to install into this thing," said Austy.
"Well," continued Eric also in a whisper. "From your description the other day, I would say it is a skywinder 9.5. Not a bad craft. Hmm. "
Eric resumed after a brief pause.
"The best choice would probably be a Latgo automated system. They're very good. Efficient and relatively silent."
Austy felt her face flush as she caught her employer's narrowed violet eyes upon her.
"Thank you for coming to ShlooGorgh's," she boomed
When Sizz-Lorr had gone back to his scrubbing, Austy resumed.
"Thanks so much," she said grinning at Eric's orange face.
"Anytime," responded Eric. "If you have any further questions, feel free to ask," he said, taking his seat.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Today was oddly a slow day. It was a relief to Austy. She now knew why Sizz-Lorr was irritated with his job. After all, he did put in many more hours a day than Austy and the other employees. Eyes fixed on the entrance; she waited for someone, anyone to enter. A noise that sounded like a miniature explosion emitted from the kitchen, distracting Austy from the doors. Gashloog suddenly appeared from the back, coughing while smoke poured from the kitchen.
"Uh, Sir?" he choked out as peered through the gray cloud toward Sizz- Lorr. "We're having problems with the grill."
Sizz-Lorr groaned.
"Again?! That's the third time in two weeks!" he moaned as he stormed towards the kitchen. "Let me take a look," he said as he ushered Gashloog aside.
Even though he probably wouldn't know where to begin, he refused to not even attempt. After several minutes of aggravated grumbling, Sizz-Lorr finally emerged from behind the faulty appliance.
"I'm a cook not a mechanic!" he shouted angrily. "I'm calling in a professional."
Meanwhile, Austy had heard the whole thing. Pondering on whether or not she should intervene, she finally found the courage to go for it.
"Excuse me sir?" she asked timidly.
"What?!" said Sizz-Lorr.
"I've overheard your situation and just thought I would ask if I could have a look?" said Austy waiting for her negative response.
Sizz-Lorr chuckled to himself at her request. What could she possibly do?
"Sure. Why not?" said Sizz-Lorr with an edge of sarcasm.
Austy immediately galloped into the back, hoping that Irken grills were similar to human stoves. Sizz-Lorr crossed his arms as he suspiciously eyed her progress. Pulling the tool kit closer, Austy carefully examined the delicate electronic panels. As she scanned the mechanisms for the tenth time, she spontaneously rose, startling those around her.
"The problems right here," she said pointing to a single row of paneling. "And it's not major at all."
Sizz-Lorr however was still sketical.
"Oh then, I guess you wouldn't mind explaining it to me then," he said slyly.
"Certainly," replied Austy. "We'' you've got 500 volts of electricity surging through this cord," she began. "You see this contraption," she asked gesturing towards a tiny apparatus covered in colored bands. "It's called a resistor, and it's there to try and prevent an electrical circuit overload. This entire line of resistors is shot," she said pointing to a panel off to the right. "That's not good. The electricity entering the grill is too much. It will cause the internal coil conductors to heat improperly probably causing the generated convection waves to unevenly hit the cooking surface."
She took a breath as she discarded the defective circuit board. Next she replaced with an entirely new board.
"With this new panel, you shouldn't have any more problems. I just hope there wasn't any internal damage," she stated gazing at her handiwork.
Sizz-Lorr stared at her in astonishment. He had no idea that Austy was such a techno-whiz.
"I. you.but." he stuttered.
"Permission to return to my post, Sir?" asked Austy.
Sizz-Lorr waved her off still shocked at her underlying ability. The violet-eyed Irken turned to Gashloog.
"How's it working?" he asked.
"As good as new," replied Gashloog.
Sizz-Lorr shook his head as he gazed at Austy.
"I gain more respect for her everyday," he thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Great news!"
A pair of ruby eyes switched from the device in front of her to the anxious being behind. She removed her goggles, curious to his remark.
"What is it Denton?" she asked trying to contain her suspense.
"Only the best thing to happen to the intergalactic Peiken Alliance in 10 years, Ma'am!" he exclaimed, his antennae bouncing with excitement.
"Go on, continue! And please call me Lynne! You know we don't rank by height," she said, her scarlet eyes glittering.
