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Betareader: Drop of the Sweetest Poison
You can read about Status at my profile.
Fifteen terrestrial years later…
There was a big celebration in a distant but important solar system for the Irken Empire. For several years, the empire had unsuccessfully sent the most experienced invaders to conquer a small white planet. Each one of them had been discovered, caught, tortured, and, after not revealing information about their objectives, murdered.But now the empire could say that on the planet Rangia, a flag with the Irken symbol fluttered proudly over the royal palace, which had been reduced to ruins.
Those involved in the operation knew that it had had the greatest danger and risk than any other in the Irken military history. Though, the danger and risks only pertained to the invaders, not the entire armada.
The most difficult problem in the mission had been to circumvent Rangians, who had a strong psichic union with each other, and due to the previous failed attempts, they had developed a sophisticated detection technology. It was dangerous to enter their civilization without preparing properly an artificial emulator for that mental connection and a flawless disguise. Zim had known about it when he was assigned to that planet, and to everyone's surprise, within two days he had prepared and implemented a plan that the majority called suicide. This plan called for firing the Final Cannon Sweep while he remained on Rangia, confusing the enemy psychic waves long enough before the moment Rangians could regain control. It would be too late for them to develop a counterattack. But with the shadow of his past still upon him, many had expected, and especially hoped for, his failure.
They had spent a complete year on Rangia. Six invaders and two elite invaders were required to conquer this planet. Tallest Spork had been ecstatic about this invasion, and soon, he would greet and acknowledge the invader responsible of this victory if, indeed, they were able to heal him at the medical unit, which was where he had been heading.
When there was a new acquisition, the medical unit was completely deserted. Only rarely had someone been injured in battle. For him, that clear balance reflected nothing but their invasive improvement the Empire had developed in recent years following the expansionist desires the earlier Tallest had designed but never implemented.
That's why it was strange to see a group of doctors working hard around someone lying on an operating table in the center of the room. So concentrated were they trying to save the invader's life that no one had noticed him, not even when the Tallest peered over their heads, hovering in circles around them.
The wounded irken, rather than complain about the wounds, cursed at their incompetence to seal his injuries, demanding them to stop. While he was trying to get up through resisting hands, he threw punches and kicks, further hampering their work.
One of the kicks landed on a doctor's stomach, spiraling him backwards towards the Tallest, who absentmindedly side-stepped the projectile. For Tallest Spork, it was a clear signal that the team was overly concerned about Zim. If Zim could defend himself perfectly in that state, then what he really only needed was rest and a snack, which was obviously not one of their well-stocked reserves.
Although it was indeed amusing to view the scene, Tallest Spork's time was cut short. Soon he would give a message to all of Irk's civilization with Zim at his side. There had passed three years after his promotion as Tallest. Who would have imagined that Zim could redeem himself before the Empire in such a short time after dropping that low? The time was waning dangerously, so he cleared his throat, drawing the attention of those present who, surprised by the interruption, respectfully greeted their leader.
Zim, noticing the team had become distracted, he leaped nimbly off of the table, sneaking to where he remembered the exit was when he encountered face-to-face, or, rather, face-to-lower-torso, with Spork.
"I see that you are much better than what I have heard, Invader Zim," Spork complimented, bowing his head to inspect the small invader's condition.
Zim was sporting three deep, parallel scratches across a temple, clearly made by the claws of some rangian most likely dead, and they had been poorly sealed by a laser. As far as he could see, Zim had more responsibility about it than the doctors on duty. A white layer of a curative and analgesic adherent material entirely encased his right arm. 'A burn,' Spork thought. Both antennae were hidden under dark metal pieces of similar shape and size to protect and heal any of the multiple sensors that may have been damaged; in this case, these damages would be part of the side effects of Final Sweep Canon.
Spork was correct to think it was the reason of Zim's moodiness. No irken enjoyed having their antennae covered. When they were, irkens were unprotected. They could barely hear, perceive their surroundings, and balance could decrease drastically. It didn't help having a group of nervous, clumsy doctors flocking around Zim, causing more pain than he had already sustained. In addition to his injuries, Zim's uniform was torn and burned in several places where dull gray and orange shades remained.
