Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading and please review!

(1 year & 8 Months ago…)

(Location: Deep Space)

He tried to remember what had gotten himself into this situation…

Just how had this gotten so badly?

Zim looked to the enemy before him, separated by the ship's air lock. His hand hovering over the release button. If he pressed it, the doors to the vacuum of space would open up on the other end of the cargo bay. The enemy, and everything he stood for would be extinguished forever.

"Don't do this!" Lard Nar screamed, banging on the door.

"Why is Spleenk doing this?" Anabel screamed.

"Isn't it obvious?" Jinx screamed. "He's a spy, I told you!"

"No, it's not true!" Annabel cried. "Spleenk, please, we can talk this out." She looks to Lard Nar fearfully. "Lard Nar do something!"

"Don't do this!" Lard Nar screamed again. "It's not too late to fix this."

Zim smiled a cruel smile and said. "I tried to warn you, this is it, no more freebees. Your little resistance ends now!"

He couldn't believe he was doing this again, but how could he not? The mission demanded results, and Lard Nar was just in the way.

"You shouldn't had been so eager, if you had laid low, maybe your little club would have survived." He lectured.

"Zim..." Lard Nar's whisper was unheard over the screams of his comrades, but Zim could see his name forming on his lips. He could also read the word that came next. "Please!"

"Goodbye pest." He growled, and with that he pressed the button.

(Present Day…)

She wasn't exactly sure what she had been expecting.

Luna stood in front of the Membrane household almost as if she was a stranger instead of a known resident. Gir however, hopped out of her arms and enters as if he was welcomed.

He isn't several blasters are pointed at him the moment he steps in the living room.

Richard, Lard Nar, Membrane, Anabel, and Gaz all have weapons pointed right at him and the Sir Unit doesn't even bat an eye.

"I'm a prisoner!" He shouted joyfully, jumping into Gaz's arms. "Take me to your leader!"

"Dib!" Gaz yelled, she could see Luna just outside the still open door, so she knew Dib was there too! When she had told them to confront Zim she hadn't meant for them to bring home his psycho robot.

"Dib isn't here." Luna said as she walked in, closing the door behind her.

"What do you mean he's not here?" Anabel lowers her blaster confused. "Where is he?"

"He's with master." Gir answered for her. "They go home."

"What!" Gaz says in unison with her parents as she drops the robot.

Gir lands on his feet with ease.

"Zim left, he took his whole base with him." Luna explained. "He said Tak had ruined the mission, said he was called back to Irk, and Dib…" She couldn't finish. She thought she had made the right decision letting him go. However, Anabel's ghostly white face was telling her otherwise. "He said he had to see this through…that you would understand…" She forced the words out and wish she hadn't.

Anabel fell on the couch in shock, her son was now alone in space headed for Irk. Worse he was stuck with an Irken who couldn't make up his mind about which side he was on.

Gir walks up to Lard Nar expectantly. "Master wanted me to tell you something." He said.

Lard Nar prepares himself for the worse. "Go on."

"The Tallest know you're a Vort." Gir said. "Now he says it's up to you, either you die, or you give up his name."

Lard Nar goes gravely serious, anger fuming from his every pore.

"Lard Nar?" Richard looks confused. "What's he talking about."

"He wants me to give up Trawl." Lard Nar growled, his rage knowing no limits. Zim had asked many things of him in the past, but this! To give up his only kin to save his own skin! No, he wouldn't even consider it! The fact that Zim would made him wonder if he ever knew the Invader to begin with.

"You can't!" Anabel argued, her attention turning to Gir. "You! You will tell us where he is right now!"

"I told you, Master and Mary are on their way home." Gir said.

"You call him!" Anabel demanded. "You call him, and you tell him to bring my baby back!"

"Master can't come back." Gir said, looking sad. "Master gone…"

Lard Nar's eyes widen at those words and despite his anger he feels the slightest trace of worry slipping in. Why did he continue to care? It was obvious that Zim was determined to see his convictions through. He had sided against them time and time again and still... "Call him, I would like to discuss my choice."

"Master is jumping right now." Gir explained.

Anabel cursed quietly, no doubt the Sir Unit meant Zim's ship was in hyperdrive. They wouldn't be able to call him until the first jump was complete, and by then Dib would be light-years from Earth.

"That's nearly three days from now." Richard revealed, only adding to his daughter's fears. Could Dib even survive that long, could they really trust that Zim wouldn't hurt him?

"He'll be okay." Membrane assured his wife as he took her in his arms. Still, he sounds unsure like he's trying to convince himself as well.

"Gir..." Lard Nar addressed the Sir Unit before them. "Why did your leaders order Zim's return?"

"It's time." Gir said.

"Time for what?" Luna asked.

"The Choosing." Mrs. Bitters said from a corner of the room, she had been watching quietly. Her stillness so profound that Luna hadn't even known she was there.

Lard Nar felt his fear intensify; he knew the dangers that Zim now faced. Thanks to Siri, the invader no longer had his programing. He was in danger of being found out, no it was worse; Zim would be found out. "He's heading towards his own demise." Lard Nar voiced openly, not even hiding his dread.

