So, I finally figured out how I want for this fic to end.

I almost definitely want more Tallest involvement in this.

But, in the meantime, enjoy Gir appearing again and hunting for the baby! Zim names his daughter! I think I've recaptured some of the Dib/Zim feel in the way they argue in this chapter. I also tried sprinkling some essence of comedy. You guys be the judge!

I look forward to your feedback!

Chapter Eleven- Guns & Ships

Most men hoped for sons. Zim was sure that his child would be a boy; he couldn't see himself having a daughter. First off, he wouldn't know what to do with one. Now that he was free from the Tallest hold, he decided to do this his own way. Zim requested for absence and called for Gir, who disguised himself as a green horse and came rushing towards the camp, mewing like a cat. Zim grimaced at this, although he relented. He needed a speedier service than traditional horseback that would require days of travel and Zim's squeedlyspooch informed him that there wasn't time for the slow, traditional way.

"Okay, Gir. Bring me to my son!" Zim commanded. Madge and Skoodge glanced at one another before Zim took off, the gaggle of men that had rallied to see Zim off wished him luck. Zim grinned, if he had that kind of support alone just from the impending birth of his smeet, he would have them eating out of the palm of his Irken hand in no time at all. He would show the Tallest.

These humans were easier to fool. He stopped asking Madge for the disguising serum he had created, although informed Madge to arrive the next day to mask his son. He would hide Gaz in his base, and would arrange for the computer to take care of the rest while he was gone. Once the invasion was complete, he would be completely faithful to his family. It would be a learning experience, and having this skillset on top of his invader training would make him untouchable.

It only took Zim hours to arrive. He hopped off Gir, who shrilled about the newest arrival. Zim quickly tossed him another disguise with a cloak and beard.

"Where's the baby? BRING OOOOOOON THE BABY!"

"Quiet Gir!" Zim hushed. "Don't make a sound. You're to be the physician I've brought along. Do you understand me? You will analyze my son and fix whatever problems there are!"

Upon the salute of his faithful companion, Zim struck the doorknocker several times before waiting impatiently as Amelia opened the door and placed her hand to her chest as she stepped back with a gasp.

"Mr. Zim. You've arrived."

"Yes, yes, Wife of the Man I Hate the Most. I've arrived to see my Gaz and my son. Where are they nesting? Tell me."

Amelia cleared her throat upon hearing the assumption of gender. "Mr. Zim, there is something you should know about your child."

Zim brought himself to Amelia's level. "Has harm come to my mine? Is he horridly grotesque? Did you damage him in the birth?"

The advancement caused Amelia to step back once more, granting Zim access inside. "No, no. Of course not."

"Then this conversation is over. I'll see my child now."

"Zim."

Zim picked his head up to see Dib standing at the foot of the stairs. His gaze was fixed on the other, glaring down at the alien in the foyer. The men proceeded in a staring contest before Zim shook his head. The distraction was enough for Gir to toddle along past Zim and Dib, climb up the stairs as Amelia watched the little man in action. The cloak trailed behind him, Gir tripping over his beard once before scanning for Gaz and the baby.

"Baby!"

"Damn it!" Dib cursed and ran after the robot, which reminded him of the green dog he saw a while back. They were just about the same height.

"Come back here!"

"I gosta find tha babeh!" Gir squealed, stopping at the door, which rested at the end of the hallway.

Amelia hurried up the stairs after her husband and the robot, hearing the whimpers and cries of the newborn behind the door. Amelia had just put both mother and daughter to sleep and sighed in defeat, glaring at the tiny bearded man.

"Good work, Dr. Gir. You found where they've been hiding. Excellent job, you'll be rewarded handsomely, later."

"YAY!"

"We weren't hiding them, you moron," Dib spat with the following of an eye roll. "My sister and niece are asleep."

"Eh? Niece? Who has a niece?" Zim asked, perplexed.

"I have a niece. You have a daughter, Space Boy."

"Zim has no daughters. Only sons!"

"Zim is about to have a headache after I hit him with the bassinet." Gaz opened the door, appearing less than acceptable, but she cared very little for fashion in her current position post birth.

