Chapter 5: " One Step Ahead "

Today was the beginning to the weekend from school. Dib fell asleep at the unusual time of 9:30, and woke up at 4:24 am. He did this so that he could manage to fit in the time to study more from the blueprints before he would have to give them back. It felt wrong to do so, but in sequence, his father didn't revoke him from doing any further research, his only statement was that he needed to give the blueprints back. However, Dib did know that his father wouldn't have wanted him to do this. And Dib did know better. The only reason he had that compelled him to do so was that he was doing this for the good of humanity. Though it didn't fail to dishearten him in the process.

Dib didn't waste his time with changing out of his pajamas; there would be no use to doing so. He immediately turned on his computer and rushed to his door to lock it. He silently opened his drawers and brought out the blueprints and placed them flat against the table, but after being jointed repeatedly and for long periods of times, they curved and were unbending to any attempts for him to lay them flat...literally.

He began doing his research, but he knew he would have to speed up the process, if he wanted to get at least half of the languages of the world in this. However his computer processed the information and scanned the symbols and characters at it's fastest it could possibly go. The downside was that it could only do it in comparison with one language at a time. For each comparison, it would take up to a minute to a minute and a half with one language, then move to the next one that Dib provided it. It was efficient enough, so that he wouldn't have to do anything else but wait. Nevertheless, it still felt like he was wasting time by sitting their and doing nothing.

But as time pressured on, and as he was passing his next 100th language that he had been studying, a thought occurred to Dib. One that made him stop all of what he was doing. One that made his gut turn to stone. He slowly looked down upon the blueprints, and analyzed each picture and character.

These symbols were from another language. One that had no supposed correlation to any of the languages on earth. However...This wasn't the entirety of Zim's spoken language. They were just his blueprints; a mere fraction of all of the other alphabetical symbols, all the root terms and words and definitions. As well as the combining like words and pronouns, nouns, and verbs and the other terms that was a part of grammar.

Regardless of his research, he was only comparing this fraction of words and symbols to the entirety of the other languages. The only way that Dib's way of research could be conducted correctly, was if he had Zim's entire language on these blueprints, and what was the chance of that happening? That Zim would concentrate and be so scrupulous as if to want every character of his alphabet on these papers...No, he would only need crucial information about the measurements, his notes and many structural, mathematical and other forms of engineering reports upon his studies. Judging from his pictures he drew; frequency waves and signals, and electric engineering. There are many concise ways with choice words to describe the small outlines and measurements of Zim's plans. Many that even Dib could think of them, to form into sentences—no—paragraphs that didn't at all contain all of the letters or words of the English language.

This brought a heavy dejection upon Dib and it even brought embarrassment. That He would do so much concentration and studying on a subject that was idle and pointless from the start. It was like his research was bound to be in vain before he even began. It even began to anger him. All of this just for nothing. Dib clenched the blueprints, uncaring about the untidy folds and crumpling of the paper. He threw them against the wall and let out an aggravated sigh.

There was so much that could've been avoided if Dib hadn't stolen these. The concerned and worried father over his son's views of morality and standards of races, the useless skirmish between him and Zim, which could've saved them both from the bruises and sore muscles. But yet Dib didn't even so much as have second thoughts when he stole the blueprints. And he regretted it entirely. It was almost like Zim was unintentionally one step ahead all the time, on virtue of everyone elses' stupidity and disbelief.

What now? Do I just discount this research and throw it all away? He thought. Though he knew it all couldn't be too hopeless; There could be a slight possibility that these blueprints, which there was more than one sheet, could contain his alphabet. Sure, it wouldn't have all of the arrangement of words in them, or all of his ways of grammar, but at least he could compare it with something else. Even with it just being an alphabet. The thought brought a light sense of hope and it relieved the heaviness that was upon his shoulders, but he knew as well he shouldn't be to expectant. He knew that he shouldn't do any more research, concerning if he were to finish it all that it would be worthless if his concerns were right. But then if he threw it all away and it turns his suspicions were right, would be equally ineffective and stupid.

