Episode 14: Danger is Lurking

Episode Summary: The heat is rising for our favorite resistance, and just when you think things couldn't get worse the Tallest add more fire to the flames. Meanwhile Joseph, Josh, and Scamooch return to school.

Author's Notes: Sorry this took so long to come up guys, I've been without internet for a while, but it's back up! Before we start I would like to take the time to give credit to one of my readers for creating O/C Characters for this Episode. Kebarton thank you for the creation of Kornelius Newton, and Elma Hathaway. This episode would not be possible without them.

Thank you for reading and please review!

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine

Episode 14-Danger is Lurking (Part 1)

(The Next morning...)

[With the Tallest on Zec...]

What they were about to do was against everything they had ever been taught,

Then again since when did they listen to past teachings?

Purple bit his lip, he was very unsure about this. "Red are you sure this is a good idea?" He asked.

Red ignored him, and focused on the project at hand, before him is a cloning chamber. Cloning chambers were much different than the cloning process they used to create Smeets; for cloning chambers allowed the Irkens to make an exact clone of a full grown Irken, instead of starting all over as a Smeet. And at the moment Red was setting the control's to clone a very dangerous being.

"Red, you and I both know the dangers of cloning an Amon this way." Purple urged.

Oh, yes he knew!

Cloning Amons that had already gone through the change with a cloning chamber had disastrous results, and for a simple reason. Worthy ones that take their time in the transformation process usually turn out fine, but those who change too fast could end up dying. However, those who don't die are guaranteed to go rogue due to their brain failing to keep up with the changes that took over their body.

There were two different types of Rogues, the less dangerous ones were ironically like Red, and Purple. Tyrants out for their own gain, filled with their own ambitions, and blinded by power lust. They were dangerous yes, however; the other kind was far worse.

They were known as Berserks, and they were mindless, and out of control with anger that knew no limit. They walked around in a frenzy, and their only goal was to devour everything in sight. The berserks were simply animals, with no conscience, and no sense of remorse. All they cared about was the next feed, spilling innocent blood wherever it went.

And the Tallest planned to create one using Koi's DNA!

Purple looked at the revolting creature floating in the generation juices of the cloning chamber with distain. Its eyes glowed like two blue neon lights, its figure was like that of slender man, tall and thin, with two sets of large claws and a mouth full of pointy teeth, perfect for tearing up flesh. It was those claws that had Purple shaking. "Red this monster will kill anything it sees." He voiced fearfully.

"You worry too much." Red assured him. "Once it gets a whiff of Zim's sent it'll see him as a threat and track him down. Once that's done we'll finally be rid of him, and we'll terminate the beast."

"How?" Purple asked.

"I've place a detonator in its neck, it's programed to monitor for Zim's Squeedlyspooch over a 10,000-mile radius." Red explained. "Once Zim's Squeedlyspooch stops beating the detonator will go off, killing the beast."

"And if Zim doesn't die?" Purple dared to ask.

"He will, an Amon still going through the change is no match for a full realized berserk rogue." Red reasoned.

"And if someone gets hurt?" Purple asked. "Someone besides Zim?"

"We'll release it off Zec, in the city below, it's nocturnal so no Irkens will be in harm's way, as for the humans...well if they are not out late pass curfew they should be safe behind locked doors." Red reasoned.

Purple still looked unsure, Red sighed. "Listen Purple I know it's dangerous, but this thing can get rid of the problem before he reaches us, besides the Renegades are bound to become snacks if they cross this thing. We'll get rid of two problems with one solution."

Purple wasn't convinced, but he nodded anyways, after all Red always made most of the decisions anyways. While Purple took a more submissive role of the two, it was the order of things with them. It was also why their inner beast never fought each other to the death. "When will we release it?"

"It should be ready in three weeks' time." Red said.

Purple shivered; in 21 short days they would be releasing a monster upon an unsuspecting world. This should have been nothing new to him, but this time it was different. This monster wouldn't just see Zim as a threat, but Red, and Purple too! And if something went wrong with that detonator, then once Zim was dead the berserk Koi would try to get back up to Zec.

And if it succeeded, then they would be in more trouble than they ever dared to imagine.

(Back with Joseph...)

[Location: Westville High]

It felt so strange to be back...