"You should be in bed," Amelia advised.

"How? With you morons on the other side, waking up the baby. I had no choice but to get up."

"It's not good for you to be up," Amelia challenged. "You just gave birth hours ago."

The last thing Gaz wanted to do was argue with her sister-in-law. She looked up at her brother, who motioned for her to go back into the bedroom. Zim began to follow her inside, taking the cue to be the male and take his mate back to bed. Zim guided Gaz back through the door, ultimately getting his way and neared the bassinet where his child laid.

"Tell me they are fooling Zim and we have a son," the alien said, hopefully. Gaz gave him a hard look before extending her hand as she got back beneath the covers. Zim glanced over at the bassinet and brought the wheeled cart it sat upon closer to the two of them. He angled it towards the candlelight; her hair was beginning to curl around her thick lashes. Zim reached and moved a few curls away to reveal where her antennae would be.

He opened her blankets, to where the baby began to fuss from being disturbed. Zim was determined to see for himself what the baby's sex was. Normally, the curve of the antennae would be a dead giveaway. The child's antennae hadn't yet developed fully and that was okay, he supposed. He used his teeth to pull his glove off, making the physical contact with his child and quickly withdrew his hand back.

"We have a girl," Zim said, flatly.

"What's wrong with a girl?" Gaz asked.

Zim didn't answer right away, continuing his inspection. His animal-like instinct took over, caring for the babe and undoing the final locks of the swaddle, revealing the anticipated sex. He began to wrap the baby back up, fumbling as he went along. Gaz smacked his hand away and proceeded to put the baby back together. The baby began to cry, Gir peered over at the edge of the bassinet, wanting to see the baby fully like a proud older brother robot. Gaz concentrated, new to covering a baby before she began to wail.

Too late. She was in full crying mode and Zim panicked; his eyes wide and alert. Gaz groaned and rocked her gently against her chest. The baby would not settle. She offered the bundle to Zim, who initially withdrew from the idea until Gaz practically forced the baby into his arms. Dib and Amelia hovered by the ajar door, Dib keeping a protective eye over his sister and niece.

The cries began to settle, Zim supported her head, curling the tiny form to his chest. She was delicate, small, reminded her so much of himself when he was born. Although, instead of tears he could form complete sentences. He wondered if the lack of a PAK had anything to do with her lack of speech. She was able to survive without one, breathing fully on her own. He reached behind gently as he made effort to soothe his smeet.

Then her eyes opened. The perfect pair of Irken eyes caused Zim to still. He sat on the bed with the babe in his arms and their eyes connected. She reached out her naked arms, extending for his face as Zim leaned down to see what it exactly was that she wanted. Her small hands made contact and proceeded to feel his face; Zim heard the heartbeat that sounded from Gaz's womb. His eyes and squeedlyspooch softened.

"Does she have a name, yet?" Zim inquired, feeling himself smile for what felt like the first time in decades. He grinned in triumph, he smirked in arrogance, but he never fully or truly smiled. As life often exchanged for death and vice versa, perhaps the falling out with the Tallest made room for Zim to focus on himself and that now included this baby. Nothing was more important.

"Not yet," Gaz replied. "I waited for you."

"Very well. I shall name our daughter," Zim decided and held the baby to where he could see her fully to give her a worthy name. Eyeing Gaz, he wondered if it should be Irken or if it should be human. Either way, he would decide on one to settle the score.

"What's her name?" Gir asked, sitting like a dog at the feet of Zim, facing him and adjusting his head to see him with the baby.

"I'm deciding, Gir."

"What's her naaaame?" The robot's squeal pitched, the baby's stubs twitching as she was deciding whether or not she liked the sound.

"I'm picking one out, Gir," Zim said through gritted teeth as the baby decidedly yawned. He was hopeful that she would keep her eyes open a little longer so he could see her Irken beauty.

"Gazima," Zim tested.

Gaz quirked a brow. "Gazima? Are you trying to ruin our daughter?"

"What? I'm naming her after you."

"Don't. She deserves something….unique. Like Zeta or Zinovia."

