#〘🔻〙: People:〘 destroyer-immortalizer 〙

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim was quiet a moment, simply staring at the makeshift PAK in despair. He absently hugged the Helios to his chest, small clawed hands clutching him tightly. Everything here still felt so foreign and strange, like be didn’t belong. This wasn’t right. He should be back on Earth continuing his mission! But now, he didn’t even have a mission to continue.

“Yes.” Zim replied simply, not breaking his gaze away from the machine, “Zim... has GIR. To maintain.”

The alien supposed he could attempt to learn the workings of this new PAK. It may take some time, but he was sure he would be able to figure it out. He had worked on far more complex projects before, after all! He was ZIM!

Finally tearing his gaze from the PAK, the IRKEN turned to look at the Cephalon, magenta eyes searching. Was he... truly offering to allow him to work on the sentinels?

Though Zim had not spent an overly large anount of time around Simaris, or his Helios squadron, he knew that if the Cephalon felt in any way similar to how Zim felt about GIR, the alien understood the significance of the gesture.

“...I... would h... have to learn.” he replied, looking down at ZIP once more, his arms still wrapped tightly around the drone’s chasis, “... Your technology confuses Zim.”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim thought this over a moment, brow furrowing as he directed his gaze back down at ZIP. He supposed repairs did offer him some stress relief. Fixing something, returing it to fully operational status… felt good. It felt like he was worth something. Like he was useful.

Slowly, he nodded, “Yes. Zim�� enjoys this as well.” came his simple reply.

“I… performed all of the necessary repairs to my base myself. Routine maintenance, mostly. Or, eh… damage control.” Zim cleared his throat, “I also keep GIR in optimal condition. As well as my PAK…”

Trailing off, the alien looked towards the bulky machine that lay next to him on the bed. He frowned once more, antennae lowering to flatten against his head.

“Eh… I suppose that… will not be necessary now.”

[🔶]: Simaris paused, regarding Zim’s hesitation and momentary downturn in mood. Perhaps he really should consider giving Zim some tasks around Sanctuary. It may help him cope with the situation.

“Well, you still have GIR to upkeep,” he reminded the Irken, “and I, along with Davilis, could teach you the workings of this new PAK, so you are able to perform future maintenance yourself.” He gave another glance to ZIP, in Zim’s arms.

“And… perhaps you may assist me in upkeeping my Helios as well, if you are so inclined. It certainly sounds as though you have more than enough skill.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim tilted his head a little further as Simaris shifted himself. The alien’s antennae stood straight as he observed, magenta eyes scanning the Cephalon’s face. He seemed relaxed, at ease despite the alien’s presence. It both puzzled and intrigued Zim. Was he truly not worried about having the smaller around while he was unconscious?

With Simaris facing him this way, curled a little and peacefully dozing, it wasn’t long before the IRKEN wasn’t satisfied with simply watching. He, careful not to make too much noise, shifted onto his knees and crawled forwards, antennae pressed down flat. Zim wiggled his way underneath the covers, where he scooted closer to the Cephalon. Soon, he had tucked himself into a ball, and pressed his body up close, so that the other was curled right around his tiny frame. A soft chitter escaped him as he closed his eyes, feeling his own nerves ease. This was... nice. It was warm, and Zim could hear the beat of the Cephalon’s heart against his antennae. The steady rhythm soothed him, and soon, he, too, had begun to doze.

Showing Off - CLOSED for zimisnotdefective

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Simaris’ change in both tone and expression felt strange to Zim. If he was not interested in engaging in further “rewards”, what was his goal? What was the purpose of him sitting here on the bed? It certainly couldn’t mean he simply wanted the alien’s company. That was absurd!

Zim quirked both antennae upwards as he watched the Cephalon settle into bed, making himself comfortable. His head tilted, and he shifted a bit in his spot, turning towards Simaris and crossing his tiny legs neatly in front of him. He had only witnessed a human sleep a few times before, and most of those times had been Dib. Zim had tried to sneak into the boy’s house a few times during the night, but it was never overly exciting. Why did humans waste the entirety of their night cycles sleeping?! Such a waste! No wonder their technology was so primitive!

