The original version of this story had nightmare scenes that only served to spell out Nigel missing his old life or obvious foreshadowing… I decided to cut those out.
The viewers can already pick these up easily.
Chapter 6: Wish Upon a Star The Massive The Almighty Tallest were sitting in their control room, staring out the large window and eating their snacks, again, while the little Irken children sat at their control stations.
“Sirs: Cubot and Orbot are back with Tak.” “Good.” said Red.
“Send them in.” The doors opened and a speeding shadow being shot in and began flying around the room, scaring the Tallest.
The shadow stopped back at the doors revealing itself to be a black cat with ears shaped like horns.
The cat then morphed into a SIRbot with purple eyes.
Afterwards, a female Irken child with purple eyes, curled antennas, and purple armor stepped in with Orbot and Cubot.
“You called, my Tallest?” “Tak!” Red yelled.
“Don’t scare us like that!” “Sorry.
FIR here is just bored.
She’s been dying to get back into action ever since we took over Secco.
So, what seems to be the problem?” “Well, Tak, the GKND have a new human operative, called Number 1.” “Pardon me,” interrupted Orbot, “but I think it was Numbuh 1.” “Whatever.
Anyway, he’s been working there for about 3 months now, and so far, he’s become more annoying than every other operative.
He’s even found one of the Seven Stars.” “Hmm.
Sounds like a real problem.” “Yes,” continued Red, “and we think he might be coming your way next.
We have a spy over there keeping an eye on him just to make sure.” “So, we need you to ambush him on Planet Secco when he does.” finished Purple.
“So, another human, huh?
No problem.
I’ll take him out easy.
I recently gave my SIRbot a few upgrades.
She can take the form of anyone she wants.
Observe.” FIR turned to Orbot and began scanning him.
Within an instant, she transformed into an exact replica of Orbot.
Once she finished, she spoke in Orbot’s voice.
“I say, this is quite an interesting technique, is it not?” “Well, I say.” replied Orbot.
Afterwards, she turned to Cubot, scanned him, and took his form as well.
“Well, I do declare!
I feel as hyper as a coffee man after drinking a buhmillion cups!” “Well, call me a germophobe ’cause that’s just a violation!” argued Cubot.
“So, it can turn into robots, but can it turn into other creatures?” Tak gestured to FIR to go up to the Tallest, scan Red, and take his form.
“Hey, Red, you’ve gotten shorter!” she spoke in Red’s voice.
“So, are you impressed?” Tak asked.
“Yes… and somewhat annoyed.
But how can you be sure she’ll be able to stop Uno?
FIR can only take one form at a time, and he might bring allies.” “I haven’t slouched in my own training.
We’ll take ’em easy!
But if all else fails, I have a back-up plan.” She reached into her pocket, pulled out, and held up… “A STAR PIECE!!?” The Tallest exclaimed.
Tak held up a shining brown Star Piece.
“That’s right!
While taking over Secco, I stumbled upon this ancient pyramid!
We had a look inside, and lo and behold, we found it!
After that, we also figured we take over the pyramid just for kicks, since no one was around!
Not that that matters.” “Well, what are you waiting for?” Red asked.
“Give it to us!” “Now, hold just a sec!
If I’m going to take out this Number 1 guy, I’m going to need this as a last resort!
I already have the perfect monster ready that uses the power of the Wisps for just such an occasion!
Combined with the power of this Star Piece, it’ll be unstoppable!” “Fine, you can use it.” complied Red.
“But as soon as you’ve wasted that brat, bring it back to us.” ordered Purple.
“And you better not lose it to those galactic guys, either!” “Oh, don’t worry!
This Star’s safe in my hands!” she said as she put the big star back in her pocket.
“Wait, how does that fit in your pocket, anyway?” Red asked.
“I dunno, magic?” Tak shrugged.
“Come, FIR!
Let’s get going!” FIR switched back to her regular form, saluted, and followed Tak out the door.
“And you two get back to fixing that chip!” shouted Red.
The robots saluted and left as the doors closed on them.
They went back to enjoying their snacks when Red spoke again, “Hey, what do you think Zim’s doing right now?” “Eh, probably nothing that could affect us in any way.” replied Purple, chewing on a Kit-Kat.