"There was a great Invader a long time ago by the name of Zinovia they used to tell us about in the nursery," Zim informed her, watching the baby fight to keep her eyes open before she lost the battle and closed them. "We can always call her Ziva for short." He concluded with a shrug.

"I think it's fitting," Gaz agreed. "Ziva."

"I like Zinny!" The robot squealed; both mother and father hushed the robot child.

"Ziva?" Dib mouthed to his wife, who elbowed him.

Amelia pulled Dib away from the door and took his arm as she guided him towards their bedroom.

"Can we trust him here?"

"He's been subdued by his daughter's charm. I think the danger has passed," Amelia smiled and rested her head upon his shoulder. "I'm glad to see you're so open to the idea of a girl."

"The sex can wander either way. Zim's swimmers just so happened to be stronger on the feminine scale."

"That's quite scientific of you," Amelia pointed out. Dib looked down at her and blushed, actually blushed, which earned a grin from her in return.

"It's obvious. You get either a boy or a girl. I don't think your womb carries the tools that make the decision. That's the man's job. Moreover, science has always been part of me. My dad…"

"I know," she whispered.

Dib shook his head. "I swear to both of you, I'll be around. I promise. I won't miss birthdays, or milestones. I'll be supportive in whatever hobby our child wants to partake in. I'll be supportive of you in your pregnancy. I won't do what he did."

"Shhh," she sensed the growing hysteria, stopping them before the bathroom and embraced him, standing on the tips of her toes. "Ease yourself."

"I'm having a hard time shaking it, Amelia." Amelia proceeded to lead him towards their bedroom. Soon she would suggest a home of their own as this house was crowded enough, although as much as she wanted her own with Dib, she had Gaz to think about until protection was acquired for her and little Zinovia.

"Shake what?" She asked, opening the bedroom door and lighting a series of candles so they didn't have to undress in the dark.

"I think you know what." He took a pause before shrugging his coat off and hanging it on the back of their desk chair. "My father. The fact that he's...present."

"My mother once told me that every human is entitled to make one mistake in their lifetime that they would hold onto and regret for the remainder of their days. Some people make several that they could never amend for," Amelia said as she unlaced the front of her dress. "Several that catch up to them and choke them. One mistake is enough."

She watched Dib sigh heavily and slump onto the bed, sagging into the mattress. Leaving her dress halfway unlaced, she climbed onto the bed and slid her arms around him from behind. "Your father is a human who has made one mistake that has followed him and he regrets. Some men meet their children and never apologize, they never make amends."

"You've never had your father leave you, Amelia."

"No, I have not. However, my mother has taken children in, who have been unwanted by their families. She has cared for and matched children up with families who are better suited to care for them. We have gone without food so little mouths could have. These are the children who question who they are, where they came from, and why. Your father has made a grave error, perhaps one he never expected to come find him.

In this lifetime, we are left to make choices. We can continue to hold grudges against those who have done wrong by us, or we can forgive and proceed with our lives in peace."

"I'll have to have some time to think about it."

"Take all the time you need." She pressed her lips to the back of his ear before withdrawing herself and proceeded to undress into her nightwear, unpinning her hair and letting it fall downward and past her shoulders. Amelia felt his eyes on her, her fingers lingering down to her swell. He rose from the bed, hearing the creak from the springs and his arms behind her, bare chest against her back as he hugged her from behind.

"Best of wives, best of women," he whispered, having a feeling that wouldn't be the last time he would utter those words to her. "I can't thank you enough."

She shifted to turn around to face him, extending her hand to his cheek. "We are not perfect beings. Dents will be made in your armor, but it can still be polished. You have the ability to still accomplish remarkable things, despite all of your challenges. Your father has returned in your life and he seeks to rectify his wrongdoing. If the tides were turned, and you were the father who had wronged your son….wouldn't you want forgiveness?" She leaned forward to give him a kiss before heading for their bed, undoing the covers and slipping beneath the sheets.

Dib leaned against the chair, watching her form move into their bed before sitting down at the desk, where the stationary was set up, along with a quill and inkwell. Amelia always had his station set up for him so it was ready for letter writing or penning down a thought. He hesitated before dipping the quill into the inkwell and penned down a letter he may or may not send.