Dib sighed again and turned off his computer, and removed the blueprints back into his desk. So much for that... The thought crossed his mind. He pressed the power button and the light source of his room had turned off, and completely shrouded the light in darkness. Dib lifted his wrist and contemplated the time that his watch showed. It was only around 5:57. Though with nothing else to do, Dib decided to go back to bed. What would be the point in staying up anyways? So he climbed back into his bed, pulled over the covers and removed his glasses...He already knew today would take an interesting turn.

• • •

" Dib...Stop staring at me." Gaz said, sharply. Dib's eyes came into focus and he did realize that his line of eyesight was in her direction; more specifically at her face. Gaz's eyebrows were furrowed and she groaned when he shifted in his seat. He looked down at his breakfast and continued eating. Dib couldn't help daydreaming today; he was trying to figure out ways to give Zim back his stupid blueprints. Also his mind had been trying to find ways to pry him away from that subject and wander around in his imagination. Which was successful every time he slightly diverged away from his ideas. And it caused all sorts of unwanted uneasiness.

" Sorry Gaz." Dib said quietly. She only groaned again, this time while chewing. He could say that he was used to his little sister's incessant solemn look and introverted behavior for all to leave her in her cherished isolation, including himself, but there was one thing that he would never really understand his sister; she always seemed to be upset about something. The only times he saw her smile was when Zim, or himself get hurt. Not that she was psychotic or masochistic in anyway; she only found it amusing if it were minor pains like stubbing a toe, or bumping head first into things. She would crank out into laughter specifically if the event involved tripping and faceplanting the wooden/concrete/tile floor and getting a nosebleed. Though he remembered as a child when he broke his wrist she was actually quite worried. And frantic, to be honest. And Dib had the thought that would be the only time that he would remember her being worried over his welfare...then again, there was the fight he had with Zim. Though she wasn't worried. Just...nonchalant. Like always.

Dib waved the idea and continued eating. This time he tried to concentrate on what he was going to plan on doing instead of letting his mind wander. Though after a while, he inevitably slipped back into his imagination and daydreamed once more. His father was at work again, and so they would have to stay inside until he came back. Which was always around the afternoon. He hated though how boring it would be when he couldn't go outside. He sighed and began to eat at the eggs he made and slightly grimaced when he did. Today he put to much milk when making them scrambled. It showed when underneath them they always left a residue of watery milk, and how their complexion was too bright.

Usually when their father was gone the Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, they would undoubtedly have to make their own breakfast. And so on virtue, they had to learn a few things about home cooking. It took a few months to finally prepare food that was edible and taste-worthy enough, however with Dib assuming for the both of them, they wanted to try and learn more without using a cook book for guidance.

On some typical occasions, some days their father was here the mornings, but gone the nights. Then they would have to serve dinner. As much fun as it was to cook, and using the term fun with light sarcasm, Dib couldn't decide if being guarded and protected under the service of one parent was a good or bad thing; not to be mistaken that it was undoubtedly a bad thing, considering the loss of...the one parent ordeal. But on the small, not-entirely-upsides/benefits of the situation, Gaz and Dib had a lot of freedom around the house; Figuratively and Physically.

They could walk around anywhere, do anything at anytime without being chastised for being in the way of something. They practically were the guardians of the household until their father returned. They also, technically, didn't have any rules that they needed to follow when nobody was here, however they still lived under the superiority of their father's rule...and...their mothers as well.

Dib finished his food and put the plates in the dishwasher. After wards he closed the contraption and entered the living room. Gaz had long finished her breakfast when he was daydreaming about cooking and household rules and was already on the couch. Though when he turned on the television and sat beside her, he noticed not the usual loud, hand-held Gameboy device that always seemed to be adhered to her hands and eyes, but a drawing pad. Which struck out as an error in Dib, from the norm. Gaz was actually doing something...pro-creational. She was drawing! Dib thought it would've been the end of the world in order for Gaz to do something innovative in her lifetime.

