X-COM: Friendship Unknown

A viper stared at an assortment of ingredients sitting out on the small kitchenette counter. A look of concentration was on her face as her tongue stuck out and occasionally flicked. She hummed and looked at her tablet, then looked back to the ingredients. With a nod, she set the tablet to the side and started prepping the various items for cooking.

She refused to use the microwave, deciding to use a skillet on the stove top instead. There was a hiss as cut veggies were tossed into the skillet. A second pan was set on a second burner, and beef was plopped onto it and mashed so one side of it could cook.

She set a pair lids on the skillet and pan and glanced at the tablet again. Giving the cooking food a glance, she checked what equated to their spice rack. She opened the lid for the meat and sprinkled some pepper and cajun seasoning on it, before putting the spices away and started to flip and chop the cooking beef so it could cook all the way through.

Replacing the lid, and taking the lid off the veggies, she stirred and rolled the veggies around. They appeared to be cooking properly.

With a happy hum, she checked the tablet again. Everything seemed to be going well. However she needed rice. She hummed again. Then again… They did have tortillas. As she diced up the beef into ground beef, she hummed again.

“Could do something like tacos with it.” She talked to herself. “Some kind of meat and veggie skillet thing.” She nodded as she took the meat off the burner. She lowered the temp on the skillet burner and started to scoop the meat into the skillet and mix the veggies with the beef.

“Now….” She hummed again, ignoring the tablet at this point. “Do I do sauce, or cheese?” She tapped her chin as she stirred the meat and veggie mixture.

She set the beef pan to the side and pulled out a new one, before shifting some of the food into the second pan. “Maybe both?” She bent over and pulled out the shredded cheese and some particularly spicy sauce. She sprinkled cheese on one pan, and put the lid on it to let the cheese melt. Next she squirted a couple kinds of sauces into the other pan, put the cheese and sauce back, then started to stir the sauce, veggie, and beef mixture. Once properly mixed, she put the lid on the second pan and let them both simmer.

“Something smells good,” Command noted out loud from his desk. “Or at the very least, it smells spicy, and I do enjoy a good spicy meal.”

“I might share some, see what people like more.” Zossi commented, pulling out the soft tortillas. “I guess a plate at a time will have to do.” She mumbled as she set a couple tortillas on a plate and spooned a bit of each mixture of each onto each tortilla. She re-lidded the pans and slithered over to Command. “Want to try it?”

“Sure,” he said, pausing what he was doing and turning to face Zossi. “Oooh, they look good too,” he praised the viper, putting one plate on the desk before bringing the second one closer and folding the bread over. He picked up his impromptu lunch and took a bite, trying to gauge how skilled his girlfriend was at cooking.

“Well?” Zossi asked nervously.

Command chewed thoughtfully for a few seconds before swallowing. “The meat and vegetables are done well,” he started. “And the spices are only a little overbalanced. So overall, it’s a good first attempt. I don’t think most people will mind eating it, I certainly don’t.”

“Yay.” The viper cheered. “So, I think I might offer some to everyone else.”

“That sounds like a good way to earn some goodwill,” the human said, pulling the viper close and giving her a peck on the cheek. “Mmm, you’ve got the makings of a talented chef,” he hummed.

“Thanks!” She grinned and slithered back to the kitchenette to make more plates. “I am going to go give everyone else lunch.”

“That sounds like a plan the others will get behind,” Command agreed readily, turning back to the desk and starting to devour his own food.

The viper smiled and grabbed a plate. She slithered over and shut the door behind her as she left. Only for the viper to slither a few feet to the next door. She hummed happily as she knocked.

“Gimme a minute.” Came the reply from the other side. After a moment, Simon opened the door and smiled at the viper. “Zossi, hi. And thank you for the food.” He said before Zossi could hold out the plate.

Zossi blinked for a moment then giggled. “You’re welcome.” She held out the plate and he took it. “I will let you know what I think later, unfortunately I have a little project I’m putting together.”

“It’s fine.” She shook her head. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“I believe I will.” Simon nodded, shutting the door as Zossi slithered back to get another plate.

“How are you doing?” Zossi asked as she retrieved another plate.

Command cleared his mouth with a swallow, having finished off one of the tortillas she’d made for him while she was away. “I’m doing alright,” he called. “These are pretty good, actually. The cheese ones. The spices blend pretty well with the cheese and that helps it be not overbearing.”