When Zim realized his irresponsibility before the Tallest and bowed his head respectfully. "I am much better, my Tallest. I am ready for your orders."
Spork smiled tightly and straightened to his full height. He quickly noticed that Zim's pak had a crack in the middle that spiked from the top to below where he could see. This invader might require more than just a snack.
"Perfect, invader. We will have time for that. However, I would like you to allow the medical team to heal you so you are presentable in ten minutes. There is an empire that wants to see the hero conqueror of Rangia." To the doctors, he ordered, "If necessary, reseal those wounds," referring to ones on Zim's face.
One of the doctors took a step towards the towering figure. "My Tallest, I need to inform you that Invader Zim's pak needs urgent repair. Though, it will take hours, perhaps days, to stabilize the damaged core. I sug—" He was interrupted when a blow landed on his stomach, forcing him to double over in pain. At his side, Zim spat, "Zim does not need any of that!" Turning his eyes hopefully to his leader, he reassured, "My Tallest, as soon as my wounds are closed, I will appear presentable for you." He silently challenged the rest of the medical team to speak up in disagreement. Nobody? Really? Perfect.
Tallest Spork smirked. "Invader, I will wait in the Conference Center antechamber." Having no business left in the room, Spork exited to irkens saluting him.
Suddenly, Zim felt nervous for his presentation. It had been a long time since the last time he stood next to a Tallest while receiving congratulations after a conquest. Now, after what had happened with the Luas Incident, as many called Miyuki's death, how would they react to him?
Drowning in his thoughts, Zim was led back to the operating table. However, before he was strapped down, he quickly removed his antennae protectors and flung them at the closest doctor. "You only have five minutes!"
The antechamber of the Convention Center was a small space with dim lighting, a few scattered seats, a computer and snack-vendor machine. It was here that Tallest Spork, guarded by a small group of bodyguards, reviewed the latest data from the GF team, which was responsible for registering the last survivors' resources in a newly-conquered world, such as buildings, scientists, military equipment, natural resources, among others usable things.
Rangia had been chosen for its large deposits of trigamite, a mineral used in preserving the empire food supply. Since Miyuki's reign, the shortage of trigamite was a serious problem Spork finally could solve.
Whether or not Rangia had these trigamite deposits, Spork wouldn't have given up this planet. Irken were too proud to allow a challenge such as this defeat them. Plus, the most effective way to demonstrate Irk's might was to take into their territorial map the legendary, invincible Rangia Empire.
Minutes later, in silence, Zim entered the antechamber with a new uniform that was a bit more loose on the arms, which was normally used by invaders to shield the wounds in their arms without injuring the burn. The wounds of the face were wrapped with a thin, white mesh to protect wounds until they could be removed later. "Sir, please, forgive the delay. I am ready and prepared, now." Although, internally, he was a jumbled mess of nerves.
"It doesn't matter. Everyone is too excited with this conquest to notice the delay. The important thing is that you are standing. Shall we, then?" Spork inquired, indicating an exit nearby, to which Zim nodded excitedly.
As Zim followed directly behind Spork, he glanced behind them to see that none of the bodyguards were accompanying the Tallest. "Er… Sir, you are not escorted," Zim noted ashamedly, scratching at the back of his head.
Spork paused and turned around. Zim hoped that by that action, the bodyguards would realize that they aren't doing their job and revert to their positions surrounding the Tallest. However, Spork explained calmly, "I have canceled your restriction, Invader Zim. Now, you can accompany me alone."
Zim remained in his place for a moment while his brain struggled to process what he had just heard as Spork continued on his way. He was again an irken in the world's, his people's, and the Tallest's, in particular, eyes. Noticing that he was lagging behind, he strided quickly to fall into step with the Tallest a few seconds later in an elevator.
