Oh, and a few more things—keep a low profile if you’re going after Zim. To be quite frank I’d rather you not waste your time chasing after a loss cause. You can try, or you can find another assignment—or I’ll find one for you.”
it may sound like he’s being generous, but generosity had nothing to do with it. Yes, he was forgiving and giving, but with Operation Impending Doom II going so well, he couldn’t afford even the minimalistic of mistakes.
Also, he didn’t like soldiers going to waste. Tak may be of value to the Irken cause but he has no proof to present to the newly elected Council since Zim messed up the Control Brains. It wouldn’t be the rite of passage to just give anyone an invader rank to anyone should a monarch see fit. Tak had to help him before he could help her.
“A low profile will be easy; Zim is far too oblivious to notice me.”
“Personally, my tallest, I don’t consider Earth to be such a lost cause. Aside from the small amount of smart ones, the humans are actually extremely idiotic. Once Dib and his sister are out of the way, it should prove an easy take over.”
Okay, sure —- she really wants to beat Zim, but she isn’t lying. Even if the stupid rock has no valuable resources, it’s still another planet for the Empire. More planets mean more power, and besides, there’s nothing wrong with having a spare one hanging around, just in case.
“But of course, if you believe I am ready for a different assignment, I will be more than happy to abandon this one.”
—boring. He’s heard enough of the same speech from Zim, though the only difference was that Tak actually had potential, and a functioning brain, despite being a little insane—but who wasn’t these days?
Honestly, he didn’t know, but that was the vibe he kept getting from Tak whenever she spoke.
“You know, I actually like you Tak. But only because I remember that you have potential.”
“But between you and me, slip up again and I’ll have you back on that cleaning station. Your antics will not be the probable cause of failure towards the empire’s current universal invasions should Zim find out about the truth of his exile.
I don’t need a pest coming back to Irk to disrupt progress when everything else is running smoothly.
The breath she’s been holding since he mentioned her slip up is finally released. Her janitorial duties had not been the best years of her life, though she is certain she won’t end up in that position again.
She can’t let down her leaders, after all. Nor will she be the Reason Operation Impending Doom II Failed; that title is only deserving of Zim (if he messes up again, that is).
Her chest swells with pride at the compliment. The tallest thing she has potential! And he likes her! This is definitely a cause for celebration. Maybe she’ll visit Foodcourtia and pick up some celebratory snacks.
She does manage to keep a steady expression, however. She’s hardly as excitable as Zim.
A salute. “Yes, my tallest! Thank you for being so forgiving; I guarantee I will not fail you again.”
“Then let me be honest with you, since you aren’t stupid like Zim. I’m not sure whether I should put any trust in you, Tak. Not only did you fail to serve up to your plan but by the sounds of it,
you also had a little slip up.
I can be quite forgiving, so if you would so kindly brief me as to what you told Zim about Purple and I, then perhaps I’ll reconsider your trustworthiness.”
“My only wish is to serve you, my tallest. I would neverintentionally do something to betray your trust! I swear it.
—— Ah. That.
It was in the heat of the battle, so to speak. I was angry and frustrated at the turn of events; truly, I was too blinded by rage to think clearly about what I was saying. I begyour forgiveness, my tallest.”
“Right. I’m not sure whether to thank you for reminding me, but let me remind you that I recall that whole thing being a colossal failure.” no wonder he forgot.
“Some – very troublesome humans who got involved. Friends of Zim, I believe. But don’t worry, my tallest! I am far better prepared this time!”