“Yeah, you’re right.” KND Moonbase It was another regular day at Earth’s Moonbase.
Officers were based at their stations, while other kids were playing Whisbee on the deck.
Supreme Leader Numbuh 362, Rachel T.
McKenzie, was in her office filling out paperwork.
With short blonde hair and brown eyes, she donned an orange sweater with tiger stripes and blue pants that transitioned to socks with metal sandals.
A gold star necklace adorned her neck.
She heard a knock at her office door.
“Come in.” she said drolly.
On her call, Fanny Fulbright and Patton Drilovsky stepped into the room.
“Sir,” Fanny spoke, “Sector V just reported.
They want us to be on the lookout for a green-skinned boy in a dress, called Zim.” “I’m pretty sure they said he was an alien.” replied Patton.
“There’s no such thing as aliens, ye stoopid boy!
It’s obviously just some boy with a skin disease.” “How can you say that when there’s one standing in front of me?” “That’s it!” Fanny screamed, rolling up her sleeve and marching up to Patton angrily.
“When I get through with you, YOU’RE going to be the alien!” “Bring it on, Fulbright!” “That’s enough!” Rachel shouted.
“Honestly, can’t you guys do this somewhere else?
I’m under enough stress as it is!” Patton and Fanny exchanged concerned glances before the latter asked, “Are you okay, Sir?” “It’s just… well… I’ve been getting a lot of paperwork, lately, okay?” There was a pause before Patton asked, “You’re thinking about him again, aren’t you?” Rachel sighed.
“Yes.” “Rachel, it’s been three months.” Fanny said.
“Don’t you think it’s time to move on?” “I know, but… I just can’t.
I can’t help but feel he left because of me.” “Why would he?” asked Patton.
“Well, because the last time I saw him…” “You and your team are ordered to stay away from this cake mission!
Is that clear?” “But-” “Is that clear?!” With a bite on his lip, Nigel complied.
“Yes.” Due to Sector V’s constant failure in retrieving the Delightful Children’s legendary cake, considered one of the most esteemed mission any sector could receive, Rachel finally banned them from the honor.
It hurt her to be so strict with Nigel, but she had a status to maintain.
She couldn’t show bias.
But upon realizing that would be the last time she saw him… the guilt was unbearable.
“Ya had your reasons.” Fanny consoled.
“And plus, why would he leave because of that?
It’s not like you’ve never been angry at him before.” “I know, but if I knew he was going to disappear without a trace… I mean, what if something bad happened to him?
What if I never see him again?
The only impression he’ll have of me will just be an awful friend.” Patton walked behind her desk and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, he’ll turn up eventually!
And when he does, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you!
Just like he always is!” “I can only hope…” Fanny noticed her holding the star around her neck.
“Hey, where’d you get that necklace?” “What, this?” She took the necklace in her hand.
“This is a family heirloom.
It’s been passed down through generations.” “How come we’ve never seen you wearing it?” Patton asked.
“I wear it all the time.
I just have it stuffed down my sweater most of the time.
It’s supposed to give its wearer good luck.” “And you have it out now because you’re hoping it’ll bring Nigel back safely.” Fanny guessed.
Rachel glanced down.
“Yeah.
I guess I am.” “Well, just keep believing, and maybe it will.” “Yeah… maybe so.” They were silent for a few minutes until they heard a crashing sound outside.
“Looks like they’re playing Whisbee here, again.” “We’ll take care of ’em.” Fanny offered.
“You just get back to your paperwork.” “Thanks guys.” With that, Fanny and Patton left her office and Rachel could hear the sound of yelling on the other side.
Rachel spared one last glance to her star necklace, got up out of her chair, and stared out her large office window into outer space.
The blue-eyed shadow being, whom was watching from the ceiling, quietly phased through the corner of the window and flew into space unnoticed.
Once it was a good distance away from the Moonbase, it took out a sword with a face on its hilt and spoke in an otherworldly voice.
“Oh, Exor.
My trusted sword.
If things continue to go this way, a terrible fate could befall us.” The shadow gazed into space.