“Oh good.” Zossi smiled and got another plate. “I’ll probably be popping in and out.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Command teased. “But I do hope the others enjoy your cooking as well. That’s the best review for a chef.”

Zossi blushed and took another plate. She ducked into the hallway, and shut the door before slithering down the hallway to the stairs and started the slow slither down the stairs to the ground floor. She slithered over to the first door and knocked.

There was the sound of footsteps. The door opened to reveal Wallflower, behind her Zossi could see various potted plants, a couple were getting sun in the back window.

“Hey Zossi, you’re coming to me for once.” Wallflower giggled. “What’s up- is that food?”

“I made a little something.” Zossi blushed, handing out the plate, which the girl took.

“Thanks!” Wallflower blushed herself as her stomach rumbled. “I actually haven’t eaten much today.”

Zossi gasped as Wallflower took a bite. “That’s not good!”

“I nu!” Wallflower mumbled through her bite. The girl’s eyes widened, and she quickly devoured the offered food. “That.” She handed back the plate. “That was good.”

“Awwww, thanks.” Zossi smiled. “I’m just trying out some cooking.”

“And now you and Command can cook together.” Wallflower smiled.

“I heard food.” The pair looked over to see Sonata.

“Hey Sonata.” Zossi said. “I cooked.”

“Oooo!” Sonata oooo’d.

“I made some for you and the other girls.” Zossi explained.

“Well the girls are both out actually.” Sonata said with a giggle.

“I wouldn’t mind taking their portions.” Wallflower said with a blush.

“Oh, I have more.” Zossi said happily. “Please, eat my food.”

“Yay!” Sonata cheered.

Once Wallflower had shut her door, the three of them made their way up stairs.

“Command, we’re here to eat your girlfriend’s food.” Sonata announced as she and Wallflower flopped onto their couch and Zossi served up more of her food. “Cheese or sauce?”

“Cheese.” The girls said in unison.

“Good call,” Command agreed, pausing his game and turning to look at his unexpected guests. “See, I told you the others would like your cooking,” he said towards Zossi.

“And I’m glad they do.” Zossi said, bringing a pair of plates over to the pair of girls, who immediately started devouring the offered food.

“Well if that’s not a ringing endorsement for you to continue learning how to cook, I don’t know what is,” Command chuckled at the sight.

“Hey, I have more so they can have more of it.” Zossi shrugged. “Want more?” She asked, looking at Command.

“Nah, I’m full for now,” the male replied easily. “It was pretty filling stuff,” he complimented the Viper.

“It is.” Wallflower nodded.

“I’ll have more!” Sonata grinned holding out her plate. “Saucy ones please.”

Zossi giggled as she served up more for the blue haired girl.

“So what are you working on, Command?” Wallflower asked.

“Just puzzling out some old code, trying to see if I can make it work again,” he replied neutrally. “It’s hard going, but every now and then I find a piece here, a line there. Sooner or later I’ll pull the whole thing together and learn what it was.”

“Huh, anything particularly special about it?” Wallflower asked.

“Not really, but the fact that it’s basically everywhere on the old net tells me that it used to be important,” Command answered. “Just don’t know what it was yet.”

“Huh, weird.” Wallflower shrugged, relaxing back into the couch as Sonata somewhat messily ate her other skillet wrap thing.

There came a ding from Command’s computer. He blinked a few times, before turning around and checking what caused it.

Ah. A new e-mail. Okay then, so who…

Command Line your test results have come in. You are Psy Positive. Please schedule a follow up appointment at your convenience.

Well. That was...something. “Love?” Command called over his shoulder. “You may want to see this…”

Zossi blinked and slithered over to look over his shoulder. “Oh… Wow.”

“What’s up?” Wallflower asked.

“I went and got tested at the Psy clinic the other day, and...apparently I’m positive,” the male explained. “I um...well this could be the start of something, I suppose.”

“Mmmm, you need a follow up.” Zossi commented. “Who knows what that might entail?”

“I mean, it could be anything,” Command agreed. “Let’s see...we need to pick a time that works for us…” He hummed. “Well I’m mostly open, but I’m pretty sure it’d involve leaving you alone for a bit.”