“Eh… yes. Zim is sure it is a pleasure!” he replied with a nod, folding his hands in his lap, “You may, uh… commence sleeping now!”

[🔶]: Another chuckle came from Simaris, and he tucked his hands behind his head for a moment. “Very well. I will take that as my permission being granted.”

He changed position, laying on his side and facing Zim, slightly curled and comfortable. The Cephalon cracked one, singular, golden eye open at the alien sitting in front of him. Another smile, and sighing huff, and Simaris was ready to doze properly.

“Good night, Zim.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: The shock wasn’t overly strong— just enough to jolt him awake. And that’s exactly what it did.

Zim jerked back into consciousness with a squeak, the world suddenly reappearing before his eyes. He took in a sharp gasp, small hand grasping the tool that had threatened to fall out of it. Thankfully, it was designed not to stay on unless it’s main button was held down, for this exact reason.

“G... Good.” the IRKEN breathed, praising the human for her quick action. He swallowed hard, taking a moment for his head to stop spinning before proceeding.

It was far harder than the initial cauterizing, but soon, the wound was closed, flesh burned to flesh. The IRKEN dropped the tool onto the floor as he finished his task, his hands shaking violently. He was nearly hyperventilating, scarred chest heaving with each gasp. Not long after all was said and done, Zim turned, hunching over and holding himself up with his arms as he retched.

It was over.

Close Call - CLOSED for zimisnotdefective

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim’s entire posture perked up, and he took off to the cupboard where he knew the sweets were kept. His PAK legs deployed, allowing him to reach up and snatch a few things off the shelf. With his armload of snacks, he turned, antennae pointing straight up.

“That will be all for now, Computer-Human!” he told him, regaining a bit of his usual stature, “I must be off! An Invader’s work is never done.”

And with that, and a salute, Zim activated a tiny device on his wrist, creating a small portal for him to jump through. In an instant, the alien had left the Relay.

First Contact

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: “YES!” Zim blurted, before backpedalling. He cleared his throat, pulling on the collar of his uniform. Had it gotten hot in here??

“What… Zim meant to say was that… yes! I must return to my mission.” the alien quickly stood, hands returning upwards to hold down his antennae, “But, eh… I believe it would not be detrimental to return once more… sometime.”

That’s when he remembered something, and he turned to glance back to the cupboard. He released his antennae, which perked with excitement.

“And… Zim will recieve the promised snack rations now?”

[🔶]: A truly wicked grin appeared on Simaris’s face when Zim was so enthusiastic about returning. Oh, yes. He had his attention now.

“In that case, I shall be keeping an eye out for you. And hoping sometime is sooner rather than later.”

Simaris let out a soft chuckle, as he stood from the couch. “But of course, you may have your snacks. Help yourself to whatever else in the pantry you might like to take with you. Do not worry about quantity. As I mentioned, I can easily replace whatever I have here.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at this. The only IRKEN for him! Not even the Tallest would get to experience this amazing new discovery, and not with his Cephalon! The alien’s antennae wiggled in glee, and he seemed to puff up. The entire situation, and relationship the two had begun to build, seemed to have a rather pleasing effect on Zim.

At the mention of ‘studying’, Zim looked down at his middle, running a hand over his skin with a shudder. His antennae gave another burst of vibration, and a few small clicks escaped his throat.

“... Zim sees no harm in the continuation of your, eh... studies! So long as your data is not used for evil!”

A huff. He squeezed one eye closed.

“... You, eh... would not happen to have any further... rewards? For Zim?” he ventured, cheeks flushing.

Frisky~

Send “Frisky” for my muse’s reaction to your muse getting handsy…

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[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim stood tall as he watched the Cephalon lower himself to him. He was wearing his disguise once more, slick black hair covering what would have been perked antennae. He looked a little scuffed, and his expression was set in a scowl.

“Yes. Zim has come to see your... work.” he replied, his tone rather sour, “I expect that you will not disappoint me!”

The little alien marched forwards, before hoisting himself up onto the arm of Simaris’ throne-like seat, tiny boots fitting perfectly on it’s width.

“BEGIN!”

“COMPUTER-HUMAN! Zim has returned for the promised TOUR!” he’s standing at the base of the Cephalon’s chair, hands on his hips. He’s so tiny down there. So, SO tiny. “COME DOWN TO ZIM!”

