In the dimly lit briefing room of the XCOM base, Private Jensen sat rigidly, his gaze fixed on the large tactical map displayed on the wall. Commander Hawkins stood at the front, his stern face illuminated by the soft glow of the screen.
"Private Jensen," Commander Hawkins began, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. "We have a critical task for you. We need a mule to run supplies to resistance cells in the nearby sectors."
Jensen's brow furrowed. "Sir, with all due respect, isn't that a ground operation? It's risky without real-time support. Can't we use drones instead?"
Hawkins shook his head. "Drones are too easily detected and we can't risk aerial surveillance right now. It was enough trouble establishing this central F.O.B. We need a low-profile approach. You'll just have to navigate on foot."
Jensen hesitated, "On foot, sir? That means I'll have to rely on paper maps?! It's archaic and inefficient in this terrain."
The commander's expression remained unchanged. "I understand your concerns, Jensen. But the current situation demands discretion over convenience. The resistance cells are counting on these supplies. It's a dangerous job, but you've got the skills to handle it. Stay near the main path and out of overhead ADVENT patrol vectors. Get some rest because you'll be heading out first thing in the morning."
Jensen sighed, realizing the argument was futile. The commander was not a man to budge once a decision was made. "Understood, sir. I'll prep for ground movement."
"Good," Hawkins nodded. "Remember, stealth is key. Avoid any unnecessary contact, and keep your communications to a minimum. We're operating in the dark here, and we can't afford any slip-ups."
Jensen nodded, a sense of responsibility settling over him. The task was daunting, and so much more removed form his normal duties as a tactical analyst. He was still a bit stunned by it all.
He'd be navigating through hostile territory with nothing but a paper map and his wits. It was always high stakes when fighting against ADVENT, but this felt a lot more heavy. The lives of many directly depended on the success of his solitary journey. "No pressure Adam . . ." He thought while shifting uncomfortably on his feet.
As the meeting concluded, Jensen collected the maps and supply details. He tried to shake the feeling of overwhelming dread coming over him, but it clung to him like smoke to cloth.
Sleep came in short bursts for the newly minted journeyman and before he knew it? It was already morning. Jensen drug himself out of bed and prepared himself best he could. He was traveling light for the first half of the journey, only the essentials. Some food, his sidearm, and of course the precious cargo.
He made his way through the makeshift base and stepped nervously past the guarded checkpoint. His fellow soldiers on duty gave him a lazy salute before telling him to get a move on. Jensen sighed before taking his first wary steps into the forest. His mind was initially wracked by the myriad of ways his mission could go wrong, but his anxieties one by one slowly began to clear.
Jensen's journey had been mostly uneventful for the first few miles, but the solitude of the road and the weight of his mission still weighed heavily on his mind. As he trekked the dusty path, surrounded by the sprawling wilderness, his initial anxiety gradually gave way to a calm focus. He was about halfway to the first resistance cell base when he decided to stop for a lunch break.
Unpacking his M.R.E. pouch, Jensen couldn't help but think about the precious cargo he carried. Elerium crystal shards – a rare and invaluable resource brought to Earth by ADVENT, critical for the rebels' weapon research and development.
Just touching them made his hand tingle strangely. The material was not just hard to find; it was fiercely guarded by the enemy. Jensen knew the importance of his mission; the resistance's success hinged on securing such resources.
He shook his head, trying to clear away the worries. Right now, he needed to eat and stay sharp. Adding water to the heat pouch, he let his entree cook, sifting through the snacks. Then, a faint rustling sound from the woods caught his attention. He paused, listening. The sound was subtle, easy to dismiss as the wind, but there it was again, unmistakable this time. He wasn't alone.
Jensen turned towards the dense trees, cursing his choice of a resting spot. The visibility was poor, with thick underbrush and towering trees. He strained his ears, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise. More rustling, some shifting, but nothing concrete.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" he called out, his voice slightly edged with nerves. Silence was his only answer. His hand instinctively reached for his pistol. He wasn't the best marksman, but he was competent enough at close range.
Gripping the gun firmly, he called out again, a bit more assertively this time. "Show yourself! I'm armed!"
The moment the words left his lips, he regretted them. The forest seemed to respond with a heavy silence, thick with anticipation. Jensen's heart raced, his eyes darting across the shadowy underbrush, searching for any sign of movement.
Then, out of the foliage, a figure emerged. It wasn't human. It was a Viper, one of the serpent-like aliens from ADVENT. Its yellow scales shimmered in the dappled sunlight, its eyes fixed on Jensen with an unreadable expression.
Jensen's finger hovered over the trigger, his body tense. But the Viper made no aggressive move. Instead, it just watched him, its head tilted slightly as if curious.
The standoff lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Jensen's mind raced with possibilities. Was this a trap? A scout? But something in the creature's demeanor suggested otherwise. He had to tread carefully here. Vipers gave even the most hardened XCOM agents troubles.
He'd seen the aftermath of their attacks - the brutal wounds they inflicted, the horror stories of their deadly fangs and poison. They were notorious for their lethal methods, a reputation that had made them one of the most feared adversaries in this war.
Frozen in fear, Jensen realized he had been staring at the Viper for too long. His training screamed at him to act, to shoot before the alien could alert its comrades. But his body wouldn't respond, paralysed by the mix of fear and uncertainty. The Viper, sensing his hesitation, began to slither towards him, its movements fluid and unnervingly calm.
In a rush of adrenaline, Jensen's instincts finally kicked in. He quickly raised his pistol, aiming it directly at the approaching Viper. "Don't come any closer!" he managed to stammer out, his voice betraying the fear he felt.
The Viper stopped instantly, its red eyes locking onto his. There was a strange intelligence in its gaze, a depth that unnerved Jensen. He expected a violent reaction, an attack that he would have to counter. But instead, there was a silent standoff, a tense wait for a move that never came.
As he observed the Viper, Jensen noticed something he hadn't before. The alien was unarmed, no sign of armor or weaponry. It bore scars and wounds along its body - signs of a recent battle, yet there had been no reports of any skirmishes nearby.
The Viper hissed, a sound that didn't carry aggression but rather impatience, almost like an exasperated sigh. Jensen's mind raced. He knew how to handle human prisoners, but an alien? This was uncharted territory.
Looking skyward, he let out a frustrated sigh. "Okay... if I lower my gun, do you promise not to attack me? You'll regret it if you do!" He bluffed, hoping to maintain some semblance of control.
