The next morning, they slept in. Even once they were both awake, they decided without saying anything to remain lying in bed, cuddled against each other. Dib brushed his fingers against Zim's antennae, marveling at the velvety smoothness and enjoying Zim's quiet chirps.

Of course, the peaceful moment couldn't last forever. Dib's stomach gurgled with hunger, and GIR hopped out of nowhere to jump into the bed, chanting about breakfast. Zim yawned and sat up, all of them shuffling to the pantry to grab something to eat, even giving GIR a small slice of cake (with most of the frosting scraped off).

Dib choose to sit in the cockpit as he ate, staring out at the stars and drinking it all in. Just as he was finishing up his breakfast, though, the communications system pinged. Dib glanced over. It wasn't a call coming up, but instead, a reminder he had helpfully made for himself.

'Remember to call home'.

Had if really been two weeks already? He counted on his fingers the days since the last call and hummed when he realized that yes, two weeks were close to passing. "Good thing I put in a reminder, huh?"

"You always say that," Zim chuckled. "So, will you call today?"

"Well…we aren't busy, so sure," Dib said. He glanced down at himself. "Should probably get dressed first."

"And take a shower," Zim said, poking his cheek. Dib playfully swatted him away and stood up, first going to the bedroom to grab a change of clothes, then hitting the bathroom to shower and brush his teeth.

When he stepped out, Zim was lounging on their bed, knitting needles in hand. "I'll just stay in here," he said. "Go ahead and make your call."

Dib nodded, heading back to the cockpit. That was their usual arrangement—unless Zim needed to be in the cockpit for whatever reason, he usually stayed out of the calls Dib made to his family. Mainly because of the…clear animosity between him and Dad.

It was really just easier if it was only the three humans on the call.

So, Dib got settled in his usual chair, adjusting his clothes to make sure he seemed presentable, then opened the communication system to reach out to the device he had left for his family on Earth. After just a minute or so, the connection was established, Gaz appearing on the screen with a controller in her hands. "Hey. Good to see you haven't died yet," she said.

"Nice to see you, too," Dib said. "Is Dad there?"

"Yeah, he's in the lab. Give him a minute, he said this time he wanted to test his software to alert him about your calls."

Dib hummed in understanding, leaning back and making small talk with Gaz…enough to know that things on Earth sounded the same as always. It wasn't long before a door hissed open in the background, Membrane quickly stepping into frame right after that.

"Dib!" he said cheerfully. "I'm so glad you remembered to call. How are you doing?"

"Pretty well," Dib said. "Oh, man, we went through a lot these past few weeks." He grinned, another shiver of victorious adrenaline coursing through him.

Membrane sat down beside Gaz, both of them looking at him expectantly. Dib was quick to take that as his invitation to start chattering about what had happened since the last time he'd called. He talked about the Resisty, both their first and second meetings. About the great library he had explored, how he'd come up with a plan to get to the surface of a barricaded planet…

He described encountering Tenn with anger and annoyance, and meeting the Meekrob and their Collective with a bit of awe. Finally, he described their exit, and the news they had heard later on.

"So, basically, it looks like we played a pretty big role in getting the Meekrob to push back the Empire," Dib finished rather smugly. "We're heroes, once again."

He grinned, twirling in his chair to face his family (he'd gotten turned around a bit with all his enthusiastic gesturing)…and his grin slipped away. Membrane's brow was deeply furrowed, and Gaz stared at him with widened eyes.

His dad was the one to speak first, after taking a deep breath and pressing his palms together. "I...understand your desires to explore space, son," Membrane said, voice strained. "But did you really need to join a rebellion facing against what is, from your descriptions, a very powerful and evil empire?"

"Well...I wouldn't say we joined them, technically," Dib said. "We're not official members, we just stepped in and helped them."

"I highly doubt their enemies will care about that distinction!"

"That's true, but it's not like we ran into the situation without thinking," Dib said. "We planned everything carefully!"

Membrane narrowed his eyes. "...may I speak with Zim?"

"Sure, but I'm staying right here." Dib turned in his seat. "Zim! Dad wants to talk to you, too!"

There was a groan from the bedroom, and Zim came out, plopping in the seat next to Dib and crossing his arms, giving Membrane a look. "I thought you were happy having conversations without me present."