[🔶]:Oh, that shout. Simaris could pick that voice out anywhere.

The Cephalon leaned over slightly, around his various control panels, to see the tiny Irken shouting up at him. “Zim? This is rather a pleasant surprise. I welcome your return to Sanctuary.”

He began to push the holographic panels to the sides, lowering his thronelike chair to ground level. “If you have come to see my work, you have caught me at a good time. I have active tasks, but am not overly busy. I can most certainly spare some time to show you whatever you might care to see.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim thought this over a moment, brow furrowing as he directed his gaze back down at ZIP. He supposed repairs did offer him some stress relief. Fixing something, returing it to fully operational status... felt good. It felt like he was worth something. Like he was useful.

Slowly, he nodded, “Yes. Zim... enjoys this as well.” came his simple reply.

“I... performed all of the necessary repairs to my base myself. Routine maintenance, mostly. Or, eh... damage control.” Zim cleared his throat, “I also keep GIR in optimal condition. As well as my PAK...”

Trailing off, the alien looked towards the bulky machine that lay next to him on the bed. He frowned once more, antennae lowering to flatten against his head.

“Eh... I suppose that... will not be necessary now.”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim’s antennae quirked at the Cephalon’s wrist movement. That implant truly intrigued the alien, and he was growing more and more eager to get his own. Perhaps if he had that, it would feel as though a few of his PAK functions had returned to him.

“You do your own repairs?” the IRKEN questioned, raising a brow. He had stopped examining the Helios’ paint, and had opted to instead simply hold the drone in his clawed hands, “Huh. Me too.”

[🔶]: “Indeed,” Simaris confirmed, with a brief nod. “I… prefer to tend to the Helios myself, if they require it. They are… rather important to me. As I assume you have gathered.”

The Cephalon seemed quite serious, and perhaps a bit subdued, in his statement. It was true; he thought of the Helios as far more than simple robotic assistants, as he assumed most others did. To him, they were his charges, his wards, a hundred little darlings, each to be looked after and cared for to the best of his ability.

“That is yet another thing you and I seem to have in common, then. I find minor repairs to be quite the reliable source of stress relief. Focusing on one particular issue to solve methodically, to the exclusion of any others, without others to pull me away from my focus. Is it much the same for you?”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim’s antennae quirked at the Cephalon’s wrist movement. That implant truly intrigued the alien, and he was growing more and more eager to get his own. Perhaps if he had that, it would feel as though a few of his PAK functions had returned to him.

“You do your own repairs?” the IRKEN questioned, raising a brow. He had stopped examining the Helios’ paint, and had opted to instead simply hold the drone in his clawed hands, “Huh. Me too.”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim couldn’t help but be a little disappointed about the Cephalon’s lack of hardware to show off. He wanted to see what kinds of attachments could be given to the little drones!

The alien leaned in a bit to give the image a once-over, antennae perked up as his eyes scanned the screen. It was true, this model looked much different than that of the Helios currently in his hands. Its paint was far more simple, akin to a factory-fresh product.

“…Zim dislikes this design.” he huffed, frowning slightly, “Too DULL!”

IRKEN were known for their rather flashy and in-your-face color choices. It was no wonder Zim didn’t find the muted greys appealing.

Zim ran a clawed thumb over another portion of ZIP’s chasis, giving a nod.

“This is better.”

[🔶]: ZIP responded to the compliment, and the further little petting touches, with more happy chirps. Zim liked his paint! The little Helios was rather pleased to have learned that.

Simaris chuckled slightly, both at Zim’s reaction and at ZIP’s reaction to Zim’s reaction. He closed the holographic screen with a flex of his wrist. “Yes, I find it rather dull myself. Hence the new color scheme. It suits them, I believe. I hand paint each Helios, and if any get any damage or surface scuffs in their data collecting ventures, I similarly attempt to do repairs myself.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Sleek black antennae perked when the sentinel moved the little nodes, claws retracting to hover just over them, so as not to add stress to the mechanism. Zim seemed pretty interested in the Helios, and went to touch the outer ring of the drone’s middle ‘eye’ optic. ZIP sounded happy, and it intrigued the IRKEN all the more. All of these little robots had their own personalities, their own sentience...

