InsaneJournal

COMPUTER

Spastic. The only way to describe what could be seen on the monitor. Windows popped open, only to shut themselves seconds later, while colors pixelated and blurred, all while files and whole programs deleted themselves. Dib stared blandly at all of this, subconsciously adjusting the small microphone that rested on the desk before him, and he didn't even bother to try opening a virus program to isolate whatever the problem was.

After all, he already knew precisely what the problem was.

Although expecting his 'virus' to do everything in its power to mess things up, the human began sifting through his files, having a good idea of exactly where said 'virus' had implanted itself. "You've already been captured, why bother destroying incriminating evidence?" he muttered, frowning when the on-screen mouse arrow went out of control. The activity slowed to a near stop once he'd spoken, as though the 'virus' had actually heard and understood him, and was contemplating the words.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Dib clicked open a special program he'd written himself, entering passwords and file directories. After a long moment, in which all other activity ceased, words began to slide across the open window. 'No fair!' the words read. 'The perfect chance for me to get back at your stupid head and the first thing you do is isolate me!'

Dib stared at the screen, one eyebrow raised. "You were probably about to crash my computer. Then what would happen to you?" he questioned mildly. In response, a compilation of random symbols appeared in the window, the supposed equivalent to indignant stuttering. "And besides, I saved you. You owe me one, Space Boy."

'You didn't save me. You simply moved me from one prison to another!' The annoyance of the other was obvious, even when only in written form. There was a slight pause before more words began to appear. 'Though I suppose I am…slightly grateful that you did so before they could cut me open. But just you wait, Dib-smell! Once I'm free, I'll rain DOOM down upon your filthy world!'

"You don't have a body to go back to anymore, Zim," Dib replied. "The scientists mangled and studied every piece that they could. You're all in pieces now, and the only pieces I could manage to save were small enough to fit into a USB port. Just so you know, it took me ages before I could figure out how to build the hardware to make my technology compatible with yours."

Another pause, then more words. 'Hmm...so you saved Zim's personality and memory chips. Was that all you could get?' Dib gave a vaguely affirmative noise, but otherwise didn't respond. 'Pfft; how pitiful. ...How'd you manage to get ahold of them anyways?'

Shrugging, the human began to explain, slowly and in depth, not missing a detail. After all, with the alien at his beck and call on the computer…he had all the time in the world.