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Chapter Text

It was so quiet. The stars were dancing before deep purple eyes, while the ship silently shifted through the black sea of space. Every noise was lost in the darkness that held them close like a mother's embrace.
His only guides were the stars. But they were quiet too. Never a word, only a silent promise that they will guide them to their destination.
When the ship slowed and the bright blur of their guides turned into small prickles of light, the deep moan of the engines that were only background noise in the mind of the irken became a low hum with the last push it gave to the giant ship that sailed towards its goal. He couldn't help but take in the beauty before him. Darkness was replaced with red and purple. With blue and green and yellow. The colors mixing in harmony. Or maybe war. Trying to overcome each other. Twisting and contorting every one of them in an endless battle. With every second new ships arrived and took their
place beside the Massive.

...Pur...

Thousands upon thousands of different ships sailed through the vast emptiness of space. In every one of them, there was a soldier who was raised to kill and conquer. They would do anything for their leaders.

...Pur...?

The Armada. Unstoppable. Like the Empire. It was theirs. All of it.
Then why didn't he feel pride?
Why didn't his eyes shine with the same glory it once did.
Was it the screams he hears when he closes his eyes? Or the darkness he faces every time he looks in the mirror. The one that keeps...

Looking...

Back...

-"Purple" -
The moment Red touched his shoulder Purple jumped. His PAK lights flashed for just a second before he acted out of pure instinct. And soon a PAK leg's sharp blade found itself under the chin of the Tallest who barged in unexpectedly. The pale light of a star reflecting off the silver metal.
Red was stunned for only a second but he didn't step back. He knew Purple would never hurt him. No matter what comes between them.

He placed a clawed hand on top of the leg and searched for the eyes of his partner. Purple eyes looked at him in shock, then confusion, and then horror.
The PAK leg disappeared slowly to its place without making a sound. Maybe it was just as afraid of breaking the tense silence as they were.
A whisper of an apology was the first. But it was only when Red asked the real question did the silence break.

-What's wrong? -
Purple shuck his head, his antenna flat against his head not even daring to look his partner in the eyes. He didn't say anything. At least not what he wanted. He couldn't find the words for it. At least not in their language. There weren't enough words in Irken to express himself.

-I have a bad feeling about this meeting. -
Red sighed before he leaned against the glass window.

-I'm not surprised. - He started thinking through every word before finally saying it. -Everyone was caught off guard. The Resisty is not known for giving up. -

At least that was something to admire.

-That's my problem Red. - He couldn't look away from the ships.
He was fixated on them. With every word he only saw red and purple.
-Something is not right. I feel like we overlooked something. This whole operation feels wrong. -

Purple felt gentle hands on his shoulder as Red leaned into him, hugging him from behind. He too looked at the ships with pride in his eyes.
-Come on Pur... Half the Armada is here. Even if it was a trap, we can easily overpower them. -

-I know... It's just... - The sound of their communicator was the one that shocked them out of their tranquility. Bright, colorful eyes looked at the invading technology that appeared between them. The two Irken leaders looked at each other before Purple signaled Red to accept the call.
On the screen was a young Irken pilot. She was still new if Purple remembered correctly. She must have been half their size with long curled antennae. The same antennae that were raised in a silent salute to her leaders.

-My Tallest.- She nodded respectfully to them before relaying the information both of them were afraid of. -We're here. -
Only when Red ended the call did Purple's antennae fell limp on his head. They needed to get to the bridge soon.
Red looked at him with a silent question in his eyes.

-We should go. - Stated Purple while letting out a deep sigh. He turned to step away from the window, but Red was still in the way. Their eyes connected and they both froze. Only for a second did Red allow his eyes to get lost in those purple orbs. And with a blink, that moment was gone.
This was their last battle against the Resisty. After this everything will go back to normal.

-Are you ready for this Purple? - His answer was a silent nod. Of course, Red wasn't satisfied with that. -Do you remember the protocol? -

Red eyes never left his partner's as his clawed hands rested on Purple's shoulders, one of which started to pat down any little dust particles that dared to land on him.
Purple sighed.

-Yeah yeah... I remember. - He said with only a hint of a smile forming on his lips. Now, this was the answer Red wanted.

.....

It was quieter on the bridge than they were used to. Both Tallest took their respected place in front of the giant computer waiting for something to happen. They didn't have to wait long before enemy ships started appearing on the horizon. The two Tallest glanced at each other.
Red tried to hide his nervousness, but the slight and barely visible movements from his antennae gave him away quite quickly.
Purple only smiled at his partner's reaction. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't nervous as well, but he was much better at hiding it.
Purple looked at a technician beside him and gave his first order for this meeting.

-Open a communicational channel between their flagship and the Massive. -
A quick salute and the tapping of a running Irken was enough of an indicator that his message was heard.

-Are you sure that you are ready? -
Asked the red-colored Irken with forced tranquility.

-Of course... - Started the purple Tallest while looking at his partner from the corner of his eyes. -But I could ask the same of you Red. You look like a smeet who was caught trying to sneak up to the surface. -
Red's face turned pink with embarrassment.

-That was a one-time thing Purple. -
Purple's smile was clear on his face while he looked at his partner.
-Yeah I know. A one-time thing with me, and Irk knows how many tries with... -

Purple stopped himself before saying a name. Maybe he went too far with this. Red looked away with a haunted expression on his face.
-I get it Purple. -

-Red I didn't... -

-No... No, it's alright. - He sighed not looking at his Co-Tallest. -Just... Concentrate on the meeting. You know what you need to do. -
And with that Red stepped down from the podium. Giving Purple all the space he may need for his speech.

-The Channel is active my Tallest. With your permission, we shall start the call. -
The voice of the technician was what brought him back to the present. With a deep sigh, Purple glanced at the Irken.