To his surprise, the Viper nodded vigorously. Shocked, Jensen's grip on his gun loosened, and it fell to the ground. "Wait, you understand me?!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and awe.
The Viper remained still, its gaze steady on him. In this surreal moment, Jensen realized that this encounter was far from the deadly confrontation he had anticipated. He was actually talking to an alien! So many thoughts were racing through his mind. So many questions now rushing forth to be asked
"Soo uhh . . . ." And of course he couldn't articulate any of them. The Viper tilted her head once more at his strange behavior before giving an all too human-like shrug and slithering closer. She came right up to him and stopped.
Even though he was sitting down Jensen figured she had to be at least 8 or 9 feet tall, maybe even close to 20 when fully extended. He knew Vipers were big, but this was crazy intimidating. He nervously pat the ground next to him and said, "Would you uhh . . . like to sit?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he slapped his forehead. It sounded so casual and stupid to him.
Asking an ADVENT alien if they want to sit like he were inviting them for dinner. However, the Viper took the invitation readily, casually coiling in on herself and relaxing her posture next to him. She let out a few relaxed hisses and closed her eyes as if to take a nap. The action was peculiar to say the least. Jensen wasn't sure how many more times he could be shocked in just a few minutes. So he tried to let his brain process what was going on.
There he and his newfound guest sat, both quiet, yet oddly comfortable. A few minutes had passed and Jensen felt a bit more at ease. Not completely comfortable, but he wouldn't be stricken by debilitating fear anytime soon.
He checked his watch and saw the steam from his MRE rising up, signaling it was eating time. He reached for his M.R.E. and stopped when he felt the Viper's eyes on him. She let out another soft hiss and her tongue flickered out, tasting the air.
He didn't need to be a xenobiologist to understand what she wanted. The selfish part of him wanted to ignore her silent pleas and just eat the food himself. Not like he owed her anything, she was an alien after all. A soldier of ADVENT who had probably killed and perhaps eaten tons of humans before their chance encounter. Not shooting her dead was mercy enough.
But his selfish side was silenced by his sympathy and compassion for the creature. He wasn't sure why he cared so much but her expression just screamed pitiful. Her eyes had grown wide as saucers and they were squarely focused on him basically saying, "Won't you please feed me?" He knew he couldn't say no to a face like that, human or otherwise.
"Hey . . . Are you hungry? If not that's totally fi-" He didn't even get to finish before the Viper sprang up excited. He grabbed the pouch and carefully pulled it out of the hot pack saying, "This M.R.E. is one of my favorites. Chili mac! It's probably like 30 years old by now, but still pretty good for field rations. Better than those protein sticks yea? Here we can share this one."
He tore the slit off of the top and handed the Viper the pouch. She brought her snout to the packet and gave a cursory sniff? Jensen wasn't sure what she was doing, but he didn't have to wait long as she tilted her head back and began to guzzle the entire pack down.
Jensen's eyes widened in disbelief as eh complained. "Hey! Save some for me!" But the Viper didn't listen. She just kept eating. The human thought about snatching the food pouch away from here but ruled against that. She was pretty calm now and he'd hate to learn what an angry and hungry viper would do.
Jensen couldn't help but smile at the oddity of the situation. Here he was, an XCOM soldier, "sharing" his meal with a Viper, an alien he would have normally fought without a second thought. The Viper seemed almost childlike as it eagerly consumed the chili mac, its eyes gleaming with a simple pleasure that anyone could understand; having a decent meal.
As she finished off the M.R.E., Jensen munched on his pretzels, his mind wandering to the absurdity and unexpectedness of war. How many times had he seen things he never thought possible? How many times had he been surprised by the turns life had taken since the invasion? Yet, this moment, sharing a meal with a Viper, topped them all.
He leaned back, stretching his legs and giving his back a much-needed break. He pulled out his map and compass, calculating the remaining distance to the Phoenix cell. "Not bad," he mumbled to himself, "Another three hours and I'll be there."
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft, amused chuckle. The Viper had managed to get the M.R.E. wrapper stuck on her snout, trying to lick it clean. The sight was comically endearing, reminding Jensen of the dogs back at HQ, always getting into similar predicaments.
"Come here, you," he said with a gentle laugh, reaching out to help her. "Next time, just use the spoon." After the wrapper was removed, the Viper took to cleaning her face with her long tongue, making quick work of the remaining chili and meat sauce.
Jensen watched, fascinated by the alien's behavior, so different yet somehow familiar. It struck him how similar they were in some ways, despite coming from completely different worlds. The Viper seemed to sense his gaze and looked up at him, a curious glint in her eyes.
With a contented sigh, he folded up his map and prepared to resume his journey. He glanced at the Viper, still leisurely licking the spoon. "Well, it's time for me to get moving again. I guess this is where we say goodbye?"
The Viper, upon hearing Jensen's words, paused in her meticulous cleaning of the spoon. She tilted her head, considering him with those deep, intelligent eyes. It was a look that conveyed more than Jensen expected from an alien creature, a look that seemed to understand the transient nature of their encounter.
Jensen stood up, brushing off the dirt from his uniform. He felt an unexpected pang of regret at the prospect of leaving the Viper behind. In the brief time they had shared, this alien, once an enemy, had become something akin to a companion, albeit a temporary one.
"You know, I never thought I'd be saying this, but... it was nice, sharing lunch with you. Even though you ate it all heh," Jensen said, half expecting no response. The Viper just watched him, her gaze inscrutable yet seemingly attentive.
He shouldered his backpack, feeling the weight of the elerium crystal shards and the responsibility they carried. "Stay safe out here," he added, a bit awkwardly. The Viper's tongue flickered out, tasting the air, as if trying to capture the essence of the moment.
Then, to Jensen's surprise, the Viper uncoiled herself and began to slither alongside him. He stopped, looking down at her. "You want to come with me?" he asked, a mixture of disbelief and amusement in his voice. The Viper nodded, a distinctly human-like gesture that took Jensen aback.
"Well, alright then. But just so you know, it's only until we get close to human territory. It might be dangerous for you to continue on past that point," Jensen warned, his voice laced with concern.
The Viper made a soft, hissing sound, which Jensen interpreted as her acceptance of the risk. Together, they started off down the path, an extraordinary pair set against the backdrop of a war-torn world.
As they walked, Jensen found himself glancing at the Viper, marveling at the unbelievable nature of their alliance. She moved with a grace and ease that contrasted sharply with the rugged terrain. Occasionally, she would stop, lifting her head to survey their surroundings, ensuring their safety.