"Dear General Membrane,

I'd like to announce the arrival of your first grandchild, a girl. Her name is Zinovia and she looks every bit like her mother. After much deliberation, I have reviewed our conversation. I need time to accept the reality of our situation, if you are willing to give me that. Instant gratification is not an option presently.

My main objective is to inform you of your granddaughter. Whether or not Gazlene is accepting of your essence into the life of her daughter is another entity. Mother and daughter are doing well. I write this to you now, as well, because I'm certain you're already aware, but wife is expecting our first child. Upon my delegation, I will inform you when my son will arrive.

Not that I would ever do this to my own, but if it were to ever happen, I would want to be forgiven….especially if the circumstances were out of my hands.

Your son, Dib."

He eyed the letter. It was choppy, as were his feelings. They were choppy and scattered. He would discuss with Gaz before sending the letter. The child, he assumed, would be better disguised if their father decided to come see her. Although, the baby would probably be seen as her father and looked upon as foreign as an olive skinned Italian. He snorted. Zim probably could pass off as an Italian if he wanted to. Because, no one believed in aliens. They believed what they wanted to.

This placed a wrench in his plans. Now that his niece was brought into the world, he would have to spare her. Then, how did he explain killing her father? He closed his eyes, not wanting to think about that now. He should have been happy his own child was to enter the world. Eventually, he would have to return to business. He was the only one to acknowledge Zim was an alien and he needed to be stopped.

It was a break no one expected to happen. Things were as quiet as they could be, so Porter Wynn traveled back to France for more weaponry while things had dimmed. General Membrane put in his request ahead of time and received a salute from Porter Wynn. Blake and Laurent practiced their swordsmanship, Membrane wanting his men mastered in all elements and aspects of battle. He placed scientific formulas into marksmanship, which showed relative success and that made the elder Membrane happy.

Porter returned with a few French vessels to follow him, soldiers to accompany. Friends and family, Membrane assumed, and the helped was welcomed. Porter jumped onto the bay and waved his friends in greeting.

"General, may I request audience with you? I have an idea."

"Welcome back, soldier, right this way." Membrane clapped the young man on the back before guiding him towards the camp. Blake jumped onto Porter and clung to him in a hug as the larger man nearly toppled the smaller Frenchman over. Laurent chuckled and entered the tent with the other three men.

"I have a plan. I rendezvoused with General Rothbart, who gave us this present of the ships and ammunition. We have the full support of France on our side." He hurried, pulling blueprints and maps from his satchel and brushed away the other paper goods on the table to spread his plans out.

"We can take on Britain at Yorktown. They have an Achilles heel in their lack of men there. If we invade by cutting them off at sea, we'll win."

"How did he come to have this information?" Membrane inquired skeptically.

"Spies. But, there is one other thing that we need." Laurent picked his head up, Blake leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest. "Rather, not a what, but a who."

"Who?" Membrane asked.

"We need Dib." Membrane froze at those words.

"And the only way to get Dib back is to give him what he wants. Otherwise, it'll just be a continuing clash, as what's been," Laurent chimed in.

Membrane placed both palms upon the table, staring down at the map and the lines drawn to show the plan Rothbart had drawn out. It was insane to not go ahead with. Laurent was also right.

"Lieutenant Colonel Clemens, I do believe you may have a point. Can you draft a letter for me?" Laurent stared hard at Membrane before offering the man a smile, followed by a salute.

Porter and Blake eyed one another before backing away towards the tent's exit, leaving the two men to draft the letter that would gain them one of their recognized leaders back.

"Dib Membrane,

I have troops waiting for your command. If you return now, we can end this. And I'm afraid I cannot win this war without your guidance and sharp eye. These men will yield for you, I promise. The sooner you return, the sooner we win this war before the birth of your first child. Allow this child to enter a war free world."

Laurent held the letter out for Membrane to sign, the men eyeing the contents and sighing. Sending a letter like this was risky, but they had little option. Laurent, Blake, and Porter would be more than satisfied to fight alongside Dib, and they had the support of their fellow troops.

No matter what, the world would never be the same.