-You may start. -

-Starting video call. - Purple straightened out even more, while his antennae stood straight up.
His armor and cloak perfectly aligned his body like any other royalty.
There was static for a second before the transmission came through. The alien on screen was the small Vortian Captain with his ragtag team behind him. To Purple's surprise, there wasn't any mekroobians present. How odd.
Purple finally started his speech. It was finally time to end this war.
-Captain Lard Nar! Like you have witnessed we have heard your message, and we are ready to start the trial to discuss your and your team's immediate surrender. I do have to warn you that we are not afraid to use our weapons if you do not comply with our demands or if we feel threatened. After you and your lieutenants surrender, you will be transported to Moo-Ping 10 where you will wait for a separate trial where you will be judged and then dealt with appropriately. Any other follower your organization has may leave freely to return to their home planet without any more harm. -

-Do you find this acceptable? -

.....

Zim kept moving around in his Voot's seat. His Irken armor and uniform without a hint of dust or dirt on it. Behind him, a crazy little robot sang his little heart out while screaming the lyrics of his "Peace" song to nobody but himself and whatever lived inside that defective. I'm
sorry... "Advanced" head of his.

At least the song was somewhat appropriate.

Minimoose was simply floating lazily beside Zim, while the Irken was tinkering with the radio of his ship. He wanted to see if he could track down the frequency his Tallest used to contact those dirty little rebels. Perhaps he could listen in on the conversation for just a little bit. Even though he knew that Irken tech is too superior to be hacked into like...

-"Do you find this acceptable?"-

Zim jumped before a suppressed squeak left his mouth. The Irken tried to collect his bearings before looking at the device as if it had offended him somehow.

It wasn't long before the little squeak of his master got the attention of the SIR unit who still rolled around aimlessly on the floor. His big blue eyes looked at Zim like he was one of his tacos or something. A little drool appeared at the corner of his mouth while trying to process the new information.

-What was noise? -
Zim looked back at the robot with clear distaste on his face at his weakness to suppress such a noise that only a disgusting earthling would make. He must have been infected by the Dib-beast, and his oversized head.

-Don't be ridiculous GIR. - He started while he caught the floating moose and placed it on his lap.

-Zim made no sound. Zim is not afraid of anything. Especially not a puny little sound a smeet like the Dib would make. -
Zim didn't know if the SIR unit even understood what he just said. But he didn't care. The loud "Oki Doki" went over his head pretty quickly.
Ruby color eyes stared blankly out of the window. Even though he fixed that dammed radio he didn't listen to it. He never liked politics. So instead of listening, he placed his legs on top of the control panel of the Voot and stared out into the vastness of space.

-If nothing happens soon then Zim will...- The Irken's self-made ship caught a signal from the far side of this solar system. The speed and distance of the anomaly were a mystery but Zim could tell that the object was big. Very big.

The Irken tilted his head in confusion. This place was desolate from any life. That is why they decided to have the meeting here. And yet there was something right behind them. The signal vanished soon after it appeared like it never existed.
Must have been one of those space whales lurking about. With an unimpressed shrug, he decided to pul up the picture of the anomaly. Even watching a slow whale was more impressive than looking at nothing.

But the picture was not what he expected. Zim straightened in his chair while he looked upon what his Voot had captured. His Ruby eyes were impossibly wide with horror and buried excitement.

-That's not a... -

His PAK light flashed with excitement as its host leaped into action. With a few clicks and twisting of dials, the weapons on his Voot reactivated with a satisfying purr.
GIR and Minimoose jumped when the ship went from standing to a dive towards The Massive's front.
-Nyeh? -

-Hold on Minimoose. - He told the moose creature that, was still nestled on his lap.

-We need to get this information to my Tallest right away. -

.....

-Tallest Red? Sir, a Voot Cruiser from sector A broke from the formation and is heading toward us. - Red raised a nonexistent eyebrow. Who was the idiot that would endanger their mission?

-What is the Cruiser's Serial number? Do we know which Invader it belongs to? - The Navigator shucks his head. His face even though it was mostly covered was bewildered.

-There is no number. It's either an older model or a self-made one. -
The Irken leader's mouth twisted into a confused frown.

-But that's... -
Oh no. Red knew who it was. He knew perfectly well who would be crazy enough to do this.
One of the Navigators stood up and hurried towards the stunned Tallest with a holopad in his hands.

-Sir the unknown cruiser is trying to contact us via a private communication network. It says he will only talk with you my Tallest. -
Of course, he would. Some things never change, do they? He took the holopad and with a flick of his clawed hand, the video call started. His old friend's Ruby-colored eyes looking at him with excitement.
Yet there was no recognition.

-Zim! - He started with a strict tone to his voice. -What is the meaning of this. -

.....

Zim was more than delighted to see that his Tallest answered his call. He straightened his uniform and greeted his leader with a gentle wiggle of his antennae.

-My Tallest! Zim's sensor picked up the presence of enemy vehicles preparing to exit from a hyperjump.
Zim cannot say what type of ships there are, but there are a lot of them. Like a lot. -
Zim's smile wavered when he saw Red face from strict to confused and then to frustrated.
It would have been funny if it weren't for the seriousness of the situation.

-Zim this is ridiculous. Do you really think that...- To everyone's surprise and horror the small irken interrupted his leader. They didn't have time for this. Not now.

-Sir with all due respect please listen to what I have to say. -
The frown on Red's face was clear. That was the Zim he remembered. His eyes darkened with the thought of one of his subjects disrespecting him.

-Then speak soldier. But think before you speak. You are walking on thin ice. -
Zim nodded before he sent the images to his superior that he captured with the Voot's upgraded scanners.
Red looked them over multiple times before he glanced at the little Irken again.

-How did you get these? -
Zim's pride was easily recognizable by his tone and gestures.
It was his creation after all that managed the "impossible".

-I made upgrades to my Voots targeting and sonar system. And with the help of my beautiful creation Minimoose, I can expand the reach of my electronic systems with the power of space itself. -
A silent "Nyeh" from Zim's side of the call made it apparent that the little moose was indeed listening and quite proud of itself.