At that moment, Spork was about to congratulate Zim formally for the first time, but he refrained when he took in the other's subtle trembling. His eyes roamed farther down and discovered what he had feared: a slight but steady series of spasms in his abdomen.
Zim's squeedly spooch was pumping dose after dose of natural painkillers, which, in normal cases, only needed a few contractions to alleviate the pain of the irken. These spasms were a clear indication of the great suffering that Zim was dealing with quietly. Maybe some substances produced by the damaged pak was neutralizing the painkiller. Spork sighed. He should just give a brief speech and send Zim back to the medical bay.
The elevator platform, stopping at a level, revealed to them the biggest lounge of the Magnificent, the ship generally used by the Tallest. Within the ship was gathered a massive crowd of irkens who cheered when the most remarkable irken of the moment had arrived.
Zim felt a surge of excitement and pride when he heard his name cried from the mouth of the public without the "Idiot!" or "Die!" added in to remind him of his shame.
When he reached the central rostrum, Tallest Spork levitated closer to the audience that stirred more hubbub. As his hand was raised, the noise died almost immediately. "Courageous irken soldiers, on this day, I am proud and very pleased to announce the collapse of the Rangia Empire under the magnanimous power of our civilization. Many may know that this achievement does not only represent a mere acquisition of our powerful Empire, but it also represents an opportunity to expand our power as never before. You are about to witness the pinnacle of our civilization, in which we will overcome what our ancestors have achieved thus far. This is the result of the hard work done by each one of you. And, now, here he is: the irken who, with his courage and bravery, gave us this great leap towards our future." Spork boomed, stepping aside, allowing Zim to take his steps forward to the crowd that hailed him.
Head held high, hands on hips, Zim shouted, "Yes, Irken comrades! I have proudly conquered the planet Rangia in the name of our almighty Irken Empire! I have shown them the undeniable superiority of our species over any existing ones! We are, by law, the true owners of this universe!"
The Irkens erupted into emotion when this was said. Joy crept through Zim's body, but it lasted for just a moment. He raised his arms in a victory pose, and a violent, agonizing shear of pain slashed his chest, causing a spasm that nearly took Zim to his knees.
Even with the general excitement, irken closest to the rostrum immediately realized the increasingly strong tremors wracking Zim's body. Confused, they quieted and began whispering and pointing subtly at Zim.
Tallest Spork also realized Zim's weakening, and his eyes followed a few greenish drops that fell from his pak. The crack was breaking open much more, so he had to put an end to the ceremony. "Certainly inspiring words, invader. Everyone, your assistance is appreciated, and I congratulate you for your great performance during this operation. You are dismissed. At the exit, you will find snacks."
The irkens forgot completely about Zim as those words pass their leader's lips, and everyone headed towards the exit in a stampede.
Sometimes Spork wondered when the day would come that the Irken will could be bought with snacks. 'My Empire for a snack...' He would probably consider that depending on the snack.
Mentally, Spork ordered the platform to take them back to the waiting room. Upon arrival, both exited, and Spork observed Zim's faltering. The invader fell against the wall and then, onto his knees while the cleft of his pak had begun to copiously shed a liquid. Although the dim lighting of the room didn't aide in distinguishing color, Spork knew that the liquid was not only blood but also the fluid inside the squeedly spooch.
The next thing Zim knew was that he was naked, floating in a tube with a green and transparent liquid, and, in front of him, there was an irken technician whose lower face was hidden by the collar of his dark blue uniform.
The irken technician was busy with what Zim could identify as a pak.
Suddenly, Zim twisted his arms around to touch his back where two thick cables were connected at the points where his pak should have been anchored. Analyzing the room carefully, he began to question why he was there and what was concerning him the most: why was his pak disconnected? Zim hated someone touching something so intimate and important to him.
What if the technician connected something wrong or, worse, unknowingly damaged its core memory?
Growling, he began beating at the solid surface of the tube with tightly-clenched fists, drawing the attention of the other irken.
The technician approached a control panel and, after typing some commands, a microphone emerged from his pak.
"Zim? Can you hear me?"