" Are you drawing Gaz?" He asked out loud, even accidentally adding a bit of excitement to his tone. Though after hearing the energy in his voice, she immediately plastered the pad against her chest and moved closer to the other armrest. Then was the expectant glare.

" What does it matter to you?" She asked defensively.

" Since when do you ever do anything other than play video games?" Dib replied.

" I had to start because of my Art class. Now leave me alone." She said, even turning a little red. Possibly from embarrassment, most likely from anger. Dib only grinned at her command. Though he listened and began watching TV, not entirely diverging away from the subject, at least, not yet. After a while of watching a few cartoons, he leaned his head to the side towards her.

" Whatcha drawing Gazzy?" He asked, jesting. She only gritted her teeth and shoved his head away.

" Leave me alone, Dib." She growled. He only laughed at her anger and did as he was told. He knew better than to keep irritating his sister. He knew what would lie ahead if he did so.

He continued watching TV and gave Gaz her rightful privacy, however Dib couldn't stay in front of the television, doing nothing but stare and sit for hours on end like Gaz could. It bored him to death, and he would always find himself moving in the weirdest positions from his lack of energy and interest. It was almost as if the TV's job was to suck out the life of an individual to make them bland and bored. It sure would see so, seeing how effective in that aspect it was already. Dib straightened out and groaned. He looked at the time stored in the DVR set that usually displayed the time in the guide setting, and it said it was only 10:27. It had only been an hour since he began watching. Dib thought that it had at least been around three. However, he wasn't like Gaz. Such a feat wouldn't be feasible for Dib.

He groaned again and reached out his arm from the dangling position on the couch. He began pressing a button on the remote and surfed through the channels, not caring anymore about what he was going through or what the DVR offered in their broadcasts—They were all boring! Dib had never felt so much apathy before in his life. Deciding that he didn't want to do anymore of that, he turned off the TV and dropped the remote by his side. He would usually be studying, or doing homework on his free time, though now was an exception because he didn't have anything to study for. It had been the longest time since he last watch TV. He understood why now it was. At least he understood why homework could be in some way, a blessing...for him.

Dib removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

" My goodness, Gaz. How can you watch TV for so long?" He asked. Her eyes glanced up at his for a split second before the came back down to her sketches.

" Because I have a high tolerance for stupidity." She replied. " I have to live with you." She added, chuckling. Dib only huffed.

" Well I guess that makes sense...Not the thing about me...but that high tolerance...thing you...mentioned...beforehand—never mind, just forget I said anything." He said, waving his hand. He got up from the couch and meandered to his bedroom. However when he opened the door, the familiar feeling returned back to him, of reluctance. The thought of Zim's blueprints crossed his mind and it brought that stone back into his stomach. And then as if a chemical reaction, a sigh left his mouth. Well at least TV is only good for making you forget about things you don't want to do. Dib thought.

He moved forward towards his desk and reached for the handle. He opened it and removed the blueprints from their spot. He looked at the balled blue material in his hand and another thought came to mind.

You can just throw these away. Dad doesn't have to know. Certainly Zim doesn't need to. Just throw these away, in your neighbors trash can and tell your dad you gave them back. Just do it. It'd be easier and better for everyone.

Dib lingered on the feeling it brought him. Satisfaction. It would be a very worthy event to see that Zim found out that his blueprints had been stolen, only to be thrown away. The thought of his reaction brought a smile to Dib's face. And then he considered the feelings in the future that it would bring him. Calmness. Achievement...Guilt. Dib stopped the smile. He never once disobeyed his father, at least one that he didn't do willingly. He never back talked or disrespected him in any form or fashion. And Dib knew that it wasn't going to start any day soon or later. Dib stuck the blueprints in his pockets, and left his room.

" I'm going outside." Dib said.

" You know Dad's rules." Gaz said.

" I have to do something."

" Like what?"

Dib knew where this was going again, and because he knew just how much of a stinker his sister was, he was going to need to spit out the truth to save him from trouble.

