VINDICATION

Chapter 49: Obstacles

******This chapter is dedicated to DuosAngel and red dragon, my new reviewy-peeps of DOOM!


In the first month of building the Earth fleet, there were several complications with the construction of the spacecraft which had to be overcome. The first problem to present itself was a conflict in the design. With so many different engineers working on the same project, each having their own opinion and way of doing things, there were numerous arguments and disputes. In fact, Zim had lost his temper once or twice with the board of engineers at NASA, which Dib had to remedy. Eventually the problem was solved by coming up with a solid blueprint and instructions for the building of the craft which was standardized across the board, and also by giving the engineers a threat of severe punishment if there were any deviations from that standard design.

The second problem to present itself was a lack of manpower and tools…


Zim sighed, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. “These humans are hopeless, Dib. There’s no way they’ll get the fleet done in time.”

Dib quirked a brow. “What’s wrong now?”

“They’re complaining about a lack of manpower and about not having enough tools.” The Irken muttered, putting his feet up on the lab table and leaning back in his chair.

Dib pondered this for a long moment, gazing at a bundle of coils running along one of the lab walls. Suddenly he grinned. “Why don’t you loan them some of your tools? That would solve the problem and it would also increase the team’s efficiency.”

Zim scowled. “Absolutely not! There’s no way I’ll let those inferior human pig-smellies have access to my equipment.”

Dib sat down on the edge of the table. “Why not?”

The Irken flashed him a disgusted look. “Because they don’t deserve to have access to such superior technology. And besides, I would be giving them access to my top-secret equipment, which is contrary to the Irken rules of war.”

The human smirked. “As if you’ve never bent those rules before, Zim.”

Zim blinked at him, then blushed a little. “That…that’s beside the point.”

Dib smiled fondly at him. “Besides, how long will they have access to that technology anyway? You can always destroy them once you’ve accomplished your mission, can’t you?”

Zim considered this. “Well, it is protocol to perform an organic sweep on a newly conquered planet…”

Dib grinned. “So there’s really no reason to worry about loaning them your tools, then. Besides, it should speed up the construction process, shouldn’t it?”

Zim snorted. “If the stupid human filthies can learn to use it properly.”

Dib smirked. “Well, I think we have some teaching to do, then.”

*

Halfway through the second month, the first hundred ships had already been built, although they had yet to be equipped with weapons. Dib and Zim had started working with the scientists in person, and any grudges or animosity towards the so-called “terrorists” dwindled as they introduced new forms of technology to the engineers and taught them how to use it. And to Zim’s surprise, the humans learned very quickly how to utilize the equipment, and began using it without delay.

Perhaps the fleet would be built in time after all…


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Well, thanks to everyone who reviewed, much lurve to all of you!