Red almost forgot that Zim was a scientist for a while. Something about weapons and war machines. Nobody would admit it but Zim was a genius at this. Why was he reassigned again?
Oh yeah, the blob. He can't forget that.
Red shuck his head before he turned back to the ruby-eyed Irken.
-Good job Zim. - The sentence felt weird in his mouth like a bad donut or spoiled milk.

-Go back to your designated place and await further instructions. -
And with that Red ended the call. Giving the holopad to the navigator standing beside him was automatic. Emotions welled in his chest until he thought he would burst.
Of course, this was a trap. What else could it be? What were they thinking?

He had to warn Purple before it was too late.
Lard Nar was only stalling them until his units got here. He can't let him.

-Purple! - He yelled to his Co-Tallest with rage-filled eyes. The Irken leader looked at his
partner with confusion in his purple eyes.

Red stepped in front of the screen to look at the Rebel captain's shit-eating grin. He knew why
the Tallest was so livid.
The rebel only said one last sentence before he cut the transition.
-"Long live the empire..."-

Red turned to address his pilots with a deathly serious expression.
And with the press of a button, the message has been transmitted to every ship in the Armada.

-To every available unit! Activate your weapons and prepare for an ambush. We will fight on two fronts. -
Purple's eyes went wide with horror and surprise. He knew this would happen. He felt it in his PAK. Then why was he surprised?
His claws managed to draw blood from the skin of his palm. Now it was his turn to be angry.
But he didn't yell. Instead, his voice was quiet, yet everyone could understand it.

-How many are there...? I want to know the EXACT numbers. -
Red looked at one of the workers who was frantically trying to find a satisfying answer for his
tallest.

-Uhm...- The irken stuttered while trying to find his voice.

-T-ten Warships fifty smaller ships with lighter laser blasters and four tank-type spaceships have appeared around sectors 2 and 3. Most of them appear to be originated from Meekrob. -
Red and Purple both swore under their breath with the soft clicks and whistles of their native language. They turned to each other with understanding in their eyes.

-They brought their whole fleet. They do want to end it here. -
Purple looked out the window of The Massive. His purple eyes staring right at the flagship of the rebellion.

-Then let's give them hell -

.....

Zim sat back in his chair with a deep sigh. A rare grateful smile still plastered on his face.
He always dreamt of this. Being recognized and excepted by his Tallest was what he always wanted. Even though he knew he was their favorite, it was nice to hear it from them sometimes.
He felt like a smeet who got their first laser pistol.

-Nyeh!- Minimoose continued his nap on his master's lap.
-Yeah Moosy... Zim is happy to. -

The first thing that ripped him out of his daydream was the sound of the radio's static and
the barely audible sound of his Tallest.

Zim quickly sat up from his slouched position and tried to listen to the voice on the radio
while his hands tried to undo the "damage" his tinkering has done.
He was just in time too.
Finally, he got his first order since he got to this Irk forsaken place.

Zim's smile went from happy to bloodthirsty as his clawed hand gripped the controller of his
Voot.

-Yeeey! Boom Boom! - Yelled the little SIR unit as the first shots lit up the darkness.
-Yes GIR... Boom... - His smile turned wider.

The radio changed again, but this time it was only for him and 32 other Irkens in the Armada.
-Invaders? - Tallest Red's voice was finally clear enough to understand. All 33 Invaders were active and present. Now the plan.

-Every one of you will be assigned to a three-person team. You will be given your communicational channel to stay in touch with each other. There are ten Warships on the battlefield. Every team will be given one of those ships to destroy. Slow them down, destroy their engines, and don't let them escape. No mercy.
Good luck out there soldiers. -

A faint static was heard before he was reconnected to a different channel.

-Invader Zim here. Do you copy? -
Zim looked at his scanners as new targets appeared around him. Everything on the battlefield was a free game now. But his real prize was right where that red dot on the screen pointed him.

-Invader Tenn and Skoodge also here. - The voice of Tenn was the first thing he heard, but
Skoodge was the one who finished the sentence.

-We can hear you loud and clear. -
Zim nodded at the holographic image of his team.

-Everybody has the info on our target? -
Both Irkens nodded their yes before Zim initiated the first part of a new plan that was brewing
in his mind.

-We should approach it from sector 3. If we keep to the right we won't have to risk getting into aerial combat too early, and we should be able to destroy the ship with the tag team distraction method. -
Tenn whistled in amusement.

-I like the idea Zim. But Skoodge will be the first bait. - The male Irkens snorted laughter was enough to make the scene lighthearted. Tenn was trying to hide her grin to no avail.

-Alright, but seriously. Skoodge I'm close to the place. You need any help with clearing for easier travel?-

While Tenn and Skoodge talked, Zim was already on his way. He was ducking and weaving between ships and wrecks of both enemy and allied units. With a flick of his wrist and the hum of the plasma gun attached to his Voot cruiser he easily blew up a foolish Rebel ship that dared to cross his path. Nobody attacks an Irken Elite and gets away with it.

-Come on guys. Let's show them what an Elite can do. -

.....

Red and Purple looked upon the destruction before them. The ships that were destroyed in front of them were beyond saving. Most likely by the time, they were done there won't be enough pieces to salvage for scavengers.
The only evidence that something was there was the soft pitter-patter of debris hitting the shield of The Massive.
The sky was lit up with lasers and fire that even overpowered the pale light of the closest star.
Purple could hear the screams of his soldiers as they burned in their ships. The counter on the computer told them how many PAKs were already destroyed.
And the number just kept getting higher.

Why was everything so loud right now?
Why was he so helpless?

He could feel a headache already forming in his PAK.
But the sound of the Massive's blaster was the one that made his antennae tremble before sticking to his head.
The Tallest jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

-Pur... You have to calm down. I can hear your PAK overheating from here. -
Red knew what Purple was feeling. It was the same thing he had to overcome each time they went to war. If they could they would be out there. Fighting alongside their kind for the glory of the empire and their past leaders. They were created to fight. Even though Purple acted like an idiot sometimes, he was still an Irken. A proud and fearless creature.
And yet something felt out of place. Something they couldn't put a claw on.

