Episode 16: Gir Goes Psycho
Author's Notes:
Episode Summary: The last time Gir went crazy, he nearly killed Zim, but Zim swore to Dib that he fixed Gir's little problem a long time ago. So why does it seem that Gir has lost it all together? Has he finally gone off the deep end for good this time, or is there a deeper meaning to his madness?
Disclaimers: I Do Not Own Invader Zim
P.S: Thank you for reading and please review!
Warning: This episode had more blood than usual; view discretion is advised.
Episode 16: Gir Goes Psycho (Part 1)
(Six days after Zim attacked Dib...)
[Location: The Dome]
{Time: Midnight}
He could feel the tension rising around him…
It wasn't a comfortable feeling to say the least. Dib Membrane forced himself to focus, tonight mission depended on everyone's complete attention; and that included his own.
The renegades had been planning for this score for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now that Zim's sentencing was finally over it was safe enough to move forward with their plans. Their target was an Irken facility where human scientist were held. According to Goalit this facility used human scientist to merge human tech with Irken Tech, and the Irken scientist had discovered an unguarded entry way into the facility.
Finally, they would have real weapons against the enemy! Okay, they had some thanks to their last weapons raid on the bridge. Unfortunately, their haul was not as large of a score as this one would be.
There was just one issue...
The other Renegades had no idea about Goalit, and today was the day Zim would tell them.
Dib wanted to take responsibility for his involvement, since he involved Tak, who then involved Goalit, but Zim said they were still mad about Tak, and if Dib was at fault again he could lose his position as one of the leaders of the renegades.
He couldn't afford that; Dib kept the peace between them and their Irken Allies.
'Nothing can go wrong.' Dib reminded himself knowingly. 'The future of the very universe could depend on this very moment!'
(Back with Tak…)
[Location: Just with in the Dome entrance]
She was nervous, and rightfully so.
This was the first time she would be presented before the human resistance group known as the Renegades. Tak suppressed a shiver, in order for her's and Gaz's plan to work she needed to earn their full trust. However, she could already tell how hard that was going to be.
"Now I want you to leave the talking to me." Zim was saying to her and Goalit. "The humans are still very sensitive to our kind, heck I don't even think their use to me just yet."
"We can wait longer Sir." Goalit suggested respectfully.
"No, those weapons you told me of will only make the Irken soldiers stronger." Zim said. "We must strike it now while they are still in production, and while they are still unaware of the underground tunnel."
"Very well." Goalit said, he too looked nervous, and Zim picked up on it.
"They will not hurt you." Zim assured him. "I simply will not allow it!"
Goalit shook his head. "It is not them I worry about, it is you."
"And why do you worry?" Zim asked.
"You seem tense." Tak said. "Did something happen?"
Zim froze at her question, 'Control…You are in control' Zim took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 'You can do this Zim just stay focus!'
It was easier said than done, then again what wasn't? 'Remember this is your body, it is yours to control'
Zim flinched as a memory flashed through his mind.
"Deceiver!"
Claws cut into flesh, the blow forcing the enemy to the ground.
The boy whose face he could not see screamed into the night as his blood stains his attacker and the street where he laid!
Zim fought the memory, forcing it to go away and for good reason; he didn't want to remember! He had lost control and even though Gir had assured him that the boy was not hurt and still very much alive, Zim didn't want to know the face of the child he almost killed. So, he refused to relive the memory.
"Zim are we ready?"
Zim turned to see Dib, standing behind him. There was a good distance between them, and Zim had noticed it had been there for some time now. 'About a week.' He realized. 'Did Gir tell Dib what I did? Does he question my loyalty now, because I hurt that kid?'
Dib bit his lip, he wanted to tell Zim the truth; that he was that kid; but the computer said it would make him feel even worse. He hadn't mean for the distance to grow, but he found he could not help but want to tell Zim the truth when he was near. "They're in the board room waiting for you."
"Have you told them yet?" Zim asked, his voice is strained; the distance is evident.
"No, I thought you wanted to." Dib said.
"I do, thank you for your consideration." Zim said coldly.
Goalit, and Tak give each other a knowing look, something has happened in their absence; and it wasn't looking good.
"Let's go." Zim said, "I want to get this over with."
The three obey, and Zim leads them down the hall, and into the board room.
They are greeted with silence, and at least two dozen glaring eyes.
