Episode 5: The Sign

Episode Summary- the Renegades attack the last standing Water tower, but will their new Irken Allies answer the call?

Disclaimers: I Do Not Own Invader Zim

Author's Notes: Alright guys its holiday season, which means time for updates will be harder to come by. Not to mention Fanfiction seems to be on the frits (Not working well) so please bear with me as I try to update my story any way.

Also I would like to thank all of my loyal readers that seem to stick with me no matter what! You guys make this story come to life. I mean seriously a lot of my characters are either made by you or inspired by you. And that means a lot!

So thank you!

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine :)

Episode 5-The Sign (Part 3)

The chaos was absolute…

Dib had never know such chaos, all around him Irken soldiers were blasting away as they took shelter in the trees. Of course, the Renegades had planned for this. By using the thick woods around them they could shield themselves from enemy's oncoming assault. However, they couldn't hold out forever, and they knew it.

"What is taking them so long?" Jamie screamed over the gun fire. Her fellow renegades fired on as she took a moment to reload her plasma cannon.

Keef was beside her, his blaster glowing a dangerous red. His weapon was over heating! Elma had warned them that this could happen, since most of the weapons had been replicated using cheap scrap metal they could overheat rather quickly.

"Keef take a break!" Jamie ordered, pointing to his blaster. "Before that thing blows your hand off.

Keef nodded and took a knee behind his tree. "Dib how much longer?" He yelled.

"They must be close." Dib said, also taking a knee as Zim fired several shots beside him.

The plan was to be in groups two, one would fire while the other cooled down their weapon, it only gave them half their fire power, but it also protected them from self-injury.

"We have to hold here until the defectives get here!" Zim screamed. "Or we've fallen for this trap for nothing!"

Yes, it was obvious to them all now. This whole thing had been a trap, and deep down Dib had knew it! The security was way too second-rate for any Irken. They got in easily, because the Tallest wanted them to get in. They wanted the tower to fall, and they want the defectives to arrive; Dib was sure of it!

"They're trying to get us all together so they can get rid of us all at once!" he said the obvious.

Oh yes, it was obvious, and yet Zim had allowed the trap to form.

Why?

Because, if the Tallest thought everything was going as planned then they wouldn't see their escape coming. "Just trust the plan." He advised them. "It hasn't failed us."

"Yet." Mark pointed out. "It hasn't failed us yet."

"Zinger don't start." James warned. He too was taking a knee as Rachel shot into the darkness towards enemy fire.

"God tomorrow is going to be horrible." Rachel muttered.

Of Course they all knew what she meant. Every time the Renegades challenged the Irken authority Life got a little harder for the human race. And yet they still pressed on despite it all.

Why?

Because, the human race wanted them to, sure in the beginning they bowed their head thinking that if they followed ordered that life would be okay for them. However, after the Science Camp incident many humans were beginning to see that life would never be okay again. Not until the Irkens were gone for good. With every passing day more humans rioted in the streets, and more were arrested for said crime. Each arrest added fuel to the already growing fire, and it sent a very clear message.

Earth would not go down without a fight.

Zim could only hope that their bravery would encourage other enslaved worlds to do the same.

"They're not even trying!" Kathy almost whined.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Mary reasoned.

"No." Jamie answered. "It means they know the Irken Rebels aren't here yet, they're watching us somehow."

"There might be some sort of surveillance in the trees." Zim guessed, switching with Dib.

Dib took aim and fired, his shot made its mark and an Irken hissed in obvious pain several trees ahead of them.

Zim gave him a surprise look.

"Hey just cause their waiting to get serious doesn't mean we have to." Dib reasoned. "The more we take out now the better chances we have later."

Zim nodded his agreement, still he couldn't help but feel a since of pain for his fellow Irken. He shook his head, after all the betrayal and pain they had put him through; he still cared. And yet he couldn't help but care for Earth as well, all of this was fault, the Tallest never knew of Earth until he stepped foot on it. He had to make this right, but said task wasn't easy. In fact he felt like the two sides were tearing him apart. He had a duty to his people, and yet he owed it to Earth and the human race to fix this mess. This war was running him thin in more was then one; and sometimes Zim feared he'd break under the pressure.