Zim paused in his attack and recognized him as Feu, the main technician of the Magnificent. Nodding, he hit the surface once again.
Feu had enough experience to know that he had one of those jobs everyone appreciated but nobody would resort to. "We are at the Biological Maintenance Support Center. In a few minutes, your pak will be completely restored. Would you rather stay there meantime or leave now? Don't worry about your life support; those wires into your back will keep you stable until I finish."
Zim nodded again, calmer, giving a weak blow to the surface only to indicate his desire to leave.
Feu typed commands into the computer. A few seconds later, the liquid tube became blue
"You can leave. Just jump out of it."
Zim slowly extended his hands to find the glassy surface, but, to his surprise, his hands felt the outside air without encountering resistance. Zim leaped out, landing gently on the floor, completely dry.
When he had been born, Zim could barely remember the impact of his head against the floor after having been dropped from the incubation tube. If the tubes had had this surface, the birth experience would be much less painful.
Turning around, Feu walked to the workbench to work again on the pak. "I am surprised that even though your pak received so much harm, you were relatively unharmed," he commented. With a long, thin tool, he began sealing the device "What happened?"
"An imperial rangian guard tried to stop me when I infiltrated the palace," he said, sliding his uniform black pants back to his waist. "Those damned guards. Everyone has steel-plated claws. I hope the survivors will get their whole arms cut off." Glancing at his shirt, he knew he would have to wait for his pak before he could put that on. At least he was no longer cold and embarrassingly naked.
Minutes later, Feu discarded the tool, and connected a wire that was hanging from the ceiling to an entry in Zim's pak.
"What are you going to do?" Zim inquired, suspicious.
"Loading an update of your data," Feu replied, scanning a screen.
Surprised, Zim questioned, "How long I was asleep?" That question had been drifting around in his mind since he had awoken, but he had forgotten it when he discovered that his pak wasn't attached.
"Around... Eight days."
Zim preferred not to comment.
Shown on the computer screen was a series of data that was downloading to the pak. Once all the data had been downloaded, the screen flashed a message confirming its completion.
Zim's data sheet called his attention. Concerned, Zim protested, "Why is my status 'inactive'?"
"I don't know. That has been your status since you entered the complex, and—Don't look at me like that! If you want explanations, I'm not the right irken to ask. You will have to ask the Tallest; it was his decision." Removing the wire from the pak, he exclaimed, "Ready!"
After a slight touch, the pak hovered to Zim, who promptly disconnected the cables of his back and felt the comfort of the pak's weight being attached to him.
"One more thing, Zim. Tallest Spork has ordered that once you are in perfect condition, go find him. The time doesn't matter."
Hurriedly, Zim tugged his shirt over his head. "Where is he?"
Feu, who was storing his equipment, responded without turning, "Now?" His pak indicated the time. "In his personal wing, most likely."
Zim headed to the Tallest area, located in the center of the Magnificent.
At the entrance, there were two guards standing. Without hesitation, Zim approached. "My Tallest has ordered that I grace my wonderful presence before him."
One of the guards nodded and whispered a few words to a communicator at his temple. A second later, he received a reply, and the doors were opened.
Behind them stood one of the leader's personal servants. He gestured for Zim to enter. "The Tallest is busy talking with the General of the Army and the Grand Counselor right now, so you have to wait until they are finished." Zim pouted but said nothing.
He was taken to a small room where he took a seat, watching the servant enter a room in which three voices could be heard, one of them belonging to the Tallest. Suddenly, he felt curious and lifted his antennas in the direction of the room, eavesdropping on the conversation.
"How long, did you say, until construction is completed?" That was definitely the voice of the Tallest.
"One period, my Tallest. As you can see at this level, the snack chamber and the steering system are being assembled, and six percent of the total internal equipment is currently in production." Zim wasn't sure if that voice belonged to the General of the Army or the Great Counselor.
"It is also necessary to discuss about the current cannon." From that, Zim knew the voice had came from the General. If they were only three in the room, except for the servant, then the other voice was definitely the Great Counselor's.