“But I have a debt to repay.
And I will do what it takes to stop this.” He put his sword away.
“I swear it on my people.” Sargasso Region The big-headed boy genius, Dib, was flying through a region of space within an orange nebula, in his small, black and gray ship which slightly resembled that of an Irken’s.
He was looking at a galactic map with a red dot moving across it rapidly.
“The tracking device I placed on Zim’s ship is still active!” he said to himself.
“I’ll have him captured in no time, and when I do, I’ll haul him back to Earth and expose him for the monster that he is!
Then no one will ever call me crazy ever again!
All I need to do is—AH!” His sentence was cut short as he was intercepted by three menacing-looking ships.
The three ships had black front sides with a large spike.
The back sides were red with a few lasers attached, along with four white wings that lined up like an X.
The ships also had little cockpits for the drivers.
The three ships surrounded Dib’s ship as they continued flying straight.
“Hey, what’s the big idea?!” “You’re trespassing in Lord O’Donnell’s territory.” said a voice from the ship above Dib’s, who flew down, so they were right next to each other.
Dib saw that the pilot of the ship was some white and gray wolf dressed in a blue and black combat suit.
“That’s me!
Wolf O’Donnell!
And this is the Star Wolf Team!
That’s Leon.” He pointed to the ship right of Dib which had a green chameleon in a black jumpsuit, who turned to Dib and stuck his tongue out.
“And that’s Panther.” Wolf rose his ship, so Dib could get a look at the other ship with a black panther wearing a blue and white jumpsuit, who growled.
“We don’t welcome trespassers here.” Panther growled.
He seemed to have a Spanish accent.
“Look guys, I’m sorry for trespassing.” Dib said in slight fear.
“But my name is Dib and I’m chasing after an alien named Zim!
He’s an Irken invader!” “Ahhh.
And just what do you plan to do with this Irken?” Panther asked.
“I’m going to bring him back to my planet and expose him for his evil!” “Well, you must be desperate coming all the way out here.” Wolf said.
“Unfortunately, an enemy of the Irkens is an enemy of us!
You see, while we may not be interested in what they’re up to, we are interested in their leaders’ cash.
And taking down GKND operatives and little annoyances like you will get us that cash.” “Wait, the GKND is here?” Dib replied.
“Not here, but they are close.
But it doesn’t matter since you won’t have a chance to meet then, anyway!
Get him, Jake!” Dib looked out the window of his ship and noticed a fourth ship coming up from behind.
Unlike the others, this one was long and snake-like.
The snaky ship was black and several white wings and lasers lined up along it.
On the front were four rockets lined up like an X, as well as a snake’s head wearing an air helmet with a black Western hat on said helmet.
The snake had red eyes, with a black upper head and bright red lower head.
“Dib,” Wolf began, “meet the newest member of Star Wolf: Rattlesnake Jake!
He was too big to fit in a Wolfen, so we gave him this armor!
It makes him perfect for catching his prey!
Show him, Jake!” And with that, Dib flew fast downward with Rattlesnake Jake following behind him.
He quick-turned in all different directions, hoping to lose the armored snake, but failed nonetheless.
“Man!
You’re fast!” Dib panted.
“Well, of courssse I am!” Jake said in a Western accent.
“I ain’t your ordinary rattlessssnake!
I come from the very bowelsss of Hell!” Dib looked ahead and saw an asteroid field.
Since he couldn’t seem to outrun the snake, he would take his chances.
“Try chasing me through this!” And with that, Dib flew into the asteroid field, dodging all asteroids that came his way.
Despite his masterful maneuvering, the self-proclaimed demonic snake followed closely behind.
Dib was really getting worried now.
The rest of the Star Wolf Team was watching from a few feet above them.
“I think that’s enough playing around, Jake.” Wolf said.
“Grab him!” “With pleassssure!” Jake sped to the front of Dib’s ship and wrapped his long, armored body around Dib’s ship, stopping it.
“Good work, Jake!” Wolf congratulated.
“Now, what to do with him…” “Let’s go down to Secco and see if there are any buyers!” “Good idea, Leon!
Star Wolf Team: let’s go!” GKND H.Q.