And then there was the greater fear, the fear that all of this could be for nothing. The fear that the Ancients will say that the Tallest were right all along. That Zim was defective and had no right to take their place much less challenge their authority. Such thoughts kept him up late at night, he was planning to leave and soon, but would it all be worth it?

Would Irk even want to obey a soldier you betrayed them? Even if it was for the right reasons? Was this the right reason? Who was he really fighting for? Irk or Earth? He would like to say both, but deep down he knew who he was really fighting for, Earth…and that wasn't fair to his people.

These defective Irkens would expect Zim to be fighting for them, but in the beginning of this war he had been fighting for Earth. Even after Goalit and Tak joined his ranks he was still fighting on the humans behalf.

Did Goalit hate him for that?

Zim looked to the Elder Irken as this thought filled his mind, he was partnered with Elma (as always) and was currently firing at the enemy. He looked so focus, and Like Dib many of his shots found their targets. However, all weapons were set to stun at the moment so the blast merely nocked the Irken soldiers unconscious. Still, the elder Irken showed no hesitation in his actions; which meant he truly believed this was what Irk needed.

And Zim would not deny that Irk needed this, what he wasn't sure of was: Did Irk need him?

"Master!" Gir's voice called out on his communicator.

"Go head Gir." Zim ordered, forcing himself to focus. Gir was still running around in the woods, his task was to let the team know if and when new arrivals show up.

"Is it the rebels?" Goalit asked hopefully.

"No the Royal guard approaches." Gir said. The derange Sir Unit was currently in "Duty Mode." Zim knew this mode was dangerous, after all Gir nearly killed Zim once in his Duty Mode, and he also tried to kill Mark. Still, the team couldn't afford Any of Gir's shenanigans, and as long as Gir didn't stay in that mode for too long he should be fine.

Should being the key word.

"Bec." Goalit whispered.

Zim sighed knowingly. It was no secret that the Irken scientist had a soft spot for his once student. The events on the roof of the Science Camp facility was evidence of that, and yet Zim could find no fault in it. After all he too had grown a weak spot for a younger Irken.

Scamooch, Zim wondered if the child knew how much trouble they were in right now. Was he worried for their safely? Zim would like to hope so, and yet part of him was hopeful that the child was completely oblivious to the chaos below him and Zec.

"You can't be serious about recruiting him." Mark yelled. "It will be Tak all over again."

"Maybe." Goalit seemed to agree. "But I have to try." He looked to Zim hopefully.

Zim was hesitant. What if Bec joined them only to betray them Once Zim was gone? If the Renegades got captured in his absence this would all be for nothing! And yet he knew no matter what he said Goalit would try anyways. Still, Mark had a point, Bec could betray them, Heck these Irken rebels could be a trap set up by the Tallest. "I won't stop you."

"Zim!" Mark warned.

"Irk has to want to change." Zim reasoned. "Otherwise this war is for nothing. Even if we beat them and run them off the planet. If Irk doesn't change then they will be back to finish us off, and next time they'll purge the planet just to make a point."

"Zim is right." Dib agreed as he stopped to reload. "We've got to convince as many as we can that Irk needs to change for them, they'll never do it for us or any other planet. They'll only change if they see it's in their best interest."

Mark groaned, he knew they were right, but they had been betrayed enough already, and to put their trust in enemy hands…well it proved nearly fatal last time. And sure Gaz had betrayed them too, but Mark was sure she was only doing so in hopes of sparing Dib.

Zim however, thanks to Kazar, now knew that Tak's betrayal had been a part of a greater scheme to win the Tallest trust. The Irken female was actually recruiting an Irken army from within Zec and Gaz was helping, however Zim had yet to share this discovery.

Why?