"A member of the Irken Empire has been discovered on the planet. Her name is Tenn and it has just been confirmed that she was definitely sent to invade," said Denton.
"Has my husband been informed yet?" asked Lynne.
"He was one of the first to know. as he was the one to make the discovery," replied Denton, his magenta eyes focused on Lynne.
"Thank you," said Lynne as she dashed out of the research lab.
Punching in the access code computerized voice instantly activated.
"Destination?" it questioned.
"Ground level," replied Lynne.
As soon as she stepped into the chamber, she was instantly rocketed upward. She only hoped her husband would be in his usual meeting place.
Turning the corner, she immediately recognized Sirrus' lean silhouette.
"Sirrus!" she called to him.
The emerald-eyed Irken rapidly wheeled around, searching for his wife's voice.
"Sirrus, I just heard the news," said Lynne as she approached the platform he was standing upon.
"I always had suspicions that an Irken Invader would be sent to Meekrob," said Sirrus.
"I never doubted you for a second," said Lynne as she leaned her head on her husband's shoulder.
There was a long pause between them.
"But you know now that it's bee-" they both spoke simultaneously.
"You go on," said Lynne.
"Alright," started Sirrus. "Well, we've been on Meekrob for nearly 10 years allowing no communications lines for our own safety," Sirrus continued. "But.what about our daughter's safety? You know, not a day has gone by when I haven't wondered whether she is safe."
"I know," replied Lynne. "We haven't spoken to her since we've landed on Meekrob. Austy's probably scared to death. I think it's time to call and tell her she can leave Earth and travel with us. She's old enough."
"I've got a better idea," said Sirrus. "Why don't we just stop on Earth and surprise her! She'll be so happy!"
"Oh I suppose. But we've got to do it quickly and inconspicuously," said Lynne.
Sirrus nodded as he embraced his wife. They both gazed out across the spectacular natural landscape of Meekrob. Lynne looked out at the glittering stars overhead as she sighed deeply.
"I wonder if she's looking at the same sky," thought Lynne sadly.
"I miss her so much," said Sirrus.
"Me too," replied Lynne.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I wonder where they're at this moment," thought Austy as she gazed out into the Foodcourtian night sky.
It was after closing time at ShlooGorgh's and she was just finishing off wiping off the tables. After replacing her bucket, she tossed her dirty rag into the laundry pile and waved goodbye to Gashloog and Caspos. Sizz- Lorr looked up from his pile of dishes. He removed his hands from the sink. He wanted to catch Austy before she left. If she was going to take his place during the Foodening, then she was going to have to start working in the kitchen.
"Austy! Wait! Come here for a second," he called to her.
Austy trudged back into the kitchen.
"Alright, what did I do wrong this time?" she said, jokingly.
"Ha, ha. Very funny," responded Sizz-Lorr. "Actually, I wanted to say I was impressed by your skills today."
"Yes, and?" said Austy, confused as to where this conversation was leading.
"And I'm promoting you to the kitchen tomorrow," he said. "That is if you can handle it."
Austy frowned slightly. She was just beginning to enjoy being a cashier. And was the kitchen REALLY a promotion? Swas slightly confused. Success was too early.
"Of course, Sir," she replied. "I'll be sure to be here bright and early. Thanks."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gazing at all the unfamiliar machinery, Austy tied her synthetic hair back. She mentally paged through the information Sizz-Lorr had just given to her.
"Remember Austy," she thought to herself. "Dispensers on the right, fryer on the left." Adjusting her goggles, she peered at the electronic board, which would display the customer's orders. Gashloog gazed back at her.
"Are you ready, Austy?" he asked.
"I think so," she replied.
Good, cause we are now open."
A customer approached the counter who Austy recognized as Dref.
"Welcome to ShlooGorgh's! Can I take your order?" said Gashloog.
Dref gazed around before coming to stare at Gashloog.
"Hey, where's Austy? She knows what I always order. I want her to serve me," said Dref.
Gashloog frowned.