“Attachments?” Zim questioned, tilting his head, “Like what? Do you have any here?” the IRKEN carefully ran a thumb over ZIP’s paint, “... They are not all colored this way?”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim’s eyes closed for only a moment, opening once the sensation left his antenna. He gave a soft huff, looking up at Simaris as he spoke.

“Wait…” the smaller frowned, “The Medical Drone… he is also a ‘Ceph-a-lon’?”

Here, Zim had thought the Mechanic had been a regular old human! He had been a Cephalon this entire time? But… if he was a Cephalon, then…

“Where is his… back… thingy?” the alien questioned, giving a gesture towards his own back with his hand, “Zim did not s… see it!”

[🔶]: A faint chuckle from Simaris, as he regarded Zim’s surprise. “Yes, Davilis is a true Cephalon, I can attest to it. He typically keeps his array covered under his outermost layer of clothing, as he does not need to access his ports as frequently as I do mine. But, were you to remove his coat, he would show off his non-organic parts.”

Simaris shrugged slightly, as if to wave it off. “Most Cephalon Mechanics are themselves, Cephalon. Occasionally, you will find a specialized Corpus who is able to deliver proper maintenance. But most do not care enough to try. They think it better to leave the job to other Cephalon, and further strip them of their lingering humanity by deeming them ‘Mechanics’ instead of what they are - medics.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Huh. That sounded so strange to Zim. Why would Davilis wish to keep his status a secret? No IRKEN would ever try to hide their PAK!

... Well, maybe not their original PAK...

Though, from the sounds of what he was hearing, “Cephalon” weren’t regarded as much, were they? Especially Cephalon medical drones like Davilis. “Cephalon Mechanics.” It was disgraceful! It really was no wonder he preferred to keep it low key.

Zim gave one quick nod, running a shaky hand back over one of his antennae. He didn’t really understand why he seemed to peak Cephalon attention, though he supposed he owed his life to it. The IRKEN sighed, gaze turning downwards to look at the little Helios, still huddled in next to him. Two small, clawed hands picked the sentinel up off of the bed, holding him up against his stomach. Zim carefully fiddled with one of the little metal nodes on either side of the drone’s chasis, seemingly both occupying himself, and satisfying some personal curiosities.

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim’s eyes closed for only a moment, opening once the sensation left his antenna. He gave a soft huff, looking up at Simaris as he spoke.

“Wait…” the smaller frowned, “The Medical Drone… he is also a ‘Ceph-a-lon’?”

Here, Zim had thought the Mechanic had been a regular old human! He had been a Cephalon this entire time? But… if he was a Cephalon, then…

“Where is his… back… thingy?” the alien questioned, giving a gesture towards his own back with his hand, “Zim did not s… see it!”

[🔶]: A faint chuckle from Simaris, as he regarded Zim’s surprise. “Yes, Davilis is a true Cephalon, I can attest to it. He typically keeps his array covered under his outermost layer of clothing, as he does not need to access his ports as frequently as I do mine. But, were you to remove his coat, he would show off his non-organic parts.”

Simaris shrugged slightly, as if to wave it off. “Most Cephalon Mechanics are themselves, Cephalon. Occasionally, you will find a specialized Corpus who is able to deliver proper maintenance. But most do not care enough to try. They think it better to leave the job to other Cephalon, and further strip them of their lingering humanity by deeming them ‘Mechanics’ instead of what they are - medics.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim frowned slightly as the subject was changed. Did he... perhaps do something wrong? He didn’t want to do something to change the Cephalon’s ‘compassion glitch’ towards him. The alien wanted someone to care about him. Especially now...

The smaller felt an ache in his chest...

With antennae lowered, and expression drooping, Zim shifted his body a little in the bed, a grimace crossing his face. A small pained huff escaped him, and he stopped, resting his head back against the pillow.

“Does... he... also have a... ‘Compassion Glitch’?”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim noted the change in the Cephalon’s body, causing him to frown slightly as well. He understood why recalling the event could be… unpleasant for Simaris, even more so than for Zim. Though he had assured the IRKEN he had been unharmed, Zim still worried that something may have been done… Though, he supposed Simaris would know better than he.