Because he knew his fellow renegades were not ready to hear it. Heck they weren't comfortable with his decision to confront and recruit General Kazar. A Taller who was only looking after his own interest, all it would take was for the Tallest to offer him a better deal and he would squeal in seconds. And yet, he was Zim's only ticket off this planet, without Kazar, Zim would never reach the Ancients.

"Fine." Mark finally agree, though it's obvious that he is not too happy about it. "But make it Quick."

"Gir try and separate Bec from the rest of the royal guard." Zim ordered.

"Yes my Irken Lord!" Gir answered and took off towards the enemy.

"Follow Gir's coordinates." Zim told Goalit. "Take Elma, and do not take any unnecessary risk!"

Goalit nodded, and just like that he and Elma disappeared into the darkness towards Gir's position.

"I hope he knows what he is doing." Mark retorted.

"Sometimes you've got to have faith in other people's decisions." Rachel told him. "Even if they are the wrong ones."

Mark supposed that she had a point. Goalit was going to do this with or without permission, it was written all over his face. And has frustrating as it was some people had to learn their lessons the hard way.

"Who knows?" Dib said. "Maybe he'll see things our way."

"Maybe." Zim agreed. However, it was doubtful, the Royal guard was of made of just any Irken, but hardened soldiers that never doubted their Tallest or their orders. In short, Goalit had his work cut out for him. That much was sure.

(Back with Bec…)

The rogue Sir Unit had come out of nowhere, and to be honest Bec had been hoping for an excuse to break away from the others. There was no way he could possible question Goalit with them around.

"That cursed machine!" Sargent Mookie hissed as she aimed her two blasters at the mechanical beast. "How is this possible, it's one droid?"

"And yet it had us pinned." Captain Orge pointed out the obvious. "At this rate we'll never reach them."

"Our orders were to aid the tower's defense squad." Sargent Mookie reminded her leader.

"I know well of our orders." Captain Orge snapped reminding her of her place with a firm slap.

The blow merely scuffed her, but the point was made.

"Don't see the worry." Another One of his ranks pipped up. He was shorter than the rest of them and had olive green skin with lime green eyes. His eyes were a rare color for Irken eyes, which made him stand out more. His name was Knot and he spoke with a great since of indifference. "According Bec the enemy is supposed to escape anyways."

"That's what the Tallest said." Bec argued.

"Doesn't matter." Captain Orge said. "General Kazar ordered us to be there so we must get pass."

"Perhaps I can lure it away." Bec offered.

Captain Orge thought for a moment, Bec was the scout of the Royal Guard, so such a suggestion was not unheard of. Bec often played decoy, however this beast was created by that defective Zim and was already proving to be more of a match for all of them; to let Bec go alone was suicidal.

However, the soldiers at the tower had already reported that their situation was dire, the Renegades were not going easy on them and had come ready for a fight. It was moments like this that proved just how dangerous a defective Irken was. As an Irken soldier, Zim knew how his fellow Irkens would respond to this kind of attack, and that knowledge gave them an edge. And as an Irken Scientist Goalit and his band of human "friends" could give them the technology and weaponry to aid their cause.

These defective Irkens were allowing the humans a fighting chance, and if the Tallest's trap failed the Irken Rebels would only aid in their future success.

"You have to deliver the trap!" Bec urged gesturing to the large cargo crate behind him. The crate was metal and the size of large delivery. Bec had chosen it from a stake of them along the docks. And inside of it was the Tallest's insidious trap!

Captain Orge knew he was right, to night's Success rested on them. "Fine go, but have your wits about you."

Bec nodded. "I'll lure it away, if I destroy it's guiding system and lose it in the trees he won't be able to follow me back."

Captain Orge nodded, the plan was solid; however this unit was especially lethal, had it not been for the wall of trees between them, the monster would have finished them by now. Still, the risk was necessary, and he couldn't risk giving Bec a partner for fear of losing another soldier. The squad at the fallen tower were in trouble. This Zim was not going easy on them, and they needed all as much help as they could get.