But, Jensen couldn't shake off a growing sense of unease. Despite the unusual bond that had formed between them, he knew the reality of their situation. Bringing a Viper even remotely close to a human resistance camp was unthinkable, an absolute nonstarter. It would not only put him at risk but also endanger the entire operation.
He stopped and turned to face the Viper. "Listen," he began, his voice tinged with regret, "you can't come with me anymore. It's too dangerous - for both of us."
The Viper tilted her head, the curious glint in her eyes giving way to what seemed like a hint of sadness. She made a soft, protesting hiss, as if reluctant to accept his decision.
Jensen sighed. "I know this is hard to understand, but you need to go back to where you came from. It's safer for you there. If you're seen with me, it won't end well."
For a moment, the Viper stayed still, as though processing his words. Then, with a slow, almost reluctant movement, she began to slither away. But before she disappeared into the underbrush, she turned back to give Jensen one last look. It was a look that carried a weight of emotion, a silent farewell mixed with a longing that transcended their differences.
Jensen watched her vanish into the foliage, feeling a surprising sense of loss. He had never expected to form a connection with an alien from the enemy side, and yet, in those brief moments, something had changed. He stood there for a while, lost in thought, before he too turned and resumed his journey, his steps all the more lonelier.
Jensen trudged into the resistance camp, feeling the weight of his journey in every step. He was immediately escorted to the camp's command tent, where the leader of Phoenix Cell, Commander Larkin, greeted him.
"Private Jensen, glad to see you made it in one piece," Commander Larkin said with a nod of appreciation. "We're thankful for the quick delivery. How was the journey?"
Jensen hesitated for a moment, the image of the Viper flashing through his mind. "Quiet and uneventful," he replied, keeping his expression neutral.
The commander laughed heartily. "In these times, 'uneventful' is a blessing. Didn't run into any ADVENT patrols, I hope?"
"No, sir, I didn't encounter any patrols or aliens," Jensen answered, feeling a tinge of guilt at the half-truth.
Commander Larkin eyed him for a moment, his expression turning serious. "Are you sure? No signs of alien activity?"
The question caught Jensen off guard, but he maintained his composure. "Absolutely sure, sir. It was as quiet as it gets out there."
Commander Larkin sighed in relief. "Good, good. The reason I ask is that we received a report from a group about 50 miles east. They had a Viper detained, but it escaped about a week ago. We've been on high alert since."
Jensen kept his face impassive, but his heart raced at the news. It was the same Viper he had encountered, he was sure of it. He felt a sudden urge to tell the commander about his encounter, to explain the strange bond that had formed between them, however brief.
But as quickly as the thought came, it was extinguished by a stronger feeling of compassion. To turn her in now, after the connection they had shared, felt like a betrayal. He couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Understood, sir. I'll keep my eyes open," Jensen said, hoping to end the conversation.
The commander nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Alright, Jensen. I'll let you get some rest. You've earned it. We'll debrief further in the morning."
Jensen thanked him and was shown to a small cot in a tent set aside for resting soldiers. As he lay down, his mind was filled with thoughts of the Viper. He wondered where she was now, if she was safe. He knew he had made the right decision by keeping their encounter to himself, but it didn't make the choice any easier.
With a heavy heart, he closed his eyes, the events of the day replaying in his mind as he drifted off to sleep, the image of the Viper's last longing look haunting his dreams.
The morning sun was already high in the sky when Jensen met with Commander Larkin for a final briefing. The commander handed him a pack filled with fresh supplies and a stern warning to stay vigilant.
"Be safe out there, Jensen. And remember, report anything out of the ordinary," Larkin instructed, his tone firm yet concerned.
Jensen saluted crisply. "Yes, sir. Will do." With that, he set off, his steps quick and purposeful.
His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the Viper he had encountered. He hoped to find her again, to warn her about the heightened alert among the human units due to her escape. His pace was brisk, driven by a sense of urgency and an inexplicable eagerness to see her.
Hours passed as he trekked through familiar terrain, eventually veering off the main road to the spot where he last saw her. The wilderness was vast and similar in appearance, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact location. He called out softly, but only silence answered him.
Feeling a tinge of disappointment, Jensen was about to give up when he heard the distinct sound of hissing and slithering. His heart leaped as the Viper emerged from the brush, their eyes locking in a moment of recognition. She slithered over excitedly, almost bounding into him, wrapping him in a gentle embrace.
Jensen laughed, surprised but returning the hug. "Never knew Vipers could be affectionate," he joked, feeling a warmth spread through him.
They sat down, and Jensen unpacked the M.R.E. pouches, including a variety of flavors. "Got some extras, just in case you were hungry," he said to the Viper, who responded with a happy hiss.
As he started preparing the chicken pesto pasta, he noticed the Viper examining the packets with intense focus. "Are you reading those?" he asked in disbelief.
She nodded and pointed to one, attempting to speak. Her voice was raspy and alien, yet distinctly feminine. "Sssscch-hh-ii-lll-ii," she tried, her pronunciation a struggle.
Jensen laughed, more out of astonishment than anything else. "That's Chili mac, the same one you had last time," he explained, pointing at the packet.
She smiled and tried again, still butchering the pronunciation, but Jensen didn't mind. He was just amazed to be having this interaction.
"Do you have a name?" Jensen asked, a sudden curiosity overtaking him.
The Viper hummed thoughtfully, then shook her head, displaying her claws and counting to four.
"A troop ID, huh?" Jensen mused. "How about we give you a name? What do you think of Chili?"
The Viper looked at the food pouch, then back at Jensen, giving him the widest smile she could manage. "Sss-cchh-iii-ll-ii!"
"Chili it is!" Jensen declared, chuckling. He felt a bond forming between them, a sort of friendship that seemed to go beyond their species, language, and even sides in the war. It all was so strange. Jensen had to mentally remind himself this was an enemy of XCOM he was having a picnic with.
But as they shared their meal, Jensen couldn't care less. Perhaps his relatively soft job and no combat experiences had allowed him to not develop the same disdain for aliens as his peers. Logically speaking he should have been frightened of Chili and on the surface he still was a bit rattled by her. Though Jensen knew deep down she wasn't a threat.
In fact the more he thought about her situation, the more he realized she was more screwed than he thought. She was alone, unarmed, and being hunted by a resistance cell she had escaped. She was currently hiding out between an XCOM F.O.B. and a different rebel cell that already knew of her escape. All things considered, she was a dead snake slithering.