The smaller looked down at his hand, now held inside one much larger. The touch was careful, unthreatening, and the soft rubbing made him give a tiny huff of ease. Zim liked this gesture. It was soothing…

“Com… passion glitch.” Zim repeated, only half-questioning. He seemed to think this over a moment, taking the concept apart in his mind. Did Simaris truly just… care? About Zim?

The IRKEN just gave a small nod, though he far from understood.

[🔶]: Simaris tilted his head as he regarded Zim. He detected the Irken’s hesitation, and wondered if he had perhaps made a mistake in allowing such a confession to slip out so quickly. In the end, he decided it best to abandon the subject, just in case.

Though… not without a heavy pause before speaking.

“… I will contact Davilis in regards to his next visit to you,” Simaris stated, out loud, though with a tone that suggested he was organizing his thoughts more than anything else. “I have a feeling he will want to observe your recovery for a few days, but… once he is satisfied you are well cared for, perhaps then I may convince him to install your wrist communicator.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim noted the change in the Cephalon’s body, causing him to frown slightly as well. He understood why recalling the event could be... unpleasant for Simaris, even more so than for Zim. Though he had assured the IRKEN he had been unharmed, Zim still worried that something may have been done... Though, he supposed Simaris would know better than he.

The smaller looked down at his hand, now held inside one much larger. The touch was careful, unthreatening, and the soft rubbing made him give a tiny huff of ease. Zim liked this gesture. It was soothing...

“Com... passion glitch.” Zim repeated, only half-questioning. He seemed to think this over a moment, taking the concept apart in his mind. Did Simaris truly just... care? About Zim?

The IRKEN just gave a small nod, though he far from understood.

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim… did not like the sound of that. It reminded him far too much of how easily defective IRKEN were wiped from the collective, their PAKs deactivated and their bodies tossed aside to die without their mandatory life support. The alien frowned, brow furrowing and antennae lowering. He couldn’t help but wonder what may happen if whoever was in charge decided that Simaris was too old for his duties. Would they simply decomission him as well? Toss him aside? What would happen to Zim without his Cephalon caretaker?

“The… ‘Core-pus’. These are the s… same drones that attempted to dismantle you on your sh… ship. Yes?” Zim questioned, recalling the sight of the crewman prying at the Cephalon’s back array, the cry it had pulled forth from the regal Simaris. It caused the IRKEN to shudder.

There was another long pause, taken, it seemed, so that Zim may catch his breath. He allowed his eyes to close, chest rising and falling slowly, steadily. He may have recieved an extra energy boost, but his biology had been forcefully evolved over many years to rely heavily on its PAK for most of its functions, and thus the ‘primitive’ Origin System alternative just didn’t cut it, no matter which way you sliced it. Zim’s small body was already weakened from the beating it had taken, and the PAK was attempting to focus on healing his injuries.

Finally, he spoke.

“… Is this… why you aided… Zim?”

[🔶]: “Correct. Those were Corpus crewmen,” Simaris replied, attempting to keep his voice cool and stoic. However, the slightest furrowing in his brow, and the tensing of his muscles, gave him away. The memory was still highly unpleasant for him, and if it hadn’t been for Zim…

His golden eyes opened, and turned to look at the Irken. Was that why? Because, in a way, he sympathized with Zim? Yes, but… he doubted that was the only reason. Simaris was rather invested in this little soldier, in a way he normally wasn’t.

The Sanctuary Cephalon reached out to Zim, taking his tiny gloved hand in his own larger, manicured one. “Partially, yes. Your plight did remind me of those of so many Cephalon, and for that I wished to aid you. However… I believe there was… a personal factor as well. Our meeting may not have been under ideal circumstances, but we have gotten to know each other since. And I like to believe we get along well.” He rubbed the Irken’s hand slightly, quiet for a moment.

“Perhaps I have something of a… ‘compassion glitch’ where you are concerned. If it can even be called such.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Simaris’ change in both tone and expression felt strange to Zim. If he was not interested in engaging in further “rewards”, what was his goal? What was the purpose of him sitting here on the bed? It certainly couldn’t mean he simply wanted the alien��s company. That was absurd!