Surprisingly it was purple who noticed what was missing. Or rather who was missing.
He looked around trying to find the person he was looking for.
Nothing.
He looked at Red with a worried expression plastered on his face.

-Where is Medea? -

Purple eyes scanned the crowd again looking around for his old friend as if mentioning her
name might summon her.
Something cold ran through his PAK.
Something was very wrong.

-Red where is Medea? - The red Tallest shuck his head. He didn't understand what the problem was. He leaned closer to his partner so they could talk in private.
-Pur I don't get what this has to do with anything. Medi is on a ship fighting with the others like every other elite. -

This time it was Purple's turn to shake his head.

-No... No, she's not. I saw her. She's here on the ship. -

The memories were still fresh in his mind. But only the voices returned at first. He and Red.
They were talking. They were going to the bridge.

.....

-'Are you ready Pur...?' -
He remembered. He knew he could remember.

-' Let's just go.' -

Come on Purple. Concentrate. Where was she?

-'Come on... We shouldn't be late.' -
.
.
.

-'Medi...?'-

He only saw her for a second. They were near the engine room at the time. She was only a
yellow blur as she hurried down the hall opposite of them. Her spear-like weapon is out in the open. Something gleaming on its sharp edge.
He didn't even question it at the time. He didn't have any reason to. Seeing his smeethood friend was always welcoming. Now he only felt dread. There was something pink on the blade of her weapon.

.....

-Purple what do you mean that she...-
Before he could finish, they were all plunged into darkness. For a second everything was silent. And then... red. The emergency light turned on shaking the Irkens and their leaders out of their shocked state.

-My Tallest! Something happened with the generators. Every energy we have comes from the emergency supply. -

Purple looked out the window of the Massive. The Vortian flagship's plasma cannon was gaining power every second they stayed idle. The steadily growing yellow light reminded Purple of something,
They didn't have power.

That meant...

-We don't have a shield... - He whispered to himself. His eyes were wide with fear.
When Purple spoke Red's antennae flicked towards him. Listening to his partner's every word.

Purple couldn't look away from the light.
So Red reacted for him when the Canon roared to life.

-Everybody! Get down! -

Purple felt himself being pulled away from the center and being wrapped in the arm of his
partner.

This was a nightmare. Nothing but a nightmare.

And yet...

The sound of the gun was deafening.

Chapter Text

-Okay guys! Get ready for action! - With the flip of a few switches Zim activated his Voot's advanced targeting system. It was time for the big guns. -Everyone knows what they need to do?-

-Yep! Already targeting the shield generator. I disable it, then you guys swoop in to take out the engines. Plain and simple. - With his lips in a predatory smile, Zim dived down to avoid colliding with a rebel vessel before sharply turning to blast it out of the sky. The smile never faded from his face as a soft chuckle turned into laughter and his clawed hand found the corner of his control panel. With practiced ease, he chipped away at the corner to make a small line beside the other ones. It was deep enough to be easily visible but small enough to avoid damaging his precious creation. The neatly carved lines were perfectly aligned with each other. Nothing but the best is acceptable for the Irken Elite. Even if it's something as small or worthless as a line on a vessel's panel.

The first thing that brought him back to the present was the sudden jolt of his ship hitting the small debris that floated at a steady pace towards him. Of course, the Voot was not damaged but Zim still didn't like the maintenance that needed to be done after one of these larger battles.

-Come on. Let's get this over with. -

Three ships flew towards the heavily guarded warship. They ducked and weaved between ship parts and meteors for cover before they leaped into combat. The ship was huge. Almost a thousand times larger than the upgraded military ships the three Irken Invaders had in their possessions. Planing out their attack against the enemy ship was one thing but going through with it will be the real challenge. They already thought it through to the end and now were getting into their places for the attack. The plan was simple. They would use an easy tag-team method of approach they learned at the academy to distract than to destroy the target. Skoodge would swoop in to get the warship to concentrate on him while Tenn stays close and destroys anything that would get close to their teammate while he is in the crossfire. Their job was to provoke the pilots of the ship until they use the large plasma cannon that takes up almost a third of its mass. Each shot from the gun will create a small surge in the energy network of the ship while it is in use. And that will be the exact time when Zim will strike at the shield generator. The second the energy flares and the generator skips he will make his move.
When the shield is down for good, Tenn and Skoodge would fall back to safety while phase two of their plan falls into place.
It would be Zim's turn to distract them. The two Invaders then help each other clear the area before swooping in for the final push and dislodge the engine or preferably destroy it completely.

It went so well. All three of them did their job perfectly. When the cannon fired and Zim waited for the right moment everything seemed to be slowing down as his ruby eyes searched for the opening he needed. His clawed finger was already pressed against the trigger of his weapon as the blue wave of electricity rushed towards the gun's muzzle to escape its confinement. The shield was only down for a second, but he didn't need more than that. The surge of electricity was so powerful, that his Voot got thrown back. Fortunately, he was still unharmed.
Zim shook his head to clear the dizziness that appeared in his PAK.
His antennae were flat against his head as the sound of the explosion reached him. He shuddered for a second as the wave of pain passed him.
It was louder than he expected.
The Voot's cannon powered down with a whirring sound and a slight puff of smoke from the tip of the muzzle.

It was time for phase two.

-Tenn! The shield is down! - He yelled into the comm with a smug smile. This was so easy. -Skoodge cover her! -

The inside lights of the Voot died down with the press of a button. He needed to concentrate if he wanted to get out of this alive and the flashing light would have only caused a distraction.
Zim didn't even see when the two initiated the attack. The only sign was the explosion and the flash of orange light coming from the back of the enemy ship. Zim only saw the ruined thruster from the corner of his eyes before he needed to dive away from a missile.