He grimaced at her circumstances. He always thought XCOM had it bad being on the run from ADVENT, but at least they could realistically fight back in some ways. Chili wouldn't get very far by lashing out at anyone. Hell hiding probably wouldn't be much of an option pretty soon. It was already well into fall, and snow would be falling soon.
Jensen looked over at Chili's striking yellow scales and black diamondback pattern. It was a beautiful design but not one he imagined would help her blend in when the first snow fell. He hated to think about it but they probably wouldn't be meeting up for much longer.
Surely she couldn't hang around here for long?
2 MONTHS LATER:
Well apparently she could hang around for long. It'd been two months since Jensen was assigned to the courier job. Two months he'd been walking between bases and spending time with Chili in the wilderness. She got along just fine in the snow, having become all to familiar with the forest and patrols from both bases. Jensen wasn't sure why he originally doubted her. She was an apex predator after all, though it was hard to tell from her behavior sometimes.
Chili was becoming increasingly affectionate, her actions speaking louder than her limited words. Her favorite was coiling around Jensen and cocooning him with her tail. He had to think fast because if she got him wrapped up then he wasn't leaving for a while. He truly didn't mind her antics and in fact he adored them, but they did give him pause for concern.
Jensen tried to rationalize it as her way of seeking warmth in the newly snow-covered landscape, but deep down, he knew it was more than that. Though he wasn't ready to reconcile his own feelings just yet. He'd have to play oblivious a little longer.
They were at their usual meet-up spot, a secluded area away from the prying eyes of both XCOM and the aliens. Jensen grinned as he reached into his overstuffed bag, eager to show Chili what he had brought. "I saw you shivering the other day, so I got these for you," he said, pulling out a jacket and a blanket.
Chili's eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. As she reached for them, Jensen playfully held them back. "Uh uh! What do you say?" he teased.
A pout formed on Chili's face, but she relented, her raspy voice attempting the words. "Ttthank you."
Jensen couldn't help but smile at her progress in learning English. Teaching her had been challenging due to the scarcity of learning materials, but Chili was a quick learner. He handed her the items, watching as she tried on the jacket. It was a tight fit, her distinctive alien form pushing against the fabric, the zipper only halfway up, inadvertently accentuating her figure.
Jensen felt his face heat up at the sight, a reaction that didn't go unnoticed by Chili. "Look good on me?" she asked, striking a pose with a playful glint in her eyes.
Jensen, trying to mask his embarrassment, joked, "Looks like women of all species enjoy dressing up." The humor was lost on Chili, but she didn't seem to mind, simply shrugging and wrapping herself in the blanket, coiling into herself for warmth.
Content with her new gifts, she let out a satisfied hiss, the blanket enveloping her in a cozy embrace. Jensen watched her for a moment, a warm smile on his face, before turning his attention back to the fire. He added more kindling, feeding the flames, his thoughts drifting.
Jensen worked on the fire, feeding it more kindling to keep the flames alive. The light from the fire danced across their faces, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere in the chilly wilderness. He glanced over at Chili, now wrapped snugly in the blanket, her eyes reflecting the fire's glow. There was a peacefulness in her demeanor that Jensen found increasingly captivating.
As he sat back down, their conversation turned to the usual mix of his experiences at the base and her observations of the forest. Chili had become more adept at communicating in English, her sentences still broken but increasingly coherent. Jensen listened with a smile, genuinely impressed by her progress and the unique perspective she brought to their discussions.
"Found cave close by. Used to be lived in by dogs, but I scared them away," Chili said looking off into the forest depths.
"That'll make hiding during patrols all the more easier. The high alerts haven't gone away, but at least no one is specifically looking for you anymore." Chili nodded appreciatively. The last few weeks had seen ADVENT carrier ships patrolling the wider area. Thankfully no base had been discovered but that first patrol had been enough to scare everyone in the region to basically go dark.
No more electronic communications, no more vehicles going out, or anything above ground that could be picked up on. It meant a heavier reliance on couriers and runners but that also meant more time spent on the road with Chili. Not the worst deal in the world, but he could do without the sleet and snow. If he was hating the weather he could only imagine how Chili felt.
"You okay?" she asked, her head tilted inquisitively, her eyes reflecting the fire's glow.
Jensen blinked, realizing he had been staring off into space. "Yeah, I'm fine," he reassured her with a small smile. "Just thinking about the weather. This snow and sleet... not really my favorite."
Chili looked around at the snowy landscape, then back at Jensen. "Not like cold?"
He chuckled. "No, not really. I'm more of a beach person, you know?"
Chili's expression turned to one of curiosity. "Beach? What is... beach?"
Jensen's eyes lit up at the opportunity to share something he loved.
"Oh, it's a beautiful place. Here, let me show you." He reached into his bag and pulled out an old, worn copy of National Geographic. Flipping through the pages, he found a picture of a pristine beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
"This," he said, pointing to the picture, "is a beach. It's like a slice of paradise. Warm sand, the sound of waves, the sun on your skin... It's peaceful, you know?"
Chili leaned in to get a better look at the picture, her eyes wide with wonder. "Looks... beautiful. So different."
"Yeah, it's amazing. I'd been briefly to one a very long time ago but I always dreamed of going back. Just sitting there, forgetting about the war and everything else," Jensen said, a distant look in his eyes.
Chili's gaze shifted from the magazine to Jensen. "You take me there... one day?" she asked, her voice earnest.
Jensen hesitated, the weight of her request sinking in. He knew the reality of their situation – the war, the dangers they faced daily. A trip to the beach seemed like an impossible dream. But as he looked into Chili's hopeful eyes, he felt a surge of determination.
He took a deep breath. "Chili, I promise, I'll do everything I can to take you there one day. We'll find a beach, just like in the picture, and we'll forget about all this, even if it's just for a little while."
Chili's face lit up with a smile, a genuine expression of joy and trust. "I hold you to promise, Jeeensen," she said, her voice tinged with happiness.
Jensen nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and resolve. "You have my word, Chili. We'll make it happen."
The air between them was filled with an unspoken affection, a bond that had deepened over the past two months. Jensen found himself sharing more personal stories, laughing more freely, and feeling a sense of comfort and warmth around Chili that he hadn't experienced in a long time.
At one point, as Chili struggled to pronounce a particularly tricky word, Jensen gently corrected her, their faces close. There was a moment of hesitation, a lingering gaze that neither seemed eager to break. It was a new, unexplored territory for both of them, a budding romance that was as unexpected as it was genuine.