"Well sorry to disappoint you for my presence, but Austy been promoted to the Kitchen," replied Gashloog, gruffly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The day was going well until. the restaurant became busy. ShlooGorgh's became flooded with customers all demanding their orders. Austy wondered how long she could keep up this pace, for the board kept flashing one request after another. Sweat poured from beneath her synthetic skin as she struggled to dispense, fry, prepare, whatever the order called for. Suddenly feeling faint, she tried to fan herself off. But it only made it worse. She could feel her Irken face blaze with heat beneath her human exterior. It soon became clear to Austy that she could not stay ahead of the orders without being ubiquitous, which was impossible. Not when she felt so dehydrated anyway.
"I have to remove the mask," she thought to herself.
No! She couldn't do that. There were too many people that could see her.
"I must be imagining things. The smells are getting to me," she thought placing her hand to her forehead.
Getting back to work, she couldn't help but panic when everything began to swirl around her. Feeling suddenly nauseous, she dragged herself away from the hot grills over to the cool freezer. It was not helping, however, due to the contained heat of her false face.
"I have to remove this thing before I die of hyperthermia!" she exclaimed to herself.
(*A/N That's HYPERthermia, the opposite of HYPOthermia)
Scanning her surrounding, she uneasily edged toward the inviting subzero temperatures of the freezer, not caring about the overlapping orders, which now covered the electronic board.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"My frylord?"
Sizz-Lorr gazed up from his task as he tuned in to the voice.
"What is it?" he said as he approached the counter.
"Sir, it's just that that new shipment has just arrived and is waiting outside," stated Gashloog.
"Good, I was expecting them to arrive soon," said Sizz-Lorr as he exited the restaurant.
After retrieving the load of boxes, he glanced at their labels.
"These all need to go back to the freezer," he thought as he again scooped up the stack.
Upon entering the kitchen, the first thing he noticed was that it was messy. Then he saw that it was vacant. Sizz-Lorr scowled.
She's been terrific all day and now she has to blow it," he thought. "Where is that girl?"
"Austy! You've got customers waiting for their orders!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The cool air had done her good. Austy watched as her breath crystallized in front of her. Only a few minutes ago had she stopped sweating. She looked down at her human face gripped tightly in her palm. But she didn't care if she was exposed right now. All that mattered was to eliminate the nausea and dizziness that still shook her. Taking in several deep soothing breaths, she did not hear the freezer door creek open behind her. Just as she was beginning to feel better, she turned herself around, heading for the door. She stopped dead in her tracks as she found herself staring at her employer. His deep eyes looked even more intimidating than usual. Fumbling for her human disguise, her slippery hands forbid her from sliding it over her face.
Sizz-Lorr gasped as he dropped the boxes. This person couldn't be who he thought it was. He stepped forward only to gaze at the face he had seen everyday for one and a half weeks..on the floor. He was too shocked to speak and only muttered incomprehensible gibberish.
Austy collapsed onto to the floor as she felt her whole life flash before her.
'I'm done. The end is near."
*This was longer than I planned it to be. Anyway hope ya like this chapter. The mushy romance stuff is coming up soon. Hope I'm doing all right so far. Nothing out of character, right?
" The usual Ms. Lotch?"
The clerk gazed toward the being in front of her. Slender and covered in knob-like projections, Ms. Lotch had appendages that lacked digits. Her large saucer-like eyes peered down at the smaller form beside her.
"Please," answered Ms.Lotch. "Thank you Austy."
The smaller creature beside Ms. Lotch fixed his mesmerizing eyes on Austy.
"Mama? Why does she look so different?" he exclaimed, extending his arm at the cashier.
"Airamas! Don't be rude and stop that pointing!" said Ms. Lotch as she looked at her son.
She rolled her eyes as she turned again to face Austy.
"Thanks again," she said as she started for her table.
"Your quite welcome," replied Austy.
Austy sighed as she leaned against the counter. It had been a little over a week now on Foodcoutia now, she assumed. Although it may not have seemed as long had she been on Earth. Foodcourtian days were more than twice as long as a daily Earthen rotation. Turning her head, she noticed her employer sanitizing a filthy table. Catching her gaze, he gave her a stern expression. Austy knew by now that it was his way of saying that she hadn't messed up anything yet and to keep up the good work. In fact, she had been on much better terms with him. Her socialization skills had vastly improved over the past week. Although Austy wouldn't exactly call the conversation between she and Sizz-Lorr friendly, but at least it was somewhat pleasant.