“That’s fine.” Zossi shook her head. “I can handle being alone, and hey, I could always bother them.” She tilted her head towards Sonata and Wallflower.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I just got home from getting more ramen and I smelled food.”

Everyone looked over to see Floor Bored in the doorway, in a black hoodie and black sweatpants, holding a back that looked like it was full of cup noodles.

“Come in! Come in!” Zossi quickly offered as the other girls scooted over.

“See, your cooking is so good it lures others in from across the apartment,” Command teased.

“Sauce or cheese?” Zossi asked.

“Meh?” Floor shrugged and sat next to Wallflower.

Zossi decided to give her one of each and handed it to the Floor. Who, despite looking like she was starving, seemed to savor her meal.

“And she has manners,” Command noted out loud. “Honestly, a little more work at this and you’ll manage to lure in the whole block when you cook.”

“My cooking brings all the people to the apartment!” Zossi sang a little off key, causing the girls to giggle.

“Silly snek,” Command teased, going back to the e-mail. “Hmm...I’m thinking...two days from now should be fine.” He started typing out the reply to the clinic.

“Sounds good.” Zossi nodded at him, returning to the kitchenette. “Okay. I have enough for two more. One of each. Or I could mix them together for a more even split of maybe three or four.”

“I’m good.” Wallflower said with a shrug.

“I would but I think I’ve eaten enough.” Sonata said with a giggle.

“I wouldn’t mind one more.” Floor said quietly.

As Zossi served up one last one for the pale girl, she started to put the rest in a tupperware container. “Leftovers then.”

“Something to be savored for lunch tomorrow, then,” Command quipped. “Sounds like a good idea to me.”

“And now to do dishes.” Zossi giggled as she put the tupperware away in the minifridge. She straightened and did just that.

Command’s phone rang, after all the dishes were done and the girls just spent time chatting. He didn’t recognise the number however. Curious, the man unlocked the phone and held it up to his ear. “Hello?” he said. “Who’s this?”

“Good.” That was clearly Sunset. “You did answer. So, it’s Sunset by the way. I have somebody to bring by if that’s okay.”

“Um, sure? Why are you asking-” Command started to question.

“Sorry, do you happen to remember what apartments are open?” Sunset said a little quickly.

“Um, most of the ones on the second floor, and quite a few on the third,” Command offered. “Is there a prob-”

“No, no problem. Just have someone needing a place to stay.” Sunset replied. “And sorry for cutting you off. This isn’t as urgent as I’m making it sound, really.”

“Oh, okay then,” Command sighed. “So, I take it we’ll be seeing someone new around then?”

“He’s a bit big, but he’s a teddy bear I swear.” Sunset said, sounding a little nervous.

“Um, okay then?” Command blinked. “You’re sure about this plan of yours, yes?”

“He’s fine, he just needs an apartment.” She replied. “You won’t even know he’s there. To be honest, we could just stick him in the apartment past Simon’s.”

“Oh, yeah, that could work,” Command nodded, not that Sunset could see it. “As long as you’re sure about this, then we could do with a new face around here to liven things up.”

“Well, I’m quite literally on my way with him now.” Sunset said with a weak chuckle. “Poor guy needs a van to take him.”

“Oh...dear,” Command replied. “Well, um. You’re sure the building will handle him?”

“Beneath everything, it’s still solid concrete.” Sunset replied. “I’m pulling up by the way.”

“Oh!” Command blinked a few times, before turning to Wallflower. “Um, we should probably head to the front door,” he said to the closest thing the apartment had to a Public Relations manager. “New arrival,” he explained to her baffled gaze.

“Oh really?” Wallflower asked as she looked over at him. “Well let’s go see them.”

This was met with a nod from the other girls. Command hung up his phone and headed down to the front door with the rest of them. He had an inkling who their new roommate might be, but it was always good to confirm it.

As the group came out of the front entrance, Sunset was just closing the door of what looked like a moving van. She gave them a wave before walking around to the side and opening the door.

Who, what, stepped out was massive. Command assumed it was actually a he (The him that Sunset mentioned). He was at least a head taller than Sunset and clearly humanoid in shape. The two things that stood out (besides his size) was his bright red skin and his large almost reptilian head. He had a wide jaw and high cheekbones. His eyes were a bright ice-blue. He was wearing an overly large black, long sleeve t-shirt and an equally large pair of jeans. Even then, the clothes seemed to have a hard time containing his mass.