Jensen cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "You're getting really good at this," he said, his voice a bit hoarse. "I mean, your English."
Chili's eyes twinkled with a mix of pride and something more tender. "Thank you, Jeeensen," she replied, her hissing accent making his name sound exotic. Again he was feeling warm and fuzzy at just her voice.
The peaceful moment between Jensen and Chili was abruptly shattered when Chili's hood flared up, a clear sign of agitation. She twisted her head, scanning the surroundings with heightened alertness.
"What's wrong?" Jensen asked, concern lacing his voice.
Chili hissed a sharp "Ssshhshs," signaling for silence. Jensen strained his ears, trying to pick up any sound over the howling winter wind, but heard nothing.
Without wasting a moment, Chili sprang into action, using her powerful tail to sweep snow onto the fire, extinguishing it swiftly. She then frantically started to bury their trash and smooth over the indentations left by their sitting. Jensen jumped up to assist, but Chili pushed him back, urgently pointing towards a nearby fallen log.
"Run, hide there," she commanded, her tone laced with panic.
Jensen wanted to protest, to stay and help, but the urgency in Chili's voice compelled him to obey. He dashed awkwardly to the log and threw himself inside, squeezing into the cramped space.
From his hiding spot, Jensen watched as Chili meticulously moved around the campsite. She was covering their tracks, erasing any sign of their presence. Jensen realized she was even covering his bootprints by slithering backwards, a smart and precise move.
Finally, Chili contorted her body to fit into the log with him. It was a tight squeeze, and though the situation was tense, Jensen couldn't help but feel a thrill at their close proximity.
Then, a low whirring noise pierced the silence. They both held their breath as the sound grew closer. A floating device, about the size of a large textbook, descended into the campsite. It hovered silently, scanning the area.
Jensen watched, his heart pounding, as the drone emitted a bright green laser field from its sensors. He had never seen a machine like this before but understood it was searching for something – for them.
The drone moved methodically around their former campsite, its sensors sweeping the area. Jensen feared it would never leave, but after a tense minute, the scanning ceased. The drone spoke something in the ADVENT language, its electronic voice cold and unyielding, before its propellers whirred to life, and it took off as quickly as it had appeared.
Chili cautiously slithered out of the log, staying low to the ground. She scanned the area, ensuring the drone was truly gone. Jensen followed her gaze, his heart still racing from the close encounter.
Once satisfied, Chili turned to Jensen, her expression a mix of relief and concern. They both knew how close they had come to being discovered, and the danger that still lurked around them.
The chilling encounter with the drone left them extremely on edge, the tension palpable in the cold air.
"What the hell was that thing?" Jensen asked, his voice tight with concern.
"Drone," Chili responded, her tone grim. "Special new one. I saw it once at old post."
Jensen shook his head in disbelief, scrambling to retrieve his buried belongings. He quickly fished out his radio and tried to establish a connection. "This is Courier 43 trying to reach F.O.B. Kelly, do you copy?" he called into the radio, his voice urgent. Silence was his only answer. Frustration mounting, he yelled into the device, "Come in F.O.B. Kelly, do you copy?"
Chili placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Too late," she said softly. "If stealth drone here, ADVENT already block comm. They will attack bases."
Jensen's brow furrowed in frustration. "No, no, I need to warn them," he insisted, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and starting towards the Forward Operating Base.
"Where are you going?" Chili asked, her voice laced with worry.
"To warn the base," Jensen replied, determination in his step. "They need to know about the drone."
Chili swiftly slithered in front of him, blocking his path. Jensen tried to step around her, but she moved to intercept him. "Move, Chili," Jensen implored, his patience wearing thin.
"You can't go," Chili stated firmly. "You die if you do."
Jensen sighed deeply, a mix of anger and desperation in his voice. "I have to help them. They're sitting ducks without this intel! I can't just hide!"
Chili shook her head. "You won't help anyone if you're dead."
Jensen pushed past her, regretting the forcefulness of his action but driven by his sense of duty. "I'll meet back up with you soon. Stay hidden. I'll be fine," he called back as he walked away.
But Chili wasn't about to let him go. With an angry hiss, she shot her tongue out, wrapping it around Jensen's waist. The sudden action caught him off guard, knocking him off his feet. Before he could react, Chili reeled him in with her powerful tongue, dragging him effortlessly across the snow.
"Chili, let me go!" Jensen cried out, struggling against her grip.
But she was resolute. Wrapping her body around him, she constricted tightly, immobilizing him completely. "So this is what that feels like," He thought as her tail tightened around him. He'd seen training vids of how Vipers restrained their prey, but those vids did not do the feeling justice. There was no room to move, he couldn't even wiggle his damn finger!
Jensen's protests were in vain as Chili dragged him further into the dense forest, away from the F.O.B.
Jensen lay there, caught in Chili's embrace, his mind racing with worry for his comrades, yet unable to break free. He realized, in that desperate moment, the depth of Chili's concern for him, even as it clashed with his own sense of duty.
Chili silently dragged Jensen through the snow to the cave she had previously mentioned. Jensen had given up on asking to be set free, and an uneasy silence hung between them. His view was limited as he was pulled along, and he could only catch glimpses of their surroundings.
Trying to get a better look, Jensen craned his neck and saw the outline of a large rock formation. As Chili approached it, she slithered skillfully around before lowering him into a small entrance, clearly dug out by a wolf. Jensen squeezed through the tight space, feeling Chili close behind him, her presence a silent warning against any attempt to escape.
The cave was pitch dark, the entrance letting in only a sliver of light. Jensen fumbled for his backpack, but Chili was already one step ahead. "I start fire. You sit," she instructed, her voice echoing slightly in the confined space.
Too exhausted and cold to argue, Jensen complied, settling near where he guessed the fire would be. He watched, impressed, as Chili navigated the darkness with ease, rummaging through his backpack and efficiently starting a fire with the matches she found.
As the fire grew, illuminating the cave, Jensen could see it was about the size of a small bedroom, offering just enough space for them both. He glanced at Chili, who returned his gaze, her expression unreadable.
Scooting closer to the warmth, Jensen stared into the flames, his mind racing with plans to leave. He knew he couldn't outrun Chili; he'd have to outwit her.
Standing up, Jensen saw Chili rise in response. "I need to... use the restroom," he said, hoping his excuse would work.
Chili's eyes narrowed slightly. "I come with you then."
Jensen sighed, cursing his lack of a better plan. "I'm not going to run. I promise."