-Left engine eliminated. It's your turn Skoodge! -

-On my way! -

The two invaders worked perfectly together. Tenn circled Skoodge's ship as the male approached the ship for the last time. The smaller ships that were called to the warship's aid were easily countered by both Tenn and Zim. Now that the ploy was up the Irken broke away from the formation to join his two teammates on the field. He barely made it in time to destroy the ship that snuck up on Tenn.
The small thanks from the comm were enough for the Irken, but he couldn't resist the temptation to voice his thoughts.

-What would you two do without the AMAZING Zim. My piloting skill rivals even the best of the best elite pilot of The Massive. And I...-

-Taco...-
Zim's antennae flicked towards the sound of his SIR unit. His arrogant smile turned into a frown as he addressed his robot.

-GIR no tacos! Watch the scanner! -
He never looked at the robot even when the little thing started clapping. The little one always does what he does best after all. He gets distracted.

-Yes, yes! Taco! Big taco! - Zim was getting frustrated from the noise. -New taco! -
The Irken looked at the unit with a snarl on his face and a slight growl in his throat.
-GIR what on Irk are you...?! -

The Irken felt himself freeze for a second. His blood draining from his face making him even paler than he already was by Irken standards.
He felt a shiver run through his spine and into his PAK as he looked at the scanner with newfound horror clear on his face.
What GIR called a taco was a new ship entering space right in front of them.
Zim didn't have time to think before he needed to act. If they didn't move now they would be crushed by the mass of the invading ship.
He whipped around in his chair carelessly and he managed to hit his antennae into the back of the seat, dazing him for a second before he managed to catch himself. He turned with the Voot as fast as his blurry eyes could guide him through the haze of his panicking mind.

They have to abort the mission.

-Tenn, Skoodge! You have to get out of there! NOW! -
The answer from his teammates never reached him. The connection was caught right after he finished his sentence. The only sound in the Voot was the sound of Zim's ragged breathing and the static coming from the comm.

-Tenn...? Tenn! - The Irkens fist connected with the control panel with a loud thud. His only answer was silence. -For fuck's sake! - The Earthian swear came to him for the first time in years.

-What the hell happened? -

The Irken changed his course towards The Massive to search for safety, but he never found it. What he found was the wreck of the once glorious ship. Flames licked at the wall of its side where a hole took the place of the armada's black insignia. Electricity shot out from the damaged hull of the ship where wires were snapped and torn from their places.
The whole ship was covered in darkness. The lights that previously shone through the windows and the guns were now dead.
There was an air of uneasiness surrounding the flagship now as the ships that fought outside of its protective range, now swarmed around it like small little insignificant bees beside their nest.

At least that was what it reminded Zim of. A shiver ran through his spine at the thought of those earthly creatures of great destruction.
The young Irken never noticed when his mouth fell open. He didn't even notice the shadow of the ship behind him that towered over his poor Voot Cruiser.

-That's... That's impossible... - He felt the tips of his claws bite into the metal of his control panel. This never should have happened. They were doing so well. They did what they were told! The Tallest never lose!

The Empire. Never. Loses!

-'Warning! Collision imminent.' - The sound of the ship ai was the first thing that brought him back to "Earth" as the Dib would call it. The sound of his alarms were screaming at him to move already. And fortunately, he did. The Irken grabbed the controls of his Voot and dived to evade the ship behind him. But they didn't get away from it that easily. Zim felt as the Voot was hit with a force that jerked them forward. He could already tell how damaged the outside of his Cruiser was when he heard the loud screech from the sound of his poor creations made as the hull was torn apart in a jagged line.
Zim's growl grew louder as the sound hit his antennae.
That was too close for comfort.

With strict concentration, he steered the Voot towards the edge of the warzone where only a few pilots dared going. Somehow you were easier prey when you were exposed, but he didn't have time dodging incoming vessels and shots.
He didn't know what to do in battle without guidance. He needed help from his team to make real changes in the field.
He needed the communication channel back online.
But he needed both his hands for that.

Shit... He won't let GIR fly. For the love of Irk Zim won't make the same mistake again. So there was only one option. The Irken sighed with clear distaste of the plan that might kill him in the end. Or maybe before they can even do anything useful. Well. It was time to find out.

-Minimoose switch with me. - Zim stood up from the chair and let his small creation float to it with that silly smile of his. The robot moose looked at his master with an expecting gaze. Zim looked back at him with a slight frown.
-What? -

-Nyeh! -

-Yes Minimoose you may shoot anything that is not Irken. Just try not to blow us up in the meantime. -

-Nyeh... -

-I know Moosy but it's not a game this time. We have a job to do. -

-Nyeh -

Zim shook his head. This moose is going to be the death of him. But only time will tell if it's going to be literal or not.

-I don't know why I would even try with you... It's not like Zim ever won an argument against you. -

-Nyeh! -

Zim looked away searching for his mechanic glasses and toolbox he stacked away in a hidden compartment.
-I know you know. -

He kneeled in front of the panel that hid the wires and connectors of his Voot and carefully pulled it away to reveal the mess underneath it.

-Great...- Came the soft murmur of the Irken who was already going through his toolbox to find what he needed. He only needed three or four of them. He didn't want to power down the ship so he needed to be careful. With practiced movements, he searched for what he wanted and plucked it from its previous port. He needed something that will allow him to open a two-way transmission between him and another ship.
The Massive was out of the question of course considering the massive power outage they are currently having. But it didn't have to be the flagship.
He thought about who he should try to contact while he worked. Small yellow sparks flew around him, but he barely noticed. The only recognition toward the flickers of hot light was the manner he tucked his antennae behind his head to avoid those little things.
The work went slower than he thought. With all the movement and explosions right outside the ship even he found it hard to stay on his feet. but he managed.

Concentration was also out of the question when the high squeaks and laughs from, his robot reached him.

-Now that one! - Yelled the little SIR unit while he pointed at the enemy ship that was coming right for them. With a small "Nyah" the ship was already on fire with the steady aim of the blaster they used.
At least they were having fun.

Fixing the problem took about two minutes give or take. Which was not slow but Zim still cursed his inability to do it even faster. They didn't have time to lose.
He shooed away his helpers before sitting back in his seat.