Every face around him mirrored that dread, but it was not for Zim. None of them had the strength to ask, but their fear was obvious.

If Zim was headed towards death, then what would become of Dib!

(A Year & 10 Months Ago…)

It had started over three years before, after the fall of Rhapsodize, Zim had spent his time shaping the planet into his new personal empire. He did with it, just as he said he would, he enslaved the people. He forced them to mine their precious moons and home, all while holding them like bait on a hook for their surviving monarchs.

The credit of the new fallen world have given Zim more status then he thought imaginable, but with it came a sour taste in his mouth. Every day he watched Luna's people suffer, and every day he wondered if she was still alive. The trained Irken soldiers had found no trace of either of the princesses, and the hired bounty hunters had no luck either.

It was like they had poofed out of existence! Even more astonishingly, their allies had surrendered without any resistance. Operation Impending Doom 1 was a complete success all thanks to the fall of Rhapsodize, and yet there was a problem.

With every planet that surrendered to Irk a hidden force was getting bolder and bolder with every passing day. An unknown enemy was somehow getting the better of them, stopping supply chains, bypassing blockades, and freeing a handful of slaves from one conquered planet after another.

Yes, it was obvious what was going on, a resistance had formed, and this unknown group had one objective: STOP IRK AT ALL COST!

Zim couldn't believe Lard Nar's carelessness; it was like they weren't even trying to hide their existence from the Armada. The rumor of a resistance was spreading like a wildfire, and finally the wrong person took notice.

"Looks like your friends have bitten off more than they can chew." Kazar snickered as they observed the report on the computer before them.

The report spoke of the resistance, how it was fueling prison riots all across the Irken Empire.

"The Tallest have ordered for their execution." Kazar went on.

"If you have brought me here to rub this in my face I'm not amused." Zim hissed; he knew what the general was doing. He was trying to get a rise out of him. For over 3 years now he had been a thorn in Zim's side. Turning everything, he did into a test, trying to shape him into the Irken he wanted Zim to be. Zim, however, stayed true to his word. He refused to change, doing the exact opposite of what the general wanted.

And yet, Kazar wasn't fazed by his efforts, he simply smiled that same cruel smile, as if defying him was what he wanted Zim to do all along. It ticked him off! The general manipulated him in every way he could imagine. Take now for example, He was telling Zim this knowing that he would react. That he would take matters into his own hands, manipulating the outcome in a way that fit his needs.

He knew the purpose of course, Kazar was forcing Zim into a situation where he would have to manipulate the outcome. Just like himself, Kazar wanted Zim to treat the universe and those in it like pawns in a game. As an invader, Zim understood how useful the tactic was, but to do it again. To manipulate his relationship with the enemy after he just mended everything he had broken last time…it was sickening.

There was no doubt in his mind that Lard Nar was behind this new unstoppable force. He wasn't sure exactly how they had gained so much momentum in so little time, but they had. In as little as 3 years they become a force worthy of fear, and they weren't shy about it. Unfortunately, they were being far too loud, at this rate the Tallest would ensnare them for sure.

It would be so easy, all they had to do was set a trap for them, have invaders pose as slaves, and await rescue. Sooner or later, they would take the bait, and save the wrong people, and then the last hope for the universe would be destroyed.

Unless, of course, Zim beat them to it.

Yes, that was the objective here, Kazar didn't care if encouraging him meant defying the Tallest. No! He saw Tallest Red and Purple as a joke, weaklings who stood in the way of his legacy, they were nothing but a steppingstone. Their ideals were that of a leader who was long dead and gone, no they were nothing compared to the future.

Tallest Zim!

Zim still scoffed at the idea, the general was crazy to even think such a thing.

Why would he want to lead Irk anyways? He didn't even believe in their ideals; in fact, it took everything he had to pretend he did. Why would Kazar even want him as the next Tallest anyway? He knew he was a defective, why would he get behind something he knew was flawed. It was a hopeless plan from the start, but Kazar stood behind it 100%.

He never showed any doubt in Zim's capability, praising his every decision, while lecturing him at the same time. Advising way's for him to improve and then manipulating him into following his guidance. And as sickening as it was, Zim had to admit, he could see the benefits of his mentor's teachings.

Manipulating those around him, treating everything like a game it had made him an even more believable Irken then he already was. In a matter of months his status had grown as fast as that of the resistance, and that was the problem.

They were out shining his precious legacy, and Kazar would have none of it! He wouldn't stand for the blow; his ego wouldn't allow it. His never lose mentality would see every obstacle destroyed. And somewhere down the line, Zim had unknowingly adopted the same ideals, or perhaps he always had it.

The need to ensure everything went his way, yes, the way he eliminated Spleen had proven as much. As much as he hated to admit it, he and Kazar had their similarities, even now he found himself agreeing with the swine.

Lar Nar was attracting too much attention and it was only a matter of time…

No! He was done with them; he had made his choice. Over and over again Zim had chosen Irk and he had to see it through. The universe had its savors, and he was not one of them, he wouldn't get involved.