" Going to Zim's house." He said, with an annoyed exhale. Just the pronunciation of his name brought displeasure. Gaz continued drawing a while longer before she would answer and continue the conversation.

" You know, with the amount of times you head over to Zim's house, I wouldn't be surprised if you two were best friends" Gaz smirked. Dib felt his insides twist at that mention. And he forced away those words from mind. His immediate reaction was a hand that raised to his forehead, and he closed his eyes.

" That's...that's disturbing Gaz." Dib said, grimacing. Though she got her fill from it, laughing out as loud as possible. He wished he could find humor within her joke, however, it only brought discomfort. Dib shivered from a chill he received in his spine, and got goosebumps.

" No—eugh! No...No—I'm going because Dad wants me to give him back his blueprints." Dib said, annoyed. Gaz looked up from her drawing pad at Dib.

" I forgot about that..." She said, pausing for a moment. "...you're actually going to do it, though? Just...waltz to his door and just " Here ya go!" and leave?"

" What other choice do I have? There's no other strategy that I can think of. And despite the way I give them back to him; Zim's paranoid. Even if I just tossed them on his lawn, he'll use his security surveillance to just scope me and then the next few days try to find answers about why I was at his house and whatnot... And I don't want that." Dib said, crossing his arms. Gaz clicked her tongue a few times, and drew for a bit longer before she would continue the conversation.

" Make sure to bring water. Just in case that nut decides he wants to get violent." She said, still looking down at her paper.

" Oh...good point." Dib nodded. He entered the kitchen and grabbed his water bottle. He filled it to the brim with water, and closed it tight with the cap. But after second thoughts, he loosened it up a bit just in case he wanted to do what Gaz did, smack him with the bottle for the water to pour out.

" So I'll be back." Dib sighed.

" Alright. Try not to be so useless this time, eh?" She said, chuckling at her joke once again. Dib only smirked at this.

• • •

Dib wanted to count all the times he tried to plan something elaborate and well orchestrated, but resulted in just bluntly walking towards Zim and act out the "premeditated" plan so platitudinous and blunt. Because it seemed to him that they were almost adding up with the passing days.

He was walking down the sidewalk, this time with his hands out. Dib's mind couldn't leave the subject of what he was doing and every time he consciously felt about how much he hated this, it made him more annoyed. Plus he was also displeased with the familiarity he had with the route he was taking; striding up to his nemesis' house once again. In cases like these, he thought it should never be considered normal or perfunctory that you knew so well the way to your enemy's house. Like a daily morning grandma-walk or a stroll to your friends. Just take a left, and then you go straight for another block, then a right, then another left, then another right, then BINGO! Dib thought, frowning. But he sighed and carried on anyway, only doing this for the benefit of his father. Knowing that his family came first in everything. Even if it meant to walk into the door through madness.

After taking the heeded advice from his mind to Zim's house, Dib's thoughts began to run rapid for ideas, and even began to unsettle his stomach. He began to try and think of strategies that could provide less social-contact, ones that could give him more ease of mind. Maybe I should just toss them on his lawn. I'm giving them back technically. And it's not like my Dad said I had to apologize and respect him from now on. The thought gave assurance. But at the same time, Dib knew. He just knew his father expected it. He expected an apology, he expected for their to be an exchange of kindness and forgiveness. But what Dad didn't know was that this. Was. Zim. He wasn't one of kindness, nor forgiveness. Even if Dib wanted to apologize to him, which he didn't at all, Zim wouldn't even be able to be kind even if his life depended on it, let alone understand the meaning.

Dib scratched his head and groaned. The house was already in sight. And it was beginning to bring his heart rate higher. The blood flowing chilled to a cold, flow through his veins, chilling to the bone and his body.

What is this fear? This...cursed anxiety! There is no need to fear stupidity, let alone even heed it's presence!