"It's okay guys this is Tak, she's our Irken informant." Dib explained to them.
"We know." One of them, a boy said. "Why did you bring her?"
"Yeah we're not even wearing our disguises!" A girl pointed out. "And who's the other one?"
Zim took a deep breath and addressed them "I brought him." He said.
"Zim I knew you'd stab us in the back!" The same boy from before spoke again. "Why don't we just invite the whole Armada hu?" The boy, Mark snapped.
"Mark" Rachel snapped back. "We don't have time for this." She stopped and looked to Zim. "Zim please explain."
Zim sighed. "I know I've been acting weird lately." He admitted. "All you need to know is I have been changing, and this change will allow me the right to take over the Irken Empire."
Silence...
"You...you can do that?" Rachel asked.
Zim nodded, "Thanks to these two we now have an army of Irkens and other races who wish to see the Irken rule gone from their own worlds. Together we stand a better chance in beating them once and for all." He explained.
"Are you really going to take over the Empire?" Mark asked.
"What? Would you rather I stay here?" Zim forced a scoff. "No offense, but I thought you'd be happy for me to leave."
Mark said nothing, but they were all thinking the same thing.
"What about Gaz?" Gretchen finally asked the question they all were thinking.
"My people need me." Zim said. "Not just any Irken can become a Tallest, by destroying Red, and Purple, and taking my rightful place I will end a war that is over two centuries old. Besides, she deserves better. I could never make her really happy. Earth will not want a single Irken to stay after this war is over, and I cannot ask her to leave just for my sake."
"Zim..." Dib was stunned by his words, he should have seen this coming, of course Zim, and Gaz would have to go their separate ways. But he knew it would make them both sad, and he cared about them both. 'We're a family now, we need to say together.'
However, to win this war once and for all Dib knew Zim was right; he had to go.
"Once I take over my people will fall in line behind me." Zim went on. "They may not all like it at first, but it is the way of my people, they will accept it."
"So, they are behind you becoming leader?" James asked.
Tak and Goalit nodded.
"Once I am done...changing...I will receive the blessing of my ancestors, and then I will challenge the Tallest for their position." Zim continued to explain.
"But is that what you want?" Rachel asked.
"There is no other way, if we fight the Tallest your way it will take years before we win, and then they'll retreat only to return one day to regain their honor." Zim explained. "This way a new order is established. Irkens will not be Invaders anymore, it has done nothing but cause pain, and devastation. We will leave the worlds we have conquered and return to Irk."
"But what will we do?" Tak spoke for the first time.
"Yeah." Mark agreed. " Your whole purpose is to invade."
"There was a time when we were inventors, and traded our goods for resources our plant could not supply us." Goalit spoke up. "We have told our ancestors that we will revert back to these roots."
"Sorry, your ancestors?" Rachel asked.
"They are the oldest, and wisest of our people, the purest of our race. They were once advisors to the Tallest, they watched over us, and protected us from harm." Goalit explained. "However, they did not believe in war, and when we raged one against the universe, we rage it against them as well. They left us, but now they are pleased to hear that Zim wishes to revert us back. They await to give him their blessing as we speak."
"But is that what you want." Rachel asked Zim again.
"Rachel..." Zim sighed.
"You don't have to do this for our sake." Rachel reasoned. "You can stay here with us, and Gaz, and..." Tears rolled down her eyes.
It was in that moment that Zim realized for the first time that he had earned at least some of their trust. He was a part of them. Sure, there were times when things were uneasy, but it was only natural. Even Mark was not as hostel as he once had been.
"I am doing this for everyone's sake." Zim said. "If I do this Gaz will be free to live her own life. Everyone will, besides this is the way of my people, not just any Irken can challenge the Tallest."
"Ok if that is what you want, I guess we can learn to understand." Rachel wiped the tears from her eyes as she continued, and then looking to Tak and Goalit she said. "Hi, I am Rachel, also known as Shadow Cat and we welcome you here to our meeting." She forces a smile.
It is in this moment that the two new comers understand the bound these humans shared with each other and Zim. Sure, it may be rough around the edges, but it was really hard to tell who you could trust these days. Whether Irken or Human either one could be the enemy, out for personal gain. Most human's these days had accepted the Irken rule. Thinking it could all be worse than it was, and it could. They understood that, so they obeyed.