Chili regarded him for a moment, arms folded. Then, to Jensen's surprise, she sat down. "Okay. You have five-minute head start to run."
"What?" Jensen asked, taken aback by her sudden change in attitude.
"You waste time. Go," Chili replied, her tone serious yet tinged with a challenge.
Realizing she was serious, Jensen turned and scrambled towards the entrance, crawling as fast as he could. As he emerged into the cold night, he couldn't help but wonder about Chili's intentions. Was it a test? A genuine opportunity to escape? Confusion mixed with adrenaline as he made his way through the forest, the echoes of Chili's words urging him on.
Amid the escalating storm, Jensen found himself hopelessly lost. The world around him had turned into a blur of white, the snow swirling in a thick fog that obscured his vision. He pressed on stubbornly, driven by a sense of duty, despite the worsening conditions.
The storm intensified, battering him with snow and wind, slowing his pace to a crawl. Without his map, compass, and essential supplies, he was at a severe disadvantage. The forest now blanketed in snow, looked even more indistinguishable, each tree and path virtually identical.
Cursing under his breath, Jensen fought his way through a particularly deep snowdrift. He found a dense pocket of woods where the snow was less severe and leaned against a tree, taking a much-needed break. As he paused, the full weight of his situation hit him. Chili had been right. The base was miles away, possibly under attack, and he was ill-equipped to handle any threats himself.
Jensen felt a surge of frustration, but he stifled the urge to scream into the storm. He chastised himself for not listening to Chili.
Suddenly, a branch snapped nearby. Jensen spun around, half-expecting to see Chili, but she wasn't there. "Chili?" he called out, but his voice was swallowed by the storm, met with no response.
He cautiously approached the source of the sound, finding only a broken branch. Another hiss echoed through the woods, making him whirl around again, but still, there was no sign of the Viper.
Jensen's nerves frayed, he called out, "Stop hiding, Chili. Just come out!"
Another hiss, seemingly from everywhere and nowhere, answered him. He backed up against a tree, trying to cover all angles.
Then, a hiss sounded directly above him. He looked up to find Chili perched on a branch above, a mischievous grin on her face. "Boo," she said playfully before pouncing on him.
The action was so swift and sudden that Jensen had no time to react. One moment he was standing, the next he was on the ground, tightly wrapped in Chili's coils, being dragged back through the snow.
As he was pulled along, the reality of his foolishness settled in. Chili had basically let him come to terms with how stupid going back was. Wrapped in her constricting embrace, Jensen was once again at her mercy, but he was glad she had found him. He really would have got himself killed without her.
Back in the cave, Jensen found himself still tightly wrapped in Chili's embrace. The fire cast a warm glow around them, and despite the situation, there was a sense of intimacy in the air.
"Why won't you let me go, Chili?" Jensen asked, his voice soft in the quiet of the cave.
Chili hesitated before replying, "Cold... you warm." She paused, then added quietly, "Feel good... together."
Jensen relaxed into her hold, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, it does," he agreed, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't expected.
Chili hissed softly, a sound of contentment, and they settled into a comfortable silence.
Heavy with thought, Jensen let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Chili... for not listening, for running off like that. I'm usually more thoughtful. I just... wanted to help everyone back at base. But I should've known better."
Chili nodded her head, her voice gentle. "Understand... I do same. How I end up here."
Jensen turned to look at her, curiosity piqued. "You've never really talked about before... before you escaped. What happened?"
Chili grew quiet, her gaze distant. "Old squad... on patrol. Vehicle hit by bomb. I knocked out... alone. Others... killed or taken." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "When I wake, try to rescue. But too late... all dead. Then, I taken too."
Jensen felt a pang of sympathy. "I'm sorry that happened to you."
"It okay," Chili replied. "I play dead. Bad injuries... easy to pretend. Escape when checked on."
She brought her head closer to Jensen's. "I understand how feel. Want to do more but can't."
Jensen listened, moved by her story. "You've been through so much, Chili. I'm grateful for you... for your caring heart. But you need to care for yourself too."
She nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "You too, Jensen. Care for self. No more running away."
Jensen met her gaze, sincerity in his eyes. "I'm thankful to have met you. You're the best thing that's happened to me during this war. I don't know where I'd be without you."
"Same," she replied softly, giving him a gentle squeeze.
Jensen rubbed her back affectionately, feeling completely smitten. He hesitated, then asked, "Why did you stay, Chili? You could've left. It would've been safer."
Chili seemed to ponder the question before answering simply, "For you. Wanted to be with you. Why you stay?"
Jensen didn't hesitate. "For you too. You're beautiful, and I love spending time with you . . . I want to be with you."
Their eyes locked, a moment of understanding passing between them. Chili wrapped her arms around him, and Jensen hugged her back, holding each other in a tight embrace.
They pulled apart slightly, faces close. Jensen didn't shy away this time. With a hand behind her hood, he pulled her in and kissed her, a gentle, meaningful kiss that spoke volumes. Chili was surprised at the action but quickly caught on as she lovingly leaned into his lips.
Her long prehensile tongue soon forced its way past Jensen's lips and he relished the strange sensation. Her tongue was nothing like a human's, so much more smooth and slippery. He wrapped an arm around Chili's hip and pulled her against his chest, ecstatically thinking,
"I'm making out with a Viper!"
The action was so foreign yet familiar to Jensen. Her warm and scaly body, the little moans she made as their tongues wrestled, the way her hand held his. Seemed intimacy went beyond species barriers.
The two of them pulled apart for air and hungrily stared into each other's eyes. Jensen decided to continue the momentum and keep the flames of passion flamed. He ran a hand slowly down Chili's belly, sensually stroking her soft underside.
The Viper's chest rumbled with something akin to a pur at his ministrations. "more . . ." she quietly pleaded as Jensen worked his way lower and lower. Truth be told while he was loving the feel of her, he was a bit lost with where her vagina should have been. He thought he would have found it by now, but perhaps it was even lower?
The human was too embarrassed to say anything so he kept exploring on his own, but his pace must have been too slow for Chili because she grabbed his hand and brought it to the desired destination.
He smiled sheepishly before he meticulously traced two fingers along her engorged slit. Chili's back immediately arched and Jensen could feel the viper tense a bit.
As his fingers ran down its full length, she continued her mewling. Writhing every which way as she let out a tiny gasp. Jensen was surprised at the scales down there being every bit as soft as skin.
"...J-Jeensen!" He recognized that tone of voice. That desperate pleading tone was telling him to stop dicking around and get busy. So get busy he did. He pulled his fingers out of her and hugged her hips as he lowered himself.