Dib liked the feeling the thought brought, being accompanied by a small feeling of reassurance. He continued down the sidewalk until his eyes had widened and he stopped dead in his tracks. As he had been getting closer, he'd seen a figure in the distance. It wasn't yet distinguishable until he walked a few feet closer. It was Zim. Of course! Of-freaking-course it was Zim! He just so happened to contain the urge to leave the walls of house and enter into the outside world, at the conveniently placed time that Dib was trying to stay his furthest away possible when having to get so close. What was he even doing? Standing? Like Zim would take the chance to be seen by others just to get fresh air.

Dib clenched his fist. It was like the world liked to make things harder for him. And he hated it whenever he received that feeling. And it made him even angrier when he knew that he had to carry on. He took a deep breath and repositioned his glasses. Then he let out the air from his lungs and continued walking. The anxiety was gone at least...

He didn't even move his eyes to focus on the moment of contemplation, then the emanation of disgust on Zim's face. He stayed forward as he was entering the area around his house. Zim moved forward and Dib immediately grabbed out the items occupying his pockets and threw the crumpled blueprints. Zim flinched as the item catapulted and hit his face. His reaction was a dark, menacing scowl.

" You come to my house and then mock me!" Zim yelled. However Dib ignored his vanity and presence as he turned around from him and continued his way out from his walkway, entering back into the sidewalk. Though Zim didn't take lightly to this. He marched towards him and when Dib could feel his presence too close, he opened the water bottle and whipped around.

" Don't you dare touch me." Dib said bitterly, clenching the bottle tightly. " You think I came here on my own will? Just to... mock you, as you put it?"

His actions proved effective, as Zim had stopped in his place, his cautious and enlarged eyes nervously flitted from the liquids to Dib's face. The revolting, rumpled swells were at the back of his head were still there, and the unevenness in his left shoulder still visible. There was even now a discoloration in his bruises, face and head. Noticing these details made Dib slightly disgusted as he thought of how those even appeared. Though with Zim staying still as a statue, Dib smirked at his fear. " It's so selfish that you think my world revolves around you."

" You...damned fool." Zim gritted his teeth. " You take me too lightly, Dib. You think that you intimidate me with your water?" Zim said. Dib almost made a reaction to the curse word that slipped from his mouth. However he made his body stiff and showed no frailty.

" Whatever. I didn't come here to argue with the deaf." Dib said, straightening his back. " You have your blueprints. Isn't that what you wanted?" Zim furrowed his eyes and clenched his fists.

" Like I'm to expect benedictions from you."

" Yet you still gave the thought consideration." Dib countered. He shook his head and turned his back to him. Zim's eyes thinned.

" How stupid are you to trespass unto my base, steal my items, mock me and then walk away as if it was nothing? You're punishment will not be light." He spat. Dib only laughed.

" Punishment? Okay then, Zim. You win. You're...intimidating me." He mocked once more, and even pretended to cringe, for a fraud act. Zim's hands were now in fists and his eye twitched.

" I find it counter intuitive and rather disgusting that you came here on your own volition." As Dib was about to walk away, he sighed and stopped in his tracks.

"Haven't you heard a word I said? I didn't come here on my own will. I'm only listening to the command of my Dad." Zim smirked at this.

" Oh yes...Father..." Zim said, and laughed. " The one you oh so obediently listen to even though he's never there, too busy with his science which he puts before his own children. Shows how important you are to him. But yet little Dib needs complaisance to feeble little creatures. How else is he to own any worth? " Zim smiled.

The remark spread animosity through Dib's veins like poison, and he sneered deathly at him. He tightened his fists and he even had the urge to throw. Hit him. He deserves it anyways. He insulted you, and had the gall to insult your father in the process. Hit him... Dib fed his anger to the thought for a moment before he inhaled another breath of air. He knew that he would need to be higher than that. To raise above the anger and not let it take control of his actions, not like Zim. Dib closed his eyes and straightened his back. He even formed a smile when he opened his eyes and folded his arms behind his back. He released an airy chuckle.

" How sad...How sad of a word you must live in." Dib said calmly. Zim scoffed.