Nigel was walking down a large balcony-like area with an enormous glass window showing a splendid view of outer space.
Unique star alignments, colorful nebulas… even Moonbase could hardly provide such a view.
Especially for the cafeteria.
The tables were lined up with operatives and Wisps eating various types of exotic food.
Numbuh 1 was glad that Dimentia was kind enough to serve food from all her operatives’ planets, including Earth.
He didn’t really care where she got it all.
In the center of the cafeteria was a large silver statue of the Supreme Galactic Leader herself, with several plants lined up along it.
As he scanned the cafeteria looking for Ava, two aliens, a blue blob in a white T-shirt and a chicken in a floating egg-shaped pod, passed by him.
“Hey, check it out, BA-BWARK!” said the chicken.
“Luvbi’s on the statue praying again, BA-GAWK!” “Hehe.
You think she’ll ever find that prince she’s looking for?” the blob replied.
“BWARK!
In another 1500 years!” The two aliens moved along the mess hall, laughing.
Nigel looked up to the statue and noticed a white figure floating above it.
It was an angel-like girl with a shade of yellow praying above the statue with her eyes closed and a smile on her face.
She had heart-shaped wings, white hair tied in a curl, a yellow dress, and dangling legs with yellow sandals.
“Doo-bi-doo-bi-doo!” the girl sang.
“Ah, I wonder if I shall meet mine most special someone today!
Surely, he is a prince that is strong of arm and noble of heart!” The girl opened her eyes and shouted, “O my sweet prince!
Hurry and fly to me!” She looked down to see the bald Brit staring at her with a raised eyebrow.
“Pray, what reason hast thou to stare at me so?!
Didst thou hear me pine for a bald, pale-skinned human?!” she yelled.
“Good to see you, too, Numbuh Heaven Eleven.” Numbuh 1 replied sarcastically.
He remembered going with Luvbi on a mission to Planet Sauria.
Like most other aliens, he couldn’t understand her, so the mission didn’t play out well.
But now that he kissed Ava (unintentionally), he could understand.
But he still wasn’t fond of her.
“So, thou canst understand me now?
Then hear this: what I seek art princes.
PRINCES ONLY!
Not old, bald-headed weirdoes!
Now, what dost thou want?” “Have you seen Numbuh 10,000 anywhere?” “So, thou seekest yonder big-earred alien?
(A perfect match, verily.) She is over thither.” She pointed over to Ava, sitting at a table by the wall.
Nigel smiled after seeing his new friend.
“Art thou happy?
Good!
Then leave me be!
I must continue to pray.” And with that, she closed her eyes and continued.
As Nigel approached his sword-wielding friend, he mumbled, “Bet even a frog wouldn’t want you to kiss it.” Down the hall “So, Number Infinity, how goes the conditions of the base?” Dimentia was walking down the other end of the balcony toward the cafeteria, looking in her mirror, with Numbuhs Infinity and 74.239 at her side.
“Just as you left them, sir.
And Jirachi is in his spot at the Star Sanctuary granting wishes.” Infinity replied.
“Perfect!
And now that Uno’s found one of the Star Pieces, my face has never looked prettier!” Gabe and Jeremy chuckled at this.
They silenced their selves once Dimentia shot glares at them.
“Hmph.
Well, why don’t you be off now?
I think the cafeteria’s serving ice cream today!” “I get first scoop!” Gabe exclaimed as he shot off.
“Not if I do first!” Infinity said, chasing after him.
Dimentia examined the cafeteria, smiling as her eyes fell upon yesterday’s heroes.
Nigel made his way to where Ava was sitting.
“Hey, Ava!” “Hey, Nigel!
I’ve been looking for you.
Where’ve you been?” “I overslept.
I had the craziest dream last night.” “What happened?” “Well, I-” “Ah, Number 1!” Dimentia exclaimed, appearing behind the Earth operative, startling him.
“N-Numbuh 256 SIR!” Nigel saluted, earning a cringe from Ava.
“Oh, save your breath and drop the formalities.
Care to join me for a meatball sandwich?” Nigel was already getting a serious déjà vu vibe.