"Thank you Rachel." Zim smiles, he's obviously relieved. "Now there will be time for introductions later. Goalit has a plan to further our arsenal, as well as add a few members to our team."
"Really?" Rachel asked.
"Well I guess we can at least hear him out." Mark commented.
Goalit step forward, he hasn't been this nervous before, not since day one of his own academy days. 'These human children are a judgmental bunch aren't they?' he cleared his throat as the Science Camp facility showed up on the screen behind him. "This is a science facility where human scientist are held captive, and are forced to merge human technology with Irken Tech." he began.
"So that's where all the scientist are?" James asked. "In some encampment?"
Goalit nodded. "They design and test weapons for the Irkens, This building is 49 stories, and the only way in is threw two check points." He explained. "The front gate." The screen zoomed in on the front gate of the facility. "It is guarded by two soldiers at all times, only Irken vehicles may pass through. Surrounding the building is an electric fence with four towers on every corner, ready to shoot down any air strike." He paused.
No one interrupted, some of the children were even taking notes. He could see now why the Tallest were having such a hard time with this group. They maybe children, but they did not act like it. The Tallest had been underestimating them.
He continued. "Once inside the fence, there is another check point at the front desk, then it's 48 stories up to the 49th floor, which is also heavily guarded. The roof is also guarded."
"So, what you're saying is we have to get in the gate, and into the building and up 48 floors unseen, and get out with a bunch of weapons!" Mark snapped. "I'm sorry, but that's crazy, how would we even do that? It's impossible"
Goalit smiled. "Your right, or you would be if I didn't stumble across this." The image on the screen change to an underground Seward line. "These tunnels lead directly under the facility, to a storm draining unit in the subbasement."
"And you're sure no one knows of this?" Zim asked.
Goalit nodded. "I am sure, but it may not stay that way for long."
"Okay so we get in." Mark went on. "How do we get all the way up?"
"My unit is the final phase before shipment, we test the weapons, and then take them up to floor 49 ourselves. I can sneak you into my unit, and the scientists there can help me sneak you into floor 49." Goalit went on.
"And we can trust these guys?" Dib asked.
"The scientist are only obeying for the safety of their families, but as far as I'm aware the ones with me don't have to worry about that." Goalit assured him.
"Why Not?" Mark asked.
"Because one of them is a teen, an only child, bright mind." Goalit explained. "Her parents died in the Great War. She's alone." He felt a ting of guilt as he said this. He remember also feeling said guilt when Elma had told him herself.
He had asked her what she was doing there, alone, so young. She said she was several years ahead in life due to her unusually High IQ. And that her parents died in the War, it was either slavery, or become a scientist.
She said she chose science, because it was her first love, those words had made him smile, he too felt a close bond with science. It would appear it was just another thing they had in common.
"Poor girl." Rachel said.
"And Mr. Newton-" Goalit went on, but another stopped him.
"Wait." Shyann stood. "You mean Kornelius Newton, robotics expert Kornelius Newton!"
"Yes, do you know him?" Goalit asked.
"He's my uncle." Shyann said through tears, "He married my mother's sister…but they separated before the War. That's why he isn't in my papers as a relative. The soldiers must have no idea about me, or my brothers. I...I thought he was dead." She whispered.
"Well than that's two lost family members I found." Goalit said proudly.
"Two?" Zim asked.
Goalit nodded. "Took me a while to make the connection, but the third scientist is a professor by the name Dibson, Professor Dibson Membrane."
The air got caught in his throat, Dib couldn't believe his ears. "He's, alive?" he asked. "My father's alive?"
"I read his file." Goalit said sadly, it was true he had read all three of their files, he had learned so much about them that way; for example, he learned of Dib's relations to him through the file. It showed the professor had two children, one female in captivity named Gaz, the other was Dib. "He led the first strike against the soldiers during day one of the Great War, his jet went down, but he managed to eject in time. However, he was captured and forced to work at the camp. He's safe though, and very much alive."
Dib couldn't believe it, all this time he was alive.
"I was hoping I could have you convince him to get the others on board with this." Goalit went on.
Dib sniffled, forcing back tears. "When can I speak to him?" He asked.
"Tonight, in about an hour I will return to them, I can set up a feed in our meeting room, we are working some over time to get back on schedule. Usually the scientist are in bed by now, but I convinced my higher ups to let us stay up pass curfew to catch up."