Most of them had never gone up against an army as well prepared as this, of course it was thanks to Zim and Goalit that they were so well prepared. The humans had used their own soldiers to turn the tables on them. Now they were the ones who didn't know who they could trust among their ranks. For years the Irkens had been using the Invaders to trick their targets into spilling their secrets, but now Irk was the one being invaded.

"I'll be careful." Bec assured his leader. He knew Captain Orge was under a lot of pressure from the general and their leaders, but he had to confront Goalit, and maybe this Sir Unit could lead him to his old teacher. Still, he did feel guilty for what he was about to do, he was risking the mission, and for what?

'Answers.' He told himself, and yet he knew that reason wasn't enough. After all why ask questions when the answers won't change the facts. Goalit was the enemy, who cared why he did it. The fact was he did, and Bec was supposed to be stopping him, not asking why?

And yet he could not help but ask. Goalit taught him everything, he was who he was because of him. And now everything he had been taught was now thrown into question. And he would not rest until he had the answers.

No matter what the cost might be.

Without waiting for a reply Bec took off left, away from the tower, and the Sir Unit raced after him instantly.

"That fool." Mookie hissed.

"It can't be avoided." Captain Orge said. "We move now!"

The remaining soldiers wasted no time escorting the trap onward. The crate was large and it took several of the Earth's Bull best to move it forward. Still, they would make it in record timing.

"Sir the Irken Rebels have been spotted entering the woods alongside the tower." Knot said, reading the message that had just been sent to his PAK.

"Good our targets are in place." Captain Orge smiled. Now all they needed was to deliver the trap. "They'll leave the same way the entered. How far?" He asked Mookie.

"Five minutes Captain." She answered.

"Perfect." Captain Orge's smile grew.

"Hopefully Bec will meet us in time." Another Soldier Sargent Nez spoke almost hopefully.

"If not then his sacrifice will not be in vain." Captain Orge assured him.

And with that the Royal Guard continued to their destination with their mysterious cargo in tow.

(Back with Mia…)

They were close now she was sure of it.

Others however were not.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Kiel asked.

"Irken soldiers are further north." Mia assured him. "That means the gun fire ahead of us has to be then.

"In less they are boxed in." Tesi pointed out what they were all thinking. Boxing in the enemy was a known Irken move.

"Then we'll blast them a way through!" Mia decreed drawing her weapon.

"And what if they're not boxed in?" Rae asked. "They'll see our drawn weapons and shoot first before we can explain ourselves."

Mia knew Rae had a strong point, but if they were not boxed in then it could only mean one thing. "This is a trap."

"For all of us." Wik agreed.

"We have to get Zim out of there." Tesi urged. "He is Irks only hope."

"And we will." Mia said placing her weapon back in its hoister. There was no readings of any enemy soldiers just ahead of them, and Rae was right, they could give their allies the wrong idea.

"They are just pass those trees." Macey reported as they stopped only feet away. She was looking at her life scanner. It was a scanner that read life readings. "29 humans and one Irken."

"There is only 29?" Mia was stunned. 29 humans were holding their own against Irken forces.

"Looks like they are as adequate as we hoped." Tesi said.

"Lard Nar will be pleased, this will fuel the rest of the galaxy to fight back." Mia said sounding relieved.

"We can focus on that later." Rae said. "How do we handle this?"

"Let me go first." Mia said, "They'll know me from Lard Nar, he said that he contacted them."

"Be careful." Kiel warned.

Mia nodded and slowly pressed onward as to not appear as a threat to her allies.

"Zim someone is coming from behind." James warned picking up the movement on his own life scanner. "It's Irken."

Several humans who were at rest whorled around and aimed their weapons at the trees behind them, while their partners continued to engage the war in front of them.

"Hold your fire." Zim ordered, his weapon was also at the ready. "Is it just one?"

"No I'm picking up others further back." James reported, but they've stopped, only one is advancing."

"It could be the rebels." Keef suggested.

"Or we're about to be boxed in." Zim noted.

"There not boxing us in." A voice said just ahead of them.

"Not a step closer!" Zim warned.

The outline of a figure halted just a few feet away.

"State your name and PAK number!" Zim ordered.