Zim quirked both antennae upwards as he watched the Cephalon settle into bed, making himself comfortable. His head tilted, and he shifted a bit in his spot, turning towards Simaris and crossing his tiny legs neatly in front of him. He had only witnessed a human sleep a few times before, and most of those times had been Dib. Zim had tried to sneak into the boy’s house a few times during the night, but it was never overly exciting. Why did humans waste the entirety of their night cycles sleeping?! Such a waste! No wonder their technology was so primitive!

“Eh... yes. Zim is sure it is a pleasure!” he replied with a nod, folding his hands in his lap, “You may, uh... commence sleeping now!”

Showing Off - CLOSED for zimisnotdefective

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim watched closely as Simaris readied the bed for himself. The way that humans slept was always so foreign to him. They had special pieces of furniture that they laid out on in order to be comfortable while they were unconscious. Sure, there were “beds” on IRK, but they were never truly used for sleeping. Mostly, they could be found in medical wards, for the wounded or sick to lay upon until they regained their strength. Couches and padded benches much like the one he was sitting on where far more common in IRKEN personal quarters.

“Eh?” the alien tilted his head as Simaris spoke, not cluing in immediately to his suggestive undertones, “Yeah, this seat is pretty comfortable, I mean—“

Zim’s voice trailed off as he caught sight of that gaze, his own eyes widening only slighlty. Ah, he understood now. This wasn’t a question, so much as it was a suggestion. He assumed he was not in for another “reward”, as he didn’t think humans could do such things in their sleep. Could Cephalon? Zim supposed he would find out.

The IRKEN slipped off of his seat, small black boots making a distinct click as they met the floor. He marched forwards, using his PAK legs to hoist himself up onto the bed, where he sat, small legs dangling from the side. The smaller looked to Simaris expectantly, as if unsure what to do next. Was this what he had wanted?

[🔶]: It may have taken Zim a few moments to clue in, but in the end, Simaris had gotten what he wanted. He offered a smile Zim’s way as the Irken sat on the bed - though this smile was far less mischievous than usual. He seemed less like he was scheming to get the Irken naked again, and more genuinely pleased with Zim’s decision to be by his side.

“I do not plan on forcing you to remain in that spot throughout the night,” Simaris stated, as he settled in and leaned back on his pillows. “Nor are you required to sleep, as I am certain I will. That being said… I appreciate your extended company.”

The tone of voice with which the Cephalon spoke had a similarly uncharacteristic softness as his expression had mere moments ago. Perhaps he was growing a bit fond of this little alien after all?

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim watched closely as Simaris readied the bed for himself. The way that humans slept was always so foreign to him. They had special pieces of furniture that they laid out on in order to be comfortable while they were unconscious. Sure, there were “beds” on IRK, but they were never truly used for sleeping. Mostly, they could be found in medical wards, for the wounded or sick to lay upon until they regained their strength. Couches and padded benches much like the one he was sitting on where far more common in IRKEN personal quarters.

“Eh?” the alien tilted his head as Simaris spoke, not cluing in immediately to his suggestive undertones, “Yeah, this seat is pretty comfortable, I mean—“

Zim’s voice trailed off as he caught sight of that gaze, his own eyes widening only slighlty. Ah, he understood now. This wasn’t a question, so much as it was a suggestion. He assumed he was not in for another “reward”, as he didn’t think humans could do such things in their sleep. Could Cephalon? Zim supposed he would find out.

The IRKEN slipped off of his seat, small black boots making a distinct click as they met the floor. He marched forwards, using his PAK legs to hoist himself up onto the bed, where he sat, small legs dangling from the side. The smaller looked to Simaris expectantly, as if unsure what to do next. Was this what he had wanted?

Showing Off - CLOSED for zimisnotdefective

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim wasn’t entirely sure what he should do at this point. Should he sit on one of the chairs? Should he join the Cephalon on the bed? He assumed Simaris would much rather have his space if he were going to be attempting sleep, so in the end, the IRKEN chose to march his way over to the padded bench, where he hoisted himself up with his PAK legs. He sat, hands folded neatly in his lap.

“Eh…” the alien took a look around the room, feeling a little out of place, “…Now what?”