He knew who he will call. And with finality, he opened the call.

-Tenn! Tenn, can you hear me? -
First, it was only the tense silence that answered him. He could hear the faint static of a radio coming from the comm. His mind already thinking about the worst outcome. He felt claws digging into his squeedily spooch with every second he didn't receive an answer.
He was already about to give up when...

-Zim! Irk help us... Is that really you? - She sounded scared. But that couldn't be. Irkens are not supposed to feel that kind of emotion.
Or was he wrong?

-Yeah it's me. Is Skoodge with you? -

-No! He was just here a minute ago, but I lost him. - Zim felt his antennae lowering at that. Where the hell could he be? -Zim I can't find anyone! We have to get back to the Massive! They are too vulnerable like this. The Tallest are in danger! -

-Tenn you have to calm down. - Zim's voice was unnaturally small and weak. It was hard to calm others down when you yourself are on the edge of a breakdown. -Just take a few deep breaths and calm down. Everything will be okay... -

For a few seconds, everything went quiet. A few shaky breaths left both the female and male Irkens. -Alright... Alright. I'm okay now. -

-Okay... Here's what we are going to do. We will make our way to the massive and on the way we are going to find as many Invaders as we can. But I will need your help as well. I need the help of your ship to boost the signal of my Voot to contact the others. -

-Okay... I can do that. I'm ready. - Tenn's ship flew right beside him. for a second they made eye contact through the tinted glass of their Cruisers.
-What do you need me to do? -

.....

It was tedious work, but they managed. Zim and Tenn worked quickly beside each other in the small hiding place they found at the edge of the battlefield. Zim left his two robots in his ship while he was over at Tenn's of course. He didn't want GIR to mess anything up, and Minimoose was supposed to be watching him, so he wasn't scared to leave them behind.
In a spaceship. HIS spaceship.
With every second slowly passing, Zim was having serious regrets about letting that two stay on the ship.

But they finished in record time. The booster finally connected with his precious Voot and the signal will be enough to contact the other invaders from a safe distance. Preferably from Tenn's ship.

-Okay... Now we just have to send out the signal for the other Cruisers. If we're lucky we might be able to set up a rescue team to board the massive and look for a way out of this mess. -

Zim only nodded as he set up the radio for the broadcast they were about to do.
-I think we're ready. - He murmured to himself mostly, but Tenn heard it anyway.

-Good.. Let's do this. -

They sat crossed-legged on the floor beside each other while the machine was positioned in front of them. They looked at each other for one last time before Tenn pressed the button. The high-pitched noise coming from the radio made them both cringe away from it with an uneasy expression, and lowered antennae. It was Tenn who talked first.

-To every Invader still able to fight. This is Invader Tenn and Invader Zim. We are located on the edge of sector two. We need backup. Can anyone hear us? -
There was no answer, but the two would not give up so easily.
Finally, Zim decided to take the lead.

-This is Indaver Zim speaking. We have a plan, but we need more people to do it. If anyone is able then, come to these coordinates and we will meet you there. We are planning to board the Massive but we need your help. -
With a nudge, Zim signaled Tenn to send the coordinates they chose through the network they created.

-Don't forget. We will meet you at these coordinates. Good luck out there. Invader Zim out.-

Zim stopped the transition with the flick of a switch before standing up again. He stretched out to ease the stress in his muscles from the work they have done.
He was ready to return to the chaos that was the battlefield.

-Do you think they will answer? - Zim stopped his advancement towards the exit of the ship. -Was this even worth doing? -

The small invader looked at the female Irken with a blank expression. His clawed hands are already on the exit door that will let him outside, to hop to his Voot. Invisible mask already activated.

-Of course. -

Tenn looked at him strangely. She was questioning the Irken's judgment.
-How do you know... ? -

-I found you didn't I? It was only Zim, who searched then. -
Why wasn't Zim looking at her?

-Zim has you now. doesn't he? -

A second passed between them before Tenn turned around to look at him.

-Yeah... -

Zim nodded before opening the door. The invisible shield around them preventing the air from escaping into the vast darkness surrounding them.

-We should get going. The others shouldn't wait for us. -

-Yeah... They shouldn't. -

.....

The place they chose was as clear as it could be. Most of the rebel vessels were trying to take on the swarming Irken ships around the Massive in preparation for their final assault, but it was obvious they were having trouble. The formation was not a logical one. It was based purely on instinct to protect. It was a kind of pack mentality or perhaps a hivemind. They have never seen it before, nor practiced it. But even the two Irkens standing in the middle of nowhere could feel the pull of the swarm. Irkens were very social creatures. They needed the companionship of their kind to stay somewhat sane. That's why banishment was one of the worst punishments an Irken could face. Maybe even worse than deactivation.
Getting separated from the collective is not a death sentence, but everybody knows that some things are worse than death.

-See anyone? - Asked the sound from the radio while the male searched for any Irken life heading for them.

-No. Nothing yet. -

-Did the broadcast even went through? - Tenn was getting impatient. Zim didn't blame her.

-I'm sure. GIR and Minimoose said that they heard it from the Voot's radio. Well... Minimoose did. -
At the sound of their name, the two robots looked up at their Irken master. Two pairs of silly-looking eyes that radiated the same intellect as a toddler with the IQ of a fish looked at him expectedly. In both of their hands were two cups of Irken snacks that the dib loved to call "fun dip". What an uncultured pig that smelly beast is.

-How do you even understand what that thing is saying? -
Zim snorted as he looked back at the lifeless flagship of the Irken Armada.

-He... Not a thing. And it's not Zim's fault you don't speak moose. -
He couldn't help the victorious smile on his face. He was the best Invader out there. But Tenn was the second. Or maybe Tak. But Zim would never admit that.

-Whatever you say, Zim... Wait... Is that... - Zim looked up at that. Searching for whatever caught Tenn's eyes.
It was hard to make out, but it was there. A faint shimmer of light passed through invisible objects in front of them. They were both battle-ready by the time it came into view.
But they didn't fire. They didn't need to.
When the Vehicles finally decloaked, Tenn gasped. Zim couldn't hold back a sigh of relief as well. It was two customized Voot Cruisers. The same ones they used as well.