That's what he told himself, as he dismissed Kazar's obvious ploy, and went about his day. Still, no matter how hard he tried, Zim couldn't get them out of his head. For days he fought the idea of taking matters into his own hands. He lost sleep, driving himself into mess of worry and guilt, if he didn't do something then everything he had done, all those times he had risked being found out, it would all be for nothing.

So, in the end, he had made his choice…

And with it came only chaos…

(Back with Lard Nar...)

(Three weeks later)

He couldn't believe what he was reading, and yet there was no denying the report before him.

Lard Nar must had read the Intel his cousin Trawl had sent him a thousand times, and yet…there was just no way, Zim couldn't be dead! And yet, the report stared back at him on the screen of his personal computer, saying otherwise.

He must have read it a thousand times but still, he can't stop himself from reading it again.

Cousin,

I wish this news would bring you comfort, but I know you to well. News from the planet Rhapsodize. Your recent activity has sparked an uprising among the natives, they revolted and several Irkens were reported dead. I'm sorry Lard Nar, but…Zim was among them.

He stops there, unable to go on, it was like his insides were being ripped out! Despite their differences, and all the times Zim had betrayed him; deep down he thought he could save him. Their last encounter had proved to him that just maybe Zim was slowly converting to their side. That maybe in time he would stand beside Lard Nar as a brother in arms, now those dreams were smashed.

"Lard Nar?"

He looked up at the sound of the voice, Anabel was there at the door to his quarters, a look of concern on her face. They had just left Zoran, a desert planet that was currently under the enemy's radar. The Princesses and several refugees took shelter on the forgotten world under the protection of the AIs. Leaving Moon and Luna there without them had not been an easy decision, but they had to continue forward.

The fall of Rhapsodize had angered their allies and now they were fueling their cause. Several planets surrendered to Irk every day, but it was just a ruse. With every thousand people enslaved hundreds more were evacuated with the help of the resistance. Some soldiers, others scientist along with children and civilians. With every evacuation their army grew and now in a matter of months they were a force Irk could not ignore.

And now apparently, they were inspiring prisoners to rise up against those who enslaved them. There was no way to spin it in a good light, no silver lining to be seen; Lard Nar had cause the death of his closest friend.

"Is something wrong?" Anabel pressed as she walked in, their ship, The Resisty, a stolen Vort ship was a dated vessel. Still with its four laser blasters, and larger laser cannon; it was more than effective.

"It's nothing." Lard Nar lied as he exited out of the report, only for a new on to pop up.

Cousin,

News from Dirt, Irk has withdrawn their forces in order to protect the newly conquered world. If your team is ready, this may present an opportunity.

Lard Nard looked thoughtful, using the distraction to block his grief. "News from Trawl." He said to Anabel, "The enemy has left Dirt exposed. This could be our chance to get a hold of some Irken Tech."

Anabel took in the news slowly. It was a huge opportunity for the cause, Dirt wasn't just a prison, but one of the largest trash heaps of the Irken Empire. Any kind of Irken Tech imaginable was lying in those piles of forgotten trash, and now they had the chance to take it.

They also had the means.

Still, it was possible that this was a trap, if the Irkens had found out that they were somehow getting information from within the Empire. Then a trap like this was the perfect way to find out for sure! All they had to do was spread a rumor and wait for word to reach them, then they would strike; ambushing them the moment they reached Dirt.

And yet, there was a slight chance that this was just what it appeared to be, the perfect score!

Would they take that chance?

In the end, there was really no question.

"Prepare the team." Lard Nar ordered as he change their course to their new destination:

The planet, Dirt!

(Present Day)

He wasn't exactly sure what part of him thought this was a good idea. Here he was on an alien ship, with no food, no water, and no idea when he would return home. If he would return home!

Dib shook the thought away as he tried to focus, he had managed to get in the ship, but was trapped in the cargo bay. The door leading into the rest of the ship was locked tight and after several hours of trying to open it, Dib had given up. Instead, he look around him for food, surely Zim had some back here.

It took him another hour to find it, and he had almost given up. Further back, closer to outer hatch was several boxes of food! They were labeled with Irken text; Dib having learned some, noticed that they were dates. He was standing before a stash of food labeled for six months, which meant this trip would take at least six months to complete.

The first thought that came to mind was that his parents were going to strangle him when he got home. By now he was sure that Luna was getting a mouth full for allowing him to go in the first place. He pushed the thought away and opened a box with the help of his pocketknife before he pulls out a few donuts and eats quietly.

He was stuck here until Zim came to get food himself, he wasn't sure when that would be, but at least he had sustenance. He dug into the box again, this time pulling out an Irken soda. Surprisingly it isn't toxic, and he drinks greedily, downing 2 before realizing he may regret it later.

Once full he yawns loudly and even though he knows it's a bad idea his eyes begin to droop. He jumps to his feet, he can't sleep here, out in the open. He re-seals the tape he had peeled off with his knife and looks for a place to crash.

He finds it in an unlocked Voot cruiser. "I guess Zim doesn't see the need to lock it." Dib thought out loud, curling up inside. It was a tight fit, but it was out of sight, and Dib doubted the Irken would need it any time soon.

He fights sleep for has long as he can, put its futile, in seconds he surrenders to a dreamless sleep.

-To Be Continued