" Oh please—"

" 'Surprise of the year'...huh Zim?" He began. Zim's eyes were heavily focused now. They were directed at Dib's face and were filled with spite. Though Dib countered this with his mock-happiness and began pacing around slowly. He let his eyes fall to the ground, showing the confidence he had that Zim was of no danger, no threat at all.

" What was that supposed to mean?" He asked, with fraud confusion. Dib snickered slightly and shook his head. He took a moment to glance up at Zim's face for the expression, and just in time to notice the tilt of his head towards the front of his house, more specifically to his blueprints, having been reminded of them. It was a cautious glance, when that wasn't meant to be noticed however Dib took pleasure that he was able to see his actions. He stopped suddenly and Zim whipped back, noticing the sudden movement from the corner of his eye.

" Oh no. Don't tell me..." Dib said, shaking his head disapprovingly. "...The blueprints? The... 'Surprise..." Dib couldn't help but laugh while speaking. "...of the Year'..."

Zim glowered at this mention and Dib had managed to make him speechless as he spoke. And Dib liked—no, he cherished that sort of control. The ability to allow and resist the flow of chatter, movement and all activity from a foe. As Zim stood as a statue, clenching his shaking fists and keeping his spiteful eyes on him, Dib was smirking and letting himself loosely move around about him, keeping him cornered. Letting him know his place. Dib laughed again.

" As I studied the language of your blueprints, I also did personal studies of what the device it portrayed." Dib began. "...A simple little satellite dish that could emit high frequency sound waves. Ultrasound and Infrasound, you wanted these satellite dishes to be able to transmit these very high frequency sound waves, so that it would tune in into the satellites from above. And as it orbited around the earth, release high, discomforting sounds that would cause..." Dib paused for a moment and snickered. "...Chaos and destruction." Dib said. He looked at the spot of the blue prints and shrugged, shook his head and glanced back at the expression on Zim. "...How did you plan this exactly?" He asked, the sentence riddled with laughter.

" I mean...I understand, prolonged exposure can cause psychological and physiological complications and disturb the brain...but who's going to receive these transmissions? If you release those signals from your house, the only person who's going to hear them is you..." Dib said, making light of his plans. He shook his head again with another chuckle. " And even if you were able to track into the satellites from above, they don't transmit this type of radio waves, neither would they just...latch on to others near them..."

Zim was starting to breath harder. His anger was more evident and it was to the point that Dib couldn't even take him seriously anymore. It was so easy to make him rage! He thought.

"...Now how stupid do you feel? On a scale through 1 to 10?" Dib asked sarcastically, even using his hands as a height estimation. Zim glared at this and Dib could only laugh.

" Knowing that the 'Surprise of the Year' was just another failure to try and conquer earth...wow..." He said. And to complete the act, he began clapping. Slowly, in a slight pattern. He didn't know what color blood Zim had, but his face was turning a darker shade of green and he was gritting his teeth already.

" Bastard..." Slipped from his lips and he fought his hardest to control the rage that had been trembling his body. His blood had been flowing with heat and he felt chills travel down his arms as he uncontrollably raged at how much he had been insulted, scorned and mocked. Even though his greatest wish was to retort back in some clever way and reveal some of the anger that he had before, his tongue couldn't form any words and his lips stayed motionless. Even his body, shaking with rage, stayed still.

" And you know what's sad? It was a surprise...The 'Surprise'—being the reaction of how one could be such a pitiful excuse for an invader."

Zim's heart stopped for the longest moment in his life. His jaw went limp, and was agape from the words that spilled. His eyes had widened and Dib's smirked only grew larger. For what seemed like a minute, he could not breath. And his lungs ached from the lack of oxygen. Dib began to turn to leave, feeling satisfied with the affect that he put upon Zim. His mind almost tore into two, as he tried to recognize the event that took place, replaying back like an old record. And he felt nothing but helplessness when he couldn't wrap his brain upon why that happened; Zim couldn't comprehend it, what he just heard. Even though the tone and the words that came out of Dib's voice was audible as well, and he could even remember the words...but he heard...him...