-I can't believe it! It worked! Zim, you are a genius! -

-Yes yes Zim is amazing. But let's see who answered our call. -
Zim fiddled with the Comm system before contacting the two Irken ships.

-This is Invader Zim. Identify yourselves. -

There was static for a second before two Irkens appeared on the holographic screen of his Voot. Zim's blood ran cold at the sight.

-This is Invader Larb and Invader Tak. Reporting for duty. -
Shit. Tak. Why did it have to be her? Zim shook his head and tried to cover his frown.

-Is there anyone else coming? -

-No. There are not many of us left. -

-What do you mean...? - Zim was confused. Where are the other Invaders? If the broadcast worked then where are they?
Tak was the one who answered to nobody's surprise.

-Dead. Zim. They are all dead. You guys weren't the only ones who tried to infiltrate the Massive in an active warzone. -

They're... dead... Millions of pictures flashed in front of Zim's eyes. Burning ships, mutilated bodies drifting in space. Pink blood pooling in their mouth or empty eye sockets. Torn armors and uniforms. Missing limb or torn-out PAKs.
He was frozen at the sight. Eyes gazing out into the nothingness of space.

-Zim! -

He jumped before looking at the picture of Tenn. Her Pink eyes looking at him with worry.

-Do you... Do you want me, to go over the plan? -

Zim shook his head. He was fine. He was Zim after all.

-No. It's alright. Thank you, Tenn. -
He could see Tak looking at him with a strange expression on her face.
He didn't care what she was thinking. Even though the Tallest allowed her to retake the test, they still felt the same hostility towards each other. And Zim guessed that this did not go unnoticed.

-Alright. -

Their plan needed to be simple. Only a sketch that could be molded if something happened that they were not prepared for. It was Tak's idea and Zim couldn't argue with the logic the female used. It was not the time for childish feuds or games. If what the others said were true and they were...
They needed to be careful if they wanted to survive. And they needed to work together for that.

Nobody noticed them as they approached. Like they were one of those ghosts the Dib loved to talk about. It was unnerving. Being in the shadow of that giant ship while thousands of smaller ones swarmed around it. It was something the four Irkens never thought would make them squirm in their seats. It's not like they would ever admit that. Not to each other. Not to anyone.
Instead of talking, they flew beside each other. The silence stretched with each second they spent gauging at the Massive and its empty shell.
Irk knows how much time was wasted in those moments without anyone saying anything. But it wasn't words that invaded their antennae with shrieking noises. It was Zim's scanner picking up a familiar signal.

-This... This can't be... Tenn, it's...- Zim cut himself off. He was still trying to process what happened. These messages didn't make any sense.

-What...? Zim what did you find? -

-It's Skoodge! I-I think I found him! -

Chapter Text

Purple did not know how long they were unconscious. He could barely feel anything that wasn't the pounding headache in his skull. He groaned before slowly sitting up. A hand on his PAK stopped him before he could get to his feet.

-Slowly Pur... You got hit pretty badly. -
Red?... What happened?
That's when it all came back to him. The ship. The engines... The smell of burning metals and chemicals. He shook his head to clear his racing thoughts. He felt himself being lifted off the floor and onto his feet with a gentle but firm pull. Out of reflex, the Irken summoned his spear to balance himself. He dug the tip of his weapon into the ground for stability, and to lessen his weight that pressed against his partner.

-We... We have to...! - The purple Irken looked at the red one with panic in his eyes. Chest rising and falling too quickly for the alien leader to take in the proper amount of air his PAK needed to refile his oxygen reserves.
Red hugged him tighter, before looking at him with quiet reassurance.

-Breath Purple... Deep breaths. Don't give out on me. - Red's smile was forced. Too sharp at the edges, and his voice was too riddled with worry. But at least he tried. The red leader's eyes didn't stay on him for long though. Red glanced around the Massive's broken-down control room looking at the pilots and navigators scattered around them. A few of them were already up, helping up their fallen comrades, while some, were still trying to contact the others out on the field. But some did not stir. Pink blood pooled around some. Many from head injuries or from being impaled on one of the many pieces of debris that have fallen from the ceiling.
Purple couldnât look away from the carnage. Those were his soldiers! How could any of this happen!?

What brought him back, was Red's authoritative voice barking a command at one of the guards. Even though he was trying to listen, he only heard some of his words through the thumping of his Irken equivalent of a heart.

-Gather anyone who is not injured! We will head to the generators to see what the problem is. - Red looked intently at the Irken soldier closest to him. -Tell the others to be on high alert. There might have been a breach. We don't want to risk any more casualties. -

The Irken only nodded in reply before hurrying off toward a group of soldiers caring for their injured teammates.
Red looked at Purple with worry.

-Pur.. You should probably.. -
-No. -
-But you're... -
-No! I'm going with you whether you like it or not. I'm not going to lose any more of my people today. -

Of course, Purple wouldn't be easily swayed. He was just as hot-headed as his counterpart. Sometimes even more so... It was hard for Red to say this but...

-Fine. You can come with us. - Purple smiled shakily, antennae rising for only a second before noticing the silent "but" in the air.

-But! - There it is... - You have to stay behind me and not wander off alone. I don't want you to get hurt because I wasn't there to protect you. -
Purple was about to object, but before he could muster out a reply he was already beaten to it.
-Promise me Purple! Promise me that once in our lives you will listen to me! -

Purple was silent. His eyes wide, antennae sticking close to his head. Red never yelled at him like this before. Of course, his co-Tallest was not angry. At least not at him. He gulped before looking away.
-I promise. I won't leave your side. -

A heavy sigh left the mouth of the red Irken. His clawed hand rests on his temple to calm his nerves before looking at his partner. - Check your weapon Purple. I don't want you to come with us unprepared. -

The last thing Red saw was Purple nodding before the lights flickered, as a new explosion shook the Massive.
The duo cursed in unison as they tried to balance themselves.