Joseph walked down the halls of Westville High, cautiously, his goody, good two shoes image had no doubt been blemished thanks to this whole ordeal. Not only that but other cadets that sympathized for Rene and the three other cadets killed may not like the fact that he was alive.

However, to his surprise he was not met with any scorn, or distain. Instead he walked the halls as he always did. 'It must be the death sentence.' Joseph decided as he reached his locker. 'It has everyone scared to offend any humans.'

"Well this isn't what I expected." Josh admitted as he closed his own locker.

"Me either." Joseph agreed.

"I mean usually Cadet Scamooch is giving me trouble by now." Josh pointed out. "It's not that I ain't grateful, it just feels off."

"Doesn't it?" an all too familiar voice asked.

'Speak of the devil.' Josh turned to see none other than Cadet Scamooch himself, leaning against the locker next to him.

"So, how's the new place?" Cadet Scamooch dared to ask.

Joseph knew the cadet just wanted things to go back to the way things were before this whole mess got started, and if he was being honest with himself he'd agree. After all, Cadet Scamooch was a big part of their cover. Sure, he got them in trouble and caused them pain. But said trouble is what identified them. Josh was the troubled twin thanks to Cadet Scamooch's antics, and Joseph was the good one always bailing him out.

It was a big part of their routine, one that defined them in more ways than one.

"It's a dump thanks for asking!" Josh snapped.

Joseph cleared his throat. "What Josh means to say is it's a bit less than we are used too."

Cadet Scamooch smiled; in all honesty he was thankful that the human Joseph didn't seem too angry with him. Sure the human had punched him out of anger; however, Cadet Scamooch did throw him under the bus in the court room. So, in the cadet's eyes they were even now. "So, Joseph how does it feel to be behind for once? I bet it sucks."

Joseph smiled. "Speak for yourself. I'm always ahead in all my classes."

"Wait you don't have to make up anything?" Josh asked.

"Nope." Joseph said with a smirk. "See over achieving does pay off."

"Nerd." Josh teased.

Joseph laughed, but suddenly grew serious. "Do you need me to walk you to class?"

"Oh, enough already bro." Josh seemed to be begging. "The doctors cleared me, I'm fine really."

"Are you sure?" Joseph asked.

"Positive." Josh assured him. "I'll see you at lunch okay?"

"Okay." Joseph agreed, reluctantly before watching his brother walk away.

"So, are we cool?" Cadet Scamooch asked.

"Uh?" Joseph inquired, looking lost.

"Look I don't like you, but I do enjoy how things were before." Cadet Scamooch admitted. "Can I still depend on you to tell me like it is?"

Joseph smiled. "Without a doubt." He assured him, closing his locker. "Besides, I don't really blame you, I was just angry. I said things I didn't mean."

Cadet Scamooch nodded. "Good then carry my books, book slave!" he ordered dropping his mountain of books into Joseph's arms.

Joseph shook his head, but gripped the books tightly as he followed Cadet Scamooch to his 1st period class. "So how are you?"

"What do you mean?" Cadet Scamooch asked.

"I heard about what happen to the other cadets." Joseph whispered, so the other students walking by them couldn't hear. "How are you feeling about all that?"

Cadet Scamooch paused, not sure how to answer, ever since Joseph saved his life things had been different with them. Before the fire they had formed some sort of understanding; a friendship more or less. And it would appear that they had kept that status despite what his fellow cadets had done. However, to speak so openly about how he felt might not be wise.

Why?

Because he didn't agree with it at all!

Anger burned inside of him for what the Tallest had done, they were just cadets, and Josh had not been killed. He felt like the punishment was too extreme for the crime. However, who was he to speak up against the Tallest.

He was nobody! He had no say!

"Well I didn't like it." Joseph voiced openly when Cadet Scamooch wouldn't answer. "I mean what they did was wrong, but isn't death a bit extreme?"

"The Tallest spoke it, and no one can voice against it." Cadet Scamooch finally said. "So, it doesn't matter what I think."

"Yes, it does." Joseph said. "You're a voice of the people, how can a leader run an empire without listening to the individuals that make up the empire? How do they know what you need? How do they assure you in times of fear?"

"Careful Joseph, those words could get you in trouble." Cadet Scamooch warned.