A piercing sound caused her to instantly pull her herself to a standing position. She wished her false skin wasn't covering her antennae, for her hearing was muffled already. She brightened as a familiar cyclopean blob creature entered the restaurant. It was Eric. A respected technological engineer and ShlooGorgh's best customer. It wasn't surprising to see him wailing as he approached the register. Eric was very sensitive not unlike Austy. Gosh, she had learned so much about the customers in a relatively short time.
"What's wrong Eric?" said Austy as she prepared to take his usual order.
"Oh you know. Nothing in particular," he stated, wiping his single eye.
"By the way I have a favor to ask," whispered Austy.
Eric at once stopped sobbing, as it made him proud to be inquired for help.
"I'm along now in the repair process of my vehicle but I'm not exactly a mechanic. The only way I've learned so much is from taking things apart and reassembling them. My parents have also showed me a thing or two. But what I'm trying to say is I have no idea what kind of engine to install into this thing," said Austy.
"Well," continued Eric also in a whisper. "From your description the other day, I would say it is a skywinder 9.5. Not a bad craft. Hmm. "
Eric resumed after a brief pause.
"The best choice would probably be a Latgo automated system. They're very good. Efficient and relatively silent."
Austy felt her face flush as she caught her employer's narrowed violet eyes upon her.
"Thank you for coming to ShlooGorgh's," she boomed
When Sizz-Lorr had gone back to his scrubbing, Austy resumed.
"Thanks so much," she said grinning at Eric's orange face.
"Anytime," responded Eric. "If you have any further questions, feel free to ask," he said, taking his seat.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Today was oddly a slow day. It was a relief to Austy. She now knew why Sizz-Lorr was irritated with his job. After all, he did put in many more hours a day than Austy and the other employees. Eyes fixed on the entrance; she waited for someone, anyone to enter. A noise that sounded like a miniature explosion emitted from the kitchen, distracting Austy from the doors. Gashloog suddenly appeared from the back, coughing while smoke poured from the kitchen.
"Uh, Sir?" he choked out as peered through the gray cloud toward Sizz- Lorr. "We're having problems with the grill."
Sizz-Lorr groaned.
"Again?! That's the third time in two weeks!" he moaned as he stormed towards the kitchen. "Let me take a look," he said as he ushered Gashloog aside.
Even though he probably wouldn't know where to begin, he refused to not even attempt. After several minutes of aggravated grumbling, Sizz-Lorr finally emerged from behind the faulty appliance.
"I'm a cook not a mechanic!" he shouted angrily. "I'm calling in a professional."
Meanwhile, Austy had heard the whole thing. Pondering on whether or not she should intervene, she finally found the courage to go for it.
"Excuse me sir?" she asked timidly.
"What?!" said Sizz-Lorr.
"I've overheard your situation and just thought I would ask if I could have a look?" said Austy waiting for her negative response.
Sizz-Lorr chuckled to himself at her request. What could she possibly do?
"Sure. Why not?" said Sizz-Lorr with an edge of sarcasm.
Austy immediately galloped into the back, hoping that Irken grills were similar to human stoves. Sizz-Lorr crossed his arms as he suspiciously eyed her progress. Pulling the tool kit closer, Austy carefully examined the delicate electronic panels. As she scanned the mechanisms for the tenth time, she spontaneously rose, startling those around her.
"The problems right here," she said pointing to a single row of paneling. "And it's not major at all."
Sizz-Lorr however was still sketical.
"Oh then, I guess you wouldn't mind explaining it to me then," he said slyly.
"Certainly," replied Austy. "We'' you've got 500 volts of electricity surging through this cord," she began. "You see this contraption," she asked gesturing towards a tiny apparatus covered in colored bands. "It's called a resistor, and it's there to try and prevent an electrical circuit overload. This entire line of resistors is shot," she said pointing to a panel off to the right. "That's not good. The electricity entering the grill is too much. It will cause the internal coil conductors to heat improperly probably causing the generated convection waves to unevenly hit the cooking surface."
