ZaDr After The Florpus

Join the Reserves

    
     I stayed by Zim the whole day. When I walked down the hallway, I walked with him, when we had classes together, I sat with him. Even during lunch. Now it was the last hour of the day. English. The teacher gave us a free hour. I think she got drunk last night.
     "Wow, that rain is really coming down."
     "It is indeed."
     "Would you like me to walk you home?"
     "If you do not mind then I would appreciate the help."
     "Yeah. My sister is meeting up with her gaming friends today anyways. I could use a person to walk with."
     "Why have you been so kind towards me these past few days?"
     "Why not? You aren't trying to take over the world. And you are protected by the government. I know I haven't been very nice to you but I'm trying now. You're pretty cool."
     "I-I guess."
     "You never sound unsure."
     "It comes with the emotions. I am confident in nothing."
     "Same."
     "Dib? But you are very talented."
     "So are you. You fixed Gir so now he functions better, you built a robot for your house to use. You've accomplished a lot. Those are just the ones I know about."
     "I suppose."
     "You were pompous before but now you belittle yourself. There is a balance here."
     "I know.
     "Then find it."
     "You make it sound so easy."
     there's the bell.
     "Come on. Let's go. Do you mind if we swing by my locker?"
     "I must also do this but to my locker."
     "Alright. Come on."
     "Has Dib noticed that people seem to be laughing at him a lot more?"
     "I stopped paying attention after middle school."
     "I wonder why."
     "Probably because of Gaz."
     "What has Gaz, the sister done?"
     "Don't worry about it. It's not your concern."
     She told everyone I was gay. Kind of agitating. I don't think I am. Although I am interested in Zim. He's got my full attention. Never thought I would actually think that about an alien. I mean it's not love, but it's something.
     "Here's my locker."
     "Might I stand with you?"
     "Sure."
     His behavior has been a little odd. Not just around me, either. But in general. I wonder what's going on.
     "Alright. All packed. Come on."
     "Okay."
     Following him to his locker he put in the combination and out came a couple dozen notes that people shoved into his locker.
     "Huh? What is this? Zim did not do this."
     "Let me see one."
     "Hold on... there are words on them. Gays are gross. Don't be a faggot. What does this mean?"
     "Uh... I'm sure your computer will tell you."
     "Your sister called you that yesterday."
     "She did."
     "Are you?"
     "I don't know."
     "Hmm."
     "These people are just being mean. Let's throw these all away."
     "Okay."
     Stupid jerks.
     I picked up the papers and threw them away while Zim gathered his things. Then we all made our way to the exit of the school.
     We walked home in silence, the only noise heard was the noise of rain on an umbrella and the occasional shout from another student.
     "Hmm?"
     "There is a MiB agent in front of your home, Dib."
     "Huh?"
     There is. An older guy than the one I'm use to seeing. Bald head, a black suit. He isn't smiling at all. Agent 234 always smiles.
     "I'll see you later, Zim. I guess I have someone I need to talk to. Whoa, you're crying. What is happening?"
     "Nothing. Do not look at me. Irkens rarely cry. These are not tears."
     This must be the agents that erase memory. What did I do to warrant my memory to be erased? I've done what they told me to. I have behaved, I stopped trying to capture Zim, I've even started helping him. Here we go.
     "Can I help you?"
     "Hello, I'm agent 427 and I would like to discuss something with you. Keep in mind that if you decline this offer I will be forced to erase all memory you have of Zim and this company."
     "I'm listening."
     "You are Dib Membrane, brother of Gaz Membrane and son of Dr. Membrane, correct?"
     "Yes."
     "You have saved the earth how many times?"
     "Uh... eleven."
     "I see. That is what our reports say as well."
     "Uh, okay. Listen, I don't want to lose my memory. I'll do almost-"
     "I'm getting to that. I have formalities to go through so just bare with me. You're a sophomore in high school, correct?"
     "Yes."
     "In any romantic relationship?"
     "No."
     "Any love interests?"
     Yes.
     "No."
     "Good."
     "Why is that good?"
     "I'll answer your question but I have a question for you first."
     "Okay."
     "Ever thought about joining MiB?"
     "As in recently?"
     "Yes."
     "No. Why?"
     "We would like you to join our reserve team until you turn eighteen. After you turn eighteen, you would become a full time agent. But that would mean that you would cut all ties with your family and friends. This is why we ask about love interests. We don't want them to be a distraction."
     "I see. So if I say no you'll erase my memory. If i say yes you'll leave it alone and I'll go about my day?"
     "Indeed."
     "What if I do have a love interest but it's with an alien?"
     "Then it's fine and I don't care."
     "Okay then. Sure I'll join the reserves. You guys protect the planet from invasion, right?"
     "And register any illegal aliens so we know what's going on overall. Like that Clarence fellow had been recently added to the roster. He's some sort of rooper. His people naturally hate the irkens."
     "Interesting. Cool."
     "Glad you joined us. We'll come by to finish all formalities later. I honestly thought you would say no to our offer so I didn't come prepared. Instead I came with the memory eraser."
     "Oh. No, it would be awesome to join you guys."
     "We also took those weapons you threw away. You are creative. Most of these are quite impressive."
     "Well thank you."
     "I will see you tomorrow-"
     "Dib! Emergency!"
     "Gir? Gir, what's wrong?!"
     "It's Zim! He's in need of help!"
     "Oh no. Come on agent 427."
     "Right behind you."
     "He's in the backyard."
     "Got it."
     "He made a poison. If I get a blood sample I can save him."
     He lead us through the house and to the back. Outside, Zim laid out, completely nude, burning with the rain and laying unconscious.
     "Oh no."
     "Let's get him to the lab, Gir."
     "Yes, Agent 427, sir."
     "I'm coming too."
     "No, Dib, you-"
     "I am coming too. Gir, grab anything you think you will need. House!"
     "It's computer. What do you want?"
     "Footage of what happened."
     "Sending it to your phone now."
     I ran outside and grabbed Zim, taking my coat off of me and draping it over him while the agent went to start the car.
     Dammit, you better live, dummy.