"Mia." The voice answered. "Defective PAK 4324785."

Zim's brow rose. "Defective?" He asked.

Mia nodded and took a step forward into the dim lighting offered by their weapons. "I am the leader of the Irken Rebels, my soldiers are behind us."

"So we're not being boxed in?" Zim asked.

"No, this was a trap." Mia told him.

"So we've gather." Mark cut in. "So tell us how do we know you're not the trap?"

"Goalit spoke to Lard Nar about me." She answered.

Zim smiled. "And as fate would have it Goalit is not here."

"He is not?" Mia looks surprised.

"No but he will be shortly." Zim assured her, "In the mean time I suppose we'll just have to trust you."

"Zim…" Mark warned.

"We have no choice Zinger." Zim snapped. "Everyone will use your code names until I say otherwise."

Mia is not surprised by their suspicions, Irkens were known to deceive; after all it was what made conquering planets so easy for them.

"We'll save introductions for later." Zim told her. "For now let's move while we still can."

Mia nodded and Zim took the lead. "Everyone fall back in twos, if this is a trap we'll need as much of a head start as we can."

No one questioned the order which amazed Mia, had Zim earned their loyalty so undoubtingly that he actually took charge? It would appear so, not one hesitated his ordered, first Zim and four humans raced off with her towards her fellow rebels and every few seconds two more would follow.

'He's already a leader.' The realization made her hopeful. Perhaps Tesi was right, maybe Zim didn't need to know that nothing was wrong with him. After all, he seemed to be just fine with being a defective. At first Mia feared he would hesitate to lead because he was defective and therefore not fit to lead them. However, Zim seemed to lead regardless of the fact.

Perhaps seeing himself as different made it easier for him. Either way there was no since in fixing something that wasn't broken. The Ancients would tell him the truth when he was ready, she was sure of that now.

Seconds later they've reached her team, but Zim doesn't stop to greet them and neither do the humans.

Mia what's going on?" Tesi asked.

"We have no time." She told them as several more humans ran passed. "We were right it's a trap we have to move!"

The Irken Rebels respond instantly and catch up to their allies.

"Where do we go?" Mia asked Zim.

"The sewers." Zim answered, "There is an opening a few streets over."

Mia nodded, she knew of the opening, it was the one they used on their way here.

"Let's just hope we've gotten a good enough head start." Dib said the obvious.

Everyone nodded their agreement, none of them knowing that this head start was all according to plan.

(Back at the destroyed Water Tower)

"Captain Orge." A soldier spoke into his communicator. "The enemy had fallen back towards your position."

"Good the trap is set and ready." Captain Orge said as Sargent Mookie released the Bull Beast. The area they had chosen was known for its illegal trade of humans. Enslaving registered human citizens was illegal on Earth, however anyone found outside after curfew was considered "Fair game." Mostly because they were under grounders like Crystal and not registered humans like the other members of the Renegades.

Any none registered humans would be captured and forced into service as Minions on Zec. That is if they were lucky, for as the Renegades and their new allies would learn there were worse fates for those caught outside passed curfew.

"What now?" Knot asked his captain.

"We leave." Captain Orge answered. "The trap will handle the rest."

His soldiers obeyed and not a moment too soon, for as soon as they disappeared the Renegades ran pass the trap.

The first wave did not notice it, however Blind Bandit stopped by it knowingly. She maybe blind, but she knew smell of the ocean, and it reminded her of perhaps the scariest time of her childhood.

"Blind Bandit?" Rachel asked as she noticed her behavior.

"Shadow Cat?" Crystal's voice is shaken. "Please tell me there is not a Cargo Cate beside us."

Rachel turned to her left and froze, there snugged in the alley was a crate. "Wow I didn't even notice it." She said.

Suddenly an unmistakable sound comes from the crate.

"Hello? Is someone out there?"

It was the sound of a little girl…

Episode 5 - The Sign (Part 3) END!

Author's Notes: Tune in next week to find out what happens next!

Thanks again for reading and please review!

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine ;)