He blinked in the sudden sun, shouldered a duffel bag (which looked rather small on him) and followed Sunset.

“Hey hey.” Sunset waved. “Didn’t expect a full welcoming committee.”

“Well why wouldn’t we meet a new resident?” Wallflower asked.

“I had some idea, but it’s always good to meet a new neighbor in person,” Command agreed.

“Hi.” His voice was quiet, yet deep and resonated enough for everyone to hear. “I’m Ajur.”

There was a multitude of hellos, before Sonata, while grinning, walked up and hugged him. At least she tried. “Hi! Welcome home!”

Ajur looked down at her a little awkwardly, then rumbled “Thanks.”

“So, Sunset says you’re looking for a room,” Command noted. “Well, let’s see how well you handle the stairs before giving you any room in particular.” He held the front door open and stood to one side for their new housemate.

Ajur did manage to squeeze himself through the door, and the stairs were of little difficulty. Sunset pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the apartment that was next to Simon’s. She opened the door and let the muton in.

“So you’ve got a little kitchenette, a living space, and a bathroom. If the shower doesn’t work for you we might have Simon do some renovating.” Sunset said, pointing out everything as Ajur set down his bag. “What do you think?”

“It’s nice.” Ajur rumbled.

“Alrighty.” Sunset smiled.

“We’ll try to be good neighbors.” Zossi said.

“But don’t be surprised if Aria or Adagio snap at you, but they live downstairs so you probably won’t see them much.” Wallflower explained. “If you need anything, let me know.”

“Need any help moving your stuff in?” Sonata asked.

“I should be able to get it.” Ajur replied.

“Nonsense.” Simon had poked his head around the doorway. “I’m Simon.” The sectoid said walking in. “I’m the quasi-building manager. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” Ajur nodded.

“Let’s get you moved in!” Sonata cheered as she marched out of the door. “Oh! Then we need a new roommate party thing!”

“It’s like Pinkie all over again.” Sunset blinked.

“Who?” Command blinked. “I don’t think I know of that person…”

“Don’t worry about it.” Sunset giggled as everyone filed out. “You may or may not meet her. Hell, if she knows what I’ve been up to, don’t be surprised if you see a pink-haired woman come and bust down your door and throw you a you’re fucking a sexy viper party. She’s done weirder.”

“That, um…” Command blushed. “I think that would be...a bit much.”

“A bit much defines her to a T.” Sunset shook her head as the pair started down the stairs.

“So, was she in X-COM with you?” Wallflower asked, trailing behind the pair.

“Yeah. All my friends were. We kinda were on the bad end of stuff for a while.” Sunset nodded. “Especially when we first got picked up, then again that’s before the proper invasions.”

“Well, at least you were doing what you could,” Command quipped as they reached the front door again.

Ajur was staring wide-eyed as Sonata lifted a desk over her head and set it on the sidewalk like it was nothing. He then jumped as Zossi pulled out a cardboard box. “Wait a sec! Be careful with those, those are fragile.” He immediately lowered his voice after the wait.

“Sorry!” Zossi said quickly, making sure to handle the box with more care.

“I’d help, but I’m pretty sure the others have this handled,” Command chuckled. “Plus I don’t get nearly enough exercise to pull off feats like that.” He waved a hand at Sonata’s blatant defiance of what the norms were.

“Sonata’s unique.” Sunset chuckled.

Even Floor was helping, organizing boxes before Sonata and Ajur started ferrying them towards the front of the apartment.

“Yeah, I can tell,” Command quipped. “At least she’s tolerable out of the three.”

“Who knows, maybe if we get Adagio some help then all three of them will be a bit friendlier.” Sunset shrugged.

“Hopefully.” Wallflower nodded.

“Yeah, but see, for that to work they would have to, you know, want to be helped,” Command pointed out sensibly. “You can’t just force therapy down someone’s throat and call it a day.”

“You’ve got a point.” Sunset nodded. “However, if you want to brute force it a bit, there’s probably some psychics out there who could do it.”

“Bleh.” Wallflower shuddered.

“No thank you,” Command shook his head. “The way they are is a choice, just like getting help should be.”

“Exactly.” Sunset smiled and started towards the van. “Now let’s stop standing around and do some work, huh?”