"Can I be there?" Shyann asked. "I want to see him again."
Goalit nodded. "Very well, but I warn you, he looks different now."
"What do you mean?" Shyann asked.
"He was injured in the War." Goalit explained. "Some parts of him are..."
Shyann nodded, understanding. "I'm just happy he's alive."
"Then I will leave to get the feed ready, but first I will finish presenting the plan." He went back to addressing the group as a whole. "Once we are on floor 49 we'll take out the guards, take what we need, and we'll load it onto the ship that will be waiting on the roof."
"Once there, we'll use our emergency Irken disguises on our communicators to navigate the ship off the roof, and through security, where will be home free." Zim concluded.
"And you think this will work." Mark asked.
"Only if we can convince Membrane and the others to help." Goalit said.
"We have tried crazier stunts." James said, looking to Mark as if trying to convince him.
"Yeah but, won't you lose your job?" Mark asked Goalit.
"Yes, I will, and I plan to." Goalit answered. "My new mission now is to ensure Zim gets his blessing and lives to take down the Tallest."
Everyone looked to Rachel, Mark, and James, and it became very apparent to Goalit that these three along with Zim, and Dib made the decisions around here.
"I am in." Rachel said. "We have two family members in need, and a teen." She said. "We cannot ask the others to risk the lives of their family, but we cannot leave ours behind."
"I'm with you." James agreed. "We need those weapons, if we don't get at least some of the new tech, our old tech will be no match."
Everyone looked to Mark, but he didn't answer right away.
"Mark?" Rachel asked.
"I still think this is crazy, probably the most dangerous stunt we've ever pulled, but you're right James. We can't afford not to have at least some of the newer models."
"So, we're all in then?" Zim asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Then I will go, and ready the feed." Goalit said.
"We will await your call." Shyann told him.
Dib nodded, still to speechless to speak much, his father was alive, and he was going to see him for the first time in over a year.
"I must return to Zec." Tak said.
"What will you say?" Zim asked.
"I have to give them something." Tak said. "We need them to keep trusting me, I'll say you plan to attack a water factory or something on the same night. Hopefully, this will distract most of the soldiers so you can all get away in a hurry if things go wrong."
"Thank you Tak." Zim said sincerely.
She smiles, it is a rare moment of peace between them, yes there is still suspicion, and some bitterness, but Zim has learned to trust her, for now.
"Then I announce that this meeting is officially over." Rachel said.
"I second that." James agreed.
"And I third." Zim said, concluding the meeting.
Everyone stood, and separated across the base, it would take some time for it to be all clear for their return home.
"This better not get all of us killed Zim." Mark warned as he walked by him.
"I'd never let that happen." Zim said.
"Look you saved my life once and I'm grateful." Mark said. "But I don't trust them."
"Then trust me." Zim said. "Trust my judgement, please Mark."
"I am trying." Mark said. "But your "Changing" as you called it. Has you acting very weird. And you're not exactly friendly all the time."
Zim nodded. "I know, I'll do better."
"See that you do Zim." Mark warned as he leaves the room. "I'm not the only one that thinks you're not worth the risk."
Gir appears before Zim, watching Mark go; he has been acting odd lately. Keeping his distance, and he has yet to leave his full duty mode. The presence of the OTHER, has caused this, but this mode is not safe for Gir to be in too long. It does things with his mind.
Zim is too caught up in his own problems to notice.
"Do you need me to handle him sir?" Gir asked darkly.
"No Gir what I need you to do is stop making my life so difficult! This is your fault Gir, you're supposed to keep me from hurting anyone and you failed me! You did this and now it's made my life ten times harder!" Zim marched away in a heated angry mess, he doesn't really blame Gir, but he is fed up with it all. Fed up with no one trusting him, including himself; and Gir is the first one there to feel his wrath.
He doesn't know it now, but he will soon learn to regret it.
"I will try harder…Master!" Gir's left eye twitched dangerously; was it just his imagination or did the word Master suddenly felt sour in his mouth. He ignored it and followed Zim without another word.
'The humans are making it worse.' The SIR Unit realized. 'I must watch them; nothing must ruin this. Nothing must stand in the way of the mission!' Gir's red eyes narrowed on Zim.
'Nothing must stand in my way!"
Episode 16: Gir Goes Psycho(Part 1) END