"There is the possibility of building a new and more powerful cannon without delaying the construction of the ship. This is the final design of the new cannon." There was a moment of silence "Even—" There was another short break. "—in this section, there may be enough space for its installation." They silenced.
Zim imagined they expected the Tallest's opinion, which didn't take long.
"According to these charts, the construction of this new cannon will require a large amount of materials the Empire doesn't currently possess. Are you suggesting that we find a planet where those resources can be found?" Tallest Spork suspiciously asked.
"That's right. There is a small defenseless planet here," The General said, "that is against our might. The resources needed for the construction of the cannon are there. It may take a couple of days to invade with any invader moderately effective."
The silence was longer this time until the Tallest spoke again with a more serious, pensive tone. "Did you decide it was the only planet? Are there are no reserves in either of our colonies of these materials?"
"No, everything was used in the underground expansion of Irk," the Great Counselor said. Silence again.
"Leave the information about the planet, and I will assign an invader later." Finished the Tallest
Zim smiled. If they needed an available invader, then he would get rid of that horrible "inactive" status. He would have to convince the Tallest to assign him that mission.
A minute later, the entrance was opened, allowing two irkens almost as tall as Spork to leave.
One of them wore a uniform as red as his eyes with the insignia of the Irken militia on his left shoulder—General Red of the Irken Army.
The other one, exactly as high as the first, wearing a black robe with purple decorations as his eyes—Grand Councilor Purple.
Behind them, the Tallest remained sitting pensively, eyes trained on a large screen.
Zim stood up and saluted them. They didn't bother to look at him. The servant also left the room. "You may enter," he announced.
'Finally,' Zim thought as he was led to a seat beside the Tallest, who had not shown signs of noticing his presence.
The first thing Zim examined was the main screen of the room that the Tallest watched intensely. The screen showed drawings, designs and images of a striking red ship with irken symbol in the upper hull beside the image of a small orange planet, together with a series of graphs. Beneath the images "Massive" was written.
Zim recalled having heard rumors about a ship above the Magnificent, but he was not able to believe that there might be something better than it. To Zim, the Magnificent always seemed extraordinary, but that ship "Massive" was simply, well... massive.
"I see that you are well," the Tallest commented, his attention on Zim. "I couldn't tell you this that day, invader: Congratulations, you did a great job in Rangia. I can't be more proud of you."
Zim knew he had done a perfect job. Zim always did an impeccable work, but he felt differently when hearing it directly from the Tallest, congratulations directed solely towards him. With a big smile, Zim replied, "Thank you, my Tallest. I couldn't feel any better. Indeed, I cannot wait for a new mission."
"Speaking of which, invader," interrupted the smiling leader, "there's something I wanted to talk about with you."
Zim began to imagine the words the Tallest would say when he assigned him that orange planet.
"I noticed that you have done an amazing and steady job in recent months, and the Empire appreciates your services and self-sacrifice on its behalf. That's why," Zim's enthusiasm began to rise, "I've decided to—" 'Assign you a new mission,' Zim thought excitedly.
"—give you a vacation. Congratulations! Not every invader gets that," Spork smiled broadly at the same time Zim's mouth dropped open. His brain took a second to process what he had just heard. "But... My... My Tallest! I am ready for another mission! That's my job! That's why Zim is so great! There is no obstacle or enemy that can stop me! I know you have an available mission! I'll take anything!" Zim cried, jumping out of the armchair.
"It is the perfect opportunity to rest from battles. Besides... I won't say I'm not satisfied with your last conquest, but you exposed yourself much more than the prudent limit. Zim—" Zim antennae perked up. Spork barely called anyone just by their name. He only did it when he was talking more like Spork than like a Tallest "You have done great. The Luas Incident won't ever be forgotten, you know that, but what you have done for the Empire is more than every irken at the conference hall could have done in all their lives. Don't push yourself much more."