"You said repeatedly you want to keep Dib safe," Membrane growled, jabbing a finger at the screen. "Joining a rebellion and getting involved in...in an interstellar war does NOT count as SAFE!"

Zim huffed, crossing his arms. "Look, I wouldn't have done it if we didn't have a foolproof plan. Have you considered that Dib happens to be very good at making plans, and is very persuasive?"

"You're underestimating the level of danger you let my son put himself in!"

Zim shot him a glare. "I know perfectly well how dangerous the Empire is. You wouldn't have believed they existed more than a year ago. I don't think you have much say in this matter."

"You have a bias when it comes to the Empire you used to be a part of!"

Dib rose a hand. "If anything, that means he's even more paranoid about how dangerous they are, Dad. If he thinks it's safe, it—"

"Means he's probably failed to see the flaws in the plan." Membrane sighed. "I...do recall your stories of you 'foiling' his plans. Though your sister helped fill me in on a lot of what I missed. A lot of them seemed to…backfire, or were easily stopped with a few actions from you."

"Yeah, well, the plan Dib made actually went just as well as expected!" Zim interjected. "I checked it thoroughly before I approved of it, and we handled even the minor hiccups without any trouble. Plus, Dib's cards said everything would go well, too. Which they were right about!"

Dib flinched, and Membrane narrowed his eyes. "Cards?"

Dib whirled to Zim, gesturing for him to keep quiet or stop talking, but Zim either didn't notice or didn't care. "The tarot card thingies. They helped me make my choice!"

With a quiet groan, Dib placed his head in his hands. He could already feel his father's gaze boring into him.

"...son..." Membrane said. "Please tell me you didn't make a major, dangerous choice like this based on what some very unscientific cards told you."

Dib lifted his head but kept his gaze averted, pursing his lips. "...the cards were more to reassure Zim."

Membrane let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Son, I will concede that aliens exist, but tarot cards and astrology..."

"Are perfectly legitimate things, as is magic!" Dib said. "The reading I just did was accurate, and the others I've done before have been, too!"

"Anecdotal accounts are not evidence," Membrane sighed. "Especially not when you're already biased to believe that they're already real."

"Are we really going to talk about this right now? Because I really don't want to hear what you have to say on the matter."

"We—!" Membrane cut himself off, inhaling sharply. "You're correct. This…extremely unscientific and unrealistic hobby is nothing compared to the fact you joined a rebellion!"

"For one mission! One mission that went fine!" Dib said. "We're safe, what do you expect me to do? Feel sorry for stepping in and doing my best to save a whole planet!?"

"I expect you to show more self-preservation!"

Gaz snapped her fingers, getting everyone's attention before Dib could yell back at Membrane. "Look, this isn't going anywhere," she said. "How about instead of arguing in circles for the next hour—Dib, just admit it was dangerous and kind of stupid. Dad, Dib's an adult, he has to deal with his own stuff…and combined with Zim, they nearly make one complete competent adult."

"Hey!" Dib and Zim protested. Gaz shot them a look that made them flinch back, Zim with a large pout.

"…okay, fine, it was dangerous," Dib said. "But we checked our plan very well before we went through with it, so I don't think 'stupid' is very accurate."

"Don't care how good of a plan you think it was," Gaz said. "Getting involved in an ongoing war in any way? Is stupid."

Dib crossed his arms and huffed. Zim was still pouting. It was Membrane who next broke the silence. "While your sister's words are harsh…I do agree with the sentiment," he said. "But! …you are free to make your own choices. I just hope you'll make ones that will keep you safe."

"…yeah," Dib mumbled, fidgeting in his seat. "If it means anything, we're not planning on doing anything like that again."

"And definitely not fighting them directly," Zim interjected. "It would take a lot to convince me that would ever, ever be a good idea. Or that any plan like that would work."

"Well, hearing that is…somewhat reassuring," Membrane sighed. "I may not like how much you got involved, but I suppose extracting yourself from the situation is all I could ask." He tapped his fingers together. "Still, after that…are you coming back home soon? It may be a good idea, giving you a safe place to stay after all of that."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Dib said. He quickly held up a hand as his dad started to say something. "Wait, wait, let me explain."

