AFTER THE FLORPUS

Cell Membranes

(Sometime after the after-party fiasco, Dib's face heals back up a bit but he hasn't forgotten how Zim reacted to him. Because of this, he finds himself more or less ignoring Zim and focusing on other relationships)

Membrane: And that's why Pluto is no longer considered a planet, but rather a dwarf planet.

Dib: It's strange how much space-stuff is organized based on size. Speaking of planets, I remember when Mars was blown-up by aliens, I saw it myself.

Membrane: Dib, I've tried to explain to you that it was a result of a natural celestial disaster, not an alien explosion.

Dib: Dad, I saw it myself, I was out here with you!

Membrane: This is why we stopped coming out here every night, you always thought you saw some alien activity, I'd give you a scientific explanation, and you'd argue with me until we were both upset!

Dib: Why can't you ever admit I might be right. I know what I see!

Membrane: This right here is why I spend most of my time in the lab, you never change-

(cut to black)

Dib: ugh, we- we're are we?

Membrane: I don't remember how we got here, but it seems we're in a very dank cell.

Dib: I recognize this place, we're- oh, nevermind you would't believe me.

Membrane: Dib, I believe anything you say, just you if you present evidence.

You stay calm, I'll get us right out (tries a blast) What, what, is this place made of?

Dib: It's some kind of space-metal alloy, I'm certain, you can't just blast through it.

Membrane: If we have any hope of getting out, I better not use up all my battery. I'll simply have to hack the lock system.

(Dib sabotages this by constantly distracting Membrane with weird noises and jokes)

Membrane: Son, I'm starting to get the sense that you don't want to get out of here.

Dib: What makes you think that?

Membrane (gives him a don't make me explain look)

Dib: Look, I- I'm sorry. That was on purpose. I'm just afraid that if you get out and start paying attention to other things, you'll forget about me and even Gaz again.

Membrane: You need to realize I'm a single parent and while I'd love to spend all my attention on you, apart from when I'm in the lab, of course, it's not scientifically possible. You want to hoard a lot of my attention, always ranting about aliens and vampire bees and whatever else, and it's reached a selfish point. Do you know how long it's been since I've spent an evening with your sister?

Dib (takes two seconds of self-reflection): Dad, I really am sorry, I didn't think of things that way.

Membrane: It's no matter now. We must keep moving forward.

(Dib meanwhile falls asleep, so when Membrane hacks the lock, he carries Dib out, to gently wake and set him down in trying to figure out where they are.)

Dib: Dad, I think we're in some underground bunker, to say the least.

Membrane: Strange, I don't remember a nuclear war.

Dib: Stay back, it's Zim!

Zim: Mwahahahaha, wait, how did you escape? GIR, you were supposed to guard them for one minute!

GIR: I thought you wanted me to buy ice cream!

Zim: Why would I, oh, nevermind!

Gir: Well, that's just what I heard.

Zim: SHUT UP! The ladder's over here, you can leave (whispers in Dib's ear) Don't think I'm just letting you get away, I have the upper hand now that I know everything about you, stinky.

(The reach the surface and go back home)

Membrane: Are you feeling alright, son? You look pale again.

Dib: Do you believe Zim's an alien now.?

Membrane: Weird but not an alien.

Dib: We woke up in his basement, surrounded by alien tech, is that normal to you?

Membrane: I said he was weird. But I actually don't know what to think anymore.

Dib: He's onto us, he's up to something, that's why he let us go and- whatever- Dad, I'm just tired and want to go home.

Membrane: Understandable. I can carry you just like when you were a big-headed baby

Dib: Dad I'm 12.

Membrane:(picks him back up and carries him to bed) Goodnight, son.