“Well, I was kinda going to sit with Ava…” “Oh, you can sit with her tomorrow!
Don’t make me give you a direct order now!” And with that, Dimentia dragged him away.
“Sorry, Ava.” “It’s okay.
I have to go do something anyway.” And she walked off.
Nigel and Dimentia each grabbed a tray and got in line for meatball sandwiches.
Once they got some, they went over to a nearby table and sat next to each other.
“Mmm, this is tasty!” Nigel smiled.
“Well, of course it is!
As Supreme GKND Leader, I want my loyal operatives to be treated fairly!” Nigel was getting really suspicious.
The three months he’s been here, he’s never seen Dimentia act so nice.
“Alright, what’s the catch?” “Catch?
There’s no catch!
I’m just trying to make my newest operative feel at home!” This word prompted Nigel to cross eyes further.
Dimentia sighed.
“Alright, listen Nigel.
I’ve been thinking that… maybe I haven’t been considering your feelings enough.
You’re still trying to get adjusted here… and, truth is, I’ve had to go through this with so many operatives that it’s become a fleeting exercise.
We’ve all made the sacrifice to leave our old lives behind for the greater mission.
But we have each other.
And if there’s anything I can give you, just let me know.” “Well… thanks.” He cracked a warm smile.
“…Hey, I wanted to ask.” “Hmm?” “Back on Flora when we were battling Croacus, we rescued an orange Wisp shaped like a rocket.
It shot into my body and made my shoes activate like rockets.
What’s up with that?” Dimentia chuckled.
“Well, my friend.
You’ve just experienced your first Color Power!” “Color Power?” “Well, you see, the Wisps you see around here are filled with powerful energy.
The Irkens like to use that energy to power their machines.” “I already knew that.” “Each differently colored Wisp has their own Color Power.
The Orange Wisps, for example, make your feet activate and take off like rockets.
The Light-blue Wisps, which is what Gabe is, can make you run at high speeds.
Dark Blue Wisps, like Infinity, can trap things in ice cubes.
They’re all very unique, which is why the Tallest love them so much, not just because they’re colorful.
And it’s our job as GKND operatives to save them as well!” “Do they catch the disease as well?” “No.
Not exactly.
Because of their powers, they don’t catch the disease as easily as the rest of us do.
But if they hang around adults too long, they will catch it.
Not like Jirachi.” “Well, as a GKND operative, I’ll do what I can to help them!” Not to mention those Color Powers sound pretty cool!
“And that’s precisely why I chose you: you put your loyalty first.
Just like all good operatives!” Most of them, anyway.
“SIR!” Gabe and Jeremy came to them, flying fast, with ice cream on their faces.
“We’ve just had a report that some kid has been taken hostage on Secco!” Nigel realized they had ice cream on their faces, yet they didn’t have mouths in those forms.
“Hey, how can you two eat if you don’t have mouths?” Gabe and Jeremy exchanged glances.
“You don’t want to know.” Infinity said.
“Who is this kid?” Dimentia asked.
“We don’t know.” Infinity replied.
“But he was ambushed in the Sargasso Region and was sold to some Irken soldiers on Planet Secco.
We don’t know who he is or where he’s from.
Except that it’s a boy.” “Maybe me and Ava can go down to Secco and rescue him.” Nigel suggested.
“Who knows, there might be another Star Piece down there.” “Sounds good to me.” agreed Dimentia.
“You go find Ava and explain the situation.
Gabe and Jeremy: you help them get ready!
Move out, you three, get going!” They all saluted and ran off.
Dimentia, however, snuck into one of the nearby bathrooms and met up with the Magiblots, who were eating ice cream.
“I tell ya, eating ice cream in the girls’ bathroom is NOT sanitary!” said the Blue Magiblot.
“But hey, we gotta tell you something, boss.” Red Magiblot followed.
“The Magiblots we have spying on Earth were checking on those friends of his…” “Yes…?” “And they caught him spyingon them from the shadows.” “You mean…” The Magiblots nodded their heads affirmably.
Dimentia turned away, head throbbing with fury.
So, HE thinks he can foil my plans again.
… Spoiler alert: Nigel is a prince.