The Fallen Invader

Chapter 12: Graduation Day

"I still don't see the point of this 'graduation.' How can we graduate without receiving our ranks?"

It was the day of graduation, and Zim was at my house, bombarding me with questions.

"That's not how humans work. After hi skool, it's up to us to decide what to do. Get a job, go to college, whatever you want." I explained.

"But how can you be sure that your choice is correct for your skill set? Humans are quite dumb, I doubt they are able to accurately determine that for themselves. It would be more effective for the graduating class to be evaluated, ranked, and assigned a position, that way society functions in a perfect, undisturbed order."

I sighed. "Do you ever think the way they run things on Irk aren't as perfect as they've convinced you they are? I mean, look at what happened to you."

Before he could answer, Dad entered the room. "Alright, boys, time to go, and... move on with your lives."

I swear I heard him sniffle. Dad really wasn't the emotional type, but I guess graduation was an exception.

"Can we just get in the car before he starts crying again?" Gaz asked, leaning against the doorway.

When we arrived at the hi skool, Zim and I were separated, since we were seated in alphabetical order. He never bothered to make up a last name, so the teachers just stuck him in the back.

The entire senior class stood in a line. Well, a cluttered line. Everyone was talking to each other, signing yearbooks, making dumb comments about me, but for once I didn't care. I just stood there with a smile on my face, knowing that soon, these losers that I was forced to grow up with would be long behind me. I could go off and do whatever I want, surrounded by the people I choose to be around. The future looked bright!

But the sky looked strangely dark.

I felt a tug on the sleeve of my graduation gown. "Dib-stink! We have to go!" Zim said in a forced whisper.

Seeing the urgency in his eyes, I didn't bother to ask questions and just complied. We almost snuck away completely unnoticed, but...

"Where are you two off to? Got some evil alien stuff to do?"

Moofy. Thankfully, I was prepared for this situation.

"HEY, KEEF! YOUR SISTER'S HERE TO SEE YOU!" I shouted.

Keef burst out of his place in line and came running to us, wrapping Moofy in a tight hug. All she could do was glare at us as we ran away.

"Okay, are you gonna tell me what's happening? And does it have anything to do with that sky?" I asked.

"Planet Jackers." Zim replied.

"Uh... what?"

"An alien race that steals planets to use as fuel for the sun their planet orbits. They've jacked the Earth once before, but I stopped them. Why are they back?"

It took me a second to process what he told me.

"Wait... these aliens stole the Earth more than once!? Why didn't I know about this?"

Zim sighed. "I tried to ask you for help, but you kicked me out of your house. Technically speaking, they have every right to take this planet, as it was never actually marked for Irken conquest, but seeing as this is my current living situation..."

"AND MINE!" I interrupted.

"Yes, yes, I didn't forget about you. Now, come on! There isn't much time!"

We ran all the way back to Zim's base, hopped in the Voot, and took to the sky!

Then we crashed into it.