[🔶]: Simaris offered a small shrug at the Irken, as he pulled his sheets back and adjusted his pillows. “I can keep you company a bit longer, if you would like. I do not need to sleep this instant, merely in the general sense.”

A pause. He really had been wishing for Zim to sit closer to him than he currently was. Perhaps he could yet persuade the little alien to move…?

“Are you quite sure you are comfortable where you are? You may take a place beside me for the time being, if you wish.” He flashed one of those golden gazes Zim’s way, emphasizing his words carefully to properly convey his wishes.

“I would not mind.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim frowned at Simaris’ explanation. Sure, it did put him at ease over the topic of GIR. It seemed that both he and his SIR unit were effectively safe and protected here, unlike the Universe from which they had originated. However, a new concern flittered into the forefront of the alien’s mind, making him fidget a little with his hands, and flatten his antennae back against his head.

“If... ‘Ceph-a-lon’ are capable of becoming defec— er, becoming... disfunctional, then...” he trailed off, gripping the blankets tightly in his tiny claws. He looked... distressed, eyes averted to stare down at his lap,

“...Zim... assumes you are... protected? S-Somehow?”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim sighed heavily, slumping down a little under the blankets. ‘Handful’ was a severe understatement. He reached up and smoothed back one of his antennae, in an attempt to offer himself some soothing.

The alien looked up as the Helios approached, antennae twitching with each small beep. How had Simaris been communicating with them? Understanding these sounds?? It puzzled Zim, and made him curious. However, he had no time to ask about it. Not yet.

“Eh… no.” Zim admitted, positioning his gaze downwards. He looked… a little ashamed. Embarrassed, “GIR is… different. Very different. A SIR unit is supposed to SERVE and PROTECT its Invader Master! GIR, uh… does not do those things.”  

[🔶]: Ah… so GIR was not the result of programming, but glitches and broken internals? It did make sense; having observed the robot’s behaviors firsthand, Simaris had suspected as much.

The Cephalon nodded in understanding. “I see… I have met some Sentinels - and even Cephalons - who are much the same, you know. Straying from their originally intended programming through glitches or degradation or some other unintended consequence.” A pause, as he thought this over.

“Even Cephalons are not immune to such afflictions, Zim. You will not see me judge GIR too harshly for such faults, that I can promise you. Not when I have so many broken or dysfunctional Helios in my care.”

[zimisnotdefective]

〘🔻〙: Zim sighed heavily, slumping down a little under the blankets. ‘Handful’ was a severe understatement. He reached up and smoothed back one of his antennae, in an attempt to offer himself some soothing.

The alien looked up as the Helios approached, antennae twitching with each small beep. How had Simaris been communicating with them? Understanding these sounds?? It puzzled Zim, and made him curious. However, he had no time to ask about it. Not yet.

“Eh... no.” Zim admitted, positioning his gaze downwards. He looked... a little ashamed. Embarrassed, “GIR is... different. Very different. A SIR unit is supposed to SERVE and PROTECT its Invader Master! GIR, uh... does not do those things.”

FrankenPAK AU - CLOSED for destroyer-immortalizer

zimisnotdefective:

〘🔻〙: Zim stared at the Cephalon as he seemed to be listening to the mechanical beeping sounds the sentinels made, and understanding them. Was he conversing with the Helios? How?!

As the scene was described to him, Zim’s face flushed a little. He rubbed the back of his neck, expression slightly sheepish. He knew how much of a handful GIR was, and he felt a little strange knowing that someone else was having to deal with his robot companion while he was incapacitated.

“Eh… that’s… good! That he is under control. Now.” Zim stumbled over his words, before giving a quick nod.

[🔶]: Simaris chuckled lightly, returning to sit on the bed beside Zim once again. “Your little SIR unit is quite the handful at times, that I will admit. But I believe we are beginning to figure out how to best accommodate him.”

Soon, the two newly entered Helios hovered over to where ZIP was. They exchanged a few beeps with their squadmate, who seemed very intent on not going anywhere. Eventually, PIP and TIM both had settled in near Zim as well - once they had realized that they truly had managed to lose GIR, that is.

“I would be most curious to know the exact nature of his rather… shall we say, frenzied, personality. If I may ask. Is that standard for a SIR unit, or is GIR the exception to the rule?”