#invcder

Every year, Professor Membrane took it upon himself to hold a science fair for all ages at his lab in The City. It was easily one of the biggest conventions in town, and people showed up in droves for it.

There was one very small panel in particular that he liked hosting at the fairs. It brought together the youngest, sharpest minds from all over the place and gave them all an opportunity to do something with their hands that they’d never get to do in school. To get into the panel, the children who wanted to participate had to go through several rounds of testing, just like those who wished to be on Membrane’s show. Those who passed were awarded one of but twenty seats in inside Membrane’s actual lab.

“Welcome to yet another year of learning!” Membrane announced. “It’s wonderful to see so many bright, shining faces today!” He began walking amongst the students, as did his assistants, and passed out large boxed kits to each child. Amongst the group, Membrane recognized Zim.

“Ah, hello!” he said, handing him a kit. “It’s good to see you here. Maybe if YOU stay interested in REAL SCIENCE, you’ll influence my son to love it too! My poor, insane son.” He shook his head and looked away to speak to everyone again, but stayed standing in from of Zim. 

“These kits contain parts to build robots! What child doesn’t love robots?! TELL ME! You will be given a limited amount of time to complete your robot. Whoever finishes first AND whoever makes the most unique robot will be given the opportunity to spend time with ME in my lab next week so that you can get a glimpse into the industry! That means, yes, TWO of you will get the chance to make good use of my lab! Good luck!”

Propellers whirling, his dark coat edges danging in the air, Jack hovered over the city, which frankly had seemed rather gloomier than urban areas he was used to. Not that it mattered--he was only here to snag the latest Shen Gong Wu, then hightail it out of there.

Excitement fizzed at his fingertips, knowing he had arrived in plenty of time and would surely beat his demeaning, LOSER rivals to the artifact. With a small snicker, his red eyes flashing with confidence, Jack landed on the street and started following his tracker.

He was getting closer and closer. Just before he felt he must be right on it, Jack halted. Something had caught his eye. With his focus on his mission momentarily shattered, Jack walked backwards until he was paused directly in front of a tall and angular green home. Huge tubes sunk into the sides of the house and clung to the neighboring walls. Definitely out of the ordinary, though it seemed whoever lived there didn’t care much about HIDING anything.

“You can’t hate me more than I hate myself.”

It just slipped out. He hadn’t been paying attention to his words; he was tired. Sleep had eluded him for almost a week now, and the bags under his eyes were a clear indicator of this. 

As soon as the sentence left his mouth, a thousand excuses flooded into his head. He wanted to take it back, to say he was kidding, but his throat was dry and he couldn’t speak. 

Dib tried to reassure himself, remembering the alien’s blindness to everything he didn’t want to hear. Surely if he was oblivious of his leaders’ hatred toward him, he wouldn’t pick up on the teen’s self-loathing. Besides, why would he even care? Dib was his biggest enemy, someone he wanted dead. 

It wouldn’t matter who killed him.

"BECAUSE IT'S DISGUSTING! Why is part of your human mating ritual trying to EAT each other?? It's horrifying."

"Irk's cities are quite expansive. Once you make it above ground. But your music's still horrible."

Bonus: Dib is on crutches and just sighing as he hobbles after Zim who's cowering in the men's room.

"Zim what are you doing"

"THOSE MECHANICAL DIRT MONSTERS ARE GOING TO HARVEST MY ORGANS!"

"Zim no they aren't"

"DON'T YOU LIE TO ME HUMAN! I'VE SEEN FIVE NIGHTS AT FLUMPY'S!"

(Sidenote, GIR has been grounded from all pizzerias since Zim saw Five Nights At Flumpy's. He's only allowed to order out now.)

Send me !! for a threatening text