-No time for a weapon check. Let's go Red. -
The otherwise cautious and calculated irken couldn't help but agree.

They were running out of time.

..............

-"Zim! What do you mean you found him?!" - The Irken didn't answer. Instead, he did a complete 180 turn and went straight towards the signal that his smeethood friend's Voot emitted.

-"Where are you going?!" -

-"I'm going to find an old friend... You three go ahead with the plan. I'll be there as soon as I can." -

Without giving time for his team to comment on his reckless behavior, Zim was already speeding toward his missing ally.

Tenn growled a curse under her breath before she addressed the others still present.

-"Tak! Follow him! " -

The Irken growled but still complied with the order she was given.

-"Wait for us to get back. Don't do anything stupid without us." -

-"We would never dream of it, Tak. Go ahead. Zim was right. We need all the help we can get." -

-"Right... We will be back soon. "-

With a quick and practiced maneuver, Tak was already on her way toward their missing comrades.
Tenn sat in her chair. Her curved antennae brushed against the headrest as she bent forward and rested her arms on the control panel. She placed her head in the palm of her hand, with a tired sigh.

-"You okay there Tenn? "-

Her only answer was yet another deep sigh filled with a few low growls and gentle hisses.

-"Worried? "-

-"Aren't you?" -

Larb thought for a second. His antenna raised curiously.
-"No. I don't think I am. "- he whispered. Tenn didn't know if it was meant for her or just a thought of her war-torn brother.
The next words, though, were something she never thought she would hear from him.

-" I'm terrified actually." -

....

-"What?" -

- "When I found out that you were still alive, I knew I had to find you before I went through with the plan. "-

Tenn sat up. Confusion and suspicion clear on her face.

-"What are you talking about Larb?" -

-"I found a way out of this mess. There is a clear path just behind the Massive. Between sector A and sector B. I'll send you the route. "-

With a small beep from her ship's computer, she received the plan from him.

It was the safest route out of this alright. There was only one problem though.

- "Will it still be safe after we save the tallest? -

.....

-"Larb? "-

-"It's not for the tallest Tenn... "-

She was confused of course. What else would they use it for?

...................

He was so close. The source of the signal was right behind that wreckage. Zim's search was leading him to an abandoned part of the battlefield. Just a few human miles away from their original location. The same place they set out to destroy the warship.
When they were here, it was still a raging inferno of blasts and fire. But right now, it was deathly silent. However unfortunate the wording sounded in his mind.
And now, without the constant distraction of his usually loud and cheerful companions, Zim was alone with his thoughts. And he hated every second of it. In the past, he would relish the idea of being alone, working in his little home on earth. Working on small projects and ideas that regularly came to him.

Zim pauses. Those moments, those memories were long gone. Long before he was called back to Irk. To be just another soldier in the Irken army. His training and title meant nothing in the first few battles. But after some time on the field, he was once again among the elites of his group.
No longer on the front lines like so many of his kin.

The craving for companionship came long before that. Long before the war.

Long before... any of this.

It started on earth, didn't it?
With the boy...

The same dark-haired dork, who tried to stop him when he was still just a smeet compared to the Irken warrior.
He spent too much time with the beast. He would never admit it, but...
he got attached. That was his first and last mistake he allowed himself on that planet.

He never even got the chance to say goodbye. Or maybe he was just...

-"Destination reached. Beware of floating debris." -

-"No shit... This whole place is full of the damn stuff." - The familiar curse was quick to leave his mouth. A silent hiss was the only thing he allowed himself as he dodged even more metal and ship parts.

It was oddly quiet. He couldn't hear the sound of his friend's ship. Maybe he was doing some repairs like he was?
That sounded logical, right?

He glanced back at his companions. Minimoose and GIR were still out like a light in their nest made of blankets and candy wrappers.
He was about to wake them when he heard the sound of a ship behind him. His turn was lightning-fast. Weapon raised in alarm, and ready to lay waste to the one brave enough to approach him from behind. But he held his shot. And of course, that was the right call.

-"Skoodge?" - he asked as he made the connection with the other invader vessel.

-"No Zim, it's me." - It was Tak. Her holographic image was proof enough of that.
Confusion boiling under his skin, the male Irken looked at her with a frown.

-"What are you doing here?" -

-"Tenn sent me here to drag your sorry ass back as soon as I can." -
Her glare was sharp enough to frighten any life forms into submission, but fortunately, Zim was used to it by now. His answer was coated in a thick layer of sarcasm.

-"Great... Then you can help Zim find Skoodge. "-

The female hissed with impatience but she did as she was asked.

They will just pick up that sorry excuse of an elite, then they will be on their way back to the others.

Grab the idiot, get out.

Easy isn't it?

....................

-"It's for us Tenn. And for the others, if they accept." -
A small gasp left the female as she realized what her brother meant.

-"You want to abandon our duty.."- she whispered. Disbelief was evident in her voice. -"You're deserting"-

The male sighed before he looked at her again. Except, he never made eye contact. Was he ashamed? Tenn hoped he was. Because her disbelief soon turned to anger. She felt her grip tighten around the controls. Her claws dug into the metal of her battle cruiser.

-"You can't be serious..."- Her words came out as a loud hiss.

Tenn didn't expect the hard smack she heard across the radio.
The sound of Larb's hand hitting his armrest echoed in her antenna for a second.

-"THERE IS NO POINT TO THIS TENN!" - Yelled the male as he lurched forward in his seat.

-"LOOK AT THEM!"- Clawed fingers were thrust upon the near mindless swarm of the remaining warriors. Flashes of light and fire remaining only for a second as one is shot down by an enemy cruiser, the shield giving out as its system is cut out. The ship is crushed within milliseconds, and the remains join the rest of the debris in the field.

A true ship graveyard.

Larb grabbed his space suit with a shaky hand.

-"There is nothing to be fighting for. This is it..." -

We lost...