Joseph nodded. "You're right, I forgot my place; forgive me." The boy said. "In fact, forget I even mentioned it."

But that was just it! Cadet Scamooch couldn't forget it, his words branded into the cadet's mind like hot iron. You're a voice of the people, how can a leader run an empire without listening to the individuals that make up the empire? How do they know what you need? How do they assure you in times of fear?"

Joseph entered Cadet Scamooch's first period class, and placed his books down at his usual desk, and gave his brother a wave as he walked pass.

Josh waved back, and watched as Joseph placed his finger to the side of his nose. It was a hand sign, saying the seed had been planted.

Josh nodded, ever since they found out about the Ancestors the two, along with Tak and Goalit had been on a mission to create doubt in the minds of the Irken population. Doubts that the Red and Purple were best suited for the job as the Tallest.

And since Joseph could always speak freely with Cadet Scamooch he planted the seed of doubt with him, and in time that seed would grow, and the evidence of that was written all over Cadet Scamooch's face.

The doubt was there, and it was already taking root.

(Back with Goalit...)

[Location: Human Science Camp]

This world was so alien to him...

Goalit looked around the facility in awe, it wasn't Vort by a long shot, but the Earth science division was a sight to see. The Humans called it Science Camp, since they all the Humans present were captured Scientist. Forced to live in the encampment and reengineer their human tech into the Irken armory.

This after all was the Irken way, conquered worlds' technology was added into the Irken folds in order to better themselves. Allowing their technology to evolve at an alarming rate, a rate too fast for anyone to keep up with. It was a very ingenious strategy, one that had kept the Irken Empire on top for over 200 years.

Thousands of scientist filled the halls of the large skyscraper, that tower over the ruins of a forgotten town. The town itself had been destroyed during the Armada's initial attack on the planet, and remarkably the skyscraper was left standing, while the rest of the city was demolished. The facility was divided up in floors, there were 49 floors in all, and each floor had its place, its purpose. The first floor was a check in post, all personnel Irken or human, had to go through this check point to get in, or out of the building.

The humans were allowed outside for breaks and leisure since the building was surrounded by an electric fence, this discouraged any escape attempts. At the entrance of the fence was another check point, and only Irken vehicles were allowed pass. The second floor through the twentieth was set assigned for housing. Each human was given their own room, with a bed, a dresser, a TV, a closet, a bathroom; everything the humans would need to feel relaxed.

At first the humans were not given these things, and it led to the scientist getting bored, and finding other things to occupy there time, like experimenting in the labs. After a few unplanned explosions, the Irken guards gave in, and became more lenient. Floor 21 housed several different necessities such as a gym, a cafeteria, and a Library. Leaving floors 22-48 for different varieties of labs, with different purposes, and then finally there was floor 49.

Floor 49 housed the newly engineered weaponry that had been tested and was ready for shipment. Ships would land on the well-guarded roof, take the roof entry down to floor 49 and load up the new products into their ships and leave.

Of course, Goalit understood why the shipments and the weapons were done at the top of the skyscraper. The enemy would have to get all the way to the top floor to steal anything, and the facility was well guarded, with lookout towers on all sides of the fence, two check points, and only one way in, or out. It was almost impossible to brake in.

Almost, but Goalit knew of a forgotten Seward System that ran straight under the facility, which could be accessed from the storm drain in the basement of the building. He had stumbled upon this finding while exploring the facility from top to bottom on his own, after he was given his assignment earlier that morning.

If he was still loyal to the empire he would have reported the find to his superiors at once! However, now he tucked the knowledge away for safe keeping. He would guard the entrance to the storm drain, and make sure no one else found it. And when the time was right the resistance could plan an attack on the facility, which would cripple the Armada's war effort tenfold.

Goalit shivered at the thought, he had never done something so reckless before. This was against everything in his nature, and yet at the same time it wasn't. For you see it was in his nature to obey his Tallest, but it was also in his nature to insure a bright future for his students; past and present.

"Now as I told you earlier you will be working in the Robotics department." A voice said beside him.

Goalit was immediately pulled back into the matter at hand. To his right was an Irken scientist, with large orange eyes. The light green skin of his forehead was crowned with the Irken insignia. All scientist had one on their forehead, symbolizing that they were soldiers of knowledge, not combat.