He took a deep breath, and thankfully, the others stayed quiet and he could launch right into his thinking. "Okay. We did everything we could to stay as safe and undetected as possible. But the Empire is pretty powerful, and who knows who or what else might have been keeping an eye on the situation? Maybe they're keeping an eye on us still.

"If we are being watched or followed, and we come home, we'd be leading them right to Earth. We did so much to finally keep the Empire away from you, I...it's just not worth the risk."

He sighed. "Anyway! We should stay away for at least a few more weeks. Avoid anything involved with the Empire. Once we're sure that no one is watching, then we can return to Earth."

"Oh." Membrane blinked. "That's...actually quite reasonable. But are you sure you don't need...support, or supplies, from us?"

Gaz snorted. "Dad, I'm pretty sure they can find anything they need out there. Probably more than what they could get on Earth."

Membrane hummed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's true," Zim said, to which Membrane shot him an unamused look. "What? It is!"

"Anyway," Dib said quickly before any more arguments could start. "Dad, I appreciate the offer, I really do. But Gaz and Zim are right. …still, if I did think of something we really needed from Earth, I'd be sure to tell you."

"That's good to hear," Membrane said, relaxing just slightly. "…is there any other news you'd like to share with us?"

Dib shook his head, and swore he heard his dad sigh in relief, Gaz patting his shoulder reassuringly. "Even if you aren't coming back soon, you will keep calling, won't you?" Membrane asked. "It's…reassuring to have constant updates from you."

"This is a secure communication line—I made it myself," Zim said smugly. "No one should be able to track our calls or find the Earth from them."

"So, yeah, we'll call whenever we get the chance," Dib said, shooting him a thumbs-up. "Are things still going good on Earth? Anything exciting?"

Gaz snorted. "Nothing neatly as exciting as what you just went through, and you know it."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, daughter!" Membrane said, patting her head. "The Membrane Lab's new rail system just connected two more major cities in the past week alone! And that game you wanted just came out, too."

"Yes, how truly fascinating," Zim said, his smile mocking. Dib lightly shoved him, trying to warn him against starting up a fight.

Fortunately, though the look Membrane shot him was dark, he didn't snap back. Gaz tugging on his sleeve to ground him probably helped with that, though.

"Anyway. I'm sure we can discuss the rail system, or…anything, really, in more detail once you come home," he said. "…you do plan to avoid trouble over the next few weeks, correct? That would be the most advisable course if you really do suspect you could be watched at the moment…"

"Probably," Dib said, scratching his chin. "I mean, we won't do just 'nothing', but we don't have plans as…intense as the last one was."

"I know of a spa planet we may be able to take advantage of," Zim said. "For a little while, at least."

Dib smiled and nodded. "Yeah, and if we keep exploring Dark Space, I'm sure they'll be less likely to follow us."

"If you say so," Membrane said carefully. "Just…stay safe."

"Yeah, don't get yourself killed," Gaz said.

"I won't!" Dib insisted. "…I love you."

After a brief pause, Membrane repeated the sentiment, and Gaz did as well (though it was more muttered from her). They all said their goodbyes, Dib promising to continue calling and keeping them updated before he hung up.

With a sigh, he leaned back in his chair and stretched. "Well…that was…" He pursed his lips and blew air through them. "Could have been worse, I guess."

"Mm." Zim nodded. "I didn't know your father had such a…dislike for your future-telling cards."

Dib sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, just another 'unscientific hobby' that of course he disapproved of. At least he dropped it this time."

He cracked his shoulders and sat up a little straighter. "Anyway…I believe you said something about a spa planet?"

Zim smirked, plugging coordinates into the autopilot. "Yes—and not under the Empire's control, shockingly. They cut a deal where they give a large portion of their profits and some services to Irk in exchange for remaining a free planet."

He huffed. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if the Empire sets their sights on them, anyway."

"Right…eventually they'll get greedy enough to break the deal," Dib muttered—then flinched and quickly looked at Zim. But Zim just shrugged, not really contesting that description of his Empire, and Dib relaxed.

"Wait, if they provide service to Irk, aren't you worried an Irken there might spot us?" Dib asked after a few minutes.

Zim paused…then shrugged. "Only very important Irkens get to go, and only as a reward or if they've done something to earn a vacation. I doubt we'll see any, especially with the Empire on edge after their loss at Meekrob."