She took a breath as she discarded the defective circuit board. Next she replaced with an entirely new board.
"With this new panel, you shouldn't have any more problems. I just hope there wasn't any internal damage," she stated gazing at her handiwork.
Sizz-Lorr stared at her in astonishment. He had no idea that Austy was such a techno-whiz.
"I. you.but." he stuttered.
"Permission to return to my post, Sir?" asked Austy.
Sizz-Lorr waved her off still shocked at her underlying ability. The violet-eyed Irken turned to Gashloog.
"How's it working?" he asked.
"As good as new," replied Gashloog.
Sizz-Lorr shook his head as he gazed at Austy.
"I gain more respect for her everyday," he thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Great news!"
A pair of ruby eyes switched from the device in front of her to the anxious being behind. She removed her goggles, curious to his remark.
"What is it Denton?" she asked trying to contain her suspense.
"Only the best thing to happen to the intergalactic Peiken Alliance in 10 years, Ma'am!" he exclaimed, his antennae bouncing with excitement.
"Go on, continue! And please call me Lynne! You know we don't rank by height," she said, her scarlet eyes glittering.
"A member of the Irken Empire has been discovered on the planet. Her name is Tenn and it has just been confirmed that she was definitely sent to invade," said Denton.
"Has my husband been informed yet?" asked Lynne.
"He was one of the first to know. as he was the one to make the discovery," replied Denton, his magenta eyes focused on Lynne.
"Thank you," said Lynne as she dashed out of the research lab.
Punching in the access code computerized voice instantly activated.
"Destination?" it questioned.
"Ground level," replied Lynne.
As soon as she stepped into the chamber, she was instantly rocketed upward. She only hoped her husband would be in his usual meeting place.
Turning the corner, she immediately recognized Sirrus' lean silhouette.
"Sirrus!" she called to him.
The emerald-eyed Irken rapidly wheeled around, searching for his wife's voice.
"Sirrus, I just heard the news," said Lynne as she approached the platform he was standing upon.
"I always had suspicions that an Irken Invader would be sent to Meekrob," said Sirrus.
"I never doubted you for a second," said Lynne as she leaned her head on her husband's shoulder.
There was a long pause between them.
"But you know now that it's bee-" they both spoke simultaneously.
"You go on," said Lynne.
"Alright," started Sirrus. "Well, we've been on Meekrob for nearly 10 years allowing no communications lines for our own safety," Sirrus continued. "But.what about our daughter's safety? You know, not a day has gone by when I haven't wondered whether she is safe."
"I know," replied Lynne. "We haven't spoken to her since we've landed on Meekrob. Austy's probably scared to death. I think it's time to call and tell her she can leave Earth and travel with us. She's old enough."
"I've got a better idea," said Sirrus. "Why don't we just stop on Earth and surprise her! She'll be so happy!"
"Oh I suppose. But we've got to do it quickly and inconspicuously," said Lynne.
Sirrus nodded as he embraced his wife. They both gazed out across the spectacular natural landscape of Meekrob. Lynne looked out at the glittering stars overhead as she sighed deeply.
"I wonder if she's looking at the same sky," thought Lynne sadly.
"I miss her so much," said Sirrus.
"Me too," replied Lynne.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I wonder where they're at this moment," thought Austy as she gazed out into the Foodcourtian night sky.
It was after closing time at ShlooGorgh's and she was just finishing off wiping off the tables. After replacing her bucket, she tossed her dirty rag into the laundry pile and waved goodbye to Gashloog and Caspos. Sizz- Lorr looked up from his pile of dishes. He removed his hands from the sink. He wanted to catch Austy before she left. If she was going to take his place during the Foodening, then she was going to have to start working in the kitchen.
"Austy! Wait! Come here for a second," he called to her.
Austy trudged back into the kitchen.
"Alright, what did I do wrong this time?" she said, jokingly.
"Ha, ha. Very funny," responded Sizz-Lorr. "Actually, I wanted to say I was impressed by your skills today."
"Yes, and?" said Austy, confused as to where this conversation was leading.
"And I'm promoting you to the kitchen tomorrow," he said. "That is if you can handle it."