Zim experienced the same confusion, same unexplained emotions that ran rampant through his veins from before. The time in his underground base, wallowing. Zim's knees were almost shaking. And then was the twine in his chest. The wretched hurt that would sporadically materialize. Though now he felt it as it stretched further in his chest and even caused a junction in his throat. Zim swallowed and closed his eyes. Then he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Dib had even dropped his water bottle in the distance, showing that he didn't even need it in the first place...because Zim was not a threat.

" Dammit..." He muttered, shakily. He turned around, and for reason unknown himself, continued down his walkway until he picked up his blueprints, and entered his house. Trying nothing to try and redeem the lost dignity and have any sort of final words, despite his indignation. Zim sat upon his couch and tried to think of logical explanations for...anything. His mind felt so shrouded that he wasn't sure anymore of anything. Why were these moments occurring? Where nothing made sense anymore...However when he couldn't find the answers, it only made him aggravated. He threw the blueprints away from him and he gripped the sides of his skull. His body heated up in the amount of mortification he felt, and the anger that accompanied it.

Well, what do we have here...A crumpled, sad and pitiless rotter with a temper because it couldn't think of a comeback. It's really no surprise anymore. In fact...It's just disgusting. I don't even need to explain how it is...

Zim took a deep breath and leveled out his breathing. He needed to let go of his anger, it would do him no good to look even more a fool from his temper. He began breathing normally again and removed his hands to his lap. Though despite his best attempts, he couldn't help but feel just how much he hated that being. How every living fiber within him was thrown out of structure by the very comprehension of his existence. repelled by the appearance and sight of him.

It almost seemed impossible how much spite and sickness ran through his veins whenever he went to school. But yet he knew that this was what Dib wanted. He wanted Zim to lose his temper just for him to rise above him. He wanted Zim to hate him because he knew that he would see him for the rest of his days. He wanted Zim to rage over their trivial arguments because he knew it made him look pathetic. And Zim hated this because he knew it worked every damn time. Every time, Dib was one step ahead. And it didn't matter if he didn't know about it or not, he always was and that was how it worked.

" Are you alright sir?" The Computer asked. Zim remained unmoved by his statement, and intentionally ignored him for the few moments he was thinking. Though he blinked slowly and rested his head against the armrest. His head was beginning to throb slightly; The nap didn't do too much and there was a remnant of a slight head ache now occupying his brain.

"...You monitor the cameras around the house; don't ask stupid questions." Zim said callously. He heard again the engine motors running and sounding off, and the Computer didn't say another word. Despite Zim's past wants to remain calm, events came into mind which ran venom through his blood. The silence acted as a swift match, kindling a fuse that made Zim clench his fists.

" How is it you notice the event now? What of the time when Dib actually invaded the damned house! Don't you monitor the cameras?" He snapped.

"...I-I was rebooting after a system update. I wasn't able to do anything until he left—"

" Oh, the convenience! How you found the value of an update more important than the invasion of my enemy is disgraceful! And not to mention you didn't even activate your security assets either!"

" I am not able to control anything when starting up and shutting down, a-and in the process of an update—"

" Oh this is wonderful!" He yelled, standing up from the couch. " A shit computer who can't even perform the given tasks, even with the advanced technology and system processing that allows you to generate thoughts!" Zim's head was now pulsing with pain. The yelling was the leading factor to the worsening of his headache, and his anger was the reason of his snaps and exclaims. The bruises, the swells, All which still pointed back to Dib. Zim held his head and closed his eyes. He hated to think about how much his anger revolved around that thing. He gritted his teeth and took a deep breath.

"...I...Sir, I apolo—"

" Shut it. If your actions can't prove helpful, then neither will your damn apologies." Zim said, looking up again at the television screen, knowing that it was the main visual output for his computer system. "...and to think that if you didn't have a conscious, would make you more efficient." Zim said solemnly. He straightened his posture and even removed his hand from his head, in absolution. He said what he meant, and there was nothing more. As the sounds of the engines began to activate, Zim left the room, already annoyed at the fact that his computer could also have emotions, making him even the more useless.