Chili immediately felt the absence of his touch and tilted her head confused. "Why stop? Jeensen? Jeen-SEN!" She cried as she felt an entirely new sensation overcome her. Her clawed hand quickly shot down to Jensen's hair as she kept his face in place.
She had never been touched touched like that before and she was half afraid of the sensation. She was never allowed to experience pleasure to a high degree when under ADVENT. It almost felt like too much to handle, but the greedy part of her wanted more. With an authoritative and lustful tone she commanded, "…D-Don't stop!"
Jensen let out a muffled laugh as he continued to assault her nethers. In hindsight, the taste of course would be foreign to him, but he just couldn't explain it. Her insides were velvety and the taste was strangely earthy. There was also a strong musky scent that clouded his mind, but it felt good; she felt good.
His tongue lapped all around, making explicit patterns in reaction to Chili's sequels and hisses. Jensen would have continued his slower pace but he could feel the Viper's tail wrapping around tightly and her claws raking through his hair faster. While the noises she made definitely weren't English, it was obvious to tell she was close.
He upped the ante and speared his tongue even further inside of her. He wasn't sure what he'd hit but some small lump inside of her must have been extremely sensitive because as soon as his tongue touched it she hissed as if she pain.
Jensen feared he had hurt and tried to check on her, but her strong arms kept him in place. She hissed in horny frustration and huffed, "Stay!" Jensen chuckled and went back to attacking that spot. The Viper suddenly flopped onto her back and moaned Jensen focused on the spot.
He briefly wondered how long she could last, seeing as she was far from human. However, he got his answer soon as her tail once again squeezed him hard. Chili let out a shrill shriek mixed with a feral hiss as she came down hard. Jensen dutifully lapped up her fluids and was pleasantly surprised at the taste.
Her fluids were slightly acidic but strangely sweet, like a ripened citrus fruit. The Elders must have had some kind of sense of humor because he couldn't imagine any reason for her to taste that good, but he wouldn't complain.
Chili huffed on her back as her tail limply fell to the side. Jensen sat up on his knees and wiped his mouth. "Hhmm you taste divinely Chili. How do you feel."
The viper lazily looked up at him and said, "…a-amazing. Did not know we could feel that."
"Yea I can't imagine you guys get to do things like this in service huh?" Chili just shook her head. The Viper slowly slithered upright and flickered her tongue out. She looked at the pitched tent in Jensen's pants and smiled. "Let me make you feel good?" It was phrased as a question but Jensen would have never said no to her.
He quickly ditched his pants as Chili leaned in closer. She stared at his hardened member before taking in a deep whiff. What she smelled must have been pretty good because she lunged for his manhood as if it were her prey. Jensen instinctively flinched at her sudden move but he soon relaxed as he felt her tongue wrapped around him.
The versatility of the appendage never ceased to amaze him. It could throw people around like dolls, trap them in binds, or caress dicks like nothing else. Jensen groaned as she slowly wrapped tighter and tighter around him. He wasn't sure if she was trying to squeeze the life out of it or milk him like some cow; all he knew was he didn't want her to stop.
"Jeenfen feel goff," She asked with her tongue lolled out. Jensen could only nod his head as she continued massaging his dick with her tongue. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight as she continued working him over, he needed something to grab onto! Her pace was even and methodical. Every little moan and squirm Jensen did, she'd adjust course and pleasure him differently. It was exhilarating but she took it up a notch when she finally brought her entire mouth down on him.
"OoOoh . . fuck Chili." Jensen was in heaven. Her mouth felt like a soft, wet, cushion for his dick. He was not going to last under these conditions. The Viper seemed pleased by his reaction and formed a tighter seal around his cock before slowly rearing her head upwards. He didn't understand what she was doing at first, but he quickly got it when he caught her smirking.
"She's teasing me!"
It seemed the Viper was a fast learner in things other than reading as she slowly worked her way up and down Jensen's member. She curled the bulk of her tongue around the tip of his dick and gave another playful squeeze. Jensen's legs squirmed with another pleasure-filled spasm. It was the best torture he'd ever endured.
"...f-faster." Was all he could utter as he felt that all too-familiar pressure building. Chili wordlessly complied as she went to town. She skillfully bobbed up and down, slathering his cock with her saliva. Messy blowjobs were a favorite of Jensen's and this was by far the best he had ever gotten. She was so unrestrained and carefree, yet every movement was precise. It was like he was the open book and she was just reading him.
Jensen grit his teeth and clenched his entire body as he tried to hold back his orgasm. He didn't want to finish so soon but that wouldn't be the case. Out of all the pleasure he was experiencing the one thing that broke him was Chili's face.
She looked up at him with these desire-filled eyes, a sort of earnest hunger that was hard to describe. It was the same desire he shared as well. They wanted each other, genuinely wanted to be with each other. Despite their differences and whatever trouble they'd come across, when it all boiled down, Jensen wanted Chili and she wanted him. And that was the sexiest thing to him.
Her bright red eyes locked with his and it was a wrap.
"Ggnnhnng," he cried as came down hard.
That damn look was all it took to bring him over the edge. He bucked his hips upward as he grabbed onto Chili's hood, completely wracked by pleasure. Chili hummed surprised as she dutifully lapped up every rope of hot cum he shot into her hungry mouth.
Jensen was spent. He panted as his Viper lover slowly unraveled her tongue from his now softening member. She gave him a playful wink before asking, "Jensen feel good?"
He pushed himself up, nodding with a dazed expression. "Better than good, you're amazing! How did you learn to do that? That couldn't have been part of your training."
Chili laughed, shaking her head. "Happy Jensen feels good. No, not learned. Just tried to do what you did for me," she explained, her gaze softening as she looked down at him. She pointed at him, concern lacing her voice. "I hurt you?"
Jensen cocked an eyebrow. "Hurt me?" He looked down to where she was pointing and realized what she meant. "Oh haha no! You didn't hurt me, it just . . .needs a minute to rest. Don't worry I'm fine. How are you feeling?"
Chili smiled and coiled into a more comfortable position. "I feel so good. Never done this before. You make me feel good Jensen." She accents her point by giving him a gentle kiss. He moans in her mouth and melts to her touch. Of all the places he could be right now, Jensen thanks his lucky star that he's in this cave with her.
He can feel his manhood reaching fullmast again, so he grabs Chili's hips and gently pushes her onto her back.