"Hmm. Alright. …but we'll only stay there for a little bit," Dib said. "To be safe."

"Of course."

Dib watched space flying by for a bit, then stood up and went to the bedroom. GIR was telling Tak's AI about befriending a pig, while the AI appeared to be in sleep mode. Dib grabbed his sketchbook and Zim's knitting needles, bringing them back to the cockpit.

Zim thanked him, and Dib plopped in his chair, opening an empty page. After a bit of thought, he began to roughly sketch the Meekrob's Collective…and then, Tenn standing under them, looking up.

He heard Zim snap his fingers and glanced over. Zim had only made a little progress on his knitting, busy watching Dib draw. "I just remembered!"

"What?" Dib set his book aside.

"Could I have that screw you pocketed?" Zim asked, holding out his hand.

"...why?" Dib said, pulling it out.

"Well, what are you going to use it for?"

"I thought I'd analyze it a bit," Dib answered. "Figure out what components are in it, see what makes it so good at warding off psychic energy and blocking mind-reading..." Sure, he'd need to wait to use his equipment on Earth for most of that, but still.

Zim hummed. "I could tell you a bit about that metal, if it's the type I'm thinking of, but it'd be useful in...a project of mine."

Dib rose an eyebrow. "What kind of project?"

"A personal one," Zim said. "And I could give you a sample of something else you might find more interesting to analyze. And tell you what I find about that metal myself, even."

It was a pretty tempting deal—Dib would learn about the metal anyway and still get things to analyze? He still pretended to think about it, though.

A grin spread over his face. "If you'll let me make out with you, too, it's a deal."

Zim laughed. "You can make out with me whenever you want, you silly human."

"Well, then I guess it's still a deal," Dib said. He held out the screw and dropped it into Zim's waiting, outstretched palm.

Zim grinned, some scanner popping out of his PAK and shining a light over the screw. His grin widened at the results. "I thought so," he said smugly. "This screw had Pakium in it…a pretty high percentage, too." He tucked the screw into his own PAK.

"Pakium?"

"A metal originally discovered on Irk," Zim said. "It's known for a lot of unique properties, like blocking psychic energy, on top of being very durable, needing great amounts of force to be damaged or extremely high temperatures to melt."

He grinned. "That's why its most common use is in creating PAKs, hence the name. Being so durable is the important part, but having the PAK brain shielded from any kind of psychic energy or mind control is another perk."

"Huh, neat," Dib said. Jokingly, he asked, "So, are you using that to build a PAK?"

Zim shuddered and looked away. "PAKs are complex, and very difficult to understand and build. Plus…very illegal to create unless you're licensed to do so andit's for another Irken."

He was quick to straighten up. "Besides, there's a lot of other things Pakium is excellent for! Armor that defends against both mental and physical attacks, computer chips and components, even certain weapons can be enhanced with the use of the metal…"

"So…which of those is your 'project'?"

"As Zim said, it's personal," Zim countered. "…I'll tell you more about it once I'm sure it may actually work.

"Now, you wanted something to analyze in turn, didn't you?" he continued, reaching into his PAK and pulling out a purplish-blue crystal. "How does a mineral in exchange for your metal sound? An alien mineral, of course."

Dib admired the crystal, and how it glittered under the light. "Deal," he said, holding his hand out and pocketing it when Zim placed it in his palm.

"And…the other part of our deal?" he asked with a grin, waggling his eyebrows.

Zim huffed, but he couldn't hide his amused smile. "You're insatiable." He lifted Dib's hand to kiss the back of it, then stretched up to peck Dib's cheek, then his lips.

"You know you love it," Dib mumbled against his lips before returning the pressure. They deepened their kiss, Zim's hands gripping Dib's shirt while Dib's migrated to his partner's waist. Zim made a small noise in response when Dib lightly squeezed.

He managed to stand up while holding Zim without breaking the kiss, carrying him into the bedroom. He kicked the box over the AI to be safe, then collapsed onto the bed with Zim. That broke the kiss, but Zim nuzzled against his throat, placing a light kiss on his sternum.

Dib shivered. "I love you," he said, running a finger over Zim's antenna.

"I know," Zim said smugly. "And Zim loves you, too."

They grinned at each other, then pressed against each other to resume the kiss, hands roaming over the other's body.