Austy frowned slightly. She was just beginning to enjoy being a cashier. And was the kitchen REALLY a promotion? Swas slightly confused. Success was too early.
"Of course, Sir," she replied. "I'll be sure to be here bright and early. Thanks."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gazing at all the unfamiliar machinery, Austy tied her synthetic hair back. She mentally paged through the information Sizz-Lorr had just given to her.
"Remember Austy," she thought to herself. "Dispensers on the right, fryer on the left." Adjusting her goggles, she peered at the electronic board, which would display the customer's orders. Gashloog gazed back at her.
"Are you ready, Austy?" he asked.
"I think so," she replied.
Good, cause we are now open."
A customer approached the counter who Austy recognized as Dref.
"Welcome to ShlooGorgh's! Can I take your order?" said Gashloog.
Dref gazed around before coming to stare at Gashloog.
"Hey, where's Austy? She knows what I always order. I want her to serve me," said Dref.
Gashloog frowned.
"Well sorry to disappoint you for my presence, but Austy been promoted to the Kitchen," replied Gashloog, gruffly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The day was going well until. the restaurant became busy. ShlooGorgh's became flooded with customers all demanding their orders. Austy wondered how long she could keep up this pace, for the board kept flashing one request after another. Sweat poured from beneath her synthetic skin as she struggled to dispense, fry, prepare, whatever the order called for. Suddenly feeling faint, she tried to fan herself off. But it only made it worse. She could feel her Irken face blaze with heat beneath her human exterior. It soon became clear to Austy that she could not stay ahead of the orders without being ubiquitous, which was impossible. Not when she felt so dehydrated anyway.
"I have to remove the mask," she thought to herself.
No! She couldn't do that. There were too many people that could see her.
"I must be imagining things. The smells are getting to me," she thought placing her hand to her forehead.
Getting back to work, she couldn't help but panic when everything began to swirl around her. Feeling suddenly nauseous, she dragged herself away from the hot grills over to the cool freezer. It was not helping, however, due to the contained heat of her false face.
"I have to remove this thing before I die of hyperthermia!" she exclaimed to herself.
(*A/N That's HYPERthermia, the opposite of HYPOthermia)
Scanning her surrounding, she uneasily edged toward the inviting subzero temperatures of the freezer, not caring about the overlapping orders, which now covered the electronic board.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"My frylord?"
Sizz-Lorr gazed up from his task as he tuned in to the voice.
"What is it?" he said as he approached the counter.
"Sir, it's just that that new shipment has just arrived and is waiting outside," stated Gashloog.
"Good, I was expecting them to arrive soon," said Sizz-Lorr as he exited the restaurant.
After retrieving the load of boxes, he glanced at their labels.
"These all need to go back to the freezer," he thought as he again scooped up the stack.
Upon entering the kitchen, the first thing he noticed was that it was messy. Then he saw that it was vacant. Sizz-Lorr scowled.
She's been terrific all day and now she has to blow it," he thought. "Where is that girl?"
"Austy! You've got customers waiting for their orders!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The cool air had done her good. Austy watched as her breath crystallized in front of her. Only a few minutes ago had she stopped sweating. She looked down at her human face gripped tightly in her palm. But she didn't care if she was exposed right now. All that mattered was to eliminate the nausea and dizziness that still shook her. Taking in several deep soothing breaths, she did not hear the freezer door creek open behind her. Just as she was beginning to feel better, she turned herself around, heading for the door. She stopped dead in her tracks as she found herself staring at her employer. His deep eyes looked even more intimidating than usual. Fumbling for her human disguise, her slippery hands forbid her from sliding it over her face.
Sizz-Lorr gasped as he dropped the boxes. This person couldn't be who he thought it was. He stepped forward only to gaze at the face he had seen everyday for one and a half weeks..on the floor. He was too shocked to speak and only muttered incomprehensible gibberish.
Austy collapsed onto to the floor as she felt her whole life flash before her.
'I'm done. The end is near."
*This was longer than I planned it to be. Anyway hope ya like this chapter. The mushy romance stuff is coming up soon. Hope I'm doing all right so far. Nothing out of character, right?