The two separate and Jensen takes to straddling her. There's a curiosity in her eyes and Jensen satiates it by rubbing the tip of his dick across her needy and dripping sex.
"Ready," he asks gently. Chili wordlessly nods and braces herself for what comes next. Jensen can feel the jittery nervousness off of her and decides to take this slow for her sake. He slowly enters himself inside of her causing both of them to let out a sharp cry of pleasure.
She's a tight fit and her inner walls almost have a mind of their own. Writhing and clenching around his dick as he gets situated. Chili's back arches and her tail thrashes around. The sensation is overwhelming for her. Jensen holds her hand to calm her before kissing the top of her head.
She calms down a bit and mumbles. "…s-sorry. New, warm feeling. Please go." Jensen flashes her a warm smile as he begins to slowly thrust inside of her. He keeps his pace even, gauging Chili's reaction with every movement. The Viper is lost in her own little world of desire. Eyes rolled back, tongue hanging out, and hood splayed out on the ground.
It's just the encouragement Jensen needs to speed things up. With more frenzied movements he takes driving himself in and out of Chili, it's more than enough to elicit a cute shriek from her as she wraps her arms and tail around him. The gesture reminds him of human women doing something similar. Whether with legs or a viper's thick tail, the message to him was the same; he wasn't going anywhere.
She was keeping him right where she wanted him, hammering that one sensitive lump inside her. And hammer Jensen did. He could barely contain himself as he felt the Viper's warm and wet snatch squeezing and contracting with every movement.
The duo soon found themselves in carnal rhythm, with Jensen's thrust growing faster and more primal every second and all his alien lover could do was hold tight as she felt his member hitting all the right spots.
"OoOoh J-Jeensen . . . y-yes t-there mmmhhm!" the viper cried as Jensen plowed her. His pace had quickened consierably as he was building to his own release, and he could feel Chili not too far behind. The Viper reached up and caught him with a surprise kiss. Her long and dominant tongue wrestling with his was enough to push him over the edge once more.
With a final thrust, he slammed his hips into her, releasing his seed deep into Chili's womb and cementing his bond with the Viper. She let out a muffled whine as she finished as well. Her already slick entrance becoming even more so with another powerful orgasm.
Panting heavily the human collapsed atop the alien then sighed as he felt her tail tightening around him. They both were spent, but this was the best he had felt in a long time. Sex was nice and all but it'd been so long since he'd felt true intimacy with anyone. He gazed tiredly over at Chili and sighed with contentment. The Viper was giving him the same dopey look he was giving her. They were both all smiles and giggles as they nuzzled each other.
He chuckled as he laid his head back down on her chest. There'd be time for talking, right now all he wanted to do was snuggle up with her and rest. She seemed to follow suit and with one last kiss on his lips whispered, "Goodnight Jeensen."
In the dim light of early morning, Jensen and Chili slowly awoke, still entwined in each other's embrace. The cave was quiet except for the faint crackling of the dying fire. For a few moments, they simply lay there, enjoying the closeness and the shared warmth.
Jensen stirred first, gazing at Chili with a look of contentment. "Morning," he whispered, his voice tinged with happiness. "Didn't think I'd ever wake up feeling this good."
Chili looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the same joy. "Good morning, Jeensen. Me too... feel happy. This good."
They remained in silence for a moment, savoring the tranquility and the intimacy of their connection. It was a rare moment of peace and happiness compared to the chaos they were used to.
But as the light grew stronger, reality began to seep back in. Jensen sighed softly, a reluctant acknowledgment of the day ahead.
"We need to check on the base," Jensen said, determination in his voice. "We might be able to find some supplies there for our journey."
Chili looked hesitant. "Dangerous... might be better to leave now. Go away from here."
Jensen reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I promise, we'll leave. But we need supplies, and the F.O.B might have what we need."
They untangled themselves from each other, both feeling a slight reluctance to end the moment. As Jensen stood up, he offered Chili a hand to help her up. Their hands lingered in each other's grasp, a silent promise of support and togetherness.
Once they were up, they quickly put out the remains of the fire and gathered their belongings. They were in for a nice little trudge to F.O.B. Kelly, especially with the new layers of snow brought in by the storm.
Jensen glanced at Chili, a sense of resolve in his eyes. "Hey just know I'm not leaving you alright? No matter what happens, we're in this... together."
Chili nodded, her stance confident, strengthened by Jensen's presence. "Together," she echoed.
They set off towards the base, hand in hand. The journey was tense, the silence between them heavy with unspoken fears and hopes.
As they approached the first checkpoint, Jensen's heart sank. The checkpoint was in ruins, a stark reminder of ADVENT's destructive force. They continued deeper into the base, each step revealing more devastation. There were signs of a firefight all around. Spent bullet casings, plasma scorch marks in trees, and the scores of scattered equipment and torn tents.
"No bodies," Chili said while studying the scene. Jensen shoulders just deflated at the observation. The absence of bodies did little to ease the grimness of the scene.
Jensen's steps soon faltered as they came upon a half-melted shipping container, the remnants of the makeshift command center. He took a knee, overwhelmed by the loss. Commander Hawkins, his comrades, all gone.
Chili came up behind him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry, Jensen," she said softly.
Jensen grabbed her hand, his voice heavy with emotion. "I'm sorry too, Chili. I hoped... but I guess it was too late."
The Viper helped him up and together they searched the area. It didn't take them long to find the vehicle staging area. Most vehicles were destroyed, but a few old humvees seemed intact. Jensen climbed into one, trying to start it, but the engine only sputtered and died. Chili tried another vehicle, which started, but with a low fuel gauge.
"I'll siphon what gas we need," Jensen said, his tone practical. "Can you find us some MREs and anything else we might need?"
Chili nodded, her movements efficient as she gathered supplies. It didn't take long for them to complete their tasks. They regrouped at the motor pool, hunched over a map.
Jensen pointed to a route. "This is our best chance. It's a long way, but it's mostly open land. Should be clear of ADVENT and XCOM patrols."
Chili looked at the map, her eyes bright with a mix of apprehension and excitement. "To the beach?"
Jensen nodded. "To the beach. Made a promise didn't I? Besides… winter is miserable. We'll make it, Chili."
She smiled, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Jensen. For keeping promise."
Jensen wrapped his arms around her in a heartfelt hug. "Thank you for staying with me."
They pulled apart and climbed into the humvee. Jensen started the engine, and they set off towards their dream destination, leaving behind the remnants of war, driving towards hope, towards a future they dared to imagine together.