Zim wasn't going to give up. "But, I don't want to! I am an invader! I can't feel calmed without plotting my amazing invasi tactics! This is what I enjoy and do best! This is what the Empire needs! I can do any mission you ask!" Zim bawled, stomping on the floor.
The Tallest gave him an inquisitive look. After thinking quickly, he smiled and asked with an innocent voice, "I heard your S.I.R. was destroyed in the explosion at your base."
"Yes, it was a good robot, I must say. Nothing I wouldn't have expected. It's a shame I had to leave it in charge of the base while I dealt with the imperial family," Zim said, nodding, obviously implying his greatness.
"So, Zim, you simply don't want to take vacations?"
Zim vigorously denied. "No, why would I? Zim need no rest!"
After a silent moment, the Tallest sized Zim up for a moment, arms crossed. A smile slowly crossed his face, and he stood excitedly. "Okay, Zim. If you want a mission so much, I do have the right one. Do you accept whatever it is?"
Zim nodded immediately with a "Yes, Sir."
Addressing the computer, the Tallest ordered, "Computer, summon Investigator Jink-Da."
On the screen, a short irken was taking off her protective helmet and wearing the same dark clothes Feu had. Behind her, equipment could be seen working on a small, shinny artifact. "My Tallest, what can I do for you?" she asked, bowing.
"Investigator Jink-Da, I require you to tele-transport Project Filler into the Magnificent security vault B immediately." Zim noticed a slight twitch of Jink-Da's antennae at the mention of the project.
"My Tallest, it is my duty to remind you the threat Project Filler might represent if teleported inside the Magnificent."
Doubtless, the Tallest answered, "It's a risk that I am well aware of. The computer will implement every necessary security measure for its arrival." The transmission was cut when she needed to bid farewell to her leader.
"Zim, follow me," Spork ordered, and both left the room.
They entered an elevator that descended them into the vault.
"As you may know, our vortian investigator, Jakasin, died a few weeks ago in our complex research of artificial intelligence," Spork said to Zim, who nodded. "He led two projects of great importance to our army and, especially for you, the invaders. But his sudden death left them unfinished, and the documentation of both works was... err... devoured by one of the projects."
"Why 'devoured'?"
"This project is completely unstable and can be especially dangerous if given the chance. For that reason it has been confined in our high security vault at our research station on Irk." As soon as they arrived at the vault, they noticed a small group of soldiers guarding it. Inside, there was a mobile teleporter installed, obviously newly-planted for the event. A male voice from the mainframe announced, "My Tallest, your consent must be reconfirmed for reception."
"Allow incomes," Spork ordered.
Immediately on the teleporter a red light briefly appeared. A floating silver thermos materialized in the center with a tiny antenna sprouting out of the top with a small blue sphere at its end.
The Tallest approached and tapped the antenna, which opened silently to eject a small inert S.I.R. unit that dropped to the floor.
Zim examined the little robot a few seconds and found no evidence of activity on it. "I think its kind of... not good..." Zim expressed hesitantly.
"No," answered the Tallest, "according to the few documents that were saved, it's a mechanism of confusion. The enemy will think it's incompetent. Get it?"
Zim nodded skeptically, not quite understanding the usefulness of such a mechanism and responded with a tap of a finger to his chin, "I see..."
A beep sounded, calling to their attention. The S.I.R. activated, and he was sitting on the floor, his tongue poking out. Zim noticed that the sections normally red in the body of the robot were light blue, including its eyes.
Widely grinning, the S.I.R. waved to Tallest Spork and screeched, "Hello, Mister Giraffe-man!"
Spork sighed. "Invader, this is G.I.R., a.k.a. Project Filler, your new S.I.R. unit."
The little robot, with a jump, threw itself at the invader, wrapping its arms around him in a crushing imitation of a hug, and, with the same enthusiasm that it had greeted the Tallest with, it shouted into his antennae, "Hello, new Master! I love you as much as a ducks love tea cups" The S.I.R. became lost in his thoughts for a few seconds before it crazily prattled, "Today is the pink elephant's birthday! Hooray!" and a shower of confetti was expelled out of its head.