The Irken's name was Beki, and he was dwarf compared to Goalit's impressive five feet, which was the norm, for Goalit was freakishly tall in shew standers. The small Irken scientist wore a white lab coat, combat boots, and goggles which were at the moment resting on the top of his head.

"Yes, the Robotics department." Goalit repeated.

"Yes Sir, their job is to build, and designer Robots, that they use to test our new Irken war machines." Beki explained.

"The machines are paired with human Technology?" Goalit asked.

Beki nodded. "Their work is very important; they are the final phase of all products here; they test them and deem them worthy of shipment. Your job is to make sure they work in a timely manner and are staying out of trouble."

"So, I'm a supervisor?" Goalit asked, looking somewhat disappointed.

"You can help them work if you feel too bored watching. Just as long as things get done." Beki informed him.

Goalit breathed a sigh of relief, he really wasn't the stand around and do-nothing kind of guy. He loved to keep busy. "Very well, I am ready to meet my team."

Beki nodded, and led him further down the hall, and stopped moments later at a door labeled Robotics/Testing Unit, Room 1556. "This is it." He whispered. "Now I warn you they're an interesting bunch, never a dull moment."

Goalit couldn't help but smile. "Perfect."

Beki opened the door to a very messy workstation, so messy it made Goalit's OCD go haywire. There were robotic parts everywhere, all over the floor, the counters, and so one. No doubt these were discarded parts from testing the weapons on robotic dummies. The two Irken scientist walked into the main part of the department, a big open place with a big bullseye painted on the wall. Adjacent to the main room was four smaller rooms, no doubt each of their individual offices, along with one more big room, most likely the meeting room.

The meeting room door opens to three human personnel who have no doubt just finished their morning meeting. They are all dressed in buttoned up lab coats, and combat boots. The youngest of the three is a young woman, no doubt still in her teens, she looks about the same age as the Earth boy he had met last night. Dib was his name. His first thought was; why someone so young was in a place like this? She's Caucasian, with Auburn colored hair, brown eyes, and freckles. She stands about 5foot 2in and has a petite build.

The man to her right made Goalit do a double take, half human, half machine, the man was a sight to see. He is tall and skinny but not without muscle. With dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and tan skin. The entire left sided of his body is made up a human torso with robotic limbs. Including a mechanical left arm, and left leg, a binocular robot left eye, and cybernetic ears.

The man to her left is more normal looking, well except for his crazy jet-black hair which is in the shape of an out-of-control lightning bolt, he is also Caucasian, and wearing goggles over his brown eyes. "Awe Sargent Beki what a surprise to see you this fine morning." The man says in a super professional voice.

"Professor, Elma, Kornelius this is your new Supervisor, Sargent Goalit." Beki said, introducing Goalit to them.

"It's a pleasure Sir." The cyborg, Kornelius said, offering his robotic hand.

Goalit looked at it dumbly.

"You shake it sir, it's a form of human greeting." Beki explained, demonstrating by shaking the cyborg's outstretched hand. "There now you give it a try." He advised.

Goalit obeyed and shook the cyborg's hand.

"My name is Kornelius Sir, Kornelius Newton." The Cyborg introduced himself. "And this bright young lady beside me is Elma Hathaway." He said, introducing the young girl.

Elma offered Goalit her hand, and he shakes it, she blushes nervously as they touch. "It's an Honor to meet you." She said. "I hope we can all work together swiftly and get along just as well."

Goalit couldn't help but smile, he hadn't expected to be greeted so happily by any of the humans. He was quickly reminded of his friends back on Vort, so kind; even after the takeover. He had been expecting a tense environment, he had heard most places with humans, and Irkens working together were this way. However, the Camp was mellow, possibly because the Scientist had earned such through hard work, and good behavior.

Finally, the last of the three extended a hand, and Goalit let go of Elma's to shake his.

"Names Membrane." He said, giving his hand a firm shake. "Professor Membrane."

-To Be Continued

Author's Notes: OMG Looks like Professor Membrane isn't dead after all! What will this mean for the resistance! And more importantly what will this mean for Dib, and Gaz?

Find out Next week in Danger is Lurking: Part 2.

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine